Keeper: Book 3 A Realms of the Otherworld Book (Realms of the Otherworld Book Series)

by Jana LaPelle

  Sighing, I say, “Okay, Elf-Man, one day at a time. At least now we have some background into Lainn’s tragic life, and a lead on who would know of his burial chamber and a possible lead on where the Spear of Lugh could be found.” That sparks another conversation as I gather Lillie and Lachlan up intent on putting them down for a nap.

  Chapter 8

  (Alaric)

  Since yesterday’s vision, Ashlinn has been quiet and reserved. I’ve learned that I need to give her time to assimilate and process information, especially if it is particularly upsetting, and that vision of hers was quite disturbing. After our morning meeting, she threw herself into her training with a determination I have not seen since before our ascension. Back then she was struggling to put her once believed human mortality behind her, but now she is an elven goddess. She has been training daily after the birth of the twins and her quick recovery from her pregnancy. It started off slowly at first as she gained her endurance back and now months later her figure is now more mature. Her once slender hips have a more generous curve, and her breast draws my attention to the point of obsession. A smile tugs at the corner of my mouth as I think of my son, little Lachlan and how attached he is to her. I watch as she moves with a fluid grace on the training field, her curves have the ability to entice and mesmerize me. I could watch her for an eternity. Her arms are toned and well-defined, and her golden brown skin sparkles under the attention of the sun. Her legs are lithe in their definition and in the last month I’ve noticed that her abdomen has become more defined, all evidence of her recent pregnancy has been erased. The young eighteen-year-old girl has matured into an enticing enchantress, and she is all woman and all mine.

  Lorcan has in recent months stepped aside as one of Ashlinn’s trainers to allow Ēolieus, Khatar, and Nym to take over. The light and dark elf’s training has made a considerable impact on her defensive, and offensive moves and Nym’s knowledge of shifter training has been invaluable for us both. Drayiel has now joined the ranks of those that train within the Keep. Like Nym, he is protective of her and has sworn his loyalty to us as a true Guardian of The Realms. We were all surprised when he shifted from his dragon to his more human form if you can call it that. He stands close to seven feet tall and is darkly tanned with brilliant jade green eyes, the pupils have a tendency to develop into vertical slits which can be somewhat unnerving. His hair is a golden blond that he wears long and messy and most days the top half of his hair is pulled back into a ponytail leaving the rest to hang down the back of his neck, his scruffy beard compliments his rugged face. Today, he stands bare-chested as most of the males under the warmth of the sun, his blue, green, dragon scales seem to shimmer just below the surface of the skin on his back and arms. We now have several dragons amongst our midst. Their sworn alliance is welcoming in the battle to come.

  Ashlinn’s training has been made up of a combination of pure physical strength and moves as well as incorporating her ability to wield the elements. She has mastered fire and now air and has begun trying to connect to the earth and water element but today it has been decided that we are going to cut our training short in lieu of the unofficial coronation of Ashlinn as the queen of her realm and Tarron as The Horde King. The Keep has been a flurry of activity as preparations are made for the festivities this evening, all of which begin at eight o’clock tonight. That gives me plenty of time to spring my surprise on Ashlinn. As much as I love my children they have put a serious dent in our alone time together. Ashlinn would never, ever complain but I sense her frustration at times because we always seem to be getting interrupted now. I have been tracking her every move for almost forty minutes now, and I know that my timing has to be just right or our little get away from the Keep will not happen.

  Just then I hear Lachlan begin to whimper. Millie and Maith are never far from the babes. Nym has shifted and has walked over to see to Lillie. As I approach, I hear my little angel happily cooing as Nym’s large pink tongue laps at her tiny toes. She kicks and waves her fist about before Nym nuzzles her with his almost brown nose and whiskers. Where Ashlinn and I are nearly solid black, Nym’s leopard spots are much more visible through his almost black coat, giving his look a duality of sorts. The pavilion tent was set up to provide a shelter from the sun, it has the curtains down in the back but the front curtains have been tied back allowing the breeze to enter and stir the sheer curtains to the side and they billow outward on the wind. Lachlan’s whimpers are becoming more frustrated, and I experience a small twinge of jealousy in knowing that my son will have access to what I so desire before me. It’s ridiculous, really.

  I reach for my son, and Millie hands him over with a smile and says, “Here, papa, but I fear it is not you who he wants,” I take my son and hold him up in the air above my head, he quiets for a moment looking down at Millie, and me, who leans in to whisper, “Once she gets here you will only have about ten minutes or so. Have you got everything together?”

  “What do you need to get together?” I hear Ashlinn over my shoulder and look up to see that Lachlan only has eyes for his mother. The adoration on his little face stops my heart. His little arms are waving about in excitement, and I can’t help the huge grin that erupts on my face.

  Turning to face my love, I hand her, her son before saying, “Oh, nothing really, just the festivities this evening. Do you mind if I slip away for a few minutes? I’ll be back before you know it,” a smirk on my face.

  “What are you up to, Elf-Man?” She looks at me curiously as Lachlan begins his frantic search at her breast. Millie and Maith have already untied the curtains and dropped the panels so that Ashlinn has some privacy while the babes nurse and Nym pads out and back to training grounds. “Jeez, Lachlan, give me a minute, you’re not going to get any milk through this leather vest.” She holds him up so that they are face to face and begins peppering his chubby little cheeks with kisses before handing him back to me, “Can you hold him while I shrug out of this and then you can go.”

  Walking over to the large deeply cushioned lounge I watch as she bares her breast. They are full, heavy, and beautiful. I can fill my erection growing, and my pants are becoming uncomfortably tight, if I’m able to walk out of here, it will be a miracle. I can’t help myself as I say through our link, “You are so beautiful.”

  Her eyes are twinkling when she captures my gaze, “And you’re weird, I feel like a cow with utters, although I wouldn’t trade this for anything. How you can find this attractive, I have no idea. Here, I think I’m ready, hand me my cranky son, and you might as well bring Lillie over as well before you leave.”

  Handing her Lachlan, I turn to get Lillie, picking her up I cradle her in my arms and rock her back and forth before placing a gentle kiss on her forehead, all the while her blue eyes track my every movement, her gaze is intense and filled with love and trust. Turning back to Ashlinn, I hand over our daughter and watch as she gets the two situated. What a picture they make, and I realize, that right here in this pavilion tent is my whole world. Leaning down I kiss each child on the head and plant a gentle kiss on Ashlinn’s lips, “This is possibly the most beautiful sight I have ever seen. I’ll be back before you know it, mo chroí.”

  “I’m counting on it Alaric.”

  Not wasting another moment, I trace away to put the finishing touches on my surprise.

  (Ashlinn)

  He’s up to something, and I have no idea as to what it could possibly be. Once I’m alone with the twins I’m left to ponder over his behavior. Since yesterday’s unsettling vision, I’ve been quiet, and Alaric has given me time to process, but I believe that my time may now be up. He won’t let me stew for very much longer.

  The twin’s quickly finish their meal, their bellies are full, and I decide to get them settled back in their cradle before they drift off completely. Slipping out of the chair with the two laying together, I quickly slip back into my top and vest. Gathering the two up, Lachlan lets out a little milky burp, and Lillie pats his cheek with her tiny hand. The
cradle is suspended from the top of the tent and is large enough for the two as I settle them both, it gently rocks as I lay them down. Lachlan turns toward his sister, he likes to be close to Lillie, not the other way around. He reaches over before drifting off, his chubby little hand grasping hold of one of her fingers.

  Gazing down on my children, I realize that not that long ago, I was preparing for college with absolutely no clue as to what I was going to major in. Lexie and I were going to be roommates, and our biggest problem was worrying about which shoes and which handbag complemented our outfits the best. Thinking back on it now, nothing seemed right back then, and I always felt like I was on the outside looking in. Lexie and Mom were my ties to The Mortal Realm. But this life, this feels right. I don’t know what I have done to be so blessed. I just need to learn how to deal with all the bad things that I am being pitted against, the monsters in The Realms, one of which appears as a beautiful, enchanting dark queen. Who knows what other lengths she will go to? I can’t seem to get the vision out of my mind. She’s going to sacrifice a dozen or more of Nimue’s sisters to gain the ultimate battle warrior. Tonight, I will have to tell Nimue and Myrddin, I’m not looking forward to that. Everyone seems to think that we can stop what is going to happen if we just get there soon enough. Maybe we can, but instinct is telling that is not a possibility. I haven’t even seen the outcome of how everything plays out. The one thing that I know… We have to save the children. They have suffered and will suffer more than any child should.

  Strong arms wrap themselves around my waist and pull me into his chest, “Mo grá, it’s time to stop worrying about everything and everyone else and take some well-deserved time for yourself. What do you say? Let’s take a quick trip to bedrock?” His lips are trailing hot kisses down the side of my neck as I lean back into my kindred’s warm embrace, sighing, I melt into him, momentarily distracted from my ponderings as I tilt my head to allow him further access to my neck, lost in the moment. “Is that a yes?”

  Dazed, I look up at him over my shoulder and ask, “Hmmm… What was that?”

  “Bedrock?” He asks while pulling the tip of my ear into his mouth making me quiver with desire.

  I’m completely at his mercy until I look down to see the twins sleeping, “Who will watch the children? Lexie is working with Morgwais and Nemus, and Jasmine has been pulled away to usher souls.”

  “Millie and Maith, have that all under control. Come on, we only have a couple of hours before they need you again. Maybe three, did they eat well?”

  “Lachlan more than Lillie, but what else is new. He seemed to be ravenous and now so am I. I hope you have plenty of food for this little time away.”

  “Come on, mo grá, shift, I’ll race you to the falls.”

  As we emerge from the tent, with one last look around, I see Millie and Maith, and they are both smiling and nod for me to continue. In the blink of an eye, I shift. My vision is different, in some ways more acutely aware as I take in my friends and family, my tail twitching. Turning back, I take one lingering look at the twins before bounding off after Alaric. Soon, we’re at the water’s edge, and I leap in after him. Several minutes later, we’ve swum the Loch, and we are racing up through the forest foliage to get to the waterfall. The two of us are passengers as our panthers play with one another. Alaric’s panther is perched on a rock with his rear up in the air, his tail twitching back and forth and he looks ready to pounce as he watches my cat. She paces impatiently for him to come down. When he does our cats engage in an affectionate romp around the pond before leaping into the pool of water and swimming under the waterfall. Alaric shifts as he emerges from the water to grab a towel for him and for me.

  My panther is playful but she’s hungry, and the cavern is filled with the delicious scent of lamb stew, cornbread, and my favorite, chocolate cake. As I emerge from the water, my shift is seamless, and I stand naked in the romantically lit cavern. My Elf-Man has thought of everything as he approaches with a white fluffy terry cloth robe that quickly envelopes me. The light globes are dimmed, and there are candles lit all around. The table is set for two, and as I sit, I take in our little hideaway. There is one difference from the last time I was here, the ceiling is lit with a thousand different points of light, reminding me of The Twilight Realm. I quickly eat satisfying one hunger, but there is another within me that will never be satisfied. I will never be able to get enough of Alaric. I stand, and he quickly lifts me off my feet and carries me toward the bed, the bed I once named bedrock.

  He lowers me onto the softly cushioned pallet and reverently runs his calloused hands over my body trailing kisses down my form. God, but I’m putty in his hands, it feels like it’s been forever since we have been alone with one another. He is everywhere, and I can’t get enough of him. His body is poised over mine as he leans in for what I know will be a mind-blowing kiss. I reach up and capture his lips with my own, and our tongues begin to dance with one another as I wrap my arms around his neck and stroke down his back pulling him closer to me as my hands land on his firm behind. The moment his hard length enters me, I’m lost. I’m caught up in a tidal wave of sensations as we begin our erotic dance. The pace is slow as we connect with one another on every level possible. He flips us over so that I’m on top, allowing me to set our pace. His hands encircle my waist and begin traveling up to my ribcage before palming my breast in his hands, all the while our gazes have not left the others. My body shudders as his thumbs brush over my nipples, I feel them pebble and tighten to taut nubs before he sits up to capture one in his hot mouth and caress it with his wickedly talented tongue. Lost in my desire to be closer to him, my head falls back of its own accord, and I tighten around him as my back arches, bowing into him. Alaric is lightning fast, and I’m on my back in a split second. Our pace now frantic and I hear my breathless, hoarse whisper, “More, Alaric, I need more.”

  For a moment he slows, his eyes the color of lapis lazuli penetrate my gaze, “I need you, all of you, Ash, always… and forever.” He pulls me close wrapping one arm around my waist and the other hand is fisted in my hair at the nape of my neck, his kiss is hot and demanding, almost punishing as he claims me again as his own, both of us teetering on the edge of the precipice before we fall as we come together.

  Alaric’s heavy weight collapses on top of me, our bodies tangled in one another’s, hot and sweaty as I nuzzle into the crook of his neck. My panther needing to lap over her claiming mark there and trailing kisses as I go. As I get to his earlobe, I take it between my teeth and begin to nibble, drawing a groan from Alaric. I smile against his ear as I pull his earlobe into my mouth and suck. “Ash…by the gods, woman.” His embrace tightens around me again as I peak his desire once more.

  In a whisper, I say, “Just once more, my beautiful Elf-Man.”

  “Ashlinn Ryllae Faerondarl once more will never quench the fire that burns within me in my need for you. You’re in my blood, my soul, you are the very air I breathe.” With that, he begins to move inside me again, slowly, this time. Our link is almost always open now as our emotions mingle together intertwining, melding into one. At this moment, we are one in body, mind, and soul. He feels a void in me that is constantly there when we are not making love. I tighten around him pulling him deeper within me, never wanting to be parted again.

  (Ashlinn)

  Slowly, I wake. Alaric and I are tangled together in bed, and I’m feeling temporarily satiated. We’re lying front to front, and as I stretch I arch into Alaric and his arms tighten around me pulling me more snugly to him, my breasts pressed tightly against his beautifully sculpted pecs. He groans, “Ash, don’t do that, please, I beg of you. We have to get back.”

  I jerk fully awake, “How long have we been gone. I can’t believe we fell asleep. You know that Lachlan will be a holy terror if I’m late in their feedings.”

  “Breathe, Ash, it will be good for the little guy to bottle feed every once in a while. Besides, how long are you planning on breastfeeding?”

&n
bsp; “I don’t know. I don’t guess that I’ve given it much thought. What’s normal? It’s times like this when I miss Google. I guess maybe before their first birthday?”

  “Ashlinn, I will have to put my foot down on that. They need to be weaned before they are six or seven months old, they will be taking solid food by then and can switch to being bottle fed.”

  Laughter bubbles up out of me as I think of the face that Lachlan made in our multiple attempts to bottle feed him. “That may work with Lillie, but I highly doubt that Lachlan is going to give in so easily when it comes to weaning him to bottle feeding. That child’s happy place is right here,” I say, pointing to my breast, “You know I’m right.”

  “Damn it, female! You need to stop being right.” Alaric flips me onto my back.

  Laughing out loud, I say, “Elf-Man, you should know by now that I’m always right, but we can certainly make that a goal of ours.” My thoughts turn back to our current dilemma, and I frown.

  “What is it?”

  Sighing, “You know that we have to tell Nimue and Myrddin tonight when we see them. Right? How am I supposed to tell her about my vision? How am I supposed to tell her how her sisterhood will be used and what their sacrifice is for? How do I do that, Alaric?” Tears have gathered in my eyes thinking about how horrible a death they die in my vision and how the children have been forgotten to cower and watch in the dark corner of that sinister chamber.

  “First, we get through the coronation and then the celebration. Then we will arrange a meeting to gather support for Nimue, it will be our close circle as always. Everyone else we will allow to continue the celebration in the glades beyond the lake just before the forest. We will have to let them know of our plans to get to Lugh and talk with him.” Sighing, he pulls me close and says, “It’s not ideal, but we will do the best we can with what we know.”