by Mina Carter
Pepper followed him inside and laughed. “I feel like I just walked into Victoria’s Secret.”
“I can’t wait to see you in everything… and am even more eager to see you out of everything.”
“I can’t wait to have some fun.” She looped her hands around his neck. “There better be a naughty nurse costume in there somewhere.”
Connall kissed her. “That was the first thing I personally purchased.”
“Well done.” She grinned and pushed him away. “But you need to stop distracting me.”
“Yes. Sorry. I’ll call Ahearn and have him saddle the horses.”
“Oh, don’t wake the poor man. I’m sure we can do that.”
“He’s typically awake by four, love. He’ll be happy to do it.”
Pepper smiled. “I’m going to be very spoiled by the time you’re finished with me, you realize that, right? You’ll create a monster you won’t be able to control.”
He laughed. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”
Pepper took a few minutes to sift through the new clothes. She found her old clothes, but sadly, those took up less than an eighth of the closet and looked highly out of place amongst the expensive fabrics so lovingly hung on the rods.
She found her favorite jodhpurs, worn yes, but perfectly acceptable for a morning ride. Her old beat-up boots had been cleaned to gleaming and it would appear, newly polished as well. They were sitting next to a brand-new pair made from the softest leather she’d ever felt. Deciding on her old standards, she forced them on and sighed with pleasure. There was nothing better than a well-worn pair of boots.
She found two vests similar to what Sam had worn the day they went riding together. She grabbed one and put it on and then left the wardrobe of fun and headed for the bathroom to braid her hair.
“Och, love, you’re adorable,” Connall said as he stepped up behind her and kissed the back of her neck.
She secured her braid and turned to face him. He wore soft jeans and a black, long-sleeved T-shirt. “Where are your boots?”
“In the mudroom.” He kissed her quickly. “Let’s eat and then we can head on over to the stables.”
“Lead the way.”
Pepper followed Connall downstairs and into the kitchen. Helen had been given a few weeks off to convalesce and her daughter had offered to fill in, however, not until the beginning of the following week, which meant Pepper could get acquainted with the kitchen.
“We could get someone from Kade’s staff to fill in, you know,” Connall said as Pepper went about making coffee.
“Totally not necessary,” she said. “I’m perfectly capable of cooking for us, and I think you should learn some basics as well.”
“I’m good, thank you.”
Pepper giggled. “You might be a prince—”
“Might be?”
“Well, you’re certainly the prince of my heart, but you need to slum it a bit.”
He leaned over the island. “Slum it? Really?”
“Yep. I’m going to teach you how to cook.”
Connall grinned. “I’m all for that, love… just not today. Let’s grab a pastry or something and chase the sunrise.”
She clapped her hands. “Okay. Let’s go.”
They found bagels in the pantry and cream cheese in the fridge—something Connall had obviously requested for her benefit—and headed out to the stables. The thermostat on the wall of the barn said eight degrees, but Pepper felt perfectly comfortable in her long-sleeved shirt and vest. Jonesy went a little crazy when she arrived, like a puppy happy to see his master, and Connall suggested they lunge him a bit to get him warmed up.
As Pepper worked her horse, Connall took a call and when he hung up, he joined her in the middle of the circle Jonesy was creating as he warmed up.
“Your mum’s arrived and has been settled into the rehab center about ten minutes from here.”
Pepper smiled. “When can I see her?”
“Not for a couple of weeks. The doctors want to evaluate her, but don’t worry, Kade’s overseeing them.”
“Really?”
“Yes. He insisted.”
Pepper felt the prick of tears. “Thank you.”
“Hey, no crying, love. This is a good thing. Your mum can join us for Christmas if she follows the rules. Maybe getting her out of her normal surroundings will give her the boost she needs.”
Pepper nodded. “These are tears of relief. I promise.”
“Good. Let’s go, hmm?”
“Yes.”
* * *
Two weeks later, after a surprisingly pleasant visit with her mother, Pepper left he rehab center with Connall. They were headed to the castle for a family weekend, and she was excited to see Sam first for a few hours of retail therapy. They hadn’t seen each other since Pepper and Connall had returned home.
Connall drove them to the beautiful downtown of Inverness, pulling up to one of the more popular shopping centers in the middle of town. He walked Pepper to where Sam and Kade stood outside one of the stores, Alasdair and two other equally large men not far away.
Pepper grinned and hugged Sam. “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself,” Sam said.
“Ready to spend some money?”
“I’m always ready to spend some money,” Sam retorted.
They said their good-byes to Kade and Connall and headed toward Marks and Spencer. When they were out of earshot, Pepper glanced at Sam. “Did you bring it?”
“I did,” Sam said. “Let’s go.”
Sam led Pepper to the restrooms inside the store. She handed Pepper the pregnancy test and Pepper slipped into a stall. “If you’d told me I’d be taking a pregnancy test in the middle of a public bathroom, I’d call you crazy,” Pepper said.
Sam giggled. “Just hurry. I want to know if I’m going to be an aunty.”
Pepper finished up and set the wand on a paper towel while she washed her hands.
Sam opened her purse, pulled out a Zip-loc bag, and handed it to her. “So you can save the test.”
“Good thinking. Thanks!” Pepper dropped the test into the bag and zipped it closed. “I can’t believe this is even a possibility. It feels too fast.”
“Does it? I think it’s par for the course with you two.”
Pepper grinned. “Maybe you’re right.”
Sam’s alarm went off on her phone. “Okay, what does it say?”
Pepper stared at the test. “Two lines.”
Sam let out a squeal of excitement and hugged her. “You’re going to be a mom!”
Pepper felt the tears slip down her cheeks. “This is surreal. But I know exactly what I want to do right now.”
“Okay. Lead the way, best friend.”
Are you okay, sweetheart?
I’m great, baby, but can you please stay out of my head for a while? I have a surprise.
As you wish.
Thanks, Wesley. Your Princess Buttercup appreciates it.
Pepper spent the rest of their time shopping in somewhat of a blissful haze. She couldn’t wait to get home and present her surprise to Connall, but she was also a little nervous about his reaction. They hadn’t revisited the conversation of where the children would sleep, and she hoped they would find their way onto the same page.
Connall picked her up and they headed home to gather a few things in preparation for the family dinner later. Once in their bedroom, Connall set the bags on the bed, all but one. Pepper had hidden that one in her purse. “I have your surprise.”
He grinned. “Does it involve showering together?”
“Later,” she promised. “Sit down.”
He raised an eyebrow but did as she asked. Pepper handed him the gift bag and then sat next to him. He pulled the tissue paper out and then a pair of white baby shoes. He nestled them in the palm of his hand. “Baby shoes?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
His eyes widened. “Because we need baby shoes?”
She nodded. “We will. In about nine months.�
�
“Six.”
“What?”
“Gestation period for Cauld Anes is six months.”
Pepper clapped. “Ooh, even better!”
He dropped the shoes on the bed and stood, pulling her up with him. Wrapping his arms around her, he kissed her. She was surprised to feel wetness on his cheeks.
“Are those happy tears?” she asked.
“Absolutely. I can’t believe you’d think otherwise.”
“It’s just all happened so fast.”
He kissed her again. “I am amazed by you, Persephone Ester Gunnach. Daily. I love you.” He laid his hand on her belly. “And I know I’ll be amazed by our wee one as well.”
She laid her hand over his. “I cannot believe this is my life. Honestly. I couldn’t have imagined a more blessed one.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I’m fine.”
“You’ve been nauseous since we got home, but I thought you might have been dealing with some residual stress. I didn’t think of a baby,” he admitted.
“You noticed that?”
“I notice everything about you, love.”
“That is true.”
“Do you want to wait to tell the family, or let them know tonight?”
“I’m happy to tell them,” she said. “What would you like to do?”
“I want to shout it from the rooftops.”
“As you wish,” she said with a grin.
“Let’s take that shower, Wesley, and then we can head over to the castle.”
* * *
Pepper sat in the great hall of the Gunnach castle and smiled as her new family celebrated the future arrival of their baby. Connall linked his fingers with hers and leaned over to kiss her forehead. I love you, sweetheart.
I love you too.
As the family talked around her, she took stock of the past few weeks. With Jet and Kinnon both on their way to exile in Micronesia, the fear was now replaced with joy. Her mother was getting better and, with the new baby, her life was full and worry-free. Something she’d never experienced before.
She settled her hand on her belly and whispered to her baby as Connall pulled her closer. Life was just as it should be and she couldn’t have been happier.
About Tracey Jane Jackson
I was born and raised in New Zealand. With an American father, Scottish grandmother, and Kiwi mother, it’s no doubt I have a unique personality.
After pursuing my American roots and disappearing into my time travel series, The Civil War Brides, I thought I’d explore the Scottish side of my family. I have loved delving into the Cauld Ane’s and all their abilities… I hope you do too.
I’ve been happily married and gooey in love with my husband for eighteen years. We live in the Pacific Northwest with our two sons.
I hope you’ve enjoyed Bound by Fire
For other titles in the Cauld Ane Series
(Bound by Blood, the first one is free everywhere!), please visit:
www.traceyjanejackson.com
Find me on Facebook, too!
www.facebook.com/traceyjanejackson
If you’d like to listen to The Citizens, feel free to visit:
www.jacksonjacksonandthecitizens.com
Conjuring Darkness
2nd Edition
By Melanie James
Copyright © by Melanie James
Editing: Black Paw Publishing
Copy Editing: Black Paw Publishing
Cover Artist: Deadpixels, LLC
ISBN-13: 978-1514397947
ISBN-10: 1514397943
All rights reserved
Published in the United States of America
Dedication
This book is for my wonderful husband. Thank you for all the love and support you give to me every day! I am the luckiest woman in the world with you standing beside me.
Gilgamesh, why are you wandering? Life which you look for, you will never find. For when the Gods created man they let death be his share and life they withheld in their own hands. Gilgamesh, fill your belly. Day and night make merry. Let days be full of joy, dance and make music day and night. And wear fresh clothes. And wash your head and bathe. Look at the child that is holding your hand, and let your wife delight in your embrace. These things alone are the concern of men. The Epic of Gilgamesh, Akkadian Tablets 1900 BCE
Prologue to Conjuring Darkness
Akkadian Empire 2300 BCE (The territory of present day Kurdistan)
The sun rose high in the pale, blue sky over the flourishing rows of green that were carefully arranged to sip from the nourishing streams that ran through the valley of Belash, The Farmer. A father and his daughter waded through the tall stalks that waved with their hefty treasure. “Annah! Annah!” The high pitched voice yelled. Annah smiled at the sound of her mother’s voice. Her outstretched arms tapped against the tall grain as she ran to the house. Belash smiled as well. His youngest daughter was nearing her sixteenth year, and he thought about how much she reminded him of her mother, with the same black hair and contagious laughter.
Annah could see her mother standing in front of the small mud-brick house as she neared it, but her pace slowed to a stop. Belash caught up to her and quietly took the lead because his wife was not alone. Four men dressed in the uniform of the temple guards stood in front of the house. When Belash asked if there was a problem, the guards told him the purpose of their visit. “Annah has been picked to join the priestesses at the temple of Inana. She will be assisting in the preparations of the rituals and the offerings.” Belash nodded to the guards before turning his attention to Annah. “Daughter, the Gods have blessed you with a great opportunity.”
Annah’s smiling face had been replaced with one of shock. “No! Father! I don’t want to leave here. Remember, I will be marrying the shepherd boy in the next planting season. Please! Tell them!”
Belash was firm with his response. “No daughter, you cannot refuse.” The farmer’s tough bearded face softened as he put his arm on her shoulder and comforted her. “Besides, it is only for three harvests. Then you will return and marry the shepherd boy. In that time you will learn to make the sacred writings on the tablets. You will learn the incantations so the Gods and spirits will be at your assistance. And of course, you will bring a great honor to our house.”
“Yes, what your father says is true! There is no need to worry. You are only going as a servant to the priestesses, after all. Do not act like you are a sacrifice. They have assured me that we may visit with you on the temple days as well.”
Annah looked down at the ground and silently wiped away her tears. The men took her by the hand and led her away down the trail. Before they left the valley Annah turned back and looked at the little house so far away. She saw her parents one last time as they waved their farewell.
The seasons came and went, and as they did, the days the people gathered at the temple came and went as well. Each temple day brought a visit from Annah’s parents as well as the shepherd boy that Annah had come to love and dream about. Annah found out that her duties to the priestesses were more domestic than she had expected. Still there were many opportunities to learn, and a quick learner she was. Annah managed to learn much of the code they used when writing down magic spells and incantations. She also accidently came upon a secret about the head priestess that she was afraid could threaten the entire kingdom.
While preparing for one of the ceremonies Annah came across the head priestess reciting an incantation. It was an incantation that Annah had never expected to hear. The priestess was secretly dedicating her sacrificial offering not to Inana, but to a powerful and forbidden demon. She spied on all seven of the priestesses for months and found out much more. She planned to warn the shepherd boy on his next visit.
On the next gathering at the temple Annah quickly sought the boy out. It was easy for her to spot him in the gathering crowd. The year of his seventeenth harvest season had been good to him, and he towered above the others. She had
noticed how his lanky frame had transformed. His shoulders had broadened and his arms were strong. When she ran to him she wanted to call his name, but it was forbidden for her to say the name of her betrothed until they married. It was believed that if she were to say his name out loud, a vengeful spirit may find the name on the Tablet of Destiny and remove it. She led the boy behind a large stone pillar at the front of the temple and pulled him close.
She looked at his long black hair hanging over his strong bronzed shoulders, and she longed for the days when she could do more than just gaze into his deep dark eyes. “I have to tell you something. The priestesses are not performing the rituals to Inana! They are witches! Witches that allow themselves to be possessed by forbidden ancient demons. In time they will have conjured all seven of the demons, and they will have brought them into their bodies. They will restore the demon’s old temple in the northern wilderness. If they succeed, they will become a powerful force that will destroy the empire and that will be the downfall for our Goddess of the Moon, Inana.”
The boy was shocked. “How can they be stopped? Shouldn’t we tell somebody?”
“The only ones that will be able to stop them are the priests from the city of Mari. I think the priestesses suspect I have been watching them. I am asking you to tell my father. He will go with you to the priests and the leaders. I must stay here or I will be hunted down.”
The boy opened his dark blue cloak and took a pendant that hung around his neck and placed it on Annah. “Here, this will protect you from the evil magic and from demons. I will go to your father. We will have these hags tied down in the desert and burned by the Sun God.”
Annah waited for many anxiety filled days until one afternoon, she found herself surrounded by seven priestesses completely covered in their hooded black cloaks. They bound her and dragged her from the temple. She saw them take a small piece of wool from a clay jar and when they placed it over her face, there was nothing but darkness. She opened her eyes and found herself in a different temple.
