“Always yours, and your wish is my command.” He tightened his mind around hers and pounded into her. His thoughts flew as she raked his back, as her inner muscles grasped ahold of him and dragged him in. He roared, his release exploding powerfully from him as she pulsed around him again and again. With his seed coating her womb, he finally eased his pace and rocked gently inside her. As he brought them both slowly back down, he whispered in her mind, “You’re my wife and always will be.”
“Aye, and now I’m a very sleepy wife once more. I need a wee nap after such ravishment.” She kissed him and cuddled into him. “Sleepy.”
“You rest and I’ll go fetch us some breakfast. I’ll be as quick as I can and wake you when I return.” They couldn’t leave on any search until they’d eaten. A nap wouldn’t hurt her or lose them any great deal of time.
He waited until she’d drifted fully off to sleep, carefully pulled out of her then touched the marks he’d given her either side of her neck and along the top rise of her breasts. She was his mate and such a treasure, one he’d never let go of and always keep safe.
After rising, he tugged on his leather pants, white tunic and stuck his feet into his boots. With his wrist daggers sheathed and his sword belt on, he snuck out of their steamy cavern, slipped through the tightly vented opening and walked along the craggy tunnel into the fresh morning air.
A clear blue sky with only a smattering of white cloud reigned high above and gave the promise of a warm summer’s day ahead. White foamy waves sloshed along the sandy curve of the cove while behind him, the cliffs stood tall and strong and the river mouth to the side, sent water streaming smoothly into the sea. He searched along his merged link and touched Julia’s mind. She rested, still deep asleep and unlikely to awaken. Certainly if she did, he’d know.
With a determined step, he strode to the beached skiff, removed a snare from a chest under the bench seat and marched toward the river mouth where the forest rose high beyond it. He’d need to head into the woods to set his snare. He followed the river as it weaved inland then veered away and squelched across the wetland. The odd marsh orchid bloomed, a brilliant burst of fuchsia-pink and he couldn’t help but stop and pluck a flower for her. The orchid’s color matched Julia’s sweetly pouty lips to perfection.
Once he reached the edge of the forest, he found a good spot to set the snare then foraged close by for twigs and wood for a fire.
A few minutes later, a soft snap dinged from the direction of his snare and he tramped back to it, removed the rabbit and with his arms full of all he needed, returned to the river and skinned and cleaned his catch.
Down to the beach, he trekked then stole back inside the cavern. Julia still slept peacefully, the sight of her snuggled on his tartan bringing a smile to his lips and warmth to his heart. He dropped a soft kiss on the top of her head, snuck back to the rear of the cave then dug a small pit in the grainy sand. He pulled stringy bark off the wood he’d collected, struck flint with his dirk and coaxed the sparks to life. He built the fire into a crackling blaze with the twigs and wood, the smoke curling upward and floating out the vent above.
The heat of the fire and the steamy recesses of the cavern had the heat rising and dampening his skin. Sweaty, he tossed his shirt aside then set to work fashioning a spit from the thin sturdy sticks that remained. With the skinned rabbit in hand, he threaded the meat into place and set their meal to cook.
The tantalizing scent of roasted meat swirled through the air and near the bath-like basin of water, Julia stretched and opened her eyes.
“You’re back.” She moved onto her hands and knees and crawled toward him, her full and heavy breasts swaying as she joined him and wriggled onto his lap. “That smells divine.”
“What smells divine?” He bent his head and licked one nipple, his naked wife in his arms swiftly stealing his senses.
“The rabbit.”
“What rabbit?” He licked her other nipple, the sweet taste of her consuming him.
“I was speaking of the rabbit you’re cooking.” She looped her arms around his neck and with her body curved into his, offered herself fully up to him. “I’m hungry.”
So was he. He seized her lips with his and kissed her until she murmured something about a burning rabbit.
Damn it. The rabbit.
He removed it from the fire and set it to one side to cool. They would definitely need a honeymoon, a month long one at the very least, one he wouldn’t mind spending the entirety of within this very cavern. After their mission to find her parents, he was bringing her right back here.
* * * *
Julia giggled as she sat in Tavish’s lap while he frowned at the crispy rabbit. “It matters not that our meal is a little burnt. The meat will still provide good sustenance.”
“I prefer my meat rare rather than well done.”
“So does Gilleoin. Do all shifters enjoy their meat rare?” She stroked over his broad shoulders and wide chest, his golden skin gleaming within the heat of the cavern. Oh, and those defined bands across his stomach, they bunched and rippled and completely fascinated her. He was all hard muscles and strong angles compared to her soft curves. She traced one finger down the rigid center of his abs to his waistband and a delicious thrill raced through her. Mother had always said that when one was newly wedded, time was needed between husband and wife to bond. Some couples even spent a month or more away on their own, somewhere close, but also somewhere special. She wished such a time with Tavish, to learn all there was about him, from his intriguing mind to his tantalizing lips and everything in between.
“Aye, all shifters in my clan do. It’s a bear thing. The rarer the meat the better.”
“What is your favorite meal?”
“It used to be a good steak and roasted vegetables, but now it’s the taste of you.” He turned her in his lap so she faced the fire, her back to his chest. “How’s your head feel this morning?”
“There isnae any pain. I would have told you if that was so.”
“I’ll check all the same.” Gently, he separated her locks and she shrugged her shoulders and indulged him as he wished.
“Is all well?”
“The wound is healing beautifully. I brought you something.” He reached over, lifted his shirt off the sand and picked up a bright fuchsia-pink flower that had been lying underneath it. “This is for you. I found orchids growing in the marshland.”
“Oh my.” She clasped a hand to her chest and touched the orchid. Tears misted her gaze as she reverently stroked its velvety petals.
“Why are you crying? Did I do something wrong?” He gently wiped a trickling tear away.
“Nay.” He would have no idea what such a gift meant to her, but just seeing the orchid sent a flood of warm memories through her. She opened her mind fully to his and shared all she could. “Each time Father walked through the swampland nearby on his way to this cove, he would pick Mother a flower and gift it to her. Mother always tucked it behind her ear or slotted it into her braid. This is a most beautiful and precious gift.”
“I had no idea.” He slipped it from her fingers and slid it behind her ear. “I’ll always pick you one as well, whenever I cross the swampland.”
“I will treasure this gift, more than you will ever know.” She wriggled her bottom into his groin and dropped a kiss on his lips. “Might I show you just how very much I’ll treasure it?”
“I’d like nothing more, but I need to feed you first.” He picked up the cooling meat, slid his dirk from his wrist sheath and cut a chunk off. He tore the meat into small slivers then slipped a morsel between her lips and ate a bite himself. He continued to feed her, until her belly was full and she held up her hands.
“No more for me. I need to cool down and wash this steamy heat from my skin.” She slipped off his lap, stepped into the basin of cool water and eased back until her head rested against the rim. Taking care not to wet the back of her head, she kept it out of the water. “Come and bathe with me.”
“Or mayhap you need to hop in.” Hands on the basin’s smooth base, she pushed up a little and floated on the surface, her breasts bobbing high. “Once we leave to begin our search, there will be little chance for such an intimacy as this. There is also plenty of room here for two.”
“I shouldn’t.” Except he shucked his weapons and trews, his cock springing free and rising thick and high. She quivered with need as he slid into the water in front of her, his legs sliding in underneath her body as he rested his head back on the rim opposite hers.
“Touch me.” She stretched toward him, pressed her toes to his chest.
“You are teasing me beyond my endurance.” The clear surface rippled as he gripped her legs, ran his warm hands over her calves then slowly skimmed up her legs. Heat raced along the path he touched, his sweet caress moving higher, over her bottom, his hands kneading in firm circles as he traced all the way back down again. “You’re a temptation I’ll never be able to turn away from. I can’t believe you’re all mine.”
“As you’re all mine.”
“Aye, always yours.” He captured her feet and placed them firm against his chest. She giggled as his crisp chest hair tickled her sensitive soles. “I can already see the urgency of getting a large bath installed in our bathroom at Ivanson. Would you like that?”
“I would love it.”
“Whatever is mine is now yours.” He lifted one of her feet, massaged her heel, the high arch and around her toes then set her foot back against him and massaged the other. Kneading with delicious strokes, he worked up and over her lower limbs.
She sighed, her long hair swirling around and settling overtop of her breasts.
“Don’t dip down any lower. Keep your head out of the water.” He flicked her hair away from her breasts and tweaked her nipples. “And no covering yourself up either.”
“I didnae mean to.” A sizzling tingle radiated from the sensitive tips and rolled through her. “Could you do that again?”
His gaze roamed over her pebbled nipples. “You like it when I pinch your nipples?”
“Aye, there is naught I willnae like at your hand.”
“I intend to offer up far more than just my hands in pleasuring you.”
“As I intend to do the same with you.” She pushed up, sat astride him and clutched his shoulders, the cool water sluicing down her body as she did. His shaft, so thick and long, saluted her from the water and she fondled the tip then stroked to the root. “Never leave me.”
“I won’t. You’re my true mate.”
“Show me.” She touched the tip of her nose to his. “I need this.”
“You distract me as no other can.” He kissed her, hot and hard until he drove every thought from her mind and there was only him and this very moment in time. Gripping her waist, he lifted her up, kissed and licked her neck then drifted lower across the upper swells of her breasts. He rolled one nipple between his lips and as she arched back, he sucked her nipple deep inside his mouth which sent a torrent of tingles racing through her. He bunched his arms around her, his golden eyes twinkling. “I have other places I wish to devour right now.”
“Then dinnae let me stop you.” The water swished around her as he laid her back down and rested her head gently against the rim once more.
He ran his hands up her legs, lifted them over his shoulders and dragged her closer. Water ran off her and splashed into the pool and with his head bent, he kissed along her inner thighs, his breath puffing hotly against her skin. “If anything hurts, then tell me.”
“I promise I shall.” She grasped the sides of the pool and softly sighed as he slid his fingers along her folds and rubbed her nub. “More,” she whispered. Never had she been so brazen, but he was her mate and she wished to be open and honest with him, to have no secrets. She’d share her greatest desires, just as she shared her body with him.
“I don’t consider you brazen. Demand whatever you wish.” He spread her legs even wider then licked her flesh with his tongue, his gaze on hers as he built her pleasure to a pinnacle she could barely hold onto.
“You’re reading my mind?” Sweet sensations rolled through her and she searched under the water and skimmed the hard length of his cock. She caressed his hot flesh then pumped him in time with how he licked her. “Please, come inside me, Tavish. I dinnae wish to come alone.”
“Are you certain you’re not too sore?” He released her legs, lifted her against him until his cock brushed her entrance below.
“Never too sore for you.” She pushed down on him, melding their bodies in a way she completely adored, until he filled every single inch of her, both body and mind. “Mmm, now this is what I want.”
“You are going to be the end of me. I can see it now.”
“I certainly hope so.” Aching for more, she moved, lifting up and dropping back down. She picked up her pace and he thrust into her, harder and faster, each of his deeply penetrating strokes exactly what she needed. From the inside out, he’d taken her over and she never wanted it any other way.
“Julia, I can’t hold on much longer.”
“Neither can I.”
He flicked her nub and she flew over the edge. Heavenly spasm after spasm rocked through her as he came too, his seed shooting straight to her core. Together, they tumbled right over the edge and into oblivion.
Aye, never would she let him go.
Heart and soul, he was hers, for all time.
* * * *
As Tavish held Julia tight against him, he worked to settle his breathing and slow his pounding heartbeat down. He wished he could keep her here in this magical place forever, only Tor would soon begin to worry if didn’t return and so too their mission to find her parents must begin. He kissed her, claimed her mouth once more, just as he’d claimed her body then searching her mind, sought to ensure she’d felt only pleasure and no pain as he’d taken her. Hell, he was insatiable. He and his bear, both.
“I like insatiable.” Julia smiled lazily as she gazed into his eyes. “I also enjoy reading your thoughts as you enjoy reading mine. Mostly though, I’m rather glad your bear enjoys devouring me.”
“My bear wishes to devour you over and over and never stop but unfortunately we’ve been gone for far too long and we need to return.” He rose from the water with her in his arms and even though he detested releasing her, he set her down on her feet.
“Aye, Arabel too will worry if I’m gone for too much longer.” She tugged her linen shift over her damp skin, shimmied into her rich burgundy gown and covered up every delectable inch of her skin. Slippers on, she belted her white crocheted girdle at her waist, the tassels swaying to her knees.
He dragged on his clothes, strapped his sword and wrist daggers in place then cupped her shoulders in his hands. “Ensuring your safety and wellbeing comes first on this trip. It can be no other way and if I feel your safety might be in jeopardy, I’ll bring you straight back home. If any harm came to you, I’d never forgive myself. Do you understand?”
“The encampment will be teeming with warriors and although right on our border with the MacKenzie, ’tis still secure and within our Matheson hands. We’ll also have the Fae Angel of Love on our side during our search.”
Cherub would certainly speed things up with her swift way of travel and he didn’t doubt she’d watch over Julia or allow any harm to come to her. He released her with a nod, tossed sand onto the fire, doused it and collected his tartan and war coat. At the tunnel entrance, he held out his hand for her. “Ready to leave?”
“Aye, I cannae wait to begin our search.” Brushing her skirts, she joined him with an excited smile.
“Neither can I.” He ran his fingers through her long golden lock
s, tidying her hair then fixed the orchid tucked behind her ear. With his hand in hers, he led her down the darkened passageway, motioned for her to slip through the gap where it forked then walked outside.
She bounded onto the beach and twirled around. The morning sun shone and the rays lit her golden locks and beautiful blue eyes. Such happiness invaded his soul at seeing her so happy and her clear love of this most enchanting place.
“Into the skiff with you.” He caught her around the waist and swung her on board while overhead two seagulls squawked and dove into the breakers. Both heaved back up, one with a fish flapping between its beak and the other cackling as it made chase. The wind whispered across his skin, bringing with it the salty scent of the sea and the promise of all he and his clan fought for, this land and their people within it.
“This is such a beautiful place, Tavish, and I love being here with you.” She sat at the stern.
“We’ll return, however often we can.” He uncoiled the rope, stored it under the skiff’s bench seat and pushed the boat into the water before hopping aboard. Hell, he’d much rather drag his woman right back into their steamy cavern and send her flying again to the heavens but instead he gripped the oars and rowed until he cleared the bay then raised the sail.
Julia smiled at him, her burgundy velvet skirts fluffed around her and her lips lifted in the most delicious way. “Homeward bound, my fierce protector. We have a great mission ahead of us, the most important I’ve ever undertaken.”
“Aye, homeward bound we go.” He’d been gifted with the most precious woman and he’d make damn certain every hope and dream she harbored was fulfilled. Finding her parents was at the top of that list. To give her what her heart most desired would drive him throughout the coming days. The MacKenzie better well have told them the truth, that he’d never slain Aleck and Adair. He sent a prayer soaring skyward that they lived.
Chapter 8
Through the gates of the House of Clan Matheson, Julia led Tavish after they’d moored their skiff at the sea-gate. Blue skies shimmered overhead and the sun shone and spread its warmth across the land. Her body still ached from her night spent in Tavish’s arms, although she adored the change and snuggled her mind deeper into his. Joining as one with him had been so wonderful, then creating the merged link of the mind, such a gift. ’Twas a connection she never wished to give up, couldn’t believe was all hers to share with him.
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