by Aliyah Burke
“Are you okay?” she asked, moving her fingers slightly.
He captured her hand and kissed the back of it. “Why didn’t you tell me you were hurt?”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “You can’t be upset about that. You needed to heal in order to protect us.”
“I almost lost you.” His voice sounded tortured.
“You didn’t.”
He kissed her lightly before breaking it off and skimming his fingertips along her features. Traitorous tears gathered and she struggled not to let them fall. She was already in a hospital bed, didn’t need to let him know how weak she was.
“Where’s Mal?” she asked.
“Something wrong?” He stood and went to the door. “I’ll be right back.”
True to his word, he returned shortly with Mal. She ran an assessing gaze over her and shooed Tiarnán out of the door. Then she approached and stood in front of her.
“What’s the matter, honey? Are you in pain?”
“No. I just…”
“No one thinks you’re weak. Quite the opposite. It takes one hell of a person to go through what you did and survive.” She poured some water in a glass and put the straw to her lips. “Small sips.”
Calida listened and closed her eyes as the cool water slid down her throat. All too soon the straw was taken from her. She was so parched. Peering back at Mal, she felt oddly comforted by the woman’s presence.
“I won’t be able to keep him out for long. Hell, it wasn’t easy keeping him away during your surgery. He cares for you, honey.”
“No.” She shook her head once before stopping at the energy it sapped from her. “He’s worried because it’s in the prophecy that he keep me safe. We barely know one another, he doesn’t give a damn about me. Just what I mean to the big picture.”
Mal occupied the stool Tiarnán had been on. “Listen to me, Calida. We don’t know one another well but I have no reason to lie to you. That man loves you.”
“You have no reason to tell me things which wouldn’t help convince me to stay either.”
Her belly tightened at her words. How could she say such a thing with a straight face and such heartfelt meaning behind the statement? Had she the physical capabilities, she would be fidgeting with her hands.
On the other hand, what possible reason could this woman have to say he loves me? That seems like an odd thing to try and convince me of. Unless… Unless it’s true.
That thought set off a whole other slew of uncertainty to grow in her. Her breaths caught and the walls felt as if they were closing in on her.
“That’s true, I don’t. I also don’t have time to play games, Calida. I’m merely telling you what I see and observe. He is in love with you. Tiarnán may not know it, but for those of us who have known him a while, it’s as plain as the noses on our faces.”
“Maybe,” she said with a hesitant nod.
Mal smiled, her shiny white teeth brilliant against her dark skin. “All will work out, you’ll see. It took me a while to understand Billy as well. But I’m always here to talk if you want or need to.” She offered her the straw again. “However, right now, I want you to sleep. I’ll tell Tiarnán that he needs to let you rest.”
Again the straw was taken away too soon but Calida just gave a small nod before she closed her eyes. She needed to sleep. When she woke again she would think a bit more on what Mal had told her.
Nonsense. No way he’s in love with me. We’ve not known each other long enough to claim such a thing. Have we? No way, I’m not the kind of person who falls so fast. I’m pragmatic.
She gave a small snort of laughter as she burrowed into the mattress deeper. Right, which explains why I’m believing all this hocus-pocus crap that is being thrown in my face.
The image of Tiarnán guided her into slumber and when she woke, the mental picture had morphed into the real thing. He sat beside her bed, eyes upon her face. He remained unshaven and the growth he sported only made him appear harder. More dangerous.
His gaze, however, morphed into liquid heat. He stroked the side of her face with two callused fingers.
“How are you feeling?”
“Better. You?”
“Don’t worry about me.”
“Stop ordering me around. I’m already lying in a hospital bed. If I want to worry about you, I will.” Not as sore this time around, she took in the room. Same one from before. Gold and lavender, which she found extremely soothing.
“Can I get you anything?”
He didn’t stop touching her. Not for a single second. Face, arms, hands, even fingers. He continually ensured there was contact between them. She liked it, it made her feel cherished.
“What day is it?”
“You’ve been sleeping for two days.”
“Can I get up?”
“What do you need? I’ll get it for you.”
She turned her face to the window. “I want to go outside.”
“No.”
“Why not? I’m not hooked up to machines anymore and they took that nose thingy out of me. Why can’t I go outside and enjoy the sun and fresh air?”
“You’re recovering.”
She pursed her lips then faced him. “Am I not safe here?”
Fire flicked in his eyes. “You’re safe.”
“So then if you carry me out, I’ll be fine.”
He narrowed his gaze and she could see him pondering her request.
“Please, Tiarnán. Some outside time will do wonders.”
“You’ll listen to me once we’re out?”
Encouraged by the thought of feeling the sun on her face again, she nodded. “Absolutely. If you put me in a wheelchair, I’ll stay put. I just want to be out there.”
“Mal will probably want to kill me.”
She touched his chin, the stubble teasing her fingertips. “Are you scared of her?”
“Give me five minutes.”
Hiding her grin, she gave him a solemn nod before reclining back on the bed fully. Tiarnán left and true to his word, returned in five. He had a blanket over one shoulder and a basket in one hand.
“Ready?”
“Yes.” Giddiness swarmed her. Inside was the worst place for her to be. She hated it.
He stood by the bed and scooped his arms beneath her, lifting her easily. She inhaled and eagerly took in his scent. Masculine, outdoorsy. Perfect. Resting her head against the blanket on his shoulder, she lowered her lids as he pushed them from the room and carried her down the hall.
“No chair?” she asked.
“No. I’ll carry you.”
She didn’t mind that at all. Her yawn lodged in her throat as he let them outside. A warm breeze flowed and caressed her skin. A soft moan escaped her throat as she turned her face to meet the sun.
Tiarnán didn’t say anything as he walked. The air was full of birds chirping and the wind rustling the leaves and grass. “Hang on,” he said, readjusting her and swinging the blanket from beneath her cheek.
He set her on the ground as if she were the most delicate of lace. She gazed around and sucked in a quick breath. A wide smile slowly moved across her face. The beauty of it all was perfect.
Tiarnán had placed them on the side of a hill, sweet smelling grass waved around them. There was a sparkling blue lake below them that some of the children were playing in. Fluffy clouds dotted the sky and the sun warmed her. He sat behind her, his chest cradling her as she reclined.
“Better?” he asked, trailing his fingers up and down her left arm.
“Absolutely perfect.” She wriggled her bare toes and relaxed as peace flowed over her. “Is this all the vineyard?”
“Yes.” He reached out an arm along the side of her face and pointed to their left. “Down there is where the winery actually is. I’ll take you for a tour when you’re feeling better.”
“What’s it called?”
“The vineyard?”
“This place. Or do you just all call it ‘vineyard’ when you talk about it?”
>
“Tennesol Winery. Named after Lian’s wife.”
How romantic. They interlaced their fingers and she sighed as she relaxed into him and closed her eyes. This would help her get better faster than lying inside ever would.
Chapter Nine
Tiarnán wasn’t all too sure how to process the feelings that had been bombarding him since Calida had fallen unconscious. But here she sat, in his arms, alive and growing stronger. He’d not wanted to bring her outside, worried that something might go wrong. However, he’d been unable to tell her no when she looked at him, her expression sad and heartbroken.
So he’d gone for a blanket and some food then had carried her to one of his favorite spots on the property. Sure, he could have used a wheelchair for her or put her in the back of one of the many Gators they had onsite. But he’d wanted her in his arms. Therefore that’s where she’d ridden.
He could feel her joy at being outside and that alone calmed his worry. Right now, she had one hand on him and her right buried in the rich soil beside the blanket. He never let down his guard as they sat there. And he also kept an eye on the children playing by the lake.
Soon the kids discovered them and a few came up. He saw their hesitation as they neared. Deacon Mayer, one of the eldest now, stepped forward. “Can you come push us on the swing over the lake, Tiarnán?”
“Oh, that sounds like fun,” Calida interjected before he could respond. “Can we move closer down there? I promise I’ll stay right on the blanket.”
She tightened her fingers around his and he knew she didn’t want him to refuse. Part of him almost did, wishing to keep her for himself only, but he remembered what it was like when he’d been one of the children it seemed no one longed to have.
“Okay,” he said. “I’m going to need someone to carry the basket and another to take the blanket so I can carry Calida, here.”
“Is she your wife like Mal is Billy’s?” Barbara, a cherub-faced youngster asked.
“Nope, not married but she is supposed to be resting. I kidnapped her from the hospital so she could have some fresh air. Don’t tell, and make sure we’re careful not to hit her when around her.”
The crescendo of agreement came seconds later and he got to his feet, swinging up Calida in the process. They all made their way down the hillside before he directed them where to set up the blanket again.
Barbara was the first who jumped on the swing and he drew her back before pushing her way out over the water. She squealed and laughed heartily prior to dropping off into the lake.
He wasn’t concerned for all the kids down here currently could swim. Glancing over his shoulder, he smiled at the two boys who’d sat next to Calida. Dover and Matt—two who’d been pulled from a home who preferred to use their foster children as laborers.
Tiarnán pushed a few more then begged off and returned to stretch out by Calida.
“You’re really good with them,” she said.
“I know what it’s like to be one of them.”
“Who came to get you? They said Dracen picked them up before they came here.”
“Lian did. He’d gone to court and watched me. Well, not only me. Dracen was there that day as well.” He propped his head on one hand. “Dracen was furious when she heard about the conditions Dover and Matt were in. She immediately petitioned for them to be moved here.”
“Conditions?” Calida stared at him, eyebrows raised.
“Worked from dawn to dusk and kept in cages.”
“Cages like confined to their room caged?”
He shook his head. “Like dog cages. Or the kind you see wild animals in.”
“That’s horrible.”
“They’ve recouped well. This place holds magic for the ones who are here.”
“But not all of them will become a Guardian.”
“I doubt any of them will. But I’m learning that Lian has been very tight-lipped about what to expect and everything, so maybe they all will.” He touched the tip of her nose. “You feeling okay?”
“I could go to sleep out here, I love it. Thank you for bringing me.”
“I have a feeling you would have tried to walk had I not agreed.”
The quirk of her lips told him how right he was. She didn’t verbalize an answer however, opting instead to refocus on the children who played and called his name.
“Go play with them.”
“What about you?” he asked.
“I think I’m going to nap.” She leaned in and kissed him. “Go, play, have fun. Show them you’re not just all growly.”
“Growly?”
“Mal filled me in on you, Tiarnán.”
He kissed her back before pushing to his feet. “Gonna have to talk to her.” Tiarnán snapped his teeth at her when she rolled her eyes. He leaned in closer. “You should be fearful.”
She yawned and blinked innocently at him. “I am, just too tired to show you.” Calida drew the blanket up over her legs and rested her head against the heavier shirt he’d been wearing earlier, which he’d removed in the warmth of the sun.
He wanted to keep her awake, loved the teasing side of her, but he left her there with a smile and headed down to the water’s edge. After a while, he realized his soul had calmed down. He was relaxed.
Every so often he would glance back up to the shore where Calida lay sleeping. A few more had shown up, Mal included. The two women were on the bank while the children and he played on the dock and the swing. Mal had covered Calida with another blanket but continued to allow her to sleep as she read a book.
Begging off from the kids, he strode up to where Mal was enjoying her book. He sat down on the other side of Calida and peered at her. She slumbered peacefully, the sun shining down on her face, adding a much healthier glow to her.
“How’s she doing?” He dragged his knuckle lightly down her cheek.
“I was pissed when I heard you’d taken her from the room and came out here with every intention of lighting into you about it. But now that I’ve seen her, I think this is the best thing for her. The sun is helping her in a way I wouldn’t have been able to do. Physically she has been patched up and she needs to get her strength back, but that wouldn’t have happened inside the room. That much is obvious. I think you should have Altair build something for her so she can continue to be outside as much as possible.”
“Wouldn’t a chaise be just fine?”
“You are going to have to like him at some point, may as well get over it, Tiarnán.”
“I don’t have to like him. He’s just not going to be killed so long as he continues to treat Roz right.”
Mal closed her book and looked at him. “Is that how you feel about me?”
“No, I like you.”
“So it’s the women you feel like protecting. I can’t wait to see what the hell happens when Dracen brings someone home.”
He stared at her. “As long as she’s happy, then so am I.”
“Right. That’s what you said about Roz and Aminta.” She tucked some hair behind her ear. “Both their men steer wide berths around you for fear of losing a limb or something more vital.”
“That’s on them. I’ve been nice.”
She snorted. “You scared the hell out of me when I first met you. Still do at times. You have this look about you that says you don’t want to be bothered and you’d have no problems killing someone who annoyed you.” He scowled and she gave him a pointed look. “Thank you for making my point.”
Glancing to the woman sleeping between them, he tilted his head slightly to the right. Was Calida afraid of me when we first met? Well, probably considering she maced me. Bigger question now was if she was still afraid of him. She sure didn’t act like it.
“And now?” he asked, holding her gaze.
“I’m eternally grateful I’m not on your bad side. And I’m glad you found your woman because with her, I see a softer side to you I hadn’t before. Granted it wasn’t present when I kicked you out of the operating room, but I see
it now.” She leaned closer and touched his arm. “Keep her around, Tiarnán. She’s good for you and I like her.”
That said, Mal went back to reading her book. He watched both women for a moment before brushing his lips along Calida’s head.
“We do have e-readers you know. You could have more books than that one.”
“I prefer the feel of a real book in my hands, thank you very much. You’re like Billy who needs his technology. I like it in the operating room, but not when it comes to my books.” She smiled. “The feel, smell and comfort it brings me can never be replaced by a thin object.”
“Come push us, Tiarnán!” Matt cried out.
Mal watched him and waved him along with one hand. “Go on. We’ll be fine here.”
He gave a brief nod of his head before pushing up and running back to the shore. With a loud growl, he swept up two of the girls and dashed down the dock before tossing them in and following after.
When he surfaced, the others had jumped in as well and were engaged in a water fight. Slicking his hair back, he shot a stream at Dover who glared and began shoveling handfuls at him in retaliation.
By the time he climbed the ladder to the dock for the last time, Tiarnán could say he was officially tired. He wiped the water off his face and hair best he could. Slowly making his way along the pier, he took in the scene around him.
Mal still by Calida in the sun and dry. Billy, Roz, Altair, Taylor and Aminta playing in the water with a majority of the children. Helping those who couldn’t swim but who had come down as well. Cale was with Dex, laying out a spread of food for after swimming.
Tiarnán padded up the sand until he stood near his woman. She still slept and Mal never took her eyes from her book.
“She’s fine, Tiarnán. Go help the men or something. The one thing she doesn’t need is you dripping cold water all over her because you want to hover.” She sniffed. “And while you’re not blocking her sun, you are mine.”
He scowled at her—a pointless endeavor for Mal never glanced up at him—before taking himself over to Cale and Dex. At least they looked at him.
* * * *
The moonlight streamed through her window like soft silver silk. Calida slowly swung her legs over the side of the bed and made her way to the sliding glass door, which led to her balcony. The afternoon after she’d spent the time outside in the warm and welcoming sun, they’d moved her to a room. A beautiful one.
