Few dared to go against that instruction, but it was known to happen. On occasion, a Dweller had wandered away from the deep. Most had simply been lost. Others curious. None of them ever stayed, preferring to live among their own kind. Finn had only seen a few in his lifetime, but never one like this, one who looked so…comfortable away from his home.
Ceri laughed delightedly. “Finn, speechless. This is a first, and I’ve known him since we were both young and foolish.” She patted his back. “Relax, my friend. Dian is not that kind of Dweller. And Dian? Finn is not that kind of guest. Now sit down and tell us what you want.”
When he hesitated, the hand on his back gave a not-so-gentle shove. “I will tell him everything anyway. He is my lover and we have no secrets. Couldn’t if we tried.”
Her lover?
Finn gave up. He sat down on the lounging chair across from the Dweller and Ceri and looked around her home. They had made do quite nicely without the luxuries of the city. The stone walls were lined with veins of light that warmed the room. Brilliant flowers and piles of well-worn books filled every corner. It was a home. More of one than his family’s sterile showplace had been. He could imagine Lily Kelly living here happily. But could Sheridan?
Thoughts of her helped him focus on the task at hand. “I won’t waste your time. I have a riddle for you to solve and a favor I would be indebted to you for.”
Ceri leaned back into Dian’s waiting embrace. “How indebted?”
“Deeply.”
Finn watched Dian nuzzle Ceri’s curls, amazed at the strange behavior. He hadn’t believed the Dwellers to be sexual creatures. He must have found life in the caverns truly unsatisfying.
The man smiled, responding to Finn’s thoughts easily. “Hardly. But I will admit, compared to Ceri, most things are.” He chortled at Finn’s shocked expression, his own glowing with enjoyment. “My apologies. I keep forgetting the dictates of civilized society. It’s one of my more attractive qualities, she tells me. The other is my love of a good challenge. I’m sure I can convince Ceri to claim the pure human while your woman is here. She has long since mastered self-control and together we would ensure it was a pleasurable experience for him. Although I hope he isn’t too attached to his facial hair. My darling one has sensitive skin.”
Finn ran a hand over his face to hide his amazement. All Fae were telepathic, but over the years they’d raised instinctive mental shields for privacy, lowered only during intimate moments. Dian was powerful indeed if he could move beyond those barriers and so easily sift through Finn’s thoughts.
After he got over his shock, he realized what Dian had implied. It had been one of his primary reasons for coming here, to ensure Kyle’s protection from the potentially dangerous seductions of the other Fae during the celebration. A claiming from Ceri would force the revelers to keep their distance out of fear of her reprisal if nothing else. Exiled did not mean powerless.
But… “Both of you? I’m not sure Kyle is as open-minded as one might hope. He is, after all, from America. Even worse, Texas.”
Ceri chuckled. “Is that why you won’t do it yourself? Finn the decadent? Finn the insatiable? Have you actually come across someone you have no wish to fuck? Or even more unusual, someone who has no wish to fuck you?”
Dian tugged on one of Ceri’s curls in playful reproach. “Don’t tease him, darling one. He’s in love with the Druid girl. More than that, I think. Isn’t that what the riddle is about?”
It was disconcerting, Dian’s invasion. “This would be easier if you’d stop doing that.”
“Doubtful.” The Dweller shrugged. “Apologies again, Fianna, but do you really have any time to waste on pleasantries? You have to discover the Fae colluding with the Dark and if any remnant of the Horde leader Eonis remains intact, all whileconvincing a certain descendent of the high priestess to return your feelings. Not to mention your role in the fulfillment of the Druid’s prophecy. This is not the time for patience. Or rules.”
Now Ceri seemed interested. “I’d heard the Book of Veils had been found. The news has had the whole realm abuzz for months now. Even the exiles are paying attention. We all have a stake in ensuring the mad bastard Enlil never returns, and I always respected Áine. She was a force of nature, that one. Is your female anything like her?”
Finn leaned his elbows on his knees, considering. “You know I didn’t spend as much time with her as you did. I was too…involved in the duties of my house. But from what I remember, physically they could be sisters. I believe she has Áine’s leadership and her courage in her as well—though Sheridan is more of a fighter. More physical. Far more stubborn. Less trusting of things she can’t easily explain. Very—” He struggled for the right word. “Human.”
“Oh you do like her.” Ceri grinned. “And I have to admit, I’m becoming more and more intrigued by this Imbolg celebration. I may have to make an appearance, exile or not. Particularly if I am to protect my new claim.”
Relief loosened the knot in his stomach. Slightly. He stood. “You have my thanks. Now I just have to let the Fianna know what must be done. And deal with Sheridan’s reaction.”
Ceri stood and joined him as he walked to the door, leaving Dian behind. She touched his arm. “Finn? What Dian said, that your question had to do with your feelings for her. What did he mean?”
Finn raised one eyebrow sardonically. “Why ask me? I’m certain he’ll tell you as soon as I’m gone.” He shook his head. “A Dweller, Ceri? How did you two come to cross paths?”
Ceri’s lids lowered. “We saved each other. Ask me, Finn. What is it that you want to know?”
Heat flushed Finn’s face and his mouth went dry. “The story of the Fae bond, beyond companion or communion? Do you remember it?”
“The Síorghrá.” Ceri nodded thoughtfully. “The story of the fated soul mate. Of course I remember it. It says long before we came to this world, we were each joined to another of our kind. Joined in every sense of the word. But something happened that physically separated us, and in the chaos of our first migration, we lost our other half.”
She glanced over her shoulder for a moment, as if looking for Dian. “The rending left a scar on our spirits. It is why we continuously seek each other out. Needing contact. Some part of us always longing for what was lost. Always yearning for more.” Ceri shrugged. “It is a beautifully sad story, though I clearly recall the archivists inferring it was a morality tale. That it was not an actual being, but a state of being that we’d lost. A feeling of being incomplete that, when left unchecked, can lead you down a dangerous path. The Horde, for example. The more cynical among us believe it to be an easy excuse for excessive promiscuity. Not that we need one.”
Finn had always believed that. Just a story, a romanticized tale told to children to explain away any longing for something better, something more beyond their realm. Fae did not have soul mates. Yesterday he’d had no doubt. But now? “Aren’t there some Fae who claim they’ve found their síorghrá? There was one couple—”
“You mean Caer and Aengus?” Ceri’s long-lashed eyes widened. “There were rumors that they were pressured by several houses to leave when they wouldn’t join in our sacred ceremonies. They refused to share their bodies with anyone but each other, and you know how shocking that is to the rest of our kind. I heard they went to the Southern Portal to join the shifters who protect it.” She shook her head. “You have a good memory, Finn. I haven’t thought of those two in a few hundred years. My question is, why are you? You can’t actually think that this Sheridan is— Finn, you told me she’s from Áine’s line. A Druid. And only half of one at that. She’s not Fae, is she? That’s the only way it could even be possible.”
He knew it made no sense. Knew she was right. “The story talks about recognizing your mate when you join. Certain telltale signs.”
“And you’ve experienced them?”
“A few. I joined with her in her dream and the experience was…intense.” She was the only Fae he could share
that with who wouldn’t judge. Who wouldn’t share his secret with those who would ensure he was chastised for indulging in a long-unused and forbidden practice. “But there have been other signs since I’ve met her.”
His lack of desire for any other woman immediately sprang to mind.
Ceri was looking at him strangely. “I’ve never known you to give in to flights of fancy. If I’m to claim the human, one whom I assume is important to her, then I have to meet this Druid who has so turned your head. That’s my condition.”
Finn nodded slowly. He was glad she’d suggested it herself. Sheridan would demand nothing less. “She and her cousin are with the dragon prince at the edge of the Eastern Portal. The celebrations begin tomorrow, but allow me a short time to ready them for your arrival.”
She was laughing again. “I’ve missed my adventures with you, dear Finn. Now go, so Dian and I can prepare ourselves for what’s to come.”
He placed his hands on her shoulders and squeezed gratefully. “My trust in you is complete.”
Her smile was kind as she repeated the vow that preceded any battle. “As is mine in you. Together, we will not fail.”
“Together, we will not fail.” He couldn’t fail. Never again. Not when Sheridan was involved. He wouldn’t allow it.
* * * * *
“So you’re saying that ninety percent of this sacred Fae celebration we’ve been invited to consists of sex, group sex and naked wrestling?”
Sheridan knew she sounded more panicked than sarcastic, but she didn’t care. She was going there to fight. To investigate. Hopefully to fulfill her part in the prophecy with as little fuss and time as possible. She was not going to be reminded of all the fun Fae sex she wasn’t actually having.
Meru was grinning as she munched on a carrot in the kitchen. They’d finally gotten another moment alone as the men decided to make last-minute preparations for their safety. Whatever that meant.
“That’s what Linnea told me. In between the pomp and seriousness, of course. Poor thing, she’s been a wreck all month and I don’t blame her. All those Tuatha women are supernatural supermodels. Not an ounce of cellulite or a sagging breast in the crowd. The idea of not only revealing her body at the consummation ritual, but of those other women seeing Val and Hawk in action—let’s just say Badger has had to make several batches of her special tonic to calm our sweet Guardian Mother down.”
Sheridan’s panic receded just enough for her to waggle her eyebrows as she chopped one poor tomato into tiny, unrecognizable pieces. “The Brads are getting naked? Why didn’t you say that in the first place? It may be my one and only chance to see if my movie idol dreams match up to the reality.”
“Speaking of dreams…” Meru made an adorable grunting noise as she hefted herself onto one of the stools that surrounded the kitchen island. “I wish I had this kitchen. Ours is nice, but this one? It’s huge. Everything here is. Does Raj have a large family I’m not aware of? Twelve giant brothers and sisters with passels of babies that are just out of town?”
“No. At least, none that he’s ever talked about. He said he comes here to be alone, and I haven’t seen anyone else since I’ve been here.” Sheridan had wondered about that. This place was meant to be filled with family. With life. It was actually kind of sad that it wasn’t. Raj had told her this morning that he’d never had so many people here at one time. When he’d said it, there’d been a yearning in his eyes that she couldn’t help but notice. For someone in particular? Or just someone?
What if he killed his family? He is a dragon shifter. I’m surprised you’ve lasted this long without being roasted alive.
God, she hated that voice.
Meru’s wistful sigh drew Sheridan’s thankful gaze to her cousin’s misting eyes. “We need to find him a lady dragon. Or at least, a lady who has a thing for brilliant, quiet men who occasionally shift into giant dragons. Raj is too wonderful to be alone.” She took another bite of her carrot and groaned. “Are the steaks almost ready? I can’t believe how hungry I am. Or how hormonal. Case in point—I’ve entirely lost track of what we were talking about.”
“Raj,” Sheridan supplied helpfully, walking around the island to peer inside the oven. “Steaks look ready to me. By the way, remind me to hug Fletcher the next time I see him. Myrddin’s Changeling may be a bit stiff and, well, blue,” she snorted. “But I really miss his cooking.”
“Fletcher’s coming to the celebration along with Aunt Lily. You can hug him then.” Meru raised her voice as she remembered. “Dreams. We were talking about dreams. As in, you mentioned having one with Danu in it that you haven’t told me about yet. I need to hear every detail, Sher. Everything. It might be important.”
It was the heat from the oven making her flush, Sheridan assured herself adamantly. Not the topic. And there was no way in hell she was telling Meru every detail of last night’s dream.
Memories of Dream Finn’s body, of what they did together, had been haunting her all day long. That had been no ordinary fantasy. Something had changed inside her. Something that scared her to her core. More than lust. More than desire.
She didn’t want to think about it now. Maybe ever.
But the relief she felt when she’d discovered his absence from the lodge this morning hadn’t been able to alleviate the need inside her. A need that lingered even when she’d woken up screaming after the darkness had torn her from his arms. The passion that she’d always been able to tamp down was now out of control, unable to be cooled by her anxieties or distracted by her fears. She swore she could still taste him on her tongue.
How was it possible to want him more than she had before? More than she’d ever wanted anything. So desperately that she wasn’t sure she could hide it from him. Or contain her curiosity. All day long, all she could do was wonder—if being with the dream Finn had felt like that, how would the real thing compare? Any way you sliced it, it was bad news for her peace of mind.
“Wow. That must have been one whopper of a dream.” Meru was standing beside her, her expression indicating she’d been there for several minutes. Sheridan hadn’t noticed.
Damn.
“It was busy,” she responded noncommittally. “But the part I think you’ll find interesting had to do with a cave, a pool of water and this weird guy with a dog.”
As the two women fixed plates for themselves and the men in the other room, Sheridan shared the edited version of her dream. No Eonis. No Finn. Just the part she knew Meru would need to know.
Her spine tingled as she sensed Finn in the room only seconds before he said, “The Spear of Lugh.”
She hated it when he just appeared like that. Real men made noise, she grumbled inwardly. Gave a girl some warning.
He didn’t seem to notice her pique. “Sheridan, did I hear it right? He said if they can’t have the sword, they’ll want the spear? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. In many ways, it’s the more powerful weapon. But it’s also been lost to all of us for eons. Lugh would know that better than anyone.” He shrugged. “Then again, Danu’s Cup was lost for several generations and Meru found that. Perhaps the spear has just been waiting for the right moment to reappear. For you to find it.”
Meru made a sound of faux shock, giving Sheridan an excuse to remain silent. “Well hello, stranger. Where have you been? Wherever it was, it must have put you in a kinder, gentler mood. Not too long ago, a certain Fae whose name starts with Finn was stunned that Danu would allow mere mortals to get their hands on such powerful relics.”
He shifted almost self-consciously, avoiding Sheridan’s gaze. “People change. Only Danu, Goddess of the Waters and True Queen of my people, knows where our destinies will take us. I’ve experienced enough in the last few months to keep an open mind.”
Sheridan was suspicious. She moved closer to Finn, studying his mysterious expression. “People might change, but you, in case you haven’t noticed, are not people. And not to knock your goddess, but that man said—”
“Lugh.”
When he finally met her gaze, Sheridan forgot how to breathe. The same fire that had been burning inside her all day was simmering behind his intent expression. “She has put her faith in you and our fate in your hands. She knows you can do it. The Fianna know you can do it, as do I.”
Lies. This is a trap. This isn’t like him.
She tried to mentally shut out the voice in her head, but it was a difficult task when she had the same doubts. “Who are you and what have you done with Finn the Fairy? The one whose middle name is Arrogance?” She narrowed her eyes and took another step closer, telling herself it was more an intimidation tactic than a response to his magnetism. “You haven’t answered Meru. Where were you today?” Why weren’t you here?
Finn smiled. Was it her imagination or did she detect a tinge of wickedness in the curve? He studied her lips as if he’d never seen anything more fascinating. “Why? Did you miss me, or is this some kind of interrogation?”
Before she could respond, his fellow Fianna, followed closely by a guarded Kyle, entered the kitchen and interrupted them.
“I can’t stand it. I’ve been smelling steak for an hour,” Damon growled playfully.
Meru squealed as he reached her in two long strides, slipping his hands beneath her arms and lifting her up to his eye level for a kiss. “Steak and wife. A combination too powerful to resist.”
Kyle shook his head and covered his eyes. “Ugh. Don’t mind me. I’m just the guy who knew her when she was eight and going through her mud-eating phase. I won’t need therapy after watching this or anything.”
“As I was telling you before, there are situations you cannot control and things you’ll be forced to witness repeatedly. Get used to it, Kyle. We all have.” Raj wore a solemn expression, but his dark eyes were twinkling. “I’m only surprised Damon lasted this long.”
Behind the Veil: 3 (Temptation Unveiled) Page 8
