“Amelia used to aid me here on Earth, but she stood down from her duty ten years ago when she became soul bound with Olaf. They live at the village and have a son named Joseph. He’s the first child to be born to a time-walker and such a delight. He also holds the skill of foreknowledge, an ability similar to a seer’s although still a little different.”
“I’ve not met Amelia or Olaf. Is she too an immortal as you are?” He reached the base of the cliff, lowered her to her feet and with their fingers twined together, brushed aside a clump of trailing ivy covering the slim opening in the rock wall. Keeping ahold of her, he edged through the thin gap and weaved along the dark tunnel.
“She is. Amelia’s mate is also an immortal, as is their child.”
“How is Olaf an immortal?”
“A time-walker, once they take a mate, can hold their chosen one’s soul to theirs. Amelia spoke a spell which bound a piece of Olaf’s soul to hers, so like her, he too will never sicken or age. They will walk the same path for the rest of their lives, together as one.”
“That’s a beautiful thing.”
“It is.” They reached the end of the tunnel and emerged before the beach. She jumped free onto the soft sand and twirled around, her feet digging in deep. This secluded bay with its thin strip of white sand always took her breath away.
“Cherub?” Kirk swept his hands through the air as he searched for her. “Where are you?”
“I’m right here.” She twirled around again. “I love this place.”
“As soon as I stumbled upon it, I felt as if I’d come home. There’s a secluded bay very similar to this one at Loch Shin, a place I’m often drawn to, and a place that’s only a few hours’ drive from my home at Ivanson Castle.” He glanced at the sand she’d kicked up then followed her movement and caught her in his arms. His hands slid underneath the flapping sides of her cloak and around her back. Caressing her, he swept down her sides and over her waist. A grin lifted his lips. “You’re wearing a silk gown. What color?”
“The gown is white, as is my cape. ’Tis one of my favorite colors. Have you truly been drawn to Loch Shin?” She raised her hands to the glittering jewel of the darkened sky above and leaned back, allowing him to take her full weight as she did.
“During these past five years my search for you has only ever led me in and around that area, more times than not to a place called Angel Bay along the loch’s shores. Is that place special to you at all?”
“Oh my.” The home she’d built and considered a base rested high on the cliffs overlooking Angel Bay.
“Is that an aye?” He sank to the sand and took her with him as he laid down.
“I—I—” Speaking a mistruth to him tore at her. Instead, she tucked one errant lock of his hair behind his ear and said, “I enjoy visiting Angel Bay, just as I enjoy visiting this place. Both bring me comfort, as well as allow me to walk the shoreline in complete seclusion.”
“Hmm, why do I feel as if you’re not quite telling me the whole truth?” He removed his sword belt, set it beside him then with his warm hands on her hips, brought her back against him. Gently, he smoothed one hand along her outer thigh then tucked her top leg snugly between his leather-clad legs, their bodies in complete alignment from head to toe. She wasn’t surprised by his move, or his need to hold her close. Those who were soul bound required touch on a deeper level to most. He skimmed up her arm and swept one finger along her gown’s low-cut neckline. “Can you explain a little more?”
“Nay, I dinnae wish to encourage your pursuit and explaining more will do so.”
“Ha.” He chuckled. “You’re my mate, the one woman I will always pursue, and there is nothing you can say or do to cease that encouragement.” He caught her cheeks in his hands and traced his thumbs under her eyes and over her nose. He smoothed along her jaw, over her chin then slowly delved across her lips. His breath stuttered and he leaned in, pressed his forehead against hers. “You have the smoothest, softest skin.”
“I have no’ aged past my twentieth year even though I’ve lived over a thousand years.” A gentle sea breeze whispered around them, lifted his shirt hem and gave a glimpse of his tanned abs. His black pants hung low on his hips and the leather clung to his powerful thighs. She lifted her gaze back to his and almost drowned in the deep desire reflecting back at her. She palmed his chest, his heart thundering under her hand. A simple walk was leading to so much more—more she couldn’t currently turn away from.
“Cherub, I wish for a kiss. Would that be permissible?”
“I dinnae think—”
“Thinking is currently not permitted.” He lowered his mouth to her, his lips so aching soft as he joined them together, then he deepened their kiss and licked her tongue, his breath mingling seductively with hers.
Aye, thinking shouldn’t be permitted. Why not live in the moment, even if only for one night? Granting herself at least that much, settled her deep inside. Gently, she sucked his lower lip into her mouth then indulged in her need for more. She kissed him, deeply, then grasped his shoulders and pulled him fully on top of her, his heavenly weight exactly what she needed. She melted into the sand, reveling in his warm spicy scent as it surrounded and embedded itself into her. “I like your kisses, Kirk.”
“I’m sure I could convince you to like a whole lot more of me if you were only open to the possibility.”
“I also like your intriguing mind.” She kissed him again and he kissed her back. In all the centuries that had passed her by, never had she taken one stolen moment like this and kept it all to herself. Being with him right now was all she desired.
“This could get rather addictive, rather fast.” He lifted his head and grinned at her, and she grinned right back, not that he could see her smile. “Don’t you think so, my elusive imp?”
“Very addictive and also very wrong.” She sank her hands into his hair and raked her nails lightly across his scalp. “Kirk, I dinnae wish for you to live a lonely life, so should you wish to join with another—I mean—you shouldnae miss out on all life has to offer just because your soul was bound to the wrong woman.”
“You are the perfect woman for me, and I’ve already given you my vow. I will not forsake it.” He rubbed his nose against hers. “You also need to give me something to hold onto, to keep my hope alive, that you might one day change your mind. Give me your promise in return, Cherub, that you’ll at least consider allowing our bond to take.”
“I cannae.” She shook her head, and he pressed his palms to her cheeks and followed her movement.
“I see. You’re going to be a stubborn mate.”
“I am not a stubborn mate but a wise one.” She palmed the back of his head and brought his mouth back to within a breath of hers. “I also wish for another kiss.”
“So do I. Of at least that we’re in complete agreement on.” He swooped in and kissed her, taking her breath away with his passion. He was a seduction she desired more of and she couldn’t help but give into her current need. Living a thousand years alone hadn’t been easy. ’Twas time to give into her destiny, even if only for this one night.
* * * *
Kirk kissed Cherub with all the longing he’d held deep inside him these past five years. He caressed her sides, roamed down and gripped her hips. He rolled them both until she came up on top of him, her cape sweeping his sides and her hood falling softly over her head. Within the cocoon of fur, he caught a glimmer of her features, one delicate earlobe, the partial sight dazzling and making him blink. Did her skin sparkle? Or was that just his imagination? Hell, he longed to see more of her, to have her fully uncloak herself, but so too he also understood her desire not to. She worried that in allowing their mated bond to take form, her calling to bring those who were soul bound together would no longer take precedence. Only she didn’t know him. He’d do all he could to aid her. Never would he hold her back from her duty.
“Mmm, Kirk.” She murmured his name against his lips then kissed him again, so deeply and compl
etely he fell into her silken web. Nowhere else did he desire to be other than right here with her. She scattered each and every one of his thoughts, so swiftly and decisively. All that roared through his mind was the need to mate, to mark his chosen one and to never let her go.
“I need more, Cherub.”
“I cannae allow a joining.”
“I understand, but surely you can allow me to see to your needs and mine, or at least to take the edge of this hunger riding us.” The front tie of her cape tickled his neck and he groped for the elusive ribbon, tugged it loose and pushed her cloak from her. As soon as the fur left her body, it became exposed to his sight in the moonlight. Eyes closed, he used every one of his bear’s senses to its fullest extent to memorize what he could of her. Her scent, fresher than the air itself, embedded itself deeply within him. He wanted to smother her in his own scent, to ensure all who came near her knew she belonged to him. Nuzzling her neck, he licked over her thumping pulse. The deep desire to bite her as his shifter kind did raced through his blood until it became an unstoppable beat.
One night. She’d promised him this one night, and he intended to make it the most memorable one she’d ever known. Following that, he’d continue to convince her of his pure intentions.
A low rumble vibrated in his chest as he pressed himself against her and sucked on her offered skin. She was all woman, and all his. “I need to bite you, and for you to bite me in return. Mark me as yours, Cherub.”
“It will mean naught.”
“Not to me it won’t.” He palmed the back of her head and held her mouth to his neck. As he did, he licked her erratic pulse point in the same spot.
“I shouldnae be doing this, only I cannae think straight right now.” She clutched his shoulders, her nails digging into his flesh then she shoved his collar to the side and exposed his skin.
“Don’t think about anything, only about doing.” He razzed her skin with his teeth then bit her.
“Oooh, that I like.” She arched into him, then dipped her head and sank her teeth into his skin in return.
Arousal hit him hard and fast.
“More, I need more.” She rocked against him and likely the same surge of desire raced through her as it did through him. Their bite wasn’t just a mark of claim but also a bite that brought on fierce sexual desire.
“If I do anything you don’t like, then tell me.” Slowly, he eased his hand inside the fabric of her bodice, the silk sliding sensuously across the back of his hand. He palmed her full breast and thumbed her peaking nipple. He needed to taste her. Gently, he eased the fabric over her shoulder and exposed her breast. He certainly damn well wished he could see her. Swiftly, he drew the bud deep inside his mouth and played the tip with his tongue. She tasted exquisite, and as he imbibed on her, she clung to him and pushed the sweet morsel even deeper into his mouth. He couldn’t halt his desire, didn’t even have the chance of doing so. He freed her other breast from its silken bond and gave it as much attention as he’d laved on the first.
“Dinnae stop. Bite me again, Kirk.”
“I’d love to.” He nipped the upper swell of her breast as he swept upward then sucked on the sensitive skin where her shoulder and neck met. “Ready?”
“Aye, I’m beyond ready.”
He bit down and she cried out, her gasp so sweet, as if she was on the brink of an orgasm. Damn it. If she was close, he intended to take her right over the edge and to the heights he desired for her to soar. Everything within him demanded he see to her every need. She’d given up her life for the care of her people, and he would do the same in a heartbeat for her as well. He rolled her onto her side, patted down her body and scrunched her gown’s hem up.
Even though he’d never touched a woman before, he certainly wasn’t unaware of what she’d need in order to reach the heights of ecstasy. Few would be who lived in his time. He slid his palm along her inner thigh and nudged her legs farther apart. She widened them and her heat and honey scent called to him. At the entrance to her core, he halted, his fingertips touching the soft curls guarding her most private place. “I need to touch you,” he rasped. “Deep inside. May I?”
“Kissing you is clearly dangerous.” Softly whispered words as the ties of his pants loosened at her invisible touch. “I’ve lived a long time, past, future and present included and there is little I’m unaware of that can happen between a man and a woman. I mean, I’ve never slept with a man, but if you touch me right now then I intend to touch you in return. I want to give you what you desire, or at least what I can for this one night.”
“I desire you and whatever you need.”
“And I desire the same for you, Kirk. Touch me.” She wrapped her hand around his cock and he nearly exploded at her touch right then and there.
“I’m all yours. Touch me too, as you please.” He eased his fingers between her folds and rubbed her slick nub. “And I mean for all time, Cherub, not just this one night. You’re my mate, the only woman I’ll ever touch, the only woman I’ll ever desire.”
Her need called to him, her sweet scent swirling seductively around him. All he wanted to do was wriggle down, flip her skirts higher and imbibe at the very heart of her. His bear fairly raged at him to do so. Instead he plunged one finger inside her hot channel and bumped his nose against hers as he tried to find her lips.
“I’m right here.” She angled her head and captured his mouth and kissed him, just as ravenously as he kissed her. She was the only one who could provide him with the ultimate sustenance he needed.
Aye she was his one and all, the only woman his soul would ever seek. He stroked deep inside her then pulled out to caress her clit, his desire to give her everything she needed roaring through him.
“Oh, that feels sooo good. Dinnae stop.” She worked his cock in long pulls then swiped her thumb over the head. His cock wept for more and he pushed deeper into her delicious touch.
“Your hand on me feels exquisite.” He licked along her neck and laved the mark he’d given her then plunged two fingers deep inside her channel. He intended to love her however he could. He nipped her skin, dotting each and every inch under his mouth as he moved toward her breasts. Living a lifetime at her side was a dream he intended to make a reality, although clearly convincing her of the same would be a challenge, although one he was more than up for. “Cherub, tell me exactly what you want me to do.”
“You’re doing everything and more than I could ever ask for.” She cupped his balls with one hand and with the other, she pumped his shaft. His spine tingled and a low burn hummed at the base of his spine, one that ricocheted around to the front and had him gritting his teeth to keep from coming.
“Damn it. I won’t come before you.” He drove his fingers into her and she whimpered and pushed her breasts against his chest.
“And I won’t come afore you.” She bit his neck and fire raced through his blood.
He exploded, his essence spurting from him in one fast burn. He coated her fingers and as he did, he sank his teeth into her neck and she cried out his name. Her inner core dragged his fingers in even deeper inside her and she came, over and over. He roared his pleasure. Never had he experienced such satisfaction as he had in this very moment, a satisfaction he intended to imbibe in again. Now, he just needed to convince his mate that he’d never accept another. Only her. He’d also never take her away from her duty but aid her in any and every way he could. She was his, if she was but willing to take a chance on him.
* * * *
Pure pleased raced through Cherub and she muffled her cries against Kirk’s neck. His cock pulsed in her hand just the same way as her inner channel pulsed around his fingers. When he’d slid his hand over her entrance and touched her very core, nothing had ever brought her such pleasure. He’d devoured her with his kisses and bites, as if he knew exactly what she needed and how to deliver it. Even now, he continued to slowly caress his fingers inside her as he gently brought them both back down.
She’d wanted this mom
ent with him, just as desperately as he’d wanted it.
“Are you all right?” he whispered in her ear.
“Very.” She cuddled into him and he wrapped his arms around her, his breaths coming slower until his beautiful golden eyes slowly slid shut and the long sweep of his eyelashes brushed his high cheeks. Long minutes passed. Quietly, she whispered his name, “Kirk?”
He didn’t stir.
Well, it appeared she’d exhausted her mate. How interesting.
Smiling, she carefully straightened his clothing then hers. Goodness. She’d been so hungry for him, and although born in an era when a woman would never act so wantonly with a man, she was different. She hadn’t remained in her true time for long before traveling the ages. And of late, she’d spent more time in the twenty-first century than here in the past. She was at home wherever her kin were, no matter the time or place.
With one finger, she touched her mate’s lower lip. He held such a deep well of love within his heart and she could see why the fates had allowed their bond to take form. She’d adored each and every one of his kisses and even though she hadn’t allowed a complete joining, in that moment when his seed had rushed forth from him and coated her fingers, she’d secretly wished his essence had instead spurted deep inside her.
More than a thousand years old and she’d never once been bedded. From the very beginning she’d chosen to remain alone, not once experiencing any desire to lie with a man. Those emotions had been a clear warning, that she would one day have a mate, that it would be just a matter of time before her soul became bound to another’s. It was as Nessa had said. There was only one…for both of them.
Kirk’s hold on her loosened as he fell deeper into sleep.
With a sigh, she wriggled free, her fingers so sticky. She’d wash up then wake him. Slippers kicked off and skirts scrunched high, she waded into the lapping surf and dunked her hands.
Highlander's Seduction (The Matheson Brothers Book 3) Page 3
