by Donna Grant
Val sighed. So Donald and his wife supplied you with food all these years?”
“Donald taught me how to use a slingshot to fell the smaller animals.”
“Amazing, Gabriel murmured.
Nicole yawned and pulled the blankets over her feet. Just thinking about her past put a chill over her soul.
Val reached over and placed his hand atop hers. A bolt of awareness shivered across her skin, and she slowly raised her gaze to his.
“It’s over now, Nicole.”
She nodded, not trusting her voice. Her gaze was locked with his, and she found herself wanting to know everything there was to know about Val.
“I’m going hunting, Gabriel said as he rose to his feet. Laird quickly stood and waited.
Val looked away, and Nicole took the time to calm her racing heart.
“For what? Val asked.
Gabriel chuckled as he picked up his bow and arrow. Food.”
“Be careful.”
“Laird will be with me. If something happens, I’ll send him to you.”
Val watched as Gabriel and his dog walked from the cave. With his rod hard with need, the last thing Val needed was to be alone with Nicole. He had seen the hunger in her eyes when she had stared at his mouth.
And when her pink tongue had darted out and licked her full lips, it had nearly been the death of him.
He wished he could say he wanted her so badly because it had been awhile since his body had found release, but it would be a lie. Maybe it was her innocence that he found alluring, but whatever it was, he knew he couldn’t act on it.
Not if he wanted to keep Nicole alive.
“Val?”
He nearly groaned at the husky sound of her voice. Slowly, he turned his head towards her. The uncertainty and nervousness in her violet eyes alerted him that she was about to ask something he wouldn’t like.
“What is it…. what I mean to say is, would you kiss me?”
Val jumped to his feet and backed away. When he saw the sorrow flicker across her beautiful violet eyes before she lowered them, he could have kicked himself.
“I shouldn’t be the one to kiss you.”
She played with the edge of the blanket and asked, Why?”
“My duty is to keep you safe.”
“I know. Her gaze rose to his then. I’ve never kissed anyone. I heard some of the village girls talking about it once. They said it made them feel weak in the knees.”
Val closed his eyes and groaned. He could well imagine what her full lips would taste like as he nipped and licked them until they parted. Then, he would sweep his tongue inside her mouth and let it mate with hers. Just thinking about it made his rod jump in anticipation.
“Is that what every kiss feels like? she asked.
Val opened his eyes to find her watching him intently. The fire cast a red-orange glow over her as she sat innocently, waiting for him to answer.
“Nay, he finally answered. Some kisses are chaste, some sweet, while others make you burn.”
“Burn, she repeated and sighed wistfully. I would like to receive a kiss that makes me burn.”
By the gods!
Val gripped the stone wall of the cave and forced himself to stand still and not lay her back on the blankets and give her a kiss that would make them both burn.
“Have you ever received a kiss that made you burn? she asked.
His breathing had increased and his rod strained painfully against his pants, but he refused to move even a hair’s breath.
“A few times, he said. Those kisses are few and far between.”
“Why?”
He shrugged. Sometimes you think you’ve found someone who will give you a kiss to make you burn, and although you enjoy the kiss, it isn’t everything you thought it would be.”
“Ah, she said and turned to study the fire.
Val used the opportunity to turn his back to her and adjust his aching rod. Despite the scar on his face, Val had always had an easy time finding women to share his bed. He didn’t have women coming to him in droves, but he rarely had one turn him down.
He looked over his shoulder and studied Nicole’s profile. She was an innocent in so many ways, and he knew she was curious about the world and men. Having been kept away from human contact for the most part, Nicole craved it desperately.
Just as he craved her.
He clenched his jaw and fisted his hands at his side. He would not give in to temptation and fail Nicole. His duty was to keep her safeeven from himself.
When a small hand touched his arm, he jerked around to find Nicole behind him.
“You seem angry, she said. Is everything all right?”
“It’s fine, he replied.
His gaze lowered to find her licking her lips again, and it was everything Val could do not to lean down and pull her tongue into his mouth.
“Do you find me unattractive? Is that why you won’t kiss me?”
His gaze snapped to her face. Unattractive? Nay.”
“Then please kiss me. Just one kiss and I won’t ask for anything else.”
She had no idea what she was asking for now, Val realized. I can’t, he said.
“All right, she said and moved past him.
“Where are you going?”
“To find Gabriel and see ifhe’ll kiss me.”
Val took hold of her arm and drug her back until she stood in front of him. You want a kiss? I’ll give you a kiss, he said and cupped either side of her face with his hands.
Her dark, silky hair flowed between his fingers as her violet eyes widened in surprise. Val lowered his head and placed his lips over hers.
He intended to give her a chaste kiss, but once his lips touched hers, he was lost.
Slowly, his lips moved over hers, kissing and tasting as he nipped and licked. When her mouth opened on a gasp, he slanted his mouth over hers and let his tongue explorer her mouth.
When she groaned and molded her body to his as her arms slid around his neck, Val knew he was lost. The kiss had gone far beyond what he had planned, but no matter what he told himself, he couldn’t end it.
Though she was an innocent in the art of kissing, she quickly learned and copied everything he did until Val found himself breathless with need.
His hands moved from her face, over her shoulders and down her back to pull her hard against him. Her soft curves fit him nicely, and her moans drove him onward, enticing him in a way he never expected.
He lost himself in the kiss, forgot everything and everyone around them. As the kiss lengthened, his desire grew until only one thing remainedNicole.
Just as he was about to lower her to the ground, something nudged his leg. It was then he became aware of his surroundings and that they were no longer alone.
Val ended the kiss and opened his eyes to see Laird standing beside him. He dropped his hands as Nicole stepped back and touched her lips.
“Is this what it feels like to burn? she asked, her eyes ablaze with desire.
As much as Val wanted to tell her the truth, he knew in order to keep her alive, he would have to lie. It was your first kiss. Most everyone burns after their first kiss.”
“Mine didn’t … make you burn?”
With the fire behind her and her face hidden in shadows, he couldn’t see her expression, but he heard the hurt in her voice.
“I prefer more experienced women, he said and hastily moved to the entrance of the cave.
As he breathed in the cold night air, he looked around for Gabriel and berated himself for kissing Nicole in the first place.
“Why did you lie?”
Val spun around to find Gabriel behind him. He didn’t know how much Gabriel had seen, but it was more than he would have liked. I had to.”
For a long moment Gabriel stared at him before turning on his heel and walking into the cave. * * * *
Aimery waited patiently for his king and queen to respond to the news h
e had just given them.
“Are you sure? King Theron asked.
Aimery nodded solemnly. No amount of my Fae power could move her from that place.”
“We must do something, Rufina said. She’s the fourth Chosen one.”
Aimery looked to his queen. I have complete faith in Val and Gabriel.”
“As do I, Rufina said. I didn’t mean to suggest otherwise, but even you had reservations about splitting the Shields up before. Now, three of them are at Stone Crest keeping three of the Chosen safe while two more battle an evil stronger than we’ve ever encountered.”
Aimery sighed deeply and stared at the floor with its beautiful blue tiles. We’ve encountered this evil before.”
“What? Theron thundered. You cannot mean….”
“I do, Aimery said and raised his head. It’s the great evil. Somehow he must have found Nicole as an infant just after she was brought to Earth. He’s had a hold on her ever since.”
He watched as Rufina took Theron’s hand, and they looked into each other’s eyes. No one had to tell Aimery that the collective silence of his sovereigns meant the doom they had tried thus far to avoid was nearly upon them.
“I haven’t given up, Aimery said.
Theron shook his head and helped Rufina from her throne. He bent and placed a kiss on Rufina’s protruding belly. Go rest and take care of our babe, my love.”
For once, Rufina didn’t question him. She kissed him before turning and slowly made her way out of the throne room.
Aimery turned to Theron when the door was closed behind the queen. What are your plans?”
“I wish it were that simple, Theron replied as he clasped his hands behind his back and walked across the large throne room to the opened balcony over lookingCaer Rhoemyr . If I weren’t king, my answer would be to keep my wife and unborn child safe, but I am king. I have an entire realm that is counting on me to keep them alive.”
“It’s not over yet, Aimery reminded him. Val is master of any weapon that he palms, and Gabriel with his bow is like having a dozen men at your back. Give them a chance, Theron.”
Theron’s Fae blue gaze held sadness as he turned to Aimery. The fates of two realms are in their hands, Aimery. There is nothing more we can do but wait and pray.”
“I can move the other three Chosen here.”
Theron shook his head. You know better than I that we cannot. It’s too risky a chance.”
“How do you know the great evil doesn’t already know where the three Chosen are?”
“Because, Theron said as he looked over the city of kings, if he did, they would already be dead. We’re cloaking them now, but it will only be a matter of time before he finds them.”
Aimery sighed and watched the sun sink below the mountain. He knew Theron was right, but he also knew the great evil was counting on killing Nicole, thereby ending any chance of the Fae or Shields killing him.
“There’s one more, Aimery blurted out. He turned to Theron as his king watched him. There were five Chosen left. We’ve found four.”
Chapter Ten
Despite the warmth of his fur lined cloak, Val couldn’t find the warmth he so desperately sought. He had taken the first watch since he needed to free his mind of Nicole.
Even now, hours later, he could still taste her kiss, a kiss that had burned him all the way to his soul. She would probably hate him now, but it was for the best. If he was distracted, he couldn’t keep her safe. It was a mistake he had made in the past, and he refused to make it again.
His eyes scanned the mountainside and the loch as he heard Gabriel walking toward him.
“Anything? Gabriel asked as he sat on the other side of the entrance.
Val shook his head. Nothing but the occasional animal.”
“I suspect him around midnight.”
“Most likely. They don’t call it the witching hour for nothing, Val said sarcastically.
He could feel Gabriel’s gaze on him. I’ve never seen you like this, Val. What makes this assignment so different? And don’t tell me it’s Nicole because I’ve seen you with women.”
“If I remember correctly, you’ve had your share of women.”
“But we aren’t talking about me, Gabriel pointed out.
Val shifted and looked away from his friend.
But Gabriel wasn’t about to give up. Does this have something to do with your family?”
“What gives you that idea?”
“Through all the years the Shields have been together, we learned something of each other along the way. Pretty soon, it isn’t hard to put the pieces together.”
Val took a deep breath before he blew it out and turned to look at Gabriel. I once gave a promise to keep someone safe, but I failed in that promise. I won’t do it again.”
“We’ve given promises to many people that we’ve saved from the creatures. You should have earned your redemption by now.”
Val shook his. I never made anyone a promise before today.”
Gabriel finally understood. He watched Val carefully, but didn’t say more. Whatever ate away at Val went deep, very deep. And wounds like that usually never healed.
He looked over his shoulder to see Nicole moving around near the fire as Laird sat and watched her. The kiss she and Val had shared had been as passionate as any he had seen, and despite what Val wanted to believe, Gabriel knew the kiss had lit a fire inside Val.
But he knew that no matter how hard Val tried to run, he wouldn’t be able to outrun his past. He would have to face it, but Gabriel knew better than to tell him that now.
Ever since they had arrived in Scotland Val had been different. Nay. That wasn’t right. Ever since they had found Nicole, Val had been different.
It all came back to Nicole. Yet, no matter how hard Gabriel tried, he couldn’t imagine how one lonely girl could get to Val as no other had been able to do.
His gaze slid past Val as he looked at the valley below. If he leaned out far enough, Gabriel could just make out the top of Nicole’s cottage. As it had been the night before, the mountain and loch were silent.
Too silent.
Gabriel ran his hand over his bow, marveling as he always did at the beauty of it and the intricate work the Fae had done to carve the symbols into the magic wood.
He pulled back on the string to test the bow, then reached over and pulled an arrow from his quiver. He glanced at the double headed arrow before he notched it and sighted down his arm.
With his arrow still notched, he swung his arm slowly from the left to the right, then just before he released the arrow, he raised his arms slightly.
A slight bing sounded when he released the arrow. He and Val watched as it sailed silently through the night to land in a grove of trees near Nicole’s cottage.
Gabriel wasn’t surprised to hear the wounded howl of an animal.
Val rose to his feet. The Gryphon.”
“Aye.”
“How did you know?”
Gabriel shrugged. I smelled him.”
“Good. Stay here with Nicole, Val said and started out of the cave.
Gabriel quickly caught his arm and yanked him back. I’m not letting you go down there alone.”
“He needs to be killed, Val stated.
“I’m not arguing that, but rushing down there alone to get yourself killed isn’t the answer.”
Val brushed a hand through his hair. He knew Gabriel was right, and it wasn’t like him to act without thinking. At least it hadn’t been before Nicole. Now all he could think about was keeping her safe at all costs.
“You’re right, he said. Our best defense is here.”
“There’s the old Val I knew, Gabriel said with a smile. Welcome back.”
“Kiss my arse.”
Gabriel wrinkled his nose. Not for all the magic of the Fae.”
Despite his mood, Val chuckled. Gabriel wasn’t known for his jokes, but he always se
emed to know when one of them was in need of something or other.
“Thanks.”
Gabriel waved away his words. Thank me by staying alive. I’ve no desire to fight this creature alone.”
For hours they sat, but the Gryphon didn’t attack. Sometime in the early morning hours, Val left Gabriel to keep watch and moved to the back of the cave.
The fire had begun to die down, so he moved more wood onto the embers and coaxed them back into flames. Satisfied that the fire would burn for an hour or more, he turned to see Nicole huddled in a little ball.
He pulled another blanket over her, and lay on his pallet that was next to hers. Laird was lying on Gabriel’s pallet softly snoring.
Val couldn’t help but smile at the picture they made. He stretched and winced as he felt a stone under his pallet. After removing the stone, he lay back down and thought of a soft feather mattress.
Although he was used to sleeping on the ground, Nicole was not and deserved to be in her own bed. He inwardly groaned as he thought of Nicole again. She was constantly in his thoughts, and he didn’t like it.
He closed his eyes and told himself to forget Nicole and sleep. Though he tried to sleep, he was only able to doze for a few moments at a time. Every time Nicole moved he would come awake.
It was nearly dawn when he rolled onto his side and found himself facing her. As he gazed at her beautiful face, he couldn’t help but recall their kiss, a kiss that he wanted desperately to repeat.
A kiss that hadn’t just made him burn, it had scorched him.
Before he knew what he was doing, he found himself scooting between his pallet and hers. He gently rolled her onto her back and watched as she slowly came awake.
“Nicole, he whispered, before he leaned down and lost his battle with temptation.
She didn’t resist him as his lips moved over hers. When she sighed and ran her hands up his chest, he wound his hands in her blanket to keep from molding them to her breasts.
When she opened for him, Val slanted his mouth over hers and drank from her sweet nectar. And with each taste, he found his need grew.
