The Reluctant Amazon (Alliance of the Amazons)

by Sandy James

  A one-room cabin. And it was in shambles. Some of the furniture was upended and pushed against the walls as if someone had tried to open up a large space in the middle of the room. Pictures lay on the floor in crumpled frames and piles of shattered glass. Curtains fluttered in the light breeze, blowing through windows that held no panes. “What happened to this place? It looks like a hurricane went through here.”

  “Oh, aye.” He chuckled. “’Twas a wicked storm you made.”

  “I made? What are you—?” But the memory wouldn’t come. “I don’t understand.”

  “You don’t remember?” He pulled the diaper from Bonnie, folded it together and secured it with the attached tape. He clucked his tongue at her. “’Tis a muckle lot of mess you made, lassie.” He wrinkled his nose. “I’ve no idea how such a wee bairn could create such a big stink.” Dropping the diaper in a small trash pail that was miraculously upright, Artair glanced around. “I need a washing cloth.”

  This Rebecca understood. “There are some in that blue container.”

  His gaze settled on an upended box of wet wipes. “Thank ye kindly.” Grabbing the box, he removed a few cloths and proceeded to clean Bonnie. Once that task was complete, he looked around again.

  “Under the crib. The big box.”

  Artair nodded. Then he took a new diaper from the battered carton.

  She stifled a chuckle watching him open the diaper then turn it this way and that, having trouble figuring out which end was which. With a huff, he chose a tack and went about diapering the baby.

  “Where’d you learn to do that?” She slowly worked her way to her feet. The room had a nasty habit of shifting from moment to moment, and her muscles ached as if she’d overexerted training. She hadn’t hurt this bad since her first week in Avalon, and she hadn’t been this dizzy since the day after her bachelorette party where she’d drank far too many jumbo-sized strawberry margaritas.

  That seemed a million years ago.

  “I’ve nae learned it. I’m just…improvising.” Artair picked up the baby. She giggled as he rubbed his lightly whiskered face against her cheek. Then he held her to his shoulder. “Seems that all of her important parts are covered. ’Tis all that matters.”

  Rebecca smiled and nodded. “You called her Bonnie. Is that her name?”

  “I don’t really know, but ’tis the name I’ve given her for now.” He patted the baby’s diapered bottom. “Seemed to fit such a bonny lassie.”

  Forcing herself to take inventory of the damage she’d sustained, she gaped at her clothing, at least what was left of it. Her workout pants were practically shredded, as was her shirt. She looked like some castaway from a shipwreck.

  Bits and pieces of the ordeal came back to her, and she took a deep, shuddering breath. What had she almost become? And how did she return to being herself? The memories were too vague, too cloudy, too hard to grasp.

  She remembered the voices of the Ancients, how they swam in her head, drowning out her own intentions. And she remembered Sparks.

  She hadn’t been able to save her friend. How could she live with the guilt? “Where did you take Sparks?”

  Artair sighed. “The changelings took her as we slept. They’re preparing her body for burial.” He frowned. “’Tis nae your fault, sweeting.”

  “I couldn’t save her. I didn’t have enough time. Not after I saved you—” The words froze her clear through to her bones. She’d lost him—even if only for a moment, she’d lost him. “Oh, my God. You were dead. I saw it with my own eyes. How did I—how did I bring you back?”

  He came to Rebecca and pulled her to sit with him on the side of the bed. “’Tis an ancient power granted to some goddesses, especially to those born of Gaia.”

  “Gaia? My mother? I don’t understand.”

  “Well, most of it’s still a mystery to me as well. I didn’t have time to question Rhiannon last night.” He stroked Bonnie’s back. “I had my lasses to tend to.”

  “Rhiannon. I think I remember her being here. She helped me? She really helped me?”

  “Aye, she helped you. She brought you back to your humanity.” His eyes scanned the room. “You’re responsible for this.”

  Rebecca let her gaze follow his. With the exceptions of Bonnie’s crib, the changing table and the bed they sat on, everything else in the place was destroyed. “I did all of this? How?”

  “I’m nae sure. As Rhiannon pulled the powers from you, this was the result.”

  She leaned her weary head against his shoulder and rubbed her fingertips across the brooch she kept pinned over her heart. “Do we go back to Avalon now? Do we go back home and plan how to find Helen?”

  He kissed the top of her head. “Aye. The goddesses have restored our home, but I’m nae sure what we will do about Helen. ’Twill nae be an easy thing to resolve. Her magicks are strong, and she’s a goddess now.”

  “Like I was a goddess. Oh, Artair, I hated it. And I—I loved it.” The power had been all-consuming, and for a moment she regretted the loss of something that commanding. But the disappointment was quickly gone, replaced by gratitude to no longer have the Ancients controlling her. Being an Amazon was all she wanted. Being with Artair was all she needed. “When can we go home? I want to go back to Avalon.”

  Rhiannon popped in so fast Rebecca jumped in surprise.

  Artair set Bonnie in Rebecca’s arms and stood to salute the goddess. “M’lady, as always, your timing is impeccable.”

  Rhiannon glared at him then turned her gaze to Rebecca.

  Rebecca had a million questions for the goddess, but at that moment, she could only stare down at the big blue eyes that held her transfixed. “Hi, Bonnie. I’m Rebecca.”

  Bonnie smiled and gurgled an answer. A small bubble formed between her lips.

  Rebecca’s heart was forever lost to the little girl. She hugged Bonnie and sighed in happiness. “I’ll take care of you. I’ll love you.”

  “Bonnie?” Rhiannon arched an eyebrow at Artair.

  “Aye. You failed to tell me her name.”

  “’Twould seem that mattered little since you chose a new one for her,” Rhiannon scolded before her face softened. “Nay, she has a new life. She should have a new name. She may stay with you and my Earth.”

  Rhiannon snapped her fingers, and Beagan and Dolan appeared in the cabin. Each held a bundle of clean clothing. Their gazes settled on Rebecca and Bonnie.

  “A child!” Beagan squealed. He hurried to the bed and dropped the clothes on the quilt. “We will have a child to care for.”

  Dolan followed Beagan to the bed and dropped off his bundle as well. “Oh, mistress. A child. We always wanted a child to tend.”

  Rebecca smiled at the changelings. “I know the feeling.”

  Beagan reached out to stroke Bonnie’s curly hair. “A child,” he said again.

  Dolan had tears in his eyes. “We have come to take her to Avalon. We have prepared your new home.” He looked up at Artair. “Rhiannon had us prepare a home for you and your new family.”

  “Family?” Rebecca asked in a breathless whisper. “Our family?”

  The smile Artair gave her warmed her through and through. “Aye, Becca mine. Our family.”

  Rhiannon cleared her throat.

  “Rhiannon,” Rebecca said with a grateful nod, “I can’t thank you enough for all your help.”

  “Yes, well…you are my Amazon after all. How is the child?”

  “She is well,” Artair replied. “Probably a bit hungry, though.”

  Rhiannon turned her attention back to Rebecca. “I came to discuss your mother. Gaia.”

  “Aye,” Artair drawled. “’Tis time we solve this mystery.”

  Rhiannon waved in dismissal, an action Rebecca had grown accustomed to. “There is no mystery, MacKay. Gaia has been in hiding amongst humanity for millennia, and she does not wish to be found. After eons of being tortured by her sons and her husbands, she wanted some peace. Unfortunately, she has a hard time controlling her s
exual appetites. She is, after all, Mother Earth and is sensual and loving. She asked for my help when she discovered I was searching for powerful warriors. She wanted her daughters to be free of their connection to her, free from the danger that tie would mean to them. Her daughters now become my Amazons.”

  “And her sons?” Artair asked.

  Rhiannon dismissed the question with another wave of her hand. “’Tis a story for another time.”

  “But then, wouldn’t I be a goddess? If I’m the daughter of a goddess, wouldn’t I be one too? I don’t want to be—”

  Rhiannon interrupted with a shake of her head. “Nay, you are a mere human. Born of Gaia and whatever human lover she had taken at the time. She does not consort with the Ancients, choosing to dwell among the humans, constantly changing her incarnation to remain young. Gaia’s blood makes you sufficiently strong to be an Amazon, but it alone is not enough to make you a goddess. You needed a sacrifice to ensure your ascension.” She turned to Artair. “A sacrifice of one who loves you very much.”

  Rebecca shuddered at the memory of Artair’s death, trying brush it aside, yet knowing that it would haunt her for the rest of her life.

  “Have you told her, Sentinel?” Rhiannon asked with a delicately arched eyebrow. “Have you told her of her new status?”

  “Nay,” Artair replied with a note of anxiety in his voice. “I was waiting for a moment of privacy, m’lady.”

  Rebecca had no idea what they were talking about, and she was sick and tired of feeling ignorant. “Artair? What does she mean? What new status?”

  His eyes held so much tenderness, the breath caught in her throat. “Patience, Becca mine. We shall talk. Soon.”

  “Promise?”

  “Aye.”

  Beagan and Dolan still fussed over Bonnie, wanting to hold her. Rebecca reluctantly handed the baby to Dolan, who cradled Bonnie as if she was the most delicate of crystal. The changeling was crying with happiness. Beagan stood at his side, no less overjoyed. Bonnie would have two very devoted nannies.

  Suddenly, she was exhausted, feeling her strength disappear. She lay back on the bed, letting her head fall on the pillow that still bore Artair’s wonderful scent.

  Beagan knit his brows. “Are you unwell, mistress?”

  “I’m fine. Just really tired. Since Bonnie has you and Dolan to take care of her, I figured I could rest for a little bit.”

  Artair pressed the back of his hand to her forehead. “Are you ill, lass? Have you a fever?”

  “I’m fine, Artair. Really. I just need some more sleep.” Rebecca gave him a weak smile.

  He didn’t appear convinced. “Perhaps the changelings should take Bonnie back to Avalon. You can get your rest and we can talk. Then we’ll join them.”

  Reluctant to let Bonnie go, she hesitated.

  Artair made the decision for her. “Go on, lads. Take the bairn and get her settled in. We will join you later.”

  Needing no further encouragement, they scampered out the door.

  “I shall leave you now to your discussion.” Rhiannon extended her palm and blinked. A cell phone appeared. Handing it to Artair, she said, “Call Johann when you are ready to return to Avalon. He will come fetch you.”

  The goddess left as abruptly as she had arrived.

  Artair put the phone on the changing table then sat next to Rebecca.

  “She’ll be fine with them,” Rebecca said, not knowing if she was reassuring herself or Artair.

  “Aye. Bonnie will have the best of care. And you, Becca mine, need some rest.” He sat down on the side of the bed and reached out to stroke her cheek with the back of his knuckles. “Are you truly well?”

  “Yeah.” She closed her eyes. “Just really, really tired. Come back to bed. I need you to hold me.”

  As she gave in to her fatigue, the mattress shifted under his weight. Wrapped in his arms, she sighed and let sleep claim her.

  “Rest, sweeting.” He smoothed her hair back and kissed her neck. “We have much to talk about when you’re rested.”

  * * *

  Heat lured her, enveloped her, excited her. Nibbling kisses against her neck made her tilt her head to give the lips that teased her a little better access.

  “Umm,” she purred. “That feels wonderful.”

  Artair chuckled then continued his assault on her senses. His lips trailed a path across her throat as his hand slid under her tattered shirt, up her ribcage and to her breast. With a growl, he pulled the shirt over her head and helped her take off her bra.

  Before she could return any of his attention, his lips had already latched on to her breast. She arched against him, lacing her fingers through his hair. Heat flowed through her, settling between her thighs. His erection pressed against her leg, telling her he had already discarded his plaid. Skin to skin gave her a rightness she’d never known before.

  Kissing his way down her belly, he eased off her torn workout pants and panties. Rebecca caressed his shoulders, lifting her hips to help him in his important task. Expecting him to return to kissing her, she gasped in surprise when his kiss wasn’t against her lips but applied to the very core of her. With an amused chuckle, he proceeded to love her with his mouth and very talented tongue.

  Nothing had ever felt so wonderful. Nothing had ever made her know the kind of longing and ecstasy Artair brought to her. She tugged on his hair, unable to find the words to let him know how wonderful what he was doing felt. The only things spilling from her lips were moans and breathless pants.

  Then her mind formed a word, and it worked its way aloud. “Now.”

  She didn’t have to ask twice. He rose over her and entered her with a thrust that filled her completely. But he didn’t move, didn’t start that fantastic rhythm that would take her to the stars. The delicious length of his muscular body rested against hers, but he hesitated.

  Rebecca hadn’t realized her eyes were squeezed shut until she forced them open.

  Artair stared at her with such intensity, she was almost frightened. Supported on his elbows, he cupped her face in his calloused hands. “Becca, this seals our vow.”

  She didn’t understand, didn’t honestly care. Raising her hips to meet his, she tried to encourage his response. Still firm and full inside her, he wouldn’t move. “I—I don’t understand.”

  “I have made you my wife, lass. We said the vows, we now seal them.” He withdrew slowly, tauntingly, then glided back inside, drawing a contented moan from her. “You are my wife. Say the words to me, Becca mine. Say ye belong to me now and forever.” Artair repeated the torturing motion. “Say it.” His voice bore a trace of fear and an edge of desperation.

  “Now and forever, Artair. I’m yours now and forever.”

  He took her breath away with the force of his kiss, the seductive motion of his hips, the exploration of his hands. She couldn’t get enough of him, couldn’t tell where he ended and she began. The bed rocked with the force of his movements as he thrust into her again and again.

  Rebecca gasped, feeling every muscle knot into an almost unbearable tension, then wave after wave of delight rolled through her. She called his name, begging him to join her in release.

  Breathing her name hoarsely in her ear, Artair thrust into her one last time. Joined as one, their hearts beat a frantic rhythm, as they slowly descended back to earth.

  Reluctant to release him, she wrapped her arms around his neck. Still marveling in what they had just shared, she sighed. Suddenly, another word found its way to her lips. “Wife?”

  He gave a contented grunt before rolling to his back, dragging her with him. She found herself sprawled on his chest.

  “Aye, lass. You’re my wife. By Scottish custom, we have handfasted.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Nay. I wouldn’t tease over such a claim.”

  He sounded angry, so she tried to soothe him. “I didn’t know that was possible, that we could marry without a minister and a license. A handfast?”

  “In da
ys of old, priests were often hard to come by in the Highlands. If a lass and a lad did not wish to wait to be wed, they would pledge their troths to each other. ’Tis called a handfast.”

  “Don’t we need a witness?” It couldn’t be that easy, as simple as vowing to belong to each other.

  “No witness is required.” He held such love in his eyes, her heart flipped in response. “You are my wife, Becca mine. I cannot lose you again. You are my life, and I will stand at your side until the day you die.”

  Fear wrapped around her like swaddling, dulling the beautiful words she’d wanted to hear for so long. “Until I die. But you’ll never die. You’ll never be a mortal again. You’ve given up everything you wanted for me.” Rebecca tried to scramble away.

  Artair reached out to grab her shoulders. “Listen to me, Becca. This is what I wanted. You are who I wanted. I didn’t have to leave Avalon to find a wife. She came to me. And my child. She came to me as well. I have given up nothing and gained everything. I love you.”

  “You mean it? You really mean it?”

  His growl betrayed his frustration. “Lass, will you never understand how wonderful you are? Will you never see how special you are? How beautiful you are in mind and body? I love you. I love you beyond all I thought possible. You are my wife, and I am truly blessed by the Ancients to have you want me in return, to have a woman who understands my life.”

  “But Rhiannon—”

  “She knows.”

  “She knows?”

  He nodded. “She accepts us as we are, as husband and wife.”

  She leaned down to kiss him. A long, slow, tender kiss.

  “Wife,” she said in a breathless whisper. “I’m your wife.”

  “Aye. Are you sorry, lass?”

  “Are you kidding me? I love you, Artair MacKay. I’ve loved you for the longest time.”

  “And I love you, Rebecca MacKay. I will love you for all my life.”

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  “Stop fussing.” Megan brushed Sarita’s hand away from Rebecca’s hair. “She looks fine.”