The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook*

by Shannon Barczak

  His unique, spicy scent was intoxicating. I felt a spasm rip through his body and the sound that rumbled through his chest made me moan. I felt my breasts swell with need, and I rubbed them against his leg to relieve some pressure against my swollen nipples. I cupped his balls gently and rolled them until I felt them tighten.

  I pulled back and lightly blew little wisps of air all around his penis. I gently scraped my nails up and down from one end to another before returning my lips back over his swollen member. I picked up my pace and went wild with my mouth all over him.

  “Fuck, Willa. I’m going to come.” His voice was rough and grating. He tried to push me away, but I thrust his cock even further down my throat until I felt his warmth fill my mouth. His entire body shuddered as I took all of his sweet juice. He muttered almost incoherent praise for my actions, but I wasn’t looking for that. If I could give even half the pleasure that he had already given me than I was happy.

  I licked him until there was nothing left. I was somewhat taken aback that he was still quite hard and was fully capable of having sex with me right even after my overeager performance. But this wasn’t the time or place, and I was ok with that. I did this for him. I did this to show him that he was the only one I could see. If the most powerful witch or Fae Lord put a spell on me, I would still want him.

  He pushed me down to the floor so quick I could barely let out a shriek. My dress was pulled up, and my panties discarded before I knew what had happened. I felt his fangs sink deep into my thigh near the juncture of my sex, and my hips started to buck. When he slid his finger inside of me, the orgasm that ripped through my body was instantaneous and powerful.

  I was still coming down from the blanket of orgasmic haze when I noticed he had withdrawn his fangs and was looking at me thoughtfully.

  “I would never in a million years ever think you were weak,” he said. “You have more balls than most of the men I’ve ever known.”

  “That’s like the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me.”

  He got up and held out his hand. I stood unsteadily on my feet for a minute. My legs still were shaking slightly, and my hair was sticking out everywhere. We both managed to straighten ourselves up but not before a few hard kisses Mathias placed on my swollen lips.

  As we walked out of his office, he grabbed my hand and kissed it. I was almost overwhelmed by the gentlemanly act. Maybe giving him oral satisfaction was the key to taming him. I shook my head at my trashy line of thought and continued walking.

  “I’ll knock your fairy white teeth out,” he murmured. “That was a good one. I might steal that.”

  “I aim to please.” I said saucily. The bounce was back in my step, and I was ready for the next challenge.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “This is a giant waste of time, isn’t it?” I asked Mathias an hour later. We were holed up in the tower room. I made it about three inches closer to the paintings than last time before I almost passed out again.

  “Julia said that you weren’t ready yet.” he replied

  “But that’s just it. I have no clue what that means. What else is there for me to figure out?”

  “Maybe you’re trying too hard.”

  We both looked up when the door opened. My face broke out into a smile when I saw my grandfather and Gabriel. I had only seen him briefly at the reception, so this was a nice surprise.

  “What are you doing here Pops?” I asked as I gave him a hug

  “I heard a rumor that you were up in the tower room,” he said. “I thought I would come and see if there was anything I could do.”

  “Can you get these paintings to open?” I asked

  “No.” he answered with a sigh. “If I could, I would.”

  “Maybe you’re just trying too hard.” Gabriel offered

  “That is a brilliant observation Gabriel.” Mathias smirked

  I turned back towards the table and began to concentrate but again it was like I was hitting a brick wall. Every spell I had tried failed miserably. I knew it had only been less than twenty four hours since we found them, but I had naively hoped this would be a piece of cake.

  “Maybe it’s like making pastry dough.” Archie said thoughtfully

  I looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean?”

  “You know how hard pastry dough can be to make, right?” he asked. “Sometimes it comes out too thick and sometimes it comes out too thin. The more you play around with it, the tougher the mixture can become. The best thing to do sometimes is to walk away from it for a while. You can go about making your filling and getting your pans greased. Then when you come back to it you realize exactly what it was you were doing wrong. There’s nothing quite like a proper tart is there?”

  I let his words wash over me. Pops were right. The more frustrated I became, the less likely it was that I was going to get these paintings to open.

  “You’re a pretty wise fellow that’s been in a cell for hundred and thirty four years.”

  “I’d appreciate it very much if you tell your grandmother that.” Archie smiled. “We’re bakers Willa. We know that the most important rule in baking is patience. You can’t rush perfection.”

  We had chatted for a few more minutes before my grandfather and Gabriel took their leave. I felt a little better. Even though, these paintings were almost an obsession for me, I still had to bide my time.

  “So are you ready to go home?” Mathias asked

  “I guess.” I said in resignation. Then I thought of something. “Oh no, I invited Sidra and Kelvin over for brunch tomorrow. We’re going to have to make a quick run to the grocery store.”

  “The grocery store?” Mathias asked

  “Yes.” I said slowly. “It’s a building where people go to buy food.”

  “I know what a grocery store is Willa,” he replied aggravated. “I’m just not looking forward to going with you of all people.”

  “Why?” I asked. “Is there something wrong with me? Are you embarrassed to be seen with me?”

  “No.” he replied in exasperation. “It’s just I have a feeling going to the grocery store with you is like taking a classroom full of six year olds to the toy store.”

  “Don’t hate on my love of food.” I replied. “This is going to be so much fun!”

  Two hours later we arrived back at my house loaded down with my purchases. Not only did I con Mathias into going to the grocery store but I also talked him into going to the florist with me and pick up pizza for dinner.

  I floated through the door basking in normal domesticated bliss.

  “Hey, what did you get?” Polly asked. She was sitting on my couch flipping through the channels on the TV.

  “I had to pick up some stuff for this brunch I’m having tomorrow for Sidra, Kelvin and my parents. Then I realized I should probably pick up some fresh flowers for the table. After that, I was Starvin’ Marvin so we got some pizza for dinner.”

  “What did you get me?” she asked

  “The usual,” I answered, “Large, light on the cheese, and fresh tomatoes.”

  “Yum,” Polly said as she came into the kitchen to help us unload. “What are you making for brunch?”

  “Eggs benedict, but instead of ham, I’m going to do a spinach and prosciutto cake. Bacon wrapped asparagus with shaved parmesan. A fresh fruit compote and mini cheese Danishes with a blueberry frosted swirl.”

  “Save me a plate.” she said. “So how did it go? Did you insult anyone or make them cry?”

  I gave her my full report of the reception while we finished up in the kitchen and settled down with dinner. Mathias had skipped the pizza and instead ordered a hamburger, unsalted fries, and bread sticks. I was shocked to see him scarf it all down within minutes. Usually he ate very little. Even Polly looked a little taken aback.

  “Hungry?” I asked

  “For some reason I find myself overcome with hunger.” he answered

  “Maybe it was the extra amount of exertion from this afternoon.” I said
with a secret smile thinking of our afternoon office rendezvous.

  Mathias stared back at me steadily before returning to his burger. I felt a rush of satisfaction when I noticed the corners of his mouth turn up in a small grin.

  “Ok, I am so not going there.” Polly said. “I have a surprise for you.”

  “I’m never sure to be filled with excitement or dread when you say that.” I replied

  “Stop being a hater.” she ordered. “The ‘Pride and Prejudice’ miniseries is on TV tonight.”

  “Are you serious?” I asked. I adored anything Jane Austen but ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was my favorite.

  Before I could stop myself, I started quoting Elizabeth Bennet. “There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.”

  “Here she goes.” Polly said rolling her eyes before biting into her pizza.

  “You are too generous to trifle with me. If your feelings are still what they were last April, tell me so at once. My affections and wishes are unchanged but one word from you will silence me on this subject forever.”

  My mouth opened, but no words came out. Did Mathias just quote Jane Austen to me? Did he realize that particular quote was Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth?

  “So were you alive when that book came out Mathias?” Polly asked. Her question broke through the sudden seriousness that had come over the meal.

  “Yes I was,” he answered. “It caused quite an uproar in the ton when it was released.”

  “I can’t even imagine witnessing all that you have seen.” I said absently. My mind still lingered on his poetic words that he had quoted.

  “Why don’t you ladies go and get ready for bed?” he offered. “I’ll clean up dinner and take care of the dogs.”

  I knew even to argue with Mathias would be hopeless. I could tell by his expression he realized that he had let his guard down and that this was his way of regaining control.

  Polly and I walked downstairs in silence. When we finally reached the bathroom, she shut the door and whispered. “Did he just quote a proposal of marriage?”

  “Yeah,” I said nodding my head

  “Holy crap!” she exclaimed

  We both dissolved in giggles. I felt like a school girl as we washed up and slipped into my pajamas. We finally settled down when we climbed onto my bed, only to erupt into laughter once more as Mathias and the dogs came downstairs.

  I never made it through the whole miniseries. I fell asleep with a smile on my face and lightness in my heart.

  The next morning I rushed around the kitchen trying to get ready for brunch. Polly had helped me with the food and Riah had helped with setting the table when he arrived to take over his shift. Mathias had given me one searing look before he left which left me weak in the knees. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could stand this whole sexual tension thing that we had going.

  I decided right then and there to put a stop to any more sleepovers. The only person from this point on that was sleeping in my bed was Mathias.

  Preferably naked.

  When my parents arrived with Sidra and Kelvin, I was on the edge. For some reason, I still didn’t feel entirely comfortable around them. I knew that it was probably because I was holding back part of myself. We still hadn’t told them what was going on and after their warm greeting yesterday I felt a little guilty.

  Maybe the time had come finally to spill the beans.

  I decided to talk to my grandmother and Mathias soon about bringing them into our small group. I knew we had to inform them of the situation, but I still wanted to keep this as quiet for as long we could. I felt like we were so close to solving this mystery. Any slip up now could put all of us in jeopardy.

  The morning went extremely well. Sidra and Kelvin both seemed to not only adore my house and its amazing view, but they also were charmed by Cupcake. Oscar watched the gathering attentively but stayed near the back sliding doors.

  We had just settled in the living room to have a final cup of tea when Kelvin turned to my father and remarked on the strong presence of the Rau.

  My parents and I stiffened up, but we tried to keep the expression on our faces casual. My dad tried to brush his father’s question off as smoothly as he could.

  “There are a lot more in the area than we are used to but the Guardians do not seem too concerned.” Cormac’s lie rolled smoothly off his tongue

  “Still son it seems highly unusual.” Kelvin pressed with his questioning

  “Are you sure it’s not because of Willa?” Sidra asked. “Do you think they may have caught wind of her existence?”

  “That’s something that Mathias is looking into at the moment.” Cormac answered

  “The protective barriers will hold.” Cecily said. “There is nothing to worry about right now. They are a mere nuisance.”

  I stayed quiet through the exchange. When I finally did look up from my tea cup, I caught my grandmother’s eye. It was almost like she was sitting there waiting for me to tell her what was going on. I thought back to our first visit four months ago, and I was reminded of her staring at me that way as well. Sidra wasn’t stupid. She knew that something wasn’t quite right but instead of interrogating me or my parents she seemed to be waiting patiently for us to feel comfortable enough to confide in her.

  “You hoo,” Polly’s voice rang through the air as she let herself in the back door, “Hey everyone, sorry to interrupt.”

  “You’re not interrupting at all Ms. Woods.” Kelvin said cordially. “Will you join us for some tea?”

  “No, I’m good thanks,” she answered. “I just came over because Willa and I need to start getting ready for the ball.”

  “It’s seven hours away.” I replied

  “I know. Not a lot of time,” she said. “We have to do our hair. Give each other manicures and pedicures. Then, of course, it wouldn’t hurt to do a little waxing.”

  I have never been so grateful for Polly’s bluntness.

  “Hi Riah,” she said brightly as she spotted him lounging in the dining room. “So what’s your opinion on Brazilians?”

  Riah looked thoughtful and had just opened his mouth to answer when my mother suddenly stood up. “I do believe Polly is right. We should get back to the castle so we can get ready for the evening. I also should see if my mother needs any help.”

  Sidra chuckled. “Knowing Winifred I’m sure she has it under control but I also need to get back as well. I told Breena I would help her with her gown. The zipper on her dress got caught in the traveling trunk, and she was almost hysterical this morning.”

  “I can help if you’d like?” my mother offered. “I’m very handy with alteration spells.”

  “I hope so.” I said. “Or else tonight is going to be a bust, literally.”

  “Didn’t you try on your dress?” she asked anxiously

  “I’ve been busy.” I answered in chagrin

  After a few more minutes of my mother fussing they finally left. I let out a deep breath and turned to Riah. “They know something is not right.”

  “I hate to say I told you so, but I’m sorry Willa. You really need to tell them.” he answered

  “That can wait until tomorrow.” Polly said. “We need to get beautiful for tonight.”

  I let Polly pull me downstairs and for the next several hours we polished and primped ourselves to the nines. Polly was a master at hair and makeup. I almost didn’t recognize myself when I looked into the mirror.

  My skin looked flawless and glowing. I’m not sure if it was because of the makeup or the face mask I had applied. Polly had given my deep conditioned hair a blowout that made it look extra shiny. She then had used wide rollers to give me a fifties' style pin curl look that had my long hair wave perfectly around my face.

  She persuaded me to let her apply a soft smoky eye and then finished it with a dark red colored lipstick. When I put on my dress, I breathed a sigh of relief that it fi
t even better than before. I slipped my feet into a pair of black stilettos and twirled around in front of the mirror.

  “You look like a movie star.” Polly stated as she joined me by the mirror. “Rita Hayworth has nothing on you.”

  “You look equally stunning.” I said. Polly’s flapper dress made her look long and lean. She had also done herself up with perfectly applied makeup. Even the wide headband with the feathers looked amazing on her. Her one nod to staying true to herself was her black biker boots.

  My phone rang, and I answered it with a sultry, “Hello?”

  “Are you ladies ready?” Mathias asked impatiently

  “We are ready. Be prepared to be knocked off your socks.” I replied. “Oh shoot, I forgot earrings…Polly what earrings should I wear with this dress?”

  Polly and I continued to have an earring powwow for a minute before Mathias’s voice bellowed through the phone. “Can you at least send Polly at up? Milton is waiting to escort her.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked. “I thought we were all going together?”

  “The royal family usually arrives at the ball last.” he answered

  Polly gave me a hug before heading upstairs. I rummaged through my small jewelry box and settled on simple diamond studs that my parents had given me for my birthday several years ago. I grabbed my small beaded clutch and slowly headed up the stairs.

  When I stepped into the living area, I looked around in confusion. The house was empty. I had no idea where Mathias had gone. The doorbell rang, and I almost jumped out of my skin. I was almost certain that answering the door was a big no-no in Mathias’s rule book.

  Answer the door. It’s me. Mathias said in my head

  How do I know it’s really you? Maybe you’re an imposter.

  Open. The. Fucking. Door.

  It’s him, I thought happily. I opened the door and was completely unprepared for the sight before me. Mathias was fully decked out in a tux, and he looked good. Correction he looked James Bond amazing.

  I was so busy drinking in the sight of him I didn’t register the fact that he seemed to be doing the same. I found myself uncharacteristically shy under his appraising stare.