by Jana LaPelle
Standing on tip toes, I pull his mouth down to meet my own, and whisper against his lips, “That’s all I need, all we need from you, just be yourself. You’re perfect just the way you are. Now, Elf-Man, just kiss me. We’re not complete without you. I need your touch. I need you to love me.”
He sighs and pulls me closer and I melt into him. “Whatever you need, Ash. I’m here for you.”
“Love me, Alaric.” I sigh into his touch and relax into my mate, “Just hold me, I’ve missed you so much.”
“And I have missed you, more than I can bear.”
Our need for one another takes precedence, and Alaric quickly takes control. In moments I’m on my back, Alaric poised above me with a wicked smile on his lips, his dimples popping out, God, how I’ve missed those dimples. Our bond is now one hundred percent open to one another. Closing my eyes, I just allow his emotions to wash over me. In this moment, I’m so happy that tears spill from my eyes. My Elf-Man is back.
“Shhh, yes mo grá, I’m back. I intend to show you just how much I adore you. Just how much I have missed you.”
“We’ve got all night.”
Chapter 24
(Alaric)
I know that I’ve only slept for a few hours, but it feels so good to have finally put everything that has happened behind me. Lying here with Ashlinn curled around me is perfection. We have a little more than twenty-four hours here in The Mortal Realm before we need to head back to Faerie, back to the fray of things as Ashlinn said only yesterday afternoon. Then we thought we would have more time than we do. Reflecting back on our time here, I realize that I’ve wasted so much of the time that we could have had together. Last night, she loved every inch of my body. Scars and all. It was like she paid homage to all my pain and suffering, acknowledging what happened to me while we were apart, all the while imparting tender loving attention to all the ragged scars left on my back from my time with The Morrígan. Loving me as only Ashlinn can. I plan on making up for lost time to Ash and to the twins, but right now in this moment, I need Ash again. The last few hours have not been nearly enough to satisfy my longing. I know that she’s tired, but I crave to be inside her again, making love to her, over and over again. I will never get enough of my kindred.
Gently, I roll my mate over to her back and begin trailing kisses from her twitchy little ear, down the column of her alluring neck. I intend on worshiping her beautiful full breasts before claiming her again. I know now that I have denied my need for her too long. Palming her generous breasts in my rough hands I lower my mouth to lick, nip, and suck her tip to a taut nub. Her reaction is immediate, and her hands are at the back of my head, threading her fingers through my over long hair. Ashlinn’s moan of pleasure is all I need and within an instant I’m poised above her and whisper, “I need to be inside you, Ash. I need you quivering around me like I need air to breathe.” Ashlinn’s sleepy amber eyes flicker open, and she smiles up at me as her hips lift in invitation. That’s all the sign I need as I ease into her. My need has taken over and I can no longer control myself. My rhythm becomes frantic in my need to find release within my kindred mate. My need to give her release, for both of us to come together to that beautiful precipice of pure oblivion wrapped around one another. I flood our bond with everything that I’m feeling. My need. My love. My desire. My utter devotion and I receive all that back and more through our link.
Ashlinn is always so responsive to my touch, and I know all her telltale signs of her impending release. I slow my rhythm just before to draw out our pleasure before hitting her sweet spot one last time. I feel her the moment she shatters around me and that is all it takes for me to find my release. Holding her close to me, I collapse on top of her as I continue to shudder inside her fluttering walls. In a gruff voice, I say, “By the goddess, Ashlinn, I’ve missed this. I’ve missed us. You would think that after that I would be spent, but I need you again.”
Ashlinn smiles up at me, her eyes hooded, her cheeks flushed, and her beautiful caramel colored hair tousled and says, “Then by all means Elf-Man, have your fill of me. I assure you it is no hardship to be on the receiving end of your need.” Her voice is sultry, and a teasing smile plays upon her kiss swollen lips as she arches upward. “We have more than enough time to sate your and my desires this morning.” She then slides her hands down to my ass and presses up into me as we begin gently rocking together.
Taking her mouth with my own we both begin again. Pulling away, I rain kisses down on her and whisper, “Once more will never be enough, mo grá.”
(Alaric)
We spend the day making it a game to see how many times we can get away from the others to get lost in one another’s arms. By late afternoon, our disappearing acts have not fooled anyone, and as we enter the sitting room in the back of the house, all eyes are on us. Everyone has a shit eating grin on their faces and Tolin just shakes his head sadly before saying, “Seriously?”
I look down at Ashlinn and the two of us bust out laughing. Looking around the room, I say, “Well, I guess the jig is up, but don’t think for one moment that it won’t happen again.” I wrap my arms around Ashlinn and pull her to me to kiss her soundly on the mouth before pulling back and smiling down at her. Speaking to no one in particular, I say, “I’m making up for lost time.”
Ash swats me on the arm before saying, “Stop it, you’re incorrigible,” she grins back up at me. “On a little more serious note, why don’t we bundle the kids up and take them outside in the snow. I haven’t taken them out and I would love to see what their reaction is.”
About that time Lexie sweeps into the room holding a fussy Sammy. They are both covered in melting snow, and she announces, “Well don’t count on them liking it. I thought Sammy would love it. He has fussed all the way over here. I thought it would be fun to walk, which by the way really was not as fun as I would have thought. The snow is up to my waist in some spots. Ash, I’ve never seen snowfall like this, and the weatherman is calling for an additional four inches tonight. What gives? It’s not like we haven’t already gotten a foot and a half already.” She huffs as she hands Sammy over to Jasmine, so she can get out of her winter coat.
I can’t help but ask, “Where’s Declan?”
“Oh, he went back to get the car.”
“Hold that thought,” I say as I rush from the room to the front door. I step out onto the porch to find Declan’s retreating back as he is about to disappear into the trees, and call after him, “Declan, get back here. When you two are ready to head back Ashlinn and I can trace you back home.” I watch as he turns and trudges back my way.
As he gets to the snow-covered steps, I hear him mutter, “Damn, I forgot about that. Glad you caught me before I got too much farther. The temperature is definitely dropping out here. It’s probably best that we are heading out tomorrow.”
I clap Declan on the shoulder and usher him inside before turning back to look around the property. He’s right. It’s downright frigid out here. Heading back in, I secure the door behind me and make my way back into our gathering spot back by the kitchen. Reaching for the TV remote I quickly find the weather channel.
“Hey, I was watching that -” Jasmine quips.
“Shhh, Jaz. Give me just a minute.” I watch as the forecast pops up for this area. Sure enough, they are calling for an additional six to ten inches of snow and the temperatures are going to continue to fall into the single digits. Evidently, extreme weather is being reported around the globe and from the extended forecast more bad weather can be expected over the next two weeks.
Ashlinn comes up beside me and says, “That can’t be right. That forecast looks like it should be for the Arctic Circle, not Kentucky.”
“I think Declan is right, it’s probably best that we head out tomorrow. The Mortal Realm has a lot more to worry about than the rift between the realms. Extreme weather is being reported around the globe. Some areas are experiencing heat waves
, the likes of which have never been recorded, along with drought, while other areas are being subjected to blizzard like conditions crippling nations. We should enjoy the rest of the time we have here before we leave out tomorrow afternoon. We can see to it that Declan, Lexie, and little Sammy get home without having to trudge back over to their house through the coming blizzard.”
From the kitchen Millie announces, “A perfect night for a pot of chili. Who wants to help me throw it together?”
Jasmine and Lexie are quick to volunteer. Ashlinn makes to step forward, but I wrap my arm around my mate and quietly sidestep toward the door. The twins are entertaining everyone in the middle of the carpeted floor, so I know that we are good to sneak away. Ashlinn smiles her naughty smile back up at me, and we’re off.
From the room behind us, I hear T say, “Damn. Seriously? How many times is that today?” I can’t help but laugh as I make off with Ashlinn, again. I can’t remember the last time I felt so lighthearted and I for one am going to enjoy every last moment of this time before it comes to an end.
Chapter 25
(Ashlinn)
Yesterday was perfect. Between bouts of Alaric and I disappearing for twenty or so minutes at a time, we spent much of the day just playing with the twins and surrounded by our extended family. Later in the evening, after everyone left us for the night, I caught Alaric with Lachlan and Lillie, recounting a tall tale about a young male imp, named Pipperton, who was brave beyond his years, with courage enough to save a lost god in The Underworld from certain death. The two were totally engrossed in Alaric’s not so tall tale. I watched from the door, just out of their line of sight as the three together began to yawn, until one by one they fell asleep, the children snuggled into the crook of Alaric’s arms. He held them gently, but securely. It was the most perfect moment of our time spent at our Kentucky home.
This morning we went about closing up the house and headed back to The Otherworld. As much as I hated leaving our snowy home here in The Mortal Realm, I realize that it is becoming easier to leave this world that I grew up in behind. I’m happy to be back in Faerie at Glenndale Loch. Standing on the terrace with Lachlan and Lillie, I feel energized and at home, but I can feel a change in the air. It’s more crisp somehow, and some of the tree’s leaves are beginning to change ever so slightly. I bet that the autumn colors here are a sight to behold. I kiss both my babies on the forehead and smile down at their beautiful little cherubic features. “Come on you two, we’re going to be late for our meeting.” I trace the three of us down to the entrance of the library, which I rarely do within the confines of the Keep. As we pop into the hallway, Lachlan squeals in delight, and then the next moment he disappears out of my arms. His residual laughter echoing in the hallway as I begin to panic. He’s never done this before. Where did he go? I look all around us before crying out, “Alaric?! Lachlan just traced?!”
I race into the library to see everyone transfixed by my son sitting in the middle of the large mahogany table. He’s cooing and gurgling in delight at his accomplishment. His hearty little laughter at seeing me race into the room with his sister in my arms soothes my worried soul. He reaches out with both hands up, his little fingers moving in a motion that means he wants to be picked up, and then he says, “Mama!” One second he is sitting on the table, and the next his chubby little arms are wrapped around my neck and my arm instinctively wraps around his little bottom.
“Well snap!” I exclaim, looking back at Alaric, “We have our very own little Jack-Jack on our hands.” I mutter, just happy that he’s back in my arms again.
“Who’s Jack-Jack?” Someone mumbles.
Lexie laughs, and explains, “Jack-Jack is a fictional character, he’s the baby from a popular animated movie about a family of superheroes in The Mortal Realm. Ash, I’m glad it’s you and not me that has a child that can pop in and out of a room whenever he wants. That’s going to make things interesting, don’t you think?”
“Honestly Lex, I don’t know what to think.” I look down at Lachlan as I hand Lillie off to Alaric, and say, “Lachlan, sweetie, you scared mommy. I had no idea where you went.” His features cloud over as his enthusiasm begins to wane, and I continue, “You are so bright… and so gifted, and everything your Da and I could possibly want in our son, but please, no more tracing for a little while until we can figure out how to follow you. Okay? You nearly gave your mama a heart attack.”
Lachlan reaches up to pat my face with his baby hands and babbles, “Mama… my mama.” Then he nuzzles into my neck.
Looking up at Alaric, I ask, “Do you think he understands?” I can’t imagine what I will do if he decides to trace back to our home in The Mortal Realm or worse. I have no idea as to how we can follow him or how to even know where he has gone.
“Only time will tell mo grá, but I think he wants to make it up to you for scaring the daylights out of you. I don’t think he's going anywhere tonight except close to your side.”
I sigh and pat my little Elf-Man on the back and kiss the top of his head, his soft dark curls tickle my lips, “I love you too, baby boy.” Then I proceed with a tickle attack to lighten his mood. His laughter is immediate and lightens my heart.
Dagda pops into the room with his sexy little Succubus tucked close to his side. He looks about at everyone standing around us, and asks, “What did we miss?” His loud booming voice startles the kids, as always.
Jasmine is quick to chime in, “Lachlan can trace! He did it for the first time, just moments before you arrived.”
Dagda’s response is a hearty laugh before replying, “Well that took longer than I expected. What about our little flower? Has Lillie shown any other signs of her gifts?”
“She can heal. She used her gift on me, but where I can heal the physical body, I think she may also be able to heal a damaged soul… a sort of spiritual healing.” Alaric announces to the room at large and everyone begins to talk amongst themselves.
We have officially been derailed from the original reason for our meeting given the recent turn of events, and the meeting hasn’t even started yet. I smother Lachlan with kisses before calling the whole room to order, “Everyone… settle down. We have a lot to discuss and not a lot of time to do it!” Turning a pointed look toward Dagda, I ask, “Before we get started, just who is your friend? Now, don’t be rude, Dagda. I believe that you have kept your female friend here under wraps long enough. Out with it.” I tease with a barely contained smile, remembering the two together the night of Tarron’s pronouncement that he would be crowned The Horde King. The celebration afterwards was one I will not forget as I watched all matter of dark fae give into their baser tendencies.
“Ashlinn…” he scolds, his cheeks tinged with the slightest hint of pink.
“Dagda?” I counter with a teasing grin, shocked that embarrassment has colored his cheeks. It’s then that I realize that this female means a great deal to our beloved Dagda.
“Alright, then, my dear,” Dagda smiles down at his companion before announcing to the room, “this is Sasha and she and I are… well, we’re not sure what we are at this exact moment, but we are looking forward to finding out what we may be to one another. Sasha is one of Tarron’s horde. She has pledged her fealty to him and to our cause. I ask that you please welcome her into our midst.”
Smiling, I step forward holding out my free hand, “Welcome Sasha.” She looks down at my sleepy child and back up again.
“Thank you, My Lady. You are so blessed. You have not one, but two younglings,” she smiles hesitantly, and places her hand on the top of Lachlan’s head, before saying, “He’s such a little angel.”
Lachlan reaches for me bashfully and snuggles in close. I can’t help but smile at his shy reaction, looking back up at Dagda’s Succubus, I reply, “He is such a ham, and is going to be quite the handful. Sasha, welcome to our humble group. We are all family here and you are most welcome. Our home is your home.”
Turning to everyone gathered in the library, “Seriously, though, we are pressed for time, it’s getting late and we need to plan for the upcoming days. Do we have any additional intel on Cú Chulainn and his whereabouts? What is our current timeline? Just what exactly are we dealing with? Does anyone know?”
With that everyone gets down to business. Millie takes Lillie and Lachlan to put them down, but Lachlan is not having any of that. He is putting his newfound abilities to use. Each time he is put down, he appears wrapped around my neck. I wave Millie off when she comes for him again and I settle my little Elf-Man in my arms, hugging him to me. Millie brings Lillie to Alaric and we proceed.
Lugh has joined our gathering and imparts, “My sources tell me that my son and his company of Fomorian warriors are approaching the midway point of their travels. Here in lies the problem, from this point forward we will be unable to trace into this area. Once they pass over the threshold of what is known as Ardland Gap we will be forced to travel by foot or by horse. The dwarfs are very… private, and a tad… paranoid. They do not want just anyone able to pop into their territory unannounced. Many eons ago they warded their territory against anyone tracing in. I hate to say this, but if we trace into the furthest most point in that area in the morning, we will be behind my son at least a half day, if not longer. He is making remarkable time. It is as if he and his companions have not stopped to sleep or rest.”
“Then we can only hope that he is delayed by the maze, or that they will succumb to exhaustion at some point.” Declan says thoughtfully, “It’s not a perfect scenario, hopefully we can make up some time.”
I shake my head and ask, “Is there no other way to get ahead of them at this point? If Lainn is now under the influence of The Morrígan’s curse, then he may not need to stop to rest. The elixir is very powerful. We have seen firsthand what it is capable of, what I don’t understand is how their mounts have not needed rest.”
