Celtic Love Knots Volume 3
Page 1
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Whiskey Creek Press
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright ©2007 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
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NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
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CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 3:
THROUGH A MAGIC MIST & WHEELS ON FIRE
by
Tambra Kendall & Susan M. Sailors
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Published by
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright © 2007 by Tambra Kendall & Susan M. Sailors
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-59374-953-8
Credits
Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston
Editor: Chere Gruver
Printed in the United States of America
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
LORD OF THE FOREST
"Lord of the Forest is a tale of second chances and a shot at a blissful eternity. Ms. Sailors’ sex scenes are hot, hot, hot; they make me want a werewolf of my own. The tortured relationship plot line is aptly explored and I loved the humorous quips in this tale. Enjoyable and possessing great heart, Lord of the Forest is a perfect bite of story."
Reviewed by Michelle at FAR
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
WELCOME TO THE HOUSE OF FUN
"Welcome to the House of Fun is a very unique paranormal romance, which takes place in an interesting world. Ms. Sailors’ take on hell is very imaginative, and the relationship between Lisa and Dante is hot and loving. Welcome to the House of Fun is a great way to spend your reading time."
Reviewed by Marlene Breakfield for Mystique Books
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE LABRYINTH
"Susan M. Sailors’ The Labyrinth is a fantastic love story. An inventive plot and lively characters combine for a fun loving story. Charity and Damon's sexual energy is overwhelming. Their erotic escapades will leave the reader wanting more. I wish I could pull men from my books. I want to read more of Ms. Sailors’ books."
Reviewed by Ophelia at Erotic Escapades
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
MOONLIT MAGIC & TO AUTUMN
"Moonlit Magic and To Autumn are very sweet love stories. Aaron and Alexander are booth caring men deeply in love with their women and willing to allow the women to set the paths of their relationships. Gloria and Erica are kind and loving. Susan M. Sailors infuses both stories with romance and great passion. These are wonderful stories I recommend to everyone."
Reviewed by Tara Renee at TwoLips Reviews
"Susan Sailors writes a refreshing romantic fantasy that leaves you wanting to know what happens next. Each character was wonderfully written with precise and flare. It is going to be one for my keeper shelf and I can't wait for the next installment in the series."
Reviewed by Zollyanna at Night Owl Romance
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
SUMMER SOLSTICE SCORCHERS
ANTHOLOGY
"A TASTE OF THE FORBIDDEN by Tambra Kendall
"As the reigning Queen of Darkness, Izanna Tremayne is about to face one of the biggest battles of her life. Before she faces the upcoming fight with Razi, a demon and the Overlord, she'll indulge in sex with Jason, a man she recognizes as her mate. There's just that little pesky problem of the edict that prohibits having sex with a vampire you've turned. She has no doubt that he is her eternal mate, but will that be enough to save them both?
"SUMMER SOLSTICE is a fun-filled anthology which readers of various types of paranormal stories will thoroughly enjoy. Each story provides an entertaining plot, fascinating characters, unexpected events, and truly hot sex. Vampires, fortune tellers, ghosts, witches, demons, wizards and elves all come to life within the pages of this book. Every story is vastly different and I found myself eagerly jumping from one story to the next anticipating yet another fascinating tale. SUMMER SOLSTICE gives readers an exciting opportunity to discover new-to-you authors and several different types of paranormal stories which are represented. It's the perfect way to kick back and enjoy the summer heat."
Reviewer: Chrissy Dionne
Romance Junkies
Dedication
From author Tambra Kendall:
To my critique partners Kimberly Ivey Wuttke, Kelly Rebitz and Meagan Hatfield. Thanks for always being there! And to my husband, Keith, who in his own way, does support my writing.
From author Susan M. Sailors:
To Grant and Jason
THROUGH A MAGIC MIST
by
Tambra Kendall
Damn, she needed a man.
Kelly Farrell needed sex. Desperately. Virginity, ha! Who needs it? She wanted a real man in her life. Not the selfish assholes she found herself entangled with repeatedly.
Last night the Goddess Danu had appeared in her dreams and promised tonight her sex problems would be solved if she performed a specific ritual.
In her garden, she gathered the herbs needed for the spell: three sprigs of rosemary and catnip. With precise steps, she trod the small stone labyrinth thrice. She crushed the herbs while chanting—"Bring to me, my eternal love. Bless this request, Goddess of Love."
Kelly wanted to give her virginity to her soulmate, but after all this time, he'd better be a fantastic fuck. By the Goddess, she was tired of waiting, damn it! Her spells never worked before, which is why she contacted the Goddess for help. Her lips puckered in annoyance. In the past few days, she doubted her druidic training was the path for her life. Truth be told, it had been difficult to think past the driving, intense horniness that held her in its grasp.
A light breeze stirred, releasing the scent of gardenias. The Goddess! She remembered the same fragrance from last night. As she turned around, not two feet from her, a sparkling cloud appeared and illuminated the twilight bringing the essence of magic. A ghostly figure appeared and stepped from the vapor. He beckoned to her from the silvery cloud.
"Come with me."
She blinked and his form solidified. The sensual energy he emitted made her gasp from the strength of its power. Her body tingled and warmed.
What the hell is going on? The man is a Sex God. Why is he wearing the amulet and tattoo of a high Druid? She could only stare since her brain refused to function.
Oh. My. Goddess. Here stood the perfect man, tall and muscular with the abs of an athlete. She wanted to run her hands over every delicious inch of him. Long dark hair framed a sculpted jaw.
His lips were sensually full while his eyes were the color of whiskey. He wore the saffron shirt of the Irish and the plaid of his clan.
Kelly thought she heard ocean waves slam against rocks.
He held out his hand. “Hurry."
A voice whispered in her mind—go with him. Without thinking of the consequences, Kelly placed her palm in his. When his flesh touched hers a spark of electricity shot up her arm, a mixture of pleasure and pain that made her wet. She swallowed and took a deep breath. No man ever affected her like this. Is he really the one?
"Who are you and where are we going?” The words came out in a breathless rush. She started to withdraw her hand but his grip tightened. The sparkling mist grew thick around her and the sexy man-god. A wave of dizziness caused her to stumble and the sounds of the ocean rose and swirled as the magical mist thickened.
Strong arms pulled her into an intimate embrace. A delicious shudder made her instinctively press closer to him. Something hot and hard pressed against her leg. His erection. Desire pooled low in her stomach, wetting her panties from the contact. She wanted this man and she didn't even know him. Here she was, cocooned in the embrace of a man who reminded her of a warrior of old.
"Do not fear, Kelly. I am Sloan O'Neill, clan chief and Arch Druid. Through this concealing cloud is your destiny. Yours and mine. I have waited so long for you."
Fear and passion warred within her. “How do you know my name?” She swallowed to push down the sudden knot of stupidity in her throat. Oh shit! Her impulsivity had catapulted her in deep trouble this time. Once more, the voice that spoke to her last night fluttered in her mind.
I, the Great Goddess, am sending you through time to claim your chosen soulmate. Your petition has been heard and answered. You may properly thank me later.
Before she could fully absorb the words of the deity, Sloan's warm hand splayed across her lower back, stirring her heat like bellows pumped on an open fire.
"The Goddess has allowed me glimpses of you through her scrying bowl.” His fingers caressed and kneaded sending ripples of sensation straight to her core. She wanted Sloan with a passion so strong, it threatened to burn and consume her.
Casting caution to the wind and believing the words of Danu, an idea flashed through her mind. She took his hands, slid them to her ass, and wiggled against his groin showing him how much she wanted him to ram his large cock into her. “You have an unfair advantage. I've just met you."
His low groan filled her with pleasure and power.
His hardness scorched her like a brand. Her hands gripped his forearms to put a bit of distance between them so she could catch her breath. Warm taut muscle flexed beneath her palms. She blinked. Cerridwen's Cauldron! They were now standing in a small, tight stone circle surrounded by a large grove of ancient oak and willow. Overhead the soft heather sky faded into a richer hue, the time of the gloaming.
Sloan released her and brought his lips down to hers in a searing kiss. “Welcome to Ireland, little one. I will explain what I can. Meara, our High Druidess, will tell you what I cannot."
Kelly shivered from the residual touch of his lips. He was a walking advertisement for sex. How would it feel to have a man this powerful make love to me? It took a minute for Sloan O’ Neill's words to penetrate the sensual fog surrounding her brain. Ireland?
The tallest stone jutted from the circle behind him. Dark, menacing."The power of Danu brought you here. The magic within us must be released from the binding to protect the clan from my evil brother, Tavis. As soulmates, his dark magic isn't powerful enough to eclipse the eternal light of love. In a short while, we will begin the ritual of sexual magic. Thrice our bodies will spill the fluids of intimacy before the Moon of Claiming ends this night, and our bonding shall be complete. If we fail, all is lost. From our first coupling, Meara will speak the words of binding to make us husband and wife.” Sloan caressed the inside of her wrist where her pulse rapidly thumped. “I know you feel the energy flowing between us. Our bodies cry out to complete the ancient ritual. Sex magic is at its most powerful with this special moon.” He rose with fluid grace. “Meara, will prepare you for the ceremony."
Kelly crossed her arms and stared into his eyes. “Yes I felt the power between us. Yes, I want the sex. No, I don't want to get married."
"I can scarce imagine what you are experiencing. Accept my apology but in time, you will understand. There is no time to argue. When the moon is visible, we will make love on the sacrificial slab.” He turned and strode away.
"Wait just a minute.” Kelly started after him but the Druidess blocked her way. The woman linked arms with her and led her toward the pathway nearly hidden within the oaks and away from Sloan. Sharp stones poked through her sandals and threatened her balance. Would it do any good to protest? After all, she wanted sex with a handsome man and the Goddess tossed her Sloan.
"We have much to do before you wed our clan chief and high Druid. Danu herself appeared and said you were chosen as The O'Neill's mate. You cannot refuse. The fate of our clan and the balance of good and evil hinge upon the magic within both of you."
"Care to make a wager on me wedding Sloan? I want down-and-dirty, sweaty, scream-your-head-off orgasmic sex. I can't marry someone I met five minutes ago,” Kelly snapped. She hated being told what to do. She refused to leave the circle. He could give her what she wanted then take her back home. Her feet wouldn't obey her command to stay within the stones. She had no one to blame but herself and the voice that lulled her into thinking this was a great idea to follow Sloan and his fine ass.
"You will bathe with a sacred unguent to cleanse and purify your body. Then, material the color of moonlight will drape your form. The blood from your maidenhead will combine with Sloan's seed upon the sacrificial stone to set into motion the spell required by the Goddess Domnu to protect us from the evil that threatens us."
I'll have sex with Sloan but I won't marry him.
The tree line thinned leaving only a steep incline and the pounding of water against rock. Just like she heard when Sloan held her in her herb garden.
Kelly kept pace with Meara, who led her to a cave hidden within the cliffs. Immediately a rush of cool air hit her heated cheeks. “Damn it.” The rough rock wall nipped her hands as her feet slipped on a patch of loose pebbles.
Their footsteps echoed in the cavern. The constant breeze told her she was going to freeze her ass off in a pool of ice-cold water. Shit, just my luck.
As her body continued to crave and ache for Sloan's touch the trail leveled out into a passage that opened into a large room with walls worn smooth and shone like polished obsidian.
The Druidess pointed to the bubbling pool. “The water is warmed by a hot spring. Disrobe, Kelly, and step into the water. Your body, mind and soul must be ready to receive Sloan."
Kelly stood hands on hips and stared boldly into the woman's eyes. “I'll have sex with Sloan, but I won't marry him."
Meara touched her arm.
The Druidess’ magic urged her to remove her clothes and climb into nature's Jacuzzi.
"Young Droi, have you forgotten your oath to the Goddess? You have no choice for the Goddess has spoken in this matter. Your magic did not work in your time, because you are meant to be here. The power you possess will bloom after you marry The O'Neill."
How did they know I'd just begun my studies as a Druidess? She hadn't told anyone. Oh shit, what have I gotten myself into? Kelly removed her clothes and eased into the decadently warm pool. This place held possibilities to play with Sloan.
Meara handed her the scented salt scrub.
As Kelly bathed, her thoughts retuned to Sloan, of the wicked sensations his arousal ignited as it burned into her flesh like a branding iron. Thoughts of what she wanted him to do to her increased.
Her body warmed and stretched to the slow rhythmic tide of her growing passion. Her eyes snapped open. Something is wrong. Taut muscles warmed and relaxed between her legs. Almost as if tiny, invisible hands massaged her m
ost intimate corridor.
"What did you do to this? I feel odd.” She rose from the enveloping warm water and shivered.
"A bit of woman magic to lessen the discomfort that comes with the first sexual experience. It will not harm you, but offer you ease when you mate with our leader. Sloan is a mighty warrior—the largest of all our men.” Meara winked and wrapped a large towel around Kelly then dried her off. “You are very lucky to have such a soulmate."
Kelly pushed Meara's hands away and quickly finished the task.
Two women came forward from the shadows carrying a length of silvery fabric when she dropped the towel. She lifted her arms while the women tied the silky material around her breasts like a bandeau. At least she would have some sort of covering.
"This is beautiful. But I'm not marrying someone I don't know or love."
Meara smiled and ignored her. “Wrap this about your waist."
Had the woman not heard a word I said? Kelly fluffed her hair with her fingers. She was here for the sex only. “This whole situation is nothing like I imagined.” She slipped on her sandals and followed the women into a dimly lit passageway. A frigid blast of air hit her at the entryway. Her skin crawled from the contact for it was pure evil. Her arms prickled and shrank away from the invisible touch. Bile burned a trail up her throat.
The priestesses surrounded her and broke into a run, pulling her along with them.
She wanted to rub her arms to ward off the uncomfortable clinging presence while frosty fingertips of fear skittered up her spine.
"Hurry. Tavis is near!” Sloan called from the end of the tunnel.
Kelly was propelled by Meara into Sloan's arms. He carried her into the sacred standing stones and gently laid her upon the stained, worn slab.
In the background, Meara murmured words in an ancient tongue.
Sloan chanted low while skimming his hands over her body, “Do not be afraid. Open yourself to me and feel our hearts bond. I have spoken the words of invisibility so we cannot be seen."