A Conspiracy of Ravens: A Raven Saga Book 1

by Crymsyn R. Hart

  "Oh God, Tremain. It's been so long,” she confessed, raking her nails along his back. Linnea had not realized how much she had missed such close and intimate contact with another human being. Tremain stopped his assault on her body, a chuckle rumbling in his chest.

  "You have no idea.” His fingers rubbed over the smooth skin at the top of her rounded backside.

  "I want to feel you inside of me.” Linnea stared at him seeing the look in his eyes like he wanted to bury himself deep inside of her. She needed his erect shaft easing into her moist depths to make her feel whole again. Her fingers ran over the brand on his shoulder as she traced the raven design. As they did, she felt her power sparking against his flesh like static electricity. The jolts made him stop and stare at her. “I'm sorry. I—"

  He didn't wait for her to finish but kissed her mouth again. "Don't be sorry, Linnea. Your power doesn't frighten me. Don't let it frighten you."

  Linnea broke away from his lips and stared in awe as she had heard his thoughts in her mind. His power stirred the outside of her thoughts as he sent images of what he wanted to do to her, making her blush. Finally, she pulled away and climbed off him and the bed. Slowly, she shimmied out of her jeans. Tremain's gaze never left her body as she stripped down to her aquamarine panties, which marched her bra. Unfortunately, she had forgotten about shaving her legs the other day since she had no idea she was gong to be getting some. She hoped the Warrior didn't mind hairy legs.

  "Not one bit. You should see mine. Besides women in my day never thought of such things. Ilove you for who you are. It doesn't matter if you have sleek legs. You are the other half of my soul," Tremain answered her thought, making her blush. She was about to slip out of the lace when he crooked his finger gesturing her to come to him. She walked over slowly, wondering what he thought of her body since it was by no means perfect. She had a little pouch for a stomach, and her breasts weren't the biggest. Her nose was crooked and had too many freckles in the summer time.

  "Linnea, you are beautiful. Now come here."

  She nodded and swallowed, trying to hide her insecurities, but when she glanced at him, she realized he didn't see any of those things. He saw her for a beautiful woman. Her smile widened and she sauntered over to him, allowed her breasts to bounce and her hips sway. He reached out to cup her cheeks and squeeze them together as he pressed his face into her hips. She gripped his head keeping herself steady and stood there as his thumbs hooked on the waistband and pulled down her panties so she could slip out of them. She stepped out as the lace hit the floor. Then he stood up and took his pants off the rest of the way. Linnea watched as he stood before her like a god with his erect member waiting to be used and abused. Already the soft tip glistened with a drop of pre-cum. Anticipation curled inside her belly. She barely knew this guy, had seen some crazy stuff in the past forty-eight hours, had rescued him from death, but here she was about to make love with him and she felt completely at ease.

  He reached out to her and, caressing her elbow, drew her into him. His fingers tickled the smooth expanse of her back, feeling out every curve, even the bone on her shoulder blade. Her hands gripped his rock-hard ass as his hot shaft rested against her belly, moving ever so slightly of its on accord. It tickled as it did. She planted small kisses along his collarbone to the hollow of his throat as her head came to right under his chin. Everything about him was perfect, and their bodies fit together so well.

  "I want you, Linnea. Do you want me too?” he whispered in her ear.

  "Yes." She sent the thought along the open channel he had with her mind. She felt him smile and then he scooped her up and carried her to the edge of the bed. He leaned over and kissed her full on the lips, pressing his tongue together with hers. Linnea thought she was going to burn up from the heat between them. Her body reacted to him like no man she had ever been with. Not that she had been with many because she hadn't, but right now, she wanted the man in front of her.

  "Turn around,” he whispered in her ear.

  Her eyes widened. What was he going to do to her? A flicker of fear moved through her heart, but staring at him, she nodded and then turned around to present her behind to him. She felt his hand slide along the silken flesh of her inner thigh and touch the core of her. A groan escaped her lips even at the slight brush of her pleasure center. His other hand curled around under her arm to cup her breast where he began playing with her nipple. He squeezed it and twirled it around as he spread her legs farther apart.

  His thumb found her clit, and he began working it. The first sensations rode the back of her spine and made her muscles contract instantly. Her head fell forward as she let herself ride the sensations.

  "Yes, Linnea. I want to plunge my dick into you. Do you want that too?"

  "Yes. Tremain. Yes."

  "Good.” He didn't wait as she felt him mount her from behind, plunging his throbbing shaft into her dripping pussy. As soon as he buried himself deep inside of her, an overwhelming orgasm toppled her over. There was no turning back now. Both of his hands gripped her breasts tightly, squeezing them so hard she would have bruises in the morning, but she found she liked the pain. It made the sensation of him sliding into her so much more intense. She'd never been fucked like this before. Normally the guy had her on her back. Tremain was going slow, but she needed all of him.

  "More. Harder. Faster.” She groaned in a garbled whisper as the sensations overtook her brain and she clenched the bed sheets. Her hips moved of their own accord as they continually thrusting back to impale her on his cock. Tramain's hands glided away from her breasts to grab her hips roughly to control their rhythm. He obliged Linnea's request and shoved his rock-hard length into her flooded depths. Linnea only had a few more thrusts left in her. Her head was spinning. She had lost her voice to the orgasms ripping through her. Her knees were wobbly, and she could barely take any more. Even with his thoughts hovering on the edge of her mind, she sensed there was more he could give her. All she had to do was ask. She just wasn't ready for it.

  "Oh, baby. You're so good. So good...” Linnea felt his last thrust as he slapped his pelvis against her ass and released himself into her. He moved himself into her a couple more times and at his last stroke, Linnea crashed over the line as well and came screaming. Both of them stayed in their position on the bed, with his weight on top of hers for a minute longer and then Tremain released her. Linnea folded her legs underneath her and drew the sheet over her chest. Tremain kissed the top of her head and smiled at her. Warm fuzzy feelings sprang to life in her heart as she looked at the perfect specimen of a man who had chosen her.

  She blushed as he sat down next to her. “That was amazing."

  She saw his smile widen. “Thanks. I guess you never forget how to—well, you know."

  His grin was devilish and infectious. It seemed to awaken her inner imp. “No, I guess not. And ... I don't know about you, but I could go a couple more rounds.” She ran her finger up his arm and around his hardened nipple.

  "Oh, Linnea. You naughty witch. You read my mind."

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tremain hugged Linnea closer to him and kissed the top of her head. It had been a long time since he had lain with a woman and felt so at peace with himself and the world around him. He thought of his beloved wife and wondered if she would be happy for him. He figured that she would. He only hoped she had found her own peace over the lifetimes since they had been together. Now with Linnea sleeping deeply in his arms, he believed there might be hope for him yet. Caleb had told him only his soulmate could break the curse. With her he hadn't turned into the Raven as he normally did with other women he had tried to bed in his early years. His soul was completely at ease. He closed his eyes and sent a silent prayer of thanks to Morrigain for sending Linnea. Her warm and gentle heart melted his. Her courage had given him the strength to face the demons of his past. Even if their joining was only temporary, he would cherish it for the rest of his immortality. Would she accept me if she knew the real curse? Wi
ll she understand I can only be with her on the nights the moon is full? Goddess, don't dangle her in front of me just to take her away from me once again. I can't stand that. Tremain hugged her closer and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. Her serene beauty was that of a muse who had fallen asleep after a hard day of inspiration. Will you inspire me again? Tremain wondered.

  "Ahem."

  The Druid looked over to see his fearless leader leaning in the doorway. The hardness he had for centuries returned his jaw to lead again and his mind closed. “What?"

  "I am sorry to interrupt your ah—healing, but if you remember, you still have to find Maili. Betha grows impatient now you are fully recovered. Only five of her assassins have returned. Somehow, she has gotten them to stand down, which I hear is near impossible. I suggest you return the favor."

  His leader began to close the door but he called him back. “Caleb, what will happen to Linnea? Is she—I mean I didn't—and I don't want to lose her."

  Caleb looked back at the form of the sleeping witch and then at his Warrior. “If you truly love her, then your curse will be broken and you will be an Immortal Raven Warrior. The humanity you had is gone forever, never to be recovered. You can give the one you love the same gift of immortality and can watch over charges as you have always done and if found worthy you can sit on the council. However, I warn you, Tremain. If you only love life without feathers, the next time you go to your mate, you will regain your feathered form. Make sure you love the woman and not the act. Only once in a Warrior's lifetime can they bestow feathers to another. Be sure she is the one your heart has chosen."

  Tremain stared at his leader wondering what he meant. How much he really knew. He had not known he could grant immortality to another. Why was he telling him to be sure Linnea was the one when his heart knew she was?

  "Caleb, did something happen to you before?"

  The leader smiled. “No, Tremain. Not to me, but another of our brethren. Now if he ever does find his mate, he's doomed to watch her die and reincarnate forever. Don't let that be you.” Caleb turned and closed the door before he could ask which Warrior had made such a mistake. Knowing he was not the only one who had met a soul mate and had fallen in love put his mind at ease. Slowly, he crawled out of bed trying not to disturb his sleeping lover, knowing she needed the rest since she had put herself out to save him. He looked at his discarded clothes and shook his head. With a wave of his hand he was dressed in the same exact outfit he was in before he had been stabbed, except he left his hair long. He knew he had to face Betha sooner or later, but he was reluctant to leave Linnea. This was the safest place for her. However, as he looked at her sleeping form, something told him she still had her part to play.

  "Sleep well, Linnea."

  * * * *

  Tremain stood in the entrance to the Banshee great hall waiting for an audience with the Queen. The dark wooden doors were ornately carved with runes warning any wayward traveler not to cross the threshold unless they wanted to lose their soul. Tremain always smirked at the warning. The Warrior assumed Betha already had his soul. What was the point of doing anything she said? The Queen had threatened him with an eternity in hell, but now he weighed Caleb's words carefully. Love the woman and not the act. It had been such a release to be in the arms of a woman again. He was sure he loved Linnea, except he felt some doubt. The doubt had to be because he had been so closed off from humanity for so many centuries. He shut his eyes and shook his head. He couldn't think like that. If he started doubting himself, then there could be dire consequences.

  Finally, the doors opened, and he was allowed to enter the Throne Room. When he did, the Druid was surprised at the change. Gone was the black and green mold and moss growing on everything. Everything had been cleaned to reveal tapestries showing the Sidhe court riding through the forest on a midnight hunt. One was of a unicorn and a young maiden. Others showed centaurs dancing with fawns and another was of the queen staring down at her daughter in human form. The black onyx floor was shot through with gold. The piano was black ebony and all the servants were not the hooded messengers and assassins he was used to seeing, but they all appeared somewhat human. Sitting on her black onyx throne was Betha, Queen of the Banshees, as beautiful as the woven picture on the wall and yet even more breathtaking. He saw where her daughter got her looks from.

  She was clad in an emerald green dress that was sleeveless and plunged at her breasts revealing a line of creamy white skin and a skirt that was see through so he could see her creamy white legs. Her brown hair was left long. Her legs were crossed with one high-heeled emerald shoe about ready to clatter to the floor. When he entered, she looked up, and there was a semi-happy smile on her face to see him.

  "Tremain, all better. That's a good thing because you see there are only twelve hours left for you to find my daughter before you become a Raven again. I suggest you get cracking. I rescinded my assassins for your little witch. Can you believe she killed one of them herself? She's got spunk, but then again, I guess any woman who can put up with you has to have something."

  Tremain was shocked to hear Linnea had killed one of the henchmen. A smile touched his lips as he thought about the last few hours they had spent together exploring one another's bodies until neither of them could move, falling exhausted in one another's arms. He already missed the feel of her arms wrapped around him and the smell of her. He felt himself stirring.

  "Tremain, get your head out of your pants. Men! All the same."

  "Highness, forgive me. But—"

  She lifted her hand and shook her head. “Save it, Tremain. I've heard it all before. I know how men's minds work. Now you're completely healed, I want you to find my daughter. Enough fucking around."

  The Raven Warrior bowed as he knew the queen was serious. “As the Lady commands."

  "I think that is the most sincere I have heard you before. That witch of yours might have beaten some sense into you. Before you go, you'll need this.” The queen held out the necklace that Linnea had when he was at her house. A look of puzzlement crossed his face. “Oh, don't look so dumbfounded. Darius gave it to me after he realized his mistake with your witch. He sends his apologies for beating her up—"

  "He did what?” The darkness in Tremain ignited as he thought about anyone touching the woman he loved, especially one of his brothers. Darius was a hothead, but Tremain did not think he would retaliate against a mortal. The Druid would cut his heart out and watch it grow back again to satisfy the rage burning through him. Stepping forward, he snatched the dangling music note from the queen's hand and was jolted with an image of Darius standing over Linnea.

  Tremain opened his eyes when he felt a strong grip wrap around his arm. When he looked down, the queen stared at him with a hard expression on her face. “You will not hurt your brother. I have already punished him and taken away his rights to skin at the next full moon. Darius made a mistake. I'm sure you understand that, considering your history."

  "I understand.” He hated to admit it, but it was not his place to lift a finger against Darius even though every fiber of his being wanted to.

  "Good. When I held the necklace, I received images from it also. I saw how much your witch cares for my daughter. I have tried scrying for Maili with this, but I keep coming up with only one. She is sitting and waiting for me to go to her. It's a trap. I'm not stupid. However, I don't think whoever took her has any idea about how close my daughter and Linnea are. You can use this. Give it to Linnea. I think she will be able to find her. Go back, get your witch, and go find my daughter."

  His jaw was set hard. He did not back away from the queen. He closed his eyes and calmed his nerves. There was no way he wanted to put Linnea in harm's way now he had found her. However, he could not tell Betha no. There was already enough hanging over his head. If he screwed this up there would be hell to pay. Her eyes never left his. He sensed she was waiting for him to disobey him. His grip on the necklace hardened, but acquiescing, he bowed his head.

 
; "As you wish."

  The queen did something unexpected. She stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the cheek. A zing of her power went through him. “Bring her back safely to me."

  * * * *

  Tremain stood outside his cabin where Linnea slept. As he did, he twisted the ring on his pinky. The same one he had given to Beatrice. The one his mother had given him. It was warm as he swirled it and thought about the past and the future. He did not have much time to waste, but the more he thought about Betha's plan, the more he hated it. He wanted Linnea safe. Maili was his responsibility. He realized now that none of this would have ever happened if he had kept an eye on her. Then again, he would not have realized Linnea was his mate. Guilt washed over him. He wanted so much to love her, and part of him did, but there was something restraining him. Maybe it was his grief since he had been holding himself back from humanity for so long. He had been holding onto Beatrice for as long as he could remember wondering if she would forgive him if she still watched out for him. Linnea represented a new start. Why was he not so ecstatic to grasp onto the beginning and run with it? Caleb's words filtered through his mind again. Had he loved the act more than he loved the woman? He shook his head. He had to push the thought aside.

  Sighing, he put Beatrice to rest for the moment. He opened the latch on the room expecting to see Linnea still fast asleep. But she wasn't. She was already dressed and waiting for him. Once he opened the door, he was amazed to see her face light up like she had been expecting him. She propelled herself off the bed and into his arms hard enough she almost knocked him over. Her lips met his in a passionate kiss and her arms wrapped around his neck. It was nothing for him to lift her weight. He smiled as he had caught onto her thoughts last night about her inadequacies and whether or not he would like how she looked. It had made her very happy to know he loved her with hairy legs and all.