A Conspiracy of Ravens: A Raven Saga Book 1

by Crymsyn R. Hart

  "This is your show, dear. Look at how far you've come. We're all so proud of you. The coven will live on with you. You'll make it grow again,” said Charlotte.

  "Thanks.” She hiccupped out.

  "Morrigain, from night and shadows—ahh, screw it.” Linnea mumbled. She had it up to her ears with formality. If the Goddess was listening, it didn't matter how she called her. She could come regardless. “Morrigain, the moon is full. Keep your promise."

  There was silence as the energy left all of the witches, leaving them a little weak for a moment. Then Charlotte started laughing in a rich, deep voice. “That is such a great way to call a Goddess. You sound like you're summoning me for a dinner engagement. I'm here as promised."

  All eyes looked at the witch and saw the same form which they had seen two weeks ago.

  "Please,” Linnea pleaded. She realized she was shaking. She would do anything for the Goddess as long as she kept her promise and turned Tremain back into a man. Even if it meant sacrificing herself, she would do it.

  "Oh, Linnea. So much passion. You remind me of me when I was younger and in the heat before my first battle. Child, I could not condemn the man you love to an eternity of hell, trapped in raven form when he did not deserve it. I know Tremain is innocent of all of his crimes. I knew it when he was first cursed."

  "Then why not do anything about it then?"

  The Goddess looked at Linnea giving her a look like her grandmother would when she was about to be scolded. However, the goddess smiled instead. “Because there are some lessons that need to be learned. Tremain had his own path to follow. Besides, if I had turned him back into a human, how would he have found you?"

  Linnea blushed. “Thank you."

  "As promised.” Morrigain knelt down and touched Tremain's back. Linnea watched as silver power flowed over the large raven like water. He grew and changed, and as he did, his feathers molted until there was a luscious, naked Tremain kneeling on the floor in the middle of the circle.

  "Oh, honey, I can see why you wanted him to be human so bad. He's a hunk,” Coralline muttered under her breath.

  Linnea blushed and heard a chuckle come out of the Goddess. The witch knelt down beside Tremain and stroked his cheek. It took him a moment before he opened his eyes. When they did, the recognition that looked at her melted her heart.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  The Raven Warrior opened his eyes and let out a slow breath. He was cold with no feathers to warm him. It took him a moment to realize he was gazing into Linnea's face with human eyes and not those of a Raven. He looked at his fingers and realized they were flesh and not feathers.

  "Linnea,” he whispered. He heard the need in his voice and was surprised. His fingers ached to touch the curve of her cheek. Everything in him wanted to press himself against her and take her right there on the floor. When he heard the other comment, he looked over his shoulder and saw the other witches. He smiled halfheartedly as he recognized Henrietta. Then he met Charlotte's gaze, and he realized it was not the witch staring back at him. It was someone else.

  Fear shook him to the core. He had not encountered the Goddess in the flesh since before he had been cursed and he had still been a Druid. It was true he had been at her knee when the poison was in his system, eating away at his soul, begging her to give him death, but this was something he had not seen in centuries. Without realizing it, his sword had appeared in his right hand even though he thought he had lost it forever when he was cursed by Betha. He knelt down as if getting knighted in the days of old when Camelot still existed and Arthur was enthroned. It didn't matter he was naked. The Goddess had seen him for what he was. He was always naked before her. He did not need clothes to hide his soul. He gripped the hilt of the sword as tight as he could, fearing the wrath of the Goddess before him. Tremain hoped Linnea had not felt Morrigain's wrath for summoning her.

  "Dark Mistress, I am at your service."

  Her fingers traced over the triple raven brand on his shoulder making it flare to life. It seemed the ravens in his flesh came to life, and then the silver power threaded along his spine, burning as it went down. He bit his lip because it hurt like hell, but he had worse pain before and could deal with it. Being stuck as a Raven for a month, losing his humanity had been a pain of the soul. Now he was human again. He only hoped it was for good. Tremain squeezed his eyes shut. Her power reached into his heart and deep into his soul, touching every fiber of his being. It seemed he was melting down into a puddle. The power rose out of him, and it became like a pleasurable caress. His eyes rolled back into his head, and he had to hold onto himself to keep his control. Finally, the power ebbed, and he was able to open his eyes.

  "Tremain, for centuries you have been a thorn in my side."

  "Morrigain, I—"

  "Let me finish.” Her voice was filled with authority that made him jump back. He did not want to anger the goddess now. Her smile lit her face as it did his soul. “Tremain, you were cursed by ill means, by both Genève in the past and Betha now. Those called upon me to exile you to the Ravens are long dead and have already lived the error of their ways. You have fought everything I have given you, but you have hung onto your humanity in your exile and are worthy of your skin. However, I'm also here with one message."

  He closed his eyes and only hoped that the message was not one where he was not going to be with Linnea. At least he had hope in that. She stirred his soul. The Druid knew now he was supposed to be with her, that he had given up his old ties with Beatrice. His soul felt free to fly away and into the silvery moonlight. “What is your message, Dark Mistress?'

  He heard the hollow echo of power in the goddess's voice as she channeled through the old witch. “Your curse has been lifted, Tremain. You are free to fly the skies when you wish and are no longer bound by the moon. Use my gift well. If feathers overtake you again, it is only because you do not believe you are worthy of the flesh you inhabit. Take this as blessed advice and do not squander what you have been given.” She brushed his cheek with her hand. He felt the silver bands of her rings even though the witch was not wearing any. He bowed his head and swallowed. Tears lined his eyes, but he did not reach to wipe them away. His soul understood the second chance he had been given.

  "Thank you."

  "You have always been my child. There has never been a day that I did not hear your prayers. I've never turned a deaf ear to you or your pain. You were just so close to me, that you could not see my face because you wore my wings. Never forget that."

  "I won't. I swear."

  "Good. Now, enough of this formality. Would you gals like to have some fun? Charlotte seems to think this would be a great time to go out and boogie. If you all don't object, I think these two love birds might want to be alone."

  Tremain stared at Morrigain, not believing what he was hearing. He never thought a goddess would want to spend time with mortals.

  "Tremain, do you know how old it gets being with the gods all the time? If you want to hear a story, I could tell you one about this witch and god I know. You'd never believe what he got himself into by falling in love with her. Then again, she has a frog familiar with white angel wings."

  "I'd love to hear it!” Coralline interrupted.

  "I'm sure you would,” Henrietta muttered.

  "Umm. Maybe another time. Thank you for the offer. I'm sure the other witches would love to."

  "Of course we would,” Henrietta spoke up.

  Tremain saw Linnea shake her head and roll her eyes. He figured she could not believe this could be happening to her.

  "Have fun, honey.” Coralline pinched Tremain's butt and made him jump. “If only I was young again."

  Tremain was about to say something when he watched as Morrigain gave him a small nod and clapped her hands together. Instantly they were gone. He knew the goddess would show them wonders they could only imagine. At her departure, the power in the room collapsed. The atmosphere cleared like it did after a heavy rainstorm. Everything in the attic
seemed cleaner than he remembered it. Finally, he put down his sword and looked up at Linnea.

  "I guess that doesn't happen to you all the time,” she commented.

  He smiled. “No, not really."

  He got up and stretched his legs, realizing he was still very naked and Linnea was not. He tried to ignore his growing excitement, but his cock betrayed him. Her eyes trailed down his body. She bit her lip like a nervous school girl who had never seen a naked boy. He stepped forward bridging the small distance between them. The heat from her body warmed his chilled flesh, but he didn't dare pull her into him yet in case he lost it and took her right there on the floor without her permission. He was not a brute.

  The gulf between them was as wide as the deepest crevasse. His heartbeat counted the seconds they stood in silence taking one another in. This was the time, the definitive moment, their love would be realized or denied. The Druid searched her eyes for the answer reflected in his heart. She looked on him with longing, feeling the same way he did. Neither of them knew what to say. Tremain had nearly lost himself when he was in feathers for a month. The one beacon which had kept him going was Linnea. Her image and kind words had made him hold onto himself, especially when she had summoned the Goddess and the other Warriors. Even though he had been in another form, he knew it took power to do that. He could sense it sparking from her very pores. He wondered if she knew how much power she had at her disposal. But he didn't love her because she was a powerful witch. The Warrior loved her for her good heart. She would have sacrificed herself for him. He knew that. And that touched his soul more than Linnea knew.

  "God, you must be cold. I have some—” Linnea was about to move, but Tremain caught her chin with his fingers and drew her close to him so they were inches apart. He stared down into her beautiful, soulful eyes and wondered how he could ever have thought she was nothing more than a pet human as the court had called her. She was so much more than that. She was beautiful, enrapturing and anyone who didn't see that was a fool.

  "I'm warm enough, Linnea. With you in my arms I'd be warmer still.” He hesitated and waited for her to make a move. He didn't want to spook her. Granted, they might have slept together while he was recovering, but he didn't know the true depths of his feelings for her then. He did now, and he wanted their coupling to be special. He wanted to give her the world. He wanted to give her immortality.

  Caleb's voice echoed in his mind about making sure he had the right mate, because he could only grant forever to one woman. He knew he had his heartmate. Linnea was the right woman, but he didn't know if she wanted an eternity with him. The moment between then stretched on forever as he felt the heat rising in her. Slowly, she reached her hand up and touched his cheek. The caress was so soft he barely felt it. Yet it melted his core to the very bottom of his soul. He captured her hand in his and pressed it against the curve of his jaw pulling it down to his lips so he could kiss the soft flesh on the inside of her palm. He planted soft kisses in the center of her hand, feeling her power stir in the charkra point. A moan escaped her lips. It drove him over the edge. He dropped her hand and took her in his arms. He had to have her. His mouth met hers in a long, fiery kiss. He prayed her lips would give way under the pressure of his.

  Every contour and curve of Linnea's body formed to his perfectly. Having her with clothes on so close to him drove him insane, but he had to bide his time. At the last impossible second, she responded to him and clutched his back with the same force he held her. In a near bone-crushing embrace, they were locked to one another as he enjoyed the taste of her lips, the meeting of his tongue with hers. He felt wetness against his cheek. He thought Linnea was crying, but when he finally broke their kiss, a little out of breath, he realized it was him.

  "Are you okay?"

  The look of concern on Linnea's face panged his heart. He was fine. More then fine. He was wonderful. “Yes, beloved. I am blessed to be with you. I want you so bad, Linnea. It hurts. Please don't keep me waiting any longer. I need you forever."

  She bit her lip again. He found the gesture rather cute. He sensed her trepidation and yet he also felt her desire for him. She was afraid she was going to lose him again. Closing his eyes, Tremain opened his mind and stretched it out, brushing his thoughts against hers. For an instant, Linnea had her wall up but when she stared into his eyes she knew it was him. His mind merged with hers slowly, entwining around her thoughts like a long lost lover, lowering the barriers between them.

  He took her hand in his and placed it over his throbbing heart. "Feel the life inside of me, Linnea. I'm not going anywhere. You heard what Morrigain said. I still have my immortality. Please trust me."

  "I do. It's just that after everything I've been through, I've lost everyone I've ever loved. I don't want to lose you too."

  "You won't. I promise."

  Through their adjoined minds, he poured every feeling he had for her. He pictured himself stroking the smooth skin of her belly, running fingers over the soft mounds of her breasts, tasting her nipples, filling her until she cried out and begged him to stop.

  Tremain felt her hands slip from his grasp and move to lower parts. Her fingers ran the length of his shaft. Slow, sure movements encompassed him as Linnea took charge. Her other hand held his sac. It was cold against his scorching flesh, while the other increased its speed. Her eyes never left his. The friction she caused on his flesh made the muscles in his groin tighten. Bolts of pleasure raced into his brain, which spilled over into Linnea. His breathing was getting heavier as her speed increased and then slowed. Her cheeks were flushed as he let his mind blend with hers. Through their link, he knew she felt the movements of her hand along his cock and how much he wanted to sink into her moist well.

  From her mind, he experienced her doubts for hardly believing such a beautiful, perfect man had picked her. Her whole life she had been humdrum and plain. She wanted him so bad it was worse than her chocolate cravings and they could be bad. She only prayed he would never get sick of her even when she was old and gray.

  "You're not plain, Lin. You're beautiful and you're mine. Forever." “God, I need you. Please."

  "What if I want to make you suffer?” she breathed into his ear.

  Tremain swallowed, drawing in a breath through his teeth as he tried to hold on. The tone of her voice as it dropped was sexy as hell and sultry. He could see her lips around his cock sucking him down her throat. He shivered.

  "You have eternity to do that. But now I want to fuck you so hard you'll be screaming my name until your throat is raw."

  Linnea nipped the end of his ear and then bounded away from him. Suddenly he felt the power rise in the room. He tried to follow her as she pulled off her shirt and dropped it on the floor. He tried to move after her, but he walked into a wall of energy from the first circle. A cry of frustration ripped from his throat.

  "Linnea, not funny. So not funny."

  "Come and get me." Her devilish laughter echoed in his brain.

  His power rose. As he watched her walking backward down the stairs, he saw her bra land on the railing. This was going to be way too much fun when he caught her. He pushed against the circle boundary. This time he walked right through it. He expected to find the second circle empowered as well, but there was nothing there. He got halfway down the stairs and saw her jeans on the steps before him. A wicked smile curled his lips. At the bottom of the landing were her socks. At the hallway, he saw three closed doors. The third one had her panties hanging on the knob.

  He pushed the door open and received a quick shock. He grumbled as he shook his hand, trying to get the feeling back into his fingers. When the door opened, he found a dusty bedroom and no Linnea.

  "Where are you, my frisky witch?"

  Laughter answered him. He tried the middle door and nudged it open with his foot. This time nothing happened. However, there was no witch either. Frustrated, he tried the third door, and found her blissfully naked on her blue and pink comforter. That would not do. He snapped his
fingers and suddenly her bed was draped in silver and black, the colors of the night. The colors of the Ravens. The sheets were black satin, and the four-poster bed had silver drapes. The druid felt Linnea's gaze on him. She was watching his every move waiting to see the rejection in his eyes.

  However, his eyes took in her luscious naked form, marked her breathing was a little heavier as she anticipated the night to come. Her nipples jutted into the air. His hands were ready to feel the weight of her full breasts in his hands. She looked like a work of art, and she was his. He knelt on the bed, sliding his fingers along the smooth flesh of her inner thigh to her mound of soft curls where he parted her sweet lips and found her moist center. The long-awaited, deep-throated moan he so desired to hear from her escaped her lips as a shiver of pleasure rippled through her body and sang along the link they shared.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Linnea shivered in ecstasy as Tremain licked his way up her stomach and found one of her nipples. It instantly hardened in his mouth. Her eyes were squeezed shut as he slowly rubbed his finger over her clit, making her wetter and wetter. His teeth nipped on the sensitive head of her nipple. Her moans were coming from a place in her soul she didn't know was so primal. No man had ever made her feel this way before. He pushed all of her buttons and did it on purpose. She had tortured him in the attic and now payback. Turn about was fair play, but God, she needed him inside of her. His long hair tickled her exposed flesh and warmed her as a mysterious breeze blew over her.

  His long fingers dipped deeper in her nether regions coaxing themselves into her moist depths. Her back arched at the entrance while he continued his torturous assault on her other breast. His free hand cupped her ass. She wound her hands in his silky hair. Tremain's lips were driving her crazy as they left her breast and kissed along the underside of her neck to the hollow of her throat. His thoughts whispered in her mind, pouring his feelings into her. He was so wrapped around her brain if she could concentrate then she would be able to be in his point of view giving her the pleasure. No matter how much she tried to follow the line between them, she was stuck. Her fingernails dug into his back. She scratched him, not caring about the pain as he slowly slid another finger deep inside her, testing her depths.