“Yes.” Arik stood behind Rebeka. “I sang my father’s healing chant and helped Bill…” She peered up at him.
“And remembered my husband.”
Her words sent something right through him. The months of torment, the endless days and sleepless nights he researched and tried to find her. And when he finally found his way through time, the days and weeks he watched her and knew she didn’t remember him. They all became unimportant.
George broke the silence. “It should never have happened. I was responsible.” George’s distraught voice was low and thin. “I should never have let her go into the estate alone.” He saw the man’s pain and said nothing. George would have to find his own peace of mind. “I failed my responsibility.”
“You couldn’t stop me. I would’ve gone without you one way or another. But I do know that I couldn’t get away from Bran myself. You pulled me to safety. No, you didn’t fail me. You saved me.”
He was pleased with his wife’s response. Rebeka stepped in front of George. “And my family.” Rebeka glanced at Cora. “You both did. If it hadn’t been for you, I never would’ve found them and Arik wouldn’t be here. You must know that.”
“George worked hard to find you and fulfill Lady Emily’s request.” Cora glanced from Rebeka to her brother.
“It hasn’t gone unnoted.” He was grateful to George. “We still need your help. We can’t return until things are set right here. I don’t think we’ve heard the last of Bran and we’ve got to find the proclamation.”
“And don’t forget who did this.” Rebeka stood with her arms spread wide. She was right—there was more to resolve before they could return.
The crunch of gravel caught his attention as the major’s patrol passed. Streams of sun filtered through the trees and filled the mill yard. “We’ll meet back at the manor. Rebeka, ride with me.” He was already halfway to the Triumph.
He threw his leg over the motorbike’s seat as if he had been riding it for years and gave her the helmet. She slipped behind him as the engine rumbled into life. Her hands fanned out over his chest, her touch a familiar sensation. It was a sweet torture but at last he would have her to himself.
He followed the shortcut through the forest. The trees flashed by in a blur. The fallen leaves billowed up around them. With her body warm against his back and her arms holding tight around him he was content.
They came out of the forest and crossed the small field with a weeping willow. They passed through the tall pines and into Oak Meadow.
She tapped him on the shoulder. He came to a stop.
Before he killed the motor, she was off the bike and on her way toward the oak tree. His long strides had him by her side quickly.
The early morning April air warmed as the sun rose. The oak tree welcomed them. He could almost hear the tree sigh. She pulled him along until they stood under the oak branches and the canopy of leaves that sheltered them.
His rough hand cupped her cheek and held her face tenderly. His heart pounded as he lifted her chin and drank in the passion he saw in her eyes. At last, after months of searching and weeks of wanting, she was his.
“Hold me. Don’t let me go,” she said as she nuzzled his neck and sank into his strong embrace. “Love me,” she whispered in his ear and felt him shiver. She wanted to feel his arms around her, his lips touching hers—she wanted him to bury himself deep inside her and shout her passion to her world and to his.
They sank to the ground and held each other close. She was afraid to let him go, afraid the emptiness would find her, afraid of losing him, again. With an unending thirst, she focused on his mouth, the shape of his lips, the kisses that they promised.
His hand stroked the side of her body from her breast to her thigh, claiming it for himself. She stretched and molded her body to the contours of his, the way he liked. One stroke of her breast and she tugged on his shirt. He didn’t hesitate. He obliged her and pulled it off. Her hand played down the familiar hard planes of his chest. Her eyes widened when she saw the marks. His back and chest were covered with intricate symbols. How hadn’t she seen them before? “These weren’t here.” She traced them with her finger.
He stopped her hand and brought it to his lips. “For six months I tried to find you.” He tilted her face to his. She closed her eyes and felt the tingling traces of Dark Magick that thrummed around him.
She moved away, a concerned expression on her face. “What have you done?”
He pulled her back into his arms. “I did whatever was necessary. Now be still and let me hold you.” She settled against him.
“I’ve tried to remember holding you, feeling you before I love you, reliving every moment with you.”
She put her head on his shoulder. He opened her nightshirt and stroked the top of her chest then, with trembling hands, touched her breasts. A low moan escaped her lips. She tipped her face to see his eyes.
“Why are your eyes closed?” she asked.
“I’m seeing if you are as I remember.” He laughed softly.
“And?”
“Better,” he said as he bent and kissed each breast.
She pulled his head away and kissed him. He ignited a flame inside her that set her on fire. A delicious shudder pulsed through her.
The muscles on his chest danced as her fingers lightly traced the runes. “This rune is for the Great Mother.” Her finger poised over the sign. “Thank you, Great Mother,” she said as her lips brushed against his skin. She watched it deckle in gooseflesh. Her finger moved on. “This is our sign.” Encouraged by the hooded passion she saw in his eyes, she kissed the rune and moved on. The tips of her fingers traced down his chest. “Here it is again.” The rune was below his navel. Another kiss. Her fingers trailed down further.
He pulled her up and rolled on top of her. Her body instinctively arched against his. “You are mine.” His warm breath brushed against her face. Two heartbeats passed. “Do you hear me? You’re mine,” he said more urgently.
“Yes.” Her voice was an intimate whisper. His lips tugged into a sideways grin.
It was the smile that made her bones go limp. It was his magick.
“Forever,” was all he said as he settled between her legs. Every inch of him was hard and ready. She focused on his lips while her hands ran over his body. The insistent need to touch him consumed her.
“Love me, Arik. Now.” She wanted to taste him, smell him, feel him.
He bent down and let his lips brush gently across hers. Arik soothed and calmed her with his touches and kisses only to build her heat and her passion. Tiny licks of pleasure shot through her while his erection pressed against her.
He slipped inside her and she let out a sigh of relief. “I please you,” he said his voice rough with passion.
She answered him by wrapping her legs around his hips and pulling him closer. Heat rippled through her body as combustible desire ran through her with every stroke. As the last wave peaked, they both found their release.
He held himself on his elbows, his forehead touching hers. “You are my heart. I make love to you and want more. It’s never enough.”
She wrapped her arms around him. “I feel the same.”
He rolled onto his back and took her with him. “I’ve never stopped wanting you.”
“I wanted you when I saw you in the minstrel gallery,” she said and he squeezed her close. “Could we go back now while I remember?” She pulled away from him. She could see in his face he wanted to go back as much as she did.
He let out a breath. “You know I want to go back, too. But the only way you can be safe, that the future can be safe, is to deal with Bran now.”
The buzz of his cell phone interrupted. They ignored it.
“The portal is closed and Bran can’t create a new one. He can’t cross time. He was an enchantment at Skara Brae,” she argued.
“Yes but almost as dangerous as if he was here.” He didn’t have to tell her. She knew he was right.
“If the por
tal is closed, how did you get here?”
He pulled her back against him. “It’s a long story. I was fortunate. While Logan and I searched, George and Cora did, too. I came through the tower mirror.” He kissed her forehead. “I’m concerned about you. Until we know who started the fire, and if they are working with Bran, we can’t let anyone know your memory is back.” She started to object but realized that Arik was right. What would Bran do if he knew she remembered after he took such pains to make her forget?
“Especially Louise.”
“Louise?” She had suspected he didn’t like her. Now that she considered it, Louise had been getting more aggressive when they practiced since Arik arrived.
“She’s not all she seems. Fawning over me to anger you, and her aggressive sparring—no, we mustn’t let her know until the time is right. I keep asking myself why anyone would want to set fire to the mill. I don’t think Bill was the target. He wandered into the situation.” The loss of the mill would put a strain on the staff and finances. None of this was compelling. It had to be something else.
”Maybe it’s just kids and an accident.”
“If gasoline wasn’t involved I might agree with you. No, someone started the fire on purpose.” Rebeka smothered a yawn. She was going to fall off her feet.
His cell phone rang again.
She took it from his pocket and gave it to him. He swiped the screen. “Yes?…We will be there shortly.” He ended the call. “Come, it’s time to go back.”
“Now? This minute?” She pouted as he buttoned her nightdress.
“Come. It’s been an exciting night for both of us.” He helped her up. They put themselves together.
“Arik, what if my memory…?” She trailed off as she put on the helmet. “I’ll be with you. I suspected you’re free of the enchantment.” His words were encouraging but she sensed his concern.
“I told you, in addition to waking you with kisses I plan to chant to you every morning and evening if I have to.” He brushed his lips against hers. They got on the motorbike and rode to the manor. “Rebeka, I think you should move back into the manor.”
Rebeka’s back stiffened. “I assure you I can take care of myself.”
“Yes, I know you can. But a good warrior knows there’s strength in numbers. Until we know who is behind this, no one is to go anywhere outside the manor alone. Move into the manor. There is always someone nearby. The cottage is close but isolated. Once we catch who’s responsible you can move back.” They got on the motorbike in silence.
“You think it’s that serious? It was the mill that was set on fire, not the manor,” Rebeka said before he started the engine.
Arik said nothing. But she recognized his best intimidating stare.
“I’ll have Charles move my things later today.” He started the engine and they started back.
Rebeka leaned on the doorjamb and peered past the red velvet ropes into the lady’s chamber. Arik suggested she move into this room, but the suite with its soft colors and romantic decor was one of the main attractions of the house tour. Now she recognized the accuracy of the reproduction. She pushed off the wall and headed to the small room across the hall.
The door stood wide open. The warmth of the fire in the grate and the scent of lavender and rose brought back a rush of memories. This had been her room when Doward and Arik had first brought her to the manor.
The sight of Jeannie caring for the gash on her leg flashed in her head.
She had skidded down a mountain and cut it badly when she’d popped out of the portal into his century. That had been when she met the tinker, Doward. She let the memories settle before she entered the room.
“I still think you should be in the lady’s chamber.” Arik stood behind her, his hands gently on her shoulders. He kissed her neck.
Caught by surprise, she gasped as she leaned into his solid frame. She closed her eyes and stretched, hoping he would take advantage of the better access she was giving him. The warm breath of his deep chuckle on her neck made her melt. She tried to turn to him but he would have none of it. He held her in place and circled her with his arms, his hands across the top of her chest, his fingertips trailing over her delicate skin.
She felt his arousal and had no desire to move. His hands were gentle as they caressed her breasts. His lips left a trail of kisses along her neck and pooled on her shoulders. He was driving her wonderfully wild. She broke free and faced him. He titled her face toward him with the crook of his index finger and lowered his mouth onto hers. Everything he did, every touch, made her body throb for him. He swept her into his arms and carried her up the tower steps. At the top, he kicked the door closed and set her in the middle of the room.
“The beautiful tapestries are gone.” She was beginning to see what he had gone through for the past six months.
“I removed them for a good reason.” She moved to the walls. The flickering light made the magick runes dance across the stones.
“You’ve tried to find me for—”
“Six months. You sound surprised.” She stepped closer to the wall and with a tentative hand touched it.
“No, not surprised, fortunate.” She faced him. “I’m surprised that you would use Dark Magick.” She didn’t hide her concern. “I’ve developed a new respect for it.”
“I’d do it again to find you.” He would. She was more than fortunate. It was an odd feeling to have two memories of the same place, one where you feel at home and the other where you’re a stranger.
“George feels responsible for letting you go to Skara Brae. I’m as guilty for not teaching you about Dark Magick. If I had, perhaps you wouldn’t have—” She kissed his lips to shift his mind to another course.
What’s done was done. There would be plenty of time to go over it. Right now she didn’t want to talk about Bran or Dark Magick. She held his face in her hands. “I love you. I can’t find the words to tell you how much or how deep. You’re a wizard.”
The corner of his lips tugged in a boyish grin that made her insides flutter. His eyes glistened with promised passion. She snuggled in his arms longing for his touch, licking her lips in anticipation.
“Then let me bewitch you, again.” His voice was soft and seductive. She closed her eyes and surrendered to his magick.
Chapter Eighteen
“Have you gone through the files of all the men?” George said as he sat across the table from Arik. They both worked on their tablets.
“Yes,” Arik said. He could use Marcus right now to manage the training and patrol schedule. “A hundred and fifty men, six squadrons at most, aren’t enough. I’d feel better with at least another hundred and fifty. We don’t need to patrol the outlying countryside—only protect the manor and mill.”
Arik leaned back and glanced at George. “In my time I could easily call on my neighbors for support. Here it’s not so easy.”
George had his eyes on his screen. “Do you have any ideas?”
“Training’s a challenge. We need more equipment.” Arik pushed his chair back and stared out the window. “The only way to stop Bran will be to fight, the old way—with swords.” His hope for a settlement, a truce even, had faded.
“Our immediate need is to protect the manor. The training and maneuvers had an added benefit—the authenticity would draw more visitors.” Arik and George had gone over every soldier’s file in order to discuss them with the major. It would be difficult to protect the manor with one hundred fifty men but not impossible.
“We should take an inventory of the weapons as well,” Arik said.
“We created a war room in the garden house museum. Let’s see what’s there.” George turned off his tablet.
The grounds were empty and quiet when they left for the garden house. Exceptionally quiet. In the distance the sound of tramping feet reached Arik’s ears. They both stopped and glanced over their shoulders. They focused on the sound’s direction. It came from the road that led to the lake.
Two lines of me
n jogged toward them. The major gave the cadence and the men halted. Another beat and one hundred and fifty soldiers pivoted like a well-oiled machine. They faced Arik and George. Each man stood at attention while Arik reviewed the troop. Were these the same men he’d seen a day ago?
“Sir.” The major gave Arik a crisp salute.
“Major.”
“When we returned from the fire we realized the manor was, well, sir, under attack. It wasn’t difficult to see it was sabotage. I took the liberty of establishing a perimeter around the mill. A chain-link fence is being installed and our men will patrol until further orders.” He may not have Marcus but he had the major. He knew he had the men he needed.
“Very good, Major.” He wouldn’t have to encourage the men to train. They were already motivated.
“We also decided we’ve been sitting around too long. We were lucky last night but unprepared. We’ve upped our daily training. We’re on our way to the practice fields.”
“Thank you.” He passed among them. “I know Dr. Tyler appreciates your dedication and so do I.” He continued to address each man separately, thanking them for their help, asking them about their bruises and burns. When he was done he stood next to George and the major. “What’s your plan?”
“Exercise in the morning. The men will rotate standing guard, working at the mill and restoring the village as planned. Yesterday we evaluated the wall around the manor. The person who built it did a good job of preparing it for defense. We’ve developed a watch schedule, should we need it. And, sir, we know of others who would be interested in signing on.” Arik welcomed that news. Now he understood why they called this man Major. He was competent, forward-looking, intelligent and courageous, the qualities he demanded in a leader.
“Very good. We’ll talk about the details of your plan later. Don’t let me stop you.” He started to leave but hesitated. “I might join you at the practice field when I’m done.” He had always trained with Marcus and the men. It would feel good to get back into that routine.
The major’s face lit with a wide smile.
Druid Knights 02: Knight of Rapture Page 23
