* * * *
Like a cat, Coira entered the chamber of Laird and Lady Roberts. Day by day she searched their possessions undetected, yet she returned without satisfaction. She must find it now. Time had run out. She twirled around in frustration and then stood still, pursing her lips. Where could it be? Why did she even bother doing this for her master? He had not made love to her since ... since he sent her to follow Lady Gavenia. Argh! Lady Gavenia with her lovely golden hair and lovely ruby lips. Why was he obsessed with the woman? She did not know. Maybe, once she returned to her master's side, he would have missed making love to her and would take her back into his chamber again.
For now, she had to find the...
There was only one place left she had not searched. Falling to her knees, she looked under the bed. Her heart leaped into her throat. Hidden beneath was a chest. She pulled out the slender box.
Brushing off the dust, the lid opened without opposition. “Foolish witch should have at least locked the chest."
Within the confines sat a thick ancient book with Dark Magick written in gold across the cover. It had belonged to her master's mother, Lady Torella, and now it would be returned to the rightful sorcerer. Tucking it into a leather sack, she rose and hastily left the chieftain's chamber.
Closing the door behind her, she jolted at the touch on her shoulder.
"Why were you in my parent's chamber?"
Coira turned to see Sir Callum. A frown marred his heavenly features. He studied the sack at her side. Her heart beat loudly within her ears. “I ... I ... Lady Gavenia requested I fetch a book from her mother's chamber."
"Did she now?” The handsome knight looked unconvinced. “Let me see the book my sister requested.” He went to reach for the sack, but Coira shifted to the side.
Coira moistened her lips slowly, drawing his attention to her tongue. A lustful light flitted across his sea-green eyes. She placed her hand on his chest and pushed up on her toes, her mouth inches away from his.
"Forget yer sister. Why have you been avoiding me?"
His erection pressed against her belly and she edged closer to him, using her body as friction. Although she wanted to kiss him, she instead teased him longer by her nearness.
"You know why,” he answered, remaining still.
Sir Callum's breath smelled of sweet wine and it drove her wild with wanting. Kiss me, she screamed in her head.
Suddenly, he grasped her waist and held her tight. His lips crushed hers with passion. If she was not so aroused, she would have gloated with victory.
She had him!
Fiddling with the door handle behind her, it opened and they stumbled into the master's chamber. He scooped her up into his arms and threw her onto the bed. Coira shoved the sack off her shoulder and threw it to the side. With hurried hands, she lifted her blue gown over her head, her gaze unwavering on the golden-haired knight undressing before her. His brawny physique was as hard as stone and his impressive cock nestled against crisp hair. He stood over her, his fists clenched at his sides.
"This is what you wanted, was it not?” His tone was confident, daring her to disagree.
Coira licked her dry lips again, her body tingled with anticipation. “Aye."
"Then take it!” he ordered.
Crawling to the edge of the bed, she grasped his member with one hand and covered it with her mouth. She engulfed part of his length and groaned, enjoying the feel of his warm shaft gliding along her tongue. She pulled him out and placed a kiss on the smooth round tip, then ran her pursed lips down the length. Lifting his member, she sucked on the soft sacs hanging below, then licked from the base to the tip again.
He moaned. “You like sucking cock."
"Aye,” she breathed and returned to fucking him with her mouth.
His body stiffened and Coira knew he was close. He pushed her away and she lay on the bed, her legs open so he might see all her glory. Men were usually uncontrollable when given such a view, but the knight only awarded her a wicked grin. Slowly, he kneeled between her thighs and placed the pad of his thumb inside her mouth. Closing her eyes she sucked on the salty taste of his skin. Dear Lord, even his fingers tasted good.
Taking his glistening thumb, he pressed it between her legs and ran it down her moist lips, circling her sensitive bud. His index finger slid inside of her, while his thumb continued the stimulation on the outside. Coira squirmed with ecstasy, pushing against his hand to enter further inside. He held his body away from hers. So masculine and in control, it drove her insane with desire.
She grabbed his forearms and ordered, “I want you inside me!"
Sir Callum smiled and licked his fingers as if he dipped them in sweet honey. Falling over her, he propped himself up on his elbows, his muscular arms bulging on either side of her head. She opened her legs wider to accommodate his size, waiting for him to enter and end the torment of her arousal.
Swaying his hips, the tip of his cock lightly rubbed against her wetness. She arched toward him, but he pulled away, teasing her.
"Please, I need you inside."
"Why were you in this chamber?” he whispered, as if citing poetry.
"Hmm?” Surely he was not asking her that now? Not while she was desperate for him.
"Why were you in this chamber?” he repeated. Slowly, his wide helmet dipped inside.
"I ... I told you. To get a book.” She arched toward him again, but he shifted backward. Saint Mary, she needed more of him.
"Did my sister really send you?"
He slid his throbbing erection further into her receptive body. Mad with wanting, obsession overrode everything else.
"Nae.” She said without thinking, her body driving her to distraction. Sweat matted her hair, her breathing increased. Right now she would kill to have him completely impale her. Why did he not take her? This was torture of the worst kind.
"Who sent you?"
He pushed in and out of her, but with only half his length, leaving her desires unsated. She tried to draw him near, her nails scratching his back, but he resisted.
"Who sent you?” he asked, this time probing deep within her core. She groaned with ecstasy, her body betraying her with heightened arousal. He pulled out from her, only to thrust hard inside of her once more, and then out.
"Who?” he demanded.
"Laird ... laird..."
"Aye?"
"Laird...” Without another word, she reached her peak, even without his cock within her. She clutched at him, pleading for him to fill her.
Cursing, Callum plunged in, riding her pleasure until he released his own.
Every ounce of their passion was spent before he collapsed beside her. The strain of resisting the vixen had his skin sleek with sweat. It was worth it to gain a little information from Coira. What laird had asked the lass to steal from his mother?
Rolling to the side of the bed, he picked up her sack and pulled out an old, thick book titled, Dark Magick. He didn't know his mother kept a book like this in her chamber.
A noise sounded behind him and he turned to find a large metal urn crashing down on his head, then blackness.
Coira picked up the book from the floor and stepped over Sir Callum's body. “That's for taking so long to fuck me!"
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Chapter Five
Gavenia spent most the eve avoiding her mother and mingling with clan members she had not seen since last harvest. She was thankful her mother did not bring over any men to be introduced, thus allowing Gavenia to enjoy the eve before retiring.
She lay on her soft bed. Her body was exhausted, but her mind was alert with excitement. She must force herself to rest while she could. At midnight, she would have to escape the castle and ride through the night.
Slowly, very slowly, her eyelids lowered and she drifted into sleep.
"I have been waiting for you to slumber,” his deep voice held a note of tenderness.
Gavenia sat up. Her sleeping chemise changed from white to b
lack, its delicate fabric dipping low to expose the inner curve of her breasts. She looked up at the handsome stranger standing over her bed. It was the mysterious man of her dreams. Just the nearness of him made her body tingle with desire. His hair was as black as midnight and it fell in soft waves to his shoulders. His bare torso gleamed from the glow of the fireplace while black chausses hung low on his hips. Dark eyes captured her gaze and held it as if she was in a trance. She feared him, but was attracted to him at the same time.
She trembled from the force of her body's cravings for this man. She had never felt this way before and it frightened her. This was only a dream, right? So why should she worry? Why resist her cravings for this figment of her imagination? After all, she could not become pregnant from a dream.
The man smiled and lay down beside her. Gathering her into his arms, he molded her curves readily into his own contours and murmured, “Everything will be all right."
Gavenia studied every inch of his face while the hardness of his warm body gave her comfort. His face was so beautiful and noble, with an aristocrat nose and eyebrows. His strong jaw line was clean-shaven while his lips ... oh sweet Goddess, his lips were full and soft. They smiled at her, knowing everything she was thinking.
"I do not usually like to kiss, but I find myself eager to explore yer mouth again,” he confessed, his voice low, sensual.
Gavenia's heart flipped in response. He could ask anything from her, and she would agree. When his appreciative gaze roamed over her, she felt feminine and desirable. All her barriers toward men instantly fell.
He was meant to be her lover, and she, his.
Holding her hand to his chest, he gradually lowered his head and claimed her lips. Soft and tender, he tentatively explored the insides of her mouth, then deepened the kiss as her ardor grew. Their tongues made love with a savage hunger, each desiring to be closer and closer, merging their bodies, but he was still too far away. She needed him inside her, to complete her. She needed more of him.
Breaking from his lips was unbearable. She lifted her head to plead, “Touch me."
He fiercely returned to kissing her as his warm hand eased the black satin chemise over her breasts. Gently, his hand circled her breasts while his thumb ran across her sensitive nipples. She pressed closer to him, her skin on fire. She wanted more of his touch, heat and tongue.
"You are so intoxicating,” he murmured.
He bent to kiss her breasts when the chamber door slammed open.
"Gavenia, get dressed, it is time to...” Coira rushed in and came to an abrupt halt. “I am sorry, I am sorry!” Fear laced her apology and she dropped to the ground on her knees.
Her lover turned toward the intrusion and growled. The threatening sound sent shivers down Gavenia's spine. He turned to face Gavenia, and his eyes softened. “Come to me,” he whispered, then disappeared into a shadow.
Gavenia shook her head after a wave of dizziness threatened to overwhelm her. She sat up and looked down at her gown, it was white again, but her breasts were exposed.
Coira lifted herself from the rushes and began packing as if nothing happened.
Gavenia felt her forehead, the skin was warm to the touch, yet the rest of her body was chilled.
"Wake up sleepy. It is time we left,” Coira chirped.
"Was I asleep?” She swung her legs over to the side of the bed.
"Aye, that must have been some dream. You were moaning.” Coira finished packing and stood at the end of the bed. Her smile did not reach her eyes, but Gavenia shrugged it away. She was probably tired, like herself. Gavenia did not feel she got any rest at all.
"I will don my green riding gown, then we can go."
Coira's eyes darted around the chamber, averting Gavenia's gaze. Her maid opened the door and peeked out, her jittery moves making Gavenia nervous.
"You must make haste, milady."
Gavenia finished dressing and pulled her sack out from beneath her bed. Taking the note she had inked before, she left it on her bed. “I am ready,” she said, her heart beating faster at the thought of traveling through the country. Finally, an adventure all of her own.
Coira nodded. “Go ahead and wait for me in the stables. I will meet you there."
Gavenia nodded. “Aye, it would be easier to sneak over the soldiers sleeping in the great hall if we left separately."
Coira watched her ladyship leave with a travel bag slung over her shoulder. Her smile fell into a sneer. It took so much energy to be nice to that spoiled aristocrat. Opening the chamber door, she returned to the bed and picked up the note. Opening it, she read its contents and scoffed with disgust.
With the flick of her hand, she threw the note into the fireplace and turned her back on the flames.
"Soon milady, you will get a taste of what it is like to be less than a peasant."
Coira did not look surprised when Gavenia opened the secret doorway to the outside world. Unwilling to read more into her companion's actions, Gavenia lightened the mood with small chatter. She asked her where her aunt lived in Edinburgh and would she be put out if they visited without word? Coira's response was either one syllable or a vacant nod. Perhaps her maid did not fare well on little sleep. If truth be told, she wished she had stayed in her wondrous dream a little longer.
After riding their horses through most of the eve, Coira stopped her mount in a small clearing. Trees and shrubs surrounded them like a wall.
"We can rest here until dawn. Try to get some sleep,” Coira ordered, her tone brusque.
Relieved, Gavenia dismounted, tied her light gray palfrey to a tree and then unrolled a blanket from the back of her horse. Dropping her sack next to Coira's makeshift fire, she walked over to the other side of the camp. Every limb in her body screamed for rest, and once the blanket was on the ground, Gavenia collapsed upon it and went straight to sleep.
What seemed like only moments later, she awoke after hearing a noise. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. It was still dark, before dawn. She sat up and scanned the area. No other movement from the trees came. She looked over at her maid, but Coira was gone, along with her bag. A few of Gavenia's gowns were strewn about the ground, her gold vanished.
"Coira?” she called, but no answer. “Coira!"
Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong. She could feel it in her very spirit. Suppressing the urge to panic, she rose and gathered her gowns. She didn't know which direction she needed to go; she just knew she had to make haste.
Gavenia stopped picking up her gowns and stood still. The surrounding forest was dead silent. The only sound was her heavy breathing. Her heart beat increased, dread threatened to overwhelm her. Evil was nearby. She could not shake the feeling.
She had to leave.
Now!
Dropping her belongings, she leapt onto her saddle and sunk her heels into the horse's flanks. Jolting forward, unseen branches whipped at her arms and face, her mount racing carelessly through the woods.
Suddenly a sound of hoof beats came from behind.
She was being chased.
Lowering her head closer to her mount, she urged her horse to a greater speed. Low hanging trees threatened to dismount her, yet she dodged each one. She managed to look around. A dark horseman was dangerously close, effortlessly riding a black steed.
He pulled out a whip from his saddle and it glowed bright orange. Gavenia's breath caught in her throat. The whip couldna be for her, could it? What did he want? Why could he not leave her alone? She must keep her head.
Keep riding.
Faster. Faster.
The horseman covered more ground than her exhausted palfrey. She needed help and now. Mumbling a spell, a lightening bolt came from the cloudless sky and it struck the ground before the horseman. His large stallion glided over it.
"What horse is not afraid of lightening?” She faced the front. A branch almost took her head off before she ducked. “If I canna stop you with fire, maybe I can stop you with ice.” Uttering anot
her spell, the clouds gathered and rain poured down, it then turned to hail. Large rocks of ice fell from the sky, hitting the horseman, but he continued on as if the hail were flowers.
Gavenia looked around again. Not only did he not slow, he was gaining on her. Her mount was no match for his warhorse.
The horseman looped the lasso in the air again; the orange light brightened the forest with an eerie glow.
Gavenia's pulse increased with fear and she urged her tired mount for more speed. He was almost upon her.
She heard the whip crack and flinched.
A tight bind wrapped around her waist and arms. Suddenly, she was jerked off her mount and into the dirt with a thud, knocking the breath from her lungs. It took her a moment to shake the darkness from her head.
The hail she cursed the stranger with was now falling on her. She mumbled a spell to stop the weather. Suddenly, the lasso around her waist tightened, cutting into the flesh on her arms.
The horseman stood over her, his face in the shadows. “Confounding witch!"
He gathered her into his arms and threw her over the rump of his horse. Gavenia went to chant another spell.
"The chain you wear is cursed. With every spell you utter, it tightens until it breaks through yer arms and squeezes the very breath from yer body,” he warned, his tone rough and cold. Swinging into his saddle, he turned back to her and whispered in her ear. “I suggest you keep yer mouth shut."
The vehemence in his voice made Gavenia shiver. She had so many questions, but was afraid to ask in case the chain tightened further with the mere sound of her voice.
The sunrise streaked across the sky as his mount spurred into a swift gallop. The chain cut into her skin with every movement of the horse, and blood oozed down her arms.
Gavenia closed her eyes. Please, Mother, wake up. I need you!
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Chapter Six
Gavenia's frightened voice echoed through the chamber and Adela jolted awake. Rising from the bed, she ran barefoot down the hallway into her daughter's chamber. It was empty and cold, the chamber's fire having died long ago so that only ashes remained in the stone cave.
The Celtic Witch and the Sorcerer [Celtic Series Book 2] Page 4
