After a moment of looking about, John finally found what he was looking for. He picked up the device and studied it briefly. Hmm, it was obviously a wireless model. He peered down the hall cautiously before raising the communicator to his lips. If the Maiden walked in on him, he could simply wave it around or chew on it to keep her from knowing what it really was. To her it was simply a pen, and he would treat it as such.
“Lany?” John began the phone at his ear, communicator to his lips. “Are you there?”
“What is it? Everything okay?” his pen replied with a bit of static.
“Oh, thank the Creator I got you on the first try. Can you cover for me? Just for a few minutes? It's time to fetch Dallan.”
Dead silence from the pen.
“Lany?” John pulled the communicator away from his lips and stared at it intently, the phone still held to his ear.
“Sure, no problem,” came the dazed reply.
John returned it to his lips. “As soon as possible, Lany. I’m in bad shape here.”
“On my way.” Lany sounded concerned.
“Thanks, Lany. I owe you one.”
“Mr. Eaton?”
John spun around to face the Maiden, as panic and relief battled for possession of his face. Panic because of the fear he might be found out, relief because he also knew he was covered, the phone still pressed firmly to his ear.
That is, until he noticed the look on Shona’s face.
“Mr. Eaton, why are you talking into the television remote?”
Relief died as shock and embarrassment took over, leaving John to fend for himself until Lany could come to his rescue.
* * *
Back home at last, the errands all done, Maggie Whittard sipped her tea slowly. She wanted the relaxation and warmth it brought to last as long as possible. It had been a long day.
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly as she watched her tea swirl in its cup, her hand moving in slow circles. Maybe this time her daughter would get what she wanted and this new university and music school would accept her. Poor Shona had been through too many disappointments in the past and it wasn’t fair that she should have to suffer such humiliation. And it was all because of him.
Maggie knew he had to be the one behind it. There was no other explanation, no one else with anything to gain from Shona’s failure, no one else that would be so cruel. Maggie, for one, didn’t understand what his motive was. He’d wanted Shona to be highly educated; why keep her from what he wanted? Of course, some of the things he wanted her to excel in she and Evan had thought rather strange at first. Languages and fencing for instance, not to mention gymnastics and a healthy smattering of marital arts. Why hold her back now? Good Lord, the girl was nearly twenty! She should be well into college and close to graduating by now.
Maggie sighed. Money? No, he had plenty of that. Then what? Why was he having her and Evan raise Shona the way he was?
And what if she and Evan were to take things into their own hands and tell him to buzz off? What if they told Shona that all these years she and Evan hadn’t been her parents, adoptive or otherwise, but her jailers?
She sighed again as she stared blankly into her cup. What would he do?
Kill Evan. Yes, that’s what he would do. At least that’s what he said he would do if she were to refuse to comply with any instructions given concerning Shona’s rearing.
But would he really go through with it? Could he?
Maggie got up from the table, not wishing to think on any of it further. She set her teacup on the kitchen counter and went to the refrigerator, sure that her daughter and guests would be ready for a break by now, not to mention a distraction for herself. Besides, she and Shona hadn’t had any dinner to speak of. She had decided not to cook as Evan wouldn’t be home until late. What to serve then, sandwiches or fruit? She opened the refrigerator and stared at the contents, still undecided. Both? Then she wouldn’t have to worry about it and Evan could grab some of it when he got home. Yes, that’s what she would do. She herself could do with a bite aside from the distraction. Besides, Julia always grabbed an evening snack before working with Shona. Everyone would be covered.
Maggie gathered everything she would need and arms full, carefully stood, her load precarious. So much so she didn’t even notice the man who stood on the other side of the refrigerator door.
“Oops, almost forgot the mustard,” she mumbled as she turned.
Maggie froze, her mouth caught in a silent gasp. The items in her arms dropped one by one to the floor in a rapid succession of thuds as the man’s cold brown eyes met her own. “Oh no,” she whispered and took an involuntary step back. “Philip…”
Lord Philip Brennan pushed the door of the refrigerator shut, eliminating the wall between them. He smiled broadly, his eyes menacing. “Hello, Maggie,” he purred as he took a step forward.
Maggie stared, horrified. “What are you doing here? What do you want?”
“Why, isn’t it obvious, my dear?” He cooed as he took one of her hands in his own and gave it a pat. “It’s time.”
She snatched her hand away. “Time? Time for what?”
Philip again smiled broadly as he glanced to his now empty hand. He then looked down at her, his face dripping satisfaction. “I’ve come to collect.”
The Bonding
My lover thrust his hand through the latch-opening;
My heart began to pound for him.
I arose to open for my lover,
And my hands dripped with myrrh,
My fingers with flowing myrrh,
On the handles of the lock.
I opened for my lover,
But my lover had left; he was gone.
I looked for him but did not find him.
I called him but he did not answer.
Song of Songs 5:4-6
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Shona sat curled up on the sofa as she had been before Mr. Eaton excused himself. What a strange man, she thought, as she pressed a button on the stereo controller. A trumpet fanfare played, followed by a man singing with a pleasant, melodic voice. She closed her eyes and threw back her head. The thing was hungry… again.
Shona rocked as her body absorbed the music, feeding. She briefly pondered Mr. Eaton’s behavior. How odd that she had found him talking to the television remote. Perhaps he was just playing a little joke on her to make her laugh. She had to admit she hadn’t been very cheery the last few days even before the bizarre events and mysterious man of the library. Maybe this was his way of lightening things up? Who was to say? My, but she was feeling good all of a sudden!
She opened her eyes just as Lany entered the room, his own eyes going directly to the stereo. They appeared to widen as he stopped to listen to the music. He stared at Shona and studied her with an incredulous look on his face, then swallowed and forced a smile. “What… nice music. Tell me, what is that?”
Shona blinked a few times as she tried to recall how to make her mouth work. “Isn’t it lovely? ‘An Affair to Remember’…”
Lany came cautiously to the sofa, sat himself down on the edge of the opposite end and stared at her.
She smiled back at him. “Isn’t it lovely?” She repeated.
“Lovely,” he muttered flatly while looking for John’s tablet, finding it on the floor next to his feet. Retrieving it, he tried to get comfortable just as the music turned stormy. Shona’s body stiffened in response, blood racing, muscles tightening.
Lany’s eyes widened. “Shona? Are you ready to continue? I’d like to get through as many of these as possible before Mr. Eaton returns.”
She sat staring back at him dazedly, as if she had forgotten who he was. He leaned toward her slightly and waved a hand in front of her face. “Shona?” He could hear something resembling the beginning of panic in his voice. He hated that sound. “Shona?”
No response. “Oh, my living stars…” He moved closer, trying to get a good look at her pupils, then remembered he might not be able to tel
l anything that way. Muirarans had such a different physiological makeup from humans. He sighed in frustration.
The music. It must be the music. One of those love songs was playing again. He jumped from the sofa and headed for the audio equipment, pondering what might happen if one played a Sousa march while in her company. Too bad the only copy of Sousa’s work he knew of was locked up in Sutter’s Province. Maybe he could pick up a copy someplace?
Oh stars, what was he thinking? Maybe Shona’s inner heart had begun beating after all and this was a subtle attempt at reaching him! If so…
Cari. Yes, he’d think of Cari and the kids and all the things he’d promised to get done when he got back from this assignment. Let’s see, help Jeremi rebuild the tree house, teach Vyn more Muiraran history like he’d asked, take Sara to the, the…
The Maiden was heading straight for him!
He looked from side to side. Trapped! She had come around the sofa and stood five feet from Lany, who was frozen to the spot. He wanted to fling himself over the sofa and break for the stairs, but his feet thought it might be funny to keep him glued in place while the Maiden came closer.
She was inches away now, looking up at Lany, Muiraran trust and innocence dripping off of her. He leaned back as far as he could; his feet still planted in place, the wall behind him the only thing keeping him from toppling over. Of all the things to have to happen! She was not only drunk on the music, she was becoming the music! Amorous, romantic, passionate, her breathing coming in slow, deep breaths, her eyes roaming Lany in a languid manner.
“Help!” Lany squeaked.
Shona raised a curious brow and took another step closer.
“Oh, stars. Shona, I must ask… tha… that you go sit d… down.” One more step and they would be touching. One touch and all could be ruined! At this stage, other than perhaps her father, no one but Dallan could touch her without doing any damage. She had to be kept completely pure. Her inner heart, on the other hand, had its own ideas, and Lany could feel it once again pushing and pulling at him. The lure of it was overwhelming and he could feel himself begin to sweat with the lessening of his control.
She took another step closer. He thought he might faint!
The Maiden looked up into his eyes and he felt her Muiraran inner heart begin to press at him. If he broke, it would be the end of him, the end of everything! He tried his feet. Nothing. Oh Great Creator, he thought, if I ever needed supernatural strength, it’s now. Please…?
The Maiden began to lean toward him, eyes full of innocence, her lips slightly parted.
“Shona, no!” Lany scolded as if correcting a naughty puppy. A puppy that was about to ruin him and all that the Elders and Kwaku had worked so hard for. Why couldn’t he move his feet? Her heart had him and was pinning him, moving in for the kill…
The music still played.
Living stars, he had never gotten the chance to turn it off! Love songs! He might hate love songs the rest of his life, if he lived through this, that is.
The Maiden’s expression changed from childlike innocence to acute longing. Lany felt Cari slipping away from him. “Nooooo.” Funny, he couldn’t quite remember what his wife looked like. “No, Shona…”
“Lany!”
Lany forced himself to concentrate. “Eaton!”
“Don’t move!”
“Who’s moving?” Lany screeched
The music suddenly stopped. John stood, the stereo’s remote clutched in one hand, his face white. Dallan stood just behind him, his eyes intent on the Maiden.
Cari! Thoughts of his wife flooded back. The image freed his feet and struck Shona in the heart, practically knocking her over. She doubled over and clutched at her stomach in pain.
Lany turned to John, who was all serious intent, cautiously moving toward the sofa and the Maiden, then glanced at where Dallan had been standing. If all theories held with Dallan this close to her, the Maiden’s heart would start to call.
Dallan lay in a heap on the floor. But had anyone been home to answer?
“She’s calling.” John managed through clenched teeth.
“I’m aware,” Lany stated sarcastically as he stepped over Shona and made his way to the sprawled Scot. “Get up, Dallan. This is no time to pass out!” His voice was starting to sound less hysterical, a good sign.
Better yet, he was mobile. He quickly headed for John, who now harbored a pained look on his face. “Quick; think of Anwen!”
John’s brow furrowed in concentration. It seemed to work; the color was coming back into his cheeks.
Lany looked at Shona, who lay curled up in a ball on the floor, her mouth opened in a silent scream.
He quickly moved away again as Dallan was back on his feet. The murderous look on his face plainly saying, she’s mine, leaving no doubt that somebody had been home when the Maiden called.
Lany put his hands up in a “go-right-ahead” gesture, and Dallan tore his gaze away as instinct took over. He went down on one knee and bent over the Maiden, examining her. Something deep within him stirred. “What is she? Who is she?”
“Dallan.” John had managed to find his voice. “Touch her.”
“Now’s the time, Dallan.” Lany added.
The Maiden raised her eyes to Dallan, sending a jolt of heat through him. He swallowed hard. “Where?”
“Anywhere,” John groaned.
The Maiden’s eyes were looking into Dallan’s… pleading. He swallowed again and reached for her with one hand, offering it to her. She looked at it as if she didn’t quite know what it was for.
John let out a frustrated sigh.
The Maiden, suddenly looking disinterested, stood up. Dallan was left bent on one knee, a captive of his own indecision as she looked down at him and studied his face… cataloguing.
Lany’s eyes widened, recognizing the Maiden’s action. “Touch her, Dallan. Now.” He looked to John. "We’re losing her.”
Dallan's protective instinct took over. He leapt to his feet in front of the Maiden and took her chin in a large warrior’s hand. She shuddered at his touch, her eyes growing wide as she was drawn into him. She no longer had any control; he had dominated her Muiraran heart the moment he touched her. Unbeknownst to Dallan, he controlled everything now.
“Are ye hurt, lass?” He asked as his green eyes brightened. He stepped even closer and instinctively brought an arm around her waist. The action sent unexpected bolts of sensation through both their bodies with such intensity they began to tremble in response. An odd glow began to encompass the couple.
The Maiden’s inner heart had begun beating.
The Lord Councilor and his assistant both sighed in relief.
Dallan himself took a deep breath as he struggled with indecision—let his instinct take over or just stand there and hold her?
Instinct won. Dallan lifted the Maiden into his arms and brought her around to the front of the sofa. John and Lany, mouths agape, watched in horror as the Weapons Master stood directly in front of them. “Let’s go,” he commanded.
John and Lany exchanged the same look. Uh oh…
“Dallan, we can’t take her yet,” John told him in his familiar firm yet gentle way.
The Scot’s eyes narrowed. “Nay, I canna leave her.”
“What’s going on here?”
The sharp sound of a woman’s voice made John jump as all three men turned to face the noise. Julia Dawson stood at the top of the stairs to the music room with a horrified look on her face, one that quickly turned to contemptuous rage as she launched it at Dallan. “What’s the meaning of this? Put her down at once!”
“Dallan,” Lany said from the corner of his mouth, leaning toward the Scot, “let her go.”
Dallan ignored him and faced off with Julia, who had advanced to three feet in front of him. She stood there, arms crossed, jaw set, and stared up at him venomously. He stared back, deciding whether or not to just take the lass, let everything else be hanged.
“Dallan,” Lany began trying
to draw his attention.
Dallan looked at the Maiden in his arms just as she raised her head to offer her trustful eyes. The thing binding them together strengthened another notch. He gave her a tender smile, grasped her more tightly and sent a look of warrior’s challenge around the room.
“Dallan, it’s safe. Let her go,” Lany resumed as he wedged himself between Julia and the Scot as much as possible.
Dallan backed up a step just as Maggie suddenly entered. “Shona!” She pushed Julia out of the way in her haste to reach her daughter. Dallan read it as threatening and backed up again to allow himself more room, in case he needed it.
Lany grabbed Dallan’s arm. “That’s Shona’s mother,” he whispered into the Scot’s ear.
Dallan gave Maggie a concerned look before glancing to the Maiden in his arms. He recognized something in Maggie Whittard’s eyes: true motherly love. A look he had not seen in a long time. He gently set the Maiden on her feet, but did not abandon his hold on her. “The lass is yer daughter, then?”
“Yes,” Maggie began as she looked nervously over her shoulder at the music room door then just as quickly turned her attention back to the matter at hand. “What happened?” She asked and rushed to Shona, who seemed perfectly content to stand against Dallan.
As if this wasn't obvious enough, she leaned into him further and let go a moan of pleasure.
“Shona! Are you all right?” Maggie put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders, surprised when Shona tried to burrow further into the Scot’s embrace.
The action greatly pleased Dallan, though he wasn’t exactly sure why. Nevertheless he held her more tightly, a satisfied look on his face. “Mayhaps she’ll fall if I let go o’ her. I dinna think she can stand on her own.”
Time Masters Book One; The Call (An Urban Fantasy, Time Travel Romance) Page 25
