by CJ England
Gallegar made a game of it, opening the bottle of ice-cold champagne and toasting her with it. If a few droplets spilled onto her pale breast, well, he was more than willing to clean it up. And, if the cleaning led to another satisfying session of lovemaking, he wasn't going to complain. In fact, he might consider spilling the effervescent liquid, yet one more time.
Once, twice, thrice, his teeth impaled her, drinking down the nectar of her life. She offered her blood freely and he took it, exalting in the fact they would never be apart again. And he gave her back everything he was. His love, his protection and need for her. When they were both completely exhausted, they drifted off to sleep, their arms wrapped around each other, their bodies, hearts and souls as one.
* * * *
Brianna padded down the circular staircase of The Loft dressed only in an old T-shirt. It was still early afternoon, and even though she was tired, jet lag made it difficult for her body to know it was time for sleep. She yawned, and then nearly swallowed her tongue when a ghostly apparition appeared at the bottom of the stairs.
"Feck it!” she shrieked, lifting her hands and instantly crafting a spell of protection. Dull brown energy enveloped her. “I be a warning you, I'm too tired for games."
The mist quickly formed into a handsome man with a strong body and chiseled face. He was dressed in a pair of jeans and a well-worn checkered shirt. His long dark hair was pulled back into a braid and his black eyes narrowed in surprise, then apology.
"I'm sorry,” he said, stepping back and holding up his hands in a non-threatening manner. “I just wanted to make sure who was wandering around this time of day."
Her eyes flashed, equal parts fury and fear. “Who are you and what the bloody hell are you doing here?"
"I'm Buck, one of the Ethereal protectors.” He shrugged his massive shoulders. “We knew you had permission to stay here, but I didn't expect to see you awake yet. The sound of footsteps alerted me."
Brianna blew a stray hair out of her eyes and lowered her hands. The power surrounding her, winked out. “Do you always sneak up on a person that way?"
His dark eyes twinkled. “It is our way."
"Bloody hell,” she muttered again. “Now, I've got people appearing out of nowhere. The castle ghosts weren't so damn friendly. She eyed the Ethereal curiously. “I saw you at the wedding—damn me, will I ever remember—mating."
Buck nodded. “I was there."
Her last fear fell away. “'Tis nice to meet you.” Then her eyes narrowed. “Are there any more of you around here? Protectors, I mean."
The big man inclined his head. “Yes, Lady Brianna. There are two of us standing guard over you. Myself and Bart. He is a Suprahuman."
She chewed on his statement for a few seconds, not sure if she liked being called Lady or not. “Guard over me? Sounds like I'm in gaol."
He shook his head. “Not at all. We are here to protect you."
Her eyebrows shot up and she stared at him open mouthed. “Protect me?” The faint color appeared again. “From what? I thought this place was secure."
"It is, Lady, it is.” Buck took a step closer, but hesitated as the dirty color became slightly brighter. “It is just for caution's sake."
Brianna let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. “Oh. Well. Everything's dandy, then?"
The big Indian grinned. “Yes, all is well. As I said, I was just checking on you."
She shrugged and the power faded once more. “I'm about to raid the fridge.” Her brows furrowed. “Want to ... I mean ... Can you eat something?"
He chuckled. “No, I gave up eating when I died. Seemed it didn't agree with me."
Grinning now, she turned toward the kitchen. “I guess Ethereals are the same all over the globe. Our castle ghosts would watch us eat. Just staring, but never saying a word. Took you right off your hunger, it did."
Buck lifted a dark brow, then began to slowly fade away. “I will leave you to your snack. Wouldn't want you to lose your appetite."
She turned back to say that wasn't what she meant, but he'd already disappeared. “Well done, Brianna,” she told herself in disgust. “Since you've already pissed everyone else off, what's one more?"
She wandered into the kitchen and pulled open the refrigerator door. Her hum of appreciation was almost undone as her mouth watered copiously at the display of food inside. “I'm a thinking I'll like staying here,” she muttered to herself. Spying a radio on the counter, she turned it on and found some tunes she recognized. Soon, the music was screaming full blast as Brianna dug into the fridge, pulling out plates of leftovers.
Singing and shimmying to U2's classic song, I've Got You Under My Skin, she did a quick little clog step as she stuck her head inside the cool of the icebox, then followed it up with an intricate wiggle of her ass as she backed away.
That's the way Danolas first saw her. He swore his heart stopped beating as he watched the sweet curves of her rear sway to the rhythm of the music. Blinking, he took a good look at the long sleek lines of legs that showed under the shapeless T-shirt she wore. He gave a soundless whistle as she backed out of the refrigerator. She may have the mouth of a cockney street urchin, but she had the legs of a faerie princess.
She didn't see him as she danced over to the counter. Her slightly off-tune rendition of the popular song went unnoticed, as he looked closer at her. Her dirt brown hair trailed over her shoulders all the way past her hips and even its dull color couldn't detract from the silky look of it. When she placed the plates of food on the table, the T-shirt clung to her briefly and Danolas felt a punch of heat as it outlined a nicely curved body and slender waist. His body stirred, and again he wondered what it was that made this woman affect him in this most basic way.
She turned back to the fridge and bent low to grab something out of the bottom shelf. Danolas couldn't help a groan as the T-shirt hiked up, giving him a tantalizing glimpse of the shadow between her thighs. His cock pulsed insistently as it rose, waiting for him to take that final step forward to her. He briefly entertained the idea of pushing her against the refrigerator and driving himself deep inside her sexy body.
The thought was so foreign to him; he almost dropped his staff in shock. As it was, he bobbled it, and the end fell against the counter with a sharp thud. Brianna gave a loud gasp and tried to stand, banging her head on the door of the fridge. Colorful curses filled the air, as she spun around, sending a slap of power right at him.
He deflected it, but it was so strong he was pushed backwards. He narrowed his eyes in surprise, but pointed his staff at the enraged witch, infuriated she dared to send her power at him. “Enough!"
It took all Brianna had not to scream in frustration. Glaring at him, she pulled back her magick, but allowed him to see it was still there at her fingertips, waiting to be used, if needed. “What is it with you, Yanks? Always frightening a body to death!” She stared around the room. “Is there anyone else who'd like to start the day by scaring me?"
"Would you care to explain that cryptic comment?"
She rolled her eyes at him. “Now don't you just sound like the Lord of the Manor?” She gave an unladylike snort and rudely turned her back on him. “Don't any of you people knock?"
"I don't have to knock,” Danolas said, his voice like ice. “I live here, too."
Brianna gaped at him over her shoulder. “Go on. You didn't sleep here.” The thought of him sleeping under the same roof, unnerved her. Even though she despised him thoroughly, her body was singing a completely different tune. Best they stay far ... far apart.
"No,” he answered her silent plea. “I was busy at The Keep. But I often stay here. I have a private room downstairs.” He lifted an arrogant brow at her disgruntled moan, and stepped around so they were facing each other again. “Is there a problem?"
She rubbed the top of her head. “Other than having a concussion, not being able to sleep and being hungry, no ... things are brilliant."
"Use a healing spell."
&nb
sp; She offered him a look of dislike. “Oh, aye. I never thought of that. I'm so glad you're here to help me make it through the day."
"You are, perhaps, the rudest woman I've ever met."
Brianna inclined her head. “From one such as you ... I'll take that as a compliment.” She slapped some mayonnaise on bread then grabbed several thick slices of meat. “Why are you here anyway?"
Danolas willed his body and temper to calm down. Why he wanted to shut her up by kissing her brainless, made about the same amount of sense anything else did when it came to dealing with her. He thought briefly of his earlier conversation with Jorad. His acolyte swore he'd never gotten any phone call, so now he wondered if Brianna had lied to him, or just made a mistake. “I stopped by to make sure you were all right."
She stopped in mid-bite. “You did?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Why?"
He took a breath and counted to ten. “Because ... I'm the High Priest of San Francisco. It's my duty to make sure you are taken care of. You are in my city, under my umbrella of protection."
Tossing her head, she took another bite. She chewed it completely before responding. “So I'm a duty now, am I? Well, aren't you hospitable?"
A dull pain started in Danolas’ temple. “Are you always this argumentative?” He shook his head. “And here, Aebh said you were her best student."
She jumped on that. “You spoke to the High Priestess? When? Where?"
Danolas walked past her, making her wait as she had him. Opening the fridge door, he pulled out a pitcher of sweet tea, his favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Once he'd poured himself a glass and taken several long swallows, he turned back to her. He was pleased to see she was fuming at his slowness.
"I was concerned when you mentioned our missives had gone astray. All the reports were sent by a special messenger who shouldn't have been compromised. But he was ... he never arrived at Dunguaire Castle, so you thought we were ignoring you.” He took another quick swallow and eyed Brianna's sandwich. She hunched over it protectively, like it was her last meal. Sighing, he started making one for himself.
"Anyway, I used my scrying pool. I had tried a few times before, but received no answer. I thought at the time Aebh was busy, or elsewhere, but after listening to you, I wasn't so sure."
"But you got through to her?"
He nodded. “Yes. It took a bit of time, but I was able to reach her. All has been reported and ties between our two peoples are as strong as ever."
She visibly relaxed. “Brilliant. She was very worried, and hurt you wouldn't return her messages."
Danolas frowned. He still had some investigating to do. He didn't know what had blocked the scrying or made the messenger vanish. “Whether you believe it or not, Aebh is the most important witch in my life. I wouldn't do anything to hurt her. In fact, I'd do just about anything she asked of me. Which brings me to the main reason I came here this afternoon."
She lifted an eyebrow. “And that is?"
Putting out his hand, he held it palm up in front of her. Automatically, Brianna took it. He was sure she knew the ancient greeting as well as she knew her own name. Smiling with a trace of smugness, he turned his hand over so his ring of office gleamed in the single shaft of sunlight that had found its way into the kitchen. Yellow gold with a diamond, at least eight carats in weight, it was spelled to glow with the power of the High Priest's authority. It was an impressive and intimidating sight.
She frowned at the ring and then up at him.
His smile grew. This was going to be very satisfying. “I give you my ring, Brianna Muldoon, and ask for your pledge. Aebh feels you should be under my protection, become part of my society. She has offered you and your power to me and mine. From this time forth, you are under my authority. From this time hence, you belong to me."
Chapter 4
Brianna stared at him, the blood draining from her face. The very masculine look on his face told her he truly liked the idea of her being under his thumb. Fury and despair whirled inside her. Would Aebh really do this?
"I don't believe you,” she croaked out, jerking her hand away from his. “You're as mad as a box of frogs. The High Priestess wouldn't just give me away."
He looked down his nose at her. “My mind is completely sound, Brianna. Aebh said it would do you good to be under someone else's guidance for a while. Maybe she thinks it will help curb that wild streak I see in you."
Fury won. “There's nothing wrong with me!"
"That,” Danolas said with a small laugh, “is a matter of opinion."
Nothing could have been designed to hurt her more. Her eyes filled and she blinked the tears away quickly. “You bloody bastard. You don't know anything about me.” She went on the offensive, knowing it was that or run away crying. “I am the strongest witch in all of Ireland! I've been Aebh's right hand now for over fifty years. I don't need some Yank in charge of me! I can take care of myself.” She spat out a few more curses as her temper rose.
Danolas forced himself to ignore the tears. No matter how he felt about this headstrong witch, he'd made a promise to Aebh and he always kept his promises. The High Priestess had told him a few things about Brianna, such as she had great potential, but needed discipline. Aebh felt the young witch could be of great service to the war effort, but she had to learn control. Brianna had never been in battle before, and it was thought working with Danolas would give her the guidance she needed. While she didn't come right out and say it, he had the strong feeling Aebh felt a man's hand was necessary to finish Brianna's training.
The High Priestess was too smart to tell Brianna that. She knew how her stubborn student would react, so she sent her to her favorite ... now one of the strongest Priests in the world. She hoped Danolas would be able to teach Brianna the things Aebh wasn't able to. And in doing so, she'd told him, he could learn a few things too.
He didn't know about that, but he wouldn't shirk his duty. Brianna Muldoon was his responsibility whether either of them liked it or not. He snapped his fingers under her nose to gain her attention and held out his hand again. “Your High Priestess requests this of you. Do you deny me? Would you deny ... her?"
She glared at him, her breasts heaving, her face red with anger. For a long moment, he thought she would refuse him, and his heart dropped. For reasons he didn't understand, he wanted her to accept his authority. He started breathing again when she snatched his hand and dropped a quick kiss to the shining ring.
"I do this for Aebh. I put myself under your cloak and care.” She bit out the traditional words and let go of his hand as if it burned her. “But don't push too hard, boy-o. Aebh may think you are the best of the lot, but to me you're as useless as tits on a bull!"
He saw red. Literally. He'd heard people saying it happened, but he didn't know you could actually see it. But then again, Brianna was giving him a lot of firsts, and he hadn't even known her a full day yet. “You will apologize,” he gritted out.
She punched a finger into his hard chest. “Not bleeding likely."
He dimly heard the sound of his control snapping as he grabbed the offending finger and jerked her against him. Shut her up was the only command he could give himself and he did it the first way that came to his mind.
He kissed her.
Sweet Jesus. That was the only thought she had before her mind drained away to puddle on the floor beneath her feet. Who could have known such an uptight, narrow thinking prig could kiss like this? It devastated Brianna. She'd expected ice and was given heat. She'd seen anger and been surprised with passion. She heard a low moan and was shocked to discover it came from her. The sound seemed to spur Danolas on; his hands threaded through her long hair and held her tightly against him.
His mouth crushed down on hers again, those serious lips gliding over hers with a magick she'd never before experienced. His tongue slipped inside and she found herself having a passionate duel, her senses leaping at the flavor. He tasted of sweetness and man, an altogether intriguing banquet on her tongue.
Involuntarily, her arms wrapped around him, bringing her even closer.
The hard bulge between his legs shocked her. She hadn't thought of him having those needs ... those urges. He was the High Priest. After living with Aebh for so long, she thought of Priests and Priestesses as sexless. But one moment in Danolas’ arms had showed her just how wrong that was.
His mouth continued to move over hers demandingly and she shivered. Brianna wanted to haul him back upstairs and see if he made love as good as he kissed. For the first time in her life, Brianna knew the longing to surrender in a man's arms ... to let him take total charge over everything she was.
The thought was like a bucket of ice water poured on her head. Tearing her mouth away, she pushed at Danolas with all her strength. When that didn't move him, she used her power. It flashed behind her eyes, knocking him away and they both stood panting ... staring at each other.
"I am not here to service the High Priest.” It popped out of her mouth before she could stop it. The flare of anger in his eyes worried her, but it was better than the desire that had flat out scared her before. She watched as he controlled himself, taking a deep breath and standing so upright, she wondered if his spine would snap in two. She opened her mouth to apologize, but he cut her off with a wave of his hand before she could speak.
"You insult Aebh and me by even mentioning something so ridiculous.” Sparks of fury shot from his azure eyes. “If I wanted service, you can be sure I would choose someone more suitable than a bad tempered bogtrotter, with more nerve than brains."
She narrowed her eyes, all apologies forgotten at the slur. “You were the one with your tongue down my throat,” she snarled. “I wasn't kissing air, you great buffoon."
Danolas clenched his jaw at her words. Knowing they were true just infuriated him more, so he struck out where he knew she was vulnerable. “Already, you've forgotten how to treat the one who commands you. Is that how you spoke to Aebh?"
