* * *
Whiskey Creek Press
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright ©2007 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
* * *
NOTICE: This work is copyrighted. It is licensed only for use by the original purchaser. Making copies of this work or distributing it to any unauthorized person by any means, including without limit email, floppy disk, file transfer, paper print out, or any other method constitutes a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines or imprisonment.
* * *
CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 2:
DARK GOD OF BELTANE
& SHEILA'S SURRENDER
by
Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Published by
WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
Copyright ©
2007 by Tina Bendoni & Michelle Hasker
Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.
Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-59374-941-5
Credits
Cover Artist: Jinger Heaston
Editor: Chere Gruver
Printed in the United States of America
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 1:
MORGAN'S MAGIC &
THROUGH THE VEIL
"Morgan's Magick by Michelle Hasker is a tantalizing story that will have you begging for more. The characters are well detailed and enjoyable; the plot is appealing and extremely sensual. I loved the passion and electricity that flowed between Morgan and Jack and thought the author did a fantastic job of grabbing the reader's attention from the first page and holding it until the last.
"Through The Veil by Tina Bendoni is a tempting tale that will leave you wishing for a dream man of your own. I thought the premise of this plot was very exciting and the characters well developed for such a short story. The sex in this story was hot enough to burn and left me eager to read the second volume of the Celtic Love Knots series!
"Celtic Love Knots Volume 1 is a delicious treat containing two erotic stories that complement each other perfectly. I have to say that this book is a marvelous beginning to what I hope is a very long series and one I don't want to miss."
Tammy, Fallen Angels Reviews
Recommended Read
5 Angels Rating
"Morgan's Magick—Michelle Hasker
"Whoa baby, when Jack and Morgan give in to their feelings, the sparks fly. Not a word is wasted in this sizzling tale of magickal love.
"Through The Veil—Tina Bendoni
"The heat generated by Alyson and Lucas is scorching. You'll wish for a friendly witch to cast a spell on your behalf after reading this sexy story, I certainly did.—g—
A steamy anthology that hits all the right notes, CELTIC LOVE KNOTS, VOLUME 1 is a surefire winner."
Lori Ann, RRTE Reviews
Rating: Multiple O's
Other Books by Authors Available at Whiskey Creek Press Torrid:
CELTIC LOVE KNOTS VOLUME 1
Both authors have contributed stories to CHRISTMAS CANDY ANTHOLOGY
www.whiskeycreekpresstorrid.com
Dedication
From author Tina Bendoni:
To Earthstar, for introducing me to a whole new world.
And Jess, your story is coming soon. I promise.
From author Michelle Hasker:
For my husband, who challenges me to relax more and enjoy life instead of worrying about every little thing
(like the Virgo I am).
And for Will, thanks for being a friend.
DARK GOD OF BELTANE
by
Tina Bendoni
"No, I told you that I needed another handmaiden, and you are it."
Briana Ritz tried to resist the woman dressed in green from dragging her into the large tent, but she had no luck.
"Handmaidens are younger than me, Betsy."
Betsy sighed in exasperation. “Okay, Bree, let's try this again. We are in the twenty-first century. Women are getting married and having kids older and older. A young teen isn't appropriate for our version of the May Queen, and as I'm older than the traditional Queens, you can be, too. Now shut up and put on the wreath.” She finished with a grin as she shoved the flowers on her friend's head.
Bree laughed as she accepted the customary handmaiden crown. She knew the traditions as well as her friend, after all, she'd been pagan all her adult life. This year however, she had hoped to get out of this part of the holiday. She hadn't been back to this particular festival in nine years. The honor was usually reserved for regulars at the festival. It was just her luck that one of her coven mates was the May Queen this year.
After arranging the crown on her head and helping the other “maidens” finish getting ready, Bree and the others lined up for the procession that would begin their Beltane celebration.
* * * *
"Let the games begin!"
Bree watched as men from the festival clamored to be included in the competitions for the hand of the May Queen. They all knew it was fixed and that Betsy's boyfriend would win, but they all enjoyed the spirit of the competition and the chance to show off their prowess to the unattached females of the group.
It was a nice chance to look at the available men gathered for the festival. There were definitely some prime specimens this year, too. Too bad she wasn't the type to take advantage and pick one of them up. She'd done that before, and it had broken her heart. Never again.
Just that thought was enough to send her mind back to the man she had met at her first Beltane. She had been scared and alone, unsure of what to do. He had seemed the answer to her prayers.
"So why are you sitting here all alone?” The deep voice coming out of the darkness had startled her enough that she almost fell off the rock she was sitting on. If his large hands hadn't grabbed her from behind, she would have fallen in an ungraceful heap.
The electricity from that simple touch shocked her. It wasn't something she'd ever experienced before. Heat radiated from his hands to her waist, all the way down to her crotch, warming her deep inside.
Is this what the energy of Beltane did? Made her hot for a dark stranger from the woods? She knew the traditions of Beltane. Knew that for some, it was little more than an excuse to get lucky. Many claimed the energy of the holiday was what drove them to it. Good Lord, if she reacted this strongly to a man she hadn't even seen yet, she was doomed for the rest of the long weekend.
Casual sex wasn't what she came here for. She'd decided to finally break out of her mold as a solitary witch and attend a festival to celebrate the holiday. That didn't include sex. That was until she looked back at the man who still had her by the waist. She gasped.
Short black hair glistened in the light of the moon, throwing mo
st of his face in shadow. He was tall, maybe six foot four, and well built. He would have had no problem catching and holding her if she had fallen. The outline of a long nose and strong chin blended with the shadow around his mouth and hinted his lips were full and lush. Moisture pooled between her thighs in instant lust. Damn. She really was in trouble.
His chest seemed to go on forever, broad and firm, the torso tapering down to a slim waist. Unlike most of the participants she had seen, he was wearing a T-shirt and tight jeans. Very tight jeans that left her in no doubt as to what was underneath.
Flushing, she quickly glanced up from looking at his body only to catch his eyes. She couldn't see their color, but they glittered with some sort of emotion she couldn't identify.
"Not interested in joining the rest of the group?” He gestured to the group surrounding one of the campfires in the distance.
His question drew her back to the present, and away from her lust-filled fantasies.
"Um, well...” Tongue-tied, Briana wasn't sure how to answer him.
"First time?” He sat down beside her on the large rock.
"Yeah.” Oh Goddess, it was bad enough with him standing. Now that he was sitting beside her, she didn't know if she could keep from throwing herself at him.
"For any festival, or Beltane?"
"Any."
"Ahh, finding it a bit overwhelming?"
"Well, um, kind of."
"Yeah, I can see that. All festivals are different, and a Beltane here might be totally different from one across the country or even the state. Some are very family oriented, others are adults only. This one is definitely not for the faint of heart."
"Um, does that mean that I'm expected to, um...” Briana was unsure how to ask the question. So far, no one had made any moves on her, and she had felt confident about her reaction, but now she suddenly felt unsure.
"Oh, hell, no. And if anyone tells you otherwise, you find someone, and I can promise you the offending party will be kicked out immediately. All you have to do is say no, and if he doesn't listen, yell. I promise you, there will be more people there than you can count in a matter of seconds."
"Does that happen often?"
"No, not really.” He shook his head as he adjusted himself on the rock. “Once someone screws up like that, they're banned for life. And I have only seen it happen once in eight years. The crew running this festival makes no secret of what they will and will not allow. I know it's worse at some other places, and the fact we're a dry festival, no alcohol, probably cuts down on some of the potential problems."
Briana's muscles relaxed, and she hadn't even realized she was tense. But that made things worse. Now that she was somewhat more at ease, she was more aware of him. Of his touch where his shoulder brushed against hers, his breath against her neck, and his glorious scent. He smelled of campfire and earth. Not surprising, given where they were, but he made the smell his own.
He brought with him an underlying sense of comfort, mixed in with his sexuality. Briana had always known about personal energy. Some people were soothing to be around, others agitating, or exciting. This man, well he was just what she needed tonight.
As their conversation continued through the night, she was constantly aware of his body close to hers. She was on fire, regardless of their conversational topic and her desire grew with each passing moment. He never made a move on her, and as the night progressed, she wanted him to more and more. She didn't even know his name, and she was ready to reach for him and take him back to her tent.
It must be the energy of the holiday. This wasn't like her at all. She responded to him, becoming more forward, doing things like leaning closer and snuggling under his arm as the night cooled. She was afraid to stand up, as she was sure there was a pool of moisture between her legs that would drip down if given the chance.
"Listen, do you hear that?” He surprised her with his whisper. Most of the revelers had retired for the night. At the distant campfire, she could barely make out a couple of people quietly talking. They were virtually alone.
"What?"
"There!"
After a moment, Bree realized what she was hearing. It was a bird song, but it was still dark. And in the distance, “whip-or-wiiiilll, whip-or-wiiiilll.” She smiled in amazement. “I never knew they actually made that sound."
"Yup, one of the wonders of being in the country. Not a sound you hear often in the city, is it?"
Bree turned her face to look at him, not realizing how close his head was to hers. She inhaled quickly as she met his gaze. His hand came up to gently stroke her face as his lips slowly met hers.
Briana had been kissed before, she wasn't a virgin by a long shot. But she had never experienced the kind of kiss the romance novels of her youth used to talk about. The toe-curling, hair-raising, breath-stealing kind of kiss. Until that moment.
She wasn't sure how, but the next moment they were on the ground, wrapped in each other's arms.
"Are you sure you're okay with this? We don't have—"
"Shhh,” she quieted him, placing her hand against his soft, full lips. “I'm sure."
He kissed her fingertips, then hand, working his way up her arm to her shoulder and neck. Nibbling there, he paid special attention to the nerve that ran down the side of her neck, driving her crazy with his attention. His hands roamed her body as his mouth worked its way down.
He cupped a large breast in his hand, teasing the nipple through the shawl she wore over her ritual dress.
"I've wanted to do this all day."
"Hmm?” Bree was lost in the sensations he created in her body.
"The first time I saw you. When you got to registration, I was across the way. I knew then I needed to meet you, but I got pulled away. By the time I could talk to you, you had left to set up camp."
That was enough to snap Bree out of her fog of desire. “You planned this?"
He pulled back and looked into her eyes. “I swear by the gods, this wasn't my intention. I wanted to meet you. I needed to meet you. That was it. When I found you sitting here, I was just as surprised as you were. Surprised and pleased."
Sighing, he moved back further. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean—"
Bree reached out her hand to grasp his arm. “I believe you. Please. Don't leave. No one has ever said anything that wonderful to me before. That they needed to meet me."
"It's not a line."
Bree smiled contentedly. “You know, I believe that, too."
With a groan, he moved swiftly to take her lips with his, overpowering her senses with his actions. She moaned against his mouth as his hand moved down to her skirt, gathering it up to slide his fingers beneath the material. The other hand he used to cradle her head and hold it off the ground, pressing her mouth against his.
She was wet. There was no doubt about it in her mind. She knew as soon as his hand reached her pussy, he would find her dripping with need and desire. And she didn't care. Something about this man urged her to throw caution to the winds, to let nature take its course.
His hand reached between her legs, and she wiggled against him, eager to feel his exploration. But he ignored her and continued his way up, bringing his hand to rest on her stomach under her dress.
He pulled back again to breathe. “You're an incredible woman. I want to please you all night, until you beg me to stop."
"Oh.” Bree was at a loss. What did one say to a promise like that?
He didn't give her a chance to respond. He moved his hand back down to where she thought it was headed earlier. His long fingers stroked her outer lips, working their way to her hard, distended clit. At the first stroke, her hips rocked, eager to meet the pressure of his fingers. She moaned as he flicked her there, teasing the nub with butterfly touches.
He shushed her groans with his lips as he slid his hand down and inserted two fingers into her canal. He twisted his hand, moving his fingers back and forth, stretching her, pumping her for what was to come.
"Oh, Goddess,�
�� she whispered against his lips, suddenly conscious there were others nearby. “We shouldn't."
He pulled back. “You want to stop?"
"No, by the gods, no. But there are people right over there."
She saw his mischievous grin an instant before he thrust his fingers inside her harder and faster.
"Don't worry. They can't see us. And this is Beltane, remember? They won't be surprised at all if you scream."
"But ... I ... don't ... aaaahhh.” Whatever Bree was planning on saying was lost as she had her first orgasm of the night. Her body tensed, then shook as his hand continued its motion, driving her harder and harder, lengthening her release into what felt like hours.
Before she could get her breath back, he eased his hand away from the back of her head and kissed her on the lips gently, then moved his way down her body. Kissing every inch of her through her clothes, latching onto her nipple with his teeth, teasing her through the silk.
"Ooooh.” Bree lost all ability to speak as he continued his foray down her body, down to her soaked center.
She watched as he repositioned himself between her legs, laying on the ground to place his head on her abdomen. He inhaled of her deeply before rubbing his head against her as he moaned quietly. She ran her hands through his hair, reveling in the silken texture against her skin. Gently he placed a kiss below her navel as he moved down to her mound.
She saw him there, the light of the moon shining brightly on his face as he looked up at her. A gasp escaped her as she realized how truly gorgeous her dark lover was.
His head at the apex of her legs, he looked up at her with a grin. “I am soo looking forward to this. I hope you don't mind, but I plan on staying here for a while."
With that, his head darted forward and he took her with his mouth. Bree's body jumped at the touch, but he held her down, preventing her from moving away.
Saying he ate her would be an understatement. He feasted. His tongue lapped up her juices as fast as her body created more. His mouth sucked on her clitoris, teeth nibbling, teasing her to orgasm after orgasm. Her concern of people overhearing was gone as she screamed her ecstasy.
Celtic Love Knots Volume 2 Page 1
