by Lawna Mackie
“You said it. Perhaps you should leave the bottle out.”
Threeo chipped in. “Kerrigan, you shouldn’t drink Swish. You know you’ll get a headache.” “Threeo, I don’t need your mothering right now.”
They sat down, each in a large, overstuffed leather chair. Kerrigan took a large swallow of his drink and stretched his legs straight out in front of him, staring into the fire.
“Todd, are you sure you have never cocooned anyone before?”
Todd knew the tone. His son was gone. Now, the Enforcer asked the questions. It was the only time he ever called him Todd instead of Dad or Father.
“Well, there were a couple times we tried to cocoon some animals from Earth, but none of them survived, so we just stopped trying. There was also the time when one Enchanter tried to escape our world.”
“Really? When and what was the outcome.”
“It happened a long time ago; before you arrived on Enchantment. A female Enchanter wanted out of our world. She was over halfway up to the surface when we discovered her. I immediately cocooned her, but she never survived.” Todd continued. “It’s just too risky to chance it.”
“Well, we have to find a way. A safe way.” He took another large swallow, allowing the warmth to rush through his body.
“Kerrigan, remember Threeo’s vision.” Threeo spoke. “You must help this girl. Her life depends on it. This vision was very strong. It was full of danger, but Threeo doesn’t know why. I just know you must help her.”
Kerrigan knocked back the Swish and played with the glass in his hand. “I can’t help her. I can’t even think straight when I’m around her. She messes with my head.”
Todd stood up and paced back and forth. “I’m not prepared to send her back the way she came down. And I don’t believe you are willing to risk her life, either.”
Frustration boiled; his attraction to Meeka scared him. Who would protect her from him if he had to protect her? With her, he couldn’t be the controlled Enforcer he was. Instead, he turned into a bumbling boy. Even the thought of another woman didn’t set well.
He placed the tumbler on the table, exasperated. “No. I’m not willing to chance anything on something not proven.”
Todd stood in front of the fireplace. Kerrigan could see his frustration. “What will you tell the Counselors?”
“I haven’t decided on my course of action. She has incredible power, considering she’s just discovered them. Perhaps it would be best to work with her to discover the extent of them.” Kerrigan raked a hand through his hair. The very idea of anyone hurting Meeka was enough to stir the beast within him, and he shuddered, reining in his anger. “So little is known of Upper World and its magic.”
“Sounds like a good plan for now,” Todd allowed as he finished his drink. “I think I’m going to turn in for the night. It’s been a long night and day.”
“You go ahead. I’m going to have another drink, if you don’t mind.”
“I most certainly don’t. Threeo, would you like to come with me and leave Kerrigan to his thoughts?”
“Will you be okay if Threeo goes back to Todd and Paddy?” Threeo’s head tilted. “Definitely, you go on. Don’t eat too much. While I might have a headache tomorrow, you will certainly have a tummy ache.”
“Okay, Threeo goes with Todd. Are we staying in the other spare room tonight?” “Yes, I’m quite certain we are, as my bed is occupied right now.”
His body stiffened just at the thought. He was doomed. Drinking more would wash those thoughts away. He got up and poured himself another tumbler of Swish. Cloudiness began to fill his head, dulling his senses.
“Goodnight, you two. See you in the morning. Oh, and Dad, just so you know, I’ve lifted the entrapment spell but not the soundproofing from just the bedroom. When they are in that room, they will not be able to hear anything else in the house. I don’t believe they are a threat to us, so they are free to roam the house… if you are okay with that?”
“I trust your judgment, Kerrigan. We’ll see you in the morning.”
The warmth from the fireplace and strong drink helped wash away his troubles. Kerrigan picked up the glass and grabbed the bottle. Out the door he went, heading to the library.
Chapter Fifteen
The silence stretched out, raking over Meeka’s raw nerves. Tossing, she punched the pillow and huffed a breath. She had no idea how long she’d been lying awake, and the soft purr of Catz sleeping didn’t help any.
She pulled the thick coverlet away and stood. The house seemed very quiet. Meeka guessed everyone must be asleep. She looked down at the beautiful nightgown she had fallen asleep in. It was truly the most beautiful garment she had ever worn. In the dim glow of the lights surrounding the perimeter of the ceiling she spied a robe sitting on the chair.
With bare feet, she softly made her way to the chair and put the robe on. She hesitated as she slowly turned the doorknob, but it wasn’t locked.
Should I go out? What will I find in the dark? A silly bath brush scared me half to death. What other things might be lurking out there? Maybe I should stay here. What to do?
She chewed on her bottom lip.
Don’t be such a chicken.
She opened the door and walked through it. One last look found Catz still asleep.
I’ll leave the door open, in case I need to run back here.
Coming out, she noticed the small lights illuminating the hall leading towards the kitchen. She was unsure about opening or touching anything. Meeka snuggled into the soft robe she wore—compliments of Paddy, without a doubt.
A soft glow crept across the floor, teasing her. She inched forward, the growing sound of rushing water pricking her interest…
Her jaw dropped. Rock stalagmites shimmered in the light. Foliage wrapped itself around the edges of the structure, embracing the waterfall. Brilliant shades danced across the water’s surface, lighting the room and casting a living rainbow over her.
Her feet moved as if pulled by an invisible touch. Before she knew it, she was standing at the edge of the pool with her toes buried in the soft green foliage. Unable to control the urge, she pointed her toes and slowly dipped them in the water.
The warmth spread up her body, beckoning her to jump in.
Who’s around to see me?
Nobody was awake. Resistance seemed futile. She looked around one last time. Her decision had been made. Meeka undid the belt holding the robe in place. Tentatively, she slid her arms out of the robe one at a time and let it fall to the ground. The gown glimmered in the lights from the water. She felt radiant. Carefully, she raised her arms in the air and pulled the gown over her head, letting it drop at her side. The only things remaining were the matching bra and panties.
Err on the side of caution.
Easing into the water, she was up to her waist in moments. A wave of peace washed over her, and closing her eyes, Meeka dove in. Strong strokes carried her across the pool to the waterfall. The tumbling water was a lullaby, and she was lost in a dream of utter delight, the sound filling her senses to the exclusion of all else.
* * * *
At the edge of the lagoon, Kerrigan froze. He thought he’d heard a splash, but nothing could have prepared him for the vision he beheld. He stood in a trance, staring down at the gown and robe lying at the edge of the pool. Tearing his eyes away, he looked up, searching for Meeka in the water. His heart caught in his throat at the sight of her where she stood gracefully under the waterfall. There wasn’t a goddess in all of eternity who could match her unspeakable beauty.
The throbbing ache throughout his body became unbearable. He had never wanted anything so badly as he did her this moment. He knew it was wrong, but nothing could stop him from tearing his clothing off, diving into the water, and swimming toward her. He stood up under the waterfall in front of her glorious body and held his breath, waiting for her to open her eyes and see him. He’d give his life to touch her just this once.
When her eyelashes fluttered
open, she gasped and took a step back into the relatively calm spray behind the waterfall. She stood there staring at him, their eyes glued to one another. In that moment, he knew he wanted her and would take whatever she had to offer. Water droplets cascaded down her cheeks and over her shoulders. He licked his lips, but in his mind, his tongue lapped at the drops of water falling down her body. He sucked in his breath. Surely, he would perish if he didn’t touch her. His eyes were pleading for her invitation.
Kerrigan reached out to caress her cheek with the back of his hand. Breathing rapidly, she turned her face into his hand and let out a sigh as her eyes fluttered. She had the sexiest eyes. The warmth of her breath teased his hand. He’d never been so hard in his life. He thought he might lose it without her even touching him. He had to do something; he was going to ignite.
“Meeka, I…” He started but couldn’t finish.
She moved closer, and her small hands reached up to cup the sides of his face.
Her touch was too much to bear. He sank to his knees and placed his hands on her hips, and then leaned forward using his tongue to catch a droplet of water rolling down from between her breasts.
A moan escaped her lips as she tossed her head back.
The intensity of the tingle in his skin magnified as her sensual fingers wove through his wet hair.
This must be what paradise is.
His fingers never left her skin as they trailed up the delicious curves of her small waist to the side of her breast. Gently, the back of his hand brushed over her sensitive lace-covered nipple, which instantly hardened. She was soft and supple. Flames of passion drove him crazy, pushing his undeniable hunger. He couldn’t stop.
He felt her suck in her breath and hold it when he slipped his hand under her bra and pushed it up. Liquid honey covered his tongue as he feasted on her navel and right up to her perky breast. He rolled the sensitive nipple between his fingers. With a groan of sheer ecstasy, his mouth captured her pebbled flesh.
Meeka cried out, moving her whole body against him. “Please, Kerrigan.” His mouth slid to her other breast as his tongue flicked her sensitive nipple. “Please…touch me,” she pleaded, grasping at his shoulders.
He groaned, and his mouth traveled back down her body, kissing the soft flesh at the apex of her thighs. He nipped and licked, then parted the lacy underwear exposing her silken feminine folds.
Her pleasure engulfed him in an inferno of raw passion, sending him over the edge of sanity. He moved his body pressing, his erection into her leg to relieve some pressure. Instead, his entire body began tingling with magic. They were surrounded by bright lights bouncing off their bodies. It was a mistake, but logic just didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but having her here like this.
Kerrigan eased the lace over her hips, his mouth pressing against the flesh exposed. He shuddered with each inch of flesh he uncovered as he pushed the delicate material to her ankles. Meeka moaned, and he gently nudged her legs wider. His hands wrapped around her waist and slid down to caress her firm buttocks. He pulled her closer, and his tongue jutted out, swirling around her belly button.
Her hands fisted in his hair, urging him down.
He dipped his head, her soft curls brushing against his cheek, and closed his eyes, drowning in the sensation of her ecstasy. He needed to taste her. His lips kissed a trail across her silken curls and down the inside of her thighs.
She cried in protest, pulling him back to her center.
He could wait no longer. His tongue slid inside her delicate folds and lapped at her hardened bud. She flung her head back as Kerrigan suckled and fed from her moist sweetness.
* * * *
She was swamped by the torrential pleasure consuming her body. Her knees were shaking, threatening to give out. She couldn’t explain what her body was crying out for. She looked down at his dark head ravaging her body, intensifying the pulsing ache between her legs. It was sheer pleasurable torture, and too much to endure. Her soul soared higher and higher until she was certain she’d burst.
Meeka screamed his name as the world she knew exploded in unbridled ecstasy. Every nerve in her body was alive. The orgasm was a rollercoaster of exquisite never-ending pleasure. Behind her lids, she could see the cascade of colors flowing over her, prolonging each wave of pleasure until she couldn’t imagine them ever ending.
* * * *
Kerrigan bit his lip to stop the flood of his orgasm washing over him. Groaning, he shifted, his engorged length rubbing against her body. He could feel the heat of her fire, the tightening of her muscles as her own climax pulled her under in a storm of pleasure. He wasn’t done with her yet.
Her lithe body shook, and the sound of her shouting his name when she climaxed almost did him in, but he wanted to pleasure her over and over again. Slowly, he lifted his head and gently slid a finger deep inside her. Her soft whimpers continued as she pulled him closer, urging him deeper. His magic slid inside her like molten lava, filling him with a deeper pleasure, but disappeared quickly when it reached her maidenhead.
He froze.
Damn it!
He had known she was a virgin. Why was he expecting otherwise? This was all wrong. How could he do this to her when he knew they could never truly be together? They were from different worlds, and he was no man to be tied down into any sort of permanent union.
“Kerrigan, show me what to do.” Meeka panted, her fingers digging into his shoulders. “I don’t know.”
He had to get away from her before he changed his mind. He ran his hands up the full length of her body and stood to his full height to look down into her face. He buried his hands in her long, silky hair and bent his forehead to hers. He felt Meeka stiffen as a result of his suddenly halted actions. She struggled to push him away. The look of confusion on her beautiful face tore him apart.
“What?” Meeka asked, frowning and throwing her hands up. “Did I do something wrong?”
He stood motionless, trying to regain his composure. “Meeka, I can’t take your virginity from you. It wouldn’t be right.”
He might as well have splashed cold water in her face.
She placed her hands on her hips angrily. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not a teenager. Let me get this straight—you don’t want me because…I’m a virgin?” Her hair tumbled to the side, hiding her face and body as she bent down to pick up her bra and panties.
“I wait twenty-five years for this moment, and this is what happens! Why do I try? No one wants me. No one.” Dressing quickly, she dived into the lagoon and swam away.
Kerrigan could feel Meeka’s stormy emotions. The force of her pain caused large waves in the lagoon. He gaped with his mouth open in awe at how incredible she was, but he knew it would be a mistake to let her storm away.
Instantly, he vanished and appeared before her, more appropriately dressed. She jumped sideways and swatted at him.
“I wish you’d stop doing that!” she scolded. “You don’t understand.”
“Oh, I understand perfectly. I’m not good enough. I’ve never been good enough–not for anyone. Get out of my way Kerrigan. I’m sorry I ever dove into this lagoon. I’m sorry I ever went canoeing in the stupid creek. I’m sorry about everything.”
* * * *
His arms were folded over his naked chest, his facial features hardened. “I’m not going anywhere, and neither are you. Not until you hear me out.”
Heat flooded to her face. She wished the floor would open up and swallow her. When she finally decided to lose her virginity, the guy rejected her. How humiliating!
Small flames erupted like an aura around her body, but she didn’t care.
“I mean it, precious. I’m not going anywhere until you listen to me, flames or no flames. Be sensible. We have to spend two full days together. You can’t be mad at me the whole time. My parents would go crazy.”
Damn it, he’s right.
Crossing her arms beneath her breasts, she glared at him, waiting for him to let her down easy, to go
on about how it was him, not her.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Meeka, you don’t deserve to lose your virginity to somebody like me—somebody who will be gone from your life in a few days.”
She listened to his voice trying to wash away the pain in her heart. It was hard to be mad at him when he was standing in front of her with only his pants on. She conceded.
Be tough.
“Maybe we just need to keep some distance between us for the next two days.” “I think it best, Meeka. Make no mistake—I do want you, but—”
“Don’t worry about it. Live and learn, right?” She bit into her lip to stop the tears.
Suddenly, she noticed the odd color and shape of his eyes. “Kerrigan, your eyes…they’re… well, they’re...” She couldn’t finish the statement. “What exactly are you?”
He swore loudly. “Just another reason why I shouldn’t be with you, Meeka. Come on. I’ll walk you back to your room.”
Meeka decided it was best not to question him further tonight. Maybe sometimes it was just better not to know everything. Things that went bump in the night were only scary if you were aware of them.
* * * *
Outside Todd and Paddy Beavers lodge, he sat waiting. Jager rubbed his hands in delight. What a feeling! Invincible! Nothing could touch him. The powers Thalius had bestowed upon him were unlike anything he had ever known.
He felt impervious standing invisible in the front yard. Why did the old creep want this girl so bad? Thalius was a sick old bastard, but there must be something else of great value here.
Damn bugs.
He rubbed and swatted his head.
Perhaps I’ll try the girl out before I pass her on to Thalius. Patience. First, I need to get her away from Kerrigan.
Chapter Sixteen
Meeka woke to a heavy heart. She just wanted to go home, but there didn’t seem to be any point in arguing about it. A wonderful aroma floated through the air, and her stomach growled in response. She thought of pancakes. At the sound of laughter, Meeka’s allowed her eyes to flicker open. Not much sleep had come to her through the night, and she was certain last night would be a night she’d never forget.
