Faire Justice

by Pillow Michelle M.

  Leda’s arm slowly healed—the wound closing and her color returning to normal. He’d been sick to see her hurt, but knew she’d live. They’d had sex recently and her body had taken in some of his magic. Actually, he’d let her have it. His body recognized her and would gladly give every ounce of himself to her. It dazed her senses somewhat, causing her to react slowly, but it was also what saved her life. Unfortunately, Breton had also cast a little spell of his own. Poor Leda hadn’t stood a chance. He’d just have to show her how to protect herself in the future so it never happened again. In time, she’d handle his magic better. She’d have to, since his magic would become hers.

  Leda blinked several times, moaning softly. Then, jerking violently, she opened her eyes wide and looked at Thomas. Her gaze darted around the circle to his uncles. She pushed up, demanding, “What are you doing to me?”

  “We saved ya,” Thomas said, slower to stand. His uncles did the same.

  Leda grabbed her head.

  “The dizziness will go away. Calum can help ya with that. His powers will help to center ya.”

  “Powers?” she whispered, blinking in confusion. Calum felt sorry for her. She didn’t have a clue just how deeply she’d jumped headfirst into his world. “Old Magic. Wait, you know about my abilities?”

  Thomas chuckled. “My sister, Sabena, can help ya focus them. It’s a shame ya let your gift waste itself like that. Denial is no way to live.”

  Leda didn’t answer. Her eyes had found him. The men spoke in soft Gaelic, wishing him luck, before leaving them alone in the back of the tent. Outside it was late and many of the faire workers would have found their place for the night. Most of them would be by the bonfires that had been lit to give way to a party like they had in the old days.

  “What did you do with Bret’s body?” Leda demanded.

  “Nothing. A wizard’s body goes back to the earth upon his death,” Calum answered.

  “Wizard,” she repeated softly. “Bret is a wizard.

  “Ah,” Leda touched her healed arm, studying and probing it. “I think you better start talking and make it good. Who are you people?”

  “It’s a long story,” he said.

  “I have time,” she assured him, still poking at her arm and refusing to look at him.

  Calum nodded. “As ya wish.”

  He spoke, telling her of the old wars, his dead mother, immigrating to America and ultimately how they’d come to work at the Renaissance Faire. “We found a home here. We fit. We do no’ have to worry about how we speak or what we say, or the fact that we ken more about history than modern historians. Here we can be a family.”

  Finally, she met his gaze straight on. “And Bret?”

  “He was the last of a long line of the evil we’d been fighting. For nearly a century he’s been hunting my family here in America. He’s even killed a few of my cousins. But, he hunted without his family. His magic was off and he had a hard time finding us. I can only deduce that he’s been killing humans to get our attention. Wizards like him don’t care who they hurt, so long as they get what they want. What better way to find men from the Middle Ages than to frame murders on a medieval weapon? A little magical help and everything pointed to here. We’ve suspected he might be up to something and have been trying to stop him, but until now, he’s never been within our reach.”

  “Bret is the murderer?” she said, her tone saying she’d already figured it out.

  “Trust your instincts, Leda,” Calum urged. “Ya will know the truth.”

  “I do know it,” she said. “It seems so clear. My gift has never been so clear, but this is all so ...”

  “That’s the power of your new family in ya,” Calum said, watching her reaction to his words carefully. “My power.”

  He waited, heart hammering in his chest, stomach tight, for her to answer. Slowly, she gave a soft laugh and he felt his whole being fill with love for her.

  “I think it’s time I took a vacation because, crazy as it all sounds, I really like the sound of that,” Leda said, nodding her head. “I really do.”

  Chapter Seven

  The cool night transformed the fairgrounds into an even more surreal world, unlike the life she knew as Leda Williams, FBI Agent. Here it was easy to get lost in the sound of Medieval music, in the sight of tents over the distance, in the abandoned tournament grounds and the orange glow of the bonfire under the stars.

  Leda glanced shyly at Calum, as he walked with her along the back of the bleachers surrounding the tournament field. The sound of laughter came from the bonfire in the distance. When she had been passed out, she’d felt him inside her, felt his whole family. They called to her, comforted her and whispered lovingly to her. All fear left her in that moment and she understood some basic truths about herself and her situation. She was meant for Calum. Her body had known it right away, but her logical head would never have conceived it. Serious FBI Agents didn’t believe in love at first sight.

  But maybe it was time for Leda to embrace the part of herself that worked on pure instinct. Maybe it was time that she believed in fate and destiny like the women in her family before her. She felt the goodness of Calum and his family inside of her, just as she felt the goodness in herself. Maybe it was her reawakening gifts that allowed her to be so accepting, but suddenly she felt more complete than she’d ever been in her life. And Calum was the reason.

  Her sister was never going to believe this!

  “What are ya smiling about?” Calum asked. She felt him hesitate around her and wished he wouldn’t. It felt as if a lifetime had passed between them over the course of a few short hours. After meeting his uncles and being welcomed into his family, she was introduced to a Madame Sabena who looked nothing like the flake she’d been during the fair. Apparently, it had been her idea of having fun at Leda’s expense—good-naturedly of course.

  “A killer’s off the streets,” she answered, “even if he was my new partner and I’ll have some explaining to do at work tomorrow—”

  “Ah, there’s no need to worry about that, love,” Calum said. “We’ll take care of that. There’ll be no explaining to your bosses.”

  Leda sighed, slightly relieved. “That’s good to know. I was a little worried.”

  “I know. I felt it,” he said.

  Leda bit her lip, stopping so he was forced to look at her. “What else do you know?”

  He stepped closer. “I know that I love ya and I will love ya for the rest of my days.”

  Her heart nearly stopped beating. No man had ever said those words to her like that, so sure, so confident and unashamed. “Love is not supposed to happen this quickly. What if tomorrow changes things?”

  “Love is not supposed to be anything, it just is,” Calum said. “Trust your feelings. They will no’ betray ya. And do no’ worry about tomorrow. It always changes things, but if we stay strong and true, we’ll survive it.”

  Leda felt them already. Without flinching, she said, “I love you, too. Maybe it’s this magical place or …. You know what, I’m not going to make excuses or reason it out. I’m just going to say, I love you, too.”

  He grinned, his eyes shining with his pleasure. His hand brushed her cheek as he leaned over to kiss her. Unlike the urgency of before, he took his time, letting his mouth glide softly against hers.

  Leda wasn’t so patient. She grabbed his face, her palms scratching against the light shadowing of whiskers as she deepened the kiss. Drinking in the sweet taste of him, she explored his depths with her tongue.

  Her body naturally thrust against his harder length. His hands roamed over her back, moving to squeeze her ass. It felt so right, being in his arms. Every inch of her longed to pull him closer, but already she was pressed tight along his frame. He pulled away, gasping for breath, even as he trailed hot, wet kisses along her throat. Light moans sounded between them, mingling with the distant laughter, the sound of insects chirping in the night. The moon was bright, shining over them, and the stars sprinkled the heav
ens. It was the perfect setting for what they were about.

  Pulling back at the thought, she asked, “We’re safe now, right?”

  “Mm-hmm,” he moaned, nodding as he moved to pull her against him once more. “No harm will come to ya, my bride.”

  “Bride?” that wasn’t the first time someone had called her that. “Don’t you think we should talk about that?”

  “Yea, love, we will.” He grinned. “We’ll have a ceremony later, when ya feel it is right to tell your family. I understand that to humans, this is sudden.”

  Again, he read her like no one ever had. “They’d be hurt if I didn’t introduce you and tell them first.”

  “I understand, love. Now, quit talking and come here.”

  Calum took all of her attention, again taking her mouth, controlling the kiss as he penetrated her with his tongue. Pleasure exploded over every nerve, centering in her pussy. When she was with him, nothing else mattered. It was the first day of a perfect life. She could feel it in her bones. Sure, they were likely to have their problems as all couples did, but she had no doubt that this was meant to be.

  Pulling at his tunic shirt, she worked it up until he was forced to pull back and tug it over his head. He dropped it on the ground. She ran her fingers over the taut play of muscles along his chest. Reaching to her bodice, he tore the gown, ripping it down the front seam. Leda moaned as the cool night air hit her breasts and stomach. Calum pushed the dress down her arms. She wore no underwear, having lost them during the first coupling.

  “I’ve got your panties in my pocket,” Calum said. “Don’t worry, they’re not lying somewhere on the ground for all to see. Besides, I like knowing your body is naked and ready for me.”

  “I really need to learn how you read my mind like that,” Leda said, giggling.

  “Ya will in time.” His gaze went to her breasts. She wore a bra that enhanced cleavage, and a feeling of intense sexual approval washed over her. It was Calum’s feelings.

  He touched her breasts, massaging them through the bra. Slowly, he pushed the straps aside, running his hands around to her back to unlatch it. The bra fell to the ground.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he said, his tone husky. He thumbed her nipples until they erected into stiff peaks.

  Leda reached for his waistband, pulling at the laces along the side, clawing the material in an effort to get it off. The sensations overwhelmed her, coursing urgently in her blood. Her sex ached to be filled, to have his stiff arousal pounding into her. There was a determination to his touch, as if he tried to caress everywhere at once. She pulled his waistband, jerking the pants free. They fell to the ground. His erection stood proud, lifting tall from a soft bed of hair. Veins threaded over the sides of it, leading her eyes to the impossibly thick tip of his powerful cock, the head moist with pre-cum. She licked her lips, automatically wanting to taste him, touch him, fuck him hard and long. Moisture gathered between her thighs, releasing a torrent of cream.

  “I want to look at ya,” he said, taking her hand and leading her back. They drew farther away from the bonfires, into the night lit by the full moon. Blue light caressed their naked bodies. Each hard, chiseled curve of his form dipped with light and shadow, a moving statue of perfection. It excited her to feel his eyes on her, taking her in as she did him. Bringing her to the backside of a long row of wooden bleachers, they entered the shadows.

  No longer able to see him as well, she moved to feel him with her body. The shock of his naked flesh sent a ripple so intense over her that it took her breath away. She gasped, engulfed within the smell of him, the seductive fragrance of his body. Her pussy tightened in anticipation. He shifted his hips until his cock wedged next to her, hot and so very alive. Nails scratched against her spine, not hurting but definitely erotic.

  Kissing his chest lightly, she began to kneel, thoroughly exploring his delicious body with her mouth and hands. She’d never been so turned on her in life. Even if her mind was slower to catch up, her body knew him as sure as she knew herself. Leda bit his hip. His body tensed beneath her hands. Calum leaned back against a post, bending his knees as she kneeled before him.

  The sexual prowess—from his potent, masculine smell to the intense energy humming off his body—called to her. She felt his power inside her, his need to claim her, and it only added to her own hunger.

  Her hands skimmed over his hips, gripping them lightly. His skin was hot and smooth, as hard as stone. She flicked her tongue over the shadowy outline of his cock. He tasted sweet and she did it again, each time growing bolder. Calum made an animalistic noise of approval. Thrusting forward with each pass of her mouth, trying to slip inside.

  She giggled, knowing she was teasing him. They were out in the open, but she somehow got the sense that they wouldn’t be disturbed. Parting her lips, she kissed the thick head of his cock, letting it pass into her mouth. It was too good. She wanted more. She pulled his hips forward, thrusting his cock deep into her mouth so she could get a better taste. The more pleasure she gave him, the more she felt his intoxicating power inside her. A hand grabbed the back of her head, directing her movements. He was too big, not even fitting half way in as he nearly choked her. Grabbing his extra length, she twisted her hands around his shaft to help give him pleasure before moving to cup his balls, letting her finger hit the sensitive flesh just behind them.

  Calum groaned, suddenly reaching down to haul her to her feet. His mouth crushed against hers, roughly kissing her as he turned her around. It was her turn to be forced up against the post. He kissed her neck, running his hot tongue over her pulse. Cream practically dripped from her thighs, making her squirm. She parted her legs, opening herself to him in offering. Hands glided over her flesh, kneading her ass, spreading her cheeks. Energy hummed where he touched her, cocooning them in the feel of his power. It was life, potent energy, pure power. He slipped a finger along her hip to her pussy, finding the bud hidden in the moist folds.

  Calum drew the tip of his cock near her folds, rubbing up and down along her wet slit, parting her, easing his way to slip inside. Her stomach tensed, eagerly awaiting that first thrust. Energy flowed from his most intimate of areas, vibrating along her clit until she wanted to scream with her desperate need. Gently, he pushed forward, stretching her to fit him. She lifted her hands to his shoulders as he pulled at her thighs. Her foot came off the ground, opening her body wider to him. With each push he went a little further, holding her open as he stretched her out to fit him. All she could do was hold on and enjoy the ride.

  Leda waited for that first deep thrust, biting her lips. And then finally, it came—a hard, swift thrust. Calum cried out in pleasure, the sound mimicking her feelings exactly. A soft blue glow that had nothing to do with moonlight began to surround them, humming along her flesh until she was a mass of sensitivity. He kept himself buried deep.

  “You feel so good,” she whispered, holding him close.

  Groaning, he finally pulled back, only to thrust forward. At her continued urgings, he drove harder, picking up the pace as he drew pleasure from her. Tension pooled in her hips, driving her to the brink of perfect madness. Her body began to shake as her climax hit her. He kept going, his primal grunts echoing around her. His nails raked her skin before his hands tightened on her thighs.

  When he came, she could feel his seed entering her. Energy pulsed from where they were joined, spreading over her entire length, filling her with warmth and intense pleasure. Her vision blurred and it felt like her heart stopped in her chest. An eternity passed in mere seconds, punctuated by their harsh breathing.

  Slowly, he pulled from her, his eyes boring into her. She smiled, pleasure and happiness pouring over her.

  “I can’t believe this is happening,” she whispered.

  “If it’s a dream, my sweet lady wife, then let us never wake up.”

  The End

  About the Author, Michelle M. Pillow

  Michelle M. Pillow, Author of All Things Romance™, is a multi-publish
ed, award winning author writing in many romance fiction genres including futuristic, paranormal, historical, contemporary, fantasy and dark paranormal. Ever since she can remember, she has had a strange fascination with anything supernatural—ghosts, magical powers, and oh… vampires. What could be more alluring than being immortal, all-powerful, and eternally beautiful? After discovering historical romance novels, it was only natural that the supernatural and love/romance elements should someday meet in her wonderland of a brain. She’s glad they did for their children have been pouring onto the computer screen ever since.

  She has been nominated for the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award 2011, the winner of the 2006 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, nominated for the 2007 RT Award, a Brava Novella Contest Finalist and a PAN member of RWA.

  Michelle is a journalist for Paranormal Underground Magazine. She has a BGS in History/Business with an English Minor, and a Photography degree. In 2009 she and fellow author Mandy M. Roth started their own highly successful self-publishing endeavor named The Raven Books.

  Michelle has titles published with The Raven Books, Pocket Books, Random House, Virgin Books, Adam’s Media, Samhain Publishing, Running Press, and more.

  She loves to hear from readers. They can contact her through her website www.michellepillow.com

  Join her email newsletter at www.michellepillow.com/newsletter/?p=subscribe

  For a complete, up-to-date booklist, visit www.MichellePillow.com

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  The Savage King (Lords of the Var 1) by Michelle M. Pillow

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