My eyes opened as my stomach agreed with him. My gaze involuntarily went to the small table where Cynwrig had left the bread and water he brought yesterday. There was fresh food there. Had Ronan brought that today? I shook my head and forced myself to look away even as the pangs of hunger overpowered everything else. I refused to be their puppet.
I’d rather die.
“Go get Cyn. Hurry!”
His alarmed voice was the last thing I heard as I plunged into the darkness.
* * *
I opened my eyes, and a soft light suddenly surrounded me. I knew this place. I had been here before. It felt so familiar to me.
“La lu lorolu ala. Le misea luru la. La lorolu ala.”
The soft melodic voice resounded in my ears, its warmth spread, enveloping my body. The tune was eerie and enchanting all at the same time.
* * *
“Lift your eyes to the light, my boy, my baby boy.
The moon is shining brightly for you.
Lift your heart to the moon, my boy, my baby boy.
Can you feel her love within?
Lift your eyes to the sky, my boy, my baby boy.
Everything shall be all right…
La lo lorolu ala. Le misea luru la. La lorolu ala.”
* * *
My body relaxed as her sweet song reached every part of me, and I knew she was right. As long as I was here with her, as long as she was with me, everything would be alright.
The warmth suddenly left me, and all that surrounded me was pain. Darkness.
Her voice returned.
“No, please. Do as you wish with me, but I beseech you. Do not hurt my baby. No! Nooo! Please! Help me! Somebody please, help me!”
Her cries tore through my heart, and raw pain awoke in me. I could feel her fear. Her suffering. I wanted to scream. I wanted to go to the poor woman, but I couldn't move. It was as though my body didn't exist here. Only my consciousness. Could no one hear her begging? Screaming?
I wanted to go to her. To defend her. To help her. But I wasn’t really here.
* * *
“Lift your eyes to the sky my boy, my baby boy.
Everything shall be all right…
La lu lorolu ala. Le misea luru la. La lorolu ala.”
* * *
Her song returned, but this time the words were tainted by the pain and her sobs.
* * *
When I opened my eyes again, it was dark, I knew I wasn’t in the dream with her anymore but I could still feel her pain.
How long had it been since I passed out? I had no idea of what time it was or even what day. I didn't know what the Druids would do to me, or what they were truly capable of. Of only two things I was sure.
I was their prisoner, and just like the woman in my nightmare, no one would help me here.
ART
* * *
I placed the beef stew on the table and looked towards the door. Where the hell was Lia? She was late for dinner, and I was already uneasy as it was. I didn't need her playing with my patience today. Anxious, I sat on the table and began to eat. I needed to see Eisha. I couldn’t let what happened between us ruin a friendship that meant so much to both of us. I could not allow my want for her to blind me. If she didn't love me, I'd have to accept that, but I couldn't lose her. I needed her too much.
"Uh, rude much?" Lia's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I looked at the door seeing her walk in. She had a bunch of Passion flowers in her hand. "I thought a gentleman waited for a lady to have dinner. Yet here you are, stuffing your face without me. Not nice, Chewie. Not nice."
She walked towards me and kissed my temple then placed the flowers on the table.
“I have been waiting for you for the last hour. Chewie hungry.”
She chuckled washing her hands and returned to the table, sitting in front of me.
“Yeah, I hear you. I’m starving.”
I pushed the bowl I had prepared for her to her side. “I put a double portion of meat in there for you.”
“Awe, you know me so well. Thanks, Chewie.”
My eyes widened when she began eating. She had an appetite on her. I kind of wanted to show her off to those that said I ate too much. We could easily go head to head. Together we could eat the world. "You scare me sometimes." She laughed, and I chuckled. "Where were you?"
"Oh, I was just with Seima. She is so freaking sweet, I think I have a girl crush on her."
I frowned. “A girl crush?”
She nodded. "Oh, totally. She's absolutely gorgeous, sweet and so humble that it makes her even more beautiful." I smiled, that was Seima in a nutshell. "Also she looks freaking hot in that Warrior suit, and have you seen her naked? Her body is like super-model perfect."
My eyes widened. “You saw Seima naked?”
“Oh, yeah. I saw her when she was changing. I like a confident woman. If you are secure enough to undress in front of other women that says a lot about who you are. And with a body like hers who wouldn’t be. I’d be naked all freaking day.”
"Lia…" I said in a warning tone. The last thing I needed right now was to start imagining her naked.
“What? It’s true. If I were into women, I’d totally hit on her. I mean Hottie Alert.”
I took a deep breath, trying to stop the images forming in my mind. I should not be picturing these things.
"I mean, she does need a little modern world 'grooming' here and there if you know what I mean. It wouldn't hurt to smooth things out in a few places down south."
“Lia…”
“All I’m saying is men like smooth surfaces on a woman’s body. It makes it easier to enjoy. Also, I should totally put a waxing salon in here. I would make a fortune.”
I shut my eyes pressing my fist to my temple. The images were going to scar me for life. "Lia, I beg of you."
"What? It's the truth! I know is not like men need directions, but it wouldn't hurt if they could actually see the damn thing."
“Lia!”
Her eyes widened, and she pressed her lips together as though to stop herself from saying anything else. I almost wanted to laugh, but she had finally shut up. It took everything in me to remain serious. Taking a deep breath, and fighting the naked women dancing in my brain, I took the spoon and brought it to my lips.
“If I were into women I’d totally do Seima.” The words rushed out of her lips as though they were burning her.
And now I was imagining her naked, with Seima. "Bye." I dropped the spoon and stood, literally running away from her. This woman was going to kill me. "I'll be back later."
“You can run, but you can’t hide!” She yelled, laughing, while I stepped out the door. I chuckled and began to walk towards Eisha’s hut.
* * *
I knocked on Eisha's door, but there was no answer. I looked up, the moon was out, but the sky hadn't darkened yet. Sighing, I opened the door and walked in. Her hut was just as I remembered. I hadn't been here in so long it felt strange. I had built this place for her with Eghan's help and the rest of the Warriors, visited, eaten, and even slept here before. I had taken care of her the best way I knew how. Looked over her while she was in a trance, and kept her warm. I had been her friend, but did that entitle me to be her man as well? Looking around I walked forwards and sat on the trunk at the edge of her bed. Resting my forearms on my thighs, I looked at my hands. What was I doing here? What did I really want from her? What could I not live without? I knew the answer to that even if the rest eluded me. We had been there for each other all our lives. I needed her in my life, I wanted her love, her body, but ultimately I needed my friend. If she didn't desire me as I did her, if she didn't want my heart, then I would accept that. I needed her more than she did me, of that I was absolutely certain.
“Good evening.”
Eisha's voice rang through the air, and I stood abruptly, realizing I had been so lost in my thoughts that I hadn't heard her come in. She closed the door and walked towards me. My heart jumped into my throat, and suddenly I felt nerv
ous. I felt unsure of myself like never before, as though I was asking too much of her. I forced the thought out of my head.
“Could we talk?” I asked feeling the insecurity spread through me like wildfire. I needed to get a hold of myself. This was Eisha, my friend. We had never been uncertain or hesitant towards each other, yet at this moment as she looked into my eyes considering my question I knew that kiss had forever changed things between us.
“Of course. Do you mind if I bathe first? I have just returned from my training.”
Feeling an ounce of relief, I nodded and immediately turned towards the hearth. This was something I could offer her. I was only a Warrior, but even if there was nothing else to me, no powers or real ability to speak of, or position within the Druid court like my brother had, I could take care of her. I could protect her and provide for her. For some women that was more than enough. For some that was all, they desired from a man. It had been what my mother wanted, and my Dad gave her that. I could be that for Eisha, the question was, was that all she needed? Forcing myself to stop the direction of my thoughts once again, I began preparing the bath for her. I noticed her looking at me silently as I filled the tub, and placed her pajamas and towel on the wooden rack.
“Thank you,” she said, and walked towards me, kissing my cheek.
Closing the partition for her, I stood back, giving her space and privacy while she bathed.
I paced around the room as I tried to be patient, but the words were burning my throat.
“Is it ok if I speak?” I asked unable to wait anymore.
“Yes.”
I let out a deep breath and walked closer. “I've been thinking about you. About the kiss we shared.” I stopped while the memory of her in my arms, kissing me back filled my mind. “I don't regret it, but I am sorry if I pushed you. It was not my intention to force you to do something you might not have been ready for.” The look in her eyes before she ran away from me, had scorned me. I never wanted to see that look again. “I know you have been distant for a reason, that you needed time and the last thing I want to do is to drive you away from me by trying to force you to understand. I…” I took a deep breath forcing myself to speak. She needed to know this. I had to say it. I walked closer and stopped just behind the partition. My fingers touched the fabric that covered the wood, wishing it were her cheek I was caressing. I wanted to have her in my arms again. “I miss you, Eisha. If I set aside what I feel for you, I still miss you.”
My heartbeat picked up speed as I saw her step out. I stood in front of her, trying to hide the misery inside me. She gave into me and wrapped her arms around my waist. Feeling her in my arms was like breathing once again. I embraced her, and held her close.
“I miss you too,” She whispered, and her voice quivered.
She rested her cheek on my chest, and I allowed myself to enjoy this moment. My hand reached for her hair, and I lazily caressed her strands as we hugged. I stood there, in silence with her in my arms letting her scent engulf me. After a while she leaned back and looked up at me. I wanted to kiss her so badly. Her gaze roamed my face as though trying to decipher something. She shifted in my arms, and her palms slid up my chest, caressing me in a way that made my body respond to her. I gripped her waist, unconsciously pulling her closer to me. Eisha’s hand reached my cheek and my eyes closed of their own volition. I needed her touch, her lips, her body. I wanted everything from her. Her hand cupped my neck, and she pulled me down to her. It took everything in me not to claim her lips and take her to the bed. Taking a settling breath, I rested my forehead against hers, letting her decide what this would be. Yet, I couldn’t stop my arms from tightening around her.
“I am scared, a chara,” she whispered looking into my eyes. “What if we try this and it does not work? I do not wish to hurt you, and I certainly cannot handle losing you. Not you. I need you too much.”
Her words matched the way I felt inside, and although it hadn’t been her intention, they brought me comfort.
I smiled, relieved. “You will never lose me. No matter what happens, I will always be here, mo sgòthan. Always. I know you are scared, and I do not want to rush you, but please give me a chance to show you what can be. Please, let me love you.”
I begged, hoping my words would give her the reassurance she seemed to need from me. I would never let anything come between us. She was my friend above all, and that was too important to me. My thumb found its way to her lips and caressed them. When she looked into my eyes, they were glistening. My heart constricted. I didn't want to force her into anything she didn't want to do.
“Did you like it when I kissed you?” I asked, hoping she would be honest. “The way my lips felt on yours?”
“Yes.”
I could see the truth in her eyes and a brief smile curved my lips. Need swiftly replaced it. “Will you please give us a chance?” I looked for the answer in her eyes once again.
“Yes,” she nodded, slowly. I noticed her gaze shift to my lips, and I nearly lost it. “Kiss me.”
I claimed her lips with a need I could no longer contain. Yet, this time I slowed myself. I forced myself to be gentle unlike the first kiss I gave her. I wanted her to feel what she meant to me. She leaned back and held my hand walking towards the bed. I followed. We laid in bed, and I took her into my arms. Her head rested on my chest, but I wasn't done with her lips. I needed to kiss her now more than ever. My fingers gently lifted her chin until I was looking into her eyes and my lips were on hers once more. I kissed her never wanting to stop. I needed her lips, her body. Each kiss made it harder to control myself. Before I realized what I was doing, my hand slipped under her shirt and caressed her back. I turned our bodies until I was on top of her. She cupped my neck, holding me closer and I tilted my head deepening the kiss. I stroked her tongue with mine and felt the pleasure and desire rush through me. She trembled under my touch as my fingertips traced invisible patterns along her waist. I claimed her lips, again and again, feeling the thirst for her grow. My body responded to her as she held me closer, and she whimpered with my touch. I had fully hardened for her, and I was desperate to feel her against me. I couldn't think anymore. I pressed my hips against hers hoping she could feel how much I wanted her. Tightening my grip on her waist, I placed my other hand on her skin. It slid inside her shirt going up her body. Her skin was so soft I wanted to kiss her whole. My fingers reached her breast, and I caressed the curve as I nibbled on her lips. I let my fingers move up, and the second they touched her nipple she gasped on my mouth. Fuck, I wanted her. I caressed her areola feeling it tighten under my touch, I was throbbing for her, and the need only increased with every touch. I gently squeezed the small tip once it fully formed. She was melting in my arms, and all I wanted was to rip these clothes from her body and slide inside her. My lips lingered on hers as she panted for me, our frantic breaths mixed. I gently cupped her breast, massaging it fully. Fuck. My hand was massaging Eisha's breast, and I could barely contain myself. Her nipple tightened even more, and I slowly circled it, enticing her. A small moan left her lips. I was a second away from ripping the shirt off her and closing my lips around her nipple, but her hand stopped me.
“Art…” she panted my name, which didn’t really help.
I shut my eyes forcing myself to calm down. “I’m sorry, mo sgòthan. Do you want me to stop?”
“Yes. It is much too soon.”
“I know. I'm sorry.” I said, moving my hand from her breast. I attempted to get up but she pressed herself to me, and her arms hugged me.
“Do not go,” she whispered on my neck, making me even harder.
I needed her more than she realized. More than she needed me. My arms tightened around her. “You want me to stay tonight?” She nodded, and I silently cursed. “I can’t stay the full night. Lia needs me.” I said regretting every word.
“How so?”
This was not my secret to share, but I needed Eisha to understand why I could not be here. “She has been having a hard time
ever since she arrived here. She doesn't want anyone to find out, but she sometimes wakes up screaming and crying during the night. She relives what they did to her. I have to be there for her. Keep an eye on her. I'm sorry.”
“I understand. I feel terrible for her.”
“Me too.” I caressed her cheek until my finger fell on her lower lip again. “I will hold you until you fall asleep.”
“I would really like that.”
“Can I kiss you again?”
I kissed her and held her close until she fell asleep in my arms. It took a while for me to be able to drag myself away from her.
I opened the door and looked over my shoulder seeing her still form and wishing more than anything that I was still there, in her bed, beside her.
CHAPTER 6. WITNESS
* * *
“Hey, sleepy head. It’s time to get up. You have too many things to do today.”
Jennyver’s voice drifted through the fog, pulling me out of my cozy sleep. I grunted when she pulled the covers from my head. The warm light coming in from the glass ceiling startled me.
"Five more minutes," I whined.
“Sure, but your mother just asked for you.”
That got me going. "Daingead!" I jumped from the bed and rubbed my face to finish waking up. "When did she ask for me? Just now? Did you tell her I couldn't do breakfast because I had a special assignment? Where is she? What time is it? Did I oversleep?" I asked in a rush as I ran to the closet. The second I stood before it, the door automatically opened, and the closet assistant slid the hanger with my outfit in front of me.
“Your clothes for the day have been steamed, cleaned, and pressed, Miss Asrhia.” The Closet assistant’s voice announced. It was my Academy outfit.
"No, Acais. I need the Ancient Druid outfit. I can't exactly show up back then with my regular clothes."
Unwanted Magic (The Ancient Magic Series Book 3) Page 9
