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Copyright ©2008 by WHISKEY CREEK PRESS
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WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS III: THE SCEPTRE OF POWER
"The Peacekeeper Journals only get better and better ... CJ England cranks up the heat in THE SCEPTRE OF POWER, as there are some steamy scenes guaranteed to warm you up on those cold winter nights! The attraction between Brianna and Danolas is sizzling hot as these two stubborn witches are destined for each other. Brianna's spunky t-shirts and sassy mouth throw a kink into Danolas' generally calm and collected life, and it is just sheer fun to see the sparks fly between these two!
"THE SCEPTRE OF POWER has it all: a super hot romance mixed with a fascinating quest in the midst of the battle between good and evil. Throw in the Alpha Males who make up the Chosen along with two headstrong women to keep them in line, and THE SCEPTRE OF POWER is nothing short of spectacular. CJ England proves yet again that she is one heck of a writer!"
Anne
Ck2s Kwips and Kritiques
5 out of 5 Klovers
Recommended Read
"Ms. England has done it again! In the third book of the Peacekeeper series, she has brought together characters that tug on your heart strings; they leave you laughing and in tears at the same time. These characters make you cheer them on and hunger for the next installment in this great story. The stories this author spins always leave you wanting more, but that is the charm of Ms. England.
"Ms. England is a woman with the gift of magic in the written word. She weaves a spell of her own with her words and draws you into the worlds of her making. Visit her on the web at www.cjengland.com and prepare to be enchanted."
Melanie
Enchanting Reviews
5 out of 5 Enchantments
"The stories by CJ England always include her unique magical touch, where the characters are so true-to-life and their lives are fascinatingly original. This gifted author has a way with words, as every scene had me feeling the deep emotions felt by her well-portrayed characters. The settings are visually stirring as well, as readers experience the sights, sounds and smells surrounding the characters. When it comes to love scenes, Ms. England is a master, as each beautifully depicted moment is touchingly sensual and intensely heartfelt, plus rousing in every aspect. The relationship between Danolas and Brianna is also profoundly insightful, as they slowly come to understand the inner thoughts and feelings of the other. As for the danger following this beloved group, there are repeated moments of death-defying action and terrifying peril. PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS III: THE SCEPTRE OF POWER draws readers thoroughly into the spellbinding romance and innovative storyline."
Amelia
Ecataromance Sensual
5 out of 5 Stars
"CJ England has written another awesome tale with lot's of action and adventure. The sex is hot and will have the reader wet with anticipation as to the next love scene. CJ England has written a book that has a story line that will keep you turning the pages so fast the book will light up in flames. The Peacekeeper Journals III: The Sceptre of Power is another in a long line of books that CJ England has written to perfection! This reviewer gives this AWESOME read a Five Devil rating."
Alma
Let's Talk About Books
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
SECOND CHANCES:
WAITING IN THE WINGS
"Only CJ England could write this story. She sensitively addresses an issue that is perhaps one of the most frightening to women---the issue of rape. SECOND CHANCES: WAITING IN THE WINGS is a story that all should read. CJ England has written her most powerful story to date. Keep your box of Kleenex handy, however, as the impact of this story is absolutely gut wrenching. SECOND CHANCES: WAITING IN THE WINGS isn't necessarily an easy story to read as it deals with difficult and tough issues, but the ending makes this story worth every tear jerking moment! Having personally known someone raped in a similar manner, I can say that CJ England not only does a beautiful job at portraying the pain and anguish of all affected, but she provides that much needed happily ever after to remind us all of just how important love truly is."
Anne
CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
Recommended Read
5 Klovers
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS:
THE JOINING
"What an amazing joyride of love, passion, adventure and above all hope for the future. THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS: THE JOINING has everything a reader could ever hope for. Each character maintains his or her own storyline while at the same time, combining for an engaging roller coaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the unbelievable end. I was heartbroken; I didn't want the story to end. CJ England is an outstanding storyteller who always manages to give her readers everything they want in her male characters; sexy, suave, sweet and strong. I cannot wait to read the next installment from Ms. England very soon."
Amanda
Fallen Angels Reviews
Recommended Read
5 Angels
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE PEACEKEEPER JOURNALS II:
THE GATES OF LIFE
"Those who enjoyed the first installment of the fascinating Peacekeeper series by bestselling author CJ England will find The Peacekeeper Journals II: The Gates of Life a must read. The second book continues the story of Kira, a woman who has been sent to save the world from destruction but now must discover why the Gates of Life are not allowing anyone through. Kira is a strong character with a multi faceted personality. Each of the six men that she has joined with has qualities that any woman would find attractive in a hero. Lucas Kane and Gallegar are the two most intriguing as they are the two who vie for Kira's attentions the most. Anyone looking for an intricately detailed story of the paranormal will absolutely love this book. CJ has written another page turning adventure with a capital A!!! If you have never read her yummy books run do not walk to the nearest computer to get your copy!!"
Susan
Let's Talk About Books
An Awesome Read
5 out of 5 Devils
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT
CHANGES IN LATITUDE,
CHANGES IN ATTITUDE
"These books were smokin' hot! All of the characters in the stories made me feel like I was a fly on the wall. It was so realistic. I could actually hear the ocean and see all the scenery. Every time I finish reading one of CJ's books, I'm sad because it's like I'm leaving my friends behind. This pair of Torrid Teasers are filled with just that; attitude, great plot, wonderful and heartfelt characters and to die for sex. If you're looking for a fast-paced and sometimes witty read with orgasmic sex, than these stories are must reads for you."
Amanda Haffery
Romance Junkies
5 out of 5 Blue Ribbons
Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:
www.whiskeycreekpress.com
To Nora Roberts, who gave me my first taste of Ireland and its magick.
And to Emma and Jessaca, who helped me make sure my world was believable.
Cead Mile Failte
Magick is not accepted as part of philosophy, but stands with a false claim outside it; the mistress of every form of iniquity and malice, lying about the truth and truly infecting men's minds, it seduces them from divine religion, prompts them from the cult of demons, fosters corruption of morals, and impels the minds of its devotees to every wicked and criminal indulgence. Witches are those who, with demonic incantations or amulets or any other execrable types of remedies, by the cooperation of the devils or by evil instinct, perform wicked things.
Canon Hugh of St. Victor's Abby in this writing to Didascalicon just before his death; 1141
Year of our Lord 1286
Near the Estate of Don Carrach Maguire, First King of Fermanagh
"Do you see him?"
"No!"
"God's teeth! Our heads will roll if we don't catch the man. He is a murderer!"
"This, I know! We must find him! You ... go to the right. I will go left."
The two separated and plunged head first into the dark forest. All that was heard for the next few minutes were the sounds of footsteps crashing through the thick underbrush. Then, muttered exclamations and muffled cursing floated in the air.
"I see nothing!"
"Impossible! How could he escape?"
"Infernal creature! All witches should be put to death!"
"He killed our master. I still cannot believe it has happened."
"The witch shall pay for what he has done. Lord Enniskillen will not let his son's death go unpunished."
"But our master was only his bastard."
"Bastard or not, Labraic was his son."
"And we are to bring the murderer to Lord Enniskillen?"
"Unless," the man grinned unpleasantly, showing several stained and broken teeth, "we accidentally kill him during capture."
"And the weapon?"
"It must be destroyed."
"Hold." The taller of the two men held up his hand as they came back together in the center of a glade. Dark and thin, with a smell that would make swine vomit, his gaze skittered around the wood. He clutched a large double-bladed axe in one hand, while he held the lead of a wolfish looking dog in the other. "The master showed us how to find a witch. Use the gift." He closed his eyes and let his mind roam free.
The second man---short and built like a bull, dropped into a crouch and surveyed the ground around him. He didn't care about gifts. That wasn't his style. Debris left over from last night's storm littered the forest floor. Broken branches, leaves and rotted wood made it easy to see if someone had traveled this way. The bull-like man tucked the short sword he carried into his belt and carefully sifted through the dead leaves. "He did not come this way, Loman. There are no tracks."
Loman swore under his breath, and the cur whined at his feet. "I cannot feel him. With the master gone, the magick is gone as well. Can you track him, Hamish? We are running out of time."
The shorter man nodded. "Let the dog take the scent."
Jerking on the lead, Loman bent to the beast. "Ornin, find him!"
Further up the trail, the hunted heard the baying of the hound. Cyric O'Maoilduan shuddered, his eyes narrowing as he fought his way through the thick forest. Part of his work was accomplished. He had destroyed the man who called himself, Labraic of Fermanagh.
A bastard son of the great Don Carrack, Labraic built a life for himself as a prosperous landowner. His benevolent father granted him all but his name, and he used it to become wealthy and powerful. To all appearances, he was a normal man. Not so kind or generous as his father, and by many accounts, cruel to his people, he was not someone to be crossed. It was said he dealt harshly with those who did not follow his edicts. He had an uneasy truce with the Church, but hated those who believed there were other ways of worshiping God. So much so, he had taken to tracking those people down ... and killing them.
But there was a reason Labraic destroyed those who did not follow the Church and all its teachings. The Church was narrow in its thinking, superstitious, yet slow to act, so it was not a threat. However, the same couldn't be said about the other beliefs. They saw things. They knew the truth. Those who looked deeper, those who knew how to look, could see the decay rotting the man's soul. He served a different God than his father did.
Labraic had given his soul to a demon.
Where the man ended and the demon began, was not known. The man's given name had been Domnall, after his grandfather, but when he'd been possessed by the ungodly one, he changed his name to that of the demon within him. As master of his land, he could do as he pleased and slowly began to seek out and annihilate the only ones who could ruin him.
Witches, druids, and magick welders of all kinds were targeted by his assassins. Those, who could see his evil magick and fight it. Labraic called the persecution ... a cleansing of evil souls, and had the Church's backing for his horrible deeds. But now, at long last, it was over. After a long fight, Labraic had been sent back to Hell, where he belonged. And it was Cyric's doing.
Cyric scrabbled up a steep slope, his breath harsh and painful. He'd run for miles, a full night and a day, his only thought to get away. The first part of his task was completed. Now, he had to finish the second. To return the weapon to safe harbor. He tucked it tighter into his belt. It must not fall into the hands of the enemy, or all would be lost.
The baying of the hound sounded closer and he felt a surge of panic as he looked around the darkened forest. Dawn would soon arrive, and he would be easily seen. He stumbled forward through a thicket of brambles, praying for deliverance, when his foot came down into a stream. His eyes, the color of sea-spurrey, widened, and turning instinctively, he slogged his way through the knee-deep water, hoping for a miracle.
He waded through the creek for over a thousand paces before dawn's vibrant finger painted the morning colors in the night sky. Slowly, the darkness that had hidden him, lifted. Fear was a greasy ball in the pit of his stomach. If he could see, so could those pursuing him.
It was only his gifting that kept him from disaster. As he came around a flowering bush, the stream disappeared into a tall waterfall that exploded off the side of the mountain. He stumbled back; praising God his magick had warned him. Climbing out of the stream, he carefully made his way down the precipice, his hands grasping at the muddy bushes and roots as he climbed.
Once at the bottom, he gazed quickly around him. He couldn't hear the dog anymore, but that didn't reassure him. In fact, it worried him more. Where were the assassins now? How close where they? Keeping a wary eye on the surrounding forest, he jogged along the widening stream. It wasn't until he was upon it, that he saw the mouth of the cave.
It was huge, twice as tall as a man and several men's height wide. Its gray stone opening was covered in pale green lichen and gnarled roots from broken and rotted trees. The air was cool, and Cyric could hear the sound of rushing water deep within its depths. He took a step forward, smelling the earthy odor of decaying wood and the musty odor of the cave itself. His hand went to his belt and he grasped the weapon firmly. Could this be his miracle?
He was never given a chance to decide. From out of the trees came the wolf-like hound, his snarling jaws agape. The two hunters broke from the forest right behind it.
With a gasp, Cyric whirled and sending up a prayer, he plunged into the cave. After a few steps it became pitch black. Not a shred of daylight lingered here. Casting a quick look over his shoulder, he snapped his fingers.
"Éadrom."
From within the confines of his fist, a light began to shine. Opening his hand, palm up, the glow shone brighter. Using it, he made his way steadily down into the bowels of the cave. He could hear the men shouting angrily behind him, when the dog refused to enter the darkness. It gave Cyric's heart hope. Perhaps he would make it home to his lovely wife, Shannon, after all. They had just talked of having a child.
The air was cooler now, the smell more musty and dead. In the illumination of his magick orb, he could see beautiful stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Colors shimmered over them as he made his way through waist deep water, and then back up on the path itself. He followed his instinct ... knowing he would have to go forward. They only thing behind him was imprisonment and death. Even though Labraic was banished back to the underworld, his followers still lived and they would avenge their master.
"Come out, witch!" The shout sounded muffled in the closed-in quarters of the cave. "Give us the weapon and we will allow you to live."
Cyric shook his head. Not likely they would allow him to continue breathing. Holding up his soft light, he stealthily traversed the narrow rocky path. Dripping water plastered his red hair to his skull and wet his long heavy robe. Even though he was a big man, he was light on his feet, but the woolen robes soaked in moisture easily, making it difficult to move quickly. Softly, he murmured a spell to help dry the clinging cloak, knowing he had to be able to run if necessary.
He wasn't sure how long he walked. Time seemed to stand still inside the deep cavern. Deeper and deeper he went, his instincts still sure he was going the right way. A few times, he thought he heard something from the gloom behind him, but after a breathless silence, he decided he was imagining things. After it seemed hours had passed, the tunnel came to an abrupt end.
Walking forward cautiously, Cyric stepped into a mammoth room. He stared in astonishment at the huge lake filling the underwater cavern. Stalagmites stood along the water's edge, some taller than a castle wall. Glistening stalactites reflected in the still water below. The lake itself was as black as the devil's soul. Not a hint of light could be seen anywhere and the only sound was the drip ... drip ... drip of condensation as it fell lightly from the ceiling.
He swore. There had to be another way out. His magick wouldn't have led him this way to leave him stranded. Listening behind him, he could hear only silence. If the men had followed him, he couldn't tell.
Stepping to the lake's edge, he looked down into the ebony water. He shuddered once, knowing at this depth, it would be as cold as the snows of winter. His jaw clenched and he lifted the light.
"Éadrom thuilleadh."
In answer, the light flared brighter. Now Cyric could see to the other side of the large chamber. His heart leapt when he saw the small tunnel on the far side of the tarn.
He checked the weapon at his belt and closing his eyes, he uttered an incantation. Words, pregnant with magick, tumbled from his lips.
"Eitil, eitil, eitleoidh mé
Géillte mise cliatháin."
A bright glow of power surrounded him. His hunters stumbled out of the narrow cavern just at that moment. They gasped, as they watched their quarry lift off the ground and float across the perfectly calm water. It was surreal, frightening, even to their hate-filled souls.
Making the sign of the cross, Hamish pulled a crossbow from behind his back. His dog snarled beside him. "He will not get away!" he growled, as he slid a thin arrow into place. Going down on one knee, he took aim.
Cyric turned just in time to see the deadly missile take flight. It was too late for him to spell it away. All he could do is react, jumping to the side. He felt the icy cold pain as the shaft struck him high in the upper chest. Without thinking, he pulled the weapon from his belt and pointed it at those who were seeking to destroy him.
"Shia tia Cylys, shia ia mael,
Koli si tandros mae,
Pai shar o shor,
Rai maesi eil vyraes si pae."
Pure light filled the room. Rainbows of colors exploded from the weapon's tip and rushed across the now white-capped water. The powerful energy hit the three hunters so hard; they were knocked backwards against the cavern wall. Their mouths gaped open in a silent scream as the power sliced into their motionless bodies. Blood began to pour from their mouths, noses, and eyes, as the magick dealt them the same blow they'd wished on Cyric. It burrowed deep, removing the very evil permeating their souls. But, like their master, evil was all that kept them alive. They remained pinned to the wall of the cave, only the husks of their bodies remaining. What made them real was long gone and what had remained was now destroyed.
Cyric watched; his eyes glazed over in agony as the three went through their death thralls. His body was going numb and he dropped to his knees on the cushion of air that held him above the icy lake. Shaking his head, he fought to remain conscious. The numbness traveled down his arm to his fingers, and he cried out when the weapon dropped from his nerveless fingers and fell beneath the black waters of the cavern tarn. He made a grab for it, but his fingers, slippery with blood, could hold nothing. All he could do was watch, as it disappeared into the murky depths.
Shaking with fatigue, he lifted himself to his feet. Clutching at the arrow in his shoulder, he said a quick spell to hold back the pain. He would not let his order down. His beloved master and those who trusted him would never have reason to curse his name. If he couldn't bring the weapon safely home, he would protect it the best way he knew how. Lifting a trembling hand, Cyric pointed out over the sooty water.
I set a guard, no harm to thee.
I speak this spell, 'tis destiny.
To keep you safe, this promise binds,
Any man or beast, evil entwines.
Hidden from sight, so no one can see,
A promise kept, so mote it be.
Your time will come, to rise once more,
Your power and strength, to win the war.
This prophecy will come to pass,
When truth and love come at last.
Progeny of power, the chosen shall be,
Whose honor and faith will set you free.
But for now in the silence of blackness, hide,
To find the treasure, the heart will guide
And so I pray, in peace remain
Until that time, to fight again.
I cast this spell, my protection for thee
So I say it, so mote it be.
His energy expended, he could barely manage to keep formed, the cushion of air on which he stood. With the last of his strength, Cyric used his magick to send his aching body across the freezing lake. Once he got to the other side, he stumbled, falling flat on his face, breaking the arrow off and sending screaming pain shooting through him.
He rolled over on his back and stared up at the beautiful carvings made by thousands upon thousands of water droplets. They were works of art, guided by the Creator's hand. Sighing, he closed his eyes and pictured his sweet wife standing at the stove. Another beautiful work of art. They had so many plans. Things to learn ... children to bear and raise. Such a wonderful future to look forward to.
The cold water lapped at the shore near his feet. Silence fell in the cavern. Darkness once again took over the light.
She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. As he stood waiting, Gallegar's heart swelled with emotion as he watched Kira leave the shelter of the huge oak tree and walk towards him through the moon-kissed meadow. Wherever her foot stepped, up sprang a large moonflower to match the smaller blossoms she wore encircling her brow and trailing down over her waist length, white-gold hair. His gaze moved over the pure white dress she wore. Shimmering with her golden power, it fit her small, shapely body like a second skin, yet the bouquet of moonflowers she held, somehow gave her an air of utter innocence.
He loved her. With every breath he took ... with every beat of his new heart. She was his treasure, his gift. One he hadn't deserved, but had been given anyway. He couldn't imagine his life without her in it. Daily, he thanked the Power he was the one she'd fallen in love with.
She was everything he'd ever wanted. Strong, loving, kind and courageous; with a passion for life that matched his own. In the short six months he'd been with her, he'd seen her in dozens of situations. Most would have made a grown man weep, but each one she handled with her quiet, steadfast commitment to the truth. She'd saved his life on more than one occasion, just as he'd saved hers. Was it any wonder he had rushed the mating ceremony so he could claim her for his own?
His gaze touched each of the men who made a circle around him. These were his friends, her Chosen ... a family he never realized he needed. Without them, Kira wouldn't be whole, and he ... he would be left wanting. Their linking together made them the closest thing he had to brothers. Their presence in his life was almost as important to him, as Kira's was.
Lucas Kane, his muscular build and sharp temper made most people tread softly around him. But to Kira and the other Chosen, he was as loyal and steadfast as the wolf whose form he took. A Master Shapeshifter of the Wolf Clan, he may have joined with Kira in secret, but it was no secret how he felt about her. Even though he'd recognized what he had with Kira wasn't the type of love to build an eternity on, he still cared deeply, and it showed in the pain that lurked in the depths of his piercing silver eyes.
Standing ... or rather floating next to him, was Patrick, leader of the Ethereals. Soft spoken and always ready for a joke, he'd joined with Kira to help his people. As the new leader of the shades, he'd been struggling with his responsibilities, the heaviest one, finding a way to assist his people in crossing over into the afterlife. His enemy was the Gatekeeper, a powerful demon from Hell who'd closed the Gates of Heaven and Hell, so no Ethereal ... or spirit could go to their reward. The demon planned to build an army with those unlucky shades, one that would have destroyed humanity. Kira and the Chosen's first battle had been restoring the Gates and after many trials, they'd won. Now, Patrick's people followed him gladly. He'd restored balance to his kind and found hope in the process.
On Gallegar's other side stood Benjamin Cassidy. Six foot four of solid muscle, Benjamin was the Sovereign Lord of the Suprahumans. A more advanced type of human, or mutant, Benjamin and his kind weren't true supernaturals, but they stood with the brethren in the ensuing war. Kira saved his life during their joining and he pledged himself to her without hesitation. Since he could take on the abilities of any mutant, from shapeshifting to invisibility, his powers were legion.
Gallegar watched as Kira reached the outskirts of the large half-circle. It was filled with their friends and delegates from all their peoples. Also included, were their protectors, a group of men who offered their service to each of the supernatural leaders. Part of the new family as well, they provided an extra layer of protection and defense against those who would harm the group. The vampire smiled as she stopped and hugged the golden-skinned, golden-haired man who stood patiently waiting.
Koran, brother to Kira in all ways that mattered, offered her his arm. She smiled brilliantly and took it, leaning her pale head against his richly embroidered tunic for a moment. A soft ball of golden light enveloped them as they communicated silently and Gallegar's throat tightened. Koran was Prince of the Faerie Folk and the one whose flesh the Power had used to create Kira. They had a special bond ... they were family, even though she had never lived as faerie.
When the glow faded, brother and sister turned, and continued walking toward him. He fought to stay calm, but his heart was beating so loud, he was sure all around him could hear it. It was time. After so many lonely years, he would finally have a mate. One, who was more important to him than his own existence.
Kira stared at the man who, literally, held her heart. Gallegar, King of the Vampires, quite truthfully, took her breath away. He had, since the first moment she'd met him. Tall, dark and handsome with raven black, shoulder length hair, and eyes the exact color of an emerald, he was the one she had been created to love. Elegant, yet more powerful than any supernatural in the city, there was nothing about him she would change ... other than the streak of overprotectiveness he had a tendency to exhibit. He was romantic, loving and strong and a wonderful leader of his people.
They had been through so much ... fought so hard to be together, this day of celebration seemed almost unreal. She'd struggled with not understanding love and what it meant. It had taken her months to know her own heart, and once she had, it was almost too late. When Gallegar was threatened, she knew she would do anything to protect him, and the only way she could do that ... was to pretend not to care at all.
But, she reckoned without understanding the depth of his love for her. Or the loyalty and love of her Chosen. She'd learned by ignoring that love, she was denying herself the greatest reason to live ... and her strongest weapon. The joy in Gallegar's face when she'd told him how she really felt wasn't something she would ever forget. Even in the midst of the battle for the Gates of Life and the souls of countless vampires and shades, that love had given her the strength to go on.
And it strengthened the others as well. Joined with her, and linked with the vampire king, when Kira and Gallegar shared true passion for the first time, a new magick was created. Innocence may have been lost, but love is always the strongest emotion and it strengthened them all in its creation. New power was released and all the Chosen benefited.
Now, as she nervously made her way through the fragrant meadow, she thanked the Power for all she'd been given. Friends, family and love. No matter what happened, she would always be thankful for these men, and what they meant to her.
As she came closer, her eyes met the sapphire ones of Danolas, High Priest of the Witches. Other than Gallegar, of all her Chosen, he was the one she was closest to. Tall, lean and aristocratically beautiful, his magick had created this meadow of her dreams because he loved her. He knew her thoughts, understood what was in her soul. It was his knowledge that made her realize who and what she was in the first place. And he was the one who exposed the barriers in her heart and made her see loving is what keeps you strong. It was only right he would be the one who officiating over the mating ceremony.
She smiled at him. He winked back and suddenly all her nerves disappeared. She took the last few steps and then lifted her gaze to Gallegar's face. In it, she saw all the hopes and dreams of an eternity of love. She didn't even notice when Koran gave her hand to her mate-to-be, and stepped back to join the other Chosen. All her focus was on the man she loved.
He smiled. A slow, sexy smile that made her toes curl. "Hello."
She shivered as he raised her hands to his lips and nibbled gently. "Hi," she managed.
"I love you. Together in eternity ... forever."
Tears filled her eyes at the mind-speak. "I love you, too. Together in eternity ... forever."
Danolas chuckled. The love between the two of them was so strong; it was a presence in itself. "Whenever you're done." Kira and Gallegar laughed and then as one, turned to face the witch. He cleared his throat.
"We gather here, this night, in a ritual of love. You, Kira, and you, Gallegar stand before your friends, your chosen family and the Power, to join together in an eternity of love. Your hearts, your blood and your spirits are entwined. Your two lives are now one ... one you will share together, forever."
His azure eyes shone with happiness as he smiled at the couple before him. Lifting his elegant hands, he placed one on each of their heads. "May this rite be consecrated, and may all who gather here be blessed." He stepped back and smiled again, looking at the vampire.
"Gallegar, is it your desire to become one with this woman?"
"It is."
"What do you have to offer this woman of your love?"
Never taking his eyes off his beloved's face, Gallegar went down on one knee. The lilt of Irish isles was in his voice as he answered. "A Ghra ... I give to you my love and my pledge. You share my heart, my blood and my soul. Forever, I will stand by your side to protect, to cherish and to love. Eternity is not long enough to share my love with you." Reaching down, he removed a small, jeweled dagger from his hip. "Accept this, as a token of my trust. Like its blade, may my love be as strong. Like its metal, may our love be forever. Accept it, my love, for that which is mine, is now yours."
Kira stared down at him, her golden eyes glistening with happy tears. She took the weapon carefully from his outstretched hands, then tucked the dagger in the soft white cord circling her waist. "Mo Chridhe ... I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept the blade. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in yours. The magick of my will, of my love, shall be yours, forever."
Danolas nodded gravely. "Kira, is it your desire to become one with this man?"
She watched as Gallegar came to his feet. "It is."
"And what do you have to offer in return for his love?"
Kira reached out and placed her palm on Gallegar's chest. "All that I am, I give to you. You carry my heart within you. You have my love and this pledge. I will stand by you, through eternity I will belong to you, as you will belong to me." Her hand moved down and took his. She slid on his little finger a silver ring with a deep emerald stone. "You once gave me this ring to signify our joining. Now I give it back to you to symbolize I am yours forever. Accept this, as a token of my trust. Like its bright gleam, may our love glow as intensely. Like the stone that is its essence, may our love be as enduring. It is your family's pledge ... Live to see the future. Love like there is no tomorrow. Accept it, my love, for that which is mine, is yours."
Gallegar's jaw worked as he fought emotion. He cradled her face in his hands. "A Ghra ... I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept the ring. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in yours. The magick of my will, of my love, shall ever be yours."
The High Priest turned and lifted a golden chalice from the altar behind him. Carefully, he filled it from a crystal decanter of scarlet red wine, and handed the cup to Gallegar. "This is a symbol of the life blood that flows between you. What say you, Gallegar, to this woman?"
The vampire held the cup between him and Kira. "With this cup ... with the blood that flows in my veins, I promise to accept the love you pour upon me, and to return that love in kind." He held out his hand. "I ask that you take my blood as I once took yours."
Kira's hand trembled as she removed the dagger from her belt. Gently, she pierced his index finger with the tip of the blade. "With this blood, I ask the Power to bless this union." She allowed several drops to fall into the chalice. "With this blood, I bind my life to yours."
Danolas took the cup and handed it to Kira. "What say you, Kira, to this man?"
Turning back to her mate-to-be, Kira handed him the blade. "With this cup ... with the blood that flows in my veins, I promise to accept the love you pour upon me, and to return that love in kind." She tilted her head, exposing her throat to him in the tradition of a vampire wedding. "I give my blood freely to nourish and pleasure you."
Gallegar's cheeks reddened at the reference to taking her blood for pleasure. While it was one of the ways a vampire made love, he still worried about Kira when he did so. Stepping forward, he touched his mouth to the curve of her neck. Knowing some in the wedding party might be uncomfortable with him taking her blood in the accepted manner; he leaned back and took her hand instead. Carefully, he used the dagger on her, letting several drops of her blood join his in the golden cup. "I accept your gift. May the Power bless us both, and with this blood, I bind my life to yours."
"Then drink of this symbol of life." Danolas' voice was filled with satisfaction.
Gallegar took the chalice back from Kira and brought it to his lips. "I drink of our life together." He handed it to Kira, but kept his hand over hers as she also drank. When she was finished, she lifted shining eyes to his.
"I drink of our life together."
Danolas cleared his throat, his own eyes suspiciously bright. A glance around at the other Chosen showed he wasn't the only one so affected. He took back the cup and as Gallegar returned the dagger to Kira's waist, the witch turned, this time lifting a set of silver rings from the altar. They were ornately carved with mystical Gaelic symbols of protection and promise. One large, one small, he held them out to the couple. "These rings signify the journey you both now embark on. Like a circle ... like your love, they are without beginning or end. They are a symbol of completeness, of continual renewal. Do you accept them?"
"We do," Gallegar and Kira said in unison.
Danolas handed the smaller ring to Gallegar. "I do not have the right to bind you to this woman. Only you can make that choice. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring on her finger."
A smile touched the dark man's sensuous lips. "It is my wish." He slid the band on Kira's ring finger. Then he pulled her engagement ring from his pocket and eased that on as well. Her pleased smile nearly blinded him. "By the life that courses in my blood, and the love within my heart, I take you, Kira, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen mate. As this ring encircles your finger, from this day forward, throughout eternity, so too, will my love forever encircle you. Will you accept my pledge of love?"
"I will."
Nodding, Danolas handed the larger ring to Kira. "I do not have the right to bind you to this man. Only you can make that choice. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring on his finger."
Kira let her gaze caress the vampire's face. "It is my wish." She put the circle of silver on Gallegar's left ring finger. "By the life that courses within my blood, and the love within my heart, I take you, Gallegar, to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen mate. As this ring encircles your finger, from this day forward, throughout eternity, so too, will my love forever encircle you. Will you accept my pledge of love?"
Gallegar's voice was gruff as he answered. "I will."
"Let these rings be a symbol for all to see these two have been joined. And as the rings symbolize eternity being without beginning or end, let this mating also last forever." Danolas took both their hands in his. "As your hands are joined together, now so shall your lives and spirits be united in a union of love, trust, and mutual understanding."
Taking his staff, Danolas circled it over the couple. "Heart to thee, Soul to thee, Body to thee. Forever and always, so mote it be.
The crowd answered him. "So mote it be."
Grinning, the high priest took a step back. "Now, Gallegar, would you like to kiss your bride?"
The vampire swept Kira into his arms. "I thought you'd never ask."
"Danolas did a great job spelling up this meadow," Patrick said, his brown eyes gazing over the flower-strewn glade. Set outside The Keep, the area was the size of a baseball field, complete with trees, swaying wildflowers and a babbling brook. Night birds called, their song almost lost in the excited murmurings of the wedding guests. The Ethereal appreciated the illusion. He was partial to using them himself. He grinned and stroked his goatee. "It feels like the real thing."
Koran bit carefully into a soft pastry as he took in the garlanded altar and sumptuous buffet tables. Supernaturals of all kinds milled around, talking and eating the delicious food. Chef Louie had outdone himself for Kira's wedding. "It is an exact replica of the place Gallegar first saw Kira in his dreams. He fell in love with her there. He wanted to pledge himself to her in the same place." The faerie chuckled, his amber gaze amused. "I wanted to help, but I had my hands full with Kira. You would think she and Gallegar had not been together at all, as nervous as she was. I was in and out of the loft constantly, answering questions and soothing her worries."
The Ethereal grinned as well, a dimple appearing in his handsome face. "I had a few calls from Gallegar myself. I guess getting married can be nerve racking."
"We have literally fought demons from Hell and won, but Gallegar went pale when it came to choosing a tux." Koran looked over to where Kira and Gallegar were dancing, wrapped closely in each other's arms. The dark man wore an elegantly tailored tuxedo with a deep green silk shirt. He'd forgone a tie, leaving his neck exposed, so whorls of dark chest hair could be seen. "I swear, by the time we were done, I was ready to magick one up myself, just so he would be done with it."
Patrick nodded. "I hear the same thing happened with Kira and her dress. Wound up having Danolas make one for her." He glanced at the woman who'd changed his life. "But she does look beautiful in it."
"She does at that."
"This day was important to both of them," Patrick went on. "After all the fighting and death, we needed a day to celebrate life."
Koran grunted his agreement, as he wolfed down one of Louie's special shrimp crullers. "I am just glad things have been quiet for the last couple months. Gallegar would never have agreed to take their honeymoon to Ireland, if we were still having problems."
"You think the demons have given up?" the shade asked, skeptically.
"No." The faerie swallowed another bite. "This war is just getting started. When we took control over the Gate of Hell and re-established the Gate of Heaven, we dealt them a severe blow, but just putting wardings around the gates will not prevent the demons from finding another way out."
"They're probably just licking their wounds. They will attack again, and this time they won't underestimate us."
"But we have got a weapon they cannot fight against," Koran replied. "One they do not even understand."
"You're right." Patrick smiled, his white teeth flashing against his tanned skin. "They will never win out over the power of love."
Across the meadow, Benjamin and Lucas stood near the banquet tables, their plates piled high with food. The Suprahuman looked askance at the mound of food the wolf man carried. Lucas might be hurting, but it wasn't affecting his appetite. But then ... nothing ever had. "Got enough there?"
Lucas grinned sheepishly and ran a hand through his short-cropped blonde hair. "I'm starving. Been too busy to eat much."
Benjamin snorted. His red glowing eyes were free from their usual disguising black contacts. Everyone at the wedding knew what he was. He'd pulled his dark hair back in a short ponytail and now tugged on it absently. "It's a good thing the demons didn't try anything. I think Gallegar would have destroyed them all by himself. He was insistent this ceremony be just as Kira wanted." He munched on a tender flaky biscuit. "'Course he had some pretty definite ideas as well."
The two men shared a grin, before Lucas shrugged. "It is a special day ... for both of them."
"You okay?" Benjamin's compassionate gaze rested on him.
Lucas shrugged again. It was no secret losing Kira hurt him, even though he knew it was for the best. "I'm getting by. It was easier when we were busy fighting the war. Now," he looked around him in resignation, "now, everything has to do with this wedding. Makes it harder."
The Suprahuman punched him on the shoulder. "It's all over now. It'll get better. You'll see."
"So they say." The werewolf frowned as he saw Benjamin grimace and rotate his arm painfully. "Your shoulder still hurting you? I thought you were all healed up."
"I have my good days and bad days." They both referred to the injury Benjamin suffered when he and Lucas fought the spiderpede demon outside The Haunted House. The creature had snapped his arm off, and it wasn't until the next day, Danolas, and his healers were able to reattach it. He still suffered phantom pains even though the arm was now intact. "At least it isn't numb anymore. That was a bitch to deal with."
Lucas grunted as he shoveled a mouthful of truffles into his mouth. He chewed thoughtfully. "I wonder when the demons will try again."
Benjamin looked over to where Kira and Gallegar stood close together under the oak tree. The vampire bent and kissed her, uncaring of all the curious eyes on them. "They better wait until the two of them get back from their honeymoon. Gallegar's dying to have Kira see where he grew up."
"Damn straight," Lucas agreed. "If the demons fuck up this trip, all Hell will really break loose!"
"So," Jorad said faintly, as he tried not to shudder. "In a vampire mating ceremony, you really do drink blood?"
Gallegar smiled. "Indeed. Both participants do. But, because Kira isn't a vampire, and many in the crowd might have been sickened by the display, we opted to do it this way instead. Wine often symbolizes blood and there are many ceremonies that use blood letting to bind people together."
Kira grinned impishly. "But he did promise to bite me later."
Both men reddened and Gallegar pulled her sharply against him. "Careful, A Ghra ... Jorad here doesn't do well with blood ... or being teased." He bent closer and nibbled on her lower lip, sending her a tight mind-beam. "But you may tease me all you wish."
The young witch nodded, ignoring the flirting between the newly mated pair, as if used to it. "I hope to conquer that particular problem very soon. By the Power, it may happen one of you needs my blood for some reason. I must be prepared."
Gallegar looked thoughtfully at Danolas' protector. Jorad had been with them since the very first night. He'd helped the Chosen save Kira when she'd been near death from a wizard's spell. He was one of the inner circle and very important to the group. "If, and when that time comes, you will find the strength necessary. You have always done so in the past, my friend. I believe you will, as well in the future."
"This I agree." The statement came from behind them and they all turned to see Danolas walking their way. He put his hand on his acolyte's arm. "You have already fought things most will go a lifetime not seeing. Don't worry, Jorad. I do not."
Jorad was struck speechless by his master's words. Danolas didn't give compliments often, so when he did, they meant something. "Thank you, High Priest." He bowed and smiled. "On that note, I think I will go get some of the delicious buffet." He turned to Kira. "May I serve you, Peacekeeper?"
Kira smiled at him, liking his polite manners. "Thank you, Jorad, but I am not hungry. I could do with some champagne, though."
"As you wish." He looked at Gallegar and Danolas. "High Priest? King Gallegar?"
"Thank you, no," answered Danolas. Gallegar shook his head.
The witch bowed again and walked toward the buffet table where a magical fountain of champagne never went dry.
"I would thank you again, brother, for all you've done for us today." Gallegar's arm swept over the beautiful meadow. "Words cannot express our joy."
Danolas grinned. "It's been a long time coming. Congratulations, both of you. You deserve to be happy ... and together."
Kira giggled. "For me, the two are intertwined." At her loving words, the vampire treated her to another deep kiss.
Danolas waited until they were done before asking, "When do you leave on your honeymoon?"
Gallegar smiled down at Kira. "As tradition states, we will spend our first mated night in my lair at Sanctuary. Then, tomorrow evening, I have chartered a plane to Dublin. "It will be a long trip and because of the time difference, I will have to stay in the airplane until darkness falls. But my protectors have made satisfactory security arrangements."
"He must be kept safe," Kira put in.
"And then?"
"Gallegar is going to show me all over Ireland." Kira's golden eyes sparkled. "I have longed to see it ever since I saw the art in his office at A Crown of Thorns."
"I envy you both," Danolas said quietly. "I miss Ireland. My time on the island was some of the best in my life." His eyes took on a faraway look. "I had family there, but no longer."
"When did you last visit?" Kira's tender heart ached for the pain she saw in his blue eyes.
"A century ago," he replied. "I think I told you I did my training at Dunguaire Castle. My mentor was Aebh, a very powerful witch. She taught me everything I know."
"Is this the same witch who is coming to visit us?" Gallegar inquired. "I'd hate to miss meeting her."
"No, Aebh will not leave her home. She is sending someone. I'm told the most powerful witch in all of Ireland is coming to help us. He is bringing something to help us fight. Word of the war has traveled fast." Danolas' long blonde hair whispered in the night breezes. "They worry if we can't stop them here, the war will spread."
"Then we will stop it here," Gallegar growled grimly. "We will fight the evil ones ... and we will win."
"But," Kira interjected, "not now. Today we celebrate the future. One with love and joy and hope." She stood on tiptoe and kissed Gallegar's dark cheek. "I love you. Let us be merry, for who knows when this peacetime will end."
"Agreed," the vampire nodded as he turned to capture her lips. "Today is about you and me. And I, for one, am very selfish. I wish to think of no one, but you."
Jorad returned at that moment with Kira's glass of champagne. She took it and gaily tossed it down, choking a little at the tart taste and bubbles.
Gallegar laughed and pulled her onto the dance floor. "Enough, my love," he admonished. "I want you awake and sober in my bed tonight."
Her lips parted beneath his as they began moving together, their bodies totally in tune. "I do not think I will sleep tonight, Mo Chridhe ... I have other plans for you."
Danolas watched them indulgently; thankful the night had gone so well. It had been a huge enterprise to accomplish, but the look on Kira's face when she saw the meadow ... that made it all worthwhile. He turned to speak to Jorad, when suddenly, the hair on the back of his neck stood on end. He went completely still, raising his staff instinctively as he tried to figure out what exactly had alerted him.
"High Priest?" Jorad followed his lead, freezing in his tracks as well.
"I sense a presence. One I didn't feel before." Danolas' gaze swept over the crowd of partygoers. No one seemed out of place. His magick was such he could differentiate between each of the guests. He knew who were Ethereals and who were Faerie, as well as any other creature who walked the meadow. But what he was feeling now, wasn't anything he'd felt before. It was a power, hidden or muted, and if he was right ... He closed his eyes and drew on his staff. As suddenly as it appeared, the brief surge of power vanished.
Danolas scowled. "Someone is here."
"Shall I call the other protectors?"
He shook his head. "No ... let me pursue this further. I will call you if you are needed."
"As you wish, High Lord." Jorad bowed and moved away, but by the stiff stance of his body, Danolas knew, he too, was searching.
Slowly, he sent out his magick, seeking the hidden presence. It wasn't easy to hide from a witch with Danolas' power, but whoever it was, they were very strong. He could still feel them, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly where they were. He glanced around again; paying particular attention to anyone he hadn't seen before. His attention was drawn to a figure standing near one of the buffet tables. He wrinkled his nose. Whoever that was, they hadn't come dressed for a wedding. Lifting his staff, he walked toward the unknown person.
As he got closer, he could tell it was a female, but she was dressed in the most unfeminine clothes he'd ever had the misfortune to see. Threadbare jeans, dirty sneakers, and a white oversize T-shirt that announced, It's all about me, hid her body most admirably. If Danolas hadn't seen her aura, he'd have thought she was just a small, rather untidy man. Top the costume off with a torn and dirty duster and full size backpack, she looked like a hobo who'd wandered in off the streets.
"How did you get in?" Danolas murmured. His concern switched to curiosity, when he felt the telltale trickles of power emanating from her. "Who are you?"
Going on instinct, the witch hid his own magick, shrinking his staff down and tucking it inside his pocket. With a whispered spell, he changed his robes so they weren't as ornate looking. Then, he continued on to the buffet.
Brianna Muldoon was starving. She surveyed the food-laden table with satisfaction as she grabbed a plate and started to dish herself up. It had been a long journey. She was hungry, tired and irritable. Her flight had been late, then cancelled, and then finally rebooked, but she had been flying for over thirty-six hours straight. To top that off, when she'd arrived in San Francisco, no one had been there to meet her. So much for Yank hospitality. She'd cursed a little, and then found a cabbie to bring her to The Keep. It was late, her inner clock was all screwed up and she was barely thinking straight. She wanted a bed, a bath and food. Not necessarily in that order.
Her stomach growled and she managed a grin. "Now then, have a bit of patience. I'll take care of you first." She popped a cream puff into her mouth and moaned in appreciation. "Now that is worth saying penance for." Hurriedly, Brianna filled her plate, wanting to growl at anyone who came near her food. Nothing like being hungry, to bring out the true primitive in you. She grabbed the last meat and truffle finger sandwich off the tray, smiling her apologies to a dark haired man who'd also made a try for it. Shrugging off the feeling of guilt, she added it to the pile on her plate. She was starving, wasn't she? Didn't she have a right to make sure she wouldn't fall over in a dead faint?
She gave an unladylike snort. "Not that I'd ever do such a thing," she mumbled around a dainty pastry made of sugar and air. "Ridiculous ... that would be."
"What would be ridiculous?"
Embarrassed color touched her cheeks. How had he snuck up on her? She must be more tired than she thought. Turning, she started to make a smart remark about minding his own business, but then she was struck dumb. She barely had the presence of mind not to drop her plate.
Standing before her was one of the handsomest men she'd ever seen. Tall---he towered over her---he was easily over six feet. He was lean, but with a firm muscular body. She could see the well-defined chest and arm muscles even in his flowing robe. He had aristocratic features, with a high forehead and cheekbones, sensuous lips and a strong jaw that kept his face from being too pretty. Long, white-blond hair cascaded down over his shoulders to his waist.
But it was his eyes that caught her. Eyes, a deep mystical blue, the color of sapphire, filled with a wisdom that defied knowledge. She shook off the feeling they had met before.
"Holy Mary, Mother of God," she whispered. "They do grow them nice here in the states."
Danolas felt his cheeks warm at the appreciation he saw in her eyes. He sighed inwardly, wishing he could return the compliment, but there was nothing remarkable in the woman who stood gaping at him.
She was short, a little smaller than Kira, and in the rumpled oversized clothing, he couldn't tell if she was nicely formed or not. Her face was pleasant enough to look at, he supposed. But her upper lip was slightly bigger than her lower lip and her nose leaned toward stubby. She did have high cheekbones and beautiful porcelain skin to balance it, but a myriad of freckles spoiled the effect.
Her hair was the color of mud, without any highlights or feminine tricks. It was stuffed messily under a paint splattered baseball cap, and eyes the same dull color peered up at him. But he smiled anyway. The moment she'd spoken, he knew who she was. He'd expected a messenger to let him know when the powerful witch from Ireland was coming. Now he understood the power he'd sensed.
"Thanks," he said finally, accepting the compliment on his looks. "I take it you're from Ireland."
Her lopsided mouth broke into a grin and surprisingly, he felt a pull, low in his body. She cocked her head and stuffed another sandwich into her mouth.
"What gave me away, then?"
He chuckled. "Gallegar's the only one around here with an Irish accent."
She nodded and looked over to where the vampire stood with Kira in his arms. They were supposed to be dancing, but they were barely moving as they held each other close. "He's the groom?"
"You weren't here for the ceremony?"
"Bloody airports," she snarled, snatching a glass of champagne off a passing tray. She tossed it down in a way that told him she was very familiar with spirits of the liquid kind. "They wanted to bleed me dry just for a ride in one of their little yellow taxis."
Danolas grinned down at her. "Expensive, huh?"
"Aye, took me time to bargain them down to a reasonable amount."
The fact they had come down at all amazed Danolas. "You should have called. Someone would have come to get you."
She fixed him with a glare. "Oh, I did call. Spoke to Himself, even. Promised me he would take care of it, but no ... I was left high and dry. Can't say much for the hospitality around here." She took another healthy bite of food and chewed thoroughly. "Although, the food is severe."
"Severe?" The word distracted him from the insulting comment.
Brianna rolled her eyes. "Ahhh ... forgot. You Yanks don't know proper English. Severe means great ... excellent."
"I see."
Poking her new friend with the end of her fork, she glanced around. "Where is he, anyway?"
"Who?"
"Himself. The High Priest. I've come a long way to see him and though he hasn't been very friendly, I should make myself known to him." She looked around the room and leaned in close. "I'm told he's a snobbish one. Doesn't mix with the regular folks. Is that right?"
"Excuse me?"
She grinned. "Oh, that's good. You sound just like I think he would. So glacial and precise. Still..." she muttered as she grabbed another drink. "He's said to be very powerful. Maybe that's why he's so rude. All that magick, maybe he's forgotten how to be a real person. After all, he is very old."
"Now just a min---"
"Wait ... who is that?" She grabbed his arm unthinkingly and jerked him around. "The big dark guy standing next to the shapeshifter. I don't recognize his magick." Brianna pointed across the meadow.
Danolas drew in a deep breath. She was as rude and careless as she looked. Pulling on his arm, spouting opinions when she didn't even know him. And he was sure he'd never spoken to her before. He would have remembered that voice. He grabbed onto his patience with both hands. "That is Benjamin. One of the Chosen. He's what's known as a Suprahuman."
Her eyes narrowed and he could almost see her filing it away for later. She might be irritating, but her eyes held a gleam of intelligence.
"The man with the sad eyes. Is he a Chosen, too?"
He looked at her with a raised brow. "Why do you say he has sad eyes?"
She shot him a speaking glance. "'Tisn't hard to see, if you look close enough. Who is he?"
"Lucas Kane and yes ... he too, is Chosen."
"There must be something in the water here."
"I beg your pardon?"
"Look at all these fine specimens of men. She waved at Benjamin, and with a slow grin, he waved back. They don't grow them like this in Galway. Damn me, if I haven't stepped into the fine."
Something dark and unreasonable shot through Danolas at her words. "They are a little busy to flirt with you."
"With the war."
He looked at her fully, but she was munching on still another meat sandwich. "What do you know of the war?"
"Enough to know the High Priest has made bloody bullocks of the whole thing." She shook her head. "He should have asked for help. Thick fool."
Danolas' jaw clenched, as he tried to fight back the sudden fury. "You don't know what you're talking about."
She looked suddenly apologetic. "Hell. You aren't his acolyte or something, are you? I should learn to keep my opinions to myself."
"In that, I would agree."
"It's just ... I've read all the reports. He needed more powerful witches on his side from the beginning. I'm sure this Peacekeeper is strong, but it's obvious she needs someone to guide her. And this Danolas person isn't doing it."
"Kira has her Chosen to help and guide her," Danolas growled. He could feel his control leaving him a bit at a time. Any second now, the others would sense there was a problem. "Does Aebh feel as you do?"
She dropped her eyes. "No," she answered, surprisingly honest. "But the High Priestess trained him. She probably wants to think the best. Doesn't want to believe he's just mucking it up."
His patience snapped. "He hasn't mucked it up at all!" Danolas roared. In his mind, he felt the others come to attention. They all turned to look at him, but he ignored them, his eyes focused on the irritating woman in front of him. "We won this last war and we will continue to win, and we don't need some envoy from across the water to criticize."
Brianna blinked and then her quick temper erupted. She tossed her head. "I'm entitled to my own opinion, aren't I? In fact, 'tis why I was sent here. Aebh felt I could help the Peacekeeper and no underling witch is going to stop me." She poked the handsome man in his chest, and was unwillingly impressed when he didn't give an inch. Those beautiful blue eyes had turned to midnight in fury and she wondered briefly, what it would feel like to kiss that angry mouth. Excited heat flared inside her. Totally inappropriate ... but then, she'd learned desire rarely played by the rules.
"How dare you?" he growled at her. He grabbed her hand and tossed it away from him, making her drop her empty plate. "Go back to Ireland. We don't need someone like you here. We'll wait for the one Aebh sent."
"You bloody gobshite!" she snarled back. "I am the one she sent!"
His mouth dropped open and she snarled again, when she saw it didn't detract from his good looks one bit. The fact he was shocked, angered her as well. She was damned tired of men underestimating her. If his people did it, what would the High Priest do when he met her? Kicking at the fallen plate bad temperedly, she turned away. "I think it's time I introduced myself to the Peacekeeper. Goddess knows, talking to you has been a complete waste of time!"
Danolas stared after her as she stomped away. This was the powerful witch he'd been waiting for? The one whose magick and knowledge would help win the war? This opinionated, short-tempered, ill kept ... woman?
It couldn't be.
He wasn't sexist, but he'd never met a truly powerful female witch before. At least, not since he'd studied under Aebh, herself. When he'd received word she was sending the most powerful witch in all of Ireland, he'd naturally assumed it to be a man.
Frowning, he made his way after her. He didn't care she was female. Not really. What angered him was the opinion she had of him and the others. That he couldn't ... wouldn't tolerate. He had to admit, part of his fury was the knowledge she'd made him lose control. No woman had ever made him act like that before. Knowing the Chosen and Kira were aware of it, made his loss of control even more humiliating.
Then he smiled slowly. But, he wasn't the only one who'd been unaware of the identity of the person they were speaking to. Her embarrassment when she found out just might make the last few moments worth it.
Brianna muttered furiously to herself as she crossed the meadow. She was so intent on her destination, she didn't even notice the music stop or the group of men who made their way to slowly circle behind her. Shrugging her backpack off her sore shoulders, she strode past the dance floor, to the beautiful woman who stood next to the tall dark man she'd been told was Gallegar, King of the San Francisco Vampires.
They both watched her. The woman's eyes were curious, almost welcoming, while the vampire's were cool and suspicious. Brianna nodded. That was good. She was an unknown. At least someone worried about security around here. It had been much too easy for her to get in. Once she talked to the High Priest, she'd get that taken care of first thing. Bloody fool! What was he thinking, letting anyone behind the shielding so easily?
When she reached them, she stood awkwardly for a moment, then dropped a short curtsy, not knowing what else to do. The woman smiled, her golden eyes glowing, but the man lifted a dark brow as he considered her.
"Be ye the Peacekeeper?" Brianna asked. She let the backpack fall to the ground. She was suddenly exhausted. The long flight, the argument at the tables, all of it, made her long to lie down and sleep for a week.
"I am Kira, the Peacekeeper." The pale beauty gestured to the man next to her. "And this is..." she grinned suddenly, "my mate, Gallegar. Welcome." She gave a giggle. "That is the first time I have been able to actually say it."
"Get used to it," the vampire said with a chuckle. "I am, and will always be your mate." They stared at each other, the love and desire swirling around them.
Brianna shifted restlessly. Too much of that and she'd have to go find a willing man to take care of things. It was too bad the gorgeous guy at the buffet had turned out to be such an idiot. He would have suited her nicely. "I give you congratulations on your ... marriage?"
"Mating," Kira corrected gently. "Vampires call it a mating ceremony, but thank you."
"Have we met?" Gallegar inquired. He hadn't missed the music of home in her voice. It soothed him in a way he'd almost forgotten.
"Nay, I don't think so. Unless you've been in Galway in the last century."
He shook his head. "I left Ireland many years before that. By the look of you, you've just arrived."
"Aye," she nodded, unaware of the tiredness in her face. "My name is Brianna Muldoon. I have been sent by the High Priestess, Aebh, of Dunguaire Castle."
Kira frowned. "You are the powerful witch Danolas has been expecting?"
Brianna bristled like a hedgehog. "Aye. So?"
Her crankiness was ignored as the Peacekeeper came forward and took her chin in her small hand. The two women were almost the same height and Brianna found it nice not to be looked down on. She stood still as Kira's glowing golden eyes searched her own. Suddenly, she realized whatever had happened with the war in the past, it wasn't because the Peacekeeper wasn't strong enough. Her power flowed over Brianna, and the young witch was almost overwhelmed. It wasn't a sensation she was used to.
She was even more surprised when Kira smiled again and took her into her arms for a long hug. "I have been waiting for you," Kira whispered. "I am glad you are finally here."
When she was free, Brianna stared at the golden-eyed woman warily. "Are you now? That's nice ... I think. Ummm ... I do have words to speak with you, but first, I should make my greetings to the High Priest of this city. Can you tell me where he is?"
"Oh, this is going to be good," smirked a brown-haired man who was floating nearby.
An Ethereal. From the power she felt emanating from him, she'd bet he was another of the Chosen. She frowned at him, then turned back to Kira. "Did he come to the wedding ... I mean mating?"
Gallegar grinned. "He officiated."
Kira smiled in commiseration. Because of the joining, she'd been privy to the whole conversation. "I believe you two have already met." She pointed behind Brianna.
Turning, Brianna met the gaze of the man who she'd argued with at the buffet table. His eyes were still furious, but he'd changed into pristine white robes and he now held a staff in his hand that pulsated with magick. Her eyes widened when she saw his stone of power shone stronger than any she'd ever seen before. She closed her eyes as understanding shot through her. She'd insulted the High Priest to his face.
"Oh, for fuck's sake," she muttered, rubbing her eyes. She didn't notice the Peacekeeper goggle at her, or the men surrounding her begin to laugh. She was too busy trying to figure out how to extricate herself from the mess she'd gotten herself in. As usual, she chose a good offense over a poor defense. Turning to Danolas, she put her hands on her hips.
"Sorry about that, but you did deserve it."
His blue eyes flared with anger. "Would you like to explain that apology a bit more?"
She shrugged. "Not really. Besides, don't you have a ceremony to do here?" She frowned. "Or do you Yanks do it differently?"
Danolas stared at her half infuriated, half amused at her daring. He glared at his brothers who were all snickering loudly. "I welcome you on behalf of the San Francisco Society of Witches and their High Priest. I am Danolas. Cead mile failte romhat. One hundred, thousand welcomes."
"I thank you for your hospitality. Such as it is," she muttered under her breath. When he narrowed his eyes, she bit her lip and he knew she'd not meant that remark to be heard. She cleared her throat. "Sorry ... again."
"Are you?"
She tossed her head in annoyance, and the baseball cap came off. Lucas bent and picked up, handing it to her with a smile. Her lips curved up in response, and Danolas had the sudden impulse to pull her away from the big man. "I asked you a question!"
Looking back at him, she cocked her head. "Did you, now?"
Grinding his teeth together, he took several deep breaths. "Apparently," he said to the rest of the company, "this is the witch Aebh thinks can help us."
Koran shifted his stance and his eyes glowed with his own power as he surreptitiously checked Brianna's magick. "She is very strong. Why did we not know she had arrived?"
"That, I can't answer," Danolas replied. He looked back to Brianna. "Just how did you get behind the shielding?"
She gave a little snort that made Lucas grin. "'Twas easy. I adjusted my personal shielding to resonate with yours."
Koran's eyebrows shot up into his hair. "How did you get the frequency?"
The Irish witch rolled her eyes. "I was given the magick. Aebh told me before I left. She didn't want me to be caught unawares."
"You should have warned us you were coming," Benjamin muttered.
"Don't blame me." Brianna put her hands up and sent another glare Danolas' way. "I called. He promised to pick me up, but then, never showed."
"I did not make that promise," Danolas growled. He bent down and glared at the brown-eyed witch. "I have better things to do than run a taxi service for rude tourists."
Brianna put her hands on her hips and went toe-to-toe with him. "Are you calling me a liar?"
"I guess I am. Because I know I haven't taken a phone call all day!"
She tossed her head again. "At your age, it's a wonder you can even remember!"
The others watched in fascination as Danolas struggled with his temper. He was usually so calm and serene; to see him lose his control was almost shocking. Gallegar stepped in before the High Priest did something he might later, regret.
"With the mating ceremony going on, I would hazard a guess it wasn't Danolas who answered. It has been a busy day around here. Perhaps whoever answered, just forgot." He smiled at Brianna. "Our apologies. We've been looking forward to meeting you."
Brianna nodded, slightly mollified. She had to admit, it made sense, especially knowing what had gone on that day. She turned to Danolas. "He's probably right. Aebh said the number I called would send me straight to you. Honestly, I can't remember if you gave your name or not. You just sounded all hoity-toity, so I assumed it was you."
Lucas choked back a laugh. "Hoity-toity?"
She shrugged, striking a pose with her little finger sticking out. "You know ... all la-te-da and I'm-so-important sounding." She narrowed her eyes at the High Priest. "It did sound like you do."
Danolas opened his mouth to shout at her again, but Kira broke in first. "It might have been Jorad. He sounds like Danolas and he would have access to the office phone. And he was so busy today doing last minute errands; I am sure your arrival was pushed right out of his mind."
Nodding, Brianna looked around the circle. "I guess I can buy that." Her temper disappeared. "I'm here now. Shall we start over again, then?"
"Good idea," approved Gallegar. He gestured around the circle of men. "Perhaps we should start with introductions."
Obviously still irritated, Danolas crossed his arms over his broad chest. "She knows who I am."
A dimple appeared in Brianna's cheek. She gave him a mocking smile. "Oh, and it must be my Irish luck ... to be acquainted with one such as you."
"I'm Lucas Kane," Lucas put in quickly when he saw Danolas' eyes flare again. It might be interesting to see the witch lose his temper, but not now. Not at Kira's wedding.
Brianna took his hand. "Lucas Kane, Master Shapeshifter, third to join with the Peacekeeper. You are second in command over the Wolf Clan, and must hide your joining from your leader." She sized up Lucas with her eyes. "Must be tough on you. You don't look like the subtle type."
His eyes narrowed at the quick assessment. "I guess you aren't subtle, either."
"Goddess, no." She gave a quick shudder. "Too much trouble." Brianna turned to the golden-faced man and smiled flirtatiously. "And you're, Koran?"
He smiled, and taking her hand, bowed over it. "I am, my Lady."
Her heart tripped a little. "Sure, and aren't you a charmer? Koran, Prince of the Faerie, brother of Kira, though ... we were never told exactly how that could be. You are centuries old, while her magick is obviously new."
"It is a story for another time," Koran answered smoothly. "But she is my sister."
There was steel in his words, and Brianna's eyebrows went up. "Aye, then." She turned to the brown-haired Ethereal. "And you are?"
"You can call me, Patrick."
"Leader of the Ethereals."
"With this company's help, I'm still leader. It was touch and go for awhile." A grin flashed over Patrick's face.
Brianna nodded. "You were smart enough to ask for help. A good leader knows when to do so." She slid a glance at Danolas whose jaw tightened imperceptibly. "Too bad everyone doesn't."
Patrick stoked his mustache thoughtfully. "I'm not sure what you mean, but I thank you. I have learned much from the other Chosen."
"Hmmm..." Brianna chewed on that as she turned to Benjamin. "The High Priest told me who you were when I didn't recognize your magick. We don't have your kind in Ireland."
Benjamin shook her hand and grinned. "Yes, you do."
She cocked her head in surprise. "Is that right?"
"Suprahumans are everywhere. You just don't know where or how to look."
Her lower lip stuck out in a pout. "I noticed you right off."
His smile widened. "I'm behind wardings here, and safe. My shields are down so you can sense my power. But if I wanted to, you wouldn't know I wasn't human."
"Bet I could."
The Suprahuman chuckled at the challenge. "You are a cocky one, aren't you?"
"She's worse than cocky," Danolas grumbled. "She thinks we've made a mess of things so far. Isn't that right, Ms. Muldoon? Thinks we are all weak and stupid. What did you say? We'd made a 'bloody bullocks' of the whole thing so far?"
Brianna sent him a glare that should have set his hair on fire. He could have kept quiet about that. It was payback, she knew, for the way she'd treated him earlier. She shuffled her feet when she saw the others were now all looking coldly at her. Even Kira looked disappointed. "I ... I have a right to my opinion, don't I? We only have the reports that were sent to us." She swore under her breath. It sounded weak and she knew it.
"Seems a bunch of words on a page can't tell you much about a man," Patrick said quietly. "Or a woman."
"You had to be here, Brianna," Lucas put in icily. "You don't have a clue what happened to us. How hard it was to understand the new powers and what we could do. Hell ... we're still finding things out."
"I find it interesting you formed such strong opinions of us, when you were an ocean away." Gallegar put his arm around Kira. "Tell me ... how many battles have you been in?"
Brianna's heart dropped to her feet. Aebh had warned her to go slowly, and not let her mouth get her in trouble, but here she was, newly arrived and she'd already made everyone mad at her. When would she learn to think before she spoke?
"I-I'm sorry," she stuttered. "I haven't been in any battles." She looked over at the Peacekeeper. "I know I was wrong. At least about you. I felt your power the second you touched me. I've got a bad habit of talking before I know all the facts. It's just ... we knew you needed help and you didn't ask. We couldn't understand why."
"Why did you think we needed help?" Koran asked, his golden eyebrows drawn together in a fierce frown.
Brianna stared at him. "How did we know? How did we know?" The question fired her up all over again. "Maybe the fact your Gates of Life were destroyed and the demons have all escaped."
Kira blinked. "That is not true, Brianna. The gate to Heaven was destroyed, but Danolas and Koran rebuilt it. All the shades went on to their rewards. And yes ... the gate to Hell was compromised, but when the demons tried to escape, we fought them and we won."
Patrick nodded. "The demons have been sent back to Hell and we have wards around the gates so no more damage can be done there. We know the demons aren't finished, but we have done what we could, for now."
"But..." Brianna looked around the circle. She saw the truth on all their faces and felt even more foolish. "The last report we received was even some vampires were pulled into Hell. You didn't know how to fight it. We sent word saying we would send an army of witches, but we were ignored."
"You weren't ignored," Danolas growled. "Your message, like your phone call was never received."
Brianna bristled. "I did send it. Just like I did make that call."
"We aren't saying you didn't," Gallegar soothed. "But I find it very interesting our last report of how the battle was won went astray."
Benjamin touched Brianna's shoulder. "I'll bet this is why Abek sent you, isn't it?"
"Aebh," said both Danolas and Brianna together. They both coughed in embarrassment.
"Aye." Brianna nodded. When she couldn't get Danolas to really talk to her, she thought new blood might be needed. Mayhaps, I could see something you couldn't." She shrugged. "I may have a quick temper and I might not be the most polite witch you've ever met---"
"That's the truth," muttered Danolas.
"But..." Brianna glared at him. "I am the most powerful witch in all the island. I still can help you win this war." She looked at Kira, unconsciously pleading. "I would like to."
"I don't think---" Danolas began.
"You are welcome here, Brianna of Ireland," Kira cut in with a secret smile. "For as long as the Power feels you are needed."
"My lady," the High Priest gritted out. "I believe another---"
"Danolas." Kira shook her head at him, and her eyes filled with a swirl of rainbow color. Brianna's mouth fell open when Danolas' did the same. The two stared at each other for several moments before the witch heaved a loud sigh. He blinked and his eyes went back to his normal blue color.
"If you're sure?"
Kira smiled, her now golden eyes twinkling happily. "I am sure."
The High Priest was obviously disgruntled about the whole thing and his face showed it. He didn't look at Brianna. "I'm going to find out if it was Jorad who took that call. Too many communications aren't finding their way to the proper person. We might have a traitor in our midst."
Gallegar nodded. "Agreed. Seems a bit too much of a coincidence to me."
"Yeah," added Lucas. "Last thing we want is to be caught with our pants down again."
Brianna's eyebrows lifted. "Sure, and that would be a sight to see."
The other Chosen all stifled laughter as Lucas turned a deep red. Then, to their surprise, he grinned and threw an arm over Brianna's shoulder companionably. "Come on, Irish. Let's you and I see if we can find something stronger than the soda pop they're serving here."
She brightened immediately. "Ahhh, shapeshifter. Tell me you have some of the Black Stuff and I'll carry your children."
Lucas chuckled. "Not sure what that is, but, it sounds interesting. Hell, you're a witch. Conjure some up!"
"You, Yanks. Don't even know a Guinness when you hear of one." She turned and sketched a short mocking bow to Danolas. "If his Highness will excuse me?" Without waiting for his answer, she turned to Gallegar and Kira. "I have a wedding ... no, damn me, I mean a mating gift from Aebh for you both. She told me I am to wait until just before dawn to give it to you. Would that be possible, then?"
Gallegar's face showed his curiosity. "Aye. We can do that. But it will have to be done at Sanctuary."
Brianna nodded. "As you wish."
"I'll get her there," Lucas stated. He looked at Danolas. "If, you've no objections?"
"You're welcome to her," the High Priest bit out. "As I said before, I don't have time to play taxi for a tourist."
"Now ... aren't you the rudest, most irritating git I've ever---"
Let's go, Irish. Hell, woman," Lucas complained as he dragged her away. "Your hair should be red with that temper!"
Danolas watched as the werewolf led her back to the buffet tables, Benjamin trailing along behind them. "I can't believe Aebh sent her. That woman is childish, rude ... and obnoxious." He shook his head. "I would have believed better of my old mentor."
Gallegar wondered how Danolas would react if he pointed out he'd been sniping at her as much as she'd nagged at him. Holding his tongue, he only gave a Gaelic shrug. "She has a strong personality, I agree. But if she is to be a part of this company, she needs to be able to hold her own."
The witch glared at where Brianna was laughing with Lucas and Benjamin. "She's holding her own, all right. Along with a few other peoples, I'll bet."
Patrick hid a smile with his hand. "She is quite vocal."
"She will do," Kira murmured, her eyes dancing with hidden glee. "It will be interesting to see how she fits in with our little family."
"Maybe she will make Lucas feel better," Koran said quietly. He shot a look at Kira. "Give him something to take his mind off things."
"Oh, but..." Kira opened her mouth and then closed it. There was a long pause. "Perhaps, brother. Perhaps she is here for more than to help us win the war."
Brianna Muldoon. Danolas tapped his long elegant foot as he watched her giggling with Lucas at the table. He'd known a Muldoon back in his days as an acolyte at Dunguaire Castle. The man was a good witch, strong enough, but not an immortal. Muldoon had actually taught Danolas how to properly transport from one area to another, among a few not-so-helpful stunts like, magically picking locks, and how to summon one of Aebh's delicious apple pies right out of the pantry. He'd been brash, argumentative and opinionated. After meeting Brianna, Danolas wondered if she was one of that Muldoon's descendants.
Unlike her maybe great-grandfather, Brianna was an immortal. The power Danolas felt flowing through her was too great to be contained in human form. It happened that way sometimes. An immortal was birthed from a powerful line of humans as if the magick had grown too strong to be kept in such a fragile body. And so, a new line of immortals was born.
He almost sneered as he watched her turn to Benjamin and kiss him on the cheek. She was making friends fast. Made him wonder just what exactly she was offering his brothers.
The thought shamed him. If not for Brianna's sake, for Benjamin and Lucas'. Neither one of them deserved it. Lucas was still getting over Kira, and Benjamin, while he was often seen with females of his kind, wasn't a ladies man. Brianna Muldoon would have to find someone else to play with.
Danolas frowned as a dark pang of emotion rolled through him. Why should he care if Brianna offered herself to anyone? She wasn't his type at all. Too messy. Too earthy. More of a peasant in look and attitude. Danolas wasn't ashamed to admit he enjoyed sophisticated women. Ones he could talk to and enjoy intelligent conversation with. Tall, cool blondes or brunettes, who had just enough power themselves to make things interesting. No temper tantrums from them, just reasonable dialog between two people who respected each other. And when he took them to his bed, it wouldn't be a quick roll in the hay, but a mutually satisfying endeavor that would give pleasure to them both.
But, he certainly didn't understand why his stomach knotted up whenever the Irish witch smiled at one of his brothers, and it made no sense at all why he wished Aebh had sent anyone, but her.
He frowned again. Aebh had sent her because she'd been worried about him, but why hadn't the old witch just contacted him herself? Danolas and Aebh both had scrying pools they'd often used in the past. When this day was over, he'd open a portal and talk to his old mentor face to face. Maybe then, he could figure out just what was bothering him.
Looking over to where Kira and Gallegar stood laughing at something with Koran and Patrick, he smiled, happy for them. Kira had literally gone to Hell and back for Gallegar and he thanked the Power their love had only grown stronger because of it. Danolas thought briefly of what the Power told Kira about a mate for him.
"I see a vision for you, Danolas. I know you are confused about the emotions that swirl around us, but know this. I was never intended to belong to you. One is being sent who was created just for you. Look for someone with eyes as purple as a violet, and hair as red as a flame. She is your true mate. Our joining cannot compare with the pleasure you will find in each other's arms."
It hadn't been easy to hear at the time. He'd thought Kira was meant for him, but once they were joined, he knew her heart, and it would always belong to Gallegar. The war had kept him too busy to wonder what the vision meant for him, but getting this ceremony ready brought up longings he'd pushed away. In the midst of all his people, surrounded by the other Chosen, and strengthened by Kira's love...
He was still lonely.
A musical laugh drifted over the crowd and Danolas gritted his teeth. He didn't care if she was the last woman left in the world, he'd stay far away from Brianna Muldoon.
Stuck up, arrogant, pig of a man. Brianna watched the High Priest from under her eyelashes as she listened to Benjamin's recitation of the mating ceremony. Danolas was standing there, staring over at her, looking oh-so-Lordly, and Brianna was Irish enough to dislike that quality intensely. She wondered again, what Aebh saw in him. She'd been effusive with her compliments the whole time Brianna had been under her tutelage.
"Danolas is a wonderful witch. Strong, very powerful, and one of the best leaders we have. His Society is so well run, he hardly needs to do anything. He has trained his people well and knows how to work with other supernaturals. A natural immortal, his line is one of the original ones and that is why his power is so strong. Someday, I believe he will lead the entire Witches Council. You can learn a lot from a man such as him."
Of course, from that moment on, Brianna hated him. She wasn't stupid. She knew she was jealous of how Aebh loved the other witch. Brianna had been with her mentor for so many years, she'd become accustomed to being the important one in Aebh's life. But, when the demonic war started, and Danolas' name kept coming up, it was clear to see he meant a great deal to the old woman, too.
Brianna tried to ignore the uncharitable feelings, but when the High Priest stopped communicating with Aebh, she'd seen the hurt and confusion in the older witch's eyes. From that point on, she would have cheerfully fed Danolas to Dunny, the lake monster that lived near the castle. She still wasn't sure she was buying this problem in communications. Maybe Danolas was just as arrogant as he looked.
But what about the others? She hadn't been around them for long, but it didn't take a genius to see the other Chosen were strong alpha males as well. None of them were boot-lickers and their concern and surprise over her statement seemed genuine. She wasn't gifted with truthsaying, but she'd bet they had sent that missive about the war. So where had it gone?
She giggled at something Lucas said, and smiled as he pressed a second Guinness into her hand. She'd sleep like a baby later, but there was something to be said about making new friends. Maybe she could find out what made a man such as he, have those sad, sad eyes. Eyes a woman could easily fall into.
Not, she told herself angrily, eyes the color of blue ice that followed her everywhere she went. She sent a glare at Danolas and then purposely turned her back on him. She didn't care if he was the last man left in the world, she'd stay far away from the High Priest, Danolas.
"Would you care to tell me what is going on?"
Kira jerked her gaze away from Danolas and Brianna and looked up at her mate. Color flooded her cheeks. "I-I do not know what you mean."
"A Ghra ... " Gallegar said in amusement. "It is clear you are hiding something. The others may not sense it, but ever since we..." His eyes danced when she blushed harder. "...ever since we became lovers, I can always tell. What are you up to?"
Biting her lip, she looked up at him. "You cannot tell the others. It is important all plays out as it should. The Power commands it."
Intrigued now, Gallegar pulled her into his arms. "You have my word. What is it?"
Her golden eyes glowed as she sent a tight mind-beam to him and him alone. After a few moments, Gallegar's eyebrows shot into his hairline. "Are you sure?"
She nodded. "I am."
A slow smile touched the vampire's handsome face. "Then I expect the next few months will be interesting ones. It's too bad we won't be here at first to watch it."
Kira giggled and wrapped her arms around him. "Yes, but I would rather miss the show, than miss out on our honeymoon. We have so much time to make up for."
Gallegar's emerald eyes darkened. Cradling her face in his hands, he kissed her long and deep. "Our life together is just starting, A Ghra ... Every second we were apart will be smoothed over by an eternity together."
"Well, Brianna, we're here." Danolas' voice was testy as he tried to smother a yawn. They were crowded into the foyer of A Crown of Thorns, the vampire's club above Sanctuary. "I don't know why we all had to be here for this."
She rolled her eyes. "Get over yourself. You can crawl into bed soon enough. 'Tis a gift from Aebh. She asked you be here for it. While it's for Gallegar and Kira, you'll all be benefiting from it."
"Gotta admit, she's got me curious," Lucas put in. "Not even the Black Stuff has blunted that."
"A good Guinness is a thing to behold," Brianna intoned with a smile. "But it has made many a memory go bad."
Benjamin and Lucas sniggered loudly. They'd both partaken of the strong brew and were definitely feeling no pain.
"While I find this very amusing," Gallegar interrupted. "I do have a mating night to get to."
Brianna pursed her lips. "Right-o." She winked at him. "Sorry, but before you go at it, I think you'll want to see this." She held out a small box wrapped in wrinkled brown paper.
"Nice wrapping paper," Danolas mocked as he waved his staff over the box. "Nothing harmful in there."
"Why, you bloody idiot." Brianna saw red. "You think I'd---"
"Brianna." Kira stopped the tirade firmly. "Everything is checked, no matter who brings it in. That is the rule." Her face was haunted for a moment. "Have one of the Chosen tell you about some demons we met recently. An incubus and succubus. They can disguise themselves in a myriad of ways." When Gallegar pulled her into his arms, she went gladly. "You will learn we have reasons to do what we do. Do not forget that."
Suitably chastised and wondering what put the look of pain on the Peacemaker's face, Brianna only nodded. Saying nothing, she handed the box to Gallegar. As the box touched his palm, it was spelled into one with gaily-wrapped paper. At his smile, she also grinned. "I can," she said pointedly, "take care of things when I choose to."
"What is it?" Patrick asked, craning his neck to see. They held their breath as Gallegar opened the gift.
"It's a ring box," the vampire murmured. His gaze sought Brianna's. "But why would Aebh---"
"Just open it," Brianna interrupted. She was almost dancing with excitement. "I want to see if you know what it is."
Frowning, he flipped open the lid and all the breath left his lungs. His eyes widened, and he squeezed his eyes shut before opening them again. "It cannot be." Reverently, he touched the small silver ring in the box. It was unremarkable, only a simple silver band, dark with age, its surface worn by the touch of many fingers. Nothing about it looked important. "I thought ... I thought it was ... only ... a legend."
"Nay," Brianna answered him softly. "'Tis real, and a gift from the High Priestess to you and yours."
"Gallegar?" Kira touched his sleeve, her eyes widening when she saw a tear trail down his dark cheek. "What is it?"
His head snapped up, pinning her with eyes filled with an indecipherable emotion. "What is it? A Ghra ... This ... this is freedom!"
"She must do it for you," Brianna reminded him.
"I do not understand." Kira looked back and forth between the two of them. "What are you both talking about?"
"I think we'd all like to know what the hell is going on," growled Lucas.
Ignoring him, Gallegar handed Kira the box with hands that shook. "Remove the ring, my love. Put it on my finger."
Her brow furrowed, but she obeyed. When she pulled the silver circle from the box, it glowed briefly, making all who watched aware this was no ordinary ring.
Suddenly, Danolas gasped. "It is the Lumis Patronum. By the Goddess! It's real? Where did you find it?"
"Will someone please tell us what's going on?" Benjamin roared. "Don't leave us in the dark!"
To his surprise, Gallegar started laughing. "That is absolutely correct. With this ring, that will never happen again!" He held out his hand to Kira. "Please, beloved. Put it on."
Everyone stayed silent as Kira slowly slid the silver circle onto Gallegar's right ring finger. For a long moment, nothing happened. Then, all became aware of a humming noise. Slowly, the ring began to glow. Brighter and brighter it became, until all had to shield their eyes from the dazzling light.
"What is happening?" shouted Patrick over the joyous humming that filled the room.
Brianna clapped her hands in delight. "The ring has accepted him."
"I wish," Koran complained, "someone would please tell us what is happening!"
The glow from the ring faded. Kira's gasp of surprise had everyone crowding forward.
"The ring." Lucas grabbed the vampire's hand and turned it back and forth. "Where the hell did it go?"
"Look closer," Danolas whispered.
They did, gasping when they saw the ring had cut itself deep into Gallegar's finger. It was so deep, only the outline remained, looking like a silver tattoo against his flesh.
"I do not understand." Kira took his hand and cradled it against her breast. "Why did it do that? What is going on?"
Gallegar bent and kissed her. "Do not worry, A Ghra ... It did not damage me. The ring has done exactly what it is supposed to. Now to test it."
Now, Danolas frowned. "My brother ... are you sure? I mean..." His gaze slid to Kira's worried face. "If something should go wrong..."
The vampire grinned. "It is what you think it is, Danolas. This, I know. Don't worry."
Benjamin shifted back and forth uneasily. "Worry about what?"
"Brianna is right, you know," Gallegar said, taking Kira's hand in his. "This is a gift for all of us.
"Son of a bitch," snarled Lucas, his short temper suddenly exploding. "Will you stop all the cryptic crap and tell us what the fuck you're doing?"
Gallegar grinned, ignoring the bad tempered werewolf. His face was filled with a secret joy. "I'm going for a walk. Care to join me?" Without waiting, he strode to the outside door, flung it open and for the first time in over six hundred years, stepped into the light.
Kira's scream sounded in the cool morning air. With shouts of their own, the Chosen poured through the door, terrified at what their leader had just done. They arrived in time to see Kira try to toss a golden ball of protection around Gallegar, but he slapped it away with a flick of his hand.
"No!" she cried as she leaped on top of him. She tried to cover his big body with her own. "Help me, please! He will be burned alive. We must get him back inside! The ring has driven him insane!"
"Stop! A Ghra ... " The vampire pulled her off him and held her struggling body tightly. "It is all right. I am undamaged. Look for yourself. I am standing in the light of day, yet I am not burned!"
"Holy Mother of God." Patrick crossed himself as he floated closer. "How can this be?"
Koran's face filled with understanding. "It is the ring. It can be the only explanation."
Lucas stared at Gallegar, his big hands clenched at his side. "But ... he's a vamp. He can't be outside in the daylight. It's impossible."
"Not for me ... not anymore." Gallegar took Kira's face in his hands and kissed her. "I am all right, beloved. The ring protects me."
Kira's golden gaze searched his face. "I do not understand. How can a ring protect you?" She reached up and touched his face. "I am afraid."
He kissed her hands. "Don't be frightened. I can come to no harm. Not any more. Now you see why I said this ring symbolized freedom."
"Wearing the ring makes you immune to the effects of sunlight?" Benjamin scratched his head as he tried to understand.
Brianna giggled. "The ring protects him from the sun. It's as if he was a human."
Danolas chuckled once, and then laughed out loud. "I remember when the vampire demon took Kira out from under our noses. You said you wouldn't let Kira fight without you again. Having this ring makes that so much simpler."
"Aye." Satisfaction wreathed the vampire's dark face. "We are no longer forced to work only at night. Not any longer." He pulled away from Kira and closing his eyes, he lifted his arms at his sides. "Do you know how long it's been since I felt the sun on my face? Since I could breathe the early morning air? He turned in a slow circle. "I have been a vampire over six centuries. I'd almost forgotten what the daylight looks like ... feels like." He opened his eyes again, tears racing down his strong cheeks. "This gift ... I cannot begin to express my gratitude."
Brianna sniffed back tears of her own. She had met vampires in the past, but they were all brooding and sullen. None were like Gallegar. No wonder the Peacekeeper had fallen for him. "It is a present we are glad to give to you."
Kira shook her head, awe replacing her earlier fear. "We are all in your debt, Brianna. Yours and Aebh. You were right. This gift means the world to us all."
"So just where did this ring come from? What did you mean when you said it accepted him? Who made it? Where did you get it?" Questions tumbled out of Koran's mouth.
They all laughed at his eagerness.
"I can answer some of your questions," Brianna said with a laugh. "We have had the ring for several centuries. It has been under Aebh's care. When the war started and she knew there was a vampire involved with the Chosen, she felt the ring might be of use. She removed it from where it was hidden and sensed it was time ... time to give it away." She looked over at Gallegar who was still standing in a beam of light, soaking up the sun's rays. "We didn't know if you were the right one, until the ring accepted you."
"What do you mean, accepted him?" Lucas said with a frown. "It's not alive, is it?"
"Not in the way you think, brother," Danolas answered. "It isn't sentient, but it is aware. It is said only the pure of heart can wear the Lumis Patronum. Gallegar was acceptable. As we all know, his heart is good."
"My heart is Kira's," Gallegar whispered. "It is for that reason alone, I am worthy."
Kira shook her head. "You are worthy for many other reasons, Mo Chridhe ... This, we have seen."
"This ring decided Gallegar was okay, so it ... fused itself into his flesh? Is it permanent?" Benjamin looked at his own finger as if imagining a ring on there.
Brianna nodded. "Aye. The ring came to us because the vampire who wore it was murdered by people who did not understand the truth about his kind. When the ring sinks itself into its new owner's finger, it can't be removed."
"You said the old vamp who had it was killed and so that's why the ring came free?" questioned Patrick.
Gallegar took Kira's hand to pull her close. "I am immortal, but I can be killed. As we discovered in the fight against Adrian ... stabbing me through the heart will destroy me."
Kira shuddered at the memory of the golem who'd taken Gallegar's place. The wizard's staff had neatly punched a hole right through its heart. If it had been the vampire standing there, he would have turned to dust.
"I've heard beheading will also kill a vampire," Koran interposed. "Is that also true?"
The vampire king nodded. "Aye. There are three main ways to kill my kind. A stake through the heart, beheading, or sunlight." He raised his face to the glow of the sun. "For me, that number is dropped to two."
"Can we stop talking about this part, please?" Kira shuddered. "It is our mating day. I would prefer to think about something else."
"Apologies, Peacekeeper," Brianna said quickly, as Gallegar dropped a kiss on Kira's pouting lips.
"What about the rest?" asked Patrick. "Where did it come from? Who created it?
"The legend of the Lumis Patronum, or the Ring of Protection, is an interesting one." Danolas rubbed the top of his staff as he thought.
"Not a legend," Lucas corrected, eyeing the silver band carved into Gallegar's finger.
Danolas inclined his head. "Agreed. A truth with a fanciful history."
"Tell us," Brianna begged, forgetting to dislike him for a moment. "We didn't know the whole story back at the castle."
"It's said the ring was created by a Romani magician, close to a millennia ago. The tale goes, there was a good man ... a teacher of the faith, who was well loved by the townsfolk. He was kind and just, and his people were good people, loving and generous to others.
One day a caravan of Romani ... gypsies, came into town. The townspeople were frightened of the strangers, as this race was new to the area. As we all know, ignorance begets fear, and before anyone knew what was happening, the town took up arms against the newcomers. They were ready to chase them all out of town, when the teacher interceded." Danolas paused for breath.
"What happened?" Benjamin asked eagerly.
"The teacher---his true name is unknown to us---pleaded with the town. Told them just because the Romani were different didn't make them bad. He invited the gypsies to stay in his Church, to break bread with him and his flock. He was able to calm the townsfolk down."
"What does this have to do with the ring?" Lucas growled.
"Patience, shapeshifter." Danolas smiled at him. "I'm getting to that. The teacher, who Romani stories say they called Kako, as a term of respect, showed the town the gypsies were not frightening. They worked, played and loved, just as they did, albeit with more enthusiasm than the staid townsfolk."
"Grand, that's what that is," Brianna murmured.
Danolas grinned, but then immediately sobered. "The Romani had been with the teacher for several weeks when another outsider came to town. This one was different as well, but not in the same way. He came in the night, and the Romani who saw him called him Magherdo."
"Unclean," Gallegar murmured. His sensuous lips turned up in a self-mocking smile as he saw their surprised looks. "I know the gypsy term regarding vampires."
"This time the town was right to be afraid. When the teacher found out what the creature was, he got together a group of men and tried to hunt it down. But even with the gypsies' help, the vampire got away. It returned a few days later and killed several children."
"How awful." Kira held tightly to Gallegar. "What did the town do?"
Shaking his blonde head, the witch snorted inelegantly. "Not a thing. They were all too frightened. But the teacher couldn't bear the thought of more deaths, so he set out alone to kill the monster."
"I bet I know where this is going," Benjamin groaned.
Danolas nodded. "The teacher tracked the vampire into the woods, but when he came upon it, it was already feeding off another child. The sight was so horrific the teacher attacked the creature, forgetting all the Romani had taught him about killing one. He was easily overpowered. But instead of killing the man, the vampire decided to make sport of him. He played with him, forcing him to watch him murder and mutilate the little girl he was feeding on. Then, after torturing the teacher as well, the vampire finished him off."
"He killed him?" Patrick's voice was incredulous. "After all that?"
"The vampire didn't kill him. He left the teacher to die, but the gypsies---who had followed their Kako once they learned what he was doing---found him in time. Unfortunately, they couldn't heal the terrible wounds the vampire had given him. So instead, they saved him the only way they knew how."
"What did they do?" Kira's voice was very quiet.
Sighing, the tall witch looked off into the distance. "They knew the only way to keep him alive was to make him a vampire himself. They hoped Kako would be as good a vampire as he was a man. One of them slit his wrist and fed the teacher blood. It took time, but he did become one of the un-dead."
"And they truly thought that was better than death?" Brianna inquired skeptically. "No offence, King Gallegar, but I'm not sure I would."
"No offense taken, little witch." Gallegar was used to that way of thinking. "How did Kako take the news of his change?"
Danolas grimaced. "The story says he wasn't happy at all. He believed he was now a monster as well and didn't understand why the Romani would do it to him. But they quickly explained. They gave him a silver sword and told him it took a monster to kill a monster."
Understanding filled Lucas' eyes. "They let him turn, so he could kill the vamp?"
"Yes, and when he realized why they had kept him alive, he agreed. That night, Kako set out to kill the vampire."
"And did he?" Brianna asked breathlessly.
"It was a long and terrible battle, but in the end, Kako was victorious. He cut off the vampire's head and gave it to the Romani to take back to the town to prove the creature was dead. But the gypsies refused to take it."
"Why?" they all chorused.
Grinning, Danolas rocked back on his heels. "They wanted him to do it. When he explained he couldn't go back, because the townspeople would never accept what he'd become, one of the gypsies, their Vaida or chief, told him there was a way." Danolas reached over and touched the ring on Gallegar's hand. "The Vaida, who was a magician, pulled that ring from his own finger. He and the others in the group used their life energies to craft a spell to change the ring to what it is now. When they were done, the chief put it on Kako's finger himself, because he loved the man like a brother. It acted the same way it did with Gallegar, sinking deep into the flesh and becoming a part of him."
"I'll be damned," Benjamin breathed out. "And did it work for him? Did the town let him stay after what they'd been through?"
"It's been said he never told them what he was. He went back and told them of the victory over the monster and took his place among them as if nothing happened."
"But..." Lucas frowned, "didn't he have to drink blood?"
"Yes, but he was able to keep his secret for many years. He finally had to move when comments were made about him not aging. He joined the Romani and stayed with them from then on."
"Bloody hell," Brianna suddenly exploded. "That's who he was! I can't believe it."
"What is it?" Gallegar asked.
"Aebh said the vampire who was murdered was a teacher. A very old vampire, but wise and learned. When he was killed there was great mourning for him."
Danolas nodded. "That makes sense. Lumis Patronum is Latin. Only a learned man would know that."
"It is a remarkable ring." Kira traced her finger over the simple design. "Just think. This gift was made for a righteous man by a man who loved him enough to share his very life force."
"No wonder it had to be put on by someone who loves you," Brianna added. "We were told it had to be that way, but we weren't told why."
"I did not notice my life force being drained," Kira said. "Did anyone sense anything?"
"I would theorize since you have already shared life forces before, during your joining, when you were close to death from the wizard's spell, and then..." the High Priest went red, "ummm ... during that first mating, you might not notice anything different. You and Gallegar are truly one in many ways."
"I'll be damned," Benjamin said again. "What a way to celebrate getting hitched."
Gallegar pulled Kira back into his arms. "As much as I would like to spend the rest of the day celebrating my new found freedom," he dropped a kiss on his beloved's soft lips, "I have another celebration in mind."
"Well, if two's company ... seven ... no, eight now ... is just down right strange," Lucas said with a laugh, reminding them of the last time Kira and Gallegar wanted to rejoice in their love ... alone.
Kira giggled. "I think it is time to call it a night. The new day will be most interesting."
"At least this way you won't have to hang around the airport in Dublin," Danolas interjected. "You are truly free."
"Yes," Gallegar said, his voice hoarse with emotion. "It will take a while to get used to, but I thank the Power I was chosen to be given this gift." He kissed Kira. "Both of them."
She snuggled against him, but then turned back to Brianna. "Do you have a place to stay?"
Brianna's eyes widened. A crash of tiredness almost made her weave like a drunken lorryman. She'd been so busy, she'd forgotten the small question of where to lay her head. "Ummm..."
"The best place, I think," Gallegar said, "would be The Keep. It has plenty of room and---"
"No!" shouted Brianna and Danolas together. They both turned an interesting shade of red, as they looked anywhere but at each other.
"I mean..."
"The reason is..."
They spoke at the same time, then turned and glared at each other.
Lucas choked on a laugh.
"What I'm saying is," Brianna said with dignity. "I would prefer a hotel. Since I'll be here for a while, I don't want to stay in a place where I'm not welcome. I'll be looking for a flat of my own."
"It's not that I don't want to be hospitable," Danolas said, grinding his teeth. "It's just I think Brianna will be happier elsewhere."
"She can have The Loft."
Kira's words dropped like a stone into a pool of silence.
"But ... my Lady," Danolas said in shock. "It is your home. You spent so much time putting it together."
"My home is with my mate," she responded gently. "Sanctuary is where I will live now." She didn't notice Gallegar's eyes flare to life beside her. "The Loft will always be special to me and where we meet as a company, but if I need to stay there, I will share a room with Gallegar. His room."
"It does make sense," Koran said thoughtfully. "That way Brianna will not need to go look for an apartment ... I mean flat. The Loft is empty and ready to go."
"Are you sure, honey?" Lucas asked Kira, his silver eyes worried.
"I am sure, my wolf." She left Gallegar's side and hugged the shapeshifter. "Thank you, but The Loft served its purpose. If Brianna needs it, she is welcome to it. Most of my things are already down below in Sanctuary."
"If I can get you away from everyone," Gallegar complained, amusement in his emerald eyes, "we will be down there as well." Everyone laughed and one by one, Kira made her way around her circle of men, hugging them all. Gallegar followed close behind, shaking hands, his face quietly possessive as he watched his mate.
It would be different from now on. Even though they were all still her Chosen, she now belonged to one man in a way she hadn't before. As Danolas had said earlier ... she and Gallegar were truly one. How it would affect the group dynamic as a whole, no one knew. Kira worried about it, but all the fears in the world wouldn't stop her from being with the man she loved. She'd denied him once before, for all the wrong reasons. She would never do so again.
Turning, she flashed him a come-hither look. "Ready, Mo Chridhe...? "she said with a flirtatious smile. "I have been waiting for you for such a long time. And I have a very special surprise for you this first day of our life together."
Gallegar's face tightened with fierce desire. Without a word, he lifted his new mate into his strong arms. He flashed a grin at his brothers and the wide-eyed Brianna. "Excuse us, everyone. But I am learning when my mate commands me ... I must obey." Without another word, he disappeared into A Crown of Thorns.
"Whew," said Brianna a little enviously. "If you could package what they have together, we wouldn't need any other weapons."
"Irish," growled Lucas, thinking of the green-gold wave of power that had changed them all. "You have no idea."
Inside his hidden bedroom, Gallegar set Kira down gently. Bending, he kissed her, his mouth lingering over her soft lips. "I thought we'd never get away."
She giggled. "You must admit. It was worth waiting for."
He stared at the ring on his finger. "Aye ... that it is." Gallegar stroked a finger down Kira's soft cheek. "But I have been waiting for this moment for a very long time."
Kira batted her eyes innocently. "I do not understand. It is not the first time we have been together."
"Oh, but it is," the vampire disagreed. "This is the first time we have been together as mates."
Her smile widened. "And that is special?"
"Most assuredly."
"Ahhh..." She stepped closer and flicked open the rest of the buttons on his green shirt. "Then, I think we will have to find something special to do."
Covering her hand with his, Gallegar grinned. "Perhaps we can start ... with this ... He turned her back toward the bed and spoke a single word.
"Vaelaeri."
Kira's mouth dropped open in wonderment as Gallegar's simple black and green accented room faded away, leaving a beautiful faerie bower in its place. His large bed was covered in a white satin coverlet, strewn with rose petals and moonflower blossoms. Swaths of translucent white-gold fabric swirled around the tall bedposts making it look like it was rising out of a pale golden mist. There were candles, hundreds of them, circling the room ... the bed. The soft lights flickered invitingly. Music could be heard, something low and romantic that called attention to the sweet scent of flowers and melting wax. Next to the bed was a silver bucket of iced champagne and two tall goblets.
"When?" she breathed out. "When did you do this?"
Gallegar smiled, pleased at her reaction. "I put it all together before the ceremony, then asked Koran for a spell to hide it. When I spoke the release spell, the room was ready." He gave one of his Gaelic shrugs. "I wanted you to remember this night. We haven't yet had time for candlelight and flowers, so I thought this would be a perfect time to do so."
"It is so beautiful." She lifted a moon blossom from the bed, then turned back to him. "You did this for me?"
"I love you, A Ghra ... " he answered simply. "I wished to show you."
"You show me every day," Kira whispered as she flung herself back into his arms. "I have never doubted your love."
"And you never will," Gallegar vowed. He lifted her in his arms and carried her over to the bed. "Starting right now."
Her lips parted under his as they fell onto the soft coverlet together. He caressed her mouth with his own, enjoying the taste of her as if it was the first time. Nibbling and teasing, he slipped inside to tempt her with kisses that drew the very breath from her. She moaned and his body tightened. Using his tongue, he traced the inside of her mouth until Kira was straining toward him, wanting ... needing ... more.
Lifting his head, he carefully began pulling the moonflower blossoms from her hair, tossing them to mingle with the others on the bed. "Do you know," he asked hoarsely, "how long I've been waiting to get you out of this dress?"
Her eyes glowed. "Danolas designed it just for you."
"Remind me to thank him." He unclasped the hooks at the neck and peeled the bodice down, exposing Kira's beautiful breasts. "I feel like it's been forever since we were last together."
"It has only been a week. Tradition required a fasting period."
His elongated teeth nipped at the curve of her neck. He licked at their mark of joining, before moving down to tease her nipples into hard peaks. "I dislike denying myself. I don't wish to do it again."
She managed a giggle before his mouth covered her breast, sucking the tip deep inside. The giggle turned into a sigh. "I-I-I ... Mo Chridhe ... That feels so good."
"Get used to it," he growled. "We've got a lot of catching up to do."
"What about the wine?"
"Later."
Kira pulled his head closer, loving the way he touched her. A generous and unselfish lover, he taught her to give herself completely. She felt the warmth of the room touch her skin as he eased the clingy white gown down over her belly and off her legs. His mouth touched every part of her shoulders and breasts, down to her stomach as it followed the path of the garment. He nibbled on her soft flesh sending sparklers of delight singing through her nerve endings. Not a single inch was overlooked as he worshiped her completely. Down over her hips, up the inside of her thighs and suddenly, she moaned out loud, as his face pressed between them.
"Gallegar!"
He ignored her, burrowing deeper until she felt the slick heat of his tongue lick out and encircle her clit. A shocking warmth shot through her with a force that made her cry out his name again. Swirls of sensation went off as he took turns sucking and licking until she was all but writhing in his arms.
A sudden nip on the inside of her thigh almost set her over the edge, and with strength she didn't know she had, she pushed him off her, and climbed on top of him.
"Not fair," she panted, feeling the ache between her thighs get stronger as she looked down upon the man she loved, feeling his need throb against her leg. "I am naked, yet you are still fully clothed."
Gallegar smiled sexily. "I am yours to command."
She cocked her head. "You are my gift. I think I would like to unwrap you myself."
His eyes darkened. "Just let me know if you wish any help."
"Umm, hmm." Kira pulled him into a sitting position and slipped the tuxedo jacket off his arms. Tossing it aside, she gazed at the barely leashed strength of her mate. With fingers that trembled, she pushed apart his emerald green shirt. Her mouth watered as the strong muscles of his chest rippled under her exploring fingers. Covered with a fine layer of black curls, he was so beautiful. Looking at him from under her lashes, she traced a finger over his flat nipple. It beaded immediately, and she noted the bulge between his legs thickened as well. "You like that."
Gallegar groaned. The little minx. Lately, she had been teasing him more and more as she became comfortable with her own sexuality. Not that he disapproved. He found the freer she was, the better it was between them. Perhaps, because he allowed himself more freedom, as well. He cleared his throat and answered her. "I do."
She ran her hands up his strong chest and pushed the shirt off his shoulders. Scooting closer, she let it imprison his arms as she kissed him deeply. Their tongues dueled in a dance of passion and love and it was several minutes before she tore away to kiss his throat, his shoulders and finally down to his sensitive nipples.
Need pounded through his body. He tried to reach for her, but the shirt kept his hands at his side. He groaned as Kira laved at his chest, kissing and nipping as he'd done to her. He was about to rip the shirt in two and grab her, when she suddenly sat back and pushed him flat on the bed.
Her head bent to lick its way down his body and he felt her fumble at his belt. A couple of seconds later, her hand slipped inside to encircle his pulsating cock. His whole body went rigid. Her touch was soft and cool on his heated flesh, but it didn't matter. He was so close, he'd explode if she wasn't careful.
"Kira," he growled. "Take care ... I want you too much."
She smiled and gave him a sultry look. "I think I've heard that before. Bending, she licked at his abdomen, making it turn rock hard as he fought to keep from grabbing her. He hissed out a breath as she eased his slacks and underwear down over his hips, rubbing her cheek against his erection as she went. Slowly, she pushed them off his legs, trailing kisses wherever the slacks had touched.
"You are the handsomest man," she whispered as she nipped at his thigh. "I can feel the strength in you, just as I can feel your heart. I long to touch you, to have you touch me. I cannot imagine my life without you in it. I thank the Power for you."
An emotion stronger than desire enveloped him as she lay down on top of him. Her naked body curved against his, making him wonder where she left off and he began.
"Make love to me, Mo Chridhe ... Tá mo chroí istigh ionat. My heart is within you." She brushed a kiss over his lips, and that, plus her Gaelic love words, made his heart race
Pulling his arms from the entrapping shirtsleeves, Gallegar wrapped them around her and rolled so she was beneath him. His aching cock fit into the junction of her thighs and he groaned at the rightness of it. "I love you, A Ghra ... " he muttered. "From now, throughout eternity, I will love no one, but you."
Keeping his smoldering eyes on hers, he gently slid into her heated quim. Hot and as tight as she'd been the first time, he gritted his teeth at the feeling. Reaching for her hands, he linked his fingers with hers. The intimate gesture made his heart almost burst with love. He stared into her golden eyes as he began to push deep within her. Slowly, an inch at a time, wanting to draw it out forever, he moved, feeling the delicious tingles of her vagina as she clenched around him.
Almost whimpering, Kira wrapped her legs around Gallegar's trim waist and let herself go. Her even, white teeth nipped lovingly at his shoulder, making him shudder above her. The hot feel of him sent wave after wave of pleasure soaring through her. He muttered Gaelic love words to her, ones she didn't know, but she didn't need to. She felt all of that ... and more.
His eyes darkened and she watched his eyeteeth lengthen. Excitement shot through her, knowing his bites of passion were as necessary to her as they were to him. But this time she had something different in mind. Something special ... her gift to him. When he nuzzled at her neck in preparation, she turned her head so he kissed her lips instead.
"A Ghra ... ?" he said hoarsely, confusion filling his face. He stilled within her.
"It is time for my gift to you." She pulled her hands from his and instead, threaded her fingers through his long dark hair. "I ... I read what the true ceremony would have entailed. I love you, Gallegar. I want you to do that to me."
Shock touched his strong face. "What?"
Carefully, she pushed his head down toward her naked breast. "We have a mark from our joining. Now, my love ... I wish you to mark me as your mate."
Gallegar stared at her. Desire filled him, as he understood her words. What she was offering, what she would allow him to do, was more than he ever expected. "A Ghra ... Are you sure?"
"I love you," she repeated his own words back to him. "And now I want to show you."
He closed his eyes, overwhelmed with emotions. The ceremony was an ancient one, one that bound a vampire and his mate close by blood and passion. The male vampire would take his mate's blood, but not in the neck as he'd pretended at their wedding. But somewhere more intimate, a place that symbolized life and nurturing to many species.
Pulling free, he let go of his control and crushed her mouth beneath his. He felt himself swell inside her, knew she felt it too by the indrawn breath she took. He began to thrust deeply, letting his need and passion guide him. Love exploded in his heart as he took the sweetness her body had to offer. She was so completely responsive to him, so utterly without pretence, he never wanted to stop. His desire sharpened, became more focused and again, his teeth elongated.
Feeling her body shiver beneath him, he knew, she too, was close to the edge. Tearing his mouth away from hers, he kissed his way down to her breasts. He paused for a moment as he saw Lucas' mark on her chest, but shrugging that small annoyance aside, he turned to the other breast, unconsciously licking it. He targeted the side, closest to the heart.
His teeth flashed in the candlelight as he felt Kira shatter in climax in his arms. "You belong to me!" he shouted fiercely and he took the gift she offered him. He buried his teeth into her breast, sending his power over her to deaden the pain. This mark would not heal. This mark would never disappear. It was there forever, to announce their love to all the world and the brethren.
Kira was his!
Her power-filled blood invigorated Gallegar, filled him with joy and satisfaction. A moment later, his own orgasm overwhelmed him, sending him shooting straight into the sky. Shouting her name into her breasts, they held each other tight through the maelstrom of feelings surrounding them. He shuddered above her over and over again, until he was empty. Then and only then, did his teeth slip back into his mouth and he collapse on top of her.
He reached for her several more times that day, sealing their love in the ancient way of the vampire. A part of him hated doing it, even numbing it with his power; he knew the ravaged flesh would hurt Kira. But each time he hesitated, she pulled him against her, opening her mind, her heart and her body to him.
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."
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."
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?"
Her face went redder, but she stood her ground. "I respect, Aebh."
Something dark raced through his body. She'd hurt him. He didn't know she could. Taking a deep cleansing breath, he picked up his staff, deciding it was time to walk away before he did something even more rash than kissing a woman he didn't even like. "The Chosen are taking Gallegar and Kira to the airport." He ignored the expectant look that came over her face. He needed time away from this irritation. Being with his brothers and Kira would center him ... make him remember what his duty really was. "When we return, we will contact you if necessary."
Without another word, he turned and strode from the room, leaving her staring after him.
A good bout of tears in the shower made her feel better. She was tired, Brianna told herself. That's why she'd done something so stupid as to insult the High Priest again. And the kiss? Again, she was exhausted. She'd have responded to a toad. She pulled on a pair of threadbare jeans and a T-shirt that said, Don't make me send my flying monkeys after you! and snorted out a laugh. This toad just happened to kiss like a prince.
Running a comb through her damp hair, she pushed out her lips into a pout. Damn, if she hadn't enjoyed it. He'd pulled feelings out of her she didn't even know she had. She was no virgin---she even had a T-shirt that said so---but how he'd made her feel was brand new. She pulled the long drab hair back into a ponytail and frowned at her reflection. She felt so damn ugly and plain. Definitely not someone a man like Danolas would have on his arm. Brianna tossed her head at her thoughts. What did she care about that, anyway? He's shown her very clearly he thought the kiss was a mistake, too. Hadn't he put her in her place by not inviting her to go to see off the newlyweds?
Fine, she didn't need to. They already had her gift and that was that. It wasn't like she was really part of the company ... right?
Her shoulders slumped. But she wanted to be. So much she could taste it. Even in the short time she'd been here, Brianna could tell Kira and the Chosen had something special together. She reckoned none of them ever had pangs of loneliness when they were with each other. They were a family, it was easy to see and for one who'd lost hers many years ago, watching them together made her heart ache in longing.
She sniffed back sudden tears. The downside to immortality was losing everyone you loved. As an immortal child of mortal parents, she watched her parents grow old and frail and then pass to the other side. Not so different as any other daughter, but then she'd watched her two brothers and three sisters die of old age as well. She still had a few nephews and nieces around, but they were well into adulthood, now, with lives of their own. Mortal lives, that left no room for an aunt who looked younger than their own children.
Living with Aebh had many advantages. She was well taught by the most respected High Priestess on the planet. Brianna had every creature comfort she required as First Acolyte. Lesser witches jumped to do her bidding. But living in an ancient castle with people who were old enough to be her grandparents, was as boring as watching peat rot. Male witches came and went, but none made her consider having a family of her own. Most weren't immortal and she couldn't bear the thought of losing someone else.
She had to admit ... she had a bit of a reputation for putting on a Holy Show or two, but those wild times were few and far between. Usually she was too busy working to do anything really crazy. And if she spent a couple nights a week in the local pub enjoying a Guinness, or on rarer occasions, a handsome tourist looking for a bit of fun, what did it hurt?
She nibbled on her fingernail, wondering if that was one of the reasons Aebh had given her to Danolas. Did she really think, as the High Priest so sneeringly alluded to, that Brianna needed to learn to curb her wild streak? Oh, she knew she had a bit of a temper and she might be a tad stubborn, but was that a reason to take away the only home she'd ever known and toss her head first into another society?
Her eyes narrowed. And put her under the authority of such a narrow-minded prig of a man who ... Brianna sighed. Who kissed and tasted like a dream.
She gave one last look at the woman in the mirror, then concentrated and a hint of lavender glowed in her eyes before disappearing completely behind the color of mud. Shaking herself, she turned away. It was no use aching after something you could never have.
Lucas stared at the kitchen, his sexy mouth quirked in amusement. "Damn, Irish," he said aloud. "You're as messy as you are mouthy." He took a cautious step inside the room and surveyed the damage. Food was piled on the counters, jars of condiments were opened and tipped over, and a glass of spilled tea left a sticky wet path on the floor. Two half-eaten sandwiches littered the chef's block in the center of the room.
He was glad Chef Louie wasn't here to see this. The French chef Danolas was lucky enough to have at The Keep often came and cooked for Kira when they were at The Loft. But he was as temperamental as he was talented. His kitchen was to be kept pristine. And if you pissed him off ... well ... All the Chosen had had a dish of food or drink tossed at them at least once. It was lucky the man cooked like a magician, or they'd have strangled him by now.
Shrugging, he grabbed a mayonnaise jar and screwed the cap back on. Methodically, he moved around the room picking up the chaos. He wasn't a neat freak, but he had no intention of losing out on one of Louie's meals over a few careless messes. When he got to the sandwiches, he grinned. "No need to let it go to waste." Taking a healthy bite, he continued cleaning. It gave him something to do so he didn't think about ... things.
He wondered if the rest of the loft looked as bad. Once he'd cleaned up the kitchen, he took the second sandwich and wandered out into the other areas. He gazed around the big room, noting Kira had left all the knickknacks and art she'd collected when she was making this old abandoned floor into a home. They had all decided she needed a place of her own and this was what she'd chosen. That was before ... she and Gallegar. He sighed and took another bite. Damn. He still missed the hell out of her.
Even though she'd never really been his, that connection they'd had, made it difficult to be alone. He loved her, not just as the Peacekeeper, but as a woman. Lucas knew he hadn't really been in love with her, but he'd needed her in a special way ... different than the rest. Now, that connection was gone and he felt utterly alone.
He still loved her and she still loved him, but it wouldn't be the same. She would continue to care for him as a brother, and the one who'd given her the ability to understand what passion was about. He would protect and care for her as one of the Chosen, but anything else now belonged to another man. Lucas often wondered how long it would be before his heart felt whole again.
Shaking his head, he heard the sound of feet on the circular staircase. Brianna raced down the stairs, not even seeing him as she ran into the kitchen. He grinned and waited, counting in his head. On three, just as he expected, came her shout of rage.
"Bloody hell! Do we have faeries that clean up after me! Damn it!" She came pounding out of the kitchen and put her hands on her hips. She stared up at the ceiling. "Where are ye? You told me you didn't eat, ya thievin' ghost. What did you do with my food?"
Lucas started to laugh and she turned on him, her eyes widening. "Jaysus! Do you all have a key to this place?" When she saw the sandwich in his hand, she snarled, and stormed over to him, snatching it away. "It was you! You're the thief!"
He grinned. "Guilty. Thought you were done since you walked away."
She huffed out a breath and he appreciated the lift of her breasts under the comical T-shirt. "Oh. Well ... I ... I would have cleaned it up. I wasn't raised in a barn."
"Really? I wouldn't have known."
She glared at him, but seeing the amusement in his eyes, she chuckled in response. "It was a right mess, wasn't it? Thanks for picking it up."
"It was a good sandwich."
Remembering the food in her hand, she took a big bite and then sighed in appreciation. "Aye." She looked up at the big man standing before her. Lucas Kane was an interesting man. Rough around the edges, blunt in his speaking and as masculine as all get out, she already thought of him as a friend. Last night at the wedding, her power could easily sense his anguish, so she tried to make it easier on him. She'd done what every good Irishman does when a friend was hurting ... she got him drunk. A few of the Black Stuff and the wolfman was good and well pissed. She grinned at the memory.
"Does your head hurt?"
He smiled ruefully. "Let's just say I was glad I knew the healing spell. Even gladder it worked on a hangover."
She laughed. "Cheater." She took another bite and munched thoughtfully. "How about your heart? Is that any better? I know you and Kira had a thing for a while."
She could have bit off her tongue when his face whitened. His jaw worked furiously, but he didn't move or say a word. Sighing at her stupidity, she put her hand on his arm. It was rock hard with tension under her fingertips. "Fuck me once ... fuck me twice. I'm sorry, Lucas. I shouldn't have said anything. I wasn't making light of it. I swear to you, I wasn't."
After a few moments, he nodded. "It's okay."
Shaking her head, Brianna patted his forearm soothingly. "No ... no it wasn't. Honestly, I feel like I can't say or do anything right. I've got a maggot in me brain or something. But that's no excuse to hurt a friend. I'm sorry."
He just nodded again, and it was obvious he didn't want to say anything more about it. Brianna backed away and bit into her sandwich again. A painful silence ensued.
"So," Lucas finally said, "how did you sleep?"
She jumped on his words, accepting them for the olive branch they were. "Barely at all. Jet lag and worry, I'm a thinking. So many new things to think about."
"You'll probably crash tonight."
Brianna smiled. "Aye. This is a wonderful place." She looked around the room. The cozy furniture sat in a circle around the fireplace and the wall of windows opened up on a scene of a busy courtyard of businesses below. Art that portrayed different legendary supernaturals graced the walls and tables, and the bookcase was stuffed full of books of every genre.
The dining table they were standing by was huge, with soft comfortable chairs to relax in. It could easily seat the Chosen and several more. She could tell they'd had many a meal there. The psychic fingerprint was exceedingly strong in that area.
She remembered the Peacekeeper had designed and decorated the place herself and Brianna felt another pang of envy. She'd love to have a place like this to call hers. Not just temporarily, but a home of her own ... for keeps. Looking up at Lucas, she smiled. "I would ask you tell the Peacekeeper thanks when you see her."
Lucas blinked at her. "Don't you want to go, too? You can tell her yourself."
"Go too?" she echoed. "Go too, where?"
"To the airport. You are coming to see them off, aren't you?"
Brianna felt the smug smile she couldn't prevent. "I'd love to come, if I'm invited."
"Why wouldn't you be?" the wolfman asked bluntly, his silver eyes confused.
"Why not indeed," she murmured and leaning up, surprised him with a hard kiss on the cheek. Take that High Priest!
"What the hell is she doing here?" Danolas mind-asked his brother as he watched Brianna and Lucas climb out of the Jeep. "Why did you bring her?"
Lucas lifted a pale brow. "And good evening to you too, my friend," he responded aloud. "And why shouldn't she be here?" he inquired in his mind. "She is a part of us now, isn't she?"
"Yes," mind-spoke Kira firmly, stepping forward to greet the hesitant newcomer. "Enough, Danolas."
The High Priest subsided, but his face was mutinous. He nodded to Brianna in acknowledgement and then turned pointedly away to talk to Koran.
"I wanted to say, thank you," Brianna said in a rush. She hadn't missed the fact they were using some sort of telepathic communication, and she was desperately sure Danolas would force her to leave before she had a chance to talk to the Peacekeeper. "The Loft is beautiful and comfortable and perfect. I promise to take care of it and keep it clean and---"
Gallegar put up his hands, laughing. "Little witch ... you say thank you as emphatically as you argue."
Kira giggled. "You are welcome to The Loft, Brianna. It is yours for as long as you need it." She and Gallegar shared a secret smile.
Brianna relaxed a bit. "Ta. I do appreciate it."
Benjamin pulled at her arm to turn her around, and burst out laughing when he read the T-shirt. "That's a good one. Perfect for you, I'd say."
Brianna grinned and relaxed even more. "Aye. A witch is a witch no matter what rainbow you live over."
Kira frowned as she read the words emblazoned on Brianna's chest. "Flying monkeys? I do not understand. "Monkeys do not fly."
The Chosen laughed and Gallegar pulled his mate against his chest. "I will explain it on the plane, A Ghra ... We need to be going."
Her eyes sparkled. "This is so exciting!"
"More exciting than your mating night, sugar?" Patrick teased as he leaned over and hugged her to him.
She blushed and then kissed his bristly cheek. The Ethereal had perpetual five o'clock shadow. "It is always exciting to be with the man I love."
"Good answer, sweetheart." Benjamin snatched her away from the shade and lifted her high into a bear-like hug. "You two enjoy yourselves."
Koran was next and he kissed his sister on the cheek, while he wrung Gallegar's hand. "We will hold down the fort here. You be careful, there, across the seas."
"Are you going anywhere near Dunguaire Castle?" Brianna asked as Kira traded her brother's arms for Lucas'.
"We may," responded the vampire. "There are many places I would like to visit." He looked down at the ring she'd given him. "Especially now that I have this. It has been a long time since I saw my homeland in the light of day."
He turned to Danolas and shook the witch's hand. "You are in charge, my brother. Contact us if you need anything."
Danolas grinned and pulled Kira into his arms for a long hug. Brianna felt the bitter sensation of jealousy shoot through her and cursed herself. She refused to get stupid about a man she was pretty sure she'd like to toss in a bog and be done with it.
The High Priest kissed Kira on the nose. "We will do our best, not to call. This is a special time for you both. Who knows when you will have the time to be alone again?"
Reaching out, Gallegar trapped Kira's hand in his own. "It is time to leave, love. The pilot is signaling us."
Kira sniffed loudly. "This is the first time we have been separated. It is difficult."
Danolas touched her cheek, wiping away a tear. "It's hard on all of us, but we can stay in contact. Remember the scrying glass I gave you."
"Yeah, honey," Lucas put his two cents worth in. "You aren't getting rid of us that easy."
Brianna noticed Gallegar never even flinched, as his mate was hugged, kissed, and petted by the other Chosen. His face was serenely confident when he looked at the Peacekeeper, his feelings easily read in his body language and contented emerald eyes. What would it be like? The question hovered in her mind. What would it be like to be loved like that?
"Well, that was harder than I thought," stated Benjamin as he unashamedly wiped his eyes. He waved at the small private jet one more time as it lifted off the ground and sped away into the fluffy clouds. "Damn it. I miss them already."
"I need a whiskey," Koran stated. "A big one."
"Shall we go to The Keep?" questioned Danolas. "Or to The Loft?"
"The Keep," Lucas said instantly. "Louie's there."
"I'm afraid, my friend," Danolas tried to look sorry and failed, "that Louie is off for a few days. I promised him some time after the ceremony."
"Well, hell." The wolfman's shoulders slumped. "Whose gonna feed us?"
"We did manage to eat before we were joined with Kira and met Danolas," Benjamin said dryly.
"That wasn't eating," Lucas said firmly. "That was existing."
They all laughed.
"I do have leftovers at The Loft," Brianna put in shyly. "If we want them."
"Are there any left?" Danolas inquired, icily polite. "Last I saw, you were going through them pretty fast."
Brianna reddened, but her chin went in the air. "Last thing you were worrying about wasn't the food."
His blue eyes flashed a warning, and he took a threatening step toward her. She didn't back down, her chin only went higher. The others stared at them, feeling the tension in the air, but not understanding it. Lucas' eyes narrowed and suddenly, he grinned wickedly.
"I think we can go to The Loft." He tossed an arm around Brianna's shoulders and dropped a kiss on her forehead. "When I was there, she had a sandwich waiting, and it was great."
"She made you a sandwich?" asked Danolas, in a strangled tone.
"Sure, why wouldn't she?" Lucas fanned the fire, wondering just exactly what happened before he'd gotten to The Loft. Now, he knew who that second sandwich belonged to. He grinned wider. It would be good to see Danolas confused about a woman. He'd been compassionate when Lucas lost out to Gallegar, but the werewolf would like to see that perfect composure ruffled. At least, a little bit.
"You brought your Jeep, right?" put in Patrick quickly. He knew what Lucas was doing and while it amused him, the last thing the company needed was a fight out in public. "You want to take Brianna with you, again? The rest of us came in the limo."
Brianna's eyes widened. "Fuck me. You have a limousine?"
Patrick's eyebrow shot up at the expletive, but he nodded. "One designed especially for us."
"I would love to ride in a limo," she said wistfully.
But Lucas wasn't ready to stop needling Danolas quite yet. "Next time, Irish. Two's company and all that." He chuckled when he saw the High Priest's azure eyes darken in anger. "Right now, I want you all to myself."
"There should be plenty of food," Brianna mused as she stared out the window at the passing scenery. The private airport Gallegar had used was far out of the city. "I didn't eat that much."
Lucas glanced in the rear view mirror at the following limousine. "I know, Irish. Danolas was just giving you a hard time."
She wrinkled her nose. "Does he do that a lot? Give people a hard time?"
"Actually," Lucas said with a frown. "No. He's pretty even tempered. Guess you two just rub each other the wrong way."
"Lucky me."
"He's not such a bad guy," Lucas rejoined. "He can be kinda stuffy, but hell ... he's got a lot on his plate. Not a lot of time for messing around."
"I'm under his authority now."
The words were so bitter; he turned and stared at her. "And that bothers you?"
Brianna nodded vigorously. "Oh, aye. I'm Irish. I don't like being under anyone's authority."
"You were under Aebh's. Why is Danolas so different?"
She folded her arms across her chest. "I don't know, just 'tis. There's just something about him that sets me off." Glancing at the wolfman from under her lashes, she pouted a little. "He's mean to me."
Lucas turned a bark of laughter into a cough when he saw Brianna's eyes flash a warning. "Ummm," he managed. "I'd say you started it, but that would probably be a little childish."
A smile flirted at the corner of her mouth. "It would be ... but," she said with a sigh, "'tis true."
He gave up trying not to laugh. Her candid and blunt speaking was enough to raise the High Priest's eyebrows, but Lucas thought she was a breath of fresh air. Other than Kira, he'd never met a woman who didn't play pretend.
She joined in, laughing at herself as well. "I just hope he and I can come to some sort of an agreement. I hate feeling uncomfortable around him."
He patted her knee. "As Danolas is so fond of saying ... it will all work out."
Brianna snorted. "An optimist. Bloody hell. I hate optimists."
They shared a quick grin, before Lucas turned back to the road again. "Now, tell me what you do for fun back home."
In the limousine, Danolas brooded as his brothers talked around him about Gallegar, Kira and the wondrous new ring the vampire now wore. He grunted in agreement now and then, but his mind was focused on the Jeep and its passengers. He didn't like what he was seeing. Lucas was just getting over Kira; he didn't have any business starting something up with Brianna. And since she was Danolas' responsibility now, he had to make sure she was taken care of and Lucas wasn't leading her on just for a physical relationship.
Fury shot through him. Lucas and Brianna together? Immediately, he cursed himself. What did it matter to him who the stubborn witch slept with? She could take on the whole San Francisco Giant's football team and it wouldn't bother him. He cringed at the untoward thought. That wasn't like him. Just because she was free with her speech and thoughts, didn't mean she was free with her body. And what right did he have to judge her anyway? He was her High Priest. One kiss, no matter how exciting, didn't make him her lover.
Drumming his long elegant fingers on his staff, he thought of how she'd taken over his thoughts. He'd known her less than a day and his mind was filled with her. He still wasn't sure he liked her. She was too earthy, too loud and not enough of a lady, but he had to be honest to himself and admit the idea of her and Lucas bothered the hell out of him.
Smiling absently at something Patrick said, he glanced up at the car in front of them. If he was smart, he'd just stay out of it. Let nature take its course and allow Lucas to have some fun. God knows he needed it, and Brianna wasn't some innocent young miss. She could take care of herself, so he wouldn't have to worry about her at all.
Danolas had plenty of other things to concern him without adding a smart-mouthed witch to the pile. He'd hold his temper, and be what he thought Aebh really wanted him to be ... Brianna's mentor and guide. Deliberately, he put the thought of her delicious lips and soft body out of his mind. From this point on, she would be nothing but his student. Just like the hundreds of other witches in his society ... nothing special.
While his loins mocked that last statement, he felt the limo jerk violently to the left, almost hitting an oncoming car. The driver---this time it happened to be Jorad, his acolyte---swore loudly as he struggled to get the car back in the correct lane.
"What the hell is going on?" shouted Benjamin. He held on to the mini fridge with one hand and his seat with the other.
"I don't know. Jorad," Danolas called up to the other witch. "What happened?"
"There is something in the road, High Priest," Jorad called back. "It appeared out of nowhere and then just disappeared."
"Could you tell what it was?" Koran yelled.
The acolyte shook his head. "No. It came and went too fast."
"I don't like this," Patrick said, stroking his goatee. "I think I'll go take a look." Without another word, he popped out of sight.
"What did it look like?" Danolas asked Jorad. "Could you see anything?"
"All I got was a quick look. I ... I thought it was a woman."
"Jesus!" Lucas took a quick look over his shoulder. "They almost ran off the road."
Her eyes widening, Brianna turned in her seat to look back at the dark green limousine behind them. It was weaving slightly, but it seemed all right. "I don't see anything wrong."
"I didn't either. Hang on and I'll ask Dano---"
Suddenly, the car filled with the sounds of a thousand screams. It was like knives in their ears, ripping and tearing through their heads. Brianna cried out in pain at the noise. She pressed her hands over her ears, but the sound didn't diminish. It went on and on, a high-pitched keening sound that made her head ache and tears come to her eyes.
"What the fuck is that?" snarled Lucas. His eyes were half shut in agony, but he couldn't take his hands off the wheel of the car as he fought to not drive off the road.
Brianna didn't answer. Her mouth dropped open as she stared out the front of the car window. Tears rolled down her cheeks from the pain. She blinked once to clear her eyes, but that didn't change what she saw.
Floating above the car was a wraith. Wisp-like and partially transparent, its white figure contrasted sharply with the blackness of the dark night. A cloak that looked like dirty gray-white cobwebs swirled around the entity. Long fingers beckoned on spindly arms that appeared and disappeared, leaving the disembodied hands floating in the air.
Tendrils of silver-gray hair undulated like dirty seaweed, flowing down over the car hood to the ground below. They caressed a thin face with slashing cheekbones, a long pointed nose and deep-set, bruised eyes that bled a painful crimson from centuries of weeping. The bloodless lips parted in a continuous scream that rose and fell like swells of the sea.
"Sweet Margaret Mary," cried Brianna. "It's a banshee!"
"Is it dangerous?" he asked. "Other than that damned sound?"
She shook her head, more tears streaming down her face. "In my land, 'tis a messenger. They foretell death, but they don't hurt anybody."
"Tell that to my ears."
The banshee's eyes seemed to glow and it lifted a ghostly hand to point at Brianna. The screams and wails grew louder as it stared deep into the witch's eyes.
"What do you want?" Brianna screamed back. The pain was so fierce she felt herself losing consciousness. She'd never heard of a banshee acting in such a way before. It was as if it wanted to hurt them. "Tell me why you're doing this!"
There was no answer from the apparition. It just continued to look at Brianna, its mouth wide and keening, its hands clenching and unclenching. The sorrow and grief in its cry were almost overwhelming. Brianna wanted to go to it, to release it from its years of misery, but she was frozen in her seat, the wailing making her unable to craft the simplest of spells.
"Son of a bitch." Lucas could barely think with the agony in his head, but he sent out a quick mind-burst to his brothers. "I need help."
In the other vehicle, the Chosen were also grimacing in pain. The mournful cries, worst than those that emanated from the Gate of Hell itself, were close to shattering their eardrums, and only the fact they were further back gave them any help at all.
Danolas tried a protection spell, but to his surprise, it didn't work. His head ached from the sharp blades of sound cutting through him, but he answered Lucas, his voice faint and weak.
"What is it? What is that noise?"
"Brianna says it's a banshee. The screaming is so damn loud, we can't even think. I ... I can barely drive. I'm going to get off the road and ... NO! Son of a bitch, don't do that! I'm trying to pull ... damn it. Nooooooo!"
They watched in horror as the Jeep swerved violently. It fishtailed, its tires spinning on the pavement and then overcorrecting so severely, the car went up on two wheels. The momentum sent it hurtling though the air, rolling over and over down the hill into a ravine where it crashed against a small tree.
Now, they all could see the banshee, its ghostly gray dress glowing against the dark of the forest. It screamed again, this time the sound of triumph. It floated down over the side of the embankment to where the car lay on its side.
"God damn it!" shouted Benjamin. "Stop! Now!"
Jorad had already slammed on the brakes. A few seconds later, their vehicle screeched to a halt. Everyone poured out of the limo and raced down to where the Jeep rested, a tire still spinning lazily.
They'd only gotten halfway there when Patrick appeared by the vehicle. Popping in out of thin air, he grabbed the banshee around its skinny throat. The keening cut off with a suddenness that was almost painful. The creature struggled for a long moment, and then with a single piercing wail, it disappeared right out of Patrick's grasp.
The Ethereal cursed loudly as the other Chosen reached him. "It just faded away. But it said something. Something I don't understand."
Danolas ignored that as he raced to the Jeep. It was lying on the passenger side, the grill smashed back against the cab, the driver's door flung wide open. He levitated himself up and peered inside. Lucas lay with his head back against the seat, a stream of blood flowing from a deep cut on his temple. The big man's right arm was bent in an unnatural angle. He groaned and opened his silver eyes.
"Bri ... anna," he managed. "Seatbelt broke. Held her down ... best I could."
The High Priest's jaw clenched. No wonder his brother's arm was broken. He'd used it to try and save Brianna. Suddenly terrified at what he'd find, Danolas tried to look over Lucas' still form. He couldn't see anything ... couldn't even hear her breathing. Lifting his staff, he uttered an incantation. Lucas' seatbelt snapped open and carefully, minding the hurt limb, Danolas lifted him out of the car and into Benjamin's waiting arms.
The Suprahuman grunted, and went into extra strength mode. "Jesus, Lucas ... you need to cut down on that French cooking."
"Har, har," Lucas groaned weakly. "Everyone's a comedian." He waited until his brother carried him over and set him down next to another tree before asking, "Brianna?"
Benjamin looked behind him, as Koran knelt to check Lucas' wounds. "Don't know yet. Danolas is getting her now."
Forgetting all caution, Danolas crawled into the Jeep. He could see Brianna now. She lay so still and small, her face turned away from him and pressing against the shattered window. Icy sweat touched his brow as he eased down next to her.
"Brianna?" He touched her arm gently, then spoke without considering his words. "Leannan? Can you hear me?" He brushed the tangled hair away and carefully turned her face toward him. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was mostly undamaged. A cut marred her lower lip and there was a nasty bruise on her cheek, but no other marks. His eyes glowed briefly, as he used his magick to search her body for any injuries.
"How is she?" Patrick asked. He floated at the window, ready to lend a helping hand.
The glow faded from Danolas' eyes. "She's got a bad bump on the head and it looks as if her ribs are cracked where Lucas held her down, but it could have been much worse." He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. "She's lucky. That thing could have killed her."
The Ethereal's face tightened. "We can talk about that later. Let's get her out of there."
Nodding, Danolas handed his staff to Patrick, and then carefully slid his arms under Brianna's limp body. She moaned quietly, and he felt his heart lurch in response. So much for keeping her safe. His jaw tightened as guilt niggled. He looked down at her, seeing the blood dotting her T-shirt. Something painful raced through him, as if he'd been the one hurt.
She moaned again as he lifted her, cradling her against his chest. Her eyelids flickered open and he was surprised to see a flash of violet color encircling the dull brown orbs.
"Dan ... olas?"
"It is all right, Brianna," he answered. Without thinking, he dropped a kiss to her forehead. "You're safe now."
"Ban ... shee."
"I know. She's gone."
"Shouldn't have ... happened ... that way."
"Shhh," he remonstrated. "There will be time for that later. Now, let's just get out of this Jeep."
She sighed and closed her eyes, her body snuggling instinctively against his. Unwilling to give her up, even to Patrick, he used the stored energy in his body to levitate himself up and out of the car. A few moments later, he sank down onto the ground next to Lucas, still holding her in his lap.
"Allow me," murmured Koran, seeing his brother wasn't going to let loose of the woman in his arms. The faerie sighed worriedly. He could tell Danolas was interested in Brianna whether he wanted to be or not. And it looked like Lucas was too. Would the wolfman be involved in yet another love triangle? All they needed was another problem to deal with while they fought the war.
"It looks like she cracked three ribs," the prince stated as he moved his hand gently over Brianna's body with a healing spell. "But I don't sense anything else. Just some all around bruising, and she'll have a black eye if she isn't careful."
"Knowing Brianna," Lucas joked, "she'll probably wear it as a badge of honor." He rotated his newly healed arm, courtesy of the faerie.
Danolas smoothed her hair back and allowed himself a chuckle. "You're right about that. And her head is so hard; she only has a minor concussion. Easily fixed."
"Minor, my ... great grandda's arse," Brianna said weakly. She opened her eyes and blinked to focus. The first thing she saw was Danolas' worried face staring down at her. Without thinking, she smiled and trailed an index finger down his cheek. "Am I dead? Sure, and I'm looking at the handsomest of the angels."
His face went red, but his arms tightened around her. She decided she'd stay there ... for a while. He felt strong and safe and she liked the feeling of being held against him. "What happened with the banshee? Where is she?"
"Patrick grabbed her, but she disappeared." Benjamin still looked disgusted by that fact. "Like water, right through his arms."
"I thought an Ethereal could hold onto another Ethereal," Lucas said with a frown.
"We can," the shade answered. "But I couldn't hold on to her ... or it."
"It is said the banshee might have faerie blood, which makes them more than a ghost ... and less than a true faerie." Brianna touched her cut lip and grimaced. When Danolas' hand pushed hers away she frowned, but then felt the healing touch on her mouth. She sighed in gratitude. Maybe he wasn't such a stuck up prig after all.
"But a banshee doesn't attack people," Danolas said, as he moved the healing power from her mouth to the bruise on her cheekbone. "It is a harbinger of death, but it doesn't hurt anyone."
"No," she agreed, wanting to purr at the feel of his hands on her. She jerked her thoughts back to the matter of the banshee. "And this one is tied to my family."
"How do you know that?" Koran asked.
"I could just ... tell. I couldn't use my magick against it, so I think we are of the same blood. 'Tis said if the banshee has attached itself to a clan, they can't use power against it."
"Yeah." Lucas sat up carefully. "She pretty much shut down in the car. Almost like that thing put her under a spell."
"It wanted something," Brianna realized. "Something very important."
"To kill you." Benjamin's words were sharp.
"I don't think so."
They all turned and looked at the Ethereal.
"Why do you say that, Patrick?" Danolas wanted to know.
"I couldn't talk to it. It wouldn't listen. But when I grabbed it, just before it pulled the vanishing act ... it did say something."
"What did it say?" Brianna questioned.
"Just one word," the shade answered. "Safe."
They all stared at him incredulously. "Safe?" Danolas echoed. "She said Brianna was safe?"
"How the hell can that be?" Lucas growled. "She pushed us off the fucking road. I was all set to pull over when she came at me. Made me jerk on the wheel and that was all she wrote."
"I did feel a strong sense of triumph when I touched her psychically after the accident. I thought it was because she'd almost killed Brianna, but maybe it was because in some weird way, she felt she'd saved her." Patrick looked around at them all. "I know it doesn't make sense."
Danolas chewed on that for a minute, then shrugged. "I don't understand it either. But something is up." He looked down at the diminutive Irishwoman. "I think you may have brought a problem with you."
She stared up at him, and he could see her trying to work it all out in her mind. Finally, she shook her head. "I don't know what it could be."
"Perhaps, this is not the best place to talk about it," Koran murmured as he saw a Jeep very similar to Lucas' slow down and rubberneck at the accident scene. Once it had speeded up, going in the same direction they were headed, he turned to the shapeshifter. "About your car..."
The wolfman looked at it sadly. "It's scrap, isn't it?"
All the men looked over at the mangled mass of metal. You could almost hear the testosterone mourning. Benjamin clapped his friend on the arm. "I'm afraid so."
Lucas sighed. "What do I tell the insurance company? A banshee made me do it?"
Danolas laughed. "Don't worry about it. Remember, what's ours is yours." He rose to his feet, easily lifting Brianna in his arms again. "The Society will replace it. Just get another one and send me the bill."
Lucas stood, helped by Benjamin. He gawked at the High Priest. "Are you nuts? You want me to send you a bill for a new Jeep?"
"You lost your car while protecting one of my people." Danolas walked toward the waiting limousine. "I owe you." He stopped and turned back to Koran. "Brother, can you make that disappear? We don't need the police involved here."
The faerie nodded, and a few seconds later, the Jeep disappeared as quickly as the banshee that had destroyed it. The Chosen all followed Danolas and Brianna back to the long green car.
"I guess you get your ride anyway, Irish." Lucas grinned at her. "I'm not complaining. I want a beer."
They piled into the limo arranging themselves in their usual places. In seeming reluctance, Danolas allowed Brianna to leave his arms, but set her next to him on the soft seat. Lucas dug in the mini-fridge and pulled out a beer for those who wanted one, then pulled off the top of his and drank deeply.
"Ahhh," he groaned. "Now that tasted good."
Ignoring the beer, Koran fixed him and Danolas a healthy shot of whiskey. "Does anyone know what just happened?"
Benjamin handed Koran's beer to Patrick who took a long pull. Powers granted to the shade through Kira and Gallegar's mating made tasting food again possible. He could drink all the beer he wanted and never get drunk. A perk none of them had expected. The Ethereal finished and wiped his mouth carefully.
"I know it sounds crazy, but I don't think that creature wanted to hurt anyone. When I touched her, I sensed desperation, not anger or hatred. And while she was glad the Jeep went off the road, it was because she thought Brianna and Lucas were safe."
Lucas rubbed his head. They'd stopped the bleeding, but it still ached a bit. "I don't get it. If she wanted us to pull over, why not just ask?"
"Because," Brianna answered. "Banshee's can't say anything to humans. All they can do is what she did ... wail and keen." She sipped at her drink. "Some think of her as a bringer of misfortune, but in reality, she is only foretelling what is coming, a warning if you please. Legends say they are attached to the five greatest Gaelic families ... the O'Gradys, O'Neills, O'Briens, O'Connors, and the Kavanaghs, but there has been so much intermingling of blood, a banshee can appear to just about anyone now-a-days."
"So, she was warning us about something?" Benjamin sifted through the information and grabbed onto the most pertinent fact. "To protect you?"
Chewing her fingernail, Brianna shook her head slowly. "That wouldn't be something I've seen before. A foretelling yes, but to commiserate ... not to warn."
Lucas sat back and glanced out the window. "Then what did she want?"
"If Brianna is right," Danolas mused, "the banshee wanted Brianna to know something was going to happen to her."
"My death." Brianna said the words no one else would say. "The banshee says I'm going to die."
"No fuckin' way," Lucas growled, his face going hard. "That ain't gonna happen."
"We'll protect you." Benjamin leaned over and touched her knee. "You can bet on it."
"He is right, Lady Brianna." Koran nodded his head at her. "You are a part of us now. Do not worry."
"No one hurts anyone we call family," Patrick added. "And you are family."
Her eyes filled with tears. "But ... but you barely know me. And what you do know isn't so good. Why would you stand for me? I don't understand."
"Brianna." Danolas' authoritative voice made her still and look at him. While a part of her resented it, she couldn't help but respect the power that made him so strong.
He touched her cheek. "You are under my protection. Aebh requested it, and I granted that request. Kira called you part of this company. As her seer, I usually know why she does things, though in this case she kept it from me. But I do know, she's rarely wrong about people and I trust her implicitly. Because the two most important women in my life feel you are special and worth being one of us, I will bow to their judgment ... until I have reason to disagree."
She narrowed her eyes at that last statement, but he ignored her and went on. "So we will stand for you because you are one of us. And because we have the same goals. Nothing more needs to be said."
Brianna shook her head slowly. "I'm ... I'm not used to being partners with anyone. I usually go it alone. But I envy you your closeness. It's not something I've had in a very long time."
Lucas leaned over and kissed her forehead. "You do now."
Before she could respond, Jorad spoke up from the front seat. "High Priest? I think we have a problem up ahead."
Danolas turned to him. "What is it?"
"Looks like another accident ... a bad one."
"Christ!" Lucas scooted over and glanced out the window. "Damn it! This is like déjà vu. Check out what that car looks like."
"I saw that Jeep go past us," Koran remembered, his amber eyes glowing like two stars. "Something is going on. I do not like this."
"Neither do I," agreed Danolas. His power stirred, making his own eyes flame into blue life. "Jorad, stop the car. Let's see what we can do to help."
"Be careful," Benjamin admonished. "I don't like the feel of this."
When the car pulled to a halt, a safe distance from the flaming pile of metal that had once been a Jeep, the Chosen leapt from the car.
"No!" Danolas told Brianna as she tried to follow. "You stay here. You're injured." He turned to Lucas. "You too. Watch her." Saying nothing more, he turned and strode after his brothers.
Brianna stared in annoyance. "Bloody hell! Who does he think he is to tell me what to do? I'm not staying here! I want to know what's going on out there." She made to leave, but the wolfman put a big hand on her arm.
"Don't, Brianna. What he says makes sense." He shook his head as she turned to argue. "Neither of us are at full fighting form. We could be in the way."
She frowned fiercely, and then swore under her breath. "I don't like being told what to do!"
Lucas cocked his head curiously. "Didn't the High Priestess order you around?"
The witch's eyes widened. "Of course not. She might ask things of me, but I made my own decisions. I'm not a bloody amateur. I've been a working with the Priestess for almost fifty-five years."
"I guess Danolas does things differently."
She crossed her arms over her blood splattered T-shirt. "He's going learn, I do too."
There was a shout from outside and they both stuck their heads out of the limo to look. They gasped as they saw Patrick being attacked by something about the size of a large dog, with messy black and brown feathers. They were too far away to see clearly, but it looked like a large ... rooster? The Ethereal disappeared and the animal tumbled to the ground.
It was up again a second later, and jumped at Benjamin, who went sprawling. He punched at the brute, sending it flying and before it could regroup, the monster was hit by the combined force of sapphire and amber power. The creature twisted and screamed and ducked out of the stream of magick, leaping after them again. Danolas used his staff to clout it hard and it rolled back toward the burning Jeep. Koran followed the strike up with another shot of magick, while Patrick reappeared nearby, helping Benjamin to his feet. The four men watched the creature get up a fourth time, and this time they all sent their powers at the thing.
The four colorful magicks intertwined, sending the beast hurtling back and into the flames of the burning automobile. An inhuman screech filled the night air, sending an icy finger down everyone's spine. They all watched in horror as the blazing thing twisted and writhed against the background of the fire. The acrid smell of living flesh filled the air.
"Jesus," Lucas swore out loud. "What the hell is that thing?"
Brianna shook her head. It couldn't have been what she thought. The creature disappeared in a ball of flame and she cursed again. "It's gone, but they're coming back, fast. We need to get out of their way."
She was proved right when a second later; the four Chosen slammed their way back into the limo. They were all breathing hard and carried with them the stench of burned carrion. Benjamin's clothes were torn, but other than that, they seemed uninjured.
"Are you all right?" Lucas asked.
"Jorad!" shouted Danolas ignoring the question. "Get us the hell out of here. But don't stop for anything. No matter what you see ... keep on going."
Face white, Jorad nodded and hit the gas. No one spoke as the limousine peeled away from the accident site and back on the road. They all held their breath as they went past the fire-engulfed car, thinking about the unlucky occupant inside.
Without warning, a small boy appeared in the center of the road. He stretched his arms out imploringly, as piteous tears wet his face. Brianna screamed and lifted her hand to spell-help the child, but Danolas grabbed her and jerked her back.
"No!" he growled. "Don't stop, Jorad! Drive over the top of it." When his acolyte hesitated, his power filled the small cab. Do it! I command you!"
With no more hesitation, Jorad obeyed. Brianna struggled and rained curses on the High Priest's head, but a moment later, there was the sickening thud of something being run over. Jorad was looking more green than white now, and he swallowed rapidly, as if fighting not to be sick.
"You want to tell us what the fuck is going on?" Lucas snarled. "You just ran over a kid back there!"
Danolas gave Brianna a hard shake. "Stop it!" he demanded. "This is not the time for one of your tantrums."
"Oh, you sorry bastard!" she shrieked instead. "You murderer! May the death of the kittens be on you. May your pipe never smoke! May you be afflicted with the itch and have no nails to scratch with!"
"It wasn't a child!" Danolas roared, his voice reverberating in the small space. "It was a changeling!"
Total silence filled the car as Brianna went still as stone. Pink flooded her face. "Changeling?" she whispered in a tiny voice. "How do you know?"
"Because we saw it when we checked the accident scene." Benjamin sniffed at his ripped clothing and grimaced. He smelled like a sewer. "We heard crying and went to check. Saw this little boy near the fire."
"Since the fire couldn't hurt me, I went to check him," Patrick picked up the story. "I could see it was a kid about four or five. But when I got closer ... this creature jumped me."
"I do not know what it was," Koran stated. "I have never seen such a thing."
Since Brianna hadn't moved since he'd yelled at her, Danolas released her arms. "I'm not sure either, but it was very strong and tough ... and brutal." He shuddered remembering what they'd seen of the driver. "It mutilated the person in the Jeep. Ripped him apart."
Brianna had a very bad feeling about this. Her hand went to her throat. "Tell me what you saw."
Benjamin shook his head. "Honestly, I'm not sure. It was the weirdest thing. It looked like a bird, all covered in these really dirty ruffled feathers, but it didn't have a bird's body. Only one of those comb things, like a rooster has on his head, but made of more feathers."
"It looked somewhat human," Koran added, "but it did not have arms or legs."
"Yes it did," disagreed Patrick. "But they were deformed and missing. It had a single hand sticking out of its chest, and a leg that came out of its stomach.
"It only had one eye. In the center of the head, like a legendary Cyclops," Danolas remembered.
"And it stank." Benjamin pulled at his clothing. "Like the inside of a slaughterhouse and cesspool all mixed together."
Patrick looked at the expression on Brianna's face. "You know what it is, don't you?"
Fear shot through her, making her want to crawl under the seat ... or into Danolas' arms. But after what she'd just said and done, she didn't think she'd be welcome there. "It ... it sounds like Fachan."
Koran and Danolas' eyes widened, but the others just looked blank. Lucas cleared his throat. "Fa ... what?"
Crossing herself instinctively for protection, Brianna rubbed at her arms. "Fachan. A particularly evil and vicious Irish spirit. Legends say it is the bane of travelers and goes after them exclusively. It pursues them, attacking them from behind, before killing and mutilating them."
"But that doesn't make sense," Benjamin objected. "The guy it killed wasn't a tourist. He had local plates."
"It was not after the man," Koran stated quietly. "That Jeep looked just like Lucas'. The ... Fachan is an Irish evil spirit ... some say a faerie. It went after that car because it thought an Irish tourist was in it." He looked at Brianna and all could see the concern in his face. "It went after the wrong person."
"It meant to kill me." Brianna looked up at Danolas, the blood congealing in her veins. "I'm thinkin' you're right, then. I did bring a problem with me."
A few showers were in order when they got back to The Loft. The Chosen allowed Benjamin first dibs due to the fact none of them could bear to be in the same room with him, but all felt the need to wash and come away clean after the ordeal.
Brianna checked her face in the mirror, frowning at the slight swelling. The cuts were healing well, by tomorrow they would be gone, but they didn't help her overall appearance now. Sighing, she put on a fresh pair of jeans and another T-shirt, tossing the ruined one in the trash. Immortal or not, that type of accident was frightening, and the knowledge she was being chased by an evil faerie from her homeland worried her a great deal. Why would anyone want to kill her? And how much danger would this new family of hers be in if it were true? Her lip went out in a pout. I'll bet they want to get rid of me now.
Fearing the worst, she tiptoed downstairs. If they were going to send her home, she'd like to know now, before getting any closer to any of them. As they said they would, they'd all put their lives on the line for her. They'd kept their promise. No one had ever done that before.
She heard male voices in the kitchen and as she stepped into the dining area, Patrick and Benjamin came out of the kitchen with their arms full of food. Lucas followed soon after, a breadstick stuck in his mouth. His hands held plates of meat and cheeses, and he was smiling happily.
"Feel better, Irish?" he asked around the crusty bread. He set the food on the table and rubbed his hands together. "I'm starving."
"What else is new?" asked Koran as he carried several bowls of fruit and chips out to the table. "You live to eat."
Brianna grinned at their easy camaraderie. She knew she would miss it if she was asked to leave. She grabbed a celery stick for herself and pulled over some dressing to dip. "Where's Himself?"
The other Chosen looked blank, but Lucas chuckled. "Danolas is downstairs. Said he had a call to make."
Her heart sank. He was going to send her back to Ireland. Unwelcome tears burned, but she blinked them back. She sat down at the table and chewed morosely. It was several moments before the utter silence made her head jerk up.
All the Chosen were staring at her as if she had two heads. Rapidly, she swallowed her celery. "What?"
There was another long beat of silence, then Patrick sat down as well. "It's nothing, Bri. You're just sitting in Kira's chair, that's all."
Brianna shot to her feet like she'd been stuck with a pin. Her eyes filled. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I just..." She sighed gustily. "I'm sorry."
"No, you didn't do anything wrong." Benjamin grabbed a beer and opened it before also sitting. "It's just ... we miss her."
"When we are not together, it feels as though something is missing." Koran sighed, and shook back his pale hair. "It is part of being joined."
"I miss my purpose," Lucas growled. "Just like Patrick misses his faith, Benjamin his control, Koran his companionship and Danolas---"
"I miss my vision," the witch interrupted as he came into the room. His sharp eyes saw where Brianna was standing and understood immediately what had happened. He walked over and pushed her gently down into the chair, and then took the one beside hers, not mentioning it was the one Gallegar used. "We feel incomplete. As this is the first time we've ever been separated by a great distance, it is ... difficult to bear."
"It's hard to understand what you're feeling," Brianna said quietly. "What you all have together ... I've never heard of it before."
"That is because it is different," Koran said proudly. "Together, we are a new power, something no one has seen before. A company of different magicks, brought together to save the world."
"And am I a part of it?" Brianna asked before her courage failed her. "Or are you sending me home?"
Danolas put down the whiskey he'd brought halfway to his lips. He stared at her. "Send you home?"
Biting her lip in consternation, she went on. "Lucas said you had a call to make. I thought you were telling Aebh I was too much trouble." Grabbing the other witch's hand, she swallowed hard. "I'm sorry I shouted at you in the car. I thought the boy was real. I was an idiot and I deserve to be sent back, but I'm a telling you, if you let me stay, I'll try not to lose my temper and I'll try to listen and do what you say." She flung her hand out, almost knocking over her beer. "I know I've brought danger here, and I almost got you killed, but you kept your pledge and stood up for me. I promise you, I'll do the same. I may not be your Peacekeeper, and I don't have the connection with you she does, but I'll try to be a help to you. I swear it."
She took a deep breath. "And I take back all my curses. May your pipe always burn proper and you have no itching at all. And ... your kittens ... May they live long and happy lives."
There was silence in the room as all the men just stared at her.
"Please," she begged, hating herself for it, but wanting to stay more than she'd ever wanted anything in her life. "I can't promise I'll be perfect, but I swear to you, I'll try."
There was another pregnant pause, before Danolas cleared his throat. "I guess that T-shirt you're wearing is right."
She blinked and looked down at her chest. She'd chosen a pink one with the words, Drama Queen on it. "What?" Then her eyes narrowed. "Now just a minute---"
Danolas chuckled and helped himself to some bread and meat. "Brianna. I didn't call Aebh. I have no intention of sending you anywhere. As we said in the car, you are one of us now. We don't just send troublesome women away because it's easier. But I do accept your apology and your promise to hold your tongue in the future."
"You let me go on like that?" Her resolve to keep her temper disappeared. "Why you---"
"Uh, uh, uh." He shook his sandwich at her. "You promised."
"I could hate you," she said through gritted teeth, as she clenched her fists impotently.
"You apologize as ardently as you rage," he continued. The other Chosen nodded and began eating. "I enjoyed it, but I didn't do it to embarrass you." He chewed a bite and his azure eyes met hers. "You often think the worst of me. I wonder why."
Brianna blew out her breath and her cheeks pinkened. "You make it easy sometimes."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps I do. But if we are to work together, we need to keep the personal issues to ourselves."
She tossed her head and raised an eyebrow. "Me? Me, I've got a sunny personality."
Danolas snorted in disbelief and passed her some cut up jalapeno peppers. "Here ... these suit your temper just fine."
"Now that we are all full, perhaps we can talk about why an evil spirit wants to kill you." Koran smiled and nibbled on one of his sister's favorites ... a strawberry. "Do you think it followed you here from Ireland? And why?"
Brianna frowned. She'd known the time would come, but she wasn't sure what exactly to tell them. It all seemed so far-fetched. "I'm not sure. The Fachan doesn't stay in Ireland, but it originates from there. It can do its evil wherever there are tourists. And that ... is all over the world."
Benjamin thought of the killings of sightseers the news reported on. He wondered how many of those were actually killed by this vicious beast. "So this thing could've been here before you arrived? It didn't come with you?"
She snorted. "Well ... I didn't have it in me suitcase, if that's what you mean."
"Temper, Irish," Lucas said mildly.
She sighed, then flashed an apologetic smile at Benjamin. "I don't know. I wish I could tell you more."
"You said in the forest you didn't know why the banshee would protect you, but I think we all know now the 'ol washerwoman came to warn Brianna, not to hurt her." Danolas sat back in his chair and perused her thoughtfully.
"Couldn't prove it by me," Lucas growled.
"Anyway..." The witch looked pointedly at the wolfman, before turning back to Brianna. "Can you think of anything? Anything at all?"
Restlessly, Brianna got to her feet and paced over to the fireplace. She stared down into the flames for a long moment. "I didn't want to come to America at first. There were so many things to do in Ireland and Aebh ... she may be immortal, but she's gettin' along in years."
"How can that be?" questioned Patrick. "I thought y'all stayed the same age once you hit adulthood."
"We do." Danolas looked at the shade. "Unless, you have used your magick in such a way as to drain away your life force."
"Like Kira did?" Benjamin asked. "When she used it to make that stupid wall inside of her?"
The witch nodded seriously. "Yes. It is why I was so concerned. She can never get back what she lost, though with Kira, because of the joinings, our life forces helped to prevent any major drain." Danolas looked back at Brianna. "But when Aebh was a great deal younger, she was compelled to use her magick in a way that all but drained her life force away. She ages ... albeit much slower than a human, but her physical body will eventually give way."
"What will happen to her?" Koran shook his head in awe. "If her body sloughs away, where will her immortal spirit go?"
Brianna shook her head and tears glinted. "No one knows. There is no precedent for it. If an immortal dies, they go beyond the veil, but Aebh wouldn't be dead, so where she would go is unknown."
"The Worldwide Witch's Society has been working for years on a solution." Danolas looked disgusted. "We have yet to find one."
"So you didn't want to come here because you were afraid to leave Aebh?" Lucas tried to get the conversation back on track.
"That was one of the reasons." A quick glance was shot at the handsome witch sitting at the head of the table. "There ... were others." She tossed her head; a gesture they were coming to see meant she was battling temper, or nerves. "But she convinced me to come. She told me something I didn't understand."
"What did she say?" Patrick asked.
She looked at them all, her face tight with a worry she couldn't quite hide. "She said it would be safer for me."
Danolas shot to his feet. "Safer for you? She knew you were in danger?"
Brianna bit her lip. "I don't know. You know how secretive she can be sometimes. She just said it would be better for me to be with you." The young witch blushed. "I mean ... this company."
"So you weren't just sent to help us fight the war, but to be protected from something." Lucas got up as well and came over to her. "Interesting."
Her brow furrowed as she thought. "While I may be the First Acolyte, I'm not an important witch. I can't think of any reason I'd need protection."
"Perhaps it is about you being the strongest of your kind," Danolas mused. "At least in Ireland."
Brianna's chin went up. "I'll take you on anytime, boy-o. You just name the place."
"Oh, Christ," Lucas complained as the witches glared at each other. "You two give it a rest, will you? You both make my skin hum with the power you put off. Who gives a damn who's stronger? Unless it can answer the question. Think, Irish, why does someone or something want to kill you?"
They both stared at Lucas, then back at each other. Sighing, Brianna plopped down in one of the big comfortable chairs. "I honestly don't know."
"If not you, then maybe your family. Do you have some dark secret y'all haven't told us about?" Patrick floated over and perched on the arm of Brianna's chair. "I know the past has a way of catching up with us."
She nodded her thanks when Koran brought her the unfinished beer she'd left at the table. Sipping it, she thought quickly. "No ... no skeletons in my family's closet. In fact, one of my ancestors is a hero. Saved Ireland, and quite possibly the world."
"I don't recall hearing about any Muldoon as a hero," Danolas scoffed lightly.
Her eyes flashed. "That's because you aren't a Muldoon, High Priest. 'Tis a common enough tale back home." She tossed her head. "Have you ever heard of Daegal the Martyr, or Labraic of Fermanagh?"
Danolas' intelligent face tightened. "Of course I have. Every witch knows those names." He turned to his brothers. "Labraic was one of the worst demons ever to inhabit the earth. It's said he was the one who brought into being the terrible trials forced on witches back in the middle ages. He had thousands killed to further his own ends. Witches, druids, learned ... any that could see through the human guise he'd adopted. He was an evil creature that corrupted everything he touched."
"It is taught," said Brianna, "that Labraic was defeated by a young witch by the name of Cyric O'Maoilduan. A very unlikely hero, he was. He sort of fell into the job." She smiled. "You see it was Cyric's master, an immortal witch by the name of Daegal who was supposed to kill the demon. But Labraic found out about the plan and had Daegal killed."
"Yes," Danolas agreed, enjoying the old tale. Hearing Brianna's lyrical voice reminded him of all the nights he'd spent sitting at Aebh's feet, listening to the same exciting stories. "All would have been lost, but the acolyte found the mysterious weapon his master was going to use. It had been crafted for the sole purpose of destroying the demon ... sending him beyond the boundaries of Hell, for the rest of eternity."
"What weapon was it?" Koran asked. There was a pause, and then Brianna's answer came soft and low.
"The Sceptre of Power."
The name reverberated around the room and the Chosen all had the sudden feeling they were standing on the edge of something vitally important. Breathlessly, they waited, knowing from experience, the truth would be revealed if they were patient.
Brianna cleared her throat nervously, not used to the strength of magick she felt in the room. Strong she may be, but the power in these five men wasn't something she could really understand. She was just glad she was on their side. "'Tis said it was most beautiful, wrought from pure gold and strengthened with silver twining all around it. It measured three feet in length, with a crown of five gemstones symbolizing the first five families of Ireland. These graced the outer crown and surrounded the single stone of power in the center."
She looked at Danolas. "No one knows exactly what kind of stone it was. That detail is shrouded in mystery."
"As is what happened to it," the High Priest added. "Legend states once Daegal was killed, brave Cyric took up the Sceptre and challenged the demon. Even though he didn't have the power to destroy the evil one as his master would have done, Cyric was able to use the weapon to send Labraic back to Hell. He became a hero that day, but afterwards, his life was forfeit. The demon's followers swore to avenge their master. They followed him into the Cuilcagh Mountains, but neither Cyric O'Maoilduan nor the Sceptre were ever seen again."
There was a moment of silence, as if all were thinking of the young hero. Then Brianna sighed. "Of course, that's only half the tale."
Danolas blinked. "I beg your pardon."
Brianna's eyes danced in amusement. "Don't you just love it when he says that? Makes me all tingly."
The Chosen chuckled, but Danolas only stared at Brianna. "You want to explain yourself? The story I shared is the only one there is."
"Maybe, if you're not a Muldoon." She cocked her head at him. "Now, do you want me to tell you the rest of the story, or not?"
"I want to hear it," Patrick urged at her elbow. "Forget Danolas. Tell me."
"And me."
"And me."
Lucas and Benjamin spoke together, and then grinned at each other. Danolas cleared his throat pointedly. "We are waiting."
"Well," Brianna settled down comfortably, happy to have something to share Danolas didn't know about. Evened the odds a bit, it did. "My family tells the tale of what happened to young Cyric. He was a strong witch, but not an immortal. When he used the Sceptre, it took a great deal out of him. He hadn't built the weapon, didn't really know how to work the thing, so when he used magick to work the Sceptre ... he tapped it from inside himself." She turned to Danolas. "Its original design was to destroy the demon, but because Cyric was young and inexperienced, he was only able to banish the monster.
"I have never heard that part." Danolas' voice was skeptical. "How do you know all that?"
"I'm getting to it," Brianna said testily. "Give me time to tell the tale." She turned away pointedly and looked at the other Chosen. "Cyric did what his poor master could not, and then escaped into the surrounding hills. He was chased by two of Labraic's men; both possessed of evil themselves, with a devil dog who had teeth as big as a wolf's." She glanced at Lucas. "No offense."
The big man grinned at her. "None taken."
"They tracked him a day and a night, staying hard on his heels, but Cyric knew he couldn't let them get their greedy mitts on the Sceptre. He tried to lose them by going into a cave, but even then, they followed him." Her eyes darkened. "They fought down there ... in the bowels of the earth. In the inky blackness and confusion, Cyric was sorely wounded, but using the weapon again, he dispatched the two men and the hound to the pits of Hell." She sighed again.
"Unfortunately, in the battle, the Sceptre was lost. Too weakened by loss of blood to hold onto it, the Sceptre slipped from his grasp and was swallowed in darkness. Cyric came close to dying himself, but somehow, he was able to drag himself out of the cave. He was found and taken home, where he lived to tell about his adventures."
"And you know this ... how?" Danolas didn't bother to hide his disbelief this time.
"Isn't it obvious?" Brianna lifted her chin proudly. "I'm a Muldoon aren't I? Cyric O'Maoilduan was my ancestor."
There was a long silence, before Patrick cleared his throat. "Your ancestor?"
"Aye." She looked back at the High Priest. "Have you forgotten what the ancient form of Muldoon is?"
Light dawned in Danolas' sapphire eyes. "O'Maoilduan. In the early years Muldoons were known as O'Maoilduan."
"So your great-great---whatever the number of greats---granddaddy, is a famous demon slayer?" Lucas summarized. "And he used this special weapon to kill this Labraic?"
"Aye. We are very proud of him. The tale has been told to all the Muldoons. We might not be of pure lineage, but we've done ourselves proud as a family."
"Did Aebh know of this?"
Brianna nodded. "I told her just last spring. We'd been giving a history lesson to some younglings and I finally broke down and shared the story."
"The Sceptre of Power is a valuable weapon," Koran murmured. "It would be of great help to us."
"The problem with that," Brianna bit her lip, "no one knows where it is. Cyric never told anyone in the family where he'd lost it. He'd only say it was safe. And it would be found at the proper time."
The faerie huffed in disappointment. "That is too bad."
"Yes, but if the enemy thinks y'all might know where it is---"
Brianna shook her head, interrupting Patrick's wishful thinking. "I've never pretended to know anything," she explained. "It did happen, but it's a harmless tale for winter evenings around a fire with family. 'Tis no value for either side."
"Well, then." The shade put his arm around her. "I guess we'll have to figure out another reason why someone wants you dead."
Danolas gave a mocking sigh. "I'll bet the list is endless."
"He's kidding," Lucas said quickly, as he saw Brianna's eyes fire up again. "But it might not hurt to make a list of anyone you've pissed off in the last couple years."
Brianna smiled sweetly at the High Priest. "Shall I put you at the top of the list?"
For the next three weeks, Brianna enjoyed the attentions of the Chosen. Unused to being so well looked after; it took a while for her to accept it was just their way. No ulterior motives, other than maybe protecting her from whatever wanted to do her harm, but she quickly realized being the only female in a group of males had its advantages and disadvantages.
She wasn't sure she liked the way they assumed she needed protection. She was a strong, brave witch in her own right. But again, after a while, she understood they didn't mean anything by it. They would have treated Kira the same way and she was more powerful than anyone Brianna had ever met.
The thought they cared about her the same way as the Peacekeeper warmed the young witch's lonely heart. She decided to let them, and threw herself with her usual abandon into the role of new friend and companion. As she got to know them, she stopped seeing them only as The Chosen, but as individual men with different personalities, likes and dislikes. She discovered from the blending of their magicks, each had been given a portion of the other's powers and it showed in their abilities. Patrick loved to tease Lucas with his new ability to turn into a wolf, and Benjamin enjoyed scaring Koran by popping and out like a shade. Each was so different ... so interesting in their own way, she began to think of them as friends, not just as men with whom she was to work with to fight a war.
For now, things were quiet. There were no more attacks, and no one on either side of the ocean had heard anything more from the banshee. While they didn't lower their guard completely, she was overjoyed when they agreed to go with her to play tourist.
Koran took her to see the art exhibits in town, starting with the Fine Art Museum and then the Modern Art Museum. They toured to all the area galleries to see the local artists and their work. She found the Faerie Prince to be a great escort, full of tidbits of information about many of the artists. He'd lived so long---he was close to a millennia old---and he'd seen and sometimes even met some of the old masters. One of his favorites was a painter by the name of Jean-Marc Beauchamp who had died in the late 1800s. Koran showed her Beauchamp's Impressionist art as well as that of one of the artist's descendants, Givré Beauchamp, whose style was so similar it was uncanny.
She dragged Patrick out to go dancing with her. Since he could become corporeal at will---another gift from Kira---they had a wonderful time going from club to club, and trying all the newest dance steps. They might start at a Jazz club, but end up at a Grunge bar, and they both enjoyed every minute of it. Brianna loved the shade's soft-spoken mannerisms and delightful sense of humor.
Benjamin turned out to be the one who took her to see Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. They gawked at all the street musicians, watched the sea lions, and had fresh shrimp and sourdough bread on the wharf. She'd invited the other Chosen to come along, but when she'd mentioned shopping for some things for The Loft, all of them had groaned and disappeared. It was left for Benjamin to take her along and explain the story of Kira and her wild shopping trips. His powerful good looks and strength of character made all the women turn and stare, and shallow as it may seem, Brianna loved being on his arm.
Having never seen American football before, Lucas wangled tickets and took Brianna to see one of the San Francisco 49er games. They sat on the fifty-yard line and he bought her hot dogs and popcorn, and the required Cracker Jacks. She asked a thousand questions, screamed and shouted along with the rest of the crowd, even though she didn't understand half of what was going on. Of all the Chosen, Lucas was the one she was closest to. They were so much alike, she didn't feel the need to explain herself or try to pretend she was something different. Unlike ... some people.
Danolas, she barely saw. He never offered to take her anywhere, a fact that confused her a great deal. He was polite and friendly when the company met in the evening, but nothing more. He hadn't been alone with her since that time in the kitchen, and she was beginning to think he was afraid of her, until he dropped in early one night to give her a replacement T-shirt for the one that had been ruined in the accident. He dropped it in her hands with a surly, "I thought you should have this", and then walked away. When she opened the package and saw the words, I can multi-task (talk and piss you off at the same time), printed across the delicate powder blue of the T-shirt, she laughed aloud, but that was the only personal contact they had.
It bothered her. Like the others, as she was around the High Priest, she began to see the type of man he was. Now, she understood Aebh's love for him. He was a fair and compassionate leader, and when Brianna spent time with the other Society members, she discovered very quickly how well liked and respected he was. Even his council, who'd disagreed with his original decision about joining with the Peacekeeper, trusted in him totally. His excellent handling of the last battle had made believers of them all.
Only in his First Acolyte did she sense any hesitation, but it wasn't ever something Jorad said, more how he acted. She wondered if he thought her being there might usurp his position, and that attributed to his coolness toward her. Brianna found she couldn't warm up to the young witch either, thinking it might be the fact he'd made her wait at the airport that first day. But he was loyal and a good worker, something she herself respected, so she tried to ignore the slight strain between them.
As the weeks went by, Brianna found herself wishing she did have that personal contact with Danolas. The closest she got, was when he sent her a schedule of training classes he expected her to join. She'd been excited at first, thinking he would be her teacher, but when she arrived at The Keep, there were several other older witches ready to take her through her paces.
She'd held her temper and tried to work with them, but as in Ireland, her control was iffy at best. Brianna laughed it off, saying she was tired or not feeling well, but in reality, she was embarrassed at her lack of skill. It had been her problem since childhood. It was frustrating to have all this strength, but no expertise to use it. And admitting that fact to Danolas was more than she could stomach. After a few lessons, she started making excuses, and then she quit showing up at all.
Instead, she snuck over to Benjamin's Institute and exercised in his Olympic size swimming pool. He had put it in early in his leadership for those mutants who loved the water. Brianna was a great swimmer, spending many days in the lough near the castle. She'd learned as a child how to craft a spell to allow her to hold her breath for great periods of time. Swimming relaxed her, and it kept her in shape. And, it gave her the opportunity to fill those hours she should be taking lessons with something else.
She didn't stop her training entirely, though. When she was alone, she would sneak off behind The Keep and use a concealing spell to hide her practicing. While she did gain some mastery of herself, she knew in a fight, she might do more harm than good. She prayed she wouldn't have the opportunity to find out.
Doing all that made it difficult to see the man who haunted her thoughts. Brianna wished Danolas would take her to the movies like Benjamin did, or on a sightseeing tour of Ghirardelli Square like she'd gone on with Lucas. She knew he was a good leader, of both his Society and as the temporary head of the Chosen, but she longed to know about him as a man. What was he really about? Did he have an unending appetite, like Lucas? Or know a plethora of dirty limericks, as Patrick did? Did he have family close by or were they far away?
But no matter what she tried, every time she tried to draw him out or get closer, he would smile politely and ease out of the conversation. Finally, after having the door slammed in her face one too many times, she swallowed down the heartache of knowing she was very attracted to someone who wanted nothing personally to do with her.
She spent the time instead, with Lucas, growing to care very much about the wolfman. She'd learned the sadness in his eyes was from losing Kira, and since she understood about loneliness and loss, they got along very well. They spent several long evenings talking, and he was the one who finally got her to say why she collected all the T-shirts with crazy sayings.
"You started collecting them because Aebh told you to learn to hold your tongue?" Lucas shook his head as they stepped off the elevator into The Loft's main room. They'd just returned from a rousing game of foosball at a local watering hole. "I don't get it."
Brianna giggled and pointed to her T-shirt of the night. It offered the opinion, Cancel my subscription, 'cause I don't need your issues. "I couldn't say the things I wanted to out loud, so I decided to wear them instead. 'Tis my way of getting 'round it, you see."
The werewolf burst into laughter. "Oh, Irish. What a twisted mind you have."
She grinned and wrapped her arms around him for a hug. "Only second to yours, you know."
He hugged her back. "Wanna go play mini-golf tomorrow?"
She lifted her head and her dull brown eyes met his. "If you like. I had fun tonight."
His silver eyes gleamed and then narrowed as he stared down at her. They were both suddenly very still as a pregnant silence filled the room. Her heart skipped a beat and she held her breath as his head slowly lowered to hers.
Danolas froze in shock at the sight that met him as he walked out of The Loft's office. He'd been there late, finishing up some last minute paperwork when he heard the elevator ding. Hoping it was Brianna, wanting to see her even though he knew it was unreasonable, he'd eagerly shut down the computer and gone to the door to fling it open.
He hadn't expected to see the woman who filled his dreams with sweaty imaginings, standing in the arms of one of his best friends. The passionate kiss was obviously reciprocated; their arms were wrapped around each other, their bodies pressed tightly together. He blinked, but the couple didn't move, so stiffly, he eased back into the office and shut the door.
Lucas lifted his head and stared down at Brianna. She stared back at him. His arms dropped away, as did hers, and they both took a step backwards.
"Well, hell," Lucas said, frowning disgustedly at her. "I hate to tell you this, but that was like kissing my sister."
She blinked once and then bit her lip. Then, she started to giggle so hard he had to pull her back into his arms to keep her from falling over. "By the Saints," she managed. "I don't think I've ever felt anything quite so ... un-lover like before."
Lifting a pale brow, Lucas wondered if she'd just insulted his masculinity. Then, his sense of the ridiculous took over. It was obvious they weren't meant to be anything, but friends. Shaking his head, he chuckled. "First, Kira chooses Gallegar, and now you kiss me like a kid sister might. I'm gonna get a complex."
"Nay," she said, with another quick laugh. "Wait till you're as old as I am and you've seen all your family and friends marry themselves off. Don't you Yanks have an expression ... always a bridesmaid ... never a bride?" She pouted prettily. "Aye, well ... I'm the poster child for that one."
He snickered and hugged her, feeling a camaraderie he'd not experienced before, even with Kira. "It's good we know, though."
"Aye," she answered, hugging him back. "I need a friend like you, Lucas. If you'll have me?"
Lucas dropped a friendly kiss on her nose. "Damn straight I will. Who else will go to the games with me if you won't?"
On the other side of the door, fury rolled through Danolas, fueled by dark jealousy and pain at the thought of Brianna kissing anyone, but him. It didn't make sense, he didn't have the right, but that made no difference to the emotions churning in him now. He leaned back against the door and struggled not to race back out and tear the two of them apart.
He'd fought the attraction, fought wanting to get close to her. Even passed her training on to others because he wasn't sure he could trust himself to be around her. The fact she'd blown off the teaching infuriated him, but he found it hard to reprimand her without choking on his own hypocrisy. But he knew he couldn't be around her. The desire he felt for her was impossible. They were too different, too much the opposite of each other. And he was her High Priest now. She was under his protection and he refused to take advantage of her. As Benjamin said about his own love life ... Don't let your little head make decisions for your big head.
Danolas closed his eyes. Crudely put, but truth, and he was determined to follow it. But it sure didn't help when his "little head" was talking so loudly about everything. Brianna was fun and filled with life, and the few times he allowed himself to talk to her, he enjoyed it. He didn't even care she was unattractive; he just wanted to get closer to her.
And he was jealous of the time she spent with the other Chosen. He wanted to be the one to take her out and show her the town. To watch her laugh at the sea lions and hold her close on some smoky dance floor. He wanted it so badly, he could barely control himself sometimes when he saw her. That, in itself, frightened him and made it easier to back away. Danolas refused to get involved with anyone who could make him lose control. Especially, if all it was about, was sex. He was the High Priest. Losing control was not an option.
But everyday she was around, that control slipped a little more, and seeing her tonight pulled on the already short leash of his temper. Anger at the memory of her holding Lucas close, shot through him again and he gave an unpriestly-like snarl. Just how far had she and the wolfman gone? Did she always end one of her dates with the Chosen this way? Would she take Lucas upstairs to her bed?
That thought strained the last thread of control he had. Whirling around, he pushed the door open, his sapphire eyes shining in rage. He blinked once when he saw Brianna standing alone by the elevator, a bemused look on her face. She kicked off her sandals and then traced her fingers over her lips. His anger flared again at the intimate reminder.
"Finished?" he growled.
Brianna turned and saw him, her face lighting up in a smile. His being here was a welcome surprise. She'd missed him earlier when she'd stopped by The Keep. "Danolas. Sure, and it's good to see you."
"Is it?" he answered in a nasty tone. "Isn't one man enough for you?"
She started to laugh and then saw the look on his face as he walked closer. It was lit with a fury she didn't understand. Instinctively, she took a step backwards. Then the words he said to her filtered through her brain and she shook her head in confusion. "What? I don't understand you."
He came closer, towering over her diminutive form. "I just wondered if you were expecting me to be dessert. Or do you have another assignation waiting, and after Lucas, I'd be the main course?"
Her body reacted before her brain finished understanding the insulting words. Her hand arced out and slapped him, sending him reeling back several steps. But before anger could take her, hurt coated her heart and soul with ice. She closed her eyes, not seeing him wipe the blood from his mouth caused by her blow. She felt physically sick, numb and paralyzed. Even breathing took effort. The pain was huge, so deep and unexpectedly crippling, it shocked her.
He thought that of her? That she would do such a thing? What had she ever done to make him think she was a scrubber ... a female with such low morals she would jump from bed to bed? And with men she called her friends? She wondered suddenly, if the others thought that way too. Had they taken her lonely attempts to make friends as something more? Embarrassment painted her face pink at the thought and making a muted sound, she tried to turn away.
He grabbed her arm. "You aren't going anywhere," he snarled. "I'm not done with---"
Using some hidden reserve of inner strength, Brianna jerked away from him. Her eyes finally lifted and her gaze met his. "How could you?" she whispered. "How could you think such a thing of me?"
Danolas drew in his breath. He forgot his anger, forgot the slap she'd given him. All he could see was the shattered look in her eyes. She was so pale, so still. Fragile in a way he'd never expected from her. She gave him such a look of naked pain, he reached for her, but she shied away from him, bumping back against the doors of the elevator.
"Don't," she breathed out, her voice a desperate murmur. "Please ... let me go."
It was worse than if she'd raged at him. Temper he could handle, but the intense pain he saw on her face showed him a side of her he never expected. In that second, he realized just how badly he'd misjudged her. The realization struck him like a blow to the chest and his eyes burned with an emotion he refused to name. He'd been wrong because he'd been jealous and he'd hurt her. Unable to do anything else, he ignored her feeble attempts to wriggle away and pulled her into his arms instead.
"Please, leannan," he muttered. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
He felt even worse when tears dampened his shirt. Brianna was so strong and so damn proud; he knew what it cost her to let him see them. "Forgive me. I was wrong. I..." He paused, not wanting to tell her the truth. "I shouldn't have said that. It was vile, and I know untrue."
"Why, then," she asked, sniffing back tears. "Why would you say it?"
He struggled for several long moments, before giving in. "I walked in when you and Lucas were kissing. I ... I didn't like it."
She lifted her head from his chest. "What?"
Grinding his teeth in embarrassment, he took a deep breath. "I was jealous, all right? I can't stop thinking about you ... about the kiss we shared. I heard you come in and when I walked out you were kissing him!"
Brianna's eyes widened. "But ... you don't even want to be around me. I've asked you to come with me to do things, and you always say no. You don't like me, that's easy to see."
"I do like you," Danolas insisted. "I've stopped by other times to see you and you're always gone. Tonight, I gave myself excuses to stay, hoping to spend time with you, but..."
"But you saw me and Lucas mashing lips."
His mouth quirked up at the terminology. "Yes." He bent and kissed the top of her head without thinking, enjoying the sweet scent of the perfume she wore. It reminded him of the fresh sea breezes off the coast of Galway. "It bothers me in a way I don't understand. I have no claim on you, Brianna. We are too different, too opposite in our thinking and actions to think we can make something of this ... attraction, but I'm tired of pretending it isn't there."
She wondered if he knew his apology was almost as painful as his insult. Admitting his need for her, yet in the same breath, saying it was nothing important. Wanting her, but not liking the woman she was. He wanted someone different. She sighed, knowing he'd become important to her whether she liked it or not. If he didn't matter, he couldn't have hurt her as he did. But he did ... a great deal, and she wasn't going to pretend any longer, either.
"You matter to me, Danolas," she said quietly. "I've wished it was you squiring me around town."
His arms tightened around her. "I wished the same. You spent all your time with the others. I was jealous of that, too."
"You know," she murmured, instinctively moving closer to him. "They say opposites attract. Who says something might not come of this?"
He stiffened slightly and her spirits sank. Would he give her nothing? Her eyes filled when he spoke, each word battering an already tender heart.
"I will not lead you on, leannan. I care about you and I would like to know you better, but you are not a woman I can have a future with. I know what I need, and you see ... I want very much to find what Kira and Gallegar have."
She swallowed back tears. "But not with me."
"Forgive me." Danolas tried to ease away from her. "In trying to be honest, I've hurt you more. It wasn't my intention."
Brianna shook her head and held on to him. Her heart ached, but she refused to let him go. "I know. I don't blame you." She took a deep breath and offered a piece of her heart to him. "But ... no one said this has to be forever." Lifting her eyes, she met his azure gaze. "We know what this is. We want each other. We even care about each other. Can't that be enough?"
It should have been perfect. She was pressed against him, that soft warm body already making his hum with desire. She was offering herself to him. No strings attached. An adult relationship, between two people, who knew exactly what they were doing.
So why did it feel so wrong?
"Brianna," he managed, as he held her even closer. "I don't want to hurt you."
She offered him a little smile. "And who says I won't hurt you?"
He couldn't help himself. Her lips were so close, that lopsided pout so inviting. Bending, he grazed his mouth across hers. Once, twice, three times. Then, he heard her moan.
And his control disappeared.
His mouth crushed down on hers, as he pushed her back, hard, against the closed elevator doors. His mouth moved over hers deeply, greedily, starved for the very taste of her. She tasted like he remembered; a mixture of spicy and sweet, and he dimly recognized the smoky flavor of caramel as his tongue dipped between her lips to take the kiss deeper. He couldn't get enough, his mouth devouring her as they stood heartbeat to heartbeat.
Danolas felt, rather than heard her moan this time. The sound reverberated through him and his whole body hardened in a glorious rush. His mouth continued to taste her as his hands grabbed her light jacket and peeled it off. The T-shirt followed and he groaned when he discovered she was naked underneath. Breaking off the kiss, he reared back and stared down at her. She was small, but perfectly shaped, with inviting pink nipples that were already pointed and hard with desire.
"Beautiful," he muttered, as he filled his hands with the soft mounds. "I knew you'd be beautiful under all those ugly clothes."
She tried to pull his head back to hers, but he ignored her. Instead, he lifted her off her feet and clamped his hungry mouth to her breast.
Glorious! The shock that snapped through her was an electric sizzle that stunned her, ripping through her blood and flesh with such power she screamed. Her heartbeat went into overdrive as Danolas sucked hard, bringing all the sensation in her body shooting right into her breasts and then lower, sending a burning heat between her legs. She let her head fall back, enjoying each nip of his teeth, the feel of his strong chin, the slide of his tongue as it teased her nipple into full arousal.
His hands slipped around and caressed her back, sending even more shivers down her spine. He traded one breast for the other, and Brianna moaned loudly, threading her fingers through his long hair to pull him even closer. He laved at her, sending the heat inside her flaring higher and higher. Whimpering was all she could do as she felt her insides liquefy.
Needing to touch him as well, she pushed him away, pulling his white tunic over his head. Under it, she was surprised to discover a warrior's tanned body, with the muscles, strength and scars of someone who'd been in battle. She ran her hands up his smooth chest and grabbed him by the hair once again, dragging his mouth back to hers. The heat of flesh against flesh chased through her like a firestorm.
Danolas battled needs he never even knew he had. When she touched him, his body ignited in a blaze of lust and desire. As her naked breasts teased his hard chest, his mind went utterly blank. Cursing under his breath, he tore at her ragged jeans, working them over her slim hips and slender legs. Cherry colored lace panties came next, and the feel of silk on her soft skin nearly sent him over the edge.
When finally, she was naked in his arms, he roughly spread her legs apart. His fingers found her and plunged deep inside. She screamed again and the scent of her passion surrounded them as she bucked against him. His hand was drenched with the evidence of her need and he had to clamp down hard on his own desire so he wouldn't explode then and there.
He teased her, hard and fast, feeling her tighten around him. His blood sang with the agony of waiting. No hunger had ever been like this ... so edgy and keen. She was destroying him, bit by bit and he knew if he didn't have her soon, he would die from waiting. He wanted to be inside her, feeling her clench around him as she gave in to the feeling. He kissed her harder, his breath panting in her mouth as he sensed her getting closer to the edge.
Somehow, he held on, and a few moments later, she jerked her lips from his and screamed out his name. He felt the climax, the delicate muscles clenching around his hand ... felt the convulsive shuddering of her body as she gave into the powerful pleasure he'd given her. He watched, his eyes blazing blue sapphire as her face showed her shock and delight. It was that look that sent him over the edge, and with an oath, he ripped his own pants open and removing his fingers, drove himself deep inside her still quivering body.
She cried out again and wrapped her legs around him, pulling him even deeper. He groaned at the feeling of her, knowing instantly, it had never been so good with anyone else before. But then, she moved against him, and he stopped all thinking. Toeing off his own shoes, he used one hand to push his cotton slacks and underwear to the floor. Stepping out of them, he held her tightly, and turned, walking over to the rug in front of the fireplace.
Brianna moaned again as they fell to the floor. She felt the rug beneath her, the soft fur tickling her back like a lover's caress. Danolas' mouth was desperate on hers again, and all she could do was hold on tightly. Her blunt nails scrapped down his slick back, then up again until she could slide her hands around his neck. She rubbed her sensitive breasts against him, feeling his growl of passion at her movement.
His fingers dug into her hips as he pulled her legs tighter around him again. She could sense his need; feel his frantic heartbeat as he began to thrust heavily into her, moving with lightning quick motions that themselves told the story of his loss of control. Her breath left her, and her heart almost stopped. In that instant, she was as helpless as he was, abandoned to the emotions filling her.
His.
He moved then, his mouth leaving hers to taste greedily of her breasts, her throat and shoulders, anywhere he could touch as they moved together in that merciless, pounding rhythm. Then he rose up, high above her. His long, moon-pale hair flowed down around them, and the glowing embers in the fireplace reflected on his intent, handsome face. His eyes glowed so brightly sapphire, she could barely look at him. His very beauty, the way he'd touched her, made her heart and body explode in unison and she shattered in his arms. Rainbows of color, intertwined with beautiful blues and violets shot through her, and then into him. The colors picked her up, enveloped her, then fused with her body, making her cry out a second time, the pleasure so great she couldn't take in all she was feeling. Danolas swelled inside her, growing even bigger than before. He groaned out her name, and wrapping his arms around her shaking body, pressed his lips back to hers and with a shudder, joined her in the rainbow world of sensation.
They stayed that way for a long time, clutched together and shuddering. Time was lost to them both. Finally, she felt his grip loosen and he took a deep breath. Rolling, he drew her with him, so they were still joined, and she was sprawled over the top of his chest. She sighed and kissed his flat masculine nipple. "Sure, and that was ... incredible."
He didn't say anything, but his arms tightened around her. His heart still pounded under her cheek, and she had the mad urge to do it all over again. "You know," she said. "I never thought High Priests had a sex drive, until you."
His voice sounded rusty ... unused. "Know that for a fact, do you?"
She could have told him she'd never felt so in tune, so close to a man before as with him, but she didn't see the point. He'd made it clear what this was, so the past had no bearing on anything. So she just shook her head. "Most of them were so much older than me. Couldn't see them rolling around on the floor having wild monkey sex."
His chuckle sounded beneath her ear. "But you could, me?"
Brianna laughed, feeling incredibly content laying there in his arms. "Not until you kissed me that first time. Lord, my brain drained right out my ears. Almost dragged you upstairs, then and there."
He was silent, and she lifted her head up to look at him. His slightly mussed hair and eyes darkened by satisfied passion made her mouth water and she wanted him. Again. Just like that. Experimentally, she moved against him and to her delight, he hardened within her.
"Brianna," he growled hoarsely, as she flowed over the top of him.
"Danolas," she answered, feeling her own body tighten in response to the heat throbbing inside her. "Now ... 'tis my turn.
Later, they slept, still lying naked on the rug in The Loft's main room. Their arms and legs tangled together, their hearts beating in a special rhythm known only to lovers. Far away, on the psychic plain, two power colors joined, blending to create a brand new magick. It slipped into the sleeping lovers, filling them with something special and unique. Then it spread, touching others as it moved through the night. Something extraordinary had happened. Something that would change them all, forever.
He stared down at her sleeping face, ignoring the urge to trace those pouting lips. His body still shook with an aftermath of passion such as he'd never felt before. Brianna was as honest in her lovemaking as she was in her speech ... and as uninhibited. A flicker of unease shot through him. She'd made him the same way. Taking her against the wall, where anyone could have walked in and seen them.
Danolas thanked the Power the two protectors assigned to Brianna that night were Suprahumans and not shades. The Loft rooms had been soundproofed back when Kira had first moved in, so they hadn't heard anything, and there was no reason for them to come upstairs. He wasn't sure he could have handled knowing they'd been seen. When he'd calmed a bit, he'd put a protection spell around the main room, but even so, he was way past uncomfortable. He shook his head at himself. He'd lost control ... taken her on the floor, not just once, but twice. Wild monkey sex, as she called it, was not his style, and tossing a woman around like he'd done Brianna was definitely something he'd never done before.
He laid back and stared at the ceiling. He wouldn't lie and say it hadn't been the most incredible sex in his life. It had been wonderful. Intense pleasure that even now made him long for her again. But they'd shared more than their bodies, and that's what scared him right down to his toes. He hadn't meant to, but he'd shared his inner self with her, allowed her into a place no one had ever been before. Kira had come close, when they'd joined. She'd seen the rainbow colors of vision and light that permeated his soul, that made up who and what he was, but even she had been barred from that innermost sanctum. But not Brianna. She'd slipped inside him with barely any effort at all. They'd made something special between them. And when it was over, and she'd left that part of him, it felt like he wasn't whole any more.
But it wasn't to be and he had to remember that. She wasn't the woman for him. He knew what he was looking for, and no matter how much he enjoyed Brianna, she wasn't it. If she'd been a little less earthy and more elegant. If she cared more about her looks and less about her appetite. If her tongue hadn't been so tart and her temper so quick. Guilt curled in him as he realized how shallow that all sounded, but it was better to be honest ... with her and himself.
Which meant this type of thing couldn't happen again. No matter his body still cried out for hers, or the thought of never tasting her again made his very soul shrivel inside him. It wouldn't be fair to either of them to pretend otherwise. And even though they both understood the meaning of a casual affair, he knew now making love to Brianna would be anything but casual to him.
Carefully, he rose to his feet and tiptoed into the office for his staff. He felt better, more in control with the extra power humming in his hand. Standing over her, he spoke a silent spell and the air around her shimmered and her body faded from sight. He followed her on the psychic plain until she arrived safely in her bed upstairs. Tenderly, he used his magick to pull the comforter over her.
Dressing quickly, he spelled all of Brianna's clothes back upstairs. Then, casting one longing glance up the circular staircase, he strode swiftly to the elevator and left The Loft.
Brianna woke up with some very pleasant aches in her lower body. Remembering what put them there made her smile widely. She turned to reach for the object of her thoughts, but her groping hand met an empty pillow. Opening her eyes, she discovered she was still naked, but lying beneath the cover of her own bed ... alone.
Sitting up, she glanced around the room. "Danolas?"
She cast out her thoughts and felt only emptiness. He was gone. Sighing, she flopped back down on the bed. Damn. She'd been hoping for another round. Her new lover was as virile as he was handsome, and the connection they'd discovered only made her long for more. She hugged herself in delight. By the Goddess, he was everything she'd expected him to be. Loving and generous, and his obvious need of her was a turn on all by itself. Her quim dampened and she shivered. She wondered if it would be too much to pop in over at The Keep and ask for a private consultation.
The idea made her giggle out loud, and she stretched like a satisfied cat, feeling every one of those new aches in muscles not used to such activity. If Danolas knew how long it had been, he wouldn't have made those rude comments about her sex life. She thought back. The last lover she'd had was ... that Italian tourist. His dark eyes and liquid tongue had made her shiver and the two weeks he'd spent in Galway had been wonderful. But that had been---my goodness---over a year ago? She laughed again. So much for her reputation as a bed hopper!
Crawling out of bed, she was surprised her legs were so rubbery. Making her way to the shower, she grinned. Brianna couldn't wait to tell Danolas about what had happened between her and Lucas. Then they could both have a good laugh over his unnecessary jealousy. And then ... maybe they'd even make it upstairs to the bed this time.
She arrived at The Keep in the back of the limo, the two Suprahuman protectors by her side. Robbie---who was a true chameleon in that his power was to shift into anything at all---kept her guessing as he'd morph into something in the vehicle and she'd have to decide where he'd hidden himself. Bart, who was more brawn than brains, but a man you could count on to get things done, watched with a simple smile on his face. Brianna was in such a good humor, she made the protectors smile as well, so when she finally walked into the room, they were all laughing.
"Well, Irish." Lucas grinned at her and handed her a beer. "Looks like you're in a great mood."
"I am," she declared. "And I'll be even better when I have some of Louie's great food."
"You guys should get married," Patrick teased. "You both think with your stomach."
There was a long silence and everyone tensed, then Lucas and Brianna burst out laughing. Her eyes danced as she kissed the werewolf soundly on the lips. "Aye, that we will. We'll send you an invitation."
Moving to the table, she went straight to the man who'd held her thoughts for most of the day. Danolas sat coolly at the head of the table, his hair pulled back in two braids to tumble down over an elegant white robe covered in Celtic protection symbols. Bending, she touched her lips to his. "Hi, there," she said throatily.
She stiffened when he jerked away, refusing to meet her eyes. "Good evening, Brianna. It's good to see you again."
Brianna stared at him, confusion clouding her eyes. "You just saw me a few hours ago."
He still wouldn't look at her. "I believe Louie is ready to serve, if you'll be seated."
She slowly sat down, her gaze not leaving his face. "Is there something wrong?"
His smile looked forced and he'd yet to meet her eyes. "Of course not."
"But---"
Louie's arrival cut off Brianna's words, and there was an uncomfortable silence as the chef and his minions filled the plates with food. A quick Bon Appétit and they were gone.
Brianna stared at the delicious food before her, her appetite suddenly non-existent. Her stomach knotted. He was mad at her. What had she done this time? She wracked her brain, but couldn't come up with anything she'd done in the last six hours since they'd been rolling around on the floor together. Then her heart stopped. Was that why he was acting this way? Was he embarrassed he'd been with her?
Her head snapped up and she looked hard at him. "Tell me what's wrong."
Danolas took a deep breath. He should have known she wouldn't make this easy. He met her eyes with difficulty, not wanting to see what would be hidden there. "Nothing is wrong, Brianna. We will talk about it later."
Her eyes flashed a curious purple-blue. "Oh ... so I'm something to be swept under the rug, am I?"
The other Chosen stopped eating, their silverware halfway to their lips. He tried a smile, but it came out more like a grimace. "I said, we'll talk later."
"You think so?" Her voice was deceptively quiet. "I'm a thinkin' you don't want your friends to know what you and I did."
His stomach clenched at the fury and pain in her words. "Not now, Brianna."
"Oh ... I think now is the perfect time." She slammed her beer on the table so hard the bottle shattered. "You bloody bastard. I'm fine for a fuck if you can keep it quiet, but I'm too embarrassing to be seen with, is that the way of it?"
Patrick dropped his fork and Lucas choked on his steak. The others just sat, frozen.
"Brianna!" Despite himself, his voice rose at her words. "This is between you and I!"
"Is it, now?" She shot to her feet and put her hands on her hips. "You think I'd have made love to you if I'd have known you wouldn't even admit it to your dearest friends? I know you said I wasn't the woman for you, but I didn't think you'd be ashamed of me."
"Damn it!" he shouted. He stood, towering over her. "I'm not ashamed of you. I just don't think we have to tell everybody that we..." His voice trailed off as his face went red.
Her mouth tightened. "That we had wild crazy sex on the floor of The Loft where everyone and God could've seen us?"
"Jesus..." Benjamin reached for the whiskey.
"Enough!" Danolas grabbed her arm. "Unlike you, I don't feel the need to share my personal life with everyone. Have a little self respect."
Tears welled in her eyes. "I have plenty of respect for myself, but I'm fast losing any I might have for you. Are you saying you wanted to keep our affair secret? Even from our friends?"
"There is no affair!" he roared, losing his temper once again. He tried to count to ten but was unsuccessful. All he could see were Brianna's hurt filled eyes and the condemning faces of his brothers. Ignoring them, he looked straight at Brianna. "As I said ... we should talk about this later."
"I don't think so." She tossed her head and stared at him. "I want you to tell me now. What exactly happened last night?"
"A mistake," he bit out before he thought.
Brianna wondered if they could all hear her heart break. "A mistake," she repeated dully. "Our making love was a mistake."
"Danolas---"
"No." Her single word interrupted Patrick's cautioning voice. "I want to hear this." She looked at Danolas. "Tell me why it was a mistake."
The blonde witch cursed under his breath and dropped her arm as if it was too hot to touch. "I told you, Brianna. We are too different. I would have never touched any other woman the way I touched you last night. It's not in me."
Hurt was fast being drowned out by anger. "Oh ... and how did you touch me?"
It was obvious now Danolas had forgotten his brothers. All his attention was on Brianna. "You made me act like an animal. I took you so hard and fast I couldn't even think. You made me lose control. I've never done that before. Damn it, I could hate you for that alone."
"Could ya now?"
"Yes, damn it!" he shouted as he pulled her to him. "I wanted you. I still want you, but I'm a man, not a beast. I don't have to give in to those primitive urges."
"So ... what we did was too primitive for you?"
He shook her, and her hair tumbled down out of its sloppy knot to fall around her shoulders. "Everything about you is wrong for me. I was going to tell you tonight, alone, so I wouldn't embarrass you. But you had to tell everyone and embarrass us both."
"You think I'm embarrassed?" Brianna's fury exploded and she knocked Danolas back with a slap of muddy anger. "You bloody fool! You bleedin' ass. I'm not embarrassed. I was proud. Proud that a man like you could let go and want me enough to just feel for a change." She tossed him a look of pure disgust. "You're so cold, so perfect you don't want anyone to touch you." She poked him in the chest. "Well, I did! I touched you, you stupid buffoon! And made you a better man for it!"
"How dare you!"
"How dare I?" she shrieked. "I dare because it's the truth. I made you feel ... really feel for the first time and that scares hell out of you." In a sudden fury, she picked up her plate and tossed it at him. He ducked just in time and the plate shattered against the far wall. "But if you think I'm going to stand here and have you try and tell me ... and yourself it meant nothing ... you can go ... fuck yourself! Me? I've got better things to do!"
Turning, she stomped towards the door. When Lucas rose to follow, she turned on him with a snarl. "And nobody better come after me! I've had enough! The last thing I want to do is spend time with anyone who has a cock between their legs!" Her long hair flying, she went out, slamming the door behind her.
Lucas eased back into his seat, whistling as Jorad tiptoed over to the wall and began to pick up the pieces of the broken plate.
Patrick looked hard at Danolas. "I'm going to send Jon and Buck after her. She won't see them, and will think she's still alone.
Danolas sat down, his stomach churning. He wanted to crawl away, back to his bedroom, but he was afraid he'd leave a trail of slime behind him. "Fine," he managed. "We need to make sure she's okay."
"Okay, I doubt, but I can at least manage safe." Patrick popped out without another word.
"You want to tell us what the hell you're doing?"
Lucas' accusing voice made the witch flinch, but he met his brother's angry silver eyes. "I think you know exactly what I'm doing."
"No," answered Koran evenly, his face hard as he looked at Danolas. "I do not think we do. It may not be like you to have sex with a woman in a place where you could be easily walked in on, but it is even less like you to deliberately injure a woman you so obviously care about."
"If that's caring," Lucas growled, "please ... don't care about me."
"I didn't hurt her deliberately," Danolas shot back. "I wanted to talk to her alone, to break it gently. She's the one who made a production of it."
Patrick reappeared. "They're with her. She didn't even take the car. She's walking."
"Back to The Loft?" Benjamin asked.
The shade shook his head. "No, into the upper city. Looks like she's headed to the wharf."
Lucas pulled the conversation around back to Danolas. "You think it would have hurt her less to tell her privately she was a one night stand? And a mistake at that? You can't be that stupid."
Spoken that way, Danolas felt even worse. "I didn't mean to say that. Damn it, I care about her and I knew if we kept going on she might get hurt so---"
"So you dumped her and hurt her now to make it easier?" Benjamin shook his head. "I don't care if you're a shade, a wolf or a witch ... that's lame."
"I'm her High Priest. I have to be careful!"
"Danolas." Koran's deep voice made him look at the faerie. "Brianna is right. You are making excuses for how you are feeling and that is the sign of a coward ... not the man I know you to be. If you feel something for this witch, do not pretend otherwise. That cheapens her, as well as yourself. If you do not wish to be with her, tell her truthfully, but tell her the truth as to why."
"I did," Danolas muttered hoarsely, his heart aching. "I tried to tell her the truth."
"My brother," the faerie continued. "How can you tell her? You do not know the truth yourself."
"Stuck up, arrogant pig of a man. I was right in cursing him before. Hide me away like a dirty secret, will ye? Not in this lifetime." Brianna snarled and cursed as she tramped down the darkened street toward the lighted tourist area at the bottom of the hill. She'd been walking for over an hour but her anger hadn't lessened. Instead, it just grew the more she thought about how she'd given Danolas part of her heart and he'd tossed it to the ground and stomped on it.
"Bastard, Amadán ... idiot!" She skirted a crowd listening to a man strumming on a long boxlike instrument. The sweet melodic sounds followed her as she continued down the street, shivering. She'd been too angry to grab a coat, so now she was paying for it. Glancing around surreptitiously, she muttered a quiet spell and a pale orchid color appeared. It covered her like a glove, then faded, but she felt immediately warmer. Fall in the city could be cool.
She stuffed her hands in her pockets and cursed again. She should have known. Danolas had been too quiet, too moody afterwards. Probably regretting already. But---she fired up again---it hadn't stopped him from making love to her a second time. And that one was just as hard, fast, and satisfying as the first. She kicked at a stone and felt a twinge of hurt stab through the fury in her soul.
Looking both ways, she crossed the busy street and headed toward the pier. The city was closing her in. She wanted to be back in Ireland, walking on the beach and playing with Dunny, the moat monster. She wanted to poke fun at all the tourists whispering about haunted castles, and she wanted to lift a mug of the real Black Stuff in the local pub. She'd been in America a month, and it wasn't any safer. She'd been in a car accident, set up to be attacked by an evil spirit, and now she was in the biggest danger of all.
She was in danger of losing her heart.
Her lower lip stuck out. It wouldn't be so bad if the man was worthy of holding it, but he was such a git ... such a bloody gobshite he couldn't even admit to the truth if it came and bit him on the arse. Shaking back her hair, she sniffed. First thing tomorrow, she'd scry-call Aebh, and tell her she wanted to come home. She would go back to Ireland and put all this foolishness behind her. Stop pretending to be something she wasn't. She missed her true self. The one she'd been before she came to America ... and Danolas. There was nothing for her here, and she sure as hell didn't want to be around Himself any more. Not now ... not knowing what he really thought about her.
Brianna ducked under a ramp and walked down to the dark water of the bay. She could see the sea lions lying in a pile under the pier and their soft barks soothed her as if she were listening to the sounds of the mermaids crying amid the rocks in the ocean back home.
She crouched down and stared out at the twinkling lights of Alcatraz Island. A horrible place to be sure, filled with haunts and sad souls who'd died there. She'd refused to set foot on the island when Benjamin took her to visit. She'd felt the agony and evil standing on the boat. Brianna wiped her face, surprised to see wetness on her cheeks.
"Damn me," she muttered. "He's got me crying over him." Huddling in a ball, she fought back the tears. It was worse because she'd begun to feel at home here ... welcomed by them all. And when Danolas had finally let down his guard, she'd opened her hungry heart to him, needing him in a way she still didn't understand. For a brief moment, she'd thought maybe they could make something of their feelings, even though he was resistant. She'd seen something; felt some connection when they'd loved, that was above and beyond simple sex.
She sniffed loudly and smiled as a baby seal poked its head up above the pier and stared at her with big dark eyes. "I thought I felt something special," she told the pup as it wriggled up onto the top of the dock and inched its way closer to have a look at her. "I was either wrong, or the stupid fool won't let himself admit it, and so I was wrong about him. Either way ... I'm an idiot too!"
Tossing the pup a piece of stale bread she'd found in her pocket, she watched him munch happily. Tears burned in her throat when she pictured him telling everyone their lovemaking was a mistake. "Bastard," she said again, this time without heat. She put her chin on her knees and let the tears flow.
The seal pup moved closer, its sweet face watching hers with an almost human expression. She tossed it another chunk of sourdough as she thought of how it felt to be in Danolas' arms. Not just during the lovemaking, although that had been wonderful, but afterwards, when their hearts were still pounding together in reaction. He'd pulled her close, holding her so tightly, she'd been sure he was feeling the same powerful feelings she was.
She'd been wrong.
"Tell me," she said to the baby sea lion. "What do you do with a man who loves you like a sweetheart one minute, then treats you like an embarrassment the second?" She shook her head again. "Answer? Nothing. You just stay as far away as you can from him. And to do that, I'll have to go home."
There was a sound behind her and heart racing; she looked quickly over her shoulder. She laughed when she saw it was only the sound of a couple of sea lions joining her on the dock. Unafraid, Brianna turned back to her new friend. "You have a whole family here, don't you, little one. You're a lucky pup. I'm all alone. Aebh is the closest thing to family I have and even she thinks I can be given away as easy as an unruly mare. 'Tisn't fair. And when I get back home, I'm going to tell her so."
The pup looked up at her and smiled. Brianna frowned when she saw teeth pointed and sharp as a razor. For some reason, that didn't seem right. Then it barked, but the sound was more like a laugh. It sent chills down her spine. She scooted back and stared at the animal. Without warning, just over its shoulder, the image of the banshee shimmered to life. The scarlet eyes were wide and full of fear and the wailing commenced, loud and agonizing in Brianna's ears. The witch swore aloud and glared at the spirit.
"You're a little late, you are!"
The seal pup barked again, and its liquid brown eyes closed. When they opened again, they were a bright ruby red. It slithered closer, and the scent of corruption flowed over her. It was the smell of death, and filth, of dark places that held no hope.
Fear shot through Brianna, and she tried to scramble to her feet, but her legs were weak, and her life force was dimmed from the bout of weeping. She gazed at the creature and whispered the only thing she could think of.
"Why? Why are you trying to kill me?"
Malice transformed the innocent face of the pup into something dark and ugly. Not a seal anymore, but the fierce face of one of Ireland's blackest creatures ... a kelpie. It flashed an evil smile and answered her simply in a voice that sounded wet and putrid.
"We must."
It reached for her then, and she screamed. By the time she'd gotten to her knees, it was on her, ripping into her arm with stained, sharp teeth. Brianna screamed again, this time in pain and sent a flare of power against the creature, knocking it backwards. Before it could come at her, she was jerked to her feet, and looking around, she saw the two Ethereal protectors, Jon and Buck.
"Y'all okay?" asked Jon, pulling her behind him.
"What is it?" Buck queried at the same time.
"I'm fine and it's a beastie," she responded quickly. The kelpie attacked again, but Buck backhanded it and sent it back into the water.
"We've got to get outta here," Jon said. "Now!"
The banshee wailed even louder and pointed behind them.
Brianna turned and stopped dead as she saw the two sea lions had been joined by a dozen more. All were grinning, and their eyes glowed like scarlet pits in the black of their faces. They barked and sprang at the three of them. Brianna was forced behind the two men as they were attacked.
"I'm not helpless," she snarled, as she sent a beam of power at the nearest kelpie. It screamed. A high keening sound that made her shiver, but before she could do anything more, she was snatched high in the air from behind. Her breath was pushed out of her in one strong woosh as she saw what held her. "Christ Jesus," she whispered, as it began to squeeze the life from her body. "They sent a bloody Kraken after me."
Instinctively, she sent out a cry for help. Using her mind in a way she'd never done, she held onto consciousness long enough to scream out a single name.
"Danolas!"
The scream was so loud in his head; Danolas gave a shout in response. His power flared to life as he sprang from his chair. "Brianna!" He grabbed his staff and looked around wildly. He could feel her terror. Taste her desperation. Fear enveloped him. What was wrong? Where was she?
The other Chosen were also on their feet.
"She's in trouble," Lucas growled. He turned to Patrick. "Your men---"
"I'm already there," the shade answered and disappeared without a sound.
"We heard her. How?" Benjamin strode over to where Danolas stood. "She can't mind-speak. What's going on? Where is she?"
"I don't know," Danolas snapped back. "But she's in trouble and she needs me."
"She needs us all." Koran moved away from the table as well. "We must go ... now."
Danolas nodded, his mind already working it out. "It will take strength, but we have no choice." He extended his staff. "Hold on to this."
"No, brother," Koran disagreed. He took Lucas by the arm. "Whatever she is facing is stronger than her, which means it is very dangerous. We will need your full strength. You take Benjamin. I will take Lucas."
The witch hesitated only for a second. The prince was right. He would need his strength and transporting them all would take too much out of him. "Do you know where she is?"
Koran shook his head. "No. The cry was not that strong to me. I will follow your magick on the psychic plain."
Nodding, Danolas held his staff out to Benjamin, who frowned and grabbed onto it, trusting the witch with whatever was going to happen. Danolas spoke a string of words that made the air around them come alive. Light, air and sound had no more meaning. Suddenly, they were lifted up and tossed into a whirlwind of cool breezes. The witch heard the Suprahuman give a shout of alarm, but the big man didn't let go of the staff.
Focusing on the cry he'd heard and would never forget, Danolas transported them through the air, hidden from human eyes. Seconds later they landed, just outside of Fisherman's Wharf. Tourists cried out when the four men came into view, but the Chosen ignored them.
"This way." Danolas followed Brianna's aura with his mind, his heart pounding in fear. They raced down a narrow alley, leaping over a pile of ropes to the dock below.
"I know where we're going," Benjamin shouted. "We fed the sea lions down here." Danolas allowed the Suprahuman to take the lead and the others followed him, running down the narrow and slippery dock to the underbelly of Fisherman's Wharf. When they came around the corner, the men all skidded to a halt.
Jon, Buck and Patrick were all grappling with a dozen or so dirty smelling seal-like creatures. The monsters used teeth and sharp nailed flippers to rip and tear at the shades, but the men kept confounding them by disappearing and reappearing. A couple of the beasts were already dead, lying in pools of blood on the dock.
But above them, undulating slowly like some obscene nightmare, was a creature they'd heard about only in legend. Skin the color of mottled sea sponges, with scales the size of a large man and the head bigger than a cable car, the Kraken was a terrifying sight, even to these men who'd battled demons from Hell. Its long pointed snout gazed nearsightedly their way and it hissed at them, showing a multitude of sharp narrow teeth. It rose out of the blackness of the water, its long body coiling madly in motions that made your stomach turn to watch.
Danolas cried out in fury when he saw Brianna's limp form hanging from one of the coils. Her face was deathly pale, and her long brown hair flowed over the sea monster's flesh like seaweed in the current. Her whole body was enveloped in the fierce grasp of the creature and she was so still, he thought---his heart plummeting to the ground---she might already be dead.
Shouting a battle cry from the warrior witches of the past, Danolas thrust his staff at the beast, sending out a bright sapphire stream of deadly magick. It hit the Kraken in the face making it screech and undulate wildly. Terrified, it would slip under the sea and Brianna would be lost forever, he sent a second bolt of power, this time right beneath the chin where the vulnerable soft flesh was exposed.
The Kraken screamed horribly and writhed over the dock. Poisonous blood poured from the wound in its neck, sending shades and kelpies both, scattering. Its coils opened and Brianna slipped from its grasp to plummet to the pier below.
"No!" Danolas shouted. He dropped his staff and leapt forward to catch her. His body cushioned hers as they both went down on the slippery wharf.
Benjamin's hyperspeed was the only thing that saved them both from further injury. He was there, crouching over them when the Kraken's body fell. Using his power of extra strength, the Suprahuman caught the sea monster, pushing it back with a grunt and sending it splashing into the sea. Around them, the kelpies screamed in anger and the attack began anew.
Danolas rolled so his body protected Brianna's still form. While Benjamin battled away a host of the smaller monsters, Danolas sent a burst of power out and snatched his staff from where it had fallen. He heard Lucas howl and shuddered. The werewolf had shifted to his half-animal state and was ripping into the kelpies as if they were made of paper. Koran and the shades were all fighting as well, swathes of different magicks shooting across the deck.
Not believing the Kraken was defeated so easily, Danolas kept his staff at the ready. But right now, he was more concerned about the woman he held in his arms. She was cool to the touch, and so still, his heart skipped a beat. He kept telling himself she was an immortal. She wouldn't die so easily, but a closer look at her shoulder made his stomach clench in grief and fear.
She'd been bitten. Smaller bites on the arm, were made by the kelpies, but the really frightening one was a great gashing wound that could only have been made by the Kraken's poisonous teeth. Blood obscured the daily T-shirt motto that announced, If ignorance is bliss, you must be in heaven, trailing down her side to wet his own white robe.
Putting his hand on her soft breast, he willed himself into her body as he'd done with Kira so long ago.
Swiftly, he traced the poison to where it threatened not only her heart, but her very life force. His eyes whirled in with a sapphire rainbow as he sent spells against the miasma, uncaring of all that was going on around him. He didn't see the kelpie bear down on him, its mouth gaping wide, nor did he notice Lucas snatch it out of mid-air and tear the head from the body. All his attention focused on Brianna. He closed his eyes and powered all his healing magick into her, uncaring of what it might do to him. He had to save her ... it was the only thing on his mind.
His own body shook from the force of the powers he was using. His face paled, his blue eyes dimmed, but he refused to give up. He fought the poison as if he was fighting the devil himself. The Kraken's bite was one of the few things that could kill an immortal, but he wouldn't let it happen. Not to her.... not to Brianna. His own life force weakened as he took from his own strength and infused her with it.
"Danolas!" Koran's voice snapped him back to reality. "You must stop. You are losing your very essence."
Looking up, he saw the worried face of his brother. He frowned, and examined his own hands. They were almost translucent in coloring. He took a shaky breath. "I thank you. I was so intent on the healing, I didn't see I was fading away." He touched Brianna's still face. "I can't let her die." Stark azure eyes stared up at the prince. "She is too important to me."
Koran put his hand on the witch's shoulder. "I know. We all know." He slipped inside Brianna's psyche and quickly checked her life force. "She is healing," the faerie murmured after a long few moments. "You have succeeded."
Emotion rolled through Danolas as he pulled her close to him. He had been in time.
Suddenly, there was a screaming roar of water behind him. The Kraken uncoiled, its fins and scales shining a hideous gray-green in the lights of the pier, its mouth gaping wide open. Danolas reacted, throwing his body over the top of Brianna, at the same time sweeping his staff around to send a shield of protective magick between them and the monster that had risen again from the black of the sea. Danolas heard his brothers shouting, and a moment later spears of power lanced through the sky.
The Kraken screamed ... an almost human sound that reverberated though the night sky. Its eyes glowed with hatred; its teeth glistened as it ignored the powers slicing into its flesh and lunged at the company. Swearing, Danolas dropped the shield and added his own power, its blue light giving strength to his brothers. Still, the serpent kept coming.
They'd braced themselves for attack, when a low glow of violet magick added itself to the others. It changed once it intertwined with the blue light, growing brighter and brighter until its dirty color was of the same intensity as the other magicks, yet shaky as if it didn't have the control needed. The Chosen willed their strength to the new magick and it steadied, taking their help gladly. Together, the magicks drove into the coming beast with strength unlike they'd used before.
The combined powers were, finally, too much for the Kraken. It rolled its body, coiling madly, as it fought the agony consuming it. It screamed and thrashed, sending a wall of seawater crashing over the Chosen. Then, as suddenly as it had arisen, it disappeared, sliding back into the turbulent waters of the bay. Silence blanketed the rocking dock.
It was over.
After several long moments, noise intruded. Danolas could hear the laughter of the tourists on the main pier and was thankful the fight had taken place out of the sight of humans. There was movement behind them. Lucas growled, and pounced. When the witch turned around, he could see kelpies littering the dock, like matchsticks. Lucas had the last one in his hands and was squeezing its throat and growling.
"Wait, Lucas," he said hoarsely. "Keep it alive. We have questions that need to be answered."
The wolfman snarled in the kelpie's face and then dropped it on the dock. He placed his clawed foot on its back and shook the seawater from his wolfish fur. "I hold."
Benjamin knelt down to where Danolas still cradled Brianna in his arms. "Is she..."
"She lives," Koran answered him. "Thanks to the High Priest."
"Thanks to all of us," Danolas added. The witch cupped Brianna's cheek in his hand. It was warmer and tears of relief pricked his eyelids. "Whatever she has or knows, they want her dead very badly."
"What was that thing?" Patrick asked. His clothes were covered in blood and he kept fading away to let the blood drop off him. "It was huge."
"It was a Kraken." Danolas stared out at the sea. "And the smaller ones were kelpies. All very evil and very strong monsters to send after one young witch."
"Dan ... olas?"
His gaze jerked down. Brianna's eyelids flickered, then her blurry gaze met his.
"Leannan ... how do you feel?"
"What ... happened?"
"You are safe, my Lady," Koran answered for him. "We heard your cry and came."
Her eyes widened. "Kelpies! Be careful." She struggled weakly. "A monster ... in the sea."
"Be easy, Brianna," Danolas soothed. "We are safe.
"Is it dead this time?" Lucas asked gutturally. He was slowly changing back to his human form, but his mouth was still full of long sharp teeth.
"No." Koran answered as the witch pulled Brianna up into his lap. "The Kraken, like us, is an immortal. It is sorely wounded, but I very much doubt it is dead."
"I think we need to get outta here." Benjamin looked around uneasily. "Someone might have heard all the noise."
"Not yet," Danolas said firmly. "We have to question the kelpie. I want to know why it was sent after Brianna."
"It said ... it must kill me," Brianna whispered, shivering in reaction now that it was all over. She snuggled closer to Danolas' warmth, knowing somehow, in his arms, she would be safe. "I asked it."
"You asked---" Koran stopped himself. "Wait. Let me put a shield up to hide us from human eyes. Then we can talk." He suited action to words and a wall appeared behind them with a sign that said Dangerous Chemicals. It cut off the damaged dock and corpses from the rest of the pier. "That should keep them away," the prince muttered. He knelt down next to Benjamin. "Now, Brianna ... tell us your story."
She did, not going into the emotions of the evening, but staying with the facts. She told them how she'd walked down to the wharf to clear her head and been attacked by the baby kelpie. About how brave Buck and Jon had tried to protect her when the beasts had surrounded them.
"I asked it why it was trying to kill me," she finished. "It said ... because we must." Brianna shook her head. "I still don't understand."
"Fortunately, this time we have someone who can tell us." Danolas motioned to Lucas. "Bring the creature."
The werewolf dragged the kelpie closer to the gathered Chosen. The beastie gnashed its pointed teeth and struggled furiously, but Lucas was too strong and finally it subsided, growling angrily.
Koran knelt close and stared into the creature's face. "Why are you trying to kill this woman?"
The kelpie narrowed its eyes and hissed. "I tell you nothing! Death to you! Death to all the light bringers!"
"I think you will." Danolas pointed a long finger at the monster and sent a thin beam of magick into its chest. The kelpie yelped and tried to move, but Lucas held it firmly. The blue power enveloped the beast and then suddenly winked out. "Damn!" The witch looked disgusted. "I am too drained." He looked up at Koran. "Brother?"
The faerie prince nodded. "Of course." He sent an amber stream of power at the creature.
Suddenly understanding the weakness she was sensing in him, Brianna turned to Danolas. "What did you do to yourself? I can barely see your aura." She narrowed her eyes and using her own frail magick, she checked him on the psychic plain. Her eyes widened. "You are almost empty! Your life force is dimmed. Danolas---"
"Hush," Danolas stopped her. "You are under my protection and I did what was necessary." His arms tightened. "You were close to death, and I brought you back. Let it go, Brianna."
"But---" she started to argue.
"Please, leannan."
She subsided, blinking back the tears in her eyes. She was experienced enough to know exactly what he'd done. He'd almost lost himself in healing her. It was all there on the psychic plain for anyone to see. He might not want to be with her, but he did care. And, he'd called her sweetheart ... again.
Koran brought her attention back to the matter at hand. "A truth spell," he stated. "Now it will have to answer."
"Horrible faerie! Nasty creature! Hate you! Hate you all!" When Lucas squeezed threateningly, the kelpie subsided into Gaelic curses that had Brianna raising her eyebrows.
"Sure, and it's got a nasty vocabulary," she said shakily. "I'm a hoping none of those curses come to pass."
Patrick floated closer. "We ask again ... Why are you trying to kill Bri?"
The kelpie's teeth bared in a feral smile. "Hate her! Hate her we do!"
Lucas gave it a hard shake. "We've established you hate us. Now answer the damn question!"
Hissing, the beaten creature licked its dark lips. "She is the last. She must die!"
"The last of what?" Koran queried.
There was a long pause as the kelpie fought the truth spell and finally lost. "She is the last of the line. Demon killer! Bitch witch! Hate her! Hate them all!"
Brianna sat up painfully in Danolas' lap. Her ribs ached from the Kraken's grip. "What demon? What are you talking about?"
"Amducious ... Eurynomous ... Death bringer ... Master." The creature sneered at them. "Hate you!"
Danolas' eyes widened. "I know those names. They belong to one demon, a high prince of Hell." He looked at Brianna. "You know of him, too."
She gasped and then coughed as the movement hurt her abused lungs. "Are ye talking about Labraic? That demon?"
The kelpie struggled fiercely. "Worthless witch! Hateful woman! You should not speak his name!"
"Watch your mouth." Benjamin cuffed the kelpie on the side of the head. "Tell us what Labraic has to do with this. He's dead."
"Never dead!" The kelpie grinned evilly. "Not killed."
"No. According to the story, he was sent back to hell." Koran frowned thoughtfully. "But that does not answer the question. "Why Brianna?"
"Stupid, stupid light bringers. You know nothing."
"Tell us about Brianna, damn it!" Lucas shook the creature again.
"She is the last O'Maoilduan," the creature spat out. "She must die!"
Brianna stared at the half-crazed beast. "I hate to tell you this, but I'm not the last of any line. There are more Muldoon's back home than there are potatoes."
"Stupid! Stupid bitch! You not know your own history!" The kelpie struggled again until another blow on the head from Benjamin stilled it, forcing it to go on. "Muldoon in name, O'Maoilduan in powers. You are only one who carries legacy. You are one who has the powers."
"Are you saying out of all the descendants of Cyric O'Maoilduan, Brianna is the only one who is a witch?"
The kelpie nodded and cursed again. "All others are nasty mortals. No good. No worry. Only she dangerous. She must die. She will die!"
Danolas turned to Brianna. "You are the only witch in your family? How can that be?"
She gazed at him. "I don't know. 'Tis just the way of it. Each generation of Muldoon had a single person who carried the power. And none were immortal, so when a child was born with the gift, they would be the only ones to carry it forward. The other witch would die as any mortal would."
"Hateful, ugly Muldoons! Kill them all, we did ... all but her."
That statement made Brianna gasp out loud. "You killed them?" The monster stayed silent, but its face told the story and she bit her lip as she remembered the stories. "None of the witches in my family died of old age. All died in accidents, or were murdered." She wiped her eyes as realization took over. "My Da, he worked for Aebh. He lived the longest, but was drowned in the bay before I was born. That is why Aebh took me in. My own mother was afraid of me, and no other relatives would come forward to claim a witch. Especially, one that turned out to be an immortal."
"Jesus..." Lucas growled
"'Twas just the way it was." Brianna shrugged, barely feeling the twinges of loneliness anymore. "I had Aebh, so I was content."
"But all this still isn't answering the question ... why?" reminded Patrick. "Why is killing Brianna as well as the rest of the Muldoons so important?"
The kelpie snarled, but refused to answer. Koran used his power to tighten truth's hold on it. "Speak evil one ... now!"
A trickle of blood appeared at the corner of the kelpie's mouth. It spat and glared balefully up at the Chosen. "It cannot be found."
"It?" Benjamin's eyebrow raised in question.
"By the Goddess," Danolas breathed out, as understanding shot through him. "He's talking about the Sceptre. The Sceptre of Power."
"It would be a weapon of great strength." Koran's amber eyes glowed. "One we could well use in the war."
"But..." Brianna shook her head in shock. "It can't be. It's just a tale. I know nothing of where it was lost."
"Stupid woman! Stupid witch! You do not even know your own powers! Foolish! Stupid woman!" The kelpie hissed and cursed madly." Hate you! Hate you I do! Kill you now!"
"Shut up!" Lucas gave the creature a hard slap. He looked at Brianna. "Are you sure? I mean, maybe it's a part of the legend or something, and you've forgotten."
She shook her head. "Only what I've told you. I know the area where the Sceptre was lost, but I've no idea what came of it. Where exactly my ancestor lost the thing."
"Perhaps you know more than you think," Patrick said quietly. "Sometimes things are hidden from us until the proper time."
"But why here?" Danolas asked, suddenly. He stared at the angry kelpie. "Why wait and kill her here? Why not back home, as you did the others?"
The question surprised the kelpie and its face blanked for a moment, before its eyes narrowed. "We not know. Not care. Kill the witch! That is what we are told." It struggled and lunged at Brianna. "We will kill! Here. There. Wherever. We kill the most powerful witch."
Another cuff on the head silenced it, as the company all stared at each other. Brianna sighed. "I swear to you. I knew nothing of this. I wouldn't have brought this danger to your door, if I did."
"You did not," Koran muttered. "Your High Priestess did. Now we need to find out if she knew of the threat before she sent you."
"If she did," Danolas mused thoughtfully, "she would have a purpose for it. Aebh would not put us in danger without reason."
"This all started in Ireland." Benjamin stared out over the now still water. "I'm thinking maybe we should let Kira and Gallegar know what's going on. Maybe they can find out some things."
"I think," Brianna said slowly, "we should do more than that." She looked into Danolas' handsome face knowing instinctively he was the one to convince. "If this started with me in Ireland, I should be the one to finish it." She swallowed hard, suddenly feeling terrified of a place she'd known and loved her whole long life. "The answers are there. I think I need to go home."
Danolas' eyes blazed heatedly. "You will go nowhere, alone. If Ireland is the place to solve this mystery, then we will all go. And, as soon as possible."
He held Brianna tighter and her heart beat faster, before she realized he was only preparing to stand up. As he did so, the kelpie gave a sharp scream and lashed out at Brianna's face with its sharp webbed feet. Danolas pivoted quickly and the nails caught his shoulder, ripping through his once white robe and into the sensitive flesh beneath.
Brianna screamed in anger, and without thinking, sent a bolt of power at the beast. For once, her aim was accurate, catching the kelpie square in the face. It writhed in agony for several long seconds, hissing wildly, before it went limp in Lucas' arms. She paid no more attention to the monster as the wolfman tossed the charred body to the dock. She pulled away Danolas' torn clothing with weakened, trembling hands, frantic to see the damage. "Does it hurt? You great buffoon! What were you thinking?"
Danolas submitted to her not-so-tender-care with an amused smile. "I was thinking to protect you from more harm." He stopped her when she started a healing spell on him. "No ... we are both too weak to do anything more. We did too much this night." He glanced at the other Chosen. "Let us get back to The Keep. We can talk more and do any healing needed."
"Sounds like a plan," Lucas growled. He kicked the dead kelpie into the water where it landed with a resounding splash. "Better clean up here first."
The Chosen nodded and together, they all swiftly cleared the dock of the corpses. A quick wash of power cleansed it so no one could see anything had happened.
"We will have to go home by normal means," muttered Koran. "Danolas has used too much power to help me get us home, and after the battle, I'm not sure I have enough on my own. I've called for the limo to pick us up."
"I guess we head up to the street then." Benjamin suited action to words and started for the alleyway above the pier. "Follow me."
"Ummm, guys?" Brianna glanced over to where Lucas was standing, human now and quite gloriously naked. Her lips quirked in appreciation. "Not that I mind, but I think we need to find Lucas some pants first."
"You were right, Brianna," Benjamin said as he stepped from the small bus they had rented to drive from Dublin to Galway, and then down to the small town of Kinvarra. "This is a beautiful country. So green and somehow more ... real. I can see why you hated leaving it. I've wanted to come here for a long time. Too bad it's under these circumstances."
"Aye." Brianna looked around her, taking in the quiet waters of Galway Bay. The scent of the water soothed her, as did the crying of the gulls as they swooped over the township across the bay. "It is my home."
And home it was. She'd lived here her whole life. Took her first steps in the courtyard, and learned to swim in the moat. She'd tried out her first vanishing spell on the castle armor, only to have it come to life by mistake. The tourists that day had gotten a real eyeful, and she'd been sent to bed without her supper, or her wand. But she'd also had her first kiss in the tower and learned how to make magick most other witches couldn't do. She'd been the youngest First Acolyte in Ireland and it had only been Aebh's care and mentoring that had gotten her through it. It was the only home she'd ever known, the only place she'd ever really felt safe. That is, until she'd gone to The Keep and Danolas. She sighed inwardly. For a while there, she'd felt like she could belong in San Francisco, too.
After the fight at the pier, they'd gone back to The Keep, and a sweet face witch by the name of Morag quickly healed the wounds Brianna received from the Kraken and the kelpies. The old woman tut-tutted over Danolas and what she saw, but a glare from the High Priest kept the witch silent. But Brianna knew. She'd seen inside him and knew his life force had been almost gone. Danolas came close to losing a very vital part of himself, just so she would live. It astounded her and scared her to death. The thought of him doing such a thing made her heart feel like it was bleeding. But would he have done that for just anyone? She wasn't sure. She did know she wanted to believe he cared about her. That she was something more than just a woman he'd been forced to take under his protection.
But you wouldn't have known it from his behavior. They didn't talk about the night they'd made love, nor the argument that ensued afterwards. He ignored it as if it had never been. He hadn't apologized for what he'd done, though he treated her more carefully than before. But there was a barrier between them, a wall she couldn't get past. It hurt her ... making her even more determined to get back to Ireland and out of Danolas' life. She couldn't bear to see him and remember the emotions he'd birthed, and then turned away from. Then there were the times she swore she could hear him thinking. That frightened her more than anything else. She wondered if she was going mental sometimes, wanting to believe in that connection she'd felt before.
The day after the battle with the Kraken, she'd scry-called Aebh, and been given permission to come home, but to Brianna's irritation, Danolas interrupted the call and invited himself and the other Chosen for a visit. He and the High Priestess had politely eased Brianna out of the conversation, going so far as to hang up on her all together. She still didn't know what the two of them had spoken about and that really made her temper flare hot.
But whatever it had been, it had changed Danolas even more. He'd been more serious, more driven than ever, and then a week later, they'd all left ... Chosen and protectors alike, winging across the ocean in a private jet to Ireland. And all Brianna could do was pray somehow, all the questions would be answered quickly, so Danolas and the family she almost had, would go home and leave her to her loneliness.
Danolas stepped down out of the vehicle and glanced up at the castle. "It hasn't changed all that much. It is one of the most awe inspiring castles I've ever seen."
Lucas gave a snort as he stretched his big body. It had been a long drive, preceded by an even longer flight. He looked at the enormous fortress before him. It was well preserved for a sixteenth century ruin, with intact walls made of gray stones and a tall circular tower, but it was still a ruin. "I must be tired. All I see is a pile of moldy blocks. This is where you grew up?" Both witches turned to stare at him and he shrugged. "What?"
"I thought they'd be able to see it," mused Danolas, as Patrick, Koran and the protectors all piled off the bus. "But I guess the linking isn't enough."
"'Tis spelled to be hidden," Brianna reminded him, seeing the strain on his handsome face and wanting to wrap her arms around him. She tucked her hands in her pockets instead. Danolas was regaining his strength slowly, but he was still tired, as if all his energy levels were low. It worried her, but since he wouldn't let her close, there was nothing she could do about it.
"What are y'all talking about, Bri?" Patrick asked curiously. "I can't see a thing, and that's surprising. I usually always see a few shades wandering 'round. Especially in a castle this old." He looked around again at the few tourists milling about and taking pictures. "All I see are the living."
She grinned at him. "We can't let the tourists see what's actually right before their eyes. They'd all have kittens. So we've done something quite remarkable. Here ... perhaps this will help." Stretching out her hand, she whispered a spell. A soft glow appeared on her palm, a swirling ball of flickering lights and dancing illuminations. Turning, she lifted it so it was in front of Patrick's face.
"See," she said simply. Blowing gently on her hand, she sent the ball of light dusting into his eyes.
The shade sneezed and blinked, his eyelashes coated with the luminous glow of magick powder. He glanced at Brianna in confusion, then his eyes widened as he took in the sight behind her. "Holy Mother of God," he muttered. "I can see it."
As Brianna treated the others to the same magical unveiling, Patrick stood in awe. The true castle could be seen now, beneath the ruin, and it was---as Danolas had said---awe inspiring. The walls and towers were very much the same, but now they were decorated with colorful flags and banners waving in the wind. Inside the surrounding wall were ornate stone buildings, all strong and secure, and looking as they had back when they were first crafted. There was a large courtyard and a garden, and off to the side were stables. He could see his people now. A great many shades and humans both within the transparent walls. They moved about, doing their daily chores, ignoring the tour guides with their flock of chattering tourists as if they didn't even see them.
"I don't understand," Benjamin said faintly. His red eyes were covered in black contacts to keep his enhanced state secret from humans, but the magick dust worked just the same. "What are we looking at?"
"The true Dunguaire Castle ... which in Gaelic is Dún Guaire, exists on another plane of existence," Danolas answered. "It resides on the psychic plain, where all can come and meet as needed. The witches of Ireland crafted this castle from the memories and thoughts of the past. Everything you see is as real as it would be here, on this human plane. Once you pass into it, it won't look transparent anymore, but will look and feel as it should."
"Like another dimension?" Lucas wiped at his eyes and stared at the huge stone fortress.
"If you like," Brianna said, as she put her hand on his arm to lead him forward. "'Tis real, yet to humans, it is invisible, seen only by those with the imagination for truth. And even then, it is a flash out of the corner of their eye. Seen, but not seen. Experienced, but never felt."
"How do we get there?" Koran looked as surprised as everyone else.
Brianna grinned. "Just follow me. Let me welcome you to my home." She turned and led Lucas past a narrow gate to the side of the main entrance, the others trailing behind them. As they stepped beneath the wide stone walls, the ground shimmered beneath their feet, and suddenly, they were there.
It was more beautiful now, clearer than when it was transparent. Around the whole castle was a moat filled with clean blue water, dotted with grasses and water flowers. The courtyard grass was a vivid green, with roses placed in large beds alongside the path. There was the scent of fresh baked bread, and the tingle of magicks being worked. They could hear the people as they went about their daily lives. No one seemed startled to see them. They just nodded to Brianna, and continued on their way.
"What? No welcome home?" Lucas joked.
She shrugged. "It is a large Society. I am well known, but I can't say these people are my friends." Her lips lifted in a sad smile. "What you have with the Chosen is unique, Lucas. Guard it well."
Danolas, walking just behind her, heard the quiet words and his gut twisted. She sounded so lonely, almost the way he'd felt before Kira had come and brought the others into his life. Even though he still longed for a mate of his own, he knew until she was found, Kira and the others would fill that ache in his heart. If not completely, at least to where his loneliness was kept at bay. But what did Brianna do?
Now he understood the small comments she'd made about the company. She had no one, so it was no wonder she'd loved the attention the Chosen lavished on her. And he'd been jealous. Danolas shook his head. He wanted to kick himself for the comments he'd made to her when she'd been given to him by Aebh. He'd inferred she was no longer wanted by the High Priestess, and he knew her well enough now to realize that probably crushed her. If Aebh was all she had, no wonder she'd looked so shocked and hurt. At the time he'd been so angry with her, he hadn't cared, but now ... he couldn't bear the thought of hurting her.
"Are you glad to be back?" he asked.
Brianna's back stiffened, and she didn't turn around as she started up the wide steps to the entrance of the castle proper. "As I said ... 'tis my home."
"This is your home no longer. You have another Society now," he said, uncaring of how it sounded. Something inside him needed her to understand that salient point.
Her chin lifted. "This will always be my real home."
Before he could argue with her, he heard a glad cry from in front of him. Looking up, he saw Kira appear at the top of the steps, her pale hair shining in the sun. She was tanned, and as beautiful as ever. Gallegar followed close behind, looking more relaxed than Danolas had ever seen him.
"Oh! You are here!" Kira shouted happily, and flew down the steps into Lucas' waiting arms. She burst into tears as the wolfman swept her up and held her tightly. "I have been waiting and waiting for you. I thought you would never arrive."
"Honey!" Lucas growled. "It's been too damn long!" He handed her off to Koran who made her squeal as he whirled her around. The wolfman grabbed Gallegar's hand for a hearty shake, before laughing and hugging the vampire too. "It's good to see both of you!"
"The month was long without friends," Gallegar replied.
"I'll bet you managed just fine," joked Benjamin, kissing Kira soundly and wringing Gallegar's hand in greeting. "Did you even get out of bed?"
"Benjamin!" Kira giggled and slapped his arm. "I will have you know we have done quite a bit of sightseeing. We have not spent all the time in bed."
"Just most of it," Gallegar put in with a satisfied smile. He kissed his bride's forehead as she pretended to glare at him. "It has been a wonderful honeymoon."
Patrick looked Kira over with a critical eye. "Looks like you've been out in the sun. Lost that whole moonlit look." He grinned. "I like it."
"As do I," Koran agreed. "Now she looks even more as my sister would."
Danolas had to laugh. "I don't see Gallegar is any more tanned."
The vampire's sensuous mouth quirked at the corner. "I still do not tan, my brother. But I must admit the sun feels good on my skin."
"Wait!" Kira's command had them all going very still. "I've been practicing this." She cleared her throat. "I welcome you on behalf of the Galway Society of Witches and their High Priestess. One hundred thousand welcomes. Cead mile failte romhat."
Danolas hid a smile at her mangling of the Gaelic language. Bowing low, he smiled at Kira. "I thank you on behalf of the Chosen and their company." He grinned up at Gallegar as he publicly relinquished the reins of authority. "And I give it all back to you, gladly, Leader of the Chosen."
Lucas snickered, as Gallegar lifted a dark brow. "In such a rush. Were things so difficult for you, High Priest?"
"You have no idea," Danolas replied with feeling. "I'm happier being the seer. That is where my true talent lies."
"Don't let him kid ya." Benjamin pounded the witch on the back, making Danolas stumble. "He did a fine job. Have we got some things to tell you!"
Kira noticed Brianna standing off to the side, quietly watching the reunion. The longing in the young witch's eyes made Kira's compassionate heart ache. Walking over, she enfolded the shorter woman in her arms. "It is wonderful to see you, Brianna. I have missed you very much." She sent a tight mind-beam to Gallegar, who joined them immediately. The others followed, thereby making Brianna part of the little gathering.
Gallegar smiled at his mate, knowing her heart. He kissed Brianna's rosy cheek. "Welcome home, little sister."
Tears filled Brianna's eyes. "Thanks. I ... uh..." She sniffed. "I missed you, too. Seems odd since I only knew you the one day, but ... there it is."
Kira turned to Danolas, noting the expression in his eyes as he gazed at the other witch. "You have told me much about this castle and you were right. It is wonderful." She turned back to Brianna. "You are lucky to have grown up in such a beautiful place."
Brianna smiled, appreciating the Peacekeeper's friendliness. "Is it so different than where you were raised?" There was a pregnant silence and her stomach sank when she saw the men's expressions. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I've gone and stepped in it again, haven't I?"
Kira blinked as she tried to understand the words, then smiled. "No, Brianna. You have said nothing wrong. We need to get to know each other better, that is all. I think you and I will have to have a cup of tea together." She looked at the Chosen. "It is a custom here I very much enjoy."
"What she enjoys are the scones," Gallegar added in amusement. "Especially, if they have strawberry preserves on them."
Everyone laughed and the tension broke, but Brianna still felt uncomfortable. "I should go make my greetings to Aebh. I will find out where she would like all of you to be."
Kira gasped. "I am sorry, Brianna. Seeing everyone completely put it out of my head. Aebh will be gone until tomorrow afternoon. Something about a healing needing to be done in ... Cliffdale?"
"Cliffden," Gallegar corrected. He looked at Brianna. "She has shown us where everyone is to sleep. If you would like to go say hello to anyone, we can take it from here."
Brianna's heart hurt. Pushed out again. Aebh wasn't even here for her to talk to. She'd been looking forward to laying her head in her mentor's lap and sobbing out all her pain. She wanted everything to get back to normal, and now she would have to wait another day before that could even begin to happen.
Feeling superfluous, she nodded. Gallegar and Kira seemed to have everything under control, and now that the company was together, she was no longer needed or wanted. "Thank you," she said tightly. "I'll get out of your way, then."
"Brianna---" the vampire began, but she'd already turned and sped away down some steps beneath the castle. He turned troubled eyes on Danolas. "I didn't mean she had to leave. I think I may have hurt her feelings."
Danolas shook his head. "No. It's not you who has hurt her." Making up his mind, he started after Brianna. "I'll find my room later."
"I'll take your luggage in," offered Lucas. The wolfman picked up a bag in one hand and grabbed Kira's hand in his other. "If it's got a bed that isn't moving, and there is a kitchen that serves more than TV dinners, I'm going to marry Aebh and stay here forever."
Danolas followed Brianna down the cool stone steps beneath the castle. He could hear the sound of water splashing around him and knew she was heading not for the sea, as he'd first expected, but for the moat. Since he'd spent time himself in the quiet underground tunnels, he understood the draw for someone who wanted to be alone.
He sighed. The situation with Brianna was getting more and more complicated. Danolas knew he'd hurt her by ignoring what had happened between them. And he didn't like himself much for it either. He felt like he was fighting a war between his attraction to the younger witch, and the knowledge she wasn't someone he should be attracted to. All the same reasons still applied, but when he woke up at night with his body aching in memory of how she'd felt in his arms, it was all he could do not to join her in her Loft bedroom.
Staying busy helped a little, and making arrangements to come to Ireland to decide what to do about the Sceptre, gave him something else to worry about. But, in the stillness of night, when he slept alone in his bed, she was there with him in his dreams. Her soft naked body, pressing against his, as she teased and tormented him into losing control again. He'd take her hard and fast, just as he had the first time. Then, right in the middle of the lovemaking, he'd jerk awake, his heart pounding so hard it hurt and his cock throbbing painfully.
At times, he thought he would just take what was offered. A nostrings relationship with great sex to be had by them both. But he wasn't a stupid man. He cared about Brianna, more than he wanted to, and making love to her and then walking away wouldn't be easy to do. He'd already proved that. He wanted her now more than before he touched her.
But ... she wasn't for him and knowing it was tearing him apart. There was a part of him that wished it was different. That she was more of the woman he needed her to be. But he wouldn't ask her to change. That would be selfish of him, especially with the vision of his true mate dancing in his mind's eye. To ask Brianna to be different, knowing he would have to leave her some day wouldn't be fair. He'd made a mistake in making love to her the first time, and now they both suffered for it.
Firming his jaw, he ducked under a low hanging stone. He would have to be strong, but it didn't mean he had to ignore her all together. Lately, he was beginning to see they had more in common than he'd originally thought and even though she drove him crazy sometimes, he did admire her free spirit attitude and openness. Maybe ... just maybe, they could be friends.
He could hear water splashing as he came around the final corner into the grotto under the castle. His face split into a wide grin when he saw Brianna with her arms around a large lizard that lay on the water's edge.
"Dunny!" he exclaimed, as he ran forward. "It's good to see you!"
Brianna wiped her eyes quickly as the other witch came forward. She fought down the resentment as her pet moat lizard hissed and licked Danolas' face, obviously happy to see him. The High Priest's face was wreathed in gladness as he patted the monster's broad head. Dunny was a descendant of an ancient dinosaur creature, long thought to be extinct. A little magick had spilled onto him when the castle was made, thereby making him as immortal as the fortress above him. He had been part of Dunguaire Castle for as long as she could remember.
"You know Dunny," she said unnecessarily.
Danolas nodded. "He and I were great friends back when I lived here. I spent many an hour down in these tunnels."
She stroked Dunny's mottled green neck. "'Tis a good place to think."
Danolas looked at her. "Am I interrupting that thinking?"
Brianna shrugged. "Nay ... not really. I just wanted you all to have your time together alone." Her brow furrowed. "Why aren't you with the Peacekeeper?"
"Because I came after you."
Rolling her eyes, she gave a snort. "That, I can see, but you've been without her a long time. I'd be thinking you'd rather be up with them, than down here with me."
"You thought wrong."
Her hand stilled on Dunny's neck. "Be careful, High Priest. You might make me think you like me when we all know you don't."
He flinched at her bitter tone. "Brianna, I do like you. Too much. That is our problem."
She snorted again. "Right. Liking a person is always a problem for me, too."
"That's not what I mean and you know it." Danolas came closer, meeting her troubled gaze. "We've been over this."
"Have we?" Brianna shrugged and scratched Dunny behind his big ear. "Last I heard I was good for a toss, but not for a mention."
"Damn it," Danolas growled. "That isn't what I meant. I never thought that." He glared at her stubborn face. "I know you don't believe this, but I did it for you."
Her temper flared. "Oh, for fuck's sake. Tell me a lie if you must, but don't say such a stupid thing. Did it for me. What a pile of manure."
"It was for you," he insisted, grabbing her and pulling her away from the lizard. "I should never have touched you. I knew we couldn't be together. It was a mistake and I knew it as I made love to you the first time."
She tossed her head. "And the second time? Was that a mistake, too?"
Danolas took a deep breath, fighting back his temper. It was always this way between them. Heat and fire, anger and pain. "I wanted you, and by the Power ... I want you still. But wanting isn't enough. We would only wind up hurting each other more."
"Because I'm not good enough for you."
He was silenced by her words and could only stare at her. She shook her head at him. "I know what I am, Danolas. I'm an orphan, a mixed blood who had to be taken in by Aebh, because me own mother refused to raise an immortal. I was the youngest of any witch to become First Acolyte and I've had to deal with a hell of a lot of other witches who resented me for it. I'm the most powerful of my kind and that makes it a bit of a hardship to find friends. Everyone I know either wants something from me, or is afraid of my power."
She pulled away from him and turned to look out over the moat. "But, when I met you and the Chosen, for the first time, I wasn't different. All around me were others as strong as I was, and nobody seemed to care." Brianna turned back to him. "Except, you. You didn't like me from the beginning, and I admit it was as much my fault as yours. We didn't start out well, and that was because I was jealous of you."
He blinked in astonishment. "Jealous?"
"Aye." She wrapped her arms around herself. "It was Danolas this, and Danolas that, from Aebh. I grew to hate your name long before I was sent to see you. You were perfect in her eyes and nothing I could do seemed to measure up. Then she gave me to you like I meant nothing." Tears formed in her dark eyes. "As easy as that, she gave me up."
"Brianna." He couldn't let her go on. "Please."
"No ... let me finish." She pushed back her hair and met his gaze firmly. "I thought I was important to you. For whatever reason, you made love to me and I thought we'd touched ... in a special way. But I was wrong. I care about you, but you won't let yourself feel that for me. As you said, I'm not the fancy lady you have your heart set on. I'm too common, too primitive. Well, why do you think I came home? I knew it was over, and I'm not one to hang around where I'm not wanted." She tossed her head. "I've had enough of that here."
"You think I don't know that?" he broke in, his sapphire eyes flashing. He grabbed her arms again. "I knew about you long before you came to us. And hear me now; you weren't the only one jealous. I've been jealous of you for years."
Her mouth dropped open. "Me? Bloody Hell! How could a man like you be jealous of me?"
"Because ... you weren't the only one being regaled with wondrous stories." Danolas sighed and let her go, to rub Dunny between the eyes. The moat monster hummed in appreciation. "Once you took over as First Acolyte, every time you did something, she told me about it."
Brianna's eyes were huge in her pale face. "She talked to you about me?"
"Often. Much more than I wanted to hear. Oh, I was glad you were an adequate First---"
"I was much more than adequate, boy-o."
He raised a pale eyebrow. "Just so. But you have to understand I thought of Aebh as mine. To see her care about someone else was hard to stomach. I know it makes no sense, but..."
"But why?" she asked. "Why would you care so? Look at you. You've everything. You have pureblood heritage. You lead a strong Society, and are the most powerful witch---other than myself---I've ever met. You are a part of the Chosen and have wonderful friends who are closer than a family. Why would you give a care about another unimportant witch such as myself?"
He cocked his head. "How much of my background do you know?"
She blinked. "Only that you visited here for a time." She looked shamed. "I might have quit listening when your name came up."
"Oh..." He managed a laugh. "It was much more than a visit. I was born here."
"What?"
Danolas sighed. "My parents are, as you said, purebloods. They worked here, in the castle under Aebh's protection for many years. They are both strong witches in their own right and she encouraged them to start a Society elsewhere to strengthen our kind. Just after I was born, they immigrated to America. My father, Darius, started the San Francisco Society."
He smiled. "When I was sixteen, they sent me back to be with Aebh. Even at that age, they could see I was stronger than they were. They knew her tutelage would benefit me and our people as a whole. At sixteen I was the most powerful witch in the castle." He raised an eyebrow. "Sound familiar?"
She nodded. "Aye ... very."
"I was here for many years, learning, and growing in strength and power. I was only twenty-three when she made me First Acolyte. Until you, I was the youngest."
"How long were you here?"
"I stayed here at Dunguaire for just over a hundred years. I then went back to San Francisco and took over the Society there, so my parents could travel. The council made them the first ambassadors of our kind and they met with witches all over the world."
"Where are they now?"
He felt the pain now as if it was the day it happened. "My mother, Dylona, lives in Paris under the First High Priest of the Council. She trains others in ambassadorial skills. My father..." He swallowed hard. "He was killed in an uprising in Africa a decade ago." His blue eyes darkened. "You see, this isn't the first time, my family has fought demons."
"But he was immortal." His pain pierced through her like a knife.
"And you know that hinders death, but doesn't stop it completely." Danolas rubbed his eyes. "He was killed by someone who knew how to target immortals. But his death was not in vain. I used his knowledge, and what happened to him to protect Kira and my brothers when the demons attacked us. This time, the evil ones did not succeed."
"I'm sorry," she whispered inadequately.
He smiled sadly. "I tell you this, Brianna, so you know, I do understand. I know how it feels to be different. To be stronger than any other and to be disliked or feared because of it. Even though I saw my parents often, I still felt alone. My destiny was set apart from theirs, yet I didn't know what it was until I had the vision of Kira. Only then, did I feel like I wasn't alone. Still ... I had the dream for almost a year before she finally came. It was the longest year of my life."
He caught her face between his two hands. "And I have an apology to make. If I had known you then, I would never have said what I said. It was jealousy and anger talking. Forgive me."
Her hands clasped his wrists. "Forgive you for what?"
"For saying Aebh didn't want you anymore. That wasn't true." He bent and touched his forehead to hers. "I was the one who asked her to relinquish her claim to you. Not the other way around. I felt ... at the time, it would be better for you to be under my authority. You seemed so uncontrollable, it was the only thing I could think of."
Her heart swelled. "You mean she didn't just give me to you?"
He laughed. "No. I had to talk her into it. She did say you needed a strong hand, and could use some training, but I embellished a little due to temper. She didn't want to lose you, Brianna." He sighed. "I understand the feeling."
His touch made her knees weak. "Don't, Danolas. I can't bear it."
He tightened his grip. "This isn't any easier on me than it is on you. I do care about you, Brianna. So much, I can't sleep for thinking of you. But I'm trying to be strong. To be sensible. It can only end in heartache if we were to be together." He held her away from him. "You see ... I haven't told you everything. I didn't want to hurt you, and I thought it would be easy to walk away from you, but it isn't. It is the most difficult thing I've ever done."
"Then tell me now." Brianna could barely talk; her throat was so tight.
"I don't know how to say this other than to just speak it out." He pulled away so he could look her in the eye. "I belong to another."
Her slap caught him across the face. "You blackguard! You low sneaking buzzard. You dallied with me when you are promised to another?"
Catching her hands in his, Danolas shook off the blow, thinking he probably deserved that one. "Wait, Brianna. I make it worse than it is. I've not met her yet."
She went still. "What?"
"I don't know who she is. I just know who she isn't." He took a chance and put his arms around her. "I know that doesn't make sense, but it is true. And because it's true, I must be careful. I am destined to be with another woman. I could tell you more details, but it doesn't matter. The bottom line is, I'm unable to commit to you."
There was a long silence between them. The sound of Dunny yawning almost drowned out the lapping of the waves against the stones of the moat.
"And do you know when you'll be meeting your future mate?" Brianna finally asked.
Danolas frowned. "No."
"So ... you're going to go without until then, are you? It could be years 'till the lady makes herself known."
He felt himself turn red. "I'm sure I will find suitable companionship when I need it." He cursed himself when she froze against him. Of course she'd take it wrong. "I didn't mean---"
Brianna pushed away from him, tears brightening her eyes and falling onto the T-shirt that reminded him, I speak SARCASM as a second language. "Aye, ya did. You said the truth and it's time I listened to you." She sniffed loudly. "I put my heart on a platter for you enough times, and all you did was politely tip it onto the floor. Well ... not anymore."
"Brianna---"
She ignored him and leaped onto Dunny's back. "I may be slow, Danolas, but I'm not a stupid witch. You've said it often enough. I'm not the woman you want sharing your bed. I bring out all those basic instincts that appall you. Fact of the matter is; you think I'm not good enough for you." Her eyes shot fire at him as her temper grew. "But I'll tell you this, you black-hearted son of the devil. I'm worth more than a roll in the hay, and I'll be an embarrassment to no man."
"That's not what I---"
"To hell with you, High Priest," she raged, completely out of control. "The sooner Aebh gets back and we can go our separate ways, the better. Sure, and I don't need you any more than you need me!" With a cluck of her tongue, she turned Dunny away from the stone outcropping.
Danolas watched in amazement as she rode the monster out into the moat. When they hit the sunlit water, she glanced back at him, her face filled with fury and hurt. A second cluck sounded and both witch and beast disappeared under the dark water.
He stood there in silence as he thought of her parting words. He was very much afraid she was wrong. He did need her. The problem was ... he could do nothing about it.
"You are very quiet tonight, my brother." Gallegar offered Danolas a snifter of brandy. The Chosen congregated in the library after dinner, talking and enjoying the fact they were together again. A few of the protectors, Jorad, Tobias, Wade and Sam were also included. "I see the young witch didn't join us tonight. Could that be part of the problem?"
Danolas stared at the glass in his hand. He'd spent the whole afternoon wondering how to face Brianna, and then she hadn't bothered to show up for the meal. "She is angry with me."
"Does she have reason to be?"
He opened his mouth to say no, but then closed it. He gazed at the vampire. "I don't know. I'm trying to do what's right, but I'm not doing a very good job."
Gallegar smiled. "What are you trying to do?"
Danolas gave a dry laugh. "Stay away from her."
"Why would you need to do that?" his leader queried. "She is a beautiful, interesting female, who, unless my eyes deceive me, is very much interested in you. Why can't you enjoy her company?"
"She isn't right for me. Nor I her."
The vampire put down his own drink. "Excuse me?"
The witch sighed. "I am not ... used to a woman like her. She is so damned outspoken. She won't listen to reason. She has a mouth like a fishwife and her taste in clothes is deplorable."
A dark eyebrow raised as Gallegar listened intently. "Go on."
Danolas got up to pace. "She says what she thinks and argues incessantly with me. She will not obey orders and has no respect for one who knows more. She is quick to anger and slow to change. And..." his eyes narrowed, "she finds nothing wrong in giving her affection to others."
"Her affection?"
His anger flared at the recollection of her in Lucas' arms. "Let's just say I'm not the only one she may be interested in."
"Indeed." Gallegar's quick wits caught the mind-flare and he saw the memory. "I find that hard to believe."
"You haven't been around," Danolas shot back at him. "You don't know."
"Yeah, maybe not," came Lucas' deep voice, "but I do."
Danolas stiffened. "This is a private conversation." He turned to glare at the werewolf. "Do you mind?"
Lucas studied his brother silently, noting the lines of suffering on his face. He sighed deeply. "Damn it. Will I always be dog-in-a-manger?"
Gallegar smiled in commiseration. "From what Kira saw in that vision for you, the answer would be no. Your time will come."
"What are you both talking about?" Danolas demanded.
Ignoring the question, Lucas only snorted at the witch. "Have you forgotten we are mind-linked? I saw the memory."
Danolas' back went poker straight. "It was an accident. I didn't mean to intrude. You have my apologies."
"Save it. All you intruded on was Irish and I finding out we kissed like a brother and sister." He glowered at Gallegar's grinning face. "Waste of a good kiss, I have to tell you."
"Brother and ... sister?" Danolas' voice strangled in his throat.
"You don't have to rub it in," Lucas complained. "We just didn't click, okay? But it was good. Showed me I wasn't dead." He glanced over at Kira who was teasing Benjamin about needing a haircut. "I may not be ready yet, but ... I'm getting there."
"I am pleased, brother." Gallegar clasped the bigger man's shoulder.
"Wait ... Are you telling me you and Brianna never..." Danolas could barely speak.
"Well, hell. Of course not. Even if the kiss had been something more, we all knew you were the one she wanted. None of us were surprised you guys slept together."
Gallegar choked on his brandy. "But you just said---"
"I said I was trying to do what was right." Danolas glared at the vampire. "I didn't say I hadn't made a mistake."
"And he told her that. Can you believe it?" Lucas shook his head at the witch. "Told her it was a mistake in front of us all."
Eyes narrowing, Gallegar shook his head. "I'm finding it hard to feel any sympathy for you, my friend. It isn't like you to be so unkind."
Danolas felt his gut clench. "She's the one who forced the issue! You don't know Brianna. She seems to bring out the worst in me."
"If you allow her to, she might bring out the best."
Danolas closed his eyes. "I don't think so, Gallegar. We are just too different. I do care, but she isn't what I think of when I imagine a mate. And then there is the vision..."
"The vision is the last thing you should worry about," Gallegar stated firmly. "Kira told you about the package ... the wrapping, not the person within. Remember ... as Brianna showed us with the gift of my ring," he held his hand out so they could see the magical circlet on his finger, "what is on the outside can be deceiving."
"I just don't want to hurt her," Danolas said quietly. "And I know I can."
"It shows the type of man you are, that you are worried about it," the vampire answered. "But if you guard yourself too closely my friend, you will miss what treasures the world has for you." He touched the witch's shoulder. "Do not cut yourself off from what might be, Danolas. If you do, you will never find what will be."
Brianna sat at the bar, her gaze on her glass of Guinness. It tasted like ambrosia to her, after all the watered down brews she'd tasted in America, but tonight, even its flavor didn't really stir her. She kept thinking about Danolas and how she'd been afraid to face him after their altercation in the grotto. "You're a coward," she told herself as she took a long sip and then licked her lips in appreciation. "A bloody fool and a coward."
"Brianna, luv," Tommy, the bartender said affectionately. He was three times her age and as skinny as a stoat, but as kind and gentle as Mrs. Mulgrady's cow. "We've missed you 'round here. How was America?"
"'Twas an experience, Tommy. I won't soon be forgetting it."
"Thought you'd be gone longer." He wiped away a water ring on the otherwise spotless bar. "Didn't expect you back for awhile."
She shrugged and took another sip. "Things change."
"So you're back at the castle, then?" As far as all the mortals in the village knew, Brianna worked at Dunguaire as one of the caretakers and had so for the last few years. For Brianna, it was a bittersweet relationship. Eventually, she'd have to stop coming to the pub, when the fact she didn't age began to be noticed. But, until then, this was one of the few places where she could enjoy herself.
"Aye. And glad of it."
"Season is 'bout over," Tommy remarked as he nodded to someone at the far end of the bar. He moved to build another Guinness. "Then it'll be nice and quiet 'round here."
"It will." She sighed, as Tommy expertly built the glass of brew and wandered down to the other end to serve it. The winter months at Dunguaire Castle were quiet since the castle was shut down to tourists, but it didn't stop the work of the Society. Within the walls, life went on as usual, the only difference being, they didn't have to worry about humans accidentally getting in their way.
She stared into the frothy glass, thinking about the Sceptre of Power. It seemed utterly ridiculous she could be the one to find it after all this time. Sure, and she was a descendant and all, but many others had searched and nothing had ever been found. How could she do any better?
And why now? Did it have to do with the war? Or was it just a coincidence? Brianna shook her head. That ... she didn't believe. This had all started when she'd gone to San Francisco. It was too much to believe one didn't have to do with the other.
Thinking of San Francisco made her think of Danolas, and the corners of her mouth drooped. She wondered how long she would have to put up with his presence. Having to be around him, knowing how he truly felt, would be the hardest thing she'd ever done.
She felt him before she saw him. Felt the tingle of magick that announced the presence of another immortal, and she knew the feel of his aura as well as she knew her own. Turning, her eyes widened as Danolas stepped into the small pub. He looked larger than life, his height and the breadth of his shoulders making the dark room look even smaller. He was dressed in white robes and carried the staff of his office in his hand, its crystal glowing brightly. His long blond hair flowed over his shoulders, down to his waist, and his fiercely intelligent eyes glittered as he looked around the room. Her heart swelled with pride as she watched him. He was the most beautiful man she'd ever seen.
Why ... I am in love with him!
The realization danced in her brain and then sent rockets of emotion through the rest of her body. She felt faint, as if she'd had too much to drink, and she was forced to hold on to the bar to keep from toppling over. Her head swirled at the very idea of loving him. It was crazy ... she had gone mental. Loving Danolas was the one thing she'd promised herself she would never do. Enjoy him ... yes. Care about him, for sure. But love him? Brianna closed her eyes, feeling tears start deep in her chest. She'd fallen in love with a man who thought she was beneath his notice. Good for a fling, but not forever. She was a fool, and this more than anything else, proved it.
When she opened her eyes, he was looking at her. She felt the strength of his desire for her like a punch in the stomach. All the air fled her lungs and the faintness returned full fold. Her mouth went dry at the heat that burned in his sapphire gaze. Her body began a fine trembling, and this time, she knew it was not only because she wanted ... but because she loved.
His eyes never left hers as he made his way across the floor. He ignored the wide-mouthed gazes of the villagers as if they weren't even there. His commanding presence would be talked about for months to come, a tale that would grow bigger as the winter months went by and interesting stories were hard to come by. Brianna knew she should do something ... say anything to explain his theatrical appearance, but her voice was like the rest of her ... frozen by the sight of him.
Danolas didn't stop until he stood right in front of her. He stared at her for a long moment and then, as if making a decision, he reached out and gently cupped her cheek in his big hand.
"Will you come with me, Brianna?"
His dark, sexy voice sent desire rushing through her. She looked at him, her questioning gaze searching his face, looking for why he'd come after her.
"You know why," he said hoarsely, as if he'd read her mind. His jaw clenched and something flared deep in his eyes. "So I ask again ... Will you?"
She knew she shouldn't. Knew it could only end up in heartache for her. But the need on his face, the almost vulnerable look in his eyes, made her ignore all the warning signs in her head and follow the cry of her heart. She loved him. For however long she might be allowed to be a part of his life ... she would be his. He held out his hand, and she took it. Then he turned, and without another word, led her out of the silent pub.
Once outside, he pulled her into the shadows and swept her into his arms. His mouth fused onto hers as if he was starving, and threading her hands into his long hair, she answered him with all she was. Their tongues touched and teased as passion ignited between them. He groaned, deep in his throat and dove in again, lifting her against him so tightly, Brianna could barely breathe.
She wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him back, wanting to scream out her love for all the world to hear. Only the knowledge he'd probably turn away from her again, prevented her from telling him the truth. So she showed him instead, surrendering herself to him in a way she'd never before done with any man.
Danolas struggled to hold onto his control. He wanted her so badly ... needed her in ways he couldn't even begin to fathom. It frightened him, this soul rending passion that took him over whenever he held her in his arms. But he wouldn't fight against it anymore. He didn't know what the future might bring, or how long it would be before his true mate arrived, but he would take the joy that Brianna offered him and pray when the time came to let her go, her heart ... and his would remain intact.
Her small hand wandered down his side to cup his rear and Danolas shuddered, feeling his desire for her rocket even higher. He tore his mouth from hers and stared down into her passion-softened face. Her lips were swollen from his kisses and the flush of need darkened her eyes. "Not this time," he growled. "This time I will make love to you the proper way."
She nipped at his chin. "Any way is the proper way ... as long as it's with you."
His heart skipped a beat at her words and his body went rock hard. He crushed her mouth under his for another long moment before he muttered, "hold on." Pounding his staff on the ground twice, they disappeared.
He was still kissing her when they reappeared in her bedroom. He started to toss her on the bed, but one look from her dark eyes stopped him.
"Not here," she whispered. Her chin went up. "In your room. That way I know you won't leave me again."
His jaw clenched and he kissed her ... this time gently, knowing he'd bruised her heart too many times before. This one request, he could easily grant. When she'd finally relaxed against him, he moved his staff again, and this time when they reappeared, they were lying on his bed.
He let his staff fall, and with a flick of his wrist, candles appeared at the corners of the room. Celtic music played, soft and low in the background, and the scent of a crackling peat fire in the hearth filled the room.
Tears filled her eyes as she looked around. "'Tis perfect," she murmured. "Just as I imagined it would be." She lifted her arms to him. "Make love to me, Danolas. Please."
The glow in his eyes intensified, but slowly, savoring the moment, his head bent and his mouth moved over hers. With infinite care, he kissed her, enjoying the softness of her lips and the sweet taste of her mouth. Danolas reined in his passion, determined to show her he could be more than an animal when he touched her. He nibbled and sucked at her lips, not touching her in any other way. He feasted, feeling as if at long last he could satisfy the hunger she alone could create.
He feathered kisses over her lips, her cheeks and her eyes. Then he moved to nibble at her chin, and up the jaw line to her sensitive ears. He felt goose bumps appear on her arms as he bit the side of her jaw, and she shivered as he traced the shell-like curve of her ear with his tongue.
"Sweet," he muttered as he tugged gently on the earlobe with his teeth. "I wanted to do this and more that first time." He moved to brush kisses down the curve of her neck and pulling aside the T-shirt she was still wearing, he nibbled gently on her soft shoulders. He felt her trembling grow stronger and it pulled at his control, but he fought back the primitive need to take her hard and fast, and kissed his way back up to take her lips again.
She was lost in a whirlwind of sensation. Never before had a man loved her in such a way. She felt like she was precious to him ... a treasure he was just now discovering. His mouth was all that had touched her, yet the desire she felt was so strong, she ached from it. She turned her head restlessly, as his lips moved over the other side of her jaw and neck. Of their own volition, her hands lifted and clenched at his robe, trying to pull him closer. He chuckled, the sound low in his throat. Then her hands were taken and held next to her head.
"My turn," Danolas said simply. His mouth covered hers again. He tasted like brandy and man, and her heart nearly stopped beating when he sucked at her lower lip and groaned. She wanted to tear at his clothes, to force him to go faster, but her arms were suddenly weak and her body could do nothing, but feel, as he touched her in ways she'd never been touched before.
She was a puddle of need, her arms and legs totally useless, by the time he raised his head and looked down at her. His face was tight with passion, his eyes so dark they looked almost black. He never took his eyes off her as he eased the T-shirt up and over her head. His indrawn breath when he discovered she was naked beneath, made her tremble even harder.
"No more," he growled, as his hand cupped a breast and his thumb teased the nipple into a hard point. "I don't want you going out without a bra again."
Brianna couldn't answer. She writhed beneath him. His touch sent moisture flooding between her legs and she couldn't decide whether to clasp them together to get rid of the ache, or spread them wide so he would touch her more intimately. The decision was taken away from her when he settled himself over her body, using his knee to force her legs open.
"You are so beautiful." He kissed the rosy point of her breasts, before drawing the nipple in to taste. She cried out as liquid heat shot from her nipples to her loins. He continued to lave the erect berries, moving back and forth between her breasts until she was mad with need for more.
"Please ... Danolas..." she whispered, almost weeping with the pleasure he was giving her. "Ba mhaith liom tuilleadh."
He chuckled deeply. "You want more, do you? Greedy now, aren't you leannan?"
Brianna's passion glazed eyes met his. "For you, Danolas. Only for you."
Danolas' heart swelled with emotion at her simple words. His mouth captured hers again, trying to show her without speaking, just how much she meant to him. He whispered a simple spell into her mouth and felt her gasp when the remainder of their clothing vanished. Naked, they lay together, her soft skin making it even harder for him to control the longing he felt to be inside her.
He touched her then, his hands moving gently over the curves of her body. He hadn't had the chance before to learn what she looked and felt like, and he was determined tonight would be different. So as much as his own hungry body would allow, he memorized her soft form, learning she had a mole just to the right of her navel, and that she was ticklish behind her knees. Her shudders and small cries of desire fanned his need even higher and he wondered fleetingly if he would be able to control himself when the time came to claim her as his own.
His heightened senses could smell her arousal, and his jaw clenched tightly when finally, he moved his hand down over her stomach to cup her soft mound. She was warm and wet with her own passion, and Danolas shook as he fought to keep from burying his aching shaft in her hot, moist quim. He wanted her so much his hands shook.
His cock was throbbing so hard, it actually hurt, and he knew he couldn't last much longer. Carefully, he eased a finger within Brianna's warmth, breaking out in a sweat when he felt the burning heat of her. He slid in a second finger, using his thumb to caress her clitoris. She cried out, her channel clenching down on his fingers so hard he groaned aloud. His cock jumped, the head leaving trails of pre-cum sliding down Brianna's thigh.
She writhed beneath him and his already shaky control splintered. "Please," she moaned, pulling him closer. Her legs shifted wider and she lifted herself against him. "Please."
He couldn't prevent the shudder that went through him. Almost desperately, he fit himself to her and gritting his teeth, he slid slowly inside her quivering heat. They both went still as their bodies joined, feeling a connection, a rightness neither of them would ever speak aloud. Danolas gazed down at Brianna, his heart turning over in his chest as their eyes met. He bent, kissed her and then he began to move, slowly, achingly, never taking his gaze from hers.
His eyes were such a beautiful blue, glowing with life and so much need, it took Brianna's breath away. All the love she had for him exploded inside her and the feel of him moving so carefully ... so tenderly inside her, made the emotions that much fuller. Tears filled her eyes and slid down her cheeks, making Danolas murmur and hold her closer as he kissed the droplets away.
"Don't stop," she wept out when he stilled over her. She wrapped her legs around his trim waist and held him tightly. "Please, don't stop."
He shuddered once, and then covered her mouth with his, as he began moving again. Pulling all the way out, so just the tip of his penis stayed inside her warmth. Then, driving his cock so deep within her clinging warmth, she couldn't tell where he ended and she began. Over and over again ... until the passion rose so high between them, she couldn't think of anything but him, and how he made her feel.
A coil of sensation began to tighten deep in her loins, spiraling out slowly so her whole body was enveloped in the delicious tension. Her breasts felt hypersensitive when Danolas' long hair brushed over them; the pleasure so acute it was almost painful. She moved with him, feeling his strong arms tighten around her. His breath was harsh in her ears as he, too, came closer and closer to the peak.
At the last moment, Danolas lifted partially off her, and captured her gaze with his. He clasped her hands in his, his muscles flexing as he held them on either side of her head. "Look at me, Brianna," he growled, his voice filled with soft intensity. "I want you to see who is loving you."
She gasped as he pushed back deep inside her, rotating his hips so he touched every inch of her sensitive quim. The same rainbow colors of bliss she'd experienced before filled her mind and soul, and she cried out in joy at the feeling. They were one ... joined in a way she had never before experienced. She could sense his desires, feel what he was feeling, and that, combined with her own passionate response was enough to send her over the edge into a whirlpool of pleasure.
Her shivering climax destroyed Danolas' last bit of control. The connection he felt was so perfect, so completely right, his mind blanked of all but Brianna and how she felt in his arms. His thrusts became wild, as the feelings in his body and spirit chased away all the doubts in his mind. He held her tightly against him, his whole being fused with hers. Her life force united with his, strengthening it, healing that which had weakened earlier in battle. He felt stronger, more able and unbelievably whole again. Danolas heard her thoughts, tasted her passion, and when he felt her full surrender, he buried his face between her soft breasts and let himself go, exploding into her with such force, he felt like he'd imprinted himself on her very soul.
But it didn't stop, even then. The rainbow swirls of feeling enveloped them both a second time, teasing them into a deeper union. Words were whispered, promises made that neither of them fully understood. Colorful light surrounded them as they loved their way through the night. Neither spoke of the future, knowing they could only think of the present. Their bodies stayed joined, infused with colors that were so beautiful, they hurt to look at. Again and again they reached for each other.
Sometimes, it was enough to just be linked together, their bodies intertwined as they dozed. But then, the passion would rise between them and they would make love again. The candles gutted out, and the fire burned into pale red embers. The music had long been replaced by the soft murmurs of lovers sharing their hearts. It was just past dawn when they finally both fell into a deep sleep. Their bodies close together, their hearts beating as one, even in rest they refused to let go of each other.
A pale golden light lit the room, moving to hover over the sleeping couple. The Power smiled, and touched Danolas, seeing his confusion and his longing. She felt his hunger for a mate and his desire for the woman he held in his arms. She then looked into Brianna and saw the wealth of love the young witch had to give. She saw Brianna loved Danolas, yet was filled with insecurity and fear of rejection. Smiling sadly this time, the Power breathed on them, sending a wave of magick washing over the two in the bed so strong, they stirred and murmured in their sleep.
"It is all I can do," the Power whispered. "The rest is up to you. The truth is now within you both. Seek it, and do not let appearances confuse you. Your final destiny will always be your choice. Choose wisely and do not let fear destroy what you may find." Then ... as quietly as she'd appeared, she vanished, leaving behind her only the soft scent of flowers and very special dreams known only to those whom she'd visited.
Brianna lifted her head from the pillow when she heard the sound at the foot of the bed. A slow smile touched her face as she watched Danolas standing naked by the fire. He added a few pieces of peat and then stood, staring down into the flickering flames.
She wanted to sigh. He was so perfect. Like a god. The width of his shoulders tapered down his muscular back to a narrow waist. His ass looked like it was carved from marble; it was so firm and strong. Legs that were long, slightly hairy and handsomely formed made her want to scoot right over to him and pet him as she would Dunny.
His elegant face was in profile to her, the glow of the fire dancing on his sculptured cheekbones. She smirked when she saw his eyelashes were as long as hers, dark and full. She wondered if he'd been teased about them when he was a boy. His gaze was pensive as he poked at the fire, but there was a small smile on his lips that reassured her. Perhaps this time ... it would be all right.
"Sure, and it's nice to see such a sight when I open my eyes," Brianna murmured as she sat slowly up in bed. "You're so damn fine looking, but I expect you've been told that a few times before. I wonder ... Does it ever get old?"
His head turned so their eyes met, and the banked fire in his made her insides curl with desire all over again. He smiled and carefully laid the poker down. "I must admit it's not the first time I've had such a compliment, but from you I find it particularly pleasing." Coming to the end of the bed, he stood there, his nude form backlit by the fire. Her mouth watered at the sight. He probably wouldn't want to hear it, but he looked wild and primitive. His long tangled hair flowed over his naked shoulders. A warrior priest waiting to make a sacrifice to the gods. Unable to keep away, she crawled down the length of the bed and got up on her knees.
Face to face they were, as she pressed her body against his. His cock, already awakened by her gaze, swelled and hardened, jutting against her stomach possessively. His skin was warmed by the fire and she smoothed her hands up over his bare chest, enjoying the sleek feel of his rippling muscles as he stood there, allowing himself to be stroked.
"When I first saw you," she whispered, "you were so handsome you took my breath away. Even then, I was curious as to how you would taste. How you would feel." Brianna smiled. "I think it's time I found out, don't you?"
Danolas groaned at her touch. How could it be he wanted her as much now as he had last night? They'd made love so many times; he'd been forced to whisper a healing spell over them so they wouldn't be sore. He'd expected his hunger to be appeased, but it wasn't. Every touch, every intimacy made him long for more.
"You've been finding out all night," he managed.
She grinned and traced a finger down to circle his flat nipple. "Not in the way I wanted to. I'm a wanting to touch you all over, High Priest. Will you be allowing that?"
His cock jumped when her fingernail scraped over his bellybutton. "I ... ummm ... think I can consider it my due as your leader."
Her delighted grin was his answer. "Ahhh, so after all your fine talk back in the States, I'm to service you after all, is that it?"
He allowed himself to be pulled into the fun. "Perhaps I had this thought in mind from the beginning." His breath caught in his throat when her hand encircled his throbbing shaft and squeezed. "So far ... you are performing your duties quite well."
Brianna sent him a sexy look out from under her eyelashes. "Just wait, boy-o. I haven't even begun ... the servicing." Sitting back on her rear, she scooted herself forward so he stood in the apex of her thighs. She kept one hand on his cock, while the other traced its way slowly up his body to tease his nipples.
Danolas groaned again. The feathery contact sent lightning through him. His cock wept as she stroked, so softly she barely touched him. It made him ache more, his need for her rising so fast he gritted his teeth to keep from tossing her on the bed and driving himself into her.
Harder ... do it harder. The thought raced through him.
Brianna laughed. "I will do it harder ... in time. Patience now, my lord. Remember, I'm servicing you."
He blinked and stared down at the top of her head. She'd heard him? Impossible! He tried to concentrate on that fact, but the way she was touching him made it difficult.
"Do you like this?" she purred. Her hands encircled him, squeezing him tighter. A slow burning started in his toes and made its way up to his balls. He gasped and covered her hand with his own, his thoughts all but leaking out his brain. "Brianna!" He thrust his hips forward impatiently. "Sweet goddess ... it feels so good."
Her fingers crept down to tickle at his scrotum and all the heat in his loins expanded and poured into the rest of his body. His thick shaft throbbed hard in her hand and he fought the sudden urge to take over the rhythm.
She chuckled. "Not so controlled now are you? Do ye know your eyes go black when you want to fuck me? They glow like lights at midnight." Leaning forward, she traced his nipple with the tip of her tongue. "And I was right about your taste. 'Tis wonderful."
Lights danced behind Danolas' eyelids at her touch ... at her words. She may not be the elegant lady of his dreams, but she was everything he wanted in his bed. Sexy, earthy, open and loving, suddenly he couldn't imagine her being anything different than what she was. When he spoke, his mouth was so dry he had to say it twice to be heard.
"Please, more." He cleared his throat. "I ... I command it."
She laughed and without another word, bent and took his weeping shaft into her mouth. His eyes rolled back and his knees threatened to buckle. It hadn't been what he'd meant, but he realized, it was exactly what he wanted. He grabbed at her head to hold her closer and he could feel her smile against his body. Her mouth began to move on him, slowly, taking him so deep in her mouth he worried he would choke her, but then she'd pull back, sucking hard until she got to the sensitive head. His toes curled when her playful tongue flicked out to tease the ridge of skin beneath it. The sultry liquid heat in his balls became a boiling.
"Shall I taste it all?" she whispered, lovingly licking the weeping slit. Her fingers fondled his sack until his body was screaming for release.
When her tongue swept over the throbbing head one last time, Danolas could take no more. Jerking her off him, he grabbed her around the waist and flipped her onto her stomach. Pulling her backwards, he stepped between her sprawled legs and lifted her so her ass was in line with his hungry cock. She wiggled once, and without thinking, he slapped her bottom. "Be still," he growled. He was half-shocked, half-triumphant when she obeyed.
She turned to look at him over her shoulder; the fire in her eyes matched the blazing in his loins. "Fuck me, Danolas," she begged him, placing herself so her soft folds were perfectly lined up and waiting for him.
He gave a growl of acquiescence, and with a mighty thrust, buried himself inside her quim. They both shouted in pleasure, the simple union of their bodies as enjoyable as anything else they'd done before. Brianna cried out his name and pushed back against him, but he snarled at the movement. Taking over their lovemaking, he held her hips in a bruising grip, and slammed into her, letting himself go completely.
As much as she'd enjoyed the lovemaking last night, Brianna exulted in the uncontrollable lust he showed her now. Only in this did she know he was as lost to her, as she was to him. Only when he became the unmanageable beast he was so afraid of, did she truly feel like he wanted her above all else. Her heart expanded as he muttered dark words of need and hunger. She was the one who made him feel this way. Only her!
His hand reached around to pluck at her nipples. She cried out and ground herself back against him, loving the feel of him as he filled her so deeply. He was so big ... so thick and alive, she could feel him in every particle of her being. His hand moved down to tease her clit and without warning, she imploded, screaming out his name. All the heat ... all the need in her, shot to her loins and then swirled out in a maelstrom of pleasure and emotion. She could feel him swell even larger as her orgasm sent him into his own. His lips pressed to the curve of her throat, he pounded against her, taking her up and over a second time before his shout of release made the whole room shake and he strained over her, shaking as he found his own satisfaction.
When it was over, he collapsed on top of her, sending them both sprawling into the messy sheets. Brianna was half-smothered, but she wriggled in contentment at the feel of his big body lying over hers. This is the way'tis meant to be. The thought made her smile and she reveled in the way his heartbeat had yet to go back to normal.
"I heard that." His gleeful words echoed in her head.
She went still in shock. Had she spoke her words out loud? Embarrassed, she buried her head in the coverlet and said nothing more.
"Well," Danolas finally muttered in a hoarse voice after some minutes had passed. "While I find your service, impeccable, may I suggest we try some other methods? I think practice is good. We don't want to become stuck in a rut. I have always said change is a good thing."
"Have you now?" Brianna pushed back her thick hair and looked over her shoulder at him. His face was very close and it seemed natural to lift her lips to his. The kiss was soft, sweet, and filled with the satisfaction they both felt. When they broke it off, she looked at him flirtatiously. "And will you help your handmaiden figure out just what methods to use?"
Sliding gently out of her, he rolled onto his back and pulled her into his arms. "I would be pleased to offer myself up for your training."
She giggled. Here was a different man. One who didn't make her feel as if she was unimportant and inept. No wonder she'd fallen for him. "I thank you and will consider your generous offer." Noise intruded on her consciousness and she froze. She gave a gasp of delight. "Aebh's back! I can feel her." She tried to get out of bed, but he held her firmly.
"Wait. I know you want to see her. So do I. But we aren't finished here."
"We aren't?"
"No." He bent and brushed her lips with his. "I would like to keep you here all the time. It seems it is only when we're making love, we do not fight."
Brianna grinned, thinking he was right. "What if I like arguing with you?"
The High Priest laughed. "Of that I have no doubt. I must be as crazy as you, since I often find your squabbling arousing."
"Is that so?"
He cupped a breast in his hand. "It is just one of the things I find arousing."
"Well, then. Why don't you give me a list and I'll make sure to do them all at least once a day. Then, you'll have your way and we'll never leave this bed."
He favored her with a heated look. "You say things like that and it's exactly what will happen."
"Just like a Yank to be making promises," she answered teasingly.
Danolas stroked the hair back from her forehead. "And do you forgive me? For pushing you away as I did?" He gave her a quick squeeze. "I know I was wrong in keeping away from you. I still can't promise you more, but I enjoy you and what we have together. I like your company. For now, I will take that ... if you will still give it to me."
Tears pricked her eyes. It wasn't love, but at least he admitted he enjoyed being with her. "For as long as I can. For as long as we both want to."
"I meant to tell you, we don't have to worry about pregnancy. I'm protected. In the normal way, of course."
She lifted a dark brow. "Well, sure you are. You're too careful a man to be caught in such a way." Grinning, she bit his shoulder. "As I am, too careful a woman. Preventing conception is one of the perks of being a witch."
"So there is no barrier at all to our enjoying ourselves." He dropped a kiss on the end of her nose. "And you will stay with me. No more talking about staying here in Ireland. I need you Brianna, as does the company. You were sent to help us fight a war. I want to know you will be by my side. For many reasons."
She went still. "You want me to go back with you?"
Frowning, he nodded. "Of course. Not just for this ... although I can imagine many more wonderful nights together. But I wouldn't ask because of the sex. You are strong and more powerful than you even know." He hitched himself up on an elbow so he could look at her.
"Last night, you restored my life force. Were you even aware you did that? By making love to me, you gave me back the strength I'd used saving you from the Kraken's poison. That type of power is needed in our war against the demons."
Her curiosity about what she'd done was pushed aside by outrage. Her mouth dropped open. "You want me to heal people by having sex with them?" Her eyes flashed her views on that idea.
Danolas gave her a little shake. "Don't be stupid." His face took on the familiar arrogant look of the past. "I will not share you." When she'd relaxed, he went on. "I just meant your kind of strength is sorely needed. And there is something else."
"Something else?"
He nodded, then touched her cheek. "We are connected you and I. Giving back my strength is just one way. But you can communicate with me ... in your mind. You did it with the Kraken, and just now when we were loving together, you did it again. That should be impossible."
"Then how..."
"I don't know. It took the Chosen linking together to do it. To hear Kira, we had to join with her. But you and I made this happen by making love. It shouldn't be that way ... it has never been so in the past."
Her eyebrows went up. "Know that for a fact, do you?"
A smile touched his beautiful mouth. "Actually, yes, I do. I don't need to kiss and tell, but suffice it to say it has never before happened ... with any of us."
"Hmmm..."
"You are different, Brianna, and we need you. For all these reasons, you shouldn't bury yourself away here, in Ireland, when you could be doing so much good elsewhere."
She thought about it. Her fingers smoothed over his broad chest as she did so. "I suppose I could journey to San Francisco, again. But the quest for the Sceptre would have to come first. 'Tis something I need to do."
"Yes ... the Sceptre is our first priority. Until it is safe, your life is in danger. I've had enough legendary beasts thrown at me lately."
"And, it could be used against the demons. If it sent Labraic back to Hell, it could do the same to other demons."
He nodded. "And---if the stories are correct---in knowledgeable hands it can destroy them all together."
Brianna sighed. He was right. She'd been feeling sorry for herself when she'd begged Aebh to come home. Angry at him and how he'd treated her. But what sent her running home didn't exist any longer. They were together now. Her eyes saddened. At least for a while. Hoping she wouldn't regret it later, she leaned over and kissed him. "I will come back with you. I will fight alongside you in the war. You may use me as you wish."
Relief lightened his heart. "You will be a warrior witch and greatly respected. And you will also be mine ... lover and companion and much treasured."
Tears filled her eyes. "I will go back, High Priest. And stay as long as you want me to. But I ask you grant me a boon."
He would have given her the moon at that moment in time, he was so happy she would stay with him. "Anything, leannan, anything."
She swallowed, hard. "When your true mate comes, I will leave."
Shock filled him and he pulled away. "Leave?"
Her eyes narrowed and then flashed in feeling. "I don't share either."
The thought of her leaving him made his stomach roll, but he forced himself to consider her words. She was right. Of course she was right. He would never have asked it of her or his mate-to-be. Or, frankly ... of himself.
"I'm sorry, Brianna. I wasn't thinking. I ... uhhh..." he stumbled over his words, hating to discuss it. He cupped her cheek in his hand. "I wouldn't expect you to stay with me when that happens. When that ... circumstance occurs, we will part, I hope, as friends. You can stay at The Keep if you wish, or at one of the other Chosen's homes. All, but Lucas, have large places where you would be well taken care of, and more importantly, protected.
She stared at him in such a way, he blinked warily, knowing he'd missed something important. "What? What is it?"
Brianna shook her head. "You aren't listening, Danolas. I said I would leave." He opened his mouth to argue, but she covered his lips with two fingers. "No. Hear me now, before we go any further with this." She wondered if he could hear her heart breaking. She'd been feeling so much joy and now, all she felt was despair. "If your lady mate comes, I will leave. Not just your bed, but your life. I won't stay in San Francisco. I can't. I'll come home to Ireland and take up my duties here."
His face showed his confusion. "But why? We would need you there. Your duty is to help us fight the war."
Anger began to stir in her. Could he really be so thick? "My duty is to my Society, yes, but not at the expense of my heart." He still looked so blank; she swore loudly and leapt from the bed. "I don't have the strength of Lucas. He does his duty and ignores the agony of his soul. But not me! I am not so strong as that."
She paced away from him and then turned back. "I can't be a part of your life when you have someone else in it. You can't ask it of me."
"Brianna---"
"No!" Walking back to where he sat still mystified by her words, she glared at him. "You sit there so arrogantly confident and expect me to watch as you love another? You think I can laugh and joke and be part of the company, and then watch you kiss and hold your perfect mate without remembering how your lips felt on mine? You can believe I should fight alongside you, and not feel anything when you take your lady wife to bed? Is that what you expect from me? Or am I so unimportant, how I would feel means nothing?
His face showed his utter shock.
"'Tisn't it bad enough," she snarled, "you'll take your pleasure with me, while you continue to look for your perfect lady? That, in itself, should be enough to destroy me, but I tolerate the pain because of how I feel about you. But now you ask I sup and drink with you and your mate as if you and I never shared anything at all?" Her anger grew as she thought of how she'd been willing to take anything he had to give her, yet he expected so much more. Picking up his staff, she threw it at him. Only his quick reflexes kept it from crashing against the wall. Fury overcame pride.
"I didn't want this. I fought against it, but the heart rarely listens to the mind. For all my sorrows, for all my pain I did the one thing I swore not to do." She tossed her head.
"I fell in love with you."
Danolas' eyes flared a deep blue. "Leannan---"
"Don't!" she shrieked. "Don't you dare call me sweetheart or anything else. I'm not, and I never will be. What type of arrogance does it take to think you can arrange everyone's life to suit your own? You don't want me as wife, that's fine, but once it's over don't you dare ask me to be your friend. That ... that I don't have in me to give." She whirled and paced over to the fireplace, standing naked and proud before him.
"You want us to join our bodies now in pleasure ... that I can accept. I will share myself with you, body and soul. I will love you and stand by your side. But I won't watch you fall in love with another. I'll not be family to children you give another woman. I will not be a part of your life when that happens. I can't. My power may be the strongest of my generation. But my heart..." She pounded on her chest with her clenched fist. "My heart is not." Her tear-filled eyes met his.
"'Tis my choice to make, Danolas, just as it was my choice to tell you I love you. You have a right to know and I'm not ashamed of it. Take me as I am, for I'll not change for you or any other man." Her chin went up and he watched as she began to fade from sight.
"I love you Danolas ... but from now on if you want me, you will have me on my terms, not your own."
Only the sound of laughter and shouting brought Danolas out of his numbed state of being. After Brianna left him, he could only sit, still feeling the warmth of her body in the tumbled sheets of the bed. Her heartbroken words pounded in his head and he felt every one of those curses she'd once rained down on his head. He surely deserved them.
Hadn't he known he could hurt her? He'd said it to everyone who'd listen, yet when it was most important, he'd forgotten it himself. He shook his head. Had he really been so blasé as to suggest they could see each other after his mate arrived on the scene? As emotional and open as Brianna was, how could he have even thought something like that would work.
She loved him. That knowledge curled around his heart and he felt a fulfillment he'd longed for his whole life. She. Loved. Him. He could barely believe it. He'd wanted to be loved for himself and now he was. By Brianna. She would love him completely ... totally. Holding nothing back. It would be wonderful and ... His heart sank. Frightening, messy, and inconvenient. But no matter how she felt about him, she wasn't for him. Her love really changed nothing. His own desires and the vision prevented anything else from happening.
So what should he do? Take what she was offering and enjoy the physical connection they felt. It was strong enough so they touched on the psychic plain. That was evident by the surprising fact they could sometimes mind-speak. But when the time came and he had to walk away ... what would that do to her? Wouldn't it be worse to share his life with her now, knowing she loved him, but it couldn't be forever?
The noise downstairs grew louder, and grimacing, Danolas went in to shower and change. He was right back where he started the first time he kissed her. His body reacted to his thoughts and he swore. Not exactly. Now he knew what making love with Brianna was like. He knew how she felt wrapped around him in ultimate surrender. And he was very much afraid that knowledge would make the decision for him.
"Aebh..." Brianna hugged her mentor hard, fighting back the urge to burst into tears. "I have missed you so much."
The High Priestess smiled gently. "My daughter. I have missed you, too."
"Are you well?" Brianna looked over the older woman critically. Aebh was tall and stately, with austere features and firm lips that covered a gentle heart. Her soft white hair and lined face made less severe by her sparkling intelligent eyes, but today she looked tired. "Are you taking your herbs?"
"Aye. Shannon takes good care of me." She glanced at the young witch who'd taken over when Brianna left. "She may not be as strong, but she listens."
"We've noticed Brianna has a mind of her own," Gallegar said jokingly, coming forward to give his own greeting to the older witch. "But she has become every important to us."
Aebh lifted a pale brow. "Indeed? And where is the High Priest? Where is Danolas? It is he whose care I placed my girl in."
Brianna swallowed. "Please, I need to speak to you."
Compassion touched the old woman's face. "You think I need you to tell me what has happened, daughter?" Her gray eyes lifted. "Ahhh, here he comes now."
"My lady!" Danolas swept forward to bow before the High Priestess and then, just as quickly he pulled her against him for a careful hug. "You look wonderful."
"You always were a flatterer." But the High Priestess went pink in the face at his words. She took in his still damp hair and fresh robes as she sat down in a nearby chair. "I am pleased to have you home, little Adonis."
Patrick choked back a laugh, while Benjamin gave a loud snort. "Little Adonis?"
Danolas flushed a deep red. "Damn it, Aebh."
A smile touched the lined face. "He was always the handsomest of boys. The nickname was given him when he was just a child."
"It fits well." Kira giggled as she too gave Aebh a hug. "I thought he was most beautiful when I first met him."
"I'm going to throw up now," Lucas complained. He slugged Danolas in the arm. "You want I should mess that pretty face up a bit for you?"
"Thank you, no," responded the embarrassed witch. "I think my appearance is the least of our problems."
"I would be curious to know what you consider the most important problem," Aebh said quietly, her gaze going between him and Brianna.
The High Priest met her eyes squarely. "I am worried about Brianna's safety. Twice she has been attacked. I will not allow a third time."
Aebh's wise eyes saw more than just priestly concern in his tense face. "I see. And do the others agree this is the most important issue ... Brianna's safety?"
"We do," Gallegar agreed with an elegant nod of his head.
"I believe the Sceptre of Power is more important," Brianna said at the same time. She and the vampire frowned at each other.
"But are they not both wrapped up together?" The old witch folded her hands serenely in front of her and waited patiently.
"Yes," put in Kira. "Our goal is to find out what happened to the Sceptre, but Brianna must be kept safe while we do so."
"Perhaps we can discuss this further in the library." Koran stepped into the foyer where they were gathered. "Mrs. Donnelly has just put out afternoon tea."
Kira clapped her hands. "With scones and jam?"
Her brother grinned. "Strawberry."
Plucking at Aebh's sleeve, Brianna ignored the others. "Please ... Aebh, I must speak with you. Privately."
The old woman sighed. "Are you sure you wish to do this?"
Brianna nodded, not even noticing the older witch had read her mind. It wasn't the first time. "I am." She shot a look at Danolas, who was gazing at her with narrowed eyes. She deliberately turned back to Aebh. "I must."
"Then if that is the case, you must do what needs to be done in front of witnesses." Aebh lifted an eyebrow. "These will do."
Her knees began to shake. "But High Priestess," Brianna whispered. "Allow me to do it in front of our own people."
"The High Priest and the Chosen are our people now." Aebh's tone brooked no argument. "Say your piece, my daughter. Perhaps, it is for the best, anyway."
"Brianna---" Awareness flared in his eyes, as Danolas took a step toward her.
Quickly, Brianna dropped to her knees and bowed her head. Best she do this now or she might not be strong enough later. She cleared her throat. "I humbly come before you to thank you for the opportunity you've given me to learn about a different Society. My time there was..." she paused briefly, "rich and full. But I ask now, that you take me back under your protection. Allow me to once again serve as First Acolyte to the High Priestess of Dunguaire Castle and of Ireland." Her voice broke. "Please, Aebh ... I want to come home."
Everyone in the small room had gone still at her words. Danolas stood as if he'd been carved from stone. Brianna purposely didn't look his way, knowing he would be furious. To ask to be released from another Priest's protection was a great insult.
Aebh put her gnarled hand on Brianna's head. Her shrewd eyes lifted to Danolas' tense face. "And what say you to this, High Priest of San Francisco? I gave you my daughter to protect and to train. To use as a weapon in the war that threatens you and ultimately every witch. Yet, now she asks to return to me. Is she no longer needed?"
Danolas stepped forward, anger tightening his features. He wanted to pick Brianna up and drag her back upstairs to his bed. He'd be damned if he'd let her walk away from him in such a manner. He knew he'd been stupid, but that was personal ... between the two of them. It had nothing to do with the war, or the Sceptre. He would make her understand that very quickly. "My lady," he gritted out, trying not to shout. "I do need the witch, Brianna. On the quest for the Sceptre of Power and to fight for the Power in San Francisco. I will not release her back to you."
Brianna gave a soft gasp at his response. Her head jerked up and her shocked gaze met his hard one. "But---"
"You have a bad habit, leannan, of sharing things in public that should be talked of first, in private," Danolas interrupted her. "Do you wish to continue our earlier conversation here?"
Her eyes grew huge. "NO!"
He sketched a shallow bow, trying to rein back his temper. How easily she could make him lose it, was still a shock to him. "Then, you have my answer. I will not give you back. I shall make it even simpler for you. You belong to me."
Aebh considered him thoughtfully. "You will not give me my acolyte if I ask it of you?"
Danolas clenched his jaw. "Aebh ... I would do anything you ask of me, you know that, but this..."
Sighing, Aebh turned back to Brianna and lifted her chin with one finger. "Are you so unhappy, my dear?"
Brianna's gaze flicked between her mentor and Danolas. "I ... think ... I think I will be."
The old witch nodded. "Then I will take your request under advisement." She looked over at Danolas. "I will not allow you to keep her if she is unhappy. No matter what the form ... or tradition. She is not an object to be easily traded, but a woman, with a soul and heart."
Danolas ground his teeth. He wanted to argue, but there was a part of him who knew he didn't have the right. "In that we are agreed, Aebh," he answered instead. "Brianna is a woman with heart, and very special to me ... to us all. She deserves to be happy. But for as long as we search for the magical Sceptre of Power, she will be under my protection. I will be the one to keep her safe. On this, I will brook no arguments."
"And afterwards?"
His stomach rolled again at the thought of Brianna leaving him, but he knew he had no choice. "After this quest is over, I ... I will revisit this request."
Aebh nodded, seemingly pleased. "As will I."
Lucas cleared his throat. "Does this mean we can go eat?"
Everyone laughed and the thick tension lessened. Aebh smiled at the shapeshifter. "Aye, go have your tea, young man. I do not want a starving werewolf in my house."
Benjamin slugged his friend's arm. "Yeah ... he might chew on the furniture."
Lucas growled and caught Benjamin in a headlock. "Let's see if you can eat anything after I bloody that smart-ass mouth of yours."
Chuckling at the byplay, Aebh turned back to the silent Brianna. "I am doing what I think is best, my daughter."
Nodding, Brianna fought back tears. She felt, rather than saw Danolas leave with the others for tea. At least he had the grace to give her some privacy now. "I know, but it hurts. Lord, I didn't know a body could hurt so bad."
"Then you love him, do you, child?" Aebh's voice was whisper soft.
Brianna nodded. "Aye ... but then you knew that, didn't you?"
"'Tis in your face when you look at him. He cares for you as well."
"He wants me." Brianna wiped a tear away. "But only for a quick toss, not to love." She lifted her tearstained face to her mentor's. "He's promised to someone else."
Instead of looking alarmed, the old woman only smiled. "Danolas is a good man. One, who has carried many responsibilities on those broad shoulders. He's been through difficulties we can only imagine. And he's learned, to be a good leader, you sometimes have to separate yourself from others. And that, my dear, is a very lonely place to be."
"He is always so serious and driven," Brianna murmured. "I want to make him laugh, or at least give a little smile."
"And you do," Aebh rejoined. "You probably make him feel many emotions. And for a man like Danolas, that can be frightening. And anything frightening is suspect."
"But what can I do?" The younger witch laid her head in Aebh's lap as she'd wanted to from the beginning. "I feel so torn. I want to be with him, but I can't. He's waiting for his perfect lady mate to come along and sweep him off his feet. I am no lady."
"Do you remember when I said you would not stay here, at Dunguaire Castle? That I felt your destiny awaited you elsewhere? We both assumed it would be when you were offered that posting in Venice with the High Priest there? You had always dreamed of visiting Italy."
Brianna frowned and lifted her head. "Aye. But what we thought was another First Acolyte's position turned out to be only secretarial, so I didn't go."
"So, what you'd dreamed of didn't turn out to be what was real, did it?"
The younger witch's eyes widened. "No ... it wasn't."
"Then, perhaps what Danolas wishes for isn't his true destiny either. A powerful man can be a stubborn man and it will take a strong woman to make him see that. Remember..." Aebh cupped Brianna's soft cheek in her wrinkled hand. "Not all is as it seems, Brianna. You, more than any other should know that."
Looking down at herself, Brianna managed a chuckle. "Aye. You are right about that. Things aren't what they seem. I'd almost forgotten. And I will take your words to heart. I've never been one to give up so easily."
"When the heart is involved, many things become more difficult, daughter. 'Tis a matter of you understanding what you truly want."
"I know I want him," Brianna whispered, a flare of hope in her eyes. "But I can't make him want me back. Not in that way at least."
The High Priestess gave an unladylike snort, so out of character, it made Brianna blink. "Then, use what you have, my girl. You've been graced with all the necessary attributes to turn a man's head. Use them."
"Aebh!" The younger witch gasped.
"I'm old, but I'm not dead," Aebh remarked with a twinkle in her old eyes.
Brianna giggled. "If you're telling me to seduce him, 'tis too late. I've already done that, and more than once."
"Truly?" Aebh looked intrigued for a moment, then she shook herself. "There are other ways to seduce a man, my dear. Things he doesn't expect a woman to do. For example, a man likes to be surprised now and then."
"I believe I've given him a few surprises in the past. I'm not sure he enjoyed them." Grinning, Brianna leaned up and kissed the older witch's cheek. "But I think I do know of one, but 'twill need your help. I truly would like to be myself again. In all ways. I know I'm still under Danolas' command, but in this case..."
Her mentor laughed, as she understood what Brianna was asking. "I think that is possible. Since I gave you the edict, I can remove it just as easily. You are safe enough here, in this place. I give you my permission."
Relief shot through Brianna and she climbed to her feet. "I thank you." She helped Aebh to her feet and then hugged her. "I won't come in. I have things to do. It may take a while. Will you make my apologies?"
"He will wonder where you are."
Brianna smiled. "Let him wonder."
And he did wonder. And fume and grumble. Where was she? Why hadn't she come to tea? Was she hiding, afraid to face him? When Danolas asked, Aebh told him little, other than Brianna had things to do. So he'd waited, the whole afternoon long. He'd panicked once, thinking maybe she'd run from him, but a quick check of her aura, showed she was in her room, with a privacy shield erected. He'd wanted to go to her, but had to respect the shield. It meant she didn't want to see anyone and he figured he was on the top of the list.
He was infuriated by the way she'd tried to get out from under his protection. Danolas knew he'd hurt her, but he hadn't believed she would go so far as to renounce him as witch tradition dictated. Once the anger receded, he realized just how deeply she must have been wounded to do such a thing. He frowned, knowing he had to talk to her. They couldn't work together ... couldn't go on the quest for the Sceptre with this between them. The ups and downs of wanting Brianna was tiring him out.
"If you keep frowning, that ole line between your eyes will stick," drawled Patrick in amusement. He floated in through the door followed by Lucas, Benjamin and Koran. Danolas' acolyte, Jorad, slipped in behind them. "Then ya'll won't have to worry 'bout being an Adonis."
Danolas looked up at his brothers. "I was worrying about Brianna."
"Really? I'm shocked," joked Lucas. "And here I thought you were thinking about the latest Paris fashions."
"She is going to drive me insane," the witch grumbled, ignoring the bigger man. "I can't stop thinking of her."
Benjamin patted Danolas' shoulder in commiseration. "There's not a man in this room who doesn't know what you're going through, my man. We've all had it happen to us."
Danolas watched as Gallegar and Kira came in the door, arm and arm. The joy on their faces made his throat tighten in envy. "I don't know what to do."
"Women often had that affect on me," Patrick empathized. "Then I died, and it didn't matter any more."
"Bullshit," Lucas said bluntly. He smirked at the shade. "I've seen you palling around with some of those female shades in your council." He waggled his eyebrows at his brother. "And a couple of them are hot!"
"Do you mind?" Danolas rubbed at his eyes. His stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten any of the scones at teatime. "I was talking about Brianna."
"You must have really angered her to cause her to reject you publicly." Koran sat in a chair near Danolas. "Would you care to elucidate?"
"No," answered Danolas shortly. "It is between Brianna and me."
"Not so, brother." Gallegar glided over, leaving Kira to welcome Aebh when she appeared in the doorway. "You know what affects one, affects us all. She is important to you, so she is important to us."
"How many times do I have to say this?" Danolas gritted out. "How I feel, doesn't matter. What is between Brianna and I can be nothing permanent. She is not for me."
"You keep telling yourself that," growled Lucas. "Maybe you'll start believing it."
Benjamin shook his head. "I just don't get it. You keep saying she's not for you. How do you know? Hell, she might be your soulmate."
His words pierced Danolas' sore heart. Sometimes, he wished with all that was in him it could be true. He shook his head. "No. She and I are too different, and ... there is another, who I'm told, I will love more than I can ever imagine loving anyone."
Koran's mouth dropped open. "You are in love with another woman?"
"No!" The witch shot to his feet to pace away and back again. "It's complicated, all right? Let's just say I'm spoken for."
Gallegar shook his head. "I told you not to concern yourself with the vision, Danolas. By doing so, you may miss what is right in front of you."
"And what might that be?" Danolas inquired testily, swinging around to face him.
But everyone had stopped listening. "Ho-ly-Christ," Lucas managed as he stared over the witch's shoulder to the door. His mouth open and shut twice before he could finish. "Jesus, I don't fuckin' believe it! How ... about that?"
Frowning, Danolas turned, and looked to where all the Chosen were now gazing. His heart literally stopped at what he saw.
It was her.
He knew it the moment his gaze lit upon her. It could be no one else. His spirit sang in recognition. This was the woman of Kira's vision. She entered the room, then stopped and spoke to Kira and Aebh. She was dressed in a long, flowing lavender robe embroidered with white and silver thread. Beautifully worked designs that denoted healing, power, and strength were placed strategically over all the power points of the young witch's body. They called to attention, rather than hid, the beautiful thrust of her breasts and slender shape of her waist and hips.
Danolas' whole body came to attention. He had a brief moment of guilt he could feel this for anyone else but Brianna, but he forced the thought away. She was here ... finally. He waited impatiently for her to turn around so he could see more of her face, but he didn't need to see the purple eyes to know this was she. Long auburn hair, so rich and full it flamed with life, flowed over her shoulders past the middle of her back.
Turn around.
The thought escaped him and he gasped as she turned, as if in response to his plea. Vivid, violet eyes met his in a look that was both haughty and afraid. As he watched, her chin went up and she licked her lips.
And suddenly, everything he knew and believed fell apart around him. He took a convulsive step forward...
"Brianna?"
"Holy, Mother of God," Patrick whispered as the vision in lavender came towards them.
"What has she done to herself?" Benjamin's voice sounded more like a frog than a Suprahuman.
Danolas was shocked into complete silence. It couldn't be ... but it was. It was her. Brianna. But ... not Brianna. Gone was the dull muddy hair and dirt brown eyes. Gone too, were the deplorable jeans and oversized T-shirts. He couldn't accept it. He didn't understand it. What was going on?
Gallegar, in true form, took over. Having been privy to Kira's confession, he knew who Brianna was, yet even he was surprised by the pixie-like loveliness of the woman who stopped before him. "Little sister," he said gently, seeing the trepidation in her eyes and understanding it. "It is good to see you looking so well."
"Well? Hell ... she looks a lot better than well." Lucas grinned down at her. "So this is what you've been hiding under those jeans."
"You are most beautiful," Koran murmured as he took Brianna's slim hand. "You were a treasure before, but now you please my eyes as much as you did my heart."
Her violet eyes flicked towards Danolas, but he was too tongue tied by shock to say anything at all. He could only stare rudely at her, as he watched the color rise in her cheeks. Now the freckles and temper made sense. And somehow, the upside-down mouth and turned up nose fit perfectly with this new Brianna. Finally, he understood the flickers of purple power he'd seen surrounding her.
"These robes are what I wear when I'm not among the humans." Brianna smiled back at the Chosen. "But I will say; the T-shirts were no disguise, but a favorite of mine."
"You look just fine, whatever you've got on," Benjamin said gallantly.
"I am pleased you have been able to take your true form," Kira announced as she and Aebh joined the group. "It must have been difficult pretending to be what you were not." She smiled wryly at her mate. "This I know."
"But why?" Lucas scratched his head in confusion. "I mean, I like you either way, but why the disguise?"
"That was my decision," Aebh answered. "I thought Brianna's beauty and unusual coloring may bring too much notice as she traveled to you. I felt she would be safer using an illusion." She glanced at the still silent Danolas. "What do you think, little Adonis?"
There was a telling silence before Danolas finally managed, "You're not real."
Brianna's eyes narrowed. "I be the same woman I was last night. Just the wrapping is different. Why should that matter?"
"It matters." He remembered suddenly what Gallegar had said about the outside of a person being deceiving. Danolas looked at the vampire, anger seeping into his face. "You knew."
Gallegar inclined his head. "I knew she wasn't what she seemed." He smiled at Brianna. "But I didn't know she was as lovely as this."
Danolas turned to Kira. "Did you know?" He stared at her, tension knotting his shoulders.
"Yes," she answered simply.
"Why didn't you tell me?" The witch's anger grew as he stood there. "You knew---" He cut himself off and switched to mind-speech. "You knew I was waiting for the woman of your vision. I have been through hell these past weeks trying to figure out what I was feeling. If I had known---"
"If you had known, would you have treated her any differently?" Kira mind-asked him. "You had already decided to dislike her because ... how did you say it? She was childish, rude ... and obnoxious. Not the type of woman you dreamed of."
Danolas turned a dark red. "I had a right to know! I may have acted differently."
Kira cocked her head. "Perhaps. But perhaps not. You were given an opportunity to get to know the woman you are destined for without the pressure of knowing it was she. And she you. It is what you do now that matters."
"But damn it ... She isn't what I expected ... what I'd wanted..."
"My seer---"
"Excuse me," Aebh interrupted them both, gently. "You are using mind-speech?"
"Yes." Danolas glared at his old Priestess, not believing for a moment the illusion was only for Brianna's safety. Aebh was up to something. "What I have to say is for the Peacekeeper's ears only."
"Then y'all might wanna tone it down a bit." Patrick floated closer to put a cautioning hand on Danolas' shoulder. His brown eyes flashed a warning to the witch. "Kira wasn't the only one getting it."
Danolas jerked around to look at the others. The Chosen were all smiling widely, while Brianna watched him with a puzzled, hurt look on her face. He reddened, remembering too late, how she had sometimes read his mind. How much had she heard? He cleared his throat. "I ... uhhh ... sorry." Casting a speaking look Kira's way, he reined in his temper. "My lady, you and I aren't finished.
She smiled gently. "It had to be this way, Danolas. I promise you."
He gave an inelegant grunt. "We shall see."
"I think our supper awaits us," Gallegar put in. He smiled at Brianna and extended his arm. "May I have the honor of escorting you?"
Brianna blinked up at him. She shot a hurried glance in Danolas' direction and then nodded. Putting her hand on his strong arm, she allowed herself to be led into the large dining hall.
"He will come around," the vampire said softly. "He cares for you ... very much."
She lifted worried eyes to his. "I heard some of what he said. What vision does he mean?"
Gallegar sighed and pressed her small hand with his. "That, I cannot tell you. It is his story to relate. But, Brianna ... I ask that you have patience. Danolas is a good man, one of the best I've ever met, but he is used to doing things his way. And he," he quirked his lips up in a smile, "as are all the Chosen, is a bit stubborn. It has kept us alive in the past, and I believe will benefit us in the future."
"Stubborn is not the word I'd use," Brianna grumbled.
The vampire laughed. "As long as you give him a chance, you can call him anything you like."
She grinned up at him. "I'll be having your word on that."
They were all quickly seated. Brianna found herself sitting at a corner with Danolas. They stared at each other for a long moment.
"You are beautiful," he said quietly.
Her eyes filled. "But still not what you want."
His lips tightened. "Please, Brianna. How I feel about you ... I don't know what to do. And with this new look..."
"Prettier is more acceptable ... that's what you think."
"No!" His loud voice caused heads to turn and he swore lightly. "It has nothing to do with being prettier. You ... you were always a pleasure for my eyes."
She shook her head and sighed. "I don't understand you."
He reached out and took her hand, making her heart thump wildly. "There are things you don't know. Things I didn't know. All I can ask is you give me a chance to think it through."
Brianna's chin went up. "What I said earlier in your bedroom stands. I won't be changing my mind about that."
He surprised her by lifting her hand to his lips. "Leannan, I'm not asking you to."
Their conversation was stopped as the food was served, but she was completely aware of the man at her side. No matter how much she wanted to scream at him, her heart still melted when he looked at her. All she could remember was how it felt when he held her close. The look in his eyes as he filled her body with his own. She would give him the chance to think because she had no other choice. She loved him.
"We have much to discuss," Gallegar said, as he gazed around the room. "Now that we are all together, I believe it is time to talk about the Sceptre of Power."
"I'm assuming it's safe to talk here?" Patrick questioned. He glanced apologetically at Aebh. "We've had problems in the past."
The old witch smiled. "Danolas sent the spells for your shielding. We've done the same here, so 'tis secure."
"So what do we know?" asked Lucas around a mouthful of flaky lake trout. "Do we have any more information other than what Brianna already shared?"
"It is said the Sceptre was lost to the north, in the Cuilcagh Mountains. We know not where." Brianna looked at Aebh. "There's nothing more specific in my family's history."
"There are documents in the archives that tell the tale. You may find more there." The older witch looked at Danolas. "But I do believe you all must go there. I feel it."
"A real quest." Koran's amber eyes sparkled. "I have not had such an adventure in many centuries."
"'Twill be an adventure, 'tis true." Brianna tossed her head. "But not an easy one. My ancestor traveled far and we've only a hint of the direction he went."
"We can handle it," Benjamin boasted. He grinned at Danolas. "Except maybe, my brother here. He doesn't do well in the woods. Remember when we went after the vampire demon?"
The Chosen all laughed at the High Priest's embarrassment.
Danolas glared at Benjamin. "I fell in a hole. We will see how well you do when you've fallen on your face."
Brianna stared at him. "That, I'd have like to seen." Her mouth quirked up in a mocking smile. "Did you get dirty, I wonder?"
"Like a pig," Lucas related with relish. He grinned at the witch. "Maybe you'll want to wait here ... where it's nice and clean."
"I may not be one for wide open spaces," Danolas shot a quelling look at his brothers, before turning back to Aebh, "but as I said ... Brianna is under my protection. Where she goes, I go."
There was another long silence, as they all digested his steely words, then Aebh spoke again. "The mountains are part of a new Geopark. Tourists by the drove, visit there. 'Twill be difficult to keep your presence a secret."
"You think we will be followed." Koran sipped at his wine thoughtfully.
"Aye."
"I assume by your expression, you believe it will not be safe." Kira put her hand into Gallegar's and he squeezed it comfortingly.
"The enemy who followed Brianna to San Francisco will not give up so easily. They do not want the Sceptre of Power found."
"That just tells me how valuable it really is," Patrick mused. "And if Brianna can find it, we can use it to win the war."
"I believe some time in the archives reading more about this weapon will be helpful," Koran stated. "I think we should dig into the past before we set out to change the future."
"Well said." Danolas toasted the faerie. "The more we know the better. That we have learned the hard way."
"And," Gallegar brought Kira's hand to his lips, "we've learned to be honest with each other and communicate all we know. It can make the difference between life and death."
"It can also make the difference between love and anguish," Kira returned as she leaned forward to buss a kiss over his lips. "Which is also very important."
"Then maybe we need to talk about how it is Brianna can mind-speak us all." Benjamin's comment created a sudden uncomfortable silence. He looked around at the others at the table. "Well, shouldn't we? I mean all of us heard her call for Danolas when she was attacked by the Kraken, even though we couldn't tell where she was. Only he could. And just now, I know she heard Kira and Danolas talking. I heard her hear them ... if that makes any sense at all."
"Yeah ... in a weird way. Lucas scratched his head. "But how? How can she be mind-linked with us?"
"Daughter?" Aebh asked. "Is this true?"
Brianna felt the weight of all their gazes on her as she stared uncomfortably down into her lap. "Aye, 'tis true. But I only hear bits and pieces. Not everything."
"But she is not linked with us. And we had to join with Kira to accomplish the mind-speak." Koran frowned. "Why is she is different?"
"Perhaps, she is not." Kira's golden gaze touched Danolas. "She has joined with one of us ... in a way."
"Joined?" Patrick looked at Kira in confusion. "I don't---" His eyes widened suddenly. "Ohhh..."
Pink flared to life on Brianna's cheeks. While she wasn't embarrassed she'd made love to Danolas, to have it dissected in such a way was discomfiting. "'Twasn't something I meant to do," she whispered. She went even redder as she'd heard what she said. "Listen to your thoughts ... is what I'm a meaning."
Danolas was also embarrassed, but he knew the truth needed to come out. He took a deep breath, remembering how Kira and Gallegar felt when their lovemaking had been under scrutiny. This was just as uncomfortable. "When she called for help and we all heard her, I knew something curious had happened. I wasn't sure what it was until later. Once ... after we..." he glanced at Brianna's bowed head, "were ... together, I heard her thoughts, gave her my own to test her. I knew then, she and I had somehow connected. I'd only done that once before with a woman ... when I joined with Kira."
"So you heard what Danolas and I said earlier?" Kira whispered as she looked regretfully at Brianna.
Not you so much," the young witch answered after a moment, "or the other Chosen. Just those bits and pieces, as I said." She glanced at Danolas. "But I do hear you. Whether I want to or not."
Danolas groaned at the expression she wore. He remembered his callous words and swore aloud. "Leannan..."
She shook her head and offered him a trembling smile. "'Tis all right, High Priest. You said nothing you haven't already told me to my face."
"Still..." He touched her cheek and sent her a tight mind-thought, hoping she'd hear it. "I am no longer sure what I want any more, Brianna. You have succeeded in confusing me, thoroughly." Danolas knew his thoughts had been heard when her violet eyes widened and warmed. Taking advantage of it, he went on. "I asked you to give me a chance to think it through. I ask you this, again."
Her lips tightened in concentration. He heard her ... very softly in his mind. "Aye."
Gallegar watched them both and smiled. "Having Brianna privy to our mind-speak could come in handy."
"She should practice," Aebh murmured, also studying the pair with pleased eyes. "As much as possible."
Danolas smiled and took Brianna by the hand. "I think that can be arranged."
Over the next few days, they all kept busy at various tasks. Lucas, Patrick, Benjamin and their men worked at gathering the supplies for their journey. They wanted to keep themselves unseen by enemy eyes, so they couldn't use their powers to get them to their destination. Instead, they arranged for another bus that could hold the entire company. And knowing conjuring food, camping gear or anything else they might need could bring unwanted attention, the men took a trip into Galway to pick up all necessary items.
Kira and Gallegar spent a great deal of time with Aebh. The old witch had a great many questions about the war and what happened in the past. Knowing information given to an ally would benefit them all, the Peacekeeper and her First Chosen were more than happy to oblige. There might come a time where a call would be made for reinforcements. Having the strength of the Irish Witch Society, with all their history, traditions and knowledge behind the company, made the vampire and his lady even more confident for the future.
Koran, Danolas and Brianna spent their time in the archives. They pored over dusty documents and sifted through literally a ton of parchments and scrolls. Piece by piece, they found tidbits of information about Labraic. Where he lived ... what he did, and the havoc he'd left behind.
To their consternation, they found his cult hadn't been destroyed when he'd been banished back to Hell. Rather, it had gone underground, feeding on the fears and superstitions of the ages to slowly gain strength. Now, the organization had become visible, calling itself The Church of the Fallen and recruiting new members to its folds.
The Church had its base in Labraic's old estate, near what is now modern day Enniskillen. Kept intact by obviously magical means, the buildings had stood the test of time, becoming modernized and able to house a veritable army. If financial reports were any indication, the organization was well funded and on its way to becoming very powerful. All very unsettling news. If they were correct, and the Church was responsible for the attacks on Brianna, they would be walking right into the enemy's camp.
They found little information about the Sceptre itself. Some descriptions of the weapon, tales of how it was used against the demon, but mostly, just bits and pieces of song or poem. It had been a great victory, and all the bards wanted it known. Some were just doggerel, some seemingly more serious, but never did they have the whole piece ... save one. They found it tucked away in a bible, dusty and battered with age.
I set a guard, no harm to thee.
I speak this spell, 'tis destiny.
To keep you safe, this promise binds,
Any man or beast, evil entwines.
Hidden from sight, so no one can see,
A promise kept, so mote it be.
Your time will come, to rise once more,
Your power and strength, to win the war.
This prophecy will come to pass,
When truth and love come at last.
Progeny of power, the chosen shall be,
Whose honor and faith will set you free.
But for now in the silence of blackness, hide,
To find the treasure, the heart will guide
And so I pray, in peace remain
Until that time, to fight again.
I cast this spell, my protection for thee
So I say it, so mote it be.
It was touted to be a song about the Sceptre's hidden location, but it was hard to tell. It did mention the part about a descendant ... that was certain. Although it was definitely mysterious, and made the three magick welders curious, it wasn't specific enough to help them find the item they were seeking. But, just in case, they added it to the pile of documents they gathered.
Danolas was no closer to understanding his feelings for Brianna than before. In fact, kill her or kiss her became the familiar refrain over the next few days. He'd thought he'd gotten a handle on things at the dinner, discovering Brianna was the woman in Kira's vision for him. He was confused, yes, and overwhelmed by the knowledge she was who he was supposedly destined for, and he knew he had some more thinking to do. He thought he'd made Brianna understand he wanted to be with her, but she seemed to have gone in the opposite direction.
She spent a great deal of time with the other Chosen, practicing the mind-speech as Aebh had suggested. He knew, because he could hear every single word she said whenever the practicing took place. His erstwhile lover hadn't yet learned how to control her shielding. It was frustrating and irritating that she preferred their company to his.
In fact, in his opinion, she was more contrary, more rude and opinionated than she'd been before. It was an experience, hearing her go into a tirade about where and how to look for the Sceptre while she looked so soft and ladylike in her robes. He'd grown used to her looking another way. Gotten used to the threadbare jeans and crazy T-shirts. They were as much a part of her as her temper. When he saw her in her witch's garb, he still did a double take.
And she knew it. He had the sinking feeling that was why she was acting the way she was. Perhaps it was a test ... a way for her to see if he really meant what he said. Problem was, he didn't know what he meant. Even though he ached to be with her, to kiss and feel her body beneath his as he buried himself deep inside her, his mind still couldn't get past the idea of such an earthy mate. She wasn't what he'd thought of for himself, wasn't the lady he'd imagined by his side, ruling his Society, and it showed by the hesitation in his actions.
But none of that stopped him from wanting to spend time with her. Danolas followed her to the local pub on several occasions---dressed more appropriately this time---just so he could see her. He'd sat down at the bar with her, and even tried to stomach the dark, thick brew she so enjoyed. She'd smiled politely, and then before he knew it, he was surrounded by local farmers and dairyman all talking about the latest football score. Brianna would be nowhere in sight. After it happened for the third time, he knew it was deliberate. She was treating him the way he'd treated her in San Francisco. All form and no heart.
Why? That question beat at him as he went through the day. She said she loved him. She said she'd give him a chance to think things through. Was that what Brianna thought she was doing? Danolas wanted to break through the privacy shield on her room and shout at her that wasn't what he'd meant. He needed her, and after the closeness they'd shared the one night, he found the separation ... intolerable.
Of course, he didn't force the issue. That would be a loss of control he wouldn't allow. Instead, he responded in kind, becoming more and more autocratic and arrogant. Soon, the verbal battles between the two of them became legend as they fought about everything from what information was important, to the color of the bus they were riding in. Koran---being an intelligent faerie---bowed out early in the skirmishes. He made a note to himself not to get involved with a woman who had a temper.
It took a week before all was ready. The company was itching to go, if for no other reason than they hoped Danolas and Brianna would quit fighting once they were on the move. Aebh, came to see them off, her wise face still smiling, as she watched the two younger witches bicker over who sat where.
"Do you still think you were correct in throwing them together?" Gallegar asked as he watched Danolas' face redden at something Brianna said. "I expect we will see blood soon."
The old woman chuckled. "They are both as stubborn and thick-headed as a donkey. But underneath, lies love. They just have to accept it."
"Brianna loves him." Kira slipped under Gallegar's strong arm and snuggled against him. "But she is not acting like it."
"Aye ... she loves him true, but she is hurting and so hides the hurt and love behind temper. 'Tis something she always did."
Gallegar looked up at the afternoon sun. "We are getting a late start. We will barely make Enniskillen by dark."
Kira kissed Aebh goodbye. "We will scry-call if we need you."
As Aebh hugged the smaller woman back, her gaze was on the two obstinate people she loved more than her own life. "They will be all right. Danolas just needs to break through the wall Brianna's thrown up." She sighed and looked up at Gallegar. "Perhaps a push from one who has already been through it."
The vampire raised a dark brow. "I always knew who I belonged to. I never had a doubt."
"Then perhaps it is I who should speak with him." Kira smiled at her mate. "Can you do without me for a short while?"
"If I must."
Aebh smiled broadly. "Think of it as a sacrifice for true love."
Gallegar gave a loud snort. "With those two? It wouldn't be for love, but for a bit of blessed peace."
"My seer." Kira slid into the seat next to Danolas and smiled. "Is your journey going well so far?"
Danolas looked away from the passing scenery and shot a quick look over at Brianna who was sitting with Lucas. She was laughing at something the werewolf said. "If he hadn't told me they were like brother and sister..."
Kira chuckled. "Why do you worry? She is not for him, Danolas. This you know."
"I can't help it." He leaned back in the seat and sighed. "Are you saying you never felt jealous with Gallegar?"
She smiled. "No ... I cannot claim I have never been jealous. But I always knew he loved me. That made it much easier."
"Brianna said she loved me, but..." Danolas shook his head. "I don't know anymore." He lifted pained eyes to Kira's. "My hesitation has made her hate me."
"Oh, no." Kira took his hand in hers. "She does not hate you. She is hurting and confused. She does not understand. Have you explained about the vision?"
"I tried, but I can't get her alone long enough. She's avoiding me."
"You must tell her. You must be honest with her."
He shook his head. "Too much honesty is what got me into this mess. I told her from the beginning she and I were too different to be together. How can I tell her now, she is the one of my vision? Especially, when I still can't accept we are meant to be mated?"
Kira's golden eyes narrowed. "Are you telling me you do not wish to be with her? Are you refusing your destiny?"
His heart twisted in his chest. "I ... I don't know what I'm saying. I want her. More than I've ever wanted anything. What I feel when we are together..." His voice trailed off and he reddened. "I mean ... she satisfies a hunger I didn't even know I had."
"Yet, still you hesitate."
Danolas rubbed his eyes tiredly. He hadn't slept well since the last time he'd been with Brianna. "You know who my parents were. Leaders of the San Francisco Society, and then later the first witch ambassadors?"
She nodded. "I remember you telling me about them."
"You know my father is dead."
Kira squeezed his hand. "Yes, I am sorry you lost him."
"He was a great man. A natural leader and a very strong witch." He sighed. "Very big shoes to step into."
Frowning, Kira cocked her head. "Why do you want to put on his shoes?"
Her confusion lightened his heart a bit and made him laugh. "It means I have to work very hard to be as good a witch as he was."
She still looked confused. "You are yourself, Danolas. Why must you be like your father?"
"Why, indeed," he murmured. Kira's sweet naiveté about things did make him look at the situation differently. "I guess it is because I wanted to make him proud of me, so I was patterning my own life after his. A powerful mentor, taking over the Society he founded, and..." Danolas sighed. "Finding a wife who was as elegant and capable as my mother."
"And you do not think Brianna is like that?"
Danolas laughed at the thought. "She is the polar opposite. Dylona---my mother---was the perfect ambassador's wife. Soft-spoken, perfectly dressed, even tempered ... always a lady. Even now, she teaches etiquette and proper policy to up and coming ambassadors. She is perfect."
"And perfect is what you want?"
He stared at her. "I ... I don't know. That's what is driving me half-crazy. I thought it was ... but now..." Glancing over at Brianna again, he shook his head. "Now, even though I can't see Brianna in the role, I can't see anyone else as my mate either."
"My seer, perhaps you are thinking too much?"
"What do you mean?"
Kira sighed. "If I had followed my instincts and told you all the truth when I found out what the Gatekeeper had planned, so much pain would have been prevented. Perhaps, I could have saved some of those who were killed, or at least made it so the battle would have been easier to win."
"You don't know that," Danolas remonstrated.
"No ... and I never will." Kira smiled sadly at him. "It will always be something I must wonder about. But my point is, I thought too much ... worried about things that were not just mine to worry about. I did not allow those who loved me to be a part of the decision making and so I hurt us all." She pressed Danolas' hand. "You must not make the same mistake."
"Kira ... the decision to accept Brianna is mine and mine alone."
A golden brow lifted. "Is it?" She gave a little huff of irritation. "I do believe there are two of you involved in this." She slid out of the seat and looked down at him. "If you are not careful, by the time you make your decision, Brianna will have already made hers and whatever you decide will no longer matter. Perhaps, you should think on that!"
Turning, the Peacekeeper stalked away to sit down next to Gallegar. The vampire's arm immediately encircled her in a soothing manner, and their eyes met, as they mind-spoke together.
Danolas groaned. Great ... now he had both women on the journey angry at him. He stared at the back of Brianna's head. Kira was right about one thing. He had to tell Brianna the truth about the vision. Maybe then, the other witch would see his concerns had been valid. Firming his jaw, he got up and walked over to where Lucas was trying to teach her how to thumb wrestle.
"Sure, and it's just a matter of being quicker," Brianna was saying as he stopped behind them. "And we both know I'm more agile than the likes of you."
"Is that so?" Lucas narrowed his eyes, then just as swiftly jerked around to stare at Danolas. "I guess you could answer that better than I could, eh, Danolas?"
Brianna's face flamed red. "Oh ... for fuc---"
"I'd like to talk to Brianna if I may," Danolas interrupted, refusing to be baited. "Alone."
Lucas grinned and opened his mouth to argue, but then his silver gaze went unfocused as he received a mind-call. He gusted out a mocking breath and lifted himself out of his seat. "Since Kira wants to talk to me, I'd say Brianna's all yours."
"Thank you."
"Sit down, you great fool." Brianna tugged on his arm. "Now you've got everyone looking at us."
Danolas sat down and surveyed her embarrassed face with interest. "I just want to talk to you."
"Well, then ... quit your staring and have at it!" Brianna watched as his lips moved, silently counting to control his temper. She was almost ashamed of herself. She knew she was being obnoxious, but she just couldn't seem to help herself. Making him angry was one way of forcing him to show his emotions. Since she knew she couldn't have his love, it seemed fury was the next best thing. It didn't make much sense, but ... there it was.
"I've been trying all week to talk to you," Danolas said in a controlled voice. "At least here, you can't run away from me."
Brianna bristled. "The day I run from you will be the day the Irish leave the island."
"Keep your voice down," he hissed. "You've been avoiding me all week, and when you weren't avoiding me, you were shouting at me."
"Well..." Brianna tossed her head. "Since I can't avoid you now, I guess I can do some more shouting! You thick-brained idiot. I'll---" Her words were cut off when his mouth swooped down on hers. In an instant ... all the fury, all the words she was about to speak, flew out of her mind as if they'd never been there.
Desire took their place. Curling heat and hungry need that happened only when this one man touched her. She was tossed into a cyclone of emotion that whirled her around until she was dizzy. Every sense was assaulted and conquered by the one fact she had no power over...
She loved him.
After it seemed a lifetime had passed, he released her, and she stared at him mutely, her eyes huge with confusion. He grinned down at her with a very male, self-satisfied look, totally ignoring the curious eyes pointed their way. "Now that I have your attention..."
Brianna blew out her breath dizzily, but she couldn't think of a single blessed thing to say.
Danolas figured there would never be a better time. She was a little off balance and for a change ... quiet. "I want to explain about what you heard when Kira and I were mind-speaking. Wait..." he urged as she made to protest. "I need to say this to you. Please."
She subsided, but he could already feel her pulling away. To combat it, he grabbed her hands in his own. "Brianna, I've handled this all wrong from the beginning, but it isn't completely my fault."
"Has this to do with why you push me away, then? I've been a trying to give ye the space you need."
He nodded. So he'd been right about why she was staying away from him. "I told you I belonged to another. One I'd not met yet."
Her chin lifted. "Sure ... you told me. And I told you I wouldn't be around when she came."
Grinning at her, he dropped a kiss on her pouting mouth. "Too late."
She froze and lifted her stricken gaze to his. "She's here?"
"Leannan..." He leaned down and touched his forehead to hers. "She always has been."
She withdrew from him even more. "I don't understand."
Danolas sighed. "What I didn't tell you was when Kira and I first joined together, I thought she had been sent to be my mate."
"Oh, you did, did you? And how did the vampire like that bit of news?" Brianna's eyes flashed purple at him.
The High Priest grinned again. "He didn't take it well. Of course, I chose to give her welcome by kissing her." He laughed, remembering the moment fondly. "Gallegar is very strong and if I'd been anyone else, I'd have been reduced to a puddle on the floor. But ... I soon learned the error of my ways, even though I didn't understand them. I saw immediately Kira and Gallegar were to be together, long before it actually came to pass."
"And did you tell them this?"
"Of course, but the heart must discover the truth for itself." His gaze turned inward. "When Kira and I joined, she told me she was never meant for me. She told me one was coming who I would love with all my heart, soul and body."
Brianna felt her heart snap in two. "Please, this isn't a tale I want to hear."
"Give me a moment," Danolas begged. "She told me the woman I was destined to be with would be sent to me." He cupped her face in his hands and his azure eyes burned with an emotion that made Brianna's stomach jump.
"Kira said the pleasure this woman and I would find in each other's arms would be indescribable." He brushed his lips across hers. "Imagine my confusion, when the woman who touched me as she prophesied, came to me looking as she did, all dark and scruffy." Danolas smiled slightly. "You see ... I was supposed to look for someone with eyes as purple as violets and hair as hot as a flame."
Brianna couldn't move ... couldn't even breathe. She stared at him, for once, totally at a loss for words. She was the woman in the vision? She was the mate he was destined for? Everything fell into place. No wonder he had been so confused, no wonder he'd fought her so strongly. Her inner spirit danced and rejoiced. Reaching up, she grasped his wrists. "Are you saying ... I'm the one you've been waiting for?"
His lips tightened and she felt a tremor of trepidation go through her. Something was still wrong ... something not quite right. "Danolas?"
"Perhaps, if I had known what you truly looked like, I wouldn't have been so cruel, so unwelcoming. But you weren't what I expected."
She suddenly remembered the words he'd spoken to Kira in mind-speech. "She isn't what I expected ... what I'd wanted." Her hopeful heart crashed to her feet. "And no matter the destiny, I'm still not the type of lady you want."
"That isn't true," he shot back. "At least ... I don't think it is. Kira says I should be honest with you, but I don't even know the answers to the questions myself." He traced a thumb over her lower lip. "I do want you. And the pleasure we give each other is more wonderful than I can say. If that was all there was, I wouldn't have any problem claiming you."
"Then 'tis the fact I'm no lady." Brianna pulled away, trying desperately not to burst into tears. "You think that makes it easier? I am the woman who you are destined to love, but since I'm not good enough for you, you hesitate?"
Danolas could tell he was making a mess of it. "No, Brianna ... please. I have always had a picture of my future mate in my mind. And you're right ... it wasn't a woman like you." He stopped her from jumping to her feet. "But that doesn't mean I don't care about you, a great deal. I have to get past the fact you aren't like my mother---"
"You'll be explaining that one, right now!" Brianna jerked away from him. "You've insulted me for the last time. Comparing me to your mother, now, are you?" She spat a Gaelic curse at him that made him flinch.
"Brianna! Stop it!" Pulling her back against him, he captured her mouth a second time. He held her there, wishing he could put up a privacy shield and make love to her right in the seat. That was the only time it seemed they were perfectly in sync with each other. It was a long time before she stopped struggling, and it was then he tasted tears on her cheeks. "Leannan ... A Stór..." His own eyes misted. "Please ... listen. It wasn't an insult, just an observation."
"Telling me I compare unfavorably with your mum isn't just an observation!'
Shaking his head, Danolas sighed. "Remember I told you my parents were diplomats? Very powerful witches?"
"Aye ... ambassadors they both were. I remember."
"When I took over the Society, I always felt like I wasn't good enough. Like I had to be perfect and not let them down. When I thought of a mate ... a wife, I always imagined a woman like my mother. She is the epitome of beauty and grace."
"Well, sure and that makes me feel a whole hell of a lot better." Brianna gave a loud sniff as she tried to pull away again.
"Don't!" Danolas warned. "Just listen. I guess I always thought of her and Father as these special important people. I never thought of them as my parents, not really." He shrugged. "That was the role model I had. It's what I looked for. But Brianna ... then I met you."
She went still again.
"Yes." He shook her gently. "I met you and my world turned upside down. You were brash and rude and earthy." He grinned as her eyes fired. "And you kissed like an angel and made me want you so much, I ached. Suddenly, I was seeing a whole new future. Yet, I knew it couldn't be. You weren't the person Kira had seen for me, so I fought what I was feeling, and in the process I hurt you. For that, I am truly sorry."
"She knew I had changed my appearance, didn't she?"
Danolas' mouth tightened. "Yes. She said she couldn't tell me, and knowing Kira, that means the Power has something to do with it."
"What Power?" Brianna's eyes narrowed in confusion, then cleared. "Ahhh, the one that did the creating of her."
He nodded. "I'm still not sure why, but I wasn't to know who you were."
"And now? Now that you know? What difference did it make?"
"I know I wanted you before I knew who you were. And bad temper, pushiness and language that would make a sailor blush, didn't change that." He laughed at her expression. "You've made me rethink what I want in a mate. My mother is a wonderful woman, but do I want to be married to someone like her?" Danolas shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know any more. I find arguments and T-shirts like that one," he pointed at the tight T-shirt that said, Carpe Dame (seize the woman), "are growing on me. That's what I was trying to explain at the table that night. I need to understand my heart. It should be more than destiny that brings us together. More than just passion."
"It should be love," Brianna whispered as she looked up at him. "If there isn't love, than there is no reason for being."
"You ... you say you love me." Danolas stared deep into her violet eyes as he asked the question that troubled him the most. "Have I ruined that?"
She looked away. "If you don't love me, I don't see that it matters."
"It matters," he insisted as he pulled her, hard, into his arms. "Please, Brianna ... this is too important to use as a weapon. I must know. Did you mean what you said that night? Are you in love with me?"
Brianna stared up into his handsome face and her heart pounded wildly. He must care, or he wouldn't need to ask. "You're right ... love isn't a tool to be used against someone, nor is it a bargaining chip. 'Tis a gift ... one that is given freely."
"And do I have this gift from you?" The vulnerable look in his eyes made her own fill with tears. She couldn't lie to him. She didn't have it in her. Leaning up, she touched her lips to his.
"Gráím thú, Danolas. God help me, but I do love you."
She said nothing else. She didn't need to. The exultant glow in Danolas' eyes said it all for her. Brianna struggled with the fact she'd given him everything, when he hadn't given her anything in return, but, she reminded herself, love was a gift. As she'd said, given freely, or not at all.
They arrived in the township of Enniskillen just before sunset. It sat on the shores of Lough Erne, about thirty miles over the border into Northern Ireland. Founded by the Maguire Clan in the twelfth century and used as a military outpost, a market port and now the largest settlement and main retail centre for Fermanagh County, it was a picturesque snapshot of a beautiful Irish river town. It was hard to believe such beauty could hide such horrible evil. The company was on their guard as they pulled up in front of the small hotel where Benjamin had made reservations for the group.
"It does look nice," Kira commented as she stepped from the bus. "It is a beautiful little town."
Gallegar put his hand on her shoulder. "Looks can be deceiving A Ghra..."
"Hell, Irish showed us that." Lucas grinned down at Brianna, who frowned.
"'Twas not intended as deception," she argued, "but as safety."
"Whatever the reason, it worked." Danolas ended the argument. "But now you are yourself, which we all find very pleasing."
Patrick's brown eyes scanned the waterfront as he and the other Chosen joined them. "There is much unrest here. I can sense it."
"Danger?" Gallegar pulled Kira back into his arms, and to Brianna's surprise, Danolas mirrored him by doing the same to her.
The shade shook his head. "No, not danger. Just something off ... like it's not quite right with the rest of the world."
"It would make sense an Ethereal would feel it first. He is closer to the other side than we are." Koran gazed around at the streetlights just beginning to come on. "I, too, can feel something is wrong, but I have to concentrate."
"Y'all are linked with me. That's why you can feel it, I suppose." Patrick nodded as if thinking that through. "An advantage for all of us."
"The only advantage I can sense is the smell of dinner." Lucas sniffed at the air like the wolf he was. "I'm starving."
"Me too." Benjamin breathed in the smell of meat cooking. "The trip was short, but I believe the tension has tired me out. I will sleep well tonight."
Danolas nodded. "As will I. The protectors can take turns standing guard." He turned to Jorad who was hovering close by. "Make it so. Set up watches around the hotel and the bus---" He stopped dead and glanced at Gallegar, a wry look on his face. "Sorry."
The vampire chuckled. "I think you were a better leader than you think." He nodded at Jorad. "Do what your master commands." As the acolyte scurried off, Gallegar took Kira's hand. "I believe a meal and a bed are in order. Tomorrow morning will come early enough."
As they all followed their leader into the hotel, Brianna touched Danolas' arm. "Patrick is right. 'Tis something very wrong here. I feel as if the very air is pressing down on me."
He frowned. "I feel it too. We must very careful. I don't want the enemy to know we're here."
Brianna rolled her eyes. "Saints preserve us. A busload of men and two women roll into town. Whether we like it or not, someone will take notice."
She didn't expect him to come to her. When they'd checked in, he had his own room and other than a smoldering look he tossed her way after dinner, he'd said nothing more. She sighed as she took a shower and washed her long hair, realizing even with the sharing they'd done on the bus, he still couldn't accept the love she had for him. Brianna's heart ached with longing for him, but she knew she could do nothing more. They'd shared the truth with each other, but sometimes the truth wasn't enough.
She fell asleep with his name on her lips and she wasn't surprised when her dreams were filled with him. Soft slow caresses, long deep kisses, as his body pressed hotly against hers ... all making her moan and whisper her need for him in the dark.
And then he was there ... sliding in beside her to take her into his arms, and hold her just as he had in the dream. He said nothing, but just looked at her for a long silent moment before his mouth bent to take hers. The kiss was slow and seductive, unlike any other he'd given her. His lips traced softly over hers, making nerve endings catch fire, and desire unfurl like the petals of a rose. She began to tremble, and then to gasp, but those devastating lips only teased her more.
She cried out when his tongue moved to encircle her already erect nipple and quickly, his mouth captured hers again to cover the sound. His hand moved instead, to touch and caress all the sensitive parts of her body, until Brianna was writhing in excitement beneath him.
No words were spoken as he eased her thighs open and slipped in between them. Their eyes met as he entered her ... so slowly ... so deliberately, tears came to her eyes. Danolas kissed them away, and held her tightly against him, not moving, allowing her to feel him throb within her until she couldn't take any more and she wrapped her legs around him, urging him to move.
Still, he didn't lose control, but thrust in and out of her in careful, precise motions meant to bring her the most enjoyment. Unable to do anything, but take the gift he was offering, she held him close until the pleasure became more than she could bear. All the love ... all the passion she held inside for him shattered, taking her with it. She heard him whisper her name as he swelled and then drove deep one last time. His mouth covered hers again in a kiss so possessive, she wanted to weep for joy and then he, too, exploded, taking her with him; tumbling into passion one more time.
Afterwards, as she lay trembling, he slipped out of her and pulled her into his arms. "Sleep," he whispered, touching his lips to her forehead. "I will keep you safe."
When Brianna awoke the next morning, Danolas was gone and all the joy she'd felt disappeared in a painful rush of disappointment. Feeling old and beaten, she rose and showered, dressing in her old jeans and a T-shirt that shared her feelings perfectly.
"Next time you talk to me ... bring duct tape!" Lucas lifted a brow as he read it out loud at the breakfast table. "Bad night, Irish?"
She shook her head. "The night was fine. 'Twas the waking that did me in."
He frowned as he glanced around at the others seated nearby. "I'm sure that makes sense to someone."
Brianna shrugged. No need to inflict her bad mood on everyone. Instead, she stayed quiet and just picked at her breakfast. She had almost finished when Danolas and Koran came in the door. They were both bright-eyed and flushed with excitement. To her utter shock, the other witch strode over to her and dropped a hard kiss on her surprised mouth.
"Good morning, leannan," he said loud enough for anyone close to hear. "I hated to leave you so soft and beautiful in sleep, but Koran needed my help."
She just stared at him and Danolas realized she'd thought he'd walked out on her again. Regret darkened his eyes. "I should have left a note. Forgive me."
Blinking rapidly, she shook her head. "'Tis ... 'tis all right. I just..."
"I know what you, just." He kissed her again. "But I don't want you thinking that any more."
Brianna said nothing; only watched him with wary eyes, as he grabbed a nearby chair and pulled it close to hers. Snatching a piece of sausage off her plate, he popped it in his mouth. "Delicious." He grinned at her. "Why aren't you eating?"
She looked down at her plate. "Ummm..."
Lucas answered for her, a smirk lighting his rough-hewn face. "Must have been the way she woke up. Put her right off her appetite."
Danolas frowned at the wolfman, and then turned back to Brianna, taking her hand in his. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Not again." He wanted to kick himself at his thoughtless behavior. He wished he could take her back up to their bed and show her his feelings, but there were other matters to attend to. "Where are Kira and Gallegar? We have news."
"Still sleeping." Patrick sipped at a cup of coffee, enjoying the taste of it. He didn't partake often, but this morning there was a touch of coolness in the air, and a cuppa tasted very good.
"Guess they're still on their honeymoon," Benjamin teased. "At least we didn't shorten it too much."
"Well, if Koran hadn't woken me up, I'd still be in bed." Danolas lifted Brianna's hand to his lips. "I was very comfortable this morning."
Brianna stared at him, wide-eyed, and then grabbed the coffee he was drinking. She sniffed at it suspiciously. "I don't smell any strong drink. What are you about?"
Danolas smiled at the dramatics. She'd have to get used to him being this way. "I told you yesterday I wasn't going to pretend you aren't important to me any longer. Did you think I was lying?"
"Lying no, exaggerating..." She shrugged. "I'm not sure I know what you're doing."
"Trying to be honest," he replied very seriously. Then, in a quicksilver change of mood, he laughed. "Where are those two? We've much to tell them."
"If you are referring to us," Gallegar said, as he walked in the room with Kira on his arm, "then we are here."
"Finally!" Koran stopped pacing and sat down near Benjamin. "We have good news."
"Yes," Danolas agreed. "We have discovered something."
Kira looked at him as Gallegar ushered her to a seat. "What have you found?"
"Let Patrick begin," the witch answered. "He started this whole thing."
The shade chuckled. "I guess that's what happens when you don't sleep." He floated over and sat near Kira. "I was out and about last night. Checking on the protectors and the guards they'd put up. Then I figured ... one more shade wandering around town wouldn't be noticed. As long as I didn't use any power, I should go unobserved, so I did some exploring."
Gallegar's green eyes gleamed with curiosity. "And did you find something?"
Patrick nodded. "I sure did. A huge outpouring of psychic energy from this one area. I couldn't read it, so I woke Koran up."
"And once I took a look at," the faerie added, "I felt Danolas should examine it. It was something he needed to see."
"So ... what was it?" Lucas, always impatient, looked back and forth between the three Chosen. "What did you find?"
Danolas turned to Brianna. "Do you remember when we were searching the archives; we found where Labraic's home was?"
She nodded. "Aye ... the estate just out of town, it was."
"We assumed that was where he met his end. That was where your ancestor battled him."
"So?"
The High Priest shook his head. "It wasn't. He died elsewhere, and that was the energy Patrick discovered."
"Where?" Gallegar's shoulders tensed with anticipation. "Where did the demon die?"
"In his father's home." Danolas pointed out the window to the large fortress overlooking the lough waters. "In Enniskillen Castle, itself."
"You truly think we can follow the trail from here?" Brianna asked quietly as they shuffled along the tour route with the other sightseers. The company blended in pretty well, even if they were the majority of the group. Hiding twenty people in plain sight wasn't easy, but so far it was working.
"The energy of the battle and Labraic's death is very strong," Danolas whispered back. "I believe you will be able to sense the Sceptre of Power and follow Cyric's trail."
"I'm a hoping you're right." She sighed as she pretended to snap a picture of the Watergate as they were led through the front area of the castle. "I'm not feeling anything yet, more is the pity."
Danolas intertwined his fingers with hers as he led her closer to the tour guide. "Wait until we get into the Keep. You'll see what we mean."
"And then what will we do?"
"Then you try to get a fix on the trail. Once you get a direction, the bus is ready to go. We'll travel by road as far as we can, then hike the rest of the way."
Brianna swallowed. He was so sure of her ... so confident in her abilities. But she was terrified she'd let them all down. She shook her head. Who would have believed he would be more certain of her, than she was of herself?
Saying nothing more, she followed along as the tour made its way through the rifle range, the barracks and the old powder magazine. Tourists ooohed and aaawed over the different stories and legends the guide related, but none of the company really listened. They were too busy watching for the attack they knew could come at anytime.
Finally, they all trooped into the Keep, a large stone building in the center of the castle proper which held the remains of the original medieval structure of the Maguire's. It had been rebuilt, but parts of the true castle still survived and it was there Danolas led Brianna.
"Do you feel anything, little sister?" Gallegar asked her, as they all gathered in a circle on the ground floor. "Anything at all?"
Brianna took a deep breath and then let it out slowly. She opened her senses, but used no magick. Like the others, she didn't want to give anything away. "I do feel the energy. It is very strong here." Her eyes closed as she focused on the forces in the room. "There is power here ... and anger. Hatred, even." She opened her eyes and shuddered. "And death. It covers all the other kinder emotions that still exist."
"This is what we felt when Patrick led us here," Danolas put in. He glanced at the tour guide who was reciting the history of the Maguire Clan as she pointed to a scroll with the family tree on it. "Labraic's father ... his human one that is, died here as well, not long after his son's death. But Labraic was a bastard, and another son inherited the castle. It is said the Chieftains of Enniskillen were good men, so not all were corrupt and evil."
"Perhaps that is why Cyric was able to banish the demon. Here, in this place, good prevailed, so evil could be vanquished." Koran nodded carefully. "Even though there is energy here, it is kept contained in this one area." He looked at Brianna. "Where he was sent back to Hell."
"It could be why we don't feel the psychic energy anywhere else on the grounds." Gallegar twisted a strand of Kira's hair around his index finger as he thought it through.
"Can you find the trail?" Kira asked Brianna. "With all this residue, can you find what we seek?"
It was time. Put on the spot, the young witch could only hope for the best. "I---"
"She will find it," Danolas interrupted. He squeezed Brianna's hands. "Go ahead leannan ... we will wait."
No pressure there. Brianna sighed and sent a quick prayer up for guidance. Then, stepping away from everyone, she opened her mind up again to the energy around her. Slowly, she made the journey from this reality to the psychic plain.
The malevolence was what slapped at her first; making her take a step backwards, and she lifted her hand to ward off the sensations. Hate and fury, and an evil she couldn't even imagine. She felt it touch her, testing her strength before it slid away to find another victim. She shuddered, thinking of what Cyric must have gone through to pick up that sceptre and take his master's place.
Her face was so pale, and she went so still, he knew she had found something. But when she swayed unsteadily and reached out her hand, he knew instinctively, she needed him. Without hesitation, Danolas went to her, pulling her into his arms.
"I'm here, Brianna," he mind-whispered her. "Always."
She clutched at him, then her head dropped to his strong shoulder. He felt her draw strength from his nearness, and then closing his eyes, he joined her on the psychic plain. Dusty and as barren as its name, the wind whipped his long hair as they stood ... gazing at a picture that slowly formed in their minds.
It was Enniskillen of the past. The castle in all its former glory. Reminding him somewhat of Dunguaire at its hey-day, the psychic fingerprint was filled with laughter and light and color. Danolas heard Kira's indrawn breath and knew she and the others were seeing it right along with him and Brianna.
They watched as a pair of children raced down the stone staircase and through the large room. No sound could be heard, yet all knew the kids were laughing and shouting. A moment later, a young woman followed behind them, holding her long skirts up so she could give chase. She was quite beautiful, in a homespun sort of way, but her face was tight and pinched with irritation. The nursemaid disappeared after the two and the scene was quiet for a few moments.
Then, from under the stairs crept a single figure. Lean and lanky, with bright red hair and pale purple eyes, he was dressed in a robe the color of tree bark. His thin face was intense and lit with anger so visible; you almost missed the tears staining his cheeks. Looking around, he sent out a tendril of power, then smiled and faded back into the woodwork as if he'd never been.
"Cyric," Brianna murmured.
Only a few minutes passed before more people appeared. No need for a name this time, the evil surrounding this man was introduction enough. Brianna trembled and Danolas held her closer. He could sense the demon taint to the creature ... he'd felt it too many times before.
Labraic was a surprisingly handsome man, with short curly dark hair and beautiful, intense dark eyes. Tall and strongly built, he had a smile that could charm or kill, as the mood depended. He walked across the large chamber talking to another man who also held the darkness of evil, yet still retained some of his humanity. Neither was paying attention to the obscure figure under the stairs, until it was too late.
Cyric leaped from the shadows with a silent battle cry that made all the company gasp as if they were fighting the battle with him. The witch whipped open his robe and pulled out a weapon of such beauty and strength; everything went still for a long moment. The Sceptre of Power was everything they knew it would be. Gold and silver with gleaming jewels and a crystal so bright, it was impossible to tell the color. They could feel the humming power of the thing, even in the psychic photograph. The acolyte pointed the Sceptre at Labraic and his lips moved silently reciting the incantation. A stream of glowing power shot out from the weapon.
In a movement too quick to be seen, the demon pulled the other man in front of him. The magick hit the human square in the chest. His mouth opened with a silent scream and then to their horror, he crumbled ... turning to dust right before their eyes.
Labraic laughed, and wiped his hands of the remains of his minion. Then he sent a slap of power at Cyric, who deflected it with the Sceptre, but was knocked backwards from the blow. He pointed it again at the evil one, but just before he began to speak the incantation, the two children and the nursemaid entered the hall a second time. The demon snatched the younglings up and held them in front of him, mocking the young witch. The nursemaid screamed, but good Cyric could do nothing, but lower his weapon.
As soon as the tip pointed at the ground, the demon tossed the kids away and struck out at Cyric. The magick hit the witch full on in the chest, but instead of killing him, the power of the Sceptre turned it, sending the demon's own magick back at him. Labraic screamed and fell to the ground, but quickly regrouped and sent out another deadly stream of power at Cyric.
This time, the witch was ready. Adding the Sceptre's magick to the demon's, he spoke silently. All could feel the change this time. The power swelled and transformed, turning into a swirling whirlwind of strength and authority. It charged back at Labraic, lifting him and holding him motionless in the air. The demon gasped and struggled. He clawed at his own throat with fingers that had suddenly become long and taloned. Blood gushed from his mouth, pouring down his chest, to pool on the floor beneath his feet.
With the last of his strength, the demon sent a hate filled burst of energy out at Cyric. It slapped at the witch, sending him to his knees and breaking his concentration. For a long moment, the two wills struggled, but the strength of the Sceptre of Power was too much. Labraic's eyes rolled back in his head and like his follower; he disintegrated, leaving nothing but the psychic imprint of a body lying on the cold stone floor.
The two children and the nursemaid watched in horror. When Labraic disappeared, they finally broke free of whatever had been holding them in place and ran screaming from the hall. Cyric climbed unsteadily to his feet, as if to stop them, but then hesitated. Realizing he could do nothing more, he tucked the Sceptre back under his robe and turning, he ran out the front door, and into the courtyard beyond.
As quickly as the vision had come, it disappeared and they were all standing in the center of the hall of the Keep. The tour guide was frowning at them and waving frantically, but they all ignored her summoning hand.
"High Lord," Jorad gasped. "Are you all right?" The others crowded around them.
Danolas blew out his breath. "Yes ... but it was a powerful vision." He looked at Gallegar. "Did you all see it?"
The vampire nodded. "Yes. Even the protectors were drawn onto the psychic plain."
"You both are very strong," Koran muttered.
Kira touched Brianna's arm. "Are you well?"
Brianna swallowed. Her eyes were huge in her pale face. "I have never felt anything quite like that."
Lucas gave a snort. "Stick with us, Irish. We do that kind of thing all the time."
"Do you see it?" asked Patrick. "Do you see the trail?"
She shuddered and Danolas pulled her tighter against him. "Leannan, do you know where we must go?"
Nodding, she turned slightly and pointed out the open Keep door to the hills beyond. "That way."
Benjamin moaned. "Through the countryside? Damn it! Not again. This time it's a perfectly good bus and we can't use it. This is really getting old.
They traveled all day, through the township and across the rolling hills into the darker forests beyond. The company was watchful, not knowing how much energy had been released during the seeing of the vision. While neither Danolas nor Brianna had used any powers, the innate magick of the psychic residue itself had sent out forces they couldn't control. If they had been picked up on, the company could be being tracked, even now.
Brianna didn't know quite what to make of Danolas. He was sweet, attentive and loving, often joining her to hold her hand, or drop a quick kiss on her forehead before he moved off to speak to one of the other Chosen. And selfishly, she'd loved the attention. She watched him from under her eyelashes, wondering exactly what was going on behind those gorgeous blue eyes. If he'd have been any other man, she would have thought he was courting her, but he wasn't. He was a man who wanted her, but didn't love her. Why was he going to so much trouble to be nice to her?
She'd needed him back at the castle ... that she could safely admit. Everything had been frightening and out of focus, but once he put his arms around her, she'd felt safe. Safe enough to relax and let the vision flow through her. It was what she thought love was supposed to be like. Two people, so connected, it was as if they shared one mind. Brianna glanced up to where Gallegar and Danolas were talking. She felt it with her lover ... but did he feel it with her?
"You have serious thoughts." Kira's voice dropped into Brianna's musings, making her start.
"Aye ... 'tis a serious time," she responded.
The golden-eyed woman smiled. "And you are very serious about Danolas, are you not?"
Brianna gave an unladylike snort. "Sure, and that's no surprise to you."
"Danolas is very special to me, as well," Kira murmured, her eyes on her mate and the tall blonde man by his side. "He always knows my heart ... sometimes better than I do myself. He has seen me through much pain and always brought clarity to my soul."
"Do you love him, then?" Brianna asked, jealousy shooting through her.
"Oh, yes," Kira answered blithely. "I love him very much." Her knowing eyes met Brianna's. "As I love them all."
The witch suddenly felt very young and stupid. "I'm not sure I can understand what you have with them."
Kira laughed. "Do not worry. We do not understand everything, either. But I can tell you this. What I feel for Danolas and the other Chosen pales in comparison to my love for Gallegar. It was meant to be this way. It does not make how I feel for them any less important ... just different."
Brianna frowned. "And why are you telling me such things?"
"Because..." Kira took her hand and squeezed it. "You love Danolas, more than that ... you are in love with him. And the both of you are meant to be together. That means you are part of this company, not just to fight the war, but for eternity. Once you both stop fighting so hard and accept that, then what you have together will be more than I can even begin to relate to you." She smiled. "I have seen it, you see. It is ordained."
"Try telling that to Danolas." Brianna sighed, longing in her voice. "I'm not fighting."
"Are you so sure?" Kira cocked her head questioningly. "I have learned love should not be measured out, but always given fully, with a glad heart. Can you say you hold nothing back from him, Brianna?"
"Nay," Brianna answered after a long moment. "I do guard my heart. I have my pride, you know."
"Will pride keep you warm at night? Will guarding your heart keep you from loving him? Or will it only make you sadder?" Kira smiled again. "I am not wise in this, for I have only loved a short time. But I do know the truth of the matter. If you love him, do not hide it. Show him and do not let fear steal what you have together."
Brianna stared at the Peacekeeper for a long moment. Then she looked over to where Danolas was. At the same time, he looked back at her and winked. Warmth unfurled within her. She did love him. So very much. Blinking back tears, she turned and hugged Kira. "Thank you."
Kira giggled and hugged her back. "Did I help?"
"Aye." Brianna grinned and dug in her pack for a bar of chocolate she'd hidden for later. "You want to share?"
Golden eyes lit up like stars. "Chocolate?"
Brianna burst into laughter. "I'm a thinking we will be very good friends, Peacekeeper."
Kira smiled and held her hand out for a chunk of the sweet confection. "My friends call me, Kira. Now, friend ... let me tell you the story about my childhood."
They set up camp on the outskirts of the Cuilcagh Mountains. It had been a long exhausting day. None of them were used to so much walking, and since they couldn't restore their natural energy with magick, each and every one of them felt it. Even the shades, who never got tired, seemed to look pale and indistinct.
They cooked and ate a quick meal before they set up the guards for the night. The shades were always on duty since they didn't sleep, but this night, with so much open space around them, Gallegar doubled the guard. Six on, six off, with the Chosen filling in as needed. Jorad, as if worried about his High Priest, insisted on standing guard first.
Soon they were all ready for bed. The dark midnight sky looked endless, stretching far above the mountains. Tall, twisted trees, and scraggily bushes gave the eerie appearance of stunted and deformed men surrounding them. Scented country breezes cooled the night air and made them shiver.
Danolas watched Brianna as she smoothed out her bedroll. His loins felt heavy, and the need to mate with her beat in his head, but he knew it wasn't possible. All around them was danger, and even if it had been safe, he couldn't make love to a woman with his brothers lying close by. He shook his head. Better he sleep alone this night, for both their sakes.
Then, her gaze lifted from her work and met his. She smiled, so slow and seductively, Danolas felt his brain drain right out of his ears. A few seconds later, he found himself standing over the top of her with no real recollection of how he'd gotten there.
"Ready for bed?" she asked.
Mouth opening and closing, he watched as Brianna toed off her boots, and then slipped inside the sleeping bag. She lay on her side and flicked the top layer back invitingly. "There's room for two."
His body moved even as his mind argued. He pulled off his shoes and slid in next to her, taking her into his arms. She felt warm and wonderful and very, very soft.
She buried her face in his neck. "I love you, Danolas."
He closed his eyes and just accepted the fierce joy her words brought him. Others had told him he was loved, but no one before made him feel the way Brianna did. He fought the need to strip her naked and mount her, brothers or not. A surreptitious look around showed him no one was really paying attention. A smile here and there, but no one seem surprised he and Brianna were sleeping together. He rolled over on his side and brushed a finger down her cheek. "You make me forget myself, you know."
Brianna smiled and pulled gently on his long hair. "I'm doing what I meant to, then. I've made a decision, you see."
His eyebrows shot up. "Really? And what is that?"
She nibbled lightly on his chin, making his whole body tighten. "I'm giving you the time to get used to me and what we're to be to each other, right?"
"Yes," he answered warily.
"Well then ... while you're thinking, I'm going to be doing my level best to make sure you see just what you'd be giving up if you turn away from me."
He couldn't help tightening his arms around her. "I don't think I could ever turn from you, Brianna."
"I mean to see you don't." She ran her hand down his chest to trace the swirls of hair just below his belly button. His cock went rock hard in an instant. "And I'll do it any way I can think of."
Danolas cleared his throat and grabbed her hand as it encircled his throbbing shaft. "I ... I'm liking your strategy so far, but I don't know if this is the proper place."
She sighed. "Aye ... you're probably right." Her hand squeezed his penis. "Though, I could take care of you right here and now and no one would be the wiser."
Tempted beyond measure, he rolled and took her mouth in a long, drugging kiss. Then resting his forehead against hers, he groaned. "We must keep our wits about us, Brianna. I don't want to be caught with the proverbial pants down."
Brianna giggled. "'Tis a sight I'd still like to see."
"Behave," he warned sternly, softening his words with another kiss. "Let me hold you tonight. I need to know you'll be safe."
She was silent then, staring at him with those soft violet eyes. "You'd worry if you didn't, is that what you're saying?"
He nodded.
"Then as long as you are holding me, I'll sleep like a babe."
Danolas let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He was half-pleased, half-disappointed she'd given in, and if his aching body was any sign, he'd not sleep as well as she would. But he pulled her close and kissed her again. "Thank you."
"You'd be thanking me more if you'd let me do what I want."
He laughed aloud and kissed her again. "Go to sleep, leannan ... before I change my mind and I wind up fighting a battle with my pants around my ankles."
It was the wailing that awoke them. The sudden, blood-curdling keening that made them all grab their ears in agony. It was so loud; they could barely hear the guards sounding the alarm.
Danolas cursed as he fought to free himself from the sleeping bag. He and Brianna were wrapped so tightly in it and each other, it was impossible to know whose limbs were whose. After a few seconds of fruitless struggle, he snarled at her. "Be still!" She froze, and he was able to spell the bag away.
Shooting to his feet, he grabbed his staff and looked towards the unearthly noise. He felt, rather than saw, Brianna join him.
"'Tis the banshee," she whispered. "She's come back with me."
The faerie spirit floated, just outside the camp, her long hair waving like grasses in the wind. Her glowing scarlet eyes were rimmed in black and tears poured from them as she beckoned frantically toward Danolas and Brianna. The weeping grew in volume so much, several of the protectors dropped to their knees in pain.
"Stop it!" Brianna shouted, stepping forward. "Sure, and you're doing more harm than good, here."
Danolas stepped in front of her. "Don't! If you anger her, she may become even more unpredictable." He shook his head in pain and tried again to ward off the banshee noise, with no success. "She's here to warn us ... we must keep a sharp---"
They'd half expected it, but the suddenness of the attack still took them by surprise. But who was attacked was even more surprising. They heard the thundering sound of hooves and out of the night, raced a sleek dark horse, with sulphurous yellow eyes and a long wild mane. On its back was a man ... but not a man. The being was small, with a long pointed nose, overlarge ears and wide gaping mouth. Its legs wrapped around the horse and it swung a barbed chain around its head like a rodeo cowboy would use a lasso. It gave a shrill laugh and charged at the banshee.
The chain screamed through the air and wrapped around the floating woman. Agony of a different kind flared in the banshee's eyes as it wailed again, this time in pain. The little man gave a jerk and the banshee's song was cut off, leaving only the maniacal laughter of the creature and the pounding of horse's hooves, as it wheeled around and raced back the way it came, dragging the washerwoman with it.
"No!" cried Brianna. "We must help her!" She readied a flare of power, but it was too late.
"Enough!" Danolas grabbed her arm. "You can't use your magick!"
"Let go of me!" She struggled away from him. "How can you be so heartless?"
"Brianna---"
"Look out!" The howling roar of a male werewolf stopped the argument. Instinctively, they stood back to back and looked towards Lucas.
"More are coming!" shouted Patrick, as he popped into the middle of the group. "More horses and more of the little men!"
"Those aren't horses," Brianna shouted, her hands at the ready. "They are pookas. The worst of the evil faerie in my country!"
Koran shot her a look. "Those horses are faerie? I've never seen---"
"Later," Gallegar growled as he took his place between Kira and the threat. "What are the others?"
Brianna's heart almost stopped when she saw the dozens of pookas bearing down on the encampment. Behind them marched more of the little misshapen men. "They are the little people. You call them leprechauns, but if they are evil, they are rightly known as cluricauns."
"I don't give a damn what their real names are," snarled Lucas. "Any tricks to killing them?"
Her eyes began to glow a pale purple. "I've never fought one in battle. I don't know anything."
"There are a lot of them." Benjamin morphed into super-strength mode and stood at the ready. "Too many to count."
Kira stepped up, her own eyes shining with power. "Then we will fight as we always do ... together."
"What I want to know is how did they find us?" Koran muttered.
They had no more time for questions. The Irish monsters attacked the camp in a wave of animals and men that was almost overwhelming. Witches and faerie protectors used magick to stop the foul beasts. The swaths of power cut through pooka and cluricaun alike. Suprahumans and shapeshifters worked together to pull the little men off the horses and then rip them apart. The shades moved in and out of the company, confusing the creatures, while Gallegar's human protectors stood at the ready, waiting with pale faces for any creature who had the misfortune to come their way. The screams of the dying filled the glade. Still, the enemy came closer to the Chosen, Brianna and Kira.
Danolas used his staff to bat away a foul smelling cluricaun. He pushed Brianna behind him. "Don't use your power." He watched as Gallegar grabbed a pooka and tossed it away from Kira like it was made of air. Turning back to Brianna, he met her gaze, his own fierce with the light of battle. "Do you understand me? Don't. Use. Your. Power."
Her mouth dropped open. All around her the Chosen and Kira were fighting, but he wanted her to bury her head? Not bloody likely. She started to argue, but he had already turned away, sending out his own sapphire magick as he kept himself between her and the enemy.
She watched, as at the outskirts of the camp a pair of pookas and their riders bore down on Patrick, and his two shade protectors. She lifted her hands to help, but then gaped as Patrick swung around and sent a brown stream of power right at the first pooka. The horse faerie screamed in rage and reared back, sending its rider tumbling to the ground. The unlucky cluricaun was trampled by the pooka following, its rider cursing loudly in its own tongue. The two shade protectors then disappeared, leaving Patrick alone with the enemy. Again, Brianna moved to help, but she saw it was unnecessary when Buck and Jon, the two shades, reappeared above the cluricaun's head. They both reached down and grabbed up the creature, lifting it high into the air before dropping it to its death on the hard ground below. While they were otherwise occupied, Patrick destroyed the two pookas, sending them both screaming into oblivion with a simple spell that looked remarkably like a witch's incantation.
A shout sounded behind her and she was knocked to her knees. A strong hand jerked her back upwards and she turned to look into Lucas' half-shifted face. His silver eyes glowed and her heart bumped once in fear at the rage she saw in him. "Are you all right?" he growled around elongated fangs.
She nodded and then ducked as he grabbed a cluricaun by the legs and tossed it into the nearby forest. The creature hit a tree with a sharp crack as its spine snapped in two. "Stay down," he snarled as he hit a pooka so hard, the face caved in. Her stomach rolled. It was the first time Brianna had seen werewolves fight, and the carnage Lucas and his men, Wade and Sam, were racking up, was impressive.
But she didn't understand why they kept pushing her behind them. She stood cautiously and saw Benjamin and Koran fighting back to back. The Suprahuman would grab at the enemy with lightning speed, then toss it to Koran who would vaporize it with a single burst of amber power. The protectors, Bart and Robbie did the same; working together to imprison the creature so the faeries, Tamblith and Marnor, could use their ancient spells to finish the job.
Gallegar and Kira fought at the center of the circle. Gold and emerald power ribboned through the group, sending pookas and cluricauns flying. Brianna stood in awe. Together, they were a sight to see, more powerful that any supernaturals she'd ever encountered. Her heart twinged as she wondered fleetingly if it was because of their joining, their love, or a combination of both.
The thought had her looking for Danolas, and her eyes widened at the sight of him. He stood barefoot, a glorious warrior, his arms outstretched and his long hair flying as he directed the magick from his staff at the enemy. He was enveloped in an aura of sapphire power that made the whole glade glow a pale blue. His witch protectors, Tobias, and the ever present Jorad, fought at his side, their wands waving frantically as they sent their own magick against the intruders.
Instantly, she knew she should be with Danolas. She belonged to him. She would be his mate. She wouldn't hide behind him, like some human female might do. Walking forward, she raised her hands and a violet glow appeared around them. Brianna let the power fill her. She was the strongest of her generation ... now it was time to prove it.
A trio of pookas attacked the witches at the same time. Tobias was overrun and the yellow-eyed beasts turned on Danolas and Jorad with a triumphant scream. They reared up, distracting the witches from the dozen cluricauns crawling on the ground below them. The little men leaped up to strike, their pointed teeth and fingernails both as sharp as kitchen knifes.
A wave of purple power hit them so hard; it tumbled them back against the pookas. Jorad and Danolas were caught in the stream, and they were both thrown to the ground as well. The violet magick made one of the pookas roll over the top of the First Acolyte and the sound of bones breaking was audible.
Danolas jerked around to see Brianna, standing strong and proud behind him. Her eyes were like purple flames in her head, and the power surrounding her was visible throughout the glade. As one, the pookas and cluricauns all turned her way and the satisfied, blazing hate in their eyes needed no explanation.
They had found their quarry.
"No!" Danolas screamed as the enemy moved en masse towards her. He sent out a shockwave of power, targeting his foes as he battled his way back to Brianna. He was furious, his rage snapping the line on his self-control like it had never been. Pooka and cluricaun alike were tossed aside like leaves in the storm of his anger. He felt, rather than saw, his brothers move to help. Their concerned mind-thoughts barely penetrated his wrath.
"Danolas ... stop!" Kira's mind-voice was the only one that made it though. "Control, my seer ... control, or all is lost."
He gave a snarl of fury that was as close to an apology as he could make. Striding up to Brianna, he grabbed her arms. "You fool! Do you know what you've done?"
Her eyes widened and the glow dimmed momentarily, before she fired up again. "What I've done? Why I've saved your bloody hide, that's what I've done!"
Danolas deflected a fiery-eyed pooka, then shook the irritating witch so hard her hair fell down around her shoulders. "Idiot! How can I protect you if you won't obey my orders?"
She glared at him and sent a sharp shaft of violet through a group of cluricaun behind him. They toppled to the ground and lay still. "I don't need your protection!" Another blast of her power incinerated a pooka to her left, but sent Benjamin stumbling. "And I'm going to use my magick, you bleedin' ass. I'm as strong as you."
Controlling his anger with an effort, Danolas said nothing more. He stayed close by and methodically killed all the creatures that came at his stubborn lover. Tobias had dragged Jorad out of the way, and the other Chosen, as well as their protectors, now encircled the remaining monsters. Kira's gold power flashed in the clearing, and the other magicks ... green, brown, amber and red also sparked and swirled in a rainbow of colorful strength. It seemed like hours, yet was in fact, only minutes, when they finally overwhelmed the evil faerie folk. A few cluricauns escaped, grabbing the pookas by their tangled manes and riding off into the night, their screams of anger and defiance still ringing in the company's ears.
There was a long silence that was finally broken by Jorad's pained moan. Danolas whirled around and went over to the injured witch. "My friend, how are you?"
Tobias answered. "He has a couple cracked ribs, but his leg is badly broken."
Danolas felt Brianna come up beside him. He whirled on her, his fury full blown all over again. "Do you see what you did?" He jerked her closer so she could look down into Jorad's bruised face. "You almost killed him with that little stunt. Why didn't you obey me?"
Brianna flinched, but rallied quickly. "I'm sorry he was hurt. 'Twasn't my intention. I saw you needed help, so I did. I just..." She paused, embarrassed. "I've never been in battle before. Was the first time, you see. I didn't know how to control it."
"I told you not to use your power," he growled at her. "They were after you! Using it showed them exactly who they needed to kill!
She tossed her head, her own anger warring with embarrassment. "But you didn't tell me why, did you now? Don't you think I needed to know?"
"I shouldn't have to explain myself!" Danolas shouted. "You are under my command! You should obey me! But you never do. Why do you think you can't control your power? Because you never took the time to learn. You ignored your lessons and now others are paying for it. If nothing else, I am your High Priest. You are to do what I say!"
Giving a snarl that made even hearty Lucas flinch, Brianna poked the High Priest in the chest. "I'm not a bloody servant, you black-hearted son of the devil! I'm your equal and though I can't imagine why I've been chosen for the likes of you, I'm to be your mate! I'm thinking its time you start trusting me!"
Danolas grabbed the offending finger. "Trust you?" he roared. "Hell! How can I trust you? You don't listen and you always go off on your own. I tell you to do something and you do the opposite. I never know what you're going to do or say next. Tonight is a perfect example. I'm constantly trying to figure out ways to keep you in control. Your lack of training could have cost lives, Brianna. And you act as if you don't care! You could have killed one of my best men because you refused to do what I asked. Because, you don't even really know what you're doing. Trust you? Why should I?"
Because you love me. The thought made it to her lips, but was never uttered. Realization shot through Brianna like the cutting edge of a sword. Finally, she understood and the knowledge was almost unbearable. He didn't trust her ... which meant ... he didn't love her. She looked up at Danolas and now there were tears in her eyes. "That's it, isn't it? 'Tisn't about my language, or my clothes, or whether I am freer with my words than you might be. Those you could work with, as you said ... even get used to. But at the heart of this, is you don't trust me, and you never have."
"Brianna---" Kira began, but Brianna put up a slim hand.
"Please, Peacekeeper. This has nothing to do with the company, or the war. It's between Danolas and me." She turned back to the silently fuming witch. "At the beginning, I thought it was because you just didn't know me. I thought time would show you the difference, but it hasn't. You think because you don't know what might next come out of my mouth, you can't trust me with your heart. I always thought that with love came trust ... but for you, 'tis the other way around, isn't it?"
"YES!" The words burst out of him and Danolas felt the surge of relief that came with it. The truth was suddenly, simply there. "I do need to trust you. And I've tried. Goddess knows, I've tried. Perhaps for you it is easy, but I am not you, Brianna. I have a Society to lead and people who depend on me. I have Kira to protect and a war to win. I cannot trust without reason.
He stepped closer to her. "You say with love comes trust. If this is so ... why don't you trust me?"
Her purple eyes flashed. "Don't turn this on me. I do trust you! I love you, don't I?"
Danolas shook his head. "I wanted to believe you did, but I'm not sure any more. I knew the enemy would hone in on your power. They've been after you from the beginning. But I didn't have time to explain all that, so I just told you not to use your magick. Yet, you did as you always do. You ignored my wishes and did it anyway." He reached for her, then curled his fingers into a fist to stop himself. His azure eyes met hers.
"Why didn't you trust me enough to obey me?"
Brianna froze, and her lips trembled. Confusion was all over her face. "That's not fair. I didn't know."
"Isn't that where trust lies? In the unknowing? You expect me to trust you, yet you refuse to give me the same gift." He stepped away and his voice grew stronger. "I have wanted to trust you ... to love you, even. I tried, from the very beginning. Even with all that swirled around us, my focus was on my feelings for you. But Brianna, being with you is like riding a rollercoaster. We are loving one moment and fighting the next. I no longer know up from down, and I'm not the type of man who enjoys that feeling. I want peace. I am surrounded by war, and I long for the sanctuary of quiet understanding. Serenity is what I seek and that ... I won't find with you."
He turned away and his eyes were bleak as he gazed out into the dark forest. "I thought I could ... I honestly wanted to, but I can't do this anymore. I must have some sort of control over what happens to me." Danolas looked down at Jorad and his expression hardened. "You came close to killing someone I protect, because you lied to me. You wouldn't admit you needed help controlling your magick, and you wouldn't listen. I don't want that type of woman in my life, and we can't have that in this company. When this is over, I will release you to Aebh as you requested. Perhaps, then, we can both find peace."
Danolas took a deep breath and looked at Koran. "My brother, if you would see to my acolytes' healing?"
Koran nodded, his amber eyes sad and serious. "I will."
The witch ignored the stricken Brianna, and turned to Gallegar. "I will patrol the outer forest for any of the creatures. If I see one, I will contact you."
The vampire looked from Danolas to Brianna and then to Kira, who nodded slightly. "Aye, brother. Make it so."
Without another word, the High Priest banged his staff on the ground. A heartbeat later, he disappeared from sight.
Kira moved immediately to Brianna's side. "If you give him time---"
"No." Brianna's face looked as if it had been carved in marble. "He's right. I'm too bloody proud and should have listened to him." She shook her head. "I almost cost Jorad his life and I could have hurt the rest of you. I'm sorry."
"When we want an apology, we'll ask for it," Lucas growled. His teeth had withdrawn into his mouth, but his eyes were still wild. "Anyone can make a mistake."
The young witch gave him a trembling smile. "Thanks for that, but I'm a knowing we've no time for mistakes. Not now, and definitely not ones that could have been prevented had I been honest." She blinked back tears and glanced over at Gallegar. "I was embarrassed, and so I hid my problem, but that was stupid and ... and it means he was right. I didn't trust him. I didn't trust any of you. I was afraid you'd send me away."
"Brianna---" Benjamin tried this time.
"Please ... don't be nice to me. I don't deserve it." She sniffed and looked at the ground. "I'd like some time, if I may. Would it be all right to use a bit of magick to fashion myself a tent?"
The vampire frowned at the unusual meekness in her voice, but nodded. "Aye. We've a while before we move on. There's healing and clean up to do here."
Brianna's face whitened. "I should help ... I mean if you'll allow---"
"Y'all don't have to ask," Patrick broke in, "but I think some time to yourself might be better." He came forward and gave her a hug. "Don't worry. Go rest."
Her shoulders drooped and she nodded. Turning away, she sent a beam of purple magick toward a flat area just outside the camp. A small tent appeared. Without looking back, Brianna ducked underneath the door flap and disappeared inside.
"I'm going to kill Danolas." Lucas clenched his fists as he stared after her.
"No, my wolf," Kira disagreed. "This has nothing to do with us or the war. Danolas and Brianna are right. This is about them and what they are to each other. If they cannot work this through, then no matter what I have seen, their destinies will come unraveled." She gazed at all her Chosen. "We know how important trust can be. They must be able to find it, on their own. We cannot interfere."
The big man sighed. "Can't I just pop him once? On the chin?"
Patrick chuckled. "Y'all know that won't help."
Lucas bared his teeth at his friend. "It'll help me."
It was a quiet company that set off towards the higher mountains at daylight. Danolas had returned, bringing with him a brooding silence that showed his anguish and pain. He'd looked at the tent, and actually took a step towards it before shaking himself and turning the other way.
When it was time to go, Brianna's tent vanished. She stepped out, her hair drawn back in a tight braid, wearing a clean pair of jeans with her ever present T-shirt announcing her mood. The men all gritted their teeth at the bald words, Sorry for the stupidity. It started before I was born.
She'd taken the chastisement from Danolas hard, but like the strong woman she was, she'd admitted her wrong. Unfortunately, it didn't change the facts. Neither she, nor Danolas trusted each other, and without trust, love couldn't survive.
Since the enemy knew where they were, using magick wasn't a problem. Instead of carrying all the gear, the witches magicked it away until it was needed again. They were able to move faster that way, but even so, it was difficult to get the correct direction. No matter how hard Brianna concentrated, she couldn't pick up on the trail. She'd lost it once they'd left the campsite.
Finally, she called a halt. She wouldn't look at Danolas, knowing, yet again, he'd been correct. She'd let them all down. "I need a moment ... please." Without waiting for an answer, she walked away to a slight rise. Taking a deep breath, she tried to concentrate on the trail she'd once seen so easily.
Nothing.
Back at the group, Kira stepped over to Danolas' side. "She needs you."
He glanced up at Brianna, and his lips tightened. "She will find it. Brianna doesn't need anyone."
The Peacekeeper shook her head. "I disagree. Now is not the time to be stubborn, my seer. Brianna's emotions are all churned up. How can she focus on anything right now when she is hurting about losing you?"
Danolas' heart twinged. His jaw worked as he stared up at the slumped figure on the small hill. He knew Kira was right, but he didn't want to go to the other witch. Knowing the truth about what was between them had devastated him as well, especially since there was nothing he could do about it. He hated that feeling of helplessness.
"Danolas?"
"Fine," he bit out, giving up. Grasping his staff in his hand, he left the group and walked up behind Brianna. Her soft scent teased his nostrils and he tensed. He wondered briefly if he would ever really get over her. "Brianna?"
She jerked and glanced back at him. Danolas drew in his breath when he saw the hopeless look in her eyes and the tears on her cheeks. She stiffened and turned away.
"You were right. I'm not experienced or strong enough. I can't find the trail. I haven't seen it since ... since we made camp last night."
He walked around so he faced her fully. "You can find it. You did before, you will do so again."
Brianna shook her head. "No ... it's gone. I can't feel anything." She blinked rapidly, but more tears flowed. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come. I've ruined everything."
Her words speared into his heart. No matter what was between them, she was still necessary for the quest, and he couldn't allow her to think otherwise. "You are important, Brianna. It is only you who can find the Sceptre. But I fear our argument is to blame for your problems. You can't concentrate on anything, but what has happened between us."
She wiped her cheeks and shrugged. "I can't help that. 'Tisn't part of my nature to be able to forget so quickly. I loved you. Won't disappear in a day, that won't."
His stomach jerked at the past tense, but he forced himself to ignore it. "That ... that isn't it. You may not have the strength to do it on your own. Strong emotions can steal away our energy."
Thinking about that, she finally met his eyes. "Aye. So what do I do?"
Danolas tried a smile. "Let me help."
"Help?"
"Let me give you some of my energy." He realized, suddenly, just how badly he wanted her to say yes, but he refused to acknowledge that emotion as well. "For the good of the quest."
Her eyes darkened. "Sure, and the quest is all that truly matters."
Fighting back his own strong emotions, Danolas held out his hand. "Will you let me?"
Brianna stared at the proffered hand for a long moment, then sighed as she realized she really didn't have any other choice. "Aye. I don't want to fail at this as well." She slipped her hand into his, and then lifted her gaze. Her violet eyes met his. "You have my thanks."
It came so quickly, she actually started and dropped his hand. A brief flash of crystal power off to the right and behind her. She grabbed his hand and turned again to look. About a half mile back, and off to the right she could see it, shining brightly, inviting her to follow.
"Do you see it?" she whispered.
"Yes." He glanced at the vision, then back down at her. "And now, I believe, I may know the answer to why you couldn't find it earlier."
Startled, she let go of his hand. "What?"
"Think of yesterday. When you first got the vision of the Sceptre's trail, and then all during the day." He smiled wryly. "Where was I?"
She frowned as she thought. "You ... you were with me at the Keep. And then later..." Her eyes widened, as she understood what he was saying. "Each time ... you were holding my hand."
Danolas nodded. "I held you when you were first shown the trail. I think the magick came to you and saw my power mingled with yours. Now, it will only show itself to that mingled aura."
Brianna's heart sank. Even now, the fates conspired to force them together. "I'm sorry. I guess you'll not be rid of me quite yet."
"It isn't your fault, Brianna. Don't take on more than what you deserve. It is the way of it. At least, now we know."
"Aye..." she said sadly, as she looked over the hills to the higher mountains beyond. "Now we know."
It was easier after that. Danolas stayed close by, and whenever Brianna needed to check the direction, she'd touch his arm. The simple contact lit up the psychic plain and the trail would immediately come into view. They followed it for most of the morning before they stumbled out of a large group of trees and found themselves on the side of a highway.
"Is that what I think it is?" Benjamin elbowed his brothers out of the way and stared down at the paved surface. "A road? We've hit a goddamn road?"
Gallegar chuckled. "I do believe it is a public thoroughfare." He glanced up as a car pulled over and stopped. "With people and all."
"I don't believe it," the Suprahuman grumbled. "You led us to a road?"
Kira ignored his histrionics and stepped forward to speak to the occupants of the car. The window rolled down and a good-looking young man in his mid-twenties poked his head out. He looked at the Peacekeeper with masculine appreciation.
"Well, hey there," he said jovially, his accent pegging him as a fellow American. "What are you all doing out here? On a hike?"
"Yes," Kira answered politely. "But we are not sure exactly where we have ended up. Can you tell us where we are?"
"Sure, honey," the man grinned. "You just hit the road that takes you through the Geopark into the Cuilcagh Mountains and on to the Marble Arch Caves. It's just a couple miles away now." He looked Kira up and down and licked his lips suggestively. "If you want, I'd be happy to take you the rest of the way. 'Course ... I don't have room for everyone." He winked at her. "Just you. Wanna party, sweet thing?"
The traveler's face went pasty white when---their eyes glowing with fury---both Gallegar and Lucas stepped forward to flank Kira. Their growls knocked the smile right off the man's face. Putting his arm around Kira's slim waist, the vampire leaned forward and bared his fangs at the would-be lothario in the car.
"Mine," was all he had to say.
Giving a strangled shout of alarm, the driver hit the gas and the car fishtailed as it made its way back up the highway. Gallegar looked down at Kira, frowning at the giggles she couldn't control. "I can't take you anywhere," he complained.
Meeting his gaze with loving eyes, Kira placed her hand on his heaving chest. "Yes, but ... you always know it is you who will be taking me home."
He chuckled and bent to capture her pink lips with his own. "You do have a way of making my anger disappear, A Ghra..."
"I love you, Mo Chridhe ... No other makes me feel as you do."
"Ahem," Benjamin interrupted. "Hate to break up all this ... romance stuff, but do you know where the hell we are?" He didn't wait for an answer. "I do. See that sign? We're only about twelve miles or so out of Enniskillen." He glared at the others. "I remember seeing this road on the map. We could have driven here, damn it!"
Brianna tried to stop the giggle, but it trickled out anyway. Benjamin turned his ruby-eyed glare on her. "Oh ... you think this is funny?"
Lucas gave a snorting laugh, his good humor restored. "Actually, yeah ... I do."
"I expected Danolas to be the one complaining, my brother," Patrick drawled. "But y'all are the one having a time of it."
Benjamin put his fists on his hips. "So I want to take the vehicles we have. What's wrong with that? What good is magick when it won't get us where we're going?"
"My sovereign." Kira fastened amused eyes on him. "We couldn't use magick, remember?"
"And we don't know where the trail leads. It's hard to leap ahead when you don't know the destination." Danolas grinned at his disgruntled friend.
"Yeah, yeah," the Suprahuman moaned. "Still ... what a gyp."
Shaking her head, Kira turned to the smiling Brianna. "Do you still see the trail?"
The witch put her hand on Danolas' sleeve, and a moment later, nodded. She glanced apologetically at Benjamin. "It doesn't follow the road. It heads off that way." Brianna pointed straight across the road from where they stood.
"Of course it does." Benjamin gave an exaggerated sigh. "But promise me this..." He glared around the circle. "Next time we have a quest, I'm the one who gives the directions."
It felt somehow, like they were close to the end of their search. Anticipation built as they climbed a steep mountain, and then followed a wide gurgling stream to the edge where a beautiful waterfall plunged into a grotto below. Koran and Danolas levitated them all down, and they trudged along the wider river until it disappeared into a culvert pipe deep in the ground. Pushing their way through the tall bushes surrounding it, they found themselves at the edge of a large parking lot.
"I am so not going to say anything this time," groused Benjamin as he gazed at the neat line of parked cars. "Where are we now?"
Brianna pointed to the sign at the far end of the lot. A tan sign with the outline of a boat and the words Marble Arch Caves European Geopark gave them a clue to their destination. She gazed at all the tourists milling about and her heart sank. "The trail heads down toward the cave. How do we get in with all these people around?"
"We don't," answered Gallegar as he watched a small boy throw himself to the ground and scream for a lolly. The longsuffering parents completely ignored him. "We can't afford an attack with all the humans around.
"So what do we do?" Patrick floated over. "Set up camp again?"
"I think Brianna and I should see exactly where the trail goes, before we decide anything," Danolas answered. He grabbed the other witch's hand. "If the trail leads around, there would be no need to wait."
Brianna cleared her throat, and tried not to hurt as she felt the strength of his fingers intertwined with hers. "I ... I think he's right. I can only see to the other side of the car park. We should be able to get closer."
Gallegar nodded. "Make it so, but carefully. Try not to draw attention to yourself."
"How about this?" Danolas waved his staff and Brianna morphed back into the drab brown haired woman they'd all first met. A second wave altered his striking looks, giving him short, dirty blonde hair and a scruffy beard. They both wore jeans and yellowed T-shirts.
Staring at his changed face, Brianna shook her head. "Sweet mercy. Is this what you felt when you saw me different that first time?"
Danolas inclined his head. "Shocking, isn't it?"
All she could do was nod. His masculine beauty was hidden by the unkempt beard, and wearing sunglasses, his vivid blue eyes couldn't be seen. "Aye. I wouldn't know you."
Koran stepped up. "Make sure you tone down your magick. They know we're around, but they don't need to know where exactly."
The High Priest nodded, and with a sure movement, changed his staff so it looked like a hiker's stick. "You ready?"
Brianna took a deep breath. "As I'll ever be.
They were back within a few minutes with the news. Cyric's trail went right into the yawning mouth of the Marble Arch Caves. They'd have to wait until dark to be able to go any further. They made camp, back along the flowing stream, and waited.
Brianna made a point of sitting next to Jorad and apologizing for the mistake that had gotten him injured. The acolyte was somewhat receptive, but she could tell he didn't like her. Whether it was because she'd screwed up and he was hurt, or he didn't like how she treated Danolas, she didn't know. But his feelings were easy to read, when he got up in the middle of her speech and disappeared into the bushes.
Danolas watched her as she apologized, saw his acolyte's reluctant acceptance, and sighed. He wished straightening things out with Brianna would be as easy for him, but instead of the truth setting them free, it had made them see how impossible it was for them to be together. But it didn't stop the ache in his gut for her. All he'd said was true, but knowing it was over didn't make the truth any more palatable.
It was dusk when the last car disappeared from the park. Patrick popped over and checked things out, then returned, his face serious. "All clear."
Gallegar turned and gazed at Danolas. "They will come," he said quietly. "If the Sceptre is in the cave, as I believe it is, and they have somehow found us again, this will be their last chance to stop her." His green eyes reflected the last rays of the sun. "You must get her where she needs to go. It will be our responsibility to make sure you have the time to do so."
The High Priest nodded and then grasped the vampire's extended arm. "I will keep her safe. We will find the Sceptre." He turned to a pale-faced Brianna. Her purple eyes shone in the moonlight like violet stars. "Are you ready?"
She swallowed. "Aye ... let us finish this."
They crept across the empty car park; the other's trailing close behind. Halfway across, Brianna gasped. "We won't know they're coming this time."
Danolas glanced at her. "What?"
Brianna's voice trembled. "The banshee. They killed her. Sure, and we won't know when they are going to attack, will we?"
His finger's tightened around hers. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone harm you. You have my word."
But not your love. The whispered thought ran through her mind as they left the parking lot and started down the narrow steps to the mouth of the cave. She shivered. That wasn't something she could allow herself to dwell on. Later ... when she was alone and in her bed back at Dunguaire, then she would have herself a good cry.
The only sound was the echo of their footsteps as they continued on. Tall, moss covered trees lined the path on one side, with the carved rocky side of the mountain on the other. Ferns and lush green plants could be seen, even in the gloom of the darkened gorge. The sound of trickling water was loud as the stream they'd followed earlier, made its way out from where it had been imprisoned by human means and now moved lazily into the darkened cavern below. The trail led deeper into the unseen cave, blocked against trespassers by a large metal gate.
"Damn," growled Lucas, his voice echoing against the walls of the narrow valley. "This is fuckin' spooky."
"It'll be worse inside," muttered Jorad who followed close on Danolas' heels. "It will be like the very bowels of hell."
"Not quite," came Kira's ghostly voice, a quiver of amusement lighting it. "But perhaps, close."
"There it is," hissed Brianna. Her eyes went wide at the sight. "Merciful heavens! Will you look at that!"
The mouth of the cavern yawned before them, a good twelve feet high and twice again as wide. Steps had been built down into the grotto and a railing could be seen for several yards before it too disappeared into blackness. The smell of water, earth and decay tickled their nostrils.
"Just a moment." Danolas touched his staff to the lock on the gate and it opened with a loud creak. "I hope there isn't security."
Patrick shook his head. "A guard house at the main entrance, but nothing here."
The gate swung wide and the company stealthily made its way inside. "So far so good," Benjamin whispered. "Maybe we got lucky."
Gallegar shook his head. A whisper of power crept out from under his shielding and his fangs lengthened. He pulled Kira closer. "I don't think so. In fact, I have the feeling we have walked into---"
A loud scream interrupted him and spinning around, the company saw the path blocked by a score of pookas. Then, creeping like rats out from the rocks came more cluricauns than they could count. A new creature, this one with the wizened face of an old man, covered in mangy tangled fur, followed them. The stench that preceded them made the company want to retch in reaction.
"A trap," the vampire finished grimly.
"How the hell did they know we were here?" Patrick floated closer to Kira. "And who are these new monsters?"
"Grogoch," gasped Brianna. "Another faerie. Mischief-makers all of them, but rarely cruel. They've been spelled, I'm thinking. They usually mean no harm."
"It does not matter what they were," Koran stated, as his hands glowed amber in reaction to the intruders. "But what they are."
"Give us the witch." One of the cluricauns came forward and pointed a sharp talon at Brianna, who stood in Danolas' arms. "Give us the witch and you may go free."
"Fuck that!" Lucas gave a menacing growl. He tensed his shoulders and changed into his half-beast form. Huge and hulking, his appearance made several of the creatures scrabble for cover. "You ain't gettin' anybody!"
The little man hopped up and down. "Give us the witch. Now! Now, or all die!"
"We'll take that chance," stated Benjamin. He changed into the same half-wolf form as Lucas, before turning to Danolas, sending him a quick mind-speak. "You know what to do."
The witch nodded and grabbed Brianna by the hand. "I'm ready."
"Do it!"
Danolas lifted his staff into the air, sending power streaming through its sapphire crystal. He spoke only two words.
"Shol saes!"
The blinding light he'd called for suddenly filled the room. The company, recognizing the tactic, covered their eyes, but the monsters were caught unawares. Literally blinded by the light, the creatures screeched and cowered, lashing out impotently at anything they sensed nearby. More of their own were torn by the sharp claws and hooves, than were the company. In the confusion, Danolas lifted Brianna into his arms and disappeared down the steps, deeper into the tunnel. It might be the only chance they had at putting some distance between them and the monsters above.
Running down the slippery path, Danolas used his magick to make sure his footing was sound. Slick pools of water and narrow passages made traversing the cave difficult.
"Please." Brianna squeezed his arm. "I'm slowing you down this way. I can run."
Knowing she was right, he dropped her legs, but held on until she was running easily beside him. The glow of his staff lit their way, but the closed in feeling of the place made Danolas want to shudder.
"Cyric's trail ... it leads straight down through..." Brianna's voice trailed off. "Damn me. Now what?"
They'd come to an abrupt halt at the side of a river. There was no more path. It was obvious, tourists were forced to use the flat bottom boats tied up at a nearby dock. She looked at Danolas. "Do we use the boat? Or do we fly?"
He hesitated only for a moment. Who knew how long the water would go? If it went for miles, it would be a great drain on their magick, power they would need to protect themselves. "The boat, but we can use magick to pilot her."
They scrambled into the closest boat just as one of the pookas came racing around the corner. It gave a shrill neigh as it overcompensated and slid into the freezing cold water. It thrashed and screamed, but Danolas ignored it, and sent their boat streaming away from the dock and down the black icy river.
"The others?" Brianna managed.
He looked grim. "I disabled the motors, when I put a spell on the other boats. Magick that will make the boat move on its own. Only the company will be aware of it. If the enemy uses one, they will have to row."
They were silent then, peering around cautiously as the boat slid through the still water. Time had no meaning in the darkened cave. Sometimes, Danolas thought he could hear the sounds of battle behind him, but then, they would be cut off as they went around a corner.
Suddenly, they came to another dock. Brianna scrambled out and watched behind them as Danolas climbed onto the wooden platform. "Where are we?" she whispered.
Danolas gazed around quickly. "End of the river, perhaps?" He shook his head. "The sign says, Junction Jetty, so I'd figure it's where the river and the walking path meet."
Brianna touched his chest gently. "The trail goes that way ... along the path. Can you see it?"
He nodded. "Yes, let's go."
Back at the entrance, the company fought to keep the rest of the creatures from following Danolas and Brianna. "Behind you," shouted Lucas, as he tore the throat out of a cluricaun who'd ventured too close. His shout to Gallegar was heeded as the vampire snatched a pooka out of mid gallop and tore it apart with his bare hands. Beside him, Kira's golden power shone brightly as she used it against the hapless grogoches who tried over and over, to leap upon her and drag her to the ground.
Patrick and Benjamin struggled with more of the beasts. "Did they get away?" the shade mind-spoke Gallegar.
"Aye ... they have gone below, but some of the evil ones have followed them."
"Then, we better, as well." The Ethereal turned to his men. "Cover us." He turned and gave a shout at the protectors. "All of you, protect your leaders."
As one, the brave protectors moved to cover the Chosen and Kira. Koran sent another flash of light at the creatures, and that, along with the fierce fighting by their men, gave the Chosen and the Peacekeeper time to disappear into the inky darkness. Koran conjured a faerie light and they all followed him down the tunnel. All that could be heard were the sounds of their breathing as they sped along the cave passage. Once they got to the river's edge, they all stared in anger at what was left of the boats. The pookas and cluricauns who'd come before them had utterly destroyed the two vessels they'd left behind. One psychic touch showed the company the creatures had split them in two with a single blow of their strong hooves.
"Now what the hell do we do?" growled Lucas. He bent and grabbed one of the boat halves, then dropped it when he felt the magick burn through him like lightning. "Koran! Come here. What do you make of this?"
The faerie had barely touched it, when a grin lit his handsome face. "Danolas spelled it to follow him. It doesn't matter if it is whole or in pieces. This boat will take us to him."
"King Gallegar!"
They all turned at the call. Jorad raced into the room, his eyes wide with fear. Gallegar frowned. "Why are you here, witch? You were to stay up above and fight with the others."
"He is my High Priest. I must go to him." The acolyte's ashen face looked sickly in the pale faerie light. "He ... uhhh ... I know he needs me."
After a moment, the vampire nodded. "Then let us go." He lifted Kira into his arms and stepped into part of the ruined boat. "They are going to need us."
"Will we be in time?" Kira fretted as she watched the others climb aboard the destroyed crafts and carefully find a place to sit.
Benjamin pushed the boat out into the water. "We have to be."
Using Danolas' staff for light, the two witches made their way carefully through the dark, following Cyric's glowing trail. It was brighter now, making Brianna believe they were close to the Sceptre. She held on to Danolas, telling herself it was for the seeing of the vision, but she knew it was more than that. Their time was coming to an end, and even if they made it out of this passageway alive, she would lose him anyway. She would take whatever contact she could.
They didn't speak as they wound their way through different chambers of the cave. The humans had named them ... The Castle, The Porridge Pot, The Guardian Angel, and if you looked closely, you could see the name's image in the rocky formations. They were all beautifully carved stones, unique and intriguing sculptures that made her gaze in awe at nature's grandeur.
The place the humans called The Moses Walk, was particularly intriguing. A man-made catwalk stretched out across the width of the slowly flowing river. Liquid sprinkled down upon their heads from high above, baptizing them in pure, fresh water. Their faces glowed wetly in the pale azure glow of Danolas' staff. Brianna wished she could come back and visit longer ... someday when she wasn't afraid for her very life.
When they reached The Crystal Palace, she drew in a breath at the beauty of the place. The pale creamy look of the chamber made her think of toffee sweets at Christmas time. Stalactites by the hundreds hung from the ceiling of the cave, their dragon's teeth-like forms reflecting in the twilight water below. It was beautiful and unearthly, but Brianna felt an icy finger of recognition trail up her spine. Somewhere close by was the Sceptre; she knew it as well as she knew her own name.
"We've come to the end." Danolas' voice echoed in the icy grotto. He pointed with his staff. "The only thing that lies before us is the lake."
"What? That can't be! There has to be more."
"This is as far as the path goes."
"Aye ... the tour mayhaps, but not the trail, I'm thinking." Brianna stomped her small foot. "It can't just stop here. Makes no sense."
Danolas looked over his shoulder at the path behind them. "I hope it goes on. I don't think retracing our steps is the best option."
She looked at him, noting the deep concern on his face. Guilt rose in her. "I'm sorry. I'm letting you down again."
"Don't be an idiot." He shot her a frustrated glare. "I saw the vision as clearly as you did. I know the trail came this way."
"Cyric couldn't have disappeared through the rocks. It has to be here."
"I agree, so let's start looking."
They searched the cavern, always keeping an eye on the passageway behind them. Every crevice was checked, but they found nothing. Finally, Brianna's gaze swept over the black waters. Her heart almost stopped when she saw what she was looking for. She sent a quick thankful prayer up to heaven. "Saints be praised! I found it!"
"Where?"
"There ... you see? Across the lake. The trail continues on the other side."
Holding his staff high, Danolas sent the light over the water. Its illumination revealed a small ledge tucked off to the side of the grotto. A small opening could be seen in the shadows behind a large boulder. "You did find it." He cast a grin her way. "I assume Cyric's trail heads that way?"
Already smiling, she touched his arm. There was a flash of crystal light as the trail appeared, but then before she could even blink ... it was gone. Frowning, she tried again, but nothing could be seen in the inky darkness. Her heart pounded as she fumbled for Danolas' hand. Squeezing hard, she concentrated, using all her will to see.
"Brianna ... stop." Danolas' hand squeezed hers back. "You're cutting off the blood to my fingers."
"I can't see anything," she said hoarsely, barely listening to him. "It's gone ... it just vanished."
"I know ... I know." His sapphire eyes gleamed in the light of his staff. "But why? That's the question we must ask."
"Perhaps, I can answer it for you."
Danolas instinctively pushed Brianna behind him, as the ghostly voice reverberated against the walls of the cavern. He held his staff at the ready and gazed around him. "Who are you?"
The answer was a low evil chuckle that sent shivers up his spine. He pulled Brianna closer and watched as from the shadows, a figure appeared.
"I wondered how long it would take you to find it for me." The outline of a man could be seen in the staff's crystal glow. "You are strong ... stronger even than your grandfather was."
Ignoring the mention of Brianna's ancestor, Danolas turned the light up higher. "I asked you who you are."
"Come now, High Priest. You know exactly who I am." The form stepped out of the shadows and smiled. "And you know all my names."
Danolas couldn't help the shock that ran through him. A man stood there ... yet not a man at all. Eyes, dark as just this side of midnight, long black curling hair and features handsome enough to draw any woman's eyes. An evil smile touched the man's lips and he came into the full light.
Labraic.
"How can this be?" squeaked Brianna. "You're dead! My ancestor killed you!"
"Stupid bitch!" Labraic's eyes shot hatred her way. "You are as weak and stupid as he was. He tried to kill me, but no mortal can destroy my kind. He had the anger and he had the weapon..." The demon laughed. "But he didn't have the knowledge."
"He sent you to Hell," growled Danolas. "That was all that was needed."
"Don't be a fool," Labraic hissed. "When Cyric O'Maoilduan tried that little ... exorcism, all he had the power to do was make me leave the body I'd possessed. Inconvenient, but not irreparable. I just found another host; though it did take me many centuries to regain the strength I needed to continue with my plans and speak to my followers."
"So you've just been hiding? Waiting? For what?" Danolas wasn't buying any of it.
"Labraic hides from no one, witchling." The demon's eyes flashed red. "We all had our orders. When and where to strike. Timing is very important. Even though my time was cut short when that bastard son of a witch used the Sceptre on me, I had done much of what I set out to do. I turned people away from the truth." He laughed. "But now ... now it is my time, again. The war is begun and all soldiers are needed."
Danolas went still. This was part of the war? He immediately shook his head at himself. Of course it was. Why should he believe San Francisco was the only place the war was being fought? In that instant, the problems facing the world at large took on a deeper meaning. Evil was patient and relentless. Without the truth setting them free, all the peoples of the earth were at risk. His face hardened. "We'll stop you."
Labraic put back his head and laughed. "No one can stop us. We are stronger and more powerful. We will crush you like the insects you are."
"We stopped you once," Brianna shouted at him. "And we'll do it again."
"How?" the demon scoffed. "With the Sceptre of Power? But you don't have it, do you?" His eyes met Danolas'. "But you have been kind enough to show me where it is. For that, you have my thanks. You see, a spell hid it from my gaze. I knew if I followed you long enough, you'd lead me right to it." He gestured over the water. "Lost for almost eight hundred years, but now, almost within my grasp."
"But why?" Danolas asked as he maneuvered Brianna closer to the water and away from Labraic. "Why would you want the Sceptre found now?"
"I don't want it found!" Yellow light flashed around the demon as his temper gave way. "It could have stayed lost in this cavern forever. But I knew once the bitch witch was sent to you, the knowledge of the weapon would come out. The quest would begin and the Sceptre would be located. You are too curious a man to allow such questions to go unanswered. That ... I couldn't allow, so I gathered my powers and came back to this plane. At first, I just wanted the Sceptre to stay lost, but once I realized that was impossible, I took the next step. It is too strong a weapon to let fall into the wrong hands."
"In that, we agree."
The demon's eyes narrowed. "Now that I know where the Sceptre is, I can destroy it. You will never use it against my kind. We will win the war ... against you and the puny humans."
"It may be here in this cavern," shouted Danolas. His power swirled around him, creating a shield between Labraic and them. "But you don't have it yet. We beat you once, hellspawn ... we will beat you again!"
His answer was a deep reverberating laugh. "You think so?" Labraic's eyes went ruby-red and his beautiful mouth suddenly filled with sharp dagger-like teeth. "Without the Sceptre, you are nothing!"
Brianna and Danolas watched in horror as, before their eyes, the demon changed. Smoke billowed up from the ground surrounding his body and the stench of sulfur filled the air. With an unearthly scream, Labraic grew until his head bumped against the cave ceiling, sending stalactites crashing dangerously around him. His skin split open, black mist pouring from the rent flesh, as his pale human disguise disappeared and was replaced with a red and black shaded leathery hide. Huge black wings unfurled stretching far out over the lake.
Labraic's face was no longer human. More monkey-like with large bulbous scarlet eyes and a wide flat nose. Its gaping mouth was filled with uneven pointed teeth that were stained and broken. Two large horns jutted out of the top of its head, with two more poking out of his narrow cheeks. Its form was still humanoid, but the overlarge arms and clawed hands were more beast than man. The demon had no legs, only a pool of blood-colored smoke that burrowed into the cave floor beneath it.
"Sweet mercy," Brianna breathed. "Now what do we do?"
Danolas gritted his teeth. "We fight."
"And the Sceptre?"
"Do you know where it is?"
She shook her head. "No."
He shot her a quick surprised glance, then gave his attention back to the demon. "It's in the water ... about halfway across."
"How do you know that?"
"It's where the vision trail ended. If that's where the trail ends---"
"Then that's where the Sceptre lies," she finished grimly. She looked up at the now completely transformed demon. "Can we beat him?"
"Together, leannan, I think we stand a chance." Danolas continued to keep his body between her and Labraic. "He will want to destroy you because you can find the Sceptre. Stay behind me."
"But---"
"This one time," Danolas snarled, his azure eyes flashing his anger. "Obey me."
Any reply Brianna would have made was interrupted by the sound of hooves on the passageway behind them. A second later, several pookas and their cluricaun riders appeared, racing towards the two witches, death in all their eyes.
"I do not have time for this," Brianna muttered. With a wave of her hand, she sent a slap of purplish power at the enemy. It mowed them over just as it had done before, its awesome strength and lack of control, this time a saving grace. She looked askance at Danolas. "I stayed behind you."
He almost smiled, but then his attention was pulled back to the demon towering overhead. It was gazing at Brianna with a lecherous twist of its foul lips.
"She is stronger than the one that came before," Labraic said, almost conversationally. "I smell immortality on her, but it is new ... still to be tested."
"You stay away from her!"
The demon chuckled. "You have the desires and weaknesses of a mortal. Love, passion, protectiveness. Haven't you learned yet, High Priest, how false these emotions are?"
"I have learned the opposite, Labraic. And, I know we defeated your brothers in the last battle because this love you mock is stronger than any hate you can manufacture."
Labraic laughed in defiance. "You will not defeat me that way. Love has no strength in this place, and again, I have you to thank for it. Because of you, here is only anger and fear ... and confusion."
Danolas' heart dropped. He glanced at the silent Brianna and flinched at the pain in her eyes. Did Labraic know all their secrets? How?
"If you want to take on love, demon spawn..." Gallegar shouted as he and Kira marched hand in hand into the cavern, followed by the other Chosen and a pale-faced Jorad. "I suggest you start with us."
The demon spun around and snarled at the Peacekeeper and her men. "You will not defeat me. You have no power here."
"You are wrong, Labraic." Kira's sweet voice echoed quietly. "Love has a place everywhere." She glanced up at Gallegar and her eyes glowed. "And it is the strongest power of all."
"You think so?" A gnarled hand waved at the nearby wall. "Let us see how your precious love stands up to centuries of hate!"
There was a loud grating noise and everyone took a step back as the very wall began to move. Dust billowed, and rocks trembled. Out of the stone pushed a hand. Wizened and contorted with age, it was followed by the rest of the arm and then the torso and head of a man. A second being forced his way out of the rock, and then surprisingly, at their feet, a huge hound made its appearance with a gravely bark. Two men ... their eyes blank and their faces as still as the stone they lived in, stood before them. The dog sat beside them, his lips curled in an eternal snarl of hate.
"They failed me last time," Labraic said. "But that was against the Sceptre. They shouldn't have any trouble dealing with the likes of you!"
Without a word, Lucas and Benjamin shifted into giant half-wolves, towering over the stone fighters. "I'll take you or your boys on," the werewolf growled, his silver eyes shining in anticipation of a fight. "I don't give a damn how hard their heads are."
Sounds could be heard from the chambers beyond. "Sounds like the protectors made it past the water as well." Koran and Patrick turned slightly to meet whatever else might be coming though the entrance. "Seems we brought the battle with us."
"And here it shall end," Labraic gloated aloud. "I will destroy you all!"
Suddenly, the room was filled with the rest of the company and a dozen or so pookas and cluricauns. Pulses of power and beams of color lit up the dark chamber as the two sides met in final battle. Danolas' attention was jerked back to the demon when it moved closer. Its wide leathery lips lifted in a ghastly attempt at a smile. "I think its time to end this. What say you to that, Danolas, son of Darius?"
Danolas' eyes narrowed. "Sounds good to me."
"And me," Brianna piped up from behind him. "Sure, and I'm looking forward to kicking a little demon ass."
"High Priest!"
They all turned to see Jorad standing near them, his wand held out in his quivering hand. Danolas frowned. "Jorad, you should be fighting. Go help Kira."
The witch shook his head. "High Lord, you are the one I'm to protect."
Danolas was torn between appreciation for his acolyte's loyalty and irritation with his disobedience. He shot a glare at Brianna. "You're rubbing off on him."
She gave an unladylike snort. "I like him better already, then."
"You inspire such loyalty, High Priest. Such respect and love ... just as your father did and his father before him." Labraic loomed closer.
"What do you know of my family?"
"I made it a point to keep an eye on your line." The demon's eyes glowed. "I thought it best to make sure none of you could do me any harm."
Danolas' hand clenched his staff. His forehead was dotted with sweat, even though the room was cool. "What are you talking about?"
"Did you ever wonder why your father died in such a relatively peaceful area? There was no war ... just a small uprising. Yet, a man ... an immortal, as powerful as he, was killed. How could that happen?"
Icy fury shot through Danolas. "You? You had him killed?"
Labraic chortled evilly. "It was a simple enough task. I just gave the spell to kill an immortal to a human witch doctor. He didn't even know what he was doing. Since he got caught in the backlash, no one could tell what really happened. All nice and clean. And good Darius was no more."
"I will kill you!"
"Better men than you have tried." The demon showed his stained teeth in another gruesome smile. "Even your grandfather died trying."
"My grandfather?" Danolas froze. "My grandfather isn't dead, he lives in Paris with my mother."
Brianna stirred beside him. "Danolas ... I'm thinking we should just kill him and be done with it. Don't listen to him any longer."
"Oh, bitch witch ... Haven't you figured out by now, he cares nothing for you or what you want? You were a means to an end ... and an unnecessary one at that."
Danolas was distracted from his lineage by that statement. "She isn't unnecessary. Brianna is the one who found the Sceptre."
Labraic shook his head sadly. "Oh, I did think you more intelligent, but your lust for the bitch distracted you. Made it easier for me. But..." He shook his huge head and spat furiously at the pookas, cluricauns and rock men who fought the Peacekeeper's men. "You just can't get good help. That fact hasn't changed in a millennia." He cast his scarlet gaze on the trembling Jorad. "You. How have you helped your master?"
"Leave him alone!"
The demon smiled, ignoring Danolas' command. "When we knew the story of the Sceptre of Power had come out, I sent my people to kill the witch who could locate the weapon. But they failed me. Over and over, again. It wasn't until the witch had come back here, to Ireland, that I finally realized why." His red eyes glowed menacingly. "But that is all in the past. Now, that witch will die."
"Now, my Master?"
Danolas turned to his First Acolyte. "Now, what?"
Labraic's eyes flashed. "Now, this."
Before anyone could move, Jorad swung around and pointed his wand, not at Labraic as would be expected, but at the High Priest himself. A stream of reddish-black power shot from the rod, slamming into Danolas with enough force it threw him against the cave wall, his staff clattering to the ground nearby. Brianna's scream mingled with the shouts of the Chosen as they tried to get closer, but the evil faerie folk would not give way.
Labraic floated closer to where Danolas leaned, crushed against the wall by the demon magick. His face was triumphant. "You see, High Priest ... the problem was ... all that time they were after the wrong witch."
Staring at the demon in utter shock, Danolas didn't hear Brianna's curses as she sent her power against the traitorous Jorad. Since he'd no reason to shield himself against his own acolyte, the damage done was severe. He could feel his life force leaking away through a dozen different wounds. His own man had tried to kill him ... delivering him into demon hands. Agony of a different kind speared through him.
Labraic chuckled again. "It should have been so easy to kill you. I had everything planned. He was within your walls ... behind your shielding. But you can't account for a servant's stupidity. He thought I meant the girl." It glanced over its massive shoulder at the two fighting witches. "He's a changeling, you see. Not very bright, obviously ... but tenacious. When I heard she was being sent to you, I knew I had to act."
"Jorad?" Danolas asked in a strangled voice. He struggled against the invisible bonds, joy and grief warring within him. His protector hadn't betrayed him, but...
"The witch?" The demon shrugged. "Who cares? Dead, I suppose. As you soon will be."
"But ... why?" Danolas stared at the demon, desperate to understand. Nothing was making sense anymore. "Cyric was Brianna's ancestor, not mine."
Labraic twisted a fist, making the magick around Danolas tighten even more. He bit his lip as agony ripped through him.
The demon smiled, obviously enjoying its triumph. "Stupid, foolish witch. I think I could have beaten you without even lifting a finger. You are your own worst enemy. We don't give a damn about this Brianna or the witch who thought he killed me. Neither of them can operate the Sceptre. That has been proven." With one sharpened talon, the beast sliced a line from the back of Danolas' cheek down to his jaw. Blood welled to ooze slowly down the witch's neck. Labraic licked the liquid from its fingers with evident relish. "My purpose is to make sure you die. You are the last of your line."
"What line?" Danolas shook his head to clear away the pain. "I have no connection to the Sceptre of Power."
Labraic roared out an amused laugh, then followed it by cutting a thin ribbon of flesh from Danolas' arm. The creature sucked the skin into its mouth like a piece of bloody spaghetti. "You witches have done my job for me. I should have left you to bumble around on your own. You are no threat." It grabbed Danolas' tunic and ripped it from his body, leaving his muscular torso naked. Methodically, the demon began torturing the imprisoned High Priest, using a single talon to cut deep gaping wounds in his exposed flesh.
"Did your grandmother, Jasta, never tell you she was mated twice?" it asked silkily. "Your grandfather isn't your family by blood."
"What are you talking about?" Anger swept aside the pain. "Delair is the only grandfather I ever knew."
"He married your grandmother just after her mate was killed. Perhaps love ... perhaps lust, it matters not. But she was already carrying her dead husband's child."
"You're lying!"
"Why should I?" Labraic shrugged. "You are going to die. I don't care if you know the truth or not. But I do find it amusing you know none of this. If you had, this might have ended differently."
Danolas struggled to maintain consciousness. "Who ... who was he then?"
"I'll give you a hint..." The demon smirked toothily at him. "I killed him, too. Before, he could kill me."
"Daegal!" Just that quickly, all the facts fit together and Danolas understood it all. He closed his eyes, cursing at his kind's way of hiding secrets. Labraic was right. Had he been told the truth about his lineage, he might have prevented his father's death. He would have known better how to deal with everything going on around him and they wouldn't be fighting a losing battle in a stinking hole in the ground. Knowing it had been him from the start, and not Brianna, made him want to weep. He'd pulled her into this mess for no reason. She was an innocent. He was the cause of all the trouble ... because he was the grandson of Daegal, the Martyr. The witch, who'd given his life to stop Labraic over eight centuries ago and because of that, everyone around him could die.
The demon looked surprised. "Well, once you get going, you aren't as stupid as you look. Too bad your granny kept you in the dark. You might have figured it out on your own." He smiled and stabbed a pointed claw deep into Danolas' chest, snickering when the witch cried out in agony. "But now it's too late, isn't it. I've got you and you'll never have a chance to go after the Sceptre. I've won, and your line will trouble me, no more."
Brianna's eyes flashed in fury as she sent another violet bolt of power against Jorad. But it wasn't Jorad, was it? 'Twas just another changeling. She'd been standing close enough to Danolas and Labraic to hear the demon brag out the whole sordid story and she didn't know now whether to scream or cry. None of this was about her. It had been Danolas all along. He was the one who could use the Sceptre. He was the important one, not her. She ducked as the changeling shot a blast of hot red gas at her, then she turned around and sent a spear of magick back at him.
She wanted to get to Danolas, but she couldn't. Every time she tried, the false Jorad cut her off, cackling evilly and sending bolts of hellpower at her. Her eyes filled with tears and she cursed herself for not working harder on the lessons the High Priest tried teaching her back in San Francisco. She was paying for her inattention now.
Snarling out a Gaelic curse, she sent a bolt of purple lightning at the changeling. "What did you do with the real Jorad?"
The creature gave sort of a lurching dance, its human characteristics disappearing as if they'd never been. "Gone, gone, gone ... gone between. No one can find him. No one can save him. Dead to the world. Dead to all."
Brianna tossed her head. "I liked you better when you didn't talk to me." She absorbed a slap of magick that took her breath away. The changeling was very strong. Unsure as to whether she could beat it, she decided on a different tactic. "So me boy-o, you fucked up pretty good, then. Wasn't me you were to kill. I'll bet your master will tan you for that mistake."
The changeling gave a liquid snarl. "Not my fault. All thought pretty witch was to die. Even banshee was wrong."
"No, she wasn't," Brianna argued, hoping to make it even angrier. It was hard to see the creature wearing a human face. Like rippling water, the face flowed and moved between Jorad's and its own. "She knew you wanted to kill me. So she was just responding to the threat. 'Twas your mistake, and 'twill be your punishment."
Looking over its shoulder, the creature did another little dance. "No, no. Master understand. I had banshee killed. And I kill you. Make him happy."
"Not bloody likely." Brianna mentally crossed her fingers, and then laughed in the changeling's face. "You're gonna get in trouble! See, he's coming for you now."
Fear filled the false Jorad's face and he quickly turned to face his master. Brianna sent up a quick prayer of thanks, and then drawing all her power together, sent a blast at the creature that lifted her off the ground as well.
The changeling screeched in surprise and anger, but the tone quickly turned to pain, when a bolt of green magick joined with hers. The two powers intertwined, and Brianna looked over her shoulder to see Gallegar standing behind her.
"I am with you, little sister," he mind-spoke as he carefully helped her back down to earth. Taking heart from his strength, she turned back to the changeling and gave the beast even more. She reached deep within herself, and leaning on Gallegar's control, she poured her magick into the creature. It screamed, the body twisting madly in the air. Then, after only a few more moments, it disintegrated, leaving nothing but dust on the damp cave floor.
Immediately, the green power was gone. Brianna turned to see a pooka leap up and tumble the vampire to the ground. She turned to help, but was stopped by his deep mind-voice.
"Help, Danolas. He is the one who needs you, not me. Fear not, little witch. You have the power."
Panic and confusion shot through her. How could she help? Her power, though strong, needed someone to guide and control it. Danolas couldn't help her. He was barely conscious under the demon's torture. They were still connected enough so she could feel his pain and her heart wept for him. But what could she do?
There was a flash out of the corner of her eye, and for just a moment, she saw again, the Sceptre's trail. Understanding shot through her. By the Saints ... she may not be good in a fight, but she could swim.
She started to run to the lake's edge, but saw immediately, if she tried to go in, one of the evil faeries would move to stop her. An idea came to her and she cringed. It might work, but it wouldn't be fun. Seeing no other choice, she sighed and turned back to the huge demon that was methodically hurting the man she loved. Taking a deep breath, she wrapped herself in a transparent shield, and then praying for a miracle, she sent the rest of it in a purple battering ram right at the demon's back.
It hit him, hard enough to rend the leathery skin and make him drop Danolas. With a growling curse, he turned to her, his eyes shining a deep angry red in his simian face. Brianna swallowed ... hard. Danolas always said she could piss off a saint. Hopefully, it would be easier with a sinner. She cleared her throat.
"Sure, and you're the ugliest thing I've ever seen," she shouted at him. "Its no wonder you liked Labraic's pretty face. Being stuck with that one would make an angel weep."
"Bitch witch," it growled. "You think to mock me?"
"Brianna ... no." Danolas' weakened voice made her tremble. Another time she couldn't obey. She ignored him, keeping her gaze on the angry demon.
"Ahhh ... but 'tis truth, isn't it? Do lady demons shudder when you slink by? Is that why you like being human?" She took a step closer as if asking a personal question. "Can't get laid, can ya?" Brianna shook her head. "'Tis a sorry thing for a man or beast, I'm a thinking. And you being so tiny, and all."
Labraic's eyes bugged out of its head. "WHAT! You dare? You don't know what you're talking about!"
Brianna snorted. Seemed even demon males were worried about their size. "Sure, and that's why you hide behind the smoke." She shook her head again. "Pitiful ... just pitiful. Why I'll bet you couldn't get a woman in your bed, even if you put a spell on her." She pointed to the area where his genitals would be as she delivered the cou de gras. "'Course you still couldn't get anything to happen once she saw you and started laughing."
"Whore! Bitch! Worthless female!" Labraic swelled even taller. "I will kill you where you stand."
Brianna pretended to look disgusted, even as her heart pounded crazily. "I'm a betting you can't even get it up for that."
Wham! That was all it took. The demon sent a wave of power at her. It hit her so hard, it dented the shielding around her. Brianna knew if she hadn't used it, she might be dead now. Thank the Goddess she learned one of Danolas' special lessons, even though her lover hadn't been the one to teach it.
She screamed, and faked a faint, but she added her own magick to the momentum of the demon's strike and allowed it to carry her out and above the lake. When she thought she was close to where the Sceptre was hidden, she let the magick go and she fell with a loud splash, into the icy black lake.
Even used to the cold seas around Dunguaire Castle, she gasped at the freezing water. She knew even her witch powers couldn't keep her warm forever, so twisting her body, she swam downwards, hoping, beyond hope, she could do what she'd set out to do in the beginning.
Find the Sceptre of Power.
"Brianna!" Danolas' shout rocked the cavern. Struggling to his feet, he stared out over the water that had swallowed her without a trace. He pushed himself off the wall, fury lending strength to his weak and beaten body, as he staggered toward the lake, his only thought to get to her.
"Not so fast, High Priest." Labraic blocked his way, its face twisted with satisfaction. "We aren't finished yet."
"You bastard! She couldn't hurt you." Emotion burned deep inside him. "You didn't have to do that!"
The demon shrugged. "She angered me. Must be something about your family."
Pain and rage made it hard for Danolas to concentrate. "I will kill you. I swear it on my grandfather's name."
Labraic smirked. "Which one?" It sent a stab of power back at the witch, but this time Danolas deflected it. "Well now ... got our strength back a bit, do we?"
Danolas wasn't about to tell him he was so weak he could barely stand. It was only his anger over Brianna being attacked that kept him on his feet. He started to mind-call his brothers, but they were still fighting the pookas and cluricauns. One of the rock men had been destroyed by Lucas and Benjamin, but the other was threatening Gallegar and Kira, with the hound worrying Koran and his elven men. He couldn't ask for their help.
He looked back at Labraic's smug face. "It's not over yet, Labraic. You will pay for what you've done."
The demon loomed over him, its eyes glowing in its hideous face. "I've waited eight hundred years to have my revenge on those in your family. You will die ... slowly and painfully."
Deep in the frosty depths of the lake, Brianna searched frantically for the elusive Sceptre. Her magick gave her the ability to swim without breathing, but the cold was making it hard to concentrate. She'd gone over the section where she thought she'd seen the Sceptre several times, with no luck. Tears burned her eyes. Would she fail at this, too?
Kicking hard, she went all the way to the bottom. Her long hair flowed out around her, giving her the appearance of a redheaded mermaid. The light she'd conjured and attached to her hand, glowed fitfully as she passed over the hard rocky bottom. Nothing moved here, nothing lived. No fish, no plants, no life at all. The water was clear, pure and as cold as the other side of eternity. A shudder went through her, and Brianna knew she was running out of time. If she didn't get out of the water soon, she would freeze.
"Help me." The whisper of longing tore through her before she could stop it. But her eyes closed and she shivered again. "Please, Cyric. Help me save him."
It was so faint at first she didn't see it. She kept swimming, her teeth beginning to chatter as her body worked at producing the needed heat to live. Brianna blinked when she caught a glimmer of movement to her right, and she jerked around, her mouth dropping open at what she saw.
It was a ghostly apparition of a man. She could see through him, could see the rocks on the bottom on the other side of his body. His long flowing brown robe floated around him. Long auburn hair touched his shoulders and he stared at Brianna with eyes the same violet as her own.
"Cyric," she mouthed.
The spirit smiled and pointed to his heart. Then up to the top of the water.
"I don't understand."
He frowned at her, then reached beneath his robe. Brianna gasped as he pulled out the Sceptre of Power. The beautiful weapon shone brighter than the sun. Cyric again pointed to his heart and then the surface of the lake.
Brianna's eyes filled with tears. "I'm sorry. I'm not as smart, or brave or loyal as you are. I don't understand. I don't know where the Sceptre is."
Cyric's face gentled. He nodded, pointing at his heart, and he pointed to hers. Then he motioned above him and closed his eyes. Not knowing what else to do, Brianna closed hers as well. For several long seconds nothing happened. She waited, fighting back the impatience and the mind-numbing cold. Then, like a film moving in slow motion she saw it ... a vision from the past. Her eyes popped open as Cyric, his face filled with anguish and fear, ran down the same cavern tunnels she and Danolas had traversed earlier. He came to the side of the lake, and after a moments hesitation made a cushion of air so he could continue across and find his way up the passageway above.
Her eyes widened when the evil ones raced from the passage. Brianna screamed, water filling her mouth and making her choke when the hunters sent an arrow at Cyric, piercing his chest. She saw his triumph when he turned the weapon on them and they collapsed into dust. She felt his pain and tasted his bitterness when the Sceptre of Power slipped out of his bloodied fingers and fell into the lake below.
Watching as it lazily circled down, she saw the gems winking all the colors of the rainbow, and the crystal still shining as bright as the sun. Only when it fell to the lake floor, and was still, did the colors dim and the light fade away. Looking back up, she saw Cyric make it to the other side of the lake before collapsing from loss of blood and exhaustion. After watching him use the weapon, now twice, she was surprised he'd lived to begat another generation of O'Maoilduans.
Turning back to look at him, she tried to understand what he was saying. According to the vision, the Sceptre had fallen right where she was standing. So where was it? She looked around in frustration. It was here ... she felt it. Then, without warning, the verse she and Danolas had found leapt into her mind.
I set a guard, no harm to thee.
I speak this spell, 'tis destiny.
To keep you safe, this promise binds,
Any man or beast, evil entwines.
Hidden from sight, so no one can see,
A promise kept, so mote it be.
Your time will come, to rise once more,
Your power and strength, to win the war.
This prophecy will come to pass,
When truth and love come at last.
Progeny of power, the chosen shall be,
Whose honor and faith will set you free.
But for now in the silence of blackness, hide,
To find the treasure, the heart will guide
And so I pray, in peace remain
Until that time, to fight again.
I cast this spell, my protection for thee
So I say it, so mote it be.
Her head jerked up as her heart pounded. "I understand Cyric. You gave me the clue and I didn't see it. My heart ... it will be my guide."
Cyric's handsome face broke into a smile. He pounded on his heart with a clenched fist and nodded. Then he kissed his fingers and held them out to her...
And was gone.
Tears overflowed from Brianna's eyes, flavoring the pure water with salt. She floated down to her knees on the hard lakebed. Holding her hands out in front of her, she allowed the violet glow of her power to spread out around her. Taking a deep breath, she recited the words of the verse, and willed her very soul to bring the Sceptre of Power to light.
"In the silence of blackness, it shall hide,
To find the treasure, your heart will guide."
There was a sound ... a faint, almost musical humming. Like joyous triumphant music; muted or far, far away. The noise resonated through the water, making Brianna's hair wave as if tossed by an offshore breeze.
Before her astonished eyes, the cave lakebed flickered and shimmered with colorful light. Brianna's heart pounded as the Sceptre of Power slowly came into view. She stared at it, barely believing the weapon was lying in front of her. It was just as beautiful in real life, as it had been in the visions. Glowing with gold and rich silver, the five colored gems twinkled in the light of her power. The crystal, she now could see, was a soft azure color and her eyes filled again, tears burning and running down her cheeks. It was Danolas' color. The same crystal he carried in his staff.
Any doubt she may have had was erased, and reaching out her hand, she wrapped her fingers around the Sceptre. Power shot through her, making her gasp and choke. Stubbornly, Brianna lifted the weapon, holding it to her chest, uncaring of the magick that sang around her. She had to get it to Danolas. Now ... before it was too late for them all.
Pushing off from the bottom, she swam to the shoreline, keeping just under the surface of the water. Her heart was pounding so hard, it hurt. She was freezing cold and her head ached from holding her breath for so long, but if she was seen, finding the Sceptre would be for naught. Stealth was what was needed here. That ... and a bit of Irish luck.
Slowly and painfully. It had been the promise and the demon delighted in keeping it. Danolas was so weak; he was leaning against the cave wall, barely able to deflect the shots of red poison the enemy was sending his way. Labraic was playing with him, like a cat would play with a dying mouse.
Kira and the others were still fighting furiously, but as more cluricaun and pookas appeared in the cavern, the odds worsened. Bodies of the dead were strewn everywhere and while the company was holding its own, it was apparent they were tiring. He knew it was his fault. Danolas could see the wagon wheel of powers on the psychic plain and knew his spot on it was weak and failing. If they didn't work together, they weren't as strong, and his battering by the sadistic demon made them all vulnerable.
He glanced over at his staff. If he could just get to it...
"I think not." Labraic flicked a finger and the rod went spinning across the chamber. "You are easy to read, High Priest. I find it enjoyable tormenting you. But then, I always did like a good bit of torture." He bared his sharp pointed teeth. "Some of the devices used centuries ago were my idea. I particularly liked the heretic's fork. That one gave me hours of pleasure."
Danolas shook his head as red spots began to obscure his gaze. "You ... are a monster." He leaned back against the wall. If he could only get his breath.
Labraic smiled. "Ahhh ... compliments now. You must be tiring. I have to admit, as much as I enjoy the taste of immortal flesh, I have other things to do. Like find the Sceptre. Perhaps, I'll have the Peacekeeper fetch it for me." He glanced at Kira and licked his rubbery lips. "Naked."
"You won't touch her!"
The demon laughed. "And who will stop me? You? You couldn't even protect the young witch. She died because you were too weak and stupid." Labraic's eyes narrowed. "I am tired of you. Time to end this, witch!" He stepped backwards. "Give my regards to your grandfather!" Lifting his hands, the hellspawn summoned all his powers into one tight beam.
Danolas knew it was over for him. Even his immortality couldn't hold out against the powers of Hell when aimed in such a concentrated burst. Grief rolled through him. His blindness would cost him not only his own life, but with him gone, the Chosen and Kira could fall as well. And Brianna. Tears filled his eyes and trickled down his bloody cheeks. He'd been a fool. Love had been offered to him, but because of his own prejudice, he'd turned away. Now, he would give anything to have her in his arms one more time.
Labraic's scream of triumph sounded through the chamber. It was so loud, it stopped the fighting for a long moment. Everyone watched ... frozen, as the demon gathered his powers and threw the full force of Hell against Danolas.
No one saw the small figure climb from the lake. No one noticed the bright shining rod in her hands. No one observed until too late, her stumbling run from the water, and not a single being, good or evil expected her to throw herself as a shield in front of Labraic's victim just as the stream of power reached him.
Danolas' arms wrapped around Brianna to push her away a heartbeat too late. The poisonous beam of red magick speared through her.
"NO!" he screamed.
She gave a gasping cry and her head was flung backwards on her shoulders. Red power streamed out of her gaping mouth and widened eyes. Danolas looked down in horror, but the death ray never touched him. Instead, it shot through her back, out her chest, and was deflected by the shining crystal weapon she held cradled between her breasts.
Brianna had found the Sceptre of Power.
"Sweet Goddess!" Danolas cried. "No, Brianna ... Leannan!"
The Hell magick went on and on and Danolas couldn't do anything to prevent it. It was killing her ... tearing away at her life force as easily as a flood can wash away anything in its path. He tried to help, but he was too weak, too close to death himself. He could only watch as Brianna's life drained away before his eyes.
Then, as suddenly as it began, it was over. Brianna slumped against him, her face pale as a shade's, her breathing almost non-existent. Danolas cradled her against him, cupping her icy cold cheek in his hand. "Brianna ... please ... you must hold on." Tears rolled down his ruined face. "Don't leave me A Stór ... Not now ... I need you." He glanced quickly at Labraic, who floated there, openly gloating. "You have given me the means to destroy him. Stay with me. Don't give up."
Her eyes fluttered open, but the beautiful violet color was gone. All that was left behind was the darkness of an empty soul. Her lips moved and he bent to listen, his whole body tensed as if he could will her to stay alive.
"Dan ... o ... las." Her eyes closed and then opened again.
"I'm here, leannan. I'm right here."
"Use ... the ... Sceptre. Avenge our ... families."
"I will, Brianna. And you will help me."
"I ... I found it."
"You did." Danolas was openly crying now, his tears falling into her wet, tangled hair. "You finished the quest."
She coughed and a trickle of blood stained her lips. "No ... you are ... the chosen ... one. Kill La ... braic. Protect ... your ... people. Finish ... finish it ... for me."
"I will. I promise. Just stay with me."
Her eyes closed. "Too ... late ... for me. But ... not for ... you."
Danolas gasped as his whole body was lit from the inside with a burst of healing energy. He'd felt it only one time before. When Brianna and he had made love and she'd cured him and restored his life force. He felt the same way as he had then ... strong and able. That time she'd done it unknowingly, this time she did it intentionally through the connection that was always between them. His heart almost burst with fear as he pulled slightly away. She was giving the rest of her life force to him, so he could fight. "No, Brianna ... stop!"
A smile touched her lips as she open her eyes one last time. "I ... love ... you ... Danolas. I do ... this because I ... love you. Her eyelashes slowly fluttered shut, and she went limp in his arms.
He stared down at her, feeling as if his heart would shatter if he moved. Even as she died, she loved him. She'd offered her life for his and then given him not only the tool, but the strength to destroy the one who'd killed her and threatened their very existence. Cold, icy rage grew within him, mingled with a grief that was made even bitterer, because he'd admitted too late the one thing she'd wanted him to say.
He was in love with her.
The silence was broken by the demon's lusty laugh. "She is a stubborn wench. How many more times will I have to kill her, I wonder?" His scarlet eyes glowed evilly. "Oh ... never. She just killed herself. I guess you do inspire loyalty, High Priest, but the price is so costly."
Danolas glared at Labraic. He felt, rather than saw the company begin to fight again. He heard the weeping and anger in their mind-voices as they charged into their foes, grief bringing them new strength. Evil faerie began to die by the score. Brianna had given the whole company a second chance by giving him needed energy and healing.
"You killed," he said in a voice as cold as death, "the woman I loved. I will see you not in Hell, but beyond it, where an eternity of agony waits for one such as you."
Labraic frowned. "You talk a good game, witch, but nothing has changed. You are weak and pitiful. Allowing a woman to die in your place. I will kill you now to put you out of your misery."
Forcing his temper behind icy control, Danolas kissed Brianna's cold lips and then gently laid her body on the ground. He carefully hid the Sceptre of Power from the demon's eyes. His lady had died to bring this to him and he would not let her sacrifice go unheeded. He stayed kneeling, keeping his back to his enemy and his eyes on the weapon that had cost Brianna her life.
"Things have changed, Labraic. I will give you one chance to die easy. Then, I will kill you and enjoy doing it."
For the first time, the demon looked uneasy. Perhaps it was the strength that had returned to Danolas' voice or the way he was holding himself, even half-naked and covered in blood. Its simian face wrinkled into another frown. "You are a fool, Danolas, son of Darius, grandson of Daegal. Your death awaits you. Turn around and face it like a man."
Danolas closed his eyes and prayed for guidance and knowledge. Reaching out, he grasped the Sceptre of Power in his hand. Magick burst through him in a wild rush of song and beauty. Understanding exploded in a wave of radiance that filled his body to the bursting. All he needed to know was in that music. He could, and would, complete the quest. For her ... and for himself. Brianna had not died in vain. He opened his eyes and saw the crystal on the Sceptre glowing with sapphire light. His eyes shone in response. It had been ordained. The Sceptre of Power had found its way back to the one man who could wield its power.
Coming to his feet, Danolas slowly turned and met Labraic's eyes.
The demon went very still and its crimson eyes widened. It backed away, fear filling its face. "Impossible," it stuttered, the mist at its feet rolling in agitation. You couldn't! How?"
Danolas lifted the Sceptre and the brilliant light shone brighter. Once again, movement in the chamber halted as all turned to watch. "It was found by one who had a purer heart than I. Her love and sacrifice gave me back my strength. She used the last of her life force to make sure your plans would never come to fruition." His eyes glowed with the intensity of his feelings as his voice rang out in the large room.
"I loved her! Too late I realized just how much. She died so others could live and I will not rest until you and all your followers are twisting in a cold eternity. I am my father's son and his father's before him. I have the power, and I know the words of magick." The witch stood tall, a warrior now, painted in the blood of the innocent. He pointed the Sceptre at the cringing demon and the crystal burned an icy blue. "Go not to Hell, Labraic ... but even farther ... past the very touch of a merciful God. Die, you bastard. This is for Darius, for Daegal, for Jorad and..." His voice broke. "For Brianna."
"Shia tia Cylys, shia ia mael,
Koli si tandros mae,
Pai shar o shor,
Rai maesi eil vyraes si pae."
Labraic threw up his arms to ward off the blow, but it wasn't enough. The rainbow burst of power ripped into him with the fury of a thousand tornados, lifting, and tearing him apart as if he was no more than a cut out paper doll for Halloween. Red smoke billowed and curled, as his screams of agony shattered the night. His hideous face disintegrated in an explosion of misery as he was cast beyond the stars to a place remembered only in nightmares. It was awful ... it was beautiful, and ... it was perfectly just and right.
Danolas' eyes glowed with power as he next turned the Sceptre on the other evil ones. They scattered like leaves before the wind, but the azure light cut them down one at a time. Kira, the Chosen and the protectors all stood in awe as every evil creature in the chamber died within seconds. They looked back at Danolas, who stood over Brianna's body, his arms stretched wide. His pale hair whipped around his head as if it were alive, his once beautiful face was torn and scarred, covered in blood and tears. His entire body shone with power and as the Sceptre did its work, they too could feel the healing power as the joining and linkings melded with the witch's new found supernatural strength. No one was sure later, how long they stood bathed in the healing light, but then, suddenly, it was over.
Gallegar pulled Kira into his arms. "A Ghra ... Are you all right?"
She nodded, her eyes on Danolas as he bent to cradle Brianna's dead form. "I am well, Mo Chridhe ... But I am afraid not all of us are."
"She can't be dead." Lucas clenched his fists and stomped over, the others following close behind. "Damn it, Danolas. There has to be something we can do. The Sceptre healed us ... why can't it heal her?"
"Because," Koran whispered, tears in his eyes. "She is already gone."
Danolas barely heard them, so deep was his grief. A gentle touch on the shoulder opened his eyes and he turned to meet Kira's compassionate golden eyes.
"I am so sorry, my seer."
He turned back to stare at Brianna's cold face. "It's my fault. I should have guessed it was me they were after. She shouldn't have even been here."
"No one knew who you truly were, my friend," Gallegar stated. By virtue of the mind link, Kira and the Chosen had heard the whole story as Labraic related it. "And even if we had, Brianna would still have been a part of it. Her destiny was to find the Sceptre."
"No!" The witch's eyes glowed angrily. "I was the one who saw the trail. We just thought it was Brianna because it was her ancestor who hid the weapon. But she had to be touching me to see it. That damn connection between us---"
"That damn connection just saved all our lives," Patrick broke in. "Don't steal away what she did here because you feel guilty. She found the Sceptre. She saved each one of us. I wish ... I wish it could have turned out differently, but she sacrificed herself so y'all could kill Labraic. I don't know if that is destiny, but it took a hell of a lot of courage."
"And love, Danolas," Kira added. "She loved you very much."
Danolas squeezed his eyes closed and buried his face in Brianna's wet throat. "I loved her ... and I never even told her. How can I live with myself? She gave me everything and I gave her nothing."
"That's not true." Benjamin crowded in and swallowed hard. His red eyes were wet. "You gave her what she wanted at the end. You killed the demon and avenged your families."
"Grieve as you must," Gallegar murmured. "But respect her name and the sacrifice she made. Brianna Muldoon found the Sceptre as she set out to do. She gave her life so you could fulfill your destiny and in doing so, fulfilled hers. We may weep over what has happened, but we should honor her for doing it.
The High Priest only shook his head. "Honor and respect mean nothing. They cannot wrap their arms around me. They won't look at me as if I am the only man in the world. They will not fill the hole in my soul. And they will never ... ever let me hold them tightly and whisper my love as I should have done with her from the very day she walked into my life."
"We've got to do something," Lucas growled as he paced around the library back at Dunguaire Castle. "It's been almost two weeks and still he sits there. He doesn't sleep and he barely eats. I don't think he's said more than three words since we got back. I'm worried about him."
"As are we all," Gallegar agreed. He pulled Kira into his lap where she snuggled against him. Their need to touch each other had only gotten stronger since Brianna's untimely death. It was a comfort in a world filled with pain and confusion.
"What can we do?" Patrick worried aloud. "He's just not getting any better and we'll have to leave for home, soon."
Benjamin rubbed his eyes. "He won't come back with us. He won't leave the castle."
"You mean, he will not leave Brianna," Koran corrected sadly. "He has not moved from her side since we left that horrible cave a fortnight ago."
Brianna's death had shocked them all, but Danolas was inconsolable. His grief and self-loathing were palatable. He would only sit next to her, her cold hand in his as he stared at her still and quiet face. He would allow no one to touch her, no one to take his place. His vigil had all the markings of a penance set down by one who never expected to be forgiven.
"He grieves." Kira's soft voice trembled and her mate held her tighter. "Not only for what happened, but for what could have been."
"Shit." Lucas kicked bad-temperedly at a chair. "It's the could haves that kill you."
"They didn't have a chance to work through their differences." The vampire put his chin on Kira's head and closed his eyes, breathing in her sweet scent. "They were meant to be together, but their own stubbornness drove them apart. He blames himself for that now."
"He's going to kill himself, if he isn't careful," Patrick growled. "He's wasting away a little more each day."
"I think, perhaps, that is what he wants."
They all stared at Koran. His statement was unexpected ... and unwelcome.
"No fuckin' way," snarled Lucas. "We've already lost Irish, but I'll be damned if we lose Danolas, too!"
"His grief overwhelms him," the faerie said softly. "And worse yet, he feels tremendous guilt over how he treated Brianna. Grief will heal in time. It becomes memories that, if allowed, can give us comfort. But guilt..." Koran shook his head. "Guilt can eat away at you until there is nothing left. It can numb the mind and destroy the soul. That is what is happening to Danolas now. He is wasting away ... body and soul."
"Losing his First Acolyte in such a way is also difficult to stomach. To have a betrayer among us for so long..." Gallegar's sensuous lips tightened. "But none of us knew any different. Danolas can't blame himself."
"I do not believe he is even thinking about Jorad, yet," Kira whispered. "He is so caught up in losing Brianna, nothing else registers."
"Shouldn't we ... I mean..." Benjamin hesitated. "I mean ... shouldn't we have a funeral or something? A memorial service for both of them?"
"Good idea," Patrick agreed. "If there isn't a body, maybe he can focus on something else."
"There will always be a body," Koran said surprisingly. Again, they all stared at him. He smiled sadly. "Immortal deaths are infrequent, but they do happen. But when we die it is different from other beings. Our bodies don't slough away. They continue to look very much the way they did when we died. A true immortal such as Brianna will be placed in a chamber and lay in state for the rest of eternity."
"I don't get it." Lucas' pale brows drew together. "If she's dead ... she's dead."
"Immortals do not pass through the Gates as mortals do. Neither do they disappear. They go between ... beyond the veils that separate this world from the next. There is nothing really there, only empty space and eternity stretching before them. No friends, family or challenges." His stark amber eyes met theirs. "An immortal will find no peace in death, only illusions and the monotony of perpetual tomorrows, completely alone. Perhaps, it is why we fight so hard to live, because the thought of that kind of death terrifies us all."
There was a long silence before Gallegar sighed. "Danolas feels only his pain. If he is not careful, he will pass beyond the veil as well. But he won't find Brianna or salvation, only more grief and sorrow."
"We must help him." Kira's golden eyes filled with tears. "But how?"
The only sound in the room was the ticking of the clock on the fireplace mantelpiece. It was dark, the brightness coming in from outside barely penetrating the drawn curtains. He didn't want the light. It had no place here in this tomb of sorrow.
Danolas sat, as he had for the last thirteen days, by the side of his bed. His battered face faced forward, his heartbroken eyes intent on the woman who lay so still before him. He was numb with grief and a fury that had turned inwards to rip at his heart with greedy claws.
He'd brought her here, to his bed, where they'd loved with such passion and need. Aebh and the others had tried to take her from him, but he refused, his eyes wild with misery and remorse. He'd pushed them away, out of his chamber. She was his. Under his protection and care, even in death.
He was the one who stripped off her wet, filthy clothes. Who bathed her naked body, removing the stench of the demon and the blood he wasn't sure was his ... or hers. He dried her with soft warm towels and then covered her beautiful body with potions, so her skin would stay forever soft and supple. Danolas found her favorite scent and used it lavishly, filling his nostrils with the smell of the sea, fresh air and Brianna.
He'd wept then, holding her naked body against him as he rocked back and forth in grief. She was gone. Forever. Out of his life, and the knowledge was too much for him to bear. He cursed himself a thousand times over for being such a fool and pushing her away, when he knew now, her love was the most valuable gift he'd ever been given.
It took him two days to dress her for eternity. Danolas brushed her auburn hair until it shone, and then styled it as he did his own, with two small braids on each side of the forehead sweeping back to mingle with the other flame rich hair. No makeup was needed. Brianna's natural beauty was all he wanted to see.
He cried again, when he dressed her in the T-shirt he himself bought for her. It all seemed like a huge joke to him now as he smoothed the material to read, I can multi-task (talk and piss you off at the same time), but it was so perfectly Brianna. Over the top of the blue T-shirt, he dressed her in one of her beautiful soft robes. This, too, was his Brianna. A mixture of old and new, of earthy delights and elegance. Now, as he stared down at her, he couldn't remember why he'd fought so hard to keep from loving her.
Fighting hadn't done any good in the end. He'd fallen for her. In fact, he was certain he'd loved her the day they met at the mating ceremony. No other woman had ever gotten under his skin as she had. She'd infuriated him, irritated him and intrigued him, and at the same time, she'd opened her heart to him with all the sweetness of her spirit. His soulmate had been standing before him and he'd turned his back on her. He had never told her he loved her, even as she lay dying in his arms. For that, he would never forgive himself.
The last thing he did was to put the Sceptre of Power in her hands. It was symbolic and he knew it would have to be removed, but in his mind, the weapon belonged to her as much as it did to him. She had found it ... he had used it. Their destinies were intertwined, forever.
And then he sat at her side in utter silence, holding her hand and staring at her beloved face. Nothing mattered. The world went on around him and he didn't care. Finally, after a week, Kira and Aebh spelled their way into his bedroom. The women forced him to go and shower by telling him he was fouling the air Brianna lay in. He was in and out in a matter of minutes, his haggard face pale with grief, his eyes blank and glassy.
Aebh had clucked like a mother hen over his many wounds. His back and chest were covered in deep cuts, and they were healing, slowly but surely. But no longer was Danolas a 'little Adonis'. The slashes made by demon talons on his face were deep and they hadn't been attended to in time. Forever, he would carry the scars of his torture; a deep slash from earlobe to jaw, and a second, thinner one on the other cheek, from the point of his cheekbone to the side of his mouth. He didn't care. They were unimportant. It was the scars on his heart that would never truly heal.
Eventually, he'd tired of their fussing and kicked them out again. He'd returned to his chair, his mind turned inward in despair and painful longing. He didn't sleep; he cared nothing for the delicious tidbits brought to him by his worried brothers. All he wanted was to be left alone in his misery.
It was at midnight on the fourteenth day that She came to him. Danolas felt the presence, but he did not lift his gaze from Brianna's face. "You are too late," he said hoarsely, his voice rusty from disuse. "She is dead. I should have listened to you. You told me to look for answers in those I didn't understand or accept, but I didn't listen."
The Power moved over Danolas gently, and he felt the comforting touch of her essence surround him. "I am sorry, High Priest."
"Why?" It was all he could ask. "Why did she have to die?"
"It was her time."
"No." He shook his head, and pressed Brianna's cold hand to his lips. "I don't believe that. Our destinies are by choice. She could have been saved."
"Yes," the Power whispered. "She could have. And you would have died. That was the choice before her. This was the choice she made."
Tears rolled down Danolas' scarred cheeks. "She loved me. And she died because of it."
"She chose this path because she loved you, yes. But the choice was more. She knew you were the one to stop the demon, Danolas. Only you could do that. So she sacrificed herself not just for you, but for the thousands of others who would have also died."
He shook his head. "It doesn't matter. She shouldn't have had to make that sacrifice. What kind of leader am I to let her die in my stead?"
The Power chuckled richly. "Do you think you could have stopped her?"
"Yes!" he shouted, wanting to throw something. Then, just as quickly, his temper died. "No. Brianna always had a mind of her own." He rubbed his tired eyes. "But I would have given my life for her."
"She knows."
Danolas flinched. "Does she? Why? I never told her how I felt. Never explained what she meant to me. I was a coward."
"Is that why you sit here? Do you examine your cowardice?"
"Yes. No." The witch sighed. "I don't know. I just know I can't leave her."
"Are you tempted, High Priest, to bring her back to life?"
His body stiffened. "Tempted, yes ... it is within my power. But, no matter what I feel, she is gone. I will not disrespect the Heavens for my own selfish wishes."
"And would you trade your life for hers?"
"Without hesitation," he answered, his eyes narrowing at the questions she was asking. "Is it possible?"
"And if it was?" the Power queried. "What would Brianna say to that?"
Danolas couldn't help the chuckle that escaped, though he'd never thought he'd laugh again. "Before or after she laid into me with that double edged tongue of hers?" He shook his head and sighed. "She'd be furious."
"You know her well."
His eyes burned. "Too little, too late. She's beyond me now, where what I know won't matter."
"Ahhh, High Priest, your grief has made you slow. Do you not know what day it is?"
"Day?" Danolas shook his head. "I have no idea what week it is."
"It is the day of the Autumnal Equinox. One of the few times where the veil between this plain and the next is at its thinnest."
Danolas rubbed his eyes again as he struggled to think. "So what? I don't understand. What does that have to do with me?"
"Do you love her, Danolas? Do you love this woman?"
His heart twisted, and he closed his eyes to battle back the wave of emotion that shot through him. When he opened them again, they glowed sapphire with passion and love. "More than my own life. I would give anything to be able to tell her what she means to me."
"Would you go after her, High Priest? If you had the chance, would you slip between and seek your love beyond the veil?"
He leaped from his seat. "Can I do that? Can I go to her?" He gave Brianna's cold hand a squeeze and took a deep breath. He forced himself to think ... not just react. "But Power, why? Just to tell her how I feel?"
"A true immortal never really dies, Danolas. This you know. They go beyond the veil and find a place to exist for the rest of eternity. Your Brianna is special, not only to you, but to us all. Her destiny is not yet complete."
His chest felt like it was being squeezed in a huge fist. "What ... what are you saying?"
The Power smiled. "I am asking if you want her back."
Twenty minutes later, he was ready. The Power had given him her instructions and he was eager to go. He looked down at Brianna's still face and prayed he would be successful.
"Sometimes, it is not easy to find the immortal you seek," the Power had warned. "Things are not as they seem. You must keep an open mind, High Priest. And hold fast to what you know is true, or you may be lost yourself."
Danolas smiled as he stroked Brianna's cool, pale cheek. "I'd go beyond Hell itself to have a chance to win you back. I love you, leannan ... and I swear by the Power, I will find you." He bent and pressed a kiss to her unresponsive lips, then closing his eyes and gathering his will, he stepped beyond the veil.
He didn't know how long the journey took. He could have been between for a minute, or a century. Time stood still in that deadened space. His first impression was of warmth. Not heat, as if from the sun, but the sort of warmth you feel when you wrap a warmed towel around you after a long bath. A comforting sort of feeling, one you wish would never end. Then, it faded away and he couldn't feel anything at all. It was an eerie feeling, one that made the hair on the back of his neck lift. Danolas concentrated harder and after a moment, he saw images start to take form. At first they were faded, like those seen in a blurry photograph. Then, as they became sharper, he looked around in awe. He'd made it. He was beyond the veil.
Of course, he'd been here before. Had traversed this place many times in his visions. But this was real. For the first time he was actually standing on the psychic plain. An area or pathway, as some thought, for the storage and transference of energy ... it had no substance of its own. It was only the reflection of the energies passing through it. Now it was dormant ... no magick was being released, and it showed. He gazed at the landscape around him. Flat and absolutely barren, there was nothing. No life, no buildings or trees. Just empty space ... a true plain. The only movement at all was the breeze that lifted his long hair, and teased at his clothes. He held his hand to his eyes and looked off into the distance.
Still nothing.
Danolas sighed. So much for it being easy. The Power had warned him it could take eons to even find Brianna. He only had the twenty-four hour span that signaled the equinox. He grasped his staff in determination. He'd been given this chance ... he would not fail.
Again, time seemed to flow without meaning. The landscape never changed. Everywhere he looked, all he could see was emptiness. Danolas searched for sign of Brianna physically and with his magick, but found nothing. Minutes passed, and then hours, as he trudged over the barren plain.
Finally, he stopped in disgust. "This is getting me nowhere," he said aloud. "And I don't have the time to waste." He leaned his staff in front of him and closing his eyes, pressed his forehead against the crystal. "What am I missing?"
A picture of Brianna formed in his head. It was so vivid, so sudden, his eyes snapped open, expecting her to be standing right in front of him. When he found he was alone, the pain was like a knife to the heart.
"Damn it!" he shouted. "Why can't I find you? Where are you?" He paced back and forth. "I can't find you, and my magick doesn't seem to work here. What else is there?" Thinking furiously, he went over all the times they'd been together. Abruptly, a memory appeared.
He'd been working in his office and an awareness had come over him. Without seeing her, Danolas had felt Brianna was in The Keep. In fact, he'd been furious because she was in flirting with Louie, begging him for her favorite French pastries. "I knew she was there," he muttered. "How?" He stared out over the plain. Without warning, the answer slipped into his mind.
The connection.
That ethereal feeling both of them got when they were near each other. It was why she could link with him and the Chosen, why Cyric's visions had been seen by them both. It was why they felt each other's pleasure as well as the pain. It had been a wonderful gift that, like her love, he'd squandered. Danolas held on to his staff tightly. Well ... not any more. This time he would embrace the connection. This time he would use it to find the woman he loved.
It was easy really, much simpler than he expected. All he had to do was open his heart to remember the special tie between them. The bonding that defied explanation. He thought of Brianna and how he felt about her. He pictured her aura of soft violet and whispered her name.
Suddenly, everything whirled around him. He was tossed about, dizzy and disoriented. Danolas struggled to stay upright, but to no avail. His body spun along with his mind.
Then, just as quickly, it was over. He found himself standing, not on the barren plain of before, but in a meadow, right next to a copse of tall trees. Danolas gazed around him, shocked and curious at the difference. It was like an oasis. Beautiful grasses, bushes and trees. Off to the left was a fast rushing stream, and in the distance, he could see what looked to be a castle. On the far side of the meadow was a cottage. Painted a pale, pale violet, with a thatched roof and gingerbread type windows, smoke curled lazily out of the chimney. He shook his head in wonder. It was as if he'd stepped back in time. This meadow of green shouldn't have existed, yet it did, surrounded on all sides by the desolate psychic plain.
Danolas jerked to attention when the door of the cottage opened. He froze ... his heart stopping in his chest when a small redheaded woman stepped out. She was singing, her voice lifting to the heavens as she swung a water bucket at her side. Her long hair reached her hips and she was dressed in a long pale dress with a darker over-apron covering it.
He took an involuntary step toward her and as if he'd surprised her, the woman turned to look his way. Her face lit up with such joy, Danolas' eyes burned with emotion. It was her. He'd found her.
Brianna.
She gasped and then gave a glad cry. Dropping the pail and lifting her skirts, she ran pell-mell across the meadow. Danolas' immobility was broken and he strode towards her, tossing his staff to the ground when she reached him. Brianna leapt into his arms, wrapping her arms and legs around him, and laughingly covered his face with kisses.
"You're back! You're back!" she cried. Her violet eyes shone with happy tears. "I've missed you so much."
Danolas barely heard. The feel of her in his arms again triggered all the need and desire he'd buried since her death. Wrapping her hair around a fist, he jerked her head back and crushed her mouth beneath his. After the first stunned instant, she answered him in kind. Fully and passionately, with a kind of desperation that left him shaken. Her mouth was avid on his and her mobile tongue gave as good as it got. Her body trembled and he felt the need she didn't bother to hide from him.
He wanted to toss her to the grass and take her there, with the smell of wood smoke and the scent of wild flowers all around them. He needed to hear her say his name, to watch her eyes go dark as he touched her. It could be now. She would allow it. He felt it in every fiber of his being.
But as much as he wanted her ... as much as he needed her, this wasn't what he'd come for. He drew in a shaky breath, and pushing her away, let her feet slide to the ground. He kept his hands on her hips as he stared down at her. "Leannan ... I never thought I'd see you again."
Her gaze moved over him and she lifted a hand to touch his cheek. "Your face ... My Lord, your poor face. Did you earn it in the battle?"
He touched his scars. "I had forgotten about them."
"They are signs of a warrior and they honor you. You should be proud of them." Her face softened and she snuggled back against him in a comforting embrace. "Ahhhh, well, you're here now and we're together. Put the war out of your mind. You're home again."
He frowned at her last words. "Are you all right?"
She leaned back and cocked her head. "I'm fine, High Priest. Healthy and waiting for my lover to come to me." She pulled away and grabbed his hand. "Come on. Let us spend the rest of this beautiful day together. I've supper on the fire. You must be famished."
Snatching up his staff, Danolas allowed her to drag him across the meadow towards the small house. He could see the power glowing from it now, just as he could see it shining from the rest of the oasis. She had created this place; he was sure. A home for herself in the middle of emptiness.
"Come inside. I've a pot of rabbit stew and fresh bread for you to eat." She grinned up at him. "And I've been saving the rest of the special brew for you."
The door jam to the cottage was so low; he had to duck to step inside. His eyes widened in surprise at what he saw. The building was small, only a small living area with a sleeping chamber built onto the back. It was homey, filled with herbs hanging from the rafters, and colorful weavings on the walls. But it was so old fashioned Danolas felt like he'd stepped into a crofter's cottage from Ireland's past.
He watched as Brianna bustled around the room putting together a bowl of stew and a plate of bread for him. She kept casting happy looks over at him that made him narrow his eyes in confusion. Finally, he had to say something.
"You don't seem surprised to see me."
Her brow went up. She put the food on a table and motioned him to sit down. "And why would I be? You might have been worried about yourself in battle, but I wasn't. I knew you'd come back to me."
Danolas sat gingerly on the old wooden bench. The stew smelled wonderful and he suddenly realized he was hungry. He hadn't eaten since ... Shaking his head, he realized he was unable to remember the last time he'd had a meal. Looking around the bowl, he could see no utensils.
Brianna chuckled. "Did you lose your knife, then?" She shook her head. "Ahhh, Saints preserve us. The wealthy are always more stingy than the poor." She pulled a small knife out of her belt. "Here, my Lord ... use mine."
He took the dagger from her and examined it. It was beautifully wrought, but again ... the crafting was something from the past. His confusion increased. Brianna wasn't acting like she was dead. What was going on?
"Are you going to use it, then? Or stare at it?"
Danolas managed a smile and stabbed into a piece of rabbit meat. Popping it into his mouth, he chewed, savoring the delicious taste. Either Brianna was a damn good cook, or she knew her way around a kitchen spell. He took another bite. "It's good."
She poured him a pale golden drink that smelled both sweet and rich. Sitting down next to him, she nibbled on his chin. "When did you get back?"
He frowned again. "I've been here all day searching for you."
Brianna tossed her head. "Well, I don't know why you'd be looking. I haven't moved anywhere." A brief sadness moved across her face. "But sure, and I'm glad you found the time to come to me on the first day you arrived here."
"Brianna." Danolas turned and took her by the shoulders. "I think we're talking at cross purposes here. I've come for you. I want you to come back to the castle with me."
She froze and her purple eyes went huge in her face. "You'd be wanting me to do ... what?"
"I want you to come back with me."
"To the castle?"
He nodded. "Yes. That is why I came. To take you home again."
She stared at him. "I am home."
"No, you're not," he finally exploded. "Your home is with me."
Brianna pushed away from the table. "You're as mad as a box of frogs. What's gotten into you?"
"I came a long way to find you, Brianna. I'm not going back without you." He dropped the knife on the table and stood. "I don't know what's so hard about that."
"Don't you? "Temper flashed in her eyes. "Last I heard, it wasn't considered fitting to take your mistress home with you."
Shock set him back on his heels. "Mistress?"
She rolled her eyes. "What else would you call me, then? You have your life and I have mine. When you can, you come and visit. I take care of your ... needs. What is that, if not a mistress?"
He could only stare at her. "You know you are much more than that. I would never treat you in such a way. I'm not asking you to come back with me just for sex." His brow rose when she blushed. "Brianna ... I want you to marry me."
She took two steps backwards and her hand went to her throat. "Marry you?"
He cursed himself. Of course she didn't understand. The surroundings had distracted him enough so he hadn't done what he wanted to do most. Tell her how he felt. He went to her, ignoring the paleness of her face and pulled her into his arms.
"I should have said this long ago." He cradled her face in his hands, feeling her tremble a little. "You are the most important thing in the world to me. Brianna, I love you."
She went so still, he frowned. He gave her a little shake. "I do love you. For a very long time, though I hadn't the courage to admit it to myself. I want to build a life with you. Come back to the castle with me. I don't want to be without you."
She just continued to stare at him. Then, very slowly, she leaned forward and sniffed his breath. "Have you been into the poitín, then?"
It was so unexpected; he had to laugh. "Damn it, Brianna. I'm not drunk. I love you. Did you hear me?"
Her eyes softened. "Aye ... I heard you, High Lord. And I'm thinking they're the best words anyone has ever said to me. But you know it's impossible. I'm not your kind."
Her quiet words knifed through him. "Don't say that. I was wrong before. You're exactly my kind."
She laughed sadly. "I am a peasant, in love with the master of the Keep. We live in two worlds, Lord Danolas. As much as I'd like to believe it differently ... I am not for you."
He frowned as he listened, not just to the emotion, but the words she was saying. A cold finger of dread went down his spine as a thought hit him. Could it be?
"Brianna, who am I?"
Pushing away from him, she went back to the fire. He could see her fight to control herself. She sniffed loudly. "A game, my Lord? You go quickly from loving to teasing."
"Indulge me."
A roll of the eyes came his way. "'Tis a crazy thing to ask, but I'll answer you if you like. You're Danolas, son of Darius, Lord of Dunguaire Castle." She turned to face him. "You're the man who makes me heart pound and my knees go weak. You're not only the Lord of the castle, but the Lord of my heart." Brianna crossed back to him and touched his scarred cheek. "And ... 'tis true enough, you're the one man I love beyond all else."
Danolas grabbed her hand and pressed it to his lips as he fought his emotions. Pain speared through him. Finally, he understood. The good news was Brianna still loved him. The bad news?
She'd forgotten who she was.
He closed his eyes and pulled her to him, breathing in her sweet scent. He knew exactly what had happened. The Power had warned him, but seeing Brianna again had driven the knowledge right out of his mind. It was this place, and her broken heart that had done it. This illusion, this perfectly crafted life was something Brianna had come up with to cope with the awareness of her death and the fact Danolas hadn't loved her. She'd built a nice little dream, one where he was a part of her life. But her innate honesty compelled her, even in the fantasy, to keep their lives separate, as she knew they had been when she was alive. And now, she was caught in it. An illusion made real, so her heart would be protected in this awful empty place.
"Brianna ... you don't understand."
She put her arms around him. "No ... but then, I'm just a simple maid, not used to the doings of the nobility."
"I want to marry you!"
Shaking her head, she spun away. "And what does your Lady Mother say about that, then? I can't imagine she'd welcome someone like me into her home."
Danolas gaped at her. "My mother?"
"Aye. You think she would welcome your mistress into the castle? To take her place as Lady of the Keep? Please, my Lord ... you aren't such a fool."
"This has nothing to do with my mother! Brianna, you don't understand what's happening. This is an illusion."
She sighed and walked back to him. "Nay ... 'tis no illusion. I know what I am, and am not ashamed of it. I love you and I'd move heaven and earth just to spend one night in your arms." She ran her hands up his chest. "Are you ready for bed now, my Lord?"
Even as his mind rejected her words, his body tightened with passion. It had been so long, and he loved her so much. "Brianna," he said again, fighting through the fog of desire that instantly covered his brain. "I want you more than I want my next breath, but now isn't the time."
Laughing, she loosened his robe and ran her hands beneath to stroke his naked back. "I think it's the perfect time. We haven't been together in so long." She brushed her lips across his. "I love you, my Lord. Your handmaiden is waiting to serve." Her hands continued their exploration, pushing aside the robe and smoothing over his taut buttocks and hips. When her fingers tangled in the soft hair at his groin, he shuddered and groaned aloud.
"Leannan ... no."
"Why do you hesitate, Lord Danolas?" Brianna took his hand and placed it on her soft breast. "Must I lead you to where you so often played before?"
The gentle words swept away his reservations. He loved her. Had come across eternity to find her. He needed to feel her desire and show her she was his treasure. In any world. He bent and captured her mouth in a long drugging kiss, then lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed.
He laid her down and then shrugged off his robe, standing naked before her. Her gaze roamed over his muscular body as if cataloging each new scar. "'Twas a terrible battle, was it not?"
He was having trouble remembering any battles at all. Pushing the thought away, Danolas shook his head. "The pain in my body couldn't compare to the ache in my soul." Gently, he undressed her. "I thought I'd lost you forever, Brianna."
She lifted her hips to allow him to remove the long dress so she lay naked beneath his gaze. "You will never lose me, my Lord. I love you."
"I want you to be with me ... always."
Her eyes were sad as she lifted her arms to him. "For as long as you want me, I will be here."
Danolas shook his head in frustration. Why wouldn't she understand? He loved her. He didn't care what his mother said. He was Lord, was he not? He could marry anyone he chose to. "I will change your mind."
Brianna's smile held the mysteries of the ancients. "You can try." She pulled him down next to her. "Why don't you start by showing me what a wonderful lover you are."
Their bodies fit together in perfect harmony and they both moaned at the contact. Danolas smoothed his hands down her silky side and pulled her against him. His cock throbbed against the softness of her belly. "I love you, Brianna."
Her eyes filled. "It means much to hear you say it."
His lips caressed her face. "This will be the first time we make love knowing we love each other."
She shook her head. "Nay. I have always known you cared for me. But the saying of it will make this time even more special."
"Then I will say it every day for the rest of our lives. You will get tired of me repeating it. I love you, Brianna. I love you."
Giving a girlish giggle, she smiled at him, her purple eyes gleaming with joy. "Well then, let us see if you can do the deed as well as you can be saying it."
His brow rose at her challenge. "Do you doubt your Lord?"
"Never!" she mocked. "You have won far greater battles than this one."
"Perhaps." He bent his head so his lips hovered over Brianna's. "But the prize I'm after this time is priceless." Keeping his sapphire gaze on hers, he kissed her.
It was like sinking into sweet oblivion. Her taste was everything to him. All he thought about on those long marches to war and back. She was whom he fought for, whom he wanted to protect. His mouth moved over hers, teasing and nibbling until she was moaning beneath him. He would show her she was more important than his rank. He wouldn't lose her, now that he'd found her again.
Danolas lifted his head and stared down at her, his mind whirling. He hadn't lost her. She'd been here, as always, when he'd returned. He smiled with masculine satisfaction. And she always would be. Here, with him, as he commanded.
His hand moved to caress her breasts. Her pink nipples tightened, beckoning him to taste the small lush berries. His body ached with the need to be inside her, but he needed to show her his love ... for some reason it was very important he did so. So, he kissed her again, smoothing his lips over both breasts and up to her mouth, before traveling down her throat to suck at the same delicious fruit again.
Then, he traced down her stomach, nibbling at the small indentation in her belly. Brianna moaned and her legs widened instinctively. Danolas grasped her hips with his hands and buried his face in the soft hair at the juncture of her thighs. She was already wet with her own juices and the scent of her arousal made his mouth water. Suddenly, he needed to taste her here, as well. His fingers carefully parted her nether lips and he curled his tongue around her swollen clit. She jumped and cried out, but he held her down, teasing her until she was shaking beneath him. When his tongue stabbed into her hot channel, she moaned and her whole body tightened. She raised her hips and moved with him, and he felt her pleasure as strongly as he did his own.
He continued to love her, enjoying her taste, loving the small moans and breathy cries she uttered. His own body was throbbing with lust for her, but he held back, wanting her pleasure first, before he took his own. Circling her clitoris one more time with his tongue, he then blew on it, and while she was reacting to that, he put his lips around the small piece of flesh and sucked.
With a wild scream, she came, her body shuddering and jerking as her orgasm overtook her. The connection they had between them made Danolas feel it as well, and the mind blowing pleasure made his control snap. He slid back up her body and before the last ripple of her climax had begun, he pushed inside her hot quim, feeling her body clench as he sent her over the edge a second time. His command of himself totally gone, he pulled her legs around him and pounded against her, his only thought to be as deep inside her as he could.
She moved with him, encouraging his thrusts with small moans of delight. His need for her was so great, it wasn't long before his cock swelled and he shouted out her name as he began coming, jetting his semen into her so hard, his vision went gray. It was if they'd been apart forever, his orgasm was so strong. Afterwards, he collapsed on top of her, his heart pounding with satisfaction and love.
Brianna kissed the side of his neck as her hands moved over his scarred back. Her sigh of contentment shivered through him, and he lifted himself up on his elbows to look down at her. "Now that was a welcome home."
Her sultry smile warmed him all over again. "Sure, and there's more where that came from."
He bent and licked at her breast. "I love you, Brianna. It only gets better."
"Aye ... that it does."
Danolas lifted a hand and smoothed back her hair. "It will be even better when you are up in the castle with me."
Violet eyes darkened. "Please, my Lord. Let's not start that again."
"I want you to be my bride. If my mother doesn't except you, she will be the one to leave, not you. You are who I want. You are who I'll have."
She stared at him, her mouth slightly open in wonder. "You'd choose me, over your Lady Mother?"
He kissed the soft part of her jaw. "I already have."
Tears came to Brianna's eyes. "You truly mean it, don't you? You want me to be Lady Brianna, of Dunguaire Castle."
Something wasn't quite right, but he was so pleased she seemed to be softening, he ignored it. "I do. My wife. My love. Mother of my children. I want it all, Brianna."
Her body began a fine trembling. "And when you go to war?"
He brushed a kiss over her lips. "You will be the Lady of the Keep. My wife. Holder of the keys to my heart. I will trust you to watch over our people, and I will give you the full authority to rule in my stead. Understand me, leannan ... this will be forever."
She lifted a hand and stroked down the scar on his cheek. It brought back a memory of another woman. One with golden eyes and hair the color of the moon. He shook his head. Never had he betrayed his lady with another. She had owned his heart from the first moment he saw her. But he frowned, suddenly unsettled.
"What is it, my Lord?" Brianna asked; her eyes worried. "Do you change your mind, then?"
He shook away the uneasy feeling and rolling, pulled her into his arms. "Never. I know what I want. Mistress you will still be, but mistress of my hearth and home. Lady of the castle, and owner of my heart. Soulmate, lover and friend. Say yes, Brianna, for I will not take no for an answer."
She looked at him shyly. "And if I were to say aye to this request, when would it be done?"
Danolas broke into a wide grin. "We can be handfasted on the morrow, married when the banns are sung. Is that soon enough for you, my Lady?"
She put her chin up high, suddenly the proud, haughty lover he knew and adored. "Ask me again ... this time, proper like."
He lifted an eyebrow, but obeyed, taking her hand and lifting it gently to his lips. "Brianna, you are already wife of my heart, and my only love. Marry me and make me the happiest man alive."
Her eyes danced in joy, and he could feel her love spin through the room as she wrapped her arms around him. "Then I say yes to you, my Lord. If you're willing to take on a peasant witch for a wife, I will take a chance on a warrior priest."
His eyes flared blue with satisfaction. "Then, from this moment on, you are mine." He bent and kissed her, allowing all his love to pour into her with that single kiss.
"And you are mine," Brianna returned, pulling him over on top of her. "Forever and always."
Danolas was awakened by the feeling someone had called his name. He slowly sat up and eased out of bed, not wanting to awaken Brianna who still slumbered beside him. Walking naked to the outer room, he stood at the window. He felt restless, as if he had unfinished business somewhere, but had forgotten where he should be. He could see his castle in the pale, dreamy moonlight, and had the sudden thought he had to be home by the midnight hour. He smiled and shook his head. Was he a youth, that his mother had given him a curfew? Turning, he made to go back to the bed. He'd only taken a few steps when a whisper of sound penetrated his mind.
"Come back, Danolas. I need you. Do not leave me. Do not leave those who love you. Come back. Come back to us all."
He stopped dead in his tracks, his hand going instinctively to his staff, which stood next to the table. He grasped it firmly, before he moved around the small room, seeking the intruder. He stumbled against the fireplace when the voice came again.
"Danolas ... you are lost. Lost behind the veil. Do you not remember who you are? You must come back ... now, before you lose yourself completely."
The same image of the beautiful woman with pale hair came into his memory. Danolas shook his head. What was happening? Was evil trying to take his mind?
"My seer ... do you not know who I am? I am Kira, and I need you desperately. You interpret my visions and ease my heart with your friendship. Your brothers need you as well. Without your guidance we will all be lost."
He sat shakily on the table, rubbing his staff against his forehead. Kira? Why did he remember that name? And his brothers? Who were they? He was an only child, wasn't he?
Another picture popped into his head. A tall dark man with emerald eyes and a power stronger than anything Danolas had ever seen. Another, with silver eyes and a short temper. Three more ... one who spoke in a slow drawl, another with ruby eyes and a smile you could trust, and a third, a faerie, with magick as strong as his own.
"My brothers," he whispered.
"Yes, Danolas," the beautiful voice whispered joyfully. "Remember us. Remember too, why you were sent beyond the veil. Your time runs out, my seer. If you do not return to us, you will have to stay forever."
"But I want to stay," he argued. "I have a home here. And a woman to take to wife."
"That is not your home, but an illusion. You were sent to bring Brianna home, but you have become trapped in the fantasy she has crafted for herself." Danolas could almost feel the urgency now in the mind-voice. "You must break through. You must remember."
Danolas stared at Brianna's sleeping form. There was no way he was going anywhere without her. He rubbed his head. "I don't understand."
"We do not have much time. You must trust what you are seeing is not real. This is what is real, my seer. This is what you have left behind."
Suddenly, Danolas' mind filled with pictures. Of him and the woman he knew as Kira when they first touched each other's magick in the most intimate of ways. Another, of a battle, where he was almost struck down by an ancient man he knew ... Adrian. His fist gripped the staff harder. They had killed the wizard in a mighty battle ... one against the very denizens of Hell.
Another memory surfaced. One of Brianna, tossing her head and shouting at him. When she picked up a plate and hurled it at his head, he had to smile. But he paled when he saw her lying unconscious in the coils of a sea serpent. Then, the horrible recollection of her death made him cry out and full memory poured back into him in a cold rush. His heart almost stopped in fear.
"By the Power," he cried aloud as he raced to the window to check the time. The moon was almost high. "What have I done?"
"There is still time, my seer. Do what needs to be done. Complete your quest, Danolas. Bring your soulmate home."
"Danolas?"
With Kira's voice ringing in his head, he almost didn't react to Brianna's soft murmur. He was furious with himself for getting caught up in the illusion, no matter how enjoyable it had been.
"My Lord? Is someone here? I heard voices."
Danolas turned to see Brianna standing at the doorway, a soft shawl hiding her nakedness. "No, leannan," he managed, realizing even in the fantasy, she'd heard the mind-linking. "No one is here." He walked over and pulled her into his arms. "But we do need to talk."
She looked at him warily. "All right."
He drew her back to the bed and they both sat down. Sending a quick prayer up to the Power, he took Brianna's hand in his. "You know how I asked you to come back with me to the castle?"
Nodding slowly, she bit her lower lip. "Aye."
"Don't worry, my love." Danolas kissed her trembling lips. "That, I still want, but not in the way you think."
"What?"
He sighed. No matter what he said, it was going to sound crazy. "Do you believe I love you?"
Brianna's eyes softened. "I do."
"And I want you to be with me."
"Aye."
"Do you believe I would do anything, go anywhere to make sure we could spend the rest of our lives together?"
She frowned, but nodded. "I believe you would care enough to battle demons of Hell to be with me."
His heart leapt. "Good. Because I have, and I probably will again."
Her face went blank. "Are you teasing again, my Lord?"
"Brianna." Danolas drew a deep breath. "What would you say if I told you I have come a very long way to bring you back to the castle again? That I had managed to go beyond the very veil of death itself, to have one more chance to tell you I love you?"
"I'd ask again about the poitín."
He shook his head. "Damn it. I don't have much more time. I've wasted the day."
She tossed her head and her eyes flared. "Sure and loving you is a waste of my time as well. You black hearted son of a devil. How can you say such a thing?"
"Brianna!" He stopped her with a hard kiss. "For once in your life, shut up and listen to me. We are not in Ireland. This is not your house and I am no Lord. This is an illusion. A fantasy you made up."
"What?" She gaped at him. "Are you crazy, then? I've always lived here. I was born in this very room."
"No." He took her face between his hands and forced her to look at him. "This is nothing but a dream. One you wanted very much. It was so real; you sucked me into it too, for a while. I'm lucky I have people who love me. They made me see the truth."
"And just what is that truth?" The look on her face said she was humoring him.
He stiffened, but held her gaze with his own. "The truth is, Brianna ... you're dead."
Brianna felt a buzzing in her ears and she shook her head slowly. "Are you mad? I'm no more dead than you are."
"You must listen to me," he insisted. "When you died, I ... I fell apart. I loved you and you left me before I had the courage to tell you so. I couldn't eat or sleep. Finally, the Power came to me and showed me a way to come to you. To bring you back home with me."
Brianna stared at him. "And why would this Power do that? Everyone knows you can't bring the dead back to life."
He nodded. "That's usually true, but you died in my stead. You loved me enough to sacrifice yourself for me. She said your destiny wasn't complete. She wanted to give you another chance."
The buzzing turned to a major ache in her temples. "You are mad. You're telling me I'm dead and living in a cottage in my fantasy of Ireland?" She snorted. "If that were true, why aren't I the lady of the castle? Why am I living here, waiting for my lover to come and visit me? Wouldn't I make my fantasy more enjoyable?"
Danolas touched her cheek. "You chose this scenario because you wanted to be safe and happy. I didn't do well by you in your true life. Something I regret with all my being, but I loved you then and I love you now. I want you to come back with me. Everything I've said to you is true. You will be my mate, my wife and my Lady. Just come back through the veil with me."
"Stop it!" she shouted, jerking away from him. Suddenly, she was terrified. "You're making this all up. You are Lord Danolas, and I am your mistress, soon, if that is still true, to be your wife. I don't want to talk about anything else."
"You have to!" he shouted back. "We are running out of time. If we don't leave now, we will be stuck on the psychic plain forever, caught in an illusion of lies. If you come back with me, we can make it all truth. Don't you understand?"
Her head felt like it was being squeezed in a vice. "No! No!" She grabbed at her temples. "I don't want to listen to you. I'm happy. Here. Now. I don't want to go anywhere."
"Damn it!" he snarled. "If I have to, I'll drag you out of this nice little house, and show you exactly where you are. The psychic plain is nothing but emptiness. Your magick has created this place. Given it form and function ... but it is still a lie. A beautiful fantasy created by your pain. You wanted to have here what I refused to give you in the real world."
Tears of pain smarted in her eyes. "And just what is that?" she snapped back at him.
"Me."
A loud roaring sounded in her ears and she swayed against him. His arms went around her, holding her tightly as a flash of memory shot through her. Danolas, standing tall against a huge demon. His hair flowed around him as he used a shining weapon of crystal and gold to defeat the creature. "No," she whispered. "No."
Danolas saw the room shimmer and his heart gave a leap. He was getting through to her. "I know it's hard to believe, but you showed me your courage and love, and you died so I could live. I may have fought my feelings then, but I won't anymore. I love you, Brianna. I want our lives to be forever ... mated through eternity. I want us to go back ... have those children we spoke of earlier. A girl for me, and a boy for you. I want that more than I can say."
For a brief instant, the cottage disappeared and they were sitting on the ground, the psychic plain stretched out all around them, but then it was gone and the cottage was back clear and strong.
"No," Brianna said, and this time her voice shook. "That's the illusion. I remember having that dream and I won't feel that way again." Her violet eyes overflowed with tears. "You don't know the pain. I loved you, but you turned from me. I won't go back there. I won't."
Danolas swallowed back his own tears. "My love, I know I hurt you ... we hurt each other. But I swear to you, that is the past. Never again will I deny you. You are my heart and my soul. We may make each other angry, but I will never cease to love you. You must trust me!"
She stared at him, wide-eyed. "I can't ... I can't believe you." She gave a heart broken whimper. "I want to ... but I can't."
He stared at her, his own heart breaking. Would that lack of trust be their downfall still again? Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. The decision had been made before he'd even come. "Then if that is your choice, I can only do one thing."
Bowing her head, she nodded. "You will leave me."
Without answering, Danolas lifted Brianna into his arms and rolled back onto the bed. He flung the coverlet over their naked bodies, and then pulled her into his arms. "I told you before, leannan ... I came across eternity to find you. I won't leave without you."
Her shocked gaze lifted to his. "You would stay ... here ... on this plain? Caught in what you say is an illusion? You can't! You mustn't. You aren't dead."
He brushed his thumb over her lower lip. "I am without you."
Tears flowed. "But ... it isn't right. If I am dead, and you're alive, you don't belong here."
"You don't either, Brianna. But if you are too afraid to trust me and follow me back to the other side of the veil, the only choice I can make is to stay here with you. I lost you once and it almost killed me. I'd rather die than lose you again."
She burst into tears. He held her, knowing his time was drawing to an end. He could sense the pull of the veil, feel it trying to draw him back. In a few minutes, it would be too late. They wouldn't make it back to the real world, but they would still have each other, here, in this one. He bent and kissed her salty cheeks. "I love you, Brianna. In this world or the other, I will have no woman, but you." Holding her tightly, he closed his eyes and waited for the veil to close.
The wind caressing his cheeks made him open his eyes in surprise. He gasped and rolled, pulling Brianna into his lap. They were sitting in the middle of a desolate, barren plain. Emptiness screamed from all around him. The cottage, the meadow and the castle were gone.
"I ... I trust you, Danolas," Brianna whispered, keeping her head buried against his chest. "I'm not knowing if it's true, but if it is, I want that life ... that real life with you. Take me home ... please?"
"And where is your home, Brianna?" he asked softly, as he tipped her face up to his. She gave him a smile that made his heart leap.
"My home is with you."
Danolas came abruptly awake. He shook his head as he tried to remember what had happened to him. All of the sudden, everything came back to him in a rush of sensation and memory. He opened his eyes, almost terrified at what he might see.
He was lying in his bed, wrapped around Brianna's still body. She lay half beneath him, face pale, her eyes closed, still dressed in her ceremonial robes. A quick glance assured him he was still clothed as well. He took a deep breath and his body ached with stiffness.
"Danolas?"
He jerked around to find Kira and all his brothers gathered around the bed. Kira was crying openly and his brothers' cheeks were wet as well. He glanced at the clock on the mantel. It was just past midnight. He shook his head again.
"I believe I cut that a little close."
"Oh, Danolas." Kira leaned over to hug him gently. "We thought we had lost you."
"And damn it, we've lost too many lately." Benjamin offered that opinion.
Danolas nodded grimly. "I was lost. If you hadn't contacted me..."
"But obviously, you heard Kira's call." Gallegar wrapped his arm around his mate.
"I did ... and it made me remember."
"Hell, the Power told us what you were doing. Said you needed help. We all linked so Kira could contact you. Did you ... I mean..." Lucas shuffled his feet. "Did you bring her back?"
Danolas turned to look at the woman in his arms. "I don't know. At the end I thought she'd decided to come, but..." He brushed a tendril of hair off Brianna's face. "I don't think she's any warmer." His eyes burned with unshed tears. "I failed."
Patrick floated closer. "At least you tried."
The witch shook his head. "I was ready to stay with her. I had decided that."
"And the magick didn't let you?" asked Koran.
Danolas looked at his brother. "I don't know. I thought she came back with me but..." His voice trailed off and he buried his face in Brianna's breasts. "I love her still. I don't know what I'll do without her."
The trembling touch on his shoulder made him jerk, but not as much as the steady beat of the heart he could hear beneath his ear. Rearing back, he stared down into the open, sleepy eyes of the woman he loved.
"Brianna?" He cupped her cheek in a shaking hand. "Is it you? Oh, leannan ... please tell me I'm not back in that dream again. Tell me you're here ... with me."
She smiled weakly. "'Tis no ... dream. I'm here ... and I remember."
Danolas ignored the sounds of rejoicing behind him. He pressed a kiss to her soft mouth. "I love you, Brianna. Let me say on this plane, what I said in the other. I love you."
Tears trickled down her now pinkened cheeks. "Sure, and I've been waiting, it feels like forever, to hear that. I love you too, Danolas. As I said in my illusion ... now and forever, and wherever we may be."
He grinned and wiped her tears away. "I will always remember that fantasy with great joy."
Their lips met again, and they both felt the promise of a thousand tomorrows in the kiss. Then, Brianna pulled away and nipped him gently on the chin. "Remembering is all well and good ... my Lord, but if you're thinking you can get out of the handfasting and wedding, you better think again!"
The fire crackled in the stone fireplace as the pretty, young witch served them all after-dinner drinks. The warmth felt good and the scent of peat filled the room with a comforting homey air. The nights at Dunguaire Castle were cooler now; the end of the season had come. No more tourists came to take pictures or stand open mouthed before the ruined walls. Now, the old citadel belonged only to the witches and those who had business with them.
"I'll tell you one thing," Lucas said, with a satisfied sigh from his seat by the fire. "I'm going to miss this Irish cooking." He shook his blonde head. "I wonder if we can get Louie to make poached salmon and bubble and squeak. Damn, those are good."
"I liked the beef and Guinness stew," put in Benjamin. "Tasty! Especially with fresh soda bread."
"I believe Kira will miss tea the most," teased her brother. "I wonder, Gallegar, have you sent home a crate of those strawberry preserves?"
The vampire grinned. "I not only have a crate of jam, but several cases of fresh butter, some frozen scones and the recipe for when those are gone."
Kira put her nose in the air. "My mate takes good care of me."
They all laughed.
"I sure look forward to getting home." Patrick floated over and stood next to Lucas. "I know things are quiet, but I just got this feeling."
"We have had news things are stirring," Gallegar said as he played with the ends of Kira's hair where they both sat on the couch. "Lucas? Do you wish to share?"
The wolfman sobered. "Got the word Elijah is none too happy I'm over here. I think he's finally figured out things might not be what they seem."
"You think he knows you joined with Kira?" Patrick didn't look happy at the thought.
Lucas shrugged. "Dunno. But he wants me home on the double. Sent word there is dissention in the ranks. Guess we have a few wolves going rogue."
Gasping, Kira sat forward. "That would be very dangerous. We hushed up the sightings of the demons when the Haunted House opened, but wolves in San Francisco would frighten the humans."
"The only time you see a wolf is at the zoo." Benjamin stretched his legs out in front of him where he sat near Koran on the other side of the fire. "Best we keep it that way."
"I got the strong feeling my clan leader is feeling some pressure. Guess he wants me home to make sure the ranks are strong."
"I do hope it will not prevent you from being with us, my wolf." Kira's golden gaze warmed him. "We need you now, more than ever."
"I'm not going anywhere, honey." Lucas grinned at her, and using a tendril of newly learned magick, he lifted a chocolate candy from his dessert plate and sent it drifting across the room to her. "I'm in it for the long haul."
Smiling, the Peacekeeper stretched out her hand and plucked the candy out of the air. "Ummm ... my favorite."
Koran chuckled. "All chocolate is your favorite."
Kira lifted a haughty brow. "And your point is?"
They all laughed again.
"If you need our help, Lucas," Gallegar said when they'd quieted. "You know you have it. There will come a day when Elijah has to choose between standing with good, or allowing evil to take over."
Lucas looked grim. "I think that day is coming. And it could get ugly." He looked around the room. "I'm glad you guys are my friends. It will be easier when the time comes."
"The time for what?" Koran asked.
The werewolf sighed. "You aren't the only one who might have to fight their leader. If Elijah doesn't get his head out of his ass, as Second, I'm going to have to fight to take over. Not just the pack, but the whole clan. That could get messy." His jaw firmed. "But, if the war continues, the shapeshifters need to be involved. We will need to work together and as Clan Leader, I can make that happen."
"We will stand behind you, buddy." Benjamin leaned forward and clouted his friend on the arm. "Remember the musketeers..."
"Oh," Kira exclaimed. "I do. How does it go?" She thought for a second. "All for one and make that one to go." Her proud smile bled into confusion as the Chosen all roared with laughter.
Danolas grinned as he walked into the room. He held Brianna by one hand and carried the Sceptre of Power in the other. "Looks like we've come in at just the right time." Setting the Sceptre on the small table in the center of the group, he pulled Brianna with him to sit in the last chair. Curling into his lap, she kissed his chin and smiled.
Lucas narrowed his eyes as he looked at her, then burst out laughing again. "Irish! That is a great shirt!"
Brianna looked down at the pale violet T-shirt she was wearing and giggled. She and Danolas had played tourist earlier and he'd bought it for her.
"Love is like a game of chess. One false move and you're mated." Benjamin snickered as he read it aloud. "So true. All these fine men, dropping like flies."
"Your time will come," Kira said serenely.
Benjamin went pale. "You haven't seen any vision for me ... right? I mean---"
"No. Do not worry. At least ... not yet." Kira winked at Brianna.
"That reminds me," Danolas interrupted before Benjamin got any paler. "Brianna and I wish to have the mating ceremony here, before we go home to San Francisco. We will have a second smaller service for my Society there, but Aebh ... she can't leave, so we both decided it would be best to do it at the castle."
Brianna smiled. "The handfasting went so easily, we should be able to throw a wedding together as well."
They all smiled, thinking of the ceremony that had taken place just a few days ago. Danolas had barely let Brianna out of bed when he'd hustled her down to formally ask the High Priestess for her hand. Less than twenty-four hours after he'd rescued Brianna from oblivion, they were standing in front of Aebh, the entire Society and the company, saying those special handfasting vows...
"For our love, in the name of the Power, I take thee to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. You are my beloved, and I give you my heart, my body and the very breath of my soul. Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone, I here, thou there, yet both as one."
Then, he'd locked them both in their bedroom and hadn't come out for three days. Lucas had grumpily observed nothing much had changed, except, now ... Brianna was conscious.
That had been a week ago. After they'd---as Benjamin put it---come up for air, the Chosen and the two ladies spent some needed time relaxing and touring the Irish countryside. Brianna and Gallegar delighted in showing their friends and loved ones the best of Ireland. Pubs, museums, castles and more ruins than you could shake a shillelagh at. Then ... just to make sure they got the true flavor of Ireland, they'd visited some more pubs. And then Brianna and Kira had dragged all the men out shopping.
After which, even more pubs were discovered.
It was a marvelous time, and the only gloomy moment was when the Society had a brief memorial service for the fallen Jorad. Not knowing where his body was, or if it even still existed, they couldn't give him a true immortal's funeral, so one by one, those that knew him, spoke a few words. Then Danolas, with a weeping Brianna on his arm, tossed a wreath of herbs into the sea and they all watched as the tide carried it out of sight.
Now, as they spoke of a wedding, Danolas grieved his friend and student wouldn't be here to see it. Sensing his thoughts, Brianna and Kira both reached out to take his hand. For a moment, the women stared at each other. Then, as if symbolizing a changing of the guard, Kira smiled and retreated back into her own mate's arms.
"What have you two been up to?" asked Koran, breaking the silence that had fallen. "You were not at dinner. Poor Lucas had to eat your share."
"Har, har, har." Lucas rolled his eyes. "It is to laugh."
Brianna stared at the big man. "And where do you put it, I ask you. If I ate like that, I'd weigh three hundred pounds, I would."
There was a pregnant silence, before Lucas sniggered into his drink.
"My love." Danolas expeditiously held Brianna's hands so she couldn't hit him. "You do eat like that."
Her eyes widened, but when everyone broke into laughter, she couldn't help but join in. "Well." She tossed her head. "I've got you to work it off me, now don't I?"
Danolas slowly smiled. "Most definitely."
Hiding a grin, Gallegar cleared his throat. "Back to the original question. Where have you been?"
Kissing his mate's nose, Danolas pointed at the Sceptre. "We wanted to clear some things up before we went home. A lot of things didn't make sense, but now they do."
"Such as?" Patrick floated over and sat on the edge of the couch near Kira.
"Well," answered Brianna. "We were curious about the banshee."
"Why?" Benjamin raised a dark brow. "I'd have thought that was pretty self-explanatory.
Her purple eyes narrowed in concentration. "Just because the demons screwed up and went after the wrong witch, didn't matter. She knew I was in danger, so she still felt the need to warn me. That we recognized."
"But," Danolas broke in. "What we didn't understand was why my powers wouldn't work against her."
Lucas grunted as he popped a candy in his mouth and tossed a second one to Brianna. "Yeah. I remember Brianna couldn't do anything against the banshee because she was family or something?"
"Aye," Brianna responded, nibbling at the chocolate. "My powers were useless against her."
"So ... why couldn't Danolas do anything?"
The High Priest sighed. "Well, apparently good old Daegal was a bit of a lady's man. He might have been a strong witch, but he wasn't strong on morals."
"I do not understand, my seer." Kira cocked her head in confusion.
"According to the archives, my grandmother wasn't the only woman he got pregnant before he was murdered."
There was a long silence, and then Gallegar's head jerked up. "You aren't saying that ... Cyric?"
Brianna nodded and grinned. "Oh, aye. We found out Daegal the Martyr, was in fact, Daegal the Randy. He impregnated Cyric's mother, who was a mortal, just after he married Danolas' granny. That was the beginning of the witch line of O'Maoilduan."
"Ahem. That is our grandfather you're talking about." Danolas gave Brianna a speaking look, before breaking into a wide grin. "From what we read, when Daegal found out Cyric was a witch, he brought him into his home and made him his acolyte. We don't know if he ever told his son the truth."
"So, you guys are ... like ... related?" Benjamin asked.
"Aye," Brianna said happily. "Kissing cousins, as you Yanks say."
"It tells us why the banshee wasn't affected by my magick." Danolas rubbed his hand up and down Brianna's back. And why Labraic kept making all those comments about getting even with our family. He knew Brianna and I were of the same lineage."
"Damn." Lucas' pithy comment made them all grin.
"What I still can't get over is the fact that for centuries, Labraic's followers thought it was Brianna's family that needed killing." Patrick stroked his mustache. "Even that stinking kelpie and its friends were wrong ... but right at the same time. It said they were supposed to go after the most powerful witch. We thought it meant Brianna since we'd heard she was the most powerful one in Ireland, but---"
"But Danolas is the one with the real power." Brianna sighed. "He's stronger than I am, and now with the Sceptre, he's stronger still."
Danolas dropped a kiss on her pouting mouth. "Together, we are unbeatable, leannan ... and as you learn how to control your gift, our powers will be even more surprising."
"I have to say, when I heard that they had gone after the wrong witch, I was very surprised," Gallegar said quietly. "But yet again, it shows they are not infallible. We can use that to our advantage."
"I agree." Danolas nodded his head. "Because he'd been so weakened, Labraic was only able to go after my family just recently. My father in Africa, and then me, in this last month. If it hadn't been for the miscommunication between the demon and the changeling, that..." he paused and cleared his throat, "killed Jorad, I would have been taken out easily. I would never have looked for betrayal from within. One of the first things I must do when we get home is try and discover how it was done. How did a demon get within our shields so easily, and how did it kill Jorad?"
Brianna nuzzled his throat soothingly. "Sure, and I guess we know why I didn't get picked up from the airport. They wanted me exposed, so they could get at me."
"They did not expect you to bargain with a taxi driver and get yourself to The Keep so quickly." Koran chuckled. "Fouled up their plans."
"And I suppose the false Jorad was responsible for shutting down the scrying pools and the messages going missing?" Kira ventured.
Danolas' face saddened. "Yes. I also believe he had several messengers killed."
"Damn!" Benjamin's exclamation made them all jump. "Now it makes sense."
"What does?" Patrick asked.
Benjamin sat forward. "I'd tried to figure out how the demons knew where to find us. I mean, what were the chances they would just happen to appear on that lonely road from the airport? And how did they know where to find Brianna the one night she went down to the docks alone?"
"Or," added Danolas, "how they knew where Cyric's trail was when we were very careful not to give away our position."
"He was there ... each time." Lucas shook his head in disgust. "He knew the route to the airport, and he was there when Brianna tossed the plate at you and ran out. I remember, because he went to clean it up. Thought that was weird for an acolyte. But he heard when Patrick said she was headed for the docks."
"And he was there in the vision at Enniskillen Castle, and he could have easily passed that information on to the creatures who came after us." Gallegar put his arm around Kira and shook his head grimly.
"'Tis a wonder we accomplished anything at all with that creature in our midst," Brianna mused. "Thank the goddess it turned out as it did."
Koran leaned back and frowned. "But there is still one thing I do not understand."
"What is that, my brother?" Kira smiled at the golden-faced man.
"Why did Aebh send Brianna to us in the first place? Did she think Brianna was the one in danger? Or did she know it was Danolas all along? And either way, was she not worried about the Hell that would rain down upon us all?"
Kira started to giggle. She tried to stifle it, but it wound up bursting out of her and her laughter filled the room.
"Care to let us in on the joke?" Lucas growled.
Golden eyes met green and the vampire smiled and nodded. "Tell them, A Ghra..."
The Peacekeeper cleared her throat. "It is actually very funny. You see ... Aebh knew nothing of the Sceptre or the problems until Danolas scry-called her after the attack on the road."
Brianna frowned. "But I told her the tale just last spring."
"Oh, she knew of the legend, but the Sceptre of Power had nothing to do with why she sent Brianna to San Francisco."
"It didn't?" the young witch asked. "But she said I'd be safer."
Kira waved a slim hand. "Just an excuse."
"An excuse?" Danolas' eyebrows went up and he frowned. With the new scars on his face the expression made him look like a very dangerous pirate. "Then why did she send Brianna to us?"
"She did not send her to us, my seer. She sent her to you."
Everyone looked confused. "What exactly are you saying, my Lady?" Danolas leaned forward and stared at Kira.
"Have you not figured it out, Danolas?" Kira's eyes twinkled. "Aebh was matchmaking."
Everyone went very still and then after a long pause, Lucas and Benjamin both burst into laughter. After a couple moments, Koran and Patrick joined them. Gallegar was chuckling softly and Kira's giggles were muted as she tried to stifle them behind her hand.
"Are you saying..." Brianna whispered in a strangled voice, "all the hiding and illusions and the giving me to his Society were just so Danolas and I could..." She couldn't finish.
"I am afraid so." Kira grinned. "She told me she waited and waited for Danolas to come to Dunguaire Castle, but he kept making excuses, and then the war started. Aebh felt if..." she frowned, "Mohammad wouldn't climb the mountain; the mountain was covered in hilly moles." She looked over at her mate. "I do not think that is right, Mo Chridhe ... What do mountains and hilly moles have to do with matchmaking?"
Gallegar swallowed a smile. "She meant since Danolas wouldn't come to Brianna, she sent Brianna to him."
Brianna's eyes fired up. "I can't believe she did that. I'll hide her staff and I'll put itching powder in her slippers. I'll spell all the fireplaces to flow backwards. I'll threaten the castle shades so they moan all night long and keep her awake. I'll---"
Danolas ended the dire threats by simply capturing her mouth with his own. After a brief struggle, she surrendered and her arms crept around his neck. A few moments later, he lifted his head and looked down at her with a loving smile.
"What you'll do, is go and thank her for introducing you to the man you would love. And then, the man you love will let Aebh know he feels the same way." He kissed her again, this time more gently. "I am the luckiest man in the world and if she helped make me that way, I will only bless her, not curse her."
Blowing out a breath, Brianna gazed at Danolas. "Sure, and take all the fun out of it, why don't you?"
Lucas laughed. "Only you, Irish, would come up with such creative ways of payback." He gave a mock shudder and lifted his glass. "A toast."
They all raised their drinks.
"To you Danolas, who learned just how ... healthy losing your temper can be. I wish you many more years of the same."
The Chosen all started laughing again. The wolfman turned to Brianna. "And to you, Irish. I thank the Power you kissed like my kid sister. We'd have killed each other by Christmas."
Kira started giggling so hard, Gallegar had to pull her into his lap so her drink wouldn't spill.
The wolfman looked around the circle. "And to all of us ... Our wagon wheel is even stronger now. Brianna brings..." He paused, and then silver eyes met violet as he smiled. "She brings trust ... because without it there can be no love. And without love, we have nothing."
Brianna's eyes filled with tears as they all clinked their glasses together and then drank. She snuggled down into Danolas' arms as the conversation went on around them. "So 'tis trust I bring?" she asked him softly. "Is that what you see in me now?"
He smiled and pulled her close. "I do. Each and every time I look at you."
"Then, I'm a wondering, did trust bring love? Or the other way around?"
Danolas ran a finger over her lower lip. "Honestly ... I don't know. How I felt was just ... there. I didn't try to analyze it."
"Mayhaps, before, that was part of the problem," she mused. "We were both trying so hard to label it, we forgot it was the feeling of the thing that matters most."
"What matters most is that I love you."
Her smile beckoned him. "And I love you."
He grinned. "And are you going to argue with me, and toss things at me and curse my kittens and pipe?"
Brianna nodded soberly, but her eyes danced. "Aye. Every day and twice on the Sabbath. 'Tis hard work being a wife."
He laughed out loud and for the first time in his life, Danolas felt all the restrictions he'd put on himself fall away. He was free. Free to laugh and live and love. All because of Brianna. He cradled her pixie-like face in his hands and kissed her soft mouth.
"I don't care if we're in a cottage in a meadow, or a Keep high in the clouds, you are my soulmate, my treasure, and my love. I will have no other Lady in my life, but you."
Her eyes glistened with more tears. "And you will be my protector, my guide and my Lord. You've always been in my heart, and now I want to forever be in yours."
"You will," he promised, as he held her even closer. The warmth of her body made passion come alive in his. "You own my heart and lay claim to my soul. And I will show you that truth each and every day for the rest of eternity."
"Every day?"
He nodded. "Every single day."
Brianna sent up a quick prayer of thanks to Aebh, the Power and even the fates who'd been good enough to tie both their lives together. She ran a hand down his chest and smiled. "Then I will have to return the favor, won't I?" She pressed her lips against the ragged scar on his cheek. "I love you, my Lord. Your handmaiden is ready and waiting to serve."
His mouth crushed down on hers and the room and its occupants disappeared in a whirl of passion and love. She gloried in the fact he loved her so much, he'd finally let go of all his fears and would kiss her that way in a room full of his brethren. As she felt him stand to carry her out of the room and back to their chamber, she knew finally, they were free to love and be loved the way they both deserved.
Suddenly, the words to Cyric's spell leapt into her mind. To find the treasure ... the heart will guide. Her eyes filled and overflowed, as she finally understood.
It wasn't the Sceptre that was the true treasure ... it was something of far greater importance. Something special only found by a few. The true treasure?
It was love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
CJ England credits her passion for writing to her second grade sweetheart, Steven, a blond haired cutie with dimples who dumped her for a girl who could swing on the monkey bars. She wrote her first story about love and loss after that tragic episode.
In her life she has modeled, competed in rodeo as a barrel racer and trick rider, taught preschool, performed as an actress and singer, served cocktails at Disneyworld, specialized in production work, and got carried away by Spiderman when she worked with him at Universal Studios.
She calls herself a gypsy, due to her curiosity and "itchy feet", and has spent time in fourteen countries and has visited forty two states in our own.
CJ is known on the Internet as an award winning, bestselling author who can bring sensuality and romance together in ways that require you keep a fire extinguisher and a box of Kleenex handy. Described as having, 'innovative story lines', 'a whiz at character development', and 'quite simply a genius!' ... CJ wants her books to spark the imaginations of her readers. So that they will begin to believe anything can happen if you ... Follow Your Dreams.
Visit www.whiskeycreekpress.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.

