by Ciara Lake
“My mother? Is she okay?” Breanna stood up. The blanket fell to the bottom of the sleigh.
“She’s marvelous.” He threw his head back, laughing. “Sit down, my troll bride. Enjoy yourself.” He waved at her. Breanna sat back down as instructed. “He’s very taken with your mother. She’s lovelier than ever. Being an ice fey has enhanced her already present beauty. Now life is in her eyes. She’s amazing, really. Hema made a mistake by excluding her.” He shook his head. “Go with Axel, have fun, make love. I’ll tell you all about it when you return. Don’t worry, your mother’s having a grand time. Go have fun with Axel while you can. I think I know the place he’s taking you. It’s very enjoyable for lovers.” Loki wiggled his eyebrows.
Axel got in the sleigh next to her and took the reins in his hand. He nodded to Loki. “We’ll see you when we return.”
“Yes, yes, is this your message for me to leave you alone while you romance your wife? I get it, Axel.” Loki did a little dance above the horse’s back. “Very well, I’ll go peek in on Icesykcus and Fiona. Trust me, they’re doing just fine too. Chrisalannis has allowed him in her palace. He’s courting Fiona with great effort, and she’s loving it.” Loki chuckled. “Love’s in the air,” he sang then danced a bit more. He flashed to the ground next to the sleigh. A huge bell hung around his neck. “I like the bells too.” He rang it.
Axel made a clicking sound with his mouth. In response, the horses began to move.
“See you later, Loki. Watch over my mother for me.” Breanna waved at him as they pulled away.
“It’ll be my pleasure. I love to spy. Enjoy your fun,” Loki called after them.
The sun glowed, still bright, but the snow was heavy, blocking a lot of its light. Their horses’ pace increased to a steady trot. The jingling bells were melodic. Frigid wind blew into her face. Pulling the coat up around her, she shielded herself from the wind. It felt toasty under the thick furs. Her hand found Axel’s thigh. It too was warm, comforting under the fur. She caressed him.
He looked over at her. “Are you enjoying this?”
“Yes, it’s wonderful. Where are we going?”
“To a secret place.” He leaned into her, giving her a swift kiss. “Look at how the land rolls.” He pointed out over the landscape.
“This land is beautiful.”
“Yes, in the summer it’s green as far as the eye can see. You’ve never seen greener, except maybe Ireland.” The sleigh glided over the gentle slopes. “In the summer the sky is blue like your eyes.” In the distance, the same purple and white mountains loomed, now only closer. “I lived where I’m taking you for fifty years while I built the castle. I love Iceland like no other place.” His smile was full of happiness. “Now I have you to share it with.”
“It took you fifty years to build the castle? That’s a long time.”
Axel laughed. “No, it’s very short for a building of its size to be built by one person. But I was doing other things too. I traveled a lot.” He smiled at her, his eyes crinkled at the corners. He looked more human as he recollected his past. She rubbed his back. “I had missions for Loki too. The creating of the castle used my power and it took a lot. I had to do things methodically, resting after I expended a lot of magic. As I built the castle, I became stronger from the exercise of creating such an elaborate home. I’m constantly exercising my abilities. It’s why I’m more powerful than most trolls. I seek to create things, it empowers me. I use a combination of manual labor with magic in most things. Many trolls just take what belongs to others. It’s easier, as well as the troll way. Typically, trolls demand payment to cross their bridges. Very few trolls actually take the time to create things for themselves. I’m different. I enjoy creating things. It’s one of the reasons why Loki’s very fond of me. Gods and goddesses are creative too. He likes my imagination, at least that’s what he tells me.” Axel grinned at her.
“Have you ever demanded payment to cross bridges?”
“Yes. I’ve lived a long time, I’ve done a lot of things over my existence.” He shrugged.
“I love the sound of the bells jingling. They’re very musical.”
“Yes, the bells are nice. I thought you’d like them.” He turned the sleigh, heading directly toward a tall mountain.
“There aren’t many trees here.”
“Iceland’s a land of fire and ice. Under its surface are volcanoes. Some are alive, some are dormant. When the live ones spilled out, hot lava wiped away the trees along with everything else in its path. That’s why this area’s so rolling with no trees. In ages long past a volcano erupted, changing the landscape. But the ground is fertile, making the grass very green.”
“Are you worried about it happening again? It would destroy your home.”
“No, I’m not worried. Everything has its moment.”
They rode for nearly an hour. She leaned closer to him. The rhythmic sound of the horses with their bells along with the coziness of the furs nearly put her to sleep. She closed her eyes while resting against Axel’s side.
“Breanna, we’re here.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. His hand was warm. “I’m sorry you were bored. You fell asleep.” He kissed her.
She snuggled into him, kissing him back. “No, I wasn’t bored, I only closed my eyes.” She leaned closer. “The ride was comfortable. I loved it.” Her hands were under the fur blanket. Finding his firm thigh, she worked her hand up, rubbing it. Axel’s kisses intensified as her hand climbed higher.
“I like that.” He kissed behind her ear, finally finding her mouth. He moaned as she grasped his stiff manhood. When she stroked him, Axel nearly came off his seat. He shivered but not from cold. She could see as well as feel his desire for her.
“I was very comfortable. I truly enjoyed the ride. It was as if in a dream.” She pulled back from him to look around. They were next to a small mountain. “The way the land rolls is gorgeous. I think the mountains are romantic and beautiful. This is very different from Britannia, at least where I lived. I can see why you love it here.”
“Come, we’ll be going inside where it’s warm.” He pulled her onto his lap. She giggled.
“Inside?” Breanna looked around. “I don’t see a house or any shelter.” She put her arms around his neck.
“Well, there is, let me show you.” He lifted her out of the sleigh and set her on her feet.
She approached one of the horses, rubbing his coat.
“Come, let’s go inside.” Axel touched her elbow.
After she said goodbye to the horse, both the sleigh and the horses disappeared. “Where did they go?”
“I sent them to the stables so they can rest. I can bring them back if we need them.”
Before she could reply they were standing inside a dim cavern. Torches hanging against the rock walls instantly lit the passageway. It was warm.
“Where are we?” She turned around, looking for an exit.
“We’re in a cave under the earth.”
“Under the ground?”
“You’re safe.” He hugged her. “I brought us close to where I used to live. It’s just down this passageway. I still come here at times. I like it here, it’s peaceful. A nice place to get away.”
Taking her hand, he led her down the cavern’s long passageway. Eventually, the narrow way opened up into a much larger room. Torches lighted the room as they entered. Candles on a large table in the center of the room blazed to life. It was a round dining table with four silk covered chairs, intimate and beautiful. A huge candelabrum sat in the center.
A soft, warm breeze blew over Breanna’s face. She took her hat off. “It’s warm down here.” As they got closer to the table, she could see a bed about twenty feet from the dining area. Equally made up like his bed at the castle with an abundance of pillows and a black fur coverlet. “You have a bed here?”
“Yes, I’ve lived here.” He smiled. “Let’s take your coat off. You don’t need it down here.” He kissed her neck as he helped her
out of her coat. Breanna trembled under his kiss. He placed the coat and hat on a chair next to the dining table. “Come, let me show you the pool.”
Holding his hand, she followed him. They turned a corner, and a small pool of water was at the far end of the cave. To the side of the pool a steady flow of water trickled down the smooth rocks. The sound of the water flowing down the rocks into the pool was soothing. The room felt comfortably humid, romantically lit by several torches hanging on the stony walls.
“I want to make love to you in this pool.” He pulled her closer, kissing her. His tongue delved into her mouth. “The water’s nice, warm, and softened by minerals. It’ll feel wonderful to your skin. We can have lunch, make love, then enjoy playing in the pool.”
“How’s the water warmed?” She looked up at him. His dark blue eyes were filled with passion.
“From the earth, Iceland’s ground’s hot within. There’s a hot pocket here heating the water to a perfect temperature. I’ve dreamed of being here with my mate. Now you’re here with me.”
“Is it safe?”
“Of course, I’d never allow anything to hurt you.” He kissed her cheek, his hand caressing hers. “Now that I’ve shared my power with you, it’s hard for you to be hurt. You’ll quickly heal if harmed. Plus, the ring protects you as well. It’ll never leave you. But you’ll have to learn to use it and build your own supernatural strength. Come, let’s eat lunch first.” He led her back to the dining area.
Her mouth fell open when she saw the table. “This is beautiful.”
The table was covered in a shiny scarlet tablecloth with delicious looking food. The mouth-watering aroma filled the cave. Beautiful greenery surrounded the center candelabrum. Axel helped her into a chair, pushing it up to the table. White plates sat on golden chargers.
She touched the plates, admiring their beauty. “I’ve never seen plates like these.”
“No, they’re very special from a place far from here. They were payment for my jewelry. I’ve been paid with a lot of interesting things.”
When she scooted closer to the table, a white linen napkin appeared, opening onto her lap. Breanna inhaled sharply.
“Surely the napkin didn’t scare you?” he teased, grinning. He looked mischievous. “I thought you were used to me by now.”
“No, it only surprised me.” She shook her head. “I’m still getting used to all of the magic. But it’s wonderful.”
A glass of red wine materialized in front of her plate. Grapes, cheese, ham, and other foods appeared for them to partake. Several loaves of freshly baked bread were on the table too. Axel sat down next to her, pulling his chair close to hers. Their knees touched.
“I’m hungry. I love to eat.” Axel winked as he took a sip of his wine. “Also, I’m hungry for you. I love how delicious you are.” He grinned. His eyes flashed with emotion. Holding some grapes, he offered her one, then plopped another in his mouth. “Mmm, sweet, like you.”
Axel kissed her cheek. Breanna took a grape from him. Her lips enclosed his finger. She lightly sucked on it. They fed each other, laughing together as they ate.
“Tell me about your life,” Breanna requested.
“What do you want to know?” He cocked his head to look at her. “I’ve lived a long time. For most of my life, I’ve been lonely.”
“Tell me some of your adventures. I’m sure you’ve been places I can’t even imagine.” She rubbed his leg.
“The way you touch me, I’m not sure you really want to talk.” His voice was husky.
“Yes, I do. Tell me. I’m interested to hear all about you.” She smiled and lifted her hand back to her lap. “You’ve spent time with gods like Loki, such a fascinating life.”
“Okay, I can tell you a few stories.” He pulled his hand through her long hair. “Your hair is so soft.” He kissed the side of her head.
They sat at the table for over an hour as he told her of his adventures as a troll. Axel was full of adventurous stories.
“I’m sure you have many stories since you’ve lived so long. I want to hear more.”
“We have endless hours to talk.” His hand rested on her leg. “Let’s go for a swim in the mineral pool.” He stood, helping her out of the chair. Scooping her up into his arms, he took her to the side of the pool. Their clothes disappeared.
“You’re amazing.” She appraised him. Large, muscular, just looking at him made her dampen with desire. Butterflies floated in her stomach, as she knew what they would be doing soon.
Axel walked into the mineral pool, still carrying her. He let go of her legs, and her feet touched the smooth rock bottom. It was comfortably warm. Wiggling her toes, she enjoyed the experience.
“This feels magnificent.” She moved her hands and arms in a circular motion, making gentle waves. The water washed over her breasts. “I love it.” She put her arms up, pulling him to her. She kissed him. “This place is very romantic.”
“I’m glad you like it. My idea is to be romantic.” He smiled. “Come.” He led her to the other side of the pool. “There’s a natural step here. We can sit.” He sat down, pulling her onto his lap. “I want to make love. Last night was the best night of my life.”
He kissed behind her ear then he found her mouth. As their kiss deepened, his cock grew against her leg and bottom. She pressed her leg into the growing member, making him moan.
He closed his eyes as if savoring the precious moment. “Come here, love, sit back against me. I want to be inside you.” He turned her so that she was facing away from him. She could feel his heart pounding hard against her back. He was excited.
Pulling her closer against him, he eased his cock into her moist crevice. Stretching, she opened for him, and spasms erupted all around his cock. Axel groaned, the sound was like a wild growl. Breanna tensed her muscles around his rigid cock, making him inhale sharply. Moving up and down, she pressed into him as if dancing against him. His large hands cupped her breasts, playing with her nipples. His thumbs worked over them, making her tremble as her eyes rolled back in her head. Axel kissed her neck and shoulders, and she shivered with ecstasy, increasing her pace moving against him.
“Breanna,” he whispered in her ear. The sound of his voice encouraged her actions. “You make me feel so good.” He lightly squeezed her breasts. He pushed his hips up to meet hers. They truly danced together.
“Axel.” Her hands rested on his thighs, helping her keep her balance. Her pussy shuddered around his cock. She was faint from the intense sensations which rippled through her. Axel shook against her, his breathing increasing. Unexpectedly, the torches and candles extinguished, leaving them in blackness. His strong arms surrounded her, making her feel safe.
“Don’t panic. Let me get myself together. The lights will come back on.” He nibbled at her ear. The torches, one at a time flamed to life.
“What happened?” She turned to look up at him. He kissed her open mouth.
“You affected me so much the energy within me took out the lights. I’m sorry if it scared you. Forgive me, my sweet.”
“There’s nothing to forgive.” She pulled from him, turning to look more at him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into him. “Being with you is a dream. I’m happy beyond words.” She kissed his cheek tenderly as she ran her hands through his hair. “I really love the sex.”
Axel stood then ducked into the water, swimming across the pool. Breanna laughed, following him.
“You swim?” He shook his head. The water flew from him. She splashed him back with her hands.
“Yes, I used to swim in the river near my home. There was a cove near the woods. It was my favorite place. It’s where I found your ring, or it found me.” She held her hand up, examining the ring. “This water is much nicer. You’re right, it makes my skin feel soft, my hair too.” She ran her fingers through her wet hair. It was tangle free.
They played in the water for some time. Her eyes started to feel heavy. “I want to lie down.” She leaned against him
. “I’m sleepy.”
“So you surrender to me?” he teased.
“Yes, I surrender.” She laughed, resting fully against him. “I’ll do whatever you ask.”
“Really?” He cocked his head to the side, looking at her. “What a wonderful thing to say to me. I want you to love me.”
“I do.” She lightly hit his chest.
Scooping her up, he walked out of the water. “Then I surrender to you.”
He kissed her forehead. A towel appeared in his right hand. He dried her and then himself. A silky, black nightgown covered her to her knees. Soft black pants covered him. The cave’s lights dimmed. When they reached the bed, it turned back, welcoming them. Again, Breanna sucked in a breath when she saw the bed prepare for them. She slipped under the soft blush sheets, and he followed her into the bed, pulling her into his arms. She relaxed back into his strong, warm arms.
“I’ve never felt safer than now with you. Thank you for bringing me to this fantastic place.” She closed her eyes as he nuzzled her neck. Soon she was asleep.
Chapter 8
Breanna rolled over closer to Axel. His warm body lured her to him. He still seemed to be sleeping. In his resting state, he was even more gorgeous. His face looked softer. She ran her hand over his bulky arm, admiring him. His arm was hard like the rest of him. Her face heated as she thought of how hard he could be between his legs.
Looking around, she sat up. “We’re back at the castle.” She tapped him on his shoulder. “Axel, we’re back at your castle.”
“Our castle, and yes, we are.” He stretched lazily. “There’s a snowstorm. When I got up this morning, I decided to move us back to this bed. That was several hours ago. You’ve slept well.” He waved his hand, and the heavy drapes opened. “It looks much worse out now.”
She looked out the window. “Yes, it’s dark outside to be morning. It’s snowing so hard I can’t even see the mountains.” The sun obscured by the stormy sky and snow made it look bleak.