by Mary Morgan
Rose.
Each time he said her name within his mind, his heart burst with joy. Never had he been so sure of a path. Even despite knowing and understanding the impending ramifications. Swiftly closing the door on distressing thoughts, he returned his attention to the beauty in his arms.
He brought a lock of her hair to the moonlight. “Yours is a moonbeam of colors. Rare and cherished among my people,” he uttered softly.
Rose lifted her head, giving him the most glorious smile. “Tell me about them.”
He laughed uneasily, allowing the silken strand to slip from his fingers. “Where does one begin to explain a race of people who are older than your planet?”
Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Amazing.” Her features quickly turned to confusion. “Then all the legends about the invasions of Ireland are true?”
“Every legend has its roots based in facts,” he acknowledged, brushing a hand over her soft curves.
She nodded slowly. “So the Fae live side by side with…us?”
“No. Our race is not permitted to be above ground. Only an elite group of warriors is allowed to travel among the humans.”
“Why?” she asked softly.
“The Fenian Warriors have assisted humans for thousands of years. Many kings have sought our counsel—those who believed in the Fae. Of course, with the new religion, we became lesser known. Our knowledge proved to be insignificant. We continue to aid humans, but we also observe. There are times when a mission needs to be swayed, encouraged in another direction.”
“Really.” Rose swallowed and scooted off him. She kept her back to him. “Was I one of those missions? Did I see something on the stones relating to your people?”
Distressed at the loss of her warmth, Aidan sat up and brought her body against his chest. Cradling her softly, he replied, “Yes.”
She gave him a stern look. “Please share how you were going to sway or encourage me in another direction?”
Aidan grimaced slightly. “Discourage your findings.”
“But you really didn’t dissuade me. In fact, you listened and observed.”
He shrugged. “I grew curious.”
“And if you found you were unable to sway me in another direction? What then?”
“Destroy all the evidence with magic.” Though he knew the process might not be successful.
A look of horror passed over her features. “Not fair,” she scolded. “When you told me you were powerful, I thought you were referring to brute strength. Definitely not magical.”
He blew out a frustrated sigh. Patting the ground with his hand, he said, “Where do you think all this lush grass came from? Or the flowers that border the area? Or the rainstorm at the dig?” With a snap of his fingers, Aidan produced a floral bouquet filled with jasmine, roses, honeysuckle, sweet peas, and violets.
Rose gasped, her eyes growing wide.
“Do not fear me,” pleaded Aidan, fear welling up inside him. He could take anything at this moment, but not her rejection of him.
“Oh, Aidan.” She took the flowers from his hands and clutched them to her breasts. Cupping a hand against his cheek, her lips trembled. “I don’t fear you. But I am shocked by the magic. It’s…beautiful, as are you.”
His heart hammered inside his chest. Him a hardened warrior brought low by mere words. Lovely words. She was his rising moonbeam and the setting sun. The range of so many emotions made him dizzy.
He lowered his mouth against her warm palm and placed a kiss along the skin. “I shall cherish you always, beloved.”
“It’s as if I’ve known you for so long,” she professed, leaning into him.
When thunder rolled over them, followed by the first drop of rain, Aidan lifted her off of him and stood.
“Is this your doing?” Rose asked, holding out her hand to him. “Rain to spoil our evening?”
Aidan’s brow furrowed. “No.” Helping her to stand, he cradled her head against his chest. “I fear I have angered the night guardians.”
Slowly, Rose lifted her head. “What have you done, Aidan?”
Sweeping her into his arms, Aidan strode with intent back to his home. By the time he entered the front doors, the rain had turned into a colossal thunderstorm. Still carrying Rose, he mounted the stairs two at time. He placed her gently on his bed and with a wave of his hand closed the doors on his chambers. Ignoring her slight gasp, he went to the fireplace and snapped his fingers. A blaze ignited the wood and kindling, and he blew across the flames, fanning the fire.
When he turned around to face her, Aidan saw love reflected in her eyes, and something else.
Endearing trust.
“Your vision was of me standing on my own world of Taralyn,” he began. “What you saw at the Standing Stones of Bran and Óg are etchings—carvings of me on my world. In fact, you sketched a partial drawing at one of the sites.”
“Your hair was much longer in my vision.”
Aidan rubbed a hand over his chin in thought. So long ago, he had forgotten. “Yes. In my early years, I wore it long. As did many other warriors.”
He moved to her side and sat down next to her. “Somehow, one of the Picts determined it was important for them to make it known about the Fae. Thousands of years ago, I shared a story of the rising of our three moons in various hues of moonlight with them. I recited a bardic poem on the night of their full moon. It resonated deeply with the Picts, but I never deemed they would make an account in this fashion. Nor did I understand why you would be shown these images.”
Rose reached for his hand and interlaced her fingers with his. “Regardless, I had my recurring visions, which I never have, before I witnessed the standing stones.”
Aidan glanced at his carved headboard. “A path destined. The three moons. My story told to one of your ancient civilizations.” Returning his gaze to her, he added, “Nevertheless, it is a union forbidden.”
She tugged on his hand. “Now you’re scaring me, Aidan.”
He kept a firm hold on her hand. “Do not be, beloved. I will always protect you. But I fear I have damned myself.”
“For loving me?” asked Rose tersely.
“A joining between your people and a Fae, especially one who is the leader of the Fenian Warriors, is strictly forbidden.”
Rose shivered, and he wrapped a protective arm around her body. “You are their leader?”
Exhaling slowly, he nodded. “Yes.”
“What will happen?”
“Unsure.”
Lifting her chin, she cupped his face with both hands. “They cannot take away the love I carry within my soul for you, Aidan. Even when this world ceases to exist, I will forever love you.”
His heart swelled at her declaration. Nevertheless, his beloved had no idea the wrath of the Fae. His life might very well be forfeit. Rules, edicts, hundreds of years training and obeying his people had taken a blow the moment he confessed his love to Rose.
As he grasped her hands and placed a kiss along her knuckles, Aidan was sure of only one emotion. Rose was an elixir, as potent as any from the Pleasure Gardens, and he became spellbound under her enchantment. Partly from taking her body and the other—simply because he loved Rose.
His sister spoke of two paths of destruction, and now Aidan understood. Either road led to a path of sorrow. If he stayed with Rose, they would strip him of everything and possibly end his life. If he left Rose to return home…the blood pounded in his ears.
Never! This was the destiny he chose.
Placing her hands on his chest, he brushed the back of his hand over her cheek. “My love for you consumes me. Understand this, my beloved; though the journey may be fraught with pitfalls, boulders, and an unsteady future, no one can take away the love I bear for you.”
“No matter what, I shall never leave your side,” she confirmed.
Shoving aside the further turmoil of negative thoughts, Aidan lowered her against the soft cushions. He pressed his lips to hers, caressing her mouth more th
an kissing it. “You are my compass when the shadows descend.”
“And you are my home, Aidan. A mighty fortress of strength and love.” She breathed a kiss along the vein in his neck, and he let out a growl.
Clasping her hands above her head, Aidan reclaimed her mouth in a slow, drugging kiss. This time, he would take his time in a seductive exploration of her body. After breaking free, he trailed lingering kisses below the soft spot of her ear, the pulsing hollow at the base of her throat, and the valley between her breasts before taking her pert nipple into his mouth.
Rose clutched the coverings on a moan.
Firmly cupping her ivory breasts, he inhaled deeply. “You are intoxicating, beloved.” Suckling each breast lightly, he released them and moved down her body.
His tongue teased a path to her intimate area, and he spread her thighs farther apart. He placed a feather-like kiss on the inside of her thigh, her scent filling him. Taking his finger, he parted her delicate folds and blew across her soft nest of curls.
“Not there,” she protested feebly.
“I long to feast on every inch of your lovely body,” he asserted in a hoarse tone. He slid one hand slowly down the side of her leg and then back up to her hip.
Her eyes grew wider as Aidan stroked a finger over her sensitive core. “I want to give you pleasure, mo ghrá. Will you open for me?”
Desire flamed in her emerald depths. Taking that as a sign of confirmation to proceed, Aidan lowered his head and lavished the beauty under him. Aidan teased and nipped, feasting on her seductive nectar. She uttered a guttural moan and squirmed beneath him. Soft pants escaped from her luscious lips, only inciting Aidan more. His cock swelled painfully, aching to sink deep within her heat.
When her whimpers and pleas turned to a cry of release, Aidan could no longer contain his ferocious need. He raised himself over her and thrust into her body in one swift movement. They both cried out in unison at the heady sensation. Allowing his fiery passion to consume him, Aidan took possession of the primal dance of their mating. With each kiss, touch of his hand across her taut nipples, and words of endearments nipped along her neck, her desire built. His thrusts became wild and urgent, and he found the tide of control ebbing away. When she wrapped her leg around his waist, he growled and captured her mouth with his. Arching fervently against him, Rose moaned deep with him.
Unable to hold back, Aidan shook as his pleasure exploded and vibrated all around them. His roar of release echoed off the stone. The residual passion rippled across his skin as he rolled over onto the cushions, bringing Rose against his chest. His heart hammered as he cradled his beloved.
The storm continued its relentless pursuit over the land, but Aidan paid no heed. The elements could rage a battle of epic proportions as far as he was concerned. Lifting his hand, he magically brought the coverings over their bodies.
“I had no idea love making could be so exquisite,” she uttered softly against his chest.
He grinned, stroking her back with his fingers. “Intense? Too sharp?”
She lifted her head. “Beautiful. Lovely. Wonderful.”
“Then I have not scared you? My tastes can be demanding. You have sampled only the beginning of what I like to do.” He took in her flushed cheeks, pouty full lips, and desire hummed within his veins once again.
“Will you teach me?”
His cock swelled at the invitation. “With pleasure.”
“Where shall I begin?” she asked in a throaty whisper.
A wave of guilt swept through him for wanting to take her again so soon. “Tomorrow. Your body needs to rest.”
Giving him a scowl, Rose slipped her hand beneath the covers. His jaw clenched when her fingers seized his partially swollen cock. “I am firmly aware of what my body needs, Warrior.”
His seductive temptress had him breathing heavily. “If you continue to fondle me in that manner, I shall spill my seed in your hand.”
Rose cupped his balls, and he hissed at the heady sensation. “Can I not give you pleasure the same as you did to me?” Her tone was one of teasing, and she lowered her head. “Am I doing something wrong?”
“On the contrary. You are a swift learner.”
By the hounds, the mere thought of her taking him between her luscious lips had him throbbing with need. Her eager response was immediately aggressive and feeding his lust-filled desires. Yet, he had other plans for the enticing vixen.
Pushing her aside, he swept his feet over the bed and went into his inner chamber. Waving his hand over the enormous copper tub, warm, scented water materialized inside. Returning to the entrance, Aidan leaned against the door.
Her pout of displeasure did not sway him. He held out his hand. “Come here.”
In defiance, Rose patted the bed. “I’m not finished.”
His roar of laughter reverberated throughout the chambers. How he loved her. Free spirited, seductive, and full of passion. He grabbed a hold of his cock and squeezed. Loving the way her mouth dropped open in awe, he continued to play with himself. “If you don’t join me in the water, I’ll see to my own pleasure, imagining your tongue over my cock and balls.”
Turning around, Aidan strolled into the chamber and stepped into the warm water.
The echo of her scampering across the wooden floors made his heart race. She bolted inside and halted near the tub. Long hair flowed down past her breasts—a vision of perfection.
He placed his hands on his hips. “Care to join me?”
“My goodness, Aidan. The tub is huge,” she exclaimed.
“Like me.”
Rose blushed. “Obviously.”
Gazing all around her, she stood fixed to the floor. In fact, Aidan didn’t mind the delay. It gave him a chance to cool the raging desire to take her rapidly in the water.
“It’s like a forest in here with all the plants and flowers.” She pointed behind him. “Is that a pine tree? And look at all those crystals at the base of the trunk.”
“Yes.”
She snapped her gaze back to him. “In here?”
“The special chamber was built around the tree. I prefer nature around me while I’m bathing.”
“It’s striking. Perfect.”
Aidan moved to the edge of the tub and held out his hand. “Come here.”
Complying with his order, Rose took his hand and let him help her into the tub. She let out a pleasurable sigh, sinking into the water.
Aidan grabbed a soft washcloth on a nearby table along with lavender-scented soap and a bottle of oil. Sloshing his way over to Rose, he pointed to the side. “There’s a bench here, if you’d like to sit.”
Her face lit up. “Do you also have jets in the tub?”
He lathered the wet cloth with the soap. “No need.” He set the bottle on the edge of the tub. Dipping his other hand into the water, he moved his fingers in a circular pattern. Soon the water began to churn and froth.
“So lovely.” She sighed and scooted over to the bench.
Her breasts bobbed gently above the water, and Aidan fought back the tide of passion. Coming near her, he took his time in massaging her skin with the cloth. She leaned her head against his chest as he took his time with her back. When he was done, he spread her legs apart and cupped the cloth over her intimate area.
“Feels good,” she mumbled, resting her head on the back of the tub and closing her eyes.
As he roused her passion, his intensified. He whispered words of love over her breasts, on her shoulders, and across her rosy cheeks. When he halted his ministrations, Rose let out a weak cry of protest.
Reaching for the vial of oil, he removed the stopper. “Sit up on the upper bench.
Rose’s eyes fluttered open. “What is it?”
He poured some in his hand. “A soothing oil. It will help in the healing from where I entered your body.”
Disappointment flared across her features, but she complied and scooted to the higher bench within the tub.
He stood between her legs
, letting the water lap against them. Without saying a word, Aidan fondled her breasts, eliciting soft moans from her.
“Smells divine,” she admitted.
He nuzzled her neck, preparing for his next task. “Rose, lavender, and a special herb from the Fae realm.” Reaching again for the bottle, he instructed, “Spread your legs, mo ghrá.”
Her eyes darkened with desire as she slid her legs farther apart for him. Slowly, Aidan dripped the oil over her intimate area. Placing the bottle on the edge of the tub, he massaged the oil between her delicate folds.
Rose’s pleasurable sigh traveled across his skin.
“You have the most amazing tou…touch,” she uttered softly.
“And you are a temptress,” he confirmed.
Her body began to move in an erotic dance. When her breathing turned to short gasps, Aidan removed his hand and entered her in one thrust. The combination of water, oil, and Rose had him spiraling out of control. His need so fierce, he yearned for more.
“Wrap your legs around me,” he demanded.
On a whimper, she did so, and Aidan cupped her bottom, sinking deeper inside her sweet body.
“Oh, Aidan, more…” she growled into his ear.
The blood pounded in his body as he fought the tide of passion, wishing Rose to claim hers first. Taking her mouth with savage intensity, he felt the tremors of her release vibrate around his cock.
He shuddered, unable to hold back. “Rose,” he cried out her name, emptying everything he had into the woman he loved.
When the last wave of euphoria swept from him, Aidan lifted her quaking body from the water and to a quartz bench. Reaching for the soft towel behind her, he gently dried her off.
She trailed a finger over his cheek. “I adore this dimple.”
Capturing her hand, he placed a kiss along the vein in her wrist. “I love you beyond words.”
Aidan stood and cradled her into his arms. Taking her back into the main chamber, he tucked them both under the covers. Her sigh resonated deeply, and she closed her eyes on a smile.