“I do,” she squeaked, then cleared her voice. “I do.”
“With this ring, bind your husband to you.”
Ninian gave her the larger band and she placed it on Kincaid’s left ring finger.
Kincaid’s heart burst with love as he clasped Lizzie’s hands in his and sent her a reassuring smile.
She smiled back.
“I declare the two of you husband and wife,” Ninian said. “As one in purpose, heart, and soul, you will be able to go forth and achieve your goals. May the gods be with you both as you journey through life.” The old sorcerer indicated they should stand, then stuffed his book back into his robe. He touched each of their hands. “These blessings I impart with conviction.”
King Aedh gave a whoop of joy.
“Gods of old and guests, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid McAllister,” Ninian announced, a smile spreading across his face.
“Kiss, kiss, kiss,” King Aedh chanted.
Cait maintained her sober expression.
“Ah, the demands of married life,” Kincaid said as he took Lizzie’s hand and they both rose. He swept Lizzie into his arms, leaned her back and pressed his lips against hers. As though she’d been fashioned for him, her curves fit perfectly into his arms. By all that was sacred, he knew he’d never tasted such sweetness.
Any reservations he’d had about taking Lizzie as his wife melted like ice in the sun’s warmth.
Marrying her had been the right thing to do. Hopefully they could now fetch the magic harp together, return to Wysteria and dispatch the banshees.
After that, only the gods knew what would happen.
Chapter Nineteen
“Both of you must bathe in the Unification Springs,” Ninian told Lizzie and Kincaid. “Afterward, we will hold a special feast to honor the Faery gods and bless your union.”
Lizzie frowned, disliking the delay.
“The hot springs will cleanse your bodies.” Ninian sent them both a solemn glance. “This is a sacred place, and one that will help you both prepare for what is to come. This is the final step before you can begin your quest.”
Kincaid took Lizzie’s hand. “Where do we find it?”
“See yonder path which forks to the right?” Ninian pointed to a dirt trail that wound past two mossy boulders. “Follow it for a short distance until you reach the springs. It isn’t far.”
“Come on, Lizzie girl.” Kincaid tugged her fingers. “Let’s do this.”
He held up a hand in farewell to King Aedh and Cait, then led her slowly down the path. As they moved past the boulders, they entered a thicket of trees and bushes whispering with a light breeze.
They came upon a pool of steamy water with grassy banks. A shelf of rock rose up on one side and a wooden bench rested on the other. A low stone fence encircled the area. A lovely place for reflection, if she weren’t so anxious.
Her wedding should have been a festive event, yet it was overshadowed by the knowledge of her coven being held hostage by Sorcha. It felt wrong to enjoy anything.
“Pretty, huh?” Kincaid turned to her.
“Definitely.”
“Let’s take a wee dip then.” A sly smile tilted his lips as he began to remove his robe.
Lizzie watched as his magnificent body slowly appeared. He climbed down a mossy bank and lowered himself in the pool while curls of steam rose up around him. He waded to a spot where the water reached his waist, then motioned to her.
For some reason, Lizzie hesitated to take off her clothing. Kincaid had seen her naked before! And for Pete’s sake, she’d just married him. This was her honeymoon. How strange, she thought, then reminded herself she and Kincaid had just participated in a wedding of convenience.
Nothing more.
“It’s the perfect temperature.” He lifted a brow. “I promise I won’t bite.”
Untying her robe sash, Lizzie allowed it to drop. She noted Kincaid’s appreciative gaze roving over her body as she splashed into the warm water and waded toward him. As the liquid lapped around her, warmth soaked into her limbs. At last the tense pit in her belly began to uncoil. Moving closer to Kincaid, she noted the sheen of perspiration on his brow.
At this point, the water only reached his waist. Since she wasn’t as tall, her body had been submerged so that only the upper portion of her breasts remained visible. She swallowed hard when he reached out to cup them in his large hands and thumb stroke the nipples. With a needy groan, he drew her against his chest and she felt his hard penis brush against her hip.
“Is it wrong that I want you this much?” His voice came out in a tight, constricted tone. “After all, you’re my wife.”
“For now, Kincaid,” she told him. Her heart quickened its pace and her breath came in short spurts. “It’s only for the quest.”
“Of course, lass.” He inhaled deeply and said, “We both realize that.”
“Just so long as that’s clear.”
“Oh, it’s very clear. But you smell wonderful.”
She shivered when he smoothed her wet hair over one shoulder. He leaned over and nuzzled her neck, kissing the sensitive area beneath her ear lobe. Shivering with delight, she drank in his musky male scent, a scent she’d always loved.
“You smell wonderful, too.”
“This is making me crazy,” he finally admitted. “I want you.”
Lizzie pressed against his broad, muscled chest, even though she realized that encouraged his ardor. “We’re supposed to meditate, Kincaid. Not make love.”
“Said who?”
She shrugged. “I just assumed that wasn’t part of the deal when Ninian sent us to the springs.”
“Perhaps you assumed wrong.”
“I don’t know,” she murmured. She sure as heck didn’t want to jinx anything by engaging in prohibited activities.
“We’re breaking new ground, forging new pathways.”
“Don’t you think it would be a Faery taboo to engage in pleasures of the flesh?” she taunted, even though she, too, wanted to make love. It seemed reckless, but she longed to be with Kincaid.
“Lizzie, my love.” He cradled her head on his chest and stroked her damp curls. “Don’t be teasin’ me. Not now.”
My love?
Did Kincaid love her? Unable to resist the urge, she reached down and stroked his manhood. As he groaned and thrust his large silken shaft against her palm, excitement shot through her.
The mental barriers she’d built within herself melted away. What better way could she and Kincaid join in purpose than to join their bodies? After all, Ninian had called this Unification Springs. It seemed to hint they should do exactly that.
Kincaid kissed the top of her head and began to softly sing.
“Cull da loo,” he crooned as he began to rock her back and forth. She buried her face in his chest. She wanted so much to enjoy his lovemaking. But the banshee threat made her hesitate.
“I hate that my coven is still in danger,” she admitted.
“Hush, lass,” he told her in a husky tone. “We are here but a few seconds in Earth time.”
“Are you sure?” She looked up at him through ebony lashes glistening with diamond teardrops. His presence comforted her and made her feel safe.
“Aye,” he said.
Wisps of steam curled around Kincaid’s square jaw and whiskered chin as he began to sing to her again. He towered above Lizzie, like a magnificent statue. The compelling sight of him thrilled her, and she basked in his tender attention as she clung to him. Her skin tingled, and she sensed the two of them were on the edge of something magnificent, something far beyond her wildest dreams. Yet she realized this intimacy was only temporary.
Once they’d found the magic harp and defeated the banshees, they would go their separate ways. This may be the last time she could be with him again.
His crooning voice deepened as he massaged her back with his fingertips, his hands relieving the tension in her shoulders. When he’d finished the lullaby, his voice fad
ed away, and he leaned down to kiss the curve of her neck. His lips ignited a wildfire, and she caught her breath, her lower lip trembling.
“Kincaid,” she whispered, afraid to say anything more for fear of ruining their precious time together.
“You’ve always been the only woman for me…” He pressed his lips against hers, drawing her in, his arms tightened around her and he pulled her closer.
Wet and slippery from the pool, they pressed together, their body heat melding them as one. The need inside her flared like a kindled fire. She wanted him to stay with her like this forever. Somehow, she’d been healed in Kincaid’s presence, and that knowledge filled her with awe.
Her skin sizzled with anticipation as he pressed her close. She wanted her world to be consumed by Kincaid.
Completely and totally.
He cupped her hips and lifted her up, fitting her perfectly on his jutting shaft. She caught her breath as they joined together, his arms like bands of steel holding her as his sweet prisoner. Without compunction, she wrapped her legs around his buttocks, melding them together, fully encompassing his swollen need.
No longer could she deny what her heart wanted. She moaned with the exquisite sensation of feeling Kincaid inside her again. Inner warmth flared through her extremities as he began to move with rhythmic strokes, and she drifted into an extraordinary cloud of passion and need.
She yearned to be important to him again. They’d left all misunderstandings behind them. Whatever precious time they had would now be spent together as one in purpose and in meaning. The future wasn’t clear, but it didn’t matter right now.
Only this moment in time seemed important. Everything else paled in comparison.
Their lower bodies rocked together steadily. Raging passion built within her and a pinnacle of sensation passed through her. When he kissed her again, a thrill shot to her core. She committed herself to him body and soul.
***
Kincaid drove himself over and over into Lizzie, incredulous at the way she accepted him and drew him in completely. It almost felt as though they’d always been together like this, immersed in one another.
Every nerve seemed aflame with passion, rising within him like a raging tide. He released a low growl as the sensations filled his loins. Heart pounding, he drank in Lizzie’s beauty, amazed by her velvet brown eyes.
Her full white breasts and taut, rosy nipples caught his gaze. He leaned down and suckled one delicious nub, then the other. Then he nuzzled the fragrant juncture between her breasts, inhaling of the incredible scent. This sweetness, he decided, must be better than the nectar of the gods.
Whimpers of pleasure issued from Lizzie. “Kincaid, ahhh…”
Need drove currents of pleasure through him and his penis seemed to become ever larger, the tip pulsing. She matched his thrusts with her own ardor, her fingernails digging into his shoulders.
Her breath came in shallow gasps and he could tell by the glimmering in her eyes that she had nearly reached her pinnacle. He’d seen that look many times before, and it excited him to know he’d brought her such pleasure.
Then she moaned—a low, feral sound, and wrapped her legs tighter around him, allowing him further access. His full, aching shaft slipped even deeper, consuming her moist sheath. He clenched his teeth as a rushing sensation filled his loins and tremors seized him.
He feared he may explode, but he wanted her to reach her peak as well. Though extremely difficult, he held back, waiting for the exact moment so they could remain as one. White hot agony burst through him, yet he refused to give into it. He wanted to demonstrate how he could guide them both through anything, even the pleasures of lovemaking.
At last she leaned her head back and moaned louder, her hips undulating against his as she reached her climax. Thank the gods, he thought, realizing he couldn’t have held back a moment longer. With relief, he surrendered his body to the burst of ecstasy.
“Mother of Scotland,” he groaned, then arched to meet her hips. His body went rigid, and he felt the muscled cords of his neck bunch as a warm spurt of seed released from his shaft. As he concentrated on reaching that place of incredible pleasure, she reached around and stroked his backside, adding to an already wondrous experience.
By all that was sacred, she knew every sensitive part of him that brought the most pleasure. What an amazing woman.
His mysterious witch.
His love.
The breath caught in his throat, and he moved inside of her several more times, savoring the soft touch of her body pressed against his. He hoped Lizzie had enjoyed this as much as he had. And judging by the relaxed, joyous smile on her face, she had.
“You are incredible, Spirit Wulver,” she said as she gently traced his chest with one fingertip and rested her head against his shoulder.
“You’re pretty amazin’ yourself, my enchanting witch.”
Their bodies slid separately back into the warm pool and they stood side by side for a few seconds. When he gathered her in his arms and lifted her up, Lizzie squeaked in surprise.
“I can walk, you know,” she reminded him, playfully punching his shoulder.
“Aye, I’m perfectly aware of that, my love.”
Feeling on top of the world, he carried her out of the steamy pool and laid her gently on the mossy bank. At the sight of her shivering, he picked up their robes and spread them over her wet, naked curves.
“Thank you,” she said, her teeth chattering.
He crawled under the coverings and stretched out beside her. He briskly rubbed her arms, her curved waist and backside, then leaned down to kiss her soft lips. When their mouths joined, sizzling warmth erupted.
“I wish we never had to leave this place,” she said.
“Aye,” he said.
“We’ve gone through a lot to save my clan. What will we do if we still can’t banish the banshee swarm?”
“Have faith, sweetheart.”
“My faith is wearing thin,” she admitted.
“We have magic on our side. And love.”
“Yes, we do.” She sighed heavily. “This is more than you bargained for.”
“I can handle the banshees. But I never bargained to fall in love with you, lass.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” she said with a giggle.
“Aye, don’t I know it?”
She kissed his whiskered cheek, her breath whispering across his skin. “I suppose we ought to be getting back. Everyone will wonder why we’ve been gone so long.”
“To hell with them.” He grinned. “King Aedh said we can’t leave until tomorrow morning at first light, so we might as well find pleasure in each another for a few more hours, don’t you think?”
Lizzie traced his lips with one of her index fingers, then ran it down the line of golden-red hair on his chest. “I think you’re incredibly naughty. And I love it.”
“Come here.” She snuggled closer, their warm, moist bodies melding as one. He took her hand and guided it down to his swollen shaft.
A gasp of surprise escaped her.
“Guess what? I’m ready for you again.” He chuckled as he tweaked one of her rosy nipples.
“You’re insatiable,” she murmured as she stroked his throbbing manhood, then cupped the sacs beneath.
“For you, Lizzie girl. Only for you.”
He leaned down and captured her lips for another lingering kiss.
Chapter Twenty
When Kincaid and Lizzie returned to the village, the Faeries insisted the newlyweds wear appropriate finery to the celebratory feast held in their honor. In their room, he watched appreciatively as Lizzie donned a green silk dress that hugged her curves perfectly. He dressed in a black suit, polished black boots and a crisp white shirt with a ruffle down the front. He didn’t care so much for the ruffle, but what the hell. It was his wedding day.
Evening draped Doros Wood with shades of lavender as Faery attendants ushered them to ornately carved chairs resting on a flower-decorated d
ais. Crickets chirped in the surrounding bushes and trees rustled in the breeze. Tall torches positioned on either side of the platform burned with bright flames, which created dancing shadows.
He noticed Lizzie perched on the edge of her seat, her hands clasping the arms of the chair. Her knuckles were white and she didn’t look comfortable, but she maintained a sweet facial expression. God, she was exquisite—every inch of her. From the tip of her upturned nose to her small feet encased in Faery slippers, she presented the picture of perfection.
Her skin blossomed with a creamy tone, lending her a glowing quality. Perfectly arched brows and dark eyes made her appear exotic and rare, like special jewels. He wished she would be his forever. Setting his jaw firmly, he told himself to quit dreaming. He could not have her in his life.
They’d joined for only one purpose—to find Uaithne and defeat the banshees.
As disappointment filled him, he turned to watch a group of Faeries in bright costumes entering the area. Their faces had been painted with red, blue, and green paint. They wore embroidered, fringed attire with beaded belts and tall feathered headdresses. Several of them carried drums and a few held flutes. The musicians moved away from the others and began to play a rousing tune, while the others danced slowly with intricate hand and feet movements, their pale wings fluttering.
Lizzie smiled as they performed, and Kincaid could see the amusement on her face. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she watched them, then a sober expression took over. Crooking her index finger, she motioned to him. When he leaned over, she whispered in his ear.
“This is a spectacular show, Kincaid. But I feel guilty. Our wedding wasn’t typical, considering the circumstances.”
“It’s not hurting anyone,” he said. “In the morning we’ll begin our journey to find Uaithne.”
She nodded, her gaze despondent.
“We need to repay the Faeries for their hospitality,” she said.
“Aye, you’re right.”
When the music faded, one of the dancers wearing a pointed cap sporting a bell stepped onto the platform and bowed low before Lizzie and Kincaid.
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