by Kristen Cobb
Conri did not resume walking. As he stood there looking into her eyes she could almost hear his thoughts. He wanted to kiss her but was afraid they would lose control and wind up making love right here in front of everyone. There were at least a hundred men with them in the tiny copse of trees with nowhere to go for privacy.
Deciding caution and self-control were overrated she could wait no longer. “I need you.” She moved ever so slightly, rubbing her most private parts against the hard length of his shaft. “Please.”
His eyes were wild now. It would not take much more to push him over the edge. Conri was staring intently into her eyes, trying to control himself, jaw clenched. “Ronan!”
In no time at all she heard Ronan’s voice behind her. “You bellowed dear brother.”
“We ride to Killala. Now.” Conri’s nostrils flared ever so slightly, his breathing labored.
“Excellent.” She heard a few gasps behind them, which meant Ronan turned into a horse in front of everyone.
“William, escort Rory back to the castle. Most of the men here are ours. You are in charge until I return.”
“Are you not even going to kiss me before we leave husband?”
His lips descended on hers, tongue plunging into her mouth. Hearing herself moan with pleasure she opened her mouth to his, begging for his touch.
Ronan made an aggravated snorting sound.
Conri pulled back grinning. “You are an evil woman.”
“It is your fault.” She ran a hand slowly down the front of his body, annoyed that he was dressed.
Her husband emitted a sound more like a growl than anything else. Kissing her again his tongue slowly plunged in and out of her mouth as if they were making love.
She could hear her own pleading moans, desperate now to feel him inside of her, pressing herself hard against his erection by tightening her legs around his waist. Her own eyes were likely wild with need by the time he pulled away.
He leaned down close to her ear. “Two can play that game wife.” With a grin he set her on Ronan’s back, mounting quickly behind her.
Nessa leaned back against her husband, sighing contentedly. She thought about the Christian concept of heaven, said to be a perfect place good people went when they died. A place of eternal happiness. This was her heaven, snuggled up against Conri, the feel of his kiss still on her lips.
THEY MADE great time traveling to Killala. Nessa and Ronan switched off being the horse so they could continue moving almost nonstop. Nessa now lie peacefully sleeping inside their bedchamber while he stood out on the balcony in the darkness, naked, pondering their plan to bond. Their clothes were covered in dried blood that no amount of washing would remove. The cool ocean breeze whipping against his skin kept him awake even though he was beyond exhausted.
His father rained a torrential downpour of displeasure on their happiness over the decision to bond. In his father’s estimation bonding with Nessa would only put him in even greater danger, hunted until the end of time by the elders.
To her credit Nessa held fast, refusing to back down. She stood by his side, holding his hand, telling his father they deemed bonding the best option to protect him going forward. The risks had been discussed and the decision made together, end of discussion according to his wife. She politely informed his father he had no say in the matter and if he could not be happy for them to simply stay away.
Nessa and his father entered into a rather heated disagreement after that. Any argument Nessa made his father countered, declaring it would be best if his son lived here with his family, without her in his life. Nessa adamantly refused to leave him.
His father’s final argument weighed heavily on his mind. True immortality could mean they live forever. He claimed romantic love with one person could not be sustained for that long. What would happen when they fell out of love? A situation his father felt absolutely certain would eventually come to pass. What then? Linked for all time the bonding was irreversible.
Being so in love with her at the moment he could not imagine feeling any other way or wanting to be with another woman. Conri hated to admit it but his father might be right. Forever was a very long time. Feelings could change. Nessa might seriously regret bonding with him someday.
That being said where did they go from here? They could not remain together as things were. Nessa would ruin their relationship worrying constantly about his safety and trying to guard him every moment of every day.
Nothing good ever seemed to happen at his father’s house. First Nessa left him. Now his father called into question their reunion. Maybe they were simply not meant to be together. Something always seemed to block their path to happiness.
“Are you not tired husband? We have been riding nonstop for a day and a half.” Nessa kissed the back of his shoulder wrapping her arms around him from behind, the feel of her warm skin against his a sharp contrast to the cool fall air.
Turning around in her arms he set his hands on her waist. “Just thinking.”
“About what your father said?”
He nodded. They had not talked about it after the row between Nessa and his father. Conri allowed the two of them to battle it out without inserting a word. Everyone seemed intent on deciding his life for him lately.
Nessa stared out at the ocean for a moment as if deciding how to respond. The moon and the stars provided just enough light that he could watch it all playing out on her face. “I will leave it up to you. The first time around I made all of the decisions. Now it is your turn.”
“What if you change your mind someday, fall in love with someone else? We have no idea how the bonding is going to affect us beyond giving me your powers and actual immortality.” The thought of losing her again made it difficult to breathe but his father was right, they had not given the consequences of bonding nearly enough consideration.
“It is certainly possible. I might someday have feelings for another man just as you might be attracted to another woman but I will never regret bonding with you.” She looked directly into his eyes with an unwavering confidence.
“You cannot possibly know that.” When he tried to turn away Nessa held on tight, pushing him back against the stonewall encircling the balcony as a large wave crashed against the rocks below.
“Eventually I will have to bond with someone. Declan has showed us that your father’s path will not be an option for me. As the only female ancient men will lust after the power I can give them as their bonded mate. I could easily end up bonded to someone I hate, like Declan. I cannot even imagine how horrible that would be, linked for all time to someone I despise. You are an honorable, brave, compassionate man. The best friend I have ever had. I trust you with my life. Our bonding will protect me as well. Once it is done no one will be able to force me to bond. To kill you would be to kill me. It is the ancient’s way of choosing a mate that can remain with them as a true immortal. Your father is right, forever is a long time. I have no doubt there will be difficulties along the way. The one thing I am absolutely certain of is that you are someone I will always want in my life, even when things are less than perfect. I will never regret bonding with you. There is nothing you could ever do that would make me hate you. That includes being with another woman. I might get angry and set her on fire but I would still love you.” Nessa gently kissed his shoulder. “Do not let your father’s fears become your own.”
A hawk flew onto the balcony, changing form into his father as it landed. “I could not agree more.”
Nessa slid an arm around his waist, settling a less than welcoming look on his father.
All three of them were naked. Conri felt trapped between two worlds on this particular issue. Growing up at Knocknashee people were always naked immediately after changing form. As a child it did not bother him in the least. Clothing was optional at Knocknashee. After so many years spent in the mortal world getting back to that mentality proved challenging. He felt uncomfortable in front of his father without any clothing on. His wife on the
other hand did not appear the least embarrassed.
“I owe you both an apology. Your wife is right. I am trying to instill my fears in you. Your brothers were quite emphatic in their criticism of my reaction to your announcement. I was wrong to encourage your decision to leave my son. I see that now. I would be honored to attend your bonding if I am still invited.”
Nessa looked up at him, laying a hand gently against his bare chest. “It is up to you. If you need more time to think about it…”
He answered her with a kiss. She opened for him without hesitation, pulling his tongue deep inside her mouth. His shaft hardened immediately.
Conri turned away from his father in an attempt to hide his growing erection. Hearing the flapping of wings behind him Conri knew his father decided to leave and give them some privacy. “I should probably let you rest.”
Nessa wrapped her hand around his shaft, running her thumb across the sensitive tip. “Rest is not what I need.” Dropping to her knees his wife looked up at him with a longing that took his breath.
“Ness.” He wanted to say more but could not manage to form the words. He could barely remember to breathe.
“I do believe we should make some new memories on this balcony.” Wrapping her hand around his shaft Nessa teased its head with the tip of her tongue. “Tell me what you want husband.”
He wanted to plant his seed and watch her grow large with his child. The thought would have shocked him speechless if he were not already rendered mute by the sight of his naked wife on her knees in front of him basically saying he could have anything he wanted. Conri reached down between her legs. He nearly growled with pleasure as his hand felt the slick evidence of her arousal. “Put your arms around my neck.”
She did as he asked, clinging tightly while he lifted her up. Once her legs were wrapped tight around his waist Conri put one arm beneath her buttocks, using the other hand to bend his shaft back, quickly finding her slick wet opening.
Placing one hand on each of her buttocks Conri pulled her down slowly onto his manhood until she’d taken his full length. He watched his wife close her eyes and throw her head back, moaning with pleasure at the invasion. Her nipples were taut little buds calling to him as the cool ocean breeze blew over their naked bodies. Taking one of the tantalizingly close buds into his mouth he nipped at the tip causing her to moan even louder.
He considered carrying her into the bed but there was something indescribably erotic about making love outside, feeling the ocean breeze blowing across their naked bodies. Slowly lifting her buttocks until the tip of his shaft just barely touched the lip of her entrance Conri watched her beautiful face.
“Please.” Her whispered plea sent him completely over the edge.
The strain on his arms forgotten he felt strong as ten men. Pumping her up and down on his shaft by her buttocks she helped him as much as she could, using the leverage of her arms and legs wrapped around him. Managing to keep his eyes open he watched her, screaming out the shortened version of his name she’d become so fond of, head thrown back as she tightened around his manhood. In one swift downward pull he buried his shaft to the hilt inside of her, finding his own release. Brilliant points of light flashed behind his closed eyelids as he pulsed inside of her again and again.
His wife held on tight, hugging him as the last of his spasms passed. “I love you.”
“I love you too wife but you are very heavy.” He kissed the side of her neck, heading into their bedroom, his shaft still snuggled comfortably inside her.
Nessa leaned back just enough to look into his eyes. Desire still burned in those deep green orbs.
His manhood immediately became hard as the rock beneath their feet, filling her completely. “Be careful wife or you will not get any rest tonight.”
Just as he was about to pull out and lay her on the bed Nessa tightened her legs around his waist. “Do not leave me yet.”
He could not possibly love her more. Laying her down on the bed, careful not to pull out, he leaned over her on his elbows. The night she broke his heart in this room seemed like another lifetime. “This is what I should have done last time we were here. Would you have denied me?” Conri pulled out then ever so slowly filled her again.
Nessa’s hips lifted to meet his, silently begging for more. “No.”
Never again would he be such a fool as to believe their time together was over. Pulling out he almost laughed at the look of disappointment on her face. Reaching down between her legs his fingers quickly found the small nub he knew would eventually bring her to a shattering climax. Pressing down ever so lightly with his index and middle finger he took one of her nipples into his mouth, nipping with his teeth ever so gently, using his free hand to pinch and roll its mate. Feeling her entire body grow taught, he increased the pressure between her legs. He continued working her body with his mouth and his hands until she was writhing beneath him, bucking her hips and begging.
“Please.” Nessa tried to close her legs in an effort to find release.
He refused to move his body and allow it, keeping himself wedged between her thighs. Switching his mouth to her other breast he gave his wife no relief from the pleasure, quickly moving his right hand to the nipple his mouth had worked into a tight nub. His left hand reached down between her legs, finding the tiny spot above her entrance that he knew would be extremely sensitive at this point. The entire area between her legs was absolutely drenched, his fingers sliding off.
Nessa screamed, her knees pressed hard against his sides, hips bucking up in the air, eyes closed.
He nearly came watching her twitch and spasm as he pressed the knuckle of his thumb against the nub of pleasure between her legs, tweaking her nipple with the fingers on his other hand.
Before her climax completely subsided he rolled his wife over onto her side. Burying his shaft into her slick wet opening in one swift thrust he reached around in front of her, using his fingers to continue her climax by rolling a nipple between his fingers. Her body clamped down on his shaft, pulsing against his manhood as they came together. He felt his seed shooting into her, amazed there was any left, heard his own scream of pleasure as his entire body seemed to spasm.
Completely spent Conri threw an arm over his wife from behind, curling up against her like a contented cat.
Nessa pulled his arm even tighter around her. “I want to fall asleep with you inside me.”
“Perfect because I am too exhausted to move.” Conri kissed the back of her shoulder as his eyes began to close, three days without any sleep finally catching up to him.
“I love you.” Nessa lifted his hand to her lips, gently kissing the back.
He honestly never would have considered it possible to love someone this much. Saying I love you seemed entirely inadequate but he could think of nothing better to describe his feelings. “I love you too.” A thought suddenly occurred to him, he never even bothered to express his gratitude for all the effort she went through to find him. All he actually gave her were insults and anger. “Thank you for saving me.”
“You are most welcome husband.” She still held his hand clutched tight against her face. He could feel her smile against the back of it.
He knew they should probably crawl beneath the blankets. The doors to the balcony were still open allowing in a cool breeze. Much too tired to do anything about it Conri let the sound of the crashing waves lull him to sleep, his wife held tight, their bodies still joined. He could not imagine a more perfect moment.
16
Darkness slowly began to descend as the guards closed the heavy wooden doors leading out to the inner ward from the great hall. Everyone they trusted most was gathered for his bonding to Nessa. The grey stonewalls of the castle enclosed the space giving it an extremely secure feel even though the night sky glittered above them. Conri tried to imagine Nessa becoming the tree, digging her roots into the ground beneath their feet.
Will and Donal stood with Ronan and Eanna. He watched as Ronan unsheathed his sword
, handing it to Donal. The boy grasped the hilt of the sword, gazing at it with awestruck reverence. Donal had eventually come to appreciate Ronan’s skill with a sword.
Rory was speaking to his father while his mother remained off to the side alone. Nessa relayed the story of his parent’s less than amicable reunion. He could not fault his father for being angry. His mother was attempting to make amends but wounds ran deep, and not just for his father. Forgiving his mother for abandoning him would not be easy. The knowledge that she could easily have taken him to Killala, to his father, preventing so much of his suffering still hurt. His mother did not seem like a selfish, callous person yet she had done nothing to help him.
Her attempts to stand by him now were slowly chipping away at his resolve to keep her at arm’s length. His wife apprised him of all his family did to try and find him, including his mother. It could not have been easy to confess all to his father.
His father may have a lot more life experience but he did not necessarily know more. In the last year, since meeting his wife, he learned a great deal. Allowing people into your heart involved risk but the rewards were beyond his wildest imagination. With Nessa he experienced great joy and unbearable pain, some of the worst of his life. He would not give up even a moment of the journey because it led them here. He had no idea what love felt like until meeting Nessa. Her love filled the void inside of him near to bursting.
Looking around the inner ward as the first stars of the night began to sparkle in the ever-darkening sky he could not believe the changes her presence had wrought. His mother and father were both in his life and he had two brothers. He made a decision last night while holding his wife as she slept, to step down as the captain of Rory’s guard. He’d been through enough battles to last ten lifetimes and wanted nothing more than a peaceful life with his wife.
Conri decided to greet his mother first. Perhaps his father would heed the message that she deserved a second chance. Nessa felt absolutely certain the two of them would find their way back together. He thought that seemed highly unlikely but one could never tell.