She stood with a slight wobble, and he rushed to steady her before she fell. Holding her by the waist, he kept her standing. Her body was warm from the bed and yielded sweetly against his. Her lavender fragrance reached his nostrils, and his mind went off in a not-so-innocent direction. She clasped his arm for support. A riveting sensation, an urgent need to press her against his chest, bury his nose in her hair, and explore every mysterious inch of her naked form, overwhelmed his judgment. Inhaling a deep breath, he controlled the ill-timed urge as he helped her to a chair by the table.
“I’ll get you some water. Okay?”
She nodded, and he sped to the kitchen, grateful for a little separation between them.
“What is it, Master? Is something obstructing your vision?” Talaith asked Khnurn.
The mage scowled at the dish. “It’s not showing. Not even a little bit.” He flicked his hand back and forth above the liquid and shook his head.
“Do you have all your tools?” Kailen asked.
Khnurn patted his chest and searched in his pockets. “Gods, it’s not like I haven’t scried a million times before.” He kicked the chair back and returned to his suitcase.
“Goodness, what is the problem? You’re always the epitome of organization,” Kailen said.
“I despise packing in a hurry. It’s a sin against my nature. If only Sabah could’ve come. She’s the one who keeps me together,” Khnurn huffed as he continued digging through compartments.
Behind Khnurn, Talaith half smirked and half grimaced at Kailen. Nice surprise. He’d never seen playful Talaith before. Her normal state was serious and quiet, ready to perform a job. He’d seen her afraid once, when she thought his life was in danger. This was different and so enjoyable. He liked her kidding side. He could do so much with it. In his mind sex and laughter went well together.
The mischievous thought slipped out, and he chuckled under his breath. She’d captured his imagination in a hundred ways. Months ago, her enigmatic presence had lured him when she stepped out of the portal with Soren. Curiosity at her changed persona hooked him next. The evident rise in power, her poise, and her bravery during a mission were attractive as hell. Finally, her full ruby lips had been a constant temptation. He’d wanted to savor, crush them with his… He’d imagined Talaith swaying in his bed, excited and responsive to his commands.
He knew what was best for her, so he’d denied his desire and hers. Yes, she wanted him too. She’d revealed her longing in every gesture and look. And now? Would he act, releasing the desirous male as he’d hinted at earlier?
The wizard’s return stopped the internal dialogue.
Khnurn fisted a bunch of crushed dried leaves and twigs. The gold-and-diamond ankh pendant hanging from his neck swung. He sat, pulling a short length of ribbon and a box of matches out of his pockets.
“Now I’m ready.” He smiled triumphantly.
“Great, wormwood. Essential component,” she murmured.
Khnurn was all business as he wrapped the clump of weeds together with the ribbon and set one end on fire. When the flame caught, he blew it out. A thin coil of smoke swirled, and he breathed it in. This ritual wasn’t much different from Zuberi’s coals. Fire and smoke were powerful divination aids.
Talaith’s gaze crossed with Kailen’s. She blushed and quickly turned to Khnurn. He waited to see what she’d do next. She glanced again, then averted her eyes. Gods, she’s sweet seduction. Shy and naïve, she was pure enticement to his demanding proclivities. Mentally, he cursed the divining session. His interest had taken a sharp detour, and he wanted to pursue her delicious reaction further, push her a little, make her admit her secret wishes…
The mage dropped the bundled weeds on a plate, the burning area expanded, and the smoke thickened. A potent sage-like scent filled the room. Khnurn inhaled, dipped a fingertip in the dish, and swirled the water.
“Crafty mage.” Staring into the dark liquid, Khnurn pressed the diamond pendant to his chest. “Dubtach has moved five times since entering earth. Currently, his signature is flashing at the shores of Lake Atitlan, in the Guatemalan highlands.” He glanced up at Kailen. “Hold on. Before you go running off after him, there’s a strong possibility he won’t be there when you arrive.”
“I can’t allow him to fly free as a bird, with no consequence and no penalty,” Kailen protested.
Studying the dish, Khnurn scratched his beard. “There’s something else… We have a new complication to deal with.” He pushed the dish away.
“Stop the teasing. Spit it out,” Kailen demanded.
“Oras has descended as well.”
Khnurn trained his golden eyes on him, and a push to his brain followed. Kailen clamped down on his thoughts. He didn’t want Khnurn poking around. Some matters were strictly his.
“What makes Oras so significant?” Talaith asked.
“Oras killed Nadrine,” Khnurn said.
“Kailen?” she insisted.
He ignored her. He didn’t want her involved; he’d already lost too much. Crueler than Dubtach, Oras was a blunt instrument of destruction. The mage tortured and inflicted damage for his pure entertainment and satisfaction.
“Thoughts, Khnurn? Can you scry their intent?” Kailen asked.
“Give me a second to process.” The wizard paced around the table. “Oras and Dubtach are plotting. Both mages know I can follow their trail. While Dubtach meandered through South and Central America nice and slow, Oras went straight to North America. Currently, he’s in the south of the US. He could be heading for New York, but I know that’s not his final destination. Their erratic travel patterns are red herrings meant to confuse me.”
“Like that’s going to work.” Kailen laughed.
“Eventually, the wizards will join the conspirators. I need to study the waters again, go in-depth and longer. I’m fairly certain Alain’s face surfaced for a split second.”
“I wonder,” Kailen murmured, staring at the dark waters in the dish. “Talaith, do you remember the items Maya and Soren found in the Manhattan bar? Did Maya show them to you?”
Talaith startled. “No. She mentioned a book and a photograph that might have belonged to the female drone, then the Alaska raid happened, and everything got sidetracked.”
“What female drone?” Khnurn asked.
“A created female warrior. We believe the prototype was placed in the bar waiting to attack Soren, Brant, and Maya. Its poison nearly killed Patty, the werepuma cocktail waitress,” Kailen said.
“This is worrisome. I didn’t see the prototype’s signature anywhere.” Khnurn flopped onto the chair. “I should have.”
“The drone was made of dead humans’ body parts,” Talaith ventured.
“Doesn’t matter, child. Evil magic was the binding element,” Khnurn said. “My duty is to detect when any magic, good or bad, is used in the earthly plane. The recovered items must be studied as soon as possible.”
“What about Brysys?”
“She’s served her purpose for Dubtach.” Khnurn shrugged. “I don’t see the wizards going to Scotland, at least not yet. Tomorrow could be different.”
Talaith grabbed the edge of the scrying dish. Pulling it close to her, she dipped her finger and closed her eyes. “Oh… I remember her: she is beautiful, with flowing ebon hair, blue eyes the color of cornflowers…”
Kailen reached out to her, but Khnurn manacled his wrist, shaking his head.
Lost in the vision, Talaith continued. Her voice cracked and deepened. “The lady waits, she hopes, she aches and despairs. So much love and so alone…it breaks my heart.” Talaith opened her eyes and smiled with a surprised expression. “Why are you both looking at me like that?”
“I didn’t mean to stare,” Kailen said. “I haven’t seen you in a memory trance since New York. It’s a fascinating experience. Who’s the woman?”
Talaith shrugged. “I don’t know. The memory floating in the water called my attention. It wanted to rise.”
“She saw Br
ysys,” Khnurn said.
“Well, who knew?” Kailen settled back on his chair. “Scrying water has a mind of its own.”
“Mind your words, Danann,” Khnurn snapped. “The universe remembers disrespect. Magic is a unique force. When action is required, it calls forth any of my divination tools, such as water, crystals, or fire, to speak up. I’ve set it thus.”
Heat rose to Kailen’s face. “My apologies. It was a poor attempt at lightening the mood.”
The mage huffed, crossed his arms, and sat back.
“What’s our next move?” Kailen asked. “There’s a connection between Dubtach, Brysys, and now Oras.”
“New York comes first. Take Talaith with you. She must examine the items from the bar and remember the origins. This is critical and takes precedence over your need for revenge. Your time will come. I’ve seen it. Perhaps not the way you expect it. Best be prepared to throw everything at that encounter. You will be tested. Meanwhile, I will study the Brysys factor.”
Kailen glanced at Talaith. Despite her protestations, her skin was whiter than the usual paleness, and her energy radiated at medium strength. “She’s not ready. Are you, a stór? Give us the truth, please.”
She smiled shyly. “I could use a day or two.”
Khnurn nodded. “It’s settled, then. In forty-eight hours, you’ll transport to Soren’s mansion.”
Twenty-four hours later, Kailen suggested, and none too subtly, that Talaith test her strength out on the field. A medium-level training session would work best. After giving her a thorough once-over, Khnurn concurred, which gave her no choice but to accede, despite the slight nerves being close to Kailen, in the forest, alone with him, elicited.
When they set out, the temperature was ideal for a mid-May morning. A soft breeze with a touch of coolness weaved through rows of pines, their trunks deeply lined and cracked with the passing of time. But as they continued hiking—climbing and descending—on trails made by man ages ago, the air thickened with humidity and the temperature got hotter.
Kailen tapped a tree as he passed. “I’m curious. Why did Khnurn choose the Black Forest for your training? Did he tell you?”
“The Black Forest is one of the few places on earth full of original magic. Khnurn believes the seeress Albrinia lived in these parts during Tiberius’s campaign against the Germanic tribes.”
Talaith unzipped her jacket and wrapped the sleeves around her waist without interrupting her pace.
“These woods are great to practice in because we’re naturally hidden from human hikers.”
“You mean without any spells?”
“Correct. You and I…Khnurn, supernatural creatures like us, belong to the magic. We’re part of it, so we exist and move about on a separate, yet surrounding path, or level, if you will. There was a time when magic revealed its mysteries to mankind because humans understood and revered the natural forces on earth. Modern humanity has abandoned the spiritual side, and the door is forever closed.”
“To all humans?”
“Yes, with very few exceptions.”
“Like who?”
“Folks who have turned to the old druid rituals. Magic is slightly more generous with them.”
“Interesting. Would you like to take a break?” he asked.
“Hear that?” Talaith paused and scanned their immediate area. She saw nothing other than the dense canopy above and rows of pines, one after the other, extending into the shadows without end.
“The humming. Yes. It’s getting louder.”
“The magical projectiles are free. They’re hunting my heat. Maybe yours too.” She did a full turn again. Nothing.
Kailen dug into the pockets of his tactical pants and pulled out a pair of black leather wrist guards. He snapped them in place.
“What are you doing?”
He smiled. “Donning my special magic. These wrist guards are enchanted. They repel any projectile or weapon coming at me. How many missiles?”
“I think four.” She clenched her fists.
He stood behind her. “I know you don’t feel quite ready, but this is why we’re here, to practice and get you back in shape. Deep breath, focus your energy to your hands. Make a bolt, however small.”
Kailen’s breath brushed her head when he spoke. He grasped her shoulders, and tingles rushed through her. She closed her eyes, begging for a control that was miles away from her. Yesterday, she barely resisted her heart’s desire in the presence of Khnurn, but in this seclusion, if he continued touching her, she’d fail in a second.
“Concentrate,” he whispered next to her ear.
Trembling, she exhaled. From somewhere deep within her, a semblance of fortitude rose up, and she stepped forward, separating herself from him. He was smiling when she turned. Anger and embarrassment spoke for her. “You find this funny?”
“Not at all, Talaith.” He arched an eyebrow. “These aren’t games. In fact, I expect you to perform.”
The male now speaking was a boulder of ice, cold and impenetrable. He’d shut down any friendliness and was all business. His water-blue eyes studied her with such intensity, it hurt. Her bravado faded in a whisper.
“I… I’m trying.”
“Trying doesn’t work. Do. They’re almost upon you.”
He walked away, leaving the space around her open. “I’ve cooled down my internal temperature. I suggest you do the same.”
The attack came from the right. The projectile singed the sleeve of her top and scratched her skin. She whirled, extending her open hands forward.
“Think bolt!” he shouted.
She nodded, shaping a circle with her palms. The empty space between her hands sparkled. Tendrils glowed and flamed. “Ha!” she exclaimed.
The projectile whizzed back. Grasping the ball of flames, she hurled the bolt, and the missile burst.
“Duck!”
Talaith dropped to one knee. Two projectiles sped past her head. She was in the fighting zone now. Her thoughts went to her curved fingertips. A blur of lightning flashed and crackled in the four cardinal directions. She opened her hands, releasing the force.
“Look, look!” she shouted at Kailen as her energy flew and chased one missile in and around the trees. Half a second later, the bolt impacted the magical projectile, shattering it to smithereens. Sliding down to her hip, she swiveled on her butt, facing the next projectile. She fired; the missile evaporated.
“Yes. Got it!”
He sat on his haunches. “Don’t get cocky. You have one more.”
She stood waiting. Several minutes passed. No sound or flying shape came in her direction. She walked toward Kailen. “Maybe he only sent three.”
“An odd number. Doesn’t feel right, but then again, with Khnurn, anything is possible.” He stood, wiping bits of dirt and leaves from his palms and tactical pants. “Still cranky?”
Talaith shook her head. “I wasn’t—”
The fourth projectile struck out of the shadows. Kailen pushed her as he held up his wrist, blocking the attack. The missile swerved. He jumped forward and rolled on the ground, taking her with him. The missile returned with a vengeance, arced, and dove at them. But Talaith had landed on his chest. Knowing she hampered his reactions, she tensed, expecting the burning stab in her back. Kailen’s reactions were faster than she imagined. He crossed both wrists above her, caught the projectile between his wrist guards, and squeezed. The missile’s magic burst. A shower of twinkling shards fell all around them.
“Damn, sneaky wizard,” he murmured, dropping his arms to the sides.
Time stopped. She propped herself up a little and lifted no farther. Her mind warned, get up, move away from him, but it was impossible. She was bound to him, his warmth, his essence. Mesmerized, she gazed into his fathomless eyes, searched his handsome features. The pull downward was stronger than her will or common sense.
One taste. One little taste, her heart insisted, then begged a little more, and she caved. Her lips parted. The invitation was cl
ear: her lips were his for the taking.
He surprised her with an invitation of his own. His mouth opened. His hot breath rushed out and mingled with hers. She could almost hear him. “Do you want me? I dare you to take me.”
Breaking past shyness and restraints, desire surged in her. She pressed her lips to his, and a whirlwind of mindless enjoyment swept through her. Now a voracious creature, she descended into the unexplored delights he offered: the softness of his lips, the firmness of his tongue, and the tiny ridges of his teeth. Her core pulsed with arousal, her aching nipples hardened, and she moaned, desperate for the only outcome possible: his full presence within her.
Pulling away from her mouth, Kailen rolled her over. She smiled, giving herself to his every whim and skilled caress. He settled on his knees, straddled her, and swept his arm behind her back. As he arched her torso against his, he buried his mouth in her neck, exploring her skin with deep kisses and languorous pulls. She understood the meaning of pleasure madness when his free hand slipped under her bra. He plumped and fondled her breast out of the cup, tortured her erect nipple with exquisite squeezes, then held it in place as he bit the tip with his teeth. With each small bite, the pulse in her sex became throbs.
Breathless, she gasped.
He lifted his head and stared into her eyes for what seemed like a painful, never-ending span. He was still above her, yet she could see him drifting from her, farther and faster, his mind and heart separating from her at astonishing speeds, leaving her alone and cold. The instantaneous and uninhibited communication between their bodies went silent. The beautiful moment was over. He’d dropped the door.
The worst part came now. His remote gentleness, smoothing her hair and buttoning the disheveled blouse, helping her to stand and examine her appearance, was a painful blow to her heart…
“My apologies. I don’t know what came over me.”
How could he be so aloof when only moments ago, he’d explored and loved her body? His tone was so bland and polite, she wanted to scratch his face, strike him, give him a taste of her pain. Instead, she withdrew. Summoning her defensive magic, she pushed every emotion outside herself, hurled it above the treetops, and shrugged.
The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, #2) Page 10