His eyes roamed over her face, taking in every line. He loved how gracefully her brows arched over her eyes—eyes that had the power to bring him to his knees. Ali sighed and rolled onto her back. The sheet pulled away and Finn took pleasure at the sight of her. He felt his body stir. Carefully, he rolled until he covered her. Slowly, he kissed her lips. He caught the next sigh, and kept up his gentle assault. She let out a mewling sound and one eye cracked open. He slipped into her on a moan, arrogantly pleased that she was so ready for him.
Their lovemaking was quiet, and slow. For Ali it was more powerful than the storm they had gone through the first time. This had the power to cleave her right to her heart. They rocked together as if they had done so forever, the rhythm was as old as time, yet at the same time, brand new. Pleasure washed over her, setting free emotions that she had held prisoner in her soul. This man—no longer a stranger, now held them.
Kissing her forehead, her cheeks, then finally her mouth, Finn smiled into her eyes. “Hello.”
Ali hummed and stretched—her body deliriously sore, “Hello yourself.”
Chuckling, Finn rolled away, but dragged her until she was settled on top of him. “I suppose you need to be fed.”
Ali licked her lips. It was crazy, but she already wanted him again. Her body still hadn't recovered, but she wanted him. She felt his chest rumbled with his groan. “Ah lass, we will surely burn ourselves out.”
“But, it would be so worth it.”
Chuckling, Finn gently moved her off of him, and got out of bed.
Ali drank in the sight of Finn’s naked body. Goodness gracious, the man was sheer perfection. He shot her a grin, letting her know he knew exactly what she was thinking. A brow winged up. “What? No woman, in her right mind, would pass up a chance to ogle you.”
Laughing, Finn leaned down and gave her a hard kiss. Then he donned his jeans and t-shirt. “The only woman I want ogling me, is you. I will go prepare something whilst you indulge in a shower.” He kissed her again just because he could. “No dark thoughts, Ali.”
She sighed. Waiting a few more minutes, she got out of bed and headed for the master bath. Holy cow, it was almost the size of her apartment. Oh yeah, she was definitely going to indulge. The hot spray of the shower worked its magic on her aching muscles. She bit her lip when she thought of how some had gotten so sore—Ali pondered her new situation. Despite Finn’s order, she couldn’t help but think of the ramifications of what they had done.
There was no way the others wouldn’t be able to see the change. What would they think? Did she even care? Thinking about it, she found she didn’t. Her stomach grumbled reminding her that food was being prepared. Quickly, she finished up her shower, wrapped her hair in a towel, dried off and got dressed. As much as she would love to just concentrate on her and Finn, she still had a job to do. Questions must be asked, and answers had to be found.
*****
“I can’t say anything?” Drake frowned, “Pretty damn unfair if you ask me.”
Tristan sipped at his coffee. “No one is asking you. What happened between Finn and Ali is their business.”
It was like he wasn’t even there. Sighing in exasperation, Finn produced a buffet of food. “Keep your comments to yourself Drake; I’ll not have Ali embarrassed.” Hearing Tristan clear his throat, Finn glanced up to see Ali in the threshold of the kitchen. He saw her hesitation, the saw her take a deep breath, straighten her shoulders and saunter up to where he stood. In front of Tristan and Drake, she went up on her toes and kissed him. Before he could deepen it, she was done, and was filling a plate with food.
“I’m starving, morning guys.” She saw Drake’s mouth open and when Tristan shoved him, she knew he had been about to make a comment. “You were told to behave weren’t you?” His dark expression made her laugh, “Thought so. Oh well, there’ll be plenty of other opportunities.”
At the devilment he heard in her voice, Finn had to ask, “You sound pretty sure of that, love.” He noticed that both Tristan and Drake looked uncomfortable.
“I am. There are five warriors and five Fragments.” She smiled at Drake. “Do the math big guy.” His response was swift.
“No freaking way. Just because you and Finn did the sheet tango, doesn’t mean I’m going to follow suit.”
Not in the least bit embarrassed, Ali bit into a strip of bacon. She took a moment to enjoy the heavenly taste before she shot back. “Careful, you might just have to eat those words.” Laughing at his flustered curses, she turned back to Finn. “I think I need to try to contact the second Fragment. The direction north and a town name is not a whole lot to go—even for me.”
Finn’s denial was immediate, “No, absolutely not.” The words bit out.
Ali straightened her back. “Excuse me?”
Drake laughed and rubbed his hands together. “Now this is good, a lover’s spat.”
In unison, Finn and Ali growled, “Shut up Drake.” The big warrior leaned back in his chair and grinned. Finn jammed his hands on his hips and glared at Ali. “We will head north. From there we should be able to track the Fragment’s energy.”
Her mouth dropped open at his authoritative tone. “That’s your plan? Stop and think, Finn. As the compass, I am the one, the only one, who can find them.”
“She’s right, Finn. We wouldn’t be able to find them even if they were right under our noses. Feel the energy, yes, but we’d never be able to locate her.”
Tristan’s confirmation, and Ali’s self-satisfied smile, had him cursing. “There has to be another way.”
Ali touched his arm. “You have your magick back; you’ll make sure I’m safe.”
Dragging her to him, he buried his face in the crook of her neck, breathing in her scent.
If anything happens to you— he couldn’t finish, instead he just tightened his hold.
Impatient as always, Drake stood and stretched. “If you two are finished with the lovey dovey stuff, are we doing this or what?”
They gathered in the living room. The men chose to stand making Ali feel self conscious. To break the tension, she asked them about the woman in the forest. “Before we start, who was the woman with Lugus?”
She heard Finn heave a sigh, “Her name is Vega. She is a demon of chaos.”
Ali felt her stomach fall—another crazy to add to the list. “The bad guys keep multiplying.”
“We will as well Ali.”
Hearing the conviction in Finn’s voice brought her a little comfort, but she wasn’t convinced. What she had seen in the forest told her that this Vega chick was a nasty piece of work and she could call up and control creatures that spewed from the ground. A shiver ran through her. “Where is Cian? He was in the forest with us, and what about Constantine?”
“We are here, Ali.”
Twisting around, she saw the two of them, looking as relaxed as could be. Well, maybe not Constantine. “Where did you go?”
Cian gave her a rueful smile before answering. “I went to make sure Vega had indeed escaped. I tracked her for a bit, then lost the trail; slippery creature those demons. As for Constantine—you’re going to have to do the asking.” He gave her a wink, and then proceeded to summon up himself a coffee. His quiet counterpart simply stood there, his eyes on her.
Ali tried to hold his gaze but found she couldn’t. The time would come however that she would press him for answers, but not today. “I think it’s time for me to do my thing.” Only this time, she would focus all of her thoughts on the town. There were no answers in the past about this unknown woman.
She moved to sit before the dark fireplace, jumping when the logs caught. She took several deep breaths, felt Finn’s energy pour into her. Everything inside her became still. Her breath became slow and steady. Closing her eyes, she let her mind open, and gave over to what was inside of her. There was a tug—she felt it deep in her soul, and then she took off.
As she moved, she absorbed her surroundings. Hissing whispers invaded her mind, taunting
her, threatening her. Ice cold fingers reached in and for a second Ali lost her concentration. Then she felt Finn’s energy, it propelled the cold back while still concealing her. A faint cry came to her on the wind, it was so quiet she was afraid her ears were playing tricks on her, but then it came again. Wasting no time, she locked onto the sound and sped through the air.
You have learned much, daughter. The sands of time are shifting Alina. He grows impatient and will be more forceful in his attempts to gain you and your sisters. You know what must be done. They are waiting for you—they feel him coming. They do not know what he is yet, not like you.
Hearing Agrona didn’t surprise her as it did before. I know what I have to do, I’m scared, but I will not let Mikel win. I have too much to lose. Warmth engulfed her, like a hug. Ali welcomed it.
You are very strong and will grow stronger yet. He does not understand the strength of the human heart. You will fight, Alina, and with the others, you will be victorious. There is no other choice. She waits for you. The second fragment of the Star, her name is Tala. She walks amongst the dead, back and forth. She sees and knows. There are many on the Otherside who wish to be as they once were.
I don’t understand—is she dead, is the second Fragment—Tala, a ghost? The very thought of that had her second guessing her mission. Thankfully, Agrona provided her with clarification.
No, not death—she is able to shift her being. She needs you, Alina. The warrior of the mind—Tristan—is hers. Be strong. Fight well. The shadows are waiting as well, they sense her turmoil. Use your gifts, feel her cries—feel her rage at what is happening to her. You are the compass—you connect all. Agrona left in a gentle waft of air.
Ali continued, fortified with new confidence. The cries reached her, but they weren't actual cries, more like shouts. It was as if this woman was telling someone, or something, off. Fatigue was creeping in and she knew she needed to pull back. If she pushed on, there could be serious repercussions. Finn would have a fit if she became ill.
Bringing herself to a stop, she floated down until she hovered a few inches off the ground. From her position, she could the dotted lights of a small town. Using the last of her energy, she sought out the woman. She saw a shack, and inside, a woman was pacing back and forth, a dog—or was it a wolf, paced by her side. Her face was hidden so Ali couldn’t get a clear visual. She was on the outskirts of this town, not far, North East of where she was now. She saw darkness as well. It hovered above the shack, nowhere else, just the tiny house, like a strange cloud. Whatever it was, it didn’t want Tala to leave.
Tala, can you hear me? Silence met her question. Ali could feel her energy weakening. She tried again. Tala, please answer me. I’m here to help you. Feeling the curious touch in her mind, Ali held her breath.
Who are you?
Her voice was strong and sure and tinged with heavy caution. Ali expelled a sigh of relief. I’m Ali. I don’t have a lot of time. My friends and I—we’re coming to get you.
Caution or no, Tala’s answer was swift. No, it’s not safe here. It’s too dangerous.
I know, but we need you. Remembering what Agrona had said, Ali offered another solution. I will send someone to you then. His name is Tristan, he will bring you to me and I will explain everything.
The silence that followed this time made her wary. Not that Ali could blame Tala for her mistrust. Hell, there were moments when she still felt like she was caught in a dream. She felt her hold slip. Come on Tala, answer me. A few more minutes passed before Tala spoke again.
Something tells me that I can trust you, but I will not trust your warrior.
Ali felt her hopes die. I know it’s asking a lot, but I swear to you, Tristan can be trusted.
I’m sorry. I just can’t allow him to come here.
Panic set in now. She had to find a way to get Tala to agree to have Tristan go to her. Tala—
If we must meet, then I will find you.
Hearing the finality in her tone, Ali wanted to leave a way for Tala to stay connected. Keep this link open, you can follow it. We’ll talk again soon.
I have to go, I’ve used too much energy and it’s too early to sleep.
The connection was closed and then the temperature dropped. The shadow came out of nowhere. It stuck Ali hard and she struggled to remain focused. She felt a searing pain where it had made contact. What the hell was that? She spun around and saw the misshapen figure. Like her, it hovered above the ground. There was no real face, just gaping holes where eyes should be, it had no mouth.
Leave this place—you’ve no business here human.
The words came out in a hiss, filling her mind. It stuck again, but this time Ali felt Finn with her, and together they managed to block the attack. Finn demanded that she return.
Ali, come back now. You cannot fight while in this form.
The shadow agreed. Listen to him. You are too weak to fight the likes of us. Leave, the woman here is ours.
Oh like some hell! She felt Finn pull her back. But before she gave in, Ali marked the ground using energy from the others. It scorched the ground beneath her. I’ll be back. Just before Finn locked onto her, Ali heard the hissing promise.
Then, you will die.
Her head filled with war and anarchy, images of her death had her screaming. She saw the other woman trying to fight off the shadows, but they were too much for her. Soon they consumed her and the world went dark. She tried to fight it but she was too tried. She heard Finn’s curses and knew he was struggling to bring her back. Traveling back to her body felt like being on a roller-coaster. Just when the feeling was getting to be too much, Ali came to a sudden stop.
Open your eyes agrah, I have you.
It took a second for her to understand, but then she opened her eyes, and there he was.
Finn relaxed as soon as he saw those eyes open and focus on him.
“We have to go, Finn. The shadows—they’re gathering. She won’t be able to fight them all. I saw her; she knows they’re there, she talks to them.” She turned to look at Tristan. “She’s yours, Tristan.” His expression pained her. “They will kill those who try to get to her.”
The giant warrior crossed his arms and pierced her with a hard look. “Show me where she is, and I will go to her.”
Ali shook her head, which had Tristan glowering at her. “She won’t allow you to come.”
A brow went up. “She won’t allow? This is not the time to gain permissions, Ali. This is war.”
“Tala said it was too dangerous.” She left the part out about trust. “The best I could do was make it possible for her to find us.”
Before things got out of control, Finn interrupted. Gently, he took Ali by the shoulders. He felt Tristan’s displeasure and Drake’s frustration, but having them pressure Ali wasn’t going to get them the answers they wanted. “Ali, you have to tell us where.” He cut off her protests with a gentle kiss. “We cannot wait; she will understand why you shared her location with us.”
Dropping her shoulders, Ali nodded, feverishly hoping that he was right. The heaviness of betrayal weighted on her as she told them what she knew. “There’s a small town, a village, north east of here. I marked the ground so that we could find it. Tala is in a small cabin, it hugs the boundaries of the village.” She turned her eyes to Tristan, who was preparing to leave. The look in his eyes made her shiver. They were cold and flat. “She told me she had used too much energy; that it was too early for her to sleep. Whatever these shadows want, they won’t rest until they have it.”
Unconcerned, but wanting to reassure her, Tristan answered, “They won’t be successful.”
The conviction in his voice had her trembling. She was so cold, not even the fire was warming her. All she could think about was getting back there before the shadows struck. Ever present in her mind, Finn brushed a kiss on the top of her head. “You are too weak to travel, love. You must regain your strength.”
She was weak; her outer body voyage took a lot out of he
r. Not to mention those shadows. They were like energy suckers and they had not been too happy to see her there. In fact if Finn hadn’t pulled her back, she was sure they would have made good on their promise of death. “There has to be a time out card I can play right? I mean this is getting pretty crazy.” How she wished she could snap her fingers and have this all over.
In an awesome show of strength, Finn got to his feet while still holding her in his arms. “Yes it would be over ‘in a snap’, but if that had been the case, you wouldn’t have had the pleasure of my company.” His eyes twinkled with humor; and though she was still very tired, Ali found smiling at his playful mood, then she snuggled her head down onto his shoulder.
They entered the bedroom and Finn gently placed her in the center of the bed. She was still very pale, but he could feel her strength retuning, “Rest.” It didn’t take Ali long to succumb to exhaustion. Standing over her Finn made his vow to her. No one would come near her.
Chapter Twenty-one
Someone was trying to wake her up. Ali groaned and swatted the insistent hand. Rolling over onto her side, she drifted back to sleep. Her rude intruder had interrupted her fabulous dream. Just as she tapped into the dream again, she felt a hand on her shoulder. This time, she put more force in her strike. She heard a deep chuckle before Finn’s voice filled her mind.
We have to go Ali. Tristan and Drake have already left to extract Tala.
Forcing her eyes open, Ali gave him a frown. “They left without us?”
Finn helped her to sit up. With her hair wildly rumpled and her eyes heavy with sleep, he wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed with her and shut the world out.
Noticing the change in his eyes, Ali tugged the blankets up under her chin. “We have no time for that mister.” Her lips twitched at the crestfallen pout he gave her, “Cian and Constantine?”
“Aye, they are waiting for us.”
Fully awake now, Ali slid out of bed. Stretching, slapping at Finn’s seeking hands, she headed for the bathroom. “Give me five minutes.”
The Compass Page 19