Passions of the Flame

by Passions of the Flame (NCP) (lit)

  Her mind wandered to thoughts of how glorious it would appear absent of the garment that draped it. Without so much as a warning, Fallon’s nipples peaked and the urge to rub them against his bare skin assailed her. Her cheeks immediately flushed—heated desire, fused with irritation at her lack of command, along with a bit of chagrin over her ruttish thoughts.

  “Why will ye no look at me, lass?” Kane leveled his head with hers. Was she blushin’?

  At the same instant Fallon covered her face with her hands to hide both her eyes and her mazed expression. “‘Twould be dangerous ta yer wits.”

  “How so?” Kane grinned as he straightened his knees. He was finding her ever so delightful a woman.

  “I am half-fae, Kane Siosal,” Fallon mumbled through her palms. “Ta catch me eye would bring upon ye a mental demise.”

  “I will take me chances, lass.”

  Fallon dropped her arms and stared beyond him, deciding it was safer to study the trees in the forests around her than to dare chance a glance at the handsome warrior in front of her. “Ye are a big fool then, Kane Siosal.”

  Ignoring her comment, Kane bent askew and attempted to meet her face yet again, determination to see her gaze driving him. But as before, she avoided the visual connection by snapping her lids shut.

  Kane chuckled at her reaction. She was truly skilled at this avoiding task, and she was truly amusing him, as well. Still, however, he wanted very much to see the color of her eyes. Having stolen a glimpse of them already, he knew it would be entirely enchanting to gaze upon them for longer than a split of a moment. Reaching forward, Kane placed the thumb of one hand just below Fallon’s right brow, his other thumb at her lower lashes and attempted to pry her lid open.

  “Ach!” Fallon squeezed her eyelids tightly and jerked her head askew. “Ye lookin’ ta poke me eye out, warrior?”

  “Nay, but ‘tis a thought,” Kane teased. “If ye be blind I could gaze upon yer beautiful eyes for an eternity.”

  “Cease, Kane Siosal!” Fallon slapped at his hands. And then she burst out laughing. It was such an absurd thing he was doing! “Have ye no care fer yer wellbein’?”

  Relenting, Kane dropped his arms and strolled over to a nearby well wall. He leaned against it, crossing one booted foot over the other. “Have no’ a concern, Fallon. I have already caught a fae’s eye this day, a true blooded one at that, and me mind has no’ been taken.”

  “Ye have no’!” Fallon denied he did such a risky thing.

  “Aye, I have. His name be The Bryan.”

  A male? Fallon’s eyes burst open and she gasped, finding herself staring directly into….

  She blew out a relieved breath. It was his horse’s eyes. Thank the gods Kane Siosal was off to her right side.

  But then Fallon’s chest tightened though she denied it was a reaction to what he had just said. She pondered why he would seek the sight of a male fae. Such a pity if Kane Siosal preferred his own gender. A pity for the other women….

  Not her….

  …of course.

  “Well then, perhaps ye should be seekin’ yer faerie lover instead of botherin’ me,” she said to Kane.

  His faerie lover?

  “Ha!” Kane slapped his thigh and stalked toward Fallon stopping a hand’s length away. “I assure ye, lass, a male is far from what I desire in me bed. Aside from that ‘tis no’ me he seeks, but still he will come ta where I rest me feet.”

  “And why that be?” Folding her arms, Fallon spoke to the empty air in front of her, ignoring how close Kane was to her side and how tantalizing his hot breath felt against her temple when he spoke.

  He smelled good, as well—like fresh earth on a dewy spring morn.

  Like nature in its breeding hour.

  Ach!

  She was apparently in her breeding hour.

  “The Bryan will come ta where I be because I will be nearby ye, and ‘tis ye he seeks.”

  “Me?” Fallon nearly turned to look at Kane, but halted and instead dropped her head downward.

  “I heard the words from his verra mouth.”

  What, Fallon wondered, dost a fae want with me? “I see. So ye plannin’ on bein’ me protector, Kane?”

  “Aye, that I be committed ta doin’.”

  Fallon liked the idea of Kane Siosal following her about, but she refused to acknowledge that outwardly … or inwardly for that matter—denial being a more favorable companion than admitting her attraction to the man. She tried not to think on the fact he had now captured her gaze twice over.

  “For what reason would ye partake of such a task? Ye do no’ know me, man.”

  “‘Tis true, but I do no’ like the man-fae and I do no’ like his comin’ here ta stake a claim on one of our own.”

  On ye, Fallon Moireach, Kane thought silently.

  He desired the pretty druid and bidding himself to be her protector, Kane had to admit, was a reasonable excuse to be near her. Though he would protect her anyway.

  “Ah, so ‘tis yer honor that persuades ye?” Fallon snorted, for she knew a mortal had nary a chance of defeating a faerie. “And how do ye think ta safeguard me from an immortal?”

  That comment was thought provoking to Kane. How would he, a mere mortal, defeat a creature possessing mystical powers?

  “I do no’ know,” Kane answered with a barefaced shrug. “‘Tis a bridge I will cross when I come ta it.”

  Fallon laughed loudly. “A man with a solid plan. Ye are interestin’ indeed, Kane Siosal.”

  She had to confess she was amused by him. But it was nothing more than that….

  Amusement….

  …of course.

  Scratching his head, Kane smirked in return. He was not appearing as much of a guardian at the moment.

  “Dost ye no’ think I may put him off on me own, Kane?” Fallon paced forward, her stride taking her closer to Kane’s mighty horse. She admired the beast—a beautiful destrier—clucking her tongue at him and petting his snout. “After all, I also be half-faerie and no’ so easily persuaded.”

  Tipping his head at an angle, Kane smiled. His horse was a mean-tempered beast to most others aside him, nipping and snorting and scraping its hoof when others moved a bit too close. Yet, with Fallon, it bowed its head almost reverently as she administered her affections on him.

  Interesting thing that.

  “May I ride the beast?” Fallon asked without turning around.

  Kane lifted an incredulous brow. “The druid is a brave lass, albeit no’ a wise one.”

  “He senses me oneness with nature and shall no’ harm me.”

  “He shall throw ye, Fallon.”

  “Nay, he shall no’.” With that, Fallon mounted the horse, straddling it, her action causing Kane’s heart to drop to his stomach. He darted forward, visions of his horse bucking and tossing and stomping Fallon, playing in his head.

  But the horse remained still with Fallon perched upon it. The beast’s only movement was the bobbing of his head as she gently stroked his mane.

  Kane halted and watched the interplay with amazement. He rubbed his brow with the palm of his hand and released a relieved breath. “It appears I be underestimated yer abilities, lass.”

  Fallon slashed a hand through the air, and then, lifting her chin, she tilted her head into a smug pose. “Nary a worry, Kane Siosal. ‘Tis a common error with mere mortal men.”

  Kane laughed, knowing she teased him, for he noticed how she pressed her lips tightly together to stifle a smirk. Still, he was not about to chance her becoming hurt by his horse so he climbed into the saddle behind her.

  Without warning he was overcome by the press of her body against him, heat spreading through him, his shaft twitching.

  Closing his eyes, Kane savored her warmth and the sweet smell of her hair, unable to resist touching her. His hands slipped around her hips, coming to rest on her bare thighs exposed by the hiking of her skirts as she straddled his horse.

  Kane bit his tingling lips to tamp the
craving to kiss her, for to do so would surely earn him a slap. But he could do nothing about the tightening in his gut or the thumping in his heart that he swore was audible through the awkward silence that now passed between them. His mind held visions of her thighs straddling him instead of the beast.

  Fallon’s grip tightened on the horse’s mane as Kane pressed against her. She shuddered at his nearness, and the obvious male reaction probing at her bottom.

  Drawing in a breath, she held it, a sudden urge pushed at her to sink into him, to have him hold her closer—to look at him. Fallon attempted to stifle the demanding sensations, ignore how tantalizing his warm hands felt against her flesh, how his muscular legs wrapped around her like a comfortable bed fur….

  Ach! Fallon winced. I can no’ believe I just likened him ta a thing I would enjoy in me bed!

  Perhaps looking twofold into his eyes was causing her to lose wit.

  She released the air in her lungs and the pace of her breathing quickened. Unable to endure it any longer, Fallon did the only thing she could think of. She swung a leg over the horse’s head and leapt from its back, dashing immediately into the house.

  The door slammed behind her and Kane stared at it for a lengthy time, feeling a bit astounded. He expected to be awed by the female druid, perhaps even a bit intimidated by the spirit powers she possessed.

  But where other men revered the druid, shunned the immortal, mostly out of fear, what Kane found in her was a charming, desirable woman.

  To him, Fallon Moireach was more human than fae. And he wanted her in earnest.

  Chapter Five

  “Dost he continue ta follow behind us?”

  Fallon and Alanna ambled along the forest path collecting the remainder of the nine woods Fallon needed to offer up at the celebration.

  “Why do ye no’ look fer yerself?” Alanna smirked.

  Flashing her friend a sidelong glance, Fallon blew out an annoyed breath in response. “Ye know I can no’ do that. The druid virtue of honor requires me to always do the right thing. Even if it means self-denial.”

  “Do ye wish ta be alone all of yer days, Fallon?”

  “‘Tis me fate.”

  “A fate ye have chosen yerself.”

  “And what if I do catch his eye?” Fallon questioned her friend as she walked over to examine the tiny, fragile flowers sprouting from a whitethorn tree. “He’ll no’ be much of a companion after he is vacant of mind.”

  “‘Tis worth the chance. Do ye no’ think?” Alanna fanned her face with her hand and exhaled long and slow through puckered lips, as if to cool herself down. “Kane Siosal is verra pleasin’ ta the eye.”

  “Aye, that he be,” Fallon agreed as she fingered the various twigs on the tree. And then she frowned. “Well, as much as I have seen of him is quite fetchin’.”

  Gently caressing the gnarly branch, Fallon gave homage to the whitethorn murmuring humbly, “I thank ye fer yer gift.”

  With great care, she broke a few of the older stems away from its branches. Placing them in the basket she carried, Fallon returned to the path where Alanna waited for her.

  “I be bettin’ that what lies beneath his leine is impressive as well.” Alanna bumped Fallon’s shoulder with her own. “Do ye think he has a large man part?”

  “Oh, Alanna!” Fallon’s eyes widened with astonishment at her friend’s comment. “Yer mind wanders on a single path.”

  Heat flooded her cheeks and Fallon’s face reddened, for she was thinking the very same thing.

  She had felt the very same thing.

  And it was quite impressive.

  “Aye!” Alanna laughed. “But I see by yer face that ye are also considerin’ the pleasures that the warrior might give ta yer body.”

  “Shush, Alanna! He will hear ye.”

  “Then let him hear. Me thinks he fancies ye anaway, Fallon.”

  “Nay, he dost no’.”

  “So ye think. And he trails us, for what reason?”

  “I have told ye. He quarrels with a fae who seeks me.”

  “Ach! I was listenin’, Fallon. Kane Siosal made no pretense about wantin’ ta protect ye, and ye bein’ a total stranger and ev’rythin’. Well surely ‘tis because he favors ye.”

  “Hmph.” Fallon disregarded her words. “No man with stable musings would find interest in a woman he knew would drive him mad. Unless he be already mad.”

  “Well if he be already mad, then ye have no worries.”

  With a huff, Fallon abandoned Alanna, saying nothing more about it. She continued walking down the path, still a bit annoyed with her friend for hiding behind a bush near her house when Kane Siosal came calling. Alanna had been eavesdropping on the whole of the conversation exchanged between Fallon and the warrior, only to reveal her presence once Kane departed.

  “Ye can run, but ye can no’ hide from yer feelin’s!” Alanna yelled and then quickened her pace. Catching up with Fallon, she snatched her friend by the upper arm and gently yanked.

  Annoyed, Fallon stopped in her tracks and turned to Alanna. “What do ye want now?”

  “Offer yerself ta him.”

  “Nay,” Fallon returned with a snort. “‘Tis better unmarried than ill-married.”

  Lifting her brows, Alanna placed her hands askew. “Now who be talkin’ about marriage?”

  “Then what mean ye, Alanna?” Fallon regarded the question, feigning ignorance, though she could tell by the sparkle in Alanna’s eyes exactly her word’s intent.

  A wily smile crested Alanna’s lips. “Take Kane Siosal ta the forests this eve, after the offerin’s and allow him ta have ye.”

  “A single night of pleasure?” Fallon wrinkled her brows. “What would be the purpose in a thin’ such as that?”

  Aside from the obvious.

  Shrugging, Alanna turned, shifting her gaze down the path from whence they had come, her sight settled on the man who followed them. He too had halted, perched upon his horse—far enough away not to hear—near enough to keep watch.

  “What better way ta give guidance ta a bedded woman who seeks yer advice, if you have the experience yerself.”

  Fallon blinked at Alanna.

  ‘Twas no’ arguin’ with that perspective, she reasoned.

  Fallon would fare much better in her counsel to the women if she had an understanding of the lovemaking act. She thought about it momentarily as she studied Alanna’s expression, and then snickered when she realized Alanna’s purpose. “Ach! Ye care no’ about my counselin’ duties, Alanna. Yer jest goadin’ me inta seekin’ me lusts.”

  “Aye,” Alanna agreed with a sly grin and a nod. “And why should I no’ encourage ye, Fallon? Ye deserve it, lass.”

  Leaning her head closer to Fallon’s ear she whispered, “Kane Siosal is the kind of man that would have a woman shriekin’ with delight.”

  An intriguing thought that nearly had Fallon turning her head to cast a glance toward where Kane Siosal sat on the path. Stiffening at the last moment, Fallon faced Alanna. “Nay, I do no’ want him.”

  Alanna opened her mouth to respond, but a voice interrupted her.

  “If ye do no’ want him, then perhaps ye will give yer attentions ta me.”

  Fallon turned to the male voice that seemed to appear from nowhere. “And who might ye be?” Fallon asked.

  Accustomed to looking beyond the faces of those who spoke to her, she focused on an area just past his shoulder, but the aura she sensed around the man told her he was not of this world.

  To her side, Alanna gasped, so overcome at the sight of the faerie, she fainted dead away, dropping to the ground with a thud.

  The sound of hooves pounding the path rushed up behind Fallon, Kane Siosal’s voice bellowing through the breeze, commanding the faerie to keep away.

  Far be it from a faerie to listen to a mortal, for he took a step toward Fallon who started to back away. “What do ye here, fae?”

  “I have come ta claim ye, Fallon Moireach,” the faerie responded with a low, c
hilling snicker that sent an unsettling shudder through her. “Now look me in the eye.”

  “Oh, I do no’ think so.” With that, Fallon buried her face in her basket of woods, determined fend off the fae’s request.

  “Keep yer hands from her, The Bryan!” Kane yelled as he closed in on them.

  Snickering, The Bryan waved a hand causing Kane and his horse to come to a sharp halt. Kane’s horse bucked and nickered at an unseen barrier that rushed like a wind so mighty and a roar so loud it caused Kane to grind his teeth. Kane’s hair whipped around his head and his eyes watered making it difficult for him to see. His horse became skittish, kicking out his hind legs and bucked so ferociously, Kane was thrown from his mount. He hit the ground harshly and rolled a few times before stopping. With a grunt of pain, Kane forced himself to his feet, keenly aware that a rib was cracked, the warm moisture beneath his shirt a sure indication he was bleeding. He pushed aside the thought of a rib likely poking through his skin and ignored the pain. Instead, Kane’s eyes darted down the path, and he rushed forward, but was halted once more by the wall that the faerie created. Unable to reach them, Kane watched with outrage as The Bryan grasped Fallon by her arm. She screamed, struggling to pull away.

  The Fae looked in Kane’s direction, a mocking expression on his face. His hand came up and he snapped his fingers. A loud, booming noise rent the air, and as it did, The Bryan and Fallon vanished.

  “Nay!” Kane yelled.

  Withdrawing his durk, he slashed at the indiscernible wall. There was a crackling sound and Kane fell through. Stumbling forward, he fought and then gained control of his feet.

  He listened carefully to his surroundings. If Fallon had looked the fae in the eye, she would be gone to the otherworld.

  His stomach churned with the thought.

  But if she resisted, Fallon would still be here, hopefully nearby.

  A female screech gave him his answer.

  Fallon.

  “Oh,” Alanna moaned as she began to recover from her swoon. “Fallon?”

  “Remain here,” Kane ordered her.

  Already he was breaking through the wooded foliage, heading toward the sound of Fallon’s voice. Still holding his blade, Kane came upon a clearing. He slowed his pace in an attempt to quiet the sound of his treading feet and stopped just short of bursting through the brush. He saw Fallon struggling against the faerie-man, her eyes tightly shut as she swung her fists at him. The string of curses that spewed from her mouth would have had Kane chuckling if he was not so worried about how he was going to rescue her from the grips of The Bryan. It would have to be accomplished unawares or else the faerie would vanish with Fallon once more.