“Any tests that need to be completed? I can help record results if you wish.”
“Thanks. Why not? It’ll help get things moving along.” Owain escorted her downstairs into his lab.
* * *
Four hours later, Colette rubbed her eyes and finished making the last notes on an experiment that was finished. “This one is done and ready to be destroyed.” She found his destroying the samples he’d taken a good precaution to preventing people from asking embarrassing questions. “Anything else?”
“No, I’m done here, too. Our flight is on Aer Lingus, Flight Number 7223. We’ll be arriving at three p.m. their time. The gate is A-13.”
“Great. Let me call Eileen and let her know to expect us then.” Colette grabbed her cell phone, which she had brought down earlier in the evening. She dialed a number and waited. “Sorry to disturb
you, Eye, but I’m arriving on Aer Lingus, flight seventy-two twenty-three, gate A thirteen.” “We’ll be there tomorrow. Our flight leaves in the morning,” Owain interspersed. “Tomorrow, then Eye. You got the info that I requested from Riana?” “Got it and made copies for the grove. You doing okay? Riana said things were a bit unusual
for you.” “I’m fine. New job, interesting boss.” “Sounds good then, Col. I’ll see you when you get here. Anything else you might need?” Colette thought about that for a minute, chewing at her thumbnail. “Not sure, probably nothing
major. I’m not sure we’re staying longer than the day.” “If you need something more, let me know. The flight is about nine hours, so call me anytime
during the trip if something comes up. Later.” Colette closed her phone and smiled. “All set on my end. Anything you need to do?” Owain shook his head. “No, just need to get online and do some things there. Then I’ll be done
and ready to leave. You need to pack still?” “I’m pretty much packed, but I need some sleep.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Come join me when you’re done.”
She left him alone to finish his work. He was grateful to her for knowing he needed some away time. Booting up his computer, he quickly logged online and signed into the Marauder network. Quickly he uploaded the files dealing with the latest experiments, including the handwritten notes that he scanned and uploaded to his private file area. Then he instant messaged his brother, Finn.
Owain: You busy, deárthaír? Finn: No, not really. What’s going on? Long time no see. Owain: My search is narrowing down. Found out some interesting info from the Cairo Museum.
Spoke to Dr. Ola Mahdi. Finn: Really? The same Ola that was once high priestess of Sekhmet? What did she have to say? Owain: That Sekhmet traveled to see gods about the vampires. Read how she helped make the
original blood drinkers alongside a few more blood gods. Finn: What do you need from me? Owain: I need an audience with Morrigu. Finn: You’re asking a lot. She barely tolerates seeing Miach and me. What’s this about? Owain: I need to find out her part in the making of the vampires.
Finn: Didn’t Shane and Patrick do research on that already? Why do you need to confront Morrigu?
Owain: Because she created my twin and me into vampires. She made Cadrus into a vampire. There has to be a reason why she did that on First Night.
Finn: I will ask her. When will you be arriving in Eire?
Owain: Tomorrow afternoon.
Finn: I’ll send word with Shane or Patrick.
Owain: Thanks, deárthaír.
Finn: Watch your back and be careful with Colette. She’s a good woman, just a bit confused on her place in things.
Owain: Yeah, I know. I do like her, Finn.
Finn: What about love?
Owain: It’s too soon, but I could easily. I’m just not sure she could love me unconditionally.
Finn: Believe. It can happen. Look at Kirstie and Niam. They are in love, deeply and they accept each other as they are.
Owain: It’s hard being a blood drinker. But, if one of us has made it, it is a sign that the rest of us might indeed be freed sometime.
Finn: Indeed. I have faith that one day my soulmate will come now. Now that we know that those marked do exist. I only hope she can understand my place as ovate.
Owain: I hope so, too. Take care and rest, Finn. I’ll talk to you sometime later.
Finn: Oiche mhaith, mo dheartháir.
Shutting down his computer, Owain considered Finn’s words. He was right. Morrigu was unlikely to see him, but he had to try. And then there was Colette. Just this short time with her was beginning to play havoc on his heart. He cared for her deeply. Very deeply. There was no doubt in his mind that she could be the one to release him from his curse. But unless she loved him unconditionally, there was no way of release.
Turning off the lights in the lab, Owain climbed the stairs and locked the door. They had to leave early in the morning and a good night’s sleep was necessary. He discarded his clothes and climbed naked into his bed, Colette turned towards him, wanting to be held close. His arms wrapped around her body, he looked into her sleeping face and smiled. “Soon, we’ll know the answers and be able to help those in need.”
She murmured something in her sleep and curled against him more. Brushing a stray lock of brunette hair, Owain kissed her cheek. “Good night, my grá. Oiche mhaith. Sleep well.”
Owain’s eyes closed and his breathing evened out as sleep collected him gently and his mind moved him to a time so long ago, he had never forgotten it, but hadn’t dwelt much upon it either. It was the time of the First Night.
* * *
His head remained bowed as he carved the raven from the yew wood. It had bled when he asked the sacred tree for a piece to create an image of darkness. There was no forgiveness to be had from Morrigu and his brothers and he knew it. But perhaps in giving her something sacred, a willing piece of himself, he might at least buy Donal and Miach some kind of freedom. Tonight was the night. She had warned them all.
In the distance, a dog barked and there was a babe crying. Owain sighed. This night would live forever burned in his memories until his death. Gods alive he hoped that The Morrigan would let him die swiftly and without dishonour. He finished making the last of the cuts, enjoying the feel of the wood in his hands. The prickle of pain crept up his neck and almost stunned him with its intensity.
“Niam, I’m coming!” he whispered, his hands dropping the raven, the totem of The Morrigan.
“No, you are not, Owain Maraigh.” The words were cold, the voice like honey smoothness.
“Morrigu, I bid you to let me see mo dheartháir. I feel his pain.”
The goddess stood there, dressed in black, her violet eyes flashing. “What you feel is not just pain, but the result of his punishment.”
Owain stepped back and knelt in obedience in front of the goddess. “Then we’re not to die?”
Her laughter filled her with dread. “Oh, no, dear twin of Niam. You shall not die this night or any other to come. You shall serve in the darkness and repent of your deeds against me and mine.”
His head lifted, dark eyes meeting hers. “Then what will you do to me, Lady Goddess of war? Before you act, accept this gift as proof of my acceptance of your decision.” With deft fingers, he picked up the raven, handing it to the goddess.
The Morrigan received it, studying the details as well as feeling the magick imbued within each carved stroke of her totem. A small smile crept up as she noticed the dark red yew sap on her fingers. “Oh, I like this, twin of Niam, son of Eowan. Remove your clothes and lay upon the ground beneath this life-giving yew.”
Without question, Owain followed her orders. His boots, breeches and his tunic he removed deftly, saying not one word. After folding them, he laid silently on the cold, hard ground, feeling the leaves and grass beneath him. Perhaps she would allow him to have an immram, an inner soul journey, before proceeding, but he doubted it highly.
“Oh, this is like a living immram, dear Owain. Tilt your head up, show me your neck as if I wanted to slice your head f
rom it.” The Morrigan crouched beside him, her long nails raking his naked skin. When he complied, her nails raked across his neck, her body shivering slightly in the chilled air. “You are rambunctious, unlike your twin, but you share a similar respect for life. Yet, my daughter’s life was forfeited. How do you rationalize that?”
Owain swallowed. He knew this would come. “We were told—“
“You were told? Do you believe all you’re told to do without question?”
“When it comes with your mark, yes.” Owain stared into the eyes of the war goddess. “Had we questioned anything with your mark, you’d have killed us for disobedience. Now you wish me to have disobeyed? Which do you prefer, goddess of blood, death and fear?”
“Defiant are we? For that, you are right. I love war and the sound of imminent death. To hear war drums and pipes sound as people fight and clash. The spilling of blood to satisfy the dark urges. For your words, you shall need blood to drink, and on occasion you shall spill it in your need to stay alive. Only this way can you feel my wrath!”
He couldn’t move. Her hands were touching him, caressing his skin, making his blood heat with desire and more. Never had he craved intimacy with her, but now, now he needed to be inside her, fucking her mindlessly. When her hands stroked his cock, a moan erupted from his throat. “Morrigu, please, don’t…my brother, Niam...”
“I shall do as I please, Owain Maraigh, you best remember that. I am the goddess and you are mortal, at least for a few moments longer. From blood that flows to the blood that sinks into the earth, this I curse thee with. You shall feed on blood and crave it. Without it, you’ll be in eternal pain, but I will not allow you to die.” Her mouth closed upon his, her teeth ripping his bottom lip, blood filling both their mouths.
Then she pulled back, baring her breast, her nipple taut and begging to be suckled. Pressing it to his mouth, his lips surrounded the purplish tip, his teeth rasping, teasing it. Her moan made him chuckle internally, knowing at least in this, he was giving her pleasure. Her hand stroked his cock in time with his suckling, his other hand freed to play with her other breast. Suddenly she pushed his face deeper against her rounded flesh.
“Bite me, drink of my blood, Owain Maraigh. Bite me and drink, I command it!” Her voice was hoarse with desire and something else, Owain noted.
He shook his head, but she pressed until his mouth and nose were completely covered. Without a doubt in his mind, he knew she’d suffocate him as well as work magick upon him. Her nails bit into his cock and scrotum. Instinct took over reason and he bit her nipple hard, feeling warm liquid trickle into his mouth as she eased back enough for him to inhale through his nostrils.
“There you go, Owain. Drink of my blood. Drink and become one with the night creatures.” Her body rocked over his as he continued to drink and touch her body.
He couldn’t say when he finished drinking of the blood milk that emerged from her body, but he felt the changes as a severe pain surged through his belly. His hands gripped her breasts tightly as his body trembled in pain. “Morrigu!”
“The change comes, Owain. Don’t fight it; revel in it as it’ll be the life you’ll lead for all time. Not even Arawn can touch you once you’ve changed.” Her body pressed against his, her wetness between her thighs caressing his cock, causing him to gasp aloud. “Feel my arousal, druid? Feel the heat that burns within me at the sight of my blood in your mouth and trailing down your chin?”
He opened his eyes in shock.
“Yes, the sight of blood arouses me like none other, Owain, fallen druid. The sight of you drinking my blood has me hot and needy, but I’ll not slake my thirst upon you. That will fall to another of your brothers. Now you’re a creature of the night, a nosferu.”
Owain cringed, remembering tales of the blood drinkers. Now, because of his patroness, he was one of them. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he gazed upon her harsh beauty. “As you will, my goddess. How shall I feed and not kill anyone?”
Her smile was mocking and yet filled with something else. “You will learn to only take what you need to sustain you. You can eat regular foods, go out by day, you can even drink. But you must drink blood at least once a day and more often when you’ve fought against those who would destroy this world.”
He bowed his head. “I shall serve the side of light and yourself as I have always done, Morrigu.”
“Yes, you shall. Nosferu droi you are. Nosferu droi you’ll forever be. I leave now, but remember you must feed. Try not to kill your friends while you learn to control your hunger, fallen Owain.” With those parting words, The Morrigan vanished into the night, nothing but the sound of a raven’s laughter to remind him of what he’d just gone through.
“Gods around us, what price for being deceived,” Owain whispered as he slowly dressed, aware of how his senses seemed more acute in the darkness. Once he was fully clothed, he began seeking his brothers. How the Isle of Iona looked so very different on this night. How everything looked different now that he was forever changed, due to one act of unknowing disobedience.
Chapter Seven
>Colette wanted to scream. The flight was longer than she wanted to sit through but there was no other choice. They were beginning their final descent and soon would be at Dublin airport. Thanks the gods for small favors. I was starting to think that we’d never arrive. Riana is nuts to fly about so damn much. I wanna go home and not travel for a while. My ass hurts.
“We’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. You’ve been remarkably patient, Col,” Owain said with a wink. “Is there anything you’d like to see while we’re in Dublin for the day?”
“A good pub and perhaps a library.”
“A library?”
Colette smiled fully. “What can I tell you, I need to verify the things I’m given, plus I want to see if I can get a message to one of my other friends.”
“A Helsinger?”
“No, she’s not one of us. She’s a normal female with a new baby. I want to let her know I received the email with the pictures of my godson.” She removed a small picture case from her pack. Handing it to Owain, she chuckled. “Yes, in a way, I’m a doting godmother. Not the fairy godmother type though. Almost wish I was.”
Owain leafed through the pictures and noticed both the young infant’s interspersed with pictures of her nephew and sister. “He’s adorable. What’s his name?”
“Cadon Anthony. He turned four months old today.”
“Wonderful. No wonder you want to let her know you’re okay. Shouldn’t be a problem. There are internet cafes around Dublin we can stop at as well.”
Colette nodded. “Great. It’ll make it easier. I don’t want Kelly worrying about me too much. She only knows I took a sabbatical from work for a while.”
The airline stewardess interrupted their tête a tête, reminding them to push their seats in the upright position. They waited until she moved on and looked out the window as the plane reached the tarmac. The plane came to a stop, then slowly rolled to its designated disembarking area. Colette collected her pack while handing Owain’s his. “Thank gods we’re here. I don’t think I could’ve flown another hour without getting down on the ground and making love to it.”
His chuckle warmed her heart and soul. “Wouldn’t you prefer making love to a man?”
“Only if he was the one putting my ass on the ground, O.” She winked at him. “But in this case, the ground possesses slightly more stability than a male who moves.”
They undid their seatbelts and stood as the crew thanked all the passengers for being on the flight. Moving fairly quickly, they were able to disembark without a long wait as they were near the front of the aircraft. Moving with an assurance, Owain gestured for her to follow him towards the baggage claim area. Walking down the stairs, Colette felt her muscles begin stretching in relief. Though their seats were comfortable, she was aware of the numbness in her right ass cheek from sitting too long. The walking helped relieve the stiffness in her left knee, a le
ftover reminder of the crash on her bike over ten months ago.
“How much further til we’re out of here?”
“Not much. Just need to go to baggage claim now we’re past security.”
Colette grinned. “Never realized you’re such a big shot.” His snort made her chuckle. “Hey, it’s not everyday I get to walk through security that fast and without much of a hassle.”
“Marauders have their perks.”
“So I see. When do I get the bennies, babe?”
“Did you not get through customs quickly?”
Colette pouted. “That’s all I get?”
“What more do you want?”
Her head tilted. “You know, I’m not too sure, but I’ll think of something.”
“Somehow I’m not surprised, Col. I really am not.”
Two men standing near one of the baggage areas talking with a woman caught her attention. There was a look about them, not just the traditional Celtic look, one dark haired, the other a light brown, but their nonchalantness reminded her of Davyd. “Those two must be for you.” Her thumb aimed at them. “Cûntoír, right?”
“Yeah. I don’t recognize the woman speaking to Patrick though. Can you get our bags while I talk with them?” Owain didn’t wait for an answer, but strolled over towards the two men.
Patrick spoke quietly to the beautiful woman. “So after this is done, we can go for something to eat and perhaps go for a ride of some kind?”
“I’m not sure if I should. I mean, I barely know you.”
“If you trust Shane, you’ll be amazed on how much more trustworthy I am.”
The blonde kissed his cheek, her hand stroking his chest. “This I’m sure of. Yet, for some reason, I find myself wanting someone a bit more dangerous and a little less trustworthy.” Her mouth took his and after a moment, she pulled back, leaving Patrick O’Connor slightly stunned. “Maybe another time, Paddy.”
With that, she winked at Shane and walked towards the doors that led to the parking areas. Shane stepped next to his brother and patted his shoulder. “Life goes on. She wasn’t really much your type anyway.”
Call of the Wylde Page 7