Call of the Wylde

by Cynnara Tregarth

  Owain stepped up to them both. “Hey, you two. How are things in Eire?”

  The dark haired, dark eyed Shane shook Owain’s hand. “Doing great, Owain. Finn’s been keeping me busy, but never too busy to pull one over mo dheartháir. How are you doing?”

  Patrick gave Owain a brief hug. “Things are fine. Donal and I are finishing up a few issues up north, but otherwise, we’re good to go.”

  Lifting a brow at Patrick, Owain nodded. “Sounds like my brothers are keeping you both on your toes. You’ve got the information I need?”

  Shane handed over the file folder. “Finn also told me that I’m to inform you that I’ll be picking you up around midnight. He said come prepared for anything and everything. I’ve got the family car here for you to use while you’re in Dublin.”

  “Great,” Owain responded, taking the keys while he glanced at the folder’s contents. “This is intriguing. Have you both read it?”

  “Yeah,” Patrick stated. “Personally, it’s almost too vague on Morrigu’s role in things. There’s got to be more behind it than what is easily known.”

  “Agreed, Paddy. Look, Owain, it’s not like you don’t know how the vampires work or their methods. I don’t see why you need to find out how they were created. What good will it do for your research?”

  Owain shot Shane a look, causing the young man to step back. “I know you don’t get it, but trust me, it’s important. If we know the origins, then perhaps we’ll know more on how the DNA switches and whether or not using stem cells will bring a person back to normal.”

  Suddenly, Colette’s voiced was louder than any of the background noise. “OH, OWAIN, YOUR LUGGAGE IS GOING BY AGAIN!”

  He turned and saw Colette standing with her luggage as she pointed out his red and black striped travel bag as it went by with its matching smaller bag. “DID YOU WANT ME TO GET YOU A SLAVE TO PICK IT UP FOR YOU, SAHIB?”

  Shaking his head, he strode quickly to where Colette stood. His luggage had passed by. “Don’t worry, O, just like you, it will come again, I promise,” she said with a wicked grin.

  “You’re a pain in the ass, Col. Why couldn’t you have gotten my luggage for me like I asked?”

  “I’m sorry, I distinctly recall you not asking, but demanding. I am not a slave for you or your luggage. Had you asked nicely, I might’ve picked it up,” Colette growled. Looking to her right, she clapped excitedly. “Oh lookie, your luggage returns. It must love you and have responded to the mental plea you sent out.”

  Stifling an urge to shake Colette, Owain grabbed his luggage. Behind him, he could hear the laughter of both O’Connors. “Shut up, you arses before I beat you senseless.”

  “Miss, I don’t know who you are, but that’s the first time I’ve ever seen a Maraigh put in his place,” Shane chortled as he kissed Colette’s hand. Patrick shook her hand after and added, “I’m Patrick and the suave lady killer is Shane. It’s been a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  Colette winked. “Pleasure is all mine, you two. Are you my escorts while we’re here?”

  Shane grinned wider, “Well, if you are in need—“

  “No she’s not,” Owain growled, his fangs showing slightly. “She’s my coworker and you’ll not touch her. Ever. Understood?”

  Colette patted Owain’s arm. “Protective bloodsucker, isn’t he? He’s so cute when he’s all excited about my body parts. My name is Colette Wylde. You all work for Owain and his family, right?”

  “Yes, we do. So, you’re a cûntoír. too?” Patrick asked, his eyes moving from Colette to Owain’s arm protectively wrapped around her waist. “Or perhaps something else?”

  Shane nodded. “Finn said something about Owain being batty over a woman, but he wouldn’t cough up details. Can’t wait to tell Michael Padraig about this. He’ll be hooting with laughter.”

  “Batty? Oh, we do need to talk, Shane,” Colette said as she slipped from Owain’s grasp, taking Shane’s arm. “Define batty and does it mean that he adores me and I’m his goddess?”

  “Take one step with her and there will be a dead cûntoír and a spanked ban droi, female druid,” Owain growled. “You will not play with the help. Understood, Col?”

  Colette sighed and kissed Shane’s cheek. “I’d hate to see you dead, though I have to admit, I bet you make many a girl happy with that blarney tongue of yours. However, the vamp has a point, I am with him and I have issues with being spanked.” Shooting Owain a glare, she continued. “But unlike my male companion, I’m a lot nicer than to threaten someone who my life depends on at various times.” Before she stepped back near Owain, she grabbed Shane’s tight ass and sighed. “Life was so much better before I was a claimed woman. I am a claimed woman, right, Owain? Or are you just making noise like most pain in the ass alpha males I know?”

  Owain pulled Colette against him, ignoring the people around them. Tilting up her chin, he looked deep in her eyes. Oh shit, I think I pushed too far. “Yes, dear?”

  “You know exactly what and who you are to me. I won’t have you sullying it just for flippancy sake, Colette. I won’t have it.” His lips crushed her mouth, his tongue questing and claiming. When she was out of breath, Owain released her and stepped back. “You about ready to go now?”

  Colette took a minute to regain her bearings. Shaking her head, she looked at the vampire before her. Did he just dismiss that kiss and her? He didn’t because if he did, she was going to make him pay. Perhaps he just wanted out of the airport. “You mean ready for bed, right? Or ready for you to feed me as I’m starving and if I starve, you’ll never get good work out of me.”

  Before Owain responded, she hefted up her luggage and headed towards the exits. Patrick shook his head. “Damn.”

  “Life goes on, deárthaír. She’d have walked all over us. Hell, I think she did that to our boss,” Shane grinned. “I don’t think she knows where the car is though.”

  “Let’s go and catch the woman before she causes more of a scene here in Ireland and gets us deported.” Owain grabbed his luggage and strode after her.

  Once outside, Colette inhaled deeply, taking in the scents of springtime. Where the hell was Eileen? Tapping one foot, she looked around to figure out where the guys would’ve parked the car.

  “Looking for someone?” The female voice was damn familiar. Turning to her right, she saw Eileen walking towards her. “Sorry, I’m late. Finding a parking spot was horrendous as usual. Here are the papers you wanted.”

  Colette shoved the folders unopened into her pack then hugged the young, dark-haired woman. “How are you doing, Eye?”

  “As well as can be expected. Once this damn master thesis is done, I’ll be much happier. Then I can relax a bit before Riana forces me to get my Ph.D.”

  Both women laughed. “Yeah, she’s not pushy at all is she?”

  “No, never,” Eileen chuckled. She nudged her head to the left. “Do you know the three hoodlums headed this way or are you in trouble again?”

  Glancing over her shoulder, Colette smirked. “Yes and yes.”

  Both women waited until the dark haired trio arrived. Quickly, Colette gave introductions. “Eileen Collins, this is Owain Maraigh, Shane O’Connor, and Patrick O’Connor. Owain, Shane, Patrick, this is my good friend and fellow ban droi, Eileen Collins.”

  “Pleasure to meet you, Eileen,” Owain said, clasping her hand.

  “You’re the bloke that Col’s working with, right?”

  “Yes.”

  Eileen’s dark brow rose. “Yeah, you radiate vampire like it’s a sex thing. Colette, I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “I seem to. You going to be around if I have questions?”

  Eileen nodded. “Yeah, I’m headed to the library after a bite to eat. Where you staying if I need to find you?”

  “The Alexander Hotel,” Owain chimed in. “Just call and ask for the Maraigh suite.”

  “I best take my bogtrotter self outta here then,” Eileen joked, hugging Colette. “Call me on my mo
bile if you need me.”

  “Will do, Eye. Let me know if you need me, too. We’ll be here about a day or so.”

  Eileen waved to the others and walked across the street, heading towards the parking mania that awaited them all. Colette looked at the three men. “Well? We leaving or standing here all day?”

  “Your chariot awaits,” Shane responded, leading them across the street to the VIP parking lot. “The car for you and Niam is the black car there on the left. Our car is the deep blue one further down on the right.”

  Owain grinned. “I love VIP parking. Makes it easier to get in and out.”

  Colette shook her head while dumping her luggage on the ground by the trunk, except her pack. “Must be wonderful. Can we go check into the hotel, then get some food before I decide to nibble on one of the cûntoírs?”

  An hour later found Colette stuffed to the gills and happily considering a nap. They had gone to a Gothic style restaurant called Gallagher’s. The food was impeccable and the atmosphere was definitely enough to make the vampire crowd happy. For Colette, it had been relaxing and after the agonal plane flight, it was the perfect thing. Shane and Patrick had checked Owain and her into the hotel, then headed who knows where. Sitting in the car next to Owain, she felt safe and relaxed.

  “Where to next, O?”

  “You said something about going to the library. Which one?” “There’s more than one?” Colette’s gaze landed on Owain. “You have your choice of National Archives, Dún Laoghaire Library, Royal Irish Academy,

  Trinity College Library where the Book of Kells is located, Central Catholic Library, Central Library of Dublin, or one of the specialist libraries. Pick one.”

  A whistle escaped her lips. “Well damn, you all got libraries like most people have shoe stores. I need a place that has access to ancient Celtic journals and such. Ogham writing is fine too, but not old enough.” Colette patted her pack that had the folder Eileen had given her.

  “Vampire hunting, are we?” “Something like that.” “Okay, that means we’ll be more likely to find out information at Chester Beatty or Trinity.” Colette perked up. “Chester Beatty? That’s where Riana spends time. Can we go there?” “On our way, my dear.”

  * * *

  Colette groaned. They had limited time at the Chester Beatty, but because of Riana’s name, they were able to see the sources she’d recently pulled after a confirmatory phone call. More importantly, they gave her and Owain an extra hour to glance through things. Now it was definitely beyond closing time and they were being summarily removed.

  On their way out, a young woman nodded at them and Colette gave her thanks. Once they were outside, she shivered in her coat as Owain led her to the car. “What do you think about the material Riana was looking at?”

  “She knows how to research Celtic history a hell of a lot better than any of us have given her credit for. Plus, she seems to understand the twists in the Celtic Christianity legends,” Owain admitted reluctantly.

  Colette stopped dead in her tracks. “Oh, my gods, are you admitting she might not be the big

  baddie you’ve all painted her out to be?” “No, I’m not saying that, I’m saying she’s thorough but not that she’s always accurate.” Her snort rang through the early evening air. “Let’s go to the hotel. I’m tired. Plus, we can talk

  more there.” The drive wasn’t long and Colette raced Owain to their room, losing by only a couple of

  seconds. “You cheated, you big bad vampire you!” Owain chuckled. “Why yes, I am faster than mortals. Serves you right, stealing the key and taking off like that.” “What do you think about the leanansidhe legend from the Isle of Man?” Colette asked as she flopped on the giant bed.

  “It ranks up there with the dearg-due and the baobhan sith legends,” Owain countered, plopping down next to her. His lips brushed hers softly. “What do you think about some of these vampire legends?”

  “This means—“ Colette gestured.

  “It means that the legends normally have basis in fact, but I don’t see how they relate to any of the gods or goddesses. Plus, the Tuatha Du Danaan aren’t demigods or anything like that.” Owain sighed, curling her next to him.

  “I didn’t see much on hand that linked any deity with vampires.” Colette’s hand slid over Owain’s chest. “Think it’s Morrigu?”

  “She sheds blood, definitely. Plus, she’d be around during the time of both the leanansidhe and the dearg-due coming into being.” Owain’s fingers responded by slowly undoing Colette’s shirt. There was something about this woman that constantly had him in semi-arousal and more. He knew he was falling for her and could only hope that she’d one day feel the same about him. Maybe one day, she might accept him for being a vampire.

  The phone rang, breaking them apart. “Hello?” Owain asked grouchily. “Owain, this is Finn. I’m sending Shane to pick you up now.” “I thought you said midnight.” “Change of plans. It’s now or never.” “I’ll be downstairs in fifteen.” Owain hung up with a sigh. “Col, I’ve got to go.” She looked at him. He saw the hurt expression in her eyes. “I see.” “No, I’m not leaving forever, but I’ve got an errand to run while I’m here. It’ll confirm

  Morrigu’s presence in the vampire history.” “Why can’t I go with you?” She sat up, her arms crossing over her chest. Standing up, he made his way to the closet, pulling out a dark pair of loose pants and a matching

  shirt. “Because this is a family sacred place and unless you’re my wife, you can’t go there.” “Oh. Like the sacred place to my nemeton?” “Exactly. And I wouldn’t go there unless I had full permission of the grove leader or we were married. The same rules pretty much apply here. I shouldn’t be longer than about three hours.”

  Colette nodded, standing. Giving him a hug, her voice lowered against his chest. “I’ll miss you, O.”

  Owain kissed her hair. “I’ll come and wake you up when I get back. You can ask me anything about what happened and I’ll explain it all.”

  “Okay. Just wake me up happy.”

  “Done.” With that, he stripped off the clothes he’d been wearing and replaced them with the darker, almost Oriental in tone clothing.

  “Is that a karate outfit?” Colette sat on the bed, watching him.

  “Similar in style. It’s very much like the clothes we wore when we were first Druids.” Owain pulled over the shirt, adjusting it into the waistband of his pants. “There are some improvements, like elastic, but the design is the same as it’s been for many years. I didn’t bring my normal ritual robe, but Finn should have one for me.”

  “You’re going to be working any spells?”

  “Not sure until I see Finn. Could simply be an immram.”

  Her head nodded. “So you’ll do a journey to the Celtic Otherworld and ask for assistance in our search?”

  “I’m going to follow Finn’s lead. He and Miach are the only two who’ve got the rights of speaking with Morrigu and requesting her presence. I’ve agreed to whatever restrictions she’s wanting so I can question her.” Owain slid on a pair of loafers that seemed to blend with the outfit.

  “Sounds a bit nerve-wracking.”

  “Something like that,” he whispered as he leaned over and kissed Colette deeply, his fingers spearing into her loose hair. “I love your taste and your presence. Both I’ll miss until I get back, my gra.” Looking at his watch, he grumbled, then kissed her fiercely one last time. “I’ll be back soon, Col. Sleep well while I’m gone.”

  “I’ll sleep better once you’re back, O.” She waved to him as he went to the door of the room.

  “See you when I get back.” Then he left, shutting the door completely behind him.

  Colette laid there on the bed for a few minutes, breathing slowly, thinking on his words. After another minute, she reached over and pulled out the slightly banged up folder of hers. Opening it up, she read the notes she made along with the information that Eileen had gathered for her.

  “Let me see about the
similarities once more. Celtic legend says that a famous female called Dearg-due (red blood sucker) is buried near Strongbow's Tree in Waterford. In Scotland, the vampire legend was called baobhan sith, and lurked in the mountains. The only way to stop the dearg-due was to pile stones and make a cairn over the body.”

  Colette made notes, comparing it to the information gathered about the Egyptian vampire myths. “Lets see, the Leanansidhe drains the essence from people lured to their doom. Usually known on the eastern Irish coast. Hmm, but no mention of the gods, though.”

  Reaching over, she dialed for an outside line, then Eileen’s number. Without preamble, she asked, “Beyond the fey myths of vampirism, what links to Morrigu are there for vampirism?”

  “Well hello to you too, Col. You want to know how Morrigu is linked to vampires? The blood drinkers, empathic or the energy source ones?”

  “All of the above.”

  “She’s the goddess of war and often signals death. In some myths, she walks along, kissing warriors in battle. Or she does their laundry, it’s covered with blood. Then there’s Macha.”

  Colette closed her eyes. “One of The Morrigan’s aspects and also a minor goddess who eats the heads of slain soldiers. That would make sense though, Eye. Really. Do you think she was one of the gods involved with the making of vampires though?”

  “If not with the making, then in making use of them as warriors. There’s nothing like a good warrior to her. You do know there are correlations between her and some other goddesses, including the Hindu goddess, Kali.”

  “Yeah. Riana put on the notes to never summon Kali without someone there who knows the way of Kali and has appropriate sacrifices ready. That just freaks me out to no end.”

  “Then there’s Badbh, who glorifies in the gore of sacrifice. She rarely comes out except in exacting blood or emotional sacrifice,” Eileen added softly.

  Colette wrote notes frantically. “How can I approach Morrigu and ask her about the vampires birth?”

  There was silence on the other end of the phone for a minute or two. Eileen answered. “You don’t.”