by Nesa Miller
Just after sunrise, she woke to find Dar nestled in her arms. A sudden flush filled her heart as she kissed the top of his head. She slipped farther down and kissed his lips. Groggy blue eyes opened.
“Hi,” she whispered. “How’s my magnificent warrior this morning?”
Growling, he pulled her on top of him. “Hungry for my warrior vixen.”
She giggled, making a poor attempt of fighting him off. “Does it ever stop?”
“I hope not.” He flashed the smile that made her weak.
She caressed his cheek and kissed him again. “I hope not, too. However-”
“No. Not this morning.”
She slipped from his clutches and rolled off the bed. “However, my lecherous demon, you have other important business this morning. It’s time you had a heart-to-heart with Inferno.”
He mimicked her signature eye roll and placed a pillow over his head. “After last night? The man wants my heart on a platter and my head on a pike. There is no reasoning with him.”
She pulled at the pillow. “Come on, Dar. I can't have my two favorite men at odds. We have to be on the same…” She noticed something unusual on his chest. “I don’t recall you having a tattoo.”
He tossed the pillow aside and glanced down, touching the mark, a golden sun, its rays alive with the passion shared between them. “I didn’t do it,” he laughed, looking up at her. “This, mo chuisle, was all your doing.” He nodded at her. “Look down.”
“Huh?” she muttered, doing just that. “What the hell?”
Dar came up fast, grabbing her around the waist, rolling her body over his. “It proves we are one and belong together.”
“I don’t understand.”
He traced the outline of the emblazoned sun on her chest. “I don’t understand it, either. I have heard tales, but haven’t seen it with my own eyes…until today. You have branded me as yours, and yours I shall always be.”
Her eyes widened at a sudden realization. “Dar, did we have these last night? Could this be why Inferno was so furious? Cause he was bloody well pissed off before I turned.”
“So much happened so fast, I didn’t notice.”
“Me, either, and afterward, well…” Her gaze softened. She felt a warmth rush through her, giving rise to an unquenchable desire. “We were…preoccupied.”
Etain recognized the glint in his eye.
“Exactly what I was thinking.” Dar claimed her mouth with his, setting her on fire. Breathless, her body melted as he tasted his way to stiff nipples, his hand conducting a thorough exploration over her skin and down between her thighs, eliciting a guttural moan. An alarm rang in a small part of her brain, warning her of…something. What? She couldn’t remember. She was safe in his capable arms, under his delicious control. But… God, who cared? This time, she didn’t mind giving in to him.
Holy hell, how could such… What’s the word? I don’t know. I don’t… Oh god!
She clung to him, her eyes rolling back. Her heart felt like it was in her throat. She bit her bottom lip, unable to breathe. All she knew at this moment was pure ecstasy.
Once the glow subsided, Etain picked up her clothes, blowing out a disgusted breath. I don’t know if I can stand to wear these one more time. She considered her options, donning the outfit for one last excursion. Having instructed Dar to find Inferno in the hopes of reconciliation, she went in search of Spirit, peeking in on Faux and, as suspected, found the mage. She hoped last night’s events hadn’t affected their relationship.
“Bore da, Spirit. How’s she doing?”
“Bore da. Our little patient is much better. I think the poultice has finally drawn out the poison. We should have our feisty Faux back in no time.”
Etain breathed a sigh of relief, pushing a few stray hairs from the sleeping girl’s forehead. “Thank goodness. We needed some good news.”
“That we did, lass.”
She tentatively broached the subject of the previous night’s events. “Spirit, I’m truly sorry for-”
“What’s done is done. Although I saw it coming, I admit it was a shock. I hope you had the good sense not to lose your virginity under this roof.” Her gaze demanded confirmation.
“Nowhere near,” Etain admitted.
Relief showed on Spirit’s face. “Small favors. Inferno’s fuming.” She offered a warm smile. “But the mark you share changes things…for me anyway. It doesn’t mean he’ll accept it.”
“Hells bells,” she muttered, helping Spirit smooth out the sheets on the bed as best they could. “I’m afraid I sent the lamb to meet the lion.”
“How so, love?”
“Well…” She bit her bottom lip. “I told Dar to make nice with Inferno.”
They held each other’s gaze for a moment. The next, they erupted into laughter.
“Goddess of us all, lass. It’ll be the fifth of November early this year.”
Etain covered her mouth, hoping to muffle her laugh so as not to disturb the sleeping Faux. “Can you imagine the fireworks?”
Spirit shook her head. “That’s a show I don’t mind missing.”
“True, but I hope they can come to some sort of resolution.”
“They’re men, love. They’ll do whatever they’re gonna do, whether we like it or not.”
Etain shrugged. “Aside from that, I wanted to see if you’d help me with something.”
“Did you now?”
The women stepped into the hallway.
“In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been wearing the same clothes forever and I can’t practice in that beautiful outfit you gave me.”
“I know how you love your leathers. Since I don’t have anything to match ‘em, I kept me mouth shut.” The women headed in the direction of Spirit’s bedroom. “What’s running round in that head of yours?”
Excited to share her idea, she explained. “I have a closet full of clothes back home in the human realm. I thought I’d pop over, pick up a few items, and be back before Dar noticed.” She placed a hand on Spirit’s arm. “I was hoping you’d go with me.”
“Hmmm.” She stroked her chin, contemplating. “Faux’s doing well, Inferno’s busy with the building, and I’ve not been to your place. I could use a short break. Give me a minute to change.”
“I’ll meet you downstairs.” She turned to go, but Spirit caught her by the arm.
“You stay right here. There’s one thing we need to take care of before we go.” Etain gave her a questioning look. “You’ll see.” She disappeared into her bedroom, reemerging a few moments later. “I know it’s a quick trip, but leaving those two old roosters alone makes me nervous.”
“Alone? Your whole clan’s down there.”
“Etain, I’ve only just been able to keep those two from killing each other.” She turned toward the opposite end of the hall. “If last night wasn’t bad enough, you should’ve seen the looks they gave Linq after you left the party. They looked ready to tear his head off.” Spirit stopped.
A puzzled Etain waited, wondering if the wall before them bore any significance. Spirit winked and waved her hand, murmuring words Etain couldn’t make out. A door appeared, opening to a flight of stairs.
“I never noticed this before,” Etain said, peering up into the darkness.
“No reason to.” Spirit motioned for her to follow. “This is my private room where I prepare most of me special blends and brews. I keep the door concealed so no one comes nosing about.”
“Spirit?”
“Hmmm?” Coming to another door, she reached into her pocket and brought out a key to open the lock. Two dormer windows flooded a fair-sized room with light.
“You said they.” Spirit opened one window, while Etain opened the other. “I assume you mean Dar and Inferno?” Etain wandered about the room, noting the rows of shelves on every wall, each one lined with an assortment of bottles, vials, and books. Hanging from the rafters and perfuming the air were bunches of drying herbs tied together with bits of string.
“Aye,” Spirit said, choosing several bottles from the shelves, placing them on the table.
“Why would they turn on Linq? I thought he was a friend.” Etain watched her blend several herbs together.
“Lass,” she began, handing a small vial to Etain, “hold this. When I tell you to, pour it in, slowly. You know Inferno doesn’t like anyone getting in his business, especially when he's angry, friend or no.”
“Yeah, so?” Holding the vial ready, she waited as Spirit pounded and stirred, breaking the leaves down into a fine powder. She then split the mixture into two bowls.
“Linq was trying to keep the peace, but they were determined to have a go at each other.” She widened her eyes. “And with the whole clan standing there a’watchin’.”
“Why can’t he just be happy for me?”
Spirit gave her a scathing look. “You listen to me, lassie, and listen good.” Surprised, Etain stepped back. “Inferno is fierce in his loyalties and doesn’t take kindly to others messin’ with his family.” The more she said, the stronger her accent became, the spatula in her hand as threatening as Etain’s own crystal sword. “And in case ya hadn’t noticed, missy, yer family. I can turn me eye knowing how things betwixt a man and woman be their concern, but Inferno sees ya as his sister… No, more like a daughter.” The hand dropped to her side and she squared her shoulders, head high. “He doesn’t like the way Dar treats ya, and I’m beginning to agree with him, especially after seeing what I saw last night.”
Etain blinked.
Spirit pointed to the vial in her hand. “Pour that in this bowl after my third stir round.” Picking up the bowl, she moved close to give Etain easier access. “Here’s one, two, three. Pour it all in.” She continued stirring until it turned into a paste. “Grab two of those small jars and place them in front of me. Bring the red string, too.” Content with her mixture, she placed the bowl on the table. Twisting the cap off each small jar, she pulled Etain to her side. “This one is for Inferno, and that one’s for Dar.”
Spirit took two small plastic bags from her pocket. Each contained tufts of brown hair. One, Dar written across it, she handed to Etain, placing another that said Inferno in front of her. She winked. “I took liberties…just in case.” She picked up another bottle and placed one rose petal next to each jar. “Here’s a bit of amber, a piece of paper, and some red string. Now, do as I do and repeat the words I say, except you’ll say Dar where I say Inferno. Aye?”
“Aye.”
With a circle of protection invoked, she instructed Etain to draw a gingerbread-type doll on her paper and name it Dar. “Tell the paper doll you’re disappointed in his actions against Inferno and he will not use his demon powers against him, no matter what. I’ll do the same, but switch the names and substitute Alamir powers for demon.” Each quietly spoke to their doll. Etain mimicked Spirit, scooping out a dab of the paste and spreading it over the doll. They then placed the amber, rose petals, and a pinch of the dry mixture into the jar as they commanded, “Dar/Inferno, I bind you from harming Inferno/Dar with your demon/Alamir powers.”
They folded the dolls into a square and wrapped them with the red string. With each wrapping, they said, “Once around, securely bound. Now’s the time for cooling down.” Knotting the string three times, they placed the dolls in the jars and added a teaspoon of oil. “I place sacred oil all around you, about you, and below you to make your path slippery should you violate the Law of Rede.”
Etain followed Spirit’s lead, filled her jar three-quarters full of water, then walked to a refrigerator in the far corner of the room. The women placed their jars inside the freezer as they continued to chant. “Time to chill out. I place around you, Inferno/Dar, the crystal sphere of the Mother’s Orb to hold you in a positive light. I ask the Lady to empower this spell and insure it’s working to the best of all concerned. As I will it, so mote it be.”
Spirit closed the freezer door. “Well done. The worst trouble they’ll get into will be either their fists or the swords. Let’s straighten up and be on our way.” Putting away all evidence, they locked up, then made one more detour by Etain’s room.
“We can leave from here.” Strapping on Nim, Etain caught the concerned look on Spirit’s face. “If I’ve learned anything from all the knocks Dar’s given me, it’s to be prepared.” Standing in the middle of the room, they clasped hands. Blue electrical charges surrounded the women, and they disappeared.
14
A Couple of Jarvlen
Etain and Spirit emerged within the walls of Etain's home. “You stay here while I clear the house.”
Spirit took a seat. “I don't know why you’re worried. You've been gone for a while. Who would come looking around here?”
Etain hollered back. “Gotta be sure.” Walking into the living room, she gave the all clear. “I'm gonna run to my room and throw some things in a bag. Make yourself at home. It won't take long.” She disappeared down the hallway.
Spirit roamed into the kitchen, rummaging through the cupboards, not finding much in the way of groceries. In the refrigerator, she discovered an out of date carton of milk. “Lass, do you never clean things out?” She poured the contents down the kitchen sink with one hand, holding her nose with the other. Bored with her exploration, she walked toward the living room with thoughts of rifling through Etain’s music collection.
Coming into the room, she was surprised by a man, his back to her. She wondered how he’d known where to find them.
“Dar? What're you doi-” A foul laugh cut her words short. “Oh. It's you. Dar should’ve killed you whilst he had the chance.”
“Come now. I thought the Welsh were a welcoming sort.”
“I’m not Welsh.”
“That explains it then.” His hand flashed out, blasting her with a power ball, hurling her back into the kitchen. When she hit the wall, everything went dark.
Midir’s black cloak lapped at his boots as he strolled down the hallway. He knew where to find her. He could feel the heat of her blood, as though it were his own. Glancing into each room along his way, he savored the simple, yet tasteful design of the home she had made for herself, giving him new insights into her psyche. Coming to the last door, he found her foraging through an open dresser drawer. He leaned against the doorjamb, entertained by the view of her ass.
“Hey, Spirit, would you mind checking the closet?” Etain waved a hand in the general direction, the other busy sorting through her things.
“Why, yes, I would mind.” Midir grinned when she whirled around, happy he caught her off-guard. “I'm quite busy appreciating the view.”
“Midir.”
“Welcome home, little darlin’,” he greeted in an uncharacteristic southern drawl.
“Where's Spirit?” She licked her lips.
“Poor girl is resting.” His gaze roamed over her. “It will do her good.”
“If she's hurt, you'll answer to me.” Etain inched closer to the bed.
Midir drew his black sword. “I'm very much counting on it, milady. I plan on answering to you for many nights to come.” He brandished the blade in her face, forcing her back against the dresser. “I have plans for us.”
“Go away, Midir,” she spat. “There's nothing here for you.”
He came in close, dropping the sword to his side. “Women think they know what’s best for a man,” he said, inhaling her scent. “What I need…” Her breath was warm against his cheek, “and what I want…” He felt the radiant heat of her body, “have gone beyond anything you would understand.” He grabbed a handful of her hair, jerking her head to look at him. “My want goes far beyond my need, but I’m confident you will fulfill both of them beyond my expectations.” He savaged her mouth with his, further stimulated by the struggle in her eyes.
Midir pulled back, licking his lips. “You taste different.” He spun around and walked to the other side of the room, muttering to himself. “I would know if he had.”
Etain scrubbed at her mouth with the bac
k of her hand. “All you know is force. You have no regard for free will.”
He turned. “I am the king of free will, mon petit.”
“Your own.”
“Which is of the utmost importance, especially in this case,” he said, a curious glint in his eye. “Why align yourself with him? He's done nothing but bring misery to your life.”
“No, that would be you. Dar is my heart.”
“Your heart?” His laugh was brutal. “It must be a black one indeed. There are things you don't know about him.”
“There are things you don’t know about me.”
He moved to the four-poster bed and leaned against the column closest to Nim’Na’Sharr. “You’ve seen his demon side, haven’t you? Felt the terror of watching him morph.” He smiled, recognizing the slight change in her expression. “I bet you didn’t know… He never sprouted wings until he shared blood with you.” He waited a few moments to let the revelation sink in. “Even I’ve benefited from your little exchange.” With that said, he removed his cloak, placing it on the bed. A pair of white leather wings extended from his back. He laughed at the horror in her eyes. “You see, mon petit, I know many things about you, things of which you have no knowledge, thanks to your coddling parents.” Midir released his wings and put on the cloak. “But I will teach you. I've been planning this for a long time.”
“I-I don’t understand. A-as a child, he…” She thought hard, trying to remember the vision of Dar and Midir as boys. Dar had turned, killing that woman. But did he have wings? I can’t remember!
“You let them die,” Midir said, suddenly.
The words cut into her concentration, shattering her thoughts. “What?”
“You ran like a scared little girl,” his voice, so similar to Dar’s.
She held onto the dresser for support. “I...” Her thoughts tumbled, making her dizzy.