“I'm not surprised,” Misaki agreed, patting my shoulder. “It's been an awful day.”
“Nonny, you are my hero,” Epi announced, holding his arm out to Nonny and marching off towards the mess. “How did you know your plan would work?”
Nonny shook her head, flashing us a brilliant smile. “I didn't. Didn't have a clue what tack I should take with the elders. All I was trying to do was find a way of getting Conal's butt out of the line of fire.”
“I think it was brilliant,” Rowena announced. “It sounds as if the Marroks were using this situation to gain leadership of the pack.”
“I believe that's true. Udolf Marrok wanted Conal censured, to force a change of leadership,” Nonny agreed.
“But how can that be?” Amoux questioned. “He's married to a half-blood himself.”
“Ah, but Kurt is married to a pureblood. He could become pack leader, and no doubt if the situation presented itself, would call on Udolf to take the role of his Beta, rather than remain a member of low-standing on the elder council,” Nonny said, her shoulders straightening as she worked out the connections.
“You knew about this?” Conal asked, his voice incredulous.
Nonny shook her head. “Like I said, just trying to keep your butt out of the line of fire.”
Conal grinned down at his grandmother, the love he held for her transparent. He draped his arm companionably across her shoulder and grinned. “Thanks, Nonny.”
“It isn't me you should be thanking, it's young Charlotte here who turned the tide,” Nonny announced. I couldn't make out her features in the darkness, but I could hear the remorse in her voice. “I'm so sorry for bringing up issues which must have been painful for you.”
Conal squeezed my fingers, offering me physical comfort and I squeezed back. “It's okay, Nonny. You did what you had to do.”
“What happens now?” Nick questioned.
Epi threw his hands in the air. “Let's not worry about that! I think this requires a celebration.”
Conal glanced at me with a question in his eyes. He looked to be in dire need of a strong drink and I nodded. I had no idea what time it was, but I suspected it would do Conal good to relax among our friends. The worry in his eyes when he'd thought he was going to lose his entire life had been tangible. Another hour wouldn't make any difference to the fatigue I suffered.
Matt released me and we made our way to the mess, where Epi danced with Nonny, much to everyone's amusement. The tiny couple looked funny together, Epi in a bright green tunic and Nonny in her fiery red peasant skirt; both beaming, they looked as if they could adorn the front of a Christmas card.
I was content to listen silently as the night's events were discussed at length, everyone united in relief that Conal had escaped censure.
“You're in for hell now, man,” Holden teased. “Lottie's already the leader of our group, and now she's the leader of your pack. And your girlfriend! You're seriously screwed.”
Conal swigged down some of the beer he'd been nursing and smiled at me from across the table. “I think I can handle it.”
“Sucks to be you,” Nick announced smugly. “Which is why I stay single.”
“You stay single because no-one is interested in your sorry hide,” Rafe teased good-naturedly.
The sky overhead was beginning to lighten when Conal and I finally left the mess and headed back to Conal's tent, Gwynn reassuring us she would babysit Patrick to allow us to catch up on desperately needed sleep. Conal held the flap of the tent open, allowing me to enter first before he came in and zipped the flap firmly shut behind us.
Before I had a chance to say anything, Conal dropped his mouth over mine and kissed me desperately, his hands rubbing an endless rhythm over my back. I moaned against his lips, instantly growing aroused and the evidence of Conal's desire pressed firmly against my belly.
“I was terrified I wouldn't get to do this again,” Conal muttered, catching the hem of my t-shirt, and pulling it up over my head, his lips only briefly leaving mine. He traced his fingers down over my shoulders and back until he found the clasp of my bra and snapped it open. Like a man possessed, he slipped the straps from my arms and removed the bra, dropping to his knees to lick first one distended nipple, and then the other as I arched against him, combing my fingers through his hair.
Conal continued to lavish attention on my breasts while he located the waistband of my jeans with his fingers, unsnapping the button and hastily pulling down the zipper, shoving them roughly down my thighs.
“This isn't fair,” I muttered, gasping as he suckled against one nipple, rubbing an erotic pattern around the other with his thumb. “I'm getting naked. You're not.”
Conal laved his tongue across my nipple, glancing up to grin wolfishly at me. “Better please my new pack leader,” he agreed, indicating the bedroll. “Go lay down.”
Slipping the jeans from my ankles, I did as he ordered and lay down, wearing nothing but my lacy underwear. Conal waited until I was comfortably settled and slipped his boots off before he got to his feet. With leisurely movements, he began to unbutton his shirt, each button released with an excruciating lack of speed. He remained completely focused on me and I could see the burning desire in his hooded eyes as he watched my reactions to his striptease.
Each button revealed a few, tantalizing inches of his glorious abdomen and chest, and I struggled to control my breathing as I watched, trying to stifle the desire to get up and rip his clothes off. Watching him strip like this was painful at best, torturous at worst.
“Have I told you that you're the most beautiful woman I've ever known?” Conal asked hoarsely as he undid the very last button and shrugged the shirt free of his jeans, allowing it to drift slowly to the floor.
I licked my lips, enjoying the delightful panorama of his broad chest, dark nipples enticing against olive skin. He was a rippling mass of muscle, blanketed under silky smooth skin and I swallowed deeply, eyeing the smattering of black hair which trailed down from his belly button, disappearing beneath the jeans which sat low on his hips. “No.”
Conal chuckled, releasing the zipper on his blue jeans at a speed which I was finding intensely painful. “The most beautiful… the most wonderful…” he caught the side of his jeans with his thumbs and let them drop to the ground before he stepped out of them and began to pace towards me, his eyes never leaving mine. “The sexiest damn woman I've ever known. You are every single thing I've ever wanted in a woman and you are the only woman I am ever going to want in my life, in my bed.” He paused momentarily, divesting himself of his boxer briefs before he dropped down beside me, drawing me into his arms. I savored his strength wrapped around me, his muscular chest pressed against my breasts.
“Oh, Conal,” I murmured as he dropped his mouth over mine and I lost myself to the sensations of his body pressed against me. His warm skin was exceedingly erotic, the pressure of his mouth against mine electrifying and I sighed deeply as he trailed a path of kisses down my throat and across my chest.
“Sugar, I need you. I've got to have you, right now. I can't wait any longer,” Conal growled fiercely.
“Then don't,” I whispered against his mouth.
≈†◊◊†◊◊†◊◊†≈
The normal sounds of the bustling camp entered my consciousness before I opened my eyes – children laughing and playing, the murmur of voices as the people went about their day. A gentle breeze was blowing outside, making the tent flap and flutter in the wind.
I breathed deeply, inhaling the musky pine scent of Conal's skin against my cheek and smiled. His arms were curled around me and I snuggled into his side, draping my leg across his.
“Morning.” Conal lifted his head and dropped a kiss against my hair, rubbing one hand across my hip languidly.
I raised my head and looked down into his striking features, marveling again over the fact that he loved me. In the subtle light filtering through the tent, he resembled a mythological God when he returned my smile. “I'm not
sure it is morning.”
Conal winked. “I'm not sure I give a damn.”
Smothering a giggle, I dropped down onto his chest again, cuddling him. “They're probably all wondering when we're going to surface.”
“Let them wonder,” Conal stated. “I haven't said thank you, for what you did last night.”
I lowered my gaze, still uncomfortable regarding how public my confessions had been. “What happens now?”
Conal sighed heavily, drawing his hands up to rest them behind his head. “I'm not certain.”
“Surely they'll keep you as Alpha?” I questioned.
Conal shrugged, the action nonchalant, but the hurt was apparent in his dark eyes. “Not sure I want it.”
“Conal—” I started to protest but Conal shook his head.
“I've known those people all my life, but they were quick enough to censure me, for the sake of some bullshit, outdated law,” he growled. “I don't know that I want to be pack leader under those circumstances.” He kissed my forehead. “Besides, I've got everything I want in this tent.” He thought for a moment. “Almost everything. Little Paddy should be here with us, then everything would be perfect.”
I rolled my eyes in disgust. “I stink as a mother. Patrick spends more time with everyone else than he does with me.” I tried to pull back the sleeping bag to get up, but Conal caught my wrist and pulled me back down, his eyes darkening with desire.
“You're a wonderful mom. And Gwynn'll be happy to look after him for another half hour…”
“Conal,” I suppressed a smile which threatened to appear and frowned down at him, trying to appear serious. “Again?”
Conal rolled until I was beneath him, pinning my arms above my head with one hand. “Sweetheart,” he growled, “where you're concerned, I'm insatiable.”
≈†◊◊†◊◊†◊◊†≈
“You can cut back on the guards,” I announced, slumping down at a table where Conal sat with Epi, Matt, Clint, and Bhekimuzi in the mess. “I've got it under control.” Nissa sat down beside me, crossing her legs delicately at the ankle. For a woman who had been a ferocious warrior for most of her life, she was remarkably elegant.
Epi gazed up at me, his expression shrewd. “Would you care to explain, Child?”
Before I answered, I placed the warmed bottle of formula in Patrick's waiting mouth and relished the opportunity of feeding him myself for a change. “Lyell Tremaine and Lucas are keeping an eye on Patrick when he isn't with me. Ripley's parents are guarding Kazuki, and Keenan and Phelan are watching over me. And with Misaki pregnant again, I've made sure she's got bodyguards as a precaution. Rowena's parents have taken responsibility for keeping an eye on her, and Misaki and Matt have been informed of their presence.” I glanced over at Matt who offered me a warm smile. “So, could you please cut back on the people who follow me wherever I go?”
There was an ulterior motive to the request – with Conal and I forced to make love in a tent, it was embarrassing to have people standing guard outside, within earshot. Conal caught my eye and winked, waggling his eyebrows. “I agree with Charlotte – and I can understand the need for a guard during the day. But at night, she's in a tent with me. There isn't anything that's going to get to her while I'm on watch.”
I smothered a grin, dropping my gaze to Patrick's face as he sucked heartily at the bottle and a blush covered my cheeks. Conal had more than once had to shush me in the throes of passion, both of us dissolving into fits of giggles as we struggled to remain quiet.
After Phelan's reminder when I'd rebuilt the walls at Zaen, I'd spoken with Lucas and arranged for the spirits to take on their security detail again during the day, promising Lucas that I would only dismiss Phelan and Keenan when I was with Conal at night. The conversation had included a mountain of blushes on my part, but I was happy with the result.
Epi smiled indulgently. “Of course, Child. If you promise not to wander off without your spirit friends.” He turned his attention to Nissa, who was watching the people milling around the mess with detached interest. “What of you, Nissa?”
“I will continue to guard Angel personally.”
I screwed up my nose in the face of her determination and rolled my eyes. Nissa and I had already debated this point for hours, with Nissa unwavering in her resolve to continue acting as my personal bodyguard.
“Although Angel thinks my protection is unwarranted while King Keenan and her friend, Phelan Walker watch over her, I believe I should remain in her service,” Nissa explained. “Should anything untoward happen to Angel – and the spirits, for some reason be banished – she may need my assistance.”
“Agreed,” Epi announced, waving his hand in dismissal when I opened my mouth to argue. “Nissa has expressed some valid points, Child. I will remove the human guards, but Nissa will continue to provide additional protection.”
“Okay,” I agreed, thankful for any modicum of privacy. Since returning from the Realm, I'd been struggling with the weight of everyone's concern for my safety, and hated the idea of never having any privacy. While not a perfect solution, I would be grateful for the relative privacy we would have at night.
Nissa stood up, stretching languorously, capturing the attention of most single men in the mess. Her entire body oozed sexuality; although for the most part, she seemed completely oblivious. “I am happy with that arrangement. If you will excuse me, I must attend a meeting with Galen regarding the new Fae. I will return within the hour.” Nissa nodded formally before she walked between the crowded tables, garnering many more admiring glances.
I turned back to the men. “What were you talking about?” Matt had a notebook in front of him, and Epi's ever-present clipboard was covered in notes.
Matt rubbed his thumb against his nose, considering his words carefully. “We're going to see how this idea of Conal probing the Fae works out, but I'm still worried that going back to Zaen will lead the Drâghici straight to us. Once they discover you've repaired the walls, nothing will stop them from attacking again. I know we're not secure here, but at least they don't know our location. We have to consider that even though your instincts are telling you to go back to the city, it might not be a strategically valid decision to take.”
I nodded thoughtfully, watching Patrick curl his fingers around my thumb as he sucked contentedly. “I've been thinking about that myself.”
“Any solutions?” Conal questioned, focusing his gaze on mine.
“Not yet. I still think the walls give us greater security. Another few weeks and it's going to start cooling down, and we'll be back in the same predicament we had last year – out in the elements with no roof over our heads.”
“But we can't keep the Fae out,” Bhekimuzi pointed out. “They'll overrun us.”
“We need to find a way of bringing the Fae to our side, and quickly,” Matt agreed. “There must be some way of getting the truth of Arasinya being their real Queen out to them.”
“If there is, I have been unable to find it,” Epi admitted. He twisted his pen between his fingers, and I noticed how his face had grown more wizened. This war was taking a toll on everyone, and even a fifteen-hundred-year-old wizard wasn't immune. “First, we must find a way of gauging whether the ones that have joined us can be trusted, if Conal's probing should not prove practical.”
I took a moment to explain Rowena's back-up plan, suggesting we could ask questions the Fae couldn't help but answer truthfully and Epi nodded vigorously. “It is not a perfect remedy, but if Conal's probe cannot be used, it will provide alternative evidence to reassure us of their intentions.”
I clamped my bottom lip between my teeth, placing the bottle on the table and lifting Patrick onto my shoulder, patting his back gently. “After that disaster with the Tremaine pack last night, I must admit, I'm not certain who to trust. It seems every time I get a little comfortable, someone else screws us over.”
Matt brushed his hand across his jaw, his expression grim. “We're not going to let anything ha
ppen to you again.”
I smiled faintly. “I'd like to believe that, Matt, I really would. But you'll have to excuse me if I find the whole concept of safety highly doubtful right about now.”
Conal got out of his chair and crouched beside me, placing his hand against my knee. “Matt's right, Sugar. We're going to do everything we can to keep you safe.”
“I know you'll try, but you can't control all the outside factors,” I protested, my voice wavering. “For now, the people I'm willing to trust are those I've known from the beginning, along with Gabrielle, Goren, Arasinya, and Nissa. It's too risky to put my faith in anyone else right now.”
“Don't forget us, my love,” Lucas spoke softly.
“I know. I trust you. All of you.”
Conal brushed his fingers over my hair, his touch tender. “We'll find a way of dealing with this, Charlotte. I promise you.” Something caught his attention and he drew himself up to his full height, staring towards the mess entrance impassively. The muscle in his jaw ticked and his eyes grew cold.
I turned to find Kenyon and Ralph walking towards us, their faces somber.
“Conal,” Kenyon spoke quietly, keeping his expression cautiously neutral. There were dark smudges beneath his eyes, and both men were still wearing the clothing they'd worn at the meeting. “We'd like to speak with you, if we may?”
“Sure Kenyon.” Conal waved towards the table. “Take a seat.”
Kenyon glanced at Ralph, who spoke casually, but I could hear the underlying tension in his voice. “Maybe we could speak privately?”
“Maybe not,” Conal growled. “Whatever you need to say, you can say it here.” His body was tensed like a tightly-wound spring and I slipped my hand into his, squeezing his fingers. Conal glanced down at me and made a deliberate effort to relax.
“Not going to make it easy on us, are you?” Ralph questioned when he slumped into the chair opposite mine. “Hey, Lott. How's young Paddy doing?”
I smiled warmly. “He's fine, Ralph.” Ralph too, looked exhausted, a testament to the difficulties he'd faced in the past twenty-four hours.
Knowledge Protects Page 21