by Candace Sams
"Come with me,” he softly murmured and led her back into the Moon Pool. After taking several steps into the water, he turned and held out his hand for her. She hesitated only a moment.
"What are we doing?"
He led her into the middle of the pool before answering. Spray from the tiny waterfall drifted over them both. The water was warm and inviting. It only reached breast level on him. Although she was a tall woman, Kathy had to tread water. He reached for her and pulled her against his chest. Her arms looped around his shoulders as though it were the most natural thing in the world.
He cupped some of the water in one hand and let it run across the bite wounds on her shoulder. “Does this hurt very much?"
"No, just stings a bit,” she breathed.
"You might have been hurt."
She gently touched the area he bathed. Nothing would ever make her admit how wonderful that bite had been, what it had done for her. Even now, the slightest pressure against the wounds caused her insides to melt with expectation. She was beginning not to care so much about the drugged whiskey, but she wouldn't admit it for the world.
"What purpose does it serve? The biting, I mean."
He stopped his ministrations. “Don't tell me you didn't feel that bite go through your entire body. I was holding you when it happened, remember? It's for stimulation. For eliciting the exact response you had. Though I didn't know it would work the same on a human woman."
All right, so he knew how intense the orgasm had been. He couldn't possible know how much she wanted it again. But, the games they were playing could prove dangerous. If he hadn't already gotten her pregnant the next time could end up that way. Previously, their excuse had been coercion through drugged alcohol. If they made love again, there'd be only themselves to blame. And yet, the idea didn't frighten her. Her hand automatically dropped to her abdomen.
Tearach didn't miss the movement. He looked for the concern in her blue gaze and saw only wonder. Turning her body in his arms, he pulled her back against him and began to stroke the place where her hand lay. Fear took the place of any other emotion in him. If she carried a child, it wouldn't live. She'd be put through months of waiting only to see her baby die. No. It would be their baby. The death would be on both their heads. Until he was certain about her condition, Tearach vowed not to leave her side. And, if she was pregnant, he'd do everything in his power to help her through it. While the baby was sure to pass from this life, he might be able to save Kathy's. He was the one ultimately responsible for the sexual relations they'd shared. He knew the Sorceress’ determination and should have been more careful. Kathy's life shouldn't be forfeited because of his mistake.
"I told you, no matter what happens, I'll be with you Kathy. If you're worried, we'll think things out. You might not even be pregnant."
His strong arms kept Kathy very warm. The water relaxed her. She closed her eyes and leaned back against him. The palms of his powerful hands gently pressed against her abdomen and it felt wonderful. How many women friends had she heard complaining about the careless natures of their husbands or lovers. As soon as those men found out their relationships had resulted in pregnancy, the love interest was over. Through the weight gain, sickness and pain, the men had often found other places to be and, sometimes, other women to bed. Her own fiancé had talked her into delaying marriage when she discussed starting a family.
Something deep inside Kathy told her Tearach was different. What would he do for the woman who was able to give him a healthy baby? What would it be like to hold one in her arms? A sweet, helpless little thing born into the world with magic and legend as its heritage. What would such a child look like? Her or Tearach? It didn't matter who it looked like because she'd love it no matter what. It amazed her that she could rationally think about such things when she should be frightened or angry or both. What was happening to her?
Tearach couldn't begin to guess what Kathy was thinking. As usual, she was a complete enigma. Any other woman would have been crying or flying about in a helpless rage. Truth be told, he wouldn't have blamed her if she had fallen apart. Look at what had happened to her. All because she'd taken a morning run in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Kathy took on the thoughtful expression he was so used to seeing and he knew she was beginning a logical, practical break down of the problem at hand. For the thousandth time, he wondered what it would take to finally see her lose it entirely. What catastrophic event could elicit a real, bonafide outburst from her?
She turned in his arms and rested her head in the crook of his shoulder. Some ancient feeling of bonding stole through him. “The sun will be up soon. We should get back to the cottage and send for the Sorceress."
"I don't think that's a good idea. I'm afraid I won't be able to control my temper if she admits she drugged us. Besides, we'd be playing right into her schemes if we admitted what we've done."
"We have to talk to her nonetheless. She can tell us whether or not you're carrying a child."
Kathy shook her head in disbelief. “That's just not possible. She couldn't tell so soon."
"It is possible, and she extracted a promise from me to send for her after we mated. If it ever happened at all, and I never intended it would."
"You mean that because of a chemically induced loss of inhibition, you're going to fill her in on all the sordid details? Have her perform some archaic ritual in which she tells me if I'm pregnant or not?"
"It's the way things are done here, Kathy."
"But I'm not one of you and shouldn't be expected to play these infantile games."
He stared at her. “Thank you for relegating what happened to us as a childish contest!” He turned away and reached for his clothing.
Kathy hadn't meant to put it so tactlessly. But they wouldn't have engaged in such exotic sex if it hadn't been for Shayla's antics. They wouldn't have had sex at all. She began to shiver. Despite the water's heat, she suddenly felt cold and very alone. She watched him dress before exiting the pool herself. He picked up her clothing and handed the garments to her. She accepted them though he made no eye contact.
"While you're so concerned about what has happened to you, the Sorceress is concerned about what happens to an entire race. Despite the fact that I've vehemently disagreed with her on the matter of bringing an outsider among us and her shenanigans since, I made a promise to her. If you're pregnant, there won't be a repeat of any ‘infantile games.’”
Some part of Kathy was hurt. This whole situation was the result of a command which had been forced upon him. Because of her tactless remark, maybe she deserved his anger. But she'd already heard his enthusiastic yet careful acknowledgment over their tryst. Goblin or not, he was all male. And men usually wanted more sex from a woman, even if they had been tricked into the initial encounter. For that reason, she'd never allow another sexual scenario like the one they'd just shared, no matter how satisfying.
"You're right. There certainly won't be another night like this one, whether I'm pregnant or not."
Kathy's sarcasm was the final straw. Tearach turned on her, ready to say something scathing, but he couldn't do it. She was as much a victim as he was. But he'd actually felt some softness in their lovemaking, and she obviously hadn't, despite her words to the contrary. That was the human part of her showing its ugly side. He needed to remember her race probably couldn't look beyond Shayla's tampering and consider the exquisite nature of their encounter.
"I'll be waiting in the next clearing. Get dressed,” he said tersely.
Kathy watched Tearach push through the shrubbery and felt remorseful. She shouldn't have been so damned heartless with her words. But it hurt to think that, despite their drug-induced state, he might only want to have sex to make good on his promise. Worse, that he'd run and tell Shayla everything they'd done was infuriating and the real cause for her anger. They shouldn't let the older woman know she'd won or she'd try other divisive means to control them. And how many others in this forest would know all
about their sexual business before another night passed? To her, it was something between them. Something sacred and private. Not an occasion Shayla Gallagher needed to gloat over and analyze. Time would ultimately tell if she was carrying a baby. Not some Druid-dressed mystic.
She pulled on her clothing, raked her fingers through her wet hair and walked toward the nearest clearing. Tearach leaned against a tree, his arms folded across his chest. Without a word, he turned and walked away. She followed. The thought came to her that she could bolt and run. Using the brush and trees as obstacles, she could easily outdistance a man Tearach's size. She'd often done so when training with the other firefighters. But Cairna's words came back to her. Tearach would be beaten, possibly to death, if she left. And there were guards everywhere. One of them might be able to catch up with her.
Cowardice wasn't in her nature, but the reality of the situation was rapidly sinking in. She didn't even know where she was. These people could be crazy. If she was pregnant, what would happen to her baby once she had it? What would happen to her? Hadn't ancient Druids made human sacrifices to their deities? Maybe that was the real reason the Sorceress wanted a child of mixed blood.
All sorts of doubts began to emerge. She was frightened, but it would never do to let her captors see it. Above all else, she wasn't anyone's victim. Her father had raised her to be strong and independent and to use her wits when things got rough. She held her head up, pulled her shoulders back and walked on. There would be time for a decision later. For now, she'd play out the charade with the Sorceress.
* * * *
They reached the cottage in silence. The sun was just beginning to rise. From the movements in the woods, Tearach knew the guards had been watching his home. They'd probably watched as he'd led Kathy away from the Moon Pool. Everyone would surmise the mating ritual was done. He wouldn't have to send for the Sorceress after all. He was sure she would come on her own. Rumors would inundate the entire forest in no time.
He began to see why Kathy didn't want anyone to know about their tryst. Why she'd been so sarcastic about sending for Shayla. They'd both be the center of gossip. Not because they'd made love. That kind of thing went on with regularity in these woods. But they'd both be held up to severe scrutiny. Just like insects under a microscope. First, everyone would wait to hear if Kathy was pregnant. Then, they'd watch to see if the pregnancy progressed normally, as Shayla had promised.
As they entered the cottage, he decided it wasn't fair to either of them. And he was still cursed with the thought that their child, if one existed, would die. Tearach's insides felt like rock and his heart sank. His pride was completely shredded. Was Kathy feeling the same way? How in the world would he ever know? She didn't seem to need him or anyone else, and she was keeping her opinions to herself. He watched as she pulled the curtains aside and looked out the living room window. Even an untrained eye could see movement in the trees and bushes outside.
"Have they been watching us all night?” she angrily muttered.
He sighed wearily. “No, Kathy, they're not voyeurs. They just watched long enough to figure out we've been to the Moon Pool. It's a sacred place for mating. I wouldn't have taken you there, but it's Goblin tradition. And we've little enough of that left to us.” He purposely avoided the topic of the whiskey, and how they'd made it to the pool to begin with. That wouldn't help their situation now.
"So, when does she get here?"
"The Sorceress will be here soon. I'm sure word got back to her quickly."
"It's too bad your communication system can't be put to use in the real world. There are people who'd pay good money to have a network so efficient."
He passed a hand over his face, mental exhaustion taking its toll. “Spare the sarcasm, Kathy. I don't like this any better than you."
Again, he'd confirmed his dislike of the entire ordeal, and his scowling expression confirmed his words. She turned back to the window and decided to keep her mouth shut. If she wasn't declared pregnant by whatever hocus-pocus Shayla used, Tearach would be expected to do his duty until she was. The Sorceress might even use more than drugs to make them more amenable, and it would certainly take some kind of altered state of mind for her to repeat last night's performance. Her mind was made up. Promise or not, she had to leave. Tearach could accept the consequences. As hard as it was for him to make love to an outsider, perhaps he'd find a good beating more acceptable. She wasn't going to be anyone's science experiment.
"She's here,” Kathy said as she turned away from the window.
"Whatever's going on in your head, don't anger her, Kathy. It won't make things easier for you."
Kathy tossed her head and snorted. “You don't seem to mind getting on her bad side."
"I'm a creature of magic and belong here. As much as Shayla and I might argue, she respects me and the fact that I'm the leader of my people. I'm not so sure she'd allow you the same leniency, even if you are carrying a child."
That did it. She was out of this place as soon as it got dark. His declaration had just convinced her no permanent harm would come to him. She, on the other hand, might not be so lucky. She walked to the center of the room and kept to herself.
The door to the cottage opened as if some magical, unseen wind had unlocked it. The Sorceress walked through. Behind Shayla, Tearach could see members of the Order gathering around the cottage. They'd all come to hear what the Sorceress’ announcement would be. He began to pace. His nerves had withstood enough.
"I hear you've both come to some arrangement regarding the situation,” Shayla proclaimed.
"There's no arrangement. He and I had sex in a pond. That's what you wanted, isn't it? You put something in the whiskey we drank, didn't you? Just to get us there,” Kathy quipped.
Tearach quickly pushed Kathy behind him. Her sarcasm would get her punished. “Perhaps it's best we get on with the ceremony, Shayla. I want to know about her condition."
"And what of you, Kathleen? What do you want?” Shayla's brows rose imperiously. “And, yes, I did put something in the bottle of whiskey. What's done is done."
Kathy could have easily hurled something at her, but she wasn't going to give the older woman the satisfaction of seeing her go ballistic. “You want to know what I want? Well, I want to be left alone. I mean completely alone,” she furiously responded.
"Sorceress, please. Just get on with this,” Tearach pleaded, effectively silencing Kathy's outrage.
"Very well. Move aside, Tearach. Kathleen, come here."
Kathy's first inclination was to ignore the command. One look at Tearach convinced her to just get it over with. He looked as if he had one nerve left and she'd just trounced on it. She sighed heavily, stalked to where the older woman stood and waited.
Shayla closed her eyes and placed the palm of her left hand across Kathy's abdomen. She smiled and took a shiny, quartz crystal from the pocket of her voluminous white robe. It was attached to a silver chain. Shayla dangled the sparkling gem in front of Kathy's stomach.
"A girl child. You'll have a fine, healthy daughter. Both of you should be immensely pleased. This will break the curse upon your people, Tearach. You've done well.” She placed a hand upon his cheek and smiled, brilliantly.
"No,” he murmured, “it will die."
"You believe in my ability to predict this birth, do you not?"
"Yes, Shayla. I believe there's a child. But your magic doesn't extend so far as to save the baby's life. If you could have done so, you'd have saved the other children.” He hung his head in sorrow. There was nothing to be done but wait for his baby to perish.
Kathy watched his expression and shook her head. “Tearach! You don't honestly think she knows I'm pregnant? That's just superstition."
"Silence!” Shayla waved her hand and the entire cottage seemed to shake. “You will have respect for our ways, young woman. You aren't in the outside world anymore. Their rules don't apply here. You are bearing Tearach's child. You've seen what he is and you still won't accept t
hat magic exists here? That all this is real?” Her hands lifted to encompass a circular direction around her. “Just to make sure you understand I'll send Cairna along with a pregnancy test. Perhaps your analytic mind will register the results of that."
Kathy swallowed hard. The building was only beginning to settle down. “Fine. Do whatever the hell you want."
"And when that test registers you're with child, what will you do, Kathy?” Tearach asked.
She honestly didn't know, especially since he believed any child of his would die. He looked as if the weight of the entire world rested on his shoulders. How horrible to have convinced yourself that your baby didn't have a chance to live. Worse, what if he was right? She watched him shake his head, lower himself into a chair and press the heels of his hands against his eyes. It was a gesture of utter defeat.
Shayla placed a hand upon his shoulder. “I tell you the baby will live, Tearach. Your job now is to keep Kathy and her child safe. You will forgo any of your normal duties until the baby comes. It will be delivered under the Dolmen, as Goblin tradition dictates."
He nodded without looking up. “As you wish."
Shayla raised the palm of her right hand. “I offer you both Blessings. This is the beginning of a new era. Of a race stronger than before. The Goblins will flourish and so will their power."
The door opened behind her. The Sorceress turned and whisked through it, and then the door closed. Several moments later cheering erupted outside. Tearach knew the others had been told and believed Shayla's prediction. But he couldn't. He'd seen so many children die. Kathy's human blood couldn't make that much of a difference.
"Shayla has told everyone, hasn't she?"
"Yes, they were waiting to hear the news. I should imagine they'll all celebrate."