by Candace Sams
Her hands slid to his waist, slowly undid the leather belt and unzipped the front of the green leather pants. When she reached inside the garment, her hands came in contact with a very full erection. It was tightly encased in one of those black leather pouches she loved so much. Kathy smiled and pushed his body until he was on his back. His breathing was rough.
"Please, hurry,” he whispered brokenly.
She quickly untied the leather binding him and caught her breath when he sprang forward. “You're marvelous,” she whispered.
Tearach held his breath as her mouth descended on him. With all his heart, mind and body, he tried to let the moment last. But her touch was so soft and enticing, and it had been such a long time since they'd been able to make love. Somewhere in his lust-slaked brain, he acknowledged they could have been doing things like this all along. At first, he'd been so determined that their relationship was wrong. Then there was the threat that the baby wouldn't survive. He'd brought on his own problems, but he was determined to never let those demoralizing feelings enter his heart again.
As her tongue flicked over him and her long fingers encircled his swollen member, Tearach knew he'd never want another woman touching him as long as he lived. There was no one else in his universe. Only Kathy and the intoxicating response she elicited.
Kathy watched Tearach take one long breath and then moan as his hands gripped the earth beside him. His release wracked his body. And Kathy kept up her ministrations until the end.
She gently stroked him as the light in his eyes dimmed and went back to normal. “Better now?” she asked softly.
Tearach took a deep, shaky breath. “Much.” Then he smiled sensuously and let her hold him for a time.
"Tearach, I hate to stop this, but we'd better get back,” she advised.
He nodded. “You're right. But tell me this won't be the last time we sneak off like this, that you'll play with me like that again."
"I don't think you could keep my hands off you."
"Mmmmm, you own me,” he breathed against her lips.
"Not yet," she said as her hand smoothed over his flat abdomen. “In a few weeks, though, I'll do my best to make it so."
"Thank you, love. That was unbelievable.” He touched her face and sighed.
"You're welcome. And I'm sorry I teased you."
"Don't be too sorry."
She playfully pushed him. Then Tearach stretched as he watched Kathy stand and pick up the baby. “Is Tearyn still sleeping?"
Kathy chuckled as the tiny baby stretched out her arms and peacefully yawned. “Like a little bug."
He quickly rose and redressed. “Let me have her.” When Kathy handed him the baby, he cradled Tearyn in the crook of one arm. Then he took Kathy's hand in his and kissed the back of it. “Loop your arm through mine, and never walk beside me without touching me. All right, Kathy?"
Something in his voice seemed wistful and urgent. It was as though walking together as a unit meant a great deal to him. “All right, I won't"
He leaned toward her, gently touched his lips to hers and led the way back to the meadow.
Storming through the woods, Mabb bounced into one tree and then another as tears of galvanizing rage blinded her. “He's mine ... mine,” she uttered over and over. She couldn't exist without Tearach. She wouldn't. And if that meant Kathy had to be confronted, so be it. The quicker her plans went into action, the better.
Chapter Fourteen
The days drifted by remarkably fast. After the night of the naming celebration, visitors were frequent and welcomed. Tearach savored each memory and filed them away in his heart. Laughing came easily, and he promised himself that Kathy would know what it was to be swept off her feet and boldly loved. When he made his vows, there would be no doubt in her heart or soul that they were meant to be together forever. Not just for the baby's sake, but because together is where two people in love belonged.
She awoke in his arms each day, and Tearach began to gradually shift her schedule and his to staying awake nights. That was how the Goblin world worked. The daylight was for resting, the night for work and celebration. Kathy seemed to embrace his life and customs with joy and continual curiosity.
Cairna and Rome planned for a handfasting during Imbolc or the traditional first day of spring. The entire household was turned upside down in preparation, and Tearach loved every moment of it. His baby grew, and he couldn't imagine his life without her precious presence. He bonded with her so powerfully that nothing could ever break their ties. It seemed everything would be as he had never dreamed possible, and word came to him that other Goblin children were expected. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that they, too, would flourish.
It soon came time for him to take his place and guide his people back into the work force. The Order demanded that all of its denizens carry the weight of assigned tasks, so he gathered his small band of Goblins and apportioned work. But even that was a pure joy. Unable to concentrate on anything but survival, their share of the burden had been carried by others for too long. It was time to live.
Tearach listened as Kathy walked down the hallway. He held the baby in his arms and waited for her to join him, Cairna, and Rome for the evening meal. But the very breath left his lungs when he saw her descend the stairs. She was back in her leather clothing, the same clothes she'd worn when he'd first seen her. Though he knew her figure was back, he hadn't seen her in anything but the comfortable Druid robes many of the women loved to wear. The leather hugged her slender form perfectly. It seemed she might even be a bit thinner. The pendant he'd given her nestled seductively between her full breasts.
She laughed when she saw his face, held up her hands and turned for his inspection. “What do you think? The pants fit fine, but my breasts are still huge."
With the baby wriggling in his arms, he mounted the steps two at a time and gazed down into her eyes. You're beautiful, Kathy. When do you think you'll be ready?"
Kathy draped her arms over his shoulders, knowing he meant sex. It was a subject they'd talked about for weeks. “You've got a one-track mind."
"It's the right track as far as I'm concerned. When?” he persisted.
"It's been seven weeks. Usually women are told to wait about eight. But I can go to Owen tomorrow and make sure, if you like."
He slowly nodded. “I like.” But that meant he'd have to hunt for the herbs men of the Order took to prevent pregnancy. He couldn't have Kathy carrying another child so soon. Her body wasn't ready, and they hadn't talked about when or if they'd create another life. That was a discussion he'd take up with her when they were handfasted properly. He hoped to do so on the same night Cairna and Rome were joined. It would have special meaning for all of them.
"Come on, you two. The food is getting cold,” Cairna called out from the dining room.
Tearach placed the baby in her cradle beside the fireplace. With one hand, he set it to rocking, tucked in the blankets and walked toward the table. Pot roast, seasoned potatoes, fresh broccoli and hot tea waited, and he wasn't about to let that empty-pitted Rome start without him.
"What are you smiling about?” Rome asked.
"I was just thinking it would be good to get your cottage built so Kathy and I could have this one all to ourselves."
Kathy pretended to frown at him. “They can stay with us as long as they want.” She turned her attention to the younger couple. “Don't listen to him. He just wants the entire roast to himself."
Rome looked at Tearach. “Actually, I was thinking of borrowing some tools from the Loft and start building this weekend. Would you help?"
"Of course,” Tearach responded. “We can draw out a plan tonight if you want, and discuss it on guard duty tomorrow evening."
"What's the Loft?” Kathy asked.
The three Goblins looked at one another and burst out laughing.
"I'm sorry, Kathy,” Tearach said. “I thought someone would have told you about it by now. With everything that's been on my mind, it didn't
occur to me that there are a lot of places you've never seen. The Loft is what we call the building where the artisans work. These are the people who make the textiles, artwork, and everything else we sell to the outside world."
Kathy nodded. “I remember Cairna telling me something about all that. Could I see it?"
Tearach lifted his hand and gently caressed her cheek. “Of course, you can. I've been so protective of you and the baby, it didn't occur to me you've been cooped up in the cottage for weeks. It's past time for you to see some more of our world.” He leaned forward and gifted her with a slow, steady kiss.
Cairna tactfully cleared her throat. “While this is highly romantic, you think you guys could get a room or something?"
Tearach broke the kiss, leaned back into his chair and raised an autocratic eyebrow in his niece's direction. “Pay attention, little one. You might learn something."
"Oh, it's nothing she doesn't already know,” Rome blurted. Realizing his tactical error, he swallowed his food and quickly pretended his broccoli was very interesting.
Tearach shot the man a pointed glare.
Cairna turned a bright shade of pink.
Kathy looked around the table and sighed. “Leave them alone, Tearach. You and I aren't even talking about handfasting, and we've got a baby lying over there in a crib. Don't get all self-righteous with them."
"She's got a point,” Cairna said.
"A definite point,” Rome chimed in.
Tearach threw down his napkin, stared at Kathy's winning smile and threw in the proverbial towel. “All right, all right. But I don't want to know what the two of you are up to.” He momentarily put up his hands in mock resignation. Then he helped himself to some more pot roast and silently promised Kathy, Oh, we'll get around to handfasting. Don't you worry you're lovely head over it.
* * * *
"Where are we going?” Kathy asked for the fifth time. She watched as he gathered things for the baby.
He soundly kissed her as he walked by. “You'll see. Hand me her blanket, will you?"
Kathy grabbed up the blanket and passed it to him. “Are you taking me to the Loft?"
He winked playfully. “You've got it. I want you to see what keeps this place running."
Kathy chewed her lip in anticipation. “Is anyone going to mind if I ask questions?"
"Could anyone stop you?"
"No."
"Then, they won't mind.” Tearach cheerfully grabbed her hand. “Come on. I want to show off the two of you."
The day was cold, but the afternoon sun shone down on them like an orange, Chinese lantern. They walked through the forest while leaves fell and squirrels scampered in front of them, vying for the last of the nuts. As Kathy walked, she couldn't get over the change in the man she lived with. Compared to that grim, grief-stricken, person, this new man was a kind, roguish beau. She knew that when the doctor finally gave her the thumbs up, her love life was going to be spectacular. Unless he took the herbs Cairna told her about, they'd have a family so large the cottage would have to double in size. But, if all their children ended up like him, Kathy would have no complaints. It would be wonderful to grow old with this green knight by her side. And she knew he wanted her there. Why hadn't he said the words?
Before she could contemplate the question further, they rounded a corner in the path and Kathy was amazed to see a large Tudor mansion in front of them. It looked like an expanded version of their own cottage. She knew many of the homes in this forest had a wonderful fairytale look. They were small, quaint and cozy. But this place spread over several acres. It was beautifully landscaped and people came and went. They carried boxes and hoisted them into several large, unmarked vans parked on a nearby dirt road. Kathy surmised that this must be how they got their supplies in and out of the area.
Tearach walked toward two large oak doors in the center of the building. “There's someone I want you to meet. You might hear him called the Craftsman, but he's just Gawain O'Malley to everyone who knows him."
Kathy followed Tearach inside the building. There were offices on the first floor as modern as any she'd ever seen. The second floor contained large rooms where workers crafted fine woolen items of beautiful Celt design. Everyone smiled and wanted to see the baby, but they all appeared in human form. Kathy remembered Cairna saying that those who could shape shift disliked being in their true forms until after dark. It wouldn't do for a satellite to take pictures of, or someone in a plane to see, the creatures of this amazing and wonderful place. If the world ever learned of it, Tearach's and her baby's lives might be in jeopardy. And that must never happen. The world warred among those of its own kind, seeing threats everywhere. These gentle people with their magical ways would give suspicious human minds fuel for anxiety.
"I'm going to show the baby around, Kathy. Look at anything you want."
She watched Tearach walk toward the end of the building and go from one worker to the next. Then she turned her attention to the workers. They seemed to love what they did. She stopped by one large loom and admired a blue-green afghan. The items she saw would be sent all over the world, without anyone ever knowing their new treasures were crafted by creatures of magic. Kathy remembered a wool sweater with shamrock designs she'd purchased on a trip to Ireland. She wondered if it was one of the items from the sacred forest. Then she recalled that some of her grandmother's handmade furniture came from this part of Britain. Wouldn't it be wonderful to learn that those heirlooms had been made by the very people she now lived with?
That reminded her that she needed to tell Cairna and Rome they could have their pick of her things from the storage room in the castle. Shayla had sent for her household furnishings and had them put there. Some of her mother's and grandmother's furniture would make a lovely edition to a new cottage. And like all newlyweds, Cairna and Rome would need help getting started. Since she had a cottage full of wonderful woodwork, and a wonderful man to go with it, it didn't seem right to leave her belongings where no one would use them.
Her musings kept her smiling and moving from one craftsman to the next. Her eye was captured by a bolt of aquamarine cloth. She ran her hand over the silky fabric and dreamed of having a summer dress made that would make a certain Goblin's mouth water. In her mind, she could see it. A lot of back and cleavage would show. And the wind would blow it lightly around her body and tempt him horribly.
"You should have it. It matches your eyes."
Kathy quickly turned to see a very tall bodybuilder. His long, medium brown hair set off dark blue eyes. He had a sexy stubble of beard on his face. That was something she wasn't used to seeing. Goblins didn't have facial hair, so Tearach didn't shave. But this giant not only sported a rakish beard, he even had a gold earring looped through one ear. He looked like a bronzed pirate. Kathy quickly dropped the cloth she'd been examining. “I'm sorry. I couldn't resist looking at the material."
He smiled and regarded her curiously. “You must be Kathy. I'm Gawain O'Malley. And you can look at anything you like. But this has got to be yours. It's the same color as your eyes,” he repeated and lifted the cloth up to her face. “Yep. The same."
Kathy laughed. The man's expression was so friendly, and he looked as if he smiled a lot. “I'm sorry, and I know this is going to sound strange, but ... have we met before?"
"You may have seen him. He's quite famous, Kathy.” Tearach approached and held out his hand. “I'm sorry you couldn't make it to the baby's naming ceremony."
"I am too.” He shook hands with Tearach. “I was off in the south of France. But I want to congratulate you both. The child is a pure miracle, and I've been waiting to get a good, long look.” He eagerly stretched out his hands for the infant.
To Kathy's surprise, Tearach handed Tearyn over without a qualm, and when Gawain took the baby in his arms, his face softened and his dark blue eyes lit from within. This big man loves children. That was the first thought that came to Kathy's mind. He was so gentle, and he looked down at Tearyn with an expres
sion of complete love.
"She's the most adorable thing I've ever seen, Tearach. You should be the happiest man on Earth. You've got a lovely woman and a sweet little girl.” He carefully cuddled the baby and took one tiny hand between his index finger and thumb.
"Yes,” Tearach answered. “And I am happy."
"The baby seems to really like you,” Kathy said as she eyed her daughter's response.
"Oh, I love kids.” He grinned. “I want a cottage full someday. I come from a big family myself, and I wouldn't know what to do without a lot of people around. But this little one is very special. She's going to be a heartbreaker for sure. Look at those dark little eyes. Goddess, she's a beauty!"
Kathy immediately liked Gawain. It wasn't just his stunning looks, but his gentle, unaffected way. He spoke right from the heart. Then it suddenly occurred to her where she'd seen him before. “Oh my ... you're DeForest, the famous artist, aren't you?"
"Guilty.” He smiled and shrugged. “Here, I'm just Gawain."
"Don't let him fool you, Kathy. His work is known all over the world. The sale of a single piece of his artwork can keep this place running for months. A great deal of our medical equipment came from him, as well as food, supplies, computers..."
"All right, all right, man. Don't go blathering on like that. Kathy will think I've got a huge ego."
"You deserve to have one,” Kathy said. “Some of your artwork has been exhibited in the Louvre. You've created some of the most splendid works I've ever seen. But I don't understand how you can get away with it.” Kathy was in awe.
"You mean, keep my real identity safe?” He laughed and gently put the baby on his shoulder to rock her.
Kathy nodded. She remembered the newspapers reporting this man to be secretive, ultra-private and exceedingly eccentric. “But that's how it works, isn't it? You pretend to be so self-involved and egotistical that people can't or won't get near you. And there are rumors about a lot of women, but you don't let reporters too near."
"That's the way he does it all right.” Tearach snorted. “But don't believe anything you may have ever read about him, Kathy. He's not at all like the newspapers and tabloids have depicted him."