Signs of Love and Deliverance
Page 53
“She is a bit younger than you.”
“Yes a bit, but not too young.” Raven was mildly amused at his friend’s curiosity.
“You are interested in her?” Brandon lifted a black eyebrow in question.
“Hmm, you know I can’t resist a damsel in distress,” Raven commented vaguely.
“Distress? What distress?” Brandon sat up with concern. If Madeline’s friend was in trouble, he should know about it so he could inform her brother, Simon.
“Lie down, Brandon, and ease your mind,” he quietly commanded. Raven breathed deeply when Brandon laid back. He wasn’t ready to share his new relationship with Gretchen, if he could even call it that. “Gretchen has some emotional issues. I am dealing with it.” Raven ended the subject and picked up Brandon’s hand in his. “How is Deirdre?”
Brandon sighed sadly. “Not well. She is trying to put Lord Henry’s death behind her, but she is struggling.”
“Do you need my help?” Raven lightly caressed small circles in the palm of Brandon’s hand with his thumb and gently probed Brandon’s mind with his.
“It is why I came to see you. I wanted to ask if you could help her. My talks with her aren’t working,” he said with chagrin. Brandon didn’t want to ask for Raven’s assistance with Deirdre, but he didn’t see he had any other choice. He was uncertain of her reaction to Raven. She was young and skittish, and he didn’t want to increase her anxiety. Truth be told, Brandon was feeling a bit anxious himself right now. Raven was using his unusual skills on him, attempting to relieve his tension and help him relax. Brandon appreciated what Raven was trying to do, but he didn’t believe it would help him. He had too many people to worry about and too much to do. He hadn’t been able to sleep in weeks. It was unlikely Raven could do anything to ease his concerns.
“I will work with her, Cat. Don’t worry so. She will be fine.” Raven ran his thumb soothingly up and down the palm of Brandon’s hand.
“She is not like Madeline,” Brandon warned, and snatched his hand out of Raven’s grasp with irritation. “She is shy, timid, and innocent, Raven.”
Raven smiled with mild humor and retrieved Brandon’s hand. “I know that, Cat. I won’t harm her and I promise to be gentle.” Raven watched him intently as Brandon stared at the ceiling pensively. Raven recognized how difficult it was for Brandon to ask him for assistance with his family. He wished Brandon would realize that Raven viewed Brandon’s family as if they were his own, and thus, his responsibility. Brandon didn’t have to manage it all on his own. “You need to end this estrangement between you and Cassie.” Raven shifted the conversation as he slowly began bringing his meditative tranquility back into focus, breathing evenly and deeply, letting the calming energy flow from him to his friend through their joined hands.
“I know,” Brandon replied, staring up at the ceiling while allowing Raven to hold his hand.
“It needs to be soon, Cat. The two of you can’t continue this way much longer and neither can we. We all are tired of pretending the two of you aren’t married. This deception is not good for any of us.” Raven slowly massaged Brandon’s hand, trying to relieve some of the stress in his friend’s body as he continued his deep breathing. With his eyes half-closed, he eased them into a state of tranquility, mentally encouraging Brandon to open up and unburden his worries.
“It is difficult, Raven. I have to convince her that she needs me, that we are stronger together than apart, and regardless of the danger Farrington poses, it is for the best to end this ruse for both of us and our sons.”
“I don’t think it is going to take that much convincing,” Raven said softly.
“She is stubborn.” Brandon pulled his hand out of Raven’s grip, a little unnerved by Raven’s mental manipulation.
“No more so than you.” Raven caught Brandon’s hand again and continued his slow massage.
“I have thought about forcing the issue, but I don’t want to hurt her.” Brandon tugged his hand again, but Raven held tight.
“Perhaps that is what she is waiting for, Brandon.” Raven suggested in a silky voice, bringing peacefulness to the room, and sending Brandon a mild, mental push of rest and acceptance of his touch.
“I don’t want her to hate me.” Brandon yawned and gave up the battle over his hand, giving in to Raven’s ministrations.
“She won’t hate you, and neither of you can continue on like this. End the separation, Brandon. It is time,” he ordered smoothly and calmly.
“I know.” Brandon looked over at him and grinned. “I also know what you are doing and it won’t work.”
“And what is it that I am doing?” Raven asked quietly.
“Seducing me into one of your trances,” Brandon replied wryly. “You know I am not going to allow it.”
“I am not seducing you,” Raven grinned in amusement and stopped massaging Brandon’s hand. “I am sending soothing energy to relax you. That is all. You are exhausted, Cat.” Raven studied his friend with concern. “Let me ease some of your tension.” Raven continued spinning a web of serenity around them, hoping to help Brandon relax. “You need to stop trying to take all the responsibilities of your family and friends on your shoulders. You are going to wear yourself out, Cat.”
Brandon tried to shake off Raven’s magic but with little success. His abilities had gotten too compelling for Brandon to fight. He gave up the battle and allowed Raven’s calm to soak into his tired soul. “You are more powerful than you used to be.”
“Hmm.” Raven resumed his hand massage and carefully eased Brandon’s body closer to him. “Relax,” Raven whispered when he felt Brandon tense. “I am not going to hurt you.”
“It would be a whole hell of a lot easier if we decked it out,” Brandon murmured through a haze of lethargy, trying to fight the fuzziness in his head but failing. Slowly, he began relaxing into Raven’s strength.
“And put unnecessary bruises on our bodies, I don’t think so, puppy,” Raven commented quietly as he continued his ministrations, increasing Brandon’s drowsiness and relaxation.
“Can a girl join you or is this a men only thing?” Chameleon questioned from the doorway with a smirk at the site of two of her favorite men on Conrad’s large bed. She recognized one of Raven’s healing trances and was eager to join them. She could really use Raven’s healing touch.
Raven gazed up at her and winked. “Come, luv, you can join us.” Raven extended his free hand, and when she put her hand in his, Raven drew her towards him, wrapped his arm around her, and settled her firmly next to him. Chameleon snuggled against him, rested her head on his naked chest, and draped a leg over his. “I am in heaven,” Raven sighed softly so as not to interrupt the tranquility he had created for Brandon and to ease Chameleon into the circle of that calm. “Two of my favorite people in my arms, it can’t get better than this.” When Chameleon giggled, he gave her a tight squeeze and kissed the top of her head.
Reaching an arm across Raven’s chest, Brandon clasped her hand in his. “How are you feeling, Chammy? I haven’t had much of a chance to talk with you since you returned.”
“I am fine, Brandon.” She squeezed his hand in return and snuggled closer to Raven.
“You seem disturbed about something, luv,” Raven observed as he caressed her shoulder through the light material of her shirt.
“Restless, I guess.” Chameleon was surprised that he noticed. She was hoping he was so caught up with Brandon’s feelings, he wouldn’t notice hers. She was wrong. She sensed his abilities were getting stronger.
Raven tipped her chin up to meet his eyes filled with concern. “You know you can tell me anything, don’t you?”
“I know.” Chameleon smiled up at him. She trusted Raven as much as she trusted anyone she supposed, but it never failed to amaze her that he always seemed to know how she was feeling. Once she thought it was because they had been lovers, but that had been long ago, and since then, she noticed that Raven seemed to know how everyone was feeling, not only herself. It w
as a rare gift he had that she didn’t quite understand, but she had learned to trust it as she had learned to trust her own gift of perception.
Resting her head back on his chest, he released her hair from its tight bun, ran his fingers through the long tresses, and placed a light kiss on her forehead. “I am here if you need me, luv. That goes for both of you.”
“And we are here for you, Raven,” Brandon replied sluggishly, no longer fighting Raven’s spell.
“I know that, Cat,” Raven said as he caressed Brandon’s hand, re-establishing the serenity he had wielded, and pulling it over them like a cloak. Raven watched them as their breathing evened out and their heart rates slowed, falling into deep sleep. Raven was concerned for both of them. They each had their own demons to fight and he wished they would share them with him more. He was capable of taking some of their burdens if they would let him.
When the door opened, Raven looked up to see Conrad Morgan standing in the doorway.
“I see you have some pets,” Conrad grinned, pleased to see those he loved.
Raven smiled. “Some very tired pets,” he replied in a low, smooth voice so as not to wake them.
“It is a rare sight seeing them so still and resting,” Conrad observed. “How is he?”
“Exhausted.” Raven frowned and slowly released Brandon’s hand, careful not to wake him.
“He has many responsibilities of family and friends on his shoulders,” Conrad repeated Raven’s earlier observation.
“That he does. I wish he would let us lighten his burdens.”
“He won’t allow that, but at least now with Madeline married to Damon, he has one less worry.”
“Don’t fool yourself, Connie. He isn’t going to relinquish his hold of her without a fight.” Raven watched Chameleon with concern when she let out a whimper in her sleep. He adjusted his body and snuggled her tighter against him, wrapping both of his arms around her. He smiled when she sighed and snuggled against him. He worried about her; indeed, he did. She held a very special place in his heart, and if he could keep her close to him, he would. However, he realized that she was a free spirit and her destiny was not with him.
“Then I will have to talk to Damon and have him convince Brandon that she is no longer his concern,” Conrad stated sternly, trying to convince himself that would work, but knowing it probably wouldn’t. Brandon would always worry about his family.
“Good luck with that,” Raven said and glanced down at Chameleon as she snuggled yet closer to him in her sleep, seeking his warmth. “Hand me that quilt,” Raven raised his hand to gesture at the quilt draped over the chest at the foot of the bed.
Conrad picked up the quilt and spread it over them. “I am worried about her.”
“As am I, but we have to let her come to us when she is ready.”
Conrad nodded in understanding. “I suppose I will be sleeping in your quarters this evening,” he commented dryly.
“Connie, I don’t want to wake them. They need the rest.”
“I agree. Sleep well, Raven,” Conrad said in parting, leaving Raven to drift off into a light sleep.
DELIVERANCE FAMILIES AND CHARACTERS
Deliverance Society Captains
Conrad Morgan:
Captain of The Deliverance
Raven:
First mate and Captain of The Deliverance
Brandon Cathcart:
Captain of The Midnight Glory
Damon Spencer:
Captain of The Wayward Wind
Cassandra Bradford:
Captain of The Jester, Countess of Ravenleigh
Maxine Stuart:
Captain of The Joker
Chameleon:
Captain of The Merriment
Cathcart Family
Jonathan:
The Duke of Warlington - Father
Anna:
first Wife - deceased, Brandon’s mother
Elizabeth:
The Duchess of Warlington, 2nd wife
Brandon:
Marquess of Kenrik, a.k.a. Cat, from first marriage, 1st son
Nicholas:
Earl of Kylington, 1st son from second marriage, 2nd son
Stephen:
2nd son from second marriage, 3rd son
Jared:
3rd son from second marriage, 4th son
Madeline:
1st daughter from second marriage
Deirdre:
2nd daughter from second marriage
Regina Allister:
cousin (twin)
Rowena Allister:
cousin (twin)
Cathcart Employees:
Avery:
Cathcart’s Butler
Mrs. Beers:
Cathcart’s Family Cook
Mrs. Grebbs:
Cathcart’s Former Governess
Hilda:
Madeline’s maid
Malany Family
Simon:
Marquess of Morelyn, 1st son
Miles:
Earl of Rawley, Captain in the British Royal Navy, 2nd son
Warren:
Viscount of Sheffland, 3rd son
Samuel:
4th son
Preston:
5th son
James:
6th son
Anthony:
7th son
Gretchen:
1st daughter
Clara DeVey:
cousin
Malany Employees:
Gracen:
Malany’s Butler
Guy Randolf:
Malany’s Stablemaster
Mary:
Malany’s downstairs maid
Collins Family
Garen:
Lord of Graives
Corinna:
Sister
Parker Family
Zachary:
Baron of Gyffard
Joselyn:
Zachary’s sister,
Jeremy:
Younger brother
Beatrice:
Great aunt
Mary:
Mother
Parker Employees:
Mr. Martin:
Parker’s Butler
Gertie:
Beatrice Parker’s maid
Farrington Family
Aaron Farrington:
Marquess of Brumley
Gilbert Farrington:
1st son
Alfred Farrington:
2nd son
Farrington Employees:
Selsby:
Farrington’s Butler
Travis:
a.k.a Seth Davis, errand boy
Montgomery Family
Harold:
Deceased
Evelyn:
Wife, widowed
Prudence:
Daughter
Members of the Deliverance Society
Tylib Ezro:
First mate of Wayward Wind
Ian MacKinnsy:
Sailor, The Wayward Wind
Hiram:
Sailor, The Wayward Wind
Jack:
Sailor, The Wayward Wind
Andre LaRue:
Cook, The Wayward Wind
Pete:
Sailor, The Wayward Wind
Randy McBride:
Ravenleigh warehouse worker
Sandy Wilkes:
Owner and Madame of the White Lily
Sven:
Bodyguard at the White Lily
Bruno:
Bodyguard at the White Lily
Jean Claude Revendonne:
Pierre’s brother, owns estate in France
Pierre Revendonne:
First mate of The Jester
Augustus MacAby:
Sailor, The Jester
Cedric:
Sailor, The Jester
Guy:
Sailor, The Jester
Chen Xing:
First mate of The Joker
Other Mentionable Characters
Roger Cummi
ngs:
Viscount of Dunley, deceased
Henry Cummings:
Viscount of Dunley, brother of Roger
Marshall Nevell:
A minor lord
Charles Penwich:
Merchant
Manuel Parez:
Stable hand, groomsman
Richard Wallace:
Earl of Ruxford
Reginald Flint:
Captain of the Flying Manna
Amy Brentwood:
Madeline’s friend
Melissa Goodwin:
A minor Baron’s daughter
Geoffrey Carlton:
Earl of Reigns
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracy Kay has been creating and writing stories since forever, and she is an avid reader of all genres. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. She is a native Pennsylvania misfit living in a small Ontario town with her hot husband, eye-rolling stepson, and two hyper, but loveable, little dogs. She has an obsession with crystals and loves a deliciously good romance with a side of panty melting kink and heart pounding adventure.
You can visit Tracy at her website www.tracykaywriter.com
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Send Tracy an email at
writer.tracykay@outlook.com