Dark Gathering

by Karlene Cameron

“More like probing sessions,” she mumbled. Nicolas was working with her to unlock the missing memories and help her cope with the feelings she was having due to Hawkins’ assault. The sessions were daily, but Caitriona had deliberately skipped the last two and avoided her handler. She found the sessions too invasive and she didn’t want to relive anything related to Hawkins. No, she would handle this in her own way…and on her own timeframe.

  “Nicolas is trying to help,” Dani said, her defense and admiration of Nicolas quite evident.

  “He’s trying to win a war,” she said, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

  “This isn’t like you, Cat,” Dani said. “You need to snap out of this…whatever this is.” She swiped her hand in front of Caitriona.

  “Maybe this is me,” Caitriona tossed back at her. “Maybe this is exactly who I’ve been all along. Every part of me feels like this whole place is a lie, so why couldn’t this be the real me? Maybe I am nothing more than a traitor. Maybe…just maybe…there’s nothing that special about me after all.” Even as she spoke the words, she knew it was a lie. Although her memories still came in bits and pieces, she knew her visions played a very important role in this century’s battle. Duncan’s battle, she thought wryly.

  Danika looked at her wrist as an incoming communication interrupted their argument. “We need to get back,” Danika told her.

  “You go on without me. I’ll be along shortly,” Caitriona replied, knowing she would never be allowed to stay alone.

  “Nicolas has asked us both to return,” her sister said, looking down at her feet. Caitriona knew it was a lie but she got up anyway.

  “Fine,” she hissed, standing and smoothing the brocaded forest green gown she had chosen. The material was heavy, matching her mood.

  They walked in silence for several minutes, their guards keeping an ever-present watch several feet behind them. Caitriona was glad for the reprieve from her sister’s tenacious inquisition. She wanted time to herself, time to sort through her feelings. She was tired and wanted nothing more than a hot bath and a long nap. She stifled a yawn, swaying on her feet as a wave of dizziness overcame her.

  Danika steadied her, providing support as the feeling washed over her.

  “Are you alright?” Danika asked.

  “I think I just need something to eat and some sleep. It’s nothing.”

  Danika looped her arm around her sister’s waist and walked with her back to the hacienda. She pointed to the common table in the large gathering room and told Caitriona to sit. “I’m going to rustle us up some grub,” she said. She nodded to the guards, who took up their watch as she hurried into the kitchens.

  Caitriona took a deep breath and exhaled. She didn’t want to be here. She stood and walked to the door, fully expecting the guard to stop her. He simply opened the door and followed her out. That’s unexpected, she thought, shuffling out of the room. She smiled at her unexpected stroke of good luck until she turned left and ran into the man she’d been trying to avoid.

  Chapter Thirty-Seven

  The familiar charge was there between them, drawing each to the other like a moth to the flame. Duncan reached up and grasped her shoulders, steadying her when she ran into him. She looked at him with her emerald green eyes and he brushed the back of his knuckles across her cheek, marveling in the softness of her skin. His thumb trailed across her bottom lip as she tilted her head back and released her soul to him. Her emotions were on display, raw and exposed, her vulnerability making her even more beautiful in his eyes.

  She leaned into his touch. “I should leave,” she said, her breath a soft whisper against his lips. “Nicolas is looking for me.”

  “Nay,” he said, calling her on her lie. “He wants to speak to Danika.”

  “Oh,” she dropped her gaze.

  “We’re here for a reason, Leannan, and it’s not just to love each other,” he said, drawing strength from his convictions. He’d been patient up until now, but he needed to have this conversation with her. He needed to know what she remembered of him, if she remembered him.

  She started to pull away, but Duncan captured her mouth, gently parting her lips. His need consumed him, but he vowed to go slow. He couldn’t stand to think of the torture Hawkins had inflicted on her, nor could he bear to see her in her handler’s arms; the way Nicolas held her and caressed her was like a searing fire across his heart. The thought of what Hawkins had done tore even deeper.

  A low growl tore from his lips and he deepened the kiss. He loved the way she responded, pressing her body against him, drawing him in even tighter. And despite everything she’d been through, she still responded to his touch; she still trusted her soul to him. He was in awe of her strength and grace.

  Duncan broke the kiss first. He pushed her thick, auburn hair off her face and smiled at her. Her breath was ragged and desperate and he wondered how much of that was him and how much of it was memories of her time with Hawkins. He knew she wanted him; her body all but told him that. He kissed her tenderly, cupping her face in his hands. When she pulled away, he stared into the emerald depths that were a lagoon of emotion. He briefly considered leaving. After all, what did he have to offer her but a lifetime of war and misery? But he knew that if he did, she would see it as a dismissal.

  He watched as she pulled her top lip under her teeth, bringing her hand up to touch her now-bruised lips. He saw the confusion cross her face and wanted nothing more than to replace that look with carefree joy.

  “I can’t be what you need me to be, Duncan,” she said, her voice trembling. “I’m still trying to figure out who I am. And now…”

  “You are everything I need, Leannan,” he interrupted. He brought both his hands up to her face and kissed her forehead.

  She squeezed her eyes shut as a sob tore from her. “But I don’t even know you. I have only a few memories of you.”

  “Ye may nae remember,” he said, tilting her face so that she was looking in his eyes. “But yer body does.” He pulled her close, inhaling deeply of her lavender and floral scent. Goddess, how he had missed her. And even as her body tensed, the electricity between them arced and demanded more.

  Duncan ran his hands over her shoulders, resting his chin on her head. He held her as her body continued to tremble. After several minutes, she pushed away from him and swiped the back of her hand across her eyes. Goddess, how he wanted to erase every hurt, every scar that she had ever endured.

  “I want to remember,” she told him, reaching up to trace a white-silver scar that sat just below his eye. “We were lovers?” The statement was more of a question.

  “Aye, Leannan,” he replied, pushing her hair behind her ear.

  “But I betrayed you?”

  “Aye.”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “I dinna ken, lass. Perhaps Maeve is right: sometimes people do the wrong things for all the right reasons.”

  “Can you help me remember?”

  “Nicolas says that in time, ye will get yer memory back, but ye are tae go at yer own pace, Leannan.”

  She nodded. “Were you married before?”

  “Nay, lass. There has nae been anyone but ye.”

  “Were we…married?”

  He chuckled, his eyes taking on a faraway look. “To keep ye safe, we posed as a married couple for a bit. Do ye remember?”

  “It’s all so fuzzy,” she told him, pressing the back of her hand to her forehead. “And yet…I feel as if I’ve known you for a lifetime; that somehow…”

  “Go on,” he encouraged her.

  “That somehow my soul is connected to yours. But I don’t know why or even how that could be possible.”

  Duncan reached his hand around her neck, his thumb caressing the contours of her face. He wanted to give her time, but his body ached for hers, his soul yearned for the connection only she could provide. He waited, fully prepared to step back if she pushed him away.

  “You frighten me,” she confessed. “Why is that?”

  �
�I dinna ken,” he replied again, his lips mere inches from hers. “But I am nae the enemy, Leannan.” He chuckled again, the memories his words invoked bringing a smile to his face.

  “You’re laughing at me,” she said, starting to push away.

  He held her close. “Nay, Leannan. It’s just that I’ve said those exact words to ye on several occasions.”

  “Then you, sir, are doing a very lousy job of convincing me.”

  He smiled. “Aye, I suppose I am, at that.” He slipped his arm around her waist and gestured to the direction she’d been heading. “Walk with me,” he told her.

  They exchanged pleasantries as they strolled the halls of the large hacienda. She was inquisitive and asked questions, but Duncan didn’t mind. He’d answer her questions all day if it helped restore her memories. They talked of Castle Dunrobin, Fiona, and Lee, all of whom Caitriona had little recollection of.

  Whether unconsciously or by choice, the two ended up at Duncan’s quarters.

  “Can I offer ye a glass of whiskey?” Duncan asked, opening the door to his quarters and inviting her in.

  “I really should be getting back,” she told him. “Danika went to get us some food. She’ll be worried…”

  Duncan wasn’t ready for their day to end. He pulled out his communicator and instructed one of his men to find Danika and let her know Caitriona was with him. Putting the communicator away, he looked up at her to find her staring at him. He wanted to pull her into his arms and erase the hurt that seemed to be etched now in the soft lines of her face. He pushed the hair out of her eyes and tucked an errant tendril behind her ear. Goddess, she was beautiful, he thought. Even with the bruises that hadn’t quite healed, she radiated beauty inside and out. Placing his hand on the back of her neck, he hesitated before capturing her lips in a searing kiss that left them both panting and yearning for more. He felt the current that ran between them, connecting them in ways that he couldn’t understand. She was his and nothing—no one—could take that from him. His lips found hers again, this time with the tenderness that was borne of his heart.

  Caitriona broke the kiss first, running her hand through his hair. She smiled at him, and he could see the future he had envisioned with her in that smile. He could feel her nervous energy as her fingers played lightly on the back of his neck.

  He didn’t say anything but pulled her to him again. His mouth covered hers, his need for her consuming him. He pushed her lips apart as his tongued danced with hers in a rhythm only they knew. She ran her hands up his back, letting her hands slide through his hair. This is where he liked her—this is where he needed her. He cupped one of her breasts and savored the look on her face as she tilted her head back and a small groan escaped her mouth. Her lips parted as he teased the soft peak to hardness through the material of her gown.

  “I...”

  “Don’t overthink this,” he whispered, his erection pressed hard against her. She groaned, a deep, animalistic sound that made him hungry for her. He undid the fasteners on her gown and slid the bodice from her shoulders, freeing her breasts. Even in the dim light of the chamber, he could see the wounds that marred her otherwise perfect breasts. He felt the anger boil inside him and it took every ounce of self-control not to let his rage erupt. He would kill Hawkins. Of this, he was certain.

  She folded her arms across her breasts, self-conscious of the marks that were still evident.

  He tilted her face to his. “Ye are beautiful, Leannan,” he whispered. “In every way, ye are perfect. Dinna cover yerself, lass.” He unfolded her arms and kissed each peak until they hardened beneath his skillful ministrations. He tilted her head so that he was looking in her emerald eyes that were bright with unshed tears. His thumb caressed the contours of her cheek as he watched first one tear and then another wind their way down her cheeks. He wiped each away, and watched as she wrestled with her feelings.

  Pulling her close, he stroked her hair, quieting the tremors that wracked her body. “Ciunas,” he whispered.

  She creased her brow, her mouth forming a small “oh” of wonder.

  “Catie, what is it?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.

  She stepped back and caressed his face. “I remember,” she sobbed. “I remember…another time, like this.”

  He pulled her to him and breathed a sigh of relief, whispering a silent thank you to the Goddess that his beloved Caitriona had found her way back to him.

  He stepped back and pulled his shirt over his head, tossing it carelessly to the floor. Caitriona placed her hands on his pecks, splaying her fingers over the hard muscles. He groaned. Her touch elicited sensations that he found difficult to ignore. She bent her head to his chest, pulling his nipples into her mouth and teasing them lightly with her tongue, her breath like warm honey against his skin.

  He fisted his hands in her hair, urging her to continue. After several minutes, he cupped her chin and brought her face mere inches from his. “If ye keep that up, ye’ll unman me before I’ve even had a chance to remove my trues.” He laughed, a deep baritone, and watched as her eyes grew round as saucers. She always seemed genuinely amazed that she held any power over him. She was an enigma and he wanted to spend the rest of his life untangling her.

  He pushed her gown over her hips and helped her step out of the garments. He pulled her panties down her legs, stopping to let his hand cup her mound, the reddish-brown triangle an invitation of delights that awaited him. She shuddered, and he wondered if it was from the chill in the room or her nerves. He ran his hand over her arms, being careful not to apply too much pressure to the scar on her shoulder. He kissed the scar tenderly and looked up to see a tear trail down her cheek. He brushed it away with his thumb and kissed her lips, the saltiness of her tears sitting on his lips.

  “Dinna fash yerself, lass.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He deposited her in the middle and climbed next to her. “Catie, lass, if I spend my entire life doing only one thing, it will be tae ensure ye never shed another tear save for the happy ones we make together.” Propping himself on one elbow he smiled at her, his eyes devouring the soft curves of her body that were silhouetted in the soft glow of the candle flames.

  She turned toward him and propped herself on her arm. He ran his fingers over her legs and along the curve of her hip. His fingers traced the outline of her breast before he moved to the soft peaks, teasing them into hard nubs beneath his fingers. She moaned, her eyes closing and her lips parting. His fingers caressed her hip and leg again, the familiar electrical trail pulsing beneath his hands.

  Duncan stood and removed his trues, enjoying the appreciative sigh from Caitriona when his erection sprang free. She scooted to the edge of the bed and took his erection in her hand. She looked up at him under thick eyelashes and bent closer to take him into her mouth. He groaned when her lips wrapped around him and she sucked gently, her tongue making delicious circular movements over his head. He fisted his hand in her hair and glided her head as she sheathed her teeth and slid her mouth up and down his cock.

  He groaned and arched his neck. Goddess, she was incredible, he thought. Fearless, yet gentle. Loving. He cupped her face and guided her back to him. He found her lips and covered hers in a long kiss that nearly stole the wind from them both. His need was raw. Deep.

  He broke the kiss and pulled her to him, effectively bringing her back to his front. He pulled her to the edge of the bed and ran his hand over the cheek of her ass. He loved seeing her back side and the way her clitoris swelled from her need. He caressed the mound between her legs, slowly inserting one finger and opening her to him. She groaned and ground herself against his hand, her need guiding him.

  “Goddess, you are so wet, Leannan. Always ready for me.” He alternated his fingers inside of her, watching as she groaned and pushed against him.

  When he had brought her just to the edge, he removed his fingers and placed the tip of his penis against her.

  “I love you, Leannan. Nothing will ever change tha
t.” He pushed and sank himself into her. She cried out and arched her back, pushing her buttocks against him and taking him deep inside her. He groaned and slowly withdrew, pausing before pushing back into her. He continued the slow, rhythmic movement until he felt her body begin to stiffen. He picked up his pace, his own release close. He fisted his hand in her hair, his other reaching out and cupping her breast.

  He heard her cry out just as he reached his own release. He stiffened his body as his release came hard and long. They both stayed like that for several minutes. He could feel her heartbeat thumping out a fast staccato. When her heartbeat returned to normal, he slid out of her and kissed her at the small of her back. She sank to the bed, rolling over so that she could look at him. He pushed the hair out of her eyes and leaned in to kiss her. She tasted like him, and he reveled in the musky scent that was uniquely theirs.

  He pulled the blankets over them both and put his arm around her when she nestled against him, her head resting on his chest. He stroked her hair until he heard the soft, even breaths that told him she was asleep. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to drift off to sleep, content at last in her arms.

  It was sometime later when Caitriona awoke to Duncan caressing her face and hair as she lay nestled in his arms. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes as she stared into the eyes of the man her soul finally remembered.

  “Catie, lass, what is it?” Duncan asked, concern evident in his voice.

  “Even when I was lost in my darkness, there were memories of you, lurking beneath the shadows. I felt lost, as if the world was filled with darkness. But you…you were the light and I’ve somehow found you. I still feel like it’s a dream and at any moment I’ll wake and you’ll be gone from my memories again.”

  He pulled her head onto his chest and stroked her hair. “It’s nae a dream, Leannan,” he whispered. “I’m here and will never leave yer side.”

  She closed her eyes, remembering the flood of memories that had bathed her in emotions she had all but forgotten. His touch, his words all brought back the memories she had never truly lost. She had remembered the first day they met, their confrontation onboard his starship, the cliffs and caves of Castle Dunrobin, all came back with stunning clarity. Hawkins was still there, lurking in her memory. But Duncan’s touch and love had replaced all the horror she had experienced.