“Cara, it is nothing that is all that bad. ‘Tis simply something ye do not know about yerself. ‘Tis a good thing. It will make us more able to live together. More able to love together. ‘Twill make ye a McNeal.”
At her wide eyed look he wished he could recall his words.
“Cara, ye know I mean to marry ye. Has been in my mind to do so since before yer birth. Am I so disagreeable that ye do not wish to have me?”
She smiled sweetly up at him. “Nay, Liam, ‘tis not that at all. It is all sudden that is all. I am sure I will grow comfortable with the idea, in time.”
He made a face that told her the time was the problem.
“I understand that I may not get the time I wish for. It is more important to survive than to preserve my modesty. I am willing to do what is needed now and let you make it up to me later.”
He nodded solemnly and led her into the privacy of the grotto.
“Cara, we will be sending the horses on to try to draw those damned dogs away from us. I’ll need yer clothes too. Ye’ll not be needin’ them after tonight.”
Cara’s eyes widened. “I’ll not have any clothes?”
“Nay. There’s no way to take them along. It’ll be alright. I’ll help you.”
“I am to be without clothes among the lads then?”
“Aye, but not verra much. Your tiger will cover ye most all the time. Ye’ll change when you want.” He shrugged as if it didn’t matter, but he was very interested in seeing her, both in her skin and in her fur. “I will leave you for a few moments to allow ye time to …”He trailed off with a helpless gesture and she laughed delightedly at his sudden awkwardness.
“I thank ye My Laird. The time is most appreciated.” Cara still felt apprehension clawing at her, but she had little choice and she trusted Liam. She stepped behind some bushes and stripped to her skin. She then bundled her clothes together and tossed them to Liam.
Liam felt like a lad with his first woman. He gathered up her clothes and couldn’t force his blush away. He couldn’t even find his words. His body was reacting to the prospect of having Cara, but his mind had gone blank of all the tender words he should impart. He could do nothing but turn and leave her standing there all but laughing at him.
They tied their clothes to their mounts. Liam loosely tied Carra’s horse to his own knowing Stone would lead them safely home. When all of their belongings were attached to the horses the men slapped their rumps and sent their beloved horses away. They all prayed that the beasts would make it safely to the castle and that they would find them there safe and sound very soon.
As soon as the horses were away .Darren stripped off his clothes and changed quickly. His tiger stretched and began to run. Darren ran for what seemed like days, but was only a few hours. He was careful not to travel straight to the meeting place, but he circled and came in at a different angle so no one would suspect where he’d come from. He soon came to the place where he was to meet his spy. He crouched low in the bushes and waited. He didn’t wait long before a large grey wolf walked slowly into the clearing. The beast melted away to reveal the man who’d been feeding Darren information. He was tall and heavily muscled, but Darren could tell he was exhausted. He’d had to travel much further than Darren. This was good news for Cara.
“I am here,” he spoke loudly. “I have little to tell you, but I am here.”
“Why would you come if there is nothing to report?” Darren growled
“Oh I did not say there was nothing, just little.”
“Out with it then!” Darren roared and he was shocked to see that the man did not so much as flinch. He was young, Darren knew, but he was strong in mind as well as body.
“I have heard of the girl you seek. She was given in marriage to Lord Newberry. Do you know of him?”
Darren felt his world tilt. If Eva was married then she would be unable to fully mate him. Did he care?
The spy snorted and replied as if he’d read Darren’s mind. “Nay, do not fear that she is spoiled. Newberry is on in years and is no longer able to bed the girl or so I have heard. She will be less pure than before, but not completely compromised. I have heard that he is seeking a man to help him create an heir. He has asked me to do this for him. I told him I would think it over.” At the viscous snarl that came from Darren the spy only chuckled. “I was thinking to offer a suitable replacement. Perhaps if you were able to get to her you would be able to rescue her.”
“When?”
“Not until after I have spoken to your laird.”
“I don’t like the games yer playin’”
“I do understand. It is necessary though. Do we have a bargain?”
“Aye. Liam is going to change Cara, probably has already.”
The spy let out a sigh of relief. “Good. That may give her a chance then. The men are getting restless and Ramsey is getting impatient.”
“We will travel fast. We will make it to the castle.”
The spy only nodded and silently walked away into the bushes again.
7
Ramsey McKenzie wallowed in the very spot Cara had slept only two days ago. He smiled as the breeze cooled his heated skin. He breathed deeply. The scent of her hunger and her release filled his lungs. Not mated yet though. That fool McNeal still hadn’t mated her.
Ramsey snorted out a laugh. “The fool probably wants to wait for romance.” Then louder as if Liam could hear him, “You are a fool Liam McNeal!”
Ramsey slowly sat up as his young scout, and if the whispers were to be believed, his brother made his way to him to deliver a report.
“Ah, Young James. What have you seen?”
James changed and stood naked before his Laird.
Ramsey ran his eyes over James’ impressive body and felt himself stir.
James paid little attention to the appreciation in Ramsey’s eyes or the reaction of his body. James knew the appetites of the Laird and tried to ignore them. “They are not far ahead, my Laird, and she is still unmated. Most are traveling by horse, but at some times others take their cat form. If we travel fast we may catch them by morning.” James knew that Ramsey often did the opposite of the advice given. He hoped he would do the same tonight.
Ramsey considered the words of the young scout. He then sighed. “I would prefer to wait until I can satisfy,” he paused and ran his hands over his body, “my hunger. Would you agree to join me in my quest, James?”
James met the black eyes of Ramsey McKenzie. “Nay, I do not seek such foul sport,” he stated bluntly. “We should leave here now.” He stared this monster in the eye knowing the price of his displeasure.
Ramsey scowled. “You dare refuse me?” He spoke quietly, but the menace in his voice sent a chill racing down James’ spine.
“It is necessary to move quickly. I only mean to see your woman returned to you before she is defiled by those cats.”
Ramsey’s scowl lessened and James felt he had gained himself a little time.
“I do agree. Her scent alone is driving the men mad. I wonder how many of my own men I will have to kill to claim her. Inform the others that we will be leaving in one hour. As I said I must satisfy my needs.”
“Yes my Laird.” James turned to go only to be stopped by Ramsey’s menacing words.
“James? Pray that my hungers are satisfied when we again stop to rest or you will be my nourishment.”
James barely held the shutter in knowing that threat could mean any number of things, and none were good.
Cara sat in the fading light of the sun. She was nervous. Would Liam be pleased with her? She walked to the edge of the small loch and peered at her reflection. Her hair was a mess around her, a tangled nest of red. Her legs were long and slim. Her waist was very thin. Her breasts were high and, even though they were not overly large they were adequate and well formed. Her face was the same as always. She supposed it was pleasing enough. She was however, filthy. She took a deep breath. She would not let Liam love her in this disreputable state.
She slipped into the water and began to scrub away the grime. It took her only a few minutes and then she simply relaxed into the water. She’d almost forgotten why she was there to begin with when she heard Liam’s deep voice.
“Cara. May I join ye in the pool Lass?”
Cara looked up to find a gloriously naked Liam standing beside the water. She ran her eyes over his heavily muscled form and found her body growing warm. His wide shoulders glistened with beads of sweat and his chest heaved with the effort to take in enough air. His eyes were heavy lidded and dark with desire. Cara’s eyes roamed lower and her breath caught at the sight of his desire for her. She nodded slowly meeting his eyes again.
He slowly made his way into the water and toward her.
Cara shivered from the intensity she saw in his amber gaze. She suddenly felt hunted and began to back away.
“Don’t fear me, Cara. I’ll not hurt ye. How could a mon hurt his very soul? That is what you are Cara, my soul and my life. Ye do not have to fear me.”
His softly spoken words calmed Cara as if she were a frightened animal. She stopped her retreat and stood shivering in the water.
“Cara,” Liam spoke close to her ear. “Look at me, Love.”
Cara raised her chin and again her breath caught in her throat and threatened to choke her. Liam saw the panic filling her eyes and he dropped his head to her shoulder. He slowly ran his roughened tongue along her pulse and she felt herself calm. She was startled by the suddenness of her reaction and turned her face to him, but instead of asking him what had happened her lips brushed his and she was lost. Lost in a sea of passion that she had never dreamed of. She felt herself sink beneath the waves of sensation and welcomed it.
Liam devoured Cara. He wanted to take the taste of her into his body so he would never again be without it. He pulled her slick body tight against his and felt her belly quiver with desire. He rubbed his hardness against her soft welcoming heat and shuttered with the need to take her here and now. It took all of his strength to pull away.
“Cara, my beloved,” he said between deep, hungry kisses. “We cannot do this in the water. Come with me now.” He took her by the hand and gently pulled her to the soft grass that grew along the water’s edge.
Cara was disoriented. She couldn’t think clearly. Her mind was lost in a haze of feelings she did not understand. Her body was on fire and she was surprised that there was no steam rising from her skin.
“Liam, what is happening to me?”
“Your body just wants to be loved, Cara. All is right and good. Do not worry.”
She nodded slowly and let him lay her down on the soft grass. He lay beside her and began kissing her again. Now however he was not content to kiss only her lips. She felt his warm mouth on her neck and then the upper swell of her breast.
Cara almost screamed when he suckled one pebbled tip. She buried both hands in his wild dark hair and held him to her. She felt his chuckle, but she didn’t care. She needed more. She had to have more. She moaned his name and pleaded with him, but he only continued to explore her.
When she felt his long, broad fingers tangle in her fiery nest she moved her hips urging him on. She was rewarded by feeling those nimble fingers circling the button he’d touched earlier. She stared sightlessly at the sky and thought little of the frantic cries she heard. She realized that it was her who made the lusty sounds and she couldn’t make herself care enough to stop. When she felt Liam’s fingers slide inside her dampness she lost all thought. She lost every sense except the feeling of his clever fingers. Then he was pulling away.
“No! Please, no!”
Liam chuckled. She was a beauty lying there in the grass pleading for him. The smell of her need was making him crazy and he had to have her now. He rose to his knees and moved between her wide spread thighs. He leaned down and whispered in her ear as he positioned himself at her opening.
“Cara, my beloved Cara, I will never leave you wanting.”
As he said it he pushed into her and at the same time bit down hard on her neck.
Cara felt pain. Nothing but pain existed in that moment. She screamed and tried to push Liam away, but he kept her held fast. Tears ran like rivers down her face and she pleaded with him to let her go. He growled and the vibration sent another sharp pain rushing through her body. Then he began to move.
With each stroke of his body the pain receded and the pleasure grew once more until she was again senseless and moaning. Even the teeth which still held her neck stopped hurting and began to throb with the rest of her body. Pleasure overwhelmed her until she no longer felt a part of the world. Her hips moved with the timeless rhythm of nature and she felt herself reaching, reaching for an unknown, but much desired destiny. When at last she found it she shattered. Ecstasy engulfed her as a wave on the sand. She was swept away by her feelings. When at last she settled once again into her body. She looked up to find Liam above her, his head thrown back, his glorious hair flying in the breeze, the muscles in his neck bulged and he roared. The warmth of his seed rushed inside her and made her belly tingle, almost to the point of pain. Then he collapsed on her and she wrapped herself around him.
“Cara?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m sorry, Lass. I thought to save ye pain by getting it all done at once.”
Cara nodded drowsily.
“Are ye well?”
“Mmmm.”
Liam chuckled. “Well, Lass I’ll take that as a yes then.” He started to move and she tightened her grip. “I should move before I crush ye Lass.”
“Nay, Liam. Stay. I’ve found I like the feel of ye.”
Liam raised his head and looked down at her. She was blushing bright red, but she met his gaze steadily. “Aye Lass, I like the feel of ye too.” As he spoke he began to move again and she gasped and tightened her thighs on him.
“Nay Lass,” He said solemnly. “Ye’ll be needin’ yer rest now. There’ll be time for this later on. Yer body will be a bit sore for a while. Ye’ll need to rest and let yerself heal. There is also the change. Yer body will need time to sort it all out.”
Cara started to protest, but Liam stopped her with a shake of his head. “Rest Cara.” He said and kissed her eyes closed. He was still deep inside her and he stayed there until he felt her relax in sleep. He then pulled himself from her body and placed his hand on her belly. He massaged firmly and spoke the ancient prayer of his people. He prayed for the health of his mate. He prayed for the health of the child that was only beginning to take root in her womb. He felt the warmth course through her body and center in her belly. He knew, but he could not yet tell Cara. She would be too fearful to fight as she might still need to do. He smiled to himself. He had finally found a reason to live, two.
Liam kissed Cara’s tear stained cheek and gathered her limp body in his arms. He lay beside her and drifted into a deep, contented sleep for the first time in eighteen years.
8
Balor paced. He felt his cat fighting to get out. He could smell Cara’s need and he wanted to fulfill it. He paced as if her were caged. He knew the others watched him and he didn’t blame them, but it still hurt that they no longer trusted him. He was strong enough to control his cat. He would not fail again. He heard Cara scream and he felt his frustrations snap.
“You are a bastard, you know that?” He shouted at Darren.
Darren raised his dark head and stared at Balor steadily. “Aye, it has come to my attention only recently.”
“That is not what I mean! You tricked them, I know it. There is no way those dogs are that close to us. Why did you have to force it on her? She was not ready!”
“Aye, Balor she was. She needed this and you know it. It is only yer hunger speaking. She would have been sick and weak by morning. We could never have outrun them with her riding with Liam. Would you rather her end up with the wolves?”
Balor rubbed his thick neck and shook his head. “Nay, I, I don’t know what I want.”
“Aye, that is the
truth of it.” Deaglan said and slapped Balor on the back.
“The scent of her is near driving me mad too.” Euan spoke up.
Evan stood and began to pace. “He needs to hurry Lads or I need to run.” He turned tormented eyes on Darren.
“Aye Lad, do as you must.”
Before anyone could speak again the sound of Liam’s roar split the air and they all sagged in relief. No longer did the need for her claw at them. The breeze blew away the scent of her lust that had tormented them for days. Now there was only the crisp fresh scent of Liam’s mate. They all drew in the scent of her. It was unique, but was very much Liam. Liam’s scent had changed subtly too. He gave off a more protective aroma although it was less aggressive. Anyone who was near him, man or changeling, would feel his overwhelming strength and avoid conflict with him. Cara would be safe now, as would her future bairns.
For some reason Deaglan felt almost relaxed. He felt joy well up inside him like he couldn’t remember ever feeling. He shook his head not understanding why this mating should affect him so deeply.
Darren was struggling with feelings of his own. Now that Cara was fully mated to Liam, could he ever make the choice between her and Eva? Would he have to betray everyone he valued to save his mate?”
Liam awoke to darkness. The night was still young, he knew, but they needed to move on. He gently shook Cara to wake her, but she didn’t stir.
“Nay Liam.” He heard in his mind. “Let her rest.”
“My Lady, we must move on. Our lives depend on it.”
Highland Tigress (Tiger Series) Page 6