Storm Trilogy

by Ria Cantrell

  He watched her and listened to her sweet moans as her fingers dug into the bedding, as if she needed to hold onto to something. His tongue entered her, with little deep stabs and she almost came off of the bed at that contact. He licked and touched her, alternating his fingers with his tongue until he felt she was at the height of her sensitivity. Gently, because he knew she was hypersensitive at this point, he eased his finger deep inside her. All the while, his tongue swirled over her swollen little nub. Her fingers clasped at his shoulders and she came in a powerful orgasm. He watched her arch back, raising her hips, head thrown back, and eyes closed. Her lovely face expressed her release. While she was still experiencing the waves of her climax, he moved over her, carefully lifting her hips up and drawing her legs over his shoulders. His cock throbbed in anticipation of being inside her. He was filled with need. He kissed her leg and he slid inside her slowly, watching the union of their bodies as her body encased his thick erection. Her eyes flew open to meet his gaze.

  Feeling him deeply inside of her was intense especially since she was still experiencing aftershocks from her orgasm. He stroked her leg and a shiver went through her at his touch. It was difficult for her to move with him while she was in that position, but he could feel her trying to lift her hips to meet his thrusts. Rory felt her clench around him deliciously with each thrust. Her little sounds of pleasure encouraged him.

  Brielle could feel the way he pulsed within her. He stretched inside her and she sheathed him with velvety warmth. He loved to watch her as she enveloped him. Her eyes met his and even in the dimness of the room, she could see their intensity. And more intense was the love that shone from his gaze. Love for her! Brielle’s hands eased over his ribcage. She loved the feel of his strong chest beneath her touch. Brielle saw emotions war in his expression. She arched up to him, trying to move with him to cause him pleasurable sensations, as well. With her legs over his shoulders, she could feel that he was very deep within her. She clenched tightly around him; causing him to moan.

  Her uninhibited responses took him to the edge of his control. He stretched his neck back and holding her legs against his chest; filling her with his seed.

  It happened quicker than he had expected and he breathed, “Brielle, my God. I love ye’ so much.”

  At his profession and climax, she tensed beneath him, feeling the waves of pleasure crashing over her too, for a second time in a matter of minutes. Rory loved to watch her in her pleasure. He was happy she could again so quickly after the last one. Coming down from his own climax, he gently lowered her legs and began to withdraw from her.

  He touched her face and said, “When I leave yer’ body, I no longer feel complete. Ye’ make me whole again, Brielle.”

  “Ah, my Ruiri…I am only whole when I am with ye’ as well.”

  She gathered him into her arms, and he sank happily into them.

  “Rest now in my arms, my beloved warrior.”

  Rory still felt his heart pounding from having made love with her, but as he felt her hands stroking down his back and shoulders, he began to calm; his heart rate returning to normal. He kissed her and said, “Ye’ make me a better man from yer’ love.”

  “Ye’ just needed someone to show ye’ she believed in ye’, Ruiri. I am that woman.”

  Ruiri felt her love as she held him. She stroked his shoulders and whispered, “Sleep now, my love.”

  As he nuzzled her breast with his cheek he said, “I dunna’ wish to waste precious minutes sleeping when I can gaze upon ye’ and touch and kiss ye’.”

  “Nay, ye’ must. Morning is quickly approaching and ye’ need to find sleep, Warrior.”

  Rory liked the way she said that. Warrior…it seemed nicer than being called the Rabid Highland Wolf. Rory drew her in tightly and laying his head against her shoulder, he felt sated and calm. He drifted off to sleep; basking in the afterglow from having loved her. He thought he would not dream this night, being so exhausted and spent. He thought the dreams of his past were done now and no longer going to plague him. Soon, though, a dream wove around him.

  ~The mists swirled around his legs. He stood with his legs braced apart, holding his sword before him, prepared to fight.

  “Ruiri…” the wind whispered his name.

  “Caitlyn, but I thought…I thought ye’ would be free now…”

  “Protect her. She is yer’ salvation. She is yer’ future and yer’ destiny. She will bring ye’ babes, and fill yer’ life…but ye’ must protect her at all costs.”

  “I am sorry, Caitlyn...”

  “Nay. Ye’ must love her now. It is as it should be. Remember the binding. T’is a powerful bond. Dunna’ doubt her love; not even for one moment, else the binding may be undone. The binding canna’ be undone…must ne’re be undone…”

  “I will na’ doubt her.”

  “Ye’ will be put to the test, but she will not betray ye’, my beloved Ruiri. Dunna’ doubt her,” Caitlyn repeated. The mists swirled thicker. He almost couldn’t see her. He called out to her, “Caitlyn, wait…I…”

  “Ruiri, ye’ must protect her. Dunna’ let them harm her…she is yer’ life.”

  “Caitlyn, I need to tell ye’…”

  “I know, my love. The love comes with me, Ruiri. Now it is time to let me go and to love her. Protect her. Remember the binding…dunna’ forget the binding.”

  Rory stood in the clearing, mist dissipated around him. He felt the unearthly chill of it.

  “Danger!” The winds whispered. ~

  Brielle felt Rory jerk in his sleep. Her arms tightened about him, hoping the dream was not dragging him back to horrific realms of his past. He opened his eyes and she kissed him.

  “Are ye’ alright, Ruiri?”

  “Aye, Lass, t’was just a dream.”

  Emotions warred within him as he thought on that dream. He thought Caitlyn would now be released, but somehow she still lingered between the living and the world of dreams. What was she warning him about? Was it the raids?

  Seeing Rory lost in thought, Brielle touched his face and urged, “Well, try to go back to sleep for a little while longer.”

  “Love, I cannot. T’is time for me to go.”

  Rory moved out of bed and readied himself to join his brothers to find and deal with the raiders. He dressed in his plaid and leine. Brielle watched him crisscross his scabbard over his chest, resting between his shoulders. She had never seen him in his war attire and to say he was imposing was an understatement. He had braided two strands of his hair, one on each side of handsome face. War Braids! Brielle shuddered. Rory was now every bit the lethal warrior she knew him to be; as the legends claimed him to be.

  This was the Wolf of the Highlands. No wonder he was able to strike fear into the hearts of men. He was all power, sinew and strength and he was deadly, but oh, he was so very beautiful even in his warrior visage. Still, he was the most handsome man she had ever beheld; lethal killer or not. God help the man who faced him today.

  Brielle hurriedly dressed so that she could see him off. He was meeting his brothers and their men in the main hall for a quick breakfast and then they were off. He hooked his arm around Brielle. He smiled down at her; his heart swelling with pride and love. She had donned one of his plaids in the fashion of the women of his clan.

  Once again he was assailed with the thought. She was his woman! And that thought offered him solace. Finally he had a reason to come home. Finally he had a reason to dream about the future. He swallowed hard, his larynx pushing downward as he fought the impact of that emotion.

  His voice was husky when he said, “Ye’ are so beautiful Brielle. Thank you…” he kissed her and she blushed.

  “I look a mess,” she said raking her fingers through her tousled locks.

  “Nay, ye’ are delicious. Thank ye’ for donning my colors.”

  A small smile played on her lips. “I was hoping ye’ wouldna’ mind; me being Campbell and all.”

  He kissed her strongly and he said, “Ye’ ar
e MacCollum now! It is absolutely right for ye’ to wear those colors.”

  She felt his arm around her and as they entered the hall it was a bustle with activity. Many of the clansmen had mustered for the fray. Caleb and his brothers were seated when they entered the hall. They rose to greet Rory. Brielle had met most of the brothers on and off, but never had she seen them all together. Dear God, they were an imposing lot. Each one was handsome in his own way. Each one was lethal, including Caleb. Brielle was again reminded of their deadliness. She said a silent prayer that they would return safely.

  Caleb looked at Brielle and leaning close to her he said, “Ye’ honor my son by wearin’ his plaid. Thank you. T’will give him the will to return home to ye’…. Yer’ prayers will be answered.”

  Dear God, can all the MacCollums read my mind?

  He winked at her and said, “Nay, just the ones that love ye’.”

  Brielle looked into the Laird’s eyes, astonished, but as she met his kind gaze, she knew. These men were truly tied to the ancient world. There were things they knew that others did not. Instead of filling her with fear and dread, that realization comforted her. Many of her people had these ancient ties. Her brothers had forsaken those ways for selfish evil long ago. The Old Ways appealed to her. She supposed she had her own aptitude for it, having that special way with the beasties. Brielle came out of her reverie. The men were finishing their meal and were starting to gather in the bailey to arm and ride. Morning was hastening quickly, soon to carry her love away from her.

  Caleb and Shawn were not joining the forces. Shawn’s wife was about to give birth to their second child any day and Caleb was needed to oversee the matters of the keep and village. Brielle could see the longing in his eyes. She knew he wanted to be part of the force to set the raiders to rights, but sometimes a laird of a clan had to face matters at home.

  Rory took Brielle in his arms and kissed her deeply.

  “Wait for me, my love. I willna’ be over long.”

  It was hard to find her voice as she suddenly was so filled with emotion but she whispered, “Please be safe.”

  She was trying not to cry. Touching her face with the back of his fingers, Rory said, “These MacDougals are no match for me. Dunna’ worry.”

  Kissing her again, he said, “I love ye’.”

  “I love ye’ too, Ruiri.”

  He winked at her with a sultry smile and strapped his sword to his back and added dirks to his belt. He leapt onto his horse and joined the top ranks of men riding. Brielle took Caleb’s arm and leaned into him. She put her head against his big shoulder.

  He said, “There, there girl. He will be back afore ye’ know it. He now has a reason to return. Ye’ have made him so happy, lass. I dunna’ think I can remember him smiling so much in such a very long time.”

  Brielle nodded, quietly. She sniffled back the tears that were so very close to the surface. “T’is just that we have only just found each other.”

  “I know, Lassie.”

  Caleb took the girl’s arm and led her back into the keep.

  She swiped at the tears and said, “I am sorry. I know ye’ wished ye' could join them, too.”

  “I am an old man, Brielle, I am best left here.”

  “Bah! Ye' are not aged at all. Ye' stand straight and ye’ are as strong as yer’ sons, if not more so.”

  Caleb cracked a smile and said, “Ye' are a sweet angel to fan an old man’s ego, but as Laird, sometimes my duties keep me home.”

  She hugged him and said, “Still I think the MacDougal would run with their tales between their legs if ye' had joined the ranks of MacCollum this day.”

  Caleb kissed the side of Brielle’s face. “Thank ye’, lass.”

  He had grown so fond of this unlikely mate for his son. He hoped Rory would want to stay on once they were officially wed. He just adored this girl and enjoyed what she brought to their home.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Nearly a week had passed and Brielle realized Rory was not going to return in time for their formal wedding. With as much of a smile as she could paint on her face, she approached Caleb, not wanting to alarm him or burden him with her heavy heart. She asked, “Might I beg a word with you?”

  “Of course, Lass. What’s troubling ye’?”

  With a trembling smile, and head bowed she took a deep breath.

  “Oh, yer’ worried about Ruiri.”

  “Aye, of course, but I think he is safe, else I would feel it in my heart. T’is just that…tomorrow we were, well it was to be the day that we.…”

  Caleb wanted to slap himself. He had been so consumed with the events of the keep and the village that he had clean forgot about the wedding. Shawn’s wife had given birth to their son and there was so much a’ foot with all the other sons gone, the wedding slipped to something that was still to be planned.

  “Oh lass, the wedding…With all the confusion, it had nearly slipped my mind.”

  Raising her eyes and meeting Caleb’s gaze, she said, “It seems ye’ are not the only one. I was thinking, I should go into town, to tell Father Duncan that we need to make it another day.”

  Caleb didn’t want the girl to do this by herself so he said, “Aye, lass, alright. I will go with ye’.”

  “Ah, that won’t be necessary. Ye’ have many duties to keep ye’ here. I can go myself.”

  “Brielle, I will go with ye’. Besides, I need some provisions from the village.”

  Caleb saw the look of broken disappointment in Brielle's eyes. He was reminded how she had been treated by her brothers and was pretty sure her life held many disappointments. He had hoped that now being with Rory, all that would be in her past, but Rory’s absence could not be helped. She had the look of sad acceptance like this was the norm and that she should not dare to hope or dream too much.

  “Brielle, he would have been back if he could.”

  Again her eyes lowered and she nodded.

  “Lass, ye’ believe me, don’t ye?”

  “I suspect if the want was great enough, he would have found a way. T’is not an uncommon thing. It is the way with men.”

  “Not Ruiri, Lass. Not him! He is a man of honor.”

  She just nodded and said quietly, “Alright, Caleb. I will ready myself to go to the village.” Brielle went to grab her cloak for the ride and Morag eyed Caleb.

  He said, “Woman, dunna’ give me that fish-eyed stare.”

  “She is right. Ruiri should have known how important this was to her.”

  “Aye, but perhaps he has been detained. Do ye’ see danger? Is there danger for my son?”

  “I sense danger, but I dunna’ feel it on him. Not for him…for the girl. Something shadows her. It is apart from her, but it shadows her just the same.”

  “But Ruiri is safe.”

  “For now,” the old woman said mysteriously.

  Closing her eyes and drawing into herself, Morag tried to feel the man who had been so much like her own son. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and said, “I dunna’ sense harm to him. He is deep in the Highlands, that’s all. Caleb, the girl is fragile. Her trust is too new. She doesna’ believe in her worth to Ruiri. She is yet to understand how much he needs her to fight the Darkness that stays locked inside of him. Even now, that he is somewhat healed, it remains buried deep, ready to surface. He needs more time with her. She is his light. In time, her light will quell the Darkness, but not yet. Only, she thinks she is of no value to him. We must protect her; body and soul, at any cost. For in losing her, we will surely lose Ruiri.”

  Caleb understood about the Darkness and despite the treatment Brielle had endured, there was only light about her. She had not let the evilness of her kin put out her light. He knew that now, after these weeks getting to know her, Caleb could only see that Brielle had a pure and loving heart. When Caleb caught the glimpses of the poison inside of Ruiri, it even frightened him at times, not because he feared Ruiri to be dangerous, but he feared that his son’s soul would never he
al and no one could live with that sort of anguish. It was less about the sorrow and more about the guilt Rory carried like a banner before him. Brielle was so very good for him. Caleb knew in time, Brielle would heal and banish all the Darkness within his son.

  “I will convince her of her worth, Morag.”

  ******

  During their ride to the village, Caleb noticed how very quiet Brielle was. Usually, she chatted easily but today, she was subdued and withdrawn. After a time, Caleb said, “Brielle, the binding rite is a powerful thing. Ye’ are really already married to Rory.”

  Brielle just answered, woodenly, “I know…it doesna’ matter. I was already a bride and that day was no more joyful than any other. I just miss him and want him to come home.”

  Caleb agreed and decided to share a secret with her. He knew she needed to hear it. He said, “Ye’ know, lass, he has ne’er spoken those sacred vows to anyone…not even to Caitlyn.”

  Brielle faced him and said, “Truly?”

  Caleb could see her sitting taller at that revelation. It was not that she did not want him to have loved Caitlyn as much, but it meant so much more to her that he had saved the Sacred Binding for her.

  “As far as I know, girl. He was hand-fasted only, but the vows were not spoken. He was very young…mayhap even too young to be betrothed. He had not weathered a full nineteen years at the time. They had grown up together, from when they were children. But he is a man now. He has spoken those vows to ye’. I can assure ye', lass, those vows were not lightly given. Nothing Ruiri does is ever lightly done.”