The Sceptre of Power [The Peacekeeper Journals Book 3]

by CJ England

  "It is all I can do,” the Power whispered. “The rest is up to you. The truth is now within you both. Seek it, and do not let appearances confuse you. Your final destiny will always be your choice. Choose wisely and do not let fear destroy what you may find.” Then ... as quietly as she'd appeared, she vanished, leaving behind her only the soft scent of flowers and very special dreams known only to those whom she'd visited.

  Chapter 9

  Brianna lifted her head from the pillow when she heard the sound at the foot of the bed. A slow smile touched her face as she watched Danolas standing naked by the fire. He added a few pieces of peat and then stood, staring down into the flickering flames.

  She wanted to sigh. He was so perfect. Like a god. The width of his shoulders tapered down his muscular back to a narrow waist. His ass looked like it was carved from marble; it was so firm and strong. Legs that were long, slightly hairy and handsomely formed made her want to scoot right over to him and pet him as she would Dunny.

  His elegant face was in profile to her, the glow of the fire dancing on his sculptured cheekbones. She smirked when she saw his eyelashes were as long as hers, dark and full. She wondered if he'd been teased about them when he was a boy. His gaze was pensive as he poked at the fire, but there was a small smile on his lips that reassured her. Perhaps this time ... it would be all right.

  "Sure, and it's nice to see such a sight when I open my eyes,” Brianna murmured as she sat slowly up in bed. “You're so damn fine looking, but I expect you've been told that a few times before. I wonder ... Does it ever get old?"

  His head turned so their eyes met, and the banked fire in his made her insides curl with desire all over again. He smiled and carefully laid the poker down. “I must admit it's not the first time I've had such a compliment, but from you I find it particularly pleasing.” Coming to the end of the bed, he stood there, his nude form backlit by the fire. Her mouth watered at the sight. He probably wouldn't want to hear it, but he looked wild and primitive. His long tangled hair flowed over his naked shoulders. A warrior priest waiting to make a sacrifice to the gods. Unable to keep away, she crawled down the length of the bed and got up on her knees.

  Face to face they were, as she pressed her body against his. His cock, already awakened by her gaze, swelled and hardened, jutting against her stomach possessively. His skin was warmed by the fire and she smoothed her hands up over his bare chest, enjoying the sleek feel of his rippling muscles as he stood there, allowing himself to be stroked.

  "When I first saw you,” she whispered, “you were so handsome you took my breath away. Even then, I was curious as to how you would taste. How you would feel.” Brianna smiled. “I think it's time I found out, don't you?"

  Danolas groaned at her touch. How could it be he wanted her as much now as he had last night? They'd made love so many times; he'd been forced to whisper a healing spell over them so they wouldn't be sore. He'd expected his hunger to be appeased, but it wasn't. Every touch, every intimacy made him long for more.

  "You've been finding out all night,” he managed.

  She grinned and traced a finger down to circle his flat nipple. “Not in the way I wanted to. I'm a wanting to touch you all over, High Priest. Will you be allowing that?"

  His cock jumped when her fingernail scraped over his bellybutton. “I ... ummm ... think I can consider it my due as your leader."

  Her delighted grin was his answer. “Ahhh, so after all your fine talk back in the States, I'm to service you after all, is that it?"

  He allowed himself to be pulled into the fun. “Perhaps I had this thought in mind from the beginning.” His breath caught in his throat when her hand encircled his throbbing shaft and squeezed. “So far ... you are performing your duties quite well."

  Brianna sent him a sexy look out from under her eyelashes. “Just wait, boy-o. I haven't even begun ... the servicing.” Sitting back on her rear, she scooted herself forward so he stood in the apex of her thighs. She kept one hand on his cock, while the other traced its way slowly up his body to tease his nipples.

  Danolas groaned again. The feathery contact sent lightning through him. His cock wept as she stroked, so softly she barely touched him. It made him ache more, his need for her rising so fast he gritted his teeth to keep from tossing her on the bed and driving himself into her.

  Harder ... do it harder. The thought raced through him.

  Brianna laughed. “I will do it harder ... in time. Patience now, my lord. Remember, I'm servicing you."

  He blinked and stared down at the top of her head. She'd heard him? Impossible! He tried to concentrate on that fact, but the way she was touching him made it difficult.

  "Do you like this?” she purred. Her hands encircled him, squeezing him tighter. A slow burning started in his toes and made its way up to his balls. He gasped and covered her hand with his own, his thoughts all but leaking out his brain. "Brianna!" He thrust his hips forward impatiently. “Sweet goddess ... it feels so good."

  Her fingers crept down to tickle at his scrotum and all the heat in his loins expanded and poured into the rest of his body. His thick shaft throbbed hard in her hand and he fought the sudden urge to take over the rhythm.

  She chuckled. “Not so controlled now are you? Do ye know your eyes go black when you want to fuck me? They glow like lights at midnight.” Leaning forward, she traced his nipple with the tip of her tongue. “And I was right about your taste. ‘Tis wonderful."

  Lights danced behind Danolas’ eyelids at her touch ... at her words. She may not be the elegant lady of his dreams, but she was everything he wanted in his bed. Sexy, earthy, open and loving, suddenly he couldn't imagine her being anything different than what she was. When he spoke, his mouth was so dry he had to say it twice to be heard.

  "Please, more.” He cleared his throat. “I ... I command it."

  She laughed and without another word, bent and took his weeping shaft into her mouth. His eyes rolled back and his knees threatened to buckle. It hadn't been what he'd meant, but he realized, it was exactly what he wanted. He grabbed at her head to hold her closer and he could feel her smile against his body. Her mouth began to move on him, slowly, taking him so deep in her mouth he worried he would choke her, but then she'd pull back, sucking hard until she got to the sensitive head. His toes curled when her playful tongue flicked out to tease the ridge of skin beneath it. The sultry liquid heat in his balls became a boiling.

  "Shall I taste it all?” she whispered, lovingly licking the weeping slit. Her fingers fondled his sack until his body was screaming for release.

  When her tongue swept over the throbbing head one last time, Danolas could take no more. Jerking her off him, he grabbed her around the waist and flipped her onto her stomach. Pulling her backwards, he stepped between her sprawled legs and lifted her so her ass was in line with his hungry cock. She wiggled once, and without thinking, he slapped her bottom. “Be still,” he growled. He was half-shocked, half-triumphant when she obeyed.

  She turned to look at him over her shoulder; the fire in her eyes matched the blazing in his loins. “Fuck me, Danolas,” she begged him, placing herself so her soft folds were perfectly lined up and waiting for him.

  He gave a growl of acquiescence, and with a mighty thrust, buried himself inside her quim. They both shouted in pleasure, the simple union of their bodies as enjoyable as anything else they'd done before. Brianna cried out his name and pushed back against him, but he snarled at the movement. Taking over their lovemaking, he held her hips in a bruising grip, and slammed into her, letting himself go completely.

  As much as she'd enjoyed the lovemaking last night, Brianna exulted in the uncontrollable lust he showed her now. Only in this did she know he was as lost to her, as she was to him. Only when he became the unmanageable beast he was so afraid of, did she truly feel like he wanted her above all else. Her heart expanded as he muttered dark words of need and hunger. She was the one who made him feel this way. Only her!

  His hand reached
around to pluck at her nipples. She cried out and ground herself back against him, loving the feel of him as he filled her so deeply. He was so big ... so thick and alive, she could feel him in every particle of her being. His hand moved down to tease her clit and without warning, she imploded, screaming out his name. All the heat ... all the need in her, shot to her loins and then swirled out in a maelstrom of pleasure and emotion. She could feel him swell even larger as her orgasm sent him into his own. His lips pressed to the curve of her throat, he pounded against her, taking her up and over a second time before his shout of release made the whole room shake and he strained over her, shaking as he found his own satisfaction.

  When it was over, he collapsed on top of her, sending them both sprawling into the messy sheets. Brianna was half-smothered, but she wriggled in contentment at the feel of his big body lying over hers. This is the way'tis meant to be. The thought made her smile and she reveled in the way his heartbeat had yet to go back to normal.

  "I heard that.” His gleeful words echoed in her head.

  She went still in shock. Had she spoke her words out loud? Embarrassed, she buried her head in the coverlet and said nothing more.

  "Well,” Danolas finally muttered in a hoarse voice after some minutes had passed. “While I find your service, impeccable, may I suggest we try some other methods? I think practice is good. We don't want to become stuck in a rut. I have always said change is a good thing."

  "Have you now?” Brianna pushed back her thick hair and looked over her shoulder at him. His face was very close and it seemed natural to lift her lips to his. The kiss was soft, sweet, and filled with the satisfaction they both felt. When they broke it off, she looked at him flirtatiously. “And will you help your handmaiden figure out just what methods to use?"

  Sliding gently out of her, he rolled onto his back and pulled her into his arms. “I would be pleased to offer myself up for your training."

  She giggled. Here was a different man. One who didn't make her feel as if she was unimportant and inept. No wonder she'd fallen for him. “I thank you and will consider your generous offer.” Noise intruded on her consciousness and she froze. She gave a gasp of delight. “Aebh's back! I can feel her.” She tried to get out of bed, but he held her firmly.

  "Wait. I know you want to see her. So do I. But we aren't finished here."

  "We aren't?"

  "No.” He bent and brushed her lips with his. “I would like to keep you here all the time. It seems it is only when we're making love, we do not fight."

  Brianna grinned, thinking he was right. “What if I like arguing with you?"

  The High Priest laughed. “Of that I have no doubt. I must be as crazy as you, since I often find your squabbling arousing."

  "Is that so?"

  He cupped a breast in his hand. “It is just one of the things I find arousing."

  "Well, then. Why don't you give me a list and I'll make sure to do them all at least once a day. Then, you'll have your way and we'll never leave this bed."

  He favored her with a heated look. “You say things like that and it's exactly what will happen."

  "Just like a Yank to be making promises,” she answered teasingly.

  Danolas stroked the hair back from her forehead. “And do you forgive me? For pushing you away as I did?” He gave her a quick squeeze. “I know I was wrong in keeping away from you. I still can't promise you more, but I enjoy you and what we have together. I like your company. For now, I will take that ... if you will still give it to me."

  Tears pricked her eyes. It wasn't love, but at least he admitted he enjoyed being with her. “For as long as I can. For as long as we both want to."

  "I meant to tell you, we don't have to worry about pregnancy. I'm protected. In the normal way, of course."

  She lifted a dark brow. “Well, sure you are. You're too careful a man to be caught in such a way.” Grinning, she bit his shoulder. “As I am, too careful a woman. Preventing conception is one of the perks of being a witch."

  "So there is no barrier at all to our enjoying ourselves.” He dropped a kiss on the end of her nose. “And you will stay with me. No more talking about staying here in Ireland. I need you Brianna, as does the company. You were sent to help us fight a war. I want to know you will be by my side. For many reasons."

  She went still. “You want me to go back with you?"

  Frowning, he nodded. “Of course. Not just for this ... although I can imagine many more wonderful nights together. But I wouldn't ask because of the sex. You are strong and more powerful than you even know.” He hitched himself up on an elbow so he could look at her.

  "Last night, you restored my life force. Were you even aware you did that? By making love to me, you gave me back the strength I'd used saving you from the Kraken's poison. That type of power is needed in our war against the demons."

  Her curiosity about what she'd done was pushed aside by outrage. Her mouth dropped open. “You want me to heal people by having sex with them?” Her eyes flashed her views on that idea.

  Danolas gave her a little shake. “Don't be stupid.” His face took on the familiar arrogant look of the past. “I will not share you.” When she'd relaxed, he went on. “I just meant your kind of strength is sorely needed. And there is something else."

  "Something else?"

  He nodded, then touched her cheek. “We are connected you and I. Giving back my strength is just one way. But you can communicate with me ... in your mind. You did it with the Kraken, and just now when we were loving together, you did it again. That should be impossible."

  "Then how..."

  "I don't know. It took the Chosen linking together to do it. To hear Kira, we had to join with her. But you and I made this happen by making love. It shouldn't be that way ... it has never been so in the past."

  Her eyebrows went up. “Know that for a fact, do you?"

  A smile touched his beautiful mouth. “Actually, yes, I do. I don't need to kiss and tell, but suffice it to say it has never before happened ... with any of us."

  "Hmmm..."

  "You are different, Brianna, and we need you. For all these reasons, you shouldn't bury yourself away here, in Ireland, when you could be doing so much good elsewhere."

  She thought about it. Her fingers smoothed over his broad chest as she did so. “I suppose I could journey to San Francisco, again. But the quest for the Sceptre would have to come first. ‘Tis something I need to do."

  "Yes ... the Sceptre is our first priority. Until it is safe, your life is in danger. I've had enough legendary beasts thrown at me lately."

  "And, it could be used against the demons. If it sent Labraic back to Hell, it could do the same to other demons."

  He nodded. “And—if the stories are correct—in knowledgeable hands it can destroy them all together."

  Brianna sighed. He was right. She'd been feeling sorry for herself when she'd begged Aebh to come home. Angry at him and how he'd treated her. But what sent her running home didn't exist any longer. They were together now. Her eyes saddened. At least for a while. Hoping she wouldn't regret it later, she leaned over and kissed him. “I will come back with you. I will fight alongside you in the war. You may use me as you wish."

  Relief lightened his heart. “You will be a warrior witch and greatly respected. And you will also be mine ... lover and companion and much treasured."

  Tears filled her eyes. “I will go back, High Priest. And stay as long as you want me to. But I ask you grant me a boon."

  He would have given her the moon at that moment in time, he was so happy she would stay with him. “Anything, leannan, anything."

  She swallowed, hard. “When your true mate comes, I will leave."

  Shock filled him and he pulled away. “Leave?"

  Her eyes narrowed and then flashed in feeling. “I don't share either."

  The thought of her leaving him made his stomach roll, but he forced himself to consider her words. She was right. Of course she was right. He would never
have asked it of her or his mate-to-be. Or, frankly ... of himself.

  "I'm sorry, Brianna. I wasn't thinking. I ... uhhh...” he stumbled over his words, hating to discuss it. He cupped her cheek in his hand. “I wouldn't expect you to stay with me when that happens. When that ... circumstance occurs, we will part, I hope, as friends. You can stay at The Keep if you wish, or at one of the other Chosen's homes. All, but Lucas, have large places where you would be well taken care of, and more importantly, protected.

  She stared at him in such a way, he blinked warily, knowing he'd missed something important. “What? What is it?"

  Brianna shook her head. “You aren't listening, Danolas. I said I would leave.” He opened his mouth to argue, but she covered his lips with two fingers. “No. Hear me now, before we go any further with this.” She wondered if he could hear her heart breaking. She'd been feeling so much joy and now, all she felt was despair. “If your lady mate comes, I will leave. Not just your bed, but your life. I won't stay in San Francisco. I can't. I'll come home to Ireland and take up my duties here."

  His face showed his confusion. “But why? We would need you there. Your duty is to help us fight the war."

  Anger began to stir in her. Could he really be so thick? “My duty is to my Society, yes, but not at the expense of my heart.” He still looked so blank; she swore loudly and leapt from the bed. “I don't have the strength of Lucas. He does his duty and ignores the agony of his soul. But not me! I am not so strong as that."

  She paced away from him and then turned back. “I can't be a part of your life when you have someone else in it. You can't ask it of me."

  "Brianna—"

  "No!” Walking back to where he sat still mystified by her words, she glared at him. “You sit there so arrogantly confident and expect me to watch as you love another? You think I can laugh and joke and be part of the company, and then watch you kiss and hold your perfect mate without remembering how your lips felt on mine? You can believe I should fight alongside you, and not feel anything when you take your lady wife to bed? Is that what you expect from me? Or am I so unimportant, how I would feel means nothing?