by Lyndi Lamont
“Yes, touch me.”
He cupped both breasts in his hands, teasing her sensitized nipples. Pleasure swirled through her. She gripped his shoulders and felt the strength of the muscles under his smooth skin. When he pulled her close, she melted into his arms and lifted her face for his kiss. Opening her eyes, she stared into his gaze, his pupils darkened with desire. She pressed herself against him as his lips crushed hers, his tongue darting inside to taste her. As her tongue dueled with his, she rubbed her breasts against his chest, letting the rough hair abrade her nipples.
Magic swirled through her, around her. The blue sky and green leaves overhead took on a new intensity, shimmering before her sight. Sounds were magnified, and she felt the joy of a songbird serenading his mate. Her skin tingled with every touch of Rolf’s hands and body as his wild, musky scent filled her with delight. For every bit of bliss she gave, she received twice as much. As her need spiraled, so did her magic. She wrapped one leg around his thigh and pressed her aching core against him. His hands squeezed her bum, almost lifting her off her feet.
With a gasp for air, she pulled away and drew him down onto her red cloak. He straddled her and closed his mouth over one nipple, laving and suckling it. She squirmed, wanting more, and wrapped both legs around his waist, heeding the demands of her spiraling need. “Now, Rolf.”
He gripped her hips, angling them upward, and surged inside her, filling her to capacity.
“Yes,” she gasped, lifting her hips to meet his frenzied thrusts. Their coupling was fast and furious, animalistic in its intensity. With each thrust, a surge of power coursed through her, sending her senses spiraling out of control. She lost all sense of time and place, aware only of the sensations exploding in her, healing the pain of loss. In Rolf’s arms, she let go of the heartache she’d carried with her for five years.
Rolf came with a hoarse cry, his seed spurting inside her. His climax triggered hers, sending her over the edge in a haze of ecstasy.
He collapsed beside her and drew her into his arms. Resting her head on his shoulder, she waited for her heart to cease pounding, aware of the now muted sound of bird song, the sighing of the wind through the trees, and the murmur of the stream a short distance away. Inside her, the magic thrummed, more intense than it had for a long time, and she realized that since Werner’s death, she had not really been living but merely existing.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His joyous laughter rang out, his chest moving underneath her hand. “You’re thanking me?”
She sat up to smile down at him. “Surely you know how magic works. Whenever I do something good, the magic is strengthened. That includes sensual enjoyment.”
“Yes, I know,” he said, “but I’ve never made love to a sorceress before.” His lips curved in a smile. “I had no idea it would be so intense.”
She lay back, staring up at the sky. “I needed that. ’Twas the first time I’ve made love in a long while. Not since my husband’s death.”
He turned onto his side, one hand under his head to look at her. Idly he ran his hand over her torso, circling her breasts, but not touching them. “How long has it been?”
“Five years, and if you keep that up, I may need another go.”
He ran his hand down the center of her body to her sex and caressed her swollen lips. “That could be arranged.”
She looked at the position of the sun and pushed his hand away. “Not now. We need to get back to camp before it gets dark.”
“Camp?”
She sat up and wrapped her arms around her knees. “Since shortly after Werner’s death, my son and I have been traveling with a group of Wanderers.”
“Why?”
She sighed, got to her feet and grabbed her clothes. “I’ll explain along the way.”
Rolf rose and helped her dress, dropping kisses on sensitive areas at every opportunity. She smiled, enjoying the attention.
Suddenly, he froze and tilted his head to one side, as if listening intently. “Someone is heading this way.”
She frowned. “I don’t hear anything.”
“It’s faint,” he said. “One thing about werewolves, our hearing is more acute than normal.”
“Oh. What other abilities do you have? Besides shape shifting, that is.”
He shrugged. “What you would expect of a wolf. Superior night vision and a strong sense of smell.”
“Should we hide?” she asked, though she sensed no danger.
“I’m not sure.”
He threw back his head and sent up a howl, making her jump. A faint cry in response surprised her.
A grin spread across his face. “Good news. ’Tis my squire, Valten.”
“Really? How did he find you?”
Rolf shrugged. “I sent out a locator howl earlier, just in case one of the brotherhood was within hearing.”
“The brotherhood?”
He picked up her cloak, wrapped it around her and took her hand. “Another long story.”
Chapter Two
Back at the stream, Rolf again swung Ilona into his arms and waded through the water. Her curls teased his skin and he inhaled the lingering scent of their lovemaking, making his prick respond. He’d like nothing better than to lay her down on the bank and take her again, but now was not the time. He dropped a kiss on her brow before setting her on her feet. He’d no idea what the future held, but he wasn’t going to let her go if he could help it. Not after that soul shattering encounter.
She removed her cloak and handed it to him, a smile hovering on her lips. “I think you need this more than I do.”
He glanced down at his burgeoning erection and wrapped the cloth around his waist. “I thank you. I won’t need it for long. Val should have extra clothing with him.”
“Then this has happened before?” she asked.
“Not exactly, but every time I shift, I lose my clothes. Val usually collects them and brings them to me. But this last time…” He frowned, trying to remember, then shrugged. “I’m sure Val will explain all when he gets here.”
Ilona stared at the path, her eyes vacant as if in a trance, then turned back to him. “He’s traveling on this path. We could head toward him.”
“All right.”
She picked up her basket, which she had left in the clearing, and led the way. Rolf followed, watching her hips sway and her curls bounce as she walked. Gods, she was beautiful, with her bright auburn hair and milky white skin. His mind pictured her lying back on the red cloak, her arms and legs open to receive him, and his prick hardened more.
Think about something else. Anything.
“What did you mean by the ‘brotherhood’?” she asked.
“Ah, yes, the Brotherhood of the Wolf, headquartered at Klosterlupe. It’s a chivalric order of knights, most of them orphaned boys. Some, like me, are werewolves, and others, like Val, have healing powers.”
She turned her head to glance at him. “I know about Klosterlupe, of course, but I’d no idea they took in werewolves.”
“At least a third of us can shift. It runs in certain families, so we’re not really orphans. I was told my father took me there after the first time I changed.”
“How old were you?”
“I was but a babe, not yet able to walk.”
She stopped to stare at him. “How awful, to be taken from your family at such a tender age.”
He shrugged. “I cannot remember them, so it matters not. The brothers were good to me, especially Brother Ulrich who took me under his tutelage. He’s the head of the order now, but he was just a knight then. He trained all of us, including Val.”
“Why did you leave?”
“After the death of the princess and the little prince, the king doubled the size of his guard, and Ulrich sent me to serve at the palace.” He glanced at her curiously. “Come to think of it, the princess was named Ilona, too. And she had red hair.”
A flush crept up her neck. “Yes, but ’tis a common enough name.”
“I suppose,” he agreed. The bodies of the princess and her son had never been found, just their overturned boat in the middle of the lake. He stared at Ilona, wondering… No, that was nonsensical. Why would she fabricate her death?
He could hear Val now, approaching on horseback, so Rolf let out another howl. The answer came back clearly, followed by the sound of pounding hooves. A few minutes later, a horseman, leading a black destrier, rounded a curve in the path. Rolf recognized the fair-haired young man on the dappled gray. Val pulled his mount to a stop and vaulted out of the saddle.
“Sir Rolf,” he exclaimed, his face lit up with joy.
He rushed forward, and Rolf caught him by the arms. “By Jove, it’s good to see you, Val.”
Val glanced curiously at Ilona, then back to Rolf. “You’ve shifted back. Good.”
Rolf let go of him and turned to Ilona. “This is Ilona Rez, a magician. Somehow she brought me back.”
Val’s pale blue eyes grew wide. “But how? I thought ’twould never happen again.”
Rolf laughed and explained what had happened, leaving out the part where he and Ilona made love. It was none of Val’s business.
“I still have no idea what I did to break the spell,” Ilona said.
Rolf shrugged. “No matter, I just hope ’tis broken for good.”
“Will you be able to shift at will?” Val asked, his expression anxious.
Rolf shrugged his shoulders. “I have no idea and I’m in no hurry to try. Thanks for finding me and bringing Orion. I hope there’s a change of clothing in the saddlebag.”
“As always, sir.” Val rushed to the warhorse and returned with Rolf’s clothes.
Rolf turned his back to change. At least his prick was no longer at full staff. Quickly he pulled on a long linen shirt, black breeches, hose and boots before donning a matching tunic. Val handed him his belt and sword. He felt comforted with the weight of the weapon again at his side.
He handed Ilona’s cloak back to her and she donned it.
“You should come to the camp with me,” Ilona said. “Perhaps Dagmar can tell you more.”
“Who is Dagmar?” Val asked.
“My maid. She’s a powerful witch. She can hold something and tell you what happened in the past and what will happen in the future.”
Rolf felt a chill go through him. “Perhaps she can fill in the holes in my memory. What do you say, Val? We have to take Ilona back to her people anyway.”
“Of course, sir,” Val agreed, though his face wore a worried expression.
Taking Ilona’s hand, Rolf led her to his horse. Orion whinnied and shook his head. Rolf let go of her hand to pat the stallion’s neck. The animal responded by butting him in the shoulder with his nose. Rolf laughed. “I’ve missed you, too, boy.”
Vaulting into the saddle, he urged Orion to kneel so Ilona could climb on behind him. Her gown hiked up, revealing shapely legs. She grabbed his waist and hung on, her breasts pressing into his back, as the horse rose to his feet again.
“Are you frightened?” he asked her.
“A little,” she confessed. “It has been a long time since I’ve ridden and never on such a large horse.”
“We’ll take it slow then,” he promised. Even if it killed him, which it probably would.
*
The sun was starting to set when they arrived at the encampment. Ilona surveyed the peaceful scene. A group of brightly painted wagons stood in a circle in a large meadow, with a communal cook fire in the center of the ring. A herd of horses grazed in the distance. As they rode in, the travelers ran out to greet them.
Her son Fritz ran toward them, crying, “Mama, where were you? We looked all over for you.”
With Rolf’s help, she slid off the horse and embraced her son. “I am sorry you were worried. I wandered too far in the woods, and was rescued by these brave knights.”
Rolf and Val dismounted as the travelers gathered around. Ilona introduced the strangers and gave an abbreviated version of how they’d met.
“Are you hurt, Mama?” Fritz demanded.
She knelt in front of him. He was growing so tall, her son, and looked so much like his father it nearly broke her heart every time she looked at him. She stroked his blond hair and stared into his somber blue eyes. “I’m fine, liebchen. Sir Rolf arrived in time to save me from the bad man.”
Fritz looked up at Rolf, an expression of awe on his face. “Are you really a knight?”
Rolf stood up even straighter. “That I am, boy, and a member of the king’s guard.”
Ilona heard Dagmar draw in a breath. Then the older woman spoke, “Welcome, sir knight. We’ve been expecting you.”
Rolf turned to her, his head cocked to one side.
“This is Dagmar,” Ilona explained.
“Ah, the woman I’ve come to see. I understand you can see the past and predict the future.”
Dagmar glanced at Ilona, who nodded her permission. “Aye, that I can, Sir Rolf, but it will have to wait until we’ve eaten.”
Rolf handed his reins to Val and told him to take care of the horses and set up camp.
“Yes, sir,” Val said, but he seemed reluctant to leave his knight.
“When you’re done, come join us for supper, Val,” Ilona suggested.
“Thank you.” The boy nodded before leading the horses away.
Ilona watched him go, wondering at his abrupt change in mood. He’d been so elated earlier to find Rolf, but seemed uncomfortable in her presence. Perhaps he was shy.
Fritz tugged at her hand. “Mama, I’m hungry.”
She laughed and let him lead her to the campfire. “You’re always hungry.”
As she helped the other women dish up the evening meal, she reflected on what had happened this afternoon. Heat rushed through her at the memory of making love to Rolf. Later she’d ask Dagmar for a potion. She couldn’t risk conceiving another child, especially one sired by a werewolf, but that didn’t stop her from wanting Rolf again.
*
After dinner, Ilona asked Rolf and Val to join her and Dagmar in their wagon in a few minutes. “Dagmar isn’t just my maid,” Ilona explained. “She’s powerful. If anyone can divine what happened to Rolf, she can.”
“We’ll be there,” Rolf agreed.
Ilona hurried to the wagon. She’d left Fritz in the care of Antal, her groom, who had accompanied them into exile. She had no idea what they would have done without him. A Wanderer by birth, he’d suggested joining his tribe in their travels, insisting it would be a mistake to stay in one place for too long.
Inside, she found Dagmar sitting on one of the hard bunks that ran the length of the wagon. The gray-haired woman had already prepared her scrying bowl and set it on a small wooden table in front of her. She looked up and stared at Ilona with her dark eyes. “It has begun.”
Ilona’s heart beat faster. “Then he is the one you saw? My knight to the rescue?”
Dagmar nodded, but her forehead crinkled in a frown, making her appear even older. “Yes, but there be something amiss about him.”
“He is a werewolf,” Ilona said.
Dagmar’s eyes widened. “A shapeshifter? The gods are amusing themselves with us again.” She let out a long sigh. “Is there aught else you’d like to tell me?”
“We made love. I need to know if I’m with child.”
Dagmar placed her hand against Ilona’s abdomen and closed her eyes. A moment later she drew her hand back. “No child, thank the gods.”
“Perhaps you can give me a potion to prevent conception.”
Dagmar’s brows shot up. “You intend to lie with him again? Is that wise, my lady?”
Ilona smiled. “No, but how can I resist? I haven’t felt this good, or this powerful, in years.”
Without a word, Dagmar rose, went to her potions box and removed a small bag of herbs. “You know what to do.”
“Thank you.” Ilona slipped the bag into the pocket of her dress. Later she’d sprinkle some of the herbs into ho
t water and drink them before going to Rolf’s tent. She sat on the bunk next to Dagmar who was staring into her bowl, preparing herself to see the past and the future.
The older woman turned to her. “Guard your heart, my lady.”
“Why do you say so? You said a knight would come into my life, and now he has.”
Dagmar pursed her lips. “A knight, yes, but a werewolf? Is that what you want?”
“For now, at least,” she admitted.
“As I said, guard your heart.”
Ilona nodded. It would be best if she refrained from becoming too fond of Rolf. Recently she’d thought of getting married again, but… She sighed, knowing she could not bear to contemplate the idea of passing shifter blood to her babe. She could never give a child away as Rolf’s parents had done. How it must have pained them to leave their son at the monastery. She wiped away a tear at the thought.
When Rolf and Val appeared at the door of the wagon, Ilona waved them in. They entered and sat on the opposite bunk, looking a little uneasy.
“How much do you recall?” Ilona asked Rolf.
“You were off duty that night,” Val said. “You left the castle, and I assumed you went into town.”
Rolf’s forehead creased. “I don’t remember going into town.”
“You went into the forest and shifted,” Val guessed.
Rolf gave Ilona a sheepish look. “I have to once in a while. The craving to run free can be overwhelming at times.”
His admission reminded her of what he was. The wolf was an intrinsic part of the man and forever would be.
“Do you recall anything else?” Dagmar asked
He shook his head. “Nothing.”
She turned to the boy. “What do you have to add, Val?”
“I spent the evening in the stables, taking care of the horses. I knew Sir Rolf might not be back until morning, but he never returned. I went looking for him and found his horse and clothes in the forest. I searched for him for hours, but he’d gone too far afield by then.” He turned to Rolf. “I went to see Sir Eberhard.”
“So he is still the head of the king’s guard,” Ilona mused.