by Lawna Mackie
“Meeka, I can’t take this anymore. Put me out of my misery.” Low and intense, his voice oozed with sexual tension, reflecting his need.
She looked up into his eyes. There would be no turning back. Her lips were swollen and red, her hair a tangled web around her head.
“I need to be inside you, Meeka. I want to kiss you all over and make you scream my name over and over again. I can’t resist you anymore.” Kerrigan tenderly framed her face with his large hands and kissed her again. He was drunk with yearning.
“Please don’t turn away from me this time, Kerrigan. I need you. I need this,” she implored, her eyes heavy lidded, darkened with desire, with an emotion he hesitated to name.
“Not this time, precious. To hell with the fates. This time, there’ll be no turning back.”
He left a trail of blazing kisses down her neck and found her nipples, finding the puckered flesh too tempting to resist, he laved the hardened tips with his tongue and then settled over one breast to suck on the distended nipple.
Shouts of concern and the sound of the crunching of leaves made him freeze. Kerrigan let out a large breath of extreme frustration and anger. “Damn it to hell.” His head dropped to rest between Meeka’s breasts. “I’m sorry, Meeka.”
“Make them go away, Kerrigan.” Her voice was raw with passion. “I’ll make them go away.”
He lifted his head, placing a kiss on the tip of her nose. “As much as I want this, we both know it would be a misuse of your abilities.”
Meeka let out a whimper and hit the ground with a closed fist. “This just doesn’t seem meant to be, does it?” She sighed.
Kerrigan never spoke a word, but instead bent his head and captured her lips for one last reassuring kiss.
Carefully, he lifted himself up off her and held his hand out to help her up. The two brushed the leaves and mud off their bodies. Stealing one last lustful glance at one another, they walked toward the voices of Stryker and Catz.
“There you two are. Catz and I thought you might have actually killed one another by now.” Stryker halted in front of Kerrigan. “Tell us, how’d it go?”
“As expected. Her mind control is developing.”
Stryker smiled with satisfaction. “Meeka, how do you feel?”
“I’m tired, but not like I was yesterday. It seems I’m getting used to the effects each time I use my powers.”
“Once you’ve totally mastered your abilities, you shouldn’t be tired at all.” Stryker nodded, his brow furrowed. “We’ll proceed after you’ve washed the dirt from you, if you wish.”
Kerrigan watched Meeka try to rub the dirt away from her arms. His body hardened, and he felt a jealous twinge as he caught Stryker eyeing Meeka. Stepping between them, he bared his teeth at Stryker and turned to Meeka. “Shall we continue, or would you prefer to wash up?”
“I could really use a shower, or better yet, a hot bath.” Her stomach growled loudly. “And maybe some food.”
Kerrigan chuckled. “I’m sure we can fix you up with a bath and some dinner. Stryker, why don’t you stay for supper? Mom’s cooking…again.”
“Your mom’s the best cook I know. I’ve got to set the night guard, but I’ll be back.” Stryker shot Meeka a knowing glance. “I’m quite proud of you, Meeka. You’ve done an admirable job today.” He vanished.
“Kerrigan, why do you have such a large castle, if you’re always by yourself,” Meeka asked. “I like my space, and because of my age, I’ve had a lot of time to build it.”
“Why wouldn’t you just use magic to build it?” “Building is something I like to do.”
“It really is beautiful. And huge.” Meeka ran her fingers along the wall as they went.
* * * *
Kerrigan led the way to another room Meeka had never been in. It reminded her of a cave. The walls glittered with silver like a Christmas tree covered with mini-lights. There appeared no end to the cave; its depths reached far beyond her line of sight. The walls were separated by flowing turquoise-colored water. The glitter followed underneath the water, illuminating the brilliant color. Off in the corner, Meeka spied the large pool of water.
“This is my favorite room,” Kerrigan said proudly. “It’s amazing! This must be a product of your magic?”
Kerrigan nodded in affirmation. “The water is heated from the depths of our world. It’s circulated with fresh water to keep it from being too hot.”
Meeka saw that a vanity was built into the wall of the cave, complete with fresh towels and other personal amenities. Her heart pounded as something caught her eye. It was a gigantic bed.
“Wow.” The bed was without a doubt the largest she’d ever seen, and draped in velvets of dark, rich, brown colors. It floated in the water, beckoning to her.
“Sometimes when I can’t sleep upstairs, I come down here. The water has a calming, soothing effect. The bed floats a couple miles downstream before it returns.”
“I love water—always have,” Meeka exclaimed.
Kerrigan chuckled, the warmth in the sound reaching down to her soul. “I believe it’s what got you here in the first place.”
Meeka glanced at Kerrigan, her bottom lip between her teeth. She could almost feel the warmth of the water soothing her aching muscles.
“Take your time. The closet is over there. When you open the door, just speak out loud what you would like to wear, and it will appear. The illuminated lights along the floor will direct you back up to the dining room.” His smile melted her heart as he turned and left.
“Meeka, perhaps I’ll leave, too. I could use a nap before supper.” Catz yawned.
“Thank you, Catz. Thank you again for your support today. I could never have done it without you.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit, Meeka.” Another large yawn escaped Catz as she also exited the room.
Meeka walked to the vanity and grabbed a towel. The pool was so inviting. She untied the straps around her arms and leg, and then undid the skimpy top and slid out of the bottoms.
Warmth enveloped her feet as she stepped in. Leisurely, she slid the rest of her body into the welcoming water with a sigh of contentment.
Her muscles began to relax, and the thump of her heart slowed. Reclining back against the warm rock, she breathed a sigh of relief. For the moment, she resolved, she wouldn’t think of home, or family, or anything—not even Kerrigan.
* * * *
The scent of food pulled her from the light doze she’d fallen into, and she sat up gasping.
Oops. Don’t want to be late for dinner.
The bath brush didn’t surprise her when it floated across the room to the pool. She scrubbed the dirt out of her hair and washed away all the traces of grime left on her body. The floral- scented soap reminded her of sweet peas.
Quickly, Meeka dried herself off and wrapped the towel around her body. The hairbrush on the vanity stared at her. Meeka picked it up, and as she started brushing, the brush automatically took over.
What is it with brushes around here?
Meeka didn’t complain; brushing her hair was a big job. The brush kept brushing until her hair was nearly dry.
Meeka studied her reflection in the mirror. Her hair hung in glorious waves down past her hips. She decided to leave it down, and walked over to the closet.
What will I wear?
The door opened to reveal several full-length mirrors, and glittering gold and silver lights. “Something sophisticated, but sexy,” she said. “A red dress, low cut, scoop-backed and tied around the neck. Not too short. Flirty.” The dress appeared, hanging in the closet. It was perfect, just as she imagined it should be.
Some magic should be enjoyed unquestioned.
She slipped the dress on, applied some lip-gloss, and left the room.
Meeka followed the lights, smiling when she realized Kerrigan had been telling the truth. Pausing to admire the paintings, she sighed, stopping at the beautifully framed, colorful large dragon flying through the sky.
> Meeka would know those eyes anywhere. Even in dragon form, Kerrigan was stunning. Cautiously, she ran her fingertips over the painting. Closing her eyes, she could almost feel the snake-like softness of shining scales caressing her skin. When she heard a deep, seductive growl, she pulled her hand away.
Did she just see the eyes blink? The pull was so strong. Meeka resisted the urge to place her cheek up against dragon’s cool body, but instead, turned away from the picture, shaking her head. Ridiculous. She was so desperate for him, she was making things up.
In the dining room, Paddy hummed a cheerful tune. “Yummy, Paddy. I’m starving.” Meeka walked over to her.
Paddy hugged her around the waist. “I’ve missed you, Meeka. My son has been hoarding you all to himself.” Paddy giggled and hugged her gently. “It’s no wonder why my son hoards you.”
A warm feeling of acceptance and caring flooded Meeka’s senses. This little beaver had more love in her body than most people on Earth would ever know. “Paddy, you are much too kind to me.”
“Oh, nonsense, my dear. You should be spoiled and pampered every day of your life.”
“Well, I certainly am when you’re around.” She laughed. Would Kerrigan ever know how lucky he was?
Meeka looked around. “Where’s Kerrigan?”
“He, Stryker, and Todd are talking guy stuff in the den. Meeka dear, why don’t you open the bottle of Swish over there while I finish setting the table? Try some; you’ll like it. It’ll help relax you.” Paddy pointed to a funky-shaped bottle.
Meek reached for the bottle and looked for an opener. “Just tell it to open, dear.”
“Oh.” Meeka cleared her throat. “Err…Open.”
The glass top melted before her eyes and formed into a perfect pouring spout.
If only this happiness could last.
Brushing off the sadness, Meeka settled herself onto a stool beside the bar.
* * * *
In the den, Kerrigan, Todd, Stryker, and Threeo stood around the fireplace, all but Threeo with drinks in hand. The conversation was lively, but Kerrigan couldn’t follow it. He’d known exactly when Meeka stopped at the painting of him in the hall. Her touch had immediately caused his groin to tighten. He’d nearly dropped his glass.
Stryker looked at him with curiosity. “Everything all right, mate?”
“Just fine.” He adjusted himself, hoping no one else had picked up on his arousal.
“Todd, you should have been there to see Meeka train with your son. It was nice to see I wasn’t the only one to get my ass handed to me on a platter,” Stryker jested.
“I didn’t get my ass kicked. It was hard to keep my focus when she looks like she does,” Kerrigan defended.
“She is a looker,” Stryker reiterated.
“Yeah, and you’d be wise to stop looking.” Kerrigan snarled, his hackles rising. “What do you propose I do, cut the eyes out of my head?”
“Let me know if I can do it for you.” Kerrigan glared with deadly intent.
“Son, I’d have to say you’re jealous, but in your defense, she is unusual. There are no other females that even remotely resemble her here in Enchantment. I can see why you’d be smitten with her,” Todd said.
Uncomfortable, Kerrigan huffed. It was better to direct them away from Meeka and his involvement with her. He shot a glance at Stryker. “You had someone follow Thalius as I instructed?”
“Ahh, yes. I did have one of the gargoyles track him. He is up to something.” Stryker swirled his glass, watching the liquid dance with the motion. “My scout followed him as close as possible, and your instincts are correct, as usual.”
Kerrigan stepped away from the fire and set his drink on the desk.
I knew Thalius was up to something.
The old bastard’s interest in her powers—in her—was normal, but his going against the other Counselors was beyond his scope of decency. No, there was something beneath the surface, and he would find it.
There was nothing Kerrigan would like more than to strip the old codger of his powers. He abused everything he touched, but his position on the Council left him untouchable.
Why did the other Counselors ignore what he saw? Was their fear of scandal too strong? After all, a few indiscretions here and there were nothing. In spite of his warnings, the rumors of the old prick’s misuse of magic still floated around Enchantment. Rumors of rape, of fraternizing with criminals, even murder, were not uncommon. Now, Thalius had set his sights on Meeka—a far-from-pleasant realization. He didn’t care what the Counselors said this time. He’d find out the rat’s warped plan.
To hell with the Counselors.
Stryker interrupted his thoughts. “Hey, you interested in hearing what was discovered or not?”
“Sorry, got lost in thought. You know I’ve never trusted him.”
Todd wandered over to Kerrigan and stood by the desk. “I think you have him pegged correctly, but doing something about it won’t be easy.”
Threeo had been silent up until this point, but took this opportunity to jump in. “Kerrigan, again I’m reminded of my vision.
Kerrigan strode back to the fire and patted Threeo. “You always worry so much, my friend. Stryker, please tell us what you discovered.”
“Well, Thalius was seen at the Forest of Limbs in the dark of night. He was heavily cloaked as if to disguise his appearance.”
“Huh.” Kerrigan blurted out. “It’s unusual, but not quite as damning as I was hoping to hear.”
“He met a man in the clearing. One the gargoyle didn’t recognize immediately. However, he did catch the figure’s scent and revealed his identity to me. I’ve confirmed Jager is now out and working with Thalius. What their plan is, I cannot say, but my scout did hear Meeka being discussed, and the word power.”
Kerrigan sank into the nearest chair, his heart in his throat. Jager, a foul, rotting corpse, would be a dangerous foe, but a familiar one.
“Impossible. Nobody leaves Tombs unless I know about it.”
Stryker set his glass down beside Kerrigan’s and crossed his large arms across his chest. “Unless, a Counselor got him out of Tombs.”
Rage and fury built like a storm deep inside Kerrigan’s chest. “I swear to the gods, I’ll rip his heart out. I should have locked him up and stripped his powers long ago, but no, I’m bound by honor to protect those bastards. He’ll be sorry he ever tried to mess with Meeka.” Kerrigan threw the glass into the fireplace, watching the flames dancing before him.
“Easy, son. I know how angry you must be, but you can’t act without thinking this through,” Todd soothed. “You need proof, or they’ll condemn your act as an uprising.”
Just then, Paddy’s voice echoed down the halls, letting them know dinner was ready. Kerrigan was grateful for the distraction. He wanted to confront Thalius now, but his father was right. He needed to think this through properly. He led the men back into the kitchen, but stopped abruptly as he crossed the threshold into the dining room.
The red dress fit her perfectly. The v-neckline drew his attention to her full breasts, while the hem flirted around her long, sexy legs as she moved. All the men stopped to stare at the gorgeous woman standing by the bar.
Todd broke the spell by sweeping a gallant but comical bow. “Meeka, my dear, you look lovely—almost as lovely as my darling wife.”
“Why, thank you, Todd.” Meeka giggled. From the smirk on Stryker’s face, Meeka wondered what the joke was as he brushed past Kerrigan.
Kerrigan was unusually quiet. He moved the food around on his plate, not eating much. She tried hard not to look at him, but it seemed he never took his eyes off her for even a moment. Meeka was unnerved. He never said one word through the entire dinner. Paddy got up to start clearing the dishes, and Kerrigan jumped up to help, but Meeka rushed to Paddy’s side, shooing him away. “Kerrigan, let me help your mom. You look umm…preoccupied.”
His electric blue eyes stared down into hers. He bent down, and his deep, seductive voic
e stroked along her flesh to create an ache between her thighs. “I think you know why.” Gently, he reached up with his hand and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear.
Meeka almost dropped the plate she held in her hand. His eyes spoke volumes. Hunger. Desire. Passion, furious and hungry. Meeka could almost feel the heat of his touch through his stare. “Go to the cave…tonight,” he commanded in a low growl.
She couldn’t speak. With a nod, she continued collecting the plates off the table, concerned everyone may have noticed their private exchange of words. But Todd and Stryker were absorbed in their conversation, Paddy was busy with cleaning up the clutter, and Threeo was too engrossed with consuming the rest of the food. Perhaps they were safe.
Safe!
Meeka’s knees were shaking. Her heart was beating a hundred miles an hour, and she couldn’t stop the feeling of anticipation from overwhelming her body. Paddy was speaking to her, but she had no idea what she said.
“You must be tired, sweetie. You’ve had a long day. I don’t think you heard one thing I’ve said.”
Meeka blushed profusely. “I’m sorry, Paddy. You’re right; I am tired. Would you excuse me?
“Run along, Meeka. We can catch up tomorrow.” Paddy shooed her out with knowing expression on her face.
“Thanks, Paddy. Supper was wonderful. You’re wonderful.” Meeka placed a kiss on her little face and exited the room. She decided to go up and check on Catz before making her way to the cave. It was unusual for her not to eat.
Quietly, Meeka pushed the bedroom door open. Catz was curled up in a tiny white ball on the bed. Meeka tiptoed over to look down at her. She was sleeping, or so she thought. Lovingly, Meeka placed a kiss on the top of her head. While she was tiptoeing back to the door, Catz spoke. “Meeka, is everything okay?”
“Oh, shoot. I didn’t mean to wake you, Catz. Are you feeling okay? I’m worried about you.” “I’ll be okay, Meeka. I’m just tired. I haven’t had enough cat naps.”
“Can I bring you something?” Meeka said softly.
“No, I’ll get something later. Where are you going?”
“I’m umm…just going to have another bath down in the cave. Don’t wait up for me.” Meeka walked back to her and placed another kiss on her head.