Kagan ran his hand through his hair. It was the custom and as laird he would have to abide. He had already chosen, what had it been, three, four years ago? He smiled as his thoughts ran back to Shinonoble Keep. He could still see Andra whispering to Demon and her long hair flying behind her. Her legs holding tightly onto the stallion's sides as she raced from the stall. She had been beautiful even then barely sixteen winters old.
He grimaced as he recalled how skilled her kiss had been and wanted to cut Calin's throat forever touching her. His roguish smile returned as he wondered how she would react if he told her that Calin was one of his Watchers. He was indeed very skilled and had seduced some of the prettiest women in England and France. Even now, Calin was on a mission to retrieve important documents from the hands of King James' mistress.
Kagan's outburst of laughter caught Darten off guard and he threw Kagan a curt look, “Ye find ye marriage announcement amusin'?”
“See to it that Traykell takes great care to invite all of the highlands. It will be a fine day to say the least. And when Calin Comlings returns, make sure he gets a personal invitation from his laird,” Laird McKregan ordered.
“Ah...Pup Calin, is he persuadin' Eliza Burke with his gentle kisses and manly endowments?” drawled Darten.
“Just see to it and send word to Flaron that all is well.” Kagan rubbed his jaw, still sore from the fist fight earlier, and continued, “Seems whoe'er has been mullin' round on that side of the highlands has taken their lea'e.”
Darten stood and turned to leave, “I promised Andra a walk through the gardens to see that dreadful lookin' flower she found in full bloom. She has decided it suites her. We will be a little late gettin' back this evenin' so do'na expect us at the table.”
Kagan bit his temper back and smiled, “Ye must refrain from takin' her advances, as my betrothed she must act like a lady and stop gallivantin' round with men of ill-gotten reputations.”
“Aye, this is true, but I ha'e already gi'en my word and she is terribly hard to resist.” Darten threw his words over his shoulder as he left the balcony.
“She is to be my wife and ye will adhere to my command,” Kagan growled.
Darten turned and looked Kagan in the eye, knowing full well what his brother's response would be to his offer, “Perhaps, ye would care to make a wager?”
“On what?” he asked.
“Ye betrothed.” Darten smiled crookedly.
Kagan's eyes slowly narrowed as he pondered his brother’s next move, “Go on...”
“I'll wager that she will succumb to my advances willingly and want to bed me in two days’ time.” Darten offered, “I'll wager the cost of ye weddin' and finance the additions to the orphanage that burned.”
Kagan leaned against the stone wall around the balcony and considered the wager before he grinned and replied, “I accept and if ye win the wager, first I'll allow ye to live, second, I'll e'en let her live, and third, I'll e'en finance the buildin' of a cottage in the lower regions of the highlands for her to live after ye finished with her and take ye lea'e of her bed.”
Darten studied Kagan's hard cold face as he spoke in rich even baritone, “Ye would disgrace her for fallin' for me and banish her from the kingdom?”
“Keep in mind that it is ye that wanted this wager and I would be disgraced if my brother bedded my betrothed. She would'na be worth my time or effort if she chooses ye o'er me,” He stated unemotionally.
“And if I choose to keep her for myself?” he quickly added to fire up Kagan's emotions.
Kagan remained calm under his roguish grin, “Then unfortunately for ye dear brother, ye will be joinin' her in her little cottage and ye would be ordered to serve as a watcher instead of a warrior. Do I make myself clear on the subject?”
Darten bowed in front of Kagan sarcastically and retreated back into the Keep. He knew that he had almost pushed Kagan too far but his grin widened.
He knew his brother all too well, Kagan could not resist a wager, he would cut off his own hand to win and that suited Darten just fine. Darten had no intention of winning this bet, but he was sure as hell going to give it his best effort. Kagan would be in fits before the night was over!
Andra waited for Darten in the garden watching the sun set. She was lost in the beauty of the hillside as Kagan walked up behind her. He could smell her hair, hear her humming, and could clearly make out her womanish figure behind the tight gown she wore. He stood still as she scanned the horizon, no doubt waiting for Darten.
“Would ye care to take a walk with me?” he asked softly.
Andra turned, expecting to see Darten. Kagan was softly smiling at her and she frowned as he took her arm and swirled her around.
“I'm waitin' for Darten,” she stated.
“Aye, I am aware he was comin',” he returned as they edged deeper into the garden, “Howe'er, he seems to ha'e business elsewhere so I took it upon myself to show ye the gardens.”
“Nay,” she replied as she tried to pull away from his arm, “I will wait for Darten.”
Kagan wrapped his long fingers through hers and softly pulled her in place beside of him. He gently rubbed her knuckles as he guided her through the maze of trees. Andra prayed silently that a bolt of lightning would strike her so she could escape the blissful agony of Kagan's touch.
He stopped as they cleared the trees and entered a gazebo surrounded by immense flowering vines. She was in awe as he led her to the flower she was longing to see.
It was called the Orce of Pain. It was said that the flower bloomed only once and then shriveled and died the following day. The legend said that once the flower had been a woman, beautiful and wild, and she fell in love with a highlander warrior. He had pretended to love her and had bedded her before marriage. She had fallen in love with him and had found out too late that he was already married to a king's daughter.
She was devastated when her lover had left and returned to his wife. She took her life in a great garden. Her tormented soul had taken the form of a flower that blooms one night a year in hopes her warrior would return for her. Andra frowned, apparently the warrior had not returned. Andra marveled as the flower began to open, revealing the soft pink petals. Kagan wrapped his arm around her shoulders and caressed her arm as she continued to watch.
The flower slowly opened as the sun disappeared; it was the size of a shield, perfect and beautiful. The pink edges gave way to satiny slivers of gold and red that ran down to the heart of the bloom. It glistened as it finished its performance. Andra touched the petals and smiled as they extended into full bloom. The night was taking over and the garden grew darker. Andra was having trouble seeing the bloom as it began curling outward. She knew it was dying and she felt like doing the same.
“Take me back to my room, I've seen enough,” she ordered softly.
“Was it na to ye likin’?” he asked in a rough voice.
“It was beautiful for only seconds, like so many other things in life,” she replied as she turned on her heel and jerked away from him. “It is the reality of the world around us.”
She darted down the disappearing path. Kagan followed, resting his hand on his sword hilt and trying not to scowl at her back. She stopped and reached out in front of her.
“Stay there and I will guide ye back to the keep,” he stated as he paused in his stride. He waited for a minute before taking her hand and lazily kissed her palm.
“Donna forget ye oath,” she reminded him as she jerked away.
They walked in silence to the keep. Andra's insides hurt from wanting to kiss his lips, but she would not falter. She would make him believe she wanted Darten.
“Tell me 'bout Darten.” she insisted.
“He is my brother, two years younger. He is the finest warrior in all Scotland. His mighty fist has'na been bested by na man or beast,” he bragged but silently admitted that he himself had only bested him once in sword play.
“I know he is a powerful warrior, but what is he really like?” she ur
ged.
Kagan's grin went unseen as he continued, “He is a cad, a devil of a man. He has used so many women that it is a disgrace. He refuses to marry the ones he deflowers and takes pride in beddin' any man's wife, lover, mother, or sister. His pursuits ha'e landed him in many a fight and he comes runnin' home when he is ready to find another lover to occupy his time.”
“Then he is very experienced in the art of makin' love. This could be a good thing.” Andra paused, “He will definitely know how to please a woman and teach her how to do things in that nature. If what ye say is true than any woman would surely be grateful to ha'e him in bed for just one night.”
“Any woman who wants a one night fantasy and nothin' more. He is a woman's whore,” Kagan gritted as they neared the keep.
“He said the same of ye. Perhaps he has'na met the right woman and needs a lovin' hand to reassure his heart.” She softly spoke as she leaned into Kagan's arm.
He grew silent as they made their way into the keep and down the long corridor to the western section. Her fingers trembled as they took the steps up to their rooms. Halfway up Kagan stopped and turned to face her. He studied her face in the dim light and traced her jaw with his fingertip. She held her breath as he pulled her closer and kissed her lips. She refused to give in as he crushed her to him. He cupped her butt and probed her mouth with his tongue.
“Kiss me!” he ordered under his breath.
“Nay, I will'na kiss ye and ye be at the edge of breakin'...” she started as he let her go abruptly causing her to lose her balance.
“Then go to ye room,” he ordered.
“I will'na do na such thing,” she raged as she gliding down the steps, “Darten promised he'd take me for a walk and I will wait for him the rest of the night if that is what it takes!”
Kagan watched as she stalked down the stairs. His anger was building up in the back of his throat as he followed her quietly down the staircase and through the corridor to Darten's room.
She knocked once, twice, and rather loudly the third time. The door opened and Darten stepped out as Kagan stood in the shadows.
Andra assaulted him with her words, “Ye promised ye would show me the ocre and ye broke that promise. Ye best make amends 'fore I decide to ne'er forgive ye!”
Darten smiled, “I'll do anythin' ye wish to make ye happy.” His grin spread as he looked at the shadows along the wall. He knew Kagan lingered close; he could feel his presence looming over Andra's shoulder.
“Anythin'?” she coo-ed.
Darten took her hands and placed a kiss on each wrist, “Anythin' ye heart desires these hands to do.”
Andra laughed, “Then go choke ye brother for tellin' me what a cad ye are.”
Darten raised his eyebrow and smiled, “I hope ye donna belie'e him.”
Andra pulled her hands away and frowned, “I do belie'e he tells the truth, after all, ye be much to beautiful and wickedly seducin' for any woman na to fall at ye feet beggin' for ye touch.”
“And would ye also fall at my feet,” he drawled, “beg for my touch?”
Andra turned as she smiled, “Takes a whole lot of a man to make me swoon and I'm na sure ye be enough man to fill my fantasies.”
Darten was stunned into silence and Kagan almost choked trying not to laugh at Darten's wide-eyed opened-mouthed silence. Andra had done what no other female had ever achieved.
“Tomorrow ye will take me for a long ride across the valley with a nice lunch in tow to make up for tonight's transgression.” She ordered like a queen.
Darten nodded his agreement and offered to walk her to her room. She refused and swiftly turned and walked past Kagan, unaware of his hiding place.
When she had disappeared, Darten turned and opened his bedroom door, “Just remember I ha'e two days and she did come to my room. The next time she comes here, she will be beggin' to touch me.”
Kagan smiled as he emerged from the shadows, “We shall see.”
Chapter 15
Andra was lying in bed when Kagan came to her room late that same night. She did not move as he sat down and snuffed out the candle by her bed. She rolled over allowing him enough room to stretch out. Her fingers trembled as she reached for his back in the darkness. His skin was cool and her fingers tingled with excitement as they trailed up his spine. His muscles flexed and then relaxed as she began kneading his shoulders.
She bit her lip when he groaned in pleasure as her breasts rubbed across his back. She sagged forward, glad that she was naked, feeling his hard muscles ripple against her skin. She smiled as she closed her eyes and laid her head onto his shoulder blade. She lay there for a very long time before raising up and continuing the massage. His breath was even and deep as she stilled her hands and lay beside of him.
Kagan felt her body wilt at his side and edged up to the side of the bed, “Kagan?”
“Aye,” he whispered, “I will lea'e ye if ye be tiresome.”
“Will ye stay? I....” She fought down the unearthly urge to throw herself into his arms and let him take anything he wanted.
“Aye, I will if ye wish it,” he smiled silently hoping he was not dreaming.
“Just keep ye oath,” she mumbled against the pull she felt and rolled her back to him.
Kagan lazily stretched out and the poisons effects slowly took over. His eyes closed as he listened to her uneven breathing. She was troubled and he hoped that it was his body that she was being troubled by. Even in his state of feeble potency her savory scent clung to his senses. He listened as her labored breathing eased and her body stilled in sleep's veil. His sedation allowed his arms to shelter her in covetous possession. Dreams claimed him as he settled with her wrapped tightly in his clutches.
Kagan awoke very aware of his erection and current predicament. Andra lay curled into his arm. Her arm was draped over his stomach and her leg was curled up around his knee. He groaned as her knee shifted and rubbed under his kilt against his shaft. Her breath scorched his chest and her vanilla scented hair brushed his cheek.
He pushed himself up onto his elbow letting her slide from his chest. She was a rare beauty and he gazed upon her as if she were an angel that fell from Valhalla. He gently caressed her bare shoulder and traced the smooth scar that ran down her shoulder blade. It must have hurt and taken several months to heal. He wondered what had happened as he slid his fingers down her back and across her hip.
Her hand nudged his thigh and he took it and inspected the wound in her palm. He frowned knowing he had cut her too deep. He raised it to his lips and lightly kissed her wrist. He held his breath as she nudged closer and leaned into his warmth. His arm reached under her and pulled her to his chest. Her leg snaked between his and her hand slid up his arm.
Her face tilted up towards his and she murmured under her breath, “Kiss me.” She was lost in her dreams of a fierce mighty warrior who had come to claim her heart.
Kagan took her offered lips and their tongues met. The kiss was slow and gentle and carefree. Kagan broke the kiss and looked down at her. Her eyes were still closed and he gently cupped her breast. His heart flipped as she smiled and lay her hand on his.
She squeezed his hand around her breast and rubbed his knuckles as she spoke, “Kiss me here.” She wanted him beyond any earthly logic and only knew she wanted to share herself with him completely.
Kagan bent his head and took her nipple in his lips. He sucked and licked the hardened nub until she moaned and grabbed his head. He released her and she pushed his head back down. He grinned as he sucked at her hard and bit into her flesh.
She arched and whispered, “Again.”
He obeyed without question and rolled her onto her back, taking the other nipple. His hands slid down her sides and eased her legs apart. He slid between them as she arched under his tongue. Her hands were buried in his hair as he pulled up to her lips.
“Touch me,” she ordered, “touch me e'erywhere.” She kept her eyes closed, afraid that the dream would end and he would disappear as
he had a thousand times before.
Kagan ran his hands along her arms, her sides and across her delicious breasts. He slid them down to her hips and pushed himself up as he reached between her legs. He felt her hot slick passion as he gently ran his fingers along her curly mound of flesh. His breath caught in his throat as she tugged on his kilt. It came off and she dropped it to the floor.
She took his shaft and tugged back and forth in a steady rhythm. She wanted to please him and sent his body soaring into the heavens with hers. She wanted to enrage his fire and then pacify him with her needs and her wants.
She threw her head back and moaned as he whispered her name. Her name! He wanted her, not one of his lovers. Her delirium cascaded through her thoughts and slammed hard into the wall of her past. Pierre grinned and laughed as she moaned again to Kagan's feverish touches.
She stiffened as he inched his finger forward into her warmth, “Donna hurt me Kagan!”
“I will'na,” he promised as he slid inside and she melted under him, “My hand will be easy.”
She tugged harder on his shaft as he carefully made love to her with his hand. She arched with undiluted passion as he quickened his hand. She did her best to pleasure his shaft as he did her. She lost her sanity at some point and screamed at the man who was intoxicating her body with his fingers. Her loins ached and burned with lust and she wanted more of it, more of Kagan. She arched and grabbed his hair, pulling his lips to hers. She moaned and cried his name. Kagan fought to control his need and groaned under its heavy weight.
“Andra...Andra I need, I want.....,” he breathed between her kisses, “Let me love ye.”
“Please donna stop. Kagan! Please!” She cried as she moved with his hand, “Why does it na hurt? What spell is this?”
“Let me love ye!” His order was clear as he moved his hand and pushed his hips between her legs, “I need to be inside.”
A Warrior's Perception Page 15