Terran Realm Vol 1-6

by Dee, Bonnie

  “Darling, I think it’s a little early to be calling him. It’s only six-thirty here.”

  He shook his head and waited for someone to pick up. “Donovan hardly sleeps. If he isn’t awake to catch this call, his—Donovan! I know it’s late, early, but we’ve got another snag. Oh, you’ve seen the papers? Right. Good.” He paused to listen and his face brightened, then darkened. “Well, at least it’s a start. So, you think we should return as soon as possible. Okay, I’ll tell the others.” He took a deep breath. “We’ll try to leave today.”

  He broke the connection and stared at the phone.

  “Well? I heard you say he knew about the newspaper. What else did he tell you?”

  He moved back to the table, sat down and poured a cup of tea. He blew on it to cool it down before he responded. “He knew about the newspaper article and he has people handling it. He’s not worried about that.” He took a sip and grimaced. “Needs sugar.”

  Brigid handed him the sugar bowl and sat back while he put in two lumps, stirred, tasted and put in a third cube. “Okay, give. You didn’t look too happy about what else he said.”

  “Let’s wait for Ethan before we talk about it, okay?”

  She shrugged. “Fine by me. He should be here any minute.”

  She picked up the bread she’d been eating and offered him the basket, then snatched it back. “No. Changed my mind. Tell me what he said first. You can tell Ethan again.”

  He set his cup back in the saucer so hard, it rattled. “Okay, they tracked four of the five women who got off the plane and their backgrounds checked out. The fifth one? All of the documentation for that name turned up blank. The papers, passport, address, all that information was not only bogus, but when they looked at the customs records, there were only blank spaces by her name. That name has no Social Security number, birth certificate, tax records, phone listings, places of residence…”

  Brigid pushed back her chair and stood. “Okay, okay, I get the picture. She doesn’t exist. What about her luggage and that crate she brought with her?”

  Gabe slathered some butter on a slice of bread and took a bite before answering. “The crate and luggage were picked up but no one remembers by whom and the videos are not really clear. You can’t see a woman at those areas. He may have changed gender again or asked someone to pick up the items. We don’t know. We just don’t know, dammit!”

  “Brigid? Gabe? May I come in?”

  “It’s open,” Brigid called out. “C’mon in.”

  Ethan entered and sniffed the air. “Fresh soda bread. Fantastic.” He pulled up a chair, grabbed a slice and took a large bite, then smiled. “Delicious. So, what’s going on?”

  Gabe frowned. “Nothing good.” And proceeded to catch him up.

  “Son of a bitch,” Ethan murmured. “So, you’re telling me that bastard is somewhere in America and they haven’t a clue where?”

  “Exactly. It’s imperative that we get Nolen’s hard drive to KOTE and let them work on it. Claire Galliardi is also convinced that there may be more vital information about Ba’al and Nolen in the diary. It seems that entries have suddenly appeared that weren’t in the initial content and they can’t decipher them.”

  Brigid glared at Gabe. “You didn’t tell me that before!”

  He shrugged. “I just found out. I thought it could wait until Ethan got here. When we get to New York you can attempt to decode the journal.” He placed another slice on his plate and calmly buttered it. “You know, Ethan, you really needn’t come back with us right now. I’m sure Brigid and I can answer any questions they may have about what’s transpired here. After all, I’m sure your university would be more than happy to have your written report of what you found at the site—the information that they’d believe, of course. And I’d guarantee that Dagda would want to continue to speak with you face to face if he could.”

  Ethan’s lips tightened. “Bloody bastard, you really think I don’t know what you’re trying to do? Do you really think if I were not with Brigid, I’d forget her? Or she’d forget me?” He pushed back his chair and rose, his hands clenched. “I’m a Terran. I’ve as much right as you to contact KOTE. If you don’t want me to travel with you, you needn’t fear I’ll do so. But I will not delay finding out more about my heritage and my abilities … and now you’ve made it easier for me to feel free to seek Brigid’s love.” He sneered. “For someone who’s lived as long as you have, you know little about love.”

  He turned on his heel and stalked toward the door.

  “Wait! I can’t lose you again, now that I’ve just found you!”

  He halted at the sound of Brigid’s voice, his back to her as she grasped his arm.

  “Ah, hell, Bridge.” Gabe’s pleading whisper cut the silence in the room. “Tell me what you want.”

  “Okay, this is what I want, Gabe.” She glanced at Ethan and then Gabe. “Ethan comes to America with us. You said yourself he’s one of the most powerful Singers you know. What sense does it make not to have him available in case his skills might be needed?” She shook her head. “Ethan, Gabe, you stood side by side fighting against the minions of the most powerful demon. Why fight against each other now?”

  She picked up her jacket and walked to the door. “I’m going to go down and entice the recipe for that terrific bread from Mrs. Clancy. In the meantime, why don’t you two try to settle things between each other?” She paused at the door. “And ask Ethan what else I want.” She leveled her gaze at him. “He made me tell him.”

  The door shut quietly behind her and the two men looked at each other.

  “What did she mean?”

  Ethan threw himself into the chair Brigid had vacated and stared down at his hands. “Earlier, I used my Singer ability and compelled her to tell me what she would want if she could have her greatest wish.” He took a deep breath and raised his head. “She wants us both. She said she loves us both. If she could … she’d have us make love to her at the same time.”

  Gabe stared at him in silence for an endless moment, then spoke, measuring each word. “You can come to America with us.” Gabe’s lips curled. “But I won’t share her with you.”

  “You may not have a choice.” Ethan’s voice softened. “Neither of us may have a choice, not if we’re to give her the pleasure she wants. Not if we want to love her.” He paused. “I didn’t expect her to ask me to tell you.”

  Gabe nodded. “I figured that.” His words faded as his thoughts turned inward. He tried to imagine Ethan holding Brigid and kissing her, hell, that wasn’t too hard to imagine. But being in the same room, the same bed? He tried to envision seeing every supple inch of Brigid’s body in the throes of desire. Satisfying her in every way with Ethan. Hearing her moans, taking her, while someone else tasted her. Whose name would she call out first? And if it wasn’t his?

  He spoke abruptly. “What would you do if she called out my name first?”

  “Die a little. And make damn sure that the next time it was my name.” He took a step toward Gabe. “Don’t you understand, man? You’ve been with her in the here and now. I haven’t had her love for thousands of years. I’d take her any way she’d have me and be grateful. If I have to share her…” He shrugged. “At least I don’t hate you.”

  Gabe shook his head. “I’ll have to think about it. I’ll—I’ll have to think about it.” He moved to his laptop. “I’ll arrange for the flight. We have a contact we use on a regular basis. We can get a flight whenever we need one. See if you can find Brigid.” He gritted his teeth. “Tell her I’ll think about it.”

  “Right. I’ll find her. And tell her.”

  * * * *

  Brigid stood for a moment, trying to calm her racing heartbeat. She couldn’t believe what she’d just done. She’d given Ethan permission to tell Gabe that she wanted to be in a ménage with them. What must he think of her? She moved away from the door and hurried down stairs. She already had the bread recipe; it had just been an excuse to get out of that room before she said
something stupid. And then she went ahead and did it anyway.

  What an idiot!

  She had to talk to someone. She felt in her pocket for the cell phone she’d bought in Kerry along with the new clothes and dialed a number she knew by heart.

  Hers.

  She hurried out to the gazebo in the garden, hoping that it would be empty. It was, at least for the moment. “Pick up, father. Come on.”

  “Yes? Who is this?”

  “Father, thank the powers that be, you answered.”

  “Brigid, my child! Are you all right? I didn’t expect to hear from you again before you reached America. I’ve already spoken with Donovan Callahan—‘twas wondrous. His was the first call I received. He told me you leaving for America and informed me that you didn’t capture Nimhnach. I’ve been working on something that might help. It’s not quite ready.” He paused. “Now, is something troubling you?”

  “Oh, Father, I don’t know what to do.” She took a deep breath. “I’m in love with both of them. With Gabe and Ethan. I want them both. What should I do?”

  Dagda laughed. “You are a greedy wench, much like your mother, BoAnn. Her heart was broad and encompassed many loves. She cared for them all equally, but differently. When it was foretold that Mil would win for a time, she could not bear it. She begged me to transform her using my water element and spells so that she could continue to succor the people of this land. And I did. The water that flows within the cave is a source of the river known as the Boyne. The cave’s water saved the people during the famine, and as I told you, it sheltered your spirit—as only a mother could. Is your love for these men as strong as this?”

  Brigid was dumbstruck. Her real mother had sacrificed herself for her people … and for her. She cleared her throat and tried to speak. “I … I don’t know. I think so.”

  “Be very very sure before you commit your body and your heart. And before you commit these men to you.”

  She took a deep breath. “I promise. And thank you for telling me about my mother. Is there no way to change her back?”

  “She would not wish it. This way the love she bears sustains more people than ever she could as one woman.” He paused. “When do you and your men leave Eire?”

  “Sometime today. Father, I want to make sure you can contact me easily. Did Gabe explain how to add new phone numbers into the phone so you can phone me with just a touch?”

  “He did.”

  “Make sure you add my number then. I love you.”

  “And I love you, my daughter. Safe journey.”

  She severed the connection and sat with the phone still in her hand. Her father had cautioned her to be sure she knew what she wanted. How could she know for sure unless Gabe and Ethan were willing to—

  “Brigid? Gabe sent me to look for you. He’s arranging our flight to New York.” He hesitated. “He said he needs time to think about it.” He waited for her response. “Are you ready to go back?”

  She looked up at Ethan hovering at the entrance to the gazebo. The morning sun gilded his hair, bringing out the reddish highlights. His worn T-shirt clung to strong muscled arms. But it was the warmth and love and desire shining in his eyes that drew her to him. She got up and shoved her phone in her jeans pocket.

  “I’m ready.”

  I think.

  * * * *

  Gabe was waiting for her in their room after Ethan had gone to pack his bag.

  “Gabe, I’m…”

  “No. Ethan told me what you—I don’t know if I can share you, darling.”

  She cut him off. “I don’t know if I really want you to. At least not yet.” She crossed over to him and touched his cheek. “I only know I love you. I want you to be happy. I want Ethan to be happy. I think I need some time, too.” Tears gathered in her eyes. “Can you give me time?”

  He nodded. “I’ll give you whatever you want.” He smiled. “Here.” He pulled a clean hanky from his pocket. “Let me wipe your tears away.”

  “Thank you, darling. You’re always there for me.”

  “And I always will be.”

  * * * *

  2nd May—Early afternoon

  “I could get really used to this type of flying.”

  Ethan stretched out in the plush seat of the private jet Gabe had arranged for their departure from Ireland. Once he’d set the gears in motion, things had happened damn fast. They’d been able to take his harp, Gabe’s spear and Brigid’s bow and arrows without any hitches.

  He shifted his feet from the padded footrest, swiveled in his chair and looked at Brigid curled up under a soft, cashmere blanket. Her eyes were closed and her breathing even.

  She was fast asleep.

  “Beautiful, isn’t she?” Gabe’s voice was hushed as he came in from the galley with a pot of coffee, a couple of cups and a plate of hot scones. He set it on the table and sank down in the chair opposite Ethan. “Coffee?”

  “Aye. Two sugars, please.” He sighed. “I’m glad she’s resting. She was fair worn out.” He reached over and plucked a fragrant, buttery biscuit from the plate and took a healthy bite. “Incredible. They certainly keep the larder well stocked.”

  “Yes. Morrison has a well-trained cook.”

  Quiet reigned in the cabin as the men withdrew into their private thoughts. A murmured sound from the slumbering blonde drew their attention like a magnet.

  “What do you think she’s dreaming about?” Ethan asked.

  “I don’t know, but she seems contented.”

  They watched as she arched her back and the blanket slipped down to her waist. Her customary T-shirt rode up just a bit above the waistline of her jeans, revealing her smooth rib cage and a hint of her belly button. She uncurled her legs and kicked off the cover.

  They couldn’t take their eyes away from her, but held their breath as she rolled over onto her back and flung her right arm above her head, raising her breast and tightening the shirt’s material across one taut bud. She licked her lips, her tongue swiping them back and forth. She turned her face against her raised arm, her mouth open as though she were kissing the limb’s soft flesh, kissing some dream lover, making their balls tighten.

  And driving them nuts.

  “Christ.” Ethan’s breath caught in his chest.

  “Yeah.” Gabe’s voice strangled in his throat.

  “Where’s the lav?”

  “In the rear. Thank God there are two.”

  The men rushed from the cabin, stumbling over each other in their haste to relieve their needs, leaving Brigid alone with her dreams.

  * * * *

  “Yes, Gabe, yes, right there.”

  Brigid arched beneath the ministrations of Gabe’s tongue licking her from her neck to the base of her spine. She could feel his naked penis as he moved back up her spine with his avid tongue. He grabbed hold of the headboard to keep his full weight off her and murmured against her ear. “Do you like it like this? Tell me. Show me.”

  She sagged and the motion brought her nipples into Ethan’s reach and he took full advantage of his position beneath her.

  He cupped her breasts, tweaking the taut buds. He raised his head enough so that his lips encompassed one aching point.

  And sucked. His teeth nipped her and his tongue laved the brief sharp pain.

  Now Ethan’s name escaped her panting voice.

  His cock nudged the apex of her thighs begging for entry. She could feel Gabe’s finger delving between her butt cheeks.

  She was in ecstasy.

  Her men, her loves, her lovers pleasing her, pleasuring her, driving her body crazy, giving her what she needed, wanted, craved.

  Loved.

  Ethan thrust his penis deep inside her core and gripped her waist moving rhythmically.

  Gabe pushed another finger and then another and twisted.

  She screamed their names as she came apart in their hands.

  And woke up.

  *

  Gabe and Ethan ran into the plane’s cabin.

&
nbsp; “Bridge, are you okay? We heard you scream.” Gabe bent down and brushed her hair from her forehead.

  “Did you have a nightmare?” Ethan knelt at her feet.

  She shook her head. “No, just a dream. A really nice one.”

  And she smiled—a slow, seductive, satisfied smile. And didn’t say a word.

  Don’t want to make it easy for them. Hell, I want to make it really, really hard.

  She yawned and arched her back. She reached down and plucked the blanket from the cabin floor, giving them a close-up view of her curvy ass. She draped the cover over her body and yawned again. “I think I’ll go back to sleep. I wasn’t quite … finished.”

  And she closed her eyes. Leaving the men just as frustrated as they had been earlier.

  And just as hard.

  And each one cursing inside his head with heat enough to melt iron.

  * * * *

  2nd May—Late afternoon, Boynton, New York

  Nolen gazed out of the window of his six-bedroom late-Victorian mansion and admired the sweep of the front lawn. The estate came with seventeen acres of property, not all of it developed.

  Yet.

  Everything had gone so smoothly, he knew Ba’al must be watching out for him. He had offered a blood sacrifice as soon as he arrived at the house the other day. He fingered the reopened scar on his cheek, already starting to scab over. He had slashed it without flinching as soon as the limousine service that had chauffeured him here had left. He had walked counterclockwise around the house, the blood dripping freely and sopped up by the greedy earth, and then transferred some into a vial for future use.

  Now, he eased off his glove and removed the makeshift prosthetic finger from his hand and placed it in the desk drawer. He’d order a better one as soon as he had the time. He sighed with satisfaction and took a moment to admire his new study.

  The home had already been furnished before he arrived. Online shopping and the use of a well-paid interior decorator had seen to that. The threat of letting slip to the authorities that the man had a drug habit to maintain that caused him to embezzle thousands of dollars, had sealed his silence. Nolen laughed. Ironic that it had been one of his drug contacts that had supplied the fellow.