by C J Matthew
When the guardians quieted down, he said, “A witch approached the coast of the most westerly island, so a faint trail of magic leads here and stops. If our information is accurate, only a few of the Hunters can follow a magic trail. We could be safe there. However, all of their vessels are equipped to locate and identify a plane crash, as well as the remains of the plane underwater. That airplane needs to be moved asap.”
A couple of the guardians whispered among themselves.
“Seriously, I’ve got to get a move on,” Liam said.
Goban stepped forward. “We have a proposition for you.”
“I’m listening.”
“We’ll retrieve the plane from the water. Then either hide it or if our Druids think the magic trail is a problem, we’ll bury it.”
“Jeez, Goban,” one of the smaller guardians moaned. “You’re volunteering us to bury an airplane?”
“It’ll be in pieces by now,” another shifter assured them.
“That’s the offer,” Goban said louder. “In exchange for us getting rid of the plane pieces, you’ll explain how your whole warning system works, tell us what supplies we need, and spend some time supervising us as we build and install our own early warning line.”
Finally. His idea was catching on. Several other Zodiac houses wanted to have early warning capabilities across their shores. Liam happily shook hands all around.
“It’s a deal,” he repeated to each shifter. Before he left to retrieve Drake, he said, “When I get back from Dublin tonight, I expect most of that plane to be hidden or buried.”
Tired, Liam hurried up the cliff and wished he had a spare minute to find Heather. He wanted a kiss. No, he needed to kiss her.
If he expected the Sea Dragon to make it all the way to Dublin today, they needed to collect their rider and get going. At least Liam could catch some catnaps during the swim. His Sea Dragon certainly didn’t require supervision, even with a passenger aboard.
We trust each other.
Absolutely, pal. You know the way.
When Liam arrived at the Willow Druid’s guest cottage he found their guest Drake, woozy from whatever herb concoction they’d given him to keep the human cooperative during the trip. And the two leather workers arguing over how the newly-designed saddle was supposed to fit on the sea dragon’s shoulders while holding Drake in place.
“Stop yelling,” Liam roared. “Back away. You can try it on my Sea Dragon right now.” He shifted. Only Drake came out unscathed. The Druid was knocked flat in his back. The leather workers were tossed into a row of rose bushes. Bruised and scratched, the men scrambled to their feet. No one said a word. One more roar and the dragon knelt. The leatherworkers positioned the saddle, and everybody congratulated each other. When it was on the dragon’s back it became obvious how all the buckles attached. The Sea Dragon shifted back to Liam, who ducked out from under the heavy contraption just in time.
“We’re running late. Bring that thing and Drake to the beach.”
At the top of the cliff it became clear no one had previously considered how to get the enormous saddle and a drugged human safely down to the sand below.
“I’ll go first,” Liam said in his most sarcastic tone. “As soon as I’m on the beach and clear, just toss both items over the edge.”
The Druid scowled. “Not helping, Guardian.”
“I beg your pardon,” Liam murmured with a bow.
An hour into the swim to Ireland, Liam was just dozing off when the dragon tossed his head, almost bucking Drake off.
What the hell? Liam demanded. Be careful of the human.
She’s our mate.
Never doubting who the Sea Dragon meant, he still had to ask.
Who is our mate, and why couldn’t you mention this earlier? I remember asking.
Heather. Her magic.
I’m overjoyed it’s Heather, but I still don’t—
The magic blocked her. She belongs to us. Let’s go back.
Not now. We’re on a mission. Stop screwing around. Keep swimming to Dublin.
Need to be with Heather. Need to protect her.
Hey buddy, I can relate. But think about it. Heather’s a witch, staying with the most powerful Druidess we know, on the best protected invisible island on the planet. Our mate will be safe until we get back.
Turn back now.
Shit. Time for bribery.
How can we go back to our mate empty handed? Once we drop off Drake, we’ll make a quick stop at the hoard.
Yes, the hoard.
Where we’ll choose our first gift for her.
I know the right pearls.
And Liam knew exactly which priceless Elizabethan monstrosity of a necklace his Sea Dragon wanted to give Heather. Four strands of luminous pearls, with a diamond and emerald clasp. When he tried it on, the two inside strands hung to his waist, and the two outside strands fell to his knees. They’d smother Heather. She wouldn’t be able to stand up straight.
It was neither the right time nor right place to have this argument. He’d think of something once they were with the hoard. Heather. His mate. Wonderful. Except for the fact she was a human. A human witch. He needed to give her time to get to know him, to fall in love. And the no lies pinky swear still applied. As soon as possible he needed to introduce her to the Sea Dragon. Explain about mates.
Would her wicca powers make all of this easier or more difficult?
Hours later, Liam’s Sea Dragon swam into a secluded spot in the Muirdris shipyard in the Port of Dublin where he exited the water, rolled on one side, and shifted. Thanks to his father who was a mythical Dragon shifter, Liam resumed his human form fully dressed in dry clothing. Even his passenger’s clothes were only spotted with moisture. He walked a groggy Drake to a nearby cab and paid extra for the obliging cabbie to take what appeared to be a drunk, all the way to his door.
The hoard his Sea Dragon urged.
Let’s go.
Inside his condo, Liam opened the waterproof backpack and lifted the floor planks to reveal one portion of their personal hoard. The section packed with female and royal jewelry. He hefted the necklace and held it—it took both hands—over the backpack.
This one? he teased his beast.
Yes. Yes. Our mate will love it.
The dragon danced with excitement.
Liam palmed a few more choices: a single strand of pearls. Topaz earrings. And for luck, a large solitaire emerald cut diamond engagement ring. Then he remembered the Willow signet ring and brought it along. All the gifts he tucked into the zipper section inside the backpack. Coffee.
He replaced the flooring and hurried to the kitchen. He packed a can of ground coffee. And on the way to the front door he noticed the time. Hell. It was too late to make it back to Draíochtia tonight.
I can do it.
If anyone could swim both ways in a single day, it’s you, my friend. Remember, if we leave now, we approach the island in the dark. The hunters’ favorite time. Also, our mate will be asleep. How ‘bout we sleep here for a few hours and leave before dawn?
No. Leave now.
When she wakes up, we’ll surprise her with the first gift necklace and fresh coffee.
Liam held his breath for a moment. Thank goodness, no more arguments from the big guy. He recalled one more thing for the backpack. Two years ago, at Bealtaine, he’d been gifted with a woman’s headdress frame. Intended for his future mate, if he ever found her. The circular frame was beaded and during each festival, the wearer could attach fresh flowers. It would look amazing on Heather’s blond wavy hair. It was wrapped in waterproofing and stowed in his storage unit in the parking garage.
He propped the backpack just inside the front door and grabbed the key to the storage. Ignoring the elevator, he raced down the stairs and exited the stairwell into the garage. Unlocking the closet-sized room laughingly referred to as a unit, he quickly found the headdress in the back, on a top shelf. He pulled the package down and the shelf came with it. He managed to stay
standing and steady the shelving when a car alarm went off.
What the hell?
He looked through the half-open doorway to see what was happening.
A car bearing the logo of the condo’s private security pulled in front of his unit, blocking the exit. Blue lights on the car flashed.
“Sir, step outside.”
Chapter 12
Heather
Heather rolled over in the comfy bed, again. She couldn’t sleep, no matter what witch tricks or Druid herbs Andraste recommended. Heather would fall asleep for a solid hour then wake up in a cold sweat. She knew Liam had to be in trouble. For one thing, he was two days late returning from taking Drake to Ireland.
Maybe his boat sank? Or the GPS went haywire and he ended up somewhere else. He had access to cell phones, ship to shore radios, satellite phones, but she didn’t. If he tried to call or text? Tried to send her a message that he was okay, just running late, or lost, stuck in a life raft, picked up by a fishing boat, on a British sub, she’d never get his message.
All day, every day, she practiced her magic, learned about herbs and plants, while some part of her watched and listened for him. Each night he’d been gone, before bed she took a long bath, shaved her legs, and slathered lotion on every inch of skin. She’d brushed her hair until her scalp hurt. Just in case he arrived home in the middle of the night, she wanted to be ready.
She rehearsed what she’d say to him. First, she’d chew him out for leaving her alone for so long—two and a half days seemed like an eternity—she’d been alone here without a word. Then she’d forgive him and jump him.
Heather rolled onto her stomach and buried her face in the pillow.
A familiar smell drifted into her room. She raised her head and sniffed. Coffee. Heart thumping, she rolled out of bed and tiptoed into the bathroom to brush her teeth. If the prodigal jerk could wait for their reunion long enough to brew a pot of coffee, she could make sure she didn’t have morning breath. She ran a brush through her hair and returned to bed where she sat propped up against the headboard.
When there was a tap on her door, she whispered, “If you’re bringing coffee, come in.”
Liam was loaded down. A backpack slung over one shoulder, he balanced a tray with coffee, pastries, and cut fruit. Over the other arm he carried a stack of clothes on hangers.
She flung back the covers and swung her legs out of bed. He set down the tray just in time to catch her as she tripped over the sheet on the floor.
“Sweetheart, are you all right?”
“No, I missed you. Why did you take so long to come back?”
“I missed you too. I didn’t stay away on purpose. All sorts of crazy things happened. Good thing we have the pinky swear, or you’d never believe it all.”
She dragged him to the bed, shoved him down, and started to take his shirt off when she encountered the hangers and shopping bags.
“What’s all this?”
“I was in the parking garage looking in the storage for a flower headdress. One for you to wear to the festival, and the security patrol wanted to arrest me. So—”
“Rent-a-cops?”
“Exactly. But these guys took themselves seriously. When I realized I’d missed my ride back here until daybreak, I went shopping.”
“For me?”
“Of course. Yours were stolen by a pirate. These are all for you. You don’t have to keep anything you don’t like.”
“That’s so thoughtful. I hope you realize I’d rather have you but if you were stranded there, it’s nice you bought me blouses and pants. And shoes? That’s brave. And a suit.” She glanced at the label, then the size, and last, at the price tag.
“A very expensive suit. I’ve worn this label before, and the size you chose is perfect. Thank you.” She kissed him and went back to her inventory.
“A long dress. Is this what the local women wear for the Festival?”
“No. I figured we could shop here and get you an embroidered dress. Also, these shoes should be comfortable, but not ideal for dancing. We need to be on the lookout for dancing shoes.”
“We’re going to dance around the bonfire?”
“I hope so. Um, there’s one last thing about my trip to Dublin. Something I didn’t have a chance to ask you about before I did it.”
“Tell me.”
“I left a message at Wells and Hancock. Told them you’d found me, and we’ve came to an agreement on my contracts.”
“That’s all?” He nodded and she mused, “Wonder what they’ll think when they figure out we’ve both been gone for the same timeframe.”
“They’ll think I’m one lucky bastard.”
They shoved the hangers and bags off the bed and Liam pulled her close for a long kiss. Instead of ripping his clothes off, it seemed right to undress him slowly. While she stood in front of him, working his pants and boxers off, he lifted her night gown over her head, and finally, they were both naked.
Sometime during the long sensuous kiss that followed, she ended up flat on her back with Liam’s muscled arms bracing him over her. She spread her knees, making room for him, inviting him in. He kissed the tip of her nose.
“Yes, my Treasure, I want to bury myself in your sweetness. But first I need to taste every inch of you.”
She gasped, and he kissed her lips until she couldn’t breathe. Then he left a trail of kisses and licks across her cheek, under her ear, and down her neck. By the time his tongue circled her tight nipple, she was out of control. Her skin couldn’t decide, was he seducing or tickling? He took her nipple in his mouth, tickled it with his tongue; sucked it, hard. And all her questions were answered.
Liam somehow knew just how to touch her, to drive her crazy. Her pelvis rose off the sheets and she moaned.
“Be still, Treasure. I promise to make it worth your while.” He gripped her hips, buried his face between her thighs and licked her clit until she screamed. Her orgasm tightened every muscle, then pulsed satisfaction and release through her body. She was a limp blob on the bed.
Liam moved to the sensitive skin behind her knee and tasted her there until she recovered a bit. Then he looked up from between her legs. And the man had the audacity to wink at her.
“I loved that,” he murmured, her juices shining on his mouth, “Let’s do it again.”
The next climax was slower, more earth-shattering. She felt the burn of tears in the back of her eyes. Every cliché she’d ever heard sprang to mind—rocked my world, the earth moved—and she laughed at all of them.
“Better than that,” she announced and tugged Liam up to lay on top of her.
“Me? Better than what?’ he asked and rubbed the head of his cock from her wet entrance up to her swollen clit and back again.
“Now,” she groaned, and Liam thrust his cock deep inside her, filling her like no one ever had before. He changed angles until he found the combination that stimulated her inner walls and tugged on her clit as well. Magic. She couldn’t believe she was coming again.
As he thrust harder and faster, she grabbed for his broad shoulders and hung on. A tiny drop of his sweat landed on her chin and changed her life.
She chanted, “Liam, Liam.” as the pulsing orgasm tore through her. He gave one final, powerful thrust and emptied himself deep inside her.
“I love you,” she whispered between gulps of air.
“I love you,” he groaned and collapsed next to her on the sheets.
The sounds of desperate breathing filled the room. When air came easier, the gasps were replaced by stunned silence.
Heather rolled on her side to face Liam. Needing an anchor, she stroked his shoulder and arm. Then, since she couldn’t see his face, she smoothed his hair back. And found she couldn’t wait another second. “What did you say?”
Liam snatched her hand and kissed her fingers. “I called you Treasure. While I was gone, I realized you are the most important thing in my life, in the world to me. I love you and I’ll treasure you forever.” He
studied her face and said, “I realize this might be too soon for—”
“Too soon? What an idiot. I said it first, remember?”
“Are you sure you love me?”
“How can I be completely sure until I meet your animal?”
Chapter 13
Liam
Liam sat straight up in the bed and stared at his mate. “Who told you about—?”
“No one told me, Liam, certainly not you.” She gave him a frowny-pout. “You must think all humans are beyond dense. It only took me twenty-four hours on this island to figure it out. You’ve got Druids, and humans, and Guardians. And when they aren’t thinking about it, everybody’s alternate name for Guardians is shifters. Now, let me think, what could they mean by shifter?”
She reached to the bedside table behind her and retrieved her mug of coffee. Took a long swallow and offered him the mug. “Have some caffeine, Guardian, you look like you could use it.”
He took a small sip and grimaced “Cold. I can get—”
“Oh no you don’t. You stay put until we get this all settled.” They quickly drank the remainder of the coffee and he set the mug aside.
“Okay,” she said, “I’ve spotted a dragon flying around, and seen two beautiful tigers, and I heard there are Selkies up north, and—”
“You saw a dragon? That’s not possible.”
“I heard about that restriction as well. Mythical beasts, invisible to humans. I didn’t want to ask anybody till I talked to you. Maybe it’s my hereditary magic deal. Andraste hasn’t come right out and said so, but me making it past your innovative warning system, then right through the Druid barrier, I must’ve been packing a wallop of witch power.” She dropped her gaze, examined her fingernails. “A damn shame I can’t control it.” Looking into his eyes again she sighed, “I’m getting better but when I lose concentration…”
He cupped her cheek and tapped his thumb on the tip of her nose. “You haven’t blown up the island...”