Awakening Her Soul to Destiny (11 page)

Kaitla pulled his head down to her open mouth, answering him by molding her body against his. Caressing his back, squeezing his sleek firm hips, she melted against his passion-hardened body even closer. He abandoned her mouth to suckle her breasts until she moaned, clutching his head to her chest. She had wondered about this moment…fantasized about the perfect lover…but her mind had never prepared her for anything like this. Grasping at Jared’s shoulders until he looked up into her face, “Please, now,” she gasped, begging for release.

Eyes black with passion, he smiled as he replied, “Aye lass, now”. He bent his head to her mouth as he joined with her body…quickly tearing through her maidenhead with a possesive thrust. “Forever mine!” he growled, covering her mouth with his…his tongue thrusting in rhythm with his shaft. Wrapping her legs around him, Kaitla pulled his body even closer, arching to match his thrusts. Their bodies rippling in the moonlight, the ancient rhythm rocked them, each wave cresting again and again, until they both cried out in release, collapsing breathless to lie exhausted in a warm contented pile of emotion.

Finally finding the strength, Jared rolled over to her side, reaching down to pull the sheet over the two of them. Kaitla snuggled up against his chest and vaguely heard him whisper into her hair, “Ye’ll always be mine, lass. Always be my own.” Smiling to herself, she pulled him even closer in her arms and drifted off to sleep.

~*~

Kaitla awoke to the pattering of rain against the window casements, distant thunder rumbling slightly louder then the strum of the water against the glass. The gray light shining through the windows attested to the dreary wet dawn. As she lay listening to the steady tempo of the falling rain, she gradually became aware of slow steady breathing behind her. Curled by her side, Jared’s sleep-warmed body was snug against her, his knees fitted just behind hers, his arm curled protectively around her waist, one of her breasts cradled in his hand. Spoons in a drawer came to mind as she nudged even closer back against the tickling hairs of his chest.

The rhythm of his breathing changing slightly, Jared slowly kneaded the breast in his palm, cradling it like a prize possesion. His fingers tenderly circled the nipple, quickly raising it to a peak, his thumb and forefinger rasping it into an erotic point. He gently kissed the back of her neck, nibbling his way across her shoulders and down her back until she was trembling and breathless. His hand abandoned her breast and slowly slid south to curve between her legs into the moist inviting warmth. He continued his ministrations, his tongue joining his fingers to lap at her love-dampened folds. Taunting and tasting her body, his face buried between her thighs until Kaitla once more begged him to take her. The gray eyes crinkled with delight as he slowly shook his head. “Nay, not yet, lass. This time ye must be patient.”

The drumming rain and rolling thunder grew louder and more intense, matching each delicious spasm coursing through her body. Reaching the point where she could stand to wait no longer, Kaitla quickly rolled and shifted her position, pinning the surprised Jared to the bed. Pushing his shoulders deep into the pillows, she rose over his body, settling herself upon him with a groan of ecstasy. “Yes, now!” she argued through clenched teeth as she ground her hips to settle him to her deepest core. Spreading her fingers across his muscled chest, she rode victoriously, a sheen of sweat coating her body, causing it to shimmer in the half-light of dawn. Enthusiastically admitting defeat, Jared closed his eyes, strong hands gripping her waist and arched his back to meet the rhythms of his rider. With a brilliant flash of lightening, and a deafening clap of thunder, they seemed to glow with an electric aura as they both cried out in ecstatic release.

Dozing lightly, Kaitla started at the slight rapping on the bedroom door. Wrapping the sheet around her body, she rolled out of bed. She grabbed the silky comforter from the foot of the bed, tossing it over Jared, who was now gently snoring.

Kaitla toddled to the bedroom door with short hopping steps, her legs wrapped snugly in the bedsheet. She barely cracked the door to find Hobart smiling sheepishly at the head of a breakfast cart. From the looks of the contents, Hobart was fully aware that she was not alone.

“
I thought ye’d be ready for yer breakfast about now,” whispered Hobart conspiratorially.

Eyes narrowed, Kaitla clearly read what Hobart was actually thinking. She wasn’t surprised at most of the content but was rather surprised to learn Hobart was actually Jared’s watcher or in earth realm terminology, his godfather. “I’m glad you’re so proud of your
laddie,
Hobart!” Kaitla replied dryly, as she opened the door wider to admit him.

Reddening slightly across his old weathered cheeks, “Hmmmppf! Well, ---ah yes. Anyway, I’ve prepared the two of ye a fine breakfast. ‘Tis a damp and dreary mornin’, perfect fer stayin’ in and takin’ yer breakfast at yer leisure.” He rolled the cart through the doorway, across to the table by the window.

“
Good mornin’ to ye, laddie!” Hobart literally beamed at Jared, now leaning against the headboard; hands comfortably propped behind his head.

“
Good mornin’ to ye, Hobart. A
fine
mornin’ it is too!” Jared glanced at the sheets of rain sluicing down outside the windows, then met Kaitla’s gaze with a grin. She could feel her cheeks getting hot as the color began to rise…once again cursing her fair complexion for betraying her emotions.

Clearing her throat, Kaitla decided to change the subject, “I believe I’ll have a quick bath before breakfast,” she said, as she shyly backed into the bathroom, quickly closing the door to Jared’s low laughter and Hobart’s wheezing chuckles.

About an hour later, she emerged from the bathroom to find Etain, Jared and Tobias sharing breakfast at the rather cramped little table. At her entrance, Etain quickly rose, relocating to the loveseat in the corner to finish her morning tea.

“
Good mornin’ to ye, Kaitla.” The fathomless eyes peered intently over the rim of the delicate china cup as Etain sipped her tea. Kaitla felt faint stirrings in her mind as though Etain was seeking a foothold for control but couldn’t quite find the path.

“
Good morning, Etain.” Kaitla met the obsidian eyes dead on with a golden glare of her own. She sensed Etain had mixed feelings about the sudden change in her relationship with Jared. She understood the situation would be difficult for her to resolve once they returned to Cuchailard; the agreement with Elsbet and possibly an explanation to the father she had yet to meet would have to be handled with extreme diplomacy. But she wouldn’t deny the warm ember she could feel beginning to glow deep within her for the man now sitting at her breakfast table. Kaitla set her jaw in determination, silently daring Etain to battle.

“
Forgive me, Kaitla.” Etain’s eyes dropped as she carefully placed the fragile cup upon its saucer in her lap. “I’m pleased ta’ see ye growing so strong, child. None in the realm has ever been able to turn my gaze aside.” Etain was actually pleased that Kaitla had chosen to open herself to Jared. But she dreaded the confrontation with Laird Caymber, knowing in her heart that he would never accept a descendant of Ravon as the father of his grandchildren. Settling her face in her hands, Etain shook her head sadly as she realized Kaitla seemed destined to be hurt by fate once again.

Sitting on the loveseat beside her, Kaitla studied the bowed silver head with compassion. Etain wore a midnight blue gown styled from the era of King Arthur, giving her an ethereal, magical appearance. Slowly taking the tiny hand within her own, she murmured softly, “I want you on my side, Etain. I don’t wish to battle you.”

“
I shall forever be faithful to ye, Kaitla…as I have been to your father before ye.” A single tear escaped, shimmering down one cheek like a tiny diamond.

“
I know you will,” Kaitla replied, squeezing Etain’s hand tightly. “You’re the closest thing I have to a real mother, Etain. I don’t want to lose you now that I’ve just recently found you.” Etain returned Kaitla’s squeeze but couldn’t reply for the emotions that were like a knot in her throat. Gently releasing her hand, Kaitla tactfully kept her back to her, allowing her to compose herself, and filled a breakfast plate with fresh strawberries and a barely warm scone.

With Tobias temporarily distracted with a full belly, Kaitla took the opportunity to examine the damaged paw. To her surprise, the wound was completely healed with only a tiny patch of furless skin to attest to the rat bite. Knowing she hadn’t been the one to heal him, Kaitla eyed the little cat with a puzzled frown. Her look of confusion prompted Jared to supply an explanation. “I’m not so bad a healer myself, Kaitla. I canna do quite the feats that you and Etain are capable of but there are a few gifts that I, too, have been blessed with.” He grinned proudly as Tobias demonstrated no ill effects to the paw by batting at a thread Jared slowly teased him with.

“
That’s wonderful!” she said, as she smiled at Tobias’ antics. “I’m glad I’ve got you on my side as well!” Kaitla rounded the table to fetch her hairbrush off the dresser, passing close enough for Jared to grab her by the waist, pulling her into his lap.

Taking her face in both his hands, he looked deep into her eyes, “Never forget that, lass!” Then sealed the reminder with a slow burning kiss. He dispelled the reverie, though, as he announced, “Etain, we’d best be discussing the traveling. With Ravon weak from his wounds, now is the time.”

Etain placed her teacup on the table. Eyeing Kaitla circumspectly, she slowly circled her, thoughtfully examining her from head to toe. “Ye must abandon the styles of earth and clothe yourself as befits a lass in Cuchailard.”

Kaitla eyed Etain doubtfully. Etain’s gown was lovely but Kaitla didn’t relish the idea of struggling around in clothing from medieval eras. She had always been something of a tomboy, preferring jeans to a dress any time.

Reading her clearly, Etain sighed, “Ye need not dress in gowns while we travel. But for my own sake, I do beg ye to let me gown ye when I present ye to yer father!”

“
Deal!” Kaitla replied, grateful for the temporary reprieve. She began rummaging through the dresser drawers to find a decent pair of jeans for traveling.

“
Kaitla! Be still, lass!” Etain scolded as she slowly began circling her. Eyes closed, she moved gracefully with her hands raised over her head. A sudden whirlwind seemed to surround Kaitla’s body from top to bottom and she barely managed to keep her footing. Over almost as quickly as it had begun, Kaitla struggled to maintain her balance as the supporting wind released her body. Looking up into the tall dressing mirror, she immediately froze, staring in open-mouthed disbelief.

Etain had chosen to clothe her in black from head to toe. The silk blouse had full sleeves ending in cuffs fastened with moonstones. The buttons were the same, the top one coming to just below her breasts, resulting in a rather deep v-neck. Although the sleeves ballooned, the bodice fit as snug as a second skin. The breeches were split leather, soft as rabbit’s fur and equally snug, outlining every curve she had. The high-topped leather boots came halfway up her thighs, a three-inch cuff at the top. The wide leather belt was fastened with a gold buckle also adorned with a large moonstone in the center. Kaitla’s dhundare was securely tucked into the belt; the handle faced to the front, ready to be unsheathed in an instant. Etain had even taken the liberty of capturing her wild hair. Another brilliant moonstone rested in the center of Kaitla’s forehead, surrounded by gold cording winding carefully through the reddish gold tresses, weaving in and out of the elaborate braid that now hung down her back. Kaitla slowly turned to face Etain and Jared, waiting for a reaction.

Etain smiled delightedly, “Wonderful, lass! If I do say so m’self!” They both directed their gaze to Jared, who’s open-mouthed stare and eyes filled with desire told Kaitla everything she needed to know.

Turning to the closet to retrieve her suitcases, Kaitla’s voice was slightly muffled as she fished for the elusive bags, “Etain, how will we travel? Will I be able to take everything?”

Shaking her head slowly at Kaitla’s bent body, Etain raised her voice to be heard above the falling suitcases, “Why no, child! Ye’ll not be able to take anything with ye from this realm, save little Tobias here.” She fondly rubbed the furry little head, immediately rewarded with thankful purring.

Abruptly pulling her head from the closet, Kaitla stared at Etain in bewilderment. “But what about all my, uh,…stuff?” She wasn’t exactly a materialistic person by nature…financially; she couldn’t afford to be. But Kaitla did have a few things she’d rather not part with.

Etain again shook her head in disbelief, “Kaitla, ye dinna seem to understand. Ye’re beginning an entirely different life, in a completely different world. Nothing of this world belongs in Cuchailard. Everything ye’ll need is already there awaitin’ ye.” Arms crossed, tiny foot impatiently tapping, Etain waited for her words to sink in.

“
Ye’ll find everything ye need there and more, Kaitla,” Jared added quietly. He was rather enjoying the interplay between Etain and Kaitla, for once; he wasn’t the one guilty of exasperating Etain to the point of tapping her foot.

Kaitla weakly sat on the edge of the bed, the realization of the situation hitting her head on. She had vaguely understood the magnitude of what lay ahead but when it came to actually taking the first step into this destiny, the enormity of the situation seemed to knock the wind out of her.

“
So, what you’re telling me is I’m just going to completely disappear from earth, leaving everything except Tobias.” Kaitla looked from Jared to Etain, both confirming this statement by nodding their heads in unison.