Chain of Illusions (Bringer and the Bane) (25 page)

“Why hasn’t Vile tried to use the portal?” Siban asked, growing frustrated as more questions arose. “Or has he?”

Gregory shook his head. “Not that I know of. The Threshold is said to be dangerous. The laws of time and physical space do not apply near the portal.”

“Meaning?” Siban sat forward. If he was going to risk his life yet again, he wanted all the details of what they would be facing—if that was even the plan Gregory was edging toward.

“We have little knowledge of the place.” Brita looked at Gregory, as if asking permission to proceed. He gave a single nod, and she turned her attention back to the group. “Time is linear within our world. We are born, live a long time, and then die. Events happen in order, cause and effect. But near the Threshold time is warped. Events fold in on each other, creating chaos and power rifts.”

“Lovely,” Luc said. He smoothed his hand across the table. “And I’m assuming that is where we are headed?”

“Until now, we had hoped it was a legend, and even if it wasn’t, that the Threshold remained hidden.” Brita folded her hands in her lap. “But if Vile is moving toward the Frost Lands, then we can assume the Threshold exists and that he knows of it.”

Luc dropped his forehead to the table and groaned.

His reaction mirrored how Siban felt. He leaned an elbow on the table and massaged his temple, trying to ward off the growing headache. “I can sense how perilous this journey will be.”

He lowered his hand and looked at Gregory. “That’s what you’re proposing, correct? To travel beyond the boundary into the Frost Lands in search of the Threshold and the Bringers?”

“I think we should consider the fact that Vile has access to another way into Bael.” Gregory paused. “Or many worlds. He needs to be stopped.”

“And we need to find our mother once and for all.” Juna stood. “I’m in. When do we leave?”

“It’s not that easy, Juna.” Ravyn pinned her sister with a glare. “You can’t rush headlong into this battle. We need to prepare—have a plan.”

Juna opened her mouth to retort, but Gregory gripped her upper arm, drawing her attention. “She’s right. It’s not only the Threshold that is perilous. The land beyond the boundary towns is riddled with dangers.”

“I’ve heard tell of white, fanged animals bigger than a horse,” Jade said, her eyes wide.

Luc lifted his head and glared at her. “You almost sound excited.”

“I’m not scared.” She rubbed his back. “I’ve got my dragon to protect me.”

“Your dragon would rather stay here and quell the Splinter invasion,” he grumbled.

Juna pulled her arm free of Gregory’s clutch. “We’ve got to move fast. Fatima said they were to be there in three weeks’ time. That leaves little time for talk.”

“For once I agree with Juna,” Magnus said. “I say we gather provisions and head out as soon as possible.”

“Your enthusiasm is encouraging, but first we must decide who is going. There are other tasks besides this journey that require completing.” He looked at Brita and Magnus. “I’ll need you two here at the manor.” When Magnus opened his mouth to protest, Gregory held up his hand, stopping the warrior. “You will need to bring those who travel from Illuma Grand to full power.” Magnus pressed his lips together but didn’t argue. “It is imperative that I have two people I can trust. You know the ritual and I have no doubt that you can prepare the new recruits for battle.”

Magnus stroked his beard, but his brow remained furrowed. “You wish us to command the new recruits?”

“You and Brita have seen more combat than any one of us. Your knowledge of battle tactics is unparalleled.”

Siban couldn’t help but feel that though the things Gregory said were true, he was using thinly disguised flattery to gain compliance. From the look on Magnus’s face, it was working.

“If and when the need to move to Illuma Grand arises, I need somebody who will do it without hesitation,” Gregory continued. “You are an extension of me and I trust both of you completely.”

“Well.” Magnus lowered his hand to rest against his knee. “Perhaps you’re right. You will need a seasoned warrior to run things in your stead.”

“Two seasoned warriors.” Brita arched a brow at him.

“Yes, of course, two seasoned warriors. We accept.”

Siban repressed a grin, realizing that Gregory was a master of manipulation.

“What about the rest of us?” Rell asked. “What are our duties?”

Again Gregory was quiet for a minute as he regarded each of those gathered, assessing where they would be best used. He pointed to Trace, Odette, and Okee. “Travel east, south, and west. Tell the others of our quest and about the Summoners. I will write up orders tonight for you to deliver to the captains in the areas. You are in charge.” Gregory turned to the remaining seven. “We will travel north to the Threshold.”

Siban released a silent sigh, his halfhearted hope of he and Rell rece
iving a less dangerous mission dashed.

“I can have my ship ready by tomorrow’s evening tide,” Rhys said. “We can get more provisions at my home in Alba.”

“Excellent.” Gregory looked at Rell and Siban. “I recall mention of a wedding.”

Rell had told Jade and Ravyn about Siban’s proposal. Not surprisingly, the news had traveled quickly through the group.

“We had hoped to wed after our return from the Shadow World,” Siban said.

“Though we won’t be able to stay long, the Dragon’s Inn is on our course northward.” Gregory held out his arms and smiled. “I think we could all use something to celebrate.”

“Your mother and I found a lovely gown among Lord Le Daun’s items. It turned out just beautiful. We worked two solid days on it before she left. It will be perfect for your wedding.” Delphina stood. She bustled toward the stairs. “I’ll need to fit it to you, but I can have it ready by the time you leave.”

Rell turned to Siban. “It looks like we’re going to have a wedding.”

“Finally, you’ll be all mine.”

“As if I wasn’t already.” She leaned into him and gave him a quick peck on the lips.

He cupped her head and drew her to him, not satisfied with the brief kiss.

“Please tell me we’re not going to have to watch them paw each other all the way to the Frost Lands,” Luc said.

Siban broke the kiss but didn’t look at Luc. “If you’re lucky.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd and Siban kissed Rell again. Even though their wedding a few days away, he had no plans of waiting until their wedding night to show Rell what it meant to be truly joined with somebody she loved. If previous events were a glimpse into their future, there would always be some threat looming, just waiting to disrupt their lives. Taking advantage of opportunities when they arose was Siban’s new motto and he had every intention of taking advantage of the peace tonight.

Chapter Twenty-three

The door clicked behind Rell. Resisting the urge to cast a glance at Siban, she walked to the bed and then pivoted, wrapping her arm around one of the tall wooden posters. “Are you tired?”

She prayed he wasn’t. Siban slid the bolt across the door and slowly turned. Her heart skipped a beat and a flush of heat rushed through her. He looked determined and far from weary.

“No, I’m not the least bit tired.” He walked toward her, his fingers drifting down the front of his torso. He started unbuttoning his vest. “Are you?”

Her eyes watched the graceful movements of his fingers as he unhooked one button at a time until it opened. She shook her head. “No.”

With a roll of his shoulders, the vest slid down his arms and caught on his right hand. He pulled the garment free and tossed it on the chair near the fire. “What do you want to do?”

Next he undid his sword and tossed it on the chair. His attention shifted to the leather cord at the neck of his tunic. “Perhaps you’d like me to tell you a story?”

She continued to watch him, her mouth growing drier with each inch of tan flesh he exposed. “Not in the mood.”

With one seamless movement, he lifted the shirt over his head and added it to the pile on the chair. “Perhaps you’d like me to sing you a song. Maybe the lullaby my mother sang me when I was a child?”

“That might put me to sleep.” She pushed away from the bed and walked to him. Her fingers itched to feel the smooth skin spreading across his sculpted chest. She stopped so close she could feel the heat radiating from his body. “And the last thing I want to do right now is go to sleep.”

“Hmmm.” He reached for her belt and unhooked her sword from around her waist, lowering the weapon. The metal of the hilt clanked when it settled on the stone floor. With his right boot he scooted the sheath toward the chair. “Then, my lady, I am at a loss as to how I’m going to keep you entertained tonight.”

She let her hands drift over his chest and down the sides of his body. Taut muscles rippled under her touch. “I’m sure you’ll think of something.”

He smiled and lifted his hands to pull at the lace of her tunic. His fingertips brushed against her décolletage, sending skitters of pleasure across her skin and making her nipples tighten. “Your faith in my abilities warms my heart.”

She ran her hands over his hips and around his back to palm the tight globes of his ass. “You’ve not disappointed me thus far.”

He gave a decisive groan. “Then best I not start now.”

He brushed his lips against hers. She tilted her chin upward to meet his mouth’s caress. While he gently laid siege to her with his lips and tongue, his talented hands divested her of her tunic and undershirt.

Though the fire had been stoked in the hearth, the air in the room held a nip of chill, which he quickly chased away.

His skilled fingers found their way to her breast. Taking her nipple between his thumb and index finger, he gently squeezed. A moan escaped her and she leaned into him, loving the intense shocks of pleasure that spiked at his touch. Her tongue slid along his and when she pulled closer his arousal pressed against her stomach.

He broke their kiss and lowered his lips to her other breast, drawing her nipple into his mouth. He suckled, continuing to stroke and roll her other stiff bud to a tight peak.

Rell threaded her fingers through his hair and arched her back, welcoming every divine lave of his tongue. “We still wear far too many clothes,” she panted.

“Let’s see what we can do about that,” he said against her breast. Siban knelt and kissed his way down her stomach. Never halting his sweet assault against her skin, he effectively rid her of her boots, pants, and woolen hose.

When she was completely nude he stood and kicked his boots free and liberated himself of his remaining clothes. Her gaze took in the perfection of his body. Each muscle defined and each tiny white scar beautiful. Dark brown curls fell to just below his chin and his hazel eyes glimmered bright against his tan skin.

He moved back to her and wound his arms around her waist, lifting her and capturing her mouth again. She opened to him, snaking her arms around his neck and pulling him close. She wrapped her legs around his waist and though his cock pressed against her, he did not push to enter her. His mouth slanted over her, his tongue taunting and teasing her as he shuffled backward.

When he reached the bed, he stopped and knelt again, setting her on top of the duvet at the edge of the mattress. With a tug, he untied the binding holding her hair and worked the braid with his fingers until her hair hung in long, loose stands against her back. After another minute of glorious kissing, he pulled away and looked at her. “I’m going to give you a lot of pleasure tonight.”

She smiled and brushed her fingers through his hair. “I have no doubt.”

“Lie back.” His gaze burned bright, sending waves of excitement through her. When she began to scoot further onto the bed to allow for his body, he placed a hand on her knee. “Right here. Lie back.”

After a second of hesitation, she did as he asked and waited for him to join her. But instead of climbing on the bed, he moved forward to kneel between her legs. The shock of being so exposed to his gaze caused her to tense. She lifted her head and looked at him, unsure about what was going to happen next or what she was supposed to do.

A wicked smile creased his mouth. “Just lie there and enjoy.”

She did as he asked and closed her eyes, trying to keep her embarrassment at bay. Her body flinched when the warmth of Siban’s breath brushed against the inside of her thighs and he pressed a soft, moist kiss against her skin. Rell gasped at the intimate feel of his mouth on her.

Gliding upward, he slid his tongue along her thigh and gently blew. A shiver ran through her, which was in direct contrast to the heat building between her legs. His mouth drew closer to the sensitive place that ached for his touch. His fingers stroked her curls and slid along her lips, opening them to his touch.

Rell gasped again and arched when the tips of his fingers brushed her clit. “Siban.”

“Shhhh.” His gentle encouragement soothed her maidenly alarm but did nothing to clear the confusion of wanting more but not knowing exactly what she yearned for.

Before she could reply, his tongue slipped along her lips and laved her clit. Rell’s eyes popped open and her back arched off the bed in response to the unfamiliar pleasure of his caress. His arms wrapped around her legs, his hands gripping her thighs to keep them open. She released several shallow breaths and tried to relax, letting her knees fall wide.

Again he touched her with his mouth, stroking her most private area with his tongue. It had been one thing to have him take her against the wall face to face, but this kind of lovemaking was like nothing she’d ever heard of. In the Shadow World, the demons she’d seen fornicating were rough and unyielding, never gentle in the way Siban touched her now.

The need to see him tugged at her. She lifted her head. Instantly her desire soared. The vision of Siban between her legs, loving her with his mouth, ignited emotions that ran the gamut from modesty to wanton voyeurism.

He lifted his eyes, and they burned into her. She shouldn’t stare, but what she wanted was to look her fill, watch every splendid stoke he delivered to her. Siban released one of her thighs and reached up her to caress her breast as he continued to lick her. The air left her body as the sensations mingled, driving her higher.

Becoming bolder, Rell lifted to rest on one elbow and give him better access to her breasts. He continued to hold her gaze, his mouth working her while his fingers plucked at her nipple. Unable to resist, she lifted higher, let her knees fall open, and twined her fingers in his hair. Prickles of pleasure pooled between her legs. Her grip in his hair tightened, and she lifted her hips in response to each stroke of his tongue.

Then he released her other thigh, his hand disappearing from her sight. When she lifted her hips again, he slid a finger inside her, filling a need she didn’t know she had. Sweet torture. Every caress and lick drove her toward the climax she knew awaited her. Another finger dipped inside her and Rell’s body rose from the bed. She pulled his mouth closer, desperate to find her release.

First his tongue would flick against her sensitive bud and then he would suck, his gaze never leaving her. A low growl hummed against her, telling Rell he very much liked the pleasure he was giving her. Faster his tongue flicked and his fingers pumped, ratcheting her beyond control. She dropped back to the bed and dug her heels into the duvet, riding his mouth until her body exploded.

She convulsed with each lick as he continued to torment her until she finally released her hold on his hair and lay panting on the bed. Siban lifted his head and rose, crawling onto the bed to cover her with his body.

Rell twined her arms around his neck and dragged his mouth to hers. She could taste herself on his lips, could feel his desire pressing between her thighs. She opened her legs wide and reached between them, shifting to guide his cock into her. There was no hesitation this time when he slid inside, filling her.

No words were spoken, only quiet breaths from Siban as he slowly pushed in and withdrew. His fingers twined with hers and slid them along the duvet until her arms were above her head. Again he tilted his hips and slid deep into her.

“You feel so good, Rell. Just like I’d always imagined you would be. Slow, tight.”

He released her hands and shifted to his knees, bringing Rell with him into a sitting position. Her legs hugged his on either side. She wrapped her arms around his neck, liking the freedom the new position afforded her. When he pushed into her again, she lifted his languid thrust and then lowered her body back onto his cock.

“That’s nice,” he whispered.

He gripped her rear end and he began to guide her up and down, keeping rhythm with his pace. Each time he entered her, his expression tightened and relaxed when he withdrew.

“Rell.” Her name slipped from his lips and his pace quickened.

Sparks of pleasure spiraled through her. Her whimpers mingled with his name each time he plunged into her and buried his cock. “Siban.”

She gripped his shoulders to keep her momentum and rhythm constant. A moan flowed from him and he pumped several more times, drawing her toward her release. Another push and her body shattered into a thousand pieces. She cried out, her nails digging into his flesh and her head tilting forward to push against his shoulder.

Suddenly Siban’s body went rigid and he buried himself one final time, holding her hips tight against him as shudders racked his body. A cry tore from his lips but quickly died, strangling in his throat as his climax washed over him. He held her against him, his hips undulating under her while his body trembled with its release.