Lords of Retribution (Lords of Avalon series) (35 page)

Marrek nodded
. “You stay where you are. I’ll stand on the other side of the bed. We’ll each hold one of her hands.”

Marrek took Senny’s hand in his
. He saw Gabriel close his eyes. Marrek did the same. He saw only mist. “Do you see the mist?”

He heard Gabriel answer, “Yes. There she is!”

“I see her!” Marrek watched as Senny emerged from the mist.

  They both proceeded to call her
.

“
Senny. Sennen Penrose!
” Marrek called. She turned and looked but did not see them. He saw the gray shadows of souls who had already passed on top of the hill. They beckoned Senny toward them. “Gabriel, let us join hands and see if that helps.” Marrek instructed. He didn’t know if Gabriel could see the souls who beckoned to her. He did not want to alarm him and lose the connection, so he did not mention them.

They joined their free hands
, now making a circle. Marrek nodded as he felt the energy begin to flow. “Do you feel that?”

“I do.
” Gabriel answered. He entered the void.

He called for Senny
. This time she turned.

She spoke
. “Gabriel?”

Gabrie
l’s heart soared. “Zenny! You can hear me?”

“
Yes, I do, Gabriel. I can’t see you, where are you?”

“
Zenny you must not leave me. I love you. I want to marry you because I love you! I love you, Zenny. Ardently so. You cannot leave me!”

Senny brushed a tear from her ch
eek. “I am so tired, Gabriel.”

“Zenny!” Gabriel yelled. “
You have to fight. I have no life without you, don’t you understand. It’s you I love, Zenny. You I want for my wife. If you leave me I would not seek another woman to take to wife, there is no one else like you. It’s you I love, Zenny, you who I want to be the mother of my children. Only you. Without you, I will be alone. I need you. I love you, Zenny!”

Senny started to turn away but she stopped and faced Gabriel to ask him a question, “Why would you possibly need me, Gabriel?”

There was confusion in her blue-green eyes.

“I need you Zenny because you make
me happy. You make me smile. You make me a better man, Zenny. You always have. It’s your purity and goodness. I feel nothing but warmth and happiness when I’m with you. You bring me peace, Zenny. When we kiss, Zenny, I feel things I have never felt before. Good things. I feel loved. Do you love me, Zenny?” Gabriel asked her.

She flashed him a brilliant smile, “Of course I do
. I always have.”

“I have always loved you too
, though I admit I was not always aware that I did. I know it now. Take my hand, Zenny. Come back with me, my love.” In his mind, Gabriel saw his own hand extend to her.

Senny started to reach for him then stopped. She sighed
. “I am very tired.” She looked behind her toward the light and the shadows of souls upon the hill.

Gabriel could feel her weakness.
“Fight Zenny, for me. For us! For the children we could have. Haven’t you ever wondered what our children will be like? I have. I want to see them. To hold them. And love them. I want us to grow old together and see our grandchildren. Please, Zenny, my love, take my hand. I beg you, Zenny. Don’t leave me. My a’th kar.”

“
I love you too, Gabriel.” Senny began to cry. “You have thought about our children too?” Senny asked him.

“Of course I have
. Remember, your mother told us both we would marry!”

“Yes, she did.”
She nodded.

Then a bright white-gold light rimmed in blue came between them
. It took shape and form. Archangel Michael looked from Gabriel to Senny.

He placed his hand over the star
sapphire, which hung around Senny’s neck. Brilliant light moved from his hand to the sapphire. The light was white; it changed to blue, then green. The last stream of light was a pale pink. He lowered his hand and smiled down at Senny.

“Do
you wish to take his hand, dear one?”

“Yes.
” She nodded.

“Then do so.”
Archangel Michael smiled.

Senny reached out and placed her
fingers in Gabriel’s hand.

Gabriel felt an intense jolt of energy
. He gently pulled Senny to him. The mist around them evaporated as he embraced her. “I love you, Zenny,” he whispered in her ear.

The brilliant light became blinding
. Gabriel could no longer see her or the Angel. He panicked. Had the angel taken his Zenny? Please no!

He no longer felt the connection with Senny.

Senny looked once again to the souls  beckoning her from the summit. The energy the Angel had given her had helped. She did not feel so tired anymore. Gabriel loved her. They would have children. And grandchildren. It was what she wanted, what she had always wanted. It had been her dream since Mama had passed away and Gabriel had come to the summerhouse. He had held her in his arms for hours. She had felt safe and loved. No longer alone.

If she went back up the hill, Gabriel would be alone. The thought brought tears to her eyes. She didn’t not want him to be alone, she wanted to be there for him. As his wife, and the mother of his children.
He needed her. He loved her. Senny ran down the hill to where Gabriel and Marrek stood.

There was a blinding light. She felt pain in her arm, and her chest felt tight. Still, she wanted Gabriel. She had to find him, she could no longer see him the light was so bright.

Then she saw his hand, and she took it. The bright light began to fade.

“
Gabriel?”

Her voice was so weak it was almost a whisper
, he wasn’t even sure he’d heard it.

Gabriel opened his eyes to see Senny looking at him. “Zenny?” He smiled. He pulled his hand from Marrek’s and dropped to his knees beside the bed
. He placed a tender kiss to Senny’s forehead as he smoothed her hair back. He then brought her hand to his lips and kissed it reverently.

Senny smiled at him. “Have you trul
y thought about our children?” she asked him hoarsely. She coughed deeply.

“
Yes, I have, love.” Gabriel smiled and wiped at a joyful tear that escaped the corner of his eye. “I love you, Zenny, with my whole heart and soul,” he said softly, his voice breaking with emotion. “I always have.”

She
tried to smile, but it was small and weak.

“I’ll just let the others know
Miss Senny has come back to us and leave you two alone for a few minutes,” Marrek said as he turned away, a satisfied smile upon his face.

“Marrek, thank you,
” Gabriel called.

“I did nothing, Gabriel
. It was the angel and Zenny.” Marrek grinned and closed the door behind him.

Gabriel caressed Senny’s cheek and bent his head
. He placed a quick, tender kiss to her lips. He smiled down at her. “Will you marry me when you are well, Zenny?”

“I will, Gabriel
. I’m thirsty.”

Gabriel chuckled
. He rose and poured her a glass of water. He sat on the edge of the bed and lifted her up far enough so she could drink as he held the crystal to her lips.

A beaming
Morva entered Senny’s bedchamber followed by Trevan and Wenna. Marrek and Elowen came in next.

“Sennen Penrose you had me scared, child
. I’m so happy you are back among us,” Morva lovingly caressed her face and smoothed her hair back. She bent and kissed her forehead.

“I’m happy to be back,” Senny
wheezed.

Wenna stayed until Trevan carried her back to her bed
. Morva insisted on feeding Senny some broth with her own hand. Elowen applied another poultice to her arm and applied the healing salve Sophia had made for her. Soon after, Senny fell asleep.

O
nce Gabriel was alone with her, he undressed down to his drawers. He slid into bed beside her. He pulled Senny against him and tucked her head beneath his chin. He took her hand. Her fingers entwined with his. Once again, he could feel the life in her. He thanked Archangel Michael for helping his Senny come back to him. For the first time in several days, Gabriel drifted into peaceful slumber.

“How are you feeling, Wenna?” Trevan asked as he undressed and slid into bed beside her.

“Much better now that Senny is improving. My head still aches some, but not as bad as it did yesterday. I think it is a very good sign that Senny woke up, don’t you, Trevan?”

“I do, Wenna. I’ll be the first to admit I feared we were losing
her. I hope this means she will continue to improve now.” Trevan looked at her. “You’ll need to take it easy for a few more days. Your bouts of dizziness still have me worried.” Trevan placed a quick kiss to her lips as he gathered her into his arms. “Sleep Wen Pen, you need your rest.”

Wenna snuggled against his large, muscled frame
. She and Trevan had made their peace. She would let nothing else come between them and ruin it. She loved him and he loved her. She was happy and so was he. She wanted it to stay that way. It appeared Senny might be out of danger now. Things were looking up.

Tuesday opened the door. Jack stood there grinning. She pulled him into her room.

Jack thought she
looked lovely, even in her prim and proper nightrail. She was even lovelier after he removed it. Her sandy hair gleamed like gold about her shoulders. He decided her body was the most exquisite he had ever seen. Jack lifted her gently into his arms and carried her to the bed while he kissed her.

Together he and Tuesday removed his clothing in between their
passionate kisses. They caressed and stroked one another to a fevered pitch.

They joined and stoked the fires of their passion into a raging inferno
. Caresses, kisses, intimate touches. Their bodies became one. Just as they neared release, Jack raised above her, watching her expressions, studying her beautiful face as he thrust into her deep, fast and hard. Together they crested, exploded, clinging to one another as wave upon wave of ecstasy crashed through them.

“Tuesday, sweeting
, I’m spent.” Jack murmured as he rolled to his side and encircled her in his arms. He pulled her closer as he pressed his lips to her temple. His hand skimmed over her ribs. It rested on her hip.

He
never before felt anything so intensely. What was it about Tuesday that made everything seem so wonderful, so new?

“Let’s sleep, Trouble. I’m sure you’re exhausted
. I know I am. It’s wonderful to be in a soft bed, isn’t it?”

Tuesday
smiled at him then yawned. “It is, Jack. Good night.”

“Sweet dreams,
my dearest Trouble.” Jack kissed the top of her head.

“I don’t think I am trouble, Jack.”

“Oh, but you are, Tuesday. You’re the best kind of trouble, the kind I do not ever want to be without,” Jack whispered. He kissed her again. He drew the covers over them and held her in the circle of his arms.

She woke at dawn to find herself still wrapped in Jack’s arms. Their legs were entwined. She sighed happily. She nestled closer against his warm body and closed her eyes.

She liked the way his chest hair felt against her cheek
. She could hear the steady rhythm of his heart beating. Try as she might, she couldn’t fall asleep. She splayed her fingers over his abdomen, liking how every part of his body felt so hard and firm, so strong. She marveled at the corded muscles beneath her fingertips. She continued her exploration of his body. Her fingers found the line of dark hair below his navel. She traced downward until she found his cock. She was surprised to find it somewhat stiff. She touched it, marveling at the silkiness of the skin in contrast to his hardness. She felt him harden further beneath her fingers. Encouraged, she began to caress him. She even cupped the sacks beneath his growing erection.

She felt his lips at her ear
. His breath tickled her as he whispered huskily, “What are you up to, Trouble?”

“I believe it is you who are up to something, Jack.” Tuesday giggled
when she saw the sheets and coverlet tented over his cock, which now stood at full attention.

“That would be your doing Tuesday, so I expect you to accept the consequences,” his voice was deep and thick from sleep and his arousal
.

“Consequences?” Tuesday
asked, feigning innocence.

Jack
reached out and pulled Tuesday over the top of him. “Sit up, Trouble.”

Tuesday sat up
. Jack took hold of her thigh and moved it to his other side so she was straddling him. He arched beneath her, his cock nestling in the valley between her legs.

“Oh my
! It works this way too.” Tuesday realized what Jack intended. Curious, she rose up on her knees.

“Slide over me, sweeting.
He held his cock in place for her. He placed his other hand on her hip and guided her downward. She slid down until he was completely inside her.

“Damn, Trouble.
” He groaned with pleasure and arched upward, planting himself deeper inside her.

Tuesday wondered
what she should do now. She decided to lift up. Jacked gave another groan of pleasure.

“I shouldn’t tell you this
, for you shall soon be my wife, but I do feel compelled to inform you that many women like this position for they have complete control over their gentleman,” Jack informed her in a husky tone.

Tuesday grinned
. “I will like controlling you, Jack.” She leaned forward and placed her hands palm down on either side of his chest. She began to raise herself up and then back down over his shaft. She looked into Jack’s eyes. His hands moved to splay over the globes of her bottom as he helped her. When she came down, he held her firmly against him as he lifted his hips upward. He moved his hands upward to tease her breasts.

Tuesday increased the pace as the familiar tightening in her abdomen began
. The faster she moved, the more stimulation she received as her sensitive nub rubbed against him. She leaned down, placing her breasts enticing close to his mouth.

Jack nibbled at the hardened tips. When he sucked one tip into his mouth, she moaned loudly.

“That’s it, sweeting. Give in to it.” Jack encouraged her as he watched her eyes close, her cheeks flush, her teeth capture her bottom lip. He watched her every expression as she found her release. When she shattered, he lost all control. He lifted his hips thrusting deep. He groaned with intense pleasure as he drove into her until his seed was spilled.

She collapsed on top of him.
His arms wound around her. He helped her ease down beside him. He pulled her close after sampling her full, swollen lips again.

Heaven help him, Tuesday Inwood was the most fascinating woman he had ever known
. He was enraptured, enchanted, and completely captivated by his lovely, Trouble.

Marrek knocked on the connecting door. He smiled when Catherine opened it.

“Good morning, Marrek.”
She smiled sweetly at him.

“Good morning, Kitty
. I didn’t have much time to speak with you yesterday, is everything going well for you here at Menadue?” Marrek actually fidgeted. The truth was he had missed not spending time with her. He just needed to see her, needed to be in her company. He had been busy and unable to attend to her the past two days.

“Yes, everything is fine
. It was such a hectic day yesterday we scarcely had time to speak to one another,” Catherine acknowledged. She opened the door wider and motioned for him to come in.

He gestured for her to sit
. She chose a chair. He sat on the settee across from her.

Catherine couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked this morning
. His coat was black, as it nearly always was. This morning he wore a dark burgundy waistcoat. A ruby and gold pin nestled in his neatly tied cravat. His hair, as black as a raven’s wing, was neatly combed. He was clean-shaven. She remembered thinking the stubble he sported yesterday after returning from looking for Senny through the night to be quite attractive also. Most people thought his eyes to be black, but she knew they were a deep, dark brown, the color of black walnut.

“How is Senny this morning?” Catherine asked
.

“I
must check with Gabriel first thing, but she did make some improvement last night.” He smiled.

“That is a relief.”

“It is. Are you feeling well, Kitty?” Marrek wondered if all married men were this awkward with their new wives. He then realized were he exercising his husbandly rights, he would be sleeping with her and he would know if she slept well or if she felt ill. He felt the loss at that moment of not being truly man and wife. There was some degree of familiarity between them, but not intimacy.

“I still have some nausea from time to time
. For the most part I am feeling well.” Then she smiled brightly as she told him, “I have felt the baby kick.”

Marrek smiled
. He suddenly wished he could spend a great deal more time with her. He found himself wishing he could be with her when the babe kicked or moved around. “That’s wonderful, Kitty. When is the babe due to arrive?” He asked when he realized he had no idea when to expect their child.

“Your sister said
sometime near Christmas.”

Marrek smiled
. “Ah, Christmas. That’s wonderful. And what are you hoping for Kitty, a boy or a girl?”

Catherine wasn’t certain how to answer that question
. Most men wanted a son, but she didn’t think Marrek would want his heir to be Charlie’s child. “Either,” she supplied.

“
Hmm, I would prefer a son first, but I wish for daughters as well. I suppose most men want an heir first.”

Catherine looked at him in surprise
. “Oh, I assumed you would want your heir to be yours and not Charlie’s,” Catherine said it before she realized what she was saying. “Oh, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said such a thing.”

“Kitty
, dear!” Marrek rose and walked toward her. He reached down and took her dainty hand in his large one.

He
spoke to her in a gentle tone, “You are my wife, and my equal. I value your opinions. Never apologize for speaking your truth or telling me how you feel. Now, let me make myself perfectly clear. You are my wife. This child is part of you. My friend was his sire. If the babe is a son, he will be my heir. Male or female the child will be mine. I will love this babe the same as I would a child from my own loins. The child will be
ours
, Kitty.
We
shall be the parents.”

Catherine gave him a brilliant smile
. “Thank you, Marrek. That means a great deal to me.” She looked into his dark eyes. “You’re a very special man,” Catherine whispered. She meant every word. She blinked back tears.

Marrek produced a handkerchief when a tear rolled down her cheek.

“Thank you, I am sorry. I am such a watering pot these days. Your sister and Aunt say it is to be expected.”

“You are a very special woman, Kitty.”
Marrek reached out and caressed her cheek. He wanted to kiss her, but he knew he could not. It was far too soon. To his surprise, however, Catherine leaned into his caress. Her eyes closed and she smiled. It was a small thing, but it gave him hope.

When Catherine opened her eyes, Marrek was smiling
down at her. He removed his hand from her cheek.

“Will you walk down to breakfast with me, Kitty?”

“Of course, I will.”

“
Shall we stop and look in on Senny and Gabriel first,” he proposed. “I am eager to know of Senny’s condition this morning.”

Catherine nodded.
“I would very much like to.”

Elowen, Morva and Gabriel were in Senny’s room. Senny was sleeping, but the others happily reported that she had been awake earlier for about a half an hour. She had taken a small amount of broth, drank some tea and she had no fever.

Marrek smiled, “That is good news
. Are you coming to breakfast, cousin?” He looked to Gabriel.

“Elowen had a tray brought up
for me. I ate after Senny fell asleep. I am going to sit with her for a bit this morning. Elowen and Aunt Morva are busy this morning and will come up in several hours. I will join the meeting later, after luncheon,” Gabriel advised him.

“Until later, Gabriel.” Marrek
nodded and led his wife from the room.

Elowen and Morva left the
chamber soon after, leaving Gabriel alone with Senny.

He was happy to sit and just watch
her. Her color had improved though she was still a trifle pale. She slept peacefully. Her breathing was more normal, though she remained congested. He was relieved and thankful that she seemed to be on the mend. He opened his book and read, stopping frequently to check on his love.

“Gabriel?”

“Yes, Z
enny, I’m here.” Sitting in the chair beside the bed, Gabriel closed his book and leaned over so Senny could see him.