The Darkland (18 page)

He heard her, incapable
of replying as his lips moved to the swell of her breasts. Mara's hands touched
his face, still terribly concerned with the parallel lacerations as he focused
on other, more pleasurable, targets.

"Do they
hurt?" she asked, running her fingers over the scabs.

He shook his head,
pulling her surcoat off her shoulders. Before Mara realized it, she was bared
to the waist and his mouth was suckling heartily on a rosy nipple. With a gasp,
she stiffened with new, ripe pleasure and the three ugly wounds vanished from
thought. Clutching Kirk's head against her breast, she fell back on the bed and
took him down with her.

She was sweeter than he
had ever known a woman to be. Soft, delectable, tender for the taking. Pinning
her arms above her head, he kissed a delicate circle around each breast,
rewarding himself after each turn by sampling a hot nipple. Mara writhed and
panted, experiencing his mouth with the greatest of joy.

Between each breast he
moved, blazing a scorching trail up one arm and down the other. Releasing her
arms, his massive hands kneaded and explored as her slender fingers anchored
themselves firmly in his hair. Just as he was forging into the new territory of
her abdomen, a soft knock rattled the door.

He almost shouted them
away. But Mara lifted her head, panting and dazed.

"The food,"
she breathed.

He knew she was hungry.
With a heavy sigh, he nodded in resignation and pushed himself off her.

"A moment!" he
couldn't help the frustration in his voice, pulling Mara off the bed and
helping her straighten her surcoat. When she was properly secured, he
discreetly adjusted his bulging hose and opened the door.

The innkeeper's wife and
the serving wench had their hands full of steaming food. Kirk pointed silently
to the small table next to the hearth and the women quickly deposited their
load. Bowing and scraping their way from the room seemed to take a small
eternity and Kirk slammed the door irritably when they were finally gone.
Turning around, he was not surprised to see that Mara was almost half-way
through with the meal.

He lifted an eyebrow as
he approached. "Did you not think to save any for me?"

Her mouth was full of
mutton. "Nay," she said, pushing his hand away when he tried to take
a slab of meat. "This is all mine."

He grinned and she
batted at him, pushing him away and pretending to horde it all. In a flash,
Kirk reached down and lifted her from the small chair, taking it himself. As
Mara sputtered and shrieked, unable to protest with her mouth stuffed, he
deposited her on his lap and took a helping of bread.

"There, you
gluttonous wench," he slopped the bread in gravy and took a healthy bite.
"I will claim you and your food."

She grinned at him,
pieces of mutton on her lips. He kissed her, licking the debris clean. One kiss
led to another, and still another. Before either one of them could control
their actions, the food was back on the wooden trays and they were on the bed,
continuing where they had left off before the intrusion of their meal.

The surcoat came off
more quickly than before. And this time, Kirk pulled it completely free,
leaving Mara naked beneath him.  Between heated kisses, he somehow managed to remove
his boots and finally, his damp hose. But Mara never noticed; as long as his
mouth remained where it was the most pleasurable, she would pay little
attention to anything else. When his hot, naked body covered her on the stale
sheets, the only thing she was aware of was her own awakening desire.

Thunder rattled the
walls as Kirk's pace increased, his kisses fast and furious. Mara gasped with
unrestrained delight, her experience with the drunken soldier all but
forgotten. The rude introduction to desire had not scarred her so deeply that
Kirk was not able to erase the memory with his scalding hands and searching
mouth. Pulling, tugging, tasting; the delights multiplied as the night
deepened.

His knees wedged between
her slender thighs, sure fingers stroking her gently. Mara leapt with
uncertainty but Kirk purred in her ear, words of desire and beauty that calmed
her innocent heart. When his finger slipped inside her, discomfort was
virtually unknown; she was slick, ready for his throbbing member. No pain, no
fear; only rousing passion.

Thunder rolled again,
filling the smelly room and all but drowning out Mara's pants of pleasure. Kirk
inserted another finger into her, listening to her groan and nearly exploding
with his impatience. His tongue fondled her nipples and he could feel her
slippery passage contracting around his fingers, a physical response to the
timeless ritual of mating.

He removed his hand from
her, no longer capable of restraining himself. Her soft, responsive body called
to him and he was shaking with anticipation as he answered, placing his heavy
arousal against her and pushing gently. Wet and pulsating, he slipped forward
without effort. 

He was anchored, sliding
deeper by the moment. Mara squirmed, her pants of pleasure less evident as he
gained headway. Kirk kissed her deeply, murmuring against her mouth and
promising the pain would be momentary. She was so tiny that he was surprised
with the ease thus far; still, it was becoming uncomfortable for her and he was
acutely aware of the fact.

Gathering her tightly
against him, he drew back and coiled his buttocks, driving into her again and
feeling her maidenhood breach. Mara yelped into his mouth, the fingers
clutching at him digging crescent-shaped wounds into his scalp. She continued
to gasp with pain as he rolled onto his side to remove his tremendous weight
off her. Holding her close and seated to the hilt, he did not realize that he
was gasping, too.

"No... no
more," Mara groaned, feeling crushed and impaled by his huge body. "I
do not want to do this anymore."

He kissed her face, her
hair. "The pain is over, lass, I promise," he murmured tenderly.
"You must trust me. 'Twill only become more pleasurable from now on."

She struggled feebly
with him but there was no possible way to escape; he had her tightly, his
throbbing manroot clutched deep within her sugared walls. When she failed to
respond to his soothing words, Kirk decided to show her what he meant. Holding
her against his chest with one hand, the other cupped her heart-shaped bottom
and he began to move.

Mara groaned miserably
with the first couple of thrusts, feeling full and overwhelmed. But his gentle
nurturing, his tender whispers, broke through her haze and instinctively she
began to respond to him, experiencing the friction of his manroot as he
penetrated deep. Soon enough, the discomfort gave way to a burgeoning fire that
grew brighter by the moment.

But Mara's fire was
nothing compared to Kirk’s. He was far gone with passion, feeling her silken
body in his embrace, experiencing every throb of her feminine core as the most
erotic of caresses. Within seconds he had reached his peak, breathing her name
as he released himself deep within her. But he continued to move, feeling the
slippery wetness he had put in her, wondering fleetingly if she would be with
child by the time they married. He was a selfish man in that he hoped so.

Mara felt his spasms,
hearing her name on his strangled groan. But his thrusting continued as he
reached between their sweating bodies, his fingers probing her wet curls. A
gasping scream erupted from her lips as he gently pinched her throbbing nub,
bringing her to a powerful release. Thrashing about as the waves of pleasure
consumed her, Mara was vaguely aware of Kirk's soft laughter.

"So you like this,
my little hellion," he murmured, kissing and nuzzling every inch of her
face. "I thought you would."

As the waves settled,
Mara rasped for air. "My... my God, Kirk. What has happened?"

He laughed again, his
trencher-sized hands caressing her buttocks. "Delicious, is it not?"

She swallowed, gasped,
and swallowed again. She wasn't sure how to answer him. "I feel so...
weak. Weak and wonderful."

He was still in her,
cradling her trembling body against his broad chest. "Aye, lass, weak and
wonderful describes me as well. As if I have waited for this moment all my
life."

Mara was silent a
moment, listening to her heart pounding in her ears. Brushing the hair from her
eyes, she lifted her gaze to meet his. "I had no idea that feelings like
this were possible," she said softly. "And I certainly would never have
thought you capable of bringing them about."

He lifted an eyebrow.
"And why not?"

She smiled faintly, a
gesture he found utterly beautiful. "Because I hated you, once."

"You do not hate me
now."

She shook her head,
slowly. "Nay," she reached up, touching his stubbled cheek. He kissed
her fingers, the warmth and tenderness of the moment evident. "I do
not."

The thunder rolled again
and the rain pounded as he took her mouth with his own, kissing her tenderly
until she fell asleep in his arms. More content that he had ever been in his
life, sleep claimed him before he realized it.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Lord Lionel le Vay,
Baron Wyresdale, was a big man with bushy black eyebrows and gray hair. He
greeted Kirk as one would a lost son, welcoming him into the Norman stronghold
of Quernmore Castle. And the same warm greeting went for Lionel's flame-haired
daughter as well.

Mara tried not to lash
out when Lady Lily le Vay turned her pretty smile in Kirk's direction. And she
further kept her mouth shut when the graceful young woman took his arm and
escorted him into the great hall of Quernmore’s tall and block-shaped keep
where a lavish table had been set. With Niles as her escort, Mara's spirits
continued to sink as she watched Lady Lily tend to Kirk hand and foot.

The fare served by Lord
Lionel was premium. He was a very wealthy man, having gained much of his wealth
in shipping so close to the sea. Roast beef, ale, vegetables and sweetcakes
filled the lengthy dining table as Niles helped Mara to her seat. The fair-haired
knight served her himself but Mara had little appetite; her bright blue eyes
were riveted to Kirk as he politely responded to Lady Lily's attentions.

He met Mara's piercing
stare, several times, winking reassuringly at her. But Mara refused to respond
to his gesture, instead, glaring headily at the lovely young woman so obviously
infatuated with him. Even after Kirk introduced Mara as Edmund’s sister-in-law,
she maintained her grim mood in the face of Lady Lily's bubbling personality.

She seemed to be nice
enough, but Mara could hardly see past her own jealousy. Lady Lily's
ladies-in-waiting joined them for the refreshments and Mara found herself
contending with not one, but four women all eager to speak with Kirk. Her
cheeks flushed but she said nothing, as hard as it was for her to control
herself. She had promised Kirk that she would behave and was determined to keep
her promise no matter what the circumstance.

Kirk did not seem
particularly interested in the women, his gaze mostly on Mara or on his food.
She had long since stopped glaring in his direction, instead, focused on her
trencher lest she be forced to break her promise. Next to her, Niles' voice
lifted in greeting and much to her reluctance, Mara found herself pulled into
the conversation.

Lifting her gaze, she
found herself staring into the pale blue eyes of a very large, very blond
knight.  He was a handsome fellow with a wide, toothy grin and he took Mara's
hand chivalrously.

"Sir Spencer de
Shera, my lady," he kissed her fingers gently, his eyes never leaving her.
"At your service."

Mara was a fast thinker.
Gazing into the face of the handsome knight, she suddenly saw the opportunity
to make Kirk pay for Lady Lily's attention. If she could only make him jealous
enough that he would shun the woman and drop to his knees to beg Mara's
forgiveness, then she would ask no more. Smiling brightly at Sir Spencer, she
gestured him to sit between her and Niles.

"A pleasure, Sir Spencer,"
she scooted over to allow the man room. "Would you share our meal?"

Spencer continued to
grin, practically shoving Niles to the ground in his haste. "'Twould be an
honor," he sat heavily, his scabbard pinching Mara's thigh. She yelped and
he was mortified. "Forgive me, my lady. I should have been more cautious!"

She rubbed her leg,
smiling weakly, wondering if Kirk was watching the exchange. "No harm
done, truly," she removed her hand from her throbbing thigh, collecting
her chalice. "Tell me; how long have you served at Quernmore?"

"Six years, my
lady," he could hardly eat with such a beautiful lady by his side.
"Lord le Vay knighted me personally and I have been commanding his troops
ever since."

Mara acted as if truly
involved in their conversation, hoping Kirk was beginning to boil. "How
splendid. Where were you born?"

"York. My mother
was Scots, royal by blood."

"Is that so?"
she could see Niles' expression over Spencer' shoulder and she imagined that he
looked rather on-edge. And she could guess the reason. "Very impressive. I
have had several uncles that have served various kings, but I have no direct
blood relation to the crown. Is your mother still living?"

He nodded, warming to
her and feeling like a giddy squire. "She and my father reside near Alnwick
Castle in Northumberland. I have six younger sisters that they are trying to
marry off as we speak."

Mara laughed. "If
the ladies are anything like their brother then I am sure your parents will
have little difficulty," his freckled cheeks flushed profusely and she
laughed again. "Your modesty is astounding, Sir Spencer. Surely you have
been snatched by some fortunate lady?"

He shook his head.
"I have not," his voice softened, his pale blue eyes intense.
"Are... are you spoken for, my lady?"

Mara never had the
chance to reply. Kirk was suddenly between them, cleaving any further
conversation. Spencer glanced up, startled by the abrupt appearance.

"Sir K-Kirk,"
he stammered, leaping to his feet. "An honor, my lord. I did not want to
interrupt your conversation with Lord Lionel, else I would have greeted you
already."

Kirk struggled to keep
from wrapping his hands around Spencer' throat. He was a good knight,
intelligent and strong, and Kirk liked him a great deal. Or at least he had
until the man turned his interest on Mara, who did little to discourage the
attention.

"If you will
notice, Lord Lionel has left the room to tend to a brief matter," he was
growling. "Now you may properly greet me. And you will vacate this seat
immediately."

Spencer did as he was
told. Mara was sorry she had caused the man trouble, but the end result was
what she hoped for; Lady Lily was alone at the head of the table. And Kirk,
even though he wasn't begging forgiveness for allowing another woman to occupy
his attention, was nonetheless standing by her side.

"I... I apologize,
my lord," Sir Spencer said respectfully. "I was not aware that I was
offending anyone."

"You were
not," Mara said, rising from the bench. "I enjoyed meeting you, Sir Spencer.
Mayhap we can continue our conversation at another time."

Kirk gazed down at her,
suspecting what she had been up to and greatly perturbed. He was about to
remove her from the room and explain his displeasure with the palm of his hand
to her buttocks when Lord le Vay re-emerged into the great hall. Motioning to
Kirk, the knight had no choice but to go with the man and deliver his message
privately.

But not before he looked
to Mara and then to Niles. "Take her in hand, Niles," he said
deliberately, ignoring Spencer altogether. "I shall trust you and you
alone."

Niles nodded, watching
as Kirk passed a heady glare at Spencer before departing. And Spencer, normally
mild-mannered and quite congenial, glared in return. Without benefit of spoken
word, Niles realized the battle lines had already been drawn.

Mara, too, wasn't
oblivious to the intense expressions between the men and it was oddly
flattering. Not that Spencer had any possible chance in pursuing her; still, it
somehow made her feel more secure. As long as Kirk was willing to obviously
establish that she belonged to him, then she was satisfied.

As Kirk marched away,
she called after him. He paused, waiting as she caught up to him. His
expression did not soften even when she smiled.

"Where are you
going?" she asked.

"To meet with le
Vay."

She gazed at him a
moment, studying his hard features. "Why are you so angry?"

He lifted an eyebrow.
"You know why. And you are not behaving yourself in the least in spite of
your promise."

This time, she hardened.
"I believe I have behaved myself quite well. I did not tear Lady Lily's
hair out by the roots when she put her hands on you, did I? And when her ladies
vied for your attention, I kept silent, did I not? How dare you accuse me of
breaking my promise!"

His jaw ticked and she
could see his facade wavering. "Lady Lily is certainly no threat and her
ladies are barely mentionable. I am used to their silly games. But as for de
Shera...." He cast a long glance at Spencer, now in conversation with
Niles. "You will stay away from him, Mara."

"Will you stay away
from Lily?"

He sighed with
frustration, laboring to keep his voice quiet. "It is different with her.
I must be polite lest I offend le Vay. But with de Shera, there is no reason
for you to even communicate with the man. Am I understood?"

A smile played on her
lips. "You are jealous of him."

He growled. "You are
mine, lass, body and soul. I shall kill the man if he comes near you
again."

Her smile broke through.
"Then why do not you announce to the world that I am yours? That should
keep Lily and Spencer away from us."

"I cannot announce
anything until I speak with Edmund and he makes our betrothal official. Not
that I have any doubts, but it is best to remain silent until we have his
blessing."

Mara regarded him a
moment before turning a coy gaze in Spencer's direction. "He seems very
nice, actually."

He was in no mood for
her foolery, taunting him with her mastery over him. "Enough of that
nonsense or I shall spank you as I did before." He pointed a mailed glove
in the direction of the table. "Now, go and sit with Niles and behave
yourself. I do not know how long I shall be with le Vay and I do not want to
worry over you while I am gone."

Her smile faded as she
sensed more than irritation in his manner; he had failed to respond to her
teasing in his usual fashion. Reaching out, she grasped his arm. "You will
not," she said softly. "Is something the matter, Kirk? You seem...
edgy."

He found himself
swallowed by the brilliant eyes, thoughts of the previous night filling his
veins with warmth. "Nothing you should concern yourself over, love,"
he patted her hand. "Go with Niles. I shall seek you when I am
finished."

As Mara watched him
disappear from the great hall, a thought occurred to her; he had never
clarified why they had come to Quernmore in the first place, aside from the
fact that he wanted her away from Anchorsholme. Obviously, there was a
motivation and she wondered seriously what it might be. Kirk had been perfectly
calm until they had arrived, but now, he seemed preoccupied and harsh.

Thoughtfully, she turned
for the table laden with a half-finished feast and chattering people. Niles and
Spencer had finished their conversation, Niles waiting patiently for her to
return as Spencer seemed focused on his drink. 

Niles served her a fresh
helping of meat and she delved in with gusto. Ignoring Lady Lily's inquisitive
stares and Spencer's brooding silence, her mind remained focused on Kirk as he
met with Lionel le Vay.   She wondered why he seemed so edgy even though he had
told her not to be troubled by it.  Anything that worried him, she was
naturally concerned.

But there was nothing
she could do about it at the moment.  Her more prevalent concern was staying
clear of Sir Spencer now that she had enticed the man.  As she approached the
feasting table that looked as if it had been picked over, she was considering
all manner of behavior to un-entice him.

Unfortunately for her,
he proved rather resistant to her revolting charms.