Page 12

Chapter Twelve

N eeding to see about the yoga studio, Aubrey had left making Erin promise to be careful and not go anywhere alone.

Erin joined the rest of the women around a table in the conservatory, the glass walls making it seem as if they were outdoors while protecting them from the now falling drizzle. Although cloudy, the view of the garden and the plush green hills with sprinkles of lavender in the distance was enchanting.

“I have a horrible feeling about what Liam is telling them,” Gwen said, sliding a look in the direction of the library. “They have been in there a long time.”

Erin frowned. “Padriag mentioned that he was already feeling the pull to return, I imagine they will continue speaking until he leaves.” A part of her ached at not seeing him once again before he returned to the alter-world, the feel of his kisses still forefront on her mind. She wished for at least one more.

What if he didn’t return? How would she be able to continue everyday life knowing he was trapped forever? Her chest tightened just thinking about it. They had to free him, otherwise she’d not be able to live with herself.

Tristan, Gavin and Niall entered the room, their grim expressions and paleness revealing that whatever they’d been told had not been good.

“Liam has gone to see John,” Niall explained. “We need to speak to each of you.”

Each man took their partner by the hand, avoiding eye contact with Erin as they guided them from the room.

Erin’s heart sank. Padriag must have returned to the alter-world as he had not entered with the others. She closed her eyes and leaned back, willing her body to relax if just for a moment. Soon she’d find out what was to happen next, and since she was now sure it would be bad news, perhaps this would be the last time she’d be able to clear her mind.

Erin stood and went closer to the window. A whispered plea formed in her mind as she looked up to the sky. “I need to know the reason why I am here,” she said to no one in particular. “Show me the reason.”

She was not sure what she’d hoped for, perhaps a booming voice from the sky or a bolt of lightning hitting her and filling her with superpowers. The silence, although disappointing, was not a surprise.

“Erin.” Padriag’s voice was startling. Erin whirled to see him standing just inside the door.

“I thought you’d left.” She rushed to him. “I know whatever Liam said wasn’t good news. Can you tell me what he said?”

Unable to keep from it, she reached for his hand. “Padriag?”

“You asked that I fight for you. For us,” Padriag began. “Give me the strength because I am not sure I have enough right now. I have to regain not only mental and physical strength, but more than ever, I need my powers to be renewed for what’s ahead.”

How was she supposed to help with that? Erin was sure she was powerless. Unlike the others, she’d never been exposed to any kind of magic, witchcraft, or any mystical crafts. The only thing she could do was to rely on reasoning. There had to be a reason she’d been chosen to help Padriag, and a reason Meliot had captured her and taken her to the other realm.

“I have no answer as to what the reason is for me being part of this, but know I will do what I can.”

“Whatever the reason,” Padriag said, wrapping his arms around Erin’s waist. “I am glad.”

Erin leaned in, her head coming to rest on his shoulder. “I am glad too, but I want to be helpful. I need to do whatever is necessary.”

Something like an electrical shock made her gasp. “What was that?”

“What?” Padriag asked with a puzzled expression. “What happened.”

Another jolt struck, this one so strong the hairs on her arms stood on end. Holding her arms up, she gaped at them. “It’s like I’m being shocked. Ouch!” she cried out when another one passed through her.

Padriag pulled her against his body, holding her close. “I don’t see anything.”

The last jolt was so strong, Erin gritted her teeth and groaned. “What the hell?”

For the next few moments they waited in silence, Erin braced in case it happened again.

“I think they stopped.” She blew out a breath. “What was that?”

“I am not sure.” Padriag studied her. “Do you feel different?”

At first she took a tentative step away from the safety of his embrace and then another, she walked in a circle. Something like an undercurrent sizzled beneath her skin, it wasn’t uncomfortable, but definitely unsettling.

She met Padriag’s gaze. There he stood, a weary warrior, and yet strength and power emanated from him. Deep in her soul, she knew he would fight until the last breath and not give up no matter how tired he was.

How was it possible to feel so strongly for someone in such a short amount of time? Their future was unstable, whether he returned or not. At the same time, there was no doubt in her mind that the man who stood before her was to be joined to her for the rest of their life.

Something totally different surged within. A desperate longing, an overwhelming need consumed every inch of her body.

“I ... I need you to come with me.” Grabbing his hand, she pulled him from the room, up the stairs and into the bedroom where she was to stay.

Padriag looked around and then at her, his Adam’s apple moved as he swallowed.

“We are going to make love,” Erin said, with more assuredness than she felt.

There was something like relief on his face, his gaze locking with hers. Then closing the distance, he took her into his arms, mouth over hers, hands sliding down and up her back as he ravished her lips.

She clawed at his clothes, glad when he helped by pulling the tunic up over his head.

His muscles were rippling, each peak and valley demanding attention. One day she’d be able to pay every inch homage. But in this moment, there was a crucial need that sizzled under her skin and needed to be satiated.

“We have to hurry,” Erin said, her urgent tone husky almost as if someone else spoke through her.

Between kisses, they undressed until fully bare. Padriag lifted her easily and carried her to the bed. There was hunger in his darkened gaze, as they fell onto the bed.

“You are so damn perfect,” his husky voice sent tingles across her skin.

Erin could barely keep from yanking the man over her. Urgency filled every fiber of her being. Something was going to happen, something had to happen.

Seeming to sense what she was feeling, Padriag covered her body with his own. “I have to do this quickly. The pull back to the alter-world is strengthening. I am so sorry.”

Erin was at the point of writhing. “Yes, hurry.”

He began shaking, as if shivering from the cold. Erin wasn’t sure if it was because it was the first time in so long or because he was fighting to remain there. When Padriag lifted his hips, Erin reached between them and wrapped her fingers around his generous shaft. Definitely gifted in that department. It was too bad they’d not get to linger.

Both let out a groan as Padriag thrust into her, his girth stretching and length filling her. Erin threw her head back as he began moving, sliding in and out of her, each movement a relief to her overheated body.

“Erin,” he moaned into her ear, the heat of his breath erotic.

“So good,” she replied, lifting her hips to meet each plunge. “Oh!”

“Faster,” Erin said wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

Suddenly the room went dark.

Padriag didn’t seem to notice, or if he did, it didn’t stop him from continuing forward. His body in rhythm with hers. Their lovemaking reaching the crescendo their movements became faster and harder. On the brink, Erin threw her head back and let out a stifled cry as every part of her being broke apart into a million pieces.

As a second wave of release washed over her, she clung to Padriag, her body trembling, her vision a blur of lights.

His husky moan rolled over her, a tidal wave of pleasure taking them both. He shuddered and buried his face in her hair as he became lost in his own release.

For a few precious moments, they remained joined, his body sprawled over her as she ran her hands up and down his back.

Moments later, rolling to his side, Padriag pulled her into his arms. He pressed kisses in a path from her mouth, across to her jawline and then dragged his tongue down the side of Erin’s neck.

Erin shivered with delight her eyes falling shut. She could spend days like this, basking in the afterglow of making love with him.

“I have to go,” Padriag whispered, kissing her on the lips.

“Promise me you will come back to me,” Erin replied, doing her best to blink tears away. “I mean it, Padriag. You have to.”

His lips curved. “I will do what I can.”

A hand on both sides of his face, Erin studied him for a long moment. “You are the bravest man I’ve ever met.”

Warmth filled his gaze. “There is so much I want to say to you. I wish we had more time.”

“We will. Once this is over.” Erin brushed an errant lock from his brow wanting to memorize every part of his face. “When you return.”

* * *

When Padriag materialized in the alter-world, the first thing he did was ensure he was dressed. He’d been nude when the pull became too strong to fight, and he’d jumped from the bed to yank on his pants. Barefoot and shirtless, he was glad that at least his bottom half was covered.

The surroundings were strange, the dim room lit only by the fires from hammered metal sconces and a black iron candelabrum atop a rustic wooden table.

Padriag swiveled, turning in a circle to take in the space. He seemed to be in a log cottage. Other than the sounds of his breathing, the place was eerily silent.

Across the room was a coat of arms. Atop a red background, a golden lion standing on its hind legs, holding a sword in one paw and seven arrows in the other. While keeping alert, Padriag studied the floor, testing each plank before taking steps toward the shield. He stopped and listened intently to make sure nothing, or no one, made their way there.

When satisfied to being alone, he neared the wall and looked up at the coat of arms with two swords crossed at the blade under it.

“Janssen. Interesting.”

Why was there a Dutch coat of arms there? Was there another person also trapped, or perhaps had been saved?

Before reaching for one of the swords, he assessed every detail, from the hook on which the swords were hung on, to the bricks behind. Then slowly, he took a sword down and shifted it in his hand. The weapon was of a good weight for him, the blade sharp. It had been forged well. The craftsmanship on the handle was obviously the work of an excellent blacksmith.

Sword in hand, Padriag turned in a full circle, once again ensuring he was alone. A crackling noise got his attention and, holding the sword with both hands in front of him, he crept through an archway to the next room.

This area was a sitting room of sorts. There were several chairs in front of a large fireplace, arms and backs carved with designs. Pelts were strewn over the chairs for extra warmth, although the fire that burned brightly emanated enough to warm the room.

Someone had been there recently, since there was a fire. Once again testing the flooring, he moved to a window, opened a shutter with one hand and peered out.

No doubt about it, he was back in the alter-world. The purple sky with yellowish plumes crisscrossing was lit by two moons. The ground looked to be frozen, banks of snow forming around the thick trunks of twisted trees.

It was the first time he’d seen golden trees with pinkish leaves. The trunks were twisted as if formed by a child given free rein with clay. Long tentacle-like roots grew out of the ground, the ends reaching upward.

Padriag frowned, scanning the ground for footprints until noticing the edge of another building to the far right, most of it behind the house. It looked to be a barn.

Unsure of what could be out there, and the setting suns, he decided it was best to wait and leave further exploring until the morning. He walked back to the first room, noting there was food and drink on a sideboard.

As hungry and thirsty as he was, it was best not to take a chance.

The air shifted, and Padriag planted his feet wide, raising his sword in ready defiance.

“Why are you half dressed?” Liam asked emerging from a doorway, a sword held before him.

“Why are you so damn ugly?” Padriag retorted.

Liam lowered his sword, knowing it had to be the real Padriag by the comment. “Where the hell are we?”

“Some Dutch guy’s cabin,” Padriag replied motioning to the coat of arms with his head. “He, or someone, has been here recently, there’s a fire in the other room.”

Liam eyed the food. “You didn’t eat anything did you?”

Instead of a reply, he gave the Brit a droll look.

“I suppose we wait.”

They went to the front room. While Liam looked out the same window Padriag had earlier, Padriag got closer to the fireplace to warm his feet and torso. Then he took a pelt and threw it over his shoulders.

“We’ll take turns sleeping,” Liam said turning from the window. “Where are your clothes?”

“I decided to become a nudist,” Padriag snapped. “Obviously my clothes are in the other realm.”

Liam’s eyebrows shot upward. “Oh.” He turned back to the window. “Someone is coming. It’s Veylen.”

Moments later, the door opened and Veylen walked in, snow falling from his fur-lined cape landing on the wooden floor and melting into small puddles.

“The Prince asked that I bring you two mounts. The aurochs are in the stable. I’ve ensured enough food and water that should last through the winter.”

After exchanging confused looks with Liam, Padriag met the Eslander’s gaze. “Who’s home is this? Is anyone else staying here?”

“A friend of Prince Sterling. He is called Janssen. The owner has been unable to utilize this home for a long time.” Veylen glanced past them to the room where Padriag had materialized. “I suggest rationing the food if you hope to get through the freeze. You can go out hunting I suppose.”

The warrior turned to leave.

“Wait,” Liam said moving closer to Veylen. “Why did the Sterling have us come here?”

“You require shelter and food. People from your realm are ill-prepared for this one. You may live here as long as you wish.”

Padriag cocked his head to the side. “We managed to survive in this realm for three hundred years. I think we’ve got this.”

“Mmm,” Veylen replied, his gaze moving from Padriag’s bare feet to his unclothed torso. “That is good to know.” With that he left.

“Hopefully there are shoes and clothes here somewhere,” Liam said, moving toward a corridor that led toward the back of the home.

There were three adequately sized bedchambers, each with a bed, trunk, and basin stand. In the trunks were clothes and shoes, which Padriag went through until finding a tunic, socks and boots that fit.

“This is interesting,” Liam said leaning against the door jamb. “I would like to know what happened to Janssen. He may have died.”

“Or he went to Esland, and they don’t let him leave,” Padriag remarked.

“There is that”

That evening, they ate a simple meal of apples, bread and cheese, washed down with a surprisingly good wine. Padriag could barely keep his eyes open, and he wondered how long it had been since he slept. Time moved so differently when traveling between the realms, yet judging by the way he felt, it could have been twenty-four hours or more.

“I am going back to the other realm. I promised John to stay for a few days.” Liam seemed troubled. “Nothing feels certain, but I haven’t had any visions, which I take as a good sign.”

All Padriag wanted was to climb into bed and go to sleep. “I will be safe here. You do not have to keep coming. Please go Liam. John has been patient, and I appreciate it, but he deserves time with you.”

Seven days passed and although things were way too quiet, Padriag had to admit he was enjoying life at the log cabin in the middle of a forest with only aurochs for company. The beasts seemed friendly enough when he wandered into the stable to open the doors and allow them out to roam inside the corral. They stayed within the closed area, despite the fact it would be child’s play for them to break free.

He decided the animals were a gentle sort, unless perhaps aggravated by someone with a death wish.

As the last sun began its descent, he went inside to check on a pot of stew he was preparing. Potatoes and carrots floated in the bubbling broth. The aroma of the spicy meal wafting through the kitchen. He dipped a large spoon into the liquid, and he brought it up to his lips to blow on it. Then he tasted.

Moments later, he pushed an empty bowl away, deciding that two servings were more than enough.

After washing the dishes, he took the pot with the rest of the stew to store it in an outside pantry.

To keep food cold, a small doorless room had been attached just outside the kitchen where the frigid outdoor temperatures would keep food from spoilage. Inside were shelves on which jars and wrapped bundles were placed.

Once that was done, Padriag went to the adjacent room to sit before the fire. Eyes focused on the wavering flames, his mind drifted to Erin. Every day since returning to the alter-world he went over every detail of being with Erin. From waking up next to her to getting through the mists. Finally, his mind lingered over their lovemaking. The feel of her skin, her mouth, the way she arched her back and took him in fully.

Despite not being with a woman for so long, he was sure Erin was the one woman for him. From the way she fit so perfectly against him, to the way she soothed him, seeming to know exactly what to say and when. It wasn’t just that she was a beautiful woman, but also that she was brave, caring, and honest.

Perhaps it was a mistake to make love, he was glad that they’d given in to the pull between them. Something surged through his body at the time. At first he thought it was the arousal, after all, he was making love to a beautiful naked woman. Yet, something different had occurred. It felt as if he’d gained strength from her.

Suddenly, a prickling sensation traveled up and down his extremities, and he shoved his sleeves up to inspect his arms. It was as if ants raced around in circles just under the skin making it warp and smooth in strange patterns.

“What the fuck!” Padriag jumped to his feet and wiped at his arms frantically, but it didn’t make a difference. It wasn’t painful, quite the opposite. It was as if energy coursed through his veins. He blew out breaths, confused and panicked. Whatever happened was nothing he’d ever seen or experienced.

Since all the men had been rescued, Padriag had admittedly lost much of his appetite. He’d lost weight, which in turn could have affected his magic. Since being with Erin, there had been strangest sensations throughout his body. A pleasant tingling, hunger and lift in spirits.

A shiver set his skin to goosebumps and he lifted his arms to inspect them. Suddenly his body seemed to quiet. Padriag stood, rigid, holding his breath, eyes scanning his arms. Had they’d gotten bigger?

He raced to the back wall where a mirror hung and yanked off his tunic.

“Whoa,” his whispered noting that indeed his arms were thicker and chest broader and more muscular. At least an additional inch or two of muscle had piled onto his body.

At least he’d not turned green.

A familiar scent caressed the air, and he inhaled deeply. It was the perfume Erin wore. Padriag let out a breath. Whatever he was to about to face required strength, and somehow the magic that had coursed through Erin had flowed into him.

Now all he had to do was prepare mentally. Somehow, he had to defend himself and manage to stay alive until the others arrived.

He turned and went to the window. The scene outside was serene, quiet. The aurochs usually made their way into the stables on their own, but Padriag liked to check on them and make sure they had enough food and water.

Perhaps because they were not the object of any predator, aurochs were relatively docile. Padriag hoped they would grow familiar and comfortable around him to make it easier when the time came that he had to saddle and ride one of them.

Sword in hand, he walked out of the house, looking around and taking in every corner or space behind trees as he made his way forward. One could never be too careful.