Dream of Me (11 page)

More than anything, her harlequin romantic heart wanted to hold on to his words and keep them close. But deep down her steel wall of stubbornness couldn’t conceive any way that she could let go of her old life for a life in his world. A world that was new and terrifying to her. At least on her world, she knew where she stood.

“Kieran, I don’t know…” her words faltered as she shook her head. She couldn’t allow herself to believe it this was real between them. She knew there was a bond between them; she could feel it as it grew stronger the more she was with him but she had to fight it.

Reaching out he tucked a fallen strand of hair behind her ear, looking down at her with a look of tenderness. Briefly a look of foreboding crossed his face before a heavy sigh escaped from between his lips.

“I will promise you something,
Rai Yan; my heart
. Allow me a fortnight to complete the
Malrai Hin
and win your heart.” Lowering his eyes, his fist tightened on the ground between them. “If I do not, I give you my word that I will return you to your life and leave you in peace.”

There it was. The words she wanted him to say but after finally hearing them, it made her heart ache with unfamiliar pain. Pushing the pain aside she nodded. “Alright,” she whispered back.

At her response, Kieran felt his entire being both lighten with happiness and tighten with apprehension. He couldn’t lose her — he wouldn’t lose her. He had to win her heart.

“Thank you,
Rai Yan
.” As the words whispered from between his lips, he leaned closer to her.

Her eyes flickered from his eyes to his lips. Hesitantly, she drew in her bottom lip and wetted it against her tongue. Her heart leapt with excitement as his face drew nearer. His arm slid around her curvy waist, drawing her closer to the heat of his body. She could feel herself tremble.

She’d been kissed before by her past, nervous and fumbling boyfriends. But what she saw in Kieran’s eyes as his face drew closer was different than simple desire — it was a deep need that she couldn’t describe. Burying his free hand into the tendrils of her hair, his lips claimed hers. Elena’s hands gripped his arms as his mouth moved against her. His kiss was hesitant at first, but as she began to respond he became more demanding against her mouth.

At every brush of his mouth, she couldn’t get enough. Her body came alive against him with need that she never had been tempted with before. The connection between them seemed to grow, causing her to crave him like a drug. Was this the bond that he was referring to? Did the bond make her want him? At this point she didn’t care. His hands tightened at her waist and in her hair as his kiss deepened.

Jerking his lips away, suddenly she found her back pressed against the soft grass as Kieran moved over her. His eyes blazed above her as his chest rose and fell with the need to claim her. Her lips were swollen and parted as she gasped for breath as well. She laid against the earth like an offering to him. Her red hair laid spread out in vibrant waves, standing out against the grass beneath her. Her full breasts pressed against her thin covering, begging him to uncover them. He could feel her legs pressing at the sides of his, tempting him to lie against her softness. She was perfect.

“You are beautiful,” he whispered husky as his eyes bore down on her with awe. Feeling uncomfortable, Elena briefly covered her face with her hands before lowering them to her chest.

“You are too,” she murmured shyly. Her words and teasing smile caused him to chuckle.

“I have to be the first Garmorian warrior to be called beautiful, but since you said it I will hold your words close.” Smiling, he forced himself to rise to his feet.

Holding out a hand he offered to help her rise as well. For a moment she didn’t take his hand, instead she blinked up at him with confusion. One moment they were kissing like the world would end if they didn’t and then… nothing. She hadn’t expected him to move away from her. Any other guy would have tried to slip under her shirt at least, but he hadn’t.

“What’s wrong?” Sitting up, she gave him a worried look. “I thought…?”

Crouching down before her, his face softened, “I must get us back, so that I may speak to the Gu’an. I would stay here with you forever if I could.” Rising back to his full height, he held out his hand again.

Slipping her hand into his, she allowed him to pull her onto her feet. Feeling confused and a little embarrassed, she tried to distract herself by picking up the bundle of fruit. Despite his words, she couldn’t help but think that maybe he didn’t find her attractive. Could that be the reason that he hadn’t tried anything more than kissing her? She was pale, unlike his kind and she was built much bigger than what she’d seen of his friend Sera. Flashes of past memories began haunting her worried thoughts. Shaking her head, she rid herself of memories of her first love and biggest mistake. It was the same then as it was now. It was her own fault for getting her hopes up.

Seeing Kieran look at her with concern at her withdrawn expression, she flashed him a soft smile. She was grateful when he accepted it and didn’t say anything. She went willingly into his arms this time as his wings materialized behind him. As he lunged through the air, she squeezed her eyes shut as he carried them higher and back toward the stronghold. She would give him time to do as he’d asked before she went back to her old life.

She finally had a way back home, so why didn’t she feel happy?

Leaning into the archway of the balcony, Elena stared out at the night sky. Folding her arms under her breasts, she sighed. It had been barely a half an hour since Kieran and her had returned to the stronghold. After taking her to his chambers, he asked her to remain inside as he went to speak to Cian.

Hissing out in frustration, her head fell back against the stone wall behind her. Her earlier conversation with Kieran kept replaying over and over in her mind until she thought she’d go crazy. What had she been thinking? How could she agree to let Kieran keep her here so he could court her or whatever? What would it really matter anyway? After the allotted time, she’d be returning home anyway. A heavy weight settled in her stomach at the thought of going home. It was what she wanted… wasn’t it?

“Don’t be ridiculous.” she scolded herself. “In a few days, I’ll go home, back to my normal life and forget all about… him.”

She didn’t understand it. Why did she feel like she was denying something that she should be accepting? What if after remaining close to him that she couldn’t go back? What if she didn’t want to? Shaking her head, she stabbed her fingers through her loose hair. She’d made a mistake. It was ludicrous to agree to his terms. She should have demanded that he send her home or ask another to do so.

Dropping her hands to her sides, she walked around the bed to the door. She needed some air, promise or no promise. Kieran didn’t own her and she should be safe inside the castle walls from the Kelithians, she reasoned. What harm could there be in taking a simple walk to clear her mind?

Easing the heavy door open, she stepped out into the corridor. With the exception of a few lit torches that hung on the walls, she was surrounded by dark shadows. A chill rushed over her bare arms as she turned left to pause before turning right. Which way should she go? Shaking off her anxiety, she moved forward. Walking for several minutes, only the sound of her own footsteps echoed around her. Passing several closed doors, she felt her curiosity pricked, urging her to explore them but she kept moving.

The sound of male laughter echoed in the shadows in front of her, drawing her to a stop. Stepping into the light, the laughter died quickly as two Garmorian’s eyes fell upon her. Dressed like all the other Garmorian’s she’d seen so far, the only differences she could see with these two was their hair. While one was nearly bald, the other had long hair that was braided down his back.

The long haired one’s eyes poured heavily over her before he spoke. “You are Kieran’s human,” he prodded. Shaking her head, she moved to walk around them. At her silence the second one held an arm out in front of her, blocking her path.

“Does your mate know where you are? Where are you going?”

Jerking towards him, her fists clenched at her sides as her gaze seared into him with outrage. “I am not Kieran’s anything. Besides, it is none of his business or yours where I go,” she snapped, ducking under his arm she moved past them only to hear two sets of footsteps echoing behind her. Spinning around, she fixed her gaze on the two that had begun to follow her. “I don’t need a babysitter, so move on,” she bit out, waving her hands at them in a shooing motion. Both regarded her with tense expressions.

“It is not wise for you to wonder the stronghold alone. We will take you to where you wish to go,” the bald one said firmly.

Resting her hands on her hips, she stubbornly tilted her chin at them. “I can take care of myself.” Stepping forward, the long haired one firmly gripped her arm. “What do you think you’re doing?” she hissed at him as he begun tugging her back the way she’d come. Clawing at his hand, she struggled to dig her feet in as the brute continued to drag her along. “Let go of me! You’re not my boss!”

Scoffing at her, he shook his head. “No, I am not; however, Kieran most certainly is and I am willing to bet that he doesn’t even know you out wondering around.”

“I don’t need his permission! I can do as please,” she bit out, tugging firmly on her captured wrist.

The second one chuckled behind her, no doubt enjoying watching her fruitless efforts. “Feisty, isn’t she? I think Kieran will have a hard time with this one,” he teased.

Opening her mouth to tell baldy to shut up, she never got the chance as the man in front of her jerk her to a stop. Looking around him, she watched as from the shadows another warrior stepped towards them. Dressed like the others in dark leather trouser, the warrior ahead of her had long straight hair to his shoulders. Cutting across his thin lips was a deep scar that stood out against his gray skin. Glaring at all of them he spoke.

“Magnas, Remon, what are you doing with Kieran’s mate?” he demanded, his clawed hand falling to a blade against his hip.

“Lowen, we found her wondering around, we were merely returning her to him,” the long haired one said.

Removing his hand from the hilt of his blade, the warrior nodded, “I see, I will take her.” Before either of them could argue, he stepped forward and removed the Garmorian’s hand from her wrist before taking possession of it himself. With tense features, both of the warriors turned and walked stiffly away.

Once they were out of earshot, Lowen turned to look at her. “It is good to see you are doing better, Lady Elena.”

Reaching out, she slapped his hand off on her wrist. Taking a step back, she eyed him with suspicion, “Do I know you?”

Chuckling, he nodded. “I saved your life just the other night. Had I not fired my arrows you would be with the Kelithians most likely.”

Realization hit her; he was the bowman from the forest that killed one of the Kelithian while injuring the other that tried to harm her. “Sorry, I didn’t recognize you. Thank you for what you did last night. What is your name?”

“I am called Lowen.”

Folding her arms over her chest, she looked away from him. “Are you planning to drag me back and lock me in Kieran’s room?” she asked without meeting his gaze.

“I should. It can be dangerous for an unbound female to wonder around alone. The others were just doing what they were with good intentions.” Sighing, he shook his head. “I will not though. Instead allow me to escort you to where you wish to go.”

“I don’t need you to follow me around,” she replied through clenched teeth.

“For my sake, I would worry. Let me just accompany you to where you wish to go and then I promise to leave you alone,” he beseeched, holding out a hand to her.

“I’m not going to get rid of you people am I?”

“I can be just as stubborn as you, I fear.”

Reluctantly she nodded, “Alright, I just wanted to get some air.”

“This way,” he smiled, pointing behind her. “Follow me; I will take you to the courtyard.”

Smiling softly at him, she followed behind him as he begun guiding her down the dark, winding corridor. Turning a corner, they came to a stop at an open doorway leading outside. Stopping just in front of the doorway, Lowen motioned for her to precede him. Stepping outside, she turned to look back at him.

“Thank you… for understanding.”

Sharply nodding, he gently smiled at her. “No thanks needed. You can find the way back?”

“Yes.” Without another word, Lowen turned away to disappear in the shadows.

Turning around, she walked to the center of the courtyard. Around her were several towering trees, with wide, strong branches reaching outward to the sky. Taking in a deep breath of the sweet night air, she closed her eyes. Opening her eyes, she looked around at the high stone walls. Could she really stay here? Even for a short time, she dreaded it. She knew nothing of this world or the creatures of it. She was drawn to Kieran; she was woman enough to admit it. But she was terrified of what he was and the world he’d taken her to.

Beneath her feet, the ground rumbled and shook. Hold her arms out to her sides, she struggled to balance herself. As quick as it had come, the shaking stopped as all grew quiet around her. What is an earthquake? Did they have earthquakes here? Deciding to return back inside, she turned and moved through the courtyard. Taking a couple steps she jumped back as her bare foot stepped down on something hot. In front of her the grass hissed as smoke began to rise from the ground. Before her eyes the ground turned black as the grass began burning. What was going on?

Eyes widening, she took a quick step back as the ground begun to roll beneath her again. Abruptly the ground exploded beneath her feet, sending her flying through the air. Landing on her back, she gasped as pain flooded her. What the hell was that?!

A sound like a roar and a high pitch shriek erupted across the courtyard from her, causing her heart to freeze with fear. Pulling herself up into sitting position, her mouth fell open in a silent scream at what she saw. Standing near the exploded earth was a creature that only could have existed in her nightmares.

Standing nearly ten feet high was a monstrous creature. Its skin was a mixture of pasty gray, green and brown with clumps of earth growing from its skin. As if it was made of the earth its self. It stood like a gorilla with its weight rested on a pair powerful long arms with long claws and short fat legs. Along its upper arms, shoulders and back were sharp, black spikes nearly a foot long. The face was almost humanoid. It possessed a wide flat nose and two slanted eyes that glared at her while its large mouth opened to reveal large fangs as it snarled at her. Struggling to her feet, she slowly began edging away from the creature.

Her slow movements were just enough to enrage the creature. Roaring, it slammed it’s mighty, claws against the ground, causing the ground around her to shake with the force of an earthquake. Not wasting a moment, she ran towards the entrance to the keep. The ground rolled and jumped beneath her dashing feet as the creature charged towards her. She was thrown off her feet as the creature swung its strong claw at her. Landing on her side, she rolled over onto her back, wincing with pain.

Screaming as it drew closer, she crab walked as fast as she could as the creature now loomed over her. Lowering its snarling face closer to her, she cringed back as black ink dripped from its mouth to land on her arm. Gasping in pain, the inky liquid burned her skin like acid. Reaching beside her, she gripped a sharp stone and swung it at the creature’s face. Though her strike did little damage, it stunned the creature just enough for Elena to jump to her feet and run to the doorway.

“Help!” she screamed as she ran.

Just as she reached the doorway hot pain burned through her shoulder, shoving her against the stone wall with force. Looking down, she gasped in horror as she saw a black spike skewered through her shoulder. Sliding down the wall, her hands fought to hold her up as her legs gave out. Her wound burned like fire as she fell to her knees. Slowly the creature moved towards her, snarling with rage. Meeting its black eyes, she waited for it to attack again. The creature suddenly jerked back as several warriors swooped down from the sky. Slashing its massive claws at the few warriors that rushed forward, the creature shrieked as its blood was drawn by many swords and claws.

Closing her eyes against pain Elena fought to draw air into her lungs against the burning pain. A moment later, she felt presence beside her as someone kneeled next to her. Weakly opening her eyes, she saw Lowen. He looked at her with worry. Turning his gaze to her wound, she felt him circle his large hand around thick shaft of the spike.

“No,” she gasped at the pressure, reaching up to grip his wrist.

Holding his hand still, Lowen raised his eyes to hers. “Listen to me. It must come out. The Dihma’s spikes carry poison that can kill you if you leave it in too long. I must do this. Be brave.” Letting her hand drop from his, he took it as her compliance. Gripping the spike tightly, Lowen pinched his lips together as he jerked the spike out of her shoulder. Elena screamed in pain as the spike ripped through her shoulder in a quick motion.

“I am sorry,” Lowen uttered, as he tossed the spike aside. Reaching forward, he gripped her hand to press it against the two inch wound. “Hold pressure. I will go and get your mate.”

Gasping in fear, Elena shook her head as he moved to rise. “The monster…”

“Tis dead, the patrolling warriors spotted it and raised the alarm. They have killed it; look for yourself.” Doing as he said, she turned her head to look across the courtyard. Beyond the panting warriors, the creature lay still on the charred earth, black blood pooled around its fallen form.

“You must not move until I return.” Not waiting for her reply, Lowen quickly called upon his wings and took to the sky.

Grimacing against the pain, Elena pressed her hand against the blistering wound. Blood seeped between she trembling hand as she looked down. Rolling her eyes, she groaned, pressing her head against the stone wall. She was never going to hear the end of this once Kieran found out.

* ~ * ~ *

Narrowing his eyes at the scrolls before him, Cian skimmed over the reports of disputes among the lower Garmorian people. Pacing back and forth across his quarters as he read, he concluded that the disputes were nothing that drew any real concern. However, the scrolls from the high ranking lords were piled across his desk, untouched. His nose curled with loathing at the thought of opening a single one.

He had no desire to look upon the petty complaints of his court. Whatever happened to his people being united and proud? In the last hundred years many of the governing lords under him cared more about their comforts and well being than the lower people that worked to supply those same comforts. The needs of the people of the small villages, those which farmed the land, forged their weapons and goods, and even risked their lives to hunt in the Greenwood when times were desperate had become invisible to the lords. It disgusted him.