Trial of a Warrior Read online

  After placing a kiss over his heart, Abela added, “I love you, my warrior.”

  Liam wrapped his arms around her, cherishing the overwhelming sensations inside of him. The sun parted from the moon and glorious sunlight filled the area around them. “I love you, too, my princess,” he uttered softly against her ear.

  In those quiet moments, Liam realized he would move the sun, moon, and stars to have Abela by his side.

  Not only for today, but also for all eternity.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “When I watched the last of the sun’s legs dance gracefully out of the land on Midsummer’s Eve, I looked for the first star of the evening, and made a wish.”

  ~Diary of Princess Abela

  Floating high on euphoria, Abela basked in the land beneath her body and the warmth of the sun on her skin. Birdsong, bees, and the waterfall near them filled her with a joy she had never known. As she lay on her stomach with her head resting on her arms, she drifted. Right before she succumbed to a peaceful slumber, she twitched as she felt something brush over her bottom. Her limbs were too weak to swat at whatever was tickling her.

  “Go away,” she mumbled.

  “Never,” responded the low male voice.

  She cracked open her eyes, and her breath hitched. Sunlight illuminated the man beside her. “You remind me of the God, Angus Og. Virile, sexy, and wickedly handsome.”

  He arched a brow seductively. “Be careful. He may consider me competition. I have no wish to become a target of his jealousy.”

  “My lips are sealed.” Letting out a sigh, she closed her eyes.

  Liam chuckled softly.

  Once again, a feather-like touch brushed against her bottom. She squirmed. “What are you doing?”

  “Brushing a flower over your skin.”

  Abela started to laugh. “It tickles.”

  “But does it make you feel good?” Liam bent and placed a soft kiss on her shoulder.

  “Hmm…now that does.” She yawned and rolled onto her back, stretching her arms outward. “Are you not sleepy?”

  He brushed the delicate flower between her breasts. “With you around, never. Especially when you are now presenting me with a glorious view.”

  Abela smiled seductively and rolled back onto her stomach. “Then I won’t bother you with any more viewings.”

  Liam brushed his fingers down the middle of her back until they rested on her bottom, and then swept them up to her shoulder. He pulled her hair back from face and teased the soft spot below her ear with his tongue. “You are just as seductive in this position.”

  She quivered under his touch. “Truly?”

  He remained silent and traced patterns over her skin with his tongue. His burning touch sparked the passion within her. When his lips touched her lower back, she moaned. “Liam.”

  Gently he rolled her onto her back. “Yes, mo ghrá?”

  Noticing his desire for her, Abela parted her legs and opened her arms in invitation. Liam bent and suckled on first one breast and then the other. Her hands dug into the soft grass, enjoying the pleasurable sensations coursing through her body. His hand caressed the curves of her hip until they rested between her sensitive core and she sighed. Abela yearned to have him in her, but he kept on with his ministrations.

  Tossing her head back and forth, she pleaded, “Inside me.”

  He grazed his teeth along her rib cage, and she arched against him. “I can’t get enough of tasting your skin.”

  “You’re torturing me.”

  “I believe I am giving you pleasure.” He laughed—his breath hot against her skin.

  The blood in her veins burned as he continued to tease and torment her. Without giving him any warning, Abela pushed him away from her. When he landed on his back, he gave her a look of surprise. She swiftly took advantage of his prone position and straddled him.

  Placing her hands firmly on his chest, she winked. “Two can play this game.”

  Reaching out, Liam squeezed one of her pert nipples. “Did I tell you that I love games?”

  She hissed at the heady sensation—an equal mix of pain and pleasure. “I do recall you mentioning your fascination with foreplay many years ago.”

  Liam grinned mischievously. “You are a minx, princess. I never once mentioned seductive foreplay.”

  Abela moved against his rock-hard erection, marveling at the pleasure. Though he wasn’t inside her, she enjoyed the pleasure of rubbing against him. So soft and yet, hard as steel. “Oh, I guess I misunderstood.”

  He grasped her hips and began to rock in a rhythm with her. “Does this bring you desire?”

  She nodded, unable to speak as she delved deeper trying to catch the elusive spark within her. Her breathing became labored as she focused her gaze on the man beneath her. Shifting her position, she slid down his cock in an unhurried fashion, and marveled as his eyes turned to shards of silver. His guttural groan echoed around her.

  Abela became fixated on the slow movements, relishing the feel of the man. Powerful and in control, she continued to move in a leisurely rhythm.

  “Now you’re the one torturing me,” he growled out.

  Abela bent and teased her tongue across his nipple. “You taste of the wildness of the land.”

  He thrust upward. “And you are driving me to insanity.” Taking his fingers, he brushed them over her intimate area.

  Trembling from the slightest touch, she whispered, “More.”

  As Liam continued to touch her down below, she moved in a more powerful pace. With each thrust, moan, and touch, he brought her closer to the flame. “Feels so…good.”

  “You are my Goddess,” he admitted in a gruff voice. “I am losing control.”

  When his body began to quake inside her, Abela exploded in a thousand tingling sensations. The release so powerful, her heart stopped beating, and the day became night. Stars filled her sight until Liam’s cry filled her being, and she floated back into his arms.

  He immediately rolled her onto her back and took swift possession of her mouth. His thrusts became more urgent, and then he shuddered violently—calling out her name. Desire rolled in another wave inside her, and she went crashing along into its abyss.

  Cradling his head against her breasts, Abela stroked the corded tendons in the back of his neck. Strong, ancient, and all hers. She didn’t know what their future held, but she did understand one fact. Liam was hers forever. She had claimed him. Took him into her body, heart, and soul.

  Even when they returned, she would fight any who attempted to take his life. Tears smarted her eyes, and she was helpless to stop the flow down her cheeks. By the Goddess how she loved this warrior.

  Liam lifted his head, a frown marring his features. “Do not cry, mo ghrá.”

  Abela cupped his cheeks. “I will fight the entire kingdom to keep you safe.”

  “Ahh…not only a Fae minx, but a warrior as well.”

  She hiccupped and looked away. “Peace, knowledge of the land, and understanding the elements was my path. I am not one to condone violence, but I will oppose any who step in my way.”

  Liam rolled off her body, and she shivered. “It is not your fight.”

  Turning on her side, she placed her hand against his chest. “Do not tell me what I can do, Liam MacGregor. I took you into my body and soul, and I will not let anyone utter the words of death over you.”

  “Sadly, it is not your choice—nor is it mine.”

  A chill of foreboding swept through her. What if he was correct? Yet, her mind screamed at the situations already resolved with Conn and Rory. Each was able to make their own choices—from their destiny and life mates. If only she could share what happened with them with Liam. Would he understand the hope she had allowed to blossom in her heart? She drew her hand back and stood.

  Liam joined her and placed his arms around her waist. He nuzzled her neck, and she leaned against him. “Let us not speak of the future or what the council will pronounce. Remember, we are attempting t
o alter the treaty. Fortunately, we can do so soon and resolve the issue of my trial.”

  “I would like to be present at your trial.”

  When he remained silent, Abela glanced up at him. Love shone in the depths of his eyes. “Thank you,” he uttered softly.

  Smiling, she turned in his arms and kissed his lips. “Did you not mention swimming as part of our plans for the day?”

  “Yes, I did.” He bent and kissed her earlobe.

  “Hmm…I wonder what it will feel like to play in the water with you.” She pushed out of his arms and gave him a wink.

  Liam fisted his hands on his hips. “Have you not had your fill of me?”

  Abela watched in a lust-filled haze his growing erection as she walked slowly back. “I have only begun, my warrior.” She bent and picked a wildflower. “Or maybe you’re tired and require more rest?”

  He grabbed his cock, and Abela let out a gasp. “Contrary to what you might believe, I am aching to enter your honeyed sweetness again.”

  She brushed the flower over her breasts. “Then you’ll have to catch me.”

  Chuckling low, he shook his head. “I can run faster.”

  “But I can use magic,” she countered, dropping the flower and snapping her fingers.

  In a flash of colors, she transported herself near the edge of the lake. Shielding her eyes, she could detect Liam’s garbled curses as he ran across the open meadow of flowers. Dipping her toe into the cold water, she was tempted to forgo the swim. Yet, with any problem, there was always a solution. She bent and brushed her fingers over the water. “With the beat of my fingers, so I shall bring forth the heat.” The magic came gradually and she realized the risk, but threw caution to the winds.

  Standing, she smiled, just as Liam smacked her on the bottom and lifted her into his arms. He strode with intent into the now heated lake. “You must learn that magic is not the remedy for everything and any attempt to use your power might weaken you further. Besides, you cheated.”

  Wrapping her arms around him, she placed slow, lingering kisses on the vein alongside his neck. “I never cheat, only manipulate.”

  “And for that, you will be punished.”

  “Should I be scared, worried, or aroused?” she teased, nipping on his chin.

  Liam crossed along the edge of the lake to a boulder and placed her down. The water lapped at her calves as she leaned against the warm stone. “Turn around,” he ordered.

  Clucking her tongue, she complied. “What now?”

  “Spread your arms over the boulder.”

  After doing as he demanded, Abela glanced over her shoulder. “Are you going to spank me?”

  Without giving her time to react, Liam grabbed her hips and entered her in one thrust. The pleasure so exquisite, she closed her eyes on a moan. He withdrew slowly and then pounded deeply back into her. His movements were driving her mad with desire as she longed to reach the peak of pleasure. She yearned for him to move faster, but he kept torturing her with his slow process.

  Gripping the side of the stone, her body tingled from her head to her toes. “Faster,” she growled.

  “No.”

  “Liam, you…you’re killing me.” She was helpless under his possession.

  He slapped her bottom. “Never cheat.”

  She moaned as the first wave of ecstasy lifted her, and she let out a cry when the second slammed into her body. Abela barely registered Liam’s groan of release as the pleasure continued to vibrate throughout her.

  Swiftly turning her over, Liam captured her mouth with savage intensity, stealing the breath from her lungs and giving it back to her mixed with his own. She clung to him, giving him all she had and more. He was her lover. Her warrior. Her husband.

  Their kisses continued for some time, before Liam broke free and lifted her into his arms. Striding back toward the edge of the lake, he waved his hand outward and lush grass filled the area by an old oak tree.

  “I thought we were going swimming,” she muttered against his chest.

  Kissing her forehead tenderly, he responded, “After you rest.”

  Lifting her head, she placed her hand against his rapidly beating heart. “Are you saying I’m exhausted?”

  “Can you dress magically?”

  Her smile faded. “No.”

  “Until you can, I shall make sure you do rest.”

  “With plenty of lovemaking thrown in, too?”

  He arched a brow seductively. “How could I say no?”

  Beaming, she replied, “I love you.”

  Liam brought her gently down to the soft, dewy grass. He sat against the bark of the tree and cradled her onto his lap. “And I love you. Regardless, I will not risk weakening you any further, so don’t attempt anymore magic.”

  She pouted. “I will do my best.”

  “No. You must follow my orders.”

  His stern tone and look brought their dire situation into focus. He was correct. Her magic was fading. Even heating the water made her weak. She didn’t dare tell Liam, deciding to wait until later. This was a time of celebrating the land and each other. Tomorrow she would tell him.

  Cupping his face, Abela brushed her lips over his mouth. “I will follow your orders.”

  “Good. You have just declared a vow.”

  “Truly?” Abela blinked trying to mask her amusement. “Did I mention a promise?”

  Liam looked affronted. “Most assuredly. Especially when you sealed it with a kiss.”

  “Then I shall be true in my convictions to you.”

  He nuzzled her neck, speaking words of endearment. Abela reveled in his warmth and touch, tossing out all negative thoughts and enjoying the pleasure of being with the man who had stolen her heart forever.

  They spent the next several hours talking about their lives. There was no mention of the future. It was unwritten. Yet within her heart, she held on to a sliver of hope. And when the first star winked in the twilight, Liam made love to her tenderly all over again.

  Chapter Nineteen

  “As part of the final preparation into the Brotherhood, a warrior is required to spend one year among the humans without the use of magic. I chose my time assisting Aidan Kerrigan.”

  ~Chronicles of Liam MacGregor

  Urquhart Castle, Scotland ~ Early spring 1209

  Conn surveyed the entrance to the home of the Dragon Knights, trying to do his best at containing his fury. His hand clenched the sword by his side, longing to pull it forth and tear out Liam MacGregor’s heart. What possessed the warrior to take Abela? Why would he think to bring shame to her? Had he missed something when it came to the Fae during all their years together?

  “Loosen your grip,” muttered Rory beside him.

  Conn kept his focus on the portcullis. “Why? Do you fear I’ll harm your brother?”

  “Worse. The fire in your eyes tells me you seek to end his life.”

  Tightening his hold, Conn smirked. “Do you think to order me?”

  Rory stepped into his view. “Yes. You’re letting your feelings for your sister cloud your judgment on dealing with the situation. If you storm into the castle and react on your current emotions, I will be forced to fight you. In addition, our wives will be sorely pissed if one—or both of us are slain. I for one, have no wish to return to Ivy with your dead body over my shoulder.”

  Conn arched a brow in amusement. “So, you have already declared yourself the winner of our battle?”

  “Of course. I believe my constant training has me at an advantage.”

  “Now you insult me further by insinuating my lack of training?”

  Rory rubbed a hand over his chin. “When was the last time you were in the Fae lists?”

  Conn snorted. “Three days ago.”

  “And when Ronan came to fetch me from Aonach Castle, I was sparring with Adam MacFhearguis.”

  “A human.”

  “A Dragon Knight.”

  “Oh for the love of the Goddess, will you both stop this bantering of wo
rds,” demanded Taran, pushing away from an oak tree. “I believe the question is, how much longer are we going to stand here gaping at the entrance?”

  “I concur,” stated Ronan. “Can ye sense your brother, Rory?”

  Taking a step back from Conn, he answered, “No.”

  Conn inhaled and exhaled slowly. “Time to pay a visit to the Dragon Knights.”

  “Finally,” mumbled Taran.

  As he started forward, Conn glanced at Rory. “I give you my word, not only as your prince and leader, but as your friend I will not put my blade into your brother. Yet, do not attempt to thwart me when I take a fist to his jaw.”

  Rory’s mouth twitched in humor. “Deal.”

  Approaching the entrance, they waited for the Dragon Knights to appear, so they could ask permission to enter. However, the massive iron gate lifted on a groan and one of the guards motioned them forward.

  “Strange, we always had to wait for permission to enter from at least one of the Dragon Knights,” declared Ronan.

  Conn narrowed his eyes as he spotted Angus MacKay near the entrance of the castle. “Why do I sense they were waiting for us?”

  “Liam was here,” uttered Rory quietly. “I can detect a faint trace of his blood.”

  “Past tense? Then they are no longer here.”

  Conn made quick strides toward the leader of the Dragon Knights. As he approached, Stephen stepped into view, his hand on the hilt of his sword. A glimmer of contempt shown in the man’s eyes. Conn halted in front of Angus and gave a curt nod. “You honor us by opening your gates.”

  Folding his arms across his chest, Angus responded, “I would never bar my gates to the Prince of the Fae realm.”

  Conn clenched his jaw. “You have seen Liam and my sister.”

  “Aye,” replied Stephen and added, “She was forthcoming about her knowledge in regard to Aileen. Mind ye, the shock was great to my wife.”

  “That information was forbidden!” snapped Conn, leveling an ominous look at the Dragon Knight.

  “Why? Her own father withheld so much, but ye…” Stephen pointed a finger at him. “Ye should have spoken to Aileen.”

  “I was not permitted,” Conn argued.