Splendor and Darkness (Rebel Angels) (16 page)

Frustration clouded Judith’s gaze. Daniel started across the room, ready to offer his embrace. A twinge of conscience brought him up short. The last thing she needed was his seduction, and once he touched her, he would never be content with a comforting embrace.

“How do we distinguish between her visions and the natural imaginings of a child? If there had been something legitimately wrong with Tess, wouldn’t the angels have—
”

Judith completed his interrupted trek, bringing her body within easy reach. “She is a child. Her life should be merry and carefree. Why must she be burdened with this gift?”

He wrapped his arms around her, unable to resist the longing in her gaze, her obvious need for comfort. Words escaped him. How could he explain what he didn’t understand? She deserved more than superficial platitudes.

Snuggling against him, she clung to his back, pressing her soft curves against his body. “Will you stay with me tonight?” she whispered.

Desire, hot and demanding, stabbed through his body.
He swept her into his arms, cradling her against his chest so she couldn’t feel what her request had done to him. She rested her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around his neck. He’d never seen Judith like this—uncertain, vulnerable.

He carried her into her bedchamber and placed her on the middle of the bed. Tugging off his boots, he paused to remove her shoes before he joined her. He stretched out on his side, slipped one arm beneath her neck and propped himself up on his elbow.

“I hate being helpless.” Her luminous eyes stared up at him, a bit of the fire returning. “I was eleven when they arrested my mother.”

He didn’t touch her, didn’t rush her,
just
lowered his emotional barriers, allowing affection to fill his gaze.

“They tried her as a witch and hanged her, all within a matter of days.” A violent shudder passed
though
her body and she quickly blinked away the tears gathering on her eyelashes. “Father and I could do nothing. We were utterly powerless.”

Cupping her cheek with his hand, he brushed her lips with a light kiss. “I’m so sorry.”

She closed her eyes for a moment, rubbing her cheek against his hand. “Father turned his back on the Roma. He felt Mother’s Romani
curse
had taken her from him, so he wanted nothing to do with them.” When she opened her eyes, anger had replaced the sorrow. “We left our band and Father pretended to be a Spaniard. He never allowed me to speak Romani or acknowledge who I really was. He had become head groomsman at an estate near Le
Puy
when I met William.”

“William had been sent there to foster?”

“Aye.
William knew at a glance what we were. He told me he could sense my power. I had no abilities, so I told him he was a
lackwit
.”

Daniel smiled. Her feistiness returned as her tale took her further away from the painful memories. “How did you come to wed with a
lackwit
?” She glanced away, confusing him with her withdrawal. Nate had said William and Judith’s had been a love match.

“William was tormented by his dreams. Unlike Nate, William could never make sense of what he saw. Many began to whisper that madness had clouded his mind. I wasn’t intimidated. I had been raised by a woman with powers far greater than his. I was one of the few people he was comfortable with.”

“He was comfortable with you? That doesn’t seem like much of a reason to wed the man.”

She shrugged. “He was the son of an earl. I was a servant with secrets best left in the past. I didn’t have many options. William was kind to me.”

“Kind to you.”
Daniel scowled. “You deserve to be adored. I can’t believe—”

Her laughter interrupted his objections. “I have a much better life than most of my kind. I have no regrets.”

Daniel shook his head. He could just picture her lying placid and accepting as the son of an earl took his pleasure from her body. To her way of thinking, she deserved no better. She was a servant with a tainted past.

“I am more than comfortable with you.” He stared into her eyes. “I ache to touch you, to cherish you with my body and treasure you with my heart. I’m not the son of an earl, but I’ll be more than kind to you.”

He fit his mouth over hers and teased her with his tongue. She parted her lips in silent invitation. Dragging the cord from her hair, he spread the wavy mass across the pillows. His mouth moved over and against hers, his tongue darting, tracing, but never filling her mouth.

Continuing the sensual attack on her lips, he loosened the laces of her gown, anxious to see her naked body framed by her silky hair. He tore his tunic off over his head and tossed it to the floor. She chuckled and sat, helping him remove her garments. By the time he’d shed his hose, she had covered herself with her hair.

“Oh nay.
This will never do. I want to see every glorious curve, every silken hollow.” He eased her down onto her back and arranged her hair around her. She made no move to hinder him, but she averted her face. “I touched you intimately before, sweetheart. Why are you embarrassed now?”

“You touched me. You didn’t really see me. I’ve borne two children and—”

He silenced her with a deep, passionate kiss. “You are the lush fulfillment of womanhood. The subtle marks left behind by your children are a testament to the miracle of birth. Revel in them. Never be ashamed.” Cupping one full breast in his palm, he kissed her again.

She combed her fingers through his hair and returned the kiss with equal fervor. Her nipple tightened with the first brush of his thumb, drawing his attention downward. Feathering kisses along her neck and across her shoulders, he worked his way downward. Her breasts quivered with each shuddering breath.

Tracing the faint silvery lines on the underside of her breasts with his tongue, he watched her nipples draw into tight, needful peaks. Her fingers tightened in his hair and she dragged his mouth to her nipple. With a throaty chuckle, he caught the crest between his teeth and flicked it with the tip of his tongue.

“Oh,” she murmured. “Please.”

“I love the way your body responds to me. I love the taste and the texture of your skin.” He paused for a moment, staring deep into her eyes. “I love you.”

Before she could reply, he suckled firmly, moving back and forth between her breasts, rolling one nipple with his fingers while he drew upon the other. She gasped and arched, her fingers moving through his hair. Warm and soft, her flesh beckoned him, intoxicated him. He wanted more. He wanted all of her.

She parted her legs and bent her knees as he moved over her. Sliding down her body, Daniel lifted her legs, draping them over his shoulders. She gasped then groaned as his mouth pressed against her sex. He cupped both breasts, squeezing them firmly.

Tracing her slit from back to front, he teased her for a moment before settling over her exquisitely sensitive nub. Her hips jerked with each firm stroke of his tongue and another muffled groan escaped her throat. She trembled and shook as he circled and flicked.

Daniel relished her taste, her soft cries and the subtle rocking of her hips. She arched suddenly. Her hands clutched his head, anchoring him in place. He thrust his tongue into her core and moaned. The rhythmic spasms of her release went on and on. Each tremor sent an echo of her pleasure pulsing through him. She was so sweetly passionate.

He licked his way out, exploring her creamy folds, beginning a new cycle of stimulation. She tossed her head, her breasts heaving beneath his hands.

“Please. I need you inside me now.” Her raspy tone revealed the depth of her need.

He positioned his cock and slowly filled her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, freeing his arms. Framing her face with his hands, he kissed her, matching the movement of his tongue to the greater penetration of his shaft. They moved together, clung to each other, sharing their breath, their bodies,
their
hearts. He thrust hard and deep. She arched and took him deeper. Ravenous, exhilarated, they rocked and strained.

Her nails dug into his shoulders and her core tightened around him. Biting back a roar, he clutched her hips and shuddered violently. Pleasure erupted within him as he spilled his seed deep inside her.

She clung to him, her long legs wrapped around his waist, her arms around his back. He rolled to his side, taking her with him. Her face pressed against his throat and her shoulders shook with a peculiar rhythm. Was she sobbing? Fear lanced through the afterglow and Daniel eased her away from him.

“Why are you crying?” Her eyes gleamed and a smile curved her lips. She was trying not to laugh! “What do you find amusing?” He wasn’t sure her laughter was any less confounding.

“I never thought I’d feel like this. I had given up on love. I feel…amazing. I feel strong and happy and—wonderful!”

He grinned, relaxing as she snuggled against his chest. She’d accepted him, welcomed him, found comfort in his embrace. His pulse leapt and his chest tightened as he ran his fingers through her damp hair.

“You may rest for a short while,” she whispered, laughter still apparent in her tone. “Then I want more.”

The following morning,
Kaleb
arrived with two retainers. Hamill was thrilled to see his father and the other members of the Monthamn household appeared to share a genuine affection for
Kaleb
. Daniel scanned for any hint of danger, wary of the newcomer.

Had Anna’s reaction to Tess made him overly suspicious?

“What brought on that scowl?” Lailah joined him near the hearth in the great hall as the others congregated around the head table.

“I do not trust this man.”

Lailah shot him a sidelong glance. “
Kaleb
arranged for Nate’s injuries to be tended and housed him during his recovery. Had
Kaleb
wanted Nate dead, he would have left him on the road, pinned beneath his horse.”

Daniel accepted her opinion with a stiff nod. She strolled over and sat beside Nate, but her posture remained tense.

Kaleb
relayed the latest town gossip. Hamill used Will to demonstrate the new skills he’d learned. The younger boy was happy to assist. After several hours of lively conversation, Daniel relaxed enough to join the others.

“So you knew William in France?”
Kaleb
met Daniel’s gaze directly, his expression open and curious.

“Aye.”

When Daniel said nothing more,
Kaleb
turned back to Nate. “I’d like to test Hamill’s new skills and take him hunting this afternoon.
With your permission of course.”

“Certainly.
Game has been plentiful this year and I can survive without my squire for an afternoon.”

“Would you care to accompany us? The fresh air might do you good.”

Nate looked at Lailah then Judith.

“You’ve scarcely been out of the castle since your return.” Judith smiled. “Go. Enjoy yourselves.”

“Can I go too, Mama?” Will’s wide eyes shone with hope.

Judith looked at Daniel, her uncertainty obvious. The angelic guards had shown little interest in Will. Would they accompany the hunting party to protect Nate? “Are you likely to find game this late in the day?”

“The castle is well stocked,” Nate said. “This excursion is purely entertainment.”

“Am I included in the invitation?” Daniel saw no other option. What Lailah said was true. If
Kaleb
had meant Nate harm, then arranging his rescue made no sense. Still, Daniel couldn’t banish his uneasiness.

“Of course,” Nate said easily. “The castle is well guarded. Unless,” he paused, and looked at his niece, “Anna, do you know any reason we shouldn’t go hunting with Cousin
Kaleb
?”

Kaleb
laughed. “Are all decisions approved by Mistress Anna now?”

“Anna thinks she sees—”

“Anna’s friends needn’t concern Cousin
Kaleb
.” Judith shot
Will
a quelling look. He glared mutinously. “Do you want to go hunting or not?”

“Aye,” he grumbled.

“Then show the proper respect.”

He opened his mouth, but his mother’s cocked eyebrow made him shut it again.

* * * * *

Nate reined in as they rode across the drawbridge, bringing his mount alongside Daniel’s. He lowered his voice. “You haven’t stopped scowling since we left the stable yard. Why are you so irritable?”

“To be honest, I’m not certain.” Hamill and
Kaleb
led the procession with Will close behind.
Kaleb
laughed at something his son said. “How long have you known
Kaleb
?”

“He fostered at Monthamn Castle, but his family has always lived in London. He was my older brother’s best friend.”

Nate lapsed into silence and Daniel heaved a frustrated sigh. The more people assured him of
Kaleb’s
good character, the more uncomfortable he became. Could he no longer rely on his instincts?

As they rode through the village, Nate waved and greeted those who noticed him. The people of Monthamn were obviously fond of their lord. Daniel watched
Kaleb
for signs of jealousy. Could
Kaleb
have arranged the ambush? There was much to envy at Monthamn Castle.

Kaleb
hardly noticed the attention being lavished on Nate. He challenged Hamill’s outrageous boasting and smiled at Will. Again, despite the evidence supporting
Kaleb’s
innocence, Daniel was unable to suppress his suspicion.

Beyond the village spread a vast forest, undulating over countless hills. They left the wide, well-traveled path and headed deeper into the woods. Hamill dared
Will
to keep up with him and the boys raced on ahead, weaving through the trees. Daniel shook his head at their mischief. Stealthy hunters they were not.

Kaleb
reined in his horse and leapt to the ground. Trepidation washed over Daniel in an icy wave. He dismounted and rushed toward Nate, drawing his sword as he went. With surprising dexterity, Nate slid to the ground on the opposite side from his cousin.

“I shall never doubt you again,” Nate said in an urgent whisper. “
Kaleb
is glowing with demonic energy.”

Shocked by the information, Daniel studied
Kaleb
. He still appeared entirely human.

“I’m allowing you to see me, so you won’t resist.”
Kaleb
advanced with measured steps, his gaze moved back and forth between Nate and Daniel. “My father wants Nate unharmed. I have no instructions regarding you.”

“If you think I’ll meekly follow you into Hell, you are deluded,” Nate snapped.

Kaleb
laughed. “That’s rather dramatic, don’t you think? Our destination is not nearly so far, but you will follow me. You see, I’ll slit young Will’s throat if you don’t.” His expression didn’t change with the threat. His tone remained congenial. “They’ll be confused by our disappearance, but Hamill is smart enough to return to the castle. You don’t have long to make your choice. I hear their voices in the distance.”

Gathering his angelic power into the center of his chest, Daniel prepared to fight.

This is neither the time nor the place for a battle. He is not alone.

Daniel looked at Nate. Had he heard
Gadrayel’s
voice?

“Do what you must, Daniel,” Nate said emphatically. “I’ll not endanger the boy.”

* * * * *

“They are coming.”

Confused by the fear in Anna’s tone, Lailah glanced at the little girl. She stood on a bench, looking out one of the
solar’s
slit windows.

Judith set her embroidery aside. “Have the men returned from their hunt?”

“Nay, Mama.” Anna motioned beyond the shutters. “The creatures are almost here.”

Both women rushed to the window. Lailah scanned the inner bailey and the battlements. Her senses strained and her eyes stung, but nothing appeared out of the ordinary.

“I shielded the horde,” Enos muttered. “That child really is a nuisance.”

Lailah spun to face the enemy, releasing her angelic being as she moved. Her wings unfurled, shielding Judith and Anna. Enos stood in the middle of the room, six demonic soldiers behind him. Their gray-tinted skin and sunken eyes only accented Enos’ misleading beauty.

Silent yet intense, Lailah felt the alarm spread among the angelic guard. Six burly Guardian Angels materialized in front of Lailah, flaming swords drawn, wings spread wide. The demons lunged. The angels countered. Metal clashed against metal, showering the room with sparks.

Similar sounds echoed from outside the castle. The demon horde had arrived. Enos parted the soldiers with a wave of his hands. Both demons and angels went flying as he advanced on Lailah. Gathering the feeble remains of her angelic energy, she raised her arms, prepared to deal what damage she could.

Eyes gleaming yellowish-green, Enos grabbed her wrists and bent her arms behind her back, pressing one of her hands against Judith, the other against Anna. “Take hold of my wrist, Judith, and tell your child to do the same.”

“Go back to Hell. I won’t play your games.”

“Then I’ll leave you here for the horde to defile, but your daughter comes with me.”

“Nay!”

Lailah slapped the side of his head with her wing. He snarled and seared her wrists. She cried out, tugging against his hold. Enos released one of her hands and dragged Anna away from Judith.

“Wait!” Judith reached frantically for her daughter, panic sharpened her tone. “I’ll go with you. I’ll go.”

He accepted Judith’s decision with a smug smile and turned his gaze on Lailah. “Furl your wings. A battle is no place for a child.” He glanced at Judith meaningfully. “And women tend to suffer indignities you don’t want to think about.”

Her wrists still stinging from his effortless attack, Lailah looked into Anna’s terrified eyes. If Lailah refused to cooperate, Enos would leave Judith behind at the mercy of the demonic horde. The battle raged around them. Metal clinked and scraped, shrieks of agony echoed. Trembling, Anna pressed her face against Lailah’s side.

Determination surged through Lailah. She could accomplish nothing here, but if she only had Enos to contend with… It was really their only option. Lailah furled her wings.

Enos chuckled and pulled her into his arms. Judith wrapped her body around Anna and took hold of the demon’s wrists. The solar faded, the floor dissolved and everything around them blurred.

Anna screamed, clutching Lailah’s hips. Lailah tried to reassure her, but she couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. A hissing erupted as they accelerated. Unfocused images sped by. Anna’s screams were lost in the indecipherable sound.

They spun within the maelstrom, like leaves tossed upon the wind. Then the hissing receded and the spinning slowed. Anna’s whimpers emerged from the din. A room came into focus. Not a room—a corridor.

Lailah stumbled back against a stone wall as they materialized. Enos shoved Judith and Anna into a cell and slammed the thick wooden door, sliding the iron bolt into place before he turned to Lailah.

“Come.” He proffered his hand.

She glared at him, pushing away from the wall. “Why have you brought us here?” Were they in the Netherworld?

“I despise the Netherworld. You will never be subjected to that place.” Lowering his hand, he turned his back on her and walked down the corridor.

His message was clear. Stay or follow, it was her choice. Lailah looked at the cell in which Anna and Judith were locked. They were unharmed for the time being. She needed information. Where were they? What must she do to secure their escape?

Enos paused at the end of the corridor and glanced back at her. She walked after him, refusing to rush. Instead of offering his hand again, he motioned for her to precede him around the corner. She looked first and then brushed past him, entering the room directly ahead.

A large bedchamber spread before her. She staggered to a stop.

He closed the door with a negligent wave of his hand. Another gesture ignited numerous candles. Lailah gazed around in stunned disbelief. The room was finely appointed, richly decorated yet elegant and sedate.

“Not what you expected?” He strolled by her, approaching the massive bed. Turning, he leaned against the elaborate footboard and smiled. He looked so much like his brother Sariel it made Lailah tremble. “Have you enjoyed my gift?”