“Good, for I’ll never stop wanting you.”
“Watch your words, or you’ll turn me hard again,” he warned. “And it is time to heal yourself.”
“Then you’ll grow hard for me again?” she asked.
He answered with a sputter of laughter. “I’m always hard for you.”
“And I’m always wet for you.”
He groaned and shook his head. “Enough.” He eased her off him. “Heal yourself, then we will—”
“Make love again?”
He grinned. “All night as promised.”
“I cannot wait,” she said with the eagerness of one who had just been given a gift.
“I’d say be quick, but I want you healed, for what I have in mind will take stamina.”
“You intrigue me.”
“I will do more than that,” he said, walking away from her. “I will teach you the many ways there are to make love.”
T
rey woke in the cabin before Bliss the next morning and smiled, content for the first time in what seemed like forever. It was almost like waking from a bad dream that had been difficult to escape, and the thought made him realize how Bliss must feel when trapped in a dream or vision.
He wrapped himself more tightly around her warm, naked body and knew there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do to protect her and keep her safe.
He had thought the same of Leora; to keep her safe, let no harm come to her, and he had failed horribly. He didn’t want to fail Bliss. He didn’t want to lose her as he had Leora. But as Bliss had so often reminded him, fate made plans that we didn’t always like, and we certainly didn’t understand.
What he did understand was that he could finally accept that Leora was gone and that it wasn’t wrong of him to love again. And that’s what Bliss and he had done all night . . . loved. It had surprised him to realize that making love with Bliss was far more satisfying than doing so with any woman he had ever been with, even Leora.
It was almost as if they were made for each other, they fit so well together.
He smiled again, pleased that guilt did not jab at him. It had been his constant companion for so long that he expected it to be with him forever. He was glad guilt had left him. He had let it eat away at him long enough. And he hoped that by releasing the past, he would also release Leora and that she would no longer haunt Bliss’s visions.
She stirred in his arms, turning to cuddle chest to chest, and he welcomed the pleasurable connection. He settled around her once more, wishing they could stay here, at least for a while, and simply enjoy each other. But he knew that wasn’t possible; he needed to get home.
Her arm slipped over his waist. She reached out to him in sleep, not doubting he’d be there beside her. They had grown accustomed to each other in a short time. Though what did time matter when it came to love?
One look, one touch, and love, or perhaps fate, took charge. Nothing you did afterwards mattered, for your fate was sealed. He grinned. It seemed that perhaps fate was wise in her ways, and he shouldn’t argue or be angry with her. She had, after all, given him Bliss.
His grin grew when he felt the first nibble at his throat.
“You taste good,” she whispered.
“So it would seem since you feasted on me last night.”
She giggled. “I did make a glutton of myself, but it is your fault for being so tasty.”
“Feast to your heart’s content, wife, though”—he eased her on her back, spreading himself over her—“Right now I have a need to fill you.”
“Good, for I feel empty without you inside me.”
He was already hard, her warm body and teasing nibbles having thickened him. But her words hardened him even more. And when he reached down to stroke her, his hand met moisture. She was ready for him, and he hadn’t even touched her. She seemed to always be ready for him, and that made him grow all the more excited.
He kissed her then while his thumb teased her nub, and her body moved eagerly beneath him. He didn’t wait, he couldn’t, and he knew that neither could she. He entered her swiftly and kept a hard, wild pace. It didn’t take long for Bliss to reach climax, and it pleased him, for he had learned last night that he could easily bring Bliss to multiple climaxes, and the discovery had thrilled him. Her first climax was often the beginning of stronger ones to come, which made his own pleasure all the more satisfying.
He climaxed along with her second one, and soon after they lay flat on their backs, catching their breaths.
“Making love is definitely a benefit of marriage,” she said when her breath no longer labored.
He laughed. “That depends on whom you wed. Not all husbands and wives are compatible.”
She turned on her side to face him and sighed. “How sad for them. They will never know the wonder of true love.”
He stroked her face and, for a moment, was speechless. All he could think about was how lucky he was to have Bliss as his wife. “I am a happy man,” he said, and ran his thumb over her lips, which were still plump from his kisses.
She nibbled at his thumb before answering, “And you continually make me a happy woman.”
“And I will keep you happy for years and years to come.” He punctuated each word with a kiss.
Their stomachs grumbled simultaneously, and they laughed. They were soon out of bed, dressed, and enjoying a breakfast of warm bread and honey. Trey startled when a rap sounded at the door though it had not disturbed Bliss. And why would it? People probably sought her help throughout the day.
She bid the person enter, and Trey moved his sword closer to his side just in case though he needn’t have worried. That was until he heard what the young Pict Langward had to tell them upon entering.
“A troop of the king’s soldiers has been seen on the borders of Pict and MacAlpin lands.”
Trey stood, anxious to find out if Langward knew more, when he turned and looked to Bliss. She could possibly know more than the young Pict. He didn’t have to say a word; she knew his thoughts.
“They go to join the others,” Bliss said. “And hope to collect more men along the way.”
Langward shook his head. “I don’t understand why they would take men who do not wish to fight for them.”
“So they cannot fight for the true king,” Trey said, “thus leaving fewer men to take up arms against King Kenneth.” He looked again to his wife. “They presently pose no threat to my home?”
Bliss shook her head. “It is the men and lads in the outlying farms who need to worry.”
“Once my brothers received my message about the troop buildup, they would have sent word to all the farming families to seek protection at the keep. Has Roan returned yet?” he asked of Langward.
“Not yet though we have sent men to the border to keep a watch. There is growing concern that the soldiers may attack Picts.”
“They have never disturbed you before,” Trey said. “Why would you worry now?”
Langward glanced to Bliss, as if she had the answer.
“Times are changing. No more will the Picts live separately from others. They will join force with the true king, and in the ensuing years, both people will blend until they are finally one. The Pict blood forever part of Scotland.”
Another rap at the door had them all turning and Bliss bidding entrance.
It was Dolca, and before anyone could offer a greeting, she said, “The search party returns with the injured farmers, and some are in need of healing.”
Bliss grabbed her white cloak from the peg, and Trey hooked the belt that housed his sword around his waist and followed Bliss out the door, Langward on their heels.
There was a bit of chaos when Mary spotted Thomas on the carrier and, with tears of joy, went running to her husband, with Allena in her arms.
Trey watched as Bliss made her way to Thomas, then stopped abruptly, turned, and grabbed hold of his arm. “Thomas continues to heal, but two Picts were injured defending the farmers against the king’s soldiers.”
She left his side so quickly that he grew dizzy. He stood for a moment, not happy with what he had just heard. It gave credence to why the Picts would side with the MacAlpins and proof that what Bliss had seen was true.
Trey took a moment to watch how Mary and Thomas rejoiced in their reunion. They hugged and kissed, and Thomas reached out for Allena, who had tears streaming down her cheeks. Trey only hoped that Deryn fared as well, that Albert and Teresa had managed to avoid the soldiers, keep Philip and Deryn safe, and be well on their way to arriving at the keep. And no doubt Mary and Thomas wished the same.
Trey conversed with several of the Pict warriors in regard to Roan’s return. They were confident that Roan would have no trouble avoiding the soldiers and would arrive soon enough. Trey needed to know that his brothers had been made aware of the buildup of the king’s troops in the region. If not? He had to return home immediately and inform his brothers of the news.
He would give Roan today to return. If he didn’t, then Trey would need to leave for home at sunrise. He didn’t want to, and he certainly didn’t want to leave Bliss behind, but it would be dangerous to take her with him. Here, at home with the Picts, she would be far better protected than traveling alone with him.
The question was how did he prevent her from knowing that he might well need to leave her behind? He believed, actually he knew, that she would never agree to his decision. She would insist on going with him, and he refused to place her in such danger.
He watched from a distance as she worked on healing two Picts who had sustained injuries from their encounter with the soldiers. He worried that she had not fully healed herself, but then she had to have been healed sufficiently or she never would have been able to engage in such heated lovemaking as they had last night after they returned to her cabin.
Damn, but he loved her.
The thought hit him hard, like a punch to the gut. It stunned him to realize the depths of his love for her. He had convinced himself that he would never love again, or at least not as strongly as he had loved Leora. But here he was, madly in love with Bliss.
He saw her look up at him, and she immediately stopped what she was doing, stood, and hurried to his side.
“Do not even think of leaving me behind, for I will follow you. Nothing will keep me from being by your side,” she said.
He snatched her around the waist and planted her against his hard body, then kissed her with such intensity that no one could doubt how much he loved her. When he released her, he saw that all around them stared in silence.
“I love my wife,” he shouted for all to hear.
A cheer went up, along with grins and nods and shouts of wishes for a long life and many children.
“You have sealed our fate,” she whispered.
“Nay, you did that the day you claimed me for your husband.” He kissed her again.
More shouts and cheers rang out, and the somber mood that had arrived with the injured men changed quickly to one of joy.
“I will return home with you,” she said.
“Only if it is safe,” he insisted.
“Safe or not, I remain by your side.”
“Don’t argue with your husband.”
“Don’t argue with one who knows.”
“What do you know?” he asked.
“More than you,” she said, and gave him a quick kiss before hurrying to return and tend the injured men.
He stood staring after her and wondered what she knew. And couldn’t help but think over her words.
Safe or not, I remain by your side.
Would he not be able to keep her safe? Would he again fail a woman he loved?
He had no ability to see the future, but he knew one thing. He would protect Bliss with his life and gladly give it to keep her safe.
B
liss grew teary-eyed when she saw Thomas reunited with his wife and daughter. The three hugged, the little girl refusing to unwrap her arms from around her father’s neck, as if by holding on to him, she’d keep him from ever leaving again.
She watched Trey approach them and knew he was reassuring them that Deryn, their brave little girl, was all right and that they would be reunited with her soon. He made his way through all the injured men, stopping and talking with each one and offering what comfort and reassurance he could.
Her people were impressed with him and happy for her. Well-wishes continued to come to her as she continued to heal the men. And though she was happy—how could she not be with Trey’s boisterous declaration of love—something troubled her. She couldn’t quite tell what it was; but something wasn’t right.
She wished she could see what it was that nagged at her; but no visions came, nor dreams; she had only her senses to rely on. And they were strong enough for her to be cautious. Whatever it was, she didn’t feel it would be long before it made itself known.
Time wore on as the group settled and fed. She had little time to sneak a peek at Trey now and again, he being just as busy. That all changed as soon as Roan arrived. They both left what they were doing and immediately went to him.
He looked worn and apprehensive, and so Bliss suggested they retreat to her cottage to talk. Silence accompanied them, and not a word was spoken until Bliss had set food and drink in front of Roan, and she joined both men at the table.
“It doesn’t look good,” Roan said with a shake of his head. “It is one thing for King Kenneth to dare travel across MacAlpin land, but to travel the Pict border in such force?” He shook his head again. “It is a sign that tells me that our truce with the present king is fast coming to an end.”
“My brothers—”
“Are well aware of what is going on,” Roan assured him. “Duncan and Reeve had already sent scouts out and knew of the soldiers’ movements though they were surprised of the news I brought. And they eagerly await your return.”
“Do you know if a couple, Albert and Teresa, traveling with two children, Philip and Deryn, have reached the safety of the MacAlpin village yet?” Bliss asked.
Roan nodded. “Aye, they were lucky and passed the troop of soldiers without being seen. They were not far from the village when I met up with them. By now, they should be safe.”
Bliss was glad he had confirmed what she had already sensed.
Roan turned his attention to Trey. “What have you learned of this sudden buildup of the king’s soldiers?”
Trey detailed what he had found out.
“You must get this information to your brothers immediately,” Roan said.
“I plan to leave tomorrow at first light.”
“
We
plan to leave tomorrow,” Bliss corrected.
“If it were any other woman, I would advise against it,” Roan said, “but with your powers, you would prove an asset to Trey.”
“Dolca will be traveling with us,” Bliss said, prepared for objections.
“Absolutely not,” Trey said. “She still recovers from her illness and will slow us down.”
“Trey is right,” Roan agreed. “She can join you later.”
“Unfortunately, she can’t,” Bliss said. “It is imperative that she go with us.”
Both men stared at her, and she knew their thoughts. Did they question her or accept the wisdom of her ways?
“There is no other way?” Trey asked.
“I’m afraid not. It is best for her and the true king that she is kept safe on MacAlpin land.”
“I will go with you,” Roan said. “You may need help.”
“You have just returned home,” Bliss protested, though she knew he was right. It would be good for him to accompany them.
“You warned this day would come,” Roan said. “You told us that we would need to choose if we were to survive. The MacAlpins have proven themselves good friends, and so the Picts will join forces with them and help the true king take his throne.”
“My brothers will be pleased to hear that,” Trey said.
They spoke a while longer, then Roan left. He needed to make preparations for tomorrow and get some rest.
Bliss slipped into her husband’s arms, laying her head on his chest. “I wish we could stay here and forget that anything exists except us.”
His arms tightened around her, and she welcomed his firm embrace. If only life were simpler and they could remain as they were, without worry or fear. But it was not meant to be, and she wasn’t sure if it ever would be.
“There will come a time for us,” Trey said.
“Not before there is more bloodshed and suffering.” That she knew for certain.
“Peace will eventually prevail.”
Bliss didn’t respond. That troubling feeling nagged at her again and caused her concern. Why couldn’t she see what troubled her? Was it so disheartening that fate would not let her see it? Which meant . . . there was nothing she could do about it?
It was in fate’s hands, and no amount of knowing would change it.
The realization worried her all the more, for she knew without a doubt that it concerned her and Trey. And she feared she might not like the outcome.
“You tremble,” he said, stroking her back. “What disturbs you?”
At least she could be honest. “I do not know. I only know that it awaits us both.”
“Good,” he said. “Then we face it together.”
“I never thought of it that way,” she said, smiling up at him.
“We are husband and wife and will face everything together.”
She had no response. The only thing she thought to do was . . . kiss him.
It was no quick, gentle kiss, but rather one filled with love and passion, and he responded in kind. They lingered in the kiss and in each other’s arms. She ached for more and thought of tugging him toward the bed to let him know, but there was work to be done, and she couldn’t be selfish.
Trey on the other hand . . .
“I know what’s on your mind,” he said, and returned to kissing her before she could respond.
When, finally, she got the chance, she said, “There is no time.”
“There is always time,” he said, and grinned, “for a quick one.”
She grabbed his hand and pulled him to the bed, but once there, he scooped her up and plopped her down on her back, then dropped over her, his hands braced on either side of her.
Their hands fumbled as they both rushed out to touch the other, and they laughed at their eager, though bumbling, attempts.
“Leave this to me,” he said, and took charge.
While it was a quick joining, it was no less satisfying. Actually, the haste heightened her excitement, and she burst with pleasure as soon as Trey entered her and happily exploded with passion again, along with him, a few minutes later.
They both sighed with contentment, and, as much as they would have loved to remain as they were, they knew that duty called, and no sooner than they stood and straightened their clothes, a knock sounded at the door.
They grinned, kissed, and went to the door.
T
he injured men were upset to learn that Bliss would be leaving, but not so Mary. She was pleased to know that Bliss would be meeting with Deryn and letting her know that the family was together and would reunite with her soon.
Bliss met with Dolca while Trey spoke once again with Roan. The older woman was thrilled to learn that they would be leaving in the morning.
“I am eager to meet with my granddaughter. There is so much to tell her.”
Bliss grinned. “I just realized that Trey forgot to tell you something that I believe will thrill you even more.”
Dolca’s eyes turned wide.
“You will not only meet your granddaughter but your great-grandson and -granddaughter as well.”
Tears pooled in her aged eyes, though they sparkled with delight. “Twins. I am so blessed.”
“But there is one other you are eager to meet, is there not?”
Dolca nodded. “I have kept the secret for many years, fearing I would never live to see it made known and now . . .” She wiped at the few tears that fell.
Bliss rested her hand on the woman’s arm. “You must carry your secret a while longer before it can be revealed.”
Dolca nodded. “In some ways it has been burdensome, and in others I have not felt its weight. But I am glad the end draws near, for it has cost so many so very dearly.”
“Are you sure you feel well enough for the journey?” Bliss asked, sensing the woman’s weariness.
“You feel the exhaustion of these many years on me, but my strength has never waned. I will see this done, as it should be.”
“I admire your courage.”
“Your courage far surpasses mine,” Dolca said. “You suffer the burden of many while I only a few. And where mine has an end, yours goes on forever. You are indeed heroic.”
Bliss never thought of herself as brave. It took no courage to be who she was, who she had always been. She was truly no different from any of her people though she doubted any of them could understand that.
Trey did.
She knew he made an effort not to treat her as others did, and it made her love him all the more. He tried not to seek endless answers from her, and he didn’t pursue issues when she made it clear that was all she had to say on a matter. He respected her and did not fear her like most did, though they claimed otherwise.
“You love Trey,” Dolca said.
Bliss smiled and nodded. “Very much.”
“But something troubles you.”
While her abilities allowed her to sense things, she realized that age brought with it certain intuitiveness.
“My ears listen well while my mouth remains firmly shut,” Dolca said with a laugh.
“As your secret has proven,” Bliss said, and gave a sigh. “Unfortunately, I’m not sure what burdens me, and I think that is what disturbs me the most.”
“Give it to fate and let it be.”
“You give much the same advice that I do.”
“My wisdom comes with age; yours has always been.”
Bliss smiled. “You are so like my grandmum, teaching and reminding when I need it.”
“Hester taught you well, I but remind now and again.” A tear caught in the corner of Dolca’s eye. “I miss your grandmum. She was a good friend to me.”
“I miss her terribly, and though no one can replace her, you have filled a great void in my life, and I am grateful.”
They hugged and talked and hugged again, their bond forever strong. Bliss advised Dolca to get a good night’s sleep, for her mettle would be tested once she reached the MacAlpin keep.
Dusk was fading fast as Bliss approached her cottage, and she stopped suddenly as she sensed something so strongly that it startled her. She and Trey would not continue on with Roan and Dolca to MacAlpin village. Their arrival would be delayed, but why?
No answer came, but at least she had been warned.
She entered her cottage, disappointed not to find Trey there, and she shook her head. She had never felt disappointment upon returning home to an empty cottage. Actually, she had enjoyed the solitude, the time simply to be herself, no demands being made of her.
Perhaps that was why, while she wanted to find a man to love and spend her life with, she had hesitated. Could she really share her cottage with someone? Always having someone underfoot?
She laughed. If she had ever known love, she would never have thought of someone’s being underfoot. But still, there were times she needed her aloneness, needed to recuperate from difficult healings. That was when she most sought the solitude of her cottage.
The thought rushed at her, and she was surprised that she had not considered it before though perhaps she hadn’t wanted to.
Trey would expect to live with his family on MacAlpin land, and she expected to remain with her people on Pict land. Neither of them had mentioned it, but a wife was expected to follow her husband. Though Bliss had made friends with Mercy and Tara and loved visiting with them, she still looked forward to going home.
The idea of leaving her home, her people, disturbed her, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. After giving it too much thought, she decided, as always, that fate would show her what was best.
A faint rap sounded at the door, and Bliss wasn’t surprised to see one of her people there offering her fresh-baked bread. Another villager arrived a few minutes later with a cauldron of stew. It never failed that when she was gone for a day or more, her fellow Picts would arrive with food for her. It was their way of seeing to her care, so that she would be there for them when they needed her.
Again the question haunted her. How could she leave them? They were her people and depended on her. Fate had better hurry and show her an answer.
“What’s wrong?”
Startled, Bliss turned from where she stood by the fireplace to find Trey standing not far from her. She had been so engrossed in her concerns that she hadn’t heard him enter. His unexpected arrival reminded her of another reason she was so comfortable in her home. She never worried about anyone’s entering without permission—everyone respected her privacy. Could she expect the same at the MacAlpin keep, where it seemed no one had time to themselves?
His arm went around her waist though he didn’t tug her up against him as usual. “Something troubles you, tell me.”
It wasn’t a command, but more of an urging, as if he wished to share in her dilemma. Did she discuss this with him now or wait? There was the possibility that it wouldn’t need discussing, that they were not meant to live their lives together.
The thought worried her more than the possibility of leaving her home. It made her realize that when the time came, the problem would be solved, and getting distressed over it now did no good.
“I have no doubt that you can settle my dilemma for me,” she said.
“Tell me what it is, and it will worry you no more.”
“I could not decide if we should enjoy the evening meal or feast on each other first.”
Trey grinned, his actions answering for him. He gave her a kiss that was meant to stir both their passions, and stir them he did, Bliss tingling all over and growing wet with anticipation. Then he scooped her up into his arms and carried her to the bed.