Amber Flame Page 16

  Another cheer went up, traveling through all the wolves present.

  Mary worked hard to avoid eye-contact with Harley and instead focused her attention on Fergus. But the pull was there, a concern Harley was a linchpin for Sydon in some inexplicable way.

  She stuck close to Fergus, which wasn’t hard to do since his arm never left her waist. Though, after the first shift was called down to the second level dining area, Harley made sure Fergus was given some time to shower and dress.

  Mary went with him to his master bedroom, where she found her flight bag. She suspected Fergus’s wolves, who had provided meatloaf and wine the night before, must have packed up her things from the den and brought them to the compound.

  She was about to pick it up, when she realized Fergus had grown very quiet. Reaching out with her fae senses and seeing that he was staring at his bed, she realized he was remembering what Sydon had done here.

  Fergus’s wolves, thank God, had already cleaned up the space.

  “Even though this is a different bed, I don’t want to be in this room,” he said. “Sydon shot up all three of those women with amber flame.”

  Mary knew what it meant to have a flame drug forced into her system. The withdrawal process had required days in order to completely get the highly addictive substance out of her body. And even then, she’d had regular treatments for residual reactions to the drug.

  His voice was low as he said, “They’ll need therapy as well.”

  She drew close and took his hand. “Do you have another place where we can stay?”

  He inclined his head in a northerly direction. “A guest suite just down the hall. We’ll go there now to get cleaned up because I don’t want either of us in this room as it is. I’ll want it gutted before I return.”

  She understood completely. She could recall the horror she’d felt when she’d first seen the three female wolves chained to the bed. She remembered Fergus’s order to burn the bed, which she suspected had already been done. But the space felt evil to her as well.

  When he gathered up his clothes, and picked up Mary’s flight bag, she left the room with him.

  He immediately summoned his housekeeper and issued orders that after he and Mary had used the guest suite to change clothes, he wanted the rest of his belongings moved temporarily to the guest bedroom.

  His housekeeper wore a solemn expression as she said, “I’ll put everything in motion right away.”

  A half hour later, Mary still wore her jeans, black t-shirt and the thin silver belt, but Fergus had showered and changed into a new set of leathers and a t-shirt bearing the amber logo patch of the Gordion pack. With his arm once more around her waist, he led her to the soundproof communal dining area where the first shift of wolves was howling, noisy and exuberant with celebration. They’d finished their meal, but had waited to greet their alpha before turning the space over to the second shift.

  He took her first to the head table where she sat while he made a speech, thanking everyone for their support. Afterward, she watched him do the same thing Warren had done at his compound. Fergus made his way from table-to-table and wolf-to-wolf, making contact with each person in his pack.

  Much later and well into the third-shift celebration, Mary was woozy from too much champagne. She sat in the same place, at the head table and had been visited by most all of the Gordion wolves. She was pretty sure it would take a full day of self-healing for her fingers to recover from so much hand-shaking.

  How did you know about the spell?

  The sound of Sharon’s voice in her head forced Mary to sit up a little straighter and look around.

  Sharon floated in the air off to Mary’s left as though reclining on her side. Her elbow appeared to be resting on something solid as she supported her head in her palm. It was all posturing of course. A ghost didn’t exactly have a head to put anywhere.

  But Mary gave her credit for attitude.

  She rose from her chair and moved to stand beside Sharon. So, you’re back. Are you here to celebrate Fergus’s reinstatement?

  When Sharon didn’t answer her, Mary turned to look at her, but Sharon didn’t seem happy. What’s wrong? Mary asked. I thought you’d be pleased.

  Sharon shifted to look at her, then moved to a sitting position. She now appeared as though perched on top of a wall, her legs dangling over. How did you know about the spell, Mary?

  Of all the things Sharon could have addressed, Mary was surprised she would want to talk about the spell. For whatever reason, my fae senses were on high alert. The moment we left the tunnel, I knew something was wrong.

  Well, what you did was brilliant. I followed you in the dreamglide and saw what you saw. Sydon is a real piece of work, isn’t he?

  Undoubtedly a psychopath.

  Sharon grew quiet. Mary turned to watch her, wondering why she was back this time. Sharon’s gaze followed Fergus almost exclusively.

  What you are thinking about? Mary asked.

  Sharon released a ghostly sigh. I never knew how to love this man. He was always a mystery to me even when we were human. But it seems so easy for you, and that makes me a little sad, even pissed off.

  How can you possibly be mad about something like that? Mary asked. I always had the impression, especially by way of a few dead-talkers I know, that the afterlife is meant for letting go, for different kinds of atonement, but mostly for moving on. So, what are you here for, Sharon?

  She huffed another ghostly sigh. To help you and Fergus make this transition.

  Mary’s faeness fired up once more. Wait a minute, she said. This is about Sydon, isn’t it? He’s why you’re here.

  To some degree, yes, Sharon responded. And also about the witch who gave him the spell. You’re on the right track there, which is what I came to tell you. But Mary, things are going to get rough. You’ll need to be brave, I mean really brave. And now, I have to go.

  As quickly as she’d come, Sharon was gone.

  Mary felt deeply unsettled by what Sharon had just told her. She’d confirmed her suspicions that a witch was involved more extensively than just selling a dark spell to Sydon. But she had no idea what to do about it.

  She needed more information and though she tried to call Sharon back, the ghost remained stubbornly unreachable.

  Fergus greeted the last of his pack members and finally headed in her direction. His leathers and snug black t-shirt were a great look for him. The fabric showed off his thick pecs and trim waist. His hair hung in a mass as it always did, and as was his habit, he’d created Sharon’s intricate braid after he’d showered.

  CHAPTER NINE

  MARY PUT HER hand over her mouth and giggled just as Lydia had. The room was full of flowers and lit candles, at least a dozen. The fragrances had her wolf-nose wrinkling and she loved it. The bed had been turned down with pink rose petals scattered over white sheets. Champagne sat chilling in an ice bucket beside a pair of flutes.

  “They did this for us?” she asked, moving into the room and turning in a full circle to take it all in.

  “The women wanted to show their appreciation for all that you’ve done. This is for you, Mary, which is the least you deserve.”

  She shook her head and couldn’t quite blink. “There have to be a hundred pink and yellow roses in here.” There were four large bouquets and several smaller ones. She glanced toward the other side of the room. “And lavender ones as well.”

  Her nostrils flared and once again she embraced the rich scent. As had happened before, she could detect layers of fragrance and took her time exploring each one. It was like having a feast for her senses.

  Fergus headed in the direction of the bathroom. Once by the doorway, he turned back to her, smiling. “There’s more in here.”

  She followed after him, then stepped inside. She gasped faintly at the sight of three full-length negligees hanging from one of the above-the-sink light fixtures. The gowns were made of beautiful lace, one each in black, cream and purple. “I wouldn’t know how
to choose.”

  But that’s when she saw the oversized bathtub full of bubbles. Steam rose from within. Nothing could have looked more welcoming.

  “This is exactly what I need.” She turned to Fergus. “How do I thank them for this? I’ve been feeling worn out and overcome, and this hits the spot.”

  “You won’t need to thank anyone. They’re just showing their gratitude for what you’ve done for me. But if you feel the need, a few words to Lydia would do it. Right now, I’m going to pour the champagne and bring you a glass. You can climb right in if you want and please, take your time.”

  The funny thing was, she could feel his alpha hunger for her like a sensual crawl over her skin. Yet he had enough restraint, despite his ever-present drive, to give her the space she needed.

  When he left, she stripped out of her clothes, folding them into a neat pile. She stowed them out of sight near the hamper. Using a couple of large hair clips, also laid out for her, she drew her hair up and pinned it on top of her head.

  She stepped into the steaming water then lowered herself in. The sound that came out of her throat was more a wolfish growl than the sigh she’d intended.

  Her body grew light, her arms and legs floating easily, her head resting on a bath pillow. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths. The aromatic oils in the water soon had a restorative effect and her energy began to rise once more.

  She heard the pop of the champagne cork, and a minute later Fergus returned carrying two glasses. Opening her eyes, she saw that he was also naked, which made her smile. Not surprising, her thoughts became much more focused on him, and the difficulties of the night faded away.

  The present moment felt like a gift to her in every possible way. Fergus had survived another horrendous attack, this time through a deadly witch powder, and now he was here.

  She extended both her hands. “Let me hold them, then please join me.”

  His smile broadened. “Was hoping you’d say that.” He handed her the glasses, and she scooted forward so he could climb in behind her. The tub, thank God, was big enough that he easily stretched out his long muscled legs on either side of her. The water swirled as he slid an arm around her waist, drawing her against him.

  She groaned for the pleasure of it, for the feel of his body, the water and the soundproof room. She felt some serious future howls forming in her throat. She handed him a champagne flute. When he took it, she leaned back and rested her head against his shoulder.

  He brought his glass forward and tapped hers. “For everything, Mary.”

  He sipped, and she felt and heard him release a growling sigh. She took a drink as well. She couldn’t believe she was here, lying in a tub full of bubbles, smelling a scented bath oil that reminded her of the ocean, and feeling Fergus’s muscular body all around her.

  “You’re back where you belong, Fergus. You must be so relieved.”

  “I am.” His rough wolf voice pleased her so much.

  She continued sipping for a few minutes and when she was done, she set her champagne glass on the floor. She heard an answering clink of Fergus’s flute on the opposite side of the tub which caused a shiver of anticipation to flow head to toe.

  She felt his lips next as he kissed the back of her neck. Every sense she possessed became focused on each intimate pressure against her skin. The feel of his growing arousal forced her to draw air into suddenly achy lungs.

  She couldn’t believe she was here with Fergus, in a bathtub, naked and ready to join with him again, to be connected to him as she had been in the dreamglide for the past few weeks. The memories surged and she howled softly. Their weeks of dream-world lovemaking had primed her for an intimate relationship.

  She used her hands once more to map the curves of his muscular arms, which were beautiful and perfect.

  Slowly, she turned over and floated above him in the water. She kissed his chin and his nose. “You look incredibly relaxed.”

  “I am,” he said.

  He poised a hand above the clips in her hair. “Do you mind if I take these out?”

  She shook her head. “Not at all.”

  He removed them, allowing her hair to fall to her shoulders and into the water.

  He held her around the waist and drew her against his chest. He was just tall enough that his feet held him in place. His muscles might have been fairly dense as well since he didn’t seem to be floating like she was.

  She felt the full length of his erection against her abdomen. He kissed her, his tongue taking possession of her mouth. She felt the kiss all the way to her toes.

  Before she realized she’d done it, and without meditating even a little, she’d summoned her dreamglide and pulled him inside. He laughed as he looked around since they were in the bathtub in both places. Whatever this was between herself and Fergus, her powers had been growing from the time she’d rescued him from the Graveyard. Now she could easily be with him in two places at once.

  And she wasn’t unconscious in real-time at all. He wasn’t, either. Instead, like the last time they’d made love, she was fully in both places at once, which enhanced every move, every kiss, every touch exponentially. She drew back just a little, arched her neck and howled. His arms tightened around her waist and his hips rocked. He growled against her throat.

  The possessive, erotic sound sent shivers down her chest and over her nipples. She wanted him to bite her.

  Hard.

  ~ ~ ~

  Fergus struggled to control himself. Within his wolf body was the call of his mating need and over the past few hours, since he’d bonded again with his pack, the sensations had grown almost unbearable. He wanted an alpha-mate and everything about Mary told him she was the one.

  As he kissed her neck, savoring the dual sensation of the dreamglide and real-time sex, he licked her in long swipes of his tongue. Her howl sounded like a wolf and had his cock jerking with need.

  He wanted to mate with her wolf-to-wolf and his new fae instincts told him somehow their unique relationship might allow him to do just that. She even sprouted a fine layer of light-colored fur at her throat, her wrists and around her nipples.

  He brought the wolf part of himself to the fore and continued sniffing and licking her throat. Her soft, sensual howls, combined with sexy wolf-like grunts, kept his hips rocking into her. He was fully erect.

  He began to feel an answering response within Mary, from the part of her slowly becoming wolf.

  As his need for her grew, the dreamglide began to move. “Take me inside, Mary, as deep as you can get.”

  She moaned, then lifted her hips up just enough to reach down and guide him to her entrance. Her whole body arched as the head of his cock slipped into her well. He leaned forward and once more kissed the long slope of her neck. Arching his hips, he let her feel him deep between her legs.

  She moaned. “God, that feels good.”

  She drew back a little more, then planted her hands on his shoulders. As she lifted her hips, she slowly came down on his cock. A mangled wolf-groan came out of his throat. The farther he went inside her, the faster his internal wolf moved.

  He nodded. “This is a miracle, isn’t it?” He rocked his hips slowly, letting her feel his cock.

  “I still can’t believe I’m here in your pack compound, sharing a dreamglide with you while still awake and conscious. Can you feel the movement of the dreamglide?”

  “Like we’re caught in a wind. Is that what it’s like for you?”

  “It carries a wolf feel as though we could run as far and as fast as we wanted, no hindrances.”

  “I was trying to think what it was like. But that’s it, speed and distance.”

  His hips moved faster. “Let me do the work.”

  She leaned down and kissed him. “You’re so damn strong.”

  Her words fueled him.

  Within the dreamglide, suddenly the bathtub disappeared. He stood beside her. Let’s run like we did last time.

  She smiled. I’d love to. It’s incred
ibly erotic to have your cock thrusting in and out of me while I shift and run beside you.

  He shifted into his wolf. Mary joined him, transforming alongside him. She’d never be able to do this in real-time, but in the dreamglide, all things were possible and here she was, a blonde-furred beauty. Her light brown eyes glinted as she raced next to him once more through the pine forest of Savage.

  Fergus, this is amazing. We’re having sex, and I’m a wolf and we’re running. I love it, more than I can say!

  In real-time, he held her hips steady and thrust his cock deep into her sex. He was wolf and man, yet the drive was fae as well. At the same time, he felt more like himself than he had in a long, long time.

  With his hands still holding her hips pinned in place, he drove faster in the bathtub, the water sloshing around them. In the dreamglide, he ran hard, stretching out all four paws and reaching for as much ground as he could manage. Mary tracked close.

  In real-time, Mary’s breathing kept changing shape. Sometimes she huffed or gasped, other times she appeared to stop breathing, her lips parted. In the dreamglide, she ran faster. Pleasure was on every feature, and that’s all he wanted right now, to know she was enjoying both experiences as much as he was.

  His combined awareness moved back and forth, from racing wolf to the bathtub, then back until he could feel himself doing both at the same time. His hips went faster and his wolf legs thrust forward in long strides.

  Unbelievable.

  Staring into her eyes, he saw a faint amber ring emerge around her light brown irises. He lifted up and kissed her. “Your eyes have a wolf glow.”

  She smiled faintly. “They do?”

  He lowered his chin. He moved faster and faster. “I love running beside you, and I love fucking you.”

  She drew in a long stream of air. “Me, too. Both.”

  The wind of the dreamglide pushed him on. Mary held tight to his shoulders so that he pistoned wildly inside her now. He felt her sex rippling over his cock in that way of hers. Her lips parted and the sweetest yet most erotic howl left her throat.