My Highlander: A Cree & Dawn Novel, page 17
She ran her hands over his broad shoulders, his muscles taut and thicker than she remembered, but then he had grown in size since she had been gone. He was powerful before and even more so now, and feeling the strength of him as he hovered over her flared her desire.
He pushed himself off her, his hands braced on the bed to either side of her shoulders and settled his manhood between her legs.
“I want to plant a bairn inside you. What say you, wife?”
That he should ask her and that he did not even give thought to her possibly being with another man but accepted her word filled her heart with joy.
Dawn smiled, nodded, and patted her chest, letting him know she would love him to give her another bairn.
Cree smiled, a wicked smile, and teased her with a kiss that stirred her senses and promised so much more.
“I will keep you busy day and night, wife, getting you with child.”
Dawn crossed her heart.
“Aye, wife, I promise,” Cree said and as he claimed her lips in another kiss, she spread her legs welcoming him, and he entered her slowly.
Too slowly for Dawn. She arched her back and he sank deeper into her and she smiled, having waited as if forever to feel him there inside her once again.
She tapped her mouth so he would look at her lips, then gripped his arms as she mouthed, need you, want you, love you.
Cree answered with a sharp thrust, entering her and tossing his head back to release a rumbling groan. He remained still for a moment, savoring the feel of her, and wanting to feel more, so much more.
He began to move as did Dawn and they set a rhythm familiar to them both, slow and steady at first with Cree lowering his head now and again to tease her neck with nips and nibbles.
It spiraled Dawn’s passion like it always did and she quickened the pace of their rhythm.
Cree obliged her, moving faster, his own need growing rapidly and when Dawn began to tap his arm with her finger over and over, her gesture for yes, yes, yes, he took charge. He plunged in and out of her, the force of his movement rocking them back and forth on the bed, and still he felt he could not bury himself deep enough in her.
He watched her, making sure he was causing her no pain, but he saw only pleasure as she crunched her eyes and her mouth dropped open in silent groans that would have surely echoed throughout the keep if she had a voice.
He let himself go just as she did, enjoying every thrust, every sensation, every moment of joining with his wife once again.
Her hands gripped his arms tight just as he felt himself on the verge of climax and knew she would join him, and she did.
His roar filled the room and Dawn was sure it could be heard throughout the keep and she wished her scream of pleasure could be heard along with his. But her silence in no way lessened the never-ending spiral of pleasure that consumed her nor did it rob her of the joy of seeing her husband’s pleasure as he emptied into her, leaving his seed to take root.
“You are mine,” Cree said as he dropped down over her as if he had claimed her for the first time.
Dawn smiled and wrapped her arms around her husband, for those words meant more to her than anyone would know.
They soon fell asleep in each other’s arms, but sometime later Dawn woke in the throes of passion, her husband’s hands working their magic once again. When he realized she was awake, he was quick to pull her up onto her knees and with her hands braced on the mattress, he entered her from behind, gripping her backside as he drove in and out of her until they once again exploded together in climax.
Cree promised himself he would not touch her again that night, seeing her yawn soon after he had settled her in his arms, and feel how limp her body rested against his. She was tired and needed to rest. Tomorrow would be soon enough to make love to her again.
But he woke how long later, he did not know, his manhood stirring once again. He eased his wife out of his arms, much too tempted to wake her, and went to sit in the chair by the fire, adding logs to the dying embers before he sat.
He shook his head. He had been wise not to join with his wife too soon upon her return. He knew once he did he would not be able to get enough of her. He never seemed to be able to get enough of her, and was pleased she felt the same. But now that he had, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to keep his hands off her, and she still had to heal more.
It had felt so good, so very good, to join with as one once again. It was like nothing he had ever experienced before and had missed beyond measure when he had thought her dead. And it felt even more special knowing they were making another bairn together.
The twins had been a surprise, since he had thought Dawn had taken the brew Elsa had given her to keep from getting with child. He had not wanted her to get with child then, since he had been promised to another. But in the end it had helped him make a decision, regarding him and Dawn and all had worked out well. Not that he would have had it any other way.
Now, though, this time was different. They were wed, settled with a home, a family, and they had chosen to add to that family. He was more than pleased. Though, he would be even more pleased when he solved the puzzle of Dawn’s abduction and the consequences that followed, Lara’s death being one of them, the man Tarass being another.
He pushed the disturbing thoughts away. He would not let anything ruin this night and its memories. His wife was home, truly home now. They were one once again and that was all that mattered.
He smiled, hearing his wife approach from behind him and placed his hand over hers after it settled on his shoulder. He was not surprised when she linked her fingers with his and walked around to stand in front of him.
The fire’s light cast a glow over her, outlining the subtle curves of her body that was still sluggish with sleep. Her dark red hair was a mess of tangles, several strands falling around her face, and her dark eyes—the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly—burned with passion.
He pulled her to him and her body quickly lost what sleep lingered as she fell against him, making sure she landed in his lap and she rubbed herself against his rising manhood.
Her arms went around his neck and she pressed her lips to his in a kiss that was far from tender.
It did not take long for either of them to grow impatient and Cree suddenly stood, his hands slipping under her backside, taking her with him while their lips remained locked in a punishing kiss.
Their lips separated when Dawn was jolted back against a wall.
“Hold tight,” Cree ordered. “I am going to ride you hard.”
Dawn kept her arms firm around her husband’s neck and he lifted her slightly and fitted himself inside her with ease, but then she was ready for him, having woken from a dream wet and eager to join with him.
He was true to his word, he slammed into her hard again and again, her back repeatedly hammered against the wall with his forceful thrusts. She was soon lost in pleasure, always enjoying the times there was no preamble to their lovemaking. He would do nothing but enter her quick and with a fierce need that had him driving deep and fast into her, until…
She heard his groan before she realized he was climaxing. He never climaxed before her, not ever, and she smiled and tightened around him, enjoying this unexpected moment.
“You think you will not come with me,” he said in a growling tease and cupped her bottom with his arm as his other hand slipped between them to tease her sensitive nub that was already throbbing, and she exploded in climax. Not once but twice, Cree driving into her until she came again.
Cree braced his one hand against the wall as the last of his climax faded, Dawn’s head resting on his shoulder as her second climax faded away.
He waited a few moments, his climax so hard that it robbed him of some breath and strength. It did not take long for him to regain both and he carried her to the bed, lowering them down on it.
Their hands remained locked together as they lay side by side until Dawn shivered, then Cree turned, pulling the blanket over them and hugging her close. Sleep claimed them quickly and it was well after sunrise before they woke.
“Where are you going, wife,” Cree asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes to see Dawn hurrying into her garments.
Dawn gestured fast and Cree pieced together what he caught, his eyes still blurred from his heavy sleep.
“You go see the twins, then Elsa.” His brow wrinkled at what she added. “You do not feel well?”
Dawn smiled wide as she hugged herself.
“Feeling good today.” He corrected and grinned, feeling good himself.
Dawn rushed over to him, kissed him quick, patted his chest, then pointed to her smile.
“I put the smile on your face this morning?” he asked, knowing it was what she meant but wanting to hear it from her.
She nodded and rolled her hand around and around, her smiling growing.
“Many times over,” he said with a chuckle.
She nodded again and looked as if she chuckled along with him.
Cree grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down on the bed. “Shall I add another time to it?” His hand slipped beneath her garment, but when he touched her between her legs, she stiffened. A reaction he had never gotten from her. He looked at her and her wince told him everything. “You are sore.”
She nodded, looking almost apologetic.
“I should have been more tender with you.”
Dawn shook her and gestured, letting him know she did not at all agree and that she had been just as eager to make love as he had been. She finished with a wave of her hand as if her discomfort was nothing and would pass.
“You will see if Elsa has anything that will help you,” Cree ordered and I will not touch you for a day or two.”
Dawn sat up and poked him hard in the chest, shaking her head.
“You are sore,” he reminded. “I will not make it worse.”
Dawn tapped her chest.
“You think it is for you to decide?”
She nodded and pushed herself off the bed, but Cree caught her arm before she could stand.
“My decision, wife, since you are too stubborn to do what is best for you.”
Dawn looked about to argue when she turned a grin on him and nodded, then gave him a kiss on the cheek, eased her arm out of his grasp, and slipped off the bed to hurry to the door.
Cree jumped out of bed. “I know that smile, Dawn. You will not have your way.”
Dawn turned and even wider smile on him and pointed between his legs, then tapped her chest, letting him know she would have her way and rushed out the door before her husband could stop her.
Cree looked down at his jutting manhood and growled, “Traitor.”
The twins took up more of Dawn’s morning than she had planned. It made her realize how they had grown in her absence. She loved that Cree made sure to spend time with them in the morning before he saw to his duties. It was not until the twins settled in to play with Nell and Ina that Dawn was finally able to go see Elsa.
“Oh, Dawn, I am so glad you came,” Elsa said and waved her into the cottage.
When Elsa did not correct herself for calling Dawn by her name, she knew the healer was upset.
“Lucerne is not feeling well,” Elsa said, pointing to a pale Lucerne sitting at the table.
“It is nothing more than a roiling stomach. Something I have grown used to since I am with child,” Lucerne insisted.
“Perhaps, but you cannot see to these few visits alone,” Elsa said. “And I cannot leave Ann. She is warm to the touch and I fear a fever may be setting in.”
Dawn tapped her chest and pointed to the healing basket.
“It is settled then, Lady Dawn will help me,” Lucerne said, standing.
Elsa nodded her head. “And if your stomach grows worse, you must give me your word you will return home and rest.”
Dawn nodded, patted her chest, and walked her fingers, then pointed to Lucerne.
“You will make sure to see her home,” Elsa said with relief.
Dawn nodded and reached for the healing basket before Lucerne could.
“Tend Ann and worry not about me,” Lucerne said with a pat to Elsa’s arm before she and Dawn left the cottage.
“It is good to see you do so well,” Lucerne said as they walked through the village.
Dawn nodded with a smile and stretched her hand out over the village.
“You are glad to be home,” Lucerne said, understanding her. “I am sure those we visit today will be pleased to see you doing so well.”
Dawn enjoyed the time she spent with Lucerne, amazed at how caring she was with the people she tended and how right she had been about the people being pleased to see her. It made her realize how many of the clan truly cared about her. It had not been like that a few years ago, few if any would acknowledge her, fearful they would catch whatever afflicted her. Some had believed her cursed and did not want the curse passed to them. She was relieved that that had all changed.
They were finished, about to return to the healing cottage when Sloan approached, looking none too pleased.
“Elsa tells me you are not feeling well,” Sloan said, reaching out to gently tuck a stray strand of his wife’s blonde hair behind her ear as his brow wrinkled with concern. “And you are pale.”
Lucerne smiled. “Paleness and nausea are constant companions of mine since I have been with child.” She continued, stopping her husband before he could respond. “And please do not tell me to rest. I not only feel worse when I rest, I feel useless.”
Dawn nodded and patted her chest, feeling the same when told to rest.
A sharp bark caught their attention and Dawn saw Beast running toward them and she worried something was wrong. And when he reached her and sat to lean against her leg and whine, she definitely knew something was wrong.
She crouched down and hugged him, burying her face in his fur, letting him know all was well. His shiver told her otherwise.
“He misses you when you’re not near,” Lucerne said.
It was more than that, but Dawn did not want to discuss it with Lucerne or Sloan. She stood, Beast’s big body continuing to lean against her leg.
A quick hand to Lucerne’s face, could not hide the deep yawn that surfaced.
Sloan took his wife’s arm. “You will rest.”
“A brief nap,” she conceded.
Dawn waved her away with a smile, recalling how she would suddenly grow tired while carrying the twins.
Once the pair was a distance away, she crouched down again. She took Beast’s face in her hand, tapped the top of his nose gently and then her chest. She repeated it several times, letting him know that he belonged to her now and nothing would change that.
Beast licked her face and his shiver calmed, but Dawn wondered over it. What was it that had upset Beast? What had he sensed?
Chapter 18
Dawn wished it could always be the way the last week had been, the days passing by without conflict or concern. The weather was surprisingly lovely, even allowing a couple of days of unusual warmth, though the nights remained chilly. Ann was improving slowly after spending two days fighting a fever and Elsa had hoped she would recover. Cree had spoken with Ann once and there was nothing she could tell him. She remembered feeling a searing pain, then nothing until waking in the healing cottage.
Still, though, that day Beast had been so upset continued to weigh heavily on Dawn. Something was brewing, Beast had sensed it and she worried over it.
“Did you get no pleasure from our lovemaking, wife?” Cree asked, leaning up on his elbow beside her in bed to rest his head on his hand as he traced her lips with his finger. “You frown.”
He need not ask her, he had seen and felt for himself how much she had enjoyed it. So what was troubling his wife that it brought a frown to her face so quickly after making love?
Dawn shrugged.
He leaned his face down until their noses nearly touched. “Are you telling me nothing or that you do not know? And let me remind you that you have never lied to me and I do not expect you to start now.”
Her husband was right and she would expect the same from him.
A sharp rap at the door prevented her response.
After a mumbled oath, Cree called out, “Who disturbs me at daybreak?”
“Someone who was not happy about being disturbed either,” Sloan shot back. “Evin from the Clan MacLoon and one of our warriors have returned with news that cannot wait. I will wait in your solar with them.”
Cree dropped on his back annoyed that this time with his wife had been interrupted.
Dawn turned and rested against him, tucking herself in the crook of his arm to lay her head on his shoulder and drape her arm over his naked chest.
“Not letting me go, wife?” he asked, stroking her arm and as always loving the feel of her soft, warm skin wrapped around him.
Dawn tapped his arm once, signaling yes and gave him a squeeze to once again confirm she preferred he remain there with her.
“Tell me what troubles you, for I have seen your worry on your face and have waited for you to talk with me about it, but I have grown too impatient to wait any longer,” Cree said.
Dawn pointed to the door.
“They can wait.”
She voiced her concern. A concern she had not even wanted to admit to herself. She kept her gestures slow, pausing now and again so that her husband could fully comprehend her.
“Beast has been upset?” Cree shook his head slowly. “Strange as that sounds, I have noticed a difference in him of late. He stares in the distance when outside as if expecting someone to arrive. And he stays closer to my side when he is with me and I have seen him do the same with you and the twins. Almost as if he fears losing us.”
Dawn nodded, pleased he not only understood but he had seen and sensed it for himself. She gestured again.
“You believe Cree’s master will come for him and will demand his return?” he asked to be sure he understood her.
