“I’m so sorry.” He hauled her into his arms, brushed a kiss across the top of her head. “No one should have to lose their parents, particularly at another’s hand. Can you speak of it at all?”
The need to ensure he knew all about her again resounded strongly within her and the words burst forth. “My father wished to arrange Julia’s marriage. She was set to wed the Chief of MacKenzie’s third son and when the MacKenzie requested a meeting, we discovered ’twas naught but a ruse. As soon as they arrived at the MacKenzie’s stronghold, he had them tossed into his dungeon and then a demand sent to Gilleoin. My uncle was told to hand over his lands on the tip of Loch Alsh and in return the MacKenzie would release my parents.”
“He didn’t release them?” He stroked her back and she held onto him, slid her thumbs inside his waistband and curled her fingers around his trim waist.
“Nay. Demands volleyed back and forth until Gilleoin set out for the MacKenzie’s castle. He took an elite team of warriors with him, men who could move swiftly under the cover of darkness and they successfully slipped inside the keep. Only after they arrived, Gilleoin discovered my parents had already been slain several months afore, and at the MacKenzie’s own hand. He was furious and he attacked with great force then left a bloody trail in his wake. That is why the MacKenzie is so determined to have his retribution, to ensure he takes all Gilleoin holds dear.”
“And why he will soon strike at the very heart of clan Matheson.” Retribution blazed in his gaze. “My brothers and I will never allow the MacKenzie to take the fae village. Of that I give you my word.”
“I know. You and your brothers are the ‘power of three’ and your arrival means the world to us.” She needed to let him go, had taken more time with him than she should have. Stepping back, she wrapped her arms around her damp body. Her sark was still wet. Unusual. She usually dried it with barely a thought. She turned her hands palms up and focused on bringing heat to them, only not even a glimmer of her fire rose.
“What’s wrong?” Finlay followed her. “I don’t care for the distance you’re creating between us.”
“My fire. It’s gone.” She walked into the water and shoved her hands under the surface. No steam. She straightened and once again tried to find the well of heat deep inside her and bring it back to glorious life, but nothing happened. She couldn’t even raise a flicker of flame.
“Has this happened before?” He crowded her from behind, pressed his chest against her back, all solid heat and hard muscle.
“Never.”
“Is this a good thing or bad?” He slid one hand around her waist and with his other hand, swept her hair from her neck and exposed her neck. He nuzzled her flesh, his wet hair sliding across the top of her shoulders as he did. “I’m sorry, Arabel, but I can’t seem to control myself around you. The need to touch you is strong.”
“I love your touch.” No fire meant she couldn’t harm him. She reached back, cupped the back of his head and held his mouth against her neck. Heat curled low between her thighs, and not the heat of her skill. This was the heat of passion and she couldn’t help but embrace it.
“My bear is intrigued by you, and so am I.” He razzed his teeth back and forth over her sensitive flesh then nibbled up to her ear and back. “I’m searching for my mate, and she is one of the fae.”
“I’m aware.” Need rushed through her and she slowly turned around. She threaded her fingers deep into his hair and guided his mouth to hers. She kissed him, with all the longing she held deep within her heart and hadn’t allowed to release in three long days. Except having his warm lips on hers and the hard length of his body plastered against her only fueled her need for more. More she desperately wanted to take. “I love the feel of your mouth on mine.”
“I’ve never felt this kind of desire for any other woman, not once, not ever.” A low growl rumbled within his chest. “You don’t mind kissing me?”
“I want far more than your kisses while the chance has arisen. My heart is beating so fast.” She wanted this moment even though he remained under Isla’s compulsion. He’d never recall anything once they parted ways, but he’d told her to hold onto hope and she damn well intended to. This was the first time she’d ever exhausted her fire and she intended to take full advantage of it.
She pressed her breasts against the wicked heat of his chest and ran her thumb over the fading mark she’d left on his neck. Her mouth watered with the need to bite him again, to bring that mark back to brilliant life and she leaned in and sucked his skin deep into her mouth then teeth firm, bit down, hard enough to leave a mark, just as she desired.
He lifted his head high and roared. Fur rippled across his chest and down his arms, a soft padding that was there one moment and gone the next.
“Do you need to shift?” She stepped back and he stepped forward, closing the distance between them as quickly as she’d instilled it.