Chapter Sixteen

New Beginning

Constance of the Tides

Hope was pleasantly surprised that their meal was finished without bloodshed or even any unpleasantness. Granny invited everyone back into the house to relax and spend the night. Sgrios politely declined but said he might drop by later. He wanted to keep watch for a while longer. Hope suspected this was due more to his antisocial personality than out of any real concern for their safety.

Dàn was anxious to look at the Keeper records and as promised, Granny took him back to her apartment to look through the books. Hope figured they'd stay in there studying the ancient books for most of the evening.

While with Granny earlier, Athair had watched television, and thought the others might like to watch it for the evening.

In a moment of generosity, Steve offered, "I'll show them how to work the remote and which channels are best." Rath, Díon, and Reultan followed him into the living room. A few moments later, the TV blared as Steve began to channel surf looking for something to interest the younger werewolves.

A football game. News. A commercial. Wheel of Fortune. Someone whistled. It was probably Steve, who was in love with Vanna. Another commercial. Weather. Someone scoffed at that. Steve asked what was funny, and Hope heard Rath answer, but couldn't make out what he said. He was probably explaining his ability to control the weather.

"No way. You've gotta be kidding me."

"I'm serious," Rath answered in his deep voice. Then he gave what might have been a short chuckle.

"That's totally cool." Steve laughed. "Maybe we can go to some ball games. If our team isn't winning, you can rain it out."

The jovial tone of their conversation must have relieved Athair, and he said as much to Hope. "I am very glad to see Steve has decided to accept us."

"He is a good person."

"I wanted to believe you, but I couldn't knowingly allow him or anyone to be a threat to my clan." He said this, and she knew that he would kill if necessary to protect his family. But he truly hoped it would never come to that.

"I'll be sure he never becomes a threat," she said. She understood him completely.

Athair wanted to change to a less grim topic of conversation. So, he urged her to sit down beside him at the table and asked, "Will you tell me about your work?"

"I am a veterinarian."

"I know. You're a good one." He said with a grin. He wanted to know everything about her. What was it about her that drew him like no other woman ever had? He reached over and clasped her hand gently. "Is that what you always wanted to do?"

"For as long as I can remember. My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I think animals are more worthy than most people."

"I agree." He paused, wondering what had made her lose her faith in people. But instead of questioning her about that, he asked about the clinic portion of the house. "Why do you have the equipment here at home?"

"I am planning to open an animal hospital here. I know it must seem cowardly, but I can't face the ride back and forth to town every day. Once I open, I won't have to travel. And besides, the small towns nearby can use a local vet. But now—"

"Now what?"

"Now, with what Granny told me before dinner, I don't know what I should do. She told me I'm supposed to be the next Keeper and that I don't even have a choice in the matter."

He squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I don't know much about what the position will demand from you, but I would think that if you want to have the hospital here, you can." Her slight tremble awoke his protective instincts. Somehow, he wanted to be part of her life here. Then he could give her what she needed and help her do what she had to do. In the old days, he would have spoken to her family. Perhaps he should speak with Ella before expressing any intentions to Hope. But one look into her soft eyes, and he knew that no matter what Ella said, he would pursue Hope and claim her. He brushed a loose tendril of hair back from her face.

"I guess I'll just continue with the plans for the clinic until I figure out exactly what it means to be Keeper for the clans."

"I suppose that is a good plan. Will Steve be working with you?" he asked, wondering just how close they were. Even if they were only friends now, would Steve have better appeal as a mate because of his humanity?

"He offered."

"So will you be partners?" The thought of the two of them working together every day, sharing everything and relying on each other was enough to tighten Athair's gut. He couldn't let it happen. Not if he could help it. Even logically knowing there was no more than friendship between Hope and Steve, he had to tamp down a surge of jealousy from his more wolfish side.

"Probably not. I don't think Steve wants the responsibility of being a full partner. He has offered to continue as my assistant." She changed the subject on him. "You seem much better now. Does it help having the others here?"

"It does help. I am almost completely healed now. Sgrios is our strongest healer. He will be able to complete the healing if he is willing."

"If he is such a strong a healer, why are his scars so awful?"

"He chooses to not heal them. He will always appear as damaged as he feels." Athair stroked her palm in rhythmic circles. Each touch was both tender and sensuous. She placed her other hand over his wrist and returned his caress. Her touch fanned his desire, sending his pulse jumping out of control.

He wanted nothing more than to carry her off to her bed and claim her for his own. No, the wolf might demand possession, but the man needed much more. He needed to do more than simply breed, needed more than just a quick sexual release. He wanted her for his mate. He'd never felt that before. Athair hadn't yearned so strongly for a woman's touch in centuries.

Truthfully, he had yearned. Just never enough to risk his family to search for a convenient body. This was so much more. He needed to touch her, to bring her pleasure. He stared into her eyes. Did she want him, too?

Emotion welled up inside him. He wanted her. He wanted her heart. He wanted her children. But right now, he'd settle for her hands and lips. He turned his hand over to grip hers, and sparks shot between their fingers like static electricity.

"Oh!" Obviously startled, Hope jerked her hand away.

"Oops," he said with a wry grin. "That sometimes happens when I get… excited."

"Is that what you are? Excited?" Her voice faltered, but her gaze met his with her own demands.

"Very." His voice was low with desire. "I want to make love with you. Now. And perhaps all night long." Perhaps for eternity.

"What will the others say?"

"Lucky devil." He used his empathy to share his feelings with her and be sure that this was also what she wanted. She trembled under his touch. Her emotions roiled with the hot intensity of their shared, overwhelming need. Perhaps letting her experience his desire was not playing fair, but the evidence of her need let him shed any feelings of guilt.

He stood and gently tugged her into his arms. He held her close and leaned in to claim her soft lips. He'd intended to keep the contact light, but the moment their lips touched, his world tightened down to only the two of them.

She slid her free hand around his neck and met his kiss, opening to him at once.

He'd never felt so welcome in all his life. The way she invited him to deepen the kiss and joined in the sweet dance between their tongues… It was heaven.

His calm wolf spirit twisted awake within him. It recognized her as their mate and had no intention of letting her escape.

Even without that extra clarity, he already knew she was the one for him. Hope's touch, her mind and her heart were everything he'd ever wanted.

As their lips slowly parted, he turned and led her from the kitchen. Her acceptance washed over him, gentling the desire for conquest into something much more heartfelt. He stopped her outside her bedroom door and asked one simple, silent question. "Are you sure you want me?"

"Yes,"she whispered in his mind, as soft and inviting as the fingertips she brushed over his lips. She opened the bedroom door and tugged him inside.

He pushed the door closed and pulled her into his arms, nuzzling her neck and nibbling with his teeth and tongue. Her hands slipped under his T-shirt and caressed his chest. His body hardened painfully at her loving touch. She pulled him into a slow, sweet kiss, gradually deepening it until she was rewarded with his low growl.

He wanted to feel all of her. He slid off her blouse and cupped her breasts through her lacy bra. Then he unfastened her slacks and eased them and her panties over her hips, letting them fall at her feet. He fumbled a moment with the fasteners of her bra before sweeping her into his arms and carrying her to the bed.

He removed his clothes and joined her. His intense gaze burned her already flushed body. She was beautiful, with long slender limbs and soft creamy skin. He stroked his hands over her flesh with reverence, with the strength of the emotions for her were so intense he was left weak, catching his breath with her every small reaction.

In all his life he had never experienced such anticipation, fear, and longing all at once. It was as if the world had conspired to lead him to this moment, to offer him this precious joy.

His touch burned and soothed as he offered her his healing caress, channeled through his fingertips. His hands focused on what remained of her long ago injuries, taking away her scars and pain and giving her his strength.

"Athair…"

He gave her a gentle push to keep her from sitting up. "Lay back and let me do this for you."

"You don't have to."

"I want to."

"Oh…" There in her mind he caught a glimpse of her self-conscious fear that he would reject her because of her old wounds.

He raised her leg and nibbled kisses over the places where her scars were. "My precious Hope. You are already so beautiful that I ache with the need to claim you and make you mine. Scars or not, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Nothing will ever change that fact."

His kiss followed where his hands led, though not always over scarred flesh. He started on her left leg, stroking, nuzzling, and nipping his way up her thigh. Although her musky scent beckoned, he moved to her right leg to repeat his ministrations until he was again back at her essence, which was swollen and moist with need. A few teasing licks, and he continued his dedicated healing until there was no pain anywhere in her body. In its place was fierce, demanding pleasure.

His own body cried for release as he knelt between her thighs, never stopping his endless feast of touching and tasting. He accepted her kisses and touches in return, guiding her tentative hands to explore his hard, aching body. Almost beyond endurance after only a few hesitant strokes, he rumbled deep in his chest and pulled her hands away.

Unable to wait any longer, he caught her hips and pushed into her inviting warmth. A world of feeling, like home. Love.

Tears formed in his eyes. He held her close for several long seconds before he began to move again. He slowly withdrew, and then thrust deeply, building their pleasure until she was writhing against him.

She wrapped her legs around him and he reveled in each stroke. She cried out as her muscles clenched at him, pulling him to a faster pace. The room shook as he joined her in a blinding climax.

They lay together afterwards, with his arms still wrapped around her and her thighs holding him. He rolled slightly to ease his weight to the side. She brushed the long hair back from his face. Neither spoke as if words were impossible for the moment.

Hope came back to herself slowly. She was almost, but not quite, shocked by her powerful reaction to him. Still, how would she face the others after having crept off to have sex like rebellious teenagers?

"Lucky devil, indeed," she said, teasing him, "What did you do to make me act so indecent? I won't ever be able to face the others." Then she brightened, "Maybe they didn't notice we came in here, and we can sneak back out again and try to act like adults."

He chuckled. "Believe me, they noticed."

"How do you know?"

"You had your eyes closed. We caused quite a power surge."

"What do you mean, ‘a power surge'?"

"First, the lights flickered. Then they brightened to almost blinding. I think they went out at least once. They noticed."

"Oh."

"Is it so bad for them to know we were together?" he asked, sounding endearingly uncertain.

"No. Not bad. I just don't want them to think I jump into bed with every man I meet." This had happened so suddenly that it left her feeling a bit off balance. Athair felt so "right" pressed against her that she could never regret having made love to him, but as the rest of the world began to intrude, she couldn't help but wonder what their being together this once would mean.

"You don't, do you?" He arched a brow.

"Nope, that's not my style. It's been ages since I even had a date." And nearly five years since she'd been with a man. And that time hadn't been very good. The jerk had insisted the lights be out, so he wouldn't see her scars. After that, she couldn't think of any reason to show her body to anyone else. Yet somehow, Athair was different.

"It has been many years for me also. Many centuries, in fact."

"Just how old are you? Though, I probably don't want to know."

"Seven hundred and twenty, last June."

She slapped her hands against her cheeks in mock surprise. "Ewww! You're way old!"

"But well preserved," he said with a wink and a leer. He reached over to bite her bare hip.

"Hey! None of that." She slapped at him playfully. "You're old enough to know better. We need to get up. I have to lock the house, check on Granny, and—"

"She's fine. I just asked Rath to secure the house. He said Sgrios is here now."

"Where is everyone going to sleep?" She'd forgotten they could communicate silently. The talent really could simplify life.

"Sgrios is on the back porch and Dàn is on Ella's sofa. Steve and the others are in the living room. All are quite comfortable."

"Is Steve, okay?"

"Rath said that Steve called them ‘all right guys.' That must mean he's doing well."

"I guess so." She couldn't think of any other objections, so she decided to simply accept the moment and cuddle up to Athair's warmth. She snuggled down into the blankets and allowed her hands to more boldly explore Athair's beautiful, hard, seven-hundred-and-twenty-year-old body, which led to more interesting diversions once he assured her, he would try to control the magic to prevent any more blinking lights.

That gave her a chance to learn just how good his control could be.

* * *

Dàn focused every ounce of his being, but still he felt the stutter of his power as it surged and fluxed at irregular intervals. Hours ago, Ella had turned down the lights and gone to bed. She left a book of meditation techniques, which included both modern and ancient forms, and a hand written addition describing meditation that had aided adolescents of the clans during the development of their powers. Dàn combined several as he sat in what Ella and the book called the lotus position and used a form of self-hypnosis.

He pictured himself on a beach with the tide washing over him. The regular waves lulled him with comfort as he closed out everything but the sensation. The cool splash of each wave caressed his legs. The warm night breeze brushed over his face and ruffled his hair. The healing moonlight soothed and embraced his battered flesh.

Dàn felt his powers gradually assume the rhythm of the ocean. Steady. Constant.

Still, he maintained the meditation for several more hours. None of the others had realized just how unbalanced he'd been. How much danger he had placed them all in. The guilt washed through him with another uncertain stutter. He had wanted the Keeper's help, no matter the risk. But even she hadn't been able to provide that for which he searched. She had no answers for his questions. No comfort for his fears. All she could do was offer to help him search the records in hopes the information was among the most ancient writings. For now, that would have to be enough.

Reluctantly, Dàn opened his eyes—and blinked them several times in surprise.

He sat not in Ella's study, but at the beach. In the surf. Soaked and naked. Hmm? How had that happened? Where was he? How would he get back?

He closed his eyes again and extended his senses. Briny ocean air confirmed that this was not a lake. The sound of a car told him of local populations. People. His unnaturally sharp ears heard a group of them talking and joking farther down the beach. "Virginia Beach," one woman thought or said. Sometimes it was hard to tell the difference over a long distance.

Maybe he could get back the same way he'd gotten here.

He focused on his meditations and allowed the waves to call to his powers. This time, he imagined the grassy field in Ella's back yard.

The long grass tapped at his legs and crickets chirped out their joy in the warm evening air. The soft wind filled with the scent of the forest as the distant trees swayed slowly, bending to accommodate the wind's insistent force and refusing to break under the pressure. They moved gently back and forth, their trunks creaking as their branches brushed together. They were steady. Strong.

"What the hell!"

Dàn smiled. It had worked. No need to meditate for hours. Sgrios' exclamation confirmed his arrival back where he belonged. Or was the ocean front where he really belonged? Water had always called to him. Either way, he was where he needed to be. He opened his eyes.

"Want to tell me what just happened?" Sgrios asked.

"I traveled. And returned."

His derisive snort was full of annoyance. "Just like that?" As always, Sgrios accepted Dàn's strangeness without much concern or fear.

"Seems so."

"Did you forget how to pack?" His wry question made Dàn chuckle.

Dàn sat nude in the foot high grass. "I guess I still have a lot to learn." As out of place as Sgrios was with both the clan and the world, he'd always accepted Dàn's odd situations. He accepted it and joked about it and never seemed to fear Dàn. It was a welcome change.

"I guess so. Well, you'd better get inside and put on some clothes before one of the humans sees you and gets skittish."