Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

When Ciara awoke in the morning a week after Christmas had passed, she was alone. She rose and dressed in haste, only to find that the cabin was empty. She heard Lucien before she saw him. Ciara looked through the curtains. She laughed as he was tripped by Faolan and pounced on by Kosse.

She swung on her cloak and went out to join them. A grin split his face when he saw her coming through the door. “Good morning, princess.”

“Morning, Wolf. What are you doing?” The familiar thrum ran through her body as he called her ‘princess.’

“We are shoveling.” His imperious tone didn’t do much to impress when Kosse sat on his chest and hampered his attempts to rise.

“I see, and what are you shoveling exactly?”

“Watch it, woman. You are outnumbered. There are three of us men versus one of you.”

Ciara quirked a brow. “Those two will do anything I say.”

He huffed with false indignation. “I know, I know you have them bewitched.” He shoved Kosse off and rose. Lucien stopped in front of her. Skin flush with cold, he added, “You have me bewitched as well.” He gave her a light kiss on the lips and, with a jaunty whistle, struck out for the shovel and got back to work.

Ciara had a smile on her face until a breeze turned her attention from the dark-haired man shoveling snow. Faolan came to stand beside her. She spoke in a language, one she knew Lucien wouldn’t understand, to the wolf in case he overheard. “I know. I feel it too. A warm spell comes. We will take him down today and be back within the week.”

She turned toward the hut where she did her tanning. She checked her rations of grain. There was enough for her to take the trip down and back. Her heart heavy in her chest, she observed Lucien as he entered the building behind her.

“What’s wrong? You seem sad.” He reached out to brush some grain off her cheek.

“Nothing is wrong. There is a warm spell coming. I will be able to take you back to town. You will be there in a few days. We leave today.” She strode past him into the sunlight.

He grabbed her arm and spun her toward him. “What are you talking about? I thought you said all winter.”

“Maybe I did. I was wrong. This good weather will hold. I can get you to town in three days. It is unusual for January but it does happen. I will pack some things. You should gather your things. Not that you have much.” She entered the cabin, which left him to follow. He did.

“I’m confused. Why are we leaving today?”

“You need to go. You were supposed to be headed for England now. This warm weather is a surprise to me as well, but we will put it to good use.”

“Now? You want to leave now? Will you stay in one place and talk to me?”

Ciara had gone to the bedroom. No, she didn’t want him to leave. He had to leave. As she turned to him, she questioned, “What do you want to know? My guess is that since there is a warm spell the winter will come back in full force and stay longer. This is the perfect time for me to get you down the mountain.” She stripped off her clothes and stretched for her thick buckskins.

Lucien grabbed her before she could reach the clothes.

“Wolf, please. Your hands are cold and we have to go.”

“If you are sending me away, I want you once more. Please.”

Her hands as they ripped away his clothes were his answer. They fell back on the bed in a tangle of blankets. They coupled with ferocity and yet tenderness. She almost wept as he came deep within her.

They separated and acted like strangers as they dressed. Ciara took a bag and put his papers in there along with the statue. She flicked a glance at him as she gamely tried for a smile.

“The first son of Nyama and Epona will be yours. You have my word.”

“Good. Um, you have my address in England so you know where to send the horse.”

“Aye. I put the statue and your stable plans in the bag.”

She packed food and put out the fire in the fireplace. Ciara faced him by the door. “Is there anything else you think you will need?”

“No. I think that will do. I still have my things in Paradise Cove. What about payment for the horse?”

“Leave it with Marie and I will get it from her later. I would also appreciate it if you would give her this quilt for me.”

“Yes, sure. I can do that.”

She nodded. “Right, well, we should go. It will be a long trip.” She took the rolled-up furs and gave him the pouch with his things in it.

They stepped out on the porch and Ciara let loose a whistle that pierced across the snow-covered mountain. Moments later, Epona, followed by his stallion, trotted into the copse. They mounted in silence and headed off, accompanied by Kosse and Faolan.

After their two nights in the woods, part of her wished that he’d never shown up in her life while another part never wanted to let him go.

When they started off the final morning, Ciara was nervous. She wove in and out of trees and backtracked. When she stopped she was at the end of a glade, but they were still hidden. It was late afternoon. She dismounted and Lucien did the same.

“This is where I leave you. Paradise Cove is across this clearing. You should be there by dark.” Her eyes welled up with tears as she looked at him.

Lucien reached for her and she went without hesitation into his arms. “Come with me.”

“Safe journey, Wolf. Good luck with your stable. I hope you find what you are looking for.”

Lucien looked down at her and tried for a smile. “Thank you. For everything.”

“My pleasure.” She glanced at the sky. “You should get going. Take care of him. And yourself.”

“You too.”

“Aye, I will.” She made a motion and Faolan came up. “Say goodbye, Faolan.” The wolf took his hand in its mouth. Jaws that could kill with ease caressed him like silk. He was released after a brief spot of pressure. It was the wolf’s way of saying goodbye.

Lucien patted the wolf on the head. “Take care of her, boy. Take care of her.” He turned and pulled Kosse’s ears with affection. He rose to look back at Ciara.

He strode over to her and swept her up in his arms. He almost crushed her. Lucien lowered her as he kissed her forehead then pressed his mouth to hers. He devoured her, she devoured him. After a long, heated exchange, they both stepped back.

Ciara licked her lips and touched her fingers to his bearded jaw. “Goodbye, Wolf.”

He stepped close again and spoke so hushed she almost missed it. “Why don’t you call me Lucien? You did once. No one but you ever has.”

She raised her eyes to his as she memorized the face. “Go. It grows late. Stay to the middle of the field.” Her jaw trembled in an effort not to cry. She reached out and pulled him in for one last kiss.

“Goodbye, princess.” His eyes kissed her just as much as his lips did. Then he spun and swung up on Colonial Star and rode off without looking back.

“Goodbye, Lucien,” came the whispered response that she knew would not be heard. She swung up on Epona’s back, motioned for her to leave as well. She headed off as Faolan and Kosse followed in her silent wake.