Stone Heart (32 page)

Karen's hair made a beautiful curtain as it fell to the ground before him. Never, in his entire life, would he see such a beguiling thing. Her full breasts bounced as she began to undulate. And when her final cries rent the air, Angus let himself go and felt her body grasp and release his manhood.

Then he pulled her to him and sank to his knees. He murmured sweet, soft things to her over and over. Finally, Karen looked up at him with her beautiful eyes full of love.

She softly kissed his jaw and lips, then rested her head against his shoulder. Angus smoothed the long hair down her back, cupped her bottom with his hands and held her body to his.
Connected
. They were as one being, resting in each other's arms. Then Karen began to softly cry.

"Here now, what causes you to shed tears, love?" Angus rocked her back and forth.

"
Happiness. I'm going to live and love you for a lifetime!
"

"Then 'tis I who should be weeping. You have taken a gargoyle who once had a stone heart and turned him into a man who loves you. Each breath I take grows stronger from loving you and life. And if we should be so blessed, I will cherish our babes."

Karen gazed deep into his dark eyes. "
Oh, Angus. With
everything's that's happened, I didn't think of that! Wouldn't
284

Stone Heart

by Candace Sams

it be wonderful to have lots of children?
" She placed her hands on either side of his face and kissed him slow and long.

When she finally broke the kiss, he gazed back and told her his heart's newest wish. "I would love to have strong Druid sons who eat too many hamburgers, and sweet Dryad daughters to pull from tree tops and to feed chocolate.
A
luaidh
, my only love." He gently pulled her down to their mossy bed.

Karen snuggled against his shoulder and soon drifted to sleep. Angus made yet another silent vow to earn the happiness and second chance that had been given to him. He looked into the night sky and spoke softly to one small star. It seemed to drift a little further from the rest.

"I promise that my first-born daughter shall be called Elspeth. They called me a bully and a brute. But you saw more and dinna' believe what they said. You were my very first friend, and I will no' forget. No' ever or ever." He thought he saw the little star twinkle a bit brighter. He smiled, then fell into a deep, peaceful sleep beside his Karen.

* * * *

From the secluded circle of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, Shayla looked into the night sky and sighed. It would be easier to consult the stars if she didn't have to sneak into a barricaded sacred stone circle like a thief in the middle of the night. But that was the way of their world nowadays. She couldn't just walk in and conduct her magical ceremonies as many of her predecessors had. The place was a major tourist attraction. It was one more thing about the outside world the 285

Stone Heart

by Candace Sams

Order found hard to accept. Every religious place where they once freely practiced was now under scrutiny. The threat of discovery was ever present. Her faction leaders complained about this bitterly, and it was a point of concern well taken.

They were fighting to keep ancient customs alive in a world of advancing technology. Always fearing what would happen if they left some trace of their existence behind, the smallest forgotten sacred tool or amulet could begin an investigation that might well have them cornered by the outside world. And because of the guarded nature of this site, borrowing Fairy dust had been necessary. Blowing a wee bit into the eyes of the guards caused them to fall into an unconscious state until morning. Even having to do that small thing aggravated Shayla's sense of fair play. Her kind had always had use of the place without interference. But covert actions were their mainstay these days, and that was why she knew her next actions would be viewed as demented by some of the Order.

It was the greatest of risks she'd be taking. Still, it must be done. But carefully, with great deliberation.

One from the outside must come into their realm. One who was unchanged by magic and who would remain so. The stars from the heavens above had sent her signs and portents.

They had shown her what must be done. And visions from Stonehenge, the most sacred of all places, must never be denied.

But prophetic omens, however they were obtained, wouldn't sway the Goblin Leader. None of what must be done would come easy for him. In fact, Shayla's command would probably drive him to renounce his allegiance to the Order. It 286

Stone Heart

by Candace Sams

was a chance she was taking with a good man's future. A man who had suffered as much or more than Angus MacGregor ever had. But she saw no other course of action.

She turned to Hugh and held out her hands in a supplicating gesture.

"Comments?"

"He'll absolutely refuse to do this." Hugh shook his head in despair. "And I don't want to think about how the rest of the Goblins will respond."

"There simply isn't any other way. And Tearach will keep his people and himself under control or suffer the consequences. If I'm to bear the ridiculous charade of breaking into one of the Order's very own sacred sites, then Tearach will do as I say."

"Aye. I hear you, my love. But he'll still make you beat him half to death before agreeing. Or perhaps he'd rather be dead altogether. I know the man. And there was never a stone standing in a circle that was harder than Tearach's head."

"And well I know it," she agreed as she clasped her hands before her. "But the plans are in motion. I'll simply give him no choice. I've found the perfect woman, though I'll need help taking her. Whether he agrees or not, Tearach Bruce will be mated to an outsider before the next year is up. Even if I have to treat him like an ancient offering, tie him to a recumbent stone with chains, and watch the mating take place myself. It
will
be done."

"Herne's balls! I'm not sure I want to be there when you give him the command. I'm not sure I even want to be on this planet." Hugh exhaled and ran a hand through his hair.

287

Stone Heart

by Candace Sams

She raised her eyebrows and turned back to the large alter stone which, after so many centuries, lay in ruins on the ground before her. "If it's a test of wills, he'll find me a worthy adversary. My mind is made up. Come, my love.

We've things to do."

"Aye." Hugh sighed as he watched her walk into the darkness. The illusory image of Tearach Bruce's expression, after being given the command, etched itself into his brain.

He could easily predict that the Goblin would see Shayla's order as the most odious command of his entire life. "I'd better lay in a supply of very strong chains and find an old alter stone somewhere."

If you are connected to the Internet, take a moment to rate this eBook by going back to your bookshelf at www.fictionwise.com.

288

Document Outline

• ImaJinn Books
  
• www.imajinnbooks.com
  
• Copyright ©2004 by Candace Sams
  
• NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser onl
  
• This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.
  
• Distributed by Fictionwise.com
  
• Chapter One
  
• Scotland
  
• Three hundred years ago
  
• "Get out of my way you stupid, useless idiot!" Angus swung a
  
• "Here now, there's no call to be talking to the lad like tha
  
• "Hold your whist, old man, or you will take the beating mean
  
• The tavern owner stepped back and shook his head. "You are a
  
• "And who will do the punishing, old fool? You?" Angus droppe
  
• The boy scrambled to his feet and ran as fast as his twisted
  
• Angus watched their retreat as he pulled a chair toward his
  
• * * * *
  
• The current Sorceress of the Ancients, Maeve Donald, pulled
  
• "Angus, I must speak wi' you," the girl pleaded, in a trembl
  
• Angus smiled. He put his hand on the girl's shoulder and slo
  
• "I have been wondering where you were, Bridget. My bed could
  
• She pushed his hand away and stepped closer. "Please, Angus.
  
• "Aye, lass. If that is what you want. We can ... talk," Angu
  
• The Sorceress followed them out the tavern door and stood in
  
• "Your dallying might have you with anyone's child, girl. Wha
  
• "Angus," she gasped, "I have ne'er lain wi' a man but you. Y
  
• "I know I was the first. Doubtless no' the last. But whether
  
• "Do you no' care for your own babe? Do you care no more for
  
• "You thought what? You little tart! Did you think I wanted m
  
• The girl recoiled at his sneering comments, and she winced w
  
• "No," she muttered. "You bedded me only to serve your ruttin
  
• "How indeed? Did I ever promise you anything, Bridget? Did I
  
• She shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "But wh
  
• "Here," he said, reaching inside a leather pouch tied to his
  
• "You are made of stone, Angus MacGregor. Your heart is rock.
  
• With a cruel laugh, he tossed the coins to the ground in fro
  
• The Sorceress had seen enough. She watched as Bridget put he
  
• Maeve knew it would take time to follow Angus. She was getti
  
• "The punishment will fit the deed," Maeve whispered.
  
• Angus made his way to his mount. He had suffered enough clum
  
• What did he care if the trollop carried his by-blow? If it w
  
• He let his mount find its own way out of town. The horse kne
  
• He reined in his mount and let his keen senses search out th
  
• "What ails you, little fleabag? Why are you out in the night
  
• At the sound of his roughly phrased question, the little gir
  
• "Someone took a shrubbery from you, and you are weeping over
  
• "Holly is my kitten, and he took her," she told him, then be
  
• Angus dismounted and stood over the girl. "Explain."
  
• "I ... I stole a piece of bread from the baker's shop and ra
  
• Against his nature and better judgement, Angus felt a place
  
• "They died when everyone was so ill this winter past. Please
  
• The little girl threw herself at one of his legs and clung t
  
• "What is your name, little one?"
  
• "Elspeth," she told him in a tiny voice.
  
• "Wait right here, Elspeth, and dunna' move. Understand?"
  
• After she nodded, Angus mounted his horse and rode toward th
  
• When light from the baker's window came into view, he dismou
  
• "What in the name of creation do you..."
  
• Angus grabbed the man by his bedclothes and dragged him out
  
• "I ... What ... Who ... MacGregor? It is y-you!" the man spl
  
• "I will no' repeat myself you lazy, addled fool. Where is th
  
• "In ... in yon barn. The night was too dense with fog for me
  
• "You may consider your life saved by that fact, you oaf. And
  
• "Aye, MacGregor."
  
• "Aye, what, you mindless coward?" He shook the man to make h
  
• "I will not touch the girl or her beast. Not ever."
  
• "And?"
  
• "And I will see she does not want for food."
  
• The baker trembled in terror at MacGregor's threat. The hulk
  
• "Good," Angus snapped. "Now, get out of my sight before I ti
  
• Angus pushed the portly man into a nearby mud puddle. He lau
  
• He grabbed the sack, walked to his horse and mounted. Within
  
• "Thank you, MacGregor! Oh, thank you! I shall not forget wha
  
• "You know my name, lassie?"
  
• "Aye. Everyone knows you. They say you are a brute and a bul
  
• Angus was unaccustomed to such a declaration, and though chi
  
• He quickly turned, mounted his horse and rode to his campsit
  
• After arriving at his camp, he settled himself near the circ
  
• He raised his hands to the blaze to warm them and felt a str
  
• "I know you are there. Show yourself," he commanded. "What i
  
• "Who I am does not matter. You already know why I am here,"
  
• "Ah, you are a member of the Order. Others have come and I h
  
• She saw the defiance in his stance and his gaze. She sensed
  
• "The ones who came before told me how strong you are, Angus
  
• Angus smiled. "I dunna' know of what you speak, old woman. B
  
• "You are a liar, MacGregor. You know exactly what I speak ab
  
• Angus dropped his careless facade and bellowed in anger, "I
  
• "We did not know your parents would take you when we cast th
  
• "Bah!" Angus shouted, rudely gesturing with the middle finge
  
• "That could never be allowed, Angus. You must know that," th
  
• "You should have saved your compassion!" Angus growled. "Ins
  
• "Your parents should have left you behind as they were order
  
• "What decent parent would leave their child, old woman?" he
  
• "And to make the lives of everyone around you a misery?" she
  
• "Yes. All this I did learn. And I learned it so well that I
  
• The old woman bowed her head and sighed. "Part of what you s
  
• "These simple-minded fools dunna' know that I use magic. Mos
  
• "And you think what you do is just and that the townsfolk do
  
• "What if they do? They still dunna' know that I am Druid or
  
• "It is a wonder that you have not told them about us outrigh
  
• Angus smiled. "They are ignorant and frightened by that whic
  
• He saw the Sorceress' eyes narrow and knew he had gone too f
  
• "I hold my temper no longer, Angus MacGregor. I am here to p
  
• She raised her arms and began to speak in Gaelic. "Clach, cl
  
• Words as old as time wove a spell around the place where the
  
• For the first time since he was a child, Angus knew fear. He
  
• Soon his sight dimmed and failed. He wanted to cry out in ra
  
• "As it was with your parents, I do not have it in my heart t
  
• The Sorceress turned and walked away. Her head hung and her
  
• Minutes later, nearby bushes began to rustle. Elspeth walked
  
• "I heard everything. What the old woman said was not true. Y
  
• Elspeth stood and backed away. Then she clasped her hands to
  
• She turned and walked away, as the night grew colder and the
  
• * * * *
  
• As Elspeth had promised Angus, she came back the next day an
  
• Years went by, and Elspeth's voice changed from that of a ti
  
• In time, someone decided to build a cemetery around him. Tho
  
• When she spoke, no news was too trivial. She told him everyt
  
• She married her lad and bore him children. She described eac
  
• She came to him in tears one day when her husband and oldest
  
• One day, almost sixty-one years later, Angus waited for her.
  
• Days passed by, and he mentally begged the Goddess of the Ea
  
• "My grandmother told me about you. My name is Andrew. She kn
  
• Angus guessed the child could be no more than the age Elspet
  
• That boy, and Elspeth's descendents who followed, seemed to
  
• One day strangers came into the cemetery. One of them spoke
  
• Loneliness. It was a horrible thing to be alone. Not to just
  
• There was no way he could stand the torture for another mome
  
• Was this the kind of cruel anguish others had endured becaus
  
• "Someone help me," his agonized mind begged. "Please let thi
  
• Chapter Two
  
• Present day
  
• "I'm sorry, Miss Matthews. All we can do is see that she's m
  
• Karen swallowed hard and lowered her voice. "How long?"
  
• The doctor looked at Karen's aunt, who lay on the bed, then
  
• "Thank you," she said. "I don't know what I'd have done with
  
• The doctor paused before picking up his bag and leaving. "An
  
• She nodded. "Oh, yes. The pain isn't nearly as bad now."
  
• "Maybe you'd better let me have a look at you. All this worr
  
• "No," she said and waved a hand in refusal. "There's no need
  
• The doctor sighed and nodded. "Karen, I wish I could move yo
  
• "Don't! There's no sense going into all that again." She smi
  
• The doctor sadly shook his head and took one of her hands in
  
• "I've let the nurse go." When the doctor started to object,
  
• "And who'll be in the room with you?" he asked. "I can arran
  
• She shook her head. "I don't want a stranger in the room wit
  
• "Are you sure about that?"
  
• "Yeah." She grinned and tried to make a joke of it. "Besides
  
• The doctor didn't return her smile. "I wish, with all my hea
  
• After a moment of silence between them, the doctor walked to
  
• A soft moan tore her from her morbid thoughts. She walked to
  
• Agatha smiled up at Karen. "I heard what he said, baby. Don'
  
• "Hush, Aunt Aggie. Just rest."
  
• "Remember the promise you made?"
  
• "Yes, I remember. But you don't need to be talking about tha
  
• "Repeat it back. Everything I told you." The old woman tried
  
• Karen carefully pushed her back against the pillows, fluffin
  
• Aggie nodded.
  
• "All right." Karen sighed. "You want me to go to the bank, o
  
• "The rest, girl. Tell me the rest," Aggie insisted.
  
• "I'm supposed to follow your will and all your instructions
  
• "And your promise, Karen? You'll keep it?"
  
• Karen grinned. For the thousandth time, she made the same pr
  
• "Promise me, honey."
  
• She leaned over her aunt and softly whispered, "I promise. I
  
• Aggie took a deep breath and slowly smiled. "Good. A Matthew
  
• "So, you'll go to sleep?"
  
• She nodded. "I'll go to sleep. Only..."
  
• "Only what?" Karen tilted her head and gazed into her belove
  
• "Don't you listen to that old quack tell you about your bad
  
• "Aunt Aggie, let's not go into..."
  
• "No!" She raised her voice. "You will get better. I know you
  
• Karen tried to blink back the tears. "All right, Aunt Aggie.
  
• "You do as you promised me, Karen. There's a place where you
  
• "All right now, darling. Go to sleep. Hush," Karen softly cr
  
• As Agatha slipped into a deep sleep, Karen fought hard to ke
  
• "I promised to love you, darling," Aggie had said. "And we m
  
• Karen had heard her aunt say those words a thousand times. T
  
• Karen carefully arranged the blankets around her aunt, kisse
  
• It was about three o'clock in the morning when something mad
  
• There was a serene smile on the older woman's face, but her
  
• * * * *
  
• Karen took off her black gloves and waited for the bank mana
  
• She quickly unlocked the box, reached inside and began to re
  
• Karen sat for a very long time and thought it over. It could
  
• "What the hell!" Karen muttered to herself. What in the worl
  
• With that, she got up, left the bank and went home. If it to
  
• * * * *
  
• "Excuse me. Can you tell me how to get to Glen Darach from h
  
• She was used to it. Being ill for so long had left her with
  
• She mentally pulled herself back from her thoughts as she he
  
• She nodded. "Get me the biggest car they've got. Loaded. Wit
  
• The man smiled. "Right you are, Miss." He turned to make the
  
• Karen took time to peruse the hotel's interior. It was quite
  
• When the car was delivered, she took the time to familiarize
  
• She had begun this trip as the end to a promise, and as she'
  
• Her chest began to hurt again, something that was occurring
  
• Hours later she slowed down and parked on the side of the ro
  
• After an hour of looking, there was no sign of the statue. T
  
• "Please let me find it," she murmured. "Please."