The Harbinger (A Fight for Light Novel Book 2) (16 page)

Kellen and I left minutes later, waving until they were out of sight. I made a promise to visit them the next time I crossed the portal. I had family now. I wanted to make the effort to see them every chance I got. The only way to flourish and grow this relationship was to cultivate it. That would require effort. I was more than willing to try.

It was a pleasant morning and journey back to Kellen’s home. His family didn’t seem worried that we spent the night away from the house. I was with my Guardian, and we didn’t venture far. Kellen knew his home well. I doubt he could ever get lost, even if he tried.

Kayleigh greeted us at the door. “Where did you go? I’ve been waiting forever to see you!”

I giggled and let her lead me away, Kellen laughing behind us.

“See you when she’s done monopolizing you.”

Later that night, as I lay in his arms, I thought about my family again. I wanted to thank him.

“Kellen?” I whispered, wondering if he was asleep yet.

“Yes, my love?”

“I want to thank you, for everything. It means so much to me that I found my family and that you brought me here. I will never forget this time we had together,” I told him softly.

He rolled over until he could see in my eyes. “You’re welcome, Rhiannon. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you. Nothing that I wouldn’t give. All you have to do is ask.”

I looked back into his eyes, touched by the sincerity. I nodded and kissed him, feeling his arms tighten their hold around me. I lay back down with my head on his chest, content as always, to hear the familiar beating of his heart.

I had gotten used to the sound. It anchored me to the world. Now the beat lulled me to sleep, consistently thrumming beneath my ear until every other noise drowned in comparison.

On our last night in his house, Kellen held me tightly to his chest and looked down into my eyes.

“Rhiannon, what would you say if I asked you to stay here with me right now and never leave?”

I had been leaning against his shoulder with his arm around me. We sat with our backs to the headboard, watching the small fire crackle in the fireplace. It had turned a little cool here tonight, unusual for this time of year. I loved the idea of the fire. It was so romantic.

Kellen pulled me into his chest even tighter and I could tell something was on his mind.

“Rhiannon,” he said my name like I had not heard but we both we knew that I did.

“Kellen, I love you,” I looked at him curiously. His voice had been tight, slightly emotional for him. “I’d love to stay with you here. This place has felt like my home since the second I arrived. It feels right to be here. But my Gran…”

My voice choked up a little and I couldn’t finish. His eyes filled with understanding. He wasn’t surprised at my answer. I was a little surprised that he asked me that though. A part of me never wanted to leave Karmelo or the Monterro Valley. I thought about it for a few minutes.

What was he really asking me?

“Kellen…what is it? What do you really want to know?”

His eyes suddenly looked distant and far away. It worried me and I placed my hand against his cheek softly. After a moment, he looked at me intently again. His face was very serious.

“Rhiannon, what do you want? Out of life? For your future?” He sounded…nervous.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with someone who will love and cherish me and be my partner in life. I want to have a family someday. I want to marry and grow old with the one I love. I hope to share those things with…you,” I told him shyly.

“Do you really? Are you sure?” He sounded hopeful.

“Yes, I’ve never been more certain,” I told him, blushing.

He smiled at me happily and I realized he was asking me this on purpose. I was slightly confused as to why he was doing this right now but it was the truth.

“Rhiannon, thank you for telling me the truth. I love you, my rose.” He bent his lips to mine and kissed me lovingly, sweetly for several minutes. “It’s time for you to rest now. We’ll have a long day of travel tomorrow.”

“Ok…Kellen?” I asked, curious about his questions.

“Yes?”

“Are you worried about something?”

“I…it’s nothing to concern yourself about. I just have a feeling…things will be different when we return. My instincts tell me to be cautious. I am apprehensive. The feeling is making me edgy tonight. Don’t worry, darling, it will pass.”

Would it?

The way his voice sounded, full of uncertainty and doubt, and with an edge of concern, made a tiny drop of fear run down my spine. It bothered me. Whenever he asked me not to worry, it usually meant he thought there was
something
to worry about.

I said nothing more about it. I didn’t want his mind to linger in these thoughts, whatever they were, and cause any issues between us. Enough had happened in these last weeks. There was no point in rehashing past wounds or plaguing questions. Even though I had plenty to ask regarding Baylor, I let it go, for the time being. I kissed his cheek, watching his eyes lose the distant look he had.

We lay down on the bed together and I snuggled close to him, resting my head over his heart with my hand on his stomach, tracing the lines of his muscles. I loved to lay this way, feeling safe and adored. Absently, I traced my fingers along, spelling out his name. I sighed contentedly, nestling deeper and hugging him tight. I felt his arm squeeze me back lightly. His gentle breathing lulled me to sleep as I slipped into pleasant dreams.

All too soon it was morning and I felt warm lips against my neck. Strong arms were holding me tightly against a well-muscled chest. I smiled and rolled over. Green eyes, deep and full of love, gazed into mine. Kellen smiled back at me softly. No matter what his emotions were he always managed to never lose that look of devotion and desire, at constant war within his eyes.

I knew he was sad about leaving. So was I. This magical place already held more memories than the last six months combined. I sat up and pulled him with me, yanking on his arm until he climbed out of bed.

Laughing, I blew him a kiss. He grabbed it out of the air and brought it to his heart, being overly dramatic as he fell back on the bed. I giggled and sauntered my way back over to him, swaying my hips.

His eyes darkened with desire instantly as he rolled over on the bed, sitting up. I lowered myself slowly onto the bed on all fours and growled slightly. He grinned playfully and leaned toward me. I pretended to catch him, swiping at the air with my hand. His grin got bigger.

“Come here, she cat. Put your claws away…I have something better in mind.”

His voice was low and provocative as he reached me. His lips touched mine briefly before he suddenly flipped me over, holding my arms back against the bed.

“Naughty boy. You aren’t allowed to switch the game. I’m the one who is hunting.”

“I have already found my prey. Too late my love. You are forever imprisoned within my embrace.”

I laughed lightly. “Oh, I am afraid it is quite the other way around.
You
are forever imprisoned Kellen…and I can prove it.”

I took my foot and ran my toes along his leg and upward toward his thigh while I pressed tiny little kisses to his chest. Kellen started breathing heavier and his lips crushed mine as I felt his control slip just a little. His kiss was hard and demanding. It didn’t hurt but was deep and passionate, much more than I would have thought, but since I had returned he had been extra affectionate.

We always ended up this way. Our bodies responding before our minds could control it. My hands caressed his back and I called his name as his lips moved to my throat.

“Rhiannon, I love you.”

He pulled back from me and I saw his eyes were searching my face, like he was concerned about my feelings, about the future, and
something
was making him wary. More than that, he was unusually edgy. Cautious. Even in his kiss I noticed the loss of control was quick but so was his recovery.

I smiled and hugged him tightly. I would pretend I did not see it.

“I love you too Kellen.”

He suddenly squeezed me tight and held me for a long time. I lay there, perfectly content to never leave his side. I ran my fingers softly through his tousled hair. Today we were going away, back across the portal. The extraordinary memory filled days of my brief visit to Karmelo and Cornell were over.

I felt an unexpected and abrupt sadness fill my heart. The overwhelming feeling of trepidation lodged itself inside me for no apparent reason. It seemed like I would not be here again for a very long time. Coupled with Kellen’s apprehension from last night, I became slightly afraid for a moment. Hiding it from him, determined to keep things light, I decided to ignore it.

Kellen sat up and pulled me with him. “It is time to get ready love. Let’s get moving.”

We were packing to leave, gathering everything we needed for the journey home. We would go on horseback this time. The journey would be much faster and less arduous. I was both happy and sad about that. I liked the idea of not having to walk all that way but it also meant less time alone with Kellen.

I packed my backpack, remembering to add the jewelry box and the preserves from Glenna. I wrapped some clothing around the box carefully, hoping it wouldn’t get harmed. I would be very upset if it received the slightest scratch.

His family was quiet as they helped us get ready to leave. Mairwen packed food for the journey which Kellen had put in a knapsack tied to the saddle. I noticed his sword and armor on the horse, clearly within his reach. It had been safe while we were here at the house the last couple of days and with my visit to my grandparents in Tarin. I had almost forgotten the dangers that existed. I added my backpack to the horse, tying it on securely.

Kayleigh said goodbye first, hugging both of us tightly. She turned to me. “I’m going to miss you so much. I love you like a sister already.”

“I feel exactly the same way as you,” I told her, returning the embrace, “I’ll try to see you soon.”

Kedehern hugged his son tightly and took my hand in his, patting it softly.

“We’ll be careful, Father. I’ll take care of her. We’ll send word when we can. If anything new happens, you’ll know right away,” Kellen assured him.

“Yes, I know. We’ll be fine here. You take care of the both of you,” Kedehern replied.

I turned to Mairwen. She held her arms open and hugged me close. I placed a kiss on her cheek as I pulled away. Both of our eyes were bright. When Kellen hugged her, the tears in her eyes ran over. She didn’t let go for a few seconds. Then she smiled and pushed us toward the horses.

“Good bye, Mother. I love you,” Kellen told her, slightly choked up himself.

“Good bye and thank you for such a wonderful visit. I will always remember it,” I told them honestly. Their hospitality and acceptance had meant the world to me.

“Bye, safe travels. Come back to us when you can, Rhiannon. We’ll miss you both,” Mairwen told us.

Kellen helped me mount the horse. I sat astride it this time. I was in riding pants and boots for the journey. This wasn’t a time for dresses and side saddles. Kellen looked me over with a slight grin. I knew he liked the outfit. He hopped up on his horse and we were ready to go when the sound of several riders stopped us.

Tristan, Seasnan, and three other guard members came galloping up. Their horses were packed with swords, armor, and camping gear. Even the horses themselves were fitted with battle armor. This was no joy ride. They were prepared to fight. I looked at Kellen with my eyes wide. He just smiled and I realized he wasn’t surprised. He knew they were coming with us. I guess he hadn’t wanted to mention it or he had forgotten. Intentionally?

We waited as Tristan said good bye to Kayleigh. They kissed and she waved him off, tears in her eyes. It made me wonder if she knew how long he would be gone. We rode away together, Kellen and I bringing up the rear. He was behind me for protection, the last rider. I waved to his family until they were out of sight, watching as the stone wall of Karmelo faded into the distance...

We kept at a consistent but normal pace. Kellen brought his horse up to mine and we lagged behind the others for a bit. I knew he was keeping me from Seasnan’s line of vision and I said nothing. I enjoyed the lovely view of the scenery as we rode by. I wanted to remember every detail, knowing it would be a long time before I returned. After a while we stopped and Kellen led me over to a shady bunch of trees, helping me dismount. I was grateful since my lower back was aching a little.

I drank some water and stretched my stiff muscles. Before I had a chance to sit down, Kellen grabbed my hand in his, walking around the flat grassy plain, stretching our legs. He suddenly pulled me in his arms and twirled me around, laughing loudly, feeling happy and carefree. I smiled at him as we leaned against a nearby tree, seeking shade in the unbearable heat.

He brushed his fingers along my cheek and stared into my eyes.

“I think we have traveled long enough today. Why don’t we spend the night here?”

“Sure, if you think that is best,” I said a bit unsteadily. His eyes were making me dizzy.

“Oh, I do. I think you really need to stay off the horse for the rest of the night. You could use a break,” he insisted softly as his lips touched my collarbone and made their way up along the right side of my throat.

“I think…that sounds…good,” I answered him, gasping and distracted.

His hands were at my hips and made their way up and around my waist. He kissed the spot beneath my ear, the moist heat making me stifle a moan.

“I’m glad you think so. I’m going to set up the tent. Are you hungry?”

His lips made their way back up to my chin as he kissed my cheek and looked in my eyes. I saw that his eyes were hungry and not in the food sense. My heart rate accelerated and my breathing became heavier. He noticed my reaction and grinned wide.

I blinked several times trying to figure out a coherent response. “Um, what?”

He threw back his head and laughed hard. “Oh, Rhiannon. You surprise me yet again.”

I looked at him, confused, reacting much like that dinner in the restaurant we had months ago when he was so distracted he became offended and I laughed.

He kissed me, oblivious to my internal chaotic thoughts, and then explained.

“I was surprised by the desire and warmth in your eyes. Sometimes I get lost in your eyes but this was the first time I noticed you getting lost in mine.”

His voice was thick as he spoke. His lips were moving along my jaw line again and back to my earlobe. I shivered.

“I better see to that tent…and some dinner. You’ll need the energy.”

“Kellen, I…please…I can’t concentrate.”

He laughed again and stepped back. “I wish we could…” He didn’t finish.

He grabbed my hand and we ran over to the horses to set up camp. A little while later the tent was up and Kellen was building a fire pit. He was going to hunt for our dinner. I watched him take a bow and a quiver of arrows off the horse. He put his finger to his lips and crouched down looking toward the trees.

I thought I could make something out, a small rustling sound. He pulled an arrow slowly out and nocked it, quietly bringing the string back. He was aiming. A few seconds later I saw the arrow leave, making a slight whoosh through the air. It hit something hard and I heard a thud. A fairly large thud.

“I’ll be right back,” he told me with a grin.

Kellen returned with a large deer over his shoulders, a buck. The antlers were huge.

“I have to clean it and get some meat for us. It’s fairly dirty work, you may want to look away,” he warned me.

I nodded. I was about to look away when I saw him yank his shirt over his head. My eyes took in the wide chiseled chest and strong muscular arms. I couldn’t look away. He was beautiful. My eyes roamed over his pecs and abdominals noting the defined muscles. They rippled and moved as he set to work on the deer. His stomach was so…sexy. I couldn’t help but think so. It made me blush.

That’s how he saw me when he looked up. His eyes looked surprised and then his wide grin spread across his face, his dimple appearing in his cheek.

“What is it Rhiannon?” He asked, teasing me.

“Um, I was just thinking…how…” I shifted uncomfortably on the ground and didn’t continue. My blush deepened.

“Rhiannon, do you think I’m handsome?” He was grinning like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. It was taunting and teasing at the same time.

I grew a little bolder. “I was thinking how…sexy your muscles are…and how much I like them.” I shrugged my shoulders.

He laughed out loud so hard that I just stared at him.

“I knew you thought so. It’s very satisfying since I think your body is about perfect too.”

I blushed even deeper if that were possible. That seemed to amuse him a great deal. He was whistling while he finished the deer. He set to work making us a hot meal to eat. I realized I was starving by the time it was ready and ate more than usual. He noticed and smiled, raising an eyebrow in silent question.

“I think it is something about this place that makes me enjoy and want everything so much more. I seem to be hungrier too but more than that, my emotions are so much stronger,” I told him trying to explain.

He looked at me, teasing again. “And your desires? Are they stronger too?”

“In every way but one. When it comes to you, it’s pretty much the same.”

He laughed again, this time not quite so loud. “I love your openness and honesty, Rhia darling. It is so refreshing. That’s why you always surprise me,” he told me seriously.

We sat down on the ground together near a fallen tree. He leaned back and pulled me close to him, putting his arm around me. My head fell back against his shoulder and we watched the sun setting across another beautiful sky, relaxed, no tension or anxiety like last night. It was a long time before either of us felt like talking.

I finally got curious about something.

“I’m curious,” I told him, breaking the silence.

“Hmmm…” He responded.

“You told me to tell you when I was curious again. Well, I am.”

He laughed, remembering. “Yes, what is it?”

Silence.

“How much longer is it to the portal?” I asked a different question than the one I was going to ask, chickening out.

“We’ll be there tomorrow afternoon way before the portal closes. We stopped far away since I didn’t want you close to it when it gets dark.”

I thought about that. “What about the horses? How will they get back to your house?”

He sighed. “Rhiannon, do you really want to know about the horses? Why don’t you just ask me what you want to know?”

I looked at him innocently. “But I do want to know about the horses.” Ok, so that was a half-truth there.

“Tristan will take them home when he goes back to see Kayleigh, which I’m sure you already figured out.”

I didn’t say anything. I just sat there quietly thinking. Kellen shifted his weight and started to thump his fingers on the ground. I got a kick out of that.

“Am I boring you?” I asked him, my voice full of humor.

He grumbled a little in his throat. I laughed, thoroughly enjoying myself.

“You are so impatient,” I told him.

He pulled me into his lap and took my shoulders in his hands. His eyes looked deep into mine. Oh yeah, he was very impatient. I shifted my body since I was uncomfortable and sat with one leg on each side of him. That was better.

“So…I was wondering…why you didn’t say anything about making the journey alone.”

He raised an eyebrow at me. “That’s not your question, though, is it?”

“Um, why didn’t you say anything about…Seasnan being with us?” I hesitantly looked at his face.

He was scowling. I’m sure he knew I would ask eventually. What was he thinking?

“You’re not saying anything,” I pointed out.

His scowl deepened. He grabbed my hips and pulled me close against him. Our chests were touching. His was still bare and I tried not to be distracted by that. I put my arms around his neck and waited. He stayed quiet for a while. Then his hands tightened on me.

“I don’t like you thinking about him,” he spoke sullenly, “or any man for that matter.”

I ignored the implication of that statement and any reference to Baylor.

“Oh, Kellen, I’m not. I was only curious because you didn’t say anything to me. That’s all.”

He just stared at me. Didn’t he believe me?

“He forced a kiss on you. I know you were angry. You’re not…” He didn’t finish.

I was furious at him thinking I might have liked it or something. I leaned all the way forward until I was just about two inches from his eyes.

“I am only interested in and attracted to
you
. Let this jealousy go. I’ll prove it to you.”

I brought my lips to his and lay my fingers on his chest, running them down along his perfect abs. He returned the kiss with a fierce intensity, his hands holding onto my waist, gripping me tightly like I might get up and walk away. He moaned softly and his lips began to move along the delicate spot below my earlobe.

“Oh, Kellen,” I said thickly, “I love only you.”

His kisses trailed down the column of my throat. He gently pushed my shirt aside and pressed his lips to my bare shoulder, shoving the material lower.

“Rhiannon, Rhiannon…I love you so much.” His voice was raspy, deep, husky.

Suddenly the sound of thunderous hooves approaching made us both snap back into awareness. I realized I was sitting in a compromising position, so I started to move. Kellen held me there. For some reason he thought I should stay like that.

I frowned.

We both looked up to see Seasnan on his horse. He galloped up fast, pulling the horse to a stop only ten feet away from us, holding tightly to the reins. He noted the way Kellen was holding me and the fact that he was shirtless. His eyes showed his surprise and then narrowed. His face he kept carefully blank.

“Was there something you wanted?” Kellen asked casually as he let his lips come back to my collarbone and along my neck.

“I came to make sure you were settled for the night and that Rhiannon was safe.”

Kellen’s hands tightened around me and his whole body flexed. His face he kept carefully relaxed.

“As you can see, we are fine and quite ready for the night. We’ll see you tomorrow after we’ve rested.”

He let the bait sit. I saw Seasnan’s body go rigid. His face also stayed smooth. He nodded.

These Guardians were masters over their facial expressions but terrible at hiding their emotions. Their body language gave everything away. Such little school boy games. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, slightly irked that Kellen chose to use me like a shiny new toy that Seasnan wanted and could not have. It was ridiculous.

“Oh, Seasnan, I killed a buck. You guys could use the meat. It’s over by the tent.”

Seasnan nodded and jumped off his horse. He took the animal and tied it on. Then he jumped back up on his horse and nodded to Kellen. His eyes turned to me and I saw the naked desire there for a brief moment before he hid it and rode off. Kellen had noticed it too. His whole body was rigid and stiff, like the moment before a cobra strike.

I was very surprised when he suddenly relaxed and laughed heartily. Maybe it was getting to be too much for him. Did he finally snap? No longer able to handle the stress?

I looked at him curiously. He smiled my favorite grin.

“I might be jealous but I get to be
with
you. He never will. He got to see what he is missing just now. It didn’t make him very happy.”

Kellen continued to laugh for a long while, chuckling every now and then at the thought. I just shook my head at him and leaned against his chest totally content to stay there, at least until my thoughts wandered.

And I told myself it did not matter that the last person I thought of, the last eyes in my memory, belonged to a man I promised not to forget, and not the one who was with me.

Baylor.