Immortal Skye (Vampire Mates) Page 2

  Julia had rarely been permitted to leave the isle. She knew little of the outside world, beyond the stories told by others.

  “Julia,” Rónán’s gentle voice brought her back from fractured thoughts as he coaxed her chin up to face him.

  She resisted, pressing her cheek more firmly to his shirt. “Will you describe it for me?”

  “What?”

  “The colors. Will you please, Rónán? Once more?”

  Comprehending her request, Rónán spoke in a slow, steady cadence. “At first,” he verbally painted the scene he had described a thousand times for the young vampire, “there is night, darkness which blankets the land as the sun slumbers. As the sun begins to awaken, the sky lightens from black to a deep shade of blue.” He closed his eyes to better envision the scene. “When the sun climbs higher, light pushes back the moon until she is forced to surrender her place in the sky. The navy sheet lightens further, and the first traces of new colors materialize across sparse clouds. Subtle at first, the hues change to softer shades until splashes of pink and orange emerge, streaking the canvas. These colors spread, covering the sky, before it welcomes the first vestiges of true blue, dripping and spreading over the previously plain sheet. A pale blue, much like your eyes, that eclipses all the other shades as the sun fills the morning sky, traces of brilliant light blessing the earth below, and sparkling across the water as though fairies dance across silver-tipped waves.”

  His voice trailed, but he remained holding Julia as she leaned against him, eyes closed, envisioning the grandeur of the sunrise she would never see.

  “Please,” her voice would have been inaudible had her lips not been pressed against his skin. “Help me.”

  “I want to. Gods, Julia, I long to take you from here. You have no idea how much I wish I could help you.”

  “Then why don’t you? I never took you as one to fear any man. Not even my father.”

  “I don’t care about your father,” he answered. “I would never willingly obey him, nor dream of allowing him to do this to you, if I had a choice.” He drew a slow breath. “I must tell you the truth, my lady. One I should have confessed long before now.”

  “Truth?”

  He nodded. “Allow me to escort you down to the beach. All will be revealed.”

  Chapter IV

  AD 40

  Isle of Skye, Scotland

  Taking Julia’s arm, Rónán escorted the younger woman along the rocky beach, walking beyond their familiar route, until they reached the mouth of a semi-hidden cave, which weather had carved into a rocky cliff. Pausing at the entrance, Rónán placed a finger to his lips, motioning her to silence. In the cave’s mouth sat a series of expansive, flat rocks on which several seals lounged.

  Those on the rocks appeared to be asleep, but others swam lazily around the flat pillars. As one seal swam in their direction, the creature let out a slight huff at their appearance, as though to warn the others.

  The seal paused, and then to Julia’s amazement, the creature swam closer. It rolled in the water, showing a flipper after Rónán raised his arm in greeting. The seal completed its slow roll as a turn, swimming back toward the rocks with surprising grace.

  Julia watched as the seal approached its companions and emitted a high-pitched grunt. At the noise, more seals looked at her and Rónán, followed by additional grunts, barks, and groans.

  “What are we doing here?” Julia whispered.

  “Wait,” he answered.

  She did, remaining still as one of the creature slid its blubbery bulk from the rock. When it moved, Julia spied something seemingly translucent in the moonlight. Focusing, her vampiric gaze illuminated the darkness.

  Previously hidden behind the seal, a woman stood atop the rock. Nude, her skin was as pale as Julia’s own preternatural flesh, a sharp contrast to the ebony hair blowing chaotically in the sea’s salty breath. The woman studied them, her expression at first unreadable, then a slow smile spread across her lips as she tentatively raised a hand. Again, Rónán lifted his arm in response.

  Raising her chin, the woman looked to the sky, waning moonlight bathing her willowy form. The woman parted her lips in silent question, to which Rónán shook his head. The woman’s gaze lowered, head dipping before she reached down, pulling a brown cloak around her shoulders to conceal her bare form before leaping into the ocean’s depths with an audible splash.

  Julia waited for the woman to emerge, yet instead of the human she expected, a seal appeared where the woman had fallen.

  “Oh my gods!” Julia cried in alarm. “The girl must be hurt!”

  “No,” Rónán assured, gently grasping Julia’s arm to prevent her from rushing to help. “She’s not harmed.”

  “Where is she?”

  Rónán gestured with the arm not restraining Julia, and again the seal raised a flipper before coming closer. It stopped near the water’s edge, not coming ashore. Releasing his grip on Julia, Rónán stepped around her to the wave’s edges, wet sand shifting under his feet.

  Julia remained where he had left her, watching in wonder as she grappled with a startling insight. “She’s a selkie?”

  Rónán nodded, drawing a breath of salty air before verbally confirming, “She is.”

  Julia looked from the seal, back to Rónán, his own dark hair shining brightly in the low light. “So are you.”

  “I am.”

  “Oh my gods. You’re a selkie. That’s how you saved me. And the girl?”

  “My sister.”

  “Father trapped you here…” At the shocking realization, her tone turned venomous as a sickening wave of nausea threatened the back of her throat. “You saved my life and he…enslaved you. His twisted, perverted way of thanks.”

  “Yes.”

  “Oh gods!”

  “Julia, look at me.”

  She didn’t. “He bound you to him, and this island. If you hadn’t saved me… If I had simply—”

  “Despite the cost, I would save you again, Julia.” His determined tone pierced her mumblings, his hand cupping the side of her face to align their gazes. “I would have saved you a thousand times.”

  “Rónán—”

  “I didn’t reveal this truth to burden you, nor to place blame. What happened is not your fault.”

  Her voice dimmed to a whisper as she asked, “Why are you telling me, now, after all these years?”

  “So you understand.”

  “Understand?”

  “I would go to the ends of the Earth with you, Julia. I would give anything in my power to carry you far from here, away from this twisted fate into which you have been bound.” He shook his head, forcing her to hold his gaze. A rough breath, and unsteady tones, showcased his desperation. “For the first time since I pulled you from those waves, saving you is not within my power.” He pressed his palm fully against her trembling cheek. “I’m sorry, m’eudail.”

  A tear slid down her cheek to splash against Rónán’s palm. “He trapped you here because of me. He took the ocean from you. Your home, your world, your very way of existence.”

  Rónán pulled her into his embrace. Trembling, she leaned against him, whimpering incoherent apologies, overwhelmed by the horror of what had been done to her beloved protector.

  “Mo ghràdh,” he mumbled, running a hand down her back in an attempt to soothe her. “I’m here, Julia.”

  She pulled back enough to meet his gaze, but remained in the circle of his arms. “I’m afraid.”

  Her fear crushed him. He paused, attempting to find a sense of calm, but instead drew her instinctually closer, before dipping his head to draw her into a desperate kiss. She tasted sweet, a blend of vanilla from earlier wine accented with salt from the ocean’s wind.

  She opened to him, tentatively parting her lips in sweet response. The kiss scattered every coherent thought, pushing back waves of fear and guilt like a receding tide caught in the moon’s pull. Tentatively, Julia moved her lips against his as the kiss prolonged, his tongue explor
ing her untainted mouth.

  When he pulled back, his ocean blue eyes held hers as he spoke of the devotion the kiss had conveyed. “I love you, Julia.”

  In response to the bold confession, Julia rose to her toes and pulled him into a second kiss, passion rising as Rónán raised a hand to thread his fingers through her golden tresses.

  “Julia,” her name fell from his lips between a whimper and groan, “mo ghràdh.”

  At the term of endearment, a blush crept up Julia’s neck to splash color upon previously pale cheeks, her lips swollen from the press of their caress.

  “Julia…” His mind swam, thoughts in direct conflict with the pounding of his heart and the increasing tightness of his trousers. “I don’t think—”

  “I want this,” she cut off his protests, rushing to pour out her desire before her courage failed. “Please, Rónán.”

  He froze, indecision and consequences rushing through his mind in a flickering stream. “Julia—”

  “Do you not desire me?”

  He jerked her forward, her question defeating all hints of continued resistance. Enfolding her, Julia leaned against him, pressing her lips to the side of his neck, placing a gentle kiss on the exposed skin above his collar. He groaned at the touch, but remained still, allowing her to kiss her way down until her lips met cloth.

  Lowering his arms, Rónán reached for his shirt’s hem, pulling up on the material. Slipping the garment over his head, Rónán dropped it carelessly onto the coarse sand.

  Julia stared, uncertain, but Rónán grasped her arms, moving her palms to his chest. Shyly at first, she ran her hand down, her touch light. He remained still, allowing her to explore as he gave an encouraging smile. Moving to his shoulders, Julia’s hands increased in pressure, sliding down his arms to reach his sides. Emboldened, she moved her lips back to the side of his neck where her earlier explorations had begun, feathery kisses trailing down his chest and stomach before he coaxed her lips back to his own for a searing kiss.

  Reaching for her gown, Rónán paused. “You’re certain?” he managed to ask between rough gulps of salty air.

  Her equally breathy, “Yes,” was all he required.

  As he drew the material up, Julia’s arms rose, allowing him to pull the gown from her. She wore only a light shift beneath the outer fabric, and Rónán stood, admiring her delicate form scarcely hidden beneath the thin, white cloth. Reaching out, he placed a hand on her shoulder before leaning down to kiss her neck.

  Tracing his lips along her skin, Rónán palmed her breast, and delighted as the touch drew a gasp from Julia’s lips. His hand sought her nipple, encircling the tender bud through the fabric until it hardened against his touch. Lowering his head, while lifting the hem of her shift, Rónán moved his lips to the nipple his hand had teased. When his tongue made contact, warm and wet—a striking contrast to the cold night’s wind—she spasmed. Lapping at the taut skin, Rónán moved his hand to her other breast, tweaking gently to pull more moans from her throat.

  Julia shifted in the sand, unable to hold still under his tender attentions. “Rónán.”

  His name falling from her lips prompted him to draw back. Her shift fell back into place as he reached for the ties of his trousers, and quickly shed them.

  Taking in his nude form, Julia allowed her eyes to glide from his toned chest to his protruding shaft, already fully hard under their heated passion. Julia studied him with curious eyes before reaching out a tentative hand. Blushing, she paused before touching him, prompting Rónán to grasp her hand and place it upon his quivering shaft. Fingers lightly curling around the flesh, she found it both smooth and hard to the touch.

  Rónán surveyed the beach before leaning down to grasp his discarded shirt and her gown. Flattening both garments as best he could, Rónán reached for his love, pulled off her shift and lay it on top of the outwear, finally assisting her in lying upon the make-shift bed. As he knelt beside her, he spoke with regret, “You should be on a blanket of rose petals.”

  “I don’t want roses,” she answered. “Only you.”

  Maneuvering over her, Rónán kissed his way down her chest, returning his attentions to her breasts before traveling lower. His lips meandered down her flat stomach, lapping and nipping at the tender flesh. When he reached her outer thighs, he moved his lips left while running his hand across her right hip. Widening her legs, Rónán knelt between them, working his hand slowly toward her center. She gasped when he reached it.

  Lowering his head, Rónán kissed the skin his hand had caressed, using his tongue to part her delicate folds, her body tensing at his first slow lick. At her reaction, he paused to nuzzle her mound, pushing his face against her, then tenderly ran his tongue up and down her untouched valley, seeking her clit, which he gently drew out from its protective hood.

  Julia gasped and moaned, hips jerking as the first of her juices gathered upon his tongue. He sucked gently, loving how she trembled and twisted against his mouth, wanting something, but not sure what.

  Sliding his finger along her inner channel, his tongue continued to roam, causing Julia to cry out, trembling as her hips gave an involuntary thrust. When he moved the single digit deeper, she tensed at the intrusion, but continued to thrash in search of what would be her first orgasm. Steadily, Rónán pushed and pulled his finger before adding a second, stretching her as his own resistance faded, cock throbbing with the desire to be inside her.

  “You’re tight, but wet,” he stated. “I want to possess you, Julia.” He struggled to form the final question. “Is this what you want?”

  “Yes,” she answered. “I love you, Rónán.”

  At the verbal confirmation of her body’s eloquence, Rónán kissed his way up until he reached her lips. Sliding his hands to her hips, he adjusted her enough to align his rigid cock at her entrance. “I’ll go slow.”

  Recapturing her lips, Rónán pressed against her slippery cleft, easing himself inside. Tight, he inched forward, breaths erratic as she cinched around him. When he reached her thin barrier, he lowered his head, distracting her with his lips as he pushed through, swallowing a hiss as he drove deeper, until fully sheathed. Struggling to remain still, he gave her time to adjust, virginal flesh clamping around him erratically.

  Returning a hand to her breasts, he caressed them. She relaxed at his tender attentions. He pulled back, then slid forward with a gentle thrust, again waiting once fully inside. She gave a smile of encouragement.

  Setting a slow rhythm, Rónán rocked back and forth inside her tight passage, the hand on her breast moving down to where their bodies were joined. Rubbing against her clit, Julia’s hips jerked up, meeting his downward thrust, pulling a deep groan from both lovers.

  Increasing his tempo, Rónán lost himself as her tentative thrusts became more sure, bodies and hearts melding in heated passion. “You’re beautiful,” he breathed against her skin. “A goddess come to bless me with the sweetest of gifts.” His finger increased its tempo on her clit, and she cried out, body convulsing as her lips moved to his neck. Fangs breaking skin, she climaxed around him, the sweet coppery taste of his blood completing her release.

  Rónán groaned in response, control breaking as he thrust hard. Hips driving with abandon, his pace increased again, pushing fully within her before spilling himself inside her welcoming depths with a rough cry before collapsing. He lay there, allowing his body to soften before he slid his arms around her, maneuvering her atop his chest.

  Struggling to recall how to draw proper breath, Rónán ran his hand through Julia’s golden locks, fingers tracing her spine.

  “Rónán?” She made his name a question.

  “You’re incredible, Julia. Absolutely stunning.”

  Her voice was meek as she asked, “Do you mean it?”

  “Mean what, exactly?” He moved his palm to cup her cheek, her tone causing him concern.

  “You called me your love.”

  Desiring to quell the fear in her eyes, Rónán held her gaze.
“I meant every word, mo leannan. With all my soul.”

  Sliding off his chest to lay on her side, Julia struggled against an overwhelming sense of loss.

  Sharing her pain, Rónán pulled her against him, holding her in his strong embrace. “Julia, I have no comfort to offer other than the promise of my heart, which will now, as it has always done, beat for us both. I have no idea what turns this life will hold, my love, but please trust you have granted me a gift, one which I shall cherish for all the nights yet to come.”

  “I’m afraid, Rónán. My heart is—”

  “Safe,” Rónán promised. “Your heart is safe, Julia. I have it and, if you permit, shall ensure its safety, no matter what.” He kissed her again, offering what little comfort he could. “I’m sorry, Julia. I’m your father’s captive, and a selkie must obey whoever holds the key to their freedom, no matter how much I desire to have it otherwise. But I do love you. We’ll find a way. I promise.”

  With this assurance, Rónán held his love as her tears came faster, glistening drops of sorrow spilling upon his chest as he tried to comfort her, all the while aware there was no true source of peace to be found.

  When her tears were spent, Rónán attempted to move Julia back toward the manor, but she resisted. “I want to lie here, for as long as we can.”

  Eyeing the lightening sky, Rónán was uncertain, but at her shudder caused by his attempt to coax her from his side, he relented. They had time yet to safely return her to darkness before the sun’s rays fully lit the dawn.

  “Okay, love, a few minutes longer.”

  Neither of them noticed the quiet thump between their chests as Julia’s vampiric heart took the first beat of its preternatural life.

  Chapter V

  AD 40

  Isle of Skye, Scotland

  As dawn threatened, the sky the dark shade of blue he’d described, Rónán reluctantly returned his love to her chambers, securing her to darkness before sunrise. Tucking her into bed, he attempted to pull away, but she grasped his hand, vampiric eyes drooping.