Chapter Seven
Brighid
Eirrick held her hand while Aunt waved a soft glowing wand over the wound in her arm. It emitted a sonic frequency out of Brighid's hearing range but it facilitated healing and regrowth. Though the cut stung and itched, Brighid forced herself to stay still. Soon enough the discomfort faded, leaving behind only a puckered pink scar.
“Can’t you get rid of that, too?” she asked.
Eirrick turned her face to his. “This scar is a testament to your bravery. You held that assassin off long enough for me to arrive. That is worth a small commemoration.”
Brighid never thought she would ever think a scar could be attractive but when Eirrick said that, her chest warmed with pride. She brushed her mouth against his and Aunt grunted.
“You can return to your chambers. Just don’t get too wild with your lovemaking.”
Brighid couldn't stifle a giggle at that. Despite what had happened, or perhaps because of the adrenaline that had flooded her system, she wanted to go back to her husband’s chambers and roll about the bed like a couple of young lions. For their bodies to fuse with heat. The priests were right about one thing–fighting did stir the blood. She nuzzled into Eirrick's neck as he picked her up. The vibrations from his chuckles did wicked things to her and she moaned softly.
Once in his chambers, he smoothed her hair back and lifted her arm. Light kisses traced down the length of her scar before he stepped back. “Did he hurt you in any other way?”
Brighid glanced at the scar and back at her husband, brows knit.
“You were naked,” he said gently.
“Oh.” She shook her head. “No. He didn't even threaten it. He had been sent to kill me and wasn't going to waste time.” She shuddered as she remembered the feel of the knife against her throat. The room had a slightly smoky scent to it still but she couldn't work up any sympathy for the dead man. “I should have known that Jyah wouldn't release me so easily.”
A muscle worked in Eirrick's jaw and he crossed the space between them and wrapped her in his arms. “That beast should never have touched you! I should have known that he would attack. I should never have left you alone. If I had lost you…”
The emotion in his voice made her melt against him. In her past, she had felt desire, but never like this. Never had she felt so free with her own body. Never had she gazed at a man and decided that, yes, he was worth dying for. The flimsy gown that separated them was too much and she undid the ties and let it drop for the second time that day.
“You are the bravest, strongest man I have ever known." Her words were fierce, passionate. "At the College, they were all like Jyah. There to leer at us and then punish us if we dared to show our own desires. It was especially worse if a girl had a desire for someone other than the priest that desired her.”
She tugged at his belt, excited and giddy that she could look at the man who wanted her and want him back. Knowing that he would never hurt her. Her skin started to heat as she pulled his pants down to show he was almost ready. Eirrick brushed his fingers through her hair and she smiled shyly at him.
“You are beautiful," she whispered. "I never thought a man’s form could be so beautiful.”
But he didn't say anything. She bit her lip for a moment before she stepped into closer to him.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’m concerned that you’re choosing me because I’m the safe choice… that if I hadn't bought you, hadn't been the first man to give you a choice, that you wouldn't want me.”
Brighid chuckled. “I have wanted you since I laid eyes on you. I was more frightened by my own desire than I was of you. But I'm not scared anymore.”
She pushed herself to her toes and pressed her lips to his. He tasted sweet and smoky and she couldn't stop herself from running her tongue over his lips to enjoy more of the taste. They parted and she flicked her tongue into his mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed as she rubbed her naked body against his. Eirrick banded his arms around her waist, hands gripping her ass. His fingers dug in strongly, kneading her soft flesh.
He broke the kiss and smiled down at her as he pushed a knee between her legs. The friction against her made her core tighten and heat to flare out from her center. She delved into his throat and chest, kissing, licking and even letting her teeth scraped against him. He seemed to like it, as he hardened against her belly. Knowing how much he desired her made her skin tingle all over her body. Her nipples tightened and jutted against his chest.
“I have to confess something,” he said. “I have never been with a virgin before. So if I do something you don't like or something that hurts, you need to tell me. Okay?”
He brushed the hair from her face and she nodded. A slight bit of nervousness crept into her but she banished it. The first time was never perfect. But with Eirrick it was as perfect as it was going to get. He picked her lips, spreading her legs to either side of his hips as he did so. While he pressed soft kisses to her, he carried her to the hearth and laid her down on the soft furs. He took her hand in his and guided it between her legs. His breath wafted over her neck.
“Find your little button and decide how you want me to play with it.”
He turned and built a fire while she obeyed him.it wasn't hard to find the swollen little nub and it only took a few seconds for her to realize she needed a gentle touch. Once a healthy fire blazed in the hearth, Eirrick stretched out beside her and took over.
Brighid’s whole body seemed to tighten as he moved his fingers in soft, deft strokes. She was soon panting as she clung to him, eyes wide and mouth gaping slightly. Eirrick’s gaze remained on hers, a smile on his face. Her finger dug into his arms. Her head fell back and she rolled her hips upwards, mewling with need as the tightness inside of her increased with every second.
He slipped a finger inside of her and she jerked. Eirrick paused, watching her. “Do you like that?”
“Uh…” She relaxed as he swiped his thumb over her sensitive nub. “Yes. It just took me by surprise.”
Eirrick moved his finger in and out while taking her nipple into his mouth. The dual sensations made her shiver and she gripped him all the tighter. He didn't let up, though his movement remained soft and gentle. Soon the tightness inside reached a breaking point and he eased off, letting her tense muscles relax. His mouth moved back to hers and after a couple of soft kisses, he rolled over onto her. Her legs circled his hips.
“Do you want me?
Brighid nodded.
“Then say my name.”
“Eirrick.”
He began to ease into her, slowly, letting her adjust to his unaccustomed size with every inch. “Again.”
Brighid gasped. “Eirrick!”
He found his seat inside her. Waited for a moment. Then began to thrust. Short, hard thrusts. Not moving too much. And yet it felt like every nerve in her body was going to explode. Her fingers dug into his arms and she cries out with every motion. Eirrick held himself just out of reach for her lips, eyes glittering. The look on his face was so intense that she was almost frightened but she clung to him and rocked her hips in time with his and the pleasure flooded her, leaving no room for anything else.
“Say it,” he growled. “Say–my–name!”
Everything exploded inside her as her back arched. “EIRRICK!”
His movement became jerky. He thrust hard, entering deep. She felt his heat fill her and welcomes it, gasping out his name again and again.
After some time he slowed. He eased off her and smiled while he panted. It was only when he left her that Brighid realized how sore she was. She ignored the tenderness between her legs and wrapped herself closer to him. She could feel his heart beating and smiled, listening to how it matched her own.
“And to think I feared dragons my whole life.” She sighed. “Why did I fear you when you are so gentle and kind?”
Eirrick combed his finger through her hair. “Not all of us are. It’s a great part due to Mother that I and my brothers have become what we are. She allowed no disrespect towards women and taught us well.”
He fell silent and Brighid thought he had drifted off but moments later he clutched her tighter and growled.
“I will kill him. I will never allow him to be near you again. I am going to kill him and I will raid the College. I will free all those girls and let them choose their own destinies. I will teach them how to defend themselves and they will no longer be victimized by this universe.” He turned to her and stared intently into her eyes. “I swear by blood and fire it will be done.”
Brighid’s eyes welled. She buried her face in the pillow, horrified with herself. She couldn't remember the last time she cried and this made her tear up? But she couldn't stop herself as tears began to run down her cheeks. Eirrick stroked her hair quietly, always so gentle.
“Thank you so much for all the things you’ve done for me. Thank you.” she held him tighter. “Thank you.”