The Celtic God Who Loved Her Read online

  The Celtic God Who Loved Her

  by

  Trinity Blacio

  Freya’s Bower.com ©2010

  Culver City, CA

  The Celtic God Who Loved Her Copyright © 2009, 2010 by Trinity Blacio, pseudonym

  Cover illustration and design by Taria Reed.

  Cover art Freya’s Bower © 2013

  Editor: Marci Baun

  ISBN: 978-1-936222-25-4

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.

  This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any places, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  Warning:

  This book may contain graphic sexual material and/or profanity and is not meant to be read by any person under the age of 18.

  If you are interested in purchasing more works of this nature, please stop by www.freyasbower.com.

  Freya’s Bower.com

  P.O. Box 4897

  Culver City, CA 90231-4897

  Printed in The United States of America

  Dedication

  Special thanks to Saroya Poirier

  Creator of Dagda God of Lust, Pain, Sex Poem

  Chapter One

  Mr. Duffy, the barrister pulled into the oak tree-lined driveway. In the distance, the castle towered over the treetops.

  “Your new home was built by the first Featherstonehaugh, but that ancestral name has vanished. It is well documented that this home played a major part in the battle between the British and the Scots. Now, the Hall House was established in the early 13th century by Helias Featherstonehaugh, your ancestor. You can see it over to the right of you.” Mr. Duffy pointed towards the hall. The gray stone walls of the stronghold stood in the shadows of the elevated towers. Old, giant oak trees shaded the walls of the building. “In the early 14th century, the southwest tower was built. In the 17th century, the Gothic renovation was completed.”

  The gigantic castle loomed in front of her. She slipped out of the car and gazed about the estate, not believing it was all hers. “This has to be a joke. This is mine?”

  “We’ve double checked, and you’re next in line to the Featherstone Estate. It’s yours.” Mr. Duffy handed the keys to the castle. “You also have other properties throughout England, but this home might be more suitable for your purposes. The main house has been refurbished with modern day amenities, a new kitchen, furnace, bathrooms, and windows. It’s four-sided with a central courtyard. With a tower at each corner, the tallest tower is a piece of medieval work.”

  Her hand ran along the old wood carvings of the dining room table. She couldn’t believe she was standing in this home. A year had passed, and so much had changed. Except for her children, she now faced the world alone. Her mother and father both killed in an automobile accident six months ago. Too think, because of their deaths, she became the last of her ancestors.

  “Mr. Duffy, how am I to pay for the taxes, the upkeep of all these properties— let alone the utilities for them? I mean, I have my husband’s benefits, but it’s not enough to support my children and all this.”

  “The estate pays for itself, the other properties: Hassenbrook Hall, Packwood House, Dover House, and Uppark-West Sussex all bring in funds from tourism.” He followed her to the kitchen.

  The kitchen’s dark wood reminded her of her parents’ old estate. She smiled with pleasure and walked through the door. The kitchen had been refurbished with state-of-the-art appliances. Oh, Momma, if you could see this place. “Are you sure I’m the last of the Featherstone’s? I just don’t want to move my children, get them all excited, and then have it all taken away. We’ve been through so much this year with their father’s and grandparents’ death.” Jade turned and stared at the balding man.

  “Believe me, you’re the last ancestor alive to claim these lands. Officials have been searching for the descendents for years. When one of our local government officials saw your mother’s obituary, they noticed the family line and the rest, well, you know.” He glanced around the room. “I’ve had a fondness for this estate. It’s more of a home than the others. There’s plenty of room for you and your children.”

  Jade followed the round man to the older section of the castle. The walls resembled the Gothic age. “My kids will love this.”

  * * * *

  While doing dishes, Jade stared out the kitchen window and watched her children play. She still couldn’t believe she had been gone from her homeland Northumberland, England, for over fifteen years. Only a month since moving into the castle and already she felt like she’d never left. Her characteristically unenthusiastic sixteen-year-old son, Eric, searched the castle’s every nook and cranny. Eric dove into the family tree elements and tried to figure out where in the family line they belonged.

  “I can’t believe this is all yours,” her best friend Tracy said and plopped down on the kitchen stool. “Now, all you need to do is find a man.” Tracy grabbed a cinnamon roll and took a bite. “I mean you’re only thirty-two, but you act like you’re fifty. Hell, you haven’t even been out to a pub or club.” Her hand reached over and squeezed her shoulder. “Jade, you know Mike would want you to move on. It’s been over a year. He tried to prepare you for when this day would come. Don’t cut yourself off from everyone.”

  Jade rolled her eyes, trying to hold back the tears she thought she didn’t have any more. After a year, she could still see her husband’s smile, feel his arms wrap around her. Looking at Tracy over her shoulder, she smiled and pushed the sad thoughts away. “Let’s just drop it for now, okay? We need to set up the decorations for the Halloween party. The children are so excited we decided to celebrate the old ways.” She pushed away from the window and dried her hands. Knowing she hadn’t convinced her friend that she was over his death, she ignored the comments.

  Jade walked into the formal dining room and yelled, “Come and see the old clothes I found for us. We can pick what to wear tonight.” She smiled at Tracy when she entered the dining room. “The kids and I invited the local witch. We hope she’ll help us meet any of the Fae that are supposed to live around here.”

  Excitement ran through her for the first time in a while. She loved the old stories. When she was a teenager, she practiced paganism. It was time to get back into her beliefs. She picked up a dress and showed Tracy.

  “Do you actually believe the old tales?” Tracy hugged the dress to her body and stretching the sides of the dress to her hips. “I mean have you ever seen any Fae?”

  “Let me see, I was about seven years old when the local witch took me into the woods by our home. She’s the one who taught me about paganism. It’s been so long since I’ve practiced. I can’t wait to talk to Elizabeth. She found a mound, and she wants to see if she can call on them.” Jade picked up the old wench’s outfit and laughed. “And, yes, I saw something that night. My whole family believed in the Fae, and I still believe. You’ll see tonight. Now, come on. We have over a hundred people that will be here camping out for the weekend. I can’t believe we got that many responses.”

  Working for most of the afternoon, they adorned the courtyard with carved pumpkins, lanterns, and decorations adorned the courtyard. Even the little ones helped set up for the event, knowing they would be in bed for most of it that first night. For the next few hours, Jade and the older children entertained the little ones. Everyone pitched in with games from her childhood. There was bobbing for apples, a piñata, pass the pumpkin game, monster tag, and she even
hid little ghost candies for the kids to find and wear out the twins.

  Evening fast approached, and the band arrived. Talking to the band members, Jade listened to the list of Celtic music they planned to play that evening. Satisfied everything was ready, she gathered the twins and headed towards the house as the band set up their equipment for the night.

  “Mom, do we have to go bed so early?” Max asked. They walked up the stairs to their bedrooms.

  “I’m afraid so, baby. It’s going to be a long night, and you four have already had your party for the night. Now, off to bed. I’ll check on you two in a minute.”

  Anticipation rose with the sun’s descent. The little ones sound asleep, and it was the first party since her husband’s death.

  It’s time to move on. I miss you, Mike.

  The barmaid's costume was snug to say the least, her breast barely contained, and her butt felt exposed. Second thoughts rushed through her mind as she stared at her reflection in the full-length mirror. Jade shrugged, walked downstairs, and strolled outside to the bonfires. Flames reached high into the evening air. Stars twinkled above. People came together two by two and danced in merriment. Teenagers huddled in small groups, laughing.

  How did I ever let Tracy talk me into this? Jade tugged the garment down.

  Standing at the edge of the courtyard, she watched her guests move about.

  “Why aren’t you dancing?” Hot air bristled the fine hairs at the nape of her neck. “A beauty like you should be in the arms of a man.”

  His voice, a deep baritone, sent shivers down her spine, and she squirmed. She turned to gaze at a handsome stranger and sucked in cold air. It did nothing to cool the steam this sexy man created. Her pulse jumped in a tight tempo faster than the music that boomed in the background. Over six feet tall, stormy blue eyes danced with the flames of the fire and ignited an answering one in her skin. Deep, red hair framed his chiseled features.

  Let the dating games begin, please!

  “I’m not much of a dancer, I’m afraid,” Jade mumbled and gazed at his bare chest. His leather costume pants hugged muscular legs, and all three of them enormous. God, how could he fit into anyone? Her gaze drifted upward to the sword and harp.

  Crap I’m staring! Her gaze met with a pair of sky blue eyes. A knowing grin told her he’d caught her.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. My name is Dagda.” His voice dipped lower, his gaze heated, and he offered a hand.

  “Like the Dagda of the Tuatha de Danann?”

  He nodded. “Would you dance with me? I promise not to step on your feet.”

  Jade fortified her courage with a deep breath and prepared to do something she hadn’t done in six years: dance. The night we brought home the twins. “My name is Jade Blair.” She put her small hand in his. “I’d love to dance.” Her voice squeaked, and her panties grew damp from the desire zipping through her.

  Dagda led her onto the crowded dance floor, her body inches from his as they swayed to the music. “You live here?” he asked. His heated hand dropped to her hip.

  Cold air traveled down her throat, and the smell of pine tickled her nose. He pulled her close. His voice, deep and vibrant, aroused her, and Jade burned with desire. She’d never wanted a man as badly as she did right now.

  “We just moved in about a month ago.” Her arms inched up around his neck, unable to circle it due to his height, and rested on his toned shoulders.

  “Is your husband around?” Dagda’s hand inched back to the small of her back. Uncertainty hung in the air.

  She looked out at the crowd. “He died a year ago next month.” Her heart skipped a beat at the mention of her husband, but she knew she needed to move on. With a small smile pasted on her face, she looked up into his eyes. “The kids and I wanted a change, so we decided to move here.” She shrugged her shoulders. “We wanted a fresh start.” Her voice stuttered for a moment.

  The song ended, and she backed out of his embrace. “Would you like a beer or something to drink?” she asked and walked toward the buffet table.

  He followed her, his warm body an enticing distraction. “A beer would be great, and I’m sorry about your husband.”

  Their eyes met, and genuine concern warmed his cobalt orbs. He squeezed her hand in reassurance and leaned further into her personal space.

  She needed this. She wanted a man who cared. His strong, firm lips inched closer to hers.

  Please one kiss! Her body and heart craved his kiss.

  “Hey, Mom.” Eric’s voice broke the spell.

  Jade jumped back as Eric rushed over to her.

  “Is it twelve yet? The witch said that was the best time to call on the Fae!”

  “Eric,” she turned away from Dagda, cursing her son’s timing, “use her name. Elizabeth might get offend if you just call her that. And can’t you see I’m talking to someone?” She ran a hand through her hair. Her hand shook with unreleased sexual tension. “You know it’s rude to interrupt.”

  “Sorry, Mom.” He groaned when she ruffled his hair.

  “Eric, this is Dagda.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Dagda, this is my son Eric. Please excuse him. He’s a bit excited.”

  Dagda extended his hand to her son. Eric pulled his shoulders back and shook his hand. “Well met, young warrior, and I’m sure you’ll see some of the small people soon.” He smiled at her son, and then turned his head to her and winked.

  “Well met to you, sir.” Eric rolled his eyes and stepped back. “Mom, feed Sophie, will you?” Her son turned and left without looking back, not giving her a chance to reply.

  Jade laughed, shook her head, grabbed a beer from the cooler, and handed it to him. She started to walk in the direction of the pond and stopped to look back at Dagda. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to feed the swan my son found hurt on our trip to Ireland.”

  Stepping away from the fire, the cool air pushed her hair into her face. Behind her, the sound of voices drifted toward her. Jade glanced back over her shoulder and saw Dagda and someone else talking. The man bore a resemblance to Dagda, except the younger man had fair hair.

  “This is my son, Aengus.” Dagda smiled at her when they caught up to her. Each took a place beside her. “Aengus, this is Jade. Would you mind if we went with you to feed the swan? He has a way with animals. Maybe he can help?”

  The wind rustled the fallen leaves; Jade nodded her head and continued. She closed her eyes for a moment and savored the melodic tone of his voice. It surrounded her body, comforted her. She turned the corner to the alcove, and someone shoved her to the ground.

  “What the hell?” Jade mumbled around a mouth full of dirt. Pain ran through her body, and her arm burned. She tried to get up, but someone held her down.

  “Hold still, your mercenary is still here, and his aim is off. You’re lucky the arrow didn’t hit my son, or I’d kill you myself!” Dagda roared. He rolled off of Jade and reached for his sword.

  “What are you talking about?” She looked down; blood seeped from her arm onto the ground. Her head swam. She couldn’t stand the sight of blood. “I’m going to be sick.” She rose up onto her knees, and her stomach heaved the supper she’d eaten earlier. That’s when she noticed a pair of high-heeled shoes in front of her. Red painted toenails peeked out at her. Her gaze lifted to stare into the face of a very pissed off, beautiful woman. Her deep, auburn hair danced in the wind that seemed only to blow around her.

  “Get off the ground now, and tell us how you knew about my daughter. Why you, a human, want her dead!” the woman demanded.

  Pain radiated throughout her body. Jade struggled to get up. “Excuse me, I don’t care who you are, but no one tells me what to do! This is my home.” She gritted out between her teeth. She could smell the sweet, copper aroma of her blood. I have to get out of here. These people are crazy! Her body turned back towards her house. She stumbled and almost fell.

  Dagda reached out and grabbed her, holding her still. “You’re not going anywhere. A
nswer Morrigan’s questions now!”

  “Stop! Leave her alone, Father. She had nothing to do with this. The Fomorians are behind this.” A melodious voice flowed in harmony with the gentle breeze, sending little tremors through her body.

  “Okay, I’m losing it here! Who are you people?” Jade stared at the two women that stood near her.

  The arm that held her was gone. Jade staggered towards her home, grateful it was only a few feet away. She threw open the back door to the kitchen fuming. The arrow had grazed her arm. It wasn’t embedded. The only thing that is going right tonight!

  She collected her first aid kit and knew she needed to apply butterfly bandages. Her stomach turned at the thought of having to clean the blood off. Her hands trembled as she pulled out the supplies.

  “You won’t need supplies. I’ll heal your arm,” a soft, warm voice said behind her.

  Jade’s head popped up. A beautiful woman stood next to her with Aengus.

  “I would appreciate it if you would just leave. I’ve had enough for one night, thank you.” The lady waved her hand over her injury. The pain vanished. Jade looked down, and the wound had disappeared. “Okay, now I know I need a shrink, or maybe a couple of weeks in the nut ward.”

  “My name is Caer.” Caer took a seat beside Jade who had dropped into one. Aengus assumed a protective stance behind Caer. “You called me Sophie while I resided in swan form. There’s so much to explain.” She sighed and glanced up at Aengus who smiled down at her and nodded. “We’re Celtic gods. Do you know any history about them?”

  Bright blue eyes met Jade’s baffled gaze. Jade nodded. For years, she’d studied the Celtic Gods. But she never expected to meet one, let alone this many.

  Her mother always told her that one day she would understand why she craved such knowledge about them.

  “Good, then you have heard of Dagda, or some call him the Father God, and all sorts of names. Well, this is his son Aengus, and I’m his wife. The other lady that was outside, you know the one that stood before you demanding answers, that was Morrigan, Queen of the Demons, and Mother of Aengus.”