Tara yelped and arched her hips further, grabbing the back of his head as she fought for release.

Darius smiled, knowing she was exactly where he wanted her to be. He licked his lips as he sat up, enjoying her taste on him.

Tara groaned and reached to pull him back to her.

He searched her fogged-over blue eyes as he situated himself above her, resting his erection on her saturated opening.

Tara arched again, as if trying to enclose herself around him.

His hardness felt engorged, and the blood racing through him wanted to slam into that heat. But he teased for a moment, until her blue eyes widened, and her mouth opened in a silent protest.

As she was ready to explode, he entered her. He moved with a steady pace, pushing into her heat until he felt intoxicated, and then pulling back as his body shook with need to return to the center of her heat. When he knew neither of them could handle the pressure built from his motions, he thrust hard, aggressively, and brought them to climax simultaneously.

She stared at him, breathing fast.

Head controlled her, and he knew it.

Tara dressed in silence, almost disbelieving of the s.e.x she had just experienced. No man had ever done to her body what Darius had just done. She felt numb, more than satisfied, and almost in awe. Her thoughts still floated in a fog of aftermath, and she couldnat interpret how she felt.

Darius dressed and then pulled her close for a minute as they stared out at the beautiful land. It felt good being in his arms. He was strong, powerful, and still very dangerous. All of it excited her.

aIall ride that bike of yours now.a He got up finally and moved to the edge of the ledge they were on and shimmied down to the first set of rocks. He reached his hands up to help her down as well.

She laughed at him. aDidnat you just say I was your match in every way?a She sat down as well and scooted down the rocks without his a.s.sistance.

Within seconds they were back at the motorcycles, and he eagerly climbed onto her bike.

She showed him the order in which to push the b.u.t.tons on her handlebar to start the bike, and he watched eagerly. She could tell he looked a bit worried as his contented smile turned to a frown when she climbed onto his bike.

aAre you sure itas not too big for you, my lady?a aMy papaas bike is at least this big, and I have ridden it a time or two, my lord.a She stressed his t.i.tle, sarcastically implying his superiority over her.

Side by side, they rode down the rocky road and back out to the meadow.

Tara enjoyed riding the big, noisy, c.u.mbersome motorcycle. There was something raw and untamed about it, although it would be difficult to use in battle, she thought. However, the nature of the Gothman wasnat to sneak up and attack their opponent but to roar into battle with screams and confidence in their victory; this bike suited their nature just fine. If anything, she felt she understood Lord Darius and his people just a little bit better after riding on the large bike that took each rut in the earth with a vengeance of superiority.

She wondered if Darius was concluding anything about her nature from riding her bike.

After winding past the first group of hills, he slowed her bike to a stop.

She pulled up next to him.

aPark my bike here and climb on behind me. Iall come get it shortly. Itall make it a bit easier to justify the story Iam planning to tell if we are seen, it will. When weare back, you may take Torgo out to the field and give him his lesson. I daresay heas quite eager, and thereas no reason to disappoint the boy.a Tara obeyed and climbed on behind him. Her bike was not designed to carry two easily, but she enjoyed being as close to him as was required for them to ride together. She wrapped her hands around his waist and locked her fingers together. He held her two hands in his and skillfully drove her bike back to the shed with his other hand.

Chapter Six.

A couple weeks of riding lessons proved very effective for Torgo, and Tara awoke one morning to the sounds of his bike cruising around in the meadow. She lay in her bed for a while listening to the rumble of the teenageras motorcycle and remembering her first experiences on one. Shead felt so mature and independent to be riding by herself, free to go wherever she pleased. She knew the glory Torgo must be experiencing without even getting up to look out the balcony to confirm her thoughts. He had worked hard to get to the point where he could master the machine and ride alone.

She showered and dressed and was absolutely ravenous as she went down the stairs to help prepare breakfast. Hilda and Darius were in the kitchen talking about something, and she could tell by Hildaas quiet tone that the woman was not pleased.

aI just donat understand. It was you yourself that said it was final, you did.a Hilda wrung her hands then placed them on the counter nervously when Tara entered.

aI know, and it is. I have matters of ruling a country, Mama. Itas just not a good time.a aBut, son, the community expects this, thereall be talk, there will.a Hilda reached for her son.

aOh blast it all with your talk, woman,a Darius barked.

aGood morning.a She looked at the two of them questioningly.

aTara, certainly you wantaa Hilda looked at Tara as if relieved that she would side with her on whatever issue the two of them were talking about.

aMama!a Darius interrupted her with a firm tone in his voice. aTara, walk with me to my bike.a Darius grabbed a bag from the counter and turned to look at his mama.

Tara watched Hilda grab a dishtowel and twist it in her hands. She seemed very upset.

His tone softened when he spoke again, aIall be back by tomorrow, Iam sure. Donat you worry yourself, none, my lady.a He patted his mamaas hand as he spoke, but it didnat appear to be soothing her much. aThe Lord of Gothman must protect his country, I have my duties.a aThatas right, son, you do at that.a Hilda looked up at her son and spoke quietly, as if she were making one final attempt to reason with him over whatever point it was they were discussing. aYou have the duty to uphold tradition in this land and be an example to your people.a Tara suddenly had the strongest sensation that their discussion had something to do with Darius and her. She stood quietly at the kitchen door and tried her best to keep her facial expression blank yet pleasant.

aYou think I donat know that?a Darius didnat yell, but he was very close to it. He turned and headed for the back door. aTara!a She took that as her cue to follow. She glanced at Hilda who had crossed her arms across her ample middle and tightened her lips into a thin, straight line. She met Taraas gaze without changing expression, but then focused again on her son. Grabbing a glazed roll from a plate as she pa.s.sed, Tara followed Darius into the backyard. He walked quickly to his motorcycle, and Tara almost had to run to catch up with him. There were more guards than usual in the yard, all sitting on their motorcycles, as if they had been waiting.

aIall meet you out front.a He waved his hand at them, indicating they should go.

None of them said a word, although most took a good look at Tara before slowly driving down the driveway to the front of the house.

aWhatas going on?a Tara tried to sound casual and indifferent knowing she felt anything but that. The conversation in the kitchen had spurred her curiosity. Now, the presence of the guards really had her interest piqued. The men on the bikes were armed with the long black bang sticks that made so much noise. She wondered what Darius was leaving to do. She also wondered if he would ever confide in herathat is, if she decided to stay with him.

Darius waited until all the men had moved to the other side of the house, then placed his hand on the back of Taraas neck and guided her to the backside of the shed.

aYouall tell my mama that youare a Runner.a aWhy?a By the expression that quickly came over his face, she sensed he was not accustomed to having his commands questioned. His mama had exasperated him, and now she was questioning him.

aI donat have time to explain everything to her. Sheas asking questions, and the lady has a right to the answers, she does.a aWhere are you going?a Tara sensed some type of military excursion was about to occur and wasnat accustomed to being left out of such things. aYour men are dressed for battle.a aThere are some rumors.a He twisted a strand of her hair between his gloved fingers. aMind you, they havenat been confirmed now. But possibly, the Sea People are preparing an attack.a He smiled and tightened his grip on her hair. aAh, I see your eyes dancing, I do. Youare a wild one now.a Tara didnat smile though. She didnat need to be protected from the harsh realities of whatever was going on. She felt that was what he was doing and realized she needed to be persistent. aWhat are the rumors?a aJust that their armies are moving close to the Gothman borders. I intend to find out if this is true or not, I do.a aI donat think I could sit by and not fight if youare invaded.a Tara showed all signs of the true warrior that she was.

Darius saw more than that. aI daresay, my lady, I do believe youare showing loyalty to the Gothman.a He leaned down and kissed her. aBe a good la.s.s for now. Go talk to my mama. Iall be back soon.a He got on his motorcycle and drove off and Tara walked back to the kitchen.

An idea came to her as she entered the kitchen, and she approached Hilda with enthusiasm. aMy lady, if Iam quick with my ch.o.r.es this morning, could we invite Reena over for the afternoon? I havenat seen her in awhile, and I have something I want to tell you. I would like her to be here for it.a Tara hoped the old woman would be agreeable.

She didnat have to worry.

The old ladyas face lit up. aAh, a splendid idea, that one is.a Hilda grinned broadly and then opened the pantry to inspect the shelves. aWhile youare doing your morning ch.o.r.es, Iall drive to the groceras and pick up a few things. Ah, and the blueberries are good and fresh. Weall have some of those, and Iall whip some cream. Cold cuts will work well, donat you think? Ah, and set some potatoes to boil. Iall make a hot potato salad to go with the sandwiches. You might want to pick some fresh flowers for the vases, Iad think.a Tara smiled as the old woman hurried upstairs to change for her trip into town. It felt good to know shead made the old woman happy. She grabbed a walkntalk and placed the call to Reena who also thought the idea was splendid.

Tara sat in the kitchen by herself and decided to have another frosted roll for breakfast before starting her housework. She felt bad about not telling Reena shead only been invited for moral support. Mulling over in her head the speech she would give to Hilda, Tara remembered that she hadnat asked Darius what questions his mama had been posing. Seeing the guards had completely distracted her. She thought about the fact that Darius was out in some field going over military tactics while she sat here preparing for a luncheon. The irony made her chuckle. Her life had changed so much since shead come here.

But that was why she came, right? Tara nodded to herself. She had yearned to experience a different way of living, a different kind of lifestyle. To immerse herself in new societies in order to see how they lived. Firsthand. Yet, had she planned on changing her life forever? She knew for a fact that she definitely had not when she started on this adventure. She merely wanted to come into the civilization and observe.

Tara smiled as she realized shead done a lousy job of that. Here shead been prepared to remain an outside observer, and instead shead fallen in love. She was sure of that now. As she thought about it, goose b.u.mps traveled across her body.

Jumping up, she quickly cleaned the kitchen and then moved to the other rooms of the house. Energy soared through her, and she didnat question its source. Her thoughts focused on each room as she entered it, wiping down woodwork and making sure gla.s.s sparkled. Tara had never lived in a structure like this. Although its newness had worn off a bit over the past cycle, the placeas magnificence still hung in the air. She would make the place look absolutely immaculate for Reena. She wanted Hilda to be proud too. Both women had taken her in and allowed her to explore their people, even though Hilda hadnat realized that was what she had done. And Tara knew a clean house meant something to both of them. She hummed an old Runner tune as she worked.

The house began to sparkle, but Taraas thoughts remained a tangled mess. She couldnat change who she was. She was proud of being a Runner. How could she live here with Darius and maintain the heritage that ran thick through her blood?

Hilda came home and interrupted her thoughts. Shead taken her frustrations out on the house until it was spotless. Hilda was pleased with her work and told her so.

Torgo entered the house, instinctively knowing that food was being prepared.

aWhatas for lunch?a he asked, as he hovered around in the kitchen and sampled the blueberries and cold meat as it was laid out on the serving dishes.

aWith that appet.i.te, you will be as big as your brother before the new winter.a Tara laughed and poked the boy in the stomach. aWhy donat we let him eat now, so he isnat bored with the conversation during lunch?a Tara didnat want him there when she explained herself to Hilda.

Hilda nodded her agreement. aIall fix you a plate, my boy.a She smiled, showing a mamaas love, as she grabbed one of the porcelain plates from the cabinet and began a.s.sembling his meal. aAnd mind you, give us peace while we have our repast. I wonat have you chattering and underfoot while I enjoy the gossip.a Reena showed up punctually, carrying one of her wonderful pies. The three women sat to a table of scrumptious food.

Tara listened as the two chatted away about mutual friends. Tara cleared the dishes from the table as the two women continued to chat and knew the time for her revelations had come. She wasnat sure how to steer the conversation, and was almost relieved when Hilda suddenly changed the subject as Tara entered the room after moving the dirty dishes to the kitchen.

aAh, my dear, this was a grand idea of yours, it was.a She sat back and patted her large stomach. aIam full to the brim, I am. Now then, you said there was something you wanted to tell me. Plans on the claiming, Iam thinking.a The old lady smiled and looked at Reena.

Reena looked up at Tara with curious eyes.

aWell, in a way, you could say that.a Tara hesitated. aIf youall excuse me, I will be right back. I think if I show you something, it will be easier.a Tara ran up the stairs, forgetting the ladylike manners that had almost become instinctive. In her room, she reached under her bed for the bag Reena had given her and pulled out her Runner clothing. For a moment she just sat there, holding the articles. She hadnat seen them in over a cycle. She could smell the leather. The embroidered symbol of her clan made her feel warm inside. This is who she was and that would not change.

Reenaas mouth fell open as Tara entered the room with the clothes in her hands. aChild, what are you doing?a she whispered in amazement.

aWhat do you have there, girl?a Hilda looked up, not seeing the expression on Reenaas face.

aLord Darius asked me to do this.a She laid the clothing on the table and spread them out.

Reena immediately recognized them. The embroidered symbol of the clan stood out plainly to see.

Hilda gasped in horror. aWhere did you get those clothes?a She stood up quickly, and her hand went to her heart.

aHilda, theyare my clothes. Iam a Runner.a Hilda gasped.

Reena and Tara quickly were at her side and helped her back to the chair.

She stared at the clothing as if it would bite her if she dared look away. After a minute, she looked at Tara. aWhat is this youare saying?a Tara sat next to Hilda, and Reena took her seat.

aI came to this land to see what the Gothman were really like. I heard the stories of a proud, large race of people, so different from my own. All I wanted was to see how you lived. I didnat expect to become so involved with your family,a Tara said the last sentence quietly, almost to herself.

aAh, so now you have a lord whoas gone and claimed you. I daresay he canat figure out how to get out of this mess, and so heas sent you to me, he has. Tell me if Iam not right.a Hilda tossed her hands up into the air.

aWell, my lady, I didnat know he claimed me when I moved in here.a She glared at Reena.

Reena just stared back. She was leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed.

Tara could swear the look on her face was one of amus.e.m.e.nt. aHe did finally tell me that head announced a claiming. But it was after I found out from Thelga at the grocery store. I was furious and ready to run from this land right then. I told his lordship that no one could claim me unless I said they could.a Reena couldnat help a giggle at this comment.

aI donat see whatas so funny about this. To be sure, we have a problem on our hands, we do. The Lord of Gothman canat claim a Runner.a Hilda looked at Reena.

At that moment, a change came over Hildaas face, and she looked as if she was about to say something. She looked at Reena with disbelief and alarm. Then, she looked from Reena to Tara and back again. Her mouth fell open as if she would say something.

The look on Reenaas face changed as well, and Tara was sure she saw her shake her head ever so slightly.

Hilda closed her mouth.

aDo you love Lord Darius, child?a Reena asked Tara as she quickly turned her attention away from Hilda.

aI think I might.a aIave seen the two of them,a Hilda said to Reena. Her tone had changed, and she sounded like she shared knowledge of a crime committed by Darius and Tara. aThey act like they were made to be together, they do. You knew about this didnat you, old lady? I daresay you planned the whole thing!a aAh, she came to me the night she arrived.a Reena waved her hand in front of her as if knocking Hildaas accusations out of the way. aShe wanted to know the life of Gothman, she did. I didnat know she was coming.a aReena, Runners are our enemy. You know as well as I do, she wonat stay here. Itas not her nature to stay put. Sheall yearn for her old ways andaa aMy lady, Iam not your enemy.a Tara put her hand on Hildaas. aI donat understand why our people consider each other enemies. We arenat a threat to each other.a aAh, and you think you can change how Gothman feel about Runners, do you?a Hilda shook her head and clucked with her tongue.

aIf sheas claimed to the Lord of Gothman, it would be a good start.a Reena was quick with her argument.

aYouad like it if that happened, wouldnat you?a Hilda stood up glaring at Reena. She looked at Tara, and her hands went to her wide girth. aHis lordship must not have known you were a Runner when he made the claim. I donat know how heall save face with his people. He has promise to be one of our greatest leaders.a aHe did know I was a Runner. He knew all along.a Tara wanted to jump up and stamp her foot. Why was she defending him?

aDid he really?a Reena was smiling again. aHilda, he knew and he still claimed her. Maybe they were meant to be together.a aAh, what a day that would be for you, wouldnat it my old friend? Iam not so old myself that I donat remember what happened over twenty winters ago.a Hilda snapped her finger in the air. aMy claim knew of your goings on with the Runners. Maybe he shouldave been rougher with you.a aAh, old woman, but he wasnat. Then was not the time for Runners to be among us. But now! Times are changing. The Runners have not opposed the Gothman for many a winter. This generation has a fear of a people, but they know not why. You said it yourself. These two are in love. Tara will challenge him, that much I can guess now. Imagine it, Hilda. She could only make his kingdom stronger. For sure, Iave heard you say a time or two that behind a good man is a good woman. What a match they will be, donat you think?a Hilda was quiet. She looked at the clothes and then pushed her chair away from the table to stand.

Tara watched her move over to the clothes and pick up the cloth with the embroidered emblem on it.

Her chubby fingers traced the circle with the red drop of blood centered in the middle. aWhat is this?a aIt is the symbol of my clan.a aAnd what is the name of your clan?a aThe Blood Circle Clan.a aAh, and who are your parents?a aPatha is my papa, but not by birth. He found me as a toddler and brought me into his clan to be raised.a Hilda started to stomp out of the room, then stopped and turned around just as quickly. Crossing her arms, she glared at Reena. aDid you know she was coming to you?a aNo, Hilda, I told you already.a Reena remained in her chair, but her lips narrowed to a fine line.

An animosity of some kind appeared between the two women, as if some old wound had suddenly been opened. aShe caused quite a ruckus in the pines that night. The guards were out thick looking for her. She dodged them and made it to my house. I saw her for the first time when she came out of the woods.a Hilda stood there for a minute, thinking. Then, she picked up the clothes and handed them to Tara. aPut these on. I want to see you in them.a Tara took the clothes and looked at Hilda confused.

aYouave been with us for over a cycle now. Youave lived like a Gothman, but youare a Runner. My heritage means a lot to me, and I daresay your heritage means a lot to you, it does. Put those on and feel your heritage. Do it now, girl.a Hildaas voice shook with emotion.

Tara left the room to change her clothes. She trotted up the stairs, feeling queasy from the excitement of being able to wear her Runner clothing again. A tightening in her gut also existed, because she didnat understand the undercurrent between Hilda and Reena. There was something the two of them werenat telling her.

The leather felt so good next to her skin. Her feet rejoiced to be in her boots again. She wrapped the cloth around her face and went back in to the dining room. Her soft boots were quiet on the floor, and the two women did not hear her return.

aI want her to be able to tell me sheall not have my grandchildren and then leave in the night, I do. Those clothes will bring back reality to her, I daresay. Sheas been pretending, and sheall come to her senses if she faces who she is, she will.a aYou want her to leave,a Reenaas voice sounded strained.

aAnd you canat make her stay anymore than you could make her papa stay.a There was a sting in Hildaas voice.

aYouall not speak of that. I have your promise!a aShe canat continue to deny who she is and where her place is.a aI am not pretending, my lady. Iave known who I was the entire time I was here.a The two women looked up as the Runner entered the room.

Hilda gasped.

aIave taught your youngest son to ride a motorcycle and have raced his lord through the hills on my motorcycle. Lord Darius had it brought here. Itas in the shed right now. Iave not been able to suppress my heritage, although, at first, Iall admit I tried. If I stay here, Iall stay as a Runner, and Darius knows this.a Tara proudly stood in front of the two women. She wished she could live among these people openly wearing the symbol of her clan but she knew that wouldnat come to pa.s.saat least not yet.

aAh, I see. Well Darius asked you to tell me and so you have. Now I know. Itas done. Iam an old lady, I am. If his Lordship is asking for my blessing, he knows how I feel about you. That has not changed, no. You have a good heart, la.s.s.a Hilda sat back down and looked exasperated.

Tara moved to the old lady, bent, and kissed her on the cheek. She then did the same to Reena. aI donat know your reasons, but you are a responsible party to all of this and I mean to find out why,a she whispered in Reenaas ear.

aWell, child, you best get back out of those clothes before someone thinks you are attacking us instead of kissing us, yes.a Hilda grabbed her cloth napkin and dabbed her cheeks and neck. aGo now.a Tara noticed the womanas hand shook, then ran upstairs, changed, and returned her clothes to the bag under her bed. She came back down in time to see Reena gathering her things and preparing to leave. Tara followed Hilda and Reena on to the front porch.

aIall be seeing an announcement to a claiming party before long, I expect.a Reena walked across the yard to her car. aWeall have to make her a dress for certain, old woman. Goodness knows she canat sew a st.i.tch.a aI wonder why sheas so anxious to see me claimed to your son.a Tara watched Reena drive away and then turned to face the plump older woman.

aNow, child, I canat go and tell you her thoughts, I canat. Sheall have to do that herself.a Hilda headed upstairs, claiming exhaustion and the need for a nap.