Chapter 10

"On those nights," Selene began, her face buried in the side of his neck. She felt like heaven in his arms, and he wished that this night would never end. "Have you ever killed? I still do not believe it is possible."

Rhodri shrugged. "The first time. I came to myself surrounded by a raiding party of Saracens. Apparently I had surprised them sneaking up on the camp. After that, I always made sure I was restrained, somehow, on the night of the new moon, or off in the wilderness alone."

"So the only men you attacked were brigands who may have been trying to kill your friends. Is it possible that you are still aware and in control when you are a lion?"

He buried his face in the fragrant softness of her hair. "I do not know."

"I believe it, Rhodri. I believe that even with four legs and fur, you are still the same man. We will find a way to break this spell. Or we will find a way to live with it together."

He felt the sting of tears pricking at his eyelids and he tightened his arms around her, wishing he would never have to let go.

"You understand, I cannot sire a child. Not when there is the slightest chance..."

"I know, my love. I never truly expected to be a mother. And I would rather be with you than have a dozen babes of my own. I understand there are ways to be together, and yet prevent conception. I hear such things are quite common at court."

He gave a weak laugh. "A maiden should not know of such things, much less discuss them. But you are no ordinary maiden, are you my dear? My very own Jennet."

That last phrase echoed through her head all night as she lay in her lonely loft. She'd been disappointed when he'd sent her off to bed alone, but she understood he was afraid for her sake. She would not let that stand between them for long, but she could give him this one night to become accustomed to the idea.

Jennet. How odd that they should have been discussing that very tale this very evening. The Ballad of Tam Lin told the story of a young woman who rescued her lover from the fairies. By holding him tight as he was transformed in to different fearsome forms, she broke the faery queen's spell, and freed his soul. God in Heaven was that why her father had sent the tale? And tomorrow was Beltaine Eve, a holy night in the old religion, which still held great sway here in the forgotten corners of Britain. And this year, Beltaine Eve fell on the night of the new moon.

Plans whirled in her head. Did he know that tomorrow was the new moon? She did not think he did, which gave her an advantage she intended to exploit. Now all she would have to do was arrange to keep Huw from getting in the way.

Huw was walking comfortably on the morning of Beltane Eve. By the morrow, Selene had reckoned, he'd be fit to ride, as long as they took the journey in easy stages. Rhodri was pleased by the news, but saddened as well. Though he knew Selene would come with him if he asked, he still believed she was safer here without him.

"There is a bonfire in the village tonight," she mentioned over the noon repast. "I thought perhaps Huw would like to go, and be with the other young people. If his strength holds through the festivities, we will know he is ready to travel."

Huw had grown tired of being alone with the other two, Rhodri was sure of that as he saw the youngster's eyes light up.

"That sounds like fun."

"A nearby farmer has several young sons," Selene continued, eating an apple with dainty fingers. "His wife is my friend, and they were planning to stop and collect me for the bonfire. They can take Huw in my stead."

"Why do we not all attend?" Rhodri tore his gaze from Selene, forcing himself to focus on his own food.

"Do you recall that you promised me a boon, of my choosing?" She spoke so softly that Huw, on the other side of the table, could not hear.

Wary, Rhodri nodded.

"Tomorrow, you will leave me. So tonight, I intend to claim it."

God's blood, she meant it. He'd given her his word that he would grant her any boon she asked for curing Huw, and the lad was most undoubtedly healed. Rhodri swallowed hard and nodded.

"Fine."

He could do this for one night. He could be careful, give her pleasure without filling her belly. One of the reasons he had resisted her pleas to take her with him was that he knew, in time, his resolve would waver, and he'd be unable to resist coming inside her sweetness. But for just this one night, he could be strong.

He was still telling himself that as they stood in the lane waving at Huw and his newfound friends. They would keep him for the night, they told Rhodri, and return him to the cottage the following dawn.

"He will be fine." Selene leaned against him, just slightly, but he could feel her nearness like a torch.

"I know. But he came to me at eight years old as a squire. Old habits are hard to change."

"Perhaps you need to develop new ones." Her chuckle was low and throaty, a sensual promise.

"Selene, I wish you would reconsider. Do not make me dishonor you!"

"There is no dishonor in love, Rhodri. There will never be another man for me. Please allow me this one night of pleasure."

"I did promise you a boon."

"You did."

"Then I suppose I must honor my bargain." He turned to her then, and took her in his arms. "I do love you, Selene. I would give my soul, were it still my own, to make you happy."

"Then be with me." She rose up on her toes, and he could do nothing else but kiss her.