Episode 8

Braiding my hair loosely in the mirror, I am distracted by a gentle breeze caressing my neck. Turning to look for the source, I notice the bathroom window slightly ajar.

I thought I closed it yesterday.

Making my way over to the open glass, I see a bright red Dodge Ram make its way up the driveway, checking my phone I notice that the time is showing 11:50 am.

Shit, shit, shit, he's early.

Closing the window and returning to the mirror, I quickly apply the final touches to my face, some light mascara and gentle highlighter before making my way to the front door, opening it as Liam attempts to knock.

"You are early Mr." I pout then smile.

"I like to be on time," he returns, cocking his head to the side and grinning, "may I come in?" he continues, standing back and waiting for an invitation to enter.

Waving him inside, I head to the couch where my hiking boots are currently resting and start to pull them on.

"I thought you did not like hiking?" Liam asks, raising an eyebrow as he watches me tie up the laces. Taking in his appearance, I see that Liam is also wearing dark, brown leather hiking boots, which look fantastic when accompanied with his tight jeans and grey jacket.

"I don't like it, but a girl is always prepared." I salute at him, standing up and pulling my navy blue sweatshirt down over the top of my black leggings.

"Do you have a jacket? He queries looking around the cabin, "It can get pretty chilly up on the mountain."

Nodding, I run upstairs, open the bottom drawer of the dresser, and grab a black puffer jacket, returning to Liam as I put it on. "Yep, anything else I need to bring, water, food?"

Grinning down at me as we stand together, he shakes his head, "No, I have everything we need love, all you need to bring is your sparkling personality."

Laughing, I shove him playfully and head outside, locking the door behind us after he exits.

The sky above us is clear blue as we step off the porch, the temperature forecasted today a cool 48f, but with the sun shining and not a cloud in sight, it looks to be a perfect day for sightseeing.

Making my way across to the passenger side, Liam follows, opening the door for me to enter and closing it behind me once I am seated.

Such a gentleman.

Admiring the leather seats and spacious interior, I put my seat belt on and wait for him to join me.

Jumping into the driver's seat and starting the ignition, Liam turns to me smiling, his adorable dimple appearing in his stubble, "I am glad you decided to come out with me today."

"And I am glad you asked," I reply, sitting back and allowing the heated seats to soothe my lower back which is still tender, the smell of new leather and freshly cut grass filling my nostrils.

Moving the truck forward, we exit the long driveway, turning right. As we head onto the winding road, Liam proceeds to tell me about the history of the Spur.

According to him, it and the town of 'Black Mountain' were established by a small Irish settlement in the early 1800s when they left their homeland during the potato famine to find more fertile ground and still to this day, has several founding families living in town, the Brady's, being one of them.

"So my ancestors built the pub and it has been managed by a Brady ever since," Liam explains, his voice dripping with pride.

"So your mother, was she a local?"

"Ahh, Ma," a gentle look passing over his face, "no lass, she grew up in Boston, her family, however, the O'Clery's, had ties to Black Mountain, but had moved away when she was little. My Pa and her met when she was 18, her parents were in town for a visit, and according to Da, for him, it was love at first sight."

"And according to your mother, was it also love at first sight?"

Shaking his head Liam sighs, smiling. "No lass, no she did not see it that way, put up a real fight she did. But it was destiny, they were meant to be and are still together now 34 years later."

I do the math and raise my eyebrow, " So your parents were not together long before..."

"They created me the first time they were together, Da jokes about his super seed, which is not something a son wants to hear, but it worked, and, here I am."

We come to a fork in the road, where we turn left. My thoughts drifting to the road that leads off to the right, the same road about 5 minutes further up where the accident happened. I shiver and try to repress the memories that attempt to break free.

Soon, I will go there soon.

"Ava, you okay love?" Liam queries, placing a large hand on my thigh, the warmth seeping through my pants."

"Yeah I'm fine," squeezing my leg, he returns his hand to the wheel and takes another left off the main road and proceeds driving us up a steep hill. Navigating his way up the very bumpy terrain, I bite my lips as he zigzags the large vehicle to avoid fallen trees and cut down stumps. Finally clearing the path, Liam pulls the truck into park as we reach the top.

Looking around, my mouth drops open at the views which are magnificent, from this point I can see the entire valley, right down to the town.

Climbing out of the car, Liam takes my hands in his larger one and leads me towards an old rock formation, almost like a mini Stonehenge, the crumbling structure a marvel as we walk around.

Each pillar intricately positioned to form a circle with a long stone table located in the center. intricate carvings are etched on each structure in a somewhat familiar style, "Ava, I will be right back, so take your time to look around," Liam advises as he lets go of my hand and moves back towards the truck.

Nodding distractedly I walk to the headpiece at the end of the alter like table and trace my fingers around the design in its center, its edges rough and deep, a swirling pattern in the shape of an animal.

I have seen this before, in my father's old study, an iron talisman that would be in storage now. What was it? A fox? A w...?

"Pretty amazing, isn't it love?" Liam asks breaking my train of thoughts and standing next to me, a rug and a picnic basket in hand. "It is an old Celtic symbol of a wolf. Beautiful."

"How old is it?" I ask, transfixed on the pattern before me. Wolf, that's it, just like in my dreams after the accident.

"It has been here for as long as the town has." He provides, laying the rug on the grass next to the table, placing the basket on top, and motioning for me to join him.

"Do you know what it was used for, animal worship or sacrifice?" I ask raising an eyebrow, and sitting next to him as he withdraws a bottle of wine, mugs, and two plastic containers filled with local delicacies.

Pouring a cup and handing it to me, he looks thoughtful, "Rumor has it that it was a place of worship to old long-forgotten God's," giving me a conspiratorial look, he winks, "there are whispers that people still come up here to pay their respects."

Taking a sip, he settles his body next to me, resting back on his arms and looking to the sky.

"Do you know who or what they are paying their respects too?" I prod, my curiosity getting the better of me.

"Aye, but they are a very secretive lot, the people who still come here, and if I told you what I knew, I would have to kill you or make you one them.." He jokes, shoving a piece of bread in his mouth.

It is so easy being with Liam, so familiar.

"See the land down there?" He asks, changing topics and pointing his arm towards the valley below, "It is all owned by the townspeople. There is no corruption from the government, just a community of likeminded people wanting what is best for their land and the town."

After eating some of the food and finishing my drink, I lie down on the rug, listening to Liam's deep, lilting voice as he talks more about the town and his family, his soothing tones making me feel so peaceful, causing my eyes to droop.

His voice suddenly cuts off and I open my lids, turning to look at him, his eyes fixed on mine, our bodies side by side, "Do you have any idea as to how beautiful you look right now, Ava?" He asks, moving onto his side so that we are now only inches apart. Lifting his hand, his fingers tracing my face, he plays with a loose strand of my hair that has come free from my braid.

My pulse quickening, heart pounding as his face lowers to mine, our breaths mingling, "may I?" He asks, his voice deep, husky, eyes focused on my mouth.

I nod and he closes the distance, his lips grazing mine, the smell of cut grass and wood fire surrounding me, igniting something deep inside me.

I feel his soft tongue, trace the seam of my mouth, probing for entry, subtle licks as our flesh touches. Inhaling through my nose, I part them ever so slightly to give him better access, the warmth of our combined breathes, chasing away the chill of the mountain air. Liam groans as he enters, our tongues meeting, gently at first then turning ravenous.

I take in his taste as we move together, mint, wine, fresh, hitting my senses. Surrounded by the pleasure I feel Liam's body shift, positioning himself between my outstretched legs. Parting them, I do not discourage him as he lowers himself on top, grinding against me.

The wind whips around us as we move together, our combined body heat quickly turning into a furnace as our hands explore each other.

His chest, his shoulders, so strong, so solid, so alive.

Warmth pools between my legs, I moan as he hits my sensitive spot with his obvious arousal, which is thick and solid and feels amazing. Growling at my response, his lips move from my mouth, only to latch onto the sensitive skin of my neck as he begins trailing down to my collar bone, his hand now tugging at the zipper of my jacket.

We are going to do this.

Jacket open, his hand drives under my sweatshirt pushing it over my chest, his fingers locating my breasts, pulling one of them out from their secure spot behind my bra, exposing the delicate mound to the cool mountain air.

Moving his lips from the top of my shoulder, his shuffles further down, his mouth latching onto my exposed and erect nipple as he begins sucking, electricity coursing through my body on each strong tug.

I am so wet, my core aching, craving more as I move against him, his hand traveling to my pants, rubbing the sensitive spot between my legs.

I moan again as he bites down on my swollen flesh, his teeth applying just the right amount of pleasure to send my mind into a lust craze.

His hand, now making its way inside my leggings, glides over the seam of panties before dipping inside.

"Fuck Ava, you are so hot, love, so wet." He groans, his voice guttural.

Pushing him up, my nipple making a popping sound as he releases it. I reach for his buckle, unclasping it, his hands taking over unbuttoning...

'CRACK', I freeze at the sound of a branch snapping which is closely followed by a deep growl...

"Fuck!" Liam curses, removing his hand from the front of his pants and standing up. Looking towards the surrounding forest and frowning, he reaches down and clasps one of my hands in his, pulling me up to my feet. Turning in the same direction, my eyes searching for the source of the noise, I see nothing, as I tuck myself back into my bra, and pull down my sweatshirt.

"I am sorry love, but it is not safe here right now, seems we have attracted some of the local wildlife."

Unable to see what is making the growling noises that are still coming from deep within the thick foliage beyond, I follow Liam's actions and help him pack up our little picnic.

"Ava, you get in the car and I will take care of this," Liam offers, stopping me and offering a small smile. Slightly freaked by the sounds, I nod, not waiting, to be asked a second time, and turn back towards the truck, heading for the passenger side.

Opening the door, I climb inside, curling my body into the smooth leather. When I am seated, the door securely closed behind me, I look back towards the trees again, and this time I see a massive black shape dart down the mountain. A Bear maybe? The shape looks familiar?

Liam getting in beside me, basket and blanket placed in the back, groans, trying to adjust his considerable bulge hidden beneath his pants as he sits.

Watching him struggle, I can not help but laugh, my reaction causing Liam to bang his head on the steering wheel. "Well, that was not the ending I was planning." He grumbles into the leather.

Tears forming in my eyes as the laughter fills my body, I hold onto my stomach. Erin would be having a field day with this, I have not been laid in God, years?

Turning to face me, Liam also joins in with my laughter, even if a little pained. "Well, I am glad you find this funny Ava," running his hand down his face inhaling as his fingers pass his nostrils," Fuck, do you have any idea how good you smell," turning the ignition he continues hopefully. "Raincheck?"

I am so horny right now!

Trying to compose myself, I can only nod, no coherent words able to be formed from my lips until the laughter slows. Swallowing deep and giving him an almost shy look, I take a deep breath, "Liam, you could always come inside when we get back to my place?" I suggest once I have control over my voice.

Groaning again, he sighs, "If only I could love, I actually have to go into work in today, otherwise," he pauses, turning towards me. "Actually Ava, I was planning on asking you to join me tomorrow night for the town's Halloween party?"

Looks like ill be taking care of the issue downstairs myself... FML!

After taking another deep breath, I smile, "Sure, why not."

Luckily I brought an emergency costume, just in case.

Taking my hand in his Liam gives them a gentle squeeze, "why not indeed."

Driving back to the cabin, our hands still entwined, we discuss our plans for the festival, deciding to meet at Brady's at 7 pm...

Pulling into my driveway, Liam presses a lingering kiss on my lips, apologizing again for having to leave. He is due at the bar in just over an hour and now needs to go home and have a 'cold' shower before he starts his shift.

Heading for the door, I place my fingers to my lips, still tender from his kisses, and plan my outfit for tomorrow night.

...................................................................................

Lucid dreams fill my mind as I sleep, my body tossing and turning, then warmth.

Pine, spiced musk.

Teeth on my neck.

"My Doe eyes."

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