Read Online Earth's Blood (Earth Reclaimed) by Ann Gimpel - Free Book Online Page A

on some clothes and come ride with me.”
    The bedroom door slammed open. Fionn’s presence pulsed against her back. “She can go riding”—he strode to the window and draped an arm around Aislinn—“as soon as she’s eaten.”
    “A wee bit overprotective, aren’t you?” Dewi snorted.
    “I do need to eat.” Aislinn turned her head and gave Fionn a quick peck on the cheek.
    “Get some clothes, leannán . There’s food on the kitchen table.”
    Aislinn hunted for the black sweats she’d worn the night before. At least they didn’t take any energy to get into. Somewhere between her pants and boots, Rune got up and stretched out each paw, obviously taking his time. He shook himself all over and walked from the room. Bella, who’d been on Fionn’s shoulder, flew after him.
    “I swear”—Fionn shook his head—“Bella has a stronger bond to Rune than she does to me. She certainly spends a lot of time with him.”
    “Has the wolf told you aught about himself?” Dewi asked peevishly.
    Aislinn battled irritation, not bothering to glance Dewi’s way. “Don’t start. I just got him settled down about you.” As dressed for the day as she thought she was likely to get, Aislinn linked an arm through Fionn’s. “I’m ready for breakfast.”
    “You didn’t answer me,” the dragon snapped; smoke streamed from her jaws. Double rows of teeth gleamed in the midday light.
    “How about if we delay this conversation until our ride?”
    “Good idea.” Fionn herded her toward the door.
    Dewi loosed a spate of Gaelic so archaic that Aislinn only caught one word in three. She stopped in the doorway and turned to face the dragon. “I’m sorry if you’re not happy with me. I still feel like I’m going to fall on my face if I don’t get more rest and something in my stomach. I’ll be outside presently.”
    “Well—” the dragon sniffed haughtily “—I suppose that will have to do.”
    Yes, you old bag of wind, I suppose it will.
    “Watch it.” Fionn’s voice sounded in her head. “She reads minds.”
    Aislinn stomped down the hall. A headache throbbed behind her right eye. She still hadn’t forgiven Dewi for using her as a vehicle to have sex with the Minotaur. It was unfortunate, but she didn’t trust the ancient Celtic dragon god as far as she could throw her.
    “Nonetheless, ye are bonded to her,” Fionn reminded her gently. “Not in the same way as ye are bonded to Rune, but the dragon has a claim to the MacLochlainn. Until we produce a child or two, that would be you.”
    Aislinn didn’t want to think about the dragon. She practically fell into a seat at the table and spooned oatmeal with nuts into her mouth as fast as she could swallow the gelatinous mixture. No wonder I’m so hungry. It’s probably been forty hours since I’ve had anything to eat. Fionn handed her mead to wash it down.
    She looked at the flask dubiously. “Booze? In the morning?”
    “Aye. It will refresh you.”
    Figuring she needed all the help she could get, Aislinn took the flagon and tipped it back. When she looked in her bowl for more oatmeal, it was empty. “Damn. I’m still hungry.” Her gaze zeroed in on the stove. “Is there any more?”
    “Nay, but I can boil more water. It was a stroke of luck Marta hoarded food.” His hand swept wide, encompassing well-filled bins and cupboards in the tidy kitchen. “In the meantime, how about dried fruit and nuts?”
    Aislinn nodded. She slid from her chair and opened a couple of canisters to retrieve cashews, walnuts, almonds, and dried apricots. Fionn busied himself at the stove, heating water with magic.
    Bran strode into the room from the adjoining study, battle leathers immaculate as usual. The tight-fitting garments showed off his heavily-muscled physique. His blond hair was tightly braided, and his copper-colored eyes looked grim. “In light of what happened here last night, I’ve been trying to glean something from those infernal journals.”
    “And?”