Knollig: A Terraneu Novel ( Book 2) Read online

  Knollig

  (A Terraneu Novel, Book Two)

  By

  Stormy McKnight

  Copyright and Disclaimer

  Copyright pending, Stormy McKnight

  Cover Art by Brandi Doane McCann

  Published by Stormy McKnight

  Knollig is the second book in the Terraneu series. I would advise that the books be read in order, to enhance the experience. However, I do try to write them as stand alone as possible.

  Knollig is a work of fiction and the characters, events and dialogue found within the story are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, either living or deceased, is completely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or shared in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including but not limited to digital copying, file sharing, audio recording, email and printing without the permission in writing from the author.

  Table of Contents

  Knollig

  Copyright and Disclaimer

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Keep Reading for an excerpt

  About the Author

  Other books available:

  Chapter One

  Mairi McPherson knew she was dying. She wasn’t a doctor but it didn’t take a degree to recognize the symptoms. She knew death when it was knocking at the door…and it was knocking at hers.

  She had been losing touch with reality more and more lately, so she wasn’t positive but she could have sworn she had seen her grandfather earlier. He had visited her as often as possible through her ordeal, telling her things like: “Ye keep oan fightin' lassie!” and “Ye ur gonnae beat thes.” Today she could have sworn he had told her something different, something about her going on an adventure? Well she supposed dying would be the ultimate trip.

  She loved her grandfather with all of her heart, the “auld Scottish cit!” It was a shame that she was going to die and leave him all alone. Her grandmother had passed away so long ago, Mairi was ashamed to say she couldn’t remember much about her. She had been a little girl, so she could excuse the lapse on that. Her own mother was gone too, having abused drugs and alcohol in an effort to forget the man that had left her when he found out she was pregnant. The only family she had ever known was Callum McMpherson. The most gentle, loving, stubborn…solid influence in her life.

  Mairi felt her body being jostled, and figured they must be turning her over to help with the sores she had developed all over her small frame. She could feel forward motion, and struggled to wake up through the morphine they had been giving her. When she opened her eyes, she saw the inside of an ambulance. They must be moving her somewhere. With a tired sigh, she closed her eyes. She would try to think about where they might be taking her later.

  She could hear a female voice, “We don’t have any more time to lose. We need some type of vehicle that can get us to the fork in the path.” This statement didn’t make any sense. So she kept listening.

  “Ye can tak’ th’ four wheeler.” That was her grandfather’s voice. “We will follaw tae say uir good-byes.” Where was he going and who was he saying good-bye to? Mairi struggled to stay awake, was something wrong with her grandfather? Suddenly she was being held against a warm chest. Then the forward motion started again. She didn’t need to open her eyes to know she was outside. She could tell by the warmth on her face, and the breeze rustling the leaves. She had always loved being outdoors, and she lifted her face to the suns rays. They felt so comforting, like a physical caress against her skin. The sound of a motor running broke into the tranquility, then the lights and shadows were flashing quickly across her eyelids.

  When she opened her eyes the next time, she wasn’t going forward anymore. She was in a small clearing. From the voices she heard there were others here with her. Then her grandfather was hovering over here, “Mairi lassie, ah will see ye suin! Ah ken ye can make it, dae 'at fur me!” He bent down giving her gentle kisses on the forehead, “Ah loove ye lassie!”

  The female spoke again, “If we have enough time once we are through, we will try to send a message back that it worked. That way you won’t worry for the next six months. What does she have that you would recognize as a sign?”

  “Th' necklace she is wearin'. When she went aff tae college in America, Ah gae it tae 'er tae remin' 'er ay haem.” Her grandfather was talking about her necklace! She remembered it now. When she had left for schooling in America, he had been against it. They had argued and in the end he had sadly agreed to let her go. She could have gone to school anywhere, but she chose the States as a form of rebellion. She thought it was a case of being independent, she knew a few therapist friends that would love to get a hold of her! She had ended up liking it in the States and stayed longer than she should have. She couldn’t get any of that time back now, if it was possible to go back in time she would have stayed close to her grandfather. She hadn’t taken the necklace off since she had been diagnosed to remind herself that life was short, and second chances were few. If you loved someone, you should show them every day how much they meant to you.

  “Thank you for everything! It is going to work out, I just know it will.” The female sounded excited and scared at the same time.

  There was some faint mumbling around her, she couldn’t make what was being said. Then the person holding her moved and she was closer to the female she had heard talking earlier. They were still for a few moments, then she felt an awful pulling sensation. Lights were flashing around here, she couldn’t keep her eyes open. Thankfully she blacked out.

  ~*~*~*

  When Mairi opened her eyes next, she had awoken to the strangest sight! There were a bunch of really good looking men, a supermodel gorgeous woman, and some kind of ant thing all standing around staring at her. She really did have an active imagination. She wondered briefly what her subconscious was trying to tell her.

  After a moment the others moved off, and she was left looking into the eyes of the most breathtaking man she had ever seen. His purple eyes were looking so deeply into hers she thought he must have been trying to see into her soul. She was so focused on his perfect face that she missed his hand moving. She couldn’t miss the silken touch as his fingers traced her sunken cheeks and upward to the crows feet at the corner of her eyes.

  She ended up in his arms and as he turned to walk away, the female said something. Her necklace was suddenly removed from around her neck, she struggled to get it back but she was too weak and the effort exhausted her. She was struck by how hard it was to breathe and knew that this must be the end. She must be facing a test or something before she could go through the gates. Everything she was seeing must be something from her subconscious, trying to tell her something. The supermodel gorgeous woman must be a warning against vanity. The super hot men…that was easy, temptation and lust. The ant creature, she wasn’t sure about that one. Maybe a warning about being nice to creatures big and small? Or in that creatures case a small thing made big! She worried for a moment, then remembered who was holding her. She felt herself instant
ly relaxed. For some reason she felt safe with the Angel assigned to take her to Heaven, she somehow knew that he would keep her safe.

  He turned and started running, moving toward the gates perhaps? They walked through a sheer curtain, then he stood still. Concern etched on his features. She smiled weakly up at him, she was ready.

  “Baqu un purka rurashar!” he said urgently.

  “I don’t understand what you are saying.” She replied weakly, “I am ready to go to Heaven with you, you don’t have to re-assure me. It’s ok.”

  There was the awful pulling sensation again, she thought about what she would have changed about her life in those seconds as she flew toward Heaven. Her number one regret was her grandfather. She should have stayed closer to Scotland, and been a better granddaughter! She also should have spent less time at work, and more time on having a lasting relationship. She had gone through boyfriends and taken lovers…but never anyone she would spend any amount of effort on. She should have been a better friend. She should have developed hobbies.

  Given a second chance she would have been a more rounded person. Not physically, because she had been plenty round before she had gotten ill. There wasn’t anything American’s wouldn’t deep fry in oil, and she had tried most of it. To the detriment of her waistline! Coming back to Scotland these last years, she had started to walk off some of her indulgences but then she had gotten the diagnosis that changed her life. The “C” word…she had it, and it was terminal. All the “should have done” and “would have done” meant nothing now. Quite simply put, her time had run out.

  Chapter Two

  Mairi woke up with a groan. With reluctance she opened her eyes and peered up. Her “Angel” was hovering over her, his concerned gaze was locked on her. She remembered those amazing purple eyes. Curious about the rest of him she took in his face. It was strikingly handsome, with high cheekbones and full lips. His dark black hair brushed against his wide shoulders. A black vest contrasted with his golden tan skin. She could make out his muscular chest, and with the vest was open enough she could see washboard abs that tapered to a trim waistline. His black pants encased his muscular thighs, and impossibly long legs. He had to have been well over six feet tall. He was an impressive sight, and even better looking than she remembered.

  A sigh escaped her and she said, “I’m ready for judgment now. I can face anything with your help.” He just looked confused so she hurried to ask, “You are my Guardian Angel right?” Before he could respond she said, “I know I haven’t been the best person all the time, but I haven’t done anything that would get me sent to Hell.” She licked her lips and she noticed that his gaze went to her mouth. Then his frown intensified and she gasped, “I am going to Hell, is that what you are scowling for?” He leaned forward and she clenched his vest in both hands, pulling him forward to within an inch of her face. She could feel tears pool in her eyes. She hadn’t even considered that she would end up in Hell! There were a lot of things she had denied herself. She didn’t steal, she tried not to lie, she had never killed anyone…not that she hadn’t dated guys who deserved it! She hadn’t slept around when she was younger, and she hadn’t gotten many offers as she got older! She had lived thirty-nine years, and hadn’t done anything totally crazy in all that time! Well not anymore by god! If she was bound for hell…she might as well earn it.

  “I guess I’ve failed the “temptation of lust” test because I’ve been wanting to do this since seeing your face.” Without any warning she pressed her lips against his, he gasped in a breath and she took advantage. Pressing her lips against the fullness of his mouth, she nipped and suckled his lower lip. With a groan his mouth opened, and her tongue swept out searching for his. He was frozen for a moment, then seemed to melt into her. His chest was suddenly pressed against hers. She was wearing some type of thin gown, so she could feel the hard material of the vest he was wearing. Impatient to get it out of the way, she put her hands on his shoulders and pushed it off his chest. Marveling as his muscles flexed at her touch. Her fingers followed down his arms, massaging his biceps and further down to his wrists.

  “You are the most stunning man I have ever seen. I could stare into your eyes for eternity.” With the vest out of the way, she could rub her chest against his. It felt incredible, her breasts got heavy and her nipples erect. He was still leaning over her, his body pressed against her. She opened her legs to allow him to fit between them. Reaching down she grabbed two handfuls of his muscled ass and pulled him forward. He was now pressed into the vee of her legs, and if this was Hell she would take it over Heaven any day.

  “Get a room already!” The laughing female voice was like being drenched by a bucket of ice water. Mairi dragged her passion filled gaze from her Guardian Angel, to see the supermodel from before and a male that looked similar to the one she had been kissing so fervently. “Knollig the Council members are on their way, you might want to stop molesting the poor girl and get ready.”

  Horrified she looked up at the male to see smoldering purple eyes, and a wry smile on his face. “I am glad you are well, we were worried about you Mairi.” His husky voice sent chills gown her spine. He gently pried her hands from his body, and fixed his vest, then turned to face the newcomers to the room. “Thank you for the warning Amber.”

  With that he pushed a button, and her bed sat a little further upright. He stepped to the side, while the female and other male come over to her bedside. She looked around and realized there was another bed like the one she was on. Eight walls went around the room, with different doors or consoles spaced throughout.

  “I am Amber, and this is my mate…Kniam.” The female held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.” Mairi shook hands. Then froze as she noticed the fullness and color of her fingers. Then she looked farther up her arm, the same fullness and color reached there too. Her skin was tighter and the muscles more defined. Mairi started taking deep breaths to try to regain her composure. Then it hit her…she could take deep breaths. They weren’t rattling or raspy! What was going on? She was going to hyperventilate!

  “Didn’t you tell her anything Knollig? I can see her freaking out.” Amber glared at him, “You could have saved the make out session for later you know.”

  Mairi could feel her head spinning, and her vision was beginning to tunnel.

  “Quick, put her head between her legs! It should help.”

  Knollig was the closest, so gently pulled her forward and pressed her until her head was between her legs. This caused a massive wave of auburn hair to sweep almost to the floor. “Oh my god! Is that my hair?!” She gasped as she reached from her upside down position to run her fingers through the mass of curls. Watching as the light played off the different strands, dark brown, red, and dark red. “What is going on?” She almost made it through the shock of her hair, when she realized she was bent over…and she wasn’t feeling any pain! She took in the silky smooth skin of her legs, also toned and more muscular that she remembered. “What…” she didn’t get any further. Her overtaxed mind couldn’t take anymore, and blackness took her once again.

  ~*~*~*

  Mairi was stirring on the bed when she heard the female, she remembered her name was Amber.

  “I swear Knollig. You think you would have learned from when I woke up. We are very sensitive to the changes that happened. You should have calmed her down and told her what was going on!”

  Her mate Kniam chimed in, “I agree with Amber. To kiss on the female first thing upon her waking was not very smart.” There was a pause, then the male continued speaking, “Although I am happy to know that you too were able to break through the genetic block and feel desire for a female.”

  The one she had been kissing, Knollig replied, “I was waiting for her to wake fully before telling her what was going on. I had leaned in to check her pupils for signs of sickness when she kissed me.” He continued, “She was…confused when she first woke up but I would have gotten around to talking with her.” Mairi was glad that he hadn’
t told the other two that she had hallucinated that she was dead. She was pretty sure that this wasn’t a waiting room in Heaven or Hell. She was getting a little less muddled, and figured she obviously wasn’t the dearly departed.

  Amber continued teasing, “Yeah, right after you had sex on the table.” She started laughing, “I am just kidding around with you Knollig. We are just worried about Mairi. We need to tell her what is happening, then let the Council members in.”

  “I have told them telepathically what is going on, and they are content to return to the meeting dome and wait there. Knaleg is keeping them busy with details of security features he is implementing anyway.” Knollig had stated this, but what did he mean by telepathically?

  “I think the female is awake again, I can see her eyelids twitching.” Kniam stated, and when she opened her eyes she saw they were once again watching her.

  Amber rushed over, “Are you feeling okay?” Laughing at her own dumb question, she said, “Forget I said that! I know you must have a million things running through your mind. Believe me…I’ve been in your place.” Seating herself on the edge of Mairi’s bed, she took a deep breath and said, “Would you like me to explain, or do you prefer one of the men?” Her eyes sparkled mischievously. “Actually, I better do the honors or you might never get to the important parts if Knollig has his way.”

  Mairi blushed at the reminder of what she and Knollig had been doing. Before she could respond, Amber exclaimed, “Well no wonder Knollig couldn’t keep his hands off you. I wish you could see yourself…your hair is gorgeous, and your eyes are like sparkling emeralds…only a deeper green.” Amber paused, “I wish someone had been able to talk to me when I came out of medical. I mean…just waking up in that box! I thought I was dead! Can you believe how embarrassed I was?! Then running around slapping my head thinking my hair was an animal they were feeding me to or something!” Amber was waving her hands around her head, re-enacting a slapping motion. “I was yelling really loudly, and Knollig picked me up like a sack of potatoes.” Amber was obviously some type of chatterbox, because she just kept talking. “I know back on Earth before I was changed the men couldn’t have done it…”