When Caliban had filled the tub of fresh hot water, I was eager to submerge myself, but waited impatiently on the bed as I expected him to wash up first."Are you coming?" I heard his deep voice call out and a shock ran through me. Despite what we had already done an intense blush was spreading across my face.The shadow king was already in the copper tub with his arms resting on the ledge. When I appeared in the doorway his glowering eyes roved up and down my body and he leaned his head back like a man enjoying a piece of art. I didn't know what to think or feel when he looked at me that way."It saves time and water if we bathe at the same time." One long finger flicked the surface and the water and sent ripples along the soapy contents. Biting my lower lip, I nodded my head and took the few steps to the tub.At first, I lowered myself into the steaming water at the opposite side of the tub, but Caliban was quick to reach forward and grab my arm. He pulled he through the water and s
The shadow king left me alone in the cabin so long that I had collapsed on the bed after hours of crying my heart out. My tears fell for my family and the life behind me. I didn't think I would ever see them again and now I was worrying over my future and my actions with the Thanaten king. Sleep took me away and by the time the sun was shining over me through the window Caliban was back. At first, I'd tensed in the bed seeing him sitting at the table watching the dying embers in the fireplace. He must have heard what I thought was a silent gasp because he spoke seconds later. "Get ready to leave." And then he was up and out the door again. This time I could hear him outside at the shed where he'd left Abaddon the other night when the snowstorm had begun. Swallowing hard and rubbing the sleep from my eyes I shakily got up from the bed. Despite sleeping through the night, the crying had left me so drained I wondered if I could've slept for days. After a meager breakfast of leftover d
"It is gratifying to hear I distract you enough to have you off your guard." Leaning back into his chest I heard him inhale sharply."Flower, you have no idea just how much you distract me." His hand snuck up from my waist and brushed against my breast. "Having that round ass pressed against me while we ride is torture.""I'm not exactly bereaved to know you suffer, your majesty." My voice turned breathy as his large hand massaged my breasts."Hmm, am I to assume that I have no distracting effect on you then?" When his hand flew between my legs to cup my heat I gasped audibly. Even with the layers I was wearing it was hard to ignore his touch and the warmth it brought."None at all. More of a nuisance than anything." But my head was full of clouds and my skin was buzzing with the energy blooming inside of my body. Some little voice in my head screamed that reacting in this way at Caliban's touch was obscene. Yet my entire body was shamelessly aroused at the barest touch.Visible light
The third day would undoubtably be the worst. Conversation was relaxed but minimal. My thighs and bottom hurt from days of riding in the saddle and Caliban's rough treatment at night.My saving grace was the great quantity of sunlight I was exposed to as the forest thinned out and the thick copse of trees became increasingly sparse the further north we traveled. Although the sun's rays only went so far to fight off the frigid cold."What do you know of the Thanaten capital?" Caliban questioned."Nothing, really." I shrugged and jut my lower lip in a pout I knew he couldn't see."We'll be there around sundown." An uneasy chill crept over me at the thought. Some old instinct in my bones wanted me to be afraid of whatever I was going to see when we arrived. Or maybe I was scared of my future still.Following the last argument, I had done my best to push those fears to the back of my mind and not even consider bringing it up again.After rutting with the king in the woods last night as th
The sun continued to set as we got closer to the capital. Once down in the valley my ears began to pick up on the sounds of life in the distance. Even though it was near fully dark there was still so much activity I could hear."Is your capital still so active this late?" Leaning forward in the saddle I tried to see as far as I could."It stays active well into the night. Plenty of shops stay open until just before sunrise. We may not be monsters, but we are still creatures of the shadows and night is the perfect time for Thanatens to thrive.""In Laernear we rise with the sun every day." And now the sun was gone.It seemed no time at all that we crossed the field of tall grass leading to the outer edges of Umbra. The outer canal acted similarly to an ancient moat would have around a castle, guarding the capital. Along with six towering buildings that had the appearance of a black quartz crystal sticking up from the ground in even intervals around the city.The closer we got I was abl
The shadow horse nickered impatiently as the soldiers worked to swing open the gate doors. The heavy iron creaked and groaned as one side was pushed open to make way for Caliban and his warhorse of living shadow. Meanwhile I kept my head down and covered but feeling the increasing stares of Thanatens the entire time weighing me down.Unease slithered into the pit of my belly and pressed into me like a beast as we crossed over the bridge and the gate behind us was slammed shut and locked once more. I could feel the claws of anxiety sinking into me and attempting to drag me down as that dark castle got closer.The king wasn't talking to me, instead we rode in silence towards his home. I didn't want to be afraid, but there was no promise of what was awaiting me once me arrived at his home. It didn't feel real in a way, where I was. This was all beginning to feel like some nightmare and that feeling wouldn't stop plaguing me.A paved stone pathway led us from the bridge to the gatehouse o
On the first day I woke up disoriented with my head pounding. The sun was just beginning to rise, and I left the four-poster bed in the tower and trudged over the thin rug to the balcony door. At first the door stuck as though it hadn't been opened in ages, but once it swung free a rush of cold morning air blew in and my tangled hair whipped around my face.It was a small, round balcony with a thick iron railing. In the horizon I saw where the sun was beginning to rise. Leaning against the railing I released a sigh and surveyed the land while I awaited the sunshine. The long river continued to wind away into the valley, and I could see the ridge to the south where I had been when I first saw Umbra.Further to the right I could see some of the capital in the growing light and despite my circumstances I was still impressed with the colorful city and glistening blue water of the canals. From this height and distance, I tried to enjoy the sight.When orange and red light blossomed over th
A few items had been left behind in the white oak dresser and I picked at what was available. All the clothing colors were dark and most of the materials were thick and soft for wearing outside in the cold. I pulled out a black silk dress that was small and lightweight enough to wear to sleep and slipped it on. Having nothing better to do I sat at the vanity and brushed through my hair while avoiding looking at my reflection.When the sun had been gone for hours, I turned off the gas lamp on the desk and crawled into the bed on the dais. In the pitch black of the room my mind wanted to run over me with dangerous thoughts. It didn't feel good to admit that the darkness around me was sinking into my mind and becoming its own creature.The second day was much the same as the first. I tried harder to stop and question the servants when they brought my meals but the guard with them was always there to warn me away with a stern glance and flash of weapon. Those meals were left mostly untouc
Ever reluctantly picked up the last one, his mouth turned down into a pout."Wait a minute," I looked at Brian. "I'm going to need a shot of whiskey to chase this down.""Me too," Ever piped up and added miserably, "and a glass of milk...a big fucking glass of milk."Brian disappeared, only to reappear with another tray containing three more shots and three glasses of milk. Once we gathered the additional shots and milk, Brian said cheerfully, "Cheers, gentlemen."I tossed the hot sauce down my throat, purposefully keeping it out of my mouth, and gulped it down in one swallow. It still burned like a mother in my esophagus. I grabbed the shot of whiskey and drank it slower, letting it wash away the remnants of the hot sauce.Ever coughed and sputtered. I looked over to find tears rolling down his cheeks while he cursed and sucked down milk at the same time. When he could finally catch his breath, he eyed Gwen and threatened, "I am sooo spanking you when we go home, woman."I laughed, "
"Oh yeah, we got it," Ever replied. His lips were curled into a smug expression as he also watched Hycinth's responses. His confidence was high. Clearly looking forward to the game.Hycinth noticed his stare as well, but rather than reflect irritation as she had earlier, her lips curled back, flashing him a brilliant smile with fang.And fucking winked at him!Fuck, she was bold. Her confidence not only met but exceeded his. I was dying to know if she could back it up. Either way, her ballsy response threw him off. His expression froze. He blinked. But then he recovered, licking his lips, looking even more eager.Brian continued explaining the rules, "If a ball hits the ground, it is retired, and a fresh ball is put into play." He pointed toward a small bucket of gleaming white ping-pong balls on a countertop behind him."For the shot to count, keep your elbows behind the edge of the table."Hycinth listened attentively."No fingering or blowing."At this, she squeezed Gwen's hand and
LEANDER'S POV Surprisingly, she gave it to me. She kept one hand on my shoulder, and raised the other, letting it sway freely in the air. Her body molded to mine, pliable, willing to let me move her as I wanted. And oh, I wanted to move her...in many ways. Most of which, we couldn't do on a dance floor surrounding by an audience of strangers. But it didn't stop me from forcing my knee between her legs and jerking her lower body tight to mine until no space remained. The movement caused her dress to slide up, but I still couldn't see whether or not she wore panties. However, the heat of her core was unmistakable against my leg."Oh!" she gasped loudly, chest heaving. And then began grinding herself against my thigh, her hips moving in time with the music...using me for her own pleasure. I wondered if she even realized she was doing it.My breath caught in my throat. The image of her was almost too much. Eyes closed, mouth slack, hips moving wantonly against me, her belly rubbing pleas
I raised an eyebrow. "Out of all of them, alcohol is the one you fixated on? Should I be worried?"There was a sparkle in her eye, a hint of mischievous I'd never seen before. "Certainly not. I enjoy dancing and music just as much.""Uh huh," I replied, not at all convinced by her innocent act. It seemed I was definitely going to have to keep an even closer eye on her during the evening.When we reached the living room, Ever and Gwen were waiting for us, as well as Asher and Willow. Gwen wrapped Hycinth in a bear hug. "You look gorgeous!"I was surprised to see Hycinth blush. But she recovered quickly. "Thanks so much for letting me borrow it!""Ready?" Asher grinned.I gave a hard nod. "More than ready."We decided to use drivers rather than drive ourselves. Knowing myself, Ever and Asher, none of us would be in the best shape to drive later. When Hycinth and I climbed into the back of the Cadillac, she settled comfortably into the plush, oversized leather seat next to me. The driver
Sit Up & BegLEANDER'S POV After I touched base with Ever to confirm our plans, I quickly made my way up the stairs.My Wolf was flying high on his mate. Completely blitzed and full-out addicted. Spending hours running, playing and lazily lying around, was exactly his definition of perfection. There was nothing better than having her close to him...well, except for under him. I couldn't agree more. She was better than any drug. Everything about our mate was intoxicating.Rounding the corner and heading down the long hallway, excitement coursed through me, leaving my skin tingling, and my manhood itching to get free. That particular part of my anatomy only ever had one goal- to forever bury himself in Hycinth's hot and tight flesh. Pure bliss. But alas, as much as I wanted to indulge that train of thought, I had more to focus on than just my carnal desires. Not to mention it would be hugely uncomfortable and inconvenient to walk around with a hard-on all night, so I exhaled and forcef
HYCINTH My Wolf was in heaven. The wind whipped through her fur as we flew by tall trees rising out of the earth to kiss the sky. Her nostrils flared with the scents of moss, bark and wild mushrooms. The spongy surface beneath our paws gave away easily, still damp from the recent rain showers. Acorns, pine cones, and fallen leaves were strewn about the well-worn path like spilled trinkets.And her mate by her side.There was nothing better for her. No other place she would rather be than right where she was. Leander's Wolf was magnificent. Powerful and sure, sleek and dominant-a potent elixir to our senses. Primal.Addictive.We were running at the front of the pack. He was pushing her endurance and testing her ability. His big paws powered ahead, silently gliding over the uneven ground, pitted with rocks and roots, easily leaping to clear dead logs, and maneuvering around encroaching thick brambles -a virile display of his strength and agility. My Wolf had to put forth considerable
Lucky's expression was still affected by the scene that had unfolded in front of him, but he nodded his head and walked away with the guards.Ever turned to Hycinth and murmured, "We have stalls located on the east side where you can remove your dress in privacy and shift.""Okay," she responded and looked at my Wolf hesitantly. It was obvious she wasn't sure what he would be doing while she changed. He answered that question for her by walking toward the changing stalls. She quickly scrambled after him. When they reached their destination, he nudged the door open with his big head. She went inside the large sectioned off space that was open to the air above. And he followed along right with her, not intending to leave her side for even a moment.Her heart raced as she understood what he wanted her to do get undressed in front of him and shift. Amazingly enough, there was no negotiation like I'd had to go through to see her creamy flesh. She simply complied with his wishes, removing h
Running With The WolvesLeanderI kept Lucky close by during the ceremony. Not just for the reason I gave Hycinth...because Lucky didn't seem to give a shit before he said whatever the hell he wanted...I liked his boldness and the opportunity he might spout other useful tidbits of information about my little mouse. However, the other reason was much, more simple I wanted him to see how she reacted to me, I wanted him to see us together. Regardless of his parentage and his history, he was a full adult male Wolf. I could sense it pained him not to have his own mate...and he understood how nature was driving me to possess mine.I also wanted his blessing. I would never tell him that, but I recognized how invaluable it would be. All I had to do was be transparent enough, and let him see the truth for himself...how I felt about his sister. Maybe it wouldn't change anything, maybe it wouldn't help...but maybe it would. It couldn't hurt to try. And I was willing to try anything at this poin
I refocused on Leander. "Stop it. Whatever you are thinking, stop it right now! My brother's just being an ass. It comes naturally to him. He can't help it."Leander looked at Lucky, not quite ready to let it go and said, "Maybe we should keep your brother with us during the rest of the celebration. Just in case he has any other pearls of wisdom he would like to share.""Maybe, he should go back to the dungeon until he learns to behave," I retorted.Lucky's face fell, genuine hurt crossing his expression, and instantly, I regretted my words. I said hurriedly, "I didn't mean that! Of course, I want you to stay with us for as long as possible.""Why don't you find him a seat nearby," Leander said to one of the wolves guarding him. The Wolf did as ordered and all three sat down close by.Leander and I went back to the still waiting line of wolves and continued where we'd left off. I enjoyed hearing their stories and was fascinated as I watched Leander interact with them. He made eye cont