Looking around, it appeared we had a clear shot into the woods as long as no one spotted us. The shouts of men dying and steel against steel were at our backs, and I knew we couldn't look back now. So many of the guards assigned to protect my journey were already dead and Xiomara was missing. As we skirted around the bodies, I had to hold in a scream as a wet hand snaked out and wrapped around my ankle. I looked down to the bloodied bodies in horror as I realized it was Xiomara that was holding onto me. She was covered in gore and barely recognizable anymore. Blood trickled from her parted lips as she turned up from the soaked ground to look at me. Her eyes were empty, and I didn't think she would actually recognize who it was she had a hold of until she whispered her last words to me. "Hide princess. The hunt has begun." And then the light in her eyes flickered out before her feeble grasp on my ankle fell away. "Oh, gods save us!" Nadene cried at my side. I had never witnessed som
"Well, what do I see here?" A deep and sensual voice questioned from beneath that dark helmet. He took a step forward and I clambered back on my elbows as if I stood a chance at getting away. "Is this a little sun elf royal I've caught?"The tone of his voice sent my blood boiling. As if he was a predator mocking his prey. Despite the fear wracking my nerves I managed to scrunch up my face into a sneer at him. It was harder for me to see in the dark but I'm sure the Shadow King could see me perfectly in the moonlight.He sheathed his sword and crouched to the ground at my feet. I wanted to kick him, but my body was now frozen with fear and a cold sweat formed on my skin. "Now I wonder, what it is a little thing like you is doing this close to the border? Don't you know there are monsters out here?"The growl in his voice mocked me and my heart dropped through my chest like it wanted to leave my body. "You're the monster!" I spat back."Hmm, a feisty one," his gloved hand reached out f
At first the ghoulcat didn't notice his approach as it gorged itself. When they were a mere few feet apart the creature whipped its head around and the sight had a new wave of tears streaming down my cheeks. I had never seen a monster so hideous in my life.The head was feline shaped in nature, but the eyes were similar to that of a spider yet a bit too scattered along the top of the head. Its nose was an empty hole in the front of its face and there was nothing to hide the dozens of thin razor-sharp fangs jutting from its top and bottom jaw where blood and viscera dripped.Its short ears flattened along the top of its head as it watched the king approach. The ghoulcat crouched to the ground and my breath caught in my throat as a slash of silver arched through the air in its direction. A sharp shriek hissed from the monster as it lurched back from the attack.Under the flickering lamp light of the carriage I watched as the beast's hideous claws lashed out to strike at the shadow king.
I have screamed myself hoarse ever since my eyes fall on the king of darkness, however there is no one else out here. We're not close enough to any Mithran village for anyone to come to my aid. All of my soldiers and handmaidens are gone, and it might still be a few days before Ayden realizes my entourage is late for our wedding.Now we moved in silence with nothing but the sound of hooves on dirt between us. Owls hooted in the distance and every so often some creature could be heard shuffling too close for comfort along the edges of the woods.Something about the ominous and oppressive presence around the shadow king and his dark horse seemed to keep more of those night creatures like the ghoulcat at bay. But I never doubted for a moment that they were there.It seemed sheer force of will was the only thing keeping my worn-out feet moving. Every part of my body was screaming in agony, each step aching more than the last."Ah!" I cried out as something jutting out in the road caused m
Time passed in a blur but soon enough the sound of rushing water reached my ears and I assumed we were coming up to the river. And the border. Pain filled my heart at the realization I would soon be so much further from home than I had ever been and crossing into enemy territory.But I had no tears left.Moonlight broke through the trees in a shinning stream of silvery light bringing my attention to the small river with black water sparkling with the reflection of stars. In any other situation I might have been in awe of the natural beauty.The shadow horse stopped under one of the last trees near the riverbank and Caliban dismounted with fluid motion. Looking over the side of the horse had my stomach lurch and my ankle nearly throbbed at the thought of landing on it.However, before I could begin to lift my leg to slide down, I felt the hard metal gauntlets of the king grabbing my waist as he lifted me down as though I weighed no more than a feather. He set me gently on the ground an
Those words haunted my dreams along with the images of blood and monsters with gnashing teeth. My world had flipped upside down and as I awoke while the sun was rising my mind was spinning in a sickening manner.My mouth was as dry as cotton and I felt as stiff as a log after sleeping outside in the cold for a handful of hours. But the streams of light filtering in through the gaps in the trees and over my face were bringing me back to myself.Several deep breaths in my waking moments aided in slowing my racing heart and scattered thoughts. Though when my arm bumped against one that was warm and solid it reminded me that my enemy was ling at my side.Ever so slowly I turned my head and noted that Caliban was still dead asleep, his head turned in the opposite direction, but his breathing was slow and heavy. Bumping him didn't seem to rouse him from his sleep at all and I briefly wondered just how tired he had been.I'm sure he was more used to sleeping out under the stars if he was run
"Your betrothed? The silly lordling in the fortress in this region, is that him?" My face paled at his question. Even if he didn't speak Ayden's name it sounded to me as though he was somewhat familiar with him. "Judging the direction your carriage was headed I would assume that's the one. He hides in his castle just like his father did.""He was going to send his men to join the war for my hand," I whispered more to myself than for Caliban."Doubtful," he sneered. "That boy was going to be perfectly happy to sit in his palace with his new pretty little bride delivered to him on a golden platter and perhaps get away with sending a small show of force for your father." I only gaped at him like a fish out of water."You know nothing!""I know enough about the regions along the border. How else have I been able to conquer land in Laernear if not for your lordling's cowardice? Just like his father," his paused. "And just like your father who spends his days in a palace while his people fi
We moved at a steady pace on the smooth ground between the trees and the riverbank. Birds chirped and smaller animals could be heard shuffling through the underbrush nearby. As the precious sunlight became overrun with grey clouds, I could smell the crisp scent of an incoming storm on the wind.Caliban held the reins with one hand at my right side and I got the sense he was leaning away from me as much as we could. The colder it got the more I wished he against my back completely if only to steal some of his warmth. With the silence between us it became increasingly difficult to think of anything except for him.And food.After an hour of riding in silence the growling of my stomach began to sound like I was smuggling a pack of wild animals. The ache of hunger was an unusual feeling for me especially when it was this strong.The privilege of growing up in a palace as a king's youngest daughter ensured I had food and drink at every whim. My mind went back to picnics in the gardens with
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