I sunk my teeth into his chest as I released. Unleashing those walls and letting warmth move over me and rip into my being with renewed vigor. Teaching me something I wouldn’t soon forget.
But that had all been before.
This was now.
When I threw myself against him this time, it was with the same vigor I had back then. Wrapping my arms around his neck and scooping the back of his head to pull him down to me as I always did then. Feeling his arms wrap around my bare lower back and catch me tighter against him. Lost in the memories from so long ago.
And just wanting to feel what I had back then, one more time...
He kissed me with just as much hunger as I did him. His lips roving mine as if set on memorizing every inch of me.
I pulled away from him. Eyeing him as if he’d betrayed me. When in reality, it was my own body betraying me.
It was I that had elicited this instance. My hands were already resting on the familiar contour
He gave me a weak half smile that was bordering on sad. He trailed his fingertips over my forehead. Moving some hair aside. As he did, I felt strange currents coming from his finger pads and into my skin. Zinging me with strange tingling. I gasped as I was suddenly ripped back to those times, we were young. He was walking across the training field. His eyes landing on me talking with Roger. Watching how the sunlight moved through my coppery strands as a stray wind moved through them. He was thinking that I should’ve had my hair plaited like the other maids, but he was glad I was nothing like them. His eyes wandered to my flashing smile, and he smiled reflexively. Thinking I was beautiful. Then time fast forwarded dizzyingly, and he was training with Archer when he heard me screeching. Both he and Archer dropped their blades, but Archer had no prayer of keeping up as Jackson ran headlong down to the creek. Emerging from behind a tree a
“If I ever let you go, fully out of my sight, and you got hurt, I’d never forgive myself.” He murmured. Making me recall what I’d just asked him. Why won’t you just let me go? “But it’s okay to take me and turn me over to your king?” He was quiet. “Stop trying to fight with me, Fiere.” “Or, what?” “Or, I’ll make you feel all the things I feel when I’m inside you.” My eyes widened in horror. I didn’t want to know. I shook my head adamantly. Going deathly still. He laughed coldly. “Nice try. That’s not going to work either.” “What?” “Playing dead. I’ll not have a woman who’s not melting when I touch her.” “A woman?” “You know well, I mean you.” He caught my shoulder and twisted me over him as he rolled. Bringing me atop him. Before I could take the opportunity to leap up and bolt, he was guiding me back down over him. Grunting at the sheer sensation of being swallowed into
I put that blessed dress back on and laid back on that bed. Finished puzzling over what Gray had said, I vowed to banish everything he’d said or shown me from my mind. At least for now. Without any intention of doing so, I’d dozed off. Letting myself sink into that comfortable mattress. I enjoyed the feel of fabric wrapping my body, the dress, and was lulled into pleasant rest. At least until I felt a tight grip on my forearm. Shaking me so hard my teeth rattled. For one paralyzing moment, I thought I was back in that horrible night. With the boy shaking me awake to tell me everyone was dead. I popped open my eyes and glimpsed the familiar face. “Ssh.” He put a finger to his lips. “Just Old John Thomas for you, Mum.” “What are you doing here?” I sat up urgently. My eyes skidding to the doorway. “If he catches you here, he’ll kill you!” “He’s not as sly as he thinks, Mum.” Old John Thoma
The keen gazes of the men in the Receiving Room were locked on them. Knowing how vicious King Liam could become when he didn’t get what he wanted they were quite worried about seeing such an explosion from their newer king. Gray said nothing. Merely looking at him. “Leave us!” Malachi announced. The men and women of the realm scampered from the room. Once the door closed, Malachi blew a long breath of relief. He swayed slightly. Gray instinctively caught the thinner man under the arms. “Sit, My Friend.” He guided Malachi down to the steps. “You haven’t found her?” Malachi let Gray help him as he asked in a softer tone. “I did but she’s not ready.” “To come here?” “Yes.” “You don’t have long, Jackson.” “I see you’ve gotten much sicker.” “I can’t keep pretending to hold this throne for you, Jackson.” “I know. But I’m thankful you have.” “I promised you. For a
“Is there anything I need to know about the Realm before I leave?” Gray asked reluctantly. Knowing he never liked the answer. “Any troubles we’re having?” “Yes.” Malachi drew a long breath, as if what he had to say would be difficult. “We have one very large problem.” “What?” “The clever Ice King to the East is assembling the Mountain Mob to make war on us.” “Archer?” Gray asked incredulously. “Apparently he intends to have the Eternus Realm as was promised.” “He will have it.” “But he doesn’t know that.” Malachi countered. “You insisted that no one must know of this deal, you and I have made.” “Because they would watch for weakness between you and I.” “I’m aware.” Malachi said evenly. “However, he believes that you are a traitor to the Eternus, by serving me.” “Oh, I’m sure that’s not all.” Gray said keenly. Malachi gave him a quizzical look. “I’d presume he got word long ago that I kill
“It wasn’t you that was threatening her.” Lionel clarified in his whispering voice. Always a bit shy. “I knew that going back to Pyre would crush her.” “But to challenge me? I thought we were better friends than that.” “We are. I just can’t stand to see her suffering. I do love her, you know?” “I know.” “That’s your fault. You knew what would happen when you sent me to protect her.” “I know your loyal, who else could I send?” “Do you know how it kills me somedays?” “I know.” Gray confessed guiltily. “Can you know her, and not love her?” “I would be the wrong one to ask.” “I mean, before she’d fully become the Spark? Is it only her magic that makes her like that?” “Irresistible?” “Yes.” Lionel confirmed. “It wasn’t for me.” “You were kind to me, and I truly thought we were friends.” “We are.” “Then why put me in a position to torment me so?” “Because
I cast a look at John’s thin back on the darker horse ahead. Wondering if he might have some answers. I decided on asking him when we stopped for dinner. He’d already mentioned we were going to have to. I’d insisted that I’d be okay. But my growling stomach had given me away. Damn it. John had kindly said he, himself was greatly hungry and would need something to warm his belly in order to risk the perils of travelling in the dark. Which I’d told him would be essential if we wanted to stay ahead of the Pyre Army Ahead of Gray. I knew what the Pyre Army would be doing. Travelling all night. I knew how relentless Gray could be. We were dismounting just outside of a small wolf village. It was so sparse that at first, I thought it might not be inhabited. But we climbed out of the ravine next to the creek and arrived near a square boulder. Able to overlook the whole village.
The little blue-eyed wolf girl shot me a crushed look. “Because I’m broken?” Blind? I was instantly contrite for yelling at her. Knowing she couldn’t possibly understand my real motivation. “You’re not broken.” I corrected her. “There’s nothing wrong with you. The fact that you have such a challenge and have been able to overcome it, makes you twice as strong as everyone else.” “I can’t see and barely hear.” She argued. “Do you know what a pack of wolves does to those weaker than the rest?” Slaughter them. Yet, they hadn’t killed her. But now, if I had to guess, I’d bet she lived in that house outcast from the others. “You seem to hear me.” I pointed out. She paused as if realizing that surprised her. “What are you?” “People say I’m a Spark.” I explained. “It must be incredible to be so special.” She murmured wishfully. *** Reimus and Verias had retraced
I put my faith in John Thomas.I put my faith in the Captain of the Blaze.And I climbed onboard.Ready to go to Haven Island.The Blaze was a massive ship. The wood was polished darkly but had been worn in some places, to a lighter color, by the sun. Making it seem even more striking. The words along the front were done in emblazoned orange lettering with flecks of blue emerging as though it were afire.The figure head was a flame.Well-done.It was certainly unique.Making it easy for those seeking sanctuary to find.Yet, Dock Patrol had no excuse to stop the ship. For despite all the rumors that it harbored fugitives, they were unable to come up with a proper reason to stop it.Or so the lore tells.It was a formidable ship.The mast was tall and it was sleekly built with high rails.Making it both beautiful and fierce.I was duly intimidated and impressed.
I couldn’t believe it. We’re truly here. A part of me, had thought that I would never make it to Center City, much less to The Blaze. I’d had to stop my horse and stare down the hill, at the city. Looming so long before us. Gray huts stretched far into the distance. Their stone structures worn from the pummeling of sea splashing. Thatched rooves showed much patching from constant repair. The sea was hard on residents’ and shops in the areas. People were moving in every direction pushing carts of wares. Booths began at the bottom of the hill and stretched as far as I could see along the main path. It was an impressive sight. It reminded me of how Pyre had once looked. Before Gray destroyed my world. Mist wafted up from the sea and lingered over the length of it. Filling my nostrils with its damp aroma. I could hear children hawking their shells and metal workers offering
The Present I banished all those painful memories. Bringing myself back to the present. Reminding myself that I was just about to escape my daunting past. Nearly a breath away now. I couldn’t believe we were turning onto the road in Center Country, aimed straight for the dock. Finally. We’re almost there! “Not much further now.” John Thomas reiterated. “We’ll be there before you know it.” I looked up at the sun. “We’ve just got to get there before him.” “We will.” But I wasn’t so sure. I knew Gray traveled faster in daylight. Because the others are sleeping. When he had to travel with the whole army it slowed him down. Alone, he races. He was the fastest hound I’d ever met. And I’ve met many. Gray was relentless. He rarely sleeps. When he has a scent he runs
I moved to walk past him but he caught my arm and turned me about. I was immediately irate. “Where are you taking me?” “To the tavern up the hill. Calm down.” I was breathing quickly. Wondering if the army would be up there. Expecting to take me to the king. But when I got there, he pulled the hood of his cloak up. Handing me a blue one. “Put this on.” I did. Reluctantly. When we stepped into the tavern, no one paid us much mind. We walked to the counter and I set my hand on the counter. The tender immediately began staring at it. Reaching slowly toward my fingers. Gray casually brushed my hand off the counter and payed for a cask of wine and a huge lump of cheese. Catching the bottom of two goblets between his fingers as he turned away. We took it and went to a back table. I was frowning at him from beneath the hood. He waited for me to sit and then took the bench across from me.
The next time, Gray would not be so kind. But that was the last thing on my mind today. I was hiding in the abandoned cot of a hayloft. Trying to suffer through the heat of another miserable afternoon. I didn’t dare sneak out to try to steal a bit of food from the main house until after dark. That won’t be for a while yet. So, sleeping through the afternoon was the best call. But I was finding that rather hard to manage. The heat was making my hair stick to my brow and shoulders in sopping strands. And sweat from my armpits made the oversized tunic I’d found in the loft stick to me. I could hear the stable boys below working. They had newer quarters built next door and no longer slept up here. So, despite the tremendous heat, I’d taken sanctuary here in the hopes of having some peace. But Craven had come. In the throes of my sweating sleep, I felt the first groping touch sliding over my belly an
I was at the pivotal point in my life where I now had to make a choice. Hate him as I knew I should, or accept some human kindness…Which I desperately wanted. “I’m not going to forgive you.” He nodded. Saying nothing more as he handed me more food. I couldn’t help dropping my head to his shoulder. Letting myself rob some warmth from him to heat my aching bones and banish the chill that had crept in. He didn’t object, nor did he drop his head over mine, as he would’ve before. He just let me be there. Handing me food. And I took it. He kept it coming until I’d eaten so much that my belly felt as if it were twisting. I put a hand to it and lifted my head to give him a betrayed look. I slid to the ground. Groaning as I clutched it. “Did you poison me?” I drew my legs up. I wondered if this was it. He’s finally ready to kill what remains of the Pyre line. He crouched over me.
I’d quickly learned that no matter his intention, the moment a man’s hand met my skin, he was aflame for me. Awash with lust and desperate to possess me again. I’d put together there was something powerful in the pheromones generated by my pores, which could drive a male wild. I didn’t want to see Gray like that. And I didn’t want him pretending to be sweet to me ever again. Not after he killed my family. And betrayed me in every way possible. He was the last one I expected tonight. Having built my fire near the road, in the hope that monsters would stay at bay. But here he was. The cruelest of them all. His metal jangled as he materialized from the darkness to sit on the log across the fire from me. I stiffened. “How’d you find me?” “Fiere.” He sighed. Shaking his head wearily as if I were a nuisance child. “I’m always aware where you are.” There was long silence between he spo
“Gray.” I said dully. A wary way of acknowledging his intrusion into my path. “Baby Girl.” He dipped his head in greeting. So still, he’d almost appeared a statue before that moment. Just like he might have months ago. Before he destroyed me. “What do you want, Gray?” He frowned. “Jackson. You’ve never call me Gray.” “Well, I’ve learned since then that your heart is as gray as the charred ash in the bottom of a mantle just before a maid takes it out.” He flinched. “You would think so.” He visibly paled. “I didn’t come here to fight with you.” “No? Just to kill me?” I asked acidly. Knowing I was trying to be defiant while barely clad in an oversized chemise stolen from a wealthy matron’s fence. Where her undergarments had been drying. Now they flowed around my small frame. Making plain that she was surely more substantial than I was. Most people are. By now I was half-st
Three Months after Pyre I dutifully opened. Feeling the hard ridges of his rod jamming into my mouth and too far back into my throat. I promptly gagged and pressed back on his thighs to try and get him out of my neck. I can’t breathe! What is he doing! He tasted like ash and smelled unwashed. I felt myself gagging, even when he was barely in my mouth. “Mmm.” His head fell back as I caressed my tongue along the side of him. “I love you, Little Slave…” I made a fake pleasured sound around him. Making him groan and jerk. Using the distraction, I sunk my teeth into him hard enough I was sure it’d leave scars. He screamed. A pained shout, retracting his hand from my head to wave it helplessly around me. I twisted once for good measure and whirled on my knees. Hoping that blinding pain would keep him from blocking my exit. It did. I ran through that d