Meeting his vulnerable look, I positioned him beneath me.
His hands hovered around my elbows.
I rubbed him roughly against myself until I was sure I was wet. Then I lined him up hastily.
“Careful, Gel!” He objected just as I shoved down on him. He growled animalistically. A roar that shook the ship. His head craning back until almost under his shoulders. His hands gripping my elbows to stop me, just a hairsbreadth too late.
I’d driven him deep into my center and was now huddled atop him. Clenching my abdomen and my face twisted in a grimace as I didn’t dare move.
He gave a long pleasured groan.
“Damn you.” He murmured. Lifting his head to level accusing blue eyes on me. “What the devil is the point of hurting yourself? What did you just prove?”
There was anger written over him. Something akin to fury.
“You are not blaming me for that.” He snapped waspishly. “Even I’d not have done that like that.”
I cou
Mardichi was in the sourest mood the following day. “What the bloody hell is wrong with you?” Bast burst out. After seeing the sixth sailor scurrying from Mardichi’s bellowing. “I’m in discomfort.” “Not enough ale?” Bast’s tone softened as he eyed him quizzically. “Not enough somethin’.” Bast turned his head in confusion. “What?” “Me balls!” Mardichi gestured to his nether region. Bast’s turquoise eyes widened and his face split in a huge grin. “Don’t tell me the girl left you…” “She did!” Mardichi looked as saddened as a small child. “She was once so biddable. Now I think she may be possessed…” “Because your slave, didn’t let you have your way?” Bast queried. Clear humor entering his voice. “Yes.” Mardichi darted him a venomous look. “You rather enjoy it, or you wouldn’t have picked a fiery woman as your slave to begin with.” Mardichi gave him a long look. “I enjoyed it more when my sack
I blinked at him. My confusion clear. “Is he the biggest of you?” I couldn’t imagine any man bigger than Mardichi. He scoffed. “No.” “Then why is he the Alpha, instead of you?” Mardichi chuckled. “Because he’s smarter, a better strategist, wise where I am foolish and most of all, I’d not want to quarrel with him.” “Why?” I eyed him askance. Mardichi laughed. “You’ll see.” *** I could hear the shouts up above me and knew that we were getting close to the harbor. Sebastian who was generally laughing and mild manner was barking orders on the deck like a seasoned commander. He’s excited to be home. I guessed. Thinking of the drawing of the woman, I’d glimpsed. Mardichi was echoing his orders on the port-side so the sailors knew what all needed done. After a time, Sebastian came down, as I’d expected. He had a wooden cup in hand. The drugged wine. I eyed it l
LandingTown, Igonox LandingTown was beautiful. It had certainly grown since I’d seen it so many years ago. There were boys in tattered clothes, begging for food or trying to pick pockets. They veered clear of us. Not liking the look of the two large men. Wise choice I’d bet. Mardichi would throttle them if he caught them. And Sebastian would definitely catch them. There were women, scantily clad, hooting for us to come into one of the brothels. Even though I was right here, with them. Those women didn’t care. Their eyes following both men greedily. But as they slid to Sebastian they lingered on him in a way that made their gaze move like caressing hands. They all want to touch him. I rather sympathized since that was how I’d felt when I first saw him. The smell of fresh fish and lobster rose from all along the docks. A
“What?” I blinked in shock. “I thought he could only turn into a wolf?” He can be a horse too? Sebastian stared outside. Barely listening to me as his attention was focused on something worrying. I twisted to see what he was looking at and saw Susanne standing in the road, looking rather indignant as the carriage drove away. Sebastian slumped against the seat in relief. As if he’d been afraid she’d chase it down. I couldn’t really blame him. She seemed rather intent on dragging him back to the brothel forcefully if need be. And it seemed like it would need to be. I thought dryly. Remembering how he’d squirmed to get away. “Why the Hell would you think that?” He finally answered in a grumbling tone. “We never said that. He prefers to be a horse.” Prefers? Why wouldn’t I know that! I’d only ever seen him turn into a wolf. Never a horse!
I tried to stay awake, but my head was lolling against the seat. Sebastian reached over and patted my knee. “Rest, Little One. I’ll keep watch over you.” I eyed him a moment and my head fell back weakly again. As if it suddenly weighed to much to keep upright. I wanted to argue because it was my nature. But the truth was I trusted Sebastian. He’d never looked at me as though I were something he desired. Instead, he let his clear disinterest seep out. And the fact that he called me Little One like I was no more than a child bespoke his lack of attraction. He's not the sort of man to take advantage of a sleeping woman. I felt a lot of conviction about that. What was more, I sensed he’d never do something that might upset his friend. Or possibly hurt him. Why did I think that Bast engaging with me would hurt Mardichi? Would it really? I wondered. Reminding myself harshly that I was only a slave.
I caught my first glimpse of her when I saw what I thought might be a ghost, sweeping past one of the low window slits. White skin and even whiter hair against a cream-colored dress as she glided so smoothly her feet couldn’t possibly be moving. Hip length hair swinging out behind her as she slid by yet another window. Huge purplish eyes flicking to watch our approach. “Is that her?” “Yes.” He drawled. “She doesn’t look real.” The woman floated. Like she was more spirit than flesh. “No. She does not. Almost ethereal.” He agreed. I was more curious now than ever to meet her. The woman that has captured this man’s interest. “She is generally not kind to women in the castle so I will take you straight to Mardichi’s chambers. Please remain there.” “Locked up again?” I frowned mournfully.I’d truly been hoping for a reprieve. Especially because of how much Sebastian had indicated he disapproved of slave
Mardichi led me up and into a chamber that was completely done in red. Red tapestries depicting great mounts on fire. One specifically which looked distinctly familiar. I wandered to it and pointed. “Is this you?” “Yes. A slave girl from Nightway stitched it for me from one of Lucien’s paintings.” Lucien? “Slave girl?” “Not the same manner of slave as you.” He said off-handedly in a vague attempt at reassurance. “She did much mending and provided pleasant enough company. But she was far tinier than you. Like the Saxon women in the UpperLands.” He shuddered. “I’d forever rend one of those. I’d much rather be with a woman that’s clearly a woman.” I was strangely complimented and insulted at the same time. He does have a way of doing that. “How many slaves like me have you had?” He looked back at the tapestry. “There are none like you.” “You mean for the same purpose?” He g
Hearing the noises outside, I pressed my ear to the door. Recognizing Mardichi’s voice. He’s talking about me. To the woman. Telling her he wouldn’t let anything happen to me. That warmed my heart a bit. I’d woke because I missed him. My mind still haunted by what he’d said a few short hours ago, while bathed in waning sunlight. Words that I now suspected would haunt me for a lifetime, if I turned away from Mardichi now. *** He’d been near the window, staring out over Ardae before I went to bed. I’d strode over to peer out the window behind him and was astonished by the breathtaking sight. The meadow stretched clear over the valley. With perfect green grass and flowers which I suspected would stay blooming year around in this peculiar place. Everything was visible through the clear sheets of water pouring over the bailey and down into the shimmering moat which entirely surrounded the castle. Beyond the valley w
My mind was racing. Faster than a horse’s hooves as I considered my options. She embraced me tightly. “Forget whatever you’re thinking. Stay here with me baby girl!” “Here is where I was taken.” I reminded her. “Then I’ll gather all you girls and we’ll go somewhere else!” “Where?” “I don’t know yet. Just stay.” She stepped back to squeeze my hands. “Stay with me, Honey.” I wanted to. The sound of her sweet voice was something I’d badly missed. But Robin hadn’t gotten in with a bad lot trying to find me. Now I need to find him. But I knew nothing about bandits, their laws, or their weapons. But I know someone who does. And the truth was, I was aching to be close to him again. I’d missed his face every step I’d taken away from him. Now I need him. And somehow I knew, without a shred of doubt, that he’d help me. *** MARDICHI
“You’re a drunkard.” “But damn fun to be around.” He pointed out. “No. You’re not.” Mardichi gave a slight shrug. “That too, is a matter of opinion.” “What if she’s in trouble?” Acharius blurted about the young voice he could hear. “Then your old bawdys will care for her. They’re plenty vicious. Recall tha’ day they wouldna lemme in the house? I asked plenty nice and they…” He gave a low whistle. Acharius smiled fondly at the memory. “They were quite ready to fell you.” “I think they may’ve tried, too!” His voice rose slightly as he responded to Acharius’ comment regarding them killing Mardichi with the tiny daggers they’d wielded. “You were demanding to know if they had drink in the House.” Acharius defended. “Twas a fair question…It’d been a long morning.” “They thought you were a thief.” Acharius commented. “Shouldn’t you be out strolling Mane Country for Cimmerii?” “Ye mean
“I suppose.” He admitted. I turned and put my hand on the door. Realizing that every fiber of my heart wanted me to stay. Was screaming for me to turn around, embrace him and declare my love for him. But I can’t. I loved people before him. And I need to know they’re okay. And it was more than just that. Especially now. I need to know who I am. And if anyone else in my family knows how to control this… “Will you come back?” He asked softly. My gaze fell and my throat felt choked with emotion. “I don’t know…” “I travel to see the brethren often.” Mardichi breathed. But when I am not with them, I’ll always return here…For you.” He’s saying he’ll wait for me. Watch for me…Still be mine. “I don’t know how long it might take, if I ever did.” “I don’t care.” I stepped out and closed the door before the tears began pouring over my face. So, no
He’d lied. That was all I could think after it felt we’d walked for an eternity. He was incredibly spry. Nearly dancing on his feet as we walked through a meadow of tall wispy wheat grass toward a large hut. Well-built and beautiful. I felt a tingle of apprehension as I wondered who lived here. I thought it was apprehension. But it may just be my legs going numb. I’d sweated nearly all the way through the dress I was wearing. I was sure my armpits were dripping, and my hair was sticking to my forehead and the back of my neck. Mardichi jogged ahead to hold the door open for me. I was panting like a dehydrated hound. Dragging my feet and my shoulders slumped as I forced myself to take another step. Then another. I’m never going to get there. I was going to collapse into the grass first. He must’ve seen the distress on my face. He jogged back at a calm lope and swept me up
They were gloriously beautiful wings. Dark black with hints of a greenish hue which glinted in the sunlight sweeping through the trees and between the rustling bird wings around me. Everything around me seemed to quiet as I examined these things attached to my shoulders. Wondering where they’d come from. I reached out with hesitant fingers and grabbed the thickness of one. Startled by how warm, and real it felt. I didn’t know what I expected but this was the last of it. I’d half expected that my hand would sift straight through it. I flexed my shoulders, tensing the blades which I discovered, made the wings splay out and flex, to pointed tips. I moved my arms in, bringing my elbows together. Which made the wings wrap protectively around me. Instantly creating a cocoon of warmth. A blanket far warmer than any I’d ever climbed under. They’re unreal. Yet they were entirely so. Giving one a light tug revealed it was certai
I looked back down. Seeing that Mardichi was now bleeding badly. Though he was showing no sign of slowing down. The rodents were now dashing from the underbrush to tear at his slender legs. Ripping at tendons and trying to tear into something vital. One was currently hanging onto his soft stomach. Gnashing vicious little yellow teeth. Another had stepped out from the shrubbery. A flap along its belly began to lift and it loosed a woman’s cry. A sound that I’d have been certain was a woman screaming in distress. But there were echoing responses from every direction. Far too many out here. I could see them now. Coming from every direction with their hideous flicking tails. I felt a rush of heat and my teeth clenched. My arms felt like the bones locked out and my back felt as if it was ripping apart. There was a great flood of dark birds pouring from the sky in a swirl to come down and dump over the creatures. Blinding th
He caught me around the waist and pulled me closer against him. Holding me in the protective circle of his body. He shifted me to the other arm as he twisted to look over our shoulders and see the direction we’d just come from. Trying to watch everywhere. Nestled in the protective circle of his arms, I was reminded how massive he was. Nearly covering me with a shielding leg and his forearms. I noticed the trees seemed darker right now. Long twisted branches overhung the path we’d taken. There were empty bits of ground beneath where the leaves above didn’t let any rain or sunshine reach the forest floor. It was very barren in this area. I heard the first branch crack and realized what had so much of Mardichi’s attention. There’s something here with us. Once I noticed, I couldn’t help but feel it. A presence. And there were eyes. Someone’s eyes watching our every movement.
He stepped from view. I waited both excitedly and apprehensively. Wondering if he was still entirely him when he was in the other forms. He never seemed any different as the wolf. I doubt he will as the horse. I heard branches crunch and quickly looked up. Watching as the massive red beast stepped into view. My first thought was that I couldn’t possibly ride him. He’s too high up. And even if I could get up there, I wondered how I could straddle the width of his back. He’s as large as a cart. His hooves were huge with flowing hair, dancing in the breeze.His mane was as long and red as his hair and when he moved, I could hear the sizzle of sparks. I stared at him in astonishment. He walked near a boulder, prancing a circle before lowering his front half near the boulder. I hesitated. I had the deep sense that if I climbed up on that mount’s back. I was going to be forever
Afterward, we layside by side in the cool shade, watching the sunlight drizzling through swaying leaves above. I was entirely sated. My mind quiet for a time as I appreciate the view surrounding me. And the warmth of a man next to me. “This place is beautiful.” I remarked. Staring at the large, lush green leaves and the springy plants flourishing over the forest floor. Like a tiny piece of the paradise WaterRose was. I was suddenly heartbroken to be leaving. There was such a sense of security there. I understood why the Forever Knights didn’t want anyone to know about it. They carved out this tiny bit of peace and healing. I knew that for them, going to WaterRose was like having a home in the chaos. Somewhere family always was. I remembered how they’d all treated me. Even the Alpha. They’d made me feel like I was part of their oddball troupe.