“What?” He frowned down at me.
I caressed his rising chest. My palms molding over the flat planes and over the ridges of his abdomen. Returning to mold reverently over the huge span of his biceps.
His arms quaked slightly.
My eyes shot to his face. “What was that?”
Was he weakening? I couldn’t remember the last time he’d slept. I was suddenly worried for him.
“’Tis yer touch, woman. Keep doing it. It lights me afire.”
He wasn’t kidding either. His body was heating enough that his skin seemed nearly hot to the touch, everywhere it lie against me.
And unless my eyes deceived me, I swear I saw hints of sparks floating off his red hair to float away into the dark.
Sparks?
***
But those thoughts were banished the moment I felt the swollen tip of him finding my folds and sifting through them as if able to sense where my center was. But instead of ramming in, like in my nasty dream, h
“How did you meet her?” Deragan cut to the chase. “Bought her.” Mardichi swallowed. Deragan didn’t blink. Which meant he already knew. He had a tendency to ask questions he already knew the answer to. Which meant answering anything was tricky. Especially if one was tempted to lie and when put in a situation where they might disappoint him, they all yearned to lie. “You marked her.” He definitely knew the answer to that. “Yes.” Mardichi lowered his head in a nod. “Without my permission.” “I did it without thought...On instinct.” “Is she your mate, truly?” “She is.” Mardichi lifted his head then. Levelling his gaze back on his Alpha. Trying to convey the depth of this truth. “What would you do for her?” “Anything.” “Betray us?” “Leave you.” He could no more betray his brotherhood then he could abandon her. But he would remove them both, before ever harming his brothers.
“I do.” I said in a voice that was barely a whisper. Looking toward the doorway for fear that someone would hear my admonition. One that could break me. I noticed Deragan’s gaze had lingered on my face, seeing my nervousness. “Why do you hide it from him?” He holds me captive. But I sensed that telling the Alpha that, might very well be the wrong move. I hesitated. What do I say. “Don’t lie.” He cautioned. Making me truly wonder if he could see right into my fool head. Turning toward me and crossing his arms over his chest, he seemed to feel the room with his imposing frame. Commanding me to obey him. And defy my urge to lie. “We are not in a place...” I cleared my throat to banish the dryness that made my voice croak. “Where my confessing so, would be a safe decision for me.” If there is such a place. I thought dryly. Stop thinking such things!
Mardichi’s grin died, and his jaw locked. His hands fell off my arm. “If that’s what ye’re after, then ye may make a run at ‘im, Gel.” He was eyeing me coldly. “But even if ye can get past his valkyrie, who’ll likely open ye from button,” He nodded to my lower stomach and rolled up to my head. “to ye’re hair, ye’ll make it to a bed where ye’re not wanted. For in the last two decades, the only woman I’ve seen him allow atween his sheets is the only one that doesn’t want there.” Ouch. He’s saying Sebastian would reject me. In my heart, even I knew that was true. The man would likely rip the sheet from beneath me to toss me on the floor. But it was the fact that Mardichi implied no man would want me for more than a slave, that cut me to the core. “Nevermind.” I shouldered past him and aimed for the window. Wrapping my arms around my waist and staring out at the green moat surrounding the castle and beyond it to the river trailing
Is it dark everywhere she goes? Mardichi was right about one thing. She’s terrifying. “The barbarian has done me no wrong. He walks these halls like a nuisance puppy. Bothering the men and making them laugh when they’re miserable. Giving them company when they didn’t know they wanted any. He has a way of being a solid boulder when one needs something to lean on.” Despite all her short notes and hard tone the hint of something that might’ve been fondness entered her voice. “You like him.” She deflated. Turning and giving me a sideways look. “He’s rather hard to dislike.” I laughed at that. “I suppose that’s true.” “What hav
He set me inside the door of the Parlor where I could see, Mardichi curled up in the window seat. The wide wooden frame jutted out from the sill and was lined with pillows. Like a place a lady might sit and read. Far from a lady there now Mardichi was draped along it and clearly well on the way to intoxicated. Or more. Only about half of Mardichi’s giant body fit there. He had one big leg drawn along it with his booted foot resting in the opposite corner. The other leg strung down to the floor. The toe propped beneath him. He was wearing black breeches and a billowing red shirt. His head was down and he looked like a grieving child. My heart suddenly ached at the sight. His smile flashed through my eyes. His big chest heaving laugh and the way he seemed to fill a room when he was being vivacious. Whereas right now, he was working hard to look as small as he could. Almost as if he feels forg
“I have to go home, Mardichi. I need to know if any of my family lives. If my brother does.” “I understand that.” His gaze fell and he dropped my arm. Lifting the ale cask to his lips again. “Have you just been down here drinking?” I asked a bit more vehemently. Wounded perhaps, that he’d not begged me to come back to him. Or offered to go with me. “No.” He climbed off the windowsill. Swinging that long leg to the floor as he straightened. Looming like a giant in the small room. “Sebastian and I were building.” “What?” “I’ll show you. Before ye’re on yer way.” He caught my elbow and turned me toward the doorway. “Come. We must tell everyone farewell.” I walked out and was shocked to find men standing on the stairs. Many leaned over enough to peer in the Parlor. Watching us? I realized just as quick that, that wasn’t all they were doing. Not with their enhanced senses.
I wasn’t raised as part of a pack. I’d had my family but to say they were a ragtag bunch that mostly hated each other, was a kindness. My father was rarely home, and I hadn’t known my mother since I was very small. A woman outside of town had mostly cared for us until my sisters were of age to wed and be off.Taryn, the woman, had become like a mother to me. I cared for her more than I cared for anyone beyond my brother. My eyes skittered over to Mardichi. Perhaps not now. I understood that I had a problem telling him what I was thinking, and we both had a penchant for interpreting the worst-case scenario from what the other said. But in a far-off kind of way, I did feel like there was a depth of caring that I was only beginning to understand. I didn’t have enough time to figure it out all out. Only my brother had vowed he’d always stay and take care of her as she’d done for us. Sweet Taryn.
He lifted myblindfold and leaned back. Exposing that lean body for my perusal. His knees folded beneath me and me already straddling his lap. With his ripe cock already jutting upward as if straining to reach my opening. “Then take wha’s yers.” He rumbled in that soft burr that nearly gave me goosebumps. I shivered deliciously. Blinking against the vibrant sunlight spilling in from the treetops above us. Morning birds loudly objecting to our presence over the soft forest grass. In the distance I could hear the burble of water against rocks. Making everything seem incredibly alluring and peaceful. He reached forward to give one of my ass cheeks a quick upward smack and a bright grin. “Don’t just sit there, Lass!” His eagerness was apparent. I took him in my hand and stroked him. Painstakingly slowly. His sky blue eyes were locked on me. Watching every movement. “Mmm...Ye’re torturing me apurpose girl, which ye know
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.