LOGINShare
I Don't Want to Do This
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Disseus swallowed. Nodding. Knowing he had no choice but to trust him.
“Where are we going?” Lon asked.
“The cottage.”
It’s the nearest structure safe enough to evade the Cimmerii that will soon be searching for us.
For her. He mentally corrected.
“That’s at least two day’s ride.” Lon objected.
I know. Disseus shot her a worried look. I’m not sure she can make it either.
But what choice do we have?
Take the horses.” He ordered with more confidence than he had. “The farther you can get, the safer you’ll be.”
“But what about-” Almora started.
“We’ll be fine. Go!” Disseus cut her off. Knowing that he couldn’t put Nim on a horse.
If they’re not with us, they can get out of reach of the Cimmerii and less of them I have to protect if they do catch up to she and I.
“Are you certain?” Lon shifted anxiously.
“I can’t protect you and her
Related chapters
The Price of Vengeance What Light
He cursed himself for six kinds of a fool. Focusing on the now, he swept his hair back from his face, and checked her body for further injuries. She woke briefly when he turned her onto her opposite side to see if the dagger had gone clean through. It hadn’t. As he rolled her flat again, he noticed her eyelids fluttering. Her gaze focused on him. He met it steadily. Looking rather pale himself. “You certain this is what you want?” I do not want to do this. “The faster it’s out, the faster I can heal.” She kept saying that. His only thought was. If it doesn’t kill you in the process. “Do it.” She urged. Shaking his head worriedly, he drew an unsteady breath. Putting his palm flat on her chest, just below her collar to hold her in place, he applied his weight there. Steadying her body against hershivering. He grabbed the crude metal handle.
The Price of Vengeance Keep Her
Watching her in pain was unbearable. He suffered with her. Every hour her agony dragged on, he regretted more and more how he’d treated her. I might’ve built a bond with her again. If only I’d been kinder...Perhaps they could’ve spent these last few nights warm in each other’s arms rather than sick with resentment and old bitterness. Or restless beneath a barrage of tortured memories. He wondered if she had been too. Or was it always just me? There were so many torturous ‘what ifs’. Instead of all I could’ve done, I actively kept ourdissension alive. He was very aware that chastising himself now was not going to help her heal. It was only increasing his fears. But he’d refrained from considering all these things for so long that now he couldn’t help it. They washed over him in an endless flood. And to what end? He remembered her secret talk with
The Price of Vengeance I'm Real
“I feel like myself.” She argued his rationale as she caught his large hand. Pressing it over her body. Letting him feel every gentle swell and smooth plane of her flesh. Blinking wide eyes, she asked. “Don’t I?” Good god, Woman. His lips parted. As the past and present blurred painfully. He wanted this moment with her. He wanted to relive it again. His hand seemed to wander of its own volition, even after she stopped guiding it. Memorializing every curve of her. Damn her! Choking a little, he retracted his hand and set her back from him. Seeing her creamy body shining in the blue lights from the water. Her darkly tipped breasts propped on her elbow. Their delicious crests begging to be nipped. His cock was getting rigid beneath his pants. Not now. “Nim.” He urged. Ignoring his own, predictable reaction. “We’re not there anymore.” His voice was harder. As he tried to co
The Price of Vengeance An Arrival
Their darkly skinned bodies were frail and knobby but tall enough to be terrifying. Their skin was leathery and dry, and their jaws opened too far back into their skull. Allowing them the ability to fit a grown man’s head between them. To crush it. Styx could hear the dog’s occasional whine and sometimes the rattle of a cracking branch. They rode on. Trying to appear calm. Styx fell back a few steps to walk behind the horses. Guarding their backs. “Almora?” Lon broke the extended silence. Taking the opportunity of some privacy to chat with her. “Yes?” “Promise me something?” “Of course.” She waited for him to explain. “If they attack. You won’t interfere. You’ll just get away.” “Lonnix!” She cried appalled. “I don’t want you hurt. You said you’d promise!” “But-” “This may be my last request. The last thing I ask of you...” Drawing a shaky breath, she gave a reluctant nod.
The Price of Vengeance Indebted
“Pray tell, why?” Disseus drawled in response. His sword lowering in shock. Utterly confused by the fact that the King of the Blue Lark Assassin’s Guild was hunting him. What the hell could the King of the Seditious possibly need of me? And why come to my aid? Disseus was still staring at the younger man in astonishment. Where did he even come from? Disseus hadn’t sensed anyone following them, other than Cimmerii. Though their stink could have masked his smell. He acknowledged to himself. “I was hoping for a bit of help.” He nearly laughed. Gesturing beyond the cave. “Though after that, I’m a bit more hopeful regarding your response.” “My help?” With what. Disseus was eyeing him warily. “I am fixing to go to war. I need a warrior like you with us.” “Us?” Who? “The Forever Knights.” Disseus had heard such beings referenced befor
The Price of Vengeance Who Does
Bernus was inside the cottage. Sitting in the chair, tipped sideways, with his head craned back against the rest as he watched the door. His large feet were firmly planted on the dirt floor. His posture was relaxed. He'd been here far too long for him to be tense any longer. He’d gotten the message the Edre had left him. And he was to meet her here. So where is she? He’d been waiting for over a day and was now beginning to wonder if the woman he so respected was playing him for a fool. She’s wasting my time. There was much he could be doing as a guardian of Enuchte. Wasting time along the surface of Ardae was not something he enjoyed. Bernus was a man set on achieving goals and moving on. Calm down, Old Boy. He told himself. Reminding himself that if he was wrong, what he desperately wanted was well on its way in this direction. She could be bringing my target straight to me. Pati
The Price of Vengeance Willing to Kill
Styx’s eyes glittered like rubies and his mouth tightened in the direction of the guardian. Not missing the open contempt, the guardian was presenting. “I’m no Firoque.” “A full Cimmerii then?” Bernus was implying he was upgraded from a firoque, which was still a twisted human under Radix’s sway. But a Cimmerii was something purely demonic. With no more humanity. Styx snorted. Refusing to be insulted by the guardian. “Not hardly.” “You look a hell of a lot like one.” Bernus sneered. Styx opened his mouth with a vicious retort but Lon’s voice silenced their interchange. “So, you need a Harbinger to fight your battles? Why don’t you fight your own?” Lon asked shrewdly. His fingertips sawing across his thumbs as he eyed the other man. Badly wanting to sock the smirk right off the guardian’s face. But all he could do that moment was stand there, wondering if there was any chancehe was quick enough to
The Price of Vengeance Lies & Butterflies
Having uttered the ominous warning, Bernus turned his head and his eyes narrowed meaningfully on Lon, as if to warn Almora what he'd do to the chubby man. I won’t hurt her, if she runs, I’ll hurt him. Lon was clearly too far out of shape to run for anything. He’d be easy to catch. Bernus’ gaze flitted over to the demon male with them. Watching him warily. “I don’t like you.” Almora hissed, as she turned to face Bernus. He shrugged. Unsurprising. She marched back over to stand by Lonnix. He laughed coldly. “Most don’t. My job is not an easy one. But I do what I must.” “Perhaps you should consider doing something else.” Lon commented. Bernus' laughter was a rough bark. Shaking his head, he leaned back and watched out the window. Before asking more soberly. “When are they coming?” “I don’t know.” Lon deflated. Surrendering his little act that they weren't on their way.
Latest chapter
The Price of Vengeance A Broken World
Nim looked down the valley and finally saw at least part of what they had done, at the same moment the wind came up and the smell of smoke and rot filled her sinuses. The sticky sweet scent lingering there in a way that made her want to vomit. It clung to her throat. Only one thing could smell like that. Nierwae’s fortress had possessed that same horrendous odor. The scent of death and demons. A village in the distance emitted too much smoke to be from hut fires. There were spots of smoke in various directions that looked the same. Once they walked a bit down the hill, they came down the backside of the rise, she found the whole valley bottom was covered in bark like darkness. It looked like rotting tree roots with spots of pus and splitting boils. Twining over the ground. From this vantage point, it was apparent that the nearest village was abandoned. Long since, torn to shreds. “How long were you gone?” Disseus look
The Price of Vengeance Goodbyes
“Come.” Disseus caught the sleeve of Sebastian’s frilled shirt and pulled him along with him. Growing more certain by the moment, that if left alone, Sebastian would continue to taunt Teverius until the other man returned to take the bait. “If you wish to.” Sebastian didn’t seem to mind though. Stumbling along for a moment while laughing over his shoulder at Teverius. Bright turquoise eyes dancing. Then he focused on the group ahead of them. “I find your Bernus, a bit unpleasant.” Sebastian sobered, to comment. A man who clearly says whatever he’s thinking. It was a trait Disseus could appreciate. “We do as well.” Nim agreed. “Was he always like that?” “No.” Nim said. Surprising Disseus. “He was a nice child.” “Unfortunately, children grow up.” There was a sudden sadness in Sebastian’s voice. But before either Nim or Disseus could mention it, Sebastian walked a bit faster. Catching up to Lonnix and Almora.
The Price of Vengeance Playful People
“I told you,” She said softly. “I need higher assurance then yours, that we will get to live together in peace.” “Without First Water interference.” Disseus felt the need to clarify. “I’m coming.” Another stranger pushed through the fey guardians, and Trap, working his way to the front to peer across the clearing at the Forever Knight leader. “Alpha.” He lowered his head, covered in long white hair, in deference. “Marcus Teverius.” The alpha eased. Eyeing him. “You know these from the lower lands?” “I speak for their Netherland Region.” Teverius said, nodding. “I know their King well.” “He calls you, his King of the Netherlands, does he not?” The alpha clarified. More for the fey’s sake, than his own, obviously. Disseus had heard of the fey King of the Netherlands, though in all his travels, he’d never glimpsed the man. He wouldn’t have denied he was just as curious to watch everything unfolding, as all the re
The Price of Vengeance A Place of Chaos
Disseus’s and Nim’s gaze followed all the rest. Taking in the shadow under two huge trees. Generating massive amounts of power. “This must be the strangest morning...” Almora muttered. Wondering who this newest interloper could possibly be. “Who is that?” Lon pondered. “Ah, hell!” Trap, the other Harbinger, swore. Backing further into the crowd of fey guardians, in an effort to blend. Disseus recognized the blonde man sauntering into view, as the man that had helped heal Nim. The Forever Knight called Sebastian. A black-haired man emerged next to Sebastian. His face was an unreadable mask. Cutting blue eyes slid over the scene. He exuded authority and power unlike any Disseus had seen before. What is he? The way Sebastian eased a bit behind him, was telling. The dark hair is the leader. RedBayne was still grumbling profanity as he ambled out of the grove to join them
The Price of Vengeance The Legend and the Man
It was reasonable that Lon would mourn the death of all they’d built together. It had been Lonnix that had spread news of Disseus’s feats far and wide. Inspiring others to hire him. And keep our pockets fat with coin. It was Lonnix that built the name. “You keep it going.” Disseus suggested. “Most only dealt with you anyway.” They’d hardly know my face were I standing before them. “Nobody would believe that!” Lon cried in appall. “Talk to King Phalanx, he’ll back your story as a favor to me. Remind him how he became King of the Paladines.” Disseus gave him a stunned look. Disseus knew Lon had it in him to do the job. But at the very least, Phalanx would offer Lonnix a job or a new Ardae assassin to befriend. Lon had a cunning way about him that made him very personable. “Don’t fear yet.” Nim assured. “We’ve a bit before we must go.” “No.” Another voice interjected as Bernus
The Price of Vengeance Are We Going?
Disseus sat on that rock, holding Nealinim well into the night. Relieved and in awe to have all his joy back in his arms. What a strange journey it has been. She’d fallen asleep at some point. Lying on that rock with her head on his leg while he stroked her hair. Listening to the water and her soft breathing. As much as he yearned to make love to her. He wanted her to heal more. She needs her strength now more than ever. He heard a branch snap behind him and knew what he’d suspected for a while now. “How long have you been there.” “I’m a bit ashamed to admit, the whole time.” He rumbled from the shadows. His dark skin blending with the night darkness. Only the orange of his eyes glowed from the trees. “Why?” “You weren’t here when she wandered off.” Styx explained. “I was worried about her out here alone. Away from camp. Especially after all she’s been through.” “You as well.” Disseus reminded.
The Price of Vengeance Growing
Marnie’s quiet words shattered Disseus’s composure. He watched Marnie walking away. As if dropping that tidbit hadn’t just rocked him to his core. He needed to get away for a bit of fresh air. He wandered into the dark. Letting the cool evening air fan his skin as he listened to the happy laughter coming from the camp. He could smell the burning wood and what remained of the boar. Mixing with the freshness of the burbling river nearby. He must’ve wandered out there longer than he thought. As he aimed back toward the camp, he realized the laughter had stopped. In-fact he now caught Lon’s soft snoring. As he drew closer, he heard another sound. Something soft and lilting. Barely separated from the sound of the river. Disseus followed it hypnotically. Drawn to the rhythmic sound. It was soft and alluring and he was moving irrevocably toward it. A beautiful voice he’d have known anywhere. Even though I’ve never heard her hum before.
The Price of Vengeance Together Again
Disseus hesitated. They were all inviting him to climb atop Aardix. Though he would be in bird form, it didn’t particularly change how Disseus felt about it. The idea of mounting another man’s back, even in the shape of an animal, was a bit more than he could tolerate. “No need.” No chance in hell, I’m doing that. “You’ll fly?” Nim turned to him. He nodded slowly. “I’m well-behaved as long as your near.” I hope. He felt more connected to his monster form now than he ever did before. More confident that he could control the Dark Harbinger’s thirst for blood. Even in that shape, all I wanted was to protect her. The Dark Harbinger was no longer some terrifyingly unpredictable creature. It was just another part of him that would look after her. At least it seems that way. He was willing to give it another try and find out. Nim would protect them if I get out of line. The Dar
The Price of Vengeance They Already Know
“I missed you, Son.” Nim confessed to her lumbering offspring. Drawing back from him to give him a loving study. Still holding his arms as she looked at him like any proud mama assessing her child. Styx towered over her. Looking at her with heart wrenching affection that belied the terrifying look of him. “And I, you.” “I was worried when the wound took you.” He confessed. “I feared I might lose you again.” “Never.” She shook her head. Forcing a strong smile as she banished thoughts of old pain. She smiled softly as she asked. “Have you seen your sister?” “No. Not yet.” She likely doesn’t know yet that he’s free. Disseus guessed word hadn’t reached her yet. Disseus dismounted the prancing horse, to join them. Leading the mare as he walked. “Thank you.” Disseus mentioned to Styx. Nodding to Lon and Almora who were now sitting up. Blinking blearily. “For looking after them.” If he hadn’t, and we were anyone e
