“She sees images of the future.” Lonnix explained.Talking about Almora.“How precious.” Nim said acidly. Unable to do anything other than dislike the beauty.Nim watched the two younger girls and Almora fawning over Disseus in disgust.“Is he above no woman? Not even young girls?”Lonnix gave her a startled look. “He takes care of them. He’s been like a brother to them.”“They don’t look at him like a brother.”“No, they don’t.” Lonnix admitted before defending. “He’s very generous.”“Oh, I’ve no doubt about that.”Lonnix guided his mare further away sensing that this conversation was suddenly spiraling downhill far faster than he could’ve anticipated.***Disseus assisted Almora onto her horse. Holding her waist as she found a foothold and climbed over the mount’s back. Curls pouring over one shoulder, she smiled prettily down at him. Reaching to trail a fingertip over a thin scratch marring his cheek.Asking in a concerned voice. “What happened?”His smile vanished. “I was dislodge
“I haven’t forgotten a word.” Her voice was soft as she focused on her attack.No. Just everything else.“Then you’ve slowed down.” He snapped sidestepping a hit. Aware he was trying to make her as furious as he felt.“I haven’t!” She shouted.He eyed her askance.“You’ve gotten faster.” She reluctantly admitted.Grunting, he turned his back on her and headed back to Onyx.Collecting a pebble, she hit him in the back of the head.Again? His teeth gnashed.Seeing his back stiffen, she frantically looked for a larger rock.Spinning on his heel he stalked back toward her. You're going to learn, you venomous wench!***“Why exactly are you so mad?” He stormed. Catching her forearm and yanking her against him.“You never came!” She yelled, hands fisting.Never came where? He blinked in bafflement.To find her in the Demon King’s lair? His slashing brows drew together.“You never asked.” He was much calmer than either of them had been moments before. Deadly calm now.“And you were the one t
“Ah. There you are, Little Ruby. I see you now.” The giant rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His eyes brightening at the rare beauty before him.Her riot of red curls pouring over her shoulders.The Witch, Almora, stared at her with widened eyes. Shocked that Nim would defend her.As we all are. Disseus had no explanation for why Nim had done it.“You’d rather die than go where they’d take you.” Nim whispered over her shoulder to Almora. Warning her to get further back and to escape these men.And I’m not letting them take you. Disseus jaw tightened until the muscle ticked. His hands working in slow fists.***Disseus was strangely still. Just watching.Lonnix watched him intently. Fingering the hilt of the sword at his hip. Waiting to follow whatever Disseus would do.But they all stilled as Nim spoke again.“If-if you don’t kill them, I’ll simply go with you and they’ll go back.” She gestured to all of them behind her. Lifting a palm in a motion to push them back.She wants us to withdr
Offering her a hand he tossed her atop her horse. Opening her mouth with a rebuttal she was too late.Turning he headed to Onyx and mounted without another word. But he veered the mount to stroll behind them. Close enough he could eavesdrop on Nim’s conversations with his inhuman hearing.Let’s see what she has to say now.Nim waited until Lonnix somehow mustered his way up onto the mare, sweat marking his brow as he breathed raggedly. Dangling over the horse’s mane.Unsure if a heart attack was imminent, Nim reluctantly guided her nag closer. “Are you well?”Not in the least. Disseus eyed the chubby fellow. Aware this was often how he sounded after climbing atop his mount.“No.” Lonnix huffed. “No. I am fat.” He put his cheek to his horse and wheezed until managing to catch his breath.Smile teasing her lips, Nim gave the back of his head a light reassuring pat.As if he’s a child recovering from some tiny wound. Disseus restrained himself from snorting at her motherly reaction.When
“We’ll break for camp.”“But shouldn’t we-” Nim started. Wanting to press on.Wanting to avoid bedding down for the night.Because she knows where I’ll expect to have her.“We’ll break for camp.” Disseus cut her off with a glower. Grabbing his bow, he headed toward deeper woods.Almora and Lonnix were already collecting kindling for the evening fire. Knowing it would be needed to keep the Battling Dogs at bay.Movement toward the trees behind him, caught Disseus’ attention.Nim.Walking alone through the woods this close to dusk. What is she thinking?Heading through the trees in the opposite direction of their camp she was glancing furtively over her shoulder to make sure they didn’t follow her.She wants away from the rest of us.Why? She knows this is dangerous country. His curiosity had him veering off his trajectory to trail after her.He followed her awhile but became nervous upon seeing how far she’d drawn from Lon and Almora despite that Battling creatures had so recently dema
A strange sort of calm pain began to seep into every fiber of his being.He needed to salvage his hatred. But her words had cut. And she was right. She had a son out there, one in danger. And even that trumped the importance of Disseus’ game of cat and mouse.He sat rubbing his face and squatted against the tree trying not to think about that warm sensual body being lapped by the ripples of cold water. He shook his head roughly.Trying so hard not to focus on the sounds of her washing he barely heard the slosh of her rising from the lake. Teeth gritted he stared at the ground. His fingers burrowing into dirt, leaves and moss as he concentrated his control.A bare expanse of leg moved into his peripheral. He followed that long silky length up into the parted folds of her cloak. She stared down at him knowingly. Lifting her chin slightly, she stared at him chastisingly.As if she thinks to reprimand me for watching her. When I’d merely been out her to protect her. Blowing out a whooshin
Nim sat near the fire listening to the soft crackling. Taking in the scent of burning logs and a coming rain. Though she dreaded its arrival, for now the lull was peaceful.Disseus had not said a word more to her since their argument and subsequent loving this evening. He somehow managed to make even his silence toward her hostile.Yet she preferred that over his biting comments. Or so it seems by her utter lack of conversation.Right now, he turned a couple plump rabbits on a spit. Occasionally, his eyes slid sideways to glower at her.Although Nim had expected his impatience and irritation, she’d not anticipated blatant animosity. In-fact she’d only rarely seen him lose temper. Especially when he was permitted to sate all that rage within her body.***Lonnix and Almora had continued talking to him as though oblivious to his sour mood.Nim was huddled under her cloak shivering.She’s always cold at night. Disseus thought in annoyance. Wondering why she’d not brought more clothes or
Feeling his body tightening he abandoned his meal, muttering. “I’m getting some kindling.”Upon returning he found only the bare bones of his portion of food. His gaze flew to Nim shivering beneath her cloak and saw the remnants of hers as well.Apparently, her appetite hadn’t changed. Though his stomach grumbled objections at the stolen rations a smile pulled at his lips.She was unspeakably lovely in slumber. He could forget how plush her lips were in the light of day when they were so often tightened in frustration with him. Now they were thick and slick and begged to be kissed. Her Long dark lashes rested against the smoothness of her cheek. The firelight played with the slim shadow of her cheekbones. Easing closer to stare down at her, he noticed the quaking of her shoulders and clacking of her teeth.Rain began to fall. It’d be much colder in a short time.Cursing himself for a fool, he dragged his bed roll close and dropped down behind her. Scooting an arm beneath her he pulled