LOGINShare
In Chavias's Skin
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56“What would you do if you were in my position?” Sebastian asked. “If you cared for me and you thought I was in danger, but I wanted more than anything in the world to be out on my own?”
She looked taken aback. As if he’d just struck her.
Her eyes roved his face and she opened and closed her mouth as if such a thing had never occurred to her before.
She rose, walking quietly around the long end of the table and striding toward him without a word.
She’s either going to gut me or kiss me. He suspected. Leaning back in his chair with half a wince already on his face.
“Perhaps, were that the situation,” She stroked her finger along the table. Her tone level. “and I could imprison you to keep you, I would.”
There was strange understanding in her voice. But also a string of underlying bitterness that worried him. As if she weren’t being wholly sincere.
Or she’s not entirely sure, herself. Either one had him swallowin
Related chapters
The Taming Spies
Eventually morning came and Sebastian felt the bed dip as Elsabet rose. She was pulling on her gown and doing the fastens down the front. “Where are you going?” She glanced over her shoulder. Dark lashes fluttering over her nearly purple eyes. “I’m heading out to tend what’s left of the garden. The frost has been hard on it.” Sebastian knew she’d planted one in early spring, he’d seen her doing it, but he kept forgetting to peek at it when he came back from his errands and now snowfall had been coming and going for many months. Likely all that was left in her garden was a few berry bushes. “You could lay back down.” He patted the bedding next to him. “That would be unlikely.” “Why?” “Alazareth slid a missive under the door at first light.” “I didn’t hear it.” He sat up. She handed him the bit of parchment. “You were in that…trance.” I was Chavias. He mentally corrected. Feeling his stoma
The Taming Old Friendships
WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier CountryRHYERSRhyers was wandering the halls of WaterRose to see if Sebastian was home. When he past Elsabet’s chamber he saw the door open.Her slim silhouette passed by the doorway one way, then back the other.She was pacing furiously. Her crimson skirts rustled with every turn. She was rubbing her face ferociously.Like she’s trying to wash away something.Rhyers watched her from the doorway.His head was swinging to keep her in view. His shoulder length black hair waved to his shoulders, brushing along them as he swiveled each direction. Today that hair was loose, framing his angular face. His silvery green eyes were intent on the agitated valkyrie.“Elsabet?” His voice stopped her in her tracks.She faced him. Blinking rapidly.“Do you care to share?”“One conversation does not make us frie
The Taming Behind Schedule
LandingTown Dock, IgonoxSEBASTIANI hate being behind schedule. Sebastian watched the FireStar draw port in LandingTown.Behind schedule.He noted. Again.The one thing that kept the chaos in Sebastian’s life carefully reined in was his meticulous devotion to being on schedule in all things he could control.Like my ship.His first mate was trusted to go on the regular runs to the Isle in his place.Under the condition that he is on time when he returns!As it drew port and the gangway was slapped down, Bast’s boots clicked sharply along the wood. “Boy!”What the hell was the delay?“No’ a boy!” A short man rippling with muscle met him on the deck. Glowering beneath a riot of black curls.Bast spotted the familiar face.Boy had a furious expres
The Taming Deliveries
“I came here to help you, you sniveling shit.” Alazareth threw over his shoulder. “Good to see your smiling face in the morning!” Bast waved at his back. Bast sighed and jogged forward to stride next to his twin. Alazareth shot him a sideways glance, his eyes narrowed in irritation. Which meant Bast was already getting under his skin today. “So happy to see you’ve healed well.” Alazareth remarked. Making Bast wince. “From which injury?” “Take your pick.” Bast eyed him on a wince. “I’d have preferred to choose none of them.” Ignoring him, Alazareth remarked. “So, I come all the way over here from Nightway, and find you snoozing the day away.” Bast heard steps and realized Boy had eased away and was now diligently cinching ropes around the main mast. Still close enough to hear, he was snickering. “Enjoy my pain, Boy.” Bast remarked. “Wait until the cart wheels are turning and your headache sets in.”
The Taming Bottom of It
“I haven’t any idea…” Bast told the Weldons. He twisted to look at Alazareth. “Wasn’t me.” His twin shook his head. Denying that he’d delivered goods to the elderly couple. Alazareth looked equally as surprised as Sebastian did. “I wouldn’t have come all the way out here if I’d known.” That’s true. “They brought many of us supplies…” Mr. Weldon murmured, drawing Bast’s attention. “All through the country. We thought it was you…” “Sebastian?” Ms. Weldon said. “I don’t know who he was, but his men jokingly called themselves ‘The Seditious.’ Perhaps that helps?” “Yea, yea!” Mr. Weldon recalled. Pointing to Bast animatedly. “And they called him their king. We knew he wasn’t though, because no king looks that rough.” Mr. Weldon’s hand fell. “I noticed it was odd too, because it wasn’t yer highness, or anything fancy. Just ‘my king’.” “Bast!” Alazar barked from behind him. Lurched up enough to stand on the bench. He waved h
The Taming Sent to Her Den
After Bast sent Alazar off with much of the exported goods, he took what he’d had unloaded in another cart and ordered his first mate back to the Isle of Wight for another load before he began the long trek back to WaterRose with the remaining cart. It had a lone mule pulling it. He didn’t need to touch the horse for it to nuzzle the back of his neck and clop along behind him. He chuckled and rubbed its neck. “You are a good lad, I see that.” The mule was one that Alazareth had loaned him for the job but during the trek, Bast was growing rather fond of the thing. Though Sebastian was happy to be taking a cartload of gifts and fine foods back to WaterRose with him, he couldn’t help but be disappointed by the time it was taking. It was nearly dark that night by the time he arrived. He found himself growing increasingly excited to return knowing she was there. If I hurry, I may make dinner with her.Another chance to see her pretty
The Taming Yours, Always
“I’ve no idea!” He was too stunned at this unexpected onslaught to recall. “Too many to count?” She sneered perceptively. Not in the way you mean.He floundered. “I was swimming, not loving.” “Is there a difference?” She demanded, seething. Of course, there is! “Yes! I don’t swim withyou!” Wrong thing to say.He guessed from the livid expression on her face. “I am well-aware of that!” She raged. I’m losing whatever this is. He realized. Badly. “Can we just…Calm down?” He put his hands out in a staying gesture but found it hurt since her hands were still embedded in the muscles near his shoulders. “No!” She said firmly. Forcefully shoving him back. His hips caught on the edge of her bed, and he tipped back until falling roughly. Gasping in surprise.When did I get here? How’d she… “Elsabet…I’ll ask
The Taming Cause of Emotion
The source of Elsabet’s recent mood changes would soon be made clear to Sebastion. It began this morning. Peaceful as it was. It started with him watching Elsabet warily from across the table at luncheon. Grimacing at the sounds she was making as she quenched her ravaging hunger. She sounded as though she was starving to death. He wondered how much she’d been eating while he was gone. Does she not eat while I’m away. That had unlocked a whole passel of new fears. He sat across the width of the table from her, and twice already had been splashed with mashed potatoes launched off her trencher as she forced the food into her mouth in handfuls. She rummaged through the platter of chicken. Plucking at the browned skin of the legs until finding the pinkest one, which she tilted her head up to devour nearly whole. He cringed again. “Hungry sweetheart?” She paused, blue eyes lifting to look at him. So beautiful it
Latest chapter
The Taming Be Ready
Once he felt the energy of the stronghold steady, he felt it was safe for him to go upstairs. He needed to stay collected. If the both of them were in chaos, the stronghold could peel itself apart.Bast hurried up the steps and turned into the flat hall. Pulling himself around the banister to rush his pace. He hurried to her chamber, only to come to an abrupt halt at the chamber just before hers.The door was open and inside was Sebastian’s twin brother.Alazareth was sitting in a chair inside the room. His back to the wall so he could hear everything within the next room. Worry was on his face, and he was massaging the back of his jaw. A motion that always indicated severe tension. Alazareth was always composed.This is bad. “What is it?” Bast’s steps slowed.“Something is wrong.” Alazareth’s jaw ticked.Oh, no… Sebastian tensed. His fists working at his sides as he waited. “What?”
The Taming Terrible Fear
Dread Hideout, Dread CountrySighing, Acharius headed back toward his caves. His huge form should’ve lumbered, but he moved far lighter than he should’ve for his size. His blonde hair hung to his shoulders, a few warrior braids near his face. A fur was slung over his back with a bow and a quiver over that.He lifted the bow over his head just as he reached his chamber but paused when Alazareth’s voice summoned him back out. “Acharius!”The viking’s head whipped in the direction of the opening. Noting it was odd for Alazar to come here.Acharius ducked slightly as he emerged from the lower mouth of the cave. His massive size blocked the darkness beyond him. “Alzareth?”His eyes moved to the identical figure next to him. “Bast?” His voice dropped in concern. “What is it?”“What is it?” Acharius asked.“We need the women.” Alazar responded.“Mags and Aggie?” Acharius looke
The Taming Surpassing Even That
“Elsabet?” Sebastian called, having just arrived back at WaterRose, he was frantic to check on her.To see if she’s alright. If our babe is.“Yes?” She called from upstairs.He followed the sound of her voice up to her chamber. Finding her still abed. “Are you well today? Is there anything you need?”“I’m exhausted.” She sighed wistfully.Drawing near, he saw that her ripe belly seemed to have grown overnight, straining her petite frame.“I feel weak. But better. The pain is less.” She swept hair from her forehead so she could better look at him. Blue eyes lovely.“Come.” She waved him over.He walked to her.She caught his larger hand in hers. Rubbing the back of it with a soft thumb pad.He turned his hand to link his long fingers through her small ones and let her pull him down next to her.She scooted over and he was swallowed by the warmth of where she’d lain. Feeling that rare heat he only pe
The Taming Mutual Understanding
Elsabet eventually fell asleep.Sebatian was wide awake behind Elsabet. Careful not to bump her wounded back. He suspected that, like him, if she were able to change shape she could go far in the way of healing.But she can’t. Her body wouldn’t let shift while there was an infant in her womb.He stroked her hair.She made small sounds of distress that told him she was either having a nightmare or suffering the throes of her fever.“It’s okay, sweetheart.”“Why weren’t you there?” She whimpered again.She doesn’t believe I was. That made him feel like he’d let her down, even though he had been there. He laid with her for a long while.When he did finally move to go and began sliding his arm from beneath her head, she abruptly caught his forearm and wrist. “Stay.”He did. Because he could deny her so very little.It was hours before he did slip away. He made it to the door that time
The Taming You Weren't There
“Sebastian. Sebastian…” Elsabet moaned. Throwing her head side to side.“I’m here.” He told her. Crouched next to the bed, holding her hand. His expression was rife with worry as he saw her suffering.She was so strong, seeing her this weak was painful. She was fighting against something she couldn’t see.For both her and my daughter. Sebastian’s throat felt raw, and his face was swollen from the emotions he had while sitting at her side.“Where are you?” She murmured, tossing her head. She was covered in sweat. The fever had taken hold and now wreaked its cruel havoc.“I can’t find you!”“I’m here, sweetheart.” He said brokenly.“Why won’t you come?” She whispered urgently.He realized she was dreaming, perhaps reliving that moment in the grove. Wherever she was, his voice wasn’t reaching he
The Taming Barely Out the Gates
“Is that?” Alazareth asked quietly. Staring at the sky where the glistening creature had vanished. His sword lowered in astonishment.“Don’t say his name.” Sebastian snapped, throwing out a hand.Radix will hear you. Mardichi crouched. Preparing to launch skyward.“No!” Sebastian shouted. “Let him go.”“With her?” Rhyers asked indignantly. “Sebastian?” Deragan grunted between the targue, he fought. He threw one and straightened to look over the others. “Are you certain?”Sebastian looked back at him. “We have no choice but to trust him. For now.”With the most precious thing I have.Sebastian had to let her go. He focused his fear and anger on the hoard before him, praying that Elsabet was being taken somewhere safe and not straight to the demon master.“Alpha!” Alazareth shouted.“Fight them back and take the sky. Go different directions to scatter them, we’ll circle back la
The Taming Familiar
Just when Sebastian’s fear might’ve reduced him to begging Radix, futile as it would’ve been. He heard a sound that brought hopeful light back to his world.A sound which forced back the darkness.A familiar roar. The battle cry of his brother.Alazareth emerged from the trees, sword in one hand, a dagger in the other, and dark blood staining his tunic as he sliced through the animals before him. Working his way from the back to the front in a flurry of attacking blades. He was a blur of motion.Targue shrieked in suffering.Alazar purposely ran across cimmerii nonis. Stomping on them like the rats they were, as he went.Another targue lunged at Elsabet, trying to get to her skirts but there was a shout from the distance. “I’m coming!”Sebastian recognized the flash of Rhyers’ dark hair coming through the woods. He ran barefoot. Launching against trees and throwing his body sideways to evade obstacles without stopping. As he reached o
The Taming Protect You
Elsabet’s hair lifted along the back of her head, darkening to brown. Her eyes burned red and long black claws jutted from her nails.She’s feeling what I do. Everything in this clearing suddenly felt wrong.Her reaction only alarmed Sebastian more. It meant she intended to fight instead of run.No, Elsabet. Sebastian ran from the bank and stepped into the knee-deep water, backing next to Elsabet as he scanned the ground and the trees above them. He knew that the nonis were nothing compared to the Sarabi that could descend from the sky without any warning.He curled his tail around her hips, to know where she was.No. Sebastian’s heart thrummed like a drumbeat. You can’t hurt her. I won’t let you. Shifting human would do him no favors. His reactions were stronger and faster as the panther. I don’t have time nor room to turn into a dragon. How did they find me? He
The Taming Demonic Suffering
Radix lifted the goblet in Chavias’s direction. Sloshing some of Chavias’s blood on his skinny, gnarled fingers and black nails. “Let’s see what secrets you’ve let up today.”Radix gulped the fluid down. So greedily that it ran down the corners of his mouth.Radix was heedless. Focused on the visions running behind his eyes.Chavias’s memories peeled through his mind. Images of Chavias laughing with his gold-haired friend. Or playfully sparring with the others. Then the world darkened into an endless stream of days in his miserable cell in the caves.The blood was tainted with Chavias’s misery giving it a bitter flavor.Which had been the moment that Chavias had gained control over the pain. Feeding into his blood the most mundane memories he possessed.Radix spit the last swallow of Chavias’s blood out. Not caring for the taste of those memories of his cavernous prison.“Strong stronghold?” Okine chirped hopefully. Wondering if Radix
