She’ll say no. Sebastian reassured himself. Certain that Elsabet would deny Rhyers her company the same as she’d been denying him.
But there was another long silence, as she studied Rhyers. Trying to assess his motives.
What are his motives? Bast wondered himself from the floor below. What are you up to, Friend?
Rhyers murmured something too low for Bast to hear, as Dorena grew louder in an attempt to regain his attention.
Dammit. I can’t hear. He tossed her a look. Brows knitting in aggravation. Effectively silencing her.
Finally.
He felt like he’d missed something in the ongoings upstairs.
What’d he say to her?
It must’ve worked, because she said only one word. “Wait.”
And the door closed.
No. Don’t do it.
Don’t go with him.
Come down for me.
A short time later, Bast heard her step returning to
Rhyers had handed her over to the beast with zero preamble. Denying Elsabet proper time to retreat. Now she was firmly in Sebastian’s clutches. In all the golden opulence of the expansive Dining Hall, she was mesmerized. Staring him down. Mesmerized by the candlelit shades of gold in his halo of waving hair. His turquoise eyes had captured her every bit as intensely as his grip on her hand. Telling her his intentions. You’re mine now, Sweet Thing. She shot up a panicked look. Blue eyes suddenly vulnerable as she came to terms with the face she’d been so staunchly avoiding since the other woman’s arrival. And my protection of her. Bast met her looksquarely. Lightly tugging her closer. Wanting to both reassure her, that no woman in the castle stirred him, but her. And to steal her composure to see that vulnerability that was always just beneath her fierce façade. She took a jerking step forward as he pulled.
Dorena withered in her seat at his rough tone. Bast felt a pang of remorse for his stern tone,unconsciously looking for Elengard’s ever-present disapproving gaze. In truth, he did like Dorena. He appreciated what she was doing, straying from Radix. He had respect for what she accomplished. She had great potential for being a true friend. Unfortunately, she was reluctant to accept those terms. Which is what’s making her a nuisance more than a pleasing presence. As she had been, initially. Rhyers shrugged as he took his first bite, having seen Bast’s reaction coming a mile away. She is sweet. Bast knew. But he’d no tolerance for women using him to make others jealous or staking some claim on him. Claim they don’t have. His teeth gritted slightly. But it did occur to him that he’d never mind Elsabet hanging on him, in such a way. Damn anyone that was jealous of her, then! When he l
“Thanks to you.” Setting the book in the windowsill, Dorena dragged her eyes from Sebastian to stare at its cover.His words struck her deeply. The impact of them, reverberating through her.He understood what the meaning of that word meant.Freedom.It was such a small word.Containing so much meaning.His mind wandered to Elsabet, as it always did. Freedom was what she yearned for.And what I’m denying her.Dorena impulsively reached out to thoughtfully stroke the book’s cover.Avoiding looking at me.Which is fine. It’s easier that way.“You’re welcome.”“You want me to go?” Her voice was forlorn.Yes.“I think it time. You shouldn’t be trapped here.”“You’d let me leave, if I wished?”Yes, I would.“
“Do not!” Elsabet shoved against Sebastian’s chest in the hopes of cutting off the filthy thing he was intent on saying, as she tried frantically to get away.“I’m weary of your games, Elsabet.” He sighed.“My games!” She spat in outrage. Tossing her arms illustratively “I’m surrounded by men in this castle!”She poked him in the chest. “Handsome ones. Gentlemanly ones. Hell, even Rhyers is more of a gentleman, than you! Something I never thought I’d say, yet it hasn’t been I with my arms tangled around one of them.”“You mistake me!” He hit the wall next to her. Making her wince.Reminding him how important it was that he rein in his beast. He couldn’t be so aggressive.Not with her.You can’t lose your temper with her. He calmed. Blowing a long breath and rolling his eyes Heavenward as
WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country ALAZARETH Ever since those flat echoing words were spoken in that quiet corridor, Elsabet had been unable to forget them. Even slamming the door and securing herself in her chamber, could not block them from her mind. They were now, ever-present. She now spent most of her days cloistered in the library with Quandary sitting at her feet. The blessed pet that expected nothing of her. But today, he was nowhere to be found. She hated when he was gone. Assuming that he’d gone with Sebastian as he often seemed to. She’d arrived in the library to find the ever-constant fire burning. She’d moved about the library awhile, searching through the books as was her wont. Eventually snuggling into the red chair she favored, warmed by the fireplace. The seat worn from her constant presence in this room. She lifted a glass of Sebastian’s sweet w
“Where did you come from?” She asked. Eyes scanning one than the other. “You think I’ll offend her?” The man closer to her questioned the other, from behind her. Though he didn’t move. “No, Alazareth.” Bast stated in a sure tone. Picking out some walnuts and popped them in his mouth. “I think she’ll take your damn hand off.” Alazareth straightened. Cocking his head at her. “She doesn’t seem as dangerous as you say. Quite tiny and lovely really.” Her brows drew together, and hands fisted over the armrests of her chair. Teeth extending to points which protruded her upper lip. “Why does she look even angrier?” Alazareth queried. Moving to stand next to his brother to see her. “She’s upset we dare talk about her whilst she sits here with us.” Bast didn’t look over at her. Shuffling through the nuts, as firelight danced over his golden features. Her lips were so tight, they whitened. Bast finally cocked his head toward her,
“And once she realizes what she’s done,” Alazar continued. His eyes pleading for Elsabet to understand. “It’ll be too late to redeem her, in the eyes of her people.” Alazar said under his breath. “Something she’ll forever mourn.” Alazar’s gaze fell. Perhaps realizing he sounds like a wayward little child crying on our mother’s skirts. There was no denying the hint of envious bitterness invading Sebastian’s thoughts like a sickening plague. Sebastian had never in his life been so possessive of a woman. She’s my mate. An annoying little voice reminded him. Elsabet was listening with an objective expression. All prior judgements quelched. “I couldn’t bear that. I’m devising a way to save her from that fate.” Alazar added quietly. To Bast’s shock Elsabet’s face softened at the sincerity in his twins’ words. Are you kidding me? For him? His jaw went slack. She softens the fortress of her walls,
“You chose to sit aside me!” She defended. Irrelevant. Not what I asked. “And if I’d touched you?” Sebastian repeated quietly. “Certainly not! You are incessantly brushing my hand or touching my hair.” “Because you’re irresistible.” He stated simply. Lurching forward in his seat, laughing in his frustration. He’d just been considering touching the flowing silver strands wisping around her shoulder and cheek. “I fail to see the relation to you leaving meals, and her leaving if you touch her?” Alazar asked in confusion. Blinking rapidly as he struggled to catch up. “She refuses my touch, and anything I touch.” That was my point. She wouldn’t be eating the food in the library if she knew I touched it. Interesting quirk for a woman who melts when I touch her. “Not all the time.” She whispered under her breath. Cheeks flushing slightly but only Bast caught it. Head
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?”
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
“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
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
“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
“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
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
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
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