He put a hand to the back of Dorena’s shoulders as he guided her toward the library. Hearing Elsabet hissing from the next floor, he realized what an insult to her it’d be to take this stranger into her sanctuary.
A place where she and I were intimate. Without looking up at the beautiful blonde hanging over the railing, he turned Dorena.
Let’s take you somewhere else.
She’s right to be offended by you going in there.
“Where?” Dorena watched their direction change in confusion.
Anywhere but there.
“The Parlor.” He pointed. “Perhaps more comfortable.” He cleared his throat on the lie, as he guided Dorena in. Leading her to the settee.
“Elengard!” He called.
The blonde elf materialized. Hands crossed demurely before her.
As always.
“Yes, My Lord?” She asked.
“Please help Dorena. This won’t be an easy stay for her.”
It’s going to be very painfu
Now here I am. He watched her with glittering animal eyes. Studying her face hungrily. Lascivious thoughts pouring through him as he fixated on her full lips. Shoving him back she ducked under his arm. Na-uh…Not so fast. He caught her wrist and twirled her to pull her against him again. Making her yelp. “Please.” She shoved him back and this time he let her. As you wish. To see what you’ll do…He turned, following her movements with his eyes, purposefully rotating to watch her round him. “Where do you leave for?” She tried to distract him from his intent. But she panted, shoulders heaving. And her feet caught, making her stumble. Usually so sure-footed. He cocked his head, studying her motivation for such a question. “Y-you seemed in a hurry.” Straightening, he rolled his shoulders. Drawing a deep breath. “Lucien, is in need of my assistance.” Again. He
“I did keep you leashed. But the rest is ludicrous accusations.” “Why?” She breathed through flaring nostrils. “Because I…can’t...” He trailed off. “I did not use you!” Why would you ever think that? “Didn’t you?” Her eyes narrowed to pinpoints on him. Absolutely not! “Never.” He shook his head adamantly. Hands still supplicating before him. “I don’t think I can have more, as I see fit.” It’s been months! “However, if you allowed me, I’d show you what I could offer when I’m not starved to feel you…” His gaze flicked to her flat stomach and lower meaningfully. “Such as?” She spat. Eyes widening as she gave a half-shake of her head. Realizing she’d walked into a trap. Coaxed by his smooth tone. His gaze slid to where they were nearly joined. He gnawed his bottom lip suggestively. “I could-” He quirked a blonde brow as he let it trail off. “No!” She gestur
“I can’t sleep.” He sighed. Grabbing his sherry decanter and a couple glasses before walking to the doorway to meet her. To prevent her intruding. “Because of her?” Dorena fell into step next to him as he crossed the foyer toward the expansive parlor. He glanced at her and knew it was written over his face. “You love her, don’t you?” Dorena asked softly. Pain written over her as he ushered her into the parlor to warm by the fire. “I want to.” He admitted. “But she won’t let me close enough.” “Why?” Dorena asked in disbelief. Pretty blue eyes rounding. Though her features, hair and eyes, were similar to Elsabet she looked very different. More like the Fallen. Dorena’s face was round. Eyes sky blue rather than a storm-tossed sea. Her hair wound with blonde highlights. Nothing like Elsabet’s which was more silver and white. She’s beautiful, no doubt. She possessed the kind of lovely full
Her response would be the last he expected. He’d anticipated either more sobbing or a fierce rejection of her vulnerability. She did neither. “I don’t know how.” She cried brokenly. She doesn’t know how to ask for my comfort? Why? I’d never reject her. “If you come to me. I’ll hold you. Whenever you’ve a need.” “Swear?” She lifted teary blue eyes up to him. And he sensed the gravity of the question. “With every fiber of my soul.” She gave a single nod and her body calmed against him. Eventually her shaking subsided. And the groaning of the castle waters receded. It was blissful to hold her. She smelled of wildflowers. Her hair was silk over his forearm. Her body so feminine and delicate. Perfect in his lap. For once, he was pleased to not be wrapped up in thinking of her lovely curves. Absorbed in enjoying the moment with her. Noticing she was wonderfully warm. Warm?
Sebastian Bodane, Alpha of the Firestar understood exactly what was going on. Radix…Damn him. As the demon master led Matthew Murdoch out of sight, Bast’s eyes fell to the ruby ring pinched between his fingertips. I know this pretty trinket. Lucien… His gaze lifted again. Watching old Matthew’s back vanishing into the crowd. Next to the tattered robes of the monster that would feed on his soul, if he let it. It’s up to you, Old Matthew not to choose whatever it is Radix Malorum offers you. Bast sighed and hoped the beggar would make the right choice. He’s not a bad soul, afterall. Bast turned and gave a hardy shout to his sailors. Hoping the old man wouldn’t be swayed by dark promises and lustful innuendos. He sighed and turned to yell for Boy, his First Mate advising him of the next journey’s details before he removed his Captain’s hat and handed it to Boy to return to his c
“I do.” Bast reiterated. “I have it.” Lucien eyed him askance. “Well, you’ve the journey back to WaterRose to practice…You may need it.” “Your confidence in me is overwhelming.” Bast said dryly. “These are skills you’ve never had to hone. You’ve a pretty face.” Lucien knuckled his friend’s square chin. “But no charm atall.” Bast looked affronted. “I feel as though I should call you out.” “You can.” Lucien shrugged. “But I’m a better strategist then you.” “But I’m a better fighter.” “You’re impulsive.” “I’m strong.” Lucien’s glance skid sideways. “I could outmaneuver you.” But there was doubt on Lucien’s face. “We’ll challenge that one day.” Bast’s chin hitched. His eyes narrowed. Lucien chuckled a bit nervously. “Go away before my ‘pretty prey’ spots you. It will disgust me to watch her drool on your frilled tunic.” “It’s understandable that you envy my tastes.” Bast plucked at hi
“So why in the world would you ever find yourself jealous of me Bast?” Acharius drew him back to the subject at hand. Still inspecting goods from the bag at his feet. “As I said, your woman-” “She’s not-” Acharius objected but caught himself at Bast’s baiting look. “Is sweet.” Bast finished, ignoring Acharius’ objections. Seeing Acharius distressed look, he sensed he’d won. He has been tempted by her. “And?” Acharius snapped dismissively. “What are you driving at?” “Mine, is not.” “Yours? A mate?-The-the valkyrie!” He was eyeing Bast astounded. Had he really not known? I’ve had her for over a decade! Bast reminded himself that Acharius rarely got beyond the caves. Unless someone relieves him of his duties here. “What is wrong?” Acharius grabbed Bast by the shoulders. “Tell me everything!” Though Acharius intended to be gentle his hands
WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country Sebastian had been bedridden for a week upon his return. Torn apart by the Targue he’d lured from Acharius’ den. His shoulder and thigh had been ripped to shreds, but he’d left them both to rot at the edge of the meadow. Limping the rest of the way home. Timus had spotted him limping through the early morning fog and rushed out to meet him. Helping him inside. Elsabet had met them in the bailey railing about his foolishness. Dorena had appeared in the doorway, covering her mouth in horror before rushing out to help inside. Disgusting Elsabet so much, she’d gone back indoors with no further word. Though he would normally have been relieved at the reprieve, he’d have welcomed Elsabet’s company during his recovery, far more than Dorena’s. Today had swept in their tracker. Coming with the afternoon sun. Now Rhyers was seeking him out. Finding Sebast
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