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Well-Matched
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Meagerly covered. Sebastian thought as he watched the soaked woman breathing heavily as she gasped for air.
Knocking the hood of his cloak back gave him a better view. And revealed the shine of his gold hair in the morning light. Long tresses which swayed as he moved.
His gaze traced her from head to toe. She was hiding a lot under those LandingTown clothes.
Hovering over the water, she reached delicate toes to step onto the bank. Her sparking eyes flitting over the clearing. Flashing from dark blue to blood red and back again as she laid eyes on him. Face a mask of fury. Her head fell back as though her damp hair weighed more than she could hold up. Her legs shook and gave as she collapsed.
The reins of Sebastian's mount slipped from his shoulder to land amongst heavy green leaves littering the ground as he moved from Sivikon.
Reaching her side, he caught her just before she'd have hit. Sweeping her into his arms. Come on Little Bird. He grunted. Let's get you inside and have a look at you.
***
The flawless silver steed followed him, dragging its rein. Matching his master's step.
Bast walked the woods with the horse's warm muzzle resting softly on his shoulder. A glance down revealed the woman's delicate beauty had not been imagined. Certainly, prettier now, unconscious, then when she'd been enraged earlier.
"You were hiding." He murmured more to himself then to her.
"Disguised." She corrected weakly turning her head limply away from him.
The hell you were.
"Hiding."
She grunted and blinked slowly. Silvery-white hair brushed with gold poured over his arm, draping down his thigh as he stepped. Black eyelashes rested heavily over her high cheekbones. Face arrowing to a pointed chin that should've put off the viewer but instead leant her features innocence.
Innocence she most certainly doesn't possess. He was certain.
"You weigh little more than a child."
But she doesn't look one. His eyes inadvertently roamed her lush curves.
"I'm no child."
"Oh, I noticed that when you came out of the water."
Unwilling to respond she only blinked heavily before going limp.
***
She didn't stir again until they entered the clearing around the Keep. Her body tightened.
No. Don't. He braced himself for the impending onslaught. Her wide eyes which had been vacant, now suddenly narrowed. Sweet vulnerability squelched.
Brows snapping together, she turned against his hold. Rotating in his arms while bat-like wings spun from her body. Hands turning to taloned claws, she tore the flesh of his chest as she spring boarded off his torso.
He sucked in his breath at the sting.
Ripping from his grip she darted skyward.
Nope. Catching her ankle, he yanked her from flight.
She thudded to the ground. Instantly rolling to her back to face him. Claws tearing ground as flesh darkened to a similar brown. Glaring up at him through burning red eyes.
Go ahead. Fight me. His blood surged at the sight of the half-naked woman staring hatefully at him. There was something erotic about it. After years of women fawning over me, one panting with rage, her own thoughts written on her face instead of a hypnotic reaction, is far more appealing. Pleasant images of her panting from more pleasurable exertions tore through his mind.
I can't recall ever finding a woman so tempting.
The look on her face was vindictive promise. Her hiss bared pointed little teeth. Flapping her wings dangerously, she screeched in warning.
Threatening me?
Before she could lunge, he casually lifted a palm outward. Freezing her movements and making her wings drop dully. Binding her with invisible chord. She snarled through a curled lip. Lovely blonde mane burning dark as ebony to frame her angular face.
"You wish to tear me apart, do you?" He rubbed a hand against his shredded chest in an effort to soothe the burn.
"Without a moment's hesitation."
Good. Keep struggling. He'd begun to think it wasn't possible to find one immune to his animalistic appeal. Yet, here she is.
***
But peering into her mind to find that she was actually afraid of sobered him instantly.
"Calm, Elsabet." He gave a chastising cluck. "Your fears are unfounded with me." Willing his tone soft, he kept his hand out defensively. Prepared to send another surge of magic if needed.
"I fear nothing." Chin hitching. Her voice rose as a dark whisper in his mind. Her mouth unmoving.
And secretly he hoped for more of her beautiful fury.
He felt an immediate response to the crackle of energy in the air. His animal trying to roar to the fore, making his eyes flash gold and breathing deepen as power pulsed through him.
Pressing against his magic she tried to rise. Almost a physical shove against him as she struggled under the strength of his will. Rising to her knees she slowly lifted to stand. Wings shivering against their bindings until finally snapping loose.
"Strong little thing, aren't you?" He gave a lopsided grin. Impressed.
Give me more, Little Bird. He growled low in his throat.
Her head tilted down as she eyed him from under lowered lashes. Squawking again.
For the first time in a century, Sebastian felt excitement. Energy and hope.
She took a step towards him.
His mind raced. You're mine. He decided in that moment. You're not going anywhere.
Bab terkait
The Taming A Game of Wills
His eyes roved her assessingly as he decided how he'd put his newest decision into play. Keeping her.But fighting her magic will be a matched battle.I'll borrow hers. Turning his outward palm in, he clenched it and pulled it toward his midsection. Abdomen reflexively tightening around the thrill of magic.The dark brown of her flesh was stolen from her. Leaving her skin porcelain perfection. Her head fell back, and the red drained from her eyes like a retreating pool. When her head jerked forward, those eyes were so perfect blue they were nearly purple. Her hair changed from the roots. Spinning back into a moonlit silver glow. Twisted tresses straightened as they dropped around her shoulders. The glistening cover of brown fur running along her sides disintegrated in dark flakes. She dropped naked to her knees, a whoosh of air erupting from her lips. Lurching forward she landed on her palms, back heaving. Struggling for air, since she'd not been able to breathe during the process.Hea
The Taming A Captive in Truth
She nodded sure that she'd been followed."Why was it after you?""I-I can't remember. My head," She put a hand to it. "It feels heavy."Your head? What happened to your head? He realized then that his wing must've struck her in the back of it."Did you hit it?" He frowned.Tilting her to examine the back but observing no injury.She's okay. He blew a relieved breath."I don't know." She murmured. Eying him. "Who are you?"The man you tried to steal from."Who do you think I am?""What are you?" She asked through narrowed eyes.Predator, though she was, she knew an instinctive wariness of him.What are you? And where have you been hiding?"I'm wondering." He puzzled aloud. "Does what I make you feel now reflect how you've terrified others in the past?"You're obviously accustomed to having other creatures fear you. He'd noted that back at the ball."Not in the least." Her face jerked in distaste. "I don't fear you. Whereas I've never met a creature that didn't fear me."Doesn't hold tr
The Taming Into WaterRose
He climbed the few steps to the heavy dark wooden doors. Pushing one open with his foot to step into the opulence of the expansive foyer. The triple chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The second dangling from chains connected to the first. And the third hooked to the second. All of them laden with a tight circle of candles. Glowing brightly over the gold trimmed red carpeting beginning at the stairs, leading to the dais where the stairs split into mirror images turning out toward the walls and winding up to the second level. Torches glowing up there.But there was a dark hall passing the dais and continuing to darker chambers down the hall. Lined with elaborate frames along the right. As he passed a few she realized they were portraits, the eyes following their progress. He suddenly turned sharply to take the stairs up the dais.She glimpsed a door going beneath it.My lower room. He often slept in the servant’s chamber under the stairs when trying to recover from some injury or anoth
The Taming An Animal
She was looking for sanctuary in Sebastian’s home.She won’t find any. Not from me.Not here.Thinking putting furniture between them would protect her.Or buy her time.It won’t. Nothing will. His head lowered. Eyes sparking gold. The firelight eerily reflected there. Framed by hair a similar shade, tousled from retrieving her from the lake. Those eyes zeroed in on her. Only they followed her movements. The rest of him still. Like an unmoving predator. Waiting for her to head for that door…“Relax animal.” She hissed.Not a chance.“Until I know what you are, I’ve no intention of putting myself in a situation where I may have to endure your touch again.” She said scathingly.“Such as trying to escape?”Or when you're warm underneath me while I make love to you. Sebastian already had plans for the exciting little bird.Welcome to my domain. Now you're mine...***“Yes.” She rasped. Eyes flushing red before she blinked, and they were blue once more.She’s dodging my gaze. I unnerve her
The Taming What She's After
Oh, I may. He eyed her consideringly.“I’m debating it. The only thing stopping me is that I fear, reciprocated attraction or nay, you’d fight me like a wild animal were I to wrap you in my arms.”Her cheeks sucked in. And eyes lit with challenge.Confirming his suspicions.“With that said…” He tossed the apple in the air and by the time he caught it, he’d risen to his feet in a smooth motion. He crossed the fur rug in a long, graceful stride heading for her.“What are you doing?” She hissed. Backing up until she hit a wall. Leaning forward threateningly. Her eyes rolling to blood red as she prepared to defend herself.“The big, dangerous animal is coming to get you, Little Harpie.” He put a hand to the wall near her shoulder. His fist still clutching the apple as he hovered his body before hers. His lips nearly brushing her ear as he spoke.She watched him through narrowed eyes.He caught her chin and lifted it with a knuckle.Her lip was twitching in fury told Sebastian knew he was
The Taming Renaming
She plotted to discover his weaknesses and leave this wretched castle with the amulet she’d seen still hanging about his chorded neck.A beacon of her purpose, I suppose. He grinned. Shifting happily in his red chair. Slinging an arm over the back as he put a leg over one armrest and kicked thoughtfully.He grunted. Staring at the ceiling above him thoughtfully. “Aren’t we frustrated, Little One?”He felt little remorse for taking her captive for trying to steal from him. Especially for this Prince of Air and Darkness.A creature of Radix’s? He wondered. Some dark Cimmerii?***Bast toyed with the flame of a candle on the table next to him. Pinching the wick and then releasing with dancing fingertips before leisurely scooped handful of exotic nuts from the bowl next to him. Firelight dancing over his features as he chewed.Riding along with her memories of coming to LandingTown with the other woman, watching Sebastian, sighting him as a target and studying his habits.Learning with th
The Taming Beautiful & Dangerous
Why that name? The valkyrie wondered but refused to think about it further.Elsabet headed down the corridor and Wrenny fell in line beside her.“Elsabet?” Wrenny asked catching the end of the conversation from the hall.“I know.”“I thought you were done with that name?”“As did I.” Elsabet said sharply.“No one has called you that since…”“Yes.” Elsabet cut the other girl off and bit down the memories it invoked.***Sebastian in his lair, was sorely disappointed she refused to indulge in them. I’d be curious to know why that name has such significance. And how the maid knew it.Bast’s leg swung over the armrest as he enjoyed the memories she rehashed. He reached to pull a book off the round table between the chairs, rolling it in his palms to keep his hands busy and his focus sharp. Anticipation heightening.Blonde hair hung loose over his shoulders. Brushing a beautifully cut overcoat which swathed over a loosely laced white shirt. Leaving his collarbone and the defined lines of h
The Taming Chavias' Cautioning
Afraid is not the word.“She does not favor me.”“Then she is certainly not human!”Bast shook his head. “She most definitely is not.”If she were, she’d already be in my bed.Only now did Bast’s hand fall from Chavias’ chest.“So…What does she eat?” Chavias asked thoughtfully.“I’ve no idea.” Bast stiffened.“You may want to find out. Can you ask her?”Bast gestured to the upper level. “Did she look in a mood to chat?”Chavias grimaced, lifting his hands in surrender. “I was directed to back off, so I guess it’s not my dilemma to discern.”“You’re a terrible friend.”“Or” Chavias lifted a finger. “An exceptional one.”Bast glowered. “Have I mentioned there are days I could throttle you myself?”“You mean days you wish you could?”Bast eyed his dark friend. It’d be a great battle. His brow lifted.He noted the scars crossing Chavias’ cheeks and the particularly deep one rolling over his collarbone.Nearly a death blow.He’s been in more battles than most men have heard of.Sebastian w
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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
