Muscles bulged all over their bare backs, tattoos twisted and snaked around over their shoulders, necks, and probably further down their chest.
One had a high and messy braid that went from his forehead and all the way down his neck. The sides were skinned. Snake-shaped tattoos decorated one of the sides of his head. The other had a little lighter hair, darker brown. The sides of his head were also shaved down to the skin, but his hair was twisted and formed with leather bands all the way to the middle of his back.
I can’t see around them, but I guess one or two horses are pulling us. It’s a slow and steady paste as if the animals were already worn out and tired. We wobble and jump a little through a sharp turn, and suddenly, a little town appears.
No, not a town! This looks more like a wooden village from an old game or movie. But by the sounds, I could hear in the distance a lot of people living there: talking, shouting, kids crying, and the distinctive sound of metal against metal. The whole thing is surrendered with a massive fence, looking more like they just cut off the branches of enormous trees they could find and stuck the trunks together. Primitive but effective!
This was definitely a new level of crazy! With a bit of hustle and grunting, I managed to sit up on my knees. Thank god they only tied my hands and not my feet, too, like the other girls! The blond kept ogling me to the point that my temper got the best of me.
«What?»
«Nothing.»
She just rolled her eyes and looked away again, like she didn’t just stare at me intensely for over 5 minutes. I managed to turn around and push myself back to the end of the carriage. It had a wooden plank over the end, but a 10cm plank won’t hold me back! I kept my stare at the guys in the front, but so far, they seemed way too occupied by watching the horse ass in front of them.
«They will kill you, you know!»
My head snaps towards the blond. She was still looking down at me. Yes, I was sitting on the dirty floor, but she was in the same boat!
I just wanted to let you know you don't need to be that smug. Money can't help her out of this, well, not from the looks of it.
«Yeah, but I'd rather die running than be part of whatever sick fantasy these creeps have planned out for us! See you on the other side!»
I grinned, and with my feet, I pushed myself out and over the plank. I landed with a heavy thud on the rugged and rocky ground. My upper back collided with the ground first, and I gasped for air as it was forced out of me by impact. The pain was making me feel sick!
Clenching my teeth, I managed to get up; just as I straightened my back, I saw the carriage continue and the wide eyes of a stuck-up blond stare at me. I winked at her, turned, and ran as fast as I could toward the edge of the forest!
My hands were still stuck behind my back, but not much longer! A sinister smile appeared on my lips as I heard shouting and swearing behind me; it didn’t matter! I have already reached the dense forest!
In between the trees, I stopped and finally managed to yank my hands free. I coiled up the rope and showed it down my pocket; it could be helpful later.
«Fucking cunt!»
A deep voice roared, and in a different setting, I would have laughed, but I managed to hold back and smile at the anger in his voice.
«Don’t kill her! Just bring her back!»
Good, he can’t kill me. That might also get in handy; I turned and ran. Dodged trees bushed and massive rocks. Eventually, I would have to reach the city or at least a road!
Sweat formed on my back and forehead as I made my way through the thick forest. The sun was shining, and it began to feel incredibly hot and harrowing to breathe! The air between these trees was still, not even a little breath of wind.
My heart was pounding, and the pulsating in my ears increased; somebody was running not far behind me! I rushed between two trees and ended up in a clearing. Looking over my shoulder, I nearly fell face-first. His eyes were yellow! Yellow!
I turned back, and I felt a new shock. I suddenly found myself standing on the edge of a steep fall. The grass field ended here, and small rocks and loose soil rumbled down the hill. Down there somewhere, it all ended up in the steaming river.
«Her kitty, kitty! Nowhere, no run now!”
It was the same deep and carnal voice I remembered the previous night. My heart was pounding, and my throat felt dry as I hesitantly turned around. Every fiber in my body screamed for me to run, jump! Whatever it takes!
He looked even more prominent now, tall, with black braided hair and tattoos twisting and turning around on his body. He crossed his arms over his chest, and I could see the muscle bulging under his tight, sun-kissed skin. He had significant veins running down his underarms, and tiny drops of sweat made their way over his chest. It was glimmering in the sunlight.
My breath hitched as my eyes met his yellow ones. They were freaking bright yellow! He scoffed and blinked slowly. His eyes flickered between two colors briefly before he stared back at me with ice-cold blue eyes and arched a brow.
Besides looking like a sweat god packed with muscles, he looked like he was picked straight out of an old barbarian book or something. A deep V shape in his front dissipated into dark, low-hanging pants. The fabric seemed really rough and was held up by a thick leather belt. Around his ankles, he had tied two leather ropes, scrunching his wide pants together before some bizarre shoes.
Shoes? No, it looked more like some thick leather socks. They, too, were held up and scrunched against his legs with leather ropes. Did I just get kidnapped by a group of mentally disturbed cosplayers? I have to admit, tho, those lenses were terrific!
The remainder of his eyes lifted my gaze back up. God, this has to be the dark version of Jax from Sons of Anarchy! Ice blue eyes, sharp nose, and jaw with a thick beard a little longer under the chin. Just because of that mental image, I was willing to look past the fact that there were small silver rings in his beard. I would do him in a heartbeat, no questions asked!
«You satisfied now? »
My cheeks burned; I’d been staring him up and down like a snack without even trying to hide it.
Involuntarily, I took a couple of steps forward. There was no way I could tear my eyes from him. But I could feel the ground crumbling under my heels. Dirt and small rocks rolled down the steep end, making the ground disappear under my feet.
His intense blue eyes watched my every move, and suddenly I felt tiny. My cheeks continued to burn, and my heart hammered against my chest. My eyes wandered to the side, catching the slight movement in the bushes behind him. Nobody came to my aid; it was just the wind.
«You won’t make it, even if you try to crush my throat again.»
My eyes snapped back to him, so it was him! Looking down his neck and throat, I couldn’t even see a bruise; how was that possible? I could remember the coughing and gurgling sound behind me as I ran.
His bored sigh brought me out of my head, and I met his gaze without hesitation. This is not a man I would go up against, but that didn’t mean I was his freaking hunting toy. Rabbit, was it?
«I’m not going back to that, whatever that was and what you have going on there, so thanks for the ride, but I’m good now! Bye! »
«Oh, so we have a little princess on our hands? »
I scowled at him, and he made a theatrical and overly dramatic bow,
«Dear royal highness, follow me if you like to live. »
I laughed, but it abruptly stopped by the sound of a rumbling growl. Did he growl at me? I decided I could play this game too and did a theatrical courtesy bow back, «I appreciate the request, but I’m afraid I must deny it, barbarian. Shu, run away now and leave me be!» Straightening up, it looked like he had grown several inches, and his eyes darkened, so I reached the limit! «Shut up; we are leaving now! I can carry you, or you can walk! But note this! If you force me to carry you, I will make the walk worth my while!» His hungry eyes flicker again, his stare greedily taking me in slowly and again, that deep growl. It rumbled down in his chest like an animal was trapped inside of him! I took a couple of steps forward again, and disappointment flashed over his face but was soon masked by irritation and slight anger. Moron! He licked his lips, and again, my eyes widened; canines! I watched as they slowly grew, elongating his regular teeth. Hell no! « Fine! Be a drag! Now, come
This is leather! Thick, brown leather pants! And they have to be at least three sizes too big! The pants Luca came back with looked massive; I knew I should not complain, but he had ruined my pants! And this is supposed to be better? It felt heavy in my hands, and the dark brown fabric looked thick and uncomfortable. «Just put them on! It’s from my mate’s stash, so you should be grateful! Gawd, I’m beginning to think you’ve never seen any of the seamstress's work! » «Mate stash? That sounds so weird! And no, no, I have not, okay!?» «Fine, just put them on. It will work. » I gasped. Just as I zipped them tight, they suctioned in and became so tight! Like they were painted on, and I struggled even to move! «What the…» «Good, now squat down a couple of times. Oh, good god, don’t give me that look! Just fucking do it! » «Stop yelling! » I felt so stupid squatting down, and I was so sure they would tear and bare my ass. Fuck how did I end up in all this? But to my surprise, as I squ
He threw dirt over the fire, and we ran; I had no idea why, but I figured it was worth running for if something scared the grin off his face! We stopped by a beautiful little waterfall hidden in a small clearing. We had been running in a dense, moist forest with overgrown trees and bushes for hours, so this was a welcomed sight! A little oasis of peace and beauty in the middle of the dark and thick Woods. I was sent to gather sticks and branches for wood. All this running and Luca's stressed demeanor had made me a little jumpy, so I kept looking over my shoulder, waiting for a monster to appear. Of course, it didn't! With my arms full, I see him wrap two fishes in big leaves and tighten them with something that looks like very long grass. We sat in silence and watched the flames. We were waiting for the fish to Cook. "Why do you keep calling those men wolves?" He sighed, "Because they are; I fucked up! Let's eat first; I have much to fill you in on. But I need food!" He change
“You should have just stayed put! They will figure out that you are alive!”“I will be home by then; I’m not returning there! I’m going home and calling the police!” He snorted, “Police? They can’t do shit here, and what would you say? Big bad man kidnapped me; they are wolves on another planet? They would send you straight to a closed-up asylum, and then they would come back and pick you up again. How are you even going to get back?”“I´ll walk until I find a road and flag down a car.”I refused to accept this nonsense; this was utter bullshit, and I started to get angry. Kicking my feet, the roots only tightened even more, to the point where it began to really hurt! “Luca, get me out of here! I’m leaving now!” “I can’t! Don’t you understand? There is as good as no females born in this place; you are human. They will find out! And if they knew I helped you, I’m as good as dead!”“Stop this!” “So, how do you explain the roots around your feet? The pants I brought you? The growling
There was that wobbling feeling again. Bouncing from side to side, I groaned. My body ached, and I struggled to find my balance. Opening my eyes, it was dark, but after blinking a couple of times, I saw the sun forcing through the walls in small creaks. Pushing myself against the wall behind me, I managed to sit up to discover my hands were tied behind me. Trying to move my feet, I only uncovered that they were tied up. Great! Back to square 1.“Don’t look so disappointed, little one.” My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly looked around. I saw nobody, but I swear I could recognize the voice. That deep, hoarse voice. In my memory, yellow eyes and growing canines appeared. “You again?”I grunted, of course. Luca betrayed me; he didn’t have a plan. He led them straight to me. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back as he laughed. I pretended I dozed off, I didn’t even bother answering him, and after a while, he stopped talking. My heart was racing in my chest, and a thousand thought
Those words felt wrong in my mouth, but I didn’t get time to dwell on them before I was yanked back out. Again, he held me by my tied wrists and paraded me through the village. At least I'm not hanging over his shoulder with my ass in the air. Bo, not McBraid, Bo walked me in front of him, and we stopped by a large open field where men were fighting, training, and sweating in tiny shorts. We stopped, and I stared—at sun-kissed skin, bulging muscles, and loud grunting. I didn’t get to watch long before they all turned their attention toward us, and I just wanted to sink down into the dirt. I tried taking a few steps back but ended up walking into Bo. His massive figure felt like a warm wall behind me, and the crown of bare-chested men stalked towards us. It really felt like all eyes were on me, and for once, I didn’t like it. I was trapped like an animal, and the vibrating rumble in Bo´s chest that spread down my spine didn’t help much. Startled, I took an Involuntarily step back as B
"Eir, her name is Eir." It was the last thing I heard; I felt stupid. I was like a stunned fool, but it took me a while to realize where I was. Without stretching it too far, it took me a while to remember who I was. An old lady had led me further into the little cottage-like building, and a steaming hot wooden tub was waiting. I didn’t protest as she started undressing me; it didn’t feel like me at the moment. The water was so warm it burned by touch, but I soon adjusted, and my muscles slowly relaxed. A sweet and fresh scent filled the steaming air; it felt really lovely despite the circumstances. I leaned back and closed my eyes as the older lady started to talk. Her voice was smooth and comfortable to listen to, "First is the bath; we will clean you. There are so many smells we are not used to following you from the earth, including your hair and skin. Do you have those plastic things on your nails? What about your lashes or hair?" I just shook my head. I could never afford st
Suddenly, I felt so very aware of how light we were clothed. Feet bare, a loose white dress in thin fabric fell down to our knees. The dress had small straps over our shoulders, making us look even more naked. My heart beat so fast and hard that I could taste the thud between my lips. Eyes burned on my skin from behind, staring at us from all directions. Hungry, focused. Greedy lusting look that took in our every curve. Every inch of exposed skin. I felt naked and exposed. Clenching my jaws, I did my best to forget, to close out everyone but myself. The Man from last night, whom I had to call Alpha, stepped out on the open field between us and the dense forest. «Ladies! » His voice demanded power and attention; it felt like I couldn’t look away even if I wanted to. It was like I could feel the other girl’s nerves on my skin and taste the anticipation in the air. “Today, we honor the goddess, the magical, and the female. Today, brothers, w bond between mae hunt!" I jerked as peopl
Chapter 2 of book 2. Queen of KingsThe reaction was immediate, and no matter what I told myself, I lost control of it even before it started. My heart dropped; it felt like I was pulled back into an alternate reality where I watched the Fay march through the pack´s village. Sound and shapes faded out around me as I felt an unbearable need to cry. My chest started aching, my heart raging against my rib cage, and a lump threatened to suffocate me as I struggled to swallow. It was a real-time fight-or-fight reaction, but they conflicted with one another, crashing inside me as my body began to run. All I could think of was my kids. I forgot all about Eir; there was no room for anything else as my feet carried me in a rush between small cottages and houses. Are they okay? Still with Arcane? They are fine! Of course, they are! But still, all I saw was their small little faces, crying and calling out for me in desperation. Calling for their mom, and I wasn’t there! Irrational, it is irratio
Chapter 1. of Book 2. Queen of kings.Three years later.Maya´s POV.“Stop that!”“I don’t like it!”“I don’t care! Stop being such a baby, Arcane; stand still and try it on! Dressing you is worse than dressing the kids! And they have the ability to turn into wet noodles whenever I try!”"Is it really necessary? It feels like you’re trying to hang me!""Oh, stop the whining! It’s just a tie!""From what I’ve seen, nobody dresses up with something tied around their neck if they’re not going to hang! This is unnatural! Do you even think she will do it this time?"I paused, let my hands fall, and watched with a plain face as Arcane ripped that poor tie off him like a burning curse etching on his skin. I wanted to yell at him, and I wanted to hit him, but I knew it wasn’t fair. He was right, after all. It had been over two years already, and three times, Eir and the Dragon had prepared for the Royal mateing ritual and every time, she had found a reason to back out of it.There was no longe
Amon/ Dragon King´s POV.The deep-rooted frustration and disrespect faded the second he laid eyes on her. Dragon vision zoomed in, and his wings had stretched as he lowered his head and aimed. Everything was different now, and everything had changed. Why? I’m not sure, but I will figure it out. Her sob-filled laughter danced over the dark field yet again, and I wanted nothing more than to relish in this feeling. A quest for later, I thought to myself, right now, all I need is here. All I need is her.For once, I understood her. I hated to see her cry, and my heart felt pain with each heartbeat. But she cried while smiling, cried while laughing. I’ve never seen such love between two creatures, the way they fight joy, pain, heartbreak, and love. Because Maya, the lost Valkyrie, acted just the same as she did. Despite all the darkness that tightened around both girls’ hearts, love and happiness shone through just by seeing one another, and I think that is the only thing that kept me sane.
"Oh shut up, Hades, you know you love me."Nida winked at him before shifting her focus back to me, and to my surprise, the beautiful snake-like woman smiled at me with a beaming smile. Her white teeth looked unnaturally white, and her sharp canines glinted in the light. Deadly, stunning, and mythical. Nida was not someone I had expected to meet ever again and to be frank, I had no idea how to react. I should hate her, and she worked with Loki. But then again, she never did me anything wrong. Not really. To my surprise, Hades mumbled and looked down to the side, giving Nida all the space she needed without hesitation. I heard him beside me, still mumbling uncoherent words like a scorn teen.A cold but delicate little hand with long nails gently lifted my chin."Don’t let him sour your mood, little human. He is an expert at sulking. I mean, he beat the most skilled, spoiled, and stubborn toddler I’ve ever met anytime."I couldn’t help it; her voice was so cheerful, and I felt drawn towa
Eir´s Pov.She had long and thick brown hair in soft curls over her shoulders. Sparkling blue eyes, her skin was pale, but she had miniature roses on her cheeks. With a beaming smile, she looked nothing like I remember her. Blinking slowly, once, twice, and then three times. But she was still there, so healthy and... normal? Yes, normal. This couldn’t be real, but I couldn’t help myself; I had to talk to her!“Mom?”“My little Elly girl! Look at you!”Her hands reached out for me while she walked up. I couldn’t stop looking at her, and she was so different. But I still could not accept it, even when all of me knew and wanted to take it. Accept her, smiling at me! Wanting to hug me! So, of course, I just stood there, gaping, unable to move a muscle.“You grew up, baby girl, I’m glad. ““ I… Who are you?”“You know who I am, Elly! This is like I always told you: In the next life, Elly! In the next life. Well, technically, we are between, but who cares for the details!”Her smile faltered
Maya´s Pov.“WHAT DID YOU DO!?”The beast split into two men, both running straight for me, screaming. I could see the hatred, the evil, and their accusation pierced my skin. But I couldn’t react to them, could acknowledge their presence. All I saw was her, her white wolf, lying lifeless on the cold and dirty ground. Fur drenched in blood burned patches from my sword up her front leg where it had hit the bracelet.Shouting and cussing, words meant to hurt, bounced off the walls all around me. Tew and Arcane stopped them, curling them to the ground with no mercy or gentle touch. But I could feel even their eyes on me. The doubt, the shock, and the accusation they so desperately tried to hide. My sword fell to the ground, and the clang of metal against stones echoed down the darkness, over and over until the sound died out.“I didn’t kill her, I didn’t kill her…. I DIDN’T KILL HER!”A whisper I had no control over, a chant meant to convince myself. It didn’t work, and I didn’t hear mysel
Oh, goddess, was I wrong! I wanted to run and leave this incredible, horrifying darkness so many times, but Hades held me back. Took my hand and led me forward or held me back; eventually, we slowly walked down the narrow, black stone tunnel, filling my head with whispers. Stories about how they died, their last memories, their lust for revenge and despair. All through the hall, desperate cries of a baby echoed all around us. It was horrible, full of pain and fear, and despite not being used to babies, all I wanted was to pick up this poor soul and comfort them. But just walking there, not doing anything, made my heart shatter, my chest ached, and tears streamed down my face while walking silently.I clinging to Hades’ hand like it was the only lifeline I had, and I am not sure I will ever be able to forget this. I don’t know if I will ever stop hearing the poor baby crying in utter desperation. I can’t explain this feeling, cannot explain how this sound haunted me, pained me, and tore
“Anja? How the hell can you call that thing something so casual?!”“Because that is, or it was her name at the beginning.”We had finally stopped, sitting down in the pitch-black depths of the cave. The cold stones bit my back as I leaned against the cave's walls, pressing my knees up against my chest.“All lost souls, detached or roaming spirits, end up here. When she did, she was a woman like you. I am not sure what she was, but the legend says she was a shifter, but there are many stories about what kind. However, they said she was a greedy woman, sly and conning, and that she would use any means necessary to get what she wanted or felt she deserved. Nobody knows how she obtained the fallen dragon, but somehow, she did, but she did not anticipate the cost of her greed. There is nobody she can complain to, nobody that can change her faith, so as the years passed, her spirit became part of the skeleton. Together, they are now one; together, they collect all lost or wandering spirits a
*Mumbling* Goddess me, what an annoying sound! *Louder mumbling* A voice, a familiar voice at that. Do I really know people with such an annoying voice? “WAKE UP!” The shouting cut straight through the fog and mumbled and yanked me out, leaving me confused and annoyed at the same time. My eyes were soar and dry, making me blink several times before managing to make sense of the scenery around me. Still, it was so dark, and it all felt so strange. Surreal. The air was neither cold nor warm; it just kind of was there—no wind, but no wind still. No fresh air, no dense old air, heck, I'm not even sure there is air here. However, I am still breathing, not struggling. I feel no pain, no relief, just an immense void inside of me. “You took your time! Hello? Do you hear me? “ His voice was too loud, too close, and sounded so irritated and impatient that it rubbed off on me. Blinking desperately now, I tried to see him, remember him, but my head worked so slowly. Damned, did I drink last