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89 Burning Up “Do not forget!” Baron took a step back. Eying the line of Warrick siblings as he shouted defensively. “You were all like brothers to me.” Troy gave a grudging nod. “That was before you had our brother locked up, and used our baby sister.” “You were behind my brother being locked away!” Baron accused Kurik, gesturing to his sibling, as if that warranted any ugly actions he’d committed. “Because he’s a soulless killer.” Kurik said tonelessly. “He was put where he belonged.” “For hundreds of years!” Thomas expostulated. “Killing a few peasants was hardly worthy of that.” Kurik stepped forward but Lairn put a hand to his chest to stop him. “You used our baby sister.” Lairn emphasized. “And still, Kurik moved to defend you when we thought you were taken.” Kurik’s gaze flitted to me. This wasn’t news to me. Kurik had all but admitted that was how our relationship had started, on previous occasions. “And you got close to our brother to steal his blood.” “I needed it to free mine!” Baron argued. “Then you lost it.” Troy said disgustedly. “Who is that careless?” “It was stolen!” Baron cried. “No one cares what happened.” Alisa’s tone was waspish. “Just that you’re a shitbag.” Reuben added. Even I had failed to notice that while they’d all been firing accusations, they’d been leisurely circling Baron and his brother until they had them pinned in the center of a kill circle. They seemed so chatty that I hadn’t seen it. Apparently, Baron hadn’t either. His brother gave him a hard nudge and spun his head to look at them to warn Baron. “We’re going to kill you.” Lairn walked purposefully toward him. There was a crashing rumble that drew everyone’s attention. “Shit!” I shouted. The mound broke, splitting down the center from all the strain ripping through it. It opened into a gaping crevice that let out even more monsters. Those still beneath were surging to the surface in waves. Pouring out with wrath in their shouts as they jumped into the fray. It’s neverending. I looked to Kurik. “How many did you seal under there?” “More than your orb trap.” He said tonelessly. Kurik moved to my side, forming a wall with me between Baron and his kin and Nicholas, at our backs. Kurik kept his eyes on Baron as he lowered enough to touch the head of the bird. “Watch my back.” He whispered to me. “Yep.” I scanned before me. Kurik’s siblings were crowding in on Baron. Kurik pushed his palm to Nickolas’s brow. Pressing there until the blayen emitted a rasping breath that lifted his chest. It rattled from him like a windstorm, rattling the top of trees and dislodging leaves which showered around us. “That a boy.” Kurik praised. “How’d you do that?” I didn’t realize I’d said it aloud until Alisa answered me. “You’d be amazed what he can do.” Alisa eased back toward us, letting her brothers fill in around Baron. Once close enough, they attacked. Baron gave a startled cry. He and his brother were swinging fists, but they were no match for the older males. The Warrick brothers were vicious creatures. Nearly feral. “He is the Ancient.” Alisa remarked. “More powerful than all the rest  of us.” Kurik was giving me a long stare next to him. I felt his eyes burning into me. “You’re taking this news rather well.” “We’re in the middle of something. I’m not even going to think about that right now.” I gestured to the bodies and lake of red flowing from them, scattered through the trees and pouring up the hillside toward Darla and Marlay. Kurik grunted in response. “We will be talking about it.” I didn’t respond. I was busy watching as Deborah and most of her people blocked that hillside to defend the two girls in the grove on the top. They worked together to use their magic. I was surprised by what a formidable force those remaining with her, had proven to be. Those last survivors were putting up a hell of a fight. They must have noticed that the tolari were urgently trying to get up to Marlay. I noted. I glimpsed Marlay poking her head out from behind a tree trunk, and noticed she seemed to be feeling much better. Her eyes were alert and from the way she was looking around, I could tell she was searching for Nicholas and I. His shadow blocked out moonlight above us, so I know he’d risen to his full height and moved closer to our backs. Which was quite a deterrent to the rising kelminar. They reared back a little. Alisa, seeing we had the blayen backing us up, moved into the battle with her brothers. Who, at this point, seemed to be toying with Baron and his sibling. They were throwing punches and straight kicks left, then right. Every time Baron moved, he was hit from another side. “Are you going to turn on me in this fight.” Kurik asked cagily. “Not here. Not now. For this moment, we’re all on the same side.” “Wise of you.” I shot him a dark look, thinking he was being sarcastic. He blinked back at me. Nicholas Blake, the blayen, pushed vivid yellow legs through us. We rolled aside so he could walk passed us. He leaned down and snatched a large kelminar man that was fighting viciously. His bright yellow beak opened, and he snatched the top of the man’s torso. Nick’s pointed beak severed the man in half just above his hips. He threw his head back and his throat worked as he swallowed the kelminar piece whole. The leftover legs crumbled into a soggy pile. Someone behind me sounded like they were going to vomit. Nicholas did the same to three more of our enemy, before the tolari began hitting him with whips of magic. I stepped forward and unraveled my sword in one hand and a slinking lash with nine tips from the other. Rolling it out and swirling it overhead like a whip. Just when I moved to strike, Kurik placed a hand on my back. It rested between my shoulder blades but it jolted through me unlike anything I’d ever felt before. My magic turned flame-bright, stirred with renewed life. Every end of my weapons was edged in violent magic. I swung that whip, and the results were far more extreme then I expected. The lash licked out and the ends split, cutting through nine kelminar at a time. I flipped it back to my side and used my sword to run through a couple more. Kurik turned to stay at my back, keeping contact with me. “Now,” He said. “I want to show you what we can do when we’re no longer hiding from each other.” “Meaning what?” I spat. “Give me your magic.” “How much?” “All of it.” “What?” “Trust me, Sae, for two minutes.” I shot him a skeptical look. “I doubt that would be wise at the moment.” “Stop doubting me.” He snapped. Hating it when I said that. I grudgingly shook my head. “Here it is.” I was risking everything to trust him in this moment but at this point it seemed that he could’ve betrayed me a hundred times over in the past, had he wished to. He’s the Ancient. Which meant that everything he’d done for Marlay and I hadn’t been because I was forcing him to. It was because he chose it. I put a barrier of magic around us to keep me from being attacked while I was transferring magic. Even though I knew that once it was done I would have none left to maintain it. I closed my eyes and imagined strands of myself emerging from my back to hook into his. Like veins that moved from me into him. They pulsed with my power, surging with red and green light as they blew into him. He roared. A sound which was primal and terrifying. It echoed everywhere. A sound that would’ve cracked the air as far as in town. Then he dropped to a knee and put his hand to the ground. Flames erupted around me. Single blazes that burst from the ground up. Igniting kelminar and canastra, and whatever else had climbed from that hole in the middle of the woods. The shield around us evaporated but everyone around me that wasn’t on our side, was going up in a blaze. Combusted in a single blaze like tiny gas cans exploding and leaving nothing but a pile of ash in their wake. Those pops of fire worked back from us moving across the ground as if somehow Kurik had lit something in the earth that found every one of our enemies like a wick. Searing them in a blink. It went on, a rolling flare of lights that moved back. I gaped, unable to believe what I was seeing. “What is happening.” “I’m using the power of everything around us and returning it in full force to touch on everything evil here.” “And me?” I looked over my shoulder. “Will it burn me?” “You are not evil. And you should know by now…I would never let something hurt you. Not even myself.” Cryptic. I thought. Wondering what the hell he meant by that.

05 That Fury “Why do you say it like that?" I gasped. He stepped next to me and offered me a hand up. I slapped mine into and let him heft me to my feet in one pull. I rose, dusting off my dress as I prepared to walk with him in order to pursue the subject. Once I was ready to go, he rolled his head back to side-eye me as he often did. “You're one of the few breedables in the pack so-" “Don't call me that." I shook my head. I'd always found that term for unclaimed females repulsive. I didn’t want to be something that someone bred. He emitted a cold laugh. “Avoiding the word doesn't make it any less true." “Can we not talk about this today? It's such a beautiful day..." I implored. “Fine." He sighed. “But you are  running out of time to select a mate of your own. Is there anyone you might consider?" “No!" I objected. “What male in this pack, would still let me spend sunny days at the river with you?" “Me." He said flatly. “I would." I jostled, nearly knocked off my feet by that. It took me a moment to realize this was probably him poking at me again. “Don't make fun of me, Jaecar." I cocked my head, frowning at him. “Why in Ferus, would you think that's what I'm doing?" “Cindy and Aloira." I stated matter-of-factly. Referencing the two females that often tried to breed with every mate in the pack. He shook his head as if he couldn't believe what he was hearing. “What the devil do they have to do with anything?" “Both have bemoaned that you refuse to take a mate." My face scrunched in disgust. “Many times.” Truthfully it made me happy that he refused them. The thought of their cloying little hands running over his perfectly formed body, made me cringe. They should never get to touch him. “Um, yes." He concurred. “Because I've no interest in them." “Jaecar!" I giggled. “Are you teasing me?" He sighed, saying dryly. “Yes, Samantha." His jaw ticked. “I suppose I am." I swatted his shoulder. “Don’t mock me." “Let’s get back.” He offered me his arm. I took it. “So you know, Sam, one of the Asara males is going to mark you one day. It’s going to be ugly if you haven't come to terms with it by then…It could be dangerous…" “Why would I do that?" I said happily, letting him lead me toward camp. “I have you!" *** How little I knew him... I thought bitterly, banishing all thoughts of that happy day. That is not today. I realized how much darker my world had become since that shimmering day by the river. Everything has changed. Now I am a prisoner. Belonging to the one male I had admired more than any other since I joined the Asara pack. I rubbed my upper arms to warm myself as I turned from the window. I didn't want to look at the males wandering the camp any longer. It made me angry that they could wander freely around the camp. Unrestricted in the same way that most of us females were. It seemed that the only female other than Cindy and Aloira, not locked indoors today, was the pack healer. Rebekah. She always had more freedom than the other females because of her role as a healer. She’s revered for her knowledge and skills. I couldn’t imagine how special that must make her feel. I liked Rebekah, but I couldn’t help envying her that. She’s free to do as she wishes, to move about camp like the males. I couldn’t imagine what that would be like. I watched those wolves. Not one male seemed inclined to disturb her. I went to the fireplace and set another log amidst the sunrise shades of the flames dancing there. I watched them building before my eyes. Adding varying shades of yellow, copper and river blue as the licking tendrils stretched higher. Their light brightened over the fur beneath me. Illuminating its deep brown shade. I ran my fingers absentmindedly through the silky hairs of what I recognized as a bear pelt. It’s warm. I let the comforting feel of it soothe me. Jaecar had offered me the same comfort before the pink moon. The male that had met me under that luminescing crimson halo, was angry, possessive and fierce. Everything that Jaecar had never been with me. As if he were conjured by my thoughts, the door opened. I jumped. Knowing that it would be only one wolf entering this domain. Jaecar is back. His back was to me at first, as his gaze scanned the spot near the window before flying around the rest of the hut until landing on me. He booted the door closed behind him before striding over to crouch before me. “Are you ready to have this out yet?" He wants to fight? I gave him a befuddled look. “What?" “Are you ready to fight yet or do you need more time to mourn all you've lost?" His chest was heaving. I hated how coldly he said it. As if he were not the one that had crushed all my happy imaginings of spending endless summer days wandering through shady trees. I asked him bitterly. “You don’t think I have good reason to mourn it?" “Don’t put words in my mouth, Samantha.” He tilted his head warningly. “I'm not presuming anything. You have every right to feel however you’re feeling right now. I'm merely asking if you ready to fight about it yet?" “Why ask me that?” He squared his shoulders as he dropped backward to sit on the floor. His posture eased before he levelled his gaze on me. I could tell he was trying to be direct rather than combative. He’s working hard to present himself as non-threatening. But inwardly, I was on fire. I was ready to argue anything that came out of his mouth. But I won’t because he seems to want me to. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. “Like it or not, Sam, I know you. And before we’ll ever get to a place where I can attempt to rebuild what’s been broken, you will need to expend that fury." “Do I look furious to you, Jaecar?” I challenged, feeling more betrayed then furious. “You look a lot of things. But I know that despite your very sweet exterior, and the blonde highlights in those strawberry locks of yours, you are redheaded to the core. Fire rages in you. And right now, you'd set me ablaze if you had half a chance." He’s right.  I glared at him. Hating him even more for knowing me that well. “Why did you do it, Jaecar?" I asked flatly. “Why did you choose me?" “The simple answer is because I wanted to.” He said unwaveringly. “I chose  you." I gaped at him. I didn't know how to respond to that brutal honesty. The last thing I had expected from him was that . He took me captive because he chose me? I shook my head incredulously. “The complex answer is that we were out of time. I couldn’t keep trying to persuade you. I told you that.” His voice grew passionate as he pointed it out. “Tell me what?” “The alpha had declared that this Mating Moon, any unclaimed breedables would be claimed or mated. I knew it our choice was for it to be me, or someone else… I wasn't willing to let someone else claim you." His expression hardened, a muscle ticked in his jaw and his slashing brows had lowered over his pale eyes. I stared at him. “Is that what you would've wanted?" He prompted. His voice dropping as if he were reluctant to ask. “Do you wish it were one of the other males that marked you, as theirs?" I grimaced. My teeth clenched, and I was sickened by that thought. “No." I managed to croak. “Then help me." He said quietly. Hitching his chin to eye me. “Tell me how to be what you want, so I can begin to build something you’d want to be part of." “Does it matter?" I inquired. “I'm here now, either way." Whether by my choice or not. “It matters." He asserted. “You're not my prisoner If you wish to choose another male as your mate, I will do my damnedest to stand aside." “You marked me!" I cried. “We both know it’s not so easily done as that!" A wolf could not just be unmarked. And other wolves were generally loathe to deny a mark because of the danger of being expelled from the pack for disrespecting the most sacred thing that our packs adhered to. “No." He admitted. “Not easily. But it is done." “So, now that you've had your fill, you're ready to cast me aside!" My voice rose as my wolf chaffed with unexpected anger at that prospect. I felt my back stiffening and my fingers dug into the fur beneath me as I felt teeth protruding from my gums to press against my lips. My wolf wanted to lash out at him for even bringing up such a ludicrous thing. His eyes narrowed. He unraveled like a beast preparing to pounce on prey, crawling toward me with deliberate movements.

04 Painfully Aware I sighed happily as I highlighted the opposite edge of the bank on the page. I was completely lost in the moment. How could I not be?  It couldn't have been a more peaceful day. Leaves bristled in the wind and grass rolled behind my bac, teasing along my elbows. I don’t know how long I sat there before, as always, Jaecar was drawn to where I was. As if he could feel me there. Though, I didn't realize it until I heard the slight shifting of a rock next to me. When I glanced over, I recognized the pair of boots in my peripheral were the ones he preferred. He’s here.  I felt a little thrill of excitement at knowing how close he was. I always found myself secretly hoping that he might bump my shoulder or put his leg against me. There was nothing like what I felt when we had physical contact. It was everything I had not to acknowledge him when I so badly wanted to peer into this seafoam eyes. A slight smile curled my lips. I liked pretending that I didn't know he was there, to see what he'd do to get my attention. I waited to see what Jaecar’s reaction to me not acknowledging him would be. Sometimes he’d bump my back with his knees then tease me when I stuttered a line on my drawing. I felt his presence inch closer behind me now and sensed he was peering over my shoulder to assess the drawing I was working on. “Well done." He remarked as he dropped to sit next to me. “I see you're mastering that shading I showed you." Mastering...  Why did that word, in his smooth baritone, send a pleased shiver through me? “Perhaps this will help." He handed me a thin stick of charcoal. “Oh what a beautiful piece!" I proclaimed, greedily sweeping the smoothed, squared stick from his fingertips. Eager to give it a try. I tilted it between my fingers to inspect it. I admired the smooth lines which had been worked down both sides of it which brought it to a far finer end. I could make some intricate lines with this. I considered the shading that I might even be able to manage with such a lovely tool. He chuckled at my enthusiasm. “I thought so.” “Did you smooth it yourself?” “I whittled it to a tip as much as I could without breaking it.” I considered how much time that would’ve taken. When did he do that? It must’ve taken hours! I was touched that he would spend so much time doing something like that for me. It made me wonder if he was thinking about me when we weren’t together. I liked the idea of that. “Oh…” I murmured in awe. “Thank you! I love it.” “Good.” He tilted back, grinning in satisfaction. I turned the page in my sketchbook until I found a clean one. I ran a thin line down one side, curving it near the bottom to frame a solid jawline. I glanced up at Jaecar before adding more lines. Building the first outline of a face with that new piece. I admired how fine the image was turning out. I darted a few more glances toward him to ensure I was getting the shape of his high cheekbones right. He watched me with a faint smile tugging at his lips. I could tell he was amused to see I was drawing him. He has no idea how often I do. That was my shameful little secret. I always drew pictures of him in the back of the sketchbook where he wouldn’t easily happen upon them. Since he so often looks over my art. He often gave me helpful tips to improve my skill. I loved drawing with him. And the way he praises my growing efforts. He was, by far, my favorite subject to draw. There was something I always found so mesmerizing about Jaecar. Perhaps it was the way he could look so severe one moment, then in the next, drop that heart-stoppingly, sexy, smile. I hurriedly drew out my lines, finishing with dark, flaring lashes over pale eyes that glinted from the light off the nearby water. Those lashes could only be depicted with charcoal. There was no other way to highlight the dark frame of those fine hairs. They make his gaze so striking. “A wondrous likeness, I must say." He commented, eyeing it in admiration. He drew up one knee to brace his elbow on it as he gripped the sketchbook in his fist as he tilted the pages so he could better see them. His eyes slid over the lines, tracing them to see what he might’ve done differently. “Fine work, indeed.” He said, seeming satisfied with what he saw. “I was trained by the best." I beamed. I turned my sketchbook and sat it in his lap, so he could better peruse it. He threw his head back to peer at me sideways. His green eyes danced as they assessed me. “What is your aim with all this flattery today?" I blushed guiltily. “Perhaps…You might teach me to draw those water birds?" I suggested hopefully as I gestured to the feathered creatures floating over the water. “Ducks?" He blinked at me. I nodded. “If that’s what they are.” “Sometimes I forget, you’ve been in these walls so long. So many came from other places.” “I did too!” I defended. “But you were so little still, when you arrived.” I couldn’t argue that. He’s right. I tilted my head side to side, which he knew was me grudgingly acknowledging what he said was right.   “I'll agree to teach you.” He conceded. I perked up, excitement widening my eyes. “But not today.” He rushed to get out. “It’s getting close to the Mating Moon and the males will be drifting out here soon. I want to get you indoors." I nodded. “I understand, I'll head back to my hut shortly." He rose, palming the top of my head. “Good girl." I glowered at him. He barely noticed, smiling as he turned away. “What?" “You do know  I'm not a pup, right?" “Trust me." He groaned. “I'm painfully aware."

03 I Know You're There I drew a long breath, taking in Jaecar’s impactful words. He’d fight for me? Like that? Something deep in me rang with pride to know that he saw me as valuable enough to fight for. The part I was having a hard time with was whether he’d fight for me out of feeling… Or because I’m his property now. Either way, I’d never heard Jaecar say something so dramatic before. Which made it weigh heavily in my mind. I furtively glance back at him again. His hard eyes were flicking over me. “My point was, the other males might try to mark what isn’t theirs, if you provide them an opportunity this soon after the Mating Moon…When their blood still burns so hot.” “I understand." I said hollowly. I turned back to the window. Staring out. “Why do I feel like you don't?" He asked. “I can't control what you feel." I couldn't keep the bitterness from creeping into my voice. My hide dress was warm enough, but somehow my loneliness made me feel perpetually chilly. I continued rubbing my arms. “Don't talk to me like that." He said quietly. “I'm not being cruel to you." “Right now.” I corrected. “Maybe not..." “I don’t want to fight with you, Sam. I just want to be with you.” I felt his arms reaching around me to brace against the sides of the window. His chest pressed to my back as he whispered near my ear. “Can’t we just do that?” His heady scent enveloped me like a warm fur in winter, having a dizzying effect on my senses. It reminded me of every summer day I’d had in the woods outside camp. “Do you even know who I am?” I asked. “Don’t speak to me as if I haven't known you since you were a pup." I rolled my head to peer at him over my shoulder. “You're hardly older than me." “A few full moons make a big difference in our world." He reminded. As if I need him to say it to know it. I snorted. “It should, since we're mostly grown within a dozen turns of it." He caught me by one shoulder and turned me to face him. “Nonetheless, your acting as though we don't have seasons of history behind us." “You're upset by my temper, Jaecar?" I asked in a honeyed tone. My eyes hard. “Then perhaps you should’ve paired yourself with a different female." “You don’t mean that.” But he flinched as if I'd just struck him. Then something dark entered his light green eyes. “You have no idea what’s in my head. Not anymore.” “Don’t be so cold with me, Samantha. Not when my blood pulses like that beneath the moon. You risk more harm than good in provoking me." Venom dripped from his every word. He exuded a sort of danger that had my she-wolf wanting to dig deeper beneath my skin. As if she wanted to burrow away from the beast which I had just incited. She fears Jaecar just as much as she wants to be near him. I recognized. I was annoyed with her traitorous nature. Without a word more, he walked out of the hut. He closed the door with a distinct thud. I jumped but remained where I was. Standing before the window. From there, I watched Jaecar crossing the camp. Without meaning to, I found myself noticing the smooth way his pants fitted against his powerful legs. His stride was long and confident, perhaps a bit annoyed as he walked beyond the center huts of camp. He was already stripping off his blue tunic as he went. Exposing the darkly tanned lines defining his chest and shoulders. He was flexed muscles and beckoning hollows that bid further inspection. Lean lines curved over his hips just above his waistline and those shoulders narrowed into slim hips that sauntered as he stepped. He burst into a jog, exiting view of the camp at a fast pace. He's going to the river.  I knew. The cool water always helps soothe his ire. He's going to swim until he composes himself. It told me how close I’d come to fracturing that methodic control of his. “Well, Samantha..." I rubbed my upper arms more fiercely. “What do we do now?" The honest truth was, I didn't know what to do. He’s right, I can't leave.  Not until the heat from the pink moon abates. I chewed my cheek. I had to ask myself the question of whether or not I would stay with the only male I'd ever cared to entertain as a mate. Or run from him, and hope I made it over the wall before the other border guards yanked me down and dragged me back to him. He’d be furious. And I wasn’t sure what would happen if I got Jaecar that furious. But even more weighty than that, was the fact that neither choice felt like it was going to gain me any real freedom. How have things gotten so far out of control? I stared out that window, as I thought about mere days before the Mating Moon. And how different things were. *** I was sitting next to the river. Drawing, as usual. I scraped a piece of burnt bark over the page, trying to angle it to illustrate the defined lines of a tree across from the river. I was able to draw unworried. I barely looked up, other than to assess the next line I wanted to depict. I knew I had nothing to fear. Jaecar was on guard duty today. Which meant nothing would be getting through that wall anytime soon. I didn't think there was any better guard than him. He’s meticulous in everything he does. With that feeling enveloping me, I went to work. trying to capture the perfect glitter blotches where the sunlight shined off the water. The water was so still that it barely rustled against the bank. Sloshing occasionally near the flat span at my feet, brushing over my wiggling toes. I caught myself biting my tongue in the corner of my mouth, as I concentrated.

41 You'd be Surprised Lord Byron gave me those words to sear their way into my mind. Leaving a path of ash in their wake. It was almost impossible to think though. He was methodically sliding that finger into me, then pulling that hand away until said finger was almost expelled from my narrow channel. With just his fingertip lingering for a heartbeat before he pushed it all the way back in. I shuddered. My body moving in rhythm to what he did to it. I could feel the building friction navigating through me. It was growing tauter. I’m close. Don’t! I reminded myself. I couldn't help the sinful images that filled my brain. I pictured myself bent over that chair in the guest house. Listening to the slap of our bodies pushing together. As well as the feeling of him impaling me with that hard, powerful, length. He had gloried in joining our bodies. He had sounded overcome with pleasure as he pulsed into me with that fierce part. Now I imagined what it would’ve looked like when he grabbed a fistful of my hair, his head thrown back as he pumped into me, like I'd often seen the stallion do to mares in the stables at home. I imagined what the pleasure on his face may've appeared like. It was my body that offered him that. I savored the power in knowing that. “Aww" He groaned against my temple now. “Your tight little hole is already trying to pull my finger in.” He was right. I was methodically pulling on his digit. Yanking it deeper in from his knuckle upward. “She wants my cock, doesn't she, Kylie?" He asked darkly. Kylie… I didn't recall him calling me that before. Hearing my name in his deep, husky voice stirred all my senses. Making my nipples harden and low behind my stomach hop with hunger. I want more. “You're shuddering." He called me out. Unwilling to let me hold my secrets back from him, in even the smallest way. His voice was wickedly taunting as he asked coaxingly. “Are you going to come for me already?" It made me feel weak that he knew how pitiable I was. Like the wanton he says I am.  I winced. My body jerked, and my center clenched violently around his finger. It was beginning a rhythmic crescendo which I recognized as escalating pleasure. I could already perceive the unbearable promise of pleasure building. Suddenly, abruptly, he slipped that finger out of me. Leaving me hideously bereft. My head whipped to gape at him. What have you done! I was instantly deflated. “Why did you do that?" I demanded, feeling betrayed. Like he'd stolen something from me. His gold hued eyes were hooded as he looked knowingly at me. He did it to make me suffer! I recognized. Beastly bastard! “Lay down for me." He stepped away to gesture to the bed. Bidding me to splay myself on it for his pleasure. After he just denied me mine! I thought resentfully. But I don’t have to… I swallowed. I had a choice. I could do what the rogue told me to... Or I could run . I knew this mansion better than anyone. I could find somewhere to hide from him until I could construct a plan. Confidence built in me as I debated it. But would my sister find me? I considered some of the places I could hunker down. My eyes flicked up to him as I hesitated to move. Would he tell my parents I'd fled, or would he be too embarrassed to tell anyone? I doubted that this prideful creature would tell a soul that his bride had fled him on our wedding night. He’ll hunt me down to throttle me, himself, instead. I guessed. As I contemplated it, my eyes had inadvertently slid toward the door. “You wouldn't make it out.” He solemnly shook his head, drawing my eye. “You are not  leaving this chamber until this marriage is consummated." My eyes slid back to him. Though he didn't move, his lithe body was coiled like a spring ready to pop. I could see the slight flexing along his midsection and in his arms. He’ll grab me before I can take two steps. I saw the threat in his eyes. “If I do consummate this, I want you to know that it means nothing." I hitched my chin. I didn’t want him thinking I was a simpering female that would think myself besotten with him merely because we were intimate. I’d had a maid years ago, that seemed to think that about every man she lay with. That won’t be me. His jaw jerked. “Of course not." I strolled over to face him. Leaning onto my toes to meet him face to face. “If you think for a moment, that I'll be your obedient little fool, you're going to be sadly mistaken." “Oh, I know you're not obedient." I frowned at him. A purposeful jab. “Now, how about we get to work.” He threw his bladed jaw in the direction of the bed. “After all, didn't you have a wager to win?" I gaped at twin. I forgot. How did I forget? A sevennight of my autonomy was dependent on me gaining control of myself. And potentially a month of abstinence. All I have to do is prove I’m not the lustful little beastie he thinks I am. “Oh, sweetheart." He tilted his head, sauntering forward a long step in order to tower over me. The lean lines of his shoulders jerking as he stepped. His chest bulging as he slid into place. “You almost lost it, and you didn't even realize it." He said it as if there was no hope of me winning. I’m not the sinful creature he believes I am. He hooked a knuckle under my chin to lift it. “How long are you going to tell yourself that you don't want  me to touch you?" I didn’t though. Whenever he touched me, it was as if my independent brain shut off and I became some mindless thing who only obeyed the needs of my body. A wanton. I thought disgustedly. That’s why he calls me that. He already had enough disdain for me. I had no intention of giving him more reason to think it. “You believe you know everything don’t you, Rogue?" I said contemptuously. “You'd be surprised at what I know."

40 Terrifying Thrill His hands slid over the fabric as if it wasn’t there at all. Like he knows every curve of my body already. I found myself emitting a soft sound and resisting the urge to let my head fall backward to his shoulder. “It wasn’t that long ago.” I remarked. “Since you…” He was quiet for a long moment, hesitating. He was considering saying something. Whatever it was, it never emerged. I was frozen, waiting for him to clarify. I’d stood there for so long that I was beginning to feel like my feet had grown roots. A perception, which now made it impossible for me to step away from him. “You've gone stiff as a board.” He noted. “What's on your mind?" “I-I... Maybe we could just... I'm a little tired." He scoffed. “Lovely effort, but no. Absolutely not." “I just-I shouldn't...” “Solidify, consummate, this marriage? Or shouldn’t want  me to touch you?" His breath brushed along the back of my neck. “No, you shouldn't..." One hand released my breast to travel downwards. Smoothing over the fabric between my breasts and travelling lower. That touch was so close to my lower pelvis, that my breath caught. He pressed in on that spot. I felt that unusual touch putting pressure within my core. Which had muscles around my opening tightening reflexively. I gasped at the stunning feeling. That tiny sound unleashed something primal in him. He jerked me harder against him. His hands roving over me more freely. I felt his square teeth graze the side of my neck, just under my ear. I blew a ragged little breath, fearing that the bite would hurt. It didn't. He only nipped at me. “Mmm... The things I'm going to do to you.” “What?” “I'm not going to stop until your legs are shaking." “My legs!" My voice rose as I whipped my head to try to see him. “Why will I be shaking?" Because I’m frightened? I worried. He chuckled darkly. Then he gave a very masculine growl of desire. A sound which vibrated deep in my chest. Then his hand delved lower in order to trail over the mound of my sex. Then it followed the inward curve to reach beneath me. Eventually stopping at the sensitized area nestled within the apex of my thighs. He tilted the tips of his fingers upward against me. He was applying pressure to my entrance. That simple touch eased some of the burning longing that had begun to flame there. A small, startled sound slipped from my lips. A feminine whoosh of surprise. He rumbled again. Seeming pleased by it. He let go of me, releasing that seductive hold on my senses. Only then did I register that I'd been leaned so far forward, I nearly tumbled over when he released me. “Ah, ah." He tapped my belly chastisingly. As if he thought I were trying to move away. He bunched much of my voluminous chemise near my hip. One arm slung along the front of my waist to grip one edge of the fabric. He yanked his fists in opposite directions. Causing a giant rip to form in order for him to have a way to touch me despite the yards of fabric. “Lord Byron!" I jumped at the shocking sound of material surrendering to brute force. Had one of his forearms not been draped across the front of me, I'd have instinctively leapt away from him. “Yes?" Air swept beyond the fabric to caress along my bare hip. He brushed his lips up the side of my neck and against my cheek as he leisurely hooked a finger in that rip and pushed down. Ripping my garment down my leg until I had a high slit running down. “You tore it!" “Yes, I did." He said stonily. As if he were unsure what I was questioning. “What! Why?" “So, I could do this." He slid his hand through the gap in the fabric to run his fingers over me. When he touched me this time, I got to feel the callused tips of those fingers directly clasping that tiny pleasure nub which was nestled beneath a delicate flap. “Should I make you cum for me?" “What?" It wasn’t that I didn’t understand him. I just can’t believe he said it. “I could…” He suggested. “Make you soak my fingers with your dew." “No. No! I won't!" He laughed. “Oh, now you're definitely going to!" “I-" Before I could say more, he curled one of those tormenting fingers and stretched it so that it could glide it beyond my slit, and into the little circle of muscle at my opening. There was a rush of sensation as I felt the abrupt stretching of my body. My channel opened around his digit. And revealed a world of raw nerves being stroked. “Oh!" I panted. My eyes nearly rolled into the back of my head. I felt like my blood had turned to molten lava in my veins. Melting their way through me until a pool of fluid filled my little crevice. Saturating his fingers as my eager body promised to accept him. Saying the things I would never willingly voice. “Ohh... You are we, love.” Sheer delight marked his voice. “My cock is going to love sinking in." A little part left me trembled in excitement, as those words immediately conjured a deliciously sordid image. “It won't be long now, sweetheart." He warned. Long for what? “Long?" I was having a hard time focusing on his daunting words. I blinked blearily, swaying against him as I was enraptured by that touch. “Until I'm sinking myself into that hot body of yours." He breathed against the shell of my ear. So close that I felt his lips moving next to it. “Oh..." “Open your legs a bit." He nudged my thighs, with his knuckles to indicate what he wanted. I reflexively edged them apart. I was unprepared for the repercussions of that. His large hand suddenly had room to fit against my folds. His fingers curling in against my lips. Which drove that agile finger already penetrating me, further through my center. “You’re going to come for me. And then…I’m going to do whatever I want to you for endless days. You only think I’m tormenting you now.” The dark threat in his voice both terrified and thrilled me.

39 He Remembers My newly minted husband caught my hand. I was supposed to obediently go with him. Which made the fact that I was frozen where I was in front of all these staring people, highly inconvenient. The last thing I was thinking about was them. Somehow, I was both excited and struck with a mad sort of fear at the prospect. What if it hurts again? Or what if it really is like my sister had said to me, and it only hurts the first time and after that it’s blissful? I hadn’t been able to shake away that thought since she’d said it. Is that why the first time had proven so painful? Or was that his intention when he desired to punish me for so-called betraying my affianced.   What would happen if I gave myself over to all the wicked things I'd experienced with him before? Every scandalous thing we did together in that guest house buzzed through my mind. It lingered in my brain just as much as every stroke of his hands did. The most startling part was that he was going to do it all, over again. Tonight. “Why are we still standing here?" His tone carried a warning. Reminding me that they were watching. It’s time to go.  That was what he was really telling me. People bidding their farewells paused near the doorway to watch. To see if the reluctant bride is going to move or cause a scene. I knew which they were hoping for. I won’t give them the satisfaction. That was the reason I relented. Not the beckoning look in his eyes. I reassured myself even if I knew it was a lie. “Why isn't she going with him?" Someone said. “Is she going to refuse her own husband? Spoiled girl!" I could hear them whispering all around us. Somewhere behind me two women spoke in low tones. “Well, if she won't take him..." “Nora!" the other woman giggled. “You're positively dreadful." “No! She is. Look at her! Standing there as stupidly as a statue!" As much as she irked me, I couldn’t argue her point. “I... I..." I started, wondering if I should stall to gather my courage. But the way he was looking at me, and the memories flying by my mind’s eye made it impossible to think of a plausible excuse. “Time is up. No more excuses." He pulled me from the room. I stepped behind him on stiff legs. Reminding myself not to give them something to gossip about. I’m not going to hurt my family. Not even if I’m mad at them for this. As many reasons as I had to dislike Byron, I knew that he was handsome and wealthy and had a lovely estate. Which was probably why they all thought they were doing me a great favor by wedding me to him. They didn’t want to watch me die an old spinster, alone and the subject of much amusement of others. They had intended more for me. But they don’t know what they’ve gotten me into. *** The chamber he led me to was not the room I'd always had, but the bridal suite. Designed specifically for newly married couples. Which is what we are. The chamber was especially warm. A fire burning strong, had already warmed the room to a surprising degree. Tapestries depicting newlywed couples, the brides still wearing their snowy gowns in every image, throughout the ages hung along each wall. Reminding us of who had come before. They were the history of Drake House. Portraits of those Lord and ladies who had ruled Drake House before my mother and father had come along. I sighed, staring at them. I’d rarely been allowed in this room growing up. It was always treated as sacred . Sounds near the bed drew my attention. I was still standing just beyond the open door. I turned to looked over and saw Byron with a foot up on the chair as he unlaced one boot. Then another. He kicked them off. He walked over to close the door behind me since I had failed to do so. He threw me a disdainful glance as if I had left it open on purpose, before returning to the bedside to shuck his overcoat and shirt. His pants soon followed. Garment after garment was pulled loose, until he stood naked before me. I gaped at him, my eyes inadvertently roving his body. I didn't recall having time to really look at him, to see the part of him that had felt the channel between my legs. That part of him which had reached to touch the deepest heat in my center. He was inside my body. It seemed a crazy thought. Realizing that two people could connect in such a way was shocking. “Take your clothes off for me." He directed in a husky voice. My mouth went as dry as old hay in a loft. In fact it felt like it was stuffed full of it. I chewed my cheek as I hesitated. “Or do you need help?" He offered, lifting a dark brow as he tilted his head. “No!" I reached up and began to pull one sleeve off my shoulder, avoiding his gaze as I did. When it stopped over my bicep, I realized I still wore my corset, which would not allow me to remove my dress until it was taken off. I reached for the laces and undid the knot, working my way upward. When I reached the point at the bottom of my shoulder blades, I could no longer tug them free by myself. He sighed. Without me saying a word, he strode over to step behind me. Why does all my skin bump when he does that? He batted my straining hands away to finish unlacing the garment. When it loosened, he slid it off. Unfolding it forward and then letting it dangle before me. His arms were framing my ribs, and his chest was warm against my back. He let the garment fall. The dress dropped loosely around me, Pulling free from the curves of my body. It dawned on me what part of his body rested against my backside, when I felt it jump. My lips parted. I told myself I should move away, but my legs wouldn't cooperate. I was rooted where I was. His hands splayed around my sides and rolled forward, scooping my breasts and lifting them against my chest. “You feel just how I remember.”

38 It's Time Absolutely not. I thought as I looked back at him. The last thing I wanted him to know was how much he physically affected me. Nor how much I want to touch him too. I was nearly dizzy with exhilaration, mesmerized by that black gaze beneath glimmering yellow candlelight. It was easy to forget that everyone else was there when he was holding me with those callused fingers and pulling me tight against that solid form. So I found myself a little startled when I heard a few scandalized gasps in reaction to his public display of intimacy. It was clear from the expression on his face that he absolutely didn't care what their opinions were. Nor whether they’re watching our every move or not. We were both aware that everyone knew that I was reluctant to make arrangements with any suitors. It was an easy assumption to make that I was in a forced marriage. They were all waiting with eager eyes to see the first crack of our union. They’d think a public argument was even better. I knew. The music came to an end and he led me over to rejoin my family. “You two look lovely together." My sister took my hand, nearly trembling with excitement. Mother dabbed her eyes with father's kerchief, though proud moisture still gathered in her eyes. “I’m proud to have you as my son, Lord Byron." Father offered Byron his hand to shake. I was surprised by the honesty I saw in his eyes. My brow furrowed as I watched their interaction. I had not expected my father to welcome a man he hardly knew into the family, as he was doing now. Equally as shocking, was Lord Byron's hesitancy to take my father's hand. A man that had negotiated with him for my hand in marriage, now doesn’t want to shake his  hand? Why? Byron glanced away, as if reluctant to meet my father’s gaze when he gripped his fist in a masculine shake. His jaw was so tight that a muscle in the back hopped. I noticed something like contempt pulled at the corners of his mouth as he dragged his hand back. Contempt for what? Why was I seeing signs that he disliked my father so much? “Please forgive our family for any offenses we may've caused you.” Father told him. Offenses? The last thing my father had done was offend him. I presumed that father was trying to apologize for my conduct. Did he hear us arguing by the punch table. I didn’t think so. No one had been close enough to overhear, I had checked. “I assure you father I have not behaved out of context.” I saw Lord Byron's head whip in my direction from within my peripheral. I chose not to acknowledge it. We can fight about it later. I haven’t. “Perhaps my daughter, I did not mean you this time." Father said kindly, giving me a sincere look. That didn’t make any more sense than thinking he had apologized for my behavior. “What?" I looked at him incredulously. “Kylene?” My sister said near me, drawing my eye from the discussion between my father and Lord Byron. “Yes?” “Can we talk a moment?” I nodded. She caught my sleeve and pulled me far to a side wall. “What is it?” I frowned. Beginning to realize that this could be urgent. “I…” She bit her lip. “I just wanted to prepare you. It dawned on me that mother may not have. Perhaps I should’ve said something earlier.” She looked around furtively. “About what?” I was beginning to get really worried. “About your marital bed?” “My-my what!” “Your marital bed.” She drew closer to whisper more urgently. “What about it?” I blinked. “I just wanted to warn you. The first time it…It hurts.” I know! “Well, thanks for that.” “But later…” She rolled her eyes heavenward. “It becomes bliss. You’ll never feel anything else like it.” “Later?” “The second time.” She said. “When the pain has abated.” “Oh. Alright…” “Do you hear me?” “I understand.” “So don’t be surprised if the first time is a bit painful, and leaves you very sore.” It did. “Second time is much easier.” “I hear you.” I reassured her. Appreciating her honesty, even if she was blushing as if her whole face might ignite as she explained it to me. “Sarah?” I said at length. “Yes?” “Can we never talk about this again.” “Unless you have questions.” She nodded. I didn’t really want to envision her experiencing what I had in the guest house. It made me cringe. Sara leaned closer. “Remember…Bliss.” “The second time.” I murmured. “Got it.” “Okay then. I’m going to rejoin mother and father.” I nodded but my eyes were fixated on her back as she walked away. How true is that? Is it that way for everyone? It made me wonder if that was why I’d been so obsessed with every movement, every gliding stroke, every forbidden touch that had happened in that dark room. Because I want to do it again? *** Father and Lord Byron insisted on ending the celebrations relatively early in the night. “Hello friends and family.” Lord Byron announced, standing toward the door of the ballroom. “It is time we must welcome you to retire to your prepared chambers for the evening so the servants of Drake House might have a fair chance to prepare the glorious banquet for us in the morning. In the morning you’re welcome to a buffet breakfast we’ll keep warm for you.” There were some cheers. Some happy murmurs as husbands and wives headed for their rooms. And some grumbles from the younger people regarding the early hour. Lord Byron didn’t care as his gaze fell on me. He means for us to retire to our chamber now too. Whether I’m ready or not. My mouth felt so dry that I wondered if my lips had turned to parchment. Swallowing felt as if my mouth had been stuffed with chokecherries. Lord Byron aimed for the door, but as he noticed I wasn't moving he returned to my side. “Is something keeping you, wife?" Wife. My features tightened. It was a painful reminder of the duties he expected me to fulfill. As soon as we go up there. It made my heart hammer a little faster. My breaths were shallow. The fact that we were now wed was only now beginning to feel real. I’m bound to him. For life if I can’t think of a proper reason to annul this wedding within the next three months. My eyes slowly slid to the ceiling above me. We're expected to join up there. “Nowhere to go." He whispered, deliberately shaking his head as his eyes burned into me, warming my entire body. “Nothing else to do... It's time."

Chapter Fourteen Spirited Moment Unable to resist, Elsabet tentatively allowed her hand to be engulfed by his larger one. His fingers closed over it. Her blue eyes lifted to meet his gaze uncertainly as she rose from her chair. She’s curious enough to go with me, to see what it’s up to. They walked downstairs together. Then Bast had them veer to the side to head toward the ballroom. “It was rather devious to bring our daughter and her doe eyes in with you when you asked. You knew I couldn’t disappoint her.” He grinned, unashamed as he gave Els a wink. “I’m a man who gets results.” “A wicked move, nonetheless.” He glanced at the little one clutching his hand. She walked next to him on short legs, nearly skipping to keep up with his longer stride. He reminded himself to slow down. “She loves it.” Bast noted. “She’s happy you’re coming.” Elsabet glanced over at Sebet trotting along next to them. A smile teased at her lips. Sebastian pushed one of the looming double doors open. Making the heavy oak groan as it slid aside. “Come on my beauties.” He told them, gesturing for them to enter. Elsabet entered the room. The door swayed as they bumped it. It creaked objectingly. The sound echoed off every wall and rose skyward. Every step resonated over the marble. “Scary, dark daddy.” Sebet cooed, hugging his leg. “What are we doing here?” Elsabet queried. “You’ll see.” He grinned before peeling Sebet back enough to crouch before her. “Do you want to see something beautiful, baby girl?” Sebet nodded, wide-eyed. He watched her sweet face as he snapped his fingers. The tortures around the room popped in a whoosh of flamelight, jumping to life. They brightened along the walls then light was cast over them as the chandelier brightened. Shining off gold inlay twining the swirling black and white marble. “Wow, Daddy!” Sebet squealed in approval. “You’re magical!” “Yes.” He caught her arm and rubbed it. “So is your mommy.” He glanced at Elsabet before saying to Sebet. “You want to know the best part?” “Yes!” “You’re magical too.” She gasped in awe. Peering at him in astonishment. He chuckled. “Teach me!” He laughed harder. “Let’s give you a bit more time before we start that, okay?” “Okay…” She looked disappointed. He smiled as he pressed a kiss to her forehead. Then he tweaked her button nose. She scrunched it up and giggled. Elsabet smiled fondly. Her gaze followed his movements as he stood. She caught his hand again. Clutching it, as she beamed at him. She shines like the sun. He stared, mesmerized. He stepped to face her. “May I have this dance?” His gaze flared gold beneath the dancing flames illuminating the gold pillars surrounding the room. His gaze winked as brightly as every piece of gilded trim. “What would we dance to?” She gestured in amused objection. “Well, sweetheart, I’d dance to any sound with you. But let’s say, for the sake of amusement, that we dance to them.” Sebastian pointed to the balcony above them, high on the north wall where there was a band box. There were the hazy images of an orchestra strumming their instruments. The sounds of the lilting notes framed the room. Spilling down to fill the space with echoing strings and belting sounds. Creating a beautiful beat. “Are they real?” Elsabet breathed, staring at the orchestra. “No.” Bast chuckled. “Only a reflection of a night I spent in a royal ballroom.” “They’re conjured from your memory.” “Yes.” He nodded. “Like my dreams sometimes become ghosts in this house.” His smile died. “Kind of like that, though I hoped these would please you.” “They do!” She was quick to say. “I-I didn’t meant to-to ruin the moment.” “You didn’t, love.” Bast tugged her closer. “Let’s dance.” Elsabet nodded, happily. There were tiny grunts from next to them. Bast’s gaze fell to Sebet. She was reaching upward, standing on her toes as her little arms strained to reach. She was begging to dance too. “I am sincerely sorry, my love. We are not entitled to a moment alone.” But he was smiling. “Ohh…” Elsabet dramatically put a wrist to her forehead. “Whatever will I do!” They laughed. Bast hoisted their daughter up to prop her on his hip. “It’s been a long time since we danced together, has it not?” “It has.” Elsabet agreed. He slid a hand around her lower back and lightly pulled her into him. Elsabet put one hand on Bast’s shoulder and wrapped the other arm behind Sebet’s back to brace her while Bast held her. As a group they moved in steps to the music. Sebet squealed delightedly. Bouncing atop Bast’s arm in her glee. But for the moment, neither parent noticed. All Bast could see in that moment was the beauty of his ethereal mate. The swish of her dark blue skirts as she moved. Elsabet met his gaze unflinchingly. Wholly in the moment with him, their eyes were locked. Sebastian shared the way he felt with her. Letting it convey through his prolonged gaze. There must’ve been something Elsabet saw there that she needed. She didn’t look away. She’s not running. There was potent emotion filling those blue eyes. Fluid built in her soft gaze. Unshed tears that held but didn’t fall. “I’ve got you.” He whispered, sensing she needed the reassurance. “I won’t let you fall.” “I fear it’s too late for that.” She smiled gently. “I certainly hope so.” He whispered. “Mommy pretty…” Sebet murmured in admiration. “That’s just what I was thinking.” Bast chuckled. “She sparkles doesn’t she.” “Light.” Sebet said, waving her hand near her mother’s hair as if she saw an aura there. Bast gave her a thoughtful look. “Maybe she sees the lights, like you do.” Elsabet suggested. “Maybe she does.” They twirled, spinning in steps around the edge of the room. Moving as if they danced over water. Graceful and fluid. Eventually he dared to speak again. “Even now, I can’t dance with you without you stealing something from me.” “Stealing from you!” She protested. He gave a short nod, his eyes bright. “Don’t.” She said, shaking her head. “What?” “Don’t say I’m stealing your heart. I won’t be able to bear the agony of hearing that sentence.” “It would be beautiful!” He argued. “No.” She snorted. Adding in a dry tone. “It would be dreadful.” “Even if it’s true?” “That would be even worse…” She groaned dramatically. He sobered. “Truly, I think you possessed me from the moment you yanked me out of that carriage.” “No.” She asserted. “It was when I dropped you to your death.” “I didn’t die!” “But I didn’t know you wouldn’t.” “How does that make sense!” His voice rose. “I was the first woman to not fall at your feet begging for your attention.” “There is merit to that.” He acknowledged. “But after all these years, it is not your rejection that makes me linger, but the rare moments you’re present with me.” “I’m always here.” She grumbled. “But not with me.” He stated. “Often, we live parallel lives but only reach out to touch each other on rare occasions. Points where our paths cross. Those are the moments I live for.” “You make it sound like it’s something sacred when we touch.” “It is, Elsabet. If I could crawl into the sky and fetch a star for your pleasure, I would.” Her gaze roved my face. “Do you truly care so much?” “It’s been two hundred years in your company, Elsabet. Why would I still be hanging on, if I wasn’t living and breathing for you?” Elsabet nodded toward Sebet. Bast’s somber expression fractured into a smile. “And for her. She makes every day a bit brighter for being in it.” “Me, bright?” She threw her arms happily. “So bright!” He leaned down to rub her button nose with his. “Bright, bright, bright!” She cheered. He chuckled. “Can I take mommy for a turn around the floor, baby girl? Then I’ll take you for one?” She bobbed her head emphatically. He leaned over to set her on her feet. She scampered off to plop down next to a pillar. She absentmindedly picked at the inlay in the pillar as she watched them. Sebastian tugged Elsabet closer as the song changed. He picked up the pace, dancing more spiritedly with her. Though there was no way that Elsabet could know the tune, her feet matched his. She bounced and twirled. Like a barefoot fey. He thought. He twirled her again. And again. And again. Watching as her skirts flowed around her. Eventually she was laughing raucously, squealing for mercy. “Sebastian. Sebastian!" He abruptly stopped and swung her backward, dangling her over an arm. He grinned at her flushed face. She was panting to catch her breath, blinking dizzily. Her chest heaved and she clutched at his shoulders. Dangling off him. “Sebastian!” “I love when you squeal my name.” “These are distressed squeals.” “I’ll take them anyway I can get them.” He teased. Her dimples flashed in her cheeks. “You’re deplorable, you know that.” “I’ve been told once or twice.”

36 Cold Blade The walk down the hill from the fortress was a long one. There was a chill in the air that already threatened some chilly weather. I was looking for a warm fire to heat myself next to. The first inn I reached was a couple houses in along the road. I entered it and caught the damp smell that told me it was in a state of slight disrepair. But after I purchased a room and went up to it, I found that it was clean. Small and sparse, but clean. It’ll do. I’d barely set my bag on a chair, and began to unlace my boots, when I started to regret leaving. I should’ve thought it out more. I shouldn’t have let my fear make my decision. I considered going back. I knew a sense of panic from being this far away from Molly. I’m already missing her beyond all reason. I've never been away from her for a full night. She was my baby. I'd always guarded her like she was my most precious treasure. I’d made sure that she never felt the way I had growing up. Like an inconvenience. Molly knew she was loved. I was confident of that. Whether I’ve made mistakes or not, she knows. I had just made the decision to leave her with Lucien. It was an almost unbelievable thought. I didn’t think I’d ever be in a position to do that. There was a time, long ago, when I had feared that Lucien would attempt to her steal her from me. When I had destroyed his ship and gone to that tavern to drink my triumph, only to have him walk in and tell me that he would not be letting me go. Because of what I was ‘carrying.’ I’d been terribly afraid that he was only staying close so that when she came into the world, he could scoop her up and take her. But he didn’t. Surprisingly, Lucien had never given me reason to fear that. When it came to all things Emily, he showed he was capable of kindness, gentleness and consideration. He helped me when I needed it most. No one else had ever done that for me. I was always on my own. I had dared to tell him of that fear once, when was close to giving birth. He didn’t get upset. He didn’t say something scathing. Instead, he was considerate of my fears and taken extra measures to prove to me that as Molly's mother, he had nothing but respect for me. In all these years, he’s never tried to take her away. He'd built my trust in him until I believed he'd do nothing to harm Molly. Including taking her from me. After all those fears which I’d fostered, I now entrusted her to him. I chewed my lip, wondering if I’d made a mistake. A new fear had begun to burn in me now. What if something happens to her, and I'm not there to help? I heard Molly’s voice in my head, telling me that she couldn’t protect me and herself forever. I dropped my elbows to the top of my knees and leaned forward to put my face in my hands. Holding my face as I tried to stem the pain, I was feeling at leaving her behind. Wherever I’ve gone, she has. This hurt. You can't think like this.  I told myself. I blew a long breath and collapsed to the edge of the bed. I should lay down and try to get some sleep. I stared at the fire burning in my right and considered it. No chance I can sleep right now. I was far too restless to stay still for any period of time. Besides, the room was too quiet. I was used to sleeping where my daughter was. Unable to stand the hollow feeling for a moment longer, I rummaged through my makeshift bag and put on some brown leather breeches and an oversized tunic. I peered in the warped looking glass to assess my garb. I’m not looking for trouble. The clothes were shapeless enough that it was difficult to distinguish my gender. However, my long, dark, hair was a dead giveaway. I dug through the bag and swept up the fabric I occasionally used for binding my breasts. When I thought a situation might warrant it. I wrapped it over my hair than twisted it around the hair at the base of my skull before tying back my ponytail. It was a type of headwear which many of my sailors preferred when they were working. It'll do for tonight. I decided. I gave my reflection a satisfied nod before heading down to get a drink. A little time with some background noise, and a few cups of bitter ale would help soothe my mind. Little did I know it would do the opposite. *** I was on the ground level of the inn. Huddled two tables in, in a corner against the wall when I overheard something I shouldn’t have. “When are we moving, boss?" “Before first light. He'll be asleep by then.” “And the girl?" Another male asked. I stiffened. No. All my focus was on the conversation behind me. I prayed that they weren’t talking about Molly and Lucien. Just listen. I told myself. Trying not to jump to conclusions. “She's young.” The leader told one of the others. “It won't take long to cut her throat. We'll get him first. After that, everything will be pastries and honey." I counted at least three voices. I didn’t dare turn and look. I didn’t want them to suspect that I was listening. Not yet. “And the Skin woman?" That would be me. I thought. My heart starting to palpitate like a hammer. They are talking about us. “No wasted time with her.” The leader said in a distinctly raspy voice. “She was able to bear a turned-Eternus’s young. Our Lord was very specific about us cutting off her head. He doesn't want there to be any chance of her trying that again." As if I’d skip off to go find another Eternus to breed with. I thought disgustedly. Rage growing in me, by the second. “Doing it again?” One of the other men laughed. “Like she's some kind of sacred goat that pops out Eternus babes?" “Ye, there could be something special about the woman." One of the others said defensively. “Point taken." “Lucien, then the girl, then the woman." The leader reiterated the plan. It’s a stupid plan. My teeth were gritted and my jaw worked. “Should be easy enough." Another remarked. The hell it will be! I hazarded a glance over my shoulder and took in their filthy, bedraggled faces. Two had beards, one had a mess of burn scars on his face. One was bald. The scarred man was the one outlining their plan. Which I took to mean that he was their leader. I stood up, ale mug in hand, and walked over. Striding in long steps to pull out the empty chair at their table and drop into it. I sat there with all their eyes on me. I lifted my mug and took a long swig. “It sounds like a fine plan indeed." They were all quiet for a long moment. The bearded ones glanced at each other, looking a little unnerved that someone had heard their whole plan. They should be. I barely spared them a glance. Maternal fury roaring through me in a tidal wave. “We’ve no interest in cutting in another party." The leader drawled. “ Friend .” “Oh, I've no interest in being cut in. I simply had a question." They were all looking at me. I saw from their expressions that perhaps a couple of them may’ve realized I wasn't a man. The others seemed oblivious. All of them looked uncomfortable with my presence during their intimate chat. The scarred man leaned forward. “We're waiting." “What if this woman isn't there?” I feigned a grimace at the thought before clucking disapprovingly in my cheek. “Wouldn’t that be a shame?” All four of them stared quietly at me. Without looking at him, I slid the dagger from the scabbard on the hip of the man next to me. Managing it without a whisper of sound. Something I’d learned on the docks as a child. Before the owner of the blade could react, I jabbed it through his neck just under his ear. A spray of fluid shot over my face. I closed my eyes against it. He gurgled and fell out of his chair. Twitching a few times. I didn’t know if he died right away. I was busy drawing my sword and toppling my chair, I crouched and prepared to fight them all. For my daughter! Just when they pulled their weapons, and I prepared to lunge, I felt the sharp bite of cold metal against my neck. It braced under my chin and bit into the tender flesh of my throat. Oh, no.

133 Marked I focused on the cradle of my body, where Jackson was deeply connected with me. I wanted to torment him as he had me. I’m going to push him over the edge. I imagined those delicate muscles in my channel flexing to grip him. They did. He huffed a breath. His fingers indented into the skin of my shoulders as he held on. He dropped his mouth to the spot just above my shoulder blade. I felt the graze of his teeth against my skin. He growled. A sound which was pure, primal hunger. I wiggled against him, holding him tight inside me. “Fiere!" He roared in objection. His body pulsing to the rhythm of my clenches. I felt the first hot surge of fluid, and knew I'd unraveled him. Something changed in him in that moment. I felt his fingers sharpening into claws. Their pointed tips punctured my skin, eliciting delicate drips of fluid. He pulled my shoulders. Drawing my body against him until one couldn’t have slipped a silk ribbon between us. The nubbed tip of his rod stretched deeper into my center. Probing at the delicate cap at the apex of my center. I groaned, hiding that it was straining my body as far as I could go. His head snapped down against my back again. The motion was feral and deliberate. I winced, bracing myself. It’s going to hurt. I was right. The touch of his teeth was brutal this time. They snatched my skin at the side of my neck. Those teeth punctured my skin, sinking deep beneath the tissue into the muscle. His hold was unrelenting. Pinning me beneath him with each of his limbs. Holding me there as he came. Though he hadn’t physically turned into a wolf yet. Mentally, he’d already begun the change. I felt the shuddering currents of power crackling in the air. His teeth sank in deeper. I froze, convulsively tipping upward as the muscle was pierced. I didn’t fight him. I knew that yanking away might only tear my skin. I hissed through my teeth as pain wrenched through me like fire. He snarled, releasing me as fast as he had bitten me. I winced. “What was that?" He was silent for so long that I twisted to look over my shoulder at him. He was staring wide-eyed at the ribbon of blood slipping down the side of my neck to drip onto the floor. Despite the pain, I twisted to peer back at him. He looked horrified, as if he didn't even realize he'd been doing it. He reared back in alarm. “It's a mate mark. I... Didn't mean to." His voice was apologetic. He shook his head in disbelief. “No." I said understandingly. “Your wolf did." Jackson couldn't deny it. I could tell he was floundering to find the right thing to say. “It's okay, Jackson. I am  your mate. He just wants everyone to know it." He stared at me, astonished. “I didn’t…” “I know.” I assured him. “It’s okay.” Jackson grabbed a rag from the washbasin to hold it against the wound. He shot me furtive glances as he cleaned it. As if he’s afraid I’m going to subside into hysterics. My lips twitched. “I’m okay.” I told him again. “I didn't intend to hurt you." “I know , Jackson." I saw doubt crumpling his face. I twisted my hands and my right ankle from the ribbons until I could pull free to twist around. I caught his face between my hands. “Jackson, I don't mind, I'll wear it with pride." That was not pain. I thought.  I’ve known pain. Jackson’s intention had not been to hurt me. I understood the difference. The rag tumbled from his fingers at that. He gaped at me, unable to believe what he was hearing from my mouth. I took advantage of his hesitation, to wiggle my other ankle free so I that I might stand all the way up. I pulled him against me and applied my lips to his. “I'm yours, Jackson. I hold no shame in that." “You’re certain?” “Yes.” “All right.” He nodded. “We're okay then?" He wants to know if I’ll hate him for marking me as his. I don’t. “Yes, Jackson.” I laughed softly. “We're okay." He lowered his forehead to mine. His large arms enveloped me as if he would shelter me from the whole world. He didn’t move. Just held me. *** Later, as we lay in bed together, he was quiet for so long that I felt the need to ask him. “Are you still feeling bad?" “No. Just thinking." “What about?" I lifted my head from his chest to peer at him. His hand was absentmindedly rubbing my upper back then down to slide over my upper arm before starting again. “What you said about Malachi." “About turning him into what you are?" I rose from him to see his expression. He looked unsure as he answered me. “Yes." “Why wouldn’t you?” I inquired. He sighed. “The list of reasons is complicated. But mainly because it's against Eternus Law." “Why?" I scrunched up my face. That’s foolish. Why would they not allow people to be turned when they wanted to be? “That's where it gets complicated." He hesitated as if trying to find the right words. “Eternus believe their lines are sacred. Only the strongest strains of Eternus bloodlines are permitted to reproduce. Many Eternus are infertile. So bringing more infertile creatures into the mix only creates greater competition for the fertile mates. Thus it was enacted as a law ages ago that only those who have earned their right to be what we are, through generations of strong bloodties, can be allowed to survive." “That seems so harsh!" I gasped. “It's what we are."          Eternus are harsh people. It was something my father had often reminded me. He had told me countless times that not all Eternus were like Archer and Jackson and the king and queen of Eternus. Many of their breed were crueler. That’s what Jackson is telling me now. “What about those that join with human spouses?” I recalled various marriages between Eternus and Skins. “As long as they don't turn them.” He said matter of factually. “It just means less competition for the sacred lineages to continue. And the likelihood of those Eternus bearing children are far less likely." I knew that it was well-known that Eternus only had the occasional, rare offspring. Still, it was startling to hear it directly from an Eternus. “Does that scare you?" I asked him. Wondering what that meant for him and I. We might never have children either. I understood. “No." He said calmly. “My lineage has always perpetuated. My seed is strong.” He gave me a lopsided grin. “I'm not worried." He hesitated at my prolonged silence. “Does it disturb you?" I considered it. “No. If we didn't, it would be okay." But I believed, from the deepest parts of my soul, that we would. I had dreamt of the little one I'd always thought we would have. I somehow knew that one day, he would be real. Our son. But if I was wrong Jackson would still be enough for me. Just as we are. “So what if they didn't know?” I reverted to the former topic. “About Malachi?” “The Eternus nobility pride themselves on their intelligence. They have spies everywhere. I’ve no doubt that they would, eventually, find out." “What would happen if they did?" “They'd hunt him like a dog. And likely me too if they found out I was behind it." “Does that frighten you?" “Being dethroned in the Eternus Realm before I can install Archer on it, concerns me." Understandable. I nodded. “Pyre won't care who you've changed." “No." He agreed. “They won't." “How long would it take to get Archer stabilized as king?" “Archer?" Jackson snorted. “About as long as it takes to set the crown on his head." I snorted on a laugh. “A coronation.” I pointed out the analytics of what he’d just said. “That doesn't have to take long." “No." Jackson agreed with that too. “But if I am called into question, it could subsequently cause the populus to question him." “Do you think he can hold it?" “Yes.” He mulled it over. “He absolutely can." Archer is a master strategist. I agreed with Jackson that it wouldn’t take long for Archer to get his feet under him as the new Eternus king. “Then you shouldn't fear that. The only true concern should be whether or not you want to... And maybe…If he deserves it of you." I suggested. “Whether he deserves to live longer, or be hunted for it?" “Well, maybe that should be up to him...” I frowned. “What do you think?" “I think perhaps he and I should have a very focused heart to heart.” He’s going to consider it. I realized. I knew that helping Malachi live a better life was something that would make Jackson happy. And after weighing the concerns, I wasn’t worried. It’s up to the two of them now. *** It was toward the end of their breakfast the next morning that I noticed Jackson casting me telling glances. Letting me know he intended to talk to Malachi this morning. I had come down later than the two of them and had only just begun to eat my meal. Which offered them an excuse to leave me behind. They spoke in low voices, before they both bid me a good breakfast. Quietly striding from the Dining Room to one of the other main rooms. I waited, quietly eating my breakfast as I wondered about the conversation they would soon be having. Last night I was unworried about the situation. I trusted Jackson to decide which option he would be the happiest with in future. He’s methodical. He always considered every contingency down to the smallest scenario. He won’t do it unless he’s certain it’s safe. This morning I was more concerned though. Not about Jackson’s decision making, but about whether or not anyone might witness the conversation they were having. It only took one pair of snooping ears to potentially endanger all of us. I can’t let that happen. I got up from the table.

139 The Impossible My stomach was sinking. Fury’s prolonged silence was sickening. We had just made love and now, hours later, he was as agitated as I’d ever seen him. I clutched the fur blanket against my chest in a white-knuckled grip. I glanced at my clothes on the floor. I suddenly wanted them on. I felt like I needed armor to shield me against whatever was coming. Does he regret the things we whispered to each other just a few hours ago? What if he’s preparing to take it all back? Everytime, I felt like I was getting a little closer to Fury, fate always seemed to take him a bit further out of my reach. Not this time…Please! “Fury!" I prompted, unable to take the suspense a moment longer. He jerked as if just now realizing I was awake. He drew a long breath as he faced me. Please don’t reject me. I thought fearfully. Preparing myself for the worst. “Something is in the Free Woods…Someone…" He corrected. He patted his chest frantically. “I can feel them. Something is wrong with them..." His hand drifted up to rub his temple. “Their head..." I knew he could sometimes sense other wolves like this, but I'd never seen him react so violently about it, before. “Where?" “Close." He asserted glancing toward the window and beyond what lie on the other side of those closed shutters. “I’ve got to go." He already had his pants on, but he swept his cloak over his shoulders and exited without a word more. I stared after him astonished. What just happened? *** FURY Something had been plaguing me. Something beyond the battle of silence that Rebekah was waging with me. It was a haunting sensation. A sickness that had planted itself in my belly and begun growing through me like a budding sapling. I couldn’t put my finger on the feeling, other than the strain between Rebekah and I. I had thought that was the root of it until mere hours ago. I had loved Rebekah for nearly two hours before she’d subsided into slumber. I’d wanted to fall asleep next to her. She looked so chest-achingly beautiful in her peace that I had yearned to join her in that place of beauty and silence. I couldn’t. Whatever was out there had been tugging at me, like a weasel on a string. Twisting and churning as if fought against whatever tried to hold it back. I have to know what it is. I didn’t want to leave Rebekah, but something was pulling me out into the Free Woods. I could no longer deny the urge to go see what it was. Who it is. I had always been a creature of instinct. I was following that primal part of me now. It led me methodically through the trees in the Asara territory toward the bordering wall. Jaecar was there, near the door, as he often was. I didn’t think there was a wolf that guarded the walls more often then him. He took the duty very seriously for such a young wolf. I estimated that he’d only seen a couple handfuls of seasons. He was grown, but still young yet. He tilted his head to eye me. “I’m going out.” I told him, brooking no argument. “Fury-” He moved to block my path. I put out a hand and kept him from intruding. “Check with he alpha if you have questions.” Jaecar slowly eased backward, believing that Edrick condoned me leaving the walls. He doesn’t know that Edrick lets me do as I wish. Jaecar stepped ahead of me to run the many locks going down the door and set the bolts aside before opening it for me. I strode through it. Barely pausing beyond the door to swing my head. I felt for that string pulling at me, and found the direction it emerged from. Something ran past me so fast that leaves sprayed up in a flush of wind. I turned my head and let everything slow within my vision until I recognized the long stride and dark hair. Racer Hayden. The boy could move so quick that most other wolves might not have been able to see what it was running by. I could. “Boy!” I barked. He twisted mid stride and braced his feet, sliding to a stop in a spray of dirt. His brows lifted as he caught sight of me. “I need you to travel behind me. At a distance.” “Why?” “Something is in these woods today. Something close. I want to know who it is.” “Who or what?” “Both.” “Okay…My brothers are out here too. Edrick gave us permission to come out for some bigger game before the Falls begin.” I nodded, but I was hardly listening to him. I was listening to the woods. And a soft step far in the distance. Female. It was a wolf, I could already catch faint, familiar smells of her. I knew that smell. But I didn’t dare hope. Not yet. I have to be wrong. I told myself. It’s impossible… But I’d never wanted to be wrong more desperately, in all my life. I wanted what I felt to be correct this time, more than I ever had.   “Should I get my brother?” Racer queried. “No.” I told him. “Not yet. We’ll get them if we need them.” “Okay…” He said slowly, looking over his shoulder yearningly. “They’re going to be mad…Especially Vanquish…I had a big buck I was running toward him…” I caught the scruff of his neck. “There will be more deer. Shut up for a minute.” “Okay…” “Stay ten steps behind me.” “Okay…” I walked ahead of him. Staring through a line of branches that gave me the best view of the direction I was going. I refused to break my eyeline from that direction. I need to know. I didn’t have time to tell Rebekah, didn’t want to tell her, until I knew for sure. I’ll look like a grieving fool, if I’m wrong. We entered a section of the woods that was unclaimed territory ranging between four rival packs. It was where they often me to bicker over resources and land. It was an area that most wolves recognized as ‘War Territory’ and often avoided. But something is here. I can feel it. I’d come close enough that I caught the scent of wolf blood now. The smell was strong enough that I was sure that it was relatively fresh, and there was a good amount of it. It’s wounded. I noted. Reminding myself that I’d have to approach cautiously. What seemed like an excruciating hour of moving slow and quietly, was rewarded when I glimpsed a female clumsily ducking branches. Her step was wobbly and her hair was matted red from an ugly head wound she’d recently sustained. The poor thing looked sunken in. Nearly starved to death. She was clearly emaciated, and I had no way of knowing how long she’d been wandering the woods with a head injury. I couldn’t see her face from all the bruises and mud covering her but I caught the scent of her fear. There was something else too. More smells. There were other wolves. A pack of stinking males that smelled unwashed and wreaked of death. NightHunters. They were the only pack animals that had that distinct smell. They’re hunting her. I realized. I had stopped to keep her from seeing me. I now realized that she was coming my way. She stepped and rolled a pebble and skittered sideways so fast she nearly lost her balance. She’s terrified. “What’s wrong with her?” Racer had crept in behind me at some point. I was so busy watching the injured wolf that I hadn’t noticed his approach. “She’s hurt.” I murmured under my breath. I caught the younger male by the scruff and pulled him over toward some rose bushes to tuck behind while I tried to keep him quiet. “Looks like she’s been hit in the head.” “She’s a beat up thing.” “Freezing too.” I murmured in a hushed voice. “She’s shivering. Probably from lack of food and all the blood she’s lost.” “Bad shape.” “Yes she is.” I pulled my cloak from around my shoulders and hung it over the bush before me. I scooped a handful of mud and clay from the ground around the base of the bushes. Before the young male could sputter in objection I plopped it over his head and smeared it down his face. “Whoa!” He yelped. “Quiet.” I snapped. “What are you doing?” “Masking your scent.” “Why?” “I need you to get close to her.” “Why?” “Because she’s scared and she needs help.” He peered around the side of the bush and saw her bracing herself on tree trunk to tree trunk. “Okay. What do you need me to do?” Racer was completely smeared in gunk. I gave him a satisfied once over before nodding. “Take this.” I scooped up my cloak and thrust it to him. “Give it to her. If you can get close enough.” “Oh…I can get close enough.” His confidence was infectious. I believed he could. Fast little shit. “Try not to spook her.” “I’ll try, but she already looks jumpy as hell.” “Yes, she does. But try.” “Okay.” Racer popped up. He was in motion so fast that he barely got ground under his feet, before he was off. I grimaced, muttering. “Don’t scare her off…” But I intended to get closer myself. I wanted to see her interchange with Racer to get an idea of who she was. And if she’s who I think she is… I stepped carefully and worked my way closer. Trying hard not to disturb the ground as I approached from the opposite side that Racer was. He was already veering at different angles to close in on her, without her catching sight of him. He knows what he’s doing. I had to give him that. He was certainly a herding animal. Once I was close enough, I stood behind a thick trunk and peered around the side. The girl was dumping fear pheromones like nothing I’d ever caught a whiff of. She was strong. It was obvious that she’d fought her way through something terrible. I looked beyond her and projected the distance in that direction. I realized it put her emergence point, as being right where I thought it would be. An isolated cottage in the woods… I needed to see her but with her head whipping in every direction and her hair matted as scarlet as a summer rose, I couldn’t quite tell. But I wasn’t going to look away, until I could… Let it be her. I held my breath and waited for the moment I could see her eyes.