Search Results

33 More Danger “I’m going to return to our new friend.” Lucien said after he guided Molly and I out. “I’d like to spend a bit more time conversing with our guest. I knew what that meant. He wants to get more information. “Do you need help?” “No, Bex. I’d prefer you didn’t see that side of me?” “The animal side? It’s not as though I’m new to it.” He tipped his head down and gave me a reprimanding look. “Nevertheless, I have no wish for you to witness it again. I’d prefer if you forgot what a monster I can be entirely.” “That will never happen.” I said quietly. There was no anger in my tone, it was merely the fact. Those days still haunt me. “Fine.” He straightened. “Maybe you should consider then, if you need a monster of your own, to keep the other vicious things away.” With that, he turned and walked away. I was stunned by that. Those words burned in my brain long after he’d entered the chamber with our captive. I walked dumbly down the hall and down the stairs. I returned to the Dining Hall to eat my breakfast since I hadn't had a chance to do so yet. I took my seat and anxiously stuffed food in my mouth. Molly sat across from me, though she had apparently lost her appetite. She sat in her seat staring at her hands. “Talk to me, my love." I said between bites. “I don't understand why they hate me for being born." It broke my heart to hear that. How dare anyone make her feel that way! “They are angry they can't have one like you." They can hardly have children. Much more, one as remarkable as Molly. She laughed softly, tilting her head much like Lucien often did. “Mama! You know that's not why!" “I think it is." I dismissed her argument. “Trust me honey, you don’t want to be like them anyway.” “I'm scared, mama." She confessed. She lifted a fork and twirled it between her fingers. She stared at it consideringly. Scared? Of what? Everything in me stopped as I yearned to comfort her. “I know sweetheart." I dropped my cutlery and circled the table to hug her, needing to wrap my arms around her. “But nothing is going to happen to you." She caught my arms to hold me back from her. “I know it’s not. I'm stronger than you think I am.” Her voice was firm as she emphasized each word. “Probably more than they think I am. But I'm afraid that there will come a day when me or father can't protect ourselves and   you . One of us will get hurt." Because of me? Is that what she means? I’m putting them in danger? “What are you saying, Molly?" “You can't get involved when he or I are being threatened. The best thing you can do is keep yourself safe so that we can defend each other without having to fear that you’re being harmed. “You want me to cower when you could be in danger?" I said incredulously. “Yes." “Molly!" “I know, mom." She gripped my hand. “I know how hard this must be for you. Believe me, I understand." “How can you possibly understand? You’re my daughter! I'm supposed to be protecting you." “You did.” She shook me by saying. “All the years I really needed it. You have done a tremendous job doing everything you could to raise a baby that was different than you. But now, let me look after you. I can do it, mama." There was an intensity about her. I could see how badly she needed this from me. Years of being her mother flashed before my eyes. Years of her dancing and singing. Of her plucking wildflowers for me and splashing through little ponds outside the small hut I raised her in before I got the ship. Years of her huge brown eyes staring up at me, blew past my mind’s eye. Taking me by storm. She was so small and fragile. With pale skin and wisdom beyond her years. From the first time I saw her face, I had never wanted to protect someone so much. Now she’s telling me she’s grown. And she doesn’t need my help. Pain burned in my soul. “You're still only a girl, not even a woman yet." “Which means I'm smaller and faster than they are. Just promise me you won't try to get in the way again." My eyes roved over her features, seeing how serious she was. I can't promise that! “I will stay out of the way baby.” I half-relented. “But if I see you're hurt or losing, I am going to jump in." I can’t not! “Fine, mama. But until then... You hide." I winced at that, but didn't argue. It was worth it to see the relief settle over her face. “Thank you." She murmured. Squeezing my hand tighter, before she kissed the edge of it. “You're welcome, honey." But there was a terrible pain washing through me. I’m in the way.  What could be more dreadful for a mother to hear. She’s not trying to be cruel.  I knew. We finished breakfast in silence. She seemed content now, and her appetite had returned. Whereas mine had gone absent. I forced myself to consume a few more bites before retiring, so I didn’t upset Molly. I needed a moment to gather myself. What Molly had asked of me was reasonable. But it still hurts. I walked upstairs on stilted feet. I drew close to the room with the captive Eternus. The dull thump and crunch of a fist hitting flesh, and breaking bones reached my ears. I knew it was Lucien 'interrogating' the Eternus in the most brutal way possible. Beating him. I heard the little man groan in prolonged misery. But I couldn't find it in myself to have pity for him. Bastard deserves everything he gets. Another thump. It was sinking in for me that Lucien was just as angry as I was, that someone had come for Emily. He’d been so calm and controlled that I hadn’t registered he was just as effected as I was. He's just handling it differently. The man’s face looked like crushed meat. There were sprays of blood over the furs on the floor and along the walls. Lucien was covered in it. Next to him was a chair he’d drawn close enough to put a water basin on. That basin was already filled with crimson liquid. A dark rag floating in it. As I drew level with the doorway to the room, I saw Lucien turning toward the water basin. He wiped his fists with the rag, before sensing he was being watched. He glanced up. His eyes met mine. There was no remorse, no shame there. He looked like a man that had been caught working, nothing more. I went on to go to my chamber. Closing the door once I was inside, I dropped my forehead against the cool wood. I resisted the urge to slap the wooden plank next to me. I felt like doing so would alleviate the emotions pouring through me. I'd learned to master a shipload of hardened pirates. But it’s still not enough to fight off one of those things for my daughter. I'm dead weight. I groaned, feeling dreadfully useless. I rolled to put my back to the door and slid down it. Once on the floor, I hugged my knees to my chest. Clenching my teeth to hold back the sobs that threatened to spill from my throat. I hate feeling helpless. I registered that I was no longer hearing the methodic sounds of Lucien striking the man. It had gone silent. Eventually I heard a knock on my door. The vibrating of the wood behind me, caused me to jump. “Yes?" I forced the word out. My voice cracked with unshed tears, as I said it. “May I come in?" Lucien.  I recognized his voice. I didn't have it in me to argue with him. I rose and weakly opened the door. I faced the dark features of my greatest tormentor. And my greatest protector. “Yes?" “Your upset." It wasn't a question. “What’s on your mind?" “You didn't have to stop what you were doing, to check on me." “I couldn't focus, knowing something was bothering you. Would you please just tell me what has you so stirred up? I won’t be able to relax until I know what I can do." It was the coaxing note in his voice that was my undoing. If he had commanded me, as he often did, I would’ve had no problem telling him to go away. But the genuine concern on his face right now had me unravelling. I sighed, opening the door further in a silent invitation for him to enter my chamber. He followed me in. I faced him midway across the rooms. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows. Blood was splattered all over him. But even all that couldn't detract from the appeal of his seductive features. He set those dark eyes on me as he asked again. “What can I do?”

131 Love Touch He was so surprised by me suddenly jerking him to me, that he was nearly pulled off balance, taking a wide step into my periphery to accommodate my demanding touch. “Ooh." Jackson sounded excited by my aggression, his blue eyes widening with interest. His hands reflexively landed on my upper arms. I glanced at his expression. “Go ahead.” He was all encouragement as he nodded to my grip on the waistband of his pants. I smiled, trying not to giggle as I tugged his laces free. My hands shook a little. It took me a moment to recognize the feeling I was experiencing because it had been so long since I truly felt anything. I'm nervous. My heart was racing just being near Jackson. And knowing I was going to touch him, had me hot all over. I could already feel my thighs dampening with my arousal. I heard the first crackle close to my ear, as I pushed the flaps of his pants open against his hips. Nearly freeing his hard member. I froze. It took about two heartbeats for me to register the heat against my shoulders and back. I bit my lower lip and lifted my guilty gaze up to meet Jackson's. He hadn't moved. His eyes were locked on my hair. I could see the reflection of the blazing strands reflected in his dark eyes. Though I couldn't feel the burn, I could sense the excessive heat. Sparks rained down around my legs and feet. Glimmering orange as they feel below the reach of the candlelight to enter the darkness of the floor below. I gasped and gave Jackson a hard shove. I hoped to get him from the reach of my blaze. He refused to budge. It was like trying to shove a tree trunk back. “Jackson!" I cried. He’s too close! He’s going to get hurt! He dropped low to embrace me. Holding me against him instead of moving away. He was easily within the range of the flames that were already pouring from my hair and rising from the top of my shoulders and back of my hands. I held them to my sides, trying to keep them far from him. “Get away!" I demanded. “No.” He shook his head adamantly. “It'll be fine. Don't be afraid. You're just excited. You're still in control. If you get scared, your flame will take charge of your body." And I’ll burst into fire everywhere. I could burn this castle to tinders. It was a terrifying thought. One that had never occurred to me before. I need to calm down. That was what Jackson was telling me. Don’t be afraid, be in control. I blew a steadying breath. Letting his words sink into my alarmed brain. When I inhaled, I caught the smell of burning flesh near my nostrils. I stiffened. When I threw a glance upward, I saw parts of Jackson’s chest and arms smoking. His face was contorted into a silent grimace, though he refused to cry out. I winced at the sight of his pain. Terrified that I was hurting him, I tried to push him away again. “No, no, no." Jackson said, “Stop it." I jerked against his hold but couldn't break free. “I'm fine. I'm healing as fast as I'm hurt. Look." His voice was that cool, steady one he always used in the most dangerous situations. He knows how scared I am. I did as he commanded, and really looked at those sizzling spots on his skin. Where they were burned black and hissing with orange edges as smoke wafted up from them. I watched as those dark patches healed closed, before my eyes. “How?" I’d never seen him heal like that! “My wolf." He said quietly. “The more I let him out, the more he does for me." “Oh..." He rocked me slowly, trying to soothe me. “It's okay." He put his lips to the top of my hair. “You're not going to hurt me. I promise you, I won't let anything bad happen, as long as you’re with me." “Okay." I went limp. Sobbing against his chest as relief washed through me upon realizing that I wasn’t going to kill him. I felt the radiating heat beginning to leave the room. My hair against my shoulders and scalp cooled, no longer warm. My sparks are taming. “Let’s save all this for another night, Fiere.” He murmured against the top of my head. “You're exhausted. Let's get some sleep." He moved to walk me toward the bed as the last embers fell from my body to the floor. It was my turn to lock my feet. I was refusing to move. “Fiere?" I lifted my eyes to him. “The hell if you think so. I'm not done.” Conviction made my voice hard as I continued. “I'm on fire for a reason, Jackson." And you’re going to fix it. “Oh?" His face brightened with intrigue. He likes the sound of it. “Show me what this thing is for." I gestured to the bench. “Really? You sure?" He looked a bit uncertain. “I'm dead sure, Jackson." He tipped his head in acknowledgement. He took my hand and led me over to the seat. “How do I get on?" “Let me show you." He stepped to the other side of it. “Do you trust me, Fiere?" “You're asked me that already." “Just wanting it at the forefront of your mind." “It is. Now, what do I do?” “Lay over this." He patted the long piece of the odd seat. I dutifully lowered, face first over the slat. He moved to the front of me, before lifting a handful of orange silk ribbons for my perusal. I lifted my brows, but didn't move. He wrapped one of the ribbons around one of the front legs of the seat. He laid my arm over it and turned the ribbon over my arm a few times before lightly tying it in a bow. I reflexively tagged on it, discovering that it was so loose that if I pulled much more then the whole ribbon would fall off my arm and drop to the floor in a layered pile. But right now, it offered just enough resistance to give me the illusion of being restrained. While still having the ability to free myself if I grew uncomfortable. I saw his legs in my peripheral and realized he hadn't moved yet. I glanced up at him to see what he was waiting for. He was watching my reaction to the binding. “Are you okay, Fiere?" He was afraid I might react badly. I realized. “I'm okay, Jackson." I was feeling mixed things. Usually, being restrained at all, did have alarms screaming through me. This is different. Because I’m with him. I knew. Still, I couldn't help the old apprehension settling in my bones. But beyond that was something else…A tendril of thrill. It fluttered through me like a streamer in the wind. Stretching a bit further with every beat of my heart. Overcoming that fear. What is he going to do to me? Curiosity made me wonder. I waited patiently while he took his time tying each of my limbs to a leg of the thin table. I found myself staring at the floor as I awaited his next move. My ears were finely attuned to his every movement. I was on pins and needles awaiting his next touch. The suspense was killing me. Finally I felt his warmth near my backside and along the back of my thighs. I thought I would feel that hard length sliding between my folds at any second. To my surprise, that wasn't the first place he touched me. When he did, it was a light caress along the back of my neck. A stroke so soft that it could've been the wind brushing over my skin. I involuntarily shivered in response. That silky touch moved down my spine. So light that it tickled me. I writhed a little, trying to get a reprieve from that tormenting sensation. “Ah, ah." Jackson tsked reprimandingly. “Hold very still." “I can't.” I squealed. “It tickles." “Well then." His legs moved to frame the back of mine. Pinning them against the wooden legs of the bench. The sudden pressure was a subtle way of reminding me that this was not a playful moment. The intensity of the contact accentuated tenfold. Arousal immediately bloomed within my center. My breath caught. That tender touch rolled down my spine, reaching my lower back. Which I learned was a highly sensitized zone. The intensity of the experience moved from ticklish to erotic. Suddenly my skin was so alive that I thought my whole body might ignite just from the light petting down my vertebrae. It was like that faint touch was caressing directly over my nerve endings. “Jackson." I breathed, going very still. “It’s okay." He leaned over my back to whisper near my ear, seeming to understand my fear. “If you catch…we'll handle it." If I light up, we’ll be okay. He’s ready… Knowing that he was there to handle it, somehow meant I wouldn’t have to worry about it. I blew a long breath and let the relief settle in. I believe him. I believe in him. He nipped the back of my shoulder, snapping me from my thoughts. I felt the hard length of his erection pulse once from where it rested against one hip. That delicate, trailing touch resumed tormenting my back. Teasing down my back in decadent little swirls which tantalized my senses. It was almost too much to stand. A moan swelled through me. It escaped from my lips before I had the chance to stop it. “Does it feel good, Fiere?" “Mmhmm..." I stretched my neck to the side as he drew his way back up. I offered him more of my neck in an effort to encourage him to keep going. “I love your touch." I choked out the words. I’ve never told him that. It surprised me to register that. It was always something that I thought. But it never came out of my mouth. “That’s good, Fiere…” He said huskily. “Real good. Because I love  touching you."

137 Felt Her “I thought I heard something." Fury indicated me, in response to the alpha’s question. I lifted myself from the cot on trembling arms to look from Edrick to Fury. Edrick took his first real look at me and his eyes widened in shock at the terrible sight of me. But I was too busy looking at Fury to acknowledge Edrick’s concern. How did Fury know I was in trouble? I wondered. He couldn’t have heard me from across camp! “I didn't hear anything." Edrick said, appearing baffled. Understanding dawned and he suddenly straightened. His eyes narrowed on Fury. “You didn't hear her at all, did you?" I looked from one to the other. What does he mean? “You felt  her distress." Edrick charged. “It doesn't matter." Fury dismissed, not wanting to discuss that further. I thought otherwise. It does to me. Can he sense me like that? “She needs help." Fury said flatly with an inscrutable expression. Remaining stoically on topic. “I'll get healers." Edrick turned to go. “No." Fury snapped. “I have this." “What do you know of herbs?" Edrick’s voice rose in surprise. “Some." Fury said cautiously. Some? I peered at him incredulously. He did much of my training on the subject. He knows more of herbs than any other healer I've ever met. Why doesn't he want Edrick to know that?  I wondered. It dawned on me why he wouldn’t want him to. I'd lose protection within the pack.  I was treated with some reverence because I was a healer. I could lose that status if they knew there's another within the camp. Especially a male. He’s protecting me. Even in this situation. That was my Fury. Edrick shot me a concerned glance. I could tell he wanted to ensure I was fine with this solution. I nodded to let him know. “As you wish." Edrick lowered his head in deference as he backed from the hut. There's no one I'd rather have taking care of me. Edrick left, closing the door behind him and leaving Fury and I alone inside. Fury's eyes landed on me. “You need to get laid back down." “No. Let me explain where the herbs are.". I pointed to the worktable. “I don't need your help, Rebekah. It's a hut, there’s not much to search. I will find them, I assure you.” “But I can-” “I need you to lay down and let your body have a moment to equalize itself before you pass out." I gaped at him. The guilt from the moment before evaporated as he assumed control of the situation in his usual authoritative way. There was something reassuring in knowing that he had things. His expression hardened. “Lay down Rebekah." He'd rarely taken that commanding tone with me. I couldn't tell if it was a little sexual thrill or the quiver of my wolf deferring to him, that made my heart skip a beat. But either way, I liked it. I bit my bottom lip. His eyes went to that movement and narrowed knowingly. “Don't look at me that way now, woman. Especially not after you've deliberately held your­self back from me.” I felt a guilty flush crawling up my neck. I cleared my throat, dutifully straightening my back over the cot. I crossed my hands over my abdomen as I stared at the ceiling, I waited for the heat in my face to recede. I heard Fury rattling around the worktable. “Are you worried about the other males knowing I'm here?" He inquired thoughtfully. “No. Why would I?" My head turned his direction. Honestly, I welcomed them knowing I belonged to him. Less potential problems for me later. “They may think you're willing to entertain males here." “Would you let them think that?" I countered, using the same analytical tone he was. He snorted, as he unstoppered one vial in order to smell the contents. “Absolutely not." “Then I have no reason to worry." I dismissed. He chuckled. “Smart girl." “If I was smart, perhaps I wouldn't have stuck my hand in a thorn bush." I grunted self-deprecatingly. He stopped grinding with the mortar and pestle, his voice dropping as he murmured. “I truly had no idea this would happen." “I know. It shouldn't have caused me this kind of reaction." “Unless it’s the Cold Bond Affliction?" He suggested quietly. I could feel his gaze boreing into me. I chewed my cheek, working hard not to glance at him, hoping he'd just drop the subject. “You know it is!" He called me out. Thumping the wooden bowl down on the table in his agitation. I winced guiltily. “Rebekah!" He cried. “You could’ve come to me! We could’ve resolved this before it festered!"  I rolled up onto one elbow to defend. “You could’ve come to me when you were sick!" “I didn't know what it was." He threw up his hands. “You must acknowledge that it was a mite different than what you did!" I chewed my lip, disliking the fact that he was right. “Fine." “Thank you!" He expostulated. I glanced sideways at him, seeing him huffing as he scraped the ground-up herbs into a separate jar. He glanced sideways and met my look. Exchanging it for a long while. Eventually, he went back to what he was doing before glancing back at me. His shoulders slumped and he peered at me accusingly as he flatly stated. “You know you're goading me." “Perhaps." He rolled his head to eye me sideways. He growled. Emitting a sound which warned me that he wouldn't tolerate much more of my teasing. But he will. A mischievous little voice in my head whispered. Pushing me to taunt him further. To see what happens… “Don't give me that look she-wolf." He rumbled. “What look, Fury?" “Like your challenging me to see what I'll do." I am. I knew. I fluttered my eyelashes. He stopped moving. His jaw muscle jerked near his ear. He abruptly swept up the poultice jar and went to me. His brow was furrowed as he focused on my injured hand. “You drive me crazy, do you know that?" I didn't. But I liked hearing it. “I'm not doing anything though..." I murmured. Knowing just the opposite was true. He pursed his lips doubtfully, as he dropped to his knees. He adjusted their position so he could stand on them next to the cot. I watched him intently. Unable to take my eyes off him while he tended me. He scooped a bit of the crumbly lumps from the jar, onto his fingertips. “Your eyes are filled with intrigue." He glanced at my face. “Does that mean you're feeling better?" I started. I'd been so interested in provoking him that I hadn't noticed my illness abating. “I do…” I murmured. “Actually." “That's good." He nodded. “But we're still going to tend this injury." He bobbed his chin in the direction of my hand. I offered it to him. He took it, stroking the poultice over it, in a thick, sodden layer. Bits of rolled green and yellow stirred over the back of my hand. His thumb glided over my smooth skin as he massaged it into my wound. He had no idea how sensual I was finding that touch. I already found myself clutching my thighs together in the hope of keeping the telltale dew from creeping out. He'll know I’m stirred up, the moment it does. Fury could always smell the slightest hint of my arousal. “You're tense.” He remarked, making me jump. “Am I hurting you?" “No." I croaked through my parched throat. His head whipped to see my face and his voice rose. “Are you getting hot?" “I believe I am-or was, running a fever." “No..." He drew a long breath. He set the jar aside and leaned forward, twisting over the bed. I lurched backward. He followed me, twisting over me to put his hands to the sides of my head. His square shoulders blocked me in. He lowered his face to mine until I had to sink into the cot to keep my nose from being flattened. “I asked you... If you're getting hot?" He held himself in place with one arm while the other reached down to firmly scoop me between my thighs. “Here.” The pressure of his large hands compressing all that sensitive tissue. He pressed on my lower lips and clit all at the same time. My back instinctively arched and I gasped in surprise at the sudden jolt wrenching through me. But just as fast as that came out, a little pleasured moan escaped my throat. A sound which was both desperate and primal. “Do you like when I touch you like your mine.” He asked in a gravelly tone. I melted. Nearly dissolving into the bed. I trembled. “Like I in yours?” I wanted to know more. "To do whatever I wished, with." He clarified. My breath caught. That husky, possessive note in his voice was driving me wild. I swallowed. “What's wrong, Rebekah?" He queried when I didn't answer. “You look flushed." “I..." He took advantage of my momentary hesitation, by sweeping down to cover my mouth with his. His tongue glided between my lips to delve into my mouth. I found myself moaning around his tongue, leaning into him for more. My hips gyrating against his hand. “Mmm." He growled, releasing me to reach up and palm my face. “That, sweetheart is your scent. And it is…Intoxicating….” He stroked his hand reverently down my face before breaking away from me. His fist turned sideways as he clutched my throat. His large hand settling just above my collarbones, as he jerked me toward him until our lips hovered less than an inch apart. I froze there, panting with anticipation. My blood roared through my veins as I waited for his lips to return to mine. To give me more… But no matter how much I yearned for it, he withheld that attention. He chose, instead, to stroke that hand lower. Until it reached the place it could caress along the rising swell of my upper breast. The same way he always did just before he scooped the weight of it. I inhaled a long breath, my chest lifting as I offered it to him. “Fury…” I implored. Take me…

02 For You Jaecar’s voice lifting from so close behind made me jump slightly. I thought he was out. When I’d first rose from the cot across from the fire, I had checked for him and ascertained he was out. When did he return? Was I so lost in watching camp, that I hadn’t noticed him walking next to the huts? Or did he come from the river? I didn’t look at him over my shoulder, because I wasn’t sure I was ready to face him yet. It didn’t really mater where he’d come from. He was here now. How am I going to face him after everything we did last night? Jaecar had seen every inch of my body. And witnessed me experiencing my first climax. He had punished me, pleasured me, and tormented me until I had no choice but to submit to his mark and then announce I was his during the Declarations Ceremony. I never wanted him like this. He’d made the choice for me, with no regard to how I’d feel about it. The taste of betrayal was still bitter on my tongue. He must’ve been able to see it, because surprisingly, he was maintaining his distance. He always stands or sits right next to me. Now he was staying a ways behind me as we spoke. “Samantha?” He prompted, reminding me that I hadn’t answered him. “Waiting for the wolves to tame enough I can return to my own hut." I couldn’t stand the thought of staying here surrounded by his scent and every piece of furniture that he had poured his time into carving. The hut whispered his presence as clearly as if it were haunted. I can’t do it. “What are you talking about?" He said harshly. I glanced over my shoulder and saw his furrowed brow and the hard look in his pale green eyes. I was undeterred. I knew I was asking for a fight. “You heard me." I crossed my arms over my chest to briskly rub my biceps in an attempt to ward off the chill of the morning mist. “This is your home, Samantha. I've claimed  you.” He reiterated. “No need to remind me.” I countered waspishly. “I have not forgotten.” His tone hardened. “There's nowhere for you, but with me." “And if I can't forgive you?" Those words seemed to deflate him, knocking the wind from his sails. He answered quietly. “Then maybe you need to give yourself more time to heal." “The healer helped my soreness." “That's not the part I'm talking about healing." My bruised spirit? I inwardly scoffed. “It was the wolf that new me best that hunted and captured me last night.” I said dully, wanting him to understand what pained me. “I know.” “You were my best friend Jaecar." I threw up my arms. “I had no idea it would be you .” “It was only ever going to be me.” He said cryptically. I shot him a glance. “How are you expecting me to react to all of this?" Did he think I’d be calm? Did he think I’d be eager to spend the day with him? Did he think I was mindless? Anger was swelling through me but I still felt too cold to even feel that. “Just as you are.” He said quietly. Surprising me by saying. “I expected nothing more." “Then why do you speak as if I'm acting out of context?" “You're not.” He asserted. “But I do need you to behave as if you have a mate. Reluctant or nay." “I won't let you mount me." “That's not what I'm talking about.” He countered, his tone taking on a note of exception to me bringing it up. “I need you to remain with me, as my mate, so no other male thinks you're open to being claimed. Or you could still be hurt this morning by primal males." “None would dare!” I objected. “They'd smell you on me a mile away!” I thoughtlessly reached up to put my hand over the only spot that the healer couldn't help me with. The scabbed over place where Jaecar’s wolf fangs had left their specific imprint embedded in my skin... His mark . “None would get within a hundred feet of me.” “Unless they saw you had not yet marked me, and presumed themselves stronger than me." He argued. “Stronger than you?" I couldn’t imagine a wolf stronger than Jaecar. I'd seen him rip out whole tree stumps, root and all just because they’d grown too close to our border wall. “Strong enough to take you from me." He dipped his head in a nod. When I didn't respond, he elaborated. “Many might overestimate their capabilities for such a beautiful she-wolf as a mate." “None tried before." I reminded him. I chewed my cheek as I focused on staring out the window and not returning that burning gaze of his. It always unnerved me a little. It makes it harder for me to speak my mind, when he’s looking at me. “They knew you were already under my protection.” He countered, adding. “And the pink moon wasn't an itch still raw in their blood then." “You think one would try now ?" I queried in disbelief. “There are those that are, perhaps, stout enough to try." He said ‘try’ as if he were dead certain that they wouldn’t succeed. Would he really fight so hard to keep me? The she-wolf that doesn’t want claimed? “Like who?" “Fury for one. Who knows what he could do if he were of a mind to." I blanched. Fury terrified me. He was so cold. The vicious scar running down his face, certainly didn't soften his features any either. He was a mammoth sized male and he strolled through the camp as if he owned it, rather than our alpha. He exuded the sort of power that said he would run over anything that got in his way. He would destroy me if he mated me. I stiffed at the thought. “Would you let him?" I asked quietly, wondering what Jaecar would do if Fury was of a mind to challenge him. I looked back at Jaecar, needing to see his expression. “Of course not!" His face twisted in annoyance, as if he was furious that I dared ask him that. “Are you mad? He’d have to rip every limb off me before I stopped fighting for you.”

01 Through My Eyes I found myself unable to register all that had changed my life, in a mere matter of hours. Things had gone from being firmly under my control, every day meeting my expectations, to sheer turmoil. The fact that I was lying in Jaecar’s bed now, was testament to that fact. Everything changed last night. I held my hands over my nervous stomach as I stared at the ceiling. Eventually I lifted my thumb to chew a fingernail, as I often did when worried. Somehow, I’d never seen it coming. It had never dawned on me that Jaecar would really do it. But he did last night. He made me his. I could still feel the raw spot on my neck where his teeth had punctured me. Breaking the skin to insert his saliva into my bloodstream. Forever mixing our scents. I was so proud that he had declared me his, this morning. There was a sort of peace that had entered me from knowing that it was done. I’m marked. I’m his. But a few hours had tempered that sort of peaceful joy, and returned it to a level of bitterness and betrayal. He didn’t have to go about it the way he did. I thought angrily. Finding myself moving to stare out the window toward the rest of the camp on this misty morning. It was hard to see any evidence of the chaos that had reigned last night. Wolves had been willing to consume one another, just for a chance to slake their lust. Female pheromones had screamed to the males over the miles and the males had turned into ravenous beasts with hardly any trace of the men they’d been during the day. They were all monsters. I’d heard them outside the hut last night. Clawing and howling, nipping at each other as they competed to try to get inside my hut. But only one made it in. Jaecar… The one who’d built the secret hatch for me to begin with. The one who’d made my hut relatively impenetrable during the many Mating Moons since I’d arrived with the Asara. Jaecar’s words this morning after declarations, lingered in my mind. Remember, Sam. I’m willing to earn your trust back. I’ll work for it. What we did last night won’t happen again until you tell me you’re ready. And it will be wholly different, I swear it. I couldn’t imagine that though. Last night Jaecar had been raw fury. Primal and animalistically hunger. His lust had been unquenchable and his demands for submission, undeniable. Far from the Jaecar I’d come to know over the many turns of the season. I hardly recognized the beast I met last night. I had believed Jaecar when he’d told me that, as he had walked me to his-no, our hut. He’d shown me to his bed and laid me down, covering me with a heavier fur and stroking my hair until I had relaxed enough he’d thought to leave my side. I woke soon after that, or perhaps I’d never actually gone to sleep to begin with…I couldn’t tell. Eventually, I had risen from his cot and walked into the bigger room where there was a line for drying meat for the winter and a large table for meals. A large window was there, with double shutters that opened to give an unobstructed view of the center of the camp and the path toward the river, in the distance. I glanced around the hut and confirmed that Jaecar had gone somewhere, perhaps to check the borders as he often did. My feet found their way to that big window. I turned the bolt to open the shutters and pulled them open like some great cabinet. A heavy mist hovered just above the ground, obscuring the men throwing logs back toward the fire and righting overturned odds and ends. They were all quiet, working together to right everything that had been upset in last night’s chaos. It was mostly males that roamed the camp this morning. All of them had a sort of forlorn frown creasing their features. Aloira and Cindy were the only females aside from the healer, that dared venture across the span of camp this morning. Even they looked exhausted. Generally outgoing, both of them moved skittishly toward their huts, clinging to each other nervously.   I knew what kind of night I’d experienced, so I could imagine what they’d gone through. Everyone was tired. Our beasts had conquered our spirits last night, pitting us against each other and those we cared for. It was the way it was every Matting Moon. But this one was especially hard for me. Because this pink moon, I witnessed it firsthand. I would’ve said yesterday that I understood what the Mating Moon was about, but I would’ve been wrong. There’s no way to understand the raw power it has over the wolves within us, without experiencing it. It was hard to define what I was doing at that window. Perhaps I hoped that if the sun emerged to banish that fog, it might cast away my trepidations with it. What have I done? I let Jaecar mark me… That wasn’t wholly true. I had let him mark me, like wolves had let the pack plagues decimate their populations. It wasn’t really their fault, anymore than it was mine. I was so intent on the clang of pots and the thud of logs being thrown, that I missed the door to my right being opened. Jaecar had come in at some point and stationed behind me. I was watching the healer, Rebekah, move around the camp. She had a pouch of herbs that she was scooping from as she rubbed poultices over the hands and faces of the males. Trying to ensure that fever couldn’t set in to any of their open wounds. It was only the morning after the rage of the pink moon, but none of the males seemed to offer her a second glance. There was something about her that commanded their respect, something I wished I had. “What are you looking for?" Jaecar asked quietly from behind me.

66 Too Many Unknowns KJ stayed out there long enough that I knew he wasn’t going to come back in. No matter how much I hoped he would. He’s going out there after the NightHunter that got away. Because of me. Which could put KJ and the strongest Lariot wolves in grave danger. This is my fault. I should’ve been paying more attention when I climbed into the lake. How did I not notice the NightHunters were that close? They were travelling downwind. The answer occurred to me right away. The rogue packs could run in groups of five or more. Sometimes, in rare cases, they travelled in a full-sized legion. They moved quickly, packing up their camps and travelling to their next spot within days. Which meant there was no way I could begin to guess how many could be out there. “Be safe..." I murmured, willing him to be cautious. From beneath the window, across the room from me, I heard KJ speaking to the pack. “Are we going to let NightHunters encroach on our territory?” He bellowed. “No.” The pack said in unison. “Are we going to let them hurt our families?” “No.” “Then we’re going to have to go after them.” “Ay, ay!” “Here is what we’ll do. These are our group leaders.” He called out his brothers’ names. Announcing them one by one. “The following will be going with us.” When he began to call their names, I blanked out. I knew the drill. He’d assign a handful of warriors to each of his brothers to lead into war with the NightHunters. Once that was done, he gave them orders to proceed. I heard very little in the next few minutes. I guessed that everyone was scattering into their smaller groups. Then things grew very loud. There was the clanging of metal and wolves shouting across the bailey to each other as they coordinated the weapons, they’d all be using. The creak of the well handle sounded very far away. I knew they’d be filling tied piglet skin with water for the venture. The pack was in a hurry, it sounded like many were on the move. I could feel their urgency, even from so high above them. In times of strain, it never mattered who was outlier wolves. Every wolf under the protection of the Lariots came together when threatened. That’s what we're doing now. It made me proud of our pack to know how they’d be working together right now. You're not part of them.  The small voice in my mind niggled. I sighed. They're out there ready to risk their lives while I’m up here safe. I stood, straining the chain to attempt to peer out the window. The wolf in me felt as though I was betraying the pack by not being out there with them. I felt a pinch and realized how hard I was pulling against my wrist restraint. The chain was rigid, and my wrist was beginning to ache from where the wide metal shackle dug in. I want to help. I closed my eyes and drew a slow breath, trying to steady my wolf so she’d stop trying to force her way out of me. She wanted to try to break the chain and go with them. She doesn’t like being left behind. At first, I thought the slow breaths were helping and I leaned on the bed, staring at the ceiling. But instead of relaxing I found myself careening across the bailey. Veering left and right like I was flying high over the mud and dirt. Until I finally landed above someone's shoulder. I hovered there, unwilling to go further. I could see movements of limbs directly below me. It took me a moment to register that the adept hands I was seeing before me were KJ's. I was watching him pull daggers and a sword and sheath from the underground armory. I could hear his steady breaths and feel his calm heart beats. He’s not afraid. He paused, and I had the sense that his energy brushed along mine. Like he can feel me here. “Henna?" He whispered. I heard the brush of his hair near me as he looked around. I drew a startled breath and felt myself rushing back the way I'd come until I returned to my body with a hard jerk. I inhaled deeply through my nostrils. I hadn’t noticed I wasn’t breathing as I travelled to KJ. I stumbled backward and sat back down until I could calm down. What was that?  I wondered. I'd never experienced anything akin to that before. “Whew." I whooshed a puff of air, as I calmed. Shaking my head as I dealt with the astonishing experience I’d just had. I was with him. I crossed the bailey to be with him. *** The castle and the bailey had long ago gone silent. I found myself staring toward the window slit as I waited to hear something. Anything. Please let them make it back safely.  I prayed. I couldn't imagine a world without all those that had just left with KJ. I didn't know what I would do if they were all killed. I’d be nothing. The castle felt hollow. There was no sound, no perceived activity. Empty . Like a ghost realm . I heard the sounds of myself breaths filling the room. I figured it was going to be like this until they came back. Which is going to be rough. Suddenly the door was thrown open so hard that it banged against the wall and had to be stopped by a woman’s foot. My startled gaze flew that way, spotting Markinnon standing in the doorway looking terrified. Her hands fluttered near her sides and her face was sheer panic. Her eyes were huge and her features pale. “What do you know of healing?" Very little. I stiffened. “Some. With basic herbs." “Good enough. Come with me." She commanded. Stepping aside to usher me through the doorway. I lifted the jangling chain, pointedly. I’m not going anywhere. Markinnon blinked as if she couldn’t quite understand. That made it sink in for me how badly things were off. 67 Sacred Chamber Markinnon always knew what to do. She was precise and deliberate. Why is she so afraid that she can’t think? KJ… Ugly worry curled in my stomach. Was someone already returning to the castle? Were they ambushed just beyond the walls? Were they already out there dying? What if it’s KJ she’s taking me to, and he’s badly hurt. My breaths were shallow as I stared at her. “Oh." Markinnon cried before rushing over to me. She fumbled beneath her gown until she gripped a thin chain. She pulled it up until she withdrew a key from the neckline of her dress. She lifted that chain over her head and thunked the key into the shackle. She turned the key, and the shackle popped open. Markinnon scooped my bicep and dragged me behind her. I realized she was dragging me toward her room. Her steps were short and fast. She was barely breathing. She’s terror-stricken. I saw the door ahead of me and began to slow down. I can’t go in there. That’s the alpha’s chamber. “I can’t.” I told Markinnon. “It’s fine, you’re with me and you’re invited.” “No one but you is allowed in the alpha’s chambers.” I looked to Markinnon, feeling as if this could be some horrible trap. Is she angry that KJ marked me and this is some sort of payback. “And healers.” Markinnon corrected. “But I’m not one.” “You are the closest thing today.” Where is Karisha? I worried. It dawned on me that this was no injured wolf returning from the battle. Not in that room. It’s the alpha that’s in danger. “What's wrong?" I drew to a stop, locking my heels to look at Markinnon. I wanted to know what I was going to walk into. I sensed that I would need to brace myself for whatever I might see in there. It’s going to be bad if she’s desperate enough to ask for my help. “What’s going on?" “Just go in." She clawed my skin in a clumsy effort to grab my arm again. “No!" I looked around. “Where is Karisha?" She’s the real healer. She should be going in, not me. “KJ took her with me." “What!" My voice rose. “He knows what the NightHunters will do to them if they capture any she-wolves." Why would he put them in that kind of danger? “He’s using them as archers. Keeping them at a distance. He'll keep them safe." She assured me. “Which means I need your  help." “I'm not going in there blind. Talk to me!" I didn’t want to be so shocked that I couldn’t function. “He's spasming. Bleeding from his nose and mouth." Markinnon grated through clenched teeth. “We don’t have time to prepare you.” “Oh, no." I breathed registering how serious his condition was if he was losing blood like that. “Get in there and save him!" She screamed, gesturing toward the door. She was out of patience with me. She was purple-faced and shaking. Unable to stand another minute of his suffering alone. I walked cautiously to the door, pushing the handle and letting the door creak open to reveal whatever I was going to face. What I saw on the alpha's massive bed, sucked the air out of me. This poor wraith looked nothing like the man that had led our pack for so many years.” I walked in slowly. Approaching him quietly in the hope that I wouldn’t wake him. I didn’t want him to confront me in this situation. In his sacred chamber. I drew close enough to get my first true look at his head. He was thin to the point of being bony, with sunken features. The hollows of his cheeks and around the base of his throat, were so deep that had I not noticed the weak rising of his chest. For a moment he’d been so still that I'd have thought he was already a corpse. “My Lord!" I breathed in horror. “What has happened to him?" Wolves barely aged at all upon attaining maturity. But our alpha looked ancient. Withered and pitiful. “He was stabbed." Markinnon choked out through a rough throat. Telling me what I already knew. The NightHunter wasn’t bluffing. Markinnon’s voice broke and she tried a second time to finish her sentence. “By a NightHunter. I think it was poisoned." No. Rusted. “Where?" I shot a glance over my shoulder. “In the thigh." I knew that the leg was a limb that was covered in veins. Which meant that bits of rust could already be coursing through his bloodstream. It was as good as poison to Alpha Kensington’s body. I cautiously approached the alpha, reaching his bedside. I tipped sideways before him, afraid that if I startled him in his own room, he might be too weak to take the shock. Though Markinnon had invited me here, I was still concerned that the alpha would disapprove of my presence. “Alpha?" I said quietly. I knew I needed to see his eyes to know how far the poison had affected him. I could tell that he heard me because he stirred. Though he didn’t open his eyes, his breathing came more quickly. He inhaled as he breathed, catching my scent. Our alpha knew everyone in his pack. And he knew their smells. Mine included. He knew who was in his chamber now. And no normal pack members were permitted here. He grunted, tossing his arm in a way that told me that my presence made him anxious. “It’s Henna Witherstring." I confirmed what he already knew. Hoping that declaring my presence would indicate to him that I wasn’t trying to be sneaky. And that I hadn’t come to hurt him while he was too weak to defend himself. “Mar... Mar..." He weakly tried to speak. His head turning toward the door. His eyelids fluttered, cracking open. Blood crept from the corner of his mouth and drizzled down his neck to his chest as he moved. It was even seeping lightly from his ears. I knew what he was doing. He’s trying to verify she’s present. “Markinnon is here, alpha.” I soothed him. “She asked me to come." I glanced back over at our beta, wanting her to speak up so he was less alarmed. She stood frozen in the doorway. As if she was too terrified to come any closer. She’s afraid she’s going to lose him. “I'm here." She told him. “I requested she come help you, Kensington. Our real healer has gone into battle with KJ. She’s the closest that’s here." “Please,” Markinnon’s eyes shifted to me. “Help him.”

86 Divided World I was trying hard to remain calm as I sought to develop a plan on the fly. I was precariously close to blind rage. It was my default when I didn’t know what to do. “Marlay!” I shouted, summoning her to my side. If I could do nothing else, I wanted to save her. Nicholas Blake scrambled over to stand with us. Putting his back to mine and Marlay’s to find everyone else out there. I felt the split running through the Globe Tamer as if it cut its way through me too. Severing me in two and letting all of the weakness spill out. They’re coming. I could feel the kelminar ripping from that crack in my trap as if they were tearing pieces of me out. They were a militia of soul-eaters. They were climbing over branches and weaving through fallen trees as they fell into line together. Their footsteps turned into a unified march. “Come friends!” Baron called. “I have your Red Wraith! Come get her.” Growing louder the soul-eaters stepped into view. A line of them rose over the piled trees like ants climbing the mound. Hopping to the ground before us on agile feet. Moving rhythmically, they circled behind Baron. Dark glee glinted in their black eyes as they set cruel gazes on me, intent on ripping me apart. Each of them was a face I had closed into my Globe Tamer. Now they were all watching me, calculating how they wanted to see me die. I could tell they were ready to tear me limb from limb. I felt the first flickers of my magic re-energizing and began to hold some hope I’d be able to fight awhile before they got their hands on me. I gasped as the full fury of my magic abruptly surged through me, sparking out into my aura and making me inhale deeply as my energy turned red. I clenched my fists, feeling power stronger than ever pulsing through me like the rushing current of a river. I looked over my shoulder at Marlay. She was watching me intently. Her dark eyes locked on me. Streamers of pink light carried to me across the circle our little group had made. My eyes travelled from Marlay’s round face down to her shoulder and saw that Kurik had stepped next to her and put a hand atop her shoulder. Hers now overlapped that. As I looked at her pink zings of electricity shot through her eyes, burning through them until she nearly luminesced with the color. Kurik was looking at me too and as I met his study, his chin lifted. He’s feeding her the kind of power that neither she nor I have ever felt. That’s how she charged me so quickly. Staring back at him, I realized it was true. He couldn’t have this kind of magic unless he had lived far longer than I’d ever guessed. He is the Ancient… A slow smile crossed Marlay’s lips. Confidence lit her eyes and there was no longer any shadow of fear lurking there. She believes we can win. I tilted my head, shaking it slightly. I felt less confident then she did. But I certainly had enough energy bumping through me to think I could blow half this forest sky high. Kurik murmured to her. She lifted her other palm. Without breaking contact with her shoulder, he hovered his other hand above hers. I watched metal spin into shape there, the hilt climbed down to fit down into her closed fist like it was made to be there. Marlay turned slowly and she smiled evilly at Baron who was looking at Kurik warningly. “What are you doing brother?” “Brother is it now?” Kurik queried dully. *** DARLA From Darla’s perspective everything seemed to slow down. Sarasae bloomed with blood red light. It moved around her, swirling as if it had a life of its own. Darker streamers ran through the lighter glow of it. It was in perpetual motion, waiting to be unleashed. Darla had never witnessed anything like it. Marlay emanated dusky pink streamers. It stretched like chords to circle her and reached out to link against her sister. The one they called Kurik blasted into movement. Jerking forward to move so quickly that he seemed to vanish. As fast as Darla could blink, he stood in the middle of the soul-eaters flanking Baron. Motionless he stared at the ground until they spotted him among them. Horrified shouts were all they could muster before he began tearing through them. He was a blur of hands, punches, kicks and then he’d vanish only to reappear somewhere else. Screaming filled her ears. Limbs were tossed from the crowd of them. Feet and hands flying to plop on the ground next to her, covered in blood as if they’d been ripped right off. Darla heard screaming beyond the buzzing in her ears. It took her a moment to register that it was hers along with those of the soul-eaters. Then her brother’s face materialized before her. “Darla!” “Nick! I was so scared.” “I know, it’s fine. It’s fine. Come here. Stay close.” “Okay.” He led her to the protective circle. At this point, even the tolari were scrambling up the mound, afraid of being caught in the mess of dying kelminar. *** I sent out an orb of magic to surround us which wouldn’t allow the tolari to come toward us. Baron was scanning the mound and the kelminar that were beginning to crawl out of it. There was such chaos and confusion that tolari and kelminar were screaming. Blood sullied the ground and there was more pouring down the barrier wall. Kurik was moving again. They were all shouting and trying to reach for him but somehow, he managed to avoid all of their hands. “What is he?” “Stop…Ancient please.” Someone wailed. “Get away! Get out of here!” “Just let us go. We’ll go.” There were so many pleading voices and sobs that they overlapped each other until they became unintelligible. Kurik was moving so fast that no one knew which way to flee. When they tried to climb down the wall, he caught them by their collars and flung them back to the top. Back into the mix. There was gurgling and choking sounds. The kelminar were clawing over the bodies of others, trying to get back toward the woods, but everything was slickened with red lines of blood pouring down the wooden wall. I scanned, trying to see who would try to come through my orb first. I felt eyes and looked up. Just infront of the swarming bodies, was Kurik. It took me a moment to recognize him because he had red splatters over his face and down his neck. His hands poured with the fluid, he barely looked like the man I’d kept in my basement for so long. How is he taking on a legion of kelminar. This is impossible. I had never known a kelminar, aside from Kurik, to take on another kelminar. This felt like some grave lack of loyalty. I stared up at him. “What are you doing Kurik?” He was breathing heavily and the energy he exuded was pure, raw, fury. Like he was a creature completely composed of it. I saw another figure moving through the kelminar that were still moving and I realized that Kurik wasn’t the only one fighting on that ridge. As the tolari climbed there was a flash of blonde hair and a pink riding suit before bodies were thrown down ontop of the mound. He’s had help. Who is she? A desperate kelminar slid down the logs and caught sight of Kurik standing still. He ran at Kurik’s back, launching with all his claws flexed. Before I could utter a sound, Kurik whirled around. His feet hardly touched the ground as he caught the man by the neck. Throwing him sideways toward the bottom of another sideways trunk. He crunched over it and collapsed. His head was contorted at a horrible angle. Kurik spun another direction and snatched on nearby by the back of the head, throwing him just as violently. I’ve never seen him move that fast. Or use that kind of strength. It seemed like a flick of Kurik’s wrist could shatter bones. He was capable of reaching straight into he chest cavity of a kelminar and ripping out the things that made them tick. I’d gathered he was probably on our side but seeing someone exhibit that kind of feral hostility had something instinctive in me warning me to leave. It was crawling beneath my skin, telling me this wasn’t a safe place, but I had the distinct feeling that if I were too turn and move away it would immediately draw his attention. Standing still is a better idea. Never turn your back on a hunter. It was something Kurik had told me a long time ago. “Is he on our side?” Darla cried in a cracking voice. “Mmm.” Nick gave a skeptical whine. “It’s hard to tell.” “I think he is.” Marlay chimed in. Always positive. What if he’s not?

35 Be Rational As my gaze fell, mother finished walking to the settee to sit down and serve herself a cup of the waiting tea steaming from the pot on the serving platter. My eyes roved the polished floor as I racked my brain. Be rational, Kylie. I directed my thoughts. I realized that for Lord Byron to be Kaden numerous pieces would’ve had to have gotten him there. They could only be one in the same if Kaden had become Lord Byron.   If he had shaved, which he swore he never would. And have somehow gone to be a tradesman after moving to run a neighbor’s stables to be close to that man’s daughter…Which seems impossible since he has no interests save for horseflesh. Then, after that, he’d have had to somehow acquire his own ship, which would be impossible to afford on a horseman’s salary. Then he’d have had to assume a different name entirely, which no one would just allow someone to do. I shook my head, putting a hand to my forehead. Then he’d have somehow managed to go from being a horseman to someone that the queen herself would bestow a title upon. All impossible… I slumped down to the window seat. All in all, that would’ve been impossible. You’re imagining what you want to see. I told myself. My sister joined me there. Putting a hand on my shoulder. “Kylie, are you okay?” “I just thought…For a moment, I wished he was Kaden.” She looked like I’d slapped her. Probably realizing how ridiculous that was. “You wouldn’t know him, if it was?” “I just-I feel like my mind is playing tricks on me.” I gestured in frustration. Sometimes I remember him perfectly. The next moment, I…Lose it entirely.” “Your heart was shattered back then. Maybe all that pain made you push his memory away, even while you tried to cradle it.” “Maybe…” “Besides, why would it be so bad if he was?” I shrugged. “I don’t know…I guess it wouldn’t. Maybe I hoped it was. I just…” I massaged my temples. “It’s a lot right now.” “You’ll soon be married, sister. Maybe you should make some effort to enjoy it.” I nodded dimly. “Has he said something that makes you take to mean he is Kaden Jacobs?” “No. It’s just the way he looks at me sometimes.” “Maybe he is.” She suggested. “That would be impossible.” I looked up at her. “Wouldn’t it?” “Nothing is ever impossible, sister unless one is blind to opportunities that rise before them.” “I suppose you could be right.” I sighed. “Besides, if he was Kaden, I’m sure he’d have said so by now.” “I’m sure.” Sarah said quietly. She hesitated a long moment as if unsure that she had helped anything. “I’ll be okay.” I patted her hand. “Alright. You will be okay, Kylie. I’m sure of it.” “Me too.” I gave her a weak smile.   *** Drake House My stomach was in knots. My corset was too tight to allow me a proper breath. I am not ready for this. It seemed the whole thing had been planned in my periphery. Mother had chosen decorations. Sarah had made plans. They’d asked me things, but I’d hardly glanced up from my book. What did they say! I now feared I was going to be expected to say or do something that I didn’t know I was supposed to. Why didn’t I pay attention? Because I hadn’t really thought this day would come. I had believed that some brilliant strategy to move me out of this event would pop into my mind as they often did. While I was reading, or perhaps just before bed. But that never happened. I had put off thinking about it for so long that it had sort of just crept up on me. Which meant I barely understood what was happening as my father led me down a royal red carpet strung through two sections of seats. An orchestra played on a balcony far to my right. Their steady cadence guided my numb feet forward at a steady pace. Drawing me ever closer to that dreaded altar. And the man standing before it. He was meticulously groomed, his hands linked before him. He turned his shoulders slightly to glance at me walking toward him but offered me no more attention than that. He was shifting a lot, which I’d never seen him do. Which made me wonder if perhaps he was nervous to. I doubted it. Lord Rogue Byron was unflappable. Cruel without blinking, heedless of convention and absolutely unconscionable. He’s not nervous. He’s not capable. I thought bitterly. “Stay with me, sweetheart. Father patted my hand over his atop his forearm. As if he could sense my daze and thought that tiny motion might swing me out of it. It didn’t. My panicked thoughts had nearly frozen at the forefront of my brain. Making moving at all seemed difficult. “I want you to know, Kylene,” Father said, drawing my attention from Lord Byron waiting for me at the end of this carpeted floor. “how proud I am of my brilliant, beautiful, daughter. I hope you and your new husband know how sorry mother and I are for any wrongs we may’ve done as we raised you. We're far from perfect people, but we did always have your best interests at heart." I was too numbed to assess his meaning for myself. I turned my head to blink dumbly at him. “What are you saying to me right now, father?" What wrongs? “Nothing dear, he patted my hand again. Only that I hope you finally get your happy ending." I looked forward, my bemused brain dismissing the senseless words as soon as uttered them. I didn’t have the ability to grasp what he was saying when all I was wondering was if I collapsed right here, if it would stall the wedding for another hour. Or forever. Perhaps he might think I had a contagious condition. But when Lord Byron glanced up at me this time, his expression was hard. As if he was already threatening me not to do it. The vicar stood just behind him, beaming as if it was the prettiest day ever to dawn. But I was terrified of a life with this cruel, angry man that seemed to hate me. What am I going to do?

34 One Hour It’s my one chance to make a move to avoid consummating this marriage. I flinched. Yes. “And I don't think one hour is quite fair, now is it?" He was going after that idea next. He’s already only giving me a month of reprieve if I win, now he wants more time to make me submit. “I thought you were a confident man, Lord Byron?" “Oh, I am." He asserted. “But I'm also confidant that you'll stall at least that long just taking your clothes off." I blanched guiltily. “See," He pointed at me, chuckling. “that’s precisely what you were intending. That would've been a dirty trick." “Oh!" I proclaimed. “ That  would've been a dirty trick?" What he did the night of the masquerade, wasn’t? “Touché." He tilted his head grudgingly. Then he offered the compromise. “Three hours. You can limit me to three." Three seemed like a very long time to have his hands on my bare body. Three hours of him looking at me. I chewed my cheek as I considered it. “That’s as good as it’s going to get." He said firmly. A long look at him confirmed that this offer was as good as it would get. “Fine." But I was reluctant to agree. Though I'd have liked to say I was positive he couldn't get me to do anything by dawn, but his confidence had me wavering. “Good. It’s settled then." “There you are!" I heard my mom saying. I shot Lord Byron a panicked look. Still, he took his time straightening away from me. Nearly giving them enough time to step within the shade and observe his closeness. “What is this?" My sister’s voice rose with interest. “How adorable!" Mother said as they drew close enough to see us in the shadow of the carriage. “It's nice to see you two have made amends." “Amends for what?" Byron faced my mother. “Whatever had you both so tense on the way here." We both blinked at her. I wanted to tell her that we definitely had not made amends, but she was already signaling the footman to come down from the driver’s seat where he’d been sitting, concentrating on ignoring Lord Byron and my presence below. What if he tells another house of our behavior? I felt a moment of fear. I knew father expected his servants to uphold the highest level of discretion, but no one could completely keep them from gossiping with other house’s servants. Thankfully, Lord Byron did have the courtesy to distance from me even more as the servant climbed down. “Are you ladies finished with your stroll?" He queried. His voice and posture the picture of politeness. Where was that with me?   “Yes." Sarah said cheerfully. “It's beautiful." “Quite a lovely day." Mother agreed. “Then are we ready to go homeward?" He gestured to the carriage, offering them a way passed him to load into the vehicle. I was still flattened to the side of the carriage closer to the front corner. I hadn’t gathered enough breath to say anything, so I appreciated the fact that Byron had smoothly began conversing. Like he wasn’t doing anything wrong. “Indeed." Mother smiled. He opened the door, offering me a hand up. I stared at it. “No need for you to do such menial tasks, we have footman." “I insist." He said. Before querying with a flourish. “Why have a footman do for you, what your fiancé can?" “Oh." Sarah smiled at me. She apparently thought he was being chivalrous. I put my hand in Lord Byron's, letting him help me in. Then Sarah and mother moved together to the other seat. Both of them refusing to assume their former seat which would be next to me.   Instead it was Lordy Byron who joined me. Again. He adjusted in the seat next to me. I didn't miss that he rolled one knee over to press it along the side of mine. Even so, I experienced a little tremble from the contact. I had never been this close to any man but Kaden. Save for the masquerade.  I mentally corrected. I gave him a sideways glance. His eyes barely flicked toward mine. His expression was controlled calm. Characteristically unreadable. Still, there was a steady look in those eyes. He knows what he’s doing. As we arrived before Rose Manor, a footman opened the door. I quickly stood. Byron caught my hand, bringing me to a stop. I threw him a startled glance. He lifted it to his lips, his dark eyes peering up at me. “Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Miss Drake. I hope we might enjoy another like it very soon." Ha! I looked back at him, staring into that magnetic gaze. My brow furrowed as some deep cord of familiarity struck me. “Do I know you?" My eyes roved his face. “Until then," He said quietly, as if he had not heard me. “I'll await the moment I see you again." *** I re-entered the opulence of Rose House as the carriage rattled away. Sarah and mother were close behind me. “Sarah.” I fell back to catch her sleeve, bringing her around to face me in the foyer when she would’ve gone to the parlor for her customary tea with mother. “What is Lord Byron’s name again.” “Lord…Byron…” She wrinkled her face as she eyed me askance. Saying it slowly as if I had gone daft. “First name.” I said impatiently. I need to know now! “Kay or Kyle or something like that…” “Mother!” I shouted, rounding on my heel to chase after her into the parlor. What is his first name? Could he have just changed his last? Could it be him! “Ladies don’t shout.” She chastised me for bellowing after her. She gestured gracefully from her chest. “They resonate, Kylie.” “Yes, well, I’m resonating extra loudly today.” I got to the point. “Question.” “Answer, I suppose.” She waited. “What is Lord Byron’s first name?” “Kye, love. Why?” “It just-he seems-I could’ve sworn…” I gestured helplessly. For one heart stopping moment I thought those eyes could’ve belonged to Kaden.

Chapter Eleven Perfection & Pain As Elsabet moved the light gleamed off her silver earrings which gleamed with the same lights as her unique hair. Both of which set off her porcelain skin, making her seem more ethereal than ever as she picked up her tiny twin. Rubbing the little girl’s back to soothe her whimpers. “You’re perfect, do you know that?” Sebastian told Elsabet as she comforted their bruised daughter. She snorted. “I don’t need your lines today, Bast.”                                 But she was blushing and there was a smile at the corners of her mouth. She laughingly shook her head as she took a seat on the settee. Sebet was busy on the floor. Toddling in every direction as fast as her stubby little legs could take her. He ripped his eyes from his mate and watched Sebet, happy to have Elsabet’s presence in the room. No matter how far away she chose to sit. “She’s beautiful.” Elsabet mused as if unconsciously speaking her thoughts aloud. Yes, she is. “More than any child I’ve seen.” He agreed. “Your face lights when you look at her.” Elsabet murmured, her gaze moving to Bast. “Do you know that?” I do. “It lights when I look at you too.” He returned her study. His blue-green eyes affectionate. “Why do you say such things to me?” Honesty. He supposed. “Because they’re the truth.” He strode to the settee opposite her. Dropping onto it. And stringing his arm over the back as he locked eyes with his woman. “Stop looking at me like that.” Never. “How do you think I’m looking at you.” “Intensely.” “Ah…Perhaps, like you are the woman I’ll desire for all time?” “You don’t know what you’re doing from one moment to the next.” She remarked. “How can you possibly know what you’ll want in another hundred years.” “Because I haven’t faltered in desiring you for the last two hundred. Why would the future be any different.” “I could grow less pleasant.” “You do that on a regular basis.” “Sebastian!” She gasped. Hoisting the vase of the table between them and tossing it in her hand as she considered hurling it at him.   He chuckled, enjoying goading her. “Fine, fine.” He relented. Leaning forward to divulge. “When Forever Knights mate, we do so for life. I’ve chosen you.” Forever. “Me and how many others?” She asked slowly. Her longtime fear drove her to ask it. Even though she no longer suspected he was out at all hours to meet women.   “We only ever have one, Els. Just one. For the entirety of our existence. If something happened to you, there would be no one else for me in the rest of my long lifetime.” She stared at him. “No other.” He reassured. Emphasizing the point for her benefit. “Who could compare to you?” He left his face open for her perusal. “You never find any mocking in my face when I tell you such things. No trace of deceit, because I’m not trying to deceive you.” “Then would you open those gates and let me leave if I asked it of you?” Her chin hitched. Because I want you. “You can roam anywhere in these walls. Do whatever you wish. You could slit my throat in my sleep, how much more do you want?” He turned his gaze to the toddler, tellingly refusing to meet her look. “Do you intend to keep her here forever too?” She notched her chin toward Sebet. “Even when there’s no longer any threat from the Demon Master?” “I’m not sure that time will ever come.” He levelled a hard look on her. Not wanting her to develop hope for something so unlikely to happen. He couldn’t mask the hurt tearing over his face. “Neither of you are my captive any longer. I only use my magic to shield you here.” “It still pulls on me, I can feel it.” She argued. “I wouldn’t want Sebet to stray, would you?” “No.” “And if you wandered too far, don’t you think she’d follow?” “So you leash me, so I won’t forget where the borders are? As if I could forget after all those years.” “You would hate yourself forever if you wandered to the meadow for a fresh breath and something got her. We both know that she’ll always do as she wishes.” “What if I did want to be free someday Bast, what would you do?” “I…” He trailed off. “I would be terrified of what would happen to you. Wouldn’t you be?” “I’m not afraid of anything.” “You were scared to death when you thought the cimmerii were going to hurt our daughter while she was still in your belly.” He pointed out. “Yes.” “Can’t you understand that I feel that way about both of you?” She looked back at him, but pain crossed her face. “What if our positions were switched? Would you fear how destroyed Sebet would be without me? Would you want me to be safe with you?” “I do feel that way. But you go anyway.” That struck him as if she’d slapped him. “I see.” “Do you, Sebastian? Do you know what it’s like to sit here and wonder if you’ll make it back?” “I told you, if anything happens to me you will do whatever you choose. I will remove all restraints on you, and you will go or stay at your behest.” “You see, there lies the problem.” She said solemnly. Stiffening as she peered across the space between them with a hard expression. “It’s never once occurred to you how I would feel if I did love you.” “You use that word a lot but when you hear it you put so little weight in it. Even though I’ve never said it to anyone aside from my mother. To you it is hollow words. Far more than it is to me. Now isn’t that ironic?” He opened his mouth, but words escaped him. “We’ll never know, will we?” She rose in a sweep of rose-colored skirts and swished from the room. “If I would go if you would let me.” “Would you?” “As I said, we’ll never know, will we?” Does she not even know? “Elsabet?” He knew she paused outside the parlor. “I can tell you that I couldn’t bear this world if you weren’t in it…If I didn’t have you with me.” “You don’t have me.” She said tightly as she walked across the foyer. “I have been your plaything for two hundred years Sebastian. You still don’t take my words as truth. You hear what you want, and you fear what you’ll always fear. You have so little faith in me.” “I have more faith in you, then possibly anyone.” He leapt to his feet. His words stopped her at the banister. She stood there, unmoving. Waiting for more. “But faith doesn’t keep people alive, Elsabet. If it did, I’d never have lost a brother. Capable as you are, you walked into a cimmerii trap while you were pregnant.” “I was led.” She said quietly. Not even knowing how she stabbed him in the heart with those words. She’s right. It was my fault. Sebastian sat in the parlor, his hands covering his mouth as he suffered the weight of that knowledge. I did. As Quandary. That guilt was never going to ease. *** At the first hint of dawn’s brightness the next morning, Sebastian was rising from his bed beneath the stairs. He’d spent the night trying to rest but found he couldn’t. He rose and dressed. By the time he emerged in the expansive Dining Hall, he found Elsabet already there, bouncing Sebet on her knee as she fed her bits of egg. Elengard was crouched next to them both, wiggling a teasing finger at Sebet who beamed at her. Flashing bright dimples at the older woman’s efforts. “Take another bite sweetheart.” Els told her. Sebet squealed happily, averting her attention to her mother. She slapped tiny palms to her mother’s cheeks. Caressing her palms over them while Elsabet made kissy lips at her. Sebet opened her mouth and Elsabet stuck a forkful of food into it. The little girl bounced her head side to side as she chomped it. Elsabet smiled hugely. As if it was the most amusing thing she’d ever seen. She must’ve felt his eyes because her gaze shifted his way. All traces of a smile died from her face. “You’re leaving today, aren’t you?” Is that sorrow in her voice? He nodded. “I think it best I go for a while.” Until your anger abates. He felt like it was very clear that she didn’t want him around. But she doesn’t seem to want me to go either. What do you want from me, woman?   “Where?” She said softly. “I’m taking the FireStar. Perhaps I’ll go to the Isle of Wight for a visit.” To see Lucien. “You’re low on those exotic nuts you savor?” She queried. “And sherry.” “You don’t have to go.” “You don’t want to deal with me, Els. You’ve found me very frustrating as of late.” “I always find you frustrating. It’s never driven you off before.” “I find it harder to go long periods without being close to you.” “Joining?” “No, being in your presence.” He sighed. “Perhaps giving you some time might soothe your irritations with me.” “And if they don’t?” “What would you suggest Elsabet?” She quieted.

32 The Abomination The little Eternus male yanked violently against the ropes. Making his bleeding forehead pour faster. It ran down his face and dripped over his shoulder, saturating the front of his shirt. He paused to glare at Molly, his voice dripping contempt as he said. “She... Is an abomination. She has no right existing in our world.” He threw his head Lucien’s way. “Neither does he." Go ahead, try to take him out. My eyes narrowed on this intruder. Because I knew what would happen if he tried. Lucien would eat you for breakfast without breaking a sweat. It was basically what Lucien had done when he found him up here. He wrestled this weaselly little man and tied him up in a matter of minutes. “If the Eternus people knew what the prince did for you, they'd never accept him or his kin as king of Eternus." It dawned on me that this was what this whole thing was about. They want to dictate who will be their next king. They’re looking for a way to bring down Jackson Gray before he ascends to take the throne. Or to keep Archer Gray off it, if the rumors were to be believed. “Going after that prince would prove unwise." Lucien slapped the blade of the dagger sideways in his palm. Thumping it methodically. Drawing my eye. I didn't know where he'd just grabbed it from, but one glance revealed that it was far too small for Lucien to wield comfortably. I looked at the weaselly little man bound before me. It was his. Intended for Molly. I resisted the urge to grab it from Lucien’s hand and thrust it into the little man’s neck. Just for thinking of murdering my daughter. “We’re aware of that.” The man sneered at Lucien. It took me a moment to recall what they were discussing. Accusing the Eternus prince of turning Lucien into his kind. “That’s why going after you was the better option. Once you admit it was him, we’ll have enough proof to attack him outright, with you as the one declaring that the prince violated his own laws, he’ll have no choice but to stand down as an heir to the throne. Which will leave it open for others…Of noble blood.” His master. I recognized who he was talking about. Whoever is pulling his strings in order to destroy Prince Jackson Gray. “Ah, yes..." I remarked. Thoughtfully tapping my lip as I wandered behind the killer. I knew that, as a predator, he would abhor having someone lurking out of his peripheral vision. I could tell I was succeeding in unnerving him, by the way he writhed in the seat. Twisting against his bonds in an effort to keep me in his eyeline. Which was impossible. As I rounded completely behind him, I leaned over one shoulder to be near his ear, all while staying clear of the range of his jaws. “I have heard that so many of your kind are, shall we say...Impotent?" I drew out the word to make it even more insulting. It worked wonders. “We're not impotent you, bitch!" The little dirtbag jumped so hard, he made the chair grate over the floor as he threw his head. Trying to catch me in his eyeline. “Can't reproduce..." I feigned a pout. “Rather pathetic, that that’s the reason you're so jealous of Lucien, isn't it?" “We're not jealous!" He sputtered. “A made-Eternus should never have conceived. Only the strongest of us can, and he’s far from-” “Then I guess that makes Lucien one of the strongest of your kind, doesn't it?" “No!" The little Eternus roared. “He-" “Beat you, and tied you to a chair, in a matter of minutes?" I arched a disdainful brow as I finished it for him. “Oof." I heard Lucien grunt from behind him as he turned aside. As if the conversation had become too painful for him to witness. I glanced at him and saw him exchanging an amused grimace with Molly. “Don't you do it!" Our captive shrieked. “Don't you mock me! You should both be dead." “Kills you that they're not, doesn't it?" I sneered near his other ear. Savoring the man’s blooming frustration. “When Lord Carmichael hears of this, he’ll be rectifying the issue, himself." “Himself.?" I gasped, feigning horror. “You think he'll come to avenge you?” “Yes.” He dipped his head in a nod. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s here by tomorrow afternoon.” “So quickly? You think you matter enough for him to come himself?” I taunted him. “I know he will! He’s weary of slime like you, harming our kind." “Alright then." I roughly slapped his outer shoulders, making him wince. “Well," I rounded him, to share a look with Lucien. “half a day away…" “I heard that.” Lucien drawled pensively. “That would put him in one of the villages at the base of the mountain." “Wouldn't Blackstone be the only one with an inn?" A shadow of fear crept across the Eternus’s face. “The Firefly..." Lucien agreed, nodding. He tilted his head to observe the Eternus prisoner's alarmed expression. “Looks right." I remarked, gauging from the little man's panicked expression. “Sure does." “May I step in now, mama?" Molly queried from behind me. She was leaning against one of the bedposts, her arms crossed over her chest. “He's all yours." I gestured to the man. There was nothing in Molly's bland expression that would've warned me of what was to come. Molly crossed the span to that chair in three long strides. She promptly struck the man with a hard right that sent blood spilling over the wall. That one was quickly followed by two short lefts and a hard uppercut that I thought might take the man's head off. “Whew." I muttered in shock. Wincing every time she rang his bell. “Where did she learn to hit like that?" “What did you think we were doing down at the docks all those evenings?" “You were teaching her to hit?" He gave me a sideways shrug. Telling me he was reluctant to admit that it was exactly what they’d been doing, all those evenings. The assassin gave a long-suffering moan. He was bleeding from several places on his head and face. “Stop. Please..." He begged weakly. “Oh, I'm done hitting you." Molly said flatly. She caught one shoulder, her fingernails stabbing into his shoulder as she kept him from moving. With her other hand she shoved his head the opposite way. She bared her spiked back teeth and sank them into the side of the man's neck. From the first sip of his flesh, She tasted his soul. Drawing his secrets from him and connecting him to her feelings. He sobbed in misery. Feeling her hatred projected into the pit of his stomach. I gasped. Clutching Lucien's arm. “I thought Eternus couldn't bite each other." “We're different..." Lucien breathed. “Because you were made?" He glanced at me. “I assume so, for me. I'm not sure how she is. But she’s nothing like them." I chewed my cheek as I gave him a probing stare, needing more than that. Lucien’s brow furrowed. “Maybe that's something from you..." “Me?" I asked, astounded. “Well..." He shrugged. “Otherwise she should only be able to do what our modern day Eternus can. Which precludes biting other Eternus." He’s right...  I looked at Emily latched on to the small man. She is different. She was nothing like the little man tied to the chair. He'd stopped flailing so much and had begun to jerk violently. As if he were dying. His eyes stared off and turned cloudy white. Tears streamed down his face. Molly jerked away, turning her back on the man as if he deserved no more. I rushed over to catch her by the arms. “Are you alright sweetheart?" She nodded stiffly. I eyed her anxiously. “Did you have to bite him?" “I could've done it without." She said. “But I wanted to taste his contempt for this 'abomination' for myself." “You're not that." I told her severely. Unable to repeat that hateful word. “I know I'm not. And now..." She looked over her shoulder at the pitiful man crying shamelessly. “So does he." I blinked at her, struggling to understand what she had done to break the man. “Why is he crying, Molly?" I inquired. Careful not to carry judgement in the question. I just want to understand. “Now he knows how it feels to be hunted. To not be accepted by his own kind. I gave it all to him." She said it coldly, her face hard. “It shattered him." I said in wonder. “He'd never felt anything like that." Molly stared ahead. Her expression emotionless. I bet not. I thought. I doubted that the Eternus assassin had ever felt anything before today. Molly said it with such certainty that I knew she had felt him experiencing it. She could perceive his thoughts while she was there, digging around inside his head. It was an eerie assumption. Lucien had never fed on me like that, but I had often wondered if he had that same easy way of sensing things. Even without feeding on someone? It would explain how he often seemed to know what I was thinking or feeling. Is it part of what they are? If so, it was clearly something that the other Eternus lacked. The spineless little Eternus Lucien had captured had definitely not felt any compassion for my daughter. Until she made him.

130 Feeling the Damage I looked at him, touched by his remark. He’s never thought I was more beautiful than I am now. That was the most beautiful thing to say. He’d looked at me and uttered those words, even though I was thin and felt like half the woman he’d known so long ago. He still sees me as beautiful. “Thank you." “Come with me." He held out his hand. “I'd like to show you how beautiful I find you." We walked hand in hand to his chamber door. A thrill of excitement ran through me as his step began to slow, indicating we were getting close to his room. I saw the door and recognized it. It was darker and more worn than I remembered, but the same uniquely dark plank of wood. What’s his chamber look like? I wondered. How much has it changed since we were young? “Fiere, my love?" “Yes?" “Do you trust me?" My heart nearly stopped as I wondered why he was asking. “Yes." My brow furrowed as I eyed him. I was wondering where this was coming from. He led me into his chamber. There were dark blue canopies throughout the room. Giving it a silky, shrouded look. Candles burned in every corner, glowing soft orange. In the far corner a fur was draped over something oddly shaped. “What is that?" I pointed, unable to pinpoint what that shape was. “So observative." He praised. “This is what I've been so eager to show you." “So... What is it?" “Something I built in the hope that you might trust me again one day. I hoped to show you the pleasures of that choice." “Pleasures?" I eased closer. Wanting to see what he'd built. “Yes. I knew a maid long ago. And-" “A maid?" I lifted a judging brow. “Before I realized my feelings for you." He said hastily. “Before we were together then?" I probed, wanting to clarify. “Long before." He confirmed as he cleared his throat. “She mentioned that the most memorable joining she'd ever had, was when her lover had used something like..." He walked to the fur and ripped it from the structure beneath. “This." I studied the thing he’d revealed. It was made of wood, I guessed, shaped similar to a horse with a narrow back and four legs. Each piece had then been cushioned and wrapped in cream colored velvet. “It’s something I've long yearned to experience with you." “Something another lover told you about?" I lifted a red brow, unsure how I felt about that. “To be fair, I thought of you the moment she said it. Which aided me in realizing she was not the one I was drawn to. It was the same time that her, and my dalliance came to an end. Soon after, you fell in the river... And I knew…" “Okay." He said slowly. More curious about this strange structure than where the idea had stemmed from. Jackson gestured for me to come over. He smoothed the pillowy cushion, testing its softness before I did. I hesitantly went to him. “Have you used it with anyone?" He snorted. “No." “What does that mean?" “Means I couldn't share it, if I wanted to." I thought of the numerous women that couldn't take their eyes off him. He certainly has plenty of opportunities. “Why not?" He stopped smoothing the fabric on the structure and gaped at me. “Because they wouldn’t be you.” “Huh?” “Because you're it for me. If I could've moved on and let you go, don't you think I'd have done it by now?" “I don't know." “You’re the only woman I think of from the time I wake to the time I go to bed. Even when I dream, good or bad, it’s about you. I just wouldn't be able to get that point with another woman... Because she wouldn't be you." He finished. I thought back to all those moments in the inn and taverns, we entered. When all those women had their eyes on him, his were on me. They never left. Never wandered. He was always looking at me. It was an epiphany to realize it. How did I ever doubt him? I wished for all the world that I had realized he wouldn’t have killed my family, that he hadn’t yearned to destroy my world. I wished that I’d trusted what I knew. I drew a shaking breath, surrendering to the urge to touch the soft fabric. Admiring the way it tickled my skin as my fingertips brushed over it. “Let me make you feel good?" He gave me a questioning look. I nodded. “Come." He beckoned me. I went to him. His arms folded warmly around me. Tucking me against him. “You'll never know how good it feels to have you in my arms because you choose to be." I am choosing it. I registered. How many times had I shut myself down and refused to let his touch effect me, refused to feel what he was trying to offer. I wouldn’t let him love me. “It feels good to be here." I admitted through a tight throat. He kissed along my cheek, nuzzling near my ear and the crook of my neck as his fingers reached behind me to deftly work the fastens at the back of my dress. He flipped them open, going down the line just as methodically as I remembered. He plucked them free with expert precision. His light kisses followed my cheekbone up to my car. “I love you, Fiere. I want to show you that you can trust me." He finished with the fastens on my dress and peeled the shoulders forward so they began to peel open over my chest. Bearing my shoulders to the chill of the room. He levelled his gaze on my face as he folded it down around my waist. “If you start to feel frightened, I need you to tell me." “I will." I whispered the promise to him. I felt unusual tears filling my eyes. “What is it?" He caught my upper arms, stopping everything as concern settled over his handsome features. “What did I do?" “No one has ever told me that." I admitted, sniffling. “It means more to me than you know.” “You’re everything to me, Fiere. Believe it or not, I have some concept of what you've been through out there. I know I could never understand it all without having been there. But I can imagine how damaged you must feel." Feel…How damaged I must feel… “I do." I confessed. It was something I would have never told someone else. It meant a lot to me that he acknowledged that I felt damaged, and didn't call me damaged. I didn't know how to thank him for that. He nodded at my admonition, looking pained. I saw his eyes go dewy and knew that he was sorry for every second I’d suffered. He tipped up my face with his fingers so our eyes could meet for a long exchange. We didn't have to communicate verbally to understand what the other was trying to say. After a time he kissed my forehead, I held onto his wrists wanting to keep him close. “Are you ready?" He asked. “Or do you need more time?" “I'm ready, Jackson." I whispered. I wanted to explore this renewed trust with him. Especially when I knew I could call it off at any time. “I want to do this... With you." “Okay sweetheart." He didn't need any more prompting than that. He eased my dress passed my hips. He undressed me until I was bare before him. I moved my hands from his wrists, to flatten them against his chest. I spanned my fingers over the breadth of him. Feeling his heartbeat bumping more quickly beneath the metal, fabric, and thick muscles there. I slid my palms from there to the peaks of his shoulders. I flicked the broach latches and listened to his blue cloak swish to the floor behind him. It left him standing before me, looking regal in gold chainmail which glinted in the candlelight, his jaw was hard as he willed himself patience. I could see how on edge he was, wanting to touch me. Still, he’s letting me take my time. His dark blue eyes moved my face. Looking for any sign of uncertainty. I have none. I want to show him. I slid my hands beneath the waist and eased it upward. The weight of his gold chain mail armor piled atop my wrist. After so long seeming content to let my hands roam over him, he finally moved. “Let me help." He scooped where it was bundled along the back of my hands and lifted it over his head. It clattered to the floor next to his foot as he dropped it. My hands found their way back to where they’d begun. His chest was hot from where the metal had rested against him. It felt nice to be able to feel the heat of his flesh. I pulled the tunic off him far faster than I could the chainmail. I couldn't wait to feel my bare skin against his. As soon as that fabric followed the chainmail, I was back against him. Pressing my breasts to the hard edges of his taut chest. I moaned at the pleasure of his skin warming mine against the breeze lingering in the room. His arms found their way around me. Wrapping all the way to the other sides, under my arms. I was so small within his hold. That’s how much bigger than me he is. I revelled in that, finding it exciting. He’s big enough to shelter me from the whole of Ferus. I thought. I was willing to stay there, in his embrace, forever. I tucked my face against his shoulder. “Hold me." “I got you. Long as you want." I realized how much he had to hunker down, to embrace me as he was doing. I giggled. “What?” “Your back is going to ache." “It'll be worth it." I lightly pushed him away. Hoping to save his spine some pain. “You know, I've always found it highly unfair that I spend so much more time naked than you do." “Touché, my love," He spread his arms as if to offer himself to me. “Feel free to strip me until we are in equal standing." “You'd like that, wouldn't you?'' I said dryly. He grinned. Waggling his brows in answer. I caught his waistband and jerked him to me.