Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87731 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 439(@200wpm)___ 351(@250wpm)___ 292(@300wpm)
“You speak with witch in morning,” the troll called out, then his heavy footfalls were heard climbing the stone stairs.
Kaelan had taken Bria in his arms as soon as he had entered the cell. Her arms had gone around him as well, and she held on tightly, even tighter now with the cell bathed in darkness. The flickering torches beyond the iron door barely reached through the slit in the door only casting a shred of light now and again.
“I need you to listen to me, Bria, though I mostly need you to understand and grasp the necessity of our situation and the danger as well,” Kaelan said.
Bria’s worry grew, hearing not just concern in his voice but a command as if what he was about to say would leave her no choice. And the way his body grew taut against her, she feared he prepared for battle. But how could he or the beast battle a witch?
“I regret it has to be this way, in such a terrible place, but we have little choice.”
We. He included himself, so he was not pleased with what he was about to say to her.
She grabbed a handful of his shirt in her hand, only then realizing he wasn’t wearing his leather vest. It along with their cloaks were in the cottage. For some reason, the thought left her feeling more vulnerable.
“Please explain, Kaelan. You are making me anxious of what you might say.”
He did not hesitate. “We need to join, seal our commitment as husband and wife.”
That was something she never expected him to say, and it stunned her silent, though not for long. “Here? Now? In this cell?” She shook her head yet knew he had to have a good reason. “Why now?”
“There is no time to waste. The witch could change her mind and summon us to her at any time. You have my word that I will explain it all afterward. But right now…” He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her lightly. “We need to join, confirming us husband and wife according to Thornek beliefs. And later, when all is settled, I will commit with you in whatever way is your custom.”
Bria let her feelings be known. “This does not seem right.”
“Aye, it is not a place for such a special moment, but I will make it up to you.”
“The first time can never be fully erased from memory,” she said.
“Then I will do my best to make our next joining a memory you cherish.” He kissed her again, not softly, but with an urgency that let her know how much he loved her.
Bria had felt little desire until this kiss. It heated her as fast as a flame to dried kindling.
“You idiot!”
The shout echoed down the stairs.
“Bloody hell,” Kaelan mumbled, then whispered to Bria. “I am sorry, but this cannot wait.”
He lowered her to the stone floor, tossed up her garments, and entered her swiftly. The pain struck so hard and fast that Bria didn’t even have time to gasp though her hands instinctively reached out and grabbed hold of his forearms. Her breath felt caught in her throat and it took her a couple of moments to regain it. The pain began to subside, replaced by a pleasant stirring as Kaelan moved rapidly within her.
An angry voice grew closer. “Together. How could you be so stupid!”
Bria gasped and tightened her grip on Kaelan’s arms as he drove harder into her. She lay there, pleasure stirring along with confusion, disappointment, and fear. This was not the way it should be when joining for the first time.
Kaelan suddenly groaned and dropped down on Bria, whispering in her ear, “I am sorry, so very sorry it had to be this way.”
He hurried and pulled out of her and she winced.
“I hurt you?” Kaelan asked, leaning over her.
“Some,” she said.
Anger flared in his eyes. “I never meant—”
“Hurry up, you fool!”
Upon hearing the woman so close, Kaelan got to his feet and helped Bria to stand. No sooner than she did, the iron door flew open.
“Get out here!” a woman’s voice screeched.
Kaelan took hold of Bria’s hand, and she felt his strength seep into her as he led her out of the cell.
Bria couldn’t hide her surprise upon seeing the stunning, tall, older woman standing there. She wore a purple robe, the belt cinched tight around her slender waist, and her long, silver hair was piled haphazardly on top of her head, loose strands trailing down her neck and along the sides of her lovely face. And she had the boldest blue eyes Bria had ever seen.
The witch sniffed the air and the blue of her eyes suddenly swirled with anger.
“Touch my wife, Ogga, and you know what will happen,” Kaelan warned.
“Back in the cell,” she shouted. “I will deal with you both in the morning.”