by Ciara Lake
“Loki.” Axel shook his head.
Loki shut his mouth, making a motion with his hand as if turning a key and then throwing the key away.
“All right, Axel.” He smiled, his lips pressed tight again.
Breanna liked the way Axel looked. Like an ancient warrior, powerful, assured. For a man, he had beautiful lips. The urge to kiss him swamped her every fiber, and she almost forgot the other two who were standing near. Axel’s tan face looked smooth shaven, and it begged to be kissed. His eyes were electric blue, deeper blue, warmer now. Everything about him seemed enticing. When she had a strong feeling about him, the ring reinforced it with a pleasurable pulse up her arm.
“Okay, okay.” Loki waved his hands all about, breaking his silence again. “I’ll be back. I was in the middle of something anyway, family issues.” He frowned. “I’ll leave Chrisalannis to visit with you. You girls should talk.” Loki patted Chrisalannis on her arm. “I’ll be back as soon as Father’s done lecturing me. I do want to see this romance blossom.”
Loki disappeared in a flash of blue and white light. It nearly blinded Breanna, and for a few seconds all she could see was stars. She leaned against Axel. He put his arm around her.
“Hello.” Chrisalannis stepped closer to them. “I was waiting for Loki to give me a second to greet you properly. He’s really nice, just a ball of energy. He never stops talking, if he likes you.” She giggled. “He can be tricky, but he’s especially fond of Axel. He likes the ice fey too.” Chrisalannis took Breanna’s hand. “Welcome to our land of ice and fire. I’m happy to hear Axel has found his one. He has been alone for too long.”
Around the perimeter of the garden a dozen torches came to life, lighting the garden as the sun dropped behind the castle. The torchlight gave the garden a dreamy quality. Soft lute intertwined with flute played. The music was pleasingly romantic. Breanna looked around for the source.
“The music is from Loki.” Chrisalannis smiled. “Loki is providing you with a romantic setting. Perhaps I should leave?”
“Chrisalannis,” Axel stopped her. “Breanna’s mother is here in one of my guest rooms. She’s a Forsaken who is struggling with memories which aren’t hers, but her ancestor’s. She’s pained by these memories. Is there any way you can help her? She suffers more than she should.”
“What’s her name?”
“Fiona,” Breanna answered.
“I’ll go introduce myself to her.” Chrisalannis stepped closer to Breanna. “I would love to offer my help. If she allows me, I’ll take her to my palace.”
“But…”
“Please don’t worry. I’ll take good care of her.” Chrisalannis gently touched her arm. “I have a way with people, of putting them at ease. I’ll call for you if your mother is upset for any reason. I’ll be kind to her. I feel sorry for the Forsaken’s descendants who have suffered recollection. It’s difficult for them to continue on at times. What happened to those immortals is unprecedented.” To Breanna’s surprise, the regal fey hugged her. Her hug was warm with sincere emotion, yet her body felt chilly. “Embrace this time with Axel. Both of you take this time to get to know each other.” She smiled. “You’re lovely beyond words. I extend my friendship to you.” She held Breanna’s hand. Lightly she squeezed it with her cold hand.
“Thank you.” Breanna smiled. “I accept your offer.”
Chrisalannis kissed Breanna’s cheek. “Trust Axel with your heart, you’ll not regret it. He has always been kind to the fey. I owe him much. I’ll go find Fiona. I can see to her recovery and happiness.” Chrisalannis disappeared in a swirl of cold wind.
The lute played louder in a whimsically romantic tune.
“The music’s nice.” Axel softly spoke near Breanna’s ear.
She looked up at him. “Yes, the torchlight’s nice too. Look how it makes the ice shine.”
“Would you like to dance?” He took her hand, pulling her closer to him. “You keep moving away from me,” he teased her. “I promise I won’t bite you.” He grinned, showing his pearly teeth.
“I’ve never danced before. I don’t know how.”
“I’d love to teach you. It would be an honor.” He pulled her closer, holding her in his arms.
She felt small within his embrace. His shoulders were so broad he sheltered her. The music’s rhythm and melody encouraged her to move with him. Despite her mixed emotions, the mood combined with Axel was too much to resist. Suddenly her coat disappeared, and he enveloped her more within his arms as they continued to move.
“The music’s beautiful. I like dancing,” Breanna said as they swayed together. She felt cozy warm in his arms.
“I’m glad you like it.”
Axel’s masculine scent caused her head to swim with a longing to be closer to him. Breanna pressed her face into his tunic, inhaling deeply. Mmm. She wanted to moan.
His arms wrapped tighter around her. He seemed perfect. She felt comfortably safe within his hold. She looked up at him, and he smiled gently at her. His hands traveled down her body, and he lightly pressed her bottom into him, moving her closer. Initially, she tensed with his familiar touch. The sensual effect he had on her dazed her. He kissed the side of her face, relaxing her. Breanna kissed him in return. The temptation of his lips so close made it impossible to resist him. When their lips met, her body pulsed as if energy filled her. The ring amplified the sensations swirling in her body. Dampness gathered between her legs, she could feel the moistness grow. My goodness, he feels wonderful. I can’t be foolish and allow him to be with me so soon. I can’t let myself be hurt, but I can’t help myself either.
A wave of warmth passed over her from the rear, the lights dimmed, and the music ended. “What’s happened?” Pulling back, she looked around. They were in a new location—a bedroom suite. A roaring fireplace blazed behind her, the wood crackling. The familiar scent of a healthy fire filled the air. Behind Axel was an enormous bed covered in golden beige satiny sheets. They gleamed under the candles. A dark brown fur coverlet lay at the end of the bed. “The bed’s very attractive.”
“This is our room,” he whispered. “I thought we needed some privacy. I’m glad you like it. No one will be listening in on us here. Just you and I are here, alone to be free with each other.”
He kissed her neck. Breanna shivered with anticipation. Axel pulled back from her, removing his tunic. Breanna could hardly breathe. His stomach was flat, taut muscles. His waist narrowed, tapering from his board shoulders. The smooth skin on his chest glowed, a healthy tan color emphasized by the lighting. Built strong, like a true warrior, he was as a knight—no, a Viking. She wanted to touch him, run her hands over his smooth, inviting skin. His trousers snuggly fit him with his boots to his knees. To Breanna’s amazement his manhood grew larger, pushing against the material. He stood a few feet from her watching her. His boots disappeared, then he walked to her in his bare feet.
“Do I please you?” he asked.
Breanna looked away. Heat rushed to her face. Dear me, I’m staring at him and his…manhood. It grew while I looked.
“Don’t be shy, my love. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll be gentle with you.”
An ivory satin sleeveless nightgown replaced her velvet dress. The low-cut gown revealed much of her generous breasts. She was barefoot too. At the same time, a soft wool rug magically slipped beneath her. Her toes curled into the fabric.
“You look lovely, my bride.” His eyes gleamed in the candlelight.
Axel moved closer, and she allowed him to kiss her. She wanted his kisses. Her hands traveled over his back. His warm skin encouraged her to touch him. His enlarged cock pressed into her, and it thrilled her. She shivered again with need. Overcome with desire, the dampness grew between her legs. Her breasts they were tender. She pressed against him.
He inhaled. “You smell nice. You desire me.” He kissed her neck down to her shoulder. “Your need pleases me.”
Entranced by the moment, Breanna ran her hands through his hair.
It felt soft, silky. Her actions seemed to encourage him. His hot lips traveled from her shoulders to the front of her neck. Surprising her, he sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling her to him. Shock mixed with excitement flowed through her as he kissed her cleavage, burying his face between her breasts. His mouth felt hot, bold. Her head fell back as she was enraptured by his passionate onslaught.
“Oh, Axel.”
His lips surrounded her nipple through her gown. Hot, wet, he sucked her tender nipple. His large hands clasped her bottom. Leaning into him, she moaned. Breanna sensed her moan sent a message of surrender, making him react more intensely. After he laved both nipples through her gown, she was shaking with need.
Axel inhaled slowly as if calming himself. “I don’t want to rush this or frighten you with my passion for you.”
She kissed his lips, leaning more into him. The feel of his cock made her desperate to see it, touch it. My curiosity always gets me in trouble.
“Do you want me?” He sweetly kissed the side of her mouth.
“Yes,” she whispered.
She brushed his hair back from his face, fingering one of his tiny braids. He lifted her across him, up onto the bed. He moved her as if she weighed nothing. Again, she realized his power, and it thrilled her. The bed felt soft as she sank into it. It smelled of fresh evergreens. Quickly, Axel was on the bed next to her, pulling her near him. They looked deeply into each other’s eyes. He brushed her hair back, trailing his hand down its length. Breanna shivered at his touch. He rested his hands on her hips as they kissed. His tongue pressed into her mouth. He tasted warm, spicy. She embraced him, kissing him with renewed heated emotion.
“Wait.” He pulled back from her. “Wait, my love. Someone’s at the door of the castle.” He frowned.
“Who?” She was hot all over from the remarkable sensations she’d been experiencing. She had the urge to spread her legs, or bring her leg up over his.
“I don’t know.” His eyes cooled, they were a lighter blue. “It’s odd for someone to be knocking at my door. No one visits except for those you’ve already met and they don’t knock. I’m sorry, my love, I have to see who it is. They did not pass through my portal, they’ve come another way.” He sat up and moved to the edge of the bed. “They’re insistent with their pounding.”
Breanna could see he was upset, disappointed for having to stop. “I can’t hear them,” she said.
“Did you hear that?”
“Yes.” She nodded. Now, it was as if they were breaking down the door.
“I’m going to make them sorry.” Axel gritted his teeth.
Breanna tensed at the anger in his voice, old fear rearing its ugly head.
“Oh, my love, worry not. I’m sorry, I’m just very…upset.” In an instant, Axel stood fully dressed. He looked back over his shoulder, reaching for her. “Come.” He patted the edge of the bed. “Let me dress you again.”
Breanna moved next to him. A thick, fur-lined, satin robe covered her. It was pale pink, embroidered all over with tiny roses.
“Stay here. I’ll be back.” An armchair with a table next to it appeared in front of the fireplace. Another brown wool rug covered the marble floor. Holding her hand, he led her to the chair. “Sit here and have some wine.” A crystal glass appeared in his hand filled with a rose-colored liquid. On the table bread, cheese, and grapes arrived.
“You’re amazing. I love your magic.” She giggled.
“When we join, I’ll share my powers with you, making you immortal as I am.” He kissed her cheek. “Wait for me. I will not be long. Nothing can keep me from being with my bride.” Axel turned on his heels, and before she could respond he walked out the door.
Chapter 5
Axel walked to the front entrance, preserving his energy for whatever awaited him. Plus, the walk allowed him to cool down. The vibes he felt were not pleasant, he knew he was about to have a confrontation of sorts. Conjuring a sword, he strode forward, prepared for battle if need be. Standing ten feet from the entrance, he beckoned the doors to open. A gush of cold wind blew snow into the great hall. The moon lit the night, enhanced by its reflection on the snow. A large man, dressed in black, with short black hair and silver eyes stood at the threshold. Axel knew he was a supernatural creature. He could feel his power, it rolled off him in waves. In fact, he resembled Loki, but it was not his friend.
“Greetings, stranger. What can I do for you?” Axel asked.
“Aren’t you going to invite me in?” The man cocked his head to the side.
“No. State your business from where you stand.” Axel took a step forward. “I do not invite strangers into my castle.”
“I’m Icesykcus Akvo. I have business with Axel Venrick. Bring him to me.”
“What business do you have with troll Venrick?”
“It’s between us. Fetch your master.” Any pleasantry faded from the stranger’s voice, taking on a hard, cold tone with no room for disobedience.
“There is no need, I’m Axel Venrick.” He bowed his head in greeting.
“Yes, you do resemble the bitch.” Icesykcus’s eyes traveled over Axel as if sizing him up.
“What do you want?” Axel’s tone sounded uninviting. “I’m busy. I don’t have time for games.”
“Arta sent me to collect what’s owed.” Icesykcus placed his hands on his hips.
“I’m not Arta. I may resemble her, but I’m not her. I owe you nothing. What’s between you and Arta doesn’t involve me,” Axel responded dryly. “I’m not my mother’s keeper. She has a mate to make things right with you. Plus...” He shrugged. “She’s long grown, able to pay her own debts, settle her own affairs. You waste my time, I’m busy.”
“Arta tells me differently.” Icesykcus crossed his arms in front of him.
“You believe what she tells you?” Axel challenged.
The man’s face contorted, making him less handsome. “I’m from the bottom of the world, Antarctica,” he said, changing the subject. “We have similar taste in climate, although, it’s much warmer here.” He looked around. “I do like your ice castle. It would suit me, I’m particularly fond of ice.”
“What type of supernatural creature are you?”
“I’m a krevellian.”
“I thought krevellians were water creatures.” Axel looked him over from head to toe. “Or monsters, depending on one’s point of view.”
“Yes, you’re quite right, we are water creatures, but like I mentioned, I’m fond of ice. It too is water.” Icesykcus tapped his fingers on his arm. “Arta visited me at my home in Antarctica. Your mother is something beyond description.”
“I take it that’s not a good thing?”
“She took something precious of mine. She offered something special in return, deceiving me.” He gritted his teeth. “She promised to stay with me as my wife. Later I discovered she had a mate with over eighty children, and she had no intent of leaving her mate. Your mother’s a liar.” His pale skin darkened with rage, pouring from him in waves.
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
“When I confronted Arta, she told me you would make good her deception by paying me. She assured me you’re a troll of great wealth, her first born. I can see you’re indeed wealthy.”
“My mother’s debts aren’t my concern.” Axel shook his head, understanding the wizard’s anger. “She lies frequently. I don’t trust her myself. If you were fool enough to fall under her alluring spell, you’re a fool indeed. I cannot save you from your own mistakes. I’m sorry for you, but there’s nothing I can do.”
“Troll, you displease me.”
“I’m not trying to please you, krevellian. That too, is not my concern.”
“I intend on being paid.” He hit an ice staff on the ground, and the drawbridge shook. “Your mother used my ice bridge as her portal as well as my waterways to conduct her own business. She then took a precious treasure of mine under false pretenses.”
“Get it back from her.” Axel shrugge
d. “Go after her.”
“I cannot, she took my heart. I allowed her to hold it, thinking she would be my mate.”
“I’m sorry for you. I almost understand your plight. I know the stories of a krevellian’s heart. Arta is cruel indeed to have done what you claim.”
“You don’t understand. I can’t regain what she has taken from me. I demand some compensation for my pain, or another.”
“Another?”
“Yes, a lovely woman who can replace Arta, one who is better in every way. Perhaps you know one?”
“No, I do not,” Axel stated firmly.
“Then I demand payment in gold, jewels for my inconvenience and the hurt your mother caused me. As her oldest son you should see to righting this wrong.”
“Is that right?”
“Arta assured me you’ll make good this for her. So, I am being pleasant with you in anticipation of you doing just that. Otherwise, I’d be blowing a hole in you. Also, Arta tells me you associate with the lovely ice fey and other beautiful females. I wish to meet them, and you can arrange our meeting. As long as you are cooperative, I will be nice enough. I can be reasonable.”
“Think again, Icesykcus, I don’t have time for this. You should learn how to find your own woman. You’re outwardly appealing enough. As I told you, I owe my mother no help or aid in her doings. The queen of foolery has fooled you.” Axel stepped closer to the entrance. “You must deal with her directly. Now, I need to return to my business.” Slamming the door, Axel strode for the stairs.
Fury and passion raced through his blood at the thought of the two women in his life. Once again, his mother had created a problem. Resounding thumps filled the air, shaking his home. A loud noise brought his attention to the ceiling. Jumping back, he watched the chandelier crash to the floor. Morphing into his troll form, he stormed to the doors and opened them, intent on casting the intruder from his realm no matter what the ice wizard thought.
