by Lisa Kumar
She breathed a bit easier at that knowledge. Still, her parents knew. The implications of that bludgeoned into her. All her relief died, and she sagged against the hard wood. Suddenly, her parents’ behavior the previous afternoon and evening made terrible sense. Of course, they would be thrilled at the possibility of uniting their daughter with a dragon fae lord. They feared she’d never marry, so to have this opportunity arise would’ve seemed a miracle.
Damn it, now her parents would have reason to hound her incessantly about marriage. She’d played right into their hands by sleeping with him. If they hadn’t known about the true bond mate thing, she could’ve just shrugged off her night with Eacion as something that had fizzled out. They might’ve not liked it, but even they wouldn’t have been so bold as to suggest that Eacion do the right thing and offer marriage.
Anni glared at him and straightened to stand tall. “I’m getting dressed and need time to clear my mind.”
He dipped his head. “As you wish.” After one last glance at her, he strode into the bathing chamber.
Now that she was alone, she closed her eyes for a second and let her shoulders slump. God, what a mess.
Chapter 14
An hour later and no closer to knowing her own mind or heart, Anni limped along the outer paths that lay beyond the gates of the village. Though it was after nine in the morning, blessedly few people had set about their chores. Most had opted to enjoy a sleep-in after a festive night. The only ones about were the sentries on duty, and she ignored them easily enough.
She leaned heavily on her walking cane, something she always resorted to when her leg pained her unbearably. Thankfully, she’d been able to retrieve it from her room without her parents’ notice. Most likely, they were out of the house or sleeping. Their home was large but not big enough that one could successfully hide away—or even sneak in or out if they were as unevenly gaited as she was—if somebody was alert.
Stray pebbles scattered across the uneven flagstones. She scowled at them. Even they had the good sense to avoid her. She was no fit company right now. Even Janaa, who’d been out surprisingly early, had found that out. Anni sighed. She’d have to apologize to her friend later for being so short-tempered.
Even the warm, bright morning could only do so much to lighten her troubled thoughts. She’d come out here to find peace, but it seemed that was an elusive thing. All trails brought her back to the same place.
Eacion.
What did she do about him? Part of her wanted to pretend none of this ever happened. That way, he’d go away, and she’d never see him again. But it wasn’t that simple. For one, he probably wouldn’t walk away from her completely without a fight. Even when he left, he’d soon be back to press his suit. He didn’t seem the kind to give up once he had his gaze on something or, in this case, someone.
Worse, a large portion of her didn’t want to see the back of him. He was fascinating and almost insanely irresistible. The thought of him vacating her life made a cold sweat spring up on her back. How could any one person have her so torn, especially after such a short time?
She touched the side of her neck. At least she’d had the presence of mind to grab a scarf when she went for her cane. No need to give people more gossip. They had quite enough as it was.
“Well, look at who’s already been kicked out of bed,” a snide voice said from behind her.
Anni jumped a bit as she was ripped back to the moment and then groaned. She knew the owner of those venomous words—Cassy. Apparently, the woman thought she had something to gloat about. If she only knew the truth.
Anni slowly turned and faced her adversary with a sweet smile. “Not kicked. I left to clear my mind. Lord Eacion placed a question to me that I couldn’t answer.”
Jealousy, hot and raw, flowed across Cassy’s face before her expression smoothed out. “What? He wants you to be his scullery maid? After all, that’s about all you’d be fit for.”
“I believe he has something far different in mind.” Anni’s mouth was getting ahead of her, but at this moment, she didn’t care.
The harpy’s mouth thinned. “We can’t have that.”
Anni snorted. “You have little say in my life.” Make that no say.
“Oh, I will once Alvin marries you.”
A bark of laughter escaped Anni. Cassy must be going truly mad. “As if I would ever wed your cousin.” The loathsome beast was only after money and power. He had no real interest in her other than her status as the mayor’s daughter.
“But you will wed me after I’m done with you.”
Alvin’s voice—and its inherent threat—wormed its way up Anni’s spine. With steely resolve, she forced herself to ignore the sensation. “Mr. Townsend, I will do no such thing. I’ll leave you to your cousin. Good day.”
She pivoted on her heel, wanting to put as much distance between her and the duo as she could. A strong hand snaked out and grabbed her arm, stopping her escape.
“Let me go,” she demanded evenly, though her heart beat a wild, runaway rhythm in her chest.
A sinister smile flitted over his lips. “We have a wedding and then honeymoon to see to. After Lord Eacion so dreadfully abandons you after taking your virginity, it’s quite understandable why you would turn to me and my welcoming arms. What better way to get back at him and Cassy for betraying you so?”
She stared at him. He was as much a lunatic as his cousin. She pulled at her arm, knowing she needed to leave now, but his grip held. “You’re crazy. Let me go, or I’ll scream.”
Alvin yanked her against him. A scream bubbled up in her throat. Before it could reach freedom, a hand slapped over her nose and mouth, forcing her to breathe in something that had a strong chemical smell.
Her consciousness dimmed, along with her eyesight, even as fear pounded through her. She struggled weakly and fought the sensation, knowing if she succumbed, they could do with her as they wished. Blackness crept over her, though, consuming all in its path.
A POTENT ECHO OF FRIGHT rolled through Eacion as he dressed after bathing. He froze, his fingers stilling on the buttons of his tunic. Anni?
Shutting his eyes, he traced the delicate thread further inward and, conversely, outward. Fear and pain were what awaited him. His heart jolted in his chest.
He grabbed his boots and slipped them on with hurried hands. Though he grabbed his sword, it was a mere practicality. His nails could become the sharpest of claws, not that the knowledge comforted him right now.
By the Great Dragon, if something happened to her... The mere thought of it crushed his lungs in a vice. He raced out of his chamber, down the stairs, and out of the inn, barely noticing the other patrons warily observing him.
He telepathically sent out a distress cry to his son and the others of his kin here. Anni’s safety wouldn’t be left to chance. She was his heart and already entwined in his soul. While he might be able to survive without her, he didn’t want the half-life of doing so.
Chapter 15
Anni groaned, consciousness slowly returning to her. The hard surface under her pressed against all her bony places in a most uncomfortable way. This wasn’t her bed, so where was she? As she opened her eyes to a dark room, the events of the last two days crashed back. With a gasp of distress, she flung herself upward. The pounding of her head caused her to wince.
Oh God, where was she? As she cupped her aching head in her hands, the room drifted into dark focus. The first thing that hit her was that she was on a bed that held a wooden board, not a mattress. The second thing was the smell of general decay that rested heavily in the air. She glanced around warily. Outlines of a few ratty pieces of furniture were visible. Most importantly, Cassy and Alvin weren’t in view, but that didn’t mean they weren’t close by. In fact, she was sure they were.
She took stock of herself. Her dress might be a bit dirtier, but there were no tears or obvious stains. Other than her head and a general sluggishness, everything felt intact. Though she was still sore from Eacion’s e
xertions, there didn’t seem to be any new ones, thank heavens. The thought of Alvin violating her was a horror too great to contemplate for long.
For a moment, she allowed herself to wallow in pity. She’d give anything to be back in bed with Eacion. Though his neck-biting actions had infuriated her, they felt trivial in comparison to what faced her now. She believed him when he said he’d gotten carried away and let instinct take over. Alvin’s behavior was guided by no redeeming features, only by pure lust for money and social standing.
If she got out of this alive and unwed, she’d have to reassess the whole situation with her dragon fae. No one had ever made her feel as safe as he did. After their semi-argument, would he even realize she was missing until it was too late? She couldn’t wait for him to come, though she had no doubt he would.
Her mind worked furiously. How did she save herself? Should she attempt an escape? With her bad leg, she could never hope to outrun them if they gave chase. As she gingerly stood up, she groped for something to hold onto. Waves of fire seared her left leg. Damn, what she wouldn’t do for her cane right now. Dare she try to open the covers over the one window she spied? Or attempt to locate a lamp?
She limped over to the window and pulled back the dingy-feeling material a bit. Drat, bars blocked any possible way out. Leaving the fabric slightly pulled to the side, she faced the room again. Light now spilled into the area, but nothing useful seemed to make an appearance. Only faded, peeling paint met her gaze. Any makeshift weapon or crutch would’ve been a godsend. Apparently, they’d been smart enough to remove any of those.
A door stood to the right, but she knew it had to be locked. Cassy and Alvin would be poor kidnappers if they hadn’t secured it. Still, she should try on the off-chance.
After making her painful way to the door, she twisted the knob. It squeaked under her fingers but otherwise turned easily in her grasp. A startled breath left her. Poor kidnappers, indeed.
The dank hallway outside the chamber was no more inviting than the room had been. One end of the corridor dead-ended while the other contained an open doorway through which a faint light shone. A few other closed doorways interspersed the hallway at intervals. Anni hesitated before checking the other knobs. All locked. So that left either going back into the room she’d vacated or heading to the other end of the corridor. Most likely, Cassy and Alvin lurked there, just waiting for her to journey forth. Was it part of their game, to increase her suspense and fear?
Shoring up her courage, she set one foot before the other, each step seeming to draw her closer to her doom. It was a horrible feeling that preyed upon one’s very soul.
She crept to the threshold, prepared to peer into what lay beyond, when a voice froze her cold.
“Come on in, my bride. We’ve been waiting for you.” With that ghastly smile of his, Alvin strutted into her line of sight.
She wanted to shrink back but buoyed herself to keep her ground. “You won’t get away with this. My father will have your head.”
“Your father is an old fool.” Alvin stopped when he stood but a foot away. “He should’ve married you off long ago. Besides, even he can’t revoke marriage vows performed by a minister.”
She shook her head. “Thompson wouldn’t be privy to this dastardly act.” The minister was a decent fellow and wouldn’t willingly fall into such plans.
“Who said I’m having him officiate the wedding?” With a firm grip, he pulled her into the next room, a decrepit kitchen of an old, abandoned farmhouse. “It’s not terribly hard to find a man of religion for sale if the price is right. Meet Harride from the village over. He’s so graciously accepted to marry us this early evening.”
A greasy-haired, middle-aged man arose from one of the rickety chairs. A satisfied smile curved his full lips. “So this is the lovely bride? My, how you’ve grown, Ms. Brownston.”
She recoiled from him. He was a despicable man and had always been. Even her forgiving father only held disdain for him. The sound of a door opening drew all their attention.
Cassy sauntered in and stopped near the evil minister. “Well, have you done it yet?” Her gaze landed expectantly on her cousin.
Alvin rolled his eyes. “You know we need a witness. We’ve been waiting for you. Did you do your part?”
Cassy glowered. “I couldn’t find Lord Eacion, so, no, there was no seduction, drugged or not.”
Alvin took a threatening step toward her. “You couldn’t find him?”
“No, by the time I’d returned, he’d already mounted a search for her.” Cassy said her as if it were a poisonous word. The glare she leveled at Anni was just as hate-filled.
Alvin advanced on her. “What! He’s looking for us, and you didn’t think to come back until now to tell me?”
“Calm down. He doesn’t know anything! That’s why I stuck around—to find out what he knows.”
“He knows too much! He realizes she’s missing. We’re not that far from the village. He’s a dragon fae with a sensitive nose.”
“And that’s why you better hurry up and marry your lame bride. Once you’re married, even he can’t touch you for what we’ve done.”
Doubt clouded Alvin’s face before it faded away in the next breath. “You better be right. You promised me you’d handle him and any problems he may give us.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “I will. Do you have so little faith in my wiles?”
“He’s not one of your eager town idiots wanting to get under your skirt. He’s thousands of years old and well used to the ways of women.”
Cassy scoffed. “He’s a male underneath it all. Don’t worry.”
Anni inched for the door from which Cassy had entered. Though she knew it was likely futile, she had to attempt to rescue herself. Or at least hold them off long enough until help arrived in the form of Eacion and her father.
Her hand had just touched the knob and was twisting it when Alvin cried out, “Grab her!”
Anni flung the door open and narrowly avoided Cassy and Alvin’s lunge at her. Adrenaline lent her speed she normally didn’t have, though she knew her leg would suffer terribly for it later. Each step was agony, and her limp saw her almost fall a few times. But none of that mattered if she could reach safety.
She raced around the corner, and her leg nearly buckled underneath her. A gasp ripped from her, but she managed to stay upright. God, what she wouldn’t do for the cover of darkness. How they weren’t catching her, she didn’t know.
Loud footfalls pounded behind her. They were so close she all but felt their hot breath on her back. Fingers grabbed at her dress, but the material slipped through their grasp.
Sweat wove down her face as her heartbeat drowned out all noise around her. A copse of trees stood to her right, so she aimed for them. She ran faster than she ever had before. Before, there had never been a need to push herself too far, but now... Maybe, just maybe, she could lose her pursuers in there.
Miraculously, she reached the edge of the woods and dashed into them. Somehow, her leg held. The limb felt numb, which probably wasn’t a good thing and likely meant any more running was out of the question. Glancing around wildly at the light-dappled forest, she saw numerous tree trunks but none large enough to hide her. Though she didn’t see Cassy or Alvin or hear any tell-tale sounds behind her, that meant nothing. The blood roaring in her ears canceled out all other noise.
She kept up a quick clip while she could, holding onto trunks for support. Her left leg was nothing but a nearly useless stump for her to propel herself from. Around one tree and then another she went, with furtive glances thrown over her shoulder. Every second, she expected Cassy or Alvin to materialize and drag her back to that farmhouse. She jumped at every shadow and animal that skittered across her path.
Finally, her leg gave out, and she fell against a tree. The bark skinned her bare forearms, but the pain was nothing compared to the turmoil of her mind. She tried to lift herself up and find purchase. Her leg, however, was having none of i
t. She crashed back to the ground.
Shit, shit, shit! That noise alone would’ve alerted a hard-of-hearing person, and Cassy and Alvin had no such problems. She refused to be easy prey, though. Gritting her teeth, she forced all her weight onto her good leg. After she slowly leaned against the tree and walked her trembling hands up the rough bark, she stood. A silent sob of triumph escaped her as she hugged the trunk in a death grip.
Now, though, how did she move? She cast about for a branch strong enough to serve as a cane. There, to the left of her. Biting her lip, she considered how to best go about grabbing it. Bending while supported on one leg was a challenge she wasn’t sure she could conquer.
She had to attempt it, though. By some miracle, they hadn’t found her yet. With a grunt, she lowered herself. Suddenly, strong arms closed about her. She froze, halfway to the ground. The person tugged her up against a hard chest.
Oh God, no. Fright and anger burst through her veins. She struggled wildly against the hold. Then a now familiar voice whispered, “Be still. It’s Eacion.”
Chapter 16
Anni sagged against Eacion, putting her weight on her good leg, and closed her eyes. Heady relief soared through her until her head swam from the sensation. His tight grip comforted her more than anything else she could think of. Even the agony shooting through her limb couldn’t dim it.
“Anni, you’re safe,” he murmured into her hair as if he were convincing himself of that.
“You came for me.” She rubbed her cheek against the soft fabric of his overtunic, never wanting to let go of him.
“You had any doubt of that?”
“No.” She hadn’t and saw no reason to deny it.
“Good. Then we understand each other.”
“Yes, better than before.” Her anger, though it’d been deserved, felt insignificant after being kidnapped and almost forced into a repulsive marriage.
