CravingLadyStarr

by Ruth D. Kerce

  Everyone stopped fighting and turned toward the soldier who had spoken. “Bring them,” he ordered.

  Starr looked at Aleron, who appeared as shocked as she. Could it be true? Were they finally about to be released?

  * * * * *

  Démon headed toward a couple of his soldiers who rushed out of the forest and appeared agitated. “What is wrong?”

  “Aleron and Starr attempted an escape. We managed to recapture them a short distance from their room.”

  Démon’s heart pounded. “Are they hurt?”

  “No, prince.”

  He breathed a sigh of relief then his eyes narrowed. “How did they get out of their room?”

  “Someone apparently unlocked the door. We are looking for the guards assigned to their room for questioning. We suspect there is a traitor in our midst.”

  He had his own ideas about who was responsible and he did not think it was either of the assigned guards. “I want the traitor found.”

  “Yes, Prince Démon. I will see to it.”

  Several minutes later, Démon saw Starr emerge from between the trees. She looked disheveled but well. When she saw Viper, her face lit up and she ran toward him.

  He caught her in his arms, hugging her tightly. “You are unharmed?” he asked against her wealth of long, black hair, an uncommon hitch in his voice.

  “I am well, brother. Do not worry.”

  Démon watched Dominique search the tree line until she saw Aleron. The night breeze streamed his blond hair behind him. He approached her with a steady stride. She stepped forward and gave him a quick hug. Their public display was minimal, but Démon felt their unspoken emotions.

  “I hear you have given my château to Démon, cousin.” Aleron’s eyes bored into hers.

  Démon snorted. His soldiers must have relayed the information while bringing them down the mountain. Seeing Aleron’s frustration felt good. Aleron had lost his château and the surrounding lands. It would be interesting to see what would become of his life now.

  “We negotiated your release. La Lune belongs to those Of the Bane. You will be given Castle Toussaint in exchange to do with as you please.” She rushed the words as if to stop any protests.

  He arched an eyebrow. “Indeed? And you will be where?”

  “At Haut Manor with Lord Viper de L’Night.”

  Haut Manor. The main building of the L’Night holdings and territory and where the blood party had been held. The party he had dragged Starr from. A large amount of business was conducted there on a daily basis—military gatherings, training exercises, battle committee talks to name just a few, from what he knew. The Sorceress Society Elders lived in the bowels of that property. The High Council held most of their meetings in one of the outbuildings. And certain allied, royal leaders of each Underworld Society utilized the courtyard area for their special ceremonies.

  “We have been joined by the Ero-X,” Dominique told him.

  Aleron glanced over at Viper, still holding Starr. He remained silent a long moment before he spoke. “I am not certain how I feel about these new arrangements and developments, Dominique.” However, given all that had happened, he could not complain too much. Especially if he wanted them to accept his joining with Starr. And strangely, though he had lost the château, he had obtained everything that he really wanted.

  “It is decided. So I hope you will comply with my orders, for everyone’s sake.”

  Starr pulled away from Viper and came to stand beside Aleron. “We shall make it work. Viper has said he will give me free rein at Castle de L’Night. I shall give Raine the pleasure of that portion of the L’Night territory.”

  Viper approached, his eyes narrowing. “You would give the castle to Raine? I do not understand.”

  Aleron reached out and took her hand. “Starr will be living with me. Apparently at Castle Toussaint.”

  Dominique looked back and forth between the two, as did Viper. “Something has happened between you two?” she asked.

  “It is a long story to be told at a more convenient time,” Aleron said, a small smile on his face. Everyone would know the truth before the next moonrise, but here was not the place to make the announcement. His coat moved and two furry heads popped out.

  Viper laughed, suddenly looking more at ease. “Belda and Caresse. You have taken care of those closest to me, Aleron. This is good.” He looked at his sister. “I will not protest what you have chosen to do but we will talk at length soon.”

  Starr leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Soon.”

  Someone cleared his throat behind them. “If all the niceties are over and done with, can we finalize what needs to be done here?” Démon grumbled.

  Viper turned. “Seems we are all getting what we want. Do not be such a grump.”

  “Humph.”

  Viper, Dominique and Démon signed the title and the agreement in blood for the château and placed their official seals on the documents. All was now as it should be.

  As the soldiers prepared to move off and everyone mounted horses, Viper pulled Démon close. Even so, Aleron heard their conversation.

  “Now that this is finished, cousin, heed my words. We can be allies or enemies. The choice is yours. Make no mistake. This is the last concession you will receive. If you try to overstep your boundaries in the future, you will feel my wrath.”

  “Your words are not those of an ally, Viper,” Démon responded without flinching. “I concede that this is finished. But do not push your will on me. My wrath is equally formidable.” He broke Viper’s hold and stepped back.

  “Viper?” Dominique called. “We are ready.”

  After a strong glare at Démon, who looked unimpressed and not the least bit intimidated by his cousin’s retort, Viper turned and headed toward his family. Démon’s eyes burned into his back.

  Aleron helped Starr onto a horse and handed her the ferrets. “Wait here a moment.” He returned to Démon. “One more thing, Prince Démon.”

  “What is that?”

  In an instant, he smashed his fist into Démon’s gut, doubling the man over. A group of bane soldiers rushed forward, knives drawn.

  “No,” Démon ordered. He coughed and stood upright. As he held his stomach, his eyes grew dark. “I will allow that. But it is the last time, Aleron. Remember it.”

  Aleron felt good that he had seemingly hurt Démon with the punch. The man was not all-powerful after all. “With the joining of Toussaint and L’Night territories, you would do well to keep your distance from all of us from now on, Prince.”

  “Your threats mean nothing to me, Aleron. As loath as Viper and Starr might be to admit it, I am L’Night too.”

  “And an embarrassment, no doubt.”

  Démon’s eyes reddened and his hands curled into fists. “Get off my land before—”

  Aleron grabbed his collar. “Before what? You will do nothing. I expect my nest to be set free by the next moonrise or I will be back with reinforcements.” He released Démon, knowing the man would not do anything to jeopardize his acquisition of Château de La Lune. At least not before the papers had been handed over to the High Council for their final seal.

  Aleron turned and mounted his horse, satisfied at his departing shot to Démon’s honor. After being held prisoner for far too long, his own honor had needed some redemption.

  He and Starr followed Viper and Dominique down the road. They were finally free. Starr was his. And he had acquired a larger portion of the family territory.

  Overall, Viper would rule now that he and Dominique were joined. But he and Starr would control Castle Toussaint and the outer territories. The responsibility felt better than he had expected.

  He reached for Starr’s hand and interlaced their fingers. “Let us be happy with our new life, my love.”

  “As long as we are together, I shall be.” She smiled and squeezed his hand.

  Aleron smiled back. Bloodshed had been avoided and all was well. Only the howling of wolves behind them made Aleron t
hink that perhaps they had not heard the last from Les Lupes de Démon.

  He glanced over his shoulder to see Démon’s red eyes glowing in the night. “If you come, we shall be ready for you, Démon,” he whispered. “We shall be ready.”

  Chapter Nine

  As dusk descended over eastern France, Starr stood in the archway of the highest tower at Castle Toussaint. Aleron stood outside, near the tower’s lowest barrier wall. He stared out at the low-hanging moon. His thoughts seemed so far away.

  She stepped forward and stopped slightly behind him. “Your soldiers have begun to arrive. Démon is releasing them in groups of three or four to avoid conflict.”

  “He continues to play with me.” Aleron did not turn from his vantage point. “I was preparing to call upon Dominique’s soldiers to storm the château. Démon waited until the last moment to release my men simply to anger me.”

  “No doubt.” Démon would never readily submit to another leader’s will. He was too arrogant. Still, she hoped he would not cause them any further trouble and they all could live in peace now that he had gotten what he wanted.

  “Are my soldiers well at least?”

  “Some minor injuries. They are being attended to. You will need to talk to them soon though. I am told that they are already speaking of retaliation against Les Loups.”

  “Will there be a problem finding them beds here?”

  “No. As Dominique’s soldiers relocate to Haut Manor, your soldiers will be settled into the vacated chambers.”

  “When will Viper arrive?”

  “He and Dominique will be here in three days. I have a feast planned to celebrate our joinings. Belda and Caresse have decided to remain with us for a while, if that is permissible.”

  He nodded, but said nothing further.

  She rested the palm of her hand on his back. “Something still troubles you. What is it? All has worked out.”

  He remained silent for several moments. When he finally spoke, he did not answer her question, but asked more of his own. “What about the rest of my nest? My servants and Sun-Lifers?”

  “Those who were able arrived earlier in the day, I was told. I will check later to make certain the others are also here or are in route.”

  “Good.”

  Feeling his continued anxiety, she moved to his side to show support as she looked out over the land. Toussaint territories were as grand as de L’Night holdings. A battle had been averted and no one had been seriously hurt. He had lost his château, but gained so much more. What could possibly be worrying him so?

  “You are comfortable here?” he asked in a low voice, breaking the silence between them.

  “Very much so. Dominique has built a fine home in a coveted location.”

  “It is your home now.”

  “Our home.”

  “Yes. Ours.” With a sigh, he slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer. “I like it when you are next to me. It makes me feel stronger.”

  “We are a good team, I think.” She smiled, but only for a moment before sobering. “You still have not told me what is bothering you.”

  He hesitated a long moment before answering in a measured tone. “I do not know. I feel a disturbance.”

  “Hmm.” She glanced toward the horizon. “It is probably naught but the weather. A storm moves closer.” Dark clouds hung in the distance.

  “Perhaps.” He turned toward her and gave her a small smile. “I am truly blessed to have you in my life, my lady. You keep me sane and give me hope.”

  At his words, she felt tears form in her eyes. She kissed him gently on the lips. When his tongue traced the seam of her mouth, she opened for him. He kissed her deeply, sliding his tongue along hers, until she thought she would melt at his feet.

  He tugged at the bodice of her dress.

  Starr broke the kiss and planted her palms on his chest. “Not here.” She breathed heavily.

  “No one can see but the creatures of the night.”

  “Some of which may be avian sorceresses. They are notoriously nosy.”

  He chuckled. “Then let them see. We will show them our love without shame.” He tugged down the front of her gown and latched onto one of her nipples with his teeth.

  “Ah!” She tangled one hand in his hair as he nibbled and licked the hard bud. All thoughts of modesty fled. With her other hand, she worked at opening his trousers.

  He growled and stepped back, an intense look on his face. With swift movements, he tore the clothes from his body then set upon her, stripping off her dress.

  She felt the cool air waft over her naked skin. Her need for Aleron was stronger than ever. She doubted she would ever tire of this enigmatic man.

  With a strength that surprised her, he grabbed her hips and lifted her up onto his rock-hard cock. She grabbed his shoulders and wrapped her legs around him then sighed as she sank down upon him.

  He slid his hands under her ass and squeezed her cheeks.

  “Oh, Aleron, yes!”

  “Hold on tight.” He slid one arm up her body and gripped her waist to keep her steady. With his other hand, he sucked a finger into his mouth, then reached down and worked it into her asshole.

  “Ah!” She squirmed and mewled. The double penetration, especially out here in the open, felt so decadent. “Yes! Fuck me!”

  Aleron thrust his finger hard and fast into her ass as she bounced on his cock.

  “Harder!” she begged. “Oh!”

  Holding her still, he latched onto one nipple with his teeth as he had before. Instead of nibbling and licking though, he bit down. Not roughly, but firmly. In complete control.

  Starr squealed and came immediately. She cried out in pleasure. Aleron’s grip on her waist tightened.

  She never once feared he would drop her, so she took her pleasure completely. Her voice penetrated the night and she imagined everyone in their section of the castle and on the surrounding grounds below could hear her.

  “Ah yes. Your love is all I need, Starr.” He shouted and came. “Yes!” He stumbled slightly but quickly regained his balance. With a low groan of satisfaction, he buried his face against her neck.

  Panting and spent, Starr lay limp in his arms. She felt him tremble and she stroked his back. “You are my heart,” she whispered.

  Aleron gulped. He carried her into their chambers, which were connected to the upper tower. Dominique’s bedchamber was more secure but he had elected not to confiscate it as their own. He had always preferred the tower. His cousin’s bedchamber would remain available for whenever she and Viper visited. He laid Starr on their massive bed. My perfect love.

  With a smile on her face, she rolled over onto her side and her eyes closed.

  He stared down at her for a long while, thinking about their future. A mixture of hope and trepidation filled him. He would do whatever he had to do to protect this woman and their life together.

  As soon as feasible, he would make certain the castle walls were impenetrable. Dominique had done well but he had seen room for improvement. More guards would also be placed on the grounds.

  He would assign Starr her own personal guard, as was befitting a woman of her station. And he would enlist the help of some avian sorceresses he knew to protect Castle Toussaint’s towers.

  In their own personal tower, perhaps he would use Belda and Caresse as lookouts to allay Starr’s concerns about privacy. Starr seemed to tolerate their presence fairly well.

  Nothing and no one would ever threaten them again, if he could help it.

  Silently, he turned and retrieved their clothing from outside. He stared at the darkening sky. The moon had disappeared behind the approaching clouds. Even so, a lone wolf howled in the distance. The sound made him shiver and he was not sure why.

  “Aleron?” Starr called softly. “Are you coming to bed?”

  They had just risen shortly before she had joined him on the tower. Normally they would begin the night now when the castle was at its most active. But other needs cal
led. In bed with Starr was exactly where he wanted to be.

  “Yes, my love, I am coming.” He chuckled, knowing he would soon have them both coming. Again and again. As it should be. For the rest of their lives.

  About the Author

  Ruth D. Kerce got hooked on writing in the fifth grade when she won a short story contest—a romance, of course. And she’s been writing romance ever since.

  She writes several subgenres of romance—historical, contemporary and futuristic. Her books are available online in many internet bookstores. Her short stories and articles are available on several websites. She has won or placed in writing contests and hopes to continue to write exciting tales for years to come.

  Ruth welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

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  Also by Ruth D. Kerce

  Adam 483: Man or Machine?

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  Hot on Her Tail

  Lord Viper

  One Naughty Winter Night

  Sins of Adaven

  Stripped

  Virgin Seeks Bad-Ass Boy

  Wanton Surrender

  Wanton Temptation

  Xylon Warriors 1: Initiation

  Xylon Warriors 2: His Carnal Need

  Xylon Warriors 3: Flames of Arousal

  Xylon Warriors 4: Ecstasy Bound

  Young Stud

  Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

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