Jerad smiled warmly, watching Sera’s joyful expression as she admired the new creations.
He pulled back from the grove that contained the tiny nest of newborns. He sighed as his notice fell to Sera’s petite but sturdy frame, feminine and graceful, yet strong. She had delectably rounded hips--woman’s hips--child-bearing hips.
Something stirred deep inside him.
He leaned in, and inhaled her fragrance. It was a hot rise and he could smell her sweat. It was rousingly affable to him. Jerad was intensely and uncontrollably excited by this woman who was his mate. She was the most magnificent woman he had ever known, and he desired her with sudden demand.
Jerad moved toward her and caught her unaware. Grabbing her at the waist from behind, he jerked her from the bush and turned her so she was supine beneath him. His mouth claimed her neck and his hand moved immediately to her breast. Sera gasped and came to full comprehension of what he was doing. She reacted the way any good warrior’s wife should.
Sera flipped him over her side and sniggered, as he landed flat on his back.
A bass, seductive tone reached Sera’s ears as Jerad chuckled. He sat up and smiled vibrantly. Sera expected a swift assault, but Jerad reached for her, pulled her into his arms and cradled her in his lap. Tenderly, he splayed his hands across her belly in a gesture that could only mean one thing.
Sneak attack, no fair!
Sera’s heart liquefied and she sank into his embrace.
And then…
Jerad moved in for the kill.
"I love you Starbird." He gazed at her adoringly.
Slam dunk!
Was that her heart bouncing off her diaphragm?
It must have been. How else to better explain the rebounding lump that soared upward to catch in her throat, only to crash back to her chest with a resounding thump.
Jerad pulled her close and nuzzled against her cheek as he held her. He did not wait for her to respond to his words.
He kissed her hungrily, savagely--like a man seeking his last breath.
Sera was his, only his, and he would love her thoroughly.
Jerad pressed his tongue into her mouth, as his fingers worked the buckles on her trousers. He pulled her blouse free and skimmed his palm across her ribcage until he reached her breast. He caressed her gently. Sera’s body hummed to life.
I love you.
He said the words and she would cherish them as she questioned her own swelling heart. Jerad was her past, her present and her future. Her life, her memories began and would end with him. Only Jerad held any meaning for her now.
Sera looked up at him, but instead of returning a warm, fuzzy expression, a devious glimmer graced her face.
She stayed his hands.
"It is my understanding husband that you have a fetish for knots."
Jerad crooked an eyebrow. He had told her what he wished to do to the knot on her wedding garb.
Sera lifted her mouth and kissed him briefly before pushing him onto his back. She straddled him, and bent to nibble his ear, moved lower to kiss his chest. She took a masculine nipple with her teeth and nipped it gently. Jerad’s deep voice rumbled at the immense pleasure Sera was giving him.
She moved lower, and lower still, until she reached the cross-lacing of his trousers and began pulling the cording through the grommets with her teeth.
His straining manhood eagerly popped free.
He gurgled as she took him into her mouth. A somatic tremor marched torridly through his body.
"Ah for the love of Himerus woman! Such a gift you give to me!" His ragged voice praised her, his quaking loins thanked her, but then he could bear no more.
Jerad grasped her body and urged her upward. As he dragged her along his own body, he pushed off her trousers. Then he sat up, threw her trousers over his shoulders and clasped her behind the knees to draw her legs around his waist. His hands slid along her back until he had her bottom cupped in his palms. He lifted her and began teasing her with just the tip of his erection, lowering her and lifting her again. Sera writhed atop of him seeking fuller penetration. Jerad withheld, savoring her growing desire. When he could no longer control his intensifying need, he sank her fully onto him, with one downward push on her hips.
They both groaned in cadence.
He lifted her, withdrawing part way and plunging again, over and over until the erotic wave crashed over, sending them both into an explosive climax and leaving them clinging and crushed against each other, joined in breathless heap. He flexed inside of her, savoring the afterglow of energy well spent as her feverish spasms continued to engulf him.
Loving Sera felt natural.
Sera drew a deep, satiated breath as she nestled in his arms. Jerad had an innate sexual prowess, and he had unleashed it on her. He was her protector, her soul mate, her companion. Gaia be damned, and all the memories that eluded her. Jerad was all hers, flesh and soul.
In that instant, Sera knew that she loved him too.
Chapter Twenty-three
The Ptino asteri will forge a bond with the Keeper of the Key…
…none will have the power to put it asunder…
Sera and Jerad left their haven hand in hand, regretting that their brief, but enjoyable interlude had to come to an end. The rise was growing long and they told no one of their plans. It was more than likely the Guardians were frantically searching for them, concerned that malevolence had befallen them.
They encountered Ezra on the path back to the Corridor. She was mounted on her horse and was trotting toward them. She smiled widely upon seeing Jerad and Sera, and halted her mount to greet them.
"There the two of you are! The Corridor is in a ruckus over your disappearance, but I suspected you had sneaked away."
"Have you come to find us Ezra?" Sera asked.
"Ochi. I am going to gather some reisha. Our stock is low."
Jerad frowned at her. "Those mushrooms grow in the setway forest Ezra. It is nearly a three-quarter segment ride from here. You cannot go there without escort. The glide flyers have caught sight of a band of Nyx warriors lurking along the margin."
"I will be fine." She patted her sword.
"Your blade will be of no use against a number of seasoned warriors Ezra."
Sera looked at Jerad. "Go with her. I will get Dex from the stable and meet you there."
"I need no escort, Jerad. You can not leave Sera unprotected."
She had no sooner made her assertion when a Guardian came galloping on his horse. He tugged the reins and his horse reared on its hind legs as it halted. Dust from the path kicked up around him. He dismounted and greeted Jerad with a nod and fisted salute. He did the same to Sera, but with her, he dropped to one knee, indicating her higher status.
Sera winced, still uncomfortable with her pedestal ranking.
"Guardian, accompany the Noble Ezra to the forest. She is in need of medicinals and should not go alone," Jerad instructed the warrior.
"Ochi Chancellor. I cannot. The Archon has half the sentries searching for the two of you. Our orders are to return at once should we learn anything."
Jerad twisted his mouth. He would not force the warrior to countermand his task. He did not want to leave Sera, but knew she would be safe with the Guardian. He finally agreed.
"Very well then. Return my wife to the Corridor and inform the Archon that we are safe."
Sera rose to her toes and lightly kissed Jerad’s lips. "I will be along soon, likely with a horde of guardians following behind me."
Jerad slid his hands around her waist and pulled her close. "See that you are wife. I grow restless when we are apart for too long."
Truer words were never spoken for as soon as Ezra and Jerad were out of sight, Sera felt an uncomfortable tightness in her chest. It was as though a piece of her heart followed him.
Sera turned toward the Guardian and he assisted her onto the horse.
The service entrance located at the Corridor’s setway wall was no more than a quarter se
gment away. It wouldn’t take long to have a horse saddled, and she would be back with Jerad in a heartbeat.
They passed the aviary on their way to the stables. The horse tramping around in the grass, Aryan’s horse, Sera recognized, told her that the Noble was likely inside. On a whim, Sera ordered the Guardian to stop. She dropped from the horse and instructed the Guardian to stay outside. Sera stood at the entrance to the sanctuary and peered in. Aryan was on the far side of the bird confine, standing with his back to her. He seemed oblivious to her presence. .
Sera fingered the leather baldric she was wearing before sliding her hand to the hilt that was protruding from the attached scabbard. It was Sondra’s blade. Sera wore the sword only because Aryan’s clan complained that her refusal to don it was the same as proclaiming that Sondra’s life was not worth acknowleding. It was an insult to the clan.
Go figure.
Additionally, to have the Ptino asteri displaying their kinswoman’s possession was deemed a great honor, testimony to Sondra’s hand in fulfilling the Edict of Oneroi. It was the least Sera could offer them, but she did so with tremendous qualm. It hung heavily around her, a constant reminder of what she had done.
Sera mentally recited the words she wanted to say, but in the end decided to let her feelings speak of their own accord. She stepped inside. The falcon perched on Aryan’s gauntlet, spread her powerful wings. Her head snapped to and fro before fixing her eyes onto Sera
"Aryan."
He stiffened at the sound of Sera’s voice. He did not turn around. The mighty bird continued to watch her.
Sera pulled the sword from her belt, held it out on two palms and stared at it.
"I feel no triumph in possession of this."
Her voice was intensely serious, but her face was saddened. "The thought of how I acquired it only brings me misery."
Aryan still did not move. Sera sheathed the blade and moved closer to Aryan.
"Though, I suppose it is what I deserve," she sighed. "I cannot bring her back and if I could change what I did, I surely would." Sera’s shoulders slumped and at the same time Aryan turned to look at her.
Sera looked up. Aryan’s expression was devoid of any emotion. "I am so sorry, Aryan. I will carry the weight of it until I take my last breath."
There was nothing more she could possibly say.
Aryan watched her silently. Sera turned to leave.
"Sera."
Sera stopped at the door. Aryan set the falcon on its block and walked up behind her.
"I must beg your forgiveness for my vulgarity in the Great Hall. I am quite ashamed at my behavior. Had I known you were a virgin…"
Sera felt a crimson heat flush through her cheeks. She spun around. "How do you know about that?"
"Your chamber maid has a very large mouth."
"How many people know?" she asked, dreading the answer.
"I think it is common knowledge. The woman is quite the gossip monger."
"Sheesh!" Sera dropped her face to her hands. Mortification struck solidly. "Why didn’t she just parade the sheets through the agora?"
"Ack, woman, if we still did that half the linens would likely be white." Aryan’s mood almost seemed to lighten as her embarrassment heightened. He grasped her under the chin and tilted her face upward. His stoic expression softened.
"I…" Aryan was interrupted by a commotion outside. He released Sera and went to investigate. Three of his warriors were approaching with haste, shouting as they halted their mounts. One quickly jumped from his charger. The second handed down the warrior she carried and he was laid upon the ground. He appeared to be badly wounded, a dagger wound through the belly it seemed. Aryan recognized him as the sentry posted at the setway tower.
"What goes on here?" Aryan demanded.
The injured warrior lifted his hand to grasp at Aryan’s tunic, heaving for breaths and shuddering with pain.
"Easy Charon." Aryan attempted to calm him. "I need to understand what has happened."
Charon swallowed a gulp of air. "The Noble Jerad and the woman came to the gate on a single horse. Betur was just behind them, also on horseback."
Aryan was acquainted with Betur, a cocky young apprentice with high spirits. His family dwelled in the First Corridor. "Nai, I know him…Go on."
"When they came through on the other side I saw only the single horse carrying the Chancellor and the woman. I was suddenly hit from behind. The blow did not bring me down. I drew my dagger but before I could strike, a blade pierced my belly. I was only half aware, but I saw Betur signaling toward the forest."
The female among the trio, Teri, stepped forward. "Apparently Betur was alerting the Nyx warriors. Charon managed to signal us after Betur had gone. We investigated the forest beyond the setway bridge. We found the bodies of the sentries who were posted there. They must have been alerted to the trouble and gone to help." The warrior paused and pressed her lips into a thin line.
Aryan stood and faced her. "What else, Teri?" He eyed her sullenly, sensing he would not like what she was about to say.
"We also found Ezra’s dead horse."
"Ezra was the woman with Jerad?" Aryan jerked around to affirm what he did not want to hear. Sera stood in the aviary doorway. Her hands covered her mouth. Her eyes were wide with fear. She returned a horrified nod.
Aryan’s controlled demeanor turned furious and he began to bellow orders.
"Teri, take Charon to the infirmary, then have the sentries find Betur for questioning. We may have other turncoats among us!"
He motioned to the second warrior. "Go to the Archon and inform him the Nyx warriors have taken Jerad and my wife! Have him send warriors to the landtrail forest. It is likely they will not cross through the Eighth Zone. There are too many glide flyers about. I suspect they will make their way through covered trails. We may be able to block them before they leave the Zone!"
He grabbed Sera’s wrist and boosted her onto his horse. He mounted in front of her and they galloped toward the stables.
"Corde is exercising some of the warriors in the hillside, tell him to return with the men to the Corridor and make provisions at once!" he roared at the Guardian who followed them.
The Guardian looked at Sera and then back to Aryan.
Realizing his reluctance to leave his charge, Aryan snapped. "I too am a Guardian, warrior, and well above you in status. Do as you are told!"
The Guardian left immediately.
They entered the stables and Aryan ordered the stable girl to start saddling the coursers. He turned to Sera. "I should have sent you with one of the warriors. I will return you to the safety of the castle before I leave for the Fourth Zone."
A terrible sense of doom spread through Sera’s chest. A ringing started deep inside her ears and altered to an annoying buzz. She swallowed a hard lump of air as an overpowering feeling of time ticking away consumed her, along with a strange sense of being summoned.
She moved toward the stable girl who was scurrying to complete her orders.
"This charger first," Sera directed, pointing at Dex. The girl looked at Aryan, who was busy on the other side of the stable, then back to Sera.
"I outrank him child," Sera stated firmly. The girl stared at Sera, knowing that she dare not disobey the Ptino asteri. She saddled the horse.
Sera led Dex outside without notice from Aryan. She mounted the horse and spurred into an immediate gallop. Sera reached the setway gate before Aryan realized what she was doing.
"Blasted! Never mind the horses, girl. Get word to Shegarth to gather as many warriors as possible without risking the security of the Zone. They are to leave at once. Tell him I am in chase of the Ptino asteri who is heading to the Fourth Zone. Can you handle that?"
The girl nodded and briskly left the stables on horseback.
Aryan mounted his horse, thankful he had brought a canteen, his bow and arrows. He was leaving without rations. The Fourth Zone was more than a rise away, almost two, when traveling at a heavy pace. He
would need to hunt for food.
Sera did not understand how she knew which way to go, she just did. The strange buzzing in her head seemed to guide her. She crossed the setway bridge, and followed a trail along a lake. It led to the Eighth Zone, confirmed by the Coat of Arms posted there. Here, she glimpsed her first sight of the glide flyers. Sera slowed her pace and watched in fascination as the two harnessed riders descended, landing their kites with impeccable skill. She was sure they would insist she turn back, but soon found out that they would not interfere with the pursuits of the legendary Ptino asteri. They merely hailed her and offered escort.
Sera was amazed at the distance the glide flyers were capable of achieving without losing height, flying high above her as she hastened toward her destination. They looked like enormous birds elegantly sweeping the skies, ascending, diving and crossing each other’s paths with amazing precision.
The sound of a fast approaching steed caught her attention, but before she could react, the horse appeared at her side. With relative ease, its rider snatched Dex’s reins and forced both horses to stop.
It was Aryan.
"Damn woman if you are not the faster rider I have ever been set to chase!" he growled. "Two quarters it took me to reach you! You are going to burst Dex’s heart if you continue to force her at such a pace."
"Do not send me back, Aryan. I feel like I am about to shatter. I must go to Jerad."
Aryan regarded her silently for a long moment. He splayed his hands through his hair and breathed a heavy sigh. "I think my opinion may not be what the Edict intended, but we will go together."
Four more quarters they traveled, eventually crossing a shallow river, where they paused only briefly to refresh themselves and fill the canteen. From there, they passed through a bevy of trees and crested a ridge that brought them to the base of the Mountains of Eksaf ‘anise.
From high in the sky, the glide flyers waved goodbye and turned back. They would not risk flying through the infamous mountains reputed as being the place where citizens have been know to vanish. Additionally, they were losing light, making it impossible for them to see.
The Third Corridor Page 24
