by Britt Bury
Her teeth gnashed with her pain. “You think you have the right to me? After everything?”
“No,” he whispered, shaking his head. “I have no right ta you. My offenses are too great.” He looked up at Izel, and for the first time since emerging from the shadows, she met his eyes. “I beg you ta take retribution on me.” Her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. Was he asking her to hurt him?
She shook her head, “I will do no such thing. I… you—”
“You must!” he said sharply. “I would beg for death, but I must live ta protect you. I trust no’ other than myself ta see ta your safety.”
Rage washed over her and she stepped closer to the bars. “My safety? My safety!” Red covered her vision. “Get up!” she screamed. “Get up and get out!”
He hadn’t come for her. He’d come to assuage his own guilt. Not love, not even desire, but safety. And she thought he’d already delivered the worst of the blows at the tower. The tears she tried to keep at bay came spilling onto her cheeks.
She saw Kelvin clench his jaw as if the sight ailed him. “No,” he said calmly, remaining on his knees. “I’m no’ leaving without you.”
Anger continued to flare through her. All the emotions she’d pushed away these past days came rushing to the surface. The horror and embarrassment she’d felt that morning when she turned to Kelvin with trust, only to have found dishonesty. She choked on a sob.
She wanted to hit him. To curse him and hate him. She wanted him to stand up and fight with her. To scream back.
“How could you do that to me?” she shrieked, her breath catching in her throat as she tried to talk around the tears.
Brows drawn and knuckles white on the bars, Kelvin looked as if he were in physical pain, and that made her ire skyrocket. Was the big bad Pookah upset? Oh, how hard it must be to watch a pathetic little female cry. How horrible he must feel!
“I said, get up!” she yelled again, banging on the bars before wrapping her fists around them. She shook against the cold steel violently. “Get up! Face me! You’re so strong, huh?” She kicked a bar. “Prove it!” Her face was hot with hatred.
Not hatred for him. If she truly hated Kelvin Kerr, she wouldn’t be this upset. It was herself she hated. Hated that she loved him the way she did. Hated that he’d hurt her. Hated that she had allowed him to hurt her.
The Pookah shook his head, remaining on his knees. “I’m no’ worthy ta face you.”
His humility hit her like a blow to the stomach, making her bawl even more. She needed to loathe him. She needed him to be stubborn and relentless. To blame this whole thing on someone or something else, but he wouldn’t. He knelt there before her, taking sole responsibility.
With her whole body trembling, she fell to her knees. She was lost. With only the bars between them, she lifted her gaze to his. “Please,” she sobbed. “Please make this stop.”
Chapter 27
Kelvin ground his teeth. This was more torturous than anything Andrew Thompson could have devised. He watched, helpless, as his female broke down, all the while begging for it to end. He placed his hands over hers. Both of them gripping the bars, she looked at the ground.
“I want it back,” she murmured, sniffling.
He tilted his head, wanting so desperately to take this pain from her; to redo these last weeks of his life. “What, love?” he gently cooed.
Her bright eyes were like shining emeralds through her wet tears. “My heart,” she whispered, dropping her head and squeezing her eyes shut.
It felt like razors were slashing him from the inside. She had freely given him everything she was. That final night, she had trusted him with more than her body; she had trusted him with her heart. And not only had he taken it, but he’d shattered it. Memory of the Mystic’s journal entry came flooding to his mind.
Her heart out of her own control…
He swallowed hard. He’d come here to fight for her. To win her back, but all he’d done was infuriate her, once again, by informing her of his duty. It’s my responsibility to keep you safe, he had said.
How could I be so blind… so foolish?
Releasing her hands, he cupped her face in his palms.
“Izel,” he whispered, coaxing her to look at him, “I am so sorry. I would do anything ta make this right with you. But”—he held her stare—“I will no’ give you your heart back. That I will fight to keep for the rest of my days. I will never let you go.” Her tears continued to silently fall. He brushed his thumbs against her cheekbones.
“Lass”—he drew her closer, bringing her lips only inches from his—“you have no’ only my heart, but my soul. Everything I am, Izel… it’s yours.” He looked at her trembling chin just before pulling her mouth to his.
The taste of her sweet lips rocked him. God, how he’d missed them. Through the bars, he held her face and slanted his mouth over hers, thrusting his tongue past her teeth, drinking her in. Her quivering lips met his forcefully. He could feel her passion in her touch as she clutched his shoulders.
Softly sobbing, she clawed at him through the bars. He growled and ran one hand down her neck to her breasts. Kneading one, then the other, he was desperate, dying from intense longing for his mate. She gasped, and he felt her body begin to thrum.
Suddenly she yanked herself back. Before Kelvin could process the loss of her heated mouth, he felt the sting of her palm swipe across his face. Had the bars been any more than six inches apart, he had no doubt the blow would have left his jaw stinging.
An expression of satisfaction instantly crossed her face. He watched her plump lips press together as she raised an open hand and struck his cheek again.
He gritted his teeth but didn’t stop her. He was so hard for her that upon the tingling burn of her slap, his cock only pulsed more.
“Feel better, lass?” he rasped.
She slid the back of her hand over her wet cheeks, wiping away the last of her tears. “No.” Her voice was throaty, raspy from her screaming, and sexy as hell.
Still on his knees, he looked her body up and down, a consuming lust blazing through him. She obviously wanted to slap him again, undoubtedly thinking that he’d come to play with her feelings again. Her fury was so strong, Kelvin sensed its heat radiating off her flawless, glowing skin.
Dare he hope that he was the cause of this display of power?
She raised her hand to strike him again, but this time he caught her wrist before she connected the blow. Stunned and even more infuriated, she swung her other hand. With a quick swoop, Kelvin snatched her other wrist as well. She struggled, trying to get free, but he held her firm. When he yanked her by the forearms, the motion caused her breasts to push up against the bars.
He saw his female shiver and caught a glimpse of desire in her eyes. The contrast of their hot skin separated by the cool metal made him groan. He could no longer hold back. Finally he had his mate in his grasp, and he would never let her go again.
He bent his head and tasted her neck. She moaned in pleasure, but as if clinging to her pride, she continued to fight him. Each time she struggled, he retaliated by taking a nip or a lick at her throat. He pressed his body even closer, needing to feel her against him. His cock was so hard, he knew she could feel it prod at her belly between the steel bars. Her struggles ebbed, and he raised his head, delving his tongue between her lips once more.
Her cry against his open mouth made him growl. But when she met his kiss and tilted her hips toward him, seeking him, he knew she was surrendering. The feel of her hot body thrashing against the cold cell door had him out of his mind with lust.
He released her wrists but braced himself for her retreat and possible retaliation. Shock and awe flooded him when she gripped his shirt and drew him closer.
She was lost for him. Completely taken over by this man and loving it. God, how she wanted him. Her body felt as though it warmed from the inside out. A heat only he coaxed to the surface.
She wanted him to pay for what he’d done. Wante
d him to miss her and long for her. She aspired to give him something he ached for, only to take it away. Yes; that was why she was doing this. That was why her hands were frantically pulling at his belt in an attempt to free his thick shaft.
His large hands tugged at her jeans. Ripping, tearing, and finally removing them. Without warning, he buried his hand between her legs. She cried out and instinctively rolled into his touch. He had trained her body to respond to him… only him.
In a guttural voice he rasped, “You are so wet for your male.” He took her mouth fiercely again, sucking her lower lip between his teeth. His thick finger circled her clitoris, sending her into a frenzy of pleasure. Never ceasing his rubbing, he unclasped the fly of his jeans and shoved them to his thighs.
Her moans became constant as she teetered on the brink of climax. Right when she felt the beginning shudders of release creeping up on her, Kelvin, in one swift movement, spun her around and laced a brawny arm around her hips. Now on her hands and knees, he pulled her ass back against the cold bars, threading her calves between them. With his tight hold on her middle, she perceived him gripping his large shaft, and felt the broad head nudge her opening.
“Mine!” he cried out, shoving into her.
In one quick surge, he plunged to the hilt, and she felt complete. Unable to help herself she screamed, “Yes!” and arched her back in delight. The feel of him inside her was like coming home. This was where she was supposed to be… with her male, her body gloving his tightly. She wanted to weep with joy at the fullness.
“Mine,” he growled again, driving his shaft even further. His strong hands gripped her hips and he hauled her body back as he thrust forward. As if he couldn’t get close enough, deep enough.
“Kelvin!” she cried out, writhing against him. Her body flooded hot, and sharp tremors crawled beneath her skin as a powerful orgasm ripped through her body. She felt her sex clamp down on the thick cock inside her.
Kelvin seemed maddened. He clutched her waist tighter and fucked her impossibly hard. Her eyes widened from the shock of intense pleasure and her nails scraped against the floor. The sound of his hips banging loudly against the bars as he plunged into her over and over made her desperate for more.
She was panting, on the brink of another orgasm. She was powerless against it… against him. The Pookah sparked a fire in her, a hunger she couldn’t deny. Unable to handle the force of her climax, she collapsed to her forearms as it overtook her. White lights blinked in front of her vision as she screamed and spiraled off a cliff of intense pleasure.
Kelvin yelled, and she felt his seed pump hotly inside her, branding her, claiming her. In that moment, she had never loved, and loathed, anyone more.
Chapter 28
It took all of Izel’s determination to stay away from the dungeon. Since her and the Pookah’s episode, she had successfully avoided the prison for a full twenty-four hours. Sitting on her bed, head in her hands, she had all but locked herself away to keep from returning.
Her thoughts and her body were in a constant state of confusion, guilt, and… happiness? No, surely she couldn’t be happy about what had happened. Kelvin had admitted he wanted her. So?
She had caught a glimpse of his own guilt and unleashed her fury on him.
She was his mate, and he had come to claim her. Crap.
Her emotions had spun out of control. The heavy devastation she’d been carrying somehow erupted in the face of the Pookah. Every time she’d raised her hand to him, in anger or otherwise, a knot inside had unfurled. It was as if she breathed easier when he was near. Felt more powerful just being in his presence.
They were bonded. Her life to his. Her mortal life. She had given him a death sentence the moment they’d made love. And now, despite his betrayal, she had given in to him again.
He’s here. He came for me.
Despite his actions, she wasn’t stupid enough to expect him to love her.
She checked the urge to slap herself. No matter the Pookah’s feelings, hers were undeniable, and paining to the bone. At her core, she loved Kelvin. And it was slowly killing her.
Maybe she could find a way to free him—allow him to bond with someone else, someone immortal. If only her Poet magic had come to fruition, she’d be able to talk him into leaving her. For now, her only answer was to stay as far away from him as possible. Her first priority was to find her grandfather, if only to talk with him for a moment. Sentries were supposed to be the most powerful beings of all realms. Surely he could help. Would know what to do. Was it a perfect solution? No. But it was the best idea she’d had so far. If she could get this connection with Kelvin reversed, perhaps she could focus on her responsibilities, try to have a normal life.
Maybe salvage what little dignity I have left.
She needed a new path. She needed perspective. The moment she’d landed in Scotland, her life had been in the grasp of others. No, she hadn’t had a choice when Euan put the spell on her, but she did now.
“Hey,” Ramsey called out, walking into her room and snapping her from her thoughts. She gave him a tight smile and resumed staring at the ground.
“How’s the prisoner?” she asked, trying to sound indifferent.
He shrugged and sat next to her. “Other than his incapability of shutting up, he’s fine.” He leaned over slightly, nudging her shoulder. “He keeps asking—well, roaring—for you.”
Her head bobbed absently as she looked to her friend. “Ram, I have to get out of here.” She swallowed hard. “I’m so lost. I mean”—a small laugh escaped her lips—“I sit here, going over all these things in my head and feeling as though no choice is right. How can I want something I shouldn’t? How can I be what I need to be when a part of me is missing?”
He patted her shoulder. “I donna know, lass. These things donna always make sense at first—”
“Or ever,” she chimed in.
“Aye.” He caught her stare and smiled. “You know, if you’re looking for a road-trip buddy, I know just the person.”
Her brows furrowed.
“Andy located a seeker. He’s in the Ukraine and supposedly can tap inta the Cypher. He’s departing this night. He’s gonna try ta talk to your gramps.”
She shot off the bed and spun to face Ramsey. “Then I’m going!”
He leaned back on his elbows. “Well, I never thought of that,” he grinned.
This was perfect! She could get out of the castle, find her grandfather, and fix this whole mess.
“Oh no… I”—she looked down her body—“I smell.”
He crinkled his nose. “Aye. You kind of smell like a Pookah. Ghastly creatures—”
“You know what I mean. I’m human, and I don’t have my potion anymore. How can I get to the Ukraine unnoticed?”
He gave her an exaggerated frown. “Who said anything about going unnoticed?” She rolled her eyes in response. “Okay, so you’re human, and yes, most creatures will probably take one sniff of ya and start drooling, but luckily I was no’ jesting when I say you kind of smell like a Pookah.”
She looked at Ramsey, not sure if she wanted elaboration, but her face must have shown her confusion.
“You’re his mate,” he shrugged. “I’m sure that when you two”—he waved his hand in front of her, not quite meeting her eyes—“you know”—she rolled her eyes again—“you were sealed. But ya know the best person to ask about all this is the Pookah.” Ramsey tapped his chin and looked around the room. “Don’t we have one locked away somewhere around here?”
Izel smiled and shoved at his arm.
“Now that ya smell like a human mixed with a Pookah, on a mission ta kick some ass and gain some answers… I’m sure Andy can keep ya safe enough. And who knows,” he said, smiling, “maybe you’ll come in ta your powers sooner than later and be able ta mask yourself.”
Ramsey was a breath of fresh air. Always making things better. “Don’t get me wrong,” he leaned up and held out his palms. “That mortal ass of yours is probably go
nna have some hiking ta do.”
Great.
“Look on the bright side.” He caught her stare. “At least you’ll be with Andrew… and have a chance to really make him miserable.”
She smiled and flicked her hair. “Well, that is something to look forward to.”
He stood, grinning. “Shall I inform the Campbell Battle Chief you wish ta speak with him, then?”
Chin jutting up, she sweetly replied, “Yes, please.”
Ramsey bowed. “See ya in the command room in ten.”
Izel exhaled loudly, mentally preparing for another showdown with Andrew Thompson.
“Andrew?” Izel cleared her throat, standing in front of the mahogany table in the command room. The Warrior was sitting on the opposite side, going through piles of paper on the table before him.
“Yes,” he said absently, not sparing her a glance. She looked him over. Their last conversation hadn’t ended well and she would prefer to not have to get into that again.
Andrew always looked and seemed collected. His white button-down shirt was nicely pressed, the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. For the first time, she noticed his tattoos. The same markings as Ramsey’s were etched onto his wrist and forearm.
Despite not knowing his true immortal age, she’d guess he was somewhere around two hundred, though he looked to be twenty-nine. His thick black hair was nicely maintained in a professional, well-kept style. As usual, his chiseled jaw and chin were clean-shaven. Looking closer, she saw the faintest laugh lines around his eyes, although she couldn’t recall ever seeing him smile.
Andrew Thompson was not a bad man, he was just not the warm and fuzzy type. Had she not been sure he suffered from a mean case of asshole-itis, she might go so far as to say he was attractive. She knew he had taken on a lot of responsibility, and the recent events certainly hadn’t made things easier on him. Taking a deep breath, she pushed kindness into her voice.
“I’d like to accompany you on the trip to Ukraine. I understand that a seeker lives there with the ability to tap into the Cypher and speak with Sentries.”
