“It will keep the overzealous Pryderi at a distance,” Micah said, dragging her back to the conversation at hand.
Joseph stepped closer and pointedly stared into her eyes. “I am more than willing to accompany Neeve and protect her.”
Asher’s hands dropped heavily on her shoulders. “I don’t like it,” he murmured. “But if it will keep her safe, I agree.”
Neeve crossed her arms over her chest and glanced between Micah and Asher. “Is anyone going to ask how I feel about this deception?”
“No,” Asher and Joseph answered together.
Micah’s lips twitched. “I’d ask, but if you disagree then you won’t be leaving Maelgwn at all.”
Pressing her lips together, she narrowed her eyes at the overlord. She didn’t have any doubt that he’d carry out his threat. “I need to gather provisions.”
“You’ll have whatever you require. After you’ve assembled what you need, I’ll meet you at the docks with our guests.”
She nodded before glancing at Asher and Joseph. “I’m going to collect my belongings and the supplies I need. Do you two plan to follow me like trained guard dogs?”
Asher leaned close, his lips brushing her ear. “I plan to follow you like a man who doesn’t trust you not to run away again.”
Anger narrowed her eyes as she glared at him. “I would not promise my aid then refuse to give it.”
He shrugged. “Your promises have been poorly kept in the past. Should I assume this will be any different?”
Her hand clenched in her skirt. The desire to slap him was overwhelming, but with the Pryderi warriors within hearing distance, she turned away and stalked from the room. Asher followed, easily catching up with her angry strides and keeping pace with her.
Ignoring his presence, she left the great hall and walked to the cellar area behind the kitchens. It had been some time since she’d been in the keep, but she doubted that the herbs had been moved elsewhere. Stopping outside the door, she glanced around the area for torches. Finding none, she closed her eyes and visualized a glowing orb of light above her palm. When she felt it materialize, she opened her eyes and pushed open the door of the storeroom. She didn’t miss the expression of amazement on Asher’s face as he studied the bright ball of blue tinged light that hovered above her hand. For a moment, she allowed herself the luxury of imaging his reaction to seeing her pass through a stone wall. However, she doubted that she’d ever trust him enough to share that particular skill. Besides, she’d promised the people Hafan who’d taken her in that she’d never reveal their secrets.
Without speaking, she entered the room and began searching the contents of the shelves. As she made her selections, she laid them on a high table in the center of the room. Since she didn’t know what exactly ailed the boys, it was difficult to choose. But it was better to take too many components than too few. Most likely, she’d be using magic, but the right combination of herbs might be helpful in staving off future illness. Nervous worry fluttered through her belly. What would happen to them if she couldn’t heal the heirs? Would they be allowed to leave? Resolutely, she pushed the troublesome thoughts aside and focused at her task at hand.
Neeve frowned. Wrapping the individual plants in oilcloth would require the use of both hands, but if she put down the orb, the power would dissipate. She hadn’t mastered the ability to keep the power flowing without bodily contact. A thought occurred to her. She’d never tried to pass the orb to anyone else. Perhaps Asher could hold it while she prepared the supplies. She supposed she could have him pack the herbs and oils, but healing had never been one of his gifts. She needed to make sure they had the most potent plants and that they were packed properly.
She turned to him. “I don’t know if this will work, but will you hold this?”
He met her gaze, surprise still evident in the brilliant green depths of his eyes. “Have you always been able to do that?” he asked, gesturing at the sphere of light.
She nodded. “My mother taught me. It was one of the reasons she didn’t want me to serve in the temple. She was afraid my powers would be discovered and I’d be killed.”
Asher stared at Neeve, trying to acclimate himself to the shock of seeing her work magic. He couldn’t believe she’d managed to hide it from him while they’d been together. Usually, sensing another’s abilities was one of his skills. Had he been so blinded by his lust for her that he hadn’t seen beyond it?
Slowly, he held out his hands, waiting to receive the glowing ball of light. He glanced from the orb to her face, watching as the unearthly shimmer emphasized her delicate features when she lowered the sphere into his palms. It faded slightly as it made contact with his skin, but she cupped her hands around it and closed her eyes. The light brightened and a heady vibration traveled along his arms.
“Focus on keeping the light bright,” she murmured as she carefully removed her hands.
He visualized the orb’s glow remaining steady as he watched Neeve return to the task of bundling up the supplies. The sphere pulsed almost warmly against his skin, and he was struck by the intimacy of the act of holding something she’d created—a part of her.
Cold fear clawed his scalp. What if her power had been discovered while the former chancellor had been alive? Or discovered by someone who chose to ignore Micah’s edict? The thought of someone harming her turned his blood icy. Now that she’d revealed her power, she was more likely to become a target of those who longed for the old regime. She could even become a target for someone who sought to use her for their own ends.
Isn’t that what you’re attempting to do? a little voice in his head prodded.
The light in his hands flickered sharply then went out, plunging the room into darkness.
“Asher?”
He closed his eyes at the sound of his name on her lips.
“Are you all right?” she asked. Another blue-white orb materialized in her hands as she stepped closer and peered up at him.
“I’m fine.” He motioned for her to give him the second light source.
She passed it to him, unasked questions in her deep brown gaze.
The sensation of power tingled over his skin as he focused on keeping the light bright.
No, he decided. He wasn’t trying to use her. It wasn’t the same thing at all. She was bound to him for a year. He simply wanted her to fulfill her contract with him—nothing more. He didn’t covet her power—just her body.
So why the sudden surge of guilt?
He frowned and pushed the unwelcome feeling away. It wasn’t guilt. It was just the shock of not only finding her in the keep but discovering her secret, as well. Studying her profile in the glowing light, he wondered what else she was hiding.
“What else can you do?” he asked, giving voice to his thoughts.
Her hands stilled at the question, and she shrugged. “Not much. Some healing—nothing like Elizabeth, of course,” she hastened to say.
He noticed she didn’t look at him when she answered. Disappointment tasted bitter. Any trust she’d once had in him was long gone. He watched as she bundled the last of the herbs and oils, placing them in a satchel.
“I need to gather my belongings,” she said as she lifted the bag and pulled open the door.
The ball of light dissipated from his hands in a sizzle of energy over his skin, and again, he wondered how many other things she hid from him. He followed her to a room a few doors down from Micah and Elizabeth’s bedchamber. Standing in the doorway, he watched as she added a few more things to the satchel over her shoulder, before returning to his side.
She looked up at him. “Is there anything you wish to get before we go to the docks?”
He stared at her. She spoke to him as if they were strangers—as if their moment of intimacy in this very hallway hadn’t occurred.
“You’re not going to fool anyone into thinking you’re my mate if you continue to speak to me as though we’ve never met,” he said as he led her toward his bedchamber.
Before she could turn away, he slid an arm around her waist and dragged her flush against his body. Pressed against him, her façade of indifference crumbled. Her cheeks flushed, and her breath caught in her throat. Lifting his free hand, he brushed his thumb back and forth across her lower lip.
“Never forget, cariad, for the duration of our time with the Pryderi, you are my mate.”
Her lips pressed together in a pale line, before she snapped, “I suppose I belong to Joseph then, as well. I’ll be sure to let him know when we board the ship.”
Anger shot through him, and he slid his fingers into the cool silk of her hair and tugged her head back. He lowered his head, and his mouth hovered a hair’s breadth above hers. “He may watch me take you, but you will never be his.”
Her gasp stole the breath from his lungs as he crushed her lips with his own, plunging deep into the sweetness of her mouth. Despite the rage that vibrated through her body, she melted against him and gave herself to his kiss, her hands tangling in his hair.
His cock hardened instantly at the press of her body against his. If they weren’t expected at the ship immediately, he’d take her now. But he refused to fuck her quickly— not now that he had her in his arms again. He’d love her slowly—at least, the first time. He slid his hands down her ass, cupping her and pulling her more snugly against his erection.
He caught her whimper in his mouth as he rocked against her, thrusting his granite-hard shaft against her mound. Her shiver worked through his body, and he held her tighter. They couldn’t board that ship quickly enough.
Despite what he’d said to her about not letting Joseph touch her, he couldn’t erase the images parading through his mind. Briefly closing his eyes, he remembered one of their last nights together. He and Neeve had been making love in the temple when Micah and Elizabeth had joined them. When Joseph had entered a short while later, the overlord had encouraged the young guardian to participate. With jealous arousal, he remembered the way Neeve had hungrily sucked Joseph’s cock while Asher had thrust mercilessly into her pussy. She’d come so hard that night—they all had.
Now, he couldn’t help but envision both of them sucking on her nipples, licking her sweet cunt, filling her pussy and ass, making her scream as she came over and over. His cock jerked in his braes. It wasn’t going to happen. Neeve was his and only his. Shoving aside the vivid imaginings, he broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. Only his, he repeated to himself. Asher took in her flushed cheeks and kiss-swollen lips. It was impossible not to want to kiss her again, but they both had duties to perform. Thankfully, the trip to Pryderi would take at least two days—possibly longer depending on the weather on the sea. He doubted he would have his fill of her by then, but it would be a good start.
* * * *
As they made their way across the gangplank and onto the ship, Asher noticed that nearly every man on the deck watched Neeve intently. There seemed to be an even mix of wariness and lust in the men. He suspected the wariness stemmed from the fact she was a magic user—or perhaps because she was a woman aboard a seagoing vessel. There were still some sailors who believed a woman onboard a ship brought bad luck to the captain and crew. The lust he saw in their faces was self-explanatory. He and Joseph edged closer to her as the captain made his way toward them from the helm.
The man glanced dismissively at Neeve before making eye contact with Asher. “Your cabin is below deck. It’s best if you keep your woman there at all times. There are many who think it folly to bring a woman aboard.”
Neeve stiffened at his side, but Joseph laid a protective hand on her shoulder, and she relaxed somewhat. Asher’s fists tightened at the sight of the other man freely touching her. Tamping down his proprietary anger, he slipped his arm about her waist and pulled her closer.
“Thank you for your concern,” Asher finally managed to say.
The captain nodded and called for the first mate to approach. A young man stepped forward, and the captain addressed him sharply. “Show the healer and her mates below and see that they’re settled. The rest of you prepare to set sail.”
As the deck erupted in a flurry of activity, the crewman inclined his head and gestured for them to follow him. Descending a steep, narrow ladder, they climbed below. As soon as Asher’s feet hit the floor, Neeve clutched his hand tightly. Her grip grew more rigid as they followed the crewman deeper into the dank ship.
“Are you all right?” he murmured into her ear.
She nodded stiffly, never looking at him.
They stopped in front of a heavy oak door, and the first mate produced a key and unlocked it, pushing it open on creaky hinges. Entering the sparsely furnished room, he lit three fat, yellow candles then turned back to them. “Food will be delivered when the crew eats. In the meanwhile, you may want to rest while you’re able. We’re likely to have a rough passage.”
After he left them alone, Neeve shifted away from Asher, withdrawing her hand from his. He glanced at Joseph. “You can leave.”
His underling held his gaze in momentary challenge, body tight with annoyance. “I swore to the overlord that I would help protect Neeve.”
Asher nodded. “I am sure I can see to her safety in this tiny room. You are to stand watch outside the door.”
Joseph frowned and turned his attention to Neeve.
Asher’s forced his fists to relax. How dare he look to Neeve for permission? “Need I remind you of your position both on this trip and in the temple?”
Neeve glared at him before smiled wanly at Jospeh. “It’s all right. I’ll be fine.”
The other man nodded once before stepping out of the room, yanking the door shut behind him.
The scrape of moisture-swollen wood echoed through Asher’s body as he turned to face Neeve. She crossed her arms over her chest and fixed her glare upon him again, shaking her head.
“You’re mine, Neeve. Not Joseph’s. Never forget that.”
She rolled her eyes and moved to turn away, but he caught her by the shoulders and forced her to face him.
“You belong to me,” he breathed.
Uncrossing her arms, she stood with her hands on her hips, glowering at him.
“I belong to no man…least of all you.”
He ignored her outburst and ran a fingertip along her collarbone, loving the way she trembled under his touch. He couldn’t wait to taste her again, to feel her shudder beneath his mouth.
“I will protect you,” he murmured. “I will fuck you. I will make you come until you scream my name.”
She shook her head, her lips damp and parted and her eyes wide.
“You can deny it all you want, but you know that every word I speak is the truth.”
Stepping closer, he cupped her face while she watched him. Her eyes dilated, and she fixed her gaze on his mouth.
He watched with fascination as her tongue darted out to moisten her lips as he slipped his hand behind her neck. The warmth of her skin seeped into his flesh, and he tightened his grip slightly, drawing her against his body.
A soft breath escaped her parted lips as she stared up at him. Her brow furrowed as if she was about to speak, but he refused to give her the chance. Lowering his head, he brushed her mouth with his own, taking her lips in a gentle kiss that quickly turned desperate.
Coaxing her mouth open, he plunged inside, tasting her fully. Her tongue stroked his as she returned his kiss, driving her fingers into his hair and holding him tightly to her. His fingers crested over the contours of her back and waist to settle on the swell of her ass. Cupping her, he yanked her close enough for her to feel the arousal that had plagued him since finding her earlier tonight.
She gasped into his mouth as he ground his rock-hard cock into the soft give of her flesh. He needed to be inside her—he couldn’t wait any longer. As he continued to plunder the sweet warmth of
her mouth, he walked her backward until the backs of her knees hit the bunk built into the wall of the cabin.
Without giving her a chance to protest, he tumbled her onto the wide mattress and plucked at the laces of her dress. She yanked his shirt over his head, forcing him to break the kiss. Before he could capture her lips again, she laid her fingers over his mouth.
“I will submit to you, but it will only be for the duration of this trip. When we return to Maelgwn, my life and my body are my own. I will owe you nothing.”
He opened his mouth to speak, but she pressed her hand firmly against his lips.
“This isn’t negotiable. From now until we return—or not at all.”
Frowning, he studied her face. Her terms were unacceptable, but he refused to ruin the tentative truce—particularly since he was about to experience the wonders of losing himself in her welcoming body. He nodded, knowing full well he lied, and hiked her gown up to expose her silky legs.
He stroked the satin flesh of her thighs before climbing higher to explore the gentle curve of her hip. The heady scent of her arousal drifted to him, and he wanted to taste her, to feel her shatter against his mouth. He stifled a groan as he pulled her dress up and over her head, baring her completely to his gaze.
His gaze traveled over her golden, honey-colored skin to the thatch of glossy black curls between her legs, up over her taut stomach to her dark rose nipples and fixed in horror on the jagged, bright pink scar bisecting her right breast.
His breath stalled in his throat, and icy fear washed over him as the implications of the wound settled in his gut. Someone had tried to kill her. From the look of the brutal injury, someone had nearly succeeded. Rage and terror swirled through him, and his fingers tightened around her upper arms in an effort to keep his hands from shaking.
“Who did this to you?” he demanded.
Chapter Three
“Who did this to you,” Asher repeated, his voice a barely audible growl.
Neeve shifted uncomfortably beneath him, raising a hand to cover the mark, but he caught her wrist, pulling her fingers from the injury.
Guardian's Challenge Page 3
