by Jenika Snow
She looked into his face. “You let me clean and dress it even though you knew it would be healed so quickly?”
The corner of his mouth tilted. “I liked having my female tend to me.”
Her heart started pounding a little harder at his words and the possessiveness that filled his voice.
He lifted the plate of meat to her again. “Eat,” he said a little gentler than normal, and she felt herself relaxing, not because she was nervous around him, but because she was perpetually on edge with desire.
Taking a deep breath, she grabbed one of the cooked pieces of meat, the strip warm and smelling surprisingly good.
“You need to gain more weight,” Styx said, but he didn’t make it seem like it was an accusation, or even disgust, but more so filled with worry and genuine sincerity.
She started eating the meat, and for a few seconds Styx just watched her, as if he wanted to make sure she was actually eating. He did this a lot, making sure she was fed before him. Only when he was obviously content with how much she’d consumed, did he start eating. They sat in silence as they finished off the strips of meat. He got them something to drink, and the liquid was warm and tasted familiar, like cinnamon and honey.
When she was finished with her drink and eating, she leaned back against the wall and watched as Styx devoured the rest of the meat. He was a huge man, and the amount of food he consumed on a daily basis was as impressive as it was shocking.
“Will you ever let me leave this cave?” The truth was she had no desire to leave the cave, not now that she knew the kind of insane creatures lurking out there. But realistically she couldn’t stay in this mountain forever.
Styx looked at her, and for long seconds he didn’t speak. Finally, he moved over to the wall a few feet from her and leaned against it. The longer he stayed silent, the more the air seemed to thicken. “Is leaving something you’d truly want to do?”
She looked at the ground and thought about what he said. “There’s danger no matter where you are, but keeping me ‘locked’ in here isn’t right.” She glanced at him again. “Even if I agreed to stay and not fight you, that I’ll stay here and be with you in the way you want…” She stopped speaking and thought about that. Instantly her body heated. She saw the way Styx flared his nostrils, and she knew he smelled her lust. Clearing her throat, she steeled herself and spoke again. “Even if I agreed to all that, you can’t expect me to stay here. I need to be able to fight, to live. I need to be a partner, like you claim I am, and not a prisoner.”
He didn’t speak for long seconds again, but then she heard him exhaled. “You’re right.”
To be honest she was surprised he’d agreed with her. Audrey could see him fighting her on this, on demanding she was his, and he’d do with her as he pleased, even keeping her in this cave.
“If you want to explore, you do so with me. You wouldn’t last out there alone.”
She took no offense to that, because after seeing that one creature coming at her she knew she wouldn’t last out there by herself. Audrey wasn’t a fighter and never had been. She’d lived a peaceful, farming life, had never wanted anything more than to be comfortable and keep her family fed. But they were gone now, and as much grief as she felt for that, as much sorrow that filled her, Audrey had stayed strong and didn’t let it consume her. Her mother and brother wouldn’t have wanted that.
Besides, she’d done so much crying during her trip to the auctions that she didn’t know if she had more tears to shed.
“Okay,” she finally said, feeling trepidation, but also excitement filling her that they’d at least come to this compromise. The thing was, Audrey didn’t think about herself as a captive, not really, and not since Styx had saved her from that creature. But she also knew she couldn’t just be here and waste away.
“You will stay here with me without any fighting?” he asked, leaning in an inch closer. “You want to be my mate?”
She swallowed, not denying the fact she did find Styx arousing, if also brutal and savage. But the latter showed her that this male was serious about life, and protecting what he actually thought was his.
And that’s me.
“Where else would I go?” she said honestly.
He leaned in an inch closer. “I want you here because you want to be here, wife.”
What was she supposed to say to that? Was she brave enough, truthful enough, to admit that she wanted him in the most basic sense? Was Audrey sane enough to admit being a captive by this male, and saved by him on more than one occasion had her … feeling like she wanted to be with him? Was she insane for wanting this, for wanting him?
He could have hurt her at any turn, could have forced himself upon her a hundred times by now. But he hadn’t.
And I want him even more because of all of that and more.
When she didn’t answer right way, because she really didn’t know how to say any of what was on her mind, or what she felt, Styx rose and went to sit next to her. She didn’t tense, didn’t even feel that tightness in her body when he was near. She felt calm, comfortable, and the dark, masculine scent of him consumed her.
Styx had a finger under her chin and tipped her head back. She stared into his dark eyes.
“You are free, Audrey.”
She got a rush hearing him say her name again.
“You are mine.”
She licked her lips, feeling heat wash through her.
“If exploring is what you want, then I’ll be by your side as you do it.”
And strangely enough, that was exactly what she wanted.
Chapter Seven
Several days later
Audrey followed Styx through the cavern tunnel and to the opening of his home. Several days had passed since they’d had the discussion about her wanting to explore, and although she’d been ready to go the next day, a storm had come through and it had been too dangerous to venture out. Styx also would only take her out during daylight hours, since he made sure to explain at night was when the really dangerous predators emerged.
She’d been more than okay with that.
Styx held his hand out and stopped, and she did the same. She was nervous, for whatever reason, but it wasn’t because she could have tried escaping again—which she had no intentions of doing. It was because she was venturing off into the unknown, and anything that she couldn’t see, couldn’t rationalize, terrified her.
Styx turned and looked at her. “Come here, my female.”
She couldn’t help the tingle that raced up her spine at hearing him say that endearment. It seemed very primal and savage-like, calling her “my female”, but strangely it made her feel all warm inside.
Audrey moved to stand in front of him, tipped her head back, and stared into his eyes. The sunlight came through the opening of the cave, washing him in light and shadows.
“You stay by me at all times.”
She nodded once.
“We go to the bushes and pick the berries, I’ll hunt for dinner, and we come back.”
She nodded once more.
“The forest is relatively safe during daylight hours, but I will not take any chances with you.”
Her heart started beating at the possession in his voice. And then he cupped the side of her face and leaned down to kiss her. It was a slow kiss, but over all too soon. Audrey even found herself leaning in for more, not able to help herself. When she opened her eyes, not realizing she’d closed them, it was to see this half-lidded expression on Styx’s face.
“I will not let anything happen to you.”
“I know,” she found herself saying.
He gave one brisk nod, grabbed her hand, and pulled her forward. They stopped at the edge of the cave opening, and she glanced down, seeing it wasn’t as far a drop as she’d expected, but still enough that she could break a bone, or even her neck. But the one and only time she’d come this close to being outside, it had been dark and that creature had been coming after her.
“This way,” he said and pulled her tow
ard the side. It was then she noticed the rocky path that descended. It was definitely dangerous and steep, but manageable. When they got to the ledge Styx let go of her hand and starting moving down the path.
“You keep your back toward the mountain, hands flat on the rock, and don’t look down.”
“Okay,” she managed to say, although right now she was second guessing if this had been a good idea.
Styx stared at her for a second before reaching down and pulling out a rope in the bag he had hung over his shoulder. He tied the rope around his waist first and then did the same to her waist.
“I won’t let you fall,” he said with determination.
“But if I fall you’ll go over, too.”
He shook his head. “No. I won’t let you fall,” he said again, and she felt herself relaxing and then nodding.
The further they descended, the more she felt her body start to sweat, tremble, and fear take hold. It was hard not to look down, because with every step she took pebbles would shift under her, being kicked off the side of the mountain.
Audrey was aware Styx was probably going much slower than he normally did, and that he kept looking at her. He also kept seeing if she was okay, if she needed to stop, and he reassured her she wouldn’t fall.
And as strange as it was, she believed him, even if she was scared shitless.
When they finally reached the bottom she breathed out, not realizing she’d barely been breathing that entire time. Her hands shook, and her knees felt like they’d give out on her at any minute. Styx pulled her into the hardness of his chest, had a hand on the back of her head, and started whispering things to her in his strange, yet masculine and beautiful language.
“I told you I wouldn’t let you fall.”
She couldn’t help the smile that curved her mouth. “No, you didn’t let me fall. But you do that daily?” She looked up at his face. “You risk death going down that treacherous path?”
Styx ginned, and the break in his hardened exterior looked really good on him. “As time passes you, too, will be able to go down it with ease.” His expression became very serious. “But only with me.” He undid the rope from around their waists and held his hand out. She slipped hers into his much larger one.
How strange she was starting to feel at ease after such a short time. But Audrey knew about survival, maybe not in the way Styx did, but enough to know that it was hard trying to do it on her own. Yes, this man had taken her, scared the shit out of her by saying she would stay here with him, but as the days passed she realized it wasn’t so bad. He wasn’t so bad. She also couldn’t hide how she felt anymore, but wasn’t sure how she’d ever express it to him.
“Come,” he said and then started leading her through the forest. She took in everything, the sights and the sounds, even the smells surrounding them. The trees were massive, towering above them hundreds of feet, and the thick canopy of leaves making this blanket. Despite it being morning the sun had a hard time piercing through and reaching them on the ground.
After about a ten-minute walk they reached a clearing with these beautiful blue bushes. She assumed they were where the berries she’d be picking.
Styx stopped, his sword now unsheathed and in his hand, his head moving back and forth as he looked around their surroundings. She watched as he inhaled, as he tilted his head to listen better, and when he relaxed she felt herself doing the same.
“My female, if you want to pick the berries they are there. I’ll hunt for meat once that is finished.”
She nodded and moved over to the bushes, and started picking the almost neon white berries. The fragrant sweet scent of the berries washed up and surrounded her, and she took that scent into her lungs, as well as the freshness of just being out in the open. The air was perfect, wild and clean, and the temperature, although a little breezy with a chill to it, felt incredible on her skin.
The outfit she wore was intricately laced strips of animal hide. Over the last couple of days Styx had been working on clothing for her from the stockpile of animal furs and leathers he had stored. The dark leather covered her breasts and the majority of her belly, and the pants fit her pretty snugly. She was covered, but was able to move freely, and the flesh that was covered in leather was warm, protected. It went a long way from the slavers’ gown she’d worn, or the tattered outfits she’d had back at her home.
She took her time picking the berries, and once she was finished and her bag was full, she looked over at Styx. He was on alert, his body tight, corded, his stance protective just a few feet from her as he scanned their surroundings continuously.
But then he snapped his head to the side, inhaled deeply, and this low sound came from him. “Come here, mate,” he said in a deep, urgent voice. Audrey was by his side a second later, looking around, but not seeing anything. He reached behind with his hand not holding his sword, and pulled her even closer to his body. And then it was like everything around them became deathly still and silent. It was clear something very dangerous was close by, and Audrey felt her heart start to race, felt sweat bead along her body, and tried to see what the threat was.
She hated not knowing what was going on or what was about to happen.
“What’s going on?” she whispered.
“We must be quiet, my mate. I need to see how many threats are out there.”
Audrey closed her eyes, slowly counted to regain her thoughts, and when she got to ten she opened them once more, knowing if she had to fight—even if she didn’t know how to fight, not really—she’d defend herself and the male she’d grown to care about.
And then it was like everything stilled: the sounds, and the very air around them just stopping. And slowly, after a few moments it was like being in water and hearing faint noises, but it was distorted. The first thing she heard was the hissing coming from the thick line of trees. And then she heard twigs snapping, more hissing and growling, and finally this blood-chilling screech.
“I thought you said no predators were out in the daylight hours?” Her heart was beating fast, hard.
“It is either hurt or sick, because nothing of that nature should be out here.”
Fantastic.
Styx shifted on his feet, and she leaned to the side until she could see exactly what had emerged from the tree line.
This hideous, monstrous creature slowly crawled toward them, his tongue out, the hissing and screeching noises coming on louder, more frequently.
“It’s infected and rabid,” Styx said, his hand still on her waist. But then he pushed her back. “Stay far away from this, my female.” He had his hands now wrapped around the sword fully and faced off with the creature.
She watched in horror as the beast charged forward, spittle spraying out of his gaping mouth. It didn’t have wings like the last beast, and it kept close to the ground. The scales on its back were iridescent red and orange, and every time the sunlight hit them through a break in the canopy of leaves above them, a flash of blinding light bounced off of it.
She didn’t know if it normally moved on the ground like a snake, or it couldn’t stand fully up because it was sick. Either way it was disgusting and frightening. Everything seemed to happen so quickly. Her heart was in her throat, and she worried for Styx more than herself.
More spittle dripped out of its mouth as it howled out and charged forward again before stopping just a few feet from Styx.
“Move back further, Audrey,” Styx shouted out.
She didn’t breathe, couldn’t for that matter. But when the creature lunged forward and swiped out with a talon toward Styx, she covered her mouth in horror. Looking around, she wanted to find a weapon, but aside from some sticks on the ground there wasn’t anything. She couldn’t lose Styx, not after she’d accepted her life, and what she felt for him.
Styx swung his blade out, slicing into the side of the creature. The beast made this loud, blood-curdling cry.
Watching the fight in horror was all she could do. Trying to help when she was just a nov
ice in these things, would get either her killed, or both of them. She couldn’t be a distraction to Styx, and if she tried to help she knew she would be.
She watched the horror continue to play out, saw Styx fighting like he did this daily.
He probably does.
And then Styx sliced his blade through the creature’s neck. Black, oily looking blood sprayed out along the ground a second before the creature fell to the ground, the life from its eyes fading.
Everything was still for a second, and then Styx turned around, a few cuts on his chest, and even one on his cheek. But overall he was in good condition for just fighting that beast.
And then Styx came up to her, wrapped his hand around her nape and pulled her close. He kissed her on the top of the head and murmured in his native language something that sounded sweet, caring.
“What did you say?” she asked, wanting to talk about anything to keep her mind off the hideous creature just a few feet from them.
“It means you’re safe, that I’ll always protect you with my last breath.”
She closed her eyes, felt her body start to tremble with the aftereffects of what had just happened, of what she’d seen.
At any moment her life could change, but it wasn’t just about living in this foreign environment, but also anywhere. She’d been taken from her home, sold off, and had ended up finding herself here. She looked up into Styx’s face, the man that would lay his life down for her just because that was what he wanted, because he held her close.
Audrey rose up and kissed him, not caring about anything else in that moment but showing him that she wasn’t afraid, and that she wanted him, too. When she pulled back she could clearly see the desire on his face and felt how hard he was against her belly.
“As much as I like what you’re doing, female, I want to get you back to the safety of the cave.”
She nodded, agreeing, but also knowing she wasn’t going to stop what was inevitably going to happen. She didn’t want to stop it.
Chapter Eight
She swallowed, her slender throat working from the act, and Styx found it highly attractive.
