Seared

by Bethany Adams

  “Look at me,” he said, his smooth voice ringing with command.

  Maddy swallowed and focused on his mouth. Anything but his eyes. “Yes?”

  “Perhaps it would help you to know what I fight for.”

  The blood magic that swirled around him told her well enough what he fought for, but she wasn’t going to argue with the crazy person. “Maybe.”

  Kien’s lips pinched. “You met my brother, Ralan?”

  “Yes,” Maddy answered slowly.

  “He’s a seer,” Kien said with a snarl. “And my father seeks to make him king. Can you imagine a Seer King, able to bring his every vision to reality? He could solidify his power so thoroughly none could ever contest it. My people would be unable to fight.”

  Maddy dug her trembling fingers into her legs. An evil seer could do much damage in a place of power, it was true. But Ralan hadn’t seemed particularly bad. His energy had been clean and his demeanor kind. Plus, he was friends with Delbin. She couldn’t imagine Delbin hanging out with someone who’d bring a country to ruin.

  But she couldn’t say any of that to Kien. “I can see how that might be a problem.”

  “Can you?” Kien took a deep breath, and his voice pitched low. “Work with me. We could use a healer, and I’ll make sure you are well taken care of. I could give you wealth, property, servants. Anything you desire.”

  Oh, jeez, the wealth beyond your imagining promise. If the guy hadn’t been so terrifying, Maddy might have laughed. Instead, she tried to keep her face blank as his maddened eyes caught at her. He was serious. He really believed she’d see his way as right and follow along. Shit. She wasn’t a good enough actress to pretend, and there was no way she was joining this crazy train.

  “I…I need to think about this,” she finally answered.

  “You would be wise to do so quickly.” His expression turned dark before he forced it smooth once more. “Might I do something to help you consider the matter?”

  Oh, yeah. She was totally going to take advantage of this. “I could use some water and good food. I was forced here, after all, and for potential allies, you’ve treated me like shit. It’s hard to believe you want me to join you. I’m worn out and starving.”

  “Patrick should return with a meal for you soon,” Kien surprised her by saying. “And I will personally ensure that no one disturbs you during your rest.”

  Maddy stifled a nervous laugh. Like she’d be able to sleep with this weirdo watching her. But she only gave a mumbled “thanks.”

  Kien jerked to his feet and resumed his pacing. With a sigh of relief, Maddy slumped against the stalagmite behind her. She really did need to sleep, but how could she risk it? Between her rumbling stomach and unrelenting fear, she’d only managed to doze since she’d been kidnapped. But maybe a full stomach would help, provided Patrick really did show up with food.

  She needed to be stronger before she made a run for it.

  Chapter 14

  Cora dropped the plastic bags on Ralan’s bed and rubbed her damp palms along her pants. She wanted to be with him, but she hadn’t been able to stop her nerves from ramping up as the evening had gone on. All through their shopping trip for supplies, he’d kept touching her in small ways. A hand on her elbow or waist. A quick brush of his fingers across her cheek.

  As he bent to sort through the supplies, Cora stared at his face. She’d lusted over his pictures in magazines for years. He carried himself with an innate confidence, and his smile always hinted at a knowledge he never shared—and mischief barely repressed. She’d enjoyed his designs, but not nearly as much as she’d liked looking at the man himself.

  What would it be like to have that intensity focused only on her?

  His golden eyes met hers, and he frowned. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes.”.

  Ralan straightened, his full attention now on her. “If you’ve changed your mind, I understand.”

  “No!” Cora bit her lip. “No, I haven’t. It’s just surreal. I’ve followed your career for years.”

  “If I get a chance, I’ll design something for you.” His narrowed eyes scanned her body. “A bold color, I think. Something that caresses your curves. A light fabric that will slide across your breasts and flow around your thighs.”

  Her body went hot at his words, burning away her nerves. “We’d better shift this stuff off the bed.”

  Ralan’s brows shot up, and a smirk played around his lips. “There’s time, love.”

  “Is there?” Cora shoved the nearest bags to the floor with a thud. “We have no idea what’s going to happen tomorrow. For just this night, I want you. I want to not think.”

  He studied her for a moment, passion flaring in his eyes. One corner of his mouth tipped up as he reached out and grabbed the rest of the bags. He held her gaze as he lowered them to the floor. Then he gave her a challenging look.

  Her move.

  Cora took a deep breath and gripped the bottom of her T-shirt. She’d expected him to take the lead at her words, but she didn’t mind. As her magic sang with the heat of her desire, she tugged the shirt over her head and dropped it. His attention moved instantly to her breasts, covered in a thin, lacy bra. She wiggled, then grinned as his mouth fell open.

  “Your move now,” she teased.

  Whatever control he’d held snapped. In a couple of strides, he rounded the bed, and his hands dropped to her waist. He tugged her against him as his mouth descended. Plundered. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and a moan slipped free at the feel of her breasts rubbing against his chest. Her hips tilted to meet him, his own desire hotly evident, and she suddenly wanted to climb him. Be one with him. She’d never needed to be so close to another person in her life.

  Cora pulled her lips free. “Naked. Now.”

  With a groan, Ralan set her away from him. A flare of magic surged through the room, startling a gasp from her, before settling into the walls. “For privacy,” he said. He yanked his own shirt off and tossed it away. “I plan to spend a great deal of time making you scream. I thought you’d rather the rest of the hotel not hear.”

  Good. Gods. Her breath came in soft gasps, and her clothes seemed to weigh a million pounds. She had to get out of these pants, but she couldn’t stop staring at Ralan’s leanly muscled chest and his fingers as they fell to the snap of his jeans. He paused, and a teasing glint entered his eyes when she glared at him.

  “Who goes first?” he asked softly. “Though you’re a bit more dressed than I am.”

  A pendant dangled between his pecs, a silver disk that might have been carved with symbols. Cora smirked. “We both have something up top.”

  Ralan let out a slight growl and tugged her close again. His fingers found the clasp of her bra, and he wasted no time jerking it free and sending it flying. Cora’s eyes slid closed as her breasts met flesh, his necklace warming slightly between them. He kissed her again, and she barely noticed when the backs of her knees hit the edge of the bed.

  Cora pulled him with her when she toppled back. They rolled together, hands tugging at their remaining clothes. She gasped out a moan when they finally drew together without barriers. She ran her fingers into his long hair and guided his mouth back to hers.

  Heat flared between them, her magic calling to him as it never had with another before. Why? It seemed important, but she couldn’t think. Not with his fingers at her core, bringing her to life. Maddening. Cora cried out, though in fear or passion, she couldn’t say. She had to have him within her or she would burst into flames.

  She tore her mouth away. “Now.”

  “Are you sure?” He muttered a curse as her fingers wrapped around him. “I haven’t made you—”

  “Of course I’m sure. Now.”

  His lips took hers as he entered her, and her vision hazed with the passion and magic between them. They began to move together, frenzied, and she had a moment’s gratitude for the shield he’d cast as her voice grew hoarse from her cries. So much. Almost too much.

/>   Her world flared into light and heat as she shattered with him. Her chest stung, but she hardly noticed as they crashed together. Merged. Gods, what…? He poured into her—mind, body, soul.

  And as the glow settled, his spirit remained joined to hers.

  Ralan’s breath heaved in and out as he struggled to right his world. Cora’s hands went lax against his back, and he dropped a kiss to her sweat-slicked shoulder. What had just happened? Thoughts muddled, he rolled to his side, tucking her against him.

  His fingers tangled in her hair when he ran his hand down her back to gather her closer. Her arm slipped around his waist, and her sigh cooled his heated flesh. He felt her everywhere. Within. Around. The potential bond that had hovered between them was somehow complete.

  It defied all that he knew.

  “What was that?” Cora whispered.

  Ralan shook his head. “It shouldn’t have happened.”

  An oomph slipped out as she shoved against his chest, pushing herself to a sitting position. “Thanks.”

  “No, Cora.” Her distress rolled through him as he sat up, and feeling sick inside, he turned her face to his. “I didn’t mean our lovemaking. I was talking about the soulbond. We spoke no words, but we bonded. That shouldn’t happen.”

  The color drained from her face. “Bonded?”

  Her fear settled in his own gut like a weight. “Do you not have soulmates among your people? Linked souls?”

  “Rarely.” Her fingers wrapped around his wrist as her pupils dilated in panic. “Undo it. I can’t be bound to anyone. I can’t.”

  “Cora?” His heart began to pound with hers, and he forced his breathing to slow in the hope it would help calm her. “We’ll work it out. I’ll check with our priests at the palace. There should have been steps to this.”

  “What steps?”

  Ralan gathered his medallion in his palm. “First, I’d speak the words of bonding to activate the necklace. The other person usually has a necklace to exchange in return. Only after that exchange does consummation complete the bond in full.”

  Her wide eyes landed on his pendant. “I felt it heat against my chest.”

  “As did I.” Ralan stifled a curse at her clear distress. “I’m sorry. I never would have started our bond. Not with my death so near.”

  Cora dropped her forehead to her knees. Then her head jerked back up. “You knew?”

  “As soon as I Saw you in my vision, I recognized you as my soulbonded,” he admitted.

  “And you didn’t think it important to tell me?” Anger began to edge out her distress. “I might not have taken this risk.”

  Ralan lifted his hands, palms out. “I’ve never heard of anyone bonding without completing all three steps. I swear to you I would not have done this on purpose.”

  Her eyes slipped closed, and she tugged her hands through her tangled hair. Finally, she sighed. “I can feel the truth of that like my own breath. But this is impossible. If Orn finds out about—”

  “Who is Orn?” he demanded, brows lowering.

  “I’m not married, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Cora settled her crossed arms on her knees. “Among my people… Well, kings are elected by the council. Not on a schedule, like here. Usually they’re replaced due to death or incompetence, and firstborn sons are typically favored.”

  “But what does this—”

  “Just listen,” she said. “My father was widely considered next in line. Orn was his rival. But my father is much older, and I’m his only child. That meant he had no son to pass his power to, much like the dying king. My father had been working to see me betrothed to a prince of another realm, an alliance that would have offset his lack of male heir.”

  Her gaze lowered. “That prince rejected me. Not long after, the old king died. Orn was elected despite his lack of heirs, since he was still young enough to provide them. And he’d passed around the rumor that we would wed.” Her fear surged through him. “So I ran. He’d managed to hide his cruelty from the council but not from me.”

  Ralan rested his hand against her shoulder. “What does that have to do with our bond?”

  “Orn didn’t give up on the alliance. Over the centuries, he’s sent more than one person to bring me home.” Cora nibbled at her lower lip. “I heard that he finally chose another, but I don’t dare believe it. I’m certain he’d try to kill any man I grew close to.”

  Ralan’s teeth ground together at all she’d been through. Some idiot had rejected her, leaving her to contend with this mess. “You need not fear in that regard. When I die, it will be at my brother’s hand.”

  “Your vision.” She let out a choked laugh. “Doesn’t this bother you?”

  He ran his palm up and down her bare back, and she shivered, though the touch had been meant for comfort. “If the past months have shown me anything, it’s that control is an illusion. But beyond that, the future is never set. Small changes matter.”

  “Orn might cause more trouble,” she said. “I’ve learned to cloak myself magically from his detection, but his spies sometimes find me. I wouldn’t want to bring that to your door.”

  Ralan’s lips twisted. “Tomorrow, we’re hiking into the mountains in search of my insane brother and your kidnapped friend. I don’t think we started from a baseline of normal.”

  Her shoulder muscles loosened, and a more natural laugh slipped free. “You do have a point.”

  “Cora, if we decide to break the bond, it can be done.” He swallowed against a sudden lump. “But that break would be final. Let’s deal with this crisis before we decide.”

  She stared into his eyes for several breaths. Then she nodded. “Okay.”

  Hours later, Cora lay curled around Ralan, his breathing measured and steady beneath her ear. They’d made love again, slowly this time, and her body was pleasantly tired. But her mind couldn’t relax. How could she be so caught up in him in a matter of days? She snorted. More than caught up, considering the bond that had formed. Soulbonds were so rare among her people that she’d never thought one might happen to her, and she had no idea what to do about it.

  She should have been angry, not twining herself around him like a vine, yet being with him brought a simple happiness she’d never experienced. Maybe she was too damned tired from looking for Maddy to feel upset, and it would all come rushing in once the crisis was through. Or maybe there was a reason she’d been drawn to him from the first time she’d seen his picture.

  Ralan twitched. Then the muscles beneath her cheek went taut. Cora heard a hum against her ear like a groan suppressed, and she shifted back slowly until she could see his face. His closed eyelids twitched, and another low moan slipped from his lips. He had to be dreaming, and she had a feeling it wasn’t pleasant. Cora grimaced. Should she wake him?

  A sick sense of dread slithered into her stomach, and her fire magic leaped in response. She gasped as her skin heated and her vision to blurred. As Ralan started to thrash, Cora struggled to get her power under control. But it only continued to build. Worse, her muscles began to ache.

  At first, it was a dull bearable pain. Then her entire body exploded with it. Cora cried out and jerked herself upright, wrapping her arms around her knees in a futile attempt to ease the agony. With her eyes squeezed tightly shut, she beat her magic back until her skin returned to its normal warmth. But the pain didn’t stop.

  Ralan cried out. Through the agony, she forced her head to turn so that she could see him. She lifted heavy eyelids in time to see his body spasm, almost lifting from the bed. Cora reached out a trembling hand and wrapped her fingers around his hot, sweat-slicked arm. He jerked against her hold, breaking her weak grip, and groaned once more.

  Then his body went rigid, and just like that, the pain cut off.

  Breath heaving in and out, Cora stared at him. Her magic might have responded to the event, but the source hadn’t been her. He’d drawn her into his dream world somehow. The bond? She rubbed her hands up and down her shivering arms as her skin began
to cool. It made no sense.

  Ralan’s eyes popped open, and he shoved himself upright. His wide-eyed gaze darted around the room before landing on Cora. “I’m alive.”

  She blinked. “Shouldn’t you be?”

  He stared at her, his expression blank. Then he gave his head a shake and ran his hand through his hair. “Forgive me. I had a dream vision.”

  “It must have been a bad one.”

  “Why?” His eyes skimmed her huddled form, and a frown creased his brow. “Did I do something? I usually stay still, but lately…”

  Cora pulled her knees closer to her chest. “I felt it, I think. At first, I thought it was my own magic, but no. What the hell did you dream?”

  “My death,” Ralan said softly. “Consuming fire and then death.”

  Her breath caught. He’d told her he’d foreseen it, but it was another thing entirely to feel it. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say. Instead, she twined her fingers with his.

  After a while, his tension eased, and he stretched back out, tugging her hand until she curled around him once more. “I’m sorry you were drawn in.”

  Cora fought back the moisture gathering in her eyes. He was worried about her after such a horrific vision? “We have to find a way around it.”

  “I’ve never had a dream vision not come true.” He let out a huff. “But then, I’ve never had my Sight fail so spectacularly before.”

  Her arm tightened around his waist. “Let’s hope it’s wrong.”

  If Cora had any say, it would be wrong.

  Kien eyed the girl’s still form where she huddled in the sleeping bag Patrick had brought. Her breathing was slow and steady, and a quick mental scan showed her thoughts to be drifting in slumber. But he didn’t trust her. He’d seen her quickly stifled horror when he’d spoken to her. A test was in order.

  “Perhaps I’ll torture the healer, after all,” he said, watching her closely. No movement. “We can use her body if I can find a way to stifle her powers.”

  Her breathing and her thoughts remained steady. No jump in energy. He glanced at the other two and forced back a sigh. Victor leaned forward eagerly, and Patrick frowned. Typical. If Patrick hadn’t been skilled at imbuing spells into objects, Kien would have killed him long ago. He was too soft. Of course, the latest plan didn’t require such services…