by Dakota Trace
Her chin lifted stubbornly. “You don’t have any say…”
“Really? I claim the right!”
Anger showed in her eyes as she pushed against his chest. “And I refuse your claim!”
“We’ll see about that!” Pushing off the bed, he stormed out of the room.
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Chapter Four
The next morning, Gracie paced back and forth nervously. Today was the day of her Wizard Exam. With the friction between her and Rand and the late night call she’d gotten from her sister, she doubted her ability to pass it. Even under the best of circumstances she’d never been one to do well on tests. Add the stress of her life and she was doomed to a low score.
“Wildcat, you need to calm down. You’re going to do fine.” Sitting down in the wingback chair, Rand watched her pace.
When she glared at him, he chuckled.
I’ll be damned if I’m going to beg him. I can do this without Rand acting as my buffer.
Closing her eyes, she tried to focus her energies on relaxing. Just when she was ready to throw her hands up in frustration, a gentle wind brushed against her cheeks. Oh, that’s cheating! Immediately her nerves settled. Her response to his artificially created breeze irritated her. Since the first time he mastered the wind making spell, I’ve been hooked on it. I know Master Iason said it was nearly impossible to tell who created the wind. He said only high level wizards could infuse their personality into their spells. I wonder if he knew how high Rand would eventually test.
For a few minutes Grace took advantage of the wind he’d created. When she moved to step away from it, he stopped her.
“Stay put, Wildcat.”
"Excuse me?" She placed one hand on her hip.
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“Now don’t go getting your back riled up. You haven’t had enough time to calm yourself. Believe it or not, I want you to do well on your Wizardry Exam. You’ll do better if you’re completely relaxed.”
"This is ridiculous. I shouldn’t need you in order to take a stupid test.”
“Stop it, Gracie. There’s nothing wrong with needing your chosen.”
She looked up in surprise when he appeared in front of her. Pulling her into his arms, he tucked her head under his chin. After resisting only for a moment, she relaxed against him, letting his closeness sooth her. Damn how I’ve missed my friend. Ever since the subject of our possible pairing, he’s been MIA. All I’ve seen is the arrogant Crown Prince who’s been trying to chase me down.
"Better?"
Wordlessly she nodded.
“See, Wildcat, I’m still the same man you’ve known for years. We’re just going to build on our friendship.”
She stiffened at his words. Opening her mouth to protest, he placed a finger over her parted lips.
“Now don’t go getting riled up. Or we’ll be right back where we started. The official administering your exam will be here shortly.” As if on cue, there was a brisk knock on the door.
“Come in.” He gave her one quick reassuring hug before releasing her and turning to greet the official from the Wizard Exam Registry who’d just entered the room.
* * * *
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While Gracie took her Wizard's Exam, Rand went in search of his father. He found King Mica sitting in his mother's withdrawing room, his mother cuddled up next to her husband. Rand smiled at the picture his parents made. They’d been in love for as long as he could remember. Their deep love and fiery marriage was what he longed for when he thought about his own chosen. Fighting, loving, protecting and holding his Wildcat would be his destiny fulfilled.
His father glanced up from the book resting on his lap.
"Rand, son, what's wrong?"
Rand wasn’t surprised his dad could see the tension coming off him.
"I need to talk to you." Walking over to the chair facing his parents, he sat down and rubbed the bridge of his nose. His mother stirred before she glanced up at her husband.
It was quite obvious she was wondering if her presence was required or not.
When she started to stand up, Rand motioned for her stay seated. "Please stay, Mom. I could use a woman's view on this."
Settling back down, she waited for him to compose his thoughts. Finally he sighed. "What am I going to do about the loophole in the Royal Law? I’m afraid she’s going to use it. She’s still fighting me. I tried last night to show her despite everything which has occurred, I’m still the same man she’s always known.”
Mica seemed thoughtful for a moment before he finally spoke. “Perhaps, son, that’s the problem. She’s only seeing her best friend trying to take over her life. While your close friendship with her has its advantages, it still has its pitfalls too.”
“Meaning?” A frown crossed Rand’s face as he contemplated his father’s words.
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“It’s simple, honey. Gracie knows you so well she’s having a hard time making the transition from friend to chosen.”
“I just don’t get it, Mom. Knowing me should be an advantage for her not a hindrance.”
“Not necessarily, Son.” Mica gently untangled his wife’s form from his. Getting up and retrieving a thick volume from one of the shelves, he handed it to his son.
“What’s this?”
“This is my grandfather’s journal. Granddad was a great man and much like you, his chosen was his best friend. Perhaps reading his journal will give you some insight.”
“I’ll take a look at it. I’ll do anything to keep her, Dad. I’ve nearly waited too long as it is. I won’t be able to keep a tight rein on Ruzac much longer. The time I’ve given her has cost me.”
Placing his hand on Rand’s shoulder, Mica squeezed it. “I know and I couldn’t be prouder of your control, Rand. You’ll be a strong replacement for me when the time comes.”
“And while you’re doing that, honey, I’m going to go and have a womanly chat with Gracie. Perhaps I’ll be able to keep her busy enough to forgo any thoughts of using the loophole.”
“She should be finishing up her Wizard’s Exam. If she’s fighting me now, what’s going to happen when the mezclar starts?”
“Read the journal and we’ll keep your chosen out of trouble.” Leaning down, Aria brushed a kiss against his forehead.
* * * *
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After Gracie completed her exam, the only person she really wanted to see was Rand and possibly Jonathan. Even with the exhaustion from completing the complex and draining demands of the Wizardry exam, she longed to share her success with her best friends.
Relaxing against the wingback chair Rand had been sitting in earlier, she savored the linger scent of his aftershave. Rubbing her temples she wondered at the off feeling she was feeling. Something seems missing.
“It’s me, sweetheart.”
Frowning, she worried about the exhaustion she heard in Zara’s words.
“What’s wrong, Zara? Were the tests too much for you?”
“The tests were nothing for me, Gracie. I’ve come to warn you though.”
“Of what?”
“I’m nearing my last evolution before bonding with Ruzac.”
“The mezclar?” Fear filled her. She knew her time was running out. Once the mezclar began there was no turning back.
“Yes. I know it scares you but you’ve got to be strong for me. If you even falter
it could have disastrous results.”
Leaning her head back against the chair, she groaned. “What should I expect then Zara? Prepare me so I can deal with this.”
“It will start off as a slow burn but can be easily controlled as long as Rand
can control Ruzac.”
“And what happens when he no longer can control him?”
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“Then we’re both in for a wild ride. Once Ruzac takes control, I fear your days
as unclaimed are few. I should also warn you the effects of the new moon will
increase the effects of ritual. The claiming will be
violent in its intensity. The
bonding ceremony will be quick and…” Zara’s voice faltered. “…the mating will be
even quicker. If there’s anything I know, it’s Ruzac. In his purest form, he’s an
aggressive force and will push every boundary either you or Rand try to put in his
way.”
She fought back her need to run in light of Zara’s words. “What happens if I use the loophole, Zara? Will it stop this from happening?”
“I forbid you to use the loophole Grace Ann. I’ve tried to humor you in this but
enough is enough. When are you going to get it through your thick head this is
going to happen whether you like it or not? You can’t stop nature.”
Gracie winced. It wasn’t the first time she’d butted heads with her sentient being.
“You act as if you’ve gone through this before, Zara. How can you be so sure?”
“Because I have.”
“Really? You’ve had your best friend go off the deep end and claim you as his chosen?” She wasn’t prepared for Zara’s response to her sarcastic remark.
“Yes ! And just like I did, you’ll give everything to your chosen! Ruzac was my
best friend until the day he decided to claim me as his and just like you I fought it.
Do you know what happened, Gracie?”
“He was your best friend?”
* * * *
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Sitting in his study, Rand poured over the journal in front of him. If Dad says there are answers in this, I’ll find them. I have to!
“It’s about time you found my journal, boy.”
“Excuse me?”
“My journal. Perhaps if you read about how I handled the little hot headed
witch who was my chosen and the results, you’ll start listening to my advice.”
Groaning, Rand was tempted to hit his head against the nearest wall.
“You’ve got to be kidding me. What makes you think your way is going to work, Ruzac? You’re so damned aggressive I’m afraid you’re going to scare Gracie even more than she already is.”
“Is your way working any better, boy?”
* * * *
“What happened, Zara?”
“In the end it didn’t matter how much I protested or fought him. Do you know
why?”
Gracie shook her head.
“Because even though he was arrogant and aggressive, I loved him and he
completed me, faults and all. Once I accepted the bond between us, everything
slid into place and same will happen with you. Despite your denials and
arguments, you love Rand.”
“Of course I love him. He’s my best friend.”
“You know you really need to quit lying to yourself, sweetheart. The only
person you’re deluding is you.”
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Sighing, she wondered if Zara was right. I haven’t thought much beyond my anger at his high handedness.
She stirred in the chair when Aria burst into the room with her mother in tow.
"Your Majesty, Mom." Startled she moved to get up.
“We need to talk, sweetie.” Olivia smiled at her daughter.
"Is something wrong?" Gracie watched as Aria shut the door. Damn not another talk.
I’m about all talked out. She sighed and turned to see both her mother and Queen Aria watching her. The nervous energy she’d felt earlier returned.
“It’s come to my attention, daughter, you’re thinking about using some obscure loophole to stop your bonding with the Prince?”
Gracie blushed at her mother’s words. Now she felt like kid with her hand caught in the cookie jar.
“I was thinking…”
“That was your first mistake. How many times have I told you it’s useless to fight your destiny?”
Stiffening, she stood up and faced her mother. “Mom, I love you but I’m no longer a young girl just out of the school room. I’m twenty eight years old. A full grown woman.
Despite what you or Dad think, I’m old enough and mature enough to make my own decisions.”
“Calm down, sweetie or you’re going to trigger…”
“Calm down? Did you just tell me to calm down? My own mother is treating me like a wayward child. I’ll be damned if I’m going to put up with this anymore. Screw it.”
“Gracie, please, I beg you…I’m too close to evolution for you to…”
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Ignoring Zara’s warning, she continued her tirade.
“Calm down, Gracie.” Aria stepped between them. “You’re mother is only trying to help.”
“Help by furthering her position socially by being the mother of the next queen!”
Even as the words left her mouth, Gracie regretted them.
Her mother paled before grabbing Gracie’s arm. “I’d give you the same advice if you were destined to mate with the lowest wizard on Venus, young lady! Do you think I like to watch you struggle when I know if you’d simply let go of that stubborn pride of yours everything would work out?”
“It’s like the pot calling the kettle black, don’t you think?”
“Grace Ann O’Connor, how dare you…”
Gracie never heard the completion of her mother’s reply as a deep burning raced through her.
“Zara?”
“I tried to warn you, sweetheart.” Zara’s voice was hoarse. “Now it’s too late.”
“Too late for what?”
“For it to stop. You’ve triggered the mezclar.”
* * * *
“Yes! It’s begun.” “What’s begun?” Rand rubbed his eyes. He’d been pouring over the journal for the past hour.
“The mezclar."
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Glancing at the calendar on his desk, he frowned. “Are you sure? The next full moon is nearly two weeks away. It shouldn’t have started yet.”
“Blame it on your hot headed chosen. Zara warned her about what would
happen if she didn’t control herself.”
“What do you mean control herself?”
“Strong emotions this close to Zara’s evolution can trigger it and your chosen
with her stubbornness ignored the warning. Let the games begin.”
“Fuck!”
* * * *
“Gracie?”
“Yeah?” Gracie was reeling as the burn of the mezclar wrapped around her.
“What’s wrong?” Aria stepped forward and placed a hand on her forehead.
“Mezclar,” she mumbled as she stumbled to back into the chair. She never saw the look which passed between her mother and Aria. Surfacing long enough to focus on them, she asked the first question which came to her mind.
“How long does this last?”
Touching her shoulder Aria, tried to reassure her. “A week.”
"A week!" The uncontrollable desire they’d experienced during the dream came back to her. How am going to survive a week and not go out of my mind? Her body softened with desire at the thought of being locked away in the bridal suite with Rand as tradition dictated. “I shouldn’t be reacting this way.”
“Oh yes you should. You know you’d be willing to take everything he has to
give and then beg for more.”
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“Oh God, I hate when you’re right.” Desire warred with exasperation.
“Wildcat, this is not a good line of thought. You’re tempting me to forget about waiting.”
Shock filled her when Rand’s voice filled her head.
“How are you…”
“Its part of the mezclar, sweetheart. Once it begins, your chosen can touch
your mind at will.”
“Wonderful. Just what I need. Stay out of my head. You may not like what you find.”
“You mean the truth, Wildcat?"
“What? That I find you irritating and wish you’d leave me be?”
His laughter washed over her. “Somehow I dou
bt that. You want me just as much as I want you and I don’t need to prowl around inside your head to know it.”
“Well arrogance is something you’ve never lacked, Rand.”
“You can blame it on Ruzac. He’s the truly arrogant one.”
“I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks so.” Zara’s voice was a matter fact.
“Oh, really? Do we need to go back over the rules again, Zara, my love?
“She’s not ready for this, Ruzac. Please be patient while I guide her.”
“I don’t need to be guided anywhere other than away from here.” Staggering out of the chair, she attempted to make her way across the room to only have the heat in her build to distracting proportions. “Damn it. If this is what the mezclar entails, just fuck me and get it over with, Rand.”
“Damn it, Gracie, this isn’t something to just get over with. This means more than just a quick roll between the sheets. We’re talking bonding here.”
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“Who says? I say we just fuck and get this out of our system so we can go back to being friends.”
“We’re always going to be friends, Wildcat, and much more.”
His promise sent shivers through her . "Please.”
“What's wrong, sweetheart?" Aria caught Gracie as she stumbled.
“Rand – he’s inside my head. Make him stop.”
“What is Rand doing to her?” Alarm filled Olivia’s voice.
“I don’t know. This courtship is going to give us gray hairs, Olivia. I’ve never seen two better suited for each other. Why are they fighting it?”
“I don’t know. The sooner they complete the ritual the better.”
“No I won’t!” Looking up at her mother, Gracie crossed her arms over her chest and tried to ignore the burning inside her. “I’ve got to get out of here. I don’t want any part of this.”
“Like hell you will! You’re mine, Wildcat, and you’re not going anywhere without me.”
Panic raced over her. “You can’t stop me!”
“Gracie, please don’t do this. You don’t realize what you’re tempting. Ruzac
