“What does that mean?” Haaken stomped around his desk and snatched the papers from Ren’s destructive fingertips. “This isn’t any of your business.”
“Actually, this concerns all of us and our progeny.” Ty moved to the side table where a variety of wines sat available for guests. Invited guests, unlike his siblings. “The reality of our situation is that you’re still cursed and time is marching on.” He offered a glass of Elyrian wine to Ren, then sat with his own drink. “We need to talk about the future of this family.”
Haaken smoothed the pages on his desk. Since Dani had left the keep, he’d avoided this subject altogether. They were all aware that, the older he grew, the more hours he was forced to remain in raven form. And, as his thirtieth year approached, the time lost as a human became greater. Since she’d gone, he’d lost more than an hour and a half. Soon enough, he’d change into animal form and never return.
Haaken sat back, unutterably weary. He was tired of fighting the inevitable. He was tired of fighting with his sister and brother. Most of all he was tired of being haunted by Dani’s ghost.
At night, as he tried to work on the myriad of details involved with running his lands, she’d invaded his senses and distracted him from his duties. He’d imagine a whiff of her perfume or her merry laugh or the tinkling of her ankle bells.
At first, he’d mistakenly believed that she’d returned. But every time he’d leapt from his chair to find no one but the ever-present guards in the hall.
Mik still kept a close eye on Dani. She’d rented a small house on the edge of the village where she did embroidery and mending. For the past four and half moon cycles—not that he was counting—she’d managed to keep a roof over her head, food on the table and clothing on her back and he was proud of her accomplishments.
He’d seen her once at a distance on market day. He’d ventured into the village hoping to catch a glimpse of her. She’d been purchasing colored thread and looked better than ever. She’d added a few more pounds and her cheeks had glowed with good health. She’d been laughing with the merchant as she bartered for threads in exchange for embroidered handkerchiefs. After collecting her purchases, she’d left and he could have sworn he’d heard the tinkling of little bells.
“It’s time you brought her home.” Ren downed her wine in a single gulp and Haaken winced, knowing the kick the liquid would have on his little sister.
“I agree.” Ty rose and retrieved the bottle. “We need Dani back. You need Dani back.” He filled both Ren’s and his glasses, then set the bottle on the floor between them. “It’s right for all of us.”
Haaken reached into a desk drawer and withdrew a flask of Darnarian liquor, the liquid bright blue against the clear glass. Since it looked like a drinking event, he’d best join in or be left behind. He took a swallow and the liquid burned a path of fire down his throat to pool warmly in his stomach.
“I’ve already fulfilled the instructions of the myth,” he said. “And I’m still cursed. It’s obvious to me that we were wrong. She’s not the one.”
“She is, I feel it.” Ren leaned forward. “The curse states that, until the cursed one finds their true love and learns the importance of it, they’re doomed to a half-life.”
“We know that.” Ty swirled the liquid in the glass. “What’s your point, little sister?”
Ren gave him a narrow look. “Haaken found his true love.” She rolled her eyes at Haaken. “Not that he’ll admit it, though. The problem is he hasn’t learned the important part. That’s where he went wrong.”
Ty frowned. “You might be onto something—”
“Of course I am. It’s an integral part of the curse. It’s more than simply having Dani in his life, the importance is about understanding what love means.” Ren reached for the wine bottle.
“Sex,” Ty said.
Ren rolled her eyes. “Ola, save me.” She filled her glass. “Haaken, what do you think love is?”
He took another quick drink to give him time to avoid her question. What did he think love was? In his life, love had been few and far between. Yes, he loved his siblings no matter how much they annoyed him. But that love was different from the love between a man and women. Before Dani, he could honestly say he’d never been in love. Lust, yes; love, no. Did he desire her? Yes. He enjoyed her company and her laugh, and he missed having her beside him. But did that equate to love?
“I don’t know,” Haaken said.
Ren snorted in disgust. “You’d better figure it out soon, brother.”
“Even if you don’t figure out what the important part is,” Ty said. “You’re doomed to lose your humanity. Don’t you think you should make your peace with her before it’s too late?”
“I don’t have anything to say—”
“Liar,” Ren said.
Haaken glared at his sister, noticing the soft flush of alcohol on her skin.
“You have a lot to say to Dani, just admit it,” Ty said.
Haaken drank deeply and with every swallow, the burn lessoned and an odd restless, almost expectant feeling took hold. Could he go to her?
“Yeah, admit it.” Ren stood, weaving slightly before she caught herself. “I’m leaving.”
“Where are you going?” Ty asked.
“To find Lorn. I think I’ll fuck his brains out.” Ren swayed toward the door. “All this talk of love has made me…itchy.”
Haaken winced at the thought of his sister and the warrior. While he’d granted them dispensation to marry, the knowledge of when they were indulging themselves was more than he wished to hear.
“So what will it be, brother?” Ty rose. “Will you go to her or end your mortal life with regrets?” He shook his head. “It would be a shame for Dani to never hear how you feel about her.”
Haaken turned away and stared out the window into the darkness. Before him lay Wryven. The city and its people he’d been raised to lead and protect. What kind of a leader was he if he couldn’t confront the woman who’d stolen his heart? He’d always thought his father to be a coward in his treatment of his mother, Lady Wyn. Now he’d done the exact same thing to Dani. He’d refused to tell her the truth and confront his demons.
He took another drink of the liquor. It would seem he really was his father’s son after all.
There’s still time…
Yes.
She loves you, you love her…
Dani belonged with him. By his side for however long he had left as a human. Midnight was approaching and, slowly but surely, the lights were being extinguished in Wryven. His brother was right, time was running out.
Chapter Eleven
The nights were the hardest.
Dani rolled in her narrow bed, her gown twisted about her hips. Overhead, the full moon peeked between the gathering storm clouds to shine through the large window in the ceiling. She’d never seen anything like it and it was the main reason she’d selected the little house to rent.
She punched her flat pillow into shape. Maybe she should pull the shades as the light would interrupt her sleep. She hugged the pillow, but didn’t get up. Somehow, looking at the moon, knowing it was shining on Haaken this very minute made her feel closer to him.
It had been just over four cycles and she’d not seen him since she’d left the keep. She’d heard stories as he was the Overseer of Wryven, but she’d not caught a single glimpse. She’d visited the site of the fire and the subsequent reconstruction and she’d seen Ty several times. It had been almost impossible to not approach and ask for news of his brother.
She frowned and turned again, wrestling her pillow into a more accommodating shape. He’d not come for her though he’d sent Mik to act as her watchdog. Across the road from her small cozy home had been a tumbled down shack. Within days of her moving in, Mik and a revolving set of guards had set up housekeeping across the lane. Even now she knew one of them would be sitting in the doorway, keeping an eye on her and her house.
He cared for her. Even if he didn’t say it,
Haaken did feel something. Why else would he send the guards?
She sighed. Was she wrong to try and force him to say the words? To admit that he loved her and needed her in his life? Even now, she had no answer to the question that burned day in and day out.
She’d proven she could make decisions and take care of herself, and she found she rather liked it. Using her small hoard of gold, she’d single-handedly procured shelter in a small inn upon leaving the castle. After several days of searching, she’d found this tiny, neglected mud-brick house on the edge of the village. After locating the owner, she’d made arrangements to rent the dwelling for a mere pittance.
It had taken days to make the place habitable, as it had been empty for many cycles. But the house was structurally sound as she’d discovered when the first rainstorm had raced through the area. She’d whitewashed it inside and out and scrubbed the floors until they were clean enough to eat from. After purchasing a bed and silk threads, she’d begun her small sewing enterprise by donating an intricately designed altar cloth for the village church. And after the patrons had admired her work, they’d engaged her to sew other pieces—clothing, tablecloths and handkerchiefs. Within a few months, though her gold supply had dwindled, she’d managed to earn enough to pay for her needs. The only item she’d kept was the golden anklet. The gift from him.
Haaken.
Her heart gave a queer little jerk and she closed her eyes. How she missed him. In the beginning, she’d fought to not return to the keep and the security of his embrace. When she was bone-tired and not sure where her next meal would come from, it would have been easier to return.
But she hadn’t. She’d stuck to her principles and followed her mind over her heart and she’d succeeded.
You’re alone with your principles…
Better to be alone and whole than together and sacrificing everything that was truly important.
Outside the wind cried its loneliness and rain pattered against the overhead window. The freezing season was fast approaching. The trees had turned and soon would shed their burden of leaves.
Dani pulled her covers tighter under her chin as the wind howled through the cracks in the door. Her next project, she thought drowsily, was to replace the door. It was old and needed more than a simple repair. Warped, it didn’t fit the frame properly. Only a new one would suffice.
A loud crash and a rush of cold air jarred her from her drowsy contemplation. Muttering under her breath, she heard the distinctive thuds of the door flapping in the breeze.
Muttering under her breath, she reached for her wrap and left the warm cocoon of her bed. Moonlight spilled through the empty frame and a quick glance told her she’d never be able to secure the door again. The thin wood had split around the handle. She’d have to prop it shut with a chair if she hoped to get any sleep tonight.
She hurried over and pushed it shut against the wind. Groping for the chair, she encountered a handful of cloth. Frowning, she turned to see a shadow loom over her.
“Hello, girl.”
The scent of cheap ale, tobacco and an unwashed body assailed her and she knew in a minute who it was.
Knot.
She screeched as he slammed his body into hers, pinning her against the rickety door. The foul stench of his body and clothing filled her mouth and nose as his hands pawed her breasts.
“Did you miss old Knot?” His breath was hot and fetid against her neck and she pushed against him, trying to gain distance and breathing room. Where was Mik or one of the other warriors?
She struggled in Knot’s bruising grip. He laced a thick arm around her waist and pulled her away from the door. Grabbing a chair, he shoved it under the broken lock to hold the door in place. She gasped as he swung her around and her hip glanced sharply off the corner of the table.
“Now, girl. You’re going to give me what you gave Himself so freely.” He sneered.
Dani swallowed bile as Knot reached between her legs and roughly groped.
She had to keep him talking. Maybe Mik had to answer a call of nature. Surely he’d notice the damaged door and come over to check. Any minute now help would come—
“How did you find me?” she gasped.
“It weren’t hard. I remembered the insignia on the horse’s bridle.” He picked her up and set her on the edge of her table, giving her buttock a hard squeeze before releasing her. “The sire of Wryven is as well known as his shield.”
Dani shuddered and tried to push him away, but he pressed closer, his fingers digging into her thighs through the linen of her sleepwear.
“Pretty smart of me, eh?” He gave a short, triumphant laugh. “I wanted you from the first time I seen you.” His breathing deepened and one big paw landed on her breast. “And now, you’re mine.”
The front of her gown ripped and Dani grabbed for the damaged material.
“Knot.” She forced a laugh that sounded more like a squeak. “A woman needs time to prepare for a lover—”
“No time.”
He grabbed her wrist and shoved her hand out of the way. Dani swung at his head with her other hand, connecting with his cheek.
“Bitch,” he snarled. He backhanded her, splitting her lip, and Dani tasted blood. “Fight me, I’ll enjoy it more,” he hissed.
He slammed her onto the table and stars exploded before her eyes as she heard a roaring in her ears.
I can’t lose consciousness…
Her arms felt heavy as she pushed at him. But he grabbed her hips and hauled her to the edge of the table. Spreading her legs, he thrust his hips and she felt the unmistakable ridge of his desire. She shuddered and bile burned the back of her throat. She tried to close her legs against his invasion. He grabbed her wrists when she tore at his hair, his touch deliberately cruel as he twisted her hand back.
“Ahh…” she gagged.
“That’s right, cry for Knot—” He pawed the sensitive area between her thighs and she flinched, trying to evade his touch.
This can’t be happening…
He held both of her wrists in one hand, then fumbled with the front of his pants and she felt the scrape of his member against her thigh. Summoning her energy, she arched her back and drew in a deep breath.
“HAAKENNNNNN!”
Her cry stunned Knot and he paused, his grip flexing on her arm. He jerked her upright and gave her a vicious shake. “Shut up! You open your mouth when I shove my cock in it—”
He smashed his mouth over hers, smothering her. She gagged as his tongue invaded her mouth and his hand painfully twisted her breast.
The door exploded inward with a crash. The table shuddered as broken wood struck it. A large shadow yanked Knot away from her and Dani rolled to the side, dropping to the floor. Grabbing her tattered clothing, she crawled under the table and saw her attacker yanked outside into the rain.
She scrambled to the door. A cloaked figure dragged Knot across the ground and into the narrow street by his greasy hair. A bolt of lightning lit the sky. Knot howled as he was released.
“On your feet,” the tall figure growled.
Dani’s heart leapt. He’d heard her…
“She tempted me, sire.” Knot rose to his knees, his hands clasped in a penitent pose. “She told me to come to her bed after midnight—”
“Silence,” Haaken thundered. “What I saw told a different story.” He gestured to a silent guard near the house across the street. “Take him to the gaol. He’ll be tried, though I’ll be hard pressed to find a jury of his peers. My lands don’t harbor scum such as him.”
The guard took custody of Knot, hauling him to his feet. Haaken turned toward Dani’s house, his stride determined.
“You bastard—”
Knot roared and threw himself after Haaken, his hand raised with patchy moonlight glinting off a slim blade. Dani scrambled to her feet and ran in an effort to intercept them. Haaken must have sensed something was wrong and he turned in a flurry of black leather, withdrew his sword and impaled the other man. Dani sk
idded to a halt, her gaze on the almost comical expression on Knot’s face as he fell to his knees.
Knot looked at the sword buried in his belly, then up at Haaken, sheer disbelief on his face. Haaken withdrew his sword and the man slid to the ground.
Dani swallowed hard as Knot fell face first into the mud. His body twitched twice, then stilled. Her knees buckled and she sank onto the narrow path leading to her front door. Closing her eyes, she lifted her face to the stormy sky, letting the cool rain wash away her tears.
Chapter Twelve
She huddled in the middle of her bed under a pile of blankets. A multitude of candles cast light into every corner of her home. Overhead the storm raged, and she stared blindly at the rain washing over her sky window.
Hushed male voices from the other room told her that the efficient castle guard still worked to remove all the evidence of Knot’s untimely arrival. The rhythmic thump of a hammer told her that someone was attempting to fix her broken front door.
She was tired and her body ached where she’d been manhandled. She didn’t want to remember his filthy hands on her flesh. Weary, she rubbed her forehead before tucking her hand back under the safety of the blankets. Would she ever be able to forget the nightmare of tonight? It could have been so much worse. Knot could have succeeded in raping her if Haaken hadn’t arrived in time to—
“Are you warm enough?”
His smooth voice interrupted her thought. She nodded and tugged up the blanket until it covered her chin. She stared from under the fringe of her hair, her eyes drinking in his massive physique. His dark hair was longer and his shoulders seemed impossibly broad in a gray silk shirt. He’d removed his cape and sword to reveal black leather pants that made his legs look a mile long.
“Why are you here?” Her voice was husky and her throat hurt. If she had the energy later, she’d brew tea before going to sleep. But seeing as she had no energy nor would she be sleeping anytime soon, it was a moot point.
Haaken grabbed a chair from the corner of the small room and brought it closer to the bed. Turning it, he straddled the chair and laid his arms across the back, then propped his chin on his arms. His dark gaze seemed to burrow through the blankets and her skin, into her very heart. “I need to speak to you.”
Paradox I Page 16
