by Hannah888
"I cannot love," he murmured. "And that is just how it is."
"But that hardly means you do not," the Elder continued. "You travelled...searched seven hundred years to find her."
"She's my intended," Hadaen pointed out again, getting restless with all this talk of love. "It was my duty to find her."
"Destiny was already written. Don't you see, my lord? You could have waited for fate to bring her back to you."
"The Marujan kingdom depends on her. We need her. And so do you."
"And I'm sure she would have returned in due time. Do not question the hands of time, Lord Hadaen. Everything that must happen...will happen."
A breath rushed from Hadaen's lips. He did not want to talk about this now. Or even worse, think about. He did not want to decide whether or not h loved Amelia or simply listed after her. It was all pointless to him.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Elder Marlak. This love you speak of, you should not expect it from me. My mother had managed to show me am ounce of it just before she died giving birth to Gideon. I was very young to appreciate it then. Whatever I had left in me was ton away when Deorci drained my father lifeless. What I have is a soul almost as dark as his. I have no heart to love."
Elder Marlak froze back, his eyes wide with shock. "You must never compare yourself to that creature, my lord. you are born from the Beacon. He, from the deepest trenches of Hell!" Then the man broke down in a swift murmured prayer, his head bowed and hands clasped.
Hadaen glanced around one last time. To hell with those damn boots! Elder Marlak's head came up the moment he eyed the flap of the tent.
"I must ask you to excuse me, Elder," he said, jaws clenched so hard they'd break. "I must be on my way."
"She's capable of loving you, my lord." The man would not give up. "She has a good soul, that one. The First knows the best from which He chooses."
"Tell me something, Elder... Does she love me?" Hadaen stared down his nose at the man. "Does she love a man who she knows could never return her love?"
"It is up to you to find out. And quite frankly, even if I were to know, I wouldn't have told you, my lord."
Hadaen almost laughed. Damn, but he was too vexed to do so. Even sarcastically. "I will see you on the morrow then."
"She will not live if you do not confess your love."
"What did you say?" Hadaen was already pushing away the flap.
"They say love is the most powerful force on earth. That may not be true, but it can be. It is strong enough to destroy Deorci’s very dark soul."
Hadaen kept walking.
In his mind, running.
And running fast.
Chapter Twelve
"Before you day a word..."
Hadaen came dashing into her ten, hair flying in all directions and face white as if he'd seen a ghost. Well, not exactly a ghost since she highly doubted that even a ghost could the slightest bit scare him. But he looked as if he'd been running for years, his breaths coming in labored rasps.
"Before you say a word," he repeated. Amelia couldn't utter a word even if she wanted to. She was far to amused by his appearance to spoil the moment. "I must warn you that nothing you say will make me leave this tent."
Laughter bubbled up in her throat and she struggled to keep it there. "Okay."
"Good."
He moved past her and slumped down around the table, pouring himself a mug of water at the same time. He downed it all in one gulp.
"Are you okay? You look as if you've seen a gho--"
"Don't even say it!" He held one finger up at her. Hadaen eyed her as he poured himself another mug. "What?"
"Your hair...It's just that it's so--Oh, never mind!" And she turned away before he coil see the huge grin on her face.
"I know you're laughing at me," he said. Amelia heard the scraping of the chair against the artificial floor. "But you won't be laughing when I--what the hell is that?"
Amelia spun around. "What?"
"That!"
She followed the direction of his finger to the tiny furry animal lying at the foot of her bed. Amelia smiled giddily.
"Oh." She bent to pick the animal up, almost shoving the damn thing in his face. "This...is Blu--"
"Blu?"
"--my pet." She actually hugged the ugly scrap of a thing to her bosom and he felt just a twinge of jealousy.
Hadaen raised a brow at her. "It stinks."
And she sniffed the thing. "Do you hear that Blu? Lord Hadaen thinks you stink. You smell just fine to me. Aren't you the sweetest smelling doggy? Yes, you are!"
Hadaen almost dropped dead. Doggy? What the fuck?
"You can't possibly be serious. The thing looks like a cross-breed between a rat and a weasel. It's the ugliest damn thing I've ever seen."
"If you are going to stand there and insult Blu then I suggest you do yourself a favour and leave."
She really could not be serious. Hadaen watched her place the mongrel down and then stood akimbo, glaring--yes, glaring--at him. The woman was definitely insane!
And he could swear he saw the ugly beady eyes laughing smugly up at him.
"I need a drink," he muttered, returning to the table. "Something alcoholic."
Amelia sighed and took a seat as well, reaching for an apple which was stacked among many in a small basket on the table. She began slicing it into quarters idly. She needed to keep her hands busy. "You must be thinking how silly I am..."
Hadaen frowned, watching as about a dozen different emotions crossed her face. "What's troubling you?"
He refused to even attempt to zone into her kind. He only knew she had probably already put up her defenses.
"I mean, here I am getting a...pet." She scoffed and the pieces of apple fell to the table noisily. "I don't even know if I'll be here tomorrow. Or the day after that. We don't know when Deorci will--"
"Listen to me. Nothing will happen to you. Deorci will not win this time. You will be fine."
"How can you be so sure?"
Hadaen saw the fear in her eyes. The horror.
"Because The First would not take you away from me. Not when I have dug and searched for seven fucking centuries." He slammed his fist against the table. "Damn it, Amelia! I'm no good at this. This emotional stuff."
Her mouth opened just a moment before she closed it back shut, unsure of what to say. She then gave him an onceover before reaching across the table and smashing her mouth hard against his. The kiss was fierce...hot and wild. It didn't take Hadaen a few milliseconds to yank her around to him and draw her into his lap, his erection digging full-fore against her ass.
He could feel her heart racing, trying desperately to keep up with his. There was nothing ordinary about the attraction between them. It was a monumental union of the flesh; threatening to captivate the soul.
Amelia deepened the kiss this time, taking all she wanted and every ounce of pleasure he offered. Her lips jerked against him as she moved to straddle him on the chair. The hard denim of both of their jeans rubbed hard as she rode him, a fire igniting in her womb and shooting sparks to her clit.
Hadaen yanked her blouse up, shoving it over her head. Sweet heavens! She wasn't wearing a bra. Amelia's small breasts bounced around before his face, juggling as he held her steady in her rhythm. Seizing one nipple in his mouth, Hadaen sucked and tugged hard.
She froze, her head flung back.
He then licked that nipple, paying it just enough attention before moving over to its twin. Amelia shuddered in his arms, a small groan rumbling in her throat. Hadaen licked her lips; tasting, savouring her sweetness...sucking on that tongue as if it were water, the very air he needed.
"You're going to kill me," he manage to say, ending the kiss abruptly and resting his forehead against hers. His breath came low and ragged.
"And what use would you have to me, dead?"
His head came up instantly as he stared at her, desperately tried to understand the meaning behind her words.
"You're teasing me
."
She smiled. "Would I do that?"
"You're taking my words, Amelia," he laughed. A hearty laugh that left him feeling good on the inside.
"What else can I have?"
Hadaen stiffened so quickly it was if he had heard the question before she had even opened her mouth. He stared at her long, searching her eyes for all he needed but only finding what she was giving.
And that was...not much.
"Tell me your thoughts," he said.
Amelia squeezed her eyes shut; gazing at him seemed too painful all of a sudden. "I can't."
"Why not?"
"I just can't..."
"Tell me." Hadaen lifted her chin with his finger. Her eyes weren't too hooded that he couldn't see the dampness of tears within them.
"I'm willing to have all you can give, Hadaen, and nothing more. I cannot...yearn for what can never be. It's a waste of time." She smiled a sad smile. "The sex is great."
And she attempts to move, only that Hadaen held her tightly, his firm hands keeping her in place.
"You can't say something like that and then expect me to let you walk away. I don't do that 'last-word-touchdown' bullshit!"
"What do you want from me, Hadaen? We both already know where I stand. I am your intended mate; an eternal partner designed jut for you by The First. But you're complacent and I-I need more."
More. The word ate through him like a parasite. He was expecting this sooner or later. He just had preferred it to be later rather than sooner. Amelia wanted more... But could he give her all she needed? Could he provide the love she craved for? Hadaen knew he'd never want another woman. Ever. He was so drunk in his lust he had no doubt that he was bound to her and her alone.
He just did not know if he could give her that one thing she needed. Devotion; he would shower Amelia with that, bathing her in the ocean of his passion for as long as he lived. But love was an uncharted region. Uncompromising. There was no love inside him to offer. He knew that much.
And that was that.
Hadaen looked down between them, his gaze falling on the painful bulge in his pants; a trail of dampness across the front of his jeans giving recognition to his pre-cum. He had to choose his words wisely but he also had to be sincere. Amelia Kunar, Daughter of Liberty, deserved that much and more.
"I'm sorry, Amelia. I just--"
She shrugged hard out of his hold, the blue glow hazy in her eyes. Amelia stood with her back to him, her fingers closed in two tight fists.
"I want to be alone tonight."
"Amelia, do not do this."
"Please leave, Hadaen."
The words came brisk and clipped, stabbing through him like a knife. She was rejecting him. And he was not taking it well. Pushing himself to his feet, he reached out to grab her. Amelia took two steps forward just in time to avoid his hold.
Hadaen's anger spiked.
"I'm not leaving, Amelia. This isn't how it works. Never expect me to--"
"Get out!" she shrieked, spinning around so he could see the soft tears trickling down her face, her lips shaking.
He stood, teeth gritting so hard he could almost taste dust. He was infuriated.
And it was taking all of his might for Hadaen to walk away. Part of him wanted to leave her be, to allow her to calm down for the night. The other part of him wanted to lay her across his lap and spank her hard for making him feel like the asshole he was starting to hate so much.
In the end, he did what was best in her interest.
He walked away.
Chapter Thirteen
Gideon closed his eyes for the umpteenth time since night. What did a man have to do to get a proper sleep in this village? Wind slapped against the sturdy support of the tent. He could hear the chattering of female voices just outside; obviously steered at grabbing his attention, no doubt. The voices silenced almost abruptly and his eyes flew open.
He should feel glad. Ecstatic, really. Instead he felt tense, sensing a movement heading in his direction. Grabbing the knife that was well-hidden beneath his pillow, Gideon moved quickly, stealthily towards the flap of the tent. He stepped to the side, waiting for the intruder to attack.
He was prepared for any sudden ambush. He had learnt that skill quite well over the years out of necessity. He counted to three.
One... The movement stilled just outside the tent.
Two... The attacker reached for the flap.
Three...
There was no 'three'. Gideon grabbed hold of the assailant, yanking him hard inside the tent and pressing the blade forcefully against a slender throat.
A faint lavender scent blew up and around him, a thick mass of raven-coloured hair tickling his jaw.
"Amelia?"
He released her immediately, creating at least a good five-feet distance between them quickly as if she had suddenly turned too hot to the touch.
"Sorry... I came to--"
"Damn it!" He groaned deeply and put down the knife, running his hands—both hands—through his hair. "I could have killed you!"
She didn't look the least bit frightened. Instead, she ran her palms nervously along the front of her jeans.
"Yes, I know. But--"
"Fuck!" he began swearing again, pacing rapidly. He then stopped abruptly before her. "Whatever you do, do not say a word about this to Hadaen. He'd fucking castrate me--and take my damn head off." He squeezed his eyes shut and released an anguished groan. "I like my head, Amelia. But heaven knows, I love my balls."
Amelia simply stared at him, trying desperately not to explode into a fit. Taking a soothing breath, she decided to try again.
"I need your help, Gideon."
His brows came together and he swallowed hard, eyeing her through narrowed eyes.
"Are you alright?"
"I think so." She pulled out a chair and sat on it, her hands knotted so tightly in her hair, she could feel a few strands breaking.
"Talk to me."
Amelia looked him over slowly as he sat patiently before her. They looked alike. Hadaen and he. All three of them did. She had only ever seen the middle brother, Faolan, once at a ball she had been so fortunate to attend due to Lady Marza's influence. But they really did look alike. The same deep gray eyes and charming dark hair. The same tall and large built, power emanating from them like steam.
"Do you think Deorci will come soon?"
Gideon's gaze was sharp but she could see the tenderness within them. The calm.
"I know he will. But you shouldn't worry about that. You'll be ready. We will be ready."
Amelia nodded and swallowed thickly, working up the nerves to spit out what was really on her mind.
"Do you believe we can all be happy after this is over?" she asked. "Will life ever be the same?"
Gideon leaned forward. His voice came low as he said, “What are you not telling me?"
"I know how to defeat Deorci."
He grabbed her hand across the table and squeezed. "Say that again."
"I know to how destroy him," she said, this time, in hushed tones.
"Since?"
"O-only minutes ago. But I figured it out, Gideon."
"Did you go to Hadaen?"
She frowned. "N-no."
"Why the hell not? He should have been the first one to know. He's your--"
"I know, I know."
"There's something else to this then." He released her hand and watched her face whiten, paled.
"There is," Amelia admitted after the longest moment. "But you must promise you won't say a word of it to your brother."
"I can't do that." He shook his head. "No. Hadaen will know. He'll figure out that I'm hiding something from him. Besides, it can't be that bad."
"It is."
"And you have also seemed to forget that my brother is a master at reading minds."
"He trusts you too much to invade yours."
"Amelia, I still can't--"
"Please, Gideon. You mustn't say a word. Please..."
Dam
n. There was something about women that always had him softening a little. And there she was with those big blue sad eyes. Plus, she was his eldest brother's intended. She was a queen in every sense of the word.
He sighed and gave her a nod. "Okay. I'm listening."
Amelia swallowed hard and opened her mouth to speak.
But neither of them had a clue...
of the watchful ears that lingered just outside the tent.
* * *
Sienna downed her mug of whiskey and laughed--however stiffly--at a joke a few of the women had been sharing with her. She had to admit, she had never felt at home at the Hub of Lensai; partly because it truly wasn't her home. But tonight she was feeling particularly well and she had no intention of letting anything spoil her mood.
She did not give acknowledgement to the woman glaring at her from across the fire. She hardly even pretended to notice. Esyth; that was her name? She should think so. Sienna didn't need a magnifying glass to see that the woman didn't like her.
But she didn't care.
Pouring herself some more beverage, Sienna nodded at one of the women.
"God, Marla! I'm hoping you're gonna say you kneed the bastard in the groin."
The woman gave her a sobered look and eyed her other friends. "Naaa! I just reached behind me that night and took out my knife..."
Sienna's brows rose. "You cut his balls off?"
Marla grinned, whiskey droplets spurting out and sizzling in the fire. "I wish." And the other women laughed heartily. "I just grabbed him hard like this--" She held out a fist, pressing her fingertips firmly into her palms. "--and I twisted those nuts all the way round the asshole cried like a baby!"
The laugh came rapidly past Sienna's lips. Shaking her head, she sipped some more of her drink. "I bet he never touched you again."
"Touch? More like I never--"
Sienna caught the fast movement of a shadow across the yard near the tents and every word Marla was saying dissolved into thin air. Her eyes narrowed to slits as she recognized the being as Hadaen, rushing from his tent and towards the dense woodland. She wondered what he was about and felt the urge to go find out.
She'd had a ton of urges when it came on to Hadaen Maruj; still did. She wouldn't be female at all if she didn't still have feelings for the man. What woman wouldn't? To her, he was still the sexiest man she had ever laid eyes on and seeing him around the village only served as stirring up all that sexual yearning she had thought would never be brought back to light.
