With them coming after her, he might have to kill one of them. She might be angry with them, but she still cared for them and their death would hurt her. Arron didn’t want to cause her any more pain, but he’d keep her safe and with him.
Now, he needed to get in touch with Raven. As his memories returned, he’d realized why he had such faith in that then unknown voice. They’d fought by each other’s side. The man was a friend as well as his Achan. Somewhere along the line the trust had become part of him. He focused his Achan and began to explain the new situation and the danger following them.
Chapter Eight
They walked until after dark, wanting to put as much distance as possible between them and her brothers. She would have gone even further, but Arron had a point. They needed to rest. If they became exhausted, they’d make mistakes that would let her brothers catch up to them even faster than before.
The leaves and twigs crunched beneath their feet with each step. Every sound seemed louder and even the smell of the trees was unusually sharp. Insects buzzed and the forest seemed to be coming to life as darkness fell.
Somehow, he’d caught a small furry animal not too long ago. She’d been so focused on putting one foot in front of another that she hadn’t even noticed him slipping away until he returned with it.
He’d built a small fire to cook the meat, but didn’t leave it burning afterward. She guessed that he didn’t want to chance anyone seeing it. They sat side by side on the pallet now. She was a little loath to admit it, but she liked his big, muscular body next to her. His heat and solid bulk was comforting and reassuring, keeping the worst of the fears at bay. The first nights after she’d left her home had been almost sleepless because her mind ran away with thoughts of who or what was out there beyond the flickering circle of light.
“Do you think they’re actually close enough to see the fire?” she asked softly and glanced out into the darkness surrounding them.
A little fear crept through her and she hoped they were safe here. But along with that, desire burned low in her belly. It had flared every time he brushed against her during the day and now began to build as they settled in for the night.
“No, I wouldn’t have built one if I thought that. It’s possible they’ve split into two groups. One on water going ahead to the city and the other trying to follow us on land. They’d know that in this dense forest they’d have to get lucky to do that.” Arron’s arm slipped around her and tugged her closer.
“So, we’ll probably face an ambush in the city.” She swallowed heavily. Arron was only one man. What chance would he have against a group of warriors? She knew it would be more than her three brothers. “Maybe we should turn around and try to get back to Osput.”
“If it were me, I’d have people watching that travel-gate as well. We’re likely to face some of your brother’s men whichever way we go. We’ll have help in Cutta. They won’t get to you.” He dropped a kiss on top of her head.
“How are we supposed to have help in Cutta? We can’t count on the locals to help. It’s just as likely that they’d side with the warriors from my village.” She knew he was trying to comfort her, but what he said didn’t make sense. She’d rather have the full truth than a half-truth meant to comfort.
“I’m not talking about the locals. Men from my pack will be there to help us.” He smiled and looked confident.
“How will they be there to help us? If they’d followed you, I wouldn’t have needed to rescue you. They’re probably still looking for you in Osput.” She glared up at him.
She didn’t need to be babied. She had enough to worry about with working out how to get her sister free and still avoid her brothers. Even if they managed to stop them now, they would keep coming after her. They were blindly loyal to their warrior clan and nothing came before that.
They’ll know like this. His voice sounded in her head.
At first, she stared at him in shock. His lips hadn’t moved. Although his voice had seemed to flow through her, she hadn’t heard it. Not in the normal way. It simply filled her head. Her eyes rounded and she shook her head. Her heartbeat raced as she tried to find some way to deny what she knew.
“How do you do that?” She licked dry lips. Could he read her thoughts?
“It’s a natural ability for my kind. As for reading your thoughts, only the really strong ones. Mostly I get flashes of emotions. That will probably strengthen as you become a full Shadatai Zarain. I know you’re worried and very anxious, but I can’t pick out why.” Arron’s eyes ran over her face and his arm tightened around her.
She ignored the most obvious question and her immediate response to his presumption. He believed they were mates. He had no doubts. She was filled with them. She had a feeling she wouldn’t like his reaction to some of them. She didn’t think he’d be violent with her. Although the depth of certainty of that belief surprised her. She barely knew him. She’d rather avoid the arguments, because she wasn’t changing her mind. She couldn’t abandon her sister to those monks.
“So, they can speak to you as you’re speaking to me?” She tilted her head and glanced at him.
“Yes, they can. They’ll be there to help us. You’re not going to distract me. Why are you worried?” He cupped her cheek and kept their gazes locked.
She took a deep breath and lowered her lashes. It was her only defense against his intense stare. “I can’t stop.”
“Can’t stop being worried?” His fingers stroked over her cheek slowly before slipping into her hair.
She tried to shake her head, but his hold stopped her. “I can’t stop looking for my sister. I’ve seen how protective you are. Somehow, I know that you won’t want me to continue looking for her. I can’t leave her with those monks.”
“You’re probably picking up some of my concern. The link between us will increase. It is going to get increasingly dangerous for you to continue to search for your sister,” he answered slowly.
“My sister is in danger and will stay that way until I find her.” She stiffened and tried to draw away from him.
“You can’t help her if your brothers catch you.” He scowled and his voice roughened.
“I can’t let them stop me. She wouldn’t stop.” She shook her head.
“Just because you’re safe, it doesn’t mean the search stops for your sister.” He kept her beside him only by curling his arms around her.
“There’s no one else to do it. You don’t know what she looks like. The only man who might be interested in finding her probably doesn’t know she’s even missing. I have no idea how to find him.” She felt so alone. Deep inside, she’d hoped he’d understand and find a way to help her rescue her sister.
“We’ll find your sister, but I can’t let you risk yourself unnecessarily.” His expression hardened.
“You can’t stop me. I’m going to find my sister and if you get in my way, I will leave.” She lifted her chin. He couldn’t stop her from leaving. As much as he may want to stop her, he couldn’t watch her all the time.
“You aren’t leaving me. They’ll catch you and take you. Who’s going to rescue your sister then? How is she going to get her memory back? Do you know how many people know the secret you possess? I’ve never even heard of someone regaining their memory after taking that drug.” He hauled her across his lap and wrapped his arms around her.
“They won’t catch me. After I leave here, they won’t know where I’m going. They knew I’d have to come here.”
“And they can’t get a list of the places as you did?” He raised an eyebrow. A growl rumbled in his voice.
She blinked and stiffened in his arms. Worry and fear washed over her in a cold tide. She hadn’t thought of that. They could get the list of cities if they knew what book to find. She didn’t think they did, but it was possible. “They won’t catch me. I’m not giving up on her. I’m going after her and I will find her. I don’t care what you think you are to me. If there was any tie between us, you’d care about what’
s important to me.”
His muscles bunched and then her head spun a little as he pressed her to the pallet. He loomed over her. His hands pressed at the side of her head and his knees caged her thighs. She gasped and her eyes widened at the sudden move. His eyes narrowed and if she could have, she would have leaned away to get a little distance from that intimidating stare.
“I am your mate. The tie between us is unbreakable. You won’t be going anywhere without me. I will protect you.” His head lowered. His lips brushed over hers once before he lightly nipped at the full bottom curve. Each word rolled out slowly and utterly clear as if he wanted to make sure she understood him.
Leah took a deep breath. She felt her muscles loosening and a hunger begin to simmer low in her belly in spite of the tension, anger and doubt. Deep inside, she wondered why she was pushing him now. It would be easier to slip away if he didn’t suspect anything.
Still, she couldn’t stop herself. She had to take a stand and make him see that this was important to her. That he couldn’t make her change her mind about it. Why couldn’t he see that she had to be there? Fae had no memory and wouldn’t even know her real name. Leah was the only one who’d recognize her.
“No,” she said deliberately. “You aren’t and I won’t stay with a man who would ask me to stop searching for my sister.”
He growled. The sound rolled over her skin. For some reason, that deep rumble heightened her arousal. His lips pressed against hers and his tongue thrust deep. He claimed her mouth, possessing.
Stunned, she didn’t even think about denying him. Desire leapt to life. Even though anger and distrust filled her mind, her body flared to life at his touch. Her hands crept up to his shoulders and her tongue stroked against his. How could she want him so much when there were so many questions and problems between them?
He drew back with a nip to her lips. “Mine. My woman. You’re staying with me.”
She didn’t have time for a reply. His fingers worked at her shirt and the cloth parted. She wriggled, wanting to feel his fingers on her skin. She didn’t let him entirely take the lead. Her fingers tugged his shirt up his chest. The fabric bunched beneath his arms.
The feel of the fabric must have irritated him, because he straightened and pulled off the garment. His lips fastened to hers again. Her tongue stroked against his. The inner muscles of her pussy clenched and she felt the hot moisture gathering in readiness.
“I’ll show you that you belong with me.” His voice deepened with the promise.
His eyes burned with intensity. How could he still be so fixed on what she’d said when the hunger burned away all thoughts other than urge for more? He pushed the shirt wide. She arched up. Her nipples tightened and ached for his touch. She ran her hands over his chest and plucked at his nipples. She wanted him to be as hungry as she was. He was too in control, too focused. She had a feeling he wanted something and was determined to get it.
His lips trailed over her collarbone and down her chest. One of his hands slipped under her and lifted her. He tugged the shirt off her arms. The moment the fabric fell free, her arms slid back around him. She pulled him close, wanting to feel his hard chest pressing against her. He held back. His fingers went to her pants, unfastening them and pushing them down her hips.
He tugged the pants off one leg then the other before dropping them to the side. Again she grabbed at him, but before she could get a grip, he stripped out of his pants revealing his cock, thick, hard and ready. Her inner muscles clenched as she thought about feeling that pushing into her. It had felt so good. She wanted to feel that again.
“Arron,” she whispered as she tugged at his shoulders. She wriggled, lifting her hips in invitation.
His head lowered and he nipped her lips. He didn’t move any closer to her though. She wanted the heat of his body and the solid weight. The way he was holding himself away from her made her crazy with the need to feel him against her.
“I want your word, Leah.” He trailed his lips over her collarbone and his tongue lapped at the marks from his bite.
She shivered and her nails sank into his forearms. He didn’t move closer, but his mouth did trail down her chest. His tongue traced a path up the swell of her breast. She took a deep breath and tried to concentrate. With his mouth so close to her nipple, it was hard to do. She didn’t understand why he wanted her word or what he wanted her to say.
“What?” She threaded her fingers into his hair. More words wouldn’t come.
“Tell me you won’t go anywhere without me.” His tongue lapped over her nipple.
Her back arched, pressing her breast closer to his lips. He pulled back just enough that she couldn’t get the pressure she needed. He teased her nipple. His other hand joined the mix, tracing up the slope of her breast and teasing the nipple before withdrawing.
“Tell me and I’ll give you what you need. Tell me you’ll stay with me.” His hot breath puffed over her nipple.
She groaned and tried to focus beyond the need. Her clit ached and her inner muscles clenched with the desire to feel his cock thrusting deep. Nothing mattered except getting him inside her.
“I’ll stay with you.” At the moment, she didn’t care what she was agreeing to do. As long as he fucked her, she’d tell him anything he wanted.
His smile held immense satisfaction. It unsettled her, but before she could gather her wits and decipher why he’d be so happy, his lips closed over her nipple. He sucked it hard. She arched and this time he didn’t draw back. He worked at her nipple with his teeth and lips all the while his hand quested down her belly.
His fingers parted her folds. He stroked his fingers over her clit. She moaned and lifted into his touch. Stroking in slow circles, his forefinger teased around the sensitive flesh before drawing the tip straight over it. She shivered, her body tightening with need.
“Are you ready for me? Do you want me, reha?” His tongue lapped at the hardened nipple. His eyes burned as he looked up at her.
“Yes.” She didn’t know how he could doubt it.
His fingers slid down her pussy and two pushed deep into her. The thick digits slowly pulled out before thrusting deep again. He watched her face as if he wanted to see her every expression. Her hips lifted against his hand. If he didn’t move soon, she was going to come on his hand. His fingers felt great, but she wanted his cock.
His thumb brushed over her clit. She drew in a hissing breath. Her nails sank into the skin at the back of his neck, tugging at him. He chuckled and flicked at the nipple. The torment strung her close to the edge of the pleasure she craved.
When his mouth lifted, she tried to pull him back down. He met her eyes as he widened her thighs. Hooking an arm under her right knee, he eased closer. His cock brushed against her pussy. She wanted to feel him driving against her, but he was moving so deliberately.
“Please, Arron, more.” Her hands slid over his back and shoulders gripping at him, trying to urge him to move.
His mouth claimed hers. His tongue thrust deep in a slow rhythm that matched the rocking movement of his hips. She lifted against him. Each torturous withdrawal and advance of his cock sent shivers rolling through her body. Her nails raked down his back. His hips drove against hers. She gasped and arched. His control seemed to snap. He thrust into her. His teeth nipped at her lips. He began driving into her. Her body tightened and she held onto him desperate for release.
His lips trailed down her cheek to her neck. She strained upward, her hips meeting every downward thrust. When his teeth lightly closed on her shoulder, sensation slammed through her. Her body shivered with the force of the pleasure as he continued to move in her, prolonging the rush of blissful delight.
He deliberately moved his chest back and forth across her nipples. The hardened buds tightened even more with each stroke. She lifted into his strokes as hunger and anticipation built.
He growled against her neck and his hips jerked against hers as he came. She felt the hot splash of his semen inside her as his
hips kept rocking against hers. The re’kai, hit hard. Intense pleasure flooded her mind at almost the same instant that it exploded over her body, leaving her shaking and moaning. He held her tight to him. She didn’t want to let go of him either and pressed close to him.
His breathing eventually softened and he lifted his head. “No matter how mad it makes you, you’ll be staying with me.”
She drew in a breath, suddenly remembering what he’d made her promise. Anger rushed through her. “I don’t have to stay anywhere with you.”
She knew it would make him angry, but she couldn’t let him get away with pressuring her. His expression hardened and he looked far more formidable than she’d seen him. Somehow, she knew that he was accustomed to getting almost anything he wanted. He wasn’t going to get his way on this though. She couldn’t let him. Her sister’s life was too important.
He growled, low and deep. His weight came fully down on her once again. “I’m not going to argue with you about this. You aren’t going anywhere without me. I will tie you to me if I have to. Don’t press me.”
She looked up at him, but didn’t say anything more. He might be arrogant enough to take silence as agreement. She wasn’t going to give him another warning. If he had any family, he’d realize why she couldn’t stop.
Chapter Nine
Arron took a little time to calm himself by letting his eyes wander. The morning felt slightly cool, but he knew it was probably more from the light breeze coming off the river. Light dappled the forest floor streaming through the dense leaves of the manoga and vetin trees. It should have calmed him, but he knew this might not go as he planned.
He looked over at Leah as he walked with her. She’d given him a long stare this morning before they’d started walking again. Although she hadn’t said a word, there was a wealth of stubbornness in that glare. She hadn’t given up on going after her sister herself. He would have been more worried about her if she readily agreed with that.
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