Taken by His Warrior

by Marie Medina

  “Even when you aren’t fully dressed.”

  Vadik grinned. “I like to run at night. More clothes get in the way.” His gaze wandered up and down Asmund slowly. “You look just as striking in sweats as you did in your robes.”

  “I doubt that,” Asmund said, pushing a strand of hair out of his face as he tried not to smile too broadly.

  “I came to talk more, if you’d like that.”

  “Talk? That’s what you’re here for?”

  Vadik’s blue eyes darkened as he stepped to the bottom of the stairs. “Yes, but I’m at your command, Your Majesty. I can meet any needs you have.” His gaze flicked down briefly.

  Asmund folded his hands in front of him, very aware his body was responding to the wolf’s presence. “From what I’ve seen of wolves, they can get a bit possessive. But I’m not free to allow that.”

  “You already have a lover?”

  He considered lying but soon dismissed the idea. “No. There’s no one.”

  Vadik came up the steps slowly, stopping halfway so he and Asmund were at eye level. “Then why aren’t you free?”

  “You’re a Beta?”

  “Yes.”

  “Then I can offer you a few nights. Maybe weeks. Most kings already have children by the time they’re my age. I have a duty.”

  Vadik growled.

  Asmund looked back at the man, surprised by the power he felt flowing from him. “I don’t mean to offend you. But I don’t have a choice.”

  “Neither do I.” Vadik came up onto the porch and knelt before Asmund. “I belong at your side, and that is where I will be from now on.”

  Asmund blinked, confused by the insistent words joined with the submissive gesture. “What do you mean?”

  Vadik gazed up at him. “You’re my mate, and if you won’t have me in your bedroom, I’ll stand outside it and guard you.”

  Asmund stepped back until he nearly stumbled over a rocking chair. “That isn’t possible.”

  “Wolves find their mates among humans all the time.”

  “I’m not human.”

  “Gregor and Jared are mates.”

  “Jared is half shifter.”

  “I’m part elf. I have that from your own lips.” He rose and took one step closer. “These Sons of Fenrir, as they call themselves, do they have mates?”

  Asmund’s mind raced. The dark elves did believe in fated mates, but most other magical creatures did not. He swallowed and said, “I don’t think it works exactly the way it does with ordinary shifters.”

  “Doesn’t really matter. No matter what else is in my blood, I am a shifter. And you’re my mate. A wolf can never be mistaken. I’m yours until death parts us, even if you won’t be mine.”

  Asmund let out a shuddering breath. “And everyone was afraid of you wolves being put off by fae drama. The drama seems to coming from your noses.”

  Vadik actually laughed. “Perhaps. One whiff of you turned my cock to stone.”

  “I can give you satisfaction on that count, but it’s obvious you want more.”

  “We can start there. You’ll find yourself reconsidering once I’ve been inside you.”

  I’m sure of that, which is one reason it can’t happen. He scrambled for a change of subject. “Can I release you? Isn’t there some ceremony or words I can say? You belong with your pack.”

  “I belong with my mate, even if only as his devoted protector.”

  “But you can’t mean what you said earlier. You’d be, what, my bodyguard? You’d stand outside my bedroom door and listen to me fuck my wife?”

  Vadik lowered his gaze a moment. “I wouldn’t like it, but if you were in love—not simply doing your duty—I would allow it. I would protect her as well. And your offspring.”

  “You would allow it? You’re crazy.”

  “I’m a wolf shifter with dark elf blood. And by the way, my wolf form is very, what was your word earlier? Hellhound-sized, I think you said. Well, it fits me. I’m a skilled fighter, and I would stand by your side through any challenge. Have your guard captain test me. Have anyone test me. I’ll prove I’m worthy of my beautiful king.”

  By the gods, he does belong in the fae court. Been years since I heard such a declaration. He cleared his throat. “It’s not about you being worthy. I couldn’t begin to deny what an impressive man you are. But … you can’t give me a child. My people come first, always. I would die for them. Mate or not, I can’t marry you. And I won’t give a crown and my children to one person while giving my heart and love to another who must lurk in the shadows. I’d be disrespecting two people, and my own heart.”

  Vadik opened the door of the cabin. “It’s getting chilly out here. Let’s continue this inside.”

  “I should retire. I need to leave early in the morning.”

  “This cabin has three bedrooms. I won’t disturb you.”

  “I want to be alone.”

  “And I want to know you’re safe.”

  Asmund went back inside, and then he waved his hand, warding the entire cabin and keeping Vadik out. He turned back, watching Vadik put a hand up to the invisible barrier, and said, “I am safe. Now.”

  Pain came to Vadik’s eyes as his hand lowered and his body stiffened defensively. “You think I would harm you? Force you? Never!”

  Asmund shook his head. “I meant safe from myself. I’d love to take you to my bed, but I have a duty. I sense that you can understand that, which makes me even sadder. And I put up the ward to prove to you that no one could harm me. I meant no offense to you.”

  Vadik seemed to think about this, his body relaxing some. “You don’t have to be sad. Or alone.”

  “Please leave me.”

  Vadik bowed. “If it’s truly what you want, I’ll obey.”

  As Vadik turned and walked away, Asmund shut the door and slumped against it, knowing the battle had only begun. He conjured a sleeping potion to keep from lying away wracked by need, but Vadik invaded his dreams, torturing him in a different way all night.

  Chapter Two

  Vadik stood outside Asmund’s door with his bags, praying the king wouldn’t sense him and try to sneak away through a portal opened inside the cabin. The fae were only supposed to open portals in the spot that had been designated outside of Gregor’s cabin, but Vadik felt the king could probably get away with breaking the rule.

  The door finally opened, and Asmund stood there a moment and stared at him. “I hope you went home to sleep in a warm bed last night,” Asmund said.

  “I did. Eventually. I had to pack as well.”

  Asmund stepped outside, his green robes flowing around him. He stared down at Vadik’s bags. “And people think the fae are arrogant.” He gave a slight shake of his head. “You actually think you can come with me without my permission?”

  “If you wish me to stay here, you’ll have to use your powers. On this one point, I’ll disobey you and my Alpha.”

  Asmund’s hands went to his hips, the defiant gesture sending an unexpected little thrill up Vadik’s spine. “Don’t force my hand. I don’t want to do anything even close to that so soon after the forming of our alliance with your pack.”

  “Then don’t do it.” He eyed the robes, curious. “Weren’t your robes blue yesterday?”

  Asmund let out a huff of exasperation and snapped his fingers. His robes changed color instantaneously, returning to the blue shade from the day before. A second snap of his fingers changed them back to the lighter green.

  “I prefer you in the green,” Vadik said, smiling at the fire in his mate’s eyes. “Do you have to make the physical gesture?”

  “No, but it’s a matter of manners for us. Doing magic without signaling in some way to those around you can be considered rude. It’s a habit we form growing up.” Asmund reached back and closed the cabin door, locking it and placing the key on a hook under the windowsill to the left of the door. “What does your Alpha say about your plans?”

  Vadik decided to be truthful but not too spec
ific. Gregor had seen him with his bags roughly an hour earlier and spent several minutes trying to get him to change his mind. The emphasis the Alpha had placed on Vadik not being hurt had moved him, in a way, but the pull of his mate was far stronger than his desire to obey his Alpha. That alone had further hardened his resolve. “He thinks I’m setting myself up for disappointment.”

  “But he hasn’t told you to stand down?”

  “Stand down?” Vadik chuckled. “I’m hardly storming the castle.” Yet, that is.

  Asmund looked to his bags again and then met his gaze. “You should listen to your Alpha. I admire his drive to protect his pack—it’s exactly like my motivation to do what is best for my people in every way.” He paused a moment, licking his lips. “You aren’t wrong about my attraction to you, and I’m sure you know that. If you come with me, we’ll end up in bed together. But it won’t last. Two people will be hurt. Possibly more. I’d personally prefer a tiny bit of regret now to a lifetime of longing and painful memories. Thoughts of what could have been.”

  Vadik crossed his arms. A tiny bit of regret? It’ll be worse than that for both of us, mate. I promise. “Are your relatives so awful you have no choice but to produce children of your own?”

  Asmund blinked. “Excuse me?”

  “Who’s next in line to the throne?”

  “My cousins on my father’s side would be next. Then their children.”

  “What are your objections to them?”

  Asmund shook his head and began walking away. “If you’re coming, then come on. I don’t feel like arguing.”

  Vadik strode along at the king’s side, stealing glances at him now and then. “If you give up so easily, we certainly will be in bed together before very long.”

  Asmund lifted his chin. “I do not give up easily. I meant exactly what I said. I don’t feel like arguing. I’m certainly not going to discuss my family or the royal succession with a man I barely know.”

  “We’re mates. Tell me something is confidential and not even torture could drag it from me.”

  The king gave him a brief glance. “Do you have to be so dramatic?”

  Vadik grinned. “This from a man wearing silk robes and a crown at seven in the morning.”

  Asmund seemed to chew the inside of his lower lip for a few seconds. “You’re trying to make me mad because you think it’s sexy,” the king said, not looking at him.

  “And how can you tell I think that?” Vadik asked in a low voice.

  Asmund lifted his gaze. “Because even though it’s a completely different ability, one based in magic rather than purely in biology, I can sense emotions coming from you just as you sense them coming from me.”

  “You can?”

  “Yes.”

  “I feel your turmoil and wish to ease it.”

  Asmund stopped and poked a finger square at Vadik’s chest. “Then give up on this idea. I have to get home and finish planning a Briod Ball. Trust me when I say you won’t enjoy watching me do that. You certainly won’t relish being there for the event itself.”

  “A what?”

  “A Briod Ball. A bride ball, in other words. Or breed ball. I can’t remember the language the word originates from right off the top of my head, but it’s a party for picking a spouse.”

  Vadik’s jaw clenched. “You’re going to pick a wife at a big party? Like in Cinderella?”

  “It’s the best way to narrow my list down. See who’s available. Talk with them. There are thousands of fae, and it’s actually a pretty efficient system, though I doubt I’ll make my selection that night.”

  “Your selection? That sounds awful. I like the shifter way better. The happiest moment of my life was when you came close enough for me to scent you.”

  Asmund walked away, moving faster this time. The emotions coming off him churned even more furiously, telling Vadik he’d hit a nerve. Asmund threw his next words over his shoulder. “I’m not a shifter. You can’t make me submit to this.”

  One kiss, one moment in my arms, and I’ll bet you I could. He could feel the king’s arousal and need, but he didn’t want to make the other man too angry until they’d actually passed into the fae realm. Vadik knew the king could use his power to keep him out, and he wanted the satisfaction of seeing the king opt not to do so.

  They walked in silence until they reached Gregor’s cabin. Gregor came outside with Jared, both men raising their eyebrows as they came down the porch stairs. The king appeared to be trying to calm his features into a more neutral expression, but it didn’t seem to be working.

  Which only made Vadik grin.

  ****

  Asmund tried to ignore the smirk on Vadik’s face. “A stray is trying to follow me home, Gregor. I do wish you’d do something about it,” Asmund said, hating the strain he heard in his voice.

  Gregor gave a slight bow but still shook his head. “I’d never deny any in my pack the chance to win his or her mate. I’m sure there are similar fundamental things you couldn’t deny your people.”

  Asmund held in his sigh of frustration and turned to his cousin. “I’m not sure how you do it, Jared. I never knew shifters were quite so stubborn.” He hugged Jared and whispered in his ear, “What in all the realms am I supposed to do?”

  Jared whispered back. “He’s your mate. Accept it.”

  At that statement, Asmund let his sigh free as he drew back. “I see you’ve already drunk the punch.”

  “Kool-Aid,” Vadik said at his side.

  “What?” Asmund said more sharply than he’d intended.

  “Drunk the Kool-Aid. That’s what the phrase is. And it really has a negative sort of meaning. Doesn’t apply to this situation very well.” Vadik smiled at him.

  Gregor actually laughed. “I wish you could stay. This could be entertaining.”

  Asmund flicked his wrist to open a portal, the circle of light swirling slowly before them. “Thank you for hospitality, Alpha. Don’t blame me if I send him back castrated.” He stepped through the portal, debating on closing it before Vadik could come through.

  He didn’t, and his cheeks flamed when he turned and saw the look in Vadik’s eyes. Did the shifter know Asmund could easily have kept him from passing through? He turned away and began walking across the room.

  “This is your bedroom?” Vadik asked.

  “Yes. I believe you expressed interest in guarding it.” He marched to the door and opened it. “You’ll need to be on the other side of this door to do that.”

  “I hope I won’t be expected to sleep on the floor. I’ll certainly do it, but I think you’re more gracious than that.”

  Asmund glanced across the hallway, waving his fingers to make the doors open. “You may sleep there. If you need anything, just ask a servant. I’ll inform them you’re here.”

  Vadik eyed the double doors as he walked through them. “No locks. I don’t like that.”

  “Warded by my own magic. No one comes into this room without my permission. This entire wing is guarded by men I selected myself. You were able to enter my bedroom because I opened a portal within it and allowed you to pass through.” Asmund shooed him into the hall. “Go ahead. Try to get back in.”

  Vadik set his bags down and tried. The air pushed against him, as it had the night before, and he couldn’t walk back into the room no matter how hard he tried. “That does make me feel better. And I’ll feel even more honored when you invite me back into it.”

  “That won’t happen. I let you come with me to settle this once and for all.” Can he tell I’m lying? Can he feel it? Why can’t I make myself send him back?

  “It will happen. You’ll beg, if I want you to.” Vadik grinned.

  “Arrogance isn’t attractive.”

  “It is on you. It’s beautiful, in fact.”

  Asmund eyed him a long time, trying to make sense of the mix of emotions coming from the wolf. His heart quickened as the compliment kept repeating in his mind. “Aren’t you afraid of being hurt?” he asked, sobering
from his own chaotic emotions in light of Vadik’s unflinching determination.

  “No.”

  “Well, I am.” Asmund stepped out into the hallway and closed his doors, not looking at Vadik. “I have business to attend to. My own guards will take care of me, so please go to your room and get settled. I’ll return in an hour and take you to the captain. If you’re going to persist in this, you must be up to his standards.”

  “I won’t fail you. And I won’t hurt you.”

  Asmund nodded curtly, his eyes still downcast, and then he walked away, feeling Vadik’s gaze on him until he hurried around a corner.

  He’ll give up in a few days. If I can stay strong, he’ll give up and go back home.

  As he walked, Asmund kept telling himself that was what he wanted.

  ****

  Vadik followed Asmund outside, taking note of all the doors and hallways in the palace. No matter how powerful the king’s magic was, Vadik didn’t like the abundance of ways to enter and exit all of the rooms and corridors. The king had changed clothes at some point in the past hour, trading the silk robes for brown leather trousers and, much to Vadik’s delight, a green linen shirt only a shade or so darker than the robes he’d been wearing earlier. He’d bitten his tongue to keep from commenting on it, wanting to see how often the king would wear green in the coming days.

  When they arrived in the armory, a large, fortified building behind the palace, Vadik slowed a bit to admire the weaponry that covered the walls and tables. Blades and axes and shields surrounded him, and he noted with the pleasure that there wasn’t a single gun of any kind. He saw cannonballs in a corner, though. He’d use any weapon if it came down to it, but he preferred hand-to-hand combat over firearms any day.

  Asmund stopped when he noticed Vadik slowing down. He scanned the wall and pointed to a glass case with a heavy lock on it. “That’s my father’s sword. He wielded it the last time an invasion threatened us.”

  Vadik looked closely at the ornate silver sword a moment before moving closer to Asmund. “When was this? Who threatened you?”

  “When I was about ten years old. It was the goblins. They got it into their heads that they deserved to live on this island instead of us.” Asmund smiled with seeming pride. “We vanquished them, and the goblin king surrendered to my father, laying down his own sword on the palace steps in a ceremonial gesture.” Asmund pointed to a sword with a shorter blade and a golden hilt, which was displayed just below the other one.