by D E Boske
“C’mon, Shazzi, take me. Make love to me…” he drifted off because he’d almost called her Reny. He missed her so much. She was a skilled lover who knew what he wanted and what he needed and gave it without question. What was he doing? He was too turned on to stop now. He placed his hands on her hips and ran them down to her ass. He squeezed her gently as she positioned herself above him.
She eased herself down, but he was too big. She was determined, though. She knew what she wanted and would make it work somehow. Darian let her take her time, knowing she was tiny. This would be challenging, but could be done carefully. She felt him enter her and gasped as the feeling of fullness magnified in this position. He was barely in and she was obviously struggling. She flexed her hips and wiggled in an attempt to push him deeper with no luck.
Darian used his magic to incite her and it had the desired effect. She became so aroused that she was able to take him as deep as he could go. She let out a scream of pleasure and began to move. He placed his hands on her hips and let her take the lead. She ground her hips into his and they both groaned in satisfaction.
“Darian, you feel so good,” she breathed softly.
“Babe,” he said in his sexy voice, “I need to be in control now,” he whispered and without preamble, he flipped her onto her back and placed her legs on his shoulders. He eased into her and she yelped and dug her nails into his back, but he didn’t relent. He moved easily within her and she had to admit, she felt so much more like this. The Mage was an incredible lover and she could fall in love with him easily. Another reason why he was so dangerous.
He made her feel so much and it just wasn’t fair. She knew he wouldn’t stay with her. He was a Mage of The Order and although she couldn’t fully comprehend what that meant, she knew he was not for her. She had no regrets, though. Out of all the men who had approached her, she was glad he had and that she’d chosen to go with him.
He could feel her tightening around him and it only urged him on. “Vazaalhen!” he exclaimed and it was enough for her to claim her ecstasy. Lights exploded behind her eyes, temporarily blinding her. He wasn’t far behind her, the sensations too much for him to bear any longer.
“I’m starving,” he mumbled and she laughed.
“Me too,” she said, kissing his chest and then moving to his lips.
“Darian, breakfast is here,” said Kelindril.
“Thank you,” said the Mage and his stomach rumbled. They washed and dressed quickly and followed the delicious aromas out to the dining area.
Kelindril made sure he had plenty of hearty food because he knew Darian would be hungry. There was bacon, eggs, sausage, fruit, fresh baked bread, butter, and coffee. Darian served Lustryl, then piled food on his plate and began to eat.
“Please, join us. There’s plenty of food here,” offered Darian and his personal guard helped themselves.
“Thank you, Kel, you never cease to amaze me. You take care of me and I really appreciate this. How did you know I’d be hungry?”
“You’re always hungry afterward,” said Kel and winced as Lustryl looked upset.
“How long will you be staying, Darian?” she asked, trying to ignore Kelindril’s comment.
“No longer than needed. I have a strict timeline that I must adhere to. I need to secure passage across the ocean and for that, I need to gather supplies.”
“Will you be coming back this way once you’re done?” she asked, hopefully.
“Most likely,” he replied. “Tell me about yourself,” he encouraged and the conversation flowed naturally. Darian was a dynamic host and he was handsome, too. She could get lost in his eyes… and his voice was hypnotic.
Before she left, he took her memory. He didn’t want Reny stumbling into her and learning
what he’d done, which reminded him that he should take care of the dressmaker. This was be-
coming too difficult. He shouldn’t have to go to all these extremes. After all, he hadn’t asked Renlyss to be his consort yet. But he knew it was more than that. She would take it as a personal affront and he didn’t want to hurt her. Though he could not say the words, he cared about her and he wanted to be with her and make her happy. He’d take the next two days and do nothing but think about her and what he was going to do.
Vazaalhen! When had life become so complicated? Did he want to be with only one woman? Could he be happy? With Tynuviel, it was never a question. He knew he would’ve been happy with her… Could he be that happy with Reny? Would she walk out on him when things got dark again? Because his life was going to get ugly, uglier than anything he’d previously faced. And if she couldn’t stand it before, how would she be able to handle being with him when things got really dangerous? She insisted that she’d never leave him again, but could he trust her?
Kelindril sensed that Darian was working through something that was troubling him and he guessed it was about Renlyss. Since Tynuviel, the Mage had been seriously messed up. And then Renlyss left him at the worst possible time and Kelindril knew she’d hurt him more than he would ever openly admit. He also knew that Darian cared for her deeply, otherwise, he would have kept her at a distance. Kelindril liked them together. The elven mage was good for him and kept him in line and he usually listened to her advice. He’d do whatever the Mage needed so that he could sort through his issues. Kelindril intended to see them together once more.
The elf was aware of just how much he’d changed since working for Darian. But he wasn’t angry, he was thankful that the Mage had accepted his offer. He didn’t want to contemplate where he’d be right now if Darian had refused.
“You okay, Darian?” he asked.
“I’m fine, Kel. I need some time to think. I don’t want any interruptions for the next two days, understand?”
“Got it,” he replied. “What are you thinking about?”
“Renlyss. I need to come to a decision, Kel. And I can’t do it if I’m not left alone. I need isolation.”
“You shall have it. Can I say something, Darian?”
“Of course, Kel.”
“You and Renlyss are good together. You complete each other and I think you would be remiss if you did not take her as your own. If you let this opportunity pass, you will live to regret it, Darian. I don’t want to see you like this anymore. I want to see you happy, my friend. And let’s be honest, Renlyss makes you happy, even if you won’t admit it. I even suspect that you secretly love her and this scares you.”
“Drink with me,” Darian offered and Kel nodded, for how could he refuse?
Darian took out an aged bottle of Cryvellan Brandy and poured generous amounts into two glasses and handed one to Kel. The elf took a swig, knowing it would be strong, but he was able to handle it. It tasted like liquid fire, but after the initial burn, the alcohol went down smooth. Darian seemed pleased that he liked it and drank his down in one smooth gulp. The Mage refilled their glasses and went out onto the beach. Kelindril followed closely, taking his glass, but this time, he drank slowly.
The sun was warm and the breeze blowing in off the water was invigorating. Darian didn’t speak for some time and Kelindril left him alone. The Mage needed to work through this on his own now. He’d given Darian his honest opinion, but that’s all he could do. If the Mage needed Kelindril to drink with him, then that’s what he’d do.
“I miss her, Kel. I want to be with her, but I need to make sure it’s what she really wants. I won’t allow her to walk away again.”
“Does that mean what I think it means?” asked the Gor Li’ Khan, shivering from the cold tone that crept into Darian’s voice.
“It does, but not to worry, I’ll take care of it myself. I would never ask you to do that for me,” Darian explained, but Kelindril did not feel comforted by it. If Renlyss tried to walk away again, Darian would kill her and the elf knew it wouldn’t be quick or painless.
Darian folded his legs under him and sat on the warm sand, closing his eyes and emptying his mind. He needed to find a sense of pe
ace in order to work his way through this mess. Tynuviel’s loss was still affecting him on a visceral level and he didn’t know if he’d get past it. He wasn’t sure that he wanted to get over her. She was the first one, the only one he’d ever loved and letting go was killing him. The only time he felt any peace at all was when he was in the company of Reny. That alone should have helped him come to a decision, but it didn’t.
He thought of Hunter, the feel of the small child’s hand in his. The boy depended on him to take care of him and keep him safe, but he needed a strong father figure and the love of a good woman for a mother. The Mage knew that he and Reny would be good for Hunter and growing up in Kiri A’ Nouell would make him strong. It would also be the first time a human was raised in the elven forest.
Darian didn’t deny his love for Hunter, he admitted it openly. Why couldn’t he do the same for Renlyss? There was no denying that he cared deeply for her and yet, he couldn’t bring himself to say the words. He was scarred more gravely than perhaps even he realized.
He meditated for some time and Kel remained silent by his side, ever watchful. Darian pictured Reny’s face and he ached for her in ways that he never had for Tynuviel. How is this possible? He thought. How could I have let this happen? I’ve always been strong; I’ve kept myself distant with good reason. The Order taught me how to disregard emotion. How could I have
allowed myself to fall in love with two women?
He could deny it no longer. He was in love with Renlyss, gods help him. He needed to do this right. He’d seen the perfect ring for her at an elven jeweler they’d passed two days ago. Tomorrow, he’d begin preparations for his proposal. He wanted it to be romantic this time. The first time, he cringed at the memory, was more like a business transaction. No wonder why she’d said no. He’d need a lot of help if he were to pull this off in grand fashion and in such short order, but he knew his Gor Li’ Khan would be eager to assist. He knew Kyler would also help in any way that he could and he intended to take them all up on it.
“I’m going to need help, Kel,” Darian said softly and the Gor Li’ Khan paled.
The Mage chuckled, “Not that kind of help,” he remarked and the elf immediately relaxed. “I need help pulling this all together. I’m going to ask Renlyss to be my consort.”
“Hali Da’ Tai!” exclaimed Kelindril, clapping the Mage on the back. “This deserves a toast,” remarked the elf and Darian grinned.
“If she says no, I will never ask again,” the Mage confided.
“That will never happen. She will jump at the chance to be with you, Darian,” said Kelindril.
“I hope you’re right, Kel.”
“What made you change your mind?”
“I finally admitted to myself that I’m in love with her. I can’t deny how I feel about her anymore. The thought terrifies me, but it also gives me hope.”
“You’re making the right decision, Darian,” said Kelindril.
“We shall see. What about you and Kylee?” asked Darian and the elf chuckled nervously.
“I haven’t seen her for a few days,” he admitted.
“Why not?” asked the persistent Mage.
“You keep me pretty busy, Darian,” he said and immediately regretted it.
“Kel, you’ve gotta let all that stuff go. It’s in the past where it belongs. You deserve a chance at happiness too, but if you continue backpedaling, you’ll lose her. Ask her out on a real date,” pushed the Mage.
“Maybe I will,” hedged the elf.
Darian knew Kelindril well enough to know that he wasn’t going to ask Kylee out without help. Kylee, are you busy? Darian waited for the lovely elf’s response.
Darian, the answer is still no. You can’t…
Whoa babe, I’m not interested in you. I’m spoken for. I’m asking on Kelindril’s behalf.
Oh. He heard the disappointment in her tone and smiled to himself. Even though she wouldn’t give in to his suggestions, she liked the attention the gorgeous Mage showered on her.
Now he said he was taken? Taken by whom?
Why doesn’t he ask me himself?
Seriously? C’mon Kylee, why are you being obtuse? He needs a gentle push, that’s all. You and I both know that he is so into you he can’t think straight. We’re on the beach if you’re interested.
Darian severed the connection in irritation. She knew better than any why Kelindril wouldn’t approach her on his own. Why would she ask something so stupid?
Kylee felt Darian sever the connection and felt like he’d slapped her. She felt embarrassed and didn’t know why. Her face heated and she briefly considered not going, but the thought of Kelindril wanting her was too much to bear. She remembered their heated encounter and how he’d pressed himself into her. The memory was vivid and she replayed it over in her mind as she decided what to wear. She chose a blood red dress that fell to the floor. Long side slits exposed her bare, sexy legs and her heart sped up as she imagined the look on Kel’s face when he saw her.
“Brandiel, can you do something for me?” asked Darian.
“Of course!”
“I need you to find white roses. Reny loves white roses.”
“I know just where to go,” the elf said confidently. “How many?”
“About two dozen. I also need candles, food, and anything else you think I may need. Oh, and something for Hunter,” added Darian
“You got it, boss,” said Brandiel. “Though, I don’t think you need any help with ideas. I’ve seen you with women before and they just melt at the sight of you.”
“Renlyss is different, Brandiel. She deserves my very best and she shall have it. The others cannot compare. She has my heart and soul and that is something none of the others can claim. I have been with too many women to count, but now I am serious. I will be faithful to her because no one else makes me feel the way I do when I’m with her,” Darian admitted and those words rang true with Kelindril too.
The Gor Li’ Khan leader saw Kylee step onto the beach and his mouth nearly hit the sand. She had her hair pulled back into a ponytail and she wore a red dress that attracted his attention and aroused the beast in him. He couldn’t take his eyes off her. She saw him and waved, making her way over to them and he began walking away, seeing if there was anything he could do, like count the grains of sand at their feet. Anything was preferable to being near this vibrant woman.
“Hi Kel,” she said, moving up to him and brushing her lips on his cheek.
“Kylee,” he said tersely and she looked away, flushing red. Darian gave him a meaningful
glare, but the elf remained stern.
“I was hoping we could have dinner?” she asked, working up enough courage to grasp his hand.
“I’m working, Kylee,” he said, weakening from her touch.
“No, he’s not, Kylee. Have a good time,” said the Mage, winking at her and she grinned. She mouthed the words, “thank you,” and he nodded and turned his attention to a note in his hand.
Kelindril glared at Darian and in that moment, wanted to run his sword through the smartass Mage. Darian merely grinned at him and shooed him away.
“Once more it seems you are suddenly free,” Kylee said, squeezing his hand, but he remained cold and distant. So different from the way he’d been…
“That’s because my Master decided he has a sense of humor tonight,” retorted Kelindril, his tone chill.
“Hey,” she said, turning him to face her. “What’s going on, Kel?” A lump was forming in her throat, but she refused to walk away from him. She wanted to be with him and he needed to come to the same conclusion, but it was taking him far longer.
“This isn’t a good idea, Kylee. Why can’t you see that? You can’t force someone to feel something that they just don’t feel!” She jerked away from him and ran up the beach and he crumbled inside at her loss, but it was for the best. It would never work between them, but at least he could admit it.
“What the hell is the matter with you?” Darian b
erated him in elvish in front of them all. The Mage didn’t care if he embarrassed Kel, he had it coming. Darian was angry at the way Kel treated Kylee, especially because he knew Kel cared for her.
“Why did you talk to her like that?” Darian demanded.
“I’m sick and tired of pretending!” shouted Kelindril. “Stop meddling in my life, Darian. I told you, I don’t want to be with her, but you keep pushing us together. What did you think was going to happen?” Kelindril spat angrily.
“I thought you’d come to your dwindling senses. I was trying to be your friend, jackass! She loves you and you feel the same, but you’re too damn stubborn to admit it. You have the nerve to tell me what I should be doing with Renlyss, but here you are, too afraid to take a step forward. Grahn Bah’ Lo!” Darian said and turned his back on the elf.
Kelindril’s face burned with a fury that he fought to contain, but was unable to do so. He attacked the Mage, lunging at him, fists raised. He didn’t want to kill Darian, but he desperately wanted to punch him in his stupid mouth. But the Mage was fast, he spun and ducked the incoming blow from the Gor Li’ Khan and swept his left leg out wide, but the elf leaped over it, landing lightly on his feet.
Darian restrained himself from using magic, it was an unfair advantage. He wanted to beat the mess out of Kelindril for the way he’d treated Kylee. Kylee was a beautiful, kind hearted woman who put herself on the line for an elf she didn’t know. To have Kelindril treat her with such careless disregard pissed the Mage off. At least I’m good to women, even if I have no long-term interest, I still treat them with the respect that they deserve, he thought.
Kelindril feigned moving to the right and when Darian moved to block, the sneaky elf went left and low and the Mage wasn’t fast enough to avoid the next attack. As Darian was turning to face Kelindril, the elf’s hands were already moving. Darian felt the crushing blow to his face as his head flew back from the force. Kelindril’s fist connected with Darian’s mouth exactly as Kelindril wanted. The Mage’s lip split open and blood sprayed Kelindril’s clothes and face and Darian’s face darkened in anger. Game time was over. It was time to teach this elf a lesson.
