I hated going to breakfast.
I didn't want to go.
But I was hungry. As my stomach loudly reminded me. I was praying just once, Hawk had better things to do then linger down there waiting for me.
I threw on my Indo-Mage Gown. A dress that came to my knees. I'd graduate to a full length robe once I was recognized as a Full Mage.
Like Hawk.
I put on my heavy gray Seer's Veil. One many of the females wore to hide their features. So they can be recognized for their magic rather than how pretty of face they are.
I in particular favored wearing the dense veil pinned to the back of my head and folded over the front. My long straight blonde ponytail poured from beneath it down my back in smooth lines.
I hurried down the steps. Intent on grabbing a quick bit of bread and cheese and escaping the Mess Hall.
I crept in seeing a cluster of the more senior mage's near the egg table I veered to the bread counter. Scooping off a heavy loaf and a blot of waxy butter I turned to scamper from the room as quickly as I'd come.
Instead I slammed into the hard lines of a solid chest. Before I even looked up I knew it was him. I recognized his earthen rain-soaked sent. My eyes skimmed up his hard length to his blue eyes. Knowing he couldn't see my features behind the veil.
"Mary Mage..." He crooned. "Where have we been dallying this morning?"
He cocked his head in mocking chiding.
I retreated to put distance between us but he followed me. Predatorily matching my steps until I felt a table pressed to the back of my thighs. I was careful to remain silent in the hopes he wasn't completely certain it was me beneath the veil.
There are other blondes. I told myself reassuringly.
He leaned to whisper near my ear. "This robe isn't nearly as tempting as what you were wearing last night."
"I wasn't-"
Wearing anything! I caught myself. Realizing he'd baited me into using my voice despite myself. I looked around and saw everyone was watching.
While I was looking at them he was assessing me. Before I could react he leaned over and caught the back of my thighs, tossing my rear up on the table.
I gasped and tried to slide off as he stepped between my knees. Suddenly finding myself thrusting my most intimate areas against his.
Hissing in aggravation I slid back up on the table.
"That a girl." He patted the outside of my thigh. "Though I didn't mind you sliding on me, it's not proper for new mage's to behave as a wanton." He paused to give me a thoughtful look.
"Unless they already belong to a Senior Mage." The suggestive look on his face made his meaning clear.
"I won't ever belong to you!" I hissed under my breath.
"You already do." He whacked my outer thigh meaningfully. "Do you see anyone willing to save you?"
He gestured around and I knew he was right. No one moved on my behalf.
Ready to obey any of his commands.
"They'd let me take you right here on the table, if I wished it." He snatched a fistful of hair at the back of my head and held me fast to whisper along the shell of my ear. "I could be buried in your moist heat right now. And no one would do a damn thing to stop me."
I jerked my head trying to struggle free.
His eyes flicked to wear my robes had begun to part over my breasts. Revealing a bit of the hollow between. "Keep struggling and that's like to come open."
I hissed something scathing and shoved him back. Launching off the table to stalk past him.
"Oh, Mary Mage.” He sing songed. “What about your breakfast?"
He nodded back toward the table where my loaf had tumbled across and the platter of butter was still balanced on the edge.
"You're a cad!" I stalked back to the table and leaned over a chair back to reach the butter.
Not seeing him flick two fingers upward which made a haunting breeze spin through the Mess Hall and catch the bottom of my knee-high robe. Tossing it up to expose my silk undergarments.
Making several of the males groan in appreciation.
I screeched and through my skirt down my behind. Holding it over me as I turned to give him an accusing look.
"What?" He shrugged. "Drafty in here, isn't it?"
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Lyra Lani was holding her arms out in welcome. I noted that her arms were slightly bloodied and there was another splash marring her delicate chin and silky blonde curls. But both women were heedless as Vanna Rae embraced her. Clearly old friends. I was a bit jealous. Having never had a she-wolf to confide in like that. Only those that raised me. But now I had a mate, and it would be nice to discuss what that meant with someone. As if sensing my thoughts, Vanna Rae peered back at Killian. Returning to hug him as well. Then she turned her attention to me. I was astonished by how truly striking she was this close. With gorgeous blue eyes. Smooth light blonde hair and a figure that one as skinny as me was sure to envy. “And you,” She shook my shoulder lightly. “You I must thank for helping bring my brother back to me.” She smiled up at Killian. “Am I to understand you are his mate?
It was nearly too much for King Detry to bear. “Irasus!” He roared. Expecting her to skitter from the trees for the sound thrashing he’d execute on her. He was faintly surprised when she didn’t come out with her head ducked like a whipped hound. He called for her again. Slowing his horse. “Do you think she’ll come back?” Callum asked. Helping his mentor onto a horse. “She’d be a fool too.” Roderick whispered as he mounted. “What are you looking at?” Callum asked. Seeing Roderick staring over his head at the bleak mage still standing in the center of the camp. “I suspect, our future.” “What are you thinking?” “I’m thinking that is a King that I’d serve.” “Why?” “Did you see the way the others rushed to defend him. His own willingness to be in the thick of battle?” He looked over his shoulder at their retreating King. “I did…” Callum said thoughtfully. “You’re thinking on joining h
“I cursed myself.” Irasus proudly admitted in answer to Killian’s question. “To what?” She smiled evilly. “To feel nothing.” He murmured. Eyes widening on her. Sensing she was about to strike, he moved before her. Sending lashing strands of smoky magic out to devour her. But she bent the trees to her will. Forcing them over to weave and intertwine before her. “No, you don’t.” She heard a feminine whisper somewhere near her right but didn’t give it the credit she should’ve. Suddenly the trees ripped from her grip. Leaning away to weave behind her. Pushing her forward and out into the opening. Despite all Irasus’ efforts at using magic to hook into them, they no longer obeyed her. She spun her head and saw the pretty young woman touching a tree far too her right. She sent rocks flying that direction but that smoky magic struck first. Blocking them with an invisible barrier. So, they toppled haplessly to the ground.
“What is she doing?” Callum coughed. The young knight fighting to breathe as he sent the older knight, Roderick a worried look. “Making the perimeter. They won’t be able to breathe if they try to leave.” “We have to ride through that!” “We can get through faster than they can. We’re on horseback. Just hold your breath boy.” “This is foolish.” Callum jerked his horse’s rein. Tempted to turn back. Despite all his brave words from the night before. Rodrick didn’t argue. “Forward.” Detry waved. But he waited for Roderick, Callum and many of the others to go through first. There was much coughing and gasping. And many knights immediately turned back. Afraid of the place where breathing became nearly impossible. “What are you waiting for!” Detry bellowed. Drawing his short sword to point in the direction. “Get through!” They were surely creating enough racket that the wolf pack would be sure to know they were
“I’m a very good Healer.” “Yes, you are.” Killian remarked. “I envy the Asara for your presence.” “They’ve been very good to me.” But she was already looking off into the distance. Looking for Fury. I realized. Wondering if her suffering under the Mating Moon had been as great as the rest of ours. “Come, Jade.” He lifted me into his arms. “I want to get you back indoors until you feel a bit better.” “What are you going to do?” “First I’m going to send my sister and those vicious mates of hers, after the NightHunters trail.” “You want her to get out of this camp before Detry gets here.” I called him on the truth of his intentions. He gave me a chiding look. “You know me a bit too well.” “I know how protective you are.” “I wish I could send you ahead.” “I wouldn’t go.” He snorted. “I know.” “Which is why you wanted to lock me indoors.” I gave him a pensive study. “
I swung my back end around and knocked the door closed. Jerking it from his hand. He freely let it go. Giving me severe study. “You understand what you’ve done, She-Wolf?” I bobbed my head. Walking further in, I lowered to my chest on the pile of clothes. Dropping the front of my body but leaving my backside up in offering. He didn’t hesitate. Turning he lunged across the room. Black fur peeling through his skin along his arms and shoulders then up his neck and along his cheekbones until those blue eyes were entirely surrounded by midnight fur. Just as striking as I’d first guessed he would be. He loped the last couple steps and climbed over me. Catching my scruff in his teeth as he slid into me again. The night was rough. And I was sore. My mate returned to human form just as daylight crested. He was exhausted and disheveled and barely managed to slump to the floor. Fur falling away and skin smoothing i