He climbed the few steps to the heavy dark wooden doors. Pushing one open with his foot to step into the opulence of the expansive foyer. The triple chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The second dangling from chains connected to the first. And the third hooked to the second. All of them laden with a tight circle of candles. Glowing brightly over the gold trimmed red carpeting beginning at the stairs, leading to the dais where the stairs split into mirror images turning out toward the walls and winding up to the second level. Torches glowing up there.But there was a dark hall passing the dais and continuing to darker chambers down the hall. Lined with elaborate frames along the right. As he passed a few she realized they were portraits, the eyes following their progress. He suddenly turned sharply to take the stairs up the dais.She glimpsed a door going beneath it.My lower room. He often slept in the servant’s chamber under the stairs when trying to recover from some injury or anoth

Oh, I may. He eyed her consideringly.“I’m debating it. The only thing stopping me is that I fear, reciprocated attraction or nay, you’d fight me like a wild animal were I to wrap you in my arms.”Her cheeks sucked in. And eyes lit with challenge.Confirming his suspicions.“With that said…” He tossed the apple in the air and by the time he caught it, he’d risen to his feet in a smooth motion. He crossed the fur rug in a long, graceful stride heading for her.“What are you doing?” She hissed. Backing up until she hit a wall. Leaning forward threateningly. Her eyes rolling to blood red as she prepared to defend herself.“The big, dangerous animal is coming to get you, Little Harpie.” He put a hand to the wall near her shoulder. His fist still clutching the apple as he hovered his body before hers. His lips nearly brushing her ear as he spoke.She watched him through narrowed eyes.He caught her chin and lifted it with a knuckle.Her lip was twitching in fury told Sebastian knew he was

Why that name? The valkyrie wondered but refused to think about it further.Elsabet headed down the corridor and Wrenny fell in line beside her.“Elsabet?” Wrenny asked catching the end of the conversation from the hall.“I know.”“I thought you were done with that name?”“As did I.” Elsabet said sharply.“No one has called you that since…”“Yes.” Elsabet cut the other girl off and bit down the memories it invoked.***Sebastian in his lair, was sorely disappointed she refused to indulge in them. I’d be curious to know why that name has such significance. And how the maid knew it.Bast’s leg swung over the armrest as he enjoyed the memories she rehashed. He reached to pull a book off the round table between the chairs, rolling it in his palms to keep his hands busy and his focus sharp. Anticipation heightening.Blonde hair hung loose over his shoulders. Brushing a beautifully cut overcoat which swathed over a loosely laced white shirt. Leaving his collarbone and the defined lines of h

Gasping, she lay there. Eyes the stormy blue of a rainy day glaring up at him.The kind of eyes that draw a man from across a crowded room.He had pitched her out of his mind like dirty clothing. “Best learn to heed me, woman.”He stared down at her. No shred of empathy on his face.Tongue to teeth she hissed again. Looking at him scathingly as she fumbled for a broken piece of ceramic still littering the floor. She hurled it at him weakly.His eyes roamed over her restlessly. Contemplating all the things he intended to do to her while she was captive. And what I may have her do to me.Feeling his animal beginning to respond to his sordid thoughts, he knelt next to her and moved a bit of hair off her face.“I don’t have to be cruel, Little Harpie. Stop making me.”She glowered unwaveringly.“I can do this as well.” He blew his lips and made a low whistling sound.Watching as her body tightened.She gasped at the sensations of his magic moving through her.Looking in her pretty blue ey

“I’m sensing her.”Feeling her walking around and stewing in her fury. Sebastian was partially linked to her nearly constantly to monitor what she did, where she went and that she wasn’t trying to escape.“There a difference?” Mardichi queried, looking bored.“I’m only seeing her in my mind.”Not watching her.“And keepin’ track of ever’thing she does.” Mardichi shifted in the seat. “Gad, blessedly women canna do tha’ ta us. That’d be dreadful. They’d know wha’ foul creatures we are in truth.” His burr thickened as he grumbled.Bast had always noticed that it varied with Mardichi’s mood and how relaxed he was. And who he’s around.“You are.” Bast corrected.I have some honor.Earning him a black look from Mardichi. Bast added. “Do you truly think they don’t already know?”“Nay. They’re smart creatures.” Mardichi grudgingly admitted. Speaking awhile longer before growing certain Bast paid him no heed. Leading him to mutter about the deviled troubles with women as he rose and eventually