“What was that ruckus about?” Marcus Teverius asked. Me discomforting a beautiful woman. One who stared at my body like a next meal. One I’d like her to test. “My little ward.” Sebastian shucked his breeches again and slid back under the blanket, just as Teverius appeared in the doorway. “Taunting her again?” Always. “Every opportunity that arises.” He nodded. Shifting under the coverlet to get comfortable. It dawned on Tev that Bast was just now settling there. “Were you naked a moment ago?” Whenever possible. “I’m still naked.” “Uck!” Tev tossed up his hands and moved from the doorway. “We’ve talked about this. You always prop your chamber door when you should be closing it.” “It’s a mite stuffy.” Bast’s nose wrinkled in distaste. “Anyone can walk by…” “Don’t worry little brother. Someday you may be as big and strapping a lad, as I.” “

WaterRose, Meadow Mountain, Grier Country (Six years after stars fell) SEBASTIAN Six years of checking on the little Watcher girls had passed. Six years of watching the eldest, a redhead, grow to the tiniest brunette infant only born a few months ago. Six years we’ve been guarding them. But tonight, Sebastian woke to a nightmare. Marcus Teverius’ torn screams ripped through his mind. Agonized shouting for help. The kind of broken call, I’ve rarely heard before. Bast ripped free from the furs covering him, willing clothes to materialize around his body as he took the stairs. Joining Elsabet at the foyer door, he shouted to the bridge tower. The drawbridge lowered. Thank you, Dimitrius. Bast’s heart was thrumming in his ears. A kind of sick dead filling his spirit that made him feel cold. Elsabet was mesmerized by the flash of white in the darkness. The

Her eyes flicked to the meager distance between them, eyes widening as she realized he was right. She leaned toward him. Only a couple inches now separating them. She was drawn like a magnet. Her face upturned and lips nearly pressed to his. “You’re a devious, rogue.” Her face hardened. When I’m with you. “Aye.” He nodded with a lopsided grin as he caressed her chin. “That I am.” She pushed past him. But he caught her arm and swung her back around, pushing her against the wall and pinning her with his weight. One hand brushing along her jaw to cup the back of her neck. Ready to hold her in place if she fought. Unable to resist the temptation any longer, he stole her mouth. Tasting every sweet corner of it. Taking in her scent, swallowing her breaths. When she did muster enough sanity to try and object, he swallowed that to. When she tried to push away by lurching her hips forward, he met her there. Pressing his already

He strolled to the edge of the fireplace and tucked himself into the shadows. Resting an elbow on the high mantle and watching her from his dark little corner, hoping observing her would somehow soothe his raw nerves. Seeing her usually does. And fighting with her appeases the pain. But that could wait until he’d calmed some. And let his dread of having to confess to the Alpha their recent failure, abate. It’s done now. There was nothing he could do to change it. But I’d never dreaded so much telling him, we failed. Sebastian understood why Teverius couldn’t face him or The Alpha. Knew Tev’s guilt and self-loathing. And knew it was those aggressive feelings which had driven him to isolate himself in Dread Country rather than confess to the Alpha what he’d lost. But he’d have never given it up willingly. Bast had defended to Deragan. Even now he could vividly recall the eviden

Stomping a small foot at his infuriating statements, Elsabet charged up to her room. Smashing vases and raging in her chamber. She hates that she has so little control here. Sebastian noted. It was an understandable frustration. But one she’ll have to acclimate to. “She seems content.” Acharius sighed. His tone eeking of sarcasm as he entered the library. The large former viking, whom the Alpha had charged with guarding their most sacred items, looked quite pleased to be away from his caves for the day. Wouldn’t I? Sebastian couldn’t imagine spending all his days sheltered in a dank cave, killing all Cimmerii that are hunting for it. What a neverending detail. Sebastian certainly didn’t envy that charge. “She usually is…” Sebastian said dryly. His amusement making his turquoise eyes dance as he looked at his friend. “Do you truly garner pleasure from tormenting her?” Acharius strode over to t