by Elissa Daye
“What if something happens to you?”
“Don’t be silly. There is still plenty of time for the baby to make its appearance. It would be way too soon for her to appear.” She put his hand on her belly and watched the display of emotions take over his face. The baby was kicking her belly so hard that she was sure he could feel it. The baby had started kicking earlier than most and April had told her that was a good sign that her child was growing safely with her.
Aiden gathered her head between his hands and looked deeply in her eyes. “I told you it would take a little while to get used to the idea, Lysandra. Now that it has sunk in, I’m more afraid for you than ever.”
“Aiden, I have work to do today. I suggest you get moving with whatever it is you do during your days.” She teased him gently, then ushered him out the door. She actually planned on putting some more touches on the tapestry she was making. She could not decide what color to make the female wolf just yet, but she had created Aiden’s silver form distinctly on the dark fabric.
Lysandra went to the garden to work on her tapestry and sat humming a gentle song while the other women bantered around her. She was happy to sit in the peaceful air, just taking in the day. She finally stopped to eat, then headed upstairs for a nap. She wrapped her arm around her belly protectively as she slept.
It was much later when she awoke to Aiden’s gentle touch and wondered how he had skillfully undressed her without waking her. Ever since her stomach started quickening her desire for Aiden’s touch had risen to a fevered pitch anytime he was near her. She really could not explain it, for she had always assumed that being with child would make her feel tired and slovenly. That was certainly not the case. “Careful, you know how easy it is to get me excited these days, Aiden.”
“I was counting on it.” His wicked eyes ran down every inch of her body, the beast within hiding just beneath his skin.
Lysandra could sense the urgency in their lovemaking. It was fierce and fueled by the desperation that burned Aiden to the core. She drew him further within her for the moment in hopes that this one small moment in time would bring him peace before he changed. Soon the power of the moon would overtake him and he would become the beast that roamed the forest floors. Her hips met his angry rhythm beat by beat as he drove through the madness that chased him. She found her release just moments after his last thrust, his warm seed making her tingle with every drop.
Aiden lay there, holding her as tight as he dared when the first wave of madness shook him. He pushed away from her almost violently and leapt out of bed with fear for her safety in his eyes. “Lysandra!” The plea tore from his mouth as he twisted in pain.
Lysandra watched in agony as her husband’s wailing misery scorched her ears. She ached to reach out and soothe his fears, but she knew now was not the best time. His change from man to wolf was a dangerous one and she did not need to worry him further. She sat where she was in her bed and watched with tears running down her face as her husband contorted painfully in front of her. She needed Aiden to know she was not afraid of him, not one single piece of him, the man or the wolf.
When Aiden’s manly form was no longer standing in front of her she let out a sigh of relief. The silver wolf crouched low to the ground, taking in a slow, deep breath before releasing it. She saw the rise and fall of his chest. She longed to comfort him, but she was not sure whether he was ready for such a thing. “Aiden.” Her whisper breached the gap between them. It took a lifetime for him to raise his hazel eyes to hers. He tried to look away; she sensed his need to leave for the forest. “Aiden, go. You must go. I’m safe.” The wolf sat down, refusing to move. “Fine. If you don’t go, then I will.” She jumped out of the bed and put on her night dress that sat at the foot of the bed. She found her soft leather shoes and placed her feet inside them.
Aiden growled a warning at her before she opened the door. She turned to him, smiling sweetly. “Like you would hurt me. Please, Aiden. I know you better than you know yourself.” She continued out the door and down the stairs, then called up to him. “Are you coming or not?”
By the time Lysandra made it to the bottom of the stairs she could hear his footpads falling fleetly after her. She kept walking, a mischievous smile on her face. She may not walk as fast as she had in the past, and she certainly could not run, but at least she could still coax him into entering the forest. She continued her walk across the bailey while laughing at Aiden’s attempt to keep her from leaving.
“Look, Aiden. You are either going by yourself or I am going with you. You make the choice.”
Aiden was concerned for her safety. He knew that she should not be in the forest. There were too many wild animals roaming around at night. He looked to the forest, then back at Lysandra who was stepping closer to the gates leading to the outside world. He jumped in front of her and bared his teeth, a small warning growl in his throat.
“Fine, I’ll stay, but you’ll have to go.” She crossed her arms in front of her and arched an eyebrow. She was not going to budge on this. She knew he needed to get out to roam. He knew it too. She would not be the reason he stayed inside the keep.
A huff of air came from his snout as he bit the air angrily. He glared at her one last time before turning away from her. The moment his feet touched the beginning of the forest he raced away before he could give it another thought.
Lysandra watched him, a slow smile spreading across her face. She laid a hand on her belly and chuckled softly. “Your father sure is stubborn, little one.” She chuckled again as the baby kicked her hand in reply.
Aiden ran until every last ounce of wildness trailed out on the forest floor around him. When the last of the moon’s rays teased the sky Aiden started to turn back to his human form. He stretched his arms and legs, trying to work the kinks out of his body. He was not ready for the rope netting that flew over him. He struggled against his bonds and looked around for his assailant. He was not surprised to see himself surrounded by Terryn Tibalus and several of the Tiberon Clan. Aiden’s struggles ceased for a moment as he sized up his opponents. He lunged at Terryn, but was yanked back by the net as it cut into him.
“Silence him!” Terryn’s order was followed swiftly as a club knocked against Aiden’s head turning the world to black.
Chapter 34
Lysandra awoke later in the day than she usually did. It was clear by the path of light cast on the floor that the windows had been opened for quite some time. She stretched her arms above her head and yawned loudly into the silence. She rolled toward where Aiden usually slept and was shocked to find the sheets cold to her touch. He should have been back long before now. He was probably still fuming about her obstinacy the night before.
She moved the covers away from her and rotated her body around so that her feet were touching the ground. She saw that Layla had set a day dress out for her and was pleased to see it was the sunny yellow frock that hid her bulge quite well from the world. She dressed carefully and went to the mirror to brush her hair. Her daily outings in the sun had brought even more shining highlights. Her brown hair had a hint of an auburn tint to it with blonde streaks that sparkled in the light. Lysandra smiled softly as she saw the glow of energy around her. Motherhood was certainly agreeing with her. She hoped that she maintained the same healthy glow after this child was born. She put down her brush and stepped away from the mirror.
Food was sitting on the table by the window and Lysandra walked over to nibble on the cheese left on the tray. Her stomach rumbled noisily as she sat down to eat from the plate. Lysandra surprised herself when she finished the whole plate. She had not been eating as much lately, for the baby inside her often made her feel full before she even started to eat. Today must have been the exception.
She gathered her sewing and made her way into the garden, as was her habit most days. She sat alone for quite some time, enjoying the silence around her. After some time had passed a breeze lifted through the trees and sent waves of warning her way. She perked up her ea
rs, listening to the message that sang for her alone. Something was terribly wrong. She heard his voice on the breeze, soft at first, then loudly echoing around her. “Lysandra!” She knew at once that something had gone terribly wrong. Aiden was not angry with her; he was not able to return. She stood up so fast that her sewing fell to the ground at her feet. She ignored it as she ran hastily through the keep, down into the bailey, and around to the barracks where the men were having their daily scuffles.
She did not wait for the men to stop fighting before she called out for Garrett. “Sir Garrett.”
Garrett carefully dodged the sword heading his way and then raised his hand to stop the fight. He pulled the helm off his head and his brown hair fell around his shoulders. “My lady?”
“It’s Aiden.” Tears ran down her face and hot, angry sobs started to rob her of speech. She tried to speak, but the words simply would not come.
“Calm down, my lady.” He offered her a hand, but she pushed it away.
Lysandra felt a lash of pain rip through her abdomen, and put her hand on her stomach reflexively. She doubled over and fell to the floor when the second wave hit her. “No!” Her cry was drenched with anguish and, before she knew it, the light faded around her.
When she came to, she was laying in her bed with a very worried Garrett standing next to her. April was clucking her tongue at him and smiling softly at Lysandra. “She’s just fine. Men always worry over the littlest things. That child is a strong one.”
“Why did you not tell us?” The worry in his eyes was quite clear, but it was the wrong kind of worry at the moment.
“Because everywhere I turned I would see the look you’re giving me right now. I know your history here, but I also know the history of my own people. The women of Lena are a strong breed, Garrett. Built of the strongest stock you can imagine and also very hardy while delivering new babes into this world. I’m not afraid of my future.” He blustered before her trying to come up with something to say, but she cut him off swiftly. “I assure you that it is not me who needs your concern right now. Aiden is not coming home, Garrett. I fear the worst may have happened to him.”
“What do you know?”
She smiled when he did not ask her how she knew about Blackwolf’s master. “I know that Aiden is being held against his will. I am not sure where. I assume you’re aware of all of his enemies.”
“Yes, I am. I know where to start. Tiberon Keep. Terryn Tibalus has been Blackwolf’s greatest foe. Do you think Lord Aiden is still alive?”
“Without a doubt, but he is in great pain.” More tears drenched her eyes. If she had not made Aiden go into the forest last night he might still be safe within the keep. She felt guilt creep its way from deep within and roar its ugly head.
“Don’t worry, my lady. We’ll find him.” Garrett walked away swiftly and made his way back to the garrison.
Lysandra sat in her bed arguing with herself over and over. Would Terryn have attacked the keep if Aiden had remained? She knew that Blackwolf’s guard was lessened. Perhaps Terryn had been informed of this as well. She simply did not understand what reason the Tiberon Clan could have to attack Aiden and his people. Blackwolf’s people were peaceful. She had only seen them act to protect themselves. She had never seen or heard of them sending out scouting war parties to any place at any point in time. Why did Terryn hate Aiden so much? First he took Lady Selia from him. Then he tried to attack his home. None of it made any sense to her, and for the first time in a long time she felt almost like an outsider again with only small pieces to a much larger puzzle.
She shook her head to chase away the thoughts in her mind. She would have to do her best to keep calm, to focus on anything that would help bring Aiden home to her. She put her head back down on the pillow and closed her eyes. She practiced silent meditation to bring solace to her weary soul.
Chapter 35
The men of Blackwolf saddled up swiftly and mounted their war horses. The portcullis dropped with a loud clank that was drowned out amidst the clip-clop of the horse shoes beating like drums on the ground. They traveled most of the day until they came to the steps of Tiberon Keep. Its two formidable towers stood like black vultures prowling the world around them. The walls were made from blackened stone and the red flags waved like drops of blood in the sky. There was a moat where sharpened spikes jutted out like vicious teeth ready to devour whichever unlikely soul fell to their death upon their tips. The atmosphere was cold and uninviting as the quiet echoed like an icy warning around them.
They were surprised to find the iron wrought gate was already open, which would usually serve as a warning that some trap may be hidden inside, but the fate of their leader could rest on their shoulders if they did not make the move to investigate. Several men would stay outside to guard the horses while Garrett and his men dismounted to go inside to search. They crept quietly through the gates and peered around cautiously. They checked every inch of the keep, but were amazed to find that there was no living soul present.
Their guard relaxed long enough for a swarm of Terryn’s men to congeal around them, their bodies flying forth from hidden alcoves within the walls. Garrett raised his sword and cried, “For Blackwolf! For Lord Aiden!” The men around him raised their swords and lowered their helms, ready to fight to the death if it meant it would bring their leader home.
They were matched in size, stature, number, and skill. The men of Blackwolf rotated around the circle, hammering away at Tiberon with their swords. The heart of every man pumped loudly around them. Sweat poured down Garrett’s head and stung his eyes. He blinked for a moment and shook his head to free his face from the tiny rivulets. Garrett flinched as a heavy sword came crashing down onto his back. His armor protected his skin, but he faltered for a moment. When the enemy drew closer, thinking that he had defeated his prey, Garrett used it to his advantage. He sliced at the one soft spot protruding from the man’s armor. The soft, craning neck was exposed just briefly before the sword sliced through its layers. Blood sprayed through the air like a scarlet waterfall as the man fell to the ground, reaching to hold his skin in place.
Garrett left him there and continued to fell another Tiberon within moments. The passion and mission of the Blackwolf was clear, as they were soon outnumbering the Tiberon circling around them. When almost every one of the enemy lay wasted before them Garrett signaled for his men to stop. There were three Tiberon left to their twenty and he addressed them loudly. “Make a choice. Allegiance or death.”
A war of emotions showed across their faces, but it ceased instantly as they reaffirmed their stances against the men of Blackwolf.
“Fine. Kill them!” They did not struggle for long.
Garrett looked at the mess around him and shook his head. He was not one for carnage and the blood that stained the grounds made him shake his head. If these people had only realized that they were the same, that their problems were so closely knit, perhaps they would have realized that the people of Blackwolf were more friend than foe. He agreed with Aiden. They should not seek out vengeance on others who clearly did not know different, but he knew Aiden would have done the same thing if any of his people had been abducted. Times were changing. It was time to gather up the rest of the people within Tiberon Keep and mend their allegiances.
The keep was searched further only to find that Aiden was not within its walls. The people that had been left were a mixture of women and children who had no right to be fighting. Garrett informed them that Tiberon Keep was now under martial law until his leader was returned. When Aiden returned, Tiberon Keep would become the property of the victor. No one seemed to know where Lord Aiden had been taken or when their master would be returning.
“He must be kept somewhere else.” They decided to make camp there for the night while keeping a watchful eye on the people. Garrett planned an organized search of all habitats in the area. While they had not found their leader they still considered the deserted keep a victory. Garrett made plans to strategical
ly place men inside the walls until Lord Aiden could declare it as new property of Blackwolf’s people. They considered any that fought against the new leadership enemy, but would welcome any that paid homage to Lord Aiden as friend.
Chapter 36
“Get up!”
A swift kick to his ribs jolted Aiden awake. He struggled to open his eyes, but they were nearly swollen shut. He had been beaten repeatedly by Terryn’s guards. When he gathered what little strength he had left he stood to face Terryn.
Terryn looked much the same as usual. His dark hair shadowed his face as it had grown longer in the past few months. He could see the pink scar that now ran from his nose down to his chin. He spat at Terryn’s feet and growled at him menacingly. “Go to hell!”
Terryn’s laugh was tinged with hysteria as he jerked his arm back and let it come barreling into Aiden’s abdomen. He doubled over with vomit nearly pouring out of his mouth. “Oh how quickly the good fall. Whip him!” Terryn stood aside as his guard pulled out a spiked whip.
Aiden flinched when the first lash fell across his shoulders, but he refused to call out. His breath came in painful gulps in between each lash that tore into his skin, peeling skin away from his back. He hung onto the only thing that brought him peace amidst his turmoil. He pictured Lysandra’s soft, smiling face. The scent of jasmine that tickled his nose was as haunting as the woman he loved. If he went deeper within himself he could almost feel the rise and fall of her chest against his.
“Lysandra, eh? That whore from Ghelli House?”
Terryn’s voice brought him forward once more. Had he just called out her name? He was so lost amidst his pain that he could not be sure. He clung desperately to the vision he recalled, but her light was fading away from him.