by Jewel Adams
The smooth elegant line of her neck drew his ardent caress as his eyes devoured the tantalizing swells of her breast and dark proud buds he’d yet to taste. As his mesmerizing touch hovered above her heart the brutal images of how close he came to losing her returned.
“What possessed you to endanger your life for mine?”
The same question bombarded him throughout the night. Only Melane held the answer and there was a desperate need building inside him to discover the truth.
“You will tell me, my innocent warrior.”
Wylan’s hand shook under the forceful truth he could no longer keep hidden. She was desire, all warm and soft against his battled roughness. “I want you and nothing, not even you, will destroy what I now hold!”
Taking her hand in his, Wylan moved his heated lips over the creamy texture of her skin. She smelled of exotic oils and musk that reeked havoc with his masculine senses. Kissing each delicate fingertip, “Gain back the strength you have lost, Melane. Our battles will not threaten your life, but be sure it will test all your marvelous courage.”
His expectant gaze lingered a moment more before he pulled himself away. There was much to attend to before he rejoined her. Her safety must be assured. His spirit gained exuberance in the brightening morning for the hope Wylan felt for their future.
Chapter 8
Finding the Way
“Melane, what are you doing out of bed?”
“Enjoying the sun’s warmth.” Melane chose to ignore Tarra’s irritation with her. The dear lady exhausted her store of healing knowledge over Melane these last two days. Tarra’s concern for her well being warmed her young heart.
Melane leaned down over the balcony rail to let another slice of sour melon drop into Rolley’s open mouth. She barely managed to cover her humor when Tarra step back and away from Rolley’s view.
“That beast is vicious.”
“He is quite docile.”
“Umph!”
“Tarra, you know how safe Rolley makes me feel.”
“I doubt a sun beam could escape that beast’s notice.”
The underhanded compliment made Melane’s gentle laughter take flight.
“If you must pamper that thing, I insist you at least sit down.”
“I saved you a thick slice Tarra.”
The aghast expression that came over the woman fell away into a scolding frown. “Don’t you dare try your tricks on me, young woman.”
“I promise not to.” Tarra’s accusing glare didn’t relent until Melane raised her hand. “On my honor.”
Melane’s act earned a small smile from the lady.
“You really shouldn’t be up.”
“I need to move and I need exercise.” Melane had a wonderful idea. “I could go down to the water, Rolley would guard me.”
“No!”
Tarra’s outburst shocked Melane into silence. Seeing the woman’s stricken features Melane bit her lip in regret. She cursed the evil that hung over them. “I’m sorry.” To help soften her mistake Melane took the chair Tarra indicated.
Melane felt awful and couldn’t look at Tarra when she finally calmed down and joined her at the table.
“My child, it is I that am sorry, you don’t have the knowledge to understand the dangers present for you. Until Wylan…”
The sharpness in Melane’s eyes halted what might have been spoken. Sighing, Tarra’s loyalties were torn. She couldn’t blame the girl’s anger for her son’s renewed absence. She owed the girl her son’s life. Wylan’s delay in returning only added to the peril surrounding her. Such an innocent.
The ever present danger from Dragon never left their thoughts. Tarra almost feared the position she helped put the girl in even more. If her son were to walk in here, right now, she would give him a lashing he hadn’t suffered since he was a child. How dare he leave her like this. The wagging palace tongues probably reached Gallen’s ears by now. Lifemates yet to be united! The truth tore at Tarra’s conscience.
Every arrogant Selam within sight was ready to step forward and claim where her son failed. Melane was a prize unmatched by any elamie. The palace ruffians called her ‘the beautiful sorceress’.
And Majok! Oh how she wished Wylan had taken him along. The man was impossible. In Wylan’s absence he practically declared his claim over Melane. No one but Wylan ever bested that man in a fight. She doubted anyone would try, no matter how tempting Melane appeared.
She hadn’t found the courage to tell Melane what she failed to remember. Tarra completely forgot about the condition of the lifemate rite. That is until Majok slyly reminded her. Lifemates were rare in Moondock and this condition had never been invoked; unless Wylan takes Melane within two weeks of the spoken rites Melane can pass to another.
Tarra cautiously studied the fragile girl oblivious to the upheaval about to occur in her life.
No, she hadn’t the heart to tell Melane she could be claimed by another Selam. Not even the consolation that the claiming Selam must adhere to the ‘lifemate rite’ would soften the blow. The hunger in Majok to possess Melane would not allow any delays. Majok was not a man to fear the consequences upon Wylan’s return.
More than that unlikable possibility was Tarra’s stricken belief that Wylan also forgot about the two week condition. Tarra knew her son. She would never believe his absence had anything to do with hurting Melane. Stubborn pride and anger were the reasons for his delay in claiming Melane. After what happened at the banquet, Wylan would never turn away from Melane. She wouldn’t believe otherwise and prayed to the Gods to speed her son’s return.
~*~
Melane’s brow tightened again over Wylan’s mother. The woman’s nervous state became more obvious these last days, adding to Melane’s own increasing uneasiness.
Busying herself with Rolley’s grooming, Melane’s worried gaze went from one Selam to the other about the garden. The number of her guards seemed to have increased since her confrontation with Dragon.
Just thinking of the black wizard sent a chill over her skin. Knowing of the threat he posed should have been enough reason to explain Tarra’s state. So why did Melane feel there was more to it and Majok’s doubled security around her?
Melane chewed the inside of her cheek to control the foreboding overtaking her. Where are you Wylan? Had it been only a dream? Wise Mother over all, help me believe in what I feel is real.
Resting her head against Rolley’s great, massive bulk, Melane closed her eyes and wished again for Wylan’s image to come before her. He was standing above her, holding her hand and saying things he never told her before. The tenderness in his voice tamed the anger that probed her dream. Believing that Wylan honestly declared himself was all that kept Melane’s emotions within some boundaries. The pull to leave this place and return to Cibrac proved strong. Wylan’s invisible hold proved a greater force. She told herself it was for the Nemows she remained, but the lie sounded too weak to survive. Melane felt so unsure of herself, leaving before she found the truth to her strange feelings for Wylan became impossible.
And then, there was that awful dream that came to her last night. She tried not to remember it. The returning images brought with them a fierce wave of weakness, making her clutch Rolley’s fur for support. The animal gave a low purr of concern. Trying to appease his enlarging eyes she gave him a weak smile and scratched his brow. “Relax boy, we mustn’t let Tarra think I am still ill.”
Not telling his mother about the waking dream was the only decision Melane could settle on. Tarra’s worrisome state over Wylan didn’t need a fueling. It meant foregoing the leaves rejuvenating powers, but Melane felt her strength slowly returning on its own.
Melane was worried, adding to her belief that Wylan truly was in danger?
The dream came to her as a strange one, drawing out the fear she held since her battle with Dragon. If only the dream could be clearer. She tried but failed to reach Wylan. A force kept holding her away. She couldn’t dismiss the feeling that it could be
Wylan preventing her from going to him. Yet, how could he know of her wandering presence? She could almost feel the damp clammy rocks keeping her back. Touching them felt disgusting and frightening. She tried not to feel the evil presence in their lifeless barrier or how the endless maze of frigid stone constantly defeated her attempts to reach Wylan. She saw him, of that she was sure, and the…chains. Thick cold links pinned his majestic body against the runny walls. Filth marred his bronze chest and shoulders straining against the imprisoning iron.
The Gods were cruel to prevent her from helping him. She wanted so to ease the tortured anguish contorting his proud face.
The menacing fears held Melane. Her frightened eyes sought Tarra, but held back from calling to her. Melane felt helpless, if only she could discover where Wylan was being held. Nothing in or near Moondock looked like the vile caverns in her dream. Confiding in Tarra could give Melane direction. If the dream proved to be nothing, she would needlessly hurt his mother.
If only she could be sure?
The bright blue eyes closed over in indecision. A hand touched her shoulder, making her jump in surprise.
“Melane?”
Should she tell Tarra? Her eyes frantically searched the woman’s drawn features. What she saw made her shoulders sag in defeat.
Tarra didn’t like the distant look in Melane. Had she overheard these buffoons’ whispers? She could delay no longer. The sun was low and Wylan had not returned. Tarra’s hope was leaving as fast as the fleeting hours. “Child, we must…” The sight of Majok entering the grounds silenced Tarra. “Come Melane let us go to my chambers.”
“I’m almost done with Rolley…”
“Forget the beast, come with me now!”
Melane’s mouth fell open in disbelief for Tarra’s harsh command. “Yes, of course, Tarra.”
Before she could send Rolley away, she heard Majok’s voice hail them, “Ah, here you are Melane, Tarra. Two of the loveliest flowers in the garden.”
Melane’s attention never left Tarra, her back stiffened in warning over what the woman failed to hide. She’d seen her son hold the same rage in those black pools of their gazes. Realizing Majok kept watching her, Melane sought the years of training to camouflage her startling awareness. Maintaining her slight smile in light of what she felt from Tarra took an extreme effort.
“I did not expect you to be out on the grounds, Melane.”
His words were tinted with anger. Why?
“The sun’s warmth is a great healer.”
Melane’s heart raced over the arrogance in his gaze upon her body. Her cheek flamed over the fire breathing to life in his dusky pools.
“Are you well?”
Before she could reply Tarra stepped between them. “My son’s mate is still recovering. We were just going in, before the air chilled.”
Majok’s gaze lost its warmth, causing Melane’s fighting instincts to stir in warning. There was something between these two that went deeper than any modest concern for her well being. Melane needed to prevent the two opponents from clashing. “Rolley, guard!”
The instant rise of the great beast accomplished what she hoped it would.
Tarra’s wariness of Rolley sent her plowing into Majok. Being a Selam had its downside; he couldn’t ignore the regal elamie’s need of assistance. If Melane didn’t fear the seriousness of the unknown antagonism between these two she could have enjoyed both their discomfort.
Unfortunately, Majok became quicker in extending his protection to the unsuspecting Melane. Pulling her behind him she nearly fell to the ground. Rolley’s roar shattered the air about them.
The guards came running swords drawn. Majok’s own weapon was unsheathed with amazing speed. Realizing the guards and Majok’s deadly intent, Melane’s breathless cry was lost under the fierceness of Majok’s orders to kill the beast!
Fear made Melane react without thought. Cold and sharp her gaze swept around her targets. Swords flew into the air, landing in a clattering heap behind the men.
“Rolley stay!” Her authoritative command immediately halted the thrashing claws aimed at Majok’s throat.
For a heated second no one moved.
The golden expanse of Majok’s back and shoulders tightened in a rugged display of fighting power. When he turned to confront her Melane’s feet automatically spread to fend off the attack his enraged brown eyes wanted to give way to.
Her name passed his lips telling of the danger she unleashed.
Standing her ground, no one saw the hidden fear assaulting her. Majok was the prime master of the Selam’s worthiest warrior. His fierce eyes told of the quick and efficient defeat she could expect, and the power in the man’s control not to carry out the attack.
Without releasing his cold gaze upon her his arm raised. “Back to your post!”
One of the guards brought Majok his sword. Melane’s chin rose against the blade their general clasped between them. His eyes went from her to the sword and back, as if to confirm what she’d done before sheathing the weapon.
“Call your beast off, Melane.”
“Rolley patrol.”
Majok’s brow rose in response to the growl directly behind him. To his credit the man never flinched.
“Now Rolley!”
Digging at the ground, Rolley splayed grass and dirt over Majok’s feet before obeying. Wanting to groan, Melane’s stunned eyes didn’t leave his dirt splattered sandals until they moved towards her.
Majok’s fingers clasped her chin raising her gaze to his. Refusing to succumb to the dominance in his touch, Melane managed to hold herself proudly before him.
“Don’t ever use your powers against me again, elamie.”
The calm voice belied the force of the veiled threat. Sucking in her breath, Melane jerked her chin from his harsh hold. Before she turned to go, Melane cocked her head back at him. “I suggest, general, that you and your men never again draw your weapons on what is mine.”
The flying waves of black satin whipped across his lips in righteous dismissal. Majok’s burning gaze never left the extraordinary vision. The delicate sway of her enticing hips made him inhale against the flash of desire. Anticipating all that glorious passion beneath him, locked in his ardent possession, drove his conviction forward to make it so. “Your cherished freedom is almost up my fiery witch.”
The sharp order he issued sent the guards to follow the royal pair.
Majok’s pleasurable thoughts vanished when Tarra looked down at him from the balcony.
Wylan’s mother was a threat to his plans. Tarra would not be easy to reckon with, harming her was forbidden. He couldn’t afford to alienate the others. As it stood, they all desired the king’s claim on the elamie, but only Majok owned the courage to take her from Wylan. “She was always mine, Wylan. Since that first night you’ve acted the fool to deny her. She is worth all the obstacles before me.”
A confident smile graced his lips. “Melane…” His hand closed over the hilt of his sword. “I will tame your powers as well as your lovely body.” Majok savored the coming possession. “Lovely Melane has a weakness.”
~*~
“No!”
The excited explanation springing from Tarra turned worse than anything Melane imagined.
“Child it is the law. I forgot…”
Retaliating on the woman, “What you mean is, your son failed to complete his part in this barbaric rite!”
“Melane, please. Wylan probably doesn’t realize. I’m sure he never would have allowed this to happen. He will come, I know he will.”
Images of Wylan chained to the wall brought forth a sick groan from Melane. Her shocked anger fell away in despair for his mother’s useless hope.
“What is it?”
“Oh please Tarra, stop…Wylan can’t come.”
The woman’s hands halted in mid air never quite reaching Melane. “What are you saying?”
Straightening, the decision to tell her was taken out of her hands, but the words were hard t
o find. She should be furious with Wylan’s mother and him, even herself, for not listening to the warnings to leave this place. The fleeting thought of escaping was destroyed by Majok’s unwanted image. She could still try, but it would mean deserting Wylan and Tarra. Melane couldn’t do it, not when she, like Tarra, knew Wylan would have returned if he were free!
Melane didn’t understand her faith in this man, but the feelings held in her heart demanded her trust.
Meeting Tarra’s anxious eyes, “I fear Wylan is in danger.”
The air vibrated with the woman’s sharp intake of breath. “Tell me, was it a dream?”
“Yes, last night.” Before Tarra could voice the hurt in her gaze. “It wasn’t like any before, I saw him chained in a terrible place. I couldn’t reach him! Tarra, I felt it was Wylan keeping me away. It doesn’t make sense, but I can’t stop the feeling he prevented me from coming to him.”
“Where is he?”
Melane shook her head and told her everything she could remember from the dream. “You’ve been so upset, I thought it was for Wylan…
“I should have told you.”
The woman sat heavily into the chair. Melane came up and kneeled before her.
Drawing the girl’s head into her lap Tarra’s hand soothed the fallen mass of dark hair. “Can you help him?”
“I’ve tried all day to think of a way. If only I could go to him, I could free him. When I went to your room I was able to pick things up and physically touch what I reached for.” Looking up at her, “but I must know where to find him.”
When the tear-filled eyes came down to meet Melane’s, hers became as bright.
“You are still weak. To do what you suggest is very dangerous.”
Melane swore Tarra knew where Wylan was. “Tell me how to find him, Tarra.”
Tarra’s hands cupped Melane’s face. “My child, Wylan did keep you away because Dragon is using him to capture you.”
Melane’s thoughts ran wild. “Where are the caverns?”