by Jewel Adams
As she allowed herself to stretch out on the pallet, she was thankful for her friends. Knowing no one would get past them and find her in such a weakened condition. They also knew of her plan to remain out of Wylan’s presence as much as possible until they reached Cibrac. She swallowed her groan as the unused muscles in her back protested and began to uncoil. She thought she should be too exhausted to care if the whole army rushed into her tent.
~*~
“She said no one was to disturb her.”
Wylan watched as both of her wild dogs moved shoulder to shoulder to prevent his entrance. For a second Wylan almost gave into the urge to crush their skulls.
“Tell you mistress the council needs her attention.” Wylan didn’t wait to see if they would tell her. Being this close to Melane became too volatile. A day, knowing she rode just a step behind him and not touching her, almost destroyed his control. He swore he could feel her eyes boring into this back. And yes, when he chanced a look back at her, she would be looking off as if he didn’t exist.
But those two guards of hers knew he was near. Wylan wondered if they were Gallen’s or Melane’s idea. He swore they were there just to irk him.
Remembering Majok and he way he charged at her this morning, Wylan decided maybe they were necessary. Maybe she did need guards to protect her. Wylan looked back at her entourage and smiled. “Yes, you certainly do need them Melane.”
~*~
Every eye in the Council came her way as she entered their circle. Melane tried to ignore Wylan’s commanding presence seated beside Gallen. Gallen’s Captain sat on Gallen’s other side, leaving the only open seat beside Wylan.
Her steps never faltered as she crossed through the circle and sat beside Wylan.
“Ah, Melane is here.” Gallen rose to address the Council.
It was difficult for her to ignore Wylan’s presence. His bold forearm rested right beside her own. She couldn’t help but watch how his fist clenched and unclenched.
“Melane?”
Her head swung up. “Yes!” She felt the heat rush to her cheeks, sure that everyone knew exactly where her attention rested.
“Could you tell us what to expect from the Kibras? How they attack, their fighting strategies.”
Swallowing her embarrassment, she rose to face the Council. She waited a long time to tell them about the beasts, the enemy. For a second she hesitated and fingered the broach holding her cloak.
Wylan didn’t miss her nervous movements. It was as if Melane kept holding herself back, something didn’t feel right and he blamed his anger for not noticing sooner. He started to watch her closer, more than once he caught her excitement mount as she explained about the Kibras and their fighting methods, only to see her catch herself and check her animated speech.
She looked marvelous, he loved watching her move. No one else noticed her unusual actions. Her audience as well as Gallen’s commanders were fascinated by Melane as much as by the enemy she described. Wylan fought down his jealousy when he saw the rapt attention in their gazes for her.
He saw more than just admiration in Majok. Melane felt it too, she deliberately moved away from that side of the Council, trying to avoid him. Wylan almost wished that he took the time to settle the score with Majok before they left Moondock, but the man made himself scarce. If he didn’t rein in the lust in his gaze upon Melane, they would be at each other’s throat soon enough. Majok’s ardent desire for her was one of power and it appeared to be growing in her presence.
“They are not intelligent beasts, but they are brutal.”
Melane answered the pointed questions put to her from the commanders. She felt it was a good sign that they were interested in the enemy. The meeting went surprisingly well, they truly listened to her. It seemed her worry concerning Wylan’s Selams proved unwarranted.
The hard hand suddenly gripping her shoulder was so unexpected that Melane reacted without thinking. All the weeks of practice made her power become second nature to her. She felt no weakness as she flung the Selam across the room. Only his grunt on landing called her attention.
Melane looked down at Majok and confronted his anger. When he rose as if to charge her, her hand rose and stayed his advance. “Don’t force me to hurt you, Majok!”
No on else moved, except for Boller and Ponter who came to stand at each side of her. All others, including Wylan, were shocked by what she just did to Majok. Melane didn’t take her attention off Majok until he stormed out of the tent. She could feel Wylan looking at her and was surprised by the obvious concern he held her in.
She watched as his gaze moved over her as if looking for something. She realized he was waiting for the expected sign of weakness. Melane walked up to him, unable to ignore what she saw. “It is all right, Wylan. I don’t need the leaves anymore. I’ve conquered the weakness.”
His gaze lit in surprise, and what looked to be relief. She must have misunderstood. She watched him turn away and leave without as much as a word.
Melane’s chin rose in defense of the slight, reminding herself that she should expect nothing more.
~*~
“I want you to go back to Moondock, Majok!”
“You want her for yourself!”
“She is mine Majok, nothing will ever change that fact. If I have to kill you to prove it, so be it.”
They stood less than a foot from each other and Wylan’s hand closed about his sword, waiting to see what the man’s decision would be.
“I’ll not fight you for any elamie, especially one that is used.”
Wylan gashed his teeth at Majok’s departing back, wishing he hadn’t given him a choice. He turned, sending two men to follow him and make sure he did leave the camp. He nodded to the other guards that left with his earlier instructions. “She is my lifemate.”
He felt the tension in his shoulders release under the truth of his conviction. Melane may not want to realize his claim, but she would and soon. For now, he would give her time to get use to him once again, but this time she would listen. He felt relieved that she no longer fell ill from using her powers. It seemed those powers have also increased or maybe she just learned how to use them.
The battle they would soon face wouldn’t change anything, Wylan wished they were at her home and finished with Cibrac and the beasts she called Kibras. He cared not for the elamies that might be there, he no longer held any desire in his gaze for an elamie. Only one elamie could claim his attention now. Only one small, but powerful elamie called Melane.
Chapter 14
Battles to fight!
Wylan moved his mount up beside Melane’s beast daring anyone that wanted a fight to come and stop him. After watching her for another day, he sensed things were not right with Melane. She may have conquered the backlash from the use of her powers, but something else rode with the elamie, something she took great pains to conceal and Wylan was done with the ruse.
He didn’t miss the slight raise of her hand that stopped her watchdogs from ousting him from her side. The satisfaction he felt gave him hope that she might listen to him, he reminded himself to move slowly with her, the memories of their last visit replayed themselves everyday in his mind. It took him weeks to determine that she used her magic against him that night. Not to stop him from loving her, even in rage, but to make him leave her behind. Once he opened those thoughts, it was as if he could read her own and Wylan heard them, dear Gods in the sky, he heard them!
The travesties that he committed against her were unforgivable, he didn’t know if he could ever forgive himself, but he would be cursed by the fates if he never tried to tell her--ask her forgiveness.
Wylan learned it all these last weeks. His mother’s blindness to Melane’s courage to save him at all cost. Majok’s treachery in using the elamie’s love to steal her away tore at Wylan.And yes, his prideful blindness not to realize that everything Melane did always came from her heart, even her magic came from love.
“You know Melane, I never realized how larg
e a fool I could be until lately.”
With more effort than it took to hide her shock over his move to her side, Melane forced herself not to react to what he said as they rode. What she couldn’t prevent were his thoughts from invading her mind!
Did he realize that he was telling her his thoughts? She wanted to ask him, but refused to, fearing the return of his anger, wanting desperately to see what he wanted from her.
She took a steadying breath, knowing he waited for her to answer. Small talk wasn’t a part of this Selam, but discovering what drove his idle conversation wouldn’t happen unless she allowed herself to converse with him. For a second all the pain rush in and the tremor that she hadn’t allowed herself to feel moved through her.
Wylan saw her fingers dig into Rolley’s mane and grab hold. What he felt caused a tear in his heart. “Melane…”
“You don’t have to do this, Wylan.” She stopped him from saying anymore, not sure she could handle more pain from him.
“No, I don’t, but I want to.”
If someone didn’t know this Selam, his words would not mean much to them, but Melane realized how difficult it was for him to admit his feelings to her. She cautiously allowed herself to look at him, truly see him for the first time since their march began…and Wylan hid nothing from her.
Hear me Melane, I know you can. You see, I’ve learned that if you will allow me, I can hear you as well, but only if you will allow me.
Her slight gasp told him that she did indeed hear the thoughts he hoped she would. Please Melane, don’t make the mistakes I have, don’t shut me out as I did you. I was wrong, my sweet Melane, so very wrong.
How are you doing this, Wylan?
After I left you… He couldn’t bring himself to mention that night. When I realized that you made me leave you behind, the truth allowed many doors to open and I remembered your thoughts.
She began to fidget as if she was looking for a way to escape and he saw Boller turn and look at him with the same anger that Wylan held in his heart for Majok.
Please Melane, let me finish, please.
Wylan held his breath, he didn’t want to fight her guards, but knew he would at any cost to get her to listen to him. Speaking to her like this was the one way he felt she would realize his feelings for her were real.
He let his breath out when Boller stood down, though he could see the man didn’t like obeying his mistress’ order this time. If her guard knew the feelings he had for them…
They have protected me well Wylan. They’ve hidden me from Majok…
And me?
Yes, and you. Her gaze dared him to say anything against her actions.
Then I will try to remember that the next time he looks at me with daggers in his gaze.
Her soft laughter brought all their attention to her. She waved her guards away and looked at Wylan with a smile he couldn’t remember seeing on her before.
Can you really read my thoughts, Wylan?
I can hear you as if we were speaking, but I cannot hear your thoughts Melane, not unless you direct them to me. Is it the same for you?
When she looked away from him, he tried not to worry and held to his patience.
I can hear thoughts if I want to…She wondered if she dare tell him. She looked over at him again and still he hid nothing from her, she saw how worried he was over telling her so much. I can project my thoughts to others. Melane waited to see how he took her revelation. And my wishes on others.
As you did me that night?
Yes. His anger over her admission rolled through him like a low growl and Melane realize how much control he exerted not to react. I never used magic on you in that way, ever before, Wylan.
I know Melane, but why then? Why not…before…
She wondered if he really wanted to know, deciding if this were his way to make peace with her than she would take the risk, praying she would survive. Because I wanted what you came to me for, I wanted to be one with you, only you, Wylan, I… the largest truth of all constricted in her throat.
Do you still love me, Melane? Can you still love me after what I did?
Her gaze rose to meet his expectant one.
Yes Melane, I love you. I have loved you like no other since I saw you in the lake that first day. You wrapped your essence around me like that magnificent cloak, my little warrior, and I fought you every step of our battle. I wish now that I hadn’t, I wish I could go back and open my eyes to what my heart already realized. I can’t take it back Melane, the Gods know I would!
Wylan…
No! Let me finish, please Melane. I’ve prayed for the chance to speak to you just one more time and I refuse not to say all that I’ve wanted you to hear.
Without another thought or word Wylan jumped over onto Rolley and took the beast’s rein from her. In a blur of power they left the army and her guards, to race through the woods. Wylan knew exactly where he was taking Melane and no one would stop him, not even her. But he felt no fear from her and knew his heart steadied its beat over that one fact.
The speed that he pushed Rolley to move with drove her back against him, and Melane lost all thoughts but those of the heat of his body blending with her own. As if their child felt him as well, her precious cargo kicked and moved as he had never done before. Her hands wrapped around their child to calm his excitement. Yes, little ones your father is here, he is finally with us.
Wylan’s strong hold about Melane held her for the beast’s stop that was coming, knowing she was not aware that they had arrived at the lake. Holding her in his embrace as the Kaymog slowed to a stop felt like heaven to Wylan. His lips tasted her hair and his nostrils filled with the scent that spoke of only Melane.
When he dismounted, she leaned down for him to catch her as she slid off Rolley. She turned to look at the lake and then back at him.
Without a word Melane walked toward the lake and as she walked she released the cloak’s clasp, letting it fall to the ground, next came her tunic and by the time she reached the lake’s edge she stood naked before him. Before she dove into the crystal water Melane turned to face Wylan. He hadn’t moved from where they dismounted, but she saw very clearly how his gaze moved down her body, only to suddenly stop over the evidence of their union in her womb.
“Melane!” Wylan’s cry of pleasure and surprise drew out her smile before she turned and dove into the water. “Your secret, yes, this is what you’ve been hiding from me.”
The knowledge that she just exposed herself to him sunk in with each article of clothing he discarded to join her in the lake.
Melane heard his dive and long strokes as he came to swim beside her. The proud look on his face as he smiled at her filled Melane’s heart. The water hid her tears of joy from the man at her side. “Thank you, Wylan.”
Before he could answer, she dove under the water. Wylan swam in place watching as she moved under the water around him before coming up right in front of him. When she broke the surface her arm encircled his neck and her body molded itself to his own. Her lips were like fine furs as they captured his own, battling him for entrance as her legs wrapped about his waist and she press her hot sex over his hips.
Melane’s laughter sang out as he picked her up out of the water, surprising her that he’d taken them to the shore. He carried them towards a large tree, picking up her cloak as they went. Wylan spread it out in the tree’s shade before laying her upon the cloth.
He laid over her, keeping his weight off her, leaning to one side he looked upon the marvelous evidence of their child and his hand covered her warm flesh. Almost instantly the child kicked at his hand. They both gasped with the sudden movement and then laughed.
“He knows his father is here, he’s never done that before.”
“He is so big Melane.”
Dare she tell him of her dream?
When she didn’t answer him he looked up to see the worried look on her face. “Tell me Melane, what has you so scared. Did I frighten you? I…”
; Her finger covered his lips, halting his own worries. “It is not you, I’m thrilled you brought us here, though I do fear that I’ll not hear the end of it.” She smiled to let him know that she teased him.
“You are great at avoiding the question, Melane.” He refused to let anything come between them and when she would have looked away Wylan held her chin and made her meet his gaze. “Tell me little warrior, what troubles you about our child.”
Dare she not tell him? No, Melane knew now was the time to be open with Wylan for she never wanted any distance between them again. “It’s not one child Wylan, but two babies.”
“Twins!” His incredulous stare went from her eyes to the wriggling mound that held his, “Sons! Two sons!”
Her soft laughter drew his attention. “Would a girl be permitted my dear king?”
“An elamie?” He stared at her in wonder. “Melane, are you saying we have a boy and girl?”
“Yes, Wylan, one of each, Bella and her mother say that is why I am so large so soon. And my dream…”
His attention flashed at her over her last statement. “Dream? You had a seeing dream about our children?” When she slowly nodded, his lips kissed her stomach twice before looking back at her. “Tell me Melane, I want to know and share your burden.”
Wylan gathered her to him and waited for her to find her own way to tell him what she saw, bracing himself not to react, least he frighten her. He wanted Melane to know she could confide in him, and there were to be no more lies between them.
“I think my pregnancy allowed memories of my birth to surface. I saw Sabrina, Shemon was with her as she gave birth to me and…to another, a boy child.” Melane closed her eyes over the picture her mind refused to hide any longer. “The room became quiet, both of us were in my mother’s arms, the room grew very dark and I could see the fear on Sabrina’s face, then he was gone, no longer beside me and the light faded from my mother’s eyes before they closed forever to me”
“Dear Melane.” Wylan held her closer, trying to shield her from the pain he felt from her.