Chosen: Book 1 in the Ancients of Light series

by Heather Fleener

  Moving his hands away, he pushed her firmly against the wall once more. His palm pressed insistently against her upper back, and her moan of pleasure echoed in the chamber as his movements deliberately caused the highly sensitized flesh to rub repeatedly against the rough wall. Trekking on downward his hands came to rest on her hips. He rocked his against the curve of her backside, giving her a preview of his intent. While he did his mouth was hot and open, roaming over the curve of her neck and shoulder.

  His hands closed over the leather at her waist and roughly shoved it down until her flesh was bared. Lorcan used his foot to nudge against the spiky heels of her boots, widening her stance. Leaning in to rest his forearm against the wall above her, his chest was warm against her back. His other hand began intimate exploration of her newly exposed skin.

  Kaitriana had turned her face so that her cheek pressed against the wall and she could keep her sidelong gaze directed back towards him. Demanding, incoherent sounds parted her lips. She knew he had no doubt what she needed. She was thrilled to feel his hand finally slide down further and prod her thighs wider. Lorcan toyed with her slick center for a moment before he cupped her from behind and drove his fingers deep. That brought forth a lusty cry and she pressed hard into the wall. The cold roughened stone was sensual torture against her front. She eagerly pushed into the palm of his hand. Growling in response, he set his fingers to a leisurely pace in and out.

  Lorcan was building her slowly, changing it often so that she could not find release. Each hard thrust was grinding her against the hard stone and the combined sensations at front and back were making her crazed. She started begging soon after. He leaned in to whisper encouraging hot praises against her ear, but he kept going. Bracing his other palm against the wall, he allowed the full weight of his upper torso to fall on her back, effectively stilling her movements. His tone was riddled with conceit over his ability to stoke her need to this level, “Do you still think it wise to tease me with your sexy display tonight, Witch?”

  He was not even certain she had heard, her nails were curved and scratching at the hard surface beneath them. He thrust his fingers hard into her once more and whispered, “I am waiting for your answer Kat.”

  She cried out in pleasure...and misery. Her overwhelming need was obvious but she clung to enough sanity to realize she would not be appeased until he was. She found his gaze, her solemn whisper full of her plea for release, “No, Lorcan…please…I will not again….”

  His amusement was obvious when he spoke and he pulled his hand free, “Liar…I do not believe you know how to be good.”

  She was ready to scream at him in torment, certain he meant to leave her unfulfilled, only to feel the silky press of his tip at her entrance a second later. His mouth opened over her neck, murmuring, “It is impossible for you to behave, Kat.” Lorcan positioned himself against her, teasing laughter enriching his tone, “I do enjoy meting out the punishment for your bad deeds though..." With that he circled his free arm around her waist, pressed the other more firmly against the wall to maintain his balance and drove hard into her. He waited, stilling.

  No sooner had her lusty cry subsided than she became aware of his stillness and the unspoken demand in it. Closing her eyes, she dropped her head to the side in offering. Lorcan wrapped his hand in the length of her silky pony and used it to tilt her head even further before he delivered the unrelenting bite they both craved.

  The combination of the two invasions was enough to topple her into a shattering release. Her body was shaking hard with the strength of it even as he began a steady plunge in and out while consuming his fill. The intensity of the white heat rippling through her was draining and she wanted nothing more than for him to lay her on the bed and let her lavish in a calm aftermath. Instead he was insistent with the force of his taking that she respond the same for him again.

  Lorcan shifted the curve of his arm around her waist so that his hand could dip down to her at the front and he easily found the hard little nub there. He began squeezing it gently between his fingers in time with his thrusts. Increasing his pace against her, he released his bite only to move his mouth further up her neck and press his fangs deep again. Kaitriana responded exactly as he desired, calling out his name as he took her over the brink again. Her pleasure made her feel as though she were splintering apart.

  He struggled to maintain his control and managed a few more heated pushes against her, but the clench of her around his flesh had him joining her in climax. With a ferocious growl he increased the force of his bite against her neck and sank deeply a final time into her heated core. Both of his arms slid around her and held her tight against the cradle of his chest while the hard tremors coursed through her.

  Finally when her breathing had eased and only the occasional shiver remained, Lorcan shifted her in his arms and carried her to their bed. He placed her gently on the edge and took his time tugging her boots loose and sliding her legs free of the leather pants. As Kaitriana watched him, her gaze grew heavy. He could tell from her listless movements that she would be asleep as soon as he finished messing with her. Lorcan made quick work of his clothes and watched with a tender smile when his little female rolled to the center to make room for him. Righting her position on the bed, she seemed to barely have the energy to scoot her head onto the pillows.

  Lorcan slid in next to her and lifted her onto his chest so that he could pull the covers over them both. Curling into him she nuzzled her face against his chest affectionately. He had to nudge her lips with his wrist to get her to open her eyes. When she did he gave her a smug grin which she answered with a contented smile. Before she took his flesh, she whispered, “I love you, Warrior.” Kaitriana bit gently into the offered wrist with a tiny sound of greedy pleasure and let her eyes slip shut. She fell asleep with the taste of him bathing her tongue and Lorcan watched her for a long time while she continued to drink in her sleep. When she finally released, he tucked her firmly against his chest and joined her.

  CHAPTER 33

  The following months, Lorcan maintained her nightly training routine, sometimes with him other times with his Elite. Rather than keeping with the long hours as he had in the beginning, he made certain to end each night early. The remaining time he spent delighting in his little mate by showing her his favorite places both in and outside the Realm…and giving her the pleasure she demanded. He might not have eased the pace of her weapons practice had she not shown such aptitude, but she had rapidly regained all of the strength and skill of the Warrior magic that she had learned as a child. Kaitriana easily incorporated his suggestions for improvement as well as grasped strategies for battle under his guidance. As a result, he was well satisfied with her abilities and would have no reservations about bringing her to battle. That did not mean he would not be staying at her side and keeping close watch on her at all times.

  His thoughts were lingering on Kaitriana as he pushed through the doors into the private chamber of the Elite. The space was crowded; the head of each Caste, his Elite and the three other Coven leaders were all present. His mate was conspicuously absent and he wondered what she might be about. This meeting regarding tonight’s attack against the Darkenword holding was paramount and though she tended to lose track of time, Kaitriana would not be remiss in her duties this occasion. He noted too that Myrrdyn was missing but he did not know whether to be irritated with the pair or concerned.

  Colm came to his side, already dressed for war, and provided detail regarding the readiness of their troops for the assault. Despite their meticulous preparation for the excursion the past two weeks, Lorcan could not shake a sense of unease. Having the warriors from the three other Covens combined with his own and the contingent of Witch Castes alongside, this battle was already in their hands. Darkenword would fall more easily than Shadowmere. Still a feeling was nagging at him and Lorcan wondered for a moment if it was some Seer magic pressing on him or just apprehension because his mate would be alongside on the mission.

&n
bsp; Alexandros joined the pair, a smile at the ready and a firm hand offered though his eyes too were troubled. His next words provided the reason, “The Council has remained silent, Lorcan. There has been no word from them in these many months since your confrontation with Gareth. My sources have no insight into what the group is planning.”

  Lorcan’s response was quick, “Are they aware of our plans for tonight?”

  Alexandros shook his blonde head in response, “If they have been apprised of our intentions, it has not been by anyone in my Coven. The final details for this excursion were not provided to my men until tonight, immediately prior to joining you here.”

  Lorcan nodded, understanding the precaution. Even within this new alliance of the covens, there may be members that still secretly supported the Council. His gaze swept the room, “I cannot think that any of these leaders would find it necessary to provide an account of our activities to the Council, and we do not require their authorization to act against the Dark.”

  If the creak of the door had not drawn his attention, the bubbling laughter of his female would have. Her manner was carefree as she entered, glancing back at Myrrdyn and Jortha as she made a jest. Lorcan was pleased to see his little witch had toned down her appearance for the engagement. Her makeup and hair were still done in the style of the Ancient Witch and her spiked boots were present, but the leather of her breeches did not hug her like a second skin, and her corset had been replaced with a black, long-sleeved glittering shirt. Upon closer inspection, he realized the material was chain mail, extremely fine and tightly woven in its construction. His crest adorned the material high on her right shoulder. Her sword was affixed to a belt at her hip and her daggers rode on her back; her light-hearted banter did not correspond with the danger she represented.

  Kaitriana felt the gaze of her mate. When her eyes tracked to him, pleasure filled her face and she rushed to his side.

  Heedless of the presence of Colm and Alexandros, Lorcan dropped a quick kiss to her brow as his arm encircled her waist. Pulling her against him, he lightly reprimanded, “You are late, little warrior.”

  She offered him a frown and her excuse while tugging at her sleeve, “I was having trouble with this. Chain mail is not so easy to work with...to make pretty.”

  Lorcan laughed and his companions showed their own amusement with their smiles, “We are going to war Kat. Functional is essential, pretty is not.”

  Kaitriana eyed his person for a moment. Returning eyes filled with teasing disdain to him, she tapped on his armor, “Functional need not be ugly, Warrior. If you will give me but a few moments, I can create something dazzling for you as well.”

  He dropped a kiss to her lips before replying, “I would rather be ugly than sparkle, Kat.” His companions were nodding their agreement and she could only shake her head at them and their unsightly wardrobes.

  Tightening his hold, he guided her towards the hearth where the leaders had begun to congregate. Nodding in greeting, he kept his hold on her and noted that Myrrdyn too had finally made his way to the group. The Sorcerer of Light intended to lend his mighty magic to tonight’s foray. Assignments were discussed, as were contingency plans in the event of any unforeseen circumstances.

  Lorcan kept a watchful eye on the silent interaction between Kaitriana and her grandfather. He noted the frowns she passed to Myrrdyn along with the unwavering stare the elder returned. As the leaders dispersed to make final preparations with their own groups, Lorcan’s hand on her shoulder stayed her. Entrapping her within the band of his arms, he kept her there until Myrrdyn took his leave. He waited patiently for her undivided attention and gave her a look that said he would tolerate nothing less than the truth, “What game does the Sorcerer play tonight, Kaitriana?”

  He could see the emotions in her eyes and hear the guilt in her vague reply, “The same as always, Lorcan. We are all pawns in his game. Myrrdyn does not share his purpose or his methods with me, nor does he seek my counsel. He acts of his own accord in all things.”

  Lorcan captured her chin and forced her eyes to his, clipping his words sternly, “What has he done, Kaitriana?” He knew by her expression that she was in disagreement with her grandfather but could also tell that it was weighing on her to betray the confidence of the Sorcerer. His voice gentled and he reminded her, “Kaitriana, I am your mate. Your loyalty is to me first, second to the Light, and third to your kin – Myrrdyn or any other.”

  He could tell that the words had the desired impact, doing much to alleviate her conflicted emotions. Her tone was troubled, indicative of her distress when she confessed, “Myrrdyn has informed the Council of our plans. He sent a missive to Alaric before arriving here tonight.”

  The only visible reaction was the clenching of Lorcan’s jaw, “Why?”

  Her answer was immediate and he knew that the girl was not withholding anything, “I know not his purpose, and he would not tell me more.”

  Lorcan nodded and released her to gain Colm’s attention, waving him over from the table where he and the Elite were. After informing his second of the development and instructing him to advise the other leaders, he turned back to Kaitriana, “It was foolish. If the Council intends to make a show against us for defying them, this is their opportunity. We will need to be mindful of it as we proceed. Our battle plans were fashioned to deal with one enemy, not two.”

  Kaitriana offered her quick agreement and slipped her hand into his, hoping to appease his upset, “It cannot be undone, Lorcan. The Council has not the warriors that you and your allied Covens do nor have they much time to prepare. It would be foolish to confront our forces tonight. If that is what they intend, it will be unsuccessful and will only further establish your position that the alliance between the Covens and the Castes is strong. This alliance is critical if we are to defeat the Dark, they must see the truth in this.”

  He was leading her through the great hall towards the inner courtyard where his men were gathered and waiting. Myrrdyn was absent, fortuitous for him given Lorcan’s ire. They had reached the steps before he responded, “I grow weary of Myrrdyn’s manipulations and this interference will not go unchallenged. I will have a few choice words for your grandfather once this battle is over.” Her expression was resolute when Kaitriana gave her agreement, surprising him with her quick and steadfast support.

  Myrrdyn was the most powerful Witch in the Realm, but she was coming into her powers and as Chosen she had given rule of the Witch to Lorcan. Her grandfather had even lectured her on the rightness of it, so she did not understand this latest maneuver. Powerful and arrogant as her grandfather may be, he too was Witch. He would need to cease meddling in affairs in which Lorcan was in charge. She was aligned with her mate and wanted him to have no doubts about her allegiance.

  In an attempt to lessen his anger, she rose up on her toes and offered him her lips, “You need to kiss me Vampire…for luck.”

  That raised a smile and as Lorcan leaned in to do just that, he countered, “I just need to kiss you. I have trained you well Witch, you require no luck.” He gave her his lips in a melting kiss. Pulling back he whispered, “That is all you will get Kaitriana…I do not need you distracted tonight.”

  Laughing, she stole another quick kiss anyway before dropping down, “It is time, Warrior of Light. You will make us late with your amorous mauling of your mate.”

  Lorcan gave her an admonishing look for her sass but the laughter in his eyes ruined the effect. He waved a hand in signal to his troops. Folding her tightly into his arms he shadowed with her to Darkenword.

  Their arrival had been preceded by several hundred Witch. The Castes all intermingled to provide units that held powers from each of the seven. Interspersed within those units were warriors from the Covens. The massive force spread over the land was capable of delivering a crushing blow. A message of retribution would be given to the Dark by the newly aligned Light.

  Even so, Lorcan was ready for the confrontation to be over. He knew his father well enough
to understand that if Alaric was determined to oppose the alliance of the factions, he would make a show of power against it soon. This battle set the stage perfectly for him to do so. Lorcan only hoped that the elder would be wise enough to not engage in an altercation with his allies.

  Darkenword was well-lit and its occupants were about their regular activities, seemingly oblivious to the lurking danger that surrounded the expansive castle. He knew that the coupled magic of Cade and Kaitriana was responsible for shielding them from detection. His little witch had grumbled loudly to all that would listen about having to spend significant time in the presence of the Spell Caste leader working on the correct combination of magic to accomplish the feat.

  Lorcan looked down at Kaitriana; she was studying the structure in awe. Catching his look, she turned away from the castle and back to him, whispering quietly, “It reminds me of Laverock but it reeks of evil.” Lorcan had never noticed the similarity. He gave the castle a quick glance and then nodded in agreement to her observation. She continued, “Darkenword belongs to Turloch. He hated your mother, hated all the Queens. That evil witch wanted to be superior to them all. It stands to reason that he would attempt to create a holding that would rival the one that belonged to the most powerful Queen.”

  Lorcan also agreed with her judgment of Turloch. The male was the most powerful of the Witch breed that was in league with Rhydach. Though he was not quite as strong as Myrrdyn, he was an Ancient and his treachery and evil nature were legendary. All those fighting for the Light tonight hoped that he would be in residence and meet his end in the confines of the stronghold. Lorcan glanced down to find his mate smiling up at him, anticipation gleaming in her eyes.