He peered over the edge.
Nothing was there. Only waves pounding rock and shore.
Had her body been swept out to sea? Or had she somehow survived?
Impossible. She could not have survived that fall. Her body must have been drawn into the sea where she would be dragged under by the powerful current.
A lump formed in his chest. All hope that Mikaela might one day return to them had vanished.
With a deep sigh, he turned back to the next task.
The Munchfolk buried the shelenna in the moor, using their magic. They finished and vanished in many sparkles, taking their dead and wounded back to their homeland.
Despite Annie’s protests, Karn insisted on carrying her to the mansion, even though he was wounded and covered in blood. With Abra in her arms, Annie snuggled into Karn’s embrace, feeling of warmth in her heart and soul that chased away the chill from her drenched skin.
Without pausing to greet Beya who held the door open, clearly waiting for them, Karn strode up the staircase to Annie’s chambers, and into the bathing room. The moment he set Annie down, Abra bounded from her arms, straight for Beya who appeared in the doorway in a burst of sparkles.
“Will you be needing anything, Sire?” Beya scooped up the cat. “If not, I will see to Mistress Abra.”
Karn smiled. “Do care for that ferocious little beast.” He turned his smile toward Annie. “I will see to this one.” Annie’s heart swelled at the look in his eyes. He loved her. He truly loved her.
When Beya vanished with Abra, Karn and Annie stripped out of their clothing, climbed into the pool, and bathed each other. She was gentle as he stood beneath the water that spilled down, taking care of each wound, but flinching every time he winced.
After they were clean, they toweled off and then moved to the bedroom.
Annie demanded items to treat his wounds. With his magic, Karn retrieved a Tarok version of a first-aid kit.
She insisted that Karn sit on the stool in front of the mirror so she could attend to the cuts and scrapes on his face and arms. In some ways, it amused her to have this big hulking warrior obeying her commands.
Annie followed his instructions on which pastes and gels to use on the wounds. The paste had the scent of mint and oranges, and was used to sterilize the wounds and to protect them from infection. The gel’s odor was not particularly pleasant, like it had been made from a nasty-smelling ragweed. But the stuff was incredible because it was like a liquid bandage. The moment she rubbed it over a wound, it stopped bleeding and started healing.
While she treated his scratches, Annie’s heart ached for every wound he had taken to defend her. “I’m sorry I ran away,” she murmured as she dressed the last one.
She set the jar of gel on the dresser and knelt between his thighs. “I should have stayed.”
Karn brushed her damp hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “It is I who should be sorry, kitten. You deserved to be showered with love, to be embraced and cared for. Trust me in that you have my love forever and always.”
Annie reached up, put her arms around his neck, and pulled him down to meet her. “I know,” she whispered before she kissed him.
He scooped her up in his arms and carried her through the doors to his bedroom, and he laid her on the bed. It was the first time she had ever been on his bed, and the tenderness in his eyes and in how his cared for her nearly brought tears to her eyes.
When he lay beside her, Karn stroked his finger between her breasts, down to her belly, and back up. “There is something I have not shared with you yet.”
“What?” She gave him a teasing look. “Don’t tell me. You’re not really a weretiger, you’re a wereleopard.”
The corner of Karn’s mouth curved in a grin that was so sexy Annie nearly lost her breath.
“No, love.” He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “A weretiger can release a tigri pheromone when he mates. After a time, his partner will begin the transformation to become a weretiger, too.”
Annie stared at him, both surprised and unsure how she felt about it. “Have you released the pheromone with me?”
He shook his head. “You would have known it if I had. It would cause you to become quite wild and animalistic in your desire to mate with me.”
“Wild animal sex, huh?” Annie gave him an appraising look even though she wanted to smile at the thought. “And what else is there to this story?”
“The tigri pheromones would enable you to live a very long life, long enough that we would grow old together.” He continued caressing Annie’s belly with a light sensual stroke. “You would live nearly as long as our cubs will.”
His cock felt like steel against her hip, distracting her, making it harder to think. She struggled to let her professor brain sort things out, first. “That first night we were together, when I asked you about contraceptives, you said that we would have to reach simultaneous climax to impregnate me.”
“I would also have to release my seed and you would have to be in heat to become pregnant with my children,” he reminded her. He trailed his finger lower, toward her mound. “The first few times I release the pheromone would not be enough to complete the transformation to make you a weretiger. It will take time.”
Was it really so simple? “As a weretiger I would be able to shapeshift, like you do?”
Karn nodded. “But it must be your decision. I will never take your right to choose away from you again.” Annie smiled and reached down and wrapped her fingers around his erection. “I say, what are you waiting for?”
With a loud rumbling purr and a feral look to his eyes, Karn moved so he was between her thighs, his cock brushing her belly. A warm musk flowed over Annie and the next thing she knew her body was trembling with the intense desire to have him inside her and to have him now. She knew instantly that the musk was the pheromone he had spoken of, and it made her wild for him.
“Take me, Karn.” She grabbed his cock and shifted her hips so he was at the entrance to her core, and tried to arch up so she could take all of him. He stayed still with an infuriating smile. Annie reached up and pulled his head down to meet hers and she lightly bit at his bottom lip.
Karn growled, then loosed a roar that rippled through her body like a small orgasm. He thrust inside her and she cried out at the pleasure it brought her. Annie squirmed and called out for him to ride her harder and faster. She needed more of him, needed all of him.
She loved the way the pheromones made her feel—wild and free. Everything that had ever restrained her in her life melted away to nothing. And as she shouted with her climax, his roar joined her cry, making them as one.
He kept himself buried inside her as he looked down at her. “I brought you here to be my queen. Say you will, of your own free will.”
Pure happiness flowed through her. “I will be your queen, forever more.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BUTTERFLIES WERE HAVING A HEYDAY IN ANNIE’S BELLY. She was so nervous she kept breaking out in a cold sweat, and then flushing hot again. Today was her wedding day, and soon she would marry Karn and become the Queen of Diamonds.
Annie pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. She thought about not wearing them to the ceremony, but she wanted to see everything clearly. She wiped her sweaty palms on Karn’s leather tunic that she was wearing for the moment, just because it smelled like him.
“You’ve come a long way, baby,” she murmured as she trailed her fingers over the silky crimson gown lying on her bed. “From virgin to wanton woman, and from college professor to queen, not to mention from no love to plenty. Not bad for a country gal from Tennessee.”
Abra gave a little “Meow” of agreement from where she was stretched out on the window seat. Even though Annie had been sharing Karn’s bed ever since the night she’d run away, she wanted to dress in the beautiful rose room.
Any moment now, her cousins would arrive. Annie was so excited she could hardly wait to see the twins. She pulled the l
eather tunic over her head and tossed it onto the bed before picking up the beautiful crimson gown. When she slipped it on, it felt deliciously silky as it slid over her large breasts, full hips, and thighs, all the way down to her toes.
Voices sounded on the other side of the doors to her room. Abra scampered off the window seat and dove beneath the bed.
The doors burst open. Alexi and Alice whirled into the room with cries of excitement. The next thing Annie knew, two of the people she loved more than anything in both worlds were nearly hugging her to death.
“I can’t believe you’re here,” Alice said as she pulled away and wiped tears from her eyes with the back of her hand. “When Karn told us, I couldn’t believe it.”
“He’s been treating you right, hasn’t he?” Alexi gave Annie a firm look. “If he hasn’t been taking care of you, I’ll take care of him.”
“Yes, he treats me wonderfully, Madam Attorney.” Annie laughed and couldn’t stop smiling. “Karn is an incredible man, and I love him more than anything.”
Alexi returned her smile. “All right, but if he gets out of line, just let me know.”
“I can’t believe it’s been two years since I’ve seen you, Alice.” Annie stepped back and studied her cousin. Alice looked absolutely stunning, not to mention more confident and happier than Annie had ever seen her before. Alice’s white-blond hair hung in long loose waves over her shoulders and down her back, and her aqua eyes sparkled. She wore a dress of white that was so sheer Annie could see the diamond nipple chain beneath it. At her throat was an exquisite diamond collar with red hearts made of rubies.
Annie shook her head and a grinned. “Sugar, you look gorgeous, but you might as well be wearing nothing.”
Alice gave a mischievous look. “In Hearts that’s exactly what I wear. Nothing but my collar and nipple chain.”
“You’re kidding.” Annie’s cheeks heated at the thought. “I don’t feel so bad with my sheer little mini-dresses.”
Annie turned to Alexi and held her at arm’s length. “Hold on, sweetie. Let me get a good look at you.”
Alexi sported a short, very daring dress that showed a lot of skin and was made of supple leather. Her skin had a healthy glow, her blue-green eyes bright with happiness, and her auburn hair swept back and up in a sexy style. She wore a white diamond collar that had spades along it made from black diamonds.
Annie shook her head and smiled. “You look like a warrior princess.”
“Talk about transformations.” Alexi propped her hands on her hips as she studied Annie in turn. “I knew all you needed was to get laid.”
Annie’s face went hot. “That’s one thing I can say you were right about.”
Both her cousins laughed, and then for the next half hour or so, they all chatted while helping Annie prepare for her joining ceremony. Alice and Alexi made Annie sit on a chair away from the mirror while they fixed her hair and put light touches of makeup on her cheeks, lips, and eyes.
They each shared some of their eventful journeys into this magical wonderland, how they met their kings, and what had happened to them along the way as they each fell in love.
Alice and Alexi also talked about their children and the trials and joys of being mothers. Alice now had two sets of twins, two boys and two girls, and Alexi was the mother of triplet boys. They had left their children with their nannies at the castle in Hearts, and both mothers missed the young ones terribly.
In a day or so, Annie and Karn would journey to Hearts to spend time with Alice, Alexi, their husbands, and their cubs.
The joy her cousins felt was evident in their eyes and in the way they talked about their husbands and children. Annie was pleased that her cousins were so happy. The only thing that kept this time from being perfect was that Awai wasn’t there to share it with them.
When the sisters declared that Annie was ready, they led her to the room’s full-length mirror. Annie’s eyes widened as she stared at her reflection. Her hair was piled up on her head with ringlets falling down her back and over one shoulder. The crimson dress had been a gift from Beya, and it was absolutely gorgeous. It was a strapless affair that barely covered her breasts, and sheer enough that Annie could swear her nipples were visible. The dress was fitted at the waist, and the skirt flared out and dropped down past her knees.
“I feel like Cinderella,” Annie said, nearly breathless with amazement. “You two and Beya are my fairy godmothers.”
“You’re much prettier than Cinderella.” Alice fussed with a ringlet, drawing it over Annie’s shoulder so that it hung just above her breast. “It’s time to meet your prince.”
“Or rather, your king,” Alexi said with a grin.
Annie started to put on her red collar, but the twins insisted she leave it in the bedroom.
They left the bedchambers, walked down the stairs, and then to the back of the mansion. To Annie it took forever.
When they reached the red and gold stained-glass doors leading out to the glass-enclosed garden, the butterflies in Annie’s belly kicked into gear. Alice and Alexi each pushed a door open, allowing Annie to walk inside where the private ceremony was being held on the other side of the flower wall.
Birds chirped and the sun actually peeked through fluffy blue-green clouds and through the glass dome. A door must have been opened because a breeze felt cool on Annie’s bare shoulders and the roar of the sea made a fine wedding march. The twins followed Annie, both silent now, as she approached the wall of brilliant red flowers. The air smelled of their sweet perfume, mingling with the scent of the sea.
Annie paused for a moment, remembering the first time she went to Karn. This was where she lost her virginity, and where she and Karn had spent countless hours making love.
“I am so happy you’re here in Tarok.” Alice kissed Annie’s cheek and gave a teary smile before vanishing around the flower wall.
“You let me know if Karn doesn’t treat you right.” Alexi hugged Annie, and then went around the wall to stand beside her king where the joining party waited.
With a deep breath, a smile, and absolutely no regrets, Annie rounded the wall of flowers to meet her man and her destiny.
Karn waited with anticipation for his future queen. He hadn’t felt such pure joy since his childhood. With her sweet and gentle ways, and her unconditional love, Annie had freed his heart, and had given him the greatest of gifts.
The ability to love in return.
He ignored those in attendance, his impatience to join with his mate growing as he watched for her. They had kept the guests to the joining ceremony to a minimum, only inviting their closest family and friends.
Chairs sat to each side of the red carpet that had been laid out. On one side of the carpet, Ty sat with his arm around Kalina’s shoulders and Aleana perched on the seat beside Lord Kir’s. Karn had no doubt the quartet would be enjoying one another’s pleasures as soon as the ceremony was over.
Alice came around the wall of flowers and slipped beside Jarronn on the opposite side of the carpet, and Alexi joined Darronn. Lia, Derk, and Ront completed those in attendance.
Where is Beya?
When Annie finally appeared around the wall of flowers, Karn wasn’t sure he would be able to take another breath. She was so beautiful and so perfect for him.
Karn’s heart swelled with pride as he watched his mate move toward him. Annie’s smile was radiant, her eyes warm with happiness as she walked down the red carpet laid out between the guests’ chairs.
Annie thought Karn never looked as handsome as he did at that moment, even with the healing scratches along his arms, neck, and face from his battle with the shelenna. He wore a finely made black leather tunic and pants so snug they showed off his enormous bulge. A breeze stirred his dark hair about his neck, his head was held high and proud, and the fire in his dark eyes told her that he wanted nothing more than to take her away and make love to her for hours on end.
I can hardly wait.
By the time Annie reached Ka
rn, her heart was racing and she was sure she wouldn’t be able to speak a word.
Karn took both her hands in his. “My kitten,” he started as he smiled down at her. “You are everything I could hope for in a mate, and more. You taught me how to love again. You gave wings to my heart and it soars for you.”
Tears of happiness threatened to spill down Annie’s cheeks. “I love you,” she said, her voice loud and clear. “You are my heart and soul.”
Karn drew Annie into his strong embrace and kissed her, his lips gentle yet firm.
A murmur and a couple of snickers came from the crowd. Karn broke the kiss and they both turned to see Abra strolling down the red carpet, with her head high and a thick diamond collar around her that was so big on her little neck it dragged on the carpet. At the end of the aisle Beya stood beaming with pride.
When Abra reached them, Karn released Annie’s hands. He bent over and slid the collar from the calico cat’s head. “Thank you, Mistress Abra,” he murmured as he stroked her under her chin.
Abra said, “Meow,” purred loudly, then turned away to rejoin Beya.
Annie watched the entire scene in amazement. When Karn straightened, he held the collar out on his palm. It was made from white diamonds with red diamond shapes along it, each shape made from red rubies. The collar sparkled in the sunshine and was so dazzling that Annie couldn’t take her eyes from it.
“Will you wear my collar?” Karn’s eyes locked with Annie’s. “No matter your choice, you are queen of my heart and soul, and you are the Queen of Diamonds.”
Annie didn’t think it was possible to be any happier than she was at that moment. It welled up inside her. Unlike the quiet and reserved Annie Travis who had arrived in Diamonds, she flung her arms around Karn’s neck and planted a kiss on his lips.
When she pulled away she smiled even bigger at the sexy grin on Karn’s face. “Absolutely I’ll wear your collar, Karn. I love you so much I’d do anything for you.”
His pleasure at her response was evident in his dark gaze as he clasped the collar around her neck. The moment he finished, applause broke out from the wedding party.
Bound by Desire: King of Diamonds (Wonderland Book 3) Page 18