Microsoft Word - Assassin Master final for conversion

by Assassin Master [Whispers] (mobi)

  men when Ace finds them. They will be screaming for death before Ace finishes with them.”

  “I’m going to find her,” Tyr declared. His jealousy

  rampaged as he wondered at Seth’s reference to Ace. “I have a dozen of my best men on it,” Seth

  informed him.

  “I’m only going to need one man,” Tyr declared with conviction.

  “Who?” Seth asked.

  “Wolf.”

  * * * *

  Tyr pulled up in front of the huge chalet and vacated his car. The secluded colossal home was built in the middle of a heavily forested area, where human population was almost non-existent. Tyr approached the lighted porch. A massive bear of a man with dark, shoulder-length black hair was barring his entrance, filling the doorway, his deep dark eyes narrowed, scowling at him. His dark, almost black eyes bore into Tyr. The threat was unmistakable and Tyr hesitated at the bottom of the steps, wondering if he was going to have to fight his way through the powerhouse before him.

  “What the hell are you doing here?” the huge man

  snapped. His heavy fists were clenched, resembling battering rams; a large grey wolf stood his ground beside him, snarling in outrage.

  “I need Wolf,” replied Tyr to the man; he ignored

  the growling menace, unafraid.

  “This is getting old. You needed Wolf the last time you came out here and scared my wife and son half to death, not to mention Casey. Just because your sister-in-law forgives you does not mean I do,” the man snapped. “I still remember the months after your damned assault to my wife, she cried out terrified from her nightmares. It took weeks for the bruises to heal! You’re lucky I allowed you to live. Only the fact you’re Wolf’s brother saved your life the first time, you may not get a second chance!”

  The large man began to advance on him and Tyr

  readied himself for a battle. No one was going to stop him from getting to his brother and finding Carrie, not even the explosive cannon before him. Just then a beautiful woman with long, sun-kissed hair came outside.

  “Tyr!” she exclaimed, and ran down the steps,

  around the angry man and growling wolf to throw herself into his waiting arms.

  “Casey. I missed you,” Tyr said, cuddling his

  sister-in-law, though his eyes remained settled onto the threat before him.

  “Tyr! What the hell are you doing here?” came a surprised voice.

  Tyr looked past Casey to a man whose build matched his own in height and weight. But there the resemblance stopped. His brother, Wolf, had dark hair and deep dark eyes, eyes that were centered on him in disapproval.

  Tyr was not to come to the home of Wolf’s friends, Lando and Christy. After Tyr had thought Casey was responsible for Wolf’s demise, he had searched for her and followed her trail to their home. Tyr had threatened Christy, Lando’s petite wife, into hysterics, demanding to know Casey’s whereabouts.

  Once he had Casey within his grasp he had taken

  her to a lake, with grim plans on taking her life for the presumed murder of his brother and Casey’s young stepdaughter. Once Tyr realized Wolf was in fact alive and Casey loved him, he had returned her to Lando’s side in his quest to once more find his brother.

  “I need your help, Wolf,” Tyr asked. “Please, it’s important or I wouldn’t have come,” he said. He ran a ragged hand over his haggard face.

  Wolf was beside him in moments. Tyr’s agonized

  look settled onto his big brother.

  “Are you in trouble?” Wolf asked. His dark brows knitted with concern, his expression was worried.

  “She was stolen from me,” Tyr said, suddenly overcome with emotion. He clasped his brother to his chest. “I need her back.”

  “Who was stolen from you?” Wolf asked,

  perplexed.

  “Carrie. Oh God, Wolf, she is in danger and she needs me. I have to find her before she is killed. Please help me.” Tyr’s agonized voice had Casey wrapping her arms around him.

  “Maybe you better come inside and explain what’s happened,” came a small voice from behind Lando.

  Tyr looked up and smiled gratefully at a petite,

  beautiful woman with tiny features. Christy was hanging back, closely pressing against her husband. Her fear was apparent. Tyr felt so appreciative. One word from her and he would have been escorted to the nearest airport. Her eyes locked onto his for a moment and he saw her shudder.

  He knew she was remembering his harshly spoken words, his vicious grip, and he felt so ashamed. He understood why Lando was so angry, so protective. She was so helpless, and now it was his Carrie who was in the same situation. His heart hurt with wondering if someone was being cruel to her, hurting her.

  “I’m so sorry, Christy, please forgive me,” Tyr

  said with heartfelt emotion. “I swear on my life I will never hurt or frighten you again.”

  Christy nodded and pulled on her husband's arm,

  drawing him back inside. Grudgingly, Lando stepped back, permitting Tyr into his home, though the wolf still growled. Both Lando’s son, Logan, and Wolf’s daughter, Rhea, were sleeping. The adults conversed quietly in the luxurious living room, where a huge fire blazed in the marble fireplace. Tyr started from the beginning and fielded off outraged remarks from his sister-in-law. He told them of his intentions, only stopping briefly when Wolf ran a ragged hand over his

  face.

  “Tyr, perhaps this is for the best. The woman would endanger us all if she spoke,” Wolf said.

  Tyr jumped to his feet, outraged. “Casey has never spoken of the fact you tried to kill her. Christy has remained silent about Lando!”

  “But they married us, they love us. You said

  yourself the girl is possibly terrified of you. You’re unsure of her feelings because of the situation she has been exposed to and you only planned on keeping her in an apartment. What if she seeks revenge?” Wolf asked.

  “Then I’ll marry her, damn it!” Tyr stood suddenly

  very still. “I love her, Wolf. Maybe one day she won’t be afraid of me.” Tyr wanted the chance to ask her, once freed, if she meant the loving words she spoke to him, because she felt them, or because she was commanded and trained to. He had to know; it was eating him up inside.

  Casey rose and went to put her arms around him.

  She sat him back down and rubbed gently on his back. “It will be fine, Tyr.”

  “She told me I was worth waiting for,” Tyr said quietly. “Wolf, whoever took her might not be as patient as Seth and his men. You know what some are like. She is so small and defenseless. She needs me. I need her.”

  “Listen, little brother, we both know the girl will

  indeed be hurt badly if she has been stolen by

  renegades. By the time we find her irrevocable damage may already have been done.” Tyr looked at his brother. Tyr knew what he was saying was true.

  “I know, but I need to get her back.”

  “This girl must mean a great deal to you.” Tyr watched, knowing his brother's thoughts were racing.

  “Carrie, her name is Carrie, and she means

  everything to me,” Tyr admitted.

  “I suppose she could be taken to a place where both you and I could keep a safe eye on her. She could be silenced into acceptance. If you can’t threaten her sufficiently enough, I will,” Wolf said.

  “No more threats, Wolf. She will listen to me. She

  has been through enough because of me,” Tyr declared. His fingers were gripping his knees so tightly they were turning white. His eyes settled onto his big brother's with hope. Wolf was nodding.

  “Lando, I wonder if I might ask a favor?” Wolf said, turning to him.

  “Find the girl,” Lando said. “I will keep Casey and

  Rhea safe from harm. But I get to meet her when you find her.”

  “We’ll head out first thing in the morning. We’ll find her,” Wolf promised.

  “I know we will. M
y concern is what they will do to her in the meantime. She has suffered enough throughout her entire life. I want her safe, she needs to be safe,” Tyr said.

  “Whatever happens you will make up for it over

  time. You may have to teach her again she is safe with you. You had best prepare yourself; she may be terrified of men once found,” Wolf replied.

  His brother, never one to sugarcoat things, began again. “I only hope Carrie will still be alive. If it was a random taking she might already be dead. Or buried so far in the underground she could have exchanged hands a dozen or more times by now. But if she has been stolen out of malice towards you or Seth, she might already be a living shell. Her captor could antagonize her to death. He may bring her to the point of unconsciousness repeatedly for days or even weeks, depending on how skilled he might be. Her last days could be spent in a slow, agonizing hell. Are you ready to come to terms with this?”

  “She’s alive, Wolf, I can feel it. She will be fine once we get her back,” Tyr replied, though he said it through gritted teeth and his eyes were watering.

  * * * *

  Ace had been grilling his contacts relentlessly. Someone had to know something about Carrie. She had not just vanished as the others presumed. His diligence had paid off and Ace had come up with a name. The man who had taken her was an assassin, a well known man in his own circle, a powerful man who did not dabble in slavery. Ace was confused at the discovery. He was also fearful of Carrie’s well- being. If the man did not want her for service he must for some reason seek her demise, or as bait. Perhaps

  he was an old enemy of Tyr’s.

  The thought caused Ace great distress. Carrie was helpless. She was also trained to obey a man unconditionally. She would not run or hide, she would accept her fate. If the man was not direct she could become confused and he might hurt her in his ignorance. He was at a loss as to why an assassin would seek to cause her harm, unless Tyr was somehow involved.

  He surmised Carrie was stolen for a vendetta, although, if the man wanted to confront Tyr his trail was decidedly hard to track. Ace vowed to get her back. He would buy her from Tyr. He ran Seth’s holdings when he was away. Rarely was Ace out in the field, working far from home. No other would touch her. She would be his alone.

  He knew of Seth’s demands regarding the men,

  yet felt assured the girl would be close enough to him no other would touch her, unless permitted. She would be taken to his room nightly. If he even allowed her taking by certain few friends, they would exert extreme patience and gentleness. Ace would stress that. Seth, of course, would have her, to guarantee she was trained, yet Ace was unconcerned at the thought, knowing he would not cause her any harm. Seth had been the one to inform Ace of her asthma, stressing she was to be handled gently.

  Ace breathed in deeply, calming himself. The girl

  would be his once more. He would save her from the

  hell she had no doubt entered into. He hoped she was not being abused. If she was, and had been, he resolved to gentle her again.

  He would use extreme patience and caring. She would laugh for him once more. She would rest her head next to his own and she would crawl into his arms, seeking protection and comfort he would grant eagerly. This time he would take her completely, with utmost tenderness. She would have no doubt when he finished with her who she belonged to. He would make her forget any others. If she begged to run again in the mountains he would watch over her himself, this time with the aid of a few heavily armed comrades. She would never be far from his sight.

  Ace scowled, thinking hard. He determined after

  three long weeks the girl was his and his alone. He had taken her into his care. He had trained her. He had possessed her almost as long as Tyr. If Tyr had really wanted her he would have contacted Seth about her sooner. When he found her he would claim ownership. After all, if she were to be found by him he had certain rights. Ace determined he would claim his rights.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Carrie moved around the spacious kitchen with ease. She hummed to herself as she prepared dinner for the evening, slicing carrots and roasting prime rib. It had been with wry amusement she had declared she could cook after Dirk had fed her canned soup and bologna sandwiches yet again and she had grimaced with distaste.

  She admitted to herself she was used to Seth’s abundance of variety of food, which had adorned his table daily. A luxury she had come to accept, and expect. Though owned, Carrie found she had been well cared for, as long as she obeyed. She never once refused a command and had been supplied with beautiful, if not revealing clothing, of a soft and sensual texture. Ace had always handled her gently. She came to understand why he was a favorite among the women.

  Damien had been impressed with her aptitude for gourmet meals. Carrie had laughed at both of them, wondering openly how two grown bachelors seemed so helpless and confused when confronted with something as simple as frozen chicken.

  Affronted, Dirk had told her in his defense no one

  had ever taught him to cook, it had been his mother’s job, or he ate out. Damien had lewdly hinted he had others more than wiling to feed him. Carrie had rolled her eyes at her young uncle. She accepted his wanton raucous humor with a grain of salt. She had for the first few days been very wary of him.

  He was very big and powerful and intimidating.

  Damien took great delight in ordering her about. Carrie had been too frightened to disobey him, remembering her extensive training and stern warnings. When he commanded she had jumped.

  She knew Dirk had watched the exchange between the two wondering if he should interfere, but had held off as though sensing something from her. Her obedience somehow seemed to make her feel safe, though her confusion was increasing.

  She had known Damien was beginning to anger

  Dirk; his demands were increasing to disgraceful proportions. None of the men at Seth’s had ever spoken to her in such a ridiculing way. It had been a great relief one day when Damien had been ordering her about more than usual, his demands outrageous.

  She had become flustered, then annoyed, then increasingly angry. Damien had rudely and obnoxiously demanded his lunch be served immediately, but it was his high and mighty attitude with his unrealistic demands which caused her to become flabbergasted and she had spun on him, stomped her foot and told him to darn well get it

  himself.

  She had stopped, stunned, staring openmouthed at Damien, horrified and fearful. Her breath had quickened and, though shaking violently, she had resisted the urge to run cowering for protection to Dirk, who was standing near her, grinning. Damien had regarded her with a bright smile and declared, chuckling, it was about time she stood up for herself. She was his niece after all, she possessed a backbone.

  Carrie had calmed after their confrontation. She realized Damien had elicited it on purpose. Realization had settled over her. She wasn’t owned anymore, but she was still wanted. She realized happily she finally had a family, a family that loved her unconditionally. Dirk spent hours with her talking to her of her mother and their relationship and of his childhood and asking her about hers.

  Carrie had emotionally related her early years spent with an alcoholic mother and abusive stepfather. She relayed the incident with the fire that had labeled her troubled. She spoke tenderly of her relationship with Will and Sue. She admitted she had been saddened when Will had abandoned her to live with his sister.

  “He didn’t abandon you, baby. I told him of my intent to care for you and eventually take you away. He didn’t want to be all alone. I paid for his way to his sister and set up funding for him. He loves you a great deal. He was good to you and I appreciate that,

  but you’re mine. I have been forced from you long enough. It’s my turn now,” Dirk had said with conviction. “You’re the only child I have ever had. I missed out on so much. We both missed out on so much.”

  Carrie thought about what he said for a long time. Dirk’s possessiveness towards her was intrig
uing. He studied her closely. He hugged her often and Carrie enjoyed being wrapped in his comforting embrace. She had known he struggled with his brother’s demands of her. Even though he had not interfered she was positive he would have if she asked him. She knew he was learning, as was she.

  “Where’s my dinner?” Damien said loudly, coming up behind her and wrapping an arm around her, his other hand shot out to snatch a carrot.

  “Keep your shirt on, glutton, it’s coming,” Carrie

  replied cheekily, while swatting at his hand.

  Chuckling, Damien moved to set the table. Noticing the warm doughy rolls Carrie baked often, he stopped to butter one. Taking a large bite, he chewed slowly and noisily, groaning to indicate how wonderful they were. Carrie just shook her head at him. She had never known a man to eat so much, and so often.

  “Who taught you to make these?” Damien asked around a large bite of food.

  “Maggie.”

  “One of Seth’s women?”

  “Yes. She taught me to make a great many

  dishes,” Carrie said. She remembered making Tyr his favorite dinner one night and waiting anxiously for his approval. After wolfing it down he said it was all right and Carrie’s heart had felt crushed. She had worked on it all day, wanting it to be perfect and not because she was afraid of being beaten. Tyr never raised a hand or his voice to her; she had wanted his approval.