I opened the buttons on my shirt, slipping off the sleeves I gently laid it across the top of a nearby bush and then I pulled the hem of the white camisole up and over my head, placing it next to the blouse.
I looked down at my chest; the sight still alarming me. Bite wounds in different shades of red and purple, like horrific hickies, tattooed my breasts. They varied in color from bright red and puffy, to an angry mauve, while others were beginning to fade to a lighter shade of pink. I looked like hell. If I ever got back to the real world, I could never wear a plunging neckline again. How could I explain where the scars came from?
I looked at Arian’s smiling face. “Yes, it’s just as I thought. Thorak will be unable to resist. Most excellent.”
She reached for the latch on the gate. Pushing down on the guard, she pulled the latch up. The gate swung open. I jumped as the rusty sound of the hinges sent dozens of birds to wing. We entered another room, which I assumed was a sort of guardshack. It was filled with soft light and had a short panel with several buttons. Thorak was standing by a door, bigger than life. I could see that the door behind him had an alarm system with a numbered keypad.
The large troll strode toward us. His steps were slow and deliberate as his huge mass moved awkwardly in the small room. I could almost feel his watery eyes gliding over our exposed bodies.
“You are not allowed in here, Arian.” Thorak grumbled, his voice sounding like he was gargling rocks.
She walked right up to him, ignoring his statement.
“Now, Thorak, is that any way to speak to me?” She reached up and stroked his shoulder. “I am here to present you with a rare opportunity.” She pushed her body close to his, pressing her breasts against his stomach.
“What trouble are you causing now, girl?” he asked, his ugly eyes sliding to me. “Why is she here? This is not a wise move, Arian.” He folded one set of tattooed arms, while the other set slowly started to reach for her.
I took a step back. I was totally fine with letting her take the lead on this. He was way too huge and frightening.
“Oh, don’t worry about her, she is here with me. We are companions, and don’t worry - Seth approves.”
“What do you want? She shouldn’t be here.” His arms were aching to touch her, I could tell, because they kept reaching for her then moving back. He obviously didn’t know what to do.
“I am here to arrange a meeting, between you and me. We, that is, Grace and I, are very interested in your special gifts. She wishes to watch you bed me.”
Well, that was blunt. Guess no beating around the bush for Arian.
“That is not allowed,” Thorak replied, but he could not conceal his interest. His ugly hands had actually started to move over Arian’s back. One was sliding along her spine while the other began cupping her butt cheek. The second set were still folded across his chest.
I took another small step back. Glancing around the room, I noticed the control panel had a small monitor. I couldn’t see what was on it. I’d have to get closer to Thorak in order to look. I couldn’t do it. I just assumed he was monitoring my friends. Really, what else could he be watching?
“Yes, it is forbidden,” Arian admitted. “But, you see, our dear Grace is the key. Seth is very adamant about not allowing other creatures around her, so we will not be found out. Only the three of us will know.”
“You mean the four of us.” a deep voice came from behind me.
Oh, God! I spun on my heel and my heart sank as I met the gaze of a very happy, very sinister looking Eden.
“What is this mischief?” he giggled. “Are you still trying to seduce our gate keeper, Arian? Tsk, tsk!” he admonished with a grin. “And, you chose to involve the fair Madea? How scandalous! I’m quite sure Seth will be murderous once he discovers what you are about… How delicious.” He took a step closer, his face now a mask of evil delight. I watched his eyes change as thoughts seemed to race through his mind. He didn’t even try to hide his euphoria.
“Now, Eden,” Arian said, her hand resting on her hip, “we both know you won’t be telling anything to anyone. You would not jeopardize your place in my bed,” she added haughtily.
Eden shook his head, and said, “Well, you certainly place a lot of importance on your body, Arian. However, if you demand my silence,” he turned to face me, “Grace must come to my bed.”
My jaw dropped. “What? You’re kidding. No way, I won’t do it, I can’t do it. Seth would have you for breakfast!” I stood gaping at him. His nerve was astounding.
“And what do you think he will do after discovering your involvement in this little coup, hmm?” he simpered, “Nothing very pleasant, I can assure you. Perhaps he will even feel it is time to properly dispense of your Lucian? Maybe he will finally give your little Ann to my brother and me?”
My eyes widened, I hadn’t expected to be caught so soon. What now? I was thinking hard. I needed time, but from the look on Eden’s face, I had just run out of it.
Straightening my spine, I smiled. “I have conditions, of course,” I said. “The first is that you not only maintain your silence with Seth, but you also keep it from Chloe and Ael. If you can’t do that, then were dead already!” I stepped closer to him. “You are already out of favor with Seth; imagine what this tryst would do.”
Thorak shifted. All four of his arms were now caressing Arian. But his eyes had settled on me.
“Why do you do this?” Thorak garbled, “You dislike us all, that is clear. You are here not of your own will. Why would you bed Eden for the chance to watch us mate? It seems a large sacrifice for such a petty reward.”
Shit. Deliver me from intelligent trolls.
I fisted my hands to keep them from trembling. Hiding them behind me, I threw my shoulders back, and pushed my breasts forward.
“Well, I guess you’ve found me out.” I said with an exaggerated sigh, “I’ll tell you, because I know my secret will be safe. You see, I’m very bored, and if I‘m going to be stuck here, I need something to amuse me.” I stepped closer to Eden, keeping my eyes still fastened on Thorak’s face.
“I am very interested in observing you in action,” I said. “I have never seen a creature such as yourself in my life. Hence, if sex with Eden is the price I must pay per viewing, then I will do it. Who knows? Maybe I’ll enjoy it.” I smiled wickedly at Eden. His eyes were as large as saucers and his chest was rising and falling rapidly with each breath. I just hope I hadn’t gotten myself even deeper into trouble. I was going to need heavy equipment as it was to dig myself out if I didn’t think of something fast.
Eden pulled me into his arms. “You are not what you seem, are you? I was expecting at least a little fight.” He pushed out his bottom lip, “Part of me is a bit disappointed. Fear always adds to the flavor.”
I placed my hand on the bulge at his pants, squeezing hard, and I sighed “Oh, really? If that is what you require. I’m sure we can arrange a little fear.” He held me tighter, then suddenly his head bent and he took my mouth in a harsh, almost painful kiss. Forcing his tongue into my mouth, I almost gagged. His teeth were growing as he punished my lips.
His tongue danced wildly, licking my teeth, as he practically ate my mouth. He pulled back, and I could see his eyes were hooded, while I felt his erection press against my lower belly.
“I will agree to your conditions,” he said between breathy pants. “I will also keep the secret from my brother, not an easy feat; and because of that, you will be required to enter my bed numerous times. You will be virtually mine.”
I pretended to consider that, and then agreed.
Arian broke in. “I hate to burst your bubble, Eden, but Seth will know the instant she returns to his bed. He will smell you on her. Why, you may have already sealed your fate by kissing her lips.”
“All she needs to do is wash. We will be safe.”
Arian wasn’t satisfied. “Well, I doubt that will be enough. Besides, it will only make him wonder why she is always bathing when she is aro
und me! He’s bound to get a little suspicious.”
“Then we will space our trysts randomly. Just think, Arian, you can have Thorak all you want. We just have to be smart about it.”
That made her laugh, “If you think that is enough, then we will do it. Perhaps this will work out even better than we had originally planned. After all, the forbidden fruit always tastes the sweetest.”
“I have a duty to perform,” Thorak spoke again. “I cannot just walk away.”
Arian smiled and cooing softly she said, “We will just make sure you leave when they are not around.” She looked around her. “I don’t see them now.”
“It is true,” Thorak responded. “They are seldom around, despite their orders to remain here. I think we will try,” he said, his hands sliding under her clothing.
Wow. This was great. No one would be watching Lucian or Ann. I had to bow my head to hide my excited smile. Now all I had to do was figure out how to slip away from them.
Eden cut in. “When will we begin our little adventure?”
I spoke up. I was in trouble here. I needed enough time to figure this out! “Seth won’t leave me with Arian for the length of time we’re going to need,” I said. “I’ll need time to work on him.”
“Well, we will have to plan some distraction. It’s clear we are not quite ready. We will return when we can, to discuss it further,” Arian said this as she edged out of the trolls grip. “I really must get Grace back now. I am sure Seth will wonder where we have gone. This is our first outing. We do not want to jeopardize his trust.”
I agreed and walked to the bushes. Picking up my shirt, I shuddered at the memory of Eden’s kiss. My skin crawled. Eden was a violent monster. I would kill him before we ever got intimate.
Arian rebuttoned her shirt as we walked back through the phony jungle. Mine was already on, having dressed in record time. She seemed happy, and satisfied with the way everything ended up.
As soon as the doors to the elevator opened, we entered and she sent it on its way.
“Oh my God, Grace. How wonderful! I never dreamed this would work out so well. I will be in Thorak’s bed, you and Eden by our side. Perhaps we will be able to finally explore each other. Oh, I am so very excited. And to think I also have the great honor of joining you in Seth’s bed as well. I must say, the night you entered our lives has been the greatest gift.”
In her excitement, she spun around, grabbed my shoulders and violently pressed her lips to mine. I was slammed back against the wall by the force of her ardor. I was just starting to push her away, when the doors to the elevator opened.
TWENTY-SIX
Seth’s eyes went wide with shock.
I was still pushing at Arian. She didn’t realize the elevator had stopped and her tongue kept trying to climb down my throat. Her frustrated moans were interrupted by the sound of Seth’s throat clearing.
She pushed away abruptly, her hand went to her lips and she flushed a dark shade of scarlet. Meanwhile, I was frantically wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. My eyes were wide, my mind racing in fear and confusion.
He began to laugh. “My, my Grace, I should have known that even the women would fall prey to your charms. It is alright my dear.” He placed a hand on Arian’s cheek. “You are not to be blamed. I feel the same way.” He giggled, then he turned and in a flash of speed, swept me up and kissed me with the same ardor I always felt when in his arms. After a moment, he drew back, his eyes narrowing. He lowered his head and studied my mouth in the most inhuman way. Then he stabbed me with a look of pure venom.
I felt myself being slammed into the wall again, but this time it was anger that propelled me there. Seth’s eyes bled to solid silver, and he spoke through clenched teeth. “You taste of another man, Grace!” he slammed his fist into the wall beside my head and I froze in horror. “You smell of another man!” He raged as he slammed his other fist into the wall. Splinters and bits of plywood flew in all directions from the force of his blow. He turned his angry eyes to Arian.
“What have you been doing to allow this?” he roared. His outburst made me want to shrink up into myself. I looked at Arian. She was staring at him in alarm.
“She has not been near another man. I have. I was with Eden before I came to see her. You smell him on her because I was kissing Grace, as you well know. His scent is still on me and I must have wiped it all over her. I promise you, it was completely unintentional.” She looked outraged, her hands were resting on her hips and she was practically yelling. And I thought I was a good actress! “Honestly, Seth. You act like a jealous husband. Do you really think I would risk your trust, not to mention your fury by letting her be touched by another man? My life means more to me than that!” She took a step toward him. Her courage was very impressive. “I never allowed another man in the same room with her.” she said, in a reassuring tone, like Seth was nothing more than a confused child. The effect worked. He seemed calmer. His eyes were no longer that unnatural, sightless silver.
He lowered his head, taking in a great gulp of air; and let it out slowly from his nose. Then he looked up at me. “I am sorry, Grace,” he said. “But I cannot afford to be lax when it comes to you. You are far too important. I am sorry that I assumed you had betrayed me.”
He stepped close to me. “We will retire now. But first I must insist you wash the scent of Eden off of your body. You may go now, Arian.” He sent her a cool look, like she was the lowest form of vermin.
“I’m sorry, Grace. I will see you tomorrow.” She smiled at me and her look of worry did little to dispel my fear.
“Yeah, and thanks, Arian. I think you saved my life just now.” I said as I eyed Seth. I hoped my words would make him realize how psycho he truly was. At the very least, he needed some lessons in anger management class!
Arian stepped out of the elevator as Seth pressed the button for his floor. I turned my head, facing the wall. I chose not to make eye contact. He was a monster, I knew that all along, but seeing his temper flare again made me all the more aware of the fact.
“You are angry with me?” he asked, his voice low.
“Um, let me think…Yeah. How thick can you get? You could have killed me! What if you hit my face instead of the wall, Seth? What would you have said? Oops, golly, I’m sorry, Grace, I’ll buy you a new skull? Damn, Seth, you really need to get a hold of your jealousy issues.”
“I was rash,” he said. “I just assumed you spent your time away making love to another man. I should have stopped and thought about that.” He shook his head. “Knowing how you feel about my coven, and how hard it was to get you into my bed, I should have known you would not enter another’s bed so impulsively. I apologize, I was acting idiotic.”
“Let’s hear it for honesty. How nice to hear you admit that even you, the great and wonderful Lord Seth, are capable of stupidity. Can I go back to my room now? I don’t really feel like spending anymore time with you.” I folded my arms and continued to look in the opposite direction.
The elevator doors opened, but I made no move to leave the small box.
Seth reached for me. “Come Grace, and let me remind you that you are still a prisoner. Despite any remorse for my recent treatment of you, you must understand, it changes nothing. You are still mine. I still decide where you come and go.”
I lifted my eyebrows, pursed my lips and refused to look at him, even after I was hoisted over his shoulder and carried into his room. He was walking at a speedy clip when we entered. He jogged up the stairs and unceremoniously tossed me onto the bed. He then turned his back on me and walked away, muttering to himself angrily.
My eyes followed him as he descended the stairs and began pacing the room. “I am going mad!” he shouted loudly. “I swear to you, Grace, you are driving me mad!” He pointed to his head while glaring at me, “One moment in your presence and I lose all of my purpose, all of my conviction! You are very important, but you are also a terrible distraction.”
I watched him pace, alternate
ly flinging his arms in the air and combing his hands through his hair with evident frustration. He was gesturing so much, it reminded me of my mother after she discovered that I stole her car and crashed it into the neighbors’ trash cans.
“The Council believes that I have already invested too much of myself into you. They feel my personal sentiments could jeopardize our cause; and after my encounter with you in the elevator, I am starting to believe they are correct!” He raised his arms, his fists clenched.
I was shocked. Was this going to be a turning point? What was he saying? I mentally pushed my eyes back into their sockets and tried to stop ogling him.
“Something must be done. I cannot, will not continue to coddle you, Grace!” He was really freaking me out, “I believe I need to distance myself from you.” He seemed to be thinking out loud more than trying to make a point to me. He didn’t look at me. “You cannot be trusted. How can I keep you away from the world? I need you close…” He finally looked up at me, his eyes flashing to the bed. “….But not too close. I cannot be making love all the time.” He seemed to be growing testier by the second.
“I am Lord! I need to spend my time with my Council! This is a crucial matter, and you just take up too much of my energy”
Whoa, he was losing it!
“My mind is always full of her, her body, her hair.” He was really off now; I didn’t think he was even speaking to me. He stopped pacing, and then brought his fingers to his lips “No. I need to feed. I must keep her here to feed. I can resist taking her body. All I need from her is food. I must be strong. I will feed as I always have. I will keep her far from me. Yes, but where? Not a cell, no.” He began pacing again, deep in thought.
“Seth?” I squeaked.
“But a cell is the only place where she could not escape. Perhaps I will cage her here?” He looked around the room. “No, I would be breaking the locks before an hour had passed.”
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