Champion's Bond

by Rinelle Grey

  Lyall stood up and held out his hand to Mugos. The troll stared, and Jasyn could almost hear the thoughts behind his sour expression. Did that puny human really think he could pull the oversized troll to his feet?

  Mugos’s breath escaped his body in a sigh, and he took Lyall’s hand. Lyall pulled with all his might and Mugos stood, careful not to throw the human off balance with his disproportionate weight.

  It was a start.

  “Thank you for your help today,” Lyall said seriously.

  “I wasn’t helping you,” Mugos shot back. “I did it to help the trolls. She never did care about our plight, she was just using me to get back at your father. And to be honest, I couldn’t care less if she had killed all of you, but she was going to kill my people in the process.”

  Lyall glanced at Oriana’s body, a frown crossing his face. “I wish there had been an option other than killing her.”

  Brianna slipped her hand in his. “I’m sure your father will still be all right. He has your mother. He couldn’t care less if Oriana is dead.”

  “It’s not about love, Brianna. It’s about magic. The bond was still there, even though my father didn’t love her.”

  “What nonsense are you talking about?” Mugos demanded.

  “Oriana was the king’s ex-wife.” Jasyn stepped in to explain. “They’re bonded. The reason he has kept her alive all these years is because killing her could kill him as well.”

  “You mean she took him out with her when she died?” Mugos’s eyebrows arched, and a smile twisted his lips. “She would have liked that. She was hell bent on revenge.” When everyone stared at him, he gave a short laugh. “What? You’ve got to appreciate the irony in that.”

  “I don’t have to do anything.” Lyall’s voice was cold. “Excuse me please, I have to send a message home to find out if my father is still alive.” He turned on his heel and headed for the stairs.

  After shooting Jasyn a worried frown, Brianna followed him, and Mianna and Terion left too, though they headed towards the village, not out of the gates.

  Leaving Jasyn standing with Mugos. Not alone, of course—there were half a dozen warriors standing around the edge of the tower, their faces impassive. Chances were, Mugos couldn’t choke him to death before one of them intervened.

  It would take Jasyn a while to get over his fear of the ex-champion. It would help to have Mugos back in human form.

  Mugos watched the retreating backs of Lyall and Brianna, then turned to Jasyn. “These humans have no sense of humour.”

  “You’re talking about the death of his father,” Jasyn said. “Not many people find that funny.”

  “Just another example of why I’m not going to fit in here,” Mugos said seriously.

  His whining was getting old. “Get over it. Make an effort to learn about people, our people as well as the rest of the humans. They wouldn’t find it funny either. Stop making everything about you.”

  A surprised look crossed Mugos’s face, but Jasyn didn’t care. He turned away and headed for the stairs. Let someone else deal with Mugos for now. He was sure he’d be seeing plenty of the man in future.

  When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he saw a young warrior nodding furiously at something Lyall was saying. Jasyn turned towards the forest. He’d just go wait near the edge. Maybe he’d be able to hear Kriss coming.

  It was cool and quiet in the shade of the trees. Jasyn took a step into the peaceful stillness, then another. The sounds of people shifting and moving faded away the deeper he went. Soon, all Jasyn could hear were the quiet calls of birds. He was out of the range of the gem now, too, and the ready access to magic calmed him.

  He hadn’t expected to live through all that. He hadn’t expected to wake up after Mugos had taken him down in the clearing.

  It had never occurred to him that Kriss would show up and save his life. Oh, he’d known she and the others would try something as soon as they realised he was still alive. He just hadn’t expected them to be successful. And they wouldn’t have been, if Kriss hadn’t been able to reach him magically.

  His ears strained to hear any sounds that might indicate her approach, but everything was completely quiet. Even the birdcalls had stopped.

  Was that a movement he saw? A slow smile tugged at Jasyn’s lips and he strained to see into the shadow of the trees. He switched to astral view and was rewarded with a large aura, barely hidden by the trees at all.

  “Kriss? Is that you?”

  There was silence for a moment. Then Kriss stepped out from behind the tree, right where he’d seen movement. She’d always been amazed at his constant successful hunts. He should let her in on his secret one day.

  She stood there, gazing at him. For a moment, Jasyn thought she might flee back into the trees. He held his breath, almost as he did when a deer crossed his path.

  Kriss took an uncertain step towards him, then another, and then she was running. Jasyn steadied himself as she threw herself against his chest. Her arms went around his neck and she looked up at him, her eyes misty.

  He should think of something profound to say. But his mind offered nothing. So instead, he took a chance and whispered, “I love you, Kriss.”

  A tear slid down her cheek. “I love you too, Jasyn.”

  She pulled his head down and her lips met his.

  That was the signal his body had been waiting for. It responded with two years of built up passion, breaking through his the restraint that had held it like a dam.

  He met her gentle, uncertain kiss with fire. At least that’s what it felt like, coursing through his veins.

  She hesitated, pulling back and looking into his eyes. Jasyn silently cursed himself. He had frightened her. He’d ruined things before they even began.

  Her hips bumped against his and her arms tightened around his neck. When her lips met his again, the fire on her side matched his.

  The forest faded around them and all he could see was Kriss’s eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks as her eyes closed. Jasyn closed his eyes too, focusing on tasting every part of her mouth, not wanting to miss one single bit.

  Her body pressing against his fanned the heat that spread through him.

  He needed more of it. More of her.

  His hands slid down to cup her rounded, firm buttocks, and he pulled her against him.

  A groan escaped his lips.

  He should stop now. What if one of the villagers came looking for them? They could do this later…

  When? He couldn’t imagine going back over the ridge and living in the tent they had shared as trolls. They had no house in the village. And it could be weeks before they sorted out where they were going to live. They were practically homeless.

  The thought itself didn’t worry him. They would build a new home together, here where things were green and alive.

  The time it would take did trouble him. He wanted Kriss now. He couldn’t wait until they had their own home.

  And neither could she, apparently. Her hands tugged at his belt, undoing the strange fastening deftly.

  Jasyn tried to protest, but her lips got in the way, distracting him. By the time she pulled back for a deep breath, he’d lost any desire to protest. They were alone in the forest. Everyone else was back in the village. They wouldn’t notice his absence.

  He stared at the dress Kriss wore, the same one she had so hesitantly shown him back at the palace on Isla de Magi. How did one get these human clothes off? They had such strange fastenings, and they were hard to remove.

  His hand slid down her leg to where the skirt ended and he lifted the light fabric, sliding it up her thigh. Her skin was softer now that she was human, and his hands more sensitive. Kriss moaned against his lips.

  Jasyn laid her down in a patch of lush grass and took a moment to admire her. He had no idea what humans considered beautiful, and it didn’t matter. Kriss would always be beautiful to him because of who she was, not what she looked like. That was where her true beauty lay. The skin co
vering that beauty was only a bonus.

  A soft, sweet-smelling, perfect bonus. He pressed his lips against the side of her neck, inhaling her scent. Experimentally, he let his tongue slide over her skin, and smiled at her sharp inhale of breath. He slid his tongue and lips over the soft dip of her neck and shoulders, the feel of her hands running over his back urgently spurring his passion on.

  Her body moved under him, pressing against him, but he resisted. He needed to take those few moments of gentleness to work up the courage to go further.

  But when her legs twisted up around his body, pulling him against her, the last of his control slipped. He groaned loudly and fumbled with the last remaining bits of fabric separating them.

  He paused, staring down at Kriss’s face. Her urgency calmed and her eyes met his. A gentle, shy smile lit up her face.

  That was all the invitation he needed.

  He slid into her, groaning at the feel of her hugging him so tightly, marvelling in the sensations that were so different, yet so familiar. Her skin was softer, and the size and fit was slightly different, but despite all that, it felt completely right.

  He pulled back, and slid in slowly again, letting the feelings roll over him, savouring every inch of her.

  That was all he had the control for. He gathered her in his arms, holding her close, filling her completely, rocking back and forth.

  He wanted to take his time, never wanting that moment to end, but his body had other ideas. The feeling grew in him until it threatened to overflow and he revelled in it. Her hands closed over his buttocks, pulling him into her deeply, and that pushed him over the edge.

  Desire spilled from him, and he felt her convulsing around him, sending a fresh wave of intense pleasure rocking through his body.

  He kissed her desperately, wishing the moment never had to end.

  It was so hard to believe it didn’t have to end. So hard to believe that she loved him. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, and even though her smile was sweet and gentle, and her eyes gazed lovingly into his, he still couldn’t believe it.

  She pulled his face down and gently kissed his lips. He couldn’t help the groan that escaped with his breath. If he could have this for the rest of his life, then nothing else mattered.

  Jasyn wasn’t sure how long they lay there like that, kissing gently. He didn’t even notice the commotion back in the village until Kriss pulled her lips away from his.

  “What’s that sound?” she asked.

  Jasyn frowned. “It sounds like… cheering?”

  “We should go find out what’s going on.”

  Jasyn looked down at Kriss. “But I don’t want to move.”

  She giggled. “I know. But we can always do this again later.”

  “Can we?”

  He’d meant his question to sound light and teasing, but somehow it came out far more serious. And maybe a little pitiful. Jasyn winced.

  Kriss looked serious though. “I hope so. If that’s what you want?”

  “I want nothing more than to be beside you for the rest of my life,” Jasyn said.

  Kriss smiled. “I’d like that.”

  The fears in his chest stilled at her words. Reluctantly, he pulled back and stood up, holding out his hand to her. “I guess we better go see what is going on then.”

  Kriss smoothed her skirt. Jasyn pulled up his pants and picked a twig out of her hair. They both giggled nervously.

  The cheering had quietened by the time they emerged from the forest, hand in hand, but a crowd was still gathered around the village gates. Jasyn picked up the pace, curiosity growing. What was going on?

  As they drew closer, he could make out the king and queen, sitting above the crowd on a pair of perfectly matched white horses.

  Jasyn tried to ignore the knowing looks as the crowd parted to let him and Kriss through. Instead, he focused on Lyall, who was walking forwards to greet his father.

  “Thank goodness you’re all right, Father.”

  “Why wouldn’t I be?” King Balen’s voice was gruff. “What happened here?”

  “Oriana is dead,” Lyall said.

  The king’s eyes widened. “Dead? But…” He glanced at his wife, then back at Lyall. “You must be mistaken.”

  Lyall shook his head. “I think I can tell dead when I see it.”

  “It’s not possible. I didn’t feel a thing.”

  Brianna spoke up. “There is more to the magical bond than we thought, it seems. It seems to be more about love than sex.”

  “But the bond is formed when…” the king broke off, his face reddening.

  Brianna didn’t seem embarrassed at all. She just nodded. “Yes, that’s when it is formed. I guess it must need the physical connection. And your first partner does seem to determine your magic level. But dying when the bond is broken only seems to happen if you’re actually in love with the other person.”

  The king stared at her in disbelief. Then, to Jasyn’s surprise, he started to laugh. “If I’d known that, I would have had her executed years ago, and none of this would have happened.”

  Jasyn was glad he hadn’t. If none of this had happened, Kriss would never have realised she loved him. He squeezed her hand and their eyes met. The look she gave him was knowing.

  The king insisted on seeing Oriana’s body, and Lyall lead him into the village. Jasyn felt no need to follow them.

  “What happened to Mugos?”

  Kriss’s question caught him by surprise and his heart froze. He hoped his voice sounded normal and that he didn’t clutch at her hand as he said, “He survived. They managed to heal him completely, though he’s not particularly happy about it.”

  Kriss gave a laugh. Did she sound harsh? Or understanding? Jasyn didn’t dare look at her, afraid of giving away his fears.

  “He’ll have to deal with it.”

  Which was exactly what Jasyn had said. But what did she mean by it?

  “I guess so.” Jasyn hesitated, but avoiding the subject wasn’t going to change anything. “Perhaps you could talk to him?”

  “What good would that do?”

  Kriss pulled on Jasyn’s hand. If he kept avoiding looking at her it would only get more obvious. He steeled himself to look into her eyes, afraid of what he would find there.

  She was frowning, her face was tilted slightly. “What are you talking about, Jasyn?”

  He shrugged, uncomfortable under her almost angry gaze. “I just thought since you both started from the same place and you’ve managed to welcome the peace we created, you might have some common ground…”

  Her glare intensified and his words petered out.

  “Mugos and I have nothing in common.” Kriss’s words were definitive. “I stayed with him because I thought he might be able to protect me, but I was wrong.”

  Her expression grew gentle and she reached up to cup Jasyn’s cheek. “Your dreams of a perfect world offered me hope of something I didn’t even know I wanted. And your determination to make it work, no matter what fears you had to face, was far braver than anything Mugos ever did.”

  Her words made it easier for Jasyn to voice his real concern. “You didn’t feel anything for him? Really?”

  She answered without hesitation. “Nothing at all. Not then, and definitely not now. You are the only one I want, Jasyn.”

  He searched her face, but he could find no hint of any hesitation or hidden feelings. Only complete openness.

  The last of Jasyn’s fears melted away. Pulling Kriss into his arms, he said, “And you’re the only woman for me, Kriss.”

  She smiled up at him and he lowered his lips to hers.

  The End

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  If this is your first Twin Curse story, read Brianna and Lyall's story in Forbidden Bond!

  Born together, wed together… />
  The ancient law is a curse to Brianna, whose twin sister has fallen in love with a man she can’t bring herself to marry. Instead she fakes her death and runs away to the big city.

  Just when she is beginning to regret her decision, she meets Lyall, a handsome mage. Their instant bond grows deeper, and despite knowing she can never marry him, Brianna accepts Lyall’s offer to journey to the exciting Isla de Magi, where she discovers that she possesses magic as well.

  However, when a chilling dream warns of an impending threat to her village, Brianna rushes home to help her sister. Lyall follows, chasing after the same threat and longing to reunite with Brianna.

  Can the two work together to stop the danger? Or will Brianna be forced to choose between her love for Lyall and the safety and happiness of her sister?

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  Chapter 1

  The phone buzzed on the bedside table. Tyris sat bolt upright, taking a few deep breaths before reaching for it, his hand shaking. Forcing his eyes to focus, he stared at the message on the screen.

  “Appreciate the help, Tyris. Hope you enjoy these tickets to the show next weekend as thanks.” Relief swamped him. It wasn’t signed, but he knew who it was from. A tingle of anticipation ran down his spine.

  He’d got them.

  The bed was empty beside him, so Tyris smiled and lay back on the pillows, resting the phone on his knees. An image of the screen projected above it, and he swiped his fingers across it several times, checking for the best space fares. It wasn’t easy to find a good deal from Urslat to anywhere else in the galaxy these days, what with the scarcity of anysogen, but price was no object, and he couldn’t wait to be far away from here, where messages couldn’t reach him—where he could ignore the niggling worry that something was wrong, at least for a while.