Vengeance From The Dark (D'Vaire Book 3)

by Jessamyn Kingley

  “Talfryn.” Clearly Lorcan’s patience was at an end.

  “Yes, anleydir?”

  “Stop calling me beloved. I’m not your beloved.”

  “Now you’ve insulted me. Hmm, you’ll have to be punished for that.” Talfryn said the words with a mock thoughtfulness before walking around to the other side of the bed and yanking back the covers. Before Lorcan had time to launch an argument, Talfryn had the blanket up to his chin and was wiggling to find a comfortable spot on the soft mattress.

  “Talfryn, get the hell out of my bed.”

  “That has to be the first time you’ve ever asked me to get out of your bed. In fact, I seem to remember someone trying to coax me into sharing their blankets before we even had our mating ceremony. Something that would have shamed us both forever since we’d only have one hoop in our ear proving to the world we had no ability to honor our people’s traditions.”

  “I never said I was intelligent, but I no longer allow my dick to make my decisions for me.”

  “Pity.”

  “Get out.”

  “Speaking of which, how do you have a third hoop?”

  “How do you think? I cut my own palm with the athame and forsook the day we combined out lives. Fate was kind enough to mark me as one who would have their vengeance.”

  “I had to ask,” Talfryn mumbled.

  “Even Fate understood that I would not be denied. Every force on this planet and beyond will aid me in ending our lives and terminating what should have never existed between us.”

  “That’s nice,” he replied sweetly before reaching across his irritated mate and flipping off the light. “Good night, anleydir.”

  “Damn it, I will not sleep with you in here.”

  Letting out an exaggerated yawn, Talfryn gave Lorcan his back and snuggled down to get some rest. “Great, so you’ll be even grouchier tomorrow. That’s too bad, but could you keep it down? I’m actually really tired. My mate spends all day trying my patience.”

  Apparently, Lorcan clued into the fact that Talfryn wasn’t getting up because he just gave out a sound somewhere between a huff and a growl. Listening intently, Talfryn felt the mattress shift as Lorcan rolled toward the wall and then gave out a soft sigh. It seemed this round had gone to Talfryn; it gave him not a small amount of hope that they could fix this after all, even if the man had tricked Fate into turning his facial mating mark as blood red as the new hoop he sported.

  Chapter 21

  Cadlyr sank, his knees hitting the dry dirt and then lay down on his belly. He’d already removed his clothes and stuck them into a small bag he’d brought for that purpose. Centuries ago, he’d decided it wasn’t worth having to clean them afterward, and the inhabitants of the cavern he was visiting were unable to see him, so his modesty was duly protected. Flat on his stomach, Cadlyr crawled under the giant rock that blocked his path. It took several sweaty frustrating moments to reach the other side, but he managed the task and quickly rose to his feet and redressed.

  Once he was decent, Cadlyr walked softly over to the two teenagers that had been preserved inside this cave so many centuries ago. The last two magic-stealing stones the Cwylld owned were also in the space; each one sat atop the chest of the young men Cadlyr had kidnapped for Chieftain Aniernan. They were insurance policies to presumably save their people, but no doubt the only butts that were going to be protected were those of the Cwylld leaders.

  After being captured, stones had been placed on their chests, putting them into catatonic states. That had been an unexpected result and all these centuries later, their breathing was still shallow. If they hadn’t gone into comas, Cadlyr had no idea how the chieftains would have been able to protect the identities of the pair. The first of the victims had been captured a millennium before, and perhaps Carvallius would have been able to cast a spell upon him to keep him here if the stone hadn’t put him to sleep. Teenager number two was a newer addition to the cave and Carvallius had been quite dead when he arrived, so should he have remained awake, there would have been nothing to make him stay.

  Satisfied they remained untouched and safe, Cadlyr walked back over to the large rock he was going to have to shimmy under to exit. Just as he grabbed the hem of his tunic to pull it off, a bone-deep coolness settled in and he knew Chieftain Aniernan had used the black magic spell dug into his back to return him to his leader’s side. Indeed, a few scant seconds later, he was inside their smoky hut. Trying to stay positive, Cadlyr decided he should be grateful he didn’t have to find his way out of that twisty cave today.

  “How goes your progress?” Chieftain Aniernan asked him without preamble.

  “The crops will be ripe soon.”

  “I do not care about your gardening. Have you located the stones or the others yet?”

  “I have not.”

  “Do you spend your days doing nothing but wandering aimlessly? Sometimes I think it would have served us better to task Edion with your duties. Even a worthless, blinded elf could do a finer job.”

  “It would be hard to task Talfryn with anything since you sold him for the poor price of a single stone,” Cadlyr said.

  “Did he just say Talfryn?” Chieftess Taliya screeched. “I told you to never say his name again. Aniernan, do something.”

  “I am tired of pretending my brother is called by a different name just because you hated his mate.”

  “You are no son of ours,” Chieftain Aniernan said.

  “Of course not; you didn’t like my mate either.”

  “At least he had the good sense to kill himself. Perhaps you should follow his example.”

  Cadlyr didn’t know why but he was genuinely shocked by the words of his leader; it had been many centuries since he thought of him as his father. “Did you seriously just suggest I kill myself?”

  “Aniernan, should he die, we would have no one to tend to the fields. No one to search for the lost and to find our stones,” Taliya said. Cadlyr rolled his eyes. Of course, the woman who had given birth to him nearly two millennia ago wouldn’t have any words of kindness toward his poor self; she was only concerned with what he could do for her.

  “You are right. Cadlyr, you have duties to attend. It is selfish of you to consider joining your mate in death.”

  Right, Cadlyr thought, because it was his idea to commit suicide. “I have no intention of dying.”

  “Were there others to do your chores, you would be lashed for your wise tongue. The blind elf’s name is Edion. Talfryn is dead, and it pains your Chieftess to speak of her beloved son.”

  “Not only is he still alive, but I think Lorcan has been in the woods spying on me.”

  Chieftess Taliya gasped loudly at Cadlyr’s words and clutched the front of her tunic in her hand. “Lorcan?” The word was barely a quiver from her lips.

  “I didn’t see him, but I sensed a presence. I know of no other that would seek me out.”

  “This foolishness has gone on long enough, Cadlyr. Did you come in here just to upset us with your words? You didn’t even see him yet you would speak the name of that demonspawn in this sacred hut? Be gone.”

  Cadlyr didn’t even bother responding. They acted like he’d sauntered in to annoy them when the truth was they’d used the black magic on his back to drag him into their hut. He’d warned them; if Lorcan was anywhere close by they were all doomed. At this point, he almost wished it was him; his life was utterly ridiculous and perhaps death would be a welcome respite.

  * * *

  Lorcan tugged on Talfryn’s hand and looked back to make sure his mate was keeping up as he dragged them both back to their hut. As always, he took a moment to admire the other elf in amazement that he belonged to him. Talfryn’s beautiful pale blond hair was intricately braided away from his elegant face, and he could see the glint of a few of the long black metal beads Lorcan had weaved into the silky tresses earlier that morning. His lavender eyes glowed with love, and Talfryn wore a wide smile that spoke of his enjoyment of their day.

&
nbsp; Turning away from his beloved mate, Lorcan lifted the black flap high to allow Talfryn into their home. He brushed against him as he walked past, and Lorcan feared for a moment that the intricate beadwork on his tunic or pants would catch on Talfryn’s own adorned clothing. The Acwellan had produced their finest for them both. Talfryn wore lavender from head to toe and the heavy beading was jet black. The outfit Lorcan wore was patterned similarly but the exact opposite in coloring. Their exquisite garments had no equal and were ideal for their mating ceremony that had taken place only a few hours before.

  Giving Talfryn’s butt a fond pat, Lorcan followed him through the doorway. As incredible as Talfryn’s clothing might be, Lorcan was more interested in the body that lay beneath it.

  “A perfect day, anleydir,” Talfryn said as he took Lorcan’s hands.

  Lorcan leaned forward in the dim space and pressed their lips together. “I would expect no less.”

  “Such arrogance.”

  “No elf was more handsome than you today.”

  “I must disagree,” Talfryn said before stealing a kiss.

  “You are overly fond of disagreeing.”

  Talfryn’s rich laughter rippled through their small hut. “That is likely true, but I find you the most handsome this day.”

  “I fear your eyesight is failing.”

  “Will you kiss me?”

  Without any kind of verbal reply, Lorcan let go of Talfryn’s hands and took a step closer. Their eyes met and Lorcan rested his palms on his mate’s embellished hips before sealing their lips. Talfryn responded by wrapping his arms around his neck and pressing their bodies together while simultaneously opening his mouth to allow Lorcan’s tongue entry. Embracing his stunning mate, Lorcan deepened the kiss. A soft moan reached his ears as they clung together.

  As heavily adorned as Talfryn might be, Lorcan had no problem feeling his hardening prick through their clothes. Lorcan’s own body mirrored that of his mate as all his blood began traveling south. Their courtship had lasted for nearly four weeks, an eternity compared to elven standards who rarely saw a reason to wait the length of a day or two at most after meeting their other half. Lorcan had spent each day of the last month rock hard whenever his sensual man was anywhere close but somehow, he had managed not to dishonor him. He had teased him often about lying together before their matebond and Talfryn had remained steadfast that they would wait. They were both committed to their elven traditions.

  Sliding his hand under Talfryn’s thick hair, he gripped his neck gently as he tilted his mate’s head so he could penetrate his mouth more deeply. Elves had no sexuality before meeting the other half of their soul so while Lorcan had no practical experience to fall back on, he was willing to give his baser instincts full reign to make this night pleasurable for them both.

  The way Talfryn was wiggling against him and thrusting his tongue against his assured Lorcan he was getting it right so far. Talfryn made a sound like a mewling kitten, and Lorcan smiled against his mouth. He used his free hand to grab a handful of Talfryn’s butt. That earned him a moan, and his mate ground his now fully hardened prick against Lorcan’s thick manhood. The pleasure of it caused Lorcan to let out a deep growl of his own. Needing to get some air into his straining lungs, Lorcan broke their kiss and dragged his mouth across Talfryn’s strong jaw and the silky skin of his long neck.

  “Love me, anleydir,” Talfryn said, his voice soft. When their eyes met, Lorcan could see the pleading in them. He could also see the love they shared; it was new enough that it still stole his breath and filled him with the desire to be a better man for his mate.

  “I will never stop loving you, Tally.”

  “Nor will my love end for you, but I meant that I wish to finish our matebond. I want my second hoop to go along with the first and the marks Fate has decorated my cheek with. I need you inside me. Now or sooner.”

  Lorcan barked out a laugh. “Shall I remove my tunic for you?”

  “I find myself more interested in seeing your manhood.”

  Giving Talfryn a fond smile, Lorcan stepped back to offer him enough space to pull his tunic off. Talfryn reached out and trailed his fingertips over the skin Lorcan had just exposed. Goosebumps broke out in the wake of those long fingers, and Lorcan was unable to suppress the shudder his mate’s touch brought.

  “You enjoy my touch, anleydir?” There was such wonder in Talfryn’s voice that Lorcan gave him another smile.

  “It is your turn. I wish to see the mark of our shared title on your skin.”

  Talfryn whipped the priceless tunic over his head and tossed it at their feet. In the light from the small fire in the center of the room, Lorcan ghosted his fingers over the black and red sword that had burned itself into his mate’s skin after they had exchanged blood earlier in the day. The other elf shivered before reaching for the ties at his waist and tugging them loose. His pants fell and he stepped clear of them, bringing him closer to Lorcan.

  His actions caused his lengthy, engorged shaft to bob up and down. It rose from a bush of pale blond curls and the glorious sight of it drove all the moisture from Lorcan’s mouth. They were built near the same, long bones covered muscles that were far from bulky. But somehow Talfryn’s creamy skin made it more alluring than Lorcan’s own physique.

  “Your pants remain.”

  At Talfryn’s words, Lorcan regretfully dragged his eyes up to a pair of twinkling lavender irises. Hastily Lorcan ripped at his ties and somehow managed to get the rest of his clothes off. Like Talfryn, he stepped forward to avoid tangling his big feet in them. It brought their bodies into full contact and Lorcan hissed in a breath at the exquisite pleasure. Lifting his hands to frame Talfryn’s face, he once again pressed their lips together. This kiss was open-mouthed and their tongues dueled with a barely constrained urgency. Talfryn’s hands went to his hips and his short nails bit into Lorcan’s skin.

  Then Talfryn began wiggling again and Lorcan lowered a hand to grab his backside to hold him in place while they devoured each other. Lorcan knew he was close to shooting out his seed and he needed to be buried inside Talfryn before he could allow that to happen. Even with a sure grip on his mate, Talfryn managed to rub their cocks against one another. He moaned and when Lorcan tightened his hold on Talfryn, it became a whine.

  “Please,” he begged. Lorcan understood his mate’s urgency; a month of foreplay had pushed the pair into a frantic need to rut. Lifting his head, Lorcan used the hand still cupping Talfryn’s face to rub his thumb over his high cheekbone. Talfryn’s pupils were so large, there was little lavender left to be seen.

  Lorcan leaned into him and gave him a brief, dry kiss. “Lie down, anleydir. I will see us both taken care of this night.”

  Moments later, Talfryn was out of his arms and flat on his back on their freshly stuffed pallet. He reached over and grabbed the oil set out for their use and lifted it in Lorcan’s direction before spreading his legs in invitation.

  Taking a deep breath and begging Fate to allow him to pleasure his mate without pain, Lorcan lowered his body slowly to their bed. Talfryn was past all caution and dragged Lorcan down on top of him while reuniting their eager mouths. Lorcan covered his fingers in oil before setting the pouch within reach and moving his fingers down to Talfryn’s entrance. He wanted to toy with Talfryn’s cock but it was a deep red and lying against his stomach and he knew neither one of them could stand any teasing.

  Talfryn threw his head back and moaned loudly when Lorcan rubbed his finger around his hole. Pleased with the response, Lorcan bravely slid one finger slowly into his mate. He wanted to kiss Talfryn, but he was too busy digging the back of his head into a pillow with his eyes squeezed shut. As soon as he got his digit fully inside Talfryn’s body, he began pumping it gently in and out. Talfryn mumbled something he couldn’t hear between moans.

  “Am I hurting you?”

  “I said ‘more.’ Use more than one. I want you in me.”

  Taking him at his word, Lorcan doused his entire hand i
n the oil before sliding two fingers into his mate. It dripped down onto their bedding and would be a pain to clean afterward, but Lorcan was taking no chances when it came to Talfryn’s comfort. At a snail’s pace, he dragged two digits in and out of Talfryn while he moaned and thrashed. Lorcan had been told of a secret spot deep inside that would bring Talfryn untold pleasure, and he sought it while continuing to stretch his man. He knew he’d found it when Talfryn yelled. His legs began to quake and he reached up and dragged Lorcan down to him by his hair. Talfryn pushed his tongue into Lorcan’s mouth and kissed him deeply before pushing him away.

  “No more teasing. In. Me. Now.”

  “Another finger first.”

  Talfryn groaned in reply and dropped his head back to the pillow. Another drenching of his hand in oil and Lorcan returned to his mate to glide three fingers into him. He saw no reason not to torture his man by touching that magic spot on every other pass. Obviously no longer content to just feel, Talfryn began pushing up his hips up and Lorcan’s own desire increased as he watched his body undulate into their lovemaking.

  Pulling his hand free of Talfryn’s body, Lorcan decided it was time to be inside him. Going for the oil again, he used both hands to coat the entire surface of his cock. It felt so good, he gave it a couple of extra strokes before returning to the task at hand. Looking down at Talfryn, who was spread open for him, was nearly enough to empty his balls. He slid his hands under Talfryn and lifted his hips into the air. His mate pressed his feet firmly into the bed and lifted his bottom even higher.

  Shuffling forward on his knees, Lorcan used one hand to grab his manhood to guide it to Talfryn’s welcoming body. He tried to push in but his hand was so slippery, he wound up poking his mate in the balls. Grabbing with a slightly firmer grip, he tried again and this time he could see the glorious sight of Talfryn’s pucker stretching around the head of his prick. He continued to press forward slowly and looked up to see Talfryn lying back on the pillow with his eyes closed. The other elf didn’t appear to be in any pain or under any stress, so he continued his progress.