The Morgannate: The Dregian Chronicles Book 3

by D E Boske

  possessive. I can tell that it will be a problem. She thinks because we’ve been together for two nights that now she owns me.”

  “And this does not sit well with you,” it was a statement of fact, not a question.

  “Not at all,” responded the Mage. “I cannot be controlled by anyone or anything. And the more you try, the more I back away.”

  “Well, who could blame you? No one likes to be controlled, Darian,” said the queen.

  “Tynuviel never treated me like that. I think that’s why I fell in love with her so quickly. She always put me in my place if I got out of hand, much like Kyler does,” he said, smiling fondly at the memories, but his smile quickly turned to sadness, as he remembered he would never be with her again.

  “She’ll come around, Darian. She will remember her love for you and you can build on a stronger foundation because of it.” He let her believe what she would. He knew better, she would never forgive him for the things he’d done in order to keep her safe.

  On his way back to his chamber, he ran into Mordinian. He tried to pass by quickly, hoping the thief would not speak to him, but as usual, brains lost to brass.

  “Darian, we need to talk,” said the thief.

  “We do?” asked the Mage, feigning ignorance.

  “I want to come with you,” persisted the thief.

  “Where am I going?” asked Darian, with a stupid expression on his face.

  “Darian c’mon, I’m really trying here. I want to accompany you on your journey.”

  “Why Mordinian? So you can try your damndest to ferret out information that you have no business knowing? Let me ask you something,” said Darian “It’s been bothering me for some time now.”

  “What’s that?” asked the thief.

  “How far down do you think that is?” asked the Mage, bending over the walkway railing and looking far below to the ground.

  Mordinian looked down, clearly thinking about the distance. “It looks to be at least eight hundred feet, Darian.”

  “Is that so?” said the Mage, appearing to consider this new information. “If someone were to fall over the railing, do you think they would die when they hit the ground?”

  “Um… yes, I do,” said the thief, not liking the direction this conversation was going.

  “Well, I want to perform an experiment. Would you like to help?” asked the Mage as Mordinian began backing away from the Mage.

  “What do you want me to do, Darian?”

  “Oh, it’s simple. Just let me throw you over the railing and see if you die when you hit the

  ground,” said Darian with a wicked grin.

  “No thank you, Darian.”

  “Oh c’mon, stop being such a baby! Your heart is sure to give out before you ever reach the bottom. You won’t even feel it, I promise.” Darian took a step toward the thief and that’s all it took, Mordinian bolted in the opposite direction.

  Darian chuckled at the display and Kelindril and Nymdal joined in as they materialized beside him.

  “He really thought you were going to do it,” said Nymdal.

  “Oh, I would have if I caught him,” said Darian with steel in his eyes. “It would have been amusing to see the design his bloody, broken body would have made on the ground below.” Nymdal laughed again, until he realized Darian might be serious. His gaze slid to Kelindril and he could see the Gor Li’ Khan leader was studying Darian closely. A chill traced its way up Nymdal’s spine, as he felt something different in the air and it radiated from Darian.

  Darian stopped by Kizziah to see how she was doing. She was still unconscious and she probably would be for a few more days. He sat with her for a long time, holding her hand and talking to her. He knew she could hear him even though she was unconscious. He brought her flowers and before he left, he kissed her forehead.

  He wanted to be alone tonight. He did not want any company; he didn’t need the distraction. When he got to his chamber, he instructed the Gor Li’ Khan not to let anyone in, not even Kyler. They tried to keep the shock off their faces, but failed miserably.

  “I’m just tired. I’m fine, but I need rest,” he explained and they visibly relaxed. Once inside, he took out the leather tome and began to write in it. He poured himself a measure of Cryvellan Brandy, finished it and poured himself another. He didn’t remember when he crawled into bed, but he awoke late in the night. He was naked, the sheets entwined around his legs.

  What’s happening to me? He thought. How did I make it to bed? He rose and went onto the overlook, still completely naked. The cool night breeze washed over his body and helped to clear the fog from his mind.

  “I must thank you for the view, Darian,” said a soft, sexy voice. He turned to his right and on the overlook to the right of him, was a stunning elf.

  He smirked and did not try to hide his nakedness. “See something you like?” he asked.

  “Indeed,” she responded. “May I?” she asked, gesturing that she wanted to come over.

  He seemed to think it over for a moment then smiled, nodding his acceptance, as he turned to face her. She sprang over to him, a feat that was not as easy as she made it look. Not by half.

  She landed right in front of him and he grabbed her waist and tugged her to him. “Now,

  what did you have in mind?” he asked, smirking at her.

  She ran her hands over his smooth skin and leaned in for a kiss. He brought his lips to hers in an electrifying kiss that curled her toes. She reached down to the object of her affection and he groaned against her lips. He slipped the dress from her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. His lips closed on her breasts, paying them both equal attention.

  She’d heard that Darian was an exceptional lover, but she needed to see for herself. Usually, men of his size were half-hearted lovers. She hoped that Darian was different.

  He lifted her easily, wrapping his strong arms around her small frame, and placed her on his hips. She snaked her arms around his neck and wrapped her legs around him. Kissing her again, he pulled her down and she gasped in pleasure as he slid inside her. The feeling of fullness she experienced was exquisite. He placed her on the table to gain better control and she leaned back on her elbows. His hands were warm on her hips, his head tilted back as he made love to her. She tightened her grip on him as her body catapulted into ecstasy with him not far behind.

  “Let’s go inside,” he said, his voice thick. He took her hand in his and led her to his bed.

  Raylan watched from across the way, livid. She could not believe that he’d turned her away tonight to be with another woman. How dare he! She thought angrily. Wait until she saw him tomorrow, she was not going to let this go. He was hers and he had no business with that Shal Na’ Daru!

  Once inside, Darian laid her gently down in his bed and kissed her shoulder sweetly. She pushed him down and climbed into his lap. Neither one made any movements for several minutes. She sat with one shapely leg on either side of him and her hands on his chiseled chest, gazing into his beautiful eyes. She felt his warm hands on her hips and she smiled at him.

  “You were not even embarrassed by the earlier display, were you, Darian?” she inquired.

  “No. Should I be?” he asked, perplexed.

  “Are you some kind of exhibitionist?” she asked, with a gleam in her eyes.

  “Do you want me to be?” he asked, returning her grin.

  “You always answer my question with another question,” she pouted.

  “I do?” he asked and she rewarded him with a playful slap.

  She leaned forward to brush her lips on his and he let her. “So, are you?”

  “No, but The Order has taught me not to be embarrassed where my body is concerned. Are you embarrassed?” She giggled in response.

  “No, Darian, I’m not. Mmmm not at all,” she purred. She planted kisses on his fevered skin as her hair fell to splatter across his chest. He realized he didn’t even know her name, but he guessed it didn’t matter. She moved her way down
his body and his head sank back into his pillow.

  He awoke to bright morning sun on his face, warming him. He opened his eyes slowly because he felt disoriented and unsure of where he was. He looked around cautiously and sighed

  in relief. He was in his own room. He was about to sit up when he felt that he was not alone. He

  turned to find a beautiful elf in his bed watching him intently.

  He had no idea who she was or how she got here, but he knew with certainty that he made love to her more than once. They were both naked under the covers and no naked woman would be in his bed unless he’d been inside her. It was one of his rules.

  Of a sudden, someone was pounding on his door and he looked at the elf then looked at the door. He had no intention of getting out of that bed. Yet.

  “Darian! I know you’re in there with that… that… Shal Na’ Daru! How dare you cheat on me? Darian!”

  Darian looked to the elf in his bed, “Do you think she’ll stop any time soon?”

  She smirked at him, “I don’t think so,” she remarked, as she stroked his arm.

  He tossed the covers aside, rose and pulled a pair of soft pants on. The elf admired the Mage’s easy grace. And how his pants hung off his hips so deliciously. She almost felt sorry for the girl on the other side of the door.

  Darian yanked the door open to find Raylan tapping her foot. As soon as the door was open, Raylan tried to brazenly walk in, but Darian stopped her.

  “Raylan, what are you doing?” he asked, not one bit amused.

  “Coming to see you,” her tone softened, as she gazed appreciatively at him. “You blew me off last night, but I know you did not sleep alone.” She sounded pained and anxious and it made him sick.

  “I saw you with that girl on the overlook. How could you do that to me?” The elf in Darian’s bed watched in fascination as the Gor Li’ Khan materialized behind Darian. So, it was true!

  She wondered if they’d been witnesses to their pleasure in his room last night. She honestly didn’t care either way. It was worth it even if they had.

  “Raylan, you and I had sex. That’s all. Nothing more. I never promised you anything and yet you assumed much. Don’t come here again. It’s over, Raylan. I cannot abide this possessiveness of yours.”

  “You cannot just dump me, Darian,” she was angry and hurt, but he didn’t care. He’d warned her about her behavior. It wasn’t his fault she disregarded it.

  “That would imply that we were together Raylan, which we never were.” His voice was

  cold, heartless and it made the elf in is bed shudder.

  “She’s still in there, isn’t she? You son of a bitch!” she made a move to slap him, but Kelindril caught her arm and bent it roughly behind her back until she yelped in pain.

  Without thought, emotion, or regard for Raylan, Darian palmed her head and cast a series

  of spells to take her memory of him and everything they’d done. When he finished, he shoved her mercilessly into Kelindril’s arms.

  “Take care of that for me,” he said sharply, then closed the door and bolted it in place. He returned to his bed and found with relief that she was still there. He almost couldn’t believe it after that sorry display.

  “I apologize for that, Shazzi.” His silvery eyes held her captive and she found herself rooted and unable to move.

  “Please tell me she isn’t the head of your fan club, Darian,” she said with a smirk.

  “She isn’t the head of anything where I am concerned.” His voice was soft and smooth and it sent tingles of pleasure up her spine. “What’s your name, darlin’?” he drawled, as he removed his pants and climbed back into bed beside her.

  “Does it matter, Darian? You do not seem the type to commit. Call me whatever you wish,” she said, as she moved closer to him.

  “I would like to call you by your name,” he said, his lips so close to hers. She closed her eyes, waiting for him to kiss her, but he didn’t.

  “My name is Malryna,” she whispered, a bit breathlessly with the nearness of the sexy Mage.

  “Beautiful,” he whispered as he finally brought his lips to hers. His kisses made her weak with want, but before she could touch him, he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her to place her on his shoulders.

  Afterwards, she lay on his chest, unable to move. She was sated and she felt herself drifting towards Ru Nay’ Sha. Takasha, the sex was more than incredible! If anything, the rumors did not do him justice. She could understand why so many fell for him. She knew if she stayed with him much longer, she would fall for him as well. She wondered at this admission because she didn’t even know him. She guessed she wouldn’t have the opportunity to, either.

  “Have breakfast with me, Malryna,” he said softly, as he ran his hand down her back to her ass.

  “Mmmm,” was all she could manage.

  “Have I worn you out?” he asked with a knowing grin.

  “Mmmm,” she replied.

  “I will run us a bath and then we will get something to eat,” he told her.

  She smiled at that. He was telling, not asking and for some reason, she didn’t mind one tiny bit. She imagined it was because the gorgeous, sexy Mage did it. She thought he could tell her to do anything and she would. How is this even possible? I’ve known him for less than a day!

  How is it that he has such power over me? She thought.

  He held his hand out for her and she took it, smiling up at him. His touch was electrifying and desire spiked through her. He smirked at her, almost as if he knew what she was thinking or feeling.

  He took her to the Leaf and Vine and he guided her to a small table for two. Of all the servers, they wound up with Jayliss. If he were capable, Darian would have felt uncomfortable, embarrassed even, but alas, he was not susceptible to such emotions. Jayliss blushed furiously when she saw Darian and he was with another woman! She shook her head, driven to distraction around him. Even with his obvious flaws, she could not help but be attracted to him. She wanted him to ask her out again. She knew she would say yes when he did. It didn’t matter if she thought it wise. With the Mage, it wasn’t part of the calculation.

  “Good morning, what can I get for you?” she asked, trying to maintain a regular heartbeat. Damn! Why does he always have to look so strikingly handsome? As usual, he looked good enough to eat, with his long, dark hair and silvery grey eyes. His white shirt was crisp and clean

  and his pants hugged his hips in that delicious way that made her heated.

  Soon after they were seated, Malryna excused herself to talk to a friend of hers that was thankfully out of their line of sight.

  “Good morning, Jayliss. I apologize for yesterday. I really am sorry that you had to bear witness to that.” His mouth twisted around his words as if he tasted something vile.

  “It’s ok, Darian.” He could tell she was lying for his benefit, but he didn’t want to put her on the spot.

  “My offer still stands, Jayliss. I would like to take you to dinner. Would you do me the honor?”

  “I don’t understand, Darian. Why me? I don’t seem your type.”

  “If you don’t want to go with me, just say so Jayliss. I’m sorry; I won’t bring it up again.” Damn! That’s not what she wanted.

  “I didn’t say I didn’t want to go with you, Darian.” She turned to go, but he grabbed her wrist.

  “I’m sorry. It’s been a hard couple of days for me.” He released her and she immediately wished he hadn’t.

  “I get off at 8,” she said softly. His eyes darkened at her comment and she knew he was thinking of…

  “Are we ready to order, Darian?” asked Malryna, taking her seat.

  “Of course,” he smiled that smile that had the same effect on both women. “Eylan Brua and tea please.”

  Jayliss was pleased to note that Malryna was nothing like Raylan. She wasn’t possessive

  of the Mage nor did they touch or kiss the whole time they were there. This made Jayliss happy because she a
lready knew she would make love to him if he ever took her out. She would never be strong enough to refuse him.

  The rest of the day passed swiftly by, but she couldn’t stop thinking about Darian. She wondered whether he would remember what time she got off and if he would even care. She didn’t think she was his type at all. She wasn’t beautiful or shapely enough for his taste. She’d seen the women that he chose. She was nothing like them. Any of them. She didn’t sleep around and she’d only been with two elves. It had been years since her last relationship and she was so in need. Every time Darian was around, her libido kicked into overdrive and she couldn’t think of anything but hot, steamy sex.

  It was after closing, and she was finishing cleaning up. She wiped down all the tables and was about to pick up the chairs to place them on the table. Suddenly, she knew she wasn’t alone. She felt a strong, powerful presence behind her. She turned to see Darian standing there. He waved his hand, and all the chairs appeared on top of the tables. Her heart threatened to beat out of her chest.

  “Good evening, Jayliss. Are you ready?” he asked in his soft, sexy voice.

  “I… Yes,” she said, unable to look him in the eye. She felt nervous, anxious, and couldn’t believe he was here. She’d spent the whole day convincing herself that he would not show up and that she was far from his desire.

  “You seem nervous, are you alright?” he asked quietly. “If you don’t feel up to tonight, I understand. I don’t want you to feel forced into anything, Jayliss. I will never force you to do anything you don’t want to.”

  “I can’t believe you’re really here, Darian, that’s all. I honestly didn’t think you meant it,” she replied quietly.

  “Why would you think that, Jayliss?” he asked, but already suspected. If there was one thing he knew, it was women. He wanted to hear her say it aloud.

  “I just… I don’t think I’m pretty enough or sexy enough to capture your attention. Are you making fun of me? Is this some cruel joke you’re playing at my expense?” she asked, daring to look him in the eye. What she saw there astounded her. Hurt flitted across his features, disbelief, anger, and finally, unbridled lust.