by D E Boske
The Mage drew his staff and twirled it as he moved in. The Gor Li’ Khan looked on nervously, but didn’t intervene. Darian did not use any magic; he didn’t believe he’d need to do so. He’d been trained in hand to hand combat and he was bigger and stronger than Kelindril. The Mage blocked blow after blow from Kelindril, allowing the elf to tire a bit so he could move in. Kelindril surged to the left and Darian went right, coming up behind the elf and crashing his staff down on Kelindril’s legs, throwing him to the ground.
Darian stood over the elf, staff pointed at his throat and rumbled, “Yield.”
“Never!” Kelindril knocked the staff away, braced the palms of his hands flat by his head and rocketed up to face the Mage once more. He punched Darian in his left eye, and the Mage growled in anger.
“What’s the matter with you, Kel? This isn’t like you,” said Darian.
“How would you know? You don’t know me!” exclaimed the elf, angry at himself for making such a big deal out of this, but it was too late to turn back now. Darian would never let him near again once this was over. How had he allowed it to get this far? He’d lost his job and the only woman who ever saw something good in him. And for what? Because he was terrified of being hurt again?
Darian’s face was swollen and bruised and Kelindril winced at the spectacle. The Mage was furious, but he understood why Kelindril had reacted the way he did. He was a caged animal and Darian had him backed into a corner. What had he expected the elf to do? The Mage was trying to help Kelindril, but he guessed he’d gone about it the wrong way. And now Kelindril chased Kylee away and was attempting to do bodily harm to Darian. The Mage had ordered the Gor Li’ Khan to stand down and they had. He intended to take care of Kelindril and beat some sense into him. He could see the wild fear in the elf’s eyes and the Mage wasn’t sure if it was from
Kylee or the fact that he assumed he’d lost his job protecting Darian, or both.
The elf circled the Mage and Darian twirled the Staff of Power intimidatingly. He brought it crashing down on the elf’s back, laying him low. The elf grunted in pain and swept his leg out, knocking the Mage off balance. Kelindril took advantage of the Mage’s supine position and jumped on top of him landing blow after blow until the Mage fought back. Darian punched the elf on the side of the head, crumpling him to the ground. Darian didn’t let up though and landed several critical hits that Kelindril could not block.
Finally, neither one could fight anymore and they just laid there unmoving. Lorin ran up and surveyed the damage, going to Darian who just waved him off. The Mage instructed Lorin to go to Kelindril and take care of him. Darian remained still, catching his breath. His whole body ached and he knew Kelindril was worse than he was. The Mage had given as good as he got.
“Darian, what the hell happened?” asked Lorin, clearly upset at the Mage’s condition.
“I tried to help him, but I think I offended him instead. That was never my intent, Lorin.”
“I know, Darian,” responded Lorin soothingly. “I have something I need to talk to you about when you’re better,” Lorin began, as he worked on the Gor Li’ Khan.
“What is it, Lorin?” asked Darian. Lorin looked around at the others and they took several steps back to give them privacy.
“I want to offer my services to you indefinitely. I want to work for you, Darian. I believe I have already proven myself to you. I am capable, loyal, and competent.”
“I accept, Lorin,” Darian interrupted, as the elf continued to speak.
“What?” Lorin said, shocked that it had been so easy. He’d thought Darian would have given him a hard time.
“Did you want me to argue?” asked the Mage with a smile.
“No, but I didn’t expect you to agree so easily,” explained Lorin.
“Lorin, you are more than capable and I’m honored that you want to join me. You are a good student, you listen, and most importantly, you have the unique ability to anticipate what I want and are ready to step in. Why wouldn’t I want you by my side? You are an incredible asset. We will go over some things tomorrow. I’m sure they won’t be a problem for you.”
Lorin finished working on Kelindril and moved to Darian. He worked quickly and efficiently and had Darian looking like nothing ever happened in less than ten minutes.
“I’m asking Renlyss to be my consort, Lorin,” informed Darian.
“She’s an excellent choice, Darian. She will be good for you. Do you… I mean. Is she…” Darian put him out of his misery.
“I’m in love with her, Lorin. It took me a long time to admit it to myself, but I cannot deny
it any more. The loss of Tynuviel was too much to bear and I had to let go of her memory in order
to move on. Kelindril helped me to see that if I waited too long, I’d lose Renlyss as well and I could not let that happen. I’m putting something special together and the Gor Li’ Khan are helping. I just hope she says yes this time,” Darian admitted.
“You’ve asked her before?” Lorin asked, shocked.
“I have. The first time was after Tynuviel… Renlyss thought I needed time to heal so she turned me down. Then she begged me to take her back and ended up leaving me. Now… For the first time in my life, I’m actually afraid to talk to this woman. I’m afraid she’ll say no again. I’m afraid that she’ll leave me again. I…”
“Why did she leave you, Darian?”
“I scared her, I guess. I was angry and destroyed my room, then opened a portal and disappeared. When I returned, she was gone. Gone as if she’d never been there. Then she attempted to seduce me several times on this trip, until she was successful. A woman has never been able to keep me off balance the way she does. To be honest, it kinda’ turns me on, Lorin,” admitted the Mage.
“If you want my honest opinion, Darian, I don’t think she’ll leave you this time. It’s obvious she’s in love with you and that she feels guilty as hell for the pain she’s caused you. She’s probably just as afraid of rejection from you. She knows you don’t put up with this kind of behavior and I think she’s terrified of losing you.”
“Hmm, thanks Lorin,” Darian clapped him on the back and brushed himself off.
37
Two days later, everything was ready and Darian was anxious. He’d picked up the dress and took the seamstress’s memory. Now there was nothing to fear. Renlyss would never know. Brandiel returned with the final touches and Darian couldn’t have chosen better. The white roses the elf handpicked were beautiful and perfect. He’d also picked up a bottle of perfume and silken hair ties, but Darian was having better ideas on how to use the hair ties.
The Mage hid the ring under his pillow and spread the delicate petals over the dark spread on the bed and the floor. He lit candles and set the table. The food smelled delicious, but he wasn’t hungry for food. He took a deep breath and told himself to relax. He could do this. He opened a portal and stepped through to his tower, eyes adjusting to the dimness instantaneously. He could hear them outside, Hunter and Renlyss were laughing. Something tugged at the Mage’s heart and he couldn’t wait to see them again. To feel them in his arms.
He made his way to the door that led to a sprawling landscape dotted with flowers and trees, which led down to a body of water that he often swam in. He could see Hunter running and playing and Renlyss wasn’t far from him. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. Takasha! She was beautiful and he yearned to be with her.
“Da!” yelled Hunter, as he spotted the Mage in the doorway and ran across the grass in a desperate need to reach him. He plowed into Darian nearly knocking them both down. Renlyss turned and saw Darian holding Hunter in his strong arms and something broke inside her. She ran to the man she desperately loved and he welcomed her in his arms too.
“I’ve missed you so much,” she whispered, as his lips fell upon hers. His tongue passed her lips and she welcomed his advances. She leaned into him and he held her tightly as he deepened the kiss. She didn’t have to wonder if he wante
d her, as it was evident that he did. The evidence was pressing firmly against her belly.
“Come with me,” he whispered in a tone that made her shiver with desire.
“I will go anywhere with you, my love,” she answered.
“Anywhere?” he asked playfully, as he kissed her once more.
“Mm,” she replied, as her hand dipped to touch him.
“I need you to pack. We’ve finally reached Kaleika Bay and I need you with me. I’ve
missed you both,” he said, mussing Hunter’s hair and the boy laughed.
Darian helped Renlyss get their things together, which they packed in a magical haversack. It didn’t take long; Darian used his magic to speed things up. Now that the moment was here, he couldn’t stand to be apart any longer than was necessary. Once they had everything, Renlyss held his hand and he held the boy in his arms. He couldn’t take the chance that Hunter would pull away while he was opening a portal. Hunter would be lost for good and he’d never forgive himself.
The portal opened in Darian’s room in Kaleika Bay and the collection of Gor Li’ Khan and a few new additions was impressive. Renlyss smelled Eylan Brua and mint tea, her favorites, and she smiled at the Mage she loved. She took note of the dozen white roses on the table and squeezed his hand and he smiled at her. He could be so romantic when he wanted to be. Hunter fought to free himself from the Mage’s grip and sat at the table and began to eat.
“Do you like it, Hunter?” asked Renlyss, laughing.
“Yeah,” he said simply, continuing to eat. “What is it?” he asked, not bothering to look up.
“It’s called Eylan Brua,” explained Renlyss. “They’re elvish cakes covered with berries and fresh cream,” she laughed as Hunter cleaned his plate, then went right to Darian and threw his tiny arms around the Mage’s neck.
“I got you something, buddy,” said Darian, and his heart nearly burst when the boy kissed his cheek.
“I love you, da,” Hunter said softly.
“I love you too, Hunter,” said Darian and meant it.
Brandiel handed the boy a package and the tot tore it open with excited abandon. He squealed in delight when he saw the contents and hugged the Mage’s legs tightly. Inside the carefully wrapped bundle were sand molds, a stuffed bear, and a wooden sword and shield.
“Thank you, da,” he said. “Can I go play?” He looked at them both pleadingly.
“I will take him, if it’s okay with you,” said Brandiel. Renlyss looked longingly at Darian and he nodded to Brandiel.
“Thank you, Brandiel. Please take three more with you,” Darian said and the elf nodded.
“Of course,” the elf replied and chose Koryn, who looked grateful to get away, Rohn, and Stilhan.
“Alone at last,” Renlyss said, eyes never leaving Darian’s. He took her hand and rubbed his thumb over her silky skin, then brought it to his lips and placed feather soft kisses across the surface that heated her blood and made her panties moist.
“I’m sorry it’s been so long, babe, but I didn’t want to take a chance with Hunter’s safety,”
the Mage explained.
“You’re worth the wait,” she said, leaning into him and kissing his neck.
“Mm you wanna’ skip breakfast and go straight to dessert?” he asked with a sexy smile. They’d eaten as much as they wanted, as food was hardly what they were craving right now.
He took her hand and led her into the bedroom, which was large and spacious, with a breathtaking view of the ocean. It seemed even in Kaleika Bay his presence was revered. He didn’t bother to close the door and she was so worked up, she didn’t notice or care.
She came to him, taking his hands in hers and kissed the backs, then sucked on the index finger on his right hand. He sucked in a breath as she pulled his finger all the way in, her tongue licking and her teeth nipping gently at the tip. It was so much better than the way Lustryl had done it.
Suddenly, he was overcome with guilt and he wished he’d never laid a hand on the dressmaker or Lustryl. Damn it! I’m such an asshole. I have the chance to be really happy with Reny and I don’t want to screw anything up. If she finds out… Should I tell her? He became distracted with his train of thought and Renlyss picked up on it immediately.
“What’s wrong, Darian? Am I not doing it right or do you not want me?” she looked as if she were afraid of the answer, but needed to know. She didn’t want to waste any more of her time on him if this wasn’t what he wanted.
“Babe, no one’s ever done it better,” he kissed her, exploring her mouth with slow, deep kisses that took her breath away and made her forget her misgivings.
“You taste like strawberries,” he mumbled, kissing her again. He took her hand and brought it to his growing affection and she took it from there.
She undid his shirt, kissing his chest as she pushed the soft material off his broad shoulders. Her lips captured his nipple and sucked softly as she listened to his deep moan of pleasure. The elven mage undid his breeches in record time and he sprang into her tiny hands and she giggled. He let out a guttural moan as her lips encased him, her tongue sweeping over the hyper sensitive skin. She took him as deep as she could and he ran his fingers through her hair, as he moved in and out of her lips with gentle strokes.
It wasn’t long before Renlyss felt him pulsing, struggling to maintain his control. She doubled her efforts, wanting to show him how good they were together. If only he could see how they were a perfect match and how well they complemented one another. She was strong where
he was weak and vice versa. He made her laugh like no one else and the sex was indescribable.
Darian was close and Reny was eager to please him. He knew she’d missed him, but he also knew she had no idea how much he’d missed her because he didn’t even know himself until recently. He couldn’t hold on any more and he let her take him over the edge. The elven mage didn’t disappoint and Darian was grateful. She took all he had and only then did she release him.
He pushed her onto the bed, removed the remnants of his clothing and joined her. Immediately, he bound her with the hair ties and his magic and she could not free herself even if she wanted to, which she did not. She was no longer afraid of him. She knew he’d never hurt her. She’d been running away because the depth of her love for him scared her to death, but she was through running. Now, she just needed to get him to see that they belonged together.
The look in his eyes was unmistakably hungry with predatory lust. She grew aroused under his smoky gaze and she knew he was aware how much she wanted him. He took his time, crawling up the bed, his gaze never leaving hers. With a simple wave of his hand, he pushed her legs apart and pressed soft kisses on her hot skin. She waited in anticipation for the feeling of his tongue and didn’t have long to wait. With a growl, he pulled her to him, loosening her bonds only enough to facilitate his needs. She felt his magic tighten around her as his tongue broke through her defenses. She howled in pleasure, pressing her core to his hungry mouth.
“Mm, so pink,” he mumbled, as he continued his sweet torture. He restrained her legs without breaking contact, which always amazed her.
“Darian, I need you,” she panted.
“And you shall have me, babe. But not before I am ready,” he informed. “We have all night, what’s the rush?” he asked, going back to his work.
She pulled on her restraints, but it was fruitless. There was no way she’d ever get free. Not if he didn’t want her to. She had no desire to break free from him. Never again. The way he made love to her… No one had ever made her feel the things she felt when she was with him. Not even Galavad.
She’d thought she loved the Monarch, but the day she met Darian, she knew it had only been a crush. The Mage pulled her in without even realizing he’d done so, but it didn’t matter. Their conversation was exciting and they were both aroused by the understanding they each found within the other. She took him back to her room where they made love for the first time and her heart had been
his for the taking. That was the day she stopped loving Galavad and admitted that what they had was no more than a fling.
The Mage’s insistent tongue brought her back to the present and she let him take her wherever he wanted her to go. Her screams of pleasure turned him on and seeing her fight to free herself had him fully aroused and ready to violate her.
He didn’t give her a chance to catch her breath before he pressed himself into her. Hot, searing jolts of pleasure exploded inside her body. It had been weeks since they’d made love and she was good and tight, but he was careful with her. He fed her an inch at a time until she was full of him. The sweet sensation of fullness that only he could give her had her gasping for breath.
“Are you okay? Am I hurting you?” he asked, worriedly.
“No, Darian, I’m fine,” she gasped. “It’s just been a while, you know?”
“I do. Gods, I’ve missed you,” he mumbled, as he began his slow rhythmic torture. She moaned loudly as he moved within her and he smiled as she called his name.
“I’ve missed you too, Darian. I love you,” she whispered into his ear, as her tongue licked and sucked his earlobe. His thrust was good and deep and she sucked in her breath at the delicious sensation.
“I love you too, babe,” he said without hesitation and she opened her eyes in shock.
Tears streamed down her cheeks at his words because she knew them to be true. He was the kind of man that wouldn’t speak them otherwise. She could see the differences in him too. She could feel his love for her and that was enough to push her over the edge. She raked his back and he reveled in the pleasure and pain, his thrusts hard and needful. After only a few more moments, he erupted inside her and she clung to him as the aftershocks raced through her.