0 comments/ 32450 views/ 4 favorites Hidden Magic Ch. 01 By: EklectikChik In the pitch black darkness, only her eyes glowed, as if floating in the night. Her body shifted against the dark stallion, hooves beating against the soggy ground, still wet from the rains that had plagued her day. Kethry wrapped her cloak tightly against her body, her limbs aching from hours of riding, her stomach clenching painfully from lack of nourishment. Soon, they would reach a village where she could settle for the night and seek welcome warmth form the damp, night air, so chilled, it made her shiver and huddle against the saddle, seeking the warmth of the stallion. She yawned tiredly and let her mind wander back in time. It had been two years, years that had flown by without a hitch since fleeing her childhood home. It seemed only a distant memory now, but one that haunted her still. Anger clenched at her heart as she remembered painfully the lonely, frightful nights. She had never belonged there. After the unexpected death of her father, shortly after her birth, her mother had turned to her uncle for support. However, tragedy seemed to bind itself to her life and just as she was reaching her budding teenage years, her mother fell ill and passed away. Her uncle, who had become rather fond of her mother, became a raging, abusive drunk, neglecting his family, while relentlessly terrorizing Kethry, who, it seemed had become a portrait of her dead mother. Day after day, night after night, she prayed for a means of escape. Then, finally, on her eighteenth birthday, opportunity came together with courage, opening the long awaited door to freedom. Not however, before seeking her revenge against this demon man. Her body shuddered at the dark memories that filled her mind. Drunk again, he had stepped into her room, staggering as he stalked her, terrorizing her for what was to be, the very last time. “Whore.” His screaming sound of blasphemy had seemingly nailing her to the wall. “Come serve me as your mother did so willingly before her death. Come, whore, give me what is mine” His words bit into her heart, making her blood boil in anger. Her slender hand clenched tighter around the smooth dagger now hidden behind her small body. This was to be the night, the night that he would die, the night that he would pay so dearly for his grievous deeds. She cried out as his grubby hands squeezed her small breasts painfully as he thrust his body against hers repeatedly, rubbing into her. The bulge between his legs was evident as he pushed against her thighs, held tightly together in a desperate attempt to deny him. His stank breath made her gag as his hand snuck between their bodies and pushed against the material of her dress to cup her sex. She let out a strangled cry and pushed against him, lashing out. Her hand moved swiftly to make contact with his belly. He let out a grunt, his eyes wide and confused, as he stumbled back. Blood seeped through his clothing, wetting his hands, as he gripped his stomach, glaring at her. Her eyes met his, locked together in a dark gaze. She smiled, her icy blue eyes hard, nearly crazed. Shivering, he dropped to his knees. “You filthy slut,” he hissed, through clenched teeth. She laughed and pushed him over, straddling his thighs. “Why my dear uncle, I thought you wanted me,” she taunted. He tried struggling but his belly burned, blood gushing with each feeble movement. In horror, he watched as she undid his pants and grabbed the meat between his legs. “Oh dear, I’m not doing a very good job, am I,” she sneered. His once hard member, was now flaccid in her hands, but her eyes only gleamed with delight as her hard smile turned evil, maniacal. He blubbered and begged her not to harm him further, to spare his life, but Kethry only shook her head. “You will never harm another,” she spat. With that, and one clean swipe of her blade, she slashed his member off, and in a last act of mercy, slit his throat for good measure. Hot blood spattered onto her hands and bodice, but she didn’t notice as she turned, and ran out silently, to begin her journey. No one had caught her that night but she had been ill prepared for such travels. After hours of riding fast, worry began to set in. She had neither food nor water, only the small bloody dagger tucked into her skirts. The woods she had suddenly encountered seemed dark and hard, filled with unknown sounds that made her quiver in fear. “Silly, silly girl,” she muttered to herself, keeping low in the saddle. The stallion snorted, his ears twitched, and perked with each unfamiliar sound. Fatigue was rapidly setting in, and somewhere along the way, she finally slumped down, wrapping her slender arms around the stallion’s neck, letting sleep take control of her body. Time eluded her, all sounds vanished. All she felt was the powerful shift of the stallion’s body. Then, just as it lulled her to sleep, it stopped, and powerful hands pulled her limp body free. The warmth was welcoming, but the fog of exhaustion refused to lift from her mind. The Awakening… The crackle and warmth of a camp fire was the first conscious thing that registered in her mind as she slowly allowed her eyes to open. The welcome scent of the burning wood pulled her slowly away from her deep slumbers. She blinked, groggily, confused, wondering what on earth was going on, where she now found herself, and how in the world she got there. Struggling a moment with the heavy blanket that had been draped over her body, she slowly sat up, only to be startled by a deep, raspy voice. "So you’ve finally decided to wake, have you?" A shocked shriek passed by her lips as she swung her gaze across the fire to make eye contact with the source of the voice, the biggest man she had ever seen. Thick, burly, hairy, and obviously extremely tall, he looked as though he could crush her with one mighty swipe of those big hands. Only somehow, he didn’t appear to be thinking anything like that at all. Instead, he smiled slightly, or at least she thought he had smiled, but his lips were covered by a wealth of unkempt hair that made it rather hard to tell. "Seems as though you’ve gotten yourself into a spot of trouble." His brown eyes dropped down to the small knife with which he was chiseling away at a piece of wood. Swallowing hard, Kethry sat up a little straighter, pulling the heavy blanket closer to her body. "What makes you think that," she asked, her voice little more than a whisper. His eyes shifted again to lock on hers, an amused look on his face. "Doesn’t take a wise man to know when you’ve found trouble lassie. A young woman, astride a fine stallion, traveling alone through these woods with blood on her clothing and herself, and a dagger hiding in her skirts? I’d say those are reasons to suspect the worst." She winced as she glanced down at her still dirty hands, now flaked with her uncle’s blood and her stomach suddenly rolled. Scrambling to her feet, she stumbled clumsily to the nearest tree and wretched until her throat felt raw and even then had to fight off the desire to continue. Scrubbing away silent tears with dirty hands, she turned back to the small campsite. The stranger busy with his wood, not making any sort of moves to threaten or interfere. Neither of them spoke as she moved to sit by the fire. She watched, silently as he chiseled away at the wood held all to easily in his thick hands. Moments passed into minutes before he finally paused, let his hand fall to his knee and looked at her again. "What’s your name, girl?" She looked from his hands to his face warily, knowing that she was too drained to go anywhere. "Kethry." He let out what could best be described as a grunt and returned to the task of carving the piece of wood, even as he spoke. "Whatever you did or didn’t do is none of my concern miss, but I don’t usually find myself stumbling on to young women, fast asleep astride big stallions. As I hope you already know, these are dangerous places. I’ve no need of a companion, but if you’ve a mind to, I’ve no problem with you traveling with me to the nearest village." "Thank you," she murmured softly, grateful that she had at the very least, a fighting chance. "My name is Kendrick. Now, we can’t have you staying all dirtied up as you are. Blood can attract many nasty creatures. There’s a stream near here, off to the left. I suggest that you use it as best you can until we can figure something else out." She nodded and stood, happy to be able to wash away what remained of her bad experience. Taking her time, she strolled through the woods as he had directed and felt greatly relieved when she found the small stream, illuminated, she gratefully noticed, by a bright moon. Kneeling down, she washed hands, face and arms, leaving only her skirts and bodice unclean before returning to the fire. Kendrick looked up and nodded. "You look a mite better now. Sit and eat and tomorrow we will find you something else to wear, and perhaps some weaponry. That puny knife of yours isn’t going to save your arse a second time." For the first time in a long time, she found herself smiling. Kendrick, although rough around the edges, seemed to carry a soft heart beneath all those burly, hairy layers and it suited her just fine. With his help, perhaps all was not lost after all. Shelter… Lights in the distance pulled her back to the present. She urged her stallion on until he established a comfortable gallop. Griping the reins, she focused on getting both of them some shelter from the miserable weather. As she neared the village, she gave it a quick appraisal. It was quite possibly the smallest village she had come across in quite a while, reminding her of the village where Kendrick had first taken her, setting her up with new clothing and the two new weapons that she still carried to this day. A finely crafted sliver dagger that she kept discretely strapped to one thigh, and a short sword she kept on her back, hidden by her wealth of raven black hair. Murmuring inaudible instructions under her breath, she slowed her companion to a lazy walk, and took stock of the surrounding areas. There were only about two dozen buildings, most of them homes and a few businesses. The inn that served this pitiful spot was centered in the center of the village, thankfully with a few noticeably empty stalls. "We’re in luck," she whispered to her stallion, who exhaled noisily and shook his head before coming to a complete stop in front of the inn. Stiffly, she eased of the stallions great back and patted his dark mane of hair. "Good Beast, you’ve done well, now lets get you settled for the night." Alert to her surroundings, she made short work of relieving Beast of his saddle, brushing him down quickly before throwing a warm blanket over him for the night and locking him in one of the empty stalls. A young stable boy hovered nearby, eyeing her nervously before she threw him a small bag of coins. "Make sure he has food and water, and that he’s well taken care of. Perhaps there will be something more in it for you later." "Yes miss." Though a mere lad, he knew and respected a rider who cared as deeply for their mount as this one and the way she threw the saddle and tack on the rail showed her strength and her willingness to do for herself. He said nothing as she watched her leave, pushing herself through the heavy inn doors. Inside, the air smelled stale and smoky. Several locals turned and eyed her curiously, some leering, some disinterested, but most curious as to what there was to gain from this newcomer, and a woman at that. Keeping her gaze steady, and her steps firm, she searched out the innkeeper at the bar and made the way toward the portly elf. Shaking off the hood of her cloak, she locked her gaze on his beady eyes and gave him a grim smile. "One room if you have any left." A sly grin spread slowly across his wrinkled old face. "Aye we do, but are you good for it?" Retrieving another small pouch from her satchel, she flung it to the counter. "This should be more than enough for the room, a warm bath and some food, but nothing more, you understand?" The hard edge of her voice was enough to convince him of her worth. With bushy eyebrows raised, he took the small, but heavy purse of money and hid it away, summoning a bar wench to take care of her needs. Kethry gave the small man a curt nod and followed the curvy wench, almost mesmerized by the way the woman’s hips swayed and how she managed to keep her generous breasts from jiggling right out of her top. Suppressing a wry smile, she walked up the narrow stairway, listening to the girl who called herself Violet as she showed her to the room. "This be it miss. I’ll be bringing your food up and your bath soon." She announced and flounced off, her dark brown curls bobbing as she went. Kethry poised outside the doorway and watched a second before turning and shutting the door behind her. (To be continued soon...) Hidden Magic Ch. 02 Welcomed Warmth…… Steam rose in the quiet room, the hot suds turned her icy limbs to mush. With a sigh, Kethry lay her head back against the giant sized tub and closed her tired eyes. Her first thoughts were the she had finally died and gone to heaven. It had been a while since she’d enjoyed the luxury of a hot bath. Normally she would bath in icy streams on her journeys……camping out and making the best of the wilderness around her. But tonight she needed the warmth; a moment to get away from the constant need to keep moving. Right now, moving anywhere for any reason was the furthest thing from her mind. Taking the small vanilla scented brick of soap that she had dug out of her things, Kethry began to lather up her hair. A soft purr of satisfaction passed her lips as she scrubbed at her scalp, then plunged herself under the hot water to rinse the soap away. Moments later, she came up for air, wiping off her face only to come eye to eye with a pair of brilliant green eyes. A startled scream pierced the air as she reflexively reached for her dagger. Gloriously naked and dripping wet, she stood in the knee high water, pointing her weapon at the intruder who grinned back at her. She grit her teeth, torn between wanting to cover herself and defending her life. "Who the hell are you and why are you in my room?" Her uninvited visitor sat back on his haunches and continued to grin while holding up his hands as a sign of peace. His eyes drifted over her naked body with slow appreciation for her clean lines. Tall, lean and curvy in all the right places, it made his mouth water and body stiffen with desire. With a teasing glint in his eyes, he met her gaze again. "Although I appreciate the show you’re giving me, there is no need to protect yourself. I mean you no harm." She didn’t move, although her body visibly relaxed a notch. "Then get out." she responded stiffly."and be sure to close the door behind you." He chuckled deeply, moving back and standing to his full height. Kethry had to admit, that even her height did n’t seem to intimidate him one bit. He still towered over her, forcing her to look up into his face. "Sorry to say that I can’t do that. You see, I’ve been searching for you for some time now and I don’t plan on letting you out of my sight." With a wink he added, "Especially now I’ve seen all of you." Not being able to help herself, she felt her body flush with embarrassment and retreated. Stepping out of the tub, she retrieved her tunic and shrugged it over herself. It provided at least a little barrier and protection from his hungry looks. It did nothing however, about his irritatingly cocky attitude. Weary and annoyed by her disturbance, she sat on the only chair furnishing the room and glared his way. "You’re here, you want to say something to me, so speak," she snapped. Grinning still, he gave her a little bow, the black cloak he wore swirling about for a moment before settling neatly around his body. "First off, please accept my apologies……the sight of you’re body muddled my mind, but now that I’’ve recovered somewhat, my name is Jude. I’ve come to teach you and you are a hard one to find." Kethry laughed dryly, "Teach me? Hmmm, and exactly what do you suppose you can teach me." Jude stepped closer, sitting on the edge of the nearby bed. "Of your gift, of course." "Gift?" He winked wickedly and nodded, "Yes……your gift. You see, you may not know it yet, but you pack a punch of power inside that wonderful body of yours." Rolling her eyes, she stood and moved to fetch the rest of her clothing. "This is ridiculous. I don’t know you and you don’t know me. Now why don’t you save us the trouble and get out before I have to get ugly." Jude chuckled once more and stood again to stalk her around the room like a hungry predator. His eyes were captivating; as brilliant as her own and so very sexy that her insides wanted to melt. Not that the rest of him was all that bad either. Broad shoulders, thick black hair kept a little too long and strikingly handsome face that could make any woman look twice and want. And, of course, he knew it. He was a cocky charmer and Kethry knew he was a dangerous one. Trying to contain her control over the situation, she kept moving until he finally cornered her, standing so close that she could feel his body heat. "You see my dear Kethry, I do know you. We’re connected...linked for all time. You just don’t know it yet, but I’ll show you that it’s true." Ever so slowly he reached up and touched the tips of his fingers to her overly heated cheek. "You see Kethry, our families knew each other. Your father and mine. You and I were supposed to be bound to one another and then……" he paused, his eyes darkening, "Things happened. You know of the deaths." Unable to speak, she nodded, feeling choked. Softly his fingers caressed her skin. From cheek down and over her neck and partly exposed shoulder. "I know about your mother……about your uncle. I was too young myself to go and fetch you because you had already run. But I knew that I’d find you eventually." Still confused, she searched his gaze. "I still don’t quite understand. Even if we were betrothed as children……why would you waste your time searching for me." "Because we are one and the same." Lifting up her free hand, he placed it flush against his own. His grin having softened to a sweet, seductive smile. When their palms touched, a soft light radiated between the two, building to a bright glow. Her eyes widened in surprise and awe. Unaware of his closeness or his intentions until his lips finally touched hers. Warmth flowed freely and desire rushed through their bodies quicker than even he had anticipated. Their fingers locked and gripped at one another as he pinned her with his body to the wall and deepened what began as a soft kiss into a hot, wet, open mouthed searing kiss that left them both breathless and hungry for more. Kethry whimpered into his mouth and dropped her weapon to the floor to wind her arm around his neck. Her body arching and rubbing up against his in a wild, wantom way that shocked her. Jude himself was having a hard time focusing. A part of his mind was warning him to slow down. Stop and step away before things got out of hand. But her body was hot and supple under his hands. They slid under her tunic to caress her quivering belly up to her firm full breasts. The tips hardened against his touch, making him moan. His body was hard and ready, rubbing up against hers as she wrapped a leg around his upper thighs and tried to make contact with his arousal, wanting desperately to get close. Pulling their bodies free of the wall, he staggered to the bed, pulling her down to lie beside him. Their hands grabbed and tugged at flesh and clothes, frantically pushing into one another, desire driving them to get closer. She was naked under him, arching and moaning so sweetly that he was already sweating. Finally they were together and they would be one. This was what he had dreamed of. She was finally his again and for always. Rearing up on his forearms, he stared down at her, his breathing shallow. Her eyes were closed, her head thrown back as she gave herself to him. Fully she wanted him just as badly. Then why did he suddenly feel as though things had to stop? With a groan of frustration, he buried his face between the valley of her breasts and inhaled deeply. She smelled of sweet, warm vanilla and it was driving him mad. "We can’t." He murmured thickly. Her eyes opened and she stared down at his dark head. "What?" Looking up, he rested his chin on one full breast and gazed up at her, "We can’t do this right now. It’ll kill me…it might kill you, but we should wait. I knew our connection would be strong…I just didn’t anticipate this…this passion." Trying to collect herself, she struggled for a moment to move away, but to no avail. He had her pinned perfectly under his strong, hard body. Naked from the waste up, she wondered where on earth his clothes had gone and why had she acted so foolishly. This was crazy! Yet never in her lifetime had she felt such a powerful force take hold. It was unnerving. Sweetly he kissed the valley between her breasts and moved up to kiss her lips gently. "I’m going to go……but only until day break. Don’t try running now……I’ll always find you, but I prefer not to chase anymore, Keth. I need you, I want you and obviously, you feel the same. Good night." With that, he moved off her body and took his leave with a soft click of her door. Flinging an arm over her face, she groaned. What on earth had she gotten herself into? Hidden Magic Ch. 03 Hers had been a restless night, filled with fitful tossing and turning. Her naked body lay tangled in knotted sheets, the light coverlet long since relegated to the bare floor. Dawn's pale light peeked meekly over the horizon, filling her tiny room with a hint of morning's glow. Staring blankly at the ceiling, she lay nearly motionless, drawing in slow, deep breaths as she attempted to clear her troubled mind, reeling from the previous days events and thoughts of what was to come. It was to be a nearly impossible task. A deep sigh escaped through her soft lips as she finally forced her body from the bed to dress with a deliberate slowness. Although not looking forward to the day, she was unaccustomed to being this anxious and nervous. Her intuitive instincts screamed out that her normal way of life was about to be turned upside down. With her clothes hugging her firm body, she brushed her hair back and tied it in place, suddenly aware of a persistent tremor in her hands. Her blades securely in place, she slipped her traveling satchel on, cracked her bedroom door slightly and pushed it slowly and carefully open, unsure of what she expected to see. Chiding herself for being so paranoid, she slipped from the room to walk stiffly down the stairs, ignoring the innkeeper completely as she walked out the door. The air was cool in the bright sunlight that revealed Jude standing just to the right of her, brushing down her stallion. She wanted to tell him he had no right to touch what was hers, but the words seemed to die on her tongue as she silently watched him. He had his back to her, his clock draped over Beast's back as he brushed the horse s long mane of hair, murmuring something that made her usually loyal companion's ears twitch. The traitorous beast even turned to nuzzle Jude's arm a time a two. Biting her tongue, her gaze shifted back to the man who seeming had captured her mounts gratitude. Even from the back, Jude held an air of confidence and authority, holding his back straight, broad shoulders back. His was the look of lean strength, without any of the bulk that many men carried, yet he carried his power in a way that was not intimidating or threatening. Forcing herself into a casual walk, she strolled toward the duo and cleared her throat, gaining his attention. Twisting his body to see, he flashed her a charming grin that dropped her stomach somewhere near her knees and sent her nerves into a rapid flutter. "Good morning, I'm happy to see that you did not run off last night." "I didn't see the point," she replied. Although she had certainly been tempted time and time again to bolt from her bed for a fast getaway. The urge had been resisted though it remained to be seen if it was a wise choice or not. Jude let out a soft grunt and finished his last brush strokes, packing away the brush into his own traveling sack. He straightened, brushing long strands of blond hair from his eyes. The move was not unnoticed, her eyes, straying to his hands. Large, long fingered and strong.. Her body burned from the memories of what they had done what they could do to her willing flesh. She shivered and frowned, irritated the her lack of control over her senses. "Where is your mount," she finally asked, shifting her weight restlessly from one foot to the other. "I don't have one," he stated lightly, his voice as smooth and rich as the softest velvet. The look on his face could not hide the fact that he was finding amusement in her discomfort, not in a mean or leering way, but in a way that kept her pulse skittering, her nerves high. He motioned for her to move closer but she wasn't moving, her body frozen in place. "What do you mean, you don't have one? We're not . . . you can't," she stammered, then took a defensive stance as she had on the previous evening. His deep chuckle first made her angry, but then her body intervened and she wanted to melt into him all over again. "Damn," she muttered, racking her fingers through her hair, mussing up the tightness of her braid. "I won't bite, Keth. Come." He invited, an invitation that only served to further put her at the mercy of her body. His large, warm hand was extended and her body immediately reacted again. Without further thought, her hand met his and she was suddenly pulled close, their bodies mere inches apart. Heat radiated from him, warming her through completely. His smile was sweet and sensual, his head dipped and he tasted her lips once more. With the odd shimmer filtering between their interlocked fingers, the kiss deepened until she managed to regain her senses, at least partially. Shoving her freed hand between them, she managed to push herself free, gasping for breath, fighting to clear her mind. "Stop," she commanded. She felt him struggle with himself, caught up in his own needs. Without further word, he took reign. Blowing out a breath, he dropped his forehead to hers and kissed the tip of her nose. "You're a potent little thing, Keth," he teased, "but I think we'd better get going before we create a scene." With his hands on her hips, he lifted her onto Beast's saddled back before he swung smoothly up behind her. The heat that radiated from his strong chest encouraged her to press her back into him. She felt oddly sheltered and warmed in the circle of his arms as he gave a click of his tongue which set Beast into motion with a slow and lazy trot toward the edge of town. Breaking the silence... They rode in silence seemingly for hours. Uncertain of what to say or ask, she kept her silence, though her mind refused to still itself. She wasn't very good at this type of situation, and the closeness of his body as it brushed against hers with every step Beast took was distracting to say the very least. Encircled by the warmth of his arms, she felt safe, shielded from the cold wind. At the same time, she felt small and helpless for the first time since the beginning of her journey. She had vowed repeatedly that no man could make her feel that way again, and yet the man called Jude was doing just that, but in an entirely different way. It was damned right annoying. She felt the urge to stamp her foot and scream, shake her fists, perhaps demonstrate what her trusted daggers could conjure up. Perhaps he would be the one feeling helpless then. She smirked and crossed her arms below her breasts. "Exactly where would you be taking me?" she asked. Strong muscles flexed against her back, sending warnings through her mind and body. After he few seconds, he replied, "Home." "Where exactly is this "home," Jude?" "Curious and beautiful," he replied. "That is a dangerous combination." Chuckling to himself, he wrapped an arm suddenly around her waist, hugging her tight. Sucking in a surprised breath, she plastered her body against his, the delicate muscles of her belly quivering below the smooth, well defined muscles of his forearm. "Relax," he finally said, "You'll find out everything in due time." "Hmmm," she mused, her every nerve crying out for more...more heat...more of him, holding her, touching her. She shivered and his hold tightened. "Cold?" he murmured, his hot breath over her sensitive ear, drawing a gasp from her and a an answering growl from him. He was painfully aware that she was subconsciously rubbing her delicious lower back and bottom against his rock hard groin. Her scent was intoxicating and he had been perfectly happy not speaking, just losing himself in her scent and her warmth. Her soft gasp triggered another searing pang of desire that hit fast and hard, grabbing hold of his gut. His mouth pressed against the delicate skin behind her ear lobe, causing her to jerk with a plaintiff whine, laced with both shock and pleasure. "Jude..."she breathed, "S-sto...Oh!" His tongue traced a lazy pattern over her soft, delicate neck, the teeth nipped, scattering her conscious thoughts. Instantly, her body arched, thrusting her chest out, her bottom against him. His grunt was muffled against her flesh as he followed the line of her neck, over her shoulder. Head lulled back, Kethry had no way to question why or how, or even what was transpiring. His free hand flattened against her hard belly and wandered up to her breast, squeezing it gently through her clothing. She could make no coherent sounds, only a soft gurgle that moved from deep within her throat. Her instincts screamed NO, but her mind screamed YES, and she felt subconsciously felt him respond in kind. Closing her eyes, she helplessly gave in as she had the night before as he continued to kiss her. It felt so hot, so good, so right, so...her head turned to meet his demanding mouth. Tongues danced and that exploring hand dipped to cup her sex through her pants. She moaned into his mouth, sharing his breath as he shared hers. Beast shifted and snorted loudly, affected by the smell of desire, delicate, but potent that filled the air. Kethry's hips shifted and pushed against his palm as Jude established a rhythm of presses and rubs that were driving her insane. She twisted, wrapped her arms around his neck and sucked his tongue into her as she wiggled against him, desperate for release, for something she had never achieved. Their bodies meshed, the heat and friction he created was quickly sending her near the edge and before she knew what had taken her body over, a squeal of delight filled the air. She tensed, her breath hitched, and her body quivered repeatedly before she ever so slowly fell back to earth, limp and dazed. Stopping Beast, he gathered up his new-found love and cradled her close, basking in her release even as his had not yet begun. He kissed her slack mouth and nuzzled her neck. "Rest," he murmured. "We'll camp here tonight and talk a little more." Her blue eyes me his, cloudy and heavy lidded before she gave in, unable to grasp onto reasoning or make a conscious decision as she let herself slip into welcome sleep in his arms. Hidden Magic Ch. 04 The truth of it... Kethry sat in silence, unsure of how long they slept or why she had lost control over her senses and indeed, over herself. She focused on the flickering flames of Jude's fire. It's warmth keeping her body comfortable. She wished it could do the same for her mind. Around them, beast grazed, ignoring both humans as he snorted and enjoyed the cool grass and foliage. Kethry watched him instead of Jude, although she was well aware that his eyes never left her. Portions of food were shared in an awkward silence caused by the awareness that even without speech, they seemed to know what the other was thinking, like a seventh sense that was for him and him alone. It was as if her mind had been invaded and she would never be truly alone again. The thought both stunned and frightened her. "Who are you?" she asked, the words a mere whisper of sound, more to herself that him. A smile spread across his lips as he chewed a healthy chunk of bread and cheese. "You know." She did, in some strange manner, she did, though she had never met him in her past and he had only given the vague story of their past. Sighing, she ran her long, slender fingers over the cold steel daggers strapped to her thigh, toying with over their smooth handles. "Okay, so I know who you are. Suppose you tell me again about why I'm supposed to be with you. Maybe I don't want to be with you." "That isn't for you to decide, Keth." He replied quickly, almost coldly so. Prickled, she straightened her spine and glowered at him. "You must not know me very well. I am my own person and I do as I choose. I've had my share of being told otherwise." His grin was easy, thoroughly enjoying the way she bristled and flushed when she got worked up. She was beautiful in a fiery sort of way when she lost a little of the cool, icy control. "It is your fate, Keth...your destiny. You and I are and have always been, a part of something greater. Your parents knew it as did mine, which is why we were set to be together until things took a strange turning. But now, we can finally be together as we should." She sighed and rolled her eyes. "For god sakes man, please just TELL me what you are talking about because all this cryptic talk isn't getting us anywhere." His chuckle was soft as he poked at the fire with a slender stick. "Do you believe in Fate, Keth? Do you believe in The Fates? Her shoulders lifted, then dropped slightly. "I believe all things seem to happen for a reason, even when the reason eludes us." He gave a grunt, watching the flames flare for a second, then settle back down. Standing, he walked around the fire to sit beside her, turning her body to his. "They are real, Keth, and we are part of them." Her eyes widened slightly at his words and the tone of them. "We are T'averen...a sort of helper to the Fates...only we are different than the others," he said, his voice hushed and deep as he grasped her fidgeting hand, pushing it against his, flattening their palms as he had done the first night. He watched as the glow gently built between them. "They wove our destinies together. So without one, the other will weaken. We are meant to be together. Our strength lies with each other...soul mates in the truest way." The incredible heat made her shier, but somehow, through the swirling chaos of her mind, she managed to ask the question that forced itself forward, seemingly against her will. "What about the third?" Lacing their fingers together, he tugged her closer. "Third?" "There are three Fates, as you well know. Why are we only two?" One of his cryptic looks spread across his face as though he was up to no good. "The third will join soon." "When?" she insisted. Jude grinned and kissed the back of her hand, her slight gasp fueling his need to be closer still to the frosty beauty. "Soon," was all he persisted in saying, his warm lips trailing up her bare arm. Kethry whimpered, tugging at her arm in a feeble attempt to gain her freedom, but the fire he churned through her body was unrelenting. And as their lips touched, it burst out of control. Raging fires... It was as if the earth stopped spinning and everything else faded away. A glorified love story only told by mindless little girls giggling over the most handsome man in site. These types of things didn't happen and yet it was. To her. His lips sent her mind spinning out of control and set her body on fire. There was no softness there...not anymore. The fires they created by a mere kiss was shocking and exciting all at once and this time he had no plans on stopping. He had to make her his. Brand her body and soul and start their new life as one, together. Unconsciously her body arched and accepted, arms winding around his neck as he nudged Kethry down and back onto the cool earth. Hot and hungry his mouth plundered hers, open, wet and willing, their tongues dueled again. Dancing a now familiar dance. Breaths snorted softly through noses as they fought to break and taste at the same time. It was too good...the taste, the touch and within moments Jude tore at her shirt, shredding the material from her body. She gasped, but didn't fight, instead her lithe, pale body arched up as he trailed a large hand between her soft breasts, down her rips to dip slightly over her tight belly. "Oh!" She whimpered, hips jerking in response. His fingers fumbled as he struggled with the buckle of her pants, swearing hotly under his breath. Her own cool fingers danced over his chest and drove through his hair, pulling his face down. He protested, but only for a minute before his fingers gained access and delved into her pants. She cried out and his mouth swallowed the sound. Long digits slipped over slick folds of wet, warm, feminine flesh. Her scent filled the air and drove him wild. He needed her, wanted her, desperately! His hard cock straining painfully inside his pants as he ground up against her hip. "Jude...Jude!" She murmured into his mouth, pleading for him to stop the madness and let her return to some sanity. Hasty jerks and kicking legs sent her pants flying dangerously close to the fire before he kneeled between her spread lily white thighs. He shook his head, needing to clear it...needing some control, but was grasping blindly at straws. She was magnificent! Her body fluid and firm, with the softness of womanly lines and curves that left him breathless. Her skin was flawless and smooth, breasts proud and plump thrusting and eager for his mouth to sample the raspberry buds that ached for attention and her sex...oh her sex sent him into a frenzy. Bare, and glistening, all pale and pink, the petals of her pussy gaping slightly, turning a deep shade of red as she spread her out and placed tip of his ardent cock inside her entrance. A guttural growl rumbled up through his chest as he pushed forward and braced his hands on either side of her chest. "Keth...look..." He gritted out, teeth clenched in sweet agony until her eyes fluttered and gazed up into his face. She was flushed and just as breathless, her nails digging into his shoulders. "Mine..." He hissed, the strange light of his eyes matching hers. "Say it...together, forever." She couldn't have fought him if she had wanted. It was all coming together, meant to be...Fate. She nodded, her soft whimpery response of, "Yours...forever." unleased his thrust. They cried out in unison as the shards of painful pleasure erupted, her pussy gripping him almost painfully as he buried himself to the hilt and held onto her. They clung, holding frantically as he began to set the pace. Hips clung and retreated, only to slap together again. Together, in unison, for always. Her moans and whimpers joined his grunts and sighs, lips crushing, chests rubbing, legs entwined and working to a mutual pleasurable ending. She strained beneath him, fighting for her breaths as the pressure build and bursts of rainbow light flickered behind her closed yes. "OOooooh!" She wailed, "Oooooh yeeees!" "Hell yes!" He joined in and shoved and thrust, her muscles clamping down, his cock pulsing and then unloading, shooting jet after jet of hot creamy cum into her belly before their bodies collapsed. Tangled and sweat slicked, Kethry blinked as her vision cleared and the scratchy feel of Jude's shirt regained some of her awareness. He hadn't even undressed. The thought made her spontaneously giggle. Drawing back, he grinned at her soft sound and kissed her lips. "I should have waited..." He told her softly, his voice roughened by the edge of lust. "But I just couldn't. Are you all right?" She nodded, her nose nudging his, their bodies still locked together, "If this is all about Fate, then perhaps it was meant to be." He chuckled and nibbled on her jaw line, feeling himself stir anew and watching her startled reaction to the twitch of his member within her softness. "Again?" She whispered. "Seems like it..." He murmured thickly and gave a little thrust of his hips, drawing out a gasp. "Indeed." Kethry grinned and wrapped her long legs around his bottom, pulling him deeper. Together they climbed once more to the peaks of heaven only to shatter into a million blissful pieces. Finally she was whole...the missing piece and her future was sealed. She was now part of something greater and within her, another magical moment took place to complete their circle...