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Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 01

By: Bianca_Sommerland



The sound around her, singing, familiar voices, becoming more and more disjointed.

"Happy Eighteenth birthday sweetheart."

"Why did the voice sound like it was fading? It was not supposed to fade. She could still see the candles, the cake, all the smiling faces.

The awkward angle of her body made the sight a lie. She wasn't sitting at a table, wasn't ready to blow out the candles. The wind that tangled her hair across her face would have made quick death of the infant flames, and whatever was holding her, so high above the ground, digging something hard into her belly, would have kept her well out of reach of the table.

Gabriella struggled to free herself from the coarse ropes that she could feel now, binding her hands. Just as fiercely she tried to fight off the threatening darkness, darkness that kept her from identifying where she was, and with whom. There was no denying it now. Even without vision, even bound and near blind in the pure darkness, Gabriella knew she had been taken.

The steady movement below her, she fought to concentrate on it. A rise, a fall, a tension just under her stomach. Gabriella shifted, just a little. The action made her sure, by the slight rounding, that she was on someone's shoulder. Someone big.

Oh, this was not good.

It seemed pointless now, wondering how the huge stranger had gotten her, how he'd whisked her away in the middle of her party, how he'd done it with her family surrounding her. A thought made her shudder. Her family would have tried to fight him. He was huge, she could clearly feel the muscle bunched underneath her. If they'd tried they'd have failed...

What if they were all dead?

Gabriella refused to believe it. Unable to think of a simple other possibility that left no loved ones dead bodies in the wake of her capture she did the next best thing. Told herself it was so and focused on something else.

Sweet little kittens like the tiny Persian her father had given her, the fluffy white little bundle, warm fur giving off the scent of vanilla. Butterflies, like the dark blue and black one on her ankle, or the sweeter one her sister had gotten in vibrant red and orange. Sweet for Sarah and dark for Gabriella for they'd agreed to find something to contradict their personalities. It was a nice memory, nice enough to keep her distracted, calm her shuddering and take her heart down from its painful, rapid beats.

It all came back when her mind, kind as it was, decided to remind her of another frightening bit of reality. She'd passed it by before, but she couldn't now. Her captor was male. She was being held by a man. A strange man.

God what was he going to do to her?

   ***

"Lord Moloch." the man bowed low, staying down, waiting for permission to rise. 

It tempted Slater, for some reason, to kick him in the face. Rather then give in to the urge, due in part to his irritation at standing in the cold, in the increasingly building downpour, Slater merely motioned the man up. "Quickly Heim. My brother will not be pleased if the girl is delivered to him ill."

Heim's eyes shot to the girl, all but forgotten on Slater's shoulder. It impressed Heim how unaffected Slater was by the burden, she was now struggling quite a bit. Recalling his reason for approaching the king's fierce, intimidating, bastard brother, Heim scurried towards the first of a string of tents. Holding up a flap he waited while Slater plopped the girl down on a pile of large pillows in the corner. 

From the way the girl had been struggling Heim and Slater had both been certain she'd be setting a dark glare on them now. Most of the others had. Instead she did her best to smooth her soaked short skirt down with her bound hands, then lifted her hands to clear her hair from her face. Lifting her head, eyes wide, she set the sweet blue of them on Slater's face. Her lashes were wet, but he was sure it was from the rain, not from a spill of frightened tears. The girl didn't look frightened at all. In fact she looked cute as hell.

"My Lord, I must tell you...some of those taken are ill. The men are nervous...the penalty..."

Slater forced himself to focus on Heim's words. Catching the gist of them he gave a slow nod. "Tell the men to redirect towards Velsham. There are healers in the village. A few days there and all well be well."

Heim bowed again and walked out. 

With the distraction gone Slater was able to bring his attention fully to the shivering girl in the corner. Intrigued by the look on her face he lowered down to the cushions, hoping he would appear less intimidating at eye level. He knew it was unlikely. He was a big man, almost as big as his brother, the king. The king's stature was broader then any of his men, there were none that did not have to arch there neck to meet his eyes.

Slater was the one exception. His brother might be slightly broader then he was, but he had an inch or two on his older brother.

Shaking his head to get his long black locks free of his face Slater reached around to the back of the girls head to undo the gag. He was surprised that she didn't jolt back, didn't try to ram into him. She didn't even cringe. It was a relief, even if it was strange. One of the girls had kicked him so hard he'd decided to tie her back up. Another had started wailing when he'd removed her gag. 

Her calm, curious regard made Slater want to talk to her, made him want to know why she'd gone from struggling, to looking so very at ease. Slater watched her turn without question at his urging, twisting around onto her knees so he could reach the ropes around her wrist, ducking her head and wrinkling her nose at the way her hair clung to her face. 

The lack of fear ruined any good intent. Slater was accustomed to fear coming without effort, accustomed to having to ease a woman from it to get her in his bed. Granted this girl wasn't meant for his bed, and if she had been his actions were extremely counter productive, but damn it he had earned the right to be feared. He may be a bastard, but he was a powerful bastard.

"Feel better little one? Comfortable?" Slater gave her a smooth, unreadable smile. The girl gave a small, hesitant nod. Without warning Slater reached out and grabbed a fist full of hair. "Very good. Then perhaps we should get started..."

The girl's tongue passed slowly over her lower lip before she pressed her teeth into it. "Get started?"

Slater nod, dropping one big hand on her knee. "Why yes. As you might have noticed we are very alone. And you are soaked to the skin..." wrapping his fingers around her calf Slater pulled hard, making her lie flat in her surprise before he leaned over her, shadowing her small form beneath his body. "We really must remove your clothes...then perhaps...find some way to warm you up?"

   ***





Please Note: This is my first try with a story on this site. Looking for feedback and some experience. Do not worry, it is very much erotica, just setting things up. Hope you enjoy, part two coming soon. 

Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 02



The man's heavy weight holding her down sent a burning rush of fear searing throughout Gabriella, pulling a threat of darkness through her vision. Gabriella fought it off, not sure she wanted to, but unable to leave herself anymore vulnerable then she already was. She'd been sure the man's wrath wouldn't be triggered if she didn't try to fight, didn't respond to the urges to scream and cry. It was harder to hold to that conviction now. None in her life had ever treated her with anything but respect, no man had ever treated her as anything but fragile, one who must be protected and cherished. They had certainly never handled her so roughly.

Gabriella was afraid, very afraid. Still, her resolve not to show it kept her face neutral as she regarded the man. The way he was watching her, the way he had gone still above her, no movement made to act on what he'd voiced moments ago, calmed her some. And made her curious. Maybe he could be reasoned with.

Gabriella took a deep breath, difficult with the man's weight, and licked her lip. "I can see the reason in getting dry..." she paused, thought on how the little man had addressed him, and hoped doing the same would gain her some ground with the man who seemed high on his own authority. "My Lord." she licked her lip again, feeling strange using the archaic title, but barreled on with determination. "But it would be hard to do so like...this."

Slater's frown was dark. Damn it. What was it going to take to rattle the chit? 

"You think it would be...hard?" a dangerous smile took to Slater's lips as he reached down, slowly, making sure the girl followed the motion, and jerked a short blade from his belt. "I think it will be quite simple, if you are referring to your clothes..." his smile broadened, noting how her eyes widened, head turning slightly to follow the path of the blade. Slater took his time bringing it up between them, bracing himself above her with one arm. "With a bit of thought I believe you will accept all else will be...easy as well."

Gabriella closed her eyes, not wanting to see what he would do with the blade. A shiver passed through her body and when a fair bit of time had passed and the man still hadn't moved she opened her eyes. The man was smiling, just watching her. Now Gabriella understood. He wanted her to be afraid.

It didn't mean he wouldn't hurt her, but it gave Gabriella something to work with.

Setting her eyes on his and tilting her chin up Gabriella shrugged off her fear. "Do what you have to...My Lord..." there was no deference to the address now, in fact Gabriella made it sound fair disparaging. "But can you make it quick? You're quite heavy."

Slater couldn't hide his shock. Here he was, pressing his large, muscular form against her, holding a dagger over her, and she had the nerve to tell him to hurry? To complain that he was heavy?

"Do you have any concept of the things I could do to you little one?" to emphasize his point Slater put his knees on either side of her thighs, resting his hand by her head and trailed the tip of the dagger carefully along the revealed flesh above the collar of her shirt. 

The girl twitched, but other then that there was no reaction to the threat. Her expression hadn't changed. "I suppose you could cut me up...or rape me." she arched a brow at him. "But I don't think you will."

Slater tossed the dagger aside, rose up on his knees and grabbed a handful of the girl's shirt, yanking her up to face him. "You think not? I wouldn't be so certain of that if I were you." he sneered at her when her lips parted in surprise. "I am not known for my kindness."

Clinging to the small bit of hope that glowed within, telling her she was on the right path, Gabriella smiled at the man, giving a little shrug of her shoulders. "I'd like to know how I'm expected to know that. I don't even know your name."

Eyes fixed on the dimple on the girl's cheek Slater shook his head. "I am Lord Slater Moloch, Duke of the Vox Terra's northern region." the girl rested her hands on the bed of pillows behind her. Shaking his head again Slater let go of her shirt, watching the way she cocked her head and regarded him with unnerving curiosity. Despite himself Slater found he wanted to learn more about the confident and composed little imp. "What is your name?"

"Gabriella Fairling." she said without hesitation. Wrinkling her nose she reached up and pulled a wet string of hair from her neck. Wet as it was her hair stuck to her pale flesh in several places, its color darkened in dampness reminding him of blood.  

Slater couldn't help it. Without realizing he'd done so he dropped his aggressive bearing, reaching out to take hold of a long strand of hair from where it rested on her shoulder. Playing it around his finger he lifted his eyes back to her face.

The girl was beautiful, but she would be. Without the allure of her face and form she might have been passed over, regardless of her greater value. The Northern courts greatest weakness was its vanity, a flaw that had near lost them the last war. Slater had spoken to his brother of this, but King Villem Moloch's conceit was legendary. It was why his bastard brother who resembled him so fiercely had been graced with their father's name long after the man was dead. Their father had never claimed Slater, but Villem couldn't care less. To Villem his brother being left to poverty was a grave insult to him. One who shared the powerful line of the king should have a title befitting the superior lineage.

Slater wasn't about to complain. It had turned out far too well for him. None cared that his mother was a whore. None dared speak to him without due reverence. When Slater had been brought to his brother as a boy it had been out of fear of the king's wrath. As Slater grew it had become fear of his wrath. Slater had much enjoyed the transition.

Returning to his earlier thoughts Slater shook his head and sighed. They had collected only twelve youths, twelve youths that contained the power needed, all well suited to the various tastes of the king, his highest councilors, his ladies and his general. Slater thought it was foolish, but after voicing his objections once he wouldn't waste his breath doing so again. Villem was a wise ruler, in all but this. While the court of the southern land grew strong on the powers of the fair and the foul alike, the north would indulge in their fancy, savoring it to their pleasure rather then fill on it as needed to lay a final blow on those who continued to test their strength.

Slater only hoped his brother's latest plan would tip the odds in their favor. Not since the wars of their ancestors, a hundred score back, had they left their realms to steal power from others. In times of peace or for small battles they would collect the unawakened from their own lands, feed from them to speed the replenishment of their own force. In the battle only days past all their own reserves had been spent, all those that Villem found fair enough to be worthy that is. Rather then lay aside his ridiculous standards Villem had ripped through the veil and sent his men through, bidding them to return only when they had in hand the most powerful, and beautiful, the other realm could offer.

Slater smiled at the girl, thinking on it. There was no doubt Villem would be well pleased with his brother success. Chuckling Slater let the strand of hair slip from his fingers. Villem loved a redhead.

The thought took the smile from Slater's lips. There was no doubt Villem would want this one. Which meant she, above all, should be comfortable. Villem would not be pleased if Slater scared the girl and made her harder to handle. With a sigh Slater admitted he was lucky his attempts had been in vain. 

"Why do you look so serious all of a sudden?"

The girl's blunt words snapped Slater from his musings. The way she was nibbling at her lip again sent his thoughts somewhere else entirely.

"I was thinking that you are very pretty."

Gabriella shifted, trying to get the feeling back in her legs. He'd been sitting on them long enough to make them numb. "I'm sorry." her tone was distracted as she concentrated on wiggling her toes, clenching the muscles in her thighs hoping he'd eventually get the point. The way he was watching her made it clear she'd eventually just have to tell him to get off. 

"Sorry? Why in the world are you sorry?" he stood suddenly, throwing up his arms. "By the gods girl, what is wrong with you? To threats you smile and to compliments you apologize. Will a beating make you laugh?"

Gabriella bit back a grin, crossing her legs, happy to have found a way, however unplanned, to get him off her. "If I thought it would make the guy beating me give up...sure."

With a jolt Slater realized what the girl had done. He'd gone from trying to frighten her, to admiring her, to all out exasperation in mere moments. At this point he had no idea what to do with her, and it wasn't a revelation that sat well. Slater was always in control, he liked it that way. The girl not acting as expected was making any kind of control impossible.

Gabriella waited while the man warred with his mangled thoughts. Wishing he'd hurry she wrapped her arms around herself, shivering as she realized how cold it was. She'd worn a cute little blue plaid, pleated skirt to her party, as well as a white tank top with little ruffles along the chaste collar that hit just below her collarbone. It looked nice and was perfect for the summer weather, but she had a feeling it wasn't summer here.

Leaning on her limitless patience, seeing as the man seemed nowhere close to reaching any kind of resolution Gabriella rubbed her arms, hoping it would help make the wait easier. That got Slater's attention. Now that her arms weren't covering her chest he realized the dampness had made the shirt, quite concealing in its cut, completely see through. 

The sight cleared his mind of anything but the vision of her. Firm breast, revealed nicely beneath the soaked cloth, so round, perfectly formed, making his palms itch to touch them. Tiny nipples, awakened by the cold, poked out, beckoning him, a slight blush screened by the material.

"Come here." Slater said, forgetting all else but how his body cursed the distance between them.

Gabriella stared at the man, eyes wide, lips parted. She felt safe enough seated on the cushions, several feet between them, but the command, paired with the look in his eyes, jolted her. There was no way she was getting up.

"I'm quite comfortable here. Thanks." she said, forcing her tone to sound light and unconcerned. She didn't think he would leave it at that. She was right.

With a short growl Slater stepped forward, wrenching her to her feet. Without thought beyond what he must have, now, he jammed his mouth against hers.

Gabriella let out a little shriek of a sound, taken so off guard she couldn't hold it back. Not that she'd never been kissed, she'd had a couple of boyfriends, but those had been soft kisses, gentle. Those boys never wanted to chance her father disapproval, but all failed her father's inevitable third degree, growing nervous and fidgety under the sharp scrutiny of the man that had spent his life training soldiers for war. Her father was a big, scary man. They hadn't dared try more. This man, Slater, was bigger. Gabriella had a feeling he wouldn't have been afraid, even if her father's approval was an issue.

Which it wasn't.

Slater pressed his lips down harder, liking the vulnerable sound she'd let out in her surprise. Her little whimper spurned him further. The little girl wasn't quite so unfazed now.

Hands on her arms Slater held the girl close, knowing his firm hold was bruising her skin. Right now he didn't care. A reaction, any reaction that revealed a loss of her control was all Slater wanted. He wasn't aiming to please, he was aiming to shatter the girl's shields.

Gabriella wanted to cry. Her father had always told her if a boy got fresh he'd deal with it. She didn't think that would work now. Tasting blood on her lips where her own teeth had cut through she imagined the man's laughter if she told him her father had a gun he wasn't afraid to use. Tears broke free, salty against her lips. She didn't fool herself with thought of stopping him, but maybe, just maybe, she could spare herself some pain.

Pushing against the man's chest Gabriella felt great relief when he backed a little, letting her take a deep breath. "I'm surprised." It came out quick, which was necessary. He didn't look like he was going to give her much time.

Slater smiled, licking the blood from his lips, loving how the girl was shaking. "Why is that, little one?"

Gabriella inhaled roughly, fighting for some sense of control. "I didn't take you as a man that needed to use force."

Smirking Slater reached out and raked his hand into her hair. "I don't. You, however, are far too aloft for my liking child."

Knowing she was grasping Gabriella latched to his words, trying not to wince at the pain in her scalp. "I am very young..."

Slater laughed. "I've had younger." he kissed her again, a light brush of his lips, licking her mouth before backing enough to speak. "They all wanted it in the end..."

"I won't." Gabriella liked how confident she sounded. It didn't shift his attack. Actually it softened it. Now he was stroking her sides, his thumbs running frighteningly close to her breast.

"Are you sure?" Slater lifted one hand, cupping her cheek. He thought he was being rather kind now, despite his assertion of not being known for it. 

Gabriella's chin lifted stubbornly. "Very. So if you're going to do it..." she made a sharp, irritated sound in her throat. "Get it over with."

Slater stared at her. He was almost angry enough to shove her aside and leave her there. The memory of her firm breast, pressed with the wetness of her shirt against his chest, battled fiercely with the urge.

"Get it over with?" He laughed. "You really don't know how this is done...do you?" 

Gabriella's brow furrowed. "You stick it in, you do your thing, and it's over."

Her certainty only made Slater laugh more. "So innocent. It makes me certain there will be great pain." he smiled with indulgence. "Shall I be gentle?"

Scowling Gabriella tried to pull away. "Does it matter? You're gonna do what you want. I have no say in it, do I?"

Her words brought another smirk to Slater's lips. "No. Not really."

Gabriella let out an aggravated sound of frustration. This wasn't fair, and it certainly wasn't how things were supposed to work. Gritting her teeth she glared at him. "Then get it over with."

Slater didn't like her answer, it was obvious. Shoving her back onto the pillows he returned her glare with a fierceness that cowered his most formidable warriors. Gabriella didn't so much as flinch.

"You want me to get it over with?" Slater waited. When she nodded he decided he'd had enough. "Fine."

Slater fell on her without warning, not trying to soften his assault. He let his hands roam, everywhere at once, groping her roughly, hands on her bare thighs, squeezing until she cried out, ripping open her shirt so he could get a better view of those luscious breast. 

The women he knew wore little under their dresses, sometimes binding to make their figures more appealing but little else. Slater didn't understand the need for the contraption that covered her breast. They were perfect, would be without the confining cloth. What was the point?

Reaching over Slater found his dagger, feeling no need to find a way to relieve her of the bindings without, and cut through the front of it, easily fending off her hand that tried to stop him. When the material gave with ease he simple stared. 

Damn it the girl was a sight.

Her breast were proud, not shifting down even without the confines. Tiny globes just begging for his touch, not like the flesh that was so vast it fell to the sides like most of the women, young or not, that gained his attentions. Slater gave into the demand, grabbing hold of her breast. The girl's moans spurned him on. She was not objecting because she wanted to. She was objecting because she thought she must.

Hands gaining a mind of their own Slater reveled in the sensation. Pressing, fondling, thumbs grazing over the taut nipples he couldn't help but smile. The cool defiance was gone. The girl, Gabriella, did nothing but writhe beneath him. She wanted it, she loved how he squeezed and pulled. Her trifle objections were lost to the effect of his touch.

Thumbs pressing down on her nipples Slater gloried in his conquest. The girl was his. Much as she might debate it the fact was clear. One hand stoking up her thigh Slater felt the buzz of anticipation. The fight was gone from her, she was lost to the rapture of his touch.

Gabriella thought the word. No. It was there, it screamed out. But it never left her lips. The man was touching where no man had dared to and still she couldn't say it. God she was scared, she didn't know how much it would hurt, how much it would degrade. All she knew was her body had lost its will to fight what he was doing to her.

His hand was on her leg, a pressure there she knew would add to the bruises his touch had already left. She yearned to scream at him 'Stop!', but the words wouldn't come. The words were nothing now, not against the part of her that begged for more. Damn it this man was a stranger, one who had taken her, stolen her from the gentle care of her family. She must fight him...but she couldn't.

The words finally came, contradicting her actions. "Slater stop..."

Slater was smiling again. "Stop? Are you sure?"

He'd moved his hand, god she had to stop him. Fingers shifting into her panties without so much as a pause made Gabriella's breath catch. None had touched her there, none had dared. Yet here he was, this man she didn't know, playing his fingers along the most intimate part of her...

"Please..." Gabriella whispered. 

Slater smirked. He understood that tone too well. "Please?" he slicked his fingers through the wetness of her, coating himself in it. "Please more or please stop?"

For some reason Gabriella didn't understand the question. "Slater..."

"I love hearing my name on your lips." he breathed out, claiming her lips. 

Gabriella forced out a laugh, though it was the last thing she wanted to do. "Why does it matter? My name...yours..." her words jarred as he teased the very tip of one finger into the opening of her. "I'm nothing but a body..."

Slater's finger pushed a little deeper. It seemed impossible, how tight she was, in comparison with how wet she was. The soft moisture of her should ease the way, and it did, but only a little. Only the very tip of his finger passed with ease. It made him hard to think on it. There was no mistaking it. No man had touched her here, she herself had never trespassed the most sensual depths of her passion. He was the first. How he loved that obvious fact.

"Not just a body, sweet." Slater breathed out, the lust painful now. He knew this wouldn't be easy, for either of them. Not unless he wanted to be ruthless, as he was known to be. It was tempting, breaching her with force, with pain she would never forget. More then the mere brutal claim of her he wanted to leave his mark. "So sweet.." his voice was the breath of a whisper. "You tempt me...you know not how much..." 

Gabriella cursed her body that made any protest seem negligible. "Don't do this..."

Gabriella cut of her own words with a moan as Staler worked his finger in deeper. She was clenching against him, her body both pulling him in and forcing him out in a motion of instinct, firmly contradicting itself. Acknowledging only the response that served his purpose Slater worked on shoving his finger in deeper, leaning down to kiss the protest from her lips.




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 02



"Have you ever been this wet before Gabriella?" he whispered against her lips. Gabriella shook her head. "Do you know what it means?"

"Stop..."

Slater laughed. "Do you even know what that means anymore?"

One finger, only one and it was so tight, they could both feel it. To Slater all that mattered was he had gotten it in all the way, could almost feel the part of her that must be ruptured before he'd gain full access. To Gabriella it was pure horror. What had happened to drain the fight from her, to let this man violate her with such negligible, token resistance?

Slater knew enough about woman to sense where the mind of this one was going. She knew she shouldn't, but her body didn't agree. It was up to Slater to make the choice very clear.

The delicate edge of her lips skimmed over his finger, the ring of muscle holding, then relaxing, revealing her indecision. Slater pulled his finger out, all the way, noting how she relaxed, mistaking withdrawal as relief. Without waiting for her to regain her bearings Slater pushed his finger back in and began a slow, steady motion, a caress of the exposed aperture she knew not how to defend to his assault. He felt when she forgot she wanted to.

The moistness he touched flowed a little more, enough to make him harder, knowing it would ease his way. Needing to test it Slater tried to add another finger to his slow thrusting. At first it wouldn't go. The girl tensed.

"Relax Gabriella." Slater slid his lips along her face, kissing in a slow trail, breathing to warm the damp path left behind. "You will not regret it."

Gabriella made a shift away from him which was laughable. It didn't even make the least believable motion of her trying to dislodge him. "I don't know you. This is wrong...please..."

Lips curved in satisfaction Slater licked up the curve of the girl's throat. "You needn't beg my dear...I am happy to oblige."

A little gasp of breath and a moment of ease and Slater managed to work the second finger in. It wouldn't move though. Two fingers deep within Slater continued kissing her, hoping to relax the girl enough that she wouldn't fight the inevitable.

When Slater pressed closer he noted a part of the girl too honest to hide what it wanted. Nipples hard, breast quivering to be touched, all ground against his chest. Slater gave in to their call, releasing the seduction of her mouth, with lips that strained to prove resistance, and dropped his mouth to the soft mounds of flesh that welcomed him.

A first suckle and he knew it was the path he must take. Gabriella arched back under him, crying out. She had never been touched there, or any of the other places he was touching her, but...

It didn't feel like a violation. His hot breath spilling over her flesh, his lips, the touch of moisture, the little teasing flicks of his tongue. All her attention flowed to the little nubs she'd paid so little attention to since they'd made their presence known. Granted boys had looked, but it was a sacred part of her, a part forbidden to others.

As forbidden as the flesh below, which he had well invaded in her distraction. No longer jarred into the tightness, unable to exert the slightest motion, Slater was moving his fingers now. The movement wasn't painful, no longer felt wrong but in her stubborn mind. All Gabriella could think was deeper, more. All she could think was 'Don't Stop'.

It wasn't voiced, but Slater knew woman enough to sense it. Two fingers moving in and out of her with ease he knew she was almost ready. Playing a tiny nipple between his teeth he prepared himself for the goal, so close in hand. One more finger, slicked up nicely, and she could be breached without too much pain. Vaguely he recalled wanting the pain, but no more. Now he just wanted her, wanted to claim her, wanted to ease his dick, so hard and ready, deep into the tight warmth he could imagine holding him so close. Virgin pussy was always a treat but this, this tight little sheath ready to be molded by him, for him. This one would be different. This one would be worth more then a violent penetration.

Slater circled his index and middle finger, making room for more. The slickness that coated his fingers called to him and he couldn't help it. Pulling free he took a moment, watching her face, he licked the sweet juice from his fingers. Gabriella looked shocked, then entranced by the motion of his tongue, circling his fingers before he sucked on them with a lusty grin. Her reaction made his victory clear. She'd been given room to object. She hadn't. 

Pulling her close Slater held the girl tight, more gentle kisses just to distract the work that took most of his attention. Opening her with the first two fingers he kept them near the very snug entrance, adding a third with care. The resistance made his cock all the more firm, demanding he quite his play and let it join. Sucking at her lips, drinking in her unrestrained moans Slater swore it could...very, very soon.

Stretching, pushing, Slater strained to gain entrance. The tip of his dick was damp against his braies, a taunting bead telling him he had taken too long to reach his goal. Growling in irritation Slater pushed hard. 

Gabriella whimpered, closing down against the force that no longer sought to give pleasure. The sound stilled Slater. Looking down at her, seeing the girl for the first time since he'd begun, he saw the tears on her cheeks. They hadn't been there before, of that he was sure. Now he knew they came from his rough treatment. Bending down to distract her in a tender kiss he waited until she was distracted once again to try more. His tongue teasing hers relaxed her. His fingers pressed forth with more ease. Once they were in he could work on his own pleasure...

A throat cleared behind him. "My Lord Moloch...if I may have a word?"

Slater's head whipped towards the sound. Without withdrawing his fingers he snarled at the man. "No you may not. How dare you interrupt!"

Letting out a sharp gasp Gabriella tried to pull away. Care forgotten Slater grabbed her hip with one hand, holding her still. When she tried to break free again he put some pressure on his fingers in warning. "Quickly Heim. As you can see I am busy."

Heim opened his mouth, looking nervous. "I understand, but if I may be so bold My Lord...?"

"Spit it out Heim!"

Slater's rage silenced Heim at first. Loyalty to his liege forced the words out. "The girl belongs to your brother Lord Moloch. He will kill you if you defile her."

Slater went still. "Fuck." he hissed, looking down at the girl who had turned her head in shame and fear. He pulled his fingers from her and stood, glaring down at the erection that didn't understand self-preservation. "Fuck!"

Turning his back on the girl he took several menacing steps towards Heim. "Get her a change of clothes, keep her away from the others." his fist hit his side, eyes narrowing as he waited for a response. Heim nodded.

With that Slater left the tent. Damn his brother, damn that tempting little bitch. Looking down at the bulge that marked him as a fool he let out a roar that cleared his men from his path. 

"Fetch me a camp whore! And she best be fitting or I'll have your balls." he shot at one of his men who was staring at him from beneath a hastily erected pavilion. The man ran to comply.

***

Gabriella stared at the opening of the tent, shaking her head. God how could she let him do that to her? She lifted her head slowly, cheeks crimson as she met the eyes of the witness to her disgrace. 

The little man, much wrinkled and bent, gave her a kind smile. "Worry not little one. Lord Moloch is a soldier, they tend to be crude. He will be brought to heel by his brother." turning he lifted a small, rough sack. Reaching inside he pulled out a white bunch of cloth. He held it out to Gabriella.

Gabriella took it, distracting herself by looking it over. It was a simple, long dress, the texture telling her it was some kind of cotton. 

"Rest child. You will be in the care of the king soon."

Gabriella nodded, waiting until the man left to change. Over and over in her mind his words repeated in a jumbled blur. Only one thing was clear. In the care of the king didn't sound very reassuring. She didn't know of any king, not in the land she was born. Wherever she was now, this rough, wet, barbaric place was far beyond all she'd ever known. 

All she knew now was she was nowhere near home. All she knew now was she wanted to get away.

Curling into the pile of pillows Gabriella wrapped her arms around her knees.

"I want to come home daddy." the words, out loud, for none but she to hear made her heart ache with longing. "Daddy please come take me home." 

***

Please Note: Much thanks to those who have read and commented so far. The first part was short, but I aim to make the following ones longer and try to find a good balance. I hope you are enjoying the story so far and welcome any questions or comments. No guarantee that I'll answer, but I'll try. 



Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 03



It was twisted, reality turned inside out. When Gabriella woke it was to the belief she'd fallen asleep. It was then she realized in the dream she hadn't truly felt anything. Not the warmth that glowed so tenderly around her, not the touch of those she loved, not the earth beneath her feet, blanketed in lush green that appeared so very soft...

In the dream it was the voices, those lovely voices that were silent now, taking her away from all the horror. The laughter, the singing, her sister shouting over it all. The harsh reality was that they were gone...or she was gone...either way she was alone.

Reality made its presence known in the painful knot of muscles that protested movement, the price to having drifted to sleep sitting, and the cold that knew no mercy. Shivering already Gabriella glanced around the room, so pretty with all its large cushions in silken colors, a welcoming sight despite how useless it really was. Gabriella didn't understand the point of a tent like this, a tent that housed nothing but pillows. In every book or movie she'd seen the tent of a soldier should have chest of armor, a cot for the soldier and another for his manservant.

Gabriella knew she was jumbling era's but right now she couldn't care less. There was little hope of this place resembling anything she knew. Trying to paint Slater as a knight in tarnished armor wouldn't change what he had done. All Gabriella could do now was learn as much as she could about where she was, try not to make her circumstances any more dire and stand ready for any chance to escape. 

Not cowardly, but not a fool either, Gabriella wouldn't attempt an escape without a viable plan, without knowing she had somewhere to go that wasn't worse then where she was now. Granted what Slater had done had humiliated her, but it could have been worse. Heading off alone could almost guarantee Gabriella coming upon worse. It wasn't something she was willing to chance.

Needing movement if only to stave off the cold Gabriella stood, pacing around the tent for a moment, taking stock of its contents. It didn't take long. She'd been right the first time. Nothing but pillows.

Forcing herself to be grateful she wasn't being kept in a dank cell, Gabriella decided she'd learn more beyond these four canvas walls then she would pacing within. Hoping her guard would be compassionate and...well nothing like Slater, Gabriella poked her head out of the tent, an adorably shy little grin fixed on her face. Her growling stomach contradicted the cute act, but she wasn't given cause for concern. There was no guard.

Curious Gabriella slipped from the tent. Not that it bothered her not to have a guard, but she was a little surprised. How could they know that she wouldn't try to escape? Did they not care?

Gabriella doubted it was that. Heim had mentioned the king, mentioned him being displeased if Slater...defiled her. Apparently Heim didn't believe it had already been accomplished so that gave her value still...didn't it? 

A rumble of sound echoed out to her from the farthest reaches of the camp. The sound grew louder, to shouting, to screaming. Even though her own mind questioned the reason of approaching, sensing the sound led to nothing good, Gabriella couldn't stop her hasty steps to reach it. Better to know the trouble then be caught unaware.

In a large circle of tents, smaller then the grouping of larger ones she'd left, stood two young men, not much older then her, facing off a mass of burly soldiers. Brandishing torches, held before them like fiery shields, the boys snarled unintelligible curses at the men. Three girls of Gabriella's age were behind them, two crouched down, looking horrified, both by the daring of the boys and the threats of the massive bodies that inched forth. The third girl was trying to fight past the larger of the two boys, shouting out to the soldiers, words ringing loud and clear even over all the noise.

"Bring them back damn you! You have no right!"

One of the soldiers laughed. "And what are you going to do if we don't? You're outnumbered, and your brave lads have no chance against even the weakest of us."

The girl whipped her head towards the soldier. "Perhaps, but we've heard the talk. You need us, all of us. We're giving you one last chance. Return the others or you'll be five short."

The girl's valiant words drew laughter from the men. Gabriella held her breath, catching the subtle nod exchanged between the girl and the two boys.

In a move none could have foreseen one of the boys leapt towards the soldiers with the torch. The men stepped back in surprise. It was all the diversion the second boy needed. Tossing his torch to the tent behind him the boy grabbed the hands of the girls who had remained behind him, cowering in fear, urged to their feet by the girl who'd had the nerve to step up to the soldiers. Together they ran out past the tent that built in flame as though it was timber drenched in lighter fluid. Gabriella was certain it must be drenched in something. 

The boy who had charged the soldiers turned to run. A big man grabbed him, throwing a beefy fist into his face, knocking the boy out cold before shoving him to a group of men who seemed too appalled to move.

"Tie him up and guard him." he commanded one, then he glared at another. "And find Lord Moloch, he must be told. Four of the unawakened have escaped."

"The unawakened..." the man let out a gasp that to Gabriella sounded rather dramatic. His next words negated the thought. "The king will kill the lot of us..."

The man's fellow shoved him forward. "Not if we find them before he learns of it! Now go!"

With a step back Gabriella found a barrel, set beside a tent far larger then the others and used it to brace herself. Words spun through her head. The unawakened. Lord. King. She could almost imagine someone crying out 'Bring me their heads!' and forced herself not to glance about for a white rabbit. This was no fairy tale and she was no Alice. And if the King was anything like his brother she had worst things to worry about then a warped game of croquet.

Smoke began hovering through the air, setting among the tents like a thick mist. Gabriella backed up, wondering how she could find safety and not come off as trying to escape. A hand grabbed hold of her wrist.

"Please...please help us..." an old woman was tugging at her.

Gabriella nodded without a second thought. "What can I do?"

"The fire spreads too fast. They're so sick...they can't walk..."

Seeing the old woman was having trouble getting to the point Gabriella set her hands on the woman's shoulders. "What do you need?"

"Water...rags and water...quickly."

Without waiting for her to say more Gabriella ran to where a line of men were heaving buckets of water towards the flames, trying to put it out. Snatching a bucket from the hands of a soldier she filled it without a word and ran with it, slopping around the edges, wetting her skirts, back to the large tent. Ducking inside she glanced around for the old woman. Seeing her she hurried to her side with the bucket.

Giving her a shaky smile of thanks the old woman motioned to a ragged pile of cloths. Tripping towards it Gabriella grabbed a handful and went to drop it in the bucket. The old woman lifted one, ringing it out.

"Take her first." the old woman pointed to a tiny girl enveloped in a pile of blankets the color of dirt, laying listless in a pile of pillows. "She won't be able to walk much, the illness has drained them so..."

"Bring her where?" Gabriella pressed before the woman could go on.

The woman gestured vaguely towards the flap of the tent. "To the eastern border of the camp. All are regrouping there."

Gabriella nodded and rushed to the girl's side. The girl opened her eyes, the golden brown of them harsh against the paler of her skin. Helping her up Gabriella took the girl's arm over her shoulder and handed her the rung out rag. "Lean on me and hold this over your face...there's a lot of smoke."

The small girl nodded, bravely trying to hold as much of her own weight as she could. When they left the tent the girl gave a rough inhale and held the cloth over her mouth, coughing through it. The coughs seemed to take her strength and Gabriella was forced to half drag the girl to the gathered crowd a fair span away from the last line of tents. 

Dropping to a knee, still holding the girl, Gabriella looked up as a small group of women came towards her. One of the woman eased the girl from Gabriella's grasps, a smile touching her lips as she spoke softly to the girl. Bending over Gabriella coughed out violently, a sensation of thick crud coating, hampering every breath.

"You've done well child." one of the woman said, bending down before her, offering a tin cup filled with water. 

Drinking the water down quickly, relieved that it helped some, Gabriella lifted her eyes to the woman. "What of the others?"

The woman pointed to a few men, setting down their lifeless burdens a few yards away. "They've all been saved. They'll need much care, too much smoke filled them before the soldiers found them, but thanks to you the girl will be spared that." the woman's smile was grim. "The illness is almost more then her body can take as it is."

Now that the urgency seemed to have passed Gabriella decided it was time to get some answers. "What is this illness?"

With an offhand shrug the woman took Gabriella's cup, reached over to fill it again and handed it back to her. "Crossing through the veil has various effects. Most commonly it is mere disorientation, but at times it brings a sickness, or death. We know not why, but we do have the skills to heal it."

Gabriella wanted to ask more, had so many questions on the tip of her tongue, ready to spill out. Before she had a chance she was wretched to her feet.

"After all that hard work I think we deserve a treat, don't you boys?"

Blinking to clear her vision, dry and blurred from all the smoke, Gabriella tilted her chin back. All she could make out was a large form. Several blinks made it a little more clear. It was a very large form, flanked by three more.

"What do you say girl? A gold piece, should cover the four of us." The man leered down at her.

Gabriella's head slanted to one side. Wrinkling her nose she looked him over, eyes stopping right at his groin. "One gold piece? Either the piece is really big or you're...not."

The man was staring at her when she brought her eyes back to his face. Gabriella watched as he blinked several times, lips moving in what Gabriella could imagine was a repeat of her words. His grip had slackened as he thought on in and Gabriella took two big steps back.

"Not..." the word came out, a tone of bafflement. The man's eyes narrowed suddenly. "Not big? I'll show you I'm not big!"

He reached for her. Gabriella skipped out of reach. "Oh you don't have to show me...I believe you."

The man lunged for Gabriella. Gabriella skidded away from him and ducked behind the other three men. Blue eyes turned up in entreating Gabriella bit her lip. The men paused in their grab for her, then turned on their raging friend.

"Calm down Byron, she's just a little thing." one said.

Another of the men nodded. "We don't want to hurt her." 

"Like hell we don't!" clenching his fist the first man glared at Gabriella.

Giving the man a sweet little grin Gabriella turned, locking eyes with the woman who had risen to come to her defense. The woman chuckled and shook her head. "That was...interesting. Not a tactic I'd try but rather clever."

"Thanks." Gabriella walked with the woman, putting some space between herself and the disputing men. "Are they all like that?"

The woman shook her head. "No, some would make you regret using your powers like that child. You might want to be more careful." the woman's head turned at a call and she made quick excuses before hurrying back.

Powers? Gabriella shook her head, wondering what the woman meant. That wasn't powers, they just thought I was too cute to hurt.

The excitement that had forced Gabriella to push all other things aside gone let all back in as though a tap had been released. A dull ache formed deep within, flashes of all sending Gabriella walking blind towards the trees. She needed to be away, away from the voices of strangers, away from the hands that could pull her down without care. A sob escaped from her lips and Gabriella covered her mouth, running as though she could escape her pain.

Breath became labored, tearing out of her painfully. Gabriella stopped running, rough coughs ripping out, leaving her gasping. Turning to rest her back against a tree Gabriella slid down. Another cough forced its way out and Gabriella muffled it with her hand. Feeling dampness on her palm Gabriella lifted her hand, staring at the red droplets, illuminated by the light of the moon. Panic clenched tight in her chest Gabriella leaned her forehead against her knees. From the smoke, or from something more, she didn't know, but something was very wrong with her. Just when she'd been certain the hell of her new reality had reached a level plain that she could bear she was struck again. This was not something she could fight, not something she could talk her way out of or simply cope with. If she got sick all was lost.

Strength began to ebb and Gabriella let it. Nothing in her wanted to fight anymore. If she didn't have her health there was nothing left to lose.

"Gabriella?"

Gabriella looked up and groaned. "Oh not you. Go away and let me die in peace."

Slater frowned. "Die?" Taking a seat at her side her reached out carefully, pressing his palm against her cheek. Brow creased he shook his head. "A bit of a fever perhaps but nothing to concern yourself with. What makes you think you are going to die?"

Without thinking Gabriella shifted so his hand covered more of her face. Then she groaned. "I can't breath, my skin is burning and...and I just feel horrible." she gave a wretched cough to emphasize her pitiful condition.

Chuckling Slater picked up the girl and set her in his lap, amazed when she didn't protest. Stroking his hand down her back he let himself enjoy the momentary weakness the girl was displaying. He wasn't sure what had brought it on, but it gave him the chance to enjoy her presence. "There was a fair bit of smoke. I'm sure it was unpleasant...is unpleasant still. But it won't kill you."

Gabriella frowned, though to Slater it appeared as more of a pout. "How would you know? Are you a doctor?" she groaned as the angry words scrapped at her raw throat. "Where were you anyway? Aren't you supposed to be in charge?"

Slater arched a brow at the way the girl's voice faded to almost nothing. It was possible she was in worse condition then he believed, but he really didn't think so. Granted she may be ill, many of the others were. She was the first he'd heard become so dramatic about it. "What makes you think you are so seriously ill Gabriella?"

Resting her head on his shoulder in a way that made him rather happy that she was sick Gabriella lifted her hand. Slater looked at the tiny specks of blood and hid a smile. Not nearly fast enough.

Sitting up Gabriella turned in his lap to set a fierce glare on him. "You cold hearted bastard! My lungs are bleeding, I'll probably drown in it and you find that funny?"

Shaking his head Slater pulled her back against him. "Your lungs aren't bleeding little one, and if they were you wouldn't be able to shout at me so. Your throat is raw from coughing...and will be from shouting now." Spontaneously Slater leaned forward and lay a soft kiss on her forehead. "The smoke no doubt made you feel ill. It will pass."

Gabriella sighed, shaking her head, the look on her face positively morose. "I doubt it." she sounded rather sad. Slater supposed that was something. She didn't want to die. Relaxing against him Gabriella arched her neck to peer up at him. "You never answered me. Where'd you go after your hissy fit?"

"Hissy fit?" Slater's brow furrowed. He shook off his confusion. "I left the camp to relieve myself of some...frustration." his lip quirked. "Which is fortunate for you. If I had not you wouldn't be sitting so comfortably on me now..." he paused and smirked. "Not with any undergarments anyway."

Slater expected the girl to bolt from him in outrage. Instead she looked intrigued. "So now that you're relieved you won't try to rape me?"

That made Slater laugh. "I won't have to rape you Gabriella."

Gabriella grinned. "You would have had to, but you can't now. I heard what Heim said. I am under the kings protection."

Slater took hold of her chin with his thumb and forefinger, turning her to face him. "I wouldn't be too confident on that fact little one. I do not fear my brother."

Gabriella stared at him, shaking her head, hoping to move his hand. Slater slid his hand up her cheek. The gentle touch made her still. "You stopped when Heim reminded you..."

Leaning back against the tree Slater sighed and nodded. "That I did, but not for the reason you think. Not fully. I lost control and was...more brutal with you then my brother would tolerate. He would not be pleased if I ruined you..."

"I don't understand." Gabriella closed her eyes as he slid his hand down her face, his thumb stroking over her lower lip.

"You are not meant to." Slater lifted his other hand, slipping his fingers under her hair, gently rubbing the back of her neck. "Know only you are too valuable for rough use." a thought struck him and he reached between them, dipping his hand into a pocket deep within his shirt. He pulled out a golden chain, letting it dangle from his fingers to reveal the dark red stone pendant, clasped in an eagle claw. "I forgot to give this to you. It will warn others not to trespass."

Gabriella watched him lift the chain and slip it over her head. "Does that include you?"

"Would that disappoint you?"

Gabriella shook her head with conviction. "No. You're being a lot nicer now that I'm out of bounds."

With a soft smile Slater shook his head, dropping his hands to her waist so he could turn her fully against him. Gabriella bit her lip. Slater leaned closer, letting his breath stir dark auburn tendrils that had drifted down her face.

"Nothing is out of bounds to me Gabriella. I only leave you because you serve a greater cause. If you knew better you would want my attentions." not knowing why he did Slater closed the distance between them, pressing his lips to hers so gently he could hardly credit the act to himself.

Gabriella closed her eyes, nothing speaking within but the need to accept his touch, the need to feel his lips, molding against her in a way that felt so very nice. The pressure of his mouth on her bottom lip called her tongue out, pure reaction guiding her. His tongue met hers, a current passing between them as he guided her in the sensual motion, pulling her closer so he could dip deeper. His hands in her hair prevented her from pulling away but for some reason Gabriella didn't want to now. Now she only felt, a drugging sensation in the taste of him. In her something objected, but it was a soft voice, easily ignored. Now she cared not that she didn't know him, that he had violated her before. All she knew was here, was now. And now was a very pleasant place to be.

"My Lord."

Slater groaned and pulled back, the back of his head hitting the tree. "Heim I am going to kill you. What is it now?"

"She still belongs to your brother My Lord, and more, I am amazed you cannot sense the change. I heard some of the men speaking of it. This one will not remain unawakened if the force is not..." Heim paused, careful to keep his words cryptic. "Shared."

Glaring at Heim, Slater let out another groan. He could feel it now, the spell broken by Heim's interference, and knew Heim spoke true. The fact that he had sated himself left him open to the girl's unconscious use of her powers. He'd been drawn to a protective, tender treatment that was not natural to him. He'd been entranced, almost willingly so. 




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 03



It had been far to pleasant losing himself into her force, which told Slater her powers could be quite dangerous if she learned how to use them. Lifting her and setting her aside Slater locked himself down, determined to make certain the ability remain the raw tendril it was now. If she tapped into it, knowingly, she would be useless to both his brother and the needs of the kingdom. There was no way he would be the cause.

"You are very sweet, and tempting my dear." he said, tone intentionally gruff. "But I think you would regret losing your virtue in the dirt. Perhaps you should not offer it out so easily?"

Gabriella looked up at him, missing his meaning for a moment. It finally hit her. The sweet kisses, the soft treatment. It was all another ploy, one far crueler then his rough treatment. Her ignorance had told him he could have her. His servant had reminded him he must not.

All she could think of was that he was one arrogant bastard. Convincing herself allowing his kisses had been nothing but a way to spare herself more pain Gabriella rose to her feet.

"You're pretty slow, aren't you Slater." she smirked at the way he bristled under the informal address. "I'm not stupid. I knew if you thought you'd get something by being nice you would take your time. Time meant giving Heim another chance to interrupt." tossing her head she let out an airy laugh. "It's reassuring to know you are all pathetically predictable."

"You snarky little bitch!" Slater took a step towards her. Gabriella slipped behind Heim, fingering the pendant resting between her breast.

"A bitch of value. Isn't that right Slater?"

"You'd best feel fortunate that is so Gabriella. If it was not I would fuck you against that tree now." Slater stepped forward, half inclined to do so anyway.

Heim pressed a hand against his chest. "My Lord, with your permission I will return the girl to the camp. Some tents were saved..."

Gabriella smiled, turning her back on them both. Slater might not like it but he couldn't...

Abruptly Gabriella's vision blurred. She stumbled, falling to her knees. Forgetting his rage Slater rushed to her side, lifting her in his arms. "Gabriella?"

Gabriella let out a weak laugh. "I told you I was dying."

Slater shook his head in exasperation, pressing his lips to her forehead. There was no mistaking her fever now. "Do you know if she was in contact with the unawakened who are ill Heim?"

Heim nodded. 'Yes. She saved one of the girls. No one thought it would spread."

Silence his only response Slater headed back towards the makeshift camp. He knew his brother would be angry if anything happened to the girl but right now he couldn't care less. Right now it was his own feelings that drove him. He didn't want the girl's words to hold any truth. He didn't want her to die.

And he cursed the fact that he wasn't sure the feelings were his own, or those she was growing the power to impart. 

*** 



Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 04



Slater rose from the pool, whipping his hair back from his face, enjoying the sting of it hitting his back. The cold air bit at his naked flesh but he ignored it, relieved to see his dick was limp for the first time in days. The icy water had served its purpose, both in refreshing him and cooling his blood. The only thing it couldn't do was free him from the fierce desire that plagued him for the willful little witch. That had been set aside, temporarily, in his concern for her.

Drying himself as best he could with a clean, albeit warn cloth, Slater dressed quickly and headed back to camp. This was the first time he'd left Gabriella's side since she'd fallen ill three days ago. 

Making sure she'd been sleeping peacefully Slater had used the time to see to his men, bathe, and clear his thoughts. He was certain his resolve was firm now. He would no longer attempt to trespass on his brother's property. Even though thinking of the sweet girl that way made him feel sick, he knew that was how it must be. 

And the conviction held until he heard her scream.

Bursting into the tent Slater's eyes narrowed at the sight within. An old woman was standing at the foot of the cot with a bloody knife. Two of his men stood at either side of the bed, reaching out. And Gabriella was pressed back against the canvass of the tent, hugging her knees, shaking and gasping as her eyes shot in panic to the men.

Seeing the blood seeping to the sheets from beneath her foot Slater stepped forward, letting out an angry roar. "What is the meaning of this?"

His men backed away. The old woman stared at him, then shook her head, motioning to a wood bucket by the foot of the bed. "A standard leeching My Lord. She is feverish."

Slater's lip curled in disgust as he eyed the thin black creatures, slipping about in the water. "Have you used the same treatment with the others?"

The old woman nodded, started to speak, then simply clamped her lips shut. She shot an entreating look at someone that had entered behind Slater.

Slater glanced over his shoulder as Heim came towards him. "Did you know about this?"

Heim shook his head and gave the old woman a look of stern disapproval. "No. But I think it is obvious they waited until you were absent to administer the treatment."

With a nod of agreement Slater moved closer to the bed. He held out his arms, pleased when Gabriella immediately crawled over to him, letting him lift her into his strong embrace. "And seeing as how the treatment was ineffective with the others I see no need to use it on her as well. I am bringing her to my tent. Send me the royal physician Heim. The girl is too valuable to risk to these butchers."

For a moment Slater was sure Heim would object. One look at how Gabriella was clinging to Slater, shaking violently, and Heim gave a firm nod, heading out to carry out Slater's command.

Slater brought Gabriella to his tent and eased her down onto the cushions within. Finding a clean strip of cloth he bound her foot, then got a thick blanket to cover her with. Settling in, appearing much more at ease, Gabriella grabbed a pillow and hugged it to her chest, smiling shyly at Slater.

"Thanks. I was sure they were going to kill me." 

Worried as he was Slater couldn't help but laugh. "You have a strange fixation with death when you are ill little one." Laying down close to her side Slater propped himself up on one elbow. "Why is that?"

Gabriella looked down, then shrugged. "I don't know. I've always been taken care of when I was sick..."

Slater frowned. "I thought I was doing a rather good job of taking care of you. This was the first time I left your side."

Tugging at her lip with her teeth Gabriella shrugged again, still not looking at him. "Oh I know, and I do appreciate it." She flushed. "But it's not what I'm used to. My mom usually brings me chicken soup and lots of tea. My dad tells me stories and brushes my hair..."

Making a face Slater shook his head. "Your father brushes your hair? What kind of man does that?"

The insinuated insult of her father brought Gabriella's head up. Blue eyes snapping she glared at him. "The kind of man who loves his daughter. He did it to help me sleep. He was secure enough in his manliness that he didn't have to be macho all the time." She arched a brow and smirked. "Unlike some people."

Slater didn't miss the jibe. He also didn't comment on it. Rather then being angry at her not so subtle disparagement of his manhood, he found he was rather impressed with the fierce loyalty she held for her sire. Of course, Slater had many who were loyal to him, but it was a loyalty driven by fear, of either himself or his brother.

Slater wonder what it would be like to be given loyalty based on love.

A plan formulated in his head. It would take some work, and some patience, but both would be needed in any case while the girl was ill. He wasn't sure it would work, but he would make the effort. He would earn the girl's trust, cease using fear to attempt to control her, and see if he could earn some of that intense loyalty for himself.

Slater took Gabriella's hand. "I am sorry Gabriella. I must confess, I've never had such gentle treatment from any that have cared for me. Perhaps you can teach me how to do it. I would very much like to see you well." His lips curved in response to the doubt in her eyes. "I get tired of your talk of death."

Giggling Gabriella shook her head. "You're a soldier. Why would me talking about dying bug you so much? You deal with death all the time."

A solemn expression on his face Slater stroked the sweat sleeked hair from her face. "Perhaps my sweet, but I wouldn't like to see one so lovely meet such an end." The sweetness of his words made Slater roll his eyes. His features lightened. "Besides. I think you are being over dramatic."

Before Gabriella could protest Heim and the royal physician entered the tent. Slater stood back as the physician examined Gabriella, watching his gentle ministrations with approval. After giving Heim a few instruction and watching him leave Slater went to the doctor to receive his diagnosis. 

"She does have a fever, but these herbs in a tea for a few days should help until we reach the town. The healers there will make quick work of the blasted ailment and she will be fine." The man said. He glanced towards Gabriella's wrapped foot which peeked out from under the blanket. "I don't approve of bleeding, and if that is how they are caring for the others, I can see why they are still so ill. There is much risk of infection out here, and thinning the blood keeps them weak."

Slater nodded. "If you are able Mathis I would like you to see to the other Unawakened. Things will go badly if we lose any to this sickness along the way."

Mathis gave a swift motion of accord. "I was going to request permission My Lord. If you have no further need of me I will see to it now."

With Slater's accord and wave of dismissal the man left. Slater went back to sit at Gabriella's side. "You see. Just as I said, you are going to be fine."

Sighing heavily Gabriella dropped her head back on the pillows. "I don't feel fine."

Bending down Slater kissed her forehead. "Well my sick little baby, we shall see what we can do about that."

***

Gabriella had drifted off to sleep by the time Heim returned. Slater gently nudged her awake, helped her sit up and braced one knee behind her so she could lean on it. Gabriella's eyes went wide when she watched Slater take the bowl Heim held out to him, along with a steaming pewter mug. She watched Slater set the mug on a bare part of the floor and wave Heim away.

"What...?" She opened her mouth without thinking when Slater lifted a spoon, full of soup, to her lips.

Slater smiled when he saw her face light up. "Chicken soup. I doubt it is as good as your mother's, but it should do the job."

Gabriella let Slater feed her in silence, a look of wonderment on her face, clearly showing her amazement at the change in his behavior. Slater was pretty amazed himself. He'd never taken care of anyone. Had never wanted to. He wondered if it was the girl's wild magic again.

Centering himself, never pausing in spooning the soup to her lips, Slater sent out a tendril of his own power, seeking any trace of hers. He found nothing, was pleased to see her powers were securely locked away, as they should be. It made him happy, and worried him all at once. Did this mean he was being considerate all on his own?

Deciding not to think on it Slater set the empty bowl aside. Checking the mug to see if it had cooled he dropped a pinch of the herbs the doctor had given him inside. Swirling it around with his finger, he lifted his eyes to Gabriella, and then brought his wet finger to her lips. He smiled, sure she would turn away. His smile fell when she opened her mouth and took his finger inside, sucking it clean.

They sat their, unmoving, for what seemed a very long time. Cheeks turning red Gabriella released his finger and turned away. Slater shook himself, then held out the mug to her.

"Here. Drink this, the doctor said it would help with the fever."

Gabriella took the mug without looking at him. "I heard."

Slater frowned. He stood abruptly and turned to leave. "You should get some rest..."

"Don't go."

Slater stopped midway in reaching for the flap of the tent. Turning back slowly he looked down at her, sure he had heard wrong. The pleading in her eyes told him he hadn't.

Gabriella sipped at the brew, not taking her eyes from him. Then she cleared her throat. "You're being nice to me. I know it probably won't last, but I want to enjoy it while it does."

Shaking his head Slater returned to his place at her side. "Silly girl. Who says it won't last?"

Sighing Gabriella took another sip. "You feel sorry for me because I'm sick. You were worried because I was dying..."

Slater let out an irritated groan. "You weren't..."

Gabriella held up her hand. "When I'm better you'll be like you were before." Draining the cup Gabriella paused with it at her lips, eying him over it. "Soon you'll go back to being my warden, and I'll be nothing but a prisoner of some weird value."

Her words cut into Slater. For a moment he wondered why she would think that. Then he understood and it made him feel quite daft. How could she believe anything else? She'd been shown from the moment she'd awakened here what her purpose was, even if only in a very vague manner. Even he, as much as he desired her, had left her untouched...well mostly...in the name of the cause.

For some reason it became very important that she know things had changed. Without giving the thoughts that they shouldn't time to route, Slater pulled her against him. Pressing his lips soft against hers he left his gentle touch to say all the things he had no words for. Let the increasing pressure speak of something more.

With a little sigh Gabriella eased against him, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Slate wrapped his arms around her and slipped his tongue into her mouth. Her mouth was burning hot with her fever, but still she responded with vigor, meeting his tongue with shy little flicks of her own, gasping when he moved over her and caught her tongue carefully with his teeth.

Slater left her mouth and moved down to her throat, sucking gently at her flesh, glorying in how it made her writhe against him. Leaving one arm behind her to keep her pressed against him Slater moved his other arm between then, stroking up her belly with his free hand, keeping it between her breast. He wanted to touch them, to mold them in his hand. But he wouldn't until he was sure she was ready.

"Gabriella." he breathed out, moving up so he could whisper in her ear. "You aren't well enough for me to claim you, as I would very much like to. But I can do something, something you will enjoy very much." He paused to let his words sink in. "Would you allow it?" He kissed her jaw, then licked up to her ear. "If you say no I will stop."

Slater preyed she wouldn't.

Closing her eyes Gabriella arched back as he continued to kiss along her jaw, then moved back to her throat. "Claim me? But you can't. You don't know me and your brother..."

Chuckling Slater took her earlobe in his mouth, anxious to make the sounds she was making in the back of her throat a little louder. "You let me worry about my brother. And as for knowing you, I plan to get to know you very well."

Letting her think on that Slater went back to pressing his lips against her throat, sucking the skin, careful to leave no marks. Gabriella grabbed the back of his head.

After holding him close for a moment she pushed him back. "You know what I mean." She seemed to think stopping him from kissing her throat would help clear her head. Her eyes drifted shut as he turned his attention to moving the hand he'd left between her breast down to her stomach. "Oh I wish you wouldn't do that...you make it very hard to think."

Slater stilled and gave her a devilish smile. "Would you like me to stop?"

Gabriella shook her head. Groaning she muttered something that sounded like 'To hell with it' and wiggled closer to him.

As much as he would have liked to hear it Slater didn't make her say the words out loud. Resolving to stop the second she gave any indication that she was frightened or that it had gone too far Slater helped her sit up. Hand stroking down her leg he caught the bottom of her skirt in his hand and began to work it up. He paused when it was just over her knee and looked at her.

Gabriella paused, bit her lip, then finally nodded. Slater relieved her of the dress and eased her back down. Shyly Gabriella crossed her legs and put her arm over her chest. Slater moved down to her feet.

"Do you have any idea." he bent down and kissed the top of her foot. "How beautiful you are?" he lay a few kisses along the part of her calf not hidden beneath the other. "A man would slay armies to posses you."

Though her legs were still crossed Gabriella relaxed a little. "And what would he do with me once he'd had me and everyone was dead?"

Slater's chuckle sent his hot breath over her bare flesh, causing her to shiver. "Why he'd have you again, and again and..."

The kisses he pressed just above her knee made Gabriella shift restlessly, crossing and uncrossing her legs quickly. Her breath quickened as Slater moved up. "There's more to life then sex." she clamped her mouth shut. "And you're not getting that now so forget it."

Chuckling again Slater glided his tongue down to where her thighs pressed together, then slid up a bit more. "There is much more then sex Gabriella, and as much as I'd like to, I've already said we weren't doing that now. This has nothing to do with what I am getting. It's all about you." Dropping a soft kiss on her hip Slater pressed his palm against her thigh. "Now open for me. I promise you, you will enjoy it. And what's more, it will help you sleep."

Her knees shook as she uncrossed her legs, opening them just an inch, clenching her fist at her sides. Glancing up at her Slater saw her eyes were shut tight and she was biting hard into her lip. Slater sighed and moved away. Grabbing a blanket from among the cushions he covered her in it and laid down at her side.

After waiting, breath held, for a long time, Gabriella opened her eyes. Then she turned to him. "I thought you were going to..."

Expression showing a calm he did not feel Slater forced a small smile to his lips and smoothed his hand over her hair. "You don't want to. It's alright."

Brow furrowed Gabriella stared at him. Exhaling slowly she shook her head. "No, it's not that...it's just...well I was nervous."

Slater nodded. This he could well understand. "I know asking you if you trust me would be foolish, but can I ask you to attempt it, just for the time being?" 

At her slow nod Slater put his hand on her stomach, then moved it down. At her nervous glance Slater was sure she would stop him, but instead she put her hand on his shoulder. Her grip tightened when his slipped the first finger inside her. As he began to slowly move it her grip eased. When he added a second finger and began to move faster she dropped her hand and rolled to her back.

Grasping to the opening, seeing how she'd parted her thighs a little to ease his motion Slater shifted down, licking and sucking a lazy trail down her belly. Quickening the thrust of his fingers he pressed a gentle kiss just above the beginning of her pussy lips. The he slid his tongue between the slit.

Gabriella gasped and moaned, squirming. With the thumb and forefinger of his free hand Slater parted her lips and lapped up from where his fingers dipped, all the way up to the soft pink rise of her clit. Flicking it with the tip of his tongue, teasing it with several gentle nips, Slater worked her to climax.

Slowing for a moment Slater's mind raced. He knew he could take her, now, and she wouldn't protest. He also knew once her head had cleared she would hate him. Decision made he ignored his dick, which pressed hard against the seam of his pants, and sucked on her. 

Fingers moving fast he stopped suddenly, worked a third finger in and curved his fingers up. He felt her convulse around his fingers and looked up to see her pressing her face into the pillow, stifling her screams.

Withdrawing his fingers Slater slid back up and pulled her into his arms, holding her tight as she came back down. It took her awhile to catch her breath, but when she did she gave him a shy smile and pressed herself against his chest, hugging him tight.

"You kept your word."

Slater scowled. "Of course I did. I am a man of honor."

Gabriella rolled her eyes and moved back to face him. "It wouldn't have been dishonorable to seduce me when you were already half way there."

Considering it Slater shrugged. "Well if you insist." he bent down, kissing her lips, his crooked grin telling her he was teasing.

Gabriella grinned and shove him off her. "Not yet. Wait until we know for sure I'm not going to die."

Slater groaned and rolled over, pulling her on top of him. "If you don't stop that I'm going to have to beat you."

Gabriella rested her elbows on his chest and her chin in her hands. "Really? Will I like it?"

Laughing Slater put his hand on the back of her head. She moved her hands and bent down to accept his kiss. Resting her head on him she began to draw little circles against his shirt with her finger. Before long she stopped, and when she grew heavy Slater knew she had fallen asleep.

In the quiet Slater started to wonder if he had lost his mind. Then he heard someone else voice the question out loud. Turning his head he sighed, then chuckled. "Your timing is improving Heim. Or perhaps not, depending on your opinion of the matter."

Heim glared at him, then shook his head, his face crimson. "I have cared for you since you were a boy. Is it so wrong of me to want to spare you certain death?"

Slater scoffed, too relaxed to take exception to the familiar way his servant was speaking to him. "Oh calm yourself Heim. My brother is not going to kill me." Absently he passed his hand over Gabriella's head. "Maybe he'll understand. He has plenty others. He doesn't need her."

Horrified Heim stared at him. "Don't tell me you've grown attached to the girl. Curse it I knew I should have kept you from her when she grew ill...the magic and the pity combined..."

Slater's eyes went hard. "The regard I hold for the girl has nothing to do with her magic, or with pity. She is..." he shook his head and waved a dismissive hand towards his servant. "Leave me now Heim. Let the girl rest. Let me rest. We will speak on this tomorrow."

Heim bowed and backed towards the opening of the tent. "Tomorrow we break camp and head to Velsham." Heim parted with a final warning. "The people of the village are fiercely loyal to your brother. It would serve you ill for them to see you with the girl."




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 04



Watching the tent flap close Slater listened for a moment. He heard Heim call over several of his guards by name. All guards that were more dedicated to Slater then to his brother. Heim commanded them to watch the tent while their Master slept.

The order gave Slater a feeling of dread. Heim's concerns had been easily ignored, but having his men stationed outside the tent made it very real suddenly. 

So long as Gabriella was with him, alone, Slater would need his men's protection. Slater had ignored the danger, but it hit him now. If one of his brother's men saw him like this, with the girl intended for the king, his life would be forfeit. Slater tried to deny it, but there was no use. 

He wouldn't be given a chance to appeal to his brother's mercy. He would be executed before he even got home.

*** 

Please note: First of all thank you to all those who have been rating and favoring my stories. It's good to know people are enjoying them. Any comments and feedback are appreciated, and please feel free, at any time, to contact me with questions. I will try and keep the parts coming, regularly, once a week, whenever possible. However I have other projects in the works so at times it could be longer. Let me know if you'd like notice of upcoming additions, and for those that are interested I've been considering setting up spoilers. What I will tell you for now is that things will be heating up over the next few parts. In more ways then one. Enjoy! 



Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 05



"Will you stop petting the damn mule and just get on it."

Gabriella jumped when Slater's sharp voice sounded close at her side. Hand still on the velvety soft muzzle of the huge black steed she looked up at him, dismissing his bad humor, figuring it was due to something he ate.

"He's pretty for a mule. I thought he was a horse. What's his name?" Her cheeks dimpled as she graced him with her most charming smile.

Slater scowled at her. "He is a horse, and he is not 'Pretty'." Sighing at the doleful gaze the horse sent his way Slater patted his head. "He's a fine thoroughbred, his sire is the king's horse, descended from the royal stock..." 

Gabriella's eyes glazed over. She went back to petting the horse. Slater stopped talking and frowned at the back of her head. How was it the girl had seemed so interested in the horse, mere moments before, and yet seemed bored by its impressive lineage? 

When Slater was silent for awhile Gabriella's eyes returned to his face. "Are you done bragging?"

Throwing up his hands Slater turned away from her, nearly knocking Heim from his feet. Heim blinked at him, righting himself, then looked to Gabriella, trying to discern what she'd done. 

Gabriella caught the look. Brow furrowed she looked from him to Slater. Slater had his back to her, putting a ridiculous amount of focus into arranging the packs on the actual mule. Hands on her hips she glared at his back. "So you're gonna sulk now?"

Slater went still, fist clenched around the food sack he'd been stuffing in the saddle bag. Rising, slowly, he turned. The look on his face made Gabriella take a step back. "Listen you daft little girl. In case you haven't noticed I have a full garrison of soldiers relying on me, as well as valuable quarry to be delivered to the king, which is decreasing in value by the day. I deigned to answer your silly questions and your flighty little mind couldn't focus." He stepped towards her and patted her on the cheek. "I am not sulking, my sweet. I am merely irritated at myself for wasting my time."

Mouth dry Gabriella stared at him. "Quarry? Is that what we are?" Crossing her arms over her chest, shoulders hunched, Gabriella glanced at Heim, dismissed his expression of sympathy, and then stepped closer to Slater. "What is it you plan to extract from us?" She tossed her head now, lifting her chin. "I might not be brilliant, but I've got a pretty good grasp of the English language. I want to know what I'm to be used for before I go anywhere."

Slater avoided her steady gaze. He didn't want her to see it, to see how much he wanted to truthfully deny all she'd said. It would do neither of them any good to continue on with their friendly repertoire, nor their amiable companionship. A good sleep had made this very clear to him. As had the adoring smile she'd given him that morning.

The best thing he could to was end it now, before he got both of them killed.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it Gabriella. I'm sure the king will explain it all to you once you are delivered to him. For now, all I ask, is that you stop wasting my time." Slater watched her lip tremble at his cold words and turned away before he was tempted to take them back. Reality had finally returned to him, and it had made what he must do very clear. What he wanted was not relevant. He was the king's brother. He must do what he could to support the cause.

The original intention had been for Gabriella to ride with Slater. Now the thought of holding her against him, even for the short ride, seemed rather unwise. Hating himself for how he knew he was hurting her Slater turned to Heim. "Bring her to the group transporting the others. The men will care for her well. They know what she's worth."

With that Slater whistled sharply for his horse to come to him, mounted in a smooth vault, and rode away. 

Gabriella stared after him, tears rimming her eyes. She didn't understand. How could the man that had been so kind, so compassionate while she'd been so dreadfully ill, be so cruel now?

The question wasn't voiced until she was stuck on the back of a horse with another girl, the girl who had bravely faced the soldiers mere days before. Gabriella hadn't even realized the girl had been recaptured.

"I don't understand men. Why are they nice one second, then nasty the next?" Gabriella flushed, realizing suddenly she had voiced the question out loud to a stranger. It was bad enough Slater thought she was stupid. She really didn't want anyone else sharing that opinion of her.

The girl looked over her shoulder, letting out a harsh laugh. "Why in the world would you want to understand men? They're dumb as shit."

Gabriella blinked at the girl. Then smiled. The girl's crass talk reminded her of her sister. "Why wouldn't I want to understand them? I mean when I fall in love..." Gabriella bit her tongue. It was too late.

The girl laughed at her. "My god, are you seriously that naïve? Love? Let me guess. You got a thing for that big guy."

Gabriella laughed uncomfortably. "No. I just think..."

The other girl cut her off. "Bullshit. Everyone's seen you mooning after him like a little bitch in heat. It's pathetic. He only wants one thing..." the girl gave her a shrewd look. "Or is that it. Did he fuck you already? Is that why you're all doe eyed?"

"No he hasn't..." Flustered Gabriella looked down, watching the foliage crunch under the horses hooves. "I'm not like that. And Slater...well he's been mean today, but before..."

"Oh god. You know what, I believe you. You've got virgin written all over you. But still, that guy's been working you. It won't be long..." the girl sighed, losing her coarse bearing. "My names Joanna. What's yours?"

"Gabriella." The words were hardly audible. Gabriella was embarrassed, just imagining what the girl would say if she knew what she and Slater had done.

"Okay, Gabriella, you've got to understand something about me. I'm not thrilled about being here, and maybe I'm a little jaded. Maybe that Slater guy is swell, who am I to say. Personally, I can't stand guys, but each to their own."

Gabriella forced her mouth shut, but couldn't help staring at Joanna. She couldn't possibly mean... "What do you mean you can't stand guys?"

Cocking her head Joanna smiled at her indulgently. "How do I put this right for your sweet little innocent ears. I live an alternative lifestyle. I choose not to have...relations with boys."

Gabriella licked her lips, stunned. "So you're a virgin too."

Joanna smirked. "Not according to the crowd I hang with."

"Oh." Gabriella couldn't think of what else to say.

They rode in silence for awhile, both shifting often to adjust to the constant motion of the horse, unaccustomed to remaining in such an awkward position for so long. When they finally stopped for a short break the girls took a walk, hoping to ease the stiffness from their muscles. The guards followed them, but kept a respectable distance. It gave the girls a bit of privacy to continue their conversation.

"So did you have a...girlfriend...before you were taken?" Gabriella felt awkward saying it, but wanted to show her new friend she had no problem with the preferences she had revealed. 

Joanna shook her head, picking a leaf off a tree to twirl it distractedly in her hand. "I'd just broken up with one. It had been a few months..." She shrugged, laughing bitterly. "The tramp cheated on me...with a guy. Decided she liked dick after all."

Without thinking Gabriella let out the typical platitudes. "I'm so sorry. She didn't deserve you."

Joanna chuckled. "Really? Well how do you know little miss purity..." She paused when Gabriella went red. "My, my. Well I guess we've gotten to the heart of the matter, haven't we. That Slater guy did something to you, didn't he? Something you liked a lot." 

Not liking how Joanna was acting as if she was a clueless little girl Gabriella lifted her chin, intent on showing the girl she'd had her own experiences. "Ya, I did like it. But it doesn't mean anything."

"Bullshit." Joanna sounded incredulous, but looked interested. "If you didn't have sex then what did you do?"

Gabriella was red from head to toe. She knew it. Still, she wasn't backing down. "Well he kissed me."

Joanna scoffed. "So what! That's nothing..."

Gabriella smirked. "Not on the mouth."

Stopping short Joanna turned to her. "Seriously?" She waited for Gabriella's nod, then grinned. "You, baby girl, just got a whole lot more interesting."

Happy that Joanna had stopped regarding her as a child Gabriella was shocked when Joanna approached her, an intent look in her eyes. 

Gabriella took a step back. A tree prevented her from going any further. "Joanna..."

Joanna slipped her hand into Gabriella's hair. "So what was it like?" She leaned close, her breath stirring the hairs at the nape of Gabriella's neck. "Did you like the feel of his tongue inside you, licking up all that sweet honey?"

Gabriella tried to slip away. Joanna held her still, kissing her neck. Gabriella closed her eyes, trying to remember what she'd wanted to say. "Joanna I don't like girls."

Laughing Joanna licked her way up to her ear. "How do you know? Have you ever tried it?"

Shaking her head Gabriella put her hands on Joanna's shoulders. She found herself pulling her closer rather then pushing her away when Joanna began a gentle play of her teeth along the soft lobe of her ear. "No, but..."

Joanna pressed her breast against Gabriella's, writhing against her. "Why don't you try it. Then you'd know for sure if it was just the feelings he gave you that got you hooked."

Gabriella tried to think. It was difficult with Joanna's hands moving over her, bringing her body to life. When Joanna kissed her lips all was forgotten. The girl's expert tongue play erased all else from her mind.

With experience Gabriella couldn't even fathom Joanna trapped her in the kiss, even while pulling up her skirts, leaning her against the tree while she bunched the material between them. One hand groping between Gabriella's thighs Joanna found the damp juncture, the only place where Gabriella couldn't lie about how Joanna's attention was making her feel.

Stroking Gabriella, Joanna whispered in her ear. "I want to eat you out Gabriella. Please say yes."

Gabriella couldn't say much of anything. Part of her was amazed that she'd let it go so far. Another part of her wanted more. Joanna took the look on her face, paired with the way her hips moved for a deeper touch, as a yes.

Curving two fingers into Gabriella's pussy Joanna dropped to her knees, dipping her head beneath Gabriella's skirts. Thrusting her fingers in to the knuckle she twirled them around until Gabriella was clinging to the tree for support, legs spread shamelessly wide. Then she tipped her head back.

Gabriella felt Joanna's tongue, circling, licking, flicking close to her thrusting fingers. Joanna's lips closed around her soft mound even as she prodded at the sensitive nub of her clit. Feeling drained Gabriella wasn't sure how long she could stay on her feet. The pleasure was overwhelming, but more then that, it felt as though Joanna was drinking in much more then her flowing juices.

It felt as though her very life was ebbing away.

"Gabriella!"

Hearing the call Gabriella lazily turned her head towards it. No thought of stopping Joanna, even if someone came, Gabriella listlessly wondered who it could be.

Cold hit her abruptly as Joanna was pulled away. Gabriella collapsed to the forest floor.

"Idiots! I should have you quartered for this! She could have killed her!" 

Gabriella felt herself lifted. It was very nice. Still it wasn't enough. She wanted to be touched, so badly it hurt. Groaning she pushed against a hard chest, looking blindly for Joanna.

"We didn't know!" A gruff voice protested. "She's supposed to be Unawakened! They all are! We thought it was safe!"

By the scent, warm, spicy and familiar, Gabriella knew it was Slater that held her now. Her body tingled as the deep rumble of his angry words vibrated through her. "Unawakened does not mean powerless. It only means they use it without intent. Your ignorance would not spare you from the king. Their powers are all well documented."

Gabriella was sure it was one of the guards that cleared his throat now. "My Lord we never..." He paused. "We didn't read the reports My Lord."

A string of curses were released on the foolish men, who left as soon as they were dismissed, with Joanna in tow, to find somewhere to isolate her until they set back out. Gabriella felt Slater's grip tighten as he leaned back against a tree. She smiled when he kissed her hair, then her forehead, his concern apparent.

"So I'm stupid, but you like me anyway?" Gabriella muttered, curving close against his chest.

Slater pressed his brow to hers. "I never said you were stupid."

"No." Gabriella agreed lightly, trying to focus on him through her fuzzy gaze. "But you implied as much."

Unable to debate the fact Slater pushed away from the tree, balancing her slight form in the bend of his arms as he made his way back towards the core of his men, gathered in the clearing. 

The desperate need to get Gabriella back to the horses before he was tempted to use their privacy, and his erection, kept him walking despite his aggravated body's protests. His dick still refused to understand the desire to keep his head on his shoulders, and made walking awkward, pressed thick and hard against the seam of his pants. It wanted between those soft thighs that had been bared so nicely, closed against the other girl's face. Consequences be damned. 

Worse was the fact that Gabriella seemed to be of the same opinion. Toying with the laces of his shirt she shifted, moving her bottom in a way Slater understood too well. She had been left wanting, and now there was little room in her mind for anything but the craving that would not be denied. He wondered for a moment if she might be given some privacy to care for herself. The thought only served to make his dick twitch in protest.

Gabriella squirmed again, then turned towards him and hid her face against his chest. "Slater. Stop."

Slater stopped, then cursed himself for doing so when she pushed out of his arms, looking deliciously ruffled and wanton standing before him, making no effort to put distance between them. Rather she stood within a breath of him, shyness in her bearing, welcoming in her eyes. It was a strain to convince himself Gabriella would never be looking at him like that if she was in her right mind. 

Unless, of course, he had put a great deal of effort into seducing her first. The fact that someone else had done most of the work for him, with the aid of magic no less, just didn't seem to matter now. 

"Are you okay?" He knew the answer, he also knew it was depraved and cruel to pretend concern. Caring was another issue. Gabriella was in no danger now, and she was ripe for the plucking. What kind of fool would let an opportunity such as this pass?

Gabriella licking her lips eradicated the very wise and ready answers from his head. "Slater...I need your help..."

Trust. His mind reminded, even as he pulled her against him, pressing his lips to her hair, hooking his fingers under her chin to lift her face so he could continue to give her his tender attention. He kissed one closed lid, then the other, working his way down to her lips. 

The answer came quickly. She can trust me. I plan to faithfully relieve her of this all consuming desire before she is left vulnerable to others.

What of how vulnerable she is to you? His stubborn brain pressed.

Slater smirked against her throat, enjoying the gaspy little breaths she was making while he sucked her flesh into his mouth. Convenient, is it not?

Why do you pretend you don't care? The question brought a frown to his lips. Gabriella didn't seem to notice he'd stopped moving. Tiny fingers clenched into his shirt she moved against him, restless, mindless. He knew it was the aftereffects of the other girl's wild force that drove her. If she was any other girl he wouldn't care. He shook his head at himself. Damn it, he didn't care.

When did you start lying to yourself? An inner voice questioned shrewdly.

Without thinking Slater wrapped his arms around the small form of the girl that made such simple things so difficult. The cause. The cause was supposed to be all that mattered. It had ceased being so. The desire to keep them both alive was more compelling, but even that wasn't enough. He wanted something more, something he knew he could not have. He didn't want to use and discard her. He wanted her for himself.

The revelation shocked him. Never, in all his years, had he ever coveted something of his brother's. That was what she was, it was an undisputable fact. So why was he trying to deny it?

If only there was another way. A way for him to claim her, without risking life and limb, and without betraying his brother. Perhaps if he was to let his brother take what he needed and then...

The idea made him sick. It also served to cool the fire in his blood that had made him want to ravish her. The man that he'd always been was easily convinced bedding the girl would solve the problem. The man he was becoming slayed the notion like an unworthy foe.

Placid now that his mind had overcome his baser urges Slater faced down the reality that was becoming quite clear. No more was he nothing more then his brother's faithful servant. No more was it enough to simply have a place among the elite ranks of the kingdom. The voice that had been kept silent for so long by gratitude became a roaring wave of demands. High above them, steeling within, was the decision which could lead to his end. Or his salvation.

Freedom had never been a concern. The starving boy that had been taken from a life of destitution and hefted up into one of superfluity had never noted it lacking. Everything was provided, and nothing else mattered. The choices had been made for him, and he'd always accepted them as good ones, so what was there to question? Now the chains of his brother's rule rankled, and he ached to shake them off. 

Gabriella couldn't be used by him. There was no debating a good part of his longing to do so was little more then the fact that it was forbidden. The prevalent force that wanted to make her his own was not so easily dismissed. It was to this he finally surrendered. 

There was no comfort in the admission. To himself, and to himself alone he would admit there was some fear in what the repercussions of this decision would be. The soldier in him smothered the unease and began to formulate a plan. 

Realizing Gabriella still squirmed against him, making any kind of action near impossible, Slater decided it would be prudent to begin with clearing the girl's head. Moving with fresh, cool determination, Slater picked her up, holding her away from him lest she inavertedly sway his resolve, and walked with her deeper into the woods, away from the assemblage of his men.

The rough passage of gnarled tree roots covered with moss and dry earth gave way to an abrupt drop, lined with gravel and mud, running along the little stream. Slater eyed the water, judging it to be no more then hip deep. Which would be plenty.

***

Screams woke Gabriella, or perhaps it was the cold, or perhaps both. Disoriented and shocked she couldn't reason out where she was at first. All she knew was that she was wet.

Panic hit her and she thrashed about, grasping for something to cling to. Water churned around her, splashing into her face. The dark red of her hair blinded her and she struggled with it, even while fighting for a foothold, convinced she was drowning.

A deep chuckle stopped her thrashing. Whipping daggers in her glare she turned to Slater. "Why is it you're always laughing while I'm suffering?"




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 05



Slater arched a brow and grinned at her. "You seem to be suffering much less now, then you were before my love." Slater grimaced at the slip, but thankfully Gabriella hadn't noticed.

"Suffering less? What are you talking about you cocky bastard? I'm..." Gabriella gasped when Slater's amused look darkened abruptly and he closed the distance between them, yanking her to her feet.

Grip just short of bruising on her arm he leaned close to her face. "You are suffering less. Or, at very least, you've stopped shifting your ass like a bitch in heat. It was rather revolting."

Gabriella cringed when Slater released her, the expression on his face holding a rage she'd never seen. She didn't understand it. Right now she didn't want to. "Don't hit me."

Slater's eyes seemed to clear abruptly. He dropped his gaze and stared at his fist, clenched at his side. Opening and closing his hand several times he turned away from her. "I wouldn't hit you." he took several agitated steps away, then turned back, looking intrigued. "You're very good. How did you do that?"

Gabriella blinked. "Do what?"

Moving closer, hands out as though to assure her he meant no harm, Slater reached out and touched her cheek. "You haven't done it in awhile. I'd forgotten you could. I had no intention of hurting you, but I was angry, angry enough that I might have taken a swing, only to stop myself at the very last second. One look, three words, and I was horrified for even frightening you."

Not sure what he was talking about Gabriella latched on to the one thing she did understand. "Why were you angry?"

Slater's features were hard as he recalled it. He didn't look at her when he replied. "I take exception to the term bastard."

Confused Gabriella stared unblinking at the side of his face. "Why?"

Inhaling slowly Slater turned to face her. Gabriella waited for the answer. It never came. Instead Slater motioned back to camp. "Go change your clothes and gather your things. Meet me back hear when you hear the call of the loon." 

Clumps of muddy earth rolled out from under Slater's boots as he climbed up to the path that lead back to the garrison. Only once he'd reached the top did he look back. Gabriella hasn't moved.

"What is it? Too steep for you?" Slater was attempting not to sound irritated. Gabriella could tell. Still it wasn't the least bit reassuring.

"I'm all wet. What if I catch pneumonia?" She crossed her arms and shivered to emphasize her point. Slater skidded back down the muddy bank. "And why in the world do you want me to get my stuff and come back here?" 

Before she could continue with her questions Slater lifted her up to him and slammed his mouth against hers. Gabriella's eyes went wide, then closed when she surrendered and melted in his embrace.

Assured that he had successfully gained silence, if only for the moment, Slater gently set her back. "I refuse to allow you to get ill so long as I live, my sanity cannot bear it. As for coming back with your things I only assumed you wouldn't want to leave with only the soaked clothing on your back."

Stunned Gabriella stared up at him. She was shivering in earnest, sure she had never been so cold in her life, but was too taken off guard to whine about it. "Leave?"

With a sharp nod Slater took a step back, not releasing her, only giving her some space so that she would well hear what he had to say. It also cleared his own head so that he was able to caste several furtive glances around, keeping well aware of his surroundings as he spoke, not wanting to chance being overheard. "There's not much time to explain. All I can tell you now is that you would be pampered and cared for in my brother's care, but only so long as you are useful. After that you would be passed down in exchange for someone fresh..."

"Wait a second!" Gabriella stepped away from him. "What do you mean, 'As long as I am useful?' And 'someone fresh?' This has something to do with that 'quarry' statement, doesn't it?"

Grinding his teeth at her shouting, wishing she'd at least hear him out before drawing the garrison's attention, Slater grabbed her shoulders and leaned down, speaking low. "Yes Gabriella. It does. We do not have time to discuss it further. I just want you to know..." He paused, almost as though he wanted an interruption that would make speaking the words unnecessary. Unfortunately it didn't come. With a sigh he mumbled the words to the forest floor. "I couldn't bear to see that happen to you."

The soft pads of Gabriella's fingers brushed against his cheek, making him look up. "See what happen to me Slater? And why couldn't you bear it? Why should you care?"

Slater cleared his throat. Seeing Gabriella becoming all starry eyed brought him to his senses. Now was not the time to be making such admissions to her. He didn't need her floating in the clouds, gushing about his...interest in her. He needed her feet on solid ground, preferably moving...quickly. 

Giving her a quick peck on the nose, hoping she wouldn't take his next words too hard, he turned her and gave her a sound smack on the bottom. "Enough with the questions! Go you little imp, and hurry back. I'd like to beat the garrison to town so that you can see the doctor before we set off. And perhaps get some supplies..."

The peck on the nose had done nothing to ease Gabriella's irritation. The practical way he was speaking, however, had done just that. Gabriella had sworn she wouldn't leave without a plan. Now they had one. Of course her original intentions had been to leave without Slater, but she had to admit, there was nothing unpleasant about the thought of having him along to protect her, and guide her and...she almost sighed as she imagined him finally getting up the nerve to say it.

Only in her dreams had she imagined such romance. In this strange place, a place she'd hated at first, it seemed dreams truly were possible. Images of roses and chocolate hearts danced through her head.

The next smack on her butt was harder. "Gabriella I said hurry!"

With a dreamy smile Gabriella nodded. Skipping back to him so quickly he had no chance to object, she rose up on her toes and planted a light kiss on his lips. "I'll hurry." She danced away and gave a little twirl. "And don't worry about the doctor. I feel wonderful."

With a light giggle she sprinted out of sight.

Slater stood, unmoving, for several breaths, eyes on the part in the trees where she'd ducked out of sight. Smacking his hand to his forehead, hard, he groaned, then trudged through the woods in the other direction.

What in the name of the gods was he getting in to?

***

Like a pan flute born in purity, rich and haunting, the cry of the loon rose over the low din of the crowd. None but Gabriella appeared to have heard the call. The others were enjoying a few last moments before they mounted for the last leg of the journey. 

To Gabriella the sound was the most heavenly thing she'd ever heard. She knew she was being melodramatic, but she couldn't care less. The bird's beautiful voice sounded like a singing spirit, and she fancied it being Slater's calling to hers. It was funny, she'd never been the romantic sort. 

Much had changed since coming to this strange place. Most of all she could honestly say, for the first time, she was falling in love. And what a wonderful feeling it was.

Tiny bundle of clothes in hand Gabriella stepped lightly, covertly, around the tents, keeping an eye out for any guards who might stop her. They all seemed busy, which was good. It was a relief to see two that she recognized laughing loudly with a group of gaudily dressed women. Slater's personal guards. They were the most likely of all to be absent if any knew of their plans.

If they were still here then all was well. She and Slater could slip away. By the time anyone noticed them missing, they would be too far to follow.

Pulse beating quick and nervous, like a little bird's, Gabriella worked her way to the meeting place. A light breeze teased at her hair, causing several crimson strands to sweep across her face. The shadow of the forest grew darker as storm clouds rolled lazily overhead. Gabriella didn't see it as a cause for concern. Slater could get them through a storm. If anything the storm would be a blessing. It would make it harder for the others to follow.

The darkness made it a bit more difficult to make her way through the woods, and for a frightening moment Gabriella was sure she'd gotten lost. The sound of water running gently along the muddy bank reached her when she stopped to get her bearings. Exhaling heavily with relief Gabriella followed the sound until she reached the edge of the bank. 

Taking in the undisturbed earth around the bank, as well as the subtle differences in the landscape, Gabriella reasoned that she must have walked further downstream then she'd intended. Following the water trail she made her way upstream, keeping her eye out for any sight of Slater. 

The clouds parted in the sky, sending a bright ray of light down to glisten off the tiny ripples of the water. Gabriella marveled on how clear the water was. It reminded her of the streams she'd seen on camping trips with her parent. There was nothing so pure in the city.

Through the crystalline depths color began to flow. Streaking in wisps through the soft current, becoming more prominent as Gabriella continued, was a tint of crimson. Stomach seizing Gabriella quickened her pace. The color thickened into a dark red that left no mistaking to what it was. The scent of blood waifed in the gentle breeze.

The large form lying prone, half in the water, came into view. Gabriella started running. A sob ripped through her chest as she stumbled to her knees. Slater lay still, face down in the stream.

Not caring that the cold water soaked her skirts Gabriella lifted his face from the water. He wasn't moving. Wasn't breathing. With all the strength she could gather Gabriella rolled his large form over. Slater's body hit the bank hard. Bloody water spilled from his mouth. Still, he didn't move.

Fighting off the threat of panic that urged her to scream, to cry, Gabriella pushed on his stomach, ignoring the blood that gushed warm over her hands. Mouth closed over his Gabriella tried to force air into his lifeless body. The taste of his blood in her mouth told it was hopeless. Still she refused to give up.

She wasn't given a choice. Rough hands pulled her back, turning her. Five large men, men she'd seen around camp, surrounded her.

"Looks like we were right. The king's bastard brother trespassed. The stupid chit is smitten with him." One of the men remarked.

The man holding Gabriella nodded. "That she is. And there's no way a man like Slater would have left such a prime piece untouched. Which makes her useless to our liege." The man fair lifted Gabriella from her feet as he jerked her against him. "Do you know what that means little girl?"

Shivering with her urgency Gabriella tried to wrestle free. She didn't give a damn what these men wanted from her. All she could think of was Slater. Breath, she needed to make him breath. If she didn't, quickly, he would die.

Laughter drew her eyes back to the man holding her. "Forget about him girl. The traitor is dead." He leaned in close, leering. "If I were you, I would worry about my own fate."

***



Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 06



White cloth, ripped and stained, gave way to rough tugging. Big hands, pulling at her, bruising her flesh. They would use her, leave her bloody and mangled by the body at her feet. The cold bit at her bared flesh and she sought escape, deep within. Let them finish her. She didn't care.

A memory came to her, giving some relief. Sarah's face, smiling and laughing, running around the large oak in the front yard of their childhood home. 

Sarah slowed and taunted her. 'Come on Gabby! Catch me!'

Gabriella giggled and skipped after her sister, careful not to get her skirts dirty. 'You're too fast.'

The image changed. Sarah was running towards her now. No longer a child, but a young woman. Gabriella had just reached the cusp of womanhood but Sarah had passed it years before. Beautifully formed, so strong, a vision of all Gabriella wished she could be, Sarah had it all. At that moment the image of infallible confidence had been shattered. 

Face bloody and bruised Sarah tripped, falling to her sister's feet. Wrenching breaths stole her voice for long moments, torn through with a sob. Sarah grasped her sister's hands. 'Get daddy Gabby. They're coming...'

Shocked Gabriella had looked past her sister. 'What's going on? Daddy's not home Sarah!'

Crying uncontrollably, head bowed in defeat, Sarah pressed her palms to the pale granite walkway. 'Get inside Gabby! Quick! I don't want them to get you too...'

Gabriella heard the sound of boots pounding on pavement. She looked up. There were two boys running up the street. Without pause she took hold of the shovel her father had left in the yard earlier that day. 'I'm not leaving you Sarah.'

The boys stopped, steps away from the girls. 'You want your sister to play too you little cock tease?' He reached around Gabriella, who was frozen in fear, and jerked Sarah to her feet. 'That's fine with us. Whore probably runs in the family.'

The boy jammed his mouth against her sister's swollen lips. Without thinking Gabriella swung the shovel. It connected with a sickening thud and he collapsed, blood spilling out from the gash in his head. Sarah gapped up at her, then turned her head to watch the other boy run off.

Gabriella dropped the shovel. The sound of the metal striking stone seemed to echo into the night as the girls watched the blood ooze down the gleaming edge. One of the neighbors came running. The police were called. The boy was taken away on a stretcher.

Hours later her father returned. Quietly he stepped into the cozy little living room. His eyes went to Sarah, huddled alone on a wing chair in her bathrobe, dark hair still wet from her shower. Sarah had refused the comfort her mother had offered, the comfort she was giving Gabriella. After assessing the situation with his usual perceptiveness he left Sarah to gather her thoughts alone, as she was best suited, and went to kneel before Gabriella.

Tears spilling anew Gabriella gazed wide eyed at her father. 'Is he dead?'

Forcing a smile, though it was rather grim, her father shook his head. 'No. He made it through surgery and the doctor says he should make a full recovery.'

Gabriella bowed her head. 'I'm sorry...'

Taking her chin in his hand her father forced her to face him. His eyes were hard. 'No Gabriella. Don't be. Don't you ever be sorry for doing whatever you need to, to survive. You saved yourself and your sister...' His voice sounded strangled. 'If you hadn't I could have lost you both...'

Sarah rose and threw herself at her father. He held her close, never taking his eyes off Gabriella. Leaning forward Gabriella wrapped her arms around his neck. The bloody image might never leave her, but the point was she was alive. She was alive and whole and so was her sister. The will to survive and protect those she loved had triumphant and always would. 

Even now.

A hand closed around her breast, more hands gripped to her legs. Covered in mud, in Slater's blood, her father's words came to her again. A dagger sheathed in the belt of one of the men came into view, and as she had all those years ago she reacted without thought and grabbed it. Swinging out blindly the blade hit flesh and she pressed down hard. Hot blood spilled over her hand. The grasping hands released her.

A gurgling, gagging sound left the man as he fell to his back, fingers prying futily at the handle of the dagger buried deep in the center of his throat. The scent of blood sickened but didn't stall her. Standing she faced the men who's eyes were locked on their fallen comrade, laying still in the mud. The urge to run was strong, but she fought it. She wouldn't leave Slater behind.

Shaking free of his shock one man grabbed her. "You'll pay for that."

Gabriella lifted her eyes to his. Hair clung to her cheeks, to her lips. She cocked her head and smiled. "Do you want to hurt me?"

The man's breath quickened. Blinking he dropped his hand and stepped back.

Another man came to his side. "Bleed the bitch Tor! She killed Judas!"

The man, Tor, shook his head. "No, we can't. She's just a child..."

Growling in frustration the soldier pushed Tor aside and reached for her. Gabriella stepped out of reach. Tor pulled out his sword and swung in a swift arc.

Blood sprayed over Gabriella's face. The soldier felt to his knees. His head dropped to her feet.

The two remaining soldiers roared out a battle cry and attacked Tor. Numb Gabriella moved away from them and knelt at Slater's side. She could hear the grunts and shouts of the men fighting behind her, but she felt apart from that now. All she acknowledged was the desperate need to somehow return life to Slater, who had been still for much too long.

There was a strange crunching sound behind her, somehow reaching her even though the stretch of silence before hadn't registered. Something nudged her shoulder. Gabriella looked up to see Slater's horse standing over her, head bent, large eyes trained on her face. The horse whinnied softly and nudged her again.

Gabriella smiled tremulously at him. "Never did get your name. Did you get scared away when the fighting started?" 

The horse lifted its head and shook it. Its reins draped limply along its neck and she could see by the way they were shredded that the horse had snapped them from wherever he'd been tethered. Slater must have left him in the cover of the woods when he'd come to meet her.  

Sensing somehow that she'd insulted the proud animal she reached up and stroked its muzzle. "I'm sorry boy. Looks like we were both too late."

The horse stomped its hoof against the muddy earth and shook its head again. Bending its neck it whinnied again and pressed its muzzle against Slater's cheek. 

Gabriella shook her head and petted the horse's mane idly. "I don't know what else to do. He's been still for so long..."

The horse glanced at her, tossing its mane from where it fell over its eyes. The way the horse was looking at her made it hard to remember it was just an animal. There was no way it understood what she was saying, no way it could give her the answers she so desperately needed.

As the horse lowered to its knees, close to Slater's side Gabriella became less certain. Nothing else was as it should be here. Everything she'd once known had proved to be nothing but the naïve beliefs of a sheltered child. Granted, hoping for guidance from a pretty pony seemed very much like yet another of those infantile notions, but without hope what would she do?

Continue kneeling here in the muck, waiting for someone to save her no doubt, Gabriella thought disparagingly. Which would no doubt lead to her being accosted by more soldiers.

Deciding any plan, even a foolish one, was better then nothing, Gabriella stood. Doing her best to free her sodden skirts from where they clung to her legs, making it difficult to walk, Gabriella decided it would be wise to make herself a little more mobile. 

The horse was bearing two saddlebags, no doubt packed by Slater with their trip in mind. Gabriella opened one and to her relief found a bundle of Slater's clothes. Stripping off her dress with no thought to modesty, seeing as her only audience was a horse, Gabriella donned a white shirt and a rich blue tunic that fell past her knees but wouldn't encumber her so long as she left the bottom unbuttoned. 

Adding to this a pair of black trousers helped warmth return to her body. Unfortunately Slater's only boots seemed to be the ones on his feet, which meant she had to keep the impractical, and by now thoroughly soaked slippers on. Paying no mind to the slight discomfort Gabriella fished out a thick, rough blanket, then set her eyes on Slater. 

Leaving the blanket on the saddlebag Gabriella moved around the horse and crouched down beside Slater, careful not to get her borrowed clothes wet. Eying him, then the horse, she took a deep breath, let it out slowly and latched on to Slater's wrist. Within seconds she was cursing the man for being so big and heavy. It felt like she was trying to shift imbedded stone.

Digging her heels into the black mud Gabriella jerked his limp form, discouraged when using all her strength did little more then move him a few inches. Changing tactics she stepped over his prone body and with her little hands under his back shoved until she had rolled him over. Taking a moment to catch her breath Gabriella gasped when she realized she had left him face down in the mud.

Shoving him again Gabriella sighed with relief when Slater's body plopped over limply, leaving him lying horizontally, half his form rested against the horse. Bracing her feet on either side of his legs she took his wrist and tugged until he slumped forward, almost folding in half.

The horse watched her as she pulled and shoved, not stopping until Slater was draped over the saddle. Only then did she take another moment to gather her strength, almost preening in pride at what she'd accomplished. 

That is until the horse stood and nearly sent Slater tumbling back onto the muddy earth.

With a little involuntary shriek Gabriella grabbed Slater, holding tight so he wouldn't slip, and straining against his weight reached into the saddlebag to fish out some rope. Binding his wrist she held the rope tight and slipped under the horses belly to tie his knees, afraid the briefest slack would cause him to fall. The horse held still as she finished tying the rope, once again causing Gabriella to believe this was no dumb beast.

Now that Slater was secure Gabriella decided it was past time that they start moving. They'd been here too long already, and if the men that had attacked her had believed Slater to be a traitor then it was likely others would as well. 

Taking hold of the shortened reins Gabriella stepped towards the trees, hoping some cover would give them more time.

The horse wouldn't move.

Turning Gabriella stepped up to it, glaring into its big, calm eyes. "We have to get out of here! Why won't you move?"

The horse snorted and tossed its head, arching its neck to look back at Slater.

Gabriella stomped her foot in frustration. "Yes I know you want to help him! You can do that by moving you stupid mule!"

The horse turned back to her, stretched its neck and leaned down, setting its blunt teeth hard into Gabriella's shoulder. With a yelp of pain Gabriella tried to move away. The horse tugged on the cloth trapped between its teeth, half dragging her to the side. Stepping forward it snorted again and released her.

Gabriella crossed her arms tight, sliding one hand up to rub her abused shoulder. Dirty, alone and miserable she wanted to sit down and give in to the threatening tears. She could feel her lip trembling and pressed her teeth down on it to keep it still. She was not going to cry.

She was however, seriously thinking about kicking the horse.

As though responding to her thoughts the horse gave her a level look. She jumped when it snorted and stomped its hoof. Shying back she watched the horse stretch its head towards her, expecting another nip.

The gentle nicker caught her off guard. It appeared he horse was trying to tell her something, and like its owned had attempted using force first, followed by something softer, gentler when that wouldn't work. Backwards and infuriating, but still, she needed to try and understand.

It finally occurred to her what the horse wanted when it bent down, moving to lower to its knees once again. She tugged at the closest rein to stop it.

"You want me to get on?" The horse simply stared at her, waiting. She frowned. "Can you carry us both?"

Lifting its head the horse neighed in a high pitch, stomping its hooves in evident irritation. Gabriella held up her hands, hoping the horse knew she understood.

Wetting her lips with her tongue, one hand on the pommel, unable to reach the easier grip of the horn, Gabriella slipped her foot into the stirrup and climbed up. Sitting before Slater's limp form proved impossible, so she settled on straddling the horse's rump, which felt precarious but made it possible for her to hold Slater in place.

Apparently having found some compassion for her the horse waited until she was securely seated before it began to move, keeping to a slow, steady pace. Exhaustion took hold with a slippery grasp, drawing her deep and then releasing her when fear of falling jarred her awake. She had no idea where the horse was headed, and at the moment, didn't much care. All she had strength for was holding on.

* * * *

"Come on Troy, that's a good boy. Hold steady and I'll get them down."

The gentle words sounded like whispers of a dream, and at first Gabriella didn't realize they had stopped. All she could think was that the soft tone sounded much like her grandmother, who never raised her voice, even in anger. It was a distant memory, but a comforting one, keeping panic at bay when she was lifted from the horse.

"Take her to my room." the voice was instructing, mild and firm all at once. "And you see to the horse Jimmy, they'll have need of him soon. Make sure he's fully dry so he doesn't catch a chill." 

"Yes ma'am." Two youthful voices chimed in reply. One sounded very close to Gabriella, but it didn't faze her. The solid arms beneath her, holding her in a comfortable recline, gave her pitifully worn body some much needed relief.

True sleep came to her, one that was unbroken and peaceful and ended much too soon. Despite the unwelcome wakefulness Gabriella wasn't the least bit put off. In fact she suddenly felt quite rested, inexplicably full of energy.

She opened her eyes and couldn't help but smile at the kindly old face that peered down at her. The old woman chuckled and took her hand. "Feeling better Gabriella?"

The content feeling flowing over Gabriella took the surprise from her words. "How do you know my name?"

Patting her cheek the old woman stood. "I know many things my dear. Most importantly the answers that you seek."

Gabriella sat up, eyes round as the full moon peeking in past the curtains. "You can tell me why I'm here? Where I am? Why I was taken?"

The old woman looked disappointed. "The impatience of youth. Think before you ask questions to which you already know the answers. I can tell you more, but first I must ask. Is there not something more urgent that plagues your mind?"

Hand pressed to her lips Gabriella nodded, cursing herself for forgetting. "Slater...is there any way to save him?"

Pleased now the old woman nodded and smiled at her. "There is indeed." Suddenly she looked quite grave. "That is if you are willing to do what is necessary."

Without pause Gabriella gave a curt nod. "I'll do anything."

Displaying a surprising amount of strength for one of such apparent frailty the old woman took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Good, good. Then come with me darling. You've been kept as Unawakened for the king, but instead shall give yourself to returning life to his brother..." The old woman rambled on, not seeming to notice Gabriella had stopped. When finally she turned back she had a quizzical look on her face. "What is it?"

Gabriella felt on the verge of tears, again. "I don't know if I'm still unawakened. If I'm not does that mean I can't help him?"

The old woman's wrinkles face seemed to form more creases as she frowned and blinked. "Not Unawakened? Child can you consciously use your powers?"

Gabriella nodded.

The old woman's frown deepened. "Show me." Without seeming to move the old woman suddenly had a dagger in her hand, pressed to Gabriella's throat. "Slater is my blood girl. If you cannot save him I have no use for you!"

Breath caught Gabriella stared at the old woman. It was excellent incentive, but for some reason Gabriella didn't think it was a bluff. Swallowing, carefully, Gabriella tried to remember what she'd done to the soldier. She felt the power, building within, but it slithered out of reach.

The old woman lowered the dagger and smiled. "Close my dear, but not enough to be a problem. Come now, let us care for our boy."

They came to a small door at the other end of the house that only appeared small from without. The old woman pushed the door open, revealing a lavish room, fit for a king. 

Or his brother. 

Done up in a deep blue that near matched her borrowed tunic, with heavy drapes around a large iron wrought bed and thick bedding that appeared soft as down, the room seemed a perfect fit for its slumbering lord. 

Gabriella convinced herself he was sleeping. Even with the candlelight casting a haunting glow on his bloodless flesh, even without enough movement to say he breathed, Gabriella held to the conviction that he wasn't dead.

The old woman seemed to read her mind. She chuckled. "Oh he's quite dead little one. In a day or two there would have been no hope of pulling him back. It is only the call of his royal blood and your welcome presence that will return him. Thankfully you heeded the horse and came here. Few others know the rituals. It is a blessing the king's councilors saw fit to teach me."

Realizing she was gaping at the old woman Gabriella closed her mouth. "A day or two? That's impossible!" 

Arching a brow the old woman crossed her arms. "Why? Because it is so across the veil? Really child, you must have accepted by now that the limitations that hold the place you knew are absent here."

Gabriella knew that holding on to her pretty illusions that her definition of reality meant anything anymore would do more harm than good. Prepared to accept whatever the old woman offered as the new 'truth' Gabriella let out a weary sigh. "Okay. I get it. He's dead but not lost. Tell me what I need to do."

* * *

The sharp scent of herbs whose names had been given but she couldn't recall filled her with every shaky breath. Tiny flames, so many of them, flickering in an ethereal breeze that didn't touch her skin. Instead it stirred her senses, tapping to something raw within, drawing it out to hover in the air, power caste in white light.

The old woman guided it with words that sounded alien, ancient, whispered in a songlike trance. The light gathered, hovering in an iridescent pool over the bed. When the glow touched Slater's flesh his eyes opened. Gabriella abandoned her feigned calm and threw herself at him, covering his face in little kisses as she laughed and cried her relief.

Slater chuckled and looked up at her, using a hand to brush her hair back from her face, leaving it there to hold her still. "I appreciate the enthusiasm Gabriella, make no mistake, but I have to wonder what made you abandoned all that charming reservation."

Giggling Gabriella shook her head, tears in her eyes as she looked to the old woman, hoping she could give him some answers, since joy choked the ability to do so herself.

The old woman happily obliged. "Carting your dead body around will do that to a girl my boy." Her lips twisted and she frowned at him suddenly. "You big brute! You're lucky she didn't leave you in the mud. Treating this sweet little thing like that! Why, you're no better than your father!"




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 06



Slater rolled his eyes and tried to sit up. Gabriella pressed her hands to his chest, trying to force him back down. At first he allowed it, too tired to protest. The shimmer of light glittering with his every breath froze him. Gently setting Gabriella from him he turned his head slowly, gaze set hard on the old woman.

His tone was dangerously level. "Did you say dead?"

The old woman leaned forward, snorted and nodded. "Yes. Dead. And well deserved I might add. What were you thinking toying with your brother's prize?"

An angry roar rose from deep in Slater's chest. "Gabriella is no ones prize!"

A satisfied smirk on her lips the old woman reached out and shoved him back before he could stand. "Don't leave the shroud boy, I've no desire to do the ritual again. I'm pleased to know the girl sacrifice is well deserved. You'll do right by her Slater. Won't you" The elder's eyes narrowed at the last, her tone dropping, the words fair ground out.

Gabriella watched, amazed, as Slater deflated and nodded, looking thoroughly chastised. "Yes granny."

A shocked laugh left her before she could stop it. Gabriella covered her mouth and stared at Slater, then the old woman. "Granny?"

Puffing her chest out the old woman's chin rose with pride. "Aye. This scoundrel is my grandson. My daughter--Gods rest her soul--was shamed by his royal father. Knew his manners before his brother came and corrupted him."

Slater dropped to his back and groaned, setting his hands behind his head and scowling at the ceiling. "I doubt Gabriella is interested in your colorful tales of our family Granny. Be done with the ritual. You've obviously been snatching out what's happened from my mind--Gabriella's as well I'm sure. If we stay you'll have company you don't want."

Hand swung out the old woman hit Slater's chest with a resounding smack, shaking her finger at him as he stared at her in shock. "Watch how you talk to me boy. You haven't grown to old be to strapped, mark my words." Satisfied she stepped back and waved a hand in Gabriella's direction. "And don't play daft either. You know what you must do. Have at it, but be gentle. Don't worry about the noise neither. The walls have been sounded nicely."

With that, and a wink shot Gabriella's way, the old woman turned and headed for the door.

A low growl stopped her. 

Slater sat up, only a slight strain in his features betraying his pain. Darkness and anger stole over his face. "No."  

Back stiff the old woman turned slowly. "What?"

The blanket of light shivered in the cold that rushed between the two. Gabriella wanted to shy away, find a corner where she could avoid the danger she felt simmering about them. Recalling the elder's commands she stayed where she was, crouched among the ruffled covers. She couldn't leave the bed. Her power was what kept Slater alive.

Clenching his fist against the blanket Slater looked down, as though afraid of exposing his grandmother to the violence of his glare. "I won't do that to her."

Moving faster than her body should manage the old woman grabbed Slater's chin and forced him to face her. "You listen to me. This girl went through hell to bring you here. Those men could have killed her, but she faced them to save you. I don't know why, you've done nothing to earn her loyalty. But she did and..."

Slater jerked away from her. "I won't use her."

The old woman stepped back. "Then you will die and your brother will. She is alone here and without you nothing can shield her from being drained by him and whoever he'll pass her on to when he's done with her. You know that." Hands dropped limp to her sides she shrugged. "I'll leave the two of you to work it out. I'd miss you sorely if your pride makes the decision boy, but there's nothing more I can do. If you don't value your life I prey you value hers. Know my love and peace be with you."

With a parting that left grim uncertainty the old woman backed out of the room and closed the door. Gabriella held her breath, waiting, wondering at what would happen next.

With a firm grip on her arms Slater pulled Gabriella against him and pressed his lips to hers, passionate, hungry, drugging. It was over so fast Gabriella was left stunned. All she could do was gaze up at him as he held her at arms length.

"What has she told you?"

Slater's word startled Gabriella. She'd come to believe he knew it all, as the old woman did. The answer was forced out in the midst of her confusion. "That you needed what was inside me. Your powers have limits. It take time to recover what's been spent. In death you lost it all. What I have can give it back."

Closing his eyes Slater stroked a hand over her hair and shook his head. "So vague. Damn it. You have no idea how I must draw it out."

Gabriella pressed her teeth into her bottom lip. "I'm not stupid Slater. I kinda figured it out."

Her words put a smile on Slater's lips. "No. I guess you're not. Why though? Why would you be willing to do that for me? As my grandmother said, I haven't been kind to you."

Licking her lips Gabriella nodded slowly. "Not at first, but that changed. You wanted to take me away. You wanted to help me. You care about me."

Slater drew her close, kissed her sweetly, and nodded. "Your talent dear one. You make one see beyond that pretty face."

Face flushed Gabriella ducked her head. "I made you see past it. And I don't regret it." Lifting her head Gabriella set her eyes on his. "Do you?"

Without pause Slater shook his head. "No. Only..."

Hand pressed over his mouth to silence further objection Gabriella forced a smile to her trembling lips. "Please Slater. Trust that I know my own mind. This might all be going faster than I'd like, but I don't want to lose you."

It was all he needed to hear. The conviction in her words filled him with a feeling of quenched need, a need he hadn't even known he had. Nothing warm or fuzzy, but a fierce burning of something true, something powerful, something greater than all he'd ever held dear.

The muscles in his arms were hard, but his embrace was gentle. Lifting her up against him, her small form molding to his, he pressed his lips to hers. Feeling them tremble Slater focused on easing her fear. Laying her down he leaned over her, looked into her eyes, and smiled.

"It won't be as horrible as you fear my love." He stroked her side as he spoke, a light touch, just enough to distract her, to slowly bring her senses to life. "You've heat within you, I've stirred it before..."

Gabriella flushed. Then she closed her eyes and bit back a moan as he moved his hand to her thigh. Slater used the silk of the gown to tease her, gliding the smooth fabric against her flesh, curving his hand down, stopping just before the juncture of her thighs. 

"Remember when I first touched you?" His fingertips brushed her tender lips, his calloused flesh made soft by the silk. 

Breath soft, controlled, Gabriella licked her lips and nodded. "Yes."

Slater smiled, slid his hand up around her thigh, over her ass, squeezing gently. He bent down to kiss her throat as she arched back. "Do you remember when I tasted you?"

When his hand slid down the firm round cheek and he began a delicate press of his hand, still covered in silk, against the growing head between her thighs, Gabriella lost her ability to speak. Now she could only feel. Could only take in each sensation he was giving her, take it in and let it roll around her, within her.

Slater kissed her neck, soft, sucking kisses while he gathered the silk in his hand, pulling it up to expose the lithe length of her legs. The light pass of his rough hand on her bare flesh sent a tingle of longing through her. Gabriella wanted to feel those hands, touching her, without, within, everywhere at once. She wanted him to hurry, more and more it was all she could think. Hurry. Please.

Gabriella couldn't ask, not in words, but her body begged for it. With every doting touch, meant to prepare her with as little pain as he could manage, Gabriella shifted closer. Clinging to him, curving against him, her body shifting with the slightest pressure. When Slater helped her sit up to free her of the wrinkled silk dress she lifted her arms, all too willing to lose the slight barrier.

Tossing the dress aside Slater took a moment to drink in the luscious form, from the slight rounding of her hips, the smooth plane of her stomach, to her small, firm breast. One glance at her face and he abandoned his perusal. Desire was becoming torture, he could see it in the glazed look of her eyes, in the way she was panting and tugging at her lip.

With his lips pressed firm to hers he pushed her back down on the bed. His mouth traveled along her jaw and he licked his way down the graceful arc of her throat. Her fingers curled and then clenched into his hair. When his attention shifted to her breast she bucked, crossing and uncrossing her legs, letting out throaty little moans.

Moving lower Slater wrapped his arm around her waist, pressed his lips to her belly and held her still so he could caress between her thighs. Trapped in pure reaction Gabriella's thighs parted. Slater's fingers passed over the dampness of her pussy and she hissed in a sharp breath, holding it now, hoping he would give her some satisfaction.

His fingers dipping into her made her sigh. She was tight, still so tight, but wet enough that Slater managed to work two fingers in mid-knuckle with little difficulty. He pushed a little further, felt her tense, and knew now he would have to tread carefully. When she lifted her hips again he corrected himself. Carefully, but not too slow.

Lowering his mouth he teased her clit with his tongue, sucking at it and pushing his fingers deeper when he felt her relax. Only when his fingers were fully embedded within, slicked nicely by the wetness of her, did he begin to move. 

First it was slow, in deep, out inch at a time. When she began to writhe on the bed he moved his fingers faster, sucked harder. He could feel her clench down on his fingers. Just before she reached climax he worked a third finger in. Gabriella cried out and bowed back.

The hot spill of her, wet on his mouth, covering his hand, fair drove him mad. Preparing her had made him so hard he could feel his pulse beating in the swollen head of his dick. The scent of her, so musky and sweet, snapped his restraint. Growling, almost feral with lust Slater grabbed hold of her thighs and pulled her against him. The head of his engorged dick pierced her.

Gabriella's hips rose to meet his hard thrust. The moisture of her made his entrance easy, but it didn't stop the pain. Grinding her teeth Gabriella fought not to cry out. The sound that escaped was enough to warn Slater of her discomfort. He looked down at her and cursed, the tears on her cheeks slicing right through him.

"Shit. I'm sorry." He cursed again. Sorry wasn't going to change a thing. He could feel the power of her, beckoning him. He couldn't back down now. Damn it he didn't want to.

Gabriella swallowed and shook her head. "It's okay. I know what you..." A whimper sounded, deep in her throat, when she tried to adjust to the sensation of being filled, of being stretched. "Just do it Slater."

Slater bowed his head, resting his forehead against hers. "You keep saying that."

Gabriella giggled, tears still glistening in her eyes as she bent up to kiss him. "Well you never listen to me."

Groaning Slater pressed his hands down on the bed, at either side of her head, and pulled out, until just the tip of him was still in her. Then he slid back in, just as slow. He grinned at the awed expression on Gabriella's face.

Bending down he sucked at her lower lip, eyes hooded, continuing the languorous motion. "You like that?"

"Mmm." Was all she could manage as he increased his pace.

Sweat beaded at Slater's temple as he fought the urge to go faster, to slam into her in the fast, wild fuck he was accustomed to. There would be time enough to introduce her to rougher play. Later. Now what she was giving him was more than enough.

It was Gabriella who quickened the pace, rising to meet his thrust, faster and faster as she edged on yet another release. A cold part of Slater, a part which had remained detached up until now, could sense it. The part of him that wanted her only to fill the stores of energy that would take so very long to replenish. Without taking it from her that is. 

The muscles inside her began to undulate around him. Her head tossed from side to side and she wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him closer. Tumbling into a powerful orgasm all her walls fell and the ethereal entity which was him, which was his drained powers, attacked. All she would feel was a weariness, as though she was suddenly very tired. 

Slater felt so much more.

It was a thirst. Slaked quickly after long rationing of water. A hunger relieved by a banquet. It was the first time he'd ever sped the recovery of his powers by draining another. The headiness of it was drugging. The thrill of it made him pound into her one last time before he came.

Breathing hard Slater rested down on his elbow, holding his head in his hand. Smiling he leaned down and kissed Gabriella on the cheek, trying to think of what to say to let her know how much he appreciated what she had done for him. It turned out there was no point. Gabriella was fast asleep.

Drawing from her, careful not to wake her, Slater stood. That he'd drained her to the point of exhaustion worried him. Without any former experience he had no way of knowing if it was normal. He could only hope the weariness wouldn't last long. It wasn't safe to stay. This was one of the first places his brother would look for him.

Standing naked by the bed he watched the remnants of the spell his grandmother had cast glimmer off his flesh, a lingering smear of silvery light. It was tempting to absorb it, to add it to the overflow of power already seeping hot into his veins. Resisting the urge he pushed it away. Unused magic returned to its origin unhindered. Taking from the Unawakened was one thing. Taking from another of the power showed a lack of respect.

His grandmother deserved better. 

Arms stretched over his head, then behind his back, Slater rolled his shoulders and grinned. It was good to be alive. Not that he remembered being dead, but it had no doubt been unpleasant. Returning to a willing, loving young woman made the searing agony that had dragged him to his death almost worth it.

Slater thought on that as he fetched a robe from the large chest at the end of his bed, donned it, and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. His mind went over how his brother's men had followed him, caught him off guard while he waited for Gabriella. No warning, they'd simply run him through and left him in the dirt. The word traitor had been spat into his face, but he knew their actions had little to do with his betrayal.

They'd wanted to bring him down because they hated how the bastard brother of the king had been set above them. Their loyalty hadn't brought his death. Resentment had.

Slumping down into a seat at the small round table in the cozy, rustic kitchen Slater leaned back and scrubbed his hand over his face. The cause for their resentment was gone, there was nothing to envy of the life he would lead now. Nothing but the love of the girl he'd abandoned everything for. Not that it mattered. Villem wouldn't stop until he was dead. Irrevocably dead.

A solid smack upside his head brought Slater's eyes to the mocking gaze of his grandmother. "Moping now? Some knight."

Slater turned away from her and hunched his shoulders. Ignoring the amused cackle she let out he accepted the mug of spring cooled ale the scrawny orphaned ward of his grandmother handed him with a curt nod of thanks. The ale did little to soften his ire. After several deep gulps, bitterness taking the taste from his tongue, Slater faced his grandmother.

"I'm not a knight anymore, am I? I'm nothing but a landless bastard who must hide in shame from his king."

His grandmother let out another cackle, loud enough that Slater gritted his teeth and shot his eyes to the door of the room where Gabriella slept, hoping the sound hadn't woken her. 

The old woman didn't seem concerned. "Landless? What of this place? Of the lands that surround it? You..."

"They were given to me by my brother! He will reclaim them now! I have nothing!" 

The old woman, a woman who had lost her daughter and had taken her place mothering him, one of the best of the sight in the kingdom, looked utterly shocked. So lost in visions, so deep in the minds of others, she hadn't truly considered the repercussions of Slater's actions. That Villem would come for him she didn't doubt. That she'd lose the home she'd lived in for most of her life hadn't occurred to her.

With a resolved sigh his grandmother gave a slow nod. "And the girl?"

"She is mine."

Taking a seat, crossing her arms and leaning back his grandmother smirked. "Then you have something, don't you."

Slater rolled his eyes and pulled a dagger from his belt, using it to carve little grooves in the table, the muscles of his big arms tense against the fabric of his robe. "Cease your prattle woman. I'm hungry. Go do your duty by your grandson and fix a hearty diner."

Snorting his grandmother made a sharp motion with her hand. The dagger slipped and Slater cursed as it slit across his palm. When he bent over to assess the damage his grandmother reached out and cuffed him. 

"You arrogant bastard. I'm not one of your men or your hussies." She smacked him again. "Speak to me like that again and I'll see to it that you lose the ability to ever enjoy that sweet little girl again."

Brow furrowed Slater sheathed his dagger, leaving his hand on his blade as he pondered his grandmother's words. Her warning was lost on him, as it always was, but the idea of having Gabriella again made him wonder how long it would be before she was fit to enjoy.

He ducked just in time to avoid another smack. "You test my tolerance granny."

The old woman scoffed. "Do I you insatiable pig? Good. Perhaps if I agitate you enough you'll leave that poor child alone. You should be thinking of how to bring her home, not on how much you want to bed her again."

Slater stood and turned away from her. "How long before she's fit to travel?"

"Two days. I've gathered some herbs to speed the process, otherwise no less than a week."

With a curt nod Slater headed for the door. Much as he loved his grandmother her patent disregard for his status was difficult to bear. More so now that his status was only in his head.

She grabbed his arm before he could walk out the door. "You've no intention of bringing her home."

Slater jerked away. "Living was primary in my thoughts grandmother. Anything more will have to wait."

Before she could say more Slater walked out, heading to the stables to check on his horse. He didn't need to hear the words to know what she would say. To know she would accuse him of being selfish. Needless to say hearing the words aloud wouldn't change the fact that it was the truth.

But it would be much easier to ignore if he didn't have to.

* * *

Crimson. Everything was crimson. The thick hangings around the gigantic bed. The sheets. The details in the tapestries hung on the walls. It created an aura of heat, overwhelming and frightening, as though just the sight of it would burn her alive.

Pushing the covers away from her Gabriella saw she was naked. A dark laugh let her know she was not alone. One glance at the man standing at the foot of the bed and Gabriella dismissed her fear of being consumed by the color and pulled the blood red sheets up to her chin. Better to be consumed by flame than by darkness. 

The man was watching her, the crook of a smile on his lips, so much like Slater yet...different in a way she couldn't begin to explain. The eyes were similar, the hair, the features. The differences weren't so much physical, other than the fact that this man was obviously the elder of the two. Slater lacked the deep age lines that rimmed the man's brow, mouth and eyes.




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 06



Age had nothing to do with the dissimilarities between the brothers. Slater was hardened by battle, but it was nothing compared to the dark, unyielding essence that hovered around the king. And this was the king. Gabriella knew it without being told. Just as she knew, without being told, that she had every reason to be very, very afraid.

The man reached out, the sleeve of his heavy crimson robe sliding up his arm, revealing a forearm even bigger than Slater's. "No need to fear little one. I won't harm you."

Gabriella shied away, biting her lip and clenching the sheets to her neck. "What am I doing here?"

The king rested his hands on the bed, leaned forward and smirked. "Oh you aren't here my dear. Not yet." A chain snaked across the bed. The man took hold of the end closest to him, wrapping it around his fist in a lazy motion. "But soon..." 

Gabriella's hands went to her throat. The chain was attached to a collar on her neck. The man tugged until she was on her knees, naked before him. Fingers wrenching at the collar Gabriella tried to free herself.

The effort made the king laugh. "Very soon Gabriella. Enjoy your freedom, while it lasts."

Holding tight to the chain the man kissed her. Gabriella fought against the painful pressure. He released the chain and she fell back. Fell and kept falling. Screaming she flailed her arms about, desperate to find an anchor to keep her from dropping into the gapping abyss that was suddenly behind her.

The sense of dropping down stopped. Arms enveloped her, a familiar scent. Gabriella sobbed and leaned into it. "Daddy...daddy I had a horrible..."

A heavy sigh brushed light tendrils from her face as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on her brow. "It's me Gabriella. Slater."

Gabriella blinked the remnants of sleep away. Sliding back she tilted her head, features blank as she studied Slater. "How did you get me here Slater?"

Slater frowned, her abrupt question catching him off guard. "Through the veil."

Gabriella frowned and made a motion with her hand, as though waving his answer away. "Yes I've heard all that. But what does it mean? You took me in front of my entire family. How did you do that without them seeing...?" she paused, swallowed and finally voiced the question that she'd dreaded thinking on. That she'd refused to. "They aren't dead...are they?"

Shaking his head Slater took her hands in his. "No. They didn't see. They think you're off somewhere, somewhere their mind could make sense of. It's how we do it whenever we take Unawakened. Their families don't worry. Whenever they think on you they know you are well, that you are somewhere safe. They can't question it."

What was intended as reassurance was lost on Gabriella. The idea of the minds of her family being toyed with sent a cold chill right through her. "So you stole me away and made them forget me."

Brow furrowed Slater shook his head again. "Not forget you. Only find peace in your absence." Cupping her cheek in his big hand he made her face him. "Would you rather they worry?"

"No." The answer was automatic. Still, Gabriella was troubled. "But what gives you the right...?"

Slater stood and turned away. He motioned to a gown draped over the foot of the bed. "You should get dressed. Now that you're feeling better we'd best be going. My brother no doubt knows what has passed and will be looking for us."

Gabriella stood, letting the blankets fall away from her and crossed her arms over her bare chest. "Slater can't you bring me home?"

Back stiff, fist clenched at his side, Slater gritted out the answer with no effort to hide his irritation. "No. I'm not blessed with that particular power." He headed out the door. "Just get dressed."

Staring at the door, the echo of it slamming still echoing through the room, Gabriella felt her eyes water. The hope she'd clung to slipped away. Slater wasn't bringing her home. Not now, and if he had his way, not ever. That much had been made very clear. Much as she loved him she couldn't make that alright. It wasn't. The only conclusion she could come to was his love for her wasn't nearly as pure as hers.

Which made her love slip across the thin barrier to hate.

* * *

They didn't speak as Slater loaded their supplies into the saddle bag. Slater sensed Gabriella's resentment but didn't know how to ease it. Not without giving her what she wanted, what his grandmother said he must. Selfless as love should be he just couldn't bring himself to let her go.

Clearing his throat Slater tried to find a way to cross the void that had eroded between them. "So I heard you did pretty well with Troy?"

Giving him a solemn look Gabriella shrugged and nodded.

Slater continued as though she'd been receptive, rather than plainly indifferent. "He's a stubborn animal, but smart..."

"Are we going?" 

Gabriella's sharp tone grated at Slater. Scowling he slapped the leather flap to the saddlebag closed. Without warning he reached out, grabbed Gabriella by the waist and dropped her down hard into the saddle. Troy whined in irritation and nipped at Slater. Slater cuffed him in the muzzle and caught hold of his reigns.

"You're not riding?" Surprise had changed Gabriella's tone. It was apparent she thought she had full right to be angry, while he had none.

Slater knew she was right, but being reasonable while frustrated just wasn't possible. Letting his actions answer her question he led Troy from the stables. With satisfaction he pictured making her walk after a few miles, just to teach her a lesson. His petty thoughts were cut short when he saw his grandmother bolt from the house.

Eyes wide, coarse white hair askew, the old woman ran to them, breathless, gasping out her words. "The dream. Tell me of the dream Gabriella!"

Slater followed his grandmother's gaze up to where Gabriella was sitting stiff in the saddle. The pallor of her flesh and her wide eyes made Slater's mouth go dry. Reaching out he gave her a little shake. "You had a dream?"

With a slow nod Gabriella licked her lips and looked down at them. "A nightmare. I thought you were my father...waking me..."

Recalling her cries for her father on waking Slater cursed. He'd been sure she had simply been longing for him in her sleep. Longing was one thing, but a dream...a nightmare no less!

"What was it about?" Slater's hand gripped hard on her shoulder. Gabriella winced.

His grandmother shoved him back. "Let her speak you mindless bully."

Gabriella blinked and shook her head, biting her lips as her brows drew together in thought. "He looked just like you. In the dream I was so sure...sure it was your brother. The king."

Slater cursed. So did his grandmother, much more colorfully in fact.

Gripping to Troy's mane to keep steady when the horse stepped back in aggravation Gabriella stared at them, confused. "What?"

Slater's grandmother shoved him again. "Get on and ride!" Only when Slater nodded and mounted behind Gabriella did she answer. "He knows. Villem knows where you are. You must make haste." She looked to Slater. "Head to the border. Don't stop until you get there. He'll have a harder time tracking you so close to the southern pass."

With a curt nod Slater nudged Troy, giving the horse permission to do what he'd been wanting to since the tension had risen from discord to danger. Troy ran. Ran as though wolves were nipping at his heels. 

The animal and its riders knew it was so much worse.

* * *  



Please note: For all those following the story of Gabriella and Slater I want to first appologize for taking so long to get part 6 up. I did two submissions to the Halloween contest and it took up a lot of my time. I tried to make up for it by making this part longer. 

As always thank you to all those who rate and comment. Although I appreciate all my readers those that take the time to tell me how they feel about the story give me that extra boost. Feedback is always appreciated.

I hope this part satisfied some of your wishes for a little more background on Slater and Gabriella. There'll be more to come. As a little teaser I'm just going to let you know that in part 7 you will finally meet the king, and it won't be just a dream...or a nightmare. Well not one either Gabriella or Slater can wake up from.

Since this will probably be put up near Halloween I'd like to wish you all happy trick or treating, or whatever naughty things you do to celebrate ;) Have fun!



Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 07



Thick, white froth gathered around the edges of Troy's thin, black lips and his chest heaved despite the docile pace. Slater eyed the horse's flank and took note of the sheen of sweat glistening on his sleek, black fur. No cause for concern there, but the wheezing sound Troy made every time he gasped in air through his flared nostrils could be a problem. With the reins loose in his hand, Slater gradually urged the horse to slow his gait from a nervous trot to a relaxed walk as they reached the main road to the village.

Halfway down the road, Troy paused, tossed his head, and glanced back at the woods. His ears twitched.

"Have a little faith, ol' boy." Slater patted Troy's withers and the muscles at the base of the horse's neck went stiff. With a sigh, Slater withdrew his hand and shook his head. "Surely you know I wouldn't have slowed if—"

Troy curled his lips and let out a wet snort. Apparently the dumb beast didn't trust him. They continued for a length with only the light clod of Troy's hooves and the trill of sparrows overhead to break the silence. Finally, Troy dropped his head and huffed out a heavy breath.

"There we go." Slater murmured. The light whistle in the horse's wind didn't sound quite so shrill. He glanced over the bowed neck of his weary horse and cringed when he took in the stiffness of Gabriella's movements. Hours in the saddle, at a pace fit to test warriors, had been too much for the girl. Her muscles would seize the second she stopped moving--if not sooner.

"Don't stare at me." Gabriella's tone was clipped, but her bottom lip quivered. She'd be weeping in a moment.

Unless he forced her to see reason. "I am not staring. I am considering whether or not you needed to be carried."

"Well thanks for asking, but I don't."

Audacious chit. "I didn't ask." He tugged Troy's reins and stepped around the beast to grab the girl. "I am telling you—"

Blunt teeth came down on his shoulder, hard enough that it felt like he'd been punched, or cut with a dull blade. He twisted away from the horse who seemed ready to tear him limb from limb to defend the girl and glared at Gabriella when she stifled a laugh with her hand.

"Whore of the Core, Troy!" Slater kicked the horse's hoof and wrapped the reins around his wrist so the animal had no choice but to look at him, but couldn't attempt to chomp off another chunk of skin. "What good will I be to either of you if you maim me?"

Letting out another snort, Troy kicked him in the shin.

A hot poker of agony shot up Slater's leg. He cursed and released the reins. Gabriella sighed and snatched them up, pulling Troy short when he moved to attack again.

"Let me take him." She tugged on the lead until the beast abandoned his efforts to murder his master and followed. "He doesn't like you very much right now."

Rubbing his throbbing shoulder, Slater watched Gabriella stagger along the dirt road with Troy. No more than a score of steps away from him she tripped on a loose stone and a cloud of dust rose up around her as she fell. With long strides, Slater caught up to them and put his hand under her elbow and helped her to her feet. She grabbed Troy's saddle to steady herself. A tiny bead of sweat rolled down her dirt streaked cheek. More disappeared into the tangled hair that stuck to her face.

"Take you hand off me, Slater."

He dropped his hand. "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Just. Don't. Touch. Me."

Her lips trembled again, but this time, Slater knew she wouldn't weep. He'd been wrong about her. Small and fragile as she was, she'd gained strength on their journey—through the whole ordeal in fact.

Not enough to survive in this world alone. She still needs me.

A voice in his head that sounded much like his grandmother laughed at him. Perhaps, but she does not want you.

Slater tore his eyes away from Gabriella and focused on their path. The morning had barely sputtered to life so there weren't many people to be seen. Here and there merchants laid out their wares, a few calling out to Slater in an effort to start the day with what was sure to be an easy sale. A noble with a beautiful young woman, how could he not be interested in gifting her with silks, or cakes, or fresh fruit?

Slater responded to them all with a distracted shake of his head. Only the innkeeper would profit from him now.

The inn came into view, an imposing stone structure that had once been the home of a prominent business man. Out of favor with the kings of both North and South, refusing to pay homage to either, the man had fallen victim to the wrong end of a knife during a random mugging. The inn now belonged to a Baron that called the town his home, a man who could claim some kinship to both kings which explained the town's neutral status. The accommodations were the best that could be offered among the border towns. 

The perfect place for Gabriella to get some much needed rest.

After seeing Troy comfortably settled with the enthusiastic stable boy, Slater led the way into the inn. An old chambermaid brought them to an empty room.

"You'll ring if you need anything, My Lord?" At Slater's nod the woman curtsied, then turned to Gabriella and curtsied again before backing out. "My Lady."

The door shut without a sound. Gabriella took a step towards the bed. Her eyes teared. A strangled cry left her lips and she stared at the bed as though it was much too far.

Slater moved to help her. She shook her head and Slater groaned, fed up of her hard-headedness. He wrapped an arm around her waist. "Will you--"

Gabriella slapped him and cried out. "I told you not to touch me!" She sobbed and collapsed on the bed. "Just go away!"

He could do nothing but stare at her as she released her misery on the crisp, beige bedding. Then he nodded. Fighting with her now would only make things worse. He turned and opened the door, striding out into the hall. The chambermaid stared at him as she stepped out of another room.

"My Lady needs assistance." He softened his tone when she gapped at him. "If you'll see to her while I go..."

The chambermaid drew back her bent shoulders as much as she could and gave a sharp motion of accord. Once the fear for her life passed she let her disdain show. Slater knew she'd heard Gabriella's shouts. She probably thought he'd tried to force his attentions on the girl who was clearly worn to the bone from their travels.

Little did she know, what he'd done would make such thoughtlessness seem kind.

"Perhaps, My Lord..." The old woman tilted her head up and fair sneered at him. "You can sate your baser needs in the tavern below. There's food and drink and..." She bristled, nostrils flaring. "Strumpets better suited to cool your hot blood."

A sniff and a glare and the woman stepped past him, entered the room and shut the door in his face. Slater clenched his fist and turned on his heel.

Strumpets and food. Just the idea twisted his gut. A good stiff drink however...

Slater made his way downstairs.

* * * *

"One so strong, it boggles the mind. And they say Villem let her slip away?"

"Not let her." The grisly man leaned forward, tone low, and caste a furtive glance across the tavern. "Word is that his brother stole her. Mayhaps the girl's powers are awakening, mayhap it is simply treason. In any case Villem has scores of soldiers hunting the pair. And King Krovist has offered a hefty reward to any that find them first."

Slater drew deeper into the shadows, hunched over in his chair, elbows on the scored wood table before him. The barmaid took his glass and offered another ale. He waved her away, focus keyed on the two drunkards every word.

"That would tip the odds in favor of the South. If the girl's as valuable as they claim..." The lanky man said before guzzling down his ale. He gestured to his beefy, unshaven comrade with his drink. "Even awakened she'd be a decent tap."

The other man hunkered down. "Gods man, do you think they'd still drain her? Don't know much about the nobles, but from what I understand that's just not done."

"Desperate times and all..." 

Slater listened to them as long as he was able, each and every word nailing down his conviction like a well aimed strike of a mallet. What in the black depths was he thinking? By keeping Gabriella here, he risked her becoming fuel for the power hungry kings. They wouldn't stop until they drained the life from her. Slater couldn't hide her from both rulers indefinitely.

Unless he took her out of their reach. Another pass through the veil so soon after the last should do it. Neither king would chance a tear that would expose their kingdoms to the realms beyond. If the people had access to the technology that could be gained from Gabriella's homeland, the nobles would lose the sway of greater power. The tyrants rule would be challenged and the dominions would fall into chaos.

It was the only way. Slater had to send her home.

* * * *

Heels digging into the soft mattress, Gabriella arched and ground her teeth against another wave of pain. Stretching didn't help ease the knots from her thigh muscles, but she didn't know what else to do. The agony was tearing her apart.

"Hush my dear." The chambermaid sat on the edge of the bed. "I've sent for the healer. He should be here any minute." She closed her eyes, smiled and then glanced over at the door. It opened to reveal a young man.

The chambermaid met him in the doorway and he handed her a small cloth bag that clicked softly as though filled with metal things. Thanking him, the chambermaid looked back at Gabriella. Something close to regret passed through her eyes. She was gone before Gabriella could question it.

Gabriella focused on the man as he shut the door and approached the bed. "Who are you?"

"My name is Danson. I am a healer." He took a knee by the bed and put his hand on her thigh. His grip tightened when she tried to slip away. "I travel with the king's armies. It's fortunate that a merchant recognized Slater and sent word. Perhaps now the situation can be handled without too much bloodshed."

A white rush of cold energy spilled from his hand and into her veins. She dug her nails into her palms and fixed her gaze on Danson's face. "Which king?"

"Moloch." Danson said. He massaged her thigh, closed his eyes and then set his hand on the other. "His forces have surrounded the village, but I have been given the authority to make a deal with you that will negate the need for an attack."

"A deal with me?" She blinked, then sat up. It didn't hurt. Relief didn't hold her long. His words concerned her more than any amount of discomfort. "No! I don't have to make a deal. This is a border town. You can't--"

Danson shook his head. "We can and we will. The king of the South will do the same once he gets wind that you're here. No doubt word has already reached him. There's no time to waste on denial."

Hands pressed to her face, Gabriella dropped her head. Just when she thought things couldn't get worse. Not enough that people were chasing her. Now she had to decide whether to put the villagers in harm's way or hand herself over.

Damn it this isn't my fight! I don't belong here! Gabriella rolled her eyes to the ceiling to stall her tears. It didn't help. They trickled in a warm spill down the sides of her face. 

"What's the deal?"

"You come with me, now, and submit to King Moloch. Do so and you will avoid the slaughter of many. You've put these people in a horrible position. Even though they don't know you, they won't stand idly by and watch you forced from here." He touched the back of her hand and waited until she looked at him. "And then there's Slater."

Gabriella's eyes shot to the door. Slater. God, if he came now he'd kill this man and there'd be no deal. She voiced the last of her concerns even as she pulled on the slippers the chambermaid had removed for her. "What will Moloch do to Slater?"

"Nothing if you come with us. Slater is banished from the North and unwelcome in the South, but he is free to stay here."

"He won't. He'll come for me."

Danson inclined his head. "Yes, but the orders will be to restrain him. King Moloch has made concessions to assure that Slater not be harmed if you submit. If Slater comes for you, you will be given the opportunity to speak to him, to tell him whatever you must to make him leave you."

With a jerky nod, Gabriella stood with the sheets wrapped around her and made a circular motion with her hand. "Turn around so I can get dressed. Do you have a way for us to leave without Slater spotting us?"

Back to her, Danson nodded. "The chambermaid will delay him and we will take the exit through the kitchen. The king's men will meet us in the woods. Slater's horse has been taken. We will be well away before he has a chance to follow."

"Great." Doing up the last of the ties on the simple, blue gown Slater's grandmother had given her, she stepped up to Danson's side. "Then let's get out of here before something goes wrong with your perfect plans."

* * *

Halfway up the stairs, he heard a woman scream. Mounting the steps two at a time, he skidded to a stop in front of a room several doors down from the one he shared with Gabriella. The scream came again. It wasn't Gabriella, but he couldn't just ignore it. 

He kicked the door in.

Three dirty, smelly men were crawling all over the old chambermaid who'd taken care of Gabriella for him. Slater made a sound of disgust and hauled the first man off her.

"Were you all whelped in the gutter?" He shoved the other two men off the bed and helped the old woman to her feet. "Could you not find a comely lass to take your coin?"

"Coin?" The first man laughed. "We gave her no coin. She was provided by the inn to serve us, and serve us she shall."

Slater rolled his eyes and sighed. What a time for him to develop a sense of right and wrong. Or adopt Gabriella's. He moved between the chambermaid and the men, drawing himself up to his full height, lips curved in a lazy smile.

"I find I object to your demands, but please, feel free to insist."

The men exchanged a look. For a moment, it seemed they would back down.

Instead they came at him from all sides, barreling at him with their bodies. Shoulders hit his sides, his gut. He braced his feet to keep from colliding with the old woman, grunting when a fist slammed into his jaw.

"Get out of here before you get hurt, woman!" Slater grabbed one man by the collar and threw him into another. He heard the old woman scramble to the door and shut it behind her. And lock it. A fist caught him under the chin when he turned his head towards the sound.

"All right, that's enough." Slater wrapped his hands around two scrawny necks and cracked two skulls together. The men collapsed. He reached for the last of them.

The man held up his hands and retreated around the bed. "Wait! Damn it, we weren't paid enough for this. It was a ruse, man. The old woman paid us to feign an attack."

"Why in all of Vox Terra would she pay you to..." His gaze whipped to the locked door and he shook his head. "No." He rushed at the door, striking it hard with his shoulder. "Gabriella!"

The doorframe splintered and finally the door burst open. Slater tore into the room where he'd left Gabriella. The bed was empty. The soothing scent of healing magic hung on the air.

"Danson." Slater scrubbed his face with his hand. His brother was no fool. Of all his nobles, only the healer could have convinced Gabriella to go with him willingly. Danson's skills went beyond mending bodies. His gentle logic could sway a madman from his destructive path. By the time she reached Moloch, she would be ready to join the cursed cause. She'd forget about home. And him.

But that wouldn't keep her whole. Or alive.

They can't have gotten far. Slater grabbed his saddlebags and made his way down to the stables. He dropped the bags and laughed bitterly.

Troy was gone. Of course. Danson was no fool; he wouldn't have left Slater with an easy way to follow him.

A scream sounded in the distance and Slater bolted from the stables. Villagers crowded the streets, women gathering their children, men gathering their weapons. A horde of soldiers in silver armor surrounded them, taking glowing swords in hand to cut down all who stood in their path.

The forces of the south had come for the prize. Too late, their king would not be pleased. They would all suffer for failing him, and so they would make the villagers suffer.

Unless he did something...He shook his head and retreated into the ally beside the stables. No, this wasn't his fight. Gabriella needed...

The hot metallic scent of blood filled the air. A woman with a tiny boy in her arms rushed past him, stanching a wound on the child's temple with her skirts. Second later two soldiers came barreling after her.

Without a second thought, Slater blocked their path. "Moments of pleasure or the reward for my capture, boys?" He leaned on the course wood siding of the stable and folded his arms over his chest. "Think quickly, I am not known for my patience."

One of the soldiers made a grab for him. Slater shuffled out of reach, caught the man's wrist, and hauled him down. When the second man lurched forward Slater drove an elbow into the man's throat.

Then did something he would have never considered before he'd met Gabriella.

He ran.

This does not make me a coward.  Slater told himself as he dodged through the crowd, vaulting over vender stands and around the massive warhorses crowding the streets. My lady will be pleased that I am not playing loose with the life she returned to me, and perhaps I can draw the southern forces from the village.

A cry rang out from the soldiers as word spread of his presence. He ran faster as he reached the last lane. A bolt of blue light flashed in the corner of his eye, then another. He could feel blood spilling down his face where a magic dart had sliced his cheek. His head spun.

Poison...

He stumbled and fell to his knees. Heard the soldier's boots stomping on the hard earth, coming closer and closer.

Hot, wet air puffed in his face. He squinted up and a big black muzzle filled his vision.

"Troy." He laughed and stroked his steed's soft fur, feeling around for his mane so he could pull himself up and mount. A hand wrapped around his wrist.

Could the Gods be so kind? He smiled when someone crouched at his side, struggling to haul him to his feet.

"Gabriella?"

Something soft pressed against his cheek. "No, My Lord. It is I. Heim."

"Villem has her. We must..." Slater felt the air sucked out of his lungs as the poison tightened its grip on him. "She..."

"As soon as you are well, My Lord." Heim grunted and lifted Slater up to the saddle. He mounted behind Slater and clicked his tongue.

Troy broke into a run and Slater wrapped his arms around the horse's neck, hard pressed to hang on with consciousness slipping away. He heard the sizzle of magic as Heim drew up a shield around them to block the attack of the soldiers in hot pursuit.

"Once we reach the Northern border, they will be forced to turn back." Heim shouted, the strain the magic was having clear in his tone.

The dark of the night seemed to press down on him, growing heavier and heavier. Cheek pressed to Troy's shoulder, Slater used the stinging pain of flexing muscle grazing his wounded cheek to hold off oblivion.

"We are at war, Heim. They will not respect our borders."

Heim latched onto the back of Slater's shirt and tugged straight on the saddle when he started the slide to one side. "Perhaps, but your brother's men will hold them off."

Shock sliced through the fuzz of Slater's brain. "My brother..."

"Yes." Heim gave Slater a grim smile and pushed him down to lie against Troy's neck as darkness stole the last of his awareness. Words drifted to him through the black. "He gave Gabriella his word that you would not be harmed. And our king is a man of his word."




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 07



***

Slick and cool, like spring water turned to fabric, the silk spilled over and around her naked flesh as the trio of seamstresses used magic to dress her. The way the fabric slithered over her skin gave her goose bumps; it felt like she was covered in snakes.

To take her mind off the disturbing sensation, she studied the room where she'd been sent to prepare for the king. It looked nothing like it had in her nightmare. Well, except for the huge bed set on a platform in the middle of the room. That looked familiar—a massive four poster made of some kind of dark stained wood.

"My Lady." One of the seamstresses bobbed in an awkward curtsy and held her hand out to the huge, gold framed mirror that took up most of the wall across from the bed. "Does it please you?"

Gabriella gave her reflection a swift once over and almost shook her head. But she couldn't move, because if she did the reflection would move too and she wouldn't be able to convince herself it wasn't her.

The dress fit like a second skin from shoulders to hip, then flared out to an ankle length skirt and wide bell sleeves. The neckline dipped between her breasts so only the snug fit of the dress kept them from spilling out, but any sudden movement and she was sure she'd pop out.

"It's lovely." Gabriella gave the seamstress a tight smile. "Thank you."

The door creaked open and heavy footsteps crossed the room. Each footfall seemed times with the beat of her heart. She swallowed and watched the man who looked just like Slater approach her from behind. He wore nothing but a black velvet robe, tied loose around his waist. The rich fabric framed his huge chest.

He's hot, and he knows it. She fisted her hands and hid them under her sleeves. But he's not Slater.

"Perfect." He put his hands on her shoulders. The gravelly tone of his voice sent a chill down her spine. She shivered and his thumbs stroked the back of her neck. "You may leave us now, ladies."

Before Gabriella could beg the women to stay they'd fluttered from the room like frightened birds and closed the door behind them.

"Just look at that pulse race." Villem kissed her throat and chuckled when she spun away from him. "Are you afraid of me?"

He had to be joking. Trying to take slow even breaths, Gabriella backed away from him, towards the door. She reached behind her and touched the cold metal handle.

Instead of following her, Villem sauntered up to the bed. The mattress creaked as he took a seat and leaned back on his hands. The robe slid open a little more, reveling one muscular thigh. Her eyes travelled up to where the black velvet tented over his erection. She pulled the door open a crack.

"You may wish to reconsider running, Gabriella." Villem said.

Gabriella licked her lips, knowing she didn't have anywhere to go, but unable to think of a single reason not to take off. The villagers weren't in danger any longer. And Slater...

"My brother is here." Villem chuckled when she blinked at him. "Did you think I was going to wait until Slater showed up? I have not kept my throne so long by leaving things to chance. I can take nothing from you that you will not give. I want your power. You want my traitorous brother to live."

Tears stung Gabriella's eyes and her throat seized. She sobbed and let her hand fall to her side. "So if I let you rape me and kill me you'll spare Slater."

Villem sighed and shook his head. "What stories has my brother been telling you? You will not die without your powers. You did not need them before you came and you will do just fine without them." He smiled and patted the bed beside him. "And I will not rape you. You've already agreed to give yourself to me. Now come here."

Her shoulders slumped as she forced herself to cross the room. He was right, she'd agreed to do this and since he had Slater, she couldn't balk at following through. She might hate that Slater had refused to even consider sending her home, but in all honesty, she couldn't hate the man. Not that she hadn't tried.

What if he's lying? What if he doesn't have Slater?

Doubt nestled in her chest and she stopped a few feet from the bed.

"Gabriella." Villem stood and reached out.

She shook her head and retreated. "Slater's not stupid. I know he'll come for me, but he'll have a plan. You couldn't have caught him already."

"The village was attacked by the forces of the south moments after you left. Slater was wounded. I don't know what he was trying to do—his man, Heim, told me he rushed out into the fray and drew attention to himself as he ran through the village square. He was hit by a poisoned dart and would have been taken hostage if his steed hadn't led Heim right to him." Villem sighed and held his hand out to the mirror. "My brother is under the care of several healers. See for yourself."

The mirror flashed and suddenly she could see Slater, lying on a bed surrounded by beautiful women. They were all naked and she covered her mouth with her hand as she watched them fondle Slater. His groans filled the room as one woman took his erect dick in her hands and started stroking it. Another woman bowed over him and sucked his dick into her mouth.

"Slater is not suffering." Villem circled her, then took her hand and led her to the bed. "And neither will you."

Completely numb, Gabriella perched on the edge of the bed and let Villem ease her dress off her shoulders. She didn't fight him when he laid her on the bed and peeled the dress down to her waist. Her eyes were fixed on the scene in the mirror, on Slater pressing up against the woman who kissed him, on his hand between another's thighs. One the spread of golden hair hiding the face of the woman who was sucking his cock.

Villem held up his hand and the scene vanished. Then he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. "Don't take it too hard. Healers have different...methods in which to use their powers. I selected those women myself because of their skill. Slater has used them before, and will likely use them again, but that doesn't mean he cares for you any less."

"Just do what you have to do. I don't care." Her tears grew cold in her eyes, seemed to dry up as she accepted what would happen. The king would fuck her, would use her until whatever powers her body contained had been drained.

She didn't know what would happen to her then. But as she'd said, she didn't care. There was nothing left to live for.

"You have no idea how wrong you are." Villem stroked her jaw and bent down to kiss her slack lips. "For what you will give me, I offer the world. You will be treated as a queen. Ask and everything you've ever dreamed of will be yours."

"I want to go home." She knew she sounded pathetic, but so what? She had nothing to lose. "Can you give me that?"

"Ah, my sweet, that is beyond my power. I do have those that could return you to your realm, but I've no desire to lose you." He nuzzled her neck and sighed. "If only you could understand. Your power runs so deep, I could drink my fill for centuries and there would still be more to take. I don't think Slater could fathom what you are worth. But it is just as well. If he had left you empty I would have no reason to keep him alive. As it is, you have become my most prized possession. Unless you wish it otherwise, he will live a long life, granted all the pleasure he could ever want. He will never have his freedom, I cannot give him that in the wake of his betrayal, but he will want for nothing else."

She was being denied the one thing she truly desired, but knowing Slater wouldn't suffer did give her some peace. Selfish as he'd acted, he had tried to spare her this. She visualized the village, imagined Slater's reaction once he'd realized she'd been taken. His first thought would have been to come for her, but he wouldn't have been able to ignore the villagers suffering. She could just see him, trying to draw attention to himself and away from the villagers whose only crime was ignorance of their presence.

If only Villem had told her Slater had left those villagers to die, then she could have forgotten him, despised him. Instead he'd done the one thing that made his life worth something. Like the knights in all the fairytales her mother used to tell her about when she was little, Slater had protected the weak. More importantly, he'd done it at the risk of losing the one he claimed to love. Her.

The spark of love she'd felt for him blazed like a flame dosed in accelerant Maybe she was fooling herself, but she really didn't think so. The man she loved was more than even he knew. She could even forgive him for those women, much as it hurt. Villem had told her that was how they healed, so Slater probably didn't have any more option than she did. He had to let it happen.

So she would let it happen and know, somehow, she would be with the man she loved soon.

Villem cupped her breasts and bowed his head to flick her nipples with his tongue. She couldn't deny that it felt good. But she could pretend it was someone else touching her, could imagine Slater was doing the same.

"No." Villem growled, his lips clamping down on her breast. He nipped her and rose up on his knees when she arched up and cried out. He stripped his robe and tossed it aside. "You will only see me, feel me as I take you. My brother will have his pleasure. Give me mine."

His finger prodded at her entrance and filled her, one, two, she couldn't tell. All she could feel was the steady thrust, the pleasure Villem demanded she acknowledge. Harder and faster until he moved his hand and slicked his dick with the juices of her arousal. He grabbed her hips and lifted her up as he plunged in.

"Look at me!"

Gabriella looked at him and felt her body surrender, But it didn't surrender to him. It surrendered to the memory of Slater filling her as she gave him what her needed to return to this life. Her body erupted to the sensation of Slater taking her that first time, of him breaching her innocence and claiming her as his own.

* * *

Slater felt her. Even as his passions spilled into the healed he felt Gabriella, hot and wet and full of innocent passion. He thrust up into the stranger's body but he only felt her, her sweet body accepting him, taking him to a crescent of pure bliss where nothing else mattered. 

The woman riding him raked her fingers into his hair and pulled him up against her, pressing her breast to his chest. She lowered her head as though to kiss him and whispered in his ear. "Your grandmother sent me."

All the hot, throbbing pleasure seemed to seep out of his dick at the abrupt mention of his grandmother. He could feel it going soft already. Thankfully the other women hadn't noticed yet. He needed a moment to speak to this one.

Wrapping his arms around her, his flattened her against him and spoke through his teeth. "Why?"

Lips curving in a positively evil smile, the woman traced his lips with a finger. He felt the tingling sensation of magic being siphoned from him and tried to pry her off him, enraged that she'd dare absorb his powers. She wiggled her hips and shook her head.

Then she mouthed 'Watch' and flicked the sparkling magic into the air. It whirled and the very fabric of reality thinned above them. Then solidified again before any but he and the woman could see it.

His grandmother had found him one with the power to tear the veil.

"My name is Lauritha, and your grandmother gave me a place to hide from King Krovist. When I told her what I could, she asked me to find you. She hoped you would come to your senses and send the girl home." Lauritha put her hand between them and took a firm hold on his dick when he slipped from her body. His power was drawn out as though it rested in his balls and he could feel the hot magic under her hands as she stroked him.

He was hard again, and would stay that way until she was done with him. He'd never had a woman able to exert that kind of power over him. And he wasn't sure he liked it.

Up on her knees, Lauritha pumped up and down on his dick as though he was there for nothing but her pleasure. When he tried to grab her hips she slapped his hands.

"You can give it to me or I can take it." She made a rough sound in her throat as she threw her head back and moved faster and faster. With bouncing breasts, rosy lips and hip length, gold spun hair, she was a sight to behold.

But not the one he wanted. And the one he would have.

He understood, finally, what the woman meant. Not sex, she was already taking that. What she wanted was the power.

"If I give it to you, you will send her home?"

"Fool!" She slapped him, ripping power from his core even as she rocked her hip. She threw the magic at the door, trapping the other women who'd tried to escape upon hearing what was being planned. "No, I will not send her home. You will. My magic will be yours and yours will be mine. I hope you enjoy being able to rip through the veil more than I did. Unless you have a direct line of energy to tap into, there's little else you can do."

There was not another thing he wanted to do. He knew he probably should ask what she planned to use his magic for, but he really didn't care. His grandmother wouldn't have sent the woman if she had ill intent.

All he'd ever wanted was the life his royal blood entitled him to. Now all he wanted was to give Gabriella the one thing she'd asked him—no, practically begged him for.

I will be nothing. I will have nothing. Even Gabriella will be lost to me if I do this.

A depressing thought, but he couldn't think of himself. He wouldn't. Gabriella needed the kind of man who would put her first. And he would be that man, even if it was only for the short time they had left.

"Take it." He growled when Lauritha laughed out loud and ground her hips down on him. He thrust up and felt the stem of his essence spilling out of his body as he came. Her juices flowed out of her hot cunt and his flesh seemed to soak it in as she trembled and moaned out the last of her pleasure.

"Find your lady, little prince." She dismounted and patted his thigh as though he was a beast of burden who'd served her well. Slater smirked when he noticed how her legs shook.

Indeed he had. He rolled off the bed, feeling refreshed and filled with renewed purpose—even though he'd been drained of everything else. He envisioned the pure joy that would light Gabriella's face when he said the words 'I am sending you home.'

As he donned the heavy, black velvet robe left for him on a simple wood chair in the corner of the scantly furnished room, Slater heard the women gather around Lauritha, scarcely breathing as she told them she would spare their lives if they would take a vow of silence until the 'bastard prince and his lady' were gone. Every woman gave her oath.

Slater gave Lauritha a parting nod of regard and opened the door.

A ham-like fist caught him square in the jaw and knocked him back into the room. Laid out on his back on the floor, he stared up through the haze as his older brother dismissed the women and took a seat on the bed. Slater propped himself up on the wall by the door. He could smell Gabriella's sweet scent on his brother. The desire to cross the room and choke the life from the man for daring to touch her almost overwhelmed him.

But killing the king wouldn't get Gabriella home. Slater had to proceed with care.

"To what do I owe this honour, Sire?" Slater spit a mouthful of blood on the gleaming wood floor and laughed when his brother's lips curled in disgust. "Since when do prisoners get the attention of the king himself?"

Villem shook his head. "Do not feign ignorance, Slater, you know very well if you were any but my brother you would be dead. You betrayed me."

Since he couldn't deny it, Slater said nothing.

Standing, Villem placed his hands at the base of his spine and began to pace. "The girl has more power than I ever dreamed possible. Enough that the loss of her innocence is negligible. She is Awakened, but lacks the ability to stop me from absorbing her powers. And they are limitless. I could feel she was special from the moment I touched her, but couldn't fathom..." Villem spun on his heels and crouched in front of Slater, smiling like a lad on Yuletide about to open the biggest gift of all.

Considering what his brother was capable of, Slater found the smile quite disturbing.

His next words confirmed Slater's greatest fears.

"With her powers alone, we can win this war." Villem rubbed his hands together and leaned forward. "Now tell me, what will tempt the girl? What can I give her that will make her agreeable to taking others to her bed? I'm thinking to share her powers with the lords and ladies most valuable to the cause. Dannon is with her now, but I doubt even he can convince her to give herself to all those she must. Even I, with my skill and charm, had to resort to threatening your life before she would give in."

Sick as it made Slater to know his brother had used Gabriella, it pleased him that she had to be coerced.

He smirked. "There is only one thing she wants, My Liege." He patted Villem's hand and stood. "If you vow to send her home, she will give you anything you want."

"Nonsense. She is young; there must be something else that will sway her." Villem rose and turned away from Slater to pace once again. "I will continue to use you if I must, but the power is never as pure as when it is taken in the throws of ecstasy. If I could find a way to make her content with her place among us..." He scowled when Slater laugh. "That amuses you?"

"She will never be content here, Villem." Slater took a step towards his brother, schooling his features as a plan formed. "But for all you have done for me, I am willing to use my influence to convince her to accept you and your worthy subjects for a time. Let us take her together and give her more pleasure than she has ever dreamed possible--"

Villem stopped short and glared at him. "And give you the power to thwart me? I think not. You've proven yourself untrustworthy, dear brother. If not for you, I would have had the opportunity to seduce her, take her innocence, and bend her to my will. Instead I must compete with her love for you and I will not give you a chance to enforce it. She will be mine, one way or another--but if I must torture you in the meantime I will. You'd best consider that before you refuse me again."

"Do your worse, it won't endure you to her." Slater shrugged and went to the bed. His jaw throbbed where his brother has struck him. Perched on the edge of the bed, he prodded the swelling gingerly and decided the pain was worth the challenge Gabriella presented for the king. Much as she resented him now, the time they shared had given her a reason not to submit. He couldn't help but be pleased that even Villem could tell that she loved him. And that love would multiply tenfold when he found a way to give her what she truly desired.

"You haven't seen my worse, Slater." Villem crossed the room and drew back his fist the way he had when Slater was a boy and Villem wanted to see him cower. When Slater refused to so much as flinch, Villem snarled and grabbed him by the throat. "But you shall—and she'll watch if that's what it takes."

Slater gasped for air as his brother grip tightened. "Is her hatred what you want?"

"I want you to pay for what you've taken from me!" Villem's eyes went wild and wide, he released Slater and raked his fingers through his hair. "So close...so close to never wanting for power again..."

His brother had lost his mind. Slater should have seen it coming, nobles who became obsessed with constantly feeding into their stores of power often lost touch with reality, became so dependent on the magic they would do anything to have it. 

"How many have you taken already?" Slater kept his tone level, kept his eyes down. Agitating the man at this point would be a very bad idea.




Stolen Magic Bk. 01 Taken Pt. 07



Villem's brow furrowed. "You kept her from me for days...I could sense her magic on the messengers, on the girl they brought to appease me. The girl tasted of Gabriella, I couldn't help myself..." He rubbed his brow and suddenly looked very confused. "They were so fragile...they're gone now..."

By the holy mother... "Brother, listen to me." Slater stood and put his hand on Villem's shoulder. "You understand how valuable Gabriella is, how careful you must be—"

"Of course I do." Villem knocked Slater's hand off his shoulder and the sanity seemed to return to his dark eyes. "She will be treated as a queen, I have already told her as much."

"Then ask her what she wants. Perhaps—"

The door opened and Slater looked up to see a vision in gold silk sweep into the room. A golden net held her hair away from her face, leaving it stark and pale and hard. Her eyes narrowed as she looked at him, then dismissed him and turned to Villem.

"Yes, ask me what I want."

"I know what you want." Villem shook his head and started for the door. "The answers no. I cannot let you go home. I need you."

"That's not what I was going to ask." Gabriella's red painted lips curved. "You can have me. But I want him—" She pointed at Slater, her expression one of utter loathing. "Gone."



*Note: The end of Stolen Magic Bk 1 should be coming within the next week or so--and yes, I know I've said that before and disapeared for a very long time, but I found it a nice change to work on a story for the sole pleasure of myself and my readers and look forward to ending this journey with you and starting a new one! :)

For more updates on my writing, feel free to visit my blog or send me a private message--or you can comment, comments are good too!