Cursed by Moonlight

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Cursed by Moonlight ISBN 9781419915888 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Cursed by Moonlight Copyright © 2008 Melissa Lopez Edited by Nicholas Conrad. Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication May 2008 With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/) This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

CURSED BY MOONLIGHT

Melissa Lopez

Hanged Man The Hanged Man represents every man who is committed enough to a cause to die for it. Divinatory meanings: Upright—Sacrifice. Surrender. Acceptance. Rebirth. Reverse—Loss. Selfish goals. Willingness to accept things as they are despite drawbacks. Failure in the face of oppression. The picture on the card shows a man hanging upside-down by one foot from a tree. His other leg is crossed to form a numeral four. The Hanged Man’s face is peaceful and surrounded by a halo, and his hands are letting go of moneybags to symbolize his sacrifice and his willingness to let go of the past.

Cursed by Moonlight

Chapter One “Caught ya interest, has she?” Godric nudged Alric to get his attention from the dark-haired enchantress. Alric didn’t answer but turned his gaze back where he most desired to be. Five dark-skinned women danced around his dining hall, but he had eyes for only one. Unlike the modest women in his tribe, all five wore their long black hair loose around their colorfully clad bodies. But he had eyes for only one. All five worked his men with the sway of their alluring bodies. But he had eyes for only one. The rhythmic movements of her hips, the intricate patterns her arms and hands weaved, had held him captive from the first strum of music. The woman moved fluidly, arousing his senses. He had no desire to take his gaze from her. What about this woman attracted him so? Why did she set him on fire like no other had? With each shift to get comfortable, his rigid manhood rubbed the material of the loincloth he wore under his tunic. Sweat coated his palms. His finger itched to stroke himself to release as he watched the siren. From time to time, her wide black eyes flashed his way in the light of the torches. Never in his years had he been seduced with such ease. Never could he recall such need to take someone. Lust surged hotly in his balls. He wanted nothing more than to toss her against his table and fuck her for all to see. Claim her. Alric trembled at the feel of the beast waking inside. The skin along his back rippled as the beast stretched out to settle down once more.

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His old companion leaned back from the table and patted his belly. “The wenches make me wish for my youth.” Alric pretended the newcomer meant naught to him. “In my youth, after a feast, I’d have sought out the wench with the roundest arse and rutted until I was left dead to the world.” Clutching the handle of his knife, Alric speared a hunk of roasted meat. Tearing into it with his teeth, he paid no heed to the man’s ramblings. Godric knew there’d never be a mate in his life. No wife. No concubine. No mistress. Not even a whore to sate his lust. He’d not risk the closeness. Too many nights, he woke from dreams in a cold sweat, fearing the beast had been turned loose and he’d torn some wench’s throat out. So, to not tempt fate beyond his dreams, he’d denied his natural urges to fuck. Nothing tempted him the way wenches did. He hated denying himself such a pleasure though most of the time he could overcome the lust. But he didn’t think his own hand would do after seeing a wench such as this. No other had made him have such a strong desire to give in to his natural urges. “Have I told ya of a woman’s button?” “Be still, man.” Alric wanted no more of the old man’s instructions on how to treat a woman. Especially not now. Not with the animal hungry inside. The need for food gone, he wiped his knife and placed it back in its sheath. “Fine. We’ve more important matters than the sounds of a woman in pleasure…” Once more, the spinning and swaying siren drew his attention. His blood raced as the music grew wilder with its beat. Her heavy breasts bounced with each movement. “I’ve told ya enough how to poke ya fingers inside her wet hole and work your thumb…”

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A growl rumbled up from deep within Alric’s chest. Why wouldn’t the man leave him in peace? The old man was like a father to him, but at times, he tried Alric’s patience with his good-natured rambling. “Fine then.” Godric held up his hands. “Fuck her or not.” He then leaned in as if to share a secret. “She’s a witch. And that, me boy, is all that matters.” The declaration got his attention. Godric’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he winked. “Her people are different in their thinking.” Alric’s mouth twisted. Her people wandered through his land eating his livestock and game. The troop of minstrels had come to his home earlier that night. Though he’d already gone into isolation for the evening, the sensual music had drawn him to join in on the festivities. Mystics, the wanderers were thought by some to be. Others spread tales of the secretive people, who owed their good fortune to the evil that loomed in the darkness that covered the land each night. He shook his head at the foolishness. They were no mystics. He knew what evil loomed and it was not with them. The whole lot of them were no more than thieves. But, just as his men milled about, entranced by the erotic dancing, he salivated for the more personal attention of one dancer. What he wouldn’t give for a night with the woman. Nay. He didn’t think he dared even dream of the enchantress. He bit back the rising frustration that threatened to turn to anger. He’d accepted his lot a long time ago. Again he stared at the swaying siren. Gods, give him strength. “My lord…” He turned his head to meet the gaze of Godric once more. “If she is a witch, she can help ya.” He didn’t miss how the old man’s eyes turned plaintive. Godric wanted to see him cured before he died. Foolishness. There was no cure.

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The beast roared, sending his blood coursing through his veins. His hands clenched as agony tore through his chest. The animal he kept hidden within wanted to swipe sharp claws across the old man’s throat. Alric closed his eyes so he could not see the hope Godric still held for him. There was no help for him to be found. No salvation existed in this life or the next. He was cursed.

***** Caasi drained the last of the wine from the goblet with a sigh. The drink had been sweet and refreshing. Just what she needed to soothe her frayed nerves. The night crawled by with little hint of ending. The clan of Glanworth was a rowdy tribe. But something else unnerved her. Something she dared not explore. Setting the empty container down, she moved to a quieter corner for a moment’s rest. She didn’t get far before the old man who’d earlier spent much time staring stopped her progress. He clasped her arm. “I wish to speak to ya.” Assuming she’d been taken for a woman who’d allow a tumble for treasure, she glared fiercely. How often had she been taken for a whore? The old fool. “I’m no whore.” She silently urged the man to release his hold. If he didn’t, her ever-on-guard brother would start a fight. The wiry hand dropped away. “Nay, girl, we’ve got plenty of willing wenches.” He reached up and smoothed down the scraggly beard that covered his face and trailed down his chest. Suspiciously, he looked around the hall before he lowered his tone. “I’ve need of a witch.” A breath rushed through her nose. Rarely were she or her people confronted so boldly without intent of malice. And then, normally someone wound up dead. People were of a superstitious nature, and when they didn’t understand another’s way of living, they turned ugly. 8

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“'Tis what ya be, ain’t it?” His light eyes narrowed. “A witch?” With pride, she lifted her chin. “Some have called me such.” To her people, she was the granddaughter to a great wise woman, still a fledging, learning the craft of magic. Only at her grandmother’s passing would she take her rightful place as a wise one. Only to outsiders was she known as a witch. “Good.” The man’s smile showed missing teeth. “I’m called Godric.” “I’m named Caasi. You wish me to heal someone? Tell your future?” “There be nothing but my death left for me.” He laughed with a shake of his head. “Even I can see I’m an old man.” A smile tugged her lips. She could see Godric meant her no harm. His crinkly eyes and tone set her at ease. He reminded her of her uncle. “What do you wish then?” “After you meet my lord, we’ll talk.” Falling in step behind the man, she glanced back to catch her brother’s familiar gaze. As expected, keeping to the shadows, Nassar followed. At Lord Glanworth’s chamber, Godric entered with barely a knock. She followed after reassurance Nassar would be a sentinel. The lone man sitting in the chair stood at her entrance. Not daring to look at any one man—let alone the lord—too long, she’d stolen only peeks at him earlier. Now she couldn’t tear her gaze away as sweet sensations she wasn’t accustomed to burst to life low in her belly. As her breath quickened, her mouth went dry. A powerful man stood before them. He radiated strength with his broad shoulders and height. He would tower over many of her people, probably many of his own. She appreciated his wedge-shaped chest and brawny arms. His long brown hair hung in a loose tail down his back. This allowed her to look her fill at his face. The strong lines held no scars, no imperfections. But his green eyes were most arresting. “Godric?” His big hands rested on his hips while the lord’s mouth tightened. “Why have you brought her here?”

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Unprepared for his direct stare, she straightened under its weight. She’d seen the hunger in his eyes before. Instinct that had been nurtured since childhood took control. The man had eyes that missed nothing. He had the eyes of a wild pack animal on a hunt. Every sense she had, every piece of her body, screamed at her to run. A shiver ran down her spine. And for the first time, she ignored the warning. Fascinated, she tilted her head while she studied the lord. Something mythical spoke to her. The man had a secret. A story—that she wanted to hear. “I’m out of coin to pay the wenches…” “Liar.” The earl tossed Godric a full bag of treasures before he turned back to her. “It grows late. Get back to your encampment before the moon sets its highest. Godric, I’ll meet you outside the stables.” With that, he left them. “I think he’s in need of a witch’s help. ‘Tis my wish, ya offer it to him.” Godric placed the bag in her hands. “I’ll pay the other wenches. This is yours, if you stay the night.” A necessity rang in the old man’s voice that tugged at her heart. Something about the earl compelled her to consider his request. She’d never seen anyone so caught in an inner struggle. She couldn’t deny there was something about him that made her want to run, but something else, something stronger, urged her to stay. What a mystery. One she wanted to investigate. Never one to turn down payment, she nodded. Following the old man, she worked to keep her interest in Lord Glanworth hidden.

***** “Cease the dawdling,” Alric ordered Godric. Sweat coated Alric’s body as he fought back the beast slowly awakening inside him to gnaw for freedom. His skin prickled with a fine layer of sweat. Hunger and frustration burst deep inside his chest as the animal stretched out inside him, longing to rule his body. More frightfully, the beast wanted to claim his thoughts until the sun woke to warm the land. He glanced up at the moon. He cursed it, just as it cursed him. 10

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If he wasn’t contained, restrained… Soon, there’d be no helping them, his people. “Damn horses.” Godric hastened his footsteps toward the stone dwelling. “Ya’d think the bastards were frightened of their own bloody shadows.” Yea. His men’s horses had been overly skittish and rightly so. Following them, a dozen of his men hung back to stand as guards. The only horse that’d let Alric within spitting range was his own warhorse. The steed had been his since its birth and had reluctantly accepted the change inside him. Godric thought the other steeds would get used to his presence. They wouldn’t. The animal that lived within him would devour a beast as soon as any man. And, nights like these with the moon showing, he had trouble controlling even his well-trained animal under him. Not bothering to argue with the man again, he pushed on through the night. When he stopped before the dwelling, a pent-up breath burst past his lips. He followed his friend down the steps leading into a single chamber. A cell he’d had commissioned for the safety of his people. Godric lit one of the torches that lined the walls and placed the one he held in its holder near the doorway. Alric made his way to the far wall that faced the only exit. He trembled as he undressed. Once he laid his weapons on the ground, his clothing dropped to the floor piece by piece. The turning of the beast made his body ache. From head to foot, his muscles tensed and twisted. The claiming was happening fast this time. Since being cursed, he’d learned to control the devil he’d become. But not on nights where the moon hung full overhead. On these nights, there was no stopping the monster. “Hurry your arse up.” He slipped a metal shackle around his own wrist. Godric took over the labor without a word. His friend had performed the chore many times.

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The lifting music of a harp had him looking past Godric to the opening at the top of the stairs. The witch who’d visited his chamber stood there playing soothing music. He squinted as his heightened animal senses took over. “You brought her here.” He sniffed, her rich scent captivating every aspect of his awareness. Lust stirred in his loins. Again and again, he inhaled. With ease, he could hunt her down and take her if he wished. His desire now stood out for all to see. His breathing turned rough. “Maeloc thought she might tame the beast.” Godric offered a grin before he moved to capture Alric’s feet. Shaking off the allure, he gave his friend a hard look. The old man was always blaming his son for his deeds. Maeloc his arse. Godric had done this on his own. The woman shouldn’t be there. He did his best to keep what he was from others. And though they feared him, his people kept his secret well hidden. “Why?” He couldn’t ask for a more loyal band of men. For them to have brought a stranger there unsettled him. “I told ya, she’s a witch.” Godric clasped a metal collar around Alric’s throat before securing it in place and him to the stone wall. “Her people are different in their thinking. This makes her of the right mind to help you. She can tell ya your future.” He grunted. Earlier while he waited for darkness, he hadn’t been able to keep from listening to the serving wenches who came and went from his room. The wenches had whispered about fortunetellers. Fortunetellers. Utter madness. No one could tell the future. Still, he couldn’t keep his gaze from the woman. She intrigued him. The black eyes that stared back at him were full of intelligence like they had earlier in his rooms. She had no simple mind. Why wasn’t she

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frightened? Surely, she knew what was happening wasn’t right. His gaze didn’t leave hers as she played. “What is she called?” “Caasi. Easy to look at, if ya ask me.” He shot another glare shot his friend’s way. “I didn’t ask.” Caasi. Yea. She was easy to look at with her dark skin, hair and eyes to match. The clothing she wore hid a lush body full of curves. Curves he wanted to see naked. In his chamber, he’d barely been able to think clearly. Much the same happened to him now. What he wouldn’t give to be a normal man. Caasi continued to play her music. The tune turned haunting. Godric set about latching shackles to his upper arms and legs. The stone was cold against his back and arse. Alric pulled at the chains. They left him little room to move. “She shouldn’t have been brought here.” His friend turned his graying head toward the stairs. “Come here, girl.” The music stopped. A man’s voice he didn’t recognize murmured something in a tongue he didn’t know. A growl vibrated in his chest. He’d caught the other man’s scent. The smell reminded him of the female. The animal assured him they were related. Still, the relationship, no matter what it was, mattered not. This fascinating woman that turned him into knots could be nothing in his life. After many beats of his heart, light scuffs sounded as she made it down the steps. The tempting mouth pressed tightly closed, and the black eyes now refused to meet his. Her uncertainty clear in her gaze, she moved not one toe into the room. She wasn’t as brave as he’d given her credit for. Fear radiated from her skin in the sweet scent of sweat. “My brother, he wants me to stay outside.” Her voice sounded as pleasing as the music she’d strummed from her harp.

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His cock twitched in urgent need. “What man would bring a loved one to a place such as this?” “Nassar is a fine man, a fine warrior.” Fires blazed in her direct look. “I’m no whore, if that’s what your men told you.” He grunted at the tightness of the shackle latched around his chest. The links clenched him painfully. “I told ya, fucking isn’t on the earl’s mind this night.” Backing up a step, Godric pulled out the hammer from the sheath that hung from his side. He rolled the handle of the weapon around in his palm. The heavy war hammer would easily split his skull, or kill with its deadly spiked end. “Your people are full of secrets.” A bushy brow lifted as Godric waited for the female’s response. Alric frowned, unsure where his friend headed with the question. “Yea.” She moistened her plump lips. Godric smiled. “Good. Then ya won’t mind one more among friends?” Her throat worked, and she met Alric’s gaze a final time. “Your tale is safe with me.” His companion dismissed the woman by giving her his back. The old man tugged on a chain. “Ya good and tight?” The chain around Alric’s neck bit into his throat when he tried to nod. Nay, he wasn’t going anywhere—at least, not in his human form. The beast rose up to snarl at what was next. A shudder racked his body as he began to turn, the beast awakening to take its place. Alric gritted his teeth as pain tore through him and ligaments and tendons twisted and stretched. Godric raised the hammer high and brought the flat end down on Alric’s head with enough force to buckle his knees. Pain flashed in a white haze. A shrill scream rattled his fading thoughts. The beast howled to announce its emergence before all went black.

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Chapter Two Caasi had no sooner turned to escape the madness than her brother caught her arm. “Did they harm you?” Nassar turned a fierce, black look on the elder. She couldn’t answer. She couldn’t find the breath to make sound. “Nay.” Godric replaced his weapon. “I told ya no harm would come to the girl.” The thumping that raced under her breast didn’t settle. Had her brother known what the old man had planned? She’d had no inkling. She’d watched and listened as she’d been taught. “Is it…” Through unblinking eyes, she stared at what now hung from the stone wall where only heartbeats before a man had stood. “Is the earl dead?”’ A cold chill captured her body from within. The beast looked as if it outweighed the earl. It stood taller than the man had. Hairy muscular arms and legs ended in deadly claws. A full, thick tail curled out from behind him. The chest and underbelly were covered in short hair. Her gaze lingered on the now flaccid, fat cock. Sharp teeth captured her attention. She looked upon the head and snout of what could only be that of a large predator—a wolf. No. Not just a wolf. A wolf man. A creature that haunted her people’s beliefs. Yet with no explanation, the thought of him dead made her eyes wet with tears. The beast was so still. “For now, Alric lives.” Sadness clouded Godric’s pale, icy gaze. “Yea. He lives.” She took a step toward the beast. The earl had purposely allowed his man to chain him up. The thundering returned to beat wildly under her breast. This time, fear didn’t bring about the reaction. Her wonder swelled. A man had put his people before himself. The earl, instead of letting the beast free, had suffered much cost to himself.

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How vulnerable the man’s position was. The beast looked almost grotesque and deformed with how tightly the shanks constricted his movements. Caasi wanted to see the beast’s eyes—needed to see them. Oftentimes the eyes revealed the spirit. She reached out, but Godric stopped her before she could get close. “Nay, his teeth are deadly. If ya survive a bite, ya be as cursed as he is.” She nodded. Infection by a mad animal could spread like a wild fire. A belief widely known throughout the tribes of her people. “Does he do this to himself each full moon?” “Yea. Can you cure him?” Godric looked between her and Nassar. A tic burst to life where the old man clenched his teeth. A shaky breath whispered past her dry lips. How she wanted to cure him. While she could battle any form of black magic, she had no spells or incantations to offer in this matter. Though her people believed in such creatures, she’d never expected to run across one. She wanted to talk to her grandmother. She might know something that could be done. “I say we kill the poor bastard and put him out of his misery.” Nassar pulled a dagger from its holder. “Nay.” Godric drew his own sword. She kept watching the creature, wondering at what type of man the earl must be to elicit such loyalty from his people. How had such a curse befallen him? Nassar shrugged a shoulder. “The man isn’t evil. I’d know if he were.” The words had no sooner left her, when the wind whispered in her ear. Evil did approach—and fast. Her skin prickled. “What is it?” Nassar took a defensive stance. “I see something has gotten to you.” “I don’t know…” A wolf howled in the distance. Another and another took song, answering the call, piercing the silence with their mournful sound. Death was approaching.

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Godric paled in the light of the torches. “It cannot be…” Nassar shoved one of his many daggers at the elder. “Take it. This will kill anything. It’s a blessed weapon our ancestors brought out of Atlantis.” Her heart leapt into her throat. She swallowed, as did Godric. Judging by the noise, the wolves seemed to be closing in on them. Without another word, her brother snatched her hand to drag her out of the building. They’d barely gotten into the cover of the trees when the carnage behind them began. Screams of terror mixed with the growls and snarls of the hunters. Nassar pressed her against a tree. He draped his talisman around her neck. “Listen to me…” His chest heaved. “Nothing will attack you while you wear this.” “No.” She shook her head. “Don’t do this.” “Run, and don’t look back. I’ll distract them while you get to safety.” Tears welled in her eyes. No. No. No. Nassar sliced his arm open, gave the cry of a warrior and ran back into the mêlée. He held a sword high with one hand, while a dagger remained clutched in the other. He used the scent of his own blood to mask her smell. Caasi ran, but not as far as she should have. The feral growls of the beasts and the cries of the men drove her up a large tree. She shook, muttering prayers over and over until things quieted. Only once during the night did a monster approach her hiding spot. She clutched the talisman. If only her brother had kept the magic for himself. The beast moved on. Right before dawn broke across the sky, Caasi’s legs cramped from keeping the same position for so long. Her skin chafed from the rough bark. As the sun began to warm the land, she climbed down with trembling limbs. With each step, her stride quickened. In the clearing, bloody body parts lay spread out across the land along with horror etched on what was left of the fallen men’s faces. The acrid smell of blood and death filled the air. Filled her lungs. Gagging over the

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gore, she pressed a hand to her stomach and covered her mouth with the other as panic beat in her heart. Wildly, she searched for her brother. She looked for his familiar jewelry and weapons, but he wasn’t among the slain. Had he gotten away? No. He’d have come for her if he had. Something unspeakable had happened. She grasped the talisman and uttered a prayer. Godric sat with his back up against the stone wall, near the door. He wore a bloodcovered tunic, yet she saw no open wounds like the others’. His light eyes opened at her approach. “Let Alric loose.” He tossed a key to her. Trembling, she did as the old man bid.

***** Alric had come to in beast form not long before dawn and shifted back as the day awakened to the devastation. A unique scent called out to him, one he’d only recently learned. He lifted his head at Caasi’s footfalls. He hadn’t expected her this morn. Carefully, he watched her shaky movements. She looked tired, with haunted eyes. No pain remained from the head wound Godric had inflicted, only an edginess. His healing came fast, or his head would still be ringing from the blow. Then another, much stronger smell taunted his senses. He couldn’t get the scent of blood out of his nostrils. Delight was replaced by dread. The beast, through dormant, hungrily goaded him to hunt. Instinct told him he didn’t want to go beyond the door. What ungodliness lay outside? “Where’s Godric?” The old man had never failed to greet him after a turning. “What has gone on while I slumbered?” Her back remained bowed as if she could take no more. Her obsidian eyes wouldn’t meet his gaze. Her plump lips compressed to still their trembling. She worked quietly, time and again fumbling with the heavy weight of the locks. “Have you been hurt?” 18

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“No.” She gave a wild shake of her head. “My men?” He swallowed. The answer didn’t have to leave her lips. Caasi knelt to loosen his legs and feet. He dressed with haste before strapping on his weapons as he made his way up the stairs. At the opening, life as he had known before ceased to exist. His knees trembled and he locked them to stay on his feet. Anger and sadness engulfed him. All his men had been slaughtered. A dozen of his finest. The men he trusted and had sworn to protect. A lump formed, and he swallowed the rising tide down. The men had accompanied him to put him down if he’d gotten loose. On the other side of the doorway he knelt on one knee. “Godric…” He shook his head. This could not be. But it was. “My lord…” Godric’s gaze turned watery. The old man pushed a dagger into his hand. “The bastards left me alive. I don’t have the will to do it meself.” “Nay.” His fist knotted around the old man’s wrist. “Don’t ask it of me.” “It was Sihtric. Wallath was at his side.” A weight flexed his shoulders forward. He should have killed Sihtric long ago. Even knowing the danger existed, he'd been unable to hunt his brother down. Sihtric had never forgiven him his past sins. It had been only a matter of time before this day would arrive. Now his people had suffered for his own failing. His chest constricted and his throat clenched as anguish engulfed him. Working his throat, he tried to swallow down the sickening dread of what he now had to do. “Ya know what must be done now.” Alric’s hand tightened on Godric’s wrist. “I cannot…” His breathing hitched. To take Godric’s life… He was a good man. He’d had Alric’s back for so long, Alric didn’t know what he'd do without his aid.

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“I’m an old man, I can’t go on as ya can.” Godric craned his neck up to look to where Caasi stood. “Ya have the woman now to aid ya.” She had come to his side. As if she belonged there. Something inside him wanted her there, told him she did belong there. Nay. A rough sound rumbled from his chest. He now had no one. As much as he wanted to take her into his arms, to believe there was a way to end this curse… Nay. Never would he let her become a part of this madness. “Listen to me. I have faith in the witch’s magic.” Godric grasped his head and pulled it to his chest. “Give me ya word, ya will let her help.” “Yea.” He’d promise the old man anything. Alric felt like a small boy. Godric had taught him so much. Much more than his father ever had. He clutched at the dagger in one hand and the old man’s clothing in the other. He couldn’t kill his friend. Damn, the gods for asking the deed of him. “Me Maeloc will stand at ya back now.” “Yea, your son will do us proud.” “Make sure the boy doesn’t go off hotheaded. I know the bastards are planning a trap for ya.” Alric nodded against Godric’s chest. “Cearl ran off… You’ll need to hunt him soon.” Again, he nodded. Cearl, though a good warrior, was far too young to handle a beast within. If not for Godric, the beast would’ve won out over even him long ago. “Eadric escaped along with Cearl. The rest are dead. The devils had themselves a feast.” The old man shook with his emotions. Damn the fucking gods. Every last one of them. Alric had trouble drawing a deep breath. “My brother?” A soft voice quivered from beside them. Alric wanted to raise his head and howl at the pain he heard. 20

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“I don’t know.” Godric’s grip didn’t loosen. “I’d never seen anyone fight the way he did.” “Our people have the greatest of warriors.” Godric patted Alric’s back. “We were few, while they had plenty.” “So, he could live then?” Hope had returned to her voice, and Alric had trouble releasing the breath he held. Would he be man or animal was the question. Alric wouldn’t ask it in front of her. He’d deal with things as they happened. “Yea.” Another rough pat to Alric’s back. “I ask you to do this last kindness for me.” Godric pressed his hand that held the dagger into his chest. “I won’t ask this of me boy.” Alric moaned through his teeth. “Burn our bodies…” “Yea.” He swallowed another lump. “Ya be a fine man, Alric of Glanworth. ‘Tis been a great honor to serve you.” The shakiness in his friend’s voice tore at his soul. The sadness bought forth a memory of his mother… Nay. He’d not remember that night again. It took Alric a moment to find the air to respond. “I’m sorry, my brother.” He met the old man’s eyes a final time. “Forgive me.” With all his might, he shoved the dagger deep into the beating heart. Godric made no sound as he passed from this world to the next. Burning eyes closed, Alric held his mentor for a long moment. Then gently, he laid Godric down and stood. “Sihtric will pay for this deed.” And soon. Blindly, he set about collecting what was left of his men—his family—to place them in a pile. He forced himself to etch each one into his memory to remind him what the beast was capable of and to give him the strength to avenge them all. At Caasi’s move to help, he snarled, “Nay, they’re tainted.” The bodies were a mauled mess. Even several of the horses had been killed. 21

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She nodded and went to the side of the building out of sight. He checked on her, but she simply sat with her back to the stone holding the charm around her neck tightly in her hand. Chest heaving with a spiral of emotions, he placed all his men together. Their weapons, he saved. Quickly and quietly, he set the carnage on fire.

***** Only when mere ashes remained did the music register with Alric. Anger and grief lingered. Caasi played her haunting tones. How had he forgotten about the woman? Never should he have let down his guard. He needed to get her to her people, but first he needed to alert his clan. Turned back to the building, he spotted Caasi. She sat where he last remembered her with her back to the wall. Now a harp rested in her lap. Though tired-eyed, she continued to play. For him. The favor was a great kindness. Silently, he collected the weapons and put them inside the chamber. Godric’s hammer, he stuck in his belt. The old man had always favored its use. Maeloc would want to hang onto the weapon. “Let us leave this place.” He offered her his hand, only to withdraw it at the sight of the filth that covered his fingers. They would have to walk. What horses hadn’t been killed had been run off, his mount included. And, he doubted in their fright, they headed for home. Slowly, she got to her feet and clutched her harp. “My men…” He looked around. “Speak no more of them. They’re gone from this world.” She fell in step beside him. “My people believe if you speak of the dead, you invite them back.” “Foolishness. Dead men don’t rise.” 22

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“And men do not take the form of giant man-eating wolves.” He grunted as the hair on the back of his neck and arms stood on end. Over his shoulder, he glanced back for a heartbeat. Dead men do not walk. “My people have many beliefs.” The look on Caasi’s face told him she believed they did. “Spirits. Demons. Walking dead. There are many evils found in these lands. Warnings should be heeded.” Warnings, he understood. He needed to get the witch as far away from him as he could. Before he did something foolish. “Alric?” “Yea.” “I want to help you.” She caressed his arm, and they stopped walking. “My grandmother is very powerful. I want her to read the cards for you.” “Cards?” He’d never heard such a thing. “Tarot. They tell a story. They can tell your future,” A sound of mirth burst from his chest. “I have no future.” Surely she knew that by now. “Maybe my grandmother knows of a cure.” Caasi started walking once more. “I heard your vow.“ Eyes narrowed, he followed. “Yea. I’m a man of my word.” He’d told Godric he would let the witch help. In doing so, he’d left himself no choice. Godric had lived and died a crafty old bastard. The old man had known him well. If Alric hadn’t given his word, he’d have taken the woman back to her people without a farewell. “Who is Sihtric?” They’d walked for a long while in silence. So long he’d allowed his mind to go numb with nothing. Continued silence had been too much to hope for. Though, he shouldn’t have been surprised—he’d noticed the women of his own clan could always find something to go on about when no words were needed.

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“My brother.” A brother he should’ve killed all those years ago. Gods forgive him for the weakness. “He’s been turned to beast as well?” “Yea.” “When were you sickened? Surely you weren’t born—” “Nay. I was still a boy. Godr—” The quick press of her fingertips to his mouth stopped him from speaking his friend’s name. “He caged me on the nights the moon grew round.” Alric had been caged a lot back then, until he learned to control the feral animal within. Sihtric had beaten him regularly. “When I got too big, I had the chamber built so I could be housed in shackles.” “I’m sorry for your loss.” Caasi’s arm brushed his, and he took a measure of pleasure from the contact. Her presence somehow soothed him. A blessed, comfortable silence fell between them again. He wanted to think of nothing before he faced his people and told them of the slaughter. Caasi stopped walking when the outer homes of his village came into view. “I can go no further. I need to go home.” Already, he could see boys racing not toward him, but to his home to announce his approach. “Nay, I’ll escort you to your people.” Alric grasped her wrist, causing her to gasp. “Please, my lord, you do not understand.” “I understand that a woman should not be out alone.” He urged her to walk with him, and reluctantly, she fell into step. “If you take me back with you after what has happened…” A frantic look crossed her face. “Some will blame me.” “I’ll keep you safe.” He’d allow not one hair on her head to be harmed. “My people are always being blamed. We’ve been run out of one land to another.” 24

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“I’ve not run you off.” Wanting to calm her, he forced a half smile. “You should all be growing fat with what ease I allow you to laze about.” She snorted. “‘Tis true. You’ve offered nothing of use to my village. Nor a tribute to my coffers.” Another snort turned up the corners of his mouth, and he looked away to hide the reaction. “We’ve been waiting for your warriors to demand payment.” “And I’ve been waiting for your clan to move on.” She sighed. “We normally don’t linger in one area so long.” He expected continual wandering would be difficult. His thumb brushed the soft skin of her wrist. Over and over, he caressed her as they continued to walk. “You must let go. Your people watch us.” With a final squeeze, he dropped his hand. “My brother never meant to leave me alone.” She clutched the harp to her breasts. “If my family, my people, learn we spent any time alone…I’ll be ruined. Shunned.” The distress in her voice set him on edge. It was his turn to slow as they walked through the village. Yea, he understood how many were protective of a woman’s virtue. As lord, he protected all that was his, including the women, yet he had no close relations with any women. Not since his mother, had he cared for a female. He waved forward two of his men on horseback. “I’ll make sure you’re well received.” Oeric, one of his most trusted men, brought his horse to a stop near them while his companion hung back. For years, his closest men took turns guarding when he turned feral. Fate had kept Oeric safe while his comrades died. The tightness returned to his chest. He had a task before him, one he didn’t want to face. “Oeric, take the maiden to my chamber and make sure she’s given a meal.”

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“Yea, my lord.” Oeric’s steed danced until the man got the beast under control. “My people can be unforgiving.” Her words were for his ears only. At that moment, he was torn between reassuring Caasi and his duty. “I, too, can be unforgiving.” With a gentle press to her back, he urged her to Oeric’s horse. Once the pair moved off toward his home, he waved the remaining warrior from his horse. The man’s mount sidestepped, and he took hold of the bridle along with the reins. Normally, he left the animals be, but now he had business to attend to, and he’d show the steed who was master.

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Chapter Three Left alone, Caasi trembled on weak knees as she made her way across Alric’s room. He’d gone on to tell the clan of the deaths and soon, his people would loathe her. Some of the looks she’d received entering his home had been clear. They could turn ugly if provoked. Alric was a good man, but naïve in such matters. She’d experienced hate before. A breath rushed past her lips. No need to invite trouble, so she pushed the misgivings aside. Spotting the bowl and jug on the table, she moved to them. The water had already been heated for the lord. After pouring the water into the bowl, she dropped the provided rag down to wet the cloth. She took advantage of it and set about cleaning her face. Once she removed her brother’s talisman, she wiped her neck and what of her shoulders she could reach. As she cleaned she allowed herself to imagine Alric’s strong hands performing the chore, big rough hands instead of the cloth. She permitted the game for only a moment. The heated thoughts of Alric brought to her body both intrigue as well as fear. While she cleaned, she examined the room. The space was barren. Table, chair, a few trunks, and a bed. The wagon that made up her traveling home was far more elaborate. Settled in the chair, she removed her boots and wiped off her feet. She took a moment to wiggle her aching toes and stretch her feet out. Time and again, she glanced at the doorway. Alric could be gone until the sun reached its peak. At the increasing weight of exhaustion on her shoulders, she wobbled to the bed. Curled up on the edge, she inhaled his scent and ran her hand over the pelt. Her toes curled in pleasure.

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Wolf. He must have gone out of his way to hunt the beasts. And she figured if she were a man, she’d be of like mind. After all, the beasts caused him much grief, especially with one living inside him. A sigh turned into a yawn. His smell both thrilled and calmed her. She didn’t fight sleep, but gave into the tiredness seeping through every pore. Later, she came awake slower than she should have at the feel of a rough hand clasped over her mouth. Caasi gasped, struggling to get free. The man pressed across her face so hard, her teeth bit into her lip. His finger blocked her nose. She couldn’t breathe. Alric, she screamed with her mind. Alric. Panic built as she tried to kick her feet, only to have her loose skirt get in the way. She tried to claw at his hand and arm, but he tightened his hold instead. “Be still, witch.” The man now held the back of her neck as well. He shook her. “I heard talk you can cure the earl.” He whispered harshly into her ear, “I need that cure for myself.” Her heart pounded wildly. She nodded through her tears. Anything. She’d agree to anything to be given air. “We’re going to walk out of here while Alric is busy.” The sound of thunder rushed her ears. The chamber blurred. A snarl of fury reached her ears, mere heartbeats before she was released to suck in gulps of needed air. Deep breaths rose and fell under her breasts. Alric had his arm across the man’s throat. In the blink of an eye, he shoved a dagger into the assailant’s heart. The body dropped to the floor. “Get him out of here and burn his body.” He waved to the men who’d followed him in. “Take care of it as you know how.” As she calmed down, she could only look on.

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Safe. She felt safe. Two steps brought him to the bed where he knelt before her. He hesitantly clasped her hips and rested his head on hers. “I’m going mad. I swear to all that is holy, I heard you cry out. In my mind.” Caasi placed her hands on his wide shoulders to hang on to his strength. “You heard me. My people believe our spirits reach out from our bodies in times of need.” He made a rough sound. “It’s whispered that our ancestors could mind-speak, but most have lost the ability.” She rubbed at his tense muscles. A slow thrill beat to life in her nether regions. At the feel of his body so close to hers, an ache of need pulsed hotly. “You have many foolish beliefs.” She frowned, used to her belief system being dismissed so casually. Most often, her people hid their ways from others. And although his response was typical, it bothered more than it should. At least he didn’t fear her as many did. He raised his head to meet her gaze head-on. “The beast must have sensed the danger.” “Then I owe the beast that lives within you as well.” She smiled. He grunted and rested his head back against her own. “Who was he?” “Ead—one of my men who escaped last eve.” Her smile grew. She’d noted how he hadn’t used the man’s name. Maybe her beliefs did matter. So much he’d been forced to do. For his comfort as well as her own, she held him close. “Are you tired?” He didn’t raise his head. She enjoyed the change in his breathing. “Yes.”

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His warm body shifted, but she stopped him. She didn’t want the closeness to end. Alric forced his way up. Instead of leaving her, he slid on the bed beside her and moved them both up. Face-to-face, they lay there. “Now, you rest.” His arm wrapped around her back. Now she had no wish to rest. The growing arousal between her legs pleased her and intrigued her with its newness. She could stop this, or go on. To her people this moment would be wrong. Her people highly valued purity, even among the men. Making the decision harder—he wasn’t one of them. Alric was an outsider. An outsider who aroused an appetite she didn’t understand. With a shiver she acknowledged she must follow her own path and that path led to Alric. At least for a few stolen heartbeats. Throwing away caution, she leaned up and pressed her lips upon his. Alric growled. She shivered at the feel of his other hand grasping her hip. Her tongue darted out to lick his closed mouth. He tasted of wine. She sighed at the sweet taste. How heady his mouth would be. On another growl, he opened, giving her freedom to explore in her wantonness. His big hands knotted in her hair and skirt. Neither frightened her, only spurred her on. She played and toyed with his larger tongue, inviting him to do more, until he took control of the kiss and invaded her mouth. Caasi squirmed against the hardness that pressed into her belly.With a gasp, she clung to him while he shifted them over so she rested on her back. He no longer held her hair, but supported much of his weight on an arm. The kiss stole her breath and her thoughts. She noted nothing beyond the swelling in her breasts and the wetness and ache of her womanhood. Alric’s hand moved up to her throat where he explored his way down her body. It slowed over a breast, where his fingers tweaked a hardened nipple. Then he caressed

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her side. She whimpered into his mouth when the same hand slid up her leg under her skirt. His breathing turned ragged. Rough fingers ran up her thigh to grasp her backside. He broke the kiss, causing her to open her eyes. “I can smell you.” Alric’s nostrils flared. His dark eyes closed. He lowered his head, only to nuzzle her neck. Over her clothes, his mouth moved downward, his forehead nuzzling in its wake. Caasi cried out when he buried his head under her skirt and pulled her hips up off the bed. Her thighs went over his shoulders. His hot, greedy mouth caught her mound. The skirt fell over her belly, revealing Alric licking and sucking hungrily. Liquid heat pulsed as he continued to devour her swollen folds. He flicked a magical spot until her hips rocked. With a growl, he plugged his tongue into her passage. He thrust and slurped at her hole. Panting, she fisted the skirt in her hands. The sweet aches grew deeper. She wanted more of the pleasure. Something had been awakened inside her, something she didn’t yet understand. Alric’s mouth worked a magic she’d not dreamed of. Never had anything felt so good. With the rising fever in her body…surely there was more to explore. Rapture hung close. Over a ledge she wanted to fall from. She writhed in need. Sharpness pressed onto her hips where he held her in place. Her breath caught when she opened her eyes. Sharp claws now extended where his nails once were. Alric… A cry for him to stop or go on burst from her mind.

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His green eyes opened, and he sucked her swollen flesh back into his mouth. Her body tensed, arched. Over and over, the sensitive place burst in a blissful release of something she hadn’t known of. Crying out, she willed him to keep sucking. When the last of the quivering quit her body, Alric released her and stumbled from the bed. He placed his palms flat on the table. Scrambling up on her knees, she did her best to straighten her clothes. “I’ve never had hunger drive me so.” After many heartbeats, he fisted and unfisted his hands. Mouth dry, she watched his tense movements. She wrapped her arms around her knees at the continued sight of his claws. How reckless she’d been with the kiss. Guilt and shame replaced the pleasure. She’d pushed him. Tempted him with her wantonness. “My lord?” They looked over at the man in the doorway. Another kind of heat spread up her chest. How long had the warrior been standing there? Had he seen what happened? She could tell nothing from his expression. He didn’t look her way. What must Alric think of her now? She’d been such a wanton. “Yea.” “The men are gathered.” He nodded before the messenger left. Slowly, he faced her. “Don’t tempt me again. We both know that I’m as much animal as I am man.” A tic beat in his cheek. “Don’t tempt me like that again.”

***** Outside, Alric moved off by himself to seek a measure of control. The beast’s demands had him trembling. A quick swipe of his tongue ensured he got any remaining taste of Caasi from his lips. Still her scent continued to taunt him. Alric inhaled, only to shudder again, so strong was his need. 32

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His solid cock strained to escape his loincloth. The skin along his back rippled from the wolf’s ravenousness hunger. Nothing less than sexual release would calm the beast. He withdrew the rigid length to stroke himself to release. Spitting into his hand he used the moisture to make his cock slick. A growl rumbled inside him. Such a need had never claimed him before. Using a rough, quick stroke he pumped his manhood. The promise of release grew. His balls drew up. How easy it’d have been to fuck her. How quickly she’d arched into his touch. How willingly she’d spread her legs. With his eyes closed he imagined how Caasi had moaned and bucked at the feel of his mouth drawing out her pleasure. Her taste lingered on his tongue. As he’d sucked on her clit juices as sweet as any wine had poured into his mouth. He groaned and stoked his cock faster. His balls tightened further in warning. Muscles tensing, he arched back and pumped his fist until his seed burst forth. Alric grunted in pleasure until the last drop had spilled. He relaxed at the feel of his heart slowing. His breathing calmed. With the edge gone, he could think clearer. His chest heaved as he adjusted his clothing. How close he’d come to mounting her and fucking her until he was left weak. Guilt ate at him. Gods, will me strength to be prepared to resist her next time. He wiped his mouth. Merciful gods, he couldn’t get her scent out of his nose. How sweet and flowing she’d been under his tongue. At his touch, she’d quivered.

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The beast had risen to an alarming level. The sounds she’d made had incited his— its—hunger. In anger, it still fought to get out. How very close he’d come to taking Caasi. Even now, he wanted to turn back and join her on his bed. He rested back along the outer wall of his home. What had possessed the woman to press her mouth to his? Nay. Even knowing what lived within, he’d been the one to touch her first. He’d been the one to want to hold her. As much for comfort to himself as for her. He fisted his hands repeatedly. Anger fueled his resolve until, with a moan, he pushed the beast back in where it lived. For the moment, he once again ruled as master. How long would that last? He steeled himself. He would keep control. “My lord?” Oeric stepped away from the shadow where he stood. “The men are getting restless.” “Yea.” The men waited. He nodded to focus and keep his dominance over the beast. Oeric went on his way. And he followed. A serving girl offered him a drink, but he waved her away. She and another woman went to serve the other men. Alric regarded each of the men he had ordered inside. Blithwine and Leofric leaned against the wall. Wybert, Drogo and Selwyn sat on stools. Thrys, Osmond, Hrethel and Balder, along with Coengar, sat on the benches lining the table. Frihelm held his youngest son in his arms. Rathmaer nodded to him. Lastly, he met the eyes of Godric’s son, Maeloc. Maeloc stood up at the direct look from Alric. Words were unnecessary. His men knew what had transpired. The only things that would’ve kept the men away from their homes were death and war. Had there been war, Alric would be leading the

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charge. His arrival had alerted the men. Not to mention the madman’s attack on Caasi must have traveled on the tongues of everyone in the village. What Alric wouldn’t have given, had it been war that’d kept them away. He’d miss his brothers just as the others would. They’d been fine men. Not only his men but his family. With a steady hand, he withdrew the war hammer from where it’d been hooked. “‘Tis now yours.” He extended the weapon to Maeloc. The man clutched the handle with white knuckles. “Me thanks.” His throat worked. “Our brothers are gone. Sihtric attacked with a pack…” His chest constricted with rising anger. Damn his brother. They’d lost so many good men. “Cearl has been sickened.” Blithwine and Leofric moved away from the wall. “We’ll hunt him.” They were already eager to do their duty. “If he’s not mad…” Alric watched the two men. “Let him know he’s welcome to share my cell.” “Yea, my lord.” Leofric clasped Maeloc on the shoulder, before following Blithwine outside. “Know Sihtric will pay for this deed. His actions will be avenged.” In the past, he’d stayed to his own lands and protected what was his. He’d allowed his brother to form a pack. A mistake. One he’d paid for and now intended to rectify. Now he’d destroy every last man who belonged to Sihtric’s clan. “What about the whore, my lord?” Balder tossed back his drink. “For many seasons, we’ve had no trouble—now this.” The man’s mouth twisted. Alric’s hands dropped to his hips. His stare narrowed on Balder. “I’ll forgive you this one lapse, but never again will I hear Caasi called a whore.” “So me father had the right of it? The witch has charmed you?” Maeloc’s palm ran up and down the length of the war hammer.

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“Yea. Your father was often right.” Again, he gave each of his men a look. “I’m going to escort her back to her people, then go after Sihtric.” Maeloc opened his mouth, but Alric stopped him with a raised hand. “Wybert, Drogo, I need you to hunt down Nassar. Do you remember Caasi’s brother?” The two men nodded. They were good trackers. “I don’t know if he was turned feral or not.” Again, they nodded. “If he’s been sickened, offer him the same for now if you find him.” “Yea, my lord.” Drogo stood. He and Wybert both patted Maeloc on the shoulder as one by one they passed by. He turned to the bearded man who still sat at the table. “Get a few of the boys to look for my horse.” Coengar nodded. “We’ll start down by the water.” “My same thought.” Lastly, he turned to the two women who lingered. “What are your names?” The two females had waited quietly in case they were needed. “Sunniva, my lord. This be Branda, she’s quiet.” He nodded. He already enjoyed Branda’s company. He liked quiet. “You two will accompany me while I escort Caasi to her family.” That should take care of her people and their customs. He didn’t pay much mind to the prickling in his chest at the idea of leaving her behind. Sunniva smiled eagerly. “If asked, you’ve not left Caasi's side the whole time she’s been with me. When we return, I’ll reward you both.” That brought a smile to Branda’s face. “Be ready to leave when the sun reaches its highest point.” All but Maeloc left him. It was his turn to offer Maeloc what little comfort he possessed. He clasped his friend on the shoulder. “I’ll miss him too.” 36

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“Yea.” Maeloc worked up a weak smile. It soon faltered. Alric’s eyes burned. “I’ll serve you well in his place.“ “Yea.” Alric nodded and gave Maeloc a final pat. “It’ll be my honor to have you at my back.” Maeloc turned away first. Alric left him as sadness tightened in his chest. In his chamber, Caasi slept on his bed. He ached to crawl onto the bed and hold her in his arms. Instead of waking her, he sat on his bed and let his head hang low.

***** The smoke from their campfires came into view first. She studied Alric’s straight back where he and another warrior rode on horseback just ahead of her. A sweet ache stirred every time her gaze lingered on him. And he’d not acknowledged her since telling her he was ready to take her home. The two women who accompanied them talked quietly. The two other men behind them had spoken not a word. The silence of the ride did nothing for her nerves. Alric had made her ordeal appear proper. No one would know how close she’d come to losing her maidenhead. Whether her family questioned her or not, she owed him for his kindness. His care. She had to help him find a cure. Anything within her power, she’d do. What a strange man. So many men in his position would’ve taken advantage of the circumstances. Completely bare and willing for him, and he hadn’t taken her. She shook her head. In many cases, the situation wouldn’t have been needed. Many a lord took what he wanted by right whether or not the situation presented. Power and position. He had both, and as far as she could tell, he used neither in his favor. The man didn’t deserve to live his life cursed for all eternity.

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A breath caught in her throat when her father and younger brother came into her sight. Her father stood with his arms folded. With a shaking hand, she took hold of Nassar’s talisman and sent up another prayer for her older brother’s safekeeping. Alric dismounted first to greet them. “I’m Alric, Lord of Glanworth. I’m delivering Caasi back to your care.” Her father scrutinized Alric before settling his black eyes on her. “Are you well, daughter?” “She’s been well cared for.” Alric passed his man the reins to his horse. “I want to hear the state of Caasi’s well-being from her.” Her father tilted his head while he inspected her from head to foot. Her fingers curled into fists. The dismissal of Alric was unjust. “The lord kept me safe. No harm came to me.” Slow steps brought her father to the side of the horse she sat atop. He reached up and helped her down. “Have you seen Nassar?” She hated to ask. She’d already lost four brothers. Her father took each death harder than the last. Despair briefly crossed his face. “Inci believes he lives. When you two didn’t return as promised, Inci was consulted.” Of course her father had sought insight from Inci. Caasi smiled in relief. “Good news.” Nassar lived. Inci was the tribe’s most powerful witch. “Grandmother is never wrong,” she said. The old woman would take extra care in her reading. She always did. Which was why Caasi had to get Alric to her. “Yes. She knows all.” Her father’s black gaze turned back to Alric. “Share our noon meal before you leave.” Her heart thudded beneath her breast. That had been no invitation. Her father had barely refrained from telling the lord he wasn’t welcome. Helplessly, she glanced Alric’s way. Her father’s behavior didn’t sit well with her. Alric had been nothing but kind to her. The intimacy they’d shared…had been memorable.

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“I will.” His green eyes held her captive. “My thanks.” “Caasi…” Her father nearly growled in a low tone. The same tone Alric had used with his horse. She looked from one man to the other. “Go get cleaned up. You’ll be expected to bid a farewell to our guests soon.” Throat aching, she nodded. “Yes, Father.” The thought of not seeing the earl again cut deeply. Her father wouldn’t let her perform for the lord or his men again. At least, not until Nassar returned. She didn’t dare look at Alric while she walked off toward her home. How much had her grandmother seen in her vision? A slow heat crawled up her neck. Surely Inci hadn’t seen everything. Rounding a hut, she slowed. Wildly, she looked about at her people. They had started packing up some of their belongings. Moving back the way she’d come, she glanced back at her father where he still stood with Alric. The tribe would be moving on soon. Away from Lord Glanworth.

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Chapter Four Caasi sputtered from the near drowning. Her cousin Miri dumped another bucket of warm water over her head. Caasi coughed before flipping her hair out of her face. It hung down in a sopping mess. “No more.” She glared through the wet strands with as much frustration as annoyance. “Uncle told me to be sure you’re clean.” Quickly, Caasi hunkered down under the water to stroke the hair back out of the way. Her father had surely sent the woman to delay her joining the family and guests for the meal. “I’m clean.” Her skin tingled from the scrubbing she’d been given. “You can tell my father you took a layer of skin off in your haste to please.” There was no more time to waste. She had too much to do. Locating Inci would be a chore. The elder probably hunted for herbs or napped under some tree. Her cousin dropped the rag she’d used into the barrel where Caasi sat. “Your father should have beaten you. Instead, he’s had you bathed.” A sneer twisted Miri’s pretty face. Though it was clear from Miri’s attitude that word had spread, this talk wouldn’t happen. She’d not defend or discuss Alric. Instinct assured her Inci wouldn’t have told more than was needed, even if she’d seen the intimacy Caasi had shared with Alric. So let her people guess over what had really happened. She climbed up to her feet, sloshing water everywhere. Ignoring Miri, she dried and dressed. “I’ll tell Uncle you’ll join them shortly.” Her cousin finally left her in peace.

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Alone, Caasi set about working the tangles from her hair. With nimble fingers, she braided the damp strands. Once she checked to see that the area outside the tent was clear, she darted outside and into the forest. Her feet flew over the ground. Luck was on her side. Inci napped under a tree near a patch of flowers. Flowers perfect for potions. With a pounding heart, she knelt beside the old woman. Wrinkles ran across here and there on Inci’s face, even in sleep. Her grandmother had lived to see more cold seasons than any other person Caasi had heard of. And had seen far too much heartache in the countless cycles of the moon. Inci’s clear eyes opened before Caasi had a chance to shake her awake. “You have returned.” “Yes.” She settled down beside her grandmother. “Just as you predicted.” “Just as the dream told.” A long breath rushed from Inci’s nose. Bony fingers caressed Caasi’s cheek. Inci had played many roles in Caasi’s life. Mother. Teacher. Healer. Spiritual guide. And friend. It would be a sad day when Caasi was no longer permitted to speak of her. She wouldn’t be alone in her mourning. Inci’s storytelling would be missed by all of their people. “The fates have laid two paths before you. Soon you must choose which to travel.” The thrill of excitement caught in Caasi’s heart. “Which would you take, Grandmother?” Inci smiled showing few teeth. “I’d take the same as you will.” Groaning, Caasi flopped back onto the ground. “Grandmother…” “Wasn’t helpful, eh, child? For us, life is best left to discovering.” Inci patted Caasi on the knee. “Now help me up. You had a reason for seeking me out beyond what you have asked.”

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Staring up at the clear sky she sighed. Grandmother knew best. Their people rarely used their gifts for their own benefits. Especially not the gift of reading their own futures. The goddesses and gods would be displeased. Alric’s future was a different story. Her grandmother’s gift could be of help. Heat stirred pleasure. Alric. How much she wanted to help to discover a cure for his curse. The pleasure danced low in her belly, matching the breeze over the flowers. Man or beast, she wanted Alric in a sinful way. A way she didn’t dare question too deeply for fear she’d explore the need further. To want Alric risked her family as well as a way of life. Neither was something she could bear to lose. Or could she? What if she chose to run off with him? A long sigh rushed from her lungs. She pushed up. Then, in turn, she assisted Inci to her feet. She handed the elder her walking stick. Once Inci was ready, Caasi picked up the pouch that contained the flowers. Slowly they made their way toward the camp. “Ask your favor, child.” Inci reached out and took Caasi’s hand, squeezing with remarkable strength for one so fragile-looking. “Lord Glanworth. I wish for you to read for him.” She clutched at her grandmother’s fingers. “Do you know your skin flushes when you speak of the man?” Warmth spread up her neck, surely heightening her color. “Best not to let your father see you look so.” Inci leaned heavily on the walking stick. A fierce desire to protect Alric knotted her belly. He was a good man. One she desired. “Your help is important to me.” “Something else you’ll be wanting to keep from your father.”

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“I know.” No matter Alric’s position, her father wouldn’t accept an outsider. She was fortunate she hadn’t been forced into marriage already. A frown creased her brow. Why hadn’t her father wed her off yet? She’d been old enough for some time. Though no one had stirred her as Alric had, her father had the right to give her away as a bride at any time. And most did so once their daughters turned of age. “Father—” “Is a proud man who wants what fate wills for his children.” Inci clutched at her hand. “If this includes happiness, well then it’s something to be thankful for.” She smiled. No matter his gruff manner, her father was a good man, too. “And Lord Glanworth? Will you offer him your aid?” “Eh, child, I’ll read for him, but you won’t join us.” “Yes, staying out of the way is best.” Caasi squeezed and patted Inci’s hand, before releasing her. “Many, many thanks.” She rushed ahead in excitement. She needed to let Alric know of her grandmother’s willingness. “If a path leads to the lord’s bed…” Caasi stumbled to a stop at her grandmother’s words. “You must take care to prevent a babe.” “What?” Her mouth dried. Stave off carrying a child? “Do not play the fool, child. We both know what the man is…” Heat spread from her chest up to crawl along her neck. Yes, her grandmother knew all. “But a…a child?” She’d never heard of such a thing. A woman was meant to have as many as her body could carry. Eyes downcast, she nodded. She admitted her people didn’t accept children out of wedlock. But, the trouble for them would be that Alric carried a beast. Would a child from him be born cursed? Her heart sank. How foolish she’d been. This could only mean one thing. Her grandmother didn’t possess the cure.

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The elder linked her arm through Caasi’s to get them moving again toward camp. “Eh, if tomorrow comes to it…the man will know to be careful with his seed.” A hot flush settled in her face. “Grandmother!” To speak of such things directly. The old woman cackled wickedly.

***** Alric shifted. He’d been sitting far too long. Waiting for someone, someone he didn’t expect to appear. Nay, Caasi’s father wouldn’t permit her to join them. It had been clear from the moment of his arrival, Caasi’s father loathed him. His presence wasn’t welcome here. Not that Alric blamed the man—after all, Alric had cost the man his son. A son who, dead or not, Alric doubted would return. The meal, though tasty, had been offered grudgingly. Second helpings had already been eaten, wine slowly drunk. His time in the encampment was over. Deep inside, the beast snarled at the thought of leaving Caasi. Her taste and scent taunted his senses. His cock stirred at the lust heating his blood. Sweat erupted along with brutal need. She belonged to him. The only thing that kept him silent from demanding her was the beast. The struggle never ended. Sheer will controlled his need to claim the enchantress. He was no man. No father with any paternal instincts would offer a daughter for slaughter. It was clear for all to see, Caasi’s father was more cunning than most. The man kept his traveling village well guarded. The warriors stayed well hidden in the tree line. The wandering life had given the man an edge. The secret guards impressed Alric greatly. Abruptly, Alric stood. “My thanks.” He turned to his party. “I’ve duties waiting.” His men nodded their gratitude and followed the female servants to their waiting mounts.

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Before he could join his band, an old hag shuffled into the clearing. “Bakro, do not hurry the earl away. The cards itch to have a story told.” Caasi’s father folded his arms across his chest. But, his hard gaze sought Alric’s alone. The man’s mouth set in a tight line. Caasi’s father more than disagreed with the old woman, but remained silent. Alric waved his people on. “I’ll be along.” The old one had to be Caasi’s grandmother. Something akin to joy set his feet in motion. Caasi had gone out of her way to seek aid for him. After a nod and a final look around the camp, his men followed the female servants away from the wandering tribe’s camp. The crone approached. “Come with me.” “Yea.” Whether he followed more for a chance to see Caasi once more or to hear what the old witch had to tell, he couldn’t say. How, after all this time, could he hold onto any hope that a cure existed for his curse? But he did. And Caasi…he wanted. His cock pulsed in eagerness, his heartbeat thundered. Carefully, he surveyed the surroundings. Caasi was nowhere around. At a small three-sided hovel of a structure, he ducked inside after the crone. He settled onto a stool across a rough table from the old woman. The crone appeared frail. Skin so thin it unnerved him. Wrinkles covered her face. Spots marked her hands. Never had he seen one so old. He studied her a heartbeat longer. The black eyes were clear. “Caasi wishes me to help you.” He grunted. “I wish to ask you a favor first.” “Yea.” His mouth twisted. “Yea, old woman, I’ll pay you for your troubles.” “You, in your wisdom, should wait for the question first.”

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Alric held her steady gaze. For an old woman, she had sharp eyes. “I beg pardon, go on.” “Caasi—you would protect her from all?” “Yea.” Even from himself. “Now, get on with this.” “The young are always impatient.” She pulled some parchments from a cloth pouch. If the small scrolls were made from bark or hide, it wasn’t clear. They were made of something he’d not seen before. All had drawings on one side. “The Tarot knows all.” He grunted. As foolish as it was, he paid attention as she sorted and shuffled a small stack. A larger pile was set off to the side. Painfully slowly, Inci laid the cards facedown on the table. Finally, she met his gaze. “Pick one and I’ll read for you.” “Only one?” “I could read them all for you, a dozen, or three. But only one is needed.” Without hesitation, he tapped a card. “The Hanged Man. Mysterious. Both simple and complex.” Assuming there was more, he didn’t blink or say anything in response. “The lesson of the Hanged Man card is you will control by letting go.” Alric’s fist clenched. His jaw tensed as the beast within knotted his muscles. The old woman expected him to let loose something he barely managed to control? Something capable of unthinkable acts. To consider such was madness. He spent his time praying for the strength to contain the beast and now… The old woman was stark raving mad. Unless she didn’t know about his beast. That was it. The woman was a worthless fraud. Caasi’s grandmother or not, he’d not pay for her time. Not that payment had been haggled over, yet. He stood. “Give Caasi… Wish her well for me.”

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“Sit down, Lord Glanworth. When the time for farewell comes, my Caasi would wish to hear it from you yourself.”’ Briefly, Alric rubbed the back of his neck. Damn the useless gods. Fine. For only one reason did he sit back down. He’d allow the woman this time. She was, after all, Caasi’s grandmother. And for Caasi, he’d indulge the old crone’s whim. For Caasi, he’d allow an old woman to order him about. “I speak the truth. I know what lives deep within you. Don’t let it deceive you. You’re in control. Letting it loose will only make you stronger.” “Caasi told you about my curse. The beast I live with.” “No. She asked only for me to help you.” He shifted uneasily. She could be lying. She’d given no evidence to prove she wasn’t lying. Was the old woman a witch? Had Caasi spoke the truth of the old woman’s abilities? As cynical, as he was believing, he regarded the crone. “She also expressed her willingness to bear your children.” Alric’s stomach jumped. The surprise turned to desire. His balls tingled and tightened as his manhood thickened. As pleasurable as the image of Caasi’s middle rounded with his child was, he glared. An ache tightened his chest he didn’t dare explore. He didn’t understand the game the witch played. To mention a child… Turning from one side to another, he looked about to make sure they were alone. Lips pressed together, he focused on Inci once more with suspicion. The declaration had the power to cause Caasi much trouble. He wanted to keep Caasi safe. She’d be the safest with her family. But if they heard rubbish like this… “Watch your tongue, old woman.” Inci’s eyes gleamed. “In the end, my lord, you’ll win all by surrendering.” He grunted. What nonsense. He’d never surrendered in his life. And figured only to do so at his death.

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“You now know the Hanged Man’s prophecy.” With nimble fingers, she collected the cards and returned them to their pouch. “Let go in all matters. Body. Heart. And the past.” A tight beat strummed in his jaw. He knew nothing. “This beast that shares your spirit…” “Yea?” Now, she had his full attention. “Only by the death of the one who cursed you, can the cycle be broken.” She pushed to her feet and snatched up her stick. “Only then will you be free.” As she passed, she clasped his shoulder. “My granddaughter awaits her goodbye by the river.” Then the old woman disappeared. Growling, he sent the table to the ground. Damn the old hag. He already knew whom he needed to kill. He scrubbed a hand over his face and then stood. Caasi. It was time for farewell.

***** His enchantress wasn’t hard to find. Caasi had left an easy trail for him or any thief to follow. He located her in a secluded glade of trees overlooking a bend in the rapidly flowing river. Yea, his enchantress. At the sight of her, his cock thickened and hardened. She stood when she noticed his approach. Lifting her skirt, she rushed over to stand near his prancing horse. “Grandmother.” “Is an old woman.” He stilled his mount. “Some believe as old as dirt.” A smile spread across her full lips. Lust seared through his blood. His cock twitched at her look.

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“Yea, now this I believe.” He climbed down, releasing the lead on his mount. He walked to the water’s edge. The river was clear and deep. In the water, fish swam, plopping in and out as they passed. “The cards. She told of your fortune?” Her hand was hesitant as she caressed his arm. Alric turned his head to gaze at her dark beauty. “If one would call it a telling.” She laughed. “Now you speak as grandmother does. Do not tease me. Tell me what she saw.” A long breath released before he knelt. “It matters not what she said.” “It does.” Caasi settled on the ground. Far too close to him. Her body touched his. Her hand clasped his arm. “It does matter.” Need tightened his ballocks. Her touch incited him like nothing before. He feared nothing would ever again cause such longing. “She feels I should allow this monster within me free rein.” His teeth clenched as the beast lunged upward with a snarl. The skin along his back rippled over muscle. He knotted his hands urging the monster back. “Grandmother has never been wrong.” Compassion showed in her gaze. Springing up to stand, he looked down at Caasi. An ache built deep inside his chest. He wanted to join her once more. More so, he wanted to crawl between her legs and bury himself until he was thoughtless and weak. “What else did she reveal?” “Only that surrendering was the way.” Surrendering in all things. His gaze lingered on the swell of her breasts. The man—his controlling half—wanted to surrender in body. No. The beast could do Caasi real harm. And that he wouldn’t be able to live with. He turned away from her. “Was there nothing more?” 49

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“Yea, the old witch was finally wrong.” He glared up at the sun beating down between tops of trees, “To break the curse, I must kill the one who passed the infection on to me. But I already have killed the bastard.” Her arms wrapped around him from behind. Her hands flattened on his chest. Alric groaned at the tender contact. Arousal stirred, deep and hot in his veins. Take her. Claim her. No, he snarled back at the raging beast. “Grandmother is never wrong. I pray you, pay heed to her message.” Half amused at the difference in their beliefs, he shook his head. Caasi had great faith in the old crone. Far too much faith. While he had not a whit of faith in anything or anyone. He broke the embrace. Moving away until he leaned back upon a nearby tree, he shut his eyes in despair. Soon he’d lose something he wanted. For a moment, she distracted him by placing her hand over his heart. The touch burned through his tunic. His breathing turned harsh as she closed the small distance between their bodies. She brushed her lips along the seam of his mouth. “‘Tis dangerous to linger here,” he said. Another teasing pass against her lips. “You’d know if someone was nearby.” She looked up through thick lashes. “Or something.” He swallowed, and sniffed the air. A stag was to his back. And he picked up another scent. Nassar. Before he could announce his discovery, she pressed her warm open mouth to his throat. And nothing but pleasure could be concentrated on. A ferocious need arched his hips as she sucked on his skin. He groaned and groaned louder at the feel of her mouth drifting down his body. Caasi settled onto her knees. Her scent of arousal grew to tease the beast. Alric trembled, biting back a howl.

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She loosed his loincloth to release his stiff cock. Eyes closed, she set about licking his manhood. Simply licking. Her tongue lapped along the bottom side of the length, flicked and roved over the sides. The play, both torment and pleasure. When she settled lower on her knees and sucked on his sac, Alric growled. The beast growled, too. Caasi moaned, eagerly slurping. Her scent taunted him with its muskiness. His tongue darted out. By her scent he knew she was wet. The beast rose up. He could still taste her juices from when he’d sucked her pussy earlier that day. The beast likely wouldn’t let him forget. “Caasi…” Face flushed, she went back to licking his cock. Long wet swipes here and there tortured him in thrilling ways. Balls tight, his hips arched, sending his manhood forward. The movement did no good. All she did was lick and play along the hard shaft. With a quick pass, she cleaned the crown of his cock where a drop of his essence had beaded. He groaned and sidestepped away from her plump lips. Unable to take more, he grasped his manhood and stroked. His seed spattered the ground. Weak-kneed, he released his grip and leaned back against the tree. Caasi sucked the tip of his cock into her mouth before readjusting his loincloth. On her feet, she placed a kiss on his lips. Alric tried to deepen the kiss, but she moved out of his reach. “You’ll remember me now, too.” Alric’s hands trembled with need to pull her back into his embrace. He’d have remembered her anyway. “Yea. Always.” She backed away. “If not for the beast…”

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“I’d keep you for…” Only allowing himself a single step in her direction, he stopped. “Always.” Something he couldn’t name lit her eyes. Yea, the look she gave him set him on edge. Tempted to ask what was on her mind, he reached out. But she turned and ran along the river toward her people. Fuck! Damn you, Father.

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Chapter Five “Are you sure, child?” Inci began the task of braiding Caasi’s hair. “Once this deed is done, there’ll be no turning back.” “I know.” Caasi passed her grandmother a strap of supple leather to weave into her mass of strands. She’d been sure since Alric had sworn that if not for the beast he’d keep her for always. The life choice had been an easy one to make. Approaching her grandmother for aid had come just as easily. Tears pooled in her eyes and she blinked them away. Heat flushed her face. So many feelings battled in her heart. But going with Alric was the right choice. It would be wrong to let the beast rule them. He’d been willing to sacrifice so much on her behalf. Caasi couldn’t bear to confront tomorrow without his company. The tent flap opened, allowing her father to enter. He stopped by the door as stoic as ever. So strong. Proud. She’d miss him forever. “Has she changed her mind?” He spoke directly to Inci, ignoring Caasi. Her grandmother had been the one to approach her father on her behalf. For the favor, Caasi was grateful. “She’s as stubborn as her father.” “You trust this lord to care for you, daughter?” His black gaze fixed on Caasi. “Yes.” More tears swam in her eyes. “As well as you ever have.” A pouch landed on the pallet where she sat with Inci. “Jewels aplenty, even enough for a lord.” “Thank you, Father.” Gently, she spilled several onto the fur. Her father had given her a fortune. A bride’s fortune. “I’ve lost much in these lands.” He swallowed. “We’ll be gone by morning.”

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She nodded before standing. For some time she’d known their time here was ending. Only now did she understand why fate had kept them there this long. And now her wandering family would follow the winds. Her knees trembled as she walked to her father. “I cannot deliver you past the midway point. If you leave us, you do so on your own.” Had Alric not been an outsider, he’d have been welcome to travel with them. She squeezed her father. No other tribe king would give her the freedom her father handed her now. A woman didn’t choose in their world. A woman was never allowed to wed an outsider. Many outsiders had mysteriously died trying to win a woman of their heritage. “I know.” Caasi didn’t fool herself. This freedom came from more than feelings he held for her. Inci had seen something in the cards and had shared it with her father. Father had never been one to test fate. With an aching throat, she hugged him close. The gruff man’s arms were awkward as he patted her on the back and shoulder. “You’re so like your mother.” Stepping away from her, he pressed a dagger into her hand. “Use it if needed. It’s been blessed.” With a sniffle, she nodded. She’d never harmed anything, let alone a person, and wondered if she could. “You still wear your brother’s talisman?” “Yes.” Using a shaking hand, she eased the handcrafted talisman out from underneath her clothing. “Be sure to keep wearing it.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “The magic can only protect you while it’s worn.” Then, he backed out of the tent. Saying farewell to her grandmother tore at her heart, but in the end she was left with a clear mind. She had to get to Alric. Thankfully, she knew where to look this time of day. Fate willing, she’d play the role his man Godric once had.

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Dusk had settled across the land. Vesh, the youngest of the tribe’s warriors, escorted her to the midway point. She watched quietly as he moved back toward the campsite. Now alone, she quivered. With a steadying breath, she stilled her insecurity. Alric would welcome her into his life. The decision had been the right one. Atop a low rise in the distance, the village fires burned. The beacons blazed, giving her comfort. She trudged on. Nearing the edge of the forest, prickles ran along her neck. Sweat pooled on her palms. Her fingers clutched her bundle. Something watched her from the trees. With her free hand, Caasi grasped her brother’s talisman. The magic would keep any danger at bay. Though standing still wouldn’t do her a bit of good. Heart pounding, she hurried along the trail…only to stop. She grew dizzy. Ahead, a large wolf blocked her path. Alric, she called out with her mind. Alric. The wolf wasn’t Alric. She’d have known him by his gaze. This beast had black eyes. Captivated, she stared. It had a gaze much like her brother’s. She took the smallest of steps forward. “Nassar…” The beast stood up on its hind legs and howled. After the show of temper, its shoulders slumped. Caasi. In the distance, another wolf howled. “Oh, Nassar.” Father told me to keep away from the campfires, but remain on guard for our people. The beast shuddered. Flexed its arms. I’m to be close, but never part of the tribe. “I’m sorry.” She moved forward. Her brother dropped down onto all fours and backed away. Do you know why he allowed you to leave? She swallowed. 55

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He believes Inci is too old and no longer in her right mind. “He’s lost faith in Grandmother?” Again she tried to move close to her brother, but he shifted farther back. Yes. Which meant her father feared she’d been infected, too. Nassar’s affliction had been too much for a man who’d lost much in his life. He heart sank. Of course—her being allowed to go to Alric had been too easy. He’d assumed she had no real option. While he’d shun his son, to do so to a female would turn fatal for her. Women of their tribe didn’t possess the skills of a warrior. “You don’t fear your beast?” She needed to know for Alric. The wolf turned its large head to sniff. No. Inci gave me guidance. Once more, the beast sniffed the air. Your man comes. The wolf broke into a run. “Wait. You can stay with me!” But her brother had already disappeared. And in his place, a much more lethal-looking beast approached.

***** In beast form, Alric skidded to a stop before the trembling enchantress. How easy it’d been to mesh with the wolf. To take control. He sniffed. Nassar’s smell lingered, but it was clear no harm had been done to Caasi. What had brought her out here? How brazen the action had been. How foolish. His long tongue lopped out to swipe his muzzle. His cock thickened. Slowly he circled her, moving closer with each rotation. Her scent enticed his beast, as well as the man. Alric was tempted to shake her for her daring. The beast wanted its fill of her sweetness. His balls tightened. “Alric.” She hugged a bundle tightly to her chest.

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Now close enough, he pressed his snout to her middle and inhaled. Again and again, he sniffed in search of a way under her clothes. Sharp teeth tugged on the hem of her tunic. Caasi gasped as he made his way underneath. He licked her lower leg and shuddered. “Alric.” She pushed at his head. The bundle of belongings fell to the ground. Full of yearning, he ignored her attempt to evade his exploring. Lurching away, she stumbled and fell. “Alric! I…I want the man.” She grasped his muzzle as he hovered over her supine form. Gently, he licked her fingers. “Why are you not in your stone chamber?” Fingers buried in the fur on his neck. A groan rumbled through from his throat. He craved her touch, would do anything to have her continue the caressing. Absently, he rubbed his manhood along her body. Alric, she whispered into his mind. His head lifted from where it’d rested on her chest. Cearl came home. He’s merely a boy with no chance against the beast. “You locked him in the chamber.” He gave a sharp nod. Why have you come here? There could be only one reason. More than anything he needed to hear her admission. Detecting a hint of arousal, he howled, then nuzzled her neck. Temptation in its sweetest form. How easy it’d be to transform her to beast. Nay! Never. She was his savior. “I’m here for you, Alric.” Keeping her arms around him, she managed to sit up. The embrace tightened. “For always.”

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A quake racked his frame. He gulped air, working for control. She’d risked all for him. Sacrificed a way of life. Get on. He broke away. As a beast he’d have no trouble carrying her along. Caasi’s safety was his priority. He nudged her hip. Climb on. “Alric, I can walk.” Get on! He bared his canines. Sack in hand, she climbed on. Her thighs gripping his sides, she flattened out along his back. Slowly, he moved from a walk to a flat-out run. Dirt flew up as his paws tore into the ground. He headed to his village and his home. As they passed his men, their heads turned while they stared after them. Yea, he didn’t blame his men. He’d be staring in their place. Caasi had tamed the beast. Or at least bewitched him. He slowed when he neared his home. He listened to Caasi’s rasping breath until he stopped. Once she stood on her feet he forced the beast back. From this point, he’d be in charge of his body, if not his destiny. Muscles stretched, tightened and twisted along with bones shortening. The beast didn’t give up easily. Time and again, pain tore through his body as the wolf fought to emerge. Sweat coated his chest by the time the fur had all disappeared. He briefly closed his eyes in thanks. The first part of the old woman’s prophecy had come to pass. Fate had stepped in. Cearl’s appearance had left him with no choice, but to seize control of his beast. He’d never harm Caasi or his people. He also knew more of the Hanged Man prediction was still to come. Fuck. He should have paid heed to the woman’s words, but after her rambling about Caasi and children—his children—he’d lost track. There’d been something about body, heart and the past.

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The scent of woman called to him as well as to the lurking wolf. He turned to face Caasi. Lust surged hotly to his manhood. He stepped closer. “There’s no going back now.” A flush spread across her cheeks while she smiled. His heart pounded. “You’re mine now.” “As you’re mine.” He took her bundle from her and tossed her over his shoulder. “Alric,” she cried out and clutched at his back. “The claiming won’t be put off.” The beast clawed to escape. With growing ease, he forced the wolf down. Caasi belonged to only him. There’d be no sharing, especially not with the beast. Inside, his people scurried back out of his way. Warriors looked on, while servants and slaves paled. None of them had seen him outside his stone chamber on such a night. Andwere they used to his nakedness? “Greet my bride.” He set Caasi down on the edge of the table to glare at one and all. Without breaking eye contact, he settled her bundle on a bench. Respectfully, gazes lowered, while his men, one by one bowed over their swords. Service of life and limb was pledged. The women presented curtsies, murmuring their welcomes. A yearning to taste, to claim, set about a trembling in his hands. Need consumed his mind. His manhood, standing as straight as any battering ram, twitched. Alric groaned and tore her tunic down the middle. Bountiful breasts spilled out for all to see. With a gasp, Caasi attempted to cover her breasts, but all she did was draw his attention to her now hidden nipples. He licked his lips. One by one, he peeled her hands away. Her nipples stuck out, pebbled. He plucked them with his fingertips. Her hips arched. Alric tore the rest of the tunic away to reveal her pussy.

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Sniffing, he inhaled her musky scent. “Alric…” Not understanding the pleading in her tone, he met her gaze. “Not here.” It was no more than a mouthing of her plea. Her gaze echoed her entreaty. Surveying the room, he noted his people waited for the claiming as much as he did. They’d no more thought this day would arrive than he had. “‘Tis their right to watch.” A new flush spread up from her breasts. “It’s not my people’s way. A claiming is between the couple.” ”So be it.” Again, he viewed his clan’s people. “Leave us,” he ordered, before returning to the gaze of his bride. Not an argument was raised as his people left them. “Anything else you demand before I take you?” He eased her to the edge where her pussy spread open for his cock to enter. His balls tingled. He wanted her more now than he had a heartbeat before. .She grasped his shoulders. “I want to be in your bed.” “Easily done.” “And we need to be careful not to conceive.” Her breasts rose and fell. Alric’s cock twitched. No babe. Of course not. Neither of them knew if the child would be more beast than man. “I can take you in your arse.” He thanked the gods for Godric’s knowledge of all things, and the old man’s need to ramble on about everything. Especially fucking. “Grandmother suggested pulling out before spilling your seed.” Alric shuddered. Now that wasn’t something he thought he could do now. He’d never fucked another. He’d had enough to control with the wolf licking for a taste of her. To hold his lust back now would be impossible. “My way this first time.”

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Lust filled, he set about making her scent stronger. He couldn’t get enough of her smell. His hands clasped her breasts and massaged while he teased her mouth with his. Moaning she clutched him to steady her balance. With his tongue he teased hers to dance with his. Roughly, his fingers plucked at her puckered nipples. Her nails bit into his skin. The kiss deepened as he tasted her mouth to his fill. At a heavily burst of her scent he pulled away. Their arousal hung in the air. He picked her up and carried her to his room where he dropped her on his bed. Locating ointment used to soothe, he smeared it over the full length of his cock. He wiped his hand clean before placing the jar within easy reach by Caasi. On the bed, he settled on his knees at her arse. Between her legs, he leaned over her flushed body. Braced on one hand, he used the other to trail along her body. He started at her hipbones. He explored across, eagerly watching as her muscles jumped under his caress. She rose to her hands and knees. He was after the strong scent she put off when her pussy heated. He wanted her aching for his touch. His cock. Alric’s teasing hand moved upward to massage her full breasts. The flesh swelled under his touch. Her nipples stuck out, tempting him to taste them. And so he did. Ever-so slowly he licked and suckled her pebbled peaks. Caasi’s scent grew as his mouth turned rougher on her breasts. Moaning, she arched her hips. Alric claimed her mouth in a deep kiss. Tongue explored tongue. He groaned, his free hand searching for and finding the ointment. She grasped his shoulders tightly.

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As gently as he could, he inserted two well-slicked fingers into Caasi’s back hole. While doing so, he buried his thumb into her pussy and used his fingers to stroke Caasi’s swollen clit. The kissing sent him to the edge. His balls tingled. She sucked on his tongue while he fucked her holes. She writhed and moaned. On a ragged breath he broke the kiss. He licked his lips as her juices flowed to coat his working hand. At the scent he wanted to howl. Alric sat back to get into a better position. Paying careful attention to her flushed face, he added a third finger to her arsehole. Her back passage was tight as her wet pussy clamped around his thumb. He pumped in and out of her openings, aching to do so with his cock. He spread his fingers a bit to loosen the tight grip the hole had on them. Sweat coated his chest. Her scent teased the beast. Taunted the man. She grew hotter with each pass of his flicking fingers. He grunted when her body tensed, arched. He reveled in a heightened sense of her smell as she came. Her pussy clutched at his thumb. Unable to take more, he removed his fingers from her arse only to press the crown of his manhood to the tight hole. When he eased in further, her body tried to expel him. He grunted and took back the depth he’d lost. Taking hold of one of her legs to keep her still, he shoved his cock in to his balls. He howled as Caasi cried out and squirmed. Roughly he held her in place. The tightness of her hole threatened to undo his resolve too quickly. He held still for several long heartbeats. His head hummed with the need for release.

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Frantically, he caressed at her nub to bring Caasi more pleasure. A heavy scent alerted him to her pleasure. Moisture glistened on her pussy. Alric shuddered at the sight and smell of her desire. “Alric…” Panting, she knotted her fists in the furs that lined his bed. “More.” Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. In earnest he set about withdrawing from her depths and shoving back in as deep as his balls allowed. Out he pulled. In he pushed—hard. His balls tightened in warning as he kept on fucking, Teeth clenched, he worked her arsehole with his cock. His fingers became a constant assault on her swollen pussy. Brutal need sent him into a faster pace. When Caasi’s body tensed, he let go. Arching his hips, he sent his seed in deep. Caasi moaned, her pussy grasping his thumb. Alric stroked her nub until the quaking in their bodies stopped. At their heavy scents filling the air, the beast snapped up from its depths. Growling, he eased from her body. He rested a moment on his hands and knees until he could breathe steadily. Calmer, he left the bed. He cleaned his cock with cool water, and then as best he could he used a fresh rag to clean her up. His hand trembled as he completed the task. She’d given herself over into his keeping. A greater gift had never been given to him. Once he was back on the bed, Caasi rolled to her side. Face-to-face, chest to breast, she kissed his mouth. “I’d have come for you.” He placed her hand over his pounding heart. “I’d have come for you.”

*****

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Lulled by Alric’s even breathing, Caasi dozed. The caress of fingertips on her back urged her up from rest. She sighed, taking comfort in the feel of Alric’s wide chest beneath her cheek. The slow ache low in her belly stirred again as her nipples pebbled. She placed a kiss on Alric’s shoulder. Strong arms tightened around her. Warmth spread through her body. “Are you pained this morn?” He rolled them onto their sides, trapping her by throwing a hairy leg over her own. His manhood stuck out like a warrior’s lance between them. “No.” No sharp pain lingered in her arse. Other than kissing, he’d not touched her through the night. “It’s a fine morning.” In his way, he’d shown great care for her. The gentle touches and words had surprised as well as pleased her. His actions had assured her of the decision to join him. “Yea. Soon, I’ll need to check on Cearl.” Toying with her braid, he flicked her nipples with its end. Liquid fire burst to life within her. Moisture built between her thighs. She squirmed, trying to escape the growing torture. Alric’s eyes darkened as he continued to flick her nipples. Back and forth, the rough end of her braid stroked over the sensitive flesh. “Oh…” She clutched at a brawny shoulder. Desire tightened in her nether region. He trailed the braid down her stomach to circle her bellybutton. He didn’t linger there. In a flourish, he moved back up her body to play with her breasts. Large circles turned to smaller ones until he teased the nipples. His breathing turned rough. Caasi quivered at the caress. Her sensitive peaks ached. Panting, she grasped his manhood. “My way…take me my way.” She stroked up to the crown and back down to

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the root and his tight balls. The skin of the hard length was soft. She squeezed, enjoying the contrast of silk covering metal. He grunted before catching her wrist. “Yea, but you’re stealing my will with your touch.” Alric urged her onto her back. He placed the gentlest of kisses on her lips. She spread her legs as he settled over her. His body was all hard planes and warm skin. Her fingers digging into his back, she tried to hold him close, but he moved lower. His wet mouth lingered over the sensitive spots he’d been teasing only heartbeats earlier. Alric roughly sucked a nipple into his mouth. Caasi cried out at the new ache. Liquid heat swirled, tightened in her passage. She tangled her fingers into his hair unsure if she wanted him to suckle her more deeply into his mouth or stop. The tension in her body spiraled to match a brewing storm. All she accomplished was to get him to move to her other breast. She shifted her thighs up to clutch at his sides. His manhood poked at her opening if she moved just right. Again and again, she rubbed her folds upon his crown. The ache drove her mad. She wanted pleasure—rapture only he could give her. Alric shifted to brace himself on an arm. His back arched more while he nestled his manhood into her welcoming body. He kept on suckling as he eased in deeper. It was difficult to focus on a single sensation. Her breasts ached. Prickles tingled in her nipples. And her passage melted with liquid heat. In and out he moved, suckling all the while. Then he pushed fully inside. She cried out, loving the feel of him buried so deep. The discomfort was oddly pleasurable. Alric stilled and straightened out so he could place a kiss on her lips. “Tell me when the pain passes.” His big body shuddered. 65

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Caasi wrapped her arms around his neck. “You fit very well.” She shifted her hips up. “It’s gone.” No pain remained, only need for more. A demand for all of Alric. She wanted the man to lose control, to share in the bliss he created. “I…this feels good.” She kissed him. Teased his lips with her tongue. Once he allowed her in, she taunted and swirled her tongue around him. Slowly his hips set into motion. She gasped on each stronger thrust. The liquid desire returned full force. Braced on his hands, Alric eased his chest from hers. She clutched at his shoulders to hang on as the thrusting turned to a quick, maddening pace. His manhood rubbed her sensitive nub on every pass. Something just as pleasurable tingled inside her with each deep stroke. She moaned as her nails dug into his tense muscle. Caasi relished his rough breath. Sweat coated his chest. His nipples, though flatter than hers, had pebbled, too. Using one hand, she flicked across them. “Caasi…” he growled. His rocking hips sent another onslaught of pleasure through her nether regions. Her fingers clutched at him while her body tensed under his weight. Bliss burst outward in wet heat as the thrill of completion claimed her. Deep tiny convulsions set in as her body arched. Alric pulled out, grunted as he grabbed his manhood. Warm seed splattered on her stomach. After her heart slowed its thundering pace he climbed from the bed. In a daze, she watched as he cleaned his manhood, and he retrieved a wet rag to wash the mess from her body. She sighed when he joined her once more. His arms wrapped around her in the most comfortable embrace. “I need sleep.” His breath rushed. “This rutting is as tiring as ‘tis pleasurable.”

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She laughed and then settled in to listen as he drifted off to sleep. His light snores came easy. A moment later, she took his palm in her own. The beast hadn’t risen this time, nor had it revealed itself during the coupling last night. Alric ruled over the wolf. The fact made her proud. Closemouthed, she kissed his hand, before placing it on his chest. Resigned to join Alric in sleep, she closed her eyelids. She’d not yet drifted off when a commotion in the hall caused her to sit up. Raised voices turned angry. At her first attempt to move away, Alric caught her wrist. “Oeric or Maeloc will handle it.” As if listening to them, Alric’s man Oeric appeared. “The wit—My lord, your bride’s brother has come. He wishes to speak with you.” “My bride’s brother is always welcome.” Alric tossed a fur over her to cover her nude form. “We’ll break our morning fast with him.” Oeric nodded. “He claims to have located Sihtric’s lair.” Caasi’s heart caught. Soon Alric would seek to fulfill the Hanged Man mysteries. Intuition assured her Alric’s brother played a part in how the future, their future panned out.

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Chapter Six The sweet wine slid down Alric’s throat. He emptied the tankard and waved the servant away. He’d already had his fill of food and drink. All he wanted was to get this business behind him. Behind them both. Across the table, Caasi’s brother ate as if he’d not been given nourishment in many suns. Oeric and Maeloc shared the table with them, shoveling in whatever a servant set within their reach. He waited for Caasi. Since she now shared his life, he’d not hide what he’d soon face. In his room—their room—she bathed. She hadn’t wanted one, and had gone as far as to argue. She’d wanted to visit with Nassar. In the end he’d won out. Her well-being would always come first. The soak would ease any aches she had from their coupling. His cock thickened. He’d prefer to be watching her soak in a barrel than watch the men make gluttons of themselves. The men didn’t have too long of a wait. Instead of immediately joining Alric, Caasi greeted Nassar. “I’m glad to have you here.” She squeezed her brother’s shoulders and then moved to Alric’s side. “Sister, your lord’s food is plentiful.” Nassar tossed a bone back into a center bowl. “He’s fortunate.” With no room to spare, she sat down. Her hip and thigh ran along his. The closeness inflamed his lust. The hand she rested on his thigh woke the beast he’d been managing to keep on a short rein.

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Alric inhaled. Even fresh from a bath, she carried his scent. His cock twitched as temptation grew. How easy it’d be to take his bride back to bed. How easy to forget responsibilities, to forget duty. He’d never known such intimacy existed. This bonding he’d treasure forever. “Nassar, you have details of Alric’s brother? Have you already shared them?” Oeric choked and coughed. “Our women, though they do not have all the freedom they’d wish—” Nassar pounded him on the back. “They’re a forward lot.” Nassar straightened away from Oeric. “You’ll all get used to her.” Alric grunted in agreement. One negative word against his bride and a head would roll. He’d personally ensure her happiness here. “Share with us what you’ve learned.” With a wave of his hand, he encouraged Nassar to end the waiting. “Your brother keeps a pack of cursed men at his side.” The man’s mouth twisted. “The coward.” He spat on the ground. “I watched him turn three. Poor bastards were no more than boys.” Anger and a sickness tore through him at his brother’s actions. To spread the curse was wrong. If he’d only killed his brother when the first chance had arisen, he’d have prevented much suffering. “How’d ya get so close and not be caught?” Maeloc narrowed his gaze in suspicion. “Magick.” Nassar rubbed two fingers together. “Magick.” “Your sorcery didn’t save ya from the beasts when it was needed.” Maeloc’s eyes remained cold. “I was outnumbered, and they knew I was there.” Nassar’s black gaze challenged Maeloc. “I did all I could to protect your father.” Maeloc lunged to his feet so fast, the bench pitched backwards.

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“Enough.” Alric stood. Nassar had lost that night as well. Caasi’s brother had lost part of himself. Something Maeloc didn’t understand. “Maeloc, let Cearl know he’ll be needed here by the midday meal.” Tension lessened in the hall once Maeloc left. Alric joined Caasi on the bench. “Can you get us inside their stronghold?” “Yes. Just you and the boy?” “Yea.” Cearl already carried a beast inside him. Though the man was young, he’d be ferocious in his anger. Alric could still remember how full of hate he’d once been when first infected. “They’ll outnumber us.” Nassar tapped his fingers on the tabletop. “Yea, but our goal will be to take out the leaders.” A beat ticked in his jaw. “My brother, Sihtric, is mine.” Yea, he’d be the one to end his brother’s life. Nassar nodded. Alric pushed a platter in front of Caasi. “Eat something. I must speak with Oeric.” Once he stood, he waved Oeric outside. While Alric had trusted Maeloc’s father with his life, he didn’t feel the same way about Maeloc. At least, not yet. That left Oeric as the one best suited for what he needed to ask. The man’s arm was as strong as his will. He’d also recently been left alone when he’d lost his wife in childbirth. While some men took more than one wife, instincts assured him Caasi didn’t share any more than he did. In which case, Oeric would be a suitable match. His man joined him outside around the corner. Alric hesitated. “Caasi, my bride…if I don’t return…” Alric wouldn’t fool himself. The possibility existed Sihtric would come out the victor. He couldn’t bear the thought of Caasi alone and unprotected. With no siblings or relatives to ask, he met his friend’s gaze head-on. “If I don’t return, you will protect her from all.” “Yea, my lord.” “And my lands.” Alric reached his arm out.

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Oeric took it, clasping his forearm in his hand. “If the fates will it, my brother.” Alric returned the tight grasp. “My thanks.” Oeric left him. Inside, he discovered Caasi alone. “Nassar has gone to rest.” She stood and braced her arse against the table. “You’ll need to leave soon?” “Yea.” He took the steps that separated them to stand in front of her. He grasped her hips. “When the sun reaches the highest point.” Her lower lip disappeared between her teeth. “I could go.” “Nay,” he growled and brought his mouth down to capture hers. The kiss turned wild when her mouth opened to allow him to steal inside. “I’ll not risk you.” He returned to ravage her mouth. Her smaller tongue teased and sparred with his until his balls drew up tightly. Alric groaned, thrusting his cock against her body. She gasped. With shaking hands, he caught the hem of her tunic. “I want—need—to fuck you.” No protest came when he pulled the cloth up over her hips. He broke the kiss again to look down at her pussy. Coarse hair covered the treasure. He settled more snugly between her legs to set her arse on the edge of the table. “Do you want the furs?” He could barely draw a breath. Or think past his cock that twitched. “Our bed?” “Here.” She loosened his loincloth, pushing his tunic out of the way. “So your people know you’re mine.” Growling, he pulled her tunic from her body. Her lush breasts jutted up, her nipples stood out for his attention. But her wet pussy was what got his attention. Her musky scent couldn’t be ignored.

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He placed the crown of his manhood to her slick opening and watched as the length disappeared. Wetness engulfed him. Alric tossed his head back to bite back a howl. The beast surged up in an attempt to claim him. To claim Caasi. Nay. She is mine. Sulking, the beast lessened its will. Pressed balls-deep, Alric groaned. Such intense pleasure. Her thighs cradled his hips. Her feet bounced against his arse as he plunged in and out of her grasping walls. Caasi’s arms encircled his shoulders. Her fingernails scraped his skin. Her panting breath drove him to fuck her harder. Peaked nipples rubbed his chest on each deep thrust into her body. His balls tingled. A sure sign his seed made ready to erupt. Teeth gritted, he fucked faster, doing his best to hit her sensitive nub on his strokes. Pressure in his balls grew until he shuddered with what would happen in a matter of heartbeats. His head hummed with frenzied lust. His hips heaved forward and back to impale Caasi on his buried cock. Caasi moaned, body tensed, arching in pleasure. Her scent drove him over the edge. Alric groaned as he attempted to pull away. Her limbs tightened around him to pin him in place. He squeezed her arse, unable to stop his seed from spilling. “Caasi…” Her slick walls gripped him in a vise hold that left him on shaky legs. “Caasi…” His eyes opened in what could be nothing less than horror. He hadn’t pulled out. Even now his seed rested inside her passage. “Caasi…” “Shh…” She kissed him. “I wanted to feel all of you.” He shook his head to clear it. “You will break the curse. In doing so, any child will be well.” 72

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Mouth dry, he stared. “I…” He trailed off as her slick walls hugged his cock again. “I know you’ll come back to me whole.” “‘Tis glad I am that you have such faith.” “In you, Alric.” She kissed him. “I have such faith in you.” The kiss was briefly broken while she slipped the leather strap she’d worn, over his neck. He paid little heed as she placed it underneath his tunic. He’d repay her for the gift later. Her sweet mouth and tight passage had already engaged his ravenous appetite.

***** Tension knotted the muscles in Alric’s back. Oddly, the beast within lay dormant. Sihtric’s small village spread out before them. Nassar had been silent during their journey. Cearl, while quiet, was coated in sweat. Alric’s experience told him the reason. It was as much from his beast as it was from nerves. Though trained, Cearl had been in few battles. Now, he faced one that could easily take his life. All their lives. Nay. Caasi waited at home, and he’d return to her. Alric frowned. Sihtric’s clan outnumbered them, but they were a sloppy, lazy people. Unlike on his own land which he kept patrolled, they encountered no guards here. The fires in the center blazed. Since it neared the last meal of the day many already rested around the roaring flames. He counted three wolves. They had to be elders to have such control over their beasts. It infuriated Alric that it’d taken him so long to gain control. Yet any other way would have set him toward a different future. One more than likely without Caasi. At that moment, he had no complaints save one.

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Sihtric still lived. Nassar scooped up some dust from a pouch attached to his waist and blew it on Alric and Cearl. This being the second time the man had done so, Alric narrowed his gaze. “Be thankful—the magick will keep you hidden.” He grunted. Magical dust. What complete nonsense. A frown creased his brow. Though how strange he could clearly smell the pack, but they hadn’t been detected yet. Cearl sneezed. “Which home belongs to my brother?” Alric nodded to the lodges inside the village. “The center one, but I don’t sense him.” “Have you sensed the one who turned ya?” Cearl wiped his forehead and nose. More sweat beaded up to coat his face. “No.” Nassar shook his head. “I’ve not sensed him, yet.” Abruptly, a wolf near the fire transformed to a man. He crooked a finger and one of the few women in sight scrambled to his side. She stepped out of her clothes and took the man’s swelling cock into her mouth. Watching from Alric’s side, Cearl moaned. “More will join in the orgy.” Nassar clasped Cearl's shoulder. “It was the same when I discovered them before.” Nassar must have spent a great deal of time spying on the pack earlier. The man was a good warrior. Alric thanked the gods for his company. In the distance, the woman reached behind her to spread her arse cheeks. Her head bobbed while she continued to suckle. Another man slid under her and shoved his cock into her opening. Still another man joined them. He settled up behind the woman, his own legs spread wide across the supine man’s thighs. Arching the woman forward, he stuffed her arse full of cock. She cried out, but the standing man forced her mouth back to his manhood. 74

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Cearl groaned, rubbing his own stiff length through his tunic. “More will join.” Nassar kept his hand on Cearl’s shuddering form as if he didn’t trust the young man not to make a mad run for the orgy. “We must wait.” Alric kept the growing crowd in his sights. Three more men took another woman to the ground. Another woman was tied to a post and beaten until she writhed in pleasure and begged to be fucked. Slaves were often beaten, but this had to be part of the orgy, since he’d never witnessed a master beat a naked woman before. Nor had he seen one beg for more. He sought Nassar’s judgment. “Soon.” Caasi’s brother didn’t release his hold on their young companion. Cearl’s breathing turned ragged. His hand worked feverishly over his erection. In front of the fire, two men fucked a woman. A third mounted another man. Three other males rutted with a wench with fiery hair. In tears, the woman still pleaded to be fucked. It was the man who started the orgy who finally claimed her. He brought forth a small wooden staff shaped like a man’s cock. She spread her legs wide as the man inserted it. Godric had never mentioned such a thing in his instructions. The smell of sex and lust awakened the beast. Alric wanted Caasi’s company. He blew out a calming breath. He needed to focus. “Now we move.” Nassar pulled Cearl along. Fuck. Of course now, with the beast showing itself, Nassar deemed it time to act. Alric followed. The settlement wasn’t prepared for the attack. Nassar moved as if the wind carried him. The largest of the wolf men lost his head. Chaos erupted.

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Alric drove the special dagger Nassar had given him into three hearts before he was clawed. His chest split open, but he fought through the pain and struggled to contain the beast. Several men ran off into the forest. In the end, Alric’s chest heaved. Sihtric had never appeared. Cautiously, Alric went into the building Nassar had pointed out as his brother’s. Sniffing, he encountered his brother’s scent everywhere, along with the smell of stale sex. Back outside, Cearl circled the still-tied woman. She pleaded with the young man, “Fuck me.” Alric frowned and looked around to locate Nassar. Caasi wouldn’t forgive him if something happened to her brother, though it was clear to him, Nassar was a lethal warrior. “Fuck me.” The woman’s voice turned to a whisper. Cearl removed the wood cock and showed her his own. Spotting Nassar moving his way, Alric went to meet him. “No!” Nassar called and pointed. Behind Alric, Cearl had buried himself inside the bound woman. “No!” Nassar rushed forward, still dragging another man. Too late, Alric saw what was about to happen. The woman’s head transformed, and she tore into Cearl’s throat with deadly fangs. Cearl jerked in climax and death throes. Fuck! How many times had Godric warned you not to let your cock rule you? Sadness weighed down his shoulders at the loss of another of his men. As Cearl fell to the ground, Alric sent his dagger into the woman’s heart. “Poor bastard. A woman will kill you as soon as any man.” Nassar dropped his captive at their feet. He kicked the blond man in the head. “Tell him what you told me.” Head in his hands, the captive whimpered. 76

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“Tell him.” Nassar kicked the man again. “Sihtric is already at your settlement.” Alric’s heart caught. How could that be? His body tense, he fought the urge to beat the man to death before they discovered all they needed. Another kick landed in the man’s ribs. “I swear. He’s been watching your village for some time. He moved in as soon as he’d heard you’d left.” Alric met Nassar’s gaze. “How could this be?” The black-eyed man kicked out once more. “Tell him.” “He waited all this time until you took a woman.” The captive coughed. “He means to destroy you.” An ugly cough rattled the man’s lungs. “Bring you to your knees.” Hurting Caasi would surely do the deed. Could his brother loathe him so completely? His stomach churned with sickness. Caasi. He couldn’t handle losing her. The nausea traveled up his throat, only to be pushed down. Control. Caasi’s life depended on his control. His clothes split and tore while his muscles and bone twisted. “I’ve got to get to Caasi.” Focused, he transformed to beast, he allowed the animal brief control. Dirt flying away from his paws, he took off for home. Behind him, the captive screamed his last breath.

***** Warmth engulfed her and she snuggled down into the furs. Caasi inhaled Alric’s lingering smell. The scent was a pure weakness for her. She sighed, only to be jarred to full alert. How long had she slept? No noises reached her ears. Alric had surely been gone a long while. Her nether region ached. A pleasurable reminder of what kind of shape he’d left her in. Several times, he’d spilled his seed deep. Then he’d used his mouth on her clit. His tongue had been

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forceful as it’d plowed her passage. Finally once more, he’d mounted her to leave his seed inside. With exploring fingers, she flicked her sensitive button. It swelled. Her passage moistened. “My brother has gotten himself a lively one.” A dark, threatening voice sounded from the darkened spot in the corner. She swallowed. She’d not only have to turn her head, but tilt it back to pinpoint the intruder. Throat dry and tight, she rolled onto her stomach, taking the cover with her. Using the fur as a shield, she scrambled up onto her knees and scuttled backwards until she could go no further. She kept an eye on his movements. “Sihtric.” It had to be. She surveyed the room for a weapon. Swords rested on a chest near Sihtric. They would do her no good. Nor would the fur she held protect her from their blades if he decided to wield one. The only escape from the room was the entrance. He was by far the closest, and would surely catch her if she made a dash to exit. “My fine brother has spoken of me.” He didn’t move. Not a muscle. She eased a foot off the bed and stilled. Looking down, she whimpered. Oeric lay there still as stone. Had Sihtric dragged the man into the chamber? She hadn’t heard a noise. Or had a struggle been what woke her? Lightheaded and heart pounding, she reached for the talisman that no longer hung around her neck. She’d given it to Alric. Above all things, he had to return. And he would, just as she’d survive this encounter. Somehow. “How…how’d you get in here?” The man had gotten past Alric’s warriors—and an entire village. “Your people aren’t the only ones shrouded by magick.” The man’s mouth twisted in a sneer. “I know an old priestess who willingly made a trade. Too bad the man here

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came to check on your welfare.” Caasi’s stomach churned at Sihtric’s smile. “He was no match.” Alric. Alric. Alric. She pushed out with her mind in a panic. Hold fast. I’m nearly there. She nodded as if Alric could see her relief. She’d hold out until he arrived. She had to. The relief didn’t last long. Claws existed where his fingers should. Thick fur covered his hands. The beast had a solid hold on the man. Sihtric stood, his look wild. Other than his glazed eyes, he resembled Alric. Height. Build. Hair. The man’s mouth was differed from Alric’s as well. It was far too thin. Distract him. She needed to distract the madman. “Why…why do you mean Alric such harm?” Nerve rattling laughter caused her to shiver. “Didn’t my fine brother share with you his sins?” He regarded his claws. Fur burst from his cheeks. Alric! Hold fast. “Our father…” His mouth twisted, ”Turned me into this…thing.” “He…he turned Alric, too.” “No, he did not!” He snarled, taking a step in her direction. “Mother pleaded and pleaded for Father to spare Alric, but offered not one word in my favor.” He grabbed his head, only to release it with a growl. “Not one word in my favor.” “Alric was a small boy, you can’t blame him.” “I was a small boy! Only three seasons older.” Spittle formed in a corner of his mouth. “Father infected Mother and in turn, infected me. Alric was spared.” “No, that cannot be…” Alric had killed their father, breaking the curse for Sihtric. Inci couldn’t be wrong. I pray you, Alric, hurry. 79

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“Quiet! Our mother gave me over to Father and his friends. She handed me over in offering to save Alric, her favorite!” She shook her head. It could not be. “So then in turn, you infected your brother.” He glared at her with hate-filled eyes. “He killed them. Including the mother who favored him.” Caasi’s breath turned choppy. “Did you hear me, whore?” His mouth tipped up in an ugly smile, he shortened the distance separating them. “My brother killed our parents, but left me to rot with this monster!” “Alric broke your curse when your father died.” “Quiet!” Caasi drew back as he lashed out. “Father and his friends hunted me down! They hunted me! A priest bit me first.” A terrible trembling set into Sihtric’s limbs. “Father took seconds.” Oh…Alric. A sob clogged her throat. His lips twisted into an ugly snarl. “They ran like cowards after it was done.” The wall behind Sihtric broke open. Alric, in beast form, tore his way inside to attack Sihtric. Beast on beast, a fight of fangs and claws sent Caasi into a corner. She screamed as the wolves tore at each other. It was hard to tell which was which while the beasts rolled atop one another. A yelp left her in fear that Alric had been hurt. A sharp crack caused her to jerk. Bone had been snapped. The wolves lay still. Heart in her throat, she took a step forward. Tears pooled while the wolf on top stirred and transformed to Alric. Silently, he retrieved a sword and decapitated the still figure. Lightheaded, she gulped for clean air. Alric ushered her from the room. His strong arms engulfed her in a welcoming embrace. “He didn’t.” “No.” She cast a glance up through wet lashes. “You? Do you feel the beast still?” 80

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“Nay, ‘tis gone.” His arms tightened. “There’s no more gnawing deep inside.” Both joy and sadness sent her senses into a battle. Gladness over the goodness that existed, and sadness over what had gone. “I’m sorry.” “Shh, you were right to have faith.” He rubbed his chin along the top of her head. “Grandmother was right. By surrendering to the beast your life came full circle.” “Yea, I finished…” He swallowed. “Something I should’ve long ago.” “Many of your people have been poisoned, but many have already come to.” Nassar interrupted them. “Some serious magick was used.” “Why poison?” His brother had never used anything beside lethal force before. “The village fires were used. Probably the drinking barrels.” Nassar folded his arms. “Throwing a potion into the fires and water took out more people at once. Sihtric wanted to slip into your village as quietly as possible.” Caasi gasped. Perhaps Alric’s man in their bedchamber lived. “Oeric?” She pointed and watched as her brother ducked back into the room. They held a shared breath until Nassar reappeared. “He’s been bitten and wounded. Both are healing. I didn’t sense a beast within him. Sihtric’s death broke many curses.” He shifted and looked away. She sighed in relief, so thankful Alric’s friend lived. Alric had lost so much already. But, something stood out among them. Oh, Nassar. “Brother…” “I’m not among the lucky ones.” Nassar held up a hand to wave off anything more. “When Oeric wakes, his head will pain him, but he’ll recover.” “My thanks.” Alric kept her close to his warm body. “Rouse those you can. I want my—our village set to rights.” Nassar made his way outside. “Caasi?” He urged her to look up. “You came in time.” 81

Melissa Lopez

“You weren’t harmed?” “No.” She offered him a smile. “Only frightened.” “Thank the gods.” Rough hands rubbed her shoulders. “I could barely think straight.” “Once you attend to your duties.” She kissed him. “Might I suggest a swim in the river?” Another kiss lingered on his lips. “Afterward, I know just how to put you to sleep.” The most thrilling thing happened. Alric laughed. She felt vibrations in her nether regions. Eyes closed, she sent a prayer of thanks. Fate had been kind.

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About the Author Melissa Lopez writes for herself. She creates her worlds for her characters. She is an author of paranormal, contemporary, suspense, fantasy, historical and erotica romance.

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