Kidnapped and Claimed

“Once bound, one cannot survive without another,” Callarn explained.

“My mother and our fathers were great parents. We’re longing for a family,” Ronen added. “Therefore, we need a mate. We wish to become whole. Body and soul.”

Callarn studied me. “Will you accept our claim, Elyra?”

I couldn’t answer. Though I was starting to like them, I couldn’t accept becoming their mate. Erodan wanted me dead. And there were the vicious hunters ready to slay whoever dared harbor my person. I couldn’t bring their wrath to these good people.

I slowly shook my head. “I cannot. I am sorry.”

I could feel the weight of their disappointment as I grabbed the bucket and headed to the cookery.

*

Someone knocked on my door when I was about go to sleep.

“Elyra, may I have a word with you?”

It was Callarn.

I opened the door and peered from the crack. My heart fluttered at the sight of him. I suppressed the urge to leap in his arms. “What do you want?” I kept my tone cold.

“We need to talk. May I come in?”

“What do we need to discuss?”

“Let me in, Elyra.”

Half-heartedly, I stepped aside and let him shimmy past me.

“What do you want? It is late,” I said.

“You and I need to have a conversation.”

“Very well, then.”

We sat on the edge of the bed.

“I know you are afraid. You shouldn’t be. You are safe with us.”

“You don’t know what I’ve been through. Those hunters…”

“I’ve seen enough of their lot. I have fought their kin several times.”

“Then you know how cunning they are.”

“I know. But we aren’t common folk. We are born and bred as warriors. We can protect you, Elyra. All Ronen and I ask is a chance; a chance to prove us worthy of you.”

“I…I don’t know.”

“Trust me, Elyra. Nothing will ever hurt you. We won’t allow it.”

I looked at him with dread. War brewed inside my head. I was tired of running. I was tired of being afraid. I needed someone to lay my head upon and make me feel safe. Ronen and Callarn presented me with an offer I couldn’t deny.

Callarn caressed my cheek, leaning forward to kiss me. I avoided him. He caught both my hands and kissed me anyway. I squirmed and tried to shove him, but in the end, I was melting in his arms. He kept kissing me, mastering me with every stroke of his tongue. I moaned. Callarn pushed me on my back. He grabbed my arms and pushed them above my head. His body pressed hard against mine. Using his knee, he parted my thighs wide. I gasped when I felt his hard erection bulge under his leather breeches.

He broke the kiss. “I want you so bad, sweetling. Do you not feel the same way?”