Beneath The Shadows of Evil... Torn Read online

  “You may go, Lucian. Your report has pleased me. You’ve done well in your effort to redeem yourself. Get some rest. You look as though you need it.”

  “Thank you, Sire, I do indeed. Your wife’s companion is the kind of woman who keeps one on edge. They seem to share the same taste for sharp words and defiance, and truly are cut from the same cloth.” Lucian waited, staring out into the flames once more, wondering if he had greatly overstepped his bounds with his last comment, but Mikhal’s sudden booming laughter filling the chamber told him that he most definitely had not. He arose, a smirk upon his own face, and bowed briefly to his still laughing Master, then exited the chamber. A long days rest was certainly a necessity before he took the new Lady of the castle to the village once more.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Mikhal awoke in the blackness of his chamber, momentarily befuddled as to the reason why, then he heard it again, a timid knock upon his door. It was the sentry he’d told to awaken him.

  He stretched upon the sheets, sleek body arching back, hands over his head, jaw clenched, hips rising as he shook the kinks from his muscles. His cock lay hard against his taunt belly, filled with blood and the lustful heat caused by dreams of his mate. He had been poised above her, ready to enter her velvety hot depths when the knock had pulled him from his delectable dream.

  He scowled at the untimeliness of the interruption, a growl issuing forth in the darkness, and absently stroked his hardness with his fingertips, desperately wishing he could act upon the urges that were stimulating him to his very core.

  He called out to the sentry to tell the man he was awake, and then kicked the remaining sheets from his body, and lie there, completely bare, every muscle tense. His erection was throbbing; the head of his cock red and pulsing against his milky skin, blue veins made thick with need, and knew he had a choice to make. He could pull the bell cord and summon some wench he knew wouldn’t come close to satisfying his desires, ignore the demands his body was making upon him, or give himself the relief that he was so very much in need of.

  It didn’t take long for him to come to a decision. Spreading his legs, scratching his belly, idly letting his fingers dance over the sensitive skin of his cock, then cupping his swollen testicles, Mikhal opted for self-fulfillment. It was the course of action that would cause the least harm. He couldn’t have his wife, and he cared not to bed another, nor did he wish to live in agony with the pent up frustration and pain of constant arousal.

  Mikhal closed his eyes and envisioned the woman who made his blood roar so very hot in his veins. Her image came to him at once, sitting across from him, skin smooth as silk, lips full, kissable, as they berated him, green eyes flashing, golden hair falling over one shoulder, milky white breasts straining against the fabric of her gown. He grasped his cock, circling it with his hand, beginning the age-old rhythm that would bring him satisfaction, and a feeling of being with Alliana.

  Those eyes, that ripe mouth, the way the tip of her tongue had darted out to lick her lips when she had finished her meal. So tiny and pink and sweet, much better suited for other things. Her neck, that smooth column now marred only by the twin punctures that claimed her as his, called to him as he increased his pace ever so slightly, his need raging but his mind wishing to prolong the ecstasy of the act. He latched onto that image, the vision of her neck, and the idea of nibbling there as he entered her. Thrusting into her silky depths as he lapped at her throat and made her melt beneath him, made her cry out in pleasure as her body came alive under his touch. She would writhe and moan and slide like warm silk beneath his hard body and her depths would wrap his cock in her blazing core.

  Stroking, stroking, circling the head of his cock, twisting gently around it, putting pressure on the underside, dancing his fingertips under the head, then once more wrapping his full fist around the shaft milking out drops of precum, establishing a rhythm of pleasure. His hand gathered the lubrication and used the slickness to increase the sensations as he pumped faster, and imagined the exquisite heat between his wife’s thighs. Down the shaft, up over the head, squeezing with just the right amount of pressure, skimming the sensitive underside then beginning over again.

  He imagined he was thrusting into Alliana as she called out his name, as she mewled for him to pleasure her, as she quivered for him, as she gave of herself freely with passion and fire. Mikhal could almost feel her wrap her arms around his neck and pull his mouth to her throat, wanting him to taste her there, wanting him to drive the pleasure from her core with his measured thrusts, pleading for him to bite and take as he suckled and lapped and nibbled and teased. Faster and faster his hand flew, stroking and squeezing his shaft, as each image flashed through his mind. He could see her, feel her heat, smell her lingering scent, and it filled him completely, until he exploded with a cry, shouting out his mate’s name into the silent darkness.

  The splash of his cold seed upon his stomach brought back the reality of his lonely situation, and caused a low growl to rumble in Mikhal’s chest as he absently stroked his now satisfied and softening cock. The pleasure had been brief and intense, but hollow. He missed her, wanted her desperately, but knew he would have to be satisfied with these simple acts of self-satisfaction, at least for now. Alliana didn’t want him, she didn’t want his heart and she didn’t want his body, and though Mikhal knew he could make her melt into his arms with a few simple laps at her neck, he had given his word, and so this was how it would be. He felt no shame in the act he had just partaken in, no embarrassment at all, just an empty feeling in the pit of his stomach, and the tug of loneliness in his newly awakened heart.

  Shaking his head, refusing to feel morose at the lack of love from his wife, Mikhal ran his hand back through his wild locks and scratched his belly, a sleek animal splayed upon the bed in all his glory. His limbs were leaden, satisfied, but his mind raced ahead to the coming day. He would continue to woo his wayward mate, show her the man he was, make her see him, make her want him, and in the meantime he would bring the old hag up to see her. Alliana wouldn’t like it, oh no, not one bit, but Mikhal had a plan to soften her displeasure.

  He was going to make Enid tell of the misery that was now her daily existence, and he suspected, when he made Enid tell his wife just what her brutal fate was, Alliana would cheer considerably. Mikhal hoped it would be the last meeting between the two, for he hated to upset Alliana in her delicate condition. From what Lucian had told him, Natalya was more than capable of caring for his wife and son so there was no need for Enid’s assistance. Oh he would keep Enid around in the dungeon, allowing her to suffer for the injustice she had wrought upon his wife, but he no longer felt he needed the midwife to tend to Alliana. Enid would be kept simply so Mikhal could taunt and torture the old hag.

  He would listen to what she had to say, but that would be for today only. This examination would be the last time he consulted his old friend. He’d compare her assessment with that of Natalya’s and then make his final decision. He’d also find out if Alliana could indeed be made love to. She was growing larger every day, and even if she did by some slim chance decided she desired him as much as he wanted her, he wanted to make sure it was safe to bed her.

  Having decided on his course of action, his loins as satisfied as they could be under the circumstances, Mikhal rose and went to the basin where he quickly washed, and then to the wardrobe to dress. Afterwards, he called for a servant, his stomach was growling, protesting the lack of rich hot blood, and Mikhal knew that whether his wife would approve or not, he had to eat to survive. There were simply some things that left no room for argument, and he simply would not discuss them with her.

  The human cattle were kept in a room off the kitchen for the very purpose of feeding those who resided in the castle, and it was simply their fate in life. Period. What his wife didn’t know, wouldn’t hurt her, and in turn wouldn’t cause her sharp words to hurt him. Satisfied with his reasoning about the situation, Mikhal lit a few candles then sat in his favorite chair and wai
ted for his breakfast.

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~

  Alliana awoke in the blackness from her own erotic dream, sent there by her bond with her mate. Unfortunately, she found her dream much more disturbing than her husband had. A blush tinged her cheeks at the memory of the images that had invaded her sleep. She pressed her lips together and squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head to rid herself of the heat racing through her body and loins. Pushing off the pile of furs, she parted the heavy curtains surrounding her bed, letting in the light from the small lamp that remained lit during the night, and rose, making her way to the basin full of water.

  Standing in her gown, feet bare, Alliana broke through the thin layer of ice that coated the surface, and then splashed her face over and over, in her attempt to wipe away the memory of the handsome blue eyed demon who had haunted her sleep and made her nerves tingle. She didn’t want to feel these things for him, and she hated her body for betraying her. One did not feel desire for someone they despised.

  Alliana remembered the passion he had forced from her body all too well, but she also remembered the shame that had accompanied it. She remembered the shame and the self-disgust that had filled her when he was through, and her body had lain beneath him, still as stone. She would admit to desire while he worked his magick, but after the waves of pleasure had subsided, after the warmth had gone, she was left with an emptiness like no other, and it was this feeling, as much as the memories of heated pleasure, that she now tried so desperately to wash away in the cold winter’s morn. Try as she might however, the heat still flooded her core at the remembered dream.

  “I hate him, I do, and I don’t want him to touch me.” Alliana’s words were choked sobs of denial, whispered in the empty room. “He means nothing and shan’t ever touch me again.”

  Thalia entered silently and made a small noise of surprise at seeing her Mistress out of bed so very early. The fact that she was dripping wet and standing upon the icy stones of the floor distressed her as well. It was their usual routine for Thalia to come into Alliana’s rooms an hour or so before Alliana usually rose so the fire could be stoked once more, and the room heated to a proper temperature, before the Lady of the chamber rose from her bed.

  “Mistress, are you all right?”

  Alliana looked up, startled, she’d been lost in her own thoughts of self-loathing, and stood staring at Thalia for a moment in silence, saying nothing. Her hair, face and clothing were dripping, her nightgown stuck to her skin, her eyes were bright with shame, her cheeks blushing from embarrassment. Thalia made a move towards her, her worry increasing with every second, but Alliana shook her head and tried to give her maid a weak smile.

  “I’m fine. Truly I am. I had a... disturbing dream, and was trying to wash it away I suppose. Silly of me.”

  “No, Mistress, not silly at all. Dreams can be so very frightening and real, but you shouldn’t be standing here wet. You’ll catch your death of cold. Let me help you change and get you back to bed. You should stay under the furs until your chamber is warm enough.”

  “Tis all right Thalia. I can see to my clothing, I am the one who foolishly doused myself while dressed. You see to the fire.”

  At the other woman’s hesitance, Alliana again gave her a small smile. She was fine, truly she was. The last vestiges of the dream were quickly fleeting, leaving her feeling herself once more. That feeling of calm was short lived however, when without a knock, her husband entered the room.

  Mikhal had meant to slip in before Alliana woke and peek in on her while she slept, but apparently that wasn’t to be the case. He took in the scene before him and his eyes instantly flared with outrage. What was she doing, standing there wet in the cold? Little fool. And what was her servant doing gawking at the both of them while standing still? There was no excuse.

  He went forward and swept one of the fur throws from the bed, flinging it about his wife’s shoulders, before picking her up in one fell swoop. Alliana protested, pushing against his chest, his sudden nearness bringing back the dream tenfold, but he ignored her and sat her in a chair near the hearth, then turned to Thalia.

  “What are you waiting for, you fool? She needs warmth. How dare you be careless about the fire; get to work.”

  “Yes, M’Lord. I’m sorry M’Lord.”

  “Don’t berate Thalia, Mikhal. I rose early. She had no way to know I was up and in need of the fire. Tis her custom to arrive well before I wake; she was about to do just as you asked when you stormed in here.”

  “That may explain her behavior, but what of you, Alliana? What is the reason you chose to bathe in your nightshift? Is something troubling you? Do you feel ill?”

  Her cheeks flamed anew at his questions. Mikhal sensed her morbid embarrassment and heard her increased heartbeat and quick intake of breath, as a blush tinged her pink. He looked at her, head cocked to one side, eyebrows raised, longing to question her further, longing to ask if she’d been dreaming impure thoughts in her sweet little head, but he held his tongue.

  Alliana shifted under his piercing gaze, forcing herself to stare him down, refusing to give in to her wish to hide. She held her head up and took a deep breath to calm her racing heart, as her eyes took on an icy glare.

  “I’m perfectly fine. I had a very disturbing dream if you must know. I imagine they come because I do not feel safe in my home.”

  Oh but she was the consummate liar. Hiding her feelings of desire behind her shield of indignant suffering. The demon in him wanted to call her on it, wanted desperately to taunt her with her body’s need, but the man in him knew it would be a huge mistake. Alliana would never accept her passion, just as she would deny her jealousy to her dying day. So be it, it was enough that he knew. The little wench was lusting for him after all, and knowing it gave Mikhal great pleasure.

  “As long as you are well, wife, that is my main concern. I shall leave you to change, but know that I will be back. I plan on enjoying your company during breakfast.” When she didn’t say anything, didn’t baulk at his statement, he forged ahead, knowing she most certainly would have something to say at his next declaration. “Please prepare yourself for a visit from Enid, love. It will be but a short one, but one I do deem necessary. It is my hope that this will be the last time you are forced to endure her company.”

  Alliana’s mouth opened in outrage as she searched for the words that would properly express how very horrid the idea of seeing the midwife was to her, and then closed again. She knew it was useless to argue. Perhaps when he returned and she was feeling more herself she would strike up her cause and ask him how things went in the village the night before with Natalya, but now wasn’t the time. He was in a hurry to have her out of her wet nightgown, and she knew he would insist on Enid seeing her one last time regardless of her feelings. It would be best to plead her case after the fact, and request that the old witch be executed now that a need for her life no longer existed.

  Mikhal waited out her silence, expecting a tirade. When none came, he went to her, placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, then bent and whispered good morning to his son. Satisfied that they were both well, he rose, smiling, and then exited the room.

  Mikhal knew all he would do was stand in the hall outside her chamber, and also knew that his demon thought it ridiculous that he exit a place where he had every right to be, simply because his mate didn’t care for him to see her unclothed, but it didn’t matter. He was a man now, a gentleman, and as such he would do as she wished, however foolish it seemed to the beast that resided in his core. Why make her angry? Why cause her distress? She was his love, his mate, and the visit from Enid would give her enough of both.

  Chapter Seven

  Mikhal returned as promised after Thalia had departed; ready to breakfast with his wife. As always, he thought she looked lovely. She'd changed to a silk dressing robe that was just a bit too snug to completely cover her middle, and her golden locks had dried, leaving them to fall in feathery wisps around her face. He stared at her, remembering the
embarrassment and the furious blush that had stained her cheeks crimson when he'd asked her about her dream, and though he knew he should bait her, knew he should simply let the subject die, Mikhal couldn't. It was quite probable that his sweet wife had had an erotic dream while lying in her oh so chaste bed, and if that were the case, a little teasing about it wouldn't hurt.

  Alliana was delving into the hearty breakfast before her, taking large bites of a slab of bread and cheese, when Mikhal decided to act on his curiosity. "So tell me sweet, what was it that had you so distressed this morning? You seem quite over it now but still, I'd hate to think that anything here in your home could cause you to be so upset."

  Alliana stopped, mid chew, and stared at him, horrified that he'd brought the subject up once more. As before, her cheeks flamed under their own accord as memories of her dream came back to her. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair and stared at him, daggers flying from her eyes, then looked away and finished the morsel in her mouth while she composed herself.

  "I do not wish to discuss it, Mikhal."

  "But sweet, if I've done something to distress you, if something from our evening before left you with horrific dreams, then I wish to know about it. My goal is to make you happy Alliana, not terrorize you."

  "Perhaps you should have thought of that before you kidnapped me."

  "We shall not go down that road again dear wife. You are mine and here you shall stay, tis how it will be for the rest of time. What matters now is what we make of our marriage. You know how I long for you to be happy. Tell me of your dream, kitten. Tell me what it was that made you so very mortified that you blushed like a young girl."