“I cursed myself.” Irasus proudly admitted in answer to Killian’s question.
“To what?”
She smiled evilly.
“To feel nothing.” He murmured. Eyes widening on her.
Sensing she was about to strike, he moved before her. Sending lashing strands of smoky magic out to devour her.
But she bent the trees to her will. Forcing them over to weave and intertwine before her.
“No, you don’t.” She heard a feminine whisper somewhere near her right but didn’t give it the credit she should’ve.
Suddenly the trees ripped from her grip. Leaning away to weave behind her. Pushing her forward and out into the opening. Despite all Irasus’ efforts at using magic to hook into them, they no longer obeyed her.
She spun her head and saw the pretty young woman touching a tree far too her right. She sent rocks flying that direction but that smoky magic struck first. Blocking them with an invisible barrier. So, they toppled haplessly to the ground.
<It was nearly too much for King Detry to bear. “Irasus!” He roared. Expecting her to skitter from the trees for the sound thrashing he’d execute on her. He was faintly surprised when she didn’t come out with her head ducked like a whipped hound. He called for her again. Slowing his horse. “Do you think she’ll come back?” Callum asked. Helping his mentor onto a horse. “She’d be a fool too.” Roderick whispered as he mounted. “What are you looking at?” Callum asked. Seeing Roderick staring over his head at the bleak mage still standing in the center of the camp. “I suspect, our future.” “What are you thinking?” “I’m thinking that is a King that I’d serve.” “Why?” “Did you see the way the others rushed to defend him. His own willingness to be in the thick of battle?” He looked over his shoulder at their retreating King. “I did…” Callum said thoughtfully. “You’re thinking on joining h
Lyra Lani was holding her arms out in welcome. I noted that her arms were slightly bloodied and there was another splash marring her delicate chin and silky blonde curls. But both women were heedless as Vanna Rae embraced her. Clearly old friends. I was a bit jealous. Having never had a she-wolf to confide in like that. Only those that raised me. But now I had a mate, and it would be nice to discuss what that meant with someone. As if sensing my thoughts, Vanna Rae peered back at Killian. Returning to hug him as well. Then she turned her attention to me. I was astonished by how truly striking she was this close. With gorgeous blue eyes. Smooth light blonde hair and a figure that one as skinny as me was sure to envy. “And you,” She shook my shoulder lightly. “You I must thank for helping bring my brother back to me.” She smiled up at Killian. “Am I to understand you are his mate?
BOOK ONE OF THE MAGES SERIES:MANAGING MAGES*******Art credit courtesy of: eroticdarkfantasy.art on InstagramNOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:This novel contains raw animal aggression, force by magic, sexual acts and other elements that some may find disturbing.Please read with caution*******TEASERThe next morning was archery practice.I hate archery. I'm no good at it."Everybody line up!" Hawk roared. Pacing the grass in-front of the mansion.We dutifully lined up under his careful watch. His hands were linked behind his back. Feet shoulder width apart as though he were ready to confront anyone who'd dare challenge him.He probably is. I'd seen people challenge him before and it never ended well."Grab three each." He directed. Watching with that shrewd green gaze as the first guy plucked three arr
Like most of the Mages in King Detry’s Guild, I’d come to be here because Warlord, his Commanding Mage, had spotted me and seen me for what I was.For the magic I was capable of.King Detry, as was his practice, had slaughtered my family and brought me back to the castle to serve under Warlord and, more importantly, his Second in Command who trained us.Hawk.Damn, dreadful, cocky, despicable Hawk. I hated everything about the man.But it just so happened he was the best mage in the country, other than Warlord who had some strange accentuated power no one could explain.I’d heard whisperings he was less than human though.He could be a demon.Hawk certainly acted like a demonic minion. I made it a point to always go out of my way to avoid the striking man.The other mage’s fawned over him.But I just want him to go the hell away.But Hawk was Hawk. And he did whatever the bloody hell
"You don't command me, Hawk." I hissed."Don't I?" His lips turned. Eyes still yellowed with dark intent. He let his hand trail down from my breast. Molding the flat plane of my belly and over my hip.I knew a moment of fear. Realizing I'd baited him too far. What would he really do to me?I looked past him toward the doorway. Wondering if summoning someone to help me really was the wisest course.He leaned to whisper near my ear, brushing blonde strands. "Tough, decision isn't it?""You're despicable.""You don't even know the half of it, Mary Mage.""My name is Mary.""Not to me." His gaze roved my face intently. As his hand molded around the inside of my thighs. His fingers slipping between as he ran his hand up toward my tender lower lips. Turning his hand to just brush his fingertips."Hawk!" I jumped. I tried to force my body to run away but it wouldn't move."Challenge me again, Mary Mage." He slid a finger
I hated going to breakfast.I didn't want to go.But I was hungry. As my stomach loudly reminded me. I was praying just once, Hawk had better things to do then linger down there waiting for me.I threw on my Indo-Mage Gown. A dress that came to my knees. I'd graduate to a full length robe once I was recognized as a Full Mage.Like Hawk.I put on my heavy gray Seer's Veil. One many of the females wore to hide their features. So they can be recognized for their magic rather than how pretty of face they are.I in particular favored wearing the dense veil pinned to the back of my head and folded over the front. My long straight blonde ponytail poured from beneath it down my back in smooth lines.I hurried down the steps. Intent on grabbing a quick bit of bread and cheese and escaping the Mess Hall.I crept in seeing a cluster of the more senior mage's near the egg table I veered to the bread counter. Scooping off a heavy loaf and a
I lay sweating in my bed. Dreaming of Hawk's callused, long fingered hands caressing over every inch of my flesh.Testing the weight of my breasts as he had in the Receiving Room a few nights’ past. Then sliding between my thighs and curving a finger up to enter my soft heat.I moaned in pleasure. Back arcing in my sleep. A sheen of sweat coating my body and making my thin chemise cling to my flesh. I writhed in discomfort, trying to escape my arousal. Even now I felt like I could feel him touching me.I sat bolt upright. Blonde hair flying over my shoulder as I panted in terror. My eyes skimmed the room. Landing on his fluorescent blue ones staring back at me, from the wall opposite my bed."What are you doing here?" I curled the blanket up and around me."Watching you, My Pet.""I'm not your pet!""Ah, but you are." He inspected his fingernails thoughtfully. "How was your dream?""You put the dreams in my head." I accus
Hawk's words from last night had haunted me all day. I wanted to banish him from my mind completely. I hated that he consumed my thoughts.Wouldn't he find that amusing.It'd been a long day of training. Our Commander, the Warlord was a ruthless task master. Rarely impressed and often cruel in his comments, he left much of the actual mentoring to Hawk.Who's disinclined to teach me anything but sheet play. I grunted to myself. Unlacing my mages robes as my gaze focused on the steaming metal tub before the fire.I couldn't wait to sink in and ease my aching muscles.Hawk was always harder on me than anyone. And every time he was close enough he whispered near my ear. "I'll be inside you soon, Mary Mage..."I'd growl at him and misfire with my staff, misplace potions and lose my spell book. All of which was causing Warlord to lose patience with me."Deal with her!" Warlord had finally said.Hawk had grinned as he marched over to