The Taming

No Outrunning Me

Elsabet's eyes were huge. Aghast at his comment. Her jaw tightened but she said nothing.

Oh, please. He thought. Accuse me of bluffing... He hoped.

Because I'm not. And he'd be willing to prove that she was in the early stages of arousal already. Despite her hatred of men, her body was reacting to her nearness.

"How about this then, My Girl. I'll have you bound in that chamber and make damn certain it's my hand that feeds you, you're every meal. And my hands that tend your needs. Until your duly tamed." His words a soft vow, he took a step toward her.

And that's no bluff.

She backed up to keep the distance he was trying to close.

But he descended on her just the same. Backing her against the castle wall.

Where to now, Lovely? He watched her face. Waiting for her to react. His arms at his side and his head cocking with interest as though she were some fascinating new species.

In truth, she is. I've never heard of her kind afore.

He watched her gaze flick across the ground, to the horse at the stable door, then across the bailey.

Looking for help.

Sebastian knew well that the only one that could currently hear her in the bailey would be Timus in the BridgeTower. And he'll be no help to her.

Timus was one to mind his own business and do what was his duty.

***

Her gaze stopped when she noticed the animals crowding his feet.

His wolves had vanished as they entered the castle. Now cats and dogs clambered around him. Every horse in the stable pressing against its door. Making them thud and rattle as the beasts of burden strained to be closer to him.

He followed her look. "Yes, they all want close to me. All except you..."

"It's inhuman."

"Says the valkyrie."

She turned her head, surprised at his retort and her mouth moved as she floundered for a suitable reply. Finding none, her jaw clamped shut.

"It seems, My Dear, you're the only beast unsusceptible to my charms."

"Wolves...and now dogs?" She gestured to his feet in an attempt to distract him. "Is nothing beyond you to keep me here."

"Not in the least. I'm shameless."

She's trying to distract me so she can escape around the corner.

"Does everything adore you?"

"Yes." His stare never wavered from her as he drew even nearer. Only sparing the stable dogs a glance. "I dislike them. But they are fond of me."

I prefer felines.

"You-you dislike them? W-Why?"

This is by far the most mundane conversation we've engaged in. But he was willing to play, in order to see what she'd do.

Her tongue shot out to dampen them.

His eyes trailed the movement. Gaze flashed burnished gold momentarily before returning to turquoise.

"What is that? Why do your eyes-"

"I prefer cats." He cut her off. Growling low in his throat as he slammed his palms to the wall on either side of her. Caging her in. Tired of playing the waiting game

And wanting closer to her. To mate her. To mark her.

***

She yelped as she jumped. Breaths quickening to a pant as her panicked gaze roved his face.

Now she's terrified.

Her eyes, which had so recently turned red, now melted into dark blue. Wide and vulnerable.

Afraid of what I'll do.

"Yes, indeed. It's only my touch you fear. You don't hate men. You fear us." He was so close his breath blew loose the tendril he'd so recently tucked behind her ear. Causing it to fall across her cheek and brush her full bottom lip before going still.

A low rumble began in his throat. As he looked Heavenward, it bloomed into laughter. Shaking his head at himself, he stepped back. Giving her space.

Drawing a hasty breath, dancing around him. Walking stiffly through the inner bailey. As she aimed for the castle, ready to head straight up the stairs and return to the safety of her chamber.

"Just because you walk doesn't make it any less running away..." The sound of his baritone laughter chased her back to the castle.

Run My Little Mate, you're not nearly fast enough to outrun me.