The Taming

Teasing a Lion

Instead, she moaned softly, and her hands pressed to his chest, wrapping around his waist to reach his back.

He felt his body hardening in response.

Abruptly she jerked her face to the side and pushed him back, sidestepping to escape his reach. "I-I can't-"

He stood where he was. A black silhouette with gold eyes glowing like floating orbs in the dark.

She was staring at him as if he'd just lit on fire.

Which I think I have. I will have another taste of that.

She backed away until her back slammed into one of the cases, jostling the books. And making her give a panicked screech.

"I don't know why-I..." Fumbling to slap books back up over her shoulder she continued backing from him. Easing around the shelf.

Realizing he'd lost her for the night and seeing that pursuing her would terrify her. She's afraid of surrendering. He knew he was close to sending her walls crumbling.

I can be patient awhile longer.

She will be mine. Determination set his features.

He took a daring step toward her.

Shrieking in dismay, she fled down the aisle. Ripping open the library door, her footsteps thudded up the stairs.

"Run, Little Bird. You haven't much time left to do so..."

***

That night Elsabet woke bathed in sweat. Hair damp and sticking to her cheek. Panting heavily, her red eyes scanned the room. When she looked back to her right Quandary stood next to her on the bed.

He was crouched, ready to pounce should a threat emerge. Gold eyes intent on her.

"You don't sleep next to me, do you Beast?" She stroked his thick neck.

No chance of that. He thought.

"You watch over me." Her eyes were thoughtful on him. "My sentry.

The animal gave her a long look but at length a voice called for Sebastian from downstairs. A voice Elsabet was learning belonged to The Alpha.

The sleek panther rose, from the bed. Dropping to the floor with a dull thud he strode from the room on soundless paws. Taking the stairs two at a time before entering the expansive library.

Hello my Alpha. I know what you yearn for. I feel your pain all through this castle...Your mate.

But it wasn't time yet. The Alpha had been maneuvering things for months. Acquiring a rental in Meadowbrook. Casually making acquaintances that would provide introductions to the Fallen's outer circles.

He's ruthlessly systematic.

And the alpha would take his time.

Despite every moment of suffering it causes him. Bast knew it well.

I've seen him do it enough.

***

It was a pretty Spring morning as Elsabet headed to the stables. The smell of the musky hay and horseflesh already filling the bailey.

Where are you going? Sebastian wondered.

Quandary was not long to join her. Easing her frustration when he caressed along her side. Strangely, the other animals didn't recoil. The kittens crowded his paws as though he were an oversized cat. He patiently licked them clean, then knocked them aside to catch the next by the scruff, hauling it over for attention.

Elsabet patted him on the thick shoulders. "Gentle beast."

If you only knew. He blinked gold eyes up at her.

The stallion, Sivikon, leaned over the stall door to nuzzle the giant feline. Quandary rose and rubbed his back along the horse's muzzle. Black fur stark against the horse's flawless white.

Sivikon snorted softly in return.

"Old companions, you two." She ruffled the horse's mane between his ears. Calling for Quandary, she hurried from the stables.

Bast leaned in on her thoughts. Surprised to find her fear. She was disconcerted by the panther's familiarity with the stallion. Fearing I command them both.

If she only knew...

She's hurting. It made him ache to see her in pain. Though he enjoyed her fiery fury. Her fear and loneliness bothered him.

I want her to enjoy her time here. To be comfortable...To miss me. He admitted to himself.

She'd hoped the panther belonged to her.

Someone just for her.

But now she worried if the King of the Castle of Water wanted the animal to cease seeing her, he'd no longer visit.

I couldn't forego the opportunity. He strolled behind her. Watching the casual swish of her pale blue dress, molded so flatteringly over her rounded hips. Making him rumble in his throat as he sought to focus on her thoughts and not on the pleasant view.

She's afraid she'll end up alone again.

She thought even this gift of friendship was dependent on Sebastian.

In a sense, it is. But I've no wish to hurt her.

But how to show her that when she's always so willing to believe the worst of me?

***

Everything is blurry. Sebastian blinked to focus on pouring his sherry.

It'd proven a long two days of drinking before Bast finally surrendered to Acharius' superior tolerance. Damn him for his greater weight! Bast attributed.

He laughed though. It's always a joy to get Acharius' mind off duty.

When the Viking did ease, he was hilarious, direct and impulsive. Making him comical to watch after a bit o' drink.

Bast had somehow magically managed to make his way to his library. Though I've no idea how. How long have I been here? He looked up bemusedly, realizing he didn't know.

"Oof." He grunted. Still unsteady as he lifted yet another glass to his lips. Well into the comfort of his blue library chair. He replaced the cork before precariously delivering a second glass to the beautiful blonde next to him. Elsabet.

She'd been reading here when he'd arrived a moment ago. Ignoring him flopping into the other chair before the fire.

"Will you join me? You don't have to." He assured. "I only wish to share if you'd desire some?"

"Do I ever do anything I don't wish?" She held out her hand absentmindedly and he slapped the glass into her palm.

"Yes." His voice dropped. And he stared into his drink. "Stay here. With me."

Her mouth whitened. And her grip tightened on the glass, causing it to fracture before she eased it. Staring at it in surprise. Her eyes lifted as he slid to the floor, glass still in his hand.