To Win The Guarded Heart: Dragons, Griffons and Centaurs, Oh My!, #4

By Margaret Taylor

How far would you go against a force so evil it always seems one step ahead? Would you join forces with it knowing it was the only way to save the ones you love? How much would you risk to win?

Join our Heroes and Heroines as they continue their Journey to the Five Kingdoms and are asked those very same questions.

Will our stalwart Champions be able to finally defeat Golix and the Herd, or will Fate decide who lives and who dies.

Find out is Lanni, Mithrin, Terra, Phara, Tian and a host of new characters, have what it takes To Win The Guarded Heart...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Margaret Taylor
• Release date: Jan 29, 2015
• ISBN: 9781502227386

Book preview

Chapter One

Are you ready, my love?

Lanni Heegan continued to stare out the window at the city of Bra’ka below, even when Mithrin Sylor wrapped his strong arms around her from behind and rested his chin on her shoulder.

It’d been two weeks since they’d all returned from Kyles. She’d been delaying their further return to the human world, using her lack of strength as not much more than an excuse to stay. The Gods knew what Golix might be up to and it was high time they found out. But it meant leaving The Five Kingdoms and heading back to the dull monotony of her world.

Something she didn’t want to do.

Not really.

She needed to, she could admit that, Terra needed her to, but she didn’t want too.

Despite their rather unusual introduction to this world, its inhabitants and all they’d been through over the last two months, she liked it here.

She was important here. She’d had a role – albeit a decidedly bad one – in how things played out.

And as shallow as it sounded, she’d been enjoying herself for the first time in her life.

Never mind she’d almost died, twice.

And forget it had been her blood, in a roundabout sort of way at least, that had been the downfall of their grandparents, Decia and Thorak, just over two weeks ago.

And dismiss, for a moment, that she was still in the shadow of her twin, Terra Heegan, who’d just been crowned Dragon Queen of the Third Kingdom.

All of that paled in comparison to one simple, undeniable fact...

She’d never felt more alive than she had in the last two months...

And she just wasn’t ready to give that up.

Still, the Queen had spoken, requesting that she, Mithrin, her cousin Fallon Heegan and Fallon’s new mate, Fyris Taraxus, return to her world and find out what in all the Hells the bastard of a Unicorn was up to now.

And she couldn’t deny her sister...even on her worst day...

I suppose, she finally said. Are you?

Mith’s grip tightened, his sigh ruffling the strands of hair curling around her neck. You know Father will never let us be together... He paused and she could hear the frown in his next words. Not here.

They’d already discussed his ties to this place, his duties to the Naiads and what his father, Neptune the Ancient God of the Sea – at least according to all the myths she knew – wanted of his only son.

But Mith’s priorities had changed. The fact he was willing to walk away from his family and his people proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt.

And it tripped her heart into a painful beat.

She dropped her hands to his forearms. I know. But will you regret coming home with me? Turning your back on your responsibilities?

He chuckled softly and kissed just under her ear. Not nearly as much as I would regret never seeing you again.

She lightly dug her nails into his arm, a bolt of white hot desire racing along her already taut nerves and heaved an exasperated breath. I could come back. The portal isn’t going anywhere.

His chest expanded against her back and he straightened, resting his chin atop her head now. We could try a long distance arrangement but it would not be the same. His hands shifted to curl around her waist and gave a gentle push to turn her to face him. He leaned down until his forehead touched hers, eyes slipping closed. I will not live another rotation without you, Lanni Heegan. My hearts could not bear it, he whispered.

She put a hand on his chest, feeling the steady staccato beat under her palm and drew his fresh ocean scent deep into her lungs.

She didn’t want to be without him, either.

Since they’d met on the West Beach, what seemed an eon ago, she’d been so consumed with everything Golix put her through that she simply hadn’t had the time to focus on the hint of a relationship he’d wanted to pursue while she’d been a captive of The Herd.

But now, since they’d returned to the Capitol of the Third Kingdom, he hadn’t left her side, nor she his.

And it had been an absolutely glorious two weeks while she recovered from nearly dying...again.

She’d even managed to set aside her scribbling efforts to find a way to create a portal between worlds using Science and not magic. She hadn’t made much progress, granted, and the effort had fallen to the back of her mind as Mithrin drew her attention elsewhere.

And truthfully, it was the first time since she and Terra had arrived she’d had a chance to relax and just, well, enjoy a life she had no idea could exist.

Mith had patiently, almost painstakingly, nursed her back to health, even managing to fatten her up a bit around the middle.

He’d told her of his life under the waves, nearly a 1,000 years of it, regaling her with tales of his people...and his sister, Phara. She’d only briefly met the other Naiad before helping to save her Mate, Tian, an Alpha Chimera to the Second Pride and the short time they’d spent together in Kyles hadn’t given them a lot of time to talk.

But now, after hearing Mith spill every exploit the woman had been involved in over the years, she appreciated his sister and just knew they would most likely have been friends, at some point.

It wasn’t going to happen, not if they were leaving, but it helped her connect with him and warmed her heart.

In turn, she told him everything, as well. The bad and the not so bad. She’d spilled secrets to this man even Terra didn’t know.

And over the last couple of days, they’d taken to strolling through the slowly rebuilding city. All around them the destruction left in the wake of the occupation of Ogres, Griffons, Centaurs and Satyrs was clearly evident. Buildings had been burned out and the residents that had been imprisoned were freed. To their credit, they were trying to return to their former lives, even though a fair number of them had been killed to maintain the shield over the city she’d initially been used to form.

All of that was in the past, though, and it was best to concentrate on the future and what needed to be done in her world.

The least of which was finding Golix the Unicorn and putting a stop to whatever evil he had in store for humanity...

She pulled back enough to see into his eyes and smiled widely. I won’t live without you either, Mithrin Sylor. I just hope my world doesn’t drive you crazy with boredom.

A chuckle from the doorway drew them both around and her identical twin, Terra pushed off the jamb, entering the suite they’d been calling home. Somehow I doubt that will happen, little sis, she said. You two will have your work cut out for you.

***

The next morning found them at the base of the long hill of sand they’d slid down when entering this world a lifetime ago. Fallon and Fyris were already halfway up the rock wall to reach the ledge and the portal home. Mithrin was a few feet behind and she’d remained at the bottom to have a private word with Terra.

What do you want me to tell Mom and Dad? she asked first.

The truth.

She snorted. Yeah, I’m thinking that’s not going to happen. If I go back spouting a story about Dragons and evil Unicorns, they’ll have me committed.

Terra ran a hand through her hair. Ok. Tell them I met someone, ran off, got married and I’m living happily ever after in Bora-Bora.

She snorted a second time. Yeah, right. Dad’ll never believe you willingly deserted the company, Ter. He’ll just send the National Guard or something to find you.

Her sister harrumphed. "Well, fine then. What would you suggest, sister dear?"

She thought about it only briefly. There was a cave in. We got separated and I’ve spent the last two months wandering around lost in the mountains.

Terra laughed and pointed up at Mithrin. And how are you going to explain him?

She shrugged. He rescued me. She nodded confidently, warming to the idea even though it was full of holes. He found me and we wintered in his cabin in the mountains. When the snow broke, we headed back.

Terra’s forehead creased and she could see the proverbial wheels turning. That might work, but they’ll send a rescue team searching for me and could stumble onto the portal.

It was a possibility. Not if I send them on a wild goose chase first...

Alright. Run with it, she pointed up to the ledge and the unseen portal beyond. Just keep them away from here.

She twisted a look back over her shoulder at Enon.

Easy enough.

She wouldn’t risk humans coming here, not any more than already had. They’d tear these creatures apart in an effort to simply understand their existence. It was just the way humans were. It they couldn’t explain it, they had to dissect it and find out what made it tick.

No, it was better to let this place remain as untouched by their influence as she possibly could.

She brought her eyes back to her sister’s. What about Harrington? Any words for him?

Terra laughed, the first hint of even a slight bit of happiness she’d heard since Draven had...

She cut that off before tears of guilt could spring to her eyes.

Tell him to kiss off, her twin finally said once the moment had passed.

And the company? What should I do there? Terra shot her a surprised look and she qualified the question. It was in trouble long before we left.

Terra reached into the bag hanging from her shoulder. She dug around and pulled out a smaller pouch, handing it over. If you can convert these, it should be enough to save it.

She hefted the sack, letting out a low whistle as the clink of jewels echoed across the silence. Where?

Terra’s lip lifted in a crooked grin. You’d be surprised what’s actually in the King’s coffers.

She let it go and tucked the treasure into her own pack. Fair enough. Well, I guess that’s it, then.

Her twin turned to face her and tears sprang up in both their eyes.

Yeah. That’s it. When are you coming back?

She let out a long breath. I don’t know. A couple of week’s maybe? It’ll depend on how quickly we can find and stop Golix. He’s surely gone underground, she jerked her chin up toward Fallon. At least according to our cousin, and he’s going to be hard as hell to find, I’m sure.

Terra hugged her arms around her middle. A move Lanni knew as her defense when she was trying not to cry.

Probably, Terra whispered in a low voice. Just be careful. I’ve already lost you twice, I couldn’t take a third time, not after...

The implication hung there and she impulsively closed the distance, wrapping her sister in a hard hug. Don’t worry, Mith isn’t going to let me do anything stupid.

Neither will I, Fyris called down from the ledge above.

They both looked up.

She chuckled and Terra frowned.

Damn Dragon hearing, her twin muttered then added in a louder voice, You’d better not.

Fyris waved before reaching down to pull Fallon up the rest of the way.

As she joined her mate, the other woman added, Don’t worry, we’ll keep her safe.

Lanni couldn’t help but smile and stepped back from her sister. Taking her hands she gave them a shake. What they said. I’ll – we’ll – be fine.

After that, there really wasn’t anything else to say.

So, she didn’t. Instead, she adjusted the straps of her pack and headed for the rock wall. Joining the others less than half an hour later, she paused to wave one last time.

Only the monarch was no longer alone...

Enon’s long, low growl reached them at the same time she made out the shadows surrounding the edge of the cavern begin to elongate and reform into the distinct figures of three Unicorns...

What remained of the Herd positioned themselves in a semi-circle around her sister and the cavern’s Dragon Guardian.

Terra! she shouted just as her twin was turning.

Her warning was too late.

As a group, their horn tips brightened to a blinding pulse of red and they simultaneously let loose with a volley of power that knocked Terra clean off her feet. She was saved from instant death, though. Instead of slamming into the rocky wall they’d just climbed, she landed in the sandy base in a crumpled heap of arms and legs.

From this distance, she couldn’t tell if her sister was alive or dead and screamed her name again. Scrambling for the edge, she reached it just as the Herd lifted their gazes toward them.

Lanni! No!

She could ignore Mith’s call, but not his arms as they wrapped around her from behind and pulled her back just in the nick of time.

Three more red-hot bolts of energy smashed into the rocky ceiling.

At first nothing happened and she jumped to her feet, intent on sliding back down to aid her sister. And once more Mith stopped her, dragging her back from the edge a heartbeat before a low rumble permeated the air, showering the four of them with a fine sheen of dust.

She coughed and tore at her love’s tight grip, bellowing Terra’s name. Sadly, the Naiad was much stronger and yanked her into the tunnel mere seconds before the roof caved in around them...

Chapter Two

We have to go back!

Mithrin coughed, hard, somehow retaining his grip on Lanni as the last thundering crash of rocks settled over the end of the tunnel. Despite his efforts, she scrambled away, diving for the newly formed wall.

Her hands clasped the first rock she came to and heaved it back over her shoulder. Help me!

Mith rolled enough to see Fallon and Fyris rising from the floor. Both waved at the thick dust choking the air and he nodded to the Dragon. Getting one in return to acknowledge they were uninjured, he turned back to the human woman intent on digging her way through the mess by hand.

Lanni, he managed around the dust. Lanni, no. You cannot.

She didn’t hear him, though, and continued to chuck what boulders she could out of the way, one by one.

Help me! she called a second time.

He exchanged another look with Fyris, the other man shrugging helplessly before he turned to check on Fallon. He made note of a few bumps and bruises between them but nothing seemed life-threatening.

Ducking under bits and pieces of flying earth, he knelt beside his love, grasping her arms firmly. Lanni, he said again. Stop. It will take more than hands to...

She shook him off, determination settling across her features in the shadows. There was just enough light cast from this side of the portal to make out the glow of terror in her eyes.

I – I can’t – help me! she begged, digging into the pile again. I have to know.

Shifting his gaze, he checked the collapse. He was tempted, he really was, but breaking their backs to dig through would do no one any good. The newly formed barricade had to be a good

Reviews for To Win The Guarded Heart

[lizarobbins · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh wow... It's been an hour since I put this book down. I needed to get my thoughts in order before I posted this review. So much happens to all of these beloved characters in this story! I don't post spoilers, but I will warn you to have some tissues handy before you pick this one up. I loved this book! Well written and engaging, I am really glad the author takes the time to make sure her books are close to perfect, before releasing them...just as I am cursing her for making me wait until the end of January for the next book! Yep, another cliffhanger...a big one.