Guardians of Destiny: Legends of Breena

By M. K. Anthony

Book two of the Legends of Breena series. 

The exciting story continues of soulmates Leelah Bayard and Dogan Ramstien, who serve as the main guardians of King Bryce and Queen Rosa of Altecia. As they let go of the previous friction between them and become one, they complete their first step toward their

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Release date: Jan 31, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685150235

M. K. Anthony

M. K. Anthony lives in rural northwest Pennsylvania with her husband of nearly twenty years, their daughter, and a crazy redbone coonhound named Taco. She enjoys taking evening walks with her family on their fifty-acre farm. M. K. is the author of Guardians of the Queen, book one in the Legends of Breena series. She is currently working on book three.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

W

ell, it has been four months today since Prince Darrion was born. It's amazing how quickly the time has passed. Five months ago, I died and was blessed with a vision of my future with a man who drives me insane. The queen healed me that day and brought me back from the dead. It was the day after that when I confronted the man who's meant to be my soul mate and ended up receiving a kiss that was so intense that after all these months, I still cannot remove it from my mind.

Around the time just before the prince's birth, Burreck Castle was overpowered by King Alistair and his army from the north. Our king charged into Burreck City and reclaimed his kingdom, causing the enemies to flee back to their country of Salvatoria. We lost thousands of men and civilians from that siege, and half of our city was demolished. Slowly, though, our scarred city was being rebuilt and was healing.

Kaidan Kimball, one of my closest friends, was injured severely when trying to win back the castle. He lost half of his left arm, and because of that, he lost his position as King Bryce's personal guard. He gave us all a fright in the beginning, but the man was strong and pulled himself through. He finally left the medical ward three months ago. Kai still stands beside the king but only as an adviser, and with it he gained the title Lord Kimball. He's finally getting back to his old self again. In the beginning, it was odd seeing him around with only half of an arm, but we are all used to it now. A month ago, Kaidan married my best friend, Mira. It was such a beautiful day and the two of them were so happy.

Ah, let's not forget Lieutenant Dogan Ramstien, my soul mate and the new personal guard of the king. Ha! I do not even know where to begin. The two of us have tried to refrain from having any alone time together since returning to the castle. We are both equally stubborn and not ready to give in to the destiny that we had to follow. The only thing we could find common ground on was Cora, the young girl who was to be raised by us. We were normally civil with each other when she was around, which was most of the time since she lived here in the castle too.

I did not train alone much with Dogan anymore, and that was a good thing because who knew what would happen to us? Just the two of us, behind closed doors…the mere thought of it sends chills throughout my body. Like I said before, I was always thinking of the kiss we shared so many months ago, and I would be lying if I said I never wanted to experience that again. I had to stop myself from touching the man, because any time we accidentally brushed up against each other; my whole body would flush with heat. The longer we kept the inevitable at bay, the worse it was going to be for us in the end. When we finally stop the fighting and join as one, it's going to be so intense, I am sure neither of us will survive.

Chapter 1

RELEASING THE LIGHT

E

vening finally arrived; I was exhausted and ready for bed myself. I sat on Cora's bed, with her in front of me, while I brushed her chestnut curls before she crawled under the covers. She had recently turned six years old, and Dogan had told me he wanted to get her her own horse. I laughed at him and told him she would have her own horse someday, but right now was not the time. So instead the man spoiled her with several gifts when I told him not to. I shook my head, smiling at the memory.

I could sense the sadness radiating off her ever since this afternoon, and it was even stronger now. While I continued to gently brush out the knots in her curly hair, I spoke softly. Would you like to tell me what's been bothering you today?

Cora did not respond right away, and I removed the brush from her hair. Slowly her tiny shoulders hunched forward as the sobs started to come out. Quickly, I laid my hands on her shoulders and tried to turn her around to face me. Oh, darling, what hurts you so?

She finally turned her head and looked at me with tear-filled eyes. Her cheeks were damp, and her bottom lip was puckering out. I’m scared if I tell you, you’ll get mad, she cried.

Oh sweetie, come here. Scooping her up in my arms, I leaned back against the headboard. She tightly wrapped herself against my chest as she continued to sob. My whole torso was tingling from her touch. She had the same powers as me, so because of that, I hoped my touch would help soothe her. "Please do not ever be afraid to talk to me, love. I am here. I am your mama; you can tell me anything."

Finally, she lifted her head to look at me, sniffling, and after a moment she whined, I miss my nana. Her whole face scrunched up, and she started sobbing again. With a lump in my throat, I pulled her against my chest and started to sway back and forth as I rubbed her back. Her nana was killed on the day the city was taken over by the Salvatorians. Dogan and I found Cora huddled in a ball in an alley with her aura expressed around her body to protect herself.

Easy, Cora. She started to suck in short, fast breaths because she was crying so hard. It's all right, my sweet wee lassie, I whispered to her what Dogan always called her. Try to settle down and tell me why you think I would be mad about something like this?

Because I do not want you to think that I do not love you and Papa, she yelled through our touch instead of out loud, which was another gift we shared. I am happy to be with you, but I still wish I could see Nana…I miss her! she cried.

Still trying to soothe her, I said out loud, Sweetie, that's perfectly normal, and neither Papa nor I would ever be upset with you because you miss her. I paused a moment. Cora, do you not know that you can still see her?

After a moment she finally lifted her head and stared at me with puffy, bloodshot eyes. How can I see her if she's in heaven?

It was at that moment I realized that she did not know about using her powers to talk to the deceased. Dogan and I had never thought about doing it with her, and we did it at least once a week. We would meet up with Rowan and Sterling weekly at the barracks just to do that. They, too, were the same as us.

Let's try to get you settled down, and then I will show you how, I said, giving her a soft smile as I wiped her tear-damp cheeks. As she took her tiny fists to her eyes, she continued sucking in short breaths. It took a few moments, but finally she started to breathe normally again, and she looked at me attentively, waiting for me to explain. I sat straight up on her bed and bent my legs so I could cross them in front of me. Then I told her to sit exactly like me so that our knees would touch. Well, her knees did not touch mine and only reached my shins, but it did not matter. I laid my palms facing up and asked her to lay her hands above mine.

All right, we are going to close our eyes, I whispered, and Cora gave me a small nod. And we are going to relax for a bit. Then I am going to start to count. When I reach three, I want you to push out your aura…all right?

She gave me another nod in understanding.

Taking in a deep breath, I closed my eyes. I threw any tension I had dealing with Dogan out of mind and anchored myself to the tingling touch of Cora's petite hands.

After a few moments, I started to count to Cora in my mind. One…two…three. Instantly I had my red vision all around me. With my eyes closed, I gave Cora a soft smile, and she smiled back.

When you are in this state, love, you can talk to Cici, Arabella, or anyone that has passed on. All you have to do is call for them, I explained to her through our touch.

I only have to say her name, and she will come? her sweet voice filled my mind.

Yes.

The two of us sat there for a while, just enjoying the peace and tranquility of having our energy expressed around us, and then, finally, Cora spoke. Nana? Are you really there?

Instantly her grandmother, Vi, emerged into our energy with three other people behind her. She was shorter than me, and she appeared even more petite compared to the people who came with her. Vi wore her gray hair down, and it lightly touched her shoulders. She was wearing a simple long white gown. I watched as Cora pulled part of her soul from her physical body and went running to her. Vi had her up in her arms the instant she reached her. It was a beautiful sight to see, and slowly I pulled myself from my own body and went to them.

I walked straight to the other three angels who were there. The three of them were tall and beautiful and were beaming me contagious smiles. The two women I knew very well and saw them quite frequently—my mother, Arabella, and Dogan's mother, Cici. The massive, handsome man who was with them I had only met once, and that was through a dream. I went straight to him with my hands extended out in front of me.

Steaphan Ramstien, what a pleasant surprise, I chimed as he took my hands. He had Dogan's hair and piercing emerald eyes, which were literally smiling now while he kissed my hands.

Ye remember me, he beamed.

Of course! How could I forget a handsome man like you? I asked, and he let out a beautiful laugh. A laugh I seldom heard come out of Dogan. So, tell me, has your son come to talk to you yet?

His smile softened as he shook his head no.

Well, he still has not told me his reasons for not talking to you.

Oh, he will. Eventually he will let go of the past and speak to me again, he said.

I wanted to ask him what had happened, but I knew he would not tell me because that was for his son to tell. My mother and Cici came to me and individually gave me a hug and kiss on the lips. The love I had for them both was more than words could express.

I see that you and my son still haven’t given into your fates yet, Cici stated with a beautiful ring in her voice and the gorgeous dimple smile that her son had inherited.

Laughing, I announced, I do not think we ever will.

She laughed as well and took my face into her hands and tilted my head up to her. Ye will, and it's going to happen sooner than you may think.

I instantly felt pressure in my chest from my pounding heart. Before I could say anything else about it, Vi came to stand by me with Cora holding her hand.

Cici said, Cora, I would like ye to meet your grandfather, Steaphan.

Cora gazed up at him with wide eyes, and then a smile slowly formed on her face as she reached for him. Steaphan scooped her up. As she touched his hair, she said, You look like Papa.

Steaphan gave her an enormous smile. Is that so? And as the two of them continued talking, Vi touched my arm.

When I turned to her, she wrapped her arm around my right and guided me away from them and closer to the bed that held our physical bodies. It was not until after I died that I saw what was meant for Cora's life. I see now why she was so distraught when I told her that we were not going to the castle anymore. The poor child cried for weeks, and I know now it was because she would not get to see you anymore. Vi had been the queen's head servant, and she always brought Cora with her to work, but she eventually left and found a better job that worked well for the two of them.

I did not know any of this or about her. I learned of these only five months ago, I told her.

Vi smiled at me. I am glad it's you who has her. You have always loved Cora, and I know you will do what's right for her. You two are her true parents, not my daughter or Hector. Cora's birth father died before she was born, and her birth mother abandoned her when she was two. Between Dogan and you, you will mold her into the woman she's meant to become. Her smile widened as Cora walked over to us and wrapped her arms around my waist. Smiling myself, I laid my hand on top of her head.

She gazed up at me with her round emerald eyes. Thank you, Mama.

You are welcome, sweetie. Now, whenever you are missing your nana, you can just do this, and then you can see her, I said and bent down to kiss the top of her head.

Vi knelt beside her and wrapped her arms around her again. You make sure that you mind your parents, all right, baby girl?

She nodded, and her curls bounced back and forth. I will, Nana! I promise!

I know you will, Cora! You are a sweet girl, and I am so proud of you. Vi gave her a light kiss on the lips. Now, do not be sad anymore about me being gone, because I am always around.

I’m not sad anymore, she responded with her sweet, tiny voice.

Good. Vi gave her another kiss and squeezed her to her chest. I love you, and I will see you again soon.

I love you, too, Nana, she mumbled into her shoulder.

There was a lump forming in my throat at the sight. It did my heart good that I was the one who taught her how to do this, because several months ago it was she who showed me how to express my light out with my eyes open. Now I had repaid the favor. Cora and I said our goodbyes individually to all of them and then made our way back to our physical bodies. As soon as I touched my shoulder, I was quickly sucked back in, and my eyes sprang open. My aura instantly absorbed back into my body.

After blinking a few times, I found Cora smiling back at me. Quickly, she jumped up and wrapped her arms around my neck. Thank you. I liked that. I did not know that was possible.

I squeezed her petite tingling body tight to mine. Again, you are welcome, and now you know. I pulled her back and lightly poked her nose with my finger. Now, it's way past your bedtime, my wee lassie, so let's get you under these covers.

Cora suddenly started giggling as she crawled up and pulled down the blankets. I like it when you call me that, because Papa says it too.

Laughing with her, I tucked the blankets tight around her. Leaning over, I kissed the tip of her nose. I know. I like it too. That's why I say it. Dogan and I took turns reading to her every night, but it was too late for that tonight. It's too late for me to continue where you and Papa left off last night, but I am sure he will continue the story tomorrow.

She smiled as I handed her her doll off the stand. While she snuggled with it, she said, Night, Mama.

Good night, darling. When I blew out the candle, I whispered, Sweet dreams. As I walked to her chamber door, I stretched my arms up and could not wait to get out of this guard uniform and into my nightgown.

Chapter 2

DREAM TO REALITY

W

hen I opened Cora's chamber door, I caught a glimpse of the man sitting on the floor by the door. Trying my best to ignore him, I strolled across the corridor to my own chamber while praying that he would not say anything. Just as I reached for my door's handle, he growled.

Did ye ha’ a nice visit? he asked sarcastically. I could sense the bloody fool in there. Why the hell was he there in the first place? His Salvie accent was tight with anger.

Clenching my fists, I closed my eyes as I took several deep breaths.

Finally, I turned to face Dogan. He was still in his blue-and-gray uniform; he had his back pressed against the stone wall with his legs bent up before him. His arms lay across the top of his knees. He had not cut his wavy chestnut hair in months, and now it was only shy of touching his shoulders. Dogan's whole face was tight, making the scar on his face more pronounced as his bright emerald eyes glared at me viciously.

As I made my way toward him, I wanted to grab hold of him in anger but was afraid of what would happen. I wanted to scream, but I could not, knowing Cora would hear me. So I settled with a harsh whisper as I leaned down and pointed my finger at him. First of all, I am not going to stand here and get bitched at because you are mad that I did that without your presence. His jaw started to twitch as his nose flared with anger. Second, I do not know what your issue is with your father, but I did not invite him. He came on his own accord.

Suddenly, I did not care anymore and took hold of his face with my right hand. As I dug my nails into his cheek, he quickly took his hand around my wrist. "And third, your daughter has been sad all afternoon. When I asked her what troubled her so, she broke down in tears because she was missing her nana. She was afraid to say anything about it to us because she thought we would be mad at her."

Dogan's face went lax, and all anger was washed away.

I showed her how she can still see her. The girl didn’t even know she could do that. Just for the hell of it, I dug my nails deeper into his skin, and his eyes instantly narrowed. So if you will excuse me, I am exhausted and want to go to bed, I said through my gritted teeth.

Quickly, I released his face and stood up. As I tried to walk away, I was being pulled back by his grip, which was still around my wrist. His hand was hot against my skin. I glared down at him, I never said another word, and neither did he. I was not sure how long we stayed like that, but it felt like forever. I was torn by wanting him to let go of me so I could hurry to my room; all the while, the other half wanted him to never let go and pull me to him so he could wrap his massive arms around me.

Finally, Dogan, my future mate, released me, and I moved so fast that I practically stumbled into my room. Slamming the door behind me, I leaned my back against it as I turned the latch to lock it. My body was shaking, and it felt like my heart was in my throat. So, I said a prayer that I spoke in my head at least three times a day: Oh Lord, please give me the strength when it comes to dealing with that man. Once my breath started to become normal again, I pushed myself away from the door so I could get out of these clothes and go to bed.

Sometime during the night, I felt my body lightly jump awake from another dream of Dogan. Lying on my right side, I opened my eyes slightly and could see the sky still black outside my window. My room had a light-orange glow from the fire that had died down considerably since I first went to sleep. I cannot go through a night without Dogan haunting me in my dreams. Clamping my eyes shut again, I mumbled, Damn you, Dogan…you bloody fool! Letting out a groan, I rolled over to my left side.

A warm, solid, tingling mass was before me. Believing that I was still dreaming, I snuggled into it without restraint. I lay there with my eyes still closed, taking in his scent. He must have just bathed, because his skin smelled of soap with the mix of his clove spice scent he always wore. Smiling, I wrapped my right arm across his stomach as I laid my head on his chest. This was what I wanted. Why did the man have to be so rough and difficult?

D’ye dream o’ me much, lass? he asked softly, and then my body froze when I realized that this was not a dream. My eyes sprang open to see in horror that my arm was literally draped across his bare stomach.

Letting out a short screech, I hurled myself away from him with so much speed that I nearly fell off the bed. I cursed him with every word I could think of, in my language and his. Sweet Mother of God! What the hell are you doing? I snapped, trying my best to keep my voice down just in case someone was walking by my room. With the light of the fire, I stared at him in disbelief. He lay there, comfortably by the look of it, in nothing but trousers. Dogan crossed his arms across his chest and gazed at me with an expression of content, like he was pleased with himself for startling me so severely and catching me off guard.

I sat on my knees at the edge of the bed to give us a few feet between us. Still shaken from the startle, I asked harshly, What the hell are you doing in my chamber and in my bed and half-dressed, no less? I screeched out the last part.

The whole time, he just been staring at me with a slight grin, but now it widened to his beautiful dimple smile. He threw back his head and let out a hearty laugh. I wanted to smile, but I did not. I only narrowed my eyes, which made him laugh even more. As he started to hold on to his stomach, I realized how hairy the man was. His chest and stomach were covered thickly with dark, tight curls that were broken up by several long white scars. Suddenly I wanted to run my hands through it and touch the enormous tattoo that took up his whole right bicep, shoulder blade, and half of his right arm. He jolted me from my thoughts when he spoke, still lightly laughing. I scared the livin’ hell outta ye!

Damn right you did! How did you think I would react finding you in my bed? Grabbing one of my pillows to the left of me, I chucked it at him. He grabbed it, smiling, and sat up a little more, placing it behind his head.

I ha’ to say that I’m kind o’ regretting that I said anything. It would ha’ been interesting to see what ye would do to me in yer sleep, he stated slowly, with the beautiful ring of his accent, and I think that only made it worse. My face became beet red. It felt like it was on fire. Even my ears were feeling like they were burning. I watched his eyes as they slowly traveled down the length of my body, lingering a bit longer than I liked at my breasts, and then they continued downward. His eyes had a look of need in them. The action sent a sizzling, burning sensation of need throughout me. Dogan wore a half smile showing his right, deep dimple where the long scar over his eye stopped.

Suddenly I became aware that I was only wearing my thin ivory nightgown. When I looked down at myself, my eyes widened in horror. My nipples were hard and were clearly visible through the thin fabric. The abrupt movement I had made to get away from him caused my gown to bunch up and settle halfway up my thighs. Quickly I wrapped my right arm across my breasts and yanked down my gown over my knees. I felt my whole body flushing in embarrassment. I glared at his smug expression. Why are you here? I demanded again. You should not even be in here!

Aye. I couldna sleep, he reported, finally taking his eyes off me.

I started to laugh hysterically. You could not sleep? Seriously? When he did not answer me, I continued. So you decided since you could not sleep, you would come and lie in my bed?

He shrugged. More or less.

Sweet Mother of God, Dogan! Please tell me that this is the first time you have done this. Chills raked through my body with thoughts of him coming to my bed without me being aware of it.

Settle, woman! he said roughly and locked his intense eyes on mine. This is the first time I ha’ ever done this…I promise.

I concluded then that he was here to talk, maybe. Something must be bothering him if he could not sleep.

Grabbing my blanket, I held it up against me and piled some pillows against the headboard beside him. Scooting myself next to him, I brought the blanket up over my breast and lay my arms tight to the sides so it would not fall. Once I felt comfortably covered, I looked over at him. He had his scarred right brow arched up. What are ye doin’?

Well, obviously you are here because something is bothering you in which you cannot sleep. So here I am! You might as well spill out whatever is bothering you. I did not look directly at him. Straight ahead was my vanity, and I could see us through the mirror. He was gazing down at me, and when he did not say anything, I said, You smell nice, by the way, which is a good thing because you were really starting to stink.

A smile formed on my lips as he lightly laughed. Ye wench! I never stink. That was true, for the most part. The man always had a pleasant aroma to him, unless he had just gotten back from a training session. A soft smile spread across my lips with the thought of Cora. She left her room one time and came to me, asking if I would read to her because Papa stank too bad.

Dogan caught my gaze in the mirror. Ye do realize that ye can hold as tight as ye want to that blanket because if I really wanted to take ye now…that blanket is not going to stop me, he said in a husky voice, and my face flushed all over again.

Quickly, I looked down at my hands, which were folded before me. I wished he would not say such things in front of me. Do not get me wrong, because I, too, think of things I would love to do to him. But I just think them; I would never say them out loud.

Afraid to look up, I kept my gaze down while I waited for him to speak again. Good Lord, we were just a few inches from each other, and it was killing me inside. I so terribly wanted to touch his skin again. The touch was stronger than ever. I did not understand why. It was almost overpowering. Rowan's or Sterling's touch did not even come close to the sensation I received from Dogan.

This was why we both agreed to not train that much together anymore. The kiss we shared in Morningstar so many months ago ruined any stable ground we had under us. I do most of my training now down at the guards’ barracks. I still train every now and then with Dogan, but when I do, the king is training with us too, which helps with the tension between us.

We sat there for a long time not speaking. I kept my gaze down, afraid of what I might see if I looked straight ahead into the mirror. My hands were clamped tight in front of me to ensure that I would not reach for him, like I wanted to.

I hated ‘em both when they died that day…Mathair and Athair. He spoke so quietly that it took me by surprise. It was amazing that his deep, rough voice could sound so soft and gentle.

Why? I responded just as quietly as I kept my eyes locked on my hands.

Because they were like us. They could ha’ used their auras to protect ‘em, and they dinna. Instead, they allowed ‘em bastards to kill ‘em. Leaving me to be raised by the monster who ordered it. He took in a deep breath. "‘Twas hard to stay angry wit’ my mother though. As ye already ken, she's verra demanding and always makes ‘er presence known. It took a while, but finally I let the anger I had toward ‘er wash away.

My father, on the other hand, is a different story. I ha’ not spoken to ‘im since the day he was alive. He kens the reasons why I’m angry and kens that I want nothing to do wit’ ‘im. I could feel his gaze suddenly on me, but I did not look up to meet it. Ye might not ken this, but the man is just as stubborn as me. I smiled a little. The man can easily slip into my dreams and demand to talk to me, but he doesna, and he never will. He's gonna make me be the one to end this silence between us.

Then why not just grit your teeth and do it? I looked to the left and locked my eyes to his. What are you afraid of?

Dogan raised his brows and let out a short laugh in surprise and then averted his eyes from me. What am I afraid of? he mumbled. I watched as he tried to figure out that question. God, the man was so handsome. How had it taken me so long to realize that? My friend Mira once said, We just do not make men like him here in Altecia. And she was right. He was the largest man in the royal guard, in both height and build. My gaze lingered down toward his chest. Dogan's arms and torso were beautifully shaped in muscle, with his skin tightly molded around them. I slightly jumped when he started speaking again.

It's going to be twenty-seven years next month since the last time I saw ‘im. His parents died on the same day I was born. The same day my mother died giving birth to me. Dogan slowly shook his head. I dinna even ken what to say to the man.

Why not start by saying…Hello Athair, I suggested.

He let out his gorgeous laugh. His dimples were in full view but were still hidden slightly by his beard. I realized then that he should shave the rough stubble from his cheeks so people could get the full effect of his smile. Whenever he blessed me with that smile, I found myself with an urge to touch them with my finger, just to see how deep those dimples really went.

I suppose I could start by saying that. He chuckled.

Look, Dogan. I do not know your father very well, but the two times I have met him, he has been very charming. Cora seemed to like him too. She told him that he looks like Papa, which is true. There is no denying that man to be your father. I took a deep breath. I have a feeling for some reason that we are going to start seeing him a lot more.

I reached over with my left hand and took hold of his. I regretted it immediately when his tingling touch sent jolts through my body. I cleared my throat and continued. Talk to him, Dogan. He will give you the answers that have been haunting you all these years. I am sure he has his reasons for what happened that day.

Dogan gazed down at my hand that was in his. I sucked in a short breath when he tightened the grip and rubbed his rough thumb across the top of my hand.

Staring down at our joined hands, I murmured, Since you are here…maybe we should talk about us.

His thumb stopped moving, and I felt his whole body tense up. What is there to talk about? he asked with a tight voice.

I looked at him in disbelief of his question and the tone he said it in. Suddenly the anger started to boil in my chest. "What is there to talk about? Are you jesting with me? There's everything to talk about! There's us, first of all, and let's not forget about Cora…and what our future holds." I spoke the last part softer than when I started. Part of me just wanted the friction that had been building between us in the last five months to end. No matter how terrifying the outcome might be.

With amazing speed, he threw his legs over the side of the bed, and my hand slipped from his as he stood up. The anger grew in me as I watched him walk around the foot of the bed, and I knew he was heading for my wardrobe, which possessed the hidden doors that allowed access to each other's rooms. When he was a few feet from my wardrobe, I sat up and grabbed one of my pillows and chucked it at him. As it hit him in the side of the head, he froze. I yelled at him as I threw my blankets off me, We cannot avoid this situation forever, you…you bloody fool!

Wanting so passionately to run up to him and start punching him, I kept myself planted on my bed. He slowly turned his head to face me, baring a curled upper lip. The man suddenly came at me with eyes like a hungry beast, and I was his prey. Scurrying backward on my bed, wanting to flee from the attack and panicking, I screeched while flinging my hands forward to stop him, No Dogan! Please…stop!

The beast took hold of my wrists and flung my arms over my head with ease as he threw the length of his body across mine. I tried to wiggle out from under him, but there was no use. My whole body was tingling. My thin nightgown was helping to hold back the brunt of the sensation. I knew my skin would feel like it was on fire if we had skin-to-skin contact. Thank God for the gown…that was all I had to say about that.

As he looked down at me fiercely, his wavy chestnut hair hung forward along his face. The tips of his hair lightly tickled my face. What about yer precious Rowan? Would ye be able to end things wit’ ‘im?

Anger engulfed me, and I lifted my head up so I was closer to his face. End things with him? Damn it, Dogan! Things ended with him months ago, and you know it! I was so furious at him for mentioning Rowan, I was almost spitting in his face.

Is that so? he asked with an evil grin. It seems whenever ye are around the fool, ye canna help but press yer lips to his.

Laying my head back down, I laughed up at his face. I could not believe we were actually having this conversation. First of all, Rowan is always the one who initiates the kiss. Second…damn it; I am a kissy type of person, and I cannot help it! I yelled. I love greeting people I care about with that action. Bloody hell, Dogan! I give everyone a kiss. Sterling, Mira, Kaidan, my parents, and my brothers…hell, I have even given the king a kiss a time or two.

Dogan gazed down with intense eyes and spoke, this time a tad bit softer. Aye, I ha’ noticed. Ye kiss everyone except fer me. When his lips pressed hard to mine, my head started to spin. Instantly the tension in my body melted away…I felt like I was about to turn into water and absorb into the bed. Rowan's kisses never affected me like that.

I was able to remove my right leg out from underneath him and bent it up. As I wrapped it up over his one leg, I was able to press my hips closer to him. With that action, the man let out a deep, throaty groan as he deepened the kiss. He released his grip from my right wrist and ran his hand down the length of my arm. That hand traveled down my side and sent jolts throughout me all the way. When he finally felt his way past the bunched-up material of my nightgown, his hot, tingling hand sent the bare skin of my thigh on fire. While tightening his grip there, he pulled down my left arm to my side. As he moved his lips from mine, he yanked down my left sleeve, exposing my whole shoulder and collarbone.

I ran my right hand along the back of his shoulder as I turned my face to the right to give him easier access of my neck and shoulder. My breath quickly left my lungs as his mouth ran along my collarbone, and he pressed himself harder against me.

A deep animallike growl rumbled in his throat as he slowly lifted his head up. Through the hair that hung down in front of his face, I still got a good view of his eyes. Eyes that were half open and still managed to look hungry with lust. His cheeks were even slightly flushed, which was the first I had ever seen. His voice was even thick with lust when he finally spoke. Are ye ready to admit how ye feel fer me?

Yes! I love you! That's what I wanted to say, but I was still too scared to speak the words. Instead, I asked the same question breathlessly. Are you ready to admit how you feel for me?

Dogan slightly shook his head. My self-control is only hanging by a verra thin string when it comes to dealing wit’ ye.

Taking my right hand, I pushed some hair away from his face to the back of his ear. The action caused him to tighten his grip that was still on my bare thigh.

As a few strands fell back against his face, I whispered, What needs to be done to break that string?

A soft smile spread over his lips, and he gave me a throaty laugh as he leaned forward again. He grazed his lips against mine and continued the light touch all the way to my left ear. My breaths shortened when he playfully bit at my ear, and then he murmured, Only ye hold the answer to that question. He paused for a moment, and his breath was hot against my skin. I could actually feel his heart against my chest, and it was pounding just as fast as mine. When he spoke again…he said it beautifully in his Salvatorian language. Aisling binn mo lilac alainn. (Sweet dreams, my beautiful lilac.)

It was at that exact moment when Dogan took a tight hold of my heart, and he did not even realize it. Abruptly, he pulled himself away from me and got off the bed. As he opened the wardrobe door, I whispered, Dogan? I was not sure if I could even manage to talk. He froze at the wardrobe and never looked at me. What will happen when that string does break free?

Then God help us…because then there’ll be no stopping me! he replied with a raw voice as he quickly walked in, shutting the door behind him.

My body shook with nerves as my heart pounded so hard that it hurt.

Rolling over, I took hold of the pillow he had been leaning against earlier. His scent still lingered there as I buried my face into it. Damn you, Dogan! Damn you, I mumbled into it. I hugged the pillow to me because I was not ready to lose the soapy scent he had left behind. Closing my eyes tight, I prayed to our Lord that he would help put me asleep before I literally went crazy. Sure enough, I fell asleep quickly, and for the first time in a long time, I did without any dreams at all.

Chapter 3

MORNING AFTER

T

he next morning, I lay awake in bed just as the sky started to lighten up. I could not help but ponder what happened last night. It almost did not seem real. I had been lying there for almost an hour when I heard someone knock on my door. I did not bother to get up because I knew it was Mira. Since Kaidan had taken the position as an adviser and lord, his salary had been raised considerably. So much so that Mira would never have to work for the rest of her life, but she still did. She said it gave her something to do, and she always enjoyed our mornings together. That was the only time she worked. She would help me get ready, which was not hard now, as I was an official member of the royal guard. I no longer had to wear dresses or gowns, only the gray-and-blue uniform, which consisted of a heavy long top and dark-blue trousers. She also took care of Dogan's room, which she said was not hard because he kept his room clean. A lot better than Kaidan used to, she once said.

I could hear her key going into the lock. And once the door opened, I turned to her. She beamed me a smile. She was wearing her dark-brunette hair down today, and it laid a good four inches past her shoulders. Mira was wearing her normal gray-and-white uniform when she came in.

Not feeling like getting out of bed this morning, Lee? she asked me as she walked past the foot of the bed. She stopped and picked up the pillow that was lying on the floor a few feet from my wardrobe. Mira gave me a questioning look as she held up the pillow. Did you have some type of fit last night and start throwing pillows?

Finally, I sat up. If you consider Dogan as my fit, then yes. I pointed at the pillow in her hand. That's the pillow that hit him upside the head.

She started laughing as she came toward me and then paused. Dogan? He was in here last night?

Yes, he was! I woke up in the middle of the night to find him lying in my bed. I screeched. Just thinking of him half naked beside me made butterflies in my stomach.

Mira's brown eyes widened as she took a seat in front of me on the bed. She held the pillow tight to her chest. Her face bore a delighted expression, and she inquired, What happened? And what did you do when you found him in your bed? There were only four other people who knew of my fate with Dogan and Cora, and Mira was one of them.

Smiling a little, I said, I woke up again last night from another heated dream with Dogan. I began to laugh. I actually cursed his name, and when I rolled over, I found myself leaning against his half-naked body, and I thought I was still dreaming. It was not until I wrapped my arm around his stomach, and he spoke, that I realized that this was not a dream.

Mira leaned forward as her eyes sparkled with excitement. What did he say?

I cleared my throat. D’ye dream o’ me much, lass? I deepened my voice and mimicked his Salvie accent. Mira screamed in laughter as she collapsed on my bed.

As she laid on her back still giggling, she repeated, D’ye dream o’ me much, lass? She giggled some more. I’m going to be laughing about that all day. Mira watched me as I came to lie beside her. When I propped myself on my elbows, she said, So tell me what happened after that.

The memory of my reaction had laughter bubbling in my throat. When I realized it was not a dream, I literally screeched as I hurled myself away from him and almost fell out of my bed. As the two of us giggled some more, I told her why he was there and what he told me about his father. Then I explained how I wanted to talk about us and how he handled that by trying to abruptly leave. I pointed to the pillow she still had clung to her chest. That's when I chucked that at him and called him a bloody fool and said we could not avoid this situation forever.

Mira rolled to her side to face me and propped her head in her hand. Oh, why do I have a feeling that he did not leave after that. She’d gotten to know Dogan well in the last several months, and she knew the man's temperament.

Smiling, I told her about him coming after me and everything that happened after he pressed his beautifully large muscular body against me. Mira started to wave her other hand in front of her face. Bloody hell, Lee! I am feeling the heat just thinking about it…that's intense.

Laughing at her, I told her it was intense, and then I told her the Salvie words that he spoke to me before pulling himself away.

That sounds beautiful. What does it mean?

I took a deep breath. Sweet dreams, my beautiful lilac.

Mira's eyes widened and instantly filled with tears. Her lips started to pucker out as she spoke. You’re his lilac! That's so beautiful, and so are you. She cried and hit me with the pillow. I knew it! I just knew that man had a soft spot somewhere in that thick chest of his. She started rubbing her eyes.

I laughed at her beautiful emotion. Lilacs were my favorite flower and scent. It was the only kind of perfume I wore. That was why he called me that. What am I going to do today? We have to meet with Bryce and Rosa for breakfast, and then we have to meet with the new recruits.

Ever since we won back the castle, men had been wanting to enlist in record numbers. We usually swore men in every quarter. Now we were doing it once a month, and the number of men kept getting larger every time. I was not sure where Sterling, who was now the new general, was going to put them all. So that meant I was going to have to sit next to Dogan all bloody day while we met the new men.

Just act how you normally are around him. I would not put it past him…but I am sure he will do something today referring to last night, just to embarrass you. She grabbed my hand. Try not to let it happen, but if he does and you do get embarrassed…well, I think you could think of a good comeback for him. Smiling, I squeezed her hand, and she added, Come on. You need to get dressed, and then I will braid your hair.

Once dressed, I sat at my vanity and stared at myself through the mirror as Mira braided my hair. It was still odd to see myself in the royal guard uniform. My right shoulder bore the gold mark of lieutenant. I was not sure if I would ever get used to people addressing me as Lieutenant Bayard. Since I was not leaving the castle today and would be sitting most of the day, I chose to wear the sword I had made, on my hip. Usually, I would also wear my other on my back and my knives strapped on my thighs. So I figured because of the day I was going to have, one sword would suffice.

You know your hair is going to be touching your rear end before you know it, she said as she flung my long, dark, brunette braid over shoulder.

I took it in my hand to gaze at it. I know. I have been meaning to cut it, but I am afraid I will miss it once it's gone. I had never grown my hair this long, and I actually liked it this way.

Personally, I like it long. It looks good on you. She stated and turned toward my bed.

Standing up, I turned to Mira as she started to make my bed. Well I guess I better head up to the royal living quarters. I paused to take a deep breath. Wish me luck.

Everything is going to be fine, my friend. She beamed me a smile. Good luck anyway.

I returned her smile as I went for my chamber door.

Dogan was before me with a giggling little girl in his arms, and he shut her chamber door. I froze as the two of us made eye contact. Swallowing hard, I looked down at Cora, whom he held sideways with his right arm. I grinned at the sight of her hanging there wiggling and giggling, trying her best to get out of his grip. Looking back up to Dogan, I said, Well, good morning. What do you have there? I indicated the wiggling mass in his arm.

The tightness in his face that formed when he first saw me softened considerably, and he lightly smiled. I found this doll here. He lifted his arm a little, causing Cora to giggle even more. ‘Tis so lifelike that I thought it would be a wonderful gift to give to the king and queen.

Really? Walking toward them, I moved Cora's curls from her face and lightly pinched her cheek. That's amazing, Dogan! The doll even moves and feels real too.

Lee! Cora screeched. The only time she called me mama was when we were alone in her room or through our touch. Only our closest friends knew of our fates, and Dogan and I would rather keep it like that. So Cora agreed she would call me Lee until Dogan and I got married…when that would be, I had no idea. It's me, Cora! Please tell Papa I am not a doll.

Oh, it speaks too! What a rare gift you have there, Dogan. I think the majesties will be very pleased. I smirked at him as we started up the corridor. He gave me a half smile, showing his deep right dimple. Dogan seemed pleased that I was playing along. This was how we were, for the most part, when Cora was around us. We would bicker sometimes, but nothing too severe.

I know; I thought the same thing. She's a feisty wee thing. He quickly moved her so she was now hanging completely upside down. He held her along his right side as he continued to walk. Her long chestnut hair swayed with Dogan's gait. He wrapped his left arm across her legs to keep the skirt of her dress from falling and to stop her kicking legs.

Lee, Cora screeched again, please, help me!

How does the doll know my name? I asked Dogan and tried to ignore the giggling upside-down girl in his arms.

As we started up the steps to the royal living quarters he replied, I’m not sure. She keeps saying that she's m’daughter, Cora, but I canna see any resemblances.

It is me, Papa! she screeched again.

Good morning, Lieutenants, greeted the guard, Byron, when we reached the top of the steps.

Good morning, we said in unison.

Byron smiled down at Cora. What do you have in your arms there, Ramstien?

A doll that talks and moves. ‘Tis a gift fer Our Majesties, Dogan explained to him.

Byron laughed as he opened the door for