Summoned and Stolen (Summoned Series Romances) (3 page)

At least, she thought she’d muffled it, but Kel’s gaze dropped to her face and he leaned in close to nuzzle her cheek. “I shall enjoy her greatly, Your Grace,” he said aloud and then whispered so softly she could barely make out his words. “I’ll not let you be harmed. Trust me.”

A tiny ember of hope flared to life in her heart and Lily nodded, just a slight dip of her head to tell him she had heard. His lips grazed her cheek and she felt the heat of his breath on her skin. For the first time since she’d been taken from her homeworld, Lily felt the heated flush of desire.

There was no denying that being given to Kel as a pleasure slave would not be a hardship. He was handsome, and despite his reputation he had been nothing but gentle with her. She had seen the bruises and scars on the other slaves. Their master was a vicious beast, and Lily could only heal herself or anyone else if he granted her permission. Somehow, she doubted the Duke would allow her to ease her suffering often, if at all. It looked likely that Kel would be the last man to touch her with any kindness, for she knew she would get no such treatment from Camford.

It was almost a comfort her to know that despite his beliefs, there was no way that Lily could make the vile Duke immortal. She could heal, certainly. That was the greatest of her gifts, the ability to heal and make whole any living thing. But healing could only do so much, and she could no more defy the laws of nature than she could command the sun to rise. All life came to an end eventually.

A chill washed over her, filling her soul with ice. When Camford learned that Lily’s magic could not make him immortal, his rage would be terrible. There was little chance she would survive once he knew the truth. He’d kill her, just as he’d killed her former master.

Lily moved deeper into Kel’s arms, clinging to him despite the discomfort of the chainmail that pressed against her bare skin. Her choice already made. Once they were alone, she’d plead her case and pray he was as honorable as her dead master had believed. Otherwise, she was doomed to a short life full of suffering at the hands of a cruel and twisted man.

If she had to barter her body for a chance at freedom then Kel was her best chance.

***

CHAPTER 3

Kel was not fond of magic in general, but was not above using it when the situation required it. Now, was going to be one of those times. He reached up as if to loosen the laces of his shirt, his hands brushing against the simple, silver medallion that hung around his neck. With the ease of long practice his thumbnail caught on a slightly raised portion of the metal and he pressed it. There was a brief flare of heat, telling him that the spell had been activated, and Kel finished loosening his laces with a sense of relief. His second in command was now aware that there was trouble. He’d see to it that every member of their band was safely out of camp within the hour.

Now, Kel
just had to buy them that time.

“If she is mine for just one night, Your Grace, then I hope you will grant me leave to take to and enjoy your generosity to the fullest.” Kel had little hope that Camford would be that gracious, but he had to try. Beautiful as Lily was, he had no interest in taking her. Well, that wasn’t entirely true.
She had his cock hard and his blood boiling just sitting there in his lap, but he had no interest in taking her in front of a half-dozen drunken witnesses when she had no choice in the matter. If he could just get her alone, he was tempted to take her with him. She did not deserve the fate that had been handed to her, and he could claim she was a fair trade for the gold Camford had just cheated him out of.

The
Duke’s face slid into a smirk as he shook his head in negation. “What, and deprive us of Lily’s beauty so soon? I think not. Have another drink, Kel. Enjoy yourself for once. You’ve earned it.”

“May she have something to drink as well?” Kel asked, already signaling for a servan
t to bring over another goblet.

“Lily, would you like something to drink?” Camford asked, his fat fingers stroking each other slowly, caressing his ring encrusted hands.

“Yes, master. I would,” she replied, each word falling like music from her soft lips. Lily’s voice was as ethereal and lovely as the rest of her, and Kel couldn’t deny he wanted her. She was everything he loved about women. Soft, sweet-smelling, and beautiful enough to make a man forget the bloody trials of war, for a little while at least.

Camford’s smile lips twisted into a sly grin and he cocked his head to one side. “But you have done nothing to earn food or drink yet, my lovely. Everyone in my court earns their keep in one way or another. Tell me, what will you do to
claim yours?”

Kel felt the tiny tremor that passed through Lily’s frame at the Duke’s words, though it was too slight for anyone else to notice. She had courage
, that much was plain. He knew veteran soldiers who could not hide their fear as well as she was.

“If it pleases my master, I could sing for him, and his guests,” Lily offered.

The Duke nodded. “Sing for us then, lovely Lily. I shall let my guests judge what your reward should be.”

“Yes, master.” Lily wriggled out of Kel’s lap, inadvertently connecting with the hard ridge of his cock. No one but her caught the low groan of need that rumbled up from the warrior’s chest as she moved against him so intimately, yet when he gripped her hips and helped her stand there was no hint of desire in the way he touched her. He was masking his interest, just as she was masking her fear.

Lily let her wings unfurl and then wrapped them around her body, forming a gossamer gown that gave her a small measure of protection against the lustful stares of the Duke and his men. Part of her yearned to return to the relative safety of the mercenary’s arms, but that would do neither of them any good. Lily already knew that Camford was a man who fed on weakness and fear, so she would show him neither.

She walked to an unoccupied corner and turned to face her audience, trying to ignore the fact several of them were already enjoying themselves at the expense of some of the Duke’s other slaves.
She drew in several slow breaths to help ease the tightness in her throat, and then Lily began to sing. Her first few notes wavered slightly, but as she lost herself in the music, her voice gained strength.

Soon Lily’s song filled the room and every soul present, from Duke to servant, was listening intently.
It happened without her even being aware of it. Her natural instinct to heal and comfort caused her to begin weaving elements of magic into her singing. Soothing notes intended to bring comfort, gentling tones to calm and soften the listener’s mood.

The magic was not for the Duke or his guests. Lily sang for her fellow captives, offering what little solace she could to those who suffered the same fate
as she. The mood in the room grew calmer as Lily’s song weaved its magic around the room. A low, throbbing pain started to build behind Lily’s eyes, but she didn’t stop. The torc was punishing her for using magic without her master's permission, but she would not give into the pain. This was the only rebellion she could manage, and so she continued to sing.

The pain grew worse with every note, but still she kept on until her vision went gray. Her voice cracked and broke, ending the song. Despite her best efforts to hide her pain, a soft, agonized sob escaped her lips and she hung her head.

Kel had spent his life reading people, and he felt the emotional shift in the room as clearly as if a breeze had blown in from outside. When he caught himself relaxing deeper into his chair, Kel forced himself to sit up straighter. When that didn’t work he bit the inside of his cheek, using the pain to clear his mind and regain his edge.

He scanned the room, noting that he seemed to be the only one who had shaken off the effect of Lily’s song. He watched with concern as she grew paler, her delicate features contorting into a grimace of pain. When her song faded to sobs he had to remi
nd himself to remain impassive. All he wanted to do was to gather her into his arms and ease her suffering however he could.

Leave it be.
That line of thinking is going to get me killed.

Camford’s reaction to his newest possession’s sobs was quite different than Kel’s. His face screwed into a thunderous scowl and he slapped a hand down on the table. “What did you try to do to me?” he demanded.

Lily shook her head in denial. “Nothing, master!”

“Liar! You had to have done something! I saw the torc causing you pain!”

“I only tried to make everyone feel better. I didn’t mean any harm, master.” She dropped to her knees and bowed her head in an attempt to placate the angry Duke, but Kel knew Camford would not forgive her so easily.

“Come here, slave. I’ll teach you what happens to those who lie to me. I know what that torc does, and I know it only would only cause you pain if you were trying to do me harm.”

Lily didn’t want to go anywhere near her master, but the power of the torc compelled her obedience. The moment she was with his reach Camford lashed out, striking her across the cheek with one ring-encrusted hand. Her lip split from the blow and the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. He pulled back his hand for another blow, only to pause when the mercenary spoke.

“I believe you gave her to me for this night, Your Grace. If you damage h
er, then she’s of no use to me…as my bonus.”

Lily peeked over at Kel, grateful for his intervention. Her gratitude faded to
dismay as she took in his pursed lips and chilly gaze. His kind eyes and gentle smile were gone. Now, he looked like the brutal killer whose name she’d heard spoken in hushed, fearful tones. As she waited in silence for her master’s response, she couldn’t help but wonder which was Kel’s true face, and which was the mask.

“Aye
. A valid point,” Camford said, turning his attention to Kel. “But she does need to be punished. Are you offering to discipline her on my behalf?”

Lily’s heart sank as the big warrior nodded curtly, his eyes as cold as a winter sky. “I am.”

“You’ll give me your word?” Camford asked.

Kel’s response was to curl his lip and stand, filling the room with his presence. “You would question my integrity?”

Camford shook his head slightly. “Of course not, my fine fellow. I was merely confirming your intentions, nothing more.” He turned his attentions back to Lily, pressing a fat thumb against her swollen mouth and smearing the blood across her lips. “You will obey Kel as if he were your master until sunrise tomorrow, pretty one.”

“Yes, master. I will obey him as if he wore my ring instead of you,” Lily managed to get the words out past her swollen lips. It was a terrible risk, but if he failed to catch the nuance of what had been said, she would have bought herself a small amount of freedom. At
least until dawn. Lily had to hope that her first impression of Kel had been the right one. If she was wrong, she had simply traded one cruel master for another.

Camford was gloating now, enjoying having her at his mercy. “Yes, you will. Perhaps an evening with the leader of the War Dogs will make you appreciate my gentler nature.” With that, he shoved Lily away before wiping her blood from his hand with a moue of distaste.

Kel wasn’t sure when he’d lost control of his tongue, but it had clearly happened at some point. That was the only explanation for why he was now on his feet, lying through his teeth to protect a pleasure slave. Truly, the Gods were in rare form today.

The moment Camford pushed Lily away, Kel made his move. He covered the space between them in three long strides, scooping her up and over his shoulder before the Duke or anyone else could interfere. He swatted the curve of her ass with a firm hand and was rewarded with a surprised yelp from Lily. Good, that could only add to the illusion he was trying to create.

“Do I have your permission to enjoy my reward now, your Grace?” Kel asked as he returned to the center of the room, his prize still draped over one shoulder.

“In a hurry to enjoy the spoils of war?” Camford paused, giving his courtiers time to laugh at his witty remark before he nodded and gestured for a servant to attend to Kel.

“Aye, I am,” Kel replied, giving Camford a leering smile.

“Then you have my permission to enjoy yourself, and see to it that my property is returned to me, still breathing, by sunrise.”

“Battered, bruised and well used, but breathing. Aye, your Grace.” Kel followed the servant out of the room as the others laughed and returned to their revelries. Two guards fell in behind, but a glower from Kel had them backing off quickly. Obviously, Camford didn’t trust him not to cut and run with his little prize of war. Fair enough, given that was exactly what Kel intended to do. First though, he needed to come up with a plan. Which would be a lot easier to do if he didn’t have a naked, strikingly beautiful woman wriggling in his arms.

***

CHAPTER 4

Lily’s face hurt from the blow she’d taken, and hanging upside down over Kel’s shoulder was doing nothing to ease her discomfort. Her ass still tingled from the smack he’d given her too. Even though he’d not hit her as hard as it appeared to the others, it had been hard enough to sting. Cautiously, she called up a tiny measure of her gift and breathed a sigh of relief when the torc didn’t respond. Her ploy had worked. For all intents and purposes, she was Kel’s slave until morning, and he had issued her no orders. At least, he hadn’t yet. She healed the evidence of the Duke’s ire and the swat on her ass, relaxing as the pain faded away.

Feeling better, she lifted her head, only to meet the lustful gaze of the guards following behind. Their expressions made her uneasy and she dropped her head again, letting her hair hide her face. Was every human in the Duke’s company infected with his lust and cruelty?

Kel ducked his large body as they
passed through the doorway leading out of the tent, out into the night air. One of the servants hurried forward and gestured to a small tent located next to Camford’s main quarters. The light from the torches outside dimmed as they entered a smaller space. Fabric rustled and Lily opened her eyes just as the opening was covered by a curtain of heavy cloth.

They were finally alone.

Before Lily could open her mouth to speak, the world tilted and she landed with a thump on some kind of couch piled high with cushions. She was still trying to get her bearings when Kel claimed the spot directly behind her, wrapping a thick arm around her waist and pulling her snug against his chest. He nuzzled her neck, lips moving against her skin, his whispered words too soft for anyone else to hear.

“They’ll be listening, little temptress. Possibly watching as well. We must be careful.”

“Mmhmm,” she hummed in agreement, hiding the sound beneath a moan of pleasure that came easier than it should have, considering her circumstances. Lily glanced around her, seeing nothing but heavy fabric walls and a small table nestled into one corner. There wasn’t room for any other furnishings; the large couch they were lying on took up most of the remaining space.

Her assessment of her surroundings slammed to a halt as Kel brushed her hair back from her ear, running his tongue along the edge. When he reached the upswept-tip she had to bite back another moan as he inadvertently touched a sensitive spot.

Lily struggled to understand why this stranger’s touch made her blood heat and her body ache with need. It made no sense to her at first, but as his hands stroked her skin and his breath fanned her hair she began to understand. In his arms she could forget. He was handsome, powerful, a potential protector whose caresses let her block out the terrible truth. She was a pleasure slave, and if she didn’t find a way to escape her new master quickly, Kel’s touch would be the last gentleness she might ever know.

Kel was finding it increasingly hard to think clearly. Every one of her soft moans and tiny shivers had his cock growing harder. His honor would not allow him take advantage of Lily, but by the Gods, she was making it difficult for him to remember why. This would be easier if they could simply talk without touching, but he had to keep up appearances. Camford wasn’t the trusting sort, and given that Kel was currently alone with the Duke’s new prized possession, there was no chance they were truly alone.

An idea started taking root, and Kel gave it the barest consideration before making it happen. Without warning he rolled over, pinning Lily’s sweet little body beneath him. He lowered his head over hers, close enough their breath mingled and his lips brushed hers. With a shake of his head Kel made his hair fall forward, screening them from anyone who might be watching.

“Now we can talk,” he whispered.

Lily surprised him by slipping her hands into his hair, tugging his mouth to hers for a feather-light kiss that was over far sooner than he would have liked. Only then did she whisper, “Thank you.”

He should have told her he intended to take her with him, or asked her to explain about the collar and why it had caused her pain. They needed to talk and plan their escape, but instead, Kel abandoned rational thought, dipped his mouth to hers once more and kissed her. She tasted like sun-ripened berries, honey sweet and so succulent he wanted to devour her. Her lips parted and she moaned into his mouth, the sultry sound kindling passions he’d kept reined in for the entire summer.

It was Kel’s experience that war and women didn’t mix. He’d had his share of trysts over the years, but he’d never been in love. The women he chose to spend his winters with knew that when spring came, their time would end. It was simpler that way. He could already tell that nothing about Lily was going to be simple.

For the first time in his life, the complications that came with caring for a woman really didn’t bother him.

Lily hadn’t intended to kiss Kel at all, but when he’d moved so close, she hadn’t been able to resist the temptation. Now his fingers were tangled in her hair and his mouth was slanted across hers. His kisses were filled with a soul-searing passion that had her heart beating in a wild tattoo against her ribs.

When Kel lifted his head and broke their kiss she couldn’t help but smile as she caught his sheepish expression. It softened the harsh lines of his face, making him look younger and far less dangerous. “Forgive me, I hadn’t intended to do that,” he whispered, their mouths still so close she could feel his lips move with each word.

“Neither had I, so I suspect we are even,” she replied just as softly.

“We may be even, but my score with the Duke remains unsettled. He has broken our agreement, and I sense he has no intention of paying me and my men what was promised. I am of a mind to repay his treachery in kind. Preferably by stealing you away with me.” Kel arched a brow as he watched her intently, clearly gauging her reaction.

“Please, don’t leave me here. My master will kill me the moment he understands I cannot give him immortality. I do not want to die by his hand. Take me with you and I…I will do whatever you ask of me.” She knew she was begging, but this was her only chance. Pride would have to step aside for more practical concerns right now, like her continued existence. Kel was the only person to show her any kindness since she’d been summoned and enslaved. He was her only hope.

“I will not leave you here,” he vowed, and she saw nothing but truth and determination in his eyes as he said it.

“Thank you, master.”

“
Never
call me that again. My name is Kel.”

“Thank you, Kel,” she whispered his name for the first time.

“Don’t thank me until we’re away from here. Now, quickly, tell me about that collar you wear, and why it caused you pain when you were singing. That’s more than simply a mark of ownership, isn’t it?”

Lily nodded and began to explain, telling him everything she knew. She couldn’t help herself, the torc compelled her to obey Kel until sunrise. She told him about the enchantments on the torc, and how it was mated to a master’s ring. In hushed, hurried words she explained how the slightest thought about disobeying or harming the one who wore the ring resulted in agonizing pain.

As she explained he would lean in and kiss her, making a show of pressing his body into hers and groaning loudly. Lily played along, though there was no deception in her answering moans, and the press of his hard cock against her inner thigh made it clear he was feeling the same maddening need that she was. He was all sinew and strength beneath the chainmail shirt he wore, a mountain of male power that Lily’s fingers itched to explore.

When Lily was done her explanations, Kel lowered his mouth to hers again, and there was a gentleness to his touch that hadn’t been present before. His mouth caressed and teased, his tongue stroking and tasting her with a slow intimacy that drove the reality of her situation from her mind, replacing it with pure pleasure.

Kel’s heart ached after hearing Lily’s brief explanation of her life and the magic that bound her. She had done nothing to deserve her fate, and he knew in his heart that there was no way he could leave her behind. Freeing her from Camford was not going to be easy, but he would find a way.

Beyond the doorway someone coughed softly. The sound cut off quickly, but not quickly enough. Now, Kel knew for certain they were not alone. “Play along, little one,” he whispered then jerked his head up, hoping that Lily would forgive him for what he needed to do next. “I want wine! A pitcher of it, and food. This lovely creature is going to wear me out.”

He rolled off of Lily and stood, stretching lazily before crooking his finger as her. “Come here.”

She rose from the couch with such grace that Kel found himself simply staring. Her indigo-shaded wings were still clasped to her body, but they were so thin that he could still see a great deal of her glorious curves. He wanted to run his hands over every part of her, but instead he pulled the heavy weight of his chainmail over his head and set it aside before turning to look at her again. “Do not hide yourself from me, Lily. You’re mine for this night, and I want to see every part of you.”

“As you wish, master.” Her wings unfurled behind her, gossamer thin and shimmering in the dim torch light. She was breathtaking. For several heartbeats Kel just drank in her exotic beauty, and he finally understand how men could go to war over a woman. Lily was worth dying for.

“Undress me.” His order came out harsher than he had intended, and he saw a flicker of doubt in her amethyst eyes. Feeling the need to reassure her, he whispered, “And I thought I told you not to call me master?”

“Aye…Kel,” she whispered back, catching herself at the last moment, but he spotted the faintest hint of a smile on her lips and he knew she understood that this was all part of the charade. Well, mostly. Kel couldn’t deny the effect she was having on him. His blood was singing in his veins, and his cock was hard enough he could have fought a duel with it. When this was over and Lily was free, he devoutly hoped her gratitude would be deep enough she’d agree to share his bed for a week. Or a month, or a year. There was something about her that made him forget every vow he’d ever made about keeping things simple when it came to women.

His men were going to laugh at him, or they would…if he managed to get out of here in one piece.

Lily knew Kel was playing a part, but it was hard to watch the man she was trusting with her life become so much like the others. The instant he left the couch Kel became cold and distant, and part of her wondered again which face was the real Kel, and which was the mask. She dismissed her concerns and started unlacing his shirt. The mercenary’s true nature was a riddle for another day. For now, he had agreed to help her, and that would be worth any price she had to pay.

The laces were only loosely knotted and she quickly worked them free, though she had to stand on tiptoes to reach the uppermost ones. When she was done he covered her hands with his much larger ones, holding them to his chest as he leaned down to kiss her again.

“Unlace my pants, but do not tug them down, and mind my sword. We’ll play this game a bit longer, but I need my weapons near at hand.” His whispered the words into her mouth before deepening the kiss. His lips moved masterfully over her, keeping her hands pinned to his chest until her lungs burned and her knees were felt strangely weak.

When Kel finally released her hands she let herself slide down his hard body, her already sensitive nipples tightening as they brushed over the rough linen of his shirt. Remembering her instructions, she untucked his shirt from his pants, letting it fall to his hips so that it hid what she did next.

When her hands brushed over the laces of his pants Kel didn’t bother to muffle the groan that rolled up from his chest. He’d been too long without a woman. That had to be the reason why Lily’s touch felt better than it should, and why he wanted nothing more than to tumble her to the couch and plunge his cock into the welcoming warmth of her cunt.

She did just as he’d told her, loosening his pants but leaving the sword belt in place. What he hadn’t expected was for her to drop to her knees and nuzzle her face to his cock, sending a wave of lust crashing over him. Gods above, what did she think she was doing?

If Lily hadn’t been facing the doorway she would have never spotted a shadow flit across the fabric, warning her that they were about to have unannounced company. With no time to warn Kel, she took the initiative, making sure that anyone who entered would see exactly what they should—a slave giving pleasure to the man she’d been assigned to take care of.