FOREVER KNIGHTS: #12 Primal Intent

His hand slid up to wrap the back of her neck. “Hello Zuriena.”

She grimaced. “My name is Raven.”

No, it’s not. His breath was stolen by the striking contrast of her pitch hair against the perfect white of her skin. And the luminescing green of her eyes.

“Nay.” He shook his head. “I know yer name. Know it well.”

She gave him a doubtful look.

He drew closer. Running his hand through the hair along the side of her head, to move it from over her ear. “How many times did me murmur it in the dark?”

She drew a quick breath and he felt the shiver she tried to hide.

“Of all the places me looked…” He said thoughtfully as his other hand lifted to tweak her chin. “I ne’er though’ ta look in Battling Country.”

Her eyes narrowed on him, lips tightening, and chin notching, but she held her silence.

“Ye’ve naught ta say ta me now? Ye used ta be so…” He reached up his thumb and trailed it over her lips. “vocal.”

She glowered. “I needed trained.”

In warfare.

“Yea, to avenge your brother, if me recall. Bu’ ye neglected to mention yer inten’ ta immerse yerself wit’ the highwaymen tha’ killed yer family.”

She said nothing.

Be silent. It changes nothing.

“Jus’ how far ’ave ye taken this li’l charade. Are ye mated ta one of these men?”

“What is it you want, Mardichi?”

“Mardichi is it now?”

At least were dismissing the ruse that I’ve no idea whom she is.

She gnawed her cheek.

“So formal.” He wasn’t getting the rise he’d hoped for.

Why do I want her angry? It took only a moment for the answer to come. Because I’m angry!

He sighed. “I’m takin’ ye ta the king.”

She smirked. “We’ll see.”

He spun her around in-front of him and began shoving her through the trees. “Oh, me forgot ta tell ye?” He asked thoughtfully as he ducked another branch to stay close on her heels. “Oh, me must’ve forgot.”

She shot him a wary look over her shoulder.

You should be nervous. He smirked.

“I met the nicest woman recently.”

Zuriena jerked to a stop. And slowly turned. Body rigid with fear. “What are you talking about?”

“Why, Taryn of course.” His tone was honeyed. “Woul’ ye like ta talk abou’ ’er?”

Since you never bothered to tell me about her before.

“You’re the very devil!” She spun on her heel and walked faster through the trees.

Nay. But close.

“Should ye no’ make it ta the king, ye can bet me’ll be payin’ ’er ’nother visit.” He let the threat ring.

She jerked to a stop, back stiffening. “You wouldn’t!” She rounded on him. Dark hair flying as she pointed at his chest. “You’ll stay away from her.”

“Poor lass.” Mardichi murmured. “I bet ye haven’ bothered ta visit ’er recently either, ’ave ye?”

“Who do you think provides for her, Mardichi?” She hissed.

“Provide?” He demanded. “Thievery isn’t providing. Ye were taught better.”

“By you? You thought you taught me many things!” She sneered.

Seeing he reared back as though slapped and now possessed a wounded look, she gave a satisfied smirk and walked on.

He caught her by the bicep and drew her close again. Doing his damnedest to ignore the smell of her skin and her hair. “Ye and me both know there are things ye most certainly learned from me.”

She started to shake her head, but he cut her off.

“Deny what ye wish, but me know what me know.”

“You know what I told you.”

He gave a grudging nod. “I know that too.”

Things which you’re now denying.

“You think you’re so smart.” She attacked. Putting a finger in his face. “You know nothing about me! You didn’t even know Taryn existed.” She reminded viciously.

She has a point. And it made him furious.

“Ye’re right on that point. However, we’ve time. ’Tis a long trek back to the king. And me plan ta get very close ta ye.”

She noticed his pronunciation was improving. A sure sign he was furious. “You can plan whatever you wish.” Zuriena expostulated. “You’ll never get your way with me again!”

The Hell if you think so!

“Really?” He lifted a brow. “And why might that be?”

“Because I got what I wanted from you.”

“Trained.” He supplied. “That’s fair.” He leaned near her shoulder to murmur. “I got what me wanted too.” The implication hung in the air.

“Ha!” She scoffed.

A commotion rose from the camp behind them. Someone calling for The Raven.

And the crunching of heavy branches ahead, told Mardichi Norris was there with the horses. Good man.