The ruler. Her mind screamed, and she looked up at him in fear. She couldn t escape him now; he knew what she looked like. How long do I have? She wondered, taking a step back from the bed and him. What s your name? Kane asked, his eyes locked on her face. She was beautiful. Dark red hair that hung just below her shoulders, skin so white it glowed and the biggest whisky colored eyes he d ever seen. The dress he d put on her made her hair look even more red, her skin more white, the glow around her intensified by the color of the dress. My name is Kaylor. She said, catching her lower lip between her teeth.

Great stupid, tell him your real name. Her mind screamed at her. My name s Kane. He said, taking a step toward her. She took a step back, pulling Baron with her. Hungry. Baron said, pulling away from Kaylor and running to Kane. I m hungry too Lockie. Kane said, picking him up and swinging him around.

Kaylor watched, somewhat surprised by the obvious love her master had for the child. Want cakes. Baron said squealing when Kane threw him up in the air and he floated toward the table in the room. Kane laughed at Baron who was flapping his arm like a bird, missing the gasp from his mate.

Kaylor s arms went up and a gasp left her mouth when she saw Kane throw the boy in the air she took two steps when she realized he wasn t coming down. She just shook her head when Baron started flapping his arms. Warlocks. She muttered under her breath. She hated having to deal with them. Once they found out she had no power, they took great delight in making a fool of her, making her do things she didn t want to do, just for a laugh. She knew that warlocks were playful by nature, but they were always mean to her, she didn t like them and didn t want to be around them. But what happened? She made one stupid wish in a fit of self pity and she was now the PROPERTY of one. She should have learned her lesson at 8, wishing never come true, at least not for her. She backed herself into a corner, hoping he d forget she was there and leave. She stood stock-still, something she was good at but he turned toward her as soon as Baron landed in a chair. Come. He said, holding his hand out to her. Where? She asked. To the table. Kane said. No thank you, I ll just stay here. Kaylor said, waiting for the blow she knew would come wondering if it would land across her face or would she be punched in her stomach? For once, she hoped it would be her face, she didn t think she could stand the pain in her stomach today.

Kane felt her fear, saw it in the way she tensed when she d refused him. You need to eat. He said softly trying to control his anger. Someone had hurt his mate and made her scared to speak without punishment. Kaylor looked at him and saw the anger in his eyes and that scared her. Looking at the floor she slowly walked to the table, expecting to be knocked to the floor when she passed by him. Kane followed her to the table and pulled out a chair for her only to have his mouth drop open when she slowly lowered herself to the floor, her back to the wall, eyes on the floor.

Baron saw her sit in the floor and laughed. Eat floor. He said, climbing out of his chair and sitting beside her. Kaylor looked at him from the corner of her eye and saw him smile. She grinned back at him and said no, you need to eat at the table. Eat floor with Kane s. Baron said slipping his hand into hers. Kane shook his head, realizing that the whole time Baron had been screaming Kane s he wasn t talking about him, but her, his little warlock nephew knew she was his mate before he did. Unk Kane eat floor NOW. Baron said, narrowing his eyes at him the way his daddy did. Lockie, neither you nor your dad scare me with that look. Kane said, sitting down in the floor with them. Want cakes. Baron said and clapped his hands when Kane made pancakes appear on the floor, a tablecloth under them, plates, silverware, napkins and everything else between them.

Kaylor felt her stomach close in on itself. She hadn t eaten in days and the smell was killing her. She badly wanted to reach for a piece of toast but controlled the impulse. She was a slave and slaves did not eat until told. She closed her eyes against the sight of all the food in front of her, her fingers curled into tight fists in her lap. Kane looked up at her. He felt her hunger but she didn t reach for anything. She hadn t looked up since she d sat in the floor. He was about to ask her if something was wrong when Taker and Talen walked in.

Why are you on the floor? Talen asked, seeing her son, her brother in law and his mate sitting in the floor. Eat floor. Baron said, his mouth full of food. Why? Talen asked again. Want to. Baron said, picking up a pancake dripping with syrup and stuffing it into his mouth. Baby use a fork. Talen said, bending down and picking up his sticky hands, wiping them with a wet napkin. No. Eat hands. Baron said, trying to pull his hands away from her. Leave the boy alone Talen, eating with his hands isn t going to hurt him. You baby him too much. Taker said, sitting beside Kane and looking at the girl across from him. He looked at Kane and Kane shrugged his shoulders, his way of saying I have no idea why she s not eating. Talen looked up; ready to tell Taker why she didn t want Baron all sticky when she realized that Kane s mate wasn t eating. She looked at both of them and then at the girl.

So how are you feeling today? Taker asked, looking at the girl. When she didn t answer, Kane said Kaylor; my bother is talking to you. He watched as Kaylor s head jerked up and eyes wide with fear said I m sorry, I didn t realize...I m fine thank you. Then she lowered her eyes back to the floor. Talen looked from Kane to Kaylor and then back. What did you do to her? She hissed softly at him. Nothing. Kane said just as softly and Talen believed him. She saw the confusion in his eyes and the worry. Well you must be hungry, would you like some pancakes Kaylor? Talen asked. No thank you. Kaylor said softly, having learned the hard way not to eat until her betters had finished. She knew they were testing her and this time, she would not fail.

Talen looked closely at Kaylor and sighed, she d seen other women like this, women who d been abused. It made her angry, and when she was angry, everyone knew it. So where are you from Kaylor? Talen asked softly, sitting between her and Baron. I m from Pril. Kaylor said softly, slowly moving away from Talen. A good slave kept a distance of 3 feet between their betters. Kane, Taker and Talen watched her move away from them, not lifting her eyes from the floor. I don t think I ve heard of Pril. Where is it? Talen asked, taking a bite of her food. The outer regions. Was Kaylor s soft reply and Talen almost choked on her food. You re the gift for my husband? She asked in shock. Taker and Kane both looked at Kaylor, confusion on their faces.

This is it. Kaylor thought, her muscles tightening in expectation of the blow that would follow with her answer. Yes. Kaylor answered, already feeling the stinging blows in her mind. Talen narrowed her eyes and looked at Taker. I ve never seen her. He said softly, keeping his eyes locked on her. Moon room, NOW. Talen hissed, standing in a flurry of swinging skirts. With a sigh, Taker stood and they walked out of the room. Daddy in trouble. Baron said, his eyes wide. Yeap, major. Kane said with a laugh. Baron looked at Kaylor and said Want Kane s eat. Then he pushed a plate toward her. No thank you little one. Kaylor whispered, knowing that the man called Kane hadn t finished yet. Baron looked at Kane and said Make Kane s eat, hungry.

You should eat Kaylor; I can feel your hunger. Kane said softly. No thank you. Kaylor said again. I demand that you eat. Kane said, losing his patience with her. He could feel her hunger, he knew she d not eaten in a long time and she d eat now, or he d shove it down her throat. He waited a few minutes and saw her look at him through her lashes. Slowly she stretched out her hand and picked up a piece of toast. Thank you ruler. She said softly. If you don t like pancakes, I can get you something else. Kane said, missing the last part of her sentence. No thank you, this is fine. Kaylor said, taking a small bite of the toast, afraid he would snatch it out of her hand before it reached her lips. Kane watched her nibble on the toast and glance at him though her lashes before she took a bite. He didn t understand it, but he d find out what the hell had happened to her.

Kane s mate is YOUR sex slave? Talen said, pacing back and forth in the moon room. I would assume. Like I said, I never laid eyes on her until she was holding Baron then she disappeared. Taker said, a small smile formed on his lips as he watched his mate try to control her temper. Well now you know that you HAVE to let her go right? You can t keep Kane s mate as your slave. Talen said. Before Taker could respond, Paul walked in and said I ve found the tradition about the sex slave.... He trailed off when he saw Talen standing in the room with them. I ll just want until you two are finished and then I ll meet you in the library. Paul said, hoping he could get out of the moon room before Talen stopped him. He made it to the door when she swung her hand and the door closed in his face. And what, exactly, did you find out about it? Talen asked sweetly. Paul wasn t fooled, he knew how her temper was and he was glad that Taker was here with him, at least if she tired to kill him, Taker could stop her before she did too much damage to him.

I m waiting. Talen said, her hands by her side, fingers clenched into tight fists. It says there is no way to give a gift back, that the ruler must accept her and is bound to... Paul trailed off and took two steps behind Taker, just to be on the safe side. Bound to do what? Talen said, her voice cold. He s bound to take her on the first full moon then he can do whatever he wishes with her after that. Paul said, his head sticking out from behind Taker s arm. When he finished, he ducked back behind Taker s back and waited for the blow up he knew was coming. Take her where? Talen asked, hoping it didn t mean what she thought it did. Have sex with her; in front of the subjects so there can be no doubt that he really did his duty. Paul said. Talen turned tear filled eyes up to Taker and said You re going to sleep with her?

Taker was stunned, he never heard of that tradition before. But then, he didn t remember the last ruler having a sex slave. He d been at war with BUSKA when the old ruler had taken his mate. Now how was he going to get out of this? His mind snapped back to attention when he heard Talen s tear filled voice ask You re going to sleep with her? He looked at his mate and sighed. No honey. I told you, I don t want her. You re the only woman I want. But the tradition. Talen said, missing Paul sneaking out of the moon room. To hell with the tradition. I don t want her and I m not sleeping with her. I am ruler; I ll put an end to this tradition right now. Taker said. PAUL! Call a meeting of all the lower underlords for tonight. Taker said when Paul reappeared in the moon room. Yes ruler. Paul said, turning on his heel and walking back down the hall.

Talen looked at him and knew in her heart that he had to, there was no way he could get out of it. With a sigh, she walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him close to her. I won t touch her baby, I promise. Taker said softly, running his fingers though her long midnight black hair. She s beautiful. Talen whispered. No she s not. You are the most beautiful woman in all of Seramids. Taker said, lifting her face to his for a long kiss. I can never get enough of you. He whispered, licking her lips with his tongue. We can t. Talen whispered, standing on tiptoe to reach him better. Why not? We re mated after all; I can take you anytime I wish. Taker growled, picking her up and pressing her against the wall of the moon room. Baron is up. Talen said, her legs wrapping around his waist. He s with Kane. Taker whispered, pressing against her with a sigh. Closing his eyes, he kissed his wife and their clothes melted away.

Kane watched as Kaylor finished her toast, he waited for her to pick up another piece, still feeling how hungry she was. When she made no move to get anything else he got mad. DAMN IT EAT! He shouted, his voice bouncing off the walls of his room. NOT YELL AT KANE S! Baron shouted back at him, standing up. Kaylor reached for him and slowly stood, pulling him behind her back. The ruler was mad at her and she was not going to let him take it out on this helpless child. Kane waved his hand and Baron floated out from behind Kaylor s back. Baron, I m sending you to your room. Kane said softly and Baron disappeared from sight. Kaylor swallowed hard, she knew her time had run out, her punishment was about to start.

Come here. Kane said gently, crooking his finger at her. With her eyes on the floor, Kaylor slowly walked over to Kane. Look at me. He commanded and she raised her eyes, getting a good look at him. She felt like she d been gut punched when she got to his eyes, but she felt no pain, just a sensation of warmth. You must eat to be healthy. Toast is not enough for you to live on. Tell me what you like and I ll give it to you. Kane said unable to fight the urge to touch her. His hand lifted to her face and instead of slapping her, he rubbed her cheek. You re so beautiful. He whispered, his hand curling into her hair and pulling her closer to him. Before Kaylor knew what was happening, Kane s lips were on hers.

Kane couldn t stop himself, his mate was standing in front of him and his soul was crying out for him to touch her, without realizing it, he rubbed her cheek and heat billowed up in his soul. He curled his hand into her hair and pulled her face to his; his lips met hers in a soul shattering kiss. With a groan, he pulled her body against his and pressed into her, wanting to be as close as possible to her. His heart stopped for one breathtaking moment when he slid his tongue in her mouth and she gently sucked it. Picking her up, Kane walked over to the bed, holding her gently to his body all the while kissing her senseless. He was going to mate her now; he wasn t going to wait. He d make her his and he d never let anyone hurt her again.

Kaylor was swimming in a sea of sensation. One minute she saw the ruler raise his hand and she shut her eyes, waiting on a blow that never came, the next; he was kissing her like...like...he couldn t get enough of her. At the first touch of his lips, she felt her soul jump and then she was consumed in heat. His tongue was licking her lips, stroking her tongue and before she realized what she was doing, she closed her lips around it and sucked. She heard his groan and thought that maybe she d hurt him, but she couldn t pull her head away to see, he picked her up and walked over to the bed, kissing her more passionately. She felt him lay her back on the bed and vaguely realized that her clothes had melted away. She felt his big body cover hers and it was like a glass of cold water, he was naked and so was she. With a gasp, she put her hands on his chest and pushed, trying to make him let go of her or at least raise up enough to where she could possibly get away from him.

Kane made their clothes disappear with a quick flick of his hand and then he stretched his body over hers, needing to feel the warmth of her skin before giving her pleasure beyond her wildest dreams. He heard a gasp and smiled to himself, thinking she felt the shock of their bodies meeting for the first time too, but was stunned when she started pushing on his chest, wiggling under him in a vain attempt to get away. He raised his head and looked at her, her big whiskey colored eyes wide with fear, of him. Kaylor. He rasped, taking a deep breath, he opened his mouth and she said I don t want this. Kane smiled and said Yes you do, you re my mate. He leaned down to kiss her again when her harsh laugh jolted him; I m no one s mate. Get off me. Kaylor hissed angry at herself for letting a WARLOCK again make her do something she didn t want to do. Slowly he rolled over but threw a huge arm around her waist, keeping her beside him. You are my mate. Don t tell me your soul isn t crying out for mine. Kane said, his fingers tracing little circles on her skin. I have no soul. Kaylor said, trying to push his hand off her hip. You have a soul sume; I feel it right now, begging you to let me give you pleasure. Kane said. I m not your love and don t say it again. Kaylor said, forgetting that she was talking to the ruler and he could have her killed in a heartbeat. Besides, you ve already mated, if you hadn t I wouldn t be here. She hissed at him. What? Kane asked, confused. I m your gift ruler. I m not stupid. Kaylor said, giving up with trying to move his hand. I m not the ruler. Taker is ruler, Talen is his mate and you, sume, are mine. Kane said, lowering his head to nibble on her neck.

You can t touch me; I belong to the ruler. Kaylor said, trying desperately to slide out from under his arm. You belong to me. Kane said, sitting up in the bed. Kaylor seized the opportunity and slid out of the bed, grabbing the dress off the floor and holding it in front of her. Only the ruler can touch me. Kaylor said, backing away from him. I LL KILL HIM IF HE TRIES! Kane roared, standing and stalking her around the room. You are MINE; no one will touch you but me. With a savage jerk of his hand, the dress was ripped out of her grip and he pulled her to him. Do you understand? He asked, his nose just inches from her face. Kaylor swallowed hard and nodded, realizing that this warlock was not only playful, but very powerful and very angry. Good, come back to bed. Kane hissed and turned, dragging her to the bed.

He couldn t believe how angry he was, just because she said she belonged to his brother. Technically she did, but that would be straightened out shortly. He knew that Taker loved Talen and hadn t looked at another woman since the minute he laid eyes on her, but still his emotions were out of control when it came to Kaylor and he was acting like an idiot. He sat on the bed and took a deep breath, looking up he pulled Kaylor into his lap and saw the fear in her eyes, the bruise he d left on her arm from holding her too hard. I m sorry kolee I lost my temper and I ve bruised you. You must forgive me. Kane said, leaning toward her and licking the bruise on her arm. Kaylor didn t say anything, she d let him apologize and then he d leave her alone and she could run. At least she hoped she could get away. She didn t know where she d go in the middle of winter but any place was better than here. Were there any places that didn t have warlocks? She thought to herself before everything fled her mind as Kane s tongue licked her upper arm. Don t be afraid of me kolee, I promise on my soul I ll never hurt you again. Kane whispered, kissing his way up her arm to her ear.

Grasping onto the word, kolee, Kaylor said, Please quit calling me those names. Kane looked up and said What names? Your love and beautiful one. Kaylor said, her eyes spitting fire at him. I think you are very beautiful. Kane said, leaning in to kiss her lips. And I think you are trying to cast a spell on me to make me do whatever you want. Kaylor said, leaning backward, away from him. As your mate, I could never cast a spell on you to make you obey me, that is something that your soul will do on it s own. Kane said, reaching up, he ran his fingers though her hair and pulled her face back to meet his. You are my mate Kaylor, never doubt it. Before she could answer, Kane pulled her head to his and kissed her lips.

Kane we have a problem. Taker said, appearing in Kane s room. He chuckled when Kane s head jerked up from Kaylor s lips and a blanket whipped around her in the blink of an eye. Yes, a BIG problem. Don t you know how to knock? Kane hissed, his arm tightening around Kaylor instinctively. Sorry, I forgot your mate was here. Taker said, giving him a BIG smile. I bet. Kane said, not bothering to move. He stilled Kaylor s wiggling form with both of his big hands; he couldn t think when she was sitting on his lap and wiggling around like that.

Taker seeing Kaylor wiggle said I could come back if this is a bad time. It s not a bad time, what do you want? Kane asked, biting back a sigh when Kaylor got still. We need to talk about the problem we now face. Taker said, eyeing Kaylor while he spoke. What problem? Kane asked. In the hall, now. Taker said, disappearing from Kane s room. With a sigh Kane sat Kaylor on the bed and said Don t move sume, I ll return shortly. Then he dropped a quick kiss on her lips and disappeared.

Kane reappeared in the hall, a pair of pants covering him and said What problem, and make it quick. Taker sighed and said Paul was looking to see if there was a way I could get rid of Kaylor as my sex slave. Kane cut him off and said I can come up with a way, I ll kill you if you touch her. Calm down brother, I don t want her but there is a problem. Kane raised an eyebrow and waited on Taker to continue.

Kaylor was just pulling the dress Kane had given her over her head when Talen appeared in her room. We need to talk matiqa. She said, watching as Kaylor flipped around and then slowly wrapped her arms around her waist. About what? Kaylor asked, her eyes on the floor. Your being a gift to my mate. Talen said, controlling her temper. She knew it wasn t Kaylor s fault that she d been chosen to be given to her mate. I had no choice, if I had my lady, I swear, I d not darken your doorstep. Kaylor said softly. How did you come to be my mate s gift? Talen asked. It s a long story. Kaylor answered, looking toward the door. Talen looked also and sighed, knowing Kane and Taker could come back in at anytime. Let s take a walk, shall we? Talen asked, walking over and linking her arm through Kaylor s. Before Kaylor could blink, they were outside, snow falling around them. I changed your clothes, I hope you don t mind. Talen said, giving Kaylor a grin. Kaylor looked down in shock. She was wearing warm pants, boots and a long sleeved shirt with overcoat. With a flick of her hand, Talen added gloves and a hat along with a scarf. Thank you my lady. Kaylor said, glancing at her and giving her a small smile. You re quite welcome, our mates seem to think we love those silly dresses they keep us in. Talen said with a smile. I m no one s mate. Kaylor said, again looking at the ground. Talen smiled and said I know someone who would disagree with that. Kaylor just grunted and then jerked her head up, hoping she wouldn t be punished for her disobedience. Talen just looked at Kaylor but didn t argue the point, she d find out soon enough. Taking a deep breath, Talen said Tell me how you became the gift to my husband.

Kaylor sighed and said I was feeling sorry for myself and I made a stupid wish to be somewhere other than I was, to have someone who would love me and not hurt me. I should have said it in my mind, but I tend to talk to myself when I m upset and a warlock overheard me and told the underlord of my area that I would make the perfect sex slave for the high ruler. Before I knew what was happening I was in the great hall, naked and being stared at like a prize pig. When I tried to cover myself I was tied to the wall until the underlord made up his mind. During that time I was....free game....so to speak. She trailed off and Talen looked at her in horror. You were raped? Talen asked softly, fearing the answer. No, when the underlord, Pac, found out I was untouched he told everyone he d kill whoever touched me, that I would be worth far more to the ruler as a virgin. But he never said that the warlocks and witches couldn t have fun with me. They took great delight in making me do things against my will. Some would beat me when I tried to resist their spells. Talen just stared at Kaylor; shocked by the matter of fact way she told what had happened to her. Pac didn t try to stop them? She asked in outrage. Stop them? He was one of the ringleaders. He said as long as they didn t bruise me where it could be seen he didn t care what they did. When you don t have any magic to protect yourself with, you re an easy target to witches and warlocks. Once they find out, they like to make you do things. Kaylor said. What kind of things? Talen asked softly, keeping her voice controlled. She d tell Taker about this Pac person. Act like you have no sense, make you bump into things, make you float up in the air and see how high you can fall before you get hurt. Turn you into an animal just for a laugh...things like that. Kaylor whispered, tears filling her eyes before she pushed them back down. Why didn t your parents stop them? Talen asked.

Kaylor let out a harsh laugh and said My parents threw me into the streets when I was 5, they realized I didn t have any magic. They were very disappointed that their one an only child was a freak, being born to a warlock and a witch...neither were naturals, but that they had magic in them. They hoped I would have some too.

Part 3

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