The Mate
Written By Sinderella Rose



I told you I d help you child. She heard Ennis s voice. She jerked open the door and saw her standing in the kitchen. I want to go home. I don t know what this place is but I don t want to be here. Talen said. Before Ennis could answer, they heard the guard opening the kitchen door. My lady, are you in here...there you are, your father is looking for you. Come, you don t want to make him angry. The guard said, gently grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the kitchen. She looked over her shoulder and didn t see Ennis, her hopes crushed at her feet, she followed the guard.

My lord, my daughter is coming. Is there a problem? General Azline asked, bowing before Taker. I d like to speak with you alone, is there somewhere private we can go? Taker asked softly. The general nodded and he turned, Taker following him down the hall and into the library.

I can not allow your daughter to have a traditional coming out ceremony. Taker stated, sitting in a chair. My lord please, I ve gone to great expense to make sure this would happen. I ve invited my family, friends and peers to watch this. I can t be embarrassed in front of them. If Talen has done something, tell me and I ll have her punished immediately. The general said, seeing all his grand plans going up in flames around him. Talen has done nothing wrong... Taker said his eyebrows lifting when the general interrupted him. She is untouched my lord, I swear it. General Azline said, thinking Taker might think she wasn t a virgin. I m sure she is general, but the fact of the matter is... Again he was interrupted when the guard brought Talen into the room.

Talen looked at the two men in the room she didn t know and picked out the ruler as soon as her eyes fell on him. He stood and she raised her head, watching as he unfurled his long body out of a chair. Talen, it s nice to meet you. Taker said, reaching for her hand and dropping a kiss on it. It s nice to meet you also. Talen replied her eyes wide. He was huge; he could crush her body with his two hands with no effort.

As soon as Talen walked in the room, Taker knew she was his mate. He felt all his powers surge back into his body, not as strong as before, but they were there. He had to mate her before they returned full force. Something he would do in private, not in front of a bunch of his subjects. She was beautiful; he d give her that. She had raven black hair and stood at a commanding 5 8. She had pale white skin and the deepest, clearest purple eyes he d ever seen. The mark of a natural witch in his world. He wondered if she d developed any of her powers yet and then realized that she was only 18. Her powers wouldn t come to her until she was 21. His gaze took in her slender body and he grinned to himself, knowing he would find hours of pleasure in her bed, he was looking forward to it.

Talen, this is Undertaker, the Ruler of our world. Her father said, pushing her towards him with his hand. She gave him a stiff curtsey and then raised her head, looking at her father. Father.. She said but he cut her off with a commanding SILENCE! Talen s mouth dropped open in shock, no one had ever spoken to her like that before. She didn t say anything however, seeing the look of rage on her dad s face.

My lord. Paul said softly, causing both Taker and the general to turn toward him. Taker walked over to Paul and Paul said I think you should mate her tonight. In front of everyone, that way no one will be able to contest this. I think it will also put to rest some of the unease from the outer regions of your realm. There have been rumors going around that you were losing your powers. She should not be mated in front of an audience. Taker said softly, knowing that just hanging the sheet out of his bedchamber window the morning after he mated her would suffice. I think in this case, she should. That way her father gets what he wants, his families honor, and you get your mate and your powers. Paul said, looking Taker in the eyes. They had been friends for years and Paul knew his power was fading. Sighing, Taker nodded, knowing Paul wouldn t steer him wrong.

General, the ceremony will take place, but it will take place at midnight. Taker said, smiling at Talen and heading for the door. Midnight, my lord, I don t understand. The general said. At midnight, Talen will have her coming out and I will have my mate. With that said, Taker walked out the door.

Ennis, please. I desperately need you. Talen screamed in her mind. She was running down the hall to her room, tears flowing down her face. She ran into her room and shut the door, sagging against it in defeat. She d begged her father to let her go home, to stop whatever this ceremony was and to leave her in peace. He d refused, telling her that she was his, and she d do as told. He then left orders that she wasn t to leave her room until midnight. She ran to her prison, as she thought of it now and shut the door. She heard the guard stop and then the hallway was silent.

I m here young one. She heard, looking up she saw Ennis sitting in the chair she d sat in earlier. I want to go home. Can you help me? Talen asked, not beating around the bush. I can get you away from this place. Ennis said, patting her hand. Do it, do it now. Talen said, her eyes wide with hope. Drink this young one and close your eyes. Ennis said, handing her a clay flask. Talen drank it down, screwing her eyes shut at the awful taste.

At the first toll of the witching hour, you will be taken from your lover s power. Into the world you will go, safe from him and all he knows. Remember nothing I command you, so as I say, so shall you do. Ennis muttered softly, waving her hand over Talen s head. When Talen opened her eyes, Ennis was gone; a cold chill filled the room.

Paul, cover for me, I need some time. Taker said, walking out of the room. He walked along the halls, smiling when he felt a jump in his powers. He knew Talen was close, he could feel the surge her presence gave him. He turned the corner and saw a guard. He decided to speak with Talen, let her know what he expected in a mate, and maybe they could have a nice life together. I d like to speak with Talen. Taker said, his tone brooking no argument. The guard bowed and moved out of his way, opening the door for his entrance.

Talen heard the door open and raised her head, seeing Taker, she jumped off the bed and backed away from him, fear in her eyes. Taker sighed and walked further into the room, moving slowly so he wouldn t frighten her more. I m not going to hurt you Talen. I just want to talk to you. He said softly. I want to go home. Talen whispered. I m sorry beautiful one, you can t, this is your home now. Taker said. DON T! Don t call me that. Talen said harshly. Taker raised his eyebrow and said You dare speak to your Master that way? You ll never be my master. Talen said, her eyes filled now with anger. You are so young. Taker muttered. Talen, I know you don t understand the ways of this world. It s very different from the human world and the rules there. Women here are not equals to men. Women are taught to obey their fathers and husbands from the cradle. Your mother should have taught you that. Taker said. My mother taught me to have respect, not to bow down to people. Talen said, her words heated. Taking a deep breath, Talen continued, I understand that you rule....here, but I don t live here, I won t live here and while I will give you respect I will not bow down to you or anyone. Come here Talen. Taker said softly, his eyes locked with hers. She felt her feet moving across the floor, she tried to make them stop but she was already in front of him. He grabbed her elbow, pulling her into his lap. In public young one, I will demand that you obey, respect and bow to me. In our home I demand your respect. I m not a monster, I ll not hurt you, but I will have an obedient wife. I will please you in every way Talen, give you what your heart desires most, but know this, you are my mate, and I will have you. Taker said, his hand sliding up her leg, inside her robe.

Talen saw his lips moving, knew he was speaking, but the only thing her mind was focused on was his hand. He slipped his hand inside the opening of her robe and was rubbing her leg. As he continued to speak, his hand moved higher and unbelievably, her legs fell open. She looked at his face and saw his lips form a tender smile as his fingers found her womanhood. She gasped when his fingers slipped inside the soft folds, finding and stroking the hidden nub there.

Taker held her eyes with his, watching as they widened more and more with the pleasure he was giving her. He brought her to climax slowly; wanting her to enjoy what he could do to her. He wasn t looking forward to the coming ceremony any more than she was and he would have preferred to mate her in private, but that had been taken out of his hands. He watched her jerk against his fingers; her bottom wiggling against his own engorged shaft. After the final contraction of her body, he slowly pulled his hand away from her; bringing his fingers to his lips, sticking them in his mouth and sucking them clean of her juices.

I want you to enjoy what I do to you Talen, unfortunately, tonight has to be. I wish I could change it for you but I can t. I will make is as painless as possible. Taker said, running his fingers though her long midnight black hair. You don t care that I ll be humiliated tonight? You don t care that hundreds of people will see your wife naked? What kind of husband are you going to be? Talen said sadly, tears again filling her eyes. This isn t a love match; I will never love you. You will be my mate that is all. You will have no control over my life, you will do as I say in all things and when it comes to sex you will be glad for the attention I give you. I will only tell you this one more time, I will not hurt you and I will make sure you have everything that your heart desires, but never expect love from me, because that you will never receive. Taker said, his voice harsh. Then we will not be married tonight or any other night for that matter. When I marry it will only be for love. Talen said, her voice filling the chamber. Taker laughed, and hugged her saying, I am going to enjoy being with you, Talen. You make me laugh. Then he stood and set her on the floor. Until midnight beautiful one. Then with a swirl of his robes, he was gone, the door closing behind him.

Five minutes before midnight, Talen was again led downstairs, this time by the guard. Her father waited for her at the top of the stairs and she refused to look at him. He walked her down to the altar, a large, flat black stone that was rising up from the floor. She saw Undertaker standing before it, his eyes not leaving her. She glanced down at the floor and heard a murmur of appreciation cross the room, without realizing it; she d just showed the highest respect a woman could show to her future mate. Taker smiled to himself when she lowered her eyes. He knew she knew nothing of their ways and customs, but she would learn; he d make sure of it.

Her father stopped before Taker and said Overlord of the Highest Underworld; I give to you my daughter. She is yours to do with whatever you see fit and if at anytime you are unhappy with her; I ll take her head myself. I accept your daughter into my keeping and will be happy with her, if I m not you will be the first to know and I will hold her down while you take her head. Taker said, smiling to himself as he fought to keep Talen s eyes locked with his. If she turned her head, it would be a sign of disrespect and he couldn t allow that.

Talen couldn t move, her eyes were locked with Taker s and it felt like someone was holding her head in place, try as she might, she couldn t look away from him. Her mind however was screaming at her to pull away, to run and hide. The words highest underworld, and take her head, ringing over and over again. She watched, terror filling her, as Taker walked over to her.

She s lovely general, a credit to you and her mother. Taker said in a loud voice, making sure everyone in the room heard him. The general beamed with pleasure and placed Talen s hand in Takers outstretched one. Taker pulled her toward the altar, standing in front of it he said Talen, I ll protect you until my dying breath. He turned both of them around, so the crowd could see them and said My people, tonight is a joyous night. I have found my mate... He looked at Talen and then continued and we want you to witness our joining. The clock struck midnight as a cheer filled the room, a chant for a long life, a good marriage and a healthy heir started, deafening Talen as it grew louder and louder. She turned to look at Taker and saw him from a distance. She vaguely heard him calling her name and then she heard nothing as he faded from her sight.

Taker felt his grip on Talen s hand loosen and he looked toward her, seeing her fading from his sight. What have you eaten? He demanded, needing to know what was taking her from him so he could stop it. She just looked at him, not moving her mouth and then she was gone. TALEN! Taker shouted, grabbing for her, but getting air. He jerked his head around when evil laughter filled the suddenly silent room. ENNIS! Taker shouted, moving away from the altar. You ve lost your mate, or great and wise ruler. However are you going to rule now that your powers will be gone in a matter of days? Don t bother to look for her Taker, she s somewhere that even you can t get to. Ennis said, a smug smile on her face. I ll get to her and I ll bring her back and then I ll deal with you. Taker said, flinging his hand toward her suddenly. He watched with grim satisfaction as her body hit the wall behind her. Good trick, ruler. I learned that one when I was two. Ennis said, rubbing her hands together and then throwing lighting bolts toward him. He deflected them with a wave of his hand saying with a laugh And I foul one, learned to making lightening while still in the cradle.

Before Ennis could do anything else, Taker was standing in front of her, his hand wrapped around her neck and with a savage jerk, he pulled a medallion from her neck. Who s lost their powers now? He asked softly. Where is she? He demanded, holding the medallion over his head. You ll have to kill me to get her back and even then, it wouldn t work. In a fit of anger, Taker crushed the rock that held her power in his hand. Ennis screamed as not only did his hand crush the rock, but what was left of her soul as well. In the midnight hour, she was taken from her lover s power. Ennis said in a singsong voice, her eyes closing as the last breath left her body. ENNIS!!! Taker screamed, knowing she wasn t dead, crushing her medallion wouldn t kill her, just reduce her power.

He walked into his room, jerking the robes off. Walking to a low table, he lit the candles, sitting naked on the pillows in front of it. Taking a deep breath, he relaxed his body, closing his mind to everything but Talen. The way her voice sounded, the feel of her in his arms, the softness of her skin, her taste. Getting all that focused in his mind, he started the spell. She was taken away from her mate, show me where her spirit hides, her body lies. Make her body burn for me, ache for me and only me. Keep all from her, keep her safe and whole, until she calls to my soul. He was jerked from his trance by evil laughter. You ll never find her ruler, give up. Ennis s voice filled his room. Your powers are gone weak one. With his own evil smile, Taker said I ve tasted her essence. She is coursing through me as we speak. He felt Ennis s presence fade and he smiled. He d find Talen.

Talen awoke to a foot in her stomach. Get up wench. She heard and she jerked up, scooting against the wall. Talen looked around, reality flooding into her. She d woken up three days before in a field, not knowing where she was or how she d gotten there. She was walking down a dirt road when she came upon an old woman who took her to a castle, gave her food, some warm clothing and if she wanted it, a job. Talen had taken it, needing a place to stay. Her eyes focused on the man that kicked her, Egen. Slowly she stood, sliding up the wall, keeping Egen in front of her. She didn t like him and he scared her, she tried not to be alone in the same room with him, having learned her lesson the first night she d stayed at the castle. She was asleep and woke up with a mouth on hers, a hand pulling at her clothes. Before she could move, Egen had screamed and pulled his hand away, feeling a burning sensation through his arm. He d left her at that point, but she wasn t giving him any more opportunities. Get me some food. Egen said turning and walking to the long table in the center of the room. When he sat down, he looked toward the wall and saw Talen going toward the kitchen; he frowned, wondering why he couldn t take his pleasure with her the way he did with all the other serving girls.

Talen ran into the kitchen, picked up a full platter of fresh cooked meat, her mouth watering as she turned to walk out the door. Talen, after you drop that off, come straight back here. Talen nodded and walked to the table, dropping the platter on it and leaning over to pick up the empty one. She gasped when she felt someone pinching her butt. She turned her head and saw a soldier laughing and she smacked him in the face with the greasy platter. Stomping off to the sounds of laughter from the other men.

She dropped the platter into a tub of hot water with a sigh. Sit down Talen, you need to eat. Ennis said. Yes Miss Ennis. Talen said, not recognizing her as the witch who had sent her here. Ennis set a plate down for Talen, running her hand over her head before she turned to go back to the fire. She saw the other serving girls giving Talen looks of envy and Ennis smiled. She made sure that Talen had the best food or whatever she needed. Ennis made sure that Talen had the easy jobs, causing the other girls to avoid her out of jealously and anger. Ennis constantly let Talen go to the lake to bath, knowing the men would find her more attractive. She d sent men to Talen, but none could touch her. Taker s spell was still holding, Ennis wanted to know how much of her essence he d had. Surely his power would start fading soon and when it did, he would fall and Ennis would reign.

Thank you. Talen said as Ennis sat her meal down. Ennis always gave her too much food and she d tried to share with the other girls but they had turned their noses up at her. When she d tried to make friends with them, they ignored her; finally she gave up, keeping to herself as much as possible. Talen ate, taking her time, knowing that Ennis would give her something to do after she was finished. Usually it was sweeping the bedchambers, which she hated. It never failed that every time she was in one, a man would come in and try to rape her. She always got away, but it never ended. Why couldn t she just find a man that would love her that would take care of her heart and not try to hurt her? Looking out the window with a sigh, she pushed her plate away. She dreamed of the man she wanted, but she never saw his face. At night she would burn for him, ache for him...but when she woke up, she was still alone.

Ennis saw the wistful look in Talen s eyes and knew that soon, Taker s hold over her would be gone and the men could use her at their will. Ennis would be gone and would not care what happened to Talen at that point. Go sweep the bedchambers and the antechambers and when you re done, you may bathe. Talen stood up and said Thank you Miss Ennis. Ennis smiled, thinking that maybe she would bring the girl to the dark side, she like Talen, in her own way, and if she could make her evil then....she could help her rule. She was a Natural Witch, when she came into her powers she d be almost unstoppable. Ennis mulled that thought over, thinking an apprentice would be nice.

Taker stood on his balcony, watching his troops practice. He was growing tired of waiting for Talen to call to his soul. He redid the spell every night, but still nothing. His patience was coming to an end. He turned to walk back into his solar, when he felt a pull at his soul. He stopped, trying to focus on where it was coming from, he knew it was Talen, only his mate wishing for him would have that effect on his soul. Before he could find a link to it, it was gone. Almost Talen, almost. He whispered to the darkened room.

Talen was sweeping the master bedchamber when she felt something tugging around her middle. She looked down, expecting to see a rope pulling at her, but nothing was there. With a sigh, she started sweeping again, missing the feeling when it was gone. She was just finishing the antechamber when Egen walked in.

Talen, I ll need someone to help me bathe, make sure hot water is brought up and take off your clothes. Egen said, pulling at the belt around his waist. What? Talen said, having walked to the door when he said he needed water. Get the water then come back here and take off your clothes, you ll be bathing with me tonight. Egen said, determined to have her. Talen backed out the door, her eyes wide with fear. No, I...won t bathe with you; it s not right. It s a sin. Talen said, her fingers curling into fists. Egen strolled toward her, grabbing her arm, he pulled her flush against his body. You will do as you re told or you will not live very long. Egen said, shoving her away from him. I m not going to, you can t make me. Talen said, turning and running down the hall. She ran to the kitchen, telling Ennis that Egen needed hot water and then she ran out the door. She ran through the field going to her secret spot. Ennis thought she knew the lake that Talen bathed in, but she d found another one and she d not told anyone of it. She was tired of men showing up while she bathed, trying to touch her, do things to her. She dropped down to the ground, tears rolling down her face. She cried until the sun started to set and then she sat up, wiping at the tears. With a sigh, she undressed and got in the lake.

After she finished her bath, she lay in the water, enjoying the warm waves that were rolling over her; unknowingly she d found a natural hot spring. She floated on top of the water, staring up at the full moon. She saw a falling star and closed her eyes, making a quick wish. I wish to find my mate. Her eyes popped open and she looked around, wondering where the word mate had come from. Why didn t she say I wish to find my true love? she wondered and then with a laugh she took a deep breath and went under water.

Taker was in the middle of his spell when he felt the pull to his soul, stronger than before. His eyes popped open and he smiled, seeing the bright pink light that filled his room. Staring into it he saw Talen, swimming in a pool of water. Take me there. He said, standing and grabbing his robe as the light enveloped him and he disappeared. He reappeared in a forest and he saw the pool in front of him, but he didn t see Talen. Getting upset, thinking he d missed her, he started to leave when her head popped out of the water and she swam toward the opposite shore. He watched her get out and dress, then walk off. He d found her! With a smile, he disappeared back to his realm.

Taker gathered a few of his men, taking the most skilled warriors and warlocks he had, knowing that if he had to battle for Talen, he d need them. Paul, I ll be leaving in the morning, I ve found Talen. He said, walking into the library of his castle. I ll inform her father. Paul said, getting up. No. I ll inform him when I have her back here, with me. Taker said sitting at a desk and opening a book he d pulled from a shelf. Where is she? Paul asked, seeing the book Taker had. Earth. Taker said, opening his book. The human world? Isn t that where her father found her? Why would Ennis send her back there? Paul was shocked, he couldn t believe Ennis would send her back to Earth. It gets better, she s on Earth, but...she s in the medieval era. If I have to, I ll fight for her. When I get my hands on her, I m mating her and then all will be well and Ennis will be dead. Taker said, an evil smile playing around his mouth. What if shes been...taken? Paul asked, knowing it could have happened. I placed a protection spell around her, anyone that tries to mate her will feel the heat of my fiery temper, but the spell is fading, I feel it. Taker said softly, knowing the longer he was without Talen the more powers he was going to lose. I ll come with you. Paul said. No, I m taking enough men and warlocks. I ll need you here, just in case. I trust you Paul. Taker said, showing rare emotion. Paul smiled, knowing how hard it was for Taker to admit to feelings. I ll do you proud. Paul said and Taker nodded, engrossed in his reading.

Talen walked back to the castle, feeling like someone was following her. She turned, but didn t see anyone, so she kept walking. She got to the castle and walked in, looking for Ennis in the kitchen. When she didn t see her, she walked into the pantry, thinking it would be a good place to hide and sleep for the night. What are you looking for Talen? Ennis asked from behind her. Talen jumped and turned saying Nothing Miss Ennis. I just thought this would be a good place to sleep tonight. It seems...safe. Ennis gave her a small smile, saying I guess the men don t leave you alone, what with you being so beautiful. Please don t call me that, I m not beautiful. Talen said softly. Ennis smiled and said You need to have supper little one, come. Talen followed Ennis out of the pantry and sat in front of a big plate of food. Miss Ennis, may I ask you a question? Talen asked softly, pulling a piece of bread apart. You may. Ennis said, sitting down across from her. Why do I get so much food and the other girls don t? Talen asked. You re special, Talen. Ennis said. How? How am I special? I don t know who I am, where I m from and if not for you, I d have starved to death. Talen said, pushing the food around on her plate. Egen likes you; you ll be treated very well while he has an interest in you. Ennis said, knowing that Egen wanted Talen and once Taker s spell was gone, he d have her. I don t like him, he wants to hurt me, rape me. He s evil. Talen said, in her mind Ennis was her friend and would help her. It will hurt the first time little one, but after that, you ll find it s...not so bad. Ennis said, hiding an evil smile behind her hand. I don t want to find it is anything. I want to be left alone. She said, her eyes filling with tears. You ll find that if you re nice to Egen, he ll be nice to you. He may even give you jewels as a reward for pleasing him. Ennis said. I m not a whore. Talen said, jumping to her feet. Every woman is Talen, either to a husband, where she has no control or as a mistress where she has some control. I would advise you to become a mistress. It s an easier life than being a wife. Ennis said, standing and walking out of the room.

Talen followed her with her eyes, not believing she d heard Ennis correctly. She d never be a whore, it was wrong. With a sigh, she cleaned up the table, putting the dirty dish into the tub of cold water, knowing it would be heated in the morning and the dishes washed. Looking over her shoulder, she walked into the pantry, pushing a barrel in front of the door and settling down for the night.

Talen was awakened by the sounds of laughter, and she wondered what time it was. She started to move the barrel when she heard Egen s voice. Bend over, I ll take you from behind this time wench. Seconds later, she heard the table being pushed across the floor and low thumps. Before she realized what the sounds were, she heard a low moaning and she looked through the keyhole of the door, her mouth dropping open in shock as she saw Egen standing behind one of the serving girls, holding her down across the table. She pulled away from the door, and covered her eyes, thinking that Egen was killing the girl when she heard a high pitched scream. Talen covered her own mouth, trying to hold in her own scream of horror. Soon all was quite and she looked back out the keyhole, not seeing Egen or the serving girl, Sally. Talen stayed awake the rest of the night, trying to come to terms with what she thought she d witnessed.

Talen didn t get much sleep for the next 3 days; she avoided everyone in the castle except Ennis, having asked for outside job duties. Ennis let her work in the garden, not that there was much to do with winter moving in. Talen pulled the few remaining weeds from the ground, knowing that soon it would be too cold to be out and she d have to find something else to do to keep her out of Egen s sight. She d found out that Egen hadn t killed Sally after all, having overheard a conversation between her and some other girls as she was coming out of one of the bedchambers. Talen had listened in shock as Sally laughed about having sex with Egen. He s so big, I thought he d rip me into, but I got use to it after the second time. He followed me into the kitchen and took me over the table. Sally had said rounding a corner Talen hadn t heard anymore and had decided that if that was sex, she d never have it. She sat on a stone bench and closed her eyes, daydreaming of her own garden, a flower garden and how beautiful it would look against the bright purple sky. Purple sky? Where did that thought come from? Talen thought, looking up at the clouds above her head. With a small laugh, she marked it up to exhaustion and went inside.

Men, we are going to Earth. Taker said, looking up when he heard a few grumblings. I know, I don t like it either, but that is where Ennis is hiding my mate, and I will have her back. Now try to blend in as much as possible, I don t want to have to fight for Talen, but I will destroy if it becomes necessary. Warlocks, be careful where and when you use your magic, this is the medieval time we re going to and I know you ve all learned from history, or personal experience how they treat their own people when they think they are witches, no need to give them actual proof we exist. Remember men; blend in as much as possible. With those final words, the group disappeared.

Talen walked to the pond, taking a different way than the day before. She didn t think anyone would follow her, but she never took a chance, not since the last time. Since she d found the new pond, no one had bothered her, but she knew it wouldn t last. She got to the pond and undressed, diving into the water before her shirt hit the ground. She swam, enjoying the water and what was left of the day. She dove under water, staying down until her lungs burned before she came back up.

Taker and his army appeared in the forest where he d first seen Talen. He told his men to make camp in the trees and the warlocks to place protection spells around the area. Taker left his commanding officer, General Kragen to oversee his orders and he walked to the pond. He stared at it, imagining Talen there as she was the last time he d seen her. He saw her float to the top of the water and flip over onto her back and smiled.

Taker felt the pull of Talen and jerked off his clothes. He d lost her once; he wouldn t lose her again. He strolled into the warm water, his powers jumping; the closer he came to her. He made sure he had a protection spell around the pond and then dove under the water, coming up under Talen and wrapping his arms around her. He felt her kick and try to pull away, but he tightened his arms and came out of the water, pulling her against him.

Please Egen let me go. Talen said, trying to break free of the strong arms that held her. Who is Egen? Taker demanded, turning Talen around. WHO ARE YOU? Talen screamed, kicking and squirming, trying to get away. Taker looked into her eyes and picked apart the spell that Ennis used, cussing to himself when he realized that she d taken Talen s memory with it. Sighing, Taker said, Don t you remember me? No, I don t. What s your name? Talen asked, her voice soft. My name is...Mark. Taker said, using the name he used while on Earth. Mark. Talen said with a smile. How do I know you? Taker released her from his mind and said We re to be mat...married. He rubbed against her, needing the contact with her body. Married? US? Talen said, pulling away a little to look at him. Yes, I came for you and you disappeared. Taker said, not telling her the whole story, letting his hands slid down her back and cup her ass, bringing her closer to him. Now who is Egen? Taker asked, nibbling at her neck.

Talen couldn t think, she had never felt like this before, or had she and she just couldn t remember? She couldn t try to remember with Mark kissing her neck and brushing his body against hers. Talen, who is Egen? Taker asked again, this time sucking her earlobe into his mouth. He s evil, he hurts me, he wants me to do evil things with him and he tried to rape me...Mark. Talen finished on a moan. Taker pulled away and said Did he touch you Talen? His fingers digging into her flesh. You re hurting me. Talen said, trying to pull away from him. DID HE TOUCH YOU? Taker hissed, his eyes blazing in anger. Talen nodded yes, not realizing that Mark wanted to know if he d taken her virginity.

He couldn t believe it; his powers would never be at full strength. With a roar, Taker released Talen and threw his head back, flipping around in the water, his back to her. He d kill him, he d kill this Egen person with his bare hands and then he d kill Ennis, slowly. He was so angry; planning what he would do to these two that he didn t see Talen get out of the pond.

Talen watched, her body shaking as Mark screamed, thinking she d disappointed him somehow, she got out of the pond. Getting dressed, she realized that she was crying and couldn t understand why, she only knew that it hurt, deep down, just thinking that she d hurt him.

He was running out of time, he had to know when Egen had taken her, hopefully it wasn t too late. He turned back around, not seeing Talen. Looking toward the bank, he saw her getting dressed. Talen. Taker started, but when she turned, he trailed off, seeing tears running unchecked down her face. I m so sorry. She said and then she turned and ran, hitting the invisible barrier that surrounded the area, falling to the ground unconscious.

TALEN STOP! Taker yelled, watching as she bounced off the barrier and onto the ground. He got out of the pool and ran over to her, picking her up and checking for injuries. When he didn t find any, he placed his hand on her head, over the bump that was forming and did a healing chant, smiling when the bump grew smaller and smaller until it disappeared. He held her until she opened her eyes and looked up at him. Are you feeling ok? He asked, wanting to make sure the healing chat worked. Talen nodded, closing her eyes as a fresh pain pierced her heart as she remembered that she d disappointed him.

Talen, I need to know the first night that Egen took you. Taker said, rubbing her arms. The first night I got here. Talen said, having misheard took for touched . How long have you been here Talen? Taker asked, knowing that Earth time went by far quicker than time in his realm. A few weeks. Talen whispered. With a sigh, Taker said Tell me about that night. Squeezing her eyes shut, she told Taker about that night, not seeing the relief on his face. But then three nights ago, he...he... Talen trailed off, not knowing how to tell him about Egen and Sally, how scared she d been when she heard the moans and then the scream, thinking that Egen was killing her. Three days, it had only been three days. I still have a chance. Taker thought to himself. He still could get his powers back, not at full force, but having some was better than having none. Opening his eyes he looked down at his mate and felt rage fill him again. Someone had hurt his mate and he hadn t been able to protect her, it would never happen again. He d take care of Ennis and Egen, after he d taken care of himself and Talen.

I m sorry Talen, but I have to do this. If I don t have you by the time the moon rises, I ll lose everything. With that said, Taker leaned over and kissed her, making the first connection to her with his lips. He felt a small jump in his powers and he smiled to himself, deepening their kiss and pulling her clothes away from her body.

Talen opened her mouth to ask him what he was talking about when his lips touched hers. She felt her heart jump and smiled to herself, hoping he felt it too. She felt him tugging at her clothes and she squirmed, trying to get out from under him, wanting to tell him she didn t want this. Taker felt her move against him and groaned, pressing himself into her softness. Moving his lips down her neck, he nibbled, leaving little bite marks in his wake. Mark, please...I don t want to do this. Talen gasped out, feeling his teeth biting her neck. Taker raised his head, his eyes shinning bright green with his lust.

We have to do this Talen; it won t be like it was with Egen. Taker said, dropping his head to capture her nipple as rage filled him again. He couldn t take care of Egen until he had his power back. Please don t, you ll hurt me. Talen begged and Taker sighed, pulling away from her he said Look at me. Watching as her eyes slowly rose to meet his. You are mine Talen and I will have you. I can t promise to be a kind ma...husband all the time, but know this, I will protect you with my life and I ll never brutalize you. I ll give you anything that is within my power but we will do this and we will do it often. We must for survival. Talen wanted to scream at him, tell him no that the human race would go on even if they never had sex, but she couldn t move, she felt her body relax and Mark s eyes blazed hotter when her legs opened. Taker lowered his head, sucking her nipple into his mouth, using his tongue to lave the hardened peak. He felt her body relax under his and he smiled, kissing his way across the mound of her breast and under it, going down her chest to her stomach, stopping only long enough to run his tongue around her belly button before moving on.

Talen felt his tongue moving across her, moaned when he licked her belly button, but could not form the words to tell him to stop. She gasped when she felt his breath on the curls covering her womanhood and sucked in a breath when she felt him work his tongue inside the slit, licking the hidden nub he found there. She arched her hips into his mouth, her fingers tangled in his hair as he created feelings in her that she d never thought possible. She thought, for one moment, she was flying and then all thought fled her mind as Mark worked his tongue inside her wetness. She heard his soft groan, not knowing if it was from the hold she had on his hair or what he was doing, all she knew was she never wanted him to stop. Oh Mark.. Talen moaned, her eyes closed as she felt an intense pressure building up inside her. Taker ran his tongue back up to her clit, working it with an urgency he didn t realize he had, grunting when her hips bucked off the ground and she jerked, pulling his hair with a low scream as she came.

When she d stopped jerking, Taker lifted his head, smiling when he felt more powerful than minutes before. He glanced up at the sky, seeing the moon starting its ascent into the heavens. He covered her body with his, kissing her to muffle her sudden cries of panic. Sliding his hands down her legs, he picked them up, placing them around his hips and he pressed his hardness against her opening. He felt her stiffen and he deepened his kiss, pushing inside her with more force than necessary, breaching her maidenhead with one stoke, his powers flooded his senses as he lay unmoving on top of her. She was a virgin. He had regained all his powers. The thought sprang through his mind. He broke his kiss, looking at Talen, seeing her tears running down the side of her face. Talen, I...it will never hurt again, I promise. Taker said, leaning over he licked her tears away, keeping his lower body still until she relaxed against him.

Is it over? Talen asked softly, not looking at Mark. No young one, it s just beginning. Taker said, slowly pulling out of her tightness and pushing back in. He felt her stiffen under him but he knew it was more from shock than pain. He would feel any pain she had from now on, would more likely know of it before she would. As he moved inside her he said the words that would bind them for all time.

Given into her mate s care, she ll be protected from anywhere. As long as he breathes so shall she, given anything she may need. She will have control over all he knows, as he will control all she owns. Apart they will be strong, holding onto all they ve known. Together more power will never be seen as he takes this witch as his mate.

Talen heard the words Mark said, not understanding them, but she felt...something happening to her body. She looked down and saw that a glow was coming from her and Mark and she looked up, trying to see if the moon was shining on them. Mark... Talen whispered, her eyes closing as the light got brighter around them. She felt her body tingle, the way it had done earlier when Mark was giving her pleasure and she tightened her legs around him, arching under him, wanting that feeling of freedom again. Taker smiled, picking up speed as he felt his own release building. He grunted, feeling Talen dig her nails into his back as she came, jerking under him violently. TALEN! Taker s hoarse shout filled the night air, bouncing off the barrier that surrounded them. She felt something warm flood her insides and then Mark fell on top of her, relaxed and sated.

Part 3

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