Taker didn t know how long he d laid there, before he rolled over, pulling Talen onto his chest, his eyes dropping shut as sleep claimed him. Talen awoke several hours later and gently got up, moving away from the man that was lying beside her. She walked to the bank of the pond, picking up a handful of sand and rubbing it all over her body, trying to rub the scent of him, the feel of him away. Sinking under the water, she realized that she would not be able to wash his feel from her, it was imprinted on her soul. Opening her eyes, she opened her mouth, letting the warm water fill it.

Takers eyes popped open, feeling warmth filling his mouth. He looked around and then jumped up, in his minds eye seeing Talen under the water. He dove in, swimming toward the pull on his soul, seeing her hair, as she didn t try to move, no matter how much he commanded her to. Grabbing her around the waist, he swam to the top of the pond, lifting her head out of the water, his emotions in a frenzy. When his head came out of the water, he took a deep breath, intended to force it into Talen s lungs when she spit the water from her mouth into his face.

Don t you EVER do that again. Are you trying to kill me? Talen screamed at him. She kicked out with her foot, smiling when he shouted and let go of her. She swam away from him, going toward the shore. Suddenly she stopped and was pulled backwards by an invisible hand, she turned and her eyes widened, seeing Mark s eyes blazing in anger.

Taker grabbed her arms when she got to him and he shook her, not only had he been scared half to death, she d spit at him, kicked him and yelled at him. She would have to learn that HE was Ruler, she was his mate. What do you think you were doing? He asked, shaking her again as the image of her, not moving, water filling her mouth, flooded him again. COUNTING. She said, trying to jerk away from him. WHAT? Taker yelled, at the end of his patience with her. I was trying to see how long I could hold my breath under water. Talen hissed at him. Taking a deep breath, Taker said, We need to sit down and discuss this. Then, with her in his arms, he walked out to the edge of the pond, sitting down on the bank, the water lapping over them as he held her in his lap. Explain. He said, falling back into his Ruler mode, trying to calm his heartbeat.

Taking a deep breath, Talen said, I like to swim and one day I wondered how long I could hold my breath, so I went under and started counting. I got to two hundred before I had to come up. Then the next time I got to four hundred. I could have been up to one thousand if you hadn t tried to drown me. Talen said, her eyes still blazing with an anger of her own. You can t hold your breath that long, you re not old enough. Taker said, knowing that as she aged, her powers would strengthen, but she wouldn t have any, until she was 21. You are such a man! I can do anything I want it doesn t matter how old I am. Talen hissed as lightning flashed over head. Taker looked up shocked; knowing that the lighting was an effect of her anger, something that most witches or warlocks couldn t do until they came into their full power, at the age of 21. With that said, she picked up her clothes and walked away, saying OPEN! When she got close to the barrier, shocking Taker even further when not only did the barrier part, it fell away. Talen where are you going? Taker asked. I have to work tomorrow. Talen hissed at him, walking toward the castle.

Taker sat in stunned disbelief as she walked away from him, not looking back. A few minutes later, he shook his head and then laughed. His mate had a fiery temper and he looked forward to more of her displays. He got dressed, walking back to the camp telling his men that they would be gone in the morning, and his mate, he assured them, would be with him.

Talen walked into the kitchen and sat at the table, so angry with Mark she didn t see the little sparks that were shooting off the ends of her hair and her fingertips. Men, they all suck. She muttered, looking at the table and realizing she hadn t had supper. With a sigh she closed her eyes and wished for two slices of a deep dish, triple cheese pizza. Her eyes popped open when she smelled what she d wished for. Mouth watering, she picked up a slice and took a bite out of it, groaning with pleasure as her taste buds jumped. She ate both slices and then walked over to the large tub of water, sticking her hands inside, washing away the grease. She was drying her hands when she felt the presence of another. Turning, she saw Egen watching her, his pants undone as he walked toward her. I ll have you tonight. He said, reaching for her. She flung out her hand and Egen flew through the air, hitting the stone wall behind him. This is for kicking me. She said, walking over to him and kicking him as hard as she could in the stomach. And this is for touching me. She hissed, raising her hand and swinging it toward the opposite wall. Only my mate can touch me. She said, stalking toward him. Enough Talen. She heard from behind her. She turned and seeing Mark, she hissed at him and flung up her arm. Nothing happened, narrowing her eyes, she tried again and still nothing happened. She looked back at Egen, seeing how bloody and broken he looked she turned her head to Mark, her mouth opened and then her eyes rolled into the back of her head as she passed out. Taker catching her before she hit the floor.

Taker was in his tent, his mind on his reading when he heard Talen s wish for pizza. With a smile, he sent it to her, knowing she was hungry. Taker grinned, seeing Talen in his mind s eye, eating the pizza quickly, he was getting ready to send her another piece when she moved away from the table, and he felt the danger that was approaching her. With a quick flick of his hand, he was in the kitchen of the castle, his mouth dropping open in shock as his young mate threw a man against the wall, kicking him and then throwing him against the other wall. His male pride kicked in when he heard Talen said Only my mate can touch me.

Enough Talen. Taker said, hiding his grin when she turned on him and flung her hand at him. He stood, raising an eyebrow as she looked at her hand and then did it again. When he didn t move, she looked over her shoulder, seeing what she d done in anger. Looking back at him, Taker saw her eyes roll up into the back of her head and he caught her before she hit the floor. Without a second glance at Egen, he disappeared, reappearing in his tent. He lay Talen on his bed, asking a servant to bring him some water and a cloth. He bathed Talen s face with the cool water, knowing she d open her eyes when she was good and ready.

Talen didn t know where she was; she was standing on a small hillside, a beautiful woman with long raven black hair and pale skin waved to her. Mom. Talen whispered, tears filling her eyes as she remember that her mother, step-father and step-brother were gone from her. MOM! Talen yelled, running down the hill toward her. Agoura held out her arms, and Talen ran into them crying and hugging her. It s ok Talen, don t cry now. Agoura said, running her hand down her daughter s long hair. Why did you leave me? Talen asked, looking around for her bother. We didn t leave you by choice Talen. Agoura said, pulling away from Talen. Listen closely Talen; I don t have much time. Agoura said, sitting down on a stone bench and pulling Talen down with her. You must trust your mate in all things, he is a hard man, but he will be the only one to ever protect you with his life. With a sad smile, Agoura placed her hand on Talen s cheek and said I should have taught you of your powers, but I... With a sigh she broke off then said You are very powerful. You are the first natural witch to be born of a natural witch in several thousand years. That is very rare, even among our kind, you have been given a very special gift, never use it for evil, for if you do it will turn on you and destroy you and all you love. Mom? Talen said, reaching out to touch her, but her hand went through her. Agoura, knowing her time was up said Warn your mate, he has a traitor in his midst. Agoura faded from sight as her words rang in Talen s head. MOM! DON T LEAVE ME! Talen cried, reaching for her, but getting only air.

Taker felt the pain that Talen had, wondering where it came from and how to take it away, he held his hands over her hand and moved them down her body, not touching her. He stopped when he felt the point of her pain, in her heart. His eyes popped open as Talen screamed, jerking up in the bed crying hysterically.

Taker grabbed her, sitting down and pulling her into his lap, trying to calm her. It s ok Talen, nothing is going to hurt you, I ll keep you safe. He said, stroking her hair and back, rocking her back and forth as she continued to cry. Finally she was all cried out and she lay with her head on his shoulder, shudders racking her body every few minutes. Tell me what happened. He said, his mind firmly locked with hers, keeping her calm.

I saw my mother. Talen said, her grip on his arm tightening as she thought of her. Did you speak with her? Taker asked softly. Talen nodded the top of her head bumping into his chin. What did she say? Taker asked. It was his belief that when one had a conversation with a deceased person, it held a warning. She said... Talen started, then taking a deep breath she continued. She said that I must trust you in all things and that you would protect me with your life. Taker smiled and nodded, not saying anything, waiting for her to continue. She said that I am the first natural witch to be born of a natural witch in several thousand years. She felt Mark stiffen but she keep going. She also said that I have to warn you of a traitor in your midst. Who? Taker asked softly. She faded away, she didn t tell me a name. She left me AGAIN. Talen said, anger filling her. She didn t leave you by choice young one. She was taken. He said softly. I want my family back. Talen said, hurt filling her eyes. I m sorry young one. Taker said, squeezing her to him. You said you d give me anything I wanted. Talen accused, jumping out of his lap. I said within my power. That, young one isn t within anyone s power. The dead are gone, never to return. I know it hurts you and I m sorry, but the pain will fade in time. Taker said softly. I hate you. Talen said, walking toward the opening of the tent. Of course you do. Taker said with a smirk. Talen walked out of the tent and stopped, seeing all the warriors and warlocks looking at her. Narrowing her eyes, she started to walk on when she felt an arm go around her waist. This is my mate Talen. She is your primary concern; you will protect her at all costs. Taker said, looking at each and every one of his men. I can protect myself. She hissed at him, not caring if anyone else heard her. You will show me respect. Taker said softly, remembering that Ennis had removed her memory. I will show you respect when you EARN it. She said just as softly. She tried to pull away from him but he held her firmly, keeping her at his side. Speak to my warriors. He commanded.

Rolling her eyes she turned to look at them and said I would suggest that you keep your master safe, as someone is trying to kill him. With that said, she jerked away form Taker, walking into the trees, missing the shocked looks from the warriors, warlocks and her mate. One of the warlocks turned to look at him. Is this true my lord? Boden asked softly. Meet me in my tent in 15 minutes Boden. Taker said, following his mate.

Protect me at all costs, who does he think I am? I grew up in New York; I can take care of myself. Talen said, talking to herself as she walked toward the pond. She stopped before she got to it, sucking in a breath as she had a vision of her, sitting in his lap, his hand rubbing her leg as he told her In public I demand that you obey, respect and bow to me. In our home I will demand your respect. With a huffed breath, she continued on to the pond, sitting down and pulling off her shoes, she stuck her feet into the warm water. What am I going to do now? She asked the night. You re going to do what your mate tells you. Taker said, walking up behind her. I don t want you out alone anymore. I don t care. I m not a child to be told when I can come and go. Talen said, frustrated with him already. Until we know who this traitor is, you will be kept safe at all times, that means you will take four warriors and a warlock with you when I m not around. Taker said softly. So I take it you aren t going to be around very often Mark? Talen asked softly, staring at the pond. I have a realm to rule young one; sometimes I will be gone. Whatever. Talen said, at the end of her rope with him. They sat in silence for a few minutes then Talen looked at him and said Can I ask you something? Taker nodded. I had...or maybe I dreamed.. Talen trailed off; not knowing how to ask him if what she remembered was true. Taker kept silent, knowing she spit it out in her own time. Taking a deep breath she said I was walking through the woods and I remembered sitting on your lap in a room, you were rubbing my leg and telling me that in public I would obey, respect and bow to you. Did that really happen? Yes young one, it happened. That was the night I was supposed to mate you, make you mine, but you disappeared before that happened. Taker said. How? What happened to make me disappear? She asked. I can t answer that young one, only you know what truly happened. Taker said softly. Your name isn t Mark is it? She asked softly, the name Undertaker filling her mind. He shook his head no, watching her eyes widen as her memory returned full force. Undertaker. She said, moving back from him when she remembered what he was going to do to her in front of a room full of people.

Talen let me explain. He said, using a spell to keep her in place. You...you were going to... Talen said, trying to get further away from him. It is our custom; your father wanted a traditional coming out for you. He is one of the best generals I have, I was obligated to... You told me I was your mate and you were going to do that to me? I ll never marry you. She hissed, not realizing she was already bound to him for all time. Taker smiled and said We are mated, you can never leave me. With a laugh, Talen got up and said I m leaving you right now! With that she turned around, trying to take a step she found she couldn t move. Let me go. She hissed at him. I m not doing it. Taker said with a smile. LET ME GO! She screamed. Talen, I m not holding you in place, your soul is. You ll never be able to leave me, neither of us has any control over our souls. He said walking over to her, he dropped a light kiss on her lips and then crooking his finger at her he said Come. Unbelievably, her legs started moving, pulling her in the direction he was going. STOP! She said, not able to make her arms move. With a grin, Taker stopped and turned around. Why can t I move? She asked, trying to move her legs but they would not cooperate with her. Because your soul will not allow you to leave me. When you ve calmed down you will be able to move again. Taker said. But I m walking. She said her legs following him as he walked on. Your soul is following mine. I suggest that you relax mate, and ask your soul to forgive you for making such a hasty comment. Taker said softly. I suggest you kiss my ass. Talen growled at him. Later my mate, I will later. He said with a chuckle.

They got to the encampment, the warlocks turning their heads to hide their smiles at the way Talen was walking. They realized what must have happened and they all remember their mates getting mad and ending up in the same fashion. Taker nodded to all that he passed as they bowed to him and Talen, her head mimicking his movements. Even the warriors had to hide their smiles at Talen s fate.

Taker walked into his ten and sat, Talen dropped to the floor beside him. What? I m your lapdog now? She hissed. Your soul wants to be close to mine, you scared your soul Talen and until it has decided it has been close enough to mine, you ll sit there. Talen opened her mouth and Taker said Watch what you say young one, other things can happen. He hid his grin as Boden walked in. He bowed to both Taker and Talen, then waited until Taker told him to sit. Talen was informed that there is a traitor in our midst. Taker said. I assume it s not Ennis. Boden said, looking at Talen when she gasped. Ennis? The old woman? She did this to me? Talen asked, her head moving toward Taker. Go lay down mate, I ll be there shortly. He said softly, knowing she was upset. She stood, ready to tell him off, when she remembered Boden and with a slight nod, she walked to the curtained area shielding their bed.

She is a fiery one. Boden said with a grin. Yes, she is. Taker said with a laugh. Now, what s this about a traitor? Boden asked softly. Talen s mother warned her in a dream. She didn t have time to give her a name; we must be very careful whom we give information to. As of this moment you, Paul and my brother will be the only ones who know what is going on. Taker said. How do you know I m not the traitor? Boden asked softly. Talen would have told me. She will know when she comes in contact with this person. Taker said. How will she know? You said her mother didn t tell her a name. Boden asked with confusion. Have you not mated yet? Taker asked. No, I ve not found my mate. Boden answered, not understanding why his ruler wanted to know personal information. Talen s soul will tell her of the danger long before I will know of it. If she comes into contact with it, that is. I see. Boden answered, looking over his shoulder toward the curtained area. But if she wasn t raised in our ways, will she know that s what her soul is trying to tell her? Boden asked and took Taker by surprise. For once, he did not know. Looking toward the bed, he had an overwhelming urge to be with his mate. That s all for now Boden. We ll talk more when we return to Seramids. Taker said, standing and ending the meeting. Yes my lord. Boden said, standing and walking out of the tent.

Taker walked to the bed, parting the curtains and seeing Talen lying on her side, curled into a ball. He said a quick protection spell and lay down beside her. I m here young one. He said, smiling when she rolled over into his arms. They had their problems, but they would work them out, as she got used to the situation. Why are you crying? He asked softly, not having felt any pain. I don t understand. She said, her body trembling uncontrollably. What don t you understand? Taker asked gently. Why I can t stand to be away from you, I was just across the tent and it took everything in me not to get out of bed and run over to you. She said and he heard the anger in her voice. I would have welcomed you with open arms. He said, amazed at himself as he realized the truth in his own words.

I don t want to live like this, dependent on you. Talen said, rubbing her face into his chest. We are dependent on each other Talen; I cannot be without you just as you cannot be without me. I feel the same thing you do. Why? My mother was never this way about my stepfather. Talen said. He was not her true mate. Taker answered softly. But she never talked of my father, I never saw him until he came and took me from Earth. If he was her true mate, why didn t she feel the same things for him that I feel for you? Talen asked, looking up at him. I do not know young one but that is a good question. I ll look into it when we returned to Seramids. He said, rolling her under him. Seramids? Is that what your realm is called? Yes. He answered, kissing her forehead. Why is your sky purple? She asked, closing her eyes. I like purple. He said, kissing her eyelids. But... She started and he kissed her, silencing anymore questions with his tongue. He moved his body against hers, letting her feel how much he wanted her. With a sigh, she opened her legs, wrapping them around his waist. With a groan, he pressed against her, pulling the blankets off them as he kissed his way down her body. Talen. He moaned, sucking some of the skin around her stomach into his mouth, leaving small bruises before moving on.

Talen was in heaven, she loved what Taker was doing to her, making her feel and she groaned, arching her stomach into his mouth. Suddenly she felt coldness seeping into her body and she went stiff under him, forgetting all about what Taker was doing. With a gasp, she sat up, knocking him backwards. We must leave, NOW! Talen said, scrambling out of bed and pulling on her clothes. Talen. Taker groaned, reaching for her. NOW MATE! She said, walking out the entrance of the tent. She was stopped at the front of the tent by two guards that Boden had posted. Wake the others, we are leaving NOW! Talen said, her tone booking no argument. I m sorry my lady, but until the master... One of the guards started but Talen turned on him, sparks shooting from her hair. I said NOW! She narrowed her eyes and the guard gasped, his hand going to his throat. Enough Talen. Taker said, wrapping his hand around her waist. She sagged against him, not understanding what she d done or how. Prepare to leave. Taker said, pulling Talen back into the tent.

Now why are we leaving when we were having such a good time? He asked, sitting her down and nibbling her neck. God, you...I m trying to keep you alive you shit head. Talen screamed, pulling away from him. What? Taker asked, watching her pace the room. I don t know I just have to get you away from here, NOW. I feel it...something... she trailed off, looking at him in confusion. I understand young one; your soul feels all danger to me. You will know before I will. Taker said. Then lets go. Make us disappear...we have to leave NOW! It will take time... Taker said, trailing off when Talen s eyes blazed and she started screaming NOW! NOW! NOW! Sparks were shooting off her body and his mouth dropped open. With a wave of his hand, he made them disappear, reappearing in Seramids, in front of his castle, horses running about in terror and warlocks and warriors trying to calm them, get them to the stables. Happy now? He asked, seeing his men looking about in confusion. He saw all the fight fade out of her and she looked around, then with a sob she ran into his arms. I m sorry, I m sorry. She kept saying over and over. He picked her up, ignoring the stares from his men as he walked into the castle, carrying her to his rooms.

Don t be sorry young one, you felt a danger to me and that was your instinct, to make us leave before it could get to me. He said, laying her down on his big bed. I almost choked him to death; he was turning blue...what made me do that? She said, never having hurt anyone in her life and in the span of one night, she d hurt two people; one an innocent man. You were trying to make him do as you ordered. Taker said, having had to do the same thing on occasion. I m not a violent person. Talen said, looking up at him. You will be when it comes to me and my well being, just as I will be when it comes to you. Taker said, he was shocked at her behavior too. He thought it might have something to do with her being a Natural Witch, born of a Natural, but he wasn t sure; he had some research to do.

Sleep young one, we ll discuss this when you ve calmed down. He stood and she grabbed his arm Don t leave me. She whispered, pulling on his arm until he lay down beside her. She settled her head on his chest, falling asleep almost instantly while he lay there, thinking.

She is beautiful brother. He heard and his eyes popped open, seeing his brother floating above him. Why are you dressed like that? Taker growled, pulling a sheet over Talen. Playing Genie with a cute human. Can I play with her? Kane asked, reaching out his hand to touch her face. NO! Taker roared, sitting up and knocking Kane to the floor. Kane laughed and said I see you ve found your mate. He picked himself off the floor and Taker got out of bed, making sure the bed curtains fell, shielding Talen from Kane s gaze. You better hope Mick doesn t see you dressed like that, he s liable to turn you into a toad. I m not worried about Mick, I m more powerful, besides, he s with his mate. Kane said with a grin. You need to find your mate. Taker huffed. Kane just laughed and sat down in a chair.

I heard you needed to see me. Kane said, his smile fading. Taker nodded and quickly told Kane about what Talen s mother had told her. I want you to stay close to Talen. Protect her at all costs. Taker said. So I can play with her. Kane said, hiding a smile and jumping from his chair when Taker threw a lighting bolt at it. I ll kill you if you touch her. Taker said, his eyes burning. If she s your true mate, I can t touch her. Kane said, raising his eyebrows at his brother. So what s with the light display? Nervous? Kane asked. No, Talen is my mate. I just get very jealous of her. You ll find out all too soon brother. Taker said, giving Kane a secret smile. Rolling his eyes Kane said Have you told her yet? Taker shook his head no and looked back toward the bed. I ll tell her in the morning, you can have your old room. Goodnight brother. Kane chuckled and faded out of the room.

Taker got back in bed with Talen and pulled her closer, feeling the dream she was in. I m here my love. He whispered, not catching what he said.

Talen was on Earth, her Earth; she was walking down the street going to her job at the local grocery store. She rang up purchase after purchase, glancing at the door, knowing something was going to happen. After what seemed like forever, she shut down her register, going to the floor supervisor, she told her she needed to use the phone. She called her house and didn t get an answer, getting scared, she hung up and left, running the 6 blocks to her house. She stopped, staring in horror as firemen raced around, trying to stop the flames, three black body bags on the ground by her mom s white picket fence. She opened her mouth to scream when her father turned, seeing her, he grabbed her arm, pulling her away and putting her in a car. I m here my love. She heard Takers voice, and all her anger, hurt and fear faded away. She turned and he was beside her in the car. Flinging herself into his arms she cried for her family.

Taker held her until the shudders of her body stilled and she took deep easy breaths. Kissing her forehead he whispered, Nothing but good dreams for the rest of this night, I command it. You can t command me not to have nightmares; it doesn t work that way. Talen said, rubbing her face into his chest. You will obey your mate. He whispered, hugging her tighter. You will obey me. Talen said, looking up at him. Oh I will? Taker said, raising his eyebrows. Yes, I command you to kiss me. Talen said, shocking herself and him. With pleasure my lady. He whispered, leaning up to kiss her.

Taker kissed her long and slow, smiling when she moaned and arched toward him. He broke the kiss, looking into her eyes he said Any other commands you d like me to obey? She looked at him for a minute and then said I command you to make love to me, some place where no one would even dream of looking for us, somewhere I ve never been. With an evil chuckle and a snap of his fingers, they were in the air, floating above the castle, the dark purple sky above them. Talen looked down and with a scream, she locked her arms around Taker. Please don t drop me. She whispered, her eyes closed. I would never drop you mate, I m taking you somewhere I know for a fact you ve never been to and trust me, no one would look for us there.

A few minutes later, Talen felt softness under her feet. Open your eyes mate and look around. Slowly Talen opened one eye and glanced around, a gasp escaping her when she realized where she was. It s beautiful. She said in a breathless whisper. Only because you are here. Taker said, pulling her closer to him. Why aren t we falling through? Talen asked, forgetting for a moment how high up she was. Magic. Was Taker s reply, as he kissed his way down her neck. I m going to love you here Talen, this will be our special spot. This beautiful cloud will be blown away in with the next strong wind. Talen whispered sadly. Not here mate. I make the clouds, I ll keep this one for us, here for all times. Taker said, pushing her gown off her shoulders. I don t understand. Talen whispered. I ll explain later. Was Taker s reply, gently grabbing one of her nipples with his teeth and biting it lightly. Slowly, Taker lowered her onto the cloud, pressing his body to hers as he licked and kissed her.

Talen couldn t believe she was actually making love on a CLOUD. She d always loved clouds and she used to lay in her backyard, her baby brother by her side and point out different shapes to him, both of them wearing their sunglasses. He usually slept through it, but Talen loved them, wishing she could live on one. Taker smiled, reading her thoughts as he made love to her with his mouth. His mate was fanciful indeed, and he was looking forward to making her dreams come true.

While Taker and Talen were on their cloud, a meeting was being held, three very evil beings were trying to figure out a way to dethrone Taker. He found her, his powers must not be as weak as we thought, one being said. So he didn t lose his powers, but he can t defeat us. He will still need HER powers to conquer us and she doesn t get those until she is 21. That is only 3 more years AND she lived on earth. Her mother obviously never taught her of them. If anything she is a hindrance to Taker, not a help. Now that he s found her, his soul will demand that he keep her safe and if she dies, he dies. The stronger of the three evil beings said, looking at the other two, it continued. We will go on as before, you know the signal, when it comes be ready to attack swiftly, we must take the castle by surprise or we will fail. Looking at the youngest of them the being said Make sure you kill Talen, if you can t bring her back here and then kill her. The youngest nodded. Until the signal. The oldest said, standing. The three disappeared.

The next morning, Talen awoke back in Takers bed and smiled. Rolling onto her back she stretched and sighed. Have a good night? Someone asked and she screamed, pulling the blanket higher up her body and looked around. Look up. She heard and slowly she lifted her eyes. Her mouth dropped open when she saw a GENIE floating in front of her. Hello Talen. Kane said, gauging her reaction to his outfit. How do you know my name? Talen asked softly, looking around for Taker. I know all, I see all. Kane said with a sarcastic smile. Whatever. Where s Taker? She asked, looking around for him. He s gone to the outer realm, something about an uprising. Kane said. WHAT? Why didn t he take me? Oh when I get my hands on that man... Talen said, her face flushing with her anger. I shall grant you three wishes, as a gift on your mating. Kane said, I don t think that you could give me the one thing I want most in any world. Talen said softly. Ask and we shall see. Kane said. I want my family. Kane, not knowing the situation, smiled, raised his arms and said Where are they? Heaven. Was Talen s reply. Kane s arms dropped to his sides I m sorry Matiqa. That is impossible. He said softly. Talen nodded her head and then said What does Matiqa mean? Kane smiled and said It means Mate of my brother . I didn t know Taker had a brother. Are there any more of you? She asked, raising up. So my brother didn t tell you of my existence? That doesn t surprise me. Kane said, laughing. Then catching his breath he said There is only Paul. Is he another brother? Talen asked. No, he s more of an...Uncle. Kane said with a smile. What is your name? Talen asked. Kane. Was the reply. My name is Talen. She said, reaching out her hand. Kane smiled and lifted her hand to his lips, before he could kiss it, she jerked her hand away and said What are you doing? Just kissing your hand in greeting. Kane said, biting back a smile. I belong to Taker and only he can kiss me. Talen said, narrowing her eyes at Kane.

That s right brother. Taker said with a smile. Talen looked around, seeing him she said You left me. I had matters to attend to mate. Taker said, giving her a small smile. In the future, you will take me with you. Talen said, upset that she wasn t there with him. You will not give me orders Talen. Taker snapped at her. I will go with you, what if there was danger and YOU didn t know it? How could I have saved you? Talen said, forgetting about Kane and getting out of bed, wrapping the sheet around her. I can protect myself mate. Taker growled, becoming annoyed with her. When the danger is in front of your face maybe, but I know it before it gets to you and you will not leave me AGAIN! Talen shouted at him. Taker raised his eyebrows at her and said I shall leave whenever I get good and damn ready to. You will only go with me, If I WANT you to. Not because you demand it. Now go to your room, I need to talk to Kane. Go...go to my ROOM?! You are NOT my father and I will not GO anywhere unless I am good and damn ready to go! Talen said, giving him a hateful look. Really? Taker said, then waved his hand in the air. Talen glanced around and her mouth dropped open, she was in another room.

Oh that is NOT going to work big man. She said, marching toward the door. She reached for the knob and pulled but the door didn t open. She pulled harder and still nothing happened. OPEN. She said, pulling on the door again. When that didn t work, she stared at the door, willing it to open. After 15 minutes, she gave up and tried to think of something else.

How long do you think that will keep her? Kane asked, shaking his head. All day. Was Takers reply. What makes you think so? Kane asked. I put her in the puzzle room. Taker said with an evil grin. You, big brother, don t play fair. Kane said, then laughed, remembering when Taker put him in the puzzle room. It took their parents almost 14 hours to find him. They found the way in about the same time he found his way out. I never did. Taker said softly. Kane nodded, and they talked about what Taker had found out that day.

Talen sat on the bed, her elbow on her knee, her chin in her palm. Looking at the door, she realized there were no hinges, no way for the door to open in or out and since the castle had no electricity, it wasn t motion or weight activated. That meant it had to either open with magic, or it was a false door. She stared hard at the door for a minute longer and then smiled. She stood up and walked around the room, starting at the corner near the door. She looked for anything that resembled hinges and smiled 45 minutes later when she found them, hidden in a painting of doors, behind the bed. Looking hard for a knob, she realized it was one from the bed. Pulling on it, she let out a whoop of excitement when the bed moved and the door opened.

Ok mate, now where is YOUR room? She said to herself, walking down the halls, following the tugs from her soul. She found his room and opened the door a small bit, then took two steps back and kicked it as hard as she could.

There was talk of a revolution, but I assured them that I was at full strength and I had my mate back. Some of the warlocks that went with me to get Talen had already gone back to Sompaqie and told some of the people about Talen. They are willing to stick behind me and not with Ennis. Taker said, rubbing his forehead. So Ennis is behind all of this? She s not that smart or that powerful brother, she has to have someone helping her. Kane said, leaning back in his chair. I m sure she does, but I can t figure out who. Taker said. Have you seen... Kane started but was cut off when the door to Taker s room flew open and Talen marched in.

Part 4

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