His eyes widened and he sucked in a small portion of his bottom lip as if trying to control his temper which she had no doubt was brutally savage. He didn't back off, only let out a short puff of air."Oh, I'm good with brats. I've broken dozens of them.

He was determined to save her, to be her hero, to give her a reason why the gods had seen fit to place him inside her visions. Gods, he wanted to rescue her. After all, she had rescued him; she had become his heroine a long time ago, before his death became imminent.

Careful, Miss Cavanaugh," he whispered. "You don't know what you're asking." He lowered his face to her neck, dragging his lips along her skin up to her ear. "If I steal more from you, if I give you more, I'll want it all and won't let up for a very, very long time.

We're traveling into the territory of I don't care. Let's not take that trip, hmm?"Arrogant. Mean. Still gorgeous.

She considered him further and decided he could definitely pass for a pirate. No, she thought, correcting herself. More like a sea captain, a younger version of the captain from that old movie where the pretty woman rents an old sea captain's house only to find the place haunted by the sea captain himself.She let out a heavy breath. Man, she loved that movie.

He waited at her side, staring... hovering. She had the distinct impression this man wasn't used to being disobeyed. My, but he was an irritating sea captain.

... I should take off this ridiculous hood so they can see my face and catch a glimpse at real perfection." (Vincent)"Then you'd just be an enormous man with a hump and a beautiful face," Breccan said.Vincent hissed. "And the fact remains... you do think I'm beautiful," he said as he started to leave.

Yes, I can see why so many are taken with you. You're so, so, so.." Vincent's words trailed off. He gazed off into the trees. "What's the word I'm looking for?""Adorably handsome?" Breccan offered with a smug smile."Incredibly stuck on yourself."Vincent quickly gave his retort. "Seriously, you're not that cute. And I mean that in every offending way possible.

Make it stop," Vincent murmured, coming out of sleep and pulling the blanket over his head. "I think your mutt is howling for you.

We are bastards of the gods, Sorvus, you and I. I once shared the dream you seem to think you are now living. The dream of living here, in Northbrook, the birthplace of our mothers." Thais turned his head to the trees. He heard something. "Such deception.

Beauty is something most beings, human or otherwise, gauge by the outward appearance. However once you see inside of one's heart, the true beauty of a person comes through and many times changes the initial perception. I have seen the most beautiful creatures seem horribly hideous, ugly, in light of their dark hearts. (Acronis)

Come here, female!" a thundering voice called out to Sorvus. A thrill of excitement at this male's voice instantly shot up her spine. It is him, she thought. It is my Destoul.

Wharick is the king. I know you already knew that. And by the way, Exian's head in a bag? Gross gift for a king, just sayin'. (Breccan)

I don't need to come closer to kill you, but I will come closer to watch you bleed. (Darius)

Hi there. I am the Gwarda, Breccan, the good-looking, sweet one." He winked. "The one thundering, yet, remaining aloof," he said loudly and continued, "is Darius. He's a savage, you know," he said quietly, leaning closer like he was telling her a secret.

Oh, sweetheart, I am the worst male your precious gods could have chosen for you." The expression on his face turned deadly serious. He leaned his face forward and down to get eye level with her. "I will mate no one. Ever. (Darius)

Thais believed that in defeat the downtrodden, courageous soul would rise with the fiercest determination for victory. That is when the true spirit of warriors shined through and soared. A new day would dawn and with it a renewed hope would rise above the blood and the ash, strengthening even the weakest and igniting a birth of revolution.

Kathel grabbed Mahgen so fast it shocked her, causing her to let out a sharp gasp. With his hands on her shoulders, he shook her lightly as he spoke. "I love you, Mahgen. Do you understand what I'm saying? Because I want there to be no mistaking what I mean, or what I've said. I. Love. You. So love me, the gypsy, or despise me, it makes no difference! You are mine now, and I am never giving you up.-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

If they come to this forest, to us here, seeking shelter from the havoc that has been brought upon their lands, at the hands of evil, I say come. I say join us in this fight! The royal throne of Northbrook no longer resides in Gamlock. It is here. Now. In this place. You are its soldiers, I am its king, and we will work together to unite all who are willing to fight alongside us! (Wharick)

Never try to stop me again," he told her. It was a sensuous command of a lover and brought a chill of excitement in Mahgen's spirit, spreading throughout every inch of her body."No, Kathel," she said, "if that is my punishment, I shall always try and stop you.

They'd seen her laugh before he did, had seen her live before he had. The thought of it provoked envy inside of Wharick, and that emotion at times, could be just as powerful as jealousy."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

Their bodies continued to move together as one, making rhythmic love to each other slowly and thoroughly. And with each thrust, each deliberate movement, the air around them grew thicker, the bind connecting them grew stronger, and their blossoming love grew richer, reaching the depths of their very souls."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

Me? With only one woman forever and ever, blah, blah, blah. I don't think so, brother. I am having too much fun with all the ladies in Johobin."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance (Breccan)

Your reaction makes me deliciously curious. Will you be kept awake tonight wondering if I knew it was you? Imagining yourself under me?"-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

The first thing that went through Mahgen's mind was how cold she'd become with the loss of Kathel, how insane it was that things could go from tender and warm, to cold and indifferent, in the matter of seconds. That was what it felt like when you loved completely yet allowed things to get in the way of forever."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

The tale of love and power was a continuum, much like the white carousel just outside of Acronis's hall. It turned around and around. Acronis was tired of the spin."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

He looked down at the pillow that had fallen to the floor at his feet. "Are you seriously beginning a fight you cannot possibly win, druid?" he asked, his Gwarda green eyes deepening in color from the challenge."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

So tell me, Thais, you say all things happen for a reason. What if I never found you wandering in the forest that day?" he asked. Thais didn't miss a beat. "Was I wandering?" he asked, but before Kathel answered Thais spoke again. "The question, Kathel, may be, who found who?"-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

You do not believe in the magic and power of this book only because you cannot comprehend that it is possible. The lack of faith of your part does not make the power less capable or less real...You only have to open up your mind to the possibilities. There is a sea of power out there, all around us. It doesn't wait until someone believes in order for it to exist. It just does."-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

Thais looked up from the book. For a moment he considered telling Kathel he didn't really see anything, but knew it would do no good to lie. "The book recognized me." Honesty won out. "Of course it did," Kathel said sarcastically. "Does it want a kiss hello?"-Madison Thorne Grey, Sustenance

She knew without a doubt what he had said was true. They were created for each other. Destined for this time of reconciliation. For Keirah, it was a moment, no, it was the moment of a lifetime, and it would forever be engraved on her heart and etched in her soul to be remembered long after forever.

He kissed you! He f@*#king kissed you right in front of me," Wharick growled through his clenched teeth. Kathel looked up from the ground where he was now leaning up on his elbows, far too pleased with his performance and having a look of mischief on his face. "Would you prefer that I kiss her when we aren't in front of you?" he asked sarcastically.

He put his wrists out in front, and as he spoke the words engraved on them, he turned his arms around slowly. "Dum spiramus tuebimur, which in English reads: while we breath, we shall defend," he told her.

He quickly left the room, and when he shut the door behind him he leaned his back against it, tilted his head back, and put his palms to his eyes before bowing his head. "....That was too close," he murmured under his breath..

Are you telling me, or are you asking me?" Kathel said sarcastically."Depends on your answer," Wharickreplied. "Yes, Gwardian. It would be my honor to be your second." "Then I was telling you," Wharick told him.

I may have been born into this world to be the Gwardian, but I was created for you, for us. You are the reason I exist, the reason I breathe. You are the light to my darkness, and without you I am lost forever.

We all have scars, Wharick. Mine happen to be on the the outside," Kathel answered but knew what he said wasn't entirely true. He bore scars on the inside as well.

He didn't need a curse to realize the desire of his heart was to fight the Horfins of this land, the Kravens, and the darkness that had swayed his brothers toward evil. He would continue to fight, continue to lead. Curse or no curse.

Hey, look who's alive! I knew you were too tough to leave this f@$#ed up place without a fight, and you do realize that if you had wanted to get into Wharick's bed, there certainly would have been easier ways to get there than getting yourself poisoned," He smiled widely.

Surrounding the two of them was the love they shared but also an overwhelming feeling of fear--fear of a future filled with the emptiness which would consume them if they remained apart. A fear of a future of being separated forever, and it gripped both of their hearts, demanding preventative action.

I'll thank you now, Kathel," Keirah whispered. Placing a simple, soft kiss on Kathel's lips, she turned and walked away toward her cabin, leaving both men stunned in her wake.

Their eyes drifted directly behind her. At the same time she felt the presence of a rather large, imposing figure, then the sudden heat permeated the air around her. He's behind me, isn't he?

Without even thinking about it, she reached out for warmth, reached out for acceptance. She was hurt and as much as she tried to build up the wall of protection and never let anyone in again, Wharick had changed her building capabilities. Wharick had changed her heart.

Even though he knew both of their hearts were taken by others, he recognized beauty when he saw it and appreciated it as any male would.

Kathel, you have the face of a scoundrel." Her eyes drifted slowly over his face and landed for a moment on his full lips. "With lips created for sin.""Keirah," he whispered, gently squeezing her hands. "Talk like that is not helping matters.

Isn't he beautiful? His silky hair, his muscles so strong and powerful yet amazingly, he trembles slightly at my touch, and the more I stroke him, the more he leans into my hand," Keirah said her eyes remaining on the horse. Yes, Keirah, the horse is a fine one," Wharick said as he slowly walked closer to her. "What I said was not to you, Gwarda," she teased, "I was speaking to the horse.

You know you really have to beware of gypsies in these parts," he said teasingly, dismounting from his horse...Keirah gave him a small smile that she didn't quite feel. "Good thing I have the Gwarda here to protect me," she teased back.

He was the most wickedly handsome creature she had ever seen in all her days. His hair was black as night, his stature large, his muscles were etched with precision into his smooth skin, every last ripple chiseled into wicked perfection.

One day, when you are sitting with my sister, Mahgen, around a fire, and you're feeling how perfectly right it is to be next to her, this moment, this tease of desire between us, will be long forgotten.

A warmth spread throughtout Keirah's body, in part from the closeness of Kathel, but mostly because she knew that he had meant Wharick. Kathel hadn't even spoken Wharick's name, but at the very inclination of her mate, Keirah's body had responded.

There are so many reasons why I should not kiss you right now. Believe me when I tell you that only moments ago those reasons played out in my mind, but for the life of me, at this very minute, I cannot recall even one of them," Kathel said.

If he sees you unclothed, I will have to kill him," he spoke in her ear. She didn't know if she should believe him or not, but she took no chances. "Tell him to leave, then," she said calmly but sternly.

A slow, knowing smile came over Keirah's face. Her heart filled with happiness, believing the Gwarda gypsy sitting next to her at this very moment was worthy of her beloved sister.

Kathel did not back down at all. "Well, Keirah told me she was suddenly unattached, if you know what I mean. And I figured, what the hell, why not have a go at her myself," Kathel said enthusiastically.

Even among the ugliness of evil that resonated throughout the green hills and flowering landscape, Northbrook was simply breathtaking to those who took the time to appreciate it.

I'm pleased to know you realize she is mine, gypsy. Care to explain why it is that I find you here in the Gwarda arena and touching what belongs to me?

You're causing the world to spin again, Keirah," Wharick teased about her druid gift with nature. "You out of control? Do you need something to settle you down? he asked.

The fact that he got to save the Gwardian's mate and managed to piss him off at the same time, well that was just a bonus and pure luck of circumstance. After all, he had gypsy blood inside of him and could not stop the satisfaction he got from pissing people off.

You don't have a mommy," Gunnar proclaimed as he walked around Breccan. "Ok, I want my surrogate," Breccan said as he sped up to catch the other men. Darius came forward to walk in step beside Wharick and whispered in a discreet tone, "Please, let me kill him.

Kathel smoothed out his shirt in an exaggerated manner. "It was the least I could do. I owed her one," he said referring to when Keirah saved Willow. He looked at Keirah and winked. Yeah, so not the thing to do right now, Keirah thought.

You may run from the calling, but, you will find no real peace until you fulfill your destiny.

Truth was she liked that he came after her. She liked the thought of being under submission to him in an intimate way. It was a welcome desire which Wharick alone sparked.

I do not belong to anyone! Certainly not to a self-centered, brute of man, err...being or whatever it is you are, person!" she fumbled.

Darius did not take the bait, showing no signs of anger or irritation. "So, what you're saying is that you ugly f@*ks are not half breeds and that makes you superior? Please, do wow me with your druid sorcery.

Oh, don't look at this frail, old druid like that, Solomon. I may be slow in my movements, buy my mind is sharp as a dagger's tip." Lazerin smirked.

You will answer this day for your treason." Then he added solemnly, "You break my heart, brother." Before Eyramus could blink Thristan was gone.

Had Keirah and her sisters known what was set in motion the day their stones appeared and how personally they would be affected by it, they would have still fought the darkness, still battled for what belonged to them.

The new race of warriors would be their hope, their salvation, their loves' destiny. But they too could be tainted. They too could be seduced by the black forces they had been created to fight against.

Love knew no bounds, knew no limitations. It looked beyond the unseen realm and reached in for a taste, for a moment of regenerated happiness, and in that moment fate was altered and the destinies of many were changed. Their land, their Northbrook, they discovered, was a very magical place.

Love knew no bounds, know no limitations. It looked beyond the unseen realm and reached in for a taste, for a moment of regenerated happiness, and in that moment fate was altered and the destinies of many were changed. Their land, their Northbrook, they discovered, was a very magical place.

She knew from her visions that she would be one of them, one of the chosen, set apart and marked for her mate. Unlike her, the other chosen women lived on earth, regenerated from the soul of a lost love, the most cherished of the heart, a Destoul.

His shoulder-length hair was a rich, dark-brown color with a slight wave to it and it flowed behind him as he ran into the center of the gypsies. He was tall, muscular, and so beautifully handsome, yet primal. He looked magnificent.

Darius began to walk away, but as if he thought better of it, turned back to face Wharick. He stared into the Gwardian's eyes for a moment and then spoke quietly. "If ever a blade comes that close to my neck brother, the only debt you owe me is to make sure it connects.

There were three, very large males standing above her, staring. She started from left to right. Big green-eyed male, big green-eyed male and, hey, lookie there, another big green-eyed male. Dear gods. Did I fall so hard that now I am seeing three of them?

Thank you, I think. And what is your name?" Keirah called out a bit more loudly, as she watched Darius retreat..."His name is of no consequence." A male's loud, booming voice came from behind the two men who remained. The sound of his voice was gritty, husky, and the sound brought a spark to Keirah's blood.

You and your sister will be going with us this day, and that is not up for discussion." He moved closer. "Nor will it be an argument." He stepped even closer and leaned his head slightly downward, his lips near her face. "If you have a problem with that, little girl," he commented at her display of stubbornness, "then I will be more than happy to have Darius put you over his shoulder and carry you out of here. Either way, you will do as you are told, and behave yourself.

Bitterness filled his heart, and he learned to love the feel of its magic.(Darius)

It's not the having of the gift that makes the difference in life here or in another place. It's how we use that gift that shows the true heart. ~ Acronis

She looked up into Wharick's ethereal face, her eyes drifting across his features. Close your mouth, Keirah. Her brain finally caught up with her face's reaction.

Dammnnn," Breccan slowly spoke each letter with a grin on his face that spread from ear to ear. "Impressive flames, guy.

The bantering between them only caused their connection to spark that much more. Instead of forcing them to be at odds with each other, arguing did the opposite. It caused the flame to rise on the existing fire which churned inside of them, and they knew it and relished in the burn it created. There was a storm coming. As their desire intensified so did the turbulence of passion grow increasingly wild, demanding nothing less than consumption.

Thristan looked at her with a bewildered look on his face. "You think to bind me as the new race will be bound?" he asked solemnly. Sorvus smiled. "I do not think to bind you, my friend; I think to free you.

Sorvus's eyes widened then fell as she accepted whatever fate had in store for her. "It will be as it will, Thristan." Thristan looked at her intently, bringing his head back with a frustrated sigh. "Ah, this 'destiny' crap you all talk about!

We are immortal beings, Thristan. You cannot hate me throughout all eternity.

Wharick, on the other hand, remained there with his eyebrows raised slightly as he waited for her to complain about his behavior. "You have no right, Wharick," she said sternly. And there it is, he thought feeling more than pleased that he knew her better than she thought.

We don't recognize those times in our existence, when fate rolls around to sever relationships, to remove an object of such immense magnitude from our lives. No, on a whim it robs us of our last goodbyes and forces us to try and recall the most irrelevant of things like what they were clothed it the last time we saw them, what the expression was on their face. ~Acronis

Your fiery spirit excites me, Keirah, like nothing I have ever felt before. Yet I have the overwhelming desire to put you over my knee when you don't do as you are told.

He was determined to stick with his plan, convincing himself to stay neutral and detached. That's the plan!Then she leaned over him.

There was no mistaking what the feeling of fullness in his heart meant. They were mates and were bound together. Forever. Wharick's green eyes closed for a moment as he absorbed the feeling of completeness their bond provided his spirit.

You know, Breccan, we were all born into this realm for a purpose. We were born to live in that forest," Gunnar said, pointing ahead. He swallowed deeply as he continued to take in the sight of Surchin. Breccan came up behind Gunnar. "And you know, we are all gonna die there. How convenient. Yep, we are all gonna find finality before we've taken a woman. So not the way I wanted things to go.

Why aren't I seeing more tracks?" After no reply he repeated himself. "Helllloooo, why aren't there more tracks?" His eyes examined the ground. Then he suddenly saw a foot? Breccan slowly lifted his head to see Darius, obviously irritated, standing in front of him with his arms crossed over his chest.

Oh, now look what you've done. You've gone and pissed him off," Breccan said as he stood behind two of the gypsies, one of his large hands clamped down on each of their shoulders.

Breccan stood for a second, deep in thought of what Darius had just described. "Dude, seriously, you gotta get a hobby. Oh, and anyone else want their mothers right now? Cause, damn, that was some scary shit," he added.

It was the simplest of acts, the smallest of gestures, yet no one had taken the time to do something kind for her in a very long time. No one had made her feel special. Unbeknownst to her, a single, unfamiliar tear fell down her cheek as her worn and wounded body fell into a deep, safe slumber.

So, Gwardian, are you going to stand there, or may I have some privacy so I can bathe? We aren't all as full of ourselves as you are.

Ummm, anyone else getting the creeps? Breccan asked. "Okay, let's vote. Who here is in favor of daylight? Come on, show of hands. Don't be shy.

You have family, only a brother you clearly don't like to speak about. Fine. That's all right." She ran her fingers through her hair. "But don't ever say dreams are a waste. It's a miracle I can still speak of dreams and futures after all I've been through. There's love in this world, Thristan, love that can encompass the heart abiding in humans' mortal, fragile bodies. And there are stupid little humans like me, dreamers, who believe one day they'll find it.

Such anger. Do you want to talk about it?" Vincent called out. When there was no reply, Vincent picked up the whistling where he'd left off, smiling at the success of wreaking havoc on Darius. Vincent didn't hate Darius, or any other Gwarda for that matter, he simply got pleasure from messing with the race.

If measuring by this earthly realm's time then it's been years but in the unseen realm above known as Vehaven, it has been but a moment.

Vincent made his way closer to the group and shuffled his feet while he watched them embrace. Breccan's head remained buried in the huddle while his large hand reached out, grabbed Vincent's good wing, and pulled the archangel into the fold.