Chapter 16

HAEL

We have to ensure the mouse isn’t susceptible to external threats, so we decide it is time to teach the petite warrior some moves. I direct Adara to govern the Horde in our absence—Lochness and I are full-time protectors until her birth.

I won’t let anyone lay a finger on her. Madeline is allowed to dress more suitably for this, in an old slave dress, something that won’t be missed. Seeing her in her former attire brings a smile to my face.

Lochness lounges on a large stump, casually flipping the knife with the emerald stone embedded in its onyx handle. Madeline has asked us to retrieve it and has gifted it to both of us. Now that she is in the field we designate for her training, with Dragon guards preventing any travelers from sneaking up on our expectant princess, we have all the time in the world to teach her some skills.

I return to her from a bag of weapons I’ve hung from a tree branch and hand her a wooden short sword. Madeline takes it, but her grip is slightly off.

“No, mouse, almost, but it’s more like this.” I adjust her grip, and I can see she is focusing intently.

Good mouse. I move behind her and gather her thick hair.

“Ah, hey!” Madeline protests, turning to glare at me over her shoulder. “Can’t you wait—”

I shake my head at the silly mouse, separating her hair into three sections. “I’m just braiding your hair, mouse. I’m not your Master right now.” I try to suppress a laugh when she blushes.

“Really?” She turns forward so I can braid her hair more effectively.

She glances at my brother, who seems content just watching and playing with the knife.

“I’ll teach you every way to kill a Dragon. You’ll practice on my brother at the end,” I speak over her head, searching for her eyes—I love her eyes more than anything.

I have never told her my favorite parts of her. But her eyes are definitely it. Not for their beauty—but for the soul they hold.

Madeline is a wild temptress with a sweet heart. The perfect blend of feminine, feisty, and lustful. And she is so caring and human—she loves her friends deeply.

Almost to a selfish level. Her slave friends inquire about her every day, Darshan and Thea especially. Although they plead to see her, I can’t trust anyone until she has delivered the twins.

Anyone could be bribed or cursed into killing her and our heirs. Madeline is our greatest weakness—and Nerezza’s abduction of our mate has put me on high alert. Lochness is still upset about it, brooding all day—so I suggest we compromise and give the mouse some real training, just in case.

He agrees with a glare, but no words. My brother has moods where not only the thoughts of others overwhelm him, but couple that with his own anxieties and he gets into some short but very bad tempers. Madeline seems to be more resilient about yesterday. She is already happy again after sleeping well between us, her head on my heart all night.

Sometimes I lie awake just listening to her steady and slow breaths, stroking through her soft hair—not just my personal slave and my mate, she is my peace. My heart strings. I use the leather strap to tie the braid off at the end, my fingers working slowly while thinking of her.

She doesn’t mind.

“All done, Slayer.” I am ready to let her go when Madeline turns and aims for my legs—trying to jab my balls with the wooden sword.

“~Die!~” Madeline grins.

I narrowly avoid the strike, hopping to the side—she swings at me again and I grab her wrist, stopping her attack and pulling her close.

“We haven’t started yet,” I growl at her and her lips curl up further. “~Listen~, brat.”

“You’re no Master of mine today, as you said.” Madeline’s eyes sparkle with mischief. It is hard not to smile back at her. She is absolutely adorable when she is all stirred up. “I am the threat, Hael.” She tries to pull her hand back and I let her go—she stumbles back, almost falling, but I steady her with my magic, holding her body with my natural power.

I straighten her back up.

“Hey! I won’t need your help,” Madeline huffs as she moves back. “But thanks,” she whispers and walks in a circle, practicing swinging the sword. Lochness has been brooding from his stump, still slouched back against another trunk behind him, but now he is focused on the mouse and her antics.

“What say you, rogue?” Madeline turns to Lochness. “Do I look like a threat?” She swings the sword through the air, only playing, but she is so darn cute I want to tackle her to the ground. I just withhold the urge.

I have to keep serious or she’ll never learn.

“Concealment first,” I speak up, keeping calm, since Lochness is amused but doesn’t want to speak his mind yet.

“What, no fighting?” Madeline swings toward me. “Why? I’m ready, come!” She stops grinning when I shake my head. She firmly plants her feet. “All right, sorry, concealment—how do I do that?”

“It’s about concealing and striking at the right time, assessing the threat before it makes contact.” I return to the bag of weapons and supplies, and pull out a strap with a sheath. I move back to Madeline, to fit the strap around her shoulder and middle, then I take her hand and show her how to push it up and back into the case to hold her weapon.

She twitches her hand too much, and it takes a few tries to get her to effectively sheath it.

“Damn, that’s harder than it looks! When others do it, it looks easy,” Madeline growls out her frustration, her arm too undisciplined and careless in its movements.

“Let’s start here. Practice taking it out and putting it back in.” I put my hand on her back, pushing her back to the clearing. I walk over to Lochness and stand by him, watching Madeline pull out the weapon and fail to sheath it back.

She swings up and back repeatedly, trying to get it sheathed effectively, but the pointy end keeps knocking against her shoulder or the sides of the sheath itself. She is close to figuring it out—Lochness sighs aloud and taunts her now for missing the sheath.

“Don’t hurt yourself, stupid mouse, if that was a real sword, you’ve stabbed yourself five times in the back already!”

“Keep your comments for me,” I growl under my breath to him. “She’s focused, let her figure it out.”

Madeline stiffens, her gaze snapping back to us. Lochness is using his mind powers to guide her arm and wrist, helping her to swing her arm down and back up. He’s making her movements precise so she can sheath her sword correctly.

Her frustration only slightly eases as he repeats the process a few times, using his mind powers to pull her arm out, swing it down, and then up, turning her wrist to sheath the sword. Lochness demonstrates the process three more times.

“See? Easy,” Lochness says, his voice filled with a hint of gentle encouragement. Then he mutters under his breath, “Your turn, rat.”

Tears of determination fill Madeline’s eyes as she lifts her arm, twists the sword, and misses the sheath. “Damn it!” Madeline spins around, tossing the sword into the grass. She drops to her knees, crying right there on the spot.

Lochness sneers and chuckles a bit. I shoot a glare at my brother, but he meets my gaze without a hint of concern.

“Maybe I’ll teach, and you can just sit there, you wretch,” I growl at him.

He just scoffs in response. “She’ll have a cry and get over it,” Lochness says, raising an eyebrow at me. “See? I’m just getting the brat out of her early.”

Hmm. I mean… maybe that could work.

Madeline lets out a scream, tearing out grass before standing back up and retrieving her sword. With a swing and a twist, she manages to sheath her sword on the first try after her tantrum.

“Well done, mouse!” I raise my fist in celebration.

Lochness just smirks. “It was me, brother,” Lochness tries to claim the victory, but I know it was her.

“Shut up,” I snap at him, moving back to see Madeline smiling again.

“I figured it out!” she says, moving her arm up and down, sheathing the sword correctly each time. She wipes her tears and turns to me. “What now, Hael?”

I hesitate before giving the next instruction. Seeing her confidence bloom makes me so proud that she’s my strong-willed mate—but I’m also terrified she’ll one day have to use this knowledge. Still, better to know than to suffer when it’s too late.

She’s been a victim of other attacks. This is necessary and unavoidable. So I’ll teach her more.

MADELINE

Hael is full of energy for training today. I never thought I’d have them as my teachers, but I’m grateful they’re giving me this chance.

Lochness has been in a foul mood all morning, not talking, but his little trick in making me so angry so quickly does somehow help to focus me ten times better. However, he’s still cruel—he’s always inherently like that in some way. It certainly isn’t my preferred method of receiving mentoring. I prefer Hael’s patience.

So, I may be pissed off at Nessy, but I just decide to focus on Hael and tolerate the rogue and his volatile mood for now. Besides, I’m counting on getting a good thwack to his precious jewels later.

“What now, Hael?” I’ve sheathed my sword and I wait for Hael to give me more instruction.

Hael does this thing where he just looks at me a little longer than necessary, his emerald eyes softening. I look him over too, feeling my brand tingle with heat—he is so tall and handsome, I love him so much. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am—but I’ll keep that to myself, like I’d ever stroke his ego!

Lochness continues to look menacing at the corner of my eye, flipping the knife.

“Now to draw quick, as I approach, aim here and here,” Hael points to his abdomen and his neck. “Just tap.” He walks toward me, holding out his arms. “I’m kidnapping you, mouse, and let’s say I don’t know you have a sword.”

“I remember a certain big green bastard kidnapping me as a child.” I remember the memory of me kicking him, catching his attention and changing my fate forever—now I hope I can alter the outcome. And use that as inspiration now that I’m grown!

Hael smirks at the memory. He pivots around me, arms out either side. I quickly draw and try to press the tip of the wooden sword to his abs. The sword only starts to reach out when the back of his hand whacks mine and I release the weapon, dropping it.

His other hand catches my throat, holding me back and still, at his mercy. “Too slow, I caught you.” Hael is enjoying this. He releases me and I suck in a breath and reach for the sword—but he uses his magic to fly it back into my palm. I sheath it as he moves around me.

“Again, think of another way to move,” his only warning.

My breaths feel funny, my adrenaline has kicked up after Hael clutched my throat like that, almost lifting me off my feet. He is so strong—I have to be quick! Once I’m apprehended, I’m done for.

As he moves close, my Slayer instincts suddenly make me duck and draw—this time rising up and pressing the sword against his middle. I am so quick—I didn’t even know I could be quick at moves like this, I thought I was just a good sprinter! I shake with the unexpected victory.

I stare at the wood lying against his middle. “I gutted you,” I whisper. “Wow, I… I did it.” I look up and Hael’s hands are either side of him as he steps back.

“Faster now,” Hael nods and circles me, warning me he’ll come in quicker.

I note he didn’t compliment me though, and I glare at him and he reads my mind. ~You’re good,~ Hael chuckles in my mind. ~Well done, mouse.~

“Thanks,” I grumble and breathe in deep, keeping my instincts on hand. “Ready again.”

I sense him approach after he circles behind me. I turn and draw—he’s not there. He’s spun with me, matching my speed. I spin again and his foot knocks into the back of my legs—causing me to fall to my knees, my sword held above me—I swing it for him but he moves out of reach and shakes his head.

“You fall down, you’re done. You’re female—you don’t want further disadvantage you can’t come back from, you’re already a pipsqueak, always keep up, don’t be felled.” Hael is reasonable, but I feel offended for my height. I jump up and I sheath the sword.

“Can we have a break?”

“We just started,” Hael challenges me. “You won’t always be alert—it’s good to be quick even when tired. Once more.”

“Warriors train hours, all day to sundown,” Lochness calls out from his stump of sorrow and depression. “You give up after 120 seconds, rat?”

I turn to Lochness. “How about I practice offensive moves, you ugly rogue,” I growl out and reach for my sword, running for him with Slayer speed.

Lochness is slouched, completely unprepared. But, being a man, a Dragon, and inherently powerful, he springs up onto the stump, leaping over me and my sword swing.

He lands on the other side of me in the grass, while my sword crashes into the stump and flies out of my hand.

Nessy’s laughter is cruel and patronizing. I turn and now it’s me sitting on the stump, panting heavily. I am out of shape—and pregnant!

“Can you leave?” I snap at Lochness. “Hael is the only decent teacher—you’re just taunting me.”

“Threats are provocative, they’re not your ally,” Lochness counters. “Try again, I’ll close my eyes.” He closes his eyes, grinning to himself, his knife held casually at his side.

“I refuse.” I huff in annoyance. “You’re irritating me!”

“Leave us,” Hael suggests to Lochness. “You’re not helping.”

“Aw, poor little Slayer,” Lochness retorts. “Fine. I’ll check in later. Bye.”

For some reason, Lochness handing the blade to Hael and willingly walking off into the forest feels like an even bigger insult. He’s bored with me and thinks I’m worthless.

~Sweetie, you are worthless, but I’m no better—I’m not a good teacher in anything,~ Lochness admits to me. ~Hael will train you. He doesn’t need me.~

“No, wait! Lochness, come back!” I leap from the stump, calling out. “Just come back, I’m sorry I told you to go. Please?”

Hael watches me trying to be nice and he just waits to see if his brother will return, scratching his head and trying not to laugh.

I take a deep breath and let it out. ~Come back, Nessy,~ I plead. ~I want you.~

~Don’t pity me,~ Lochness’s snarl fills my mind. But then I see his mist flying through the air and his Dragon form appears in the clearing. He lays down, his wings relaxed, his green eyes half-closed. ~I’ll watch your training and not say anything. Happy, rat?~

I nod. ~Sounds good, Nessy, stay there.~

Lochness sneers, showing off his brilliant teeth, but he sees my cheeky smile and he snorts out a long, emerald flame that burns right up to me—the fire brushes my nose before fizzling out.

It tickles. I touch my face, feeling a warmth spread within me.

“Happy?” Hael asks me softly.

“Yes, Sir,” I nod.

“Good. I enter your castle, you’re a spoiled little princess,” Hael teases as he paces to the side, sounding playful. “I kill everyone you know—and I’m going to make you mine.” He winks at me when I blush, and he points to his neck and abdomen again. “Here and here. Don’t forget.” He wants me to focus, even if he’s being playful. I cover a shy smile with my hand, trying to hide my blush. I really like what he says.

Now I can’t stop thinking about him ~making~ me his. But I’m staring into his emerald gaze—he can read every thought.

I bite my lip and Hael pounces—he drops his blade to tackle me instead—but I react the same! I drop my sword so I can wrap my arms around his neck, pressing my lips to his, kissing him passionately.

He catches my legs, lifting me up, spinning me around, holding me above him. He buries his nose between my closed legs, against the slave dress—he inhales deeply, glaring up at me.

~He can watch me ravage you,~ Hael suggests.

I nod. “Oh, no,” I whisper faintly. “I belong to you now, beast.”

Hael drops me down and rips off my slave dress and the strap, backing me up to the nearest tree. I’m undressed so quickly that I can only lift up my hands, feeling my skin tingle in anticipation of his touch.

When my back hits the trunk, Hael mists out of his leather pants and stands before me, his hard cock pressing against my stomach.

I take it in my hands. “Do you want my mouth wrapped around your cock?” I ask, sultry—wanting to taste him.

Hael’s eyes sparkle. “No, you’re mine.” He reaches for my legs, lifting me up and pressing his body against my spread legs, holding me up against the tree as I slide down onto his hot shaft.

Hael thrusts into my pussy, gripping my wrists and forcing them above my head so he can watch my breasts bounce. “You’re still my slave—so we can fuck intermittently…” Hael can’t suppress a smug smirk as he pounds me so fast I can’t even think.

I wrap my legs around him and his gaze on my skin feels like a searing mark of appreciation.

~My pussy feels bruised,~ I whimper in his mind. ~But it feels so good.~

Hael holds both my wrists in one hand so he can grab my neck. “I knew you’d be a whore for me,” he whispers over me, just to see me get angry.

“Fuck you, beast,” I manage to say as he fucks me more ruthlessly, while I try to buck back against him—only to reach my orgasm even faster.

I explode with pleasure and I cum hard. I scream and Hael covers my mouth with his hand, silencing me.

“You have a beautiful pussy, it’s always wet for her Master,” Hael glares down into my eyes with an insatiable lust. “Good pet, ~that’s it~, milk me, take it.” I feel my pussy struggle to squeeze his shaft, trying to make him find his release. Always so difficult.

Hael keeps my mouth shut, as he grinds his hips closer, fucking me tight, pressing me back against the smooth trunk.

“Can I help?” Lochness asks as he mists beside us, leaning his arm on the trunk. “Or am I banned from this too?” He gives me puppy rogue eyes.

I smile under Hael’s hand. ~I love you too, Nessy, but you’re so needy, and ugly, a cry baby.~

Nessy scowls.

“If you fuck her,” Hael turns to his brother, “we won’t stop. Get back over there, we’re training.”

“Oh,” Nessy rolls his eyes. “Didn’t realize you were roleplaying an unwilling capture, mouse, and I interrupted. You clearly don’t need a savior, my apologies.”

He shakes his head as he mists and moves back to the other side of the field, growling loudly in frustration. I blush all over.

~I am not pretending that,~ I laugh and sound insecure all the while.

“Sure you aren’t, sweetheart,” Hael lets go of my jaw, but he doesn’t stop pressing me into the tree. His movements are slow and deliberate. “From now on, if you lose, you get pleasured until you climax. Then we start over.”

“That doesn’t exactly make me want to win the training rounds,” I murmur, feeling a familiar heat spreading through me as he fills me again and again, pushing me to my limits.

“So, what do you prefer, winning or making love?” Hael brings me to the brink, then pulls away, leaving me standing on shaky legs. He steps back, a smirk playing on his lips. “We’ll find out, won’t we, sweetheart?”

Typical Hael, leaving me hanging on the edge of ecstasy. Damn him and his manipulative ways.

~I need you to provoke me,~ I tell Nessy. ~I want to win. Otherwise, he’ll label me a harlot forever. Make me angry.~

~No,~ Lochness responds, clearly amused. ~I’m enjoying the spectacle.~

~Well, screw you,~ I retort.

~Fight to win,~ Lochness offers some encouragement. ~You can do it, Madeline.~

That is unexpected. My heart swells a little at his words, a rare and cherished affirmation.

I can do this.

And if I lose?

Well, it’s not really a loss.

“Let’s go, sweetheart.” Hael picks up his weapon again. “Leave the dress. Stay as you are.”

“Yes… ~Master~,” I mutter, moving to retrieve my sword. My thighs are slick, and I’m aching for more of Hael. “I’m at your mercy.”

“I’m well aware.” Hael’s voice is a low, sexy growl as he paces, his muscles taut and ready.

This is an unusual form of training.

I’m not sure if I want to win or lose more now.

But I ~will~ give it my all.

Brat mode.

Super brat mode.

~I will win,~ I tell myself. ~I will defeat the Dragon.~

I need some motivation. “If I win this round?” I call out. “We go ~back to the mountain~.”

Hael’s smile fades. “~You won’t win, brat~.”

“You’re afraid you’ll lose,” I taunt him, raising an eyebrow.

“If it motivates you to strike accurately and swiftly, then by all means.” Hael looks even more determined to put me in my place.

At least now I have something to fight for—a chance at freedom from that birthing chamber!

Here we go.

I get into position.

“I’m ready.”