ARELYN AURORA

Their dessert came, giving her a little time to gather her thoughts. Lyn watched as he took a bite from his cheesecake and said, “The rest is yours. Don’t worry, I’ll help if it’s too much.”

That further distracted her from the question he asked. Eying the deliciousness before her, she said, “I couldn’t possibly eat all of this.” She took a piece of the brownie and tasted it. Her head bowed slightly; she moaned as she chewed the chocolate confection. She hadn’t tasted anything so good in so long.

Kayden had asked her a question but she lost it in the rapture of her enjoyment of the rich dessert until she realized he was staring at her. She sipped some water and cleared her throat, trying to recall the question.

Right, her society. “My village was mostly farmers. We grew fruits, vegetables, and herbs. We raised livestock and horses. It was one large communal farming area where everyone worked in whatever capacity they could, all contributing to the best of their ability to keep the village running smoothly. We traded our goods for textiles or services. Whatever one village cannot produce or make another could. In that respect, our region was one larger community made up of smaller villages. Each village elects their leaders, including myself, and we send delegates to the city to represent the interests of each village in the larger political area. Once a year I’d go to the city in person but otherwise I stayed home.

“We also have schools. The older children learn how to be a participating member of their village and sometimes go to other villages to live and learn there. Older adults, who cannot work in the farms but aren’t so old that they can’t work, will teach the children. The older children also take care of the elderly. Everyone is cared for by everyone in the village. We live in large communal homes with several generations under one roof or at least on the same piece of land.”

She ate some more of the brownie, making appreciative noises before she added, “One perk of being a leader is you get your own home with your immediate family but to be honest I missed living with my kin.” She didn’t know what else to add so she asked him, “Is there anything else you’d like to know about, Kayden?”

“No.” She watched as he shifted in his chair, uncertain if she’d made him uncomfortable somehow. “Not right now. I’m sorry you lost your family, though. I’ve never had one. Not really.”

Lyn frowned at that. He’d mentioned his brother and Kieran had introduced himself as such. “Kieran said he was your brother. Was he lying?”

“He wasn’t.” He looked away. “But being blood doesn’t mean you’re family.”

She saw something like guilt in his movements and she remembered what Kieran had said about their relationship being complicated.

“I also have other siblings,” he said, “but no one close to me.”

Her voice was soft when she said, “That’s sad. Family means everything…” She shook her head. There was nothing she could do about it and she’d survived somehow for a reason.

She watched as a change came over Kayden. Gone was the melancholy look from a few seconds ago.

“You look attractive in your new clothes.” He smirked and lit another cigarette. “Which one did you pick? The blue, the red, or the black lace?”

She laughed considering, for just a moment, telling him to find out for himself but she couldn’t do that. She wasn’t ready to be the one he “fucked” as he so colorfully put it.

“I should let you get to the other activities you had planned for this evening. I like you Kayden but I won’t just hop into bed with you.” She kept her voice low so others wouldn’t hear. “When I choose to sleep with a man I need it to be more than because he’s made me feel like I’m still attractive and desirable.”

Kayden raised his eyebrow and blew out some smoke. “I asked the color of your underwear, not to jump into my bed. You’re attractive and desirable, but way too complicated.” He took another puff of his cigarette. “And I’m quite comfortable right now.”

“Here I thought there was more to your question. Shows what I know.”

“You know, hook-ups are fun. No strings attached, no stupid feelings involved. Just a fun time.”

“I don’t feel comfortable with that right now Kayden but if you must know, I chose the blue one.”

Kayden smiled, giving her a cocky grin. “Oh, there was more to my question.” He winked. “I’m a persistent man, Lyn. I can wait if I must.”

Lyn settled back down trying not to laugh at his antics. To distract herself she bit into her cake. Moaning, she said, “You need to help me finish this, it’s too good to waste.”

Without thinking about it, she speared a piece of cake and pointed the fork towards Kayden. Staring into his eyes.

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He put out his cigarette and leaned closer, keeping eye contact. A shiver ran down her body at the intimacy of it but she kept the fork steady as he bit into the confection.

“It is really good.” Kayden leaned back. “But you don’t have to feed me.”

Lyn felt her pulse race. That was way too sensual for her own good. “I don’t know what I was thinking.” She reached for her wine but stopped. Maybe she’d had too much for one night? Uncertain about what to do with herself, Lyn leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment. Definitely too much wine.

“You were thinking that I’m a freaking handsome man with the perfect body and you want to see it from up close.” Kayden grinned and pulled the rest of the cake closer to eat it.

Unable to stop herself this time, she laughed. He wasn’t completely wrong but she wouldn’t tell him that. “I’ve enjoyed this evening but I think I need to go back to the hotel. If you wish to stay, I can make my way back.”

“I’ll escort you back.” Kayden pulled out his wallet and put some money on the table. “After you.”

She took his arm again and they began walking back to the hotel room. The last rays of sun dipped below the horizon and lights along the street flickered on. Lyn wondered if someone pressed enchanted buttons somewhere to make them work too.

Lyn was about to ask Kayden how they worked when she felt the muscles of the arm she was holding tense. From the shadow of the alley ahead, a humanoid creature emerged. Its skin looked like leather, stretched so tight over its bony frame that she could see the play of its muscles as it moved toward them, clawed hands extended, with a speed and grace she wouldn’t expect.

She looked back and another creature that looked similar but wasn’t the same, was moving toward them from behind. Demons. Her hand tightened slightly on his arm as fear took over. “Kayden?”

“The woman is mine,” the one from behind hissed out in an oddly sounding voice.

Anger replaced fear as Lyn let go of Kayden and turned toward the creature. She gathered water to her, prepared to defend herself.

She caught sight of Kayden’s movements, controlled and calm, calmer than she felt, as he shot a series of grape size fireballs, then pulled Lyn behind him and he turned sideways to see both demons.

“Don’t move,” he said, only a hint of tension in his voice.

The demons stalked closer and caught sight of fire ringing his fists. For now, he was motionless, but his body was tense, ready to fight.

Lyn was ready to act when Kayden did, her water close to the surface as she prepared to freeze it and send ice shards at the demons.

Then Kayden’s guards rushed from the hotel, and he wrapped an arm around Lyn, escorting her inside.

Lyn moved with him, going where he directed and gave no resistance as he escorted her up the stairs and to her room. At her door, she turned to him. “Thank you, Kayden, for everything.” She pulled her key out but her hands shook so she didn’t move to open the door yet. Lyn looked up at him, not sure what else to say or what to do. The rush of excitement was dying down and she felt cold.

Kayden looked between his door and Lyn’s. “Would you like some company and a glass of whiskey?” He lifted his hands. “I won’t try to charm you into bed.”

She gave a relieved sigh. “Yes, please. I… I’m a little more rattled than I’d like to be.”

Lyn still felt shaken when he returned with the whiskey and when she couldn’t get the key to go into the lock on her own, Kayden gently took it from her. He opened the door and she stepped through first, holding herself together better than she thought possible. Kayden sat and poured her a glass of whiskey.

She sat heavily at the table and liftend the glass to her lips, taking a sip. The liquid burned going down but with the burn her nerves steadied. Another sip and a million questions flashed through her mind, letting her know she was feeling steadier.

“I’m glad you were with me. Would my elemental magic work on those creatures?”

“Yes and no.” He took a sip of his drink. “You can choke them, or stab them with ice, if you can freeze water. But you aren’t combat trained and demons are faster and stronger than humans. They’re more civilized closer to the heart of the country.” He tilted his head, concern showing in his eyes. “Are you alright?”

Lyn nodded as he spoke and his question had her looking up. “I am, or will be. I just…” She paused and took a steadying breath. “I’ve never seen anything like them before and, like you said, I’m not trained. I can freeze water and logically I know it can be used as a weapon but I’ve never used it to hurt someone.” Did demons count as someone? Lyn wondered. They were sentient but they wanted to… she shuddered and rubbed at her chest where her heart was.

Kayden nodded and finished his drink. “Demons are nasty.”

She finished her whiskey and looked at Kayden. “I’m fine, I really am, Kayden. They didn’t get a chance to touch me. Thank you. I…,” Lyn gave him a small smile and, with a bit of forced amusement, she said, “I’ll be okay now if you want to… finish your evening the way you’d planned.”

“You’re safe here, Lyn.” He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Good night.”

His caress on her hand gave her the comfort she needed. Lyn watched as he closed the door behind him and walked over to make sure that it was locked. Pressing her forehead against the door, she took a few deep steadying breaths before turning back to the empty room.

Her next few movements were automatic: removing her clothes, putting on a sleeping gown, and brushing her hair. She didn’t let any thoughts or emotions penetrate for those few moments.

It wasn’t until she climbed into bed that she let her mind run freely again. He didn’t push himself on her, even though she was vulnerable. Not tonight and not that night at the oasis. He’d given her his beloved horse to ride and treated her with respect and care.

His crude words got her hackles up but nothing he’d said was cruel. Kayden was a man of his word. Tears pricked at her eyes unexpectedly, and she turned her face into the pillow as she sobbed.

Lyn let herself cry, not for her current situation, but for all the times in the past she couldn’t let her emotions out. All the feelings she’d buried deep down to survive. She let them out in a cleansing cry that left her feeling lighter when she quieted.

As Lyn drifted off to sleep, her thoughts turned to Kayden again. His handsome face, the kind eyes he kept hidden behind his brooding scowl. The gentleness of his reassuring touch tonight. Without conscious thought, her heart melted a little towards the caring yet arrogant man who’d save her from certain death. Twice.