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  “Stop,” he moaned and closed his hands around her shoulders. He used his weight to roll her onto her back. His thick erection drove into her, filling her completely, and held taut. His hunter’s gaze cut through her like a sword, his penis, the blade that marked her as his lover.

  He withdrew his thick length and nudged her clit, bumping the engorged bud with the slick tip. “Do you want me to tease you like you did me?”

  “No,” she gasped.

  He slammed his erection deep. Heat shot through her center like an arrow flying from her groin to her chest. He again paused. Her heart beat wildly, and her hands closed over his biceps.

  “This is how deep you should suck me into your mouth.” He eased out a bit and rammed back inside her harder. “When I’m in your sweet mouth again, you won’t play on the edge or tease me. You’ll fuck me like I’m going to fuck you.”

  Her gaze skipped away from the hot passion in his eyes to the cold stone ceiling. The sharp claws of fear suddenly gripped her heart. There wouldn’t be a next time. Only now, she had to return to her father in a few short hours. “I, uh, can’t promise.”

  A deep grunt escaped from his throat. He clutched and lifted her hips. Thrusting deeper, he started a pace that robbed her of her next breath. The emotions building in him flowed through her mind, body and senses. She shook her head, not only at the incredible sensations racing through her, but at the thoughts flashing through her head.

  “You can’t keep me out or deny the passion between us. Once you’ve shared your desires with another shape-shifter, there’s a mental link between us you can’t deny.” His words explained the feelings engulfing her senses.

  The swift beat of a heart, was it hers or his? Pressure built in her loins, and the stimulating sensation between her legs felt like something...

  On the edge of completion, her mind at the pinnacle of pleasure, a maelstrom of emotions suddenly crashed over her, spinning her out of control. Everything shattered. Screams bounced off the wall. Light shot through her skin. Energy pulsed through her muscles. Heat melted, blended, mixed the very fiber of her soul with his. She floated for a brief moment in heaven, perfectly joined to the very essence of his soul.

  The link broke.

  She gasped for air and sank back into her own body.

  His breath kissed her neck. A wayward hand brushed through her hair. His thick erection still lay nestled deep inside her.

  Her mind linked with Havyn only a moment ago, she’d resided in safe haven of his lust for a brief time. Now free, all the pains and heartaches of her life crashed down around her again. Faye Lynn forced herself to celebrate the fact that he wouldn’t become involved in her life.

  He’d never accept her true nature.

  Tears gathered in her eyes. She closed them and fought back the overwhelming sense of abandonment.

  Only her father knew of her ability to transform into a falcon. And he thought of her as inhuman, a savage to follow his command.

  Havyn wouldn’t be any different.

  She couldn’t let him claim her soul. Not if she still wanted to soar on the wind and know the freedom of the sky.

  It’d be better to just let him go.

  Chapter Four

  The warm light of dawn glowed through the window onto Havyn’s face. He woke slowly, not surprised by the cold chill in the air. His century old castle didn’t possess the modern conveniences of Ardenia.

  The reminder of his homeland forced his eyes open, and he quickly turned to the enticing smell of Faye Lynn.

  Gone.

  No need to glance around the room to confirm her absence because he couldn’t sense her presence. He smoothed his hand over the small indention where her body had rested on the soft cotton mattress. Her residual warmth caressed his hand and lit a desire in his loins.

  She couldn’t have left but a moment ago.

  Searching the room for a clue to her point of departure, he caught sight of the open window and took a deep breath. The rich scent of her transformation twisted the muscles in his gut. His hunger for her grew.

  He threw back the covers and jumped to his feet. Outside his window, he scanned the ground, the sky, the whole area for movement. He saw none. With her skill, she could be anything.

  His hands curled into fists. He couldn’t allow her to escape.

  He’d given one woman the freedom to leave his side and lost her forever to his enemies. That one decision changed the course of his life. By seeking revenge for her death, he’d forsaken his people and had paid the ultimate price of exile from Ardenia.

  A number of unanswered questions about Faye Lynn’s life and her circumstances whispered through Havyn’s thoughts. The mystery around her held more secrets than even she knew.

  Why didn’t she remember her youth? And why did the man traveling with her care so little about her? She claimed he was her father, but Havyn had serious doubts about the man.

  Who taught her how to transform? And what other forms did she like to take?

  The questions surrounding her reminded him of one of the biggest crimes in his people’s history. He couldn’t help but wonder if Faye Lynn might hold the answer to at least a part of the puzzle.

  And if he wanted answers, he’d have to find her.

  She’d mentioned meeting her father this morning, so she couldn’t be far away. The closest town held its weekly market today, a perfect place for her father to collect some extra money. Havyn didn’t think her father held a regular job. Not after he reviewed each detail she’d divulged about the man.

  “Ned!” he roared and turned from the window. Taking a few steps to the bureau, he opened a drawer and drew out his clothes.

  The bedroom door opened. Ned rushed into the room, the housekeeper on his heels.

  “Yes?” Ned drew to a stop. His chest out, his shoulders back, he stood in an erect military pose.

  “Here’s your breakfast, Captain.” Sadie followed Ned into the room and offered Havyn a tray. Her gaze swung around the room. Her bouffant hairstyle bobbed back and forth from side to side. “I made enough for two if your lady friend can join you.”

  He wondered about their unusually quick response and slipped on a clean pair of pants. “I’m going into town. Ready my carriage.”

  “Yes, sir.” Ned turned to follow Havyn’s orders.

  Sadie stood in Ned’s way. “But what happen of the young maiden?”

  “Never you mind,” Ned said in a gruff voice and took hold of his wife’s arm. Sadie shuffled her feet, but Ned hustled her out. “Captain Westmore is going into town.”

  ****

  “Don’t say another word.” Her father grumbled and rose to his feet. The repulsive smell of his breath almost made Faye Lynn gag.

  His slow movement spoke of a headache from too much spirits from the night before. He jerked her from her chair, and his knobby fingers bit into her arm, bruising her flesh.

  “No lollygagging. Go leave your clothes in the assigned spot and transform. We’re already late for the start of the market. The sportsmen will be in a hurry to be off on the hunt, and I require a healthy price for your skills to cover my debts from last night.” He shoved her to the tavern door, not allowing her a taste of the small biscuit he’d given her for breakfast.

  “But...” The angry glint in his eyes warned her not to bother arguing. She couldn’t win.

  Instead, Faye Lynn stepped through the swinging doors and walked outside. The sun blinded her with a bright glare. The joyous sound of laughter drew her forward, and her eyes slowly adjusted to the light. The sidewalks displayed men and women dressed in colorful festive clothes. They flowed in a steady stream to the large open area in the center of town.

  She wished for a moment to join them, to simply play, but Faye Lynn recalled the last time she’d defied her father and enjoyed a fair as a young maiden and cringed. The beating her father administered hadn’t been worth the treat. She turned in the opposite direction, heading for the small patch of trees on the edge o
f town.

  Once at the place her father told her to leave her clothes, she undressed and emptied her mind of all human thoughts. She closed her eyes, drew in the sweet fragrance of the trees, and tuned into their whispered groans. Her shoulders twitched, her form shrank in size. She spread her arms and flapped the wings that took their place. Her toes curled. Razor sharp talons gripped the ground. Her mass lightened, and her body soared into the air with one little hop.

  Free for a moment, she flew higher. The crystal blue heavens welcomed her. The wind’s gentle touch caressed her feathers. Her feet unattached to the ground, her depressed thoughts couldn’t weigh her down. She glided, surveying the ground, the road, the river that led to a soft green meadow.

  Havyn.

  His castle lay not far in that direction. She wondered how he’d reacted when waking to find her gone.

  The wind shifted. She tipped her wings and curved back toward town. Her father expected her to meet him.

  A short time later, she found him standing by a group of men. He raised his arm and signaled for her to land. She glided to the leather glove covering his forearm.

  “See, gentlemen, my bird can perform any task you wish her to.” Her father’s loud barker’s cry echoed through her head.

  A call rose above the group. “How much?”

  Her senses suddenly alert, Faye Lynn turned her head at the deep tone of the voice.

  “That depends on the job,” her father answered.

  The crowd around them parted. A familiar form stepped forward.

  “No, for the bird.”

  Her father’s arm twitched. Excitement raced through his blood at the possibility of duping the man. Faye Lynn shifted with unease. “And may I ask, sir, who you are?”

  Another man spoke up. “He’s the only reason you’re standing on this here piece of land. Captain Westmore saved our butts back in the civil dispute with the giants a number of years ago. Didn’t he, Tate?” The man shoved on his friend’s shoulder to get him to agree with his assessment.

  “Rightly so, those creatures stay away from us now. General Hubert deeded him the castle and a bit of land for helping us, too.” Tate shifted a wad of tobacco to the other side of his mouth and spit on the ground in front of her dad’s feet. “You best answer him.”

  The pulse running under her talons accelerated. Faye Lynn spread her wings to warn her father.

  He raised his other hand, a sign for her to behave. She closed her wings and settled back on his arm. Her gaze turned to Havyn.

  He didn’t look at her, but stared at her father with an unblinking glare.

  “Well, I...um, sure you know how valuable my bird is to me? I’ll demand a handsome price.” He started to bargain.

  Havyn cut him off. “How much?”

  Her father named a price that exceeded what they’d made in the last year from hunting fees. The crowd around them gasped in disbelief.

  “Done!” Havyn turned to the man who had followed him through the gathering. “Pay him, Ned.”

  The smile on her father’s face bloomed with victory. “And where should I deliver the bird?”

  Havyn stepped forward and took a leather strip from his pocket. “No need. I’ll take her now.”

  Black eyes met hers. She started to flee or run or fly. For a moment, she couldn’t remember what form her body possessed. Havyn’s fingers gripped her small bird leg and tied a restraining band around it.

  She lowered her head to nip at his hand, but a leather glove protected his skin. The bitter taste of sweat and capeskin filled her mouth. She squawked out her displeasure instead.

  “Easy, little one, I’m won’t hurt you.” He directed her foot onto his hand.

  “Oh, now sir, I must tell you. My bird doesn’t respond well to a gentle touch. She has ruined many a good deals by not staying with a new master. I can’t be held responsible if she gets away from you.” Her father mapped out the scam he planned to follow.

  “That won’t be a problem. She’ll not be flying outside for a while. I have special plans for her.” Havyn turned away.

  Faye Lynn shifted her head around to watch her dad.

  “Well, I’m only staying in town for a few more days myself.”

  The man with Havyn nudged her father. He turned and took the money for her with a smile. The crowd closed around him in a joyous surge, and Havyn carried her away.

  ****

  The fresh meat on the floor of the barn tempted Faye Lynn. The rich scent teased her taste buds. Her sharp talons tightened on the rafter. She would eat the rats crawling through the hay before she submitted to Havyn’s will.

  The man probably figured she’d be his servant now. After all, he’d bought her. The mistaken idea gained him nothing. She’d stay a bird forever if she had to and never reveal her true identity.

  The door below opened. The man with Havyn earlier strolled into the building. A large black falcon sat on his arm.

  Faye Lynn shifted on her perch, aware of the rich male scent of the other bird. His beautiful black feathers sparkled in the light poking through the shutters.

  “Keeh.” The abrasive note broke through the air. The large falcon spread his wings. He flew to the top rafter in the center of the barn, taking a place above her to exhibit his dominance.

  She turned her back to him to show him she had no interest in him what-so-ever. His wings span twice that of hers, he doubled her height and weight. She didn’t like being anywhere near the huge bird.

  The door to the barn opened and closed again. The man left.

  She stared at the juicy red meat still on the tin plate in the middle of the floor. Impatient for the other bird’s next move, she rocked her head slowly from side to side, waiting, waiting for the other falcon to swoop down and eat her dinner.

  “Why won’t you eat, Faye Lynn?”

  The sound of Havyn’s voice in her head startled her so much she lost her grip and fell forward. She kicked out her wings and glided to the wall between two abandoned stalls. Her heart pounding, she told herself he couldn’t be anywhere nearby. She must be imagining things.

  The other bird might squawk or send her his feelings of unease as a warning, but he couldn’t talk to her in a language she could understand.

  She glanced around nervously, trying to catch her breath. Havyn wasn’t here. He left her several hours ago after bringing her home from the market. He probably planned to leave her in the barn for a few days until her father left the area. Then he’d try to train her to be his pet. She’d gone through the routine before.

  “You’re not getting away.” His voice sounded in her head again.

  At the same time, the large black falcon swooped down and landed on the wall beside her.

  The shock of both Havyn’s voice and the bird knocked her off balance. She tumbled onto the hay in one of the stalls. She rolled and tried to right herself, but a large wing covered her chest and held her down.

  Transform Faye Lynn.

  His voice, his touch, the familiar scent of him, all hit her senses at once. She stared into his onyx eyes and shifted her shape. Her wings became arms. His beak softened into full lips. Black feathers turned to silky tufts of hair. Legs tangled. A rich scent filled the air. His chest crushed her breasts. The thick length of his sex found its home in her pussy.

  Transformation complete, Faye Lynn found herself lying on a bed of hay. Havyn’s weight covered her. His erection pumped heat through her system. She could smell him, taste him and hungered for him more than she ever longed for a man.

  He must be a wizard was her last coherent thought before her mind exploded into another realm. Her...him, they melted into one. Nothing made any sense. Yet, she never wanted to leave the haven she’d found.

  Chapter Five

  “How many forms can you take?” Havyn’s lips nibbled on the lobe of her ear.

  Faye Lynn’s mind returned slowly to reality. She surveyed the wooded stall around her, confused. “What?”

  He lifted his head.
“Other than a falcon, how many other species can you turn into?”

  She shoved at his chest with what strength she could muster. “I’m no witch. I can’t change into different animals at will.”

  “But you’re a shape-shifter like I am.” He smiled, like changing from one form to another gained a person great rewards.

  Afraid of his strange beliefs, she struggled harder to get away. If he possessed magic, he might cast some spell to secure her as his slave or turn her into a frog. “I’ve never heard of such a creature. A wizard laid this curse on me because my father opposed him. My father hates me because of my wicked ability to transform.”

  Havyn’s gaze darkened. His hands held her in place, not letting her budge. “That’s not true. You’re a shape-shifter, no spell has been cast. You shared my emotions when we made love. That’s only possible between two people of the same breeding. You can take any shape you desire.”

  “But I can’t turn into anything other than a falcon.”

  “Have you tried?”

  Could she really perform such a miracle? “No.”

  She’d always longed to be a wolf like the one she’d seen in the forest, strong, powerful, capable of killing anything or anyone that opposed her.

  “Who taught you to turn into a bird?” His hands stroked her shoulders and arms and caressed her mind into considering such a strange idea.

  She searched for an answer, but as far as she could remember she’d always possessed the ability. “I don’t know. I thought the wizard hexed me with the skill.”

  A strange look passed over Havyn’s face. His dark stare sent an icy bolt of fear down her spine. She shivered. He shifted his weight and slid his rod out of her pussy, leaving her with a sudden empty sensation in the pit of her stomach. He rolled to her side but kept a possessive hand on her ribs.