Chapter 31

Rowan, blinked her eyes a few times, trying to get them to open against the sluggishness she felt. They felt like rusty steel shutters. Her brain cells rushing around her mind trying to wake her up. What happened? Where was Xavier? Why did she feel like she was trudging through tar?

She sat bolt upright in bed. Jesus, Xavier. They were beating three shades of shit out of him.

Although she was up, she couldn’t move anything. Her arms flopped at her sides; her head felt like an elephant was sitting on it, her neck straining to keep it upright.  Her eye lids wanted to close again. For fuck sake, what had they drugged her with?

The only thing working was her brain, and it was going into meltdown right now.

Fear so profound, so intense she wanted to scream. Xavier’s life force was so slight, so dull that she could feel it slipping from her.  

She had to move, she just had to. Xavier needed her and now, not later. There wouldn’t be a later unless she got her god damn muscles going.

She focused on her toes, concentrated on trying to get them to wiggle against the tar that held her unmoving. Nothing.

 Come on Rowan he needs you, you have to get up.

Heat built inside her, turning the tar molten as if flowed through her, allowing her to move. Her toes wiggled first then her legs, until she was able to get out of bed.

She still felt slightly sluggish as she stumbled across the room. Her legs still feeling like lead weights attached to her hips. How was she going to help anyone like this?

She groaned out loud. Completely frustrated with herself. Xavier had saved her how many times, and here she was unable to get dressed. “Argg.”

A light buzzed around her head before landing on her shoulder. HUH!

“Majesty, I can help if you’ll let me?” Rowan couldn’t see anything, only hear it. What was going on here? Wasn’t her life bizarre enough, without hearing things too. She didn’t have time for a meltdown now and ignored the voice.

Hoping up and down she tried to get the see though trousers on. For god’s sake, she groaned, sick of these clothes. In the week she had been here, she hadn’t managed to find any, and her parents refused to let her out of their sight.

“It's to dangerous for you to go to earth right now.” he father had said.

“We will send someone to get information on this friend of yours, but you are not going.” He had also said.

She let out her breath, I'm so sick of being treated like a child, it's time everyone learned I'm not some fragile creature.

“Please Majesty, let me help you.” The squeaky voice said again.

Rowan stopped hoping and fell on her arse. Very un-majesty like.

“Ahhh,” she screeched, her legs in the air, one in the trousers the other not. You can't even get dressed, you’re a fucking joke, and you’re letting Xavier die.

The light had buzzed from her as she fell and was hovering in front of her.

“Majesty, are you hurt?”

Rowan ignored the thing, it was probably due to her tar like state and her sub consciousness trying to get her to keep going. Yep that all it was. She told herself.

“I know you don't believe in me Majesty, but I believe in you, I'm here to give you what’s yours.” The voice said “My name is Bellaneeze.” She said transforming into a beautiful woman, too beautiful to be real.

Rowan rubbed her face, and blinked her eyes against the light emanating from the woman. Oh why not, everything was so fucked up, why not have Fairies popping in on me? she thought as the light faded to a baby blue. The porcelain features of Bellaneeze where perfect, symmetrical, not a flaw anywhere. Rowan felt like a dog dinner next to her, but everything in her wanted to touch Bellaneeze. Stroke her skin and.....

She shook her head, to stop from imagining making love to this woman, feeling her skin to skin. Was she a lesbian now? “Oh god” she said.

“No My dear, you’re not anything of the sort. This is why we don't show ourselves. You are attracted to us, it's not your fault.” Bellaneeze smiled and her whole face lit up.

Rowan felt the urge to drink from her, wanted to be close to her, have Bellaneeze’s arms around her. “Argg. Turn back, turn back. I can't deal with this as well as everything else. I'm going to bit you if you don't turn now.” She ground out between clenched teeth, holding her hand over her mouth.

“It what you need to do Majesty.”

“NO.” She shouted. “Please, I don't want this. Turn back, I beg you.”

“Majesty, I am yours, what I have is yours. You must take it.” Bellaneeze stepped closer, exposing her neck .

Rowan felt the air shift as bellaneeze encroached on her personal space, warmth enveloped her and she melted into it. Bellaneeze kneeled down and took her head in her hands.

“This will show you your powers and how to use them, without me your will flounder and make mistakes. You have a bright future Rowan, but only if you can control yourself and only if you learn what it is you are here for.”

Rowan stared into the violet eyes of Belaneeze and she saw things, things that made no sense. She closed her eyes and sank her teeth into her neck. As soon as the blood hit her she wanted to pull away, not because she didn’t want the blood, it was sweeter than anything she had ever tasted, No it was what came with it that she didn’t want. A rush of power far greater than anything she had felt so far. Bella held her head tight to her, stopping her from pulling away. Rowan graoned into her neck but continued to drink.

Bella pulled her neck from Rowan and stumbled back, before falling to the floor, her hand over her neck.

Rowan flew to her and lifted her head onto her knees. Stroking her face she thanked her for the gift. Even though she wasn’t sure she needed any more power, she barley understood the ones she already had.

“I will be fine in a minute, don't be scared Majesty.”

“Why do call me that?”

“Not now Majesty, you have somewhere else to be. Leave me now.”

“Will you be here when I get back?” She asked laying her head on the floor. How had she forgotten about Xavier.

“No, but I will return.”

“How do I control what you have given me?” Rowan panicked, she had already almost killed herself once, she didn’t want to overdo it.

“You will know when you need to know, it is ingrained in you, don't fear.”

Rowan stood up, looked down at herself and sighed. If only she had her jeans, trainers and her favourite sweater, she would feel more like her old self instead of this scared person.

She gasped as her clothes appeared, the very ones she had wished for. Good god. That was cool. She wished for her outfit to be black and it changed. Very cool.

Ok Rowan you can play with this later, you need to get to Xaveir. She searched for his life force, it was barely there but she found it and moved towards it.

Guards stepped out as she left her room.

“Princess, you should not be up. I'm afraid we are under orders to keep you in your room.”

Rowan froze, then stepped forward. Her hands itched. She held the up and the guards flew to the walls. WOW.

She walked passed them and focused again on Xavier, she heard the guards drop the floor with curses before their footsteps came towards her.

“Come any closer and you won’t be getting p again.” she said, without turning to look at them. She felt strong, invincible and nothing would stop her from getting to Xavier.

I'm coming baby, just hold on. She projected to him, hoping it would give him something to fight for until she got there, also hoping it would work, she had never done anything like that but it seemed like it would work, somehow she knew she could communicate with him.

As she approached the Dungeon, she felt a tiny prickle of fear. She held her hand to open the door, it shook slightly before it disintegrated.

What she saw turned her stomach. She held her hand over her mouth to stop from screaming. Dear god what had they done to him? Was it even him?

She stepped closer to identify the body. The smell of rotting flesh invaded her nose, bile rose up her throat, chocking her.

She couldn’t tell who it was, the body was hanging with his back to her and she couldn’t find anywhere to touch to turn it round. No skin was left on it, just a mass of bloody muscles, bone protruding in places. It was so grotesque that she didn’t want to touch it.

With a shaking hand she reached up and tied to undo the chains. The body gasped. Please. Please don't let it be Xavier. She groaned.

But she knew deep within her that it was. They had stripped all his skin. Her stomach turned again. She dashed from the room, braced her hand against the wall and threw up. Tears blinding her. What had they done? She could kill them all for this. Wiping her mouth she went back, determined to get him down.  

Again she reached for the chains and this time managed to unhook them. Xavier groaned, as his body fell into her arms. She held him up but knew it was killing him to be touched.

“I’ve got you babe.” She whispered.

“Rowan?” His voice cracked.

“Yes, it's me baby. Don't talk. Just rest, your safe now.”

“No...., Ro..., lea..ve m..e.” He pleaded, between gasps.

“Hell no. You’re not dying down here. Do you hear me? You’re not dying period.” She cried. And lifted his enormous body into her arms. How she had no idea, but she did it and woe betide anyone that got in her way, as she carried him back to her room. She needed to get him someplace clean, sanitary.

“S..t..o..r..m." He rasped.

Chapter 30

The whip sliced through the air, and layed open shards of flesh with sickening ease

 Laying open shards of flesh with sickening ease. Gritting his teeth against the pain threatening to knock him out, he held himself up on the chains that were still trying to tear his hands off.

The whip sliced again and again, each time stripping him of more skin. Thankfully it was only opening his chest up, the grotesque man had yet to venture higher or lower.

Good god, why had he thought that, it was like he had wished it into reality, as the whip lashed his thighs. He tightened his hold on the chains as the whip came at him again.

“You wont be able to rape anyone else now.” the voice boomed as he fought against blacking out.

“Stop.” Shae’s voice sounded shrill.

Xavier tried to open his eyes to see her, he needed to be reminded of Rowan, it would get him through this. He managed to open one eye a little, as they had started to swell from the earlier beating he must have received while unconscious, lousy cowards. 

“Majesty. You shouldn’t be down here.”

“You do not tell me where I should and shouldn’t be, Dex.” She clipped.

“Yes Majesty. I meant no disrespect, only that it is no place for a lady’s sensitivity.” He bowed.

“What has he said?” she asked.

“Nothing Majesty.”

“I am fucking here you know.” Xavier grunted. “I want you to let me out of these fucking chains NOW Shae, or so help me....”

“You’ll what Xavier? What is left for you to do? You already raped my daughter, almost killed my husband, what else can you possibly do to me?”

Xavier stiffened his body against the pain and tried to remain focused. He needed his wits about him now, didnt need the pain trying to take him into unconsciousness.

“I haven’t done anything. So good luck proving this to the council, they will have you up on charges of abduction and torture. You already got away with doing this to my dad Shae, and were proved wrong. Who do you think they will side with this time?” Xavier managed to say against the pain in his arms, they wouldn’t hold up much longer though, he had to get down from here.

Shae paced in front of him, her anger so think it made it hard for him to breathe.

“Get him down Dex.” Shae ordered.

“Majesty?”

“Now I said. I won’t tell you again Dex.” Shae shouted.

Xavier felt the chains being rattled and he held the groan in, as the pain intensified. He couldn’t show weakness, not now. He had Shae on the retreat and he had to keep her there or she would chain him again.

“I'm glad you saw sense.” He said to her as he struggled to keep himself upright on his legs. They were so fucking shaky and tiered that it took every effort just to stand still.

“If I had any sense I would have killed you already. You are down because I want answers. Nothing more, and if you don't give me what I want, then you’ll wish you were still chained.” She said.

“What is it you think I know?” God his whole body hurt so damn much. He shuffled as best he could to the seat he saw, at least he thought it was a seat, hoped it was one. Thank god it was. He eased his painful six foot three frame into that small piece of paradise, and held in the groan as his weight was taken off his legs. Straightening up he looked at Shae.

“Well?” he asked.

“I want to know about these shifters, how many do you have and why?” she asked, still pacing.

“Sit down Shae your making me dizzy.”

“This is not a social call Xavier, now answer me.”

“I don't have any. They are ruled by Darkess, I rescued this one. And as we are on this topic. Why is she chained and what happened to her?”

“She tried to kill My husband, on your orders.”

“What!” He said shooting to his feet, the pain helping him to focus now. this was ridicules, Storm was impulsive but she really was harmless unless ... “You are mistaken.” He said.

“Really! So why do I have three dead guards and my husband fighting for his life?”

He said slumping back into the chair. He had only asked her to keep him busy. Oh God he should never have left her alone. It was irresponsible of him to leave her here to face the mess that he had created.

“Let her go Shae, it's not her fault. Your guards must have attacked her.” He said trying to look at her. He couldn’t let Storm die, not for trying to protect him or herself. And he couldn’t leave Rowan alone, she was carrying his child.

“You take full responsibility? She asked.

“For what?”

“For her actions. She has killed and has torn Alexions arm off.”

“You want her to die for protecting herself, Shae. She is barely old enough to tie her own shoes, she is a child. You must have cornered her.”

Shae laughed.

“Sure she is, look at her, she is a fully grown woman.”

“I know she looks it but have you talked to her?”

“NO.”

“You should before you pass judgment on her. As I said, your guards must have attacked or threatened her. She is a sweet girl Shae, my mother had adopted her and our whole kingdom knows it, so be very careful what you do here. ”

“You will both stand trial for this, we have witnesses to this atrocity Xavier, you will not get away with what you have done. I'm just glad that you didn’t succeed. What where you planning to do? Kill Alexion and marry Rowan to gain this Kingdom?”

“How is Rowan?” He asked, hoping Shae would tell him but not holding out much hope at this point.

“Much better now that you don't have her.”

“Please Shae, tell me how she is.”

“What is it to you? You plan has failed and you’re going to die, she will not save you.”

Xavier lost control of himself, he couldn’t stand not knowing how she was. How his child was.

“She is carrying my child, tell me how she is.” He shouted.

Shae gasped and slapped him.

“You disgusting bastard, how could you do this? She is a child herself, and you thought to use her like this. Well she won’t keep it.”

“I love her, and I guarantee she will keep it, even if you kill me.”

“Over my dead body, she is not carrying the bastard of a rapist; I won’t subject her to that.”

“Shae you’re not thinking straight, we love each other, please don't do this.”

“You left her here and you expect me to believe that you love her, Ha, you only love yourself Xavier. This conversation is over. Dex, String him up and whip him until he passes out, then wake him and continue until he has no skin left. But make sure he is conscious the whole time, I want him to pay for hurting Rowan.”

“NO... Shae, ask her, ask Rowan if she loves me.”

“Why? I already know she does. But it's not going to save you, you are through using her.”

“NO.” Xavier shouted, it was all he could do at this point, he had nothing to fight with, no energy left. He was going to die in this stinking black hole, and Shae would tell Rowan that he had done this all on the purpose of getting her kingdom.

Please don't believe them baby. I love you, he thought as he was chained facing the wall this time. He closed his eyes and focused on Rowans sweet face, her laugh, her softness. As the whip whistled towards him. Again and again, he was struck, as he focused everything he had on Rowan. After a few times of passing out and having water jerk him awake, it didn’t hurt anymore, he could hear the whip coming but the pain had gone. He felt himself smile, as he remembered everything about his soul mate. If he was going to die then she would be the last thing he remembered, they couldn’t take that from him.

“I Love you baby, don't ever forget that please.” He rasped, placing his forehead against the wall, before the world went black.

Chapter 29

Rowan Knelt in front of Xavier and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her heart hammering and tears blinding her. She hadn’t thought he would do this, hadn’t even thought of it herself. It was so out of the blue that she was taken aback slightly and couldn’t answer him straight away. Thought she might have even been hearing things if she was honest. Had he really just asked her to marry him?

“Is this a yes?” Xavier asked, holding her waist.

“Yes.” She said before kissing him.

Her wings came out and wrapped around them. Their clothes disintegrated as the earth dropped away from them. Xavier held her like she was the most precious thing in the world to him and she loved it, loved him. Her heart felt like it was going to explode. Her head fell back and she laughed with pure joy.

“I love you so much Rowan.” He said against her neck, his lips leaving butterfly kisses between words.

She wrapped her legs around him, and he wasted no time in cupping her bottom and entering her.   They groaned in unison, they were one.

She brought her lips to his, tongues danced in time with their bodies. His strokes where slow, long, languid as he drove incredibly deep and pulled almost all the way out. She wanted to be closer still couldn’t get enough of him. He drove them higher as he held her hard against him, buried completely and moved his his in a circle, igniting another sensation within her, drawing her higher before wrapped his arm around her waist and stilling his movements. She was so desperate for him to move, she almost cried out from the pain of it, instead broke the kiss and bit his bottom lip drawing blood, his blood seeped into her, driving her almost mindless with need. He groaned into her mouth and thrust one finger into her bottom, as he moved his hips against her throbbing core, the tiniest of movements that she felt in every nerve she possessed. The pressure of his finger causing her to cling to him, as her whole body vibrated with pulsating need.

His groan almost succeeding in tipping her over the edge, she was approaching. Her body started to shake uncontrollably as he brought her to new heights. The unusual feeling of his finger, the slight movement of his hips grinding and his kisses filled with blood, she had never felt anything like it. It was the most sensual feeling she could imagine. She felt completely possessed by him, and wouldn’t have it any other way.

It was only after the mind blowing orgasm she noticed they were no longer on solid ground. They were floating in midair. Her entire body tingled.

“Oh My God” she said. Looking down before resting her head against his chest.

“Hmmm.” He groaned, dropping a kiss on her forehead before resting his chin on her head.

“Um Xavier. Do you think you could put us down now?”

“This is all you baby, I don't have that power.” He said kissing her again. “I don't know what you did, but that was the most incredible sensation I’ve ever had.”He kissed her nose before looking into her eyes. “Any idea how we get down.”

 “Not a friging clue.” She said, noticing blood dripping down his chin. She licked it from him, “You taste so good.” She groaned, as his blood coated her tongue igniting her desire again.

“If you keep that up, we’ll never get down.” His eyes sparkled at her, as he tightened his hold on her, showing her exactly what he meant.

“mmm” she groaned, feeling his erection growing inside her again. “What else are you going to show me?”

Before he had time to answer her, her teeth came down and she sank them into his neck, drinking him in, as he drove them into oblivion. Sparks flew, lights danced, air swirling as he sank his teeth into her and they truly became one. They experienced the same feelings the same sensations and their bodies reached orgasm together. She felt herself leave her body, as their souls intertwined, taking this to a whole new level of love, the sensations that she felt had no words to describe it.

When she came back to herself they were lying on the floor, their bodies as tangled as their souls had been. Her head  resting on his chest as he drew lazy circles on her back. Both of their breathing was ragged, she smiled. That was the most amazing thing she had ever felt and she wondered if it would ever be as good again or if that was it. If it was she wouldn’t complain because she sure didn’t think that was normal, not everyone got to feel what she had.

“You passed out baby. Are you ok?” he asked, a slight hint of worry in his voice.

“Never better, but I don't think I can move.” She giggled; feeling like her whole body was a mass of wobbly jelly, completely boneless.

“you don't need to baby, not for what I have planned for you..” He said rolling her over and kissing her again.

Her legs wrapped around his waist. She grabbed him as his kisses grew in intensity. He was insatiable and she shivered, loving every minute of it. His weight kept her grounded as his hips lay against her.

“I can't believe you can go again?” she giggled, when he let her breathe. Raining kisses over her cheeks.

“I never got to sample the rest of you, Princess. I can't have any part of you feeling neglected, now can I?” he said between kisses.

“Hmmm,” was all she could say. She had no idea how he found the energy to move because she couldn’t, even if her life depended on it. She was barely able to focus anymore, as he rained kissed all over her. Making her already sensitive skin scream for his attention. He moved down het body, kissing and licking every inch of her, branding her as his. Every inch of her loved this Prince, her Prince. He was going to be hers forever. She felt her lips curve up. Xavier was stroking her stomach with his finger tips, but it was when he dragged them to her side that she jerked and giggled.

“You’re ticklish?” he laughed with her, doing the same again to the other side. Causing her to erupt in full laughter. “I love the sound of you laugh.” He growled crawling up her body to kiss her again.

“Don't you have something to tell me baby?” He asked, looking into her eyes with such love in his gaze, that she felt her heart flip and her breath catch.

He stroked her hair from her face and kissed her nose.

She couldn’t speak, wasn’t able to think past the look he’d given her. The look that had melted her heart, If she hadn’t been sure how much she meant to him, it was evident in that look.

“Not sure what I'm asking you, are you baby. It's probably too soon for you to know.” He said brushing his lips over hers, a whisper of breath caressing her.

“There they are.” A booming voice broke into her foggy brain.

“Jesus, He’s raping our Princess, get him off her and beat him, but don't kill him.” The voice boomed again.

Xavier’s eyes captured hers, they flare bright red, he was angry, his body tensed protectively over hers, before he collapsed on top of her, his weight pressing her into the floor.

Air rushed around her, cold and not just in temperature. Xavier was being dragged away, he didn’t fight it. Why wasn’t he fighting it. On his knees, his head hung down, flopping as he was held up by his arms.

She didn’t have any energy left, nothing to stop these men with. She could barely move her head to watch them.

“Cover her up and get her home.” The voice boomed again, she wasn’t sure she recognised the voice. He brain was completely scrambled; all she wanted to do was curl up beside Xavier and sleep in his arms.

“Please.” She managed to say.

“Don't worry Princess, we have you, you’re safe now.”

She felt the warmth wrap around her as she was picked up and carried. Xavier was being brutally beaten, his face was bleeding profusely and spectacular welts were appearing over his chest. His head still flopping uncontrollably every time they struck him.

She gasped before everything went white.

*

“Oh my goodness, what happened to her? Yes yes, put her in the bed, I will have the medicians attend her.” Shae said.

“No.” She rasped. “Xavier.”

“Don't worry about him my dear, he will be dealt with.” Shae voice was hard and harsh to her ears.

“Please, mother.” Good god, why couldn’t she speak, why wouldn’t her brain focus and put together a blood sentence that made sense. Xavier was in trouble, he needed help.

“Don't you worry about anything Ro, just rest, you’ve been hurt.” Shae said stroking her face.

“I'm ok.”

“I'm afraid you’re not baby, but you will be, I’ll make sure of it.” Shea started crying.

“Whats wro.”

“I need to leave you for a while baby, and check on your father, but I’ll be back soon ok, you just rest honey.”

What was going on. Why was her mother checking on her father? Why wasn’t her father here for her? Nothing made any sense. The medicians came in and injected her with something, she fought the blackness but it kept creeping in, the edges of her vision going grey, she was going to pass out. Shit.

*

Xavier came awake, as water hit him in the face. He gritted his teeth against the sting it created. He tried to move but was chained to a wall by his wrists; his feet dangling off the ground.

Shit, what had happened? Had Rowan done this, was she paying him back for leaving her?

No, it couldn’t be, he had felt her love for him, there was no malice in her. So why was he chained.

His wrist protested against the weight they were holding up. Pain shot down his arms as he pulled himself up, but wouldn’t be able to hold it for too long. He needed to get out of this before his wrists were separated from his arms.

“You are a disgusting bastard, I'm going to enjoy teaching you a lesson.”

Xavier focused on the guy standing in front of him. A huge grossly disfigured man with a whip was standing with a grin on his face.

“Where am I? And why am I chained?” He asked, his voice horse, his body weak from the earlier love making with Rowan.  “Do you know who I am?”

“Oh, I know who you are.” The guy spat at him. “And it wont save you, not after what you have done.”

“What have I done to deserve this?”

“Treason and rape. You’re lucky the Queen wants you alive just now. I don't think you should be allowed to breathe.”

Xavier froze, rape! He hadn’t raped anyone. And treason, what the fuck did that mean?”

“You have the wrong man. Let me down now and you may live to see tomorrow.” He ground out between clenched teeth as he felt his wrists tear open more.

“Not bloody likely, we have you accomplice and we caught you red handed defiling the Princess. You’re going to die, and die very painfully.” The guy laughed.

 Xavier looked around, Storm was chained to the wall not far from him. Her head hung forward, as she dangled by her wrists as well.

What the hell had happened?

Chapter 28

Xavier vanished.

Rowan looked around and panicked. Had she done that? She want sure, she hadn’t been thinking straight there for a minute. She was still standing in a strange room. Rather like someone living room, yet it was eerily quiet and devoid of anything homey. She had no idea where she was other than a room with white walls and some furniture that didn’t look at all comfortable.

What if she really had incinerated him? Surly she would know if she had. She would feel it. Wouldn’t she? She loved him, she would know if he no longer existed. She didn’t feel sad, so she deduced that she hadn’t incinerated him, well that and there wasn’t any dust where he had been. Surly if she had done what she had thought then there would some evidence of him having been there. Maybe just sent him packing with his tail between his legs.... Oh god what if she’d given him a tail? She laughed out loud; it would serve him right for not trusting her.

How could he think that she wanted to have anything to do with that slimy sod? His words rand in her head as she looked around. He had put her through hell on a stupid misunderstanding, hadn’t trusted in her love for him.

He’s a man Rowan, she told herself, they never see the whole picture.

Should she forgive his mistake? He hadn’t even bothered to confront her, he just took off and left her to wonder what she had done. Was this the kind of man she wanted to be with?

Hell yes. With a few adjustments maybe. Like, he needed to trust her and not run from her anymore. He needed to be more communicative. Now that’s asking for the impossible.

Then she saw it.

A small blue, velvet box. Where had that come from? Picking it up she played with it, noticing it's softness, before opening it up.

Inside was a blood red ruby, in a tear shape. It was exquisite. She touched the ruby and it flared to life, glowing, the glow intensified before flashing. Causing her to drop the box.

She bent down to pick it up, but the ring had gone. It must have fallen out when she dropped it, so going down onto her hands and knees she searched for it.

It was only then that she noticed her finger. The ring was on it.

Holy cow. How had it gotten there?

She tried to pull it off but it wouldn’t budge. She stuck the finger in her mouth and sucked on it, but it still remained firmly attached to her.

She sat back on her heals. Whoever owned this ring was going to have to cut her finger off to get it back and judging at how expensive it looked, they probably would. She burst out laughing, she couldn’t help it. Her life seemed to go from one trauma to the next lately, and she wondered what the next thing would be.

*

“What were you thinking?” Xavier asked.

“That you were about to become shish- kebab, if I didn’t pull you out.” Daniel said.

“She wouldn’t have.”                      

“Oh believe me, she was going to.” Daniel said holding up his hands. “But, she has control back now, so I will take you back, if you wish.”

“Of course I want to go back. I need her, there’s no point in staying alive if she won’t forgive me.”

“Dear god, you humans are emotional. What is it that makes you feel so fully, that you would rather be dead than live without her?”

“I can't explain it, so I'm not even going to try. Just take me back, she’s probably scared witless.”

“You underestimate her Xavier. It's a bad habit to get into.”

“No. I don't, I just want to take care of her. I will never underestimate her again.”

“Good.”

*

The next thing he knew he was standing in the doorway, looking at Rowan kneeling on the floor. She was laughing, the sound filled the air and wrapped around him.

He took a step forward and she turned to look at him.

“Your back!” She stated.

“Uhuh.” He said while nodding his head. The picture she presented in front of him was breath taking and he just wanted to soak it up.

“You know, I'm getting kinda sick of you leaving me and then showing up. Is this what you do when things don't go your way? Will you be running off anytime things get a little uncomfortable?” She said, her voice stern.

“I’m sorry, it won’t happen again. I'm here to stay, if you’ll have me?”

“That depends.”

“On?”

Xavier’s heart took flight and he had to really concentrate on not grabbing her and kissing those incredibly sexy lips as she moved them, he was dimly aware of her words. After she had said it depends, he knew she would forgive him, because he would do whatever it took, whatever she wanted him to do he would do it.

“Xavier. Are you even listening to me?” She bristled; the fire in her eyes as she glared at him, snapped him into motion. He couldn’t resist her any longer.  

He crossed the short distance between them, wrapped his arms around her, as his lips sought to silence her. This is where she belonged, and this is where she would stay.

His fingers found their way into her hair and he deepened the kiss. His tongue danced with hers, her groan and response to him was beautiful to his ears.

His whole body screamed to claim her, make her his for eternity.

He was so lost in her that when she pulled back he felt it soul deep.

“You can't keep doing this. I want more than just this, Xavier. I want someone I can trust, someone who trust me.”

“I am that someone Rowan. I always have been.”

She frowned, her eyes turning hard and her voice losing its husky edge. Xavier swallowed hard to stop from kissing her again. She wanted to talk and he needed to give that to her, even if his whole body wanted her naked.

“I need to know you’re not going to run out on me again Xavier. That you will talk to me instead of disappearing and wallowing in your misery, because it's not just you who was miserable you know.”

Tears were swimming on the edges of her eyes until she blinked them away.

“I’m here, and I'm here to stay. The fires of hell wouldn’t keep me away from you Rowan. I'm so sorry I upset you, if I could take it back, I would. I wish I could.”

“ It takes two to make a relationship work, and I'm not sure you are capable of that kind of commitment. You may have forgotten, but I have seen your memories, I know how many women you have been with.” She said, never taking her eyes off him.

“They meant nothing to me, you mean everything. I love you. Please give me a chance.”

“I know they meant nothing, I saw that much, but how do I know that I'm not just another notch on your bed post?”

Xavier took her hand and kissed it. Then he noticed the ring.

The ring that had been in his family for generations, and was said to only fit the soul mate of the owner, and he was that owner. His father had taken it off his mother’s finger, and given it to him, this afternoon. The only way that the ring could be removed once on, was for him to take it off.

Xavier went down on one knee, still holding her hand, he slipped the ring down her finger to the tip and held it there.

“Princess Rowan. Will you marry me?” He asked, if that didn’t prove he was committed nothing would.

Rowan didn’t answer. Xaviers heart punded so loud in his chest, it was all he could hear.

“You’re my soul mate Rowan, we belong together. Please be my wife.” He said kissing her finger before sliding the ring back into place.

Chapter 27

“What are you doing? Take me home NOW!” Rowan blustered. She had had enough of people snatching her. This was going to stop and stop right now. She felt the power build in her, it bubble up from her toes filling her with energy and faith in herself.

“DANIEL.” Xavier shouted.

Rowan looked at him. He had lost the plot, clearly. And she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked in his Kilt. It was the first thing she noted when she saw him standing on the other side of the room from her. She had, had the urge to march up to him and lift it, to see if he was a true Scotsman. But she hadn’t been given the chance to do any of that.

Her father had marched to him, Xavier had dodged her father and swirled the blond around the floor, before throwing her at her father and grabbing rushing to her.

Did everyone think she was a piece of meat?

With her whole body screaming at her in pain, the power grew, she told herself to grow some balls. Not literally but figuratively, she added quickly, just in case it happened. She still didn’t have a handle on what she could and couldn’t do, but she was about to find out and so was he. She was not a door mat, and he had to learn that she had her own life to lead, and him popping in and out just wasn’t convenient for her or wanted. Her heart had been broken by him.  

Xavier was just about to find out that she had balls. She straightened her spine and threw her shoulders back. Held her head high, she was NOT a victim.

“DANIEL!” He shouted again, keeping his eyes on her.

“Fucking hell, I'm not deaf.... Shit you Idiot, I can be here.” Daniel said, materialising in front of Xavier.

She assumed it was Daniel anyway. A really good looking guy, and huge, had just appeared out of nowhere . She took an involuntary step back as her power surged a bit more. If Xavier was palming her off on someone else, she would beat his arse. Then drag him back and let her father beat him again.

“It's cool, don't freak out, but I need you to cloak us, her father, will be after my hide right now, and I need time, I need you to get me that time.” Xavier said. “Please.”

“By the looks of it, you should be more worried about her.” Daniel said, nodding his head in her direction.

Hell yeah, he should be more worried about her, she was about to break all kinds of whoop ass all over him, and if this guy wanted a piece of her, he would be regretting it too.

The power grew and grew and she held it in check, this time it would not control her, she would control it.

“I can handle her, just please hide us.” Xavier pleaded.

Oh he was priceless. He obviously had no idea who he was talking about. Well he would soon find out. Just as soon as she figured out what she was going to do with this power.

Did she want him dead. NO. Her body shivered against that thought.

Did she want to cause him pain. Hell Yes. Not permanent damage though, she might forgive him.

“Xavier, I really think you should handle her NOW.” Daniel said looking rather worried. “I’ll hide you, but I can't for long, so don't take all night. I hope you survive this, I really do.” Then he vanished.

Just like that. Poof and he was gone. Rowan really wanted to be able to do that to.

Then she would Poof off and leave Xavier in her dust.

“Well, you have me here. You have some guy, who poofs in and out hiding us. What do you want?”

“To apologies.” Xavier said, taking her hand.

She pulled it out of his, but not before the zing of desire shot up her arm and spread through her whole body, ridding her of all anger. She groaned out loud, before realising what she must sound like and straightened against that desire. She would not give in so easily. Even if everything in her wanted to strip that shirt from him and run her fingers under his Kilt.   

“I am an idiot. The biggest jack ass ever born, and I don't deserve you.”

“I agree.” She said. Not able to say much more. She may not hate him right now, but he didn’t have to know that. Not before he was on bended knees and grovelling for her forgiveness anyway.

“I really wouldn’t blame you for hating me, after what I have done to you babe, I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I love you, and if you will let me, I will spend every day for the rest of my life making it up to you.”

“What exactly did I do to you Xavier. What are you asking me to forgive you for?”

“It doesn’t matter. I was stupid and very wrong.”

“It matters.” She said, watching the colour drain from his face. He really didn’t want to tell her what she had supposedly done to him, to make him hate her so much and leave her without so much as a word.

“Please Rowan, I was an idiot, don't make me tell you how much of one I am.” He pleaded.

She crossed her arms over her chest to stop her nipples giving her away. Her desire was building with the power and it was playing havoc with her body.

“Tell me or take me home, because I can't forgive you, if I don't know what I'm forgiving you for.”

Xavier slumped down in front of her. On his knees, he looked like a broken man. Tears where streaming down his face as he touched her stomach, before leaning his head there.

“Please Rowan, please let me love you.” He sobbed. Yes he actually sobbed. The man that had gutted and killed people to save her, was on his knees sobbing.

“Tell me, or I leave.” She said, her own voice on the verge of cracking under the strain of leaving him hanging.  

He put his arms around her waist and keep his forehead on her belly. Before answering her.

“I thought you slept with Darkess.  I thought you betrayed me. I thought you wanted him. I didn’t watch the act in your memories, I couldn’t. So I didn’t know you hadn’t. Not until.....” His voice hitched and he stopped talking.

She ran her fingers though his hair, revelled in the softness gliding through them, before tightening her hold and yanking his head back. The pain of his betrayal had her power snapping around them, she clung to it, to keep it from incinerating him where he knelt.

 she wanted to look in his eyes for this.

His blue/grey eyes searching hers. She could feel his pain, see his desire and it didn’t help.

Chapter 26

He was between a rock and a hard place, walking into Rowans home, with a gorgeous woman, scantily clad. He might add, on his arm, one that he couldn’t afford to leave alone. Was not the way he wanted to do this. It was not going to win him any favours, he acknowledged ruefully. Rowan had already seen him in bed with Storm, this was going to add fire to the smoke. What a total mess he’d made.

 Had he not promised to take her, he would have left her. But his word meant something to him, and if he couldn’t make it up with Rowan, it would be all he had left.

 Xavier kept a tight hold round Storms waist as they entered the Ball. Partly to stop himself from searching the place for Rowan and partly to make it known that Storm was with someone. What else could he do.

“Remember. Behave.” He said, so that only she could hear him.

“Please.” She dragged out the word, rolling her eyes. “I'm not going to do anything. Will you relax already!”

“I’ll relax when we leave. Until then you stay by my side, got that.” He said sternly.

“Yes sir.” She said.

They had only just arrived and Xavier already felt strung out. The amount of men circling them was ridiculous. Like vultures just waiting for him to step aside for a moment, so they could swoop in and snatch her. How was he ever going to be able to find Rowan, if he couldn’t leave Storm’s side.

“Would you like to dance?” he asked.

“Um, I don't know how to.” She blushed.

“It's easy, I’ll lead you follow.” He said taking her hand and pulling her to the floor.

He held her ready to waltz, one hand around her waist the other held her hand as he moved them around the floor, trying to find someplace they could stand that wouldn’t draw attention to them. As well as searching for Rowan, she wasn’t here, he would know the minute she was, yet he couldn’t help but scan the crowed anyway. He wanted to see her.

He twirled and dipped Storm as the music finished. She giggled and let her head fall back, her eyes dancing with joy.

“May I cut in?” someone asked from behind him.

“NO.” He growled.

“Yes.” Storm said.

“I think you should let the lady choose.”

“please.” Her eyes pleading with his.

“Fine.” He said into her ear. “But behave, no amputations tonight. Promise me, I'm not upto fighting this entire line up to get you out of here. I have things to do.” He finished, kissed her cheek.

“promise.” She said before she squealed and dashed into the guys arms.

He stood to the side watching her like a hawk. Shifters were still flying very much under the radar, and he didn’t want to have to explain what she was. Not yet anyway and not tonight, not with what he had to do.

He also needed to try to come up with some way to make it upto Rowan. It would need to be something big. He hadn’t managed to come up with anything that would work. Nothing he could do would make up for his stupidity, but he was here, and he would try at the very least. He just hoped that she was a better person than he’d been, and that she gave him a chance to explain.

Leaning back against the pillar, he put his hand pocket, his fingers brushing  the velvet box there.

The pressure pushing in on him to go find her was almost painful. He focused on Storm and pulled his hand from his pocket. He couldn’t just find her, he needed a way to get her to listen to him, and he would only get one chance at this.

Storm was dancing around and her exuberance for life and happiness filled him with hope. She really was the most enchanting little thing; he was not surprised in the slightest that she was the centre of attention here. What did surprise him, was the way she was dealing with it, she positively glowed. Maybe he’d been worried about nothing. She really did seem to be having fun and no one was armless yet. It was the yet that worried him though, he had seen how quickly she could shift and her moods were just as quick to change.

Xavier grinned as yet another suitor wanted her to dance with them, and the current one looked annoyed at her acceptance. The way she was mowing them down was astronomical, yet they kept lining up for it, each one, no doubt thinking he would be the one to catch her eye.

If Rowan were here, he could share his joy with her, they could laugh about it together.

He sighed, what the hell was he going to do?

“What are you doing?” Shae’s voice catapulted him out of his debate. He hadn’t thought that he would have to deal with her parents before seeing Rowan.

“Just having a drink and enjoying the Ball.” He replied, voice a little shaky.

“I can see that. But what are you doing here?” She clipped, still standing behind him. He hadn’t turned around to address her because she looked too much like Rowan, and it would finish him. He wouldn’t be able to stay here and contemplate what to do, he would take off to find her and probably screw things up.

“You invited me, remember.”  He said taking a drink.

“I knew I should have rescinded your invitation. You’re not welcome here Xavier, you’ve done enough damage. Now leave before I have you removed.”

“I will leave when I'm good and ready. Call your guards if you wish, but I'm staying.” He said, not knowing what he would do if she did call the guards, she certainly sounded like she would. He just hoped that she wouldn’t want to call that much attention to the fact that he was here.

 “Are you trying to destroy her? Breaking her heart wasn’t enough for you, you came back to make sure you finished her off. Well I'm not about to let you do it. Alexion will deal with you.” Shea said walking off.

Great, he needed to talk to Alexion anyway. Do things properly. But after talking to Shae, he wasn’t sure Alexion would hear him out.

He had made a huge mess of things and he had to put them right and in the right way. Asking her father was not something he could avoid, tradition was tradition. Being a Prince didn’t make it any easier.

He saw Rowan on the other side of the room and his heart took flight. She was the most exquisite thing ever to grace this earth, and he had been foolish enough to let her go once. Now he planned on getting her back. His blood heated and his desire went supernova. Everything about her was more perfect then it had a right to be. Her blood red dress hugged her soft curves, leaving very little to the imagination. He felt the desire of the men in the room turn from Storm to Rowan and his possessiveness roared to life.

Alexion strode towards him, blocking his view of Rowan and bring him back to the here and now. His heart sank at the murderous glare on Alexion face. He wouldn’t have the chance to speak to him. Alexion was going to kill him. SHIT!

He made a split second decision, and just hoped that his quick plan, the one he had just made, panned out.

He made a dash for Storm and cut in rudely.

“I need you to keep the king away from me. Can you do that without shifting?” He asked quickly, while the irate current suitor bristled behind him.

“I will try. What have you done?”

“Nothing yet. It's what I'm about to do. If I fail, leave right away and tell my parents I tried.”  He said. Spinning her at the King and dashing towards Rowan.

“And you said I had to behave.” She called after him before colliding with Alexion.

Chapter 25

“You can't go like THAT.” Xavier said exasperated.

What was she trying to do to him. At this rate he would have to fight ever male at the ball to keep them away from her.

“But. Ameera said I looked like a Princess.” Storm said, her eyes bright with unshed tears by the looks of it. He had hurt her feelings. Well better that then have her rip someone’s arm off for touching her, he’d already been through that.

“Go and change.” He said holding his ground against her pout.

“NO. And you can't make me.” She stomped.

“Fine stay like that, we won’t be going.” He said, trying not to smile at the look on her face.

“You are a big meanie. I should’ve gone back to Darkess, at least he was mean all the time. I knew what to expect with him. You. You just treat me like. Like. like...” Tears started rolling down her cheeks and she hiccupped.

That did it, that and the look of fear on her face. She had him wrapped around her little finger anytime that look came out to play. He knew she was manipulating him, but he just couldn’t argue with her. Not when she cried.

“I'm sorry sweetheart; you do look like a Princess. Almost. Here put this on and you can be my Princess for the night.” He said handing her the silver silk bolero and fastening the button.

Her silver silk dress, really was a stunning piece of craftsmanship, he had to admit. He just wished it was on someone else and not her.

 It shimmered with every movement, the lights would dance with the crystals as she walked, creating a firework colours to light her up. Drawing the attention of every male, no doubt.

The dress had a very polite scoop neck, until she turned around. It dipped down so low, you could almost see the top of her bottom. If she didn’t have the most luminous, flawless skin, it wouldn’t be so bad.

Her figure was on display, as the dress clung to her like a second skin. It wasn’t fitted, the material just wanted to touch every inch of her.

Every male at the Ball, was going to be on a heat seeking mission to nail her. While he was going to have his work cut out, trying to keep them from her, and her from ripping their arms off.

He groaned. What was his mother thinking? Storm drew attention wherever she went, she didn’t need fancy clothes for that, and she certainly didn’t need this much of her on show. This was the last thing he needed, being there was going to be hard enough.

Tonight was going to be a very long night.

Storm’s face lit up, the fear and tears disappeared immediately. Just as he knew they would.

“If you really want me to change. I will.” Storm said, clearly not meaning it. She twirled around and let her skirt float around her. Before looking at him.

“No need sweet heart, but you must stay with me when we’re there. Ok.” He said lifting her chin. “Now, I need to get ready, go and fix you glitter.” He said pushing her gently towards the door.

“I love you Xavier.” She said, kissing his cheek before flouncing down the hall, singing.

 Xavier’s heart contracted at those words. Love.

“You look worse than I feel.” Daniel voice brought him up short.

“What are you doing here?” As if he didn’t know, there was only one reason he would be here. Rowan. He was here to drag him back to her, so she could feed.

“That’s what I’d like to know. There I was, minding my own business, when everything changes. What have you done?”

“Me? I haven’t done anything.” Xavier said, looking at him for the first time. “You look like hell.”

“Hmmm, funny that.”

“What’s happened?” He asked sitting down. By the looks of Daniel, this wasn’t going to be good.

“Why aren’t you with Rowan?”

“That’s not important right now, whatever brought you here is.” Xavier said, trying to avoid that conversation. He didnt know what to say about that anyway, not like he could tell Daniel the truth.

“Well that’s what I'm trying to figure out. Something’s changed with her, and you’re the best lead I have. Unless I go to her, but as she doesn’t know who or what she is yet, I don't think that’s the best way to find out. Too much information would kill her right now. So here I am.”

Xavier hadn’t known that Rowan was so fragile or that she didn’t know the truth yet.

“I don't know what’s changed. I haven’t seen her in a week.”

“That’s it then. You’ve changed the future, not her. Let me congratulate you on destroying everything.”

“What? You can't be serious. How do you figure that?”

“Because I told you that she would love the person she was bonded too, and here you sit without her. That will be killing the love inside her and only darkness will remain. You saved her only to end the world Xavier, well done. Your job was easy, you only had to love her. Which you already did, so what happened? What am I missing here?”

“Shit. I, a, well,” this was not going to go down well; Daniel was her father, how could he explain that he didn’t trust her and without that he couldn’t love her. “I don't love her. I can't love her.”

“You can lie to yourself all you like, but I know you do. So tell me, why you are resisting it?”

“I can't tell you. But I don't love her, so what are we going to do now?”

“Xavier.” Daniel said coming to stand in front of him. “Be very sure of what you are saying here. You are the only one that can make things right.”

“I can't pretend to love her, she will know.” He said rubbing his face, feeling the weight of the world on his already burdened shoulders.

“Tell me why. I know you loved her so what’s changed?”

“She let me down.” Was all he could tell Daniel, he just couldn’t bring himself to tell him the gory truth.

“How?”

“She wouldn’t know love if it bit her, lets just leave it at that.”

“You are wrong about that.”

“Of course you would think that, she’s your daughter, But trust me, she doesn’t love me. never did.”

“Of course she loves you, has done from the moment she saw you. Why do you think I let you live that first night you saw her. I know her inside out Xavier. So what makes you think otherwise?”

“Your sweet daughter tore my heart out and spat on it when she fucked Darkess, and not just that but she wanted it, almost begged him for it.” Xavier’s anger and hurt exploded from him, he wasn’t the one to blame for this and he wouldn’t let Daniel think he was.

Daniel let out a groan before answering him.

“ You fucking idiot. Jealously. That’s why I'm chasing the hounds of hell. I'm surrounded by fucking idiots. I give the world my daughter, and this is what I get. Jesus Christ, I should give up now.” Daniel said, sitting down hard as he continued muttering to himself.

Xavier didn’t know what to say to that.  

“Please tell me that is not the only reason. That she somehow disgusts you or that you have suddenly decided to be gay. Because if this is the only reason for you destroying the world then really I should bother saving it.”

 “What. Her not loving me back isn’t enough for you? I should just be there and let her use me for blood and sex whenever she feels the need. I don't want to live like that, and if it means I have to fight those hounds with you, then I will. But I'm not going to stay with someone who doesn’t love me the way I love them, that’s harder than fighting. Trust me.”

Daniel looked to the ceiling and sighed before levelling a gaze so intense on Xavier it made him flinch and want to sink back from it.

“Now you listen to me. I really shouldn’t bother telling you this, you certainly don't deserve to know, but since it involves saving the world, and my daughter. I guess I should let you in. She has not had sex with anyone but you, has definitely NOT let Darkess near her. So whatever you think you know, you don't. My grandchild has an idiot for a father. I.. will... never regain my place in heaven at this rate. You better get your sleep now Xavier, because those hounds of hell you so want to fight, are nothing compared to what is to come.”

Xavier was speechless, utterly dumbfounded. He was going to be a father.