Bakra Bride

An Ellora’s Cave Romantica Publication

www.ellorascave.com

Bakra Bride ISBN # 1-4199-0499-X ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Bakra Bride Copyright© 2006 N.J. Walters Edited by Pamela Cohen. Cover art by Syneca. Electronic book Publication: January 2006

This book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 443103502. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors’ imagination and used fictitiously.

Warning: The following material contains graphic sexual content meant for mature readers. This story has been rated E–rotic by a minimum of three independent reviewers. Ellora’s Cave Publishing offers three levels of Romantica™ reading entertainment: S (S-ensuous), E (Erotic), and X (X-treme). S-ensuous love scenes are explicit and leave nothing to the imagination. E-rotic love scenes are explicit, leave nothing to the imagination, and are high in volume per the overall word count. In addition, some E-rated titles might contain fantasy material that some readers find objectionable, such as bondage, submission, same sex encounters, forced seductions, and so forth. E-rated titles are the most graphic titles we carry; it is common, for instance, for an author to use words such as “fucking”, “cock”, “pussy”, and such within their work of literature. X-treme titles differ from E-rated titles only in plot premise and storyline execution. Unlike E-rated titles, stories designated with the letter X tend to contain controversial subject matter not for the faint of heart.

BAKRA BRIDE

N.J. Walters

Dedication Thank you to all the readers who wrote asking, pleading and demanding more tapestry stories. This one is for you. As always, a big thank you to my husband for his never-ending supply of patience, and his continued support and encouragement. And to my editor, Pamela, thank you for always bringing out the best in my work!

Bakra Bride

Prologue Sweat rolled down his forehead and temples, stinging his eyes. Zaren blinked furiously to clear his vision, but he dared not take his eyes off his opponent to swipe it away. All around him, men were yelling and swearing as steel struck against steel. Raising his arm, he stopped his opponent’s blade with his own before it bit into his shoulder. Giving a thundering battle cry, he thrust forward, attacking and driving the other man back. Every footstep was carefully placed, as there was nowhere to step in the meadow that was now littered with the blood, limbs and bodies of the dead and dying. Was it just this morning that he stood in the courtyard of Bakra Castle, sparring with his brothers? It seemed like so long ago, more of a distant memory really. He and his youngest brother, Jarmon, had been fighting, while Garrik and Bador had shouted their encouragement from the sidelines. After the rain of the night before the air had smelled fresh and clean. Now it stank of death. They’d seen the rider coming hard and had stopped their training. No one drove a horse that mercilessly unless there was trouble. He recognized the horseman immediately and his blood had started pumping swiftly as the messenger from Castle Garen pounded into the courtyard. Dust flew everywhere while the man all but fell from his horse. Gasping for breath, he’d uttered two words, “Craddock brothers.” Zaren had immediately called for their horses and weapons. The castle sprang to life as men raced to and fro, readying themselves to ride. The exhausted rider spat out the details although Zaren could guess most of them. There were six Craddock brothers, each one more vicious than the next. Warring and stealing was what they did best. They were cruel to their own people, taking whatever they wanted according to their right as lords of the land. Coveting the wealth 5

N.J. Walters

of others, occasionally they crossed over their own borders to raid and war on surrounding lands. Usually, they were sly and covert with their nefarious activities, leaving little evidence and no witnesses. But this was an all-out attack. Women were scarce in their world and highly prized. His friend Jarek, of Castle Garen, had recently married Christina who was not only a beautiful, desirable woman but a tapestry bride as well. A tapestry wife was worth her weight in gold and as such she was a prize worth dying for. The Craddock brothers would be unable to resist trying to claim her for their own. At their wedding, Zaren had pledged the sword arms of his house to protect Christina and Castle Garen if trouble came. He’d known that it was only really a matter of time, and it had come quickly, less than a month after the wedding. Swinging up onto their horses, they thundered out of the courtyard. With his three brothers and a contingent of trained warriors beside him, they’d ridden hard for several hours, driving their horses as fast as they’d dared. Erupting out of the woods, they’d attacked immediately. That was hours ago and still the air echoed with the clash of steel and the moans of the injured or dying. The horses had long since been abandoned and now all the fighting was on the ground. Zaren slipped, almost losing his footing on the slick grass. His opponent lunged at him and Zaren allowed himself to fall to one side, bringing his sword up and impaling the other man on it as his momentum carried him forward. Rolling to the side, he sprang back to his feet just in time to avoid a sword in the back. Glancing wildly around, he tried to see his brothers. Bador was off to his left beating back his own opponent. But where were the twins? Garrik and Jarmon were still young men and hadn’t fought many battles. He caught a glimpse of Garrik next to Bador and was satisfied he would look after their younger brother. A cry had him swinging around to the right. Jarmon was locked in a battle with Leon Craddock, the oldest and meanest of the brothers. Battle was too kind a word. The 6

Bakra Bride

older warrior was toying with the younger man. Blood was running down Jarmon’s left leg and hand and also covered one side of his face. Zaren raced towards them but was stopped every few steps by another challenger. His chest was heaving like a bellows as he struck blow after blow, desperately trying to get to his brother. He could see Jarek running from the other direction, but deep in his gut he knew they would both be too late. He saw the death strike coming. Powerless to stop it, he watched in horror as the sword descended on Jarmon. At the last second, Jarmon seemed to jerk to one side. Time seemed to stop as Zaren saw the surprise in his brother’s eyes and then there was nothing. His young body seemed to crumple, his legs giving out as he fell to the ground, his sword still gripped tight in his bloody hand. Leon Craddock spit on Jarmon as he kicked his still body. Raising his head, Leon turned and stared straight at Zaren. Then he smiled. Something snapped deep within Zaren. A madness that clawed at his heart, his belly, indeed, his very soul. Never taking his eyes off Leon, he hacked his way through anyone who tried to stop him. Like a man possessed, he pushed on toward his goal— Leon Craddock was a dead man. Something of his intent must have shown in his eyes for Leon stopped smiling and started slowly backing away. Zaren could feel the corners of his mouth turning up in a grim smile of his own. The bastard was afraid. And so he should be. Leon shouted to his men and many of them broke away from the fighting and raced toward the horses. The pounding of hooves filled the air as they galloped across the meadow. One of the Craddock brothers spurred toward Leon with another horse in tow and, when he was close enough, Leon swung up into his saddle, racing away with his brothers. They never looked back. Zaren came to a stumbling halt beside Jarmon’s body. Part of him wanted to race after the Craddock brothers and kill every last one of them. But the sight of his brother’s still body stopped him cold. 7

N.J. Walters

He didn’t remember dropping his sword or falling to his knees, but somehow he had his brother gathered into his arms, rocking him as he had when Jarmon was but a boy. The boy was long gone, the man, no more. Tipping back his head, Zaren howled. The bloodcurdling sound echoed through the surrounding hills. He felt someone beside him but didn’t bother to look. Nothing mattered at this moment but the lifeless body of his brother. Zaren had failed him. Time passed and finally he turned his head and stared into the tear-stained face of his brother Bador. “How will I tell our mother that I allowed her youngest son to be killed?” “It was not your fault.” Bador wrapped his arm around his brother’s shoulders, but Zaren shrugged it off. “Was it not?” He ignored Bador and stared again at the lifeless body in his arms. Jarmon, the youngest, always laughing, always happy. Now, silenced forever. “I am sorry for your loss.” Zaren looked up at Jarek and nodded, acknowledging his words. “The House of Garen will honor your brother’s sacrifice and we pledge to help you avenge his death.” A thread of unease went through Zaren, sending a cold shiver down his spine. “Where is Garrik?” He stood with Jarmon’s body still clutched in his arms. He couldn’t lose another brother. The thought was too much to bear. Bador gripped his arm and pointed to his left. Garrik sat on his knees a few yards away where he’d fallen when the death stroke had killed his twin. He was totally still, except for the slight rise and fall of his chest. Reluctantly, Zaren handed Jarmon’s body to Bador, watching as his brother bore it carefully away. Kneeling next to Garrik, he took his brother’s face in his hands and raised it. It was frightening, the absence of any emotion. It was as if his brother was simply gone. “Garrik,” he whispered softly. “I know it hurts, but I cannot bear to lose you as well.” His brother stirred slightly, his hand coming up to rest over his heart. “What am I to do without him?” 8

Bakra Bride

That innocent question broke Zaren’s heart. The twins had been inseparable their whole lives. Each very different in temperaments, they were like two halves of a whole. “I don’t know. But you are not alone.” Garrik shook his head and said nothing more. Bador’s sudden shout had them all on their feet, racing towards where he stood some fifty yards away. Zaren could see the tears in his brother’s eyes as Bador carefully knelt on the bloodstained ground with Jarmon clasped tight in his arms. “I think he moved.” Zaren almost didn’t dare to hope as he placed his fingers against his brother’s neck. At first he felt nothing and feared it was only Bador’s wishful thinking. And then, he felt a tiny beat of a pulse. The carrion birds cawed from overhead where they circled the meadow, waiting to feed off the dead. The wind whistled through the trees, the sound a sad lament. Zaren didn’t move. He kept his fingers tight against his brother’s warm flesh, willing it to happen again. His eyes shot unbelieving to his brother. Jarek stood next to them. “Castle Garen is closer. Mara and Christina can tend to him until your mother can come.” Zaren nodded, helping Bador to his feet and leading him towards the waiting horses. Practically hoisting him and his precious bundle onto his horse, he ordered him to hang on tight as he slapped the horse’s rump, sending them towards Castle Garen. Garrik swung up onto his own horse and raced after them, leaving Zaren alone with his men. He watched until his brothers disappeared from his sight. He looked back at the field, at the blood and the carnage and the sheer waste of it all. Jarek and his brother Marc were seeing to their own dead and wounded and he knew that they’d burn any bodies from Castle Craddock. As much as Zaren wanted to be with his brothers, he knew that he was responsible for seeing to his men. He trusted Bador to take care of their younger brothers. The first chore was tending to the wounded. Then he would gather the slain. All would be returning to Bakra Castle, both the living and dead. He would leave none of his men behind to provide food for the vultures. 9

N.J. Walters

Swinging up onto the back of his own horse, he nudged it towards Jarek. “Christina is safe for now, but they will be back.” Zaren felt every single one of his thirty years at that moment. His body ached and his heart was weary. But outwardly, none of it showed. The world saw only the implacable warrior, sword ready, eyes cold as death. “I am truly sorry for your brother.” There was the unspoken understanding that Jarmon would likely be dead by the time he reached Castle Garen, as his injuries were so extensive. But neither man said it aloud. “But I thank you for coming to my aid.” Zaren nodded, turned and rode away in silence. His men fell in behind him and they began the long, slow ride back home.

10

Bakra Bride

Chapter One Jane Smith turned off her cell phone as she walked down the long corridor. She thought about tucking it into her shoulder bag along with her voice-activated tape recorder and laptop, but she had one more phone call to make before her day was done. It was well after seven o’clock in the evening and most people had already left Trenton Industries for the day. But this was normal for her. As personal assistant to CEO Richard Trenton, her day started earlier and ended later than any other employee’s did. Not that she minded. She’d worked hard to get this position and her current boyfriend understood the responsibilities that came with her career. Richard was a demanding boss, but a fair one. And from her very first day, he’d insisted that she call him by his first name, at least when it was just the two of them working together. In front of clients and other staff, she was always careful to call him Mr. Trenton. In fact, he’d told her to go home an hour ago and she’d really meant to, but one thing had led to another and she was still here. She knew he was still in the building because she’d seen his car parked out back when she’d gone to the vending machine for a chocolate bar, which she’d devoured in quick order. It had surprised her because he had his own parking spot out front and was usually very careful with his imported European sports car. She’d chased down the problem they’d been having with one of their suppliers and if she could catch Richard before he left, she’d be able to find out how he wanted to handle the problem. Reaching into her shoulder bag, she shoved aside the empty candy bar wrapper, dug out her mini recorder and slid it into her jacket pocket. It was a godsend to her everyday work. After working for over three years as Richard’s assistant, she found it was easier to tape his reply and transcribe it later. Once he

11

N.J. Walters

started, he might think of five or six other things he wanted her to take care of. This way, she kept everything straight. Her sensible pumps made no sound on the carpet as she hurried down the hall. She heard voices as she neared Bob Simpson’s office. As head of the finance department, his hours were as erratic as hers were. Seems she wasn’t the only one working late. The closer she got the louder the voices got. Obviously there was some kind of disagreement. She slowed down but didn’t announce herself. She didn’t want to get involved, but she decided she should know what the trouble was just in case it was something Richard needed to be informed about. “You won’t get away with it.” She recognized Bob’s voice even though it sounded shaky. “You can’t embezzle millions from a company without someone finding out.” She froze near the door. Embezzle? Millions? This was definitely something her boss needed to know. She hesitated, torn between going for security and staying and listening. That choice disappeared the moment the other person spoke. “But I will get away with it, Bob. That’s the beauty of it. All the evidence points to you.” Jane couldn’t believe what she was hearing and crept closer so she could see through the partially open door. “In a moment of remorse you committed suicide. I will be suitably distraught, along with everyone else, and the company will be seen as a victim of your greed.” Bob was tied to his chair. Sweat rolling down his temples as he struggled against his bonds. He was a slight man who wore wire-rimmed glasses and had thinning hair. The man standing next to him holding a gun in his hand was younger, stronger and wore a smile that chilled her. Her fingers tightened around the phone she held clasped in her hand. She looked down at it and stared. Before she could even think about what she was doing, she’d raised it and clicked a picture. It was time to call the police. This was bigger than security could handle. She turned but stopped when Bob began pleading. While she watched, the man with the

12

Bakra Bride

gun put the gun to Bob’s temple and fired. It made hardly any sound at all. Just a little pop. Bob jerked back in the chair and then slumped forward. Jane froze at the sight of the blood and the gore, but somehow she automatically snapped another picture. The other man calmly untied Bob, pocketed the restraints and wrapped Bob’s fingers around the gun. It was only then that she realized he was wearing gloves. Her stomach lurched and she knew that she was going to be sick. It was a miracle that she hadn’t even cried out. It felt as if her whole body was frozen. It was the slight clicking noise that shook her out of her stupor. She looked at her hand, amazed to see that she was still taking pictures. Her head jerked up as she heard the man getting closer. Apparently self-preservation was stronger than fear because her feet were moving before she could tell them what to do. Quickly and silently, she hurried down the hall and ducked into the ladies room. The door had barely closed behind her when she heard the sound of a door closing down the hall. Almost afraid to breathe, she stood there and waited. The sound of the heavy door of the stairwell opening and closing seemed loud in the almost unnatural quiet. As if her body had been just waiting for that moment to set her free, her legs gave out and she slid down the wall and sat down hard on the floor. Her stomach lurched and she scrambled on her hands and knees to the toilet, barely making it before she retched. Shaken, she sank back onto the cool tiled floor and curled up into a tight ball. The phone was still clutched tight in her fingers. Taking a deep breath, she raised her phone to eye level and checked her pictures. Sure enough, there were several of them that were very good. The police would definitely need them. Rolling up onto her knees, she tucked the phone in her pocket. Her hand hit the recorder and she sucked in a breath. Was it possible? Pulling out the small device, she hit the rewind and then the play button. It was low, but she could just make out the conversation.

13

N.J. Walters

Her mind started working frantically now as an unnatural calm descended upon her. Pushing to her feet, she swiftly and quietly walked to her office, packed up her belongings and left the building. She wouldn’t be back. After all, once she’d turned her boss in for murder, she doubted she’d have a job.

***** Jane gazed at the woman staring back at her from the bathroom mirror, barely recognizing her. She’d changed so much in the last six months. Her hair was still shoulder-length, straight and black, and her eyes were still dark blue. But there was pain and cynicism in those eyes that hadn’t been there before. Her face had always been thin, but now it was gaunt and pale. Closing her eyes, she wrapped her bathrobe around her and left the room, snapping off the light behind her. In two steps she was in her living room, which was also her bedroom. Her life had changed in many ways since the night she witnessed the murder. The police had been skeptical at first, until she’d produced the evidence. Then they’d been thrilled. She’d become their star witness and since then her life had been little more than a media circus. Her posh apartment had been a job perk and she’d lost that the moment she’d accused Richard Trenton of murder. Most of the furniture had come with the place, so she’d rented a van and loaded up her personal belongings. The media had descended on her apartment about the same time security had come to kick her out. She’d just managed to get the last box out in time. Jobless, homeless and hunted by reporters, she’d headed to the one place she felt safe—the apartment building she’d grown up in. The place she still considered home. Her father had worked the docks his entire life, running a forklift, loading and unloading the cargo ships that came into the harbor. She remembered a time when they’d had a small house. But after her mother left when Jane was six, her father had sold it when the courts had ordered him to pay his soon-to-be ex-wife a settlement.

14

Bakra Bride

They’d moved into a large, old brick apartment building near the docks and her father had lived there until he’d died of a heart attack three years ago. He’d been the best father a girl could ever want and he’d always wanted more for her then he could provide. She’d worked hard to make him proud of her. When she’d been promoted to personal assistant to the CEO of Trenton Industries, he’d been so happy and excited, telling all his friends about her accomplishments. He’d only lived a scant two months after that. It was as if he felt she was settled in life and he could let go. Jane knew he’d never got over her mother leaving them. She was glad he didn’t have to witness the life she’d built, the one that he was so proud of, crumbling around her. She’d run back to the old apartment building, back to the friends she’d known her whole life, and they’d taken her in. The landlady, Shelly Abbott, was a no-nonsense, hard-talking woman in her early fifties, but Jane knew that behind the façade was a heart of gold. There had been no vacant apartments but Shelly and some of her father’s friends had cleared out an unused bachelor apartment in the basement, helped her paint it and found a few pieces of furniture to put in it. This one room was all she had, but at least she had it. It was better than being homeless. Her ex-boyfriend had ditched her immediately. He didn’t want to be tainted by the scandal surrounding her. After all, he still worked for Trenton Industries. She’d thought they were building something special. They were compatible enough and the sex was good, but obviously their relationship hadn’t meant anything to him other than the fact that she’d worked closely with the boss. Snorting, she crossed the small room, removed her robe to reveal the thin, short nightgown beneath and crawled onto the old iron daybed that sat against the far wall. It doubled as both bed and sofa and she’d covered it with a quilt she’d made years ago. All her art and valuables were gone, sold at pawn shops and consignment stores to raise money. She hadn’t known how long the trial was going to take, but she did know that no one would hire her until this was over. And maybe not even then.

15

N.J. Walters

Having grown up without money, Jane was quite good at sewing and needlework. She had bought a used sewing machine yesterday, determined to start taking in small sewing jobs to supplement her dwindling savings. Plus she enjoyed sewing, which was a bonus. Reaching down to the end of the daybed, she smiled for the first time today as she pulled the piece of fabric towards her. She couldn’t believe she’d found such a treasure in a thrift shop. But there it had been, rolled up next to the sewing machine. At first, she’d passed it over, too excited about the possibility of owning her own sewing machine again to bother with it. But something had pulled her interest back to it time and again until she’d walked back over to it, picked it up and unrolled it. She’d forgotten to breathe as she stared at it. The tapestry was about two feet wide by three feet long and was obviously very old. The rich colors created a picture unlike anything she’d ever seen in her life. A large stone castle stood in the background surrounded by a forest. There were pine trees, their needles a green so deep they looked almost black in places, and other trees covered with leaves of various shapes and sizes, in every shade of green imaginable, from dark and lush to bright and brilliant. The longer she looked, the more she saw in the intricate design. Various birds and animals were hidden in the depths of the trees. There were flowers of every shape and color, many of which she didn’t recognize. But they were all beautifully framed against the castle and filled the meadow beyond it. The tapestry was truly a work of art. You could almost see the trees sway and smell the flowers on the air. It was breathtaking. But it was the three warriors standing in front of the castle that captivated her. Their chests and arms rippled and bulged with muscles, even though they were standing with their arms folded across their chests. Only vests covered their torsos, leaving most of their chests and all of their arms bare. What looked to be wide metal bands, the color of bronze, were clasped around their upper arms and wrists. Form-fitting pants molded strong thighs and cupped rather impressive bulges in the front. She licked her lips as she stared. They really were impressive and definitely

16

Bakra Bride

created right out of the artist’s mind. No men could look that good. Leather boots that came to just below their knees completed their outfits. They all gave off an aura of barely leashed power that could explode at a moment’s notice. They all had long blond straight hair. Strands of it flew out behind them as if it was being whipped around by an unseen wind. Proud and strong, they were the protectors of the castle and its inhabitants. Their features seemed to take on a sharper definition the longer she’d stared at them. They looked similar enough to be related, probably brothers. They looked like Nordic gods with their long hair and pale blue eyes. The one in the center looked older than the other two, harder. His lips were thinner and his eyes were filled with carnal knowledge and sensual promise. If she shifted the tapestry slightly, she could almost make out the form of yet another warrior, but like a shadow, he seemed to fade in and out of the fabric, not quite there. She shivered as she’d done in the thrift shop. Her reaction to it unnerved her. It drew her in and made her feel hot and achy. Her breasts had swelled and her nipples had pebbled against the cups of her bra. Between her thighs, she could feel her sex getting damp as she stared at them. Closing her eyes, she could almost hear their voices, deep and slightly rough, promising all kinds of sexual delights. They would whisper in her ear, telling her in explicit detail what they wanted to do to her separately and together. Her eyes shot back open when she whimpered aloud. Pressing her legs together, she tried to ease the growing ache deep within. But that only seemed to make it worse. She’d had to have the tapestry. Clutching it tight in her arms, she’d hurried to the cash register to find out how much it cost. She’d almost cried, the relief was so great, when the older white-haired lady running the shop had told her it was ten dollars. Deep in her soul, she knew it belonged to her and she knew she would have beggared herself to own it. She was just glad that she didn’t have to.

17

N.J. Walters

Pulling the tapestry up over her, she turned off the light and drifted off to sleep. She could almost imagine the hands of the warriors touching her. The skin on their hands would be rough as they caressed her skin.

18

Bakra Bride

Chapter Two Jane rolled over in bed, trying to get comfortable. Sighing, she thought about getting up and putting on the kettle to boil and making herself a cup of tea. That had become her nightly ritual. She hadn’t had a full night’s sleep in six months. With grim determination, she kept her eyes closed and tried to will herself back to sleep… Something gnawed at the back of her brain. Had she heard a noise? Had something awakened her? Lying still, she listened carefully. Silence. That was the problem. It was too quiet. Down here in the basement, she could usually hear the sounds of the traffic on the street and the clanking of the ancient water pipes. Opening her eyes, she blinked, trying to see through the darkness. There was a streetlight just outside her apartment that usually cast a dim light through her lone apartment window. But the room was pitch black. Must be a power outage. There was no way she could have tea now. But perhaps she should get her flashlight. Ever since the murder, she’d disliked being completely in the dark, afraid of what lurked in the shadows. Before she could decide what she should do, she heard a noise. It was a faint rustling sound that seemed to come from right next to her. Oh God, there was someone in the room with her! Ever so slowly, she slid across the sheet. And hit a solid wall. Then the wall moved. Jane gasped as a massive arm wrapped around her waist and pulled her closer to an even bigger body. She froze. How had someone gotten into bed with her? Even worse, she was naked. What had happened to her nightgown? She had to get away. Immediately, she grabbed his arm, trying to shove it away from her even as she struggled to free herself from him. It was like pushing against steel. There was no give in his arm at all. She didn’t bother wasting her energy trying to scream. No one would hear her way down here in the basement.

19

N.J. Walters

“Shhh,” a seductive male voice whispered in her ear. “Who? Who are you?” she managed to stutter out as she gasped for breath. A shuffling sound on her other side caught her off guard and she cried out as a large shadow rose from the other side of the bed. “What’s wrong?” a sleepy male voice asked. Light filtered in from the end of the bed at the same time Jane heard a curtain being pushed aside. She blinked as the dim light hit her eyes. After the compete blackness, it seemed bright. When she could make out her surroundings, she blinked again, unable to believe what she saw. Walls made of gray stone and a stone fireplace were illuminated by the small blaze crackling in the hearth. She could see a wooden table and several chairs off to one side. The bed she was in seemed huge and was surrounded by bed curtains. She couldn’t see the man behind her but glimpsed the one in front of her when he bent closer to her. For a split second, his face was illuminated in the light. She’d seen his face before, but where? Her heart was pounding against her chest and her breath was coming in short gasps. She had to get a hold of herself. Think, Jane. Think. Then it came to her. The tapestry. He was one of the warriors from the tapestry. Relief swamped her. She was safe. This was just a dream. Reaching out, she touched the side of his face, jumping slightly when he nuzzled her hand. His jaw was covered with stubble that tickled her palm. She started when his tongue stroked her fingers, jerking her hand back tight to her chest. The man behind her had to be another one of the warriors. Turning so that she was lying flat on her back, she gazed up at him through the dim light. She couldn’t clearly make out his features, but his long hair flowed behind his shoulders and she caught a flash of his white teeth as he smiled. His arm was still wrapped around her, holding her tight as he lowered his head and brushed his lips across her forehead, her nose, her cheeks and her chin. The light feathery touches calmed her. This was just a dream after all. A wonderful, delightful dream. It had been a long time since she’d had sex so no wonder she was having an erotic dream. And if she was going to have one, then she couldn’t have ordered a better fantasy than the three warriors from the tapestry.

20

Bakra Bride

Sighing, she reached her hand up, threaded it through his hair, and tugged him toward her. She wanted to taste him, to experience his lips on hers. She could feel him smile as he skimmed her mouth with his. His tongue traced the fullness of her bottom lip before stroking over her top one. Her mouth parted eagerly and his tongue slipped inside. Moaning, she moved her hand over the side of his face, allowing it to slide down over his neck and chest. He was so strong. Like velvet over pure rock. His skin was hot to the touch and she could feel a light dusting of hair on his chest. She longed to be able to see it. Her fingers roamed over his torso as his tongue explored her mouth ever so slowly. He treated her like she was a fine wine to be sipped slowly and appreciated. A low rumble escaped him as her fingers brushed against one of his nipples. The texture of his kiss changed as he deepened it. He stroked her tongue with his, coaxing it back into his mouth. He tasted hot and male. He sucked her tongue hard. Jane jumped when she felt lips nibbling at her neck. She’d all but forgotten the other warrior, as impossible as that seemed. It was absolutely delicious to have one of the warriors kissing her while the other one sampled her neck. She’d never had an erotic dream this real before. And it was absolutely wonderful. She didn’t want to ever wake up. She could feel her cream flowing from her sex, softening it, preparing it for a hard male cock. A hand stoked across her stomach and she held her breath as it moved higher, circling her breast but not touching it. She wiggled closer, trying to get his hand where she wanted it. Pleased masculine laughter reached her ears just before he cupped her breast. His thumb stroked across the tip, making it tighten. Breaking away from the kiss, she gasped for breath. Both men shifted. She could feel their breath brush across her skin as they lowered their heads towards her breasts. “Oh, yes,” she cried out as their mouths descended on the aching mounds. Each of them sucked a nipple past their lips and suckled. Her hips arched upwards with each lap of their tongues against the hard nubs of her breasts. Her pussy grew wetter with every stroke as her cream continued to flow. She could feel it slipping down between the globes of her behind and onto the sheets. She’d never felt this needy in her life.

21

N.J. Walters

A dark shadow appeared at the end of the bed, blocking the light. She instinctively knew that this was the third warrior. Well, if she was going to have an erotic dream, she might as well enjoy them all. The bed shifted under his weight as he knelt between her thighs. As he leaned down, she caught sight of his face in the dim firelight. This was the warrior from the center of the tapestry. His face was slightly older, harder and filled with a lust that would have frightened her if this hadn’t been a dream. Instead, it excited her. Spreading her legs, she tilted up her hips, offering herself to him. He growled low in his throat as he wrapped his hands around her thighs and spread her even wider. He blew softly on her sex, making her shiver with desire. Her entire being was focused on her sexual pleasure. Her blood pumped hard, her heart pounded against her chest and she knew she would soon explode. The men on either side of her continued to suck and lick her breasts, alternating between gentle touches and those that were almost rough. They shifted closer to her and she felt two hard male cocks nudge her hands on either side. Without thought, she wrapped her fingers around them, sliding her hands from base to tip. Her thumbs stroked the heads before she slid her hands downward again. A rough tongue licked up one side of her swollen sex, caressing the slick folds before continuing down the other side. He’d lifted his tongue as he’d passed her swollen clitoris. She pumped her hips and cried out in protest. One of the warriors suckling her breasts immediately lifted his head and covered her mouth with his, swallowing her frantic cries. She continued to pump her hands up and down over their cocks. Hot and hard, they pulsed against her palms. Both warriors tensed at the same time and then shoved their hips harder against her. Jane didn’t stop even though her own release was close. She felt them come. Felt the hot spew of cum on her fingers even as they continued to pleasure her. She screamed as the warrior between her thighs caught her clit carefully between his teeth and flicked it. Two of his long fingers thrust inside her swollen pussy, stretching her. The mouth at her breast bit down gently on her hard nipple at the same time the warrior kissing her thrust his tongue deep. It was too much. Jane felt her body explode. She convulsed as spasms of pleasure shook her entire being. Her legs and arms tightened as the almost painful pleasure shot through her. Wave after wave 22

Bakra Bride

washed over her as she rode out the storm. She couldn’t take any more, but they continued to pleasure her until sobs welled up deep inside her and she began to cry. Immediately, the caresses turned gentle and soothing. She lost all track of time as they stroked and petted her. With a final sigh, she sank back into the mattress, too exhausted to move. The warriors on either side of her cuddled close to her, but the one between her legs shifted. In the dim light, she could see his cock, hard and swollen, jutting out in front of him. He hadn’t come yet. There was no softness in his face as he lifted her hips in his large hands. She could sense the determination in him. He would have her. He would claim her as his own and she knew she would never be the same again. For the first time since the dream began, Jane felt fear. This warrior was a threat to her. If he took her, he would somehow own a piece of her. “No,” Jane shouted as she began to struggle. She’d already lost enough and couldn’t afford to lose anything else. “Wake up. Wake up,” she chanted as she pushed away from him. As the scene began to fade, she heard a desperate shout. She glimpsed his face for a split second and the sheer desolation on his face made her cry out. But it was too late.

Bolting upright in her bed, Jane gasped for breath. For a second, she thought she could hear the echo of the warrior’s pained cry. Then a car horn blared through the night and the glow from the streetlight illuminated her small room. The covers were a tangle around her and she tugged them over her naked body. She felt hot and sticky and could still feel the throbbing ache between her thighs. Burying her face in her hands, Jane released all the pent-up pain of the past few months. She cried for all she’d had and lost, for the loss of her innocence and for her father who she missed. But mostly, she cried for the warrior. His pain had mirrored hers somehow and she felt as if she’d disappointed him in the same way many of her friends, coworkers and especially her ex-boyfriend Chad had failed her.

23

N.J. Walters

Wiping her tears on the sheets, she took a deep breath. She supposed that this had been a long time coming. She hadn’t shed a tear since the night of the murder. Instead, she’d buried her emotions and done what needed doing. But the trial was finally going to be over tomorrow and then the rest of her life would begin. She decided that it was only natural to be feeling emotional. Combine that with a mind-blowing erotic dream and no wonder she’d had a complete meltdown. Glancing at the clock, she groaned when she saw the time. It was only five o’clock, but she knew that there was no way she’d get back to sleep now. She had to be at the courthouse by nine. Her stomach clenched at the thought of having to face her ex-boss one last time, even if she didn’t have to speak to him. Not bothering to try and find her nightgown or her bathrobe, she rolled off the daybed, pulling the sheet with her. Clutching it tight around her body, she padded towards the bathroom. She didn’t bother to turn on any lights until she closed the bathroom door behind her. Steeling herself, she turned and looked in the mirror. She was an absolute wreck. Her hair was tangled, her lips swollen, and her blue eyes looked huge and almost sunken in her pale face. Sighing, she dropped the sheet and for the first time in months really looked at her body. What she saw frightened her. She’d always tended towards thin, but now she looked downright bony. She knew she’d dropped weight, but she just hadn’t noticed or, rather, hadn’t wanted to notice just how bad it had gotten. Tracing a finger up over her rib cage, she circled her breast and shivered. At least they were still the same, not that they were ever large to begin with. But they were a respectable thirty-four B-cup and she didn’t want to lose what little she had. Closing her eyes, she cupped her breasts in her hands. The pulsing ache between her thighs grew stronger. Shivering, she dropped her hands and spun away from the mirror. Turning the shower on full, she stepped under the spray. Today was the first day of the rest of her life. No matter what happened today, the ordeal would finally be over. She was damned well going to look her best. 24

Bakra Bride

Reaching for her shampoo, she lathered her hair. As she massaged her scalp and then rinsed the soap, she planned what she’d wear to court. Thoughts of the three warriors filled her mind as she began to scrub her body, but she ruthlessly shoved them aside. Today was the time for reality, tomorrow would be time enough to dream.

***** Jane stepped out onto the courthouse steps, clutching her purse in her hands. It was finally over. Even though the sun was shining, she felt a shiver run down her spine. Moving quickly, she hurried down the stairs, keeping her head down. The camera crews and on-air personalities were swarming like vultures, but for once they weren’t looking for her. Today it was all about Richard Trenton. Pressing a hand to her stomach, Jane willed it to settle. She’d been so afraid that Richard would get away with murder. He had many high-placed and influential friends but the evidence against him was too overwhelming. She’d known from the beginning that it wouldn’t be easy, but she hadn’t dreamed it would be so hard. The police evidence had even gotten “lost” once. After she’d said a quick prayer of thanks that she’d had the foresight to make several copies, she’d simply produced another set. Then she’d informed the media that she’d taken the liberty of making quite a few copies and distributing them with different lawyers to be brought forward in the case of her injury or death. Jane wasn’t stupid and she wasn’t taking any chances with her own personal safety. She’d had harassing letters and threatening phone calls, but she was no coward to be bullied. A good man had died for another man’s greed. She hadn’t known him well, but he’d always been pleasant to work with. And after seeing Bob Simpson’s wife and children in the courtroom, there was no way that she could back down. Still, it hadn’t been easy and she was just glad it was over. The shouting started behind her and she glanced over her shoulder. The media were descending on Richard’s lawyers. They were the best attorneys money could buy,

25

N.J. Walters

but they couldn’t stop him from being convicted of murder. Richard was going to be spending quite a few years in prison. As she left the noise and frenzy of the courthouse behind her, Jane began to feel lighter than she’d felt in months. No, she corrected herself. She felt lighter than she’d felt in years. Slowing her pace, she unbuttoned her suit jacket and slipped it off. Folding it, she draped it over her purse and slung her purse strap back over her shoulder. It was mid-July, a beautiful summer’s day and she was free. Ambling along the sidewalk, Jane realized that for the first time in years, she had nowhere she had to be. There was no work to take care of, no court proceedings to attend. But neither was there family or friends, except for a few older ones of her father’s at the apartment building. She was twenty-seven years old and alone in the world—no family, friends or job. But she refused to feel sorry for herself. This was a clean slate. She could begin again and rebuild her life in any way she chose. A quaint sidewalk café caught her eye and she decided that she wanted to celebrate. Going inside, she went up to the counter and ordered a large iced tea, bowl of vegetable soup and a nice slab of cherry cheesecake. Picking up her tray, Jane carried it outside onto the small patio and found a table in a shaded corner. Carefully placing her tray on the table, she then dumped her coat and purse on the empty chair next to her. For the first time in a long time, she was hungry. Taking her time, she savored each mouthful of food. As she ate, she thought about her life. She’d come to some interesting revelations the last few months. Business, she realized, was something she’d gone into to please her father. He hadn’t had much education and had worked a hard, physical job. He’d wanted better for his daughter and Jane, more than anything else in the world, had wanted to please her father. So she’d gone to business school and then to work at Trenton Industries, working hard and rising quickly up the ranks.

26

Bakra Bride

But since she’d found herself unemployed, she’d started sewing again. At first it had simply been a way to relax. She’d remade an expensive set of drapes, sewing it by hand, so that they’d fit her new apartment window. Then she’d made throw pillows out of the remaining material. She’d enjoyed herself so much that she’d started an embroidery project. Over the last ten years or so, she’d been so busy with work that she’d forgotten how much she enjoyed working with her hands. Pushing aside the empty soup bowl, she attacked the cheesecake. Forking up a huge bite, she popped it into her mouth and chewed slowly before swallowing. It was absolutely delicious. Now that her father was gone, she only had to please herself. Buying the sewing machine had been a big step for her. She knew that she was seriously considering starting her own sewing business. It might take time and she might fail in the end, but right now she had absolutely nothing to lose. She could always turn back to the business world if she needed to. Finding the sewing machine had been a sign of sorts and one she wasn’t willing to ignore. Thoughts of the sewing machine brought the tapestry to mind. She’d done her best all morning to forget about it, but it hovered at the edges of her awareness. Just thinking about it had her heart beating faster and her breathing getting more rapid. Putting down her fork, she took a sip of iced tea. Okay, so she’d had an erotic dream. It was no big deal really. Yes, it was incredibly real, but in a dreamy kind of way. The darkness and the coziness of the bed had made it all seem incredibly sensual and yet safe at the same time. Squirming in her chair, she tried to get comfortable as her sex began to throb. She could feel her panties getting damp. Snagging her jacket off the chair beside her, she draped it over her lap. As she looked down, she realized that her nipples were visible through her thin silk blouse. Embarrassed, she grabbed the jacket and shrugged it on, pulling the lapels forward so that they covered her breasts.

27

N.J. Walters

Honestly, she couldn’t believe she was getting so worked up over a dream. She’d rarely gotten this excited over Chad or any other man she’d ever dated. Maybe it was simply because it was fantasy. Her fantasy. She hadn’t had to worry about pleasing anyone but herself. The gorgeous trio of warriors had seemed to know exactly what she’d wanted. That was the wonderful thing about dreams. They were safer than reality. Although, at the end of the dream, there had been a moment where she hadn’t felt safe or in charge. Instead, she’d felt threatened in some sort of deep, primal way. Not that she thought he would harm her. She sensed that physically she was safe with the warrior, but that he could definitely be a threat to her mental and emotional wellbeing. He would demand everything from her. He wouldn’t allow her to hold anything back from him. And she was afraid he could easily get it. But he would hold himself in reserve, not giving as much as he took. Jane had just gotten out of a relationship where she’d done most of the giving and she wasn’t willing to go down that road again. And the fact that she was even thinking about this showed that she really needed a rest because it was just a dream—a wonderful, fantastical dream. And if she said it enough, she might actually convince herself. Her entire body was throbbing as she pushed back her chair and stood. Gathering her purse, she left a small tip on the table and started for home. Her feet were aching slightly by the time she closed her apartment door behind her. The heels weren’t particularly high, but she’d walked all the way home, partly to save money and partly so that she could think. After the heat of the outside, the coolness of the basement apartment felt good. She only wished there were more light in the room. Even though it was early afternoon, the apartment was dim. Kicking off her shoes, she hooked her purse over the back of her lone kitchen chair. Glancing at the answering machine, she was surprised to see the light blinking. She

28

Bakra Bride

rarely got any phone calls anymore, except for the occasional one from a reporter hoping to get a comment from her. Sitting in the chair, she reached across the small table and hit the play button on the machine. As she waited for the tape to rewind, she crossed her right foot over her knees and rubbed her sore toes. “Ms. Smith, this is Jack Benson over at TeleCorp. We’ve reviewed your resume and in light of today’s events would like to interview you for a position. Please call me at—” Jane didn’t hear the rest of the message. She stared at the phone like it was some strange alien creature. She hadn’t had a job offer in six months of looking. Nobody wanted anything to do with her during the trial. She was too notorious. Before she could digest that message the second one began to play. “Jane, it’s Chad. Listen, I’m sorry about what happened between us. But you know how it is. Anyway, I’d like to see you. Please call. I miss you, Jane.” Her mouth had dropped open as she’d listened to the message and she forced herself to close it. She continued to stare at the phone and then she started to shake. This was unbelievable. After months of being a social and business pariah, suddenly everyone wanted to talk to her. She replayed the messages twice to make sure she hadn’t misunderstood them. By the time they ended, she was laughing so hard that tears were rolling down her face. Oh God. This was just so unbelievable. Did they think she was totally stupid? She swiped at her cheeks with her hands. Did they think she was that desperate for work or for comfort that she’d actually call either of them? Yes, they probably did. But that just proved that they didn’t know her at all. Life was about to get interesting. Where there was one offer of work, there would be more. And she also had the feeling she hadn’t heard the last from Chad. The shrill ringing of the phone startled her. Honestly, this was crazy. She’d only had a handful of calls in all the months she’d lived here. Not bothering to answer, she sat back and listened as a prominent magazine offered her an interview. Her eyes 29

N.J. Walters

widened as they casually threw out how much they were willing to pay her for her time. Now this was interesting. That kind of money would give her a cushion while she started her own business. Playing back that message, she jotted down the contact name and number and laid it aside. She didn’t know what she was going to do, but she wasn’t going to make any hasty decisions. They could all wait until tomorrow. Today was about her.

30

Bakra Bride

Chapter Three Jane padded into the bathroom and closed the door behind her. Ignoring the shower, she ran a nice hot bath, pouring in the remainder of an expensive bottle of bath crystals she’d bought when she’d still been working and earning good money. Stepping into the tub, she relaxed as the water rose around her. She’d neglected herself over the last few months, but that was going to change. Starting now. And right at this moment, that meant simply lying back in the tub and letting the soft scent of lavender and the hot water soothe her poor aching body. When the tub was filled, she turned off the taps, leaned back, closed her eyes and allowed the quiet to wrap around her. When the water finally started to cool, she sat up, picked up her sponge and began to wash. The flickering light from the candles she’d lit danced over the walls. Pulling the plug, she stepped out of the tub and dried herself with a large fluffy bath towel. Fortunately, she’d shaved her legs in the shower this morning, so that chore was done. Grabbing her bottle of body lotion, she poured a dollop into her palm and began to smooth it over her skin. Humming under her breath, she stroked the cream over her calves and thighs and across her belly and hips. Pouring some more into her hand, she covered her breasts with her hands, massaging the sweet-smelling lotion into them. It had been a long time since she’d pampered herself this way and she found herself enjoying all the feminine rituals she’d let slide. When she was finished, she pulled on a pair of silky summer pajamas. She’d wanted something pretty to wear tonight and these fit the bill. A soft pale blue, the drawstring pants glided over her legs. She had to tighten the string around the waist and still they fell below her bellybutton. She really had lost weight since she’d bought

31

N.J. Walters

them last summer. The top was a simple shell with spaghetti string straps and was cut down in a simple v-neck. Hanging her damp towel over the shower curtain rod, she opened the bathroom door and padded out to the daybed. The tapestry was spread across the bottom of the mattress, its colors bold and inviting. Unable to resist, she sat next to it and drew her fingers over the forms of the warriors. It was silly really. But part of her had taken such care with her appearance because of the dream last night. For the first time in months, she’d felt like a woman again. A sensual, sexy woman who was desired by a man. Well, three men really. And if that didn’t give a woman confidence, then nothing would. She knew it was only a dream, but it had been the beginning in a change in attitude for her that had started the second she’d bought the sewing machine and the tapestry. Groaning, she flopped back on the daybed and stared at the ceiling. If a dream was having this kind of an effect on her, she couldn’t imagine what having an actual sex life might do. But Jane was picky about the men she let into her life. She’d only slept with two men in her life and while the sex had been good, neither relationship had lasted. Maybe she should forget about finding a man to spend the rest of her life with and just have a rip-roaring, flaming affair. Rolling onto her stomach, she stared down at the captivating faces of the warriors. There was no doubt that any one of these men would fit the bill for her. Handsome, strong and definitely able to please her sexually, she was afraid that these dream warriors had spoiled her. How could any real man live up to a fantasy? Laying her head down on the tapestry, Jane ran her finger over the fabric, tracing the intricate stitching that created a forest haven that seemed alive. Closing her eyes, she breathed deep. She swore she could almost smell the heavy scent of flowers in the air and hear the buzz of the insects as they roamed from flower to flower. Water lapped against the shoreline and a bird sang from some nearby perch.

32

Bakra Bride

Frowning, she rubbed her palm over the tapestry. She didn’t remember a lake in the picture, but a lake would be wonderful. The fish would breach and land back in the water with a splash. A smile curved up the corners of her mouth. That would be lovely. She twitched her nose as something flicked it. The smell of violets filled her nostrils. The light, haunting smell was absolutely incredible. She brushed her hand over her cheek when something feathered lightly over it. She really didn’t want to wake up, but when she felt it again, she slowly opened her eyes. The light was bright in her eyes. Funny, she couldn’t remember leaving a light on. Blinking, she brought the world around her into focus. Slamming her eyes shut, she scrunched them tight, counted to ten and slowly opened them again. She definitely wasn’t in her apartment. A shuffling to her right made her turn her head. A huge male chest filled her line of vision. Swallowing hard, she looked up over the tanned expanse of skin, along the strong column of his neck, until she found herself staring at the most gorgeous man she’d ever seen. His pale blue eyes ensnared her and she was afraid to blink, afraid he was just a figment of her imagination and would disappear as quickly and quietly as he appeared. Long blond hair trailed over his shoulders and a thin braid ran down on either side of his temples, framing his face. And what a face. His features were strong and his nose had a slight bump, indicating that it had been broken at some point in his life. There was a hint of arrogance in the tilt of his jaw and a sensual curve to his thin lips. He was too good to be real. She closed her eyes again and counted to ten once again. The sounds of the woods still rang in her ears but this time it was joined by a masculine chuckle. “Where is your man?” Her eyes popped open again. “What man?” He gently stroked a purple violet over her cheek. That must have been what had awakened her earlier. She was enthralled by the dainty flower being held so carefully in

33

N.J. Walters

his massive hand. In fact, she was so enthralled, she almost missed his next words. “Surely a treasure like yourself is not alone?” Nerves struck her suddenly. What the heck was she doing? She was lying here next to a complete stranger. And where the heck was she? She started to scoot away but found herself flat on her back with him leaning over her. Bracing his arms on either side of her head, he threw one muscled thigh over her legs, caging her easily. The only thing to do was brazen it out. “Listen mister. I don’t know who you are or what’s going on, but you’d better get off me.” She was pleased that she sounded so tough and decisive. That was more like her. Except he didn’t look impressed at all. Instead, he looked quite amused. He wasn’t smiling, but there was a distinct twinkle in his blue eyes. “I am Zaren of the House of Bakra and you are on my land.” “Well, you’ll have to excuse me. I have no idea exactly where I am or how I got here or where exactly here is.” She knew she was starting to babble, so she took a deep breath. Calm. It was important to remain calm. Although that seemed an impossible task with a gorgeous giant looming over her. The heat coming off his large body was amazing and she had to fight her inclination to just lean into it and absorb it. The man was a living, breathing female fantasy. Fantasy. “Of course, this is only a dream,” she muttered. It was too bad he wasn’t real. But on the other hand, she didn’t need to be afraid of a dream. “It’s another dream. Just like last night. You’re one of the warriors.” She didn’t know why it had taken her this long to figure it out. Probably because it had been so dark in the other dream. He stilled when she said the word dream. She could feel the sudden tension in him. “Dream?” Reaching out, she patted his chest. Really, she couldn’t resist a quick touch. Who knew when the dream might come to an end? “I fell asleep with the tapestry again.”

34

Bakra Bride

He struck with the swiftness of a predator bringing down prey. Her hands were captured in one of his and extended over her head. He lowered his body over her as his head moved closed to hers. She was trapped, unable to budge an inch. The indulgent male was gone, replaced by the implacable warrior. Swallowing hard, she stared up into his hard face. He frightened her as much as he had last night. There was a barely leashed power about him that was scary. The ease with which he’d overpowered her made her tremble. Stiffening her spine, she gritted her teeth as she pushed against him. “Get off me, you big oaf.” He appeared to be carved out of stone. There was no give at all in his hard body or his severe features. “Tell me about the tapestry.” Being held down like this, she was beginning to feel claustrophobic. Jane could feel the sweat beading on her forehead as it got harder for her to breathe. Her eyes widened as she gasped for air. She began to struggle against his grasp. Rolling off her, he pulled her up and into his lap, cradling her against his massive chest. “Just breathe,” his low voice crooned in her ear. “You are safe.” Jane wasn’t so sure about that, but she just didn’t have the breath to contradict him. Concentrating on getting air into her lungs, she sucked in a mouthful of air. “I’m okay,” she told him as she gripped his forearm for support. Ever so slowly, she eased out of his lap, surprised when he let her go. He didn’t take his eyes off her, but she relaxed slightly when he made no move towards her. “Okay,” she began. “A tapestry about so big.” She motioned with her hands to outline a two feet by three feet rectangle. “With a castle and three warriors on it. Or maybe it was four. It changed sometimes. I bought it at a thrift store.” “This cannot be.” “Well, I’m telling you, Zaren. It was Zaren, right?” Not giving him time to confirm it, she hurried on. “I did buy it. And I had a dream last night about it, so this is just another dream. But this one is even stranger than last night. I think I’ll wake up now.”

35

N.J. Walters

Closing her eyes, she wrapped her arms around her waist. “Wake up. Wake up.” She was afraid to open her eyes. She could still feel the warm grass under her bottom and feel the slight breeze on her skin. She definitely wasn’t home in her bed. Grabbing the skin of her arm with her fingers, she pinched it tight. “Wake up!” she yelled. Strong arms enveloped her and startled her eyes open. “This is not a dream. You are a miracle! The prophecy is being fulfilled again in this lifetime.” The awe in his voice stilled her. “Prophecy?” Jane wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that. It sounded religious, even cult-like. “The tapestry brought you to us. You are destined to be the bride of the House of Bakra. My brothers and I will compete for you and you will choose your husband.” “You’ve got to be joking?” This could not be real. Things like this just didn’t happen in real life and especially not to an ordinary woman like herself. Cupping her face in his hand, he smoothed his thumb over her cheek. “You are our destiny.” Zaren was serious. His entire demeanor screamed it. Oh boy, was she in trouble. She needed to think. “What kind of competition?” The corners of his mouth turned up in a sensual smile and his eyes heated. She could feel that gaze warming her entire body. This man was lethal. Leaning down, he brushed his lips lightly against hers. “We will take you separately and together so that you may choose which of us you find more sexually pleasing.” Still reeling from his kiss, it took a moment for his words to sink it. Flinging herself from his arms, she came to her feet and backed slowly away from him. “You’ve got to be kidding.” A dream was one thing, but this was getting out of hand. He came to his feet in a leisurely manner, totally unthreatening. He didn’t fool her for a minute. He was about as tame as a wild lion.

36

Bakra Bride

She had the feeling he was toying with her and she didn’t like it. Narrowing her eyes, she glared at him. “You stay right where you are.” She flung out her hands to ward him off as he sauntered closer. “No. You are mine and I choose to claim you first.”

37

N.J. Walters

Chapter Four Zaren couldn’t take his eyes off her and he didn’t even know her name. He was still reeling at the appearance of an unclaimed woman on his land. But to find out that the tapestry had brought her astounded him. There had already been a tapestry bride in this generation. Rarely in the history of Javara had the tapestry brought a second bride. But she was here and he would have her. He matched her step for step as she backed away from him. He didn’t want to frighten her, but he would not allow her to run from him. Her silky black hair was swept away from her face and hung to her shoulders. She was slender, almost skinny, but her breasts were high and firm and he longed to see them, to taste them. Her face was thin, but her skin was fine and incredibly soft. When he’d brushed his thumb over her cheek, it had colored an enchanting shade of pink. Her eyes, a dark blue, got even darker as he moved toward her. She licked her lips and glanced nervously over her shoulder as if gauging the distance to the woods. He could have told her that she’d never make it, but he let her have her way. She’d realize soon enough that there was nowhere to run. He swallowed a groan when she nibbled on her full lower lip. She was keeping her eyes on his face, but if she looked lower there was no way she could miss the huge bulge in the front of his pants as his cock swelled. He’d never wanted a woman as much as he wanted this one. “What is your name?” She stumbled slightly on the uneven ground but regained her footing. “Jane Smith,” she automatically replied. He said the name over in his mind. He liked it. “Welcome to Javara, Jane Smith.” Her name rolled easily off his tongue and he savored the sound. 38

Bakra Bride

“Is that where this is?” He nodded as she took another step backwards. “Never heard of it, so this must be a dream.” Her eyes telegraphed her intentions before she ever moved, so that when she broke and ran for the woods, he was right behind her. She spared a glance over her shoulder and as she did, she lost her footing on the small slope and began to fall. Lunging forward, he caught her in his arms, twisting his body so that as they fell on the grass and dirt, his body sheltered hers. They landed hard against the ground, but his much larger body took the brunt of it. With one arm wrapped around her waist and the other pressing her face to his chest, she was well protected. Zaren expected her to try and run again, but she didn’t move. Her very stillness frightened him. Had he failed to protect her? Was she hurt? Rolling to the side, he carefully laid her flat on the grass and braced himself on one arm. Cupping her precious face in his hand, he brushed her pale skin with his thumb. “Are you hurt?” She blinked up at him, looking so lost and forlorn that he felt his heart lurch. “Jane, are you hurt?” “This is real?” She said the words slowly as if she couldn’t quite believe them. Nodding slightly, he shifted closer to her. “Yes. The tapestry is magic, Jane.” Bending down, he kissed her forehead, her cheeks and her nose. “It has brought you to the House of Bakra and you belong with us now.” Before she could utter a single protest, he covered her lips with his. Ever so gently, he kissed her sweet mouth, allowing his tongue to stroke her full bottom lip. When her lips parted, he slid his tongue inside the tiniest amount before withdrawing it again. He did that over and over, content just to taste her. Mint and warm female coated his tongue as he continued to taste her mouth. He almost smiled when her head and shoulders rose slightly off the ground to take him deeper, but she didn’t wait for him. Instead, she thrust her tongue boldly into his

39

N.J. Walters

mouth. Pressing her body back down against the grass, he slanted his lips over hers and stroked her tongue with his. Blood pumped through his veins as desire consumed him. His cock was rock hard and throbbing against the front laces of his pants. Angling his hips, he rubbed his arousal against her hip as he consumed her mouth. The soft sounds of desire that came from her only fueled the flames licking at his body. Growling, he tore his lips from hers and kissed his way down her slender neck and across her fragile collarbone. The garment she wore was silky, but thin. Her breasts were soft mounds against it and her hard nipples were pushing against the fabric. He had to see them. Had to know what they looked like, felt like. He needed to know what color they were and how they tasted. Her fingers tangled in his hair as his tongue traced one straining bud through the fragile material. Opening his mouth over it, he covered as large an area as he could and suckled her. He could hear her panting for breath and feel the rise and fall of her chest as he slipped his hand beneath the fabric and pushed it upward. He pulled his mouth away long enough so that he could push the garment over both breasts, freeing them for his inspection. They were perfect. Two firm mounds of pale flesh, tipped with large nipples the same color as a pale pink rose. Cupping one of them in his hand, he again marveled at the softness of her skin. His thumb skimmed the tip and she cried out. He raised his gaze to hers and thought then that he’d never seen a more beautiful sight. Jane was sprawled against the green of the grass with the scent of crushed wildflowers flowing around her. The sun shone down from the blue sky, bathing her in its golden rays. Her eyes were closed, her head was tilted back and her lips were parted as she panted for breath. Her legs moved restlessly against his as he bent his head and traced one of her pretty pink nipples with his mouth even as he continued to pleasure the other one with his hand. She was so amazingly responsive to his every touch. He was absolutely 40

Bakra Bride

enthralled watching her. His own desire was beating down on him, gnawing at his gut, but still he wanted her pleasure first. Taking the tight bud into his mouth, he suckled her. He slid his hand downward, tugging at the tie of her pants. Shoving the material away, he pushed his hand down over her stomach until his fingers touched her pubic hair. Brushing his fingers over the downy covering, he sifted his fingers through the soft curls to the treasure below. Her legs parted as he stroked the swollen flesh of her sex. She was hot and wet and ready. His cock jerked in his pants and he ground it hard against her side as he groaned. He’d come in his pants like some callow youth if he weren’t careful. Nuzzling the underside of her breast, he took a deep breath and then another. His balls were so heavy they ached. He shifted his body to try and relieve some of the pressure. It helped. But not much. Zaren eased one of his fingers inside her. Her inner muscles pulsed around it. Using his thumb, he found the hard nub of her clitoris, massaging it gently. Jane jerked her hips. “More,” she sighed. He gave her what she wanted, pushing another finger into her tight pussy. Licking the outline of her areola, he flicked his tongue over the hard tip before drawing it back into his mouth, suckling her. He began to move his fingers, pulling them almost all the way out before easing them inward. Jane pushed her hips upward to meet his fingers. He rewarded her by brushing her clit with his thumb on every inward stroke. Her head thrashed from side to side and her hand gripped the back of his head, pushing him even closer to her breast. He closed his eyes and concentrated on her pleasure. His head and his cock were both pounding, but she was close. He could feel her inner muscles contracting hard around his fingers. Her feet dug into the ground and she arched hard as a low keening sound escaped her. He could feel the gush of her climax against his fingers as her hips jerked against his hand. As the spasms subsided, his touches became lighter until he withdrew his mouth from her breast and his fingers from her body. 41

N.J. Walters

Lying on his side, he watched her as a soft smile formed on her lips. Reaching down, he unlaced his leather pants and pushed the material aside. His swollen cock sprang free, hard and hungry. It was his turn now.

Jane knew she must look a sight with her top shoved up over her breasts and her pants half down her hips, but she couldn’t summon up enough energy to really care. She’d allowed a man she didn’t really know to pleasure her. But the problem was that Zaren didn’t seem like a stranger. Because of the tapestry and the dream, she felt as if she knew him. It didn’t make any sense to her head, but her heart trusted him and her body yearned for him. At the moment, she wasn’t even sure if any of this was real or just another, more realistic, dream. An incredible dream that she was no longer sure she wanted to wake from. When he knelt between her sprawling legs and began to slide her pajama pants over her legs, she felt no fear or trepidation, only anticipation. He tossed them aside, gripped her ankles in his hands and slowly slid his hands up over the front of her legs and up along her thighs. She shivered. Even though the sun was warm, Zaren’s body shaded her. He was so incredibly big. His cock was jutting out in front of him and she reached her hand out, tracing her finger down the large blue vein that pulsed through it. His hands on her hips tightened, but he didn’t stop her. Wrapping her fingers around the base, she drew her hand upward until she reached the tip. Jane loved the contrast between the softness of his skin and the hardness of his erection. White liquid seeped from the bulbous red head of his cock. When she rubbed her thumb over the tip, he groaned. “Enough.” His long fingers wrapped around her wrist and he gently pulled her hand away. Gripping her hips in his hands, he tilted her pelvis up, opening her sex wide for him. Centering the head of his erection over her slick opening, he pushed the tip inside. Never taking his eyes off her face, he pressed forward.

42

Bakra Bride

The pressure was unbelievable. Her inner muscles stretched and flexed, trying to accommodate his bulk. Her breathing was more rapid as she tried to relax. “I don’t know if I can do this,” she gasped. “I mean, I want to…but you’re…you’re so big.” “You can take me, Jane.” His voice was calm, but she could see the beads of sweat on his forehead and the way he was struggling to take deep, even breaths. He paused, giving her body time to adjust before pushing forward again. Jane dug her fingers into the grass beside her, desperate for something to hold onto. With her legs spread wide and Zaren’s hands gripping her hips, she was powerless to move. He eased himself back ever so slightly and then rocked forward. He repeated the motion over and over, driving his cock deeper with each rocking motion. Her body relaxed and sucked him deeper inside her. Before long, her hips were arching to meet him. She felt so incredibly full. It was amazing. His thrusts got longer, deeper and stronger as he continued. There was no foreplay this time. No intimate touches. Simply a primal mating between a man and a woman. Her climax was so close now she could almost taste it. Her whole body strained towards completion. Incredibly enough, she wanted more of him. “Harder,” she moaned. His thumbs dug into her hips as his fingers circled them and dug into her behind. He flexed his hips faster as he pumped his cock harder and deeper with every stroke. She took all of him inside her body with every thrust. It broke over her suddenly and she screamed. Her hips jerked as her body convulsed. Zaren yelled and she could feel the hot spurt of his cum deep inside her. He stiffened for a moment before collapsing on top of her. They lay there in the soft grass both gasping for breath. Her inner muscles spasmed around his cock and he shuddered, easing his bulk slightly to one side. His hair flowed over her chest and she toyed with the long strands. Unable to resist, she stroked his biceps, the strong cords of his neck and his firm jaw. A rumbling sound came from deep in his chest as he raised himself up, bracing himself on one forearm. 43

N.J. Walters

He looked sated and content as he stared down at her. She smiled up at him as she brushed a damp strand of hair off his forehead and over his shoulder. He captured her hand in his, turned it over and planted a kiss in the center of her palm. His head jerked up suddenly and the sharp gaze of a hunter replaced the sleepy look in his eyes. He pulled out of her and came to his feet in one motion. “Get dressed.” Jane didn’t know what the threat was, but she sat up, hauled down her top and grabbed her pants from the grass. She gasped as two men emerged from the woods behind them. Stuffing her legs into her pajama pants, she quickly hauled them on. Trying not to attract attention, she got to her feet and pulled the drawstrings tight around her waist. She could feel the wetness seeping down her legs. The combination of his cum and her orgasm had left her damp and sticky. With her tangled hair and her face flushed, she knew she looked a sight. She looked exactly like a woman who’d just had a quickie in the grass. She bet she even had grass stains on her ass. There was nothing she could do at the moment but brazen things out. Both men were staring at her in a way that was quite unnerving. Gathering her courage, she returned their gaze, surprised to find that she recognized them immediately. These were the other two warriors from the tapestry. “What have we here?” Jane kept her eyes on them as they walked closer. The one who spoke slowly smiled at her. “The tapestry brought her, Bador.” Zaren’s words stopped the man dead in his tracks and wiped the smile from his face. The other warrior froze when he stood. “Impossible,” he muttered. “That’s impossible.” His eyes went from Jane to Zaren and back again. “Not impossible. I’m here, aren’t I?” Jane thought for a moment. “Or maybe I’m not. Maybe this is just a dream.” “This is not a dream.” Zaren sounded exasperated as he spoke. He jerked the ties on his pants closed, drawing his brother’s eyes. 44

Bakra Bride

“I see you have taken advantage of the situation to advance your position.” The one called Bador ran his eyes over her, taking in her rumpled state. “You would have done the same.” Zaren stretched, totally unconcerned. Jane felt absolutely mortified. It was as if what had just happened had meant nothing to Zaren. And perhaps it hadn’t, she reasoned. What man would turn down a quick roll in the grass with a willing woman? Her stomach roiled and her head began to pound. She could feel her cheeks heating with embarrassment as the men continued to stare at her. She needed to get away. To have some time to think and pull herself back together. If this was real, she had to find a way to get home. If it was a dream, she had to find a way to wake up. Either way, she wanted to be by herself. Backing away from them, she tried not to make a sound, but of course three heads swung her way with the first step she made. “Come, Jane. It is time to go home.” Zaren held his hand out to her. She frowned at him. “I’m not some bitch to come when you call. And my home is not the same as yours.” She was tired of this and if she didn’t get away from them soon, she was afraid she’d do something really stupid, like burst into tears in front of them all. She had too many emotions bubbling around inside her and they were all close to the surface just waiting to explode. Zaren’s features grew hard as he walked towards her. “Your home is with us now.” Jane kept backing up, needing to keep the distance between them. She couldn’t think straight when he touched her. “Jane,” he barked, making her jump backwards. Her foot caught the edge of the ground and then fell into nothingness. Losing her balance, she felt herself falling backwards. She swung her arms, trying to regain her footing, but it was too late. Down she plummeted. Her body hit the water with a smack and she gasped just as the water engulfed her.

45

N.J. Walters

As she sank deeper into the lake, she thought she heard someone yell, but she couldn’t be certain. Then she couldn’t hear anything at all. The last thought that flitted through her mind was that she wished she’d learned how to swim.

46

Bakra Bride

Chapter Five “Wake up, Jane.” The voice sounded as if it was coming from far away, but it sounded so urgent and desperate that she struggled to respond. She tried to speak but coughed instead. Then she groaned. Her chest hurt. “We need to get her back to the castle.” The other male voice sounded just as concerned. She wanted to open her eyes and reassure them that she was fine, but she just didn’t have the energy to do so. She felt herself being carefully lifted by a strong pair of arms. Her head rested against a damp, rock-hard chest. But underneath she could still smell the unique scent of male tinged with grass and water. Definitely Zaren. It was incredibly gratifying to know he’d jumped in the water to save her. She’d thank him later. Right now, all she wanted to do was rest. “Give her to me.” The arms wrapped around her tightened. “We need to get her back to the castle and get her warm and dry.” “I’m already wet. I’ll carry her.” Zaren’s chest rumbled against her cheek as he spoke. She was glad he wasn’t going to hand her off to one of the other men. “As you wish, brother.” There was a note of concern in the male voice. For her? For Zaren? She wasn’t sure. Zaren shifted her in his arms as he swung them both up onto the horse. Jane didn’t open her eyes, but she could hear the horse snorting and shuffling beneath her. Her feet brushed against the shaggy coat of the beast. And then there was the smell. Definitely a horsy smell. She hadn’t been on a horse since she was a kid. Too bad she wasn’t able to enjoy it more. He set a quick pace and it felt as if they were flying. The horse’s hooves pounded against the ground in a punishing rhythm. The wind whipped at her hair and stung her 47

N.J. Walters

eyes when she tried to open them, so she closed them again and just enjoyed the sensation of moving so fast. The feel of the powerful beast beneath them and the muscular man holding her made her feel safe and allowed her mind to drift. So the other two men were his brothers. She had suspected as much as they seemed as familiar to her as Zaren did when she first met him. Her head was spinning. So much had happened so quickly. Was it only last night she’d fallen asleep on her daybed in her one-room apartment? She had to face the fact that this was real. Somehow, she’d defied all the laws of physics and been transported to another time and place. The consequences were frightening. Could she even return home? Would they let her? She had so many questions and no answers. Opening her eyes a crack, she took a peek to see where he was taking her. Her jaw dropped open at the splendid castle in front of her. Like something out of a fairy tale, it was large and hewn from gray stones that seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. She caught a glimpse of stone cottages with thatched rooftops as they galloped by. People paused in their daily work to watch them. Women and children stared while men looked on with interest. She caught sight of cattle, pigs, chickens and dogs as they flew by the dwellings and got closer to the magnificent castle at the top of the hill. With the mountains guarding its back, the stone castle looked as if it belonged there. There were dense woods circling the castle, but the building itself stood alone in a large clearing. It was breathtakingly beautiful and frightening at the same time. This was a fortress from which there would be no easy escape. But her fear was quickly swallowed by sheer excitement. This was a real honest-to-goodness castle! “We’re almost there, Jane.” Zaren’s voice startled her out of her reverie and she looked up at him. “But I don’t really know where here is,” she whispered softly. She needed answers to the questions pounding in her brain. His lips brushed her forehead as his fingers brushed a damp lock of hair off her forehead. “Welcome to Bakra Castle. You will always find shelter within its walls.” 48

Bakra Bride

His words moved her deeply. She sensed that they meant more than she understood. But as they clattered into the courtyard and he pulled the horse to a stop, the moment was lost. Zaren swung down from the horse with her still in his arms as two more horses thundered in behind them. Bador and the younger warrior swung down from the backs of the beasts and handed off the reins to a waiting groom. Zaren didn’t wait for his brothers but turned and quickly carried her up a stone staircase and into the castle. It was dim at first after the bright sunlight of the outside and it took a moment for her eyes to adjust. She caught a glimpse of an enormous stone hall filled with tables and people as he started up yet another set of stairs that were just off the right of the main entrance. Looking over his shoulder, she strained to see more, but the two brothers hurrying after them blocked her view. “I will show you everything later.” There was amusement in his voice. Jane supposed that she had been rather obvious in her desire to see everything. When they reached the top of the staircase, he continued on down a long hallway. His boots slapped against the stone as he strode purposefully to the end and used his shoulder to push open a large wooden door. The bedroom was a rather cozy one, with a rather intimidating bed taking up most of the space on one side of the room. Dark blue curtains were pulled back on the sides of the bed to expose a comfortable-looking haven filled with pillows and furs. A single window was covered with an exquisite stained-glass pane. The individual pieces of glass in beautiful shades of turquoise, blue, green, gold, scarlet and many other colors depicted a tranquil woodland scene. She made a mental note to examine it more closely later. There were two small benches made of a dark rich wood. One sat at the end of the bed, the other under the window. A small table sat by the side of the bed and another one was placed near a small stone fireplace. A large fur rug was spread before the fireplace and it was here that Zaren carried her. 49

N.J. Walters

Kneeling down, he laid her on the rug. Turning aside, he busied himself starting a fire in the grate. Jane shivered, suddenly cold without his bulk to warm her. It was more than just his body heat that had warmed her and she inched closer to him when the other two men strode into the room. Zaren stood to his full height as his brothers joined him. Jane was beginning to feel as if she’d gone to the land of the giants. All of them were huge. Zaren was slightly bigger than the other two, but not by much. None of them was under six and a half feet tall. “Jane.” Her eyes flew to Zaren’s and she realized that she’d been staring at them. Zaren looked exasperated, Bador looked amused, while the younger brother seemed almost disinterested. “These are my brothers, Bador and Garrik.” He motioned to each man in turn as he introduced him. Gathering her courage, Jane stuck out her hand. “Pleased to meet you. I’m Jane Smith.” Really, it was no different than an awkward business situation and heaven knows she’d gotten through plenty of those. At first they just stared at her hand as if they weren’t quite sure what to do with it. The moment stretched out until it began to get awkward. Jane started to withdraw her hand. She could feel the heat climbing her cheeks. But before she could lower it all the way, Bador reached out and snagged her fingers in his. Raising them slowly, he bent his head and kissed the top of her hand. Then his lips brushed her knuckles as his tongue snaked out to stroke between her fingers. Gasping, she tried to withdraw her hand, but although his grip was gentle, it was unbreakable. Zaren stared hard at his brother but said nothing. Jane could feel her entire body warming beneath the strangely erotic caress. Bador slowly raised his head and smiled at her. It was a gentle smile, but it was also filled with heat and sensual promise. Jane felt a pulsing low in her belly. This couldn’t

50

Bakra Bride

be happening to her. She’d just had wild sex in a field with this man’s brother and now she was feeling aroused by him. This wasn’t like her at all. This time when she tugged her hand away, he let it go. Grateful, she pulled it back into her lap and just nodded at Garrik. He didn’t smile at her and, when he nodded at her, his eyes looked incredibly sad. “I’m pleased to meet you, Garrik.” He took a step towards her and crouched down beside her. Although he was a grown man, he looked slightly younger than the other two and Jane had a feeling he was a few years younger than she was. Slipping his massive hand behind her head, he bent and placed a soft kiss on her lips. It was a simple kiss and lasted but a second, but the younger man sighed deeply as he released her and stood. “Jarmon would adore you.” With that cryptic statement, he turned and left the room. “Garrik,” Zaren started after him, but Bador stopped him. “Let him go. It is hard for him.” Obviously this Jarmon was important to them. “Who is Jarmon?” Both men turned back to her, staring as if they had forgotten she was there. “He is our brother. Garrik’s twin. And he was severely injured in a battle a month ago. He has not yet recovered.” Bador’s voice was ragged and he took a deep breath. Jane could feel their pain and the underlying message that they didn’t really expect him to recover after this long. To have a brother so close to death when they were obviously all so close must be an incredibly painful experience. She wondered if Jarmon was the fourth warrior in the tapestry, the one who was in the shadows and faded in and out of the picture. Her heart went out to them all, but how much worse must it be for Garrik, who was faced with the possibility of losing his twin? Well, she couldn’t even imagine it. Her own father’s death had been hard enough on her. “I’m sorry.” The words were totally inadequate, but they were all she had to offer them.

51

N.J. Walters

Bador nodded and Zaren turned back to feed the small flames flickering in the fireplace. Crouching in front of it, he stared into the fire as he added several larger pieces of wood. Jane shivered again, suddenly very aware of her cold, clammy pajamas. Bador seemed to notice and frowned at her. “You’ve got to get out of those wet clothes.” Zaren stood abruptly and headed for the door. “I’ll leave you in Bador’s care.” He didn’t even glance back as he disappeared from her view. The door closed heavily behind him, slamming with a finality that made her cringe. She felt abandoned and bereft without him. “Everything will be all right, Jane.” “Will it?” She honestly didn’t know anything anymore. Her entire life had been pure chaos for the last six months. This was just more of the same. “Yes, it will.” Gripping her shoulders, he pulled her to her feet. “But first, we need to make sure you don’t get ill.” Before she knew what he planned to do, he caught the hem of her silk pajama top in his hands and whipped it over her head. “Hey,” she cried as she smacked ineffectually at his hands. He ignored her protests as if she were no more than a bothersome child. Naked from the waist up, she covered her breasts with her hands. He’d already seen them, but that didn’t mean she was going to show him even more. His eyes only skimmed her breasts before dropping lower. His blue eyes darkened as he skimmed the tips of his fingers over her torso and down her rib cage. A shiver skated down her spine, partially due to cold and partially due to arousal. Shame washed over her at the thought that she could so easily go from making love with one brother to being aroused by another. Bador didn’t even bother with the knot at the waistband of her pajama pants but snapped the thin string with his hands and pushed the fabric low. Gasping, Jane caught the fabric before it slipped below her hips. His thumb brushed her hip and she winced. Looking down, she saw a bluish splotch. Bador swore under 52

Bakra Bride

his breath and quickly checked the other side. Sure enough, she had another bruise on the opposite hip. “My brother was not as careful with you as he should have been.” There was a thread of anger in his voice and Jane hastened to reassure him. “He wasn’t rough with me.” Bador looked at her as if he didn’t quite believe her. “Honestly,” she continued, “I didn’t feel it at all. I actually bruise easily.” Forgetting the fact that it would leave her breasts bare, she brushed the side of his face with her hand. The slight stubble scraped her palm as he turned his head and kissed the center. “You have been unwell, I think?” He pushed aside the hand still holding onto her pajama pants, and the fabric dropped to her feet. Jane felt totally self-conscious and tried to cover her body from him. Bador ran his eyes over her body from head to toe. And she feared that he missed nothing. Turning, he walked to the bed, grabbed one of the thick furs that covered the top and came back to her. Draping the fur over her shoulders, he wrapped it around her before plucking her off her feet and depositing her in front of the crackling fire. The warmth from the fur and the fire was delicious and she edged closer. Bador sprawled out behind her. The heat from his body was amazing. Without a word, he turned her so that she was cradled in his arms, with her head resting in the crook of his shoulder. Like his brothers, his torso was bare except for the leather vest he wore. Snuggling against the firm warm pillow of his chest, Jane fought against the exhaustion that threatened to overwhelm her. She had so many questions to ask. “Sleep,” he crooned as he sifted his fingers through her hair. “I will be here when you awake and I will answer all your questions then.”

53

N.J. Walters

As if his promise was all she needed, she felt herself drifting off to sleep. Just before sleep claimed her, she thought she heard him whisper, “And you shall answer mine.” Then there was nothing but darkness as sleep claimed her.

54

Bakra Bride

Chapter Six Bador didn’t know how much time passed as he held Jane cradled close to his heart, but as he gauged the shifting shadows on the wall while the sun moved across the sky, he suspected that the afternoon was almost gone. Her soft breath ruffled the hairs on his chest with each breath she drew. Her hand had started out on his chest but had ended up flat on his stomach. One inch lower and she’d be touching his cock, which was strained to its limits. Never in his life had he been subjected to sensual torture such as this. Holding Jane in his arms felt right. He knew very little about her, but what he had gleaned so far was favorable. She had shown a kindness and empathy to Garrik that hinted at her caring personality. Obviously, she’d had no trouble with Zaren. It had amazed him how she’d stood up to his older brother. She had looked more like a bedraggled kitten, but she had shown her claws. The thought brought a smile to Bador’s lips. Sifting his fingers through Jane’s tousled hair, he felt contentment unlike anything he’d ever experienced in his life. His cock was throbbing and his balls ached, they were so heavy. Sweat dripped down his brow as the heat from the fire and the furs draped over their bodies enveloped them. And yet he felt content. The fact that the tapestry had brought her here was not to be discounted either. A tapestry bride was one who was magically chosen and was always a good match. Just look at how the match between the House of Garen and Christina Beaumont had worked out. Yes, they had gone to challenge for the right to have her as a bride, but from the moment they’d laid eyes on her with the Garen brothers they had known deep down that it wasn’t meant to be. It was obvious that she was with the right brothers.

55

N.J. Walters

Still, they had felt her loss keenly. Having Jarmon so severely injured so soon after had only made things worse. Their mother was taking it hard. She’d rushed to Castle Garen to nurse Jarmon and had been there ever since, refusing to leave his side. He doubted Zaren would send for their mother. There was barely enough time for her to make the trip back to Bakra Castle before Jane’s fate was decided. Besides which, it would be too stressful for her to leave Jarmon at this point. Although Jane wasn’t aware of it yet, she had only three days to decide her future and the first day was almost spent. Jane sighed and, as he looked down at her, she tilted her head back and peered up at him. When she blinked, her long lashes feathered over her pale cheeks. Her full lips were parted slightly and as he watched, a fine pink blush crept up her cheeks, giving her face some color. She looked good enough to eat. Bador shifted as that thought had his cock straining to be released from his pants. “I’m still here?” She looked like a sleepy little owl as she stared up at him with wide blue eyes. “Yes, Jane. You’re still here.” She nodded and sighed again. “I thought I would be.” Her hand began to absently stroke his stomach. He clenched the muscles and gritted his teeth. It felt so damned good, but he might come in his pants if she kept it up for very long. “How long did I sleep?” Struggling with his unruly desires, he tried to concentrate on her question. “Several hours, I think.” She nodded but made no motion to leave her position. Her hand stroked lower and this time it brushed his erection through his pants. Bador hissed as he sucked in his breath. Jane’s hand froze over his hard length and he covered her hand with his, pressing her hand against him.

56

Bakra Bride

She made a soft sound of distress in the back of her throat, but she didn’t pull away. Instead, her fingers closed slightly around his cock. Bador almost howled at the intense pleasure it gave him. Lifting his hand to her chin, he tipped it up as he lowered his mouth to hers. It was a struggle to keep the kiss light and undemanding when his body was urging him to roll over, thrust inside her welcoming body and fuck her senseless. Instead, he licked at her lower lip with his tongue, tracing the contours before slipping inside. Cupping her face in one hand, he kept the other wrapped loosely around her. Her fingers flexed, massaging his straining flesh through the leather of his pants until Bador couldn’t take it any longer. He rolled, cradling her in his arms, until she was beneath him. Bracing himself on his arms, he continued to kiss her until her tongue was tangling with his. Breaking away, he gasped for breath. “I want you.” Uncertainty clouded her eyes as he watched, so he quickly changed tactics. “Let me pleasure you.” Nuzzling her neck, he kissed and licked his way down over her neck, stopping at the hollow where her neck and shoulders met and biting gently. Jane sucked in a breath and moaned as he licked her skin, soothing the bite mark with his tongue. He playfully nipped at her collarbone as he worked his way down towards her breasts. The two soft mounds were tipped with pink nipples that begged to be tasted. So he did. One at a time, he lapped at them, pleased to see the nubs harden as her arousal grew. Sitting back on his knees, he pushed the furs aside and kissed her soft belly as his hands glided over her torso. He could feel her ribs as his fingers skimmed over them. She was way too thin, but that would change now that she had him to take care of her. Keeping Jane happy and healthy was now a priority. But right now, he had a chance to consolidate his position with her and he wasn’t about to squander the opportunity. Her breasts jiggled with every breath she took and

57

N.J. Walters

the rosy tips were puckered and wet. With her eyes closed and her lips parted, she was a breathtaking sight. He slid his hands over the fronts of her thighs and then slipped them to the inside of her knees and stroked upwards again, pushing her thighs farther apart as he went. Her eyes flew open as he parted her sex with his thumbs, spreading her wide open for his inspection. “Your pussy is beautiful. So pink and wet and hungry.” Jane licked her lips but said nothing. “Let me taste you. Let me pleasure you.” Not giving her time to answer, he bent his head and lapped at the swollen folds of her sex.

Jane moaned, unable to stop herself. The sight of Bador with his head between her thighs had her insides clenching tight. She was filled with a sensual yearning, but at the same time her body felt heavy and lethargic. She was barely awake when he’d started kissing her and caressing her, and her body had flamed to life immediately. But this was wrong, wasn’t it? Reaching down, she pushed at his head, trying to dislodge him. “Bador, we must stop. This isn’t right.” He raised his head and licked his lips. “Why is it not right?” “Well, because it’s not.” Her thoughts were muddled as she stared at his handsome face. His long blond hair was mussed and pushed over his shoulders and his eyes shimmered with desire. Sighing, he sat back and she almost cried out at the sudden loss she felt. But he stayed between her legs, his fingers lightly skimming her labia as he talked. It was almost impossible for her to follow what he was saying, but she struggled desperately to do so. “In our world, women are scarce. There is only one female born for every three males. Years ago, it was decided by the women that the brothers of a family compete for the attention of one woman and the woman chooses which one she wishes to marry.” 58

Bakra Bride

His finger skimmed over the hard nub of nerves at the apex of her pussy and Jane’s hips jerked upward. Sighing, he withdrew his hand as he continued. “Each male must be allowed to mate with the woman, not only so she knows which one she prefers but also to make sure she is compatible with them all.” “But why?” Jane was still trying to wrap her mind around the thought that not only was it okay in this culture to sleep with several men, it was expected. A smile played at the corners of his mouth, but sadness tinged his eyes. “One night a week, the husband must share his wife with his brothers. He can leave them alone or the brothers can join them in bed. It is up to the couple.” “But that’s…that’s…” she sputtered. “That’s a threesome.” He nodded. “With four brothers, we have the right to claim two brides for our family. We paired off, Zaren and I together, and obviously Garrik and Jarmon together. Each pair can seek a bride. If Jarmon was healthy, our younger brothers might have challenged us for the right to try and win you. But with him so gravely injured, the competition is between Zaren and myself.” “Unbelievable.” Jane shook her head, trying to absorb the implications not only of Bador’s words but also the fact that she was spread naked before him and not feeling the slightest bit uncomfortable. “Every man wants to be chosen as the husband as he not only gets the most nights with his wife but only the husband can claim the children that are born of the union. All children are his, no matter which brother fathered them.” Bador’s hands went to the ties at his waist and he unlaced the front of his pants. Standing, he pushed them down over his legs, stepped out of them and tossed them aside. Jane could only stare at the size of his arousal. He was as long as Zaren and looked slightly thicker. Her pussy throbbed as he lowered himself back between her thighs. Her breasts ached for his touch.

59

N.J. Walters

“Competition is fierce.” Leaning down, he lapped at her breasts, going from one to the other. “All young men, when they reach a certain age, as part of their education, are taught how best to pleasure a woman.” He nipped at one of her nipples. “It is a lesson all men strive to learn well.” “You must have been an excellent student.” Bador’s head shot up and then an unholy grin lit his face. “You have no idea.” “I’m still not sure I feel right about this.” It might be customary in their culture, but she’d grown up in quite a different society. But the thought of having the two of them pleasuring her was an incredible turn-on. Jane was getting hotter just thinking about it and she was already at the boiling point. “We will find our way. I will only do what brings you pleasure.” Jane practically rolled her eyes at his words. So far, everything he did brought her pleasure. One question was nagging at the back of her mind. “Why did Zaren leave if it’s considered okay for me to be with you both?” “Because he knew he had to give me my turn alone in order to be fair. You have to have the chance to experience our lovemaking separately and together before you make up your mind. Do not think for one moment that it was easy for him to leave.” Bador chuckled. “I expect he has been standing outside the door waiting all afternoon.” “Really?” The thought pleased her, but she really didn’t want to examine why. It made her feel slightly uncomfortable to be naked with one man while wanting another. The thoughts went round in her head until she was almost dizzy with them. Bador nodded. “But this is my time and I don’t plan to waste it.” He lifted her to a sitting position before lying back down on the furs. When he was settled comfortably, he urged her to straddle him. She hesitated, but her body was crying for completion. There was no doubt that she wanted him. Lifting her leg, she swung it over his body so that her knees were on either side of his chest. His chest was so massive that her legs didn’t even touch the floor.

60

Bakra Bride

Bador wrapped his hands around her waist and urged her closer. “Sit over my face so I can pleasure you.” His husky plea made her breathless and she scooted up until her sex was spread wide over his face. She’d never done anything like this in her life. It was slightly disconcerting and embarrassing, but it was incredibly exciting. She could feel her juices flowing down the already slick folds of her pussy and slipping down her inner thighs. “Perfect,” he murmured and she could feel his breath like a warm caress against her heated flesh. His tongue lapped at her cream and she flexed her hips towards his tongue. His fingers tightened around her waist, but even then he held her carefully, as if mindful of her bruises. Her heart swelled and ached in her chest at the extent of his care for her. Then his clever lips closed over her distended clitoris and all thoughts flew from her head. Need overtook her. Completion was her only goal. Sucking the hard nub into his mouth, he tongued it. At the same time, he pressed two of his fingers into her tight channel, stretching her to the limits. Her body was so primed, so incredibly ready, that she could feel her vaginal muscles begin to contract on the second thrust of his fingers. When his hand skimmed up her side and cupped her breast, she was lost. Her inner core spasmed as she came and she could feel the gush between her thighs. A sound of pleasure rumbled from Bador’s throat as he continued to suck on her clit. She rode his fingers as she milked every last ounce of pleasure from her orgasm. When he sensed she was finished, he withdrew his fingers and easily lifted her from his face. As he eased her back onto his stomach, she could feel his erection poke her in the behind. She had come, but he was still incredibly aroused. He made no indication at all that he intended anything else. Relaxed against the furs, he toyed with her nipples, stroking them with the pads of his thumbs. Licking his lips, he grinned up at her. “I knew you’d taste sweet.”

61

N.J. Walters

The man was incredibly giving and now it was her turn to give to him. She’d never done anything like this in her life. Had never wanted to before now. But suddenly she was filled with the need to pleasure Bador. Scooting off his chest, she pushed his legs apart and knelt between them. All expression was gone from his face when she finally met his gaze. She laid her hand on his thigh and felt the muscles beneath it jump. His cock flexed, straining upward. “I want to pleasure you. Will you let me?”

62

Bakra Bride

Chapter Seven Bador almost swallowed his tongue at her innocent plea. All he could do was nod. His fingers gripped the fur under him. It took every ounce of self-control he possessed to keep from flinging her on her back and pumping his cock into her until he exploded within her silky depths. But he was a warrior and knew the value of strategy. He sensed it was important to Jane right now to feel as if she had some control over her world. And he would foster that feeling. Even if it killed him. She licked her lips and he swallowed hard. As juicy as berries, they were lush and ripe. She tasted sweet, like sunshine and promise. Jane was a gift of hope in their lives and he would do whatever it took to keep her with them. Her breathing was ragged and her breasts rose and fell in an uneven rhythm. She looked magnificent kneeling between his legs, staring at his erection as if she wasn’t quite sure what to do with it. “Jane,” he pleaded. She had to do something. Anything. His balls were so tight, he knew he didn’t have much time or control left. He’d soon come with her doing nothing more than staring at him. Her startled eyes flew to his face and then back to his erection. Inching her hands up over his thighs, she wrapped them around his cock and squeezed gently. Bador couldn’t swallow back the groan of pleasure that that simple action evoked. Jane smiled slowly. It was a siren’s smile. The smile of a woman who knew she was bringing pleasure to her man. Bador wanted to see that smile for the next fifty years or more. Sliding her hands upward, she stroked him once. Liquid seeped from the head of his cock and Jane rubbed her thumb over the tip, spreading it over the top. Taking her time, she cupped his balls with one hand and began a slow, steady stroking action. Up and down. Again and again. Bador gritted his teeth and tried to hold on. 63

N.J. Walters

Leaning down, she rubbed her breasts against his thighs as she traced the length of his erection with her tongue. His hips flexed. He wanted her mouth on him. Needed to feel his cock sliding past her lips and sucked into the moist heat beyond. Reaching down, he gripped her hair in his fingers and gently tugged her towards the head of his cock. She laughed as she fitted her mouth over the end and sucked. He thrust his hips upward as she swirled her tongue around the bulbous head, licking the salty liquid that seeped from the tip. Keeping a grip on her head, he pushed his cock deeper. Jane took him as deep into her mouth as she could before sliding her mouth up and almost off. Instead, she flicked her tongue around the head before swallowing him deep again. His heart was pounding in his chest, keeping time with the throbbing of his cock. He hung onto her as she sucked and licked him. She emitted little sounds of pleasure from deep in her throat that drove him crazy. His balls were aching they were so tight and when she rolled them in her fingers his orgasm hit him. His hips jerked as he came deep in her mouth. He yelled his release, his hot cum spurting down her throat. She gagged once before she continued sucking, draining him dry. God, she was beautiful and so very giving. The door slammed open and banged off the wall before being slammed shut. Bador didn’t have to look to know who it was. He’d been expecting Zaren long before now. He was actually surprised his brother had stayed away this long. Jane jumped, swallowing hard. She coughed and swiped at her mouth as she stared wide-eyed at Zaren. The heat in his brother’s eyes was almost enough to set the furs beneath him on fire. Bador was feeling too sated and mellow to really care. There was no reason they couldn’t both enjoy Jane. She was definitely woman enough to handle them both.

64

Bakra Bride

Jane could only stare at Zaren as he stood in the doorway, his hands clenched at his side, his eyes blazing. Was he angry with her? She glanced at Bador, but he was lying with his hand propped behind his head and a satisfied smile on his face. No help there. A low rumbling sound brought her eyes back to Zaren. Had he just growled? He stalked towards her, never taking his eyes off her. She swallowed hard and resisted the urge to curl up in a ball and hide from him. He looked big and dangerous and angry. But, she’d never been a coward and she wasn’t about to start now. “This is what you wanted, wasn’t it?” He came to a sudden halt and stared at her. “To sleep with Bador. After all, you left me here with him.” She trailed off sounding more forlorn than assertive. This world was so confusing to her. How did she go from being an ordinary, sensible woman to one who was attracted to two different men? She didn’t know herself any longer. Or perhaps this world was uncovering parts of her she hadn’t known existed before. Either way, she didn’t quite know what to do with either herself or them at the moment. She hung her head as shame washed over her. Maybe he was disgusted with her now that she’d been with Bador. She rubbed at her eyes. There was no way she was going to let them see her cry. Right now, she wanted to crawl away and hide until she could find a way back home to a world she understood. “Jane?” His soft voice belied the hard anger etched on his face as he knelt beside her and cupped her face in his hands. “Why are you crying?” She could feel Bador jerk to a seated position behind her and felt the comfort of his hand on the small of her back. “I’m not crying,” she sniffed as a tear escaped the corner of her eye and trickled down her cheek. She could handle Zaren’s anger more easily than his compassion. His thumb carefully rubbed the tear from her face. “Then why are you not crying?” His question was so absurd that a strangled laugh escaped her. Then she felt herself crumple as she began to sob in earnest. Zaren caught her in his strong arms and cradled 65

N.J. Walters

her against his strength. Bador pulled himself up next to them and stroked her back as she poured all her anger and uncertainty out in her tears. Unlike most men, they didn’t seem uncomfortable with her tears, nor did they try and stop them. They patiently sat and waited for the storm to pass. She was feeling rather silly by the time she dried her tears. All she had to show for her outburst were sore, swollen eyes and a stuffy nose. “I’m sorry. I really don’t know why I’m crying.” She didn’t want them to think she was normally such a watering pot. “Do you not?” The anger was back in Zaren’s voice and her stomach clenched. “You’ve been plucked from your own world and thrust into a new one. You’ve almost drowned. And you’ve had the two of us on you like rutting stallions since you first laid eyes upon us.” Jane stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. He was angry. There was no mistaking the biting tones in his voice. But it was anger at himself and his brother. He wasn’t angry with her at all. “I thought you were angry at me because of Bador—” She took a deep breath and continued. “I didn’t want you to think that this was something I did all the time. I don’t sleep with strange men. I’m not cheap or easy.” The words poured out in a torrent. It was important to her that they realize that this was a special situation and not something she normally did. Zaren looked appalled at her words. “Your pleasure is a gift to us. That you would share it with us is something to be treasured. Your generosity and giving nature is part of what makes you special.” His lips thinned and his eyes narrowed into pale blue slits. “I would kill any man who insulted you so.” Oh my. There was no doubting the sincerity of his words as he stroked her hair back from her face and placed a simple kiss in the center of her forehead. She could feel Bador’s lips on the base of her neck. Their ways might be different from hers, but there was no doubting the integrity and honor behind them. They were not appalled by what 66

Bakra Bride

she had done. Instead, they seemed to think she was generous for doing so. It was a strange way to think, but some part of her was beginning to accept it and become easier with the whole idea. And there was also no mistaking Zaren’s hard-on pushing against her thigh or the answering throb of her pussy. There was something about these men that called to the very essence of all that was female in her. Maybe it was pheromones, she didn’t know. All she knew was that she wanted Zaren with an intensity that no longer surprised her. She’d enjoyed sex but had never been an overly sexual woman before, but this place and these men had certainly changed that. Slipping her hand behind Zaren’s neck, she dragged his lips to her. He didn’t hesitate but thrust his tongue into her mouth, mating with hers. It was a dance of sorts, the slanting of their lips, the stroking of their tongues. He tasted warm and male and there was a tang of yeasty ale on his tongue. Picking her up easily in his arms, he turned her so that she was straddling his lap, her knees wrapped around his hips. Behind her, Bador spread her thighs and guided her opening over Zaren’s cock. As Zaren pulled her down over his erection, Bador slipped his hands around the front of her body and cupped her breasts in his hands. Zaren was hard and long and stretched her already tender vaginal muscles as he pulled her down over him. She was wet and eager, pressing down hard, wanting to take all of him. His hands gripped her hips, thrusting her downward until he was seated to the hilt. She felt full to bursting. It bordered on pain, but there was so much pleasure. Her entire body tingled and throbbed. Bador stroked her nipples with his fingers, plucking at the hardened nubs. She could feel his cock, hard once again, digging into her back as he pushed himself against her. Surrounded by the two men, she felt safe and secure in a way she’d never felt in her entire life. She wanted to please them both as they pleasured her. Zaren captured her mouth in another searing kiss as he began to lift her almost off his erection before pulling her back down again. The glide of his cock against the inner 67

N.J. Walters

muscles of her pussy was incredible. Closing her eyes, she just enjoyed the physical sensations as they made love to her. Bador continued to play with her nipples as he nipped at her neck and thrust his cock against her back. Zaren’s tongue thrust in and out of her mouth, mimicking the motions of his cock. For Jane it was overwhelming. Her orgasm hit hard. Hips jerking, she pulled her lips from Zaren’s and gasped for breath as her inner muscles tightened around his cock. He lifted her and slammed her back down onto his erection as Bador ground his cock hard against her back. She could feel them both come as one. The jerking of Zaren’s cock deep in her core echoed the hot spray of semen on her back. Their releases set off another round of contractions inside her. They clung together, riding out the storm of sensations until they collapsed in a heap. Bador was leaning heavy on her back and she was slumped against Zaren. If it weren’t for him, they’d all be in a heap on the floor. A giggle rolled up from her chest and she was unable to suppress it. The giggle soon became a laugh. Bador raised his head and tilted her head so that he could see her. “Are you laughing at us?” Unable to answer because of her laughter, she just nodded. Bador cocked an eyebrow at her, but his eyes crinkled as he smiled at her. “She’s laughing at us,” he informed his brother. “Hmmm,” Zaren said as he nibbled at her earlobe. “I believe she is.” The corners of his lips curved up slightly. “We must look a sight,” she gasped out. “Totally debauched.” As she laughed, her stomach emitted a huge grumble. Both men stared at her belly in disbelief and she laughed again. “You need to eat. You’re much too thin.” Bador made that pronouncement as he rolled away from her and stood. His cum still glistened on his belly, but he was so

68

Bakra Bride

unself-conscious about it that it seemed perfectly natural. “First a bath and then some food.” He extended his hand to her and helped her move. Zaren’s cock had shrunk slightly but it was still fairly big as he eased out of her. He hissed in a breath as her body released him. Her legs were shaky and she needed Bador’s help just to stand. Zaren stood and swept her off her feet, carrying her towards a small doorway in the corner of the room. When he stepped inside, Jane was pleased to see a small bathing chamber. The tub was filled with steaming water. She looked at him questioningly. “I had it filled when I heard you and Bador. I knew you’d want a bath.” He motioned to another small door on the opposite end of the room. “They were filling the tub while we were occupied.” Jane could feel her cheeks heating at the thought of people listening to them from the other room as they made love in the bedroom. Well, that was life here and right now she wanted that bath too badly to worry about what other people might think. Zaren carried her right over to the tub and lowered her into the water. It was hot but not scalding. Her aching muscles could use the soak. He stroked her face with his hand as he stood. “Pull on that cord if you need anything and someone will respond.” He motioned to a cord that ran through a small hole in the floor and was attached to the ceiling. She nodded, but she definitely wouldn’t be calling anyone. “We will get cleaned up and return with some food.” She sensed his reluctance to leave her. “I’ll be fine. I need a bath.” What she really needed was some time alone to think and regroup. Picking up the soft cloth and soap from a shelf alongside the tub, she lathered it and began to wash. The door closed softly and she knew he was gone. Sliding down against the rim of the tub, she allowed her eyes to drift shut as the hot water soothed her body and the sweet lavender scent of the soap calmed her mind.

69

N.J. Walters

Chapter Eight Jane burrowed deeper under the covers, not wanting to wake. She was having the most wonderful dream about two incredibly handsome men who both wanted her. Smiling, she rolled over and sighed. An arm wrapped around her from behind and a hand cupped her breast as she was pulled back against a rock-hard chest. He rubbed the top of her head with her chin as she settled against him. The covers shifted and the mattress sank next to her. Another warm body snuggled up to her front so that her nose was practically touching his chest. Contentment filled her as she drifted along in her dream world. Her dream changed slowly and she drifted into blackness. At first she couldn’t see anything, but gradually she made out the shape of a hallway. Her stomach clenched as fear skittered down her spine. She recognized this place. Raised voices filled the air around her and she covered her ears with her hands. But it didn’t help. She could still hear them. Knowing there was nothing she could do to stop the outcome, she still crept towards the open doorway. The scene was always the same. The crack of the gun, the smell of blood and death, and the stomach-churning fear that accompanied it. It never changed. When Richard turned towards her and smiled, she backed away from him. “I know you’re there, Jane,” he taunted her. This wasn’t right. This wasn’t how it happened. Turning, she fled down the hall with his laughter trailing after her. She raced around a corner only to come face to face with him. Boss. Friend. Murderer. One look at his face told her that she was next. Even as she turned to run, she knew it was too late. Screaming, she felt herself fall. “Jane.” The voice seemed a long ways off, but she tried to reach it. “Wake up, Jane.” This time the voice was more insistent. Her entire body was shaking when she opened

70

Bakra Bride

her eyes. Or rather, he was shaking her body. Zaren had her by the shoulders and was shaking her so hard her teeth felt as if they were rattling in her head. “I’m awake.” She clutched at his wrists with her hands. His fingers dug into her shoulders and then she found herself almost smothered as he pulled her close to his chest. He held her so tight she could barely breathe. Fine tremors vibrated through his arms and hands as he stroked her hair from her face. “It was just a dream. I’m fine now.” Except that it wasn’t a dream. Not really. It was just part of the nightmare that had taken over her life. But that was over now. Behind her. “What were you dreaming?” “I don’t want to talk about it.” Pushing away from his embrace, she sat up in bed and looked towards the window. The sunlight was barely cutting through the gloom of the dawn, but it was morning. “Are you sure?” Turning in the other direction, she squinted at Bador who was awake and propped up on one arm in bed, watching her every move. At least this hadn’t been a dream. She’d actually slept in the bed with the two of them last night. After a hearty meal of brown crusty bread, sharp white cheese, ham, cider and fresh fruit, they’d tucked her into the massive bed and climbed in on either side of her. She’d been too surprised to object. Before she knew it, they were all settled away and she’d quickly fallen asleep sandwiched between them. She smiled at Bador to reassure him. “I’m positive.” Her stomach chose that moment to growl again. She pressed her hand against it, but it didn’t help. “We’ll have to feed you again.” Zaren rolled out of bed and stretched. Really, the man was gorgeous to look at. She could lie here all day and watch him. As he raised his hands over his head, the muscles of his back shifted and rippled. And his ass—well, it was tight and hard and perfect. Jane sighed and dropped her head back onto the pillows.

71

N.J. Walters

Bador immediately pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Her entire body thrummed with desire whenever one of them touched her. She was disappointed when he pulled back and placed a chaste kiss on the tip of her nose. “You’re probably too tender for anything else right now. Maybe later.” On that note, he climbed out of bed as well. Jane relaxed against the pillows and stacked her hands under her head. Might as well enjoy the show. She stretched her entire body as she lay there, flexing her feet, legs and arms. Some of her muscles gave a twinge of protest. She was a little sore, but maybe not too sore. It was a moot point anyway, because both men had already hauled on leather pants and boots. As she watched they secured heavy metal armbands around their upper arms and over their wrists. Zaren came back to the bed and sat on the side next to her. “How do you feel?” He stroked his finger along her jaw, down her neck and across her collarbone. Slowly, he moved it downward, pushing the covers away as he went until her breasts were exposed to him. “Good,” she replied. And it was true. For the first morning in months, she felt good. Not only physically, but mentally as well. “Good enough for a ride?” That sounded promising. She wouldn’t mind riding him, but she didn’t think that that was quite what he had in mind. Oh, well. Maybe later. “Where are we going?” His eyes darkened and his hand stilled over her heart. “Castle Garen. We need to be with Jarmon and I think you should talk with Christina and our mother.” All thoughts of an early morning romp fled. She felt selfish. How could she have forgotten that their brother was injured and near death. “Of course I’m well enough to ride. Although I really don’t need to talk to anyone.” It was cowardly, but Jane didn’t think she could face their mother knowing she’d slept with two of the woman’s sons. It just didn’t bear thinking about. “She will love you. You will bring her some hope during this dark time.” 72

Bakra Bride

She swallowed back all objections. It would be small of her to refuse if her presence would comfort the woman during this horrific time. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to see one of your children near death and be powerless to change things. “I’ll do anything I can to help.” Gripping his hand in hers, she squeezed it tight. His eyes were tender and warm as he gazed down at her. “I knew that you would.”

Hours later, she was cursing herself. “Anything at all,” she muttered under her breath. They’d been riding for hours and her backside had lost all feeling at some point along the way. Plus the unaccustomed sexual activities had left her a tad uncomfortable and having her legs wrapped around a horse for such a long period of time certainly wasn’t helping her any. She gritted her teeth and refused to complain. Surely goodness, they’d be to Castle Garen soon. There’d been a moment when she’d been sure that she wouldn’t be going with them. But Jane had refused to don a dress when she knew she’d be riding for hours. Instead, she’d pulled on her pajama bottoms, which, thankfully, she’d had the forethought to wash and hang in front of the fire the night before, and insisted they find her some kind of top or tunic to wear over it. She’d had to fix the tie around the waist of the pants where Bador had snapped it, but she’d done that quickly and easily. The fact that she was here was proof that she’d won that argument, but it hadn’t been easy. Both men had grumbled and cajoled, but in the end, she’d won simply because she refused to go dressed any other way and they would not leave her behind. Finally, they’d found her a long tunic that belonged to the cook’s twelve-year-old son. It fell to her knees, but at least her legs were covered and protected as she rode. They’d also produced a pair of flat brown leather ankle boots that fit her rather well. “There.” Her head jerked up when Bador spoke and she looked towards where he was pointing. In the distance, she could see another castle. It was very similar to Bakra Castle, except there seemed to be a river flowing just beyond the castle. 73

N.J. Walters

It was pretty, but Jane was too tired to enjoy it. She’d sing The Hallelujah Chorus if she could just get her butt out of this saddle. Maybe it had been a mistake to tell them she knew how to ride. A few lessons when she was a kid did not mean she was accustomed to riding, but they’d seemed so pleased by the fact she could ride, she hadn’t corrected their mistaken assumptions. Okay, so it was her own pride that kept her in the saddle. But for a long time now, her pride was about all she’d had. Still, it had been a silly thing to do and they’d have to make adjustments for the ride home. But for now, the end was in sight. She could make it that far. Zaren turned in his saddle and was watching her closely. “Are you all right?” She gave him a wide smile. “Just dandy.” He shook his head at her but didn’t question her further. She swallowed a groan when her horse jostled her and shifted her position to try and find a more comfortable spot. Impossible. There was no comfortable spot to be found. Her butt was going to be one big bruise. Someone shouted from the castle walls and Zaren shouted back, identifying himself. The huge gate swung open and the three of them rode inside the walls, up through the courtyard towards a set of stone steps. When they finally reached the bottom of the stairs, both men swung off their horses and stalked up the steps to exchange greetings with another man. Good heavens, they were all huge in this land. It wasn’t just her warriors. She ignored the possessiveness of her thoughts, brushing aside the implications. Zaren said something to the man and his head swung towards her and she could see the disbelief on his face. Slowly, he walked down the stairs towards her. He wore his long hair in the same manner as Zaren did with it falling loose except for the two skinny braids in front that framed his face. His hair was black and his eyes a golden-brown, but there was a look in it that was similar to both Zaren and Bador. This man was a warrior. There was a confidence and a sense of authority about him that was slightly intimidating. 74

Bakra Bride

Taking the initiative, she thrust out her hand. “Jane Smith. Pleased to meet you.” He stared at her hand as a slow smile crossed his face, making his rugged features almost handsome. “I am Jarek of the House of Garen. Welcome to my home, Jane Smith.” He took her smaller hand in his, brought it to her lips and kissed it gently before releasing her and stepping back. The formal greeting made her heart pound. She was more nervous than she wanted to admit. But this was Zaren and Bador’s world. This man was their friend. Their mother was here for heaven’s sakes. Until she could find a way to get home, she had to get along with the people here. At least that’s what she told herself. What other possible reason could she have for wanting to make a good impression? Certainly, it didn’t mean that she wanted them both to be proud of her. “Christina will want to meet her.” There was a thread of a command beneath his casual comment that had both Zaren and Bador stiffening. “Of course.” Zaren nodded. Before she could begin to figure out what that exchange was all about, Zaren was motioning to her. She frowned at him and didn’t move. “It is time to go in,” he beckoned her again. The man was obtuse. Did he think she’d still be sitting here if she could manage to move? Although, to be fair, he didn’t know she’d been having such a hard time of it. She’d done too good a job hiding her discomfort. “You go ahead. I’ll be along in a few minutes.” Hopefully, he’d take the hint so she could fall off her horse when there was no one around to witness her misery. “You will come with us now,” he gritted out between his teeth. With his hands on his hips he glared down at her, looking every inch the warrior from the tip of his leather boots to the four-foot sword that was strapped around his waist. Now she was angry. He was going to make her embarrass herself in front of their host. “I’ll be along in a moment.”

75

N.J. Walters

She could see the growing sympathy in Jarek’s eyes and she could feel the heat climbing up her cheeks. Smoothing the fabric of her pajama bottoms down over her knees, she refused to look at the men. She heard the sound of his boots on the stone stairs as he came towards her. Jane continued to stare at the back of her horse’s head. She was angry enough to scream at Zaren. Plus, her behind and her legs were completely numb. “Jane.” His voice was soft and cajoling, but she still refused to look at him. “There is nothing to fear here.” Fine. Dandy. He thought she was afraid. She didn’t know what was worse. Allowing him to believe she was scared or telling him she couldn’t move. “I’m not afraid.” Damn her pride anyway. “Then come inside.” “I’d love to come inside,” she finally looked at him and almost cried at the soft concern in his eyes. “There’s just one slight problem.” “What?” Sighing, Jane waited for the explosion that was sure to come. “I can’t move.”

76

Bakra Bride

Chapter Nine Hours later, Jane shivered as she remembered Zaren’s reaction. Even though she knew that his anger hadn’t been directed at her but at himself for not recognizing her difficulty on the trip, it still made her tremble. He hadn’t yelled or berated her at all. His pale blue eyes had glittered like ice and his softly whispered words had made her flinch. “What do you mean?” It had taken all of her courage to meet his glacial gaze, but she’d done it. Barely. She felt flayed alive by his controlled anger. She didn’t dare wonder what he’d be like if his temper ever slipped its reins. He was scary enough as it was. “I…um…my backside and legs are numb,” she finally blurted. The vein in the side of his temple pulsed and he actually growled at her as he plucked her off the saddle in one motion. Jane couldn’t suppress the moan of pain as the movement caused a sensation much like pins and needles pricking at her skin to run up and down her legs. Zaren said nothing, but the muscles in his jaw were working hard as he shifted her high against his chest and stalked back up the stairs. He glared at his host and his brother as if daring them to say anything. “Where is our mother?” “She is upstairs with Jarmon.” Jane could see that Jarek was trying hard to swallow back his laughter and Bador looked concerned and amused at the same time. This was not the kind of first impression she’d been hoping to make. “Put me down, I can walk,” she whispered in his ear, not wanting to draw further attention to her. “No.” His voice was strong and firm as he walked straight through the huge wooden door and into the cooler interior of the castle.

77

N.J. Walters

So much for not drawing attention. Both Jarek and Bador turned to look at them and Bador cocked a questioning brow. Jane frowned at him and shook her head before turning to their host and smiling at him. She could see the beginnings of a smile as he turned and continued on up the stairs. “What do you mean, no? Put me down,” she whispered furiously in his ear. “You’ll fall flat on your face and then I’ll have to carry you anyway.” She feared he was right, but that was beside the point. “What will your mother think?” She was mortified at what his mother would think of her. “She’ll likely give us a lecture on not taking better care of you.” There was an affectionate humor in his words and he leaned down and brushed his lips against hers. “And she’d be right. In our hurry to get here, we did not take enough care with you.” She didn’t like the fact that he was blaming himself for her condition. “It was my decision to say nothing.” “Yes, it was your decision, but I still should have noticed your discomfort.” Before she could respond to his outrageous statement, he was carrying her into what was obviously a bedroom. The room was hushed and she could sense the desperation in the air. There was a man lying in the bed with two women, one middle-aged and one around Jane’s age, seated next to him. Bador was leaning over the older woman, brushing a kiss across her cheek. Jane’s stomach clenched as she watched him comfort her. There was a movement in the shadows on the far side of the bed. Garrik stepped forward and she had to smother back her gasp of surprise. He looked absolutely haggard and so much older than he had when she’d first met him. Had that only been a day ago?

78

Bakra Bride

Zaren walked swiftly to the bed and lowered her legs until she was standing, but he kept his arm around her waist. She was grateful for the support, knowing her legs still wouldn’t hold her if he let her go. “Mother,” he spoke softly. “This is Jane.” Jane bit her lip and swallowed hard as the older woman summoned a weak smile for her. “I’m so glad to meet you, Jane.” The hand that gripped Jane’s was shaking and very cold. “I just wish it could be under better circumstances.” Jane could feel her heart breaking for the older woman. “I’m sorry about your son.” She didn’t quite know what else to say, but no one seemed to expect anything more. The other woman stood. Tall and blond, her smile was gentle and kind as she introduced herself. “Welcome to Castle Garen. I’m Christina.” Stepping forward, she gave Jane a quick hug before releasing her. “I only wish the situation was better.” Christina glanced at Zaren before turning back to Jane. “We have much to talk about.” Jane nodded but wasn’t quite sure how to respond to the woman’s cryptic words. “Garrik?” Zaren’s voice brought her back to the situation at hand. Although his arm was still around her, his entire focus was on his brother. Garrik shook his head. “His physical injuries are no longer life-threatening, but he has no will to live.” His eyes, so much like Zaren’s, bore deep into Jane before returning to his brother’s still form lying under the mound of covers. “Leave us.” His command surprised everyone around them and Jane could sense their unease. But Garrik was determined. “Leave. All except Jane.” Zaren’s eyes narrowed on his brother, but he said nothing. Instead, he moved her until she could support herself against the bed and then helped his mother out of her chair. As if Zaren’s approval was the sign they were all waiting for, everyone filed out of the room, closing the door quietly behind them. Jane chewed on her bottom lip as she watched them go. What did they expect her to do? A low groan of pain from the bed startled her. Jarmon hadn’t moved since she got here. She hadn’t realized that he was either awake or conscious. “Is he in much pain?” “Yes.” Garrik’s stark reply and pale face moved her to action. 79

N.J. Walters

“What can I do?” Garrik stared hard at her. “It is not a pretty sight.” Reaching down, he gently turned back the covers. Jane’s hands flew to her mouth to swallow her gasp. No, it wasn’t a pretty sight. One of his legs was thickly bandaged. She could see another thick padding around his left shoulder and as her gaze moved lower down his arm she realized he was missing two fingers on his left hand. She swallowed audibly as she continued to catalogue his injuries. A red puckered scar ran from the outside corner of his left eye to the corner of his mouth, marring his left cheek. “He has lost some mobility with his left arm as well as his fingers. He will probably have a limp when he walks.” Garrik stroked a lock of hair away from his brother’s face. Jane lowered herself until she was sitting on the mattress by Jarmon’s side. He looked so young. “How old is he?” Garrik’s smile was sad. “We have both seen twenty-two summers.” Oh God. Jane closed her eyes in pain. She was five years older than they were. They both looked older but were still very young. “He needs something to live for.” She could see the pleading in his eyes. She nodded and shifted closer as he turned back to Jarmon. “I have brought her, Jarmon. The tapestry has brought our family a treasure. And if you weren’t determined to be so lazy we could have given our older brothers a true contest for the fair and lovely Jane.” His impassioned speech startled her and she realized that he meant every word he was saying. His eyes burned as he glanced at her before returning his attention to his brother. If Jarmon had been well, she’d be trying to deal with the attentions of all four brothers. She wiped the beads of sweat off her brow. While she wanted their brother well, she wasn’t sorry that she didn’t have to worry about all four of them at once. She was having enough problems dealing with Bador and Zaren. Garrik had stopped talking while her thoughts had been racing and he looked at her expectantly. Shifting higher on the bed, she cupped Jarmon’s face between her 80

Bakra Bride

hands. Following her instincts, she bent down and brushed a kiss across his lips. “Jarmon,” she said in a firm tone of voice. “It is time for you to come back now. Your family needs you.” He gave no indication that he’d even heard her. His pale face was still, but she was almost positive that she’d felt him move ever so slightly, as if trying to pull away from her. Well, too bad. She wasn’t about to let him go. He meant too much to Zaren, Bador and Garrik. A thought occurred to her and she used what little knowledge she had of their world to try and prod some response from him. “What will happen to your future bride if you do not get well? What will happen to Garrik if you give up? He will not be able to claim her on his own.” Zaren and Bador both had a huge sense of responsibility to each other and those around them. Jane was counting on the fact that the younger brothers were no different. She suspected that the others were coddling Jarmon, but what he really needed was to be needed. He needed a purpose to live. “What will happen to your brother?” she prodded ruthlessly. “Or don’t you care about him?” She heard Garrik suck in his breath at her cruel words, but she ignored him. “Maybe you’re too selfish to care about the woman who might be your future bride. Maybe you don’t care if some other man claims her.” He struck with the intensity and speed of a rattlesnake. His hand shot forward, grabbing hers in an unbreakable grip. “I care.” The words were slightly garbled and his breathing was hard, but he had spoken. His eyes were open and burning with anger. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple. Jane could feel the tears on her cheeks as she leaned over him. “I know you do,” she whispered as she brushed his scarred face with a kiss. “Someone just needed to remind you.”

81

N.J. Walters

A ghost of a smile played around the edges of his lips, momentarily smoothing out the lines of strain that bracketed his mouth. “Pretty,” he said, squeezing her hand before releasing it, as if suddenly exhausted. Garrik fell to his knees on the other side of the bed, laid his head on his brother’s chest and wept. It took him several tries, but Jarmon finally managed to raise his ravaged hand high enough to rest it on his brother’s back His eyes were damp and bleak as he stared down at his brother’s bowed head. Jane knew that his life would not be an easy one, but there was no going back now. He had made the turn towards life again and all that it entailed. Silently pushing off the bed, she stood and shuffled towards the door. Although she’d momentarily forgotten her own aches and pains, they were still there. Bent over like an old lady, she placed her hands on her back and tried to straighten as she made her way, one painstaking step at a time, towards the door. Both brothers seemed to have forgotten her presence and for that she was glad. Easing the door open, she slipped out into the hallway. Emotions swamped her. She couldn’t believe she’d had the nerve to do what she’d just done. She was just glad that it had turned out for the best—the alternative would have been devastating. Leaning against the cool stone wall, she felt her body sliding towards the floor as her legs finally buckled out from under her. Her bottom never touched the ground. Strong arms grasped her, pulling her back up even as they tugged her close to a massive chest. She needed the comfort and the warmth, and she twined her arms around his waist, burrowing closer. She didn’t have to look up to know who held her. The door behind her opened almost silently and she could sense Zaren staring into the room beyond. Raising her head, she could still see Garrik with his head buried against his brother’s chest while Jarmon’s injured hand held him close. Zaren quietly closed the door again, leaving them in privacy. “Thank you, Jane.” 82

Bakra Bride

“I didn’t really do anything,” she confessed. After all, there was no proof that Jarmon wouldn’t have recovered on his own. “Yes, you did.” Zaren’s grip tightened on her as he sighed. “You have made my life harder by being so giving and brave and valiant.” “Goodness, all of that?” Her attempt at a joke to lighten the mood fell flat. “Aye. All that and more.” He stood there in the hallway, supporting her with one arm, seemingly in no hurry to go anywhere. With his free hand, he rubbed her back soothingly. “Your very generosity of spirit shames me.” He laughed. “I thought that I could keep you here with us, with me, and not give you a choice. But there are choices and you must know them.” He was beginning to scare her a little. “What choices? What do I need to know?” Zaren bent and slipped an arm under her leg, lifted her high and began to carry her down the hall. “You need to know things I cannot bring myself to tell you. But I will take you to someone who can.” He fell silent then as he carried her into what looked like a large sitting room. Both his mother and Christina were there. He nodded at them but otherwise ignored them as he lowered Jane onto a padded chair. Going down on one knee in front of her, he clasped her hands in his, lowered his head and kissed each of her knuckles in turn. “Remember how much we need you.” Springing to his feet, he stalked from the room without so much as a backward glance. He didn’t even close the door behind him in his haste to be away. It left Jane feeling bereft, confused and afraid. She turned to the other women, almost cringing at the looks of sympathy they were both giving her. Everyone else around her seemed to know more than she did and it was time for that to change. Knowledge was power and it was time for her to empower herself. Narrowing her eyes, she tilted her chin and stared back at the other women. She didn’t need anyone’s pity. What she needed was information. Squaring her shoulders, 83

N.J. Walters

she clasped her hands in her lap. “It’s time to talk.” They both nodded slowly and the older woman smiled at her. “Tell me everything.” Sitting forward in her chair, Jane waited for them to begin.

84

Bakra Bride

Chapter Ten Jane slumped back into her chair, stunned by what Christina had just finished telling her. Neither of the other women spoke as Jane tried to assimilate everything she’d just been told. Licking her suddenly dry lips, she sucked in a breath. “Okay. Let me see if I understand this. The tapestry is magic, which I already figured out on my own. And it travels through time and space looking for women from our world who have no family and life in their own time.” “Yes,” Christina said. “In other words it looks for losers,” Jane scoffed. Just when she thought she might be special. Christina’s unrestrained laughter took her by surprise. The other woman doubled over and laughed until tears seeped from her eyes. Jane didn’t quite know what to make of her reaction. Christina swiped at her eyes and gasped out, “That’s exactly the same thing I said.” Her humor was infectious and Jane chuckled. “Well, I was hoping it was because I was special.” “You are special.” Zaren’s mother finally spoke. The older woman had been strangely quiet throughout Christina’s explanation. “The tapestry seeks a woman who can not only survive but thrive here in our world and with our customs.” Jane couldn’t stop the blush she knew was creeping up her face. Her cheeks felt as if they were burning, they were so hot. The older woman just smiled at her. “Jane. May I call you Jane?” When Jane nodded, she continued. “And you must call me Olena.” She stood and began to pace. “I know that our world must seem strange to you, but you must not feel badly for being attracted to both my sons.” Jane groaned and buried her face in her hands. “This is so embarrassing.” 85

N.J. Walters

“Why?” Olena stopped by the table and poured a glass of cider from a jug. “Because you’re their mother, for heaven’s sakes,” Jane spit out. Olena’s gentle laughter eased her discomfort somewhat as did her words. “Jane, I am a woman first and a mother second. I had a husband and he had a brother as well.” She waited while the implications of that statement sunk in. “When my husband died, his brother and I were a great comfort to one another and we had several happy years before illness claimed him.” She walked over to Jane, handing her the goblet. Jane grasped it and drank deep. “I don’t know what to do. My life has changed so much in the last months.” “Tell us,” Olena encouraged as she sat once again. Christina leaned forward and Jane found herself pouring out her entire life story to them. “So you see,” she took a sip from her glass a long time later, hoping to ease her dry throat, “the night before I came here I had a call from my old boyfriend and a job offer. I have prospects in my life.” Olena frowned at her as if trying to understand her, and it occurred to Jane that the older woman might not comprehend some of her words. But before Jane could begin to explain, Christina zeroed right in on the truly important question. “But is that what you still want for your life?” “I don’t know.” She heard the anguish and uncertainty in her own voice. “I thought I would start my own business, but then,” she waved her hand to encompass the room, “then this happened.” Christina sighed. “Only you can answer that question, but the tapestry will reappear tomorrow night and you will have to make your choice. Life is different here, in some ways better, but in others much harder.” She shook her head, making her long blond hair shimmer. “I miss chocolate and tampons and movies. Simple things really and when it comes down to it, just things. But what have I gained?” she paused. “What I have gained is a love that is unwavering and a place where I am needed and where I can be accepted for who I am.” 86

Bakra Bride

Christina smiled at Jane. “That and I never have to pay taxes, I’m not bothered by telemarketers and I no longer worry about dieting because Jarek and Marc think I’m perfect the way I am.” “But it’s too much, too fast,” Jane whispered. Christina’s smile faded and her eyes were sympathetic. “It is. Yet there is no choice. The tapestry will reappear and, make no mistake, if you do not make your own choice, it will make one for you. Then you will be forced to live with it. It is better to make up your own mind.” Olena cleared her throat. “Jane, we have just met, but I can already sense that both Zaren and Bador care deeply for you. And after what happened with Jarmon, I think Garrik is half in love with you. I know for sure that he would lay down his life for you. All my sons would.” She pinned Jane with a glacial gaze very reminiscent of her sons. “To them you are priceless. Think about that as you make your choice.” Olena sighed deeply. “Forgive an old lady’s interference, but I want my sons’ happiness and health above all things. You will make your own choice. Now, it is time for me to go and see to Jarmon.” Rising, she started towards the door. Jane stared after her, impressed with the regal way the older lady carried herself. “Thank you,” she called out. Olena paused at the door. “You will leave soon. If I see you again it will be because you are my daughter-in-law. I pray it is so. But if not, have a good life, Jane Smith.” Then she was gone as she disappeared through the open door. Jane slumped back into her chair. “What am I to do?”

Zaren stood in the shadows of the hallway and watched his mother walk away. He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop on the women, but he hadn’t wanted to be far from Jane in case she needed him.

87

N.J. Walters

He snorted softly under his breath. He couldn’t lie to himself, he was hoping to glean some piece of information about Jane’s former life to help convince her to stay. It was why he hadn’t closed the door behind him when he’d left her. Although there was no sound, Zaren turned toward an alcove further down the hall. Now that their mother had passed by and was gone from sight, Bador stepped out from where he had concealed himself. Zaren could see the look of disbelief and anger on his brother’s face and knew that it matched his own. The horror of what Jane had survived had sliced through him like a knife. She could have easily been killed and he would never have met her. The mere thought was almost profane. He could no longer imagine a life without her. The courage with which she’d acted made him proud. His Jane was no frail flower. Yes, she needed to take better care of herself physically, but he now understood why she was so thin and pale. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. It was too bad he couldn’t travel to where she came from long enough to deal with Richard Trenton. He’d make sure the other man was no longer of any threat to Jane. What would happen to Jane if she went back to her own time and her own world? Who would protect her? That outcome was unthinkable. He would find a way to keep her here. Safe with him. He took a deep breath and slowly released it. These feelings of possessiveness were entirely new to him and he was having a hard time dealing with them. She might very well choose Bador as her husband. He gritted his teeth at the mere thought. So be it. If that’s what it took to make her stay. He glanced at his brother and saw the same grim determination etched on his face. It was time to take her back home to Bakra Castle. Time for himself and Bador to bend all their considerable skills to convince Jane to remain with them. Just the thought of the coming night had his cock swelling and pressing against the front of his pants. It was going to be a long and very pleasurable night. Reaching down, he adjusted himself to try and ease the ache and then headed towards the sitting room.

88

Bakra Bride

With their heads bent together as they talked earnestly, the two women made a wondrous sight. Christina with her long blond hair and her plump, ripe body, and Jane with her tousled black locks that fell only to her shoulders and her long, lean body. It was a sight to make a man sigh with need and make his pants uncomfortably tight. Bador crowded in behind him, all but shoving him into the room. They both nodded at Christina before turning to Jane. “It’s time to go home.” Zaren’s voice was harsh and he winced inwardly when she flinched. “Back to Bakra Castle, you mean?” Jane challenged him. “My home isn’t here and I’ve just found out that I can return to my home if I want to.” “No. Your home is here.” Zaren knew he should be trying to gently convince her to stay, but the more primitive side of himself was goading him to just take her and claim her. He wanted to toss her on the floor and fuck her until she was screaming her release and couldn’t even think about leaving him. And that was surely going to convince her to stay. He clenched his hands into fists, trying to regain his control. He’d never had any problem maintaining control until he’d met Jane. What was it about this slender, stubborn woman that aroused every male hormone in his body want to grab her and yell, “MINE!” Bador pushed passed him and walked to her. “We brought you here so that they could explain things to you and answer all your questions.” He smoothed her hair away from her face with his hands and then cupped her face between them. Bending down, he kissed her softly, gently, carefully. Zaren ground his teeth in frustration. He should have been the one kissing Jane, but Bador was better at the softer talk that women loved. Zaren was a man of action and right now was not the time for the kind of action he wanted to take. His body burned with the need to join with Jane. He wanted his cock buried deep inside her welcoming body when they both came. He wanted his seed spurting deep inside her, marking her as his.

89

N.J. Walters

His breathing was getting harsher and he knew his control was almost shot. “We leave within the hour.” Turning, he strode away even though all he wanted to do was go to Jane and enfold her in his arms. “Say your goodbyes and meet me out front.” Not giving anyone time to question his orders, he stalked down the hallway to say his farewells to his mother and younger brothers.

90

Bakra Bride

Chapter Eleven The ride back to Bakra Castle was a somber affair. Jane still wasn’t sure what put Zaren in such a foul mood. After all, Jarmon’s condition had made a turn for the better and it looked as if he would make a full recovery given enough time. Garrik and Olena had wished them a safe journey and Jarmon had even managed a weak smile. Christina had all but begged her to come back and visit if she stayed in Javara. In the short time they’d spent together, Jane felt as if she had met a kindred spirit in the other woman. Jane had never had a good female friend before and was surprised at how much she’d enjoyed just spending the afternoon talking with her even if the subject had been a very serious one. It helped that Christina understood her situation in a way that no one else could. She’d finally met Jarek’s brother Marc as they were mounting to leave. He was a quiet man with an air of sadness about him even as he smiled at all those around him. But Jane recognized the sadness in him, as she’d felt it herself over the years. In spite of the fact that they had Christina, Marc was still lonely. Jane wondered how it would be for either Zaren or Bador if she chose to stay and wed one of them. How would the other one truly feel? She’d had many of her questions answered this afternoon, but they, in turn, had only spawned more questions. Sighing, she shifted to a more comfortable position. At least she wasn’t riding a horse this time. There had been no doubt as to how she was travelling home. Her horse had been tethered behind the other two and Zaren had picked her up and all but tossed her on top of his horse before climbing up behind her and hauling her into his arms. “Are you comfortable?” She could hear the concern in his voice and knew that he was doing his best to see to her comfort.

91

N.J. Walters

She was cradled against his massive chest and the broad expanse of firm muscles that were exposed by the open vest that he wore. Soft blond hair ran down the center towards his waist before disappearing behind the covering of his leather pants. Her fingers itched to touch it, but she kept her hands clasped tightly in her lap. He was so darn handsome that he always managed to distract her from her thoughts. “Jane?” He shifted her slightly and she could feel his growing erection pushing against her side. “I’m fine.” Her bottom was still sore, but at least her legs were no longer numb. But that was the least of her worries. Her body was responding to the sheer nearness of him, remembering all the pleasure that his body had given hers. The air was calm and the forest quiet. The sound of the horses’ hooves was muffled against the moss and grass on the woodland trail they followed. Sunlight flickered through the canopy of trees above them as they moved through the thick forest. The sun was sinking lower and it would be dark long before they reached Bakra Castle. An unseen bird serenaded them with a song and a brook gurgled close by. Jane tried to concentrate on her surroundings. But it was impossible. Her breasts felt swollen and heavy. As her body moved with the sway of the horse, they rubbed against the cotton fabric of the tunic she wore, abrading her sensitive nipples until they were both hard nubs. She’d tried to pluck the fabric away from her chest, but it immediately draped back over her breasts, making them worse. She’d been doing her best to ignore it, but it wasn’t working. Now, with Zaren’s shaft pushing against her, she felt an answering pulse deep in her belly. The slick folds of her sex got wetter with every mile they went. The motion of the animal beneath her and Zaren’s arms wrapped around her all conspired to make her pussy weep with need. She could feel the cream pooling between her thighs and was glad that the tunic covered her lap, because she feared that the pale blue silk of her pajamas was now stained with her juices.

92

Bakra Bride

She tried to shift her position, moving her legs ever so slightly, hoping that Zaren wouldn’t notice anything. His sigh ruffled the hair on her head. He tilted her chin up so that she was forced to look at him. “What’s wrong, Jane? Do you need to stop and rest awhile?” He brought the horse to a halt in the middle of the trail. “I’m fine, really. I just want to get back to the castle.” His lips thinned and his face grew stern at the reference to the castle, but she refused to call it home. At least for now. “You’re sure?” “What’s wrong?” Bador had realized they weren’t behind him and had doubled back on the trail. Jane gritted her teeth. “Everything is fine. I’m fine. I just want to get back to the castle so I can climb into a hot tub of water and soak my aching butt. Okay?” She was determined not to lose her temper, but they weren’t making it easy. Bador stifled a grin before blowing her a kiss and starting his horse back down the trail. Zaren’s chest moved suspiciously against her side. She drummed her fingers against his leg. She very much suspected that he was laughing at her. A quick glance confirmed it. Yep, he was definitely laughing at her. Deliberately, she shifted so her hip rubbed against his thick shaft. It was her turn to smile when he groaned. She did it again, but this time, he gripped her tight and held her still. “What game are you playing, Jane?” “Who’s playing?” she taunted. “You were laughing at me a moment ago.” “Ah,” he responded as he lightly pulled on the reins and sent his horse trotting back down the path behind Bador. “What does that mean?” She knew she should let it rest, but she just couldn’t. “It means that you were tormenting me because I laughed at you.” Put like that it sounded kind of small and petty.

93

N.J. Walters

“Okay,” she relented. “It was on purpose, but you deserved it.” Her butt ached, she was horny as heck, and they were still several hours from home. No, she corrected herself, from the castle. Not to mention the whole tapestry thing, which was making her head and her stomach ache just thinking about it. “I was not making light of your pain. I would never do that.” The hand cupping her hip flexed as he pulled her closer. “But you do make me smile, Jane.” She opened her mouth to respond but instead found her words swallowed as he covered her lips with his. They were firm and warm against hers. He rubbed them back and forth over hers until she parted them. Instead of thrusting his tongue deep inside as she expected him to, he made small forays into the moist cavern, flicking his tongue barely into her mouth before withdrawing. It was maddening and she could only stand it for so long before she grabbed a hank of his hair and dragged him closer. His laugh was muffled as she plunged her tongue deep into his mouth, tasting every part of it. He tasted hot and exotic and addictive. She couldn’t get enough of him as she rubbed her tongue over his. He tore his mouth from hers and kissed his way down her jaw. His mouth was wet and warm on her neck. “Wrap your arms around my neck and hold on.” She barely had time to do as he asked before he released his hold on her, gripped the top of the tunic in his hands and rent the fabric straight down the center. The evening air was cool on her flesh as it blew across her nipples. They hardened further, puckering into tight buds. Zaren slipped his arm around her back and over her side until he was cupping her breast in his palm. The tip poked at the center of his hand and he made a low growl in his throat as he moved his palm in a circular motion. Jane kept one hand wrapped around his neck but lowered her other one, stroking his hard chest. She loved the way the muscles rippled under her fingers. When her finger brushed his flat nipple, she felt his cock flex against her hip. Oh, he liked that. Trusting him to not let her fall, she used her other hand to push his brown leather vest wide open. Gripping his waist with her hands, she lowered her head and nuzzled 94

Bakra Bride

the fine covering of chest hair before licking one of his brown nipples. He groaned and his fingers flexed around her breast. Now it was her turn to moan. She flicked at the nipple with her tongue. She could spend hours just touching him and tasting him. She hadn’t had the chance to really explore like she wanted to. But petting him like this was driving her desire to a fevered pitch. The pulsing between her legs matched the pulsing of his cock that pressed into her side. Zaren shifted her suddenly, tilting her back over his arm. Jane cried out and grabbed at him, but he still had one arm secured around her. His expression was one of grim determination as he pulled at the ties of her pajama pants. Once they were open, he thrust his hand downward. There was no hesitation as his fingers parted her slick folds and two of them pushed deep into her pussy. Jane arched backward, wanting his fingers deeper. “More,” she moaned, past all thoughts except completion. She was lying across his hard thighs with only his arm for support on a moving horse, but she felt perfectly safe. The fingers of his left hand carefully pinched her nipple, while at the same time he slowly withdrew the two fingers buried inside her until only the tips remained within. Jane flexed her hips at the same time he shoved his fingers deep. She cried out as the thick digits stretched the sensitive muscles of her sex. A bird, startled by the sound, flew out from a tree and disappeared with a squawk. Jane closed her eyes, shutting out the world around her. Only she and Zaren existed. Surrounded by his arms, cradled in his lap, he continued to pleasure her. He was relentless, driving her higher and higher. Her toes curled in her boots as he brushed the swollen bundle of nerves at the apex of her thighs with his thumb. Gasping for breath, she surged her hips upward to meet his fingers and came on the next stroke. Her entire body clenched tight as her body contracted around his fingers. She felt the warm gush of release as spasms shook her. She went limp in his arms as he slowly pulled his hand from her pajama pants.

95

N.J. Walters

Exhaustion overtook her as Zaren pulled the edges of her tunic over her breasts and lifted her so she was cradled back in his arms. The hard ridge of his cock poked her hip. “You didn’t come.” His actions bewildered her slightly. She was obviously willing. Any other man would have tossed her onto the nearest patch of grass and enjoyed himself. “Later, Jane. When I get you home.” He nudged the horse and picked up the pace, which had slowed to a plodding walk. The sounds of the forest penetrated her senses again. On the back of a horse, no less. The man was incredible. As they passed Bador, he smiled at her. It was a smile filled with sensual promise. His blue eyes burned with lust as they devoured one of her pale breasts where the torn tunic had gaped open. She clutched the fabric closed, which was foolish, because both men had seen all of her. But still she felt exposed and slightly uncomfortable with the thought that he’d just watched her come and she hadn’t even known he was there. Zaren slowed his horse, stopping it when they reached Bador’s side. Bador ignored his brother, leaned over and kissed her. His tongue slid into her mouth for a quick taste before he withdrew. “You’re beautiful in your passion, Jane. Thank you.” Sitting back in his saddle, he wheeled his horse around and thundered ahead of them. Jane rubbed her temples. She just didn’t understand these men who wanted to claim her. Even the word “claim” no longer seemed as foreign as it did only two days ago. The longer she was in this world, the more she was changing until she wasn’t sure she even knew herself any longer. Zaren kissed the top of her head before murmuring in her ear. “Sleep. I’ll keep you safe on the journey home.” Sleep. With everything on her mind, there was no way she could sleep. But as the horse’s gait rocked her and his arms cradled her, Jane felt her eyes drooping shut. She didn’t even see when the brothers’ eyes met as they picked up the pace towards home. Two pairs of lust-filled blue eyes narrowed with determination. The warriors were preparing for battle. 96

Bakra Bride

Chapter Twelve Bador stared at the door to the bathing chamber, his eyes practically burning a hole through the door. He would have loved to join Jane in her bath, but she’d let them know in no uncertain terms that she wanted to be alone. Both of them had given in to her wishes. There would be time to share her bath later. At least he hoped there would be time. The passage of time was quick and they had only until tomorrow night to convince her to stay with them. Propping some pillows behind his back, Bador leaned back and tried to relax. Reaching down, he gripped his swollen cock in his hand and stroked it slowly up and down. He’d been as hard as a lance since he’d watched Zaren pleasure her on the trip home. When she’d finally fallen asleep, he’d breathed a sigh of relief. It had allowed them both to gain some much-needed control for tonight and to quicken the pace for home. He smiled as he remembered her disgruntled expression when she’d told them she wanted to get back to the castle and soak her bruised behind. Even though she was clearly embarrassed, she hadn’t backed down from either of them. She had courage and determination, his Jane. That was how he thought of her in his own mind. His. He expected that Zaren had similar thoughts. Time would tell. Right now they were both bound in the common goal of keeping her here with them. Whoever she chose, as long as she was with them, he could live with the choice. In fact, he suspected that Zaren needed Jane even more than he did. And that was saying something, because Bador wanted her with an intensity that burned straight to his soul. But Zaren was the eldest and when their father had died, he had assumed the mantle of responsibility, taking care of the castle and all its inhabitants. Bador had been

97

N.J. Walters

his right hand, but the brunt had fallen to Zaren. And he had taken his duties like the sacred trust they were. But it had taken a toll on him. And Bador had watched helplessly as the solemn warrior who now ruled their land replaced, year by year, the young man who had been his brother. Jarmon’s injury had struck them hard and Bador knew that Zaren held himself responsible. He understood, because he felt the same. As the older brothers it was their duty to protect the younger and they had both failed. The sound of a door opening pushed aside all thoughts of the past. He released his hold on his cock, stacked his hands behind his head and watched as Jane walked towards the bed. She didn’t see him at first as he was deep in the shadows made by the curtains hanging around the bed and the darkness of the night. Only the flickering flames of the fire in the grate lit the room. She yawned and stretched, grabbing the towel that was wrapped around her when it started to slip. “Did you enjoy your bath?” The towel started to fall again as she jumped at the sound of his voice. But she quickly secured it, tucking the tail in between her breasts. “Yes, thank you. I feel much better.” She stood next to the bed now but made no move to climb onto it. As he watched a bead of water slipped down her throat and over the curve of her breast just visible above the towel. Bador had the sudden urge to lick the droplet from her skin. Her hair was still damp and her skin fairly glowed in the firelight. “Come to bed, Jane.” Bador was tired of waiting. He wanted, needed to hold her in his arms. “Umm…do you think that’s a good idea? Maybe we should talk.” She shuffled her weight from foot to foot but refused to look at him.

98

Bakra Bride

“We’ll talk tomorrow. Tonight is all about pleasure. Yours. Mine. Ours.” Her head jerked up and he could see that her eyes were slightly glazed with desire. Good. That would make the night go easier for all of them. Holding out his hand to her, he softened his voice. “Let me hold you.” She took a deep breath, dropped the towel and climbed onto the bed, kneeling just beyond his reach. The main door swung open and Zaren stalked into the room. He pushed the door firmly closed behind him. Naked from the waist up, he walked straight to the side of the bed towards Jane. Gripping her shoulders in his hands, he pulled her up onto her knees so that her breasts were pressed against his chest. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her. Jane relaxed slightly as soon as Zaren’s lips touched hers. Deep in her heart, she knew that she’d been waiting for him. Yes, she felt an emotional connection to Bador, but there was something about Zaren that drew her to him in a deep elemental way that she could not explain. Her tight nipples stabbed at his chest as she squirmed to get even closer to him. His erection strained through his leather pants and pushed against her soft belly. He tangled his fingers in her hair as he sealed their mouths together. Angling her head so he could thrust his tongue deeper, he continued to plunder her mouth, tongue and lips. The bed covers rustled as Bador knelt behind her and began to kiss the long curve of her spine. He started at the nape of her neck and continued down until his lips touched the top of the cleft of her behind. Then he started back up again, leaving no part of her untouched. With Bador behind her and Zaren in front of her, she felt surrounded by them. Two strong warriors, their desire for her abundantly evident with their erections pressing into her on both sides. They were both heavily muscled and so much larger than she was. She should have been afraid.

99

N.J. Walters

Instead, desire surged through her. She wanted them. Wanted this to happen. She knew what was coming and her body responded. Her breasts tightened and she could feel a trickle of moisture trailing down the inside of her thigh as her pussy softened and moistened in anticipation of penetration. Tonight she would take the both of them. Zaren broke their kiss and lowered his forehead to hers. She sensed him struggling for control. Sifting her fingers through his long blond hair, she pushed it away from his face as she pulled back slightly so she could see him. She stared into his pale blue eyes, looking, but not quite sure what she was hoping to find there. But they gave away none of his emotions. This was not an easy decision for her to make and she wanted to be sure they understood just how much they both meant to her, for her to be able to consider taking them both at once. She opened her mouth to speak, trying to find the words, but closed it again, unable to put her feelings into words. “If you’re not ready yet, it’s all right.” Bador whispered in her ear as he rimmed the outer edge with his tongue. Always it was Bador who seemed to understand her emotions. She wished Zaren would say something. Anything. But he just stood stoically by the bed, waiting for her decision. There was no going back. Something like this would change her forever. But then, she was already changed. She was not the same woman she was a few days before. Now things that seemed beyond the realm of possibility were reality. Shifting sideways, she looked from one brother to the other. Reaching out, she placed a hand in the middle of each of their chests. The pounding rhythm of their hearts matched her own. Taking a deep breath, she nodded. Then she lowered her hands and grasped one of Zaren’s hands and one of Bador’s in a firm grip, and placed them over her breasts, holding them to her. Zaren sucked in a deep breath and raised her hand to his lips and kissed each of her fingers in turn before releasing her. Sitting on the side of the bed, he yanked off his 100

Bakra Bride

boots one at a time, dropping them to the floor. Standing, he shucked his pants and climbed onto the bed. Bador shifted her out of the way as Zaren stretched out in the center of the bed and opened his arms to her. With Bador’s help, she straddled Zaren’s stomach. Her knees didn’t touch the bed as her sex was spread wide across his abdomen. She squirmed to try and get comfortable, the action pushing her swollen clit against his hard muscles. Her fingers dug into his side as she bit back a moan. Zaren’s hands were large and the pads of his fingers were rough. But his touch was incredibly gentle as he cupped both her breasts and circled her nipples with his thumbs. As if an invisible thread connected her breasts and pussy, she felt that caress deep in her core. Her juices flowed freely, coating his stomach beneath her. Bador climbed off the bed but was back before she could wonder where he was gone. He settled behind her and stroked the globes of her behind. “Lean forward, Jane.” She didn’t hesitate but bent down towards Zaren. The finger gently probing the opening of her ass made her jump slightly. The intrusion was unfamiliar and disconcerting at first. “Relax. It will feel so good.” Jane did her best to do just that as the finger pushed deeper. She was surprised by how easily it slipped inside. Bador seemed to have coated his finger with some slick cream or jelly-like substance. His teeth nipped at the nape of her neck sending chills down her spine. “The herbal mixture on my fingers and cock will help ease the pain for penetration. But more than that, it will make all the sensitive tissues of your ass, and even pussy, more receptive to sensation as it is absorbed into your body. It will make you hotter. Bring you even more pleasure.” Withdrawing his finger, he rimmed the tight muscles around the opening before pushing in again. This time she hissed and arched at the slightly painful intrusion. Two thick fingers stretched her past pleasure and into the realm of pleasurable pain. As he continued to ease his fingers in and out of her tight channel, the pain began to subside. 101

N.J. Walters

An unfamiliar sensation made her want to move against his fingers. Her ass and pussy seemed to be getting warmer and more responsive with each stroke. Zaren pinched her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, drawing a moan from her. Even with Bador’s fingers inside her, she felt empty and needy. She wanted both their cocks inside her, filling her, pumping in and out of her body until she screamed with pleasure. Her head rolled forward on her shoulders, almost too heavy for her neck to support any longer. She cried out when Zaren slid one of his hands down her torso and worked it between their bodies until he was touching her clit. Her pussy and ass felt like they were on fire. She wanted them both. Now. “Fuck me,” she hissed between her clenched teeth. “Now. I need you both now.” As if her permission had been all they were waiting for, Bador slipped his fingers from her body and all but lifted her off his brother’s stomach. Zaren guided his swollen cock to her opening and plunged deep as Bador lowered her. Zaren pulled her down onto his chest, reached behind her and grabbed her ass in his hands. Spreading the cheeks of her behind wide, he held her still as Bador inserted the tip of his cock just inside the tight opening. Jane sucked in a breath in anticipation of the pain, but it wasn’t as bad as she feared as Bador slowly but steadily pushed his cock as far as he could. The herbal salve was definitely making the penetration easier. Her pussy and ass were both pulsing with a need that was almost painful. She was surprised that she hadn’t already come, she was so primed. Zaren gripped her hips and Bador wrapped his fingers around her waist as they rocked her slowly against them. With each motion, Bador’s erection sank a bit deeper. She did her best to relax, but it was hard. Her body was screaming for release. “Harder,” she moaned. “I can’t wait. Please.” “Fuck yes.”

102

Bakra Bride

She didn’t know which of them had spoken and didn’t care. In perfect rhythm they moved her over their swollen cocks. She felt so full it bordered on pain, but the pleasure—the pleasure was beyond explanation. Her clit brushed against Zaren with every stroke as they filled her over and over again. Finally, her body could take it no longer. Screaming, she came. Her body exploded and spasms shook her as they continued to thrust. Bador came first. She felt him stiffen behind her, felt his cock pulse and then the spurt of hot liquid that signaled his release. “Jane.” Zaren captured her attention as she stared almost blindly into his eyes. His face was tight and his eyes smoldered. “Look at me,” he commanded as he drove deep and came. Her inner muscles clamped down hard on his cock as he came. She wouldn’t have thought it possible, but his release set off another round of contractions within her. Collapsing onto his chest, she shivered and shook as she came again. Burying her face against him, she gasped for breath, unable to get enough air into her lungs. Totally overwhelmed and shattered by the experience, she began to cry. She felt Bador withdraw from her and then Zaren lifted her off him. A sob broke from her chest at the loss of intimate contact and her body contracted around them both, desperately trying to keep them inside her. “Shhh, everything will be all right.” She didn’t believe Zaren. Didn’t know how she could make sense out of any of this, but right now she didn’t care. All she wanted at this moment was comfort. And they willingly provided it. Zaren tucked her into the crook of his arm so that her head was pillowed on his chest. Bador scooted in behind her so that his front covered her back and wrapped his hand around her hip. Once again, her warriors surrounded her, but this time she felt cosseted and protected as they petted her gently and whispered reassurances. “Poor Jane,” Bador stroked her arm. “The last two days have been exhausting for you. We haven’t taken care of you very well. We’ve pushed too hard. Wanted too much.” She felt his lips on her back. “Forgive us.” 103

N.J. Walters

She nodded, unable to speak. Zaren said nothing, but his arms tightened around her. His fingers sifted though her hair and his lips occasionally brushed the top of her head. She accepted his silent comfort, even as Bador’s words soothed her. She wasn’t normally this emotional, but the past two days had indeed been mentally and physically draining. If the legend was to be believed, then tomorrow might be her last day here. It was time to take charge of the situation and learn as much as she could about this place before she had to make a decision that would affect the outcome of the rest of her life. Her tears dried up until only the occasional hiccup could be heard in the quiet of the room. Used to the sounds of traffic and city life, Jane was lulled by the almost silent sounds of both men breathing and the crackle of the fire. Comforted and held securely in their arms, she drifted off to sleep.

104

Bakra Bride

Chapter Thirteen Jane hurried down the stairs to the main floor of the castle, determination in every step. If she was even going to contemplate living here, she needed to know more about Bakra Castle. Olena had been a font of information, but there was nothing like observing something first hand, especially with so much at stake. Stopping at the bottom of the stairs she looked around with interest. There was a handful of people in the great hall, all of them women. They chatted as they cleared tables and swept the floor. Jane’s stomach growled, reminding her that she’d missed breakfast. The sun had already been high in the sky when she’d awakened alone in the big bed. The sheets beside her were cool, telling her that both men had been gone for some time. It would have been wonderful to wake up next to Bador and Zaren, but then again, she wasn’t sure she was ready to face them after last night. Thoughtfully, they’d left her to sleep. She couldn’t put off the meeting indefinitely, but she felt the need to fortify her emotional defenses and put herself back on an even keel first. She’d put the time alone to good use. Someone had filled the tub with hot water yet again, so she’d taken advantage of it, soaking her still-aching body. After last night’s activities, she had even more aches and in places she hadn’t even known she could have them. Clothing choices were limited, so she pulled on her wrinkled pajama bottoms that she’d washed after her bath the night before. Thankfully, someone had left her another tunic to wear as Zaren had torn the other one beyond repair. The soft brown leather boots completed her ensemble.

105

N.J. Walters

Her cheeks heated as images of last night’s lovemaking flashed in her mind and she fanned her face with her hands to try and cool them. She’d almost hidden in her room all day, but in the end, hunger and pride had prevented it. An older woman who looked to be around the same age as Olena finally noticed her hovering in the entranceway, so Jane straightened her shoulders and strode purposefully across the room. “Good morning.” She stopped and extended her hand to the woman. “I’m Jane.” The older woman laughed and it was such a pleasant sound Jane found herself smiling back. “I know who you are. Everyone knows who you are.” Jane’s hand was caught in a firm grip and squeezed tight. “But you don’t know any of us yet. I’m Sarena and welcome to Bakra Castle.” “Thank you.” Jane’s stomach chose that moment to growl again. Sarena laughed again. Wrapping her arm around Jane’s waist, she herded her towards a door at the far end of the room. “Come with me and we’ll get you something to eat. It’s halfway between breakfast and the midday meal, but I’m sure we can scrounge something for you in the kitchen.” Hunger overrode everything else at the moment. Once she was fed, she could start her explorations. Besides, she sensed that Sarena was a font of information just waiting to be tapped. And she was incredibly efficient too. Before Jane realized what was happening, Sarena had her seated at the end of a worktable in the large kitchen with a plate mounded with bread, cheese and fresh fruit in front of her. She kept up a running commentary of chatter as she poured two goblets of cider and settled herself in the chair beside Jane. Jane nibbled at the fruit and cheese, enjoying the fresh taste of both. Her appetite had certainly returned since she arrived here. Sipping the cool, sweet cider, she broke off a piece of the thick wheat bread and popped it in her mouth, chewing it slowly to savor the flavor.

106

Bakra Bride

“Now. I imagine you have some questions.” It was then that Jane understood that Sarena’s chatter was the other woman’s way of putting her at ease. And it had worked. Jane felt incredibly comfortable around the other woman. Taking another sip of cider to wash down the bread, she twisted in her chair until she was facing the other woman. “Tell me about the castle.” “Well, the lords of Bakra Castle have always been good and fair. Zaren is a harder man than his father was.” Pausing, she pursed her lips thoughtfully. “But he had responsibility thrust upon him when he was barely sixteen. The chore of running the castle fell on his shoulders. Granted, his mother helped, but the twins were a handful, still more boys than young men. Bador was a great help, but at the end of the day, as the eldest son, the responsibility belonged to Zaren.” “That must have been hard,” Jane prompted. “Yes, but he’d trained by his father’s side since he was old enough to trail along behind him. He knew what he was doing.” Sarena took a sip from her cup and shrugged as if to say, that was that. And Jane supposed it was. Life was different here than in her world. “How does the castle sustain itself?” “Oh, we were always prosperous, but more so in recent years. The brothers know how to get the most from the land. We raise cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens and horses. We grow grain and vegetables and have several orchards. The lake provides fish aplenty for us. But we also weave fabric and grow herbs and spices as well.” “Really?” Jane was fascinated and amazed by the sheer amount of work it must take to keep a place of this size functioning and prosperous. “Hmm,” Sarena nodded. “We trade any excess for other things we might need, but all in all, we are self-sufficient.” The older woman pushed back her chair and stood. “Would you like me to show you?”

107

N.J. Walters

Jane couldn’t pass up the opportunity. “I’d love to.” Grabbing an apple from a bowl in the center of the table, she quickly hurried after Sarena who was already headed back through the main hall. “We’ll start inside and work our way outside,” Sarena called over her shoulder. “I’ll give you a tour of the castle first. After all, all this belongs to you as well now.” Jane placed her hand on her stomach as the breakfast she’d just eaten churned. She didn’t correct Sarena’s assumption that she was staying. She’d gotten so wrapped up in the excitement of the castle, she’d forgotten about the decision she’d have to make. Information was the key. Armed with the facts, she could make the best choice for everyone. At least that’s what she told herself as she picked up her pace to keep up with Sarena. Almost two hours later, Jane paused and leaned against a low stone wall that separated the beginnings of an herb garden from the main courtyard. She had finally pleaded exhaustion and Sarena had only left her when she’d promised the other woman that she would come inside and rest as soon as she caught her breath again. She’d gotten out of shape over the last few months and her strength and stamina wasn’t what it used to be. But she felt that it was coming back and that was what really mattered. Spending the morning with Sarena had definitely been the right thing to do. The woman was a wealth of information. Jane had even met Sarena’s husband, her husband’s two brothers and her three sons, passing them, on what Jane assumed, was their way to work. The matter-of-fact way they all dealt with each other and the obvious love and affection they all shared gave Jane a new insight into the world that she now found herself in. She didn’t see very many women, but those she did manage to speak to seemed happy and content as they worked around their homes. Many of them had spinning wheels and looms set up in their cottages where they spun cotton and wove fabric. Jane admitted that her fingers itched to give the loom a try. She’d always wanted to learn

108

Bakra Bride

how to weave. Many of the women had made tapestries of their own that hung in a place of honor in their homes. Jane had been amazed and impressed with the skill these women possessed. The wonderful stone cottages with the thatched roofs that surrounded the castle fascinated Jane. Everyone seemed to be busy at one task or another, but although they worked hard, they lacked the frenetic pace of her world. There was time to chat and laugh as they worked. Young children raced all around, playing games and learning from the adults around them. It was like a major corporation, with everyone working hard for the good of the company. Except here, the people who worked benefited directly from their hard work. That must make Zaren CEO. She grinned at the thought of Zaren in a three-piece power suit with his long blond hair reaching his waist and the two skinny braids framing his incredibly strong and handsome face. Her grin faded as she imagined him striding into a board meeting. He’d be a power to be reckoned with no matter what his situation. He was a born leader. It was in his blood. She could hear men grunting and yelling on the other side of the castle. It was the one place that Sarena hadn’t shown her. Curious now, she pushed away from the wall and strolled across the courtyard, around the castle wall and froze. She’d wondered where the bulk of the men were. Well, she’d certainly found them. There were several dozen of them. All big, all muscular and all stripped to the waist. Wearing only their leather pants and boots, they were a sight to make any woman’s mouth water. Bronze armbands surrounded their massive biceps and even wider metal bands wrapped around their thick wrists, covering the lower half of their arm almost to their elbows. And every single one of them was wielding a four-foot sword. Her eyes flew to the largest warrior of them all. Zaren was magnificent as he feigned to one side before attacking his opponent. Steel clashed and sparks flew as the blade slid along blade. It was like something out of a Hollywood movie, except this was

109

N.J. Walters

frighteningly real. Those swords were lethal and the men swinging them were not stuntmen. Bador sparred with another man. She could see the grin on his face as he swung his sword. Jane gasped, her hand flying over her mouth as his opponent got past Bador’s guard. A picture of him injured and bleeding in the dirt flashed through her mind, but at the last second, he twisted, blocking it with his left arm and taking the blow on the thick bronze wristband. The reality of this world smacked her right in the face. Like the medieval world of her own time, these men had to be prepared to fight and defend their castle, their land and their loved ones. And from the looks of the fierce training, it was a job they took very seriously. Ever so slowly, so as not to attract attention, Jane sank to the ground in the shadow of the castle wall and watched the men train. Some fought with swords, others with lances. At the far end of the training field, she could see targets set up and some of the men made use of them, practicing with bow and arrows. The air was thick with dust and the grunts and taunts of the men as they pushed themselves and those around them hard. The sun was warm, but she shivered in the shade of the castle. Drawing her legs up to her chest, she wrapped her arms around them and rested her chin on her knees. Watching them was certainly no hardship as they engaged in a deadly dance of attack and retreat. But they never hesitated, never seemed to tire. This was so different from her reality. Traffic, smog, fighting for a seat on the subway, watching for muggers and working a ten- to twelve-hour day in a climatecontrolled office. That was her reality. That had been her life for so long now that anything else was totally foreign. That is, if you totally disregard the last six months of her life. That, too, was an unforeseen shift in her circumstances and reality. Could she even adapt to this world? Did she even want to? What woman committed to marrying a man she’d just met? Plus the fact that she was also expected to 110

Bakra Bride

sleep with his brother. Not that it would be a hardship, but still it was something she had to consider. Jane rubbed her hand across her forehead. Besides which, what on earth would she do here? Her skills as an executive assistant weren’t in demand. Besides, from what she’d seen, this place ran like a well-oiled machine. Plus there was Olena to consider. This was her home, and Jane was the interloper. It was fine for Zaren’s mother to say she was welcome here, but how would the older woman feel six months from now, a year from now? For that matter, how would she feel six months from now? Other than as a bedmate and the future mother of their children, what did they even need her for? But, on the other hand, she’d always wanted a husband and family of her own. And she’d missed her mother after she’d left. Jane admitted to herself that she had enjoyed the older woman’s attention. It could be nice to have a mother-in-law. And back in her world, a new job awaited her if she wanted it. She’d probably have her choice of new positions, or she could even start her own business. The money she’d been offered just for an interview would pay the way for that. Then there was Chad to deal with. Not that she wanted anything to do with the weasel, but there were plenty of men in her own time if she wanted a family. Sighing, she buried her head against her knees and rocked back and forth. The arguments went round and round in her mind, but she was no closer to making a decision than she was yesterday. Part of her wished she didn’t have to make a choice and that she was stuck here. But that was cowardly. And did she really want her future decided by someone other than herself? The answer was a resounding NO! She sensed more than heard someone approach her. A large shadow blocked out what little sun reached her secluded little spot. Raising her head, she opened her eyes and looked way up. Zaren crouched down in front of her and caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger. “Are you ill, Jane? You’ve been sitting here a long time.” 111

N.J. Walters

So she hadn’t gone unseen as she’d thought she had. Offering him what she hoped looked like a natural smile, she tilted her head towards the training field. “I’m fine. I was just watching and didn’t want to interfere or be a bother.” His thumb grazed her chin, tracing the line of her jaw. “You could never be a bother.” “Sure I could. You obviously have work to do and I, well, I don’t have anything to do here, do I?” She chewed on her lip, berating herself for allowing that thought to slip out. She hadn’t meant to say that. At least not out loud. Lowering his hand, Zaren studied her intently. She did her best to keep her emotions hidden, cocking a questioning eyebrow at him. She expected questions, but again, he surprised her. “Would you like me to take you to the lake? We could have Sarena pack us some food.” Part of her wanted to go back to the place where she’d arrived. Everything had happened so quickly, she’d never really had the chance to explore the area. Plus, spending some time alone with Zaren could be good. Maybe she’d be able to get a better understanding of how he felt about her. Yes, she knew he wanted her sexually. The soreness between her thighs attested to that. But did he want her as a woman? Did he even like her? Women were in short supply and high demand here, but she didn’t want to just be a convenience to any man. “Just the two of us?” He nodded, his gaze solemn. “If that’s what you want.” Jane glanced at Bador and back at Zaren. She needed to spend time alone with both of them before she made any decisions. “Yes. That’s what I want.” She offered her hands to him and he wrapped his fingers around them and pulled her to her feet. Dusting off her backside, she turned towards the castle. “I’ll go and help Sarena pack us a picnic lunch.”

112

Bakra Bride

Not turning back, she walked purposefully towards the front of the castle. It felt better to be doing something, even if it was just preparing for a picnic. She didn’t know what the afternoon would bring, but her pulse was racing with excitement. Butterflies batted at her stomach at the thought that this might be her last opportunity to spend time alone with Zaren.

113

N.J. Walters

Chapter Fourteen Water lapped at the shoreline and insects buzzed in the air. Jane felt her entire being relax as she lay back on a blanket with her eyes closed. The heat felt wonderful against her skin as the sweet smell of grass filled her nostrils. Birds chattered as they flew in the woods behind them. It was a perfect afternoon for a picnic. She felt something touch her face and brushed it away, but it returned a scant second later. Opening her eyes just a crack, she saw Zaren sitting next to her with a long blade of grass in his hand. As she watched, he stroked the side of her cheek with it. The tip was fuzzy and it tickled her skin. A sense of deja vu washed over her. It was almost an exact replay of their first meeting, except this time, he wasn’t a stranger. In such a short period of time, he’d come to mean so much more to her. She was very afraid that she was in love with him. What captured her attention the most was the smile playing at the corners of his mouth. He looked relaxed and more at ease than she’d ever seen him. Smiling up at him, she laughed as he feathered the grass down the side of her neck. “Is it time to go back yet?” She hated to ask but knew their time must be growing short. By her estimate, they’d probably been gone a couple of hours. It had been hard to ride away from the castle with Bador standing on the steps watching them leave, but since then she had enjoyed herself immensely. Zaren had saddled only one horse, lifting her to ride in front of him. The ride had been shorter than she’d imagined it would be, a mere fifteen minutes from the castle at a meandering pace. But it had been pure pleasure to sit in front of him as he’d pointed out various points of interest as they’d traveled. The lake was beautiful, not too big, but very deep according to Zaren and filled with fish. They’d spread a blanket near the banks of the lake and eaten a wonderful 114

Bakra Bride

picnic lunch. The ride there, the sun, the food and the morning’s activities had all conspired to make her drowsy. It had been the most natural thing in the world to lie back and close her eyes for a few moments, knowing that Zaren would watch out for her. “Unfortunately, yes.” Leaning down, he kissed her gently before rolling to his feet. Jane watched as he stretched to his full height. Bending down, he picked up his sword belt and buckled it around his waist. She’d learned quickly that a warrior never left the castle without it. He’d had it the day she’d arrived; she just hadn’t noticed it. Flinging her arms over her head, Jane stretched. Her muscles still ached, but it wasn’t unpleasant. Clambering to her feet, she yanked the blanket off the ground and shook it before folding it. “Zaren,” she began, not wanting to spoil the pleasant atmosphere but knowing she was about to. There were things she needed to ask him and had put them off long enough. Raising his hand, he silenced her with a motion. Jane froze on the spot as he quietly drew his sword and gazed towards the woods. It was only then that she noticed how silent the woods had gone. There was a stillness in the air that was unnatural. A bloodcurdling scream ripped through the silence. Zaren pushed her behind him. “Head for the horse,” he commanded. He didn’t have to tell her twice, her feet were already moving as she raced towards the opposite end of the field where they’d left the horse grazing on sweet grass. She spun around as she heard the sound of hooves pounding the ground. Two large black horses carrying even larger men erupted from the woods. Each of them brandished a sword, but it was the looks on their faces that terrified her. There was murder in their eyes as they bore down on Zaren. Jane gasped as Zaren moved forward to meet the two adversaries thundering towards him. He needed his horse. Spurred to action, she whirled back around, dropped the blanket and raced towards the animal. A cramp in her side caught her 115

N.J. Walters

unawares and she almost doubled over in pain, but she kept going. Clamping a hand over her stomach, she ran as fast as she could. Their lives depended on it. Gasping for breath when she reached the horse’s side, she gripped its mane as she tried to haul herself onto its back. Zaren had removed the saddle and there was no time for her to put it on the horse. That was assuming that she could even find the strength to lift the darn thing, which at the moment she didn’t think she did. It took her three tries before she got her leg over the horse and dragged herself onto its back. She thanked the heavens that the horse was well trained and stayed steady during her clumsy attempts at mounting it. Threading her fingers through the horse’s mane, she tugged and the horse obediently turned its head toward the fighting. Jane froze at the sheer savagery of the fight taking place before her very eyes. The swords swung with amazing speed and accuracy. Each blow was meant to be a killing one if it was not deflected or evaded. Zaren stood in a fighting stance with his legs wide but slightly bent at the knees. Both hands were wrapped around the pommel of the sword as he swung it with incredible strength and deadly precision. The two attackers might have been on horseback, but Zaren still seemed to be in control. As she watched, one of the men swung toward Zaren’s head. At the last possible second, he ducked and plunged his sword deep into the man’s chest. He tumbled off the back of his horse and fell lifeless to the ground. Jane was mesmerized, as his blood seemed to spread onto the ground around him. Another unearthly scream echoed through the air and Jane jerked her head back to the ongoing fight. Zaren was still engaged in battle, fighting for both their very lives. The warrior on horseback was older and his eyes looked half-mad as he galloped towards Zaren. This time Zaren ignored the rider and instead struck at the horse. When the blade cut through the animal’s front leg it stumbled, throwing its rider. The man quickly jumped to his feet and continued his relentless attack. Jane had never witnessed such 116

Bakra Bride

brutality in her life. Even the murder she’d witnessed seemed civilized compared to this. They circled each other like two male animals in their prime, savage and beautiful at the same time. There was no room for civilized behavior here. It was all about brute strength and sheer cunning. Jane wanted to look away but was unable to tear her eyes from the scene unfolding in front of her. Part of her was afraid to even blink for fear that Zaren might be killed if she looked away for a split second. Jane lost track of time as they continued to battle. Sweat poured from their bodies and they grunted with each swing of their swords. Their muscles strained, but neither of them relented or dropped their guard as they fought. This was to the death. Only one of them would leave the clearing alive. She knew she should ride for help, but she also knew that by the time she got to the castle and back the battle would be finished, the outcome decided. She would not abandon Zaren. Her legs tightened around the belly of the horse. She wasn’t quite sure what she’d do if the warrior succeeded in injuring Zaren. Jane wouldn’t even contemplate the idea of anything worse. “I will have her!” the stranger shouted, his threat chilling Jane’s blood as she realized she was the cause of this. Zaren ignored the taunt but attacked with a ferocity that was awe-inspiring. He didn’t yell and there was absolutely no expression on his face. But even at this distance, Jane could see the promise of death in his eyes. She shivered and said a prayer for the man who had been foolish enough to attack them. There was no longer any doubt that he’d soon be joining his partner in death. It came swiftly. Zaren’s sword was a blur as he swung with deadly accuracy. A cut appeared on the man’s arm, then his leg and finally his chest. Blood gushed from his body and he dropped his sword, clamping his hand over his chest as his lifeblood drained onto the grass around him. He fell to his knees and looked down. Jane could see the utter disbelief in his eyes along with the knowledge that he was dying. 117

N.J. Walters

Zaren stood over his opponent and watched dispassionately as the man toppled over onto his side and closed his eyes. Giving a grunt of satisfaction, Zaren wiped his sword clean on the grass and returned the blade to its sheath. Turning his back on the two dead men, he strode towards her. She could see the cuts and nicks on his arms and legs where the attackers had managed to slip by his guard. Jane shuddered and closed her eyes at the thought of how close he’d come to dying. And when his hand wrapped around her leg, she flinched.

Zaren felt his heart clench when Jane closed her eyes. He could see her shivering and his only thought was to comfort her, to reassure her that he would always protect her from harm. But he felt his heart shatter when she recoiled from his touch. He looked down at his hand, stained in blood, and slowly withdrew it from her leg. He remembered the conversation she’d had with his mother and Christina at Castle Garen. The one he’d eavesdropped on. Jane had witnessed a brutal murder and it had caused her much pain in her life. Now she’d just watched him kill two men. In her eyes, he must be no better than that murderer. Their world was not hers. It was more violent and more primal. Ignoring his own pain, he swung up into the saddle behind her. Carefully, he pried her fingers from the horse’s mane. “I thought I told you to run,” he muttered. “No,” she whispered. “You told me to go to the horse.” Her voice was a low monotone and her hands were chilled. He knew the shock of the battle was affecting her. She held herself upright and away from him, but he was having none of it. She could despise him if she chose to, but he would see to her care. Holding her close to him, he spurred his horse towards home, back to the safety of Bakra Castle.

118

Bakra Bride

When they thundered through the gates, men came running. Zaren pulled the horse to a halt and swung down with Jane in his arms. Bador met him halfway up the stairs. “There are two bodies by the lake. Wrap them and have them dumped back where they belong.” Bador gazed at Jane, concern in his eyes. “Who?” Zaren smiled, but there was no humor in it. “Two of the Craddock brothers have been dispatched back to hell where they belong.” Bador’s eyes widened, but he allowed them to pass. Then he hurried down to the courtyard, calling orders to the men as he went. Zaren continued into the castle and straight up the stairs, ignoring Sarena’s worried looks. Shouldering his way into Jane’s room, he placed her on the bed. Standing back from her, he gazed down at her as she curled her body into a tight ball to protect herself. From him? From what had happened? He didn’t know. But what he did know was that he’d do anything to protect her. Even if that meant driving her away. Jane had already been through much in her life. She had no one in her old life that would ever love her as much as he did, but at least she would feel safer and more secure there. Zaren swallowed hard at the thought of losing her. His throat tightened and his hands clenched at the thought of another man holding Jane, loving her. Obviously, his world was too violent for a woman as giving and sensitive as Jane. It might kill him, but he knew what he had to do. He had to make sure that she went back home to her world when the tapestry came for her. Watching her lying there, all he wanted to do was to wrap her in his arms and comfort her. Instead, he turned his back on her and walked out the door. He walked down the hallway and entered his own room. Closing the door, he bolted it tight. Then Zaren wearily made his way to the end of his bed and sat. There he buried his face in his hands and wept.

119

N.J. Walters

Chapter Fifteen Jane buried her face in her pillow and clenched her teeth to keep from crying out. She couldn’t believe that Zaren had just dumped her here and left her. Part of her couldn’t really blame him. Because of her, he’d been forced to kill two men today just because they wanted her. She’d never meant to cause any harm to anyone, but today two men had died because of her. It didn’t even matter that they’d attacked first and were killed in self-defense. Dead was dead. And what if this was only the beginning? On the ride back to the castle, she’d longed for Zaren to talk to her, to reassure her, to say anything. But he was deathly silent. And although he’d wrapped his arms around her, she’d felt that he was somehow distant from her. And no wonder. She’d brought death and strife to his land just by her very presence. She’d wanted to comfort him, but it had been obvious to her that he didn’t want her comfort. Didn’t want anything from her. That fact was even more evident when he dumped her in her room and left her. Probably it was for the best, she assured herself as she swiped at the tears on her face. Obviously, he no longer thought she was worth the bother. Thank goodness she had a way to leave here. She couldn’t imagine staying and facing his cold condemnation every day for the rest of her life. She’d be fine back in her world. She had prospects and opportunities. The tears flowed faster and she started to cry in earnest. But she no longer wanted to leave. The thought of leaving Zaren made her physically ill because, in those moments when he was willing to die to protect her, she’d come to a revelation. She loved him. And she was very afraid that no matter where she lived, she would love him until the day she died. Clutching her pillow to her face to smother her tears, Jane wept. 120

Bakra Bride

She didn’t know what woke her, but slowly Jane became aware of the sounds around her. Voices. She could hear them talking over by the fireplace. Keeping quiet, she feigned sleep and listened. “You didn’t see her, Bador.” She could hear the weariness in Zaren’s voice. “No, I didn’t.” “Our world is too brutal for her. You heard what she told Mother and Christina. In her world, the Craddock brothers would have gone to trial and been locked away. But here, we are the law and the executioner. She has nightmares about the murder she witnessed. What will her dreams be like when she remembers this day?” He laughed bitterly. “I will become her new nightmare.” “Zaren,” Bador began only to be ruthlessly cut off. “No! She flinched away from me. Looked at me like I was no better than a murderer. And perhaps she’s right. I’d kill them again in a heartbeat rather than let them take her. What does that make me?” “That makes you a good man, Zaren. A protector, as you have always been.” Bador spoke low and calm and Jane strained to hear all his words. “Then there is no choice. To protect Jane from what she fears most, she must go back to her own time.” Jane could hardly fathom what Zaren was saying. He cared enough about her to send her back to her own time. Some of the pain that had been crushing her chest eased at his words. “No. That is to protect yourself.” Jane stilled at Bador’s words. “You are afraid to admit that you love her. You are so afraid that something might happen to her here that you would rather send her home than face that fear. That way you can tell yourself that it was her choice, not yours.” “If you were not my brother I would kill you for that.” The coldness in Zaren’s voice sent chills down Jane’s spine. “I would not say it if I did not love you, brother.”

121

N.J. Walters

Jane could hear footsteps moving towards the door. “You will not stay with her tonight?” It was Bador who spoke, so she knew it was Zaren who was leaving. “No.” She opened her eyes just a crack and could see him standing with his hand already on the door handle. “Maybe I am the coward you accuse me of being. But I cannot bear to go to bed next to her and awaken to her gone. If I am to let her go, it must be now. If I stay I would fight the devil himself to keep her.” He opened the door and hesitated before squaring his shoulders and marching out of the room and closing the door solidly behind him. She closed her eyes tight and concentrated on taking slow, even breaths when she heard Bador moving towards the bed. Clothing rustled and then she felt the mattress depress behind her as he climbed into bed. His muscled forearm wrapped around her waist and he pulled her tight to his chest. Taking a deep breath, he let it out slowly before kissing her temple. Resting his chin on the top of her head, he slowly rubbed it back and forth. “Don’t leave us, Jane,” he whispered. “Zaren and I need you. He does love you, only he is afraid to admit it.” He sighed again. “Perhaps I am being selfish to want to keep you here. But you have brought hope and laughter and life back to the castle. Without you here, I’m afraid Zaren will withdraw even further inside himself.” Jane listened, almost afraid to breathe. Bador kissed the top of her head and settled down. “Only you can decide, but I pray for all our sakes that you make the right decision. Go or stay, I’m just thankful I had the opportunity to be with you. It’s probably good that you are already asleep. Perhaps when you awaken in your own bed, you will remember us fondly as a wonderful dream you once had.” A tear slowly slipped from the corner of her eye, but she made no move to wipe it away. That was the most beautiful thing anyone had ever said to her. The steady rise and fall of Bador’s breathing comforted her even as she longed for Zaren. Lying next to him in the large bed, Jane silently waited for the tapestry to reappear.

122

Bakra Bride

Zaren sat in front of the fireplace in his room and stared blindly into the flames. Picking up the mug of ale, he took a sip. The brew tasted bitter in his mouth as he swallowed. His fingers tightened around the mug, clenching it so tight that it was a miracle it didn’t shatter in his in hand. Muttering an oath, he flung it towards the stone. The wood splintered and ale flew everywhere. Raking his hands through his hair, he tried to steady himself. Maybe Bador was right. Maybe he should admit to Jane how he felt about her and beg her to stay. NO! He had done the right thing in letting her go. He had to believe that or else he would go mad. Jane was sensitive and giving. Yes, his mind whispered, but she was also stubborn, determined and courageous. Finding herself in a strange world might have frightened another woman, but Jane had done her best to learn all she could about life here. Sarena had told him how she’d taken the time to talk with the other woman and the interest she’d shown in the workings of the castle. He’d been so proud of her when they’d arrived at Castle Garen. Although she’d been in pain, she had uttered no complaint. She’d been gracious to their host, open and friendly with his mother and friends and had even brought about a change in Jarmon’s condition. Her resilience amazed him. Hadn’t she bested a murderer in her own time, seeing him brought to justice even at the expense of her own home and job? She’d been left destitute and homeless but unbowed and undaunted. Yet she’d never mentioned a word about it to him or Bador. If he hadn’t eavesdropped on the conversation between the women he would never have known. The more he thought about it, the more he realized just how perfect she was for him. How well suited she actually was to life here. And he had let her go. Practically thrown her out of his home and told her to leave. Bador was right. He was a coward.

123

N.J. Walters

And now it was too late. The night was almost over and she was surely gone. He had lost her. Bador had lost her as well. They would all feel her loss. The door opened behind him, but he didn’t bother to look and see who it was. He’d known his brother would come and tell him when she was gone. Tilting his head back, he closed his eyes wearily. “So it is done.” “Not quite yet.” Zaren’s head snapped around, unable to believe his eyes. Jane. She was still here. His euphoria was short-lived as he noticed the tapestry she held clutched tight in her arms. “You came to say goodbye,” he said dully. “If that’s what you truly want.” She chewed on her lip as she scuffed her bare foot against the stone floor. He noticed then that she had changed her clothing and was now wearing the silky pajamas that she’d had on when she arrived. The thin shoulder straps exposed her milky white shoulder and he could just see a hint of the swell of her breasts where it dipped down in the center. His body clenched and tightened immediately in response to her. “It’s probably for the best.” He wanted to rip the tapestry from her hands and toss it into the flames, but he was afraid of what the outcome of that might be. He forced himself to remain seated even though every instinct he possessed was telling him to grab Jane and hold tight to her. “Are you sure about that?” She offered him a gentle smile as she padded across the floor towards him. “What if what’s best for me is you?” “But you were afraid of me, Jane. Afraid of what I’d done.” Zaren could still feel Jane flinching away from him. He’d replayed the event over and over in his mind all night long.

124

Bakra Bride

“Not of you. Never of you, Zaren.” Her small hand cupped his cheek and he turned his head and kissed her palm. Her touch was a healing balm to his troubled soul. “I was upset because you’d had to kill two men because of me. No,” she put her hand over his mouth before he could speak. “Because they wanted me, they attacked you. I brought this violence to your land simply by being here. And I’m sorry for that.” Zaren couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Nor could he bear the forlorn and lost look on her face. Scooping her off her feet, he cradled her in his arms. “Jane, it was not because of you. The Craddock brothers have always caused trouble. They are greedy, always wanting what other men have and never satisfied with what they do have. They would not stop at murder to get what they want. It was them who ambushed and attacked us on Bakra land. That was their doing, not yours. They deserved to die and I do not regret killing them to protect you.” A light began to glow from the tapestry and he knew that time had run out. Standing quickly, he stood her on her feet and backed away from her. She shook out the tapestry and stared intently at the design. He’d never seen the tapestry before. None of them had, even though all knew the legend. He found himself mesmerized by the sheer beauty of it. The colors were vibrant and the scene looked alive. He recognized the castle immediately and was startled to realize that it was Bakra Castle. As he watched, the picture shimmered and changed. The light grew brighter and Jane closed her eyes tight and hugged the tapestry to her chest. Zaren shielded his eyes as the light flashed so bright it almost blinded him. When it faded, he slowly lowered his arm. Jane stood solemnly before him. Oh, God, it hadn’t worked. Part of him wanted to shout in victory, but another part of him was angry on her behalf. “I’m so sorry, Jane, that it didn’t work.” He didn’t know what else to say to comfort her. A small smile played around the corner of her mouth before spreading into a wide smile. “Yes, it did.” 125

N.J. Walters

It took a moment for her words to make sense to him. His heart pounded in his chest as he stared deep into her eyes to see the truth. “You chose to stay?” He still couldn’t believe it. Walking up to him, Jane shot him a saucy grin, went down on one knee before him and took his hand in hers. “Zaren Bakra. Will you marry me?”

126

Bakra Bride

Chapter Sixteen Jane’s heart was beating so hard her chest hurt. She’d just taken the gamble of her life. The lifeline back to her own time and her own world had come and gone. But she couldn’t find it in herself to regret her choice. She had chosen love and that could never be wrong. Zaren dropped to his knees in front of her, bowed his head and placed his hand over his heart. “You are the heart that beats in this chest and in this home and if you would take me for husband I will give you my love, loyalty and devotion for as long as I live. With me, you gain the love, loyalty and devotion of my brother as well, who will be lover to you, and would also be your husband should I die before you. In return, I ask for your love, loyalty and devotion and any children that the gods see fit to gift us with.” Tears welled in her eyes at the formal declaration, but she blinked them back. “I asked you first.” He raised his head, his eyes solemn. “I accept your proposal. You have given up much for me and I will never forget it. But I still wanted to ask you in the formal way of my people.” “It’s a beautiful pledge and I accept.” Cupping her face in his hands, he gently skimmed her lips with his. “You will never regret it.” “Zaren, this was my choice.” She needed him to understand. “Yes, I could have returned to my own time and have rebuilt my life and had a long and happy one. But I’ve discovered that what I’ve been looking for all my life is here.” Lifting his hands from her face, she laid them over her heart. “I’ve always wanted love, acceptance and a family of my own. And I can have that here. With you.” 127

N.J. Walters

She laughed. “Yes, you can be stubborn and maddening at times when you get that stern ‘nothing really affects me’ look in your eyes, but deep inside you is the man I’ve come to love. A man who loves his brothers and family. A man who takes care of his land and his people. A man who protects those weaker than himself and does not abuse his power. And a man who, when he lets down his guard, will laugh and smile and love.” Pushing away from him, she stood. Ever so slowly, she inched her pajama top over her head and dropped it at her feet. Then she skimmed the matching pants down over her hips and legs and kicked them aside. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.” There was no mistaking the reverence in Zaren’s voice. Jane felt herself responding to his praise. Her shoulders straightened, thrusting her breasts forward. They were high and firm and her nipples were puckered. Already, she could feel the cream between her thighs. She’d never felt sexy or quite so sensual in her life until she’d come here. Something about the place and this man in particular made her feel like a goddess. With Bador and Zaren, she had finally discovered and embraced her own sexuality in a way she’d never dreamed possible. Naked, she knelt in front of him once again. He looked like a pagan god with the firelight shimmering on his tanned skin. His long blond hair looked golden and his chest gleamed. The muscles in his arms rippled as he clenched and unclenched his hands at his side. It was obvious that he was letting her take the lead. Her hands itched to touch him, to claim him as hers. When her hands went to the laces in the front of his pants, he sucked in his stomach. Jane undid the laces and pushed the leather plackets aside. His cock sprang from a nest of golden curls, thick and hard. The long blue vein pulsed, and as she watched, a pearly white drop seeped from the tip. Licking her lips, Jane lowered her head and licked the top, swirling her tongue around the bulbous head. “Jane.” His voice was hoarse as he gripped her head and held 128

Bakra Bride

it steady in his hands. She knew what he wanted. But she wasn’t ready to give it to him. Not yet. Gripping the base of his cock with one hand and cupping his testicles with the other, Jane used her hand to pleasure him. At the same time, she licked her way down the length of his penis and back up again. His fingers tightened. His grip almost stinging. “Jane,” he groaned again. This time she gave him what he wanted. Opening her mouth wide, she took him as deep in her mouth as she could. Then she started to move. Sucking her way to the top, she plunged her mouth back down over his cock, taking it as deep as she could. Zaren held her head steady and began to thrust his hips back and forth, fucking her mouth. Jane gently squeezed his balls. He startled her when he pulled away from her. Tumbling her back on the fur spread in front of the fire, he spread her legs wide and plunged his cock into her pussy. He felt so huge that she had trouble taking all of him at first. She tried to wrap her legs around him, but he wouldn’t let her. Instead, he hooked his arms under her knees and planted his hands firm on the floor by her shoulders. The movement opened her completely to him and left her vulnerable to his thrusts. He was in control now. Pulling back until only the head of his cock was still inside her body, he thrust forward. It was too much. It wasn’t enough. She wanted all of him. “Harder!” she cried. “Oh, harder!” Zaren’s thrusts got quicker and deeper until he was hammering into her. His hips pumped as his cock plunged all the way to her womb. It was incredible. Her vaginal muscles were clamping down hard with every thrust. The fire crackled and the air was filled with the sounds of their heavy breathing and the slap of skin against skin as they fucked wildly. The air smelled of sweat and sex as Zaren drove both of them higher. There was no finesse, no technique, no gentle caresses

129

N.J. Walters

or stimulation. This was mating at its most basic. Sex to sex, driving hard for completion. Jane could barely breathe. She was so close. Lights seemed to flash in front of her eyes as she came. Spasms shook her as her release gushed from her depths. Zaren yelled and continued to pump into her as she felt the hot spurt of his cum deep inside her. When it was over, Zaren slumped on top of her, burying his face between her breasts. At first, she didn’t hear him because she was panting so hard for breath. But as her breathing calmed she could make out his words. “I love you,” he repeated over and over. Using one hand, she cradled his head tight to her. “I love you too,” she whispered back. Silence fell between them, but it was a comfortable one. Jane didn’t think she could move, but Zaren was getting too heavy for her. Finally, she poked at his shoulder. He raised his head slowly, looking like a sleepy, sated golden lion. And when he made a rumbling sound low in his throat, she laughed. He grinned at her as he carefully withdrew his softening penis and dropped to the fur beside her. “We have to go and tell Bador.” Jane was starting to feel guilty for not telling him right away. “I think he already knows.” Zaren captured her chin in his hand and turned her face towards the bed. There seated at the end of the bed watching them was Bador. Naked, he pumped his swollen cock with his hand as he stared at them. Jane groaned and closed her eyes. Her sense of humor began to get the better of her and she began to giggle. Her giggles soon became uncontrollable laughter. Zaren smiled indulgently at her. Bador scowled at her, but she could see the laughter in his blue eyes.

130

Bakra Bride

She looked at Zaren and knew he understood what she was asking him. In answer, he leaned over and kissed her. It was a long, lingering kiss that curled her toes. “I love you, Jane.” “But you’ll stay,” she whispered. Now that she was committed to Zaren, it was harder to think about being with Bador without him there. His smile warmed perceptibly. “I’ll stay.” Nodding, Jane turned back to Bador who was now sitting as still as stone. All signs of humor were gone and his hands were clenched on his knees. Smiling, she held out her hand to him, remembering the lost and lonely look on Marc Garen’s face. She never wanted to see that expression on Bador’s face. In her own way, she loved him. Not in quite the same way as she did Zaren, but it was still love. “Come here, Bador. There is always room for you with us.” The shadows left his eyes as he stood and walked towards them. He sought his brother’s face and what he saw there must have reassured him because the corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. He stretched out alongside her, supporting himself on his forearm as he leaned over her. “Thank you, Jane.” She nodded as she slipped her hand behind his neck and pulled him down to her. She could feel Zaren sliding his hand over her stomach and up towards her breast. Relaxing, she gave herself over to the pleasure of being loved by these two incredible men.

131

N.J. Walters

Epilogue Their wedding was delayed a month. Zaren wasn’t happy about it. A fact he made clear to her every day. But Jane was just as determined to get her own way. And in the end, he couldn’t really argue with her reasoning. Besides, Bador was on her side and he took great pleasure in taunting his brother. Jane wanted to wait until the whole family could be together. Jarmon finally came home yesterday. He was still weak and had a long way to go to recover his former strength, but each day showed an improvement. He’d been exhausted when he’d finally arrived yesterday evening. His face was deathly pale and she could see the lines of strain around his eyes and bracketing the corners of his mouth. The hair hanging around his face had started to turn white during his recovery and now it was streaked with the pale color. It was actually quite striking. But beyond the tiredness, his eyes had reflected his happiness at just being home. Olena had alternated between hugging Jane and crying and then hugging her some more. The older woman had made it abundantly clear just how happy she was to have Jane as a daughter-in-law. They hadn’t spent much time together, but they had exchanged long, emotional letters during Jarmon’s recovery. Garrik had swept Jane into his arms, planting a quick hard kiss on her lips before tossing her high into the air. She’d screamed when Zaren had plucked her right out of the air while at the same time admonished his brother to be more careful with her. They were a boisterous and emotional family, loud and raucous and loving. Quite naturally they’d admitted her into their ranks and Jane soaked up every bit of attention and care. Her former life was but a memory now. This was her real life. She’d quickly made a place for herself among the people. Her willingness and eagerness to learn had endeared her to everyone. She was thrilled that the women were 132

Bakra Bride

willing to teach her to spin and to weave. Jane had also started a tapestry of her very own. She wanted something to immortalize her fantastic tale. “It’s time.” Jane stepped away from the window where she’d been gazing out over the land. She smoothed her hands over the long skirt of the beautiful blue dress that she wore. Although she usually wore pants and tunics that had been specially made for her, she didn’t mind dressing up on special occasions. And it didn’t get any more special than today. Zaren stood in the doorway, patiently waiting for her. Behind him, she could see Bador. The noise from the crowd below drifted up the stairwell and into the room. From the sound of it, they had already started to celebrate. Jane walked towards them and they both smiled. Her heart swelled with love and pride as she left her past behind for good and went towards her future. Today she embraced her destiny. Today, she became the Bakra Bride.

133

About the Author N. J. Walters had a mid-life crisis at a fairly young age, gave notice after ten years at her job on a Friday, received a tentative acceptance for her first novel, Annabelle Lee, on the following Sunday. Happily married for over seventeen years to the love of her life, with his encouragement and support she gave up the job of selling books for the more pleasurable job of writing them. A voracious reader of romances of all kinds, she now spends her days writing, reading and reviewing books. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it.

N.J. Walters welcomes mail from readers. You can write to her c/o Ellora’s Cave Publishing at 1056 Home Avenue, Akron, OH 44310-3502.

Also by N.J. Walters Annabelle Lee Awakening Desires: Capturing Carly Awakening Desires: Erin’s Fancy Awakening Desires: Katie’s Art of Seduction Dalakis Passion: Harker’s Journey Dalakis Passion: Lucian’s Delight Heat Wave Jessamyn’s Christmas Gift Tapestries: Christina’s Tapestry

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

www.ellorascave.com