FOREVER KNIGHTS: #15 Insatiable Beasts

Merwood, Dread Hideout

ACHARIUS

“I believe I hear Chastain.”

“The hell you do.” Bast glowered.

“Fine. I don’t hear her. But I can see in color. Which means she’s coming.”

Either way, I’m not going in there.

Bast frowned in doubt.

I’m not lying.

However, it is absolutely an excuse to not go into the Sepulcher and sink like a bloody anchor.

Chastain was scurrying through the Merwood. Lost in some reverie, she squeaked when she slammed into an immovable wall. Eyes travelling up the massive eight foot frame until meeting Acharius’ penetrating blue gaze.

Handsome with long blonde hair strung back in a haphazard tether. Bronzed skin and intense gaze, she was mesmerized.

“Chastain?” He frowned down at her. “You well?”

She’s looking at me oddly.

“I...” She struggled to find the words to tell him.

“I’ve missed you too.” He said. Leaning down to peer into her face as he queried tenderly. “Is that what you came out here to hear?”

She nodded. Chewing her lip.

Looking every inch, charming.

She’s got to be horribly lonely in Meredith House without Aggie and Mags. Acharius had rallied the knights to clean the house and remove the ladies to two graves that Acharius and Chastain and Bast had held funeral rites over.

But it doesn’t feel like enough for me either.

“I don’t want you to go anymore. Stay with me this time?”

The Captain has blessed me to.

“I shouldn’t have done so. I was trying to do what I thought best for you.”

She opened her mouth as he said this. Indignance apparent on her face.

He cut her off. “I understand now it was wrong of me to decide what that was without you having some say.”

She nodded in approval at this.

Happy with that, I suppose.

He lifted his hands. “I surrender woman.”

She eyed him a moment before a smile peeled across her round face.

Acharius took her hand in his. “Walk with me, Chastain?”

Like we did before? I’ve missed them as much as I missed you.

Her face lit. Exuberance nearly overwhelming. “I’d love that!”

He tugged her behind him toward his original den. “No more secrets from you.”

“No more!” She agreed. “Will you tell me now who you are?”

He gave her a thoughtful look over his shoulder before nodding.

They made their way over the brush and under low-hanging branches.

The sun shimmered on her hair. Turning it a burgundy shade. It was lovely framing her porcelain face. Thick black lashes framed the green eyes beckoningly. A slight chill cast a rosy hue on high cheekbones.

He’d been looking over his shoulder to take in the sight of her so long he decided he best stop their progress. Lest I run into a tree. A soundly make a fool of myself.

But in his defense, she’d never seemed more irresistible then now that he thought he could have her.

Halting, he faced her. Tenderly, drawing the back of his hand across her soft cheek. Something in him tightened. How has such a rare jewel found feelings for me?

“I could care for no one more.” He blurted.

“Truly?” She caught his wrist and pulled it down to peer up at him. Eyes sparkling.

“Truly.” He grinned. Transforming his severe jaw line as white teeth flashed and blue eyes wrinkled at the corners.

“I love you. Acharius Sevence.”

Does she? In truth? A long study of her face revealed no trace of deception. Only perfect sincerity.

She’d know how to be nothing else.

“I love you, sweet woman. Stubborn vixen that you are.”

She smiled so widely it was almost terrifying. Her shoulders hunkering up in her excitement. Then she leapt forward and wrapped her arms around his waist.

All she can reach. He looked down at her. A rumbling chuckle working its way up through his chest.

“Come tell me all these grand secrets.” Anticipation apparent on her face.