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 She s mine until I turn her over to Drakus.
 You will not survive that long. Rayder s voice became deeper, a hint of anger
around the calmness.
 I d rather see you fight for her, Bantu said.  Whoever survives will fight me for
her. The winner takes the spoils.
By the god, they are fighting over me as if I were a piece of meat.
 Best you let her go, mate, Dane s companion-at-arms said.  My friend has a
bloodlust upon him.
Bantu laughed.  It will make the fight all the more sweet.
Dane shifted, and Bantu brought the knife nearer to her throat. Ketera gulped in a
breath as Bantu pressed closer.  Stay back or I ll cut her.
 You know what we can do to you, man. Dane s voice held pure poison, as
gravely as rocks rolling together.  You work for a Daryk One. You ve seen his worst.
Bantu grunted.  What of it? She s mine now.
 I want her back. And neither of you will touch her. Dane s hushed voice defied
either man to take ownership of her.
A strange relief passed over Ketera. Dane did care. He would get her out of this
jam. At the same time, part of her chafed at the idea she hadn t thought of a way to
escape this mess herself.
Rayder turned to Dane, his casualness cut in half by that red eye glow.  Fight me
for her.
Oh my Magon.
Dane glared at Rayder, body tight, muscle tension obvious. To Ketera s amazed
eyes, they took their attention off Bantu.
 Are you insane? Dane asked his so-called friend.
Low laughter echoed from Rayder s throat.  Some say so.
 Bloody well get on with it, Bantu said.
With a swiftness that made her mind spin, Dane and Rayder broke into battle.
Swords clashed, the harsh clang ringing in her ears. Bantu s laughter echoed. She
flinched, squirming as she twisted in her bonds. The knife at her throat scratched her,
and she cried out at the slight pain. Bantu drew the knife back from her neck, intent on
the battle. The rope around her left ankle loosened. Yes! Perhaps if she just worked at it
harder&
The Daryk Ones twisted, moved with a speed she d noted while watching Dane kill
the dragon back at Grimnald Castle. She d never seen a man move so quickly on
Magonia and wondered what magic worked upon these warriors.
Sweat beaded on their foreheads, muscles bulging as they shifted on their feet. Fear
rose so high in her she thought she might strangle. She glanced at Bantu. He wasn t
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paying the least attention to her, an eager smile on his face. An erection pressed against
his trousers. Her stomach roiled.
Anger made her wrench at her ties and suddenly her feet were free. Bantu jumped
and pinned her to the bed. She screamed, the sound more a yell of defiance than fear.
She kicked out, caught him straight in the balls with her foot. Bantu screamed, fell off
the bed and writhed. Satisfaction blended with her fear.
 Take that you& you ! She didn t know any really excellent curses, so she added
one she d used before.  Bastard!
Dane and Rayder s blades came together. A grunt came from the both of them as
they surged toward the bed. Her eyes widened. Both men turned toward Bantu. Dane
sprang forward, his motion a blur. A second later Bantu yelled as the sword found its
mark into his chest. A growl issued from Dane s throat.
 Bastard of a dillianas! Dane stood over Bantu with a look so hateful that Ketera
almost cringed.
 Dillianas? Her voice rasped in her own ears.
 Never mind. Dane turned toward her, the red in his eyes increasing.  It s a
creature we eat on Dragonia.
She glanced at both Daryk Ones and realized something that startled her to the
core. They had erections. Their cocks pushed hard and full against their breeches. Her
mouth opened as she stared at Rayder s long length. Startled, she had no words.
Rayder chuckled.  Charger, I take it you haven t explained to Ketera what happens
to Daryk Ones after a fight or battle?
Dane glanced at Rayder.  She s heard of battle lust.
Rayder grunted.  Perhaps she doesn t understand what it means exactly.
Dane sent a glare toward the slave trader.  Shut up.
Rayder only laughed.  A fine shot, my lady. Rayder smiled at her, and the charm
in that grin completely took her off guard.  I think even if Dane hadn t insisted on
rescuing you, you would have killed him yourself.
 Never, she said with defiance, trying not to glance at his cock.  Murder is a sin.
 I never murder anyone. Anyone I kill deserves it, Rayder said as he reached for
her hand and kissed the back of it.
A rush of heat filled her face. No matter that she found Dane beyond attractive.
Rayder was too. And that worried her. After all, if he was a slave trader, he was scum.
Dane threw a glare at Rayder.  Release her.
Rayder let her go and smiled.  As you wish, old friend.
Ketera looked down at Bantu.  Is he dead?
Dane nodded.  Dead.
She shivered uncontrollably, mixed emotions filling her. Anger topped the list, and
she wanted to scream at Bantu for terrorizing her. One glance at Bantu s motionless
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body assured her she wouldn t have to worry. The sword stayed in his chest. She
looked away quickly.
She rubbed her wrists and for the first time she took stock of Dane s expression.
Fierce anger still boiled in his eyes. Perhaps some of that ire was directed at her and not
at the slaver who d stolen her.
Rayder headed for the door.  I ll leave you to it. I ll get the magistrate to clean up
the mess.
 Will you get into trouble? she asked them both.
Rayder turned back for a moment.  Never, my lady. We are Daryk Ones, protecting
the innocent. We can do no wrong.
Dane made a sound of contempt.  You are a bloody slave trader. The magistrate
will arrest you.
Rayder s smile was carefree.  I think not. I trust you ll be well, Ketera. See you
again soon, Charger.
Dane snorted.  Not likely.
Rayder s gaze, no longer red, didn t look the least perturbed by Dane s tone.
 Wait. Ketera had to know something.  If you re a slave trader, then maybe& 
She swallowed hard.  Two of my friends were on the same ship with me. A passenger
ship named the Hydrasoseles sank after we were hit by a huge wave. I think I was the
only survivor, but perhaps you know of any people picked up from the water or the
beach. Their names are Xandra Shorenus and Mia Griffi.
Rayder s eyes flickered. Hands on hips, he scanned them both for a long moment. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]