AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I don't like the idea of him touching you." Trillian continued. "But since you agreed to the pact, and I didn't have the brains to stop it before the deal was sealed, we have no choice. I have no desire to become dragon toast, so when it is time, you will pay your debt, and I won't interfere. But Camille—don't you ever forget this."
With that, he spun me around in his arms and kissed me, long and deep and hard, and I fell into the darkened abyss that opened up each time Trillian touched me. His tongue played gently over my lips as I parted them to welcome him in. He tightened his grasp, firmly holding me to him. I let myself flow into the kiss, reveling in the energy that spiraled between us each time we came together. I straddled his leg as he pressed against my hip.
He pulled back suddenly, gasping. "I've never known a woman the way I've known you. When we're together, I feel like I can get inside your soul. When we bound ourselves, we forged a far darker chain than Lishani's circlet."
I felt like I owed him some sort of reassurance. Or perhaps I was trying to reassure myself. "Smoky won't hurt me, and he can never replace you. You know that you've owned my heart ever since that first night at the Collequia. The moment I saw you, I knew we belonged together."
Trillian furrowed his brow. "Camille," he said softly, "don't be sentimental. It doesn't become you. And it's a pale thought compared to the passion we share." And then he laughed and relaxed, dropping onto the love seat and patting the cushion beside him. "So tell me, what does the lizard want of you tonight?"
"You really are incorrigible," I said, curling up beside him as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I rested my head on his shoulder. "You can't possibly fear that anything or anyone can sever the bond we forged so many years back. I tried. You tried. If it didn't shatter then, you should know it never will. I've finally accepted that we're bound for life, regardless of other lovers, other friends, other oaths. The only vows I hold stronger than my bond with you is my pledge to the Moon Mother and my commitment to my sisters."
Trillian gazed into my eyes. He reached out to stroke my face. "I would never ask you to break either of those oaths. You know that."
And suddenly, I did. For all his posturing and questionable agendas, my Svartan had a sense of honor and ethics. They just didn't match the rest of the world's. I leaned my head on his shoulder and told him everything that had happened, from meeting Feddrah-Dahns to the concern over Morgaine.
By the time I finished, Trillian had a far different look on his face. Gone was the worry over Smoky, replaced by an ill-defined expression of concern.
"Morgaine is not to be trusted. I warn you, do not underestimate her. She's known in Svartalfheim. She forged some sort of connection with King Vodox, but… I'm not entirely sure what happened next, but he banished her from the city. She travels freely through Otherworld. If the unicorn told you that she was seeking the Black Unicorn's horn, then believe him."
I sat up, resting my elbows on my knees. Why did she have to show up now? Back in January, I had worried about her appearance, but in our concern over Dredge, I pushed her out of my thoughts. I wondered if I'd made a mistake.
"What's wrong, love?" Trillian stood and stretched, then reached for me. I took his hand, and he pulled me to my feet. "I didn't make you angry, did I?"
I shook my head. Regardless of my disdain for machismo from any male, Trillian seldom angered me. Irritated me? Definitely. Pissed me off? Sometimes. But angered? Rarely.
"No, I've gotten used to your tantrums."
He sputtered, and I held up my hand.
"Give it a rest. You know you throw tantrums. I've learned to accept them as a less-than-endearing part of you. It's just… matters are becoming complicated. More players are entering the arena, and I'm scared spitless that eventually we'll overlook a vital clue or part of the puzzle because there are so many factors to keep track of."
He made a tsking sound. "That's a very real fear. Keep alert. That's all we can do. Is that why you're heading out to Smoky's tonight? To talk to Morgaine?"
"Yes, he asked me to speak to her before he got mad enough to crisp her. I don't think he's kidding, so it's better if I comply." I shrugged. "I suppose we should—"
Just then, Delilah slammed open the door. "We've got trouble. Come on, we're going to need everybody's help."
"What's going on?" I rushed over to where she was standing. "Has someone been hurt?"
"Several someones," she said. "There are two trolls loose in one of the parks, and the cops can't contain them. They need us. That goes for you, too, lover boy," she said, motioning to Trillian. "They're not your everyday basic forest trolls, either."
I groaned. Trolls were bad news. Big bad news. They weren't invulnerable by any means, but killing a troll was hard. Subduing one was far harder. Which is why there were so few troll prisoners in Otherworld.
"Mountain trolls?" I asked, hoping for the best. Or second best. Mountain trolls were worse than forest trolls. Cave trolls were worse than mountain trolls. But the worst of all…
"Nope," Delilah said, leading us out into the living room. "Dubba-trolls."
As we entered the room, everyone was in an uproar. Iris was holding Maggie, our baby calico gargoyle, keeping her out of the fray as everyone else rushed around, getting ready for battle.
"Dubba-trolls," I whispered, closing my eyes for a brief second. Wonderful. Two-headed trolls with twice the strength and half the brains of forest trolls. And they were always hungry for sweet, fresh meat. Of whatever origin didn't matter, as long as it was alive when they caught it.
"Dubba-trolls," Menolly said, a delighted look in her eyes. "Come on, girls, let's go hunting!"
I shook my head and snorted. "I'm glad you're happy. Me, I'd rather tackle something simpler. Like Bad Ass Luke."
Menolly laughed then, hearty and loud in a way she hadn't in years. I glanced at her, grateful that she'd learned to smile again. As we headed out the door, she leaned close and whispered, "Hey, at least it's better than watching your lovers spend the evening sniping at each other."
As much as I hated to admit it, she had a point.
