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“Thane, wait!” Layala reached to grab him, but her fingertips only brushed his top and he was gone. With his sword in hand, he flew at the Black Mage, the coat of his magic leaving a tang in the air. Layala’s heart lurched; Thane’s sword sliced through the air, the light glinted off the blade as it came down at the Black Mage and moments before he was about to strike, Thane was flung back, like an invisible wave smashed into him and sent him flying through the air onto his back.

“And here I thought you were the god of war,” the Black Mage said and tsked his tongue.

A second later he was up, charging again. The Black Mage moved to the side, dodged left, right, ducked under his blade. Thane roared and swung harder, his movements a blur.

“I trained with you your entire life,” the Black Mage threw out his hand, another wave of power knocking Thane backward, “I know every move you’re going to make. You certainly haven’t learned anything new.” His fist cracked into Thane’s jaw and his head snapped to the side.

He snarled, taking the punch like it didn’t hurt and jabbed his blade straight at the intruder’s gut. The Black Mage vanished and appeared behind him. He was toying with Thane. With a snap of his fingers Thane froze, sweat glistened on his brow, slid down the side of his face. His entire body was stiff, unmovable.

She knew what he was going through all too well.

“Let’s play a game,” the Black Mage said. “If you don’t get out of that in ten seconds, I snap your neck. If you do, I still snap your neck.”

Layala tensed, mind reeling. If she didn’t do something, Thane was going to get hurt, possibly killed. It was nearly impossible to get out of the Black Mage’s hold once he had it.

With her pulse pounding, her magic soaring, she strode ahead. Darkness traveled with her, trailing in her wake. She knew it would take an immense amount of his power to hold Thane in place and she must take advantage of that.

“Here we go.” The Black Mage eagerly awaited her.

Her vine shot out and hammered into the Black Mage’s chest, pushing him back several feet, wrapping around him like a vice. He smiled and with a wave of his hand, her vines snapped and popped, broke and twisted away, until the Black Mage stood free. He adjusted his cloak, plucking a thorn from it and flicked it away. “You can do better. Where are your shadows, your moon power? Where is the goddess who captured legions by their hearts and brought even me to my knees?”

“She’s not here.”

“But I want her,” he teased. “Bring her out.”

“Don’t you hurt her!” Thane barked, still struggling to break free.

“Why would I hurt my wife? Especially one with such a beautiful face. I wouldn’t want to mess with it.”

“She’s mine now. Leave her alone.”

“You two are acting like children, but I am not a toy to be fought over. I am not something to be possessed. So back off.” She faced Thane. “Enough of this.”

The two males glared at one another while she stood between them. She readied for the Black Mage to strike. Her magic fought to break free. “Why are you here?”

“I like it when you’re bossy. Gives me the tingles.”

It took everything to restrain herself from attacking him but that wouldn’t get them anywhere. Deep down, she knew even she and Thane together weren’t ready to take on the Black Mage. So, she met his stare and held it; even if it was false bravado, she wouldn’t cower.

“Why are you here?” she repeated. “If you wanted to kill us you would, but instead you’re playing games. So, what is it? Name your price.”

A slow smile grew, and his eyes flicked down her form. “You have something I need. And no, I’m not talking about your ass. I’ve already had it.”

Layala struck him across the face with her open palm and a bead of blood welled up at the corner of his mouth. A red welt developed on his smooth fair skin. That statement shouldn’t have bothered her, but a beast deep down in her wanted to roar at his disrespect. “Prick.”

“I suppose I deserved that.” He licked the corner of his mouth. “But I do like it a bit rough, and the name calling,oooo.” He shuddered like it was pleasurable.

Letting her anger get the best of her, Layala took advantage of surprise and kicked at his kneecap. He dodged. She plucked another throwing star and tried to jam it into his heart.

He sucked in a sharp breath and caught her wrist. Her arm shook with effort as she fought against him, but inch by inch he pushed her away. “This is foreplay for me, love. You’re only making me want you more.”

Shit, shit, shit.She pushed harder but it was like fighting against a gale-force wind.

You’re not strong enough,he silently said.But it is adorable you think you are.

Layala spat in his face. His hand wrapped around her throat and squeezed, not hard enough to hurt but enough to hold her with magic. He forced her backward until he shoved her into the wall. “Ah there’s my feisty girl.” He shoved his knee between her thighs and leaned down to her ear. “Come with me, and I won’t hurt him. Come with me, and I’ll make you remember all the ways you craved me.”

“Let go of me!” With a scream of rage, a blast of power radiated from her like a gust of wind and drove them apart several feet, but it wasn’t far enough. She’d hoped to send him through the wall.