Chapter 11

Late the next morning,after an intense coupling at dawn, which if I remembered correctly was round four, I snuck out of bed. My legs were more than a little wobbly, but my heart was full. Staring down at my shifter, spread out in the middle of the bed on his belly since sleeping on his back wasn't something he could do with those beautiful wings of his, I felt myself grinning.

I'm so glad I hadn't continued to deny us both. Especially after the last orgasm brought me to the edge of passing out. How lucky was I? And if I didn't get moving, I was going to attack Trace again and beg him for a fifth go. But caffeine, that evil substance, had me searching for my leggings and a tank top, just in case momma Athena decided to drop in now that we'd done the deed.

As I waited for my coffee to brew, I looked out the windows to the covered courtyard and noticed movement. A dark shadow darted between a hedge and a stone column. Blinking several times, I zeroed in on the spot again, but there was nothing there.

Was it the wind? There was nothing out there that would be stirred by any gusts. Taking a cleansing breath, I chalked it up to my overactive imagination and poured myself a cup. Opening several cupboards, I finally found the powdered creamer. I leaned against the counter and closed my eyes, savoring that first sip of the day.

There was just no way I saw anything outside. The castle was under a spell. No one could see it, let alone make their way behind it and scurry across the concrete patio. I snapped my fingers and said, "That's it. It must be an animal." I knew there was wildlife around here. I read about the hares and Highland deer during my research.

Finishing my cup, I took out one for Trace and fixed it up for him how he liked. Heavy on the sugar. After I poured myself another, I made my way back toward the staircase. From the corner of my eye, I swear I saw another shadow. Setting down the cups, I rushed to the back window, scanning the entire courtyard. Again, nothing.

I definitely needed more sleep. If it had been Athena or one of Trace's brothers, they would have just appeared or used the front door. Not skulk about in the back of the castle. When I stepped into the stairway, it hit me. Wouldn't the locks have been released once Trace and I made love the first time?

Spilling coffee as I hustled to the counter, I set them down then raced to the front door. My heart pounding, I assured myself my excitement wasn't because I wanted to leave anytime soon. I just wanted the option to leave. A person never knew how important their freedom to come and go was until it was taken away.

I skidded to a stop, stubbing my right big toe in the process. "Ouch! Stupid gigantic…" I mumbled, slapping my palm against the metal latch. Yeah, like that was going to hurt the ancient door. Dragging in deep breaths to settle my racing heart, I began to laugh. I'd totally forgotten about my luggage being right outside these doors. I'd gone forty-eight hours without any of my supplies and hadn't given them a second thought in over twenty-four. Wow, I had fallen hard and fast for Trace.

"Okay, Bex, it's no big deal if the door doesn't open. You'll just go back to your phoenix shifter, snuggle in, and whisper naughty requests into his ear. But, if it does open, then you'll have your own clean clothes to wear. So, win-win either way." I placed my hands on the beam of wood and closed my eyes. Lifting the wood from its resting place, I shouted, "Yes!" Swinging it wide, I scrambled outside, then bent down.

With my fingers gripping the handle, I lifted the luggage, then let out a yelp when pudgy fingers wrapped around my wrist. Stunned, I looked up into the face of my attacker. I didn't have to look far. He wasn't that much taller than me.

"So, Lassie. Since you didn't come back as promised, you can join me and those two gents behind me. There's someone who"s been waiting to meet you."

The weasel of a barkeep grabbed my other hand, wrapped a length of twine soaked with vinegar around both my hands, cinching it tight.

Dammit!

Before I could kick him in the knee, he said, "Freeze."

I couldn't move and then one of the two meatheads behind him lifted me and carried me to a vehicle at the end of the drawbridge, tossing me into the backseat. The fools had forgotten one thing, though. They'd neglected to prevent me from yelling. I screamed, my voice raw the entire way, and prayed to the goddess that Trace would hear me through the thick stone walls.

"Tut-tut, lass. Your brethren mate isn't invited."

A rag was shoved into my mouth mid-yell. Idiot. "Too late," I shouted. But it sounded more like "oo-ate."

But who was the real idiot? My inept kidnapper or the witch who'd had her own spell used against her?