White cloth, ripped and stained, gave way to rough tugging. Big hands, pulling at her, bruising her flesh. They would use her, leave her bloody and mangled by the body at her feet. The cold bit at her bared flesh and she sought escape, deep within. Let them finish her. She didn't care.

A memory came to her, giving some relief. Sarah's face, smiling and laughing, running around the large oak in the front yard of their childhood home.

Sarah slowed and taunted her. 'Come on Gabby! Catch me!'

Gabriella giggled and skipped after her sister, careful not to get her skirts dirty. 'You're too fast.'

The image changed. Sarah was running towards her now. No longer a child, but a young woman. Gabriella had just reached the cusp of womanhood but Sarah had passed it years before. Beautifully formed, so strong, a vision of all Gabriella wished she could be, Sarah had it all. At that moment the image of infallible confidence had been shattered.

Face bloody and bruised Sarah tripped, falling to her sister's feet. Wrenching breaths stole her voice for long moments, torn through with a sob. Sarah grasped her sister's hands. 'Get daddy Gabby. They're coming...'

Shocked Gabriella had looked past her sister. 'What's going on? Daddy's not home Sarah!'

Crying uncontrollably, head bowed in defeat, Sarah pressed her palms to the pale granite walkway. 'Get inside Gabby! Quick! I don't want them to get you too...'

Gabriella heard the sound of boots pounding on pavement. She looked up. There were two boys running up the street. Without pause she took hold of the shovel her father had left in the yard earlier that day. 'I'm not leaving you Sarah.'

The boys stopped, steps away from the girls. 'You want your sister to play too you little cock tease?' He reached around Gabriella, who was frozen in fear, and jerked Sarah to her feet. 'That's fine with us. Whore probably runs in the family.'

The boy jammed his mouth against her sister's swollen lips. Without thinking Gabriella swung the shovel. It connected with a sickening thud and he collapsed, blood spilling out from the gash in his head. Sarah gapped up at her, then turned her head to watch the other boy run off.

Gabriella dropped the shovel. The sound of the metal striking stone seemed to echo into the night as the girls watched the blood ooze down the gleaming edge. One of the neighbors came running. The police were called. The boy was taken away on a stretcher.

Hours later her father returned. Quietly he stepped into the cozy little living room. His eyes went to Sarah, huddled alone on a wing chair in her bathrobe, dark hair still wet from her shower. Sarah had refused the comfort her mother had offered, the comfort she was giving Gabriella. After assessing the situation with his usual perceptiveness he left Sarah to gather her thoughts alone, as she was best suited, and went to kneel before Gabriella.

Tears spilling anew Gabriella gazed wide eyed at her father. 'Is he dead?'

Forcing a smile, though it was rather grim, her father shook his head. 'No. He made it through surgery and the doctor says he should make a full recovery.'

Gabriella bowed her head. 'I'm sorry...'

Taking her chin in his hand her father forced her to face him. His eyes were hard. 'No Gabriella. Don't be. Don't you ever be sorry for doing whatever you need to, to survive. You saved yourself and your sister...' His voice sounded strangled. 'If you hadn't I could have lost you both...'

Sarah rose and threw herself at her father. He held her close, never taking his eyes off Gabriella. Leaning forward Gabriella wrapped her arms around his neck. The bloody image might never leave her, but the point was she was alive. She was alive and whole and so was her sister. The will to survive and protect those she loved had triumphant and always would.

Even now.

A hand closed around her breast, more hands gripped to her legs. Covered in mud, in Slater's blood, her father's words came to her again. A dagger sheathed in the belt of one of the men came into view, and as she had all those years ago she reacted without thought and grabbed it. Swinging out blindly the blade hit flesh and she pressed down hard. Hot blood spilled over her hand. The grasping hands released her.

A gurgling, gagging sound left the man as he fell to his back, fingers prying futily at the handle of the dagger buried deep in the center of his throat. The scent of blood sickened but didn't stall her. Standing she faced the men who's eyes were locked on their fallen comrade, laying still in the mud. The urge to run was strong, but she fought it. She wouldn't leave Slater behind.

Shaking free of his shock one man grabbed her. "You'll pay for that."

Gabriella lifted her eyes to his. Hair clung to her cheeks, to her lips. She cocked her head and smiled. "Do you want to hurt me?"

The man's breath quickened. Blinking he dropped his hand and stepped back.

Another man came to his side. "Bleed the bitch Tor! She killed Judas!"

The man, Tor, shook his head. "No, we can't. She's just a child..."

Growling in frustration the soldier pushed Tor aside and reached for her. Gabriella stepped out of reach. Tor pulled out his sword and swung in a swift arc.

Blood sprayed over Gabriella's face. The soldier felt to his knees. His head dropped to her feet.

The two remaining soldiers roared out a battle cry and attacked Tor. Numb Gabriella moved away from them and knelt at Slater's side. She could hear the grunts and shouts of the men fighting behind her, but she felt apart from that now. All she acknowledged was the desperate need to somehow return life to Slater, who had been still for much too long.

There was a strange crunching sound behind her, somehow reaching her even though the stretch of silence before hadn't registered. Something nudged her shoulder. Gabriella looked up to see Slater's horse standing over her, head bent, large eyes trained on her face. The horse whinnied softly and nudged her again.

Gabriella smiled tremulously at him. "Never did get your name. Did you get scared away when the fighting started?"

The horse lifted its head and shook it. Its reins draped limply along its neck and she could see by the way they were shredded that the horse had snapped them from wherever he'd been tethered. Slater must have left him in the cover of the woods when he'd come to meet her.

Sensing somehow that she'd insulted the proud animal she reached up and stroked its muzzle. "I'm sorry boy. Looks like we were both too late."

The horse stomped its hoof against the muddy earth and shook its head again. Bending its neck it whinnied again and pressed its muzzle against Slater's cheek.

Gabriella shook her head and petted the horse's mane idly. "I don't know what else to do. He's been still for so long..."

The horse glanced at her, tossing its mane from where it fell over its eyes. The way the horse was looking at her made it hard to remember it was just an animal. There was no way it understood what she was saying, no way it could give her the answers she so desperately needed.

As the horse lowered to its knees, close to Slater's side Gabriella became less certain. Nothing else was as it should be here. Everything she'd once known had proved to be nothing but the naïve beliefs of a sheltered child. Granted, hoping for guidance from a pretty pony seemed very much like yet another of those infantile notions, but without hope what would she do?

Continue kneeling here in the muck, waiting for someone to save her no doubt, Gabriella thought disparagingly. Which would no doubt lead to her being accosted by more soldiers.

Deciding any plan, even a foolish one, was better then nothing, Gabriella stood. Doing her best to free her sodden skirts from where they clung to her legs, making it difficult to walk, Gabriella decided it would be wise to make herself a little more mobile.

The horse was bearing two saddlebags, no doubt packed by Slater with their trip in mind. Gabriella opened one and to her relief found a bundle of Slater's clothes. Stripping off her dress with no thought to modesty, seeing as her only audience was a horse, Gabriella donned a white shirt and a rich blue tunic that fell past her knees but wouldn't encumber her so long as she left the bottom unbuttoned.

Adding to this a pair of black trousers helped warmth return to her body. Unfortunately Slater's only boots seemed to be the ones on his feet, which meant she had to keep the impractical, and by now thoroughly soaked slippers on. Paying no mind to the slight discomfort Gabriella fished out a thick, rough blanket, then set her eyes on Slater.

Leaving the blanket on the saddlebag Gabriella moved around the horse and crouched down beside Slater, careful not to get her borrowed clothes wet. Eying him, then the horse, she took a deep breath, let it out slowly and latched on to Slater's wrist. Within seconds she was cursing the man for being so big and heavy. It felt like she was trying to shift imbedded stone.

Digging her heels into the black mud Gabriella jerked his limp form, discouraged when using all her strength did little more then move him a few inches. Changing tactics she stepped over his prone body and with her little hands under his back shoved until she had rolled him over. Taking a moment to catch her breath Gabriella gasped when she realized she had left him face down in the mud.

Shoving him again Gabriella sighed with relief when Slater's body plopped over limply, leaving him lying horizontally, half his form rested against the horse. Bracing her feet on either side of his legs she took his wrist and tugged until he slumped forward, almost folding in half.

The horse watched her as she pulled and shoved, not stopping until Slater was draped over the saddle. Only then did she take another moment to gather her strength, almost preening in pride at what she'd accomplished.

That is until the horse stood and nearly sent Slater tumbling back onto the muddy earth.

With a little involuntary shriek Gabriella grabbed Slater, holding tight so he wouldn't slip, and straining against his weight reached into the saddlebag to fish out some rope. Binding his wrist she held the rope tight and slipped under the horses belly to tie his knees, afraid the briefest slack would cause him to fall. The horse held still as she finished tying the rope, once again causing Gabriella to believe this was no dumb beast.

Now that Slater was secure Gabriella decided it was past time that they start moving. They'd been here too long already, and if the men that had attacked her had believed Slater to be a traitor then it was likely others would as well.

Taking hold of the shortened reins Gabriella stepped towards the trees, hoping some cover would give them more time.

The horse wouldn't move.

Turning Gabriella stepped up to it, glaring into its big, calm eyes. "We have to get out of here! Why won't you move?"

The horse snorted and tossed its head, arching its neck to look back at Slater.

Gabriella stomped her foot in frustration. "Yes I know you want to help him! You can do that by moving you stupid mule!"

The horse turned back to her, stretched its neck and leaned down, setting its blunt teeth hard into Gabriella's shoulder. With a yelp of pain Gabriella tried to move away. The horse tugged on the cloth trapped between its teeth, half dragging her to the side. Stepping forward it snorted again and released her.

Gabriella crossed her arms tight, sliding one hand up to rub her abused shoulder. Dirty, alone and miserable she wanted to sit down and give in to the threatening tears. She could feel her lip trembling and pressed her teeth down on it to keep it still. She was not going to cry.

She was however, seriously thinking about kicking the horse.

As though responding to her thoughts the horse gave her a level look. She jumped when it snorted and stomped its hoof. Shying back she watched the horse stretch its head towards her, expecting another nip.

The gentle nicker caught her off guard. It appeared he horse was trying to tell her something, and like its owned had attempted using force first, followed by something softer, gentler when that wouldn't work. Backwards and infuriating, but still, she needed to try and understand.

It finally occurred to her what the horse wanted when it bent down, moving to lower to its knees once again. She tugged at the closest rein to stop it.

"You want me to get on?" The horse simply stared at her, waiting. She frowned. "Can you carry us both?"

Lifting its head the horse neighed in a high pitch, stomping its hooves in evident irritation. Gabriella held up her hands, hoping the horse knew she understood.

Wetting her lips with her tongue, one hand on the pommel, unable to reach the easier grip of the horn, Gabriella slipped her foot into the stirrup and climbed up. Sitting before Slater's limp form proved impossible, so she settled on straddling the horse's rump, which felt precarious but made it possible for her to hold Slater in place.

Apparently having found some compassion for her the horse waited until she was securely seated before it began to move, keeping to a slow, steady pace. Exhaustion took hold with a slippery grasp, drawing her deep and then releasing her when fear of falling jarred her awake. She had no idea where the horse was headed, and at the moment, didn't much care. All she had strength for was holding on.

* * * *

"Come on Troy, that's a good boy. Hold steady and I'll get them down."

The gentle words sounded like whispers of a dream, and at first Gabriella didn't realize they had stopped. All she could think was that the soft tone sounded much like her grandmother, who never raised her voice, even in anger. It was a distant memory, but a comforting one, keeping panic at bay when she was lifted from the horse.

"Take her to my room." the voice was instructing, mild and firm all at once. "And you see to the horse Jimmy, they'll have need of him soon. Make sure he's fully dry so he doesn't catch a chill."

"Yes ma'am." Two youthful voices chimed in reply. One sounded very close to Gabriella, but it didn't faze her. The solid arms beneath her, holding her in a comfortable recline, gave her pitifully worn body some much needed relief.

True sleep came to her, one that was unbroken and peaceful and ended much too soon. Despite the unwelcome wakefulness Gabriella wasn't the least bit put off. In fact she suddenly felt quite rested, inexplicably full of energy.

She opened her eyes and couldn't help but smile at the kindly old face that peered down at her. The old woman chuckled and took her hand. "Feeling better Gabriella?"

The content feeling flowing over Gabriella took the surprise from her words. "How do you know my name?"

Patting her cheek the old woman stood. "I know many things my dear. Most importantly the answers that you seek."

Gabriella sat up, eyes round as the full moon peeking in past the curtains. "You can tell me why I'm here? Where I am? Why I was taken?"

The old woman looked disappointed. "The impatience of youth. Think before you ask questions to which you already know the answers. I can tell you more, but first I must ask. Is there not something more urgent that plagues your mind?"

Hand pressed to her lips Gabriella nodded, cursing herself for forgetting. "Slater...is there any way to save him?"

Pleased now the old woman nodded and smiled at her. "There is indeed." Suddenly she looked quite grave. "That is if you are willing to do what is necessary."

Without pause Gabriella gave a curt nod. "I'll do anything."

Displaying a surprising amount of strength for one of such apparent frailty the old woman took her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Good, good. Then come with me darling. You've been kept as Unawakened for the king, but instead shall give yourself to returning life to his brother..." The old woman rambled on, not seeming to notice Gabriella had stopped. When finally she turned back she had a quizzical look on her face. "What is it?"

Gabriella felt on the verge of tears, again. "I don't know if I'm still unawakened. If I'm not does that mean I can't help him?"

The old woman's wrinkles face seemed to form more creases as she frowned and blinked. "Not Unawakened? Child can you consciously use your powers?"

Gabriella nodded.

The old woman's frown deepened. "Show me." Without seeming to move the old woman suddenly had a dagger in her hand, pressed to Gabriella's throat. "Slater is my blood girl. If you cannot save him I have no use for you!"

Breath caught Gabriella stared at the old woman. It was excellent incentive, but for some reason Gabriella didn't think it was a bluff. Swallowing, carefully, Gabriella tried to remember what she'd done to the soldier. She felt the power, building within, but it slithered out of reach.

The old woman lowered the dagger and smiled. "Close my dear, but not enough to be a problem. Come now, let us care for our boy."

They came to a small door at the other end of the house that only appeared small from without. The old woman pushed the door open, revealing a lavish room, fit for a king.

Or his brother.

Done up in a deep blue that near matched her borrowed tunic, with heavy drapes around a large iron wrought bed and thick bedding that appeared soft as down, the room seemed a perfect fit for its slumbering lord.

Gabriella convinced herself he was sleeping. Even with the candlelight casting a haunting glow on his bloodless flesh, even without enough movement to say he breathed, Gabriella held to the conviction that he wasn't dead.

The old woman seemed to read her mind. She chuckled. "Oh he's quite dead little one. In a day or two there would have been no hope of pulling him back. It is only the call of his royal blood and your welcome presence that will return him. Thankfully you heeded the horse and came here. Few others know the rituals. It is a blessing the king's councilors saw fit to teach me."

Realizing she was gaping at the old woman Gabriella closed her mouth. "A day or two? That's impossible!"

Arching a brow the old woman crossed her arms. "Why? Because it is so across the veil? Really child, you must have accepted by now that the limitations that hold the place you knew are absent here."

Gabriella knew that holding on to her pretty illusions that her definition of reality meant anything anymore would do more harm than good. Prepared to accept whatever the old woman offered as the new 'truth' Gabriella let out a weary sigh. "Okay. I get it. He's dead but not lost. Tell me what I need to do."

* * *

The sharp scent of herbs whose names had been given but she couldn't recall filled her with every shaky breath. Tiny flames, so many of them, flickering in an ethereal breeze that didn't touch her skin. Instead it stirred her senses, tapping to something raw within, drawing it out to hover in the air, power caste in white light.

The old woman guided it with words that sounded alien, ancient, whispered in a songlike trance. The light gathered, hovering in an iridescent pool over the bed. When the glow touched Slater's flesh his eyes opened. Gabriella abandoned her feigned calm and threw herself at him, covering his face in little kisses as she laughed and cried her relief.

Slater chuckled and looked up at her, using a hand to brush her hair back from her face, leaving it there to hold her still. "I appreciate the enthusiasm Gabriella, make no mistake, but I have to wonder what made you abandoned all that charming reservation."

Giggling Gabriella shook her head, tears in her eyes as she looked to the old woman, hoping she could give him some answers, since joy choked the ability to do so herself.

The old woman happily obliged. "Carting your dead body around will do that to a girl my boy." Her lips twisted and she frowned at him suddenly. "You big brute! You're lucky she didn't leave you in the mud. Treating this sweet little thing like that! Why, you're no better than your father!"
Slater rolled his eyes and tried to sit up. Gabriella pressed her hands to his chest, trying to force him back down. At first he allowed it, too tired to protest. The shimmer of light glittering with his every breath froze him. Gently setting Gabriella from him he turned his head slowly, gaze set hard on the old woman.

His tone was dangerously level. "Did you say dead?"

The old woman leaned forward, snorted and nodded. "Yes. Dead. And well deserved I might add. What were you thinking toying with your brother's prize?"

An angry roar rose from deep in Slater's chest. "Gabriella is no ones prize!"

A satisfied smirk on her lips the old woman reached out and shoved him back before he could stand. "Don't leave the shroud boy, I've no desire to do the ritual again. I'm pleased to know the girl sacrifice is well deserved. You'll do right by her Slater. Won't you" The elder's eyes narrowed at the last, her tone dropping, the words fair ground out.

Gabriella watched, amazed, as Slater deflated and nodded, looking thoroughly chastised. "Yes granny."

A shocked laugh left her before she could stop it. Gabriella covered her mouth and stared at Slater, then the old woman. "Granny?"

Puffing her chest out the old woman's chin rose with pride. "Aye. This scoundrel is my grandson. My daughter--Gods rest her soul--was shamed by his royal father. Knew his manners before his brother came and corrupted him."

Slater dropped to his back and groaned, setting his hands behind his head and scowling at the ceiling. "I doubt Gabriella is interested in your colorful tales of our family Granny. Be done with the ritual. You've obviously been snatching out what's happened from my mind--Gabriella's as well I'm sure. If we stay you'll have company you don't want."

Hand swung out the old woman hit Slater's chest with a resounding smack, shaking her finger at him as he stared at her in shock. "Watch how you talk to me boy. You haven't grown to old be to strapped, mark my words." Satisfied she stepped back and waved a hand in Gabriella's direction. "And don't play daft either. You know what you must do. Have at it, but be gentle. Don't worry about the noise neither. The walls have been sounded nicely."

With that, and a wink shot Gabriella's way, the old woman turned and headed for the door.

A low growl stopped her.

Slater sat up, only a slight strain in his features betraying his pain. Darkness and anger stole over his face. "No."

Back stiff the old woman turned slowly. "What?"

The blanket of light shivered in the cold that rushed between the two. Gabriella wanted to shy away, find a corner where she could avoid the danger she felt simmering about them. Recalling the elder's commands she stayed where she was, crouched among the ruffled covers. She couldn't leave the bed. Her power was what kept Slater alive.

Clenching his fist against the blanket Slater looked down, as though afraid of exposing his grandmother to the violence of his glare. "I won't do that to her."

Moving faster than her body should manage the old woman grabbed Slater's chin and forced him to face her. "You listen to me. This girl went through hell to bring you here. Those men could have killed her, but she faced them to save you. I don't know why, you've done nothing to earn her loyalty. But she did and..."

Slater jerked away from her. "I won't use her."

The old woman stepped back. "Then you will die and your brother will. She is alone here and without you nothing can shield her from being drained by him and whoever he'll pass her on to when he's done with her. You know that." Hands dropped limp to her sides she shrugged. "I'll leave the two of you to work it out. I'd miss you sorely if your pride makes the decision boy, but there's nothing more I can do. If you don't value your life I prey you value hers. Know my love and peace be with you."

With a parting that left grim uncertainty the old woman backed out of the room and closed the door. Gabriella held her breath, waiting, wondering at what would happen next.

With a firm grip on her arms Slater pulled Gabriella against him and pressed his lips to hers, passionate, hungry, drugging. It was over so fast Gabriella was left stunned. All she could do was gaze up at him as he held her at arms length.

"What has she told you?"

Slater's word startled Gabriella. She'd come to believe he knew it all, as the old woman did. The answer was forced out in the midst of her confusion. "That you needed what was inside me. Your powers have limits. It take time to recover what's been spent. In death you lost it all. What I have can give it back."

Closing his eyes Slater stroked a hand over her hair and shook his head. "So vague. Damn it. You have no idea how I must draw it out."

Gabriella pressed her teeth into her bottom lip. "I'm not stupid Slater. I kinda figured it out."

Her words put a smile on Slater's lips. "No. I guess you're not. Why though? Why would you be willing to do that for me? As my grandmother said, I haven't been kind to you."

Licking her lips Gabriella nodded slowly. "Not at first, but that changed. You wanted to take me away. You wanted to help me. You care about me."

Slater drew her close, kissed her sweetly, and nodded. "Your talent dear one. You make one see beyond that pretty face."

Face flushed Gabriella ducked her head. "I made you see past it. And I don't regret it." Lifting her head Gabriella set her eyes on his. "Do you?"

Without pause Slater shook his head. "No. Only..."

Hand pressed over his mouth to silence further objection Gabriella forced a smile to her trembling lips. "Please Slater. Trust that I know my own mind. This might all be going faster than I'd like, but I don't want to lose you."

It was all he needed to hear. The conviction in her words filled him with a feeling of quenched need, a need he hadn't even known he had. Nothing warm or fuzzy, but a fierce burning of something true, something powerful, something greater than all he'd ever held dear.

The muscles in his arms were hard, but his embrace was gentle. Lifting her up against him, her small form molding to his, he pressed his lips to hers. Feeling them tremble Slater focused on easing her fear. Laying her down he leaned over her, looked into her eyes, and smiled.

"It won't be as horrible as you fear my love." He stroked her side as he spoke, a light touch, just enough to distract her, to slowly bring her senses to life. "You've heat within you, I've stirred it before..."

Gabriella flushed. Then she closed her eyes and bit back a moan as he moved his hand to her thigh. Slater used the silk of the gown to tease her, gliding the smooth fabric against her flesh, curving his hand down, stopping just before the juncture of her thighs.

"Remember when I first touched you?" His fingertips brushed her tender lips, his calloused flesh made soft by the silk.

Breath soft, controlled, Gabriella licked her lips and nodded. "Yes."

Slater smiled, slid his hand up around her thigh, over her ass, squeezing gently. He bent down to kiss her throat as she arched back. "Do you remember when I tasted you?"

When his hand slid down the firm round cheek and he began a delicate press of his hand, still covered in silk, against the growing head between her thighs, Gabriella lost her ability to speak. Now she could only feel. Could only take in each sensation he was giving her, take it in and let it roll around her, within her.

Slater kissed her neck, soft, sucking kisses while he gathered the silk in his hand, pulling it up to expose the lithe length of her legs. The light pass of his rough hand on her bare flesh sent a tingle of longing through her. Gabriella wanted to feel those hands, touching her, without, within, everywhere at once. She wanted him to hurry, more and more it was all she could think. Hurry. Please.

Gabriella couldn't ask, not in words, but her body begged for it. With every doting touch, meant to prepare her with as little pain as he could manage, Gabriella shifted closer. Clinging to him, curving against him, her body shifting with the slightest pressure. When Slater helped her sit up to free her of the wrinkled silk dress she lifted her arms, all too willing to lose the slight barrier.

Tossing the dress aside Slater took a moment to drink in the luscious form, from the slight rounding of her hips, the smooth plane of her stomach, to her small, firm breast. One glance at her face and he abandoned his perusal. Desire was becoming torture, he could see it in the glazed look of her eyes, in the way she was panting and tugging at her lip.

With his lips pressed firm to hers he pushed her back down on the bed. His mouth traveled along her jaw and he licked his way down the graceful arc of her throat. Her fingers curled and then clenched into his hair. When his attention shifted to her breast she bucked, crossing and uncrossing her legs, letting out throaty little moans.

Moving lower Slater wrapped his arm around her waist, pressed his lips to her belly and held her still so he could caress between her thighs. Trapped in pure reaction Gabriella's thighs parted. Slater's fingers passed over the dampness of her pussy and she hissed in a sharp breath, holding it now, hoping he would give her some satisfaction.

His fingers dipping into her made her sigh. She was tight, still so tight, but wet enough that Slater managed to work two fingers in mid-knuckle with little difficulty. He pushed a little further, felt her tense, and knew now he would have to tread carefully. When she lifted her hips again he corrected himself. Carefully, but not too slow.

Lowering his mouth he teased her clit with his tongue, sucking at it and pushing his fingers deeper when he felt her relax. Only when his fingers were fully embedded within, slicked nicely by the wetness of her, did he begin to move.

First it was slow, in deep, out inch at a time. When she began to writhe on the bed he moved his fingers faster, sucked harder. He could feel her clench down on his fingers. Just before she reached climax he worked a third finger in. Gabriella cried out and bowed back.

The hot spill of her, wet on his mouth, covering his hand, fair drove him mad. Preparing her had made him so hard he could feel his pulse beating in the swollen head of his dick. The scent of her, so musky and sweet, snapped his restraint. Growling, almost feral with lust Slater grabbed hold of her thighs and pulled her against him. The head of his engorged dick pierced her.

Gabriella's hips rose to meet his hard thrust. The moisture of her made his entrance easy, but it didn't stop the pain. Grinding her teeth Gabriella fought not to cry out. The sound that escaped was enough to warn Slater of her discomfort. He looked down at her and cursed, the tears on her cheeks slicing right through him.

"Shit. I'm sorry." He cursed again. Sorry wasn't going to change a thing. He could feel the power of her, beckoning him. He couldn't back down now. Damn it he didn't want to.

Gabriella swallowed and shook her head. "It's okay. I know what you..." A whimper sounded, deep in her throat, when she tried to adjust to the sensation of being filled, of being stretched. "Just do it Slater."

Slater bowed his head, resting his forehead against hers. "You keep saying that."

Gabriella giggled, tears still glistening in her eyes as she bent up to kiss him. "Well you never listen to me."

Groaning Slater pressed his hands down on the bed, at either side of her head, and pulled out, until just the tip of him was still in her. Then he slid back in, just as slow. He grinned at the awed expression on Gabriella's face.

Bending down he sucked at her lower lip, eyes hooded, continuing the languorous motion. "You like that?"

"Mmm." Was all she could manage as he increased his pace.

Sweat beaded at Slater's temple as he fought the urge to go faster, to slam into her in the fast, wild fuck he was accustomed to. There would be time enough to introduce her to rougher play. Later. Now what she was giving him was more than enough.

It was Gabriella who quickened the pace, rising to meet his thrust, faster and faster as she edged on yet another release. A cold part of Slater, a part which had remained detached up until now, could sense it. The part of him that wanted her only to fill the stores of energy that would take so very long to replenish. Without taking it from her that is.

The muscles inside her began to undulate around him. Her head tossed from side to side and she wrapped her legs around his hips, pulling him closer. Tumbling into a powerful orgasm all her walls fell and the ethereal entity which was him, which was his drained powers, attacked. All she would feel was a weariness, as though she was suddenly very tired.

Slater felt so much more.

It was a thirst. Slaked quickly after long rationing of water. A hunger relieved by a banquet. It was the first time he'd ever sped the recovery of his powers by draining another. The headiness of it was drugging. The thrill of it made him pound into her one last time before he came.

Breathing hard Slater rested down on his elbow, holding his head in his hand. Smiling he leaned down and kissed Gabriella on the cheek, trying to think of what to say to let her know how much he appreciated what she had done for him. It turned out there was no point. Gabriella was fast asleep.

Drawing from her, careful not to wake her, Slater stood. That he'd drained her to the point of exhaustion worried him. Without any former experience he had no way of knowing if it was normal. He could only hope the weariness wouldn't last long. It wasn't safe to stay. This was one of the first places his brother would look for him.

Standing naked by the bed he watched the remnants of the spell his grandmother had cast glimmer off his flesh, a lingering smear of silvery light. It was tempting to absorb it, to add it to the overflow of power already seeping hot into his veins. Resisting the urge he pushed it away. Unused magic returned to its origin unhindered. Taking from the Unawakened was one thing. Taking from another of the power showed a lack of respect.

His grandmother deserved better.

Arms stretched over his head, then behind his back, Slater rolled his shoulders and grinned. It was good to be alive. Not that he remembered being dead, but it had no doubt been unpleasant. Returning to a willing, loving young woman made the searing agony that had dragged him to his death almost worth it.

Slater thought on that as he fetched a robe from the large chest at the end of his bed, donned it, and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. His mind went over how his brother's men had followed him, caught him off guard while he waited for Gabriella. No warning, they'd simply run him through and left him in the dirt. The word traitor had been spat into his face, but he knew their actions had little to do with his betrayal.

They'd wanted to bring him down because they hated how the bastard brother of the king had been set above them. Their loyalty hadn't brought his death. Resentment had.

Slumping down into a seat at the small round table in the cozy, rustic kitchen Slater leaned back and scrubbed his hand over his face. The cause for their resentment was gone, there was nothing to envy of the life he would lead now. Nothing but the love of the girl he'd abandoned everything for. Not that it mattered. Villem wouldn't stop until he was dead. Irrevocably dead.

A solid smack upside his head brought Slater's eyes to the mocking gaze of his grandmother. "Moping now? Some knight."

Slater turned away from her and hunched his shoulders. Ignoring the amused cackle she let out he accepted the mug of spring cooled ale the scrawny orphaned ward of his grandmother handed him with a curt nod of thanks. The ale did little to soften his ire. After several deep gulps, bitterness taking the taste from his tongue, Slater faced his grandmother.

"I'm not a knight anymore, am I? I'm nothing but a landless bastard who must hide in shame from his king."

His grandmother let out another cackle, loud enough that Slater gritted his teeth and shot his eyes to the door of the room where Gabriella slept, hoping the sound hadn't woken her.

The old woman didn't seem concerned. "Landless? What of this place? Of the lands that surround it? You..."

"They were given to me by my brother! He will reclaim them now! I have nothing!"

The old woman, a woman who had lost her daughter and had taken her place mothering him, one of the best of the sight in the kingdom, looked utterly shocked. So lost in visions, so deep in the minds of others, she hadn't truly considered the repercussions of Slater's actions. That Villem would come for him she didn't doubt. That she'd lose the home she'd lived in for most of her life hadn't occurred to her.

With a resolved sigh his grandmother gave a slow nod. "And the girl?"

"She is mine."

Taking a seat, crossing her arms and leaning back his grandmother smirked. "Then you have something, don't you."

Slater rolled his eyes and pulled a dagger from his belt, using it to carve little grooves in the table, the muscles of his big arms tense against the fabric of his robe. "Cease your prattle woman. I'm hungry. Go do your duty by your grandson and fix a hearty diner."

Snorting his grandmother made a sharp motion with her hand. The dagger slipped and Slater cursed as it slit across his palm. When he bent over to assess the damage his grandmother reached out and cuffed him.

"You arrogant bastard. I'm not one of your men or your hussies." She smacked him again. "Speak to me like that again and I'll see to it that you lose the ability to ever enjoy that sweet little girl again."

Brow furrowed Slater sheathed his dagger, leaving his hand on his blade as he pondered his grandmother's words. Her warning was lost on him, as it always was, but the idea of having Gabriella again made him wonder how long it would be before she was fit to enjoy.

He ducked just in time to avoid another smack. "You test my tolerance granny."

The old woman scoffed. "Do I you insatiable pig? Good. Perhaps if I agitate you enough you'll leave that poor child alone. You should be thinking of how to bring her home, not on how much you want to bed her again."

Slater stood and turned away from her. "How long before she's fit to travel?"

"Two days. I've gathered some herbs to speed the process, otherwise no less than a week."

With a curt nod Slater headed for the door. Much as he loved his grandmother her patent disregard for his status was difficult to bear. More so now that his status was only in his head.

She grabbed his arm before he could walk out the door. "You've no intention of bringing her home."

Slater jerked away. "Living was primary in my thoughts grandmother. Anything more will have to wait."

Before she could say more Slater walked out, heading to the stables to check on his horse. He didn't need to hear the words to know what she would say. To know she would accuse him of being selfish. Needless to say hearing the words aloud wouldn't change the fact that it was the truth.

But it would be much easier to ignore if he didn't have to.

* * *

Crimson. Everything was crimson. The thick hangings around the gigantic bed. The sheets. The details in the tapestries hung on the walls. It created an aura of heat, overwhelming and frightening, as though just the sight of it would burn her alive.

Pushing the covers away from her Gabriella saw she was naked. A dark laugh let her know she was not alone. One glance at the man standing at the foot of the bed and Gabriella dismissed her fear of being consumed by the color and pulled the blood red sheets up to her chin. Better to be consumed by flame than by darkness.

The man was watching her, the crook of a smile on his lips, so much like Slater yet...different in a way she couldn't begin to explain. The eyes were similar, the hair, the features. The differences weren't so much physical, other than the fact that this man was obviously the elder of the two. Slater lacked the deep age lines that rimmed the man's brow, mouth and eyes.
Age had nothing to do with the dissimilarities between the brothers. Slater was hardened by battle, but it was nothing compared to the dark, unyielding essence that hovered around the king. And this was the king. Gabriella knew it without being told. Just as she knew, without being told, that she had every reason to be very, very afraid.

The man reached out, the sleeve of his heavy crimson robe sliding up his arm, revealing a forearm even bigger than Slater's. "No need to fear little one. I won't harm you."

Gabriella shied away, biting her lip and clenching the sheets to her neck. "What am I doing here?"

The king rested his hands on the bed, leaned forward and smirked. "Oh you aren't here my dear. Not yet." A chain snaked across the bed. The man took hold of the end closest to him, wrapping it around his fist in a lazy motion. "But soon..."

Gabriella's hands went to her throat. The chain was attached to a collar on her neck. The man tugged until she was on her knees, naked before him. Fingers wrenching at the collar Gabriella tried to free herself.

The effort made the king laugh. "Very soon Gabriella. Enjoy your freedom, while it lasts."

Holding tight to the chain the man kissed her. Gabriella fought against the painful pressure. He released the chain and she fell back. Fell and kept falling. Screaming she flailed her arms about, desperate to find an anchor to keep her from dropping into the gapping abyss that was suddenly behind her.

The sense of dropping down stopped. Arms enveloped her, a familiar scent. Gabriella sobbed and leaned into it. "Daddy...daddy I had a horrible..."

A heavy sigh brushed light tendrils from her face as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on her brow. "It's me Gabriella. Slater."

Gabriella blinked the remnants of sleep away. Sliding back she tilted her head, features blank as she studied Slater. "How did you get me here Slater?"

Slater frowned, her abrupt question catching him off guard. "Through the veil."

Gabriella frowned and made a motion with her hand, as though waving his answer away. "Yes I've heard all that. But what does it mean? You took me in front of my entire family. How did you do that without them seeing...?" she paused, swallowed and finally voiced the question that she'd dreaded thinking on. That she'd refused to. "They aren't dead...are they?"

Shaking his head Slater took her hands in his. "No. They didn't see. They think you're off somewhere, somewhere their mind could make sense of. It's how we do it whenever we take Unawakened. Their families don't worry. Whenever they think on you they know you are well, that you are somewhere safe. They can't question it."

What was intended as reassurance was lost on Gabriella. The idea of the minds of her family being toyed with sent a cold chill right through her. "So you stole me away and made them forget me."

Brow furrowed Slater shook his head again. "Not forget you. Only find peace in your absence." Cupping her cheek in his big hand he made her face him. "Would you rather they worry?"

"No." The answer was automatic. Still, Gabriella was troubled. "But what gives you the right...?"

Slater stood and turned away. He motioned to a gown draped over the foot of the bed. "You should get dressed. Now that you're feeling better we'd best be going. My brother no doubt knows what has passed and will be looking for us."

Gabriella stood, letting the blankets fall away from her and crossed her arms over her bare chest. "Slater can't you bring me home?"

Back stiff, fist clenched at his side, Slater gritted out the answer with no effort to hide his irritation. "No. I'm not blessed with that particular power." He headed out the door. "Just get dressed."

Staring at the door, the echo of it slamming still echoing through the room, Gabriella felt her eyes water. The hope she'd clung to slipped away. Slater wasn't bringing her home. Not now, and if he had his way, not ever. That much had been made very clear. Much as she loved him she couldn't make that alright. It wasn't. The only conclusion she could come to was his love for her wasn't nearly as pure as hers.

Which made her love slip across the thin barrier to hate.

* * *

They didn't speak as Slater loaded their supplies into the saddle bag. Slater sensed Gabriella's resentment but didn't know how to ease it. Not without giving her what she wanted, what his grandmother said he must. Selfless as love should be he just couldn't bring himself to let her go.

Clearing his throat Slater tried to find a way to cross the void that had eroded between them. "So I heard you did pretty well with Troy?"

Giving him a solemn look Gabriella shrugged and nodded.

Slater continued as though she'd been receptive, rather than plainly indifferent. "He's a stubborn animal, but smart..."

"Are we going?"

Gabriella's sharp tone grated at Slater. Scowling he slapped the leather flap to the saddlebag closed. Without warning he reached out, grabbed Gabriella by the waist and dropped her down hard into the saddle. Troy whined in irritation and nipped at Slater. Slater cuffed him in the muzzle and caught hold of his reigns.

"You're not riding?" Surprise had changed Gabriella's tone. It was apparent she thought she had full right to be angry, while he had none.

Slater knew she was right, but being reasonable while frustrated just wasn't possible. Letting his actions answer her question he led Troy from the stables. With satisfaction he pictured making her walk after a few miles, just to teach her a lesson. His petty thoughts were cut short when he saw his grandmother bolt from the house.

Eyes wide, coarse white hair askew, the old woman ran to them, breathless, gasping out her words. "The dream. Tell me of the dream Gabriella!"

Slater followed his grandmother's gaze up to where Gabriella was sitting stiff in the saddle. The pallor of her flesh and her wide eyes made Slater's mouth go dry. Reaching out he gave her a little shake. "You had a dream?"

With a slow nod Gabriella licked her lips and looked down at them. "A nightmare. I thought you were my father...waking me..."

Recalling her cries for her father on waking Slater cursed. He'd been sure she had simply been longing for him in her sleep. Longing was one thing, but a dream...a nightmare no less!

"What was it about?" Slater's hand gripped hard on her shoulder. Gabriella winced.

His grandmother shoved him back. "Let her speak you mindless bully."

Gabriella blinked and shook her head, biting her lips as her brows drew together in thought. "He looked just like you. In the dream I was so sure...sure it was your brother. The king."

Slater cursed. So did his grandmother, much more colorfully in fact.

Gripping to Troy's mane to keep steady when the horse stepped back in aggravation Gabriella stared at them, confused. "What?"

Slater's grandmother shoved him again. "Get on and ride!" Only when Slater nodded and mounted behind Gabriella did she answer. "He knows. Villem knows where you are. You must make haste." She looked to Slater. "Head to the border. Don't stop until you get there. He'll have a harder time tracking you so close to the southern pass."

With a curt nod Slater nudged Troy, giving the horse permission to do what he'd been wanting to since the tension had risen from discord to danger. Troy ran. Ran as though wolves were nipping at his heels.

The animal and its riders knew it was so much worse.

* * *



Please note: For all those following the story of Gabriella and Slater I want to first appologize for taking so long to get part 6 up. I did two submissions to the Halloween contest and it took up a lot of my time. I tried to make up for it by making this part longer.

As always thank you to all those who rate and comment. Although I appreciate all my readers those that take the time to tell me how they feel about the story give me that extra boost. Feedback is always appreciated.

I hope this part satisfied some of your wishes for a little more background on Slater and Gabriella. There'll be more to come. As a little teaser I'm just going to let you know that in part 7 you will finally meet the king, and it won't be just a dream...or a nightmare. Well not one either Gabriella or Slater can wake up from.

Since this will probably be put up near Halloween I'd like to wish you all happy trick or treating, or whatever naughty things you do to celebrate ;) Have fun!