Page 22 of The Darkland

Kirk managed to wind his arm around Mara’s waist, physically removing her from the table. Her demands for Johanne’s mutual punishment soon turned to pleas on Micheline’s behalf and he listened in silence as he removed her from the room. Out into the stillness of the evening, he finally put her on her feet.

Immediately, Mara attempted to return to the keep. But Kirk had her firmly by the hands as she tugged and grunted.

“Please, Kirk, I cannot leave her alone with those… those wolves!” She unsuccessfully tried to pull her hands free. “She needs me!”

He cocked an eyebrow, towing her around the building and Mara recognized the entrance to the corridor where he had spanked her. Her struggles increased.

“Do not spank me again!” she half-begged, half-commanded. “I know I promised to behave, but Lady Johanne was deliberately nasty and I had no choice. Do you hear me?I had no choice!”

The corridor was cold and deserted, shielded from the activity in the bailey. Once inside, Kirk let go of her and she scrambled away, eyes wide with apprehension.

“There is always a choice, Mara,” he said, his voice low and stern. “But you seem to make incorrect ones.”

“I do not!” She stamped her little foot, fearful and angry. “I could not allow her to insult Micheline. And what of Lord Edmund? You said he would apologize for his behavior earlier.”

Kirk drew in a deep breath, folding his arms across his chest. Mara was momentarily distracted by the arms, thinking that they were larger in circumference than her entire body. Warm, strong, wonderful arms.

“I did not say that, exactly.” He stood beside the familiar spanking seat jutting out from the wall. “I said that I would be surprised if he did not. Obviously, I am surprised.”

Mara frowned. There was no use arguing with the man when all he did was prove her wrong, again and again. Exasperated, she turned her back to him and bent over at the waist.

“Well, go on then,” she grumbled. “Do what you must and be done with it. I have made an easy target for you.”

He gazed at her buttocks, covered in layers of old material. Strolling up behind her, he reached down and grabbed her by the hair. Whirling her to face him, their gazes collided.

She was a tiny little thing, barely meeting with his chest. Mara gasped, although he hadn’t hurt her in the least. But his control was obvious and his breath, when he spoke, was deliciously hot on her face.

“I am not going to spank you,” he growled. “But God only knows I should. You’re the most insolent, willful, sassy wench I have ever had the misfortune to meet.”

Mara swallowed, sensing no anger in his statement. The stone-gray eyes were blazing at her, the heat from his gaze licking every inch of exposed skin. She felt naked, vulnerable, but strangely warm and protected. As if she were to allow herself, she would melt right into him.

“I tried to bank myself at first, truly,” she whispered. “But when she attacked Micheline, I could not control myself.”

He blinked, slowly. “Your defense of your sister is admirable but unnecessary.”

Mara could feel his scorching body against her from chest to thigh. He was so massive he seemed to blot out all else. “Why do you say that?”

Kirk released her hair and she nearly collapsed. As it was, she ended up perched on the stone seat directly behind her, aware that her knees had given way as a result of Kirk’s overwhelming closeness. And still, she was trembling.

“Because I shall protect her,” he said softly. “This will no longer be your fight alone.”

Mara blinked, her features rippling with confusion. “But… why? I never asked this of you.”

“You did not, but I shall assume your battle just the same.” He moved toward her, his dark hair shades of blue in the ghostly light. “And another thing, Mara. You will stay clear of Johanne. Do you understand me?”

She craned her neck back, gazing up at him. “Stay clear… why?”

He sighed, slowly, lowering himself onto the bench beside her. After a moment, he collected her small hand in his massive palm, turning it over, inspecting it.

“Because she is… not right in the head,” he murmured. “I cannot tell you more than that. But know that she is dangerous. Already, she has a strong dislike for you and I am concerned….”

“Concerned for what?” Mara could barely speak as he toyed with her hand, warm sensations firing through her small body and causing her limbs to ache.

He looked up from her hand, staring into her bright blue eyes. Christ, she was such a lovely creature. “Concerned that she might try to harm you somehow.” When Mara opened her mouth to question him, he shook his head firmly. “Please trust me, lass. There are things about this place you do not understand and I refuse to elaborate. Suffice it to say that I want you to stay away from Johanne, and away from Edmund if you can. Spend your time with me, or Lady Valdine and Lady Wanda. Is this clear?”

There was something in his eyes that suggested nothing but complete obedience. Without hesitation, Mara nodded.

“It is,” she whispered. “But what of Micheline?”