Bachelor and the Beast by Jade Astor

Author:Jade Astor
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay Medieval paranormal erotic romance
Publisher: Silver Publishing
Published: 2013-05-24T16:00:00+00:00

* * * *

Donlin opened his eyes to find the candle burned low and shadows crisscrossing the bed. Day had not dawned, but the beginning of the night was lost to his mind. He recalled Baldemar joining him here, and he recalled his host's mouth roving hungrily over his skin. When he glanced down and saw a single droplet of blood on the sheet, he knew he had not been dreaming.

Hastily he stood, wrapped himself in the bedclothes, and carried the candle out into the corridor with him. His leg felt stiff, though when he bent to examine the site of the wound, he found nothing but a faded bruise and only the faintest hint of a puncture. He saw no sign of Baldemar, but a bit of searching turned up Carew. As usual, the old man looked less than pleased to see him, especially when he noted Donlin's state of undress.

"Where is your master? I must speak with him."

Carew shrugged. "Gone to the wall walk, like as not. He spends most of his nights pacing there. Generally, he does not wish to be disturbed."

"I will chance it. Show me the way."

Carew rolled his eyes, but obliged. Heedless of the discomfort to his bare feet, Donlin padded up the uneven steps that led to the top of the keep. There he found the usual guard tower and a turret, with a narrow stone path and high wall running between them. In the middle stood Baldemar, dressed again, leaning on his palms and gazing out over the darkened bailey and the forest beyond.

When he turned and fixed Donlin with a fierce stare, Donlin wondered if he should have brought his dagger. Was not what Baldemar had done to him cause for mistrust, at the very least?

"See how swollen the moon is," his host said in a voice as calm as the still air. "Reminds me of a pregnant wench. It shall be at its fullest in a night or two."

"Indeed. By its look, you are correct." Donlin frowned, feeling his stomach clench. This he attributed to standing at such a great height and in so vulnerable a state.

"I suppose you have come for an explanation," Baldemar continued. "I am glad to see you unharmed."

"I am. The mark is but a minor bruise, no worse than what I might earn in a day's battle practice. But why?"

Baldemar motioned him closer. Setting his bare feet carefully upon the rough stones, Donlin stepped forward.

"I suppose I could tell you that I, like many other men, have certain tastes in my bed that others would look askance on. That would quiet your protests, I am certain, but it would not be a truthful answer."

Donlin shook his head, tugging the bedclothes closer around his body. The night air, or perhaps Baldemar himself, caused his skin to prickle. "I find myself more bewildered than ever by your answer." He scowled as another disturbing thought struck him. "This was not the first time, was it? Earlier, you insisted you owed me an apology.

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