Magical Lover Read Online Free PDF Page A

would a glass of cool water. “No, she’s my friend, Lily.”
    “I see.” He proceeded to turn to Thoren, mumbling something under his breath that sounded to Keara like “claim her.” While they whispered, Keara inched her way toward Lily, who remained frozen at the door.
    “What are they like?” Lily asked, staring at the men.
    Keara kept her hand on Jamie’s shoulder, in case he tried to get into a fight with men three times his size. Twice in a day, her normally quiet and shy apprentice tried to defend her. Who knew such protectiveness resided inside the boy?
    “Clueless about bride prices. But otherwise, nice enough. At least he doesn’t mind my mark. He saw it, but he doesn’t fear me.”
    “Finally, a smart one.” Lily smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “What will happen to me once you’re gone? I’m assuming you’re leaving?”
    “They said they’re taking me away, but I’m not sure when.”
    “I’m scared, Keara. All my family is dead. You’re all I have left. You’ve seen how bare the store’s shelves are. These crazy townsfolk will probably lynch me once you’re gone.” Lily gulped, trembling slightly. Her blue eyes met Keara’s gaze. “I’d rather go with you. If you think they won’t kill me.”
    “I—”
    “Woman of the exquisite coloring.” Both Keara and Lily jumped, as Enar’s voice boomed across the yard. Lily’s eyes widened as she took a step back. Keara turned to face Enar, who strode across the yard in five steps.
    From the corner of her eye, she saw Lily fumbling with the doorknob, apparently deciding facing a lynch mob would be safer than facing Enar. He grabbed her arm before she could open the door. Lily squeaked, craning her neck to meet his eyes.
    Holding her gaze, Enar pulled a string of round beads from a pouch hanging from his belt. “Lily of the exquisite coloring, I claim you for my woman.” With a quick flick of his wrist, the beads fell around her neck, snapping in place. Lily’s eyes widened. Keara grabbed Enar’s arm, trying unsuccessfully to pull him away from her friend.
    “Leave her alone!” Keara screeched.
    “What? You do what with me?” Lily gasped.
    “Claim you. Same as Keara did with the lad.”
    “But...but you can’t do that anyplace but the town square,” Lily insisted.
    “No, I just did it. With this necklace. You belong to me. It cannot be removed. It cannot be broken until I die. And I don’t plan to do that anytime soon. Therefore, you are mine. But do not fear. I won’t be a hard master to please. I will even allow you to bring some of your things with you.” His mouth curved into a grin.
    “Ouch. What—” Lily scratched at her neck before her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she fainted into Enar’s arms.
    “What did you do to her?” Keara shrieked, reaching for her friend.
    Enar picked Lily up, cradling her close to him. “I didn’t hurt her. The necklace merely caused her to fall asleep. It does that when a woman first puts it on. Don’t worry. She will wake shortly.”
    Keara whirled on Thoren, who had moved closer to them. “He can’t do that. Just take her like that without proper ceremony. It’s not done!”
    White lines formed around Thoren’s mouth as he raked a hand through his hair. “He’s a Watcher, not a Draconi. This is their ceremony for claiming women. Nothing can be done, once he has his mind made up. Trust me, I tried.”
    He obviously didn’t try hard enough because her poor friend was draped over a giant’s arm like a sack of flour. Her eyes narrowed on Enar. He had another thing coming if he thought he could claim her friend. She felt steam gather in the back of her throat, leaking in wisps out her ears. Before she could take a step toward Enar, Thoren put his hand next to her ear.
    Just like that, the steam vanished. Probably because she could no longer draw in air. He knew. He felt the steam and knew her difference. Despite all his talk about how she belonged to his