Page 41 of Urban Gladiator

“Hold on tight.”

“Hurry,” was all I could manage as I focused on keeping the giant restrained.

He jumped back through the hole, avoiding the hot, liquid metal on the ground. Outside the cell, he picked up speed and raced through the giant’s tunnels. There was a boulder in front of the door to the outside world. Redirecting the last bit of my power with the element of earth, I slammed it against the boulder, moving it until there was an opening large enough for us to escape through.

“Now that’s what I’m talking about. Hold on.” The moment we reached the doorway, Ian spread his wings and lifted us into the air.

The roar of the giant echoed behind us. But I didn’t care about him any longer. I’d never see him again. Because I was free. And I’d flown with wings I’d conjured before. But I didn’t have mastery over the skies and air currents like Ian did.

I leaned against his back, my arms around his neck. I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I’d used all my energy freeing us. My body began to fall. “Ian, I can’t hold on. I’m slipping.”

Sliding against his soft feathers, I wondered if he would catch me. But my consciousness waned.

I slipped off him, free-falling through the air. As much as I didn’t want to die, at least I would be free. At least it happened on my terms and not somebody else’s. My only regret was leaving Iris alone.

Ian caught me, cradling me in his arms against the warmth of his chest. “I’ve got you.”

And with his words, feeling the shelter of his body carrying mine as we soared through the air. I allowed the darkness in and let it drag me down into the abyss.

Later—it could have been hours or days—my eyes snapped open. Something felt off. Where the hell was I?

My hands encountered soft blankets beneath me, and my eyes fluttered open. Soft, golden candlelight spilled into a room lavishly decorated and fit for a king. Jolting up, I realized I was in a bed. And I wasn’t alone.

Glancing at my bedmate, I thought the man was handsome in a rugged way. His strong face could have been carved from granite, as well as the rest of him that was on display. And I did mean all of him. He didn’t have a single stitch of clothing, showcasing his broad shoulders and flat, muscular belly. His cock was nestled in a thatch of hair darker than what was on his head. He was a large man, easily six four or five.

“Like what you see, lass?”

My eyes snapped up to his face. “Ian?”

He smiled slowly and seductively. “Aye. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Did you rest well? I’ve never known anyone with as much power as you. The spells you performed to get us out of our prison cells were incredible.”

“I did. But where are we?” I searched the confines of the bedroom for some clue.

“My home, deep within the mountains. You were out cold. A storm moved in, and we needed shelter. It was the only solution.”

I understood that. And logically, it made sense. “How soon can we leave for the border? I need to get out of Avalon as soon as possible.”

“We won’t.”

Scowling, I jerked away and stared. “What do you mean, we won’t? We made a deal. In exchange for freeing you, you swore to get me to the border.”

“That was before seeing you, lass. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever encountered, and I must have you.”

“That’s not for you to decide.” What the hell was with all these men? Why was it that I was suddenly garnering attention from men of every species?

Before I could protest further, he yanked me down beside him and trapped me against the bed. His eyes were violet, even in his human form. “It is. I saved you. It means you owe me your life.”

“And I saved you.” I pressed my hands against his mammoth chest, trying to move him.

“You misunderstand me. The first time I saved you from your cell so you wouldn’t burn yourself on the hot liquid metal made us even. When you fell from my back and I saved you, by griffin law, you are in my debt, and I may request any price I so desire. And what I desire is you in my bed.”

“No. I don’t want you or this. Don’t you understand I have to get out? If I don’t, they will find me and kill me.”

“No, they won’t get through me. It doesn’t matter who you’re running from, lass. I will protect you. I’ve never met anyone with such fire in them. You have entranced me. And you are invaluable. I won’t let you go. You will be my bride and prized among all others.”

“You can’t make me marry you. I won’t do it.” This was getting out of hand. Who knew that if I wanted a bunch of marriage proposals, all I had to do was leave my village?

“You don’t have a choice. By the laws of my people, your life is now mine to do with as I please.” He stroked a finger down my cheek. “I’ll make you happy, lass. I swear it.”

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