Chapter 1
The Dark Forest looked ahead of her as she ran from the elders. They froze in front of her manor and watched her run deep into the heart before returning to their homes.
She turned around and saw the villagers torches burn out . However returning home now would be more dangerous than the forest she was in.
She moved to the heart of the Dark Forest and upon reaching the lake she undressed and submerged herself in the clear water. Sharaiyia had no idea that she was being watched.
In the shadows the Forest King watched with hunger and desire. She was the most beautiful creature he'd ever laid eyes on. His beast and viking side argued over who'd have the privilege of claiming her first." She's ours , " Thoren his Human side said.Gwain his Beast and Storm his Viking were pouting. " We want her now"" Marriage first, then bedding and marking and mating her, Soon!"
After awhile she got dressed and as the sun rose she returned home still not noticing the male watching her.
Once home she went about safeguarding her property and house by putting up a fence and gates. Then she planted some roses and wildflowers all along the fence.
Meanwhile the Elders decided to try and make a marriage match for her. However Thorne found out and before anyone could reach her the Dark Forest attacked and surrounded her in its branches and thorny vines.
Thorne stood his ground and yelled furiously at the elders and villagers." Stand back Humans , unless you want to be food for the ogres ."
Everyone froze in fear and then backed away and ran in fear. The Elders stayed put and looked at Thorne." What is your interest in her?"
Thorne looked at her then the Elders and said " she is My Mate, and I've come to wed her."
The Elders smiled and said " congratulations, we won't interfere"They backed up and left Sharaiyia to Thorne.
Sharaiyia looked up at the giant man and didn't know how to feel. She was relieved yet angry that he'd made this decision.
Thorne waved his hands and the forest relaxed but still stayed at the ready.Then he bent down and picked her up in his arms. Sharaiyia struggled in his arms and tried to escape but he threw her over his shoulder and turned back to the forest.
Sharaiyia yelled insults at him but Thorne kept moving further into the Dark Forest until finally reaching the Dark Mountains.
Thorne held her close and moved to his palace. Upon reaching the doors he walked through them and carried her into the great hall.
Lots of people were busy setting up everything for the wedding and Sharaiyia was furious. She hit his back but he held her closer. He carried her to a large room and set her on her feet and then backed away.
Once he left some women rushed in and started to change her clothing and freshen her up. She tried to stop them but the women kept going . After almost an hour she was all dolled up and she was presented with a mirror. The woman staring at her wasn't her . She grabbed the mirror and shattered it on the mantlepiece.
This time the women pulled away and fled in terror as she ransacked the room. They ran out screaming and Thorne heard he was curious as to what was happening.
" What's happening, where's my Mate?"
The women trembled and told him what happened and he wasn't pleased.He stormed to the room and knocked on the door. " Open up Mate. It's time to wed."
Sharaiyia was fuming and stared at the door. " Leave me alone you brute. I'm never going to marry you. "
Thorne was furious and broke down the door. " Listen here Little One, I've no patience. We are getting married and now. You can pout later."
He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the great hall then set her on her feet. He placed a giant hand on her back and urged her forward. The Elders Drakim stood in front of them and he held an ancient book. Then he began the wedding service.
Sharaiyia was asked if she would marry Thorne and she glared at him. Silence filled the air and she answered " No, I won't marry you Thorne. Your better off with another woman."
Everyone gasped and pulled back . Thorne cupped her face and saw the truth of her words in her eyes. Then he held her hands in his and said " You will marry me today. We can talk after the ceremony. "
Sharaiyia continued to refuse and this time she pulled away from him. She hadn't gone far before Thorne pulled her into his arms. His Beast Gwain took over and marked her sinking his fangs into the nape of her neck.
Shock filled her and she started to collapse. However before she could he placed the ring on her finger and urged her to place the ring on his finger. He wiped the tears from her eyes and held her close as she finally passed out.
Thorne then picked her up and carried her to the wedding chamber in the West Wing. Silence filled the air. He pushed open the doors and laid her on the gigantic bed then he pulled away and left the room locking and bolting the doors.
She sat up and looked out the windows and saw him shift and heard his roars of fury.
Sharaiyia held herself and got off the bed and moved into the furthest corner of the room.
Hours passed before Thorne calmed down and he returned to their room. He unlocked and unbolted the doors and looked to the bed expecting to see his Mate but saw the bed was empty he was scared and angry and charged into the room.
Suddenly he heard whimpers and turned around there in the corner by the windows was his Mate asleep on the rug. He moved to her bent down and gently picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed and laid down with her. He covered them up and fell asleep holding her close.
Hours passed and Sharaiyia woke up terrified to find herself in her husband's arms. He held her close and was burning hot. She tried to escape but he pulled her closer to himself and purred.
She hit him on the chest with her hands but he caught them in his hands and placed them above her head. She saw he was awake and watching her with hunger and desire.
No one had ever looked at her so. Her heart beat wildly and her pulse was racing.
" Going somewhere, Little One!" Thorne purred with pleasure.
Sharaiyia turned her head away as he bent down to kiss her , making him kiss her throat. Her body trembled and she felt a fire building up in herself.She whimpered and he finally released her from his embrace.
" No need to be shy, Little One! I won't force myself on you. However you're driving me crazy." Thorne said hungrily.
Thorne released her and moved to dress for the day. He watched her in the mirror and said " You're free to explore, but don't run because I love a good chase and when I catch you you'll never run again."
Sharaiyia merely nodded her head and looked away. She knew Thornes palace was safer than home but she wasn't going to be bullied.
So she got up and checked the huge wardrobe and found several beautiful dresses and shoes and jewelry and makeup. She settled for the plainest one and left their chambers.
