Managing Mages

01 How I Got Here

Like most of the Mages in King Detry’s Guild, I’d come to be here because Warlord, his Commanding Mage, had spotted me and seen me for what I was.

For the magic I was capable of.

King Detry, as was his practice, had slaughtered my family and brought me back to the castle to serve under Warlord and, more importantly, his Second in Command who trained us.

Hawk.

Damn, dreadful, cocky, despicable Hawk. I hated everything about the man.

But it just so happened he was the best mage in the country, other than Warlord who had some strange, accentuated power no one could explain.

I’d heard whisperings he was less than human though.

He could be a demon.

Hawk certainly acted like a demonic minion. I made it a point to always go out of my way to avoid the striking man.

The other mage’s fawned over him.

But I just want him to go the hell away.

But Hawk was Hawk. And he did whatever the bloody hell he wanted. Which obviously meant torturing me at every opportunity.

And the more I disregarded him the more awful he got.

He was a ruthless trainer, and I was having a hard time mastering the techniques though my magic was incredibly strong, I had problems focusing.

Even I know that.

But it seemed instead of helping me, Hawk enjoyed distracting me even further and making me increasingly terrible.

Which boded ill for me.

If mages couldn’t perfect their craft, they were sent to the dungeons to refocus and if that didn’t work then they were slaughtered as useless.

I was petrified of both options. I’d heard tales of the torment that awaited mages in those dungeons.

So, I studied harder.

But stayed awful at all the physical training.

Which drew Warlord’s eye. I’d seen the Master Mage come out several times and watch me with a disparaging look. Clearly not impressed by my lack of skill.

“Fix her!” He’d yell at Hawk.

“I’m trying.” Hawk would call up the balcony overlooking the training yard.

“Do more!” Then Warlord, in his usual quiet fashion, would turn and walk away.

Terrifying and quiet and barely touching the ground.

02 Hawk

Hawk was the second in Command at the Mage's Guild Academy. He was only a couple years older than me, but it was a fact which he regularly reminded me.

"I'm older, stronger, and more powerful...As I should be."

Ugh.

"You're insufferable, annoying and ridiculous!" I countered. Watching him walk past me to drop onto the settee in the mage's Main Room of King Detry's Castle.

This room was special. A sanctuary.

Where we all tend to flock to be around kindred. I, however, often avoided this room because of him.

He's always around.

Especially when I'm trying diligently to evade him.

"When are you not in this room?" I asked pointedly. Wanting to know when it was safe for me to come down and read my spell books.

"When you're not." He said flatly. Pinning me with his penetrating green gaze.

"Are you ever going to get bored with this little game of cat and mouse?" I tossed straight blonde hair over my shoulder.

"Not in the least." He ran a hand through his curling black hair to push it back from his head. "Are you ever going to give in and come to my bed like a dutiful little Indo-Mage?"

Indo. I hate that word.

It was true I was a beginner in the magic arts compared to him, but I hated the term Indo which meant I was less than or newly born.

He leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. Black leather pants creaking with his movement. As his intensity focused on me. "Just think of the things I could teach you."

His gaze skimmed over my oversized brown gown before he slumped back. "Were you not in that ugly thing."

"Well," I huffed. "Too bad I am."

I smirked and put my hand on my hip.

But seeing the hooded look on his face I instantly knew my mistake. "No, Hawk!"

I put out a staying hand, but he snapped his fingers. Sending my dress disintegrating in a puff of dust. "Damn you!"

I ripped a cloth off the nearest table and used it to cover myself. Trying to hold it closed near my backside while his eyes shamelessly roved me. "You're the absolute devil."

He stood. Boots thudding with each step across the wooden floor as I watched him in dread. He towered a head and a half over me.

I glowered up at him.

"Then come..." He caught the bit of wisping fabric between his fingers near my thigh. "And let the devil's heat charm you."

He lightly tugged and the fabric slipped between my arms. Billowing to the floor in a swaying motion.

Leaving me exposed.

I squawked and covered myself while reaching to catch the bit of cloth.

"Illoway." He waved his hand in a motion which made me straighten and freeze where I stood.

"No." I shook my head wide eyed. Realizing I was standing naked in the Mage's Main Room. My only saving hope was that it was nearly midnight and likely no one else was awake.

But that also means no one can hear me call for help. Looking up at him I worried how far he'd take this little game of his.

***

He hooked a finger under my chin and lifted it. Making my blue eyes meet his vicious green ones.

"Let me go, Hawk."

"Now, why would I ever do that?" He smiled cruelly. Green eyes flaring yellow with the power that surged through him at touching another mage.

He could steal my magic. He was powerful enough to do it.

And that'd leave me weak and vulnerable. Would he really take our rivalry that far?

He let go of my chin and brushed my arms aside.

My body was solid, mechanical. I was unable to command it. I stood there stock still while he lifted his hand to scoop a heavy breast. Testing its weight thoughtfully as he massaged the pink crest.

"It is interesting..." He murmured. "That you think you're competition for me. Rather than a plaything."

"I'm not your plaything." I hissed up at him. Jaw tightening.

"Aren't you?" He tugged my nipple pointedly. "Just think how much I could do to you."

He gestured around. "Right here in the Main Room. Or there," He pointed to the small table I'd stolen the cloth from. "On that table."

I swallowed hard.

"Don't forget, Little Mary Mage. I'm Commander of the Mage's here."

03 You Don't Command Me

"You don't command me, Hawk." I hissed.

"Don't I?" His lips turned. Eyes still yellowed with dark intent. He let his hand trail down from my breast. Molding the flat plane of my belly and over my hip.

I knew a moment of fear. Realizing I'd baited him too far. What would he really do to me?

I looked past him toward the doorway. Wondering if summoning someone to help me really was the wisest course.

He leaned to whisper near my ear, brushing blonde strands. "Tough decision, isn't it?"

"You're despicable."

"You don't even know the half of it, Mary Mage."

"My name is Mary."

"Not to me." His gaze roved my face intently. As his hand molded around the inside of my thighs. His fingers slipping between as he ran his hand up toward my tender lower lips. Turning his hand to just brush his fingertips.

"Hawk!" I jumped. I tried to force my body to run away, but it wouldn't move.

"Challenge me again, Mary Mage." He slid a finger into me.

I drew a shaking breath. Gasping in shock as I glared at him.

"Go ahead." He grinned. "Call for help. Try to explain away what's happening."

"They would say you dishonored me." I accused.

"Yes. And they'd demand I wed you. Something I'd gladly do to have you pinned underneath me every night."

I hissed venomously.

"There's that fire I love." He growled seductively.

I jerked several times, fighting to move but found I could not. "Stop it!"

He chuckled and withdrew his hand from my heat. Meeting my gaze as he lifted his finger, sucking it between his lips. "You taste as wild as you are. A half feral little thing."

I was shaking with rage.

"I can't wait to have you." He purred. Turning and walking away.

***

"Hawk! Hawk!" I called.

He left me standing there. Glued to the floor and unable to move. He turned back from the doorway. "Enjoy your freedom while you may, Mary Mage."

"You'll never have me, Hawk!"

"Oh, it's unwise to underestimate me, Girl."

My stomach dropped sickeningly because I knew he was right.

He was dangerous. I've never found him above anything.

He's utterly conscienceless.

And why he'd set his sights on me, I had no idea. Though I'd tried everything to dissuade his intentions.

He cast a last lingering glance over my body. From my feet up to my hair before uttering an admiring growl and walking from the room.

Only when he'd left did my body relax. Going back under my control.

Well, that was the most terrifying thing he's done yet.

But the last few months he'd been escalating his game. Scaring me with the new lengths he'd go to intimidate me.

"I'm not scared of you, Hawk." I called out of the Main Room.

"Perhaps you should be." He called from the second level. Voice laden with humor as his steps echoed hollowly through the castle.

Perhaps I should. But I refused to be afraid of anyone!

04 Breakfast and Bullies

I hated going to breakfast.

I didn't want to go.

But I was hungry. As my stomach loudly reminded me. I was praying just once, Hawk had better things to do then linger down there waiting for me.

I threw on my Indo-Mage Gown. A dress that came to my knees. I'd graduate to a full-length robe once I was recognized as a Full Mage.

Like Hawk.

I put on my heavy gray Seer's Veil. One many of the females wore to hide their features. So, they can be recognized for their magic rather than how pretty of face they are.

I in particular favored wearing the dense veil pinned to the back of my head and folded over the front. My long straight blonde ponytail poured from beneath it down my back in smooth lines.

I hurried down the steps. Intent on grabbing a quick bit of bread and cheese and escaping the Mess Hall.

I crept in seeing a cluster of the more senior mages near the egg table I veered to the bread counter. Scooping off a heavy loaf and a blot of waxy butter I turned to scamper from the room as quickly as I'd come.

Instead, I slammed into the hard lines of a solid chest. Before I even looked up, I knew it was him. I recognized his earthen rain-soaked sent. My eyes skimmed up his hard length to his blue eyes. Knowing he couldn't see my features behind the veil.

"Mary Mage..." He crooned. "Where have we been dallying this morning?"

He cocked his head in mocking chiding.

I retreated to put distance between us, but he followed me. Predatorily matching my steps until I felt a table pressed to the back of my thighs. I was careful to remain silent in the hopes he wasn't completely certain it was me beneath the veil.

There are other blondes. I told myself reassuringly.

He leaned to whisper near my ear. "This robe isn't nearly as tempting as what you were wearing last night."

"I wasn't-"

Wearing anything! I caught myself. Realizing he'd baited me into using my voice despite myself. I looked around and saw everyone was watching.

While I was looking at them, he was assessing me. Before I could react, he leaned over and caught the back of my thighs, tossing my rear up on the table.

I gasped and tried to slide off as he stepped between my knees. Suddenly finding myself thrusting my most intimate areas against his.

Hissing in aggravation I slid back up on the table.

"That a girl." He patted the outside of my thigh. "Though I didn't mind you sliding on me, it's not proper for new mages to behave as a wanton." He paused to give me a thoughtful look.

"Unless they already belong to a Senior Mage." The suggestive look on his face made his meaning clear.

"I won't ever belong to you!" I hissed under my breath.

"You already do." He whacked my outer thigh meaningfully. "Do you see anyone willing to save you?"

He gestured around and I knew he was right. No one moved on my behalf.

Ready to obey any of his commands.

"They'd let me take you right here on the table, if I wished it." He snatched a fistful of hair at the back of my head and held me fast to whisper along the shell of my ear. "I could be buried in your moist heat right now. And no one would do a damn thing to stop me."

I jerked my head trying to struggle free.

His eyes flicked to wear my robes had begun to part over my breasts. Revealing a bit of the hollow between. "Keep struggling and that's like to come open."

I hissed something scathing and shoved him back. Launching off the table to stalk past him.

"Oh, Mary Mage.” He sing songed. “What about your breakfast?"

He nodded back toward the table where my loaf had tumbled across, and the platter of butter was still balanced on the edge.

"You're a cad!" I stalked back to the table and leaned over a chair back to reach the butter.

Not seeing him flick two fingers upward which made a haunting breeze spin through the Mess Hall and catch the bottom of my knee-high robe. Tossing it up to expose my silk undergarments.

Making several of the males groan in appreciation.

I screeched and through my skirt down my behind. Holding it over me as I turned to give him an accusing look.

"What?" He shrugged. "Drafty in here, isn't it?"

05 Restless Nights

I lay sweating in my bed. Dreaming of Hawk's callused, long fingered hands caressing over every inch of my flesh.

Testing the weight of my breasts as he had in the Receiving Room a few nights’ past. Then sliding between my thighs and curving a finger up to enter my soft heat.

I moaned in pleasure. Back arcing in my sleep. A sheen of sweat coating my body and making my thin chemise cling to my flesh. I writhed in discomfort, trying to escape my arousal. Even now I felt like I could feel him touching me.

I sat bolt upright. Blonde hair flying over my shoulder as I panted in terror. My eyes skimmed the room. Landing on his fluorescent blue ones staring back at me, from the wall opposite my bed.

"What are you doing here?" I curled the blanket up and around me.

"Watching you, My Pet."

"I'm not your pet!"

"Ah, but you are." He inspected his fingernails thoughtfully. "How was your dream?"

"You put the dreams in my head." I accused. Knowing it was true.

"I just let you replay some memories...Vividly."

"Of you touching me!"

"And you enjoying it." He pushed off the wall. "Let's not play games between you and I, Mary Mage." He walked to stand next to my bed. Staring at me thoughtfully.

"You like my touch. You want my hands on you. I can smell your arousal every time you’re near me. How about you let me have you and we can both purge of this little game." He hooked a finger in the coverlet I'd wrapped around me. Lightly tugging it down away from me.

I jerked away from him and pulled it tighter to me.

"Just relax, Mary Mage." He reached up to twirl a lock of blonde hair. Twining it around one finger to smooth with his thumb. "I'm taking this."

He pulled his dagger from the waistband of his leather breeches and slid it through my hair. Stealing the lock.

"What are you going to do with it?"

"Put it in a potion." He said flatly.

My eyes widened in horror. Knowing how powerful pieces of the physical body could be in potions. "For what?"

"To make you my lustful little pet." He emphasized the last.

"Hawk no! You can't!" But I was very afraid he was skilled enough with spellwork to do it.

He descended over me.

I leaned back to escape him, and he followed me down. Putting his fists on my bed on each side of me. His face nearly to mine and his breath sliding across my lips.

I licked them nervously.

Making him growl as he watched the motion. "Then let me in you. Now. On your terms."

"No." I said breathlessly. Sliding a hand behind me to balance my weight. So, I could lean away from him.

But he was following me down. His knees sliding onto the bed with me. Skimming mine apart as he lowered over me.

I watched him magnetically. Nearly unable to stop him, as his blue eyes held me riveted. I was paralyzed in that gaze like a rabbit in the eyes of a feral cat.

"Don't you touch me, Hawk!"

"I'm going to." He said dangerously. "Everywhere."

His eyes slid down my length with blatant desire. "Then I'm going to plant seed so deep in you, you'll wonder if you'll ever get me back out."

I shook my head in abhorrence.

He kissed me. His mouth taking mine in a violent dance. Then he dropped his weight. Knocking me backward and pinning me on my soft mattress as he molded his length over me. One hand folding over my forehead to hold me in place while his tongue delved into my mouth. Tasting my flavor and drawing me deeper.

I screeched and writhed but he swallowed the sound.

Catching one of my wrists he folded it above my head and pinned it to the mattress. Lifting his body, he caught the coverlet and yanked it from between us.

I was only covered by my thin chemise.

"Away." He snapped his fingers and the undergarment dissipated into dust as my dress had a few days ago.

"Hawk." I wiggled beneath him. Objecting.

"All your struggling is only arousing me." He said rumbled against my lips. "You could take me now. Feel me. Your way. If you don't. I'm going to have you my way."

I shook my head adamantly.

"Either way, Mary Mage. I'm going to feel you. Sink into you. Possess you."

06 Dirty Magic

Hawk's words from last night had haunted me all day. I wanted to banish him from my mind completely. I hated that he consumed my thoughts.

Wouldn't he find that amusing.

It'd been a long day of training. Our Commander, the Warlord was a ruthless task master. Rarely impressed and often cruel in his comments, he left much of the actual mentoring to Hawk.

Who's disinclined to teach me anything but sheet play. I grunted to myself. Unlacing my mages robes as my gaze focused on the steaming metal tub before the fire.

I couldn't wait to sink in and ease my aching muscles.

Hawk was always harder on me than anyone. And every time he was close enough, he whispered near my ear. "I'll be inside you soon, Mary Mage..."

I'd growl at him and misfire with my staff, misplace potions and lose my spell book. All of which was causing Warlord to lose patience with me.

"Deal with her!" Warlord had finally said.

Hawk had grinned as he marched over to me while I hurriedly mixed a potion which would cause an explosion when tossed at an enemy.

Before I could brace myself, he rolled his fist into my hair and yanked. Jerking my head back. He lathed a warm tongue along my neck up my ear.

"Keep messing up, Mary Mage and he'll give you to me."

"He would not!" I swallowed. Eyeing him in my peripheral. "Why would he reward you for my wayward behaviors?"

"He won't. He'll punish you. And I have just the solution...You whining underneath me."

"He would not."

"He will." Hawk chuckled. Dragging the tip of his nose along the back of my ear. "Very soon."

"You're just trying to scare me."

His low laugh rumbled along the skin of my throat. "Not in the least. I'm warning you of my intent."

"Let me go, Hawk."

"Get it right!" He roared. Releasing me as though he'd been chastising me, rather than threatening me in a purring voice.

The hooded gaze he sent me was blatantly feral.

***

I'd spent the rest of the day working twice as hard to evade him and to do everything perfect.

I grunted as I kicked my robe aside and began working the laces on my chemise as I headed for my bath, loosening the bottom but leaving it on so it could be cleaned with me. Sighing I sunk in. Closing my eyes, I savored the heat.

But I felt the ripple of magic seeping into my room.

I looked at the door but couldn't see anything coming through or beneath it. I gripped the edge of the bath looking around my room.

"Who's here?" I asked anxiously.

As if I didn't know who'd be using magic to shamelessly enter my chamber while the rest of the house was long asleep.

I was always awake later than everyone else. Usually studying. Often times revisiting the day to assess how I could do better the following day.

I was breathing quickly. Making my creamy breasts bob along the surface of the water as I tried to catch my breath.

I heard something rasping along the floor near the foot of my bath. I leaned over the edge but saw nothing. I heard it on the other side and looked there.

Nothing.

I lifted my hand. Sending the water surging from my bath in a wave around the bin that swayed over everything until rolling over something which was moving.

There was a long length of a serpentine creature with the jaws of a dragon hovering over my bath.

To read the rest, read for free on Inkitt at: https://www.inkitt.com/stories/erotica/655362