The Hunted (Guild of Assassins Book 1) by Shannan Albright Page A

magic on his tongue, sharp and potent, a heady mixture. As addicting as the female by his side.
    Time slowed to a single heartbeat as Taren and Leigh raised their free hands in unison, palms toward those who would seek them harm. Arrows flew in a graceful arc toward them, the air crackling with energy as Taren formed the wild magic creating a shield. Protecting Leigh and him as arrows splintered against the unseen wall.
    The earth rolled beneath Taren’s feet, and he nearly stumbled. His gaze jerked toward Leigh as she smiled, eyes glowing an incandescent blue. Lightning flashed in her eyes and shot from her fingertips. Never had he seen anything as beautiful. Nothing in this life or the next could compare to his druidess. He forced his attention back to the battle at hand, strengthening the barrier in preparation for the next attack. Taren didn’t have long to wait as the hunters advanced, their harsh war cries ringing in his ears.
    The ground heaved and buckled, throwing clods of dirt high into the air as a large fissure opened up beneath the hunter’s feet. War cries turned to screams as they fell into the opening. An eerie stillness filled the glen for a brief moment before the ground closed.
    “Don’t piss off Mother Nature. You won’t like the outcome,” Leigh said, grinning up at Taren.
    “And here I thought druids were peaceful.”
    “Oh really? That doesn’t mean we are weak or pushovers and we do not condone violence for petty reasons.” Leigh explained.
    Smiling at him. Heat erupted through his body, angling to his cock in a vicious burn of need, Leigh stiffened eyes wide, fixed on a spot just above his shoulder.
    He dropped to the ground taking Leigh with him, his body covering hers as he heard the sword swoosh past his back, barely missing him. He rolled to his feet, instinct and the ancient knowledge taking control. Slashing out with his sword, whistling as it cut the air in a deadly arc, sinking through flesh, muscle and bone. Blood shot up in a gory geyser as Beatrice’s head tumbled from her body and landed at his feet, her body dropping to the ground in a grotesque tangle of limbs.
    Leigh cried out, and he dropped his weapon, pulling her to her feet and drawing her close in his arms. She buried her face in his chest. Her tears wet his tattered shirt, and as he let her cry, his heart heavy as her anguish poured into their bond. Killing did not come easily to either of them. Regret for this day’s actions would not be easily forgotten.
    “Beatrice knew she couldn’t win Taren.” Leigh’s voice shook with the force of her emotions lifting her tear-stained face to his “She knew ! I saw it on her face.
    She chose her hatred over mercy. You did what you had to do.”
    He cradled her face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing the tears from her cheeks, and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “My, tasa meela , I love you so. I will do everything in my power to erase this memory from you. I give you my life, my body, and my soul.”
    Fresh tears filled her eyes as she gazed at him. He would gladly drown in the depths of those expressive eyes for eternity.
    Her smile was soft and tremulous. “And I love you with everything I am and will be. I will always be yours.”
    A familiar voice broke the moment. “Well, this is a bit awkward.”
    ~*~
    “Máthair!” Leigh cried out, moving out of Taren’s arms, and ran to the older woman.
    Amaya wrapped Leigh in her embrace, relief and love shining in her gaze.
    “Amaya, what are you doing here? There may be other hunters around it’s not safe.”
    “The earth called to me, and I sensed your magic,” Amaya frowned, her eyes focused on Leigh. “Yet different. Stronger. I followed it here.”
    Leigh gave Taren a small smile. “I had a bit of a boost.”
    “I can see that. By the way, I came across a hunter tied up quite snug and another up in a tree.” Amaya chuckled.
    “What did you do?” Leigh broke the embrace to frown at her.
    “Oh,