A Gift

I\'ve been trying to update but I keep getting the page saying the site is busy so here\'s two in one day. LOL Hope you enjoy!


For an hour they race through the trees, large wolf houds streaming ahead of them. They finally stop near a steam to water their horses and Severus nods to her, a slight smile touching his lips at seeing her still there with him. Suddenly Dameon\'s head jerks up, nostrils flaring. Hermione realizes right away he has caught a scent, his body ridgid with the need to chase it. She grips the leaping horn with her legs and relaxes her gon ton the reins. He jumps forward, racing down a small incline and across the water. Furious, Severus kicks his horse to gallop after her. Taunts and jeers follow him from the main group as he chases her, uncaring who follows him.
Hermione sees a flash of white ahead of them, fear racing through her as she realizes it\'s the girl Dameon has smelled. She hears thundering hooves behind her and realizes she must play at this as if she were Sabine. She kicks Dameon into more speed, heading the girl off before she can get much farther. The girl screams as Dameon cuts her off, snorting only inches from her face.
\"Very well done, Sabine!\" A voice calls out as several horses slide to a stop only moments after Severus. \"You caught our prey. What would you like to do with her?\"
She looks to Severus as he slides from the saddle and circles the cowering girl. \"You know very well she cannot answer you, Daniel.\"
The dark haired man leans forward in his saddle, smiling mockingly at him. \"Then what do you suggest we do? Charades?\"
\"I am suggesting nothing.\" He looks up at Hermione, one brow slowly lifting. \"What is your wish, My Dear? Would you see her killed now or would you care to play with her first?\"
She points at the girl and then to herself, making it clear the girl was now to be considered hers. Severus bows low to her, a smile spreading across his lips.
\"As you wish, My Dear.\" He waves his wand at the girl and ropes tie her hands . He pulls her forward, handing Hermione the other end of the rope. \"She can follow you back to the mansion. Then you can do with her as you please.\"
She nods to him and waits until he is mounted again before kneeing Dameon to walk along side him. He waits until the rest of the group has gone a bit ahead of them before leaning close to whisper in her ear. \"That was foolish of you to do but it was something Sabine would have done to anger me.\" He glances over his shoulder at the stumbling girl behind them. \"I shall find something to do with her and perhaps she will come out of this in one piece.\"
She reaches out, gently laying a hand on his arm. He looks back at her, his face unreadable for a moment. She doesn\'t realize how close they are until a loud cough interrupts them.
Lucius smiles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. \"Should I give the two of you a room and some privacy or can we all watch?\"
Severus glares at him, reining his horse around til it stands between Lucuis and Hermione. \"I told you years ago, Lucuis, that I do not share what is mine. I have not changed my mind since.\"
Lucuis glares back, all amusement go\"As\"As you wish, My Friend. I wish you luck on getting what joy you can out of her.\"
Hermione tosses the rope at Severus, kneeing Dameon into a charge towards Lucuis. The stallion screams a warning, teeth bared as he lunges towards him. Hermione draws her wand, keeping it trained on Lucuis as his horse skitters and dances away from hers.
Lucuis pulls his horses away, eyes never leaving her for a moment. \"I see a trace of loyalty to your husband-to-be. Perhaps I was wrong in my assumption of you.\" He bows low to her, eyes still watching her warily. \"Perhaps this marriage will be blessed after all. I ask your forgiveness.\"
She lowers her wand, gently patting Dameon\'s neck and soothing him. Severus, reaches out, laying a possesive hand on her back. She leans into it, allowing him this small comfort. Lucuis watches avidly, his eyes never missing a single gesture.
\"Perhaps we should get back to the mansion, Lucuis.\" He hands Hermione the rope again. \"Sabine is always a bit irritable when she has not had ample time to play with her toys in private.\"
An amused smile touches Lucuis\' lips. \"Perhaps you are right. I will let you lead her to your rooms. We will be serving lunch at 1pm. I will see you more then.\"
They nod to each other, formality hiding the hostility still present. They follow Lucuis, Hermione glad for the feel of his hand still giving her strength as they ride back to the mansion.