Winter's Thrall Read online

  Winter’s Thrall

  Winter’s Magic Part 2.5

  L. STARLA

  Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  WINTER’S THRALL

  Copyright © 2022 L. Starla.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  To request permission, contact the author:

  [email protected]

  Cover illustration © Jana Hoffmann

  Graphics & book design by L. Starla

  Editing by Felix Staica

  First edition 2022.

  ISBN-13 (Paperback) 978-0-6488424-7-7

  ISBN-13 (eBook) 978-0-6488424-6-0

  Self-published

  Note from the Author

  **Trigger Warning** Winter’s Thrall is a dark paranormal romance with strong sexual content that blurs the lines of consent. It also includes graphic m/m, BDSM, and incest scenes. Feel free to skip ahead to Winter’s Mother 1, the next main entry in the series if such matters are likely to offend or be a psychological trigger.

  While this book contains scenes with dubious consent, I do not condone such behaviour.

  Remember, Rape Fetish does not equal consent. BDSM scenes should always be sane, safe, and consensual. Establish rules, limits, and safewords before you play.

  If you are a victim of sexual assault, please consider reporting the crime immediately by ringing emergency services.

  For post assault support, I recommend reaching out to a professional, confidential counselling service such as:

  1800RESPECT in Australia (Ph 1800 737 732)

  RAINN in the United States (Ph 800 656 4673)

  SUPPORTLINE in the United Kingdom (Ph 01708 765 200)

  Dedication

  —This book is for fans of Brendan Winters. After falling in love with him myself, I knew he needed his own story. Happy reading!

  Epigraph

  “Go where the pain is, go where the pleasure is.”

  ― Anne Rice

  Playlist

  “The Mystic” by Adam Jensen

  “Horns” by Bryce Fox

  “Flesh” by Simon Curtis

  “2 Wicky” by Hooverphonic

  “Undisclosed Desires” by Muse

  “I Come With Knives” by IAMX

  “Saptak-Samaya Mix-Solace” by DJ Cary

  “Give Up” by The Beautiful Monument

  “I Don’t Know Why” by Imagine Dragons

  “Mantra” by Bring Me The Horizon

  “Complications” by Interpol

  “The Crawl” by Placebo

  ‘Bloodline” by Northlane

  “Novocaine” by The Unlikely Candidates

  “Animal” by Badflower

  “Underground” by MISSIO

  “Stranger” by Johnny Hollow

  “Endless Reverie” by Azam Ali

  “The Allure” by Beats Antique

  “My Empire” by Windwaker

  ‘Bed of Thorns” by Gary Numan

  Playlist available on Spotify.

  The Cast of Characters

  Pure Blood Mages

  Brendan Winters AKA Jet (Pure-mage Enchanter, Slave)

  Alannah Winters (Councillor, Conjurer, Dress Maker)

  Liam Winters (Councillor, Warlock, Police Officer)

  Jaxon Hayes (Warlock, Police Officer), from Broken Hill

  Kevin Doyle (Broken Hill District Council Head, Mayor)

  High Magus O’Grady (NSW High Magus, Mayor)

  Acolyte Carran (Spiritual leader), from Sydney

  Other Magicals

  Caleb Hawthorn AKA Stirling (Fae- Endarkened, Gangster)

  Bridey Hawthorn AKA Lady Violet (Fae- Endarkened, Crime boss), Caleb’s older sister

  Tyler Quirke (Half-mage Warlock, Police Officer), Brendan’s doppelganger

  Shane Walsh (Half-mage Warlock, Police Officer), from Broken Hill

  Samantha Harrison (Dark mage Abjurer), from Sydney

  Levi Delaney (Half-mage, Head Slave)

  Damien (Dark mage, Cult member), from Sydney

  Melanie (Dark mage, Cult member), Damien’s partner from Sydney

  Maurus Hawthorn (Dark mage, Slave trader & Cult member), Caleb & Bridey’s father

  Tara Winters AKA Lady Scarlett (Lich, Crime Boss), Brendan’s Grandmother

  Jacob Bennett (Boggart, Gangster), Brendan’s best mate

  Cara Hughes (Half-mage Shaman, Conservationist), Alannah’s best friend

  Nick Patterson (Orc, Orchardist)

  Ben Sanders (Weredingo, Vet Assistant)

  Connor Foley (Half-mage Abjurer, Marine Biologist)

  Bailey Dougherty (Half-mage Warlock, Bartender)

  Bianca Oakley (Fae- Wood Nymph, Cabaret Singer)

  Amy Smith (Dwarf, Metallurgist & Council Blacksmith)

  Prologue

  September, during the early events of Winter’s Maiden 2.

  Sensing him close by, Bridey surveyed the dingy country pub. The news of Daddy’s thugs tracking him down had thrilled her to bits. And there he was. Grinning, she gave his group a cursory glance confirming her prediction: Caleb had befriended an assortment of magical people.

  It pleased her no end that her brother instantly recognised her, even after all their years of separation. She had missed him and hated her mother for tearing their family apart. When she reached his booth, she drank in the sight of him: from his high cheekbones and chiselled jaw to his long black locks and delicious piercings. ‘Hello, Brother dearest.’

  ‘Bridey? W-what are you doing here?’ Caleb’s shocked reaction was not what Bridey had hoped for.

  The guy sitting beside Caleb gripped her brother’s shoulder in a show of support. ‘Well, well, well. The wayward sister returns.’

  Holy shit! When she scrutinised him, he took her breath away. She’d never seen such a fine specimen of a man. Bright green eyes glared at her from beneath dark, choppy hair. A silver ring adorned his prominent brow and a five o’clock shadow accentuated his jaw, drawing attention to luscious lips. And that was merely his outward appearance. Even the man’s aura was sexy. She had to know him in every way possible. ‘And you are?’ The way he studied the air surrounding her intrigued Bridey. Is he an enchanter too?

  ‘Brendan Winters. Perhaps you’ve heard of me?’

  Bingo! ‘Oh, indeed. The infamous enchanter of Gaeilge Shores. I didn’t realise my brother had such interesting friends. Mother did such a stellar job of hiding him from me.’ She looked at Caleb and smiled. ‘Relax, darling. I’m not going to hurt you. I’m here on business and I’d like your help connecting with the magic community in town.’

  ‘Just business?’ Caleb asked.

  ‘Yes, sweetheart. Just business. Unless you want more.’ When he visibly shivered, she could not hold back the laugh. ‘Oh, Caleb… you are precious. And far too much like our sweet Mother. But your friends?’ Her eyes travelled around the group, settling on Brendan. ‘I think your friends will be a lot of fun. And I’m all for mixing business with pleasure.’

  Intense lust flickered in Brendan’s aura as his lips parted.

  Bridey narrowed her gaze. ‘May I sit?’

  He shrugged. ‘It’s a free country
.’

  When her backside perched in his lap; Brendan rewarded Bridey with the sensation of his arousal. She could not help herself as she writhed against him, drawing an odd sound from his pursed lips.

  Their dry humping did not amuse Caleb and she detected a hint of jealousy on top of his disgust.

  The mage with spiky hair rose. ‘I’m getting another round of drinks. Who’s in?’ The rest of the group pushed their glasses forward.

  She smiled at Spiky. ‘I’ll have a Purple Haze, thank you darling.’

  He frowned at her. ‘A what?’

  ‘Pur-ple Haze. It’s a cocktail. Don’t tell me this backwater doesn’t know about cocktails!’

  ‘Sure, we know about cocktails. We’re just not pretentious enough to care.’ Spiky was also sassy.

  ‘Oh dear. I see I’m going to have my work cut out for me with you. What’s your name, handsome?’

  After a moment of hesitation, he replied, ‘Bailey. Bailey Dougherty.’

  Remembering the sign on the door, she gasped with delight. ‘As in the Doughertys? Owners of this fine establishment?’

  ‘Exactly. So, I suggest you show this backwater more respect if you don’t want piss in your fancy-schmancy drink.’ Bailey turned on his heels and strode off to the bar.

  ‘Wow. What a gem.’ Bridey turned back to her brother. ‘So Caleb, who else do we have here?’

  He introduced the rest of his friends.

  Bridey noticed how most of the other guys at the table stared at her with hungry eyes, especially the orc and werepup. If she played her cards right, she could bank on a wild night without compulsion. Taking them willingly provided a more exciting challenge, although she’d settle for using her old tricks if necessary.

  Chapter One

  Eleven weeks later: the day after Brendan sees Liam kiss Alannah.

  (This occurs prior to Alannah’s showdown with Richard.)

  Brendan’s eyes fluttered open and landed on the dark fae enchantress in bed beside him. ‘Oh Shit!’ He had several regrets in life, most of which involved Tinder. But looking upon Bridey’s sleeping form hit him with a compunction which trumped the lot. In a moment of weakness, he had divorced his soulmate and sold himself into the service of a woman he despised.

  Feeling the call of nature, he rose from the bed and froze when he discovered metal cuffs around his ankles, tethered to long chains. He bent over to inspect his bonds. ‘Cold iron. Damnit!’ The material blocked magic and the locked restraints held tight. Even if he could channel a useful mana source or tune into any ley lines, there would be no escaping his shackles. At least the chains had enough length for him to reach the bathroom.

  When he returned to the bedroom, Bridey—or Lady Violet in business circles—sat up and gawked at him hungrily. ‘Morning, handsome. How do you feel? Has the pain gone away?’

  He glared at her. ‘The physical pain has.’

  ‘Excellent. I have fulfilled my end of the bargain, now let’s discuss yours.’ She held out a contract. ‘I honestly thought you would’ve learned your lesson last time you signed one of these without reading the fine print.’

  Snatching the page, Brendan stared in horror at his signature, a bloody autograph beneath seven clauses:

  The subject, Brendan Winters, has agreed to enter a period of sexual servitude in service of Lady Violet.

  The agreed period for this contract is one full calendar year from the date of signing.

  Sexual servitude requires complete submission to Lady Violet, who invokes the right to insist upon any sexual act she desires.

  Failure to submit may lead to the use of compulsion or result in punishment within Lady Violet’s dungeon.

  The subject will dress and act according to Lady Violet’s every whim and show due respect to all other members of her household.

  The subject may not leave Lady Violet’s residence during the period of servitude except under her express orders.

  Attempts to escape will result in punishment within Lady Violet’s dungeon and may risk the wellbeing of other members of the Winters Clan.

  This is much worse than the Rhapsody production contract. The chains rattled as he slumped down beside her and tugged at them. ‘Are these necessary?’

  ‘I could hardly have my latest acquisition running off in the middle of the night, could I? When you earn my trust, I will permit you to move freely through my home. They are a precaution until such time.’

  Brendan groaned. ‘How am I supposed to earn your trust?’

  ‘By doing everything I ask and not making any escape attempts when I loosen your tethers.’

  ‘Can I at least go home first and put my affairs in order?’

  Lady Violet laughed maniacally. ‘Do you think I am stupid, Brendan? I will send Caleb to deal with your apartment when the time is right. For the next twelve months, this is your home, sweetcakes. And when you do step outside, you will remain by my side. Is that clear?’

  His last sliver of hope disintegrated as he looked at her with frosty, dead eyes. ‘Perfectly.’

  ‘Good. Now get yourself cleaned up. I expect to see you at breakfast in twenty minutes. Levi will collect you at the appointed time.’ She strode across the room and left, not bothering to dress before stepping out.

  After letting out the mother of all sighs, he pulled himself up and dragged his feet along the floor. Showering challenged him, with his chains tangling several times. He usually preferred to take his time bathing, allowing himself to relax, but it was an impossible task in his current state. So, he sprayed himself with scalding water and wrapped a towel around his torso.

  Stepping out of the steam cloud, he found a shirtless guy waiting for him. By all appearances, he was a half-mage; tall and slim, although well-toned, with tanned skin and a small goatee. Aside from the spiked leather collar around his neck, he wore only a pair of faded, ripped jeans.

  Brendan jumped. ‘The fuck, man? You startled me.’

  ‘Sorry. Brendan, is it?’

  He nodded.

  ‘I’m Levi. Lady Violet told me you were expecting me. Here are some clothes.’ He dropped the pile of clean laundry on the bed. ‘I hope they’re an adequate fit. I have filled your drawers with much of the same. There are also some suits and special outfits hanging in the wardrobe, but you can only wear those upon Lady Violet’s request.’

  Glancing over the options, Brendan observed an assortment of jeans and leather pants. ‘There are no underpants or tops here.’

  ‘She only grants such luxuries when we escort her outside.’

  Brendan gaped at him. ‘For real?’

  ‘Yes. Lady Violet likes to see as much of our bodies on display as possible and she wants us ready to service her at a moment’s notice. We only get pants because of her more… conservative clientele.’

  He noticed the bruises on Levi’s torso. ‘So, you’re one of her sex slaves too?’

  Levi winced. ‘I prefer the term submissive, but yes, I am essentially a slave.’

  Brendan began rubbing himself dry. ‘How many of us are there?’

  ‘She likes to keep our number at seven.’

  He snorted. ‘What? One for each night of the week?’

  Levi laughed. ‘If only. No, Lady Violet has a thing about the number seven being auspicious or some shit. But I think she also likes to have a variety of men to cater to each of her different tastes. You should expect her to call upon you several times a week… possibly more, given you’re her new favourite.’

  Throwing the towel aside, Brendan picked up a pair of black leather pants.

  As he stood upright, Levi cast an appreciative eye over Brendan’s naked body, lingering a while at the sight of his Prince Albert piercing. ‘I can see why Lady Violet likes you.’

  Brendan was no slouch when it came to his physique, and he knew his other assets were desirable. ‘No offence man, but I’m not into dudes.’

  ‘None taken, but you should kno
w your sexual preference means nothing to Lady Violet. If she wants you to sleep with a man, you will do it if you know what’s good for you.’

  His eyes bugged out. ‘What happens if I refuse?’

  ‘One of two things: either she will compel you to do it, or she will beat you to within an inch of your life.’

  Brendan gulped. ‘Is that what happened to you?’

  Levi smiled. ‘No. I actually enjoy the way she marks my flesh.’

  With a cocked brow, he shot Levi a dubious look. ‘Really?’

  ‘It may come as a surprise to you at this stage, but most of us have grown quite fond of Lady Violet. So, don’t get any funny ideas about running off.’ With a wave of his hand, Levi released the cuffs from Brendan’s ankles. ‘You will only need to wear these in your room.’

  Brendan slid into the tight pants that clung to every ridge and valley of his sculpted legs, emphasising the bulge between them. May as well look the part.

  ‘Excellent choice,’ Levi nodded his approval. ‘Those pants are sure to please Lady Violet. She also insists you wear this.’ He stepped forward and attached a collar resembling his own to Brendan’s neck.

  He brought a hand up to test the feel of the thing. The spikes were sharp, made of cold iron. Not enough to stop him channelling mana, but they would prevent him from magiporting.

  ‘Come on, let’s get some breakfast. We must not keep Lady Violet waiting.’

  The moment Maurus Hawthorn walked into the dining room that morning, Caleb stiffened. He wasn’t in the mood for one of his father’s lectures. But when Dad planted his larger-than-life presence directly next to him, Caleb knew that’s exactly what he was in for.