“So, I could save you.” His back went rigid.
If she didn’t do something quick, she was going to lose him again. His emotions bombarded her and he was in turmoil. She did the only thing she could think of and pulled him into a kiss. He resisted at first, but then his body relaxed and he parted his lips for her. She took advantage and plunged her tongue, sweeping and tasting his hot cinnamon essence. She gave his erection a tight squeeze before running her thumb over the head. How a man could be both soft as velvet and hard as steel always amazed her, but this man amazed her more than any other.
He moaned into her mouth before he broke free. “I’ll be running this show.” He placed large hands around her waist and lifted her until she was sitting on the altar. He pushed her thighs apart and kissed the inside of her calf. Licked his way up her leg, leaving a trail of fire in his wake. She trembled and heat flooded her core. She fisted his hair and tugged, trying to guide him to the sweet spot, but he refused.
“You tease,” she said between heavy breaths.
He moved to the other calf and again kissed his way up until he was within inches of where she wanted his mouth. She sucked in a breath and held it. Waited for the fire he would stoke even further with his tongue. Instead he blew hot breath across her folds and she wanted to scream with despair.
“I warned you, your body is mine to command.”
“You’re evil.”
He grinned. “Never forget that.”
He glided his tongue along the edge of her folds. Taunted her with a slice of heaven, yet left her in Hell. She chewed her bottom lip. Wanted to beg him for release but refused.
“You’ll bend to my will,” he whispered.
“No.”
“Then I will continue your torture.” He ran his tongue so close to her clit she felt the heat of it. Her fingers dug deeper into his scalp and she hoped she drew blood. The bastard had her on the edge and he was going to make her beg.
“Tell me what you need and I will gladly give you what you desire.”
She whimpered and dug her nails in his scalp until she could stand no more. “Please.”
He stopped and looked up at her. His eyes had darkened to the color of sapphires. “Please what?”
You’re an ass!
I know.
Damn it. “Please, I need release.”
He smiled and swiped his tongue along her folds until he reached her throbbing nub. He sucked it in his mouth and swirled his tongue around it. Her grip in his hair tightened and every muscle screamed for mercy as her body tensed. Still she hung on the edge, waiting to fall.
He gazed up at her. Come for me, Katie.
Her orgasm started as a slow boil, and then erupted into a fiery pleasure that had her seeing spots and gasping for air. When it finally slowed and she was able to gain some sense of where she was, she noticed Seth grinning. Bastard. He’d been serious when he said he would control her pleasure. She couldn’t be angry though. She felt too damn good.
Seth rose to his feet and hopped up on the altar next to her. His every move effortless as he swung his legs up and underneath his oh-so-fine ass until he sat back on his feet. In one heartbeat, he pulled her close and had her straddling his lap. He wasted no time in planting her over his cock and thrust deep.
She held his shoulders and let her body relax, adjusting to the stretch. Their gazes met.
“Are you all right?”
“Perfect,” she whispered and she was. All their problems were forgotten and the moment was about them.
“Are you frightened?”
How to answer? “Yes, a little.” Neither of them had any real idea what would happen once her heart stopped. Only a change would take place, but if one thought about it, death was a change itself and one she may never come back from.
He cupped her ass and gently lifted her then set her back down. The sensation caused her core to tighten around his thickness. She wanted faster.
“I am scared shitless, Katie. If I can’t bring you back I’m not sure what I’ll do.”
She stared deep into his eyes. This was a side she had never seen and knew it must have taken immense courage for a man such as Seth to admit his fears. She leaned in until their foreheads touched.
“Careful, I might think you care.”
He lifted her again, but this time he held her above him and thrust his hips until he was sliding in and out of her. Again, she hovered on the sweet edge of release.
“I do care, probably too much.” His eyes darkened like a summer storm. “Come for me, Katie. I want to feel your pleasure running down my cock.”
He increased his speed and she tossed her head back. Yelled to the sky as the wave of sheer bliss overtook her. When the pleasure began to subside, Seth leaned forward and sank his fangs into her neck. Heat rushed through her veins and straight to her sex, setting her on fire again. Orgasms came one after another until she had lost count. She barely remembered Seth’s own release as she slipped into the darkness.
Seth drank until Katie’s heart stopped. He held her to his chest, not wanting to let go. There were few emotions he had experienced in his ancient life. Fear had only happened when he’d drank from Vivian, but never again. Until now. It ran through his veins and mixed with another emotion. He loved her and there was not a doubt in his mind. He had fought a fierce battle and lost. She’d stolen his heart.
With the utmost care he untangled their bodies and laid her on the altar. He crossed her arms and laid them against her breasts. He smoothed her hair around her shoulders. She looked peaceful. He bit his wrist and held the open wound to her lips and let his life force run into her mouth. Had they been in his ancient home of Vandeldor, she would right now be submerged in the healing waters while her body went through the changes. However, the damn book dictated her heart be stopped and the change be made here. Would she come back as a guardian or a full-fledged goddess? He didn’t care. He only wanted her to come back to him.
Seth leaned over and kissed her plump lips. Inhaled her strawberry scent for what he prayed wouldn’t be the last time. He brushed his thumb across her cheek. “I love you, Katie O’Hara,” he whispered. The words caused his pulse to race. It had taken him until the moment of her death to admit what his heart had known all along. As he took several steps back to give her room, he realized he’d taken the easy way out by declaring his feelings when she would never hear them.
Flames erupted at one end of the circle of tiles and quickly ran an invisible path all the way around until it came back to meet itself. The fire shot into the air and engulfed the altar. Seth fought the panic that rose and demanded he save his mate, but he realized the flames left her unharmed.
Several minutes passed which to Seth seemed like an eternity when suddenly Katie sat up. Her body shimmered and morphed into a Phoenix. The bird was breathtaking with its vibrant orange body. It looked at Seth. Did she know who he was? Before he could say anything, the bird took flight with the fire following a trail behind it. He was transfixed as he watched his mate soar until she was out of sight. He cupped his hand over his eyes, yet still couldn’t see her. Pride poured through him that his mate had transformed into such a beautiful creature, but it was quickly followed by fear. It was evident she had transformed into a goddess which put him far beneath her station.
He grabbed his clothes and quickly dressed then began to pace, the predator in him begged to be set free. He wanted to rip something apart, limb-by-limb and itched to step into a fight. He tried to link with her, but was only met with silence. Either she was unable to communicate or chose to ignore him.
A growl started deep in his gut and rolled up to his throat at the thought of her possibly being in trouble. He closed his eyes and inhaled, searching for calm. She was fine. He would wait for her to come back and began to pace the courtyard, temple and the entire grounds. Hours passed and darkness fell on the Temple of the Gods. Stars lit the sky with their brilliance, yet he was unable to enjoy it. As time ticked by he grew more uncert
ain that she would return and more certain she avoided him. Still he waited, went back to the altar and sat on a bench across from it and stared. An old urge suddenly swept over him. He pulled the dagger from his boot. Caressed the wooden handle that felt like an old friend then gripped it. Twisted his wrist so the moonlight reflected off the blade.
“Old friend. Why do I have the desire to feel you biting into my flesh?” He brought the tip to his other palm and pressed, yet not hard enough for it to pierce his skin. Sweat beaded on his forehead. If he were any other immortal, he’d find his mate and claim her and to hell with what she desired. Yet he refused. The thought that she would really want him was laughable and her earlier fear of him binding them together had been evident. He was only a vessel in which to help her transformation. She was lost to him, but he tried to console himself in the fact that she lived. In this he was positive since he could still feel her. He would have known of her death, but his heart was still wounded. She hadn’t even thought to come back and at least send him on his way. Instead he had been left here to worry and wonder.
He snarled at being made such a fool and slipped the dagger back into his boot before he flashed back to his room at the compound. Angry that the gods would play such a cruel trick on him as to give him a mate he couldn’t have. Granted, she had saved his sorry ass, but to what purpose? He was stupid to think he would ever be allowed happiness. After a quick shower, he’d find the others and get briefed. It was time to focus on his duties otherwise he would drive himself back to insanity.
The moment Lowan pierced her maidenhood, a burst of power slipped down his spine. He’d fought to center his concentration on the task at hand. Raven was a special girl and he’d wanted her first time to be memorable. For some odd reason, her pleasure had been important to him when usually he only took and never gave.
He buttoned the black silk shirt he’d donned and tucked it into his slacks. “Once we are settled in the human realm, I will see to it that you have the proper clothing fitting your station.”
She smiled. “Whatever pleases you, my lord.”
He wrinkled a brow. “Does being my mistress not please you?”
She nodded. “Oh, very much.”
“Then get dressed. I’m anxious to meet your people.” He buttoned the slacks. “I’ve sent Chaval ahead to scout out a location for us to reside.”
Raven dressed in jeans and a black bustier that showed off the creamy tops of her breasts. She dropped to the edge of the bed and pulled on a pair of knee-high, black leather boots and he made a mental note to have her wear those when he took her again later.
“You look good enough to eat, but I’m anxious to leave.” He offered his arm and she accepted, then he held out his left hand, palm up and called forth the power he’d gained from feeding and fucking a virgin given willingly. A black mist formed in his palm then swirled and tightened until it became a sphere the size of an orange. Darkness grew larger and shifted from his hand to float in mid-air before it became big enough for him to walk through.
“Come along.” He tugged Raven and they stepped through the portal and into the human realm. On the other side, Lowan sucked in a deep breath and reveled in the taste of his long-awaited freedom.
“I have waited for this my entire life.” He scanned the room where they stood.
“Where are your people?” He flashed Raven an impatient gaze.
“They will be here after dark. Within a few hours.”
“Good. We’ll wait.” He’d spent eternity waiting for this moment. He could spare a few more hours.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Katie’s lashes fluttered and when she opened her eyes, she was met with a pair the color of a spring storm and lined with heavy black liner. They bore into her and she gasped.
“Ah, you’re finally awake.” His deep voice rumbled.
A woman came into view. Emerald eyes and burnished copper hair accented the most beautiful face Katie had ever seen. “Hello and welcome.”
Katie tried to sit up and found a pair of large, strong hands against her back, offering assistance. “Thank you.” She looked around the room and realized she was in an oversized bed. Large archways across the room allowed light to stream in and a warm breeze drifted across her skin.
“Where am I?”
“In our temple. I am Qadira, the goddess of fire and creator of the Draki.” The woman spoke in a soft voice and waved her hand toward the man. “This is my husband, Zarek. He is our king.”
Katie’s jaw dropped. Zarek was the creator of the guardians and from what she had surmised, ruler of all. “I... How did I end up here?”
“Let me help you. We shall move to the courtyard and have refreshments.” Zarek extended his hand. She hesitated only briefly before placing her small one in his. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and slipped to her feet. It was then she realized she wore a long gown the color of lemons. The material the softest of anything that had ever brushed her skin and she was thankful because the last thing she remembered was being naked as a jaybird.
The god folded her arm in his and walked her toward the arches. On the other side, several lounge chairs were scattered around a pool of deep blue sunken into the ground. Zarek led her to a long wooden table under a canopy out of the sun and pulled out a chair for her.
“Thank you.” She plopped down on the soft cushion.
He took a seat to her right and Qadira to her left. Three women wearing white linen dresses that fell to their ankles, carried trays of fruits, meats and cheeses and set them down in the center of the table. Another came along and filled glasses with water and what looked to be red wine.
Zarek motioned to the food. “Eat. You need your strength.”
Katie smiled and placed grapes, strawberries, ham and cheese on her plate. Her nerves were stretched to the breaking point. She had a shit-load of questions. “How long have I been here?”
“About a week.” The goddess popped a grape in her mouth.
She rubbed her temples. “I don’t remember much except for flying.” She shook her head. “I must have been hallucinating.”
“No. You shifted into the Phoenix and took flight,” Zarek commented.
Qadira nodded in agreement. “Your bird is most beautiful.”
She had no recollection. “How did I end up here?”
The god took a slow sip of wine, then wiped a linen across his lips. He was an extremely handsome, if not a somewhat frightening man. His face was framed by thick black hair that fell to his shoulders. His chest bare and she couldn’t help notice every bulging muscle under his tanned skin. He wore a pair of low riding jeans, which she found odd. She had always pictured god in a white robe or something. Who knew?
“You fell from the sky and I caught you,” he stated matter-of-fact.
Katie stiffened. “I see. Care to go into more detail?” Oh, she was so going to Hell.
His mouth twitched as he fought back an apparent laugh. “You’re a saucy little thing. Reminds me of your father. He was forever pushing the limits and testing my temper.”
She batted her lashes and he broke into a roar of laughter. The goddess next to her giggled and touched Katie’s arm.
“I’m happy to have you with us. He needs someone to keep him on his toes and lord knows I try, but I could always use some backup.”
Katie sipped her wine. “I’m glad to be your source of entertainment. However, I have a zillion questions. So, what say you?”
“You made the change, took off in flight and then lost consciousness. I sensed your distress and came to your aid.”
“And I was out for a week?”
“Yes. Becoming a goddess took a lot out of you. Anything else?” He arched a black brow.
“So, you knew my father?”
His features softened. “Very well. He was a good man.”
“So, I made the transformation. That should have set events in motion. Did it work? Has he been reborn?”
“I wish I knew, but un
fortunately the only thing I’ve sensed was Hell’s gate opening. Lowan is now in the human realm. The guardians have their work cut out for them.”
Katie pressed back in her chair. “You’re a god, why don’t you stop him? This Lowan?”
He leaned forward, his brows slashed. “Your father was murdered in a war between the gods long before your world ever came to be. It is why he has taken so long to come back. I was the one who planted his DNA in the hopes that one day, one of his children would be strong enough to call him forth. It was because of his loss that we enacted a law that will not allow us to harm another god. We have tied our own hands for a very good reason.”
“That sucks.” Big time because she had a feeling now that Lowan was in the human realm, things were going to get really bad and fast.
He leaned into his seat. “Yes, it sucks a big one.”
Realization hit and she smacked her forehead. “How stupid! Seth, where’s Seth? He was with me when I changed.”
“Gone,” the goddess responded.
“Where to?” He didn’t wait for her? Now she was being foolish. After all, she’d been gone for a week.
Zarek pressed his lips into a thin line. “Wife! Leave us, now.”
Qadira lifted her chin then vanished and Katie’s nerves stretched tight again. It was evident Zarek was not pleased with his wife. “She still holds a grudge against Seth for killing Vivian. It wasn’t his fault. My daughter begged me to let her assist in his creation.”
“But I saw her, she came to me so she can’t really be dead. Can she?”
“She is dead to us. Lives on another plane of existence and most likely used any power she had left to come to you. I will not see my daughter until I leave this life and I plan to be here for a very long time.”
Katie had a hard time wrapping her head around the fact he was able to let his daughter give up her life so easily.
Zarek’s nostrils flared. “It was not a decision I made light of. The guardians were a necessity and Vivian knew it. I tried to talk her out of it, but in the end, it was what her heart wanted.”
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