Demon Discord (Resurrection Chronicles)
Page 13
“I’ve moved to Tolerance to be with Azio.”
“Well then, congratulations to both of you. And I’m glad I had a chance to hear it from you myself. There are rumors going around that you’d been taken against your will.”
I snorted.
“Absolutely not. Azio offered me a place after Wayne told me we were no longer married. I didn’t realize how badly I needed a fresh start.” I glanced at Azio and smiled. “Or someone who knew how to treat me right.”
Azio tugged me into his arms for a hug and a light kiss to my forehead. It wasn’t to impress Matt or the few people unobtrusively watching us. It was for me, and I felt completely cherished at that moment.
“Well, I couldn’t be happier for you,” Matt said sincerely. “And if there are any leftover blankets after you visit your old house, be sure to let me know. I know a few families who could use them.”
“We will,” I said.
He nodded and walked off, leaving us to travel the rest of the way on our own.
Bobby answered the door when we knocked.
“Hey, Azio, it’s been a while. It’s good to see you, too, Terri. Come in. Wayne’s not here right now.”
“That’s fine. I’m not here for Wayne,” I said.
We followed Bobby into the kitchen, where he and Grandma were in the middle of a game of cards.
“I was hoping to make a trade. All these blankets for the baby clothes in the basement.” I gestured to the totes the fey were setting down in the living room. “I figured you could keep what you want and trade up for what you need with them.”
“Absolutely,” Grandma said without hesitation. “Wayne’s bringing less wood back. Something about having to go farther to find trees that are already dead. I think they’re cutting fresh stuff to season it for next winter, too. But a fat lot of good that does us now.” As she spoke, she motioned for us to follow her. “I’m guessing things are going just fine for you then?”
“More than fine. Going to Tolerance was the best decision I ever made.” I reclaimed Azio’s hand, and his thumb stroked over my skin.
“Good. I’m happy for you. Sad for us, though. Things just haven’t been the same with you gone.”
We sorted through the blankets then went to the basement to sort through the baby clothes. I took what I thought was fair then told her she’d do well to trade the rest to fey since they were very interested in having families someday.
“Is that why you want the baby clothes? Are you thinking of starting one of your own?”
I smiled, letting the joy I felt show.
“We are.”
“Congratulations then.” She smiled, but she looked more worried than happy.
“I left Tolerance’s wall, you know. To see what it’s like out there. To face my fears. It’s not pretty. The infected are still there and want their due. They’re smart, just like Bobby and Bram say they are. But with the fey, there’s hope. We can’t keep living like there’s not. Every fey here kept me safe, and I know they’ll keep any children I’m lucky enough to have safe too.”
Her smile widened.
“That’s good to know. Think any of them are into silver surfing?”
“Grandma!” Bobby yelled with a groan.
She winked at me.
“The itch never dies. It just needs to be scratched less frequently.”
“I’m done.” Bobby ran out of the basement, and I laughed with Grandma.
When we had three totes full of various baby clothes, we headed upstairs with our haul.
Abi, Danielle, and Greyly were just coming in. The little girl’s eyes went wide at the sight of the fey, and she hid behind Abi’s legs.
“Abi. Danielle. This is Groth, one of my new housemates.” I glanced at Azio. “And this is Azio. My…”
I wasn’t sure what to call him. A boyfriend label seemed a little weak since we were already talking about making a baby together. But “husband” seemed too fake or staged, considering I’d just left mine.
“Azio is my forever,” I said.
He leaned in and brushed a kiss on my forehead. “And you are mine.”
“That’s really nice, Terri. I’m happy for you,” Danielle said. Her gaze shifted between me, Groth, and Azio. “I didn’t realize they share houses over there too.”
“Some do. Some don’t. It depends on the fey, I think. I’m glad Azio and Groth live together, though. It’s more fun with three of us.”
The door had opened for the last part, and with an angry expression, Wayne entered the kitchen.
“You make me sick, Terri. I didn’t believe what they were telling me. Fucking one isn’t bad enough? You need to fuck two?”
Groth growled, and I grinned.
“No. Just the one. He’s more than enough for me. The rest are here because they’re genuinely nice people. Something you used to be a long time ago.”
He shook his head at me. “I don’t even know you anymore.”
“I’m starting to wonder if you ever did. I’m happy, Wayne. I hope you can eventually find happiness, too.”
I looked at Azio, who was glaring at Wayne. “His loss is your gain. Are you ready to take me home?”
Azio grunted and picked me up bride style in front of my ex.
“Are you still sore?” my handsome grey fey asked.
“Nope. I think I’m ready to practice again.”
Grandma laughed, and Wayne swore under his breath as we left my old home. The fey surrounded us like we were out on a supply run again, and I snuggled close to Azio, loving the way they protected me.
“You really are the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“I love you, Terri. I will always care for you and any babies you allow me to help create.”
I leaned up and pressed my lips against his neck, my libido kicking into high gear.
“I think you need to run home faster, so we can get started on the practicing. My Azio.”
He growled at the sound of that, his lips curving into a smile, and jumped the wall for home.
Epilogue
Azio’s tongue slicked through my folds with slow deliberation, and I clutched his hair, lifting my hips in a silent request for me. He chuckled and untangled my fingers.
“So greedy.”
He flipped me onto my knees, running his hand over the slight bump in my stomach as he entered me from behind.
I groaned at the steady invasion of his thick length.
“I don’t want slow,” I said, pushing back on him. “I want fast.”
“Greedy,” he repeated. But he picked up the pace, his hand firmly on my hips, directing the smooth slide. My channel throbbed and twitched with the growing orgasm.
“Please, Azio. I need it harder.”
He grunted and jolted me back just hard enough that his balls slapped my clit.
“Yes,” I breathed.
He set a steady pace, hitting all the right spots again and again until I toppled over the edge with a loud moan. A moment later, his rhythm faltered, and I felt him jerk inside of me.
He grunted and continued to ring every last ounce of pleasure from me. Then he rolled us to our sides without withdrawing. While he gently stroked my folds, he slowly started thrusting again. It was the encore that I always needed these days.
At five months, I was ravenous for sex. And cuddles. And kisses. And everything that was Azio. My fears that I wouldn’t enjoy sex with him were completely unfounded. He continued to prove that the partner had been the problem, and he had been the solution.
His girth glided through my folds, caressing every nerve and coaxing more pleasure from me.
The second orgasm rolled through me slowly, and he came a few minutes later. He kissed my shoulder and nibbled his way up my neck while I caught my breath.
“The sounds you make are beautiful, my Terri. You shouldn’t quiet them.”
I snorted.
“I’ll use words to tell everyone how happy you make me. I’m sure Groth hears enoug
h as it is.”
Azio grunted and trailed his fingers over the first grey spot I’d gotten from sleeping with him. A mark of immunity, hopefully. Not that I ever planned to test it.
“Brooke and Solin will be here soon. We should dress.” He didn’t pull out, though, and continued to caress my cooling skin. Those nimble fingers drifted to my breasts, where he tenderly hefted their growing weight.
He loved everything about them. About me. Especially a pregnant me.
The baby gave a fluttering kick, and Azio grunted.
“Now, we know we are done,” he said, lifting me and carrying me to the shower.
“For now. We might need to sneak away for another quickie before they leave.”
He withdrew slowly and set me on my feet in the tub. It was really the only clean way to handle things after two rounds. While he washed me, I played with his ears and flicked my tongue over his nipple.
“Solin said that Brooke is just as hungry for sex. He will not mind if we end the night early.”
I chuckled, knowing that Azio was right. I loved being pregnant at the same time as Brooke. We could share our aches and pains. Months ago, I would have never thought we would end up close friends. Definitely not close enough to share stories about our sex drives. But we did, and I was so glad for it.
Without her encouragement, I wouldn’t have known how good hard and fast could be. Or be open to the possibility of letting Groth watch. The idea still made my heart race and my face flush. I was so much more comfortable around him. I just wasn’t sure if I was that comfortable.
“I know we can end the night early. But the games and company are nice too. Besides, I want to show her the crib you found. It’s too perfect not to show off.”
From the moment we’d known I was pregnant, I started sharing all the dreams I’d had for the baby’s nursery. Azio and Groth had gone above and beyond to find me what I wanted. It was perfect now with the crib, which made the wait until the baby came even harder to endure.
They kept me plenty distracted. Azio and I spent a lot of time in the bedroom, and when we weren’t in there, Groth was a sweetheart, making me chocolatey treats and giving foot rubs. I’d been sad when neither Abi nor Danielle hit it off with him. He hadn’t been too upset, though. He was far too invested in the baby I carried.
Azio washed my breasts, gently rolling my nipples.
“That feels so good.”
He kissed me lightly.
“Have you given my idea any thought?” he asked.
My face was so hot it felt like it would melt. But I forced myself to meet his gaze.
“I know I said open and honest, but I’m not sure I’m comfortable with just having sex wherever and whenever in the house.”
“Angel allows all the fey to watch her breastfeed the baby, and many were able to witness the birth. If you are reading a man chest book and want me to lick your pussy, why do we need to move to the bedroom? It would be much easier to lift your dress while you are on the couch.”
“And it would be much easier for Groth to see everything we do that way.”
“No fey has been able to observe sex. We could learn much with Groth watching for other ways I could please you.”
“You please me just fine on your own,” I said, leaning in to lick his nipple while stroking his thick length.
He groaned and thrust into the circle of my fingers.
“I only want to learn every way to bring you pleasure, so you will never doubt that it’s possible. Even when you are not pregnant.”
The man had plenty of stamina to keep me satisfied, but I understood why he was worried about this. We both were. I loved sex with Azio but feared my libido would wither and die after the baby was born. I’d shared that concern with him, which is why he was being insistent about his request.
He kissed me hungrily, thrusting into my hand, before bathing my stomach with another release.
“I love you,” I whispered when he set his forehead to mine. “I’m not against displays of affection in our own home. I meant what I said about sharing, though. One fey is enough for me.”
“I love you, Terri. And I will never share you.”
“You are the sweetest man ever. Next time I’m horny, I’ll try not to drag you away to the bedroom, and we’ll see how things go. No promises, though, if you two make things weird.”
“Never. Wash. I need to share the good news with Groth. He will help us end the night early so he can watch.”
My core gave an involuntary clench at the thought.
When we finished with our shower, I slipped into a cute maternity dress Azio had found for me and went downstairs to set the table out on the patio. Outside, summer’s warmth enveloped me, and I soaked it in.
A cat meowed and came sauntering up to me.
“Hello, Pretty Kitty. Does Tasha know you’re out begging for food again?”
The door opened behind me.
“Terri, you are the kindest female I know. Thank you for allowing me to witness Azio sinking his—”
My hand covered his mouth, and he blinked at me. Behind him, Azio grinned at me.
“I’m fine with you both gaining knowledge. And I’m fine with you sharing that knowledge. But not all humans will appreciate what I’m about to allow as much as you do. So, perhaps, it’s best not to announce it for the world to hear, or I’ll need to end it before it starts. Anonymity is the key. Do you understand?”
They both nodded. I smiled and removed my hand.
“Good. Everything is set out here. As soon as our company arrives, we’re going to enjoy time with our friends and not rush them.”
The pair of them went back inside to check on the food, and I bent down to pet the cat.
My life before the earthquakes had been filled with hopeful dreams. Some had been crushed. Some I’d been working hard to fulfill.
All those dreams were my reality now. A family. A good home with two people who meant the world to me…in different ways. Friends that mattered. And most of all. Azio. The love of my life.
And I was living. Really living. Even at the end of the world.
I couldn’t wait to see what the future had in store for us.
Author’s Note
After the overwhelming response to Demon Design, I sat down and started the next “audio pot” novella (more info about that below). Don’t worry. I kept to my writing schedule for the main series and filled in idle time (aka when I stay up too late) with Terri and Azio’s story.
This one isn’t as light hearted, but I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the same characters. And for everyone who wants to punch Wayne in the balls…don’t worry, you’ll see him again in Demon Fall. ☺
Just like with the last novella, all the proceeds from this one will go toward the “audio pot” for the Resurrection series. As of writing this note, we are so close to the $2k goal needed to produce Demon Escape’s audio. I’ve even polled my fans in the MJ Haag Facebook group to see who they’d like to see narrate Eden. It should be fun!
All proceeds from this book will be used to bring the next book in the Resurrection series, Demon Deception, to audio (it’s a cost prohibitive endeavor). As before, this book was posted for free via weekly chapters in my fan Group. Newsletter subscribers were also notified that they could/can download it for free via the book-extras link on my website. For those reluctant to exchange their email address for some free reading material, the book can also be purchased directly from Amazon or read via Kindle Unlimited.
Whatever method you chose, I hope you enjoyed this additional glimpse into the Resurrection world. I have a few more ideas if this one resonates well!
Be sure to subscribe for my newsletter via my website mjhaag.melissahaag.com/subscribe so you keep up on all my writing news. I only send monthly, so I won’t spam your inbox.
Until next time, happy reading!
Melissa
More books by MJ Haag
Fairy Tale Trilogies
(same world)
>
Beastly Tales
Depravity
Deceit
Devastation
Tales of Cinder
Disowned (Prequel)
Defiant
Disdain
Damnation
Resurrection Chronicles
(zombies and hottie demons!)
Demon Ember
Demon Flames
Demon Ash
Demon Escape
Demon Deception
Demon Night
Demon Disgrace
Demon Design (novella)
Demon Discord (novella)
*More to come!
Connect with the author
Website: MJHaag.melissahaag.com/
Newsletter: MJHaag.melissahaag.com/subscribe
More books by Melissa Haag
Did you know that MJ Haag is also Melissa Haag? Melissa Haag is her young adult alter ego. It’s not the angsty YA you grew up with. ;)
Judgement of the Six Series
(and Companion Books) in order:
(more shifters to make you “grr”)
Hope(less)
Clay’s Hope*
(Mis)fortune
Emmitt’s Treasure*
(Un)wise
Luke’s Dream*
(Un)bidden
Thomas’ Heart*
(Dis)content
Carlos’ Peace*
(Sur)real**
*optional companion book
**written in dual point of view
Mantirum World Trilogies
Of Fates and Furies
Fury Frayed
Fury Focused
Fury Freed
By Kiss and Claw
The Howl
The Hunt
The Hunger
(coming soon!)
In Fire and Ash
Going to Hell
Raising Hell
Hell on Earth
Other Titles