by Quinn Loftis
Jezebel felt as though she’d been punched in the gut. Breathing suddenly became difficult and she swayed slightly. She’d longed to get a do-over with Thadrick but was sure it would never come, not after what she’d done to him.
“I’m so sorry, Thad,” said Jezebel. “I know what I did hurt you and I was so angry, but it was wrong, and I am truly, so very sorry.”
“I accept your apology,” he offered. “It happened a long time ago, and new things have come to light, which we will discuss. First, I just want to know if you still have feelings for me.”
“I’m in love with you. I’ve never stopped being in love with you. I never imagined you would give me another chance, but I’m willing to take it if you’re offering.”
He took a step toward her and held out his hand. She took it without hesitation. “I didn’t realize how strongly I’d felt about you when we were seeing each other,” he admitted. “And honestly, I’ve been in denial about it all these years. I want to be with you. I want to see where this can go between us.”
Jezebel nodded her head because at that moment words simply failed her. She’d never thought she’d hear those words from Thadrick, not after what she’d done. She wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass her by.
“I need to tell you some things.” He pulled her toward the bed and sat, motioning her to sit next to him. “The woman you saw when you went to the djinn realm a century ago was not who she claimed to be.”
Jezebel listened as Thad explained everything that had happened. When he was finished, she simply sat there, stunned. Because of one selfish woman’s actions, Jezebel had been separated from the man she loved for a century.
“She is being punished for her deceit,” said Thad. “We do not take lying and hurting others of our clan lightly.”
“Wow. I can’t believe that all of that was between us, all this time.”
“I understand why you were so hurt.”
“It still wasn’t right,” Jezebel said.
“No, but it is more understandable. I can’t say that I wouldn’t have done the same thing in your shoes because I’ve never been in them. I can, however, tell you that I’d rip any man who touched you, limb from limb.”
“Are you sure you’re not part werewolf?” Anna’s voice came from the doorway. “That possessive streak sounds just like one of them.”
“Perhaps it’s a supernatural thing,” Thad said with a shrug.
“Are you good with this, Mom?” Anna asked.
Jezebel nodded. “I am. I’m sure there will be more for us to discuss and work through, but that will have to wait until after we save the world.”
“Agreed,” said Thad.
“So, are you ready to get back to work, and do you promise not to bail again?” Jewel asked as she stepped up next to Anna. “Because I do not have time for your drama.”
“One, drama-free djinn, at your service,” he said as he stood and then bowed gracefully.
“Fantastic. Let’s go. We’ve got a spell to learn.” Jewel motioned for them to follow.
Thad pulled Jezebel up from the bed and then quickly leaned down, surprising her when he pressed his lips to hers. “It’s been far too long since I’ve been able to do that. Forgive me if I take liberties and do it often.”
Jezebel laughed. “Considering I like it when you kiss me, you have my permission to take all the liberties you want.”
“I think I just threw up in my mouth,” Anna said dryly as she turned to follow Jewel.
Thad’s brow drew down. “Why would someone throw up in their mouth instead of spitting it out?”
“Probably because she’s a girl who just saw her mom kissing a guy, and it grossed her out,” explained Jezebel.
“I’m not sure why that would gross her out. She kisses her mate.”
“Because, I’m her mom. Seeing me be affectionate with a man isn’t her idea of stellar entertainment. Maybe it’s a human thing,” she offered.
“Perhaps. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s just easier not to try to understand the healer females. They talk strange and laugh at things that aren’t the least bit funny.”
Jezebel smiled as they started for the door. “That’s probably for the best. Trying to understand them might cause you mental distress.”
As Thad held her hand and led her back to the room where Jewel had been working on the spell, Jezebel couldn’t stop glancing at Thad. She was sure at any moment he’d disappear and she’d wake up and realize it all had been a dream.
“I can feel your worry,” he told her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “I’m not going anywhere and if I need to, this time, I’ll just take you with me.”
That’s one problem solved. Now just a few more to go.
***
Peri was trying hard not to worry about her mate. There was too much to be concerned about already, and he was a strong, powerful wolf. He’d survived the dark forest, and he would survive the In-Between as well.
“Could I have a moment of your time?” Z said as he stepped onto the back porch where Peri stood.
They’d all shared an early dinner together and had dispersed to go their separate ways for a short while. Peri knew the others needed time with their mates. Adam was off throwing knives at something, and Adira, who’d been strangely silent through the last few days, had taken off without a word. Peri imagined she might want to spend the night in her home, away from the constant bickering of the wolves and their mates.
“What can I do for you?” Peri asked. She was too tired for smartass remarks.
“Volcan still has my sister. I need to know you’re going to do everything you can to get her out safely.”
“You have my word,” Peri said. “How is Sly holding up?”
“He misses her. We both do. We just keep trying not to dwell on it. It’s not like Volcan is an honest man. Just because he claims he won’t hurt her doesn’t mean he will keep his promise.”
“You are correct, but don’t give up hope.”
Z shook his head. “I wouldn’t dare. After all, it’s all we have.”
***
Heather was sitting on Kale’s lap in Peri’s living room listening to the chatter of conversations taking place. Jewel, Thad, and Peri had rewritten the spell and felt confident it would work. Her stomach was full of good food, and she was enjoying the sounds of her friends’ voices.
“Do me a favor?” she asked softly, knowing Kale would hear her.
“Anything,” he answered.
“Show me the room. I want to see everyone and what they’re doing.”
Heather felt the bond open up and light flooded her mind before fading and becoming something else. She knew who everyone was the moment her eyes landed on them. Stella and her beautiful brown skin was sitting in a chair with Ciro next to her. His arm was draped over the back of her chair, and his fingers trailed gently over her shoulder. Her New York friend seemed completely at ease with the touch. It made Heather smile.
Then she saw Jewel, her strawberry blonde hair glistening from the light of the lamp she sat next to. Dalton was standing beside the chair, leaning against the wall watching his mate. His eyes never left her as Jewel talked with Stella and the two laughed.
Heather’s view shifted, and she realized Kale must have turned his head or moved his eyes because now she was looking at Kara. She was the youngest of them, yet her eyes held age beyond her years. But when she turned those eyes on Nick, her mate, they lit up, and she looked like the teenager she was. Heather watched as Nick brushed strands of hair from Kara’s face and let his fingers linger on her cheek. It was something so simple and yet Heather was so thankful to have seen the love that was so obvious between the two.
Movement next to Kara caught her attention, and Heather watched as Anna stood from where she’d been sitting in Gustavo’s lap. He stood with her and wrapped an arm around her waist. The heated look he gave her was so intimate that Heather felt bad for see
ing it.
Sorin and Elle where on the floor close to where Gustavo and Anna had been and seemed to be wrapped in a deep conversation. The love in Sorin’s eyes as he stared at his mate was undeniable.
Sly and Z were both leaned up against the wall closest to the front door of Peri and Lucian’s home. They both seemed lost in thought, neither of them really seeing the room. She couldn’t imagine how hard it had been for them both to be wondering if their mate and sister was safe, or even still alive. Through all of this, they’d both continued to do what they had to do in order to get to the battle that would hopefully help them get Evanora back safely.
“Thank you,” she told Kale through their bond. “I need a break now.” Heather had found she couldn’t look through his eyes for too long or it made her a little queasy. She likened it to motion sickness. Heather wasn’t feeling queasy in that moment, but she’d seen what she wanted to see—each of her friends, girls she’d grown to love, happy and loved by their mates. Whatever happened tomorrow, they at least had all experienced the kind of love and care that many would not.
“You never have to thank me for caring for you,” Kale said. “It is a pleasure and honor.”
Heather snuggled back into his chest and closed her eyes as she continued to listen to the voices that surrounded her. Kale tightened his hold and brushed his lips against her ear as he spoke out loud. “Do you need anything?
Heather’s lips turned up. “Only you. Just hold me like this, please.”
“As my lady wishes,” he murmured and pressed a kiss to her neck.
***
“Where are we going?” Anna asked as she held onto Gustavo’s hand. They walked outside in the early evening twilight, away from Peri’s home.
“It’s a surprise,” he said, his beautiful Spanish accent sending chills down her spine.
The landscape of Farie was breathtaking and seemed to be ever changing. Anna had begun to wonder if Peri was capable of changing the scenery around them but she hadn’t had time to ask about it.
Her thoughts were distracted as they walked between two trees that had grown across from one another and acted like an entryway into a small cove. The branches of the tall trees that encircled the area hung thickly over top, completely blocking the sky. Small lanterns had been hung from the tree branches, and there were at least thirty lighting up the interior of the cove. In the center, thick blankets were arrayed into a pallet, and a wide circle of candles surrounded them.
“Did you do this?” Anna asked Gustavo as she turned slowly, taking in every detail.
“I might have had a little help,” her mate admitted.
She turned to look at him and smiled. “It’s breathtaking.”
“I’m glad you like it. Come.” He motioned to the blankets. “Sit with me.”
Anna accepted Gustavo’s help as she stepped over the candles and then sat on the pallet. He knelt beside her, removed her shoes, and then took his own off. He reclined on his side, propped up on an elbow.
Anna took the same position, and they stared at one another. She took in his elegant but masculine features and strong, solid build, marveling in his physical beauty. Anna didn’t consider herself ugly, but she didn’t think she was in the same league as Gustavo.
“You’re wrong,” he said softly. “You are incomparable in your beauty, mi amor. You are regal and graceful. With all the class that comes with your name, Anastasia. You’re perfect.”
Anna scooted closer to him. Like a moth to a flame, she wanted to feel his warmth. Gustavo placed a hand on her hip and pulled her even closer until she could feel his soft breath on her face.
“I would very much like to kiss you,” he told her. His voice was like a caress on her skin.
“I would very much like to be kissed by you.”
Gustavo’s hand ran up her hip, her arm, and her shoulder, until he cupped her neck. He leaned in as he pulled her to him and crashed his lips against hers. It wasn’t slow or gentle as she’d come to expect from him. It was passionate and urgent. His tongue pushed into her mouth, and Anna moaned as his taste filled her.
He rolled and she was suddenly sprawled across him, but their lips never broke. Anna ran her hand up his chest to his neck and then up into his hair. She tugged gently and grinned as he growled. Gustavo’s hands ran up and down her back and into her hair as if he couldn’t touch her enough.
“I will never get enough of you,” he whispered against her mouth. “For as long as I live, I will crave you.”
He ran his lips across her jaw and then down her neck. Anna felt the scrape of his teeth against the sensitive skin, and she gasped at the sensation. When he bit a little harder, words slipped out that she hadn’t even realized were hovering on the tip of her tongue. “Bite me. Please.”
Gustavo froze. “Que?”
“I want to perform the Blood Rites,” Anna said as she pulled back just enough to look at him without her eyes crossing. “There isn’t a reason not to. The sacrifices have been decided, and it has nothing to do with the bonds. Please, I want this. I want to be yours completely.”
Gustavo cupped her cheeks in his hands as he stared up at her. He seemed to be searching for any doubt but she knew he wouldn’t find any.
“You’re sure?”
She nodded.
“I want that too. But I will not make love to you.”
Anna felt her face heat up. Okay, she wasn’t going to lie, she had sort of thought the two were synonymous.
“They do usually happen together,” he said, answering her thoughts. “But not always. You were raised in the human world, not ours. Marriage is important, and despite the fact that our bond is actually more permanent and sacred than marriage, I won’t consummate our union until we’ve married in the human way.”
“But you will bite me and I will bite you?” asked Anna.
He chuckled. “Yes, there will definitely be biting.” His face grew serious and then he leaned up to press a kiss to the place where her neck and shoulder met. “Are you ready?” he whispered, his voice husky and sensual.
“Oh boy.” Anna breathed out as she nodded.
Gustavo ran his teeth across the flesh again and then struck. His teeth sank into her neck easily, and the pain was sharp and sudden but then it was gone, replaced by intense pleasure. Anna clutched his shoulders and pulled him more tightly against her. She heard a mewling sound and realized it was her. She thought maybe she should be embarrassed but couldn’t bring herself to feel anything other than sheer bliss. A moment later she felt his tongue licking her neck and heard a rumbling growl from him.
“You taste delicious,” he purred and then added, “Your turn.”
Gustavo guided her face to his neck and said, “Don’t think, just bite.”
Anna did as he instructed and sank her teeth into his neck. She thought that there would be some sort of resistance, but there was none. His blood hit her tongue, and to her surprise, it didn’t taste bad. She felt his chest rumbling and gasped as he pulled her tight against him. Anna swallowed several times and then pulled back when she felt a sharp tug in her sternum. It was as if she’d been tethered to something and the string had been pulled taunt.
“That’s the bond,” Gustavo said as he pushed her hair from her face. “We are forever joined. Where you go, I go.” He pulled her face down to his and pressed his lips to hers. This kiss was gentle as his tongue tangled with hers. Anna’s hands itched to touch him everywhere and to feel his hands all over her own body. She wanted to be closer to him, to have nothing between them.
“You tempt me, mate,” Gustavo growled. “I want you, too, but we will wait.”
She sighed. “I suppose I should be happy you’re such a gentleman, but right now my hormones don’t like you.”
He chuckled. “Believe it or not, you will survive.”
“Just remember that payback isn’t pleasant.”
“Are you planning to tease me?” His brow rose and his s
ensual mouth turned up slightly and his eyes began to glow with the presence of his wolf.
“Once we’re married, all bets are off,” she countered.
“Fair enough,” he said and then rolled again until she was beneath him. “Just remember you said that, because I plan to thoroughly corrupt you once you’re my wife. Now we must go or my willpower will fail, and I will allow myself to dishonor you.”
She slapped her cheeks with her hands and gasped. “Oh, the shame that you would be intimate with your soul mate.”
“Don’t make me spank you, minx,” he said and then snapped his teeth an inch from her lips.
“Now you’re just being cruel with the teasing.”
Gustavo practically jumped to his feet and pulled her with him. “We need to be around people now.”
Anna laughed as he tugged her behind him. “Hey, Gustavo, do you want to see my markings? It’s been a while since you last saw them.” Okay, so now she was just being cruel, but she was sexually frustrated so it was a little out of her control.
Gustavo didn’t respond to her taunting.
“What about the marks on my stomach? Would you like to kiss them better?”
A second later he opened the door to Peri’s home and shoved her inside. He stuck his head in and growled, “I’m going on a run. Don’t let her leave this house.” Then he slammed the door and was gone.
Kara whistled. “What on earth did you do to rattle his cage?”
There were some sniffing noises and then Kale chuckled. “So you two gave in, too? Welcome to the Blood-bonded side. We have cookies.”
Anna grinned. “Thanks.”
“So is that what he’s in a huff about? Did you get his motor running and then climb out of the cockpit? Pun totally intended,” Heather said with a snort.
“Actually he shut me down,” Anna said and shrugged. “Apparently chivalry is alive and well.”
“Aw, damn, chivalry sucks when it’s your soul mate telling you no.” Kara cursed. “Can I get an amen?”
