“So, what are you doing?” he asked, sounding casual.
“Were you not in the meeting with dear-old-dad? I’m rescuing my friend.”
Zane laughed, and she hated how much she liked the sound of his rich voice. “No, I mean what are you doing with Jaxson and Ian?”
No idea.
“Does it matter?”
He didn’t answer her for a long minute, but she forced herself not to look at him. Not to show that she wondered what he was thinking.
“I guess not.” He shrugged. “If you’re using them to piss off your dad, it doesn’t change the fact that they enjoyed your attention. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be distracting them for long, you’ll be returning to earth soon and chances are we won’t see you again.”
Guilt made her stomach clench. “I’m not using them.”
“That’s good to know,” he said, his tone nonchalant.
They reached the edge of the city. Not far from them, Ian and Jaxson stood on the dark shores of the River of Lust. For a second an image came to her, of the three of them diving into the lava together. Would desire overwhelm them? Would she get to touch all three handsome demons?
Her inner-muscles clenched, and her breathing sped up.
She barely reached the two demons when Jaxson spoke. “This time we’re teleporting.”
Ignoring the flicker of regret that moved through her, she tore her gaze from his delicious eight-pack. Looks like Zane didn’t have time to grab Jaxson a shirt... too bad.
“Whatever gets us there faster.”
Jaxson turned to face her, his expression thunderous. “Ian. Zane. Go scout the teleportation location. Make sure it’s safe for the princess.”
“Don’t call me that!”
His eyes flashed with anger. “Why not? That’s who you are, right?”
She half expected Ian and Zane to step in, but instead, they teleported away, leaving her alone with the angry Shifter. I can handle him.
“Do you have something to say?”
In a movement too fast to follow, he grabbed her and pulled her against him. “I don’t like it when people play with my head.”
“It wasn’t your head I was playing with,” she challenged, standing on her tippy-toes in an effort to meet his gaze on more equal terms.
A growl rumbled from his chest. “I knew you were up to something. Beautiful women don’t just fall into my arms.”
Ah. I hurt his pride.
Stretching even taller, she moved so that her lips were just inches from his ear. “I want to make something very clear to you. I had sex with you because I’ve always wanted to fuck you.”
His breathing came faster. “I don’t believe you.”
“Too bad you aren’t in my head, because you’d know every dirty little thing I’ve imagined you doing to me over the years.” Taking his earlobe into her mouth, she bit gently.
He swore, his hands grasping her hips and pulling her closer.
“Careful,” she whispered, “I don’t think you can handle round two so soon.”
Like the moment before thunder rolls, she sensed something amazing about to explode. And she wanted it. So bad she felt herself growing wet at just the thought of his big shaft inside her once again.
And then, like giant buckets of cold water, Ian and Zane appeared beside them.
Jaxson jerked back from her, leaving her standing on unsteady feet. Unable to help herself, she looked to Zane.
One of his brows was raised in interest as he looked between the two of them. “The area’s clear. You guys ready?”
Jaxson cleared his throat. “Of course. You take her.”
Zane gave her a wicked grin. “Sure thing.”
Jaxson and Ian disappeared once more, and Zane moved closer, taking her arm in a gentle grip. “I don’t think I’ve ever met someone who could get under Jaxson’s skin so easily.”
She smirked. “Apparently he likes it when I press against him.”
Zane pulled her closer. “Well, who wouldn’t like that?”
Opening her mouth to respond, the words were torn away as she teleported. One second she was by the river, the next she stumbled to her knees, inhaling sharply. I hate teleporting long distances. Looking up, she realized she was on her knees in front of Zane, her mouth level with his... package.
Unable to help herself, she licked her lips. What would a dragon-shifter do if she suddenly took him into her mouth? She’d heard dragons liked to be in charge, but perhaps he wouldn’t mind?
“Better stand up or I might just take advantage of our positioning.”
Very slowly, she rose. “Raincheck?”
He swore. “Damn right.”
When she heard a movement behind her, she spun on instinct. But instead of finding danger, she was staring at Ian and Jaxson, both looking impatient at the base of a dark mountain.
Her gaze slid past the two demons. As always, fiery specks of light floated down from the sky like rain. But it was the mountain that fascinated her, she’d never gone this far out from the city before. She’d never even known that things like it existed out in the darkness of the demon-realms. Halfway up the mountain she spotted a flickering torch.
Zarr’s lair, no doubt.
Imagining her sweet Kate in such a place made anger boil through her. Whatever this demon wanted, soon he’d learn that messing with someone she loved was a big mistake.
Stalking past the three men, she started up the mountain. They easily kept up with her brisk pace, but she refused to look back at them. Her goal was before her and nothing would distract her from it, not even the three hottest Shifters in the demon-realm.
Chapter Seven
Ian watched the woman as she climbed. He couldn’t remember the last time a female turned him on the way she did. Lily’s kiss had brought his shifter side roaring to life, the part of him that wanted to dominate a female. And now, all he could think about was pressing her down beneath him and sliding into her.
I bet she feels like heaven.
Adjusting his crotch, he was thankful he was behind both the woman and his brothers. The last thing he wanted was for them to realize how bewitched he already was by her. Even knowing that logically she’d return to the human-realm soon, he wanted to claim her... and not just for one night.
But for now, our mission.
Two hours passed uneventfully. Just dark rocks and nothingness, spreading all around them as they climbed higher and higher. There were times when the climbing was more than a little challenging, but the hardest part by far was being transfixed by Lily’s round, shapely ass.
I can’t believe this is the angry, little girl who caused such trouble. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t seem to put this woman and the little girl together as one person. Which, he decided, was probably a good thing.
A slight sound made him pause, and the entire party froze. His Soul Blade appeared in his hand in a flash, with red flames dancing along its edge.
Out of the darkness came the demons. One after another the Level Three’s emerged, their gazes trained on Lily. The lower level beasts had difficulty resisting women, but he’d hoped that the creatures were smart enough to avoid one protected by three Level Ten demons.
I guess not.
The hound-like beasts, with spikes lining their spines, peeled back their lips to reveal sharp, glistening teeth. A sound emanated from them. A low howl of warning.
His brothers’ blades glowed brightly as they moved instinctually to surround the beautiful woman who was theirs to protect. And then, to his surprise, her own blade appeared in her hand. I’ve never met a half-breed with a soul-blade.
Each time his gaze slid over another demon, he counted them. When he reached twelve, he tightened his grip on his hilt. A pack of twelve? Had he ever come across such a large group before?
He doubted it.
When one leapt at him, he easily sliced it in half. The sounds of battle came behind him, but he focused on his next opponent. This one lunged forward
, but danced back before Ian’s blade could gut it. Two more beasts tried to find an opening, but his sword was always there to stop them.
When one caught hold of his ankle, he barely had time to react before Lily put a blade through its head. He raised his blade in time to slash another one of the demons in its jaw. A minute of frenzied jabs and slashes left behind a mess of dead bodies, and no more opponents.
Turning to help his brothers, and the woman, they exchanged a look. Jaxson’s shoulder bled and Zane’s wrist had a jagged looking cut, but otherwise, they were fine.
And Lily? She looked like she’d barely broken a sweat, even though two hounds lay at her feet.
Impressive.
“Are you okay?” he asked the woman, needing to be sure.
He didn’t know what he expected, but her annoyed snort wasn’t it. “My Saturday nights are rougher than this.”
His damn arousal rose once more. My primitive side likes a woman with a little fire.
Around them the bodies of the hounds turned to ash. Soon the beasts would return to Caine and the Realm Creator. Again, they would be evaluated. And again, they would be reborn into the demon-realm. Their judgment would be fast. But the pain of their rebirth into this world would be slow.
Which is why even the dead fear death.
“You boys ready to keep going?” she asked, her gaze running over their wounds.
Ian opened his mouth to answer, but there was another sound in the darkness. One of rocks and sand shifting beneath footsteps. A demon, perhaps a Level Seven or Eight, stepped out of the shadows.
“What do we have here?” The man’s voice was low and sinister.
A growl slipped from Jaxson’s lips. “We’re on the king’s business, so if you know what’s good for you...”
The demon raised a brow. “The king’s business? With a human?”
“She’s a demon,” Jaxson asserted, too quickly.
“She’s not.” The stranger smirked. “And so, she’s not protected by the king’s law. In fact, any human found on this realm is condemned to death. Something I’ll be happy to enforce... after I’m done with her.”
Ian felt his panther uncurl within him. If he tries to touch her, I’ll kill him.
“You’re making a mistake,” Ian said. “One that will cost you your life.”
The stranger’s blade appeared in his hand. “You Level Ten’s are all the same. Cocky bastards... right until I watch the life drain from your eyes.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” Zane laughed. “This fight will be over faster than you can shit.”
“Perhaps against just me. But what about two dozen lonely demons who want a taste of your little friend?”
Ian’s skin prickled, and he inhaled sharply. There, beneath the scent of ash, was the smell of many sweaty bodies. Glancing at his brothers, he realized they’d scented their enemies too.
There’s only one way we’ll take down all of them. And I’m only too glad to do it.
“You may have killed our little pets, but you won’t win these odds.” The demon smiled, a cruel smile. “So why not just give her to us?”
Lily took a step forward, her stance that of a fighter. “I can’t wait to help them rip you to pieces.”
Your wish is my command.
Sending his blade away, he gave himself up to his other side. It took him only a second, and then, he Shifted, taking on his panther-form. Crouching low, his tail swung behind him as he stared at the demon, waiting.
Ready for blood.
He watched the demon’s eyes widen. And then the coward stepped back, stumbling as he did so. Out of the darkness, dozens of glowing soul-blades appeared in the shadowed hands of their other enemies.
Jaxson had Shifted too, into a massive dark wolf with scars on one side of its face. Every hair on his body stood on end, and Ian sensed the power building beneath his flesh. Like Ian, Jaxson had an instinctual need to protect the female in their care and kill their enemies.
But there’s something even more. A need to not just protect a female. A need to protect this female.
Zane Shifted a second later. Where once his smiling eternal-brother stood, a black dragon with shimmering scales, spikes on its back, and slitted eyes watched them.
“What now, demons?” Lily taunted, holding her sword out before her. “Will you fight or run like cowards?”
Her words seemed to break everyone from their shock. Good. We want to fight them now, when we expect them.
From all sides, demons came at them. But he and his brothers weren’t worried.
Not as long as she has the common sense to stay behind us.
Ian leapt on the first demon who approached him, avoiding his opponent’s sword and tearing out his throat. The bastard didn’t even have time to react. Leaping from his body, he barely avoided a sword in the back.
Squaring off with the next man, a demon with blonde hair and the build of a titan, he tensed, ready for battle. I hope you’re ready to die!
The world around them was suddenly lit by reds and oranges as Zane took to the air, blazing hot death over the demons. Screams echoed around them, but Ian kept his gaze trained on the demon before him, his desire for blood and death building.
The next enemy didn’t go down so easily. Ian raced around him, darting out of reach of his weapon and waiting for his chance to strike. At last, the man swung his sword out, too hard, and it hit the ground. And then, Ian was on the demon’s back, his jaw clamping onto his shoulder.
His opponent tried to fight him, but his attack was useless. Slowly, he sank to his knees. His blade arm falling to his side.
Ian shook him until blood coated his muzzle. Until the demon stopped moving.
Spinning around, he heard the clanging of swords. Not far from him, Lily faced off with a massive demon. Over and over again their swords met, but she never slowed nor struggled under the more powerful blows of her attacker.
Ian started toward her. She spun behind her enemy, kicked the back of his knees, sending him tumbling to the ground, and brought her sword down on his head.
The demon collapsed, unmoving.
She looked to Ian, their eyes meeting for a split-second before they turned to face any new dangers. But the shadows were silent.
Jaxson rushed back to their party, moving to stand at Lily’s side. In a surprisingly intimate gesture, she reached down and stroked the fur of his back.
Our enemies are defeated. Zane’s words echoed in his mind from somewhere high above them.
You’re certain? Ian thought back.
Yes, but we should be extra cautious on this journey. These demons knew about her from someone. Probably someone capable of teleportation from the city. Someone within the king’s trusted men.
Ian stiffened. One of our own? Couldn’t it just be Zarr’s people?
Why would he lead her out here simply to get the wild demons to attack her? There are far easier ways to kill a half-breed.
Zane landed a moment later, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Stretching his wings out, he reared back, attempting to impress Lily. And from the way she gazed at him, Ian thought his brother’s plan might have worked. When he settled back on the ground, he Shifted, slowly taking his human form once more.
Then, Ian Shifted back, thinking over his brothers words. Zane was right, but the idea that they had a traitor in their midst didn’t sit well with him.
As the three men returned to their demon forms, Lily glanced at all of them, one brow raised. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Jaxson stood from his crouched position on the ground, blood splattering across his bare chest. “Nothing that you need to be concerned about.”
She made an annoyed sound but shrugged. “I’ve heard that before, but I’ll let it go. For now.”
I bet. Ian thought, with a smile.
For the remainder of the journey, they left their blades out but didn’t encounter any other dangers. When they reached Zarr’s cave, Ian was surprised yet a
gain by Lily. The woman strode right in, as if she owned the place. As if she was expected.
This woman—
His thoughts froze as a bloodcurdling scream filled the air.
Lily started running. They followed, right on her heels.
As they rounded a corner, they came face-to-face with a crude door made of the white plants found in the higher demon-realms. Lily didn’t hesitate. She kicked the damn door over and over until it simply fell in.
On the other side, Zarr jumped away from a cauldron simmering in the middle of his cluttered cave. A young woman sat, tied to a chair in the corner of the room.
Her friend.
Lily marched right up to the demon, grabbed him by his dark hair, and jerked his head back. Without a word, she pressed the blade of her sword against his throat. “Ready to die, asshole?”
He and his brothers stiffened. Is she actually planning on killing him?
Zarr’s eyes widened in fear. “But if you kill me, who will tell you of the prophecy?”
Ian held his breath. Was this a game? How would she respond?
She smirked and kicked his knees out from under him, bringing him to the ground, her hand still gripping his hair. “You’ve got one minute to convince me not to kill you.”
Chapter Eight
Every inch of Lily was aware of Kate, tied to the chair in the corner. She couldn’t see any signs of injury, other than tiny burn marks on her flesh from the sparks that rained from the sky, but that didn’t mean this bastard had been kind to her. He was going to pay. She just hadn’t decided how badly.
Yet.
“The prophecy,” Zarr said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Spells the destruction of the half-breeds. And only you can stop it.”
Her grip tightened on his head. “Is that the best you’ve got?”
His words came out faster, frightened. “I’m sorry I took your friend, but I needed you to come here, and it was the fastest way. But the prophecy is real. The time of half-breeds hiding safely among the humans on Earth is coming to an end.”
“And what the hell am I supposed to do about your little fairy tale?”
Mates of the Realms: The Complete Collection: A Paranormal Reverse Harem Box Set Page 71
