by Claire Marta
“But Lexi, it’s still inside me.” Taking her hand, he flattened it against his bare muscled chest.
The beat of his heart was strong beneath her palm. “Twitch, I love you. All of you. The dark and the light.” It was true. Lexi couldn’t explain why. Twitch was not the kind to hurt someone without a reason. He was going to have to do a lot of explaining on why he had acted as he had.
“You do?” Bracing himself up on his elbow, he stared down at her, stunned. As if he couldn’t believe what she had said.
“Even though your rejection killed me inside I don’t want to leave you and it’s probably foolish to even try.”
Groaning, his expression revealed painful regret. “I know I am one epic fucking idiot who doesn’t deserve a second chance, but I’ll do anything to get one. Please, Lexi.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure I can think of ways you can make it up to me.” With a mischievous smile, she wiggled under his weight. Glancing around, she recognised his sitting room with its cluster of piled DVD’s and the large plasma TV secured to the wall. She did not know how she had gotten there but happy she was.
“Are we talking about dinners, flowers and chocolates? And lots of excessive grovelling?”
“No, Twitch.” Fondling his back, she traced the rough mass of scars she could feel in a soothing fashion. “I’m talking the sexual kind with handcuffs, spreader bars and ball gags.”
“You’ll look stunning with one of those in your mouth.” Lips kicking up into a leer, his gaze sparkled down at her with a renewed hope.
“Oh, I won’t be the one whose wearing it, baby.” She told him with a wink. It would be a little pay pack for making her so miserable. Lexi refused to let him off lightly. Besides she enjoyed it when she made him beg.
“Amore, how are you feeling?”
At the sound of another voice Twitch covered Lexi protectively.
“Holy fuck, Asier, you almost gave me a fucking heart attack!” Shooting the vampire Master a dirty look over his shoulder, he remained in place. “Are you getting a kick out of staring at my bare arse?”
The Italian was observing them from the doorway. He showed no sign of embarrassment that he had caught them post fucking. Fang was tucked under one of his arms. Head cocked to one side, the dog was licking his nose excitedly as his pelt was stroked. Asier had not seemed to notice the brown fur which was now decorating his expensive suit front in fluffy little tufts.
“Father, what are you doing here?” Lexi giggled, peering from behind Twitch’s chest. It was sweet how he was hiding her modesty.
“You are not the first male I have seen naked and you are not my type.” Asier assured Twitch dryly with amusement. “I refused to leave until I knew you were well, amore, and that your mate had done the right thing.”
“My Mate?” Dove grey eyes widening, Lexi looked expectantly up at Twitch.
A warm wind played gently through the swaying green grass. Hand outstretched, Twitch brushed the smooth blades between his fingertips. Around him, yellow flowers bobbed gently in the breeze. To his left, Fang was barking. The dog had found some thing to chase in the never-ending field. His little body was a rustle of movement in the undergrowth.
“Ready?” Zook called from where he stood opposite. Still pale and drawn from Nelly’s loss, he had at least given up his drinking. Now the cursed God was focused on his vow. For the last month, he had been teaching Twitch with a rigid, merciless regime. He was determined to mould him into the Guardian that London now needed. A protector for the people. It would take centuries before Twitch was full-fledged as one of them, so for now, he was a student.
“You sure you’re up to it?” Twitch purred back with a grin. “I almost had you on your arse yesterday.”
“Almost, but not quite.” Zook countered with a twinkle in his eye.
Inhaling deeply, Twitch let the darkness in him rise. It pulsed through his blood. With a headiness that never lessened, it sent his heart rate pumping. Burning beneath his skin, it activated the archaic runes which were part of his being.
Head tipping back, he released a long sigh of pleasure. Intoxicating. That was the only word that could describe it. A blend of pain and power seducing his senses. Twitch was mastering it with the help of Zook. He was determined to not let it control him. Returning his attention to the male a few metres away, everything took on an eerie blue glow.
“Let’s see what you got this time.” Zook’s handsome features were void of emotion. The jagged scar that ran from his forehead over his left eye to his cheek gave him a sinister look. It was an expression Twitch knew well. This was no game. What his friend was about to throw at him was all business.
Twirling his hands in the air, Twitch weaved the complex enchantments. They came to him with the merest of thoughts now; woven into the fabric of his being. Magic ghosted up from his open palms. Crackling to life, it wound itself around his arms.
Legs slightly apart, Zook clinked his silver rings together. As the metal touched, his own powers came into play. Sending the grass around him whipping back, he sent out a shock wave so intense it permanently flattened the vegetation in its wake.
Bracing for the impact, Twitch’s own abilities leapt to intercept. Arcing before him, it displaced the air in a shimmer. At the last second, he pivoted to the side. With a boom that shook the ground, their magic collided. Light exploded so brightly they were forced to look away or risk being blinded.
Head still down, Twitch peeked through the fall of his long, reddish locks before he raised his chin. Fang’s barking and the frightened call of wild birds filled the brief second of silence that followed. Blowing loose curls off his nose, Twitch eyed his opponent.
Zook raised an eyebrow. “That was just a warm up.”
“Uh, huh. I don’t think Chen will be happy if we level his playing field.” Fingers beating a rhythm in the breeze, the darkness inside him swelled. It flexed within his veins. With it, came the call from his darker side. This male was no match for him. No one was. Not anymore. He would win this battle. As spells raced through his mind, he let them spill from his lips in a silent whisper.
Blue dragons formed as vapour. Growling and circling before him, they snapped their fierce jaws. Channelling them into the fight, Twitch sent them roaring towards Zook. Wings spread out they ascended like smoke.
Rubbing his chin with his thumb, Zook shook his head in amusement. When the ethereal creatures were nearly upon him, he ducked.
Rotating his wrist, the cursed God clenched his hand into a fist. Burning brightly, the mystic runes that graced his rings flared. Brown eyes intent, a smile touched his lips. Power throbbed around him so potent his aura could be seen in a glitter of red.
Twitch recognised that look. His friend thought he had him. Gritting his teeth, he released a violent surge of energy into his creations. It was a mistake. As the two forces clashed, an eruption of colour and sparks back lashed, knocking him off his feet. With a cry, Twitch hit the floor. Although the thick grass cradled his fall the earth beneath was still hard.
Groaning, Twitch lay in a heap. Above him, the rampant magic danced like a rainbow of shooting stars in the clear blue sky. It felt as if he had been trampled by an elephant. No, more like a herd. Attentively moving his limbs, he checked to see if any were broken. Everything was still attached. Screwing up his face, he swore under his breath. Fuck, that had hurt.
Standing over him with a smug look Zook offered him his hand. “You need to learn to taper the amount you use. If you don’t have focus, it won’t matter how strong you are.”
“It’s difficult.” Twitch complained, as he grasped the extended hand.
“It will come in time, don’t worry.” Yanking him up forcefully, his friend helped him to his feet. “You need to stop being so cocky. It does not make you invincible. Arrogance will get you killed.”
Everything spun before Twitch’s eyes. Taking deep breaths, he cupped his temples. The back of his skull was throbbing from the impact. Being immortal
it wouldn’t kill him, but it still made him wonder if he could end up with a concussion.
“I’m still scared that it might take over one day.” Twitch admitted, as things slowly settled. “That I might hurt someone I love or worse...”
“We can all become monster’s if we let ourselves go. From the fact that you are scared I know that will never happen. You have compassion, Twitch. You could never become a cold-blooded killer taking innocent lives.” Plucking a yellow flower, Zook caressed it with his finger. Pain creased his roguish features. His eyes dulled as memories played across his face.
“When do you plan to go after her?” They hadn’t spoken about it since the day Zook had persuaded him to come back to training.
“Soon...when I think you’re ready...when both of you are ready.” Releasing the flower, Zook let it flutter to the ground. “Next session Lexi needs to join us for her first Guardian lesson. She might be young in Succubus years, but as she comes into her demonic abilities it will be easier for her to harness them if she learns now.”
“You know I’ll help anyway I can with finding Nelly.” Anything he needed Twitch would do whatever he could to make sure he got it. Nelly was his friend too. Whatever it took to get her back. He would help his friend go to any lengths to achieve it.
“I know.” Tilting his chin, Zook raised his gaze. “Today’s the day?”
“Yes, how can you tell?” Fidgeting, Twitch raked some curls from his forehead. They had recently been trimmed. Still tumbling to his shoulders, they were less of a mess than they had been before. He’d had them cut especially for today. Humming in his throat, Twitch couldn’t believe it was finally here.
Fang came bouncing out of the grass. Tail wagging wildly, he flopped down panting at Twitch’s feet. A look of satisfaction was etched across his furry little face.
“The excitement you can’t hide.” A sad smile curved Zook’s lips. “Go on. We’re done anyway. Get home.”
Twitch scowled up at the picture. “Why do we have to have a drawing of my naked butt hanging over our bed?”
“Because it’s beautiful just like you and I love your butt.” Lexi sat back on her heels atop the mattress to admire their handy work. The sketch was the same one she had drawn over a month ago when Twitch had been sleeping. Now it was housed in a frame and hung in pride of place.
Every perfect line was on display. She had caught him in a moment of vulnerability. Curled nude on his side, one hand was tucked under his cheek. In a tangle, his hair hung loosely. She’d reflected his youth in every line and the masculinity of his muscled ruined body in every stroke of lead. It was a masterpiece. One of Lexi’s finest pieces of work.
Today, she was moving into his house. It was fitting that they had hung this. After the day they had discovered they were mates, Lexi had decided they needed to take it slow. Twitch had wanted her to move in right away. Lexi had been hesitant. She’d wanted him to be completely sure. He’d hurt her badly with his rejection and she needed to know they really were doing the right thing no matter how fate had tied them together. After learning what her father had done to keep Twitch away she understood why he had rejected her. Plus, their relationship was new. Reluctantly Twitch agreed when he had seen how adamant she had been.
They had spent the last four weeks dating. It had been nothing but a whirlwind of fun and nerdy romance. It was the time needed for them to build trust again. A closeness that would never be knocked down now they were mated. Twitch had gone out of his way to spoil her. At every opportunity he had taken the time to prove she was the only female who had claimed his heart. It was sweet, border line stalker, but Lexi hadn’t minded. He made her feel special in his own unique way.
She was still working at the club. Kane was aware she was mated now. Asier had made it more than plain what would happen to his second in command if he touched her. The Viking had finally backed off. Now and then, Lexi still found his brooding hateful stare fixed on her when he thought she wasn’t looking. It still worried her. She had confided that much in Twitch who told her she could leave at any time to start her gallery and follow her dream of being an artist. This was something she wanted to do in time. Yet something deep inside was telling Lexi to wait.
Asier had given them his blessing. They had spent long hours talking and reconnecting. She had seen a side of her adopted Father she had not seen since she was a child. He still kept their relationship a closed secret, one he was unwilling to make public. Lexi understood his fears. Being used as a weakness to hurt him was something she never wanted to be.
Gazing down, she traced the mark on her forearm. Beneath her caress, she sensed the thump of Twitch’s heart. They were forever linked. Bound, not only by the tattoo they both wore, but in spirit too.
“Get your hooha over here. Daddy wants some sugar.” Grabbing her hips, Twitch towed her back into his lap.
Lexi giggled. “Oh, Gods, seriously?” Leaning back, she nestled in the haven of his arms which she was never far from nowadays.
“Ok, maybe that was too much.” He conceded, scrunching up his nose. “But I blame your perfect tits! How am I supposed to focus during a conversation?!”
“They are impressive, aren’t they?” Lexi glanced down at her chest, barely contained by the tank top she was wearing. Apart from a pair of lacy pink panties it was the only thing she was wearing. Moving in had quickly turned into a lot of love making. Not that much had gotten unpacked.
Poor Fang had been left shut in the kitchen while all her bags were abandoned in the hallway downstairs.
“Just like the rest of you.” Kissing her shoulder, Twitch wrapped his arms tighter around her from behind. Turning her head, Lexi met his mouth in a deep satisfying kiss. The love shining in Twitch’s eyes dazzled her. It reflected back in her own just as intensely. She had found her mate. Yes, he was a little weird at times, but that just added to his charm.
Twitch released a content sigh as their kiss ended. He’d never been happier. A month on from finding out this pink haired woman was his one true mate; he would not have changed a thing. He still feared the darkness inside him, but with the help of Zook and Lexi he was understanding it better. It was part of him. A side he could learn to live with and control. As for the scars that marred his body he was coming to accept them too. All thanks to this wonderful woman in his arms.
According to Zook, he was the only Guardian to wear the runes of power on his skin. He and Lexi were a new generation of protectors. Ones whose abilities the cursed God had predicted in time would far out stretch any he had seen before.
It meant a change in the future. Their new responsibilities would eventually clash with his job at Scotland Yard. A choice would have to made. One that would completely affect his life. For now, it was a decision that did not need to be decided.
Asier had given them free membership to his BDSM clubs. Twitch had been more than happy to accept knowing it would please Lexi. They both enjoyed the kinkier side of love making and it was opening them up to a whole new world.
Jasmine, his cousin, had succumbed to the Master vampire’s charms. It worried Twitch. He wasn’t sure she knew what she had gotten herself into. Time would tell. Sworn to secrecy, he was forbidden to tell anyone he was a Guardian in training. It was part of their code. They had to remain as elusive defenders, ever vigilant. Not telling Jasmine was driving him nuts.
“Hey, my father will be a good influence on your cousin, just wait and see.” Lexi told him, reading his expression. She was getting good at that.
“I’m not so sure about that,” Twitch admitted. Fingers travelling upwards, he cupped the swell of her breasts beneath her top. That was another secret he had been made to keep. No one could ever know the relationship between Lexi and Asier.
“Look, he may be the Master vampire of London.” Squirming in his possessive hold she tried to escape as she giggled. “Arrogant. Cold. Ruthless, with a fetish for kinky fuckery, but he does have his good qualities too.”
Flipping her over
, he pinned her to the bed. “Well, fuck, when you put it like that what’s the worst that can go wrong?”
“Hmm careful, if you start that now we won’t leave the room for the rest of the week.” His lips nibbled along her jaw line. “And I still have so many things to put away.” She continued half-heartedly.
“I’m always horny around you. I can’t help it.” Finding her ear lobe, he sucked it into his mouth to tease.
“We still have to find a place for the mating gifts my father gave us before we can start fooling around again.” Lexi looked towards the half-opened boxes at the end of the bed. The Master vampire had given them an array of sex toys, crops, ball gags and enough kink to keep them busy in the bedroom.
Reluctantly, Twitch released her. “Want to try something out tonight? You can choose.”
“Oh, I plan to.” Lexi slipped off the bed. Hips swaying provocatively, she made her way over to the presents. Bending over at the waist, she examined the contents of a large, brown bag. Twitch admired her arse. Gods, his woman had curves. Ones he would never tire of.
He sighed, contentedly. His heart was full. Never in his life had he dreamed that he would be so lucky to find a mate. Lexi was everything he could have asked for; positive, fun, loving with a personality that complimented his own. Whatever fate brought their way they would face it together. They would forge their own destiny.
Straightening back up, Lexi smiled sweetly as she dangled a dildo from two fingers by its straps. An adjustable harness let the wearer wield it with ease. It was long and thick with a plastic bulbous end. The size alone was intimating. Of course, it was top quality. Asier had spared no expense.
Eyebrows snapping up in disbelief, Twitch stared at her, mouth gaping open. “No fucking way.” Raising a finger, she shook it from side to side.
“Ladies choice, remember?” Lips stretching into a wicked smirk, Lexi’s dove grey eyes twinkled with a sultry mischief. “Suck it up, cupcake, because tonight I’m in charge.”
