by Storm Savage
Flame must trust the most unlikely man to get her to the most impossible place. Who holds the key that will change her life forever?
She thought Twilight War was the end, only to discover it’s just the beginning. Flame is in for the shock of her life when a man from her past returns unexpectedly. On top of that, she faces a more dangerous mission than before when the evil realm holds a rare horse hostage. Only one woman—and only one man—have what it takes to find the key that will grant Flame immortality.
Flame must follow instead of lead this time, in order to reach an island inhabited by immortal fiends and go up against the Twilight Realm on their turf. In a culture where men are considered the weaker species, will Flame finally see a man as her equal? Will her natural enemy become her greatest ally in her quest for the key?
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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
The Unforgiven
Copyright © 2013 Storm Savage
ISBN: 978-1-77111-627-5
Cover art by Scott Carpenter
All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.
Published by eXtasy Books
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www.eXtasybooks.com
The Unforgiven
Burning Hearts 3
By
Storm Savage
For my readers, thank you for choosing my books. My wish is that you escape reality for a while and enjoy the experience I have created for you. Readers make the characters real and that’s the best part about writing.
For my husband, thank you for truly stepping into my world and living this story with me. This series is for you. I love you.
For Jay, thank you for helping me get back on track. Your support and patience have saved me many times. Never was there a better EIC.
For my cover artist, thank you for the awesome covers in this series, for caring about my preferences and for your passion in capturing the feel of the story. You rocked this covers series.
For my editor Kate, thank you for your honesty, your talent and your fast and professional editing. You are awesome.
And always for Austin, the love of my life. Never was there a braver boy, a brighter spirit or a more loyal friend. I think of you every day, miss you every minute and feel your spirit still lighting my way. Thank you, my puppy angel.
Chapter One
“Tell me about this blood-bond.” His long black hair brushed her cheeks as he lay over her, staring down with those gorgeous eyes fringed in thick black lashes. The lash line formed natural black rims, giving the appearance of eyeliner—a striking contrast against the unusual aqua colored irises. “How did you receive the power to perform the ritual?”
Flame gazed up at him, feeling exhilarated and intrigued at the same time. Von had always had that effect on her, from the day they’d met. Even when they were enemies, the fear and thrill of his aura merged into one heady mix of breathtaking energy.
Waves rolling ashore sent a soft swishing sound onto the cool night breeze as it floated over them. She loved the ocean, especially at night.
“I suppose I can release a little info, since you’ve earned my trust.” She gave him a teasing wink. “Once I completed my training as a warrior, the Sai Masters taught me a few secrets, one of which was the blood-bond. They cautioned me to use my secret weapons in extreme situations only, and to carefully choose my reasons.”
“I take it that you have a few more tricks up your sleeve.”
“Maybe,” she said with a little smile.
“I get the feeling that’s all you’re going to tell me.”
“Yep.”
“You do realize that I still don’t know your last name, don’t you?”
“You’re a very clever man. I’m sure if you think hard enough about what you already know, you’ll figure it out.”
His eyes shimmered with intrigue and a slight grin touched his sensual lips. “You said a while ago that those who’ve earned your trust know your last name.” He arched questioning brows.
She gave a relenting sigh. “You have a good memory. I see the wounded look in your eyes—you think I don’t trust you yet, even after all the risks you took to betray the evil realm and help me win the war.”
“Do you blame me?”
“No, you’re right. I have to learn to let my guard down a little. I’ve been a loner for so long, just not used to letting people get too close.”
“We drank each other’s blood…does it get any closer than that?” He grinned roguishly.
Her thoughts drifted back for a moment. “Mm, that was hot…you make a good point.” She glanced at her palm. “Let’s play a little.”
“Oh? My serious warrior woman actually wants to let down and play?”
“Playing with you is fun. I need more fun in my life with all this immortal drama around us.”
“I’m game.” His sexy wink stirred her deep inside.
“Since we’ve already engaged in the blood-bond, it is permissible and even encouraged for us to practice the act in order to increase the power of the bond.”
“Sounds like you want to channel more of my supernatural talents.”
She smiled. “Of course. And in return, you gain a deeper connection to my soul. That is what you want, isn’t it?”
“Definitely.”
“Then let’s give it a go. Only this time, while you’re sucking my blood, reach into my mind and try to see my last name. We can channel each other, exchange gifts to strengthen the bond and our combined power.”
“Damn, woman, you are undeniably hot.” He released a heavy sigh. “You know what a turn-on that ritual is. Are you prepared for a long night?”
She glanced up at a bright first quarter moon, relieved that the crescent phase had passed. She didn’t care to see another crescent moon for a long time. “I can handle a wild night with you, Von Calder, under that enchanting moon.”
“Rub it in, why don’t ya,” he teased with a laugh.
“Don’t worry, you will know my full name soon enough. Now where’s that badass knife of yours?”
He reached into the black leather jacket lying beside them on the sandy beach. She watched in enthralled anticipation as he slid the blade across his left palm. Instantly, blood surfaced from the cut. Offering her left hand to him with palm facing up, she stared into the heated gaze already locked on her. She never winced when he used the same knife to make a clean slice on her palm.
They sucked the blood from each other’s wounds while maintaining intense eye contact. A wave of heat washed over her, followed by a surge of sexual arousal. She could tell by the sudden change in his expression that he felt the same. His eyes looked heavy, and a passionate glaze enhanced the already captivating blue-green color.
He shifted his weight just slightly so that the hard bulge in his pants pressed between her thighs. The ache inside her intensified. Fully aware of what that skintight black leather concealed, she shivered at the mere thought
of him filling her with his awesome self. Their faces were mere inches apart when she felt him reaching into her mind. Her body tensed as the energy from his immortal soul inundated hers. They groaned in unison, euphoric in their connection.
He seemed amazingly aware of the transmission between them and took his time so as not to end the exchange too soon. His eyes lingered on her, seduced her, made love to her mind while his tongue soothed the cut on her hand. Tingles of excitement shot through her. She, herself, barely kept control and began to realize that perhaps this man could be her equal. In her world, it would take one hell of a strong, secure alpha male to rise to such a level.
And right here, right now, Von had taken the lead. He held her in place while they dangled on the precipice of rapture. For the first time in her life, a man stirred a raging wildfire in her soul yet at the same time, he exhibited total self-control. She couldn’t be more turned on. She panted for breath and licked the heady taste of his blood from her lips when he eased his hand away. In turn, he released her hand and drew back just slightly.
“I—”
He pressed one gentle finger to her lips. “Sshh…I know.”
In the next breath, his sensual mouth covered hers. She parted her lips for his seeking tongue, welcoming it to explore, fill, and tease. Her arms curled around his strong neck, pulling him down for a deeper kiss. He groaned, then sighed with open desire. Skilled hands unzipped her jacket to caress her breasts. After pulling the clingy sleeveless t-shirt over his head, she reached for the snap at his waist. They rolled over. Von broke the kiss long enough to shuck his leathers and boots, then grabbed her pants by the waistband and tugged them down her legs. She kicked off her boots and wriggled free of the leather.
He lifted her upper body off the ground long enough to push her jacket away, then laid her down in a passionate embrace. He kissed her hard and long, just the way she longed to be kissed with his tongue filling her mouth. His kisses tasted as hot as his blood, making her high. Their hands took each other in. She flattened her palms while moving them over the hard pecs of his gorgeous chest, then lower to feel the rippling six-pack abs beneath her touch.
Something between a growl and a groan rose in his chest as her fingers dipped lower to trace the sexy love trail below his navel, then even lower to curl around the long, rock-hard length of his sex. He possessed amazing self-restraint, allowing her to explore and feel every inch at her own pace. She loved touching him. He had the body of a god—hard, tall, muscled, and tan with long arms and legs—masculinity at its finest.
Killing him had been sheer agony. To destroy something so utterly magnificent would’ve been a total waste. She never thought she’d feel relieved that the Twilight Realm brought back their most powerful Satellite. And now he belonged to her and only her. Together she and Von had won the war, and this was their just reward.
She shuddered with the first stage of orgasm when his fingers dove into her aching heat. “No,” she barely whispered upon breaking the kiss. “Not this way…I want you inside.”
He stared into her, breathing heavily. “Sweet, sweet thing,” he purred while sliding his fully engorged length deep inside.
She gasped and threw her head back as he filled her, stretched her, thrilled her. Then their eyes met again. They fell into a perfect rhythm, her hips rising to meet every blissful thrust of his sex into hers. She welcomed him, craved him—loved him.
Their bodies moved together, skin sliding against skin as they became bathed in the sweat of passion. Faster and harder, then slow and smooth until every nerve in her body felt alive and her blood felt like fire coursing through her veins. The sweet hellish tightening seconds before that blissful eruption held her suspended on the brink of orgasm. She willed herself to wait for him.
His eyes grew heavy again and sheer pleasure washed over his face as he reached his breaking point. She loved the look that swept the hard lines of rugged handsomeness into a yielding expression of utter ecstasy when he came. His body jerked with force, spilling his hot release into her core. She relented to her own need and allowed the blissful spasms to claim her as liquid heat jetted deep inside.
With a simultaneous groan, they clung to one another, tangled in a lover’s embrace on the sand as their bodies climaxed together. Clutching handfuls of his long silky hair, she locked her ankles behind his lower waist and pulled him closer until not an inch of space was between them. They held each other tight as the euphoria peaked then subsided.
She longed to feel this imposing male dominate her. No man until Von had ever proven himself worthy of her unbridled submission and she wanted to give herself to him in every way.
She’d never truly mated with a male—sexual intercourse, yes, but mating, no. Mating was something the domestic women of her sisterhood pursued in order to produce offspring. Her thoughts briefly flashed back to Naami, the dethroned queen, who’d often boasted of her conquests and insisted that Flame could never understand the desires of real women. According to Naami, warriors were unable to experience the pleasures of a man in every sense.
The urges coursing through Flame right now dispelled everything she’d been taught. She’d never felt this way toward a man, never wanted a male to make her lose control until now.
With a gentle tug of his hair, she pulled his head back so that their eyes met. “Mate with me.” Her voice was soft and seeking.
He tilted his head just slightly with an inquisitive look, staring silently into her soul for several breathtaking minutes. When he responded, commanding sensuality drenched his already sexy voice.
“Your mind is wide open to me, sugar. I’ve been hearing your thoughts all night.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I wanted you to.”
“Babe, if we go there, you should know…I will claim you as my life mate.” He laid a tender hand alongside her face. “I’ve wanted you as my own since the beginning. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes,” she breathed out the word.
His eyes searched hers. She saw the deep longing in his eyes and felt him reaching into her mind for any sign of doubt. She knew how much he wanted this, wanted her. She also understood the ramifications of taking their relationship to the ultimate level. A man like him would be fiercely protective, yet allow her room to breathe. Knowing his history, she fully grasped what a serious commitment this would be to him. And it made her want him all the more.
He didn’t ask for his fate. He’d never volunteered for his role in Twilight’s scheme. Von had been a victim, like most of the others, and compelled to do the evil realm’s bidding. In spite of everything, he’d risked eternal damnation to save her. He broke the hold, severed the control Twilight had over him and chose to walk away from darkness when he finally was offered the chance. He’d won her heart and her trust. Now she yearned to give him her body.
“Do you need me to say it again?”
“No, babe, we’ve made it clear that we love each other. I don’t need reassurance. Just giving you time to change your mind.”
“If I had any doubts, which I don’t, what you just said would’ve erased them. I love that you don’t need to be coddled.”
“I’ve always known we were right for each other, Flame Tahira Rennie.” A light grin touched his lips. “A beautiful and fitting name for a woman as rare as you.”
She didn’t speak right away. The way his voice caressed her name sent delightful shivers over her skin, making her want to bask in the lingering echo in her mind. He’d reached deep into her spirit to uncover her birth name, something no man had ever done. Everything about giving herself to Von felt right. His knowledge and experience with supernatural forces negated the need for further explanation. She had no doubt he understood the difference between mating and sex, or in their case, making love.
After all, he’d been the Satellite, sent by the evil realm to mate with her and take her to their side. But she’d triggered his humanity and enabled him to make a choice.
She stared
up at him with sincere eyes. “You made your choice without wavering. Now I’ve made mine and I choose you.”
He remained quiet, simply gazing back at her. With both hands framing her face, he closed his eyes and moved softly parted lips over every part of her face, placing feathery kisses on her forehead, eyes, nose, cheeks, then the corners of her mouth until sealing his mouth to hers in a sweet exchange of deep affection.
She’d never felt this level of emotion coming from him. They entwined about each other as their arousal mounted yet again. Confident in her decision, she relaxed and let him take the lead.
His demeanor shifted as their passion took control. He began exhibiting signs of heightened aggression. His alluring scent floated over her, permeating her senses, stimulating her already burning need to mate. Everything about him consumed her.
“Baby,” he murmured. “Let me prepare you.” He eased her onto her hands and knees then knelt behind her.
She let out a soft moan as his hands glided up the length of her back, then down again to settle on her inner thighs. Gently, he moved her legs apart while stroking her thighs. A sudden rush of heat pooled in her sex when his long wet tongue slid up the center. She bit her lip to halt a scream. Within minutes, she came hard in his mouth, astounded by his incredible skill. Gasping for breath with her head dropped forward, she dug her fingers into the sand as he continued the delectable lapping. Warm liquid covered her inner thighs and drenched the throbbing flesh of her sex. She was more than ready by the time he moved into position.
“Perfect…” He pushed against her, working his fully engorged length into her core. He took hold of her hips and held her steady as she adjusted to his increased size. “Relax, sugar, I would never hurt you.”
She drew a deep breath and moved her legs apart, then forced her body to relax and accept him. The ache inside subsided to sensations of bliss as little by little, Von inched his way in. He was absolutely huge, due to nature’s way of securing a successful mating. Never had her depths been stretched and filled to this capacity. She began to wonder if her unmated body would fully receive this extremely well endowed male.
