Strange Brew

by Angela Colsin

  Troy smiled, and she got the feeling he was eager to see her wearing nothing but that necklace. What's more, she was eager to let him.

  Proving her right, he mentioned, “You must not be very shy if you're gonna dance naked in front of me.”

  Aislinn would've asked what had given him the idea that she was shy, but with the way she'd acted over the past week, it was all too obvious. In fact, now that her abstinence was coming to an end, it was time to make sure he understood exactly who she really was.

  So she scoffed, retorting, “Please, I'd be naked already if it wasn't so cold out here.”

  “Is that so?” he asked suggestively. “Does that mean you want me to strip for you now?”

  Aislinn looked him over in a dreamy fashion, shrugging. “You can, or let me strip you. Either way, you need to know something before we continue.”

  “What's that?”

  She smirked, downing the rest of her cider, then got onto her knees and turned to slip one of her legs over his lap. Straddling his hips, she held his gaze and took the tie of her robe, slowly tugging it loose until the material slipped open, shamelessly revealing her breasts.

  The groan Troy made in response to the sight delighted and excited her, his warm hands traveling up her sides in the cool air causing tingles to wander across her skin. Winding an arm around his neck, she tilted his face up with a finger under his chin, and murmured once she'd caught his gaze, “I've been holding back this past week, and that's not something I usually do. So once this ritual is over, I'm expecting you to take me out and show me exactly why you'd be a good match for me, Troy Ashland.”

  His rich brown eyes heated to golden as his arms wrapped around her, and she leaned down to kiss him, a deep kiss he reciprocated in kind. It was a promise of what was to come—one that spoke of nothing but erotic pleasure.

  Aislinn couldn't let it go too far before performing the rest of the ritual however, breaking her lips from his after only a few moments to breathlessly whisper, “Think you can do that?”

  “You'll know plenty about what I can do soon enough,” he promised sinfully, voice hoarse with desire.

  Shivering in anticipation, Aislinn unwound his arms from her sides to stand, thrilled by the way he growled in displeasure.

  “Guess I should get this show on the road then.”

  Chapter 15

  Troy couldn't have been more pleased with the turn this night had taken.

  Last week, he'd scoured these woods looking for the woman he'd spend the rest of his days bound to, and now, she was here, giving him a taste of how assertive she actually was. The way she'd tugged her robe open proved she didn't have a shy bone in her body, and he'd never forget her delighted smile over his reaction.

  Bryant claimed no mate could be as good as his, but Troy begged to fucking differ—his witch was perfect in every way. Not only was she witty, clever, and compassionate, she was also playful with a hint of mischievousness. Best of all, she was interested, proving it by demanding he show her why they'd be good together when all was said and done.

  Troy wanted to shout in victory over the thought, finding it difficult to let her climb off his lap and get this ritual started. But the prospect of watching her dance helped him deny the impulse to grab her before she sauntered off, and his eyes remained glued to her in silent appreciation the entire way.

  Now, Aislinn knelt at her altar where she remained still for several moments in what looked like prayer. It wasn't completely easy to sit there so idly at first, particularly when he was anxious for the evening to progress. But inevitably, a growing awareness of the power she was summoning hit him, distracting him from his impatience.

  Though intangible, it was building to an almost palpable level while she prayed until, without warning, the flame in the pit momentarily roared as if hitting a peak. When the flash of warm light passed, Troy looked back at Aislinn as she rose from her place at the altar, and started to sway.

  There was no music, but he was too focused on the scene unfolding to notice. Aislinn's body was slowly undulating beneath the third quarter moon, almost as if she had no control of herself, or was simply swept up in the power surrounding them—perhaps both.

  But any questions he had completely fled away when she reached up to fully remove her robe. The flimsy material skimmed down her shoulders and across her sloped back, then over the finest ass he'd ever laid eyes on. Left in her boots, pendant, and a black thong, his gaze was riveted when she hooked her thumbs into the straps at her hips and bent forward to slip the item down across her legs.

  Troy wasn't sure if he lost his breath or found it, but knew the sight revealed was so divine it had to be heaven. If he was uncomfortably erect before, looking at her round ass made him throb, and he opened his pants simply to alleviate the pressure on his shaft.

  Aislinn left the thong with her robe and stood, her hips still swaying as she stretched her arms up and turned, revealing her entire body. Troy's eyes greedily dipped from her round breasts and pink nipples and down across her belly to the smooth mound between her thighs. Dimly, he heard himself letting a possessive growl just as she took a step, her dance becoming more intricate.

  Watching the earthy way she moved had him yearning more than ever. Each turn, every sway of her limbs awoke something within him, and Troy realized it was more than simply physical. There was something in the air around them where the sense of magic was growing so heady, like a fire enveloping his very spirit as if he was the one with the prowess in magic, not her.

  And it was … intoxicating.

  Because he'd aided in these rituals before, he couldn't understand why he'd never experienced anything like it. Could it have been his connection to Aislinn as her mate? It was the only explanation he could think of—not that he focused on the question when he was too busy watching her move.

  Aislinn swung around in a manner that caused her red hair to fall about her shoulders wildly, and everything else ceased to exist. It wasn't a dance in a choreographed sense of the word, but improvised movements that flowed together like she'd practiced her entire life just for this night.

  Whenever she'd pass the fire, it seemed to explode with energy like it wanted to leap from the pit and join her. The display was uninhibited, untamed, and completely enthralling, speaking to Troy on so many levels he couldn't begin to describe it. The air had grown electric, swirling with energy, and she was at the center of it all.

  He desired this witch in every way, her body too luscious to take his eyes from, the image kissed by flames like a testament to the fire brewing in his own blood. Even the power she'd evoked lured him, his senses detecting the magic flowing through the earth, dancing with her, and Troy was so caught up in it that he removed his clothing without even realizing it.

  In fact, the amount of lust he felt for her was beginning to worry him. He could lose control, accidentally hurt her, or take too much without meaning to. But even those concerns weren't enough to cool Troy's desire.

  They merely tempered his resolve to make sure she got exactly what she needed.

  Aislinn couldn't stop, so caught up in the ritual that she'd forgotten almost everything else.

  Except Troy.

  Her dance was meant to invoke the power she needed to fuse with, but she enjoyed it. The magical energy flowing through every inch of her body enlivened her, and those feelings soon turned to jubilation as she smiled and let a soft laugh. The entire while, she could feel Troy's gaze trailing over her skin as if it were tangible, encouraging her to move for him—and she did. Every roll of her hips, every turn and twist was meant for his eyes despite her conscious claim that this was just a ritual.

  Somewhere in the back of her mind, she was also aware of that same connection to him that she'd experienced in other magical endeavors, and it was stronger than before, spelling things out clearly—Troy's definitely my familiar.

  But that wasn't a topic to consider when the whole world was spinning and she was completely caught up in it, f
ree and empowered. For the first time in months, Aislinn was fully centered on her Craft, and it was invigorating. This, she thought, this is what it means to be a witch. To have the power of nature at one's fingertips and seize it, merge with it, even if only for a short time.

  Just as she grasped her own nature, Troy grasped her. The next turn she made had her smacking right into him, causing her to stumble back as his arms seized her. Lifting her hands to his chest, she grinned up at him, ready to ask if she'd gotten too carried away—until she saw his face. Oh goddess, he looks … ravenous.

  The heated expression was a reminder of her own desire, which roared to life as hotly as the fire burning in the pit the moment she laid eyes on him. Furthermore, Troy was completely nude now, though Aislinn was too close to get a full view of his body—but there was no mystery over what was brushing against her lower belly so insistently.

  Clearing her throat, she whispered, “Did I get too carried away?”

  Gruffly, he answered, “You're the most beautiful thing I've ever fucking seen,” and pulled her in, her breasts flattening against his hard chest as his erection pressed fully into her abdomen.

  Aislinn shuddered at the contact while Troy groaned. He felt so big all over, his skin hot against hers, and she knew all her pent up frustration was about to explode.

  Impatiently, she leaned up at the same time that he moved in, their mouths meeting in a fierce union. Their tongues mated hotly, pressing together with hard strokes as Troy hooked an arm beneath her ass and lifted her to carry to the pallet.

  Laying her on the blanket a moment later freed his hands to explore her everywhere, and he took full advantage, sweeping them down her arms, then up her sides to cup her breasts. Squeezing each, he pinched her nipples, brushing them until they were straining for more.

  “Troy … ,” Aislinn moaned, parting her legs around his waist to bring him in closer. She was already as wet as she'd ever been, and the sight of his body above her only made it worse. The muscular plains of his chest dusted with tawny hair lead down to a hard, and decidedly thick erection that stole her breath. Beads of wetness she wanted to lick away had gathered at the swollen crown, but she only had a few moments to admire it when Troy blocked her view by latching onto one of her nipples with his hot mouth.

  They were so sensitive that she let a soft cry, arching her back up as he hungrily swirled his tongue around one stiff peak before going to the next, sucking them both in turn. Aislinn dug her nails into his hair, the ache between her thighs growing so agonizing that she couldn't stand it.

  Breathless, she rushed out, “You don't need to do this, I want you now.”

  As she'd spoken, she became aware of Troy's hand slipping down to press between her legs, cupping her damp flesh. Her hips raised wantonly just as he lifted his head and growled, “I do need to do this, remember?”

  “No, I'm already—ah goddess, yes!” she cried when he pressed his index against her slick entrance, holding her breath as it slowly sank inside.

  Without prompting, her legs fell wide open, giving him all the access he needed. Feeling how wet she was, Troy growled in pleasure, rasping, “I need to make up for frustrating you, baby. Make it so fucking good you can't take it.”

  Already there! Aislinn shook her head, ready to argue until his thick digit started pumping in and out, rendering her speechless.

  At the same time, his thumb found her clitoris, rolling the throbbing nub around in circles. She jerked in response as pleasure scorched her in waves, letting a choked cry that was cut off by the meeting of their mouths as her hips writhed against his hand.

  Already, Aislinn was closing in on a hard orgasm—her first in two months.

  Tearing her lips from his at the thought, she cried, “Please don't stop!”

  “You're already close, aren't you?” he groaned against her ear. But she was too wrapped up to respond, especially when he wickedly promised, “When you come, I'm gonna let you feel every inch of my cock fucking you deep and slow like you need it, darlin'.”

  Had dirty talk ever been so seductive? She didn't know, unable to remember anyone before Troy Ashland.

  Right on the edge as his thumb stroked her sensitive clit, he added a second finger, thrusting both of them inside, hard and fast—and she exploded.

  “Troy!”

  The pleasure was indescribable. Grabbing him tight, her head thrashed as her muscles contracted around his plunging digits. Vaguely, she heard him praising her, but damned if she knew what he was saying, so dazed by the mind shattering orgasm that communication was momentarily beyond her.

  And somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew this was just the beginning.

  Watching Aislinn's reactions was nearly enough to make Troy come right then and there.

  She bucked so hard against his hand that he had to hold her down, and it was the most erotic thing he'd ever experienced.

  As if fearing he'd stop, she grabbed his wrist, but he had absolutely no intention of doing any such thing, determined to give her release before ever thinking about himself after how long she'd waited. Instead, he started pumping his fingers inside her tight walls faster while strumming her clitoris beneath his thumb, and that was all it took.

  Aislinn suddenly stiffened for a brief moment, then her lips parted in a cry just as he felt the first spasms of her orgasm around his digits. Troy held her tight, continuing the same motions between her legs without variation to keep her orgasm going until she was crying his name again and again.

  “Troy! Oh fuck!”

  Though he didn't find release, Troy was panting just as hard as she was simply from watching his gorgeous witch come on his hand for the very first time.

  “Seeing it's a hundred times better than fantasy, darlin',” he groaned low.

  Her hips bucked again before she finally fell limp beneath him, her breasts heaving with her panted breath. Troy cradled her close, waiting until her blue gaze drifted up to meet his with a pleasured heat still present in her eyes.

  Ready to comment over it, a soft grunt escaped his throat instead as Aislinn's fingers sneaked down to wrap around his stiff, aching shaft. Whatever rational thought Troy had managed to hold onto was driven away when she squeezed it, circling the moist cap with her thumb, leaving him aware of only three things. First, control was going to be harder to maintain than he'd thought. Second, he wasn't going to last if he didn't stop her.

  And third, once wasn't going to be enough.

  “You're so big,” Aislinn whispered, stroking her hand all along his shaft. “I can feel it throbbing.”

  “You're about to feel it throbbing a different way,” he growled, sitting back to grasp her legs in hands that shook with eagerness. Aislinn gasped as he pushed them wide apart, covetously staring down at her exposed sex glistening with arousal, and the sight itself made him groan.

  Squirming impatiently as he locked his gaze on it, she rasped, “Please, Troy, I've never needed it like this.”

  He couldn't bear another second of waiting either, grasping his cock to guide it to her slick entrance. As much as he wanted to savor the sight of her laying before him completely naked and fully aroused for the very first time, then make love to her slowly, it seemed impossible when they were both craving each other so ardently.

  The sweet, longing whimper she let at the initial contact of flesh made it even harder to take things slowly. Her nails raked his back, and Troy's teeth gnashed while watching the cap of his shaft becoming engulfed in her slick pussy. Already, he was consumed by how good it felt, pushing his inches inside until she let a gasp, and his head fell back the moment he was halfway in.

  The way they fit together could only be described as tight, slick heat, and when Aislinn started chanting for him not to stop, he couldn't deny her.

  Bracing himself on his arms at her sides, he drove the rest in, groaning over the silken glide as his mate cried out and clutched him tight. The moment he was completely embedded inside her body, he heard himself mindlessl
y growling, “Gods, you feel so fucking perfect.”

  “Troy … ,” she whispered breathlessly, stroking her hands all over him.

  With a moan, he watched her face carefully, drawing his hips back to surge inside again, and found absolutely no resistance, only pleasure. Repeating the movement, he rasped, “That what you wanted, baby?”

  “Y-yes!” she moaned, lifting her legs higher around his sides.

  “Or maybe you'd rather have this.” With the suggestion, he started grinding his erection deep inside.

  Aislinn arched her back, panting with her breasts heaving, and he couldn't ignore the way her nipples were straining for attention. Leaning in, he drew his tongue over one after the other while listening to his mate repeating the same word in a desperate chant—yes.

  Her fingers shifted through his hair to hold him close, driving him on, and he started moving in earnest with a slow, hard pace between her legs just as he'd promised. She was so sensitive that she bucked, her expression pained when he lifted his head over hers.

  “Troy! You're so … big,” she moaned.

  “Is it good, baby?” he growled, repeating the same motion until she was writhing.

  Their bodies moved together, her hips raising to meet his thrusts, and it was easy to see just how overwhelmed Aislinn was getting when a choked cry escaped her throat.

  “H-harder … ! Please!”

  Troy thought he'd go insane over her desperate reactions, and gave her exactly what she wanted. Locking an arm around her, he grasped the nape of her neck with the same hand, holding her still before putting more strength into his thrusts.

  Aislinn bowed up, crying his name, and Troy couldn't think, could only feel. The need to tell her just how perfect this was, how right it felt to be with her, was nearly too strong to deny. But he couldn't. What words would ever come close to giving her an idea of how strongly connected to her he felt?