Guardian Demons Box Set

by Jessica Coulter Smith

  “I know about a lot of things.” I smiled. “So, will you come with me?”

  After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded and placed her hand in mine. I lifted her to her feet and moved to her closet. I knew she kept a bag there and I removed it and set it on the bed. She glanced at it and then began gathering her clothes and toiletries. It took about twenty minutes for her to pack, and that wasn’t including her art supplies. I knew that would take an extra trip. But it was a trip I’d make on my own. The sooner I got her home, the better.

  “Why don’t you gather the things you want to take with you, like your art stuff, and I’ll come back for it,” I suggested. “We can’t carry everything all at once.”

  I picked up her bag and followed her to the second bedroom, which she used as an art studio. I wished I had more space at home for her so she could have a room all to herself like she had here, but being unmated I wasn’t given that luxury. The newly mated Tinta demons had been given small apartments so their human mates would feel more at home, and I knew if I ever took such a mate that the same would be given to me, but for now I just had a one-room apartment.

  I watched as she gathered some blank canvases, folded her easel, and began putting her paints and brushes in a large canvas tote. It took her a good half hour to put everything together and I began to get a little antsy. When the Phalanx demon didn’t return to its commander, the person responsible would know that Amara was still alive. And if he knew Amara was alive, he’d try again. I wanted to get her home and I wanted her home now.

  The moment she was finished, I pulled her close. I could feel her heart racing and wanted to ease her fears, but first I needed to get her to safety. I blinked us back to hell and to my quarters. I knew they weren’t much, but I hoped she’d be content while she stayed with me. I had two armchairs with a small table between them, a bookshelf, a bed, dresser, and a cabinet of toys. Of course, the toys hadn’t been used before as I’d just procured all new stuff the week of my intimate encounter with Amara, and I hadn’t looked at another woman since. I replaced them from time to time and now I wondered if perhaps on some level I’d known I was going to meet someone special. Well, meet isn’t the right word, but we’d definitely taken our relationship to the next level.

  I set her bag on the bed and pulled her into my arms. She came willingly and I breathed in her scent. She smelled like peaches. Appropriate since she was every bit as sweet as the fruit. Tipping her head back, I captured her lips with mine. It felt like it had been years instead of days since I’d last kissed her. Her arms curled around my neck as she held on and I pulled her tight against me.

  Breaking the kiss, I looked down into her beautiful eyes. I could see the fear and tension draining from her already. I only hoped that continued and she would be at ease in my home. She might not have the same freedoms she had up top, but maybe spending time with me wouldn’t be so horrible for her.

  “I should go get the rest of your stuff. I’ll be back in just a minute.”

  She nodded and released me, and just as promised I blinked myself to her apartment, gathered her things, and returned home within a matter of minutes. She barely had time to miss me. I helped her set up her art supplies in the corner, then looked around, at a complete loss.

  My quarters were perfect -- for me. What was Amara going to do while she was here? Yes, she could paint, but I doubted she would like my small library, which fit on one bookshelf. There wasn’t a TV, there were no windows for her to look outside, and without me being on the same hall as the mated demons she wouldn’t have access to the other women. She was completely isolated here, and I hated that. But I didn’t know how else to keep her safe.

  “Amara, I know this isn’t what you’re used to, but it’s the best I can do right now.”

  “It’s fine, Dominguez. As long as I can paint, I’ll be happy.”

  I looked around once more. “Yes, but I don’t have a kitchen and you’ll need to eat and drink. The others made do when they brought their mates down here, but I don’t know how. I don’t think this is going to work. For a few days it would be okay, but I don’t know how long you’ll be here. I can’t let you return home until I know you’re out of danger.”

  “What makes you so sure I’m in danger to begin with? Maybe it was a mistake.”

  “I wish I could believe that.”

  A knock sounded at the door. I wasn’t expecting company, but it wasn’t unusual for one of my fellow Tinta demons to stop by. We were a fairly tight knit group, really more like brothers. I wasn’t sure how I felt about one of them meeting Amara, one of the singles ones, anyway. I had this sudden urge to hide her away and keep her out of sight, which was ridiculous.

  When I opened the door, Aires stood on the other side. I motioned for him to enter and closed the door behind him. He looked at Amara in surprise, but didn’t comment on her presence in my home.

  “I thought I was bringing you news you hadn’t heard, but if your charge is here, it seems I’m too late,” he said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’ve heard mumblings of an attack on her. There’s a plot to do away with her.”

  “That would explain the Phalanx demon I fought a little while ago, which is why she’s here. I don’t suppose you heard who’s behind the attack?”

  Aires shook his head. “If you need help keeping an eye on her, you know I’m happy to help.”

  “I appreciate the offer, but I think I have it covered.” Really, I just didn’t want a single demon around her. If Bale, Aleixo or Rorlan had offered, I would’ve accepted without hesitation. Maybe the baby was making me overprotective. At least, that’s what I told myself.

  Aires smiled and clapped me on the shoulder. “The offer stands if you change your mind. Della keeps me busy, but I can always make time for you. It’s important that we keep our charges safe.”

  I glanced at Amara, who was studying my bookshelf offerings and not paying the slightest bit of attention to us.

  “It’s more complicated than that. She isn’t just my charge, she’s carrying my child.”

  Aires’ eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Congratulations. I didn’t realize you were contemplating fatherhood.”

  “I wasn’t. It just sort of happened.”

  “Are you telling me the great Dominguez, who prides himself on controlling his innermost desires, lost said control and got his charge pregnant?” Aires looked smug. “You aren’t so superior now, are you?”

  “Some of us wanted to wait and have offspring with a woman who meant something, someone special, a woman worth spending eternity with. Unlike those of us who will have a child with just anyone.”

  Aires shrugged. “I haven’t had a son in well over a century, and they’re all long dead by now.”

  I snorted. “I’m sure that will change.”

  He merely grinned. “I’ll leave you with your charge. Hopefully she’ll be safe here.”

  My brow furrowed. “You don’t think someone would try to harm her while she’s here, under my protection, do you? They’d have to be suicidal to attack her in my home.”

  “Attacking the charge of a Tinta demon isn’t smart to begin with. They had to know you’d show up to protect her, so what was the point of sending the Phalanx after her? It would’ve been simpler if they’d just shown up themselves and stuck a knife in her.”

  I glowered at Aires. “Don’t go giving them any ideas.”

  Aires lifted his hands. “I’m just saying, it wasn’t overly smart. I think you’re dealing with someone who’s running off their emotions rather than their brains. Who have you pissed off lately?”

  “No one that I know of. And poor Amara certainly hasn’t angered any demons.”

  “Well, you’ve pissed off someone, whether you know it or not. I think they’re going after your charge as a way to hurt you, especially if they know she’s pregnant.”

  “Only you and Bramfier know, and I seriously doubt he would harm her. What reason would he have?”
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  Aires rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I hope you figure it out sooner rather than later. I know you’re anxious to put this behind you and get on with your life. Besides, this is no place for your charge. She needs to be back home surrounded by her things.”

  I knew he was right, but I didn’t like the idea of being apart from Amara. Whether I liked it or not, that’s what would happen once the mystery behind her attack was solved. She belonged topside and I belonged in hell. The only thing that would change that is if I kept her as my mate, and while the idea sounded appealing, I wasn’t sure I wanted her with me for all of eternity, or that she would agree with such a thing.

  After showing Aires out, I turned my attention to Amara. While I’d had my discussion with my fellow Tinta demon, she’d picked up her paints and brush and had started to work on her canvas again, focusing on the picture I had inspired. As she began filling in the details on the face, I realized I hadn’t just inspired it. It was me. I was honored, and humbled. No one had ever painted my portrait before, not in the two and a half centuries I’d been alive.

  I settled in one of the chairs and watched her. The room was silent, except for the sound of her brush against the canvas, but it was a comfortable silence. It was rather relaxing, watching her paint. I would’ve thought having another person in my tiny quarters would make the room feel twice as small, but having Amara there was… pleasant, and comforting in a way. She made my humble abode seem homey.

  As I listened to the rhythmic swish of her brush, I tipped my head back and felt my eyes drifting shut. It wouldn’t hurt to take a nap while she worked, right? After all, if someone popped in unannounced, something that was highly frowned upon, I’d hear them. And it wasn’t likely that she would answer the door, should anyone knock.

  Before long, I was dozing, slipping into the realm of dreams, dreams that were filled with Amara and our unborn child.

  Chapter Four

  A gentle hand smoothed my hair, slowly bringing me back to consciousness. I opened my eyes to find Amara leaning over me, a soft smile on her face. There was a smudge of blue paint on her cheek and more on her hands. A dab or two had landed on her shirt, but she didn’t seem to mind.

  At some point, she’d pulled her hair back in a clip and soft tendrils framed her face. It made me want to tumble that silky smooth hair from the clip and bury my hands in it. Easing my hands under the hem of her shirt, I lifted it over her head, taking my time to reveal her delectable body one inch at a time. Her cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink as I reached for the front clasp on her bra. With a snap, it popped free and her breasts spilled into my hands.

  She shrugged out of the lacy contraption and reached for the button on her jeans. As she shimmied out of them, I trailed kisses down her stomach to the lace edge of her panties. Letting go of the bountiful mounds currently occupying my hands, I slid the scrap of lace down her legs, letting it pool around her feet. She kicked it away and stood before me naked -- completely, gloriously naked.

  I rose and quickly stripped off my clothes. Sitting once more, I pulled her down across my lap, her legs on either side of me, opening her to me. Her perky breasts beckoned and I leaned forward to capture first one nipple and then the other, sucking them softly at first, then harder. She began to squirm on my lap and her wet pussy brushed against my cock. I was already hard and ready for her, and it seemed she was ready for me, as well.

  Kissing her with an intensity I’d only felt one other time, my one time with her, I groaned as she lowered herself onto my cock, her pussy encasing me like a silken glove. Knowing I didn’t have to hold back, that I could lose control, give her everything I had, was thrilling. Only with Amara could I completely enjoy myself.

  Her hips rocked against mine, her pussy shifting deliciously along my cock. I trailed my hands down her body to her waist and helped her move, thrusting upward with every downward motion. My blood heated in my veins. Her touch scorched me. Her arms came around me, enfolding me in her embrace, and I found myself wrapping an arm around her waist and holding her to me.

  Our movements became more frantic as we both pushed one another closer and closer to orgasm. Her nails bit into my skin, and her head tilted back. As her breasts were thrust up and out, I latched onto one, laving the hardened nipple with my tongue. She cried out and then she was coming, her pussy clenching down on my cock, pushing me over the edge. I filled her with my cum as she leaned into me, panting for breath.

  “I’m sorry that didn’t last long.” I kissed her sweaty temple.

  “Don’t be sorry. It was wonderful.”

  “Come on. Let’s get cleaned up and I’ll figure out what I’m going to feed you.”

  “You mean since you don’t have a kitchen?”

  I smiled. “Don’t need one. Demons don’t eat. I mean, we can, we just don’t need to.”

  Her fingers twisted in my hair. “I’d love a pizza. Maybe with a soda?”

  “I don’t want to leave you alone long enough to wait on a pizza to cook.”

  “But I couldn’t be safer than I am here, in your home.”

  I frowned. “Maybe. Perhaps I could ask one of the other Tinta demons to watch over you.”

  She looked nervous and I hastened to reassure her. “It would be one of the mated demons. Three of my fellow Tinta demons have found human mates. I was thinking I’d ask Bale to come sit with you. Surely I wouldn’t be gone more than half an hour.”

  “And I’d be safe with him? He wouldn’t…”

  I kissed her softly. “He wouldn’t do anything to harm you. He’s very devoted to his mate, and I don’t doubt that he would protect you with his life, especially if I tell him you’re expecting.”

  She nodded. “I’ll miss you while you’re gone, but if I had to choose between staying by your side all day and having pizza, right now the pizza would win. I think it’s too soon for pregnancy cravings though.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh at her serious expression. “You’ll have your pizza. Now, let’s go shower. The sooner we’re clean, the sooner I can feed you.”

  She climbed off my lap and I rose, leading her across the room to the bathroom. It wasn’t much, but it did have a rather large shower. I’d never shared it with anyone before, and wondered if I should disclose that to her. I brought women to my home for some fun every now and then, but that’s all. I didn’t let them stay for any longer than it took to get my pleasure from them. Now that I thought about it, that didn’t put me in a very favorable light. Would Amara hold it against me? Or would she be grateful I’d never had a relationship before?

  I started the shower and ushered her inside the space. There was a partial wall with an opening on either side, just big enough to keep water off the rest of the bathroom floor. There were two showerheads, one at either end, but the rest of the room was small, containing only a small sink and cabinet and a toilet. Since we didn’t eat or drink, we didn’t really have to go to the bathroom. But I did enjoy a beer every now and then.

  I frowned as I studied the shampoo and shower gel bottles I had, realizing both were rather masculine scents. Amara had packed some bathroom things, but I didn’t think she’d bothered to pack anything like that. She’d just have to use mine until I retrieved hers for her. Maybe I’d swing by her place and get them while I was out getting pizza.

  Squeezing a generous amount of the soap into my palm, I rubbed my hands together and began soaping her skin, letting my fingers caress the perfect mounds of her breasts and her smooth flat belly before burying my hand between her legs, washing my seed from her body.

  She squirted some soap into her palm and began washing my chest. As her hands roamed over me, my cock hardened once more, but I knew it was too soon to take her again. I was a large man and she was rather small. While we fit together, it was a snug fit and I didn’t want to take a chance and hurt her by taking her too many times.

  Turning her, I quickly washed her back and urged her under the water to rinse. I rinsed myself as I watched
her soak her hair. While I would’ve loved to get my hands on those long locks again, she took the matter into her own hands and began washing it. I figured I would have other opportunities to wash it myself. Once we were done, we got out and dried off.

  She rummaged through her suitcase and pulled out a pair of lounge pants and a tank top. I had to remind myself that Bale was mated and wouldn’t be interested in her, but I still didn’t like the idea of so much flesh showing. I’d have covered her from head to toe if given the option.

  I drew on a pair of holey jeans and a black tee before slipping on my boots. Using my telepathic abilities, I called to Bale. We could summon one another, but we couldn’t converse. It didn’t take him long to come knocking at my door.

  When I let him inside, he looked at Amara in surprise.

  “You needed something?” he asked.

  “Can you sit with Amara for about half an hour? She wants pizza and I don’t want to leave her alone. There’s already been an attempt on her life.”

  Bale frowned. “So you brought her to your place? That doesn’t seem in character for you.”

  “She’s carrying my child, Bale. Please, do this for me. I won’t be able to think straight if I leave her here alone.”

  He nodded his understanding. “I’ll stay. Alia is visiting with Monica for a while, so I’m free. I think Rorlan went topside to get a surprise for his mate, otherwise, I’d ask him to stay, too. After all, two Tinta demons are better than one.”

  I smiled. “Thanks, Bale. I’ll owe you one.”

  He waved his hand. “I’m happy to help. Go get your mate some food. She’ll be safe while you’re gone.”

  I frowned for a moment, but didn’t correct him. She wasn’t my mate, but I wondered who else thought she was. Just because she was pregnant didn’t mean I was going to spend the rest of my life with her, did it? True, I’d always said I wouldn’t have a child unless the mother was my mate, but things changed, life happened.

  Giving Amara one last look, I blinked myself out of my quarters and up to a pizza place I’d visited before. I was right in assuming it would be about half an hour before one would be ready, although they were sweating just looking at me and seemed frantic to get my order to me as quickly as possible. Once I had the pizza in hand, I stopped for a soda, then swung by Amara’s place for her soap and shampoo. By the time I was ready to blink myself home, forty-five minutes had passed, and I had a horrible feeling.