by Cathryn Fox
After a thorough exploration of her mouth, he grabbed her by the waist and rolled her under him. She felt as though she’d suffocate beneath the weight of his large body.
He released her mouth and began a slow, leisurely journey downward. Fire erupted in her veins, her whole body moistened. A growing, aching need settled between her legs.
His satiny tongue seared her flesh as a wild storm began brewing in her virgin body. Growing increasingly impatient for more, she arched her body. “Please…” She bucked her hips against him. “Please, Ranek.” When she scratched at his back, he took hold of her arms and secured them to her sides.
Tension built inside her as he nipped her tender flesh. She thrust her chest out, begging for him to stop the ache coiling through her body.
He circled a nipple with his tongue, raising her temperature higher and higher. A delicious warmth spread over her skin. His tongue and hands were hot and smooth over her naked flesh.
She writhed beneath him, freed one hand, and reached down to stroke his shaft. She rubbed her fingers up and down his length, increasing the pressure and tempo. He bucked against her hand and moaned into her cleavage.
The torment of his tongue overwhelmed her with desire. Did he have to be so excruciatingly thorough? When he finally took her breast fully into his mouth, she screamed and closed her eyes against the onslaught of pleasure.
As he bit down on her nipple it increased the yearning sensation in her pussy. Desire spiraled onward and upward through her body.
His hand slid between her legs. When he discovered how wet she was, he gave a low moan of approval and rocked against her. She felt his cock pulse in her hand.
“You like me to be wet?” she asked.
He pushed her legs open wider, his eyes darkening with desire. “Oh, yes.” His hot breath caressed her nakedness. “I need to taste your sweetness, Katrina.” She could hear the urgency in his voice, see the passion in his eyes.
He kissed a path to the seat of her desire. He pulled her sex lips open and let out a deep growl. She shuddered. Her skin came alive as he sank his tongue into her swollen flesh.
The first touch of his mouth on her clit made her blood boil. He spread her labia wider with his tongue and delved in deeper. Her body trembled with white-hot pleasure. She lifted her hips from the bed and shamelessly gyrated against his mouth.
“You taste like sweet honey,” he whispered harshly.
Hungrily, he lapped and nibbled and increased the pressure on her clit as he dipped a finger inside her tight cleft. Her breath came in a ragged burst. Fiery heat flowed through her. She fisted his hair and cried out his name as a powerful, earth-shattering orgasm ripped through her.
Sitting back on his heels, he grabbed his cock by the base and began rubbing it along the length of her silky, wet crevice.
“Now I will make you mine forever.” The soft timbre of his voice filled her with longing. Her heart and body ached for him.
His eyes softened as he positioned his cock firmly at the entrance of her slit. Carefully, he eased into her, spreading her pussy lips with his substantial thickness. His jaw clenched, his muscles bunching as she sensed his restraint.
“Ranek,” she gasped as his fullness stretched her apart. A moment later a stab of pain cut through her. Tears sprang to her eyes.
“Stop,” she cried, and tried to push him away.
He held her tight. “The pain will pass, Katrina.”
“No, it hurts. You’re too big.” She tried to squirm away but he pinned her beneath him.
He wiped away her tears. “Trust me, my love, it will get better.”
He left his shaft deep within the walls of her pussy, and soon her muscles relaxed and began to accommodate his thickness. He reached between their bodies and gently, soothingly stroked her clit. Her heart began to beat wildly under his tender assault.
When Ranek felt her muscles spasm, he slowly, rhythmically, began to move in and out of her. Each stroke, each push, turned pain into pleasure.
In no time at all raw lust took over and Katrina began meeting and welcoming each agonizingly sweet thrust.
He grabbed her hips and rolled her on top of him. “Ride me, my love.”
Straddling him from above, she rocked back and forth, grinding her hips into his. Her clit smashing against his body.
An explosion began building from deep within her. Losing all control, she began bucking, riding him wildly, until tiny sparks of light danced before her eyes and her body exploded into a million fragments.
At the peak of her orgasm, she arched her back, thrust her breasts out, and cried his name as the world shattered around her.
Ranek grabbed her hips and pushed impossibly further into her heat. She felt him pulse as his juices spurted deep inside her pussy. She squeezed her muscles, milking the last drop of semen from his cock.
She collapsed onto his chest and he rolled her beside him. He placed a soft kiss onto her lips and gentle fingers soothed her damp hair from her forehead. “Did I hurt you?”
She glimpsed the gentleness in his eyes. “Only for a minute.”
He smiled. “You give me great pleasure, Katrina.”
“As do you,” she replied.
He smoothed his fingers over her naked flesh, leaving a trail of goose bumps behind.
“Will it always be so pleasurable?” she asked, tipping her head to look into his eyes.
She trailed her fingers over his smooth chest, twirling her fingers around his nipples. She feathered her hand lower and touched his now-flaccid cock. It twitched back to life.
His eyes darkened with passion. “If you keep that up, you will soon discover the answer to that question.” His voice was gruff.
She released him quickly and turned her back to him. “Well, we wouldn’t want that now, would we?”
He laughed out loud. “Get back here, you seductive vixen.”
He smothered her chuckle with a kiss as they once again they became lost in the wonders of each other’s body…
Chapter Six
Sitting on the sand with the ocean lapping at his feet, Ranek remained by Katrina’s side and held her tight against him as her mind filled with memories of their first mating.
When she shuddered, he smoothed her damp hair from her face. When she cried out, he whispered reassuring words into her ear. When she smiled, he smiled along with her.
For he knew these dreams were difficult for the human part of her to acknowledge and accept.
Fingers of golden light broke through the predawn sky and Ranek knew his time in the mortal world was limited. He’d soon have to send her back to her bed and return to his lair.
A moment later, Katrina’s body stilled and her long thick lashes flickered open. She looked at him questioningly, but tonight there would be no more answers.
He silenced her unspoken questions with his fingertips. “Shh, my love. That is all you can absorb in one night.” As he held her close, her brows furrowed in confusion and he knew the human part of her was resisting. Gently, he rocked her back and forth, soothing her weary mind.
With a wave of his hand he returned her to her warm bed, inside the safety of her cottage. Her eyes slipped shut and she drifted off to a dreamless, restful sleep. Before returning to his lair, he stole a quick glance at the unfinished painting sitting upon her easel.
He smiled and shook his head ruefully. The image on the canvas was of him emerging from the deep swells of the Atlantic Ocean. He stared at it for a long moment.
Soon these visits would end and she would be with him forever. He took one last glance at her and stifled an exhausted yawn.
Not only was he worried about bringing her mind around before her impending nuptials, he was now also worried for her safety. If Kohan were able to locate her signature, she’d be an easy mark for him. A flash of fiery rage raced through him. He snarled as he recalled Kohan’s smug look when the elders forbade Ranek from drawing his dagger.
He remembered it like it was yesterday.
Regardless of what the elders deemed justice for Kohan’s treachery, Ranek should have finished him off decades ago, when he’d had the chance.
If he was ever given the opportunity again, there would be no stopping him.
Ranek dropped a soft kiss onto Katrina’s forehead before returning to his kingdom. She smiled in her sleep and snuggled deeper into her blankets.
These trips to the mortal world were taking a toll on him. As he readied his bed and stretched out his tired limbs, a soft knock sounded on his door.
“Come in,” he bellowed, impatient with the intrusion when he was so desperate for sleep.
A young servant entered. “I bring forth news from the elders, Lord Ranek,” she said, kneeling before him as she handed him a sealed letter.
“Stand up, my child,” Ranek insisted. He turned the note over in his hand and, upon observing the young servant awaiting further instructions, he thanked her and dismissed her from his quarters. She quickly disappeared through the same door from which she’d entered.
Ranek lowered himself onto his bed and tore open the envelope. A wave of rage tore through him as he read the note. Kohan’s signature had been located.
Ranek jumped to his feet and began pacing. He stalked back and forth, his mind sifting through many unanswered questions.
Had Katrina’s dreams lured Kohan from the underworld? Was he aware of her existence? If so, what were his intentions?
Ranek stopped pacing and closed his eyes. He searched for Kohan’s location but came up empty. At least that meant that he wasn’t nearby. For now.
Knowing there was nothing more he could do at the moment, he climbed into his bed and forced himself to sleep. Tomorrow, he would send a band of warriors into the underworld to seek and gather information. It was imperative that he discover if there was any truth to the rumors that an underworld creature could travel during daylight hours.
Once Katrina’s sun set, he would warn her of the potential danger.
Chapter Seven
Katrina stretched her tired, sore limbs across the bed. Her lethargic body fought against rising. Her lids felt as though they were fastened with weights. She squeezed her eyes tight then slowly peeled them open.
Unlike the previous morning, she was not greeted with rays of sparkling sunshine. She glanced out her small window. A dark, foreboding haze hovered over the Atlantic waters. Icy-cold whitecaps smashed angrily against the sandy shoreline. Gulls cried frantically as the ominous clouds knitted together and loomed overhead, threatening to break open. The scent of the salty air, carried in by the chilly morning breeze, filled the small cottage.
Katrina groaned, pulled the blankets tight around her body, and rolled over. Something sharp pinched her side. She yelped and jolted upright. She flicked on the antique lamp at her bedside and searched out the source of her discomfort.
As her hands patted the mattress, her gaze zeroed in on a small green emerald. Aghast at her find, her mind immediately recalled last night’s dream. The beautiful dress Ranek sent her had been beaded with the exact same jewels.
Ribbons of white light danced before her eyes as her blood drained to her toes. As though the emerald was capable of slicing through her palm, she hurled it across the room. She bit her bottom lip and pressed her hands over her face.
No! her mind cried. Overcome with tangled emotions she jumped from her bed. Fresh tears threatened her eyes.
What was happening to her? Her dreams were mingling with reality, and she no longer knew where one began and the other ended.
If not for the small tokens left behind each morning, she’d be convinced she was losing her mind.
She paced the floor with quick hurried steps.
Her gaze caught the painting she’d been working on. With a sharp movement she picked it up and smashed it to the floor. “What do you want with me?” she cried. “Just leave me alone.” She turned her back on the mess as a sob caught in her throat.
Her life had been organized and planned before Ranek began to invade her thoughts.
She drew in a short breath and frowned in concentration. Somehow she had to find a way to put an end to these dreams. But how? She didn’t know. She just didn’t know.
Being at the cottage wasn’t helping matters. In fact, her dreams had become more alive, more vivid since she’d come.
Deciding to go back to her condo and back to the gallery, she began throwing her clothes into her suitcase. As she packed her bag, an eerily scented wave washed over her and knocked her off her feet. It was the same feeling she’d had twice yesterday.
The scent prompted her into action. Some deep-seated instinct warned her to be careful. She dressed hastily and arranged her hair on top of her head.
As she quickly readied herself, her thoughts turned to James. Perhaps he would be back from his business trip. Perhaps she’d find security and comfort in his arms.
After determining that was her best course of action, she prepared a plan. The first thing she’d do before going home was head to his place, and spend some quality time with him. Maybe that would help her grow to love him properly, the way he deserved. And maybe, just maybe, once that happened Ranek would stop invading her dreams.
Heavy raindrops beat a steady pattern against her windshield as she maneuvered her car along the busy highway. In her tired state their soothing effect mesmerized her. She blinked to keep her mind in focus. A bolt of lightning zigzagged through the sky, jolting her from her trance.
With renewed concentration she flicked on her signal light, took the next exit, and headed straight for her fiancé’s house. He wasn’t scheduled to return until later this evening but Katrina hoped, prayed he’d come home early.
It was well past noon when she pulled up alongside his house. Disappointment settled deep inside her as she saw his empty driveway. Obviously he hadn’t returned from his business meeting.
Longing for company, for something to help clear her mind, she backed out of his driveway and headed for his parents’ home. Every Sunday it was a ritual for his large family to gather for a meal. She was sure to find comfort and security in the crowd.
A smile touched her lips as she pulled up in front of the large Victorian home and spotted cars spilling from the long driveway. They hadn’t been expecting her but she knew they would welcome her with open arms. She wanted so much to be a part of this family. She wanted so much to feel loved, to feel as if she belonged somewhere.
The way Ranek makes you feel.
She pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind and opened her compact. She applied blush to her face, attempting to conceal the paleness in her cheeks. Satisfied with the pink hue, she slipped from the driver’s seat. The rain had lightened to a mist as she made her way up the flower-lined cobblestone path that led to the front entrance. She tightened her sweater around her waist and opened the front door.
His parents’ Victorian home was tastefully decorated in a warm color scheme of walnut and ivory. Persian area rugs covered the chestnut-colored hardwood floors. The walls were adorned with many of Katrina’s paintings. They preferred landscapes and scenery as opposed to her less traditional, abstract seascapes for which she was known.
As she removed her overcoat, she breathed in the fragrant aroma of fresh cut flowers resting on an ornate table in the front foyer.
She was immediately greeted with friendly smiles and welcoming hugs. She relaxed a little and felt the tension drain from her body.
Sunday dinners at the Anderson household were always full of lively conversation and scrumptious food. Katrina grinned when the smell of pot roast reached her nose. She hadn’t realized just how hungry she was.
Carol, James’s mother, rushed around the corner to greet her. James’s features were similar to hers. They both had the same gentle eyes, pale skin, and light blonde hair, although Carol’s had grayed over the years.
“Come in, child.” Carol hugged her and guided her toward the kitchen.
Katrina walked past th
e den. The men were gathered around a circular card table for a friendly, if somewhat competitive, game of poker. The women congregated in the kitchen where they shared the latest gossip, sipped wine, and prepared the meal.
“Anything I can do?” Katrina asked.
Sherry, James’s sister, handed her a glass of wine and a carrot peeler. “If you insist,” she said, quickly relinquishing her duties.
Katrina chuckled, grabbed a much-needed sip of wine, and willingly took over. The liquid tingled all the way to her toes. Soft, soothing light from the overhead chandelier beat down on her and took the earlier chill away from her body.
Standing beside Roxanne and Sherry, her soon-to-be sisters-in-law, she joined in the discussion about the weather, work, and as usual, the men in their lives.
Katrina looked at James’s family, her future in-laws, and as much as she wanted to belong here, with these welcoming people, emotionally she felt as if she belonged to another.
Her heart was not where it should be.
Ranek.
She thought of his tender smile full of love and her heart filled with yearning. She couldn’t understand it. He haunted her. No matter where she was or what she did, he was always with her—in her mind and in her soul.
She shivered as a confusing, unfamiliar mix of emotions and longing raced through her. She bit down on her bottom lip and forced herself to push those thoughts aside. Desperately, she tried to follow the path of conversation going on around her.
Hours later, once they were all seated around the large dining room table, Sherry and her husband Bill, asked for everyone’s attention.
“We have an announcement to make,” she said somewhat giddily, her bright eyes smiling at her husband as she pulled him to his feet.
As the pair stood, a hush fell over the room and all eager eyes turned to focus on them.
“We’re pregnant,” Bill blurted out.
Chairs grated across the wooden floors as everyone quickly jumped to congratulate the couple with a hug and kiss.
Katrina was surprised at the rush of emotions she felt at the announcement. As if moving of their own accord, her hands automatically cradled her stomach. Visions of what her child would look like filled her mind.
