Awakened (A Fairy Tales Novel)

by Melanie Walker

  He needed to keep his balance here, his one foot in the game so to speak. If he lost his head over this… whatever it was, then he might as well hand over his balls as well. She played him and damn if he didn’t forget that every time she was near.

  As Briar clamped her jaw tighter and moaned he lost all train of thought and let the distance dissolve. He pulled his arm free of her mouth and broke the connection he had with her neck long enough to swipe his tongue across the bite in his wrist. Lick, swipe and he was back at her neck using both arms to pull her close and lift, until she had her legs around his waist.

  There was no hiding, he realized as he disengaged the lock his fangs held on her slender neck and sealed the two small holes. She was soft and sweet and beyond anything he had ever had the pleasure of consuming, in all aspects of the word. He held her body, firm and warm and writhing beneath his as he dropped them on the bed. Her life blood still a burn of passionate proportions on his tongue. God he wanted to kiss her.

  And she knew every single thing he thought and felt in that moment as if they were one body, one person broken apart, the broken pieces created of secrets between them. But as she moaned when his thigh slipped between her legs to part them he lost his restraint and last night came back with a vengeance.

  This was all that mattered, the desire between them would not change the outcome but it would quench the thirst. "Oh God Fangs." She arched against his hand as he roamed it down her body. "I need this… need you."

  He looked at her and felt the need inside of her, one that battled his own and even now, now with her blood in him he knew she had no intentions of keeping him.

  The knowledge made him violent. He could feel the pressure, the weight of her in his mind reading all of him. There was nothing in this moment he could hide from her.

  This is why.

  He let his thoughts travel to her and broke the wall he was shielded behind. If she would snoop then she would get it all.

  This is why I cannot be casual with you Briar. It’s too much, you here with me, it’s too much.

  When she gave him nothing in return he slammed the door shut in his mind and blocked her fully from anything he thought or felt.

  Throwing caution out the window he had no problem keeping feelings from the mix. Men didn’t need love to fuck, didn’t need an emotion in order to get their dick hard. It was basic primal lust that drove the male species, ask any man any time and if they say different they are lying, most likely to get laid. Fangs was not the exception. He could do this as easily as he could button his jeans and walk out the door when he was done.

  What he struggled with was the aftermath. He could do the deed, make her beg and pant and come with absolutely no problem, but with Briar he couldn’t walk away, not immediately anyway.

  Knowing she sensed where he was at mentally because he knew she was thinking and feeling the same things as he was. He pulled back and looked at her asking with his eyes if she understood that this was all about the physical and emotions were not welcome.

  Her eyes said that it was a waste of time to make rules and do it already.

  Good enough.

  Re Bring back on his knees he pulled the blood red top over her head and went for the clasp on her bra-

  A snarl followed by a low growl came from Fangs as the gentle tap on the door grew more persistent with each second.

  “Housekeeping…” Briar said between gasps as she tried to pull him back down over her body.

  “It’s night; housekeeping is a daylight sort of thing.” Fangs rolled away from her and she released the frustrated groan as he walked towards the door. Not even halfway there he threw his hands in the air and let out a curse not even bothering to go further. He knew who was there and like bad rash he was not going away without attention. Coming back to the room he grabbed her top from the floor and tossed it at her. “Get dressed.”

  She flinched at his tone but took the shirt and pulled it over her head and jumped from the bed and stood before the mirror running her fingers through some almost fresh fucked hair.

  Again!

  For the second time in less than twenty four hours he was cursed with blue balls.

  Fangs cursed again and swore to himself that the fucker on the other side of that door damn well better have a good God damn reason.

  “Who is it?” Bri asked, her voice still thick with the arousal that was for him only and that had him cursing again.

  He was so hard, so ready for her that he could break ice with his dick.

  “Peter Pan.”

  "Oh." She shrieked and slapped a hand over her mouth and looked to Fangs. "I meant to remind you but we uh... got distracted."

  Mild way of putting it he thought.

  "Remind me of what? Why is he here?"

  “Looking for you no doubt.”

  *

  They both spun as Peter materialized in the room, looking absolutely inconvenienced at the sight of the two of them, lips swollen hair a mess.

  “Perfect timing Daydream.” Fangs said and fixed the bedding that was screaming there had been passion on fire in the room just seconds before.

  “Oh I don’t argue that.” Peter said and took a seat in the chair farthest from Fangs, winking at Briar as he passed her. “Honestly Briar he is positively fanatical about you. Had I been a moment later he’d have killed me for interrupting.”

  “Still might so make it quick fairy boy.” Fangs growled.

  Peter just laughed. “Or what Vampire?”

  “Any idea what Chinese torture is?” Fangs warned and the menace in his tone had Peter dropping his gaze and getting to the point.

  “There is a Vampire named Crave and from what I have gathered very new to the Vampire circuit. I need to know the name of Crave’s Sire. Seems the Vamp likes torturing humans and it’s messed with the balance in Neverland.”

  “Never heard of a Crave but I can ask around when we get back to Seattle.” Fangs wasn’t a complete bully. He wasn’t a fan of Peter either and loathed the idea of helping him at all, but he understood balance and without it, well, shit could get a whole lot worse. That and until he knew more about Crave, he wasn’t saying a word. Let the fairy think he was as in the dark as him.

  “When will that be?” Pete asked making no move to leave.

  “Should be back by morning, but I have Posse business to take care of asap upon my return so you’ll have to give me a few days.”

  Peter stood accepting Fangs response and had nothing left to say. He took a card from the breast pocket of his five thousand dollar suit and handed it to Fangs. “I came by last night like we arranged and was thwarted when the place was empty. I hope that next time we have an appointment you can keep it.” Peter went to the door and Fangs blocked him.

  “Shit came up Dreamykins and my responsibilities take priority everyday of the week over Neverland so you can have the time when I can spare it.”

  “Must everything be a fight with you? Can nothing be business between allies? That is what we are Kuyper, or have I missed something beyond your insults.” Fangs almost respected the fairy. He stood toe to toe even though at full height Peter Pan reached no higher than Fangs chest. It was the only reason Fangs didn’t kick his ass for interrupting. Hell he should kiss the guy for saving them from a mistake that epic.

  “Oh play coy all you want but I’m not making the insults alone here pal. You think because of your roll in the universe that your snide attitude goes unnoticed? I said I would meet you and I always keep my word. Last night….” He let the words fade off into a memory he couldn’t forget fast enough and knew he never would. The sight of Briar bruised and bloody was forever singed into his eyelids.

  "What?" Pete asked dropping the fight. "What happened last night?"

  "Nothing to do with that Vampire Crave." Bri said and walked toward the door where Fangs and Peter stood, both defensively. "I was summoned by Fil last night and things got... heated." She and Fangs had a moment of intense eye contact and then lo
oked away.

  "Heated how Briar and no lies I will sense it immediately." Peter stared her down not giving an inch. She was one of his dearest friends and had always wanted to help free her but in Neverland his hands were tied.

  She didn’t say a word, the images were too fresh to hide and Pete didn’t need dreams to see what was in the heads of others. Glancing at Fangs he got the same dose as if the night replayed for him in HiDef. "Jesus." Pete gasped and stumbled to the chair near the door and fell into rather than the graceful movements he normally made. Looking at Fangs his eyes glistened with unshed tears. "Take all the time you need, whatever you need and fuck the balance in Neverland."

  Bri gasped in shock at Peter’s language because the well dressed, patrician in him would never be so vulgar. He stood and walked to the door now that his be Brings were in check. He looked at Fangs and a moment passed between the two that had Fangs smiling in approval. "Kill that mongrel."

  "I will." Point. Blank.

  Nothing more was said between the two and Pete left leaving behind an extremely uncomfortable silence.

  They stood there in an untouchable moment for what felt like years, neither one willing to best foot forward it and say what they both were thinking.

  More please.

  Fangs leaned in finally and pulled Bri into his arms and held her for a few precious seconds before nuzzling against her neck. "Can’t undo what we did earlier and I’m not sure I want to, but it’s getting down to the wire and we need to head out and find that knife."

  She nodded unable to speak with him that close. She wanted more of the passion and less of the fight. The friction between the two of them would no doubt be the undoing and Fangs knew it. And Bri knew he knew it. For the two of them secrets had been the killer, now, they were as open as a wound and the longer they avoided it the more it would fester.

  Knowing what one another was thinking had them both walking away, Fangs to the room and Bri to the car.

  *

  Chapter Fourteen

  Weaver appeared behind the security gate of Fil Quintana’s mammoth house and made nothing but fast work of dodging his guards. He had an issue with the demon and his exhausting way of doing business. Weaver was not to be toyed with, no switching tactics mid fight, no calling a time out. Fil was a weak individual who was as scared as a child in a spook house. He found Fil in a giant game room surrounded by ancient pinball machines, a pool table and dart board, but the demon seemed none to interested in his surroundings as he lounged by the window with a beer in his hand. It was unnerving to see such a powerful creature... bored.

  "Why are you wasting my time?" Weaver demanded and smiled triumphantly when Fil spun startled by the his appearance into the room. Weaver never made house calls unless your ass was grass and Fil knew that he wasn’t powerful enough to take on Weaver and his Allies.

  "Weaver good to see you." Fil rose from the chair and tried to comb fingers through his hair. "May I offer you a beer?"

  "You have nothing I want other than answers and I suggest you get to it." Weaver removed the contract from the briefcase he carried and tossed the file toward Fil where it landed a good five feet away. Like a dog playing fetch Weaver chuckled to himself as Fil dashed forward to gather the contents of the folder which had scattered on the ground. "Why did Tiny come back with the offer of Sleeping Beauty's ownership? I mean I like rare things as much as the next guy but to own a living thing is cruel and completely outdated." His eyebrows drawn together he glared at Fil. "Think Lincoln much?"

  Fil stacked the papers and looked at Weaver astonished that he wasn’t intrigued. "I assumed you saw the benefits of owning a demon. It's a more than fare trade Weaver." Fil said and his nerves coming back on line, he didn’t hesitate to step closer to the terrifying presence before him. He had no idea if Weaver was human or demon or something else entirely. He had never met him before but through stories it was said that he appeared as a man but you couldn’t truly focus on him. The stories were right, as hard as Fil tried he couldn’t get a good look at the male before him, his height was skewed as were his looks and Weaver was no more than five feet from him. It was odd to say the least but no more than a pinch of magic could do the deed. Weaver could remain a mystery as far as Fil cared, he just wanted the knife. The contract was as good as his.

  "Are you honestly telling me that a trade of one of history’s most prized fairy tales come to life is of no interest to you?"

  "I would be lying to say it wasn’t, but my God man, she lives, breathes, eats, sleeps and fucks. It's a little demented even for me."

  "Well if it is of no interest then keep the original agreement and I'll kill her, snuff her light. Sleeping Beauty will be no more."

  Weaver cringed at the dreamy, lackadaisical look that came over Fil. He was insane to the point of clinical care. "I absolutely want her but what guarantees do you have that I could even find the knife." Weaver felt a moment of dread when Fil laughed whole heartedly.

  "Do you honestly think I would bargain without doing my research? I know you have the knife Weaver. At this very minute the contract is on its way to being mine. Take the deal or leave it either way I win."

  Weaver laughed.

  "You’re aware I have no intention of killing her if she becomes mine. I will allow her the freedom to do as she pleases even if it means killing you." Fils laughter died but a growl from the depths of hell took its place.

  "That’s fine; with her freedom danger is bound to find her, perhaps I'll be the danger."

  "If the contract and the Blessed Knife are touched by you they will be worthless and of no harm to anyone."

  "I don’t need silly trinkets to harm her or kill her. I'll do it with my bare fucking hands and a smile on my face." Fil popped a top on another Corona and offered it to Weaver who declined. Bringing the bottle to his lips, "your choice Weaver either way I win."

  Weaver thought the deal over, knowing that full well if he broke the deal what he would be sacrificing but he had no other choice. Briar would not be killed and the knife would never grace the hands of Fil. Sacrifice is the oldest form of payment in the history of life, before money or gold there was payment rendered by the body whether in soldiers slaves or sex. Weavers sacrifice would cost him his reason of being and still it had to be done, the sacrifice paid. Time was running out and he had issues to ensure the future of his legacy before he lost it all. Tiny would take over and knew her responsibilities but in that moment, Weaver was sad.

  "Tell me one thing." Weaver asked, his mind still adrift on what he was getting himself into, wondering if it was worth it

  "Ask away."

  "Why do you hate her so much?"

  Fil relaxed against the window-pane as if he needed the time to think the question over. Weaver had a sneaking thought that if he said there was no reason to do to Princess Briar what he did that he may just kill him for it.

  "It was all over a Kingdom. I didn’t have a desire to be with her but I needed the kingdom." Fil brushed a hand through his hair and went on. "It wasn’t until the death of her mother created a sling of assassins by Ezek in hell. He slaughtered Jeddah who had promised me freedom of Briar upon her mother’s death. With that freedom I intended to kill Jed myself. I learned Ezek beat me to the task. So I sold Briar instead and she took her own life because of it. When the underworld learned that she was the only living child of the Arch Demon she became untouchable. Ezek crafted the contract and knife to ensure her protection. From me. And I was stuck with her for five hundred years. I continued to sale her off but she was forced to come back when I learned that she was all I could feed from, all I could fuck. Ezek made it so and made it possible for her to deny me my mated rights. If she said no I had no choice but to obey. I haven’t been laid in over a century and I can only feed when I am able to summon her. Have you any idea how she cost me my future, all of my plans. My intention was never to harm her but she left me with no choice. And she dares to try and kill me?"

  "Even now you do n
ot see your faults do you? You can’t see that it was the worst kind of torture you inflicted on her."

  "She would have been free had she suffered a little, had her father not got involved."

  "I find it astounding that Ezek hasn’t killed you."

  "He cannot. I am his daughters mate and I have marked her long before she learned of her lineage. Perhaps had he known before our mating, he could have prevented all of this and not allowed the union." Fil almost sounded sad, as if that was what he wished had gone down. "Butterfly effect really fucked us all."

  "I think you mean the fates."

  "No I mean one simple choice; an admittance of Ezek regardless of humiliating the Queen would have prevented it all. Perhaps it is Ezek I should kill. Though I’m sure Bri might just do it should she ever learn what he has done to her. I am not the only vile creature stalking her, waiting for her next move I assure you."