by Brenda Trim
“Aye, they do. I remember when the twins were wee bairns and I would sit and watch them feed from my mamai. I was fascinated by the whole thing. If I remember correctly, she won’t take from your body for long. Her need will be too great a demand for your body to replenish, so enjoy this while you can, a ghra. ‘Tis truly remarkable,” he acknowledged, leaning in to kiss Elsie. The light peck quickly turned savage. Apparently, her hormones were still raging as arousal coursed through her body.
Lust, hot and demanding, took the driver’s seat. As if Isobel sensed their need for privacy, her eyes closed and she drifted to sleep. Elsie handed her over to Zander, exchanging a knowing look with her mate. Zander set Isobel in the bassinet beside their bed and quickly returned to Elsie’s side, spreading his muscular body alongside hers.
“How are you feeling, a ghra? I know Jace healed you, but you must be exhausted. I know he recommended plenty of rest, but can I get you something to eat?” he asked, twirling her hair around his finger then moved to her mate mark below her ear, tracing it lightly. She shivered from the contact, moving closer to his body. She knew her mate well enough by now to know he had no interest in food at the moment.
“I feel incredible, actually. Stronger than ever.” She had to admit, being a supernatural had many advantages. Speed, strength, power and recovery. Tired? Hell no. In fact, she felt invigorated after nursing Isobel. Like she could run a marathon, or preferably, have mad, passionate sex.
“And, right now, I’m very hungry…for you, mate,” she whispered, nibbling on his neck and enjoying the way his pulse raced against her mouth.
“Are you sure? I doona want to hurt you,” he answered hoarsely as she slid the tip of her tongue along the shell of his ear, teasing him further.
“Oh, I’m definitely sure. I need you, Zander,” she whispered, claiming his lips.
“Och, I canna refuse you,” he murmured against her mouth, quickly wrapping her in his arms.
Pulling her flush to his hard length, she felt his erection easily beneath the thin towel and it made her core pulse and ache to have him fill her. Slipping her hand under the soft fabric and palming his erection, he jerked against her hold. Slowly stroking his shaft from base to tip, pre-cum began coating her fingers.
Groaning, he quickly untied and removed the lightweight robe she was wearing, palming her breast as his mouth latched onto the other. She arched to his mouth, pushing the flesh against his mouth and fangs. A prick to her sensitive nipple sparked a small orgasm and she grabbed his hair, holding him to her flesh. Her core throbbed, needing contact, needing to be filled by his big, thick cock.
Quickly rolling over, she straddled his pelvis. Zander loved when she was on top, dominating their lovemaking. It was her favorite position, too. There was nothing better than feeling in control of this powerful male beneath her. She guided his cock to her entrance, sliding down until he was fully seated, enjoying the feel of him inside her.
“Go easy, mate. You should probably take this slow,” he murmured, holding her in place and stilling her movements. “Let me bring you pleasure like this first,” he murmured, pressing his thumb against her clit, rubbing in slow circles.
The pleasure he brought with his ministrations was explosive and she moved against his thumb, grinding her sex against his body. He grabbed her breast with his other hand, tweaking and pulling the hardened tip. Throwing her head back, she quickened her speed as she felt her climax build. This was going to be fast and furious. “Yes, Zander, please don’t stop, I’m so close,” she panted.
“I’ll never stop. That’s it, a ghra, take what you need. Ride me as hard as you want,” he growled, thrusting his hips upward and deeper inside her as he strummed her sensitive flesh. Taking that as permission, she leaned back, giving him more access to her core and reached behind to squeeze and massage his soft sack.
He groaned, meeting her thrust for thrust, and that fast, his body demanded the same release she was seeking. Sex was raw and explosive between them and she was never more free and uninhibited than between the sheets with Zander. Sweat covered their bodies as they continued to take and give pleasure from the other. Just when she thought she’d die of unspent lust, her core clenched as her fangs descended. Leaning down, she ran the tips of her fangs over his pulse and bit the flesh at the base of his neck. Zander shouted his release just as hers exploded through her body. A prick at her neck brought another wave of pleasure, crashing and sending her over the edge. She loved when her mate fed from her while he made love to her.
“Yes, yes,” she moaned, muscles tensed as she took from his vein, riding out the orgasm. Sweaty bodies, breathless and panting, Zander’s chest heaved as he held her close, his hot seed jetting inside of her. Vampire orgasms lasted several minutes and she clung tightly to him, taking from him as he took from her. Their bodies convulsed as multiple waves of pleasure exploded, connecting them through their bond.
“I willna ever tire of making love to you, a ghra,” he whispered, hands cupping her face and claiming her lips, tongue delving inside to tangle with hers.
“Mmmmm, ditto,” she murmured, staring into glowing blue eyes. She returned his kisses, her lips expressing all the love she felt for him.
Sated, she stretched out along Zander’s muscular body, wrapping her arms around his waist. She listened to his strong heartbeat as she watched their beautiful daughter sleeping peacefully. She knew there were demons waiting outside the walls of their home, but right now, she wanted to enjoy this small moment of perfection. Her life was complete.
*****
Zander lay quietly, holding Elsie in his arms as she rested peacefully. He needed to get downstairs to the war room and discuss the latest turn of events, but couldn’t tear himself away from her side.
How the fuck had the demons found Zeum? With the exception of Kadir, they’d killed the last demons to show up at their home. He hadn’t seen Kadir amongst the large crowd and Zander doubted he was back on earth so soon since his last injury. But the lizard creature had mentioned Kadir so he had to assume he was involved and had told them where they lived.
Zander needed some answers and needed them fast.
Isobel squirmed in the bassinet, drawing his attention. He gently laid Elsie to the side and sat up, pulling on a pair of sweatpants before he gathered his beautiful daughter into his arms. He leaned back against the pile of pillows at the head of the bed and rested her in the crook of his arm. Her big, blue eyes drew him in and his heart melted. Along with Elsie, Isobel was the center of his world. He couldn’t have imagined loving this deeply. Now, he understood when his mother had said there was no greater love than the love for your mate and children.
Which was why he had to eradicate the demons once and for all. He would never forgive himself if something happened to either of them. Nothing mattered more than keeping them safe. For the hundredth time since losing the Triskele Amulet, he wished that he could communicate with the Goddess. Unfortunately, the amulet was gone and his link had been severed at a time when he needed her wisdom and guidance more than ever. If he only knew another way to reach her. He stared into Isobel’s blue depths, praying for an answer.
In the next moment, mist filled the bedroom. Panicking, he nudged Elsie, “Wake up, a ghra, I need you to take Isobel.”
Elsie snapped to attention, sitting up and crouching defensively, “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Zander handed her Isobel and in a calmer voice replied, “I’m no’ sure, but I doona believe ‘tis malevolent. Look,” he said, pointing to the mist that had thickened. As quickly as it appeared, the mist dissipated as a figure descended to the floor.
He recalled the last time he had seen the woman in the blood-red, velvet cloak. It had been at his mating ceremony to Elsie. His eyes immediately went to the brooch she wore at her neck. It was an exact replica of the Triskele Amulet and he wondered if she was there to express anger over the fact that it had disappeared under his watch.
Waves of power pulsed from the
female and he prepared for her to lash out, but she didn’t. Instead, she tilted her head at an angle as she met his gaze. Light reflected off the platinum circlet wound into her long, silky, black hair with streaks that matched her silver eyes. The Goddess was striking, he thought, as he took in the rest of her.
Morrigan possessed soft features, with a small nose, full lips, and long, thick lashes framing ice-blue eyes. Her midnight-black gown beneath her cloak had an empire-waist that accented her ample bosom. As Zander stood there waiting for her to speak, a warm sensation enveloped him and he felt love, pride and joy permeate the room. The Goddess wasn’t angry, she was elated.
“Hello, Zander, Elsie. I see you’ve discovered the key to our new connection,” the Goddess’ voice chimed melodically. Her eyes sparkled with mirth as she reached her slender arms out, “May I hold Isobel?”
Elsie blushed, scrambling to retrieve her robe as Zander replied, “Of course, Goddess, by all means.” Carefully placing Isobel in her arms, Zander then picked up Morrigan’s free hand and placed a kiss to the back of it while Elsie bowed respectfully. The baby fit snuggly in her arms as she nestled the baby in the red velvet of her cloak.
The Goddess smiled down at the tiny creature and whispered, “She’s my greatest blessing of all. She wears my mark and is a direct link to me. You’ve chosen wisely in her name, Elsie. Your instincts serve you well, do not ever ignore them,” she divulged, gently rocking Isobel as she spoke.
“Thank you for blessing us with this miracle,” Elsie muttered, gaze fixated on Isobel. Zander felt her anxiety over the Goddess’ words. What exactly was her plan for their daughter? He was wondering the same thing.
“I doona understand, Goddess. What is the meaning behind her mark and why is she the link to you? She is a wee bairn,” Zander dared to wonder aloud, hoping the Goddess didn’t strike him down for his impudence. But, he couldn’t stand the thought of his baby in even more danger.
“She may be small, but she is mighty. Your daughter has special powers, Zander.” The Goddess ran her hand over Isobel’s hair as she spoke. If Zander wasn’t mistaken, the Goddess was fascinated by the action. Being a powerful Goddess, he doubted she had ever held a baby or had experience with such mundane actions. And yet, it seemed as if she enjoyed it immensely.
“What kind of powers and how do I protect her? We have enemies everywhere, even outside our home at this very minute. Did you come to protect your greatest blessing?” Anger sparked at the idea of the target placed on his daughter’s back and Zander paced nervously in front of the bed. He had to curl his hands into fists at his side and bite his tongue to keep from reprimanding the Goddess for endangering his daughter. Somehow, he didn’t think that would end well for him.
“The depth of Isobel’s powers is yet to be determined. Only time will tell,” she stated, pinning Zander with her gaze.
“Goddess, can you protect my nighean,” he pleaded. “I canna keep her locked up here forever, but I willna risk losing her, either.”
She tilted her head, regarding Zander. “Unfortunately, I do not have the power to protect your child. You will need to call upon a Guardian Angel for that. I believe Rhys’ mate, Illianna, can assist in this matter. I came at your request and now you know Isobel represents the amulet and all it wields. Remember this, Isobel is your greatest gift and with that will come great sacrifice,” she declared, placing the baby in Elsie’s arms. Once again, mist filled the space, enveloping the Goddess. When it disappeared, the Goddess was gone along with their chance to get any other answers.
“What the hell was that supposed to mean,” Elsie exclaimed, “great sacrifice?” Zander could all but see steam shooting from his mate’s ears, but he’d come to know Elsie well enough that he heard the fear she tried to hide. “She might as well have given us one of those mysterious prophesies, for all that was worth,” she continued, walking towards the bed. Taking a seat, she stared down at Isobel.
“What do we do now?” Elsie met Zander’s gaze, clearly searching for answers.
“We ask Illianna for help finding a Guardian Angel, the sooner the better,” Zander declared, determined to do whatever it took to ensure Isobel’s safety.
*****
A soft knock at the door had Zander’s head turning, “Enter,” he called out, walking into the living area of their suite. The door opened and Rhys and Illianna stepped through. It was still hard to get used to the fact Rhys was mated, to an angel, of all creatures.
Zander had wondered if the sex-demon would ever be blessed with a mate. Outside of being one of his most dedicated Dark Warriors, Rhys’ life had been defined by partying and females, lots of females. But since his return from Hell, where he’d discovered and rescued his mate, it was clear how happy and centered the male was. But Zander knew firsthand that was what a mate did to you.
Regardless of the reason, Zander liked the change in the male. The core of Rhys was the same, but his mating had given him new depths.
“You wanted to see us, Liege,” Rhys inquired, holding Illianna’s hand as they approached.
“Yes, well, more specifically, Illianna. Please, take a seat,” Zander instructed. Elsie joined them, carrying Isobel in her arms.
“Would Uncle Rhys like to hold his favorite niece?” Elsie asked. Rhys wasn’t blood-related, but all the members at Zeum were family. Isobel’s life would consist of numerous warriors and mates that would be her aunts and uncles. Zander was beyond grateful that his daughter would be surrounded by love.
“That’s the only reason I’m here,” Rhys winked. “Had to see my little Doodlebug,” he added, happily accepting the baby.
Zander could hear soft sounds coming from his daughter as she reached out her tiny hand, tugging on Rhys’ long hair. Rhys chuckled, “See, I told you Illianna, all the females love my hair.”
Illianna smiled and reached over, caressing Isobel’s cheek. “Besides me, this is the only female allowed to play with it, my love,” she cooed, eyes fixated on Isobel. Illianna’s silver eyes sparkled and Zander had a feeling the mated females in the house had been snared with the desire for a child. He wondered who the next would be to announce their pregnancy.
“I know that’s right,” he retorted, placing a kiss on his mate’s cheek. “So, why do you need to see Illianna?” Rhys inquired, making silly faces at Isobel.
Zander raked fingers through his hair. Where to begin, he thought. He took a deep breath then explained the appearance of the Goddess and everything she had said. As he talked about Isobel’s mark, Zander noticed how Rhys’ eyes widened. The warrior had been consumed with guilt, fearing his actions had cost them the amulet. It was obvious the warrior was relieved to hear it had been returned to them. That they hadn’t lost its power.
Finishing with the Goddess’ vague advice, Zander wanted to rail all over again at the unfairness of it all, but shoved aside his anger over the risk to his daughter and focused on what needed to be done. “So, you see, Elsie and I are at your mercy, Illianna. Can you call upon a Guardian Angel for our nighean?” Zander implored.
Illianna’s gold wings fluttered, “Yes, I can help. Calling upon angels is not difficult. Truth is, we all have the power within, as long as belief is in your heart. Remember, the goal is to attract the most reliable and qualified angel to protect your daughter. You must remain in an open, receptive and trusting state of mind. This openness will allow you to feel the love and support the Higher Guides want to bless upon you. If you’d like, we can try now,” she offered, looking to Zander then Elsie.
There was something about Illianna that comforted Zander and he trusted her completely. She was elegant, graceful, strong and sure. He looked to Elsie and she nodded her agreement. Through their bond he knew she wanted this done as quickly as possible.
“What items do we need, if any, to do this,” Zander asked.
“Not much, really. We will want all lights turned off and one candle lit. Your blinds are closed so that is good, we want it as dark as possible. We can sit here
on the sofas where it is comfortable, but we need to remove our shoes. It keeps us relaxed and grounds us. Keep Isobel in your arms, Zander, and Elsie, if you have a personal item of meaning, hold that in one hand and Zander’s in the other. Since Isobel cannot speak, I will talk on her behalf,” the resident angel finished.
“I have my mating stone,” Elsie replied, walking into the bedroom and returning moments later.
Elsie placed a candle on the coffee table. Picking up matches she scratched one across the side of the box then light sparked from the tip. She blew out the match after lighting the candle and took a seat next to Zander. The blue stone in her hand reflected off the candle, bouncing light around the room. Rhys stood and placed the baby in Zander’s arms then returned to his place next to Illianna.
“Yes, your mating stone is perfect,” the angel stated, her silver eyes glowing as she crossed her legs and placed upward palms on her outstretched knees. “Now, relax and breathe slowly,” her voice softened and slowed, “inhaling, and exhaling, until you reach your calming center.”
