by Brenda Trim
The garment was as old as their species and was given to the first Omega by the Goddess Morrigan. Hayden typically wore jeans and t-shirts, but the Omega’s pride was evident in his stance. He wore the garment well, and stood tall and confident, telling all he was the rightful leader of his pack.
The back door of Jesaray House opened, and Cristia stepped out.
“Mine,” Grant declared as his heart melted at the sight.
Radiant was his second thought. She wore a long-sleeved, white, silk gown that dipped low enough in the front that Grant’s cock hardened at the sight. Pulling his gaze from her enticing décolletage, he skimmed the rest of her. Her long, blonde hair cascaded down in loose curls and her beautiful face glowed with joy.
Her green gaze held him captive as she made her way to his side. A hundred emotions overwhelmed him, and he realized they weren’t all his. Their bond had intensified, and he sensed her feelings, as well. This was the first day of the rest of their lives, and he knew this female was going to make him the happiest bear alive.
Hayden chuckled. “Yep. Same look I see on every male about to be mated. You don’t even realize the goofy expression you wear. I can’t imagine feeling like one female is the key to my everything for the rest of my long life.”
“I hope you do, Sire, because there’s no greater feeling,” Grant replied, his eyes never leaving his mate.
Hayden held up a hand, and the crowd immediately went silent. When Cristia stepped beside Grant, her honeydew scent surrounded him, and he was compelled to take her right there in front of their guests. A shudder of desire moved through him, and he leaned down to press a tender kiss to her lips. He poured every ounce of love he harbored for his mate into the moment, showing her he would cherish her always.
Hayden directed them to the stone image of the Triskele Amulet inlaid in the dirt. Grant helped create the replica and was proud to be mated where he felt most connected to the Goddess.
“Friends and family, please form a circle around the couple,” Hayden instructed. “We have gathered here in this beautiful place, under the eye of the Sun and the glow of the Moon. Let the circle be blessed and consecrated with Fire and Water.”
Grant’s sister, Trisha, and Cristia’s best friend, Skye, stepped forward and lit the candles surrounding the three of them. Pema, Isis, and Suvi stood in the second circle and simultaneously whispered, doiteain. Candles, along with the bonfire, flared then rose to the heavens. The triplets then whispered, uisce, and water cascaded down in a sheer waterfall from the sky back to the earth. The fire was extinguished in a hiss of steam.
“We call to the Goddess Morrigan, and invoke her to bless this mating,” Hayden intoned.
From the nearby forest, dozens of animals ranging from deer, mountain lions, and squirrels approached the gathering. Owls and various other birds flocked to the nearby trees and perched on the branches and watched intently. Grant was awed each time the creatures joined the ceremony. The call of the Omega drew the animals together yet kept them from preying on one another.
Cristia’s gasp brought a smile to his lips. This was her first experience with Hayden performing a mating ceremony, and Grant was pleased that it happened to be theirs. Another benefit of living in the Grove with the Shifter Omega.
Hayden met their eyes and took Cristia’s hand then placed the mating stone into her palm. Grant gazed at the granite rock and knew there was magic at its core. The transformation mating stones underwent was extraordinary. The stone itself was one of the Goddess’s most precious gifts to mates. It protected each couple in some way. The question each wondered was what it would represent for them.
Electrical pulses emanated from the stone. Grant felt its energy before he touched Cristia’s skin. When he placed his hand over hers, Grant was surprised by the calming wave it incited.
Cristia stared at him, wide-eyed as she practically bounced in front of him. Her excitement was contagious, and a huge smile spread across his face.
A current built beneath their hands and had his heart racing while his soul stirred in his chest. His bear roared, eager to fully bond to the jaguar that was his other half.
“We call upon the spirits of the East, of Air, Spring, and new beginnings. We call upon the spirits of the South and the inner Fire of the Sun, Summer, and personal will. We call upon the spirits of the West, of Water, Autumn, and healing and dreaming. We call upon the spirits of the North, of Earth, Winter, and the time of cleansing and renewal. Join us to bless this couple with your guidance and inspiration,” Hayden chanted, his baritone voice carrying to the outer circles.
Grant placed his right hand over Cristia’s heart, and she followed suit.
“I bless this mating under the Sun and the Moon. This circle of love and honor is open and never broken, so may it be.” Hayden’s voice resonated with his blessing.
Intense heat built in the stone, startling Grant. He hadn’t expected that and he worried it was hurting Cristia. Through their bond, he felt her emotions. She was frightened but resolute. His fierce mate was facing everything with a smile on her face because she loved him with all her heart.
A second later, Cristia gasped when both souls left their bodies and entered the stone. Magic filled Grant’s body, and bright light flashed between their fingers. The connection between them solidified into gold chains that strung from his heart to hers. That bond was unbreakable. Nothing would ever come between or separate them again. They were two halves of one whole, complete for the first time in their lives.
Grant stumbled when the souls surged back into his body. The new structure of his soul was foreign and unfamiliar but was the best gift he’d ever received. It made him want to renew his pledge to protect and serve the Goddess’s creatures. She had blessed him with a priceless gift. Grant couldn’t contain the emotion that threatened to burst free. Cristia was an irreplaceable part of him now, and he felt her in every cell of his body.
“I love you, Kitty,” he murmured.
“I love you, too. In fact, I can’t wait to show you how much,” she replied with a knowing look.
Cristia belonged to Grant and he belonged to her. He gazed into Cristia’s beautiful green eyes, and saw everything he would ever need. She was his forever.
EXCERPT FROM FIRE WARRIOR BOOK #14
Excitement thrummed through Rhett as he followed Breslin up the stairs to her suite at Zeum. Her hand grabbed his and tugged, encouraging him to move faster. He’d fantasized about her countless times but never thought she’d succumb to him. All he could think, as he watched the seductive sway of her hips, was she was worth the wait.
Her sleek blue gown fit like a second skin and he hardened at the sight. She had more curves than a winding road, and he itched to caress every nook and cranny. She turned and gave him that sexy smile he adored, and he almost lost it right there on the stairway. If he didn’t get her naked soon, he was going to explode in his pants.
Breslin wasn’t like the other females he pursued. She was his greatest challenge, and that was sexy as hell. Rhett was used to females fawning all over him. Easy conquests, to be exact. He also attracted the softer, more demure type.
Breslin was far from demure. Oh, she was definitely all female, but she could kick most male’s asses with her eyes closed, and that was intimidating, while at the same time, thrilling.
Suddenly, it occurred to Rhett that he was unprepared, and he cursed himself. He wished he’d known ahead of time this would be their night. Breslin deserved to be spoiled and pampered. Typically, he arranged candles, wine, chocolates, and soft music for his lovers. He was romantic, if nothing else, and believed in giving that extra touch to make his females feel special.
The sexy warrioress caught his eye from the first day they met. He recalled being drawn to her inner glow, and later discovered it was a result of her ability to control fire. As a fire demon, that power connected with him, and Rhett was convinced it was that commonality causing him to obsess over the alluring vampire.
Truth was, he’d nearly stopped wooing the Vampire Princess. Trying to convince Breslin she wanted him had pummeled his overly-inflated ego.
Breslin brushed off his advances like someone swatted an annoying fly. Eventually, Rhett went on one of his walkabouts to escape his attraction to her. He’d made it to New Orleans, Chicago, and New York, enjoying the nightlife, and numerous females, but the princess haunted his dreams. She was there, night and day, giving him no peace. Eventually, his fixation drove him to return to Seattle.
Her firm, rounded ass snagged his wandering mind. How many fucking stairs were in this house, he wondered as he bit back the urge to bite the firm globe mere inches from his mouth. Although it had been Breslin’s idea to go to her room, he knew if he made the wrong move, she’d kick him to the roadside curb of rejection.
Rhett felt like an obedient dog, knowing if he behaved, he’d receive a treat. But the treat wasn’t some crunchy, bone-shaped snack. This treat was Breslin, naked and writhing beneath him. Or on top, riding him like he was a wild stallion. Hell, if he was real good, maybe she’d suck on his bone.
“Mmmm, baby. Shake that ass a little more and I will take you right here,” he murmured as they continued the climb.
Breslin stopped, turned around then claimed his mouth in a searing kiss. Her mouth was hot against his, and the fire in his blood simmered through his veins.
“Stop talking before I change my mind,” she murmured against his mouth.
Rhett fisted her long auburn hair and forced their lips apart.
“Kiss me like that again and I’ll rip that designer dress from your body,” he growled as his other hand wrapped around her waist and pulled her tight against his raging erection.
Flames danced behind her amber eyes, and she licked her lower lip.
“I’m going to do a lot more than kiss you, demon,” she muttered and reached between their bodies to grip his cock. “You have what I need, and I want it now.”
With that, Breslin turned and dashed up the last few stairs. Rhett stepped over discarded boots he was certain belonged to Bhric, and smiled. His friend’s mating ceremony was earlier that evening and Rhett imagined the urgency with which the male must’ve chased his new mate, Alex, up the stairs.
Rhett was happy for his friend, but also aware of the closeness between Bhric and Breslin. They were twins, sharing a unique bond, and Rhett wondered if Bhric’s fervor was affecting Breslin. He’d have to thank the male, if that was the case. Regardless, he wasn’t about to pass up the chance of enjoying a night with his Flame.
When they hit the landing, his control snapped and he pulled her into his arms. “I can’t wait,” he demanded.
Rhett felt goosebumps rise on her arms and she shivered slightly. Anticipation bubbled through his veins, hardening his shaft further as his fire turned from a simmer to a boil. He palmed her ass and she began moving against him. He picked her up, and the ripping of fabric echoed through the hallway. Breslin claimed his mouth again, hiking her dress before wrapping her legs around his waist. Hell yeah, he thought, as he pushed her against the wall, deepening the kiss.
Her moan, and the way she wantonly rubbed against him, told Rhett all he needed to know, even though she’s never admit how much she wanted him. More than once, Breslin suggested he was a man-whore, with no thought, or concern, for the females he slept with. Until tonight, Rhett assumed she hated him. As much as he wanted to ask about her change of heart, he didn’t dare. Not when he was so close to experiencing her.
“My room. Now,” she panted and bit down on his bottom lip. “I refuse to fuck right here, no matter how much you want me to.”
“As the Princess commands,” he replied and continued up the stairs with her still in his grip.
Rhett made sure to move his body and thrust his hips in a way that ground his erection against her core. She gripped his long hair and raked claws over his pounding pulse. The way she dominated confounded and challenged him, igniting his inner fire.
“At least you know your station,” she teased as she continued to rub against his cock.
“Gods, you are the sexiest female alive. And, you enjoy torturing me. My dick is a steel pipe, ready to burst,” he murmured and pushed harder against her hot core.
Her heat scalded him in the best possible way. He wondered how any other males could handle her burning flame. He liked to think he was the only one able to satisfy Breslin. She gave new meaning to the phrase ‘too hot to handle.’
He gripped the plunging neckline of her dress, and shoved it down, exposing her large breast. The turgid peak called to him, and he bent his head and licked one cherry red nipple. As he walked, he circled the pebbled area, learning what she liked.
When he pinched the hardened tip with force, she arched and groaned, shoving more flesh between his teeth. Rhett wasn’t surprised that she liked it rough. But when he gave it gentle licks and light touches, Breslin came unglued, writhing harder and faster against his cock. That surprising development had him rushing to her room to find out what else she enjoyed. She was a mysterious female, and he was determined to bring her pleasure she’d never forget.
The second the door to her room was shut, Breslin’s lips crashed against his, rough and insistent while she kicked off her heels. Rhett’s mouth parted, and instantly, Breslin’s tongue flicked against his, stroking lightly along the length of his. There was this dichotomy of her taking charge and dominating, while at the same time, she was gentle and reticent. It was baffling, and extremely arousing.
For a brief second, Rhett realized beneath her gruff exterior and bitchy attitude was a female that craved attention and love. The thought concerned him until Rhett realized he was happy to oblige for the evening. There was no harm in having a little fun while giving this sexy vampire everything he had to offer, which was a night of passion and numerous orgasms.
Rhett broke the kiss and buried his face at the base of her neck. Her sultry scent of cinnamon and fire was stronger there, and he inhaled deeply. His cock jerked in response. He acknowledged the rich spice immediately got him hard whenever he smelled it.
Breslin’s long nails clawed his shirt open and she quickly tore it from his body. His back bowed when he felt her fingers scratch their way down his flesh. The fire beneath his skin followed her every touch.
Arching his neck, Rhett growled, “I like your version of foreplay, love.”
“And I like that you can handle the heat,” she teased with a wink.
Seconds later, Breslin’s long dress was over her head and tossed to the floor. She giggled when he waggled his eyebrows at her voluptuous figure. He loved this lighter, flirty side, and wanted to play. In the next blink, her expression went from lucid to seductive, and he went weak at the sight.
He sent fire to his hands, and cupped her lace-covered ass. Heat exploded between their bodies. Her heavy-lidded eyes closed as he slipped his hand beneath the fabric and squeezed tightly.
She moaned and writhed as the inferno spread from where he held her hot core against the head of his cock. Rhett let out a string of curses as her wetness seeped through her thin panties.
Rhett wanted to pound her into oblivion, but the desire to explore every inch of Breslin forced him to slow down. Needing a distraction, his gaze scanned the room and he caught sight of a fireplace in the corner of the room.
He stretched out his hand and threw a thin stream of his demon fire. His flame was deep orange with hints of red, and instantly ignited the wood.
The pop and crackle of the fire called to the demon inside and he felt his flesh ignite in response. Sweat broke across their bodies, and the slip and slide of their flesh had him wanting to slide in and out of the sexy vampire.
He crossed to the sofa and set Breslin on her feet. She stood there in her frilly panties and bra, eyes glowing a brilliant amber. It was a tell-tale sign of her arousal and Rhett’s aching cock demanded he oblige.
He reached for the button of his pants and was gratified when Breslin took contro
l and undid them for him.
“Why am I not surprised that you go commando?” Breslin asked when his slacks fell to his feet.
He allowed his hands to go to the clasp of her bra as he bent his head to her neck. “I typically don’t, but I didn’t have any clean briefs. And, thank fuck I didn’t wear my dirty ones, or I would be dying of embarrassment right now,” he said between kisses.
She tilted her head and didn’t object when he slid the bra straps down her arms and off her body. “We have staff to take care of laundry, you know,” she clarified.
“I know, but turns out my laziness has benefited you, Flame.”
“Mmmm, it has,” she purred and then wrapped her strong fingers around his hard length.
Taking advantage, he gripped her breast, cupping first one and then the other before massaging them with full circular motions. He lowered his face and bit back a groan as she pumped her hand up and down his shaft while he took one pert nipple into his mouth and sucked. The primal sounds escaping her throat were raw and desperate, and his inner demon roared in pleasure, hungry for more.
Rhett’s sexy, low rumble vibrated through Breslin’s sensitive breasts. She was still shocked she was naked, and in her bedroom with the fire demon she swore not to have sex with. A few too many drinks, along with the insistent need from the shared bond with her brother, and she quickly threw that vow out the window.
She would have to ask Bhric about this new development. Would she always feel this incessant need for sex now that her twin was blessed with his Fated Mate? That would be a problem given his mating ceremony happened a few hours ago. He and Alex would be holed up in their bedroom for weeks, if not longer, exploring their new connections. She’d never last, she amended, and considered moving to another part of the compound to diffuse her bond to her brother.
