Wicked Flames (Solsti Prophecy)

by Sharon Kay

  He will always protect me.

  The thought popped into her head, unbidden. She had no idea where it came from, but it was crystal clear. He’d fought demons for her. He’d followed her to another realm. And he’d called in a favor from a normally-hostile race.

  She looked up at him, surprised at the intensity of her emotion. What is going on between us? She was dying to get him alone and find out.

  He glanced down at her. “Did I leave anything out?”

  She could only smile and shake her head.

  He smiled back, then looked at Brooke and Kai. “So, what happened here while we were gone?”

  Brooke inhaled and exhaled slowly. Gin’s senses went on alert. Whenever Brooke did that, she had newsworthy information.

  “Well, I’ve been working on my own power, trying to expand my ability to be able to breathe underwater.”

  “And?” Gin leaned forward, willing her sister to say it already.

  “I can do it!” Brooke beamed. Kai leaned over to kiss her.

  “Oh my God! Just…but…how…you mean, like a fish?” The unfinished phrases tumbled from Gin’s mouth as she tried to grasp this new facet of Brooke’s ability.

  “Yes! But without gills.”

  “That’s amazing!” Gin stared at her sister. “You can go anywhere now.”

  “That’s part of our news,” Brooke said, taking another deep breath. “So, when Kai and I were on Torth, we met Raniero and Ashina. It’s a long story, but what’s most important is this connection I felt to Ashina. Plus, I thought it was interesting how much her eyes look like yours and Nic’s.” She bit her lip and shifted her gaze to Nicole.

  “So we invited them to come here for a visit. And they stopped by the condo.” Nicole twisted a lock of her blond hair. “And we were looking at old family photos, and we showed them our parents’ wedding portrait.”

  “John and Samara’s portrait, with their names in gold along the bottom.” Brooke’s voice quivered.

  “I remember that photo.” Gin glanced between her sisters. John and Samara were their biological parents. Gin didn’t have any memories of them. “Okay, and…”

  “And.” Nicole squared her shoulders. “Ashina and Raniero had a daughter named Samara. She was raised on Earth and died in a car crash twenty-two years ago.”

  “What?” Gin’s hand flew to her mouth and she turned to stare at the demon couple. “You think we’re related to you? Aren’t there a lot of Samaras in the world?”

  “There’s more to it than the name, Gin.” Brooke said. “I felt a connection to Ashina, like I knew her somehow. And the reason her Samara was raised on Earth is because a witch had a vision that the baby would be the vessel to bring balance to the realms.” Brooke’s voice cracked and she wiped a tear.

  Nicole’s eyes shone. “And the witch was Rosa.”

  Gin gasped. “What?” Thank God she was sitting down. She leaned into Mathias, needing to draw from his strength. “You mean…”

  Ashina got up from the table and crossed the room to sit next to Gin. She held out her hand.

  Gin stared at her, confused. Then Mathias stroked a hand down her back, as if reassuring her. Reassuring me of what? She didn’t feel like she was in danger, but she had no idea what was going on.

  She pressed her palm to Ashina’s. Immediately, her arm felt the same comfort she’d felt in Ashina’s hug. “What is that?” She looked from their hands to the woman’s eyes, which were a perfect match to hers.

  “I think it’s a unique connection. A bond we share because we’re…family,” Ashina said.

  “You’re my…grandmother?” Gin could barely think past the lump of disbelief sitting in her mind. Her grandparents were demons? Her mother was a demon? “Are we part demon?”

  “Not as far as I can tell,” Ashina said. “You three are unique. You’re Solsti.”

  “Can you tell who the fourth one is?” Gin whispered. Please say yes. She’s out there, somewhere.

  Ashina shook her head. “I wish I could. It would have to be a random contact, for me to feel the family connection I feel with all of you.”

  Gin pulled her hand from Ashina’s and sat back, taking a deep breath. “This is…wow. Beyond overwhelming.”

  Mathias pulled her close and she rested her head on his shoulder, not caring if anyone in the room thought they were together. Her brain was fuzzy and her muscles felt leaden. She’d never been more physically and emotionally drained.

  “Maybe now would be a good time to rest,” Mathias said.

  “I think we’re all a little overwhelmed.” Nicole nodded.

  “Not me. It kicks ass that we have three Solsti and their grandparents. In. The. House!” Rhys yelled, punctuating his last three words with fist pumps. Brenin threw a crumpled up napkin at his head, which Rhys caught. “Gotta be faster, bro.”

  “Any luck over there?” Mathias asked.

  “These places have the Fort Knox of firewalls. I’m working on it. Trying to get in to see a list of employee and visitor photos, so you can ID this Xavier dude. May need to call Parker again.”

  “While Rhys is workingwe should get some sleep.” Brooke stood up. “Gin, you can have the room next to mine.”

  Everyone stood. Gin gave Ashina a quick hug, not wanting her to think the wrong thing. “Maybe we can talk more tomorrow?”

  “Sure.” Ashina smiled. “Night.”

  Brooke and Kai led the way upstairs. Gin was thankful for Mathias’s strong arm holding her up as they navigated the dim hallway. Brooke paused at one door. “This is where Kai and I will be, and you can stay in that room.” She pointed to the next door down.

  “Okay, night.” She gave her sister a quick hug, then continued down the hall.

  “Want company?” Mathias’s deep voice rumbled at her back.

  She turned to see his handsome face. His hazel eyes had taken on a faint amber glow in the darkness. “What’s going on with your eyes?”

  He grinned. “I don’t have to mask it anymore.”

  “Mask what?”

  “Lash demons’ eyes glow when we’re in battle, or feeling strong emotions.”

  “Oh.” She was scared to ask the question, but she needed to know what was in his mind. “What are you feeling right now?”

  She’d barely got the words out before his lips covered hers. Her arms wound round his neck and she lost herself to his possessive kiss. His scent and warmth surrounded her as he pushed her back against the wall, blocking out everything else. In the dim hall, with his strong arms caging her in, her heart swelled with a mix of need and contented happiness. Like she was meant to share this moment with him, and only him.

  Not just this moment. This life.

  Understanding struck with brilliant clarity, infusing her with surprise and reassurance at the same time. But what does that mean—

  “You wanna know what I’m feeling?” He brushed his lips across her ear, dissolving any coherent thought. Everything about him urged her closer.

  She nodded, on fire with anticipation. Her breath quickened and desire pulsed deep in her belly.

  Reaching down, he grabbed her ass and yanked her against him. She gasped. The hard heat of his erection warmed her even through their clothes.

  “I want you.” He moved to her other ear, sucking the lobe between his teeth. “Now. Tomorrow. The next day.” His lips moved down her neck. “And the day after that…”

  “I want you too.” She angled her neck, granting him more access.

  “I wasn’t done with you on Tarsa.”

  “Mmm, me neither.” Threading her hands into his hair, she tilted his mouth toward hers again. And sucked in a breath as she caught his gaze.

  The glow of his eyes, faint only a minute ago, had brightened to a multi-hued blaze. Greens, blues, and browns swirled and danced in a kaleidoscope just for her. “That’s so cool.” She traced her fingers along his temple. “I’m glad you don’t have to hide it.”

  “Yeah? Here’s something else I’m
not gonna hide from you.” He guided her hand to his fly. “Bed. Now.”

  She palmed him through his jeans and tucked her other hand into his waistband. “Best plan I’ve heard all day.” Keeping her hands on him, she walked backward into the room. The door slammed closed after them, and then her legs bumped the bed.

  In a heartbeat she was on her back, fuzzy slippers gone, with Mathias making quick work of her zipper. She tugged off her thick sweater and cotton tee. She lifted her hips so he could remove her jeans, and licked her lips as he pulled his shirt over his head. His torso was pure muscular perfection.

  He dropped to the bed, covering her, claiming her mouth in an urgent kiss. “I need you, Ginger.”

  She reached down to pop his jeans button. “Then take me.”

  With a groan, he stripped her panties and freed his cock. Digging in the pocket of his pants, he pulled out a foil packet, tore it open, and slid the condom on. He settled between her legs and nudged inside, and she arched to take him all the way.

  “You’re so fucking perfect,” he growled. His eyes glowed with color, and she loved that she’d caused it.

  He leaned down to slide his arms under her, locking his hands around her shoulders. His broad pectorals brushed her breasts as he moved inside her, slow and deep, kissing her tenderly.

  She craved him with a whole new level of need.

  Everything felt so right. She couldn’t explain it. The past and future burned away, and all that mattered was right now. This man. Mine.

  Their eyes locked in the dark room. He thrust into her body, their mingled breaths the only sound. No words were needed. She clutched his shoulders and dug her ankles into his perfect ass as their pace increased until her body vibrated with desire. With a final thrust, they came together.

  Mathias kissed her mouth, her cheeks, her neck, while she caught her breath. Her heart slammed in her chest. “Can you hear that? My heartbeat?”

  “Yes.” He kissed the tops of her breasts. “I always could.” Sliding back on the bed, he dropped the condom in the trash and reached for her.

  “Always?” She tilted her head and let him pick her up.

  He held her in one arm and yanked the covers down with the other. “Yep. Enhanced hearing.” He laid her down and got in beside her.

  Snuggling close, her back to his chest, everything slipped away except for the sensations of the man beside her. Correction—the demon beside me. She smiled into the darkness and every muscle relaxed. She traced her fingers along his strong arm, thrown over her waist. “I’m glad you’re with me,” she whispered.

  “Me too,” he whispered back, kissing her hair.

  And I always will be.

  Her mind was too tired to process the random thought, or wonder where it came from, or why it sounded like his voice was in her head. All she could do was sink into his warm strength, feeling content in ways she never had.

  CHAPTER 35

  BRIGHT SUNLIGHT FORCED ITS WAY through each thin crevice in the wooden blinds, but still Gin slumbered. Like an angel. Mathias looked at her face, so peaceful now. No worries or questions. He’d held her, listened to her breathing, and watched her eyes flicker beneath closed lids as she dreamed.

  Good thing he didn’t need to sleep every night, because he would’ve hated to miss this. He must’ve held a female while she slept at some point in his life. But gods help him, he couldn’t remember it. Every experience with Gin systematically erased each similar one from his past, taking his desire and intimacy to a brand new level. And he couldn’t be happier.

  Voices and footsteps echoed in the house as the others rose. Plates and cups clinked on the granite counters, and the scent of French toast wafted through the floorboards. If he wanted to, he could listen to individual conversations, but he didn’t. Nothing urgent was going on. Yet. He heard the staccato tap of fingers on a keyboard and guessed Rhys was still working.

  Gin sighed and snuggled closer to him. The sweet press of her body had his cock swelling toward her, but he didn’t want to wake her yet. She’d had a hell of a day yesterday.

  Her cinnamon and orange scent hung over him like a gauzy curtain, wending its way deeper to curl around his heart. He had no idea if she usually slept this late. Time to move that question into the certain-knowledge category. He planned to be at her side every night from now on.

  The tapping at the keyboard stopped and Mathias detected a low whistle. Then a shout. Rhys.

  “I’m in. Boo-yah!”

  The tenor of the voices changed. A few asked where? Several pairs of feet shot into motion.

  And, it’s go time. Mathias sifted his fingers through Gin’s dark hair and whispered, “Wake up, Ginger.”

  “Mmphf.” She flipped over and gave him her back.

  He grinned. Two can play wake-me-up. Too bad they didn’t have time for the version he had in mind. He pushed her hair away from her nape and dropped lazy kisses along her skin. “Ginger.”

  “Mmm.” She reached back to grab his leg, sliding her fingers up his thigh. Her naughty hand moved higher and higher—

  Holy gods, yes. He wanted this woman more than he wanted to breathe. His cock throbbed against her ass. He suppressed a growl, not wanting to startle her, and grabbed her hand before she found what she was looking for. “Fuck, baby, I want you, but—”

  A swift knock sounded on the other side of their door and Brooke’s voice carried through. “Gin? Mathias? Are you up? Rhys needs to talk to you.” She paused. “Gin. He has photos.”

  “We’ll be there in five,” Mathias called. God damn evil Deserati demon. He rolled Gin to her back and covered her legs with his. “And you and I will continue this later.”

  Her luminous green eyes seared his soul in the dim room as she reached up and threaded her fingers through his hair. “You have a sexy morning voice.” She dropped her hands, tracing his jaw. “And sexy morning stubble.” She wriggled her hips. “And a sexy morning hard-on.”

  He flexed his hips into her softness. “You’re killing me. We have a house full of people waiting for us.”

  She pressed her lips into a pout. “I wish we didn’t.”

  He stared down into her expressive eyes. “When we finish this, I’m keeping you in bed all day. Maybe all week.”

  “Promise?” Her lips turned up into a smile that was content, sexy, and confident.

  He wanted to see that smile every damn day. “I promise.” The words tumbled out without hesitation.

  Mine. The realization hit him with the force of a Deserati tail strike. He’d promise anything she asked. Anything, ever, always.

  Like a last puzzle piece falling into place, he understood. She was more than a job and had been since he’d first laid eyes on her.

  She was his other half. His mate.

  He rocked his hips against her, barely able to hold back the urge to claim her and make her understand. Now.

  But they had a job to finish.

  And did she want to be his mate?

  “Mmm, you’re not making this easy.” Her voice broke into his revelations. She sighed and glanced to the window. “The last thing I want to do is look at that demon again. But I know I have to.”

  “I’ll be with you. So will your sisters, Ria, anyone else you want. We’re all here for you.”

  She smiled. “I’m glad you’ll be there.”

  Always. He dropped a swift kiss to her perfect lips, then pulled her out of the mass of bedding. They dressed in the borrowed clothes from last night, and Gin put on those crazy red slippers. He shook his head.

  She jutted her chin. “I like them. I may just keep them. Nicole will have to get another pair for herself.”

  “Gunnar’s probably glad to get those out of his room, anyway.” He opened the door and led her through.

  She stuck her tongue out. “That means they’ll be in our roo—” Her lips froze in a perfect O and her eyes went saucer-wide. “Uh…I mean…I don’t know what I mean. That just popped out.” Her eyes dropped to study the floo
r.

  “Hey, it’s fine. I like the sound of—”

  “Gin!” Brooke called from the base of the stairs. She jogged up on light feet and stopped on the second level. “There you are. Ready to help find this guy?”

  “Yes.” Gin brightened at her sister’s presence. She gave Mathias a tiny shrug, then squared her shoulders and followed Brooke downstairs.

  Mathias followed, pondering her slip. The words had come out naturally, and he’d damn well liked that little fact as much as the words themselves. Our room.

  They beelined for the computer where Rhys sat. He swiveled in his chair. “You ready to do this?”

  Gin nodded, and Rhys pulled a chair over for her. “You said his name was Xavier. Check this out. A dude named Xavier Martin has been visiting water treatment plants in the area, getting them started on using his new filtration process.”

  “What? How is that legal?” Nicole rested a hand on her hip.

  “He submitted a proposal to the EPA and got a grant. After a given number of weeks with expected results, they approved limited implementation. He’s also been published in a science industry journal. Looks like the same shit-tastic topic. Filtration.”

  “Did you run his name through any search engines?” Gin asked.

  “First thing I did. Says he graduated from Cal Tech in 1995. But I can’t find a record of his birth or a town where he grew up.”

  “So the places he’s visting match the coordinates on the test tube I found?”

  “Yup.”

  “Can I see his photo?” Gin’s voice was calm, but Mathias heard her heart rate pick up its pace. He crouched next to her and took her hand.

  Rhys tapped a few keys, and a man’s picture popped up on the screen. Gin sucked in a breath and put her hand over her heart. “That’s him.”

  Low murmurs rumbled behind them as the others got close enough to see the Deserati. Mathias kept his eyes on Gin and rubbed his thumb over her knuckles. “You okay?”