by Calista Fox
“Yes… I have a terrible time concentrating on one specific wound to repair. I should practice separating sensations. Like when you grazed your finger along the cut at the back of my head. I felt that and was able to focus on it.”
He scowled. “I’m not liking the sound of this.”
With a smile, she assured him, “I would practice with pinpricks, not burns and lacerations.”
“Hmm.” He obviously wasn’t convinced—or on board with her.
“Anyway, I’ve had enough of the pain.” She kissed him. “How about we pick up where we left off with that last dream?”
One side of his mouth lifted. “Enjoyed it, did you?”
“Very much so. The waterfall was beautiful.”
“How does it work?” he asked. “When I weave a fantasy in your mind… It doesn’t interrupt your progress or impede your healing efforts.”
“I can’t really explain it, except to say it’s easy to follow your lead and not put any serious thought into it, so I can leave my focus elsewhere. It’s almost as though I’m cloaked in serenity—and it’s completely mindless. More instinctual, so I don’t have to think about my actions.”
“But you would have to divide your attention if we were to have a conversation.”
“Correct. So please don’t be offended when it’s one-sided.”
“I presumed that was the case.”
She fiddled with a button on his shirt. “Are you done quizzing me? I’m a bit muddled from the Algebra lesson.”
His fingers skimmed the side of her face and curled at her nape as he guided her to him for one of his sizzling kisses. Her insides instantly blazed.
“Oh, that is so much better.” The heat flooding her veins overrode everything else.
She slipped the disks on his shirt flap through their small holes and pushed away the material.
“Christ, you truly are magnificent,” she said as her palms smoothed over his chest. Her lips grazed his warm skin. “And so delicious.”
Davian’s fingers gripped the satin of her nightgown and bunched it. She lifted slightly as he pulled the skirt up to her waist. His hands skimmed her ass cheeks, gently massaging.
She kissed him, then whispered against his mouth, “I want you inside me.”
One hand shifted and slipped between them. He unfastened his pants and worked them and his briefs over his hips. There wasn’t much room on the sofa, but Jade managed to straddle him and ease down onto his thick erection. She moaned with great satisfaction.
“I like the fantasies,” she said. “But the reality of you is infinitely better.”
He sat up as his cock thrust into her.
“Nothing feels more incredible than this,” she murmured. “Feel free to stay right here as long as you’d like.”
His low chuckle brought a smile to her lips.
“I’ll eventually have to return to the castle or Morgan will think you’ve kidnapped me.”
She nipped his bottom lip. “Not kidnapped. Seduced you into never leaving so I can use your body for my own personal pleasure whenever I want…”
“Put that way, I’m not going anywhere. Sheena can run the castle.”
His hands roamed Jade’s front under the nightgown, gliding up her stomach to her breasts. The lacy structure of the bodice allowed him to cup the mounds and he caressed with the perfect amount of pressure—an enticing balance between cautious tenderness and natural assertiveness she was certain only he could achieve. And it thrilled her endlessly.
“I love how you touch me,” she murmured.
“You’ve lost too much weight,” he mentioned again, a hint of concern in his voice.
She ignored the emotion sparked by his worry over her wellbeing and playfully asked, “Not into the flat-chested types?”
“You’re not exactly flat-chested, but you used to come closer to filling my hands.”
She suspected she’d lost ten or fifteen pounds since the first attack and because she worked out regularly with Toran—unbeknownst to the king, of course.
“Are you complaining, my Lord?”
He grinned. “Never. But I do want you healthy.”
“I’ll be fine. Especially if you keep doing that.”
His thumbs whisked over her tight nipples. Her head fell back as he kissed her throat, his teeth lightly scraping, his tongue teasing her skin. She felt all the glorious sensations he elicited as acutely as she had the first time they’d made love. Perhaps more so, because the bond between them continued to strengthen.
Their feelings for each other were intricately twined and Jade no longer considered them tenuous, but substantial and significant. Although she’d been honest with Sheena about castle life not being a suitable alternative for her, Jade was pleased Davian came to the cottage for her.
As they moved together, her arousal was heightened not just from their sensual rhythm, but also from the fact he seemed so swept away by her.
Threading her fingers through his hair, she said, “Everything about you causes my heart to pound wildly. Sometimes I feel as if it’s going to burst from my chest.”
He grimaced. “More pain inflicted because of me.”
She sighed. “Metaphorically speaking, of course. Stop obsessing over my welfare.”
“Difficult to do. I’m in love, remember?”
“Still? I thought you’d get over that silly human emotion.”
He thrust deeper into her. “Have you?”
“Of course not. I am a silly human.”
“Hardly. And for the record, no, I haven’t—nor will I ever—get over it. Now,” he said as one hand moved between her legs and his thumb rubbed her clit. “Stop talking and let me make you come.”
It didn’t take much effort on his part. With his cock filling her and his thumb expertly working that swollen knot of nerves, erotic sensations swelled within her. He continued to kiss her neck and roll and pinch her nipple as her hips rocked against him. Her soft whimpers mingled with his primal groans. She clung to him, her fingers woven in his silky hair.
Maybe she really did enjoy living on the edge, because everything about her demon lover made her crazy with desire.
The hand on her breast slipped around to her backside. His finger slid along the spot where they were intimately joined, then the coated tip circled her anus before dipping inside as his wide shaft continued to stroke her inner walls.
Jade let out a cry of pleasure. The man’s talents knew no bounds. Her head fell forward and her arm around his neck tightened.
“You so easily unravel everything inside me,” she said against his lush obsidian strands.
He worked her a bit harder from three different angles and, moments later, tension seized her and then splintered as she climaxed.
“Davian,” she murmured against his temple. Her pussy throbbed and her breath came in ragged pulls. She squeezed him tight and he let out an evocative growl. Then his cock pulsated wickedly as he came inside her. She clutched him as they both reveled in the powerful release.
Jade trembled in his arms. The tingly feeling along her flesh and against all her erogenous zones made her feel radiant and alive. Human sensations she knew to cherish. Euphoria flowed through her, which brought on a curious bout of the giggles.
Davian pulled slightly away, his brow raising. “I’ve amused you?”
She laughed heartily. “No. I can’t help but think what a paradox this is.”
“How so?”
“In the presence of a demon, I feel more human than I have in fifteen years. Not numb and gloomy, but fantastically alive.”
“Oh, good. So no more talk about death and how it’s the natural progression and all that.”
Regardless of the somber topic, her light mood remained. “I still contend that’s the realistic view even you have to face. Because someday I will die. But until then…” She kissed him, no need to say more.
He fell back against the mound of pillows. “The poignant issue here is that you’re telling me y
ou like how I make you feel, yes?”
“Oh, God, yes. So much.” She kissed him. “I’ve spent so many years just going through the motions, without letting anything register too deeply. But I have to admit, all of this warmth and exuberance inside me is a nice change of pace.”
“Yet it’s been a difficult time for you. The fire wraith, your conflict with Michael, the fact that we live in two different worlds, despite being only five miles apart distance-wise—”
“We live in the same world,” she corrected him. “You’ve gotten a good look at what it’s like to be human in this village. You and Sheena have both brought me luxuries I don’t have access to or can’t afford because I live outside the castle walls. But you can’t honestly tell me you haven’t deliberated over the obvious—I’m not the only mortal who might enjoy a little variety versus the plain gray that fills all aspects of our lives.”
His gaze narrowed on her. “Are you suggesting I have a soft spot?”
She mimicked the gesture. “Are you going to lie and tell me you don’t?”
He huffed.
She stared him down.
Seconds later, he sighed. “You’re not seducing me. You’re manipulating me.”
Her lips curved. “Am I?”
Davian sat up again and got to his feet. Her arms and legs wrapped around him and he carried her into the bedroom. He placed her on the mattress and she slid between the sheets.
Following her under them, he reached for her and said, “Seduce me some more.”
Chapter Nineteen
Davian was off on another military mission. He wouldn’t give Jade any indication of what he and Morgan had discovered that had them so hush-hush and scouring Canada. All he told her, in a placating tone that had made her simper, was that they had a concrete lead on the colony of demons they thought were under the rule of the fire wraith.
Since the demons had vacated their camp, Davian and Morgan believed the wraith wouldn’t come after her again. Without Davian being close to the village, there’d be no point in the wraith using Jade as bait. That, however, did not keep the slayers from heavily protecting her, upon the king’s orders. He’d also charged a small patrol from his army with watching the woods on the demon side of Ryleigh’s boundaries.
When Toran dropped her off at the village square on the morning of Christmas Eve, he said, “We’re back to training tomorrow, right?”
“Yes. I’m fine now. Come for me in the afternoon.”
He nodded. “Walker will take you home tonight after you’re finished at the tavern.”
“Thanks,” she said. “You’ve been a huge help, Toran.”
He rode off and she headed toward Lisette’s library. But the line of people outside the bakery drew her attention. So too did the fact that the sidewalks and streets had been cleared of the fresh powder that had accumulated over the past month. A layer of packed snow still covered the surfaces, but it was so much easier to trek through the small community—a treat this time of year.
As she approached the bakery, Ginny Lambert, the last in line, waved her over. “Jade! Thank the Lord. You really are okay.”
Unexpectedly, the older woman gave her a firm hug.
Malcolm Carter, the town’s highly skilled blacksmith, said, “You had everybody worried.”
“I’m fine,” she assured them as her presence garnered more interest. Ignoring the curious looks, she nodded toward the inside of the shop and asked, “What’s all the fuss about?”
Just then, Marge Leighton, the baker’s wife, appeared. “I heard Ginny say your name. Thank goodness you’re all right. Attacked by a fire wraith? How horrific!”
“Yes,” Jade said as she fought the chill rippling through her at the reminder.
“Here, take these.” Marge thrust her plump hand toward Jade. She held out a chipped plate. “Cranberry and orange muffins. They’re to die for. Well,” she added hastily as the group gathered about seemed to collectively gasp. “Those aren’t quite the appropriate words to use in our village, are they? But the muffins will not disappoint.” She whirled around and headed back inside to keep the customers moving along.
“Wait! I haven’t paid.”
“For you, Jade, they’re on the house!”
She gazed down at the pastries and shrugged, a bit confused.
Leaving the crowd, she found another line at the coffee shop, which offered little more than the standard fare in coffee. However, it was more convenient to grab a mass-produced mug there than brew a pot over the fire in offices, shops, homes. Still, the average cup of joe wasn’t worth a fifteen-minute wait.
“What on earth is going on?” she asked Walt Steinman, the village dentist.
“Gourmet coffee, rumor has it.”
Jade sniffed the air. “Smells like Christmas.”
“Nutmeg? Cinnamon? Hazelnut?” Walt queried. “I can’t even figure out what they’re using to spice up the usual beans, but it beats the hell out of the same old, same old, don’t you think?”
“I agree.”
She stood behind him, but didn’t have to wait for her turn. The shop owner, Judith Mills, came out with two large, ceramic mugs, their typical to-go cups that everyone who ventured away from the shop returned at the end of the day.
Judith ceremoniously handed them over as Jade balanced the plate along their rims.
“Take this to Lisette. She’ll love this new flavor,” Judith said.
Jade’s brow furrowed.
“Don’t worry about paying me. You’ve been through hell, from what everyone around here has heard. We’re all so relieved you’re alive, Jade.”
She merely nodded, since she couldn’t speak around the lump in her throat. Judith patted her on the cheek before turning away.
Carefully making it to the library, Jade kicked the door with her booted foot and Lisette pulled it open.
“Oh!” the older woman exclaimed as she reached for the muffins so they didn’t topple.
“Surprise,” Jade said. “I’ve become Alice.”
“Did you like the book?”
“Very strange. But so is this village today.”
She joined her friend at the desk by the fireplace and set the mugs on top of it.
Lisette said, “Someone’s playing not-so-secret Santa.” She inclined her head to the left and Jade’s gaze followed.
Four boxes of books were stacked in the corner.
“Where did they come from?” Jade asked as she wandered over to the new collection.
“Found them sitting on my doorstep when I arrived this morning. I dragged the boxes in and now I’m trying to find space for them because they’re very exciting titles.”
Jade knelt and sifted through the hard- and paperback books. “Not all of them…” She extracted three textbooks from the bin, a smile playing on her lips. “Geometry, Calculus and Trigonometry.” Under her breath, she muttered, “What a smartass.”
Standing, she turned back to Lisette and said, “The Leightons have cranberries and oranges to make muffins with and the coffee shop has a variety of new spices. Take a sip.”
“It does smell delicious. All of this had to have come from the castle.” She speared Jade with an inquisitive look. “Why is the Demon King suddenly so generous toward the villagers, I wonder?”
Jade sipped her own coffee, then shrugged. “’Tis the season?”
“I’ve lived in this village since it was established, Jade.” With an indignant huff, Lisette added, “Don’t be coy with me. I know you better than that.”
She sighed. Again with that reputation of hers. “Maybe he’s feeling guilty over the attempts on my life.”
“Or maybe he’s taken a liking to you.”
Jade’s stomach fluttered. She had to suppress another smile. “I wouldn’t make too much out of it.”
“Jade.”
She drank her coffee, averting her eyes. Lisette did not give up.
“You do understand the ramifications of an association with him?”
/> Thinking back to her conversation with Davian about her ability to open up to him and Sheena more so than her human friends, she dug deep to be honest with Lisette.
“I can’t say I know for sure what I’m doing. Yes, I understand the ramifications. The dangers. The insanity of it all. But he’s not what I’d originally thought. And he doesn’t dislike humans. He has many regrets about the war—in fact, he never wanted the destruction that occurred.”
Lisette set aside her cup. “You’re being sympathetic toward a demon.”
“Not sympathetic. Empathetic, maybe. He’s not the first to unleash an army on human beings, you know.”
She scoffed. “That’s hardly a defense.”
Jade stood and crossed to the fiction section of the library. She scanned the shelf she was all too familiar with and retrieved a novel. Returning to the table, she handed it over.
“North and South?” her friend asked. “What about it?”
“You do recall the Civil War, right?”
Lisette glowered. She laid the book down, not saying anything more.
Jade sat across from her. “I’ll never be disconnected from my feelings or the experience of being a human in a world under demonic rule. But I do like the idea of peace.”
“At what price?” her friend pointedly asked. “You could find yourself in a very difficult and perilous position if you’re not selective about the company you keep.”
Jade knew better than to argue further. Lisette made sense, after all.
They finished their coffee and muffins in silence. Jade was about to leave when Alex Stanton from the post station blew in, one arm wrapped around a large metal object that appeared to be extremely heavy for the wiry man. He all but dropped it on the spare desk in the corner and dumped a satchel next to it.
He took a moment to catch his breath as Jade closed the door behind him. Then he told her, “Special delivery for you.”
“What is it?” she asked as she stepped around him.
Lisette answered the question. “It’s a manual typewriter. A Royal from the early 1900s.”
“There’s parchment too,” Alex said as he lifted the flap on the satchel to reveal a thick stack.
