by Amber Kallyn
Calla couldn’t prevent the smile twitching her lips at the romantic gesture. “Perhaps. He’s not some evil genius, so we might catch him if we follow that. Take me to the most likely spots. I’ll try to figure out which one he’ll choose.”
“Sounds like a good plan.”
“It’s better than nothing, I guess,” she replied, staring out the doors and into the dawn sky. As plans went, it pretty much sucked.
Scott tugged on her hand, drawing her attention. “What is this between us? I don’t understand it.”
“It is the burning. Destiny.” She couldn’t bring herself to use the word mate, because this was just a passing thing. Fate was wrong. They were not destined for each other. Besides, she couldn’t stay, nor would she ask him to leave everything behind.
“I know nothing of magic, or what my parents might have been. What can we figure out about me in such a short time?” His hand trailed down her shoulder.
She turned back to Scott, and the burn sprang to life. Her voice came out a bare whisper. “Whatever we can, we will.” Calla reached for him, but he was already moving her way. His lips brushed hers and his hand moved across her stomach to cup her hip through the thin sheet.
Running her hands over his shoulders, she marveled at the contradiction—smooth skin, covering hard strength. The burn of the mating pressed closer, but it wasn’t all consuming this time. Good. She planned on savoring this man.
Scott teased her lips apart with his tongue, the minty taste tingling in her mouth. Her fingers clutched at his arms as a small groan built in her throat.
She nudged his leg with her knee, wanting to feel more of his body. Wanting to take things slow as long as the magic allowed. To savor this man, his heat.
She trailed her fingers along his jaw, then lifted her head to place small kisses along the scruff of his chin, then both corners of his lips.
Chapter Eight
Scott pulled back.
Her eyes shone, reflecting the dawn’s light.
“I’m going to seduce you tonight.”
She shivered, her lips curling.
He ran his hand over her stomach, her hip, the sheet between them a barrier. Trailing his fingers over the tops of her thighs, he didn’t touch her pussy, even when her hips bucked and she tried to push against him.
Instead, he licked the top of her breasts, moving up her soft throat to the sensitive spot behind her ear. She shuddered violently, grabbing his back, her nails digging in painfully yet wonderfully.
Slowly, he inched his hand closer to her heat. She moaned, head pushing back into the pillow as her back arched.
His cock twinged at every little mewl bursting from her. Finally, he gave her what she wanted, rubbing his knuckles over her clit through the cloth.
Her hips lifted, bumping against him. Needing to touch her bare skin, he jerked the sheet from her body and slipped a finger between her soft, wet lips, sliding into her tight heat.
Calla moaned, “Yes.”
“Impatient,” he teased, though it was all he could do not to cover her body with his own and plunge his cock deep inside her.
Her eyes snapped open, a tinge of red turning them purple. “Yes.”
She arched her back, pushing a breast toward his face. Scott gladly took the offer, drawing her sweet flesh into his mouth, between his teeth. He bit down a little. She shuddered.
Her hands delved into his hair, tugging him on. He nibbled her breast, still teasing her folds and sliding his fingers deeper.
Then her fingers wrapped around his cock, jerking him up and down. Pure lust rushed through him. He couldn’t stop his hips bucking forward.
He grabbed her hand and raised it above her head, holding it there. “I told you. I’m going to seduce you tonight. That means we’re taking this slow.” Scott pulled her other hand above her head, holding her wrists together.
She smiled. “Guess you have me at your mercy then. What are you going to do about it?”
He captured her mouth. Vanilla heaven filled him. He slid his tongue in, then out, enjoying her squeaks. He found the spot in the hollow near her throat she seemed to like, her pulse rapid as it beat against his lips. He moved higher, kissing her earlobe.
Calla turned her head to give him better access and he raked his teeth along the sensitive outside of her ear.
She moaned, her back arching off the bed.
Damn, the woman sure liked his teeth on her. He wanted to explore it. A lot.
He licked down her neck, then scraped his teeth lightly on her collarbone.
“Oh,” she moaned.
He gently kissed down the slope of her chest, licking the freckle near her cleavage, then sucked her nipple into his mouth. As Calla began to pant, Scott sucked harder, drawing in more of her breast.
Her hands twitched, trying to break free and he rose. “No,” he said.
Her eyes fluttered open and she stared at him, her lips curling up at the edges. “No?”
“No.”
“We’ll see,” she said with a grin.
Scott kept her gaze, moving his free hand down her side, over her breast, rolling her nipple between his fingers.
As she wiggled beneath him, he traced her stomach, belly button, then slid his fingers between her thighs. Her hot slickness almost drove him over the edge, but he concentrated on making this last.
Their lovemaking had been too urgent before. Not that he minded. But this time, he wanted to make Calla scream before he filled her. He wanted her to see she was special. To him.
He rubbed her clit harder, dipping his fingers into her opening, then spreading her juices over her mound.
She tugged at her wrists again, but he refused to let go, even when she writhed beneath his touch, her breathing becoming short gasps.
Then she found her release, crying out and twisting so hard he lost his grip. Scott continued to move his fingers over her, in her, her pussy clamping around them as she came.
Then he kissed her, loving the feel of her mouth, her tongue on his. She ran her hands over his back, grabbing his ass and squeezing. Slowly, she drew back.
“Do you want me?” she whispered.
“Oh, yeah.”
“Then fuck me, damn it.”
Scott reached for the table beside the bed, but she wouldn’t let him pull away.
“Protection,” he gritted out.
“Can’t get pregnant. Promise.”
Unable to hold back any longer, Scott lifted above her and plunged into her tight, wet heat. She screamed, tossing her head, then grabbed his ass, pulling him closer, demanding more.
* * *
Calla felt every inch of him and wanted, needed, more. The fire inside burned, demanding they fulfill their destiny and complete the mating ritual. She couldn’t do that.
But she took what she would allow herself, this pleasure, this feeling of being connected to him. Of being one. For this short time she’d have at least that much.
His dick slid in, bumping her deepest areas. Reaching between them, Calla rubbed her clit, building the climax to a staggering height.
The scent of his sweaty body, all lusty male, was erotic. She felt every inch of him, from coarse hair to smooth skin.
Her hips pushed up, meeting his thrusts. Without warning, Scott grabbed her legs. He pulled her ankles over his shoulders, maneuvering to plunge deeper.
His dick hardened and she couldn’t help the little moans coming with each breath.
“Like that, baby, don’t you?”
“Yes.” The pleasure was intoxicating, building layer upon layer until she was certain she’d be driven over the edge again.
Scott slowed his hips, refusing her desperate, grasping hands tugging at him. He grabbed her ass cheeks, controlling her jerky movements.
She looked at him, ready to demand, but the fire in his eyes killed her ability to speak.
“Tell me what you want,” he said.
“Harder.”
“No.” A grin lingered on his l
ips as he slowed even more, inching in, then drawing back out. So slow, so sweet.
The damn man was playing with her. “Faster,” she growled, pushing her hips, trying to force the issue.
Scott pulled back, smiling. “No.”
“Why not?” She gasped as he filled her once more. He had her on the brink of orgasm, but instead of pushing her over, he was holding her there.
It was so damn good.
“Oh, we’ll get there. Just not yet. Look at me.”
She did.
“Now,” he bit out, slamming into her while grabbing her head to meet him in a passionate kiss. His tongue slid into her mouth, tangling with hers, while his dick slammed inside, over and over.
She exploded, intense waves of pleasure wracking her body. He kept going, ignoring her scream of ecstasy.
“That’s it, baby. Come for me.”
“Scott,” she shouted, digging her nails into his hips.
He shuddered and let out a deep cry, but continued the onslaught on her senses. The orgasm shook her whole body.
Then Scott slid on top of her. She lowered her trembling legs, her thigh muscles twitching.
“Happy now?” he asked, a bit breathless.
“Mmm. Beyond.”
“Good.” He slipped onto his side, pulled her close, tucking her against his chest. “G’night, darling.”
She sighed in contentment, ignoring the fact it would end all too soon.
Chapter Nine
A banging came from downstairs, jerking Scott from sleep. He sat up, glancing at the peaceful look on Calla’s face, laughing at her quiet, delicate snores. Rays from the morning sun seeped into the room, bathing her pale complexion with a rosy light.
He moved to kiss her cheek when the racket came again. Someone was pounding at the front door. After untangling from Calla and the sheets, he pulled on some sweatpants and hurried downstairs to stop the persistent pounding.
When Scott pulled open the door, he came to a stop at the fierce giant glowering his way.
“Can I help you?” Scott asked, wondering where he’d last put his metal baseball bat.
“Who are you?” the giant demanded, blue eyes flashing darkly.
“The owner of the house.” Scott stepped forward, refusing to be intimidated. “Who the hell are you?”
“Garreth Dragos,” the man answered, looking Scott over. His nostrils flared as he took a deep breath, then he said harshly, “Now, who are you and why do you smell of sex and my little sister?”
* * *
Calla woke, languidly stretching, the soreness from the fight gone.
Scott was gone too. A small pain itched beneath her ribs. Had he run?
She didn’t know how she would react in his position. She’d grown up knowing mythological creatures existed, were only hidden from the mortal world. For someone to confront proof they were real, then to find out they were also a magical creature of some sort, had to be mind blowing.
Shouts erupted downstairs. Something slammed into a wall, rattling the house. A door crashed closed. As the voices rose higher, Calla recognized them both. Garreth was here.
Jumping from bed, she searched for something to wear, then gave up and grabbed the sheet. Calla rushed downstairs to find her brother and Scott on the floor like some teenage wrestlers. Garreth slammed his fist into Scott’s jaw, sending the man flying across the floor.
Scott slid to a stop in front of Calla’s toes.
“Garreth!” Incensed, she stepped over Scott and stomped toward her brother, who struggled to his feet. “Knock it off.”
He towered over her, long black hair messy, rather than tied back with his normal leather tie. His face, pale and clammy, struck her as just plain wrong. He looked worried as hell. His blue eyes softened, then he sniffed, nostrils flaring. He gripped her shoulders, turning her in a circle, staring at every inch of exposed skin.
Calla tried to shift the sheet higher, to cover the lingering bruises on her shoulders and arm, but Garreth’s grip tightened. She was half afraid he’d yank the sheet away to make sure she wasn’t hurt further, so she gripped the dang thing between both fists.
“What happened?” Garreth demanded.
With a sigh, Calla pointed toward the living room. “Go find the kitchen and make me some coffee while I get dressed.”
Garreth clenched his teeth and a tic began in his jaw. His voice was raw as he gritted out, “I felt your death come close, sister. Too close. Tell me what happened.”
His pain ripped into her as he opened their sibling bond. Accompanied by terror and confusion, every emotion he’d experienced rioted inside, taking over. She hadn’t considered the link. They’d all learned to shield it as children. Coming close to death, her barriers must have crumbled.
If she’d known, she would have at least called to reassure him and their other siblings.
“Tell me what happened,” he repeated, his voice still rough.
Though she understood the confusing place he must be in, she wasn’t about to get into it all right then and there. “Coffee. I’m not talking to you wearing a bed sheet.”
She let stubbornness shine from her eyes as she stared at her brother. Finally, Garreth blinked. He growled and shot Scott a glare, but spun and stomped off into the living room.
After a deep breath, Calla turned, hoping her smile wasn’t as weak as it felt on her lips. Scott stood near the stairs, fists tight, ready to jump back into the fight. It was brave and noble. And completely stupid. He wouldn’t stand a chance against her brother.
“Come on, let’s get some clothes.” She took his arm and pulled him toward the stairs.
He didn’t budge, though his arm tensed beneath her hand. Her smile became more brittle as worry filled her. Finally, with a loud, annoyed sigh, he followed.
Hopefully, she could calm him down before he did anything rash. Trying to lighten her voice, Calla said, “I hope you have something that might fit. I seem to be going through clothes awfully fast here.”
The tension slowly leaked from his frame. “Maybe.”
“Good.”
Reaching the bedroom, she led him inside, then sat on the bed while he jerked his clothes on.
“I’m sorry about my brother.”
He glanced at her. “Why? Did you tell him to try beating me up?”
“No.” A grin worked its way to her lips.
Scott rummaged in the closet before tossing her a shirt and some running shorts. “I don’t have any women’s underwear lying around.”
“Good.” She dressed, rolling the top of the shorts so they wouldn’t fall off.
“What did he mean, he felt you almost die?” Scott asked, leaning against the door so no one could go, or enter. His voice sounded suspiciously angry and she didn’t know if it was just the presence of her brother. When concern flashed in his greenish eyes, she realized some of it must be because of what happened to her.
Calla tried a casual shrug. “He’s my brother. As siblings, we have a bond that sometimes allows us to know what one of the others feels.”
“How did he know it was you? There are eight of you, right?”
“Each person has their own distinct… flavor, I guess you could call it. When we were younger, the link was hard to close. It’s something we all worked on. Now, I rarely feel anyone else.”
“So will he help us find Eric?”
Calla scowled, staring at the dense man. “The men in my family tend to go overboard when it comes to protecting the women. He wouldn’t leave even if someone tried to drag him away.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Scott asked.
He was serious. Ire rising, she tried not to shout. “How about I’m an adult and can take care of myself?”
“You’re still his sister. It’s a brother’s job to keep his little sister safe.”
“Come on. You don’t hover over your sisters, butting into every aspect of their lives.”
“Of course not,” he said and relief swept through her. Then
he added, “I only do my job. I know where they are and what they’re doing most the time, even if they live in other states. When Amy wanted to get married, I made sure her husband was a good man. My job.”
Wide eyed, Calla just stared at the man in front of her. She really wanted to keep picturing him as a frivolous playboy. It would make everything so much easier when she left. But he kept impressing her with his other side—serious, responsible, tender.
As if he was a mix of all her brothers combined. The perfect man. She pushed that thought away, unwilling to even consider it. “Come on, let’s go.”
Scott stayed in front of the door. “Why?”
“Because I don’t want Garreth to come looking for us,” she replied.
“So what if he does?”
Calla gently patted his jaw. “Sweetie, my brother is a dragon.”
He straightened, his cheeks reddening. “Do you think I’m a wimp?”
“No,” she replied, choosing her words with extreme care. “But there isn’t much that can overcome a dragon.”
Scott’s face reddened further and he stepped to the side. Calla didn’t know what to say, so she said nothing and walked out.
At the base of the stairs, Garreth met her with a hot cup of cream-colored coffee, then took her arm and propelled her into the living room. She smoothly took a seat on the couch and sipped the brew, ignoring her brother’s hovering and Scott’s scowl as he hung back.
“Eric is here, isn’t he?” Garreth demanded.
“Yes.”
“How many are dead?”
Scott cleared his throat. “Two as of yesterday, and then your sister almost joined them.”
Garreth rounded on Calla, while she shot a glare at Scott.
“It wasn’t that bad—” she began.
“Wasn’t that bad?” Garreth raked his hands through his hair, making it stick out like he’d touched an electrical socket. Fear struck her. Not of what he’d do to her, never that, but what buildings he might demolish in his anger. “I felt your life slipping away. I heard you screaming for help. Tyler called me, frantic, wondering where you were. He’d be here too if he wasn’t halfway across the country.”
Garreth stopped, took a deep breath, paced from her to the living room wall, then back. His gaze landed on her and his face mottled once more. With another deep breath, he spun and paced some more.
