A Crown of Blood and Ashes

by Elle Middaugh

  When she was writhing in my grasp, I finally started moving lower. My lips grazed languidly over the lush curves of her body, trailing hot kisses down her stomach and bare pubic bone. If I'd taken even an ounce of time during our cave fuck, I would've known she kept it shaved. Dipping even lower, I finally slid my tongue through the folds of her skin and got a good taste. It was like a drug, like liquid arousal hitting my system and instantly getting me high. I needed more, and so did she. Flattening my tongue, I rubbed it around her clit in sensual circles, grinning as her hips started rocking. My dick throbbed to the same seductive beat. I couldn't wait to sink it into her.

  But I had to.

  I spread her legs wider and pushed my face deeper, adding some pressure to her clit as my tongue worked faster. She was moaning like a sinner in the back of a church and fisting my hair like I was some demon trying to possess her. Strangely enough, the analogy wasn't all that far from the truth.

  "Oh, God, Darren," she groaned as her legs started twitching. "I'm so close."

  Ah, the three-word phrase every man couldn't wait to hear. It stroked our ego like none other. Well, except for the subsequent two-word phrase....

  "I'm coming!"

  Bingo.

  "Oh, God, I'm coming! Yes!"

  I would've told her to scream my name, not God's, but considering my mouth was a little busy between her thighs, I decided to let it slide.

  When she melted, deliriously spent, into the silken feather bed, I knew my work was done. Well, phase one of it, anyway.

  I ripped the shirt off my back and lowered down on top of her. She wasted no time unbuttoning my jeans and relieving my dick of its torture.

  "You're incredible," she said, pulling my mouth down onto hers. "I want to return the favor."

  My cock twitched. It wanted that too, badly.

  "Next time," I said, growling as I nipped at her lips. "Right now, I just want to fuck you until we're both seeing stars."

  "I'm already seeing stars," she muttered, but grabbed my dick and slid it back and forth along her opening, priming me.

  Dear Jesus, she was hot.

  I pulled my wallet from my jeans and quickly rolled a condom on.

  When she lined me up just right, I had to grit my teeth and remind myself that this was a slow-burn fuck. No fast impalements just yet. Instead, I eased into her slowly, taking time to appreciate every soaking wet inch as I sank further and further into her.

  She gasped when I reached the end and rolled my hips.

  I had a feeling no one had ever taken the time to fuck her properly—not even me. That made it even more important for me to do it right this time. I set a smooth pace, gliding in and out, prolonging the sensations as long as I could, until her breathing picked back up and became erratic. She was getting close again.

  I had to bite my bottom lip to hide the smirk about to erupt onto my face.

  I loved doing this to her. I could watch her come all day.

  Slipping my fingers down to rub her clit, I watched as it tipped her over the edge.

  "Oh, God, I'm gonna come again...."

  With my free hand, I pulled her hair back, and exposed her neck. "You scream my name when you come, Princess."

  "Oh fuck," she cried as her body tightened around me.

  "Say my name," I coaxed, driving into her harder.

  "Darren," she moaned breathlessly. "Darren, Darren..." Over and over on repeat while I wrecked her body and wrung her dry.

  More ego stroking.

  More dick stroking.

  I suddenly became aware of how good it felt to be pounding into her. Which was exactly what it had somehow turned into—a pounding. Every thrust felt better than the last, building the pressure inside me until it was no longer possible to hold it back.

  Growling, I rooted myself deep inside her and sank my fangs into her neck as I came. Blood poured out around my lips, and my pupils dilated. There was no feeling as euphoric as this, no drug that came close, no high as intense. Experiencing it with Autumn was the icing on the fucking cake.

  When I was finished coming and drinking her blood, I pulled out and collapsed onto the bed beside her. Her fingers immediately slid into my hair, and I grinned.

  "Haven't had enough yet, eh?"

  But when I peeked over at her, her expression was serious.

  "What's wrong?" I asked, afraid I'd hurt her or done something wrong.

  Her reply was barely a whisper. "Run away with me."

  My heart might've literally split in two.

  I squeezed her to my chest and kissed her forehead. "You know I would if we could. I just prefer us both alive. Well, dead-alive for me."

  She wrapped me in a hug and shook her head. "I think we can do it."

  I sighed. "Maybe we could, for a time. But it wouldn't last long, and then we'd be killed. I can't allow that to happen. I won't risk your life."

  She sighed and abruptly sat up, grabbing her dress from a pile at the foot of the bed.

  "Then I have to go. I'm probably already late meeting Varek."

  She stood and dressed as I lay there wide-eyed with panic pumping through my veins. I hated this. I couldn't stand to see her go. I never wanted another man's hands on her, least of all my maker’s, but there was literally nothing I could do.

  "Wonder what he'll think of these bite marks?" she mused sarcastically.

  My eyes widened.

  "Oh fuck. Autumn...." I scrubbed a hand through my hair. How could I have slipped up like that? "I'm so sorry."

  She shrugged. "I kept Deidra's potion. All I need is a bit of your spit, and they'll be gone."

  I exhaled a little too loudly. I shouldn't have been feeling relief that my mark on her body would be erased. I should have been pissed. I was pissed! This was getting more fucked-up by the second.

  She magicked a small vial out of thin air and handed it to me.

  "Spit."

  I did, and she tucked it away between her breasts. Breasts that should also have my mark all over them. I gritted my teeth and turned away.

  A quiet second passed before she touched my arm. Her features had softened.

  "When can I see you again?"

  I swallowed hard. "I don't know."

  And I honestly didn't. Avoiding Varek's watchful eye was going to be much harder than I'd ever let on.

  She sighed. "Well, you know where to find me."

  Yeah, in Varek's bed, I thought in irritation.

  "Goodbye for now, Darren," she whispered as she climbed the stairs and slipped out of my grasp.

  And I did nothing. Just watched her go, praying to whatever gods took care of spineless demons that this wasn't the biggest mistake of my entire life.

  18

  Autumn

  Three days had passed since I'd agreed to marry Varek.

  Three days since I'd seen Darren for longer than a passing glance in the hall. It killed me every time our eyes met and he forced his gaze away. I wanted to reach for him, say something to him, but I knew that I couldn't.

  Not with Varek at my arm.

  Which was exactly the situation I’d found myself in at that moment.

  "Evening, Darren," my fiancé said to his sulking heir.

  That stopped him dead in his tracks. His face was cold as stone as he glanced between us and finally settled on his maker.

  "Evening, sir."

  "I have a few things I need to talk to you about later when I get a minute."

  Darren nodded. "About what, exactly?"

  "Securing your future! Now that I'm engaged, I've been thinking. My heir needs a suitable marriage too. It only makes sense. A union that makes a difference, one that strengthens our coven and secures our place in the world."

  Darren licked his lips.

  Lips I wanted to lick.

  "I'm not so sure that's necessary, sir. Nor am I sure that I'm quite ready to settle down."

  Varek chuckled and pulled me closer. "Of course you’re not! You’re my gorgeous little ladies�
� man! But trust me, when I find you a woman as amazing as Princess Autumn, here, you'll change your mind."

  Varek winked, and Darren's face somehow went paler. He lowered his eyes and nodded, honing in on the bite marks on my wrist.

  I swallowed, and heat rushed to my face.

  Yes, I thought sarcastically. You refused to run, and now here we are.

  "I'm sure Princess Yasmin will meet all your needs and then some."

  My eyes bulged out of my head. Another witch?

  Darren's eyes stayed cold and narrow, but I definitely noticed the twitch in his neck muscles. He was straining hard to remain composed.

  "You've already chosen someone?"

  Varek smiled wider. "Well of course! I said I've been thinking, and I don't do anything half-assed. I've scoured the country trying to pin down the very best match. Yasmin is young, beautiful, and comes from a strong line of witches."

  Darren cocked his head and his lips thinned into a taut line. "Can I speak with you in private, right now?"

  Varek's hold tightened on my hip. "You're speaking in front of the future Lady of the coven. She has a right to hear anything you have to say."

  Darren raised a brow and licked his lips. "As you wish, sir. I'm concerned about your motives. It wasn't all that long ago—less than a week, maybe?—that you wanted to use Princess Autumn as leverage against her own parents."

  My heart leapt into my throat. Every last drop of color drained from my face and I felt cold.

  "And now," Darren continued, ignoring my reaction, "you're planning my marriage to a different kingdom of witches. What is the end goal here?"

  "Ah yes, there was that." Varek let go of my waist and held my shoulders at arm's length. "It's true," he told me, as if the words wouldn’t crush some part of my spirit, "that I was planning on using you against your parents. But two huge factors changed all of that. Number one, your dumb fucking parents, unfortunately, don't care all that much about you. Using you against them wouldn't have accomplished anything. And two, you are far too gorgeous to pass up. There's no reason for the leader to be jealous of the heir, am I right? I needed you for myself. And so, I promise I'll treat you right. And who knows? Maybe I can find some other way around the parental unit problem?"

  I couldn't breathe, and it had to have been obvious, but I tried my damnedest to be brave.

  "You better treat me right."

  Varek's smiled erupted into easy laughter.

  "Can you believe this girl?" he asked Darren. "So damn sassy! She'll make the perfect Lady for me and this coven."

  Before I knew it, his lips were on mine. Not aggressive and crushing, but sweet, confident, and possessive. I was so dizzy from the conversation, I barely even registered the kissing. When he pulled away, Darren's face came into view in the background. That careful composure was gone, and in its place fury. My eyes widened and I subtly shook my head, trying to jar him out of his emotional state. He'd made his choice, now we needed to play our parts. It was the only way I could be back in his arms, and I wanted that so badly.

  "Anyway,” Varek said, completely oblivious to our silent conversation, “stop by my office at the end of the night and we'll talk more about all of this."

  Darren nodded, but before he turned around to leave, I mouthed one word. Tonight.

  His eyes hardened. I couldn't tell if he very much liked that idea, or if it pissed him right the fuck off. Either way, he gave another nod that seemed to double as his answer to both Varek and me, then disappeared down the hall.

  "Ah, Carter, just the man I wanted to see!"

  I whipped my head around and glared daggers at the vamp who'd just strolled over. Tall, blond, arrogant Carter. Darren's enemy, according to Jared. My enemy too, according to me.

  "What's up, sir?" he asked, straightening his posture and crossing his arms.

  Apparently everyone addressed Varek with crossed arms.

  "We need to discuss you picking up a package for me. And also, I was wondering if you'd like to stop by my room later and have some drinks with us."

  I felt my heart start to race. Us.

  "Princess Autumn will not be having drinks in your room," Lyra snipped in a huff.

  Dear God, I'd forgotten she was even trailing me. I was actually grateful for her intervention for once.

  Carter sneered at her, but kept his mouth shut. Probably because of Varek, who leaned down to eye level with Lyra and smiled.

  "Oh yeah? And why is that?"

  She stood up a bit taller. "Because you're not married yet. It's inappropriate."

  An evil grin spread across his handsome face. He took my hand and brought my wrist up to his lips.

  "Inappropriate? You mean like when I bite her..." He did, and a heated gasp escaped my lips as my body flooded with adrenaline and desire. There was no denying the potency of a vampire’s kiss. "...and make her beg like an addict jonesing for the next hit?"

  I whimpered, getting dizzy under a heavy fog of lust.

  Lyra awkwardly cleared her throat. "Yes. That is inappropriate as well."

  "But she likes it," Varek protested, whining smoothly. His voice was low and seductive. It curled in the pit of my stomach and fanned out across my skin.

  Carter grinned, but his eyes were fixed on my wrist. If the bulge in his jeans was anything to go by, he either wanted my blood or he enjoyed watching his maker take it from me.

  "Give her a taste of this ecstasy, Carter," Varek said, cocking his head toward Lyra before licking my wounds clean.

  Carter nodded and approached my servant, towering over her by at least a foot. She backed away, but in the middle of the Wells Coven, where the hell could she possibly go?

  Carter grabbed her forearm tighter than he needed to and held her in place.

  "Don't worry, sweetheart," he mocked. "This won't hurt one bit."

  Her eyes darted to mine, and the sheer terror in their depths evoked some sort of protective instinct in me.

  "Don’t worry, Lyra,” I assured her with regal confidence. “He won't put a fang on you."

  Carter raised both brows and glanced at Varek.

  I spun around and gazed up at Varek too. "Will he?"

  It was much more of a command than a question.

  My fiancé’s eyes darkened. It was a dangerous look, one that both scared me and kinda melted my panties at the same time. He was either going to put me in my place, or fuck the shit out of me.

  After a long while, he grinned and nodded to Carter. "Another time, perhaps."

  My breathing shallowed. I wished he’d just shouted at me, or even slapped my face. Those were things that would have helped my cause. Helped convince Darren that this stupid charade was a bad idea. But no. I was going to get the other treatment: a good fucking. I wasn’t sure I was ready to go that far just to play a role.

  "Besides, I'm inclined to agree with my servant," I said boldly.

  Varek ran his hands up my arms and into my hair.

  "Is that so?"

  I nodded because I didn't trust my voice.

  "You think the things I do to you are inappropriate?"

  This time I shook my head and actually chanced a few words. "No. About the sex before marriage thing."

  He chuckled. "What century is this? I know you can't be serious. Besides, who said anything about sex? I only mentioned meeting up for drinks.”

  I shrugged and batted my lashes. I had no idea what kind of game I was playing, and my opponent was unreadable. What if I pushed him too far?

  He unwound his hands from my hair, took a step back, and a dangerous smile spread across his lips.

  "Congratulations, Princess. Your wedding date just moved up."

  Excitement filled his eyes as he watched panic settle into mine.

  "Yes," he said, as if reading my mind. "Enjoy your last night as a single woman, Autumn. By this time tomorrow night, you're going to be bleeding white."

  With that, Varek kissed my hand and left me standing breathless in the hall.
/>   Panic-stricken, I quickly ordered Lyra away and rushed to the pool. It was empty, thank God, as I genuinely needed the solitude and the cleansing water to help me figure out what the fuck I was going to do.

  Was I seriously supposed to marry Varek? To play this role for the rest of my life? Lady Witch of a vampire coven, secret lover of a vampire heir... I mean, what the ever-loving hell?

  I'd told myself to do it for those before me, for those struggling in secret relationships right now, and for those in the future. To shatter the unspoken rules, so that what a being was wouldn't keep them from loving who they wanted. But even still, I'd drop it all and leave with Darren in a heartbeat. If only he would agree....

  I stepped into the water without even bothering to shed my clothing. It was one of those impactful moments that proved just how desperate I felt, how little the shit outside my head actually mattered.

  I needed to talk to Darren, but I knew it wouldn't help. I was destined to marry his maker, and he was now pegged to marry some bitch from a different kingdom. This shit couldn't have gotten more screwed up if we tried.

  Dipping my head beneath the crystal water, I imagined it washing away all the noise in my life. It was laughable, really. What would I even be left with if that happened?

  I rose from the water and allowed the rivulets to drip down my face before finally opening my eyes.

  That was when I saw Jared standing at the edge of the pool, hands tucked into his jeans pockets, shoulders shrugged like he was debating saying something or leaving.

  Instantly I perked up.

  "Jared! Has Darren sent you?"

  "Shh!" he hissed at me. "For fuck's sake...."

  I bit my lip and waded closer.

  "Where?" I whispered.

  He glanced around smoothly, but I could sense that he was nervous.

  "Same place. One hour. I hope you know what that means, because I sure as fuck don't."

  I stifled a laugh. "I do. Thank you."

  Life was quickly coming back to my limbs. Just the thought of seeing Darren again was energizing to me.

  Jared nodded, but didn't leave.

  Worry settled into my gut. "What's wrong?"