by Casey Lane
Her jean-clad hips rise off the bed and grind the seam of my zipper into my erection. “It’s times like this I see the benefit of wearing a skirt.”
Without speaking I stand and wrench my jeans off as fast as I can. I step out of them wearing only my boxers, my blatant eagerness poking out the top band. She sucks in a breath while staring at my crotch. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
I reach for her waistband and she smiles, straightening her legs to help me remove her pants. After a zip and a few tugs she lies before me in only her skull-covered bikini underwear. I run one hand over the soft cotton, eager to get to the heat they hide.
At my smile she says, “They were a gift from Vella… my best friend.”
“They’re cute.”
She groans. “Cute? Did you just call me cute? Isn’t that like the kiss of death when it comes to passion?”
Desire languidly pours through my limbs, enticing every fiber and nerve ending it touches. I need a light-hearted entanglement after the hell my life has been the past two years. I’d tell her she was more than cute, that’s she’s perfect, if I thought she’d believe me. I settle for simple actions to express my feelings. I grasp the material at each hip and slowly pull it down her thighs. “Not a passion killer for me. I like cute.”
I reach for her and she scoots away, further up the bed. I kneel on the mattress and crawl toward her, happy with wherever this delicious woman wants me. I circle one warm ankle and trail my touch up her calf. “You’ve got an incredible body.”
“Me?” she squeaks. “You’re just saying that because you’re about to…”
“Make love to you all night?” I shake my head. “That may be true, but that’s not why I said it.” I clasp her thighs and pry them apart, lowering my chest between her legs. “You’re a woman, with a woman’s curves. If I wanted a damn skinny teenie-bopper something would be wrong with me.” I lean down and plant a kiss on her rounded stomach. “And there’s nothing wrong with me.”
Lisa digs her heels into my back. “Uh-uh, mister. Get up here.”
I continue with my downward trek, brushing my fingers across the soft curls of her mound. “You mean down, don’t you?”
She nudges me with her heels again. “Nope. I meant what I said. It’s your turn. You already set me up in the storage room.”
I open my mouth and bite near her belly button, drawing a stinging hiss of pleasure from her lips. “Darlin’, I plan to do a lot more than that to you tonight.”
She grabs my shoulders. “Asa! Listen to me. I don’t doubt we’ll have fun all night. But dammit, I want you in me right now. You have no idea how long it’s been. Let’s just say it’s been a long time and I don’t want to wait anymore.” There’s a playful challenge in her eye. “Are you telling me no?”
She’s incredible. I think I’ve met my match.
“No, ma’am,” I say, while rising to meet my lover’s demands.
Her talented toes latch onto my underwear and she scoots the fabric down my hips while I laugh in surprise. “That’s an interesting talent you’ve got there.”
She grabs my hips and pulls me close, nestling me up against her wet entrance. “You have no idea.”
One hot hand wraps my length, guiding me exactly where I need to go. Gratitude washes through me at her readiness. Is there anything sexier than a partner who wants you as much as you want them? I stare into her blue eyes as I thrust forward slowly, unsure how fast she’ll want me to take her and unwilling to hurt her tender flesh in my haste.
“Oh… yes… that’s it,” she whispers before leaning in to kiss my neck. Delicate teeth nip the taut skin, causing my hips to jerk in surprise. “You like it when I bite, do you?”
She presses her hot mouth to me again and bites harder, pulling a groan from my lips and a spasm from my hips. Before I know it I’m seated to the hilt and my arms shake with the strain to hold back.
“I want you, Lisa. I want you bad.”
“You’ve got me, baby.” One hand snakes behind my head and pulls me close. “Now fuck me like you mean it.”
Her arousing words spur me on and I follow her desires. I pull out and slam back in, relishing the feel of her clasping walls around my shaft. Over and over I thrust into her welcoming heat, those tiny heels digging into my ass begging me for more.
“I…” I pant, gritting my teeth against my inevitable orgasm and my overwhelming urge to bite her, “I’m not going to last long…”
“We have all night.”
My fangs descend and I turn away, shame and uncertainty racing through me. My voice comes out a harsh whisper near her ear, “I want to bite you.”
She shivers, the excited tremor cascading down through her pussy. “Do it.”
I nuzzle her neck, her short blond hair tickling my forehead. Desire rides me high, urging me to plunge into her flesh with my fangs, just like my cock is doing with her body.
Not wanting to hurt or scare her, I kiss her heated flesh, running one sharp fang along her skin. Lisa arches toward me, pressing herself harder against my mouth, eager for my forbidden kiss. Her hips meet my every thrust, matching me stroke for stroke with her own growing passion.
“Please, Asa…. Bite me.”
Her soft plea pushes me over the edge and I lightly sink my teeth into her flesh. The second the tangy taste of her blood washes over my tongue I reach my peak, thrusting harder and deeper into the inviting heat between her legs.
My orgasm starts to jet as I pull on the shallow wound, drawing a small mouthful of blood from my lover. A scream of ecstasy rips from her lungs as her slick interior walls spasm around me. On and on my orgasm lasts, drawn out longer by the slow sipping of her blood.
Unwilling to take more than a mouthful from her, I draw back and lick the tiny wounds, sealing them instantly. I continue to pump my hips in and out, hoping to extend her release as long as possible.
After a moment she quiets, her body relaxing beneath me.
“Freakin’ hell,” she says between gasping breaths. “That was incredible.”
I brace my weight on my elbows and mumble my agreement, kissing her neck in gratitude. What a gift this woman has given me. An intimate encounter with no pain, with no hidden agenda, just a simple joy of feeling between two people.
Lisa turns her face toward me and I feel her smiling against my shoulder. “When can we do it again?”
I circle my hips in answer; my length and girth not diminished one iota. “I may be undead, but I require no recovery time.”
Lisa laughs and pulls my face to hers in a loud smacking kiss. “Damn, Asa. You’re just what I need.” She rolls me over and climbs on top. “My turn to burn some calories.”
I reach up and grab her breasts. “You ever need a work out partner just call.”
She swats me playfully and starts to move. “Have I told you how nice Anchorage is?”
I thrust up with my hips, driving the blond beauty off the bed a few extra inches. “No, do tell.”
Epilogue
The trip to the V V Inn has been successful in more ways than one. Oddly, I’ll miss the place, mainly because of Asa. On the other hand I can’t wait to get home and back to a normal life. I might be a grim reaper with all that entails, but there is a whole world I never knew existed. I can only imagine what else is out there.
I glance at Jon. He agreed to drive me to the airport. Though I hadn’t had much contact with him, I think he’s happy to see me go. “So, a werewolf, eh?”
He smirks. “Yeah.”
“Interesting.” Looking back at the road I sift through the questions I want to ask. The ride is short so I have limited time. Plus, I’m not sure how receptive he’ll be to my probing. “Is that full moon thing a myth?”
His eyes cut to me. “No, the urge to turn is just stronger.” He looks back to the road. Okay, not a big talker. “That whole scythe thing—is that a myth?”
I shrug. “Heck if I know. I don’t have one but there’s a lot about being a
reaper I haven’t learned yet.”
We ride the rest of the way in silence. Asa said he’d meet me in the hangar. Some of my memories about the past few days are fuzzy. I can’t help but wonder if he’s done something to erase knowledge I’m not supposed to have. The idea doesn’t make me angry. Actually the opposite. It’s probably better I don’t remember. That saying I can tell you, but I’d have to kill you comes to mind. Yeah, ignorance is bliss.
The SUV stops outside the hangar and I see Asa waiting in the shadows. My heart gives a little leap. Damn he’s sexy. Being with him has done more for my self-esteem than a whole library of self-help books could have.
After unloading my bag Jon turns to me. “Thanks. I was skeptical but…thanks.”
I stick out my hand. “You’re welcome.” He hesitates to take it. “I promise I won’t reap you.”
He smiles and gives my hand a shake. Then he gets back into the vehicle and drives away. A man I’ve not seen before takes my bag.
“Whenever you’re ready, Mrs. Carron.”
“Thank you.” I scan the area but the small plane I arrived in isn’t there. Only the jet. “Are we taking that?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’ll wait on board for you.”
Wow, it’s my lucky day. I could get used to perks like this. I head into the hangar and stop when I reach Asa. “Did you arrange for the jet?”
He hooks his finger inside the neck of my shirt and pulls me to him. “You deserve a sweet ride home after what you’ve been through.”
“You sure know the way to a girl’s heart.” Wrapping my arms around him I tilt my face toward his. “I think I’m going to miss you a little.”
His mouth descends to mine. The kiss is slow and hot. If there wasn’t a pilot waiting for me I might be inclined to give him a proper goodbye. However, we did do that several times the night before—and this morning.
After a blissful minute he breaks our kiss. “I think I’m going to miss you a lot.”
“You can always come to visit.” I run one hand down his chest. “Spend some time with my kids.”
“I’d like that.” He leans in and nuzzles my neck. “Maybe we could meet in Fairbanks sometime.”
I tilt my head, giving him access. Jeez, I’ve turned into such a vampire whore. “Maybe I’ll just do that.”
We kiss again and I pour all my sexy into it. It might be a while until I see Asa again. I don’t want him to forget about me. In an effort to get closer, I grind my body against him. Instantly he responds, his erection pressing against me. Yeah, I’m going to miss that.
When he draws back his eyes search my face. “Thank you—for everything.”
The moment is getting too emotional. I have to leave and he has to stay. There’s no getting around it. We come from two different worlds. They might be supernatural worlds but at this point they’re better kept apart. “Thank you—” I gyrate against him again. “For everything.”
A moan of desire escapes him. He cups my rear end and pulls me tighter. One more kiss and then I step away. “You know you can always call me.” I heft my bag over my shoulder. “I’m not opposed to a little long distance dirty talk.”
“How about dirty texting?” He wiggles his eyebrows.
“Maybe, but typing ‘moan’ one handed isn’t as good as hearing it.”
“You’ve got a point.”
I reach into my pocket and pull out the gold coin he gave me. “You sure Vivian won’t miss this?”
“I’m sure.” He hooks his thumbs in his belt loops. “Wouldn’t matter anyway. Call me if you need more. I want you to stay safe.”
“You’re the best.” I flip the coin in the air and catch it. “Okay. Until next time, vampire.”
“Until next time, reaper.”
Before I change my mind and throw myself at Asa again, I pivot and head into the sunlight. I don’t look back but focus on getting home to my kids. The coin is warm in my palm. Even if I do encounter another supernatural ghost I won’t be using this coin. It’s part of my time here with him—and I wouldn’t give that up for all the pirate booty in the world.
* * *
The End
Continue the Grim Reality Series with To Catch Her Death or Styx & Stoned.
https://boonebrux.com/grim-reality-series/
Get caught up on the VV Inn series with Vampire Vacation or The Hunt
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About the Author
Boone Brux's stories range from high fantasy to humorous paranormal.
Having lived all over the world, and finally settling in the icy region of Alaska, she's always looking for the next adventure. It's not unusual to find Boone traversing the remotest parts of the Alaskan bush, gathering information for her stories. No person or escapade is off limits when it comes to weaving real life experiences into her books or blogs.
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C.J. Ellisson is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, who writes urban fantasy, mystery, and romance. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband, two teenagers, three dogs, and two cats--reporting to love the energetic zoo that's become their home.
Writing has become her passion and to find people want to read her stories feels like a dream come true. To get a free novel from C.J., join her newsletter (copy and paste the address into your web browser): smarturl.it/cjenews You can visit C.J. at her website (cjellisson.com) or visit her author page (facebook.com/cjellisson). She loves hearing from readers!
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Ashes
Amanda Pillar
ASHES © 2017 Amanda Pillar
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Internal Layout: Monica Corwin © 2017
Edited by: Pete Kempshall
First Published July 2017
The moral rights of the author have been asserted.
All characters in this publication, other than those clearly in the public domain, are fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recoding or any information retrieval system, without prior permission, in writing, from the publisher.
The book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published.
Ashes
Aria Ash shouldn’t exist…
Born to a were mother and vampire father, Aria Ash is the perfect blend of two races, and in their world, that’s a death sentence. Hunted for as long as she can remember, she now hides in plain sight in the city of Skarva, and will do anything to keep her secret safe.
Sebastian Talien is an alpha were with a troubled past. Ever since his pack went rogue and tried to kill three innocent pups, he’s been dedicated to rescuing children in need. Now an invitation has him heading to Skarva, to help a child he thought he’d failed…
Chapter One
50 years ago
“Death is coming.”
Nick sat still as a marble statue at the wooden table in their tiny living area. As a rule, he wasn’t prone to dramatic statements, but that was about as dramatic as you could get. Still, Aria had learned that Nick didn’t say anything without thinking about it a lot first.
In fact, he barely spoke at all.
“What do you mean?”
Nick turned his pale pink eyes on her, and her gut dropped. His gaze was sad. Old. Like he’d experienced far too much of what the world had to offer, and was damaged by it.
What has he seen now?
/> Nick, and their other brother, Xavier, were albinos. In their world, that was a rarity. Most albino children were killed outright. Even at ten years of age, Ari knew they were lucky to still be alive.
Her, even more so.
“You and Xave have to leave. Now.” Nick stood, and pushed her toward the door of their small hut.
“What? No.” She dug her heels into the packed-dirt floor. The mud-plaster walls often felt claustrophobic, but they were home. She didn’t want to go anywhere.
“You have to go. Get Xave.”
She crossed her arms. “No.”
“They will kill you if you don’t go.”
“Who?” Someone always seemed to want to kill them. Plus, they were triplets. They stayed together, with Mama. “And what about you?”
Those eyes went blank, like he wasn’t in the room with her anymore. And he probably wasn’t. Xave and Nick, they weren’t like her. Identical twins, they were plagued by visions of the future. Whereas she was just a freak. A real, bona fide freak.
The door slammed open behind them, and then Mama was there, panting, covered in sweat, like she’d been running. Xave was behind her, his eyes wild, not remote like Nick’s. “We have to go, now.”
Tears streaked Mama’s cheeks. She took Ari’s face between gentle hands. “You need to go with Xave. Leave here, and never come back, you understand?”
“Mama, what is going on?”
Xave was throwing gear into two canvas satchels. Ari saw her favorite shirt disappear into one of them.
