by Brianna West
This was a new Lucas, a Lucas I would have initially fantasized about—that I would most likely fantasize about after this. What had gotten into him? I shook off my bemusement.
He took this opportunity to close the distance between us. Fingers stroked down the length of my neck, causing my body to quiver and betray me. I could feel the core deep heat in my belly and knew that the situation I now found myself was a dangerous one.
“Did you take something?” I asked softly as I drew backwards, stalling only when my backside met the cool touch of a glass shower door.
Lucas eased forward without hesitation, imprisoning me between the shower door and his body. And what an incredible body it was. Every edge was both smooth and powerful. The dark clothing only highlighted his overall masculinity as it hugged every curve, every contour of his massive shape.
I was already victim to the power of his eyes, drowning in them. His full lips were still drawn up in a grin that made my toes curl and thighs quiver. Dark black silk hung from his head in the space between us, which I noted was no space at all. Honestly, if I even angled upwards our lips, bodies, and lower halves would assuredly touch.
I thought I wouldn't be fooled, but it would seem otherwise. My body was responding in every womanly way it possibly could. I felt the heat spread first from deep within my stomach, and soon, my entire being was consumed with it. Shivers ran through me like hot wires. I was trembling but not out of fear.
Definitely not out of fear.
My words were caught in my throat even though I should be spitting fire at Lucas for even insinuating that I needed his watch. Instead, I was losing my ability and will to fight back at all.
As if coming out of a trance, Lucas straightened and put a foot of distance between us. “Forgive me. I seem to be hungry,” he explained with a hint of reproach.
Well, that explains it I guess.
“I will leave you to your shower,” he stated swiftly, and with that, left the bathroom.
Now I wouldn't like to admit this out loud, but a part of me was pretty damn disappointed.
I let out the breath I had been holding and slouched against the cool glass door.
Part of me was glad he found himself because, honestly, he was starting to scare the bejesus out of me. It was unlike the Lucas I had come to know in the last few days, and it had startled me. The other part, rather larger of the two, damned him for catching himself. I needed to get laid! It had been a very long time since someone had touched me in any sort of sexual way, save for the old men that would forever torment me at “The Bar.”
No, I needed it bad. I needed it like chocolate at that time of the month. And he was fine chocolate indeed.
I grumbled as I removed my clothing, which wasn't much. Dirt and the smell of death clung to them. Good thing I would never wear these again; otherwise, I might have been angry that they were destroyed.
Whore style wasn't my style.
Lucas had mentioned his being hungry. I remembered it as I massaged the Herbal Essence in my hair for the second time. Did that mean he was planning to have me for dinner? I hadn't felt his ill intentions. I know I would have since I seem almost tuned to it now that I've discovered this new part of myself. I pondered this a moment longer before the shampoo was thoroughly rinsed from my hair, which was now falling like a dark waterfall over my shoulders and breasts.
I gave myself a quick assessing glance, pinching the skin of my stomach and vowing to go easy on the donuts, before turning off the shower and dressing for the evening. I usually only wore a large nightshirt, but since Lucas was here, and certainly after what had just transpired, I added a pair of cotton shorts. I groomed through the wet tresses of my hair, brushed and flossed my teeth, and then made my way back into the living room.
Lucas was like a large Greek statue against my couch, his body taking up a good bit of it as he sat immobile looking at nothing in particular. Brooding indeed. I noticed that the television had long since been off, and a book I had been reading before all the madness transpired sat untouched on the coffee table where I left it.
I took a seat beside him, glancing at him shyly. Promptly standing up, as if he had sat on a pin, he walked the short distance to the bathroom. I was confused for a few moments before I heard the subtle sound of water. Oh, that would make sense. He probably wanted to wash the demon off him.
I could remember the way he lugged the large body over his shoulder as if it weighed nothing. At the time, I was consumed by the urge to vomit, so I wasn't really paying any attention to Lucas, but now that I had a moment to think, he had to be strong.
The water shut off, alerting me that he would be soon to follow. I readjusted in the seat, combed through my hair with my fingers, and grabbed the book from the coffee table in hopes to appear as though I was unaffected by earlier. His footsteps caused my body to stiffen unbidden, but I kept my eyes to the page I was reading.
“We need to treat your wound,” the gruff British accent said as Lucas took a seat beside me.
Nonchalantly as I could, I returned the book to the coffee table and turned so he could reach the wound. It had stung like a bitch in the shower, so I knew it was there. I had even grazed it once, which was the only time because I promptly regretted the action as the pounding in my head renewed.
Fingers gently sorted through the wet hair, probably making it rather difficult to find the wound until I hissed like a snake.
Shit! That hurt.
I closed my eyes as the fingers pried away the hair from around the wound.
“My apologies,” was all he said before I felt him pressing what had to be antiseptic because I jerked away at the stinging pain of it. “It is rather deep. I am surprised there was not more blood.” The last word caused me to stiffen, and he seemed to understand why. “I am ashamed of my earlier display. I can assure you it will not be the case again.”
“No worries,” I replied, hoping that I sounded convincing.
Honestly, I didn't want to be dinner, but the other stuff was welcomed. I probably shouldn't mix business with pleasure, but I was never really any good with rules. Besides, Lucas was one hot piece of meat, and I would be damned if I didn't welcome his advances. I was sure he probably wouldn't make any more, considering I was hardly worth the effort, but a girl could dream.
“Were you able to, um, you know, eat?” I asked.
He chuckled, a deep and gruff sound that had me readjusting in my seat. “Yes, thank you. I am in better control now.”
Well, damn.
“That's good,” I said as he continued to dress the wound. The pain and pounding were surprisingly absent as he did.
That was odd.
“Finished,” he announced, his deep baritone loud and clear right next to my ear.
I internally berated the shivers that shot through me as his cool breath tickled over the shell of my ear. He was so close, and it wouldn't take much effort to lean backwards and press myself against the length of him. Instead, I nodded lazily and stood from the seat.
“I should get to bed,” I said finally, after my brain caught up with me. “I'll grab you a blanket and pillow.”
“No need,” he said with a smile. “I do not feel the cold, remember?”
Oh right, silly me.
“Right,” I replied with my own smile. “Just a pillow then?”
“Do not trouble yourself over me.”
“That would make me a very bad host if I didn't,” I admonished. “I like to believe I'm a really good host...everything considering.”
“Very well,” he conceded.
I felt the need to pat myself on the back for a job well done; but instead, I simply removed one of the pillows from my bed and handed it over to him. I liked my pillows and had a tendency to have more than I needed.
“Goodnight,” I said before heading to my room.
“This pillow smells like you,” I heard him say as I made my way to my room.
The comment startled me enough that I stalled mi
d step. I glanced backwards, but Lucas had his back towards me on the couch, his body a bit too long and cramping him within it. It was sort of adorable really. Shaking it off, I could have been hearing things, I went to bed.
Chapter Three
I hated mornings—usually. This morning was a smidgen better than others because it was accompanied by one very tall and handsome vampire. Well, vampire-angel as weird as that sounds.
Lucas was a Promiscus (Latin for mixed, knowing it only because I had Googled that shit) and a Guardian. It was his job to ensure that humans and creatures of Light were protected. So basically like the police for demons, witches, faeries, vampires etc.
I was a mystery to him as he could usually determine a creature's origin and abilities upon touch. I wasn't really sure why I would be a mystery, but he says that Victor, his boss and head honcho angel extraordinaire, would be able to discern my heritage. Honestly, it was all still hard for me to grasp. I never felt very special. But after the last two days, I couldn't disagree anymore that there was something about Izzy.
I sluggishly left the comfort of my bed, my hair a mess and face still lazy with sleep. I had nearly forgotten about Lucas until my eyes rested on his entirely groomed and very handsome person perched on my poor couch that seemed plain in comparison.
“You look as if you slept well,” he greeted.
His mocking grin did not go unnoticed by me. It promptly sent me into a tizzy. I backtracked to my room to brush my hair and teeth and change my clothes.
Damn him! I was having such a good morning too.
I was grumbling as I did my makeup, highlighting my blue eyes with shades of brown and cream. I put a slight glaze of lip gloss on my lips and puckered at my reflection. Definitely not winning any beauty pageants, but it would do. Sighing, I left the bathroom and returned to Lucas who was wearing the same grin he always wore when he was amused by me.
I huffed my obvious displeasure that he was getting a kick out of this and gathered my suitcase, which I had packed before bed. I grabbed a few things from the kitchen, my favorite mug and coffee grinds since Pavel didn't drink coffee and Lucas didn't drink—well—anything that wasn't from a vein or bag, and my novel from the coffee table, stuffing it all into my suitcase. Finally, I set the luggage aside.
“Are you ready?” Lucas inquired.
“As ready as I'll ever be,” I responded in kind.
“Very well,” he said, standing to his full height. He was a very imposing man at full height, and I had to be grateful that he was one of the good guys.
We left my apartment behind, heading back to Lucas' place which was on the other side of town. I drummed my fingers idly against my thigh as I gazed out the window.
“I will begin your training today,” Lucas said, interrupting my thoughts. “We are facing a great deal more than I initially thought, and you will need training as I can no longer leave you without a basic understanding of your powers or how to use them to defend yourself.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, coming to stand beside him.
“Only that what we are dealing with will require that Pavel and I are at our best,” he responded evenly. “I cannot worry that you will fall victim to the beast should we encounter it.”
“What kind of beast?” I asked.
I hoped no one that was going to devour me. I really valued my life.
“Pavel thinks that an arch-demon has summoned a portal in the area,” Lucas explained to the ignorant me who had no idea what an arch-demon was. “We would have to defeat the arch-demon before we can close the portal. Lower demons will be able to pass through the portal until we do.”
I guess I was giving him the 'whachya talkin' 'bout Louis' look because he sighed and explained further.
“Demons, unlike others, are Dark from their very core and cannot be swayed otherwise. They survive on death and mayhem. It is their sole purpose to bring those of Light to the deepest recesses of Hell,” Lucas explained.
Good to know. Demons equal evil. Always.
“Are there any Promiscus with demon blood?” I asked.
“Yes,” he replied gravely. “However, I have not met one yet that did not give into their darker side. The demon blood is always victorious against the other blood inside them.”
So basically...
“Anyone mixed with demon blood is more than likely bad?” I concluded.
“Yes,” he responded quickly. “I have never, in my seven hundred years, met a demon mix that was not Dark.”
Hold your horses.
“Seven hundred years?!” I exclaimed in surprise. I did my best not to appear overly surprised but hot damn!
His eyes were on me. “Does that bother you?”
“No,” I responded honestly. “Just surprising is all.” I mean, I could only imagine how many women had fallen victim to his good looks over seven hundred years. “You must have broken a lot of hearts in those seven hundred years,” I joked, though a part of me was hoping he would answer me adversely.
“Perhaps,” he replied with a small smile. “Though, it was unconsciously done as I have only ever concerned myself with my work.”
So only casual hanky-pankies? I couldn't help my interest as I continued to pry.
“So no Mrs. Lucas somewhere?” I prodded shamelessly.
Don't sound hopeful. Keep it cool. I relaxed back into the chair, doing my best to appear nonchalant.
“No,” Lucas replied with the shake of his head, “I have never fallen victim to love.”
Fallen victim? He made it sound like being in love was some terrible curse people had thrust upon them. I watched him from my side of the car as we pulled into the driveway of his very large two-story home.
Lucas was well endowed; I knew this from the furnishings of his home and the size of his bedrooms. Pun intended.
I assumed that he didn't live in this town, which impressed just how rich he was if he could afford to rent a home in the meantime such as this. Although the outside was modern—true to Lucas form—the inside was aged and timeless. Everything about his home told of his value of fine furnishings and a kept home.
Lucas must have felt uncomfortable with the direction of our conversation because as soon as he parked the car, he exited and appeared at my side to open the door, saying nothing more about the previous topic.
Once inside, he searched for Pavel who was probably holed up in his room. I set my things inside the room he had designated for me and waited in the living room for Lucas to return. I wasn't sure what he meant to do by training me, but I guess it would probably be in the living room since there was a large enough space left open.
Lucas returned with Pavel in tow. The Russian was just as intoxicating as I remembered. His hair was a mess about his head, as was his usual style, and his clear eyes glistened as they regarded me along with the small mocking grin he often bequeathed me when he was thinking something naughty.
Yeah, after he gave my chest a good minute stare, I knew his mind was already in pervert town. I sent him a glare before turning towards Lucas who had come to stand beside me.
“We shall begin your training in the forest just south of here,” Lucas instructed as he tossed me what had to be a training uniform.
He had a large bag of what I could only guess to be training equipment in his hand and was dressed in his own uniform: black overcoat, tight black shirt, and black trousers that looked as though they could hide their fair share of weapons. So basically, he was a Matrix knock-off but much more appealing than Keanu Reeves by a long run. I could see the gun glistening from inside his coat and internally shivered at the prospect of having to use a gun. He must have followed my gaze because he gave a quick shake of his head.
“With your abilities,” he explained, “you will not require these. They are often my last resort should my powers be depleted.”
Well, that was comforting. As comforting as a blanket of hidden razors. If these things could deplete his power reserves, having him resort to gun use
, then I didn't stand a chance in hell against them. However, I gave him a quick nod of understanding despite my wayward thoughts.
Pavel came to walk beside me as I started after Lucas, heading to the door towards the back of the house.
“Moya solnishka,” he started as he kept pace with me. “I have missed you.”
Oh, give me a break.
I tossed him a disbelieving glance before ignoring him the rest of the way. While I would definitely believe Lucas had never bed a woman easily over the last seven hundred years, Pavel was a different story. He was a horny little Russian that just so happened to be part faerie. I am pretty sure that, if not for the rules that Lucas probably had placed upon him, there would be a woman here every night. Maybe even two. Or three. Or very possibly, six.
Before I could follow Lucas outside, Pavel blocked my path with a serious gaze. “I would prefer to be your instructor, moya solnishka,” he said.
“What's your angle, Blondie?” I questioned. He had to be up to something.
“No angle,” he retorted with the crossing of his arms. His large body blocked the entire doorway from view. If that wasn't imposing enough, then the muscles roping his body like he was in the gym hours each day surely was. “I simply believe that I am the better choice considering that we have like abilities. I could train your magic better than Lucas.”
“But I would not trust you to keep your instructions professional,” said a deep baritone from behind him.
I could just barely make out Lucas as he had only a few inches on Pavel; but from what I could see, he seemed less than happy with Pavel's suggestion. I had to agree. I couldn't trust that Pavel could teach me without some inappropriate touching. Or a whole lot of it. I only assumed the warlock-faerie Guardian was pent up and sexually frustrated after probably being banned from laying hands on the local ladies.
“She requires an instructor that can train her on how to use her magic, Lucas,” Pavel argued.
“You are welcome to join us,” Lucas offered honorably.
Men.
“Might I make a suggestion,” I asked rhetorically, incredibly fed up with being talked about as if I wasn't in the room. “I mean, I’m only a small, inconsequential woman here, so my opinion probably matters very little to you two macho men, but I think could learn from both of you equally.
