“Look at me,” he whispered and my heart clenched as my eyes met his. His voice was desperate, “I want you to know who you’ve given yourself to.”
My eyes stayed steady as I felt him begin to enter me. I could feel the fullness of him as he began to get closer and closer to the proof of my virginity.
He caressed my cheek again as he looked at me almost lovingly. Desperation filled his voice as he pleaded, “Don’t try to leave me again,” he whispered.
I didn’t have time to reply as he moved forward, piercing the proof of my virginity. I moaned feeling the pinch. I bit my lip as I looked up at Marco, shocked to find a tear falling down his cheek. I reached up and wiped it away with my thumb before bringing him down into a kiss.
Slowly, he began to move again as the lust built. I could hear his breath come quicker and quicker. There was a building deep within my body as I began to move with him harder and faster. Every muscle in my body clenched as he began to kiss my neck again. His teeth began to nip the tender skin there and then; the muscles began to release causing an explosion of warmth to spread through my body. I screamed out my release as he began to pound even harder within me. He groaned as I felt his hot seed pour deep inside me. He kissed me until we both were spent. Sweat poured from both of our bodies as I laid there beneath him.
Tears welled in my eyes as I realized that it was over. I had given myself in every way possible to the man I loved and he had given himself to me. The only problem was that I was the only one who felt love. He only clung to me for his survival.
Chapter Fourteen
Decisions
I awoke feeling warm and safe. For the first time in weeks, I did not feel the need to cry. Images of the night before played in my head and I smiled as I pretended that they meant more for Andre than they did. I sighed softly, content as I waited for the numbness of sleep to lift.
It wasn’t until I opened my eyes that I realized I was laying on Marco’s chest. The steady beat of his heart echoed in my ear. His arm was wrapped so tightly around my waist that I couldn‘t move from the bed.
I raised my head to look up into his face, finding that he was watching me. His eyes darkened as he traced my cheek with his fingertips, “Good morning,” he said looking at me warily.
“Good morning,” I whispered back suddenly anxious.
He frowned as he studied me. I could feel his nervousness as he asked in a voice that was broken with worry, “Are you okay?”
I nodded as he loosened his hold and I was able to sit up, “I’m fine,” I whispered, feeling a strange awareness wash over me. I closed my eyes as I sensed him staring and I suddenly realized what I was experiencing. I was experiencing his panic.
I looked at Marco, studying his face again. Dark spots were under his eyes and he looked pale. I narrowed my eyes, almost positive that he hadn’t slept at all. My stomach twisted in guilt because I realized that I had done this to him.
He searched my face again, “Are you still going to leave?” He asked. My eyes widened as I realized I was right. He’d stayed up all night to make sure I didn’t run away.
Worse, his panic rose with every second that I didn’t answer him and I frowned. What he was feeling was torture and it was torture that I caused. I reached forward and caressed his face before kissing him, briefly, hoping to dispel all of his dark emotions.
“No,” I whispered, knowing that I could never leave him. It wasn’t just the bond and it wasn’t what it would do to him. I wouldn’t leave because I loved him.
He smiled but uncertainty still invaded my emotions. I caressed his face. How was I ever going to make him understand? I sighed again. I supposed it would take time.
“I need a shower,” I said, wrapping the sheet around me and rising as I looked for my clothes.
He chuckled, “You do realize that I’ve already seen you naked.”
I blushed crimson, “Yes,” I said, shifting uncomfortably, “I remember very well but I’m not one to feel comfortable running around naked.”
He laughed and I felt some of the darkness of his emotions lift, “It’s a shame,” he said, grinning, “It really is.”
I raised a brow, “I’m glad you think so.”
He shrugged as he rose from bed, unabashed. I rolled my eyes. Of course, he wasn’t ashamed. He didn‘t have one out of shape muscle in his body. I shifted beneath the sheet as I suddenly felt self conscience. Though I was far from being a large woman, I hadn’t been one to work out. As a result, I was softly rounded in certain areas. Still, I had to admit that he seemed to like it.
I sensed him behind me as I put on my robe and turned to him as I tied the sash. He was studying me again with his eyes dark and sensual. He grinned as he caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers, “Do you need company in the shower?”
My stomach flipped again as he kissed me, pouring every promise of what he would do to me into the kiss. I leaned into him as I wrapped my arms around his neck. He moaned as his arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer to him. It would have gone further if a knock hadn’t sounded at the front door causing us both to groan in annoyance.
He scowled at the door and then, sighed, “Well, I guess you’ll have to take that shower by yourself after all,” he said and then, grinned, “But one day I will see what you look like with water cascading over you.”
My knees weakened at the thought. He kissed me quickly and then, pulled on pajama pants before going to answer the door. I grabbed my clothes and went to shower with images of things yet to come in my head.
**********
I could hear Andre in our living room when I exited the bathroom. I paused just inside the little room which housed the bunk beds as his voice boomed through the motor home. I frowned as I detected his panic and my heart clenched in fear.
“I don’t know how it happened,” he said, desperate, “I only know that when I woke up she was gone.”
My eyes widened as the panic in his voice slammed through me. I walked into the living room realizing the only person he could be talking about was Aurora.
I could feel my heart nearly skid to a halt in my chest as I found Andre sitting on the couch with his head in his hands. Tears were streaming down his face. Marco was pacing frantically in front of him.
“What’s happened?” I asked as both of them turned to look at me. I was hoping they would say anything else but what I feared had happened.
Andre was shaking as he gazed up at me, “Have you seen Aurora?”
I frowned and shook my head as dread settled further into my chest, “Not since last night during the bonfire,” I whispered.
A sob tore from Andre’s throat and I turned to Marco, “What’s happened?” I asked as fear slammed through me.
“She’s missing,” Marco said as I crossed my arms over my chest. I began to tremble uncontrollably,
“When did you see her last?” I asked as tears fell down my cheeks. I swallowed convulsively.
“When we went to bed,” he said, shaking his head, “She’s been restless since the pregnancy so when I woke up and she wasn’t in bed, I thought that she had gotten up.”
“Maybe she’s with Mirella,” I said, knowing that the hope that she was, was a weak one at best, “I’ll go talk to her.”
Marco grabbed my arm as I headed for the door, “I’ll walk with you,” he said, frowning, “If it is your father, he’ll be after you too.”
I nodded as I remembered what Eli had done during the short time I was alone on our wedding night, “Okay.”
“I’ll get dressed,” he whispered and went into our room. A few minutes later, he returned in jeans and a tee shirt. Work boots covered his feet. He grabbed my hand as we walked out of the door with Andre on our heels.
We walked quietly to Sophia’s house, finding Mirella outside reading a book. She looked up at us as we approached. Instantly, she frowned as she took in the somber expressions on our faces, “What’s wrong?” she asked, looking from me to Marco.
“Aurora is missing,” I said, feeling the worry increase at the look of fear on Mirella’s face. I didn’t have to ask if she’d seen her. I could tell she hadn’t.
“Did your father take her?’ She asked, looking at Marco and then, Andre.
I began to shake as tears fell in torrents down my cheeks. My soul hollowed as all hope was lost, “I think so,” I sobbed.
Marco took me into his arms, rubbing my back trying to soothe me, “We’ll find her,” he whispered, “I promise.”
I nodded against his chest. He looked at Mirella, pleading with his eyes and his voice, “Can she stay here?” He asked and I straightened as I looked up at him and shook my head but he frowned, “Lilly, we’re going to look for her but we can’t be worried that he’ll take you while doing that.”
“She’s my sister,” I said, crying.
“I know but we all love her,” he said, caressing my face, “We’ll bring her back. I promise.”
I sniffled as he kissed me quickly, “Stay here,” he said, frowning, “Don’t be by yourself.”
I nodded as he gave me one last fear filled look. Then, he was gone.
***********
Sophia had decided that we should go to Andre and Aurora’s home to look around in hopes of finding some clues. As soon as we walked in, I inhaled taking in the smell of a werewolf. I inhaled again and I knew who had been there.
“Do you smell that?” I asked, frowning.
Sophia sniffed and then, her eyes widened, “Your father’s family has been here.”
“No. Eli has been here,” I said, narrowing my eyes. I followed his scent to the chair where Aurora often sat reading late at night. A pile of blankets covered it. I picked up the top one and frowned as a piece of paper fell from it.
My lips pressed tightly together as I read with Mirella and Sophia reading over my shoulder.
Andre,
If you want your beautiful wife back…Send Lilly to come get her.
Eli
I looked at Mirella and Sophia with my decision already made. The only problem was convincing them that it was the right thing to do.
Chapter Fifteen
Facing the Family
I watched as Sophia paced the floor. She shook her head in denial as she glanced up at me. Mirella had left to get Andre and Garridan so we were alone.
She stopped in the middle of the living room and studied me with frightened eyes, “You can’t do this, Lilly. It will kill Marco,” she said for what seemed the hundredth time.
I breathed slowly, trying to control the panic consuming my mind. Finally, I gazed back at her, “I have to do this, Sophia. If I don’t Aurora will die. Andre will die. I know if I take Andre with me, we will all live. He won’t let anything happen to Aurora or to me, “I said, swallowing and hoping I was right.
“Marco won’t let this happen,” Sophia said. Her forehead creased as she frowned again.
“He won’t have a choice as long as you keep him here and keep him safe,” I whispered as tears filled my eyes, “Don’t let him follow me. Emilian will kill him.”
Sophia tilted her head as she studied me, “You love Marco, don’t you?”
I smiled sadly as the weight of that feeling fully cloaked me, “Yes,” I whispered.
“I was worried about the two of you,” Sophia said, sighing with relief, “Does he know?”
I shook my head, “No,” I said, raising my chin, “Honestly, I’m not sure he feels the same.”
Sophia smiled, “I’m his mother. I know him,” she said, grinning, “I think he does.”
I shook my head in denial and she opened her mouth to say something else but Andre and Garridan walked in, followed by Mirella. I frowned as my gaze landed on Garridan, wondering how he could help. Mirella had insisted that he could because he knew the family better than everyone else somehow. Andre seemed to agree because he gazed at Garridan as if he were his only hope.
“Let me see the letter,” Andre said, turning to me with worry clear in his eyes. Determination pulsed off of him in torrents.
I handed him the piece of paper on which the note had been written. He frowned as he looked over it. Then, he glanced at me before shaking his head and handing the note to Garridan.
“There has to be a different way,” he said, frowning, “I can’t put my brother’s wife in danger too.”
“You’ll have to if you want Aurora back,” Garridan said, glancing at me with sympathy filled eyes before turning his gaze back to Andre, “I lived with them. If they don’t see Lilly, they’ll kill Aurora. She’s the only one who can get her out safely.”
My eyes widened, “You used to live there?” I asked, confused.
Garridan gave a short bitter laugh, “I was your father’s chosen husband for Aurora,” he said, grinning when my mouth dropped open, “When he kidnapped her, I realized that she loved Andre and helped her escape in return for what I really wanted…release me from your father’s pack.”
“Do you think that’s what Eli wants from me?” I asked, hopeful. If it was, I’d give it to him.
Garridan shook his head, causing his black hair to hit him in the face, “No,” he said with a raised brow, “Eli is pure evil. Even if you released him from your father’s pack, he would still follow him.”
I bit my bottom lip as I shifted uneasy, “Is there a plan?” I asked, as my heart picked up speed.
Garridan shrugged uncomfortably as he glanced around the room before his eyes landed back on me. Guilt shadowed his face, “How do you feel about transitioning early?”
I winced as a sliver of fear slid down my spine. I took a deep breath and straightened my back, “Will it save my sister?” I asked in a shaky voice.
“It will do more than that,” he said, but he grimaced, “There is one downfall.”
“What’s that?” I asked, frowning.
“You do run the risk of killing someone,” he said, watching me carefully.
I nodded, “If it gets my sister and my little unborn niece out of there, then I’m willing to take the chance.”
**********
We walked through the forest in silence. My stomach churned from the shot full of wolf’s bane given to me in my jugular. I didn’t ask Garridan how he knew it would cause my transition to happen sooner. It didn’t really matter as long as it worked.
I could smell the wolf’s bane running through my system, causing my senses to go into hyper drive. Everything about it caused pain to slam through me. It was seeping out of my pores. I moaned as spikes of pain slammed through me causing me to tremble a little.
“You’re feeling it aren’t you?” Garridan asked looking back at me. His eyes were full of sympathy.
I nodded, afraid to speak. If I did, I might scream. The pain felt as if it were ripping me a part, putting me back together and ripping me a part again. A thin layer of sweat coated my body.
“Just stick to the plan,” Garridan said, as we came to a slight trail, “If you need us, we’ll be here.”
I nodded again as I saw the break in the trees. A neighborhood of houses lay beyond it. I frowned at the sight of it. This couldn’t be my father’s home. It was too…normal.
“We can’t go with you beyond this point,” Garridan said, distracting me from my thoughts. Concern passed over his face. It was hard to believe that he had ever been part of my father’s family.
I glanced at him and then, Andre, “If anything happens, keep Marco alive,” I whispered, “Tell him that I love him.”
Andre shook his head and then, raised his chin determined, “You’ll tell him yourself.”
I forced a smile and then, turned, “We’ll be right here,” Garridan said, hiding behind the trees, “We’ll come out when it’s time.”
I nodded, “Thank you,” I said as pain gripped me again.
I forced myself to breathe through it and then, straightened my spine as I took my first step into my father‘s neighborhood.
**********
The town seemed deserted as I
stepped onto the road which ran down the length of the neighborhood. Still, I felt as if there were a dozen eyes watching every move I made. I inhaled searching for Aurora’s scent. She was nowhere close. I walked further inhaling again and again desperate to find her. Finally, I found a faint trace.
I narrowed my eyes, resisting the urge to run toward her scent until I found her. Instead, I kept my steps measured as I walked closer to my sister. I gritted my teeth as pain slammed into my stomach causing me to inhale sharply. I swallowed hard, taking a great gulp of air and resisting the need to cross my arms over my stomach. I couldn’t let them know what was happening.
The hair on the back of my neck rose in warning and only a second later, I was amid company. A woman with dark hair met me and for a moment, I wondered where she had come from. I studied her slowly, wondering when she would attack but she never did.
I inhaled again, realizing she was a werewolf. It surprised me as I continued my study of her. She didn’t look like she’d be comfortable in the wild. She was beautiful but in a worldly way. Her make-up and hair was perfect. She wore a dress which hugged every curve of her body. It was short enough to show every inch of her shapely legs. Her eyes were a deep blue. I narrowed my eyes realizing that she had been recently changed. There was a chance; she hadn’t chosen to be a werewolf.
“I am to take you to your father‘s house,” she said, smirking. As soon as the words came out of her mouth, I realized I didn’t like her.
“And who are you?” I asked with narrowed eyes. She smiled, flashing white teeth.
“Katie Ward,” she said, smirking as I recognized her name, “I see that you know who I am. Did Andre tell you?”
I pursed my lips, “I doubt that you’ve crossed his mind since before Aurora got here,’ I said watching her eyes narrow, “Aurora told me about you. I felt sorry for you…then.”
Her face reddened as she looked at me but at least she was silent. We came to a house at the very end of the road. It was a nice two story abode, kept clean and cozy. Anyone passing would not know that werewolves lived within it. I narrowed my eyes as I inhaled again. Aurora’s scent was stronger but so was Emilian‘s.
Summoned (The Brazil Werewolf Series) Page 10
