Fire's Flame [Elements Book 1]

by Scholey, C. L.

  Ignis could taste all of her, he flowed through her veins lighting up her body. Her essence drove him wild. A fiery glow lit up behind her eyelids. When she opened her eyes, Ignis saw them ignite. They burned with unleashed passion. Her mouth closed over his fire erection and she sucked him hard. Ignis smiled, watching her work him. Her insides squeezed and relaxed giving him great pleasure. Ignis wanted to explode but knew her human form had taken enough already. When he came, it was enough to make her shudder with her release, groan from his force, and go limp in his arms when he absorbed her body fluid with his overwhelming heat. He pulled her into him, inside of him, to caress her delicate bones, the intricate shape of her pelvis, her organs; her beating heart was stroked lovingly. Flame’s hot blood rolled like the lava they were engulfed in. He wanted all of her, everything was his to know. He felt her love for him within her entire being. It was like nothing Ignis had ever known. A human could love with her entire body, it was a revelation.

  Once satisfied no part of her had not been explored, Ignis shot them both from the volcano and headed directly to the stars. The constellation Orion had teased him often enough about the sun spurning him. Especially Alpha, Betelgeuse, who had said no one, would ever love an element, elements were too self-centered. The star was wrong. Flame’s love for Ignis was visual, she was completely covered in lava from head to toe—a human, and she still lived as she smoldered. On Ignis’ heels was lava’s bubbling laughter. The Alpha, Betelgeuse, stopped twinkling with his embarrassment. The supergiant turned an even brighter red, angering Orion as the other stars complained the supergiant once again was outshining them all—even if it was from humiliation. Ignis soared through the heavens and heard Father Universe chuckle with pleasure.

  Ignis could feel Flame hide within his encircling embrace, in the Heavens Ignis’ element state was rolling brilliant light, not fire. He traveled as a ghost throughout the universe. Flame needn’t worry about exposure; with the lava coating her face and hair, her identity was hidden from the stars. She didn’t quite understand what was happening, but she would. Only the important elements could know her, see her. Ignis just reveled in taunting the almighty Hunter, Orion and his followers.

  Proudly, Ignis did display his beautiful Flame to the ones who mattered. Flame’s body was healed and kept whole by Mother Nature who approved the union. Next, his brothers were summoned—no other element was to touch her. The brothers agreed, some with smirks and raised eyebrows. Normally, it was Ventus who made such a demand for some human, and none had ever been brought for open approval into the Heavens.

  The marvel of a human seeing any of them was intriguing as all strove to catch sight of the female. Ignis had her well wrapped within himself; Flame was the first human to set foot in the universe without a protective human space suit or vessel. This was Ignis’ first; the elements would be indulgent until his fancy fled to another, most assuredly it couldn’t last. A human and an element? Preposterous, yet highly entertaining.

  Moon demanded an audience with the couple. Ignis was surprised yet complied.

  “What do you care of a human female?” Ignis asked Moon, feeling protective.

  “Humans have always been compelled by me. They worship me, love me. I control the tides, a gift from your father—an obvious annoyance to Nimbus, but they are mine nonetheless to have power over. I too have felt the touch of a human, Earth—Terra, does not own their delicate souls. Though a human may not press their skin to mine I have had the pleasure of their simple weight beneath my feet. You have chased my Sun all these millennia, I was curious as to who would usurp her for your love.” Ignis showed his Flame with pride. Flame’s look was utter amazement. Moon nodded. Then one great crater eye looked shrewd. “Beware the fire’s flame. It can warm your heart or burn you to cinder.”

  “What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Ignis snapped.

  “Take a good long look at me, my friend; she could render you feeling helpless,” Moon said.

  “She is a human female, she can’t burn me.”

  “And it would appear you can’t burn her. You fight fire with fire. She may not burn your insides—but she does make you burn with passion. It is possible to be destroyed from the inside out. Elements are emotional tempests; they can sizzle or explode into feelings. You have your hands full.” Moon chuckled and, frowning, Ignis left.

  It took only moments for Ignis to return Flame to her home. This time he crawled into the shower with her and held her in his arms under the teaming cold water. Though fire, Ignis was used to water. His brother, Nimbus, had blasted him often enough when they were children. It was done in play. The idea was amusing. Ignis had no doubt a human ever knew an element could play.

  The silly humans need only look to the sky and earth. When a fire blazed, a sudden rainstorm could loom from nowhere dousing the heat. Which element could crash louder? Thunder or a lightning bolt? Smoke could be blown away with wind. Poor humans, they were like the ball in a game of Monkey in the Middle when the elements played.

  Flame stirred in his arms. She was drenched. She looked beautiful, soaking wet, hot, smoldering. The golden highlights of her hair shimmered brighter, lighting her crown in a wondrous vision. Her arms that had been languishing at her sides lifted to wrap around his neck. Flame pulled herself higher to bury her face into his throat. Ignis found it intriguing when he dipped his head and kissed her. He had never kissed in water. It was pleasant, slippery and not burning, though hot nonetheless. Moist and tender, sleekness as their lips meshed together, drinking from one another. He wondered if this was what Nimbus felt, the slippery softness of skin on skin. Had his brother had sex with a human? Ignis would have to ask him.

  “Even doused, your fire still burns,” Flame mumbled when he released her lips.

  Ignis realized, though wet, when their mouths met his embers sizzled into her cheeks and danced across her tongue. He had the strangest idea. Ignis lowered Flame down the length of his body. He settled her onto her knees. She looked dazed. His hard, wet erection was pushed past her lips. Very gently his hips thrust forward as she took him deeper. His cock was thick and long but not alive with his fire. Never had Ignis felt the need to limit himself, until now. It was only ten inches, nothing really.

  Flame made groaning and gasping noises as he slid himself further. She pulled back but his hand buried into her hair. He was intrigued. It was, after all, only a man-sized cock at the moment. She struggled as he pushed into her throat. It was a curious feeling, not unpleasant, interesting. She felt so warm and soft it was impossible not to want her to have all of him. His rhythm became demanding, almost harsh as she resisted, trying to pull back. Ignis felt she would settle as she always did. Flame’s body trembled.

  Her hands tightened onto his wrists. Her fingernails burrowed into his skin. She was distressed and the thought surprised Ignis. She had just had sex in lava and now he was scaring her? Ignis pulled back a small way, he heard her suck air into her nose, she was moaning and he nodded in understanding. He wasn’t in complete control of her body. A human man didn’t have the power to breathe for her; a human male didn’t have the ability to engulf her entire being in safety. A human male could cause great harm. Ignis could cause great harm. The idea was both annoying and enlightening. If he were to have sex as a human he would have to be doubly careful. He didn’t want her pain or her fear.

  Ignis relaxed his grip in her hair, he then released her altogether. She stopped pulling back. Her hands, which had been digging into his wrists, dropped to fondle his balls. Water streamed across her back, dripping over and between her ass cheeks. It was primal, with him—a man—somewhat, standing with his woman before him on her knees. No wonder a human male enjoyed this. A dominant position for both lovers. The way she slid her mouth over him made him feel powerful and helpless. Ignis could feel himself build. It was hard not to ignite. Ignis grit his teeth. He wanted to hammer himself into her welcoming mouth, but he rocked carefully. When he came, he tossed back his head and bellowed,
an eruption of fire burst past his mouth to burn the ceiling in an orgasm of passion.

  Dismayed, Flame released him and grabbed the shower head. She sprayed the damage, gaining control over it. Ignis smiled and with a thought the fire was out. The ceiling was charred. In the bedroom a smoke alarm went off. Flame looked at him, none too happy, but Ignis laughed. If you played with fire something was bound to end up burnt.

  Chapter 4

  Flame looked around at the faces of the twenty or so children sitting at desks before her. Ray had volunteered to teach a fire safety course to his nephew’s class. Ray had the flu and Flame was filling in. She didn’t mind. The kids were about eight, eager, giggly. Flame held up a lighter.

  “Does anyone know what this is?” she asked.

  A dozen hands flew in the air waving madly. She pointed at a little girl who was squirming in her seat like a cute, wiggly puppy desperate for attention.

  “It’s a lighter,” the little blonde twittered. “My mommy says they’re used to light my daddy’s and Uncle Ted’s cancer sticks.”

  Flame chuckled. “Yes, it is a lighter. It can be used in many ways, but its sole purpose is to light a fire or cause something to burn. Fire is why I’m here today.”

  “Uncle Ray got sick,” a young tow-headed boy said to the class in general.

  “Hopefully, he’ll be better soon, Raymond,” Flame said to the boy, Ray’s nephew.

  “Do you put out fires?” another child asked.

  “I investigate arson,” Flame replied. It took only one second for the next question that was sure to follow.

  “What’s arson?” the little blond girl asked.

  Raymond rolled his eyes. “Girls,” he muttered. “It’s when mean people start fires on purpose, Lacey.” Flame smiled but hid it behind her hand. The little imp sounded just like his uncle.

  “My daddy’s not mean, Ray-Ray,” Lacey stormed. “He starts fires when we camp so I can roast wieners and marshmallows.”

  “No you dummy, not that kind of fire, sheesh,” Raymond said and snorted.

  “Raymond, there will be no name-calling in my class,” the teacher admonished. “Your uncle teaches you many things about fire that the others don’t know. That’s why you wanted him to come today—to teach. If you are going to say thoughtless things, the others may not want to learn, they may be too embarrassed to ask questions. Do you think this is important enough for your classmates to understand? Especially if it could save their lives one day?”

  Looking contrite, Raymond had the decency to blush. “Sorry, Lacey. I didn’t mean it the way it sounded. You’re not dumb. You just don’t know what I do. I don’t want you to get burned just cause you don’t get it, and aren’t as smart as me.”

  Yep, just like his uncle.

  Flame began teaching the children how important it was to get their entire family involved in fire safety. When she flicked the lighter to a flame, she saw Ignis smiling at her. She ignored him. Using a small, teddy bear-sized cloth shaped in the form of a small pajama shirt, she showed the children just how fast a flame caught and held—and burned. Visual was everything. She didn’t want to provoke nightmares, but there was a need for deep respect.

  The children sat straighter in their chairs, wide-eyed, interested and ensnared as fire transfixed them, as the pint sized pajama shirt was soon emblazed. The fiery cloth was dropped into a metal garbage bin and she dowsed it with a cup of water. Flame went over ‘stop, drop, and roll’ briefly. They had already learned that. What she wanted was to avoid getting to that point altogether.

  “Make certain you find two exits in any room. If one is blocked you need a plan B.”

  “But my room is too high up. All our bedrooms are upstairs in our home; if I jump I’ll get an owie. That’s what my mommy says when she opens the window in the summer, ‘Lacey don’t push on the screen or you could fall and get an owie,’” Lacey said, looking worried.

  “You can ask your parents to invest in a ladder and all of you can benefit from learning how to use it. Something that can be on your window if you’re on the second story. You also need to have a place outside the front of your house or apartment to gather.”

  “Why the front?” another boy asked.

  “Because when help arrives they need to see you. You need to tell the emergency crew fast if someone is still inside, if firefighters or police and ambulance have to go looking for you it will take more time. Fire is fast. You need to be faster and smart.” Flame had everyone’s attention. “Where in your front would be a good place to meet?”

  Lacey tossed up her hand then yelled: “Our car.”

  Flame saw Raymond roll his eyes again so she jumped in quickly. “That would be a good guess, Lacey. But instead I want all of you to choose something that doesn’t move. Raymond, why don’t you tell us your family’s meeting spot and why you chose it?”

  Raymond sat up straight, looking important. “We chose a big rock on our front lawn. Firefighters can see us from the road; we won’t be in their way. Plus,” he swiveled around to look at Lacey. “The rock never moves, there isn’t a chance it won’t be there when and if we need it.” Lacey narrowed her eyes onto him—certain he was being condescending but unsure as to how.

  “Very good, Raymond. Yes children, please pick something that won’t be moved, like a big tree or rock, or even your neighbor’s porch. As long as your meeting place is away from the fire. Now I want to know if all of you have heard the sound of a smoke detector?”

  Lacey clamped her mouth shut. Another boy tentatively put his hand up. “I’ve heard the ones in school.”

  Flame picked up a fire detector. “Do you have one of these in your home?” she asked the boy.

  “I don’t know.”

  “When you get home I think you might want to check, in fact all of you check with your parents. Go to each one and press the button to make certain the batteries are working. It sounds like this.”

  Flame pushed the button and a few children slapped their hands over little ears, others laughed.

  “When you hear this sound, you are to immediately follow your escape route. Do not stop for toys; do not hide under your bed or in a closet. Fire can find you anywhere; it’s the best there is when it comes to hide-and-seek—do not play its game, you will lose. You need to move fast, but not so fast you fall or trip over someone else. Now, let’s take this lesson outside. I’ve brought you each a gift—a whistle—and I want to hear you blow it. If you get trapped, someone will hear it. And, I want to teach you how to use a fire extinguisher.”

  “Cool,” a couple of children yelled.

  Flame found it to be an enjoyable afternoon, she loved kids. She hoped what she taught them today could save their lives. A good friend from the fire department came to help and brought his outfit to show the children there is a human under the sometimes scary mask and bulky gear. A human, not a strange monster, who very much wants to help them and they are not to be afraid if they see a firefighter in full attire.

  She ended her visit by giving a sheet of red paper to each child and told them to go home and draw their escape route of their entire home and practice. Knowledge was power. They needed to know how to get out of anyone’s room—yes even their smelly brother’s room. It was also a good idea to notice the emergency exits when they went out to a restaurant, or movie. Everywhere, anywhere, stay aware, were four words that could save their lives.

  * * * *

  Flame tossed her keys onto her coffee table in the living room from the hallway. They clinked, skidded for a brief second, almost toppled to the floor, and then settled, their teetering motion stilled. She locked her front door behind her, snapping the deadbolt and lock into place. It was late, it was dark outside, and she was tired—exhausted really. They were still on the hunt for James Barkley. His wife and children were missing, but Ignis swore they were safe. Annoyingly, he wouldn’t give them up. He insisted they were better off where they were. Fire hinted he was privy to private information discussed n
ear fireplaces while fat cats drank brandy and held the lives of others in their greedy paws. His statement had conspiracy written all over it and made Flame fume. The almighty dollar was rearing its ugly head while four lives hung in the balance. Damned political bullshit. Flame had no use for those in power hiding under the ruse of diplomacy and fairness when all they wanted was to make a fast buck.

  Barkley did indeed have money and leverage and a great deal of influential power. Any corrupt individual would have a hard on for his wife if she ended up in ‘protective’ custody. Word had hit the streets; his wife was wanted dead or alive—preferably dead. Barkley wanted his kids and it seemed he couldn’t care less if they suffered trauma because of his actions. The idea disgusted Flame. Ignis had informed Flame there was no greater protection than from an element. Any individual who had ventured near the woman’s cabin was met with a flood across the road, a fallen tree, a sudden storm. Well-placed lightning bolts—this last had been said with a sinister smile, making her shudder. She’d made a mental note to never piss off an element.

  A fire suddenly blazed in her fireplace, startling her momentarily. She kicked off her shoes and sat on her couch. One by one, her tired legs were lifted by strong hands to settle her feet onto the coffee table. She smiled as she sank back into the soft material behind her.

  “A drink would be nice,” she commented aloud.

  “More Fireball?” Ignis sounded amused.

  “I’m starving, too.”

  “I know a little café in Paris.”

  “Mmm, Paris. Sounds wonderful, but I’m too tired, and I don’t speak much French—even less when I’m pooped.”