by Mara Lee
She reached between their bodies and wrapped her slim hands around his huge length. He was hard, hot and already pulsing.
She guided him to her entrance.
Ditheous growled, and with one forceful thrust imbedded himself to the hilt within her welcoming flesh.
*
Aega felt hopelessly, wonderfully, invaded. He was so hard within her, like hot steel, and he was growing even now, harder still.
She scored her nails across his back and smiled at his answering groan. She dug the sharp points of her nails into his taut flesh and gasped as his thrusts grew more forceful.
Suddenly she felt the rough, ragged surface of tree bark against her back. Chips of wood bit into her soft flesh and drew a moan from her.
She locked her legs tightly around him and strained to get even closer still. His cock was a ram, digging, thrusting, battering the defenses of her wet warmth. With each powerful thrust she could feel the muscles in her pussy clench, beg to be nearer still to his magnificence.
Her heart was thundering within her chest and she could not keep a scream from escaping her throat.
“Goddess, you’re wet … hot…” Ditheous braced her more securely against the tree and dropped his head to capture her breast within his mouth. He suckled and pulled the plump flesh until the need for more overtook him.
Taking one hard nipple into his mouth he bit down.
Aega bucked and moaned.
Hes soothed the taut nipple, laving it, worshipping it with his tongue. When he heard her sigh of relief he took the hard kernel between his teeth and bit down—again.
“Damn you Ditheous,” Aega breathed out raggedly.
He smiled against the soft cushion of her breast. “I believe we’re both damned, sunshine.” He drove into her hard.
Aega bit her lip to keep from screaming again. He was so far within her … so far. She could feel him bumping her cervix, taking her to that point between pleasure and pain … it was glorious.
She wriggled, trying to inch her hips even closer to him, distressed to find that she could get no closer. “Goddess … you … you … you’re killing me.” Aega dug her hands into his golden hair, twining the soft strands around her fingers.
“Never that,” Ditheous raked his teeth across her neck, “I still have so much use for you.”
Aega felt it building like an impossible storm. Her gyrations became wild as her peak crested the horizon and threatened to overtake her. Her pussy was impossibly stretched, and each glide, stroke, ram of his cock within her brought her closer to her end.
“Yessss…” Ditheous hissed. Sensing her impending orgasm, he locked his teeth on the soft flesh of her breast and bit.
Blood flowed immediate. The coppery liquid of life coated his tongue and flooded his mouth in a giant rush.
He drank it down, each drop, savoring the texture, flavor, the essence that was her … his Aega. He dug his hands into her hips, securing her, while he sucked and fucked.
Aega’s pussy clenched around his cock, her body began to shake and shiver and with his name on her lips, she let herself fall into the dark abyss of pleasure.
Chapter Nine
“We’re late,” Ditheous spat out with a scowl.
Aega sighed, but her eyes were twinkling. “Well, do not blame me. You are the one who wanted to stop for a fuck.”
His mouth curved up into a smile, which quickly turned back into a frown as Joseph approached. His eyes took in his Second’s expressionless face and then dropped down to the hard bulge that strained against his pants.
He growled.
Aega felt heat flood her face. And she knew without a doubt that Ditheous’ Second had seen everything that had transpired, just moments before.
Ditheous was still growling, except now his fangs had come out and his eyes were beginning to bleed to red.
She placed her hand on his arm and rolled her eyes. Her face was still flaming, of that she knew, but she could not have this macho shit going on right now. “Really, Ditheous, what did you expect? You just took me out in the open, and I’m certain my screams probably woke up Monks in Tibet.”
Joseph smiled engagingly at her. “I’d say you carried farther than that.”
Ditheous stepped forward, only to find himself stopped by a rather impressive sword to his neck.
He blinked—shocked.
Aega held the sword still. It wouldn’t do to cut him. She only needed to drive some sense into him. “You will behave.”
Ditheous was still staring in absolute shock, and not a little awe, at Aega. “You dare to pull a sword on me? You dare to threaten me?”
She nodded firmly. “I’ll dare a lot more if you even think of starting something here, and with him.” She tossed her head quickly in Joseph’s direction. “You will never forgive yourself if you hurt him over something as foolish as watching us fuck in the park.”
Ditheous reached up, and very calmly wrapped his fingers around the wickedly sharp sword.
It was Aega’s turn to be shocked.
Blood ran red down Ditheous’ hand but still his grip remained resolute. With one strong twist and an equally hard pull, he plucked the sword out of her hand. He deftly hefted the sword and smiled. “This is good steel, sunshine.” He thrust the sword into the ground and stared at her with cool eyes.
Aega blinked. “You are mad.”
He grinned. “No madder than you are, little Goddess.”
“Well, if you ask me, you’re both mad hatters,” Joseph piped in.
Ditheous tossed his Second a disgusted look.
Joseph laughed. “Now, you didn’t hear me say I didn’t think you were well suited to one another.”
Ditheous sighed deeply. “Come, we’ve tarried for too long. Andre is awaiting our presence.”
Aega pulled her sword from the ground, and before he could protest, wiped it clean on Ditheous’ shirt before sheathing it.
This time Ditheous could not stop the laugh that burst from him.
* * * *
“You’re late.” Andre stared at the trio coolly.
“Couldn’t be helped,” Ditheous answered back, just as coolly.
Andre stiffened, but motioned for the three of them to take a seat. “I heard about your loss.”
Ditheous nodded curtly.
“We, too, were attacked this eve,” Andre said, his voice raw.
For the first time since entering Andre’s home, Ditheous saw the fatigue and lines of worry that marred the Kitar’s handsome face. “Casualties?” Ditheous asked.
Andre nodded curtly. “In a manner of speaking.” He narrowed his eyes. “Two of my pack were kidnapped and one lies critically injured. But now I know for certain that it is Xavier who is behind the attacks. He was in this hunting party. He took Theresa and Polly, personally.”
“You saw him?” Aega asked.
“No. But Theresa and Polly are new to my pack. Therefore I have them run with more experienced pack members. Alyse was with them. She saw Xavier, heard his people call him by name.” Andre ran a hand through his disheveled hair. “They left Alyse for dead. As it is, she will probably not last the nightfall. She is gravely wounded.” Andre’s eyes flashed with fury. “They took her out, as she was the only thing standing between them and Theresa and Polly. It seems the new pack members were their primary target.”
Aega stood. She walked over to Andre and put her hand to his shoulder. She read the surprise in his eyes when he looked up at her. She could also hear the low growl that Ditheous emitted. She ignored it. She would administer comfort as she saw fit.
“Aega,” Ditheous snarled. His eyes darkened when she ignored him. A tight fist formed in his chest and a wave of disturbing, unfamiliar feeling danced through him. The sight of her standing so near to Andre, her hand upon him, drove hot spikes of fury through his body.
“I would like to see her, Andre,” Aega said, back completely turned to Ditheous. She knew that his eyes were boring hot holes into her back, but this was
too important to let go.
“You would like to see—?”
“Your pack member, Alyse. Will you take me to her?” She smiled softly. She drew her light up a notch, allowing Andre to see the glow that she usually had to temper down. It was a warming glow, a soothing one. It would help Andre feel at ease … make him comfortable in her presence.
“I … I … why?” He asked finally.
“Let me see if I can help her.” Aega began to stroke Andre’s hair gently. The waves of pain, tension and anger that filled him began to ease, slightly.
“What can you do?” Andre looked into her eyes. He felt as if he were drowning in those golden orbs. She was lulling him, caressing him with those extraordinary eyes of hers. And he was lost. There was nowhere, no one he would rather lose himself to than her. She was everything.
Aega drew her hand back quickly. Oops. She couldn’t let herself get too carried away. By the besotted expression on Andre’s face, she knew she had emitted just a tad bit too much energy. She wanted to soothe him, not hypnotize him. “Ouch,” she cried when she felt Ditheous’ hand grab her arm. “Not so tight. You have a strong grip. Let go.”
“Not until I have your word that you will not touch him again,” Ditheous snarled.
Aega rolled her eyes. “I cannot promise you that. He was in pain, Ditheous. It was clouding his ability to reason, to think. I was able to soothe him, if only for a moment. Would you not rather have the Kitar in his own mind, strong and able, than overwhelmed by anger, pain and hatred?”
Ditheous pulled her to his side, holding her securely. “I would rather you not put your hands on him, on anyone, save myself.”
Aega blinked rapidly, her mouth dropping open. “You are truly upset by my actions?
“Yes,” Ditheous ground out.
“But why? I merely used my light to comfort him, Ditheous.” She searched his face for something that she could understand. So far his behavior baffled her.
“Because … because…” Ditheous swore, “You are mine! You will touch no one but me.”
Aega gasped. “I belong to myself.” She struggled to get her arm free. His grip was like an iron vise. She could extricate herself, but it would probably require some of her power to do so. And in the end, she did not want to harm him.
“You are mine, Aega, my own. We belong together.” He blew gently into her ear and smiled when she began to shiver.
“The only thing we’ll be doing together is having it out,” Aega snarled, “Right here, right now, if you don’t let go of me this second.” The nerve of him, to think he could just order about her emotions. Tell her how she was feeling. How dare he.
Ditheous growled and tightened his grip.
Aega narrowed her eyes and readied her power.
“Enough!” Andre roared, placing one hand on either one of their shoulders. “Enough.” He shot Joseph an exasperated look. “I pity you,” he said, before turning to Aega, “Did you not wish to see Alyse?” His eyes moved onto Ditheous, “And don’t you have better things to do than muck up telling the woman that you care for how much she truly means to you?”
Ditheous swore viciously, but released his hold on Aega.
Aega’s brow furrowed. She turned to Ditheous, frown still in place. “You care for me?”
His already pale face paled further. “I … I…”
“I, is not an answer, friend,” Andre said with a wry smile.
It was Aega’s turn to touch Ditheous. She placed her hand to his cold cheek and stared into his stormy eyes. “You what, Ditheous? Tell me, please, tell me.” Please, say it. I wish to hear the words. Her heart was pounding and her breathing had become shallow. It was as if her entire being hung on the balance of Ditheous’ words. Oh Goddess, how had she let it get this far?
Ditheous swallowed. In all his life, and death, he had never been faced with such a thing—to tell someone what moved him. To let them in on the emotions he thought were dead and buried. “There is something in me, something beating now,” he began slowly, “and it is you, Aega, just you. You give me breath, a heartbeat. You have made it possible for me to see and feel the world again.”
Aega dropped her head against his chest and sucked in a deep breath. Oh, blessed be. She hadn’t realized until this very moment how much she needed to hear those words coming from him.
“So,” Andre looked at Aega, a sweet smile gracing his face, “you know. Now come, let us see if you can ease Alyse.”
Ditheous took Aega’s hand, brought it to his lips, and kissed her white knuckles. “Shall we?”
She nodded mutely. Her heart was too full to possibly form words to speak. She swallowed, gathered up her frayed nerves and followed them out of the room.
There was much still left to be done.
* * * *
Aega studied Alyse’s pale face. Goddess be, she was so young. With strawberry-blond hair, and a light dusting of freckles over a pale as porcelain face, she had the appearance of an Irish sprite. It was hard for her to believe that this young Loopine had held off a group of rogue wolves. She seemed so frail. But then, she knew better than to judge by mere appearance alone.
“Alyse, can you hear me?” She knelt down on the side of the bed and took the young wolf’s hand in hers.
Alyse opened her eyes a fraction. They were cloverleaf green and dulled with pain.
“Our doctors administered a light drug,” Andre said by Aega’s side. “She was in too much pain. I did not wish for her last moments to be … so tortured.”
Aega nodded her understanding. She slowly pulled down the blanket that was wrapped around Alyse.
Her eyes widened.
The child was a mess. There were at least half a dozen wounds running across the length of her chest and down her stomach. Her shoulders bore the imprint of claws, as if she had been held back by a fellow wolf, and there were deep gashes down her arms. She was in worse condition than Ditheous’ pack member, Pontius. She had lost a lot of blood. But it was not the blood loss that concerned Aega, but the open wounds that continued to bleed.
Blood could be replenished. This child’s wounds needed to be sealed. “She’s almost gone,” Aega whispered.
Andre stiffened, but nodded. He knew that Aega spoke the truth. He had seen death before, and Alyse was at death’s door.
“I can help her.” Aega stood to face Andre.
Ditheous frowned. “But you could not help…”
“—Your man. No I could not, and I am sorry for that.” She sighed. “I cannot work on the Vampyre. You are half shadow spirit … in essence, you are dead. I cannot work on those who are already dead.” She swept her hand over Alyse’s pale form. “But her, her I can help.”
Andre looked uncertain. “She has borne much. I would not want her to be in more pain…”
“—More pain than this?” Aega said, interrupting him. Her face showed her frustration. “The longer we wait … the less chance of her survival.” She softened her expression. “Please, Kitar, let me help her.”
Andre clenched his hands at his sides, but nodded curtly.
Aega didn’t wait another moment. She sat on the bed next to Alyse and began with the most serious wound, the large puncture wound in the child’s vulnerable belly. “Goddess…” she ground out, as she inspected the wound. It was deep.
Aega turned to Ditheous. “You may want to find some shelter.”
Ditheous frowned and then sudden understanding filled his face. “I will wait outside.” He turned on his heel and left.
When Aega heard the door shut she sighed. Now … now she could concentrate. She breathed slowly, concentrating on focusing her energy, her power. When she felt the slow stream of heat begin to coil through her body she knew she was close.
It was time to unleash her sun … her radiance.
When Aega turned to Andre, her eyes were burning. “And you, you may wish to cover your eyes.” She clenched her teeth as the power continued to build and her body temperature spiked. Molten lava poure
d through her veins and then she was alive with the sun … bright … golden … radiant.
She brought her hand to the she-wolf’s belly and watched as steady streams of brilliant golden light flowed from her fingers. The wound sizzled, burned and then, the torn skin pulled together and closed.
She sealed the flesh of Alyse’s belly together and then went to work on her chest. By the time she had reached the fourth puncture mark she could feel her power diminishing. Her light was waning. It took a great deal of energy to sustain healing power. “I won’t let you go,” She ground out. She was not going to lose this girl. “She’s struggling,” Aega said to Andre, who stood, mouth agape by the bed.
“Struggling?”
“Yes. The injuries were grave. Her body is taking the healing … but her mind is struggling. She has already half passed on.”
“No!” Andre shouted, stepping forward.
Aega held out her hand to stop him. “Don’t. There is nothing you can do. My power is waning. What can be done, must be done now.” She winced, took a deep breath and summoned. She called one name.
Persephone materialized by Alyse’s bed. She assessed the situation immediately. Her deep eyes swirled turbulently.
“Why did you bother, Aega? You depleted yourself for what? For this? You needn’t have bothered. She will pass. They all do.” Persephone shot Aega a meaningful look and Aega clenched her jaw. She was not willing to decipher that look quite yet.
Aega pressed her hot hands down on Alyse’s chest. She turned her blazing eyes onto Persephone. “You’re wrong. She is still here. I can feel her.”
Persephone shrugged. “Barely. There is but a small spark.”
“But a spark, nonetheless.”
Persephone sighed and brushed her long mane of hair over her shoulder. “You cannot hold onto a spark. You haven’t the power.”
Aega’s eyes went hard and cold. “But you do.”
Persephone’s mouth dropped open. “I cannot. I cannot do what you ask.”
“Yes you can.”
“I won’t.” Persephone said quickly. “Hades would…”
“—Understand. He would understand, Persephone. She is still here. She hasn’t passed on. All you must do is hold her a bit longer while I finish with her flesh wounds. Hades will not care if you keep one more soul on this plane. Please … Persephone … please.”
