by Welsh, Hope
She bit her lip. “It could part us,” she said quietly, looking down at her hands.
Part them? “How could it do that?” She didn’t respond. He put his hand under her chin, made her look at him. “How could it separate us?”
“It depends on what you think of the idea.”
“Are you worried I’m unhappy about the idea?”
“I don’t know. Are you?”
He knew he had to pick his words carefully. “I’m surprised, I admit, and caught off guard. But I wouldn’t say unhappy.”
“You don’t have to lie, Cole. This whole thing has moved faster than either of us is prepared for. We barely know each other, have barely been ‘together’ for two days and now this.”
How did he explain it to her? Her points were all valid—she knew that as well as he did. Things were moving fast and her being pregnant did add a new level to things. He hadn’t really given much thought to a family, at least not seriously, and now? “Lana, do you remember what I told you last night?”
“About what?”
He took her hand, covered it with both of his. “I told you I loved you. I meant it. If you’re pregnant, if you’re not pregnant…” he shrugged, “it doesn’t change how I feel about you at all.” And it didn’t. He hadn’t had much time to think about it, but enough to know he liked the idea.
Wow. He was going to be a father.
“How can it not? You said it—this wasn’t expected or in the plans. I don’t see how it can not change things.” The cloud of uncertainty in her blue eyes bothered him.
“I’m sure. We’re in this together, I promised you that. This just solidifies it and makes it damn near impossible for you to try wriggling your way out of it.”
A spark of hope shimmered in her eyes, though the doubt remained. “Are you sure?”
He shook his head, and a smile spread across his lips. God, he loved her. How could she think for even one second that her being pregnant could change that?
Well, he’d just have to prove her wrong then, wouldn’t he?
He moved quickly, pulled her down to the bed and rolled on top of her. As she glanced up at him, startled, he lowered his head and brushed his lips over the smooth skin of her neck. “Do you really need to be convinced?”
She shivered in anticipation, sending the vibration through his body, making him grow stiff against her. A small moan escaped her lips as her eyes went wide. “Mmm. I might need a little more convincing than that,” she said.
Her voice was husky. Unbelievably sexy.
“I can work on that, but I’m afraid you’re wearing too much clothing. I might have to undress you before I make a real attempt.”
“Well, if you think it’ll help your case, I might be willing to help with that,” she said and pushed him back until he rested on his heels. She sat up, sent him a teasing smile, and crossed her arms as she reached for the bottom of her shirt.
His eyes followed her hands as she lifted the material. When she paused, he looked up, ready to complain until he saw the look on her face.
Her eyes were dark. The smile on her face was nothing short of devious, teasing. Devastatingly sexy. As he reached out to lift her shirt, she pushed his hands aside and took the task herself. The fabric finally moved out of the way, revealing plump breasts in a red-lace bra that made grown men want to cry their thanks to the inventor of such a wonderful creation.
She reached around to unhook her bra as he started to pull his own shirt over his head. He immediately froze, his gaze back on her breasts as she let go and dropped her hands to her sides. The bra fell away. “I’m at the disadvantage here,” she said, breaking his concentration.
Quickly, he pulled off his shirt, not caring where it dropped. His shorts were off a moment later.
Her laughter died out as he bent over her once more and started undoing her jeans. The damn button was being difficult. She slid her hand over his, barely brushing against him. He went hard and the breath held in his lungs as she unbuttoned her pants.
She started to wriggle as she tried pushing her pants out of the way, making him groan. God, she really shouldn’t be doing that, he thought and shook his head, his wrists stopping her busy hands. “Are you trying to torture me?”
“Maybe a little,” she said matter-of-factly, a sexy grin lighting up her face.
He started to pull her pants down, purposely running his fingers over the smooth skin of her legs. “It’s working,” he said, and he threw them aside.
Before she could say anything else, he moved his hand down her stomach and rested it there only a moment before he continued the trail down her body. Slid it slowly, lower and lower until her thighs spread for him. He nestled between her legs, pressed his erection against her, felt her heat even through the light material covering her. “Is that getting any better?” he growled as he nipped her ear.
Lana’s only response was a moan.
“I’m forced to take that as a ‘no’,” he said as he slid his hand into her panties. With one finger, he circled over her, rubbed her. His mouth covered hers, and his tongue plunged deep, simultaneously taking her lips hostage as he slid two fingers into her wet folds.
She reached up, raked her fingers through his hair as she lifted her hips off the bed. “You’re getting really close to persuading me,” she gasped when he finally released her mouth.
“But not quite?” he queried softly. He didn’t wait for an answer as he tugged her panties down. His gaze followed his hand on its return up the soft silk of her leg. He grasped her knee and drew her leg behind his back. The movement brought their bodies that much closer. His hardness pressed against the heat and wetness between her legs until he slipped inside her a fraction of an inch. Instantly, he went rigid, the urge to take what he wanted ran strong.
Being inside her only that small amount was enough to send waves crashing through his body. He buried his head in her hair, inhaled the scent of wild strawberries.
He groaned, forcing himself not to rush even though the desire to devour her had become overwhelming.
“Open your eyes,” he requested. He wanted her to see the pleasure she gave him as much as he wanted to see hers. She obeyed and opened her eyes, the color nearly midnight blue. Her pupils had dilated into large discs. “God, you’re beautiful.” With her gaze locked with his, he slowly began easing himself down, sliding further into the hot confines of her body.
He listened, intoxicated by the rapid sound of her breath, the beating of her heart against his chest. When she wrapped her other leg around his waist, it pulled him completely into her body, almost breaking his control.
It was much like being sheathed in warm satin.
A soft pink color tinged her face, giving her an almost surreal glow from the moonlight shining in through the window.
She squeezed her legs around him and raked her fingers down his back, causing him to groan, her soft moans and gasps like drugs to an addict.
His heart hammered with need. He had to have her. Now.
“I can’t wait,” he said and put his hand under her head, wrapped his fingers in her hair.
Her eyes fluttered open, fierce, hot. “Thank God.”
He tightened his hold on her hair. “Gentle or hard?” he growled as he leaned down and bit her collarbone, his teeth grazing her flesh.
She stroked her hands down his back, over his ass, squeezed. “Yes,” she said and contracted her muscles around him.
As he pulled back and plunged back into her depths to the hilt. Since speed wasn’t in the immediate plan, he thrust slowly, making sure she felt everything, felt him. Only him.
Cole watched, fascinated, as her eyes rolled back and closed. Her lips parted on a gasp each time he thrust into her, sending her, and himself, closer and closer to the edge. He thrust faster and harder now.
“Oh, God,” she gasped and pulled his head down to hers, bit into his neck even as she lifted her hips to meet him stroke for stroke. “Harder.” It was a plea he couldn’t ignor
e.
He gave her what she asked for—had no other choice—and pushed himself, and her, harder, harder, until her whimpers fractured, one after another.
“Cole, I don’t think—I can’t take—”
Her muscles started to contract around him, pulling him in, pushing him over an edge he wasn’t ready to stumble over. Not yet. Not without her.
“Don’t let go,” he demanded, quickening his pace. “Not yet.”
Deeper and faster he plunged, to the point he was unsure where he ended and she began. Her nails raked down his back, and she cried out his name and her release. He followed her over the edge an instant later, emptying himself and his soul.
Her body shook in the aftershock of their quake.
Spent, he collapsed on top of her, listening to the short gasps. He wasn’t sure if he heard his own or hers.
That had been….
“Wonderful? Earth shattering? Holy cow?” she supplied for him, obviously reading his thoughts.
“I don’t think I can feel my lower extremities,” he told her. He knew she would protest if he tried to move off her, so he found a position where his weight wouldn’t crush her.
“You can think? You’re a step ahead of me,” she said.
“Lana, don’t take this the wrong way, but I hope you’re convinced. I’m sure I wouldn’t live through more convincing. At least for a week or two. Maybe a month.”
She ran her hands over his back. “That’s okay. I’m thoroughly convinced,” she promised, her voice ragged.
“Thank, God.” He rolled to his side, kept one leg and arm covering her. “I love you,” he rubbed his hand over her stomach and leaned down, pressed his lips against her stomach, “and you, if you’re in there.”
Was he really going to be a father? The thought wouldn’t leave his mind. He wasn’t even sure if he was ready to be one, but he would make a damn good one.
Lana laid her hand over his, curled into his neck. “I love you, too. We’ll be okay, won’t we?”
He knew she wasn’t referring to the battle. Good thing, too, as he would have no answer. She meant relationship wise. He kissed her forehead. “Yes, we’ll be fine.”
“Okay,” she yawned. “Can we take a nap now? I’m absolutely exhausted.”
“Are you complaining?”
“Do I look stupid? I’m blissfully relaxed, exhausted and any other ways you can think of to say I’m tired—but in a good way.”
“Then take your nap.” Danger lurked around every corner, it seemed, and just because they had to keep their guard up, it didn’t mean they didn’t deserve time together, did it? He shook his head and brushed a hand gently over her hair.
No, it didn’t.
Keeping her alive and well had become the most important thing in the world to him. Their child would be protected as well. Nothing would harm either of them.
His fingers curled into painful fists, but he made himself relax. Right now, he wanted her to rest. He tightened his hold on her, and with one last kiss, he followed her to sleep.
§§§
The Evil One watched, fascinated and furious.
How could they worry so little as their fates lay in the balance? Of course, neither of them could do a thing to change it, but still, he expected more of an effort on their part.
Did they think to mock him by pleading ignorance? Or were they really that unconcerned with their lives? How could they not worry when they would soon be facing him head-on?
He could be rid of them at anytime he chose, but if he waited one more day, until the woman’s birthday, he would have the pieces, and his powers would grow exponentially
He thought mortals cared for their worthless existences, even though while he had been trapped, he had seen the kind of destruction they inflicted upon one another. Some of their viciousness made him proud in a small way. Maybe they were not all hopeless after all.
When he ruled this world once more, it would be an act of kindness on his part, an act of mercy, really. They would destroy themselves and their pesky lives, regardless if he stepped in. Wasn’t it the…humane thing to do to make their deaths quick and painless?
Of course, the woman and her shifter would not be among those to die easy deaths. No. They would suffer and suffer greatly. How dare he help her?
How she could lie under that man when things were near an end…he did not understand.
But, perhaps a little visit from him might make her comprehend who she was dealing with.
Yes. It was well past the time for them to meet face to face.
CHAPTER NINE
Cole woke to complete darkness. The wind from the open bedroom window was the only sound that could be heard. If he listened close enough, he could just hear Lana’s rhythmic breathing as she lay next to him, her leg thrown over his.
Though he couldn’t see or hear anyone, he knew they weren’t alone. He felt the evil presence as surely as he felt his own heartbeat.
Carefully, he moved his leg from underneath Lana’s and quietly got out of bed. He walked to the opened window and stared out into the darkness.
He couldn’t see anyone, but then he knew the evil shape-shifter wouldn’t show himself until he wanted to be seen.
“If you want her to live, come to me.”
Cole whipped around, startled, and turned to Lana who hadn’t moved. Either she was a heavier sleeper than he thought, or the voice had only spoken in his mind.
“Come to me, if you want to protect her,” the voice repeated.
No, Cole thought.
“So be it. We will meet soon enough, you and I. Rest assured.”
He heard the evil laugh in his own mind and couldn’t suppress the shudder that raked through his body.
“Are you that naïve, boy? I have survived for several millennia. I was here when there was nothing. You have lived mere decades. Do you really believe you and your woman stand a chance against me? You have yet to see the power of what I can truly do, what I truly am. You are nothing but small creatures to me; insolent little insects that could be squashed by a mere thought,” the voice goaded.
Is that so? Why aren’t we then?
“I confess I find myself bored. I was trapped for millennia, trapped in a prison with nothing but my own mind. I wanted the…enjoyment.”
If you need enjoyment, get cable, you sack of—
“Do not dare!” roared The Evil One. “You are alive simply because I allow it. I have been merciful until now. You are…what do you call it? Ah, yes, toys. You are toys for my amusement. But, you have quickly outgrown even that paltry position. It ends today. If you do not come to me within the hour, I will have you both, beginning with her, so you can have the pleasure of watching.”
I’ll be there, you evil bastard. Don’t worry, started Cole. But only to destroy you.
Cole knew the second the presence had left his mind when it became clearer, less…crowded.
Running a hand over his sweaty face, he quickly shifted into the white tiger form. With a last glance at Lana, Cole jumped through the window.
§§§
There was nothing. Everything was pitch-black, except for a small light shining down from above her. There seemed to be nothing holding the light in place. It seemed like it just floated in mid-air.
“Where am I?” she said. Though her tone was quiet, the sound echoed through the darkness. Oh, God, am I dead?
“Do not worry, young one,” a cold voice laughed from behind her, the tone empty, evil. Familiar. “You are dreaming, and I am merely visiting. I thought it time for a proper introduction.”
Wildly, Lana spun around and found herself staring into a pair of blood-shot red eyes.
She would recognize those eyes anywhere, despite the unknown human form. He was almost handsome in a cruel and twisted way, with a squared jaw and chiseled chin, cheeks that were too hollow and the blackest hair she’d ever seen.
“Who are you?” she asked, even though she knew the answer already. The wolf shifter.
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The Evil One.
The name came to her out of nowhere once more.
“Yes,” he agreed as if she’d asked the question aloud. “I am what those Druid’s called The Evil One. Not a very creative name, I am afraid.” It seemed like he was pacing, but his feet never reached the ground. “My true name is Conall,” he continued in a cold monotone. “At least, that is the easiest translation.” He smiled now, a terrifying twist of lips that froze Lana to the bone. Nothing short of evil. “My apologies. You need not know my name. I was just trying for…what is that human expression? Ah, yes, ‘small-talk’, I think it is.”
Why are you telling me this?
The Evil One took a step forward, his thin lips sunk to form a disturbing frown. “How can you hope to defeat me as you know nothing about me? I am the first. I have been a shape-shifter since before your kind gave us a name. Eons before they could think of one. The god’s bestowed their powers on me.”
“You weren’t the only one,” she said before she could stop herself.
“Ah, so you have heard of me!” He sounded rather pleased. “It is true. I was not the only, but I was the first and best. I am the sole survivor of the first four.
“The others chose to die out or to pass their powers on to the generations to come after them. I, on the other hand, did not. I made myself immortal.” He stopped pacing now, turned to her, his red eyes blazing. “I wanted to live forever. No one had the power to stop me. Until I heard of the prophecy. And you.”
She frowned. “What—”
“What prophecy? The one that foretold of two pieces—you and your man—that would come together to become the only power on this Earth that could destroy me. Me!” he roared, the sound so intense it made Lana’s ears ring and the ground shake. “Two mortals. One in her second decade, the other barely into his third. Decades,” he spat. “A split-second of time compared to the millennia I have lived in this world.”
Cole! she screamed in her head. Where are you?
