Taken by Storm

by Valerie Twombly

  He slipped free, missing her warmth. “No. Oh, I’ve taken from my own kind. Even drank from disgusting creatures in order to survive. Never have I bitten a woman during sex or for anything other than to help me heal from severe injuries. You are special and once will never be enough.” He reached for her pants and handed them to her.

  “If I were––and I’m not saying I will––to turn into a demon, will I have fangs?”

  The very thought made him hard again. “Yes. Yes you will, and should you decide to turn, you can sink them into me anytime you desire.” He cleared his throat. “We’d better go before I decide to fuck you again.”

  “I hate you right now.” Bethany flipped through a rack of dresses, while Aimee relaxed on a mound of pillows sipping wine.

  “Why? I got you all those dresses for your mating tonight.” Aimee stuck out her bottom lip.

  “Because you can drink wine and right now I could really use a glass—or a bottle.” She pulled out a red gown and held it up only to watch Aimee’s nose wrinkle. “Well, you’re the one who picked these out.” Bethany was grateful her friend had actually left the palace and gathered at least thirty gowns of various colors and styles. The woman was a miracle worker. Maybe she could fix Bethany’s other problems.

  “I liked it in the store.” Her friend set down the wine and stood. “What’s the problem? Are you nervous about tonight?” She began sliding hangers along the rack in search of the perfect dress.

  Bethany thought for a moment. “No. I’ll do whatever is necessary to make sure my son’s strong and healthy.” She threw Aimee a big grin. “Besides, I could do a lot worse, and I like Fang. A lot.” She pulled out a black trumpet style gown and quickly put it back. “Why am I wearing a gown anyway?”

  “Because I might have mentioned women love dressing up,” Aimee replied.

  “What?” Bethany gawked at her friend.

  “Fang then insisted I bring back some dresses for you to choose from.” Her grin widened. “I’m to get you dressed and take you to a special location he has picked out. He’s really trying.”

  The man was amazing, and now that she knew he was behind this, she wanted to pick the most flattering dress on the rack. She went back to picking through silk and taffeta. “Do you know what happens when I give birth?”

  “Yes.”

  Once again, she was distracted from her task to give her best friend a lethal glare. “Why the hell didn’t you say something?”

  “Because I know how you are. You avoid a subject like the plague until you’re ready to discuss it,” Aimee pointed out.

  Bethany grunted and went back to the task at hand. “How does one decide to change their species?”

  “I don’t know. I can only tell you that if Greydon told me I could turn demon or die of old age, I would choose whatever it took to stay with him for as long as possible.”

  “That has crossed my mind. Fang seemed truly upset when he talked about my growing old and dying.” She spotted something purple. “Then there is our son. How could I leave him?”

  “True.”

  She pulled the dress off the rack and gasped. “I may have found it.”

  “Oh, I love that. Try it on,” Aimee urged.

  Bethany stripped down to her bra and panties and Aimee held the gown for her to step into. After she was zipped up, she moved in front of the mirror. “Oh my god, I love it!” The bodice, a swirl of dark purple flowers and leaf appliqués on flesh tone fabric, showed off her ample cleavage. At the waist, the same jeweled purple silk shirred and was set off by a gold belt. The dress then fell into a modified A-Line of thin silk that danced with every move she made.

  “Oh, hon.” Aimee placed her hands on Bethany’s shoulders. “I think we leave your hair down and allow its natural curl to come through. Fang won’t know what hit him.”

  Bethany was excited for Fang to see her. She was also starting to have second thoughts about changing. It was something the two of them needed to discuss further before she could make a final decision.

  “What about a gown for your coronation?”

  Aimee turned Bethany to face her. “I’ll pick one later. Tonight is all about you. I promise, you’ll not regret bonding.”

  “No. I’m pretty sure I’m prepared to become Mrs. Fang,” Bethany giggled.

  Aimee put on her serious face. “Do you love him?”

  “I would like to say no, but I think I’d be telling a lie. I do believe I’m falling, no matter how hard I try not to.”

  Her friend shook her head. “Don’t fight it. Let yourself fall, and I swear, Fang will be there to catch you.”

  Bethany smiled, positive the woman who was like her sister was right. Fang had tried to show her how he felt earlier, and it had sent butterflies through her stomach. However, she couldn’t stop that nagging doubt. The little girl who had been so desperate for love still resided inside of her. There was no way to shut her up when she kept whispering she didn’t deserve this. Something bad was going to happen. She just knew it.

  Chapter 10

  Zander pressed his back against the wall and slid down the corridor. As long as he had something solid to his back, he could remain unseen. No one passing him would take notice unless they stopped for a closer inspection. He was on the trail of the female and was determined to locate her. His gut said she was behind Zolar’s baby demon program, and she had information he wanted. Pity because she was kinda hot.

  He came across a door that carried her vanilla scent and indicated she’d been in the room behind it recently. He tested the handle.

  Unlocked.

  Pushing it open, he slipped inside and quietly closed the door behind him. The lights had gone on the minute the door opened. He glanced around at a small counter with a sink and a couple of cabinets above and below. There was a short stool and two chairs, but the dead giveaway was the exam table in the center.

  Someone was coming down the hall so he slipped behind the door. As luck would have it, it opened and vanilla filled the room as she entered. Before she could move, he grabbed her by the throat and pinned her against the now closed door.

  Icy blue eyes widened and focused on him. Her hair was pulled into an unattractive ponytail that made her cheekbones too prominent for his taste. Her lips, however, were plump and pink. He rather liked them, especially when her tongue darted out and moistened them.

  “Who the fuck are you?” Might as well get the introductions out of the way.

  “I might ask you the same question,” she snarled.

  He tightened his grip. “Funny. I seem to be the one whose hand is clamped around your throat. I could break your neck with minimal effort. A flick of my wrist, if you will.”

  “Let me go before the guards show up, and I’ll not mention you were here.” She struggled against his grip.

  He laughed. “You’re quite hysterical, considering your guards have lost their heads. Literally.” Fear flashed in her eyes and she stiffened.

  “Who are you?”

  “I’m asking the questions.” He pressed his body into hers and rather liked the feel. She had curves in all the right places. “Your name?”

  “He’ll kill me,” she whispered.

  He arched a brow. “Well you seem to be in a predicament. I’ll kill you if you don’t cooperate, and Zolar will kill you if you talk. Hmm. What to do?” He lifted a shoulder. “I can’t guarantee mine will be any less painful.” The scent of fear tickled his senses. Was she afraid of him or that ass of a god?

  “I didn’t ask to come here.”

  “I’m sure you didn’t, but then again, neither did I. If I recall, my brother didn’t ask to be tortured. Nor did my people beg to be held prisoner.” He scratched his chin. “I’m also pretty sure my sister in-law didn’t ask for your invasion of her body.”

  Her sexy mouth dropped open. “You... You’re Prince Zander.”

  “How do you know I’m not Greydon or Orien?” His patience was beginning to tire and he wanted answers.
/>   “Because Greydon was never captured, and I know where Orien is.”

  Now she had his full attention. “Don’t think you can play me for a fool.”

  She tried to shake her head, but his grip was too tight. “Offer me your protection and I can help you.”

  Zander hadn’t seen that one coming. The male side of him wanted to pull her close to him so he could protect her, among other things. After all, it had been a long time since he’d been with a woman. The demon part of him didn’t trust a word she said. This female would do anything to survive. Of course, did he have any right to lay blame? He would and had done what was necessary in order to survive himself.

  “Why should I believe anything you tell me?”

  An alarm blared in the distance. Seems the god had figured out his prize was missing. At least Zander hoped Fang had freed his mate. The demon was resourceful if nothing else. Time to speed things up since he’d soon have to flee.

  “They know you’re here,” she whispered.

  “Doubtful. The idiots have probably only now realized they have been infiltrated, and the girl is gone.”

  Her eyes widened again. “Bethany? They came for her?”

  “Apparently you know nothing about our society. Do you think the protector would allow his mate to be taken from him? Fucking fools. Time has run out, so I have no choice but to take you with me.”

  Relief swept over her fine features.

  “Don’t think your pretty little neck is out of the woods. I don’t guarantee your safety or that I still won’t kill you.” He let his fangs descend. “I may drink you dry, or perhaps use you as bait to get to Zolar. I’ve yet to decide.” He allowed the fear to mask her beauty before he sent out his power and zapped her ass to sleep. It would be much easier to escape with an unconscious female than one screaming and fighting.

  Tossing her over his shoulder, he summoned a portal as he heard an army of footsteps descending down the hall. He jumped in and was pulled away before they could stop him. He needed to find a secure place to keep sleeping beauty where she wouldn’t be found, so he could get back to Greydon and let his brother know he was fine.

  Bethany walked with Aimee across the same path she and Fang had gone down earlier. Her nerves were on edge so she couldn’t stop the idle chatter.

  “What does he have planned?”

  “Don’t know,” Aimee responded.

  “Is he wearing a suit?” While she liked him in the tight-fitting jeans he always wore, she could imagine how well he’d fill out a suit.

  “Don’t know.”

  Bethany peered at her friend. “Seems to be your standard answer for everything.”

  “I seriously don’t know. Greydon mentioned something about Fang wearing some ancient warrior thingamabob. Other than that, I’m pretty sure they thought I’d spill any secrets and therefore opted to not tell me.” The look she passed on to Bethany said she spoke the truth and was rather irritated by it.

  The rest of the way was spent in silence with only the rustle of their gowns breaking the stillness. Finally, they were greeted by Fang’s father Bli, who was dressed in dark leather pants and a long black tunic, which fastened with simple leather straps in the front.

  “Ladies. You are both stunning tonight.” He offered them each an arm. “I’ll be escorting you the rest of the way.”

  “Thank you,” the girls replied. Bethany couldn’t help think about how the man on her arm had lost his mate. She didn’t want to do that to Fang or their son.

  Bli led them through an open doorway located in one of the stone walls. Simple copper lanterns hung on either side, casting a soft glow. Their heels clicked on the stone beneath their feet and sent out an eerie echo. Finally, they came to an opening. Aimee kissed Bli on the cheek and left his side to move next to Greydon.

  Fang stood in the middle of the room and her jaw dropped. He wore skin tight, dark pants that dipped into a pair of tall black leather boots. Wicked thoughts crossed her mind.

  Above the waist, he sported a vest, which was accented by several gold buttons. With no shirt underneath, his thick biceps caught her attention. His hair had been tied back, and she decided she liked it that way. It would give her an excuse to pull it free and play with it. However, it was the stance he took that dominated the room. Arms crossed, legs slightly apart, and back straight, his gaze was intent on her. Even with the distance between them, she saw the desire in his eyes. Damn the others who looked on or she would drop him on the spot and have her way.

  Bli continued to walk her closer to the man. The demon who was to become her mate. Never in a million years would Bethany have expected her wedding day to be like this.

  When they drew closer, her soon to be father in-law took her hand and placed it in Fang’s. “My son.” He looked at Bethany. “My daughter. You both are about to embark on your next journey. May it be blessed.” He backed away and gave a bow before he joined Greydon, Aimee, and Zander who had suddenly appeared.

  It was difficult not to notice the round stone table, which stood in front of them. A silver blade with intricate carvings lay on the surface. She was pretty sure this was what would be used to create their bond.

  “You are truly the most beautiful being in the entire universe,” Fang whispered, bringing her attention back to him.

  “You’re not so bad yourself.” She smiled but her nerves tingled as she thought about what would happen next. Aimee had told her there would be some discomfort, but it was short-lived. Fang had drunk from her earlier, so her blood was already part of him. She was a bit disappointed he wouldn’t be biting her. Maybe later when they were alone, she could get him to expose those sexy canines.

  “Are you ready, my hauracha aera?”

  Bethany was growing fond of those words. “Yes.”

  He nodded then took both of her hands in his. “Blood that is yours, blood that is mine. Blood lies between us, blood is the bind. I summon the life forces and command our fates intertwine, and let this blood between us forever bind. Bonded by blood, now bonded two souls. Blood flows together making us whole.”

  She held her breath, remembering how Greydon had reacted when he had performed the ritual to bond himself to Aimee. The sweat had beaded along his brow from the obvious discomfort of Aimee’s blood coursing through his veins. The magic had formed the bond. Symbols had also danced from the scroll, but then there was no scroll here.

  Fang’s pupils dilated and the perspiration trickled down his temple.

  Fang tried to hold Bethany’s gaze, but her blood scorched his veins, inflamed his organs, and sent his heartbeat into overdrive. He closed his eyes and clenched his jaw as the demonic side of him threatened to shift. His fangs forced an appearance, and he despised not having total control. Fortunately, seconds after his body rebelled, everything returned to normal with one exception. He was hyper-aware of Bethany. Instinct told him he would be able to find her no matter where she was and that gave him great comfort. Never again would she be taken from him. His only regret was the pain she would experience during their mating. He wondered what it would be like for her to die and be reborn. His imagination conjured all sorts of scenarios of pain and torture. He would have to rethink her transition. He never wanted her to suffer.

  “Are you ready?” He began unbuttoning his vest then pulled it off and set it on the stone table. Bethany stared at his chest and licked her lips. He’d make sure she had a chance to worship his body with her tongue later.

  “Yes. Your marking is darker.”

  He looked down, and sure enough, the design that had appeared when he was a young adult was now as black as midnight. Fang picked up the blade, and without hesitation, he pressed the edge to his chest and dragged it over his heart. Blood welled and trickled down his skin. His mate didn’t cringe or balk. Bethany stepped into him and ran her tongue along the crimson line, taking every last drop until he healed and bled no more. She looked up at him and began the words that would bind him to her.

  “Blood tha
t is yours, blood that is mine. Blood lies between us, blood is the bind. I summon the life forces and command our fates intertwine, and let this blood between us forever bind. Bonded by blood, now bonded two souls. Blood flows together making us whole.”

  Before she could step away, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close, bringing his lips to her ear. “Put your arms around me. Dig your nails into my flesh and bring me as much pain as you feel.” He wanted to take away her pain, but this was all he could offer.

  Seconds later, she buried her head into his chest as his blood burned through her veins. Her nails cut into the flesh on his back, and he responded by nuzzling her jaw. Anything to pull her mind from the agony she experienced. To Fang it was an eternity, but in reality, it was only a matter of seconds before Bethany withdrew her nails and kissed him on the chest.

  “It wasn’t so bad,” she whispered.

  He knew she lied because he felt the tremors against his own body that still racked her muscles. Now, with their bond complete, he also felt every emotion that raced through her. She was a strong woman, and he was proud she had been chosen for him.

  “It is done!” Fang’s father stepped forward and spread his arms wide for an embrace. Bethany hugged him, and when she released her new father in-law, Fang stepped in.

  “Moyabbi. I am thankful to have you safe and here to witness my mating.”

  Bli placed his hands on Fang’s shoulders. “Today, the protectors of the Valarian royalty grow stronger. Don’t fear, your mate will choose to stay with you and your son.” He looked over Fang’s shoulder. “She was chosen for you so don’t ever doubt her path.”

  Fang nodded. His father’s words brought comfort, yet his heart still held doubts as he looked to the female, who he had just pledged his entire life to. She glanced back at him as she spoke with Aimee and gave him a smile. What he felt coming from her heart was warmer than the two suns of the home where he’d grown up. In that moment, he knew she would make the right choice.