Awakening - Book of Fire (Blood Heritage #1)

by Gray-Fee, Krista

  Each of the girls has a gift of sorts and each is different. Rissa has a sight similar to Amber, but far less detailed, Rissa is a healer by calling and her talent is in herbal remedies and knowledge of many shamanic arts. She is essentially a medicine woman. She presents Amber to her circle as she has been instructed to do by Aria. She wants Amber to find her own way to the calling and not to be forced into position as a watcher before she is ready or willing. Working with these younger and kinder sisters will ease her into the life without too much culture shock. The sisterhood will be good for Amber, she needs friends and support, it will take her time to learn to trust. What Amber does not know is that her destiny will be far greater than these naturals will ever understand, her power will be greater than all of them combined.

  Amber is nervous meeting Rissa's friends, she doesn’t know what to expect. She has pictures in her mind of long black robes and candlesticks, and she has to laugh at herself when Rissa introduces her to a group of girls her age sitting around a campfire drinking soda and munching on s’mores. The tension rushing out of her body as she is casually introduced to the group and the girls chat casually about normal things. There is a generally friendly and accepting feeling and Amber relaxes into the crackling of the campfire and the delicious treats.

  She nearly forgets it is an interview at all. The girls gossip and giggle and spend over an hour talking about nothing in particular. Dawn gives Amber a welcoming hug and actually walks her around the circle, engaging her in more formal introductions. Each girl puts a hand on her shoulder giving her a polite hug, as Dawn gives her their names. She’s curious about their gifts as well, but thinks it better not to ask any questions yet. She doesn't really know the etiquette of these things yet.

  After the introductions each girl makes her way over to Rissa whispering in her ear. Then they say their good byes to Amber politely excusing themselves and walking away into the darkening twilight. Amber looks at Rissa with curiosity and confusion but remains in place waiting for the clarification she knows will come. Dawn is the last to speak with Rissa and the two have a bit longer conversation. Dawn smiling at Amber leaves quietly as the others have done. Rissa and Amber begin the walk back toward the shop where Rissa lives upstairs.

  The girls stop at the door of the shop. Rissa turning toward Amber with intention, gives her a huge and happy hug welcoming her to the coven she places the necklace around Amber's neck.

  "It is the pendant all of the girls wear. This was your grandmother's and she wanted you to have it if you chose to join our numbers. I was not allowed to tell you because she wanted you to make your own decisions. The girls have welcomed you with open arms and each looking into your heart has seen you are one of us. You will never be alone in the world, there will always be someone at your back. You are one of us now, and we take care of each other. You will not want to talk about the group with anyone as we do keep a pretty low profile. It is not a sin with a death penalty, it just keeps us from having to deal with a bunch of freaked-out religious fanatics."

  Rissa and Amber part ways with one last hug, walking home is especially wonderful with thoughts of making new friends and anticipation of all the adventures they will have. These girls will be lots of fun! There is something very appealing about being a part of a secret society, she has never had the security of knowing others are behind her, protecting her, and caring about her. Amber is in no hurry to get home meandering through nearby neighborhoods enjoying the perfect evening. Approaching her yard she is startled to see a figure huddling in the darkness near her front porch. Her mind immediately shifts into survival mode.

  Not So Funny

  Her heart skips a beat as she approaches from the side yard with caution, as she quietly peeks around the corner of the house he grabs her from behind. Kicking and screaming and attempting to bite his arm, she fights as if her life depends on it. He loses his balance attempting to get a word out. In the darkness she doesn't recognize him and her strength and countermeasures send him completely off guard. She knees him in the groin preparing for a further kick she backs away slightly. He takes the opportunity, rolling out into the light, and she immediately realizes what she has done.

  "Oh, my god I’m so sorry," trying to help him to his feet. He never could have anticipated her reflexes or her response so he just mumbles something about it being ok as she helps him through the front door.

  He smells of the bar and she knows he has been drinking. She’s a little angry at him for startling her like that, but then he has no idea what she has been through, she assumes he was trying to be funny. Setting him on the couch and letting him rest, he eventually catches his breath. At least her attack was slightly off-mark and hasn't done any permanent damage. He tries laughing it off but the look on his face sets her off and she completely loses herself in a fit of giggling. Once it starts there is no going back, he cannot help but join her just a little, although the laughter hurts.

  I need a drink she says going to the kitchen for the last of her open bottle of wine. She brings out a fresh one and a couple of glasses setting them on the coffee table. "Looks like you have a bit of a head start on me, am I to presume that you’re free this evening?"

  It’s only nine and the night is still young. Ordering a pizza they chat away the bottle in short order. She opens another and they both realize they don't really need any more. A bit on the side of tipsy, they’re talkative and flip through the channels lazily, watching bits and pieces of movies with nothing really catching their attention, so their eyes focus on each other and they lose the battle to remain apart.

  The alcohol has nicely lowered their inhibitions and as soon as their lips meet the room is on fire. They are lost in the heat and the rush of their hearts beating. Their lips are fevered, each drinking of the other but unable to quench the desire that has been building. He tastes her flesh warm and sweet, her hair soft brushing against his cheek, leaving her spicy fragrance imprinted on his mind. Her hands are in his hair, not gentle and loving as before but hungry. He knows she wants him, can see it in her eyes, flecks of fire burning behind her innocence, but he doesn’t want to rush. He has to savor every second he has with her, because out there he is scared and in over his head.

  Leading him to her bedroom, where the sight of her bed, sheets all askew from the restlessness of the night before, sends shivers of anticipation up and down his spine. Turning to him she begins unbuttoning his shirt, her lips leaving tingling traces wherever they go. She’s leading this charge and he lets her take what she wants. She throws his shirt on the floor spending torturous amounts of time exploring the lines of his muscles with her fingertips and tender lips. She finds the sensitive scars and traces them lightly, making him tense at first, he’s uncomfortable with the imperfection and ugliness of his body now, but she embraces it giving him permission to let go. Her tenderness and passion are more than he has ever known.

  She puts a hand on his gun and he tenses, he has forgotten he’s still wearing it. She pulls it free of the holster and sets it on the nightstand beside the bed. She slowly and deliberately unbuckles his belt, unfastening his pants, dwelling on slightly brushing against the hot flesh begging to be released. Dropping to her knees she removes his socks and pulls his pant legs free, leaving him exposed and trembling. Pushing him gently onto the bed she takes him in her mouth just as he dreamed she would. But this is not a dream, and her touch is perfect. She knows exactly how to work him and he moans despite his efforts to maintain control.

  She takes him right to the brink and slows, giving him time to catch his breath. She masterfully gives him just what he can take before releasing him. Standing she begins to undress, sliding the straps of her sundress off one shoulder and then the other before letting it fall to the floor. Her body is more wonderful than he could have imagined. She kneels over him letting him feel the soft lace of her panties against him, he it tortured by the sensations of her hot and moist behind the veil of fabric that keeps him from her. He unclasps her bra taking
each of her swollen breasts into his mouth, giving each ample time to warm to each gentle lick and nibble. He cannot help himself, he bites her gently and she lets out a beautiful little whimper before wrapping her hand in his hair and pulling him tighter against her. She likes it a bit rough he thinks to himself, taking her cue, picking her up, gently lowering her to the bed. He pulls her panties down with one quick movement, taking in the beauty of her lying naked before him. With her feet on the floor he spreads her legs gently and nuzzles his face against her lovely thighs. She smells of spices and crisp morning air. Wanting to taste her heat, to feel her desire on his lips, he tempts her with his kisses, there is plenty of time. He wants to feel her body tense in pleasure finding solace inside her, where nothing bad can touch him. He slides up to kiss her delicious lips, her neck and to spend some time getting to know her curves. Before this night is over he will know every inch of her body, and he is in no hurry.

  She’s feeling impatient to feel him inside her, wanting him to release her from the pain she’s had to endure, to take away her past, wanting to know what it feels like to be with a man she loves. She realizes in that moment that she is in love; she has thought it would elude her, her broken heart unable to commit to the fear and possibility of such intensity. Yet here it is, undeniable. The tears falling from her eyes silently marking the shattering of the walls she has built to help her survive. She is vulnerable and naked before him.

  She gives in to his desires then, letting herself trust him completely and letting him love her. He lingers on the tender places and her breath gives away her pleasure. He brushes against her, finding the secret places and waking the nerve endings with the lightest of pressure. Leaning back she arches toward him, and he knows despite her experienced approach with him, this is something new for her. She trembles like a child and he can sense her tension and fear. When he finally brings his kisses to the tender flesh between her legs, licking the moisture she offers and finding her ready for him without question, he knows he will have to watch her carefully to learn her weaknesses.

  He explores her thoroughly, sometimes gently and sometimes with more urgency. When he finds what he’s looking for he sucks gently at the flesh which grows firm against his lips. He knows he can please her now; her body has opened to him giving him the knowledge he seeks. To her it seems she has never been with a man before today, the feelings, the experiences previously known were nothing like this. She has begun to understand why everyone wants this so badly. She cannot think, her body is twitching and she has lost the ability to do anything but let him have his way. She is fully intoxicated with desire, pleasure, and sensation.

  As the feelings intensify he feels the tension grow within her, and just before she orgasms he holds her there for just a few moments looking into her eyes. He strokes her gently with his fingers taking her there and gently and lovingly he fills her. Pushing himself deep into her heat, her throbbing nearly setting him into his own orgasm. He wants to make this last. He slowly rides the waves of her pleasure, feeling her contract against him. Fighting against his own need for release, waiting for a few precious moments and with every fiber in his body screaming, he tortures himself to take it easy, summoning every ounce of control he has to keep it slow, to feel every inch of her friction against his flesh. She is tight and firm and they fit together perfectly. He feels as if they have become one, their bodies interwoven in a perfect tapestry of flesh and desire. He kisses her lips and she kisses back passionately. Putting her hands on his tightly muscled thighs, without warning she thrusts her hips against him, taking him deeply. He loses all control as she pulls hard against him, shuddering as she comes again for him, they both collapse in serene silence, enjoying those few moments of absolute peace that are so rare in this world.

  He doesn’t want to pull away from her, fearing his weight might hurt her he rolls over beside her keeping his arm around her. She’s silent and for a moment he fears he has done something wrong. She has tears in her eyes and his heart skips a beat.

  He sits up on one elbow looking at her. "Amber, are you ok?"

  She just smiles and whispers "I love you."

  Burying his face in her hair he whispers back the three words she has always longed to hear. When he looks in her eyes again it is he who has the tears, and the longing they have both known for so many years melts into one perfect union.

  They have both given themselves fully to the other, as neither has ever done before. He had been willing once, but he let her go, and he never really recovered from that experience. Now he feels whole again, and able to feel. They are right somehow and both have given up trying to fight fate. The night settles into silence and he stays with her until the dawn. As they wake desire overtakes them and they lazily welcome the morning sun, she’s ready without any foreplay and she takes him before he knows what hit him, takes what she wants and gives him what he needs. Such splendid serendipity, it would be so easy to forget about the rest of the world never leaving the bedroom again.

  She gets up to take a shower and he realizes he has to go home and pick up fresh clothes for work. They decide he should bring some over so they will have the freedom to sleep together when it suits them. Neither is ready for a major commitment or a change in living arrangements, and he has learned his lesson about trying to surprise her with a visit she is not expecting.

  She threatens to pull the same stunt on him, though he’s a bit embarrassed to take her to his place since he still lives in a tiny studio above the music store. His place is only a few blocks from the bar where they enjoyed their first dance, and their first kiss. He has a solid reputation as the local bachelor, and his pad is exactly what everyone expects it to be. He’s not exactly a clean freak, and he has not seen any reason to change his college days decor. He might have to do some decorating before she finds out what she’s getting herself into!

  He gives her a long and lingering kiss goodbye as she steps into the shower. The water running down her back making him want to stay, the steam inviting him in to enjoy another round. This is ridiculous; he’ll have to get control of his sex drive. He’ll never be able to go out in public with her if every time she smiles at him that way he’s so hopelessly aroused.

  Unwanted Visitor

  Amber practically bouncing off the walls can't wait to get to work and tell Rissa about the night before. She’s so excited she finally has a friend she can confide in with such personal issues. She’s definitely the kind of girl to kiss and tell. She wants to shout to the world that she has finally experienced a real orgasm! Ok, so not really to the world, but she has to tell someone! The beauty of the day matches her mood she feels as though she can walk on air! But nothing could prepare her for the day to come.

  Rissa is at the shop early and the girls open together after sampling the first batch of their new apple cinnamon muffins. Chatting over their coffee, Amber practically explodes with the juicy details of her date with James. She’s beaming, and her usually controlled demeanor has gone out the window. Her happiness rubbing off on every customer walking through the door, her smile is contagious. Positive energy streams off her in almost palpable ribbons of color!

  The day flies by and Amber takes a cab to the grocery store to pick up a few things. The first sign of trouble comes in the form of a nagging worry pulsing in the back of her mind. Catching only a glimpse of someone, there is a moment of cold recognition before it fades to disbelief. It could not be him. Seeing only a brief profile from across the parking lot he seems vaguely familiar, but the fear in her rises instantly and she quiets it with logic and knowledge. He’s in prison, there’s no way they let him out this early. He will not be able to find me even if he is out, and why would he bother anyway. She feels herself sabotaging her own good mood and pushes it out of her mind. She should know better than to ever doubt her intuition.

  He almost caught up to her once in the past, when she was a private dancer, but he was caught passing off bad checks and they sentenced him to twelve years for steal
ing identities and check fraud. They found a decent stash of cocaine on him as well, so she is sure he won't get off that easy. The way she figures it, she should not have to worry about him for at least another ten years or so. Heaven forbid they actually send him to jail for his worst crimes. She should have a few years of peace at least, even with the crazy parole releases and other get out of jail free cards society dreams up.

  Now that her mind is drifting into the dark place of her past, she wants to get home and get her place in order. Getting some laundry done and putting away the groceries will help her to feel her sense of order return. She hopes to have everything done before dark just in case James has time to come over tonight. She purchased meals for two and is starting to feel like she’s actually in a real relationship. With her nerves slightly frazzled she’s hoping he will come and protect her tonight. She’s feeling a little vulnerable with all of this new emotion and the feelings of security and happiness. She realizes she actually has something to lose, and that scares her more than anything else possibly could. Refusing to allow herself to sabotage her present with fears of the past she makes her way home and begins focusing on the tasks at hand.