Mortal Flames_The Magical
Page 18
His eyes began to close.
“Didn’t you promise to take Turk and Jaydee to the human bar tonight?”
Damn. Damn. Yes, I did.
“But perhaps we have time…?” she asked, already stroking his chest.
Despite his best intentions to sleep, to enjoy the warmth of the sun, and the relaxation in his muscles, his cock was already growing hard. What has this little female done to me?
Chapter Thirty-Four
Jaydee and Turk stood at the bar of the college club, staring at the females as they danced beneath the ever-changing lights. Their gazes clung to the barely clad bodies of the young women, hunger lighting their eyes.
“Go,” Raiden commanded. “Dance with them.”
His friends had to lean closely just to hear his words. But even so, he was sure it was his gesture more than his voice that they understood.
Turk took a step forward, but hesitated. A pretty blonde stumbled into him, looked up, and smiled drunkenly. “You’re one of those aliens, huh?”
He nodded, too stunned to speak.
She took his hand, sliding from the side of her breast to wrap around her back. “Come dance with me.”
A moment later, Turk was in a circle of women, their bodies pressing against his larger one.
Enjoy yourself, my friend. You deserve it.
But then he glanced at Jaydee, who had turned his back to the women, staring down at his drink. Raiden jostled him with his shoulders, raising his brows.
Jaydee rubbed his closely shaved dark hair in a frustrated gesture. “I just… this doesn’t feel right…”
Frowning, Raiden motioned for Jaydee to join him outside, where it was quiet enough for him to be heard. They picked a calm place on a balcony overlooking the busy main road below.
“What is it?”
Jaydee shook his head. “It’s stupid.”
A spike of worry crawled through his belly. “Tell me.”
“It’s just—” his friend met his gaze, then looked away. “I’ve had this feeling. Something drawing me.” He took a deep breath. “You described the way you knew Saura was meant for you. You said it wasn’t because of the negotiations or your families, or anything else. You just knew. I know that rarely happens…that idea that perhaps we were meant for someone. But…is it possible that I am meant for someone, too? Perhaps a human?”
It took Raiden a long time to answer as his thoughts swirled. “Perhaps.”
Jaydee laughed and chugged the beer in his hand. “This is stupid. I know. Since my father took his life, I am the head male of the family. I am part of your council and an Elder. I don’t have time to listen to this strange pulling. I have responsibilities. I have—“
“Go.”
“Go?” his friend repeated, fear and hope blossoming in his eyes.
You have lost so much. Your father. Your faith in me. You deserve this.
“We don’t know how the humans will impact us. Call it a fact-finding mission. Go out and discover if whatever, or whoever, you feel pulling you is something of significance.”
He almost smiled, but instead, shook his head. “There is so much to do.”
Raiden rolled his shoulders back. “I wasn’t asking.”
This time, a smile did play at the corners of his somber friend’s mouth. “Yes, my Khar.”
Hours later, Raiden held Saura as she slept, the pale moon illuminating their room in its welcoming light. Turk had not returned with them. Three females had dragged him to their apartment. And Raiden had no doubt his friend would return very, very happy.
But it was Jaydee he thought of. His friend had barely come back long enough to pack, and then he’d taken a shuttle and left. Whatever was pulling him, Raiden hoped it would not bring his friend danger.
Saura rolled in her sleep, drawing the covers from her belly. The small bump pressed against her white gown. He reached out and touched his growing child. Pride and amazement blossomed in his chest. His female. His child.
He closed his eyes, and sleep came.
The boy was not a child. Raiden had not expected that. He had his father’s strong chin, but his mother’s expressive eyes. He stood before his father, seriousness reflected in his dark gaze.
“You need to begin preparing.”
“Preparing?” Raiden asked, he took several steps forward, but he seemed no closer to his son.
“When I am of age I will have to go back. To the Ice Planet.”
Raiden’s heart froze within his chest. “Why?”
“Because she waits for me. Can’t you feel it?”
Raiden shook his head. “Son—“
“Without her, none of us will survive.”
Chills crawled up his spine. “Survive what?”
Suddenly, his son’s face filled his vision. “THEM. Father, the dark cloud is coming.”
Goose bumps erupted across his flesh. “You don’t know what you’re saying. They’ve been gone. Wiped out.”
The scarlet rings around his child’s eyes grew. Brilliant drops ran down his cheeks. “Without her, the Elementas and the people of Earth will die. Start preparing, Father. I must go to her.” He opened his eyes, shaken. Sleep didn’t come again.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Saura frowned as she touched her belly. The baby would arrive soon, but Raiden had behaved like a madman for months. Their city was built. Thriving. Coexisting with the locals better than anyone could’ve imagined. Turk had even taken a human mate as his own.
But still, her own mate moved as if in a panic.
Their scientists expressed constant annoyance. They looked exhausted, and still, he drove them.
She understood that he wanted a craft. One capable of some advanced form of travel. Weapons beyond their current technology. But the question that haunted her nights was why? Why did he need such things?
Perhaps it has something to do with Jaydee, because he has not yet returned.
She didn’t know where her mate’s best friend had gone, but she knew Raiden had kept the information to himself. Which bothered her. He claimed to keep his secrets for the good of their baby. Pregnancies were difficult and often resulted in miscarriages. He thought by not telling her, he kept her from worrying.
Why can’t he understand that it only makes me worry more?
Sighing, she rose from her bench along the Spyre/Pufferies preserve.
As she walked along the path familiar sharp pains began in her back. Her breathing grew harsh. She slowed her pace even further.
A Spyre crossed her path, paused, and stared at her with curiosity. Reaching into her bag, she threw bits of dried fish onto the path. It used its spiderlike legs to touch the food. They like it, even though they no longer eat as they once did.
Two small fuzzy Pufferies scurried onto the path, gobbled down the fish, and raced off. She smiled, then winced as the sharp pain in her back came again, this time followed by a tightening of her belly. Too much walking for today.
The Spyre tilted its head. Tell that husband of yours he’s out of time.
Her eyes widened. Raiden had told her they could communicate telepathically, but one had never done so with her. Out of time for what? She thought back at it, wondering if it could hear her.
Another shooting pain had her doubling over.
To prepare for your son. To prepare for his role in The Great War.
Chapter Thirty-Six
His son was born. Nine pounds, eleven ounces. With a bellowing scream that filled the sky.
But at that same moment, his mother’s heart stopped.
Raiden knew it. He felt it deep in his heart, tearing at his soul.
He roared hoarsely as tears of horror and disbelief ran down his cheeks. He stared down at the still form of his mate, then at the doctor. Figures raced around her and the baby in a frenzy of motion. But after several long moments, the doctor turned to him and shook her head, eyes filled with disbelief.
Raiden pushed past them, took her hand, and commanded that s
he live. He pushed into her his fire and his love. He tried to call forth the same powers she had used to save his life when Kaemon had slit his throat. But, her heart remained still.
With a desperation brought forth by his love, by his determination that they live and die as one, he placed his hands on her chest and sent his magic surging into her. Forcing them past every barrier. You saved my life, I will save yours.
Even if it costs me my life.
Gasps filled the room. Her bed caught fire as the doctors sprang back. The room was filled with blue flames so dark they were nearly black.
He sank to his knees, still grasping her hand, as his vision went fuzzy. They must think I’m mad. That I plan to burn my dead wife’s body. But he knew better, his female wasn’t just water like them, she was fire, too. With a flame of life that burned greater than the human sun.
He rose on knees that shook and stared into her pale face. Live! Damn it, Saura! My love. My mate. Mother to my son. Live!
And then her eyes opened, scarlet-and-sapphire rings surrounded by black.
When her gaze slid from him to her wailing child, her eyes narrowed.
“Bring him to me,” she croaked.
They did, at least close enough for Raiden to reach out and take the child. The fire roared around the family as the babe was placed in Saura’s arms. They stared down at their beautiful son. Raiden looked from mother to child, and saw that both had the same look of determination. Of raw strength.
Both would live.
His heart seemed to swell. Even though I didn’t deserve any of this, I somehow have the world I love. The woman I love. And the child I love.
The future will come soon enough. For now, I can ask for nothing more.
The next alternative future involves prophecies, a sacrifice, and a handsome alien doctor. What’s not to love? So if you want another full-length, steamy romance, check out: Twisted Prophecies.
Other Works By Averi Hope
Alternative Futures
Nightmare Hunter: The Cursed
Deadly Dreams: The Cursed
Mortal Fire: Species The Magical
Twisted Prophesies: The Gifted
Alien Lovers
Savage: A SciFi Erotic Romance
Barbarian: A SciFi Erotic Romance
Alpha: A SciFi Erotic Romance
Alien Mates
Prisoner: A SciFi Erotic Romance
About the Author
Averi Hope believes in magic. She sees the world as a place full of possibilities and adventure. Her life isn’t always easy, but her beautiful children and incredible husband make every day just a little better.
And that’s its own kind of magic.
Most days, she writes like a madwoman. She loves to create characters and worlds that feel real. And more than anything, she wants to make her readers laugh, shout, or cry as they immerse themselves in her books. If she can manage that, then she feels she did her job. She specializes in romances with magic, fantasy, and a sprinkle of out-of-this-world experiences.
Want to contact her?
Email: averihopeauthor@gmail.com
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About the Author
Lacey’s goal is to write short romances and erotica romances that make your heart pound. She strives for stories with creative worlds, sexy characters, and plots that are fun to follow. In her free time…well, she doesn’t have a lot of free time. But in her mind, one day Lacey hopes to travel the world and enjoy a beach or two. Maybe even sleep in every once in awhile.
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