by Mary Winter
He rested his hands on her hips, one on either side. So patient, so gentle, and yet, as she drew her tongue along the length of his cock his body vibrated with the force of his arousal. “Yes,” she acquiesced.
“Good, stay right there.” He wriggled free, his motions making her release him. Sliding his legs back, he shifted into a kneeling position, all the while, keeping at least one hand on her hips.
Though the mirror hung in front of the bed, Laura ignored it. She didn’t need to watch herself, she could feel it. His big hands splayed across her hips, a part of her she had always deemed unsightly. Not when Reid touched her. His fingers caressed her smooth skin, stroking the length of her thigh. Down and back, the sweeps of his fingers were gentle caresses.
“We don’t have any lube.” He leaned over her back, nuzzling the tender skin on the back of her neck. He smoothed his hands down her arms until his fingers covered hers. He stroked each digit in turn, being careful not to rest his weight on his arms. Then, he reached beneath her to fondle her breasts. “I’ll have to take you twice.” He brushed his thumbs over her nipples, punctuating his words.
Twice would never be enough. Groaning, she leaned her buttocks against his hips. His erection nestled between the globes of her ass, stroking against the nerves there. Cream flooded her channel, dripping down her thighs. A hundred times might just begin to sate her desire for him. The lussor bounced between them, sated, yet hungering for more. With their magic joined in the binding ritual, she felt his acute need as clearly as her own.
“Please,” she breathed, barely able to force the single syllable from her lips.
“As you wish.” His lips trailed across her neck and the top of her spine, his tongue licking tiny paths of flame along her flesh. With each taste, his lussor grew, plunging into her heart and soul as clearly as his cock would dip into her body. Magic bound them far stronger than any mundane bonds.
Palming her breasts, he stroked into her.
Laura cried out at the sheer pleasure of being filled by him. Seated balls-deep inside her, the head of his cock brushed against the sensitive place just beside her cervix. His weight rested on her back, his body draped over hers. She loved him like that, loved his heavy weight, loved the possessive nature of his pose.
“Are you ready?” he whispered a moment before he pulled out.
“Yes!” She’d been ready for this all her life.
He surged forward, the motion at once a promise of the future and a sealing of their fates. Each stroke brought them closer and closer to the joyous tumbling into release that would feed the lussor. Laura tried to make it last. Her muscles clenched around him. In his hands, her nipples were painfully hard, so much so that every caress seemed too much on her overheated skin.
He surrounded her. His touch consumed her, drawing her into a world where passion consumed her. She thought of the first time the lussor woke, a hungry beast gnawing from her soul. Hattie had taught her exercises to still it, ways to keep it under control so she wouldn’t disgrace the Conclave with her power. Fucking Reid was like that, all hard and fast, sensation and emotion. Her hungry mewls echoed in her ears. Above her, Reid’s low moans and growls added an animalistic nature to their coupling. And between them, the lussor flared to life.
Like a third participant, it twined between them, drawing on her needs and tangling with his. It pulled at both of them, knotting them together far more intimately than any physical actions could do. The lussor raced along her skin. It poured into her blood, trailing along her legs, her arms, pooling in her womb and making her nipples tingle. It penetrated her as surely as Reid’s cock, and with each stroke, he fanned not only her desire, but also the lussor.
Magic welled deep inside her. She cried out as he pulled back, his cock hovering at her entrance. He shifted behind her, and suddenly, his shaft rubbed along her slit. He worked it closer to her back door, and she held her breath as first one then a second finger circled her opening.
Laura whimpered.
And then, he was there, the blunt width of his cock breaching her back entrance. She released a breath and relaxed her muscles.
He entered her in a slow, steady thrust. The slight pain faded away, leaving her awash in pure bliss. One hand stroked her clit. He circled the swollen organ with the tip of his finger. Gathering her moisture, he brought it back toward his cock, pausing to plunge his finger into her.
Laura basked in the pleasure coursing through her veins. Her channel tightened, muscles rippling as if trying to hold onto the cock that wasn’t there. Finally, Reid was fully seated inside her, and she moaned with the sheer fullness of it.
He retreated. As his cock left her, he plunged two fingers into her pussy.
Laura screamed. Pleasure built, higher and higher, until her awareness dissolved into pure sensation. Her muscles clenched. Her body went rigid, elbows locked in a futile attempt to hold her upright.
Behind her, Reid thrust forward once more.
Spots of light burst behind her closed eyelids. Her awareness dimmed, the pleasure so intense she feared she might black out from it. A third finger joined his two, and she screamed again as he curled his fingers past her G-spot.
She rode the pleasure. Deep inside the lussor growled as it drank in the sexual frenzy created by the thrust of his body and the stroke of his fingers. Laura sagged against Reid’s arm that clamped around her waist, holding her still for his movements.
“So tight,” he growled as he pressed forward once more. With a low roar, he came. His cock jerked, growing even larger inside her before spilling its seed. The hot rush of liquid triggered another orgasm and she whimpered a second release rolled through her.
Reid’s hands tightened to the point of pain. It fueled the lussor with the reminder of the raw nature of their power.
Laura released any sense of self she may have held onto. Now, it was just the lussor, just the energy roaring through her veins. Inside her, Reid’s cock softened, but didn’t leave. He pulled her to him, both of them toppling over on the mattress. The sounds of their heavy breathing echoed around them and she relished it. She used the feel of slick skin against skin to bring herself back into her body. Her arms and legs tingled from supporting her weight. Struggling to open her heavy eyelids, she looked over her shoulder at Reid.
He laid there, one arm thrown casually across the bed, the other pulling her against him. Lips parted, eyes closed, he looked like a sated God.
“What a way to wake up,” he said after long moments of silence. His voice rasped.
“Yeah,” she admitted, her throat too raw to say anything else.
He shifted and his cock slid from her tender passage. He cuddled her to him even tighter, curling his other arm around her. “I love you,” he whispered against her hair.
“I love you too.” She battled sleep, knowing they needed to check out. “Shall we shower and go home?”
“Home. I like the sound of that.” He released her and stood. Then, reaching down, he scooped her into his arms.
She squealed as Reid carried her into the bathroom. He gently set her down and started the shower. Soon, they both stood beneath the pounding spray. She let him wash her hair then scrub her entire body. He moved carefully, as if he were aware she would be tender from their morning lovemaking. When they both had finished, he turned off the water and wrapped her in a towel. His careful drying led to another round of sex, and a little before noon, they finally got into the car.
Laura eased into the seat, her backside tender. She let Reid drive. Home. It sounded good, except, her tiny bungalow didn’t seem like home anymore. She wanted to live at StarMyst, surrounded by Te and Jacy and the power of Sorcerers. Closing her eyes, she relished the sun pouring in through the window. At the moment, she had no idea what the future held for her and Reid, and yet, it didn’t bother her. Once they arrived in Illinois, they could start talking arrangements. Until then, she’d simply enjoy.
Chapter Thirteen
Reid wasn’t happy to
see the outskirts of the small town on the horizon. Though the drive had been comfortable, they hadn’t talked about what would happen next. Laura had slept most of the way, worn out no doubt by their physical activities and the emotional battle with her father. He let her sleep knowing she’d needed the rest. She’d awakened less than half an hour ago and now, they rode in silence toward her house.
Since they’d left, it seemed like someone had taken the world and titled it on its axis. Everything had changed, and yet, looking down this street, nothing had changed. He snuck a glance at the woman sitting next to him. If she shared his feelings, she gave no sign.
Her house loomed on the block, a tiny, dark bungalow where there was the distinct possibility that their fates would be decided. He pulled into the driveway and turned off the engine. The car faded into silence.
They sat there. The gentlemanly part of Reid wanted to get out and open the door for her, even carry her luggage into the house. If he did that then decisions would have to be made. He lived only a few miles away. They had said they loved each other. Surely such an insignificant distance wouldn’t stand between them.
“I’d really like you to come out to StarMyst.” There, he’d said it. Thrown the words out between them. “There’s plenty of room.”
Laura drew her lower lip between her teeth. “I don’t know. Let’s go inside and figure this out, okay?” She turned and smiled at him.
The hope sparkling in her eyes convinced him to curl his fingers around the door handle. “All right.” He stepped out, circled the car, and opened her door. “Would you like me to get your bags?”
Laura shrugged. “Later.” She grabbed her purse and fished out her keys.
He glanced through the back windows at her suitcase nestled next to his. A garment bag containing her fancy clothing lay slung over them both. He rather liked having his bag draped in her clothing and hoped the fact that it remained in the car was an omen.
He followed her to the house, silently closing the door behind them. She paused in the foyer and glanced around. He watched as she went to a shelf filled with pictures and knickknacks. Picking up a small statue, she turned it in her hands then frowned and put it back. She strode into the living room, her explorations continuing. She traced a finger over the mantle, stared at the couch where they’d made love. She sat down on it and rested her chin in her hands.
“This place isn’t big enough for both of us.” She looked up at him, still standing in the entryway. “My things are here. I could move them, put some in storage, but I doubt there’d still be enough room. You’re used to that huge farm house.” She shook her head.
“So?” Reid’s large strides carried him to the couch. He sat down, automatically wrapping his arm around Laura.
She burrowed against his side.
“I live in a room. Sure, I have things scattered throughout StarMyst. We all do. But I don’t need a lot of space. If you want to stay here, and want me with you then I’ll stay here.” His gut twisted at the thought of leaving StarMyst. Little steps. Maybe, if he stayed here for a while, they’d eventually move back to the Conclave.
Laura shook her head. “No, that won’t do. You would have to commute out there every day to take care of Jazz and the horses. You’re used to living there and just stepping outside to work. I won’t take that from you.” She rested her palm on his knee.
Warmth radiated from her touch. “You sure? Because I can commute. And if we all live under the same roof, it’ll be tough. Especially with all the lussor going around.” He grinned, thinking about what the energy in the house would be like if he and Laura moved in. Thankfully, Cord was gone all the time, and his brother…well, he doubted Kade would return to the Conclave anytime soon.
“Will there be room for me?” She glanced around at her pictures and decorations.
Reid tried to see it from her eyes. The house, a jumble of furnishings, most if it old and loved. “We can make room.” He felt certain Te would agree to that.
Laura shook her head. “I don’t want to put you out. I think we’re at an impasse. I don’t want to take you away from the farm and someone will have to put things in storage.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose. “People work this out every day.”
Reid thought about a large meadow not far from the house and barns. Cleared of trees, he always thought it would make a great place for a home. “How would you like to build a house together?” Just saying the words out loud filled him with warmth.
Laura’s eyes sparkled. “Really? I’ve always wanted to build my own home. Where? And do you think Te will agree to it?”
“I don’t see why not, but let’s go out there and talk to him right now. There’s a meadow not far from the farmhouse. It’s not being used for anything, and I bet it’ll make a great homestead. I have some money saved up, we’re all part owners in StarMyst Farms. That way, I can be on the Conclave, and you can have a place to make your own.”
Laura squeezed his hand. “A home of my own. I like it! I’m just renting this place. I guess I always figured my father would pull me back to Brazos someday.” She jumped to her feet. “Let me pack a fresh change of clothing, just in case.” A mischievous glint in her eyes made him think that once they arrived at StarMyst they wouldn’t be leaving any time soon. He went out to the car and brought her bags in.
An hour later, they sat in the living room of the StarMyst Conclave. Jacy was exercising one of the broodmares. Te sat in the chair Edwin always occupied. Laura and Reid sat on the couch.
“Glad to hear you’re back. I received a call from your father. He’s assured me that he’ll do nothing to interfere with StarMyst operations. I’m glad it all worked out,” Te said.
“Me too,” Laura agreed. She’d tangled her fingers with Reid’s for support before the conversation started, and now, she gave his hand a squeeze.
“We’d like permission to build a house on the open field across from the paddocks. We’ve been talking about it, and in order for me to remain close to the farm, and for Laura to have a place of her own, it sounds like the best option. I’m not sure what two couples actively feeding the lussor would do if we were under the same roof.” Reid said.
Te chuckled. “You probably have a point. I’m sure Jacy and I provided enough disturbance.”
The door opened.
“In here,” Te called.
Moments later, Jacy stepped into the room. Her toe poked through a hole in her sock—she’d left her dirty boots by the back door—and her jeans were worn and dusty. She had a sweatshirt on and her ponytail held back her hair, though a few strands escaped as if she’d just yanked off her riding helmet. She sat down on the edge of the couch and gave Te a kiss on the cheek. “You guys are back!” Jacy’s too-knowing gaze shifted between him and Laura.
Reid smiled back at his elder foster sibling. “We are and, if Te gives us the go ahead, we’re going to be building a house.”
“I didn’t hear of a Bonding Ceremony.” Though her words were stern, merriment danced in her eyes. “Not sure if you can move in together.” She mock-punched Te in the arm. “Right, honey.”
Te laughed. “Let’s see, agree with my mate and piss off my Conclave brother, or agree with him and piss off my woman. Sorry Reid.”
Everyone shared a chuckle, and Reid relaxed at the warmth in the room. The energy in the house hadn’t felt this good since before Edwin had gotten sick. Things were returning to normal, if slowly.
“I think that’s a great idea. The meadow gives a beautiful view of the woods, and I’d been wondering what would happen once you guys returned.”
The front door slammed, halting the conversation.
“Cord?” Te called. “We’re all in the living room.”
The thud of a bag hitting the floor echoed down the short hallway leading from the front door, and Cord’s tall frame appeared. He took the only empty chair in the room and stretched out his long legs. Dust and mud clung to him, and he looked as if he’d driven for several hours. “You�
�re back.” He nodded his head, his tone giving no clue as to the thoughts behind.
“Yeah. Just arrived back this afternoon. You missed a lot.”
“I can tell.” Cord glanced between Laura and him, a knowing smile on his face. “Congratulations. About damn time.” He reached over and clapped Reid on the shoulder.
“Thanks. I’ll fill in the details later. We were talking about possibly building a house for Laura and I on the meadow. Glad you’re here though. We can get everyone’s opinions.” In his heart, Reid really wanted his brother to be here, too. But, he doubted Kade would return anytime soon. And frankly, with what he knew about their origins and Edwin’s actions, he figured maybe Kade was better off on his own.
Cord shrugged. “Sounds like a good plan.”
Reid didn’t know what he’d expected, but Cord’s easy acceptance caught him off guard. Reid wondered if his brother would share in his joy. He didn’t know, and he realized he probably didn’t know what his brother would think. Kade had attacked Jacy, proving that maybe no one knew him after all.
“Okay then,” Te said, pulling the conversation back to the here and now. “Why don’t you guys go talk to some local builders? I’d like to make sure that Jacy and I approve any designs, but really, unless you’re planning on putting a pyramid or something crazy there, I don’t see why we wouldn’t accept whatever you want. Sound good?” He looked to Jacy for approval.
“Sounds great. I could see a cute little ranch house, or maybe another two-story home. I’m sure you guys will come up with the perfect place.” She hopped from the arm of the chair. Crossing the living room, she bent down and hugged Reid. “I’m really happy for you.” She brushed a quick kiss across his cheek then hurried from the room, presumably to return to the barn.
Cord stood. “I better go get cleaned up.” With a nod and a tip of his cowboy hat to Laura, he left the room.
“So are you going to stay at her place or here?” Te asked.
Reid looked at Laura. His old room was still available, though he figured she’d be more comfortable at her house.
