Vernal

by Randi Cooley Wilson

  When I tilt my head back to look at him, he leans forward and takes my mouth with a soft kiss before pulling away. I run my hands over his face and see the transition behind his eyes almost immediately. He’s overthinking again.

  Carefully, I climb off of him and stand on shaky legs, his eyes following every one of my movements.

  “I’m going to shower,” I speak softly, and he nods.

  I pick up his shirt off the floor and toss it over my head, covering myself while he stands and pulls off the condom.

  I throw him a small smile and walk toward the door, but he grabs my hand, forcing me to turn around and face him.

  “In here,” he states.

  Taken aback, I frown. “What?”

  He swallows hard as his eyes dart around the room.

  “Shower in here and stay the night in my bed.”

  I sigh. “Tristan, I’m a big girl. We don’t have to do this.”

  He growls at me. “I want you in my bed tonight.”

  I take in his demeanor and concede. “Okay.”

  Leaning down, he places a light kiss on my lips and tilts his head toward the en-suite. “I’ll be right behind you.”

  He’s everywhere, taking up all the air. All I can do is agree to his every request and melt with each touch. I nod, trying to recall a single moment in my life when I have been more submissive than I am with him.

  Nope. None. I’ve got nothing. I pout, angry at myself for allowing him to take over my mind and body the way he has. He makes me forget to be strong and fierce, yet allows me to be vulnerable and open.

  Releasing his hand, I step around him and step into the bathroom, closing the door behind me so I can breathe.

  I hate feeling this way—so out of control.

  Serena

  I TOSSED AND TURNED ALL NIGHT. Sleeping next to Tristan made me achy and needy. His heat swirled over me, invading every section of my body. It felt itchy, suffocating.

  The smell of bacon hits me as I pad down the stairs. Figuring Zander must be here cooking again, I groan inwardly and plaster a stiff smile on my face before taking the corner into the kitchen.

  Once I step inside the room, I immediately freeze at the sight of the pretty, young Hispanic woman chatting with Tristan.

  I watch their interaction with curiosity. He says something that makes her giggle, and my heart sinks at the easy, familiar way they’re interacting.

  Her shiny, straight, black hair sways as her petite shoulders shake with laughter. He’s relaxed in her presence. Calm. I immediately hate her. Yeah. I’m jealous.

  When she sees me, her eyes widen in surprise.

  Tristan turns, and upon seeing me, his entire face lights up, causing my insides to knot. What is that? Shit. More feelings.

  “Morning.” His voice is deep.

  “I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I motion to the girl whose eyes are on me, boring holes into my skull.

  Tristan’s grin widens as he steps over to me and leans down, placing a long, sensual kiss across my swollen lips.

  After what feels like forever, he leans back and smiles.

  “Jealous, raindrop?”

  “What? No,” I state a little too loudly.

  “Serena, this is Maria, my housekeeper,” he introduces, and she manages to collect herself long enough to come over and greet me. “Maria, this is my guest and charge, Serena.”

  “Nice to meet you,” she says politely, and takes my hand.

  “You too,” I reply, not buying her nice-girl act.

  “I’m making Spanish omelets. Do you like?” Maria asks.

  “Sí,” I answer, and everyone falls silent. Making this even weirder than it already is. “I mean, yes. I do. Thank you.”

  She nods her head and makes her way back to the stove.

  Tristan smirks and hands me a cup of coffee.

  I take a sip and narrow my eyes at him.

  “You know how I take my coffee?”

  The back of his hand runs down my cheek.

  “I know everything there is to know about you, Serena.”

  I blush. It’s unlike me. I hate myself right now.

  He pushes the hair away from my face with both his hands, leans in, and presses another gentle kiss to my lips.

  “I like that you’re shy with me now,” he whispers.

  “You just like me submissive,” I counter.

  “Yes. I do. It makes my job easier,” he replies.

  I try not to let his words affect me.

  “Is that all I am? A job?”

  “Nope,” he winks, and takes a sip of his own coffee. “You’re also my fake girlfriend,” he teases.

  I like this side of him. I didn’t expect Tristan to be so casual this morning. I expected him to be cold and distant. Not attentive and kind.

  “Well, I can honestly say that you’re the best fake boyfriend I’ve ever had.” I sit at the counter and he joins me.

  “Yeah? How many have you had?” he asks.

  “Fake boyfriends? Including you? One.”

  “How about real?” his tone is serious.

  I shrug. “Um, relationships aren’t really my forte.”

  I’m saved by Maria, as she places our plates in front of us. I salivate at the omelet, potatoes, and bacon before digging in.

  “Thank you, Maria,” Tristan says.

  “Why don’t you have the lion crest on your back?” I ask around a piece of thick, hickory-smoked bacon.

  Gargoyles are usually branded with their family crest—males from their shoulders to their lower back, and females just on their lower back, and only when they mate with a particular clan. With the exception of me, my entire family is adorned with the dragon.

  I know Gage has a lion on his, since he’s from the Paris clan. It’s interesting that Tristan doesn’t bear the crest.

  “Gage didn’t mark me at birth, because he wasn’t there for my birth,” his tone is off. “He never knew I existed.”

  “Right. Sorry.” I continue to scarf down the bacon, and chastise myself for my stupid inquisitive nature.

  “Why don’t you want to be princess?” he fires back.

  I pick at the omelet. “I’ve always just thought I was meant for something . . . different. Expectations are higher when you’re the only heir. As protectors, we’re bound by laws to safeguard others not of our own choosing. I guess I’ve just always wanted the freedom to decide my own fate. To be bound to someone of my own choice. To shine my own light instead of living in others’ shadows.”

  “Is that why you’re defiant with Rulf?” he questions.

  “Rulf isn’t blood bonded to me. Still, he was chosen to watch over me my entire life. His presence is a constant reminder of my aunt Eve and uncle Asher’s epic love, and my lack of free will.”

  Tristan tilts his head in my direction. “Given the opportunity, Serena, what would you do with your life if you weren’t slated to be the next leader of the gargoyle race?”

  I study his mouth. I’ve never really thought about it.

  “I’m unsure what an alternative destiny looks like.”

  He nods. “When you figure it out, let me know.”

  I lift my gaze and meet his. “I will.”

  “We have dinner plans with my mother and Rionach this evening. Today, I thought I’d show you around the realm. Maybe we’ll work on your hand-to-hand a bit,” he suggests.

  “Will Chancellor Davidson be upset that we’re gone?”

  He shakes his head. “He’s aware of the reason behind our absence,” he explains. “Asher let him know.”

  Of course he did.

  After last night, I almost forgot why I’m here.

  “Can the Diablo Fairies cross into your realm?” I ask.

  “No,” he shakes his head, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Our army is on alert. Asmodeus doesn’t know that I exist. Or that I am protecting you. The clans are watching him closely and will inform us of any change in his status.”

  I slide my focus to
my breakfast plate, before looking up to see Maria watching me curiously.

  Once she notices me looking at her, she averts her gaze.

  “Hey,” Tristan says, placing his hand over mine. I meet his guarded eyes before focusing on the vein popping out of his neck. “You’re safe with me.”

  The truth is, I’m not safe with Tristan Gallagher.

  Safe in the sense of protection from Asmodeus? Yes.

  Safe in the sense of my heart? Not even close.

  Tristan

  Serena looks like she’s ready to vomit. That makes two of us. All morning I’ve been faking being calm, struggling through presenting her with an easygoing manner.

  It didn’t go unnoticed by me that when Serena stepped into the kitchen and saw Maria, a murderous rage crossed her features. She was jealous, which means she’s developing feelings for me, and that just can’t happen. Ever.

  Last night, I should have let her go back to her own room to shower and sleep. When she got up to leave, though, I panicked. Something inside of me snapped, and the thought of turning her away after what we had experienced slayed me.

  I stare at the tomatoes in my breakfast. I’m confused by my reactions to her, and even more confused by the way my heart is beating uncontrollably around her this morning. As she walked into the kitchen earlier, I was immediately consumed with anger at my own lack of self-control.

  Yet, when I turned and saw her, standing in my T-shirt, with bed head and swollen lips, I couldn’t help but beam with pride that I was the reason she looked like that.

  Last night was amazing. So. Fucking. Amazing. I don’t even know how to feel right now. I’m really trying my best this morning not to appear as disoriented as I’m feeling inside. We need to get out of the house and get some fresh air so I don’t grab her every five minutes and ravage her, because being inside of her is the most incredible feeling in the world.

  Serena clears her throat, and my eyes turn to her.

  She’s waiting, expecting me to respond to what she just said. I can’t. Her eyes search mine and my heart goes all haywire, and for the life of me, I can’t figure out how something as good as last night was isn’t meant to be.

  “What do you think?” she asks.

  I stare.

  “Tristan?” she prompts.

  I keep staring.

  She smiles and puts her hand over mine, and that little bit of contact is my undoing.

  I stand abruptly, knocking over my stool in the process, and grip my plate tightly before meeting Maria’s wide-eyed stare. I all but run to the sink in order to get away.

  “Yeah. Good. Whatever you want, Serena,” I ramble.

  Maria glares at me oddly and gently takes the plate out of my hands. “I’ll take care of this, Your Highness.”

  “Thank you,” I choke out, and chance a look at Serena, but she isn’t there anymore.

  My shoulders relax. I’m glad that she’s giving me time to pull my shit together. Exhaling, I head into my office to check emails and voice messages. An hour later, I step into the hallway and am greeted by a pair of dazzling blue eyes.

  “Ready?” she asks.

  “For what?”

  Serena frowns. “I suggested we take a swim earlier.”

  I stand there, mouth agape.

  “In the lake. At breakfast? You said, ‘Yeah. Good. Whatever you want, Serena,’” she mimics me.

  My eyes drop and take in the tiny black bikini she’s wearing. Ah, shit. I stare like an absolute idiot.

  “Tristan?” she blinks at me, worried.

  I clear my throat. “I’ll just go change.”

  “Okay,” she beams. “I’ll meet you outside.”

  “Sounds like a plan. I mean, yeah, it sounds like a solid plan. To swim. Together.” Stop talking, Tristan. Just stop.

  She watches me, amused. “I’ll just be outside then,” Serena turns and walks to the front door.

  My eyes roam over her backside and I inwardly groan. That bathing suit is going to be the death of me today. I can’t help but stare at her lower back. If we were mated, it’s where a matching protector mark would appear. My mark.

  The idea of my lions branding her, marking her as mine, has my heart slamming against my rib cage. My chest heaves as I remember my actions last night. I need to rein it in. I head upstairs to change. It’s going to be a long-ass day.

  I walk outside and take in a deep cleansing breath. The sun is shining and the breeze is warm. It’s perfect weather.

  “I was beginning to think you bailed on me.” Serena looks up at me from her position, sprawled out on a rock. She’s soaking in the sun without a care in the world, as if the king of the Nine Hells isn’t out to kill her.

  My smile grows as I approach her. I hope it hides the fact that I want to jump her bones right here out in the open.

  Her eyes greedily take me in, and she swallows.

  “You okay?” I ask, with a smug look.

  “Yeah, why?”

  “You’re completely flushed,” I point out.

  “It’s the sun. It’s . . . hot.”

  “Hot?” I repeat.

  “So . . . very . . . hot,” she draws out.

  I lay out a towel and take a seat next to her.

  “So listen,” I begin. “I have to be completely honest with you. I wasn’t really listening to you this morning.”

  She feigns surprise. “No. Really? I’m guessing you were imagining me naked.” She bumps my shoulder and I fall silent. “Holy shit. Were you?”

  I count to five so I can sound in control, my hand slowly rubbing the back of my neck. “That’s not the point. The point is, I think we should train today. We could do it in the water instead of swimming. Kill two birds with one stone.”

  A mischievous glare crosses her face.

  “You want to do it in the water?” she giggles.

  I sigh. “How old are you? Train. Train in the water.”

  Her bottom lip jets out. “Really.”

  “You do comprehend just how serious this situation is, Serena? I can’t protect you all the time. I need you to be able to defend yourself and, to be honest, you have no idea what the Diablo Fairies can do to you.”

  I can actually feel the wind charge with her frustration as she releases some of her powers into the air.

  “Fine,” she says, as she stands and dives into the water.

  I watch her, thanking God that most of her uncovered body will be concealed by the cobalt water.

  Seconds later she pops up. Her hands wipe the water off her face and smooth her hair back.

  I just sit here, watching her, like a horny teenager.

  Her gaze focuses expectantly on mine.

  “Are we doing this or what?” she calls out.

  Or what. Say, or what. I stand and readjust myself.

  I’m so hard right now, I hope I remember how to fight.

  “I’m coming,” I shout.

  She giggles, again. “Are you?”

  I throw an annoyed glare at her before diving into the water. At the same time, I teleport behind her, so I’m completely silent under the water and she can’t detect me.

  Treading, she flattens her palms. I watch as the wind rushes the water, her attempt to move it and find me. I back away, slowly.

  A few minutes pass, and her face becomes distorted with worry. I can feel her concern for me start to take over her abilities. I need to put an end to it, so she can focus.

  I sneak up on her and grab her ankles, pulling her under the water. Her legs scissor as she fights my hold, but I continue to drag her down, deeper and deeper.

  Her eyes latch onto mine and narrow at me as she fights for control. A murderous look crosses her face, and I snicker. My hands slide up her long legs and wrap around her waist.

  We have maybe another two minutes before she runs out of air and I have to teleport us back to land. I needed to pull her under so she can’t use the pull of the energy to jump-start her powers. This is me forcing her to use her phys
ical strength.

  A wicked expression crosses her face and I purse my lips. This should be interesting.

  Her long legs wrap around me in a tight hold, pressing her body against mine. For one brief moment, my heart stops beating. Her hands run over my shoulders, cupping my cheeks and slipping down my throat, curving against the base with a light press. I try to swallow, but can’t.

  Her head dips in and her mouth closes over mine before she inhales whatever air I have left in my lungs. At first, I think she’s kissing me, but after a few seconds, my lungs empty and I realize she’s trying to asphyxiate me.

  My hands ball into fists before tightening around her waist, and with the small amount of energy I have left, I teleport us out of the water.

  The warmth of the sun blankets me. I inhale several deep breaths and blink my eyes open several times before Serena comes into view. Her breath fans my face as she leans in closer to me. I shrink back as my heart rate picks up.

  “See, I can win without using my gifts,” she smirks.

  I’m silent for a moment, impressed with her approach.

  “Are you dying?” she holds back a laugh.

  “No.” I continue to suck in air.

  “How do you know?”

  “I’d never let that happen. To you, or me.”

  The grass is prickly against my bare back as she straddles me. I flip her onto her back, hovering above her, and grant her a twisted smile.

  “Well played, raindrop,” I compliment.

  “Still like being my protector?” she whispers.

  I stiffen, and my eyes roam the length of her wet body under me, before I catch her gaze and my lips twitch.

  “I think I like being your pretend boyfriend more.”

  A smile crosses her face as she traces my lips with her thumb and cups my cheek. “Yeah?”

  “Either way. You leave me breathless.”

  Tristan

  TRAINING IN THE WATER ACCOMPLISHED NOTHING, and while I’m impressed with the way Serena was able to take me down, it’s not a realistic approach against the devil fairies.

  My wary gaze settles on Serena as I watch her push to her feet, slower this time.

  She’s exhausted, and so am I.

  We’ve been practicing all day.