Dark Temptations Volume I: A Collection of short stories

by K. A Knight

  A dry laugh comes from him as he opens his eyes, a wry smile on his lips.

  “Don’t stop,” is all he says, trust shining in his eyes as I shift my weight over his hips, his erection pressing into my leg. I have to bite my lip to keep back my groan, my desire skyrocketing.

  I tentatively lean forward and kiss a large scar across his lower abdomen, feeling him stiffen below me before he lets out a breath and I feel his body relax, his cock twitching underneath me as I move to kiss lower. Nixon and I haven’t been intimate before, so we don’t know each other’s limits, and of all of my guys, Nix is the most emotionally scarred, which is probably why I feel so comfortable around him. I don’t have to pretend to be okay with him, I don’t have to talk, we can simply be together.

  Shifting my position, I lean forward and press a kiss to his lips, which he is quick to reciprocate. Running my hands over his taut, muscled shoulders, I gently sink my nails into his skin, dragging them down his arms. His breathing hitches and I pull away slightly, watching his face to see if I am going too far. Hands bunched in the bed sheets, his face is a picture of pleasure and pain.

  “Nix.” I place my hand on one of his tight fists and my soft call has them relaxing slightly. “Touch me, you won’t hurt me.”

  My reassurance must do the trick as his hands come to my hips, although his gentle butterfly touches show he is still unsure.

  “If I—if I’m too rough...” The uncertainty in his voice is clear and I want to take that away, show him he has nothing to hide or fear when he is with me. With a smile that I hope conveys my feelings, I wrap my hand around part of his bicep and pull him towards me. There is no way that I am strong enough to actually move him, but he comes willingly, his eyes warming at whatever he sees in my expression. The thrill that I have that much power over a man three times my height, and who could easily overpower me, is a heady feeling and pretty empowering, given the very little power and freedom that women get in our world.

  Nixon’s hands slide from my hips and up my back, gently pulling me towards him. Wanting to show him that I’m not a fragile doll about to be broken, I grip his shoulders and drag my nails down his back, not enough to mark, but enough to grab his attention. My nails drag over a ridge on his back, and I freeze as a small growl comes from his throat, realising that I’ve touched one of his trigger areas. I don’t even get a chance to think about moving off him before he crashes his lips to mine, kissing me with a ferocious passion that I didn’t know he possessed. I meet him kiss for kiss, determined to show him I’m not scared of this part of him.

  In a frenzy of hands and kisses, I find myself topless, with one of his hands on my right breast, flicking at my nipple, and the other hand on my hip, guiding me in a rocking motion that has his clothed crotch grinding into my thin leggings. Our breaths mingle as I slide my hand down to his crotch, pushing past the waistband of the loose training trousers he is wearing, gasping slightly as his cock springs free. I’m not very experienced with sex, but he easily has the biggest cock I have ever seen. I shouldn’t be surprised really. I place my hand on him, which looks tiny in comparison, the flesh soft against my skin as I stroke his length.

  All thoughts are driven out of my mind as Nixon’s head drops back, and a moan slips from his lips. A smirk crosses my mouth as I stroke him again, tightening my grip, loving that I have this power over him. He raises his head and when he sees me smirk, he gives me a look that lets me know I’m in trouble. Placing one hand on my butt and the other on my lower back, he leans towards me, bending his head to take my nipple into his mouth. It’s my turn to moan, and I use my free hand to grab his shoulders just for something to hold on to, sure I would fall back if he wasn’t holding me up, my other hand still firmly on his cock. He laughs, and his deep rumble travels through my body, making my core throb. As if he knows the effect he has on me, he moves his hand from my ass and brings it between us, pushing past the waistband of my leggings. His fingers find my most intimate place and gently circles my clit, making me gasp and my grip around his cock tighten, causing him to moan in turn. His mouth is still around my nipple, his moan against the sensitive skin turning me on even more. His hand moves down until he gently pushes a think finger inside me. My thoughts scatter as I try and focus on not coming there and then.

  “Nix.” My words come out as a gasp, but it has the desired effect as he places one last kiss on my breast before pulling away and bringing his gaze up to meet mine. His eyes are alight with desire, but it’s the look of happiness that really does it for me.

  “Fuck me,” I beg.

  He looks briefly surprised, like he was expecting me to say something else, but his gaze heats and his grip on me tightens, his other hand pulling away as he repositions us. I go to move off him, but he puts a hand on my arm, shaking his head. At my questioning gaze, he gives me a small smile.

  “I want you on top. In control.” My bemused smile turns into one of understanding. Seems it’s not just me who finds me being in control sexy.

  Moving to the side of the bed, I climb out of my leggings, giving him time to do the same. I look back and see him sitting at the top of the bed, with one hand behind his head as he rests against the headboard, and the other on his cock, stroking up and down his impressive length with a look of hunger in his eyes. I’m not exactly body confident, since I have had a hard life and have the scars to prove it, but right now the look in Nixon’s eyes is enough to make me feel like the most beautiful woman alive.

  Climbing back on the bed, I crawl towards Nixon, straddling him once again. Nerves fill me, and I bite down on my lip until a hand cups my cheek, lifting my chin. I look up and realise that my nerves are for nothing, the love in his eyes is clear to see. Knowing if I said stop he would, and wouldn’t make me feel guilty about it alleviates the rest of my worries. I rise up and position him at my entrance, before leaning forward so my lips press against his. The kiss is gentle at first, and as it becomes more passionate, I slowly sink onto his length. We both groan into each other’s mouths, and I have to stop for a second to let myself adjust to his size. His hand moves to my lower back, gently rubbing in small circles while I adjust, continuing to kiss me until I’m comfortable. I have never felt so full, and initially I thought he was too much for me, but as I relax and his kisses get hotter, the feel of his hands on my body makes me want more. Rocking forwards slightly, I gasp at the feeling. Nixon’s grip tightens, and I start to move again, rocking forwards and backwards, loving the feeling of him so deep inside me. If the look on his face is anything to go by, he feels the same. His hips buck slightly underneath me, and I know he is fighting to let me stay in control. I move my hands to his shoulders to get a better grip, and soon we fall into a rhythm as the pleasure builds up, with me setting the pace. Just as I think this can’t get any better, Nixon moves forward and starts kissing the side of my neck, nibbling along my jawline. Pleasure explodes through me, my nails digging into his shoulders as I come, and as he shudders beneath me, I know he has come too. We continue until we have rung out the pleasure from our orgasms, and I collapse onto his chest, our breathing ragged. Laying my hand on his chest, I feel his heart pounding beneath his skin.

  “I love you too,” I say in reply to his earlier comment, where he had implied he loved me. I don’t need to explain, I know he understands as he brings his arms up around me, holding me close. We stay that way until our breathing settles and I grimace at the sweat cooling on our bodies. After excusing myself to clean up, I return to the bed and curl up in Nixon’s arms.

  That night I sleep like the dead, my gentle giant wrapped around me, keeping me safe from the nightmares that usually plague me.

  Chapter Six

  I wake up early the next day, not wanting to disturb Nixon because he looks so peaceful for once. None of his usual horrors are darkening his eyes and tightening his face, so I slip out of the bed after laying a gentle kiss on his lips. I quietly get dressed in yesterday’s clothes and tiptoe out of the tent to see the sun jus
t lightening the sky. A yawn takes me by surprise as I stretch my deliciously sore body. Something hits my legs, making me blink, and I look down at Sid in surprise. Grinning, I crouch down and rub the soft fur between his ears.

  “Hey baby, where you been, eh? Tormenting Blain again?” I coo, and he makes a noise as if in agreement. “That’s my good boy, yes you are.”

  With one last stroke, I stretch back up and start walking to the big top. Jesse’s mention of decorations gave me an idea, one that might make this holiday even better. I pass Esme’s empty tent, and my steps falter. It’s become a tradition for us to put it up in every town we stop in, even though she has passed. Some might call me sentimental, or too forgiving, but anyone who is willing to die for their family deserves my respect. It was horrible when we buried her, I hadn’t realised the impact her death would have on my men. Well, Jesse and Rex, since they obviously feel everything much deeper than the others. Blain openly admitted he didn’t like her and I think Alcide was more bothered about the fact that he lost one of his family members, more than the who. Realising I am just staring at the tent, I blow out a breath and start walking again.

  This last month has flown by, with town after town, and the healing of our people, animals, and emotions after everything that went down with the hunters. Fluffy is still limping and Rex wakes up screaming every now and again. I even see Blain walking the perimeter sometimes. I guess we have all learned from our mistakes.

  Sid trots happily by my side as I slip into the darkened tent. I’m surprised Alcide isn’t up yet and planning for our special ‘Christmas show,’ as he calls it. Hopefully, it means he is getting some sleep, since the bags under his eyes are only getting worse. It seems like he hasn’t slept in the month since the attack. I need to remember to speak to him about that, but it’s hard trying to juggle my time with everyone. Especially when him and I still aren’t as close as the others. Even Blain and I have a deeper connection, admittedly it’s built on anger, lust, and understanding, but it is there nonetheless. And he has gotten better recently, though he still slips into his old ways, but a glare from me makes him grit his teeth.

  “Rhea? What are you doing up so early?” comes a tired voice from behind me. Looking over my shoulder, I see Alcide at the tent entrance, with one hand holding it open while the other scrubs at his face. Turning fully to face him, I take in his wrinkled clothes and the black marks under his eyes

  “You still aren’t sleeping?”

  He blinks at me before dropping the tent flap and slouching into the closest chair.

  “Not really,” he admits sheepishly.

  I prop my hands on my hips and glare at him. “You can’t go on like this! You have to sleep, you look dreadful, and we all depend on you. How are you supposed to lead when you don’t sleep or barely remember to eat?” I fume, and he smiles at me before crooking his finger. I narrow my eyes, and he leans back in the chair.

  “Come here, Carino.” The tone of his accented voice sends a thrill through me.

  “What?” I huff.

  “Come. Here.”

  I feel his power pushing at me, and I roll my eyes before brushing it off and walking towards him. When I am within arm’s length, he grabs me and pulls me onto his lap.

  “I look like shit?” he asks with a grin.

  “Well—I, erm—fuck. Shit. Okay, not shit. But you don’t look good. Alcide, I am worried about you,” I confess softly, making his smile drop away as he sighs.

  “I know. I’m sorry Rhea. It’s just every time I close my eyes, I see it all happening again, and I know it’s all my fault. If I had worked harder to teach you to protect yourselves, if I had moved to a different town, if I hadn’t ignored the threats…” He trails off as I growl.

  Gripping his cheeks, I force him to meet my eyes.

  “You do not get to blame yourself for the fucked up actions of a group of people. What happened was horrible and will stay with us for the rest of our lives, but we can’t let it colour our actions and affect our future. We need to remember without letting it overpower us, we can use it as a lesson. But I need my Alcide, the men need their leader, and the circus needs its ringmaster,” I declare, searching his eyes to see if he is really listening or wallowing in self-pity.

  “Do you understand me?” I press, and I watch as a beautiful smile lights up his face, chasing away the shadows in his eyes. I just hope it’s enough for him to fight through his darkness, but I will be with him every step of the way.

  “I understand, Carino.” He closes his eyes and leans farther into my hands. “Thank you,” he whispers. I nod and throwing all caution to the wind, I curl up in his arms. My head rests on his shoulder as we hold each other, each lost in our own thoughts, until Fluffy comes limping in and growls at Alcide before whining at me.

  “Looks like your other man wants some loving,” Alcide rumbles, his chest rubbing against my side as he speaks. I smile softly, and with regret, slip from his lap.

  “Hi, my boy. How is my brave man feeling today?” I ask as I sit crossed-legged in front of him.

  I grimace, and pain shoots through me when I see the scar winding around his leg and the gaps in his fur. His head nudges me before he flops half into my lap and half onto the floor, making me giggle.

  I rub his belly, talking nonsense to him before I remember why I came in here.

  “Do you want to help me make some decorations?” I inquire, and he yips before getting unsteadily to his feet. He licks my cheek, and I groan before grinning at him.

  We quickly set up what I had in mind, even Alcide helps, and we laugh and joke as we create lots of little decorations and Christmassy items from things I found around the camp. Soon, we have a little pile ready, and I can’t wait for Jesse to see them. He was so excited about decorating the camp.

  About an hour later, Jesse comes into the tent, and when he sees us, his eyes widen before he spots all the decorations. Clapping, he races to our side, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

  “Yes! Does this mean we can decorate?” he shouts happily, and we both look to Alcide, who rolls his eyes without even looking up, a stubborn concentration on his face as his big hands try to stick the glitter on the decoration he is making.

  “Sure. Get Blain to help,” he says distractedly, and Jesse and me share a look, one that means we are both thinking the same thing.

  We grab some decorations and leave Alcide and the animals to it, as we head out to find Blain, an evil giggle slipping from both of us.

  When we stick our heads through his tent flap, we spot him fast asleep on his back, his head facing away from us. I look at Jesse and put my finger to my mouth before slipping inside. Walking across the room, I freeze when he turns his head our way, but when his eyes don’t open, I carry on until we both stand over him.

  Winking at Jesse, I grab fur from one of the costumes that we ripped off to add to the tree and slowly drape it over him. Jesse grins and covers his mouth before joining in. It gets harder and harder to hold in my giggles as we decorate him, even going so far as to draw on him. I let out a little scream when his arm shoots out and grips my wrists. Jesse and I both freeze as his eyes slit open. He glares at us and Jesse throws the last of the decorations at him.

  “It was all her!” he shouts, before turning and racing from the tent, leaving me trapped with a grumpy Blain. His eyes turn to me and I smile guiltily.

  “Hi, Blainy.”

  “Harpy,” he warns, his voice gravely from sleep.

  He looks down at his chest and then back to me in time to watch me twist and slip from his grip. I stumble back as he jumps up and blocks my escape route.

  The light streams in and hits him in all his Christmas glory, and I can’t help but laugh.

  “You think you are funny?” He cocks an eyebrow at me and I have to breathe deep to hold in my giggles. With his hands on his hips and Christmas decorations wrapped around his neck, makeup and that hat on, he looks adorable. Even when angry.

  “I like the hat.�
�� I hiccup as a giggle slips out.

  Watching me, he takes off all the other Christmas decorations apart from the hat.

  “You like the hat?” he asks slowly.

  I nod hesitantly, wondering where he is going with this. “It will cost you for me to keep it on.”

  “Cost me what?” I demand, crossing my arms.

  He grins wickedly at me as he drops his hands from his hips. His bare chest bulging with the movement, distorting the smiley face I drew over his heart.

  “You have to keep that mouth of yours shut, Harpy, and be a good girl for once. Do as I say, and I will wear this stupid fucking hat for the entire pointless celebration.”

  “And what do you want me to do?” I question, the look in his eyes turning me on but also making me nervous.

  “Get on the bed,” he demands, as I blink at him.

  “Harpy,” he growls, reaching up to remove the hat. Groaning, even as my insides clench and my pussy throbs, I turn and do as I am told. Once I am sitting on the edge of the bed, he drops his hand away from the hat, and an evil look enters his eyes.

  “Good girl, let’s see how long you last at your own game, shall we?”

  “My game?” I echo, leaning back on my arms to crane my neck as he stops in front of me.

  “You live to tease me, now I’m going to do the same to you. Let’s see if I can’t get that foul mouth of yours to scream.”

  Chapter Seven

  Swallowing hard, I peer at Blain as he crouches between my parted legs, the hat placed firmly on his head. It shouldn’t be this much of a turn on, but it is! He grins at me before yanking on the hem of my pants. Dragging them over my feet, I bite my lip even as my breathing speeds up. There’s something so dangerous about being with Blain, like I am always standing on the razor’s edge and one wrong move will have me falling. Crawling up my body, he stops when our faces are inches apart.