by Ciara Lake
“Only our creator can destroy us. We can only slow each other down or imprison the other, as was done to me. But Osage can be killed and his end is near.”
“This all seems very bad.” Avery put her fingernail in her mouth, chewing on it.
“Now it is worse, because they can tell I…I have emotions for you.” He ran his hand through his hair. “They also know I am tempted by you in so many ways. It is a weakness, a wrong I cannot deny myself.” He closed his eyes.
Avery sat down next to him. The doorbell rang again.
“Let it ring.” He laid his head back then turned to look at her. “I will not allow you to be vulnerable. I am strong and powerful, more than most of my brethren. Angels are not equal in every way. We were created for various duties. I was created to be a warrior, a protector. I am good at what I do, regardless of my imprisonment.”
“A wrong?” Avery watched his face change. It amazed her how he could alter his facial features.
He took her hand, his touch gentle. “Do not allow the way my emotions play on my face to alarm you. I do not try to control them, as I am comfortable with you seeing me as I am. When I become a feral warrior, my visage itself can frighten the weak at heart. But you have nothing to fear. Remember, I would never cause you harm.” He pulled it into his lap and rubbed her forearm.
“Still you have not answered my question. What do you mean ‘a wrong’?”
“I should not engage with a mortal in the ways I wish to with you. I should not have feelings for you beyond duty. Yet, I cannot help myself.” He kissed her mouth.
The taste of him, the energy he radiated, made her dizzy.
“I want to stay here with you for all of your days. If left to me, your days shall be prolonged.”
Avery wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Colors flashed behind her eyelids as she became caught up with the wild sensations which swamped her.
Aiden scooped her up in his arms and walked into the bedroom. He laid her back on the bed, trailing kisses all over her face. Then he returned to her lips. Their clothing disappeared. Lying nude together, her limbs entwined with his.
“Do you want me, innocent one?” He kissed her neck up to her ear.
Avery shivered as incredible desire erupted inside her. Dampness escaped her vagina, making her thighs sticky. She clutched his muscular leg with hers. He rubbed against her pussy. She rode his thigh, enjoying the friction they created.
“Do you want me?” he asked again.
“Yes.” She could barely speak. For a moment, Avery felt peculiar, as if she was watching herself and him at the same time. As if she was feeling another’s yearning mixed with her own. Then the strange experience passed.
Aiden pushed her legs further apart, and his large body settled between her thighs. His thick shaft pressed against her damp opening. Avery swallowed her momentary panic. Aiden’s hands were all over her, touching her in every intimate way. He roughly kissed her, and their tongues met as he explored her mouth. She was so entirely absorbed in the pleasure he offered, nothing else mattered. Pain seared her as he pushed his huge cock past her virginal barrier. Inhaling sharply, she clenched her pussy and pressed her thighs as if to close them as he shoved his way deeper.
Aiden paused and kissed her forehead tenderly. “Relax for me. Trust me, the pain will pass.”
Avery relaxed her muscles, and her thighs fell open more. She held her breath as she enveloped his great size within her. Aiden pushed deeper, until he was fully seated inside her.
“Oh, Aiden, it feels so good.” Her head rolled to the side as he began to pump his cock in and out of her. Avery looked down at where they were joined. His cock glistened with her juices. “It’s beautiful.” Her finger trailed over where they were one. Aiden increased his pace, moving harder, deeper into her.
Growling, his body shook as he continued to shower her with moist, hot kisses all over her face and neck. She moaned as her body stretched, accommodating his throbbing shaft. Aiden moved his hips rhythmically against hers. She responded with similar movements.
His warm hands were touching her as if she fully belonged to him. His penis stroked the sensitive walls of her pussy. Again, she watched herself beneath him. Then his handsome face was so close to hers. Confused, she closed her eyes until rapture flowed through her, flooding her entire being. Sinking her nails into his back, she held onto him as her body reacted to the astonishing spasms which rippled through her.
Aiden shook, groaning as he held her tight. He slowed his strokes. Again, she shuddered as fluttering sensations took hold her womb.
They lay holding each other with Aiden still wedged inside her. He hugged her to him. “You are lovely. Thank you, my sweet mortal.” He kissed her tenderly.
“Don’t call me mortal. It makes me feel second-rate. I don’t like it.”
A wave of emotions, which felt like hurt or regret, washed over her. Avery looked up into his golden eyes and she knew she was feeling his emotions.
“How do I feel emotions which aren’t mine?” she asked.
“I am sorry.”
Avery tightened her hold on him, hugging him closer.
“You are not second-rate. Never believe such a thing.” He kissed her hand, then rested his head next to hers on the pillow. “Am I too heavy?”
“No, you aren’t too heavy. You feel good.” She ran her hands over his smooth, muscular back. He was a mighty lover and warrior. Amazingly, she had this powerful male between her petite thighs. Avery’s sensual thought made her lightheaded. “You don’t have to be sorry. But I do feel your emotions, don’t I?” She played with his hair. It was silky as it moved through her fingers.
“Yes.” Aiden pushed her hair out of her face as he examined her. He seemed to inspect every detail of her. “I merged with you, possessing you. Not completely, it was more like sharing a part of your soul. But I know it was invasive. I should not do it without permission. I got caught up in our moment. Being with you is like visiting paradise.”
Aiden ran his hand over her breasts, lightly pinching her nipples. His tender actions made her shiver.
“You are such a temptation to me. Like none I have ever known. I am at a loss as to what to do.” He waved his hand, and the fireplace roared to life, instantly warming the room. “I long to feel your emotions and for you to feel mine as we share physical intimacy. It is intoxicating to me. You are intoxicating to me.”
She watched his eyes glow brighter.
“I am sorry if you dislike my mental intrusion. Do not be frightened of me. I will not do it again if it upsets you.”
Avery looked up into his eyes. “I don’t mind.” She pushed his hair back off his forehead. For several minutes, they were both quiet, and he watched her as if studying her. The intimacy of the moment made her happy. The doorbell continued to ring from time to time. “Trick-or-treating is almost over. We missed most of it. If Grace knows, she won’t be happy.” Avery kicked the sheet near her ankle.
“Grace will be happy. I will see to it.” Aiden rolled away from her.
“I don’t mind the sharing, as long as you don’t take me over.” Avery touched his back.
He looked around at her. “I would never take you over. I have not fallen so far. Regardless, I love you. I would not take away from who you are.” Aiden stood up. His clothes reappeared on him. Avery was speechless at his declaration. “Take your time. I will hand out candy to the little people at our door.” He walked out of the room.
Avery slowly got out of bed. Her body ached in unfamiliar places. She noticed blood staining her sheets as well as between her legs. She went into the bathroom, piled her hair up on top of her head, and then stepped into the shower. The warm water soothed her body, calming her nerves, cooling her heat. The words Aiden spoke had made her heart flutter and her stomach flip. Toweling off, she left the bathroom to find her costume on the chair next to the bed. She put on her princess outfit, adding the diamonds Aiden had given her. She glanced into
the mirror. Her face was still flushed from the intensity of the emotions she’d shared with Aiden. She looked like royalty with the glint of diamond at her neck and hanging from her ears.
* * * *
Aiden’s sword appeared in his hand, and he turned to confront the intruder.
“At ease, my brother. It is I, Zayel.” He held up his hands. “I come in peace, brother. I am here to give you a message.”
Aiden’s sword disappeared.
“I sense you have enjoyed the flesh of your mortal woman.”
“Her name is Avery.”
“Avery it is.” Zayel nodded. “So you are Avery’s angel?”
“Yes, I find myself to be happily—”
“In love. In love with the human.” Zayel walked toward him. “A hard place to be. Plus, Osage is out for revenge. He wants to make you suffer. Your Avery released you, and that displeased Osage. Now demons are after you both. Osage is after you. If you call upon me, I will come with our brothers to fight with you. Qasim wants Osage destroyed. He has walked too long on this earth, causing great evil and destruction.”
“We all want him gone.” Aiden motioned to the sofa. “Have a seat. We have wanted him destroyed for centuries—no, a millennia.”
Zayel ignored the invitation to sit. “So true, my brother.” He held up one of Avery’s nightgowns and grinned at Aiden. “Qasim will be visiting you soon. He wishes to see what has captivated his fearless warrior, causing him to stray from his disciplined path. Surprisingly, he is not angry. He merely seems curious. However, I thought you should know you should expect a visit from our superior.” He walked around, looking at the decorations for their Christmas tree as well as the other many purchases. “You have been generous with her. Is she worth all of your attention? Most mortals are not.”
“Avery is very special. I love her. She makes me feel…” Aiden looked up at the ceiling. “I cannot explain it to you or to myself. It is just so.”
The doorbell rang uncontrollably. Aiden opened the door to several children standing with open bags. He passed out candy to them, then closed the door.
“Just be alert, my brother. Emotions can cloud even our keen senses. It concerns me you did not know it was I who arrived. You are not used to having your attentions taken up by these human emotions. They preoccupy you.” He motioned to Avery’s bedroom door. “Be careful. I would hate to see you hurt with the loss of your human. She must be very special indeed to pull you from your path.”
“Thank you, brother, for your warnings and concerns. I will be vigilant.”
“As always, I am concerned for you.” Zayel nodded. “We have traveled this world together from its beginning.” He handled a golden angel ornament. “I see they are preparing for a grand time over at the mansion.” Zayel looked toward the window. “This is an interesting holiday for these mortals. The demons enjoy this one for sure. They can hide behind their masks and human hosts. Humans are weaker to the demons’ influence on this night. Some humans even foolishly summon them. How naïve those stupid mortals are. Even Osage, a powerful wizard, is foolish to negotiate with our evil brothers. Truly, it is foolish to attempt to negotiate with any of us, demons or angels, when one is merely a mortal or wizard.” He looked at Aiden. “Unless we love the mortal.” He winked. “Avery is in an interesting situation. She is blessed with your protection, your devotion, yet in more danger than she would ever be in without knowing you.” He shrugged. “Brother, my prayers are with you.” Zayel vanished.
* * * *
Flames jumped, roaring with vibrant life. Heat seared Avery’s face. It felt good on this chilly fall night. “The bonfire’s nice.” Avery rested her head back against Aiden’s chest. He wrapped his arms around her, nuzzling her neck. Others danced around the flame as if in a pagan celebration.
“Hello there, lovebirds.” Grace sauntered up to them dressed in a fey outfit with pointed ears. “I love your outfits. They’re perfect.” She smiled at them.
“Your costume is nice too.” Aiden grinned.
“You know what they say about angels and fey?” She winked.
“No, I am not sure I do.”
“They say we should dance together under the moon.” She giggled.
“Are you asking me to dance?”
“Yes.” She took Aiden’s hand. “Do you mind, Avery?”
“No, not at all.” Avery shook her head, then watched them move away to dance with the others. “The band’s good,” Avery called out to Grace as she danced by. They were playing Witchy Woman as Grace flitted around, her body swaying sensually. Avery smiled as she watched them dance with the group. Every female who passed Aiden devoured him with her eyes.
“Lookie here, it’s the bossy bakery bitch all by herself.” Tim walked over to her holding a can of beer. His speech was slurred. “I see your guard has left you unattended.” He nodded in Aiden’s direction. “Too bad he’s easily taken from you.”
“You’re drunk. Leave me alone.” Avery turned to walk away.
“Nah…I like to bother you.” He followed her. “I’m not on duty now. Neither are you. You’ve caused me problems with my Aunt Grace. I don’t like problems.” He walked around to block her, his lips rolled back in a snarl. “I’m gonna cause you trouble too.”
“Get out of my way.” Avery tried to move past him, but he continued to block her. She could hear a deep growl coming from him.
“No, bitch.” Tim’s face altered into something hideous, and his voice was not his own. Avery tensed when she realized she was not dealing with Tim at all. For sure, something had taken control of his body.
Suddenly afraid, she sucked in a gulp of air. “Get out of my way,” she repeated.
“No, we shall not. Do you like our brother? Has he fucked you well? We can smell what you have done, whore.” The abomination’s features contorted more. “Shame on him for indulging in the mortal desires of the flesh.” The entity possessing Tim tsked then shook his head. “We, and this human, shall bother you as much as we please.” It started to laugh.
Avery backed away, into a solid wall. It was Aiden.
“Don’t go, young one. We can fuck you too.”
“Leave here, devils.” Aiden stepped closer to Tim. He spoke softly as to not gain the attention of others. “Or I shall send you to hell sooner than you expect.”
“Oh, brother, don’t be so boring. We’re only playing with your toy.” It moaned. Then Tim dropped his beer can and dashed away through the crowd of people. For a second, he looked back. Again, the visage of something passed over his features. Aiden growled low in his throat. Obviously, the entity heard the warning, and turned quickly to flee.
“Where did Tim run off to?” Grace walked over to stand next to them. “He’s so upset about the changes I’ve made. I hope he isn’t bothering you. He’s been really awful.”
“No, all is well.” Aiden kissed her hand.
Grace nearly fell over from his attention. “Okay then. You two have fun. Dance the night away like you did at the wedding.” She waved to them as she caught up with some other guests.
“Aiden, I’m ready to go home.” Avery’s voice was shaky. “I have to go to work early tomorrow.” She leaned against him and sighed.
He ran his hand through her hair. “Yes, let us go home. This has been a long night.” Taking her hand, he led her down the path to their cabin. “Are you upset?”
“I’m afraid and confused. I really don’t know what I am.” She slowed, pulling back on his hand. “But I wouldn’t change anything.”
“Me either. You have brought me great joy.”
She hugged him. “You’ve made me happy too. I’m just not prepared for all that comes with you.”
“I will not leave you alone.” He squeezed her hand.
“Yes, but I want to have freedom too. My old life is disappearing. You can’t go to work with me. It wouldn’t be normal. What would people think?” She rested the palm of her hand on his chest.
“You will never be normal
again. Great people are never normal.” Aiden kissed her, then looked into her eyes. “Do you wish me to leave? Even if I do, you will not be the same because of what we have shared and what you know.” His eyes flashed golden.
“No.” Avery rapidly shook her head. “I don’t want you to leave.”
“When I destroy Osage, you will have more freedom. The others will leave us alone.”
“The demons?” Avery cocked her head to the side.
“Yes. I can destroy Osage, then the others will lose interest in me, as bothering me for no reason is asking for unnecessary trouble. They only do it now to please Osage.”
“I hope you can stop Osage. Do you think you can defeat him? After all, he did imprison you.”
“I can defeat him.” Aiden’s jaw tightened. “I am strong.” He straightened his back.
“I know you are.” She touched his arm. “I’m not doubting you are.”
“I was tricked once. I will not allow it to happen again.” Aiden looked toward the cabin. “And I will not allow you to go to work alone without my protection.”
“You’ll not allow me?” She put her hands on her hips. “Aiden?”
“You know what I mean. Take me as I am.” He shrugged. “Please. I do not want to live forever, regretting your death. Forever is a long time. I cannot help myself. I am used to being in charge. Also, I am literally from the old world. In fact, I existed before the world itself even existed. All angels did. It is why we can predict humans so easily. We are old. To us, you are as children. No, infants.”
“Thanks.” Avery frowned. “How were you tricked?”
“A demon tricked me, not a human. I knew him well in the beginning before he changed sides. I allowed myself to be fooled. I have learned from my mistake.” Aiden looked around them. “I only want to keep you safe, not to control you.” He kissed her cheek.
“Aiden.” Avery took his hands in hers. “I love you too, even the bossy you and the scary part of you. I’ve had a glimpse of it.” She put her arms around his neck, pulling up to kiss him.
“Not really.” He grinned.
“Well, I know you’re not a regular guy. I should not expect the same rules to apply. I will try my best to be cooperative. But at times, my human childish side, as you would call it, may show. Just like a child, I want to walk by myself at times. Then at other times I want to hold your hand.”
