by Betty Legend
“He has her somewhere,” I growl.
“Stop your bickering.” Emeric grimaces as he moves, his eyes blinking open.
“How are you awake?” Griffin glances from him to me, his lids dropping knowingly.
“Apparently, Selene already bonded with Killian.” He swings his legs off the bed and glares at me. “That was fast.”
“I’m a wolf shifter. We skip courting and get right to the fucking.”
“Well, I owe your overzealous dick a thank you.” Emeric presses a hand to his wound, his mouth contorting. “Your regeneration magic helped me. Selene was releasing her magic into me. She felt distant but there.”
“Glad I could help. Selene was broken up about your injury. She’ll be relieved, except we can’t find her. Phoenix took her.”
“Where?”
“We don’t know.” Cyrus puts his glasses on, sighing heavily. “Somewhere private, probably a place hidden with magic like here.”
“He’s a clever son of a bitch.”
“We need to find her before he accidentally hurts her.” Griffin’s authoritative tone is laced with fear.
“What about your mating bond?” Emeric asks. “Think you can track her?”
“It’s a new bond, so it’s weak, but I can try. I need to get close to where she might be, and I’ll need back up while I’m in wolf form.”
“You’ll have plenty of back up,” Emeric smirks.
“We’re all going with you,” Cyrus declares.
CHAPTER FOUR
SELENE
Leaving the bathroom with my hair towel-dried and another hugging my body, Phoenix is standing outside the door with a glass of water. His exceptional hearing must have given him a heads up.
“Here, I imagine you’re thirsty.” His dark, thin brow rises. “I am.”
“Have any blood bags in the fridge?” I take the cup and moisten my parched mouth.
“No.” He folds his arms. “I prefer it right from the vein.”
“Was that your plan when you invited me to your party?”
“Yes, but I also wanted to get to know you.”
That comment takes me by surprise.
“I’m sorry you lost vampires you cared about that night.”
Phoenix drops his arms, walking off toward the open bedroom.
“It’s not something I want to discuss but thank you.” He slides a closet door to the right, revealing a walk-in closet with many fashionable clothing options.
“Can we talk about the fact that the other guys will go nuts searching for me? You know that, right?”
Phoenix disappears inside the closet. I walk toward it, getting a better view of him removing his jacket and shirt. I won’t deny I find Phoenix physically attractive. He’s tall and lean with a hard, sculpted body. With his back to me, I notice a symbol branded into his skin on the back of his shoulder. I recognize the symbol from the books Cyrus gave me to study. It’s the blood magic element symbol.
Watching him remove his pants, my eyes follow his long, muscular legs and roam over the tight curve of his ass. Why does a man so uniquely beautiful have to be so cruel?
“I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before they find us.”
Turning to face me, he’s completely nude, and it takes me by surprise. He’s a well-endowed vampire, and my traitorous body responds to the delicious view in front of me.
“Like what you see?”
I look away to the black end table next to his bed, the sparkling lamp, then the painting, my painting, above the bed.
“You put up one of my paintings.”
He comes out of the closet, and the hairs on my neck rise as he comes nearer.
“I did. I meant it when I said your art didn’t disappoint.”
“But I did?”
The thought stings I might’ve been a disappointment to him, that he didn’t want me, maybe because I’d looked forward to meeting him. I had been open to getting to know him after we met at the gallery.
“You didn’t disappoint me, Selene. The curse did. I had a life and someone I was sharing it with. I didn’t have an interest in sharing a woman with four other men.”
Cool air grazes my skin from the sudden removal of the towel from my body. Phoenix is quiet and quick, too quick. I cover my breasts with my hands, and he smirks, then lifts me like I weigh nothing and throws me on his bed. My body bounces, and I try to shove my legs closed, but he’s too fast. His body is between my spread legs, his hands bracing them open as his ice-blue eyes glimmer with hints of red, making them an eerie purple. All predator, there’s an obvious hunger in his eyes as he removes the space between us. Wiggling away from him, I move farther back on the bed. He watches with his lip curled in amusement, then grabs my ankle and yanks me back to him.
My palm smacks against his chest. “I don’t want to bond like this.”
Phoenix sits on his haunches. “I have no intention of forcing myself on you or attacking you. I’m taking the deal promised to me, just choosing to take it from a different part of your body.”
My eyes widen, and I snap my legs shut. “You’re not biting my vagina!”
“Oh, but I am. Don’t fight it. I promise you’ll like it.” A salacious grin tilts his lips.
I can’t help wondering if he’s right.
“That night. You weren’t going to stop drinking from me. I was about to pass out.”
“I was severely injured. I couldn’t control my thirst. Tonight, I will. I need you to trust me.”
“But I don’t trust you. You’ve been cruel to me.”
“We all have darkness in us, Selene. Mine is just closer to the surface.” Spreading my legs, he caresses his hand along the inside of my thigh. “You have to trust me if we’re ever going to bond.”
His fingertips graze my opening, and my head falls back at the pleasure it causes.
“Don’t hurt me, Phoenix.”
“But pain makes the pleasure so much more exquisite.”
I close my eyes as his tongue licks my clit, sending a rush of pleasure through my body. Fingertips grip the sides of my legs as he sucks and licks. My own hands fist the blanket as the pleasure builds. This vampire is not without skills when it comes to female anatomy. He takes me on an ascending climb with each flick of his tongue. My body arches in response to the blood rushing south, then I feel them, the prick of his fangs, a pinch of pain, mixing with the pleasure of his graceful tongue, not vicious like it was before. A pleasured moan escapes me as I ride the wave of pulsing pleasure until it builds into a bursting release. My orgasm is claimed by his erotic kiss, and he doesn’t pull away until he’s satisfied.
I’m dizzy with lust and contentment when he rises from between my legs. He wipes a droplet of blood from his tinted lips, a wicked grin tugging the corner of his mouth.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“That was… erotic.”
Phoenix lies next to me, caressing his cool fingers over my abdomen.
“I believe you and I are capable of bonding. You taste better than any blood that’s ever touched my lips.”
“Is that a compliment?”
“It is.” His finger taps my hardened nipple, then he lowers, sucking it into his mouth. His fang scrapes across it as he releases it, and I suck in a breath at the renewed arousal aching between my legs.
“You’re trying to seduce me.”
“Is there anything wrong with that?”
Turning away from him, I gather the blanket and crawl under it.
“I don’t want to be seduced. I want a real connection with you.”
Phoenix watches me, still lying in place, a look of interest filling his eyes.
“If you don’t mind, can you unlock the door? I’ve fulfilled my part of the deal.”
He clicks his tongue against his cheek. “I said it would cost you much more than a taste. Removing the demon venom used a lot of my magic. You’re stuck with me for a while longer.”
“Fine. Do you have any food her
e? You just had your dinner. I haven’t.”
Phoenix tilts his head, listening to something above us. Lips flattening, he climbs off the bed.
“Your boyfriends are here. They can get you dinner.”
I catch the disappointment in his tight features as he walks to the closet.
“Phoenix?”
“Hmm?”
“Do you truly want me to stay with you?”
Standing in the threshold of his closet, he crosses his arms as his gaze lingers over me.
“I wouldn’t mind the company and to drink from you again if you’ll allow me.”
“Are you up for another deal?”
“I’m listening.”
“I’d like to go upstairs to see them and get something to eat. I know the others won’t want to leave, so if you let them sleep in your house, I’ll sleep here with you and let you have another small drink.”
“Letting them stay here is a big ask. I want more than a small drink.” Tilting his head, he raises one brow, challenging me.
“How bad do you want to taste me again?”
His lip purses as he slips his tongue beneath it.
“You run a hard bargain.” He throws his hands out. “Fine, they can stay.”
When I smile, the corner of his mouth starts to lift, but he turns away before I get to see a full smile. Coming out of the closet with black briefs and black silky pajama pants, Phoenix tosses a long-sleeve button-down shirt to me. I slip out of bed and into the soft, white fabric. I start walking to the bathroom, and his voice stops me.
“Don’t bother with your foul, wolf-scented shorts unless you want to take another shower.”
My arms fold over my chest, and he smirks, then strolls to the exit door.
“Can you really smell him that well?”
“Yes, I can. I don’t want to smell another man on what is supposed to be mine.”
My words hitch in my throat. Maybe Phoenix wants me more than he’s ready to admit. He fingers the keypad attached to the door, and the metal box blinks green. Standing next to it, he waits for me. With a breath, I leave behind the thought of bottoms and head up the stairs with him. Thankfully, he’s so tall, his shirt covers my ass.
At the top of the stairs, we exit through another door and walk straight into four sets of angry eyes. Phoenix closes the door behind us and leans against it.
“As you can see, she’s in one piece.”
Before my guys unleash their fury, I swing my arms around Emeric, careful to avoid the healing wound.
“I’m so relieved you’re all right!”
Smooth, feathery wings wrap around my body as he holds me close. “I am, thanks to you.” His fiery need slips through his lips to mine, and my eyes water.
“I was scared you weren’t going to wake up.”
Strong hands palm my bare ass, squeezing me into him. “Nothing to worry about, baby. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”
Phoenix hisses. “For fuck’s sake. You want to unzip your pants?”
A mischievous laugh leaves Emeric’s lips. “Now that you mention it.” He unzips his pants and cocks a brow at Phoenix. Glancing down at me, he winks.
“I’m reconsidering our deal,” Phoenix snaps, his fangs visible.
I caress my hand over the bump in Emeric’s jeans. “Hold that thought.”
Zipping his pants back up, he withdraws his wings and folds them onto his back.
“We’re all staying here tonight.”
Killian runs a hand through his reddish-brown locks and sighs. “Where are you sleeping?”
“Downstairs with Phoenix.”
Emeric pulls me back to him, his finger toying with a button of the shirt.
“Why downstairs when we can all sleep together?”
I already like where his thoughts are going, but Phoenix and I need the time alone.
“Because Phoenix and I need to get to know each other better, but I still want you all close.”
Griffin nudges past Emeric and takes my hand. The familiar tingling sensation warms my body as he brings me into a hug.
“That’s fine. We’ll sleep up here. Have you had dinner yet?”
I shake my head, and Griffin frowns at Phoenix.
“She’s a guest in your house and doesn’t drink blood.”
Phoenix rolls his eyes. “I didn’t have this evening planned out.”
“We’ll order delivery.” Cyrus removes the jacket he’s wearing and hangs it on the dining chair nearby. “It’s fine.” Curling his finger at me, I leave Griffin’s arms and go to his. Those sweet, delicious lips meet mine in an impassioned embrace, revealing how much he was worried about me and how relieved he is to be with me now. “What do you think, gorgeous? Italian, Thai, or barbeque?”
“Italian,” Griffin responds, knowing me well. He winks, and I smile at him.
“Definitely Italian.”
Killian comes up behind me, slipping his arms beneath mine and around my waist. My body buzzes with the new vibration I’m coming to know as our bond.
Cyrus gives us space, pulling his cell phone from his pocket. “What do you all want?” he asks the group.
Leaning my head on Killian’s shoulder, I breathe in his delectable scent as he kisses my neck. Angling my head, I take his enchanting kiss.
“Our bond is stronger than I expected. I was able to track you here fairly easily.”
“I’m glad you did.” My fingers interlace with his. “I’m sorry our time was cut short.”
“It’s all right, sweetheart. I look forward to having more nights like the one we did.”
“I do too.” Turning in his arms, his massive frame envelops me as he leans down to kiss me.
There’s a hiss behind us, then the door to the stairs leading down to Phoenix’s apartment slams shut with him having gone through it. The guys exchange glances.
“I’ll be back,” I tell them.
Opening the door, I follow the winding stairwell downstairs, thankful Phoenix didn’t lock the door behind him. When I enter, he’s lying on the red, black, and silver comforter with his legs hanging off the end of the bed.
“What’s wrong?”
He sits up, frustration tightening his brows, his fangs protruding.
“I don’t understand why I was chosen. I’m not like any of you. I don’t share the women I’m with. I don’t walk in the sun. I don’t eat food.” He points upstairs. “I don’t belong with them. I belong with vampires.” There’s pain behind his ice-blue eyes.
Coming forward, I place my hands on his shoulders, then caress his neck into his short, dark hair.
“Tell me about her.”
He allows me to continue caressing him as he remains silent, his thoughts deepening.
“I might seem cold and heartless, but vampires do feel, deeply. And that’s a conversation I’m not ready for.”
“Do you resent me for her loss?”
Lying back on the bed, he takes me with him.
“No, I abhor the Holy Accolades. I want to rip the heart from every one of their bodies and drain the blood from them.”
My eyes widen at the violent confession, but I don’t stop touching and caressing him. He’s showing vulnerability, and I don’t want to ruin it.
“Does that scare you? What I’m capable of?” Caressing my arm, he gathers my wrist in his palm.
“A little, but you also intrigue me. I think you have many layers, and I want to peel them all back, no matter how ugly.”
“You intrigue me too.”
He bites, his fangs creating two tiny holes, which he drinks from. Beneath his shirt, he places his hand between my spread legs and massages my clit, adding pleasure to the pinch of pain. As he drinks, he slips a finger into me, building on the pleasure, and I moan, thrusting my hips into his hand. Withdrawing from my wrist, he licks his lips, then claims my mouth with aggressive need. Pulling his hand away, he grips my ass and turns us, his erection pressing into me.
“I crave you as much
as the taste of your blood.” Red glimmers in his eyes as he stares down at me with a dangerous desire.
“It’s our magic wanting to bond. Once we do, you won’t have to see me anymore.” That thought tugs at my heart as his fingers pluck the buttons of my shirt open.
“That bothers you. I can hear it in your voice and in your heartbeat.” Succulent kisses trail along my skin, his fingers teasing my pussy lips. “Why does that bother you?”
His fingers slide into me, and I suck in a breath at the immediate pleasure. Looking into his eyes, I place my finger on his chiseled jaw and bring him closer.
“I want to know you, Phoenix. I want to know what it’s like to be loved by you.”
“I might never be able to give you what you want.” Pulling the shirt open, he kisses my breast. “But I might be willing to try.”
My head falls back as I moan. “That’s a start.”
Phoenix adjusts himself above me, pushing his erection against my center, and I raise myself to claim his lips. When I pull back, he’s grinning, his fangs dipping below his lip.
“Your dinner is here.”
I groan, and he laughs.
“I’ll wait down here for you.”
“You could come up and join us.”
“I don’t enjoy watching them put their hands all over you.”
“All right. I’ll be back soon.”
Phoenix lies on his side and watches me leave the bed.
“Selene.”
Turning around, I face him. “Yeah?”
“Her name was Vivian, and she was beautiful and fierce like you are.”
A smile pulls both corners of my mouth. “I’ll be quick.”
Ascending the stairs, I can’t stop smiling. I’m getting through to Phoenix. I believe beneath his harsh exterior is a softer side, one he protects violently. I hope I can continue to earn his trust. For some reason, it’s important to me.
In the dining room, my guys are putting spaghetti, meatballs, and garlic bread on plates, setting one out for me. Cyrus and Killian take turns kissing me as I take the seat between them.
“I’m glad all of you are here. I feel better when we’re all together.”
