by Betty Legend
“For who?”
“The witch, of course.”
“What makes you think she’ll come for me?” I stare back at the short, blond-haired leader, his blue and gold uniform displaying a larger pin than the others. His cruel blue eyes stare back at me, a smirk forming.
“We installed a few cameras on our last visit.” His smirk downturns. “Unfortunately, we had to witness your vile fornication with the hellion witch.”
Anger surges, but I release it with my usual sarcasm.
“Sure, someone held a gun to your head and made you watch… all of it. Don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy it.”
The man backhands me, and one of the blade tips stabs my skin. Warm blood dribbles down my neck, and my fangs descend.
“Look at his fangs,” another Accolade points. “Work of the Devil!”
He’s not entirely wrong. Vampires were created with demonic blood and magic.
The Accolade pokes his pointer finger at one of my fangs, and I snap at him. The additional puncture wound to my neck is worth it to see the terrified expression on his face.
“Don’t toy with him,” the leader scolds. “He’s dangerous.” His eyes narrow in on me. “And I’d hate for our plan to be foiled because I have to kill him… too soon.”
“I hope you know what you’re doing. The witch won’t come alone.”
Leaning forward, his foul breath lingers beneath my nose.
“I’m counting on it.”
Between gritted teeth, I ignore their frightened and angry looks and track their turns, following the direction the best I can. In my heart, I’m torn between hoping Selene does come for me and succeeds in getting us out, but the other part of me hopes she doesn’t come, doesn’t risk her life trying to save mine.
It’s at least forty-five minutes before the van stops, and I’m manhandled and forced into an age-old, steepled church. Through a back door, I’m dragged down a corridor, down a flight of narrow, damp stairs into a cellar. Shoved into an empty cell, I stand from my knees to view the area as they slam the cell door closed. The blond-haired leader lowers a lever, and electric wires buzz to life around the cell, releasing a blinding white light. Narrowing my lids, I peer through the openings of the cell. In a room with several computer monitors sit two Accolades on duty, watching the monitors. There are several more cells set up on the other side of mine, each hard-wired with the same electric wires.
“Don’t try to escape.” The leader snickers. “The voltage will fry you to ash.”
My lip rises as a growl escapes me. “We’ll see how long I’m here and how long you get to keep your head.”
“Guess we will, devil spawn.”
The leader and his minions ascend the stairs, leaving the two guards behind the windowed wall, watching the monitors.
My fangs bite into my bottom lip as anger surges through my chest. Testing my strength, I yank at the cuffs. The corner of my mouth lifts as the chain snaps apart between my hands. Whatever debilitating aerosol I inhaled is finally wearing off. Bringing my hands forward, I rub at the reddened skin. I’m going to need fresh blood to heal.
The two Accolades who were watching the monitors rush into the space, standing in front of my cell with taser wands. Nearing the cell, I test them, hissing and revealing my fangs. The one charges, poking the wand through the cell. Grabbing it, I yank it from his grip and spin it, the end now facing them.
“You fools, I’m faster and stronger.”
With wide eyes, they back away from the cell.
“Get the acid,” one barks to the other.
Shit.
Receding from the cell wall with speed, my back hits the hot wires, and a volt of electricity sears my skin, burning viciously to my bones. The pain topples me over, distracting me from the vial of liquid they throw at me. Agony tears through my limbs and face as my skin bubbles and burns. A roar tears from my chest, my fangs descending as I pant through each breath. Damn my stupidity for shutting Selene and the others out.
CHAPTER SEVEN
SELENE
Killian takes my hand, helping me up onto the next boulder of rocks. Between the trees, his house sits in the distance. We’re nearly back from our hike. I’m exhausted and equally refreshed. Keeping my hand in his, I pull him to me for a kiss.
“These last three days have been great. I’ve loved the hiking, breakfast in bed, and cuddling by the fire.”
Glancing at me sideways, he gives me his sad wolf eyes, and my heart pitter-patters in response. “I wish you were staying longer. Three days isn’t enough time with you.”
Caressing his arm, my fingers tuck under his rolled-up flannel.
“I’ll come back soon. I promise. I need to visit my mom and Rachel. We have a lot to talk about, and I want to know if Rachel knows she’s a witch.”
“I understand. I’m just going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you too.” Kissing his shoulder, I breathe in his delicious masculinity and woodsy scent. “You’ve been what I needed for the last several days. This getaway was perfect. It helped clear my head.”
Leaning down, he kisses my hair. “You can stay with me anytime for as long as you want. You know I’d love you to stay here with me, and this be your primary residence.”
We exit the trees into the clearing of his yard, the sun casting its warm rays over my skin in the same way his words touch my heart.
“Believe me, it’s something I’m considering. Leaving you is difficult.”
All morning, an ache settled in my gut, knowing I won’t see him for a few days. It’s hard leaving any of my guys, but with our mated bond, it’s even harder. When I’m with him, I feel safe and at home. Leaving him tears at my heart.
Reaching the porch, he spins me, stopping me in front of him as he leans against the railing.
“It’s not time for you to leave yet, so let’s make the best of it.”
Full, sensuous lips smother mine in a provocative attempt to seduce me, and it’s working. His strong hands unfasten the button of my shorts as I tug at the buttons of his shirt. With no one around for miles, there’s no need to be modest. My shorts drop to my ankles, and he slithers my panties down my thighs after them. I step out of them as he removes his shirt, dangling it over the railing. Pulling my shirt off, I giggle as his facial hair tickles between my breasts. His hands palm around the swell of them and he kisses and nips at my cleavage before removing my bra entirely.
“Sweetheart…”
“Yes, handsome?”
“I love these breasts.”
Pulling me to him, he lifts one, sucking my nipple into his mouth, elevating my arousal to a raging need.
“I want you so much right now.”
Sliding two fingers into my opening, he fills my parted mouth with his tongue, moving it at the same hungry pace as his fingers.
“Unbutton my pants. I’m about to bust out of them.”
Yanking them off his hips, I release his hardened erection, and it springs forward. My fist curls around it, and I stroke him in rhythm with his thrusts. When my panting gets more feverish, he walks us the few feet across the porch, his lips still on mine. Turning me abruptly, he holds my hands against the wall, his lips feathering over my shoulder.
Lowering his right hand, he aligns with my opening, and with one hard thrust, he enters me. I moan from the instant pleasure. Against the wall, he keeps me caged as he thrusts in and out, taking me deeper and harder as I moan for more. A growl erupts from his chest, his large hands keeping me held steady as he ravages me, pounding against my G-spot.
“My mate,” he thrusts again. “All,” another thrust, “Fucking,” I come hard, my moan a pleasured scream. “Mine.”
I’m a mess of sagging limbs in his hands. Licking across my ear, he intertwines his fingers through my fingers, holding me up.
“I’m already in love with you,” he whispers, holding his warm body against my back, our bodies still connected.
“You had my heart on night one.”
Tilting my chin over my shoulder, I take his kiss.
“I will.”
Pulling out from me, he turns me, placing my chest to his. My arms rest around his neck.
“How do you feel about the guys staying here?”
“If it makes you happy and keeps you with me, then I don’t mind.”
“All right. After my trip, I’ll stay here for a while.”
Taking my hand, he kisses my fingers.
“You don’t know how happy that makes me.”
He holds me in his arms, kissing me until I’m smiling against his lips.
“Ready for lunch?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s get cleaned up.”
Killian bends, gathering our clothes. He awaits me to enter the house before him, no doubt watching my ass.
After a quick shower together, he goes outside to chop more firewood for tonight while I make us toasted ham and turkey sandwiches. The front door opens, and I expect Killian to enter, but in the threshold is the frame of a fiery, inked god with crimson wings.
“There’s my pretty witch.”
My mouth curls as Emeric folds his wings to his back.
“What are you doing here?”
“Do I need an excuse to see my woman?”
Grinning, I brush a loose strand of hair out of my face. “No.”
Joining me in the dining room, his heated kiss warms me.
“Griffin and Cyrus are growing on me, but I only stick around the beach house to be with you. I’ve missed you, babe.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
Bringing me into his arms, he caresses my lower back, then squeezes my ass as he kisses me, his tongue melting my body into his.
“You miss my cock, don’t you, baby?”
“Yes, and the rest of you.” I caress his feathers, and he tilts his head back.
“Fuck, I miss this.” Red glimmers in his onyx gaze as he returns his attention to me. “You still going to see your mom and cousin?”
“Yeah, leaving here shortly.”
“You mind if I join you?”
Letting go of me, he raises a brow as he plucks a few chips off one of the plates. He’s the first of my guys to ask, and I’m glad he did.
“Actually, no, I don’t mind. I’d love for you to join me.”
“That’s what I was hoping to hear.” The curl of his mouth shows me how pleased he is. With an arm around me, he tucks me against his chest, his warm, strong feathers wrapped around me. “When do we leave?”
“After lunch.”
“I’ll wait for you at your apartment and allow Killian the rest of his time with you uninterrupted.”
I smile up at him. “That’s nice of you.”
“Well, baby, what can I say?” Releasing me, he steps back and rubs the charm hanging from his neck. “You’re rubbing off on me.” With a wink and a handsome smirk, he disappears through a portal.
My cheeks swell as I finish setting the plates. Minutes later, Killian comes inside, shirtless, sweat dampening his shapely muscles. One look at him and arousal stirs. I bite my lip as his delicious scent envelopes me, and his kiss evaporates all thoughts.
“You didn’t need any wood cut, did you? You just wanted to taunt me with your tempting pheromones and hot, sweaty body.”
“I need to up my game. You’re on to me.” With a playful grin, he scoops up a sandwich and bites into it.
We climb onto the seats next to each other and clean our plates between chatter and laughter. As I remove the empty plates, Killian looks at the clock on the microwave and frowns. I settle into his arms after he steps off the barstool.
“The time will go by fast. Plus, you have that beautiful table to finish carving and sealing.” I point in the direction of his carpentry building outside. “The buyers will be thrilled if it’s finished early.”
“That’s what I plan to work on to pass the time.”
“What are you going to build next?”
“A bigger bed.”
I adore the spatter of freckles that accentuates his cheeks when he grins.
“Good thing the loft is roomy.”
“Sweetheart, I’ll tear down walls to make a larger room to fit the bed if I have to. Whatever it takes to have my mate with me.”
My heart fills with affection at his words. Kissing him, I’m reluctant to pull away.
“I’ll see you soon.”
“Be careful.” Putting his head to mine, he squeezes me tighter. “If anything happens, portal here.”
“I will.”
Grabbing the duffle bag by the couch, I return to him for another hug. Stepping back, I say the spell and rub the charm hanging from my neck, and the portal appears. Glancing back, I blow Killian a kiss before I leave.
On the other side of the portal is my apartment. Emeric rises off the couch and lifts me, putting my legs around his waist.
“I was getting impatient.” Laying me on my bed, he lifts my shirt and trails kisses along my stomach. The touch of his impassioned lips has my body stirring with desire.
“We don’t have long. I need to swap out clothes, then we need to get going.”
“I don’t need long, baby, but I do need to have you.”
With arousal dancing in his eyes, he unbuttons my jeans. Shortly after his tongue laps my clit, I lose myself to the intense pleasure. Returning the favor, I watch the pleasure fill his face as I take his cock in my mouth and suck until he’s groaning through his orgasm. The feathers on my arm brighten as his hand rubs them, then moves to my chin.
“The way you make me feel, it’s intense.”
Lying on top of him, he puts one hand on my ass and the other through my hair as he stares up at me.
“Do you feel what I feel?”
Propping an arm behind his head, he swirls his fingers on my skin, the warmth of his magic spreading across my arm.
“I’ve never said the words to a woman, but I feel it for you. I do.”
“I want to say it.” My fingers caress along the scar on his cheek. “I love you, Emeric. I have for some time.”
Emeric’s eyes glisten with crimson. Bringing my lips to his, he kisses me with such passion, the world disappears, and all that remains is the emotion bursting between us.
Heated fingers mingle in my hair, holding me at the nape of my neck as he turns us, putting himself above me. Those same fingers trail down my body as his enchanting kiss keeps the world at bay.
“I love you, so damn much, it hurts. It hurts to think I could lose you.”
Putting my hand on his cheek, I caress with my thumb.
“You won’t lose me.”
“I’m going to make sure of that. I know where I’m supposed to be, what I’m supposed to be doing.”
“What do you mean?”
“As a guardian I should be guarding what I value most. I won’t waste my time protecting gateways when I should be protecting you.”
Heat warms my cheeks as a smile stretches my lips. “You know, under the layer of asshole is an incredible soul.”
Emeric’s mouth upturns.
“Don’t let the others know. I have a reputation to keep.”
“Your secret is safe with me.”
“I know, baby, and you’re the only one I’ll let in this deep.”
Our hands intertwine, our fire magic swirling around our palms.
“I love you.”
“It feels damn good to hear you say it.” Lifting my arms over my head, he aligns his cockhead to my wet lips. “Now I’m wondering how you sound saying it between pleasured moans.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
Laughter rumbles out of him. “I thought we already established that.”
As he slides into me, my smile fades to pleasured bliss.
CHAPTER EIGHT
SELENE
Emeric rubs my side, his arm tight around me. “Think she’ll like me?�
�
“Yes.”
“You sure about that?” He raises an arm, glancing at the tats, then points double fingers at his eyes.
“My mom doesn’t judge people by how they look. Besides, she’s a witch. Your hot-as-Hades Rockstar ensemble and supernatural eyes shouldn’t shock her.”
Emeric shrugs. “Plus, I’m a charming son of a bitch.”
A humorous smile widens my lips and his mouth curls.
“I’m glad I asked to come with you.”
“Me too.”
We ascend the stairs to the front door of my childhood home. The familiar red door brings back bittersweet memories, but there’s no time for me to linger over them as the front door swings open, and my mom spreads her arms wide.
“My sweet girl!”
I’m embraced in a warm, comforting hug before she pulls back and looks at my guest.
“You must be Emeric. You’re just as Selene described in her emails.”
Bringing Emeric in for a hug, she takes him by surprise. He goes rigid, then slowly embraces her.
“It’s a pleasure to meet the woman who created such a gorgeous, talented daughter.”
“And you’re charming too.” My mother claps her hands together. “How lovely.” She winks at me. “Come on in. I made fruit tarts and cocktails.”
Emeric leans into my ear. “I like her already.”
Leaving my bag at the entrance, I lead Emeric into the kitchen. My mom has the raspberry fruit tarts decorated and the cocktail drinks poured, with fruit on the edges of the cups. Emeric grabs a glass, pops a strawberry into my mouth, then empties the glass.
“Damn, that’s delicious.” He sets the glass down, and my mom flips her gray-streaked chocolate hair off her shoulder.
“Well, thank you.”
“Try her fruit tart. She’s a talented baker.”
Emeric scoops one up and bites, his eyes widening. “Yes, you are.” He finishes it off, then grabs another.
Mom and I chuckle as we each take one and gather a glass.
“How was your flight?”
I glance at Emeric, then back at her. “Quick.”
“Like a blink of an eye,” Emeric grins.
