“All right. I want you to hold up your writing hand and say Lux.” Alia demonstrated. A small ball of light hovered above Alia’s hand for a moment and vanished when she closed her fist.
Maria took a few deep breaths and held up her right hand. She hesitated then whispered. “Lux.” A tiny ball of light appeared, it wasn’t as strong as Alia’s but it was still there. Maria’s eyes widened.
“I’m a witch...” Maria closed her hand. “How is this possible?”
“Does your mother or father like to give you tea?” Alia drew Maria’s attention toward her.
“Yes, every other day I visit them and they always make sure I have a cup of this fruit tea. Took years to acquire a liking for the taste. Why?”
“There is an herb in the tea which hides your powers from everyone, even you.” Alia’s nose scrunched up. “I’m sorry they did this to you, but you have a lot of work ahead, if you want to master your powers. But as always, the choice is up to you.”
“What do you mean the choice is up to me?” The scent of panic filled Derrick’s nose as Maria grabbed his hand.
“Well, you can go back to drinking the tea and never have to worry about magic again or you can train and learn to control it. The Blood Moon is coming up so be careful on that night. If you decide to practice, your magic will be double when the moon starts to rise.”
“Thank you. I will think about it.”
“Call me if you need anything.” Alia patted her leg and stood.
“Olsen a word before you leave.” Derrick kissed Maria’s head and walked into the kitchen. Olsen followed close behind.
“Tomorrow when you can get away I want you to find out everything you can about Maria’s family. I can send you their address.”
Olsen bounced side to side with Aura still fast asleep in his arms. “Anything specific?”
“Any kind of supernatural shit.” Derrick glanced over at Maria, who in turn stared at her hands. “Call me when you find something,” Derrick said before heading back to his mate. Aiden followed Olsen and Alia out of his house.
“Make sure she gets a good night of rest,” Alia said before she closed the door.
“Are you ok Maria?” Derrick pulled his mate into his lap, her head nuzzled against his chest. He kissed her head to try and calm his own nerves. Hearing his little mate was a witch was something he hadn’t expected. What the hell am I going to do? Derrick looked down at her, she was so small in his large arms. I’ll protect her from everything. I’m strong enough, I can do that for her.
“I think I’m ready for bed.” Maria rubbed her hands against her skirt. “I’m so glad it’s Friday,” she whispered.
“Me too.” Derrick picked her up and walked them to his bedroom. He wasn’t going to let her out of his sight. Once he placed her on the bed, the scent of salt filled his nose.
“I’m so sorry I’ve turned out to be a freak.” Tears fell from Maria’s eyes. He climbed into bed and pulled her to his chest.
“You’re no freak, you’re just special.”
“Will you still want to be with me if I choose to do magic?” Maria tilted her head up toward him.
“I will support you no matter what you choose to do.” Derrick pulled her into a long kiss. “Get some sleep love.” She yanked off her clothes and Derrick handed her one of his shirts, it fell past her knees. She brought the collar to her nose and inhaled
“Perfect.” Maria sighed. Derrick stripped down and they climbed in under the light sheet. She cuddled onto the crook of his arm and fell asleep in minutes. Derrick watched her, the peace on her face brought him sweet joy. Brushing back her hair from her face, she smiled but her eyes stayed closed.
I’d do anything for this woman. She has me wrapped around her finger and she doesn’t even know it.
Tomorrow he would explain to her how they were already bonded. He should have told her before all hell broke loose with the fucking vampires. His wolf growled at the idea of his mate still un-aware of them being bonded.
Tomorrow, I will do it tomorrow!
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Maria
MARIA RAN, HER WHOLE body ached but she kept pushing forward. She turned her head to see the man chasing her but he kept flashing in and out of view. The red eyes were hunting her down sending terror through her body. Out of nowhere a hand grabbed her throat and squeezed tight. Teeth sank into her neck, she tried to scream but her body grew weaker by the second. She pulled at her reserved energy and screamed as her last resort.
“Maria, wake up,” Derrick called out pulling her from her nightmare. Maria’s eyes snapped open, the pitch-black room made it hard to see Derrick’s large body next to her. Her whole body was covered in sweat and her hands trembled.
“It’s only a dream.”
“It seemed so real.” Maria’s voice cracked. She slipped into the safety of Derrick’s arms and clung to him. “Don’t let go.”
“Never,” Derrick whispered into her ear. She listened to his steady heartbeat and soon hers returned to a normal pace. She pulled off the shirt and wiped the cold sweat covering her body.
“What time is it?” Maria searched for an alarm clock but she didn’t find one.
“About two in the morning. Relax and try to go back to sleep. I will be right here.” Derrick rubbed his nose against her neck. A sudden wave of heat filled her body. Out of nowhere her whole body needed Derrick. Needed him to be inside of her. A deep pull to have him right then and there.
“Fuck,” Derrick growled into her neck. Heat pooled in her belly.
“What’s wrong?” Maria turned her body toward him. Every fiber screamed for him to be closer.
“You’re in heat,” Derrick said, the words barely registered in her brain. Heat, that sounds like a funny word.
“How can I be in heat? I’m not a wolf.” Maria leaned into him and kissed his chest.
“When humans are too close to wolves they go into heat just like a werewolf.”
“Interesting.” She flicked her tongue over his nipple making him groan.
“If we mate, I’ll get you pregnant.” Derrick’s voice had a pleading note to it. Yet she didn’t care.
Maria had had enough talking, she barely understood what he said and it wasn’t registering. She straddled his large body, his hard cock rested between her legs. Her hand grazed the tip making him groan.
“Maria,” Derrick growled.
“Derrick,” Maria moaned. Her hands wrapped around his swollen member and brushed him against her inner thigh. Every inch of her body was hot and needy.
“Do you want me to use a condom?” Derrick’s lips turned to a line.
“Yes.” She pressed his cock to her other thigh, the smooth flesh sent a shiver down her body. Derrick gripped the sheets under them tightly like he was trying to keep himself focused. He hesitated and met her gaze.
“If we use a condom, it might break or if it stays intact you won’t feel satisfied.” Derrick sighed.
“We need a condom, I’m not ready for kids yet Derrick.” Maria shook her head, even with the raging heat consuming her body, she needed more time.
“Before I grab the condom you should know something.” Derrick hissed as Maria slid her hand up and down his shaft.
“What?” Maria lifted her eyes back to his.
“When we had sex the first time, we completed the bond.” Derrick closed his eyes for a second. Maria sat up more letting his words settle in. A small part of her felt betrayed while the rest of her body felt stupid for not realizing it in the first place. “I should have told you sooner and I’m sorry.”
“You’re forgiven for now, I need you too much to think about anything else.” Her mind was clouding up with every passing second. She surprised herself when she didn’t climb on top of him. Derrick grabbed a condom and slid it down his shaft with ease.
Maria lifted her body and placed him at her entrance. With a little pressure, she managed to slide him inside of her. Oh, my god it feels so fucking good. Derrick
grabbed her hips and helped her move up and down his shaft. Any resistance ended when his mouth moved to hers.
“Faster.” Maria moaned as she threw her head back. Derrick lifted her body off him and she whimpered with displeasure. He quickly bent her over and filled her in one swift motion.
“Yes,” Maria cried out. Derrick gripped her hips while he slammed into her folds. Maria held onto the sheets to keep herself upright. Every pump sent her higher, closer to her orgasm and it pulled at her heart. Derrick leaned over her and nibbled on her shoulder. The pressure built tighter in her core. His teeth came down hard on the crook of her neck and it sent her over the edge. She screamed out his name but her satisfaction didn’t last long. The need returned with a vengeance making her whimper.
The pressure deepened, stronger this time and harder to handle. Derrick’s pace became more erratic while his nails dug into her hips. Her hands shook and she worried she might collapse under him yet something deep inside of her screamed for more. She pulled at the need to try and get her release again.
Derrick growled next to her ear. Something snapped in her body as he came inside of her and she climaxed with him. Their bodies were joined as one. Everything seemed right in that moment. Maria let her body collapse onto the bed causing Derrick to fall out. She turned to see he still sported a full erection and his eyes were still full of lust. She glanced at the condom and gasped when she saw that it had split from the tip to half way down his shaft.
“Fuck.” Maria covered her face and cursed herself over and over again.
“I warned you it might break.”
“This isn’t funny Derrick. I’m not ready for kids.”
“Well I am and soon you will be too.” Derrick winked at her.
“Did you break it on purpose?” Maria glared at him. Derrick laughed while he pulled the remains of the condom off his swollen cock.
“No but I’m ready for round two.” His waggled his eyebrows lasciviously.
Another fire burned under her skin. Yes, I want more! But should I keep going? She grabbed another condom and prayed this one wouldn’t break. The damn need consumed her body when she pulled him down to her so she could kiss his soft lips. He maneuvered his tip to her entrance and slipped into her once more.
“I don’t think I can get enough of you,” Maria said between moans.
“You’re all mine,” Derrick growled into her ear making her body shake under his.
I don’t think I can ever let him go!
The need to have him consumed ever sane thought. Their bodies joined in perfect harmony as they climaxed repeatedly. Everything was in perfect alignment for Maria, she was happy and whatever tomorrow brought, she would still be happy. At least it’s what she hoped for as another orgasm rippled under her skin.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Derrick
DERRICK WOULD NEVER admit it to anyone but he enjoyed watching his mate sleep. Maria finally passed out after a few rounds of sex. Every single condom he had placed on his cock broke but he hid them after the first one. He couldn’t bring himself to tell her the condoms were a pointless effort and getting her pregnant was a certainty.
There had been no warning that she was going into heat. Probably because she’s a witch. Derrick couldn't come up with another reason for the sudden shift in her scent. His cock stood at attention but it wasn't painful like earlier. The moment her heady scent hit his lungs, his cock had hardened like fucking steel and hadn't calmed down. After Maria passed out, his own libido calmed, yet a deep part of him wanted to wake her to go again.
Derrick pushed his wolf back and let his drowsy state take over.
After a few hours of sleep, he woke to Maria's hand playing with his hard cock. A low groan left his lips when her hot mouth wrapped around his tip.
“Damn it, woman.” Any other morning, he’d let her suck him off but today wouldn’t work. Her heated scent made it nearly impossible to finish anywhere but inside her sweet pussy.
His eyes locked with her as she took more of him in. His hands slid into her hair and gently pulled her off his cock. With quick fingers, she slid another condom on his shaft then climbed up his body and placed her slick entrance above his covered cock. Without any warning, she slammed down and moaned as he filled her warm body.
“Maria, are you sure you want to keep going?” Derrick asked her even as his wolf demanded more.
“Yes!” She groaned. Then she rocked her hips sending waves of pleasure through his body. With every stroke bringing him close to the edge. She tilted her head back. Her moans came out closer together while his balls tightened. His wolf howled with excitement as her beautiful breasts bounced against him. His thumb rolled over to her clit and pressed, she whimpered louder than before. She feels so fucking good. He inched toward his release and her pace became frantic. With another flick of his thumb she cried out with her own release. Something in him snapped and he reached his bliss. Maria collapsed onto his chest, panting for breath.
“How can I still be so freaking worked up?” she asked between deep breaths.
“It’s the heat. It can last for up to seventy-two hours.” He kissed her head.
“I need a shower.” She climbed off him and scurried toward the bathroom connected to his room. His body screamed to be next to his mate but he figured she needed some space. He pulled off another broken condom and tossed it into the pile next to the bed. His wolf enjoyed the fact they were breaking but his human side knew Maria might be pissed when she found out.
“Get your ass in here Derrick.” Maria called out after a few minutes. He was so excited that she had called him, he jumped off the bed and hurried into the shower. Her heat finally took over, making everything but sex fall away and he was happy that she didn’t demand a condom again. After two more rounds of sex, she finally seemed relaxed enough to get dressed and they strolled down stairs to the kitchen. Alia rested with her newborn on the couch while Olsen was in the kitchen. He had heard them come in about an hour ago, but there was no way in hell he’d stop until Maria reached satisfaction.
“Hello,” Maria said as her cheeks reddened.
“Don’t worry honey. I didn’t hear but he did.” Alia smiled and winked. “I’m just glad she’s a heavy sleeper.”
Maria grabbed a bowl of cereal and walked toward Alia and they started talking about the baby. Olsen motioned for him to step outside so Derrick followed him. Once the door closed, Olsen scanned the yard.
“Well I found out some stuff that isn’t great about your mate’s family.” Olsen shoved his hand through his hair.
“Spit it out.” Derrick looked toward the house, checking to make sure Maria was still inside and relaxed.
“Well first off, she is a descendant from Alia’s clan which is good and bad news for you.”
“What do you mean?” He feared the worst.
“Well, from what I have learned from Alia, she can obviously be changed to a wolf but all the benefits of being a wolf won’t show until she actually shifts to her wolf form. It’s why Alia can’t hear us right now unlike a normal werewolf.” His shoulders relaxed. So far it wasn’t horrible news. If she trained to be a witch, it would make up for her being so vulnerable. Yet he feared the bad news to come.
“The heat will only last about a day and a half and the healing doesn’t start working until they actually shift.” Derrick listened to Olsen but his stomach filled with knots every time he relayed a piece of news.
“As for the family, the mom had a sister who died during childbirth. It’s before Elene had kids. I’m not sure why she hid the magical side from her kids but it’s what I found out so far. From what I understand she has a vendetta against wolves for her sister’s death.” So, she blamed the wolves for killing her sister, it was semi logical. He hoped Maria’s delivery would be simple.
Every shifter’s worst nightmare was having their human mate die during delivery. Most pups tended to shift during delivery and cause too much damage for a human to survive.
&n
bsp; “Is the mother the one who has the magic or is it the father?” Derrick asked, he’d bet his house on it being the mother but he wanted to be sure. Magical blood moved down through their children similar to the wolf gene.
“Mother for sure. I’m pretty sure the father is human.” Olsen nodded.
“Anything else?” Derrick needed some time to process all this shit and figure a way to talk to Maria about all of it.
“That’s all I can find out, but it seems like the oldest brother knows he has magical abilities since he served in the Marines. I think he has kept it a secret because he decided not to practice. At least, if he does practice, it doesn’t stand out.”
“Thanks.”
“You’re saying my brother knew about this?” Maria’s voice called out behind him. Olsen turned toward where Maria stood with the door pulled open. Derrick had heard her pacing in the house but he didn’t know how close she had been to the damn door.
“That’s what it seems like, I’m sorry you had to find out through me.” Olsen looked sincere, but Maria looked pissed. She turned around and walked through the house toward the front door. Derrick ran close behind her.
“Where are you going?”
“To kill my family.” She turned toward Derrick. “Are you coming or are you going to stand there?” She raised her eyebrow.
He grabbed the truck keys and nodded once to his second before they were off. Derrick kept glancing at his mate to see if she might say something but she sat in complete silence which only made his wolf pace with nervous tension.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Maria
I CAN’T FUCKING BELIEVE I’m the last to know about this shit. Maria kept glancing down at her hands. During the talk with Alia she realized she couldn’t keep this strange new part of her hidden. If she had magic in her body, she’d figure out how to use it. The question of who would teach her crossed her mind. Alia seemed like a nice witch and all but she would prefer it if her own mother could be her teacher. Her mother was a witch too, she had heard Olsen confirm it when she cracked open the door to listen. She knew they had talked for longer but that was what she heard first. Yet, can I really trust my mother not to figure out a way to keep me from learning? Will she even be willing to teach me?
Blood Moon Page 5
