by A. J. Macey
“Come on, Doll,” Cam shouted over the screams and cheers around us, tugging my hand lightly to lead us down toward the stage. Other spectators were standing, but we were the only ones actively moving off the bleachers. I felt eyes on us, but I kept my head straight and eyes trained on Nik who jumped off the stage when I reached it. His free hand wrapped around the back of my head and pressed a hot kiss to my lips, the intensity of his movement making me arch backward into Cam’s chest. More cheers, this time accompanied by whoops and hollers.
“I have wanted you here at my competitions since I met you,” Nik whispered roughly in my ear, the breath of his words tickling my skin. He stepped back, his arm going around my waist. Cam took my hand and faced the crowd. Several photographers were shouting to us, their cameras flashing. I made sure to smile, feeling my pulse in my head at the wave of attention. Gerry appeared, standing in front of us with a stern look on his face as we turned to move toward the waiting line of cars to take us back to the hotel. I was too flustered with the attention to make sense of the questions the photographers and reporters were shouting at us. The cool air conditioning of the SUV dried the light sheen covering my skin, and I settled between Nik and Cam, my eyes drooping as the car started to move. I was asleep before we left the competition field.
December 1st
Saturday Late Afternoon
Nikolai
Lucie stood from the couch, hands brushing down the front of her flowy white blouse. She had showered quickly after returning to the hotel and changed into a pair of skinny jeans and heeled ankle boots. Cam and I had showered as well and changed into our usual clothes, not bothering with anything dressy. I debated ordering room service to avoid having to talk to anyone, but Cam reminded me it was Lucie’s first competition, and she should get to enjoy the full experience.
The hall and elevator were empty save for us and Gerry, leaving me relieved. Grigori situated himself on Lucie’s shoulder, the little asshole soaking up her affections. He purposely ignored my mental name calling as the elevator dinged, the stainless-steel doors sliding open silently.
The lobby was filled with familiar faces. I nodded politely to anyone I recognized—almost everyone who had been to previous competitions knew I did not talk. Lucie hovered next to me, her eyes darting around at all the activity. I squeezed her hand reassuringly, and her small smile made my heart pound harder in my chest. Cam stood on her other side, his hand on her lower back since she was still petting Grigori. We had just taken a seat at the practically empty restaurant, most people were in the bar next door before coming to eat, when Liam’s asshole smile appeared in my range of view. Breathe, I commanded, not wanting to lose my shit in front of everyone, especially Lucie; she had enough to stress about.
“Hello again, Lucie.” He bowed his head to our girlfriend, probably thinking the move made him look smooth. Cam’s jaw clenched as he reclined in his seat, his position radiating the predator that he normally hid. I noticed Lucie’s face was not frowning, but it was not smiling either as she eyed my competitor.
“Liam.” Her low timbre was cool as she addressed him. It had not been missed by her that he had not greeted Cam or me. Liam smirked, the loud thundering of his heart reaching my ears as his eyes dipped down to Lucie’s chest briefly. My power crackled against my skin despite my tight control over it, and his smirk grew ever so slightly, proud that he was pissing me off.
“I came to see if you would like to have a drink with me.” He angled his torso slightly toward the crowded bar. Her eyebrow raised.
“I already have company for dinner,” she countered, not swayed by his attempts to charm her.
“Ah, yes.” He turned his eyes to Cam and then, finally, me, disdain dripping from his gaze and the words that followed. “I was hoping you would be willing to spend some time with another archer, one who didn’t cheat.” He smiled, but his statement held a bite. Her brows dipped low in confusion.
“Do you mean Grigori?” She gestured toward the hawk that had taken residence on my shoulder when we sat down. Liam nodded.
“Some of us don’t have hunters to help us,” he bit out, lips pursing at my familiar. “Besides,” he turned his charm back on, “a woman as beautiful as you deserves someone who can actually hold a conversation with you.” I surged forward, intending to punch him, but Lucie’s hand shot out to rest on my forearm. Liam, however, did not realize she had stopped me and used his telekinesis to fight back at the perceived threat. A dinner knife hovered against my throat, the sharp tip mere millimeters from my skin. His gaze darkened, the black taking over the whites of his eyes, the red irises melting into a daemon’s signature red haze. “Careful, Nikolai,” he murmured, his voice radiating power.
“One doesn’t need to hold a conversation to know who is worth my time and those who aren’t,” Lucie snapped, her eyes burning in anger as she stared at the knife. Without any prompting, the knife started to twist on itself. The metal whining softly under the pressure of tying itself into a knot. Liam’s blackened eyes widened at the display before turning to Lucie, a predatory smile taking over his face.
“My, my,” he hummed. His claws, horns, and daemon eyes retreated as he straightened his tie. “You surprise me, Nikolai,” he taunted, “who knew you would be able to land a reality warper.” Lucie stood sharply, stepping around the table to stand before Liam. My heart was thundering in my chest, and while Cam looked calm and collected, still reclined in his seat, I saw the tightness around his eyes as he watched Lucie.
“What I am or not,” she snarked, “is none of your concern. Now, I suggest you leave me and my boyfriends alone.” His eyebrows raised looking down at her.
“Boyfriends, huh?” He opened his mouth once more, but Lucie cut him off.
“Clearly, you don’t understand what the topic of alone is, so let me show you.” Crossing her arms, the floor between them started to stretch. The space growing until he was several dozen feet away from us. He chuckled before bowing.
“As you wish.” He winked before turning and heading back to the bar. Lucie exhaled, the flooring in front of her shrinking and the knife on the table unfolding to its normal position. She sank into her seat, eyes purposely avoiding the curious stares around us. I internally groaned, Grigori squawking quietly in agreement.
This was going to cause issues for Lucie.
20
December 1st
Saturday Evening
Nikolai
Once the Liam situation was handled, dinner was a joyous affair filled with happy conversation and Lucie and Cam’s laughter. Unfortunately, I could not shake the funk that had settled on me since Liam’s shitty slights. Sensing something was wrong, Cam held Lucie’s attention throughout our meal and back up to our room. I slipped into the bedroom, shedding my shoes next to my bag. I heard Cam talking with Lucie in the living area, but what he said next caught my attention.
“I’ll be back in a little while,” he murmured quietly, I assumed trying not to catch my attention, but my hearing caught it anyway.
“Where are you going?” Lucie asked just as quietly.
“Just down to the billiards room. Let you and Nik have some time, if you know what I mean.” The sound of a soft kiss followed his words. I felt my lips thinning. I did not want to talk, and I doubted she would want to do anything else. Lucie’s blonde head popped around the corner of the door after the sound of Cam’s departure echoed through the silent room.
“Nik?” she asked hesitantly, walking slowly into the room. Her feet were bare, her navy painted toenails dark against her pale skin. I turned my torso toward her making sure she knew I was listening. “Are you all right?” My lips thinned even more. Say something! Grigori mentally shouted at me, my silence irritating him.
“I am fine,” I whispered, the burning in my throat grating on my already thin nerves. Lucie’s warm hand pressed into my back, her left leg leaning into the mattress as she turned to face me.
“That’s the biggest load of shit, Nik,” s
he countered. Her sharp tone had me whipping my head in her direction, Grigori focusing on her face. “Don’t lie to me,” she whispered, “please.” I deflated, the emotion of dealing with Liam and her soft, pleading tone catching up to me. I turned and sank onto the bed, my head falling into my hands.
“It is not a big deal…” I started, turning my face back to her, but her finger pressed against my lips. Her eyes leisurely looking around my face before speaking.
“It’s a big deal to me when you aren’t happy.” Her finger shifted, her palm cupping my jaw. “It’s what Liam said about your voice, isn’t it?” How does she always know? I nodded, mentally preparing to explain the story.
“I was fourteen,” I sighed, taking her hand and wrapping it in mine. My fingers lightly rubbed her skin as I angled my face toward my lap. “My parents were inside making lunch. They had taken a break from their current work project, shooing me to go soak up some time outside instead of being cooped up indoors. It was a really nice day outside, the trees and grass were green, the flowers blooming throughout the yard. I remember the smell of the different bulbs and the feel of the wind on my face, how the sun filtered through the trees.” I blinked away several tears that had built up in my eyes.
“We do not have a large house or overly fancy cars, but my parents are well known for their high-quality work in archaeology and curating for museums and collectors. They are paid very well for their jobs and their finds which is why I think they came to us.” I took a shuddering breath, ignoring the burning in my throat. “A fire elemental and a witch attacked, wanting whatever expensive items or money we had in the house. I did not have access to most of my magic at that time, so I did what I could, but the fire and smoke inhalation damaged my throat and larynx. I somehow tapped into my magic during the fight and was able to bind them before my parents came out, but not fast enough before the witch’s spell blinded me.” I felt the tears pouring out of my useless eyes dripping onto mine and Lucie’s combined hands.
“There was nothing they could do. I was very angry for a long time, but the guys never left my side despite my anger and outbursts. They helped me learn how to read braille and use my other senses. When I was good enough, they helped me re-learn to shoot my bow. I was almost seventeen when Grigori came to me.” I absently petted the hawk perched on my shoulder. “It was another adjustment, but a welcome one.” I focused into Grigori’s sight, seeing Lucie’s tear streaked face as she stared at me. “And now you know why I am damaged.” She violently shook her head at my statement.
“You are not damaged.” Her voice shook with repressed emotions. “You are my Nik. My silent protector who I know would do anything for me. Fuck what anyone says about you, especially assholes like Liam, you’re a hero.” My heart stuttered at her words, and I was helpless to stop the new tears that flowed at the look of determination on her face. Our Lucie, echoed through me as I released her hand to cup her face, her skin smooth under my rough fingers.
I closed the distance between us, shutting out Grigori’s sight and once more focusing on the feeling of her under my touch. He fluttered quickly into the living room and out of sight, understanding what was about to happen.
Her lips were smooth and soft; she was not wearing chapstick since we were no longer in cold weather. Feeling her tongue dart gently against my lower lip, I opened tentatively to brush against her. Her shirt rustled as she pressed her palms into my chest, fingers curling to clutch my shirt tightly.
I shifted, and Lucie followed my movements, lying back against the down comforter. My hands combed through her ponytail, the silky tresses flowing smoothly through my fingers. Her legs fell open allowing me to nestle between her denim-covered thighs, my cock throbbing as I pressed into her. I leaned up, putting my weight on my legs, and reached down. Lucie’s hands were hot against my bare skin as she pushed the hem of my Henley up my chest. My fingers brushed hers before I yanked the shirt over my head, dropping it carelessly behind me.
I heard Lucie shifting underneath me and felt her arms tucking into her chest. I traced my hands up her sides until I found her hands, fingers fiddling with the buttons on her blouse. I took over for her, making quick work of the small closures. I tucked my head down to her jaw, nuzzling into her neck as her vanilla scent filled my nose. I couldn’t help but revel in the feel of her skin against mine. As I gently trailed my fingers over her trim stomach, my cock strained painfully against my jeans.
I nibbled her skin, her moans like music to my ears as I pressed against her in rhythmic pulses. Listening to her erratic breathing urged me on. I continued my kisses and bites down her neck and collarbone. The curve of her breast strained against her bra, teasing me with a hint of what had yet to be uncovered. I wrapped a hand around her back and up to the band of her bra, unclipping it quickly. She leaned up and shed both shirt and bra, tossing them to the side.
“Nik,” she breathed, hands tangling into my hair and tugging gently. The move prompted a deep groan from me. I returned my attentions to her chest, my rough hands bringing her nipples to stiff peaks before sucking them between my lips. Circling the soft skin with my tongue caused more writhing from her underneath me.
My blood pounded in my ears with the need for her, so I pulled back and shucked my jeans as quickly as possible. I heard the zip of her pants as I kicked my jeans to the side. A sharp inhale had me pausing. She must have read the confusion on my face because she quickly answered me. “I didn’t realize you didn’t wear underwear.”
Soft fingers wrapped around my throbbing cock, no longer painfully confined by unforgiving denim, dragging another groan from my lips. Her light strokes felt like lightning in my body, the pleasure building quickly. I grabbed her wrists, pulling them away from me so I could kneel between her thighs. The scent of her arousal was thick on my tongue before I even tasted her. Wrapping my arms around her thighs, I pinned them to my shoulders before rubbing lightly at her clit. At the same time, I circled my tongue around her entrance before dipping into her. My name fell from her lips in a prayer-like chant as I picked up the pace, the bedspread rustling under her erratic thrashes.
“Fuck, I’m going to…” Her strained voice trailed off in a loud scream, her orgasm freely flowing against my mouth and chin. I quickly reached into my bag right behind me and snatched out a condom, ripping into the foil wrapper before rolling it down onto me. Her body was still shuddering as I lined up, her warm skin slick with sweat. I slid in gently, her pussy wet enough to let me sheath myself in one smooth motion.
“Lucie,” I murmured roughly, the pleasure of her wrapped tightly around my cock adding to the gruffness of my voice. Sliding out slowly before pushing in, my pace was leisurely and unhurried despite the urge to move faster. Our breathing, moans, and sounds of our bodies moving together filled the space. I was fully immersed in the moment, lost in scents, sounds, feelings, and building emotions.
Losing control of my tempo, I started to pound harder, faster. Her nails raked down my back and chest before burying into my hair and pulling harder than before, urging me even more. Crying out, I felt her clamped down around my cock. I surged forward, dampening her screams as I kissed her hard, my hands curling tightly into the bedding. Letting go, I hitched her calves up over my shoulders, my new position sending me deeper. She started to tighten around me, milking me toward my own release. I held her legs against my chest before rubbing her swollen clit. It only took a few more strokes before she came again, the surge of her arousal slickening the condom once more.
“Nik,” she gasped, her voice broken up by the aftershocks of her orgasm. My name on her lips pushed me over the edge. For once, not caring about the rough pain my throat caused, I shouted out, emptying hard into her. My throat burned, but I did not pay it any mind as I shifted her legs gently from my shoulders to around my hips, leaning over her onto my forearms. Our breathing was hard as I kissed her softly. “Wow,” she breathed, her arms rubbing gently against my chest. I felt the raised, irritated criss-cross lines that n
ow covered my torso and back.
“That good, huh?” I teased softly, her laugh and the feeling of her nod reassuring me. “Good, Babe.” I kissed her again before sliding out. I took the few steps into the bathroom and grabbed a towel for her. She thanked me and hearing the happiness in her words made me smile. Cleaning up myself was done quickly, before locating and pulling on a pair of sweats. I heard Lucie slip on her clothes before crawling into bed, and I followed, curling around her between the sheets, her body soft against me. The sound of the door unlocking sounded from the living room, and Lucie’s spiking heart rate had me chuckling.
“I bring post-sex snacks,” Cam called out, his hands rustling with chip bags and other goodies. I tuned back into Grigori’s sight to see Cam’s smug smile as he walked into the room. My familiar fluttered lazily onto the headboard giving me a bird’s eye view of me and Lucie curled in bed.
“Ugh,” she groaned, her face bright red as she covered her blush with her hands. “Did you really just say that?” She shot a playful glare to Cam who looked unfazed.
“Duh,” he said as if it was obvious, “I purposely left so you two could get it on.” He changed into sweats and slipped into the bed. “Next time though, I call dibs on being part of the fun.” His joke brought a laugh to my lips as he tossed me one of my favorite snacks, dark chocolate covered cherries. Lucie wasted no time shoving a chocolate-covered mini donut in her mouth, apparently ravenous after our round of sex. I popped another cherry in my mouth, and I could not stop the smile that wanted to escape at remembering the feeling of her under me.
I cannot wait to do it again.
Lucienne