Embrace The Dark (Her Elemental Dragons Book 5)

by Elizabeth Briggs

  I gasped and covered my mouth. “That’s horrible. Was it the same warehouse where the Unseen had their meeting?”

  “Yes. That’s when I began to suspect it was Wrill. We were thirteen when Mom died, and she never got over it. She blamed the Dragons for our father’s death, and the elementals for our mother’s.”

  “That does explain a lot.” I sighed. “Do you blame us also?”

  He gazed at me for an eternity. “No,” he finally said. “Perhaps I did once. But not anymore. Otherwise I wouldn’t be here now.”

  I let out a relieved breath. “Good.”

  “After my mother passed, I did whatever I could to take care of Wrill. Many of the things I did were…not exactly legal. Before I knew it, I had people working for me. I formed the Quickblades, with Wrill at my side. Though you think we’re nothing more than criminals, we did have a code, of sorts. We didn't kill without being sure of guilt. We didn't steal from those that would be hurt by the theft. We didn't force anyone to join us. We tried to give back and protect those who were overlooked by the rest of society. Widows, orphans, the disabled."

  “So there is honor among thieves after all,” I said, feeling something almost like respect for him. How unexpected.

  He leaned forward, his gaze intense. “Honor, yes. But your other mates are right. I was a criminal. I fought. I stole. I killed. I am no stranger to death. That’s why the Death Goddess chose me as her champion.”

  “You’ve walked away from all of that now.”

  “I have, but it’s still a part of me. That darkness will always live in my past, and in my heart.”

  “I’m not afraid of the dark,” I said. “But I do need to know where you stand. Will it be a problem if we face your sister again?”

  “No. She’s gone too far. I always knew she’d gone to some human rights rallies, and I supported that, but not this.”

  “I feel like such a fool. I didn’t even know there were rallies about this sort of thing until recently.”

  “I’m sure that knowledge was kept from you. Surely you must realize now there is inequality between Dragons, humans, and elementals. Humans are defenseless against the might of the elementals, and though the Dragons now are more just than the previous ones, many still remember the old days and worry this peace won’t last. The elementals or the Dragons could enslave the entire human race all too easily."

  “We would never do such a thing,” I said, horrified at the very idea. “The Dragons exist to keep the balance between humans and elementals, and between the four Realms. My family has no interest in ruling.”

  “Your grandmother ruled for hundreds of years. I know you and your parents are different now that I’ve met you, but before that?” He shrugged. “Many just assumed you were another set of overlords.”

  “That’s preposterous! My parents bought peace, freedom, and prosperity to the entire world.”

  “And yet, the elementals still are a threat. They want more land, and humans are defenseless against them.”

  “Which is why they need the Dragons!” I huffed.

  Varek spread his hands. “I’m only trying to show you the imbalance of power in the world. I never said it was your fault. I know you didn’t ask for this role either. But in order to stop the Unseen, we must understand their purpose and why so many people are joining their ranks.”

  I ran a hand through my curls, tugging on them. This sort of talk was upsetting because it made me rethink everything I’d believed my entire life. Yet at the same time, it felt good to open my eyes to the truth too. If humans were suffering, it was my duty to do something about it. Even if the Unseen’s methods were wrong, their message resonated with a lot of people. The imbalance of power between the elementals, humans, and Dragons had to be addressed at some point, but not with violence and murder. If the Gods would give the humans powers, or at least some of them, they could protect themselves. It might balance the world out.

  But the Gods had abandoned us.

  “Thank you for telling me all this,” I said. “I’m glad someone can speak honestly with me about these things, and I appreciate you telling me about your past. I feel as though I know you better now.”

  “And what do you think of everything I told you about my past?” His words were a challenge, but there was something vulnerable in his eyes. Whatever I said now would determine the fate of our relationship.

  I stood and moved in front of him, so he had to look up at me. “I can embrace your darkness, if you will let me.”

  His large hands rested on my hips, sending heat to my core. “I felt it when Wrill was here, you know. I didn’t hesitate coming to stop her. I couldn’t let her kill you.”

  “Because the Death Goddess wants you to bond with me.”

  “Not only that.” He pulled me down into his lap and rested his hand on my thigh. “Even if we weren’t mates, I’d want to claim you as my own.”

  “Is that so?” I asked, stroking his rough jaw.

  “You’re smart, tough, and loyal. Not to mention, damn gorgeous. I’m too old for you, but I don’t much care. You see me as a criminal and a villain, but I don’t much care about that either. You will be mine.”

  His mouth captured mine, putting his words into action, while his fingers dug into my hips. A soft moan escaped my lips as his tongue plundered my mouth and our bodies pressed together. If I was worried about the bonding before, now all doubts fled my mind. We both wanted this, and there was no reason to wait any longer.

  I pulled back and gazed into Varek’s eyes. “Let’s go to the Death Temple.”

  “Now?” he asked, as he slid his hands up my thighs.

  “Do you want to wait any longer?”

  “No.” He set me down on the floor and stood. “No, I don’t.”

  “Then let’s get going.”

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The Death Temple didn’t exist during my grandmother’s rule. Neither did the Life Temple, for that matter. Instead, there was one place called the Spirit Temple, just south of Soulspire. That was where the battle between my parents and my grandparents was fought, and where many elementals and humans died on the field outside it. After the Spirit Goddess was split into the Life Goddess and the Death Goddess, it was decided two temples were needed. The Life Temple was built from the ruins of the old Spirit Temple, while the Death Temple was constructed on the battlefield, its powers fueled by the many lives lost in that spot. Including Varek’s father.

  The two temples faced one another, reflecting the twin goddesses and their never-ending rivalry. One could not exist without the other, and yet the Death Goddess had tried to take over before. She’d nearly succeeded during my grandparents’ rule. My parents had sent her back to the Realm of the Dead, and she’d stayed quiet since then, at least until she demanded I take a mate to represent her too.

  I’d been inside the Death Temple a few times and it had always made my skin crawl. I’d been blessed by the Life Goddess from birth, and everything about this temple was anathema to me. The building was covered in the bones of both humans and animals, and stood in the middle of the blackened and bloodstained field. Once, plants grew here and animals roamed freely, but no more.

  The High Priestess Harga let us inside the temple, into a dark cavernous room lit by a single torch, which cast deep shadows across the walls. Like the exterior, the walls here were inlaid with bones of various shapes and sizes, including skulls, and in the center of the room was a statue of a huge dragon made entirely of bone too. I tried to focus on Harga instead, but her unnaturally pale skin, long black hair, and deep-set eyes only made me shiver even more.

  “Welcome back, Sora. It’s about time you accepted death as part of your life.” Even her low voice was creepy. I forced a smile, and luckily she turned to Varek before I had to answer. “Welcome back, Varek. The Death Goddess awaits your service.”

  As she led us down somber, dark hallways with dry flowers, I whispered, “You’ve been here before?”

  Varek
nodded. “I came to pay my respects after being chosen.”

  We passed four open doorways, each with a priest standing in them, who all bowed their heads but said not a word. No food or drink was offered. No smiles were given. I felt like I was at a funeral and was vaguely worried I had not dressed for the occasion.

  Harga stopped at two double doors and bowed. Then she remained in that lowered position, while we stood there. Varek opened the doors, and I followed him inside the bonding chamber, although I secretly wanted to see how long she would stay like that.

  After the doors shut, Varek began to chuckle. “They’re very serious here.”

  I blew out a long breath. “That’s an understatement.”

  To my relief, this room didn’t have any skulls or other bones on the walls. It was empty, save for a bed with black sheets and some candles. As we stepped closer, I ran my hand along the sheets. Silk.

  “I have to admit, this temple managed to kill my mood from earlier, but this room is a lot better,” I said.

  “You said you wanted to embrace my darkness.” Varek spread his arms. “Here it is.”

  “I didn’t realize there would be quite so many skulls.”

  He let out a deep laugh, and then grabbed my waist and yanked me against him. When Varek looked at me, all the previous vulnerability was gone. In its place was pure lust. He kissed me hard, while his hands roamed across my body, feeling me through my long dress. He untied my cloak and let the fabric pool at my feet, while devouring my mouth like he wanted to show me he owned it.

  Then he abruptly let go of me and sat on the edge of the bed, leaning back on his palms. I breathed harder, anticipation dancing up my spine.

  "Now, princess..." His gaze raked down my body. "Now, you strip for me."

  At first, I could only stare back at him. No one ordered me around. Not even my mates.

  “Take off your clothes,” he demanded.

  I should have demanded he remove his own clothes. But I didn’t. Something about his commanding tone made lust race through my veins. I was torn between defiance and desire. One of us had to surrender, and I realized in the Death Temple, it had to be me.

  I reached up and untied the back of my dress, then slowly tugged it down my shoulders. His dark gaze devoured every inch of skin I revealed, until the fabric slid below my breasts, freeing them. Then it continued down my hips and my thighs, before pooling at my feet. I stepped out of the dress and the rest of my underthings and stood before him completely naked.

  Surprisingly, it didn't embarrass me. The thought of standing naked before him excited me. Made me feel powerful even. Especially when he looked at me like the sight of my flesh was enough to drive him mad with lust.

  “Aren’t you going to undress now?” I asked.

  "I will undress when I choose to. And you may address me as your king."

  My eyes widened. Was he serious? "My king?"

  "When we are alone in the bedroom together, you will call me your king.” His voice left no room for argument.

  I crossed my arms over my breasts. "I won’t agree to that.”

  His lips quirked up at that. He liked when I challenged him. “You will.”

  Then he stood and pulled off his shirt, revealing a broad chest and strong muscles. I longed to run my hand over that skin, to feel every ridge and valley, to trace the dark hair trailing down into his trousers. Trousers which he slowly removed and slid down, revealing his perfect, very hard cock.

  He rested a hand on it, knowing I was watching, then sat on the edge of the bed. “I let you win when we fought. Now I demand you fulfill your side of the bargain.”

  I tilted my head. “I’m not sure I believe you let me win.”

  “Get on your knees and suck my cock,” he ordered, his eyes unforgiving.

  His commands should have annoyed or infuriated me, but instead they only made me want him even more. He was the only man who could get away with saying such things to me.

  I dropped to my knees, and found myself wrapping my lips around the head of his cock. I'd never taken a man into my mouth before, and though I had no idea what I was doing, I’d secretly dreamed of this moment ever since my fight with Varek. He tasted salty and masculine, and he felt huge in my mouth.

  One of his hands slid into my hair, while the other he used to prop himself up on the bed. He used the grip on my hair to angle me better, as his cock slid deeper along my tongue. “That’s it. Take it all, princess.”

  My eyes fluttered up to him, wide and unsure, and met his dark gaze. I flicked my tongue along his shaft, tasting him, and Varek grunted. Though I wasn’t sure what to do, he guided me up and down on his cock, moving his hips in time to thrust inside.

  "Suck harder," he said, and I tried to obey. "Good girl. Such a perfect princess, even on your knees."

  Everything he said made me want him even more. How was that possible? I was desperate to please him, and even more desperate to have that cock inside me.

  “Enough,” he said, but I disobeyed him. I found I quite liked it now that I was getting into it. I felt powerful, knowing I could make his face twist with pleasure and elicit low grunts from his throat. He couldn’t stop me—he was too far gone. His fingers tightened in my hair and he threw his head back as I sucked him harder, and his seed spurted down my throat, just like he’d demanded during our fight.

  “Gods, woman. You are exquisite.” He pulled his cock from my mouth and used his thumb to wipe his seed off the corner of my lips. Then he picked me up as if I weighed nothing, spun me around, and pushed me down on the bed face first. I could've fought him off, as I'd proved in the back of his bar, but I didn't want to. I was very interested in what he would do next.

  His cock slid between my back cheeks, and I felt it hardening again. “None of the others have taken you here, have they?”

  I shook my head, too overwhelmed to speak as his cock brushed against my tight entrance.

  “Good. Tonight I’m going to fill all your holes.”

  With that, he thrust hard into my folds, making me gasp. I was already so wet from desire, and his cock was already slick from my mouth, that he slid inside with ease. At the same time, his finger entered my behind, turning my gasp into a loud moan. No one had touched me there before, and at first it was rather shocking, but then I liked it. Especially as he began thrusting with both his cock and his finger, pressing me down into the bed. His body completely covered mine, and I could only grip the silk sheets as he dominated me. I wanted to complain, but Gods, it felt so good to let him use my body that way.

  Then he suddenly pulled out and nudged his cock into my back entrance. I nearly screamed from the intense pressure as he began to fill me from behind. It hurt, but somehow it felt good too. I didn’t understand it, but I bit my lip as he kept breaching that tight hole, making me stretch around his huge shaft.

  “That’s it,” he murmured against my hair. “Relax and let me fill you. Gods, you’re tight.”

  Then he was suddenly completely inside, all the way to the hilt, and I felt so full I could barely stand it. He groaned as he kneaded my buttocks, letting me adjust to his size. Then he yanked up my hips, getting a better angle, so he could begin moving in and out of me.

  “You’re all mine now,” he said, as he thrust into me. “Every inch of you belongs to me tonight.”

  The pressure and pain soon gave way to immense pleasure unlike anything I’d experienced before. It got even better when he slid one finger inside me, and used another to rub that sensitive spot just above my folds. All I could do was let him control my body as I braced myself on the bed, taking everything he gave me. He was rough and demanding as he claimed me, but I loved every second of it.

  My orgasm came quickly and violently, making my body tremble with pleasure while sounds came out of my mouth like I’d never made before. He didn’t slow. If anything, he only pounded me harder, relentless in his need to make me his own. Somehow he teased another orgasm out of me, or maybe it was the same one that o
nly got even more intense. His cock surged inside me as his climax came too, and then darkness surrounded us in a thick layer, turning everything black. Inky shadows crawled across our bodies, tying us together, as his magic spread into me.

  As soon as the darkness faded away, Varek pulled out of me and wrapped his arms around me, rolling us onto our sides so he was spooning me from behind. His hands stroked my tender skin, as his lips brushed my ear.

  “I own you now, princess,” he said. “But you own me too.”

  “My king,” I whispered. “I’m yours.”

  His arms tightened around me as I said the word, and then he rolled me toward him. His hands cupped my cheeks, and he pressed a soft kiss to my lips. My heart fluttered faster.

  “Perhaps I should call you my queen now, for you’ve claimed my heart as surely as I’ve claimed your body.” He kissed me again, longer, deeper. “I never thought I could love anyone, but I love you.”

  I stroked his rough cheek. “I love you too. I didn’t think it would be possible, but I do.”

  A rumbling sound interrupted our tender moment, and we both sat up, confused. Darkness seemed to crawl across the floor like fog, gathering in one spot in front of the bed, before solidifying into a large dragon made of bones. I yanked the sheets up to cover my nakedness and gasped.

  The bone dragon had eyes made of darkness and decay, and she reared up and roared, spreading her skeletal wings. Varek dropped into a bow on the bed, not caring that he was naked, and I did the same while trying to retain some semblance of modesty.

  “You honor us, Goddess,” Varek murmured.

  Of all the Gods to actually appear before me, it had to be this one. The Death Goddess fixed her beady black eyes on us and bared fangs that dripped of venom, before letting out something like a cackle. “Good work, my champion. You have mated with the Ascendant and claimed your place as one of her bonded mates.”

  She ignored me completely, but I straightened up and faced her, while clutching the sheet to my chest. “Why did you demand I take Varek as your mate?”