Marked for Darkness

by Raven Woodward

  As the friction built between her thighs, she pumped Arian deeper into her mouth. She relaxed her throat, letting the head slide down. She gagged slightly; her eyes watered as she risked a glance up at him. His fiery golden stare made her sex clench around nothing. Every time she took him deep enough to gag, she felt him stiffen as if torn between feeling concern and thrusting himself deeper.

  “Yes,” he breathed as her tongue stroked him from the base to the tip, never breaking rhythm.

  His sac drew up, tightening, his muscles tense.

  “I’m about to cum,” Arian panted.

  She sucked harder, suddenly desperate to taste him. A roar that was part beast, part man echoed all around her as he jetted hot seed on her tongue. She swallowed the first salty mouthful, then pulled back, and looked up as she used her hand to pump the rest onto her tongue for him to see.

  His eyes were wide, his body pouring off enough heat to be a sun. Yet he didn’t lose control. His beast was just beneath the surface, raging in his expression, but he watched with unparalleled focus as she swallowed the last of it.

  Chest heaving, he tugged her to her feet. She smiled with heavy-lidded eyes right before he slammed her against the wall, a feral snarl erupting from his throat that sent a jolt through her that was equal parts panic and pleasure.

  For several moments his body shook as he fought against his urges. Harlow held still, tamping down on the desire to goad him.

  When emerald flooded back to his irises, he brought his forehead to rest against hers, still breathing heavily. His thumbs stroked her arms, easing the sting of his firm grip.

  Her pussy still throbbed with need, but she gave herself over to the calm that descended. Until his fingers slid down to where she wanted them the most.

  “Fuck, you’re so wet.” He rubbed circles over her bundle of nerves with his thumb while he slid a single finger inside.

  She moaned, filling the space with her pleasure. His other hand cupped her breast, letting his palm scrape over her nipple.

  Her head fell back, and Arian pressed a kiss to the hollow of her throat.

  Sucking him off had wound her too tight, and soon her panting gave way to cries of ecstasy. Her sheath clamped around his finger hungrily as she cried out his name, loud and clear.

  Just like he said she would.

  Arian had tucked her into his bed then brought her a tray filled with meats, cheeses, and crackers for them to share.

  She’d been too ravenous and too tired for conversation.

  It was Olivia’s voice at the door that roused her. “So help me, Kalvar, I will break down this door if I have to!”

  Harlow jolted up in bed, her head spinning. When the blanket slipped over her bare breasts and pooled at her waist, a low rumble sounded from the bathroom. Arian stood in the door, droplets of water trickling down the chiseled, golden muscles of his chest. His jeans hung low on his waist, the V of his pelvis like an arrow directing her gaze lower.

  Her cheeks heated as she fisted the blanket and pulled it up, covering herself from view.

  Arian smirked as he strode to the door and yanked it open just wide enough for his body to fill the gap. “I’m not holding her here against her will,” he growled.

  “Let me see her,” Olivia demanded.

  Arian huffed and threw the door open the rest of the way. “Ms. Marks, please show Olivia your neck.”

  Harlow blinked, unsure if she’d heard him correctly.

  Olivia’s nostrils flared. As if she was sniffing the air. Her eyes brightened like a light shone within them when she shifted her glare from Arian to Harlow. “Come on, girl.”

  Harlow’s mouth opened to respond when Arian growled, low and menacing. “She’ll leave when she wants to.”

  Olivia scoffed, throwing her hands in the air. “You’re both enthralled. I’m trying to help you. You’re not thinking clearly.”

  “Goodbye, Olivia.” Arian slammed the door closed and Harlow jumped, half expecting it to burst back open in a shower of splintered wood.

  Instead, she heard Olivia stomping away, and at last, the tremble of the house from the front door being slammed shut.

  Arian stood, facing the closed door for several seconds. “She’ll be back.”

  Harlow sighed. “I should probably go.”

  He spun around, eyes flashing gold. “Don’t.” The word was a whisper. A plea and a command all at once.

  She straightened.

  Arian started for her slowly, a lazy smile sweeping away the crease that marred his forehead. “Do you want to be here, Ms. Marks? In my bed?”

  Swallowing hard, she nodded.

  He smiled down at her, making her heart race. “Then there’s nothing left for us to discuss.” Leaning over, he pressed a kiss to her lips. “However, I need to go pacify my brothers. I’ll be back with breakfast.”

  Harlow wordlessly watched him go. The moment he was out of the room, doubt crept back in. Did she want this? If she stayed, she’d complete the Mark and they’d be mates.

  Forever. Or at least, until she grew old and died.

  They hardly knew each other and only a week or so ago she’d despised him for the turn her life had taken.

  Yet when they’d been apart it was almost impossible not to think about him. When they were together, everything inside her screamed that it was right. That it was perfect. And the pieces of himself he’d revealed to her in his home had strengthened her desire for him.

  The desire to spend her life with him.

  Would it be so bad?

  Outside, the sounds of snarling and fighting forced her upright. The ground trembled and the walls shook. Harlow ripped the duvet off and then ran to Arian’s closet. She grabbed the first shirt she could find and sprinted from his room.

  She’d just thrown the front door open when she halted with a gasp. Seven furry, horned beasts snapped their massive gleaming jaws at one: the largest, a black beast with dark, curling horns.

  Arian.

  Harlow sprinted toward the lawn. She’d just reached the bottom step when Arian whirled around and snarled in warning.

  She didn’t stop.

  Racing around him, she threw her body between him and his clan-mates. “Stop!”

  A chorus of rumblings rose as they all trotted forward. Chest heaving, she kept her arms extended. In answer, her palms warmed as they filled with blue light. She’d keep Arian safe at least.

  Not that he needed her protection.

  “Ms. Marks, get back inside.” Arian’s voice didn’t move her an inch. “Now,” he commanded.

  Over her shoulder, she shot him a glare. “We’re going to have to work on that bossy attitude of yours.”

  When she turned to the waiting clan members, almost half had shifted back into their human form. But unlike Arian, who could cast an illusion to make him appear clothed, they were all stark naked.

  Olivia included, though she didn’t so much as bat an eye at her vivacious curves on display, Harlow caught sight of Kaimon’s beast standing beside her, moving to cover her from view.

  “Move, you brute!” Olivia pushed at his soft grey body, but he didn’t budge. She huffed out a breath, blowing a perfectly curled gold strand from her face. “Harlow, this is to protect you too. If you guys complete the Mark, only more suffering will come as a result.”

  “As I told you all before,” Arian said, cutting off Harlow’s retort, “I’ve seen one possibility of Harlow’s future. Completing the Mark will prevent it.”

  “You know that with absolute authority?” asked a man Harlow hadn’t seen before in a strong Irish accent. He was as tall as the rest of them with less bulky muscle, but still he was handsome.

  Arian hesitated, and Harlow felt his eyes on her back. “In Harlow’s vision she did not bear my Mark. Completing it will ensure a change in the future predicted.”

  A ripple of murmurs passed through the gathered clan, and more shifted into their human forms
.

  “But if you complete the Mark, what’s to stop you from making her immortal?” Josirus barked, glaring at Harlow. “Let’s face it, if you can’t control your urges now, what’s going to stop you when her mortality gets in the way?”

  “I would not be completing the Mark if it weren’t for Harlow’s visions. When the time comes, I will choose a successor to take my place.”

  Shouts rang out, and Harlow’s lips parted on a sharp breath. He was willing to give up his title, his position, his wealth, and everything he’d amassed over the centuries…for her?

  She turned back to face him, sadness weighing on her heart. His eyes met hers and the fire in them burned brighter somehow.

  “Now I order you all to keep your distance. Protect the perimeter.” They began to disperse, a mix of emotions settling in the air.

  When Harlow turned around, Olivia gave her a small smile. Harlow returned it, hoping they hadn’t just made a mistake that would drive an even greater wedge into his kind. She didn’t want to be the reason Arian was separated from his clan.

  He held out his hand for her, but she didn’t take it. “They’re not happy about this,” she said, worrying her bottom lip.

  He blew out a breath. “I don’t care if they’re unhappy.” His knuckle brushed under her chin before lifting it, forcing her to look at him. “You are mine, and I am yours. Whatever comes, we will face it together.”

  She nodded and he released her, leading her back into the house.

  Pausing at the threshold, she turned spying a snowy-white beast watching her with hate-filled eyes.

  Harlow

  Arian left her in the kitchen to put on proper clothes. With a press of his lips to her forehead, he set to work wordlessly. Her thoughts mingled between nervousness about completing the Mark and the possibility that Arian’s clan would forever hate her. He’d forbidden anyone from claiming their mate, yet he was about to.

  “Don’t be nervous, Kuzukah,” Arian said without turning around. “It will all work out.”

  Harlow licked her lips to moisten them. “How can you be so sure?”

  It wasn’t that she feared they wouldn’t like her anymore. It was whether their bond would destroy Arian’s relationship with his clan. With his brothers especially.

  He turned around then, folding his thick, corded biceps over his chest as he leaned against the edge of the beautiful marble counter. “Because I will do whatever it takes to make everything right.” Pushing away from the countertop, he strode toward her with purpose. “Believe me when I say that I will fight for you and for our bond until my last breath.” His eyes burned with the truth of his words.

  She felt her heart miss a beat. Watched, as each lazy stride betrayed his taut muscles. When he was in front of her at last, he lifted her chin and leaned close enough for them both to breathe the same air.

  “What about you, Ms. Marks? Will you fight for us too?”

  Her mouth was dry when she whispered, “Yes.”

  Satisfaction lit up his face. His hand lifted and she stilled, watching his expression as the backs of his fingers whispered across her skin. Tingling started at the nape of her neck and coursed down her spine. Nipples hardening against her will, they strained against the thin fabric of his button-down shirt, making him painfully aware that she was braless. Arian’s eyes flashed gold in response.

  Harlow’s breath caught in her throat as a heady smell filled her head. Her lungs. Her blood. It was wholly him. Dark and secretive. Spicy and delicious. Her mouth watered and she swallowed hard. He watched with rapt attention, bringing his fingers to trail down the buttons that separated her from his touch.

  “You need to eat,” he growled. His brows creased as if unsure why he was interrupting whatever was happening between them.

  Food? The feeling of hunger was distant and forgotten. Something else was taking over, and she was too involved with this complicated man to stop it. She wanted him.

  To give herself to him.

  To be his Marked.

  His mate.

  Desire hummed through her, pulling her toward him. She leaned into him, urging him on. With a sweeping glance toward the stove, she reached out an invisible hand to turn the burner off. Their eggs were burnt now, anyway.

  He chuckled as his lips found her neck, kissing, nipping, while his fingers deftly popped each button open with ease. Her eyes fell shut as heat spread to her core. When his hands slid under her unbuttoned top to cup her aching breasts, a soft moan escaped her lips.

  Arian’s answering throaty chuckle against her throat had her eyes fluttering open. The space between her thighs throbbed as she slid her hands up his firm chest, wishing he hadn’t put on a shirt.

  The over-sized button-down slid off her shoulders, baring her chest to him.

  Any hint of man burned away in his golden gaze. Like flames licking inside him, visible through his eyes.

  Yes, something inside her purred.

  A smile tugged at her lips as she pushed her hands under the soft cotton of his T-shirt. The muscles underneath were tight. Waiting. She pulled it up over his head, and her sheath clenched hungrily.

  Every inch of him was pure bronzed perfection. Flawless in every sense of the word.

  And completely mine.

  Mine. It was the first time she’d truly considered him as hers. The Mark wasn’t even complete yet, and already she could feel possessiveness beginning to creep in.

  They both stood staring at each other, naked from the waist up. Then Arian picked her up and tossed her onto his shoulder.

  “Oof! What are you doing, you barbarian? I can walk.”

  “Can’t let anyone see you.” The words were grating and harsh, but she understood why without looking—she’d heard him trying to speak past his beastly canines a few times since things had heated up between the two of them.

  They entered the bedroom where Arian tossed her roughly to her back on the plush bed. The door shut with a slam and he climbed onto the bed after her. It was just the two of them, lust burning in their eyes as they dared the other to stop. It was happening.

  This man was her protector. Her Marked.

  Hunger flared in his expression, but she didn’t feel afraid. She scrambled up onto her knees just before their lips crashed in a battle of urgency and dominance. His taste of crisp rain and something sweet made her moan, hands sliding into his silky hair and pulling him harder onto her.

  He growled, nipping her lip before lifting her and slamming her back down on the soft bed. A gasp escaped her as his hot mouth kissed down her jaw, down her chest, over the swell of her breast and claimed one of her stiff peaks. She moaned louder this time, back arching into him as his other hand twirled the other nipple between his skilled fingers. The heat coiling between her thighs was excruciating. She needed friction.

  Too much clothing.

  Her hands squeezed between their bodies, fumbling with his belt.

  A rough snarl sounded, and a nip to her nipple made her squeal.

  “Slowly, Kuzukah,” Arian commanded. “I need to taste you.”

  Her clit throbbed with need as his mouth claimed her other nipple, sucking and flicking his tongue over it. She groaned, clenching the sheets. Harlow’s heart pounded; her mind was fuzzy.

  She ground her hips against him seeking to ease the need for contact. Arian cupped her hot mound through her panties, a smile curving his wicked lips.

  Yes, more.

  “Does this need attention, Ms. Marks?”

  She whimpered. “Yes.”

  A dark chuckle vibrated his chest. Her entire body felt as though it might burst into flames. She wanted his mouth everywhere. Needed to feel it everywhere.

  He slid off her panties in one swift movement. Cool air rushed over her naked body, raising goose bumps over her skin, which flushed hotter when Arian’s eyes took in every inch.

  “So fucking perfect,” he said.

  She smiled, preeni
ng as she arched her back. An offering to his touch. A grin twisted his lips that only made her wetter. I’d do anything for this man, she realized.

  Finally, after looking his fill, he slid his fingertips reverently down her bare skin and his lips pressed gentle kisses down her stomach, stopping above her needy clit.

  His tongue lashed against her thigh and she cried out in surprise. Then against the other side, making her back bow. His eyes glittered with mischief, watching her reaction.

  “Please,” she begged.

  “Please, what?” he taunted.

  “Kiss me there.”

  “Kiss you where, Kuzukah?” His tone was as wicked as his grin.

  “M-my pussy,” she breathed, face burning.

  “Good girl,” he praised. Then his expression became serious. “I want you to get used to saying that. I want you to tell me what to do to you, Harlow. Be wicked for me.”

  Oh, fuck.

  “Okay,” she whispered.

  A flash of primal satisfaction crossed his expression before he bent over her, his breath so hot against her sensitive flesh. Then, mercifully, his tongue lowered to her throbbing, swollen bud and lapped it with delicious slowness. She bucked, but his hands gripped her hips, holding her firmly to the mattress.

  He flicked his tongue back and forth, making her writhe, before dipping into her wetness, eliciting a groan of pleasure from them both. Her breaths turned to pants as she struggled against his firm hold on her, trying to rock against his mouth. She felt herself winding tighter and tighter, muscles locking, preparing to launch her into blissful release.

  Then he pulled away.

  Before she could cry out, his mouth sucked in a nipple, a finger sliding inside her slick heat. She did buck then, forcing his finger deeper with another moan. He teased her body, coaxing lust-filled cries of pleasure with his tongue and his finger. When he slid in a second finger, stretching her, she heard an animalistic rumble that made stars dance in her vision. He reared back, before bringing his mouth to her neck in a blur. A cobra striking.

  Heat flooded her, every nerve ending overwhelmed with ecstasy. Harlow’s eyes closed, her back lifting from the bed.