Captive 0f The Vampires (Bonfire Falls Paranormal Romance Book 4)

by Liv Brywood

  “Go!” My voice booms.

  The remaining wolves turn tail and run, and so do I.

  Chapter 11

  Kael

  My eyes snap open in the pre-dawn darkness of my room. Loud voices shatter the morning calm. My wolf is agitated, upset that I took so long to awaken. As I get out of bed, a few empty bottles roll off the mattress and clatter onto the floor. It only takes a moment to shimmy into a pair of jeans before I head into the main hallway of the den.

  Various members of the pack stick their lethargic heads out of their rooms. They nod as I walk past them. They remain in their rooms. As pack leader, it’s my responsibility to deal with any threats to the den. I will only summon them if this disturbance is something I can’t handle alone.

  The closer I get to the entrance to the den, the louder the voices get. My eyes narrow. Whoever is causing this ruckus is disrespecting our sleeping time. One of my pack’s guards is arguing with a woman. I recognize Azealia’s voice and I’m ready to light into her as I turn the corner.

  “What the fuck is your deal—Azealia?”

  The threat turns out to be no threat at all. Azealia, her clothing and skin torn and bleeding, shoves past the guard to get inside. She throws her arms around my midsection even as I take in the sight of her blackened and bloody feet.

  “Did you run barefoot all the way here?” I ask, unable to keep the shock out of my tone.

  “They’re coming! You have to fight them!”

  Azealia casts frantic glances over her shoulder. I don’t see anything moving in the forest, and I can’t smell anything either. Still, something is seriously wrong here.

  Several wolves from the pack head toward us.

  “I’ll handle this.” I dismiss them with a wave, and they return to their rooms.

  I don’t know what the hell’s going on, but I don’t want them to see her like this. She has an image to uphold and although I don’t care about her disheveled state, the others might see it as a sign of weakness. I can’t let that happen.

  Carefully guiding her through the halls, I take Azealia to my room. She’s never been so deep in the den before because we don’t typically let humans past the entrance, but she’s clearly in need of my help.

  I settle her onto a comfortable sofa and hurry to make a cup of coffee. I place it in her hand, but she doesn’t move. She’s staring at the floor, at nothing, and it’s almost as if she’s stuck in a trance.

  “Azealia?”

  “They had silver eyes.”

  “The birds? Did they attack you again?”

  She shakes her head but doesn’t speak. I assess her wounds, giving her time to calm down. I’m not a medic, but I can handle non-life-threatening injuries. I manage to clean her wounds before applying gauze and non-stick bandages to her feet.

  “Who did this to you?”

  “Wolf shifters.” Her eyes narrow, and there’s a hint of accusation in her tone.

  “What? From my pack?” As my hands fist, my blood begins to boil.

  “I don’t know.” Azealia shakes her head, and squeezes her eyes shut. “It all happened so fast. They had the same silvery eyes as the crows.”

  As pack leader, I’m responsible for whatever my followers do, good or bad. I know most of my pack is here at the clubhouse, but there are bound to be others out dealing with their own affairs.

  “Will you be okay for a moment?” I ask.

  “Yes.” She gazes into the coffee as if scrying for answers.

  I hate leaving her alone, but most of the pack is within earshot. If anything happened, I’d know right away. And nothing can get past the guards I have stationed at the entrance to the den. For now, she’s safe.

  After leaving my room, I knock on the next door over. There’s a bit of noise and then footsteps. The door opens and a bleary-eyed girl stares at me in confusion.

  “Good morning. I need to speak with Mason.”

  He comes up behind her, towering over her. He’s six and a half feet of solid muscle. Tattoos cover most of his arms and he keeps his hair longer than the lead singer of an 80s hairband.

  “Hit the mattress, babe, I’ll be back in a few.” He gives the girl a pat on the ass. She winks at him as she squeezes past him.

  “What can I do for you, boss?” Mason leans against the doorframe, sticks a cigarette in his mouth, and lights it.

  “I need you to do a head count of the pack. Account for every member, not only their current whereabouts, but find out what they were up to last night.”

  Mason straightens. He might be a playboy, but when it’s time for business, he’s as solid as they come. “Sounds serious. What happened?”

  “Azealia’s here. She was attacked last night, and she was wounded.”

  “Again?” Mason goes into his room and slips on a pair of faded denim jeans. He continues to dress, the cigarette in his mouth bobs as he moves.

  “Yes, again.”

  “Was it the birds?”

  I take a deep breath. “It was wolf shifters.”

  “No.” Mason goes slack jawed; the cigarette butt dangles from his mouth.

  “She says so, and I have no reason to doubt her. You know that she’d never lie to me.”

  “Yeah, I guess not. All right, head count, and find out where everyone’s been.”

  “Also, Azealia thinks they may have been possessed like the crows were. It’s possible that if it was some of our pack, they might not be aware of what they’ve done.”

  “Gotcha, boss man. Consider it done.”

  With that business settled, I return to Azealia’s side. She sits on the sofa, both hands around the mug. I sit next to her and drape my arm over her shoulders. As she leans into me, she buries her face in my chest.

  “It’s all right. You’re safe here. Mason is looking into it. He’ll find out if anyone from my pack was a part of the attack.” I gently stroke her hair. “I’ll protect you. You’re here, you’re mine, and you’re safe.”

  “I’m yours?” She pulls her face away from my chest and gives me a quizzical and mildly annoyed look. “When did this happen? I was certainly never notified.” Her tone is teasing, but strained.

  “You’ve been mine ever since you came to me for help all those years ago. Remember?”

  Her mouth stretches into a warm, nostalgic smile, but her gaze seems far away. At least she’s not stuck reliving her recent trauma.

  “I remember things a little differently. I came to you for help with that reality television crew.” She shakes her head slowly.

  “Paranormal Happenings. Those idiots thought they would solve the enigma of the Bonfire Falls witch.”

  “They certainly were persistent. I’ve never seen such determined people. Even after blundering around in the woods for weeks they wouldn’t quit.”

  “Ironically, the more you tried to deceive them with magic, the more certain they were that something paranormal was going on.” I chuckle and pull her in close for another hug.

  “Then there was that poor director of photography who fell into a ravine.”

  “I took care of that for you, though. No one connected it to you in any way.”

  “And I’m grateful to you for that. You protected me from myself.”

  “Haven’t I always been there when you needed me?”

  “Yes, you have.” She settles in against me and her hair tickles my nose. I inhale her sweet scent. It’s heavenly.

  “I wasn’t the leader of the pack back then, but now that I am, I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”

  “You’ve always been the heart and soul of this pack.”

  “Yes, but back when we first met, Athos was Alpha.” My teeth gnash as I remember the old pack Alpha. He was a filthy man, both in body and in soul. As soon as he’d started to develop an unhealthy interest in Azealia, I’d begun making plans to take him down.

  “I’d rather not hear his name.” She shivers. “He didn’t know how to take a hint. The more I pushed him away, the more he wanted
me.”

  “He thought that being an Alpha meant that he could take whatever he wanted. But that’s not what being the Alpha is all about.”

  “What is it about?”

  “It’s about taking care of the pack, period. It’s about putting their needs above my own. Their safety becomes more important than my safety. Their bellies should be filled before mine. Athos used to know that, but somewhere along the way, I guess he forgot what it means to lead.”

  “He didn’t forget. He didn’t care. I’m sorry you two fought because of me.”

  My fingers brush over a scar on my belly, a scar left by the claws of the old pack leader.

  “It was inevitable. As long as he put his needs first, he was a danger to the pack. You were the straw that broke the camel’s back, but his downfall was inevitable.”

  “The pack is much better off with their new Alpha. In my humble opinion, of course.” Her radiant smile melts the wall around my heart.

  “Oh?” I put my hand on top of hers and squeeze gently. I’m amazed by how soft her skin feels against my own. These aren’t the weathered hands of a terrifying witch. These fingers have woven spells to heal and to help others. I’d do anything to protect the owner of these hands from harm, even if it meant risking my own life to do it.

  “Yes.” Her gaze meets mine, igniting a fire in my belly.

  “And why is that, oh great and powerful witch?” I tease.

  “Besides being adorable?” She pinches my cheek playfully. “You’re also capable, intelligent, and you put the welfare of the group above your own. In short, you’re a great leader. I’m glad that I’m your friend.”

  “You know you’re more than just a friend, don’t you?” My voice is husky with the sudden need to make her mine. My wolf wants to bite her, to mark her, to lay claim to her. The desire is nearly overwhelming.

  “Do I?” She pauses to flick her tongue across her lips. “Am I more than just a friend?”

  My arms encircle her waist and I pull her against me.

  “You’re are mine. From the moment we met, I knew you’d be mine one day.”

  “But you waited, why?”

  “You weren’t ready.”

  “And I am now?”

  “Are you?”

  She bites her bottom lip. A playful and mischievous smile crosses her lips, and I can’t hold back any longer. I cup the back of her neck and pull her close.

  “If you’re not ready, tell me,” I whisper, her lips a breath away.

  Her response is a soft brush of her lips across mine. I groan and pull her into my lap. She gasps, parting her lips and allowing me to kiss her with every fiber of my being. With her in my arms, I’m whole. She’s what I’ve been waiting for my entire life. But she wasn’t ready before. She seems to be ready now, but I can’t help but wonder if this an expression of gratitude in exchange for my protection.

  Is the heat between us a small flame with no real fuel, or is it the spark of a wildfire destined to set our hearts ablaze?

  As the taste of her fills my senses, I explore the soft curves of her mouth. Her sensual body is flush with mine, and I can’t hide my response to her. I need her desperately. I’ve waited for so long, but I can’t wait another second. Claiming her is all I can think about, and it’s the only thing I could ever want.

  “Kael?” she whispers.

  “Mm?”

  “Is this crazy?”

  “What we’re about to do?” I pull back so I can look deep into her eyes. I’m terrified that she’s going to ask me to stop, but I would. I’d do anything for her. “Tell me what you want.”

  “You. I want you. It’s always wanted you.”

  I scoop her into my arms and carry her to the bedroom. After kicking the door closed, I tumble onto the bed with her. Her hands pull at my clothing. She yanks my shirt off. Suddenly wild, she flips me onto my back and pins my wrists to the bed.

  “I’ve waited a long time for this,” she whispers.

  Her eyes glow with desire and she’s literally the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in my life. I’m stunned by her beauty and her power. She’s the perfect match, and she wants me. It’s all over her flushed skin and it’s evident in her hungry gaze.

  As she lowers to kiss my naked chest, I pull her shirt over her head. I’ll have to deal with her skirt later, but for now, I’m granted a stunning view of her voluptuous breasts.

  Carefully cradling her breasts in my palms, I sweep my thumbs across her nipples. They form taut peaks against my flesh. She shivers with pleasure, and little goosebumps pop up on her arms.

  As she reclaims my lips in a passionate kiss, I surrender to her. In all other aspects of my life, I maintain complete control. But when I’m with her, I lose myself. I give her everything. And I love every second of it. I love her. And I’m going to show her exactly how much I want to make her mine.

  Chapter 12

  Azealia

  He’s consuming me with kisses, and I’m ready to dissolve into his love. I writhe against him, pinning him to the mattress, holding his hands above his head. Sparks shoot between us, little shocks every time a new part of our skin touches. His eyes meet mine. I see his wolf there, primed and ready to spring. The beast is ready to be unleashed, and I want him wild and free.

  I want to see him finally snap.

  And I do, as he flips me over and covers my body with his. Without hesitation, he glides his hand up my thigh and grabs my skirt. I lift my hips and shimmy out of it.

  Lying naked beneath him, I’m struck by how huge he is compared to me. I’ve never considered myself a fragile little thing, but compared to him, I’m positively dainty.

  I hook a leg over his hip. He growls and presses his body into mine. His jeans are rough against me, so I unbutton them and yank down the zipper.

  He moans as my fingers slide against his naked skin. As he works his hips out of the pants, his cock springs free. It’s weighty in my hand. Hot, hard, and all mine.

  This need to possess him overwhelms me. And I don’t mean possess him with magic, I mean to capture his soul. He’s already said I belong to him, and if I’m being honest with myself, I do. I’m already his. But that terrifies me. For so long I’ve been completely alone. Am I ready for this?

  The growl he lets out is pure desire. My core pulses and I know without a doubt that I want this, I want him.

  He drags his teeth up my shoulder, across my neck, and up to my ear. “You make me want to give you everything.”

  “All I want is you.”

  “Only me?”

  I hesitate. I can’t let myself think about the others, about Bastian and Cobalt. They’re not here with us right now, not physically anyway, but the specter of those relationships threatens to ruin the mood.

  “I don’t care about the others,” Kael whispers. “I know I’m not the only one you care about.”

  “It’s just that—” He silences me with a kiss.

  “Don’t think about any of that right now. Just think about me.”

  “I can’t think of anything else,” I say truthfully.

  And with that, I’m caught up in his passion, because when we’re together, he has a way of tearing past my defenses. Even if I’d wanted to think about the implications of making love to him, I couldn’t do it, not when I’m in his arms. So for now, I simply surrender.

  I shiver as he nibbles the lobe of my ear. He’s being cautious, testing my resolve.

  “Don’t hold back,” I murmur.

  His deep, throaty laugh turns my sex molten. I melt into the sheets as his hot breath trails down my throat. He nips and kisses and licks a trail down to my breasts.

  When he captures one nipple between his teeth, I let out a little sigh.

  “Such a pretty sound,” he whispers against my skin. “I want to hear you moan for me, cry out my name, tell me that you’re mine.”

  “I am.”

  Magic sparks and snaps between us. He hisses, holding onto his sanity by the most tenuous thread.
A dark part of me wants to see him break so that I can put him back together again. We’re the same in so many ways. We’ve been broken by life, by the deaths of those we’ve loved, but we’ve never given up on living. Maybe because we both knew one day we’d come together like this.

  My nipples tighten and my breath comes harder. Whatever reverence is left in his kisses dissolves into pure lust. He’s driven by a single-minded focus, and I want what he wants.

  His teasing, tormenting kisses travel lower, across my belly and toward the soft mound over my pussy. Pictures and furniture start to shake as frenetic energy builds. Clouds gather outside and the crack of thunder shakes the walls of his room.

  “Please,” I whine. The sound is desperate, not at all like me.

  “You’ve waited this long, a few more minutes won’t hurt.” Although his tone is teasing, there’s a bite to it, as if he’s trying to exact seductive revenge for making him wait for all these years. I can’t blame him for being frustrated. I’ve been frustrated too. But now that we’re together, I’m almost desperate in my need to become one with him.

  His lips drag across the thatch of hair over my pussy. I prop up on my elbows to watch him. He’s unapologetic in his leisurely exploration.

  “Do you want me?” I demand.

  “Can’t you see that I do?” His mouth claims my damp lips and I drop back against the bed in shock. “Can’t you see that I want to taste every inch of you?”

  I moan as his tongue sweeps across my clit. A skylight above his bedroom gives me a view of the night sky. Outside, lightning flashes. Inside, little arcs of electricity jump from his lips to my pussy.

  “Did you mean it?” he asks between licks.

  “Mean what?”

  “I want a partner. I want an equal… I want a mate.” He stops and leans on his forearms. His eyes never leave mine.

  “A mate?” I swallow back my fear. I told him I’m his, but… his mate? That’s an eternal bond that, once forged, can never be broken.