Lion's Heart (Blood Moon Book 4)

by Natalie Aejaz

  She then went over to the bed, lying down with her eyes closed.

  She did not know what happened to Ann after that meeting, but the woman would soon be blessed and cleansed by John. After that, any male member of the Association, no matter who he was—how wretched or debauched—could lay a claim to the beautiful young woman. It brought nausea to Ivy’s stomach, and she lay on her side, eyes wide as she stared at the shrine.

  That was not the only concern that caused her to lie awake at night. John and Michael never included her in Association business, but she had picked up through mother that they were regularly meeting with the mobster Miller, who had taken James’ place as their new friend. Surprisingly, Pearl did not think it a bad thing…what had she said earlier at breakfast? It’s only needed until the supernatural problem is solved.

  Ivy squeezed the bed sheet between her fingers until her knuckles turned white. Mother’s words meant one thing…they were looking to get rid of supernaturals through one means or another. Tears bit at Ivy’s eyes. Until now, she hadn’t admitted it even to herself, but the Association was ruthless, and it would do whatever it took to rid Manhattan of the other kind. And after what happened with the mobster James, his replacement was keen to weaken non-humans before they interfered in more mob business.

  Ivy pulled the bed sheets off her, giving up on trying to sleep. She reached for her mobile, needing to talk to someone…but the one she wanted to speak to was the last person she should be calling…

  “Hello?” Junaid’s deep voice brought comfort. “Is everything all right, Ivy?”

  “Yes.” A strange relief spread through her, that he was still fine, and nobody had attacked him in the middle of the night… But how long would he remain safe? The day anyone from the Association discovered the truth, it was not only Ivy who would be punished…they would go after Junaid, too.

  “You don’t sound all right. What’s wrong?” Even after two years together, Michael could not pick up on her moods, even when she sat before him...damn it, could she just stop comparing them both?

  Yes, they were opposites, in that one was suitable for her and the other wasn’t.

  In fact, she shouldn’t even be calling Junaid. If anything concerned her, Michael was the one she should turn to. Except that he would never be there for her, because he would be the kind of husband who would feel hard done by if she tried to burden him with her problems. And she could never talk to him about how she really felt. Just as she’d never been able to talk to mother. “Ivy? What’s happened?”

  Her voice was small. “Nothing.”

  “You obviously called me because you want to talk. So tell me…what are you so unhappy about?”

  Everything.

  It was as if her whole world was crashing down around her, and she had no control over it. She was being swept away by events, clutching at anything to survive, just as mother and she did all those years ago. She went over to the window, to stare out of it at the world beyond. But she could see nothing past the houses of other Association members. “Nothing’s wrong. I just couldn’t sleep.” She rested her head against the wall. “I should get going. Good night—”

  “Wait, Ivy. Since you’ve finally called, let’s talk. I’ve been thinking about you.”

  “I told you, Junaid…there can’t be anything between us.”

  “It doesn’t mean we can’t talk, does it?”

  There was a numb feeling inside her since the incident at the church, one she was grateful for. Perhaps this would keep her senses dormant, push back the emotions that threatened to pull her future into an abyss. She scratched at the wall, pulling away some of the paper. What she really wanted was to tear a strip of it away, but instead, she stood back. “I need to get out of here, Junaid. Just for a few hours, I need to forget everything.”

  “I can pick you up. I’ll come over now.”

  She didn’t hesitate. “See you soon. My address—”

  “I have your details from the booking. See you there.”

  She hung up the phone and then opened her wardrobe to pull out a knee-length red dress, the one Rehana gave her on her birthday last year. She squeezed into it and then stood before the full-length mirror. It wasn’t as revealing as the dress she wore for the bachelorette party, but it was certainly unsuitable attire. Fitted to her form, it was strapless and pushed up her breasts. Underneath it, she wore a pair of black heels, and then she pulled a long coat over the dress.

  She turned to lean against the wall, resting her head back against it. What was she doing? She was behaving as if Junaid was taking her on a date, whereas the most he could provide was some respite from the uncertainties that pulled her heart apart into two.

  Soon, he called on her mobile. “I’m downstairs,” came his voice over the phone. “See you soon.”

  Her mother would be asleep now, because of the sleeping pills she took every night. Ivy closed her door and then crept down the stairs. But she hadn’t reached the front door when Fareeda came out of the kitchen, looking her up and down. Luckily, she couldn’t see what she wore under the coat. A frown creased the older woman’s brow. “Where are you going?”

  Ivy placed a finger across her lips. “Please…” she mouthed.

  Fareeda glanced at the stairs and then at Ivy as she nodded, silent.

  Ivy gave her a grateful smile before she left through the front door. She hurried through the garden to the plush silver Mercedes stood outside the gate. She opened the car door and only once she was safely inside did she turn to look at him.

  Her breath caught in her throat. He’d dressed in dark jeans and a green tee shirt, a jacket flung over it. He appeared more relaxed in this gear, and his brown eyes were soft as he took her in. She had to resist the urge to run her hand across his jawline, over that goatee and down his chest. I’ve been kidding myself. She wanted nothing more than to be with this beautiful male. Even now, the thought of straddling and kissing him…moaning in his ear as they had sex…flashed through her head.

  When he held her hand, she intertwined her fingers with his. “What’s wrong, Ivy?”

  She shook her head. “Can we go somewhere we can be alone?”

  He swallowed. “Do you think that’s a good idea? Considering you’re hell-bent on going through with this wedding?”

  “Why? Don’t you want me anymore?” The question popped out of her mouth, dragging an ache out along with it. If he didn’t want her anymore, it would be the solution to her dilemma, but the possibility caused her chest to tighten. He was the first person who had wanted her as she was, without compromise.

  He rested his hands on the steering wheel even though the car engine was off, staring ahead. “So what is it, Ivy? You plan to come to me every time you need cheering up?”

  She placed her hand on the door. “Maybe this was a bad idea…” And it wasn’t fair on him.

  “Wait.” He turned back to her. “I’m probably going to regret this later, but what the hell…” His eyes traveled over her, his pupils dilating. “How about my apartment?”

  “Where is it?” When he mentioned the location, it was an affluent part of Manhattan. “Too many Association members live near there. Somewhere else?”

  He trailed a thumb across her lips, and as she kissed it, he drew a sharp breath. His eyes flashed, and when he spoke, his voice was deeper. “The only other place I can think of, you won’t want to go. Eclipse...it has a hotel—”

  “Eclipse will be fine.” In fact, it was perfect. Nobody from the Association would see her there.

  He switched on the engine and then sat, staring out of the window again. “Are you sure about this, Ivy?”

  “Yes, Junaid.”

  When he pulled out his mobile, she remembered that she’d left hers on the table in her room. But she didn’t want to risk sneaking back in for it, and nobody would call at this time, anyway. Junaid opened an app on his phone and pressed a few keys. “I’ve booked a room.” He ran his hand through his hair, his mouth tense. But then
he suddenly smiled, surprising her. “I must be mad, but who knows…maybe this is my chance to show you it could work between us…”

  As he drove, she wanted to tell him he couldn’t convince her of that…but she didn’t want to break the fantasy. How would it have been if he wasn’t someone she was forbidden from being with? If they could see each other like this whenever they wanted…without fear? It was just a dream, but one she allowed herself to indulge in. Even the temporary joy it brought was worth it…

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  * * *

  AS THEY BOARDED THE FERRY to cross the river, Ivy became impatient to be alone with Junaid. They soon reached the other side of the water, and a few minutes later, they drove through a set of gates at Eclipse.

  He stopped just inside, and after they both got out, he handed his keys to a valet. His arm around her waist, he led her inside the hotel and grabbed a key from reception. His hold on her tightened as he guided her through the corridor. He stopped outside a door, unlocking it with the electronic key before he stepped inside with her. A luxurious suite with a gigantic bed and silk sheets that only brought sex to mind. She registered a large LED screen and other gadgets but didn’t care about all that right now. As soon as the door locked behind them, she went into his arms, fastening her lips over his.

  He dragged her close, kissing her hard, but he separated from her just as suddenly, his breathing ragged as he asked, “Something’s happened, hasn’t it?” She shook her head, lowering her gaze to the floor. He took her face between his palms, lifting it so her eyes met his. There was a softness in his expression, and he brought his mouth close to give her a gentle kiss on the lips. “You can tell me, Ivy. You know that, don’t you?”

  Something resembling relief surged through her. She could tell him about those feelings that sometimes made her feel as if she couldn’t breathe freely. For the first time since she was a child, there was someone to understand her…for the first time since John had taken control of her mother, and through her, of Ivy’s life, there was someone who wanted to listen.

  She leaned into him, burying her face against his chest. “An Association woman…she fornicated with a supernatural. If she had given up his name, he would have been punished…maybe even killed. But she didn’t, and now she will suffer…” Junaid tensed against her. “That poor woman…her punishment will be terrible.”

  Junaid lifted her face and rested his forehead against hers. “Ivy. You know what’s happening to that woman is wrong, don’t you?” When she nodded, “Good. What is her name?”

  “Ann.”

  “Do you have her number?” When she nodded, “She’ll be under surveillance after what’s happened, but I’ll get one of my humans friends to contact her and let her know she can turn to us for help.”

  “Thank you…” she whispered as she handed him Ann’s number. And for the first time in ages, she didn’t feel helpless. She didn’t have to stand by like the others and watch as Ann’s life was ruined.

  “Is that why you’re worried?” After he’d sent the message to his friend, Junaid’s brown eyes traveled over her face as if seeking an answer. “You’re scared of what will happen to you if the Association finds out…about us?”

  That had been her main worry not long ago, but now… “I’m scared for you, Junaid. If they find out, they might—” She was unable to say the horrible words… “Why are you grinning?”

  “It’s good to know you care.” Before she could protest, he gave her another kiss. “Don’t worry about me, Ivy. I can look after myself.”

  “But the Association has been dealing with the mob,” she murmured. “There’s been talk of them fighting supernaturals.”

  His expression tightened. “Do you have any other information?”

  “No.”

  He tilted his head as he looked into her eyes. “The Association is everything to you, so why are you betraying it?”

  If only she knew. She shrugged, and damn it, those tears came…why did they always seem to make an appearance when he was around? She wiped them away, angry. Who the hell was she pissed off with? Herself, mother for putting her in this situation, or Junaid? He’d brought these feelings to the surface…emotions that had sometimes emerged as a sense of disquiet but did not bring the pain they did now.

  But she wanted to forget about all that. Wasn’t that the reason she was here? So she moved in close, lifting her face to his, her lips finding his. His response was instant as he pulled her close. As his hands went to her coat to unbutton it, he moaned softly against her mouth. His hands slipped inside her coat, traveling over her body before he paused, stepping back. His lips curled up as he slipped the coat down her shoulders, taking in her red dress. “You look beautiful, Ivy…”

  Before she could be embarrassed by his scrutiny, he chucked her coat to the side and then lifted her in his arms to carry her to the bed. He lay her down before shoving her dress up, and before she knew what was happening, he placed his mouth at her core. Her hips lifted in response, and as he tugged her panties down with his teeth, she took her hands to his hair, holding him close.

  “You taste so good, Ivy,” he growled before closing his mouth over her clit. The hair on his chin prickled her sensitive areas, and as he sucked, hard, pleasure drove through her. She arched against his assault, and when she spread her thighs wider, he grunted in approval. And then he shifted so he could penetrate her with his tongue. Tension coiled inside her as he rubbed his thumb over her clit while his tongue pushed inside her, making her cry out. He palmed her breast with his other hand before pushing aside the dress neckline and slipping inside her bra cup to roll her nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

  She pushed harder against his mouth, her moans turning into cries as spasms rocked every part of her body. He now licked her clit, filling the space inside her with his fingers. As he closed his mouth over her clit again to suck, it only took a few thrusts of his fingers before she shuddered, an orgasm rocking her body. As her hips pulsed around his fingers, he didn’t stop, drawing out the last bit of pleasure from her, licking at her core as if his life depended on it. Her body became limp and knees fell open as he continued to lap at between her legs. When she released her grip on his hair, her hands falling to her side, he finally looked up at her…his lips turned up in a satisfied smile.

  He stood, pulling off his tee shirt and jacket, and her eyes were on his muscled chest as she shrugged out of her dress and bra before getting rid of her panties. After removing his trousers and boxers, he came to her, closing his mouth over hers. When she tasted herself on his lips, it made her moan again. The heat came rushing back, but before he could press his manhood between her legs, she pushed him to his back.

  Boldness overcame her as she kissed him hard on the lips and then trailed her mouth down his chest and over his chiseled abs. He gasped as he realized her intention. She had never done this…and it made her nervous…but she needed to taste him. When she reached his groin, she stared up at him, nervous. His eyes flashed with desire, mouth tight in anticipation. She hesitated. What if she wasn’t good at this…?

  But he nodded, and his hand came to her hair as he urged her lips toward his erect manhood. She watched his face as she held his shaft at the base and closed her mouth around the tip. When he groaned, it brought confidence…and guided by instinct, she swirled her tongue around the tip. His soft growls encouraged her, and she moved her mouth along his length, using her tongue at the same time. “Fuck…Ivy!”

  His shout of pleasure sent heat surging to her core, and she moved back along his length, licking the drop that had slipped from him. She parted her lips to take him deeper and then moved along his manhood again, taking him as far as she could. She glanced up to see his face contorted with desire and then moved faster, his grip in her hair tightening as he guided her along his shaft.

  When he roared in pleasure, knowing she could affect him like this sent a rush of power through her. She had never imagined that being in control could fe
el like this…

  IVY WAS DRIVING HIM OVER the edge with her mouth. As she moved along his hard cock, the beast inside him stirred…but he forced it back, pushing his human self forward. But he had the urge to push harder into her…he needed to be inside her, plow into her as deep as he could.

  He pulled out of her mouth. “Ivy,” he gasped. “I need to fuck you now.”

  Her small smile had him lifting her to her hands and knees. He positioned himself behind her and pushed her upper body down, her face pressing against the bed sheets. Gripping her hips, he nudged the end of his cock into her soaked heat. She was wet and ready for him, so he shoved into her, deep. She released a cry of pleasure, muffled against the sheets, and her muscles gripped his cock, pulling him even deeper. Fuck. This woman would be the death of him. As her nails clawed the bed sheets, as if she was a beast herself, he thrust inside her in a steady rhythm, going deeper each time.

  His fangs emerged, but thank fuck, in this position she couldn’t see them. And when his claws extended, he adjusted his grip on her hips so she couldn’t feel them.

  His movements were out of control as he slid in and out of her tight entrance. The urge to mark her with his fangs was there…for a mad moment, he even leaned over her, but he forced himself back. She didn’t want this.

  But his beast clamored for release, a roar ripping from his throat. To hold the lion back, he went in deeper. Her moans became even louder as she pushed back against him. He drove into her, strong and frantic, but she took it, encouraging him to fuck her harder. “Yes! Junaid…that feels so good—”

  Her cries of pleasure sent him over the edge, and he came inside her, hard, growling loud. She came at the same time, screaming his name and drawing out his orgasm. As he shuddered, heat rushing through him, he kept pressing down on her shoulders so she wouldn’t look behind and see his beast emerged. It was only when his fangs and claws had retracted that he slipped out of her.