by Austin, RB
“They feel just like real teeth.” Her thumb ran across the tips.
She gasped when he suddenly clasped her wrists.
“They are real teeth,” he said, voice deep. “And they’re sharp. Used for only one purpose. You need to be careful. I don’t want to hurt you.”
Kate’s lips parted, her breaths rapid.
He let go of her wrists and leaned closer, shifting until one of his legs was between hers. He kissed her, careful of his fangs. Only when Kate’s eyes fluttered shut, did his. He gently rocked between her thighs, pushing against her heat.
She moaned, swept her hips up to meet his.
Damn. If she did that again he was going to lose it. When he came this time, it’d be inside her. But her hands were in constant motion, driving him crazy. Nails gently scraped down his back. Hands squeezed his biceps. She was making it difficult to keep his word.
Lucas reached for the hem of her shirt. “Can I take this off?”
She nodded, expression so trusting, he wanted to drop to his knees and claim himself unworthy.
Which he was.
“What’s the matter?” she asked when he still hadn’t moved. She rose on her elbows, head tilting to the side.
“You’re so beautiful.” He cupped her face.
Her cheeks heated under his palms, a smile forming on her perfect mouth. She continued to rise. He countered her move, until she was sitting between his legs. She grabbed opposite ends of her shirt and slowly peeled it off.
The plain white cotton covering her breasts was better than any Parisian lace. He brushed his hand above the swell of her chest.
She sucked in a breath, eyes closing, head tilting back.
Stunning.
“Lie back,” he whispered.
It was his turn. He trailed his fingers along the length of her arms, her stomach, and hipbones where they poked out above the top of her jeans. The flat, too flat, plains of her stomach that dipped in underneath her rib cage. Her skin was like satin.
During it all, he watched her face. Loved the emotions playing across her features. He was the first person to touch her like this. Was it the Behn in him that wanted to beat his chest and howl at the moon like the Woyrs?
He caressed every inch of uncovered skin. She trembled under his touch. Exhales turned into soft moans. Lucas ran his hand over the still cotton covered breasts. She’d been lying limp until then. Her eyes flashed open, her breath stopped on an inhale. He stilled, too. One breath. Two.
She arched against the floor, moving her hands behind her back. A second later her bra was unclasped. Another pause. Their gazes locked.
He didn’t breathe. Didn’t move.
One arm out of her strap. The second one. She held the fabric to her breasts with one hand. With flushed cheeks, eyes shining, she took her hand away, the bra with it.
He stared. She was too perfect for him. The urge to run from the room tore through him. He was sick. Full of darkness. And here she lay. Perfect as sunlight. Making him feel ashamed. Disgusted by his weakness.
She was the epitome of beauty. So strong. Bestowed a gift that would’ve crippled anyone else. Determined to stand on her two feet. Fighting against the numbness, the detachment from life, her power demanded, while day after day he searched for it.
When her arm crossed in front of her chest, restricting his view, Lucas’s gaze shot upward. Her cheeks were red for a different reason now. The uncertainty in her gaze made him feel even worse.
“No,” he murmured, moving her arm out of the way. “You’re breathtaking. I’ve no words for the emotions running through me. For the gift you’re giving.” He lowered his head to her bare chest. “I’m unworthy,” he said too soft for her to hear.
Kate gasped as his lips trailed first over one breast. Then the other. Down her stomach, back up to finally take a nipple in his mouth.
Immediately she stiffened, crying out.
Lucas froze as his own orgasm threatened to break free. He stilled until her shaking had subsided. Slowly repeated the pleasure to her other breast.
Her hands clutched the back of his head, his shoulders, his back.
He growled against her stomach, mouth trailing along the waistband of her jeans. His hands moved of their own accord, rubbing the length of her covered thighs, squeezing her hips, unsnapping her pants. The button was undone, the zipper half way down when he realized what he was doing and his head shot up. But Kate’s eyes were still closed, head tilted back, mouth parted. Her hands had taken the spot of Lucas’s mouth, palms running over her aroused nipples.
Holy Creator. He’d never seen anything more arousing.
“Are you going to take off my pants or should I?” Her voice was husky. Thick with want. Again, nothing sexier.
Lucas grinned.
She inhaled quickly. Pulled him toward her.
His chest grazed against her breasts, her nipples a distraction and he wanted to slow his ascent, but she wouldn’t let him.
The kiss was hot and hard. Her tongue swept into his mouth.
Damn, she was a fast learner. Lucas’s hips swung against hers.
She made a small noise of protest, when he broke off. When he swirled his tongue around a nipple, taking the hard nub between his lips, her back arched, driving it deeper into his mouth.
Pants completely unzipped, Lucas released her breast with a popping sound to kneel at her feet. He pulled off one sock then the other, stripped off her jeans. She lay before him in nothing but white cotton panties. Sexy didn’t even cover the vision before him. There were no words to describe what he felt as he stared at Kate, damn near naked, desire flaming in her eyes as she watched him.
Hand pressed flat against her shin, he slid it over her knee, thigh, made his way to the edge of her panties. He swept his hand inside the waistband and ran the pads of his fingers over the soft skin underneath. She was breathing hard, her chest rising and falling.
How did he get this lucky?
When she slowly lifted her hips in invitation, Lucas peeled off her panties until she was gloriously naked.
“Your turn,” she said, smiling.
He stood, unbuttoned, unzipped, pulled his slacks and underwear down together.
Her gaze moved slowly down his body until she reached his hips.
He paused. “Anytime you want to stop. Anytime at all. You tell me.” He lowered to his knees. Placed his hands on either side of her head. “Kate?”
She had stilled when his cock fell closer to her entrance. Her breath coming in gasps, but not just in excitement.
Lowering, he rested his weight on his elbows and, keeping his hips raised, swept in for a quick kiss. He fully intended to draw back, remind her she was in complete control. Always. But her hands clutched his back, pressed her chest against his.
Her tongue darted out to sweep inside his mouth and he completely forgot about the reassurance. Her hips lifted in excitement. When his cock slipped against her wet entrance, she froze again.
Lucas gently kissed her, his hand trailing down her body. She trembled beneath him when his fingers slid through the coarse hair between her legs.
He found her entrance, and sucked in a breath. She was already so damp. His finger slipped against her folds before sliding inside. Her body tightened, muscles constricting around his finger.
Slowly, he pulled halfway out, then just as slowly pushed back in.
She left out a breath that was a half cry. Her wide eyes locked with his.
“Alright?”
Expression never changing, she nodded.
The next time he inserted two fingers. She gasped, her thighs squeezing his hips.
“Did you want to stop, Kate?”
She hesitated, then slowly her legs opened and she shook her head. He still
didn’t move, his fingers still inside her. “Talk to me. Does it hurt?”
She nodded, stopped, shook her head. Frowned.
“It’ll feel good soon, I promise.” He ran his mouth over her lips. She was unresponsive. He did it again. This time her mouth moved against his. Soon her muscles unclenched. When he swept his tongue between her lips, he moved his fingers out slowly. The answering flick of her tongue faltered. He picked up the slack, just as he pushed his fingers back in, using his thumb to slide across her clit. Another gasp. Clenched muscles.
“Good?” he asked.
She nodded. So he did it again. Swept his tongue across hers, pulled his fingers out, back in, brushing against her clit on the entrance. He repeated this until Kate’s legs were completely lax.
Her hips moved in sync with his fingers. Hands gripped the sides of his face moving his head for better access to his mouth. Soon she turned her head to the side and shattered apart.
Lucas removed his fingers and knelt between her legs, gripping the base of his cock. He pushed the head into her entrance.
Her gaze flashed to his.
“Still with me?” he asked through clenched teeth.
“Yes,” she said on an exhale.
“It’s going to hurt.”
“I’m ready.” She grabbed the sides of his hips.
He didn’t need further encouragement. Hands on either side of her head, he leaned down, kissed her, and thrust his hips forward, seating himself deep inside her, feeling the slight resistance when he broke through her barrier.
Kate gave a startled cry.
Lucas immediately stilled, his body trembling as he forced himself not to move. But, Holy Creator, it felt so good. Her walls squeezed him and he almost came right then.
“I’m sorry.” He swept his mouth over hers. “I’m so sorry.” He kissed her nose, her cheeks. “Tell me when you’re ready.”
He continued kissing her, over her forehead, the other cheek, back to her lips, murmuring soft words of encouragement, again, and again. Inch by inch, she began to relax. Her hands slid across his forearms, shoulders, back, moving down to cup his ass. His cock twitched and it took monumental focus to remain still.
“Ready.” She shifted her hips.
Thank the Creator. Sweat beading his brow, Lucas pulled out halfway, pushed back in, slowly. She winced. He stilled again. She nodded. He moved again.
This time, only a frown marred her lovely features. Another slow thrust. No expression. Once more, he pulled out, pushed back inside her damp heat, sending sparks of electricity shooting up his spine. He gritted his teeth. He didn’t want to go over the edge without her.
Her tongue darted out to wet her lips. Lines in the middle of her forehead creased. He thrust again. And again.
Her mouth parted. Eyes widened.
Again.
She made a small noise in the back of her throat.
“I want you to come again for me, baby.”
“Oh, God. Don’t stop,” she groaned, closing her eyes, head tilted back.
A grin spread across his face, and he leaned down for a fast hard kiss, increasing the rhythm of his thrust, as her sex tightened its hold on him. He moaned at the feeling. Her answering groan sent his own excitement higher, and Lucas prayed he’d last.
I’m going to”—she panted—“I’m going to—”
Kate’s orgasm hit. Her inner muscles constricted around his cock, and he lost it, bellowing his own release.
His arms gave out and he collapsed on top of her, instantly rolling to the side, taking her with him. He swept the hair away from her face, kissed her gently. “I’m sorry I hurt you.”
She chuckled, eyes still closed, lips curling. “Worth it,” she whispered.
Lucas pulled her close until her head rested on his chest. He wanted to run a bath. Let her soak in a tub. Or they could take a shower together. Get a hot cloth and put it between her legs. But the cloth and tub would cause Kate to have a vision. He frowned. “What can I do for you? What do you need?”
“I don’t need anything,”
His heart stopped. But that was Kate. She took care of herself.
“Except you.”
The words were spoken so quietly he wondered if she meant for him to hear. He didn’t respond, but his heart lightened.
He tightened his hold around her and closed his eyes.
Chapter 55
“Kobal!” Sonneillon sent the bellow into the demon’s head. He’d just come from the recruits’ holding cell. The numbers weren’t good.
He’d have to ask the British Columbia leader to start hunting for recruits. They couldn’t take seventy people out of this po-dunk town without someone noticing. A century ago humans could go missing and no one would look more than twice. Now with every child and grandparent carrying some electronic device that could capture an image and spread it around the world with a click of a few buttons, the earth was not as it used to be.
No use explaining it to Apollyon, though, unless Sonneillon only wished to hear his own voice. Apollyon didn’t listen to reason.
“You called?” Kobal skidded into the chamber just as Sonneillon sat in his chair. The demon bounced from foot to foot.
Eyebrow raised, he waited.
Kobal stilled.
Sonneillon remained silent. It brought a small amount of pleasure to keep the demon on edge. He was pissed off tonight. Had been since his return. He never should’ve left Apollyon without learning his plans. The churn in the pit of his gut said it would be one of Apollyon’s crazier schemes. Sonneillon frowned.
Kobal squeaked.
Oh, right. He’d forgotten the demon was there. “How many recruits do we have?”
Kobal paused, gaze rolling to the ceiling, the floor, some spot over Sonneillon’s right shoulder.
“Twenty-three,” Sonneillon answered quietly.
Kobal startled then nodded. “Yes, we have twenty-three recruits.” He beamed.
Sonneillon stared.
Kobal’s smile fell. He scratched his head. Bounced from foot to foot. Frowned. Stared at the floor. The ceiling. Sonneillon. The walls. Hands rubbed his pant leg. Another glance at Sonneillon. “More are coming,” he blurted.
Sonneillon raised an eyebrow.
“A lot more.”
“How many recruits did I tell you to prepare?”
Kobal scratched his head. “Sixty?”
“Seventy,” he clarified, his voice lower than before.
The demon froze. His heart beat so loud it was like an echo around the room. “Yes, seventy. That’s what you said. That’s what we’ll get.” Kobal bowed.
Sonneillon didn’t reply.
Kobal’s gaze darted to the floor, ceiling, Sonneillon, the wall, shoulder, his hands. “Serial has a bunch of recruits to bring in.”
“Really? How many?”
Kobal swallowed. “I’m not sure. He’s due back any minute.”
Sonneillon glanced to the ceiling. He could feel the sunlight’s heat on the other side of the thick concrete and dirt. “Is that so?”
The demon’s gaze roamed again. “He must’ve gotten caught by the sun. I’m sure he’s holed up somewhere with them.”
Sonneillon cocked his head, studying the little circus freak in front of him.
Kobal squeaked, clapped a hand over his mouth, removed it. “He’s at a cabin in the woods.”
He waited.
A drop of sweat ran down the side of the demon’s face. “He’s brought in a lot of recruits. I thought he deserved a break.”
Silence.
A whine escaped. “It’s not my fault. I’d no idea he was going to do it. He’s Vetis’s recruit. I didn’t realize he was The Bone Saw Surgeon until I saw the clippings i
n his room.”
Sonneillon steepled his fingers.
“I told him he couldn’t get a car. He never specifically mentioned wanting a cabin in the woods. I did tell him we had to stay away from humans. Hidden. I told him that. That’s the first thing I tell all of the recruits. Stay away from humans and from the Behns. Just like you told me. I told him.”
Sonneillon stood.
Another whimper. The demon stepped back, hands raised. “I’m sorry, amohsea. I went to him. Told him to stop. He didn’t listen to me. What was I supposed to do?”
Sonneillon advanced.
“He’s been gone for three days. I was going to get him tonight. When the sun’s down. I was going to make him come back.”
Another step.
Kobal cringed. Retreated. “I thought it’d be okay. I mean, what’s the difference between killing a human by taking their soul or cutting them into pieces? The end is the same.”
Sonneillon was in front of Kobal, hands fisted in his shirt. He lifted the demon off the ground, bringing him eye level. “Where?” The word was barely a whisper.
Kobal squealed, tried to lift his hands to cover his face.
“Where!” The word echoed around the chamber. Followed by Kobal’s scream.
“In his room,” he spilt out, his words running together. “The address is in his room.”
Sonneillon let go.
The demon fell to the ground in a heap, immediately tightening into a ball.
Sonneillon stepped over him and stormed to the door.