Elemental Awakening Book Bundle

by Nicola Claire

  "Feed, Oraia," Theo encouraged. "You have been under stress and not fed properly for several days. Feed."

  What? My eyes flicked open and tried to take in the scene. I could tell Theo was leaning over my body as it lay on the grass, but I couldn't really make him out above me. My head shifted first to one side and then the other, but all I registered was vague outlines of trees. The only thing that truly made any sense was the earth's smell. I inhaled deeply, received an encouragement from Theo that I didn't understand. Maybe it was in Greek? I don't know, but my confusion and strange sense of desolation made comprehension impossible right then.

  "Casey," Theo urged. "Pull what you need from the plants."

  "I...I don't know how," I admitted, sounding weak and stuttering obviously. Even I could hear the panic in my tone.

  Theo moved, my eyes hazily tracked his motions. His jacket came off, then his tie was removed. Then suddenly he lay down beside me, his length along mine, and wrapped me up in his arms. Both of us lying in the grass under a canopy of trees.

  "You really have no idea what you are doing, do you?" he whispered in my ear. I think I nodded. He shifted closer, his body practically enveloping mine. "Relax, Oraia. Let me hold you, let the trees do the rest."

  I shuddered as his hot breath washed the side of my face. Heat from his body - normal heat, body heat - seeped into mine. The beat of his heart sounded through his chest into my ear, his pulse fluttered in his neck where my face was nestled. My heart was bounding, trying to race itself right out of my chest. His was steady and true.

  I'd never been held like this before. It was intimate, but not erotic. It was comforting, but also frightening. It filled a part of me up that had been empty for so long. As that part of me unfurled, another part, a deeper part, opened up and let the sounds, scents and sensations of the forest of plants around us, sink in.

  I took a shattering breath in. It was so encompassing that my body arched off the ground and a gasp tore from my throat. Theo growled a sound out beside me, crushed me closer to his hard body and began nuzzling his nose in my hair. Was he smelling me?

  And then, all of a sudden, the embrace I was in was more sensual than before. My senses burst alive. Every sound around me felt like it was blasting through high quality stereo speakers. The trees whispered their relief. Their concern at my weakened state palpable, but they were appeased. I had fed, they said. They had given me what I needed, and returned to them what they craved. It didn't make sense, but it sounded beautiful. I breathed in more and more of their scent in order to make them happy, to fill me up with that divine sensation. My body again lifting off the grass and making Theo groan.

  The groan sent shivers right through me.

  Then all I could feel was him.

  His strong arms around my shoulders and waist. His large palms spread across my naked skin. One on my bare shoulder, the other, alarmingly, wrapped around my bare thigh. How had he got his hand under my dress? When had he done that? And then I felt his chest rising and falling too quickly, the pressure of it against my side making me want to writhe. I fought the urge, dug my fingers into the soil at my side and felt the earth wash through me, surge through me, making me moan a sound out I had never in my life made before.

  "Oraia," Theo breathed into my hair. "You are sensational."

  I wasn't so sure about that, but this, whatever it was, was sensational. I'd give him that.

  "Theo, what's happening?" I breathed, sounding just as husky as he had.

  "You are fuelling your Stoicheio, and by God it's fuelling mine." His fingers on my thigh flexed, then shifted marginally higher. I felt them slip under my panties. His thumb brushed the curls between my thighs.

  And suddenly he was suspended in a tree. Wrapped up in vines, several feet above me.

  "Huh," he said, sounding amused and not at all put out. "Was that you or your pets?"

  I scrambled to a sitting position, returning my dress to my ankles and making sure every possible inch of skin that could be covered, was covered. I realised, belatedly, that the dress, although long, didn't nearly cover enough flesh.

  "I don't know," I admitted, cursing the breathless sound of my words.

  "Well, we know not to do that again," he announced, as though quite happy to forgo copping a feel whilst under the branches of trees. "Care to let me down?"

  I smiled up at him, I was guessing it was pretty calculating, because he reacted with that one eyebrow lift.

  "I'm not sure. I rather like having you contained."

  "Oh, Cassandra." He shook his head. "Must I remind you, that you are playing with Fire."

  "Don't burn them!" I shouted, jumping to my feet with my hands outstretched beseechingly. Strangely, I still didn't ask the vines to let him go.

  "I wasn't talking about burning them," Theo said in a silky, smooth voice. "I was referring to what I am capable of doing to you."

  "Oh," I said, confused. He started chuckling, which looked a little ridiculous in his current position.

  "Sweet, innocent, Casey Eden," he crooned and I gave him my best glare. Not nice pointing out my shortcomings. "Already you have proven how rewarding this arrangement will be."

  And there was the arrangement thing again.

  Release him, but make him fall, I instructed the vines. They tittered happily and suddenly unravelled, making Theo's body spin like a bobbin on a sewing machine and then plummet to the ground.

  "Temper, temper," he said, blithely jumping to his feet and dusting himself down. "And I thought Pyrkagia women were a handful," he muttered, reaching for his jacket and tie. "Gi are meant to be so relaxed and accommodating. What the bloody hell are you?"

  "Your worst nightmare," I shot back, falling into step beside him as he strode out of the forest. I soon realised, it was the small forest of trees on his property. He'd brought me home to his house as planned, and then rushed me out into the trees. The same trees I could have used to harm him. The same trees I had used to get on his property and cause a landscaping mess.

  "All things can be moulded to compliance," he answered swiftly. "Some just take more force to break than others."

  "Is that supposed to be a threat? Because I'd like to point out it was you tied up by vines, not me."

  "And it was incredibly enjoyable. You are introducing me to new delights every day, Cassandra. I cannot wait to see what you will do in our bed."

  I stopped in my tracks. Theo just kept walking, chuckling loudly, highly amused at himself. He bounded up the stairs and didn't look back. I was standing on the edge of the tree-line, just before the half destroyed pavers that surrounded his house. Going any further seemed like a really bad idea. So I sat down on the edge of the grass and just sighed.

  I did feel better, there was no denying it. Whatever that was in amongst the trees had done it. Whatever I now was, obviously needed that, and that's why I was so weak. Theo had said I was stressed and needed to feed. Had I just fed? I felt full, but that was just bizarre. Feeding off trees.

  Oh God, I needed answers and the only person in this world willing to give them had just walked in that house. The only person I could turn to, even if I couldn't trust him, enjoyed making me squirm. I wanted to be angry at him. I wanted to find that hatred I'd felt from before. But Theo had rushed me to what I needed. He had stayed with me when I continued to panic. He had placed himself in a compromising position, well aware I should think, of what I could do whilst surrounded by nature. Yet he didn't walk away, he held me closer and closer still.

  He was an anomaly. A contradiction of himself. I was meant to be his enemy, and I truly believed that hadn't entirely changed, but still he invited me into his house. He risked... something; pain, ostracism, to get his father to let me stay. That couldn't have endeared me to him, yet when he held me, in amongst those trees, I could have sworn I was held by someone who cared.

  Who was I kidding? This was an arrangement, nothing more, and Theo intended to collect payment for all of this. And payment involved his
bed.

  A bubble of hysterical laughter erupted from my mouth. Oh, he was going to be disappointed on that one. Not that I thought I could fight him off, I wasn't stupid. Theo had a hold on me stronger than anyone had managed to have in the past. I swear all he would have to do was look at me in that way he does, with hunger and desire and intent, and I would melt. To hell with his ability to make me feel lust, I wasn't sure I could deny him if he hauled me to his bed, even right now.

  So, he would get his payment, there was nothing I could do to prevent that. But I sincerely believed it wouldn't be payment he was used to. How could it be? When I was completely and utterly inexperienced in that department. He was going be so disappointed. It almost made the whole thing worth it.

  But then, no one likes to be the worst experience someone's ever had. Not only was I a hated Gi, I was also going to be a let-down. I wondered if he'd brag about it. I wondered if, after all this was over, Pyrkagia in the city would come to my deli just to point and whisper harsh words.

  My fingers absently ran through the blades of grass at my sides, soothing me, making it impossible to get nervous about probable embarrassments to come. I glanced down at the beautiful dress I wore, saddened to see dirt smeared across the delicate material, ruining it beyond repair. I'd have to remember that, if I needed to feed again. I wondered how often I did. I wondered how it actually worked. If I fed off plant life, what did Theo feed off? His father had instructed him to, play with me, feed from me, and enjoy me. So, could Theo feed off me?

  It sounded a little creepy, at least the way I replenished involved nature not humans. He was sounding more and more like a vampire, but without the blood.

  Suddenly a shadow fell over me. I looked up expecting to see Theo and hearing some smart comment about taking too long. Instead I met the compassionate looking eyes of his butler.

  "Miss Eden. Your bedroom is ready. Would you care for a meal before you retire?"

  "What's Theo doing?" I said, getting to my feet and stretching. I really had wallowed enough for now, might as well get some answers.

  "He has already retired, Miss Eden. He will be dining in his room tonight."

  Ah, no. I had questions for the man, he wasn't going to get out of it that easily. I eyed the butler, he seemed to be waiting on my instructions. He'd also prevent me from doing what I wanted to do, I was sure. He looked somewhat frail, but I could see steel glinting in those hazel eyes.

  "Thank you...?" I left the sentence open.

  "My name is Aktor," he said with a small bow.

  "Thank you, Aktor. My name is Casey." I offered a smile.

  "The master has requested I call you either Miss Eden, or Cassandra. Which would you prefer?"

  "Well," I said frowning. "Neither."

  "Oh," the butler looked shocked. "Shall I choose then?"

  "My name's Casey," I insisted.

  "And the master has already voiced his preferences," Aktor shot back, a little of that steel coming out at last. I sighed loudly, clearly showing my disgruntlement.

  "Then by all means call me Cassandra. Heaven forbid I get addressed as some nineteenth century maiden." Aktor smiled, something about what I said amused the man. He nodded his head, and swept out a hand toward the building.

  "After you, Cassandra." I humphed but started walking across the concrete.

  "Dinner in my room would be fine, Aktor," I instructed, trying to sound authoritative and decisive at the same time.

  "That is excellent, Cassandra," he replied, pulling the door open for me to precede him inside. "I shall take you to your room and retrieve your meal." I nodded and followed him up the grand staircase to what looked like a delightful guest bedroom on the same floor as Theo's. In fact, only one door down. I was thinking it might even have a door between the two, but my attention wasn't on that, it was on the butler, hoping he'd leave soon.

  He bowed, smiled and left without another word. Very efficient.

  I waited a few minutes, then when I thought the coast was clear walked down the hall to Theo's door. I could have knocked. I could have run away as my heartbeat demanded. But Theo was being imperious and I needed answers, so I wrapped my hand around the door handle and opened the door, pushing my way inside.

  He was shirtless, standing in front of a blazing fire. The light of the flames reflected off every ridge of muscle on his torso, a small sheen of sweat coated his skin and made me lick my lips. His dark hair was ruffled, as though he'd only just run a hand through it, and his eyes were entirely golden, staring at the flames in a trance.

  I sucked in a breath at the glorious sight of him and his gaze came up to my face.

  "Your room not good enough for you?" he asked, voice deep and way too smooth for the look on his face right then.

  "I have questions," I said, forcing myself to keep my eyes on his face and not his chest, which was hard to do because he'd turned when he heard me gasp. I now had an unfettered view of heaven.

  "Well," he said, striding towards me with purpose. I almost jumped on the spot and let out a squeak. "If you insist on doing this here and now." He reached past me, his naked chest within inches of my lips, and closed the door at my back. I heard a key turn in a lock, the click indicating I was trapped, and then he backed up and walked away, leaving me panting for breath.

  I watched as he opened a window and then threw something out onto the concrete two stories below. It made a tinkling sound, which somehow carried over the crackle of the flames in the hearth. I realised, with a sinking heart, that it was the key to the door. He'd locked us in and thrown the key away.

  "Um," I said, dawning comprehension slamming into me, letting me know I was way out of my league here.

  "Come, Cassandra. We might as well start your lessons now." Theo walked towards the bed and I had the resounding realisation that these lessons had nothing to do with what I was.

  But instead, with what I could be for him.

  Chapter Eight

  One Muttered Greek Curse From His Lips And I Knew He Hadn't Missed It

  "Ah!" I cried, then frantically looked around the room for an escape.

  Bathroom door. Walk-in wardrobe door. Door back to my bedroom.

  I ran for it, jerked the handle, rattled it in its frame. It was locked and there was no key. I think I was about to start sobbing.

  "Shhh, Oraia," Theo purred behind me, his hands wrapping carefully around my shoulders. "I was teasing," he whispered against my cheek. I didn't think he was teasing. I think he chose to pretend he was now, once he'd seen the depth of panic on my face.

  A small sob escaped my lips.

  "Casey, relax. I will not make you do a thing you do not wish to. God, what you must think of me. Come," he said gently, pulling me away from the door, the door which meant escape despite being locked, towards the fireplace. "Sit in front of the fire and just breathe."

  He settled me in one of the two wing-backed chairs which stood angled to the hearth. He watched me for a second, then deciding I wasn't about to bolt, took the seat opposite.

  "I see I am going to have be more careful with you than I realised," he announced quietly. "You are like a delicate little bird, flitting delightfully from branch to branch, but as soon as something scares you, you delve into the thick foliage to hide." I could tell he was studying me, but I was resolutely staring at the flames. "Tell me," he asked, in a deep, but utterly gentle voice, "is it just innocence or have you been harmed by someone?"

  I felt the blush rise up my cheeks and prayed, uselessly, that he'd think it was the heat of the fire. I had no experience. None at all. Wanted or unwanted. My reactions were entirely due to my inability to get close to the opposite sex. Nothing else.

  "Can we just concentrate on my questions, on what I have become, and not talk about what I used to be."

  Theo sighed, but didn't push me. "All right. Ask away."

  My eyes flicked up to his, but didn't quite make it. He was still bare chested. I stifled a groan.

  "Can you please
put a shirt on?" I asked, prepared to embarrass myself further to hide all that tempting skin.

  Theo barked out a laugh and then said, "Of course." He rose in one swift motion and disappeared towards his dressing room. I used the moment to suck in a deep breath. The smell of charred wood met my nose. Not unpleasant, rather comforting in fact. Of course, that's because it reminded me of Theo.

  I was a lost cause.

  He returned too quickly, a shirt hastily thrown on and buttoned up. It was still untucked. I don't think it improved the vision. Well, at least, I don't think it was enough to stop me drooling anyway. He settled himself into his seat and carefully watched me. My eyes had returned to the fire.

  "Have you had something to eat?" he asked.

  "Aktor was bringing me dinner to my room," I said, then thought of something. "You said I needed to feed from the plants earlier, so did I? And does that mean I don't need real food to live?"

  "Your body still requires nourishment, so yes, you must eat real food. But your soul also requires nourishment, and no amount of calories will manage that. You must commune with your Stoicheio for at least fifteen minutes each day. You can use the forest while you stay here. It should provide all the sustenance you need."

  I nodded. "OK," a deep breath in and out, "what exactly is a Stoicheio?"

  "Your element. What makes you an Ekmetalleftis."

  A frustrated groan escaped my lips. Ask a question, receive an answer that leads to only more questions. This was like a never ending circle, I was stuck in a loop in which I'd never find the end to allow me back off.

  "An Ekmetalleftis," Theo said, no doubt registering my frustration and kindly deciding to put me out of my misery, "is an Elemental. Someone who controls an element, or Stoicheio."