Fierce Enchantment

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  Faith cursed under her breath and slid her hand from his. He hadn’t even realized she was still holding on to him. He wanted her touch back but knew this wasn’t the time to get greedy, not when she’d have to make a decision much faster than she’d planned on.

  “I had hoped it wasn’t that,” she said finally.

  He didn’t frown, didn’t move away, didn’t show any of the pain her words sent through him. He knew she wasn’t happy at the turn of events that had led him to her, but the thought that she didn’t want him in her life at all? That hurt more than it should have. He’d never done anything just for himself, and now that he actually wanted to? It seemed she might not want it after all.

  “Shit. That’s not what I meant, Levi,” Faith said, gripping his hand. “This has nothing to do with you.”

  He raised a brow. “Honey, it has everything to do with me.”

  “Don’t call me honey,” she scolded, but he knew it was only because she was scared. A scared Faith was a dangerous Faith.

  “I’ll eventually find a pet name you actually like.” Maybe once she turned into her other self.

  “Or, you know, you could just call me Faith.” She narrowed her eyes. “And we’re off track. What I meant was that the fact I didn’t want this illness or whatever’s wrong with me to be part of the bond has nothing to do with you. Yeah, you’re the one who made the bond with me when I couldn’t agree to it, but I don’t blame you for that. Not anymore.”

  He froze, not understanding fully what she was saying. “You don’t?”

  “No. How could I? You saved my life. And yes, it took my choice away, and I was pissed for a while, but holding on to that rage when it’s hurting me and you in the process would be stupid and nearsighted. So no, I don’t blame you anymore for saving my life. But I also didn’t want to think that the weakness that comes and goes has anything to do with our bond.”

  He squeezed her hand, giving her the time she needed to fully explain what she meant. “I’m glad you don’t blame me anymore. That’s not the best way to start whatever it is we have.” Such eloquence.

  Faith smiled then winced. “Yeah, see? That’s the problem. We’ve been tiptoeing around the whole future thing because we needed time, and now, I guess I’m out of time.”

  This was where it was getting tricky. “I think so, Faith. You’re reacting like the girls did before when they’d met their true halves but hadn’t completed the mating. Their bodies reacted violently to cement the bond. It doesn’t happen with anyone else in our world but you seven it seems. I honestly thought we’d get around that since we do have a bond.”

  “But the bond wasn’t made the same way as the others.” Faith snorted. “I guess my body really wants to have sex with you.”

  His cock perked up at the thought, but Levi raised a brow, trying to appear calm. He didn’t want Faith to see what he really wanted was to press her down on the couch, strip off her pants, and lick that sweet cream between her legs. He had more control than that.

  Barely.

  “Just your body?” he asked.

  “No, not just my body. Of course I want you, Levi. You’re fucking sexy as hell, and you’re a nice guy.”

  “You don’t have to say the last part as if you ate something sour,” he said dryly.

  “I’m not a nice girl. You know that.”

  “I know you think that. You’re not as much of a bitch as you want people to believe.” With any other woman, he wouldn’t have said that, but this was Faith. She was…different. She was…his. He hoped soon the latter would be in truth.

  She blinked at him.

  “I’m also not the nice guy you think I am.”

  “Levi.”

  “No really. You saw me fight on the battlefield.”

  She grinned then. “Yeah, you’re a badass when you fight. But every other time? You’re considerate and willing to allow others to take point so you don’t start a fight.”

  Was she seriously complaining over that? “Okay, first, I am considerate because I don’t like to piss people off when I don’t have to. Second, I’m considerate of you and your friends more than I am of others because I like you, Faith, and fuck, you’re my mate, so I don’t want to piss you off at every turn. As for others taking point? The only times you’ve seen me is when I’m trying to court you or when I’m trying not to crowd you. Watch me at the Conclave or dealing with my daughters when they refuse to clean their room, then we can talk.”

  Faith smiled full-out then. “Your girls keep their rooms clean.”

  “You’ve only seen them after I get on them for being little princess terrors. We’ve been trying to make a good impression.”

  “Even Juliana?”

  He grimaced. “She’ll warm up to you.”

  Faith snorted again. “Sure she will. As soon as Lynn does.”

  He ground his teeth at the mention of his ex-wife. “Lynn is their mother, but that’s it. She’s a bitch, Faith. You aren’t. There’s a difference between being headstrong and being a conniving woman who only cares about herself.”

  “Very true. And I guess you aren’t as sweet and innocent as I thought.”

  Levi growled then leaned forward, moving his hand so it rested lightly over her neck. “Never mistake me for sweet and innocent, Faith-of-mine.”

  She smiled then. “I like that.”

  “Me holding you like this or calling you Faith-of-mine?”

  “Both.”

  “Good.” He growled again before crushing his mouth to hers. She gasped, and he took advantage of her parted lips. He swiped his tongue along hers, loving her sweet, spicy taste. She moaned but didn’t push away. Instead, she wrapped her hand around his wrist, keeping his hold on her neck.

  He deepened the kiss, practically pushing her all the way back until she lay on the couch, her other hand gripping his shoulder, her fingers digging into his muscle.

  When he pulled away, his chest heaved, and his body shook. He wanted her. He craved her. But they had to get one thing straight first.

  “I want you, Faith. I want you because you’re you, not because something quirked in our minds when we saw each other across the battlefield. I want you because you’re sexy as fuck, you are strong, you take care of your own, and because I want to see you naked and writhing under me when I fuck you hard.”

  Faith’s mouth dropped. “You’re a dirty talker? Seriously? Oh, my God, I’m one lucky bitch.” She smiled and stood up, pulling him with her. “All you just said, reverse it. I want you, Levi, because you’re sexy, and because you’re you. The thing is…”

  “The thing is, you don’t want to want me and complete the mating because you feel you have to,” he finished for her. “I get it, Faith. I really do.” He cupped her face once more, loving the way she didn’t pull away. “But what happens tonight or any night from now on is because we want it to, not because you feel you need to.”

  “But if I don’t complete the bond, I could die, right?” she asked. “That doesn’t seem like a choice.”

  He cursed. “I’ll find another way if you’re not ready. We went about the start differently than the others, so we might have a chance to finish it differently as well. But, Faith? I’ll still want you. No matter what. I like you. I want to be with you.” It wasn’t a declaration of love, but neither of them was ready for that. Not even close.

  “I don’t want to have to rely on someone, Levi. Don’t you get that? Once we’re officially bonded like this, then that’s it. I’m your mate, and we’re stuck in a future we might not have wanted.”

  Levi let out a growl and pulled away. “Is that what you really think mating is? Something to be disdained? To run away from? Because that’s not it, and you know it. I get that you’re scared, but don’t throw that at me. I’m not going to leave you if it gets too hard. I wouldn’t be here with you if I didn’t feel a connection beyond the magic between us. I wouldn’t have bonded with you in the first place if I hadn’t felt there could be a future.”

>   “You didn’t even know me then!”

  “I know!” he shouted. “And shouldn’t that tell you something? Hell, Faith. No matter what happens with us, we’re going to be connected, but mating isn’t about bringing the other person down. It’s about finding a way to work together and know that there will always be another person there.”

  “And what if I fuck up? What if I force you to leave me because you can’t handle it anymore?”

  Fuck, there was something seriously wrong in Faith’s previous relationships if this was how she felt when she got a hint of commitment. Shouting and trying to tell her that things would be okay wasn’t going to work. He was going to have to show her.

  They’d both have to take a leap of faith.

  “If you fuck up, then we’ll deal. If I fuck up, then we’ll deal. Mating is all about not running away at the first sign of trouble. You’re stronger than that, and we both know it. And me? I’m a hell of a lot stronger than you’re giving me credit for.”

  “Then what, we’ll have sex to save my life and the world, and call it a day?”

  Levi froze. The laugh started in his belly then took over his body, and before long, he had to wipe the tears from his face. He glanced at Faith, who had her hands on her hips, but her mouth twitched.

  “It’s not that funny, Levi,” she insisted, though he could hear the laughter in her words.

  “Honey.”

  “Stop calling me honey.”

  “Baby?”

  “Nope.”

  “Snookums?”

  “Fuck you.”

  “Soon, I hope.” He grinned when she rolled her eyes. “See? Nothing is all that bad. Now as for having sex to save the world, I don’t believe things are that dire, though I haven’t checked with Dante and the rest of the crew. So, for all I know, the other realms are going crazy and sex might just be the answer.”

  “You’re really eager to get in my pants, aren’t you?”

  “I’m not going to lie. That sounds like a plan to me.”

  She threw up her hands. “Then why haven’t you made a move before this? I mean, come on, you could have kissed me any time before today, but now that the bond is going wacky, you suddenly have feelings for me and want to fuck me? Doesn’t really give me high hopes for the future.”

  Levi fisted his hands and let out a breath. “We’re back to this? I was giving you time. I figured that waking up after a year-long coma wasn’t the best form of foreplay.”

  “You could have eased into it!”

  “Do you really want to fight with me over this? Or are you just looking for a way to yell so you don’t have to think about the fact that you could actually like me and want me for more than a good fuck? And Faith? It would be a good fuck. Better than good actually, but that’s neither here nor there.”

  “I don’t understand you, Levi.”

  He stepped closer. “Yeah, you do. I’m the same man who held your hand while we walked through the wizard realm. I’m the same man who followed you when you had to leave your friends rather than face your anger. And I’m the same man who bonded his soul to you because he felt like there could be something there for a future. I’m that man, Faith. I haven’t changed. You’re just seeing me clearly.”

  “Nothing is clear about this,” she muttered. She ran her hands through her hair and let out a breath.

  He ran his hands down her arms and tugged her closer. “Tell me what you want, Faith. That’s all you need to do. Just tell me what you want.”

  She licked her lips and stood there in silence for so long that Levi was afraid he’d made a mistake.

  “You,” she answered. “I want you.”

  “Good.”

  He crushed his mouth to hers, relishing her taste. He wanted her for now and hopefully forever, but this night, this kiss, this was for the two of them.

  Chapter Ten

  Faith clung to Levi, his taste bursting on her tongue. He tasted of spice, mint, and promise. His muscles bunched under her hand, straining as he held himself back. She didn’t want him to hold back; she wanted him to give her everything at least for the night. She’d said she’d wanted him, and that wasn’t a lie. Everything that came with that one need, though, was crushing her, drowning her until she couldn’t breathe. So instead of listening to any of that, she pushed it away, knowing it would always be there no matter what decision she made.

  For now, she would live in the moment, take what she wanted, what she needed, and deal with the consequences later. She’d been dealing with those consequences since waking from the coma. Now she could sink into the passion and rewards of giving in—if only for a moment.

  She pulled back, needing to breathe. “I’m on birth control. Will that still work if you’re not human?” Such a weird question to ask.

  Something sparked over Levi’s eyes, but he nodded. “Yes, it will work. You know we can’t use condoms, at least for this first time.”

  She nodded then kissed him, wanting his taste once more. They couldn’t use condoms the first time since they needed to bond, and she understood that. Anyone else and she would have run the other way, but Levi was different. And that thought scared the crap out of her.

  Levi ran his hand down her back to squeeze her ass. He molded the globes in his hands, rocking against her so his dick pressed into her belly. Holy hell the man was big. She gasped when he squeezed again, and she pulled back, her mouth turning up in a smile.

  Damn he looked sexy. He hadn’t shaved, so he had a slight scruff that would feel decadent along her inner thighs, and she’d run her hands through his hair when he kissed her, so dark strands had fallen ever his brow. He looked like wicked sin dressed up in that deceptive innocence she thought he held. Oh, he might be sexy and cunning, but there wasn’t a shred of innocence in him. Thank God.

  “Just to let you know, I’m not some weak-kneed virgin in bed, Levi,” she said, wanting to make a few things clear before they went any further. “I won’t just bend over and take it because you order me to.”

  His blue eyes darkened, and a swirl of bright white magic passed through them at her words. She loved seeing that. It reminded her he wasn’t human, wasn’t what she’d run from for so long before she’d ever met him. He was different, hers. “If I bend you over, I’ll take what I want because I know you’re the one pressing back on my cock as I ride you. Don’t think I don’t know that. As for weak-kneed virgin? I’m not a virgin either but your knees? I’ll make them weak. That’s a promise.”

  She licked her lips, her damn knees going weak at his words alone. That didn’t mean anything.

  Sure.

  She gripped his shirt and pulled him close. She wasn’t as strong as he was, considering she was human and he was built as fuck, but he moved with her anyway.

  “We can take turns being on top. This time you can be on top since I’m in a giving mood.”

  Levi leaned forward and bit her lip.

  Hard.

  She pushed at him but didn’t let go of his shirt. “Ouch, dude.”

  “You liked it.”

  “Yes, but still...” He smiled before leaning forward and licking the spot he’d bitten.

  “Better?” he asked, his voice deep and husky.

  “If you really want to make it better, you should probably kiss me other places. You know, just to be sure.” Faith didn’t know who this flirty vixen was, but if the way she spoke and teased made Levi look at her like that, she’d continue to do it until she ran out of energy.

  Before she knew it, Levi had his shirt off and had pulled hers over her head. She gasped as he sucked her nipple through her bra, his hands roaming over her body. He pulled away, his eyes doing that magic spark thing she really wanted to see again and again. She wondered what kind of sparks would flash when he came.

  “Take off your bra and play with your tits,” Levi ordered. “I want to see you cup them and roll your nipples. If you’re good, I’ll lick them and suck them until you come.”

  Holy God. He
r quiet, sweet Levi was a fucking dirty talker. Best. Day. Ever.

  She’d deal with the future and what happened once she came later. Right now she just wanted Levi’s rough hands on her.

  Now.

  Instead of doing as she was told, she raised a brow. “I don’t take orders, Levi. I said you could be on top. I didn’t say you could top me.”

  He rolled his eyes, even as he danced his fingers along her arm, sending shivers over her skin. “Like I’d ever be your Dominant. That’s not who we are, Faith. However, since you said I could be on top today, I want to see you play with your tits. Next time, when you’re on top, I’ll fist my cock while you watch. How’s that?”

  Faith almost came on the spot. Instead of answering, she reached back and undid her bra. The lacy cups fell forward, and she pushed them away, not bothering to watch where the bra fell on the floor. Levi’s eyes darkened, and he licked his lips, his eyes on her tits before roaming up to her face.

  “Touch them. Play with them. Show me how hard you like it.”

  “I like it pretty hard, Levi,” she said, slowly circling her nipples with her fingertips. So close, but never quite touching. She didn’t know if she was teasing him or herself, but either way, her panties were freaking drenched. “You think you can make it hard enough for me?”

  Levi quirked a brow, his hand over his dick through his pants. “Hard I can do. Now play with your nipples, or I won’t lick your pussy.”

  Faith squirmed but cupped her breasts fully, pinching her nipples. She sucked in a breath, and Levi groaned. “Like this?”

  “Any way you like it. Show me what you want.”

  She nodded and forced herself to keep her eyes open. Normally, when she played with herself, she closed her eyes and got lost in the moment, but not today. She wanted to watch Levi’s reaction. Just seeing him barely keep that tight rein on his control urged her closer and closer to her peak. She was so close to coming, and she had only played with her nipples. That’s how potent this man was.

  She continued to play with herself, her hips swaying as she pinched and rolled. Before she could go any further, Levi gripped her wrist, his eyes swirling with magic.