If he were to be honest with himself, so would he.
Standing naked in a shower with Baal felt surreal. Ranata had dug for her courage and decided to jump in with both feet. After all, if she looked at things logically, this would be the easy part of the tasks handed her. Rescuing her sister and saving a race of fae would be far harder. And in the end, she didn’t want to hate him. It would only make them both bitter, and there had to be a better way. Even she understood eternity was a damn long time.
Besides, she would be stupid to deny she’d been attracted to him from the moment he’d walked into the bar that night looking for his friend. Had fate brought him there? She could certainly do worse for a husband. He was handsome as hell, and watching his cock thicken awakened her own arousal further. It had been a long time since she’d been with a man, and even then, she’d felt slighted. The guy had gotten his rocks off and left her hanging.
Need warmed her sex, and she pushed up on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck. For a moment, fear that he’d reject her caused a lump in her throat, but it was shoved down when he brought his lips to hers. He was gentle at first, with only a peppering of light kisses, but with each one, he lingered a little longer. He swiped his tongue along the seam of her mouth, and she parted her lips until he swept inside. If she’d ever wondered what sin tasted like, she’d just found out. It was a mixture of dark chocolate and cayenne, and it heated her entire body with desire.
With every swipe of his tongue, her clit throbbed and begged for attention. She was almost ashamed of how badly she wanted him. Was this part of their growing bond or simply her body turned on from the lack of male attention? She slid her hand down the front of his chest until she’d made it to his cock where she fisted his length.
He broke the kiss and hissed. “We need to get out of this water.” He reached for the handle and turned off the shower then grabbed a towel from the rack. “Allow me.”
With tender care, he wiped the soft terry down her arms and across her stomach. He then knelt and dried her hips, thighs and calves. When complete, he placed a light kiss on her navel.
“Turn around,” he whispered.
Somehow, she managed to get her shaky legs moving and offered him her backside. Again, he was gentle as he dried her back. When done, he tossed the towel then grabbed a fresh one and scrubbed it across his body in quick motions. Then he stepped into her, his hands rested on her hips as he began to kiss the nape of her neck and worked his way across the back of her shoulders.
She shivered.
“Are you chilled?”
“I… No.” Far from it. Her body was on fire.
He gave a gentle squeeze to her hips and kissed his way down her spine. When he reached her tailbone, a kiss was planted on each cheek then she was suddenly lifted from her feet. She found herself in his strong arms as he carried her across the room and laid her on the bed.
“I smell your desire, Ranata.” He leaned over and kissed between her breasts. “You will tell me if I do something that displeases you?”
She swallowed and wondered if that was even possible? “Of course.”
He smirked. “Good.” Then he latched onto her nipple. The swirling of his tongue over the hardened protrusion had her slipping her fingers into his thick black hair. It was even softer than she’d expected, and she wanted to bury her face in it. He moved to her other breast, and she arched her back into him and dug her fingers into his skull. When he released her, she almost cried out but noticed him smiling at her. Small, sharp points flashed at her.
“You have fangs?”
“They appear when aroused.” He gave a slight shrug of his shoulder. “Or when pissed, but don’t worry. I don’t drink blood.”
“Then why have them?”
“So, I can do this.” He swirled his tongue across her nipple then bit down.
The bundle of nerves between her legs fired and sent a shockwave through her core. “Oh, my…” An orgasm took hold deep inside and carried her away. She would have expected pain from such an act, but this was far from it.
He smiled at her again. “Only the men of my species have them.”
She’d hardly recovered when he licked her other nipple until it became so hard it was on the verge of painful, then he bit. Again, her body was flooded with pleasure beyond belief, and she experienced another orgasm. He released her and licked his way down her stomach, scraping his fangs along the way.
She dug her fingers into the sheets and pulled. A gasp escaped her lips.
“You are beautiful when you come, Ranata.” He spread her legs and peppered kisses along her inner thigh, working his way to her sweet spot. Her heart beat against her chest, and she touched his forehead.
“I’ve never…”
He stopped and looked up at her, his eyes the color of burning embers. “No man has ever pleasured you this way?”
She felt her cheeks flush. “No. The last relationship was a bit one-sided.” Now, she felt like a virgin.
“Then it’s time to rectify that, love.” He pressed his tongue to her cleft and swiped up to her clit.
“Oh, dear god.”
It must have been all the encouragement he needed. He moved his tongue in circles. First slow then fast. Through her folds and then he dipped inside of her. She raised her hips to grind into him, and every nerve in her sex was on fire. Her breath caught in her lungs.
His fingers gripped her hips and held her firm as he pressed a fang into her clit.
Colored lights flashed, and she exploded. Was that her screaming? Impossible since she couldn’t catch her breath. When she started to slip back down from the heavens, he slipped two fingers inside her and sent her skyrocketing again. Every muscle begged for mercy as her body went rigid for the second time, or was it the fourth. She’d lost count. If this was what it was like to be with a real man, she’d been missing out. Big time.
Chapter Ten
Watching Ranata glow from her passion gave Baal more pleasure than anything in his entire life. For a brief moment, he contemplated what it might be like to open his heart and fall in love with his mate. Fear had him shoving the thought away.
He placed one last kiss on the tender flesh between her legs then slid back up her body, positioning his cock at her entrance. “Are you ready, sugar?”
She licked her lips, never breaking eye contact with him. “Yes.”
He slipped the tip in, tossed back his head and hissed. “So fucking hot.” He thrust until he was buried to his balls and shuddered. The woman was on fire, and it pleased him immensely.
Grabbing her hips, he placed his arm under her, lifted for better access then began a slow, steady thrust. With his free hand, he brushed his thumb across her nub.
Her eyes widened. “Oh, god, not again.”
He smiled. “You’ll come until you’ve got nothing left to give.” She’d be left completely and utterly sated, and he would be ingrained in her soul for eternity. He wanted her to remember him. Always.
Rocking his hips, he pushed his entire length until there was nothing left for her to take then used short quick thrusts. She was on the edge again, ready to fall any second, so he stopped.
“No. Don’t stop.”
He wasn’t ready to let her have her way just yet, so he laid her back on the bed then leaned over her. Planting his lips on hers, he pushed at the seam of her mouth, and she opened. Their tongues danced together, and he consumed her, swiping and tasting every inch of her mouth. He kissed her as though he were a dying man, and this would be his last moment on earth.
She tasted like a sweet, succulent peach ready to be plucked. She pushed her fingers through his hair and moaned into his mouth. The bond between them was growing, and soon, there would be no going back. They would belong to each other for eternity. The thought scared the hell out of him. He’d lost the woman he loved long ago and vowed never to give his heart to another. Would he be able to protect Ranata and provide all she needed while keeping his heart intact? Better
yet. Would he be able to let her walk away and choose her own life? One without him?
Damn it. He had to stop thinking and simply act on instinct. He’d been handed a duty, and he was expected to follow through.
Breaking from the kiss, he slipped free from the grip of her womanhood. “On your knees, sugar.” She was quick to roll over and rise to her hands and knees, wiggling her beautiful ass in front of him.
“Damn fine,” he growled and plunged deep, fingertips gripping her hips.
She mewled.
He leaned over her. “There’s still time to change your mind,” he whispered in her ear. Once he spent his seed inside her, the bond would be complete and unbreakable.
She turned her head to glance over her shoulder. “Not changing.” Then she rocked her hips.
“Point taken.” He kissed the base of her neck then sank in his fangs as he thrust in and out of her sex. Reaching under her, he rubbed his thumb across her clit, and she exploded into orgasm. Her hot, wet sheath tightened around him, and he couldn’t hold out a second longer. His muscles contracted, and he filled her with his essence. He retracted his fangs.
* * *
He clung to her, unwilling to let go. She belonged to him now, and he to her. Their lives had been altered forever. A rush of emotion hit him, coming from her as she basked in the afterglow of her many orgasms.
Damn you, Hades. Baal already knew he’d lose his internal battle. How could he not fall in love with the woman to whom he’d just given a piece of his soul? He pulled free and rolled to his side, spooning her in next to him. “The bond is complete. I can hear your thoughts, so careful not to plot my demise,” he chuckled.
“How do I turn them off?”
“Imagine building a wall of bricks. Place one at a time until you have a huge wall.” He saw her mentally stacking blocks until he no longer heard her thoughts. “Good. You’re a fast learner.”
“It worked?”
“Yes, and you’ll get so good at it you’ll be able to build it and tear it down instantaneously. Now, reverse it, and break each brick down.” He did the same so she’d experience his thoughts.
Well done.
“Oh, my god! I can hear you in my head.”
Communicate with me. Simply think what you want to say.
This is so weird.
You’ll get used to it. We can communicate no matter where we are.
You mean…we can be at opposite ends of the country?
Yes, and because a demon’s bond is strong, we can even speak if we’re in different realms. He felt a tinge of sadness that wasn’t his. “What troubles you?”
“It’s nothing. Just not how I thought my wedding day would be.”
“I suspect you wanted the white dress and the whole nine yards?”
“What girl doesn’t?” She turned her head and gave him a quick grin. “So where do we go from here?” She was quick to change the subject, but he knew she was disappointed in her fate, and he wished he could change it for her.
“Tomorrow, we head to the fae realm and see what we can find. Somehow, you need to connect with their doctors so they can try to find a cure.” He rolled away from her and planted his feet on the floor. Already, he missed her warmth as he padded across the carpet to the closet. “I’ll also begin your training. You need to learn how to protect yourself. For now, get some sleep.”
“Where are you going?” her sleepy voice called.
“I have some things to tend to. Don’t worry; I’ll be back before you wake, you’re safe here.” He would never admit he was running. Already, the bond had him wanting to curl up next to her and take her several more times before morning came, but she needed time to adjust to this relationship. They both did. When he finally slipped out the bedroom door, she was fast asleep.
Lucan, where the fuck are you?
Busy. Whatcha need, Seth? Lucan sat atop a hill overlooking a gully. Any moment, he expected a rush of condemned souls to enter, and the demons he wished to question would show up to begin their torture.
We’re having a small gathering at Katie’s. You up to coming?
A portal opened, and a dozen souls shot through. Things were about to heat up. Sorry, bud, I can’t leave right now. You understand how it is.
Sure, I do.
He sensed Seth’s disappointment and felt a twinge of guilt. His brethren were all he had left in the world. I’m on a special mission for the demon, but what’s up, brother? Do you need me? You know I will drop everything and come at once. He owed Seth his life.
No, it’s nothing like that. Katie and I were just going to announce she’s pregnant.
No shit? Congrats, I’m happy for you both. As soon as I get back, we’ll get together. Give her a hug from me.
Will do, and if you need my help with your mission, be sure to call on me. See you later then. Seth broke the link between them.
“Another baby.” He shook his head in disbelief. Marcus and Cassie had been the first to bring the guardians a child and now Seth and Katie. Would miracles never cease? He’d like to think one day he’d be blessed with a son or daughter but often wondered if one as dark as he’d become would ever be given a mate.
Lucan? Why have you been ignoring me?
Listen, she-devil. I’ve got no time for you today. He snapped his mind shut before the female found her way back in again. He had to admit, he was intrigued by her, but what did she want with him? More important, why was she here? Would it hurt to find out?
He went back to looking out over the gully and watched the demons play with their new toys. He searched for one who showed signs of being uncertain. Lucan was the hunter, and the ghouls his prey. He would find the weakest one and pounce, like a wolf taking down a caribou.
He spotted one demon that held back, away from all the others. It was evident this was the one he wanted.
He shifted to a dark mist and let the heated winds carry him to his victim. He hovered slightly above the beast’s head before he wrapped himself around its neck and squeezed.
I’m looking for a girl. Specifically, she would be a fae who is being held captive. What do you know of her?
The beast hissed. “Nothing.”
You lie. You can either tell me or I’ll take it from you.
“I swear I’ve never seen a fae.”
Lucan sensed the demon’s deceit and decided he’d no longer waste his time. He slipped into the demon’s ear and entered its mind. God, he loved his gifts. The inky darkness of the evil swirled around him as he penetrated the demon’s brain. Digging for images, he sought a female who would look different from a demon since he had no idea what Chaval’s sister looked like. He knew she was full fae, so she would be different from her brother who was half-demon.
The beast screeched and twisted its head in pain, but Lucan refused to relent.
Should have told me what I wanted to know.
A fair-haired female came into view. She sat in a dimly lit room, but he could make out pointed ears peeking through her blonde hair.
Bingo.
Ranata opened her eyes, stretched, then suddenly realized where she was. Sitting, she clutched the sheet to her chest and looked around. She was alone. Thinking back, she remembered Baal had left, but didn’t recall him coming back. Was this how things would be between them now, or would they be able to bridge the gap? Her emotions were in turmoil, and she was having a hard time grasping that she wanted him. Not only sexually, but emotionally.
“Damn, it didn’t take long for that bond to kick in.” She threw her legs over the side of the bed and stood. Every muscle rebelled—mostly the ones she hadn’t used in a while. A smile crept across her lips as she played out the details of last night. Baal had promised her pleasure, and boy, had he delivered. In spades.
Grabbing her clothes, she quickly dressed and slipped out the door.
“Hello?” The smell of bacon and coffee started her mouth watering.
“In here,” Baal called out.
She followed
the delicious aroma and found him standing in the kitchen cooking breakfast. The man wore only a pair of sweats, and she had to stop herself from staring at his naked chest.
“Don’t you know the rule about frying bacon?”
He looked up from his pan. “Rule?”
“Yeah, wear a shirt.” Though she had to admit it would be a shame to cover up such perfection.
He chuckled. “Grab some coffee and a seat. Breakfast is about ready.”
She poured herself a cup of coffee and sat at the table. The kitchen was cozy in a small kind of way, yet modern. With stainless-steel appliances and black, tile floor, it certainly didn’t lend itself to what one would consider a home in Hell. Then again, it wasn’t as if she were an expert on the matter either.
“So, you said something about my training?” She grabbed some bacon from the platter he’d set in front of her, and a sudden rush of desire slammed into her. She met his gaze and realized it came from him. Shit. She tried to ignore it, because if she didn’t, they would end up back in bed and fucking like rabbits for days.
“Yes.” He scooped scrambled eggs onto her plate. “You need to learn how to fight. Unless I missed something when Hades…uh, filled me in on your past. You never had any martial arts training?”
She bit the bacon and chewed. “Hades told you about me?”
“Some. He thought it would be helpful in your training if I had a little background.”
Why did she think there was more to it than that? “There was never any need for self-defense while living in the boonies. I can shoot, though.”
He took the chair across from her. “Shooting’s good. One of the benefits of now being immortal and my mate is your increased strength. How do you feel this morning?”
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