The god sighed. “Why are you such an ass?”
Baal shrugged. “You guys are always sticking your noses where they don’t belong. Except when we really need your help, then you’re making up rules as to why you can’t interfere. I should be asking you why you’re such an ass.”
“Children learn from their mistakes. Believe what you will, but it’s not always easy to look the other way when you’re fucking up.” He waved his hand for Baal to get up then brushed past. “You may not believe it, but when Iris came to me for help, I sent her to Hades and told her he had the perfect mate for her daughter.”
Baal stepped beside the god who stared into the bottom of a fountain. “Are you trying to say you knew he would pick me?”
“I did, and for all your disobedience, you are loyal.” He faced Baal. “I am sorry for not saving Beth, but she wasn’t destined to be in your future.”
Baal was at a loss for words. He’d never expected Zarek to apologize for ignoring his plea to help Beth. “It didn’t mean she had to die.”
“She would have never moved on without you.”
“You could have at least saved Beth and erased her memories of me,” Baal growled.
“Then your lesson would have been void. Sometimes, we must hurt, we must bleed and we must sacrifice. Watching the woman you love die was yours. It was what made you into the rebel you are, into one who will bend to no one’s will. You’re a powerful demon who will protect those he loves with his very life. How many times have you sacrificed yourself to save another?”
“I don’t really know.” It wasn’t something he’d considered.
“Far too many to count. It’s not a common trait in a demon. Hell…” Zarek laughed. “Not even I can break a will that strong. Now, what is it I can grant you?”
Baal wasn’t sure what to think of the conversation, but he was here to ask for a favor, and he’d take full advantage of the god’s current good humor. “I would like to grant Ranata a visit with her mother.”
“Holy hell. Now, I never saw that one coming,” Zarek exclaimed. “You realize what’s involved?”
“Yes.” Always a sacrifice, as if he hadn’t given enough already.
“Very well then. It would seem your heart isn’t so cold after all.”
“You’ve done well today, Ranata. Learning more than I’d hoped. Tomorrow, we’ll begin again,” Kalin said as he walked her to the door. “Have a restful evening, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.” Ranata had learned to flash, open portals and even steal magic. She was exhausted and also a bit surprised she hadn’t gotten ill once. Apparently, the bond with Baal had not only made her stronger but dampened her human weakness to magic.
She slipped into her suite and headed for the shower, noting Baal had been missing for some time. Lileta had said he’d gone to take care of some business, and she wondered what he was doing. Pulling off her shirt, she remembered the kiss he’d given her only yesterday and how he’d pulled her into his arms last night.
She slipped her jeans down her thighs and walked the rest of the way to the bathroom in only her underwear.
“What a nice vision to come home to.”
She spun and faced Baal. “I didn’t hear you come in.”
“I didn’t use the door.”
Which meant he’d flashed in. “I’ve gotten pretty good at popping in and out myself.” She couldn’t help but smile with pride.
“I heard. I spoke with Kalin before I came in. He gave me a glowing report.” The demon’s eyes sparkled with mischief or was that desire? She’d forgotten she was standing in her bra and panties.
“I was just going to shower.”
He grinned and arched a brow. “Is that so?”
“Um, yeah.” An idea struck her. “Would you like to come wash my back?” Suddenly, she feared he would reject her.
He responded by pulling his shirt over his head and gifting her with a magnificent view. “I was hoping you’d invite me.” He stepped forward and held out his hand. She accepted, and he led her to the shower.
Reaching in, he flipped on the water, and four shower heads came to life, wetting the black tile. He slipped one strap of her bra off her shoulder then planted a kiss at the nape of her neck. Repeated the process with the other strap then reached around and unhooked the fabric, sliding the bra off he tossed it to the floor.
He traced his fingertips up her back then pulled her to him. “You are a beautiful woman, Ranata,” he whispered then brushed a kiss across her lips. “Are you sure you desire this?”
Christ, if she hadn’t, she sure as hell did now. To say he was gifted at seduction would be an understatement. “I’m sure, but I have a question.” Oh, why the hell was she going down this road?
“I’ll do my best to answer. What’s bothering you?”
She swallowed and prayed this didn’t backfire and make him angry. “When Heremon came to pick me up, you kissed me before I left. That wasn’t just any normal kiss, Baal. Did you feel the need to put on a show for him?”
“You mean like this?” His grip around her waist tightened, and his mouth slanted over hers. She opened, and his tongue swept in, sliding across hers. Dominating. Demanding. Giving no mercy. Not that she wanted any. His erection pressed against her belly and heated every inch of her body.
He slowed. Pulled back slightly, taking her bottom lip between his teeth as he broke away. She found herself holding her breath and grappling for control of her senses. It was a losing battle. She looked up at him. His eyes burned like molten copper.
“Y-yes. Why do you kiss me like that?”
He grinned. “Because I desire to. Doesn’t it please you?”
Dear god in heaven. She would lose herself to him. Heart, body and soul. She was already on the downward spiral.
“Ranata? Have I done something wrong?”
“No, but that’s the problem. You do everything right, and yet, I’m expected to keep my heart out of this relationship.” She had to look away. “I’m not sure I can do that anymore.”
He touched her chin and forced her to look at him. “What are you saying?”
Her pulse sped up from the fear of telling him, but it was best to keep things out in the open. “I’m saying that as hard as I’m trying not to, I’m falling for you. I’m sorry.”
He brushed his thumb across her cheekbone. “Don’t be sorry.” He kissed her forehead. “We are mated, our souls are combined and your feeling’s only natural.”
She laced her arms around his neck and touched her lips to his. She wanted to scream that if the feelings were natural, why did he refuse to return them? Instead, she pleaded, “Just please don’t break my heart.”
“I’d never intentionally hurt you.”
The fire that burned inside her was stoked even hotter. She wanted him. Here. Now. She reached for the button on his jeans. She yanked at it then pulled down the zipper, shoving his pants to the floor. Wrapping her hand around his cock as best she could, she stroked it.
He moaned. “We’re streaming up the bathroom, sugar.”
“Is that a bad thing?” The shower was still running.
“Not in my world.”
“Good. I’m not in the mood to stop what I’m doing because of a little steam.” She rubbed her thumb across the tip.
“Damn, woman. I’ve a mind to bend you over the counter and have my way,” he growled.
She’d just reached the boiling point. “Don’t make threats unless you intend to follow through.”
Before she knew what was happening, he grabbed the waistband of her panties and yanked them away from her body, then moved her backward until her ass hit the cool slab of stone.
“Turn around and place your hands on the counter,” he commanded. His gaze narrow and dark.
She obeyed as heat flooded her sex, and her chest rose with rapid breaths. She swallowed, her mouth like cotton in anticipation of his touch. The feel of his heated hands on her hips caused her to squirm.
; “I need you,” she whispered.
“Do you now?” He slid his palms along her ass cheeks, stopping to give a squeeze. He pushed his knee between her legs. “Spread farther.”
Again, she obeyed, rather liking the bossy side of him and hoping it would prompt him to hurry and scratch her itch. She was fast rewarded with the tip of his cock sliding along her seam before he gripped her hips again and pulled her to him.
She gasped as her nails raked the marble surface. Stretched and filled completely, she wanted to stop time so she could enjoy this one moment just a little longer. However, when he began to slide in and out, she nearly came undone. Looking into the mirror in front of her, she watched his reflection. His eyes were closed, and small fangs peeked out from his upper lip.
God, he was sexy, and he was hers.
He rocked faster. The sound of flesh slapping flesh and their passionate moans echoed in the steam-filled room.
“Come for me.” He reached around and brushed his thumb across her clit.
Every nerve pulled tight then snapped, sending her into an orgasm that weakened her knees. She only remained standing because of his hold on her hips.
He hollered out as he drove into her and arched his back. “Damn.”
After a few moments, he leaned forward, his arms around her waist. Their gazes met in the mirror then something strange happened. Ranata became overwhelmed with emotion but realized it didn’t come from her. There was something in his eyes, and she couldn’t explain it, but it was raw and primal and then it was gone along with the feelings that had bombarded her.
Had something just passed between them?
Chapter Fifteen
Lucan prowled the dark alley and wrinkled his nose at the stench. “Fucking filthy demons.” He kicked an empty whiskey bottle out of his way then stopped to listen.
He heard a grunt up ahead.
Flashing, he was just in time to witness Jax take off a demon’s head with the flick of his clawed hand. The demon’s head landed and rolled, stopping on Lucan’s boot. “Damn it, Jax.” He kicked the object of his disgust out of the way. “These were new boots yesterday.”
The Draki shrugged. “Teach you to wear your Sunday best to a killin’ spree.”
Lucan grunted and walked to where Jax stood. “I need your help. I’ve located Chaval’s sister, but the magic around her is so tight I can’t get through.” Dragons were notorious for their ability to find a weakness in any magic spell.
Jax slapped his hands together and rubbed. “Please tell me we’re going to Hell?”
He shook his head. “You’re as twisted as I am.”
The shifter laughed. “Lead the way.”
Lucan opened a portal then shifted and shot through. Jax, in his dragon form, was hot on his tail. It didn’t take long for them to reach the desired destination since Lucan now knew where he was going. He just hoped that fucking bitch stayed out of his head.
He circled the area where the magic was woven around the prison containing Willow.
Here. Can you see it? He’d slipped into Jax’s mind.
I can. Give me a little time to study it, and I’ll get us in. Jax soared off, and Lucan shifted back.
You’ve come back, and I see you’ve brought back-up this time.
“Son of a bitch,” he swore under his breath. Why couldn’t she leave him alone? He would just ignore her and hope she went away.
I’m not leaving you alone until you free me.
Damn it, woman! I’m not setting your wretched soul loose on the world. Leave me be.
Lucan. You need me. The world needs me. She began to sob. I’ve been alone for so long.
Great. Just what he needed. A mind fuck. Your tears will not work on me. He hated it when a woman cried.
Jax, hurry the fuck up!
Christ, Vampire, settle down. I’ve found a weak spot, but get ready. Shit’s gonna hit the fan.
Bring it.
Anything would be a welcome reprieve to the female in his head. Even being outnumbered by demons. He swung his arm into the air and brought back his favorite sword.
A loud roar permeated the thick air just as the magic around the prison came tumbling down. Jax flew by and dipped a wing. Lucan was happy to have the bronze dragon on his side. Not only was he good at magic, but Jax was a star warrior. One of the best the Draki had, which was good because the thing charging at him was ten feet tall, had one large eye in the center of his head and was uglier than shit.
Shit. Baal hadn’t meant to let his guard down, but he had, and now, all he could do was pretend it didn’t happen. As long as Ranata didn’t bring it up, everything would be fine. He’d shove his feelings for her back into the deep abyss. Back where it was safe.
Easier said than done. He’d grown a damn conscience, and now, the fucking thing was talking to him. He’d ignore that, too.
Pulling Ranata closer to him, he pressed his waking erection against her backside. “I have a surprise for you.”
“You do?” She flipped over, so she faced him. Even better.
“I’ve arranged for you to go to the Temple of the Gods.”
She sat up, concern marring her beautiful face. “Why?”
“Zarek has agreed to allow access to your mother. You’ll have one hour with her.” He played with a strand of her hair, curling it around his finger.
Her jaw dropped. “I don’t understand. How is that possible?”
“When immortals pass, they go to another realm. Usually, there isn’t contact with them once this occurs. However, a powerful god can allow a brief meeting between our world and theirs. They just have to agree to do it.”
“I-I can’t believe this. Why would Zarek do this?”
“Because I asked him.”
Her gaze pinched down, and she stared at him. “Why do I feel like there is more to this than you simply asking for a favor?”
He brushed his fingers up and down her arm. “It was exactly that. You’ll see your mother in a few hours, but as I said, time is limited, so you cannot be late. I’ll drop you off, but Kalin will see you back. It will be good practice for you. Opening portals, that is.”
She lay back again and snuggled into him, but he sensed she still didn’t believe him. “Why is Kalin bringing me back and not you?”
“I have some business to tend to, and I trust Kalin.”
“I guess I’d better take that shower now.” She rolled out of bed.
“I’d offer to wash your back, but I’m afraid I’d only detain you,” Baal laughed, missing the warmth of her next to him. He wanted to stay with her. Have her one more time before he had to endure his week of Zarek’s torture. The thought of being away from her, leaving her without his protection, had him grinding his teeth. That alone was torture. However, he had to trust Zarek and Hades’ promise to keep her safe while he was gone. He understood the penalty he had to pay for his request. It didn’t mean he had to like it, but he would endure his suffering. Which reminded him…
He jumped from the bed and quickly dressed then stuck his head into the bathroom. “Ranata, love. I’ll be back in a few minutes. I need to pay a visit to an old friend.” He flashed before she could reply.
Baal narrowed his eyes on his intended victim, who still lay in bed asleep. He focused and entered the man’s mind then delved through all the darkness. Being a demon, he recognized the stain of evil on the bastard’s gray matter. He flipped through Clive’s memories and replayed the night he’d attacked Ranata. He felt himself shift, his demonic state becoming more apparent as he watched through Clive’s memories as he tore Ranata’s clothes. The man’s intentions clear.
Baal wanted to slice him open and spread his entrails across the room. Except, that would kill him, and Baal had other plans.
Grabbing Clive by the foot, Baal jerked him from the bed. “Wake up, you little shit. Your nightmare is about to begin.” This asshole was going to pay.
Clive opened his eyes and focused on Baal. “What the hell? Who are you, and how
’d you get in?”
“I understand you like to snatch innocent women and sacrifice them. You wanted to summon a demon? Well, motherfucker, you’ve got one.” He flicked his wrist, using magic to lift Clive first to his feet, then dropped him to his knees.
“Fuck, man, I think you broke my kneecaps,” Clive cried out.
“Tsk, tsk. Man up, you little prick. Should have thought a little harder before you touched Ranata or her sister,” Baal growled then grabbed Clive by his collar and brought him to his feet. He threw a punch that landed square on Clive’s jaw. If Baal hadn’t been holding the human by his shirt, he would have knocked the man across the room.
Clive managed a laugh, blood spraying from his mouth. “Those bitches? They both got what was coming to them. What are you anyway? Satan’s lackey?”
Baal wrapped his hand around Clive’s throat and let his claws dig into the man’s skin until blood flowed. Baal wanted to choke the life out of him, but that would be too easy. Instead, he pulled Clive closer. He let his fangs lengthen for effect and watched the piece of shit in his grip squirm. “I am Hades’ right-hand demon, and one of those bitches––as you called them––happens to be my mate. You’re double fucked since the other is her sister whom you’ve handed over to Lowan. I’d like to kill you here and now, but the thought of you spending eternity in Hell sounds more fitting.” He grinned. “After all, you wanted a demon. Now, you can have hundreds.”
He summoned a portal and dragged a kicking Clive inside.
Seconds later, they appeared before Hades, who waited on his throne. Baal hid a smile. The god had brought out his pet serpents and allowed them to slither around. “So, this is the human who caused so much trouble?”
“Yes.” Baal gave a shove, pushing Clive to the floor. “Clive, meet the Lord of the Underworld.”
Clive clawed his way to the throne and pawed at Hades’ leg. “I’m your humble servant.”
Hades laughed. “Yes, you are.” Then he kicked Clive backward. “You are responsible for letting Lowan escape his confinement here by sacrificing a virgin. You also laid an angry hand on a demon’s mate and meant to rape her. You’re not fit to lick my boots.”
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