by Jo Carlisle
In that instant he knew she cared about him, despite how she tried to hide it. Maybe, hopefully, she more than merely cared.
“Then we should go, so you don’t get put on the god’s naughty list.” At her pained expression, he smiled. “Oh. Too late, huh? Well, we’ll brave him together.”
“Luc…” She bit her lip, looking suddenly younger and more vulnerable. “No one has ever offered to take on a god for me.”
That shocked him, and he couldn’t keep from gaping at her. “Nobody?”
“Not even Taryn, as fond as I am of him,” she said, with a touch of sadness. “And not my sisters, either. I’ve always been on my own when it comes to the tough, personal stuff.”
Kass looked into his eyes, uncertain. Afraid. And he realized that for all her hard shell, her penchant for domination, she was a woman. Soft and hurting inside, she was in need of a champion. A protector. She’d never had that, and it was time for a change.
“I want to be there for you,” he said, kissing her lightly on the lips. He tucked a lock of dark blond hair behind her ear. “Let me? Please?”
Her lashes fluttered, and he leaned in to capture her mouth, twining their tongues together. Her scent and her taste were a feast for his senses, and they wrapped him in an exotic blanket. She rubbed her body against his, and his beach towel finally loosened and gave up, falling from his hips to pool on the floor. His cock came to life, plumping to brush against her abdomen, insistent.
“I’m not a slave, Kassandra,” he whispered into her mouth, burying his fingers in her hair. “I’m a man, and you’re mine, every bit as much as I’m yours.”
“Gods, Luc…” She returned his kiss with fervor, clinging to his shoulders.
“Let me show you.”
The want in her eyes, and the new light there, was her answer. Pulling her T-shirt from the waistband of her jeans, he eased it over her head and tossed it to the floor. Then he reached around her and unclasped the lacy peach-colored bra, letting it slip off to join her shirt. When she reached to unbutton her jeans, he pushed her hands away and did it himself, then slid them down along with her panties.
She kicked the denim aside and stood gloriously naked, waiting his direction. He loved the change between them, this sweet side of her. Not that he wasn’t electrified by her naughty side, of course, but this was more. It felt big, and right.
He took her hand and led her to the bed. Drew her down beside him and laid her gently on her back. Sprawling over her body, he bent and sucked a nipple into his mouth, and it peaked fast into a taut nub. She made a greedy sound in her throat and cupped the back of his head, holding him close.
He loved on one breast, then the other, sucking and kneading them. Moving south, he continued to worship her body. Trailed kisses and caresses over her rib cage and belly, inside her hip bones. Then he spread her legs and paid the same attention to her inner thighs, so very near her sex. Simply adoring her and covertly watching her bask in the touches.
Next he bent and laved her slit, tongued between the folds, getting her nice and wet for him. He paid special attention to the sensitive clit as well, teasing it until she writhed underneath him.
Unlike the other times, there were no words. Luc focused on saying with his body what seemed inadequate when expressed aloud. He didn’t want to break the spell being woven between them, the connection that had started to form and that was getting stronger with each day, with every moment.
Moving up, he covered her with his body and eased the tip of his cock to nudge inside her. Then, keeping their gazes locked, he grasped both of her wrists and crossed them, then placed them over her head, pinning them with one hand. Exerting gentle dominance as he slid into her, to the hilt.
Their breaths mingled as he began to thrust, slowly at first. He allowed the pleasure to build, to ease naturally into a wonderful, spine-tingling crescendo. Gradually he increased the force of his thrusts, pumping faster, deeper. Kass made a sound, a whimper of both need and rising arousal, signaling her impending orgasm as she rose to meet him.
This is it, he realized. This is what I’ve waited for my entire life.
Their connection as he pumped inside her was nothing less than sublime. A miracle. He sensed she felt it too, even if she wasn’t quite certain what it meant.
But I know. She’s mine!
Sweat rolled down his temple. He was pounding into her now, still holding tight to her wrists. Gazing into her eyes, he hoped she could read every emotion he couldn’t yet vocalize. Then the familiar buzz started in his groin, and his balls tightened.
The time is right. Do it!
Luc nuzzled her neck—and she raised her chin in silent permission. Heart singing with joy, he struck, sinking his fangs deep.
Her blood flowed over his tongue, and his orgasm exploded, followed quickly by hers. She gave a hoarse shout, wrapped her long legs around his waist, and held on, riding the huge waves they’d created together. Luc felt the bond snap into place, the thread tying him to his mate, and he gasped, raising his head.
Gods, so good.
But eventually, their release had to end, though not the postorgasmic bliss. This seemed to be a day for revelations, and he had one more coming.
More than three hundred years on earth, and this was the first moment he truly understood that sex and intimacy were two entirely different things.
Just now, he and Kass hadn’t fucked.
They’d made love.
He had a mate he was falling hard for, and he wasn’t sure how to tell her—or how she’d feel about it. But for today, he’d enjoy the knowledge.
Tomorrow, there would be plenty of time to face their future.
8
After a fun shower with lots of sudsing and groping, Kass finally had to face the music.
She couldn’t put off seeing Odin any longer. Nor could she persuade Luc to remain behind. She’d tried once more to convince him but couldn’t continue to protest without making him suspicious.
After drying off, she padded into the bedroom, aware of him following. Glancing over her shoulder, she caught him checking out her naked ass, and she grinned despite her nervousness. The man was the perfect lover—handsome, insatiable, and kind. He was a good man who matched her like no other. Losing him would kill her.
As she slid into a pair of clean panties and reached for a bra, her hands trembled. She didn’t want Luc anywhere near Odin. Her vampire was the reason for this meeting, and he could very easily learn the truth of why she’d rescued him and brought him here. He’d be angry, she knew. Maybe even angry enough to leave and not look back, and who’d protect him then?
Was there any way to protect him from Odin? From the Fates themselves?
“You’re shivering,” he whispered near her ear, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
“It’s a little chilly in here. Someone should turn up the heat.”
“I’ve got what you need to get warm.”
“Is sex all you think about?” she teased, turning in his arms.
“Hey, take out the fangs and I’m just a guy.” His eyes danced with humor. “Is there something else important I need to know about?”
“You.” Playfully, she smacked him in the chest and moved past him to the walk-in closet. Inside, she put on her bra. “Since you insist on going with me, you’d better go get dressed. Odin runs a strict palace, and he wouldn’t like having any of his soldiers or staff distracted by prime, naked flesh.”
“I’m prime?” He made a show of admiring himself in the mirror. “Yeah, when you’ve got it…”
Snorting, she rolled her eyes and began rifling through her clothes. Males were all the same, no matter their species. Trying to squash her worry about the upcoming meeting, she selected a pair of plain black trousers, her boots, and a loose-fitting white blouse. When she emerged, Luc was gone, presumably to get dressed.
She finished before he returned and allowed herself a few minutes to quietly panic. Luc had been slated to die, and she
’d fucked that up. For the first time, she let in the absolute knowledge—not just the possibility—that she would be punished for this. When or how, perhaps Odin would reveal. But her own death didn’t bother her, compared to the rest.
Luc could still end up paying with his life, too.
She couldn’t let that happen. At the same time, she didn’t know how to stop any of it. Round and round her brain chased the fears, and she hadn’t realized Luc had come back into the room until he was standing in front of her. She studied him, taking in his clothing, similar to hers: black pants and boots, but a blue shirt instead of white.
“You look handsome,” she observed.
“I was thinking it might be too casual for a meeting with a god, but I guess I did okay.” He gestured to her outfit.
“Odin cares only about his soldiers. He doesn’t favor pomp and putting on airs like many of the other gods.”
“Good to know. You ready, then?”
“As I’ll ever be.” She gave him a smile she hoped wasn’t as nervous as she felt, and stood, taking his hand. “Does teleporting make you sick? You were in bad shape when I brought you here, too injured to react to the travel. And you were passed out when Legion and I brought you upstairs after our session.”
“I’ve done it a few times, and it doesn’t bother me too much as long as I close my eyes.”
“Good. No time like the present.” She waited until he squeezed his eyes shut, and then let her power loose.
Wind swirled and they became weightless. Concentrating on their destination, she kept a tight grip on his hand, and firm ground was under their feet again in mere seconds. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine.”
Deciding he appeared no worse for the wear, she let go of him and nodded to indicate their surroundings. They were standing in a cavernous foyer not unlike her own. But whereas the estate she shared with her sisters was ornate, Odin’s palace reflected his minimalist personality. It was grand, yes, but functional. The god would rather poke his eyes out with a flaming stick than fuss over art, vases, flowers, and furniture.
Kass rather preferred it to her own place and thought how it would be nice to one day live somewhere she could make a home—somewhere away from her sisters, her job, the gods, and their politics. A pipe dream, really.
“Kassandra?”
She turned to see Odin’s cute young assistant hurrying toward them, looking like someone had drowned his kitten. “Benji, it’s good to see you again.”
“You, too, Kass. I just wish—” He halted, eyes widening as he noticed Luc standing next to her. “Oh, hi. Um, wow.”
“Pretty, isn’t he?” She turned to Luc. “Benji has a thing for blonds and vampires. You just made his week.”
“Really?” Luc smiled. “That’s me, spreading cheer wherever I go.”
Benji blushed at the vampire’s teasing, seeming momentarily at a loss. Then he sucked in a deep breath and, completely serious, addressed Kass. “Are you crazy, bringing him here? Odin’s going to shit banshees! Especially after his meeting with the Fates.”
That announcement made her blood run cold.
“He had an audience?”
Benji nodded, mouth pressed into a grim line. “He just got home and immediately sent for you. He’s in his office, and I have to say, it’s been a while since I’ve seen him this upset.”
They both understood the significance of this news. The Fates rarely admitted visitors—and Odin typically avoided the trio—which meant that something big was in the works. And it obviously involved Kass.
“Wait a sec,” Luc interjected. He glanced between them in confusion. “Odin’s going to be pissed I’m here, why? He doesn’t even know me.”
Benji’s brows shot up, and he sent her a look that said, He doesn’t know? Shaking her head slightly, she was relieved when he got the message.
“Never mind me,” Benji said lightly, smiling at Luc. “Odin’s a grump who doesn’t take to outsiders very quickly. He might have you wait outside while he meets with Kass. This way?”
Luc frowned but didn’t pursue the matter, for which she was grateful. But she knew the second they were alone he was going to have questions. She hoped not to have to lie to him more than she already had—by omission, but still.
The auburn-haired assistant led them away from the foyer down the right-hand wing, toward a large door on the left, close to the end. Kass knew the way by heart, and she understood Benji was only escorting them because of Luc. The assistant didn’t dare let her bring the vampire in without being announced.
The god didn’t take well to surprises.
Benji knocked and then stepped inside. “My lord, Kassandra is here…and she’s brought Luc Fontaine with her.”
“Really? Tickle me fucking pink.” She could almost see him scowling. “Well, send them in, gods-dammit!”
The assistant jumped at his master’s shout and opened the door wide, ushering in the visitors. “Here they are, my lord.”
“You can go, Benji.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Kass stood her ground under the god’s inspection, not daring to show how truly frightened she was becoming. She was grateful for Luc at her side, despite what he might learn.
Odin was a big, imposing man. Long, silver hair fell past his broad shoulders and framed a face of a man in his late thirties—and a stunning face at that. If he wasn’t seated behind his desk, he’d stand around six-seven, and when angry, he was scary enough to make the toughest soldier shit his pants like a toddler.
Steely gray eyes set off by dark brows bored deeply into her now, as if he were taking a peek into her soul. He was leaning back in his chair, his limbs deceptively loose as he tapped a pencil’s eraser end on the desktop. When he finally spoke, his voice was like the roll of distant thunder, promising dark and treacherous territory ahead.
“I visited the Fates and received counsel. Do you have any idea what you’ve done? What your actions have caused?”
“I thought so. But now I’m not sure,” she admitted, casting an uneasy glance at Luc. Her vampire looked tense, ready to spring if the god made one hostile move toward her.
“Oh, the trouble you’ve wrought is all upon yourself, have no doubt.” Sitting up straighter, he pinned Luc with his gaze. “You will wait in the sitting room across the hallway while I finish speaking to your wayward Valkyrie.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I’m not asking, young vampire,” he said in a deceptively pleasant tone. “Go now, before you learn more than you ever wanted to know about the gods. I’ve not harmed Kassandra in all these centuries, and she’s safe with me now.”
She knew what Odin meant—if Luc didn’t leave, he’d tell the vampire everything. And she wasn’t ready to face that yet. Turning to him, she grabbed his hand. “Just wait for me, okay? I’m going to endure a good chewing out by my boss, and then we’ll go home. It’ll be fine, I promise.”
Luc wasn’t looking at her. His eyes never left the god’s, nor did he give an inch. He only gave in for her sake, and only with the greatest of reluctance. “All right. But I’ll be across the hall if you need me to kick his ass.”
After one withering glare at Odin, he left, shutting the door behind him with more force than necessary. She waited a few seconds before tackling the issue at hand.
“I know you’re furious with me.”
“Anger doesn’t cover what I’m feeling, Kass.” He sighed, wiping a palm down his face. Suddenly, with the fierceness gone, he looked exhausted. “You seriously fucked up.”
“That’s the way you see it, but I don’t know what else I was supposed to do.”
His balled-up fist pounded the desk. “You should have let the werewolf tear him limb from limb! Then you were supposed to bring the vampire to Valhalla to serve me as the Fates decreed! If you had, none of this—”
“He’s my mate,” she told him softly.
The god stared at her for a long moment, before lowering his hea
d into his hands. “Son of a gods-damned, cock-sucking bitch.”
Yeah, that about covered it.
“I couldn’t let the werewolf kill my mate. I’ve waited for so long for someone to love, and then to find him like that…” She gave a bitter laugh, heartsick at the memory of what happened to him. “I couldn’t lose him.”
“You said love,” he said thoughtfully. “Do you love him?”
Gods. She closed her eyes for a few seconds, recalling their lovemaking. Until then, she couldn’t have said. But now?
“I’m falling for him, and I believe he feels the same about me.” Opening her eyes again, she tried to calm her pounding heart. “So tell me, what did the Fates say? I admit that I messed up, but now you know why. Does he still have to die? Please, I’ll do anything,” she began, her voice breaking.
“The thing is, someone has to pay a price for the act you’ve committed,” he said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle, which scared her more than anything. “Clotho spun two more life threads, and Lachesis cut them. One short and one long, to represent both you and Luc.”
The blood left her face. “B-but which one of us got the short thread?”
Odin stood, then came around the desk. His expression filled with regret, he clasped her shoulders to steady her. “The Fates have decreed it is for you to choose.”
Horror swept through her, and dizziness swamped her brain. She would’ve fallen had the god not guided her into a chair. He knelt, rubbing her hands, and the gravity of the situation began to sink in.
“Me?” The question sounded in her own ears, as if from far away.
“Yes. I’m sorry.”
“There is no choice,” she whispered, her throat clogging with grief and misery. “I won’t let anything happen to him. Not now, not ever.”
Odin gave her a sad smile. “I never believed you would choose differently, my stubborn warrior.”
“When—” She choked on the words, and had to start over. “When my time comes, where will I go? To Hades?”
“You know I’d never allow that. You’ll come here, to serve as one of my soldiers.”