by Jo Carlisle
All he had to do was bear down his weight, and the blade would set him free.
Closing his eyes, he took several deep breaths and found his center.
“Forgive me,” he whispered to whoever might listen, then readied himself to apply killing force—
“Luc, no! Stop!”
Jumping back, he sat hard on his ass, hardly aware of the sword falling harmlessly to the ground. He was more stunned by the sight of Kass racing across the clearing toward him. He barely had time to brace himself, arms spread, before she launched herself in a flying tackle, taking him to the ground.
There she straddled his waist and sprawled on top of him, peppering his face with kisses. “You stupid asshole!” More kisses. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Still more kisses. “I’m going to kick your ass.”
The kisses became heated, and he gave in, joy and amazement warring for first place. “How are you here?” he breathed. “Oh gods, Kass.”
“Well, maybe I’ll just check on you lovebirds tomorrow,” Legion’s amused voice said from nearby. “Looks like things are under control here.”
“Tell my brothers I’m okay, would you?”
“So they don’t interrupt? Will do.”
Luc raised a hand in good-bye, but his mouth was otherwise occupied. He gladly let Kass have her way with him, and when she came up for air to tug at his shirt, he drank in the sight of her. “How is this possible? I saw you die.”
“I’ll tell you everything, but for now focus on the fact that I’m alive. I’m right here. Feel me?”
“Shit, do I ever.”
Kass tugged her honey blond hair from its braid and shook it loose to fall around her shoulders. Then she pulled off her shirt and unclasped her bra, letting it slide off. Luc sat up, making sure she stayed on his lap. Cupping her breasts, he thumbed the nipples until he was rewarded with taut peaks and an appreciative moan from his mate.
Lowering his face to the curve of her neck, he inhaled her wonderful scent. She was clean and pure, flowing with rich blood he’d soon taste. He grazed the delicate skin with his fangs, but he resisted the urge to bite.
“I want inside you,” he said. “Off with the rest.”
Standing, she quickly shimmied out of her jeans and panties while he did the same with his sweats. Then she sat again, and he almost went cross-eyed at the delicious friction of his erection rubbing her bottom.
“Make love to me,” she murmured, eyes heavy lidded.
“That’s what I’m doing, baby. Going to love you and never let you go.”
His loins ached; his cock throbbed. He needed her heat surrounding him, clasping him. Gently he urged her to rise up a bit, and placed his cock at her opening. Then he spanned his hands at her waist and brought her down, controlling the slide.
She sank to his base, and he hissed in pleasure. He loved it even more when she made this cute, needy sound in her throat, sort of like a whimper. Being able to wring sounds of need from his lover made him feel about ten feet tall. She was wrapped around him, clinging like a burr, as if she wanted to climb him, to crawl under his skin. And he’d let her.
Together they moved, Luc pumping his hips in slow, strong upward thrusts as Kass sank to meet him. Their rhythm increased some, but not too fast. They made passionate love on the forest floor, steadily rising on a swell to the precipice.
Just before they reached the edge, he tilted her chin up and nuzzled her neck. “Want to bond with you again. Need it.”
“Please,” she entreated. “Do it.”
Pressing his face to her neck, he sank his fangs deep. Rich blood flowed over his tongue, detonating his senses. She cried out with her release, her slick walls pulsing around him as he exploded inside her. The golden bond between them spun out, connecting them again. They were two hearts, beating for each other. He drank, loving her flavor, and withdrew his fangs when finally he’d had enough.
“I’m not letting you go again. Ever,” he rasped, looking into her eyes. “Tell that to whoever thinks they’re going to take you from me, because they’ll be in for a fight they’ll regret.”
She smiled, two fat tears streaking down her cheeks. “That won’t happen. I’m here with you for good. If you’ll have me.”
“What—you mean, you can stay?” His pulse pounded. “How?”
“First I want to tell you how sorry I am for putting you through so much pain.” Her eyes clouded, and she looked away. “I saved you from the werewolf and then from going to Valhalla to serve Odin because I realized you were my mate. But I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to keep you when I’d broken the rules.”
“Odin was upset the day I went with you to see him.”
“More like gravely concerned. He’s fond of me, and he knew I wouldn’t have flouted the rules without a good reason. But by then, I’d already screwed up fate, and a new destiny had to be worked out.” She licked her lips. “Lachesis cut two new threads—one each for you and me. One was short and one longer, and I had to pick who received the short life thread.”
Luc felt his face pale. “You chose the short thread for yourself.”
“Yes.”
“But that would leave me without you, without a reason to live!” He shook his head. “And had you not come back and stopped me, your sacrifice would’ve been for nothing. There’s no way I would’ve lived an eternity without you. Not even a day.”
“I know that now, but I was thinking only of sparing you an untimely death. I learned there’s no way to manipulate destiny.”
“Then you have to return?” he asked, his voice rising in panic.
“No! I was called before the gods, and Zeus heard my story. He chose my punishment for saving you that day.” She took a deep breath. “He decreed I am no longer a Valkyrie, and I’ve lost my powers.”
“Oh no. I’m so sorry.” He caressed her cheek. “Being my mate has caused you nothing but trouble.”
“Not true. Anyway, Zeus ruled that I could come here and stop you from harming yourself, but there was a catch. Once I left my realm, I could never return. So now I’m…human.”
“You’re what?” He stared at her in disbelief.
“I’m human.” She bit her lip. “Are you disappointed? I’m not the warrior you met, with immortality, a big sword, and gods to consort with. I’m just a woman and—”
“Enough. You’re my woman,” he said, kissing her soundly. “I can give you immortality and a big sword, and we do have a god or two living in our world. You’ll never be just a woman to me, Kassandra.”
Throwing herself against him, she hugged him close. He was content to hold her for the longest time, his softened cock still nestled against her. He’d never felt more a part of anyone in his life.
“Kassandra?”
“Hmm?”
“Would you marry me?”
“You mean have a ceremony of joining, like the humans do?”
“That’s right. Would you stand in front of my brothers and friends, and commit to me for as long as we live?”
Pulling back, she beamed at him, excitement lighting her face. “Of course I’ll marry you! Nothing would make me happier. Is that step one of my becoming a proper human?”
“Well, let’s not get too proper,” he drawled, winking at her. “I prefer more naughty over nice any day.”
“Ooh, I like the sound of that. Will you make me like you someday—a vampire?”
“Only if you really want me to. I’ll love you until you’re old and gray. But I have to let you know, the day you leave this world again—for good—I’m going with you.”
“Don’t worry, love. That’s not going to happen.”
“Good. I’m holding you to that.”
“Want to get naughty again, vampire?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
With a grin, he proved it, long into the evening.
Kassandra had never attended a wedding in Luc’s world, and she never would have be
lieved that her first would be her own.
Or that it would be the most wonderful, offbeat event with the most interesting guests she’d ever seen assembled in one place.
Kass stood out of sight, hiding behind the rose trellis until the music started and it was time to march down the aisle. The guests chatted and laughed quietly as they waited, a curious mix of humans and other beings such as shifters, Fae, demons, and more vampires. Some were colorfully dressed as befitted their wilder nature, some were more stylish and classy, some plain and trying to hide. All were friends of the Fontaines, and she was happy that her mate and his family were so well liked.
The music started, and she took Odin’s arm. Despite his protests, she knew he was rather pleased that she’d asked him to give her away. He took her through the gardens and down the aisle—and her breath caught at the sight of her mate, soon to be her husband.
The spring breeze ruffled his blond hair, and his blue eyes were alight with happiness. His tailored gray suit was cut to fit him perfectly, emphasizing his trim, lean build. She couldn’t wait to get him out of his impeccable clothes later, and the hunger on his handsome face said he felt the same about her simple cream dress.
Beside Luc, Aldric and Soren stood with him as his best men. Across from them, her sister Serena and Harley acted as her maid of honor and bridesmaid. Though Luc had invited her other sisters, Kass didn’t feel too awful that they hadn’t come. Aside from helping the Fontaines defeat the werewolves, they’d never been supportive or loving, and Millicent was simply downright mean.
She passed Legion, who was seated in the congregation. Her friend gave her a wink, and she wondered what mischief he was up to. Across the aisle from him, she noted Valafar staring at Legion with a sad, faraway look in his eyes, and she also wondered how they’d ever fix what had gone so terribly wrong between them. Legion had confided the story to her years ago, and it never failed to bring tears to her eyes.
Except today. This was a day to celebrate love and forever. Nothing but joy was allowed into her mind and heart today.
On the platform, Odin handed her to Luc, and her mate took her hand in his.
The priest began the ceremony, which passed quickly, as such things tend to do. When they were finally pronounced husband and wife, the guests laughed and then cheered as Luc planted a kiss on her that threatened to make her burst into flames in front of everyone.
The next hour and a half was a whirlwind of pictures, greeting guests, shoving the traditional wedding cake in each other’s faces, and throwing the garter and the bouquet. She and Luc had planned every single detail to make for the most traditional wedding day possible.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Aldric said with a huge smile. He hugged Kass and then his brother.
Luc grinned. “Thanks, bro.” He yanked Kass into his side. “On that note, I think my new wife and I have overstayed our welcome.”
Lots of well-wishing ensued as Luc called hasty good-byes and pulled her from the garden, eager to get them out of there. When she saw they were following the path around to the front of the house, she tugged on his hand.
“Where are we going? I thought we were staying in our own room.”
Kass had moved into Luc’s suite at the resort, and she loved it there.
“Not tonight. I thought we’d go into the city and stay at one of the fancy hotels there. I made us a reservation.”
“I’d love that!” She enjoyed trying new things, and he loved spoiling her often.
She was a lucky woman.
Out front, she practically squealed to see a black stretch limo waiting. Riding in style was another aspect of her new life she was rapidly coming to love. Transporting had been handy, but it was nothing like the intimacy of riding in the back of the plush car with her mate, sitting close, holding his hand, kissing him, being able to drink him in. There was something to be said for slowing down and taking one’s time on the way to a destination.
Luc popped a bottle of champagne and poured them each a flute. “Here’s to a bright, happy future together. And to the end of our evening being not nearly as vanilla as the beginning of it.”
“I’ll second that!”
They sipped all the way to the hotel, and Kass was flying high when they arrived, but not nearly as high as she soon would, as it turned out.
Luc checked them in at the front desk and retrieved their key card. Then they went upstairs with just the clothing on their backs—which wasn’t destined to remain there for very long. Inside their spacious suite, Kass explored the sitting room.
“It’s gorgeous!”
“I thought you might like this. It’s one of the oldest, grandest hotels in New Orleans. Five star all the way.”
“I feel much too overdressed for this place. It calls out for nakedness, as soon as possible.”
“I agree,” he said flirtatiously. “Let’s see who can strip the fastest.”
It was a draw. In record time, they were naked and entwined, her mate’s hot cock pushing into her belly. He was so eager, and she loved that about him. He always wanted her, and the feeling was mutual.
“I love you, Kass.”
“I love you, too, my vampire.”
He smiled. “I’m glad we agreed that we only play with others together.”
“It might be selfish, but that makes me happy.”
“It’s not selfish; it’s just what happens when couples commit. There’s no harm in playing as long as everyone’s on the same page.”
“And what page are we on tonight? The naughty page?” she asked, rubbing his front like a cat in heat.
“We’d better be, or I’m going to explode.”
She practically shivered in anticipation as Luc led her into the bedroom. A king-sized four-poster dominated the room. And in the center of that bed was sprawled a very sexy, naked demon, his lithe form gleaming and his hard cock resting against his thigh.
“What took you both so long?” Legion complained. “I beat you here by half an hour.”
“Bitch, bitch.” Stalking to the bed, Luc jumped on it, bouncing them both. “Why don’t we give your mouth something more productive to do? What do you say, Kass?”
“Sounds like a plan to me.” Yum. “Are you going to fuck our demon’s ass, honey?”
“Whoa, time-out. Nobody takes my ass,” their friend said. “I do the pitching.”
“How about we tie up this woman and teach her a lesson, then?” Luc waggled his brows.
“Now you’re talking.” Legion made room for her in the middle. “On your back, slave.”
“Oh, I’m the slave now, am I? Fine. Do your worst.”
“You mean best,” Luc told her.
Kass stretched out on her back and waited to see what they’d do next. Luc had obviously had some help getting the room prepared. He went to the dresser, opened a drawer, and pulled out two sets of padded cuffs on lengths of chain. Handing one set to the demon, he took each of her ankles, spreading them and fastening them to the posts. Legion did the same with her wrists, and she found herself totally exposed to their lust, helpless to stop whatever they wanted to do.
Both males sat on the bottom half of the bed, gazing at her bound body. Her sex warmed, and the slow burn of arousal flickered to life and caught. Luc reached out and rubbed her clit lightly, a glance he shared with Legion, confirming they were loving the show.
“Isn’t she pretty?” Luc praised.
“You’re a lucky bastard, vampire. Let me see you suck and eat her pussy.” His voice was slightly breathless.
Luc hummed in appreciation and positioned himself between her thighs. Angling himself so that Legion could see, he gave her slit a long, slow lick. Then another. He sucked her clit, making naughty noises, and her desire spiked to another level. Her body began that wonderful buzz that worked through her every cell as her brain began to fall into the erotic spell they wove.
“Beautiful,” Legion whispered, his raven wings rustling in excitement. “May I join you?”
“Yeah, have a taste with me.”
Kass’s heart leaped. Two gorgeous males eating her pussy at the same time? Gods, they were trying to kill her. Her bottom was lifted, a pillow shoved underneath to give them better access. Legion crawled between her legs with Luc, and the two of them bent, putting their heads together. One dark, one light, both were wicked and ravenous.
Two slick tongues swirled her sensitive flesh and she moaned, spreading herself as wide as possible. Together they licked and sucked, eating her. It was positively decadent, having two mouths feast on her pussy, so much that she almost came. Whimpering, she bucked, needing to finish.
“Not yet, my love,” Luc said. “You’ll have to wait a bit longer.”
“I want to straddle her face and stuff my cock down her throat while you fuck her.”
Luc played with one of her nipples, pinching it. “What do you think, honey? Do you want two cocks filling you?”
“Yes, please,” she begged. “Give me two cocks. I need them.”
Legion straddled her face, his back to the headboard so Luc could see. Slowly he fed her his rod while Luc continued to finger her clit, keeping her terribly on edge. They controlled her body, and she loved it. The thick cock slid further down her throat, so large it almost restricted her airway. That in itself was so damned erotic, she could hardly stand not being able to come.
“Now for the second one.”
Luc’s cock probed between the folds of her sex and began to push inside. In and out, matching the pace of Legion’s in her throat. Two rods fucking her, making her theirs, her body strained with the need for release, but she didn’t want to disappoint them by losing control too soon. This was their scene, and she wanted to please them, and herself in turn.
Legion slammed into her throat, and she swallowed him eagerly with each thrust that was more forceful than the last. She hollowed her cheeks to increase the suction, feeling every ridge and vein. Luc quickened his pace as well, and soon they were both fucking her hard and fast. Her body strained in the cuffs, pushed to the limit. She was on fire, burning, burning.