Paranormally Yours: A Boxed Set

by Alisha Basso

  Seth’s deep voice was laced with venom. “You have been warned. Next time you are both ash.” He spoke low, “Are we clear?”

  “Yes, my Lord,” was the quiet reply.

  Through my blurring vision, I noticed that Seth’s teeth were terribly long. He leaned over and jerked Eden up, while still holding me effortlessly. He grabbed the ring from his finger, practically dragging him as he walked from the room.

  I closed my eyes in defeat. Seth wouldn’t hurt me. I knew my pain was nowhere in his immediate plans. Sure if I didn’t cooperate I was toast, but right now, I was confident that noting would touch me. Rocked by the motion of Seth’s powerful strides, I began to drift while the terrible twins started arguing in the background.

  FIFTEEN

  Awareness seeped in gradually. I opened my eyes slowly, testing their sensitivity. A thin line of soft light was coming through a gap in the curtains. Curtains? I was in a bed enclosed by curtains. I reached out. They felt like suede. The color was dark, blotting the light.

  I rolled over and tried to kick the covers off. My limbs were heavy and lethargic. At least I wasn’t tied up! My head hurt like hell and I felt like I had just spent the last twenty-four hours in a kickboxing class as the heavy bag. I was not surprised to find my body was clothed in another small slip of silk. It was black, shocker, and much shorter than the last one.

  I sat for a moment, gazing at my wrists. I rubbed the skin gently, pondering the reasons behind my freedom. I put my face in my hands. Damn. The reason was obvious. Those little night-stalking pricks never let my friends go. No honor among monsters. I should have known.

  I swept the curtains open and crawled from the bed. I was in a huge room with no windows. The room was elegantly decorated. I glanced around.

  “Who the hell?” I jerked in shock at the woman sitting on a long velvet chase. My hand flew to my chest. “Who are you?” I managed to spit out, despite my utter surprise.

  “I am Arian,” she said, rolling onto her back. “The seer.” She smiled at me, like that explained everything.

  I just blinked at her. I had no idea what the hell a seer was. I looked her over. She looked like a regular human being to me, but then again, so did almost everyone here. Her tan legs were stretched out, spanning the entire length of the chaise. Her bare feet were long, but still managed to look delicate. She had long, black hair and her lips were painted cherry red. In short, she was beautiful.

  I hated her instantly.

  I cleared my throat, embarrassed. I had taken a little long with my assessment. She smiled at me, a look I didn’t quite understand crossing her face, and I stepped back. She rolled off the chaise gracefully. When she stood up, she was at least five inches taller than I was, making her one of the tallest women I’d ever met. She wore it very well. Wow, again with the hate.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked, afraid of the answer.

  “I am your watcher during the day,” she purred. “Well, at least, this, day I am. I volunteered. You see, we do not have many day people here. We tend to be stingy with our trust.” Her accent was very thick; it sounded Russian.

  She stepped closer to me. Her expression held that confusing look. I balked; it was the same one Lucian had given me just after we suited up to meet our doom. Oh God, I thought, is she flirting with me?

  “Why aren’t I tied up?” I asked stupidly. It was a lame subject change, but I needed something.

  “We are not so afraid you will escape. You are unaware of the fate of your friends. That is its own sort of prison, is it not?” She took another step. “However, Seth was not willing to take any chances, so I relieved his mind and offered to watch over you. I promised to be the perfect keeper while our master sleeps,” she said as she sniffed the air. “He will join us soon. Perhaps we could all occupy each other?”

  I blanched. “Uh, I don’t think so.” She neared and I jumped backwards, just out of her reach. “I hate to break this to you, but I don’t swing that way.” I kept backing up. “I really don’t need any company. I prefer solitude.” My nervous smile was all teeth.

  “How silly you are! I am a seer.” She shook her head. “I know what lies in the most guarded of hearts. You desire the thrill, you long for the unknown. Look at me Grace; I know you find me beautiful. Are you not curious?”

  Oh my God! She was the devil in the minds of naive sorority girls!

  “Seth will be so pleased when he wakes.” She smiled at me, as if this were the best news ever. “He will gift us with incredible pleasure, and we shall sate his hunger.” She ran her fingers down her throat and a lusty moan escaped her mouth. “He is a powerful lover…” Her hand slid down her stomach and she rubbed herself intimately. “…With centuries of experience. You will not be disappointed.”

  “Heh, no.” I watched her as she rubbed her hands along her body, “Not in a million years. I don’t want to be insulting, but I’m really not in the habit of indulging in vampire orgies.” She reached for me and I jumped onto the bed. The curtains made my progress slow. “Besides,” I said, as I struggled with the unruly fabric, “becoming just another notch on his headboard isn’t on my to-do list today.”

  Her voice was quizzical. “You do not understand, do you? He has been pursuing you since the moment of my vision, long before you acquired the ring. I am afraid he has waited too long. He grows restless. When you slipped through his fingers only moments before he seduced you, it nearly drove him wild.” She sighed loudly, “I saw him in your arms. Your love was beautiful. The way he looks at you.” She paused and I turned and watched her through the bed curtains.

  “He believes you left his bed for Lucian’s.” She shook her head and laughed, “Men have such one-track minds. It never once occurred to him that you would, no could refuse him. No woman has ever rejected him.” She sighed. “I am afraid for your Lucian; his stay will not be pleasant.”

  I narrowed my eyes, “So, Lucian is here? In this house? What about Ann? Is she okay? Those assholes aren’t screwing with her, are they?” I stepped off the bed.

  “I assume you are speaking of Eden and Ael? They will not harm your friends. I believe they are out of favor with Seth, for cavorting with you, or so I am told.” She raised a delicate brow, “They are most anxious for you to step out of line or become too troublesome. They believe then you will be returned to them. As for your friends, they must be kept healthy. It would do no good to damage them before they could be used as suitable persuasions.”

  This was not good. My head was hurting again, a pounding drum keeping time with my pulse. I sat on the bed, my palm on my forehead. I felt a cool arm wrap around my shoulders. I stiffened as Arian pulled me closer to her side.

  “Do not fear, love, you will be safe. You are the most precious jewel in my master’s possession. If you do as he asks,” she hugged me tighter to her side, “you will be treated well.” She was crowding me, I felt small. “You will do as he asks, will you not?” She sounded concerned, “I would hate to see your lovely friends harmed.” She laid her head on my shoulder.

  This just got better and better.

  My world had been turned upside down. I was sitting on a bed big enough for several lusty couples to roll around on, with a chummy Arian snuggled close to me like I was her favorite teddy bear. I was tired, hungry and sick of being manipulated by the bad guys. I wanted to cry, but I didn’t want my new BFF to comfort me any more than she already was. Then, out of the awkward silence, my stomach growled noisily.

  “You poor dear, you must be starving.” Arian sat up. “I will return in a moment.” She stood then rushed to the door. She seemed to remember something and turned. “I am not locking the door, but keep this in mind; there are many other creatures in this house that will not mind playing with you, should you disturb them. It would be a shame to run into some of them unprepared.” With that grim, yet terrifying statement, she left.

  I sat for a moment, looking at my hands. They were pale. I was probably pale all over. I felt ill. My he
ad ached and the lethargy that was so overwhelming yesterday, although nowhere near as strong was still heavy in my bones. The ring was gone and it was entirely my fault. I wasn’t quick enough. I did exactly what Lucian told me not to do; I played right into their hands.

  Stupid, stupid, stupid!

  I thought about leaving, just sneaking out the door, then running for my life, but I needed to get Ann and Lucian out too. I had no idea where they were and worse still, I had no idea what was waiting outside that door. After seeing that big-ass troll, I didn’t want to find out.

  SIXTEEN

  Sleepy, I curled onto my side, hugging my legs tightly to my chest. I had to think. I needed to plan. I needed clothes. My mind spun in pure confusion

  We were so screwed.

  My eyes were heavy; again, my mind tried to rebel against my better judgment to stay awake. Then fate intervened, and I was suddenly jarred awake by the smell of food. I sat up. Arian was entering the room, followed by an older woman dressed in a smart suit. She looked sort of odd carrying a tray full of food. She looked more like she belonged at an insurance seminar.

  Her salt-and-pepper hair was wrapped in a complicated bun. Her suit was straight from the Jackie O collection. Large pearl buttons took up most of her pink jacket, and her pencil skirt hit just below the knee. She looked like someone’s mother. Then it hit me.

  “Are you Nadia?” I asked the woman. Her looks certainly matched the voice I heard at the beginning of this nightmare.

  She looked up from the tray, beaming, “Why yes, I am, dear. Now how did you know that?” She came closer, placing the tray on the small table next to the bed.

  “Just a lucky guess. I figured you were the voice on the phone.” I noticed how efficient she was. After she set the tray on the table, she began laying out the flatware in, what I presume, was a proper place setting.

  “Well, you are correct, my dear,” she responded, her hands never faltering at her task. “I do manage Mr. McPhee’s business affairs. I am normally at his office, but at the moment, your visit is taking precedence.” She smiled warmly. “I also tend to your bath. Mr. McPhee does not seem to trust anyone else with that service.” Her eyes slid to Arian and I got the hint. Arian was a woman, but she seemed to take pleasure in both genders. I was suddenly very thankful to Nadia.

  “Well, thank you for the food.” Even as a prisoner, I still managed to remember my manners. Well, at least, she seemed normal and nice. I wondered if she knew what brought me here. She could be a potential ally.

  I sat back as she picked up the tray and moved it over to my lap. It smelled wonderful. Thin slices of beef were piled high in the center of a large red platter. It was rare; the pink juices were mingling with what looked like puréed potatoes and baby carrots. I had never had dinner for breakfast before. But at this point I didn’t care. I was ravenous.

  “Thank you, Nadia,” Arian said, “that will be all.”

  Nadia bowed slightly and walked quietly out the door.

  “How is it?” Arian asked after the door was firmly shut again. “I hope you eat meat. We do not feed humans often, which I find regrettable. The smell of beef is always such a pleasure.”

  I rolled my eyes up to glance at her. She was eyeing my plate with longing. “Would you like some? I don’t mind sharing this mountain of food. I could never eat it all.”

  “No, but, I will take pleasure in watching you.”

  She sure took pleasure in a lot, but as long as I wasn’t on that list, I wouldn’t be complaining. She sat at the foot of the bed. Her long legs crossed as she leaned back on one arm. The room seemed to be getting darker and smaller, which was odd, since it had no windows.

  “Seth will be with us shortly,” she reminded me, as if that were necessary. “I wish you would reconsider my proposition. I want to lie with my master again, before he is too taken with you. I fear once he has tasted your sweetness, he will never return to my bed.” She reached out and grabbed a strand of my long hair. Leaning forward, she brought it to her nose. “Perhaps he will make you comply,” she added, looking thoughtful.

  I slowly pulled my hair from her grasp. “I don’t think so. I’m not a blow-up doll to be passed around,” I said in a low tone, “and Seth only thinks he has control over me. Once I touch that ring, I’m going to convince him otherwise.” I glared at her in an effort to make my threat more palpable. She seemed nice at first; well, horny, but nice. Now she was just like the others. This one was not on my side.

  She sat up, “You are strong, but Seth is stronger, and never forget, we have your friends. If you are not nice, I might pay a personal visit to both of them. Do you think your Lucian could resist me?”

  I narrowed my eyes at her. I could only hope so. Arian was beautiful, she had an ethereal grace. If she could make me do a double-take, I could just imagine what she’d do to Lucian. Probably better not to think about that. I smirked as I had a thought. Once I touched that ring, this bitch was toast. Blowing her ass up would serve her right. Come to think of it, maybe I’ll blow Seth up too. He was the ringleader after all, for this ghastly little troop, spawned from hell. I wiped my mouth with the linen napkin. Yeah, I’ll take out the leader. I liked that plan just fine.

  “What are you thinking?” she asked, standing. “I know it cannot be what I hope it is. The shine in your eyes is too dangerous to be sexual.” She seemed to ponder that, adding, “Or perhaps it is…How lovely.”

  I just shook my head, “You’re the seer. You tell me. What am I thinking?”

  “I am a seer, not a mind reader. I have the sight. I can predict the future with a great deal of accuracy. It is not a gift; it is my race. My visions help my master. When I am accurate, he rewards me with a prize of my choosing. I usually choose his body. He is the reason I stay with these creatures. I am a woman who is easily afflicted with boredom. Seth is the only partner who can keep me sated.”

  “Uck, way too much information.” I swallowed the glob of meat, which had turned to sawdust in my mouth. “You mean you have to get a vision before you can predict the future? And if you’re a good little puppy, you get a bone?” I asked incredulous. “Do you always ask for sex?”

  “Yes. I have enough wealth. Sex is the only thing that pleasures me. Occasionally, Seth requests that I take another to my bed. He is a busy man and does not always have the time to cater to my wishes. Especially these many months past, since he has been pursuing you.” Her lip pushed out in a little pout. “I have been in the bed of almost every creature under this roof, with the exception of Thorak. We are not allowed to mate.”

  “Uh, not allowed? You mean you wanted to?” I was dumbfounded.

  “Yes, Grace, Thorak is very well endowed. And he loves the taste of woman flesh. Unfortunately, he sometimes gets carried away, and Seth fears I could be injured.”

  Ugh. I was stuck in a bizarre version of Fright Night meets Debbie Does Dallas. This chick was sick!

  “Why exactly did you tell me all of this?” I asked dreading the answer.

  “I have not been to my master’s bed in months! He has denied me his body for so long, I have stopped requesting it. My sexual pursuits are limited to Chloe and Edmond. Sometimes even Ael and Eden. Do not mistake me, they are fantastic lovers. They enjoy taking pleasure from many partners at one time, which is also my preference, when not with Seth. Like I said, I am easily bored.”

  I shuddered. No way was I hanging out with these people, or whatever they were, for a second longer than I needed to. I was not a prude, but damn! These guys were downright scary.

  “Well,” I finally answered, “you can probably stop worrying. I’m here now. Seth can go make whoopee with you all he wants, and since I’m powerless to escape, you might as well. Besides, it’s not like you’ll stop getting visions, so you can start asking for him again.” I don’t know why I was trying to comfort her; but I did know that I would not be the cause of her getting snubbed by the boss.

  “You will be in his bed!” she shouted and I flinched
back. “Unless you are willing to take me with you, I do not see any end to his absence. In fact, if he gets what he wants, he will leave my bed forever. I fear he will be selfish with his body. I must be invited, by you. Then, he will know it is what you desire and be glad to oblige you. That is why I want you to lie with me now, before he comes. When he joins us, he will know that I can still pleasure him even now that you are here.”

  I saw desperation in her eyes. She clutched the bed sheet in a tight fist. “I will have you. I must. If you deny me, I will be forced to…” Her words were cut off, and she clamped her mouth shut as the door to the room slowly opened.

  We both turned to look.

  Seth was standing there, his hand on the doorknob. He looked exquisite in black slacks and a black silk shirt. It hung open to reveal his powerful chest. His hair looked wet. He had it slicked away from his face as though he had just stepped out of the shower. His lovely feet were bare. He looked relaxed and sexy as hell.

  No wonder Arian was crying the blues. He could make a woman want to roll over and beg. Not me, of course. Other women.

  Arian turned to me, her dark eyes pleading. I looked away. She was asking for the impossible. I would not invite her to bed with Seth and me. She could have saved her breath. I was not going to be keeping Mr. Tall, Dark and Thirsty busy with anything except negotiating my release.

  “Arian, my dear, you have done well. She has eaten?” he said this looking at my plate, still generously piled with meat.

  “Yes, my lord, she has a delicate appetite. She ate little, but enough.” Arian rose to her pretty bare feet. “May I be of assistance to you this evening?” she asked eagerly.

  Seth opened the door more fully and stepped into the room. He placed his hands on her arms and kissed her lightly on the lips. I had the urge to turn my head; maybe I was a prude? He stepped back again and sighed theatrically. “I am sorry, love, but I do not desire your company. I have much to discuss with our guest.”