“Your reluctance has become tiresome.” His statement shocked her back to reality. “If you aren’t prepared to service me…” He raised an eyebrow. She shook her head. “Then return to the vampire until I call for you.”
****
Christoff turned towards the gasp and did a double-take. A hooded figure lay sprawled on the sand covered in only a black cloak. The bare legs of a woman gave him hope.
“Evangeline?”
The woman lifted her head and removed the cowl from her face. Her eyes glistened with tears as he lifted her to her feet. “Oh, Chris. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
Sending a silent prayer of thanks out to the universe, he hugged her close to his body and planted kisses on the top of her head. “And I, you, my precious. Where have you been?”
“I have no idea.” Her tears dampened the silk of his shirt. “But there’s something else I need to tell you.”
“Do not fear my wrath.” He lifted her chin with his finger. “I admit that seeing you with another man sent me into a rage, but I know now that he manipulated the situation. I know that you were not intentionally unfaithful to me. The demon failed in his attempt to turn me against you.”
“I wasn’t even unintentionally unfaithful.” She corrected. “He stripped off his clothes as he caught me running away. What you saw was him catching me. Nothing happened.”
She pulled the edges of the cloak together as her body shivered in the cold night air.
“You’re cold?”
As she nodded her head, he scooped her into his arms and teleported into the cottage.
“I didn’t know you could do that.”
“There are many things you still don’t know about me.” Some, he hoped she would never learn. Others, he longed to teach her. Sensual things. For the moment, he’d have to be patient. “I’ll run a hot bath for you.”
“We need to talk.” She called to him from the bedroom. “There’s something you should know.”
A ball coiled in his belly. Part of him didn’t want to know. The other, needed to know. Had she lied about fornicating with the demon? He strolled back into the room, trying to keep his emotions in check. “Did the demon seduce you? Wait. Did he –”
Her quick and violent reaction was all he needed to hear. “No. I wouldn’t let him touch me.”
“Then enjoy your bath and we will discuss the matter later.”
He kissed her forehead and left the room. She’d be hungry and exhausted from her abduction. If he’d learned anything about Evangeline, it was her insatiable appetite. A pizza and bottle of merlot would lift her spirits. Whatever she had to tell him could wait.
****
Entering the bathroom felt like stepping into a romantic novel. The deep, freestanding tub needed a step to climb into. Scented candles bathed the room in a soft, warm light and cast beautiful reflections on the mirrored backsplash behind the tub. However, even the hot water and luxurious, thick bubbles of fragrant perfume could not relax the knots in her shoulders. The demon’s blood bubbled inside her veins. Scorched her skin. Played tricks with her mind. He spoke to her constantly … or was it her own voice urging her to do unspeakable things?
Crockery rattled in the kitchen. The aroma of stone fired pizza drifted into the bathroom making her mouth water and her tummy rumble, but she had an appetite for something else. Sex, and lots of it.
“Come and get it.”
His double-entendre sent a shiver down her spine and a rush of blood to her erogenous zones. As she stepped out of the bath, she questioned her heightened desires. After all the demon had said. After everything she’d been through. Surely sex would be the last thing she craved? Despite her doubts, she couldn’t deny her body’s almost painful arousal. When he suddenly appeared at the bathroom door, she gave in to her desires.
“Are you ready for dinner?” His eyes widened as his gaze drifted over her naked body. He let out a deep breath as she moved closer.
“I’m ready for something.” He wanted her. She could see his arousal throbbing against the zipper of his trousers. Why then, did he reach out to hold her at arms’ length? “Don’t you want to make love to me?”
“Always.” He murmured as she traced her fingers across his jawline. “Always and forever.”
“Then take me. Here. Now.”
He closed his eyes for a moment then re-opened them. “Are you sure you want to do this? You’ve been through an ordeal and may still be in shock. I’d be less of a man if I took advantage.”
A ball of anger coiled in her belly. Heat scorched her skin. Did he want her or not? She offered him pleasure. Would he prefer pain? One way or another, she would quench her thirst. If he knows what’s good for him, he’d better decide quickly.
“If you don’t want me, don’t make excuses.” She turned her back to him and watched his reaction in the mirrored backsplash.
He looked confused, tormented, conflicted. One last push and he’d comply.
“If you really cared for me, you’d show me.” She hid her grin inside. “I need you.”
Wrapping his arms around her, he whispered into her ear. “Tell me what you want. Let me prove my love.”
Snap.
“Take off your clothes.”
To her surprise, he removed them with a wave of his hand.
“Interesting.” Is that something I could learn to do? “What else can you do?”
His fingers traced her skin, from her shoulders down to her hands. As he wove his fingers through hers, he smiled. “What would you like me to do?”
“Lots of naughty, wicked things.”
When he tugged on her hand, drawing her to the bedroom, she shook her head. “If we’re going to do dirty things, we should start in the bathroom.”
He raised an eyebrow. “You want me to join you in the tub?”
“Not yet.” She bit her bottom lip and turned to face the mirrored wall.
“Perhaps you should instruct me. Tell me what you want me to do.”
She smiled up at his reflection. His dilated pupils told her everything she wanted to know. Let the games begin.
“I love this tub, Christoff. The perfect height for a bath.” She bent at the waist, pressing her sex against his throbbing erection. “Don’t you just love sinking in deep? Feeling the rush of heat on your skin. Wrapped in a cocoon of damp, hot, pleasure.”
“Yes.” He groaned, as he entered her with a thrust of his hips. “Deep is very good.”
Supporting her weight with her elbows, she leaned on the edge of the bath. “Do you know what else is nice?”
The rhythm of his thrusts sped up as he succumbed to her game. His heart pounded against her back while his lips caressed her neck. “Tell me, min dyrebare, tell me.”
“The weight of my boobs in your palms. Your fingers squeezing and pinching my nipples into hard peaks.”
He followed her instructions to the letter, but it was not enough. She wanted more. Needed more.
“Harder.” She wailed, as the pressure increased. “I need to feel every inch of you driving into me.”
His hips slammed against her buttocks with ever increasing speed. Their skin slapped together as if applauding their actions. Drops of perspiration fell from his forehead, hitting her back with a sizzle. So hot. When he released her breasts, digging his fingers into her hips, holding her tight as he drove into her, she raised her head and stared into the mirrored back-splash.
Hooded, purple eyes stared back at her from a flushed face. Dark, damp curls stuck to her cheeks and plump lips parted with a groan. With each thrust of their hips, her breasts swung like beautiful, over-ripe fruit, dripping from a sprinkling of summer rain. She’d seen her reflection many times, but never had she appreciated the perfection of a female body. The soft curves. The smooth skin. The sensual allure. Cupping her breasts, she delighted in the sensation of her own hands fondling the heavy orbs. More. Need more.
The reflection looked on as her right hand dropped between her le
gs and stroked her swollen clit. It smiled its appreciation as she pleasured both herself and Christoff simultaneously. They came together in a rush of adrenaline and heat that shook the room. Literally.
“It must be an earthquake.” Christoff suggested as he dragged her down with him, using the doorframe for protection.
Evangeline knew better. Curled up on his lap, she watched, mesmerized, as the mirror expanded and contracted, finally exploding. Shards of glass flew in all directions but the sting from the slivers of broken mirror did not compare to the pounding pain in her head. Zigzag lines blurred her vision and the familiar aura of flashing colors warned her of an impending migraine. She held her palms to her temples as the blinding pain became too much to bear. The ground beneath them shook. Floor tiles cracked as the concrete beneath it shifted. Strong arms curled around her, holding her, protecting her as the foundations of the house twisted and groaned. Would he hold her so affectionately if he knew that, somehow, she was causing the quakes? If this was the apocalypse that Christoff had mentioned? Would she be responsible for ending the world?
Chapter Eight
Christoff leaned back against the grandiose living room wall, crossed his arms over his chest and fumed. “I still think this is a bad idea.”
“What choice do we have.” His host, David reminded him. “The cottage is in dire need of repair. It isn’t safe.”
“I have to agree with Christoff,” the pretty blonde woman reminded her husband. “Tell him what you told me, Anna.”
Aware that his presence caused unease, Christoff uncrossed his arms and found a vacant chair beside Susie. Her warm smile reminded him that he had at least one ally in the group. As for the other five … only time would tell. David and his wife, Meaghan, were at odds. He wanted to keep Evangeline close at all times, so they could monitor her movements, while his wife was reluctant. As for David’s brother, Derrick, he sided with his own wife, Anna, who warned them of disaster. The family’s resident witch was none too happy about having someone as powerful as Evangeline in their home.
“Look, Christoff, surely you can understand our concerns. The last time we dealt with a demon, we nearly lost Meaghan and Terry.” Pointing to Susie, she added. “What if that thing attacks Susie and her baby?”
“That thing has a name. I’d thank you to remember that.” He leaned forward in his chair as the blood bubbled in his veins. “Do you really believe that I would risk her or the baby? I’d give my life for them.”
Susie placed her hand on his as she whispered. “Calm down, big guy. No one doubts your loyalty.”
Anna frowned. “You know very well I was referring to the demon, not the woman, Christoff. I feel for her. Truly I do. But I sense an evil presence in the house.”
Christoff jumped to his feet. “She. Is. Not. Evil.” As he leaned towards her, Derrick stepped between them.
“Must I remind you that you are a guest in this house.” He turned to his brother for support. “Is this really what you want?”
“Brothers.” David pushed the posturing men apart. “Let’s discuss this like civilized people.”
“He is not my brother.” Christoff growled under his breath. “I have no brothers.”
“You’re wrong.” His host maneuvered him back to his seat. “Everyone here shares a connection. We are family. Joined by a blood bond that cannot be broken.”
There was a truth to David’s words that Christoff could not deny. They did, indeed, share a bond much stronger than a regular family. The blood that ran in their veins carried with it the original host. Much like Evangeline, they each carried at least part of the demon, only their intruder required little more from them than a regular supply of blood.
“Would it be easier if she came to stay with us for a while?” Susie offered.
The room resounded with an emphatic no. At least they all agreed on something.
“Maybe I could have her thrown in lock-up. Those walls are pretty damned thick.”
Christoff answered Terry’s suggestion with a snarl. Evangeline would rather die than be locked away. None of the comments or ideas took Evangeline’s feelings into account. They didn’t understand her. Another reason why he always worked alone.
“I made a mistake bringing her here. I should have handled it on my own. When she wakes, I’ll take her far away where she won’t be able to do any harm.”
“Look, Lurch, don’t get your knickers in a knot. We’re all on your side.” Terry sat on the arm of Susie’s chair and took her hand in his. “Even you should understand our apprehension after seeing how she mangled half the town.”
Christoff leaned to the side and glanced towards the entrance to the living room. “She thinks I believe it was an earthquake. Until we know exactly what happened, I prefer she continues to think that.”
“Fine with me. After what she did to that guy in the bar, I wouldn’t want to do anything to upset her.” Terry’s eyebrows drew together. “That reminds me. With the APB out on her, she can’t really leave the house anyway. I’m sticking my neck out covering for her.” He turned to David. “We all are.”
Meaghan turned to her husband. “Guy in the bar? What’s he talking about?”
David shrugged. “First I’ve heard of it.”
“Great detectives you two are.” Terry shook his head and sighed. “Lucky you have me to help run the place.”
Susie slapped his hand. “And me.” She addressed Meaghan’s question. “Some creep attacked Evangeline in a bar. He and his thugs planned to assault her in the alley behind the building. She sent one to the hospital and the others packing.”
Christoff watched David’s expression turn from interest to concern. His shoulders squared, and his voice took on the authoritarian tone of the coven’s leader.
“She attacked a human? Why was I not informed?”
“She is a human.” Susie reminded him. “And it was self-defense.”
“Only half-human.” Anna interjected. “And growing less human every day.”
“Enough.” Christoff bellowed. “I will not stand here and listen to any more of your insults. Evangeline and I will leave this house immediately. If any of you try to stop me—”
“Stand down.” David ordered him. “In light of this revelation, I must insist that she stays where we can watch her.” He turned to the couple sitting in the corner. “While she is living here, you must not visit. I need your promise on that.”
“You have mine.” Terry told him.
“Fine.” Susie pouted. “But you can’t stop me contacting her by phone.”
Fighting the unusual compulsion to hug his little friend, Christoff chose to instead show his appreciation with a smile. She returned it with one of her own. Despite being the most fragile of the group, Susie had the biggest heart and balls to match. Evangeline could benefit from a friend like her.
“She will awaken soon. I must see to her needs.”
He marched from the room without uttering another word to the group. Deep down, he knew their reservations were well founded. He’d seen the purple eyes reflected in the mirror, minutes before the room began to shake. But he could also sense Evangeline’s conflict. He’d lived with his own demon long enough to recognize another. If only he could think of a way to stop the demon without hurting Evangeline.
“Wait.”
He turned to the direction of the voice. David strolled over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“You mustn’t judge us on words spoken out of fear, old friend. We have come to learn that the demon’s followers are involved in child sacrifice. Susie isn’t like us, she’s—”
“She’s stronger than any of us and more important to me than you realize. No harm will come to her or the child while there is breath in my body.”
David let out a sigh as he leaned against the doorframe. “There is another matter to discuss. At the risk of incurring your wrath, I must remind you of your duties. If your gypsy woman kills an innocent human—”
“I know my dut
y.” Christoff growled to his superior as he marched away. “If or when the time comes, I will do what needs to be done.”
****
Evangeline stretched and opened her eyes to unfamiliar surroundings. As she opened her mouth to call for Christoff, he opened the door and entered the room.
“Where am I?”
“Our hosts have moved us to the main house on the estate while renovations are done to restore the cottage.”
Although beautifully decorated, the room did not suit her at all. Too pretty with its pink curtains and matching bedcover. Everything in the room looked too dainty for a woman as rough and clumsy as herself. No. I’m not staying here. No way, Jose.
“Why can’t we stay in my van? It won’t take much to fix the door and cupboards. I should have done it earlier, but we were—”
He came to her side. His expression as serious as the day he told her about her mother’s death. Oh, great. What now?
“Your mobile home was completely destroyed when … the earthquake hit. The spare fuel canister exploded and took out half the cottage with it.”
Stomach churning, she gazed up at the ceiling and hoped beyond hope. “Please tell me you at least saved my clothes.”
His answer was written on his face.
“Shit.” She fell back onto the bed and slammed her fists down on the mattress. “Shit, shit, shit.”
“We’ll buy you new clothes.”
“I don’t want new clothes, I want my clothes.” Even to her own ears, she sounded like a brat. What he said next made her feel even worse.
“We can’t always have what we want.”
Part of her wanted to correct him. Tell him that, in her case, we can’t ever have what we want. Was it too much to dream of a happy, stable home life? Too greedy to want a man to love her for herself and not the person he expected her to be?
“I’m sorry. That was rude of me.” He leaned over her and stroked her face. “I’ve been told that I don’t have filters. Also, it seems I don’t mix well with others.”
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