Warrior's Surrender (Warrior Hunger, Book Three)

by Marisa Chenery

  Chyna nodded. “I now understand where you were coming from.”

  “Good, because you’re one tough woman when riled. I don’t need you to threaten to kick my furry, kilt-wearing ass again.”

  She felt herself blush. “Yeah, I can say I have a bit of a temper. And it’s not as if I could ever kick your ass while you’re in that form, anyway. You’re twice your normal size.”

  “Are you okay with what I am?”

  “Yes. I think. It’s still so weird.” Some of the numbness was still with her. Once it wore completely off, she’d have to look at this more clearly, but for now it could wait. “So that was a demon, huh? Have you had to deal with many of them?”

  “No, I haven’t. This is the first time. They usually are trapped down in another part of the underworld. That one and a few others escaped. So far two other of Anubis’ warriors have sent the demons to the god for final judgment. I’m going to have to do the same for this one or we’ll never be free of him.”

  She should have been scared to think about the demon, but Chyna suddenly felt very tired as the last of the adrenaline left her body. She was too tired to even feel the fear she should. A quick look out the living room window showed the sky was lightening. She covered a large yawn with her hand. “Do you think the demon will come back soon? We both need some sleep.”

  “I doubt it. He’ll want to lick his wounds. Let’s go to bed.”

  Chyna placed her hand in Jaxon’s when he held it out to her. Maybe she was accepting all of this too easily, but right now she didn’t care. Tomorrow when she wasn’t so tired she’d think about it.

  Once inside his bedroom, Jaxon stripped Chyna and put her to bed before he climbed in naked beside her. She turned to him and cuddled close. With the sound of his heartbeat in her ear, she closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

  * * * * *

  Chyna sat outside in Jaxon’s backyard at the glass patio table. Jaxon was inside leaving his morning offering to Anubis. He’d explained that the spare room she’d found with all the artwork of Anubis was a mini-temple Jaxon had set up for the god of the underworld. He’d also told her that was the only place he could actually speak with Anubis. Jaxon had asked if she wanted to come with him and talk to the god, but she’d declined. She had everything that had happened the night before to get used to before she spoke with a real ancient Egyptian god.

  Along with talking about the temple, she and Jaxon had discussed their future together. She, of course, would be moving in with him. He’d also suggested she quit her job, which she was more than happy to do. She knew Joy would be the first one the company would go to as a replacement.

  With her face lifted to the sun, Chyna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was immortal. She still found it hard to even comprehend. And having her life force bound to Jaxon’s was so much more permanent than any marriage license. She’d been a little worried when he’d told her that if he ever lost his head, literally, she’d die right along with him. But he’d quickly calmed her fears, saying San Diego was the last place he ever expected it to happen. The amount of evildoers was minimal compared to other cities.

  “Do you have any idea how beautiful you look sitting there in the sun?” Jaxon asked.

  Chyna opened her eyes and smiled up at him. He stood at her side. “And you’re looking pretty hunky yourself. All done with the offerings?”

  He pulled out the chair next to her and sat. “Yes. I also spoke to Anubis and told him what happened last night. He’s happy that I claimed you but wished I’d gotten your permission first. He also warned me to stay alert when it comes to the demon. After my first encounter with the creature, we’re not sure when he’ll try to take control.”

  “Take control? What do you mean?”

  “Oh yeah, I forgot you don’t know what really happened to me the day I was supposed to see you.”

  “The demon did something to you?”

  “Yes. He appeared before me, forcing me to shift. He then used a spell that took away my humanity, leaving nothing but the jackal part in control. It lasted two days. I didn’t remember anything. Anubis was able to bring the memories through the block in my mind.” Jaxon paused. “I went on the hunt for evildoers, but I didn’t send them to Anubis to be judged. I killed them, which sent them to the demon part of the underworld.”

  Chyna swallowed. “And he can still use that spell on you?”

  “He wouldn’t have to cast it again. It remains a part of me. The demon just has to trigger it.”

  That didn’t sound good at all. “Can’t Anubis get rid of it?”

  “He has tried. He even tried again a few minutes ago, but the demon put a failsafe on it. Too much tampering and I lose my humanity forever. The only way to break it is for me to send him to Anubis. Until then, I’m a bomb waiting to go off.”

  “Shit, Jaxon. We have to get rid of this demon.”

  “You mean I have to get rid of him. You’re going to do your best to stay clear of him.” She opened her mouth to protest, but Jaxon spoke before she could. “You’re not to put yourself at risk. Remember, with our life forces joined, the demon can take me out by taking you out. It works both ways.”

  “All right. I’ll let you handle him, but…” Chyna’s words trailed off as Jaxon shot to his feet. “What’s the matter?”

  He didn’t answer. The sound of his bones realigning themselves filled the air as he grew larger to stand at almost seven feet tall. His body shifted to his half-human and half-jackal form, his muscles becoming bigger. Black fur sprouted from his skin until he was completely covered from head to toe. Gold armbands appeared around each of his thick biceps, and last, a snow-white Egyptian-styled kilt formed around his hips to fall to the middle of his thighs.

  The shift complete, Jaxon growled in a gravelly voice, “Run, Chyna. He’s here.”

  “Not so fast,” the demon said as he appeared behind Chyna and grabbed hold of her, preventing her from escaping. “Intermission is over. Now it’s time to get to the end game, for both of you.”

  The demon whispered a word she didn’t understand. An instant later, Jaxon growled and clutched his head as if he were in great pain. Once it seemed to pass, Jaxon straightened and his gaze latched on to Chyna. Her heart tried to beat out of her chest. Looking into his eyes, there was no human intelligence staring back at her. It had been replaced with something feral. It was like looking a wild animal in the eye.

  “He thinks you’re his prey,” the creature who held her said with a laugh. “Now you can run.” He released her with a shove.

  Chyna took off, not even looking back to see what Jaxon would do. She barely made it into the house and locked the door before he caught up to her. The lock slowed him down some, but the sound of the door being ripped from its hinges rent the air. A low, angry-sounding growl followed it.

  The only place Chyna could think of where she had maybe a chance of being protected was inside Anubis’ temple. She ran faster than she’d ever run in her life. She could hear Jaxon hot on her trail. Inside the room, she slammed the door, but there was no lock so she put all her weight behind it, knowing full well it wouldn’t keep Jaxon out.

  “Anubis!” she yelled. “If you can hear me, I could really use your help.”

  Chyna felt something ruffling through her mind before a voice answered her inside it. Let Jaxon into the temple. Once he’s in, I’ll be able to hold him in place with a shield.

  She whimpered as Jaxon pushed at the door, almost throwing her off balance. “And the demon?”

  You’ll have to be the one to send him to me. One cut is all you need to send him to the underworld.

  A black-bladed dagger appeared in her hand. There went her promise to Jaxon to let him handle the demon. She was going to have to save them both. Chyna just hoped she could cut the demon before he managed to take her head.

  Jaxon gave a shove at the door that pushed her almost halfway across the room. Chyna recovered and stood her ground. He barreled into the temple,
his upper lip snarled, showing off an impressive set of fangs. He growled and ran toward her. He only managed a few running steps before he ran into an invisible barrier. Jaxon pushed all around him, meeting with the same results. He gnashed his teeth, then let out a long howl.

  The demon stepped into the room. He scowled when he saw Jaxon fighting to free himself from the invisible barrier. “Running to Anubis’ temple isn’t exactly fair. The god may have control over his warrior, but the same can’t be said about me. I guess I’ll have to take care of you myself. It won’t be as much fun as having your mate do it, though.”

  Chyna held up the dagger Anubis had given her. “Stay away from me.”

  The creature laughed. “You think a dagger will be enough to save you? Don’t count on it.” A sword appeared in the demon’s hand. “It’s no match for this.”

  Chyna tuned out Jaxon’s snarls and growls and focused on the demon as he came closer. He circled her, a taunting smile on his face. She turned with him, not letting him out of her sights. She needed only one chance to cut him with the dagger, and doubted she’d get very many of them.

  The demon lunged, then pulled back his sword at the last minute. He laughed. The bastard was toying with her. He did that three more times, moving so fast Chyna never had a chance to strike back. On the fourth strike, instead of backing up, she stepped closer. His sword cut across the cap of her shoulder, but Chyna managed to get under his guard and slice him deep along his stomach.

  He bellowed in anger, lunged to give what Chyna thought would be a killing blow, but it never came. The demon’s body lost substance until he just disappeared. She stared at the spot where he’d been for a few seconds as she fought to catch her breath.

  Remembering Jaxon, Chyna turned to see him shifting back to his human form. He looked around the room as if he couldn’t remember getting there. Once his gaze landed on her, he rushed to her and yanked her into his arms.

  “Are you all right?” he asked as he held her tight.

  She nodded against his chest. “I’m fine. I just have a cut on my shoulder, which I’m sure is healing as we speak.”

  Jaxon released her and pushed up her short sleeve to look at her wound. Chyna watched it seal itself and disappear. She was pretty damn glad she was immortal.

  “The demon?” Jaxon asked.

  “Gone. I sent him to the underworld with this.” She held up the black dagger. “Anubis gave it to me, but I think you should have it.”

  Jaxon took the dagger from her, then must have willed it away since it disappeared. He’d told her about his ability to will weapons in and out of his hand when he needed to. He then yanked her close again and kissed her. Their embrace turned desperate. It had been too close a call for Chyna. She needed the closeness only lovemaking would bring.

  As if sensing what she wanted, Jaxon took her down to the floor and worked on removing her top and bra. His hard cock rubbed against her thigh. Wetness pooled in Chyna’s pussy.

  Cradling his head as he sucked on one of her nipples, she asked on a moan, “Shouldn’t we do this in the bedroom? Won’t Anubis get pissed at us for doing this in his temple?”

  Jaxon released her nipple and lifted his head to look at her. “I’m sure he’ll understand. I’m desperate to be inside my mate and I don’t intend to wait.”

  Chyna soon forgot about Anubis as Jaxon sheathed his cock inside her pussy and took her in long, hard strokes. All that mattered was showing the man she loved how much he meant to her, and that she’d always be at his side.

  The End

  About the Author

  Marisa Chenery was always a lover of books, but after reading her first historical romance novel she found herself hooked. Having inherited a love for the written word, she soon started writing her own novels.

  After trying her hand at writing historicals, she now writes paranormals.

  Marisa lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and four children. She would love to hear from you, so drop her an email.

  Marisa welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email addresses on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

  Tell Us What You Think

  We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at Comments@EllorasCave.com.

  Also by Marisa Chenery

  Goddess Revealed 1: Bast’s Perfume

  Goddess Revealed 2: Love’s Fiery Arrow

  Goddess Revealed 3: The Goddess’ Girdle

  Goddess Revealed 4: His Sea Goddess

  Oh Canada!/Big City Pack 1: The Canuck Werewolf

  Oh Canada!/Big City Pack 2: A Werewolf at the Falls

  Oh Canada!/Big City Pack 3: Werewolf’s Treasure

  Oh Canada!/Big City Pack 4: Werewolf Claimed

  Oh Canada!/Big City Pack 5: Loved by a Werewolf

  Ra’s Chosen 1: Soul Hunger

  Ra’s Chosen 2: Mate Hunger

  Ra’s Chosen 3: Longed-For Hunger

  Ra’s Chosen 4: Embrace the Hunger

  Ra’s Chosen 5: Reincarnated Hunger

  Ra’s Chosen 6: Foreseen Hunger

  Ra’s Chosen 7: Ra’s Hunger

  Touched by a Gladiator

  Warrior Hunger 1: Embraced by a Warrior

  Warrior Hunger 2: Her Eternal Warrior

  Print Books by Marisa Chenery

  Big City Pack anthology

  Ellora’s Cave Publishing

  www.ellorascave.com

  Warrior’s Surrender

  ISBN 9781419939716

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  Warrior’s Surrender Copyright © 2012 Marisa Chenery

  Edited by Grace Bradley

  Photo and cover design by Syneca

  Model: Angelo

  Electronic book publication July 2012

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