“You’re tougher than I thought.” Donavon panted.
“Of course I am. I’m your leader and, from what I remember, your brother.”
“Brother…Yeah, I kind of saw that when we were fighting.”
Dominic shrugged. “Yeah, well, this is kind of awkward. Sorry, but you still feel like a stranger.”
“I know what you mean.” Donavon ran his fingers through his spiky hair.
“Okay, enough of this,” Dominic said, looking toward Marcella. Dom turned and took a step closer to his brother. “If I ever see you put your hands on our queen like that again, I will rip out your throat, kin or not.”
Donavon gasped and spun around. Samael watched him reach Marcella, still practically running. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry. Are you okay? I didn’t want you to get hurt with my shift. I hit you harder than I intended.”
Holding her tighter to his body, Samael felt her head nod. Her silence did surprise him, though. The pain that flickered over the wolf’s face stirred absolutely no pity in his dark heart. This man had a piece of Marcella he would never hold. For that, numbness and hate took over.
“Who the hell is this?” Donavon connected eyes with him, and Samael made sure the beast inside him could smell the evil he carried. No doubt a warning ignited in that little brain of his that if he so much as fucked with him or Marcella, Samael would destroy him in the vilest way.
“That’s Samael. He’s a—”
“The fucking devil is what he is.” Donavon went to reach for Marcella, but she turned her face into Samael’s chest, once again shocking the shit out of him.
“Marcy, honey. Please. I’m not so sure I like this guy.”
“He’s my master,” Dominic said, stepping forward. “Our queen has his soul. He’s the one who brought us all back at her instance. He’s cool. You can trust him.”
Oh, no he fucking couldn’t. No one that was considered one of her men should trust him. Shit, they’d be stupid to even think so. The only reason he didn’t kill them all was because of the heartache it would cause Marcella. She’d never forgive him. Losing her would destroy the only sanity he had left in this damn world. She was his life. It didn’t get more in-depth than that.
“Well, in that case, I guess I do feel a little better. Please, Marcy, look at me. This was what you were worried about, and I made it a reality. For that, I apologize, again.”
She turned back to him, and her body rotated against Samael’s chest. “I guess it had to happen. Are we going to have any more problems?”
“I think I know where I stand. But I couldn’t just submit. You don’t understand. My wolf just couldn’t.”
“No more, Donavon. Fighting amongst my men is the last thing I need.” Marcella turned to her other mate. “Dominic, this is Aaron. I believe he belongs to you.”
A smile came to the demon’s face. “And I believe you’re right. Welcome home, Aaron. It’s good to see you again. I thought you looked familiar. Tell me how much you remember.”
Marcella’s hand came up to stop them. “Why don’t you men go show Donavon and Aaron around and introduce them to everyone? Y’all can talk about it then. Ambrose, let the vampires know I’m back, and I’ll be down shortly. I need a moment alone with Samael.”
Everyone nodded, and the dark angel could sense Donavon’s hesitation to leave, but one by one they filed out of the room. Marcella twisted in his arms and peered up at him. A smile came to her face, freezing his heart.
“Thank you for coming. If you wouldn’t have shown up, I don’t know what would have happened.”
“Looks like I have perfect timing. Nothing more.”
“Well, thank you.” A yawn left her mouth. “Damn, the peace and quiet feels good. So tell me. How have you been since I’ve been away? I missed you. A lot.”
“You did?” There was no way he could keep the surprised expression off his face.
“Yes, I did. I really wish you’d reconsider moving in. I’m not sure why, but I really think—” She stopped and shook her head. “No, I really feel like you should be here. I’m not sure what you’re hiding from me, Samael, but you don’t appear as what you really are. You have more good than you’ll let yourself believe.”
He laughed. “Nonsense. I come from darkness. If I hold any good, it’s your doing. You’re such a bad influence.”
“Am I?” Her smile grew but sobered in an instant. “Stay, Samael. I know you don’t like this situation any more than Donavon does, but please. You belong here. With me.”
Ah, shit. There was that look. It was the one that made denying her anything impossible. Why was it the one that he loved the most? His best guess was because he was one sick, masochistic fuck.
“What if I say I’ll think about it? Would you be happy?”
Marcella adjusted herself in his arms, bringing her closer to his face. Damn, all he’d have to do is lower just the smallest fraction and their lips would touch. What would she do? Would she recoil in disgust, or go along with the act, only to regret what happened after? Either one would only hurt him in the end. No use making things worse.
“I would be happy if you’d just give in and stay here with me.”
“I bet you would.” He laughed and nuzzled her nose, cursing himself the moment he realized what he was doing. Pleasure erupted over every inch of his body. Great going, dumbass. Another long night to look forward to. You’ve got to be the stupidest motherfucker on this earth.
“I would.” She positively glowed while she looked up at him. Damn it, he needed to get out here. It was time to end this and make her mad at him, once again.
“To submit to you so easily would be no fun at all. Perhaps I’ll drag this thing out for eternity. I kind of like having you at my mercy. Tell me, my queen, how would you like to be under my control? I bet I could make you forget those men of yours in mere seconds.”
“Impossible. You’re not up for the challenge. Plus, it wouldn’t happen, and you said you’d never share me, so you’d lose in the end.”
She stood and peered down at him with a seductive look. Mother of all that was holy, if he wasn’t half tempted to give it a go. He stood, looming over her. A smile came to his lips and he knew it was the one he used to make women melt. The parting of her own led him to believe she could picture exactly what was crossing his mind.
“I’ll leave you now, my queen. And just so you know, you’re the one who’s not up for the challenge. You see, I never lose. Never.”
Samael vanished and appeared lying on his bed. Who was he kidding? As much as he hoped she really wanted him, he knew it was nothing more than the connection they shared. She couldn’t help but feel something. Hell, she’d been created for that reason. For him.
Sighing, he rolled to his side and made his clothes disappear. The throbbing of his cock made a groan pour from his mouth. Flashes of her smile only worsened the ache. Palming his thickness, he brought his hand up his long length. With a jolt, Samael jerked forward. Yep, it was going to be one long fucking night.
* * * *
Marcella stared at the open air area where the dark angel had disappeared. What had just happened between them? And why in the hell did she practically keep throwing herself at him like a bitch in heat? Something had to be wrong with her. She had four men. Four! The last thing she needed was one more, but she’d be damned if there wasn’t something between them.
If she could only recall the past, she was sure it would answer all the problems she was going to face and why she was so drawn to Samael. But remembering wasn’t going to happen. Not any time soon.
Putting her crown, necklace, and dagger into place, she closed her eyes and appeared in the great hall. Laughter died out, and the moment she opened her eyes, two vampires rushed toward her. Ben engulfed her in a hug, lifting her off the ground. Sebastian stood next to them.
“It’s good to see you again. I think we all were going a bit crazy without you here,” Ben said breathlessly.
Surprised, Marcella fel
t her head rear back. “I missed you all, too. But I thought I was the only one who felt our bonding.” She hugged Ben tightly, and he placed her on the ground.
Sebastian looked down shyly. “No, I felt it, too. All we’ve done since you’ve left is train and talk about your return.” The smile couldn’t be hidden. Marcella felt absolutely delighted. Children, that’s exactly the way she felt about them, like a mother figure. She walked over and embraced the vampire she’d had the most trouble with.
“You did cross my mind while I was gone. I’d hoped we would be able to put the past behind us and start fresh. What do you so say?”
Sebastian looked up, his cheeks reddening. He obviously had fed recently. “I would love nothing more.”
“Good.” Marcella led them to the large table where everyone was seated. After they took their seats, she walked to her main position at the end. Waving her hand, she made a variety of foods appear. The flan was specially put in front of Donavon. He smiled, turning to her.
“Amazing. Do you know how much trouble you could have saved if you would’ve done that to begin with? No. You labored over a hot stove for hours to make us meals. Why?”
“Because I love you. You had to see that. This,” she gestured toward the table. “I knew would eventually come, but you needed to see firsthand what I would do for you. Because if I couldn’t materialize, I’d be in front of that stove right now, cooking for every single person in the fortress. Without each other, we’re nothing.”
Donavon slowly shook his head. “You are wonderful.”
The smile Donavon gave her cracked his lip back open. His left eye wasn’t any better. Purple shadowed around the slightly puffy skin, and it looked like Dominic had just made it ten times worse.
As everyone ate, Marcella watched them. These were her people, and for some unknown reason, they had decided to stay. New vampires sat further down the table, and her heart fluttered upon seeing the twins. A sense of who she was shook her to the core, but she knew she needed to see this, and without a doubt, if the time came, she’d die for each and every one of them. The fear was there, but not like she’d imagined. Her place was set and with it, her responsibility.
Chapter 11
As everyone departed the table, Marcella looked at her men, who remained seated. Finally, they were complete. She smiled at seeing the four men she’d loved forever stare back at her.
“So I guess we go in pairs?” Dominic looked at her, awaiting an answer.
“Yes. I think that would be wise.” As much as she wanted to be with all of them, she wasn’t ready for something that big. The only thing that would call for an occasion like that would be if her succubus became too much. Thinking about the damn thing made her cringe. Fuck, she hated that part of herself. And the return of her demon was coming. She could feel it.
“So who goes tonight?” The longing in Dominic’s eyes couldn’t be mistaken. But if she wanted to be fair, she’d already been with Donavon more than anyone else, and Dominic was his partner when they used to pair up in the past.
“I’ve neglected both Ambrose and Jason just as long, so maybe they should stay with me tonight.”
Dominic nodded, not the least bit offended. Jason, clearing his throat, brought her eyes to him. Something close to panic sparked. Right. How had she forgotten?
“Is there something you wish to say, Jason?”
The gold of Jason’s eyes shot to Donavon and then back to her. The odd feeling that they shared something that she didn’t know about twisted her stomach. Had Jason confided in him? “Marcy, I think Dom should take my place. I can’t be that close to you. The temptation is too much.”
“What do you mean?” Oh, she knew exactly what he was getting at, and the thought was enough to make her sick.
“My dragon—”
“Is fine,” Marcella said, cutting him off.
“No.” He shook his head, lowering it. “I won’t risk it. Dom needs to take my place.”
“For how long?”
“For…ever.”
The chair flew backward as she jumped to her feet. “Absolutely not!” She lowered herself until she was inches from his face. “I’m not afraid of your dragon. You won’t hurt me. Please don’t do this.”
“Forgive me.”
Jason disappeared, and the evil that resided in her body flared. The temper she tried too hard to control spiked, and it took everything in her power not to project her rage out of her body. No doubt, she’d just blow every window out in the damn fortress.
A hand came to rest on her shoulder, and she jumped. Dominic traced his fingertips across her cheek and put her at ease without saying a word.
“Ambrose, Dom, let’s go to bed. Donavon.” She turned and walked toward him. “I’m sorry you have to come into it like this. I know how hard it must be for you to accept the way things are.”
A shuttering breath left his mouth. “You have no idea.” His face twisted in what she assumed was confusion and hurt. “Where do I sleep?”
“Dom, will you take him to the room both of you share?”
“Of course. I’ll meet you and Ambrose in the tower.”
Pushing her lips into Donavon’s, he trembled beneath her. This was for the best. He needed to see firsthand how things were going to be. If she let him stay tonight, he’d want to be there every night, and that wasn’t possible.
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
He gave her a tight smile. “I’ll be here.” The mass of emotions she felt coming from his wolf was enough to make her pause. The anger was too thick for her to breathe in. Nodding, she stepped back and took Ambrose’s hand. The thing felt like ice beneath her touch, and it was enough to show her that even though Donavon was a priority, she had other men, too. She closed her eyes and made them appear in her room.
“You haven’t fed, have you?”
“Once.” Ambrose smiled. “Dominic likes it more when you’re involved. It’s quite painful if you’re not in a sexual state. I couldn’t bear to ask him again.”
Making her white gown appear, she led him to the bed. His arms pulled her close, easing her to the mattress. The weight of his body pushed into her deliciously.
“If you only knew how hard I’ve fought not to take you every second you’ve been here. I could see you sprawled out on the table, your legs spread wide for me. Fuck. I can’t wait to taste you.”
Lips crushed into hers, and the mattress shifted. Dominic appeared next to them, out of nowhere. Her attention was stolen the moment Ambrose’s tongue swept into her mouth. The contrast in temperature took her by surprise. It felt as if she had an ice cube in her mouth, but one that turned her body to pure fire. Wetness seeped from her pussy at his spicy flavor.
“Let me taste her while you feed. Fuck, I missed you, love.”
Fingers pushed her thighs further apart, and as Ambrose crawled around her, she was spun sideways. The master vampire pulled her back up against his chest and placed her hair on one side. Dominic traced her slit with his tongue, separating her folds.
The softness of Ambrose’s lips trailed up her neck. Marcella shivered as he swirled his tongue over her pulse point. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can wait.” Fangs didn’t hesitate to pierce her skin. A moan vibrated her throat as his arms wrapped under her breasts, gripping tightly.
The orgasm was automatic. Just as Dominic’s tongue pushed inside of her opening, Marcella burst. Spasms covered her while the ecstasy of Ambrose’s bite fueled the second release right on top of the other.
“Damn, you taste so good.” Dominic’s fingers pushed into her thighs. She was going to have bruises, but the marks were going to be well worth it. She couldn’t even think past the pleasure she felt. Nothing existed. Nothing.
* * * *
Ambrose was swept away by her blood. Savoring her flavor, he let her feed his body, restoring his power to maximum levels. No one knew this, but before he’d ever taken in her blood, he was never this strong. Now, if they only knew what he
was capable of, they’d be more than surprised. For so long, he’d counted himself as the weakest of the men, but he wasn’t so sure of that anymore.
Agony filled him the moment Ambrose knew he had to stop. He’d gone so long without her taste that he hadn’t realized how shaky and disoriented he’d truly become. Addicted. That’s what he was. He felt like a junkie. Marcella was his speed, his scotch on the rocks. This is what made their queen so powerful, it had to be. Her blood, her smell, her taste, was an aphrodisiac, promising the eternal life of a permanent fix. And although he knew that’s what drew people in, it couldn’t make them love her. But she acquired that on her own. She was selfless, never asking anything more than what she returned, and for it, everyone couldn’t help but fall head over heels in love with her.
Pulsing in his cock brought Ambrose out of the heavenly high of bloodlust. Moving so she could lie down, he lowered himself on his side. At some point the gown had disappeared, no doubt Dominic’s doing.
Taking her nipple into his mouth, he sucked gently, feeling her arch to his suction. Throaty moans left her throat, and he nearly came unglued when her hand wrapped around his cock. Fuck. The sensitivity was enough to cause him to twitch in her grasp.
“I want you to come for me again, love. Come all over my tongue.”
Dominic’s voice sounded far away from Ambrose. Humming filtered in his head, and he knew it had to do with the blood he’d ingested. Being on a collector’s diet probably wasn’t the safest thing in the word. A blood that rich and pure was bound to have some side effects. The best things always did.
Muffled screams filled the room, drawing him from the trance he’d been in. Marcella’s face was buried into his thigh. When in the hell had she gotten there? He must have been more fucked up than he realized.
Dominic’s moans grew almost as loud as their queen’s. Trying his best to focus, Ambrose lifted her, kissed his way around the fullness of her breast. Flicking his tongue over the tight nipple, he hissed as her grip tightened around his cock.
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