Healing Fire

by Angela Castle

  Summer almost half wished his stories to be true, especially the part of him being able to take away her pain.

  "Road trip?" Melor raised a questioning brow as he took her plate, washing it before placing it on the draining board.

  "You want to go to L.A, so let's go. It's a long drive, but if we break it up and stop at a motel on the way, it won't be so bad."

  "You really wish to go?" His dark gaze studied her in suspicion.

  "Yes." She smiled brightly. "I thought you wanted to show us this magical world of Kell?"

  "Indeed, my lady, but I still see doubt in your eyes."

  "Let's just say this is your chance to convince me." Or see how really crazy you are.

  "Really, we're going to go to Kell, to see the stags and the crystals?" Blossom's excitement was infectious, and Summer grinned at her daughter.

  "Yes, why not?"

  He took the cloth out of the sink, squeezing it before wiping down the benches. He set the cloth aside, walked over and pulled her into his arms.

  "And convince you I shall." He claimed her mouth, kissing her until her head spun and she thought she'd pass out.

  Blossom giggled and a horn blared from outside. Melor pulled away and Summer grinned goofily. Damn, this man was so easy to love.

  Love? Oh hell no. She couldn't have fallen for him already?

  "What be it, my lady? Are you in pain again?"

  The horn blasted long and loud; only Rick Rickshaw sounded his horn in that irritating manner.

  "No, I'm fine. Rick is here. Why can't the man answer a damn phone?" she muttered in annoyance and tugged out of Melor's arms, limping across the living room floor.

  Melor laid a hand on her shoulder before she could reach the front door. "I will deal with this Rickshaw."

  "No, it's okay, he's harmless for the most part. I'll send him home. Why don't you help Blossom pack her suitcase for our trip?"

  "I am your protector, and I will not leave you alone with another male. From what Blossom has told me, I do not trust this man."

  She shook her head in exasperation. "My protector? Gee, Melor, loosen up a bit. You take all this Kell stuff way too seriously. If you want to be my shadow, fine, but let me deal with him."

  "As my lady wishes." He bowed his head and stood aside.

  Summer yanked open the front door just as Rick was coming up the steps.

  "Hey, Mrs. Rose. You go get a new guy?"

  "Rick, I've been trying to call you for the past few days."

  "Yeah, well, got shit to do, ya know. So you want stuff done or what?"

  "No. If you'd answered your phone then you would have known not to come."

  "Fuck that, I need my beer money. I fuckin' wasted my time hauling my ass up here, at least you can compensate me for my trouble." He leaned in on the door frame.

  "No, and I don't think your services will be required any more. Leave and don't come back."

  "Not 'til I get my money." He took a threatening step towards her.

  Melor suddenly pushed her aside.

  "The lady has asked you to leave. Do so now quietly without trouble."

  "Holy shit, no wonder you don't need me. Been fucking the new hired help, eh? Shit, if I'd known you needed your itch scratched…"

  Melor grabbed Rick by the throat. Before she could blink, Melor hurled Rick down the front steps. Summer winced as he shoved Rick hard up against the side of his car.

  Summer stared, her mouth open, gaping at the dark dangerous aura around Melor as he let go of Rick's throat and talked to him.

  She couldn't hear what was said, but she could see the way Rick paled and nodded. Turning around, scrambling to get into his car, the man couldn't get away fast enough. Gunning the engine caused gravel to spray from under his wheels. He sped out of her driveway at top speed.

  Melor had a grin of self-satisfaction as he walked back up the steps to her.

  "He will not be bothering you ever again." He placed a kiss on her open mouth and walked past her. "Blossom, shall I help you pack?"

  Chapter Ten

  At last Blossom's head lay back against the back seat, her eyes closed in blissful sleep. She'd worn herself out after hours of endlessly questioning Melor about Kell.

  Summer was starting to see red spots in front of her eyes; her fingers ached from gripping the steering wheel too tightly. She'd been simmering over the Rick incident ever since they'd started driving towards L.A.

  "I have felt your displeasure since we left your home." Melor broke the silence first.

  "Felt my displeasure," she mocked, taking her eyes off the road for a split second to aim a deadly glare in his direction.

  "What you did to Rick…"

  "Was nothing more than he deserved. I will not have anyone disrespecting you."

  Summer fought to not roll her eyes. "You can't go around manhandling people like that, even if they are rude. Someone will call the cops on you and get you arrested."

  "The human authorities do not worry me. I respect their laws while I am in their land, but it will not stop me from protecting what is mine."

  "I am not yours, damn it and neither is Blossom. If you want to stay in my good books, Mister Melor with no last name, then you have to cut the alpha male macho crap."

  She saw his jaw clench; his eyes bright with anger. He drew in a slow breath as if trying to stay calm and patient.

  "I have been told many times by the ladies in Kell that human women are stronger, independent, and do not rely upon a male for their care or protection. I have been raised to believe it is my duty to care for and protect my family. Do you want to take away the very part of me that needs to care for you?"

  Damn the man. Suddenly she felt guilty for berating him. She actually liked the fact he would go all out to protect her; it made her feel safe and cared for.

  "No, Melor, I like that part of you. It's just you have to be more careful, especially if we are out in public and someone insults me. Words are just words. Sometimes they can sting, but in the end they have no power over you unless you allow it."

  "Wise as well as beautiful. Truly the Goddess has blessed me." He leaned over and stroked the side of her face.

  Summer's body responded to his touch. She almost swerved out of her lane.

  "Melor, please, if you keep doing that, we won't reach L.A in one piece," she scolded, but her voice sounded breathless.

  He pulled his hand away. "You are tired and need rest. Teach me to handle your car, and I will drive it."

  "Somehow I doubt they have Drivers Ed in Kell," she muttered.

  He gave her a blank stare and she sighed. She was tired after driving for two hours.

  "It's sweet of you, Melor, but without a license, you're not allowed to drive."

  "Then we must stop so you can rest." He laid his large hand along the back of her neck and his fingers gently massaged into the tense muscles of her neck. Oh God, they felt so damn good.

  "Where did you learn to do that?" Her voice dropped to a huskier aroused tone. It took all her effort to concentrate on the road instead of driving them into a ditch.

  "A young lady of Kell was once promised to me. She taught me where she liked to be touched."

  "You were once engaged?" A jealousy gripped the pit of her stomach but ebbed away quickly when she remembered him telling her about the attack on his people's women.

  "If a promise and being engaged is the same thing then yes."

  Summer swallowed. Her heart filled with sorrow for Melor. Was she really starting to believe him? Still, she couldn't help but feel for any loss he may have suffered.

  "She died in the attack by the Drac people?"

  "Aye," Melor responded, his fingers working to knead her neck then fell silent.

  "You didn't say--I'm so sorry Melor."

  "I thank you for your empathy, my lady. As you know we all must move on with our lives."

  Yes, she certainly understood his sentiment.

  "Did you love her?" Summer saw a flash
of pain and vulnerability in his face. He struggled so hard to hide at times. She wanted to pull over and just hold him in her arms. Comfort him as he had her these past few days.

  "Aye, but it does not mean I can never love another." His smiled was warm and comforting as he removed his hand.

  Immediately, she mourned the comforting heat of his touch. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach, half-hoping, half-dreading the answer to her silent question. Do you love me?

  Up ahead she spotted a sign for dinner and a chance to change the subject. "There's a place to eat up ahead. We can rest there for a while. I want to get a few more miles behind us before we stop for the night."

  ~ * ~

  Summer unlocked the motel room, swinging wide the door as Melor carried a sleeping Blossom into the room. She limped in after him, moving across to the smaller of the beds and pulling down the cover. Melor gently lowered Blossom onto the bed. Summer stripped her of shoes and sweater.

  "I'll get the bags." Melor kept his voice low and hushed, so not to wake the sleeping child then he disappeared out the door.

  Summer gently removed Blossom's skirt and leggings before covering her with the blankets.

  Melor re-appeared, carrying two bags and the large stuffed rabbit he'd won for Blossom at a San Mateo County Fair.

  The vendor complained bitterly when Melor struck the lever so hard with the mallet that the puck shot up and broke the bell.

  Blossom thoroughly enjoyed herself, along with Melor, who delighted in the array of entertainments. Although Summer couldn't participate in many of the events, she smiled and waved as Melor walked Blossom around on the pony, declaring she would enjoy riding the Stags of Kell better than a pony. She laughed and called him crazy, but he was 'her' crazy man.

  "Thank you." She stroked Melor's arm, as she couldn't reach far up enough to kiss his cheek. She grabbed one case that he had placed on the motel table and unzipped it, fishing a nightgown out of it.

  "I think I could sleep for a week after keeping up with Blossom."

  "Aye, she has the energy of a Kell crystal." His smile was one of loving fondness as he gazed at her sleeping daughter.

  The end of the bed dipped with Melor's weight as he sat down and pulled off his boots.

  Summer limped towards the bathroom. "I'm going to have a shower."

  He rose to his feet, stalking towards her. "Aye, my lady, it is a very good idea indeed."

  Summer bit back a squeal, as he swept her off her feet and into the bathroom, closing the door quietly, firmly.

  He set her down and nuzzled into her neck, licking at her skin, sending heat running through her body.

  "We can't, not here, Blossom is…"

  "Asleep. We shall have to try and contain our sounds of pleasure." He lifted his head, his dark eyes pools of deep desire melting her every resistance.

  "Strip." He moved away, twisting the knobs of the shower. She laid her nightgown over the sink and gripped the hem of her top, pulling it up and off. She toed off her shoes before hooking her thumbs into the waist band of her jeans and sliding them down her legs.

  "Hummm, such beauty do I behold." Melor's gaze roamed over her body, lustily making the heat rush into her cheeks.

  He pushed down his pants and stood before her in all his beautiful naked glory before lowering himself onto one knee to run his hand up her legs and hips. He hooked his index fingers into her panties and slid them down over her legs, leaning forward to press kisses against her stomach.

  Summer reached around and unhooked her bra, shouldering it off and tossing it aside. Her hands slid through his silken hair. Melor wrapped both strong arms around her hips and rose to his feet, lifting her along with him over the rim of the bathtub and under the spray of the water.

  She feathered her fingers along his shoulder muscles, loving his power and strength. Loving the feel of his smooth skin under her fingertips. He lowered her down. Skin on skin she slid down his body until forced to tilt her head back. He bent his head and took her mouth in a hot carnal kiss, making her groan at the force of his passion.

  Desire and lust strummed through her entire body; from the tingle in her toes to the tip of her scalp. She wanted more--more of him. Summer moaned as his strong large hands slid down to her ass, cupping and kneading before he pulled her tighter against his hard erection stabbing into her softer lower belly. His ravaging tongue trailed to the corner of her mouth and down along her chin to her throat. She shivered in his arms as he snaked lower.

  "Melor!" she gasped as his hot mouth closed over her nipple, sucking it deep into the cavern of his mouth. Summer let out a moan of pleasure. His breathing became heavy as he released her breast with a soft 'pop'.

  He pressed her back onto the tiled walls. The cool of the smooth ceramic on her skin did nothing to reduce her rising body temperature. Melor went back to feasting on her breast, rolling the flat of his tongue over her nipple, slowly letting his mouth slide off before catching the hardened peak between his teeth. It was hard enough to cause a small level of pain, which only heightened the pleasure coursing through her; the tug on her nipple seemed to have a direct invisible line to her clit making it pulse with each tug. Her breast bounced free of Melor's hot mouth. But before she could protest the loss of him, he snatched the other breast between his lips, repeating the process. She stuffed her fist into her mouth, biting down on her knuckles, trying to hold in her throaty moans.

  With one arm supporting her, he leaned back a little as a hand slid down over the curve of her hip, moving lower to nudge her thighs apart as large callused fingers threaded through the soft curls at the junction of her thighs and into her wet weeping heat. Summer jerked in his arms, letting out a whimper as a long digit slid straight into her pussy while his thumb flicked over her clit. He gripped her hips, pinning her against the wall as he slid down her body, the water from the shower beating down on his back. He trailed open-mouthed kisses under her ribs, over her rounded stomach, nudging her legs further apart with his shoulders.

  "Your leg, tell me if it hurts."

  "Uh, yes, I promise. Please don't stop, Melor." She scarcely felt the small throbbing of her leg over the driving need of her body.

  Melor dipped his head and Summer gave a shuddering gasp as his tongue stroked over her sensitive bundle of nerves. He laved her again. Her belly quivered, her hips arched out, seeking more of his tongue. He gave it to her, spearing into her heat. Summer moaned through her fist. She undulated, she writhed. She could feel herself rushing towards release as he sucked on her core.

  Then his mouth was gone. Summer whimpered in protest. She had been close, oh, so close. Her whole body burned with a white-hot fire for the man on his knees before her.

  "Do you want me, Summer?" His tone was husky, strained.

  "Yesss," she hissed. "I want you."

  "Who do you belong to, my lady?"

  "You, only you," she wailed. "Please, Melor."

  He buried his face once again into her, pushing his tongue in deeper. She sighed in ecstasy, curling her left leg around his back, her heel deep into his shoulder. A rumble of pleasure vibrated from his chest. Her body was so tightly coiled, it suddenly burst apart as her whole body shook and trembled. He lapped and laved her cream that rushed down. He withdrew his tongue and stood up, towering over her. His hands slid down, cupping her ass and lifting her up his body, being careful with her right leg. He easily supported her weight.

  His hard shaft now pressed in between her legs as she felt the blunt tip of his cock piercing her. Summer could no longer contain her cries as he pushed his entire cock into her in one long slow thrust, forcing her body to take him. He smothered her mouth with his own, catching her cries. He rested the top of his chin on her wet hair, allowing her time to adjust. His breath sounded laboured as he waited.

  He pulled back to plunge back in. He whispered her name over and over as he frantically started hammering into her. His cock rubbed every nerve ending within her. Summer clung helplessly to him, her finger
s digging into his shoulder, feeling the build-up of another climax. He pumped in and out of her harder and faster. She reached the peak and tumbled over the precipice, her body splintered into a billion pieces. With a deep guttural groan, hot seed ejected into her center. His body shuddered as he trembled in her arms.

  Time had no meaning. Her body remained limp and most thoroughly sated. Slowly their pounding hearts began to slow. Melor raised his head, reached behind her to turn off the shower flow, gently setting her on her feet while keeping a supporting arm around her, otherwise she would have crumpled into a quivering heap.