“I love you. I’ve always loved you. Tell me what the fuck I have to do to prove it.”
He turned back to her. “Part of me believes every word out of your mouth.”
“Listen to that piece of you.”
“I’m trying, Mon. I wish it were that easy.”
“Well, stop listening to Alistair. Remember, until he found Consuela’s brother, he was in love with you. Maybe it was jealousy speaking.”
“Maybe. I need to do some digging.”
“Ask Consuela. She may know.”
“Tomorrow.”
“Tonight, let me show you. Let me prove how much I need you.” If it took her the rest of her life, she’d never stop proving it.
* * * *
“What’s the plan?” Preston asked.
Robert stood and shook his head. “We need to talk to Mrs. Murdock. I hope she has some information.”
“Christian still spending all of his time with her?” Preston asked.
“Yeah, most of it. Question is will Mrs. Murdock help? She doesn’t like interfering.”
“She created the Council, right? I imagine she will this time.”
“Hope so. You coming?”
Preston nodded. “Yeah. Dacia is hanging with her mother tonight. Something about some fertility potion.”
“She’s trying to get pregnant?” Robert asked with a smirk.
“I told her we could bone until she gets pregnant, but she wants a baby now.”
“Do you?”
“I’m ready whenever it happens.”
“No wedding?”
Preston shrugged. “We’re mated. It’s more than a marriage. And I asked her what her thoughts on it were. She says she doesn’t care.”
“Do you?”
He shrugged. “I have what I want.”
“Would you if she did?”
“Yeah. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Dacia.”
“I’ll have Liz ask her. See if she can get a solid answer.”
Preston grinned. “This is why I keep you around. I don’t think of these things.”
Chapter 30
Monique unlocked the door. Erik followed in reluctantly. Her nerves ratcheted up and desperation to prove she wanted all of him set in.
He turned to her as she slid to her knees, opening his belt as she went. She looked up at him, silently begging him to keep his mouth shut and go with her on this journey.
“Monique, what are you doing?”
“Told you I planned to prove you’re all I want.” She pulled his zipper down.
He slipped his fingers into her hair and pulled her head back. “Not like this, Mon. I want all of you.”
She rose to her feet, pushing him back to her room. A smirk stretched across her lips. “You have me, Erik. All of me. Now, forever, and into the afterlife.”
Erik caught her under her ass and hauled her up, against him. “I want to forget the past, the heartache, the chase. I just want you.”
Her legs and arms wrapped around his body as she grinned. “Take me, any way you’ll have me. Brand yourself into my soul, burn away the memories of my stupidity. Remind me why you’re the only one to make me whole.”
His mouth collided with hers, his tongue slipping into her mouth, taking possession, owning her. No one else could wipe away the world and fill up all the emptiness that expanded when he wasn’t there.
She was pinned against the wall, his hands traveling up her body to capture her face as he deepened the kiss. The impending threat to Erik, the Silver Council, everything, fell away as their connection flared and grew.
Monique pulled at his shirt, trying to get it free as she writhed against him, needing more.
His hands went around her waist as he swung her around and tossed her on the bed. He stripped his clothes off while she hurried out of her own. Then he was on her, taking her hands, pinning them above her head.
“Mine,” he whispered against her ear. “You want me to brand myself into you, then I do this my way.”
“I trust you, Raven. Do what you will.”
He smiled against her skin before kissing along her neck. He reached away from her, and she heard the slide of the drawer. Anticipation made her wetter, if that was even possible.
“What are you doing?”
“Shh. No questions. You said any way I’d have you.”
“Any and every way,” she promised.
“If you don’t want something, you only have to say stop.”
“Won’t need to.”
A low chuckle rippled along her senses. “Don’t promise that. You have no idea what I plan to do.”
She whimpered, squirming beneath him. Then silk was wound tight around her wrists before they were pulled farther above her head and secured to the headboard. He whispered a spell, his magic dancing over her.
“I want you to remember who owns your heart. I want to see it in your eyes when you come apart. I want my name on your lips when I push you over the edge.”
She caught his ear between her lips and sucked. “I love you, Erik.”
“Show me. Give yourself to me,” he answered.
He kissed down her body, and she closed her eyes, missing his heartbeat thumping with hers.
“You wouldn’t let me taste you,” she protested.
“Later, perhaps. Right now I need to know you’re mine.”
“Anything,” she whispered as his mouth left a wet trail of nips and sucks to one tight peak he teased, flicking his tongue over it until she started to pant. He nipped, pleasure/pain elevating the high he gave her.
“Like that?” he murmured.
“Mmhmm.”
“More?”
“Mmhmm.”
He nipped again before sucking and licking. He caressed down her body while paying the same homage to the neglected nipple. His fingers trailed through her heat, his thumb pressing her clit as he sank two fingers into her.
She tried to reach for him, but the silk scarf held her tight. Whatever magic he worked reinforced the flimsy cloth. All she wanted was to sink her fingers into his dark hair.
His rhythm drove her higher, pushing her closer to release. Begging entered her mind, but she didn’t waste her time. Erik was on a mission, and she didn’t have a clue what he hoped to prove.
Her heart belonged to him, always had. She needed to prove that to him, not the other way around. He hadn’t given up on her until recently. And she couldn’t blame him for losing hope.
Pleasure overflowed, release rushing through her as sensation sparked through every cell. Her legs quaked as he crawled up her body.
“Look at me, Monique.”
She managed to open her eyes and latched onto his glistening lips. “Hmm?”
A smile pulled at his lips as he stared into her eyes. “What do you feel?”
“Love. Stronger than ever. No more barriers. Just you and me.”
He dipped his head, his tongue slipping into her mouth. She responded, arching her back to feel more of him.
His crown pushed into her and she could swear she felt his soul expand through her as hers expanded, twisting with his. His emotions bled into hers. Love with a swath of fear.
She pushed pure love at him. It was all there was in her heart.
“Monique, love,” he murmured against her ear as he rocked in and out of her. One hand dipped the bed, while his other caressed her side, teasing her senses as he kissed her neck.
“Take all of me,” she pleaded, moving with him, wishing she could tangle her fingers in his hair and touch him the same way he touched her.
Erik kept his pace steady, building her back up. Then he lifted her legs over his shoulders and grabbed her hips, pulling her ass off the bed as he drove into her even harder than before.
He hit so deep his magic resonated through her with every stroke, pleasure punching through the sensual haze he’d created. She pushed on the headboard to keep her
shoulders from scooting up the bed.
His rhythm faltered as orgasm crashed over her. He cried out her name as he pushed through her climax, driving deeper, pushing her toward sensation overload.
Then he erupted, jerking inside her as she followed him over the edge again. He fell beside her, reaching up with rasped words to free the silk. She wrapped around him, breathing in his scent, not caring that they were slick with sweat.
“Don’t forget who you belong to.” He kissed behind her ear.
“You,” she whispered, letting sleep take her away.
Chapter 31
Erik lay in Monique’s bed, contemplating his choices. Call Robert and cancel the transfer. Accept the transfer and leave the ball in Monique’s court. Of course, Robert could choose to deny the transfer.
Monique’s hand covered his heart. Either he was well and truly fucked, or she meant everything she said and did. He hoped it was the latter, but she’d proved him wrong in the past.
Erik kissed the top of her head before scooting out of the bed and walking to the bathroom. He sealed in the sound, wrapped a towel around his waist, and hopped onto the counter.
“Cassandra? You around?” he asked softly, not putting much effort into it. Calling on spirits wasn’t his favorite thing to do, but he hoped she might have perspective he didn’t.
She appeared before him with an arched brow. “You didn’t get dressed first?”
Erik drew a long breath and let it out. “That required more energy, which I spent pumping into Monique.”
Cassandra’s face wrinkled. “Really didn’t need that image in my head.”
He changed the subject. “Think back to when Monique and I were kids. Do you think her mother could have done something to prevent the two of us from forming a bond?”
Her head tipped and she walked away for a moment before walking back. “Definitely possible. She used to chant something over Monique while she slept. I thought it was a blessing. Let me think back.”
“I can help you remember. I need to know what it was.”
Cassandra moved closer, nodding. “Of course.”
He smiled sadly. “Why do you trust me so easily? Why did Alistair? Hell, all the dead I encounter trust me. Why?”
Cassandra smiled. “Because you don’t blow us off. You don’t even blow Alistair off when he annoys you.”
“You deserve the same respect as the living.”
“Not all people, even those who can see us, believe that. Now what do you need me to do?”
He chewed his lip, an internal debate going on. “Come here. I need to touch you.”
She couldn’t help a laugh. “As long as it’s not the way you touch her…” She tipped her head toward the door.
Erik laughed. “No. Nothing hinky.”
Cassandra stepped closer, and Erik held out his hand.
“Concentrate your energy to your palm,” he said softly.
She placed her hand in his and a cold chill traveled up his arm. He delved into her spirit, reaching into her, but holding her out because even though she wouldn’t try to possess him, it was a good practice.
He shifted through memories, similar to what Robert could do, only there was a much longer history and some things faded so much it was hard to find what you needed.
However, this memory wasn’t gone. Vivian sat on the edge of Monique’s bed, waving a burning candle, chanting words he committed to memory. Maybe his mother would have an idea. It sounded more like a witch’s spell, than mage.
He released Cassandra and leaned back. “Thank you.”
“You two are meant for each other. Remembering back, Vivian really didn’t want you two together. Makes sense she would do something like that.”
“But would such a spell break with her death?”
“Weren’t you with Monique after that?”
He sighed, dropping his gaze. “Maybe once she left this plane the spell broke.” Erik scooted off the counter. “Is Alistair okay?”
Cassandra nodded. “He is. And Consuela isn’t as bad as you make her sound. Her brother, though—there’s something wrong about him. He’s more than a ghost.”
“What do you mean?”
She shook her head. “What happens to a spirit if the body dies while possessed?”
Erik’s mouth dropped open. “Sometimes the two entities merge, becoming something else. Yeah, I need to talk to my parents. See if they have answers.”
“Go. She won’t sleep long. Not without you holding her.”
Erik paused. “What do you mean?”
Cassandra smiled sadly. “I told you she’s always missed you. She has nightmares when you aren’t there. Can’t remember them, but they wake her, leave her trembling.”
“Then I’ll call in the morning.” He glanced at his watch. “Probably better to do it then, anyway.”
* * * *
Monique woke when Erik rejoined her in bed. “Where’d you go?”
He sighed. “Bathroom. Sleep.”
“Still don’t believe me?” she asked, her hope floundering.
He rolled to face Monique and tipped her face up, looking into her eyes. “I asked Cassandra a few things about your mother.”
“She’s no longer here. Doesn’t matter what she thought about anything. Forget her.”
He smiled sadly. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe she did something to prevent us from ever fully bonding.”
“Does it matter if we are now?”
“Maybe?” He let out a sigh. “I’m calling my mother in the morning. I want to know what she thinks. The magic she used…could be a blessing or a curse. I don’t know, Monique. My mother may be able to figure it out.”
“I’m calling Dad in the morning. See if he knew about anything. But she was dead before the last time we made love.”
“Why did she move on?” Erik asked.
“What do you mean?”
“She was there the day of her funeral. I haven’t seen her since and I’ve been around you a lot.”
Monique froze, sucking in a breath. “After you came to see me at the airport, I went to your mother’s shop.” She took a slow breath and let it out. “Something attached itself to my mother. Whether it happened before death or not, I’m not sure. I know Nigel wanted nothing to do with her. Consuela didn’t seem to notice it, but she allowed Mom into her body. And your mom saw it right away. I had her send Mom on.”
“That’s why she hasn’t been around.” Erik pulled her closer. “Tell me how it went.”
Monique gave him all the details. “A weight had been lifted off me. And the longer she was gone, the more I needed you. Until I saw you in that bar.” She didn’t bother to mention who he’d been with because she understood now.
“I wish you had come to me. I would have done anything to keep you. I didn’t even know you were there. And Gwen would have sent me to you. She would have pushed me into your arms and told you what was going on.”
“I know. And I’m a bitch. I was scared. Terrified really. You were everything I needed, and I assumed the worst because my mother got in my head and twisted it around. I thought maybe, just maybe, if you were with a mage, there would be even less question about what you were.”
“I’ll always be a necromancer. Having their skills doesn’t mean I can’t do the other stuff. I scare them. Hell, most people just have to walk into a room with me and their skin crawls because they can feel the dead near me.”
Monique trailed her fingers over his side. “It’s never bothered me. When I’m not near you, I miss that soft fluttery feeling that accompanies you.” She laughed. “Used to want to see ghosts like you did. To talk to them. You’re never lonely.”
“Without you, I’m always lonely. Doesn’t matter how many others are in a room. You left a hole in my heart, in my soul.”
“Never leaving you, Erik. Ever. You’re mine, I’m yours, and we’ll be together even in death.”
He smiled
sadly and pulled her head to his chest. She wound her arm around him, hoping she finally got through to him.
* * * *
Consuela pulled up to the bed and breakfast and smiled over at Declan. “Thank you for not judging me harshly and taking me out after I found what I needed. You don’t have any idea how much I needed some real interaction with another breathing being.”
Declan moved out of the car so fast, her breath caught. He opened the door and offered her his hand.
Smiling, she took it. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure. I enjoyed my time with you. And tomorrow night, please allow me to assist you, whether it’s with Erik or not.”
“You may not like all my methods.”
“I’m sure I’ve seen worse. Now rest. I understand you’ll have a busy day today.”
“Walk me back?”
He glanced at the sky. “I have a little time. Though if you stay, perhaps we’ll have more opportunity to get to know each other.”
“Wish it weren’t so close to dawn.”
“Hmm, me too.” He took her arm and escorted her back to the room. “I’ll be here tomorrow. Unless you tell me somewhere else to be.”
She turned to him. “And how do I tell you where to find me?”
“Call, or text.” He pulled out a card and passed it to her.
A smile pulled at her lips. “I’ll see you then.”
He leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’m looking forward to it already.” With that he disappeared.
Victoria walked into the hallway and made her way to her. “Be careful with Declan. It’s been a very long time since he was with a woman. And if you coerce him into anything he doesn’t invite, I will make sure you pay.”
“Then I’ll tell you now, up front, what Declan volunteered for.”
Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “What was that?”
Consuela tempered her smile. “There’s a very bad necromancer who was hired by someone to butcher innocent humans with corpses, prove necromancy and magic are real, and strike fear in the hearts of mortals. Declan volunteered to have me form a link to ensure no one else can, so he can help tomorrow night.”
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