by Faith Gibson
“Then you won’t. Once we are mated, everything I own becomes yours. We will have a lifetime of figuring out how we want to spend our days. Whether it’s traveling, flipping houses, or something completely different, we will do it together. Can you see that in your future?”
“I can.” Stella figured it was the mate bond drawing her to Zeke, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care. He already explained how the fates chose the perfect partner for the Gargoyle, so that meant he was also perfect for her. “But I also see a nap, because the pain meds are starting to wear off. Will you show me to a bedroom?”
“I will take you to our bedroom.” Zeke stood, then gently scooped Stella into his arms. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and nestled her face against his neck, inhaling his masculine scent. The master suite was just as light and airy as the living room. The king-sized bed was like being placed on a cloud. If she felt better, she would invite him to sleep beside her. But she really was fading fast. Zeke went back downstairs to get her medicine. After taking two of the pills, he told her to get some rest. “I’ll be out on the back deck, but if you need me, all you have to do is say my name. I’ll hear you.” Zeke pressed a kiss to her forehead, and Stella closed her eyes.
Leaving Stella to nap alone was one of the hardest things Zeke had ever done. If it weren’t for Cyrus, Zeke would have lain down beside his mate. They hadn’t completed the bond, but her acceptance was there in her eyes. In the way she smiled at him. The way her heart beat a little faster when their hands joined. Then again, if he stayed in bed with her, his Goyle would insist on taking things further than Stella felt up for. They had waited thirty years. Another day or two wouldn’t kill them.
Zeke stopped off in the kitchen and grabbed a bucket, filling it with ice and longnecks. He took them to the back deck and sat in one of the Adirondack chairs while waiting for his brother to return from his walk. Zeke wanted to be alone with Stella, but he would never make Cyrus feel unwelcome in his home. He had a lifetime with Stella ahead of him, but he had a lot of years of catching up with Cyrus to make up for. Damn you, Jonas. Where Sophia and Tessa adored Jonas, Zeke resented the male. Resented the fact that he and Caroline continued having offspring only to pawn them off on unsuspecting humans. Why have kids if you weren’t going to keep them?
His thoughts trailed off to his mate, wondering if she wanted children. Zeke could imagine how being around so many kids over the years might lessen the shine of having her own. There was so much they needed to talk about, but as he told her, they had a lifetime of getting to know one another. Zeke twisted the top off his beer and took a sip. The cold liquid felt good going down, and Zeke leaned his head back as he searched the shoreline for his brother.
The beach outside Zeke’s home was mostly deserted this time of year. The other houses in the area were family-owned, and those who lived there rarely took to the sand during the colder months. With the breeze coming off the ocean meeting with the cool temperatures, most humans, at least those he had met, preferred to enjoy the view from inside their heated homes. With Zeke being Gargoyle, the cold didn’t bother him. Seeing his brother walking barefoot next to the surf, Zeke smiled. It didn’t seem to bother Cyrus either.
A dog barking followed by a male yelling had Cyrus turning his attention toward the only other two beings Zeke could see. His protective nature had Zeke sitting up a little straighter. The stretch of beach between his deck and the water wasn’t large, and if Cyrus needed him, Zeke could be there within seconds. The golden lab bounded up to Cyrus, who bent down to give the dog some love. The pup’s owner jogged up, apologizing profusely. The smile on Cyrus’s face was brighter than the sunshine. Cyrus rose, and the two males shook hands, only they didn’t immediately turn loose. Zeke leaned forward, studying the man who had his brother’s attention, and he listened in on their conversation.
“Sorry about Nonna. She never meets a stranger.”
“Oh, that’s no problem. I have two at home who are the same.” Cyrus stood and stretched out his hand. “Cyrus Gillespie.”
“Thomas Kinsey.”
“It’s a pleasure, Thomas.”
“I think the pleasure is mine.”
Nonna stepped between the two men, begging for attention. When they released their hands, Thomas ran a hand through his dark, windblown hair. “So, Cyrus. Do you live around here?”
“No. I’m visiting my brother. I live in Montana.”
Thomas smiled. “That explains the bare feet. You must be used to the cold.”
Cyrus grinned and shrugged. “I am, but this is my first time on a beach, and I couldn’t let the opportunity to feel the sand between my toes go to waste. What about you? Is one of these houses yours?”
“No. I’m visiting my sister. She lives in the fifth house down. Nonna is her dog, and I volunteered to take her for a walk. Would you like to join us?”
Cyrus glanced toward the house, and Zeke raised his bottle in agreement. “Yes. I’d like that.”
Zeke leaned his head back, smiling. Had Cyrus traveled all the way to California to find his mate? Time would tell. By the time Zeke finished off all the beer, Cyrus hadn’t returned, but Zeke wasn’t worried. He took the empties into the house and disposed of them in the recycling bin, then went to check on Stella.
Stella’s head was no longer pounding. Her eyes took in the bedroom, and she could see herself waking there every morning with Zeke by her side. Speaking of her sexy Gargoyle, she wondered where he had gotten off to, so she pushed back the covers and slung her legs over the side of the bed. When she caught sight of herself in the mirror above the dresser, she paused. Why was she wearing her clothes from the day she was attacked instead of her sweats? Stella didn’t remember changing back into them. Why would she have put them back on before washing them? She pulled the hem of the sweater out, studying the stain across the bottom. Was that blood?
Stella looked around the room, searching for her sweats. When she didn’t find them, she decided to change into something of Zeke’s. Opening the top drawer, she found it empty. They all were. Stella rushed to the closet and slung open the door. Empty hangers hooked over the bars on both sides of the large walk-in. What the hell? Was this not Zeke’s home? Even if it were a vacation house, there would have been evidence of him being there somewhere.
After closing the door, she padded into the attached bathroom. There were no toiletries. No toothbrushes or accessories lying about. No towels hanging on the bar. The shower curtain was pushed back revealing a spotless enclosure. “No, no, no.” Nothing about this scenario was right.
Stella made her way through the upstairs. Zeke hadn’t shown her any of the house before her nap. Every door opened into empty rooms. There was nothing but bare walls and spotless floors. Stella’s heart pounded harder with each second she spent searching for something. Some indication this house was lived in. She needed to calm down, so she took a few cleansing breaths, drawing on her yoga instruction. Stella walked over to the far wall where a curtainless window looked out over the back of the house. The waves rolled onto the sand as though they were furious. Stella had been on the beach during storms, but the sky wasn’t dark and ominous. She didn’t understand the science behind the tides or the way the water moved at the moon’s insistence. She had always enjoyed the beach without questioning its magical nature. It simply was.
Making her way downstairs, Stella didn’t hear any noise. No television. No voices. Zeke and Cyrus must be outside. When she reached the living room, Stella froze. “Bradley?”
“Hello, Beautiful.”
“Wh-what are you doing here?” Better yet, how had he found her?
“I’ve come to take you home where you belong.” Bradley was sitting in an armchair with an ankle crossed over the opposite knee. He was dressed in his usual khakis with a button-up shirt tucked in. His dark hair was gelled into place. What wasn’t normal we’re the splotches of blood dotting his otherwise pristine beige shirt and the long knife clutched in one hand.
“What did you do?” Stella looked around, searching for any sign of Zeke or Cyrus.
“What was necessary. Did you really think I’d let you run off with that monster?” Bradley rose from the chair and stretched his neck, the popping eerily loud in the otherwise quiet room.
“Y-you killed him?” Stella’s throat threatened to close. No, he couldn’t have. Zeke couldn’t be killed except by… “No!” She wouldn’t believe it.
“You’re mine, Stella.” Bradley took a step toward her, but she wouldn’t go with him. She couldn’t. She had to find Zeke. Her mate. They were supposed to be together forever, except they hadn’t completed the bond. Stella would continue to age, and Zeke would… “No! Zeke! Zeke!” She rushed through the house toward the back door. She had to find him. Throwing open the French doors, Stella ran across the deck and down the stairs to the sand. The wind whipped her long hair around her face, blinding her.
“Stella.” Strong hands gripped her arms, but she jerked away.
“No! You can’t have me!” Stella ran toward the sound of the waves. She had to get away from Bradley. She wouldn’t let him take her.
Chapter Eight
“Stella, I’m here.” Zeke’s strong voice called out to her. He wasn’t dead.
“Zeke?” Stella still couldn’t see her Gargoyle. “Where are you?”
“I’m right here. Open your eyes.” Gentle fingers brushed her hair off her face. Stella blinked her eyes open, and Zeke was sitting on the side of the bed, his brow furrowed. Stella sat up and threw her arms around his neck.
“You’re here. You’re not dead.”
“No, Love. I’m fine. You were having a bad dream.” Zeke held her tightly, rubbing circles over her back and pressing kisses to her temple.
Stella leaned back, searching his face. “Hi,” she whispered.
“Are you okay?” Zeke stroked her right cheek, always avoiding the bruises.
“I am now.” Stella pushed herself back, and Zeke fixed the pillows so they were between her and the headboard. When she was settled, Stella reached for Zeke, encouraging him to move closer. “I want to complete the bond.”
Zeke picked up her hand and kissed her fingertips. “We will, when you’re feeling better.”
Stella shook her head. After the dream, she wanted it to be sooner rather than later. “Being your mate will make me feel better.”
“Baby, the bite bonds us for centuries. Are you sure you don’t want to get to know me better?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life. But before we complete the bond, I think you should kiss me.” Stella cupped the back of Zeke’s neck, ready to make the move if he didn’t.
“Is that right?” Zeke’s blue eyes sparkled. Stella could tell he was trying not to grin.
“Mmmhmm. I mean, you wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, would you?” Stella threaded her fingers through Zeke’s hair as he leaned closer.
“No, I don’t guess you would.” Zeke closed the distance between them and pressed his lips to hers. He had kissed her in the hospital, but that had been sweet. This one started off the same way, but a fire flamed from deep inside. Stella nipped at his lower lip, begging for more. Zeke teased her mouth with his tongue, and Stella answered the challenge. Kissing this man was like coming home, only instead of four walls, home was his warrior soul. Their breaths mingled as their tongues danced a slow, seductive number. Stella’s fingers tangled with his hair, keeping his head where she wanted it. A low growl emanated from within Zeke’s chest, and Stella pulled away, curious as to what she’d done wrong.
“Did you just growl at me?”
“No, I growled at my Goyle. He’s being a pushy bastard.”
Stella smirked as she ran her pointer finger over Zeke’s lips. “Yeah? What’s he saying?”
“He’s demanding I mark you.”
Stella leaned back against the pillows, missing the heat from her blond, but she had to know how he felt. “And you don’t want that?”
“More than I want my next breath, but you’re hurt, and I won’t do anything to add to your injuries.”
“Bast, you’re sweet. But I need you, Zeke. I know it’s crazy how fast this is happening, but who am I to tell the fates to eff off?”
“Stella—”
“Shh.” Stella placed her fingers against Zeke’s lips. “I trust you, and I trust the fates. I’ve always believed in the mystical. In the stars and planets aligning.” Stella pushed the covers down her legs, then lowered the top of her sweatpants only far enough to show off a tattoo.
Zeke brushed his fingers over the ink. “I’m not familiar with the symbol, but the moon and stars are sexy on your hip.” Zeke slid off the bed to his knees and pressed his lips to the ink. Stella shivered and grabbed a handful of his hair, the meaning of her ink forgotten.
“Don’t start something you don’t intend to finish. I’m already tempted to throw myself at you to get what I need.”
Zeke pulled the sweats back up, then set his chin on her hip. “What do you need? I will give you anything.”
“I need you. I need your weight on top of me, and I need you filling me up. I need you to bite me and make me yours.”
“You are mine. You have been mine since the day you toddled over to me and grinned with those big brown eyes shining.” Zeke stood and began removing his clothes. “I will have to be careful of your injuries, but I won’t deny you anything.” Stella’s eyes were transfixed on his body as he exposed his skin. When he stood before her in all his glory, she licked her lips.
“Oh, my.”
Stella had never been aggressive in bed, but she’d also never had a man like Zeke standing before her unabashedly naked with his erection leaking, tempting her to lean over and taste. In the past, she had given blow jobs because it was expected. She’d never been thrilled about it. But now? It was as though tasting Zeke was as essential as breathing. Pleasing him was important. Not because he expected it, but because he deserved it. Deserved her attention. Her mouth. Her body. Stella moved to sit on the edge of the bed and leaned over, licking the moisture from his tip.
“Stella, My Queen.” Zeke gripped her shoulders, neither pulling her forward nor pushing her away. She took that as permission and leaned in again, this time taking the flared head into her mouth. While she had never enjoyed giving head before, she used the previous practice to please her mate. Maybe one day she would be able to add husband to his titles, but for now, Zeke was all hers, no matter what she called him.
Using her tongue, she teased the slit again before taking him as far as she could into her mouth. She wrapped her fingers around the base, sliding her grip up and down his length along with her mouth.
“Stella, that feels too good. I want to be inside you when I come. Do you want that?”
“Yes.” They didn’t talk about protection, but Stella was on birth control. Even if she hadn’t been, she wouldn’t have stopped this moment for anything, even the prospect of getting pregnant. Zeke pulled her to her feet, then gripped the edge of her sweatshirt and carefully pulled it off, being mindful of her bruises. He divested her of the sweatpants, leaving her in her underwear. Stella was exotic looking, but her body was nothing special. Her breasts were a small C-cup, her stomach wasn’t flat, and she had cellulite on her thighs. But the way Zeke devoured her with his eyes, he didn’t care. Thank you, fates.
Zeke was fighting his Goyle big time. They had waited thirty years for this moment, and Zeke wasn’t going to allow the beast to screw it up. As he slowly divested Stella of her lacy underwear, Stella stood before him bare. He could feel her reticence. He wasn’t sure if it was because this was their first time or if she was self-conscious about her body. She had no need to be either. “Look at you.” He allowed his desire to shine through his eyes and words. “You are stunningly perfect. I have waited my whole life for you.” Zeke cupped her cheek. “As a Gargoyle, I don’t carry diseases, but I can get you pregnant without protection.”
&nb
sp; Stella leaned into his touch as she reached out and ran her nails down his chest. “I’m on birth control,” she said softly.
That didn’t answer the question of whether or not she wanted children, but now wasn’t the time for talk. Zeke lifted Stella in his arms and lay her in the middle of the bed before crawling between her legs. She parted her thighs, and Zeke stared at the juncture. A dark thatch of hair topped her pubic bone, and he bent his head and inhaled deeply before licking her entrance. He teased her clit with the tip of his tongue while spearing her channel with two fingers. Gods, his mate was ready for him. As much as he wanted to make her come with his mouth, he couldn’t hold off taking her, making her his mate.
Zeke nipped at the tender skin of her inner thighs. “Are you sure about this? Once I bite you, there’s no going back. We will be connected for the rest of our lives, and that could be hundreds of years.”
“I’m sure.” Stella slid her bare foot down his side, then hooked it under his armpit, urging him forward.
Zeke gave her nub one last lick, then he placed his large body over hers, his dick hard and ready. Stella wrapped her legs around his waist, and Zeke entered her body in one slow, slick slide. Fucking heaven. Using her heels for leverage, Stella met him eagerly. He wanted to make love. Wanted their first time to last, but this was a claiming, and he lost control after less than a minute. As Zeke increased their rhythm, Stella scratched her nails down his biceps before gripping his arms tightly.
“Zeke, ungh. Please…” His mate kept her eyes on his, but her words became sounds of pleasure, ramping his own need.
Zeke allowed his fangs to drop, and Stella’s eyes widened, and her breathing hitched. His hips stuttered, thinking she’d changed her mind, but then she moved her hair out of the way, baring her neck to him. Zeke lowered his head and latched onto the creamy skin. Her body convulsed around his cock. His own orgasm tore through him as her tangy copper flavor flooded his mouth. Zeke retracted his fangs and roared as his wings spread out behind him.