“Atticus?” I sent a tendril of thought through our link.
“First door on the left, Evelyn,” he said absently, then went back to the conversation.
“Thanks.” I went through that door and closed it behind me. There wasn’t much in his bedroom. A queen-sized bed with a black comforter and gray sheets sat against the right wall. A small night stand on one side with a lamp. The closet was across from the bed, the small dresser on the other side of the closet.
On the bed was my bag. I set my keys and books on top of the dresser. I eyed my bag. I’ll unpack in the morning. I pulled off my jeans and sweater leaving the cami on. After putting my clothes in the duffel, I set my bag on the floor by the dresser then picked up a book. I moved to the bed, pulled the blankets back and climbed in.
I was leaning against the wall, propped up by his two pillows, when he came in. Satisfaction vibrated down our link along with a sense of calming down. I looked up from my book to meet his eyes. He had an odd, tiny grin, barely a lift at the corner of his lips which he tried to hide as he went to the closet and took off his watch.
Acutely aware that I was in his bed, I watched him set it on the dresser and begin to unbutton his dress shirt. My body gave a hard throb at the sight of those tattoos. He looked over his shoulder and raised an eyebrow at me. I smiled but didn’t bother to explain. His eyes ran over my body slowly, the warmth changing to concern.
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“Alright, just banged up.” I went back to my book because if he kept looking at me like that, bruised or not, I’d be pulling him into bed and finishing my slow ride from the other morning. He took a long, steadying breath. Oh no. My face burned as I raised my eyes from the page, peeking up at him. He ran his hand through his hair and let out that deep breath. Oh, yeah. He heard that. I looked back down at the page and waited for my face to cool down. As he moved around the room, I kept my eyes on the book. It was the only safe thing to do with the others just past the door. He came to my side of the bed and touched my knee. Warmth ran over my skin as I looked up. He was only in those navy pajama bottoms again. But what caught my eye was the gash across his side; the blood was dry so it had happened earlier today.
“What the heck? Atticus?” I snapped, dropping my book on the bed and moving to the edge to inspect the damage.
He took my hand before I could touch his side. “It’s fine. I’m more worried about your-”
“How didn’t I see this?” I demanded, pulling my hand from his and examining the gash. The edges were clean, it’d be an easy heal.
“I changed my clothes before I came into the bathroom,” he said, his hands trying to take mine from him. “Now, your bruises-”
“Forget my bruises,” I warned as I smacked his hands away. I placed my hand over part of the wound and closed my eyes. It was only a few minutes before I opened them again.
“You didn’t need to do that.” His voice was strained as if he was trying not to yell at me. “You could have healed your bruises instead.”
“You can’t heal this many bruises. There are too many spread over too much space.” I looked up at him. He had a small blue jar in in hands. “What’s that?”
He sighed. “It’s a bruise salve that Zahur makes.” He knelt down in front of me as he opened the jar. He used his fingers to swipe some of it out of the jar then started rubbing it into the large bruise on my knee. I hissed at the cold, then relaxed as he gently rubbed it in. As it took effect I realized it was numbing the area.
“Okay, I need a tub of this,” I announced, holding my hand out for it.
He shook his head. “You took care of me, now I’m taking care of you.” He moved on to another bruise. I couldn’t argue with that and I didn’t really want to. He continued to move up my legs, his touch was soothing until he finished with the large bruise near my hip. He didn’t hesitate, his hands moved to my knees and opened my legs to him. I caught my breath as heat built inside me. My eyes went to him, but he was focusing on the large, dark bruise high on the inside of my thigh. He started to carefully rub in the salve.
“You noticed that one too?” I muttered, trying to get my body to calm down.
“I notice everything about you,” he said absently. My heart warmed, I bet he didn’t mean to say that. But he didn’t seem to notice as he worked his way up my body, even making me pull up my camisole so he could cover my ribs in the goo. When he finished with my face his eyes met mine. “On your stomach.”
I didn’t even argue; his touch was relaxing. I pushed the covers down and scooted further onto the bed, then flipped to my stomach.
“Middle of the bed, luv,” he told me, his accent slipping out. “We both know you’ll end up there anyway.”
I rolled my eyes as I scooted over. “Are you calling me a bed hog?”
The bed shifted as he climbed on, then straddled my legs. “You’re not so much of a bed hog as a body-heat seeking koala that grabs on and won’t let go.”
I smiled into the mattress at the warmth in his voice. He pulled up the back of my cami and began to work the salve into those bruises.
“A koala, huh? So, I’m cute and cuddly?” I countered.
“And cling when you’re dead asleep.” His voice told me he was smiling.
I sighed dramatically. “Well, if you don’t want me in your bed…” I acted like I was trying to get up. His hand immediately pressed between my shoulder blades and pinned me to the blankets.
“I didn’t say that,” he said quietly. I relaxed into the bed again as he went back to rubbing the ointment into my bruises.
“So, you don’t mind the cute and cuddly, body-heat seeking koala?” I teased. He was silent for several minutes as he worked on my shoulders.
“‘At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us,’” he said quietly, quoting Albert Schweitzer. I grinned. He was saying that he didn’t mind my bed hogging, that he actually enjoyed it. Before I could counter with my own quote he asked, “Are you going to unpack tonight?”
“I was going to leave it until the morning,” I admitted, his hands pushing me towards sleep.
“That doesn’t bother you?” he asked, surprised. I smiled.
“You’re a neat freak, aren’t you?”
“I prefer things put away,” he hedged as he worked on my shoulders. My eyes rolled into the back of my head. I groaned as he hit a particularly good spot. All thought went out the window. When he was done he climbed off the bed, covered me with the blankets, then moved around the room. I floated in a state of relaxation
Eventually the bed shifted again and the light went out. Then his body heat was close to my skin. I relaxed but couldn’t fall asleep. Finally his hand went to my unbruised hip and squeezed gently. Smiling to myself I dropped into a deep sleep.
20
December 24
Atticus
I woke up with my hard cock pressing against my Mate’s butt. As my head cleared I noticed the position we were in. I was spooning her, her body snug against me as if we were stuck together. I smiled. Definitely a heat seeking koala.
It was almost time to get up. I’d been getting up at 4:30 a.m. for so long it was automatic now. I took a deep breath of cherry blossoms. Maybe I could let her sleep a little longer. I laid there thinking about her. She was amazing, smart, resourceful, and forgiving. I was still angry with myself for hurting her so much when I was trying to keep her away. And her legs… Who would forgive someone for that? I ran my thumb over her belly, memorizing the feel and smell of her. That’s when it hit me. I was in love with her. And I still haven’t told her about Cyrus. I cursed myself. I should have told her days ago, but… I kissed her shoulder. I didn’t want the way she looked at me to change. I was going to have to tell her soon.
She shifted in her sleep, rubbing herself against my groin. Heat shot through me, my dick already seeping against h
er. I thanked whatever God there was that gargoyles healed fast because her bruises were gone this morning. Desperately needing to touch her, I kissed the back of her neck softly, trailing to her ear. My arm slid up so I could cup the weight of her breast, my fingers caressing as I kissed her shoulder. Her breath hitched and I knew she was awake and aware of what I was doing. The feel of her silky skin was enough to drive me mad, I moved back to kissing her neck as I stroked her nipple. She took a deep, shaky breath and I grinned against her skin. I slid my hand down her toned belly until I was in her panties, my fingers slipping through her wet body. She groaned as I stroked her gently.
“Atty…” she breathed in the same sultry voice she had used the other night. I focused on causing those small moans in the back of her throat that drove me crazy. I kept touching her slowly, softly, until she was grinding and soaking against my hand. I pulled my hand from her and tugged her panties down just enough to give me access. I pushed down my pants then slid against her once, making her gasp before sliding into her fully. I grunted, she gasped. She was hot silk wrapped around me like a vise. I groaned quietly against her skin, her muscles squeezing me until I could barely hold on. I gritted my teeth as I pulled nearly all the way out before sliding home again while stroking her. She gasped, her body bathing me in scalding honey. She felt so fucking perfect that I wanted to stay here all day. I continued stroking her as I slid home over and over. “God... Atty... close…” she gasped, then covered her mouth with her hand as I continued the slow pace. Her whole body trembled as she started to tighten around me. Lightning streaked up my body and down to my toes.
I kept my pace slow and easy. She shuddered, her other hand twisting in the sheets. She grabbed a pillow and covered her face to muffle the sound of her crying out my name as she came. Her body locked down on me and it was too much. I groaned against her skin as I exploded inside her, as deep as I could get, her body squeezing mine until I was empty. I wrapped her in my arms as I tried to catch my breath, making no move to leave her. She just felt so good.
“That was a nice way to wake up,” she sent, satisfaction lacing her thought. I smiled against her skin.
“I might have to wake you up that way every morning,” I sent as I kissed my way up her shoulder until I reached her ear. She smiled as she ran her fingers over my arms.
“I’m torn between asking you to roll over so I can kiss you, or staying inside you as long as possible,” I admitted. Her face turned pink.
“I wouldn’t mind a kiss,” she said softly. I watched her carefully as I slid out of her, she shivered. She rolled over onto her back so I could look down at her. I couldn’t believe how beautiful she was. I cupped her face and ran my thumb over her cheekbone, enjoying just touching her. Her big cognac eyes ran over my face making me wonder what she saw there. My fingertips ran down her cheek, over her throat and down between her breasts where her locket sat. It looked perfect there, like it was made to sit between her breasts and no one else’s. I leaned down and kissed between them, right over her heart. That amazing heart that I couldn’t believe might one day love me. If I didn’t mess it up. Her fingers went to my face, her hands were so soft.
Her eyes were confused when they met mine. “Mess what up?”
That damn link. “I think we need to cancel everything and just stay naked in bed all day,” I said instead. She giggled as I took her hand and kissed her palm. She didn’t ask again.
“We need to get out of bed so we can leave with the sunrise,” she reminded me. I sighed then let her go.
Evelyn
Atticus pulled away. Something was different about him this morning. He seemed comfortable with me, almost open. It was new. And a big part of me liked it. I pulled my panties back up and climbed out of bed.
As he went to pull on his pants, I went to my bag only to find it empty except for my toiletries. “Atty, where are my things?” I turned to find him making the bed. I raised an eyebrow.
“They’re in the closet and drawers,” he answered absently as he made hospital corners on the bed.
“You are a neat freak,” I stated, going to the closet and opening it.
“Perhaps,” he hedged again. I smiled as I found my armor and started looking for something to wear while I went to the bathroom.
Atticus stepped behind me and wrapped an arm around my waist. “What are you looking for?” He whispered before he kissed my neck.
“I need to use the bathroom.” I said as I relaxed against him. He reached around me and into the closet. He handed me a soft blue robe. “Thank you.”
He kissed my temple before letting go to finish dressing. By the time I found all the clothes I needed Atticus was still getting dressed.
When I stepped out of the bedroom I found Falk and Zahur in the kitchen eating breakfast. Falk raised an eyebrow and smirked. My face warmed. We hadn’t been as quiet as I thought. I decided to pretend that didn’t happen. I closed the door behind me and walked into the bathroom as if I wasn’t blushing at all.
I cleaned up and quickly got dressed then went to put my clothes in my duffle. Atticus opened the door as I reached for the handle. He stepped back to let me by. He waited by the door until I was finished putting my clothes away. Then we went to the kitchen together.
I poured coffee for myself and Atticus while he dished up two plates.
“Where’s Ranulf?” Atticus asked.
“He took off last night, said he had something to take care of,” Zahur said.
Atticus handed me a plate, I handed him his coffee. He was frowning when he turned to the others. The front door opened.
“Morning,” Ranulf said as he came in through the door.
“Where did you go last night?” Atticus demanded. I winced, it was too early for this.
“Went to a pub,” Ranulf said as he poured himself coffee. Atticus set his mug and plate down.
“You went patrolling, didn’t you?” Atticus growled as he leaned against the kitchen side of the breakfast bar and crossed his arms over his chest.
“No, I went to a pub,” Ranulf repeated as he made a plate. I glanced at Atticus’s face, his jaw was clenched.
“Then why are you just getting back now?” Atticus asked. Ranulf’s shoulders grew rigid.
It really was too early for this. I reached over and rested my hand on his firm stomach. His eyes snapped to mine.
“The sun hasn’t even come up yet,” I reminded him. “He’s here on time, it doesn’t matter if he’s doing the walk of shame.” His eyes softened.
“Alright,” he muttered before turning back around to eat his breakfast.
Ranulf winked at me as he moved to the end of the counter.
“So, we have a Wrath demon to face this morning,” Atticus announced.
“I’ve never gone up against one before,” Ranulf admitted. “What are they like?”
“Huge,” I stated, looking up from my plate. “They range from eight to ten feet tall and have armor over their skin that blades can’t get through.”
“It usually takes a platoon of us to take one down,” Zahur added.
“Then how are we going to take this one with just us?” Ranulf asked.
I smiled innocently at him. “Oh, first thing I’ll do is blast that armor right off him.” Ranulf and Falk smirked. “That’ll make him vulnerable to your weapons.” I took another bite of toast.
Ranulf chuckled, Zahur nodded, Falk smiled, Atticus… he looked concerned.
“Evelyn-”
“I’m essential on this one,” I told him, “and you know it.”
He struggled with it for several heartbeats before he sighed. “You’re right. I know you are. That doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“I’ll stay back,” I promised. His eyes met mine before he nodded.
The rest of breakfast was talking over strategy. I offered what I could do and when. But otherwise my job was to blow the armor and stay back.
After breakfast everyone geared up and got in the car.
&
nbsp; The Wrath demon’s crime scene was bloody. As in blood on the walls and soaking the carpet. I really didn’t want to go into the apartment. This one had been the worst memory. Wrath demons liked to infect humans with anger until they were ready to kill. Then they let the human go. This man had killed his wife with their three-month-old baby girl in her crib in the next room. The woman had to have known something was wrong with her husband because she hadn’t screamed. If she had, she probably would have woken up the baby, and then they both would have been dead. The man that the demon infected committed suicide when he realized what he had done. At least the mess was only in one corner of the living room. I scraped blood off the wall and dropped it into the flame in my hand as usual.
“Just show gargoyles who caused the death of this woman,” I said unceremoniously. The apartment was getting to me. I dropped the flame onto the blood. Nothing happened. The ball of fire just sat there. I closed my eyes. There was a thick, armor-like spell that kept my tracking spell from touching the blood. It was being powered by the demon, I just couldn’t see where the energy line was. I smiled. “Tricky, tricky, tricky. But not good enough.” I closed my eyes and focused. My hand moved over the spell shielding the blood. Heat seared my hand; I hissed and pulled my hand away. I opened my eyes as Atticus took my hand and examined it.
“Zahur,” Atticus growled.
I ignored them cleaning and bandaging my hand and looked down at the floor. I couldn’t use touch, so I needed a new tactic. I pulled energy, my markings glowed. I was about to change an elemental part of my eyes, and that took a lot of power. I could blast through the demon’s spell but then it’d know we were coming. Without knowing where it was hiding today, I couldn’t risk it.
“Evelyn?”
“Let go of my hand,” I instructed as I closed my eyes. They let me go. “Ignore any sound I make.” It was the only warning I gave them. I sent energy to my eyes. In my mind I could see the structures of my eyes. The optic nerves, retina, everything. But it was the macula I was after, the small central area in the retina that contained light sensitive cells and allowed you to see fine details. That was what I wanted to change. I carefully filled them with energy, upping their sensitivity to the level I needed. My eyes burned and streamed as I worked.
Found (Books of Stone Book 1) Page 30