by Lea Jade
“Haile, can you breathe? Do you need some painkillers?”
“It’s not that bad. It just stings a bit when I move,” I say between chuckles. “Just stop making me laugh.”
He looks pained.
“The pancake,” I choke out, as smoke billows out of the frying pan
“Shit. No, no, no, no.” Cal runs back around but he’s too late. I crack up. That’s five he’s cremated this morning.
Tasha raises a brow as Cal tips the ruined ones into the bin. “On second thoughts, I don’t want any pancakes. Fates, someone teach this lion to cook.” She gets up off her seat. “I’m going out to get us some proper breakfast. Not this room service crap.”
My phone buzzes just as Tasha leaves, and it’s a message from Ingrid sending the latest picture of Zeus, and an update from the Coven. I haven’t told her about Cal yet. I’m unsure if it’s worth telling her at all. I don’t mind that he’s a lion, or that he’s a royal. He doesn’t think or act like other shifters. Not that I know many. I’m beginning to think all the things I’ve been taught are just plain wrong. But if he’s a player, that something else entirely.
I don’t want to get hurt.
“Damn. Why can’t I get into the groove this morning? Haile, I’m sorry. I’m usually good at this.”
I look up, smiling softly.
“Are you ok? Bad news?” he asks.
“I’m fine.” I lie. There’s a heaviness inside that I just can’t shake.
His brow is furrowed, but his mouth is curved up at the end. I can’t help but notice how luscious his lips are. How kissable.
No idea where that came from.
Okay, that’s a lie. I do know.
I’ve been thinking about what almost happened that night, a little bit.
Okay. A lot.
He must see my thoughts as clear as day because suddenly, his eyes are razing over me like hot coals. I feel my cheeks heat up. We’ve been doing this sort of thing for hours while Tasha was here, and it’s been driving me nuts. There’s even a smudge of flour on his cheek that I want to lick off.
Lion shifter or not, I fancy the pants off him.
I beckon him and he pads over, turning the stove off as he does.
Then he’s before me. So close I can smell the delicious scent of his skin. Being near him like this, I feel whole, complete. Happy.
Without thinking, I reach up and run my fingers through his hair.
He purrs.
It’s so hot when he does that.
His animal feels wild and untamed to me. Not for the first time do I want to let myself go around him. The last time, a powerful aphrodisiac was responsible, but lately I’ve been wondering just how much of that was the drugs and how much was my raw need. If the other lionesses weren’t outside the door, I don’t know if I could stop myself.
But this might be my last chance.
He might leave again.
I’d rather not regret this moment. We’re alone, at least inside the hotel suite. Tomorrow my mother is coming and then I’ll be going back to New York, and Caleb will stay here.
I’ll never see him again.
As if sensing my anguish, Cal slides his huge arms around me, enveloping me in his warmth and spice, until he’s penetrated every one of my senses. I lean into him, and he hugs me back.
Being like this feels so right.
“That day when I was racing down the hill as a lion. I thought I heard you in my head.”
I bury my face in his chest, breathing in the scent of him. “I think… I wanted you to hear me.”
He pulls back a little, looking at me. “I have something to tell you. I wanted to say it at the time but it I needed to check some things first.”
“Oh?” Is all I manage.
“There’s a reason you could hear me and why you reacted so strongly to the shifter salve. Hope you don’t mind, but I spoke to your aunt and your mother after I had a hunch. They’re coming here today to explain.”
“It’s to do with my father, isn’t it? That’s why my mother is flying in?”
“I shouldn’t be the one to tell you.”
The hope inside me flutters and dies and without any more thought, I raise my lips to his.
“We shouldn’t—” he starts.
I shut him up with my mouth on his, my fingers entwining in the soft, fine hairs at the base of his neck. I don’t want to think anymore. I want him to consume me so I don’t have to dwell on the cold reality of it all. Just give me this. Please.
He stiffens, but slowly pulls me in closer, opening up to me. Softly at first, then harder. His tongue teasing its way into my mouth.
He pulls away just as I’m melting into him.
“Why are you stopping?”
“Tasha is outside.”
“I don’t care,” I say, and then I know it’s the truth. I don’t care.
I want him just once. To have the memory of him this way.
I pull him for another frenzied kiss. Adjusting his body so he’s between my legs. Then his mouth is on mine again and I lean into him, wrapping my legs around him like some sort of tree-hugging animal.
“My koala.” He grins between kisses, his eyes turning pure gold.
Like he’s reading my mind again.
“Shhh,” I say, grabbing his hair and making him come back for more. Kissing until I feel him stir, hardening against me. I wriggle and moan a little to show him I want this.
He gets the message and moves his hands to my waist, then lower, cupping my ass cheeks through my pjs, lifting me up. Then somehow, we’re up against the fridge. The coolness of it sears through my t-shirt. My hands are around his neck and his tongue is in my mouth. He tastes like I remember, like home.
Between my legs, there’s a heat building as he grinds against me.
Any minute Tasha could walk in.
I come up for air. “Bedroom?” I suggest. At least we can lock the door.
“Are you sure?” he asks softly.
In answer to that, I bite his ear lobe. I’ve never been so ready.
He carries me until we reach the door and kicks it open. Then he lays me on the bed, gently, being super careful with me this time. Must be my injuries, but with all the kissing so far, I don’t feel half as bad.
“If you want to stop just say the word.”
I nod, pulling off my t-shirt before he can change his mind. His hungry eyes sweep over me, then narrow at the bandages around my stomach.
“Caleb, on the bed now,” I demand.
That’s all it takes for him to move.
Kneeling on the bed, bending over to kiss me slowly until he’s on top of me. I pull him down until he’s resting between my thighs, his weight pinning me a little. Then his tongue is in my mouth again as he massages my breasts over my bra with his huge hands, making me moan out loud.
It’s not enough.
I pull at his shirt, so he takes it off while I quickly unhook my bra.
He all but groans when he sees my naked breasts and pins my hands over my head while his mouth covers mine. Tongue filling my mouth. Pelvis thrusting against me.
Then he takes one breast in his mouth. Sucking and teasing my nipple with his tongue. Biting down gently. Sounds escape my throat as deliciousness builds right between my legs, soaking through to the pj shorts I’m wearing.
I’m unsure what to do next so I run my hands all over his back, feeling the solid muscles there and lightly digging my nails in.
“Take me now, Caleb, please,” I whisper, and reach for the button of his jeans. “And don't you dare stop this time, I mean it."
He growls and pulls away, so I wriggle off my shorts and lay there under him in my underwear and nothing else, making eyes at him, blushing profusely.
Cal pauses, drinking me in.
“You’re incredibly beautiful, you know that?” he says as he traces my body with his fingers, teasing, stroking, until he’s at the top of my panties.
Then his fingers trail down between wher
e the heat and need is mounting.
“Fates, you’re soaking wet.”
“Take your jeans off,” I try and command.
He shakes his head, a grin forming. “Not yet. I want to taste you first.”
Then he’s moving down the bed, between my legs. His warm hands rest on my thighs so I spread open for him as he leaves a trail of hot kisses on my navel, and nibbles my inner thighs.
I jerk when his teeth graze my panties and he teases me though the fabric. Finally, he slides them off, kissing me between my legs as he does. Then his rough tongue is licking me and thrusting into me until I feel I will explode. I’m moan, griping the sheets with one hand while the other tangles up in his hair.
Goddess. I need more.
I must say that out loud because he stops with his tongue and uses his fingers, sliding them slowly into me, while sitting back to watch me squirm. Eyes heavy-lidded as I peer up at him. Now who has the come to bed eyes?
“Like this, baby?” His voice is heavy and husky.
“Caleb, I swear. I need you inside me now,” I moan, panting like an animal in heat.
“Gods, you drive me insane when you talk like that.” He lies next to me, as his fingers work their magic. “You want me to fuck you, kitten?” he whispers. His breath hot on my cheek.
I nod, unable to speak. He’s being ever so gentle. Too gentle!
Then he’s gone, rustling in a bedside drawer.
When he comes back, there’s a condom packet between his teeth. I devour him with my eyes as he takes off his jeans and underwear. He’s like a god carved to perfection. I can’t help but gaze at his package as he puts the condom on. It’s huge. How on earth will I take it all in?
He towers over me and then nestles between my legs. The warmth of his skin warming mine. He kisses me, slow and melting, stroking my body with his. I feel the tip of him as he presses against my entrance. The heat of him there, going no further, driving me insane.
He pauses, golden eyes looking into mine. “This might hurt.”
“I don’t care.” And I don’t, not any more.
My hands reach up, drawing him closer to me and his face nestles in my neck. He breaths in deeply, kissing my neck and biting my ear. All the while hard between my legs.
“Are you waiting for an invitation?” I tease.
“This is your first time. I want it to be special.”
“This is special.” I draw him to me, kiss him and then suck his lower lip, drawing out the beast. He grunts and pushes inside. Finally. Ever so slowly. Easing into me until he’s filling me up completely.
And then, there’s nothing but the sensation of him fully inside me, and his sweet tongue teasing mine. He moves, slowly at first. Kissing my neck while he takes me. Sending waves of pleasure through my body. Making me arch my back, leaving me breathless.
“Can you go deeper?” I ask.
“You want deeper?” He all but growls it.
I nod and he does something I’m not expecting. He flips me over and pulls me up so I’m on all fours with my ass in the air. I feel his cock from behind, teasing between my legs, as he takes a fistful of my hair, spreads my legs, and reverses me onto him.
The feel of him this way makes me gasp.
This is what I wanted.
He moves then, savoring each stroke. Deep, almost too deep, stroking my insides. Filling me up. His hands on my ass cheeks, kneading them.
“Harder.” I don’t know why, but that’s what I want. He obliges, harder and faster until he’s pounding me. Sending bliss throughout my body until I can’t take any more. I grip the pillow and stuff my face into it, trying not to cry out.
"Oh Goddess, I think I’m coming,” I say, shivering with the intensity of it.
“That’s it, baby, come for me.”
His hands pull me up, so I can kiss him while he takes me. Big arms curling my body. Holding me. Massaging my breasts. Easing in and out. Faster. I’m slick with sweat. Growing dizzy with pleasure and desire by the minute. Just when I think I can’t take any more, a wave of intense deliciousness erupts and takes over. Making me shake. He shudders at the same time, and his grip tightens before he lets out a roar. Face nuzzling my neck. And then, finally, he bites down on my shoulder, hard.
It hurts, but the pain cancels out immediately. Maybe even enhances what I’m feeling. The feeling of owning and being owned in return.
“You’re amazing.” He says it, over and over between kisses. Landing them hot and wet on my mouth and all over my neck. Cal turns my head to him, and kisses me lightly on the lips.
Aglow and completely satisfied, I check where he bit me. He hasn’t drawn blood but it’s bruising. At least it won’t leave a mark.
“Sorry, I tried to hold him back. Does it hurt?”
He means his lion. I let him know it doesn’t and kiss him again.
“Next time ask though. Okay?”
“Next time?” He arches a brow.
I can’t help but blush. “If you want to.”
He laughs and then growls, nuzzling my neck, licking where the bite mark was. “I would be honoured.”
I guess that’s a yes from both of them.
Not ten minutes after we finish, Esme shows up. I leave Cal to entertain her while I shower and change. He showers faster than me so I was happy for him to suggest he go first.
I can see Esme approves of Cal as he cooks breakfast. She’s beaming at me when I appear. She must be more open to us being a couple than I thought. A couple? Where did that come from?
“Haile, dear, how are you feeling?”
“Oh, I’m better today, thank you.” Very well, actually.
I can’t help but sneak a peek at Cal who is also beaming. Everyone is so cheerful today. Usually, that would make me nauseous, everyone being so damned happy, but for some reason I can’t help grinning myself.
“Good. I’m glad. Oh, I have something for you. I needed approval from the coven before I could give it you.” She takes something out of her pocket and hands it to me.
I open my hand and inside is a silver necklace, with shard of black stone set in the center. I’m reminded of my necklace, but this one is not the same. It’s a piece of it, reset in a similar fashion to my old necklace, but daintier to match the smaller stone. Newly polished and so very beautiful.
“I know it’s not your necklace, but it used to be part of it, a long time ago. I thought you’d like it.”
“My father gave me the other necklace.”
“Yes, although, he shouldn’t have. It wasn't his to give. I've no idea how he got it out of the vault, but it must have been when he was still with your mother. I didn’t realise it was the resurrection stone until the warlock confirmed it was. It makes sense though, why your father went to so much trouble to get it for you.”
I raise head and look at my aunt. “Why? Tell me. Please, enough secrets.”
She sighs. “It might come as shock, so at least take a seat.”
I take a chair at the kitchen table and Esme does the same. My heart is thudding so loud in my chest it feels like it might burst out at any moment. This is it; I’m going to finally find out about my father. Cal chooses that moment to bring use both over a cup of coffee and a perfect pancake each.
He kisses me on the cheek in full view of Esme, and I blush.
“I’ll be in the other room.”
I grab his hand before he can leave. It’s warm and reassuring. “No, stay. Please.”
He raises a brow but takes a seat next to me, keeping my hand in his.
Then. Esme starts a story. A story of how my mother and my father got together in secret. One I’ve heard in passing a few times. Only this time, parts are different. The main one, my father being a shifter not a warlock. That, and my mother left him, rather than other way around.
“He’s a shifter? So that makes me…”
“A half-witch, half-shifter. When you were born, your mother was distraught to think you’d come into your shifter power and have an
animal form. But as it turns out, your shifter half remained dormant. When your father found out, he was upset about that. It drove them apart. He must have stolen the resurrection stone for you in the hope it would awaken your shifter side. Instead, it dampened your witch powers.”
“How…” I start but don’t finish. A million and one questions are in my head.
Cal’s hand tightens in mine.
“This would explain your attraction to Caleb here,” she continues.
I feel myself go red. “So, if he went to all that trouble to steal the stone, why didn’t I awaken, or whatever you call it?” I mumble.
“Who knows. It won’t happen now the stone is transferring back to the Vale Vaults.”
“What about this one?” I hold up the shard necklace.
Not that I want to have a furry side. But…
I can’t help but look at Cal, but he’s as unreadable as the stars.
“It was never strong enough to transform a shifter fully. It had to be recharged with the life of a witch every few months just to retain its potency. The very reason Trey took the lives of our sisters was to do just that. You can see how dangerous it is. I trust you will keep it safe from now on.”
“Will this one affect my powers too?”
She shakes her head. “No. You’re just coming into your supreme power. If anything, it will help with control.”
I’ve no idea what do with this information.
Esme just smiles and slides over a piece of paper. On it is written a name and address.
“What’s this?”
“You wanted to find out about your father? Well, what better way than to speak to him yourself.”
After Esme leaves, Cal hugs me for the longest time.
“Are you ok?”
“I’m just… shocked. My mother never said anything about this.”
“This explains why you reacted so strongly to the salve.”
I look up into his melted-chocolate eyes and then hug him tighter, inhaling the scent of him as I do—the vanilla spice I’ve come to love.
“It wasn’t the salve. It was just you,” I say into his chest. It’s muffled but I know he heard it. Shifters have good ears like that.
He embraces me. “Same for me too,” he replies, ruffling my hair.