"It takes a good ten to fifteen minutes for the residual energy to fade after a teleport,” Slazzamar explained to Darren.
"Oh well, then let's get the hell out of here."
"Wow, nice collection,” Nessa said, peering at the row of sports cars. Neman selected the keys to the BMW 760 hanging besides the Jaguar XR, his Alfa Romeo 8C and several high-performance motorbikes.
"I hope you don't have any potatoes stashed under the sheet, sweetness."
Nessa's forehead creased in a frown before her eyes went wide as she registered what he was referring to. “You saw what I did to Larry's car?"
"I was watching,” he confessed, giving her a small smile as he unlocked the BMW.
As he hit a second button to make the garage door roll upwards, a sudden bang shook the house. Gunfire and yells could be heard. Games were over, it was time to leave. Quickly and as gingerly as possible, he placed her in the front seat, buckling her in securely. The other two jumped in the backseat, and Neman hurried to the driver's side. The car roared to life. Shoving it into gear, he slammed his foot down on the accelerator, as two Shadow warriors burst through into the garage. A bolt flew in their direction as the car's tires squealed and, as he accelerated forward, his Jaguar exploded, narrowly missing them.
"Holy crap!” The fright in Darren's voice was evident.
"Damn, there goes one cat I liked,” Neman muttered, as a second bolt hit the car, the back window shattering glass all over Darren and Slazzamar. Wind whipped in, the car taking a sharp corner. Coming around the front of the estate, Neman saw his men scrambling about. Swords flashed and sulfur guns flared, burning up the target on impact. His London team was cutting down the attacking demons. Lights flashed from behind them. Neman hissed angrily, seeing they'd taken his bikes.
"Damn, I like those bikes, as well. Slazzamar, take the wheel!"
"I've never driven a car!"
"I'll do it!"
Darren was climbing over the seats, while Neman flashed into the backseat, drawing out several of his blades. The buzz of speeding bikes revved faster behind them in the darkness.
"Head to the right!” he yelled at Darren.
Slazzamar clung onto the handrail.
"You take this.” Yelling above the rushing wind, he gave Slazzamar his semiautomatic pistol. “Aim and pull the trigger."
Slazzamar twisted in the seat, taking aim at the bikes. A bolt flew past and the whole car skidded to the right as Darren turned past the estate gates onto the main roadway. Slazzamar was knocked sideways. The gatepost exploded, sending concrete shrapnel into the car as they flew past. The bikes kept right behind them, and more deadly magic bolts flew at them.
Neman took aim and threw the first of his blades, hitting a Shadow demon right between its glowing, red eyes. The bike wobbled, sliding sideways, before slamming at full force into a tree. The second demon accelerated, coming up beside the car. Slazzamar fired several rounds at the creature. As one hit the bike, the demon leapt like a predatory cat from the bike onto the back of the car, landing with a resounding thump. Its red eyes glowed behind a human facade.
Neman lunged forward, knocking the creature backwards before it could charge a bolt. It fell with a heavy thud onto its back, denting the boot. Without hesitating, Neman leapt on it, plunging a second blade right into its heart, and giving it a twist to ensure he killed the Shadow demon. The creature thrashed about. Neman yanked out his blade, shoving the demon off the car and watched it hit the ground, rolling briefly before fading in the darkness.
"Hey, Nessa, just like V8 races down in Melbourne!” Darren yelled, the obvious adrenaline rush hitting him.
"Just keep your hands on the wheel, flyboy!” she said in a low voice.
"That was too darn close.” Neman scanned the darkness behind them to make sure no more creatures followed before sliding down into the glass-shattered car. “Everyone all right?"
"Just a normal night, eh?” Vanessa said quietly.
"I'll drive now. Slazzamar, change us.” He gave a nod and leant forward, placing his hand on Darren's shoulder. In the next instant, Darren was in his place, and Neman's eyes scanned the road ahead. He glanced at Vanessa, at her tired eyes and her face still pale in the darkness. Neman reached out, gently touching her cheek. He could feel her trembling body. He could see her white knuckles while she gripped onto the seat for dear life.
"It's going to be all right,” he promised her.
She nodded, but said nothing. She turned her head, staring out into the darkness. Neman would give anything to know what was going through her head. She came through everything with such grace, but was it starting to wear her down? Did she hate him for putting her through all this? Unfortunately, they had no choice.
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Chapter 14
Demons cowered when a burst of strong demonic power exploded through the cavern. Only Belshazzar stood firm and unflinching as he delivered the news to her.
"Death will be too good for Slazzamar when I get my hands on him. A few thousand years in my hell pit, then I may decide whether or not to kill him,” she raged.
Belshazzar inclined his shadowy head towards her. “I had the mortals of the place of healing interrogated. The Chosen One carries not one child, but two."
Confusion creased her features. “How can this be? The prophecy dictates only one prince."
"My Queen.” Gremlock stepped forward, holding a scroll. “There is nothing to say either way, only whatever child or children come from their union and our Realm will be sealed shut, imprisoning us for eternity."
"The Chosen One is still alive after too many attempts. My warriors have come closer to killing her than any of yours."
"Were not your warriors killed by the mortals?” She sneered at Belshazzar.
"The mortals were well prepared to defend against our kind. It shall not happen again."
Jezebel snorted in disbelief.
Fernos, the Gorlon Kat demon, came rushing into Jezebel's throne room. “My Queen.” He skidded to a halt, bowing in front of her. “I have found where the Chosen One is hidden and the vile betrayer, Slazzamar."
"Then tell it, Fernos!” Jezebel impatiently snapped.
"I returned to the human hospital and watched and waited. I saw Slazzamar and his human. When they teleported, I was able to track, but not follow. A powerful magic ended my progress. Neman has a hiding place beneath the Moon Temple at Ur, my Queen."
Jezebel walked down the steps. “Well, it seems some people never leave home. It was said Nanna's temple was destroyed after a large earthquake, but now I suspect differently. It was moved and a new one built in its place,” Jezebel said, thoughtfully.
"I shall gather my army,” Belshazzar said, turning to leave.
"There may be heavy god magic on his temple, Belshazzar. We are going to need more than just warriors this time. We need a sorcerer—one loyal to our Realm."
"Azeral was defeated a thousand years ago and entombed,” Belshazzar said.
Azeral, the great demon sorcerer, was defeated by his own kind for breaking every kind of Outer Realm law imaginable in a lust for power exceeding even her own. Even Jezebel was glad to see him stopped.
"He was nothing but trouble. Xenith, of the sorcerer class, owes me a debt. It is time I cashed out."
"I believe the expression is ‘cashed in.’”
Belshazzar's disgusted snort enraged Jezebel. She clenched her fists, only keeping her rage in check because she needed Belshazzar and his army. When this was over, she would have a talk with Lord Derkin to help put Belshazzar down, once and for all. She gave him a tight, false smile. “Let us get this done."
Nessa tried to roll over, but found a heavy arm wrapped around her middle and a hard, warm body pressed against hers. Opening her eyes, she saw Neman asleep beside her. His usually hardened features were softened by his relaxed state. It seemed even gods needed their rest. Two days passed since their narrow escape from London, and Neman was more than d
oting, waiting on her hand and foot. Every time she tried to move, he was there to scold, growl or escort her into the bathroom, despite her ranting and protests. He made sure she ate everything she was brought—foods rich in protein, calcium and sugar. She drew the line at him feeding her.
Darren and Slazzamar returned to the hospital to obtain more medication to help her cope with her twins, as well as a range of pregnancy vitamins Darren insisted she take. A black lady with a cheery smile named Mona, came in bringing all the clothes she and Ana bought in Los Angeles, along with her favorite strawberry lotions, the brand of shampoos and soaps she used and brushes for her hair, colorful quilts and pillow coverings. They also brought in extra drawers and closets to hold all her new belongings. The once drab room was definitely now brightened with a feminine touch. She had truly moved in with Neman. Nessa was refreshed and energized from the care. Although she felt somewhat smothered, she was grateful. Having Neman so close to her was comforting, but she longed for more than just his caring touch—she missed his heated caress and passionate kisses.
Nessa smiled to herself. Shifting his arm slightly, she slithered down to press her lips against his chest. A slight dusting of hair tickled her nose as she sneaked her tongue out to swirl it around a masculine nipple before grazing it with her teeth. She felt a low rumble coming from his chest. Wickedly, she skimmed her fingers along his side, across the hardened planes of his stomach, letting her tongue trail a hot, wet path between the valleys of his muscles. She loved kissing and tasting his divine skin. He tasted so good, he was definitely her new addiction. He was naked, as he slept beside her and his erection hadn't gone unnoticed.
Finding his beautiful, hard length, she was barely able to wrap her fingers around it. Velvety soft, yet so solidly firm, she caressed the tip, feeling the slickness of his pre-cum. Neman's lips parted and giving a low moan, he shifted onto his back, his eyes still closed. Nessa raised herself up to slide farther down the bed until her lips lined up with his cock. She licked her lips before parting them, then darted out her tongue to slide it over the head and swirl it around. Tasting his salty, sweet flavor, she decided it was better than chocolate. She eagerly started licking up and down his length, enjoying every part of his cock. Her fingers found the large, tight sacs at the base and gave them a squeeze. Opening her mouth, she took in all she could, sucking gently at first.
He moaned, low, deep and guttural.
"Sweetness, what are you doing?"
His husky question came though his heavy breathing. She pulled her mouth off his cock.
"Enjoying myself. Do you want me to stop?” she asked and gave a long lick on the underside of his cock.
He shuddered.
"In your condition, you shouldn't."
But he made no move to stop her. She chuckled before taking him back between her lips, her fist holding and pumping what she couldn't fit into her mouth.
"Vanessa, sweetness."
He moaned, his fingers threading into her hair, cradling her head. Nessa took a deep breath, slipped her hand lower, then swallowed his cock down the back of her throat. Neman growled, his fingers digging into her scalp as she swallowed several times, before pulling back in to breathe.
"Oh baby, sweet mother of all,” he growled, letting go of her hair.
"Don't move—you're big enough to choke me.” She glanced up to see him looking down at her with a heated, passionate gaze. She loved to see that look in his eyes. Smiling, she went back to feasting on his cock, sucking long, hard and deep and extracting more moans. His fists gripped the sheets when she took him deep again. She felt him thicken before he burst. Then she heard the sheets tear, along with a muffled yell. As his hot, sweet cum hit the back of her throat, Nessa swallowed hard and fast until there was no more to take in. Slowly, she pulled back, licking around him to make sure she swallowed every last drop of his godly nectar before releasing his still-hard member from her mouth. With a self-satisfied grin, she looked up at him. “Hummm, better than chocolate."
Neman gripped her shoulders, pulling her up. He captured her mouth with his own, hard and demanding.
Nessa gave herself over to his embrace. She didn't know how she was ever going to manage without his touch or kiss when this was all over. “Make love to me,” she whispered, when he let her breathe again.
"Sweetness, in your state, you shouldn't, I shouldn't—I don't wish to tire you out again."
"I'm feeling really good. I need you, please, Neman.” She nibbled along the line of his chin.
He gripped her tightly, pulling her up on top of him. “I cannot deny you, my sweetness. Take it easy now."
Nessa straddled his hips. She shimmied off her silk nightgown, tossing it aside. His hands skimmed upwards, starting from her outer thighs and moving on to her hips over her ribs, his fingers caging her breasts, squeezing her ample flesh in his hands, thumbs flicking over each tightened nipple. Nessa leaned down to hover them above his face, and Neman greedily accepted her offering. When he sucked the right one into his mouth, his tongue swirling over the bud, Nessa closed her eyes with the sensation shooting through her. She slid her hips farther down and his rock-solid cock made its presence known by pressing into her stomach. Unlike human men, Neman had an amazingly quick recovery from climaxes. Raising her hips, she reached down to find his cock and guide it into her aching, wet channel. They moaned in unison as she sank down onto him. The feeling of her inner walls stretching around him was sheer bliss. Neman released her breasts to grip at her hips, helping her slide up and down on his cock.
He always felt so darn good. Everything about Neman was better than good. As much as she wanted this to last, she was eager for her own pleasure. Almost three days without having Neman inside her had turned her back into a horny twit, desperate to have him. She threw back her head, moving her hips up and down faster.
He chuckled. “Eager minx."
His hands slipped down between them, his thumb finding her clit, rubbing in firm, gentle circles making her gasp and moan. He thrust his hips up, taking control. Through her whimpers and moans, she knew he wouldn't last long before his need to take control took over—not that Nessa minded. She'd take him any way she could have him. Her whole body was like a finely wound string which came bursting apart under his talented skill.
"That's it, my love—come for me."
Nessa wasn't sure she'd heard him correctly as her mind and body soared. He kept pummeling up into her body, over and over, keeping her at the edge until he groaned loudly and thrust his hips up, lodging himself deep inside her as he came. Nessa collapsed forward, panting.
"Sweetness, are you all right? We didn't overdo it again?” A look of concern consumed Neman's handsome face. He rolled her over, withdrawing from her depths.
Nessa sighed and looked up at him with a smile. Her love for Neman was almost overwhelming. The words she wanted to tell him of her love hung just on her lips, but she was unable to utter them and instead only smiled. She knew he only cared for her because of his children, and it tore at her inside. She covered the pain by leaning forward and kissing his lips. “Just wonderful,” she said, which was only a half-lie. Physically, she felt good. Mentally, she felt the weight of her uncertainty. Resting her head against his chest, snuggling into his warmth and closing her eyes, she decided she'd try to hold on to this—and on to him—for as long as she could.
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Chapter 15
Neman paced. Every instinct told him something was not right. It had been way too quiet for too long.
"You're going to wear a hole in the floor,” Nessa said from her seat in the corner of the library. A box of chocolates sat on her lap and she nibbled at one. Neman allowed her out of their room on the condition she not do anything. Slazzamar was puzzling over a mobile phone as Darren tried to teach him to use it.
"I don't like any of this. It's been too quiet. Do you think you can go to the Outer Realm and gather some information, Slazzamar?"
"And be
boiled alive if I'm caught by any of Jezebel's or Belshazzar's spies? I'd rather not."
"Don't you have any contacts outside in the Human Realm?” Neman turned to him. He seemed to think for a moment.
"I do, but it would be awkward.” He looked across at Darren.
"I know that look, Slazz,” Darren said without even raising his head. “Do what you have to do if it means helping Nessa. I don't mind."
Mark swiveled in his chair, looking up from his computer screens. “All reports are saying the activity has died down topside. The London team came out pretty unscathed."
Neman was relieved no one got seriously hurt in the skirmish.
"I hate to be a pessimist, but isn't there always a calm before the storm?” Nessa asked.
Vanessa was right, and it worried Neman. Something was coming. He watched her set the box of chocolates aside and push off the blanket to stand. The color was high in her cheeks, her skin held a beautiful glow, and her scent had changed slightly. Her pregnancy made her all the more alluring, driving him crazy with lust which he was having difficulty controlling. She was beautifully giving whenever he couldn't seem to hold back, which was nearly all the time around her. “Where are you going?” Neman demanded as she moved toward the library exit. There was something else going on behind her eyes. Neman sensed she was hiding something.
"Relax, big guy. Just going to the bathroom then I'll stop in at the kitchen to see Mona for a womanly chat. Too much testosterone in here—no offense, Darren."
"None taken, honey."
"Hey, I think I got it,” Slazzamar said, and the phone beeped at him. “Not so hard."
"Great, baby. Next I'll teach you to drive."
Nessa vanished through the door and Neman stared after her. “We can't just sit here and wait for the inevitable. We have to make a pre-emptive strike. It's time to put the Realm leaders in their places if we're ever going to have any semblance of peace."
Slazzamar shifted on the sofa to look up at him. “What are you suggesting?"
"It's time to take this war to them, rather than waiting for it to come to us. Let's review who we're facing."
Moonlight Captivation [Moon Shadows Book 1] Page 12