“Need you,” she whispered.
Her gown was lifted as he slid one arm under her thigh to pull her leg up. He shoved his pants far enough down to enter her on a hard thrust. His other hand slid up her side to cup her breast.
“If you help him, I have only one request.”
“What’s that?” It ended on a gasp as he slowly slid out, only to slam back in.
“Don’t let him take you from me.”
“Oh, Toryn, you have nothing to worry about,” she promised.
His hips rolled, rocking in circles, hitting places she didn’t know existed. “Can’t lose you. Don’t let him have you.”
“Don’t want him. Only you,” Isa promised. “Stop worrying, and claim me.”
“Oh, you’re mine. I’m not letting you go.” Each thrust reached her end, filling her with pleasure so intense, she could only cling to his strong back.
“Love you,” Isa cried.
He growled in her ear, his voice a savage purr, “My love. My desire. My everything.”
Their shared release brought a new level to their bond, strengthening, and pulling them even closer.
* * * *
Toryn dropped his head to her shoulder as he breathed deep. Her scent travelled through his senses. The love he felt take seed that day had only grown, and was blossoming.
Now, more than ever, he feared someone would sweep in and steal her, even though it made little sense. Saressa purposefully tried to break her bond to Scotty when he wouldn’t go along with her plans to take the throne.
Isa was nothing like her, and he knew she wouldn’t become her. But the same dragon was involved, and against reason, he worried that maybe they were never meant to be.
Except, her father had gone through great lengths to put them together, knowing where they would wind up. There were so many questions he had for his oldest friend and mentor. If he knew how to contact him, he would, even though Reance would never give him the answers he sought, believing the less one knew about the future, the better.
Toryn could see tiny glimpses, but Reance could see whole events from beginning to end. He had the knowledge to change things in his favor, with the exception of his sister who had the same gifts.
Saressa had found a way to block anyone from seeing anything to do with her. A trick Reance must have figured out, because Toryn never once got a glimpse of Reance after his supposed death, or anything to do with him.
He stood there with his forehead pressed to hers, pinning her against the wall. He could feel her heartbeat, her chest rise and fall with his, and all he could think of was what if that damned dragon got his claws in her.
“Toryn, don’t go there. I feel your doubt. Don’t, not for a second. Alenathos won’t have me. Never.”
“Can’t lose you, Isa. Not now. I don’t know how Reance ever let your mother go. I can’t. I may be selfish, but I don’t care.”
Her eyes twinkled as she smiled up at him. “I like you selfish, as long as it has to do with me.”
“Mmm, always you.”
Morrigan cleared her throat. “You have only a moment to right yourselves before I ask why in the abyss you have an entire choir of siren singing for you, Isadora.”
Isa’s eyes rounded in mortification as she watched his mother walk away.
“Sorry,” he whispered with a grin as he pulled out and tugged his bottoms back into place. Stepping away, he wet a towel before he gave into the temptation to lick her clean.
She dropped her head back to stare at the ceiling as she righted the short silk nightie that barely covered her slick heat. Her chest heaved with every breath, her nipples straining against the fabric.
He groaned as he walked back and gently cleaned between her legs.
Her eyes slid closed as a whimper escaped.
Toryn cursed his mother’s timing, or maybe his own. He wasn’t sure if Alenathos was helping the siren or if he was chasing them away. There was no telling with the ancient dragon.
* * * *
Alenathos backed toward the water, watching Toryn carry away his only chance at freedom. His first instinct was to tear Toryn down and take Isadora for himself. However, she had fire and was not going to be one he could sway.
He turned, shifting into the water serpent to chase back the siren, and maybe even eat a few in the process. No one would miss them, save Saressa.
Immune to all the siren tricks, he roared as he dove under, the sound carrying a spell to freeze any creature in its path. He swam through the water, destroying every siren he found.
Letting the faster ones swim for freedom, he whispered through the ocean, but the spell would carry the words to any of Saressa’s creatures on this side of the veil, “You are no longer slaves to a sadistic tyrant. Once you crossed to Earth, you lost your ties to the bitch you served. If you do not leave the Storm Mistress alone, I will come for you, and crush you myself.”
He was met with silence, a sign the siren were at least considering his words. Taking his time, he gathered several of the bodies to bring them back to the edge of the forest, where Morrigan’s wards began.
* * * *
Morrigan smirked as she walked back to the kitchen where Isa still trembled while Toryn tenderly cleaned her, and placed a soft kiss to her lips. Her carefree rogue of a son was now much more.
Her heart swelled to see the way he lit up in his mate’s presence. She longed for that connection, but trust was something that didn’t come easily after Toryn’s father.
Thankfully, her son was neither like her nor his father. His upbringing helped, but Reance was responsible for molding a man Morrigan truly respected, even if he couldn’t control his desire, and sullied her kitchen with the smell of sex.
As he stepped away from Isadora, Morrigan spoke up, “We need to talk about what happened tonight.”
Toryn growled, “Saressa sent that damned dragon and sirens.”
“That is a possibility, though I believe the dragon is sincere. I’ve never known him to lie directly, and believe he cannot.”
“It would explain the timing, and why the siren started their assault shortly after I showed up to put a stop to his plans.”
Isadora sighed. “I believe him. While you carried me away, I heard the struggle, the way he tore apart the siren. I could hear their screams, even as they tried to flee. He warned them to stay away from me.”
“And if it’s a well-played act?” Toryn demanded.
Morrigan looked toward the door. “I’ll find the answers. Keep in mind the dragon hasn’t crossed my wards out of respect. You know as well as I do he can if he so chooses.”
She strode to the door, and walked outside. Toryn’s frustrated growl echoed after her. Her boy had never been so possessive or protective.
Dissolving into air, much like she’d watched Isadora do the other day, she floated to the edge of her wards.
“I feel your presence, Morrigan. Please tell your son that I brought a peace offering.”
Stopping on her side of the wards, she took in the piled chunks of bodies. “You really did attack Saressa’s pets.”
“I’ll do it again. I want my freedom.” With that, he walked into the gentle waves, shifting into the largest shape she’d seen. He dove under the water and swam away.
* * * *
Isa crossed her arms over her chest. “Toryn, you need to trust me. I believe he wants to be free.”
“At what cost to you?” He was still growling, which made Isa smile.
“If Saressa has her sights set on me, nothing the dragon does will change that. And wasn’t it you who said he may come in handy?”
He snarled. “That was until he admitted he wanted you. Scotty and I watched as he seduced Saressa, and tore apart Scotty’s bond.”
Shaking her head, she tapped one finger to her temple. “I can access those memories. She seduced him, hoping to get rid of a man who wouldn’t bend to her will. Scotty resisted her plans, in favor of friends he valued. Saressa seduced Alenathos,” s
he shuddered, “as well as Remus, to get back at Scotty.”
Toryn’s mouth fell open. “She slept with Remus?”
“Unfortunately, I saw the details. And for the record, Saressa is as twisted as him, and quite capable of torture and rape, only she can get in your head and twist it around.”
“That’s how she got Scotty in the first place. He couldn’t resist her.”
Isa took a deep breath. “I don’t believe their connection is a true bond, I think it’s more like her tie to Alenathos. I think it looks real, but it’s nothing more than a spell. There’s no clear way to break it. I don’t know if they don’t know how, or if it’s lost in memory.”
“That may be useful,” Toryn told her.
Morrigan brought two severed heads in by the hair. Isadora backed away with wide-eyes as she stared at the pink, scaly skin, and blond hair streaked with fuchsia and magenta. The other had peridot colored scales and black hair streaked with blues and greens.
“Shit, I told you,” Isa managed to get out without throwing up.
“You did,” Toryn replied, his head cocked to the side. “Perhaps you’re right, but that also means there’s hope for Scotty. He still pines for her, but refuses to go back because she can brainwash him.”
“We’ll find a way,” Isadora promised.
Morrigan opened the door and tossed the heads outside. Snookie streaked past them all and beelined for the heads with a warning growl.
Isa gasped, her eyes shooting to Toryn.
He shrugged. “Snookie would never harm you, but those siren were a threat. He only wants to protect you.”
“Yeah, okay,” she muttered, not fully believing.
With a huff, Morrigan told them, “Go back to bed. We start early.” she turned to walk further into the house.
Isa took Toryn’s hand and pulled him back to their room.
Chapter 33
Toryn had been watching as Isadora rubbed lotion into her body. She twice slapped his hands away when he tried to distract her. He had a bad feeling someone was going to find them at Underhill, but he hadn’t seen enough to make a valid argument.
He stepped in front of her with a hope-filled smile. “You sure you want to go out tonight?”
“I’m sure. Morrigan’s right. I need to practice my glamour in public. Plus, it will be good to get out and do something. Aren’t you tired of being cooped up here?”
His eyes skated to the door with a fleeting look. “Perhaps. But I can’t help worrying about your safety.”
“Only one way to find out, and I want to see how well we do as the other couple.”
Toryn’s eyes slid closed as he nodded, his hands gripping his pockets. “Fine,” he conceded. “First sign of trouble and we leave.”
Isa gave him a tight smile. “All right, but we need to try out our new alter-egos A drink or two wouldn’t hurt either.”
Toryn heaved a sigh, and took a moment to look at her. “Really hate being cooped up that much?”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “When haven’t I?”
He snorted. “Good point.”
“Look, it’s starting to feel like I am in prison with a side of magical boot camp thrown in. I’m learning fast, but I can’t go anywhere. I don’t do well when I can’t leave. A break will help immensely.”
Toryn’s breath caught, a hint of doubt wandering in again.
“Oh, get that look off your face. I want you with me. I need to leave the house, and this damned property. We’ll pretend to be shaman, and they will believe it. Stop stressing. I need this.”
He nodded as he drew a slow breath. “As you wish, Princess.”
A wicked smile curved her lips. “I’ll reward you later.”
There was a knock. As Toryn looked to the door, he glamoured himself into Drake. From the corner of his eye he watched Isa become Reshanta.
Even in her new form, he wanted nothing more than to worship her and her body. By the look on her face, she felt the same. First, he would honor her desire to leave for a bit.
Then he had an idea. “Hey, after we leave the club, I have a surprise.”
“What’s that?” There was a sparkle in her currently dark eyes.
“I’d rather show you later.” He winked, starting for the door.
* * * *
“I find it odd that both Scott and Leon are in San Francisco if Toryn isn’t hiding Isadora down here,” Zamal pointed out.
Gritting his teeth, Remus nearly crushed the phone in his hand. Grudgingly, he admitted, “You may have a point. How do you plan to find them?”
“A nymph is bringing Leon and two of his friends to Underhill for DJ Green Man’s show. I plan to show up and watch for them.”
“You realize they’ll be wearing glamour, don’t you? And Toryn is a master at disguise. What makes you think you’ll spot the two of them?”
“Isadora is new to her powers. She will mess up and we will find her.”
Aeremaius didn’t believe it would be so simple. Isadora didn’t pass out during her awakening. Instead, she commanded an elemental storm he’d only heard about in legends. He was torn between controlling the princess, and killing her to usurp her power.
“Well? Shall I go to the club and find your princess?”
As unlikely as it was, it was worth a shot. She’d never visited the east coast. He was sure of that.
With a dark smile, he warned, “Be careful. She’s more prepared than you believe.”
“She’s newly awakened. No one is in control in the beginning.”
“Good luck. I have a feeling you’ll need it if you actually run into her.” With that Aeremaius hung up and turned to his pawn.
She sat at the table with a vacant look in her eyes. He needed to heal the marks before he sent Tiffany back to work in the morning. He had hoped to use her for information, but Lana was immune, James wasn’t biting, and Reese knew nothing. His only consolation was having a toy to play with while he waited on his real prize.
* * * *
Leon walked through the front door with a frown. “You sure you want to go out? Suspicions are raised. Scott had to go back to Seattle to find out what Aeremaius knows.”
“Fuck! You too?” Isa griped, crossing her arms over her chest and tapping her foot. “For the hundredth time, I need to practice this other identity. Plus, I’m going stir-crazy locked up in this house. And aren’t you going to disappoint Lisanna if we bail on the club?”
One corner of Leon’s mouth lifted into a crooked grin. “You’re right. However, I know how to keep her entertained.”
“You chicken?” she challenged.
Toryn chuckled, but she knew he was tense. He replied, “Isa’s dead set on going out. I say we get it over with.”
“Ugh, let’s go. I want to dance,” Isa insisted, grabbing Toryn’s arm and dragging him out the door.
“Accent,” he whispered in her ear.
“Of course, my love.” She faked the accent as well as she could.
He licked his lips with a nod. “That will do.”
“Yours is better.”
“More time to practice,” he teased.
Her brow arched as she stepped through the door. She couldn’t help wondering how many faces she’d seen him in. However, that was a question for another night.
Isa hesitated when she saw Lisanna checking her out. A trickle of guilt flowed through her. She had to remind herself, The nymph can’t remember me which means no one knows where we are. Plus, she wasn’t wearing the same face.
Toryn squeezed Isa’s arm, giving her a smoldering smile with a hint of warning in his eyes, reminding her to act.
She squashed the momentary doubt as she walked to the car.
Leon spoke up, “Lisanna, this is Reshanta,” he took Isa’s hand, placing a kiss, “and this is Drake.” He reached over Isa’s shoulder to squeeze Toryn’s.
“A pleasure,” she purred, trailing a finger down Toryn and Isa’s arms. “You’re soulmates, aren’t you?” Heav
ing a sigh, she shrugged, a slight pout on her face before turning to smile at Leon. “I suppose you’ll have to keep me busy, Jaguar.”
“You know I will,” Leon promised in a purr.
A grin spread on Lisanna’s face. “I’m looking forward to it.”
Leon opened the door and licked his lips as he watched Isa climb in. He bent to whisper in her ear. “On fire, as usual.”
Isa couldn’t help the giggle as he straightened and Toryn slid in beside her. He wrapped his hand around her thigh and looked straight into her eyes. “All mine.”
The possessive tone sent a shiver down her spine. “As much as you are mine.”
“Always,” he promised in a low tone.
* * * *
Toryn kept a hand at her waist as they stepped into the club behind Leon and Lisanna. Both men were in full-on protection mode, and it was starting to creep Isa out.
Then she saw the corpse at the counter and barely managed to hold back her shock. His skin was translucent, showing off dark veins, his lips pulled back slightly, the flesh tight and dried, and there was a cloudy layer over his eyes.
“Welcome to Underhill.” The voice was rough and somehow wet.
Isa repressed a shudder as he opened the curtain, and the scent of death wafted around them. She dipped her head in a nod as she walked past, staying close to Toryn.
Once inside, and away from the entrance, she grazed her lips over his ear. “Was that a ghoul?”
He gave her a reassuring smile and a slow nod. “Reanimated dead. More intelligent than a zombie, but just as deadly.”
“Disturbing,” she answered, pulling him to the bar.
Before she could order, he did. “Two Sex on the Beach.”
Her smile widened as she turned to him.
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