Ascension

by Brenda Trim

  He felt her shiver and flush stained her cheeks, hardening his cock further. He loved her raw reactions to him. She wanted him, and, as he ran his hands over her hips, their combined arousal filled the room. Intoxicating.

  “That’s a dangerous weapon,” she teased.

  Leaning his head, he kissed her neck. Her soft flesh was the sweetest thing he’d ever tasted and he wanted more of the sugary substance. His lips moved up her neck to her chin then along her jaw to her delicate ear.

  “The only thing dangerous here is that I will die if I don’t have you soon,” Zaid whispered.

  “All men think they will die if they don’t satisfy their need,” she murmured.

  Once again, Rayna’s words belied her body as she tilted her head to the side, encouraging him to continue. The pleasure was all his, but she was very wrong about one thing. He wished there was more time for him to break it to her easily, but there wasn’t.

  “This isn’t only about satisfaction, love. When my kind finds their mate and we are given flesh, we have twelve hours to consummate the mating. If we don’t, I will revert to what I was before.”

  Zaid felt her tense as she pulled away and her fear flooded his system. It took everything not to force the issue. The temptation to suck every ounce of life was pulling him in every direction. He desired her body yet craved her terror.

  “I don’t think I can. How can I give you that when I’m not sure myself?” Rayna admitted and looked away.

  In that moment, he knew he couldn’t bear the thought of causing her such fright and panic. The need to have her in his arms again won over the urge to feed off her fear. “Please, don’t be afraid. I refuse to force you to do anything. But…”

  “What?” she asked as her eyes darted back to him.

  “Nothing.”

  “Please tell me,” she pleaded and stepped closer. She was so incredibly alluring. Zaid pulled her back into an embrace and she melted against him.

  “All I want is one time. Let me experience all of you, just once. If you don’t want me after that, I will stay away from you. At least I will have the memory of pleasuring my mate. I want nothing more,” Zaid confessed and ran the back of his hand across her cheek.

  Watching her reaction, he knew she battled her own war. She did want him, but she was still afraid of him. Holding his breath, he remained silent as she contemplated his words. Would she deny him? Would he revert to nothing but a spirit without knowing what it felt like to bring her to a roaring climax? His life would be meaningless if that happened.

  Moments later, she answered, “I’m scared to death of doing this, but I’m more scared of denying what I feel. I want you, too, Zaid,” she professed and claimed his mouth.

  This kiss was nothing like the one he’d given her. Her lips mashed against his and sent a wave of arousal like nothing he’d ever felt. He groaned and she took full advantage, plunging inside. The first slide of her tongue against his had his cock close to exploding. He refused to allow this incredible feeling to end so he fought back and returned the favor, deepening the kiss.

  Licking along her tongue, he reveled when she lifted her leg and moved against him. His shaft jerked when her hot core rubbed against it and Zaid grabbed her ass and lifted. The friction it caused fueled their explosive desire.

  Panting, she broke the kiss. “Bedroom,” Rayna murmured and pushed from his hold, but grabbed his hand. She led him down a short hallway into her bedroom.

  It was set up much like his apartment with a double bed and a small dresser. Rayna pushed him onto the bed and her hand flew to her mouth when he panicked from the feel of free falling. Zaid had many adjustments to make with his newfound body.

  “Sorry,” Rayna blurted.

  “Baby, you can push me a thousand times over when it’s to your bed,” he confessed.

  Rayna smiled and he melted again. She was the sexiest creature ever made and she was about to be his, at least this one time. He planned on enjoying every second with her.

  Rayna kicked off her shoes and pulled her top over her head, revealing perky breasts encased by red lace. His eyes followed her movement as she gripped the waistband of her pants and slid them down toned legs. His eyes snagged on matching lace panties as she stepped out of the drab gray garment.

  “Wait,” Zaid said, stopping her. He wanted to appreciate the female before him.

  “Don’t tell me you’ve had a change of heart,” she murmured seductively.

  “Oh, hell no. Just admiring this view. Fuck, you’re sexy.” Rayna’s responding smile had his cock jumping beneath the towel and her gaze watched eagerly.

  On hands and knees, she crawled up the bed, removing his towel before she straddled his hips. “My view doesn’t suck, either,” she teased as she reached around to unhook her bra, allowing the fabric to fall to the floor.

  “Spectacular,” Zaid husked and reached for the most beautiful breasts he’d ever seen. He squeezed the soft globes and she arched, pushing more flesh into his palms. They fit perfectly in his hands. When Rayna’s nipples hardened, he rubbed thumbs across the turgid peaks. She closed her eyes and moaned, throwing her head back as she rubbed against his aching cock.

  Zaid had a moment of panic as she moved on top of him. He had never done this before and had no idea what to do next. Luckily, he’d watched plenty of movies to give him a starting place and he was determined to enjoy exploring what made Rayna scream her pleasure.

  As one hand fondled her breast, the other slid down her stomach to the red fabric covering what he wanted to touch most. His thumb found purpose as it slid over the dampened material to her engorged nub.

  “Yes, Zaid, right there. Don’t stop,” she whispered and lifted her hips so he could apply more pressure.

  “Forgive me,” he uttered before ripping the delicate panty and tossing it aside.

  Her eyes momentarily flared but then hooded when his hand returned to her glistening sex. Arousal permeated the air as he explored her wet folds. Her juices coated his hand and she moved against his ministrations.

  When he slid a finger inside her hot heat, she clenched down. He had never felt anything so exquisite as he moved around inside her womb. He couldn’t take his eyes from Rayna’s beautiful face as she gracefully moved on top of him.

  Needing to taste her, she mewled her objection when he pulled out to lick his finger. Sweet honey burst across his tongue.

  “Mmmm, my new favorite food,” he murmured and in the next moment, he flipped her over and switched positions, his head placed between her legs.

  She looked down and met his gaze. Legs spread wide, her green eyes flared with lust and he could resist no more. Swiping his tongue through her folds, she cried out as he licked and sucked her wet flesh. He felt like a starved man as he feasted on her sweet nectar.

  Zaid didn’t miss how she ground against his mouth when he sucked her clit, so he paid extra attention to that area, enjoying it when she gripped the sheets as she squirmed beneath him.

  Needing to feel her again, he inserted a finger and her hips responded, bucking against his efforts. She was wild with need as she thrashed on the bed.

  “I’m so close, Zaid. Yesssss, more, please don’t stop!” she cried out.

  Inserting another finger, she detonated when his lips sucked more of her clit. She shouted his name as her thighs gripped his head and she came against his mouth. He lapped at her juices as she shuddered her orgasm. He continued to finger her and her core spasmed its release. Nothing better than his mate’s pleasure.

  Her chest heaved and she panted as her climax waned. He tenderly kissed the sensitive area until he felt her muscles relax.

  Lifting his head, he met her satisfied gaze. “Did I do good, my love?”

  “Honey, I’m pretty sure the entire building knows how good you did,” she huffed, clutching her breasts. The sight of her hardened nipples had him needing release.

  “Good, because I want to hear you scream my name again,” he declared, prowling up her
body to lie on top of her.

  11

  Rayna was helpless to Zaid’s torture on her demanding body. He dipped his head and took her nipple between his teeth. When he tugged the peak, Rayna moaned as arousal ignited again. She had just experienced the best orgasm of her life and he was pushing her to the edge again. He sucked on the hardened tip and she arched, wild with abandon.

  “You’re killing me,” she moaned and his deep chuckle vibrated against her flesh.

  Instead of cutting her some slack, he latched onto the other breast. She grabbed his shoulder, digging nails into his firm flesh. When he bit down on her sensitive tip, she dug deeper.

  Needing a distraction before she hurdled into another climax, she reached between their bodies and latched onto his shaft. She loved the primal noises he was making, knowing she was the first to bring him sexual pleasure. She slid along his steel rod and when he growled, she claimed his mouth. She was hungry, too, and wanted more.

  There had been a moment of terror before she succumbed. She had lived in fear too long and didn’t want regret eating at her if she turned her back on this opportunity. For once, she took charge of her life and was glad she did.

  Lips, tongues, and teeth danced as their ardor spiraled out of control. His hips jerked as she increased her stroke on his shaft. When her thumb rubbed across the spongey tip, pre-cum oozed from the opening and she swirled it around the head.

  “Rayna, that feels so fucking incredible,” he groaned and thrust against her palm.

  “I need you inside me, Zaid,” she demanded as she guided the tip to her drenched opening.

  “Good, because I’m afraid I won’t last much longer,” he panted.

  Rayna waited for him to shove deep inside but he remained positioned at her entrance. Reminding herself he was a virgin she took the initiative. Gripping his cock, she lifted her hips and spread her legs wide.

  Zaid was huge, she realized, as the head pushed inside, stretching her to excruciating pain. She couldn’t stop the gasp when it stole her breath.

  “Oh Gods, I’m so sorry. I’m hurting you,” he blurted and stilled their movement.

  “No, it’s good. Give me a sec to adjust. You’re really big,” she muttered and didn’t miss the smile that followed her admission.

  “The grandest ever?” he asked and arched his brow.

  Giggling, she replied, “Grandest I’ve ever had, but don’t get a big head over it. I haven’t been with many males.”

  “But isn’t my big head the point?” Zaid asked as he pressed a little further inside.

  Rolling her eyes, Rayna adjusted her legs, taking more of what he offered. As they slowly moved against one another, the pain turned to pleasure. Moments later, their thrusts quickened as he entered her welcoming body.

  The feel of this male inside her was like nothing else. His mouth crashed against hers as she wrapped legs around his waist, pulling him deeper. Seated to the hilt, she took all of him. Their bodies moved together, a sinful dance they created together. To know she was his first made it even better.

  Bodies slick with sweat, she reached down and cupped his balls, massaging them.

  “Oh Gods, I’m going to cum if you don’t stop,” he shouted as he picked up his pace.

  “Cum for me, Zaid. I want to watch your face as you cum for the first time,” she urged as she gripped his shaft and added more pressure as he slid in and out of her body. Tingles built at her toes and traveled up her legs as his deep blue eyes penetrated her soul.

  Moments later, his face tightened and his body tensed before he shouted his release. “You’re mine, Rayna,” he roared before her mind and body took control.

  She buried her face in the crook of his neck, and, before she knew what she was doing, she began chanting. She didn’t know where the words originated or their meaning, but they flowed freely from her mouth as she claimed this male as her mate.

  Rayna’s tingles became a flaming inferno as his hot seed jetted inside her womb, igniting her release. Her cries joined his as their bodies soared to an astral plane where nothing existed but the two of them.

  As their souls entwined, Rayna felt free for the first time in her life. No fear. No runes. Just her and Zaid. And it was good.

  Their heaving pants echoed throughout the room as they clung to one another. Rayna looked to her mate and saw love behind his eyes. A tear slid from her eye and down her cheek. She felt Zaid’s finger swiping it away.

  “What have I done to make you cry?” he asked, his tone full of worry and concern. More tears escaped. “Rayna, please talk to me.”

  “I’m just happy. I’ve never felt anything like this before,” she confessed and looked away in embarrassment, trying to hide her head under the pillow. She had never cried in front of any male and didn’t know what to do.

  Forcing her to look his way, he smiled. “My sweet Ray. The Gods gave you to me and I promise you this. I will never stop loving or protecting you,” he vowed as he gathered her into his arms.

  She curled into him and wrapped her leg around his waist. “The words I chanted were a spell, binding us together,” she declared and looked to see his reaction.

  As the words left her mouth, she realized the severity of what she’d done. Zaid said he loved her but Rayna wondered if he would feel the same once the choice was no longer available.

  “I know, I felt it,” he answered, cupping her cheek. Elation filled her heart. He did love her.

  “And, I think we should celebrate this monumental moment,” he said with a sexy grin.

  Curious, she tilted her head. “What did you have in mind?”

  “Well, I’m thinking that pizza sauce would taste much better spread here,” he murmured as his finger ran down her hip and between her legs.

  That fast, she was aching to have him again. Damn body was in overdrive for her incredibly scrumptious male.

  Jumping from the bed, she raced to the kitchen, laughing as she heard him shout for her to come back. Before grabbing the box of pizza, she grabbed a pen and pencil and jotted a note to hang outside her front door.

  Smiling, she knew Charlotte would understand when she came by later and saw…Do Not Disturb! Mating In Progress!!!

  Thank you so much for taking the time to read our novella from THE COMPLEX!

  All reviews are appreciated.

  If you would like to read more from THE COMPLEX series, please click on the link below:

  The Complex Website

  Brenda and Tami were best friends before they became writing partners. That combination has been solid gold and now they have over fifteen books published, including the award winning, bestselling Dark Warrior Alliance series. They never planned on becoming authors, but that just goes to show you it’s never too late to chase your passion. As they always say, DREAM BIG! The bigger, the better.

  EXCERPT FROM DREAM WARRIOR BOOK ONE

  Elsie woke, drenched in sweat with a scream trapped on her lips and her sheets tangled around her legs. Her sister stirred next to her on the queen-sized mattress.

  She didn’t want to wake her and shoved a fist into her mouth, stifling the scream from clawing its way out as the images from her nightmare continued to consume her. No matter how long and hard she fought it, the visions and memories refused to leave her.

  It always started the same, with her standing on cracked linoleum in the long hall of the group home where Dalton was murdered. She had relived that entire night countless times over the past eighteen months.

  She squeezed her eyes shut as the images flooded her aching brain for what seemed like the millionth time. An abattoir surrounded her. The walls were sprayed with blood, and there were pools of the crimson liquid congealing on the black-and-white checkerboard floor.

  She gagged when she saw a lump of bright, red meat on the floor…flesh. Yellow flags and cones lined the walls and floor, amidst the carnage. Her stomach revolted while her body went numb.

  In between heaving, she had whispered a plea for help. N
o one responded and she fell into a heap on the floor. Mindless of the blood she sat in, she gazed at the sight of her husband lying in a pool of blood, his sightless eyes trained on her. His neck had been torn open and shredded.

  How long she sat there screaming, she didn’t know. But, finally, a police officer had escorted her away from his body and out of the house where her nightmare was made worse when she came up against a mass of news media shouting questions about her husband being the latest TwiKill victim.

  Her world came to a crashing halt that night. At that moment, a huge black hole imploded into an endless ache in her chest.

  Now, eighteen months later, that black hole had grown thorns and pierced her heart. The pain forced her to curl into a ball on her bed. She hated how much power the memories had over her. Joining SOVA had been a way to gain some of that power back. Still, she longed to be a normal college student again. You haven’t been normal since you were three years old, she thought wryly.

  Not even thoughts of her childhood could suppress the pain of loss. No matter how much time had passed, Dalton’s murder still seemed unbelievable.

  The police still didn’t know who was responsible, and the detectives in charge had been spouting the same bullshit excuses to the press for eighteen months. They were incompetent and hadn’t learned a fraction of what she had within the first forty-eight hours.

  Not that she was able to tell them what she had learned. She couldn’t, or she’d risk herself or her friends being charged with a crime.

  She jumped from the bed and made it to the bathroom where she promptly lost the measly contents of her stomach. It had been the same day in and day out for what seemed like forever. She had been wracked with unending grief, barely able to function.

  Sleep was a thing of the past, interrupted by her nightmares. The dark circles under her eyes she could live with, but the muddled memory and irritability were another story. She lived on energy drinks and candy. She couldn’t remember the last time she had consumed a full meal because the grief created a barrier in her throat. Between the black smudges and her weight loss, she looked like a zombie. Hell, she felt like one too.