The Demon’s Prince [Milson Valley 9] - Siren Publishing Classic ManLove

by Jo Penn

  With his control almost snapped, he panted as he pushed through the guardian muscle and stopped, unprepared for Emile growling and shifting his body downward, taking more of Vinn.

  “Shh, careful, don’t want you hurt,” Vinn managed to get out through clenched teeth.

  He sunk into Emile’s body, panting and growling, fighting the orgasm that threatened from the tight fit. Lips covered his, enticing, drawing Vinn out of the fight, distracting him. Groaning, he began moving deeply. It was unlike anything he’d ever felt before, their lovemaking so open and sensual, beautiful and seamless. All consuming.

  They were locked together moving in sync, lips brushing, murmured words of admiration and pleasure falling until neither could speak anymore. They were caught up in a firestorm of passion, and when they came, Vinn could barely breathe, dots dancing before his eyes as his cock exploded, and his cum filled his mate’s silky channel.

  Burying his face in Emile’s throat, feeling his mate’s hands on him, fingers digging into his side and ass, Vinn roared his release at the same time as Emile.

  Later, much later, their bodies sated and languid, they lay together, Vinn drowsy. He felt peace and happiness for the first time in nearly twenty years. He never thought he would feel either of these feelings again, and definitely not love, the type he had felt for Marc, and now did for Emile. People and creatures said it took time to actually fall in love, but Vinn didn’t agree. Maybe that was because they possessed a bond that allowed him to feel what Emile did, know his mate deeper, and see who he was. It probably smoothed the way a lot. But it was also because of Emile himself.

  “We must do that often,” Emile murmured, nearly asleep. “I will enjoy having a mate…” The gorgeous male frowned, eyes closed. “Though I will have to tolerate Drake and Dominic’s teasing. They insisted I would be most happy to have a mate, but I disagreed. Mates require attention and have demands. They are into everything – do not touch my desk, Vinncent.” Emile sighed. “I find myself liking having a mate and wish to give all my attention.”

  Grinning, Vinn turned on his side and slid his hands through his mate’s beautiful dark blond locks. “Sleep, my love. I will guard your desk.”

  He felt Emile settle, breathing easing into sleep. Leaning over he pressed a soft, tender kiss to his mate’s lush lips. He would guard Emile close.

  * * * *

  Emile had never been to the Aston estate, nor had he been to the Durand coven, the Starters pack, and Armstrong coven. Generally, he held meetings at the Alliance office in the center of Milson City, his offices at the High Council, or creatures came to him at the Sanchez compound.

  He was a workaholic, as Dom and Drake often stated. The only time he socialized was at functions and events for the pride and councils. This made Emile realize that he may know some of Vinncent’s family, but they were not in fact friends, but rather acquaintances. They were family now, and Emile would take the time to get to know each and every one of them. And there quite a few. Possibly not as many as his large family, but still, a lot to get to know.

  The thought of family had Emile studying the latest update on the search for Trent. As soon as it was reported that Trent was missing, the Croggen brothers immediately left Milson Valley and flew to Zurich. They would help their brother Tredd, Trent’s mate, search. So far there was absolutely no sign of Trent. Felines were searching, Dareios had sent out gargoyle trackers, and Dimitri was leading the team. Though Trent socialized only when he had to, he was admired greatly for his dedication to the Alliance cause against Renegades. No one wanted him to end up in the enemies’ hands, and without his mate, Tredd would waste away, as would his triplets Trekk and Tripp, as they were all connected.

  It was a disturbing, worrying situation.

  Vinncent must have felt Emile’s upset and reached over, taking his hand and holding gently, his thumb stroking in a soothing caress. Emile appreciated the gesture and was touched.

  When they arrived at the Aston’s, Emile climbed out of the low-slung sports car that Vinncent appeared to be quite attached to, and looked around the Aston estate, impressed with the well-tended mansion, garages, and grounds. The large mansion had been extended numerous times over the years but done so well only an expert eye would see the extensions. The Aston’s were very security conscious, Emile could see. Security personnel were prominent and alert.

  Inside the mansion was beautifully decorated and felt relaxed and comfortable. Aston’s were gathered in the large family room, each greeting Vinncent with great affection.

  “I am so very happy for you, brother.” Lacy Aston, a witch and doctor, tugged Vinncent’s head down to kiss his cheek. “You will return twice a week for meals, and, of course, throughout the week or we’ll all fall apart. Mostly likely Eber will forget there are shades of gray and turn the estate into a prison.” Lacy turned to Emile, smiling widely. “Your Highness, welcome to our family.”

  Inclining his head, Emile smiled politely. “Thank you, Dr. Aston. Your home is lovely.”

  Laughing, Lacy looped her arm through Emile’s and steered him into the family room. “We have never actually spoken, Emile, but we’re family now, and I look forward to us being sister and brother. River, you know.”

  Emile greeted River Aston, a falcon shifter and lawyer. He was then introduced to Jayce Aston, a very rare male siren who was hidden away at the estate to keep him protected, Macario Aston, a human brother who was an accountant for the Council, and Emile already knew Vicus’s mates, Deakin and Ran.

  “My twin is at work, as usual. You have met, Layke, I’m sure.”

  Layke Aston was a wizard and doctor whom Kieron often complained was stuck up and confusing. Apparently, Layke was another workaholic.

  “Xander?” Vinn asked.

  Lacy patted Emile’s arm. “Take a seat, Emile, I will get us coffee. Xander is resting, Vinnie.”

  “He’s upset by the changes.” Blazh Aston, a young sprite, nervously fiddled with ornaments on the side table. “Hi, Prince Emile.”

  “Blazh. Please, call me Emile. Perhaps you should spend some time with Xander, Vinncent. Assist him with the changes that concern him.”

  Vinn looked conflicted, but he nodded and quickly left. As soon as he did, Emile was inundated with questions from his mate’s curious siblings. Jayce could talk a million miles an hour without drawing breath, and if Lacy, Eber, Vicus, and Vinncent ever let the siren out of the estate, he’d be snatched up immediately. Blazh was the happiest creature Emile ever met and made him extremely uncomfortable as the young sprite could not stay still, touching everything and bouncing around, smiling. Lacy was wonderful. Emile had an instant friendship with the witch, and knew she was an alpha, not to be crossed, but very caring. He enjoyed her intelligence and style.

  Deakin hurried away soon after Emile arrived, but Ran stayed. He was a gorgeous little wolf pup with a calming way about him. Emile liked Ran and knew the pup followed his mate and family around contentedly. Macario was a smart ass, but nice once he relaxed.

  Emile enjoyed coffee and good Danishes, chatted and heard a lot of stories about his Vinncent while growing up. Mac, Eber, and Vinncent were very close and played up a lot, apparently, as young creatures did. Vinncent returned some time later, fingers trailing over Emile’s shoulder as he sat on the sofa beside him, close, so their legs brushed. Leaning close, Vinncent slid a hand beneath the hair at Emile’s collar and sniffed deeply.

  Not use to such public displays, not entirely comfortable with it, Emile stiffened. Vinncent growled quietly and pressed his nose against Emile’s cheek. It appeared his mate was asserting his own alpha tendencies. Emile allowed it, since mates did like to be close. Getting used to such display may take him a little more time, but Emile would preserve as he wished his mate to be happy.

  Forty minutes later, they left the mansion with a few boxes and suitcases of Vinncent’s belongings that Deakin had nicely packed for the demon.

  “I am happy to carry the boxes,” Emile offered,
amused that his mate refused to let Emile carry anything and was attempting to hold two medium sized boxes and two large suitcases.

  “I’m good, but you could get the keys out of my pocket.”

  “No need, the car is unlocked.” Emile opened the boot, one brow rising at Vinncent rolling his eyes. “Problem?”

  “No, just thought it was a good opportunity to get your hands on me.”

  His mate did seem quite disappointed by that, Emile surprised into a laugh. “I see. Perhaps when we return to the compound.”

  “Or we could go to a hotel and spend the next twenty-four hours fucking and connecting.” Vinncent dumped the suitcases and boxes in the boot but couldn’t shut it. Lifting the boxes out, he placed them on the small back seat.

  Emile’s cock twitched and the more he thought about it, the more appealing such an option was. It would certainly cause disruption to security and his family, which he never minded, they had far too much control of his life as it was. But more so, he found himself imagining being completely alone with Vinncent. This appealed to him even more.

  Vinncent pressed close to Emile, fingers lightly brushing his jaw. “I want my hands on you, mate. I want to taste you – without creatures interrupting every damn minute!”

  Archie Taunton and Tyler Durand snickered as they approached. Archie’s older brother, Chane, was mated to Emile’s brother Dominic, which made them family. Emile had little to do with Archie, though he liked the young vampire. As for Tyler, the youngest prince proved himself to be smart, resourceful, and still a prankster these last few months.

  “Sorry to interrupt, but if you’re gonna get it on in the driveway, you should expect some cheers and whistles.” Tyler chuckled. “Congratulations!”

  “Hi, Emile. How did you enjoy the orange pancakes the other morning?”

  Emile felt nauseous with the thought of those pancakes. He eyed Archie speculatively. “They were…unpleasant. Perhaps cooking is not your forté.”

  “Really? Huh. I’ll try banana next time.”

  “Of course, it is always good to persevere and gain some skills…though.” Emile looked contemplative, the young vampires showing interest. “The pride’s cubs aquatic team is looking for a rowing partner, but if you are too busy with your deplorable cooking to—”

  “Nope! Linc rows, I can row…maybe.” Archie grinned. “Deplorable, hey? You manage to say it all so nicely, I would have missed that, big brother, if I weren’t paying attention. Come on, Ty, let’s go find Jayce and Blazh.”

  Big brother. Evidently, Archie was feeling part of the Sanchez family, and regardless of Emile’s less than affectionate ways, felt they were brothers. This pleased Emile – unless that meant Archie would turn up in his office or suite and demand he deal with Ace or Melody. Then he would prefer to remain a distant relative who didn’t interact overly much. He eyed Archie in consideration.

  “What?” Vinn frowned, looking around.

  “Shall we go to the Grand Hotel?” Emile enquired.

  He was surprisingly excited over the prospect of spending alone time with Vinncent. Since they met, there was limited time alone due to the damaging effects of the chemical with Emile having been ill. While Emile may not be overly affectionate and expressive with his feelings, he did possess feelings for Vinncent. They were new and budding, and, Emile couldn’t deny, unnerving for him. His more logical and practical side warred with reason and emotions, but it was the need and pull to mate that dealt with any concerns he may have.

  And fascination. Emile was utterly fascinated with Vinncent, enthralled by the big, gruff demon whose silver eyes penetrated deeply and touched so sensually. He was intrigued by the different sides to his mate. How one moment Vinncent was alert and ready, his body tense and primed for action, yet only a half second later, he could touch Emile in the lightest, gentlest way. And Vinncent was not in awe of Emile’s title and station, his numerous job titles, or the power he yielded on different councils and boards.

  The mate pull was simply amazing. Fate found the perfect soulmate and made them irresistible, taking away inhabitations and drawing creatures together quickly. Even Emile’s natural recalcitrance toward relationships was swept aside.

  Nothing could withstand the pull to mate. And Emile had no desire to resist.

  Chapter Eight

  Vinn smiled and opened the passenger door. “Let’s go, cymar—”

  “That is not wise.” Vicus strode over.

  Not many were capable of walking up on Vinn unheard, just Vicus. The Avenger was highly protective of family, friends, and those he was in charge of. He made a point of finding out everyone’s business and kept a very tight, protective control on family. Many ran in fear of an Avenger. They were the deadliest creatures in existence, Vicus Aston top of that list. While Vinn respected, admired, and was often in absolute awe of Vicus’s skills and knowledge, he had also seen his brother change diapers and chase toddlers around, been vomited on and covered in baby food.

  Vicus had also nursed Vinn through the toughest times when the loss of Marc became too much, and he began to wither away. Vicus and the rest of their family had saved Vinn.

  “Hello, Vicus. Have you discovered anything about the attack?” Emile asked.

  “An Avenger in Rome is hunting the area where the chemical bomb was set. We should hear news soon.” Vicus turned to Vinn and squeezed his arm. “This is a joyous time, my brother. I want only your happiness and safety. Eber and I have been in consultation with Drake and Sanchez security over safety issues. We will discuss these further with you tomorrow. The hotel would need to be closed down if you wish to stay there today.”

  Vinn sighed heavily. “Is that necessary?”

  “We have discussed this many times, brother. You are a rare demon, and though very powerful, no one is infallible. And do you really believe Emile goes anywhere without a dozen expertly trained guards?”

  “I assure you, I do. As I recall we have been in many fights with Renegades and I more than held my own.” Emile lounged against the car, one leg crossed over the other, relaxed and amused.

  Vicus quirked a brow. “Your fighting skills are excellent, but were you not pulled out of a bomb attack recently? And shall we mention a month ago when your car service was attacked and Kieron and two of his wolf friends rescued you?”

  “I see your point, Vicus. On a percentage scale though—”

  Vinn interrupted and suffered a very irritated look from his mate. “I get it, brother. I won’t take risks with my mate’s safety.” Vinn frowned at Emile. “Kieron saved you? Is he not Crysta’s brother?”

  “Yes, but save is a particularly strong word, too strong for that incident.”

  “What was he even doing there? I’ll need the report,” Vinn said to Vicus. Kieron’s name had come up in conversation a few times. He could understand, to an extent, that the wizard wolf shifter might have contact with Emile, even be friends as Emile had been in a relationship with Kieron’s sister, but Vinn’s instincts were firing up and leading to another conclusion.

  Vicus was studying Vinn. “Instincts, brother?”

  Demon instincts were never wrong. When triggered by a particular subject, point, or detail, they zeroed in with accuracy.

  “Yeah.”

  “I will look into the report. Do you spend a lot of time with Kieron Jennings, Emile?” Vicus asked.

  Emile was watching them with interest. “I assure you, Kieron is a good, loyal creature. He is on the wizard council with Mason, and is a pack soldier. You will see in the report he, along with four others, were patrolling in the area where my car was attacked. It was fortunate.”

  “I do not believe in fortunate coincidences.” Vicus’s golden eyes narrowed.

  “I think time alone will have to be planned out in advance.” Vinn was taking no chances with his mate’s safety.

  “There is the family apartment, Vinncent.” Vicus lightly patted Vinn’s arm. “Welcome to the family, Emile.”

  Vicus had th
at look about him that screamed ‘hunting.’ He strode off toward the house.

  Yeah, the family apartment. Vinncent had used it a few times just to have time to himself. The entire building was owned by the Aston’s, and only security personnel lived there. The top floor, the penthouse, was left for the Aston’s use. There they would be safe, the place was locked up tighter than a vault. It was the perfect solution.

  Placing his mate in the passenger seat, Vinn walked around the car. He could feel Emile was annoyed and knew it had to do with them questioning his friend Kieron Jennings. He wasn’t going to be sorry about that. He and Vicus would discover what was setting off his instincts, because the most important thing was keeping Emile and his family safe.

  Getting in the car, he drove down the drive and waited as the thick, bulletproof gates opened. Not long ago there had been an attack along the lane outside the Aston estate targeting the vampire royals who lived across the road. The old gate had taken a hell of a beating and had since been replaced by this new state of the art design that so far withstood a lot of tests.

  “I must stop in at my office. The interlude we had planned will have to wait.”

  Yeah, his mate was displeased. Vinn felt that was the perfect word for the feelings he was receiving from Emile. Displeased. He had enough experience with Marc to know they needed to discuss it. Marc at times had a bit of a temper and said what he felt, which made it easy for Vinn, he could deal with anger and being told off. The silent treatment, not so much.

  While he had the bond that laid out all their feelings, he couldn’t quite catch Emile’s thoughts. The man’s brain worked like a computer and often flicked between screens. Vinn had always thought that was how Ryson Durand’s brain must work. The vampire had a gift that made him extremely logical and a bit like a super computer. What Vinn needed was to sort through the scents and flashes of thoughts coming from his mate.

  It made him a bit hot and annoyed that Emile would take the side of Kieron Jennings over his own mate.