by Grosso, Kym
“Say it Laryssa. Say you’re mine,” it ordered.
Laryssa nodded, feigning submission to its will. Move. The command came strong, filling her chest with dread. Move. Now, Laryssa. Without thinking, she sensed Léopold was coming for her.
“I’ll say it…you are my mas…” Her words fell apart as she dropped to the ground and rolled out of the way. Léopold flew from behind her, smashing into the demon. Dimitri cut through the dust and scooped up the child into his arms, tearing back into the tornado of filth. On her knees, Laryssa crawled toward the rock, to the Tecpatl.
“You’re dead,” Léopold grunted, shoving his fist into Rylion’s face.
The demon’s human form disappeared at first contact, allowing it to dig its savage claws into Léopold’s arms. Léopold pinned it to the ground and hit it again, but Rylion just laughed, and rebounded out of the vampire’s grasp. Continuing his assault, Léopold extended his own claws, slicing a gash across the demon’s chest. Rylion stumbled backwards, but never faltered. With his fangs descended, Léopold charged at it, tearing his fangs into its flesh. As he bit into it, he curled his fingers into a point. Spearing his hand into the demon’s chest, he perforated its gut, clear through to the other side. Closing his fist, Léopold ripped out the demon’s entrails from its cavity.
Rylion careened backwards as Léopold released it. The demon’s laughter grew louder, even though its legs threatened to fail.
“You can’t kill me, you fool,” the demon boasted, its wounds healing before their eyes. “No one can kill me.”
“I can, fucker.” Laryssa screamed as she charged it from behind. “Go to hell!”
Using all her strength, she plunged the Tecpatl into Rylion’s back. The sound of its scales splitting open echoed into the air. The demon screamed and hissed, flailing its arms, but she continued to use every last ounce of her strength to ram the knife through its thick skin. She leveraged the knife to hoist herself upward and wrap her legs around its waist. Laryssa held tight and twisted the blade into its flesh. Rylion staggered back and forth as she plunged the blade up to its hilt. Rylion’s soulless warriors swirled into a vortex, returning to the demon’s body, but it wasn’t enough to save it from the destiny of the Tlalco Tecpatl. Blood gushed from its wound, splattering onto the cracked dirt. As the demon’s essence drained from its body, it was sucked back into the infernal netherworld from where it had come, its body toppling over, face-down onto the ground. No longer of this world, it had been sent to hell.
Laryssa screamed for it to die, over and over, obscured within her task. She felt Léopold’s hands on her shoulders, heard his voice calling her name, but continued to lie atop the scaly shell of the demon. Afraid to release the knife, she rejected Léopold’s touch, shoving a hand at him.
“It’s gone.” Léopold spoke softly to her, aware that she’d come unhinged. His little naiad was no killer…until now. The storm ceased, allowing him to nod over at Dimitri, who held the baby. The shimmering veil remained, but he needed to get Laryssa to move. “Come, ma chérie. You did it.”
“No, no, no,” she mumbled, terrified that the demon would return. Laryssa felt Léopold brush her mind and whispers of his soothing words caressed her heart, allowing her to open her eyes.
“That’s it. You’re okay. It’s me. It’s Leo.” For the first time in his life, he’d referred to himself by the shortened name his mother had called him as a child. Even though Dimitri also addressed him as such, it had been Laryssa, alone, who’d made him own it. The name represented the revolution she’d caused within his soul. Her love for him and his for her. “I’ve got you.”
Gently, he slid his hands under her arms, peeling her off the corpse. Through their bond he sent her all his strength and calm, communicating how incredibly proud he was of her. He almost had her extricated when she tensed. With her hands still frozen around the stone hilt, she refused to let go. Léopold reached around her, placing his hands over hers and jerked the Tecpatl from the crackling epidermis. Once released, she clutched the knife to her chest as if she was protecting a cherished treasure. Aware that she’d been traumatized, Léopold scooped her up into his arms, cradling her. His rabbit was a warrior. But now that the battle had been fought, she’d crumbled into his embrace.
Chapter Twenty-one
A week had passed since they’d permanently banished the demon from their world. Laryssa had begun working again in her store, with Léopold insisting she take it easy. While she hadn’t told many people yet about her newly owned supernatural status as a naiad, she no longer hid it either. Working to train Mason to take over day to day operations so that she could travel with Léopold was going well and she looked forward to her future.
As Laryssa locked the door, she recalled how ecstatic Logan and Wynter had been when they’d returned Ava to their home. A wolf, the child needed to be raised by wolves, in a pack. A naiad, she needed the guidance to learn how to survive and thrive in the water and to hone her abilities. Hunter Livingston had given his blessing to the New Orleans’s Alpha and his mate, granting them rights to raise the child. Laryssa and Léopold had been designated godparents by Logan. Laryssa had been honored and humbled, grateful for the opportunity to be a presence in Ava’s life.
Laryssa contemplated the only unresolved matter, which had been Sydney’s recovery. While her soul had not been lost to the demon, Sydney would never be human again. It had been true that her injuries from the demon would have killed her if it hadn’t been for Kade’s vampiric blood. While it had gone unspoken on the night of the attack, Kade had turned her. Léopold had known it but hadn’t told Laryssa until a few days after she’d killed the demon. Sydney, although engaged to a vampire, had steadfastly wished to remain human. But what was done could not be undone. Despite Léopold’s repeated visits to Kade’s house, Sydney had reportedly not accepted her fate, remaining depressed and isolated in their home.
Since Laryssa’s terrifying experience in the underworld, she’d been working with Ilsbeth to locate information about how to return the Tecpatl to the water. Ilsbeth, still unsure of how to return it, promised she’d assist her. In the meantime, Laryssa had locked and buried it deep within the lake bed for safe keeping.
True to his promise, Léopold had moved most of Laryssa’s belongings to his French Quarter townhouse, where they spent the week. They planned on spending weekends at his home on the lake. In either location, she had open access to the life-giving waters she required for her existence. Earlier in the day, they’d made plans to meet for dinner at a quaint outdoor restaurant a few doors down from his home. As she walked along the sidewalk, she realized that she was no longer scared of seeing the eyeless warriors. They’d been a mirage all along, designed by Rylion to keep her under its watch. Even as the night fell, no longer would she fear darkness. No matter where she was, Léopold was with her, supporting her, loving her.
The only thing that concerned her was that despite the bond, they still hadn’t said they loved each other. Three little words seemed like a minute detail given their bond, yet it was becoming tremendously important to her. She loved Léopold. Not only did she want him to know, she wanted everybody to know. Whenever they made love, she could feel his love slice through her, and while he’d whisper sweet nothings in French, she wanted to hear that he loved her.
Bells rang overhead as she opened the door to the restaurant. The maître d’ motioned to her, gesturing with his hand for her to come to him. She giggled and looked over her shoulder, unsure of how he’d recognized her. Léopold. Rolling her eyes, she politely smiled at the man and walked toward him.
“Ms. Theriot?” he confirmed.
“Yes.”
“Mr. Devereoux is waiting for you. Please follow me.” He turned, and walked through the busy restaurant.
Laryssa followed him, complying with his wish. Lilac lights illuminated their path through the darkened restaurant. The host pushed through a glass door, holding it open so she could go first into the open courtyard. Ensco
nced in bowed branches above their heads, hundreds of tiny lights twinkled in the trees. The candlelit tables were decorated with small vases of fresh flowers. As she walked through the romantic dining garden, she spotted Léopold seated in a back corner.
Her stomach fluttered as Léopold gave her a sexy smile. The twinkle in his eye told her she was in for a surprise. As she approached the table, he stood, briefly touching his lips to hers. Waiting for her to sit down, he signaled for the waiter to pour her a glass.
“Mon amour. Lovely as always. How was your day?” He casually swirled his wine and studied its legs against the light.
“Great. Mason’s doing well.”
“How soon do you think he’ll be ready to take over?” he asked nonchalantly. As the waiter passed, he nodded.
“Maybe another week. I think all that alone time without me really helped prepare him.” She picked up her glass and sipped her drink. “Did you get to see our baby girl today?”
“Oui. She’s doing well. And Logan and Wynter…let’s just say even though I don’t think they were in any way expecting a new pup, they’ll make wonderful parents. I’m sure they’re going to be quite busy.”
“I still don’t understand how Ava can be Rylion’s,” she stated with disgust.
“She’s not. I believe that, like you, the demon thought it had claim to her.”
“Delusions of grandeur is more like it.”
“Possession is possession. Even witches can sometimes achieve it. But one thing is certain; it was Perry’s body that created Ava with Mariah. After Rylion had killed Mariah, though, and then the baby, it claimed her soul or should I say, tried to. The water of the womb is perhaps the most vital water any of us will know in our lifetimes. The Lady saved her from the demon. No evil taints Ava,” Léopold confirmed. “Our little one’s going to be just fine. She’s going to be the belle of New Orleans someday.”
“Do you ever wish…I mean, you’re a vampire…” Laryssa’s voice went soft and she looked away. His hand on hers caused her to glance up to him.
“I won’t lie to you. I’ve always wanted children, but this life of mine, you see…it all died. And now that I have you, that’s all that matters.” Léopold sensed her sadness. They’d never discussed children. It was never an option….until now.
“You’re all that matters to me, Leo. It’s okay, really. I mean I never thought I could have kids, so it’s okay.”
“But if you could…would you?”
“With you?”
“But of course with me,” he laughed.
Laryssa took a deep breath and sighed. “Yes.” She hoped he wouldn’t be mad at her.
“Luca and Samantha are having a daughter.”
“I thought you said that she was a witch. They’re very lucky.”
“Ilsbeth believes it is a possibility.” Léopold gave her a small smile, waiting for her to put the pieces together.
“Us? No,” she replied, shaking her head. Getting her hopes up for something that was impossible would crush her.
“Oui. Us. Apparently, like witches, naiad can bring life…with vampires.”
“Don’t joke about this. It’s not funny.”
“Not joking.”
“I’m not ready to have kids yet but oh my God, if you’re serious, I’d love to have your children someday,” she confirmed. I love you so much.
“You’d make a wonderful mother, ma chérie.” He smiled, pleased with her response.
Laryssa was his perfect soul mate. The vision of her swollen with his child nearly brought tears to his eyes. She simply had no idea how much he’d fallen in love with her, but he planned on telling her tonight. The waiter approached the table, setting their appetizers in front of them.
“Leo, I…” Laryssa began. The love in her heart felt as if it was going to burst if she didn’t tell him how she felt. She needed to say the words.
“You look very sexy tonight,” Léopold said, changing the subject. “I love when you wear skirts, do you know that?”
The dominant tone of Léopold’s voice sent chills up Laryssa’s spine. She licked her lips and gave him a small smile.
“Well, I do enjoy making you happy.” Laryssa felt his hand on her leg underneath the table and she jumped in her seat. The heat of his palm sent desire singing through her body. Knowing he’d sense it immediately, she picked up her fork and stabbed a piece of lettuce in an effort to act normally.
“So very glad to hear that, because I thought this would be the perfect place to continue our lessons.” Léopold let his hand drift to her knee.
“Lessons?” she croaked. “What lessons?”
“Perhaps I’ve used the wrong word. Experimentation. Oui.” His devious grin told her she was in trouble.
“Experimentation? With what?” Beyond her enjoyment of being restrained, they’d discussed how she’d enjoyed being spanked in front of Dimitri. Oh God, not that. Not here. Before she could protest, she felt him nudge her knees open, the cool air wafting up her dress. Looking around at the other patrons, she straightened her back as he began to tug up the hem.
“Um, Leo. What are you doing, darling?” She laughed as his fingers trailed up her inner thigh. Looking around the restaurant, she hoped no one could see what he was doing. Even though the white tablecloth obscured the view, Laryssa couldn’t stop the rush of heat that filled her cheeks.
“Saying hello.”
“Um, hello to you, too. You do realize we’re in a restaurant…a very busy restaurant?” she whispered.
“Oui, I’m acutely aware of our location. You know, I’ve been thinking about that day on the dock.” The spanking. She projected her arousal at him and his cock jerked in response. He grinned and gave her a knowing look. Léopold couldn’t wait to test her limits. “I see you do remember.”
“Yes, I remember clearly. It was…” Embarrassing. Erotic. Hot. “interesting.”
“So I thought, why not experiment further?” Caressing her soft skin, he edged her panties with his fingers. He could feel the heat emanating from between her legs and sought to tease her mercilessly.
“But Leo,” she began, but was unable to finish as he slipped his forefinger underneath the flimsy fabric. He brushed through her slick lips and pressed a single finger up into her. She closed her eyes and grabbed onto the cloth napkin. Trying not to let anyone know what he was doing, she opened her lids and sighed. “Please.”
“Shhh…you wouldn’t want everyone to hear you now, would you?” He laughed “You’re wet, mon amour. So nice.”
“Leo,” she breathed as he pumped into her core, circling his thumb over her clit. Biting her lip, she shot him a sideways glance. Is he crazy? Someone’s going to know. We’re going to get thrown out of the café. As if he could read her exact thoughts, he upped the ante.
“Don’t worry your head about what’s going to happen next. I got you a gift.” He gave a broad smile and winked. Withdrawing his hand from her underwear, he swiftly reached into his pocket and retrieved the pint-sized silicone horseshoe-shaped device he’d bought her. He easily concealed the toy, which was no more than two inches long. When his hand fell back to her lap, she’d closed her legs. “Open, pet. Or would you prefer a spanking?”
Laryssa shook her head back and forth, completely shocked that he was pressing her with this game. Overwhelmed with her own lust, she vacillated between doing as he said and running away from the table. Dear God, the man tested her. It was frightening and exhilarating, but all the while, he had a way of tapping into her darkest thoughts.
“What’ll it be?” The side of his lip curled upward, but his tone told her he was completely serious.
Laryssa took a deep breath and blew it out. Her heart skipped a beat as she complied with his instruction. She resisted the urge to leap off her seat as the smooth outer layer of the toy brushed over her pussy. As he slipped the tiny vibrator inside her, she rocked from side to side on her bottom, causing the overlapping design to brush her clitoris. From her swollen nub to
the thin stretch of nerves inside her, she was tantalized every time she shifted in her chair. With no area left untouched, she swore she’d come by the end of her appetizer.
“Leo…Oh my God. What is that?” She watched intently as he withdrew his hand from underneath the table, licked his fingers and then proceeded to drink from his wine glass.
“Hmm…you are much tastier than any culinary delicacy.” He picked up his fork and began to eat his salad. His eyes caught hers and she frowned. “Just a bit of fun. Sweet torture for both of us, I expect. You’re not eating. Come on now, don’t waste your dinner.”
“Are you kidding?” she responded, trying to keep her voice down.
“Do I ever?” He continued eating with a glint of amusement in his eye.
By the time their entrees arrived, Laryssa was nearly undone. As she scooped a shrimp out of her étouffée, the device pulsed inside her and she muffled a squeak. Her eyes landed on Léopold who grinned.
“What are you doing?” she asked, keeping her voice steady. The vibration ripped over her clitoris, deep into her pussy, causing her to drop her utensil. She gripped the edge of the table as desire rolled through her. She studied Léopold. “How are you doing that?”
“Not a witch, I’m afraid. A man must keep his secrets. Now remember, dear Laryssa, don’t make too much noise. You’ll have an audience.”
“You’re evil.” A spasm of pleasure rolled through her again, and she coughed, trying to disguise the loud moan that threatened to escape her lips. Deciding fair play was in order, she picked up a breadstick and seductively slid it into her mouth, never taking her eyes off of Léopold’s.
“I prefer to think of it as doing you a favor…expanding your horizons and such.” Léopold’s cock hardened to steel at the sight of her trembling with need. The scent of her arousal saturated his nostrils. He didn’t think he could get any harder until the little temptress plunged the rod into her mouth. Sucking his breath, he adjusted his erection. At this rate, he’d be the one coming at the table. “The food’s delicious, no?”