Seduced by Magic

by Stephanie Julian

  Well over six feet tall, Michael…Selvans had curly black hair, but otherwise they were carbon copies, though Justin was several inches shorter than his father.

  Torn between pissed off and elated, Justin went with his gut and hugged back. And the joy of seeing his dad gave him a head rush. “I missed you, too, Dad.”

  His father smiled as he took a step back, though not too far. “I knew you’d find me. My journals, I knew they’d lead you to me eventually. You were always a smart boy. I guess you have a lot of questions, so why don’t we get started?”

  “How about we start with the fact that you’re an Etruscan god.”

  His dad’s brows raised in amazement. “And how the hell do you know that?”

  “Sal told me.”

  Shaking his head, Michael—Justin couldn’t wrap his head around the whole Selvans thing—began speaking in a foreign language. Justin assumed he was swearing because his hands were going up and down and he’d started to pace.

  “Shit.” His father abruptly switched back to English and stopped directly in front of Justin. “I’m sorry, son. That’s not exactly the way I would have wanted you to find out.”

  “Yeah, well, there were extenuating circumstances.”

  His dad frowned. “Oh? What the hell’s going on?”

  “First explain to me about this whole god thing, Dad. I’m having a little trouble wrapping my head around that one. I mean, are you human? Am I human? Or something else entirely? Where do you come from?”

  “That’s a question none of us can answer,” his father said. “We simply are.”

  “But the folletti and the salbinelli and the lucani?” he pressed. “Where do they come from? Are we all related on a cellular level? How does it work?”

  His dad’s expression turned rueful. “You always did want to know how things worked. Could never get you to stop asking questions as a child. Nearly drove your mom insane until you learned to read when you were five and we bought you that set of encyclopedias.

  “I can’t really tell you how it works because no one really knows. Not even me, son. I may be a god but I still don’t have all the answers.

  “What I can tell you is that there is magic in the world, magic that the Fata and the Enu can control to varying degrees. We know that Fata such as the folletti can mate with humans and produce children who either have wings or don’t. Enu like the streghe, the Tuscan witches, and the versipelli can control the same powers of the earth as the Fata.”

  His brain trying to cram in all the information, Justin held up his hand. “So the Enu and the Fata are the magical races of the world?”

  Smiling, his dad shook his head. “Just as there are different varieties of humans, there are different varieties of magical beings. In Ireland, they have leprechauns. They’re called lauru in Italy. The English have their fairies and we have folletti.

  “The members of the pantheons are all different entities, though there are many similarities between them. Norse, Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Hindi—” His dad held up his hand before Justin could ask the question forming in his brain. “Don’t even go there, son. The Christians are a scary lot. Better to leave that question unanswered.”

  His temples throbbing, Justin realized he was nearing info overload. “Ya know, I’m starting to think that old saying ‘Be careful what you wish for’ is right on the money.”

  His dad shrugged. “Some of us believe that deities were born directly from the need for a higher power. That we’re created from the same earth, sky, water and air from which all else springs. Others just don’t care. Being a deity is good enough for them.”

  Justin shook his head. “But people don’t worship them anymore.”

  “There are still those who believe, son. And there are the magical races to protect. We’re still needed, still of use.”

  Okay, he could understand most of that. But now here came the sixty-thousand-dollar question. “So where does that leave me, Dad?”

  “Human. We’re not really sure how it works but, because your mother is human, her genes supersede mine. Strange, huh? And, when you were a baby, I was able to hide your magical genes, if you will. You’ll have extended life, possibly several hundred years. Your intelligence is higher than the average human genius. And you may have powers that haven’t manifested themselves yet.”

  Well, that sounded interesting. “Like what?” Justin urged when his dad paused.

  “My genes are in the mix, son, but they’re buried. Sometimes those latent abilities become viable. And sometimes they can be called forth. But that’s a dangerous path. The transformation could kill you. I’ve lost children because of this, son, children who should have known better.”

  His dad’s expression hardened and Justin saw pain in his eyes. “I don’t want to be in that position again. I don’t want you to put your mother through that. The power you might gain isn’t worth your life.”

  “Well, I may need them, because someone’s found a way to use me.”

  He told his dad and Mia, who’d stayed in the background the entire time, what had happened the past two days.

  It sounded crazy. Hell, he had a god for a father, had met a creature who was half man, half goat and had had sex with an actual fairy with pink wings.

  Two days ago, he’d been unaware that entire races of magical creatures also shared the world.

  His dad rubbed a hand down his lean face. Justin couldn’t remember how many times he’d heard someone say he looked like his father. He’d never seen it himself but now…now he saw the resemblance in their bone structure. They had the same long features, straight nose and high cheekbones. But where his father’s hair was dark, his was fair. Michael’s eyes were that pure purple and his were blue.

  “Sounds like the Mal are up to their old tricks again.” Mia spoke her first words since his father had entered the room. “I’ll do a little recon, see if I can figure out what they’re up to.”

  Michael sighed. “They’re persistent bastards, I’ll give them that. All right, Mia. Just don’t let them know what you’re doing.”

  Nodding, she left the room.

  And finally they were alone.

  Michael’s lips quirked in a lopsided grin. “So you want to take a swing at me?”

  Justin felt an answering grin on his own lips. “I should but I’m too damn happy to see you.”

  “Me too, son. I have kept tabs on you and your sister. I just never saw this mess coming. Especially this company you work for. I did a little digging into Bonnini’s background when you took the job. Just to keep an eye out for you, keep up with what you were doing. But nothing popped right away. The guy looked squeaky clean. Of course that in itself should have been a red flag.”

  “Hell, I work for them and I never had a clue. I don’t like being used.”

  “Then let’s see what Mia comes up with. In the meantime, let’s talk to Salvatorus—”

  Justin shook his head. “Not a good idea. Didn’t you hear? The reason I’m here is because Nortia showed up.”

  Michael huffed. “Don’t worry about her. I can handle her.”

  * * * * *

  Turned out his dad handled females about as well as a one-armed cow roper handled a roundup.

  “Now, babe, I know I’ve been—”

  “A shit, a creep, a dung beetle?” Nortia gave him a tight smile. “All of the above? Why is it that I got stuck with you anyway, you unfaithful jackass? I never did understand that.”

  His dad grimaced and shrugged. “Norty, come on. You know neither of us had a choice in that. That’s the hand we were dealt. And it’s not like you’ve been a saint.”

  Standing in the corner, Justin watched the Goddess Nortia wrinkle her pretty little nose. Blonde and blue-eyed, she looked like a twenty-something Barbie doll.

  He’d expected her to be a bitch but so far she’d been nothing but kind. Well, to him anyway. His dad was getting hammered.

  “Only after I realized you’d never be faithful, you bastar
d.”

  “So sue me, babe.” Now his father’s expression turned hard. “But later. We’ve got bigger problems now.”

  Nortia huffed. “I know that. Salvatorus and Scarlata have filled me in. I assume your son has done the same for you. So what do you have in mind?”

  “Mia is out gathering information right now but…we think the Mal are targeting our people specifically. Can you think of any reason why they would?”

  As his father and Nortia talked about things he should probably be listening to, all Justin really wanted was to talk to Scarlata.

  She stood against the opposite wall, her eyes never leaving him. She had her wings unfurled and curled around her shoulders, as if she were hugging herself. He wanted to put his arms around her, draw her against him. Better yet, he wanted to take her away and wipe that fearful expression off her face.

  “Do you think they know who Justin is?”

  Nortia’s question redirected his father’s gaze to him.

  “No. Or they wouldn’t have let him so far off the leash. They didn’t realize who they had in their grasp. And they’re not going to get a second chance at him.”

  “Yes.” Nortia smiled. “I do believe Scarlata would be heartbroken if something happened to him.”

  “Justin,” his dad nodded at him, “take Scary and go get some sleep. You two look like you could use some down time. We’ll wake you when Mia returns.”

  Justin would’ve argued but the sudden hope on Scarlata’s face changed his mind. Taking her hand, he pulled her toward the door. She put up no resistance and, when they reached the hall, he scooped her into his arms and took the stairs two at a time.

  He headed for the room they’d shared last night, Scarlata’s arms around his neck, her fingers laced through his hair. Her lips blazed a trail from his ear to his jaw and around the other side.

  He kicked the door closed behind him at the same time she dropped her hand to his shorts and unzipped them. They caught on his knees, nearly making him trip. He fell back against the door and set her on her feet but she immediately went to her knees in front of him, running her hands down his chest as she turned a wicked gaze upward.

  Her smile held the promise of pleasures to come, making his cock jerk in anticipation. Then her gaze dropped to stare at his shaft, blood pumping, making it twitch. He didn’t realize he was holding his breath until he released it on a gasp when she took the throbbing head into her mouth.

  Sensation shot through his body, making every muscle tingle in anticipation. He caught himself before he could grab the back of her head and force her to take him deeper. Instead, he reached for the doorknob with one hand and the door hinges with the other and held on.

  Her tongue swirled around the tip before sucking it into her mouth. His balls tightened to the point of pain and, just when he was about to come, she let his shaft slip from her mouth and wrapped her thumb and forefinger around the base of his cock, squeezing until the impending orgasm backed off.

  “Oh, you are not going to get off that easy,” she said. “This time, it’s your turn to scream.”

  Her sultry tone made hot blood pump through his veins, engorging his cock even more. When she took him back into her mouth, he let his head fall against the door. Instead of watching, he closed his eyes and let her have her way with him.

  She took him in deep then slid back until only the tip remained in her mouth then worked her way back down until her lips touched the hair at its root. The exquisite sensation made flashes of light appear behind his eyelids. Working into a rhythm, she moved her lips up and down his shaft, her teeth occasionally grazing the sensitive skin.

  Need, lust and love combined in a heady mix of emotions that soon became pure pleasure. He found his left hand tangled in her hair and moved it down to rub her neck.

  Her hum of approval made his cock dance with joy and he realized one of her hands had crept around to clutch his ass. Caught between her head and hand, he knew this was where he wanted to be forever.

  With a growl, he put his hand on her shoulder and eased her mouth off his cock, hearing the faint pop as her lips broke the suction.

  “The bed,” he gasped. “Better way.”

  Scarlata stood, looking up at Justin, whose face displayed an all-consuming hunger. For her. Her stomach attempted to twist in on itself at the emotions he laid bare. She smiled and watched the heat in his eyes flare hotter.

  She waved a hand toward the bed. “After you.”

  He stepped out of his shorts then walked around her without saying a word. He was stretched on his back crosswise on the mattress before she got there.

  Justin held out his hands and gestured for her to approach. “Come here, babe. I want to taste you again.”

  Her sex contracted and moisture pooled at his husky tone. But instead of jumping onto the bed immediately, she shook her hair over her shoulders, feeling the strands stroke her skin like silk.

  The motion drew his gaze to her breasts and her nipples tightened into hard, aching points. She glanced down his body, noting the rapid rise and fall of his chest, the line of dark blond hair that led to the darker hair at his groin.

  His cock—the head nearly purple in its glory, shaft bulging with veins—gave a twitch as she watched and she couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

  Scarlata walked to the bed, letting her hips sway a little more freely. “So what did you have in mind, etera?”

  His mouth quirked as his breathing picked up speed. “Climb up and I’ll let you know.”

  She knew exactly what he had in mind but she didn’t want to make it too easy for him. Anticipation was half the fun.

  She kneeled on the edge of the bed near his feet. “Do you want me here?” She grabbed for his ankle faster than his human eyes could see and pulled him closer until his legs hung over the bed at the knees. “Or do you want to come closer?”

  “You know what I want.” His voice was a barely audible growl. “Get up here, woman. On your knees. Over my face. Now.”

  His blunt words caused her sex to contract almost painfully and her desire for him made her lungs burn. Still, she smiled but didn’t move.

  “You certainly don’t expect me to follow your every command, do you? Lowly human, don’t you know—Ah!”

  She screamed in delight as he grabbed her around the waist and lifted her onto the bed, settling her knees on either side of his head.

  “Prepare to scream, my goddess.” His hands dug into her hips, his breath teasing the inside of her thighs. “And to beg.”

  Justin lifted his head and sealed his mouth over her sex, flicking his tongue over her clit. Her head fell back as her body gave itself over to sensation. To the rough, wet licks, the exquisite suction.

  He held her there easily, even as she let him take more and more of her weight. An orgasm began to tighten low in her body as he feasted on her with such unrepentant hunger.

  Almost there. Her body taut, she needed him to drive her harder, tongue her clit with more force. But the damn man seemed intent on taking his time.

  She tried to roll her hips, to encourage him to go faster. But he gripped her more firmly and held her at his mercy.

  Moaning, she grabbed his wrists. “Justin, I need more. Now.”

  “Now, Red.” His voice was muffled as he spoke against her inner thigh. “I told you, you have to beg for it.”

  She nearly screamed in frustration when he pulled away, looking up at her with a cocky grin on his wet lips.

  A laugh bubbled its way through her need at the male arrogance in that statement and that smile. But she recognized it for the challenge it was. “You will pay for that, etera.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “Not so sure that designation fits anymore, babe.” Lifting his shoulders off the bed, he gave her a quick swipe with his tongue. “You can just call me Master.”

  She laughed again and unfurled her wings. “That’s not going to cut it either, Justin.”

  With one quick flutter, she broke his hold on h
er and hovered just out of his reach above him. “I think I need to teach you a little humility.”

  Justin stared at her for one brief second before he gave a short bark of laughter then lay back with his hands behind his head. “Red, you can teach me anything you want.”

  Using her wings to keep her aloft, she moved down his body until she could reach his cock, throbbing and near to bursting. Hovering above him, she let her hair fall over her shoulders, brushing along his thighs, tickling his shaft. A quick glance up caught Justin as his head kicked back into the pillow, eyes shut tight.

  “Let’s see who begs now, Justin.”

  She took him in her mouth, sliding the red tip between her lips, careful to touch just the head. She sucked gently, just enough to make him as frustrated as she’d been, the only contact between them the brush of her hair against his thighs and her mouth on his cock.

  For several minutes, she played with him, licking along the shaft with quick, delicate strokes then taking only the head into her mouth. He writhed beneath her, his scent intensifying as he struggled to control his need.

  Then, with a groan, he tried to thrust farther into her mouth. She moved away, tsking slowly.

  “You’re killing me here, Red.” His voice came out on a growl but he knew better than to use his hands, because he kept them locked beneath his head. Still, he wanted to use them. The bunched muscles in his arms told of his restraint.

  Smiling, she rewarded him by taking him in farther, getting him deeper then starting a back-and-forth motion that made his breath come in gasps.

  She didn’t know how long she sucked him, lost in his taste and in his response. Determined to make him break first, she scraped her teeth along his cock on the way back up, eliciting a deep groan from him.

  Close, he was so close—

  “Oh Christ, Red.” His voice rasped out from between his clenched lips. “Please, I’ll beg. Just take me already, sweetheart.”

  Her lips curved around his cock and she gave him one last, deep pull before she eased back. Lifting her head, she found him staring straight into her eyes, no longer smiling. Right on the edge. Exactly where she’d wanted him.