“If a demon fails the Omagadona then they are condemned. We serve either the goddess Uuna, or we are changed to what you saw and forced to serve Zolar.” His teeth chattered the entire time, but she was sure she’d understood him.
She shook her head. “I still don’t get it. You don’t look like a demon. Are you one of the aliens that people keep talking about?”
He opened his eyes part way. “Alien? I’d laugh if it didn’t hurt so much. You think because my skin isn’t black and I don’t have horns, that I can’t be a demon?”
She dropped her gaze to the floor. “Something like that.” Lifting her head, she studied him. The man, or demon in this case, shivered violently and looked even more miserable than he had before. Her good-hearted nature made her feel sorry for him. “What did you mean earlier when you mentioned taking my blood?”
Why the hell do I feel the need to bring that up? He might have forgotten about it.
“We sometimes drink blood to help us heal when we are severely injured. Usually it would be from one of our own, but as you can see, you’re it.” He sucked in a ragged breath. “I only need a small amount, and it is painless.”
“I’m not sure how sticking me with a knife to make me bleed would be considered painless. To you perhaps, but to me that spells ouch big time.” She picked up her wet bra and wrung the water out of it then placed it on a nearby rock to dry.
“I don’t use a blade. I have fangs for that job.”
She’d bent over to retrieve her panties and nearly lost her towel when she jerked straight up. “What?”
He curled his upper lip and damn if a set of fangs didn’t begin to grow right before her eyes. “Son of a bitch.” She rubbed her fingertips together to try and fight the insane urge to touch them. Why the hell was she both frightened and fascinated by them? “I’m sorry, but those look like they’d smart.”
“They don’t.”
“Have you ever bitten yourself before?”
“Yes.”
She hadn’t expected that answer. “What about a human?”
“No.”
“Then you can’t be sure it won’t hurt.”
“I can be.”
She snorted. “Kinda cocky for someone so sick.” She finished squeezing the water from her underwear and placed them on the rock next to her bra. Steam rose from the garments. “Wow, a built in dryer.”
“And you are rather brash for one stuck in a room with a demon. I might add, one who saved your life. You don’t want to know what those two had planned for you, had I not been there to help.”
Low blow, but he did have a valid point. “What would they have done to me?”
“You mean before or after they raped you repeatedly?”
She blanched. “Point taken.” She plopped down by the edge of the pool. “I’m sorry. You have to realize that I’ve been accosted by demons, sucked into some kind of vortex and trapped with a strange man who I’ve had to care for like I would a good friend.” She glanced at her lap. “Not to mention I’m sitting here in nothing but a towel, and I’m starving. I actually think I’m taking this all pretty well.”
“I’m sorry, I’d forgotten about your needs. Look beside you.”
She turned, and next to her sat a pink robe and a paper bag. Her mouth watered from the wonderful aroma that filled her nose. “Oh my god.” She snatched up the bag and ripped it open to find a pile of golden french fries and a greasy cheeseburger. She popped a fry into her mouth and chewed. “Where did this stuff come from?”
“I used what little magic I had left. I hope it will suffice because I am drained until I fully recover.”
She unwrapped the burger and took a bite, enjoying the mixture of grilled beef and cheese. Nothing had ever tasted so good, but guilt riddled her as she watched him experience a teeth-chattering shiver. “If you were capable of magic, why didn’t you get yourself another blanket?”
“Because you have needs and I did bring you here without your consent. It is the least I can do.”
Her meal began to taste bittersweet, but she inhaled it anyway. Once finished, she licked her fingers then stood and turned her back to him. She dropped her towel, not caring if he saw her naked ass. After all, she’d seen his and had to admit it was pretty fine. Grabbing the robe, she slipped it on and enjoyed the softness against her skin. With a full belly and something dry to wear, she was determined to help him through his illness. Pushing her bra and panties off the rock where they dried, she replaced them with two unused towels and held her hands over them. When they were warm, she removed them and marched to the bed.
“I’m going to uncover you for a moment.” His green eyes looked up at her, filled with appreciation. She quickly pulled the blanket back and laid one towel over his chest and the other across his hips. Thank god he’d positioned his leg so his man goods were covered. Once she had the towels situated, she pulled the blanket back up to his chin.
“Okay. So how does this blood thing work? You’ll have to pardon my ignorance since I’ve only seen it in the movies.”
“Are you changing your mind?”
“Yes, and make it quick before I change it again.” She hoped he could bite her wrist. If he had to suck on her neck, she wasn’t sure she could handle it. Just the thought of it seemed more intimate and caused her libido to kick in. Jesus Aimee, it really has been a long time. He’s not even human. True, but her body didn’t seem to care. It only responded to his devastating good looks and killer body.
“I can bite your wrist, and I promise it will be painless.”
Thank god! “Okay then, let’s do this.” She sat beside him and presented her left arm. “Hurry.”
He was stunned that she offered her arm. He’d been tempted to tell her he had to take it from the neck, but knew it would be risky. His self-control held on by a thread. Being near a female brought on desires he’d held in check for a long time.
“You’re sure?”
She glared at him; her hazel eyes flickered golden with irritation. “Ask me again and I’ll change my mind.”
No further prodding was necessary. He laced his fingers with hers, pulled her arm closer and ran his nose along her silky skin. Her lavender fragrance made his mouth water. When he reached the pulse point at her wrist, he swirled his tongue and released a numbing agent through his saliva. She tensed slightly and her scent turned musky with arousal, spiking his own. Even through his chills, his cock stirred and thickened with desire. He wanted to sink more than just his fangs into her.
The sensation of her skin, sliding along his fangs as he pressed the tips into her wrist, nearly had him backing away. Never had his desire spiked so intently when he fed, but he continued until her blood filled his mouth. A burst of apricots hit the back of his tongue. It was the most delicious taste he’d ever experienced.
He lifted his gaze to watch her reaction. Her eyes were closed and head tipped back. Lips parted slightly, she had a look of bliss on her face. Her pulse beat rapidly and after a mouthful of sweet nectar, he swiped his tongue over the punctures before they both lost control. Apparently, she had enjoyed it just as much, and he fought the voice inside him that said she was ripe for seduction. Having her would only prove disastrous. Not to mention his morals wouldn’t allow him to take advantage of her––any more than he had already.
“Did it hurt?” he whispered, trying to keep the desire that laced his voice to a minimum.
Her eyes popped open, and she pulled her wrist to her chest and examined it. No doubt she looked for signs of what he had done, but there wouldn’t be any. He was careful not to leave his mark. That would be reserved for his true love and placed in prominent view to let all others know she was taken.
“No. You were right, it didn’t hurt at all.” She jumped up and moved away. “So how long before you are fully recovered?”
He shrugged. “We waited a long time, so maybe another four to eight hours.” Part of him hoped it would be sooner than later so he could continue with his missi
on. The other half actually enjoyed her company. It had been a long time since he’d had a woman sexually, or even for companionship. He had to admit he was lonely.
Chapter 4
Fang slid along the walls of the underground tunnel. The green slime that coated them clung to his skin and tattered clothes, but he hardly noticed. He focused on finding the others.
They had all been separated when taken by the Concosa leader. Fang had been sent to a small cell that reeked of excrement, but after a time he’d grown used to the smell. He had scratched a tic on the stone wall for each passing day and vowed he would escape. Knowing that his people were currently under the rule of the god Zolar caused him to shiver. Part of him was pissed that their goddess had let this happen. Then again, she wasn’t in a position to stop it either.
As he made his way through the dank corridor, he was surprised that no one had come to check on his guard yet. It just showed how little regard they had for their own kind.
He passed several empty cells. A rat scurried across his feet. Before it could get away, he snatched it up, broke its neck and squeezed every last drop of blood from its body. It wasn’t much, but their small bodies were the only nourishment he’d had in the last three hundred and sixty-five days. An entire year spent in this hellhole. He’d spent twelve months of studying the enemy, until he found his weakness and a way to escape. His guard had become over confident and thought Fang weak and stupid.
He snorted. “Dumb fucker. Your first mistake was messing with me and mine. Your second was underestimating my intelligence.” He’d feigned being near death’s door for the past month. When his guard had come to poke at him, as he often did, Fang took him by surprise and snapped his neck like a twig.
With a snarl, he tossed aside the rat’s carcass. “If I never drink from one of your kind again, it will be too soon.” He was grateful the rodents had been plentiful and the Concosa too stupid to think Fang would stoop to the level of eating them. Again, they underestimated him.
“Now to find my way out of here and have a big juicy steak.” He’d kill for a slab of beef and some real blood. Just the thought of sinking his fangs into one of their females made his entire body ache. His first job was to locate the others; he prayed they were alive. When they had been attacked, he along with Viper, Talon and Blade had thrown themselves between the brothers. Both Zander and Orien had stayed back to battle, but all of them had sent Greydon on the run. He’d hesitated at first, wanting to stay and fight, but Greydon knew with their king slaughtered he was their last hope. He reluctantly agreed to flee.
Fang narrowed his gaze on the pinpoint of light that streamed in from a crack in the wall up ahead. The taste of freedom coated the back of his throat as he fondled the bone handle of the dagger he’d stolen from the guard. He glanced behind him and thought of his friends. They were here somewhere, but he understood his first duty was to his prince. Once he was free of these walls, he would locate Greydon and together they would form a plan to save the others.
“I’ll be back, my friends. Of that I promise,” he whispered and ran toward the light. Summoning the last of his strength, he locked onto the ray of sunlight. His body began to shift to its demonic form. His wings, dormant for far too long, stretched out, then pressed tight against his body as he catapulted toward the tiny opening. Magic encapsulated him; it made him one with the light and ejected him into the outside world. He soared high into the sky. The warmth of the two suns cascaded over his body and filled him with strength. The small speck of DNA that every Valarian demon shared switched on and like a homing beacon, it locked onto his prince. Soon he would be reunited with his future king.
Aimee rubbed her wrist not because it hurt, but from the tingle that still tickled her flesh. The searing she had felt when he’d touched his lips to her skin, and again when he slid his fangs into her vein, wouldn’t go away. So she hoped rubbing it would make it fade. She was surprised both by the sensation and at herself. Disappointment had almost clouded her judgment when he had released her, and she’d had to bite her tongue to stop from begging him to continue. He must have used some kind of magic on her. It was the only logical explanation.
“So, now what?” she asked, hoping he’d say she could go home.
He began to fold the blanket down to reveal his naked chest. With even the slightest movement, his biceps flexed as if the muscles had a mind of their own. He propped himself up and folded his hands behind his head. His entire torso, on display like a fine piece of art, made her recall how her fingers had glided over every peak and valley as she’d wiped him down to cool his fever. He turned, and a stray piece of hair fell across his forehead and into his eyes. Eyes so green they could only belong to someone not human. His color had already turned from ghostly pale back to the bronze she remembered. Had her blood done all of that?
“You’re staring.”
She sucked in a breath and averted her gaze. “Sorry, that was rude of me.”
“I didn’t say I minded. In the meantime, we wait. My powers will come back a little at a time. First, I’ll be able to do small things. Little by little, my magic will grow until I can summon a portal to take you home.” He flipped the blanket completely off and she squealed.
He smiled and pointed to his crotch. “Look, underwear.”
“That was wrong in so many ways.” She fought to steady her voice.
“Really? You could have looked away, yet you didn’t. Why?”
Her skin burned under his stare, and damn him for noticing. She had wanted to cast her glance elsewhere, but it remained riveted on him. “You took me by surprise, and I didn’t have time to look away.”
“Uh huh.”
She stared at the floor and ran her big toe in a circle eight on the smooth stone. “Tell me more about your people, about you.” She prayed a change in subject would take the spotlight off her.
Several minutes of silence ticked by before he cleared his throat. “I’m a Valarian demon. Those creatures I killed are called Concosa demons.”
“I see.” She still didn’t dare look up at him and continued to study the floor. “So you are one of the good guys?”
“For now.”
That caught her attention, and she looked up to see if he was kidding again. Nope, his expression said he was dead serious. “What do you mean?”
He flopped to his side and propped his head up. She tried hard to focus on his eyes and not look below his waist. No, make that his neck because if she let her gaze dip to his chest, she knew her eyes would follow a line straight to his goods. Mental note. When I get home, I really need to get laid.
“In a few weeks, I will be required to perform the Omagadona. It is a rite of passage among my people. If we fail, then we turn into what you saw earlier.”
She blinked. His tone was so matter of fact that she needed him to repeat what he’d just said. She must have misunderstood. “Come again?”
“It’s long and complicated but since we’re stuck here, I suppose we have time. The Omagadona is required by all my people upon our five-hundredth birth date. Uuna our goddess and her husband Zolar are at war with each other. In order to build their armies, they require us to enter a place we’ve nicknamed the Pits. We must remain there for seven days with only the water we can carry. We are beaten and our willpower tested. Anything that Uuna or Zolar think will cause us to fail their trial. The problem is we have no idea who offers each test as they come to us.”
She brought her hand to her mouth to cover the gasp. “Why in the hell would you do such a thing?” Now she was positive she misunderstood. It all sounded too crazy for words.
“Because the war between a husband and wife has deemed it so. My people have no choice in the matter. We either show up on our own or suffer.” He pointed to his side where she had noticed the faint lines earlier. “This marking under my skin will darken if I pass the test and show everyone that I am a warrior to Uuna.”
“Pardon me for being ignorant, but what happens if you fail?�
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“Those who fail turn into Concosa and serve the god Zolar. However, I will not fail. My people are depending on me to succeed.”
She cocked her head and studied him the determination written on his face. Something told her there was more he wasn’t telling her. “Where are your people?”
He sat up and stared off at nothing for the longest time. “We were taken by surprise and outnumbered. The Concosa killed my father and mother then...” Pain laced his voice and drew hard lines around his eyes. “My two younger brothers jumped into the fight as did my closest friends. I was forced to flee while they fought and later found out they were all taken prisoner.”
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered and had the urge to go to him and offer comfort.
“Thank you. As far as the rest of my people, I can only assume they were rounded up and taken as well. Zolar would consider them a prize. It would also keep them from fulfilling the Omagadona, therefore dwindling Uuna’s army.”
“How many are there of your kind?”
His gaze met hers. “Thousands and the Concosa are quickly matching our numbers.”
“Wow. I had no idea.” She cupped her hand over her mouth to hide a yawn. With no idea of the time, she felt like she’d been there for hours. Between the anxiety of caring for him, a warm meal and now snuggled into a fluffy robe, she needed sleep.
“You’re tired. You should rest.”
She looked around, but there wasn’t even a chair to sit down in. “I am, but you seem to be lacking furniture here.”
“I’m afraid this place was only meant to be a temporary sanctuary, a place for me to hide. I never intended to still be here over a year later and certainly never to entertain company.” He rolled to his back and stared at the ceiling. “The bed is big enough for both of us. A good night’s sleep will have us both feeling better.”
Taken By Desire: Demonic Desires Book 1 Page 3