She eyed the king-size bed. Her body screamed to curl up and go to sleep; her mind could only think about lying next to a handsome stranger. No ordinary man either, but a demon. That fact alone made her head spin. “You mean for us to sleep in the same bed?”
He turned his head to look at her. “There is plenty of room and as you can clearly see, no other furniture. I promise not to bite.” His mouth twitched. “I did that already.”
“Oh, a demon with a sense of humor. Ha, ha.” She couldn’t believe her feet actually carried her to the bed, but she really wanted to relax. Trouble was she didn’t know if that would be possible with him so close. She moved around to the other side and sat on the edge, gauging the distance between them. If I stay here on the edge, I should be fine. Right. She slipped under the covers and pulled them to her chin.
“Don’t worry, I plan to stick to my side of the bed,” he stated.
“Am I that obvious?”
“I have heightened senses, but yes you are.”
She pulled in a deep breath. They both laid there in silence and stared at the ceiling for several minutes, until she dug for her courage. “So, what’s it like to be a demon?”
“Seriously? What’s it like to be human?”
“Hmm, point taken. So do you come from Hell, then?” Did she really want an answer to that? Stupid question. She could hear him chuckle.
“I come from a world that is below your own. I suppose the term Hell might be appropriate since it is rather warm.”
The need to look at him beckoned her, so she flipped to her side and faced him. “So is it like we all expect? Brimstone and fire?” She watched him roll over to face her. The way the shadows played across his darkened jaw had her fingers wanting to trace them.
“No. It looks very much like your world other than we do have two suns.” He smiled and she noticed the fangs were gone.
“I have so many questions. You’re nothing like I thought a demon would look like.” No, there was nothing demonic-looking about him. Unless you wanted to consider his devilish good looks.
He arched a brow. “We’re shifters so I can change form, but my people are born looking like humans. The magic and shifting abilities come later in life.” He leaned in closer and her breath caught. “I want to know about you. What is it you do in your world?”
“I own a bookstore and cater to people looking for old, hard-to-find books. I’ve always had a fascination with language and text. I studied ancient Greek in school and fell in love with it.”
His eyes lit up. “Really? You may find it interesting to learn that the ancient Greek language is similar to my own. Many of their symbols are either Demonic or derived from it.”
“No kidding?” She sat up. “I’d love to study your culture. Do you have books?”
He rolled to his back and stared at the ceiling for several minutes before answering. “I’m afraid that would be impossible. We should get some sleep.” He then turned his back to her, and she wondered why he had suddenly shut down. Something told her it had to do with her last question. Prior to that, he’d seemed very open.
Aimee settled back on the mattress and closed her eyes. As tired as she was, sleep wouldn’t come easy––not with a hot demon in the same bed.
Chapter 5
I’ve already told her too much, Greydon thought as he lay there and listened to her heavy breathing. He carefully turned to face her, delighted to find her sleeping on her side. Her hands were tucked up under her cheek and her lips slightly parted. It didn’t take long to realize how much he missed having a female around. She’d pushed the covers down to her waist, and her robe gaped open enough that he could see the swell of her breast. His cock responded, yet he refused to take his eyes off her. So many scenarios played through his head: pushing aside the fluffy fabric to reveal her nipples then sucking one into his mouth, savoring her apricot flavor as he sank his fangs into her neck or simply seducing her. After all, he held the power to bend her will to his, but he wasn’t the type to take advantage. He had promised her she was safe with him and safe she would remain.
Still. He found himself wondering how her body would respond. Put the thought out of your head. You need to send her home and forget about her. She does not belong to you.
He rolled away and decided it was better not to stare at what he couldn’t have. Rest was what he needed in order to finish healing, so he could get far away from the intoxicating Aimee before he lost his reserve.
His body had just begun to relax when his eyes snapped open in time to see Aimee pulling her jeans over her firm, round ass. “Sorry I missed the show.” He swore he’d just fallen asleep, but his internal clock told him it was early morning. She swung around, her cheeks flushed and her brown hair a tumbled mess. If he didn’t know better, he would have sworn she’d been fucked hard.
“That was my intention, for you to miss the show that is.”
He willed his erection down and swung his legs over the edge of the bed.
“So, can you take me home yet?”
He tested his power. “I could summon a portal, but I would be left weak after. I can’t chance it yet. Not with my Omagadona drawing so near.”
She crossed her arms and peered at him.
“Well, maybe you guys should stop doing this Omaga-whatever so your people would stop turning into evil demons.” It seemed like a logical solution to her. Then maybe their numbers could be whittled down.
He gave her a hard glare. “Of course you wouldn’t understand.” He jumped up, threw on his jeans and began to pace. Every movement flexed muscle and sinew. The predator buried within him surfaced. This was the same man she’d seen when he’d appeared between the demons.
Determined and lethal.
“How could you expect me to understand? I’m from another world. One where we all live in peace.” She had no idea why she was in such a foul mood. Yes I do. It’s because I dreamt of all the naughty things I could do with a demon. Damn it!
He stopped long enough to pin her with his green eyes and snorted. “There was a time when you fought each other. Your wars killed millions and to what end? Your species stripped their world of almost everything. You let your people starve and live in their own filth.”
His words were like a slap across the cheek, and the sting smarted even more because they were true. Still, it was in the past. “What you say is correct, but we’ve changed. Would you hold our past against us?”
“I am four-hundred and ninety-nine years old. You humans have a history of repeating your mistakes.”
He didn’t look much older than her age of twenty-five. “I wish I could disagree, but I can’t. Still, does that make you better than me? I mean you are waging your own war. Your people are intruding in my world and taking the lives of another race.”
His brows pinched down over his eyes. “The Concosa are not my people any longer. They are the purest of evil. The war I wage is to protect my own, and now it would seem to protect yours as well.”
“This conversation is getting us nowhere. When can I go home?” No sooner had the words passed her lips than something swooped in from thin air. Slightly taller than the demon who stood across from her, the creature had the figure of a man with one dark spike that protruded just above each pointed ear. Large, black, webbed wings stretched outward and a long tail dragged the floor. His nails were thick, black claws.
She tried to take a step backwards but had no place to run.
The creature shifted right before her eyes. All remnants of what it had been vanished, replaced by a man wearing nothing but tattered jeans. His brown hair revealed reddish streaks in the soft light; his dark, chocolate eyes gave her a menacing once over before he dropped to his knees in front of the other demon.
“My prince. I am happy to find you well.”
Prince?
Greydon pulled the newcomer to his feet and embraced him, slapping him on the back. “Fang, thank the goddess. I’ve never been happier to see anyone in my life. Plea
se, tell me the others aren’t far behind?”
The one called Fang pulled free. “I only just escaped and came right to you. I wanted to search for them but realized I’m still too weak. The fuckers starved me.”
Greydon nodded. “Of course, you did the right thing. We’ll go in search of them as soon as you’re well enough.”
“They can wait until you return from the Pits. You will need all of your strength and wits to survive your time there.” Fang said.
Aimee snorted. “Stupid.”
Fang turned and gave her a death glare. “My prince, why is there a half-dressed human in your cave?” He looked back at Greydon. “Have you taken to banging them now? Perhaps you’d care to share? I’m not only starved but horny as hell.”
Aimee dared not even whimper.
“Down, Fang. I followed Threydor to the upper world and found him and another with the girl. I managed to kill them both, but not before one of them took a swipe at me and embedded their claw.” He tipped his head toward her. “Aimee was the only one around, so I kind of abducted her. I owe my life to her.”
Fang bowed his head. “My apologies.” He turned and strode toward Aimee. She gasped and tried to crawl backward, if only she could fade into the rocks.
He dropped to one knee, held both of his palms open in front of him and revealed a purple crystal attached to a gold chain. “You’ve saved my prince and watched over him when I was unable. I am forever in your debt. Please accept the Pherphlu on my behalf, and call on me whenever you have need.”
“Umm.” She glanced at Greydon, not sure what to do, and he nodded so she reached for the gem. “Thank you. It’s beautiful, what did you call it again?”
Fang stood again proudly, and Greydon moved in next to him. “Pherphlu, it means purple magic and Fang is a Daldara which means protector. He is the highest-ranking warrior in the king’s army and was my father’s personal bodyguard. The stone is an uncut amethyst, engrained with his DNA and magic. The keeper of it can summon him by holding the stone and calling him. It is a rare gift that a Daldara gives and, as far as I know, has never been bestowed on a human.”
“Oh, then I am honored.” She’d be sure to toss it in the drawer as soon as she got home. Speaking of… “Can I go home yet?”
For some odd reason, Greydon felt a sense of relief when Fang became Aimee’s protector. Something told him she had been marked by the Concosa and they would be back to claim her. Why? He had no idea, but with him going to the Pits soon he would be out of touch for a week. Maybe more if he needed to recover.
“Fang might be able to raise a portal to take us back.” He watched as she cringed. Apparently, Fang made her nervous––not that he could blame her. The demon did come off rather harsh at times.
“Yes, I can take you both back to the upper world if that’s what you want.” Fang replied.
Greydon nodded.
“Very well then.” Fang approached Aimee and touched her arm. “All you need to do is picture your home, and I’ll find it.”
She glanced at Greydon, apparently needing his reassurance. That pleased him. He touched her other arm, and his gaze fell to the stone that rested between her breasts. Stupid. Now he was jealous of a damn rock. “Do as he says and we’ll be there in no time.”
Aimee nodded and closed her eyes. Within seconds, the portal opened and pulled the three of them into its darkness. Greydon's body tensed, knowing he would be entering her home. He found himself curious at what her living quarters would look like. Moments later, he had his questions answered.
The tiny apartment was sparse for a human female, at least from what he knew of them. There was a small kitchen with enough room for two people. At least the open floor plan made the area feel less confining.
"Fang, please wait outside." His friend nodded and the girl shuffled her feet. Was she nervous? No. He sensed desire.
"So um, thanks for bringing me home. It's been a real party." She pressed her lips together and looked past him.
He couldn't help but chuckle and move closer until her eyes met his. "I can't thank you enough for helping me. I would have died had it not been for you."
"You didn't give me much choice," she retorted.
"No. But it is important I live."
"Right. Prince, huh? How come you left that part out?“
The conversation felt awkward. “I thought you had enough to take in.”
She nodded. "I've never met real, live royalty. Am I supposed to call you Your Majesty or something?"
"No, Greydon is fine."
"Works for me." She fidgeted with the hem of her top. "So you’re off to a week of torture?"
"Soon." Christ, this was torture. He couldn't get his feet to move so he could leave. He tipped his head toward the crystal she wore. "Fang meant what he said. He will come running if you need help. Should any Concosa come near you, don't hesitate to use it."
Her eyes widened. "Do you think more will be coming?"
"I wish I could tell you no, but I really don't have an answer. They may have marked you in some way."
“M-Marked me?” She shifted her weight. “How?”
“They have a way of leaving their mark, but I’m not able to see it. Sometimes rather than killing their prey right away, they will save it. It’s all part of their torture. They keep coming back for more.”
She visibly blanched.
“I don’t want to frighten you—”
“Well, you’re doing a fine job of it. Frightening me, that is.”
“I’m sorry. Just promise you’ll wear Fang’s pendant at all times.”
She looked down at the purple stone, picked it up between her fingers and studied it. He thought she seemed to be looking for any clue that it could really save her life.
“Test it. Call him to you,” Greydon whispered.
Her eyes met his, questioning him.
“It’s okay. You don’t even have to say his name aloud. Simply think his name.”
She nodded and within seconds…
“What’s wrong? You have need of me?” Fang was beside her. A look of genuine concern furrowed his brows.
“See? Sorry, I asked her to test it for reassurance.”
Fang nodded, satisfied with the answer and that no one was in danger. “Good thinking. Do you feel better?” He pointed the question at Aimee.
“That’s amazing, and yes I do. Thank you again.”
“Okay, then I’ll wait back outside.” He vanished and again left Greydon alone with Aimee. Her lavender scent tempted him.
“That was pretty cool. Thank you, it does make me feel a bit safer, but still…” She pulled her bottom lip through her teeth.
“You don’t have to worry about him. He has given you an oath of protection, which means he can never harm you himself.”
She nodded. “Oh. Good to know.”
It was his turn to shuffle his feet. How in the hell had a simple human female turned him into an insecure demon?
“So, will I ever see you again?”
He knew he should tell her no. “Do you want to?”
She glanced down at the floor. “You didn’t answer all of my questions.”
“Hmm, and I did promise didn’t I?” Enough of this. He leaned closer, planted a kiss on her soft cheek and quickly backed away. “Perhaps we’ll cross paths again.” He vanished; her look of shock the last thing he saw before he found Fang standing guard on the sidewalk.
Fang gave him a sideways glance. “You like the human.”
“She did me a favor. I hold no animosity toward her.”
“You desire her though.”
He clenched his jaw. “Right now I desire most any female.”
Fang nodded. “I understand.” He pulled his shoulders back. “We must prepare you for the Pits.”
“I would still rather rescue our people,” he growled.
“You will concentrate on becoming a warrior of Uuna, and then worry about the rescue.”
“Of course you’re r
ight.” Before Fang could open a portal, he touched his friend’s shoulder. “Do me a favor while I’m away. Keep an eye on her.”
The demon curled his lips into a grin. “Yes, my prince.”
Chapter 6
Aimee touched her cheek. “I can’t believe he kissed me,” she said, unsure if she should be mortified or honored to have been kissed by a demon. Either way, his lips were as soft as they looked and even hotter against her skin.
She sighed. “Time to come back to reality.” She really hoped their paths crossed again. There was so much more she wanted to know about him. Pulling her cell phone from her pocket, she swiped the screen. “Dead. Figures.” She stepped into the kitchen and placed it on the charging pad.
“Computer, what day is it?” She wasn’t sure how long she’d been gone, but it felt like an eternity.
“Monday, October twenty-third,” the European male replied. She chuckled at herself for choosing that voice when they’d installed her home computer system. She figured it was the closest she’d ever come to having a date with an Italian.
“Three days. I bet Bethany is frantic. Computer, video-call Bethany Sipes.” Within seconds, her best friend’s panicked face came into view.
“Where the hell have you been? I’ve called you a million times and when you didn’t show up at the shop, I contacted the authorities.”
She pinched the bridge of her nose. “Shit. I’m so sorry. It’s a long story. Where can we meet?”
Her friend’s features softened. “Sweetie, please tell me you’re okay.”
“Yes, I’m fine. I’ll contact the locals and let them know it was all a mistake, but I may need you to back me up. How about dinner at O’Malley’s in say an hour?”
“I’ll grab a table. See you then, and you better have a good excuse for freaking me out.” Bethany moved closer to the screen to help make her point.
“I’m sorry, and I promise you’ll hang on my every word. Later.” She disconnected the call. Now to contact the local authorities and make an excuse as to her whereabouts. Her gut said not to speak the truth or risk ending up in the loony bin. First, she needed a shower. Everything else could simply wait.
Taken By Desire: Demonic Desires Book 1 Page 4