by Dakota Trace
“Faerie’s blood, which I got from my mother’s side,” he supplied for her.
Her fingers twisted on her lap before relaxing. “Fine, you can smell my desire. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I’m a grown banshee who should be able to take a lover if I choose.”
His arms crossed over his chest. Something just wasn’t adding up. “So why haven’t you?”
“You want the simple or complicated explanation?”
He leaned back against the wall and pretended he wasn’t talking about past lovers with a woman he wanted like Hell on fire. “Simple.”
“Two reasons: mixed blood and no interest.”
Shock rolled over him, causing him to drop his arms. “You’re telling me because of your mixed blood, no man wanted you?”
With a slow motion, she rose. “No, I’m telling you that bigoted banshee males want no part of a mixed breed, and up until now, I’ve had no interest in pursuing a lover.”
He nearly dropped to his knees as she closed the distance between them. Keeping her movements slow, she trailed her hand across his warm skin until she reached his navel. Her fingers teased over the head of his erection before slipping down inside his pants to cup his aching balls.
“That was until I saw a blond godling stride across the banquet hall with such confidence others backed away. Then he brought me a meal and ordered me to eat. Later he saved me from a man who wanted to harm me while I had no idea how to battle the oinseach without killing everyone present. Now he’s still trying to protect me even from himself. Separate, these acts might move me enough to say thank you. Together? I knew I’d found the man to awaken my desires.”
She gave him a gentle squeeze, her groan joining his. “Until I was told by my Lord and Master that the same man had similar desires to match my own.” She pressed closer, the tips of her covered breasts teasing his bare chest. Unable to resist touching, he wrapped his hands around her upper arms. “Now I only hope that he… no, that you won’t turn me away when I beg to be bound and be teased with…” She gave a soft moan, her words dying in her throat while her eyes drifted shut.
Nearly insane with need, he gave her a rough shake. “Teased with what…floggers? Whips? Canes? What is it? Don’t stop now…tell me!”
Her dazed eyes opened before her lips formed around the words he never expected to come out of her mouth. “…the flickering cups of fire I’ve seen used in the Underworld.”
Any resistance he had flew out the window. His jaw clenched as he struggled for control. “And you’re willing to beg for it?”
For the first time in his presence her head tipped down in submission. “Yes, Sir, if it pleases you.”
Desire shook him hard, beating against his fraying willpower at her obvious submission. Either she’d read about it somewhere or her submission was natural. “Aw, fuck. Bilé told you I’m a Dom.” She nodded once more. Frustration and desire warred within him. Is her submission because she honestly wants to submit or just another ploy to get me to sleep with her? He released her, yanked her hand out of his pants, and stepped back, breaking her connection. “The only way I’d give you...” he paused, unable to force himself to name his own personal kink. “…what you need is if you offer your full submission. But there’ll be no child. Can you accept those terms?”
The color faded from her face. “If it meant I’d get to experience the warmth of fire, without forfeiting your life…” she took a deep breath. “Then yes, I could.”
“Then present.” He watched the emotions flit across her face, almost too quickly for him to identify, but he was sure he saw unease, desire, and determination. Then she slowly sank to her knees, her legs spread with her palms turned up on her thighs. Even with the obscuring leather, he could see her form was near perfect. “I’m going to prepare the room. If you’re still here when I come back, you’ll be mine for the taking, little one.”
When she opened her mouth, he held up a hand. “I know you think that’s what you want, but this isn’t a snap decision. Think it over because heaven help me, once I start, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop. You have to be sure this is what you want.” He turned on his heel and escaped into the room before she could stop him. Now the decision rested on her slender shoulders.
Chapter Six
Continuing to kneel at the mouth of the darkened hall, Braelyn concentrated on her breathing, debating on the wisdom of her earlier words as she heard the closing of the door at the other end. She knew even if Flannery didn’t give her his seed, Bilé would never know. By claiming she’d slept with him, even showing him the physical proof, when she didn’t increase, the god would only assume it was because the timing hadn’t been right. And who honestly knows if a godling can impregnate a half-breed banshee anyway?
While she ached for something more than a night of intimacy, she’d settle for stopping the cantharis and giving Flannery ease. She was so ignorant of human medicines. Unable to tell the difference between an actual drug and those funny herbal supplements, she wasn’t sure what to do. Or how to proceed even if I knew. She’d just have to wait and see if the sex would ease the effects of whatever was coursing inside of him. Plus make a few memories for when it’s over.
Regardless of the outcome, she was looking forward to finding out if the submission and fire she’d dreamed about could become a reality. Keeping her eyes down, she tried to remember everything she’d ever read about being submissive. A smile crept over her face at the thought of her secret stash of instructional tomes concerning submissive behavior and pleasing a Dom.
She’d spent hours practicing in front of mirror in her room so she’d be perfect for her future Master. Now I can only hope my practice wasn’t for nothing and I please him. Keeping her head bowed, she rubbed her sweaty palms over her thighs. ‘Cause Goddess only knows what my mother would’ve thought if she’d caught me.
The thought made her still. While it was painful to hide her true nature, she just couldn’t disappoint her mother. Her mother fully expected her to settle down one day with a male banshee and start popping out banshee babies for her to love on. But no banshee will indulge my need for submission and the tantalizing warmth of fire. Not unlike vampires avoiding the sun, true creatures of the mist avoid fire. She could only assume her bizarre need for domination and things outside the norm came from her father, since her mother was the least submissive person she knew.
The sound of the door opening again broke into her thoughts. Had it been that long? She’d have thought it took longer than a few minutes to prepare a room for a night of naughty kinky sex.
“I see you’re still here.” Flannery’s tone was neutral. She caught a glimpse of his legs as he stepped through the entryway of the hall. They disappeared from view as he moved out of her line of sight. The temptation to look up was great, but she was scared to see resignation on his face.
“Yes, Sir.” It took everything she had to keep her voice steady.
The muffled creak of the sofa preceded his bare feet coming back into her line of vision once more. He must be leaning up against the back of it, stretching his legs.
“Tell me something, little one, before we start. Why do you wish to submit?”
Her mouth opened and reluctantly closed before she finally was able to speak. Of all the questions she’d thought he’d ask, this wasn’t one of them. “Have you ever longed for something so badly, it’s an unbearable ache? That each morn you rise only to find your dreams of fulfillment are nothing more than that…dreams? And you’re once again stuck in a hellish existence not of your own making?” She tipped her head lower, wanting to hide her embarrassment.
The silence followed by a heavy sigh which met her response, made her realize that answering a question with a question probably wasn’t her best idea. So she tried again to put her need into words. “It’s what I go through every day, Sir. I am a misfit, a half-breed who longs for more than what her kind deem acceptable. A male banshee might understand my need to serve, to pleasure him by the me
re offering of my submission, but never will he allow or accept for my need to feel the kiss of fire.”
A low growl filled the air. “You realize there is absolutely nothing wrong with your need to submit, or for wanting to experience the warmth of fire caressing your skin, correct?”
A semi-bitter sound built in her chest. It took an effort but she suppressed it. Now was not the time for her to think about her one failed attempt at sex or the male banshee who’d rejected her so harshly. She needed to focus on tonight and the memories she would make. “Honestly, Sir, I could only dream to find a man who would feel that way. In the banshee world, it will never be acceptable. We are not like other demons. The business of collecting souls is the ultimate end of our existence. Intimacy is merely for children and the fulfillment of our duty to the God of the Underworld.”
“Yet surprisingly you’re a banshee who doesn’t long for mere obligation in the bedroom. You’re one who longs for more, and somehow possesses the most perfect form I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience. If I were any other Dom, I would assume your former Master was a lucky man to have such a treasure.”
Heat filled her cheeks at his subtle praise. “Thank you, Sir.”
“There are no thanks needed, Braelyn but there will be honesty. By your own admission you are untouched, and my nose assures me it is true. So how is it possible for you to know, let alone be well versed in the different positions I will require from you?”
Keeping her head lowered, her breath caught at the determination in his tone. She was unsure if she should admit to what most considered a betrayal to her race. “I…”
“Without honesty, we can have nothing. You will not lie to me, little one. There will be truth between us.”
She nodded, tears of frustration burning the back of her eyes.
“Look at me, Braelyn. There is nothing you will tell me that I will berate you for. I merely need to understand you before I can give you what you need.” The command, along with the promise in his voice, left little room for further uncertainty.
Lifting her head, she focused on his chest. As she suspected earlier, he was leaning against the piece of furniture with his long legs kicked out in front of him. He hadn’t taken the time to put on a shirt so every inch of his torso’s golden skin glimmered in the light. The sight of the darker gold ring piercing one nipple sent a wave of need washing through her. She hadn’t noticed it earlier. Her eyes slid down his stomach and she nearly mourned. He’d fastened his leather jeans; his magnificent cock was no longer on display.
“I said look at me. My face, Braelyn, not my damned dick.” The harshness sent her gaze skittering upwards. Her blood thundered in her ears as she took in both the intense need, and the determination glittering in his eyes. It made them seem bluer than before.
“Better. Now, answer my question, little one. What knowledge do you have concerning Doms and submission? How did you come to know what pleases me to my core?”
She trembled but fought to keep her voice steady. “Books, Sir. I’ve studied every tome I can find on the subject.”
“You’ve learned your near-perfect form from a book?” His brow furrowed as he shifted.
Fighting the urge to fidget, she nodded. “Yes, Sir. I’ve practiced them in my room for many years now.”
Surprise lit up his face. “How many?”
She sucked her lower lip into her mouth, then released it before answering. “Nearly a century, Sir. Ever since the first time I visited the Underworld and saw a Dom using the fire cups on his sub. It consumed my thoughts until I wanted it more than my next breath. To be able to feel the heat of fire against my skin— to know there’s a chance I could be burned but still being able to trust my Master to know how to control both the fire and me— has been my dream for a long time.”
She struggled to stay still under his intense gaze. “So it made sense to prepare myself, then if the rare occurrence happened and I found a man who would indulge my need, he wouldn’t turn me away. So I’d be able to prove I’m ready and able to serve him.”
As she finished the wide slabs of his chest expanded in a visual response to her words. His voice came out gruff. “You’re certain you want me to be that man?”
When she opened her mouth to reply, he held up a hand.
“Before you answer, I need to tell you something.”
“Okay…” Uncertainty had her in its grasp, but she held strong.
“The drug that my brother said he slipped me? He didn’t. I would’ve smelled the cantharis. So if you’re doing this merely to save me, because of some drug which Bilé told you he gave me...” his eyes grew darker “…then I’d rather you didn’t.”
Relief at his admission filled her. She didn’t have to worry about him dying. She could enjoy him without it hanging over her head. “I’d want to be here even if Bilé hadn’t lied to me.” Then she remembered the ambrosia. “But what about the other, Sir?”
He smiled, cupping her cheek. “I’ve been drinking ambrosia since I was a horny teenager. I’ve built up quite a tolerance to it”
She licked her lips, pressed her face deeper into his palm. “Then why drink it?”
He chuckled. “Because it makes my orgasms more intense.”
Her face flushed. “Oh.”
Releasing her, he backed away. “I can’t believe I’m doing this, but I’m going to give you one last chance to back out of this madness.” His hand clenched into a fist. “You need to understand that I’m not an easy man, Banshee. I will accept nothing less than your complete and utter submission. There will be no half-measures if you get frightened.”
I won’t allow you to back out once we enter my bedroom and you see the pleasures I have planned for us. They will probably scare the hell out you, but I will be relentless in my pursuit. I will have what you’ve promised me. Between what my brother did and my natural desire for you, I won’t be able to accept less.”
A low whimper escaped her tight throat. She wanted so badly what he offered but realized he had a valid point. Despite all of her reading, she was truly inexperienced. “And if I get scared, Sir?”
“I will sooth your fears to the best of my abilities, if I can. Just realize I will never hurt you. I’ll push your boundaries but my intent is not to cause you true harm. Knowing this, do you still offer your submission?”
She licked her lower lip. “Can I ask for a boon before I answer, Sir?”
His nostrils flared as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Ask.”
“Would you please kiss me, Sir? I know it seems silly, but I think it would calm my nerves…”
The rest of what she was going to say was swallowed by his mouth. She hadn’t expected him to move so fast. One moment he’d been leaning against the couch and the next he was crouched in front of her, one hand buried in her hair, while the other wrapped around her waist to hold her still for his kiss.
She sighed at the feel of his firm lips. Need pooled deep in womb and sparked an onslaught of moisture between her thighs. It took all her control to keep her hands upturned on her knees.
His tongue brushed over the outer curves of her lips. “Open for me, little one.”
Obeying, she thrust her tongue against his. The spicy taste of the ambrosia-laced wine filled her senses as his tongue rubbed over hers, battling for supremacy, and ultimately getting it with her submission. As he conquered her mouth, staking his claim, she fought to keep her hands in position. She ached to thread them through his hair, to cling to his thick neck, to hang on to anything as he blew her world apart.
Then the hand at her waist moved to settle over the curve of her breast and she forgot about being still, about holding her form. Her arms moved of their own violation as his fingers pinched and rubbed at her nipple, the slight sting of pain intensifying the pleasure his touch had invoked. It was all she could do to keep from singing out her pleasure when his answering growl vibrated against her lips.
She sobbed as the song, unbidden, built in her throat.
Even through her desire and desperation for Flannery, she knew she couldn’t free it. I promised…I can’t. Tearing her mouth away from his, she rested her head under his chin, in the hollow of his throat. “I…”
“Your answer— now, Braelyn, before I take you where you sit.” Hoarse vibrations rocked her as his voice rumbled under her ear.
“Yes, Sir.” Her words whispered over his pulse. “I offer my submission.”
Chapter Seven
Braelyn clung to him as Flannery carried her down the hall. Her offer of submission had barely passed her swollen lips, before he’d been unable to resist temptation any longer. While there was no drug to war with his normal iron-clad control, he found himself tired of fighting his natural urges.
Sweeping her up from her kneeling position had seemed as easy as breathing. He couldn’t wait any longer to claim her. She’d had her chance to back out and he was out of patience. His dick ached to feel her tight pussy wrapped around it as much as his eyes longed to see her tied to his bed.
“Pick a safe word.” His tone was tight as his strides ate up the distance between the living room and his bedroom.
“Dearg,” She whispered the word against his skin. He could feel her entire body trembling against him. He only hoped anticipation was the cause. Then her safe word registered. A chuckle built in his throat at the irony of it. He’d never expected her to pick something as simple as the word red.
“The Gaelic word for red?” He gathered her closer when she nodded. Using his shoulder to push the door open, he moved into his bedroom. “Dearg it is.” He let her slide down his body until she stood in front of him with her head bowed. “If you use it everything stops. Do you understand?”
He had to strain to hear her answer, but thanks to his godling hearing, he made out her soft-spoken, “Yes, Sir.”
“Good. I’m glad you are familiar with safe words. What I’m planning for you in this room will be intense. So if you need me to slow down, but not completely stop, tell me buí.”