That hint of vulnerability touched him deeper than even his intense sexual attraction to her. The markings name you as our mate, and the prophecy says you will bear the next generation. We have to trust in the Fates. They guided us to you.
They took Samuel from me. They abandoned me.
John’s sympathy flowed through the link with a generous helping of determination. We’ll never abandon you, Sarah. Your time for happiness has come. As much as I wish you could’ve lived without those experiences, they brought you to us. Your past prepared you for our future.
A flash of insecurity from Sarah almost made Tanner curse her fertility cycle. She was a confident woman by nature, but the weakness brought on by her hormones had to have shattered her sense of self.
Lifting her chin, he waited for her teary-eyed gaze to lock on him. “We’ll work through this. You have don’t have to be strong by yourself anymore.”
John finger combed her hair away from her face. “We’re stronger together.”
A lone teardrop rolled from her cheek to her jaw, and Tanner wiped at it with his thumb. If she committed to them, all their powers would benefit—but he wasn’t about to give her any more reasons to doubt his and John’s sincerity. Enhancing their abilities ranked last on the list of priorities.
While producing heirs to the clan had topped their wishes when they’d first heard the prophecy, that particular gain had fallen in importance with the discovery of their mate. Her happiness and safety mattered most now. Adding their children to the population of Xanthus witches and warlocks was merely a side effect of soothing her broken soul, the healing she required far more necessary than descendants to the clan.
She sniffled again, blinking at him with her beautiful unveiled eyes. “I have to destroy Naga before I can bring another life into this dangerous place.”
Her desire to rid the world of the Black Triad sent a burst of pride through Tanner’s chest. How could a woman with such a noble cause have believed she was the embodiment of evil? She possessed the purest heart he’d ever known.
Leaning in to kiss her forehead, he gave her no chance to think she’d take on the task alone. “We. John and I will be at your side. The oath of loyalty is the real deal. Don’t ever forget that.”
John pressed his lips to her neck. “I’d gladly sacrifice my life to protect you, Sarah, and I know Tanner would too. With a bit of luck and a lot of trust on your part, that won’t happen.”
For the first time since they’d found her, she seemed to completely accept her preordained future, reluctance no longer edging into their mental union. Her body melded into theirs, with none of the previous tension holding back a part of her.
Her lips parted as if she wished to speak, but no words carried to Tanner’s ear. Instead, her mind joined with his and John’s again. If you’re going with me, you can’t talk to me this way. He’ll know.
Tanner had no doubt about the identity of “he.” They’d have to concoct a plan to deceive Naga into thinking Sarah had brought the leader of the Triad recruits to strengthen his army or prey to feed his black soul. Tanner and John certainly couldn’t pass for possible replacements for Kazmer.
The telepathic link to John’s thoughts abruptly ended. “Now is as good a time as any to practice. We also need to come up with a strategy and a story for why we’re there. No loose ends that can bite us in the ass. We’re only going to get one shot at taking him down.”
As usual John was on the same wavelength as Tanner. “What’s our best option, Sarah?”
Though her mouth straightened to a grim line, self-assurance once again radiated from her. “I’ll take you to the catacombs as my prisoners. The Xanthus clan is an enemy of the Triad, so we have no need to pretend you’re something you’re not.”
Her simplistic approach made Tanner smile. “Smart woman. You can tell Naga the truth. We came after you for the bounty, and you captured us.”
John chuckled. “Accurate description. How soon do you want to go?”
She glanced over her shoulder toward him, her expression darkening. “I’d planned to destroy Naga with the next full moon.”
Shaking his head, Tanner hoped she was open to changing the timeline. “I don’t think we can wait that long. If those were Triad followers that busted into the motel room yesterday, he’s probably suspicious. The sooner we go, the better.”
“Tanner’s right, Sarah.” Worry lines creased John’s forehead. “We should leave no later than tomorrow morning. We’ll need to adjust our story to account for the time-tunnel incident too. I doubt anybody would believe we were your prisoners at that point.”
Her jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. “It won’t work. Why would I take you to the catacombs instead of simply killing you?”
Anticipation turned to frustration, and Tanner let out a noisy exhale. “Damn it, you’re right.”
John snorted. “Because you’re going to use us to test the cold-bloodedness of the potential new elder.”
Chapter 12
John forced his eyes open as he inhaled the intoxicating scent of his mate. Lying next to Sarah without giving in to his body’s demands had tested his willpower through the night, but she’d needed the rest. The day promised to call on all her abilities as a witch and a false elder.
While he had great confidence in her talents, danger would threaten her existence at every turn. He and Tanner had spent several hours last night discussing a detailed plan of action with her. She hadn’t revealed a hint of fear at having to face off with Naga, her bravery making him damn proud. He couldn’t have found a more perfect woman if he’d searched the world for a thousand years.
A light caress along his inner thigh sent electricity zipping to his balls. “I need you, John.”
Sarah’s husky statement sank his good intentions. Wouldn’t making love strengthen their bond, increasing both their powers? Besides, the oath of loyalty demanded he give what she required of him. Mutual satisfaction was an extraordinary side benefit. “I’m here.”
Gathering her in his arms, he settled his mouth on hers as he rolled to his back. She immediately took control of the kiss, thrusting between his lips to duel with his tongue. Each forceful glide pulled him deeper under her spell. Something more than simple lust made his cock spring from semi-erect to rock hard at her touch. He savored her softness, her taste, and even her temper. Duty and the prophecy had nothing to do with his desire to claim her.
She straddled his waist, rubbing her damp pussy up his length. Her taut nipples dragged along his chest as she arched upward, and he let loose a raw groan to blend with her purely feminine moan. As much as he wanted to flip her over and pound inside her, she deserved to set the pace. Her life would be in the balance in a few short hours.
Releasing his mouth, she rocked her hips backward and then forward. Her body shook beneath his hands. Finally, she wiggled until the head of his cock rested against her entrance, her sweet cunt swallowing him as she sat up. “You feel so good.”
He panted through the first pulses of her inner muscles squeezing around him. Each successive spasm threatened to finish him off long before she found pleasure. He reached up to cradle her tits, plucking at the pebbled tips. “Ride me, Sarah. I want to watch you come.”
Her eyes fluttered closed for a moment, and she leaned backward, taking him deeper still. Digging her fingers into his thighs, she bucked up and down on him. “Come with me.”
With each plunge into her tight pussy, he teased her nipples. Every light pinch seemed to spark a tremor inside her. The milking action of the contractions made his balls tighten and his dick swell, and he increased the pressure on her distended peaks in hopes of bringing her closer to the edge.
Rough breathing and her rising cries echoed off the walls. Her pace grew erratic, but he didn’t dare stop his play to guide her hips in a smoother tempo. She was chasing down an orgasm, if her shuddering body was any hint.
“Yeah, Sarah. That’s it. Fuck me hard.” His nuts drew up against him
, signaling his own imminent explosion. “Now!”
She tensed around him in a series of powerful embraces and cried out as he surrendered to the force propelling him into oblivion. His heat mixed with hers, relief flooding his entire soul with the eruption. His throat ached, even though he hadn’t been aware of yelling his pleasure. Colored spots dotted his vision, and he floated through space.
“Damn, that was hot.” Tanner’s voice broke the sudden silence. Catching Sarah as her boneless figure melted, he guided her to the mattress. “My turn.”
Too sated to roll to his side, John turned his head to watch.
Tanner cupped her face and kissed her before sitting back on his heels to hook her knees over his arms.
She sighed. “How did you know I need you too?”
“Because we’re meant to share our lives.” He eased forward, a smile spreading across his face to hint he’d sunk inside her. “That must’ve been a hell of an orgasm. You’re still vibrating. Ready for another?”
“Yes. Oh, yes.” Her whisper suggested she hadn’t touched down from the first yet.
Sarah’s focus was on Tanner now—as it should be. He deserved her undivided attention while they made love.
Her hands stroked his chest, and he’d obviously slid his cock inside her, by the slow back-and-forth motion of their bodies. The mattress wiggled, but neither seemed to notice. With an increase in tempo came a rise in their sounds of pleasure. Every beat brought a higher-pitched cry from her.
You’re so close. Come for him, Sarah.
Lifting her leg to his shoulder, Tanner reached between them. Although John couldn’t see where Tanner’s fingers landed, he could easily guess the destination. Tanner had to be thrumming her clit.
She trembled for several seconds before a hoarse cry left her kiss-swollen lips. Though her muscles tensed, the side of her mouth nearest John curved upward. Seeing her happy triggered his own smile and a strange tickle in his chest. Was he falling in love with her already?
Tanner followed after her, if his loud groan and thrown-back head were any indication. He slumped forward, easing Sarah’s legs down as he formed a protective canopy over her. “I wanted to do that all night.”
“This was a wonderful way to start the day.” Raising her hand to his cheek, she kissed him.
Her relaxed manner relieved John’s lingering worry that she might experience another meltdown. Conflicting emotions would’ve meant delaying their plan, and he’d prefer to end Naga’s reign of power sooner rather than later.
Tanner moved to lie beside her, opposite John. “Perfect.”
“No, perfect is when you’re both inside me.” She seemed to pause for a moment while a spark of satisfaction shot to John’s ego. “May I ask you something?”
“Sure.” John shrugged.
“Anything.” Levering up on his elbow, Tanner glanced at him but didn’t make mental contact.
Sarah took a slow breath. “From what I’ve observed, men are territorial where women are concerned. How is it that there’s no jealousy between you?”
Thank the Goddess for an easy question.
Grasping her hand, John let the joy in his heart show on his face. “We’ve always known we would share a mate. It’s the way of Elementals. Do you care more for one of us over the other? I don’t think so.”
The truth of his words seemed to be enough answer for her. “I care for you equally.”
Tanner grinned. “You don’t show a preference during our mating. We have no reason to waste time on jealousy. The more we can please you, the better for all of us.”
“You please me far more than I thought possible. Do I please you?”
John’s laugh mixed with Tanner’s snort, and they spoke as one. “Yes.”
Her lips twitched, probably at the emphatic response. “I’ve never made a man happy before.”
The lash scars on her back flashed in John’s mind, setting off an urgent need to protect and reassure her. He leaned in to brush his lips along the gentle curve of her ear. “You only have to be here with us to accomplish that.”
Tanner wrapped his arm around her waist. “The only way you can prevent our happiness is by leaving us behind. When you commit to us, our bond will become unbreakable.”
The slight tensing of her jaw was an improvement over anger, withdrawal, or tears, but John had learned the hard way that pressuring her usually had the opposite effect of their intentions. Even with the new moon deadline quickly approaching, he wouldn’t force the issue. She had to take that step of her own free will. “When you’re ready, Sarah. I’m sorry for being impatient with you. I know you’re doing the best you can, and trusting us must be damned hard after the life you’ve lived.”
She rolled toward him, her expression unreadable. “You told me you’re shifters and that I have a fertility cycle—only when it suited you. You also said I have the power to leave here if I wish to. Have you kept anything else from me?”
Guilt from those secrets had burned a hole in his conscience. He wasn’t about to withhold any more information from her. “Nothing else—except maybe my feelings for you.”
Still, her face revealed no emotion. “What feelings would those be?”
Ready to lay himself bare to earn her trust, he stated the simple facts. “I adore you, Sarah. Until we found you, I never really considered how much I might come to care for you. Love isn’t some abstract notion now. Every minute I spend with you expands the definition and draws me closer.”
She blinked at him and then turned to Tanner. “Do you have any secrets?”
Hooking his arm around her waist, he tugged her against him. “I’m not sure it’s a secret, but I think I’m going to be crazy in love with you in a day or two. I’m also a sucker for a happy ending, so let’s kick some Triad ass today and save the world, okay?”
Although John hardly expected her to declare her undying love to them, he had to swallow back his disappointment when she wiggled out of Tanner’s hold and scooted to the foot of the bed. She rummaged through the pile of clothes on the floor, finally standing upright again with her skirt draped over her arm. Every time she’d been under stress she’d gone in search of her packet of treasures.
She hadn’t been ready for his and Tanner’s admissions.
He had the utmost confidence in her magickal abilities, but they could all die during the execution of their plan. Going to meet the Goddess without telling Sarah how he much he cared for her served no purpose—even if she didn’t return his affection. She needed to know someone gave a damn about her.
Climbing back on the bed, she knelt near his feet and withdrew the linen pouch from the skirt pocket. She carefully spread the items on the blankets in front of her. Her fingers closed around the bloodstone first, and she held it in her open palm. “My grandmother gave me this for courage, prosperity, and healing when I was welcomed into the coven. I’ve always doubted its healing powers.”
John gathered all his restraint to keep from prompting her with a “but” to continue the sentence.
She returned the stone to its place. Gathering the chain that made the oval pendant into a necklace, she let the tarnished silver trinket dangle and spin above her folded legs. “This locket belonged to my mother. She died from the fever when I was seventeen. I had to sneak into her room to get it before the townsfolk burned all her belongings. There’s a miniature portrait of her inside the locket.”
A lump formed in his throat, strong emotions building in his chest. Above all, he wanted to express his sincerest sympathy at her loss and repair the damage to her heart and soul. A glance down to the hank of her son’s hair reminded him that she’d suffered a far greater hurt.
Her hand trembled as she set down the necklace and picked up the black curls. She touched the coil to her lips with the same reverence John had witnessed after her panicked search yesterday. “All I have left of Samuel is a lock of his hair. He was nine months old when a sickness took him from me. I stayed with him almost every second fo
r four days, but he slipped away while I slept. He gave me hope.”
That she’d lost all hope with his passing was clear to John. She’d been dragged through hell and somehow survived.
One element of her child’s story bothered him, though. He hadn’t even realized what that detail was until Sarah mentioned Samuel’s age. If she’d never had a fertility cycle before traveling to the present, how had she gotten pregnant by her rapist? The man couldn’t have been her mate, and witches could only conceive with those fated to spend their lives with them. Who had fathered her son?
Sarah placed each treasure back in the cloth bag, tying it closed with the leather strap. She clutched it in her hand and raised her eyes to his. After a moment, she looked toward Tanner. “No one else has ever seen these memories of my past. If something happens to me today, will you take them to Samuel’s grave?”
She couldn’t mean to sacrifice herself to destroy Naga, could she?
Alarm raced through John’s body, but before he could speak, Tanner sent him warning look. He could evidently sense John’s panic.
Sitting up against the pillows, Tanner clasped his hands behind his head. “If you die, John and I will already be dead. Remember the oath? We vowed to protect you to the death.”
“But you can’t know what will happen. You can’t protect me from everything.”
“We’ll damn well die trying.” He shoved the blankets out of the way, his worry finding its way to John’s brain as Tanner clamored out of bed and began to pace. “I’m not going to lose you, Sarah.”
Her chin dropped to her chest, her soft words almost a whisper. “I don’t want to lose you, either.”
Crawling to her, John nudged her chin upward with his finger. “Are you sure you want to do this today?”
“We can’t wait.”
Her use of “we” gave him a surge of confidence that she was close to truly trusting him and Tanner. Mentioning it would likely trigger a backward step, so he kept his mouth shut and opened his arms.
She leaned into him, wrapping her arms around him. Tanner sandwiched her between them, and she seemed to relax. Her warm breath feathered over John’s bare skin. “What do I have to do?”
Beyond Bewitching Page 10