“Oh my god! You were in the lab, weren't you?”
Bethany leaned closer and glanced out of the corner of her eye to make sure the guys weren’t back yet. “I was. However, something strange happened. The doctor actually helped me.”
Aimee’s brows furrowed. “She helped me too. What did she do for you?”
“Well, she did the check up first and determined I was a good candidate to be a surrogate. She even went through the procedure and later took the blood work to confirm if I was pregnant or not. It was then she told me I was already pregnant, and she only followed through with the procedures to make it look good. She knew and let everyone believe that the insemination had worked.”
Aimee rubbed her cheek. “Wow. So you are carrying Fang’s child.” She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe you didn’t use protection.”
Bethany counted to five before she replied. “If I recall, when you and Greydon fucked in the library there was no mention of condoms.”
“Okay, point taken. What’s done is done, but I don't get it. Why do you suppose the doctor protected you like that?”
Bethany gripped Aimee’s arm. “It doesn't matter why she did it, just that she did. She could have told Zolar, and he likely would have killed me. I think she's just trying to survive. We need to find a way to get her out of there.”
This time Aimee scrubbed both hands over her face. “I can talk to Greydon, but I'm pretty sure he's not going to launch a rescue mission simply to go back and get her. The woman is involved in too much shit.”
“She may know where the others are. There has to be a way we can help her.”
Aimee leaned back. “I don't know Bethany, it's dangerous. Greydon’s right, I need to be careful.”
Suddenly realization hit Bethany. “Hey, I'm a little slow with everything that's going on, but didn't I hear Fang refer to you as Queen?”
“Something happened while you were gone. Grey and I mated. You know, we did the blood bond. He even asked me to marry him, but I wanted to wait until you were back here safe.”
So, her friend had mated while she was gone. Bethany couldn't help the smile that curled across her lips. “I'm happy for you. So tell me, what's it like?”
Aimee practically glowed. “It's pretty awesome. We have this really deep connection. It's kinda hard to explain. As far as the queen part goes, that hasn't happened yet.”
“Oh. Do we need to have a coronation like we did for Greydon?”
“Something like that I guess.”
The conversation was interrupted when the three men stormed back into the room. Fang made a beeline for her, and Bethany’s heart sped up. Damn what that man did to her.
“The place has been secured. You need some rest. I've chosen a room for us to stay in.”
“Us?”
A dark brow arched. “You intend to argue?”
“No. I guess not but later we talk.” She was rather tired and some rest would be nice. Besides, she kind of liked the fact that he was going to be close by.
“Agreed.”
Fang flashed them to their room. He’d chosen one far enough away to be private, yet close enough Bethany could call for help if needed. He believed the place was protected now that he’d placed his magical wards on it, but hell if he was taking chances. He’d sent his father off to feed, so he could once again be strong enough to help protect the others.
“Fang, about this mating thing...” Bethany broke through his thoughts.
“Everything will be fine.” He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled her neck. “I nearly froze with fear when Aimee said you were missing.”
“I almost did too. I thought for sure I was a goner.” She leaned back and looked up at him. “The doctor there helped me. She knew I was already pregnant and let Zolar believe this was the child he’d been waiting for. It was the only reason I was treated so well.” She shivered. “He’ll be looking for me. He thinks I carry Orien’s child.”
Fang’s blood turned cold. “Orien? Then Zolar has the Prince?”
“I don’t know. I only stumbled across your father and the others that came back with him.”
He made a mental note to tell Greydon as soon as he could. Going back to the god’s realm would be nearly impossible. Now Zolar would be waiting for them to make such a mistake. Maybe his father would be able to shed some light on the matter. He wanted to know more about this doctor. He was grateful for what she had done for Bethany and his son but leery of her intentions. Right now, though, he needed to be inside the woman standing in front of him. Make sure she was real and safe here with him.
“I’ll talk to my father and Greydon later. Right now, I need you.” He blazed a trail down her neck and across her collarbone, eliciting a moan. Massaging her hips, he kissed the flesh between her breasts and found himself tearing open the thin shirt she wore.
She gasped.
“I’ll have nothing between us.” Producing a claw, Fang sliced the front of her bra with ease and pushed it off her shoulders. Dipping his head, he flicked his tongue across her pink bud, causing it to pull into a tight peak.
She tangled her fingers in his hair and gave a gentle pull. He knew from the last time they were together what she wanted. Bethany liked her sex rough, and he certainly had no problems with giving her exactly what she needed.
Another swipe of his tongue and then a nip had her back arching. He was positive, if he checked, he would find her panties soaked. Her musky scent filled the room and caused his cock to press painfully against his jeans.
“Your pants need to go.” He undid the button, lowered the zipper, and pulled the jeans along with her underwear to her ankles. When she stepped out of them, he tossed the clothing aside and stood back to admire every curve. Soon, her belly would round as their son grew. He placed his palm on her stomach and closed his eyes. “Our son is growing fast.”
“You’re able to see him?” she whispered.
“I can’t see him, but I can feel him. He’s strong.”
“Wow, that’s pretty cool.”
He slid his hand downward. “What will be even more cool is my cock between your thighs.” He slipped a finger through her silky folds and into her heated channel.
She sighed and spread her legs further to allow him better access. “You still have clothes on.”
“I’m a little busy. Shall I stop to undress?” Being the wicked demon he was, he inserted a second finger and began a slow thrust.
“N-no. God no.” Bethany clawed at his shoulders, trying to grab hold, and ended up fisting his shirt. The scent of her arousal and impending orgasm made his mouth water, so he dropped to his knees and flattened his tongue against her clit and gave a swipe. She tasted like morning dew and he craved more. Sucking her nub into his mouth, he swirled his tongue across the sensitive skin and sent her skyrocketing into orgasm. Licking every last drop until her trembling body finally calmed. Fang then released her and helped her to the bed before he took a step back and pulled his shirt over his head, flinging it to the far corner of the room.
“It’s about time you stripped. Now hurry up.”
Fang began to unbuckle his belt. “Bossy aren’t you. Did you forget who was in charge here?”
“Not at all.” She rolled onto her hands and knees then crawled to the edge of the bed. Her rounded, firm ass sticking into the air caused him to groan.
“If you get rid of those pants and come this way, I’ll make it worth your while.” She licked her lips.
“Shit.” He didn’t need to be told twice before his shaft was free of the annoying denim, and the material found its way next to his shirt. He strode closer until his cock was within inches of her soft mouth. He fisted her blonde strands. “Suck it.”
“Mmm, so to the point.” Bethany parted her lips, flicked out her tongue, and made circles around the tip.
Salt and man mingled on the tip of Bethany’s tongue and drove her arousal to new heights. Not wanting to hold back, yet desiring to tease the hell out of hi
m, she wrapped her lips around the tip of his shaft and sucked him in until she had half of him engulfed.
He tipped his head back and moaned, giving her hair a slight tug to indicate he wanted her to take all of him. Her wicked side liked the power she wielded over him and instead pulled back until barely the tip was left in her mouth.
“Damn you. You know what happens when you tease me,” he hissed.
She certainly did. It created some hotter than hell sex, and Bethany was ready to be fucked silly. This man did something to her common sense, but right now she didn’t care. She licked the tip and fondled his balls before she again took half of him. In and out, she worked him for several minutes until she thought his jaw would break from clenching it so hard. Finally, she caved and took in his entire length.
“Shit!”
She sucked, working him into a frenzy until he she sensed he teetered on shifting. His fangs descended and damn they were such a turn on.
“Turn around.” His voice sounded as if he’d swallowed sand. She freed him from her mouth with a pop and obeyed. Her pulse pounded as he gripped her hips and pulled her to the edge of the bed where he remained standing...no towering over her. In one smooth motion, he was inside her. Stretching and filling her until she thought she could take no more. The hot sting of pain mingled with pleasure. The only sounds that broke the silence were her moans and the slapping of flesh against hot, wet flesh.
He reached under her and cupped her breasts, giving her nipples a pinch, and she felt the build up of another orgasm.
“You’re mine, you do realize that.” Definitely a statement rather than a question. She wasn’t sure how to respond, her mind otherwise occupied.
“Yes.” Somehow she managed the word between powerful thrusts that had her nearly toppling over. She didn’t care as the orgasm gripped her and squeezed every ounce of pleasure from her body. Damn, sex had never been better in her entire life. A girl could get used to all this pleasure.
Moments later, Fang groaned with his own release. He kissed her back. “Everything good?”
“Perfect.” If she could purr, she would.
He slipped out and rolled onto the bed. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her back to his chest for a nice spooning session. “We mate soon.”
She sucked in a breath. “Fang. Don’t you think mating is a bit extreme?”
He skimmed his fingers over her hip. “There is no other choice, Bethany. Either our son will kill you being born, or you will miscarry.”
Every muscle in her body went rigid. She didn’t want to die, and the thought of losing the baby broke her heart. But mating with Fang meant a big change in her life. This was all a mistake. “I...I always hoped I would marry for love. Some day.”
He gave her ass a quick slap before he rolled away. “You’ll grow to love me. After all, I’m the most lovable demon ever.”
Biting her lip, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to laugh or cry. True, she could easily fall in love with him. Hell, she practically had the moment she laid eyes on him. Besides being sexy as ever-loving hell, he was not intimidated by her in the least. Most guys treated her like a dumb blonde. Some pretty thing to have on their arm and fuck later. Granted, she did encourage that type of treatment. However, Fang treated her like an equal, and he didn’t take her shit. He was all male rolled into a demon.
Still, she couldn’t help noticing he never mentioned loving her in return. Would he ever? It was the one thing in her life she’d craved more than anything, and now she may have to give it up. She’d sacrifice anything for her son though.
“I would never do anything to harm the baby.”
He pulled on his jeans and gave her a confused look. “I never thought you would. I merely thought you’d want me to be up front.”
Suddenly feeling her nakedness, she pulled the covers up to her chin. “I appreciate that. Tell me. If we mate, will you at least be faithful?” She might be able to live without his love but cheating? Not a damn chance.
He finished buttoning his jeans and strode toward the bed where he sat beside her. “I am not human, therefore I don’t have human tendencies. Our bond is forever, and there will be no others for either of us.” He leaned closer and kissed her lips.
“What about the pits?” She touched his tattoo through his shirt, knowing where every line went.
“I’m a protector, therefore I’m not required to perform the Omagadona.”
“But your markings are pale. From what Aimee told me, they either darken to indicate you’ve become a warrior to your goddess or you change.”
“I’m a warrior to my King and Queen. My marks will change on their own now that Greydon has made his rite of passage.” He leaned in and kissed her again. “I have things to attend to. Get some rest.” He rose and headed for the door.
“Fang.”
He turned and gave her his full attention.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“Getting pregnant so now you have to mate with me. I never meant for that to happen.”
His gaze softened. “The moment I saw you, I wanted you. Soon, everything will make sense.” He opened the door and exited the room.
“Wait. He wanted me when he first saw me?” She brought her fingers to her lips. Maybe there was hope for love after all.
Chapter 8
Fang flared out his senses and searched for his father. Once he’d locked on, he flashed to his father’s location. The demon, who looked like a slightly older version of himself, sat talking to Greydon in the vast library.
“Ah, son. How fairs your mate?” His father inquired as he pointed to the chair across from him, indicating where Fang should sit.
“She seems well. I think some rest will do wonders.” He folded his large frame into the chair and looked at the two men. “What about you, Father? You’re looking better than earlier.”
“My strength has almost returned to its full capacity. It won’t be long.”
“And the others?” Fang questioned.
“They are settled in. I’ll give them some time before I ask them to talk about what happened,” Greydon replied then leaned forward in his seat. “Your father was just telling me about a Daldara prophecy. How come you never mentioned it?” The king gave him the I expect an answer look.
“I didn’t see any need. It was always something told to us by our parents, but no one knew if it was true.”
“Appears like it is, or so your father says.”
“Yes. I had planned to tell you right after I discovered it, but then Bethany was taken and bringing her back became my priority.”
The king nodded. “I understand.”
“There is more, if father hasn’t told you.” Fang looked to his father and the man shook his head. “It was also told that the birth of the protector’s son would bring his mother matching power. A new generation of Daldara would help usher in the rise of an ancient city.”
Greydon whistled. “So, Bethany will have power just like you?”
“She will become Daldara. After our son is born, she will actually die and be reborn a demon.”
“How the hell do I not know about these things?” Greydon’s nostrils flared, but his tone remained that of false calm.
Bliezal held up his hand to silence his son. “As protectors, we have many secrets and they must remain as such. You are only being told of this now because you are the King. Just as your father was told when the crown was passed to him. It is expected you will honor these secrets, so we may continue to provide protection for the royal family.”
Greydon tapped his fingers on the arm of his leather chair. “I assume you’ll explain every detail to Bethany. Matter of fact, I command it. It’s bad enough she has no say in this, at least she should be informed.”
“I have every intention of telling her. She does have a choice. There is an elixir she can take moments after birth that will keep her from transforming.” Fang hated this next part. “However, she’ll remain human i
n every way, including growing old at a normal, mortal pace and dying.”
“Fuck.” Greydon tossed back the last of the liquor he’d been drinking then rose. “You’d best tell her and quickly. I’ll be informing Aimee so she can pick up the pieces. Don’t fret, she’ll keep this between us. In the meantime, we’ll prepare for a wedding and a coronation.” He stormed from the room.
“That went well.” Fang snorted as he leapt to his feet.
“Royalty never likes when things are kept from them. His father reacted the same when I told him about the legend. Deep down, I think the king knew he was going to die.”
“His Oracles foretold Greydon would be the one to raise Oshivana. In order for that to happen, Greydon had to be king.” Fang poured himself a whiskey and tossed it back, wishing it burned more than it did. He needed to feel pain. Lots of pain because he was about to change his mate’s life. Forever. Either she would agree to the change, or she would choose to die. The latter sat like a gut full of lead. He didn't think Bethany would wish to die, but then one could never predict a human’s emotions. He tossed back another whiskey as memories of another woman he had watched die invaded his mind.
His mother.
“Do you miss her?”
His father placed a hand on Fang’s shoulder. “Every damn second. I still see the light go out of her eyes.”
“Do you regret letting her choose?”
Bli gave a squeeze. “Part of me, yes. The other part realizes she loved me even more for allowing her that freedom, even if it cost us all.”
“Mother would have loved having a grandson.” Fang couldn’t help smiling when he remembered the woman who always brought laughter to their home. He needed to keep that happier vision in his head.
“Your mother was always proud of you. I know you fear for your mate, but she will choose a different path than your mother did. Of that I am sure.” His father released his grip on Fang’s shoulder and headed for the door. “Your mate is stronger than you both realize.” Then Bli left, leaving Fang alone to contemplate his future.
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