I growled when Elder Zeller blurred inside its confines with me. “What the fuck are you doing?” It was going to be a ten mile race to the SUV. Elder Zeller was huge for a Vampire, and faster than shit, but he didn’t have my strength to carry Antonio for that length of distance.
He hit the button to close the elevator doors. “I’ll keep anyone still living off you, help you get out the front gate, then I’ll give him peace while you drive.”
Chest heaving, I nodded. “All right. We’ll keep him alive together.” My attention swung down to Antonio, lighting his face blue, my eyes glowing and unable to stop. “You won’t die.” I held him tighter and kissed his cheek.
Chapter Twelve
Worn the fuck out, relief and fatigue making my very bones weary, I wasn’t in the mood to see anyone sitting on my couch, even my husband, who was wearing only a pair of black mesh athletic pants, his chest bare, and reading one of my classic books from the nightstand in my bedroom. I glared at his dirt-free bare feet on my coffee table, then at his wet, clean hair on his head, not spiked but lying messily, and then at his green eyes that lifted from the worn pages. “Ezra, not now. I’m ready to drop.” Hell, I couldn’t even enjoy the show of all that bare flesh.
He nodded, closing the book and placing it on the couch next to his thigh. “I assumed as much.” Lowering his feet to the rug, he stood, walking to me, and placed a gentle hand on Isa where I held her in my arms. “I’ll watch her while you shower.”
Isa, fully awake even though it was the dead of night, wiggled in my arms, gurgling at Ezra. She stretched her arms to him, clenching and unclenching her tiny fists. Sighing in defeat, and also respite, I handed her over. “I won’t be long. Thank you.” He followed me into my bedroom. “If you could, try to get her to go to sleep.”
He nodded, heading straight for my bed. “Elder Farrar’s okay?”
“Yes,” I exhaled heavily, feeling dizzy with relief, “Bindi was able to heal him and Elder Zeller was helping him back to his tent the last time I saw him.” Thank God. Now he would live another day for me to yell at and pretend that I didn’t love him. Turning to my dresser, I asked, “Did you make fireworks happen?”
“Oh, yes,” Ezra chuckled quietly, lying down on my bed and pulling the pink and silver afghan over Isa. “It was spectacular to behold. The whole night sky lit up beautifully.” He cradled Isa’s head, running his thumb back and forth over her cheek softly. “Elder Jacobs may have shit for control where his power is concerned, but he knows explosives.”
Grabbing the grey t-shirt and a pair of red and blue socks, I headed for the bathroom. “I wish I could have seen it, but instead I was running ten fucking miles with a dying Antonio in my arms.” I sighed, opening the flap to the bathroom. “Life’s shit, you know?”
He was quiet, his eyes meeting mine. “Yes, I know. But they are throwing a party tomorrow night for victory today.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of attending a party, and his lips lifted, glancing at the bathroom. “Take your time in there. I’ve got it handled out here.”
Glancing to Isa, I shook my head. Her baby eyes were already closing from lying next to his heat and his gentle petting. “Unbelievable and much appreciated.”
I took my shower.
It was long.
When I was done washing away the blood and grime, I entered my bedroom, yawning, and asked Ezra to leave. He did as requested, but before leaving he glanced at me. Penetrating green eyes stared back at me, dead and cold like mine, but maybe with a bit of spark, also like mine, that hadn’t been there a few days ago. His gaze was resolute and merciless.
I was his.
And he was mine.
Whether we truly wanted it or not.
Leave it to Antonio to bamboozle me into going to a damn party. I was not a social butterfly.
“This is ridiculous,” I muttered, staring down at my attire. Which wasn’t much. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those men who think I need to get laid.” I had already gotten laid, and it had been nice. Apparently, he didn’t know this yet.
Antonio’s lips twitched. “I’ve said it to you before, and I’ll say it again. Sometimes a little sensual pleasure helps when you’re hurting up here.” He tapped my forehead, then he waggled his finger. “Only a little, of course. Not that…spree…you dove into after Dominic died.”
“You know, Antonio, some would think it odd you’re always pushing me to have sex.” Another glance at my attire. “And dressing me in barely nothing.”
Again his lips twitched. “You look beautiful.”
I stared, then I pointed at my breasts. “I’m wearing a damn scarf around my chest, and even though I’m not large breasted, somehow the thing barely covers me.” A point to my lower section. “And I’m not entirely positive this certifies as a skirt.”
Elder Merrick’s gravelly laugh sounded behind me, and I abruptly turned so I could see both of them, not knowing he was there. Navy eyes roamed over me, and he cleared his throat, stating, “If you want sex, that outfit will give you a definite outcome.” He bent, asking at my ear, “Would you care to dance?”
I crossed my arms, ice entering my tone. “No, I don’t believe I would.” I turned my glare on Antonio. “I’m here, dressed in the outfit — if you can call it that — that you chose.” I scowled down my nose at him. “I don’t have to dance.”
Antonio appeared mighty amused. “I’ll make you a deal.” I didn’t even blink as he glanced around the bonfire where we stood, Mysticals dancing under the stars by the heat of the fire, the music hypnotic, the dancing sensual. “If I dance with someone of your choosing, you’ll dance with someone I pick.”
Well, well. My mind lit on all kinds of naughty things to do to him. “Promise?”
He instantly stilled, so I quickly blanked my expression. Though Elder Merrick didn’t help by chuckling. Antonio straightened his shoulders, swallowed, then stated, “I promise.”
My lips lifted evilly on their own accord, and I instantly started scanning the masses. The deal was that he would have to dance for me to have to dance. Tapping my bottom lip, I hummed softly, standing on tiptoe and glancing from individual to individual, discarding most and keeping others in mind…but…oh.
I pointed covertly, saying quietly, “You’ll dance with Elder Zeller.” I grinned as Antonio went absolutely still next to me, a devious chuckle rumbling from my chest. “Good luck with that.” I patted his back pacifyingly. “And boy, listen to that beat. Sounds like sex to me. Imagine you two manly men out there, dancing to this.” More patting of his back. “Not that it’ll happen.”
Elder Merrick made a choking noise in his throat, then he laughed outright.
Antonio muttered a curse under his breath. Scowled. “You think I won’t?”
My smile was pure vindication. “No.” A pause. “And he won’t.”
Antonio growled quietly then peered back to Elder Zeller, who was busy talking to a pretty Vampire, the woman appearing absolutely enthralled by his attention. Antonio muttered another curse, but straightened his shoulders, running his hands down the white linen shirt he wore. “I can do this.”
I hummed. “No, you can’t.” I shrugged when he glared at me. “You made the deal.”
Antonio glared a moment longer, then he ran a hand through his golden hair. My jaw dropped when, with one last glare in my direction then in Elder Merrick’s, he firmly started marching toward Elder Zeller.
I sputtered, waggling my finger at his back, and finally blurted, “Elder Zeller will kick his ass for even asking.”
Elder Merrick tossed an arm over my shoulders. “Queen Ruckler, one of the things you obviously don’t know about your dad is that once he makes a decision, a deal, he doesn’t back down.” He gently closed my gaping jaw while I stared at Antonio. “You never know. Zeller may not kick his ass for only asking.”
I growled softly, gauging intently, my protective nature coming to the fore as I watched Antonio interrupt Elder Zeller’s conversation.
Antonio said something to the Vampire woman, then maneuvered himself between her and Elder Zeller, completely ignoring her look of frustrated disappointment as she stormed away. I couldn’t hear what Antonio said, but the firelight played over them, the bonfire burning high into the air, giving me the perfect view when Elder Zeller completely froze, staring at Antonio. Instinctively, I went to the balls of my feet, ready to spring at him if he so much as lifted his hand, but Elder Merrick’s grip tightened over my shoulder, and he murmured, “Don’t you dare. Remember who you are and who he is.”
I growled, but waited…and damn near fainted when Antonio said something else and Elder Zeller’s head jerked in a nod. This time, Elder Merrick’s grip tightened on me to keep me standing as Antonio walked backward a few steps into the dancing horde, watching Elder Zeller as he followed. My finger pointed, no sound coming from my mouth when Elder Zeller’s hand went to the back of Antonio’s nape, and Antonio’s hands went to Elder Zeller’s hips, their bodies flush against each other’s.
Hard chests were rubbing, strong thighs were intermingled, and bits in between those two areas that I didn’t associate with the man I considered my dad were pressed to another man’s as they started gyrating to the drums, flute, and guitar. A gypsy’s beat.
“Breathe,” Elder Merrick whispered, softly grabbing my pointing finger and lowering it.
“But…but…I…” I shook my head, trying to understand, unable to take my eyes away from their very leisured, sensual movements, their hips softly rolling and chests gliding in the firelight. “I…that…” I peered up to their faces, and I went completely still. “Oh my God.”
My finger waggled again. “That…” That wasn’t faked. Their eyes were glued to each other’s, sensuality barely masked. Antonio’s hands were stroking up then down Cahal’s sides, returning to his hips as Cahal’s free hand slid up Antonio’s arm, over his shoulder, caressed down his back, and eventually gripped one of Antonio’s hips while they slid their bodies against each other. “My dad’s gay?”
Ezra was suddenly standing on the other side of me, bringing a breeze with him, his eyes glued to where mine were. Sounding muddled, he rumbled, “What. The. Fuck?”
“How the hell did I get put in this position?” Elder Merrick muttered to himself, then, sighing heavily and sounding amused and exasperated while we stared in dumbstruck shock at our dads, he explained patiently, “Farrar is into men. I’ve never actually seen him with a female, but I’m still not sure if he’s into them. His mate’s name was Lindsey, a man. Zeller is bisexual. His mate’s name was Vivian, a woman, but his partners before her were both females and males.”
Both Ezra and I made gurgling sounds in our throats.
Elder Merrick stated, “You two know we live very long lives. Mysticals enjoying the same sex shouldn’t be a surprise to you.”
Again, we gurgled.
They were our dads. Antonio had sure as fuck never given any indication he was possibly only into men, and I was guessing by Ezra’s shock that Elder Zeller hadn’t mentioned his bisexuality. We were both being told by watching them grind against each other.
What a way to fucking tell us.
Finally, comprehension dawned, and I whispered, “He tricked me.”
Elder Merrick chuckled, patting my shoulder. “Yes, he did.” He left Ezra and me alone.
My nostrils flared, and I glanced at Ezra, whose jaw was still gaping. “Would you like to dance?” Antonio was sure as fuck not going to pick my partner after duping me. Though I was pretty sure he would have picked Ezra anyway.
Ezra’s jaw moved up and down, still staring at them.
Growling quietly, I moved in front of him, trying to grab his attention. “King Zeller, would you care to dance?” And yes, I would have much preferred to dance with him over anyone else.
His eyes darted down to me, started to lift back to our dads, but then slammed back to me. He went predatory still as his green eyes instantly hooded while they roved my body. Long moments passed in silence as he looked his fill, then in a voice deeper than normal he ordered, “Tell me you just asked me to dance, Queen Ruckler.” His eyes hadn’t even lifted to mine yet, still slowly painting my flesh with his heating gaze. “If you didn’t, you don’t have a choice. You are going to dance with me.”
My eyebrows rose, and I placed my hands on my hips…maybe pushing my chest out a little, finding myself enjoying his appreciative gaze. “I didn’t realize you were making my choices for me.” I glanced to the left, pointing vaguely. “Perhaps, I’ll dance with—”
“No, you won’t,” he whispered on a mere breath, bending directly to my level and staring me in the eyes. “Not in that outfit. Not tonight.” His Vampire growled softly, the barest noise, but it was enough to make me shiver at his dominance, the pure fortitude in his gaze, his imposing presence. “No, in that outfit, tonight, you’ll be dancing only with me.”
Nostrils flaring as I breathed in heavily, scenting him, I managed a decent scowl. “I actually did ask you first, so I’ll dance with you.”
Ezra’s lips lifted into the ultimate of confident smiles. “You would have anyway.”
No words. I had no words as I followed him into the dancing fray. And I did follow him.
I followed until my body was pressed against his, the silk of his black shirt gliding across my flesh. I pressed harder, his heat making me tremble. The waist-high slit of my black satin skirt allowed our legs to intertwine, his warmed thigh muscle pressing between my legs, his other thigh like protection against my leg that was bared. Breath hitching, I swallowed hard, tilting my head back to stare into his gaze that fanned the flame inside me just as much as his body did.
And we began to move.
It felt like coming home.
Ezra and I were uncannily in sync as the carnal melody directed our movements, instructed us to feel one another. Our bodies slid against one another as if they had known each other forever, a natural, soul-churning extension of the other. Biting the side of my bottom lip, I dared touch him with my hands, unable to stop the action, wanting, needing to feel him. Placing them hesitantly on his hard stomach, I watched as I ran them up his abdomen, over his ribs, up the strong curves of his pecs, feeling his muscles quiver and tighten from the strokes until I rested them against the curve of his nape. Breathing hard once, I held tight and peered up into his eyes, shivering as his hands landed on my hips, his fingers spreading wide to encompass more of me, his eyes taking the rest.
And we danced.
Free to touch each other under the moon and stars, firelight slipping over us. Allured by our passions and unhindered by our society to do as we wished.
We danced.
Chapter Thirteen
My soul actually felt…warm.
After hours — many hours — of dancing with Ezra, he had walked me to my tent, but when he had come inside he clearly read it on my face after he asked to stay the night. I hadn’t been ready to have another night with him yet. Although, I had explained to him when a look of barely banked frustration had passed over his features, I only wanted to think about it for the evening, think it through rationally and not make the decision when my hormones were raging. Because they had been. Practically howling for me to wrench the sexy-as-hell Vampire into my bedroom and let both of us ravish one another, do as we plainly wanted. Our eyes were damn near glowing with need. Ezra had stood frozen for a good minute after my explanation then, with the barest of nods, left my tent without having to be asked.
Now in the early morning light, my soul was warmed. That was not normal. No, I was in no way ‘normal’, but I had found a semblance of peace. My husband was making me…happy.
And I wasn’t going to let a bogus Law keep me from happiness. I wasn’t going to live in fear of it anymore. This time, I would do it right. Even if I was sticking my middle finger up at the Law, I wasn’t going to be clumsy enough to be caught again. So extreme secrecy, utter discretion as Ezra had stated, would be a must. I truly believed both of
us to be jaded enough individuals to pull it off, no one better suited to do so.
Pouring two cups of coffee in to-go cups, I actually felt their warmth against my palms as I exited the red tent and headed toward Antonio’s. In fact, I felt the cool breeze whipping through my coat, reminding me that winter wasn’t too far off, although the wind didn’t currently bother me, Mysticals able to handle colder climates better than Coms. Hell, I even noticed the Mysticals around me rather than being completely oblivious to them when I knew no danger lurked close by.
A breeze brushed my hair forward, instead of backward as it had been doing on my trek, so I murmured, “Good morning, King Zeller.” Nostrils flaring, I grinned. “Are you stoned again, or is that the remnants of a bender?”
“Good morning to you, too, Queen Ruckler.” Ezra stepped up beside me, his dark silver robe billowing out behind him, his black and red hair spiked to perfection as he smoked a cigarette, attention forward to where we walked. “As for my sobriety, there was this most sensual woman I danced with all evening that teased and taunted me until she had me so worked up, it was either get stoned, have sex with someone else, or beat the living shit out of someone when she turned me down.” His lips quirked around his cigarette, taking a drag. “So, to answer your question, what you’re scenting is from last night since I chose option A, and I’m now sober.” He blew the smoke high above our heads as he paused for a long moment. “Now that I have answered your question, will you be so kind as to answer mine from last night?”
I stated simply, “The answer’s yes.”
He stilled for a moment, and I kept walking.
A few beats later, he was walking by my side again. “Of course it is.”
I chuckled quietly. “Your arrogance is astounding.”
King Tomb (Forever Evermore) Page 21