Stone Passions Trilogy (Stone Passion 1, 2, & 3)

by A C Warneke

  He kissed her loudly on the cheeks as he beamed, “She is having a blast at the castle, love. She has everyone wrapped around her little finger and Nod loves having someone his own size to chat with.”

  “Nod?” she just couldn’t wrap her head around anything no matter how hard she tried.

  Chuckling, wrapping his arms around her and waltzing some more, he said, “Nod is the little sprite that discovered Melanie and gave her a room at the castle. Ferris adores him. They have extended tea parties and discuss all of the important aspects of the universe.”

  “Like the best place to find enchanted frogs?” she asked, the reminder of Ferris bringing a little bit of clarity to her system. “Or which one would make a better pet – a dragon or a puppy?”

  “Exactly,” he agreed. His enthusiasm was infectious, and with the surfeit of emotions Jenna felt a little drunk, which was weird because she hadn’t had anything to drink. “And dragons are definitely the better pet – much easier to potty train.”

  “But they’re so big,” she countered, her system returning to some semblance of normal. “I imagine the food bill would be enormous.”

  “Simple – get a pocket dragon,” he kissed her nose, her forehead her cheeks. Pressing his hips against hers, nudging her with his erection, she knew the excitement of learning about his brother was making him horny. Not that he needed an excuse; he was a lusty gargoyle and could get an erection watching a glass of ice water sweat on a hot day. How did he manage to sound so normal when his cock was straining against the seam of his pants? “Actually, they’re about the size of a cat but still… pet dragon.”

  “But they can’t be as cuddly as a puppy.” Unlike Rhys, she was having difficulties speaking. Especially when he trailed desperate kisses along her neck, making her skin heat up and her nipples harden. Without her knowing quite how he managed, he danced them into a small closet, closing the door with a quiet snick. She wondered how many people watched as he had deftly maneuvered them through the room and understood what the closed door meant. “What are you doing?”

  “I need you,” he breathed, attacking the zipper on her pants and pushing the material down her thighs. Cupping her between her thighs he groaned, “You’re not ready.”

  Of course she wasn’t ready! Her brain was still dealing with the overload of conflicting emotions, she was…. Ooh, whatever he was doing to her felt really nice. Tilting her head back, ignoring any protests her mind was attempting to make, she gave him access to her throat as he summoned a response from her all-too eager and willing body. “Rhys, we shouldn’t do this here.”

  “Why not?” He yanked at the front of his pants, easing his erection from the confining material and wrapping his fist around the thick length. Slowly running his hand up and down his cock, he closed the distance between their bodies and pressed the cock against the bare skin of her stomach. She hadn’t even realized he had unbuttoned her shirt. “You’re mine, Jenna. Tell me you don’t want this and I’ll stop. It’ll kill me but I’ll stop.”

  “I didn’t say I don’t want this,” she panted as he ran his tongue along the vein in her throat, raising the temperature in the small room by a thousand degrees. Bending his head, he captured a nipple between his lips and drew upon it, making her realize that she needed this, too, this connection. She pressed her hands against his chest to settle her shaking limbs and he wrapped his hand around both wrists, lifting her arms above her head and pressing even closer to her body, invading her senses.

  “Tell me what you want,” he growled, rubbing his cock against her stomach, rubbing his chest against her lace-covered breasts. Covering her mouth with his before she could answer.

  Tearing her lips from his, she stared up at him in the dim light, seeing the depths of emotion in his brown eyes, the… love. His jaw was firm and his nostrils flared but he didn’t move as he watched her, studied her. Her arms were above her head, she was nearly naked, and they were standing in a closet in a foreign airport; she was insane. Taking a breath, she rasped, “I want you.”

  He groaned again as his lips covered hers and he thrust his tongue into her mouth. With his free hand, he jerked her jeans the rest of the way off her body, having her step out of the material as they pooled on the ground. Wrapping his hand around her thigh, he lifted her leg up and placed it around his hip, opening her to his cock.

  He held her arms above her head and as he held her eyes, he slowly pushed his cock into her tight sex, filling her inch by pleasurable inch. Passion swirled in the black pupils and she could see his soul, loving her so intensely she felt foolish for ever doubting. As strange as it seemed, as inconceivable, this amazing man – this gargoyle – loved her. Tears welled in her eyes as he continued holding her gaze.

  “What did I ever do to deserve you, Jenna?” his voice was rough and so damn sexy it hurt. No, it was his words that hurt, they were so beautiful. Almost as if he couldn’t help himself, he claimed her lips once more, kissing her with savage desperation and joy as he filled her completely.

  But she knew he asked the wrong question because she was the one who needed to know what she did to deserve him.

  Rhys sat across from Jenna at the small outdoor café that catered to the creatures of the night located not too far from the airport. Since it was still early there weren’t a lot of other customers in the café, for which Rhys was grateful. Jenna was still reeling from the earlier events but she was holding up, he just didn’t want her to have to deal with any more stress for a while. Of course, he probably shouldn’t have hauled her off to the closet and accosted her like a wild animal but he had to bask in the glory of Jenna’s body as ecstasy rained down on him, making him very horny.

  Vaughn would have a gargoyle’s lifetime with Melanie because she had chosen him when he was a stone beast. She had survived the almost always fatal drinking of Medusa’s blood, allowing enough of her human self to die to bring Vaughn back. And, of course, she was recreated into something more than a mere human, though his brother hadn’t been too clear on what had changed, since she remained the same, sweet Melanie he had fallen in love with. Just… more. And no longer human.

  His brother told him that Omari complained that she was no longer human but it was all in good nature. It wasn’t as if he ever had the chance of having sex with Melanie anyway, no matter how desperate he was to taste a human. But in the end, their father had come through, providing Melanie with the means to get Vaughn back, even if the risk had been great. Rhys did not want to think about what would have happened had Omari’s tactics not worked, had Melanie perished like most humans who drank ambrosia, the blood of Medusa. A shudder worked its way through his body but he ignored it. It worked, that’s all that mattered. It worked and Vaughn was back.

  His brother was back, he still couldn’t believe it. Of course, it made him want impossible things, it made him want everything and now there was a strong possibility he would have it.

  Holding Jenna’s hand, studying the delicate lines of her face, the full kissable lips, the blueness of her eyes, to say nothing of her quick mind and her slightly twisted sense of humor, he fell in love all over. “You never answered my question, Jenna.”

  She stared at him for a moment, her eyes wide in her beautiful face, which was still sun-kissed from time she spent in the sun. “What question was that?”

  “Do you want to take some extra time and go island hopping with me?” he asked, loving her expressive face. Every thought that passed through her head, every emotion she felt, was there for him to read and he doubted she could hide anything from him, from her doubts to her love. Every man should be so lucky to love and be loved by such an amazing woman. “There are islands that are virtually untouched and we could explore them. During the day I can be your stone protector, watching over you as you relax on the beach and a night we can make love beneath the stars.”

  “It’s… March.”

  “And I’ll keep you warm.” He waggled his eyebrows at her, knowing it would make her smile. S
he was so fascinating, caught between two worlds and striving to make them mesh.

  “Yes, I know,” she grinned, her eyes still troubled. “But on an enchanted roof there was no chance of being caught by an unsuspecting human. What would happen if the uninhabited island is less uninhabited than assumed?”

  His lips curved into a smile, “Perhaps they’ll assume I am simply part of the ambiance of the Greek Isles.”

  Her cheeks turned a rosy pink and her eyes darted to his lap, to the unruly beast that leapt at her attention. Leaning closer, she lowered her voice, “But what about your, er, penis? Most statues aren’t so well endowed.”

  Her words filled him with laughter until the sound burst out. “Sweetheart, I can alter my appearance for an extended period of time, if need be. It’s what Armand and I have to do when your daughter comes for a visit.”

  Impossibly, her cheeks grew redder, “I hadn’t even thought about that.”

  “Part of being a Guardian is protecting little eyes from things they shouldn’t see until they are much, much older,” he grinned. “So? Yes to island hopping?”

  “I should say no,” she said and he knew she was going to agree. Catching her lower lip between her teeth, she simply stared at him for a few moments before she added, “I was going to offer to go home and let you continue on without me….”

  “No,” he ground out before she could even finish the sentence. Reaching out, he took her hand in his, “I’m not letting you go so you can just forget the crazy notion of you leaving me. However, if you feel the need to return home sooner than later that can be arranged – but only after you meet Mother.”

  She smiled at him as he stood up and held out his hand to her, “Now, let’s get to the villa where my brothers await us. They’re going to love you.”

  “Are you sure they won’t treat me like I’m the carrier of the plague?” she asked softly, her blue eyes wary.

  His brain froze for a moment, trying to figure out why she would ask such a question. He had to admit that his London brothers were distant but they had their reasons but it didn’t mean they hadn’t adored her. They just kept their emotions close to their chests. Enfolding her into his arms, he kissed the top of her head, “Don’t worry, Jenna. My brothers in Greece are unlike anybody you’ve ever met.”

  Chapter 14

  The car drove along twisting and winding roads until Jenna thought she was going to be sick. She could handle roller coasters and falling from the sky at a million miles an hour but she couldn’t handle the drive as it meandered up and down hills, no matter how luxurious the car. With her head in Rhys’s lap, she felt silly.

  “My poor sweetheart,” Rhys crooned, massaging her temples as she concentrated on breathing. It had been a problem ever since she was a child, though she hadn’t had to test her endurance very often since she generally stayed on major roads and rarely took the scenic routes.

  However, resting her head on Rhys’s laps made her car sickness significantly more bearable.

  After an eternity of praying the ride would end, the car finally drove through a high gate and down a long drive. The main building was large and rambling with several smaller buildings dotted throughout the extensive grounds. Rhys pointed out the window, “This sanctuary is ancient and has been built upon many times and the various beings live in their own homes within the boundaries of the property. Because the land is so ancient it is steeped in magic and you will see many things that you have only read about.

  “This is the land of myth, dating back to before history was recorded,” he continued. “Several gargoyle pods make this their home, though they travel extensively, the oldest ones moving between the worlds with ease. Unfortunately, only one pod is here presently but you’ll love them. There is also an olive grove where a flock of dryads like to play. Oh, Jenna, there's so much here for you to see and I want to show you everything.”

  As they got out of the car, three sublimely gorgeous, dark-haired men came rushing out of the white-walled villa, their arms outstretched and their faces lit with brilliant smiles. “Rousseau!! Welcome, brother! And who is this enchanting creature?”

  Without waiting for an answer, the three men embraced her, accepting her into their world with wide grins and raucous laughter. They were as boisterous and loud as the London brothers were brooding and distant. The tallest came over and draped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her away from the pack and towards the villa. “Hello, my delectable girl. I am Leander and these are Orion and Eryx, our brothers. Welcome to our home. Tomorrow you may explore the grounds but tonight we celebrate.”

  Jenna glanced over her shoulder at Rhys who was buffeted on either side by the other two, though Jenna wasn’t sure which one was Orion and which was Eryx. Of all of the brothers she had met it was the Greek set that looked the most alike, with their curly black and silky hair and their nearly black eyes. They were flawless in their beauty, as was Armand and the three London brothers, and with their unashamed joy of life, they were… beyond breathtaking.

  And boy did they celebrate, breaking out the ouzo and wine and breads and cheese and olives…. After changing into a spaghetti-strap dress in red, leaving off her bra and panties, she fully embraced the wild woman within. Before she knew it, she was singing songs she did not know the words to and dancing with four gorgeous gargoyles and a host of other mythological creatures, from nymphs and satyrs to lesser demons and even a few dryads and goblins. She had never felt younger or freer and it was exhilarating.

  All of her worries were forgotten as Rhys enfolded her in his arms and swayed to some slow tempo music. For long moments Jenna lost herself in Rhys’s kisses, the music twining its way through her body, loosening her inhibitions until she was straining to get closer to Rhys’s hard body.

  The night was indolent with the scent of spice and musk, sex was in the air and it was pervading her body. Torches spread throughout the gardens provided a warm light and whether provided by the gargoyles or by some other magical element, the evening was warm and balmy. The music provided a sensual beat that pervaded the bones, giving the party an earthy, dream-like quality. It was a night for sex.

  “Jenna,” Rhys breathed, his lips travelling over her cheek to her ear. “We should get something to drink.”

  “Why?” she breathed, running her tongue along his throat, tasting the salty musk of his hot skin. His fingers curled around her arms and he shuddered giving her the encouragement to take his earlobe between her teeth and lightly nibble.

  “Jenna,” he croaked out, gently thrusting his hips to let her feel his erection. “We need to get some water.”

  Stepping back, she looked up at him in confusion, seeing the lust plainly written on his face. He smiled down at her, resting his hands on her shoulders and lightly caressing her throat with his thumbs, “These are ancient creatures, Jenna, and this, well, this is an orgy.”

  Glancing around, she saw what he was talking about. Rhys’s brothers danced with a group of dryads, leaves and twigs tangled in their long hair. Their lithe bodies were barely concealed beneath gauzy layers of sheer material, the long slender limbs graceful and elegant. A group of hairy satyrs chased around the scantily clad nymphs, catching them and carting their trophies off to secluded areas.

  Instead of being offended or dismayed, she felt her belly tighten in expectation. She wanted to feel Rhys’s hands on her body beneath the nearly moonless night, to have him penetrate her as satyrs seduced nymphs close by and his brothers enjoyed the dryads. It disturbed her how much the idea appealed to her. Tearing her gaze from the antics, she moistened her lips with her tongue and faced Rhys, “Sure, a glass of water would be great.”

  They made their way over to a table that was placed beneath an ancient tree and sat down. Pitchers with water and trays piled with food were laid out for their refreshment and she chewed on a piece of fruit, taking a moment to gather her scattered wits. Her skin was on fire and her breasts were heavy with arousal and, damn it, she wanted to make love with
Rhys in the midst of the Grecian orgy. Hell, she wanted to make love with Rhys whenever and wherever she could.

  Entwining his fingers with hers, Rhys brought her hand up to his lips and pressed a kiss against her knuckles, the gesture second nature by now. “We can retire if you’d like?”

  She smiled, feeling the heat in her cheeks and grateful that the low light hid her blush, “I think I’d like to stay. It’s not every day that a girl gets invited to a Greek orgy.”

  He laughed, the deep sound resonating in her belly and making it tighten even more. If he so much as winked at her she would pounce on him and tear the clothes from his body.

  “How are you enjoying our festivities?” Eryx asked as he and his brothers sat down at the table, crowding the small space with their large, muscular bodies. They were the epitome of Greek perfection: chiseled chests with chiseled thighs and rock hard abs. Since they all wore loose fitting clothes, shirts that hung open and pants that hung low on their hips, Jenna was able to see more than she cared to see, especially when they shifted and their pants rode even lower.

  They were unashamed and well endowed. She studiously kept her eyes above waist level.

  “I can’t tell if I’m sleeping or drunk,” she said with a smile, taking a sip of the cool water. “It almost seems too marvelous to be real.”

  Eryx smiled with pride, “We don’t let many humans participate. It would never do to let too many of your world know our secrets.”

  “So I have been told,” she said, sharing a grin with Rhys. “But you three are not like the others that I have met.”

  “We are among the oldest of the gargoyles,” Leander said. Popping an olive into his mouth, he grinned, “Though we’re not the oldest. And unlike the rest of our brethren we embrace the gifts bestowed upon us.”

  “What he means to say is that these three give up their nights as often as possible,” Rhys said.

  “We love women,” Eryx proclaimed, spreading his arms out in emphasis before taking a deep drink from the bottle of wine he held. “We love human women!”