by Paloma Beck
“When we combine the intel on Nassir’s men flying into the US with a report from Lucas, we suspect they’re after Ella.”
“Ella, the woman I rescued from Nassir when I was captured?” Donovan asked.
“Yes. Most of you might not be aware that Ella is Lucas’ mate. She’s had a rough time, to say the least, so they’ve been secluded for months now,” Madden explained to the group while Caedon flashed a picture of Ella onto the screen.
“And Lucas called in last night to let us know he found a tracking device embedded in Ella. She didn’t know about it and was pretty upset. Nico, anything to add?” Caedon added the final piece of the puzzle and Donovan understood now that they were tracking Ella all along.
“Yes. I flew up to the cabin as soon as we got his call and performed the procedure to remove it. The bastard who placed it had embedded it deep. She’ll take a while to heal though I suspect Lucas is feeding her. His blood will help. She was upset—Lucas says she’s still pretty sensitive—but otherwise fine,” Nicolaus reported.
“And when Nico got back with the device, I looked it over. We decided,” Caedon looked at Madden before continuing, “not to disconnect it. These bastards are smarter than we gave them credit for. The device was implanted because they knew how Donovan would react to a woman from the Magdalena Circle. They knew we’d care for her regardless of the cost.”
“Shit. So they knew I was a Valendite Breed the whole time?” Donovan asked.
“That’s our assumption,” Caedon nodded. “And they banked on the fact that we would bring her back to our compound. They plan to follow that signal.”
“And we plan to let them,” Madden stated with an air of finality. It was silent while each man around the table considered all they’d heard.
“What’s the plan?” Gage was the first to break. “Where, when and how?”
Madden fastened his gaze onto Donovan and said, “We’re waiting until tomorrow to make our move. If they’re following the tracker, they’ll assume she made a trip and then returned to where she’s been. Lucas is bringing Ella here while some of us set up camp at the cabin. Tomorrow,” he paused and Donovan nodded.
Clearing his throat, Donovan told the others, “Let’s keep this low for now. I don’t want the women upset before the Pronouncement. There’s no immediate threat today so let’s give Paige tonight.”
Caedon cleared his throat and everyone’s attention shifted to where he now stood. He clicked a button on his computer and a screen shot flashed on the wall above him. “There’s more. Looks like someone has been investigating the Sinster sisters. I don’t know how their identity was verified,” he shook his head, “though they aren’t exactly low profile.”
Madden interjected, “I’ve had Caedon watching for any media on the sisters since I first mated with Layla six months ago. Nothing but the basics popped up until last week when the same IP address was used to access locations for all their workplaces.”
“So you’re saying he knows where they live? Now? Or their original home?” Seamus jumped in, his heightened anxiety palpable in the room.
“We’ve maintained their home address as their original house they all shared, but the work addresses for Eloise’s factory and Paige’s cafe are public record. We couldn’t shield them without jeopardizing their work. We also know someone tried to hack into Gemma’s research facility in Italy. I suspect that location is compromised as well, which explains the men traveling to Italy.”
“And the men to Paris?” Gage asked.
“Paige’s baking competition. They know she’s a contestant, don’t they?” Donovan spoke up as realization dawned on him.
Caedon nodded. “We think so. I’ve blocked their IP address from searching any of the sisters by name but they’re smart enough to get around that.”
“This means it isn’t safe for her to go,” Madden added. “You’ll need to let her know. She’ll stay behind while a team heads over to attempt a capture on Nassir.”
Donovan shook his head, “I can’t do that to her. There has to be a way for her to go under heavy guard.” He ran his hands over his head in exasperation. “This has been her life’s dream and I promised mating with me wouldn’t mean she’d have to give it up.”
Madden looked at Donovan. He seemed to be considering something. Then he looked to Caedon who gave a simple shrug and then to Seamus who spoke. “We got you, Van. Looks like the four of us are going on your honeymoon to Paris together.” They each patted their chests once with their fists in their signal of agreement.
“Never thought you’d willingly bring your mate to a mission, Van,” Madden said, “Shit, Caedon’s first plan involved Paige as bait but I thought you’d never go for it.”
“Let’s just not refer to her as bait. And not a single word of this to the women until tomorrow. Let Paige have her day first.” Donovan spoke his final words before stomping out of the TEU comm center without a backwards glance.
It was the others’ turn to nod with stoic faces as they watched Donovan leave.
* * * *
Paige’s sisters stood in a circle around Donovan. Their mates and Donovan’s family stood just behind them as if they were forming a second circle enclosing her sisters. Paige drank in the sight before her. It was so much more than her dreams of her Pronouncement. Twinkle lights added lighting for the traditional twilight wedding. Despite all her imaginings, this moment couldn’t have been more perfect as Paige cast her eyes around the terrace. Celebrating their Pronouncement at their first home was Donovan’s suggestion and Paige couldn’t think of a better location.
Paige took a few deep breaths, memorizing this moment and feeling more at peace than she had in all her life. She smiled at her parents who stood on either side of her and waited for her signal she was ready.
“It’s like a whole new you, Paige,” her mother beamed at her, “Your father and I are proud of you.” Her mother slipped her hand into Paige’s hand and squeezed reassuringly.
“We can feel your pride but it is no more than is appropriate. We’re so happy for you. Finally, you can feel satisfied with who you are,” her father’s voice hitched at the end and nearly caused the tears to fall from Paige’s eyes.
“No crying,” her mother chastised, “let us walk.”
Paige put her hand through her father’s waiting arm so that as three, they walked toward the circle. Her father’s powers wrapped around her in a warm embrace. Now having a mate of her own, she was in awe of this man who loved her mother beyond reason. So often, she and her sisters went to their mother for advice, never much seeking out their father. Now, she understood how his strength buffered them all.
She looked up into the eyes of her mate, finally close enough to see their silvery steel color. Paige knew his demeanor and looks intimidated her sisters, but she’d never felt that. She knew what he could deliver and it was exactly what she needed. Donovan was her perfect match. He would forever astound her.
Following tradition, he changed from his everyday dark clothing to a pair of tan trousers and a white shirt left unbuttoned. The unbuttoned shirt exposed his neck to her as a sign of his acceptance to be her nourishment. The leather strips that adorned his biceps drew attention to the bulk of his muscles. He looked a bit uncomfortable as he shifted from foot to foot in old-style sandals. Paige gave him a smile and hoped for one in exchange. She wasn’t disappointed.
Donovan’s stoic expression broke into a full smile. His stunning silver eyes sparkled in the lights hanging from the trees. All of these simple things combined to make her dominating mate appear softer, almost sweet. Paige laughed at the description until she heard a voice in her head.
“Sweet is not a word I’ve ever heard to describe myself,” Donovan spoke in her mind.
Paige stopped suddenly and placed a hand to her heart as it fluttered furiously in her chest. “Did you just speak to me in my mind? We can do this now?”
“The final link must’ve fallen into place.” Donovan shrugged just
enough for her to see but she didn’t think others could tell they were communicating.
“Paige, is everything all right?” Chiara sounded concerned next to her. Paige nodded once and began walking again. “You have been blessed this day,” Chiara’s words were a whisper in her ear just as they broke the inner circle.
Her parents moved to stand on the perimeter with the others as Paige took her place with Donovan inside the circle. She’s watched three of her sisters before her do this, but her Pronouncement was truly more breathtaking than the other ceremonies she’d attended. She was alone with Donovan—a cloud of pale lavender smoke surrounding them—as everyone faded into the background. Donovan walked to her until he could securely hold her in his grasp.
Donovan nodded before raising his voice to those gathered. He spoke the ancient words—the only words spoken until the ceremony was complete—as passed down from their ancestors. “I am honored to make this Pronouncement. For Paige and myself. It is as it should be.”
Paige took a breath and lowered herself down onto her knees to kneel before her mate. She captured his eyes with her own to show him every emotion she held inside her heart. It was a single moment of time before Donovan kneeled in front of her. They touched palm to palm, forging an unbreakable link.
A quiet murmured chanting rose from the women gathered. The subtle cloud of smoke from earlier swirled around the couple and embraced them. Donovan drew his wrist to his sharp teeth and cut open his vein so Paige could drink from him. Then he took her wrist and drank from her vein. The women of the Magdalena Circle present chanted the ancient prayers as both swallowed down the life essence of the other. As they reluctantly pulled away, the chanting grew progressively louder and the smoke became more colorful.
Sparks of light burst from them even as Paige felt a lifting of her burdens. Could it be she was completely free of her soul sin? No, it hadn’t been a totally miraculous moment as it had been with her other sisters. She still felt the remnants of her pride, but something inside her suddenly felt lighter. Paige smiled at Donovan as she allowed herself to simply relish in the warmth of his love. Everything really was as it should be.
Chapter Seven
Placing Paige ever so gently onto their bed, Donovan lay beside her and drank from her lips. He used a gentle touch, working her mouth in a tender and reassuring kiss. He needed simply to join with her in every way possible and he wanted to savor every moment along the way. He felt their connection reach out and bind them together as her body melted against him. She eagerly took everything he offered.
Donovan pulled away to look at her. She was still in her gown, a magnificent traditional red gown that had the shimmering hue of purple, her favorite color. Her breast peaked from the top, the corset style design pushing them further up so they spilled out slightly. He ran his hand along her leg and felt the sheer fabric hanging lower than the shorter silk skirting underneath. The fabric was soft to touch, but he was seeking her skin.
“I want to make love to you in your gown.” Donovan spoke as he moved down slowly to lift her layers of skirting up, bringing it to her waist and exposing the tiniest scrap of purple lace. A soft growl emanated from his chest. He simply couldn’t hold it back as his eyes feasted on her ivory skin decorated with this sexy piece of lace. “What you do to me, Paige.”
“You affect me the same,” Paige responded as she watched him through her lowered lashes. He could see the lust in her eyes and hoped his own desire was reflected back at her.
Donovan massaged Paige’s thighs, slowly circling his thumb closer to her panties. Her muscles grew relaxed just as he knew they would. He worked her legs farther and farther apart, then placed his palms on either side of her panties, gently running his thumbs under the elastic. Paige sighed at the sensation and Donovan moved progressively closer to where she needed him most. Her sighs turned to moans as sensations turned hotter and Donovan leaned down to kiss directly over her clit. Only her panties were between them.
“Take them off, Donovan,” Paige encouraged him.
He moved them aside and puffed a breath of air onto her slick folds. Paige trembled and, needing the touch as much as she did, Donovan slipped two fingers into the tiny panties and drew them down her legs. Yes, he could’ve willed them away with his power, but tonight he wanted his mate in the purest form. For tonight, he’d set his powers aside.
“I find myself hungry,” Donovan spoke in a rough voice as he kissed his way back up her legs. He returned to her unrestricted core. He could see every delicious part of his mate. She was wet and slick for him. Her desire so evident, Donovan wanted to scream out his good fortune.
Unable to resist the touch, he stroked his fingers through her folds. Paige jumped, startled, but then relaxed again and watched with darkened, glazed eyes as Donovan lifted his fingers, now glistening with her arousal, to his mouth. He savored her taste, smiled and then dropped down on his stomach between her legs and feasted on her core. He planned to pull out every drop of her cream before he allowed himself to fuck her.
“Oh Goddess, Donovan,” Paige called out, “It’s so good.” She arched her back and Donovan placed his arms underneath her bottom to lift her for better access. He drew his tongue out to burrow as deep as possible into her core, fucking her with his tongue even as his fingers stroked along the cleft of her ass.
Donovan didn’t even pause for a beat as he sent the words into her mind, “Let go, Princess. Let go and let me catch you.”
It wasn’t but a minute before Paige shattered. It was the most glorious sight he’d ever seen. Donovan experienced not only his own satisfaction but also her pleasure through their connection. Now more powerful than ever, it was as if her emotions were tied to his. Bright sparks burst around her mate. They appeared as fireworks shooting out from around them and their light reflected in Paige’s eyes as she regained her composure and looked up at him.
“That was incredible,” Paige spoke into his mind.
“That was just the first.” Donovan raised his eyebrows playfully and grinned before he bent his head between her thighs again.
Donovan licked along her thigh, moved inward towards the juncture of her leg and torso, and licked at the thin skin there. The thick vein below pulsed as if calling out to him. Using his Valendite speed, he penetrated her skin with his teeth and drew her blood from her vein. He took deep pulls of her warm blood and reveled in the rich, smooth feel of it coating his throat.
“Yes, Donovan, I love knowing I can feed you.” Paige’s words sent Donovan into a spiral. He was going to lose his control if he didn’t get himself inside his mate. He’d drawn this out long enough. Now he needed to be inside her hot core. Closing the wound, he drew his tongue across the small openings from his teeth.
He looked up at Paige. She lay out before him, her skin sweaty and her hair damp with perspiration, awaiting his command. She was his and she was as stunning as a wanton fairy with her gown bunched around her, but still offsetting her soft skin tone. Donovan’s eyes were drawn again to the colorful sparks bursting around her. Like a vixen, she crooked her finger and called him to her.
That was the only encouragement Donovan needed before he willed his clothes gone and flipped her onto her stomach. “On your knees and elbows,” he instructed.
Once she was arranged just how he wanted her, he helped move her gown up to reveal her bare bottom. He had imagined making love to her in this gown from the first moment he saw her walking towards him. Donovan kneeled behind her and massaged the firm globes of her ass. At first, she flinched away; but soon enough, she relaxed into his touch. She was ready for him.
In the next moment, Donovan thrust his cock fully into her core. She cried out but immediately pushed back. Oh yes, she was definitely ready. He needed no more encouragement before he began to piston in and out of her with a ferocity he’d never felt before. This was a claiming, a marking. She may not yet wear his jewels, but there would be time for that.
Paige exalted in the strength and pow
er she felt coming from Donovan. He was so strong. She no longer needed to carry her burdens alone. She no longer had to live her life to always be more. She was enough for him. Her folds grew slicker as Donovan continued pumping with all his strength. Paige was overwhelmed by all the sensations suddenly bombarding her as she opened fully to his emotions.
His thrusts were strong and focused, and his thoughts were fully concentrated on the act of claiming her. She was so wet, the sound of movement was a sensual barrage. His cock nearly slipped from her channel with every thrust. Donovan was a man after a purpose and he was not to be stopped. Not that she wanted to stop him.
Paige felt her orgasm coming and she stayed on the edge as he rocked his hips faster. She wanted to cum with him. “I’m so close, Donovan. Please tell me you’re almost there. Please. I want to share this.” Paige’s words came stilted. She was barely able to gain enough oxygen to push the words from her mouth.
“Yes, I’m close. Oh, Goddess, so close. Milk my cock, Princess, make my seed fill you. Squeeze me, baby.” Donovan took hold of her hips in a tight grip and continued talking to Paige until she screamed out.
The burning sensation licked over her nipples and her clit as if he were actually touching them instead of continuing his thrusts into her. Goddess, she was on the verge of another orgasm. Her legs trembled. She couldn’t catch her breath. This orgasm caused her powers to rise up even larger than the first. A mix of emotions came from Donovan as he emptied himself inside her. He’d found his release just as she had. A powerful sense of awe fluttered through her body and heated her blood further.
As he lowered them both to the bed and cuddled her into his side, she caught sight of his pulse. It was a steady beating in his neck she couldn’t ignore. She licked along the column of his neck and moaned.