Emerald Fire

by Valerie Twombly

  Sarah took another step back. Her mind refused to admit she knew precisely what he was indicating.

  Elias moved forward, stalking her like prey.

  She swallowed the lump of desire in her throat, refusing to give up control. “Feel what?”

  He moved closer until his body pinned hers against the wall. His erection ground into her belly, and she fought the urge to free it from the confines of his jeans.

  “We are mates.”

  “Not possible,” she whispered but knew damn well he was telling the truth.

  “Oh yes, my beautiful demon.” He backed off slightly, confusion written on his handsome face. “Why do you seem frightened?”

  Sarah let a breath escape, and her lids slid shut. Visions of Brock came to mind, and the words of her parents echoed in her head. There are two kinds of mates. Wonderful. She spends years searching and now this. “I’ve already found my mate.”

  Elias crossed his arms over his chest. “Yet he hasn’t bound you together. Why?” His voice had lost its soft edge.

  She raised her chin. “We’ve only met.”

  “I see.” Lines at the corners of his eyes creased slightly only giving a hint of his amusement. “Then you must make a choice. Tell me, have you fucked him yet?”

  She fisted her hands. “That is none of your damn business.”

  His brow arched. “Oh, but I disagree. I deserve the same advantage as him. After all, you will be spending eternity with one of us. Wouldn’t you rather have the one who brings you the most pleasure?” He let his power slide across her breasts, causing her nipples to pebble.

  She snaked out her own magic and slapped him across the face. He lifted his hand to touch the pink skin. A smile formed on his lips.

  “Feisty. I like that.” He shoved his hands in his pants pockets. “I apologize. I’m normally not an ass, but I find you make my blood boil.” He tipped his head. “Please forgive me.”

  Her mind was muddled, and it was hard to think around him. She needed to leave and quickly. “I accept your apology. I really have to go.” She turned to head down the stairs, but he grabbed her arm.

  “Please. If I promise to behave, can I see you again?” His looked at her like a sad puppy.

  Shit. There was no way to refuse him. He was like a drug in her veins and she craved more. Sarah reached into her pocket and pulled out the card where he had written his address. “Here. My number is on there. Call me, but not before tomorrow night.” She tossed her hair back. “I have a date.” She turned to flee, but once again, he stopped her progress.

  “One more thing, Sarah. Be mindful in the human world. Never let your guard down.”

  She had no clue what his cryptic message meant but shook her head then fled down the stairs and out the door she’d come through. She never looked behind her, but sensed he followed her with his gaze. She slipped into the driver’s seat and rested her head on the steering wheel.

  “I’m so screwed. What the hell am I gonna do?”

  * * * *

  Sarah showered, put on a pair of faded, denim capris and a tank top. She didn’t bother to apply makeup and pulled her hair into a ponytail. She wanted Brock to see her in a more natural state, curious if he would still find her attractive.

  It dawned on her what she was doing as she chopped vegetables for the salad.

  “Shit.”

  Yep, she was testing him. She wanted to see who would be the better match.

  She tossed the knife down in irritation and scooped the carrots into a bowl. “Why should I feel guilty?” She grabbed a cucumber and placed it on the cutting board. “I have two possible mates. I should be thrilled.” However, she really liked Brock, and even with his baggage, she could see herself spending eternity with him. Something about him felt right.

  The doorbell rang, and now, the question was did she confront him about being her mate? On her way toward the front of the house, she decided to wait and see if he brought it up first. She swung the door open. “Hi, come on in.”

  Brock crossed the threshold and handed her a bouquet of yellow roses. She accepted and brought them to her nose, inhaling deep. “Oh these do smell good. Thank you, they are beautiful.” Flowers were a good sign. “I have a bottle of wine ready. Would you mind opening it while I put these in water?” she asked, walking back toward the kitchen.

  “Sure thing.”

  Sarah pointed to the bottle of Merlot on the counter next to the two glasses and opener. She reached for a crystal vase in the cabinet and filled it with water. After arranging the flowers, she turned to place them on the table and stopped briefly. Brock had his back to her, and she couldn’t stop her gaze from roaming down his backside.

  She bit her bottom lip.

  The man’s ass could be considered a lethal weapon in many states. It was enough to bring any woman to her knees, including her. Sarah couldn’t help the naughty thoughts roaming through her mind. Like skipping dinner and having him right here in the kitchen. Then the living room, in her bed and later in the shower. She smiled at her wickedness as she walked to the table and placed the flowers in the center.

  “So how did it go today?” She stepped in beside him and placed a kiss on his cheek as if it was something she’d been doing for years.

  He handed her a glass of wine. “I made some real progress. The inside is now empty and the stuff hauled off to the thrift store. Tomorrow, I have some help coming, and we plan to paint then replace all the appliances to updated ones.” He took a sip. “It will take a few days, but I hope by the end of the week, it will be ready to hand over to the local rescue.”

  She looped her arm through his and led him to the couch. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to help you.” She searched his eyes, looking for signs of distress. “You did okay by yourself?”

  He pulled her into his lap and wrapped his free arm around her waist. “Don’t worry about it. I needed to do this alone.” He took a sip from his glass. “It was good therapy.” He squeezed her hip. “Enough about me. How did your showing go today? Did you sell all your pictures?”

  Sarah’s stomach twisted. She hadn’t planned to tell Brock about Elias, but now, it seemed like a lie not to do so, and she had too much respect for him. “I sold all but a couple. I also made a connection with a local gal who’s interested in putting some of my work in her store.”

  He set his glass on the side table and wrapped his other arm around her, pulling her into him. “That’s wonderful. I’m happy for you.”

  The need to lock her lips to his overwhelmed her. She set her glass down, leaned in and ran her tongue along the seam of his mouth which opened, allowing her entry. She wasted no time pushing inside, tasting every inch of him. The deep, woody flavor of the Merlot mingled with his own spiciness and sent liquid fire burning through her veins.

  Every inch of her body begged to be caressed by this man. She broke the kiss, finding herself out of breath. Sarah assessed the situation and compared Brock’s kiss to the other demon. Elias had left her feeling as if she had no control. Had she spent another minute with him, she was sure they would have ripped off each other clothes and fucked right there on the floor.

  Brock had sated her initial urges last night, and now, she found his kiss left her wanting to explore. The need to become intimately acquainted with every inch of his body was bone deep, and the thought of pleasing him warmed her. She asked herself the most important question a potential mate could ask. Could I love this man? Without a doubt, she would give her heart, body and soul to him. Elias? Well, she just wasn’t so sure if a relationship could survive past the initial burn.

  Brock tipped his head to the side. “What’s troubling you?”

  She pulled her bottom lip through her teeth. Already, he was in tune with her emotions. It was time to confess. “Brock, why have you not mentioned anything about us being mates? You’re older than me so I know you’ve sensed it.” The little spark that simmers until it becomes an inferno. The part of our soul that says we belong t
ogether. She felt it. Was it possible he didn’t? She’d never heard of that happening and, now, found herself in a panic thinking she’d just made a fool of herself.

  His shoulders dropped, but his expression gave nothing away. “Yes, I sensed it last night but wasn’t ready to bring it up.” He reached up and caressed her cheek. “I’m sorry, darlin’, but I’m just not ready for a mate yet.”

  “I understand, but you can’t mourn forever.” He’d already spent too much of his life in pain. She wanted to see him happy, but was she the one who would bring him that happiness? Maybe, she was wrong about which relationship would crash and burn.

  “You’re right, of course. I’m in agreement to see where this leads, but I’m not willing to rush. The last thing I want is to hurt you.” His hand moved to her shoulder and squeezed. “Something else is bothering you, though. I can feel it.”

  Sarah stood, not wanting intimate contact when she told him about Elias. “Another demon stopped by my booth today. He purchased one of my pieces and asked me to deliver it.” It suddenly dawned on her Elias had never paid her. That would have to be dealt with later. She wrung her hands and chose her next words carefully. “He is also my mate.” She watched Brock’s eyes darkened briefly before returning to their normal brown. It was his only indication of emotion.

  “Did you sleep with him?”

  Though she was expecting those words, they still caught her off-guard. “No, but he did kiss me.” Her skin warmed as she remembered Elias’ tongue sliding into her mouth. She tried to brush it off and replace it with images of what she wanted to do with Brock.

  “I see. And did you come to any conclusions?”

  Did I catch a hint of jealousy in his tone? Maybe, it was her imagination or wishful thinking. “I really don’t care to see him again. However, I did tell him he could call.” She closed the distance between them and sat beside him. Her fingers touched his arm, and a shiver crept across her. “I want to give us a chance though.” She let her fingertip glide up his biceps and under the sleeve of his T-shirt. “Do you mind if we skip dinner and go directly to dessert?”

  He raised a brow. “What did you have in mind?”

  She moistened her lips and wondered how he would receive her idea. “How do you feel about giving up control and letting me pleasure you?” Would tonight give her the answer she sought? She wanted Brock to be the one but knew she had to tread lightly. She also knew she would have to give Elias the same consideration. Mating for life was a long time for a demon.

  A twinkle showed in his eyes, and his bottom lip curved into a grin. “I’m a modern-day demon and believe in equal rights.”

  Sarah rose and held out her hand. “Good. Come with me then.” She could hardly keep from running up the stairs.

  Chapter Seven

  Brock followed Sarah across the living room, up a set of wooden steps, down a narrow hall and to what he assumed was her bedroom. His cock was fully awake with anticipation of what was in store, but his brain was another deal all together. When she’d told him about meeting another mate, his vision had hazed. He’d tried to cast it off as concern for her safety, but he knew better.

  While uncommon, male demons had been known to become territorial when faced with a rival. Protocol dictated, when there were two potential mates, the first male had the right to be present when the second male and the female had their first sexual encounter. He could even partake if he desired or simply watch to make sure the other didn’t bond the woman against her will.

  Did he want to be there when the other man brought her pleasure? Part of him said this was the perfect opportunity to walk away and continue on with his loner existence. He carried too much baggage, and she deserved better than that. Then there was the half of him that longed to have her by his side. To once again wake up each morning with his mate next to him. To love and be loved in return.

  Sarah led him across the room to a king-size bed then turned to face him. She tugged on his shirt, freeing it from his jeans. Pushing her hands underneath, she ran her fingers along his abs and up his chest. Her warm strokes stoked his fire even more. He reached for her breast, but his hand was shoved away.

  “No touching,” she whispered.

  “That’s going to be rather difficult for me,” he growled, wondering what kind of game she would play with him.

  She pulled his shirt up and over his head then tossed it to the floor. Nipping and licking, she blazed a trail of fire along his chest. He fisted her hair. “See, I can’t help but touch you.”

  “I can fix that.” Her lips formed into a smile so wicked he wanted to run his tongue along the full, pink flesh.

  She grabbed his belt buckle, and before he could exhale, she had his pants slid down around his ankles. The woman was going to be unstoppable. He stepped out of his pants, his erection jutting forward. Sarah wrapped her hand around its girth and slid along his length.

  He moaned, closing his lids halfway. “You still have your clothes on.”

  “Uh huh. I need you on the bed.” Her voice was low and sultry, and he would have done anything she asked at that moment.

  Brock took the three steps to the bed and crawled across it. Lying in the middle, he waited for her next move. It wasn’t long before her intent was made clear. Sarah reached for his right wrist then pulled his arm above his head. Something soft touched his skin.

  “You do realize I can break your bonds—unless, of course, these are encased with some kind of magic I don’t detect.” He hid his amusement. So his little dove intended to take control? The thought caused his cock to throb harder.

  “Of course, I know that.” She crawled over him to reach his other wrist, letting her hair tickle his chest in the process. “However, escape will be the last thing on your mind.” A mischievous glint sparked in her blue eyes. “That I promise.”

  He shuddered with anticipation.

  Once she had him secure, she moved off the bed and stood at his feet, giving him the perfect view. She fondled the hem of her tank top then lifted slowly until just a hint of tanned flesh peeked out. Inch by agonizing inch, she raised the pink fabric until it was over her head then tossed it to the floor. The red bra she wore barely covered her nipples, leaving the soft swell of her breasts exposed.

  Brock licked his lips, remembering the taste of her rosy buds in his mouth.

  She reached for the tie in her hair and slipped it free then gave her head a shake so the dark curls spilled across her shoulders. She moistened her lips until they glistened.

  He groaned, imagining the glossy, plump flesh wrapped around his cock and him filling her mouth with his seed. “This is sheer torture you know.”

  Sarah ran her palms along her waist and across her stomach until her fingers had hold of the button to her pants. “It’s intended to be torture.” She batted her lashes. “But in a seductive way.”

  In slow motion, she unbuttoned the capris then lowered the zipper. Her fingers disappeared under the denim and pushed the pants to the floor. With the grace of a ballerina she stepped free and kicked them aside.

  Brock’s breathing increased. Before him was a goddess, clad in a bra and matching panties. He wanted to rip them off her body with his teeth. His mouth watered, and he ached to run his tongue along every soft curve. Needed to slip his cock between her long, silky thighs and fuck her until she screamed. He could break free and do those things and more. However, he was actually enjoying the torture and wanted to see what she would do next.

  He didn’t have long to wait before her hands were again running along her golden flesh. Up across her toned abs, to her breasts where she cupped and pushed them together. She slipped the straps of her bra down her shoulders. With one hand placed across her breasts, the other reached around back and undid the clasp. The fabric fell, but she kept it from going too far.

  “Damn, darlin’, you’re killing me. Let me see those beautiful breasts.”

  She smiled. “Say please.”

  “Shit. Please, and if you co
me closer, I promise to worship them.”

  She let out a giggle. “You’re such a good boy.” She dropped the bra to the floor, palmed her breasts and rolled her nipples between her fingers. Her head tipped back, and a moan escaped. Sarah slid her right hand down her slim waist until her fingers moved beneath the fabric of her panties. Brock could tell by her gasp and the way her body trembled she had dipped a finger into her channel.

  All the blood rushed from other parts of his body and straight to his cock. The throbbing verged of painful, yet he refused to take his eyes off the woman in front of him. “God, Sarah, take the damn panties off, and let me watch you. I want to see how wet you are.”

  “You want to watch?” she whispered. “Fine, I’ll let you watch.”

  She slipped the panties off and moved closer. She crawled across him then settled herself between his spread thighs and leaned against the footboard of the bed. She parted her beautiful legs and treated him with a wide-open view of her glistening pussy. The bare, pink flesh taunted him, reminding him of the sweet taste it had left on his tongue the last time he’d buried his head there.

  She glided her fingers between the folds, spreading the moisture around, then pulled the pink flesh apart and dipped into her depths. The other hand moved to her clit and strummed the swollen nub. Her breathing became erratic. It wouldn’t be long before he would be witness to her orgasm.

  “That’s it, baby. Come for me.” His own breaths became ragged, and the louder her moans the more pain shot down the shaft of his cock. “God, I want to fuck you.”

  His words seemed to throw her into a frenzy as she dipped a second finger, pushing deep. Twisting and plunging, she made eye contact with him. Her gaze traveled down his abdomen to his rigid cock. She flicked her tongue out as if wanting to taste the clear fluid that seeped out to coat the tip of his shaft.

  Her muscles tensed. She threw her head back and bucked her hips as the orgasm pulled her into its grip. He inhaled the scent of her arousal, could almost taste it on the back of his tongue. Her body relaxed, and the quivers ceased. When her blue, crystalline gaze met his, it was filled with desire. This woman was nowhere near done.