Becoming Briar

by Erin West

  The movement stops, and I open my eyes. The ceiling of the cottage comes into view, but my strength is gone, and I can’t lift my head. In my peripheral, I notice gray-colored walls surrounding the large king-sized bed I’m lying on.

  I’m in Bael’s room. But where is he?

  Water runs in the bathroom attached to his room. He walks out, still in the lounge pants he slept in and no shirt, covered in blood and ashes.

  I try to appreciate the view, but feeling starts to return to my arms and legs.

  Bael sits beside me on the bed, looking over his shoulder. “Get a healer.” His tone is brisk and garners no argument from Amon.

  He stares back at me, concern etched on his handsome, stoic face. “You’re going to be okay.”

  Even I can tell that he isn’t one-hundred percent sure about that.

  My throat is dry, and the energy just isn’t there for me to form any words. A tear streaks out of the corner of my eye before they both close.

  Pain. That’s all that I can wrap my brain around. Searing pain in my chest. My eyelids flutter open. Bael’s voice is faint in the background, and another voice I don’t recognize fades in and out. Their words are too soft to make out what’s being said.

  I want to fade back into the blackness to get away from the misery in my own body. It consumes me. Sleep takes me under again.

  Chapter Six

  It’s too hot in here. I roll away from the heat, but the twinge in my chest stops me from moving anymore. A heaviness on my arms prevents me from rolling over, and I find Bael staring at me.

  Deep, intense cognac brown eyes search my face. For what, I don’t know.

  I wet my parched lips. “What happened?”

  My throat hurts with each word, and it feels dry as a bone. A couple of pillows are propped up behind me, sitting me up at a slight angle.

  One of his hands goes to his cheek, propping him upon his side to look down at me. He reaches over to the bedside table and brings a glass of water with a straw.

  Oh, that looks glorious.

  He holds it between us, placing the straw in my mouth.

  I draw greedy gulps as fast as I can before he pulls the glass away from me.

  “What the hell, Bael? I’m thirsty.” I scowl.

  The cup is within reach again and I take another drink.

  “Small sips.” His tone is soft.

  Not something I would associate with him. Is he going to answer my question? I gaze into his eyes. Waiting.

  He sets the cup down and holds my stare. “You almost died, and you’re not out of the woods yet.”

  Well, shit. “Are you going to take me back to Earth?” My heart clenches, waiting for him to answer.

  His expression hardens. “No.”

  So, we’re back to one-word answers. That’s what I get for thinking that he cares. I turn my face away from him. “Why not? Rumple’s men have found me, and about succeeded in killing me. Wouldn’t I be safer with my mates?”

  His lip curls with my last question. “No. You’re safer here with me. Besides, Rumple will think you’re dead now, which gives us more time to train and plan an element of surprise.”

  I nod my head, not replying. Why does it hurt so bad to find out he just wants me around for training? Grabbing the covers, I toss them toward the middle of the bed and swing my legs over the side. I pause to get my bearings and allow the black spots in my vision to fade, while taking some deep breaths.

  Fingers wrap around my arm, sparks radiating from the contact. “Where are you going?”

  My hand goes to my chest as the other one presses into the mattress for support. “I need to go to the bathroom. Is that okay with you?” Sarcasm is my go-to defense mechanism.

  He jumps up, rounding the bed before scooping me up into his arms.

  I hit him on the back as he carries me. “I can walk, you know,” but he ignores me. Go figure.

  After setting me down on the toilet seat, he leans against the counter.

  A sigh slips out. “Thank you. I can handle it from here.”

  He looks like he doesn’t believe me, but I stare back at him with my eyebrows raised. “Call out if you need me.”

  I nod and then close the door on him. I finish my business, flush the toilet, and grab onto the counter, pulling myself upright. Wincing from the pain, I shuffle over to the sink and wash my hands.

  The reflection staring back at me doesn't even look like me. I'm a disheveled mess. My honey blonde hair is a rats’ nest, face is pale and gaunt. No wonder he doesn't want me.

  My eyes wander down my torso and the pain that throbs in my chest. I grab the hem of my shirt and pull up, exposing a flat abdomen and then a large square bandage in the center of my breasts.

  I peel the medical tape off the edges and lift the gauze. A deep wound the size of a golf ball greets me.

  The door swings open and Bael stares at me—well, at my breasts on display—then checks me over from head to toe. I pull my shirt down, forgetting to replace the bandage. Heat suffuses my cheeks.

  He steps into my space and opens the cabinet door, taking out gauze, scissors, tape, and a tube of something. “It’s nothing I haven't seen before.”

  I snort. I’m a lady like that. “I’m sure it’s not. Many different shapes and sizes, right?”

  Placing all the items on the counter, a devilish smile lifts the corners of his lips.

  My heart flutters at the beauty that is the son of Satan. Holy shit. How the hell am I going to resist this man… demon... whatever the hell he is?

  He chuckles. “Jealous, Briar? I didn’t take you for the type.”

  I shake my head. “Pfft. No, I’m not jealous. You can look at whoever you want.”

  He smirks before reaching out and grabbing my shirt.

  My eyebrows scrunch together, and I swat his hand away. “What are you doing?”

  “I’m redressing your wound.” He looks at me like I should have known that.

  Should I let him? He takes the decision from me, lifting the fabric up and applying the ointment.

  A hiss leaves my lips, and his eyes raise up to look at my face.

  “I’m sorry. I’m almost finished.” His tone is soft.

  I stare at the person standing before me, with his gentle demeanor. Who the hell is this man and what has he done with Bael? I watch him with caution as he finishes up.

  He puts all the items back in the cabinet and picks me up again, one arm under my ass and the other around my back.

  My arms wrap around his neck and I can’t help but take in all of his features. If I could forget everything he’s said, I would almost think that he cares about me. His moods are mercurial at best, but I know there’s more to this man than meets the eye.

  Seeing this sensitive side to him makes me want to know all there is to know about him. We stand beside the bed. He seems reluctant to put me down, keeping me in his arms.

  “Thank you for saving me.” I’m sure he had to do something major; I thought I was going to die.

  His head whips in my direction, moving his gaze from the bed to me.

  I lean forward and press my lips to his in a tender kiss, one of gratitude and a longing that I try to keep hidden.

  He deepens the kiss and I let him, unable to hide my need any longer. I squeeze him tighter to me, not letting go as he sets me on the bed then lays on top of me. His arms cage me, holding his weight above me, not to put pressure on my chest. My fingers run over his pecs, abs, and around to his back, craving the contact.

  The fact that I almost died hits me hard. I need to seize this moment.

  He breaks the kiss, breathing hard, pulling away from me.

  I grab his shoulders, blue and cognac eyes locking on each other.

  “Show me I’m still alive.” My voice comes out a whisper, a plea.

  He groans, running a hand over his face. “I want to, but we shouldn’t. You’re injured.”

  Forget that. I’m willing to put everything to the side to giv
e myself to him, and he’s not going to deter me. I pull my shirt over my head, careful not to cause more pain, and lay under him in just my panties.

  His hand falls away and his eyes darken, pupils dilating. He reaches out, running his hands up and down my sides before flicking a hardened nipple. Leaning down, his tongue peeks out, sucking the hard nub into his mouth.

  A moan fills the room as sparks radiate from my nipple down to my core, wetness coating my panties. I close my eyes, enjoying the sensations building in my groin.

  Fingers rub my clit in a circular motion through the fabric, my orgasm racing closer to the surface. My breathing hitches and the movement stops.

  My eyes fly open, glaring at Bael. His gaze is intense, searing into my soul. “I want to watch you come for me.”

  He rips my panties at the seams and tosses the scrap of fabric to the side. Oh my damn, that was hot.

  I place my feet on the bedspread with my knees bent, waiting for his next move.

  His hands land on my knees and push them apart. They fall open so I'm exposed to his view, and he growls. Fingers enter me and make a come-hither motion, hitting a sweet spot. His thumb reaches up and circles my clit, bringing my orgasm to a crescendo.

  My wide eyes are glued to his as it blazes through me, my fire bursting out of my hands that are gripping the comforter.

  Sweat drips down the side of his face, his erection tenting his pants. Leaning forward, I pull his pants down and his member springs free, drawing my eyes to it.

  I wrap my hand around its girth and pump it a few times. He pulls my hand away and positions himself at my entrance, drawing the anticipation out.

  He pushes in an inch at a time, my breath coming out in little pants and fire swirling inside. After he is seated to the hilt, he pulls out and thrusts in, setting a steady, uncompromising rhythm that has another orgasm building within minutes. Fire bursts through my body, uncontrollable and wild, seeking Bael out. A tether links us together in the throes of passion as my orgasm roars through me, my body arching off the bed.

  Thunder rumbles around us inside the cottage as Bael’s release fills me. Words I don’t understand whisper in my mind.

  Tá tú go deo mianach. Go deo mo bhean chéile.

  Bael falls down on top of me, placing kisses along my lips, neck, and shoulders, the same language spilling out of his mouth or in my mind. I’m too boneless to determine which.

  Mo ghrá thú.

  I’ll ask him what it means later, when I can think straight.

  I gasp, and he rises up, looking around the room for danger. There’s no pain in my chest, even though it should be excruciating for him to be laying on top of me. I reach my hand up and remove the bandage, revealing smooth, unmarred skin.

  My mouth drops open. Bael stares at the place between my breasts, jaw lax and face expressionless.

  Is he as dumbfounded as I am?

  Running my fingers along the area, I meet his dazed eyes. “How am I healed already?”

  He focuses on me, the haze clearing. “My guess would be the completion of the bond forming. It must have healed you.”

  I’m sorry, what? Another bond? Just what I need to add to my already complicated life. But for the first time in my entire life, I’m beginning to feel complete. Like I matter, and my life has meaning other than struggling to survive.

  Lowering my head, I pick at the edges of the burn marks on the comforter. “So, we’re bonded now. What does that mean for us?”

  He snorts and hesitates. “You could say that. It means that we’re connected on every possible level.”

  I lift my head, needing to see his expression. His stare is intense and burns through me. “Don’t sound so happy about it.”

  Leaning his head back, he barks out a laugh. “This changes everything.” He leans closer to me. “You are mine in every way. You can’t run. You can’t hide. And I’ll be damned if I let you control me.”

  What the fuck? Well, the sweet Bael has left the building. All it took was me being healthy. “What are you getting at?”

  The front door opens and Bael is on his feet in seconds. He puts his clothes on. “Stay here.” He walks out of the room, shutting the door behind him.

  Does he still think that will work? I guess, in his defense, you’d think I would have learned after the last incident, but hey. You only live once. I get dressed and open the door to find Bael standing in front of the most gorgeous man I have ever seen in my entire life. Even more than Amon, and that’s saying something.

  The man has white blonde hair, deep brown eyes, sun-kissed skin, and dimples. As soon as I enter the room, his eyes are on me. “Well, well, well. What do we have here?” He walks over to me, taking in every inch of me.

  Growling, Bael stands beside me and takes my hand.

  Okay, this is not normal. What the hell is this man?

  “So…” The man grins, staring at our joined hands. “Amon said I’d find something interesting at the house. Of course, I didn’t want to come here, so many memories, but he said I’d regret it if I didn’t.” He taps his finger against his bottom lip. “And he’s right.”

  Taking a step in front of me, Bael lifts his chin. “Well, now you know. I’m sure you have a lot going on, so don’t feel like you need to stay.”

  The man cackles. “Is that the way a child should talk to their father?”

  Holy shit. I’m standing in front of Satan. I take a step closer to him, scanning him over. A chuckle escapes me.

  Bael’s shoulders tense and his grip tightens on my hand.

  Tilting his head, the devil raises an eyebrow. “What’s so funny?”

  “Just wondering where your horns and pitchfork are.” Oh yeah, I just said that.

  Satan laughs. “Oh, please don’t tell me you believe in that stereotype?” He shakes his head and pouts. “I really need to do something about fixing that image.”

  Letting out a deep breath, Bael relaxes his grip. “Why are you here?”

  Wow, there is some tension between them. However, I’m sure it’s not easy having the devil as your father.

  Turning his head, the devil focuses on his son. “Can’t a father want to visit his son and see how he’s doing?”

  “Yeah.” Bael nods. “A father could, but you’re not that type. So, let’s skip the formalities and cut to the chase.”

  The warm brown eyes of Satan’s morph into a soulless black and his warm stance turns cold. Don’t get me wrong, the man is still gorgeous, but not warm and welcoming any longer. “Fine. I wanted to see what has caused so much turmoil in my realm and brought more visitors to my world. But to come here and find the culprit, my son, and in my house, has left me off-kilter.” His gaze turns to me. “I don’t like surprises that aren’t controlled by me.”

  I’ve never seen this kind of coldness in anyone eyes before, and that’s saying something. There isn’t a humane part on his body.

  Stepping in front of me, Bael crosses his arms. “Don’t worry. She’s being controlled. I’ve got this handled.”

  Satan’s eyes flare. “Her heart still beats. You brought her here, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, I did.” Bael clenches his teeth.

  “You know this is against the rules.” A sinister smile spreads across the devil’s face.

  Breathing ragged, Bael shakes his head. “No, it’s not.”

  The devil’s smile vanishes and his eyes harden. “No, that’s impossible. You are a half-breed.”

  Wow, they are talking in circles and I have no clue what’s going on. I wish they would spell something out for me here.

  “Make no mistake,” Bael growls loudly. “She is mine and has the same rights as me here. In fact, we just completed the bond prior to you showing up.”

  Taking a step toward the door, Satan glowers at me. “Don’t think this is over. I’ve got some things to attend to, but I will return. Both of you should be prepared.”

  He opens the door and walks out, leaving us alone.

  The s
ilence is deafening between us. I’m not sure what just happened, but whatever it was can’t be good.

  Turning to me, Bael’s forehead is creased. “Are you okay?”

  “Yeah, but what the hell just happened?” I feel like I missed over half of the conversation I was part of.

  Reaching out, he pushes a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “Dear old Dad never expected me to have a mate, and let’s just say, he’s not happy about the news.”

  My eyes are drawn to his lips. We just had sex, but my body is already purring for another round. Focus on something else. “Why wouldn’t he be happy for you?”

  “Because mates are a strong thing in the supernatural world.” He sighs and glances around the cottage. “Look, we need to get out of here. His interest is piqued, and he’ll be back sooner than later. Why don’t you go take a quick shower, and we’ll get going?”

  A shower sounds amazing right now. I haven’t had one since before the battle, and now that he’s pointed it out, I feel disgusting. “Okay, that sounds like a good plan.”

  Smiling, he leans down and kisses me on the lips. “Good. While you get ready, I’m going to make a quick run to get some things. I’ll be back soon.”

  Giving him another quick kiss, I grab some clothes from my room and head into the bathroom. I enter the shower and the water pours down over me. Within minutes, I am rejuvenated and clean. I dry off and slip on some shorts and t-shirt and pull my hair into a loose ponytail. When I’m done, I head back into his bedroom and plop down on the bed.

  The bedsheet is burnt from my and Bael’s sexual interaction earlier. Our bond strengthens my fire power.

  As always, whenever I have time to myself, Drake, Oren, and Eli pop into my head. I wonder what they are doing. What strikes me the most odd is that I miss Drake’s house almost as much as the guys. It was the first place I felt at home. I close my eyes and imagine his living room. It was the last place I dreamscaped with Eli, so it pops in my mind first.

  Sulfur fills my nose, and when I open my eyes, gray blurs my vision. All of a sudden, it goes dark.

  My vision clears, and I can’t believe my eyes. Am I sitting on the couch I was just picturing in my head? How is that possible?