Fallen Gods: Tainted Purity

by Lorie O'Clare

  “Yet you stand before us, not with us,” Abra said.

  “I will protect Brigit. I always have. Nothing has changed.” He wouldn’t let any of the ancients intimidate him.

  They consulted. Their whispers traveled to him, incoherent other than the concern he detected floating around them.

  “Bring her to the coven.” Abra wasn’t asking. It was a clear order.

  There was only one problem. Braze didn’t take orders from the coven. He never had and wasn’t about to start now.

  “She is fine where she is.” He made sure his mood was nonchalant. But they would know his reasons for contacting them. “When we are ready, Brigit and I will notify you. And at that point you will acknowledge her as part of this coven.”

  They weren’t pleased but that was too damned bad. One of them had erased her memory, taken everything from Bridget and then hidden her among these humans. No one but an elder, or someone with power just as strong, would have the ability to commit such a hideous spell. Now they knew he had her, and the guilty party would make him or herself known. All Braze had to do was wait.

  “If Brigit’s powers are gone, she is no longer your mate.” Macba had a vindictive tone to her voice.

  “Bridget’s powers are at least as strong as mine; don’t doubt that for a minute.” Since he hadn’t spoken to Macba in centuries, he knew little about where her loyalties lay.

  “No one is doubting you, Braze.” Her soft feminine voice purred through the galaxy, reaching him as a whisper. “And if what you say is true, we welcome her return to the coven. But since none of us have seen her, you must understand our curiosity.”

  “Yes.” Abra cut in and Macba faded in retreat, respecting his authority with grace. “You shall bring Brigit to the coven of Hedel. We will provide the necessary atmosphere so as not to alarm her. But the coven will decide the extent of damage done to her. Then we will make our decision.”

  “There is no decision to make.” Braze realized he spoke to himself.

  The elders had retreated. Abra had spoken and that was good enough for the rest of them. Even though Bridget’s home planet, Hedel, had died centuries ago, taking her to the location created by the elders and used for the Hedel covens would show he was returning her into the hands of the elders.

  Frustration grabbed at him. Maybe he’d been rebellious with them over the centuries. And it was true he seldom followed their instruction. The reasoning was simple. They were a conservative lot, and he had little use for them. They were selfish, out for their own gain. Braze wouldn’t live like that. They had cared for the humans once, were worshipped by them. But when Bridget was lost among them, no one had lifted a finger to find her.

  But one of them, or several of them, had a use for her. Or more to the point, they had a reason to keep her out of the picture.

  What Braze wanted to know, needed to know, was why?

  He had spent centuries looking for her, finally finding her on Earth. With her powers lost to her, and living as a human, she’d been close to impossible to find. But now here she was, and he wouldn’t lose her again.

  The elders wouldn’t want the demons to get their hands on her. And the demons were thick on this planet. Even now, they hovered nearby. They knew he was here, he sensed them, smelled their foul stench. But none of the demons would have the power to erase Bridget’s memory. United, possibly, they could use her against the coven. If they caught her. And if they could tap her powers.

  The demons wouldn’t get their fucking claws on her now.

  Retreating into his body, Braze cuddled Bridget to him. She murmured in her sleep, snuggling against him while she draped her leg over his. The heat from her pussy soaked through him, his cock turning hard as a rock. He adjusted the covers, pulling her closer to him.

  He wanted to be in her mind, in her thoughts, inside her still damp cunt. To be one with her, fill her with his cock, meld his thoughts with her own.

  But he had to let her sleep. There were still matters to tend to. As much as he wanted to fuck the shit out of her again, slide his cock deep into her mouth, experience that tight ass of hers, he needed to wait. Waking Bridget up now wouldn’t be wise.

  Fucking her had stirred her memories. She would remember more when she awoke. And after centuries, he had a feeling she might be a bit put out that her true nature had been hidden from her. It would take time, guiding her through the transition of realizing she was a powerful immortal instead of a mere human. And he wanted insurance she was safe from harm and allowed that time.

  His body cried for release. And even if he were to leave this frail shell, his soul wanted to fuck her just as bad. The ache consumed him, burned through him, arguing with all rational thought. Take her hard. Fast. Rough. He wanted to pound her tight hot holes until she screamed.

  Squeezing his eyes shut, he took a moment to breathe, fighting not to hold her too hard. Let her sleep.

  Slowly, he drifted above his body, knowing if he stayed next to her one more minute, he would be fucking her.

  “Merco. My friend. Where are you?” He called into the night, searching the shadows, reaching out across time and space once again.

  “Come join us,” the deep baritone responded, chuckling. “I’ve plenty to share.”

  Braze heard the soft sound of female laughter mixed in with Merco’s words. Some things never changed.

  “You are too generous.” Braze smiled in spite of himself, the image of his friend lounging with several scantily dressed beauties appearing in his mind. “I’m afraid I have to pass, my friend. Instead, I ask a favor.”

  “I’m not exactly in the neighborhood.” Amusement wrapped around Merco’s words. “What are you doing on Earth? Those women are so…frail. Join us and you can have one of mine. She’ll ride you for hours.”

  “A tempting offer.” Braze glanced down at himself holding Bridget, her long brown hair fanned around her. “But I’ve got my own beauty right here. I’ve found Brigit.”

  “So the rumors that an immortal was killed are false.” Merco still sounded distracted, but the man never had his thoughts too far from the nearest female willing to put out. “Why was she hiding from you, my friend?”

  It had never occurred to Braze that Bridget would have intentionally wiped centuries from her mind in order to hide from him. He stared at the relaxed expression on her face, the soft sensual curve of her shoulder, the bare skin enticing him to return to his body.

  “She’s not hiding from me. Someone has stolen her memory.”

  “She has no idea who she is?” Merco sounded stunned. “That doesn’t sound good.”

  “And that is why I’ve reached out to you.” Braze knew his friend wouldn’t let him down. For centuries they’d romped through the galaxy together. Never once had Merco failed him. And Braze had pulled his friend out of a scrape or two also. “I need help learning who did this to her.”

  “Why they did it would be a good question too.” Merco might be a playboy at heart, but the man could often figure out a good puzzle faster than anyone. His chuckle filtered through the vast distance between them. “Give me a few hours and I’ll put out some feelers. I’ve got some unfinished business to attend to first.”

  Merco’s laughter was accompanied by delighted squeals of females as his final thought reached Braze. There was no point in pushing the matter further. His friend wouldn’t let him down. And Braze wasn’t one to deny another the chance for some hot action.

  The night was darker than usual, the thick overcast sky preventing even the moon from offering its light. Earth’s active atmosphere aided the people living here to be even more superstitious. They thrived on the elements, the sun and moon affecting their moods and emotions. With the weather turning toward winter, the demons running thick on the planet would thrive, preying on the superstitions of these people. He needed a plan to ensure the demons would stay away from Bridget. The nasty creatures were masters at deception. Even with his powers, Braze knew it would take careful planning to
protect his woman.

  He floated to the window, staring into the darkness outside. All was quiet, peaceful. Glancing over at Bridget, her powers stirred within her even in her sleep. Awakening even while he watched. She would be confused, angry, hurt. And he needed answers for her. Because he knew her wrath wouldn’t be pretty, and the only way he could appease her would be to have an explanation ready as to what had happened to her.

  At the moment, he didn’t have a fucking clue.

  The demons stayed at bay. But he knew they wouldn’t approach Bridget with him present. Once Bridget remembered who she was, they wouldn’t come near her either. She would wipe them away with a sweep of her hand. She was the catch of the century for any demon. But now, she would be safe. He would ensure it.

  As morning came, the sun attempting to shine through the gray overcast sky, light slowly chased shadows from the room. Braze relaxed in his body, wishing he had an endless amount of time to cuddle next to his sensuous beauty.

  Her warm skin, soft like silk, brushed against his body. Braze pulled the covers over them, readjusting the twisted rope she’d turned her blanket into. The scent of their lovemaking, rich and intoxicating, rushed over him.

  “You’re still here,” Bridget mumbled, her voice soft and sexy.

  Braze closed his eyes, trying his best to keep from grabbing her, pinning her to the bed, and riding that sweet pussy of hers until he exploded. Gentle was what she needed now. But even an immortal like himself, an ancient, had demons to keep at bay.

  He felt every inch of her stroke his body while she stretched, moving under the covers, waking up slowly.

  “Did you think I would leave you in the night?” His own voice also sounded rough.

  “You’ve always left me before.” She rolled to her side of the bed, her hair gliding off his body when she left his side. “In my dreams you never stay with me.”

  “Last night wasn’t a dream.” He took her arm when she tried to sit. “Where are you going?”

  She turned, looking down where he held her arm, and then slowly raised her sultry gaze at him. Long lashes fluttered over sensual green eyes, adding to her mystique. There was no sign that she remembered anymore about herself today than she had last night. He searched, holding her while he worked into her thoughts.

  Nothing. She had blocked him. And the only way she could successfully block him was if her powers had returned. His grip tightened on her arm.

  Her full red lips parted in an enticing smile. What he wouldn’t do to slip his cock deep into that full ripe mouth of hers.

  “I’m going to take a shower.” She stood, looking down where he continued to hold her arm. “If you need me to drop you off somewhere, I will. But I have to get to work.”

  He let her go, watching her walk around the bed, moving like the goddess that she was. She wasn’t running from him, her actions slow and lazy. Braze slid out from under the covers and intercepted her path to the bathroom.

  “I’m afraid I can’t let you out of my sight.” He moved her hair off of her shoulders, tangling his fingers in her thick locks.

  She looked up at him, her smile warm, alluring, a temptress. “You don’t have a choice. I’ve got a full day ahead of me. And there must be something you have to do.”

  Ignoring his grip on her hair, she patted his shoulder with her hand and moved to walk around him.

  Not being able to read her thoughts bothered him. Even her emotions were under lock and key.

  “Brigit.” He used their old tongue, wanting to grab her attention, prove to himself she had in fact returned. “The coven of Hedel wants you brought to them. And if you sincerely remember, then you must know you are in danger here.”

  Her tongue caressed her lips, moistening them, the movement slow, sending his blood pressure flying while he watched the small act. She didn’t fight to pull away from him. Her hand on his shoulder seared through his skin with her gentle touch. There was no indication in her look that his words meant anything to her. She simply stared up at him, her lashes fluttering over her alluring gaze.

  “You have such an odd way of saying my name.” She smiled, again the action slow and lazy. “I like it.”

  Then she did pull away, moving around him toward the bathroom. She turned to look at him while she began shutting the door.

  “In case you aren’t here when I get out, thank you for last night.” And with that, she closed the bathroom door in his face.

  Chapter Seven

  Bridget’s hands shook while she rinsed the soap from her hair, her heart’s rapid pitter-patter refusing to slow no matter how many deep breaths she took. It had been all she could do to remain calm and cool in front of Braze.

  What the fuck was going on?

  The knot in her stomach made it hurt to breathe. “This can’t be happening.”

  Hot water streamed through her hair, lathers of soap rinsing down her. Dizziness swept over her and she reached to adjust the water, making it cooler. A nasty shiver rushed through her.

  “Damn it to hell.” She swiped her hand over a stream of soap stinging her eyes. “What has he done to me?”

  Scenes passed before her mind’s eye, some drifting, others slamming in front of her face like a door opening quickly, blinding her with a quick flash of light. None of them made any sense. Yet she was in each scene, interacting. And nearby, always close, was Braze. A different time. A different place. None of them familiar. She was going to go nuts if she didn’t regain control of her wits soon.

  Adjusting the water once more, a blast of hot water singed her skin.

  “Shit.” She almost slid backwards, bracing herself against the shower wall. “Enough. I can’t take it.”

  The water stopped.

  Bridget stood frozen. A single drop escaped the showerhead, falling to the bathtub floor with a plop.

  “What’s going on?” Shivers attacked her, the cold air wrapping around her like a damp towel.

  Her legs barely held her. She braced herself against the wall, taking her time stepping out of the shower. Wrapping the thick towel that hung waiting for her did little to stop the cold that rushed through her.

  The bathroom door suddenly seemed way too close, too large. She stared at it.

  He was out there.

  Braze.

  Bridget pulled the towel around her, staring at the door. Sucking in a gulp of air, she let it out with a staggered breath. She needed time to think, to sort all of this out.

  Well she would be damned if she stayed in her bathroom all day, afraid to step foot into her own bedroom. She had a full day ahead of her, and often she did some of her best thinking while she worked.

  “Braze from the coven of Hedel.” She closed her eyes, forcing herself to face the image of him that wouldn’t leave her mind. “Be gone. Leave me alone.”

  An emptiness swept through her that turned her stomach. Leaning against her bathroom door, she fought the tears that burned her eyes.

  A dull ache coursed through her. And it didn’t go away as her day moved on. Braze wasn’t waiting for her outside of her bathroom. She never saw him on her way to the shop. When she ran errands later that day, he was nowhere to be seen.

  “But you’re watching me. I can feel it.” And it was absolutely driving her crazy.

  By the time she’d finished the metal incense holders for one of the shops downtown, all she could think about was Braze. He was near, watching her, waiting for something. It kept her stomach tied in a fit of nerves, and her pussy throbbing, aching for his attention once again.

  Last night he had told her to remember. She searched her thoughts, trying to recall her earliest memories. Oddly enough her childhood wasn’t clear to her. It never had been. As an adult she gave it little thought. But now, she wondered if something had happened, something traumatic that had caused her to forget certain things.

  Braze sure acted like they had a past together. Warmth surged through her while she placed the boxes ready to be delivered in the back of her car.
It was a chilly day, overcast and damp, yet the fire burning inside her made the cool air around her feel good.

  Remembering how he’d fucked her the night before, how his cock had felt inside her, was enough to make her blood pressure soar to dangerous heights. Dreaming about him had always left her tingling with excitement, but in the flesh, his cock pounding her tight pussy, made her crave having him again—and soon.

  But he wouldn’t know that. She didn’t want him in her head. The way he read her thoughts scared her—no, terrified her. Her mind was her own private space and she would be damned if she would share it with anyone.

  “Good grief.” She was a mess.

  Combing her fingers through her hair, she scowled at the gravel parking lot, frustrated with her torn emotions. “You want the man to leave you alone and inside of you at the same time.” She slammed her car door shut. “I am losing my fucking mind.”

  She needed someone to talk to, take her mind off of things. Best to keep on with her day, interact with normal people and do her best to put all of this craziness out of her head.

  Grabbing her keys from her purse, she slid into the driver’s seat. “And this time you will start without giving me grief. I’ve had enough for one day.”

  Her car started before she put the keys in the ignition.

  “Oh my God,” she cried out, dropping her keys on the floor in between her feet. “How did you start?”

  Her hands shook while she reached down and searched until she found her keys. It was hard to catch her breath. Her heart pounded so hard in her chest that it hurt.

  “Things just don’t happen because you tell them to.” She worked to swallow, her mouth suddenly too dry.

  But that was exactly what was happening. Her unwanted visitor the day before had almost stumbled backwards out of her shop when she’d wanted him to leave. Braze had told her he would stay but then was gone when she’d willed him so in the bathroom. Her car was starting because she ordered it to start.

  She held her keys so tightly in her hand that they pinched her skin. She barely noticed the pain. “Get moving,” she told her car and watched in awe when the gearshift moved from park into drive.