by Angie Derek
He slid one hand down her back and wrapped the other one in her hair. “Because someone keeps asking me questions.” He kept his eyes locked on hers and his hands in the safe areas. He was pretty sure she wasn’t playing some sort of game with him, but something was bothering her about him…them. “I don’t think we’re being crazy.”
Her lips brushed against his again and his entire body clenched at the sweetness of the kiss.
“But we are.” She kissed him again and stretched out on top of him.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and rolled so she was pinned beneath him. Her lips curved and he sank into them, sliding his tongue along her teeth. She curled her arms around his neck to pull him close against her, her body arching underneath his. He was nestled just where he wanted to be and rocked once with a groan.
Remembering the protection he’d bought in the gas station on the drive down, he raised his face to look for his pants.
She frowned up at him. “Come here.”
He smiled and kissed her sulky lips. “One moment.” He reached down and pulled out the small box.
“Oh.” A blush crept up her neck, striking him with her youngness again and he hesitated.
“Lily, we didn’t use protection last night.”
“I know.” Her chin raised a tad.
He levered up on one arm so he could see her face better. “Are you on the pill?”
She shook her head.
He hadn’t thought she would be and he fingered the box of condoms. “You could be pregnant.”
She bit her lip. “I don’t know.”
“When will you know?” She shrugged and he narrowed his eyes wondering why she was being evasive. “You have to tell me.”
She blushed again, but didn’t drop his gaze. “It’s irregular, okay?”
He nodded and registered her tense body below his. “Did I kill the mood?”
She slowly smiled and her embarrassment faded. “Utterly and completely.” She touched his cheek with her fingers. “But I bet we can get it back again.” Her eyes flickered away and then came back. “If that’s what you want?”
Raising an eyebrow, he ripped a hole in the box with his teeth to pull out one of the condom wrappers. “I want.”
She glowed happily and he tasted her lips, sliding his free hand over the curves of her breasts and down to her panties. He hooked his fingers in the waistband to slide them off and she reached down to help him.
“Reyes,” she whispered against his mouth.
Her hands trailed back up to grab his own boxers and push. He quickly stripped them off so nothing lay between them. His eyes traveled the length of her body before he slid his free hand back up her inner thigh.
“Reyes,” she moaned.
“Yes,” he whispered.
“I need you inside me.”
He groaned and captured her lips to kiss her deeply before pulling away. “I will be. Let’s take our time.”
She shook her head, her hand grabbing at the condom wrapper, her power flaring. “Now.”
“Easy,” he whispered, taking the wrapper away and opening it to sheath himself.
He kissed her gently this time to help her tame down the flaring. She kissed him back, her hands sliding over his arm and back as she tried to tug him completely on top of her. He resisted, sliding his hand down between her legs to make sure she was ready for him. Slick heat met his probe and he closed his eyes for a moment before shifting so he was nestled between her legs.
Her hips rose beneath him and he braced himself on his elbows above her. His eyes locked with hers as he slowly slid into her. Her lips curved in happiness and he groaned, her power wrapping around him. He stopped once he was inside her and lowered his head to kiss her lips.
She met his kiss, her legs moving to wrap around his waist pulling him even deeper inside. “Reyes.”
He closed his eyes trying to get a grip on the pure pleasure racing through his bloodstream. If he wasn’t careful he was going to embarrass himself in less than thirty seconds. He should have made sure she came before he entered her. “Yes?”
She sighed, her hands sliding up his shoulders to trail through his hair. Streaks of fire followed where she touched and he gritted his teeth against the pleasure. He grabbed her wrists and pinned them down next to her head as he surged into her. He locked gazes with her, stopping again.
He trailed his lips across hers unable to stop himself. “Don’t move.”
Her eyelids dropped as another sigh moved through her consuming him. “I’ll try.”
He nearly laughed at the absurdity of it, but focused on keeping control of the pleasure as he withdrew and slid into her. Her eyes locked on his, he could see her struggling to stay still beneath him, her lips parted again on another stroke.
She closed her eyes, her back arching as her body clenched around him, the climax hitting her. He quickly covered her mouth with his, surprised her orgasm came so quickly and rippled around him. He held back his moan as he pumped into her unable to hold back on his own release. He gripped her wrists tighter and surged into her warm languid body a final time, the pleasure ripping through him as he came.
He swore in his head at the intensity, burying his head into the chaise’s pillow and her hair, unable to catch his breath. His lungs burned and his body collapsed on top on her.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Lily stirred and opened her eyes. Dawn was creeping along the ocean. Night was no longer black, but fading into grey. She was squashed. Reyes arm and leg held her down. She shifted to look at him, not that she could shift far. He lay on his side, giving her most of the chaise while he was pinned against one of the arms. She’d fallen asleep shortly after they’d made love, drowsy while he’d cleaned up before stretching out next to her again to sleep.
She looked at his dark lashes, strong nose, and stubborn chin. She wanted to kiss his perfect lips, but couldn’t move. She sucked in her breath becoming aware of another presence. Moving her eyes, she kept her face still as she took in the shadow on the other side of the door. Reyes’ mother watched them for a moment before moving back inside the house.
Crap! Of course, it had been his mother checking on them. And then suddenly she realized Brenda was also watching them, turning her head she glared at the outside screened door. The vamp’s soft laugh faded off, but it was enough for Reyes to jerk awake. His gaze locked with hers. Unaware they had just been spied on by two people, he leaned in for a kiss. She held still for the moment, but she was unable to get the idea out of her head of his mother watching and couldn’t relax.
“What’s wrong?” he whispered.
“Your mother’s awake.”
He jerked, looking over his shoulder. “How do you know?”
“She was watching us a moment ago.”
His eyes came back to hers. “Well, she’s not now.”
Lily raised an eyebrow in humor, but shook her head at his hopeful look. He sighed and sat up effectively freeing her from his limbs. She watched him as he unfolded and stretched in front of her. While she’d slid back into her shirt and panties before she was able to fall asleep, he’d left his clothes off. If they hadn’t been spied on by two different people she wouldn’t have turned him down and right now she was a tiny bit regretting being responsible, but she scooted off the chaise and smiled at Reyes’ wink before going inside to check on Sophie. And face his mother.
The house was silent and Sophie was still curled up in a ball. She grabbed her cargo pants from where she had left them folded by her pillow and pulled them on. Kneeling down next to Sophie, she brushed her sister’s hair off her cheek. She smiled at the relaxed face and tucked her in while trying not to disturb the sleep that would end soon.
The pipes groaned and a shower turned on in the bathroom down the hall. She looked toward the bathroom and single bedroom relieved that she wouldn’t have to face Alandra just yet. The kitchen screen closed softly and Reyes’ feet padded in. He squatted next to her, his hand resting on her back
. She glanced over her shoulder to see he was dressed, but his hair was still mussed and had the just woke up look to it.
“I’ll make breakfast.” He started to rise and looked toward the front door as if a thought just occurred to him. “When was the last time she ate?”
She shrugged, knowing who the she was. “She doesn’t eat in front of us.”
He frowned. “I sincerely hope she didn’t kill anyone last night.”
She was about to object, but something held her back. She honestly didn’t know who or what Brenda ate. She’d preferred not to think about it since their protector never attempted to feed off them.
His gaze drifted back to hers, his face serious, but his lips kicked up and he kissed her on the lips for a second before going into the kitchen. The shower turned off and Lily hunched her shoulders. Almost as if sensing her sister’s unease, Sophie stirred and opened her eyes drowsily.
“Hey, sweetie,” Lily crooned, kissing her sister’s cheek. “Good morning.”
Sophie pouted and reached her arms up for Lily to scoop her up. Lily rubbed her back as she rocked back to stand and carry her sister into the kitchen. Reyes had his head stuck in the fridge.
He came out with a container of cut tropical fruit and a frown. “She’s only got chick food.”
She laughed in surprise as she sat at the small table by the window and cuddled her sleepy sister in her lap. “Well, since we’re chicks I suppose it’ll be perfect for us.”
His mother entered at that moment, her long wet hair hanging loosely down her back.
Reyes set the fruit on the table and forced a smiled. “Morning Mom. You got any real food?”
Lily looked down at her sister away from the tension between the two and had to wonder why Reyes would ask such an antagonistic question.
Alandra shrugged as she went to fill the kettle and set it on the stove. “I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Right.” He awkwardly hugged his mother. “I can run to the store and get some stuff, do you need anything?”
“Actually.” Alandra’s gaze focused on Lily and she struggled to return the look. “I think it would be best if your friend and I started early. I get tired easily now and mornings are my best time.”
Reyes frowned, shooting a concerned look at Lily. “Are you sick?”
She turned to her son. “No, why do you ask?”
“Your colors are…” He faded off at her dismissive look.
“I’m old. Not unwell.”
Lily interrupted their awkward exchange. “I’m ready whenever you are.” She smiled at Reyes to reassure him. She would see what she could find out about his mother’s condition.
Alandra nodded. “Good. We’ll need privacy and quiet. Perhaps, you could take the little one and the…other one to the pier, Reyes.”
****
Lily kissed Sophie on her cheek and ran her hand through her soft pony tail in habit. “You’re gonna have fun.”
Sophie pursed her lips, looked to Reyes and Brenda waiting by the truck. Both were on the passenger side, but stood several feet apart. Brenda was in her day wear of hat, sunglasses, and long sleeves. “Why aren’t you coming with us?”
“Alandra is going to teach me how to do some cool things, but she said we need privacy to concentrate. The pier sounds fun. You can play on the beach—”
“She has a beach here.”
“Get some ice cream, play some games…” Lily bit her lip trying to think of something her sister would like.
“Will Reyes get me a friend for Taffy?” The stuffed cat was now her constant companion.
She smiled at her sister in relief. “I bet if you asked nicely he’ll get you whatever toy you want.”
“Alright.” Sophie nodded her head and released her iron grip on Lily’s shirt. Even though she’d decided to go, she dragged her feet down the few steps to Reyes’ truck.
He crouched down and whispered something in her ear. Lily rubbed her hands on her pants, the nerves suddenly hitting her at the prospect of Sophie being away from her. She rarely separated from her sister and had insisted Brenda go with them to keep her safe. Besides, Alandra wouldn’t let Brenda in the house, so there was no point in her hanging out in the bushes hiding from the neighbors for a couple of hours.
Reyes scooped Sophie up and buckled her into the back seat. He didn’t hide his grimace as Brenda climbed into the passenger seat. Lily bit her lip to keep from calling them back as they drove down the road. Dark grey clouds hung heavily in the sky where they were driving. A gust of wind suddenly hit her carrying the scent of fresh rain. Why hadn’t she noticed the weather was turning?
“Ready?” Alandra called from inside the house.
Lily sighed and turned when she could no longer see the truck. The rain concerned her. Hopefully, there was cover on this pier Reyes was taking her sister to. Worry gnawed in her gut. She wasn’t clear why Alandra felt they had to be alone to teach her how to hide her light. She wouldn’t be alone when she’d need to do it in real life.
“I’ve made tea.” Alandra already sat on the small couch and poured the tea into green mugs.
Steam wafted up as Lily perched on the edge of the chair across from the couch. “How do we start?”
Alandra smiled. “I need to have an idea of your full range.” She set a clear crystal on the table in front of Lily. “Can you make it glow?”
Looking at the rock, she wondered at the odd request. She’d never attempted anything like that. She only used her powers when necessary, not to play. Hoping Alandra had a good reason for the request, she focused her attention on the crystal and concentrated on amping her power up. The crystal vibrated for a moment, but didn’t actually ignite as Alandra had suggested.
“Hmm,” Alandra hummed deep in her throat.
Lily frowned, narrowing her eyes as she tried to make the crystal glow. It vibrated more violently, but still didn’t light up. A small fissure in the crystal worked its way up her spine and she broke the connection.
Alandra tapped her finger on her lip before taking a sip of her tea. “Drink, it’ll calm you. You have too much on your mind.”
“Why didn’t the crystal glow?”
“You were thinking of other things. You must clear your mind for it to ignite. Drink your tea.”
She did as suggested and sipped the bitter tea. She wasn’t quite able to hide the grimace and Alandra laughed.
“We don’t always like what we need.”
Taking another sip of the warm herbs, she was able to mask her grimace this time.
“Good.” Alandra nodded. “Do you feel the effects? It should calm and center you.”
She didn’t know if it was centering her, but she was certainly feeling calmer and sleepier. Thoughts of her sister drifted to the back of her mind. She stifled a yawn and took another bracing sip of the tea before setting the cup down hoping that would be enough to satisfy Alandra.
“Now, focus on the crystal. Give it everything you have.”
Lily stared at the colorless rock and narrowed her eyes as she tried to draw her power within her. But it didn’t respond. The crystal wavered and she blinked to clear her eyes. The crystal blurred and she rubbed her eyes, exhaustion overtaking her. Something was wrong. The world tilted and went dark.
****
Spending a nice sunny day on the boardwalk with a vampire was not Reyes’ idea of a good time. Being stuck inside an obnoxiously loud arcade because the sunny morning had suddenly turned into a stormy, rainy day was downright unpleasant. He faked a smile as he paid for the ice cream he’d bought Sophie from the concession counter and handed it down to her. She took the cone in both hands and they walked to where a few small tables sat near the door. The rain pelted at the glass doors.
His edginess wasn’t coming just from the vampire who ignored him as if he didn’t exist, he’d also spotted several people whose auras were too damn similar to his mother’s to be a coincidence.
He looked at the hamburger flipper behind the c
oncession counter and tried to make sense of the pattern and colors. The problem was he couldn’t make sense of them.
“What are you glaring at?” Brenda asked behind him.
He jerked, not having realized how close she was and shifted his glare to her. “I’m not glaring at anything.”
She looked to the counter. “You’ve gotten progressively jumpier since we got here and he hasn’t done anything to warrant your appraisal.” She sniffed. “Has he?”
He shook his head. “No.” He pushed the similar auras out of his mind. He’d find out soon enough what was wrong with his mother. “What do you want to do next, Soph?”
She stopped mid-lick and whispered, “Sissy.”
Her eyes grew large before rolling back in her head. He lunged forward and grabbed her before she hit the ground.
****
Lily jerked awake. Pain seared through her head making her want to scream. The last two years of being on the run helped her force the scream down and open her eyes. She was in Alandra’s living room. Something bound her hands to the chair she was sitting in, but she could move her feet.
“She’s awake.” Alandra’s voice came from behind her.
“You didn’t give her enough.” A new deep feminine voice responded.
“She passed out before she drank it all.” Alandra’s voice quivered slightly.
Lily turned her head, despite the pain, to look at the two women standing on the other side of the room. The light was muted and the rain drummed steadily on the roof. Alandra’s hands twisted and her gaze was on the taller woman who was preparing something on the sideboard against the wall. Her hands moved quickly and efficiently. She didn’t bother to look at Lily.
Lily looked down to her hands and the white rope that effectively strapped her into the high backed chair she vaguely remembered seeing in the corner earlier. It now sat in the middle of the living room with her in it. She jerked her gaze back to the other woman. Not a vampire. A witch like her, but not quite. She fought down the unnatural fatigue pulling on her. The bitter tea. Alandra had put something in the tea or the tea itself had been the drug.
“What’s going on?”