Eternal Flame

by Valerie Twombly

  He released his bite and laved his tongue across her nipple. “Gods, woman, I need you.”

  Somehow she understood what he needed, and at this moment, she’d give him anything. Her hand swept the hair from her neck, and she turned her head. “Take what you need, I offer freely.”

  His tongue glided over her pulse as his cock slammed into her. He suckled her neck, a light pinprick and his fangs buried deep. Nails dug into his back.

  The eruption started as a slow burn, the need to sink her teeth into him nearly made her crazed. His cock swelled and stretched her. Her entire body became more sensitive, the wave moved from her neck, down her body leaving bumps in its wake. When it finally reached her throbbing core, she exploded, her teeth clamping on his chest, and she screamed.

  When his fangs withdrew, he threw his head back and yelled. His cock pulsing hot seed into her. They both climaxed for what seemed like an eternity. When the last of their orgasm ebbed, Marcus rolled to his back, bringing her to rest on top of him.

  She was exhausted but sat up to give a frantic look at his chest.

  He brushed the hair from her face. “What’s wrong, love?”

  “I bit you. Oh god, I’m so sorry. Wait…there’s no mark.”

  “I heal quickly.” He cupped her face and pulled her to him. A soft kiss brushed her lips. “You can sink your teeth into me anytime.”

  She fell to his chest, too weak to move. “That was incredible,” she mumbled as sleep overtook her.

  Chapter Thirteen

  He fingered the long silky locks of her hair while she slept pressed against him, hardly able to believe he’d tasted her last night. Freely, she gave herself, and after all that happened, the reactions his body had to her blood were undeniable. Besides the intense orgasm, his mind completely connected to hers—every thought, dream and heartbreak part of him.

  Muscles tensed when he learned of her ex-fiancé John and how he had broken her. Part of him wanted to kill the man for ripping her heart out. The other half, thankful he’d left because she belonged to him.

  Mine.

  He kissed the top of her head. The corners of his lips curled upward when he imagined her belly one day swollen with his child. Children meant the world to her. He wondered how she would react to the news that once converted to a guardian, her body would mend itself. She could have a house full of children if that was her desire.

  My beautiful bride, I promise to protect you with my life.

  * * * *

  Someone spoke. Her eyes opened to find a handsome guardian staring at her.

  “Good morning, who were you talking to?”

  Lips pressed into hers. “I was merely thinking out loud. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

  She rolled away, arms stretching overhead. “You didn’t.”

  Her mind was a jumbled mess, trying to digest what she'd learned last night. Had he told her he was an alien, she probably would have had an easier time coping. Might have even asked to see his space ship. Why am I having a hard time processing this? I mean, I never thought about creatures living right here among us. Me? The mate to a guardian angel? It’s laughable at best. Her arm covered her eyes, god, she had a headache.

  “Cassie, honey, your emotions are giving me a headache as well. What can I do to help you?”

  She jumped. “You’re reading my thoughts again?”

  He pressed his lips against her forehead. “They are reverberating off my brain.” He sat up and placed his fingers on her temples. “Let me take care of you.”

  Soothing warmth radiated across her scalp. Eyebrows dropped from her hairline, and the crease in her forehead smoothed over. The pain receded.

  She sucked in a deep breath and released it slowly. “You did that, didn’t you?”

  His lips brushed hers. “Yes. I can’t stand to see you suffer.”

  “Thank— wait a minute.” She sat up, the sheet dropping to her waist and exposing her bare breasts. “What do you mean by reverberating off your brain?”

  “I have a blood bond with you.” Eyebrows waggled.

  Her hands grabbed the sheet and pulled it up to her neck then smacked him on the arm. “Be serious. What do you mean blood bond?”

  He leaned back against the headboard and crossed his arms over his chest. She glanced down to the tent forming under the sheet. “I was enjoying the view, but if you’d rather talk, I know all your thoughts, memories. Everything. I can now connect with you telepathically.”

  She moved to lean against the headboard, still clutching the sheet to her chest. “Oh, so you can read my mind whenever you want? Why didn’t you tell me this before I offered myself?”

  “Would it have mattered? After all, we belong together. Besides, we are able to block our thoughts, allowing entry to those we wish. You only need to learn how.”

  She glared at him. Grabbing the T-shirt he’d given her last night, she dropped the sheet and pulled the shirt over her head. She slipped out of bed and padded over to the window, where she pulled the sheer aside. Sunlight dappled through thick forests, and a soft breeze carried the scent of pine through the open window. This was the first time she’d seen her surroundings.

  “Where are we, Marcus?”

  His warm body slipped in behind her. He enveloped her with his arms, bringing comfort. “This is my home. It is called Vandeldor. Another realm that exists beside yours.”

  She sucked in her breath, another world? How much more could her mind take? “When can I go home?”

  He spun her around until she faced him. “I told you, it is too dangerous.”

  Did she want to chance facing those…things again? But she had a life, a job, and responsibilities. “I have a life back there. I can’t simply disappear. People will worry.” Her gaze dropped to his chest. She couldn’t look him in the eyes. “I need time to think, time away from you.”

  Nostrils flared. “No, I will not allow you to go back. You could be taken or worse. If its space you need then I can stay with Gwen, but you will stay here.”

  She sucked in a deep breath, lips pressing in a tight line, and shoved him away. Storming across the room, she grabbed her jeans and pulled them on in a jerking motion. “Allow? So now I’m to be your prisoner?” Her hands fisted, she wanted to deck him. How dare he!

  “Woman, there will be no placing yourself in danger.” His eyes grew dark and stormy, fangs descending. She’d struck a nerve but was beyond caring. If he meant to scare her, it wasn’t going to work. She already knew he would never harm her.

  Her chin jutted out, hoping she radiated confidence. “If you don’t take me back, then I will find someone here who will.”

  A low rumble emitted from his chest. “I will kill anyone who touches you.”

  Had he growled at her? Seriously? “Fuck off, Marcus! I’m not your personal possession. You took my thoughts, my memories, all without my permission. Now you take my freedom. I’m grateful for what you’ve done for my sister, but you are too much for me. Too overpowering.” She stormed from the room and headed to where Jill still slept. Tears burned her eyes, but she refused to let them spill. Damn it, she would not back down.

  * * * *

  Marcus relented and took Cassie and Jill back home but with the agreement his conditions were met. Guards were posted outside, and she would call for him if anything strange went on. She approved, actually felt comforted knowing protection was close by. It was also the only way she could come home.

  Jill slept in the guest room, unaware of the night’s events. She worried about her sister, but Marcus had insisted she was fine and needed more time.

  Cassie threw herself on the couch and cried. The look of pain on his face when he’d left had scorched her. She’d not realized the extent of their bond, still didn’t understand it. Only knew she never meant to hurt him.

  She was so tired. Her eyes fluttered shut and sleep overtook her.

  “Wake up!” someone yelled in her ear.

  “No, let me sleep,” she mumbled, wanting
to curl into herself and stay there forever. Maybe if she slept long enough, she would wake to find it had all been a nightmare.

  “Dammit, Cassie, wake the hell up,” the voice shouted. She felt a sudden pinch on her arm.

  “Ouch,” she yelped. Her eyes flew open. Jill stood staring down at her. Those blue eyes that had looked so lifeless earlier were bright with irritation.

  She shot up and drew her sister into her arms. “Oh Jill, I was so worried about you.”

  “I’m fine, but what the hell happened? Last thing I remember was some man sinking his teeth into me, and then I blacked out.”

  She motioned toward the kitchen. “Let’s go make some tea. This is going to be one of the longest, strangest stories you’ve ever heard.”

  She placed the kettle on to boil while Jill pulled up a chair at the table. She started from the beginning where the creatures, or as Marcus called them, minions attacked. Then went on to explain how impressed she was with Gwen’s ability to kill one of those things.

  She relayed in vivid details of Marcus’s healing her, Aidyn’s arrival and the trip to Vandeldor. She repeated everything Marcus told her, word-for-word. She would never forget, even if she really wanted to.

  When finished, she raised her cup and took a sip of tea, waiting for Jill to laugh hysterically. It never happened.

  Her sister twisted the side of her mouth. “So you’re the mate of a vampire. When do you get your fangs?”

  Cassie nearly spit out her tea. “What? Do you truly believe all of this?”

  Jill narrowed her eyes. “You were not on the receiving end of that bite. Yes, I believe every word of it. You and I both know there are things that exist, which we simply cannot explain away.”

  “Well, I must say I’m surprised. I’m not sure I believe it, and I was awake for the entire show. At least, I think I was awake.” She shuddered. “And by the way, I have no intention of getting fangs. I…” Her sentence was interrupted by the doorbell. “I wonder who that is.” Her voice lowered as she shot Jill a fearful glance.

  She moved toward the door, pressed her eye to the peep hole then jumped back with a gasp.

  “Who is it?” Jill asked, worry etching across her face.

  “It’s Marcus,” she whispered.

  Jill’s eyes grew wide. “Well, let him in.”

  “No, I don’t want to see him.”

  “Oh hell, Cassie, he’s a vampire. It’s not like you can hide from him. Let’s find out what he wants,” Jill said, her hand reaching for the doorknob.

  She slapped her sister’s hand away. “Since when did you become the vampire expert? Who says I can’t hide?”

  “Ladies, stop your arguing and open the damn door,” Marcus yelled from the other side.

  Jill smacked Cassie on the arm. “See, dumb shit, he knows you’re here.”

  Cassie pursed her lips. “It doesn’t mean I have to open the door. Besides, he can’t come in unless invited,” she stated, crossing her arms over her chest and giving a nod of satisfaction.

  “Really, love, you need to stop watching those damn Dracula movies,” Marcus replied.

  Both women spun around, mouths gaping open, to find him sitting on the couch. Relaxed, with both arms draped along the back, a sly grin painted across his lips. Shit. Cassie’s heart skipped a couple of beats. Handsome as ever, wearing dark jeans and a black T-shirt that showed every bulge in his chest. His stormy eyes looked deep into her soul. She was in big trouble.

  “Marcus,” Jill shouted as she ran to the couch and planted a big kiss on his cheek. “I can never thank you enough for saving my life. I owe you big time.”

  He brushed his hand across her cheek. “I am glad to see you are well. You do not owe me anything. I would do it again without hesitation.”

  Jill smiled. “Thanks again. So Cassie tells me you’re a vampire. I was wondering if…”

  “What are you doing here?” Cassie let out a huff.

  Marcus’s eyes softened as he looked at her. “I needed to see you.”

  “Well, you saw me. Now you can leave.” Hurt flashed in his eyes. God, it broke her heart, but it had to be this way.

  His shoulders sagged. “I’m sorry you feel that way. Will you at least give us a chance?”

  Her eyes watered. “No, it’s better this way. Perhaps you will be given another mate.”

  He stood and headed for the door. Grasping the knob, he opened it to leave, but turned back to face her. “No, I was already given a second chance with you. There will be no other.” He stepped through the door and closed it behind him.

  “What the hell, Cassie?” Jill shot back as she ran to the door and flung it open. “Shit, he’s gone, just vanished.”

  “It’s better this way.”

  “You forget who you’re talking to. I know you, and this is a decision you’ll soon regret.”

  Cassie crossed the room and kissed her sister on the cheek. “I need to go shower. You’re welcome to stay.” She headed for the bathroom, stripped and stepped into the steaming mist. Tears blurred her vision as she leaned against the wall and cried. Her heart shattered. She would never give it to another. She tried to convince herself it was better this way. They were different people, hell different species. It could never work between them.

  * * * *

  “Roman,” Odage shouted. His fingers tapped impatiently on his throne. Where the hell was that pain in the ass? “Roman!” he roared, agitation growing with every second he waited.

  His lieutenant scurried into the room, dropping to his knees before Odage. “Yes, my liege?” His voice quivered as he stared at the floor.

  Odage bared his fangs and snarled. Already shifting partway into his dragon form, something that happened to him when angry. “Where the hell have you been?”

  “I-I am sorry, my liege. We are having a problem. One of the females refuses to eat.”

  He stood, and two enormous steps brought him to the bottom of his dais. He stood with legs apart, hands on his hips. A look of disgust swathed his face. “Get up, you imbecile.” He paused, waiting for Roman to stumble to his feet. “I will deal with her. Now, I have a very important task for you.”

  Roman lifted his eyes to meet with Odage’s dark orbs. “Yes, my liege?”

  “You will go to the Vutha Mountains in Vandeldor and seek Caleb. Give him this message.” He held out a small envelope showing a dragon crest on one side. “I will send you through a gateway to the other realm.”

  The gateway materialized to his left. Cerise light spun with golden hues, forming a sphere large enough for a man to walk through. Roman looked backward at Odage before entering.

  “How will I get back, my liege?”

  “Do not fret my miulkar, minion. Caleb will send you back. Now go.”

  He watched Roman enter the sphere and disappear. The gateway snapped shut with a sizzle, sending electrical pulses throughout the room. Odage absorbed the energy, his body returning to its human form. He inhaled deeply then turned and left the throne room, maneuvering down the narrow passages of the cavern system until he reached the holding cells.

  His eyes scanned for the demon who cared for the women. Spotted her coming out of one of the cages, he called out, “Lileta.”

  Her hips swayed as she sashayed toward him. Raven hair fell in silky strands down to her plump, round buttocks. She wore black pants that clung to her hips like a second skin, and full breasts strained against a flimsy red and gold lace demi-top. Golden cat-like eyes gazed into his.

  “Yes, my liege?”

  His blood boiled then shot right to his groin. Lileta was a Kothar demon whose beauty demanded attention. Men wanted to possess her. He, however, couldn’t touch her. Kothar body fluids were poisonous to dragons. Intimacy with her would prove fatal.

  He would have to admire her from a distance. The engraved silver bands on her wrists were the only thing keeping her from killing him. Laced with black magic, they drained her powers, making her a mere mortal.

  “Where
is the one that refuses to eat?”

  “This way, my liege.” She stepped toward the cell where Veronica was housed.

  No longer alone, there were ten abducted, impregnated women to keep her company. Veronica still had several months before she gave birth to his first child. He couldn’t afford to have her miscarry.

  Entering the cell, he touched her stomach, the boy healthy and growing normal. His chest swelled with pride; soon he would have a nest of young.

  “Why do you refuse to eat?”

  Veronica looked at him with fiery eyes. “A monster grows inside me.”

  Since she remained lucid enough to realize what was going on, he would need to give her more of his blood to calm her. “You dare to call my child a monster?” If it hadn’t been for the fact she carried his child, he would have eaten her heart right there.

  She lifted her chin. “Yes, and I can’t stand the thought of gazing upon it when it’s born. I thought I might starve it to death.”

  Fucking bitch. He had become too complacent with her. Clawed fingers grabbed her face and squeezed, digging nails into flesh.

  “Do you know how a dragon is born? No? Let me explain. He will claw his way from your womb, his talon’s shredding your insides. If you’re lucky, you will be dead before he rips open your belly completely and enters the world.” He paused, enjoying the terror reflected in her eyes. “I would have spared you the pain by putting you to sleep but not now. You will feel my son’s escape from your pitiful body. Oh, and I wouldn't suggest you reconsider starving him, or he will begin eating your flesh from the inside.” He tossed her onto the bed and stormed from the cell.

  “Lileta, double her dose of blood wine, and if she still refuses to eat, force-feed her.”

  “Yes, my liege.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Marcus left Cassie’s home with his heart in his hand. Her emotions confused him. She wanted him yet struggled, afraid of the unknown, and still convinced she was unworthy of his affection. No doubt these were remnants of her ex, the bastard. She also feared losing her identity and becoming captive in a world she didn’t understand.