When she finally exited the tub, she was so relaxed she feared falling asleep before she was able to towel off and dress. Somehow she managed to don a pair of black yoga pants and a soft pink T-shirt. She ran a comb through her tangled mass of wet hair, setting it down when Lowan entered, pushing a cart with several dishes into the room.
“Ah, I am happy to see you have freshened up. Now for some nourishment.” He lifted the lids off of several silver trays. Fruits, cheeses, meats and a large loaf of French bread demanded her attention. A silver ice bucket with several bottles of water accompanied the food. He moved the trays to the table and motioned for her to sit. “Eat your fill then rest. I will be back in the morning.”
She was busy stuffing a chunk of bread into her mouth when he bent down and kissed her cheek. Nearly choking, she resisted the urge to recoil in disgust. “Thank you for the food.” When he turned to leave the room, she exhaled the breath that had been caught in her lungs. Then shoved a piece of ham into her mouth.
After he left, she moved the trays around, looking for anything that could be used as a weapon. He’d been smart enough to leave no utensils. Perhaps she could use one of the trays and hit him in the head.
Tossing the napkin onto the table, she leaned back in the chair. “Boy, am I stuffed.” She patted her belly. “Baby girl, I hope you got enough. Who knows when we’ll get to eat again.” Standing, she gave a stretch and headed for the bed, not wanting to fall asleep but knowing that rest was the best thing for her and the baby. She would have to worry about tomorrow when it came.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
The two warriors approached the palace, staying downwind so their scent wouldn’t carry. Marcus scoped out several demons walking the perimeter. There had to be another way in besides the front door, perhaps one of the windows or, better yet, the roof.
There were only a few guards up there, easy enough for him and Gabriel to remove their heads. “I say we take the roof.”
As if on cue, his gaze moved up to find Baal waving at them, a demon's head in his hand. Marcus smiled. “Looks like the roof has been secured.”
“Indeed. Will you be able to tell where she is once we are inside?” Gabriel asked.
“Yes.” There was no doubt in his mind. Cassie was in there. He could feel her, and he was willing to bet money she was on the top floor.
“Then let’s go, your time is running out.”
Both men flashed behind a turret made of skulls and waited for Baal. When the demon flashed beside them, he had an enormous grin on his face.
“You two pansies have missed all the fun.”
“What do you know about this place?” Marcus asked.
Baal scratched his chin. “I know what’s inside is evil as fucking hell. Your mate is definitely in there.” He looked around then leaned in closer. “We need to hurry. It won’t take long to be detected.”
“Lead the way.” Marcus replied.
Inside, Marcus stood for a moment, sucked in a deep breath and closed his eyes. His fangs extended, and when he looked back at Gabriel, he knew that his vampire had taken over. Death would come to any who stood in his way. She’s mine.
Gabriel gave him a shove. “Go get your female. We will keep a watch out here.”
* * * *
Someone was in the room with her. Even though her back was to the door, she sensed him. Cassie lay under the covers, afraid to move. That bastard Lowan had come back. Did he think to force her to his will? She knew it would eventually come to this but hoped to have more time. More time to plan her escape or his death.
He was at the edge of the bed now, his hot breath tickling her neck. She wanted to scream, but a hand came over her mouth.
“Shhh, love, I’m here.”
She rolled to face him, Marcus was real. Tears of joy flowed down her cheeks as she threw her arms around him and sobbed into his chest. She breathed in deep, taking in the salty sea breeze fragrance. It was the best thing she had smelled in days.
“You came for me,” she choked out between sobs.
He kissed the top of her head. “Of course I came for you.” He pushed her back, looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry I had to hurt you before, it was the only way. I will beg your forgiveness later.”
“I…Eliza said you loved her and…” Her gaze dropped to her lap. “That you two had sex.”
He lifted her chin with his finger. “The bitch lies, I never touched her. Except for that one kiss you witnessed.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I love you.” He spoke against her lips. “I belong to you. Always.”
This time his lips pressed harder, his tongue demanding entry. Cassie parted her lips and glided her tongue across his, a moan escaping from both of them, but he broke away.
“Are you hurt? Did he…”
She pressed a finger to his lips. “No, he didn’t touch me.” She watched relief slide down his face. Her heart broke. He looked so fragile right then. What had he been through to get to her? He truly did love her, and she would never doubt him again.
He scooped her off the bed and pressed her to his chest. “We must hurry. I left Gabriel and Baal on watch.”
“Baal is safe?” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Who is Gabriel?”
Marcus opened the door and stepped into the hall.
“Well, it’s about damn time. I was beginning to think you two were going to do the ball slappin’ dance in there,” Baal said.
Marcus swung around, and Cassie squealed, demanding he put her down. “Baal!” She ran and threw her arms around him. “You’re safe.”
He patted her on the back. “Doll, I’m sure glad to see you safe and sound.”
Marcus emitted a low growl from deep in his throat. “Demon, hands off!”
Baal quickly put his hands in his jeans pocket. “Vampire, put a cork on your fangs. You know I mean no harm.”
“I’m sorry, old friend.” Marcus entwined his fingers in Cassie’s.
“We have company coming,” Gabriel said as he flashed next to Marcus. All three men drew their swords then created a triangle around Cassie.
“Sweetheart, stay between us.”
“Can’t you just flash us out of here?” She saw the demons, dozens of them coming from both ends of the hall. The men hacked off heads but not before a few of the demons drew blood of their own.
“Cassie, I can’t flash from hell. Gabriel will take you then come back for me.” Marcus swung his sword, lopping off another head.
“No, I’m not leaving without you.” She was franticly trying to avoid contact with the angel. If he touched her, she would be gone and Marcus would be left here to fight Lowan. If they were to die, they would die together.
Lowan’s large figure stormed down the hall. His palms face-out in front him. Sparks leapt from his fingertips, arcing across the room, and knocked Marcus to the ground.
Cassie screamed just as Gabriel flashed her from the room.
* * * *
“Sonuvabitch, that stung.” He jumped to his feet. It was now up to him and Baal to get out of this mess alive. Gabriel had kept his word. Cassie was out of danger, at least for the moment. He hoped the angel had taken her somewhere far away.
“We’re in big trouble, my friend,” Baal said.
“No shit, got any ideas?”
“Yes.”
Baal chanted. “si relgr acht wer relgimi ekess troth udoka, adon vi daguam ekess surround udoka.” His hands formed a circle over his head then moved down to his waist. Wind rushed past them and swirled, following the contours of the room. Marcus recognized the demon magic. Baal had summoned the elements to erect a force field around them.
“Good going, but couldn’t you have kept all the demons on the other side?” Marcus sliced through muscle and bone, sending a demon head to bounce off the invisible wall.
“Ungrateful vampire.” Baal whacked off two heads. “At least I kept the bitch and her baby demon on the outside.”
“I’m more grateful than you can imagine.�
� He just wanted to get the hell out of here. Claws ripped into his arm and back, and blood dripped to the floor, blending with the red marble.
“Can you flash us out of here?”
“As soon as we kill the last demon.”
Marcus understood, knew when they flashed there was that split second when they were vulnerable. Enough time for a demon to take off their heads. A crackling noise hung in the air. Lowan’s palms touched the side of the force field, and hairline cracks could be seen.
“He’s going to break through any minute.” Baal yelled.
Marcus fought two demons that clung to him. Fangs sank into his shoulder, their poison pumped into his blood, causing his vision to blur. I cannot fail! He sucked in a deep breath and threw the demons off. In quick motion, he swiveled and removed both demons' heads. He felt Baal’s rough hands grab him before he hit the floor.
* * * *
Cassie chewed her lip while pacing the floor. It had only been a few minutes since Gabriel flashed her from Lowan’s, but it felt like an eternity.
“Cassie, I’m sure he is fine,” Aidyn said.
She stopped and glared. “If he’s injured, I hold that angel responsible.”
“You couldn’t have helped him. Your presence would have only hindered him. He would have worried for your safety.”
He was right. She knew that, but it didn’t make the wait any easier. Gabriel had gone back to help while she and the others waited at the lake house. She wondered how they remained so calm. She placed a hand on her belly. Soon, angel, your father will be back with us.
She stopped at the expanse of windows and looked out over the lake. In the darkness, she saw tiny dots of light along the shoreline. Everyone was tucked in their homes, away from the September rain that had started to pelt the windows. She rubbed her arms against the invisible chill. She wasn’t really cold, only tired and confused. She longed for something…sleep? Perhaps. She hadn’t slept well since she and Marcus had parted ways.
“Cassie!” She heard that familiar voice call from behind her. She spun around to find Baal and Gabriel helping Marcus to the couch. She ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. This was it, this was what she’d longed for, her soul wrapping around his, making her whole once again. She leaned back to get a look at him.
“Marcus, you're injured.” He was covered in blood, gouges and bite marks. Some were healing, but many were still red and angry looking. His face was bruised, and his hair matted with dried blood. She brushed a gentle finger along his cheek as tears spilled down hers. “What have they done to you?”
“Marcus needs blood so he can heal.” Lucan stepped in front of them and offered his wrist. Cassie knew that the warrior’s blood would help, but he required human blood. Even more powerful was the blood of his mate, her blood.
“No, I will take care of his needs.”
Marcus looked at her. “No Cassie, you don’t have to do this.”
She took his hand in hers and brought it to her lips, planting a soft kiss. “I want to do this, please let me help you.”
“I shall take my leave. I’ll post more guards on the premises.” Lucan turned into a black mist and rolled from the room. Cassie’s jaw dropped, she had never seen him make an exit like that.
Marcus chuckled. “He likes to show off sometimes.”
“Neat trick.” She turned back to him. “We need to get you into bed.”
He waggled his eyebrows. “I can think of nothing I would love more.”
She scowled. “I meant to heal, you big dope.”
Aidyn and Garin moved forward. “Let us help get you upstairs,” Aidyn said.
Garin grabbed Marcus by the arm while Aidyn placed a hand on Cassie’s shoulder, and they all flashed from the room.
* * * *
Marcus settled into bed with Cassie by his side. He could hardly believe her story, even when she’d retold it from the beginning. Aidyn had come to see her, and how she, Seth and Baal had gone to the mountains in search of him. He held her tight when she regaled him with tales of Baal and his surrender to the slave trader in order to save her and Seth. He would remember to thank his friend, he already owed him more than he could ever repay. He beamed with pride when she told of the Draki attack and how she forced Seth to drink from her in order to save them both. That explained the climax he’d experienced, and her near-death.
He stroked her hair, inhaling her spiced honey scent. “I am so proud of you. You acted like a true guardian.”
She blinked, her emerald eyes softened. “Really?”
“Yes.” Then he scowled. “If you ever put yourself in danger like that again, I will…”
She pressed her lips into a thin line. “You’ll what?”
He nuzzled her neck. “I will die. I nearly died when I felt you slip from me, and I thought I’d lost you.” Aidyn had been right, she was a true gift. He stopped nuzzling and looked into those pools of emerald. “I am so sorry for all that has happened. More than that, I’m sorry I had to break your heart.” He palmed her cheek. “I had to do it. Odage and Eliza needed to believe you meant nothing to me. It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, and now I ask your forgiveness.”
She ran her fingers across his lips. “I forgive you, now shut up and kiss me.”
He obeyed and pressed his lips against hers. Their tongues collided and did a sultry dance together. His erection rubbed against her thigh. “Baby, I need to be buried deep inside you,” he whispered in her mouth.
She cut the kiss short, causing him to moan. “Marcus, you need to heal.” She pressed her wrist to his mouth.
He smiled. “Oh no, sweetheart, not that way. Let me show you the pleasures I can bring you.” He then ran his tongue across her nipple, causing her to arch her back and moan with pleasure. Oh yes, he was going to show her how much he’d missed her. He would take his angel to the heavens and make her beg him to stop.
He slid his finger across her moist slit. Yes, she was burning up, ready for him. He moved between her thighs and pressed the tip of his cock against her, holding back.
She sucked in a breath. “Oh yes,” she whimpered and tried to push herself against him. He couldn’t hold back any longer. He pushed deep inside her and let out a moan. Gods, she was heaven, a perfect fit made just for him. He slid out then back in, slow at first. He wanted to savor her warmth, never wanted to leave this moment. He rubbed his thumb over her nub, causing her to shudder and moan in delight. He sensed she was on edge, her body burning from his touch.
Mine.
“Yours,” she cooed. Her encouragements caused him to move deeper, faster until she spilled over the edge, screaming his name. Her body shuddered under him, and she pressed her knees into his hips.
When her body finally relaxed, he ran his tongue up her neck. “Are you sure you want this, sweetheart?” Gods knew he wanted it, bad.
“Yes, more than anything. Take all of me, I belong to you.”
Her words caused his fangs to extend as he continued to slide in and out of her fiery body. He licked her nipple, grazing a fang across it and causing it to pebble. She pulled his chin up, her gaze meeting his.
“I want to see you.”
He obliged and parted his lips, giving her full view of his fangs and the chance to back out. His mind connected with hers. Do you wish to change your mind?
No. She traced a fingertip over his lips. They are as sexy as the first time.
She turned her head and exposed her neck. He suckled, bringing the smaller vein to the surface then sank his fangs deep. She gasped, her body meeting his, stroke for stroke. He took deep pulls of blood, its rich taste of spiced honey coating his throat. His groin began to burn, his need for release grew stronger with every pull he took. He moved faster, his animal instinct taking over as he pounded into her. She screamed, her body thrashing beneath him as she was sent over the edge, and he followed behind her. His own release erupted like a volcanic explosion. His entire body a raging inferno as he pumped the last of h
is seed into her. He ran his tongue over the punctures and closed them, collapsing on top of her.
She kissed his forehead. “I missed you.” Her voice breathless.
He planted a kiss on her swollen lips. “Cassie, love. Is there something you wish to tell me?”
“Yes.” Her emerald eyes glistened. “You’re going to be a father.”
He grinned. “I wondered if you were ever going to tell me.”
“How did you know?”
“I sensed her presence when you were in the cell with me. I’ve already connected with her.” He brushed a kiss on her lips. “I promise to take care of both of you. No harm will ever befall you. I love you, Cassandra Jensen.” The next day, he would ask her to be his mate and his wife. That night however, he would keep her tucked in his arms and make love to her all night.
Mine.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cassie awoke in Marcus’s arms. She hadn’t slept so well in ages. She lay watching his chest rise and fall. He was fully healed with no visible signs of his wounds or broken bones. All bruising disappeared, he was handsome as ever. She wondered, now that he was back what lay ahead for them in the future. She knew she had to mate with him, otherwise she would die in childbirth if she made it that long. Would he still want to mate with her? He’d said he loved her, but that didn’t mean he would commit.
Marcus opened his eyes and smiled at her. “Good morning, sunshine.”
She couldn’t help but smile back. She was still reeling after last night. “Good morning. You are looking much better.”
“That’s because of you.” He kissed her lips then placed his hand on her belly. “And because of our daughter. I am the luckiest man in the world.” He sighed. “However, as much as I want to stay here and keep you naked, we must rise. I need to speak with the others.”
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