Eternal Flame

by Valerie Twombly

  * * * *

  Marcus moved toward the girl, but she didn’t flinch. Odd. She should have been frightened, yet showed no fear. He sniffed. “You’re with child. You choose to sacrifice her as well?”

  “I sacrifice nothing. I told you, I’m here to help you.”

  He grabbed her arm to keep her from fleeing. “You’re a fool then, but I will let you fill my belly.” He bent his head and sniffed her hair, spiced honey. Why did the scent seem so familiar to him? Would her kiss taste the same? He pulled her closer and brushed his lips across hers.

  She moaned and parted her lips, allowing him entry. Hell, he might as well enjoy the woman before he killed her. He shoved his tongue deep. Gods, she tastes as good as she smells. More, want more of her. He palmed her breast, causing her nipple to harden through the thin pink T-shirt.

  More.

  He maneuvered until she was pressed against the cavern wall, pinned by his weight. He moved his other hand to her breast, rubbing his thumb across her nipple until it was swollen and hard. He had to have her. He grabbed the bottom of her shirt and ripped until her breasts were exposed.

  Taste.

  Yes, he would. He ran his tongue down the middle of her chest then over to the right breast. Latched onto the rosy bud, he suckled, and she pressed harder into his body. He nearly came undone, his cock throbbing against his jeans. The need to be buried deep inside her filled him. He wouldn’t wait a minute longer.

  Grasping the top of her jeans, he pulled, sending the button flying. Without wasting any time, he removed the offending clothes off her body, leaving her with only a black lace thong. She was beautiful; her skin had been kissed by the sun. He ran his hands over the small bump where her child grew and found it sexy. Again, the strange sensation that he recognized her pulled at him.

  He removed his jeans and let his erection spring free. The woman reached out and wrapped her warm hand around his cock, causing him to groan. “Your name, I need to know your name.” He didn’t understand why it was so fucking important, but it was.

  “Cassie,” she whispered.

  “Cassie.” He let her name roll off his tongue. “I’m going to fuck you.”

  “Yes.”

  He ripped off her thong, grabbed her ass and picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist, giving him access to her wet core. With one thrust, he was buried deep. It felt like home, a place where he belonged. She placed a hand on either side of his face and pulled him closer, her kiss nearly had him spilling his seed, but he managed to hold back. He pressed her back against the rocks and began a slow pull out of her, stopping when only the tip of his cock remained inside her.

  She wiggled and tried to impale herself on him, but he held fast, he wanted to tease her, make her beg. “What do you want?”

  “You.”

  “Me what?” His voice sounded full of gravel.

  “I want you to make love to me.” She pressed her lips against his. “I’m yours, all of me. Heart, body and soul.”

  “Gods.” He couldn’t stand anymore. With one thrust, he was once again buried deep. He wanted to savor her, but fire burned in his veins, causing him to move faster until he was slamming in and out of her wetness.

  She moved her silky hair away from her neck. “Take all of me.”

  How could he refuse? It’s what he wanted, needed. He suckled the vein, rolling it in his mouth until it was full and plump. His fangs ached almost as much as his cock. Without hesitation, he sank them deep and took long pulls, letting her blood flow down his throat. She screamed as her orgasm overtook her, and he pumped faster, his seed begging for release. He splashed over the edge, filling her with his burning semen. Stars flashed before his eyes, his own orgasm feeling like it would never end. He continued to feed, her blood giving him something no other could.

  Life.

  Realization hit, as the red haze slowly faded. His mate, this was why she seemed so familiar. He retracted his fangs. “Cassie.”

  Her eyes opened, and pools of liquid emerald stared back at him before a smile crossed her lips. “Marcus, you’ve come back to me.”

  He kissed her lips, tender now that the urgency was gone. “You brought me back. Gods, I thought I lost you forever. How is it you’re here?”

  “Zarek brought me back.”

  He reached down and laid a palm across her swollen belly. “Our daughter is well.” A tear escaped and slid down his cheek. “I can never repay Zarek for what he has done. I owe him everything, but today, I will make you mine.” He shuddered. “I can never go through that pain again.”

  His cock still buried deep inside her, he unwrapped her legs and set her feet on the ground. His tongue found its way to her nipple and glided across the rosy bud. She gasped, her body shuddered. He moved to the other breast and sucked the nipple into his mouth until it hardened like a pebble. He had to have her again. He turned her around until she faced the cavern wall and bent her over. With a quick thrust, he entered her from behind. Nearly blind with lust, he glided in and out. Her wetness coated him. He reached around and ran his finger over her nub, causing her inner walls to squeeze him tight.

  “God, Marcus, don’t stop. Please.” She placed both her palms on the wall and pushed back against him. “Harder.”

  He hardly recognized the sultry voice that spoke to him, but he would give her anything she asked. While he rubbed her nub, his cock slammed into her so hard he feared bumping her head against the rocks, but her hands held her steady.

  “Oh yes, baby,” she panted. “I’m gonna come again.” She screamed, her pleasure echoing throughout the cavern. He quickly joined her. Yelling out his own pleasure as his seed shot from his cock and filled her.

  They stood still, their bodies coated with sweat and breathes coming in quick pants. He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her, hands resting on her stomach. “I love you, baby,” he whispered in her ear.

  She turned her head and placed her hand on his cheek. “I love you too.”

  He slid out of her then scooped her up in his arms. He was sure her muscles were sore, so he carried her to the steaming pool and waded out until the water was at his waist. Gently he slid Cassie down the front of his body, immersing her into the warmth. He massaged her shoulders and smiled when she let out a sigh.

  “I need to convert you, today. Now.”

  She looked up at him. “I know. Tell me about it again.”

  He sensed her fear and understood. She needed to understand he would protect her, that she would be safe and free from pain. Her body would change in ways she couldn’t begin to imagine.

  “First, I will take your blood until your heart barely beats. Then, I will feed you my own blood.” He brushed his lips across hers. “Once that is complete, I will place you in stasis and submerge you here.” He swept his hand across the water. “In the waters, where your body will begin its changes.”

  Cassie crawled into his arms. “I’m frightened. What about our daughter?”

  “She will remain connected to me during your change.” He stroked her hair and buried his face in its silkiness. “Don’t be afraid, you will feel no pain, and I will be right here until the changes are complete. I will then wake you and feed you.” He kissed the top of her head. “I need to know that, while I must go out and fight, you are stronger and better equipped to protect yourself. The others search for Eliza and Odage, but so far, they have been unsuccessful.”

  She pulled back and looked up at him. “Be warned, when our daughter is old enough, I fight beside you. Until then, I’ll help you heal. Zarek said he needed another healer.”

  He smiled. “As you wish.” He would train her to fight and heal others. Something told him she would excel at both. He knew the future would be filled with war and death. First, they needed to destroy Lowan then take out his servants.

  “I’m ready, Marcus.” Her voice pulled him back to the present. He leaned down and kissed her, his tongue pushing her lips apart. This would be the last time he ki
ssed her as a human. He ran his tongue down her neck then pierced her vein, drinking in her life force.

  Chapter Thirty

  Cassie opened her eyes and found herself in Marcus’s lap, they were both still in the water. She inhaled, her first breath as a guardian. Aromas assaulted her, there was Marcus’s scent of the ocean breeze. Earthy smells of dirt, rock and water.

  He kissed her forehead. “How do you feel?”

  She blinked. “Wow, like a million bucks, seriously.” Her senses were overloaded. When she looked across the cavern, she saw the tiniest details in the rocks. Colors were more vibrant, and the dim light was more like a bright sunny day.

  Her hand reached for her belly. “Our daughter?”

  “Perfect. Reach for her.”

  “How do I do that?”

  “Close your eyes, feel her energy within you. It will be different from your own.” He kissed the top of her head.

  Her mouth fell open in a gasp. A tiny aura, the most vibrant crimson she’d ever seen. “I feel her, I can actually see her tiny body. Oh, she’s beautiful.” Tears slid down her cheeks.

  “With practice, you will be able to check her progress and know her thoughts.”

  Her eyes flashed open. “You mean I can communicate with her?” It seemed surreal. She never thought to be able to actually talk to her daughter while she grew in the womb.

  He smiled. “Yes, love, you will soon discover our daughter is very strong-willed.” He kissed her lips. “Like her mother.”

  He helped her sit up. “Are you hungry?”

  She frowned. “I’m not sure. What does it feel like?”

  He laughed. “Like hunger.”

  “Then I guess I am.” She found the prospect of drinking his blood appealing but worried she’d be unable to stop. She ran her lips over her teeth in anticipation. “Ouch!” Shit, fangs.

  “Careful, love, you’ll have to get used to working those.” He bent down and sucked the trace of blood from her tongue.

  She moaned and shoved her tongue deeper into his mouth. Her senses heightened and caused her body to tingle. She needed him inside her right now. “Marcus, I need you.”

  “I know, love.” He positioned her so she was straddling his lap.

  She impaled herself on his shaft in one swift motion, letting out a cry as he filled her completely. Once she got her feet positioned under her, she moved up and down on his cock.

  “Oh my god.” The sensation tenfold what it had been before, already she was on the verge of an orgasm. When Marcus sucked her nipple into his mouth, she went over the edge. Colors flashed before her eyes as she screamed, her entire body humming. Never in her life had she experienced an orgasm so intense. The desire to take his blood burned in her, taking her by surprise. As if sensing her need, he brought her head to his neck.

  “Take what you need, follow your instinct,” he whispered in her ear.

  She ran her tongue along his neck. His scent drove her insane with desire. Before she knew what was happening, she sank her fangs deep into his skin. Blood ran across her tongue, and she drank.

  “That’s it, baby, you’re doing great.” Marcus groaned. “Sweetheart…oh gods. Baby, I’m going to explode.”

  She took long pulls, his blood feeding some need deep inside of her. She continued her movement up and down his shaft until she felt him swell. Damn, he is stretching me. I’m going to lose it again.

  Yes, love, come with me.

  She pulled her fangs free and screamed as another orgasm racked her body. Together they soared into the open night before drifting back to reality.

  He leaned forward and licked her chin. “You’re a little sloppy there, love.”

  A flush covered her cheeks. “Sorry. I…did I do it right?” It was then she noticed the small trickle of blood left on his neck. She reached out and wiped it off. “I guess I am a slob.”

  He lifted her off of him. “It’s alright, sweetheart, you did fine for your first time. It will get easier.” He took her hand and led her out into the deeper water. They both submersed and let the warmth soothe their tired muscles.

  “Tomorrow, we will perform the binding ceremony. You will pledge your oath to our king.”

  “I’d like that very much, but isn’t it short notice to Aidyn?”

  “No, I have informed him. He and the others are already making preparations.” A wicked smile crossed his lips.

  “What?” Her brows knitted together. “What have you done?”

  “Your sister will be there as well.”

  She gasped and threw herself into his arms. “Oh Marcus, thank you, thank you.” It was the best gift he could have given her. She hadn’t seen Jill in so long and missed her very much. “I love you.” She kissed him long and hard.

  “Let’s go home. Are you ready to flash yourself?”

  “I can do that?”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “There are many things you can do. Picture my home in your mind and take us there.”

  She did as instructed, and before she knew it, the dark vortex sucked them in, and they had left the cave.

  Marcus laughed so hard there were tears running down his face. When she looked around, she realized they were outside his home, both dripping wet and naked. Shit!

  She beat him on the chest. “Stop laughing, it’s not funny."

  “I’m sorry, love, really I am but…oh hell.” He broke off into a fit of laughter again. She smiled then broke into her own laughter.

  “Can you help me out and get us inside the house?” In a flash, they were standing inside the bathroom, and Marcus was wrapping her in a large, soft towel. He kissed her on the top of the head.

  “It will get easier, I promise. Now get dressed so we can visit the others.”

  * * * *

  “It feels like a dream,” Cassie said to Gwen and Jill. Both girls were helping her get ready for the ceremony that would happen in one hour. Gwen had run her through the entire ceremony and had been quizzing her all day. Cassie fretted that she would embarrass herself or worse yet, Marcus. Hell, she was still stumbling through her new skills as a vampire.

  “Now do you remember everything I told you?” Gwen asked.

  She rolled her eyes. “Like I could forget. I think you’ve tattooed it into my memory.”

  Jill stepped next to her and patted her on the back. “Now we don’t want you doing something like say…flashing yourself naked into the front yard.” Jill and Gwen cackled like a couple of hens, causing her to drop her head into her hands.

  “What was I thinking when I shared that bit of information with you?”

  Gwen stepped over and gave her a hug. “You’ll be fine. Now let’s get you into your dress.”

  Cassie pulled her hands away from her face. She was excited to see the dress Marcus had picked out for her. She had spent last night at Gwen’s, deciding that she would at least follow some of her traditions by not letting the groom see the bride. He hadn’t been happy to separate from her but caved only on the condition that guards be posted outside the house. Even though his sister was a fit warrior, he wanted the three girls to have fun and relax. Knowing the guards were outside in case something went wrong had given them all relief. No one knew for sure where Lowan, Eliza or even Odage were, and they were still a threat.

  “Should I be nervous, Gwen? I mean, is Marcus going to dress me in a burlap bag?”

  Gwen giggled. “I don’t think so, but let’s see.”

  All three women crowded around the black bag that hung on the back of the bedroom door. Cassie reached up, her hands shaking as she slowly pulled down the zipper. Stunned silence washed through the room.

  “It’s beautiful,” Jill said.

  “I believe my brother has outdone himself.”

  She had never seen anything more beautiful. “Hurry and help me get in on.” She couldn’t wait to see how it looked on her. Jill finished pulling off the black bag and removed the dress from the hanger. Gwen steadied Cassie while Jill held the dress
open for her to step into.

  Once into the dress, Jill pulled it up and helped place the straps over her shoulders while Gwen zipped up the back. Both women took a step back to admire the bride.

  “Well?” Her nerves sat on the outside of her skin. She looked down at herself but was unable to get the full effect. The dress fit perfectly and caressed her skin like spun silk. When she looked back up at her sisters, they were both crying.

  “What? What’s the matter? Do I look fat?”

  Both women shook their heads. “You are stunning,” Jill replied.

  “I don’t think even my brother knows how beautiful you are going to be in that dress.”

  Gwen and Jill stepped aside so she could gaze into the full length mirror. When she caught her reflection, she gasped and stepped closer. The braided straps held delicate lace that covered the tops of her collarbone, leaving her shoulders bare. The front fell into a V-neck, showing off her cleavage.

  Under her breasts was a wide band of white silk, swathed in lace and crystals. The rest of the dress fell in a straight line to the floor with a small train. Gwen had pulled her hair into a delicate chignon and wrapped a thin piece of white lace around the top. She stared at herself, unable to speak.

  “What do you think?” Jill asked.

  “I…I look like a Greek goddess.” It was true, and she had never felt more beautiful in her entire life. Marcus had picked the perfect dress, simple yet elegant.

  Gwen approached and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Today, you are a goddess, and I am happy to call you sister.”

  “Oh hell, I need a tissue,” Jill cried.

  Cassie turned to look at her sister. “I think you better bring the box.” She smiled and looked at Gwen. “Will you do me a favor and flash us there? I fear I might put myself in the middle of the damn sea.”

  Gwen extended both hands. “I would be honored.”

  * * * *

  Gwen left Cassie inside the small room just outside the throne room then she and Jill left took their places. Cassie paced nervously, waiting for her cue to leave.

  Are you ready, sweetheart?