“Your ring.”
She looked up at her hand and it was glowing.
“It’s just because I am angry with you. You’re pissing me off. Now can you get me out of here or not?”
A grin spread across his face. “I could have gotten us out of here awhile ago; I like to see you tied up.”
“Fuck you!” she spat. She attempted to loosen the shackles again. Inching her feet against the wall again.
“Stop, just stop. You’ll hurt yourself.”
“I have healing powers. It doesn’t matter.”
“So, did you think I did too? Or where you trying to hurt me? Maim me?”
“Hey, I saw your necklace and…well whatever. I was protecting myself.” Alexis huffed.
“Right and what do you think I was trying to do?”
“Sure right. You were with these buffoons.” She shook her head.
“Yeah, so I could find you. Are you that dense?”
“Are you?”
He growled a throaty, deep, feral sound.
That sound sent something through Alexis that made a little girl inside her want to cry. She hadn’t felt a man’s touch in a very long time, but something about him since the very first instant he walked in the bar had captured her.
They were silent for awhile.
“Why did you want to find me?” Alexis asked after a long silence.
“Because a seer told me I must.”
Alexis looked over at him and he shrugged not even looking her way.
“What else did she tell you?”
He didn’t respond.
“Tell me how you got your pendant?”
He looked at her pleadingly. “I don’t want to.”
There was sorrow in his eyes and she wanted to know even more, but suddenly there were boots trotting down the hallway. The horned-devil, the one that had hammered in the stakes, came in. “He wants to see you,” he said gruffly, moving toward Alexis.
“No,” Cole interjected.
Alexis stiffened. She could smell fear emanating off of Cole. Who was this boss that he was consorting with?
The deviled man pulled the stakes out as if it was nothing and Alexis gasped.
She was strong, stronger than most men. She knew she was no match for this monster—whatever he was. She wanted to use her siren power on him, but she was somewhat curious about who this boss was. She looked over her shoulder at Cole who was yanking fiercely at the shackles. She gave him a questioning look. She was well aware they wanted her ring, but she had to willingly give it to them.
“Alexis!” Cole cried desperately. “Please.”
She squinted at him, as this monster ushered her along. Please what?
A pungent stench throttled her, as she walked up the eerie steps carved from red clay. It was a strong odor of sulfur and decay. The floor beneath her crumbled under her heels and the familiar scent of the man she was about meet became ferocious. Her heart pounded in fear. She jolted away, but it was useless as she was propelled into the large expanse of the room. It was also red clay, but lit with candles giving it a hellish glow. She stood, a little turned around and alone—she sensed her adversary. Where was he?
His hand took her throat from behind. “First time meeting a Master I see.” His arrogance angered Alexis.
The power and dominance he exuded was overwhelming. Her knees buckled, as she stood near him. She took a strong breath and clung to his overcoat for strength, as she leaned back into him.
“I cannot give you my ring. I am not done with it yet, sir,” she said with as much dignity as she could muster.
She turned to face him. His eyes glowed a deep amber color. There was a shimmer of recognition there, she captured it, but refused to look away.
“I see. And tell me who is this victim you intend to kill? You seem to have gained quite a lot of strength, but on my count you still need a few more before you can capture his soul.” He smiled showing his pointed teeth.
“Perhaps,” she replied.
“Would you take all of my men’s souls?” his brow arched. “Now Cole,” he signaled to one of his men and a struggling Cole appeared. “Cole would really give you enough strength. But I don’t think you have it in you, little Lexi.” He fondled her hair.
She bashed his hand away and in doing so lost her hold on his coat, falling to the floor. “Shut up! Don’t call me that Gregor!” she scowled.
“Leave her alone!” Cole cried and attempted to rush to her aide.
“All because I took your mommy for a breeder.” Gregor sighed as if this was boring him.
“You slaughtered her you sick monster!” Alexis cried from her knees, as the memory of finding her mother sliced from chest plate to pubic bone still resonated in her mind.
“I wanted my child.” He smirked and let out a long laugh. “Like that was even worth it. A waste.” He gestured toward Cole.
“I’m not your son.”
“He’s not!” Alexis attempted to stand. Her mind whirled. How could he be? He has no healing power. He…he…he’s my mate. Oh no-no-no. This is all a mind-fuck. She shook her head and her hands came to each side to steady herself.
Gregor let out a long treacherous laugh, as if this was the funniest thing he’d ever seen. Gregor slid up to her and took her face into his grasp. Intense pain seared through her. “I’ll ugly you up,” he whispered. “No one will ever want you, doll.”
“Let me go!” she screamed, as it felt as if half her face were on fire.
“Alexis!” Cole cried out and tore away from the monsters grip.
Blood curdling screams filled the air, as Alexis stared back at Gregor, and her attacker was enjoying every moment of inflicting pain on her.
***
Cole rushed over and placed his necklace over Alexis’ head.
“Fuck!” Cole patted his singed hands on his pants.
Alexis stood slowly with a clenched jaw and tilted her fiery filled face toward Gregor’s. Her lips were mere millimeters from his. It was as if a secret what was being said between them, as their lips moved.
The obscene moment was like a car wreck. No one could move or look away. Flames burned like blue embers from the skin, as they reached for air they changed to yellow and orange, deepening in hue.
“This is for my mother you evil sadistic bastard. I hate you, father.” Her eyes burned hard, as she looked at Gregor and sucked the soul from him.
Alexis began to convulse and the flames died away. Her self-healing power began to work as her skin reformed. However, it left a scar in the shape of a flame upon her cheek. Perhaps a reminder of the devil she was born from and killed.
Gregor’s body thudded as he fell to his knees. His eyes were hollowed out like many of her other victims and he had a sneer stuck to his façade. He seemed to relish the end–that she, his own daughter, was his maker so to speak.
Breathless, Alexis dropped to the ground and looked over at Cole. Her feelings for him were still intense and it scared her. She noticed his eyes were as green as his pendant had been. They were dilated and his body lay almost lifeless beside her except for his heaving chest and eyes like a frightened child. Trembling, she removed the sterling chain and attempted to replace it over Cole’s neck. Neither had any strength or ability to protect themselves physically.
A flash of fire erupted to Alexis’ left and Cole protectively scooped her up in his arms and rolled her over, placing her beneath him. “You alright?”
“Yes,” she smiled. “You forget I am the one with the self-healing.”
“So, are we? Brother and sister I mean?”
Being a death dealer, that was the softer term for succubus, Alexis was able to see her victims past, their life. “No,” she shook her head lightly. “He has one other child named Amos. Reading him was hard and he was able to fight me. And thank you for your necklace. Now that you’ve taken it off, I,” Alexis looked away unable to say it.
“I sacrificed my power to save your life. I would do it again in a hea
rtbeat.” He stroked her scarred cheek. “Alexis, I’m sorry you had to face that. I knew who he was. I tried to stop it.”
Alexis smiled weakly and took a worried look around the red room. No one had ever taken care of her or cared for her. “We can’t stay here.”
“Alexis, talk to me.” he urged.
“Cole, damit. I did what needed to be done. It wasn’t your battle to fight. I was searching for him for a long time and he knew it.” She pushed him off of her.
She saw the other men teetering away and holding their hands in defense, probably still trying to make heads or tails of what happened.
Cole grabbed her shoulders and then gripped her head. He paused a moment with her head poised before his. They stared at each other like lions in a mating ritual before he pounced on her with a kiss filled with searing passion.
“Mmm,” she tried to pull away and her eyes fluttered open. She could see the determination in his. She released her tension and joined in. The sensation of a hot flush and pins and needles rolled up and down her body, with hair tingling warmth throughout her scalp. As their tongues danced she fought the urges within her to tear off his clothing. Although she was alerted to her nails slicing into his flesh unconsciously.
“Mmm,” he groaned and released her from the kiss.
Her exhaustion hit her hard and she sagged in his arms. She pulled in a ragged breath and tucked her head into his arm.
“Come on beautiful. Let’s get you home.”
“But you don’t know where I live.”
“Yes I do. I know more than you think, besides we need to make this mate thing official,” he taunted.
She glared at him and dug her sharpened nail into his bicep. Moist heat surged between her thighs at the mere thought and an embarrassed flush tinged her cheeks.
“First thing you’ll need to change…these nails.” He kissed her on the lips and slid his arms under her legs, carrying her limp body out of the clay cavern without resistance from anyone.
About Suzy Ayers
Suzy Ayers is a Bestselling Author of both "Sara's Awakening" and "Miranda's Amulet" in Fantasy (Metaphysical/Visionary). Her newest addition to the bestseller list in single author and women's fiction with Erotic Fantasies.
She has multiple Erotica titles that have also been in the Amazon Bestseller lists within the free categories.
Her main focus is Romance, which crosses many genres including: Erotica, Fantasy and Paranormal. Her short stories and books twist into happily-for-now or happily-ever-after's
Suzy attempts to write in a manner that pulls you into the erotic event and paints an explicit scene of lust and passion. Her purpose of expressing it in this manner is that she believes that sex and love are intertwined and are healthy expressions of the human heart. Her writing depicts true to life characters with flaws and showcases that the world is sometimes sad; people are not one dimensional shells. We somehow become stronger and this to her is beautiful.
Suzy Ayers grew up on Cape Cod, MA and many of her books are based in the New England area. Beyond her passion of writing she loves to read and devours books at a rapid pace. She's also passionate about music; you'll find her singing everywhere. And when she remembers, she practices yoga. She loves to laugh and be surrounded by people who make her laugh. Her other creative outlet is cooking. Basically, she is all over the place. You can find all of this on her Twitter, blog and Facebook accounts.
Also by Suzy Ayers
If you liked In Heat, be sure to check out Miranda’s Amulet: Elements, The Before World Book II.
Find Miranda’s Amulet online and view Suzy Ayer’s author page.
For more from Suzy Ayers
Twitter @SuzyAyers
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HAL
by C.E. Black
Just one time I wished for a knock at the door, to have the scariest looking costumed kid ask for candy. To have cute babies dolled up as little lady bugs and pumpkins carried to my door, where I’d chat with their moms and dads, before giving the traditional candy farewell. But sadly, I never had.
I lived in a remote town in the Appalachian Mountains, and my cabin sat upon the mountain quite a ways from town. Still, every year I filled my candy bowl and hoped for the best. Though this year was no different.
I sat on the couch watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show for the millionth time while nibbling on my fifth Tootsie Roll. No matter how much I loved the movie, it felt pathetic doing the same thing year after year.
With no husband, boyfriend, or many close friends, I spent most nights alone. That didn’t bother me, and I enjoyed it for the most part, but Halloween was such a fun holiday. It was the only time of year I wished for company, or at the very least, meet a bunch of cute kids dressed in silly costumes. The best thing about living in the isolated cabin was the peace and quiet, and the worst thing about it was the peace and quiet.
Sighing, I stood up from the couch and made my way to the small kitchen. Those Tootsie Rolls had gummed up my teeth, and I needed a glass a milk.
Just as I finished swallowing down the last of the cold milk, I heard a light tapping sound coming from the front room. My lips pulled up into a wide smile as I quickly made my way to the couch and scooped up my bright purple candy bowl. So excited, I practically skipped to the door, I didn’t even check the peep hole before flinging the door open.
The bright light of the full moon shone between the dense trees and sparkled off the ice crystals beginning to form on the branches from an earlier rain. It looked enchanting and mysterious. The fact that it was a full moon on Halloween made the night feel even more entrancing. Though as captivating as the cold evening looked, my smile fell and my shoulders slumped as I realized no one was there. Of course, there’s no one here, I chided myself. The temperature was below freezing. Who would want to come out in this weather?
Pulling back, I began to shut the door when something caught my eye. I stepped forward onto the old wooden porch, and though the moonlight lit up the sky so bright, it seemed almost daytime, whatever was lying at the foot of my porch steps was in shadow. I could only see a small piece of something ghostly white.
I went a little closer, trying to make out the figure, and froze when I realized what I was seeing. A person lay on the ground, perfectly still, and completely naked as the chilling wind blew across his or her skin. I shivered from both the cold and fear. Who would be out here in this weather? And naked? But more importantly, why wasn’t I helping them?
I dropped the candy bowl and jogged down the creaky wooden steps, looking around to make sure no one else was out there. Maybe someone hurt them or... something. My brain wasn’t functioning right as I tried to think of what I needed to do. The way their body lay so still, I knew they were suffering from hypothermia. They should be shivering. It was below freezing out.
I knelt down beside the body and immediately shook my head. I wouldn’t think of it as a body. It? No, not an it. A man, I realized as I my eyes scanned him for injuries. He lay on his stomach, but the way his muscles bulged in all the right places and the breadth of his shoulders let me know it was definitely a man. A very naked and good looking man.
Licking my lips, I touched his shoulder and gently pushed, trying to get a reaction. Nothing. Okay, I thought. I had to get him inside and warm. Then I’d call an ambulance. I nodded, satisfied with my plan, but how in hell was I going to get him in the cabin? He was well over six feet tall, and all that muscle I had just been admiring would weigh a ton.
A deep groan had me focusing back on the frozen man laying in my yard. I began rolling him over, talking the whole time, so that maybe he’d wake enough to help me.
“It’s okay,” I said softly. “I’m here to help. We need to get you inside and warm. It’s way too cold to be out here, especially without clothing. What were you doing out here naked? I’m sure that’s one hell of a story,” I continued to ramble.
I purposefu
lly kept my eyes trained the other way as, with my support, he slowly began to get to his feet. The trip up the stairs was grueling. My back felt like it was about to break in half, but I lugged along as his feet shuffled up each step little by little. It felt like hours had passed, and though the chill outside was biting, sweat had my sweater sticking to my skin as I panted from the excursion. But finally, we made it.
I kicked the door shut and helped him to the rug in front of the fire place. Once he was lying comfortably, I ran to the bedroom and grabbed as many blankets as I could find.
When I got back, the man was passed out again and completely still. That wasn’t right, I thought, and began unfolding the blankets and throwing them over him with haste. As I tucked the last blanket around him, I mumbled, “I’ve got to call an ambulance.”
“No,” a deep voice croaked. My hands froze as I glanced up into the most beautiful eyes I’d ever seen. A dark ring surrounded irises the color of the Carribean Ocean, but the amazing starburst of gold that radiated from the pupils made them hypnotic. I sat, mesmerized, unable to look away, until he whispered, “No, ambulance.”
I cleared my throat and began tucking the blankets in again, trying to keep my gaze off of his. “I have to. I’m pretty sure you’re-.”
A cold hand suddenly grasped my wrist in a weak hold. “No... Please.” His gorgeous eyes pleaded with me, and I finally nodded. Surprised at the sadness that filled me as his eyes closed and his hand fell away, I shook my head at my own silliness.
Tucking in the blankets once more around his arms, I stood, stretching out my sore muscles. He might not have wanted me to call an ambulance, but I had to do something.
The television blared as Susan Sarandon’s high pitched voice sang out, "Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me,” and I scowled in annoyance. Turning it off quickly, I grabbed my cell phone, tapping the internet button to search hypothermia.
After reading the symptoms and treatments, I was even more worried. His breathing was shallow and he wasn’t shivering. I was right, that was bad. I didn’t have any heating pads and as I pressed on his shoulder, I couldn’t get him to wake up again to give him something warm to drink.
Grave Hauntings: Where Sexy and Sinful Meets Dark and Chilling Page 11