by Sharon Kay
“I’ll never get used to how fast you do that,” she gasped. Her breathing was still choppy, but even through her own sated bliss, she felt his need to take her hard.
“You don’t have to. All you have to do is enjoy what I do to you.” He placed a kiss on her spine, then teased her core with his hard length dragging along her hypersensitive skin.
“I want you.” She pushed back, seeking him.
One hand moved behind her, and with a deep thrust and a groan, he buried himself deep.
Ohhh. She arched her back and tilted her head back at the sensation of being so very full of her powerful male.
You like this, baby?
“Gods, yes,” she moaned.
His hands gripped her hips tightly, holding her in place as he pounded into her. His balls slapped her clit. His hips slammed her ass. She peeked over her shoulder, eager for a glimpse of her man so wildly out of control.
He sent her a heated stare, lips parted as he worked them both into a frenzy. Wanna see how sexy you are?
She nodded, and was instantly rewarded with a visual of what he saw. His hands at her hips, her bare back and ass. Him sliding into her, his whole huge cock disappearing as she accommodated him. So perfect.
She felt his hormones spinning wildly out of control at the image of her body open to him. But twined with his lust was the knowledge she belonged to him and awe at the depth of her love.
He roared as he found his release, pistoning furiously and bringing her over the edge with him. His breath sawed in and out, skating hotly across her back as he fought to regulate it. She dropped her head to the mattress as she did the same.
Gently, he moved them down, him on his back and her tucked alongside. “I don’t know how you do it. You keep getting more incredible.” He kissed her lips. “What a great way to start the day.”
She popped up on one elbow and grinned. “It’s going to get better.”
He slid her a devilish glance. “The sex, or this day?”
“Mmm, I was thinking of this day, but it could apply to the sex too.”
He studied her, his grin turning into a sexy frown. “What are you thinking right now? I can’t tell.”
She couldn’t suppress a huge smile. “Happy birthday!” she shouted.
He snorted. “Oh. You found that out, huh?” He leaned up to kiss her. “And thank you.”
“I have my ways of finding stuff out.” She traced a finger along his collarbone.
“Let me guess, Kira spilled?” He arched a brow.
“Maybe.” Tessa smiled. She had been spending hours with Kira. The demoness was sweet, funny, and had quickly become like a sister to Tessa. Raff, too, had been an instant, caring brother. Both had been eager to do something for Scorpio’s birthday, since they reported he usually refused any acknowledgment of it.
“With you,” Kira had said, “we can finally plan something. He’ll never say no to you.”
Scorpio chuckled now. “I’m glad you girls are so close.”
“That’s not all. Wait.” Tessa got out of bed and crossed the room to her dresser. “I have a present for you.”
Scorpio sat up and she felt his hungry eyes on her back. “Just looking at your naked body is a present.”
“No, silly.” Tessa pulled a box from a drawer and returned to bed. “A real present.”
Scorpio hooked her around the nape with one arm. “You are a real present. Never forget it.” Searing honesty flowed through their bond.
Tessa melted into her man. “You’re amazing,” she whispered.
“How did you keep this a secret?” He released her and turned the wrapped box over in his hands. Jinx, who had been snoozing in a sliver of sunlight, jumped up to investigate.
“Ria gave me some tips. Just for special occasions like this. She said Arawn surprised her with a few things.” Tessa had met the intimidating Lash leader. He’d been polite, but the power radiating off him was too intense for her. Ria, his mate, was much more approachable, in Tessa’s opinion.
“Huh. Okay, let’s see.” Scorpio tore a section, deliberate and slow, and held it up for Jinx. The cat gave it a disinterested sniff, then stepped close to arch her back against Scorpio’s chest.
“Go faster!” Tessa giggle-yelled. “I might accidentally send you a mental picture of what it is. I want you to see it for yourself first.”
He winked at her. “You can tell me to go faster later tonight.”
She smacked his arm. “Open it.”
He made quick work of the wrapping to reveal a brown leather rectangular case. Lifting the lid, he blinked. And stared. Golden eyes flicked up to her and he reached into the box.
Tessa was ready to jump out of her skin, studying every nuance of his face as he lifted the heavy dagger.
He tested its weight in his hand. “This is beautiful. Did you—”
“Yes!” she shouted, unable to contain herself any longer. “It has my magic in it. Normally I need the blood of the person who will use it most, but because we’re mated, I used mine, and it will work just fine for you. Gage did the bulk of the forging, though.”
“He was in on this?” Scorpio frowned, but a smile quickly replaced it.
Gage, the head weapons guru at Watcher HQ, had been on board ever since Tessa proposed the birthday idea. Having made weapons for Scorpio before, he knew what size and weight would suit him best. “I was there for every step,” Tessa murmured. “Adding my spells and just a drop of blood. It will always fly true for you.”
Scorpio examined the hilt, where Tessa had asked Gage to carve the initials T and S, surrounded by rowan leaves. “This is…” he shook his head. “This is perfect.” He placed it back in its box and pulled her close. “Perfect gift, perfect magic, perfect girl.” His mouth covered hers in a kiss that liquefied her veins with so much love, it made her dizzy and insanely happy at the same time.
With every ounce of her being, she knew she belonged at the side of this warrior, this most unlikely of heroes. The one who had shown her that real love doesn’t manipulate or dwell on the past, but relishes the present and pins hope on the future. I love you so much, she told him.
I know, baby. Affection and passion hummed in the air around them. You’re mine, and I’m yours. Forever.
The End
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LOSSARY
Atropa Sword – a sword that many believe to be a myth, it is magically enhanced with one seed of deadly nightshade embedded in its creator’s blood. When used by him or his kin, the blade coats itself with nightshade (Atropa belladonna) poison.
Black lily – a plant native to Evena. Liquid can be extracted from its leaves and stems that if ingested, will provide temporary added strength, speed, healing, and sensory perception. Control of the plant was the cause of a war that took place four centuries ago on Evena between the Serus demons and the Kentini demons. The plant survived the toxic breath of the Serus demons, but many other vegetation did not, and neither did the humble brown bee. This bee was the sole pollinator of the lily, and the entire crop became extinct.
Bloodspire Mountains – highly treacherous and inhospitable mountain range
Carapace Mountains – a mountain range full of limestone formations resembling weapons
Cotton Creek – a village of peaceful pixies skilled in harvesting and weaving cotton
Demonish – The native language of demons, it has many dialects. Some are ancient and some are specific to a particular species
Deserati – A predatory humanoid demon. They have small horns on their heads and a whip-like tail that they can conceal with magic. They are all skilled at scrying. A small percentage can also control lightning. They tend to stick to their own clan business, but will get involved in conflicts if there is something to be gained.
Domu – A predato
ry demon with gray, ashy skin and yellow eyes. Most are seven feet tall and their hands are clawed.
Elder – Any old and learned member of a species
Evena – One of the demonic realms. Sparsely populated due to the environmental damage caused by war between the Serus demons and Kentini demons.
Fae – Includes several petite and mostly peaceful races like the wood nymphs, water nymphs, sprites, pixies, fairies, and elves. Dark elves are also part of the fae group, though they are bigger and more hostile.
Ghazsul – A grotesque-looking red skinned demon with claws. They have been recently reported to have an altered physiology that includes wings and the ability to cast spells.
Halice – one of the larger cities on Torth
Hellhound – A large canine breed that resembles a Neopolitan mastiff. Adults weigh over a hundred pounds. Used as guard animals. They have black fur, red eyes, sharp teeth, and are skilled at tracking.
Hota – Demonish word for grandmother
Hoto – Demonish word for grandfather
Ivydale – A village of peaceful plant pixies. Skilled at coaxing many different plant species to grow, the village has become an important agricultural hub.
Karishi – A deceased clan of warrior demons
Kentini – A species of predatory demons, most of whose members were killed in battle with the Serus demons. The Kentini need only a miniscule amount of oxygen to survive
Khali – Demonish word for granddaughter
Lakewood region – A popular tourist destination, this region is known for its many lakes, including Lake Coriander, Caine’s home
Lash – A race of predatory demons who work to maintain the balance of peace in the realms. Able to summon balls of fire in their hands. Their eyes glow when they experience strong emotions
Ley Lines – Magical “power lines” under the ground that form a network that supplies energy for both spells and everyday items on Torth. Ley lines on Earth exist but are not as powerful
Makara – An undead race of warriors who were defeated by the Karishi in a battle near Ravenbane. Unable to avenge their loss, they remain trapped in a nebulous state underground, prevented from moving to a peaceful afterlife
Mate – A bond chosen between two individuals which lasts until one of them dies. The bond can occur between members of two different species. Once mated, the two can sense each other’s emotions at all times and can project thoughts and mental images when near. Each will also gain a lock of hair that matches their partner’s hair. In the instance of a mate’s death, it is rare but possible to mate again.
Neshi – A predatory demon with four arms and orange, scaled skin. Their skin is resistant to fire and will not immediately burn. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath for up to one hour.
Nihja – Demonish affectionate term for a girl
Nihjo – Demonish affectionate term for a boy
Ravenbane – An ancient ruin where a battle between the Makara and Karishi took place centuries ago. It rests at the bank of a river in a remote part of Torth, and is easily identified by a tall white tower.
Rivkin – A colony of wood nymphs who reside in a large, densely wooded part of their forest
Scry – To look into a reflective surface (water, a mirror, or glass) and see events unfolding somewhere else. Most creatures with this ability can see events in real time, while some can see past events. Future events are not discernable. Sometime scrying can be done by an individual who has no special talent for it, but uses a spell or a special surface.
Serus – A predatory demon race who can breathe toxic fog. The level of damage depends on the strength of their opponent and on the amount of toxin they inhale. Serus demons are humanoid in form, with gray skin, black eyes, and wispy white hair.
Skell – A demon species who are unintelligent and clumsy. They are greedy and are happy to do others’ dirty work in exchange for money or protection. They are petite with gray skin and have faces that are human-looking but are more elongated and oval shaped.
Solsti – Four women linked by blood who can control the elements of fire, air, earth, and water. They only exist when the need for their level of power arises. Many creatures consider them to be a myth.
Splinter – a rogue group of Ghazsul demons, more vicious than their kin, who live in the Bloodspire Mountains
Stroehm – A region of Torth that is largely barren of vegetation. A gladiator compound of the same name is located here, where slaves must fight to the death for the enjoyment of a crowd. The father and sons who lead the compound are known for their cruelty. It is thought to be impossible to escape.
Tarsa – A peninsula in the southern portion of Torth. It has a tropical climate and violent, if bountiful, marine life living in the surrounding waters of the Sangre Sea. A warrior species, called the Tarsa demons, lives here. They have dark skin, razor-sharp teeth and are known to ignore outsiders.
Torth – One of the demonic realms. Time passes in the same way it does on Earth. The magic of ley lines powers every day equipment like appliances and cell phones. Many different terrains and climates exist here, as well as rural and urban areas. This realm has two moons.
Portal – A common method of travel both between realms and within realms, it is a six foot wide circle that is summoned by either a spell or a transportation amulet. Some amulets are pre-spelled to go to a specific destination, while others can only bring travelers to a general area. Once a traveler steps into a portal, they are whisked through darkness. They may see flashes of light or experience nausea, and will usually be “dropped” onto the ground at their arrival point.
Porter – A creature possessing the rare ability to teleport using the power of his or her mind. Only six are known to exist. Due to their rarity, they can charge exorbitant fees for their services. Traveling with them is preferred over using a portal, because there is no feeling of weightlessness of nausea, nor being dropped at the destination. Porters can be any species.
Vampire – A weak species residing on Torth. Their population is low and scattered across the realm, and they are looked down upon by others. Full vampires must drink blood and are usually forced to consume animal blood, as humans don’t live on Torth and other races are generally stronger than vampires. Half-breed vampires can eat other food.
Viper – A demon with green scaled skin, this predator walks in a humanoid form but its head reassembles that of a snake. They have large fangs filled with venom potent enough to kill a weak creature and incapacitate a strong one. Their venom is the one essence that slows the rapid-healing abilities of many of Torth’s predators and can be poured on wounds to cause scarring.
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BOUT SHARON
Sharon Kay writes award-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves paranormal romance, with romantic suspense following close on its heels. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts.
Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungry demons.
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