by Brenda Trim
Naively, Cailyn hoped that didn’t occur with supernaturals. She’s met several couples that were just as hot for each other after several centuries.
Stop it! Jace still wants you as much today as the day you mated him! Her inner voice chastised.
Cailyn had to believe he was temporarily preoccupied. They were all facing an unbelievable crisis, pulled in a million different directions. The stress and depression of Izzy’s kidnapping were affecting everyone, and she had to believe it would pass.
Cailyn closed the distance between her and Jace, wrapping an arm around his waist. Electricity zapped between them where their skin touched. The weight on her chest eased when Jace’s arms went around her shoulder, and he kissed the top of her head. It was the soothing comfort she needed.
“Your fever is down today. How are you feeling?” Jace asked Tristan, and his deep timber vibrated through her chest then made its way lower, between her legs. Damn, she was worse than the stripling going through his change.
Tristan walked to the refrigerator and grabbed a Snake’s Venom, twisting the cap from the bottle. The guy loved craft beer. In fact, he turned many of the other men onto it, as well. One in particular. Snake’s Venom was the world’s strongest beer, with an alcohol content of over sixty-five percent. She found it bitter and nasty, but it had become a compound favorite. It was unclear to Cailyn if they all had horrible taste in beer, or if their interest was the fact it took significantly more alcohol to impair a supernatural and this brand provided more of a punch for them.
“My appetite is back to normal, and my body doesn’t ache as much. Please tell me that this pain will be gone before the fucking commences. I don’t want anything taking away from this experience,” Tristan admitted then added, “I want to wow this Brianne with my skills.”
“Shite. Doona be a jackarse,” Zander muttered. “You have no skills. Just because you are an impressive fighter doesna mean you are naturally good at everything. You will bumble through this,” he explained with a laugh.
“Not likely, Liege. It’s a simple concept. Insert cock and get busy. What’s there to screw up?” Tristan boasted, his cocky attitude returning with a vengeance. Cailyn knew better though. He was nervous as hell at the prospect of his first time.
“You don’t know shit if you think that’s all you do,” Elsie barked. “Poor Brianne. We should pay her more for what she’s going to endure.” Cailyn’s brow furrowed in concern. Her sister was never so callous or mean toward anyone.
“Doona worry, a ghra. Brianne is aware of Tristan’s situation. And you, motherfucker, doona finish that thought,” Zander growled.
Cailyn might pick up pieces here and there of the other’s thoughts, but Zander had a much more formidable telepathic ability. He could read humans with ease and communicate freely with supernaturals, particularly those under his rule. He was known to barrel into the minds of his warriors at any moment. One of the perks of leading the Dark Warriors.
“My mate is right,” Zander continued. “There is far more to pleasuring a female. I encourage you to use this time with Brianne to learn from her,” he explained as he stood behind Elsie, his body caging her from behind. Elsie stopped her task and leaned back into her mate. Cailyn was pleased to see a small amount of the tension ease from her sister’s rigid stance.
“You males are pussy-whipped, and that’s a far cry from my goal with Brianne. I’m a hit and quit it kinda male,” Tristan spouted off.
Jace let go of Cailyn and in the next breath, crossed to Tristan and punched his face. Tristan went reeling, dropping his beer. Without missing a beat, Jace caught the bottle, took a swig then faced off with the stripling. A smile tugged one corner of her mouth. Her mate was a badass warrior who made her even hornier.
“You’d be so lucky to have a mate. If I hear you disrespect my mate or any female in this house, I’ll put your dumb ass to sleep through your transition,” Jace threatened.
Seeing her mate defend her honor was a huge turn on. Of course, everything about Jace made her core clench and ache with desire. Tristan blanched at his comment which made her wonder about the prospect of being kept under throughout a transition.
“Why don’t you put him to sleep during this part of the transition? It seems like it would be easier for all involved,” Cailyn asked as her curiosity got the best of her. How bad could it be that Tristan instantly paled?
“Putting a stripling to sleep during the transition would not only stunt his physical growth but also, his emotional growth. They can’t access any extra abilities they may inherit during this process, either. And sexually they are under-developed. Anatomy of both sexes becomes stunted. Trust me, Shijéí, no one wants an underdeveloped male,” Jace informed her. “It’s not just about the sex. Although, that’s a major factor. To do such a thing renders a supernatural weak as a human. Tristan would never be able to complete his training as a Dark Warrior and would be defenseless in our world.”
“That makes sense given what you’ve already told me about stripling being as vulnerable as humans to injury and recovery. I never would’ve thought that sleeping through the process would impact him so severely,” Cailyn admitted.
Jace nodded his head and regarded her with warm, affectionate eyes as he crossed back to her side and enfolded her in his arms. “It’s not like being asleep through a surgical procedure. The act itself cuts all ties between the being and the Goddess, hence denying the body and mind the enrichment she bestows. Think of it as a spinal block. Nothing gets through, hence the stunted development.”
“As Elsie has said before, you guys need to make a handbook, so we don’t put our foot in our mouths,” Cailyn admitted and looked to Elsie, hoping she could pull her sister out of her depression.
Elsie either ignored the comment or didn’t hear her because she kept her back to Cailyn and continued to focus on the meal she was preparing. Cailyn’s heart broke seeing her sister so despondent.
“Doona hesitate to ask questions, Cailyn,” Zander interjected as he rubbed circles on Elsie’s back.
Elsie suddenly looked up at her mate. “Do we have everything we need for Tristan? Do I need to make arrangements for anything?” she asked.
Despite her turmoil, Elsie continued her role as Queen. The vampires couldn’t have asked for a better female to stand by Zander’s side. She always put the realm high on her priority list. Even her rage and worry over Isobel’s abduction didn’t deter her from considering Tristan’s needs.
“The room is soundproofed and secured from the outside. Nate has stocked up on protein bars and beer. And Red Vines that Brianne requested,” Zander replied. “There is nothing for you to worry about, a ghra.”
“I need something to focus on, Zander. I’m going out of my mind, and I can only cook so many meals,” Elsie explained.
“Aye, I understand, a ghra. But you canna cook enough right now when you consider the new residents at Anthru. Those stripling are in Annwyn at mealtimes. It seems you’re becoming quite the legend,” Zander stated and placed a tender kiss on her lips.
The lip-lock was brief, telling Cailyn the couple was experiencing their share of strain when it came to intimacy. Elsie glanced over, and Cailyn offered a small smile. Cailyn wanted more than anything to take away the pain she saw in her sister’s gaze. Unfortunately, the only way that would happen was if Izzy were to come bouncing through the front door.
“Okay, so tell me more about harpies,” Elsie said as she turned back to the large pot on the stove.
Zander ran a hand through his jet-black hair. “Some say Poseidon created Harpies. Some say Typhon. Regardless, one of the Gods created them. They doona look like birds with human heads as myth would have you believe. They have feathered wings, and human-like bodies and their feet become clawed when needed. Their job is to carry evil-doers to the Erinyes or fates for judgment. At some point, they snubbed the powers that be and went off on their own. They are eccentric creatures and often obsess aboot one or more items. They will go t
o any lengths, including theft, to obtain the object of their fascination. Apparently, Brianne’s focus is Red Vines and it doesna matter if she has an entire warehouse full of the licorice treats,” Zander explained as he continued to rub Elsie’s back.
“Don’t forget they can control the wind,” Jace interjected. “It’s one of their most notable abilities. I’ve seen harpies use telekinesis and psychometry, so it seems they possess more than the ability to control the winds.”
“Telekinesis I understand, but what’s psychometry?” Tristan asked and his brows furrowed. “This Brianne isn’t going to go loco on my ass, is she?”
“Only if you touch my Red Vines,” purred a feminine voice. Her Hispanic accent was thick, reminding Cailyn of Santiago’s brogue. Cailyn turned to the doorway and saw the female that entered.
A tall, curvaceous, black-haired beauty sauntered into the kitchen. The new comer was as tall as Illianna, but her curves screamed sensuality. She was the total package of sex appeal and seduction. Her large black-feathered wings were tipped with red, adding to her allure. Her black eyes had a thin ring of blue around the outside of the iris, making her look otherworldly. And, then there was her gunmetal armor. It was form-fitted to her voluptuous figure. It screamed don’t-fuck-with-me-or-I-will-kick-your-ass, or probably what Tristan was hoping, if-you’re-lucky-I’ll-fuck-your-brains-out. Admittedly, Cailyn had a bit of a girl crush on the woman.
“I’m Brianne. Vampire King, I presume,” she murmured as she reached Zander, offering her hand, “which means this gorgeous female is your queen, Elsie.”
“Aye,” Zander said and shook Brianne’s hand. “This is my mate, Elsie. And, this is Jace and his mate Cailyn. Tristan, as you know, is the reason we called you here,” Zander said, motioning for Tristan to come forward.
Tristan eagerly walked forward and took Brianne’s hand, staring with clear desire at the woman before him. Brianne’s wings fluttered behind her back, and Cailyn noticed the iridescent quality to the black feathers when the light hit them just right. The holographic rainbow made her impressive wings stunning.
“Damn, you’re hot,” he exclaimed.
Brianne giggled, and even that was sexy. “You’re looking much better than the last time I saw you,” she replied as she eyed him from head to toe. “And, I don’t regret volunteering. Mmmm. My sister is gonna be pissed when I tell her how well you healed. Ay Dios mío,” Brianne exclaimed and turned to Zander. “Is everything ready? I think we need to get this eager beaver into seclusion for everyone’s sake.”
“Aye, everything is as you’ve requested. I have your sister’s number in the event we need you more than the agreed time frame. If any of the supplies run out, call Nate on the house phone, and he will see to your needs right away,” Zander explained.
“I’m the Dark Warrior’s physician, and I will be here in the event any problems arise,” Jace informed Brianne. Cailyn’s ear perked up at that, hoping that meant Jace would be available in the coming weeks. She needed him with a desperation she hated.
Brianne nodded her understanding then batted her eyes at Tristan. “Lead the way, stud,” she cooed and reached for Tristan’s hand.
“Don’t wait up,” Tristan said and smiled at their group.
Cailyn watched the two as they walked out of the room to begin their nonstop fuckathon. She looked at Jace and met his gaze. His amethyst orbs lit her on fire. She smiled at her mate, praying Tristan and Brianne weren’t the only ones climaxing that night.
* * *
Chapter Seven
Ramiel fought the bile in his gut and the bloodlust rolling through his veins. The repulsion toward demons made being in a room without using his weapon of light against them nearly impossible.
The imperative to eliminate evil was built into his system and remained a consistent hum regardless how hard he tried to ignore it. Testing his control, he cloaked his presence and perched on the roof across the street, watching demons come and go for the past hour. Hopeless determination replaced the rage that fueled his last visit. He’d encountered several roadblocks but continued moving forward, regardless of the futility. He would die trying to save Isobel.
The problem was when he’d arrived at the alley leading to Seven Lively Sinz, his flaming sword was in his hand and slicing through a pus demon’s neck before he knew what he was doing. Zakara would not help him if he went into her establishment and slaughtered her patrons. Hence the reason he sat on a roof in the rain, watching and waiting until his impulses were securely locked down.
Taking several deep breaths, Ramiel hopped down from the roof’s ledge and approached the back entrance to Zakara’s bar. He repeated the secret knock he’d learned, and the door swung wide. The room stilled the second he entered.
“Why am I not surprised to see you? I’ll say this again, Angel. You’re not welcome here,” Zakara called out from behind the bar. An odd-looking creature was beside her, drying some glasses.
Ramiel guessed he was a troll with the light grey, rough skin that flaked off into sandy pieces. His horns stuck straight up from his scalp and were twice the size of Kara’s. His hands appeared normal, five fingers, no claws, with a round nose on his face. The bar hid the rest of him, but Ramiel had no interest in seeing it. He was there for one reason only.
“We need to talk,” Rami barked, ignoring the dozens of eyes he felt watching his every move. Zakara shook her head and set a beer in front of a black demon two stools over from him.
“Unless you’ve decided to give into temptation and fuck me, we have nothing to talk about,” Kara said with a lifted eyebrow.
She was trying to get a rise out of him. Literally. And fuck if her words didn’t make his blood heat and his cock jerk with need. Mental persuasion did nothing to talk the fucker down. His dick had a mind of its own and had decided the Fallen was worth a go. Rami, on the other hand, didn’t agree and chose to ignore the traitor in his pants.
“I want to show you something,” he said as he pulled his phone out of his back pocket.
Yeah, he was an angel with a cell phone. Seemed God had caved to modern technology, along with the rest of the world. He didn’t mind. In fact, it made sense since angels couldn’t communicate telepathically. Made his life easier when he needed to reach one of the AORs.
“I hope that’s a sex tape to get me in the mood,” Zakara replied. “Tell you what. Let’s make a new and better one. We can leak it to the internet. Just imagine the scandal that will race through the heavens when the archangels get a look at our sweaty bodies bumping and grinding,” she said with a sly smile then slowly unzipped her leather bustier and pulled down one side, exposing her breast. “What do you say, Angel?”
Rami licked his lip and swallowed as his mouth watered at the sight. He wanted to dip his head and taste her cherry-red nipple. It puckered under his scrutiny, and it took every ounce of control not to pounce on the sexy demon. His gaze traveled north and locked with hers. The sounds of the bar disappeared, and it felt like they were the only two in the room. The draw to her was undeniable. She made him want to do all kinds of the wicked with her. Was this demon magic at play? Did she have him under a spell?
Rami forced his desire inside a box deep down where the enticing Zakara couldn’t reach. He quickly turned his head and scanned the bar. The surrounding demons had gone back to what they were doing before he entered. Arguments resumed. Dancing, or maybe that was fucking, continued in the corners. And drink orders were being shouted to Kara and her bartender.
Ramiel cleared his mind, remembering why he was there and pulled up the video on his cell phone. It was a clip of he and Izzy playing chase with the kippies from Khoth. The pink and grey balls of fluff raced around the room, jumping from dresser to bed and out into the hall. It had been one of the first time he’d felt true giddiness since his death and losing Elsie. It was one of his most precious memories.
As he leaned closer to show Zakara the video, he felt her shudder when his hand grazed her arm. She might be c
rass in her seduction, but a part of her wanted a real taste of him. He could use that to draw her to his side. Perhaps if he could get her to see Izzy the way he did, she would agree to help him.
Rami hit play and turned the screen to Zakara. “This is Isobel Tarakesh. The child you are leaving to die at Lucifer’s hands. She doesn’t deserve that,” he said as Izzy’s laughter echoed through the tiny speaker. The sound was buoyant and free of worry or suffering. Would she still sound like that when he rescued her?
“She’s cute, but not my problem. And you are causing a scene with that in here,” Zakara snarled as the closest demons became agitated and started fighting. However, Rami could tell she was affected by what she saw on the screen. He muted the sound and watched as Kara’s eyes remained glued to the images.
“What the hell are those? I’ve never seen anything like them,” Kara said with a laugh. “They look a bit like koalas, but I can see they aren’t,” she commented as Pip and Squeak came into view.
“Those are kippies. Native animals from the realm of Khoth,” Rami explained. “They’re some of Izzy’s best friends.”
“I imagine a spoiled princess is in for the shock of her life,” Zakara murmured and shoved the phone away from her line of vision. It was unclear if the idea bothered her or not. Rami needed it to get under her skin so she would take him into the Underworld.
“And I need to protect her innocence,” Rami countered. Sure, Isobel was spoiled, but her family showered her with love, not material items. The way he saw it, there was nothing more meaningful than loving a child and being loved by one in return.
“It’s foolish. The Goddess made her a target. You need to reach out to Morrigan, not me. I want nothing to do with it,” Kara said with a curl of her lip.
“Look at her smile and tell me it’s not worth saving.” Rami challenged.