by Betty Legend
Killian pulls my chair closer to his and caresses my thigh. “You’re worth it.”
The other three give a nod or smile of agreement as they take their seats. I feel a pinch of guilt Phoenix isn’t here with us, hoping eventually that will change.
Several bites into our dinner, Killian tilts his head, listening intently. The door to Phoenix’s basement living area opens abruptly.
“Protect her. There are demons outside,” Phoenix orders.
Killian curls me in his arm and hands me off to Emeric. Emeric wraps his wings around me as Killian shifts into wolf form, his clothes tearing in the change. Cyrus and Griffin’s hands are raised, magic swirling in their palms. The four of them are a force of nature, ready to battle whatever is out there. Phoenix listens, and Killian’s wolf form perks his ears.
“We can’t keep her here,” Cyrus tells Phoenix. “Your house isn’t safe if demons and the Holy Accolades are watching it.”
I push out of Emeric’s wings. “I’m not going to run or hide. Whatever is out there, we’re going to kill it.”
“I’m with her,” Emeric says behind me.
“Go get more clothes on if we’re doing this,” Phoenix instructs, his eyes an eerie purple. Whatever magic he has, it’s emanating off him, ready to unleash.
I hurry downstairs into the bathroom and put on my shorts. When I come back upstairs, Emeric is the only one still in the room. Taking my hand, he leads me into the living room. Phoenix is at the front door listening to what’s outside.
“Six of them… no, eight.”
I glance at Emeric and release my fire magic in one palm and water magic in the other. Emeric stands on one side with swirling red magic in his palms. Cyrus stands on my other side with silver magic in his.
“Open the door,” I tell Phoenix.
It swings open, and dozens of red beady eyes fixate on us. Pushing out my magic, I let the rush of power course through me. Lifting every demon I can see, I throw balls of red glowing magic at them. The ones I hit snarl and claw at their chests as the fire incinerates them from the inside out. Emeric’s magic doubles my efforts, speeding up their gruesome incineration. Cyrus mutters a spell, and two of the demons writhe and claw at the air before exploding into pieces.
Two demons crawl through the threshold beneath the ones I’m holding in the air. Griffin stops them, holding them in place with his ethereal blue glow. Killian’s wolf form steps forward and pounds a paw to the floor. A bronze swirl of magic escapes his giant paw, and an engulfing vibration slams into the two demons, sliding them back toward the door. Leaping on top of them, he rips into the throat of one of the demons as Phoenix lifts the other by the neck and tears its jugular open.
Phoenix throws the mangled body out the door as Killian shakes the other demon, then tosses him out. Emeric steps forward, burning the remains to ash. With my adrenaline pumping through me, my magic swirls around my body, changing colors as it morphs and grows.
Phoenix’s powerful frame walks through it, wiping the blood from his mouth. The touch of fire magic burns his skin the closer he comes, but it doesn’t faze him.
“I’ve never seen anything so stunningly savage.”
Putting a hand around my neck, he slams his lips to mine. Tearing his shirt from my chest, he lifts me, and I cling to his hips as he backs me to the nearest wall. My magic continues to swirl with the passion rising inside me. The licks of fire still leave marks on his skin, yet it doesn’t stop him from ravaging my mouth, his hands touching everywhere.
“Get out or watch,” he barks to the others.
The passionate desire forcing my hands are reaching for the waistband of his pants. In my periphery, Emeric closes the door and leans against it. My eyes close as the familiar pinch of pain stings my neck. Releasing my legs, his erotic kiss is followed by the touch of his adept fingers between my legs.
His other hand shoves my shorts down, and they fall to my ankles. Pushing the fabric of his pants down, his lengthy cock springs free. Lifting my legs, he shoves into my center with the force of a sexually hungry vampire. I cling to his neck and shoulders as he fucks me against the wall, claiming my moans with his powerful kiss.
Dominant hands force mine against the wall as he drives his hips harder into me. A purplish-red glow bursts out around Phoenix, and my arousal reaches new heights. A potent strength of pleasure courses through me, and as I come, the same purplish-red glow erupts from my body in torrents of wild magic, consuming the other magic, taking over as the primary.
Phoenix drops his head back, his eyes blazing a vibrant purple as he indulges in the power swirling around us.
“Rapturous. That’s what you are.”
Bringing my lips to his, I slide my tongue under the tips of his fangs. With a quiet moan and harder thrusts, he whispers, “My temptress.”
Claiming me, his hips roll into me. Like feral animals, we ravage one another, the power, the magic, the need so strong, I’m losing myself to it. Another surging orgasm consumes me, my body overcome with energy and pure rapture. Sharp fangs latch onto my neck, his body pinning me tightly to the wall as he drinks from me. Hanging onto his shoulders, I ride the last of my pleasure as his thrusts slow.
Gradually pulling out, he lets my legs down, keeping me caged between him and the wall. Intense violet eyes stare into mine, and I can feel the emotion in the air between us.
Raising my hand, I caress his face, and he severs eye contact, closing his eyes as he leans into my touch. Stepping closer, his penetrating violet gaze holds mine as he puts his hands on my sides, his thumbs caressing over my tight nipples. Biting into my lip, I glance around the room, relieved the other guys gave us privacy.
“They’re in the guest entertainment room, drinking and talking.” He kisses my neck, where he bit me, and goosebumps pebble down my arms. “It’s unfortunate they didn’t stay to watch me take what’s mine.”
Every touch of his lips and hands reignites my arousal. Placing my hand around his length, I stroke him, and he groans.
“Am I yours now?”
His lips feather my ear. “You tell me. How much do you want to feel me inside you again?”
“The same as you want to taste and touch me again.”
Pushing his hips forward, he thrusts into my palm.
“My tempting witch, I don’t want to taste and touch you. I want to fuck and ravage you again and again, and again.” He slides his length between my legs. “And I have all night to do it. Vampires don’t sleep at night.”
Sliding his cock across my opening has me yearning for more of him. When he applies pressure and starts to lift my legs, I’m ready to take him, but the heavy footfalls of boots slow his movements, and he grumbles.
“What the fuck do you want?” he snaps at Emeric.
“Believe me, I hate interrupting a good fuck, but we all need to talk.”
Anger tightens his muscles, and his grip becomes almost unbearable.
“Fine.” Lowering my legs, he nods his head toward the door to the basement. “Get whatever clothes you want from my closet.”
The contemptuous wall he keeps up has been re-erected. With a scornful, tight mouth and jaw, he pulls his briefs and pants over his hips. A moment passes between Phoenix and Emeric, and I worry Phoenix will act on his thoughts. I caress my hand over his shoulder, releasing my water magic, and he glances over his shoulder at me, his muscles relaxing ever so slightly.
The feel of my magic surprises him. He watches me with interest as I saunter away.
CHAPTER FIVE
PHOENIX
For a short time, I forgot the assholes were still in my house. While I was fucking Selene, I forgot Vivian died over three weeks ago. I forgot all the pain and anger I carry with me for not being able to save her that night. If I’d bonded with Selene sooner, I could’ve had my full power and destroyed every Holy Accolade who broke into my home and attacked us. But instead, I rejected being chosen. I told Vivian I would seduce Selene when it was my turn to bond, get my
full magic, then say good riddance to the witch. What I didn’t expect was to lose Vivian and now be infatuated with a witch I desperately want to drink from, and like I told her, fuck over and over.
I’m an asshole for thinking it, but what I felt for Vivian didn’t compare to the power and pull Selene has over me. The night of the party, I knew Vivian would hate Selene. From the moment we came close to one another, I was aware I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands and fangs off her. Part of me resented her, but even more, I resented the curse.
In the last few weeks, I laid in bed, sleep-deprived, wondering if fate took Vivian from me so I would be open to bonding with Selene. The world is a cruel place, and so is fate’s hand.
My current problem is the four men in my house. The four men I’m fine never seeing or having a relationship with, yet I’m supposed to share Selene with them. It’s something I’m not willing to accept, and if I get my way, I won’t have to.
I enter the room, and they’re lounging on my furniture, drinking glasses of liquor.
“Please, make yourselves comfortable.”
“You couldn’t fight it, could you?” Emeric smirks. “The pull to her.”
“Let’s save the pussy powwow for another time.”
Killian and Emeric exchange glances and smirk. Emeric mouths, nope, to Killian, then downs the rest of his liquor. My gaze falls to Killian, sitting nude on my leather chair and grimace.
“Where are your clothes, wolf?”
“Torn, vamp. Seeing as how we don’t fit in the same size, guess you’ll have to deal with my dick hanging out.”
“It doesn’t matter. I won’t be up here long. I have a witch who wants more of my dick.” I smirk, and Killian curls his lip, a low growl erupting. “Now, let’s get to the point of this conversation. Those demons have been watching me for some time since you were all hiding out.”
“They’re trying to find her,” Griffin shares what we all know. “We should all remain at Mordeeves Island, allow her time to learn more of her magic.”
“I’m not going to live at a beach house. Vampires don’t mix with sun, remember?”
Griffin runs a hand through his hair, revealing a pointed ear.
“I tried to tell you before, but you wouldn’t listen. The house is equipped for all of us to live there. It wouldn’t be any different from living here.”
“Except for the lack of technology, a blood supply, and entertainment.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
“I have a second place I’ll move into. Selene can split her time between my place and yours.”
“And mine,” Killian states firmly. “She’s my mate. I’d prefer she live primarily with me.”
“She already lives with us.” Cyrus holds his half-empty glass on his knee. “But I know she’ll be happy to have you move in.”
“I’ll consider it.” Killian scratches at his scruff, contemplating the invitation.
Coming off the wall, I lower my folded arms. “This chat was lovely. Anything else we need to discuss?”
“Yeah.” Emeric throws a thumb over his shoulder. “How about we have Selene in this conversation? She needs to know the demons and Holy Accolades are going to keep coming.”
“I believe the Holy Accolades don’t know who she is or what she looks like,” Cyrus shares. “If they did, they would’ve attacked her already.”
“I disagree. They haven’t attacked her yet.” I look at Griffin. “You told me demons attacked her in her apartment. If demons know about her, so do the Holy Accolades.”
“Then why didn’t they attack her the night she came to your party?” Cyrus questions.
“They didn’t have time. They were making a quick escape before other vampires or supernaturals showed up they didn’t know about.” I throw my hands up. “Hell, maybe they were afraid of her. I don’t know what their reasons are, but they have them. Otherwise, she would’ve been injured or killed.”
Emeric glances between me and Cyrus. “I think they found out who she was that night. We’ve kept her off their radar, but the moment she’s back in society, their chances of finding her are a lot easier. She needs to be prepared for that.”
“She has the magic of all five elements coursing through her now.” Killian sits forward, his cup hanging from his hands as he raises a brow at me. “Once she has a handle on them, she won’t have to be afraid of demons or a superstitious cult.”
Griffin sighs heavily. “It’s not as easy as avoiding them. About a week ago, I had a vision.” Finishing his drink, he sets the empty glass aside. “Something is coming for her. Something dark, violent, and powerful.”
Tension tightens my chest. I already lost Vivian. I don’t want to lose Selene, too.
“What the hell is it?”
Selene
“It’s the devil.” Their attention is drawn to me, freshly showered, wearing another one of Phoenix’s shirts and my shorts.
Griffin rises from his chair and takes my hands in his, fear furrowing his brows. “Why didn’t you tell us this?”
“I thought you all knew. I thought it was part of the prophecy. She who breaks the curse gets hunted by the devil.”
“No.” Griffin shakes his head. “The prophecy was about a druid witch who could wield all five elements, bonding with the first-born sons of each elemental magic. It had nothing about the devil.” Griffin runs a hand through his hair, his eyes widening. “Does this have anything to do with the vision Ancor revealed to you?”
“He didn’t show me a vision. He showed me history. The devil is the leader of the Holy Accolades. He shapeshifted into a man, fooled them all into believing his lies, and they helped him torture and kill my ancestor.”
“The damn devil is coming for her,” Emeric says aloud. “There’s no fucking way we’re letting him get his hands on her.”
“I need to tell all of you about my visit with Ancor.”
Griffin takes my hand, bringing me to the chair with him. As I share my visit and everything Ancor told me, Griffin caresses my back. When I’m finished, he holds me close, kissing my temple.
“Ancor knew we would all need to fight the devil. I wish he’d told me.”
“Would it have changed anything?”
“I don’t know,” Griffin answers honestly. “But not about how much I wanted you.”
Beneath his fingertips, his magic tingles my skin, soothing my nerves. I kiss him, then turn my attention to the others.
“As difficult or awkward as it might be for all of you, I’d like for us to strengthen our bond. I have feelings for all of you and want to spend as much of my time as I can with each of you. I’m terrified of what’s to come, but with all of you, I feel stronger.”
“I see now,” Phoenix’s angry tone matches the emotion in his eyes. “I’ve lost everyone I love, so I become devoted to you, and save you from the devil. Our sacrifice is the rest of the supernatural world’s gain.” His back muscles tighten as he storms out of the room.
My heart sinks into my gut, my jaw hanging open.
“What the fuck, Phoenix?” Emeric shouts to him.
Leaving Griffin’s lap, I go after him. He’s nearly at the door to his basement.
“I didn’t ask for any of this either,” I shout at him. “None of us did.”
Phoenix whirls around, his flickering violet eyes boring into mine.
“None of you had someone you loved taken from you because of this curse.”
“Yes, we did. I lost my father, and every one of us lost a parent or both.”
“You know what I mean,” he snarls. “I lost both, Selene, then I lost Vivian. I was better off not being a part of this fucked up love and fight club. I was better off before I knew you.”
Tears fill my eyes as a comforting hand touches my shoulder. Phoenix glares behind me.
“All of you need to get the fuck out.”
Griffin pulls me into his arms as Cyrus casts the spell. I’m pulled through the portal, tears soaking my cheeks. Back i
n our bedroom at the beach house, several comforting arms surround me.
“He hates me.”
“He doesn’t,” Griffin assures me. “He hates himself, and he hates the curse.”
“Selene,” Killian says my name, and I wipe my face to look into his warm amber eyes. “Vampires feel emotions far deeper than the rest of us. It was too soon for him to try to bond with you. It’s messing with his emotions.” Wiping a tear from my cheek, he pulls me in close for an emotionally soothing kiss.
“He needs time,” Cyrus tells me.
“And so do we,” Killian holds my hand, staring at me with adoration.
Looking down, I giggle. “You’re still naked.”
Killian shrugs a shoulder. “Do you mind?”
I shake my head. “No, you have an amazing body.”
Emeric’s wing tickles my arm from behind. “Is that right? What about the rest of us?”
Caressing his wings, I turn my chin to kiss him.
“What do you think? You’re all insanely handsome.”
“Don’t stroke his ego,” Cyrus quips.
“I have something else she can stroke.” Emeric’s fiery kiss pushes away the rest of my sadness.
“You all have had her for weeks.” Killian tugs me out of his wings and into his arms. “She’s mine tonight.”
Griffin laughs. “You’ll have to get used to sharing, Killian. We all sleep together.”
Killian hoists me over his shoulder, slapping my ass.
“Then you all can watch. This beauty is mine tonight.”
I can’t stop giggling as Killian turns his back on them and they stare with humored expressions as he tosses me onto our giant bed. Killian climbs over me, his thick length growing stiffer.
My arms clasp around his neck. “Are we really going to fuck in front of them?”
“Are they still there?”
“Yep.”
“Then, yes.” Lifting my shirt, he kisses my abdomen, awakening my arousal. “Does it bother you?”
“No, and right now, I really want you.”