by Wendi Zwaduk
“Casey, I declare you to be my mate and happily accept you claiming me.” She met his gaze. “I’m yours.”
He plunged his teeth into her skin. Rich blood flowed on his tongue. She gave him life and purpose. She made him whole.
Raine threaded her fingers into his hair. A tremor ran through her. “I take you, Casey, as my mate forever. Goddess bless us.”
His skin burned as he drew from her. His cock hardened and the need was too much to handle. He craved this human. No other would do. He finished drinking, then licked the wound closed.
“Sir?” She reached for him. “Make love to me.”
“Yes.” He unbuttoned his pants. He shoved his trousers and boxers down to his ankles. In one swift thrust, he filled her. Goddess, she was so tight with that plug in her ass and him in her cunt.
She drew up her knees, undulating beneath him and meeting him thrust for thrust. Passion burned in her eyes. Her breasts bounced with each push. She tightened around him. “Sir, I need to come.” Her legs trembled. “Oh, God.”
He leaned over her, pistoning into her body. He kissed her. “Mine,” he growled between kisses. “All mine.” He was a greedy bastard and refused to share her with anyone.
She threaded her arms around his neck. “I am, Sir.” She closed her eyes. The lazy smile returned to her lips. She tensed, then sagged under him.
A roar vibrated from deep within his chest. He’d never be the same. With Raine he was one body and soul moving together. One heart. He embraced the orgasm and surged into her. Another growl echoed in his chest. He buried his face against her throat.
The beautiful silence soothed him. He had a mate. Someone who loved him. Plus, he’d been accepted.
Perfect.
“Sir?” She toyed with his hair. “Casey?”
“My sweet?” Bone-deep weariness filled him, despite feeding from her.
“You’re warm.”
He tensed. “From being with you. It’s your warmth in me.”
“No.” She massaged his shoulders. “You’re pink, too.”
“I’ve never been pink.” He braced himself on his elbows, giving her room beneath him.
“I mean it.” She tipped her head. “You’re not pale any longer. You look alive and you feel warm.” She placed her hand on his chest. “You have a heartbeat.” Her eyes widened. “Open your mouth.”
He bared his teeth. He’d been turned. He’d always be a vampire—at least until staked.
“You have your fangs, but I swear you’ve got a little darker and you’re warm. Casey, I think you’re alive again.”
“Not possible.” He kissed her, then eased out of her pussy. He missed the snug fit immediately. “I can’t be alive again.”
“Take off your shirt.” She sat up. “Please?”
“Let me remove the toy first.” He kicked his wadded-up clothing off his ankles, then patted her hip. “Over.”
She complied and exhaled.
Casey removed the plug, then used his magic to get rid of the toy. He’d create another later. He glanced down at his hand. Raine was right—he wasn’t the same sickly pale hue. His skin was darker, richer…like he’d done a bit of tanning. He looked like he had before he’d been changed.
Raine sat up and opened his shirt. “You’re warm all over.” She grinned. “It’s sexy.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Turn around.” She removed the shirt. “Wow.”
“What?” He whipped around and stilled her hands. “Tell me?”
“Your wings aren’t just tattoos. They’re real.” She touched one wing. “Casey, is it possible you’ve regained your humanity when we killed Lomax?”
“Possible.” But he doubted it. Only one thing could restore him—her.
“You’re full Fae again?”
“No.” That wasn’t possible, either. No one could return a vampire to their former self.
“Well, you look human—Fae—to me.” She winced. “My leg aches.”
He draped his shirt around her shoulders, then knelt between her legs. He parted her thighs again and brushed his fingers over the bite. “You carry my mark. You’re not just protected. No other vampire or magical creature will dare touch you. You’re mine and this shows it.”
“Because I belong to you?”
He nodded. He caressed the spot on her leg and used magic to heal the wound faster. Silver lines formed over the bite. “It should be better now.”
She scooted onto his lap and wrapped her arms around his torso. “You’re a special man.”
“Still love me?” He brushed his nose along hers. “It’s a little late to change your mind, but you could, and I’ll understand if you do.”
“No.” She splayed her fingers on his back. “I have a master who loves me, won’t mistreat me and protects me. Plus, you’re sexy. I won.”
“We both did, sweet.”
“I’m glad you came back to the auction house. I owe you my life.”
“Just your body, soul and love.” He kissed her. “You’ve got my heart, too.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I love you, Casey.”
“I love you.”
She slid her palms over his torso, then along his ribs and down to his cock. “Shower and round two in bed?”
“You’ll wear my ancient ass out.” He laughed and kept her in his arms as he stood. “Rounds two, three, four, five…”
“Perfect.”
He carried her out of the guest room and down to the bedroom. He praised the Goddess he’d had the good fortune at the auction house. She’d been his salvation. He might never be truly Fae again, but that didn’t matter. He had Raine, and she was more than enough.
Chapter Nine
Raine stared at the closet full of clothes Casey had created for her. In the last three days, he’d showered her in so much love, attention and possessions. She’d never seen so many outfits or a man so totally devoted to her. But his care didn’t help her decide what garments she should wear to formally meet the prince and royal court.
Casey strode into the bedroom from the bathroom. His wet hair glistened. His cheeks were rosy and bright. He embodied strength and life. Every time she looked at him, her mouth watered.
“What’s wrong?” He dried his hair with the towel, then strode naked around the room. “You’re tense.”
“How are you dressing for the meeting?” She sank onto the bed. “Help?”
“They gave us a set time and a request. It’s not formal, but we should dress to impress.” He carried the towel to the bathroom, then returned.
“Meaning?” She hated this anxiety.
“Meaning, you wear this.” He pulled a dress from the closet. “It’s a cocktail-length gown and pretty. Wear it with heels, and you’ll be presentable for this or a night out. If all goes well, we’ll come home and have a little party.”
She eyed the garment. The burgundy was attractive and would bring out the paleness of her skin. The fit of the dress would accentuate her curves. She touched the silky fabric. “Would that party be something for just two?”
“Don’t you trust me?” He spread the dress out on the blankets. “I’d tell you if it were a formal event.” He dressed in a button-down shirt, black trousers and a sport coat. “I don’t know if Jon’s having any galas now. There doesn’t seem much point in it. The Fae who are still around might see a formal event as something in poor taste.”
“True.”
“You’ll look gorgeous.”
She fingered her collar. “Will this bother them?”
“I doubt it.” He curled his fingers under her chin. “They know you’re respected and trust our judgment. You have nothing to worry about.”
“Thank you.” She dressed and slipped into the pair of pumps. When she caught sight of her reflection in the mirror, she gasped. She looked pretty and so unlike herself. The woman in the mirror was a brand-new version of her. “Casey?”
“Yes?” He adjusted his cufflinks. “Stunning.”
/> “Do you think so?” She twirled for him. “I like it a lot. Thank you.”
“Welcome, sweet.” He gathered her in his arms.
“Why do you call me sweet?” she asked. “It’s not a pet name anyone else might use. I like it, but I wondered why you chose that one.”
He sat on the bed and placed her on his lap. “When I saw you at the club, you struck me as a sweet, innocent woman, despite being cuffed to that cross. You were being spanked, but you still exuded an innocent quality. When I said it the first time, the name fit, so it stuck. You’re my sweet.”
“I like it.” She smoothed her hands over his chest. “Do you wonder why I wanted to be collared?”
“Yes and no. Yes, because I’d thought you wouldn’t want it, but no because you’ll tell me the truth when you’re ready.”
She needed to tell him now. “I wanted the collar because it’s a safety net. I feel safer with it on. I know where I belong and what’s expected of me. This is like having you hold me all the time,” she said and touched the chain. “I’m never alone.”
“No, you’re not.” He kissed her. “I’ll give up my life to keep you safe.”
“I’d do the same thing for you.” She nestled into him. “I’m grateful to have you in my life.”
“Ready?” He patted her bottom. “We should get moving.”
“I am.” She stood, then wrapped her hand around his wrist. She allowed him to escort her into the main portion of the house. Jerome waited in the living room. He wore a full tuxedo, and she gasped. “Look at you.”
“I’m a gnome. We never expect to be included with royalty. I am, so I’m dressing to show respect.” Jerome bowed. “Sir and Miss, you do look wonderful.”
“As do you,” she said. She felt a bit underdressed next to him.
Casey opened a portal. “Next stop, the royal throne room.”
Giddiness filled her veins. She’d never seen a castle outside of a photograph. She expected cotton candy colors, feathers and beads. She stepped into a rather drab, gray room with thick red carpet. “It’s darker than I thought.”
“I gather they haven’t decorated in a while.” Casey arranged her arm around his. “There used to be trumpeters and so many ceremonies.”
“Did they die?” she murmured.
“A lot did in the war.” He shuddered. “It was terrible.”
She didn’t know what Casey had seen and wished she could rid him of that darkness. She squeezed his arm. She’d never leave him or make him face that kind of hell ever again.
Jerome stood tall next to her. “Where are they, Sir?”
“Making us wait, I assume,” Casey said. “Jon was never good at being on time.”
Raine held her breath. She wasn’t afraid of her new friends, but she worried she wouldn’t measure up.
“I told you we would.” Jon strode into the throne room. “Goddess, I will.” He swept his gaze over his guests. “Shit, I’m sorry.”
“Hi.” Raine smiled. Jon didn’t appear to be talking to anyone, but she refused to point that fact out.
“Hi.” Jon dipped his head. “We have a sprite living here and when she gets nervous, she talks a lot and becomes invisible.”
“Ah.” Casey didn’t move.
Raine wished she could see the sprite. If she’d encountered one before, she hadn’t known it.
Jerome inched forward. “Is your sprite touching me?” His collar moved, then a chunk of his hair slipped back and forth across his forehead. “Ma’am, that is pushy. Please. I can’t even see you. Please.”
Raine bit back laughter. “What if she likes you?”
“She might.” Jerome swatted at the air. “I might like her—if I could see her.” He swatted again. “Ma’am.”
“Lisa? Enough.” Jon notched his chin. “Please fetch Rachel, Sabra and Alyx.”
Jerome sighed. “Thank you.” He adjusted his collar, then bowed. “My prince.”
“Welcome,” Jon said. He shook hands with Casey, then Jerome. “Glad to see you. Casey, you’re more colorful than I remember.” He grinned. “You did mate.”
“We did.” Casey bowed his head. “She’s all mine.”
Hearing those words warmed her heart. She’d never get tired of hearing him declare his affection for her.
“Good,” Jon said. “You’ve regained your color. That means the Fae side has taken dominance. That only happened because you’ve found your mate.”
“Will he ever stop being a vampire?” Raine asked. She shouldn’t be so forward and she didn’t care if he never changed, but she wondered if the switch was possible.
“I’m afraid to say you won’t, Casey. You’ve got a heartbeat and are alive, but you’re still nocturnal and will still need blood,” Jon said. “But you’re Fae again and have the use of your wings.”
“Doesn’t matter what he looks like or when he sleeps. He’s all mine, too,” Raine said. She rubbed Casey’s arm.
Rachel strode into the room. Her deep blue dress hugged her body and her shoes sparkled with each step. “You made it.” She hugged Raine, then Casey and finally Jerome. “Welcome to the kingdom.”
Raine relaxed. She had nothing to fear. Rachel wasn’t going to reject her for being boring or a mere mortal. Raine had been accepted. “I’m happy to be here.”
“Jerome? Will you go with Lisa?” Rachel asked. “She’ll give you a tour of the castle.” She gestured to the green-hued woman with sparkling skin. “Don’t you dare disappear.” Rachel gestured to the sprite. “Lisa, this is Jerome. Jerome? Lisa.”
“We’ve met,” Jerome said. Still, a smile formed on his lips. He walked beside Lisa and left the room. Casey stood with Jon, deep in conversation and seeming not to notice Jerome’s departure.
“They’re so cute together,” Rachel said. “Sabra and Alyx will be here in a bit. Alyx insist on keeping security tight, and Sabra keeps him on his toes.”
“I’ll bet.” Raine inched up to Rachel. “I’m still a little worried.”
“About what? We’re all a big family.” Rachel hugged her again. “Nothing will harm you here. This is a safe place. Promise.” She fluttered her hands. “Speaking of family, we have a surprise.”
“We do.” Jon gestured to the doorway. “Callie?”
Casey grasped Raine’s hand. Her excitement grew. If Jon wanted Callie to join them, then maybe Atell was with her. He must be alive. She couldn’t wait to see her friend again.
Callie appeared and a slight smile blossomed on her lips. She wore the same black dress and laced her fingers together. She had a little more color in her pale cheeks. “Hello. He is on his way.”
Raine studied the woman. Callie had a stark beauty to her, and Raine wondered if Atell liked her. She and Atell would be cute together—if he was still alive, and they ended up together.
“Atell?” Callie held out her hand. “Your friends are here.”
Atell walked into the room. The sparkle wasn’t as bright in his eyes. He’d grown pale, thin and seemed tired. But he seemed alive. He strode right up to Raine and Casey.
“You’re alive.” Raine hugged him. “Thank Goddess.”
“Thank Callie. Her magic did it. I was toast before, but she managed to bring me back.” Atell hugged Raine. “Did you miss me?”
“Of course. Who will growl outside the window or howl?” Raine replied. “We all did.”
“I miss the house, but it’s not so bad here.” Atell shook hands with Casey. “Did we get him?”
“All gone.” Casey grinned. “Good to see you. I can’t wait for you to come back.”
“I want to be back.” Atell held Callie’s hand. “She helped me.”
Before Casey could say anything, Sabra and Alyx came into the room.
Jon applauded. “Save for Lisa and Jerome, we’re all here.” He cleared his throat. “Welcome, Raine and Casey. It’s wonderful to have you back, Casey, and you with us, Raine. We all take care of each other in the Fae kingdom. There are refugees in the rest of the palace.
For the most part, this is the Fae home—not mine. You’re welcome to come and go as you please because we’re all family.”
Raine bit back a whimper. Safety felt good.
Rachel handed Raine a bracelet. “This is yours. It shows everyone you’re part of the Fae house. Wear it with pride.”
“It also lets us know if you’re ever in trouble,” Jon said. “We’ll come to you and help both you and Casey.”
“Thank you.” She turned her wrist around to admire the jewelry. The flat silvery plates each featured a different colored stone. The bracelet seemed to have no beginning or end, just links—like the family.
“I doubt Casey will allow you to see danger ever again,” Jon said. “But we’re at the ready to help you. Please make yourself at home here. Be warned, we’ll call on you if we need help. Are you willing?”
“Yes,” Raine said in tandem with Casey. She’d do whatever they asked in return for their protection. She’d also do whatever she needed to in order to keep Casey.
“Perfect.” Jon took Rachel’s hand. “You said we’d grow the family.”
“We did,” Rachel said. “Casey, we may need your home to hide refugees until we can get them here.”
“Absolutely.” Casey nodded. “If we can save more beings, then we’re ready.”
Such a brave, strong man. Raine admired him.
“Then there we go.” Jon rubbed Rachel’s arm as he tucked her against him. “Right now, we have the Fae and shifters we know of housed here. We get signals all the time concerning new refugees. Now that the Refuge is gone, and there’s nowhere else to go, this is what we have to do.”
“When you do get a new signal and need us, we’re ready,” Casey said. “Summon us.”
Raine had no idea how to be a rescuer or to house people, but she’d learn. If there was a way to help someone get out of a bad situation, then she’d do it. “Agreed.”
Casey laced his fingers with hers.
“Good.” Jon whispered something to Rachel and seemed to be done with Casey and Raine.
Raine smoothed her hand over her dress and wondered why she and Casey had to come to the castle. The whole situation could’ve been conducted via a letter or another form of communication. “Prince? What exactly did you need from us that we had to come here? A presentation?” She’d grown bold out of Lomax’s clutches and should’ve kept her tongue in check.