The Devil's Kiss

Chapter Three



“Here, take this,” Briggs said to Rynn, handing her a pill and a glass of water. Apprehension flashed across her face. He smiled encouraging. “It will help you sleep, darlin’. It has been a rough day.”

She took the pill without hesitation, popped it in her mouth and downed it with the water in a split second. Couldn’t say I blamed her. This had been one hell of a day for her. Briggs took a seat in a chair next to the fireplace in her room. Rynn was tucked into a glorious looking bed, which looked inviting. Thankfully, she opted for a room tonight instead of the gross bear rug.

“You’re going to stay with me?” she asked me, her voice shook and she looked slightly frantic.

I nodded. “When you wake up, I’ll be right beside you.” I avoided telling her the whole truth. I desperately wanted to spend some time with Kyden, and mentally kissed Briggs for giving her the sleeping pill that would allow me to leave her side for a little while. I sat down next to her and held her hand. “Just rest, Rynn.”

She smiled softly, then shut her eyes. Within minutes, she drifted away. I slowly removed my hand from hers and held my breath, hoping the movement didn’t wake her. When I laid her hand back down, I stayed a moment just to make sure she was fast asleep.

Moments later, I knew it was safe—she was dead to the world. I stood and headed over to Briggs, his gaze locked on Rynn. “So, she’s your mate?” I whispered.

He raised his gaze to mine and smiled. “I’d never thought I’d find her, and look, there she is.”

I hugged him and his arms came tight around me. “I’m so happy for you, Briggs. She is such a doll.” I leaned back to meet his eyes, which instantly went straight back to her.

“She is lovely,” he stated. Then, he looked back at me. “I cannot thank you enough for what you have done to help her.”

I laughed softly. “She is not hard to love, Briggs. To be honest, I think you’ll do the most to help her.”

His face darkened, the sound of his teeth grinding together was loud. “It grieves me to know how she has been mistreated.” Then, his expression changed to one of pure possession. “I will make this right—if it is my only job in life.”

I kissed his cheek, a little scruff burned my lips. “I know you will. She is lucky to have you.” He smiled softly at that. “Listen, I’ll be back.”

“Go on,” he said, nodded toward the door. “She’ll be out for a good eight hours.”

With one last look at Rynn sleeping soundly, I headed for the door, opened it, then shut it quietly behind me. My body pressed up against it as I leaned my head back on it. What a day. I gave myself a second just to take it all in, tried to sort through the millions of emotions filtering through me.

A scuffle down the hall dragged me from my thoughts. I lowered my head to find Kyden striding toward me looking about as damn delicious as I’d ever seen him. He wore his devilish grin that always sent desire flickering through my stomach as I sighed in complete bliss that he was all mine. “Is she alright?”

“She is.” I nodded. “Briggs is with her now.” I stepped away from the door and began to walk toward him.

Halfway down the hall, we collided and he whisked me off my feet, taking me into a kiss of a lifetime. His lips crushed mine in a way that was not appropriate for watchful eyes. My mouth parted as his tongue licked along my bottom lip to ask permission. When I granted his request, our mouths synchronized together in nothing less than a mind-blowing embrace. His body came tight against mine as he held me close to him, pressing his hand into my lower back. A hard, warm body and male musky scent…simply heaven.

When he pulled back, his hunger ruminated off him with such force that I melted into him. My desire matched his. I needed him, craved to touch him and to be stroked in return. To feel adored in the midst of all this misery.

“I have a surprise for you,” he said sheepishly.

My desire plummeted, annoyance heated my blood. “When will you quit with the surprises? You know I hate them.”

His brow arched, his grin playful. “Most enjoy the sense of romance.”

“Romance shomance.” I waved dismissingly. “I just want to hear good old facts before I get dragged off to something.”

He let out a loud sharp bark of laughter and took my hand. “Come on, Álainn.” He dragged me behind him as we headed down the hall.

Just as we passed the sitting room, Isla gave me a little wave. I was very glad she didn’t come after me. Earlier, she’d drilled me relentlessly while we played a thousand questions. When I offered to see her, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Rynn seemed to enjoy it the most—the spotlight was off her. For that reason alone, I played along.

At the front door, Kyden grabbed the handle, pulled it open and dragged me through. The moment we were outside, I froze. “You have got to be out of your mind!”

“Scared are you?” Kyden’s voice was amused.

“Yes. I am scared—very, very scared,” I replied, staring at the white stallion Kyden had been so enthralled with earlier.

“He is gentle.” He dropped my hand, walked toward the horse. “You have nothing to fear from him.” He gave the horse’s face a rub and the horse let out a deep snort at the contact.

“I am not getting up there, Kyden.”

He chuckled under his breath, and in a smooth move, launched himself onto the horse’s back. He leaned back a bit, patting in front of him. “Come on, this spot is yours.”

“What part of, I am not getting up there, don’t you understand?” I said with a stomp of my foot. I’d never ridden a horse in my life. It wasn’t the riding part that scared me—it was the falling off part that had my knees shaking.

Kyden reached down, stroked the horse’s neck. “He will not hurt you. Nor will I. Now come on.”

Arguing was useless. Kyden was as determined as I was. He wanted this, therefore if I didn’t give in, we’d stand here until I did. Instead of drawing out the fact that I was eventually going to let him win, I focused on the fact that I did trust him. He would never let anything hurt me. I took a few hesitant steps forward and he reached down to me. After his hand closed around mine, he pulled me up to sit in front of him. He moved up closer, cradling his body tight against mine and grabbed the reins.

A second later, the horse was galloping at full speed and I was screaming bloody murder. I gripped the horse’s mane in dire hope that I wouldn’t do a face-plant in the dirt. “Jeessuusss…” I screamed.

Kyden laughed loudly. “Enjoy this. Relax, I’ve got you.”

As if that was going to happen.

We ran and ran. The wind whipped past us quickly. It wasn’t long before I realized just how incredible this was. The strength that came from the horse was marvelous. It was an honor that this magnificent beast would allow us to ride on him—when he could easily squish me into nothing. Resolved, I sank back into Kyden and released the horse’s mane.

The air whipped through my hair as we rushed forward. The further we ran, the more comfortable I began to feel. It was inevitable that I would enjoy this. I laughed like a kid on Halloween examining all their candy.

After some time, he slowed. The gallop was a much easier ride. When he began to trot, I was bouncing around like popcorn being popped. “Oh…God.” I laughed, grabbing the horse’s mane again.

“Whoa.” Kyden’s voice came out deep and smooth. The horse instantly complied and came to a dead halt. He scooted back, swiftly hopped off, then reached up to pull me off.

“Thank God, the ground.” Though I enjoyed the ride, I knelt down and touched the ground, happy I survived. The horse neighed something very close to laughter and Kyden chuckled right along with him. After a couple more thank you Gods, I finally glanced up. “Where are we?”

Before Kyden answered, the horse shimmied. In a blink of an eye, one hunk of a man, completely clothed in jeans and a cotton t-shirt stood in front of me. He was a large and made Kyden look small—a nearly impossible thing. He had long platinum hair that looked very similar to his mane in horse form. Most definitely, he would be defined as a man’s-man. “F*ck,” I gasped, shocked beyond belief. “You’re a Were?”

He nodded, thoroughly amused. “I am Atticus.”

Once I got over the shock of seeing him shift, I was completely confused. “Why do you choose to stay a horse?” He lived at Valor’s in horse form. For the life of me, I couldn’t figure out why he would want that.

He shrugged, his long hair danced along his body. “Valor treats me well and I prefer my horse form.”

“Isn’t that odd for Weres?” I asked. Most Weres preferred human form, only shifted to their animal shape if they needed to. Never had I met any who desired this type of lifestyle.

“It is, but we are all different. The life of a horse is simpler and less complicated. It is our desired state.” Guess that made sense, even if it was a little odd.

“Okay…er…that’s good then I guess. Well, thanks for the ride.” I suddenly, felt a bit perverse that I’d been riding on his back.

He nodded in acknowledgment and glanced around us. “As to your question, this is Logan Canyon.”

I followed his gaze and gasped. We were standing in the heart of a canyon—large steep cliffs surrounded trees, lush plants, and thriving wildlife. Breathtaking couldn’t even describe this.

“I’m going to head off now,” Atticus said. “When you wish to return home, whistle for me, and I’ll come.” His expression turned sultry. “I can scent some young mares that are looking for a stallion such as I.” He grinned, then he shifted and galloped off.

“Okay, that is just freaky.”

Kyden chuckled. “Thought you might enjoy that.” He took my hand and started toward one of the cliff. Stepping in behind me, he gave me a little help as we began to climb up. When we found a large ledge, we sat down.

I sighed, surrounded by eons of mountain beauty. “It’s so gorgeous here.”

“It is that,” Kyden responded sounding just as awed.

Time passed as we just sat in silence, enjoying the sound of birds chirping and brushes of wind against the trees. I finally glanced over at Kyden. He stared at me intently, so much so it made me laugh. “Penny for your thoughts?”

He smiled softly, his green eyes alight with joy. “You capture my thoughts.”

How did the man always seem to know just what to say to make me melt? I leaned in and kissed his lips. It was soft and delicate, which was so unlike him. Normally once my lips met his, he ravished me. A bit confused, I backed away. “What is it?”

Lightly, he traced my jaw line with his fingers. “Eternity is not long enough to love you, Álainn.”

“Kyden…” I responded softly.

He smiled sweetly, placing his finger on my lips to hush me. “Before we met…” He hesitated, looking out to the scenery, then met my gaze again. “Before we met, my existence was an endless waste—a life amounting to nothing.” He continued to trace the contours of my face. “The day you arrived, all that changed. It was as if my soul had settled, found its rightful home.”

My eyes glistened with tears. Kyden speaking of emotions—what was this?

His fingers never stopped their dance across my face. “Still to this very day I feel undeserving of you.”

“Kyden…”

He stopped me, touched my lips again. “I will eternally feel overjoyed that I have been granted the right to share in your life.”

“As will I.”

He smiled at that, ran his thumb across my lips. “You are truly a blessing. In every part of you I find joy. Even the stubborn pain in the ass side of you brings me much amusement.”

I laughed through my tears. To be loved, so completely, without any restraints¯never had I thought I’d be this lucky.

“I will forever work to be one who deserves you.” He took my hands and held them tight on my lap, his face warm with emotion. “Do you remember when Drake first learned of us?”

I nodded, the memory was hard to forget. My late birth father hadn’t been thrilled about the idea of us becoming a couple. Kyden’s womanizing past left Drake more than unhappy seeing his daughter with the likes of him. After a little scuffle and a talk, Drake’s feelings were appeased.

“Do you remember what he and I talked about?”

I thought back. I didn’t know all the details of what they had talked about that changed Drake’s mind, but responded with the only thing I did know. “Your intentions?”

“That’s right.” He nodded, appearing pleased I remembered the conversation. “That night I told him I would always protect you. Do anything in my power to see you happy and that it was my intention, when the time was right, to bond with you.” He smiled softly, his eyes shining in pure happiness. “I believe the time has come.”

Dear God, he was proposing. I wasn’t expecting this in the least. My heart blossomed. Happiness soared through my body and sent butterflies aflutter. Without hesitation, I grabbed the Guardian who stole every part of my heart and kissed his mouth in answer. He responded immediately with more emotion than I had ever felt from him. This wasn’t about heat or intensity—it was about the love that had evolved between us.

He released my mouth to run light, sweet kisses along my neck. “I’m taking that as a yes.” Amusement filled his voice as his lips created heaven along my skin.

I grasped the sides of his face, drawing his gaze to mine. “Kyden. You say those things, but the truth is those are my words you’re saying.”

His eyes glistened. All that we had been through, all that had gotten us to this point, made everything about this moment mean more than the world itself.

“Álainn,” he whispered before he captured my mouth with his once again.

With our lips connected, our hands worked quickly to remove our gear. Every part of me wanted—needed to feel him. To be connected. My body was warm from emotion and I was ready for him. This wasn’t about passion or about consuming each other with sultry needs, nor was it about arousal. It was the need to be together, be as close as we could to each other skin and skin.

Slowly, he laid me back, settled between my thighs as I widened them to accommodate him. He ran his hands along the sides of my head and entered me with the smoothest movement imaginable. I sighed at the perfection of it.

He stared adoringly into my eyes. With each long, slow stroke, our love blossomed deeper. There was nothing else—nothing in the world that mattered except us in that very moment.

Lovemaking at its finest.

Kyden’s eyes were deep and soft. I gazed deeply into them, seeing my future resting within their depths. We would have a life full of love, happiness and complete admiration for each other. How had I become so lucky?

He grasped my head tightly as his thrusts continued, long and slow, stroking so I felt all of him. So I understood just what it meant to be completely connected to him and how glorious it felt to be united. I reached up, cupped his face, and drew him closer to me. We faded away from existence, knowing only each other. We were bare, completely naked and hid nothing. We exposed every bit of ourselves that defined who we were.

His angle changed, and with it came waves of pleasure deepening my breath, and arching my hips toward him. He groaned deeply as my muscles clenched against him in the pure agony of my release. His speed never increased. His eyes never left mine as I moaned out our love, completely surrendered to the satisfaction rushing over me.

As the sensation grew, our souls captured each other in our building release. We never closed our eyes—never looked away as we both came together in nothing more than total trust in each other. We had belief in the wonderful prospect that was our life.

“Gods, do I love you.” Kyden breathed heavily, still gazing deeply into my eyes.

“Right back atcha.” I used Kyden’s famous line. He never was one to say the words. But it meant more because I knew when he said it, like moments like these, he felt it deep within him. He chuckled deeply as he rested his head against my neck. Everything was quiet around us as we took a moment to recover. Finally, I asked, “So, what exactly is bonding?”

He rose up, leaning on his forearms and stared down at me, a brow arched. “You have agreed to something you know nothing about?”

“I know it’s like marriage,” I shrugged. “I just wondered what you do exactly?”

“It is very much the same. There will be a ceremony similar to a wedding. The difference is the bonding will tie us together magically. It will deepen our bond.”

“Really?” What we shared was something I wasn’t even capable of dreaming up. “I can’t imagine it being much deeper than this.”

He brushed my hair off my face. “It is permanent in ways you cannot imagine. That is why you do not see many who have done it.”

That I had taken notice of. Only a few Guardian couples I had met were bonded. Even Talon and Zia, who seemed so perfect for each other, hadn’t taken the plunge. “Tell me then, why are so many hesitant?”

“We will belong to only each other. You will be unable to be apart from me without a sense of real loss. We will feel each other more deeply—know each other’s emotions.”

“You will feel what I feel?” I asked a little surprised.

“Indeed I will. It will be similar to your bond with Haven.” Then, he winked. “Just a little more intense.”

“Ha.” I laughed. “You’re in for it then. Look at what Haven goes through.” She was always on a constant roller-coaster ride with what I went through on a daily basis.

Kyden brushed his lips along mine. “It will be a moment of great peace for me to finally know all you feel. Trust me, Álainn, nothing will please me more.”

“We’ll just see about that.”

He obviously had no idea what a basket-case I could be.