The Devil's Kiss

Chapter Five



“Ooohh goodie, you’re back,” Haven exclaimed, running toward me as we made our way through the grounds of the Otherworld.

It might appear simple to some, with just flat grass, but the remarkable castle and the spectacular garden which held every flower and bush imaginable, clearly made it anything but.

“Prepare to be mauled,” I whispered to Rynn in haste.

Rynn’s brows rose at my words.

My attention shifted from her as Haven threw herself into my arms. “I’ve missed you so much.”

I laughed, laid my head against her shoulder as I hugged her back tightly. “Me too.” I did. Being back here with her, home never felt so good.

She drew away and instantly wrapped herself around Rynn. “Rynn, right?” She didn’t wait for her to answer. Typical Haven. “It’s so nice to have you here.”

Rynn patted her back, and looked a little bewildered. “Thanks, and you are?”

“I’m Haven,” she answered, backing away. “Nexi’s soul-sister.”

“Soul-sister?” Rynn repeated, apparently confused by the term.

“Just think of it as best friends,” I told her. No need to confuse her further. If I hadn’t felt it for myself, I still wasn’t sure I’d believe it possible.

“You’ve brought some furry friends with you.” Haven giggled, giving Isla and Dante a quick wave. She linked her arm in mine and gave me a once over. “You look extra sexy tonight.”

I glanced down, a little embarrassed. When Isla said she was going to get me some clothes, I should have declined. She came back with a black lacy shirt that consisted of straps, which barely covered my nipples, and jeans that worked up a sweat to get into.

Kyden appreciated the clothing. Me…not so much.

“I thought she’d look damn fine,” Isla said proudly.

Kyden smacked my ass. “I can only hope I’m able to get those off later.”

“I can only hope I don’t lose my legs from lack of circulation,” I grumbled.

His devilish grin, which always left me a little breathless, never got old. I was sure it never would.

Haven pulled me forward, snapped my attention back from southern regions as we headed toward the garden. “I’ve already started planning the bonding ceremony. Zia said it will be next week, so we have to get on top of things.”

I gave Kyden a knowing look, which he returned. Then, I looked back at Haven. “What can I help with?”

“Oh nothing, I’ve got it handled. You just have to show up and look pretty,” she replied, happily. “I’m living vicariously through you since I won’t ever do it.”

Huh? “Why? You and Finn won’t ever be bonded?”

Her expression saddened, the feeling washed right through me. “Finn doesn’t think I could handle it. You know, with his job and all. He thinks it best we don’t.” She shrugged. “I guess he’s right.”

It was sad, but Finn was right. Feeling the emotions that go along with the scenes that we, as Guardians, experience was something Haven wasn’t capable of dealing with. Every time Finn felt anything, Haven would lose it. She could barely control what I felt, and as Kyden said, the bonding made the emotions more intense.

Still, it didn’t mean the knowledge of that truth made it any less sad. “Bonded or not, you’ve got something good.”

Warmth ran through me as a loving smile spread across her face. “You’re right about that.” Then, she looked out to see Finn approaching from the garden, and the warm feeling inside me grew immensely in reaction to her emotions. She dropped my arm and ran toward him. He caught her up in his arms and spun her around, kissing her in pure dramatic fashion.

He put her down just as we reached them and gave Kyden a wide grin. “Fastening the ball and chain…tough guy,” he said, punching Kyden’s arm.

“About bloody time, I’d say.” Kyden laughed, and returned the hit.

Finn groaned and rubbed his shoulder. Kyden packed a hell of a punch. In macho land that meant I’m happy for you and thank you. Then, he turned to Dante. “It’s been awhile since you’ve been here.”

Dante gave a delicious smile that would sink any woman to their knees. “Isla didn’t give me a choice.”

We all laughed. Isla had a little combination of my personality mixed with Haven’s—a force to be reckoned with for sure.

“Ready to have some fun, darlin’?” Briggs asked Rynn.

“I think so,” she answered, her voice trembling a little. “I’m still recovering from the portal thing. That was just bizarre.”

It amazed me too. I had no idea there were other portals in the Earthworld that would bring you into the realm of the Otherworld, but Valor had one at his home. Apparently, since Valor was a superior supernatural and being that he was the Patriarch, he fell into that category.

Scents of healthy, thriving flowers tickled my nose as we made our way along the stone path through the garden. We passed the pond, which held fish that splashed around under lily pads. Even a bullfrog croaked as we startled it.

Iron gates with green vines woven around the bars appeared at the end of the path. When we stepped through the gate and entered the Witches Meadow, Rynn gasped in surprise. God, had I been there, knew the awe she was feeling. This place was pretty spectacular, rolling hills, eons of trees, colorful wildflowers—a fairy’s playground.

Tonight, the meadow was full with Supes. Weres gathered in abundance, as did vampires and witches too of course—all celebrating the full moon. It wasn’t until my magic came through that I truly got the meaning of this party. However, it’s similar to drinking twenty cans of Red Bull—gave the body a giant boost of energy.

Suddenly, Willow’s snarky voice came from at my feet. “About time you came home…I…” She hesitated as if lost for words. That was definitely a first for her.

I scooped her up and gave her a little snuggle. “I missed you too, Willow.” She purred loudly in response. Kyden reached over and rubbed her head, which made her purr even deeper.

We were home and it felt great.

After a few more scratches, Willow jumped out of my hands and sauntered over to the other Familiars who belonged to the Witches here in the Otherworld.

Zia approached, her smile glowing with pure joy. “Congratulations are in order,” she said, pulling me into a tight embrace.

Being hugged by her was nothing short of wonderful. I sank into her as I wrapped my arms around her and smiled. Zia was as close to a mother as I’d had in a very long time. To have her approval was just a good thing.

Talon stepped forward and gave Kyden a rough manly hug. “Glad to hear of it, son.” Then, he grabbed me, laid a wet one on my cheek. “It will be good to finally make you my daughter—officially.”

Well, well, Mr. Show No Emotion might be having a breakthrough after all. His face flushed red when he realized what he’d said, so to ease him, I quickly changed the subject. “How are things?”

Zia answered, “It has been quiet around here the past few days.” Then, her gaze landed on Rynn and her face instantly softened. “Welcome to the Otherworld. You are Rynn?”

Rynn nodded, a little reserved. “I am.”

“I am Zia, Master of Witches. Please consider this your home as well.”

Rynn blushed. “Thank you.”

Zia’s look turned curious as she watched Rynn. Then, she glanced at Briggs. “She’s your mate?”

Briggs beamed. “Aye, she is.”

Zia clapped her hands. “Wonderful news, Briggs.” She leaned forward, held her hand out to Rynn. The second their skin made contact, she snapped hers back, gasping.

Rynn exclaimed and quickly leaned into Briggs, who wrapped an arm around her.

Oh yeah, she saw it—Rynn’s traumatic night.

“Poor thing,” Zia said to me.

“I know.”

Zia reached back out to Rynn, the sadness was very prevalent in her eyes. She leaned forward and whispered something in Rynn’s ear.

Rynn listened, then her expression turned to one of shock. “You can do that?”

Zia nodded. “My magic allows me that gift.”

Rynn was thoughtful for a moment, looked at Briggs curiously, then said, “No, I don’t want you to erase the memory.” Zia smiled softly, then leaned back in, whispering in her ear once again. A moment later, she met Rynn’s eyes, who looked hopeful. “Now that is something I would want.”

Zia gave her arm a little squeeze and pain filled Rynn’s face. Briggs tensed immediately, looking ready to intervene. Rynn grasped his arm, obviously sensing his tension, but when she opened her eyes again, she looked peaceful.

Slowly, Rynn glanced away from Briggs to look at Zia. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Zia moved her hand Rynn’s arm and cupped her cheek. “I hope that gives you some peace, Rynn.”

I examined them, as did everyone else, wondering what the hell she’d done to her. If she didn’t want her to erase the memory than what was she doing?

Zia glanced to me and winked.

Part of me wanted to be a nosy parker, the other part knew better. I left it alone though, knowing whatever she’d done was personal and none of my business.

Abruptly, I felt a poke on my shoulder. I spun around to see Zennah looking fabulous. Kyden’s ex was one hot chick. I was envious of her Kate Beckinsale beauty.

Zennah glanced at Kyden, gave him a soft nod, then looked back to me. “I heard of your acceptance to bond with Kyden and…well…” She hesitated, then finally said, “I just wanted to say congrats.”

Wow! What a shock. The bitch actually had something nice to say. “Er…thank you.” It was actually really nice coming from her. It had taken some time and effort for things to improve between us. We would never be best friends, but at least we weren’t sworn enemies.

Dante quickly stepped forward, his gaze focused on Zennah, his eyes sweeping the length of her. “I am Dante.”

She went from happy to sultry in a millisecond. “Hello, Dante,” she purred, reaching her hand out to him, and he kissed it happily. “I am Zennah.”

I looked at Kyden, who was smiling.

Dante would be a good fit for Zennah. She was more than a handful. That tough wolf would keep her in check. The only thing was…it wouldn’t be everlasting. He could never accept her as a mate since she wasn’t a wolf, but they could have a good roll in the hay. Which, by looking at them now, was in the immediate future.

“I could smell you from a mile away.” A voice thick with French accent sidled up beside me.

I snorted loudly and spun to the side to face her. “Hello, Thalia.”

This Vampire was an elegant French rose. Beautiful, with her soft brown hair pulled up and dangling along her pale skin and pinkish cheeks. Her dark eyes showed just how happy she was to see me. Most of the Mistresses of the United States were hard asses—Thalia, the Mistress of the Mid-West was sweeter than bumble berry pie.

Hayes stood behind her, smiling brightly. He was your classic Scottish regale—scruffy, ruggedly handsome, but without the kilt. A real shame, in my opinion.

Thalia leaned in very close to my face and inhaled deeply. “Mmm, just as I remember it,” she said with a lick of her lips.

“Put those away.” I swatted at her fangs. It was never a blessing that my blood smelled appealing to vampires—something to do with my mixed heritage. I hadn’t really delved into the reasoning of it. I was perfectly happy ignoring it.

Thalia smiled innocently. “You must come for a visit soon. Wouldn’t that be wonderful, Hayes?”

He bowed his head. “The pleasure would be all ours.”

“I am sure it would,” I grumbled under my breath, glancing out to the crowd.

The music was the normal African tribal drums that pounded out a beat like pure sex. Supes just had that spirit to them. Sexuality was quite normal and very accepted within these parties.

Briggs passed by us, pulling Rynn into the crowd, and slowly began dancing oh-so-gently with her.

“He is very sweet with her,” I said to Kyden.

Kyden followed my gaze, glancing at his friend. “He will have to be.” Then, he stepped closer to me, a sexy grin on his face. His rock hard body was tight against mine. “Come dance, Álainn.”

Yum!

“Have a pleasant evening,” Thalia said as I walked away.

Too lost in having Kyden wrapped around me, I gave a simple wave as my response.

Slowly, he made his way through the crowd and stopped in the center. The loud beat was booming and created vibrations that ran along the ground. He wrapped his hands around my hips, dragged me forward, then rubbed his erection along my thigh.

Sweet Jesus! This guy lived hard.

My hands inched their way along his strong arms, relishing the curve of each carved bicep. I grasped them tightly in my hands, felt each muscle flex with need for me.

His gaze bored into mine. Lust, love, and need raged in his eyes. I wiggled against him, wanting to feel more of his hard warmth, and he groaned in response. Leaning down, he took my mouth with pure hunger. I leaned my head to the side to capture more of his mouth as his tongue swirled with mine in a smooth grace that sent wet warmth pooling between my thighs.

When he began to move our bodies in sync with the music, his hot body teased mine and I nearly lost my mind. His hands ran all over my body, as he seemed unable to get enough.

I definitely needed more of him. The heat building within my body began to burn, to hurt with urgency.

I grasped his arms tighter, grinding my hips against his until it became too much to endure. I tore away from his mouth. “I need you.” My voice was so husky I barely recognized it.

Kyden growled and pulled me up around him, which was harder than it looked. These jeans were not very giving, plus the added tension between my legs made me want to scream with agony.

As we passed the crowd, Talon’s laughter came deep. He knew when it came to each other, our control was always lacking. Now, I could hardly care and ignored him entirely, and began ravishing Kyden’s neck. His body filled with tension and his groans became growls with each step he took.

Within minutes, a door slammed. I realized we were home, but I never stopped tasting his delicious salty skin. He rushed toward the bedroom, and threw me onto the bed, separating us.

His gaze focused on my face, molten lustful eyes stared back at me. I pulled my shirt off and wiggled off my heels. Getting to work on the jeans, I watched as Kyden tore his muscle shirt and jeans from his body. I yanked at the jeans, squirmed, and shoved.

“Shit,” I gasped. “I can’t get these f*cking things off.” They were glued to me. I angled my butt up, trying to pull them down, but it was impossible. With Kyden’s smoldering eyes staring at me, urgency was beginning to consume me.

Now naked, his erection ready and eager, he lunged forward, grabbed the waist of my jeans and pulled. With the effort he put in, I went flying off the bed, landing flat on my back¯hard. He burst out laughing. “That didn’t go as planned.”

“Ouch.” I laughed, rubbing the back of my head, then I squirmed again¯the throbbing between my thighs was reaching near lethal levels “God, just get them off.”

He knelt down as I raised my butt off the floor and pulled again, but nothing happened. Being that I was already sweaty, they were stuck on like superglue. This was brutal!

I wanted him more than my body could control and being restrained like this made the moment unbearable. He swore, grabbed the side of the jeans, and with all the strength he had, ripped the side of them open.

The second I was free, he tore my panties off, and dove in between my legs with a fierceness that had me gripping his head in my hands. I watched his mouth work wonders against my skin. Oh, he knew me well. He knew the spots to hit and just how to work them and bring me to climax, and oh did he! His mouth only released me when the shuddering of my orgasm eased. I shoved him back, grabbed his erection and took him into my mouth with more determination that I’d ever felt in my life. As my strokes and licks pulled him toward sweet glory, his breath deepened, his groans became ones of desperate need.

He stood with me still attached to him. I wasn’t at all ready to let go of the wildness overtaking me. I glanced up at him, the desire moving through him only made me work harder.

With a hiss of breath, he finally tore himself away, regardless of the fact that I wanted to keep going. He reached down to cup me under my arms and lifted me to him. He tucked his arms under my knees and leaned over me, palming my backside as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

In a second, he was home thrusting inside me with ferocious strength. I screamed out at the pure satisfaction of being stretched so deeply, so fully. He used my body to guide the movements and immediately began thrusting harder toward fulfillment. His groans were deep, my screams loud. Sweat poured off our skin.

There was nothing gentle about this. Right now, this had nothing do with love and emotions. It was about hard cold sexual satisfaction. He wasn’t waiting for my release to build naturally. He demanded it, but he wouldn’t come without me. Thrusting the way he was, hard and fast, was one sure way for me to lose my mind. And he knew it.

My breath became nothing more than shallow gasps as my orgasm began to build into holy shit territory. Kyden growled deep as my muscles went into spasms around him. He plunged harder and I saw stars.

Then, I was thrown on the bed with him resting on top, breathing deeply in unison with one satiated male.

Sometime later, my thoughts came back to me. I blew the hair away from my face. “We should get back.” I pushed softly so he lay beside me. “I hope Rynn is okay.”

Good friend I was! I’d forgotten all about her and was kicking myself for being so selfish. Not that I didn’t enjoy it, but I was filled with mixed emotions.

“Not to worry,” Kyden replied, jumping off the bed. Instead of putting his clothes back on, he pulled me to the bathroom. “Briggs is with her. Shower first, then we will return to the meadow.”

A retort was on the end of my tongue, but it was true, I was all sweaty. A few more minutes away wasn’t going to be the end all to end all.

After a quick shower, we both dressed in our guardian gear. Now that we were home, it felt awkward to be wearing anything but our normal attire. Within minutes, we were out of the door and making our way back to the meadow.

The moment we joined the party again, I was pleased to see that Kyden had been right. Briggs had Rynn wrapped within his arms as they danced intimately. Ahh, new love, it’s so sweet.

Haven and Finn were nowhere in sight—probably off indulging in their own selfish necessities. I hoped they were. It would make me feel less guilty for disappearing with Kyden.

Suddenly, Briggs’ head shot up and he glanced past me. I turned, followed his gaze to see Valor quickly approaching. Dante and Isla were immediately beside me. I glanced at Dante and chuckled. He wasn’t his normal put-together self—his cheeks were flushed and there was a relaxed edge to him. Zennah had a hand in that I was sure—literally.

“What is it, Father?” Dante asked quickly, breathless.

Valor looked grieved, his body tight with tension. “There have been two more attacks against women not far from our home.”

Dante looked stunned, his tone equaled as much. “In Utah?”

Valor nodded grimly, rested his hand on Dante’s shoulder. “I am afraid it is true. Come now, all of you, we must meet with the Council.”

Kyden grasped my hand and we followed Valor into the Council’s Hall where Finn and Haven also waited. Apparently, they had been notified of the meeting and urgently, if Haven’s look was anything to go by.

She was a mess. When we reached her, I helped smooth her curls, which were in complete chaos.

“There, much better.” I laughed.

She giggled. “Thanks.”

Talon and Zia quickly joined us, and took their seat beside Brax and Zade. As he sat, Talon asked, “What has happened, Valor?”

“I was contacted earlier tonight by a fellow pack member. His oldest son lost control and killed a woman.” Valor sighed deeply. “I went to him immediately, needed to handle the matter. As you can imagine the wolf could not willingly kill his son.”

“Understandable,” Zia said. “Did he say what happened? Did he know why his son committed such an act?”

Valor shook his head. “His son has never given him trouble and had just recently mated. They are expecting their first cub early next year. He has no explanation for why this would happen.”

“What state was the wolf in when you found him?” Zade asked.

“He was in an utter rage. The power that emanated from him was intense. Powerful enough…he took a couple good bites out of me.”

A gasp escaped everyone in the room. It was unheard of. Valor’s strength gave him the ability to finish off a wolf in a split second. The fact that this wolf had enough strength to attack him at all was incredible.

I quickly realized Valor was injured. Deep, gaping wounds layered his arms. “Here let me help,” I reached out, drew in on the Spirit element. With a trickle of adrenaline, I released my magic, watching the wounds heal before my eyes.

Valor groaned a little, then smiled a thank you.

“And there was more than one wolf attack?” Brax asked.

“Yes. Immediately after returning home, I was contacted by a long time friend, who suffered a similar situation. He handled his wolf, but received great injury by doing it.”

“Jesus,” I exhaled.

Kyden gave my hand a squeeze, feeling the trepidation right along with me. Crazed wolves on the loose killing humans—talk about one hairy situation.

“What are your thoughts on this?” Talon asked Valor.

He shrugged, his expression completely baffled. “I have never met a wolf who was capable of attacking me. My strength is unrivaled. I have no understanding of what is going on here. Why our wolves are attacking humans with such rage and at these staggering numbers are beyond me.”

It was only three, but even that was an outstanding number in such a short amount of time. Wolves were generally gentle creatures—nothing of this capacity.

“Hmm…it is quite the problem.” Zade pondered. “What could be their motive behind it?”

I interjected. “What reason do any of them have—they’re all nuts!”

Kyden laughed deeply. “Well said.”

“We must return to the scene, recreate it, see if there is anything we can learn from the events that transpired,” Zia said.

“Right,” Valor agreed. “I believe that is our only choice. I am at a total loss about these incidents. Hopefully your insight will shed some light here.”

“Go on then, all of you,” Talon commanded. “Find some answers as quickly as you can.”

Briggs looked utterly tormented. He had himself wrapped around Rynn protectively. “Boss…” he started.

Valor raised his hand to stop him. “As of tonight, I release you from your duty to me. Your place is with her now.” He rested his hand on Briggs’ shoulder, gave him a soft smile. “Your position will be waiting for you when you are ready to return.”

Briggs exhaled a deep breath. “Much appreciated.”

“Make it right for her and that is all the thanks I will need,” Valor said softly.

Briggs gave a gallant nod.

On my way out, I hugged Rynn. “Will you be okay now?”

She hugged me back and whispered. “I think so. Thank you so much for everything.”

Before I could respond, Valor shouted, “Isla, go home.”

She scowled and yelled in return, “If you think I am not taking part in this…”

In the quickest of moves, Valor pushed her out of the Council’s Hall. Seconds later, loud screams and too many obscenities to count echoed through the hall just before a door slammed loudly.

A moment later, Valor came back grinning. “We can leave now.”