She raised her brow at his tone before she gave him her back and headed into the building.
Guess he was wrong about that.
He didnt ask in the elevator but took the keycard from her, opening the door to his room and jerking his head for her to go inside.
You should know thats never going to work on me. Unless its your goal to get punched in the balls. She smiled sweetly.
He growled.
She moved to grab the keycard from his hand and he grabbed her instead, carrying her inside, his mouth crushing against hers until her taste drowned him, soothed even as it excited. He tossed her to the bed and she scrambled to her knees, eyes blazing, lips swollen. She fisted her hands and it sent a thrill through him.
Youre fucking magnificent.
It was her growl this time. Youre playing with something that might end up drawing blood.
He circled her as she kept a wary eye on him. Thats okay. Sometimes Lycian love play gets a little rough.
Dont say I didnt warn you, Faine.
He sent her a smile. You know how hot it makes me when youre violent.
That growl turned into a snarl and he hummed his satisfaction. But he backed off. For a moment, because they were totally going to get naked in just a few minutes.
Why did you draw blood? Tell me now. He crossed his arms and glared at her.
Funny, I didnt hear a please in that sentence.
You try a mans patience.
Ill kick his balls into his throat if he doesnt stop this now and show some manners.
He grinned. Damn, I am so in love with you.
She threw her hands up, scrambling from the bed. Youre certifiable.
I am. But its the truth. You wreck me. Savage. Fire in your eyes, fists ready to punch me in the face or worse. Youre a walking, talking aphrodisiac.
Lycians are weird.
Please tell me why you drew your blood.
Blood magick is older and stronger than the normal spellwork I use. I wanted to protect your car. I used my blood to bind the intent better. If anyone touches it with the intent to harm, Ill know. Itll also fry their circuits. She shrugged.
Vicious. He stalked toward her and she held a hand out to ward him off.
I am. And you scampered off to Lycia with your brother without telling me.
I dont scamper.
Her look made him stop playing. I told you I was going. Just not the why of it. I wanted to speak with my father with Simon at my side. Helena, this is a matter of honor in more ways than I can really make clear to you. Attacking while on Simons land, in his den? He cant let that go unanswered. His Neest was placed in mortal danger. In the one place hed made safe for her. To not declare war would be to invite shame. The bond between them is soul deep. He promised her on his own life to keep her safe.
She tossed herself in a nearby chair but her hands were no longer in fists so at least the immediate danger had passed. And you went to support him. I understand now.
He got to his knees before her. No, you dont. My Neest was put in mortal danger twice in one day too. I went along with Simon, but we both had to satisfy a promise.
Her eyes grew wide. What?
He took her hands, turning them to kiss the heart of her palms. You are my key. We havent performed the ceremony, but in every way but that, I am bound to you. To keep you safe. To delight you and support you. To please you and love you.
Her mouth gaped and then snapped shut. He had to control his urge to laugh.
This is happening very fast. Too fast.
Really? She was going to try that one? Youre a witch. You just used your blood to make a spell. You call magick through a metaphysical well to use. Where your clan lives the very earth at your feet receives you. Is it so hard to believe in something like this sort of bond? That some things simply are?
She was quiet a long time as she pondered until she suddenly blurted, One of the witches who was giving PURITY information knew the location of the haven in Indio. I didnt know he was a leak. My weakness brought the deaths of twenty-two people. I am not a good risk, Faine.
He reached out, cupping the back of her neck. When I was a little over a hundred, we went to war for the first time. My right-hand man was my cousin. He sold information about our plans to a rival Pack. By the end of our second battle over three hundred of my men died because we were ambushed.
Her mouth softened and she moved forward to press a kiss to his forehead. Im so sorry. Oh my goddess.
Again, she knew what he needed. Stopped her own worry to comfort him. She couldnt deny what they were to each other any longer. But first he had to finish making his point.
No one dreamed he would do such a thing. He was my cousin. Id grown up with him. His father is my uncle. But he wanted more, and unbeknownst to my uncle and my family, my cousin had been giving information to our enemy in exchange for the promise to be able to run Leviathan once we were defeated.
Her lip curled and he loved her more for it. Such a thing would be utterly unthinkable for her. But it wasnt for others and he said so.
You know your path. You are righteous and would give up your very life to protect those youre sworn to. But not everyone else is. You can only do so much, remain vigilant but also understand that sometimes people do things that are heinous and senseless. I cant let you take responsibility for this situation in Indio. You made a choice. One I would have made, as it happens. Someone you trusted betrayed you. But the Magister? Even if those witches had been in your living room they might have disappeared. We know that. All you can do is to move on.
I cant afford you, she whispered.
Its too late for all that. I should also tell you that Tila is my mother, Im half demon. They imprint on mates as well. Youre it for me. I know this with all my being. Tell me you dont know the truth of whats between us. Go on. I dare you. There are things we sometimes cant explain but we know theyre true anyway. You are mine. I am yours. You cant deny it. Youre too honest for that.
Helena knew she should lie. Should push him back and insist he give her time and some space. He might even do it. But what she really wanted, so much it scared her, was to believe in what he said. To let herself believe that connection she did feel between them.
There was no one in the world who was anything like Faine. No one she trusted the same way. But.
What about Lydia? You were married. Lark said that her life span was altered, would be far longer now that she took the bond with Simon. What happened with her?
I loved her. Very much. But she was not my Neest. This thing between usthe thing Seymeon and Lark haveits forever. There are many kinds of love. Surely you know this. What I felt for her was deep. And shes someone Im glad to have had in my life. I miss her even to this day. But you? I need you like I need to breathe. Youre who I think about when I open my eyes in the morning. I not only can imagine you in my life a hundred years from now, I want to. I knew there was another level of love. I see it with my parents. I see it with Simon and Lark. I feel it now. I understand it now. Are you afraid you dont love me that deeply? Or are you afraid you arent worthy of such a gift? Be honest now.
Why did he have to be so freaking in tune with her? He was so raw, so emotionally truthful with her that it made it impossible to evade his questions. Im freaked the fuck out that Ill let you down.
He kissed her and she wrapped herself around him, holding on tight, reveling in the feel of his body against hers.
He lifted her, taking her to the bed and putting her down carefully. Its okay to be worried about that. I worry about that too. If we werent worried, if we took it for granted, our bond would be meaningless, right?
Im bad at this.
He shook his head. I already told you that boy you were engaged to isnt the same. Tell me truly, Helena. Did you ever feel for him the way you feel for me now?
Not a fair comparison. Youre a man. Youre big and braw. So sexy it gives me butterflies and makes me think about sex at the most inopportune times like while Im driving or in a meeting. You distract me and make me laugh. You fight so well I want to start a fan club and make you teach me everything you know so I can be better. Though, you also make me want to give you a chop to the throat to shut you up.
He laughed. So much flattery.
I did punch him. My ex, I mean. Right in his mouth when he called Lark a stupid whore. Imagine that! But while I was sad that our engagement was over, it was more that I was angry at myself for failing. And embarrassed that everyone knew it. He never gave me butterflies. I never thought, Faine will know how to deal with this. Well, obviously with his name instead of yours. I never counted on him. Im older. Hell, it feels like the Magister aged us all at least ten years. But youre four hundred years old and youve been married and you have so much more experience at everything than I do and I dont know if I can be as good at this as you are.
He laid next to her, pulling her closer and she went. Im as new as you are at this sort of love. Well have to make it through and trust each other. Will you then? Admit youre my Neest and go through the binding with me?
One step at a time. How about yes, I admit that what this is between us is deep and strong and whatever you want to call it. The binding part can come in a bit. I need to get used to it. Im a control-freak planner. I need to know exactly what it is and what it means. I havent even met your parents yet. My dad thinks youre too old for me.
He laughed. I am. But too bad. Hell have to accept me. Im nicer than Simon and he gave them his blessing on their binding.
Fathers are not always rational when it comes to daughters.
I suppose Ill find out one day. But for now, we should practice.
He stole her breath as he grabbed the front of her blouse and pulled it apart. Buttons went flying and she couldnt find any energy to be mad that hed destroyed a favorite shirt.
He bent his head and pressed a kiss against the curve of her breast, over her heart. He was hot, radiating waves of warmth against her bare skin.
She managed to drag in a breath. Is that why youre always so hot then?
Mmm? He traced the edge of her bra with his tongue and she nearly forgot her question.
Your demon half. Is that why youre so hot?
Ah. Yes. In part. Lycians already run a great deal warmer than humans do. When Im . . . excited, I get even hotter.
She managed to lever her legs and get on top of him, straddling his body with hers. I noticed you were warm. You know, when we were together yesterday. Had it only been a day? So much had changed. Lark mentioned Simons skin was warm, I just figured it was . . . well. Anyway.
Are you going to share details of our sex life with your sister? Nimble fingers parted her with her bra.
Maybe. Were very competitive. Only the good stuff, of course.
He flipped her to her back and stripped her pants, weapons, socks and underwear from her body in record time. She lay there totally naked, nearly panting as he looked down at her with so much naked hunger in his gaze it sent a shiver through her.
Its not all good stuff? I must be falling down on the job. He said it in a low growl of sound that crawled along her skin like a rough caress.
So far the only bad thing is that Im naked and you arent.
In a flurry of movement he got rid of his clothes and dived back to the bed, making her laugh.
Hows my scorecard now? He licked over her left nipple.
All tens.
He laughed, kissing his way over to her right nipple. Yes, all tens indeed.
She pushed his shoulders. I want you on your back.
He gave her a raised brow. Is that so?
Ill make it worth your while.
He rolled, bringing her with him.
I have no doubt youll make it worth my while. Youre infuriating in your ability to get yourself into trouble in every way imaginable, but youre perfect in my bed. However youre in it.
Man, youre good with the compliments. She bent and whipped her hair against his chest, loving the way he groaned as she dragged it across his skin. She kissed a trail over all his marks. Over his ink and his scars. Over all that muscle. He tasted so right.
She scooted back, kissing her way down his belly, pausing to really take in just how ridiculous it was. Are you doing like eight thousand crunches a day in secret? Ive exercised with you and my stomach doesnt look like this. She licked over each of those six bands of muscle.
Your stomach isnt supposed to.
He hissed when she grabbed his cock at the root and pumped her fist a few times.
I have some suggestions about what you could do with that. If you like.
She bent, licking over the head and around the crown. Like this?
Thatll do, gods yes.
Helena took her time, learning him. Getting to know the feel of him and what he liked. His thigh was hard against her palms as she kept her balance. He had great legs. Powerful thighs leading to a fabulous ass.
Okay, enough, he said with a snarl and she landed on her back.
Hey! I wasnt done.
She swallowed her next sentence as he kissed his way over belly, licking over each of her hip bones and the sensitive hollow there. And then he spread her thighs wide, kissing from the knee up to the seam where her leg met the rest of her body.
She slid her fingers through his hair, tugging upward. Wanting more.
He took a lick and then one more. Another. The heat of his mouth against her clit so good it was nearly too much. But he didnt stop. He stretched her with clever fingers and that mouth of his, driving her so hard she nearly sobbed. She arched, wanting more, but he drove her to the edge and backed off. Time and again, the cad!
Please, she whispered.
He hummed his pleasure then, moving back to her clit, staying there with little licks and sucks until she flew apart so hard she was still coming as he began to slide into her body.
She would have remained boneless until he rolled. You wanted to be on top. Show me what youve got.
Waking up as he filled her, she slid the rest of the way down, taking him fully, her nails digging into his sides. He hissed, but it wasnt a bad sound. That hiss was laden with pleasure and she ate it up.
Her magick rose, filling the space between them, and his responded. Shed never felt anything like it. Even the first time they were together it hadnt been like this. It seemed to pour from her, twining with his until it made something altogether different. Better.
His eyes widened. Alamah, he murmured. Beautiful. Youre perfect.
She swiveled a little once shed seated herself totally and then pulled up, starting that slow descent again.
Over and over until she forgot how to focus and there was only the two of them. The scent of his power and magick filled her senses. The forest, yes, but something else, something uniquely Faine. A musk that shot straight to her nipples and parts south. She wanted to rub herself all over him to get more.
His hands caressed her breasts, palmed her nipples before he pinched and tugged. She nearly begged, it felt so damned good. But she didnt need to beg because he sent one of them down her belly, petting over her pussy before he parted her, sliding the pad of his middle finger over her clit until she reared back, arching, taking him deeper as she came.
It wasnt more than two gasped breaths until he joined her on a growl of her name. On and on until she could do nothing but fall to the side and pillow her head on his chest as they worked to get their breath back.
What did you say? Alma?
He kissed the top of her head. I called you Alamah. It means . . . something close to beloved.
She smiled against his skin. Aw, thats lovely. So lovely I wont even be grumpy with you over ruining my blouse.
Youre so beautiful I couldnt wait. I tell myself I will. But then Im reduced to a starving man and youre a buffet and all I can do is gorge and gorge.
Man, he was so good at that. A woman could get used to all those compliments. And that body, too.
Chapter 15
TOSH had tried to work. Had checked his messages and read through a ton of email. Read several bills. And all throughout, he couldnt stop thinking about the entire situation.
Hed put a call in to the presidents chief of staff, requesting a meeting. Marlon Hayes was courting disaster. Not just for Others, but for everyone. If this Magister . . . thing . . . could simply evaporate Others, what if it decided to put attention on humans too?
Listening to these turned witches and mages seemed an incredibly bad idea. Junkies and criminals? People like that would only be interested in what was good for them. Hayes was banking the future of the country, of all Americans, hell, of everyone on the planet on this plan.
He picked the phone up and dialed home.
His grandmother picked up. He knew shed still be awake. She was a night owl and caught up on all her shows on the DVR after his grandfather went to sleep.
Hey, Grandmother.
Toshio, I was just thinking about you. I saw you on television yesterday after the bombing. Im glad youre all right. Is your friend, the witch who saved all those people, okay?
I was scared to death when I saw how badly injured she was. But shes better today. She used a lot of magick to help the bystanders.
Shes a good friend to have. Someone with courage like that. Your grandfather and I are very proud of you for doing this.
This?
All these laws to put Others in camps and take away their rights. Its not what this country is about. You need to continue to stand up and say so. We didnt raise your father to be silent in the face of injustice, and he and your mother didnt raise you that way either.
We made mistakes sometimes.
America? Oh yes. She laughed. Lots of mistakes. Hurt people. But each time we learn something else. We learn to stand up and remember what we are supposed to be about. We may fall down from time to time, but its always those voices, the ones like yours, who refuse to be silent in the face of oppression, who make the biggest difference.
Hed needed to hear it. His parents were supportive. His siblings too. Theyd all been outspoken on the issues with Others and human rights in general. Over his whole life. But it was scary as hell to stand up sometimes when it felt like everyone else disagreed. When people were willing to kill Others and those who supported them simply for wanting to exist.
Youll be home for your grandfathers birthday dinner?
Yes. I will. I may be bringing someone this time.
Really? Tell me about her.
Its Delilah Sperry.
Oh, the pretty senator from Illinois. I like her. Shes got smart eyes.
She does. I finally made a move after sort of having a crush on her for the last year. Probably longer. Hed met her at a freshman senate mixer when shed first been elected and had liked her instantly. But hed been dating someone at the time.
Therell be plenty of food and well be so happy to see you. Its been too long.
His family lived in Sacramento, and while hed been in town a lot over the last months, hed only been able to stop in for brief periods before hed had to get back on the road again.
But family birthday parties were sacrosanct. Having so many family members in the military and now that he was in the Senate, they all tended to travel a lot. But they all made every effort to get back for birthday dinners, especially his grandparents, who knew how to throw a big party. Delilah would like it.
He heard movement in the room next door and realized shed come back from the meeting at Cascadia.
Youre all right?
Im fine. Grandpa is fine. You stay safe, do you hear me?
I do. And Ill see you soon. I love you.
I love you too.
He hung up and jogged into the bathroom to brush his hair and teeth, knowing shed be knocking on his door soon.
As he thought, she tapped on the connecting door a few minutes later and he let her in, smiling at the sight of her in jeans and a T-shirt instead of a suit.
Come in. I have some beer in ice and Ive already decided what I want from the room service menu.
She sent him a smile. Hungry are we?
God yes. I cheated and ate some crackers while answering what feels like a million emails.
I have no idea where you put it. She looked him over before she picked up the menu to scan it.
Nervous energy, I guess. Ive always had a fast metabolism.
One of the plusses of being a shifter. She grinned and he couldnt help it, he leaned across and kissed her. Her initial surprise washed away as she opened to him, kissing him back until the taste of her dizzied him and he pulled back.
I love your grin.
What made you finally make a move? First, before you tell me, order food because I am also starving.
He grabbed the phone and ordered their dinner.
Twenty minutes they say. I was just telling my grandmother that Ive had a crush on you for the last year. Maybe longer. Okay, probably longer. Like since the first time I met you.
Freshman senatorial mixer. You had on a gray pinstripe suit with a navy-blue tie. My first thought when I saw you was that you were even hotter in person than you were on television. And then that you had great hair. Then I remembered you were dating some pretty face who read the news on cable. I questioned your taste for a while.
He snorted a laugh. Yes, at the time I was dating someone. Casually. Then I guess I let the fact that were both in the senate keep me from making a move for a while. But I realized after Molly was nearly killed that it was stupid to hold back any longer. We dont know when our last day will be and you were a regret I didnt want to have.
I told my sister two weeks ago that if you didnt hurry up and make a move, I was going to.
Im almost disappointed I didnt wait for that. Want a beer? He indicated the ice bucket.
Yes, god yes.
He liked the way she moved. Graceful and powerful all at the same time. She sat on the small couch, clinking her bottle to his when he came to join her.
How did the meeting go? Or I mean, if you can tell me.
She licked her lips. Before I tell you anything about the meeting I want to say this. There will come a time when you have to pick a side. That time for me came tonight.
Ive already chosen the side of the Others. Ive spent the last months doing nothing but working on this cause.
She shook her head. Thats not what I mean. Toshio, this . . . Things arent . . . She sighed heavily. This has moved past bills and speeches. Weve tried that. Theyve responded with multiple attempts to murder anyone speaking out and by killing innocents all across the globe.
Im a United States senator, Delilah. I cant just carry a banner for civil war.
She rolled her eyes. Im a senator too. And this middle ground youre trying to hold is getting smaller every day. Im just saying, straight up, that there will be a time when theres nowhere left to stand and you will have to step to one side or the other.
Surely you cant endorse civil war! I choose to believe the process can work.
Thats a pretty fantasy. The process isnt working. I cant endorse a situation where a significant portion of our population is openly abused, assaulted, murdered and mistreated for something like being a witch. I wouldnt have done it no matter who the group was. The time to wring my hands and hope those in power do the right thing has passed.
Change takes time. He didnt want to face it. Didnt want to hear it. But she was made of sterner stuff and continued.
Time. Bah. The president is doing nothing. Half the time the local authorities do nothing to respond to the attacks on Others. How much more do you think we should take? Hm? Do you think we would go into camps? I know what your family did and I respect that, but thats not a choice Im willing to make. I wont send my parents into a camp and see their lives upended because the government is too weak to take a stand. Or worse, too weak to stop that sort of backslide into a world where its okay to put people into camps because theyre different. Its not going to happen. These groups like PURITY are hate groups, plain and simple. Its time someone in the White House said so.
I called President Sullivans chief of staff to request a meeting. Its not that I disagree with you. I dont, as it happens. But Ive got to try as long as I can to do things the legal way.
I understand. I just want you to see . . . I want you to realize youre going to have to choose. She shrugged. The Others are organizing militias and police function patrols. And special teams. Did you know many military special ops teams have Others on them?
I didnt, but it makes sense that Rangers, Recon and SEALs would attract Others. Witches are the highest functioning control freaks Ive ever come across, and believe me, I know control freaks. Speaking of that, are you free next weekend? My grandfathers birthday party is coming up. I thought you could meet the entire Sato clan.
She blinked and then smiled. Yes, yes, Id like that. Crafty topic change, by the way.
I wanted to ask while I remembered it. Youre busy, Im busy. I just wanted to . . . and yes, change the subject.
The food came and they steered away from the subject of Others for a while and just got to know each other as Toshio and Delilah. But he knew she was right. He would have to choose someday very soon.
Chapter 16
FAINE watched his woman as she ordered people around. She had no idea how hot it was when she was this way. He saw no reason to tell her so just yet. It would be his secret.
Simon came over and sat next to him. Damn, one at a time theyre bad ass. But together? Those Jaansen sisters are unstoppable.
Lets hope so.
Helena and Lark were showing some of the other witches from various covens and other Clans how to work defensive spells. Theyd all done some training with the Owen witches, whod undertaken the skill upgrade back even before the Magister. But it was more important now.
Our powers are increasing. We need to be aware and always working to manage them. Its great to reach out and find you can do a spell you never imagined before. But not so much fun to reach and grab something you cant control. You can get hurt. Other people can get hurt. Now more than ever you need to be aware of yourself. Take stock every day. Hone your skills. We arent superior in numbers to those who want to throw us in camps. But they dont have magick and we do. Use that. Make it the best weapon you have.
Shed created three special operations teams and had sent them out the night before to track down the leaks and take care of them. Some of those Others were in custody. None of them would continue to be a threat.
He knew shed had a lot of difficulty making the choices she had. But she made them anyway. Which is what made her so good at her job. Though he had a feeling she wasnt sure of that. Hed reinforce it when they were alone.
Alone. He needed that with her. She was different when she was on the job. More closed. Calculating and all business. He liked that, but he craved that Helena only those very close to her saw.
Mollys secretary, Rita, came in. You all need to get into the conference room immediately.
Everything stopped and people turned to Helena and Lark. Go.