Unedited Excerpt
Copyright 2007
Copyright 2007
Chapter One
Aman didn't bother to look at the bedside clock when she finally surfaced from sleep. What did it matter every day was the same in her gilded cage. Sergei was long gone, of that she was certain. Although his scent lingered its alluring, nearly intoxicating aroma was nothing compared to when he was present. She had to admit that it was better than an aphrodisiac. Amazing how she missed it before, but now that her body had gone through its complete metamorphosis it was incredible just how many things were so abundantly obvious. Her eyesight seemed just short of x-ray vision allowing her to see in ultraviolet at will. From the penthouse concrete patio she could eavesdrop on conversations at ground level as if she were standing next to the individuals.
The ability provided her with a source of entertainment during the day when television became annoying or she’d grown tired of reading. Books arrived on a regular basis thanks to the worldwide web and access to a limitless credit account. Each evening Sergei would bring up a fresh batch of parcels, sitting her purchases outside her roomy office he'd insisted she have for her privacy. Privacy, what a joke? Nothing had changed between them over the course of the two months since he'd brought her to the high-rise penthouse. He was still adamant, as ever about not giving her time away, which at that point she didn't give a damn about. It was the principle of the matter. She needed to know that his care for her outweighed his stubborn resolve that dictated how things should be between them.
In all honesty Aman had become quite accustomed to the routine in their short time together. If the situation weren’t so serious she would have been able to find humor in the humdrum existence she led with her mythical mate. Of course she accepted a slight responsibility for it since she'd refused all Sergei's attempts at outings or social interactions until he agreed to her demand for freedom. Unfortunately, he hadn’t relented and her strike was backfiring, big time. By each day’s end she found herself eager for his return, although she would never admit it, not verbally anyway. Opting instead to wait until the cover of night to unleash her hidden feelings. It was in those hours, that she could give of herself with complete abandon without feeling as if she’d compromised her instituted strike. In the light of day the stalemate was reinstated neither speaking about their fiery lovemaking.
The early morning hours of that day were a prime example of how things had developed between them. His heat had awakened her. The nearness of his body combined with his sultry scent pulled her from slumber, beckoning her to indulge in his warm naked body again. She was certain they’d only been asleep a few hours after a particularly energetic night, but it hadn’t mattered, she wanted him more than her next breath. How she hated her uncontrollable weakness where he was concerned.
Mid-afternoon found her lounging on the sofa finishing a sci-fi thriller Sergei picked up for her a couple days earlier. She'd made a brief reference to the book over dinner indicating her disappointment at the item being out of print, and despite her online searches it remained unattainable. The next day she'd discovered a carefully wrapped parcel atop a recent shipment outside her office door, and she'd opened the parcel tentatively unable to believe her eyes. Inside the book’s jacket was a simple inscription
that read: For My Joy. Not wanting him to see just how much his thoughtfulness had affected her she locked herself away in her office shedding silent tears until he tapped at the door to announce dinner. A huge part of her wanted to concede, to kick her pride in the ass and finally give in, but her stubbornness was a bitch to contend with, even for her.
***
What started as a dark dismal morning progressed into a day who’s sky overflowed with unforgiving clouds and booming thunderstorms. Sergei listened with half an ear to a weather report that droned on in the background. Torrential rains would drench the city in several inches of water by nightfall. People were being advised to get home early, if possible. The meteorologist went through a useless explanation about the unseasonably warm weather combined with the heavy precipitation being the cause for the conditions. Yet Sergei didn’t accept the explanation, not wholly, there were definitely more significant forces of nature at work, way beyond mortal comprehension.
A full moon would be upon them soon heralding the mating season for Werekins. Not just any mating season, this celebratory occasion only fell once every ten years marking the time for an Alpha to choose his permanent mate. For a brief moment his thoughts strayed to a long time friend who would most likely seek out his mate now as he’d done for many years without success. Silently he wished him good fortune in the season. His thoughts quickly shifted back to his own dilemma and he clinched his fist in frustration at the thought of his own female woes. What he wouldn’t give to have her return just a modicum of his feelings. It had been two months since he’d brought Aman home with him, and still he couldn’t convince her that they were meant to be together, that the Powers that be made them for one another. She’d continued to resist him on
every point. A brief solace could be found in their heated lovemaking, and he savored every morsel of her passion drawing out orgasms until they both panted for release. He grew rigid reminiscing on their latest encounter in the wee hours of the morning when she’d awakened him with a lusty riding. The romp was over so quickly he’d have thought it a dream if not for her warm body collapsing atop him.
Things would need to change soon. In spite of her accusations it pained him to keep her confined day in and out, yet he couldn’t allow her to wander about the city as if she were just some…human. He shuddered to think of the danger his best friend’s mate was subjected to from the other Protector’s brief lapse. He’d vowed to be more vigilant should he have the fortune of finding his Fledgling. Now that Aman was in his life he would do nothing to jeopardize her safety. Just the thought of her in harms way made his chest expand with grief. The succubus who’d orchestrated Fatima’s abduction was still at large. Until she could be dealt with no Fledgling was safe.
The blare of his office phone broke through his contemplation. With a quick press of the remote’s power button he silenced the newscast.
"Sergei here." For several seconds his heart soared with the possibility that it was the very woman who consumed his thoughts.
"Congratulations on finding your mate," Jean greeted in his usual cheery tone.
Sergei forced the disappointment out of his voice with his own monotone response.
"I didn’t think I’d be hearing from you in a long while." It was true, with all the commotion the younger Gargoyle’s Ad campaign was causing he’d expected him to stay incommunicado for far longer, at least until Alexi stopped with the death threats. Sergei
stared wearily at the mountain of files he’d just sifted through. There were still plenty more applicants to be approved or rejected, more than enough to keep him up for many weeks to come. Apparently Alexi wasn’t fairing much better with the numerous responses that had been forwarded to him. However, with no mate to go home to, and spurred on by the hope of finding his amongst the stacks, Sergei was certain that his friend had spent many a sleepless night. Luckily re-enforcements would be arriving over the course of the next few weeks as they geared up for the first round of meet and greets.
"I must say I’m a little surprised to find you at work at all, if I had a mate at home-"
"I’m certain there’s a point to your call or were you just feeling particularly annoying?"
Silence was the initial response.
"Touchy aren’t we. All must not be well in Paradise. You want to talk about it?"
Sergei growled his exasperation although he knew it wasn’t right to take his frustration out someone else, but heaven help him he needed an outlet. "Jean, you’ve spent too much time watching Dr. Phil."
"Hey, you could learn a lot from the man, he’s tapped into the woman’s psyche."
"He’s a quack," he snapped back before calming. "Now what do you want?"
"Damn I nearly forgot." He cleared his throat. "Let me be the first to inform you of the birth Tiberius Jean De La Rue."
"You mean it’s happened?" He was stunned. Everyone knew the day was fast approaching but all seemed surreal, a miraculous event. The first Protector to be born in centuries, the thought repeated in his mind.
"When?"
"Two nights ago, just before midnight. He’s perfect and came in just under eleven pounds which Fatima promises to remind father and son of for the rest of their lives."
"I want to see him," Sergei blurted out.
"Lorn thought you would, the nice guy that I am I figured I’d make all the calls so he could be the devoted Papa and husband."
"Of course," Sergei replied automatically still digesting the importance of the baby’s birth.
"I guess it won’t be long before you hear the pitter-patter of little feet too."
"I’m sure you have other calls to make Jean. Give my best wishes to Lorn and Fatima and tell them we’ll arrive shortly." Sergei hurried the other Protector off the phone contemplating whether to call Alexi. No, he’d leave that to Jean. Right now all he wanted to do was get home to Aman.
He glanced at the clock on his way out the door. It was just about quitting time and rush hour traffic would be unbearable. Sergei gave a brief goodbye to his secretary as he strode briskly passed her desk to the stairwell just beyond the embankment of elevators. The hall was empty, as he’d expected. Besides himself and his secretary few others had access to his private suite of offices. While his employees saw it as an elitist segregation, the reality was Sergei needed privacy for those occasions when he had to make quick escapes, like today.
He’d recently enlisted an Elf as secretary, which afforded him the luxury of not making up excuses for his use of stairs over the elevators. By the time he emerged on the
rooftop he’d removed all upper clothing from his body. Quick work was made of this remaining items and he swiftly stashed the articles in a metal bin installed for just that purpose. By the time he stood again his body had already completed its transformation into Gargoyle form. Wings stretched on either side of him flexing in their freedom. Thunder rumbled across the sky as the first raindrop splattered against his face. He had one thought on his mind as he launched into the air. Aman.
The ability provided her with a source of entertainment during the day when television became annoying or she’d grown tired of reading. Books arrived on a regular basis thanks to the worldwide web and access to a limitless credit account. Each evening Sergei would bring up a fresh batch of parcels, sitting her purchases outside her roomy office he'd insisted she have for her privacy. Privacy, what a joke? Nothing had changed between them over the course of the two months since he'd brought her to the high-rise penthouse. He was still adamant, as ever about not giving her time away, which at that point she didn't give a damn about. It was the principle of the matter. She needed to know that his care for her outweighed his stubborn resolve that dictated how things should be between them.
In all honesty Aman had become quite accustomed to the routine in their short time together. If the situation weren’t so serious she would have been able to find humor in the humdrum existence she led with her mythical mate. Of course she accepted a slight responsibility for it since she'd refused all Sergei's attempts at outings or social interactions until he agreed to her demand for freedom. Unfortunately, he hadn’t relented and her strike was backfiring, big time. By each day’s end she found herself eager for his return, although she would never admit it, not verbally anyway. Opting instead to wait until the cover of night to unleash her hidden feelings. It was in those hours, that she could give of herself with complete abandon without feeling as if she’d compromised her instituted strike. In the light of day the stalemate was reinstated neither speaking about their fiery lovemaking.
The early morning hours of that day were a prime example of how things had developed between them. His heat had awakened her. The nearness of his body combined with his sultry scent pulled her from slumber, beckoning her to indulge in his warm naked body again. She was certain they’d only been asleep a few hours after a particularly energetic night, but it hadn’t mattered, she wanted him more than her next breath. How she hated her uncontrollable weakness where he was concerned.
Mid-afternoon found her lounging on the sofa finishing a sci-fi thriller Sergei picked up for her a couple days earlier. She'd made a brief reference to the book over dinner indicating her disappointment at the item being out of print, and despite her online searches it remained unattainable. The next day she'd discovered a carefully wrapped parcel atop a recent shipment outside her office door, and she'd opened the parcel tentatively unable to believe her eyes. Inside the book’s jacket was a simple inscription
that read: For My Joy. Not wanting him to see just how much his thoughtfulness had affected her she locked herself away in her office shedding silent tears until he tapped at the door to announce dinner. A huge part of her wanted to concede, to kick her pride in the ass and finally give in, but her stubbornness was a bitch to contend with, even for her.
***
What started as a dark dismal morning progressed into a day who’s sky overflowed with unforgiving clouds and booming thunderstorms. Sergei listened with half an ear to a weather report that droned on in the background. Torrential rains would drench the city in several inches of water by nightfall. People were being advised to get home early, if possible. The meteorologist went through a useless explanation about the unseasonably warm weather combined with the heavy precipitation being the cause for the conditions. Yet Sergei didn’t accept the explanation, not wholly, there were definitely more significant forces of nature at work, way beyond mortal comprehension.
A full moon would be upon them soon heralding the mating season for Werekins. Not just any mating season, this celebratory occasion only fell once every ten years marking the time for an Alpha to choose his permanent mate. For a brief moment his thoughts strayed to a long time friend who would most likely seek out his mate now as he’d done for many years without success. Silently he wished him good fortune in the season. His thoughts quickly shifted back to his own dilemma and he clinched his fist in frustration at the thought of his own female woes. What he wouldn’t give to have her return just a modicum of his feelings. It had been two months since he’d brought Aman home with him, and still he couldn’t convince her that they were meant to be together, that the Powers that be made them for one another. She’d continued to resist him on
every point. A brief solace could be found in their heated lovemaking, and he savored every morsel of her passion drawing out orgasms until they both panted for release. He grew rigid reminiscing on their latest encounter in the wee hours of the morning when she’d awakened him with a lusty riding. The romp was over so quickly he’d have thought it a dream if not for her warm body collapsing atop him.
Things would need to change soon. In spite of her accusations it pained him to keep her confined day in and out, yet he couldn’t allow her to wander about the city as if she were just some…human. He shuddered to think of the danger his best friend’s mate was subjected to from the other Protector’s brief lapse. He’d vowed to be more vigilant should he have the fortune of finding his Fledgling. Now that Aman was in his life he would do nothing to jeopardize her safety. Just the thought of her in harms way made his chest expand with grief. The succubus who’d orchestrated Fatima’s abduction was still at large. Until she could be dealt with no Fledgling was safe.
The blare of his office phone broke through his contemplation. With a quick press of the remote’s power button he silenced the newscast.
"Sergei here." For several seconds his heart soared with the possibility that it was the very woman who consumed his thoughts.
"Congratulations on finding your mate," Jean greeted in his usual cheery tone.
Sergei forced the disappointment out of his voice with his own monotone response.
"I didn’t think I’d be hearing from you in a long while." It was true, with all the commotion the younger Gargoyle’s Ad campaign was causing he’d expected him to stay incommunicado for far longer, at least until Alexi stopped with the death threats. Sergei
stared wearily at the mountain of files he’d just sifted through. There were still plenty more applicants to be approved or rejected, more than enough to keep him up for many weeks to come. Apparently Alexi wasn’t fairing much better with the numerous responses that had been forwarded to him. However, with no mate to go home to, and spurred on by the hope of finding his amongst the stacks, Sergei was certain that his friend had spent many a sleepless night. Luckily re-enforcements would be arriving over the course of the next few weeks as they geared up for the first round of meet and greets.
"I must say I’m a little surprised to find you at work at all, if I had a mate at home-"
"I’m certain there’s a point to your call or were you just feeling particularly annoying?"
Silence was the initial response.
"Touchy aren’t we. All must not be well in Paradise. You want to talk about it?"
Sergei growled his exasperation although he knew it wasn’t right to take his frustration out someone else, but heaven help him he needed an outlet. "Jean, you’ve spent too much time watching Dr. Phil."
"Hey, you could learn a lot from the man, he’s tapped into the woman’s psyche."
"He’s a quack," he snapped back before calming. "Now what do you want?"
"Damn I nearly forgot." He cleared his throat. "Let me be the first to inform you of the birth Tiberius Jean De La Rue."
"You mean it’s happened?" He was stunned. Everyone knew the day was fast approaching but all seemed surreal, a miraculous event. The first Protector to be born in centuries, the thought repeated in his mind.
"When?"
"Two nights ago, just before midnight. He’s perfect and came in just under eleven pounds which Fatima promises to remind father and son of for the rest of their lives."
"I want to see him," Sergei blurted out.
"Lorn thought you would, the nice guy that I am I figured I’d make all the calls so he could be the devoted Papa and husband."
"Of course," Sergei replied automatically still digesting the importance of the baby’s birth.
"I guess it won’t be long before you hear the pitter-patter of little feet too."
"I’m sure you have other calls to make Jean. Give my best wishes to Lorn and Fatima and tell them we’ll arrive shortly." Sergei hurried the other Protector off the phone contemplating whether to call Alexi. No, he’d leave that to Jean. Right now all he wanted to do was get home to Aman.
He glanced at the clock on his way out the door. It was just about quitting time and rush hour traffic would be unbearable. Sergei gave a brief goodbye to his secretary as he strode briskly passed her desk to the stairwell just beyond the embankment of elevators. The hall was empty, as he’d expected. Besides himself and his secretary few others had access to his private suite of offices. While his employees saw it as an elitist segregation, the reality was Sergei needed privacy for those occasions when he had to make quick escapes, like today.
He’d recently enlisted an Elf as secretary, which afforded him the luxury of not making up excuses for his use of stairs over the elevators. By the time he emerged on the
rooftop he’d removed all upper clothing from his body. Quick work was made of this remaining items and he swiftly stashed the articles in a metal bin installed for just that purpose. By the time he stood again his body had already completed its transformation into Gargoyle form. Wings stretched on either side of him flexing in their freedom. Thunder rumbled across the sky as the first raindrop splattered against his face. He had one thought on his mind as he launched into the air. Aman.
Chapter Two
She was antsy, having already paced the lengthy confines of the condo several times over during the course of the day, venturing outside at different intervals to take in the warm, humidity. Even if the forecast hadn’t predicted rain she would have known it was coming. The air was heavy with moisture, its scent pungent. It started lightly but quickly began to soak the city without mercy. She stared out the sliding glass enjoying the soothing sound as it pelted the concrete balcony. As a child she loved to play in the rain, especially on those summer days when it was her only reprieve from the sweltering heat. She smiled impishly as a thought formed in her head. Before she had a chance to talk herself out of it Aman was stripping out of the confines of her cotton shorts.
She giggled with glee as she stepped onto the balcony in nothing but a T-shirt and panties. A thin puddle that formed on the patio covered her feet first. The cool wetness only spurred her on and it wasn’t long before she was soaked from head to toe. It was like living a youthful fantasy embracing the elements semi-clad, and she wanted to experience the heady excitement to its hilt. With enthusiasm she flung her head back sticking out her tongue to capture as much water as possible. If anyone could see her they’d probably think she was a little unbalanced, but she didn’t care.
The sky rumbled loudly, and she pretended that it was approval from the heavens. Rain washed over her face coating her tongue and throat. Another deep rolling of thunder reverberated around her, its echo bounced off the surrounding skyscrapers and Aman’s heart soared with exuberance. His arrival must have coincided with the sky’s
musical display, his scent masked by the moist air which was probably why she didn’t notice the moment Sergei landed on the balcony until he spoke.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Aman sputtered on water as she whipped around to face him, swiping moisture from her eyes.
"What are you doing…" she choked on her last words as she took in his very nude Gargoyle form. "…here."
He smiled in his lopsided fashion that made her heart race. Amazing how it still had the same effect on her no matter his physical persona.
"I do live here." His eyes raked over her wet body with slow deliberation.
"That’s not what I meant. What are you doing home now, and flying around in broad daylight I might add." The force of the rain plastered her short hair against her scalp, it’s ends molding her face forcing her to swipe at it several times.
"It’s dark enough, and is it so curious for me to want to be close to you?" His gaze lingered on her breasts before rising to meet her gaze.
She didn’t need to imagine what she must look like to him. It was obvious from the ever-growing erection that he found her wet state of undress arousing. Her oversized shirt, that just reached the top of her thighs, clung to her like a second skin, and she was certain that her taut nipples were prominent through the cotton material. She’d probably make the perfect candidate for a wet T-shirt contest at the moment.
She could feel her nipples hardening even more beneath his heated scrutiny.
"I guess I should get in before I shrivel up into a prune." Although she spoke she made no move towards the sliding glass door that stood just beyond Sergei’s massive
frame. Her heart thumped a bit faster when he took a silent step towards her. If he touched her she’d be lost to any rational thought, that’s how it had been between them, why would now be any different? She was addicted to his contact, to everything about him. Aman took a deep breath to calm her nerves but soon registered her mistake as his musky aroma filled her nostrils. It was the same scent that roused her that morning, primal and inexplicably exhilarating at the same time. He continued his silent approach and she knew he studied her like a predator would its prey, waiting for any sudden movement. His penis stood at full attention yet she tried her best to ignore it as she directed her train of thought to something less arousing. She closed her eyes satisfied as the image of a cold dark cave formed. She imagined all sorts of creepy crawly things just ready to attack and bats by the thousands.
That should do it. Only it didn’t work, because an image of Sergei stepped out of the darkness and promptly scared all the nasty little beasties away. The back of his hand brushed her cheek softly. She made a sound of contentment and rubbed her face against it.
"Look at me."
She couldn’t resist her lids drifting up to stare into his now very human face. Oh and what a face it was. Green eyes the color of a rain forest held her captive. Lips descended upon hers. Without prompting Aman wrapped arms eagerly around his neck drawing him ever closer into her embrace. Large hands reached for her firm rear pressing her intimately against his stiff sex.
"More," he moaned against her mouth tugging the hem of her shirt upward.
"Woo, get a room, or at least take it in doors."
The sudden appearance of the new arrival startled them both, and although she wasn’t quite sure how it happened Aman found herself thrust behind Sergei shielded in the corner of the patio.
"You." His voice boomed in near accusation.
"Live and in the flesh. Did you miss me?" Aman bit back the laughter that bubbled inside her at hearing her friend’s voice.
"And while I must say I’m very, very impressed by your display of manly prowess, you should probably cover yourself."
"I don’t know how you got here Mage but I want you gone." He growled.
"Yeah and I missed you too. Now that wouldn’t happen to be Aman you’re hiding back there."
"I’m warning you Mage."
"The names Sam, I’m pretty sure Aman introduced us over dinner. Surely you remember the night." Aman thanked God for her newly developed reflexes and strength that allowed her to push her way in front of Sergei otherwise she was certain her friend would have ended up dangling over the balcony.
"My God Sam, what are you doing here?"
"Intruding." Sergei didn’t try to hide his displeasure.
"You know I tried ever scrawing spell I could to find you. I came up empty every time." She brushed rain from her face unsuccessfully, red hair molding her scalp and face.
"You must have some pretty powerful Elves in your employ." Bright blue eyes looked beyond Aman’s shoulders to the tense Protector. "Then I realized I’d let my
fingers do the walking, and here I am interrupting what looked like some pretty steamy foreplay. Lucky for me the protection spells didn’t extend to keeping friends out."
Another growl, this time more feral emanated from behind Aman
"Why don’t we go inside where its less wet," She urged in case Sergei decided to act on any thoughts of homicide.
"Quite the exhibitionist you’re becoming," the other woman joked. "Sex on a balcony."
"Not anymore," Sergei grumbled, mumbling under his breath that the spells needed to be altered to keep away all forms of nuisance.
"Sam give us a minute while we dry off and get changed."
"Take your time, I’ll just poke my nose around your new digs," she responded to the already retreating backs of her hosts. "I’m not going anywhere."
***
"Behave yourself. I haven’t seen or talked to Sam in weeks," she whispered as she closed the bedroom door behind them.
"And your point is?" Sergei groused emerging from their adjoining bath with a towel in hand.
Her eyes narrowed, "My point is I’m tired of being cooped up in here with no human contact."
"She’s not human," he reminded toweling her dry after she removed her drenched articles of clothing.
"You know what I mean." She tried yanking the towel from his hands without much success. He’d once said how much he enjoyed doing things like that for her and she never complained, but decided to keep her pleasure a secret.
"That’s enough," she protested when he paid a little too much attention to her breasts. Slipping into the walk-in closet she quickly donned another T-shirt and a pair of leggings.
"One thing."
"Can it wait?" She stopped in front of him arms crossed over her breasts.
He shook his head.
"Well?"
"We leave in the morning for France."
"We what?"
"Lorn, and his mate have given birth."
Aman was speechless. He’d spoken of Lorn and his wife Fatima over the past months even mentioned the eminent arrival of their baby on several occasions. The birth was highly anticipated and meant a new beginning for his species, yet she couldn’t build up the same excitement over the event. Albeit selfish she was a little more concerned with her current predicament with Sergei.
She was antsy, having already paced the lengthy confines of the condo several times over during the course of the day, venturing outside at different intervals to take in the warm, humidity. Even if the forecast hadn’t predicted rain she would have known it was coming. The air was heavy with moisture, its scent pungent. It started lightly but quickly began to soak the city without mercy. She stared out the sliding glass enjoying the soothing sound as it pelted the concrete balcony. As a child she loved to play in the rain, especially on those summer days when it was her only reprieve from the sweltering heat. She smiled impishly as a thought formed in her head. Before she had a chance to talk herself out of it Aman was stripping out of the confines of her cotton shorts.
She giggled with glee as she stepped onto the balcony in nothing but a T-shirt and panties. A thin puddle that formed on the patio covered her feet first. The cool wetness only spurred her on and it wasn’t long before she was soaked from head to toe. It was like living a youthful fantasy embracing the elements semi-clad, and she wanted to experience the heady excitement to its hilt. With enthusiasm she flung her head back sticking out her tongue to capture as much water as possible. If anyone could see her they’d probably think she was a little unbalanced, but she didn’t care.
The sky rumbled loudly, and she pretended that it was approval from the heavens. Rain washed over her face coating her tongue and throat. Another deep rolling of thunder reverberated around her, its echo bounced off the surrounding skyscrapers and Aman’s heart soared with exuberance. His arrival must have coincided with the sky’s
musical display, his scent masked by the moist air which was probably why she didn’t notice the moment Sergei landed on the balcony until he spoke.
"Enjoying yourself?"
Aman sputtered on water as she whipped around to face him, swiping moisture from her eyes.
"What are you doing…" she choked on her last words as she took in his very nude Gargoyle form. "…here."
He smiled in his lopsided fashion that made her heart race. Amazing how it still had the same effect on her no matter his physical persona.
"I do live here." His eyes raked over her wet body with slow deliberation.
"That’s not what I meant. What are you doing home now, and flying around in broad daylight I might add." The force of the rain plastered her short hair against her scalp, it’s ends molding her face forcing her to swipe at it several times.
"It’s dark enough, and is it so curious for me to want to be close to you?" His gaze lingered on her breasts before rising to meet her gaze.
She didn’t need to imagine what she must look like to him. It was obvious from the ever-growing erection that he found her wet state of undress arousing. Her oversized shirt, that just reached the top of her thighs, clung to her like a second skin, and she was certain that her taut nipples were prominent through the cotton material. She’d probably make the perfect candidate for a wet T-shirt contest at the moment.
She could feel her nipples hardening even more beneath his heated scrutiny.
"I guess I should get in before I shrivel up into a prune." Although she spoke she made no move towards the sliding glass door that stood just beyond Sergei’s massive
frame. Her heart thumped a bit faster when he took a silent step towards her. If he touched her she’d be lost to any rational thought, that’s how it had been between them, why would now be any different? She was addicted to his contact, to everything about him. Aman took a deep breath to calm her nerves but soon registered her mistake as his musky aroma filled her nostrils. It was the same scent that roused her that morning, primal and inexplicably exhilarating at the same time. He continued his silent approach and she knew he studied her like a predator would its prey, waiting for any sudden movement. His penis stood at full attention yet she tried her best to ignore it as she directed her train of thought to something less arousing. She closed her eyes satisfied as the image of a cold dark cave formed. She imagined all sorts of creepy crawly things just ready to attack and bats by the thousands.
That should do it. Only it didn’t work, because an image of Sergei stepped out of the darkness and promptly scared all the nasty little beasties away. The back of his hand brushed her cheek softly. She made a sound of contentment and rubbed her face against it.
"Look at me."
She couldn’t resist her lids drifting up to stare into his now very human face. Oh and what a face it was. Green eyes the color of a rain forest held her captive. Lips descended upon hers. Without prompting Aman wrapped arms eagerly around his neck drawing him ever closer into her embrace. Large hands reached for her firm rear pressing her intimately against his stiff sex.
"More," he moaned against her mouth tugging the hem of her shirt upward.
"Woo, get a room, or at least take it in doors."
The sudden appearance of the new arrival startled them both, and although she wasn’t quite sure how it happened Aman found herself thrust behind Sergei shielded in the corner of the patio.
"You." His voice boomed in near accusation.
"Live and in the flesh. Did you miss me?" Aman bit back the laughter that bubbled inside her at hearing her friend’s voice.
"And while I must say I’m very, very impressed by your display of manly prowess, you should probably cover yourself."
"I don’t know how you got here Mage but I want you gone." He growled.
"Yeah and I missed you too. Now that wouldn’t happen to be Aman you’re hiding back there."
"I’m warning you Mage."
"The names Sam, I’m pretty sure Aman introduced us over dinner. Surely you remember the night." Aman thanked God for her newly developed reflexes and strength that allowed her to push her way in front of Sergei otherwise she was certain her friend would have ended up dangling over the balcony.
"My God Sam, what are you doing here?"
"Intruding." Sergei didn’t try to hide his displeasure.
"You know I tried ever scrawing spell I could to find you. I came up empty every time." She brushed rain from her face unsuccessfully, red hair molding her scalp and face.
"You must have some pretty powerful Elves in your employ." Bright blue eyes looked beyond Aman’s shoulders to the tense Protector. "Then I realized I’d let my
fingers do the walking, and here I am interrupting what looked like some pretty steamy foreplay. Lucky for me the protection spells didn’t extend to keeping friends out."
Another growl, this time more feral emanated from behind Aman
"Why don’t we go inside where its less wet," She urged in case Sergei decided to act on any thoughts of homicide.
"Quite the exhibitionist you’re becoming," the other woman joked. "Sex on a balcony."
"Not anymore," Sergei grumbled, mumbling under his breath that the spells needed to be altered to keep away all forms of nuisance.
"Sam give us a minute while we dry off and get changed."
"Take your time, I’ll just poke my nose around your new digs," she responded to the already retreating backs of her hosts. "I’m not going anywhere."
***
"Behave yourself. I haven’t seen or talked to Sam in weeks," she whispered as she closed the bedroom door behind them.
"And your point is?" Sergei groused emerging from their adjoining bath with a towel in hand.
Her eyes narrowed, "My point is I’m tired of being cooped up in here with no human contact."
"She’s not human," he reminded toweling her dry after she removed her drenched articles of clothing.
"You know what I mean." She tried yanking the towel from his hands without much success. He’d once said how much he enjoyed doing things like that for her and she never complained, but decided to keep her pleasure a secret.
"That’s enough," she protested when he paid a little too much attention to her breasts. Slipping into the walk-in closet she quickly donned another T-shirt and a pair of leggings.
"One thing."
"Can it wait?" She stopped in front of him arms crossed over her breasts.
He shook his head.
"Well?"
"We leave in the morning for France."
"We what?"
"Lorn, and his mate have given birth."
Aman was speechless. He’d spoken of Lorn and his wife Fatima over the past months even mentioned the eminent arrival of their baby on several occasions. The birth was highly anticipated and meant a new beginning for his species, yet she couldn’t build up the same excitement over the event. Albeit selfish she was a little more concerned with her current predicament with Sergei.
Gargoyle’s Wrath Contest
In honor of the latest release in the Gargoyles series I am running a GW contest. As you know I like to keep it simple so here’s what you need to do:
Pickup up a copy of GW Oct 19th – November 9th
Answer the following questions correctly:
1. What major conflict threatens to tear Aman and Sergei apart?
2. What is the name of Jean’s Horse?
Submit your answers to me at nia@niafoxx.com with "GW-Contest" in the subject line. All submissions must be received by November 10th (11:59 pm) to be considered. Correct submissions will be entered into a drawing for two possible prizes:
1. Autographed copy of The Rancher’s Ultimatum and a $5.00 Changeling Gift Cert (account credit)
2. $5.00 Changeling Gift Cert (account credit)
2 comments:
Hi Selena
Great spotlight! Adn thank you for stopping by my blog.
You're Welcome. :-). Hugs.
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