Page 14 of A Seduction Of Death (Umbra Hunters #4)

FOURTEEN

Meyer

V alen’s grip on me is tight and unforgiving as he strides past the obliterated door and back out into the castle's entry. “Wait! Valen, Nox is super pissed. I need to calm him down.” I shove at his chest, trying to get my Dream Man to release his hold on me, then blush a little when I see the Russian Senior Regalis staring at us, a slightly amused expression on her face as she watches me get carted up the stairs like a sack of potatoes.

“You can put Nox in his place in the morning, Mi Sol. He’s too wound up and will likely need to fight to calm down.” He presses a kiss to my forehead when I try to move and look over his shoulder, hoping the others will follow us, but there’s no one there. “I’ll even help hold him down for you so you can kick him in the balls, but I would be forever grateful if you let me take you to my room for the night so I don't have to stress about you getting caught up in his fight.”

Valen graces me with a soft, loving smile, and I wrinkle my nose, hating how hopeful he looks. Those big, pale green eyes are damn hard to say no to, even if all I want to do is go back downstairs and figure out what's going on.

“Fine,” I grumble, resting my head on his chest, happily ignoring the other Hunters and Rangers we pass on our way to the Ranger Barracks. I shiver when the icy wind of the mountain strikes us on our way from the castle to the barracks and cling to Valen a little more, my arms wrapped so tightly around his neck as I snuggle into his warmth that I’m almost worried I’ll strangle him. From the satisfied sound coming from his chest, he definitely doesn't mind, his fingers digging into my back and thighs where he holds me. He buries his nose in my hair as he shoves into the barracks and strides through the common area, ignoring the wide-eyed Rangers sitting on the couches.

I keep myself tucked into his embrace until I hear him shut and lock his bedroom door, relaxing when I know I won’t have to converse with anyone or put on my public mask. These last few days have been physically and emotionally exhausting, and I’m honestly not up for entertaining anyone or playing nice. All I want is my guys, a bath, and that bed over in the corner so I can sleep for a week straight. Only three of my guys are still in the castle, and I’m up here.

“Are you alright, Regina?” he whispers against the shell of my ear, making a shiver race down my spine.

“Are you sure we shouldn’t go back down there and help? I think I could calm them down without a fight happening.” Valen nods, agreeing with my words, but there is a frown on his face as he does so. “I’m sure if anyone could, it would be you. However, it wouldn’t be beneficial. It actually might make things worse?” I frown up at him in confusion as he gently lowers me to my feet, keeping his hands on my hips, his grip still as tight as it was before, as if he’s scared I will leave if he’s not holding onto me.

“How so?” I ask, brushing some hair off his forehead, trying to get that anxious look to fade from his eyes.

“We’re Demons, Mi Sol. Not Humans. We need things that differ from the males you know and grew up with. Violence is one of the big ones. Even in times of peace, we crave a fight. It’s built into our DNA, a part of us that never leaves. You could go down and stop the fight; however, Nox is at his breaking point. His mate has been put in too many dangerous situations and it's testing his control. He needs an outlet. You may stop the fight tonight, but it will only prolong his need for violence and ultimately make things worse. Let him get his frustrations out; it will be better for you and him if he does.”

“For me?” I question, smiling a little as I nod, letting him know I understand his point on the subject.

“Hmm,” Valen hums and nods, leaning forward. My eyes fall shut as I bask in his attention, leaning into his body and relishing the feeling of his hands moving from my hips and up my back before they tangle themselves in my hair. He tilts my head back so I’m staring into those beautiful pale green eyes. “Yes, for you. Nox is more likely to get territorial with others, including us, when he’s out of control. He is a Royal Demon, one who is used to getting his way and not sharing. Nox is spoiled through and through, but he’s still a good man. He’s trying to curb his instincts and be worthy of you. But if he’s mad or upset, he’s more likely to say something stupid that will either upset you or hurt your feelings. Let him fight, Love. It's what he needs. He will be back to his normal asshole self by morning and will be much more agreeable.”

“Alright,” I breathe against his lips, then smirk as I press onto my toes and seal our mouths together, thrilling in the deep moan that he releases in response. Valen’s fingers twist themselves into the strands of my hair, and he locks our lips together in a bruising kiss. I arch into him, pressing my belly against his hardening cock, grinding against him with mindless need. I can feel his magic caress against my skin, pressing me close, its strands looping around me almost possessively.

“Valen?” I gasp as he deepens our kiss, a growl breaking from his chest as he curls around me, holding me almost too tight. I frown against his lips as his magic swirls, its soft, gentle touch strengthening, sending what feels like bolts of light through my very being. My body shudders under his attention, goosebumps racing down my arms, my nipples tightening in my bra as Valen groans. I gasp as I’m suddenly lifted, my feet dangling in the air as Valen turns, pressing my back against the door. He presses his hard body against mine, his knee sliding between my thighs, and grinding against my pussy, making my eyes roll back at the intense feeling.

Valen inhales sharply, and his shoulders roll in as he wraps his arms around me and leans forward, crashing his lips to mine in a passionate kiss. Our teeth clash as I return his kiss, matching his intensity as I let my hands run up his chest and over his shoulders before I lock them in his hair and pull on the thick blond strands. Hard.

Valen hisses as I pull him back, raking my teeth over his bottom lip as I arch my body, pressing my shoulders against the wall and grinding myself against his hardening cock. He slams his hips forward, pressing me into the wall and putting enough pressure on my throbbing clit that I cry out. His tongue dives between my parted lips, kissing away my whimpers and moans as he grinds his hips against me, winding his hands into my hair, and pulls it in return.

I moan, wiggling against him, and try to touch the ground to take back some of the control, but Valen holds me up, not letting me gain any purchase against the floor under us. “Mi Sol,” he rumbles against my lips between heavy gasps as I cling to him, needing him closer. Almost like a dam, the heavy numb feeling that has encompassed me for days erupts, lighting my nerves on fire and making me feel alive. Warmth courses through me, stealing the pain and fear I’ve held in my chest, releasing it with need and want.

Fire tears up my limbs, starting in my chest and reaching for every part of me, and I surrender to its pull, letting Valen take me further into this perfect, mindless bliss. I gasp into his mouth, my body bursting to life as he tears his mouth away with a growl and kisses down the column of my throat, then bites hard enough I know it will leave a mark.

“Fuck!” I scream, and Valen chuckles darkly when I buck against him in response, my clit throbbing with acute need. I yank on his hair again, thrusting my hips against him, needing more than the friction. “Valen,” I whisper, his name coming out as a plea. I can feel him all around me; his hands and lips touch everything they can, and his magic whispers against my skin as my head rolls back on my shoulders.

“Oh shit!” I gasp, something in me building, chasing that release I know Valen can give me. I hear him growl, sharp teeth raking against my skin, just as he curses and pulls away from me. I look up when he leans forward, his eyes locking with mine as his chest rises and falls with rapid breaths as mine stalls in my chest. Valen’s eyes are black, sparking with silver and green magic as his hand moves from my hair and wraps around the column of my throat, his thumb moving over my fluttering pulse. He blinks back at me, looking just as shocked as I feel.

“Hey,” he whispers, pulling back more, and I snarl in frustration, not wanting even an inch between us, “Whoa, whoa,” he whispers, eyes lightening as he studies me with an air of caution, his fingers moving from my throat to my cheek. “I’ve got you,” he reassures me as I glare at him, my frustration burning as he smiles. “Take deep breaths, Mi Sol. In through your nose, out through your mouth,” he instructs, and I scowl at him, not wanting to calm down. He chuckles, moving his knee so I can't grind on it. “I need you to calm down just a bit.”

“Why?” I manage to get out, my words breathless as I stare up at him, confused as my feet find the ground under me. Valen keeps his eyes on mine as he reaches down and grabs my wrist, pulling it up and gently placing a kiss on the mark left there by Inanis. The now red and glowing red mark.

“Shit,” I gasp, pulling my hand from his, not wanting it to hurt Valen somehow.

“It’s alright,” he whispers, hand snapping out to keep mine in his, eyes hardening when I protest. “You’re alright, and you will not pull away from me,” he growls, his voice deep and demanding, making me swallow down the rest of my protest. “Your eyes are red,” he muses, head tilting to the side, watching me with a smirk on his handsome face.

“Sorry,” I rasp, looking away from him, feeling slightly embarrassed. Will this happen every time I’m intimate with one of the guys? I need to learn how to control myself and whatever this weird feeling is inside me.

“You have nothing to apologize for, Mi Sol,” he whispers, dipping down to press his lips back to mine. His kiss is gentle this time, sweet and patient as he slowly builds me back up, turning my embarrassment into pleasure.

“More,” I almost beg when he pulls back again. I can see the irises of his eyes grow as he watches me, his magic still wrapped around us as he shakes his head as if confused.

“I-I need to feed you,” he says suddenly. “You need food; it’s been a long day.” Valen steps back, leaving me feeling cold and instantly killing the sexual tension between us.

What the hell? How does he just turn it off like that?

My pussy is throbbing, my heart pounding in my chest at the dominance he’d just shown, his actions speaking to a side of me I’m just starting to realize is there. “I’m not hungry,” I admit, rubbing my stomach, shocked by my own words. Valen gives me an unimpressed look, and I shrug. “I had that protein bar, so it's not like I’m going to starve or anything.”

“You need to eat more than a protein bar,” he chides, and I smile, wondering how I can get him back to pinning me against the wall… or bed. That would be just as good.

“I’m not hungry… for food,” I correct and grin when Valen gapes at me in surprise, then chuckles, running his hand through his hair that looks a few shades darker than usual. “I mean. Unless you’re not up for that tonight?” I instantly add, growling as I stare at him.

It's been days since I have been with one of the guys like this. We’ve been so busy with getting things settled and being there for Theo, Cali, and Jordan that we all fall into bed late and wake up early. But standing here right now with Valen, I’m craving that intimacy. I need that feeling of being together, of having him with me, and knowing that despite how shitty our lives might be right now, we still have each other. But maybe he needs some more time. It's been a long, stressful day that grew more tiring with Orcus’ arrival.

“Full transparency?” he asks, and I nod. “I’m feeling incredibly selfish and need to calm down a bit before I end up pushing you into something you may not be ready for,” he admits, pink staining his cheeks like voicing the words aloud was embarrassing for him. I sigh in relief, happy that we’re on the same page, while mentally rolling my eyes. Leave it up to Valen to be so freaking sweet and think I’m not ready for everything with him.

“Not ready for what?” I press, although I’m pretty sure I know what he’s talking about, and the idea of it sends a bolt of lust straight through me. I step toward him, wanting to close the small distance between us, and I feel something inside me perk up with interest when he steps back.

“Meyer,” he warns, and my eyes snap back to his face. Did… did he just call me Meyer? Not Mi Sol, or Regina, or even Love? I purse my lips and take another step toward him, attention moving from his wide eyes to his throat, where I see his pulse, then down to his feet, where he takes not one but two more steps back.

Nope. No, I don’t like that.

Valen chuckles, but it holds a strained sound to it as he runs another hand through his hair, making the blond strands stand on end. “Ahh, and there is your Demon side coming out to play. Nox would cream himself if he were here right now.” Valen eyes me with wary amusement as I take another step forward. “Are you stalking me, Love?”