Page 15 of House of Demons and Bones (Shades of Ruin and Magic #5)

14

Barbie

I strutted into Killian’s penthouse with an attitude, my hands in my pockets, my golden curls bouncing.

The sitting room was plush with Persian rugs, white leather sofas, and million-dollar paintings. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcased Underhill in the northwest and the valley of mist in the east.

I paused in the center of the room as memories rushed back. Last time I’d been here, in his bedroom, he had buried his face between my thighs. Then he’d returned to his betrothed and shattered my heart—all fake acts, I’d learned later. I never thought I’d come back here seeking him out.

“Keep going,” Killian called.

I followed his voice and the faint bond between us into a drool-worthy kitchen. My interest sparked—kitchen meant food—but I focused on the owner with his back to me.

His black shirt and jeans radiated power, money, and elegance. Behind the island, he was mixing something, his back muscles flexing. My gaze automatically dropped to his butt.

You should squeeze it. See if it’s as firm as my sugar’s, Sy advised. Let’s bet on it. We’ve never made a bet, but the heirs do it all the time.

Right, they’d once bet on who could get in my pants first and make me give them a blowjob.

Killian got in your pants first, but you haven’t done a good blowjob yet, Sy said.

I rolled my eyes. I’m not a blowjob kind of chick.

I am, Sy said proudly. I’m a professional.

Killian spun around while I ogled his ass. I snapped my gaze up, my face burning in embarrassment.

“I wasn’t looking, in case you’re wondering,” I mumbled. “I was thinking—there’s a lot on my mind lately.”

He smirked.

You shouldn’t distract me, Sy, I said, blaming it all on her. Go slumber.

No way. I wouldn’t miss this for the world.

Then zip it. I don’t want to look stupid again.

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed at appreciating your man’s body, she said. I stare at my sugar’s dick all the time. He loves it.

Killian slid a peach smoothie toward me. The gesture touched me—he remembered my love for peaches.

“No garlic in the mix,” he added.

I blinked. He’d been watching me even after his cold-shoulder act.

“I’m not crazy about garlic either,” I said, sliding onto the seat at the island. “Added it to my diet for a reason.”

These days, I dumped raw garlic into everything. It kept the vampires away—monsters craved my blood. Plus, with all the fights and verbal abuse I dealt with, breathing garlic fumes in my opponents’ faces felt like fair payback.

“Care to elaborate?” he asked.

“Not important.” I waved a hand.

“I want to know everything about you, little scorpion,” he purred.

My face flamed again. My blood raced. I never thought I’d be the awkward one. I fumbled with the smoothie straw, sucking down the drink. Shit, this was good. Who knew Killian could mix drinks?

Reading my expression, he said, “I’m quite good at cooking. Come here again tomorrow, and I’ll cook for you.”

Was he suggesting a date, or would he keep me as his secret lover? A shadow crossed my eyes. I wanted what other girls had, even knowing I couldn’t have it.

I swallowed. The sexual tension between us burned like fuel—one match was all it needed to torch everything.

“So, uh.” I cleared my throat, aiming for casual. “You wanted to talk? Make it quick. I have somewhere to go.”

Dumbass! Sy yelled. Flirt. Show your sexy side instead of being dense and socially awkward.

I growled. I can’t help it. I have social anxiety disorder.

Since when? Sy barked.

Since now.

Killian pinned me with his intense, heated gaze. I held it with false bravado—a mistake. My body tensed like a bow, liquid fire licking the aching flesh between my thighs.

“Are you growling at me, little scorpion?” he asked.

Fuck it.

I decided to ditch Cassius’s lessons about keeping my opinions to myself. I was going to speak my mind however I wanted and whenever I wanted.

“Yes,” I said. “I don’t like you fooling around with other hot chicks.”

One second, he was still eye-fucking me. The next, he reached me. I thought I was fast. Killian was faster. He grabbed me before I could fend him off, and then I was in his arms.

His head dipped, his lips slanting over mine.

“I only fool around with you, little scorpion,” he purred against my lips. “Don’t like it?”

“Is that a challenge?” I asked as I threaded my fingers through his thick dark hair, dragging him down for a hard, brutal kiss—teaching him respect.

His large hand cupped the back of my head, anchoring and securing me. He didn’t need to. I was going nowhere. At least not when I had him where I wanted, ready to taste the forbidden fruit.

Our teeth and lips clashed before we found our rhythm, our mouths melding as pent-up passion spilled over. Heat blazed through me, his skin hotter than a burning star, spreading from every point of contact and blooming inside me. His hardness pressed against my front.

Shit, this felt good. I needed his cock in me.

I clung to him, stretching the length of my body against him. The fresh mint and powerful male scent of his breath mingled with mine. My chest ached with searing need for him.

Wild energy coursed through me and coiled between us, so I bit his bottom lip to calm myself. His dragon and demigod blood tasted rich with galaxy power. He growled as I bled him, but his dragon purred in approval. The beast loved it rough, and Sy rolled giddily within me.

Killian slammed me against the marble island, his tongue seeking entrance. I invited him in, and pleasure buzzed from my head down to my toes as his tongue initiated a mating dance. As soon as I joined him, a hungry groan escaped from the depths of his throat. His fangs came out, grazing my bottom lip.

My moans caught between us as he kissed me with abandon. Shit, such passion, such heat, such white-hot lust. I might be in over my head with this situation.

“I need to fuck you now, little scorpion,” he murmured against my swollen lips. His hand slid under my school uniform to cup my breast. “Or I’ll lose it.”

I’d go up in flames if I didn’t have his cock in me the next second. Through the haze of heat, I knew something needed to be said and done first, but lust pulsed through my every fiber, clouding my thoughts.

So I let him lead the dance. He could fuck me right here, right now. Against the island. Or I could hop up, plant my feet on the edge, spread my legs, and bare my pussy for him.

I pictured the thick head of his cock nudging against my slick slit, my plump folds embracing it and shivering as his massive shaft slid in.

“These past weeks without you, unable to touch you, were hell,” he said. “I hate the distance between us. I thought I could let you go if it kept you safe. But you weren’t safe, and you’ll never be safe until we eliminate all the threats.”

My heart rammed against my ribcage at his admission. His voice—deep, gentle, devastated—held pain I’d never heard before. I didn’t care for praise about my beauty or power, but his promise to eliminate threats sounded like music to my ears and tasted sweeter than honey, especially when his every word rang true.

“Holding back only hurt us both,” he continued. “Watching you flirt with the other heirs nearly broke me. I was one breath away from killing them all, except Cade. The mage heir is a good guy—no agenda toward you, never flirts.”

That was his definition of a good man?

If he knew about my kiss with Cade—it was not romantic though, just to challenge the Fury—would he still call Cade a good guy?

“I was insanely jealous,” he continued. “Still am. I can’t let anyone else have you. It’s not in me. If any heir crosses the line, I’ll tear their fucking teeth out one by one. When they try to seduce you, all they’ll have to show for it is a mouth full of holes. It won’t be pretty for those cocky bastards who think they can take whatever and whoever they want.”

“But—” I pouted. Sy pouted too. No teeth wouldn’t be a good look, and no one would date a toothless guy, even an heir.

“It’s madness,” I sighed.

“Madness or not,” he said, “I don’t care. I don’t give a fuck if the world fucking burns. Living without you—I’d let it all turn to ash. Call me a damaged, deranged psycho or whatever. But I must have you. Without you, my world is cold, bleak, and unlivable.”

“That sounds fucked up, man,” I said.

Yet his ruthless promises only turned me on. Was I as twisted as him?

We’re morally gray, Sy said proudly. Own it!

But I wasn’t going to own shit.

“You have no idea, little scorpion,” he said, his need for me burning, echoing mine for him.

“I have an idea,” I said. “You need to fuck me. Now.”

“Impatient, aren’t you?” He smirked.

He lifted me as if I weighed nothing, my legs clamping around him. A lustful whimper escaped my lips. His eyes darkened with such intensity as he tore open a portal right in front of us.

He stepped through with our lips still locked, his heat seeping through my uniform, his hardened cock jutting against my soft belly.

“I need—” I broke our kiss and gasped for breath.

“I know, little scorpion,” he said. “I need to fuck you, more than you know, and you don’t have to wait any longer.”

“I need a moment,” I said. “That’s what I meant to say.”

I was overwhelmed.

We didn’t touch down on solid ground but plunged into water, the spring pool surrounding us. When we surfaced, I peeked at the snowy mountains ringing the horizon. The scent of snow and winter blossom filled my lungs.

He’d sated my mating fever here before. In his dragon realm, we were untraceable.

Killian peeled off our clothes. His massive cock jutted out between his powerful thighs. He adjusted my position, baring my pussy. His cock jerked forward aggressively. He held his hard length in his hand, placed the thick crown between my slick folds, and thrust.

I cried out, pleasure mixing with pain from his granite hardness and large size. He groaned in pleasure, his storm-blue eyes brightening, and his dragon rumbled happily.

He pushed in further until he was embedded in my heated depths. We were tightly locked, my pussy gloving his cock perfectly. There was no stopping us now. No force in the universe could break our union.

He thrust into my wetness and growled possessively. A delicious feeling washed over me, curling my toes. This simply felt sinfully divine—to be fucked by my true mate while knowing his soul burned brightly for me.

“I’ve never known ecstasy like this, little scorpion,” he said, thrusting into me as if he had all the time in the world, as if he wanted to savor it for eternity.

It felt right. Like coming home at last—a home I never thought possible for me.

Yet something was missing.

“This feels right down to my bones, baby,” he said, his eyes flashing with fiery lust and possessiveness. “I love how your perfect tight cunt clings to my cock like a lifeline.” He drove into me vehemently, and a shock of pleasure rippled through me. “Those little noises you make, little mate. Make more for me. Moan and scream for me. Call my name with those pink lips while your pussy drips for me.” He withdrew a couple of inches before thrusting into me harder.

His unspoken thought suddenly echoed in my mind: I’ve never felt this with anyone before. One hard thrust, and I already need to come in her cunt. His dragon’s thought followed: Because she’s our true mate, and her lovely cunt belongs to us and no one else.

I blinked, and the connection broke.

“You’re mine, my vicious little scorpion,” Killian said as I moaned, wanting more, and begged him never to stop. “There’s never been anyone before you and there’ll be no one after you. Today, I’ll claim you as mine.” He thrust deeper and harder, and I felt his imprint starting to etch into me. “After this, you’ll wear my mark. I’m ruining this cunt for anyone else. No other male can ever touch you.”

An alarm cut through the haze of heat in my mind, even as incredible pleasure rippled through me.

I wanted this. I wanted him to imprint me more than anything, yet I shouted, “Wait!”

He thrust into me brutally. “Too late, little mate. You can’t escape me. I’ll never let you go.”

“But you need to be sure! I’m the lost princess of the Northern Kingdom, the notorious daughter of the God of Ruin,” I blurted, dread in my eyes, a shiver in my voice. I gazed up at him, waiting for his disgust and fury then rejection at my deception—or worse, for him to turn from besotted lover to enraged killer.

“I’ve gathered,” he said. “I pieced everything together a while ago.”

“How?” My breath caught as confusion swirled behind my eyelids. “And aren’t you mad that I lied to you, to everyone?”

He shrugged, thrusting into me rapidly. “Everyone fucking lies. Many make careers of it, like politicians. A small lie like yours is harmless.”

I stared at him, not sure if I felt relieved or offended.

“A small lie? Harmless?” I squirmed. “I’m Ruin’s daughter!”

“And my true mate.”

“And that absolves all of my sins?”

“Of course,” he said. “My mate comes before anyone and everything. But if it makes you feel better, you can tell me more of your sins.”

“This isn’t a joking matter!”

“Of course not, little scorpion.”

His powerful thrusts hit my G-spot, and I arched my back and moaned before I leveled a stare at him again.

“So, you truly want me, Killian?”

He gave me an exasperated yet heated look. “I’ve wanted you since I first saw you, even before my dragon knew you as our mate.”

Tell her more about me, his dragon demanded.

“I’ve wanted you more every day ever since,” he continued. “It was hell not being with you. I won’t go through that again.”

But he might face worse trying to keep me.

“You need to know what you’re dealing with.” I sucked in a breath. “Ruin is a god, pure evil. He’ll come for me himself. He’s hunted me relentlessly for eight years, and now he knows where I am.”

“I have plans,” he said, “including taking the throne if my father won’t give me control of the army to fight the God of Ruin.”

My chest tightened at his promise, and warmth swam in my veins.

“You’d do that for me?” I asked. Tears pricked behind my eyelids.

“In a heartbeat.” His voice dropped low. “You’re my mate, my everything. I won’t lose you. I’ll destroy anyone who hurts you and eliminate every threat to you—starting with your father. I’ve had contingency plans ready since I learned he was hunting you.”

Shit, that was the hottest thing anyone had ever said to me. No one had ever promised murder so perfectly. Slaying my father used to be my only goal, but now it was Killian’s too!

Things were going well for the first time.

My sugar will protect us with all the power he has too, Sy chimed in.

“What contingency plans?” I asked.

“I’ll tell you, if you show me what a good girl you are first.” His lips curved. “Think you can handle it?”

Say yes! Sy’s voice bounced through my skull. Don’t waste this chance.

I shot Killian a look. “ A good girl?”

We can be good girls. Just show him, dummy. Sy offered her unsolicited advice again.

“Don’t you know how to be a good girl?” he purred as he heaved me up and down his massive length harder and faster.

As the pleasure made me moan, I decided to play the game. “Maybe,” I purred.

“Take your time while making up your mind, babe,” he said. “But I’m going to show you this cunt is mine—mine to fuck, to play with, and to claim. Mine alone. I’ll ruin you for all other men.”

Fine, I’d show him.

My power slammed into him, hauling us—still locked—into the air. I no longer needed to siphon magic to do so. We spun before dropping onto the bed where we’d last mated—and this time, I landed on top. I planted my hands on his chest, pinning him down with my strength. My hips rocked, riding his length roughly.

Seduce him. Don’t attack him! Sy called.

“Ruin me?” I taunted while he growled in pleasure. “Let’s see who ruins who. After this, you won’t look at another female. Your eyes won’t wander. Neither will your heart. You sure you want me to be a good girl?” I moved on top of him, riding him harder and faster, my pussy milking him mercilessly as he fought not to come and struggled for control. “Good enough for you?”

Sy’s jaw dropped. Didn’t know you had it in you, B.

Restrain from commenting, I said. Can’t you see I’m busy here?

Roger. Do you want me to count how many of his thrusts make you come? You can return the favor when I ride my sugar tonight.

Fuck off, I said, shaking my head. Three really is a crowd.

I gave it my all, fucked him like there was no tomorrow. Killian matched my brutality with his demigod and dragon strength. He thrust up into my molten core, meeting me beat for beat, not holding back either.

Our combined powers launched us skyward once more before landing us on the bank, our bodies locked tightly. I was on all fours, my hands planted on the marble, my ass in the air. He pounded into me from behind. Every thrust scorched me, yet I wanted more. Wanted all of him, deep in me and filling every empty, aching space. Pain, pleasure, need, and appreciation became one.

His hands roamed all over me, kneading my taut nipples, brushing my swollen clit, while he pounded into me. I slammed back toward him, matching his plunges. I fought back my climax, as I wanted to prolong this as long as I could.

Sweet torture, Sy commented again.

“You’re utterly delicious, my little scorpion,” Killian said in my ear, and his dragon growled in approval. “This is the hottest pussy I’ve ever fucked.”

“And you’ll fuck none other than mine,” I growled, and Sy growled too to back me up.

“Your cunt is all I want,” he promised. “You’re all I want.”

His powerful thrusts set me ablaze, and my moans grew wilder, matching his intensity. Ecstasy twisted my face, giving me a savage look, even though I couldn’t exactly see my own expression. We moved together fiercely, each able to handle the other’s full strength and brutality—his dragon power against my goddess might.

His hand quickened to brush over my bundle of nerves as he pounded into me mercilessly, wanting me to be his. Pleasure rushed over me.

“You’re so responsive, little mate,” he growled in pleasure as the walls of my cunt clenched down on his hard cock. “And so aggressive.”

He drilled into me with rapid, short thrusts before shifting to powerful, long thrusts.

My eyes rolled back as wild pleasure raced through my nerve endings. I screamed his name, begging for mercy as the pressure built to an unbearable edge. I was high, too high probably.

Sy was boneless, drunk in the ocean of heat. Both of us were about to lose our shit. The coupling was even more intense than when I went into heat. Killian was imprinting me. My hands turned to claws, my fangs dropping. I shoved Sy back with a snarl until I was myself again.

Sorry. Sy pretended to yawn while basking in our lust energy. That was intense.

Killian tensed, sensing Sy. He pulled me against his chest, turning my face to kiss me hard, bruising my lips while his power sank into me, pushing Sy further back. He’d accepted that she shared my body, but this union, this intimacy was between him and me, and no one else.

After Sy was out of “sight,” Killian slowed down to make love to me. I savored every thrust until I grew impatient. I had been on the edge long enough. Time for me to end this sweet agony and come undone on my terms.

I slammed my butt back toward his groin, but he pinned me down, leading the dance. His cock grew even larger until every thrust became a struggle. He pushed through, fucking me hard. My sex molded around him to accommodate his massive size. Pleasure threatened to unravel me.

Then I felt it—he and his dragon working in tandem to imprint me, their shadow, starlight, and fire pouring in. It would incinerate any other woman, but I was their mate and a goddess.

My dark flame rose to meet his starlight and dragon fire. Our powers encircled each other, flirted, then merged as one. Pure energy spiraled around us, heating the space and binding us together.

As Killian filled my every inch, an understanding struck home—like Sy no longer ate sentient beings after mating with Rowan, I could stop being an eater of worlds after my true mating with Killian, who would always feed me. The God of Ruin’s curse—that gnawing emptiness and insatiable need to feed—burned away from my blood.

My power surged, lifting us into the air before landing us on the rooftop bed again. We stayed locked as we lay on our sides, my leg hooked over his arm as he thrust into my molten heat.

I writhed in pleasure. He quickened his thrusts. Pressure built in me until it reached a crescendo, and his next powerful thrusts had me erupting around his granite-hard cock.

My pussy clamped on him, milking his shaft possessively. He was my craving, my rush, my eternity. His body growing tight like a whip, the prince roared his release, his bountiful seed spilling in me.

My power sank into him as his surged into me, the might of Hades’s bloodline and royal dragon mating with mine. A ring of brilliant light snapped to life between us, blue intertwining with dark flames. It rose into the air, swirling and dancing in a circle before diving back down, one end anchoring in Killian and the other in me, binding us for eternity.

“The true mating bond,” Killian whispered, pulling me tight against him as we both breathed in wonder. “We formed half of it before. Now it’s complete.”

“Why?” I asked, still dazed. I’d never felt so connected to anyone except Sy.

“We’re true mates,” he said. “Our bond was half-formed when I first mated you. You felt it too, that undeniable link between us, even when it flickered. We couldn’t complete it, even during your heat, since intent mattered. This time, we fully accepted each other and declared our intent through the mating ritual. The bond has been forged and is unbreakable. You’re mine forever, little scorpion.”

I turned to peek at him over my shoulder, suspicion creeping in as I revisited an old scene. “And are you mine too?”

“Yours forever,” he vowed, spinning me to face him.

My reflection in his eyes showed mine glowing sapphire and green. No more hiding who I was from him. He knew about my origin and swore to protect me anyway.

“But—” I bit my bottom lip as reality crashed back.

He was still engaged to another woman. As if reading the dark thoughts warring in my head and doubts settling like lead in my stomach, he traced his thumb over my cheekbone.

“You need to know this, little mate,” he said. “I still have this bond with Lilith, not by choice?—”

I knew how he’d gotten that unwanted bond—it was the work of his power-hungry father and the demon queen. Family sucked when you got stuck with a bad one. I’d seen his father’s true colors in the Chaos Kingdom court, watching him pimp out his own son to gain more power.

Mist of Cinder would link to the future High King and Queen, who’d rule all five kingdoms. The positions had been vacant for centuries. King Vasiliy could dream about claiming the high throne, but he didn’t have a shot. The supernaturals believed only the prophesized One, born from one of the heirs, could become high ruler and prevent magic from fading.

“The fake mating bond was forged with the strongest dark blood magic,” he said. “Even so, I fought against her. Her bond blocked me from touching other women. You’re the only one who can break through it.”

“I saw Grace lay her hand on you,” I said. “She touched you.”

“She and Lilith are the same,” he said.

Of course, I’d already figured out Grace was Lilith’s vessel and extension.

“Neither of them could force me to want them. No bond, beauty, blood magic, or power of persuasion could make me comply,” he said. “She underestimated my willpower. I wouldn’t allow her to solidify the bond. I knew that if I mated with her, the bond would activate fully and she’d be able to tap into my inherited power from Hades’s House. I bow to no one but my true mate. She’s failed to find a crack in my armor. Despite the pressure, I refused to consummate until after graduation. Even without you coming into my life, I’d have stalled as long as possible.”

“There’ll be no consummation and no fucking wedding,” I hissed. “Not now, not after graduation, not ever!”

He chuckled, clearly pleased by my possessiveness. “Of course, my vicious mate. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it.”

“Don’t brush me off,” I said. “We’re in this together. I get a say too. Let me in on your plan. Run it by me first so I can approve it or scrap it.”

“Dominant, aren’t we?”

“You haven’t seen how territorial I can be,” I purred viciously.

Understanding hit me like lightning. I knew exactly why Grace had shown up earlier. It was the queen and her ward’s final attempt to get into my mate’s pants. I snarled. No one would get their hands on what was mine. I was done playing nice.

But you’ve never been nice, Sy said.

That’s not a nice thing to say, I snapped.

Rage pooled in my middle, power rising from the well at my command. I cupped Killian’s face, magically connecting with him. Through his eyes, I saw mine blazing with the darkest fire. It poured into him. Instead of resisting, he yanked me close, pulled my hand from his face, and crashed his lips onto mine.

His tongue stroked mine, lazy and possessive and demanding at the same time. I arched into him, burning for him, desperate for another round. He groaned against me.

The mating bond lit up between us as our power merged once again, lapping back and forth before sinking deeper, until it settled on a dark pulse that was latched inside Killian like a parasite. I zoned in on it—the pulse came from a hidden dark heart that fed on Killian’s darkness, part of his power. I hissed in rage. A new power from our mating bond flared, burning the dark heart until nothing was left of it.

Killian broke the kiss with a gasp, gazing at me in awe. “You broke her bond, little scorpion. Her hold is completely gone.”

I touched his face and smirked. “I don’t always sting, but when I do, I make sure it counts.”

“She knows now,” he said.

“Let her come,” I said, my eyes blazing. “I can’t wait to bitch-slap her.”

I’ll maul her face, Sy chimed in, studying her claws.

“We need a good plan, my vicious little scorpion,” Killian said, brushing a kiss over my swollen lips, and I jolted as a new power rushed through me.

Dark flames and lightning burst from my left wrist. An icon materialized on my skin—two half-circles embracing, glowing dark gold.

Killian’s right forearm blazed with the same glow, an identical icon marking his wrist.

“The symbol of the mating bond,” he whispered, voice filled with wonder. “Stronger than any force in the universe.”

His chest shuddered violently, smoke and fire puffing from his mouth.

“Killian!” I shot upright, alarm racing through me.

“Shit,” he growled, his face distorting. “I can’t rein him in. You’re not just my mate; you’re my dragon’s mate too. Our bond burned out the fake one. There’s no stopping him now. The asshole demands to meet you in his form.”

In a flash, a dragon erupted from Killian with a thunderous roar.