Page 6

CHAPTER SIX

Threading my fingers through Cross’ hair, I basked in the sensation of his mouth on my skin. His hot exhales warmed it. His teeth teased it.

I loved it but needed more, and he seemed to sense that. The gentle suction of his mouth as he left another mark on my skin fed that need, and I wrapped my legs around his waist. But it wasn’t enough. I wanted what he wanted. I wanted to feel all of him…to give him everything. And I arched my neck to give him better access, openly inviting him.

He groaned and pulled back enough to look down at me. The skin around his eyes was so webbed with dark veins that very little of his paleness remained.

We were both breathing heavily. I could see his need for me but also his fear.

“When you said all of me, you didn’t just mean sex, right? You’re going to feed too?”

“Only if you allow it.”

“Allow? I think I crave it more than you do.”

“I doubt that,” he said, his eyes completely black.

“Show me what it means to belong to you, Cross. Take all of me.”

He made a pained sound before kissing my mouth hungrily.

“You are my everything, Everly. I didn’t know I could love someone as much as I do with you.”

He kissed my chin…my neck…my collarbone. Lips, tongue, and a little scrape of teeth each time. As he trailed kisses, his hands slid under my shirt, caressing the skin he revealed inch by inch until he dipped his head and kissed my stomach.

My breathing grew more ragged in anticipation of what he’d do next. When he moved farther down, slowly revealing more skin along the way, I cried out as he kissed me there.

I lost all sense of time, floating in a sea of passion as the pleasure he gave climbed higher. Abruptly, his mouth left me. His warmth settled over me.

“Look at me, Everly.”

I did. His beautiful black gaze held mine as he kissed the back of my hands and then caged them over my head. His free hand slid down my side and hooked the back of my thigh, lifting it as he pressed against my entrance.

“I’m yours. Forever,” he said, entering me slowly and watching my reaction to his sweet invasion.

My mouth opened with a silent cry when his hips snapped forward the last inch. He kissed me briefly, then set a steady rhythm, bringing me closer to the release I now needed.

The connection I had with him as he held my gaze was more than sex. He was loving me in every way he knew how, and it was unraveling me as much as his sure touch.

When I was close to breaking, he rasped, “Tell me I can still have everything.”

“Taste me, Cross,” I said, turning my head.

He growled, and his mouth closed over my neck. Teeth pierced the thin skin. A flash of pain and then there was more pleasure than I’d ever known in my life as he sucked at the small wounds.

I toppled over the precipice with a cry, clenching around him uncontrollably. He sucked harder. My climax felt never-ending until he withdrew suddenly with a grunt. He caged me in his arms, and I felt his release wash over my stomach.

His tongue stroked over my skin, sealing the small wounds, then he set his forehead against mine as we both caught our breaths.

“Tell me that won’t be the last time we do that,” I said, panting.

“It won’t. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you. However, Shepard may have an opinion on the frequency at which you request I sample you.”

It didn’t feel wrong talking about Shepard just then. It felt right. Inclusive of his thoughts and feelings.

“You might be right.” I sighed.

Cross chuckled as he lifted himself off of me and kissed the tip of my nose.

“Don’t move.”

He left for a cloth to clean me; then, he swept me off the bed and carried me to the shower he’d started. Rather than leaving me there, he joined me, washing my hair.

“I asked Vena and Anchor to pick up a few books I put on hold at the market,” he said as I leaned on him so he could massage my scalp. “They should be here soon.”

“Should we be co-ed showering then?”

“I think Vena would approve.”

Snorting at how Vena would react, I took over rinsing and conditioning my hair, and we finished in record time. Cross dried and dressed at supernatural speed—the cheater—and went to open the door for their arrival while I finished getting ready at my human pace.

When I finally emerged, Vena and Anchor were already there. Vena sat at the table, going through the books with Cross. Anchor leaned against the kitchen island, watching them.

“Cross, you amaze me sometimes,” she said, sounding like she meant it.

“Just sometimes?” he asked.

“How did you find these, and I didn’t?”

He smiled. “A secret.”

“I know what the secret is. It’s money.”

“It does help,” he acknowledged.

I glanced at the books and didn’t recognize the languages on the covers. Rather than fawning over books I couldn’t read, I headed toward the kitchen.

“What does everyone want? I’m feeling up to being a short-order cook, so whatever you want.”

“An omelette with some leftover French toast casserole?” Vena asked. “Oh, and bacon.”

I looked at Anchor. “What about you?”

“The same would be more than fine.”

“Cross?” I asked.

“I already had a bite this morning.”

I felt the flush as it heated my skin. Thankfully, the books occupied Vena too much for her to notice. Anchor did, though, and I wondered if his overly sensitive nose had already picked up my morning activities. Not that I cared when it had been so perfect.

Taking the casserole and other ingredients I needed from the refrigerator, I set to work.

As I was plating everything, my phone dinged.

“Group text from Miles,” Vena said. “They are on their way to the mountain.”

“Tell them to stay safe and give us lots of updates.” I carried two plates over for Vena and Anchor, who had joined her at the table.

“Too bad I couldn’t go,” Vena said. “I still haven’t seen inside the mountain yet. What’s it like?”

“Lots of stairs,” I answered, retrieving my plate and sitting beside Cross.

“That’s all you give me? Stairs?”

“Lots of precious metals and gemstones too.”

Vena sighed. “I need more. How about a road trip and meet them there?”

I shook my head. “This is Miles’ apology visit. Fewer people will be better.”

“But King Curran doesn’t blame Miles.”

“Correct. But it doesn’t change the fact that he has to see his son’s murderer, whether innocent or not. Let Miles do his thing. He can apologize and research without having to worry about you.”

“You say it like I’d get into trouble.”

I eyed her. So did the two men at the table.

Vena looked at us and sighed. “Fine. I won’t go to the mountain.”

We both knew she would go someday soon, though. Vena was tenacious like that.

After I cleaned up breakfast, I toyed with a few experimental recipes for Bites and Delights. Since Vena was there, we also discussed making the business’ name official and what kind of signage we wanted out front.

While Vena and Anchor went downstairs to visualize the book and decor placement, Cross worked on the business management side of things, and I baked. It felt surreal but in the most amazing way. We all had our strengths and leaned into them to benefit each other.

Barely an hour later, Vena came barreling up the stairs.

“Check this out,” she said, shoving her phone at me.

A video of a press conference was playing. A lady I didn’t know stood at a podium.

“The Department of Otherworld Security is responsible for the peaceful coexistence between otherworlder races and humans,” the lady said. “Since many races have abilities we humans cannot match, the DOS has, in the past, asked for assistance from a few of the otherworld races, such as the fae, werewolves, and dwarves. This includes the detection and removal of an increasing vampire threat.

“The DOS is aware of the misinformation being disseminated regarding the conversions of humans into vampires. The process is not simple and only has a five to ten percent survival rate. The recent discovery of failed conversion dumping grounds has necessitated DOS action. To protect our citizens, the DOS recruited assistance from our local werewolves to help find and eliminate the increasing vampire population.

“If you or a loved one were converted without permission, please contact the DOS, and the newly converted will be provided amnesty from the vampire cleanse efforts.”

She looked up from her speech and added, “We’re here to protect the innocent in all forms. But newly converted vampires are dangerous. If a loved one has been converted, they may not be the same person you remember. Do not engage, and call for help immediately.”

The video ended as reporters started calling out questions.

“Did you see him?” Vena asked.

“See who?”

She restarted the video and pointed to Hugh and Shepard standing off to the side with several other people. Shepard looked exhausted.

I sent him a message to come home soon. His reply was almost immediate.

Shepard: I will. Tell Cross he gets the night shift tonight and I get you.

“No fair,” Vena said, reading over my shoulder. “If I can’t have any, you can’t either.”

“Too late,” I said.

Her eyes went wide, and she looked from me to Cross, who flashed his lazy, sexy smile at her.

“Seriously?” she asked, her gaze still shifting between us. “I’m so jealous I’m not even sure what to do with myself. No, not true. I know what I want to do.” She pivoted and made it a step toward the stairs before I grabbed her arm.

“Hold on,” I said. “I’m sure Anchor doesn’t want to be assaulted in broad daylight.”

“It’s okay,” Anchor yelled from downstairs. “I’m used to it.”

“Thanks for having my back, babe!” Vena shouted at the open door before looking at me. “I’ve been waiting for you, Ev. Now that you’ve finally committed, I’m ready to do the same. Please don’t tell me to wait.”

Her imploring expression had me pretending to pout at her.

“Does this mean I won’t see you for the next ten days while you break the curse?”

“Hell no. I don’t have time for that. I’m dying for some penetration. We’re talking twenty-four hours tops.”

“Vena.”

“And commitment,” she added quickly. “I want the commitment.”

I snorted, knowing better.

“So what are you going to do then?”

She fished the fae’s business card out of her pocket. “Anchor and I are going to get help from the same people who cursed him.”

“Asherah said it couldn’t be undone,” I reminded her. “She should know since she was the one who cursed Anchor.”

“Yeah, well, she was at the market this morning, and when I showed her the card, she looked at Anchor, shrugged, and said it would help end the curse faster.”

“How?”

“Don’t know. She was pretty closed-mouth about it and her connection with Adriel and Vivian when I asked if she knew where Vivian was. I got the feeling she didn’t know and wasn’t happy about what they did to her, though.”

I thought back to the video of Adriel, Vivian, and Asherah and shuddered lightly.

“Yeah, what they were doing to Asherah didn’t look consensual.”

She tapped the card. “I’m going to call.”

I’d prefer she didn’t, but with her out-of-control hormones, I didn’t think she could wait much longer, either.

“Put it on speaker,” I said.

Vena dialed the number. It barely rang before a woman answered. “What do you desire?”

“To break a curse. Someone at Enticed gave me your card, and they said you could help.”

“What kind of curse is it?”

“My boyfriend’s happy hammer is out of commission. It’s supposed to take a thousand attempts to get it working again. We’ve made over two hundred attempts so far, and I’m about to break him.”

“Dreadful curse,” the woman said sympathetically. “To not be able to fulfill your desires and cravings. I can only shudder at the thought.”

“So, can you help?”

“Of course.”

“How much will it cost?”

“Free.”

Vena and I shared a look.

“Why is it free?” Vena asked.

“I don’t need money. I’m rich enough for several lifetimes. Since I’m assuming it was one of my kind who committed the atrocity, I’m happy to lend a hand. When can you come?”

Vena smirked. “Anytime.”

“Good. And your name?”

“Vena.”

“A beautiful name. I’ll text you the address. We can fix this problem right away.”

Vena thanked her and hung up. “Did you hear that, babe? Your water gun is going to squirt again. Let’s go.”

I cringed but still said, “I’m going with.”

“Okay, but why? I thought you wanted to bake.”

“I do, but you remember what happened at Enticed, right? A little fae energy and you were on the table and I’m scarred for life. What if there are other people around? You need a censor.”

She tried to wave off my concern, but Cross agreed they shouldn’t go alone.

“Vivian is still out there,” Cross said. “And Anchor will be distracted.”

“Then hurry up. My man’s muff missile is overdue for a visit to Pound Town.”

“Give me a minute.” I hurried to the master bedroom and pulled a cute tote bag from one of the closet shelves, silently thanking Cross’ personal shopper for the forethought. I grabbed an empty spray bottle from my vanity, added water, and stuck it in my bag.

Payback, Vena.

We piled into the red SUV, and Cross drove to the address the guy had texted Vena. I made Anchor sit up front with Cross because I didn’t trust Vena and Anchor in the back seat together.

“This is going to be great,” Vena said when we were on the road. “Anchor, what position should we try first once we’re home?”

I glanced at Anchor and saw he was looking out the window, his face flushed.

“Vena, stop teasing him.”

“I’m not. This is a monumental occasion. I’ve been waiting for years.”

“Days,” I corrected.

“Feels like years. And I can’t just lay there in missionary and take it.”

Cross choked on air, and Vena twisted in her seat to look at me.

“I should get Mom’s book.”

“No. Do not pull out the Joy of Sex again.”

“It’s a family treasure, Everly. My grandma passed it down to my mom. Technically, I would just be collecting my inheritance.”

“You don’t need it,” I said.

“But I need inspiration. What about the snake charmer position? Or the backward swan dive?”

“You’re making those up,” I said.

She shrugged. “Inspiration comes from many different places.”

“How about quietly in your head?”

She made a face at me but stopped talking.

Just outside the city, we started passing through the neighborhoods with massive homes built for the rich, mainly fae. Cross stopped at one with a gate and pressed the call button.

“What do you desire?” a feminine voice asked.

“Vena is here,” Cross said. “She is expected.”

The gate rolled open, and Cross drove up the hand-laid brick driveway to a sprawling three-story home with a large portico lifted high by Grecian columns.

A fae stood by the door, waiting for us as we parked. She wore a flowy, opaque gown that clung to her unfettered curves.

“Welcome, friends,” she said when we made our way over to her. “Which of you is the afflicted?”

“We are,” Vena said, taking Anchor’s hand.

“I am truly sorry for all that you’ve suffered. Desires aren’t meant to be suppressed. Come in.” Her gaze shifted to me as I stood beside Cross. “And you are?”

“Their friends. We’re here for emotional support.”

“Excellent. Recovering from this curse will not be easy for either of them. They will likely need your help throughout the process.”

She led the way inside. Our footsteps echoed in the huge foyer, and I tipped my head back to look at the painted ceilings depicting debauchery that rivaled Grecian Art.

Cross’ fingers twined through mine, the only thing that kept me moving forward as I stared at everything.

“I’ve prepared this room for you,” the fae said.

I returned my attention to where we were and saw her open the door to a lushly appointed room with leather lounges rather than sofas or chairs.

“Come in. Make yourselves comfortable. Tell me more about the curse and the person who cast it.”

While Vena explained, I looked around the room. Books and pretty objects I couldn’t identify filled the shelves. Most of the items looked like they were from another world. On a pedestal near the front of the room sat a shiny blue globe.

“You’ve done well on your own,” the fae said. “It will go much faster now that you’re here. Give over to what you desire.”

I felt a pulse of something hit me, igniting an instant need inside of me. The heat receded as my necklace thrummed, and a cooling wave washed over me. However, the heat didn’t entirely disappear.

Cross’ thumb stroked over mine.

As I turned to look at him, thoughts of how he’d made me feel this morning swam through my head, and I saw the responding hunger in his gaze.

“Very good,” I heard the fae say. “Yes. Excellent. I know it’s still soft, my pet, but the attempt counts. Now, off your knees. Although your mouth is lovely, you will tire yourself too quickly like that. Switching positions means a new attempt.”

My cheeks slowly heated as I realized the help my friends were getting. Another pulse hit me, heating me again. I watched the darkness flicker to life in Cross’ eyes, and the effect from my necklace wasn’t enough to stop me from thinking of being on my knees for him.

He groaned. “You’re tempting me, Everly.”

“I know, my pet,” the fae said. “It’s frustrating when it won’t go in. Try a new position.”

Another pulse hit me, followed by a protective wave that didn’t touch the growing fire inside me. The veined webbing started around Cross’ eyes, and his fangs made an appearance before he turned away from me.

When the next pulse hit, I saw something moving inside the globe.

“What is that?” I asked. My voice sounded breathy and a little whiny.

The fae woman walked so silently over the tiled floor that her sudden appearance beside me should have startled me, but it didn’t. The need I had for Cross was starting to overshadow everything.

“It’s a relic leftover from my world,” the fae woman said. “It amplifies a fae’s natural ability so even creatures such as werewolves and vampires can feel us. Without it, your friends would have to suffer the curse even longer.”

“You don’t know Vena,” I managed. “She is very driven.”

“I believe she’s not the only one. If you need a separate room for a time, you may use the one beside this one.”

I opened my mouth to tell her that wasn’t necessary but found myself tossed over Cross’ shoulder.

With his hand planted firmly on my ass, he moved us to the other room before I could protest. The second he righted me, his mouth was on mine.