Page 61 of Possess Me at Midnight (Doomsday Brethren #4)

Chapter Forty

I close my eyes. What have I done to deserve this amazing, loyal woman?

“I’m honored, more than you know. But I vowed to your brother that I wouldn’t take you as my mate unless I won this challenge.

I can’t break my word.” Even though every fiber of my being screams to claim her, to make her mine before I lose the chance forever.

“Politically, we cannot tip our hand and give the rest of the Council any reason—real or imagined—to nullify this challenge. They’ve only allowed it because they believe me to be Bram’s enemy, not a vote in his back pocket.

Until I’m on the Council, we cannot upset that delicate balance. ”

“I don’t think they can stop the challenge now.”

“Do you know that for a fact?” I arch a brow at her. “Besides, I’m also concerned for your safety. I won’t put you in more danger. Mathias already knows I’ve Called to you, so he’s already threatened you. But if you Bind to me and become my mate now, he’ll only relish hurting you that much more.”

“But we’re stronger together.”

My grip tightens on her shoulders, and I can’t deny how tempted I am to let her finish the Binding, then tumble her under me, fusing our bond together forever. “I have enough fight for us both.”

The stubborn lift of her chin is all the warning I get. “From this moment on, there is no other for me but?—”

I can only think of one way to stop her: with my kiss. Pain jars my heart, even as the feel of her mouth beneath mine thunders through my body. I fist her hair and clutch her tightly, pulling her flush against me, dying to merge with her and share the cacophony of feelings clashing inside me.

Sabelle fights to tear her lips from mine to finish the Binding. My beautiful princess, so willing to fight for the cause and sacrifice for me. I can’t allow that. Instead, I dive deeper into her mouth, leaving no part untouched. As always, she tastes of heaven and makes me crave sin.

Slowly, she loses herself in the kiss. Even this increases my energy.

It filters through me, winds down to my arms and legs, makes my heart pump wildly.

It will be enough. It must be. After all, I know how to defeat Mathias now—for good.

All I need is another opportunity, a minor distraction…

and this bit of energy. No need to rush Sabelle out of her clothes and onto her back.

I won’t risk hurting her or treating her like a convenient tumble.

Sabelle takes the decision from me when she unfastens my trousers and pushes them down my hips.

I tear my mouth away. “There’s no need–”

“ I need!” Tears shimmer on her lashes. “I won’t endure watching you face Mathias in a mortal challenge, knowing you lack proper energy when I could give it to you. It’s all I can do to remain in my seat and wait helplessly for the challenge to end. This is something I want to do. Must do. Please…”

How am I to refuse that, especially when I want her so desperately? “We have only a few minutes.”

“We’ll make it enough.”

“My princess.” I cradle this amazing woman’s sweet face in my hands, drowning in her blue eyes.

The moment I saw her, my heart surrendered, laying itself at her feet.

I never knew love this strong, this pure, existed.

For two centuries, I stood alone, without family, without friends.

Completely alone. Sabelle changed all that in an instant.

And even if the possibility of our tomorrow ends today, I wouldn’t change a thing. “Thank you.”

Unable to resist her rosy mouth beneath mine, I dive back into her kiss, drowning in her, wishing I never had to resurface.

She envelops me, arms around my shoulders, lips parted for my invasion.

She clutches me as if these might be our last few moments together…

because they might well be. She grasps that reality, and as much as I want to shield her from it, I love her all the more for understanding.

With an impatient tug, I rip away her sweater.

Her bra is in shambles moments later, her jeans mere shreds.

Her sexy little lace knickers fall next to my rush of need.

She gasps when I cup her breasts, caressing her hard nipples with my thumbs.

So soft, so perfect. No other woman compares.

Sabelle is a rare beauty both outside and in.

A moment later, she grasps my erection, stroking me with a sure rhythm. I gasp into our kiss, my entire body bombarded by pleasure, not just because she touches me, but because Sabelle holds me as if I’m her everything. As if she wants me above all others. It’s a gift I can’t turn down.

“Isdernus…” she pleads when I delve two fingers into her soft folds to find her wet and waiting.

“You know I hate that name,” I groan as she continues to stroke me.

“You’re far too warm in my arms and in my heart for me to call you Ice.”

With a few whispered words, my princess breaks my heart all over again.

I kiss her once more, lowering her to the bed. She falls willingly into a sea of pillows and soft sheets, her thighs parting in welcome.

Breathing hard now, I grasp her hips. “I would rather take my time with you.”

“Don’t make us wait. I need you now. Take me,” she gasps as I caress the hard bud of her clit with my questing fingers.

I can’t resist. I need her now, too. I need her softness, her devotion. And I need these memories…in case this challenge does not end well. At least one of the last moments pressed into my heart will be of my beloved princess.

With that thought, I plunge deep inside her. She clings to me as she cries out, arching up to me and spreading her legs even wider before she wraps them around my hips.

“Please…” she pleads, her body tightening on me.

I’m beyond happy to comply.

I set a deep, steady rhythm, never wavering, never faltering, never stopping until she digs her fingers into my shoulders, cries out my name, and tightens around my cock. I cling to my self-control by a thread as I ride the storm of her orgasm.

As soon as she sags back to the bed, I lift my head from her neck and stare into her flushed face.

Brushing strands of hair from her forehead, I’m struck anew by her.

She’s exquisite each time I see her, but with her eyes shining bright and naked with love, she’s easily the most beautiful thing I’ve ever beheld.

Something wells up in me and threatens to swallow me whole.

A feeling. More than need, far more than desire.

Love, blinding in its intensity. Bloody hell, it threatens to choke me.

It empties my mind and lungs, even as it fills my heart and soul.

I cover her mouth with mine once more, delving inside and fusing us together.

With a final deep stroke inside Sabelle, I explode, calling her name.

She holds me even tighter, face buried against my shoulder. My skin there is wet, and it isn’t my sweat.

I lift my head. Tears trail down her pink cheeks. My heart twists as I brush them away with my thumbs. “If making love to you makes you cry, princess, I’ve done something wrong.”

With a watery laugh, she holds me tight, her blue gaze clinging to me. “You made a joke?”

“We haven’t had much to laugh about together, have we?” I sigh. “Please don’t cry.”

“The thought of you stepping back into the challenge ring with that monster is intolerable. I know we said we cannot allow Mathias to win that seat, but at the cost of your life, I?—”

“Three minutes!” Blackbourne’s voice calls up the stairs. “The challenge resumes in three minutes. Combatants, return to the ring!”

At the summons, Sabelle grabs my hand and clutches it for dear life. I understand, truly. If our roles were reversed, I’d be terrified. But we must go on. Even if I risk forfeiting my life, I can’t quit.

“We’ve all agreed. I must do this.” I disentangle myself from her silken body and rise from the bed before she uses her aphrodisiac kisses to lure me to ecstasy again.

I yank on my clothes. Sabelle watches, wide-eyed, sitting up in bed, the sheet scarcely covering her most delectable parts. I try very hard not to be distracted, not to grab on to the woman I love and refuse to let go.

Gritting my teeth and praying for strength, I kiss her forehead, then whirl away.

“Ice.” Her voice trembles.

I want to reassure her that all will end well, but I can’t lie. I know what to do, how to defeat Mathias. But he knows it. He’s fighting me with everything he’s got.

“Never forget I love you.” I memorize her face, the way the light catches her hair, the love shining in her eyes—in case these are the last moments I have to carry her with me.

It takes all my strength, but I sprint down the stairs.

Vitality flows through me, bursting from every pore of my body, not just magical energy but something deeper—Sabelle’s love, her faith in me, her absolute trust. It’s the most beautiful gift, and it’s more potent than any spell.

Now, it’s time to put this power to good use and do my best to stop Mathias from taking this Council seat—and continuing his reign of terror.

If I succeed, I’ll grab Sabelle with both hands, beg her to speak the Binding, and begin my future.

If I don’t…everything will be lost.

Sabelle

Once Ice leaves, I fight the urge to tuck my knees under my chin and cry miserably.

But succumbing to the urge will accomplish nothing.

And since the challenge is beginning soon, I need to be dressed and sitting outside the ring supporting Ice, praying for his victory…

and his well-being. But the thought of watching him face Mathias again, knowing this might be the last time I see him alive, makes my chest tight with panic.

Though Ice is a skilled warrior, and now well trained in human combat tactics, thanks to Marrok, Ice is honest. He’ll abide by the challenge’s rules.

Mathias will circumvent as many as he can get away with.

I’m frustrated. I hate feeling helpless because I can only caution him to be careful and give him my support.

Sighing, I rise, magically repair the rips Ice made to my clothing, and dress myself again. I don’t spare a few moments to take a shower or to tidy the room. No time or energy; both are reserved for Ice.

Hurrying out of the room, I reach the stairs. As I grip the banister and begin my descent, I feel a presence behind me. Heart pumping in my throat, I whirl.

Mathias.

Instantly, I freeze in terror.

He stands at the top of the stairs, clearly enjoying his superior position several steps above me.

His smile looks pleasant on the surface, but I don’t trust him for a moment.

With disheveled hair, he holds his shirt in one hand, revealing the slick, rippling muscles of his chest and abdomen. Evil rolls off him.

A witch in head-to-toe red stands behind him, clinging to his arm. Mathias drops a quick kiss on her neck, burying his fingers in her tangled hair before he releases her, turning from her like she’s an afterthought. “Miss Rion, have you been…keeping Mr. Rykard company?”

I bristle. Whatever passes between Ice and me is no one’s affair, particularly Mathias’s. I huff and resume my trek down the stairs.

“I asked you a question,” he snaps.

I refuse to give him the satisfaction of an answer.

“Tsk, Miss Rion. You gave Mr. Rykard energy, and I doubt very highly that your brother approves. If he did, you would have answered Ice’s Call. Bram thinks Rykard is rather beneath you. But I guess it’s you who’s been beneath him.”

I bite my lip to hold in a scathing reply and descend the next step.

Mathias races until we stand shoulder to shoulder. “Oh, dear. Have I offended you?” When I still refuse to reply, he clucks in a mockery of regret. “A thousand apologies, pet.”

“I am not your pet,” I insist, creeping ever closer to the bottom of the staircase.

“Stop,” he demands. “Face me. Allow me to apologize.”

Not only do I not care, I don’t dare. Lord knows what he truly wants from this interaction. “You should go, or you’ll be late for the challenge.”

“I have a few moments. Please. I’d like to apologize.”

Cold dread fills my stomach. Mathias is up to something, probably terrible.

All along, I feared he would find some way to harm Ice.

Now I see that Ice is strong enough to fight this bastard, and Mathias is too clever to risk doing something underhanded to his fellow combatant that might cost him the challenge.

Instead, because Ice Called to me, Mathias knows he can instead prey on someone his enemy will defend to the death.

Me. Ice’s weakness. The only thing that could make him abandon strategy and charge headlong into danger.

Like the crafty bastard he is, Mathias held back from the challenge ring, likely lying in wait for me.

If I hadn’t needed a few moments to repair my clothes before donning them…

If I hadn’t needed a few moments to repair my emotions after Ice refused to allow me to complete the Binding…

And if I had considered that Mathias would not only risk but relish harming me in Blackbourne’s house…

Damn it all.

“You won’t listen?” He darts to the bottom of the stairs and faces me. “Then I insist you spend a bit of time with my…close friend, Rhea.”

Rhea will do his bidding, no doubt. Now that Mathias has me trapped between them, I’m forced to defend myself. I can’t allow him to use my safety against Ice.

I swallow, cursing the fact no one is able to teleport in or around the house for the duration of the challenge. I’ll have to improvise a plan—quickly.

Swallowing hard, I summon my courage. Each step toward Mathias spurs another tightening of the vise around my throat, another rev of my heartbeat.

I resist the compulsion to fist my trembling hands as I stand before the evil wizard.

I have one chance, and I have to pray my abilities will not fail me.

Cautiously, I reach out to Mathias. My hand is just an inch from his. I ease closer…

Suddenly, I feel a jolt punch me in the chest. A spell claws pain up and down my back, radiating through my limbs.

Then I’m completely frozen, immobile, except for my heart and lungs.

Terror floods through me as I realize I can’t even scream to warn Ice, can’t fight back—can’t do anything but become Mathias’s weapon against the man I love.

Mathias laughs. “I’m well aware that you’re half siren, dear. Did you really think I would let your touch sway me from my purpose? Very sorry, but no. I must kill Ice. And you’ll help me. Now be a dear and spend some time with Rhea,” Mathias drawls. “I insist.”