Page 21 of Relic

TWENTY-ONE

Gods of old!

What is happening right now? With every gulp of his sweet blood I take, a powerful burst of light and heat spreads through me that’s not like anything I’ve experienced before.

Emery is limp in my arms, still suckling at my neck while gently rocking on my cock. He’s exhausted but his beast still wants more. Ah, to be young again.

As much as I would like to remain inside his warm, softly clenching body forever, he needs to rest so I force myself from his neck, wrap my arms around him, and buck my hips wildly until my orgasm finds me.

Emery cries out my name as my cock swells and pulses deep inside him. I’m left stunned by the force of it and the explosion of light above us that falls down like star showers. What is happening?

“Tio?” he whispers and the soft concern in his voice tugs at our bond in my chest.

“I don’t know.” I gaze up, marveling at the spectacle above our heads. “Maybe… Yes, it must be. The magic inside you reacting to our connection.”

“Whoa. It’s beautiful.”

“As beautiful as the source of it.” I grip the back of his neck and pull him close for a kiss. “If there was any doubt you were meant for this city and for me, let it be erased now.”

He nods, his expression still awed. “I suffered for so long but it’s okay now. It’s all okay now.”

“You’re safe here, in the city I love, in my bed, in my life, and gods, in my heart. I never imagined I could feel so strongly for another. I may be your destiny, but clearly, you are very much mine too.”

A brilliant smile spreads across his lips. “I’m so glad I picked New Orleans.”

“Did you though?”

Emery laughs. “No, I guess I didn’t.”

“Your happiness is a much needed brightness in what was a very dark existence. How do you feel now? Sated?”

He nods. “Amazing.” He glances around the room. “Oh we got water everywhere.”

“Don’t worry. It was well worth the mess.”

“I agree, but don’t make Sven clean it. That’s not very nice.”

Chuckling, I brush my fingers across his cheek. “Very well, love.” Leaning forward, I kiss him softly. “You need to rest though. Your body is still adjusting to the changes. I’ll be here when you wake.”

“Sounds good.”

After getting Emery tucked into my bed, I busy myself cleaning up the bathroom, a task I haven’t done myself in decades, but I’ll respect the wishes of my little beignet. After that task is done, I settle into the armchair beside the bed and simply watch Emery sleep.

He twitches and murmurs every so often, and I’m reminded of my own change so long ago. The mortal body valiantly tries to hold on to its last vestige of life even as immortal blood spreads through its veins. It’s minimal at this point, but these tiny rebellions will dissipate entirely within a few hours.

Is it creepy to watch my love sleep? Perhaps, but when has that stopped me from doing anything I want to? I couldn’t take my eyes off of him if I wanted to, and I don’t want to. I’d happily sit in this chair for the next hundred years watching him, cataloging every strand of hair, every freckle, every subtle breath. My gods, he is stunning.

My attention shifts though when I detect a presence approaching. Ah. It’s Morticia. Sven will bring her to me. I have no interest in leaving Emery’s side.

Moments later the bedroom door opens and she pushes past a concerned Sven. “Using your manners, dear Morti.”

“I had to see it for myself.” She walks slowly, taking me in before turning her attention to the softly sleeping man in my bed. “Your emotions are so loud I was compelled to come here.” Her normally hard gaze shifts back to me, but it’s unusually soft. “You love him?”

I nod. “Fate finally shines upon me.”

“A mate?” She steps forward again, stopping at the end of the bed. “Tio. Really?”

“There’s no other explanation.” I smile as he mumbles in his sleep. “And really, doesn’t it all make more sense that way? Why I was so drawn to him in the first place?”

“Yes, it does. He’s not another passing fancy.”

“Oh no. He’s most definitely my forever.”

“Does he know?”

“Yes, and he happily accepts our bond.”

“I’m…” Her forehead scrunches up as she rubs her sternum. “Gods, I think this is happiness. Is it always so unpleasant?”

Chuckling, I reach over and squeeze her hand. “You get used to it.”

“Hmm, well. What now?”

“Once he wakes, we need a plan to tackle the IDVs. Hopefully that will lure Orson out from whatever rock he’s hiding under.”

“Do you think the boy is strong enough?”

“I do. I saw a glimpse of the magic brewing inside him. It’s spectacular.”

“How interesting. I wonder how he was chosen.”

“The spirit world knows far more than we do. His soul must have been deemed worthy enough to carry this magic. The psychic Ares told us about Emery’s witchy aunt who was likely a portal.”

“Lucky us. Who would have thought an unassuming man like him would be the city’s savior.”

“I agree.” I perk up at the sound of steps approaching the door. “Mattheus is here.”

The two of us head downstairs, but the further I get from Emery, the stronger the pull to return to him becomes. Ah, our connection is fierce.

Sven has already opened the door and Mattheus and Samson stand together. When they turn around, I see the petite psychic Ares with them as well.

“Gentlemen.”

“We have news,” Samson says. “Where’s Emery?”

“Resting. Is it important for him to hear now?”

Ares nods, and it’s then I notice he’s paler than he was when I last saw him. “The shop was attacked by two IDVs earlier. They were mumbling something, and I’m positive they were looking for him.”

“Tell him the rest,” Samson says.

“Not long ago, maybe an hour or so, the lights flickered and this overwhelming draw to connect to my spirit guides took over.” He visibly shivers.

“Go on.”

“I was given a vision of Emery surrounded by white light.”

“And strangely,” Samson begins, “I received the same vision.”

“How very compelling,” Morticia whispers.

“Yes, it is. The white light is good?”

Samson and Ares both nod. “It’s his power,” Ares explains. “It’s as if it awakened and flooded the Quarter with its presence.”

“But that means Orson knows too,” Samson goes on. “That’s likely what led to the attack. They can sense Emery.”

A painful squeeze seizes my heart as I shift my gaze up the stairs. Almost instantly, a sleepy Emery appears, stunning in his new immortal beauty. He sways for a moment, still hazy, but then seems to ground himself and descend the stairs.

“Why is everyone screaming?”

Morticia snorts a quiet laugh.

“We’re not, bon bon. Your hearing is over sensitive right now.”

“You’re talking about me?”

Ares nods. “We have information for you. It’s about your powers and how to yield them.”

Emery nods, his eyes briefly making contact with mine. Physically, everything about him screams ‘vampire’ but there’s a glowy white haze around him unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

“I’m listening,” Emery says.

“Is there somewhere we can sit?” Ares asks. “It’s gonna be kind of intense.”

I gesture behind them with my arm extended. “The sitting room to your left.”

As the others head in that direction, Emery turns toward me and presses his chest to mine. “Stay close. Shit’s about to get wild.”