Caressed by Shadows (Rulers of Darkness Book 4) (15 page)

“Oh, fuck,” he bit out as she drew on his pulse.

Something within him snapped and the vampire roared as she fed from him. Crazed, he pounded into her hot, slick sheath. Dear lord, he had never experienced anything more erotic or more satisfying than Sonya’s body gripping his shaft, her limbs wrapped tightly around him, her fangs deep in his flesh. Her mouth burned him as she greedily fed, taking and giving pleasure.

Sonya’s claws tore at his back. She drew on his pulse harder. Falcon’s eyes rolled back.
Paradise. Here in Sonya’s arms, his cock buried within her, her mouth at his throat. He knew there would be no way he could ever live without her. He would die for her.

The demon within him roared.

Her inner muscles tightened. She was nearing another orgasm.  Pressure built at the base of his shaft. With every tremor of her burning sheath, the tension grew.

“Take me with you, sweet,” he rasped.

She bit him harder, driving her fangs deeper into his jugular. He continued to surge into her, mindless.

Throwing back her head, Sonya screamed his name. Her sex contracted frantically around him as she climaxed. This time Flacon joined her, surrendering to the agonizing ecstasy. A roar tore from his chest as he came. Sonya writhed beneath him, her body milking him, drawing out their pleasure. He filled her, pulse after scorching pulse.

Falcon shifted to the side, his arms giving out, he fell to the bed. His chest heaving, his heart pounding out of control, the rhythm matching hers. Sonya gasped for air as pleasant after shocks rocked her body. Falcon lay in disbelief, never had he come so hard, the pleasure Sonya had given him was mind numbing.

Closing his eyes, he willed his body to relax, just as she must have. Their frantic breathing and racing pulses slowed together and, for a moment, stopped all together.

Sonya yawned, stretched her arms over her head and pointed her toes. “I feel fantastic.”

Falcon sat up and grabbed the comforter that lay in a heap on the floor. He settled back down beside her.

She yawned again. “I hope you don’t mind if I pass out,” she mumbled.

He gathered her to him. Sonya fit perfectly against his side, her head resting on his should
er.

Falcon kissed her brow. “The sun is high. You should rest.”

She traced the lines of his pecks, her movements slow. Sonya gave a contented sigh, her cool breath fanning across his chest. “I love you, Falcon,” she whispered just as sleep claimed her.

Falcon woke with Sonya nestled at his side. Her arm cast over his chest, her leg hooked over his hip. Her lilac perfume covered him and the scent of their lov
emaking thickened the air.

Brushing her tangled hair from her face, he pressed a light kiss to her brow. God, he could lay here with her forever.

Hours passed as he savored their stolen time together. Last night had been beyond anything he had ever experienced and he craved a repeat. His pulse spiked and his shaft hardened with anticipation.

Reluctantly, he pulled away and came to his feet. Falcon tucked the blankets around Sonya and then dressed. The sun would be setting soon and he had a little business to tend to before S
onya rose. She was convinced that there was nothing that could be done about the Death Curse, but he refused to believe that. There had to be something Silvie could do.

He rummaged through his ruined, discarded jeans from the night before and removed his cell phone. Closing himself in the bathroom, he dialed Silvie.

She answered almost immediately, “Falcon! It’s not nice to keep a girl waiting.”

Falcon frowned. “I apologize I did not call sooner,” he said, though he had no idea why he was apologizing.

“You are forgiven. I know you have been…busy.”

“Priestess, Queen Sonya needs your help.”

“Does she? Hmm. My visions told me it was you that would need my help.”

“I am requesting help on her behalf.”

“Very well.”

Taking in a deep breath, Falcon gathered his strength, mentally preparing himself. Sonya would
never advocate her throne. She would rather meet a true death than abandon her people, leaving only one option. Magic. He hoped Silvie would be able to counter the curse with a spell of her own. At least, giving Sonya time to find her mate.

The thought of Sonya with another man sickened him. Another man holding her, kissing her, bringing her pleasure. His stomach rolled as his vision darkened
and his claws lengthened. She belonged to him.

“Out with it, knight. My time is extremely valuable.”

Silvie’s words snapped him from his thoughts. Clearing his throat, he said, “Queen Sonya has confided in me.” He took in a deep breath and slowly let it out his nose. “She has been marked by the Death Curse.”

Silence.

“Her episodes are fierce and…violent.”

Again, Silvie said nothing. Falcon’s nerves began to surface. His knees going weak. “I suspect the curse is strong within her and that she may not be long for this world. Please, priestess, there must be some way to save her.”

The silence on the other line was heart wrenching. Falcon waited, unbreathing.

Silvie began to hum along with a song that played in the background. “Have you suggested she step aside and give Lady Gwendolyn her crown?”

“You know as well as I that Queen Sonya would never leave her throne.”

“True. True.” She hummed again.

“Please, priestess, there must be something you can do. A potion. A spell.”

“If you were here, you would see me shaking my head. I’m sorry, knight.”

Falcon slammed a fist against the bathroom counter, splintering the vanity. Silvie refused to help. She was the most powerful witch the Shaw tribe had ever seen. Her magic rivalled that of the great Shaman, yet she would not help him save Sonya.

“Property damage is not the answer,” Silvie chided.

“Then what is?” he snarled. He could feel the vampire within him rising. It wanted out. It wanted to destroy, to maim, to cause pain so that the world would know how he felt.

“There is something you can do.”

Hope sparked within him, his breath caught. “Anything. I will do anything,” he vowed.

“Does this mean you have finally accepted your love for the Queen?”

“I have.” And Sonya had declared her love for him as he held her tightly in his arms last night. He would never forget the tenderness in her voice as she made her confessions.

“I’m glad you two have come to your senses.”

Falcon muttered a curse. The suspense and anxiety was maddening. His fingers tightened on the phone until the plastic protested with moan. His heart remained still in his chest.

“What must I do?” he asked.

“What I have to say is not something you want to hear.”

“I will do anything. Tell me!”

She released a heavy sigh then said, “You must die.”

His blood turned to ice in his vein. “A life for a life.”

“I’m afraid so.”

Falcon met his gaze in the mirror. Harsh lines streaked his face as
a storm of emotion darkened his eyes. He could not begin to name or comprehend the torrent of feelings that crashed through him.

“So be it.”

Silvie whistled, the sound piercing his eardrum through the phone. “So ready to sacrifice yourself, knight?”

“Yes.” There was no hesitation in hi
s voice and no doubt in his mind. If his death meant Sonya would live, he would proudly give his life for hers. “Tell me how.”

“Death will come for one of you by week’s end.”

Shit. Today was Wednesday. His soul cried out, pleading with Fate for more time, but he knew it was futile.

“I suggest you two enjoy each other’s company. Live life to the fullest and all that. If I were you, I’d say screw the consequences.”

I plan to,
he thought. He would take advantage of every second he had with Sonya. He would cherish her, love her, and worship her body.

“How do I offer myself as a sacrifice?”

“When the time comes, you will know.”

Click.

Falcon placed the phone on the cracked vanity. Minutes turned to hours as stood, frozen. He gazed unseeingly at the floor.

A life for a life. The trade was fair and he would make it. But what of his clan? Hey had depended upon him for so long. He knew Hadrian would care for them and protect them but could the king maintain control? The Validus Clan was a wild, rash, stubborn, and brutish group. Their precious monarchs had scavenged the world, changing only the most ruthless and skilled warriors. They had created an army of battle hungry warlords, which had caused centuries of in fighting and tyranny.

It wasn’t until Hadrian became king over three hundred years ago that peace came to their land. Harmony reigned until the death the accidental death of Hadrian’s twin brother. The king’s fragile hold on his sanity snapped, plunging him into madness. He advocated his throne to live in exile and civil war broke out once more. Falcon it had taken nearly hundred years for Falcon to quell the uprising and reunite his people. By vampire law, Falcon could have assumed he throne. He was and remains Hadrian’s Second, his heir. Falcon always had faith that Hadrian would return and he did with his fated mate in tow.

Falcon had worried their Clan would not accept Hadrian. He had been gone for so long and unsavory rumors circulated about the beast that lived inside him. Despite his concern, the coronation ceremony and celebration had gone well. But Falcon hadn’t the chance to observe the new political dynamic. Had the initial excitement of Hadrian’s return faded? How did the Validus Counsel and the other aristocrats feel about their queen being a half-breed? Eva was lovely, smart and sharp, but she was half Shaw witch and jaguar shape-shifter. He silently prayed for everything go well. He knew Hadrian’s return would be a tough transition for everyone involved and now, he would not be there to support his king or to reassure his people.

His death would weaken the Clan and leave a void within the Validus hierarchy. Hadrian would need to select a new second. Who would he chose to be his heir? Who would be loyal? Who could be trusted?

Tension gathered in his neck and shoulders, tightening every muscle.

His decision was made. He would not let Sonya die, no while he could save her. Which meant he would be leaving his Clan to an unknown fate.

Sonya languidly stretched.  Her body hummed. She had never felt more relaxed or more satisfied. She took in a deep breath, her lips curled into a smile as she sighed. Falcon’s scent surrounded her, masculine and crisp, marking her.

Sitting up, she allowed the blankets to fall to her waist, revealing her breasts. She raised her arms over her head and stretched again. Feeding from him while making love had not only been erotic as hell
, tripling the intensity of her orgasm, but it had made her stronger. She felt invincible. The aches and searing pain of the Death Curse had vanished, leaving her muscles loose, her heart light, and her soul free.

She glanced about the room. Their clothes had been picked up and their bags were neatly lined up against the wall. Her spirits sank as she thought about leaving. Reality threatened to steal her joy. Soon they would be back on the road, every mile bringing them closer and closer to their allies. A plane would be waiting to take them back home. She would return to her clan to prepare to meet the sun while Falcon rejoined his king.

Last night had been more than amazing. The perfect dream. Now, it was time to come back down to Earth.

The hissing sound of spraying water caught her attention. Falcon was getting in the shower.

Sonya jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom. No, she was not ready to return to the realm of reality yet.

She opened the door to find Falcon standing in front of the tub wearing nothing but a pair of dark jeans, his short hair mussed. Red lines streaked down his back, a testament to their wild love making from the night before.
In her abandon, her claws had cut into him. The sensation had only heightened his pleasure and spurred him on.

She watched, mouth open as
the muscles of his back slowly moved and his massive shoulders shifted. He twisted his torso, providing Sonya with a detailed view of his roped abs. Sonya ran her tongue over her fangs. She never knew watching a man fold a towel could be so…erotic.

“Good evening,” Falcon greeted. His rich, deep voice sent chills down her spine.

Falcon’s silver eyes glowed. She felt her cheeks flush. His gaze fell to her breasts, her nipples tightened beneath his hard stare. He studied her from head to the tip of her toes. He claimed her with his eyes. When their gaze met, she gasped. His silver eyes glowed with forbidden passion and ravening hunger.

He set the towel on the vanity. Anticipation robbed her of breath as his hands moved to the button and zipper of his jeans. The denim dropped and Sonya was vaguely aware her jaw had dropped too.

He stepped into the tub and held his hand out to her. “Care to join me?”

Unable to find her voice, Sonya nodded and crossed the cool tile floor to join him. She pulled the curtain closed, shutting out the world and banishing reality.

“Did you sleep well?” he asked, stepping aside, allowing her to dip beneath the warm water.

“Yes. You?”

“Better than I have in years.”

He dipped his head under the water and scrubbed his face. Sonya watched the rivulets travel down his neck and across his chest. Her gaze lingered on his pulse. She took a step forward and traced her finger tips along the column of his throat. All evidence of her bite had faded and she craved to mark him again.

“I hope I didn’t take too much,” she said, stroking his pulse.

She felt him swallow hard. “No.”

Sonya ran her tongue over the tips of her fangs. Her entire body began to tingle as she imagined sinking her fangs into him again. His blood was thick, rich, and sweetened by his orgasm. Delicious and dangerously addicting.

“Your taste,” she sighed, “is divine.” She titled her head to the side, revealing the line of her pulse. “Would you like a sip?”

Flames of lust flashed in his eyes, but they were drowned by chilling uncertainty. For a moment, his gaze grew distant. Sonya’s hand fell to her side and she squared her shoulders. She was about to ask what troubled him when he smiled and whatever worry she felt vanished.

“Thank you for the offer, but you need your strength. We cannot afford for you to weaken from pleasure and blood loss.”

“No, we can’t have that,” she laughed and took up the travel size shampoo and began washing her hair.

She was aw
are of Falcon’s hot gaze. She took advantage of what remained of the conditioner. As she rinsed, Falcon’s fingers brushed over the backs of her shoulders as he ran his hand through her long hair.

When she reached for the bottle of body wash, he stayed her hand.

“Let me,” he said, his voice gone rough.

Falcon took up a wash cloth and lathered it with soap. He started with her arms, his large hand moving in circular motions over her chest and breasts. The cloth gently scrapped over her sensitive nipples sending shock waves of pleasure to her core. He moved lower, over her abdomen and dipping briefly between her thighs, then around to her backside. Sonya sensed his lust, the ferocity matching her own. When he stood he tried to maneuver her around. She refused. Stepping back under the water, the soap rinsed away. He watched with hungry eyes as streams of water cascaded over her breasts.

Sonya cupped them for him and gave a soft tug on her stiff nipples. A longing growl rumbled his chest.

Droplets of water beaded on his chest and raced down his torso. Sonya released her breasts and stepped forward. Giving him a shove, she cornered
him against the white subway tile of the shower wall. She knew Falcon could easily overpower her but he allowed her to be in control.

She ran both hands over his shoulders and pectoral muscles. Tracing the harsh lines of his abs, her fingers moved lower.

“Remember your promise?” she asked.

Falcon’s gaze darkened. Waves of heat radiated from him. “Yes,” he growled past his fangs.

Sonya ran her tongue over her lips. “It is later.”

She tilted her head and flicked her tongue over his collarbone then gave the hard muscle of his shoulder a nibble. She slowly lapped at the crystal droplets of water that adorned his chest. Sonya skimmed her lips over his flat nipples.

Falcon’s shaft thickened against her, pressing into the softness of her belly as she continued to toy with him. With every kiss, his cock pulsed harder, growing longer. She reached down between their bodies and had to use both hands to fully clasp him. His powerful frame shuddered.

Sonya began to pump him, slowly up and down. She moved her fists until he began to thrust along
to the rhythm.  She went to her knees, the water a warm torrent down her back.

“I’ve fantasied about tasting you,” she said, her breath brushing over the crown of his shaft.

She heard him swallow hard and when he spoke, his voice was deep, “And I’ve dreamed of this.”

Sonya licked the crown before taking his shaft into her mouth. She circled her tongue around the base
and back to the tip. Taking up a rhythm, she teased him and pumped him until his eyes rolled back. Falcon flattened himself against the wall. His hands clenched at his sides, the muscles in his arms and chest strained as he struggled to remain still. His lips were parted, his fangs were long and sharp.

Finally, he growled, “Enough,” and pulled her to her feet.

He claimed her lips with a rough, branding kiss. At once he had her gasping, he trailed kisses down her throat. He nipped at her pulse. She moaned. He bit her again and her knees went week.

Falcon turned her around. Sonya placed her palms against the tile. He swept her hair aside and pressed kisses over the tops of her shoulders. Her blood hummed, every nerve in her body sizzled. When he bit her nape she nearly came.

He swept his hands over her breasts and down her rib cage to her grip her hips. She wiggled beneath his touch. Despite the cooling temperature of the water her body was burning. Her back arched when the crown of his shaft brushed against her core.

Falcon kissed a trail up her shoulder to her earlobe. Her legs trembled, her heart slammed in her chest and her breath came in quick gasps. She was ready and she needed him.

“Now, Falcon,” she commanded, her voice a harsh whisper.

Sonya bit her lip as he entered her with a slow, hard thrust. He remained still and she savored the feel of him inside her, filling her, claiming her. Nothing had ever felt more right.

He withdrew then eased back, stretching her. Falcon moaned, whispering her name in a low rough voice that made her tremble. His clutched her hips, holding her steady as he increased the pace. Sonya tip toed and pressed her palms flat against the wall for better support. His thrusts were not gentle and it thrilled her. The proper knight was a proper devil when it came to sex.

Falcon plunged deep and hard into her, long desperate strokes. She arched her back, taking him to the hilt.

“Oh, god,” she sighed on a shuddered breath when one of his hands slipped down. His fingers circled and massaged her clitoris.

Falcon brought his other hand up, his thick forearm pressed between her
breasts, his palm locking on her shoulder as he pulled her back against him. Sonya reached back, lacing her fingers through his silken, wet hair. He pressed his lips to the hollow of her throat. He licked her nipples and she surrendered to the overwhelming ecstasy of him.

He kept pumping, burying his steal length within her as his skilled fingers
teased her tender flesh. She gasped for air. Her thoughts shattered as the world began to fall away.

“Come for me, Sonya,” he rasped.

Falcon drew his fangs lightly over her rapidly beating pulse. She came. Hard. Calling out his name, her entire body trembled in his arms. Her muscles clenched around his cock, demanding he join her. He did not. Instead, his thrusts turned rougher, even more desperate.

Chills raced through her as delicious tension built within her core again. His fingers moved faster, her legs threatened to give out on her. Sonya’s heart pounded, her breath seized as she felt his shaft swell within her, growing harder and longer. He was close.

Sonya twisted his hold, tugged on his hair and brought his lips down on hers. She claimed his mouth, sweeping her tongue inside, mimicking his thrusts. She nipped at his lower lip, drawing a droplet of blood.

He growled with approval. He gripped her hair, pulling her head to the side, deepening their kiss.

Blinding pleasure slammed into her. Sonya cried out and Falcon roared as her body clenched around him, taking him over the edge. His cock throbbed as he filled her, claiming her.

Minutes slipped by as they clung to each other until Falcon gently turned her around. He smoothed her wet hair from her shoulders and lightly drew his fingertips up her neck to frame her face with his hand. His eyes flickered between swirling silver and obsidian. Raw emotion burned within in their depths. Sonya’s heart ached and she silently cursed Fate. Why could he not be her destiny?

She looked away, unwilling to meet his gaze while tears gathered in her eyes.

“What are you thinking?” he asked. She could hear his frown in his voice.

“Life isn’t very fair.” Sonya wiped at her eyes. She would not cry. She would not pitty herself. She knew what taking the throne meant and she had embraced her future and she would not allow regret to twist her gut. Squaring her shoulders she turned back to him and smiled. “The water is getting cold.” She stepped around him and pulled the curtain aside.

“Sonya−”

She shook her head, stepped out, and grabbed a towel.