The Seven: Four tales of passion, danger and love (12 page)

"At some point there was a rift between the Light and Dark Fae and the ensuing power struggle resulted in the doorway between realms being sealed. Some Fae – Light and Dark – were trapped here and others on the opposite side.

"Ellie's father was a Whitehorse – that's what they were called in this realm. They are changelings as well as possessing other abilities. When he was trapped here, he bought property where a doorway was located and spent decades trying to figure out how to open it.

"He had a son and a daughter on the other side."

"Ellie?"

"No, Ellie was here. Her father left her in the care of her maternal grandmother when she was very young."

"Why?"

"Because her mother died – or to be more precise, was killed."

"Oh that's horrible. Who killed her?"

"Her own people. She was Dark Fae. Ellie's father, Michael, was Light."

"So Ellie is … Fae?"

"Yes."

"And didn't know?"

Augustus shook his head. "Not until after she moved to Florida. She found clues and objects left by her father and located the doorway. Her brother Eldric was on the other side and because of their filial connection, sensed her activity and assisted her in opening the door."

"How do you know all this?"

"Fae magic.  At least that's what I was told. Somehow they were able to discern the tale once they knew where to find her."

"Okay, so now she and her brother are both here and the door is open again?"

"Yes and no. She, her brother, and apparently a sister who, according to the Fae entered through another doorway, are here. But they sealed the door."

"Why?"

"To prevent the Dark Fae from crossing over."

Suddenly it dawned on Ellie what the "can of worms" was. "Ahhh, so if the Fae here know then they want the door opened again."

"Yes. It has caused a degree of tension between the Light and Dark Fae. Only because of a decree from the Council has open conflict been avoided."

Layla considered it. "So does that make it dangerous for Ellie to come to the wedding?"

"I don't think so. In fact, Xavier is eager to meet and speak with her and her brother. He and the Fae Councilperson, in fact."

"Because of the door?"

"Because her family is royalty among the Fae, her and her siblings in particular. Her father was King of Light, and her mother Princess of Dark. Ellie and her siblings are both and thus their powers are magnified. Thru them the Fae could potentially unite their race."

"Or set it upon a course of war."

"Precisely."

Layla considered it. "Well, maybe I shouldn't invite her."

"I don't think it make a significant difference now. Her and her siblings' existence has been revealed and can't be covered. And, as my mother so shrewdly noted, she and her husband Cam are but more testament to the fact that humans and our kind can coexist."

"Ahhh, another promo opp."

"Exactly."

"Okay, then here's what I think. With things being as they are, I still want her there. In fact, her whole family. But I want to invite her in person so I can explain things. I don't want her coming in blind, if you know what I mean."

"I do and I agree. In fact, I've ordered the jet readied just in case you felt like taking a short trip to Florida."

"Today?"

"Right after you call and check with your friend, Ellie." He pulled a slip of paper from the left breast pocket of his shirt.

Layla accepted it and leaned over to kiss his cheek. "I'm going to go call her now if you don’t mind."

"Not at all. I have some business to attend to that will take at least two hours."

"Then I'll grab my phone and give you the study."

They went inside and Layla hurriedly cleared the desk of all the wedding plans, lists, and notes. She got her phone, gave him a kiss, and then returned to the patio to call her friend.

What a strange twist this was. Layla shook her head as she dialed. More and more she realized that the world and its inhabitants were not at all what she'd believed a few months ago. Not even her friend, Ellie, the down-on-her-luck woman with the heart of gold.

Chapter Fourteen

Sometimes it's hard to believe that this is my life. Traveling on private jets, living in a gorgeous home with the man of my dreams who just happens to be a Vampire.

And finding a friend I thought I'd lost. I can't wait to see Ellie. I wonder if inheriting property, getting married and finding out she's Fae has changed her? She sounded happy on the phone but you sometimes can't tell from phone conversations.

She didn't mention anything about the Fae thing. Not that I expected her to. It's not the kind of thing you just bring up in casual conversation. Then she never mentioned anything about Augustus being a Vampire and I'm guessing she knows since she mentioned seeing about us on the news.

I hope when we see each other it's not awkward like it can be. Often the separation and lack of contact makes a reunion uncomfortable. I pray it's not that way for Ellie and me.

Layla unbuckled her seat belt once the plane was in the air and ignored Augustus' look of amusement. He hadn't even bothered to buckle up during take-off. Maybe she was overly cautious, or just not used to traveling in the style in which he was accustomed.

Their attendant placed a tray of food and chilled champagne on the table and at a gesture from Augustus disappeared into the galley area that separated the main cabin from the flight deck.

Augustus rose to go to the table, pick up the champagne and two glasses and then looked at her. "Come with me."

The tone of his voice told her that drinking was not his objective and she was more than happy to follow as he led his way into the private sleeping cabin.

It was bigger than the bedroom of her house and furnished far more lavishly. The bed had been turned down, the windows closed and one dim light burning on a table beneath a window.

Augustus set the champagne and glasses on the table and pulled Layla further into the room as he closed the door. He claimed a kiss that had her heart racing and her panties feeling moist.

"You’re so damn good at that,” she breathed against his lips when he waltzed her backwards toward the bed.

“You ain’t seen nothing yet.” His promise was delivered in an exaggerated drawl as he pushed her down onto the bed.

Sweet Lord did he feel good when he stretched out on the length of her, his erection pressed into her belly and his lips devouring hers. She returned the kiss with hunger that was as raw and intense as what was given.

Time ceased as their bodies strained in to one another, hands roaming, touching, and squeezing and all the while tongues and lips hungrily feasting.

When Augustus pulled back from her and sat back on his heels, she groaned in protest. That sound quickly turned into a purr of pleasure. His hands started at her waist and moved slowly up her sides, lifting her arms as his hands moved up the inside of her elbows to her wrists, his body sinking slowing forward on hers until his hands imprisoned hers above her head.

Layla's lips parted eagerly when he traced his tongue over them. She sucked his tongue into her mouth, pressing her heels into the bed to lift her pelvis up and grind against that gloriously hard shaft straining at his jeans.

“Hmmm.” He rocked back slowly, letting his hands retrace their way down her arms to the side of her breasts. “Stay just like that, honey. Now don’t move.”

Had he been any man but Augustus, the soft command would have turned her off. His hands moved over her breasts slowly, fingers circling the hard buttons of her nipples through the fabric of her blouse. When he grabbed the neckline and ripped it right down the middle she gasped, then smiled.

“Hello, my lovelies." His voice grew low and rough when her breasts spilled free.

The next gasp that came from her was not one of surprise but a sharp stab of pleasure at his hands gathering her breasts to lift and push them together, all the while tracking over her nipples with his thumbs.

A stampede of sensation radiated out from her nipples and raced quickly down the length of her body, taking root in her sex. Damn, his touch was like electricity, making her nerves sizzle. She started to reach for him, hungry for more of his taste but he stopped her with a look and a soft whisper.

“No. Not yet. Put your hands back where they were. Over your head. Reach up and run your hands under that headboard and hang on.”

Layla's typical inclination to argue reared its head. Submissiveness such as this was not something for which she'd acquired a taste. But the tone of his voice when he spoke his next words had an excited shiver running down her spine.

“Do it.”

Oh man, did she recognize that tone. It was one of confident command. Regardless of whether it was being used on a person or an animal, the inflection was the same, as was the intent.

You’re going to do this my way.

“Do it, Layla.” His voice was low and rough. “I’ll give you what you need.”

As much as she loved and wanted him, she couldn't resist the challenge. "And what makes you so sure you know what I need?

"As you wish."

Disappointment flared when cool air whispered over her breasts as his hands released them. She should have kept her mouth shut.

Before she had time to retract her words, she was overpowered by sensation. Augustus pinched her nipples, rolling them between his thumbs and index fingers. He applied just the right amount of pressure. Enough to make it verge on pain without ever crossing that threshold.

“Oh my god.” She worked her hands up to the headboard to hang on.

“That’s it sweetheart.” He lowered his head to flick his tongue over one tight nipple.

When he sucked her nipple into his mouth, the sensation made her cry out. She wanted to dig her fingers into his flesh, tangle her hands in his thick hair, and press his face more firmly against her breast. Claw, scratch, something. She just couldn’t lie there passive and do nothing. It was too much.

She fisted one hand in his hair, pulling him more firmly against her breast. Sliding her free hand between their bodies, she worked at the button of his jeans.

Augustus sat back and smiled down at her. “In a hurry?”

“Take them off, August. I want to feel you. Taste you.”

His Texas drawl reemerged with a chuckle. “Good manners demand that I let a lady go first." He moved off her.

“Fine, but you’re coming out of those jeans, stud.”

She sat and swung her legs over the edge of the bed, leaning down to unfasten the straps of her shoes.

When she stood to peel off her skirt, she looked back over her shoulder at him. He was lying on the bed, propped on one elbow, watching with a sexy smile.

“Don’t mind me, sweetheart. I'm just enjoying the show.”

She shot him a smile, turned her back to him, and slowly lowered her skirt, baring her ass then her legs as she stepped out of them and turned to face him.

“So writers go commando, eh?”

“I have on a garter belt and stockings.”

"Indeed you do."

She watched his eyes move over her. She could almost feel his gaze on her skin, the look on his face making her hotter and wetter. She let her hand move over her belly and down to cup her wet sex. “Your turn, hot stuff."

Augustus smiled and got off the bed. After toeing off his boots, he quickly divested himself of his socks, and then unfastened his belt and jeans. Layla returned to the bed, eyes glued to him.

Augustus left his jeans unbuttoned and unzipped while he took off his shirt. It wasn't the first time she'd seen him naked and yet she appreciated the moment as much as the first.

Great glory, was he fine. The firm swell of his chest was dusted with fine, dark hair that trailed down the center of his firm abdomen to thicken south of his navel and disappear into his jeans.

Augustus worked his jeans down over his hips and she felt like jumping up and giving a big rebel yell. He was long and thick, standing at attention.

“Come here.” She sat up and grabbed him by the hips as he stepped over to her. One hand wrapped around the base of his shaft as the other worked behind him to grab his ass and pull him closer.

Her tongue circled the swollen head then laved down the length of him. She felt his hands tangle in her hair as she took him in her mouth. Saints above, he was fine. She gave herself over to the taste and feel of him. It wasn’t until he gave a slight groan and pulled on her hair that she stopped and looked up at him.

Augustus leaned over, his lips locking with hers in a kiss that had her toes curling. He pushed her back on the bed, his long, lean body hot and hard against her. Supporting himself on one elbow, his lips abandoned hers to travel down her neck in soft kisses and sharp little bites. And all the while, his hand worked slowly down her body.

When he reached her sex, his hand cupped her. She pressed against his hand, eager for his touch. His fingers moved in her wet folds, spreading her lips to stroke and probe.

She didn’t even try to stop the moan of longing that came from deep inside her. At the sound, he gave her a wolfish smile and staked a claim on her lips. His fingers moved inside her, deep and slow strokes that had her panting against his mouth and rocking against the movement of his fingers.

“God that feels good. More. More.”

“You'll get more.” He sucked her bottom lip into his mouth and bit lightly on it before moving to nip at her chin and work his way down her neck.

“I'm going give you pleasure every way I can and I won’t stop until I’ve had my fill and you’re too sore to take any more.”

“Talk’s cheap,” she breathed throatily. “I’m a show-me kinda gal.”

Augustus’ hand tangled in her hair, pulling her head back. He looked down into her eyes and she saw a promise there that had her eager for all he had to give. “Yes,” she moaned as his fingers stroked her closer to orgasm.

His head lowered, mouth closing on her breast. The light bite he gave to her nipple had her crying out. Not in pain, but hunger. He growled against her, not easing up. She worked her hands down his body, circling his shaft. “I want you.”

“And you’re going to get me.” He raised his head to smile at her. “But first…”

He sat back, took hold of her legs, and forced them into a bent position, spreading them wide. Her hands worked into fists, clutching at the bedcovers as he licked her wet folds. He spread her legs more, sucking her labia into his mouth and then slowly moved his tongue up her length to suck on her clit.

She moaned when his tongue worked down and plunged inside her. Her hands moved to her inner thighs, pressing them out and down, fingers digging into her own skin as the intensity increased. “That’s it, baby,” he crooned against her and released her legs to use his fingers to spread her wide, exposing her clit.

Her fingers dug deeper into her flesh when his tongue flicked over her clit, teasing and circling it. She was panting by the time he captured it in his mouth, his tongue tracing over the hard nub.

He pressed two fingers inside her, stroking deep as he continued to suck on her clit. It was more than she could withstand. With a great shudder, she exploded. Before the wave had crested, he pulled her forward, pressing the head of his erection at the entrance of her sex.

The wave intensified, leaving her mindless to everything but the sensations. She moaned as penetrated her. He pushed slowly, deeper and deeper inside, until the length of him was embedded inside her.

Layla's body clenched on the hardness that filled her, imprisoned by an orgasm that had her panting and moaning, her hands gripping his shoulders like claws, digging in and holding fast.

He took his time, stroking slow and stretching the pleasure out so that every time it seemed the intensity would abate, his pace would increase. Hard and deep, he rode her, bringing her back to a fevered pitch of sensation so intense all she could do was surrender to its power.

When his movements began to slow, she sucked in a breath and panted at him. “More. Now. Please.”

“I want to see you play with yourself. Play with that sweet little clit, sweetheart.” He sat back on his heels, pulling her forward so that she was bowed, her hips elevated by his thighs.

She had no problem complying. Her hands moved between her legs, fingers spreading her sex to expose her clit. She saw his eyes tracking her movements.

She ran one finger, then two over that hard bud of flesh, feeling the resulting spark that made her sex clench on him. He gripped her hips, at first thrusting slow, and then increasing in speed and depth as her body started to tense with the onset of climax.

She felt the vibration begin and at that moment he drove deep inside her. She screamed his name in pleasure and tightened her legs around his waist to pull him down on her.

The slap of flesh on flesh was a percussion beat to the harmony of their fast breaths and her throaty groans. Faster and harder, he rode her, his arms bearing his weight so that his chest only brushed her, the rasp of hair against her nipples creating a burn that only added to the sensation that rioted through her.

“Ah, Layla,” he groaned as she started to contract on him. “You’re going to—“

“Come with me. Bite me, August. Do it now."