Emerald Fire Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Emerald Fire Copyright © Valerie Twombly

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  About the Author

  Also Available from Resplendence Publishing

  www.resplendencepublishing.com

  Emerald Fire

  A Demon Heat Story

  By Valerie Twombly

  Resplendence Publishing

  R·>♦<·P

  www.resplendencepublishing.com

  Gems of Romantic Fiction

  Emerald Fire

  Copyright © Valerie Twombly

  Edited by Michele Paulin and CJ Slate

  Cover Art by Les Byerley

  Published by Resplendence Publishing, LLC

  1093 A1A Beach Blvd, #146

  St. Augustine, FL 32080

  Electronic format ISBN: 978-1-60735-787-2

  Warning: All rights reserved. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Electronic Release: July 2014

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and occurrences are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, places or occurrences, is purely coincidental.

  Ever since Brock lost his mate and son in a tragic murder, he’s been unable to move on. When urged to go back home and bury his past, he never expected to meet Sarah. The demon is strong, sexy, and kind-hearted. Everything a man could want in a woman.

  Sarah has longed to discover the mate who completes her and finds herself wondering about the demon who left the house next door shrouded in magic. After he appears in her camera lens, it’s an instant attraction and doesn’t take long to realize he belongs to her.

  When Elias steps into the picture, Sarah must fight the urges he stirs inside her. She can’t believe fate has given her two mates. Now she is faced with a decision. Choose the one who promises nights of passion and undying love, or the other who can only offer her his broken heart.

  This story is dedicated to my husband. For all those evenings and weekends you spend alone while I write. For your support and for helping me to see through a man’s eyes. I love you!

  Special Thanks

  I want to thank the gals on my Street Team. Your support of my work knows no bounds. You continue to leave me in awe with your kind words and friendship.

  Chapter One

  Brock slammed the shot glass onto the wooden bar and tapped his finger on its smooth surface. “Fill it.” He eyed the bartender, Gordy, as the man grabbed the bottle of tequila and poured the clear liquid into his empty reservoir. Brock threw down a wad of cash. “Fuck it, leave me the bottle.”

  Gordy stood behind the counter and pinned him with steel-blue eyes. “You can’t drown your sorrows into a bottle of booze.”

  Brock snorted. “Maybe not, but I can sure as hell make myself numb.”

  The bartender set the bottle in front of him. “Ain’t nothing gonna bring her back. Why are you here torturing yourself?”

  He tossed back the fiery liquid and poured another. “Damis is mated now.” He’d had a difficult time when he’d found out Kat was really a half-demon and Damis’ mate to boot. Not that he wasn’t happy for both of them. Hell, he loved Damis like a brother, and Kat was a great woman, good for his leader and they were both happy. It was their mated bliss that brought him heartache.

  Gordy set down the washrag he’d just picked up. With elbows on the bar, he leaned closer. “I’m happy for our leader, but that doesn’t explain why you’re here digging up the past.”

  Brock brought the shot glass to his lips and swallowed the warm elixir. “Both he and Kat thought I should come here. They said it was time to let go of my ghosts.” He filled the glass again. With his belly finally warmed, it was time to haze his mind so he could go back to the house. Back to where his hell had begun nearly fifty years ago.

  Gordy gave him a sympathetic look. “Don’t you think it’s time to let go?”

  He met the other demon’s gaze. “That’s why I’m here. To take the spell off the house.” He’d placed the house in a magical cocoon a month after the incident and hadn’t entered since. The old home had stood the test of time and a few hurricanes without so much as a scratch, looking like it had been built yesterday. “I guess it’s past time to pack up their things,” he added.

  The other demon chuckled. “Fifty years? I’d say.” He nodded his head to a spot across the small tavern. “Those two lovely ladies over there have been eyeballing you since you walked in the door. Perhaps, you should buy them a drink.”

  Brock gave his stool a slight turn and caught two beautiful humans smiling at him. What the hell. It’s been awhile since I had a good fuck session. Not that he hadn’t had plenty of offers. His species were well known for their sexual prowess. He just hadn’t been in the mood, but the two women smiling at him were about to change that.

  * * * *

  Sarah watched the sun settle over the western horizon, the sky ablaze with shades of pink, crimson and orange. She focused her camera on the young couple strolling hand-in-hand toward the setting sun, and with a press of her index finger, the shutter clicked, capturing the image for all time. She let out a sigh and pushed the hair from her face then focused her attention on the neighboring house. Her demon senses told her it was shrouded in magic, pretty strong magic to be exact. It would have taken a demon of considerable age to encase an entire home in an invisible bubble for fifty years. At least, that was the story she’d been told when her curiosity had gotten the better of her and she’d started snooping around.

  She’d been intrigued when she’d arrived a year ago to the beach community called Emerald Isle. Sarah had fallen in love with the crystal coastline that ran at the odd angle of east and west and had purchased the quaint, two-story home she now occupied.

  If the truth be told, she’d also bought this particular house because she’d hoped the demon who had cast the magical spell next door would come back. There was something about his heart-wrenching story that tugged at her. She wasn’t sure why and was left feeling slightly uncomfortable at her morbid curiosity. Whispers in the community said the home was a shrine, everything left exactly as it had been a half century ago. Even today, people walked past and spoke in hushed tones, wondering if the demon who owned it still lived. She wondered as well.

  Sarah turned her attention back to the happy couple who were now halfway down the beach. A stab of jealousy shot through her, and for a moment, she wanted to be that woman. The one whose hand he clung to so lovingly. She’d been waiting years for her mate to show up and was starting to wonder if he ever would.

  * * * *

  Brock sauntered to the table across the bar with his bottle of tequila in one hand and three shot glasses in the other. “You ladies care for a drink?” He flashed a smile.

  The brunette patted the chair next to her. “Have a seat. We’d love whatever you’re having.” She looked at her friend. “This is Michelle, and I’m Stephanie.”

  Brock nodded then set the bottle on the table, lined up the three glasses and filled each to the rim. He grabbed the chair and turned it around. Straddling it, he leaned over the seat back then grabbed a glass, raising it
into the air. “Cheers.” He tossed back the shot. The two ladies follow suit, the one named Stephanie coughing and sputtering.

  “Careful. That stuff’s pretty potent,” he chuckled.

  “I guess so. I’m not really much of a hard liquor drinker,” Stephanie replied, her voice a little hoarse.

  Brock eyed the glass in front of her and realized she was drinking water. “You come here for water?” He raised a questioning brow and watched a pretty shade of pink color her cheeks. She squirmed in her seat, looking uncomfortable.

  “I…uh…”

  “We came looking for a demon,” Michelle shot back. Her blue eyes sparkled when she leaned closer.

  “I see.” Brock crossed his arms over the back of the chair. “And why do you seek a demon?”

  Michelle licked her lips while Stephanie fidgeted. “We hear they’re great lovers.” She slid her hand across the table’s surface but stopped short of touching him. “You’re a demon, aren’t you?”

  “What makes you think that?” His curiosity got the better of him and now demanded answers.

  She gave a quick glance at her friend then back to him. “You’re too perfect. Not many guys we know look as good as you.”

  He smiled and held back a chuckle. “Well, thank you, darlin’, but I’m far from perfect. I’m probably more fucked up than most men you know.”

  Michelle leaned back, chewing her bottom lip. He wondered if she would run from the room. He hoped so. He’d only use her and spit her out. Not something he was proud of, but he was a demon. His species’ sexual appetite was something many humans were in awe of.

  “We’re looking for some fun. No commitment, just sex,” Stephanie added quickly.

  Finally, their intent was out in the open, and he’d suspected as much. “Both of you? Together?” The thought made his flaccid cock thicken.

  “Yes,” they sounded in unison.

  Brock rubbed his chin. It had been a couple of months since he’d dipped his wick, an eternity for a demon. He eyed the two ladies, both of whom were attractive. Stephanie, with chin length brunette hair and chocolate brown eyes. Her breasts strained against her skimpy halter top. The thin, white fabric clearly showed her swollen nipples. He licked his lips, imagining sucking one into his mouth and rolling it around.

  Michelle was blonde with intent, blue eyes. Her breasts, while a bit smaller, were just as perky. The short, denim skirt she wore revealed long, lean legs he could well imagine wrapped around his waist while he thrust his now-raging erection into her. He smelled both women’s arousal. A night of fucking would certainly take his mind off why he was here.

  “You ladies live nearby?”

  “Actually, we rented a house on the beach for the weekend. We have it until Sunday morning,” Stephanie replied.

  It was early Saturday evening, plenty of time for a good romp, and it sounded like the girls would be leaving town. Even better, so why the hell did this feel all wrong? Like any man, his cock told him it wanted to be buried deep inside at least one of these girls. His brain? It fucked him over and started deflating the ego between his legs. Damn it!

  “Ladies I’m flattered, but I’m afraid I’m not the right demon for the job.” He poured another shot and tossed it down his throat. “I come with way too much baggage, and neither of you deserve that.” He pushed up from the chair, grabbed his half-empty bottle and strode back across the room, kicking himself in the ass the entire way. Gordy stood on the other side of the bar, his mouth gaping open.

  “Not a fucking word.” Brock pointed his index finger at the bartender. His friend just shook his head and walked away to help another customer. From the corner of his eye, Brock watched the girls make a hasty exit.

  “Yeah, I’m a damn idiot.” He needed his head examined.

  * * * *

  Sarah settled into the comfort of her king-sized bed. Book in hand, she was ready to spend the evening with the only man available. Well, that wasn’t true really. She could easily get dressed and go out to one of the local establishments. Picking up a guy for the night wouldn’t be a problem. Her long, sleek legs brought her in at five-eight, and with a narrow waist, rounded hips and full bosom, she drew attention from most every man she met.

  She flipped the page on her book. She was tired of the one night stands and ready to settle down with her mate. Trouble was she hadn’t yet found him. The one true love, the other half of her soul.

  She traced her fingers down the V of her nightie and across her already hard nipple. A moan escaped, and she wished she had a stiff cock pounding between her thighs.

  Sarah dropped the book, brought both hands to her breasts and pinched her nipples. She scrapped her teeth along her bottom lip as the sensation sent shock waves through her body and flooded her pussy. She looked over at the vibrator lying on the bed next to her and contemplated actually getting up and stepping outside to look for any available man. Instead, she flung off her nightgown and let the cool, ocean breeze from the open window whisper over her body. She hoped it would squelch some of the heat burning inside her.

  No such luck.

  She really needed a man, but she was tired of being with men she could never really have because she was always afraid of falling in love. She’d come close a few times and run as fast as she could. Life was so unfair for a demon. She was expected to wait until her true mate showed. In her case, she’d been waiting for a few hundred years now. She’d broken a few hearts as well, and that always left her unsettled. Rather than take any more chances, she resorted to her trusty battery-operated friend, and on occasion, when the urges got too bad, she paid for sex.

  She trailed her right hand across her toned abdomen and down to the fleshy apex between her thighs. She dipped her middle finger between the folds and spread her slickness across her clit, causing the nub to swell further. Her lips parted, and she sucked in a gasp. She continued rubbing her swollen clit and rolled her nipple between her left fingers. She lifted her hips and met the thrust of her finger.

  Sarah grabbed the vibrator and switched it on. The sensation in her hand caused her to become slicker. Placing the tip on her clit, she massaged it using small circular motions. Every nerve ending fired and sent her juices flowing. Images of a strong, handsome stranger floated through her mind. As always, his face too fuzzy to make out, but she knew who he was. The visions had been haunting her since she’d moved here. Her mate, the faceless man she was already falling for.

  Within seconds, she found her release. It started deep in her core and washed through her, causing her to cry out. She was positive, if anyone had walked past, they would have heard her screams. After she came back down from her pleasure, she still felt empty.

  Sarah threw her legs over the edge of the bed and stood in disgust. No amount of self-manipulation would bring her real satisfaction. It hardly curbed the hunger that gnawed deep in her gut. A hunger only her mate could sate.

  She padded across the carpeted floor into the large bathroom, pushed aside the glass shower door and turned on the cold water. Stepping under the freezing spray, she let the water flow over the top of her head. Her mate needed to show up and soon.

  Chapter Two

  Sarah took a sip of coffee and waited for the right moment to snap the photo. Sunrise over the ocean had always been her favorite, and today looked as if it would be picture perfect. Her collection of stills was growing, and soon, she’d have plenty to sell at the local craft market. Setting down the mug, she picked up the camera. Just as she readied to press the button that would release the shutter, a sensation as she’d never experienced before crept across her skin. She peered over the top of her Canon, looking for the disturbance. Her keen eyesight had no trouble focusing in the dim light.

  She sucked in a gasp. Unable to believe her luck, she quickly focused her lens next door. A breathtaking man stood in front of the abandoned house. She snapped a picture then zoomed in on his face. Suddenly, everything went out of focus.

  “You should really ask befo
re you start snapping pictures of people you don’t know.”

  Sarah jumped back several feet, and if her camera hadn’t been attached to her neck by its strap, it would have gone sailing. How had he appeared in front of her, on her deck, without her sensing him? He had to be that demon. The one who had placed the spell on the house. Only one older than her five-hundred years could sneak in under her radar.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take your picture.” She stared into the darkest brown eyes she’d ever seen and tried not to melt. “It just sorta happened.”

  He gave a crooked smile. “It’s okay. You took me by surprise is all.” He cocked his head to the right, studying her. His intent stare made her feel like a specimen under a microscope “You’re demon.” He backed away three steps as if she carried the plague or worse. She didn’t know why, but she was suddenly both offended and curious. Why would her being demon bother him?

  “Yes. You’re him, aren’t you?” She did a quick assessment. Short, blond hair, sparkling brown eyes and a killer body wrapped in a pair of low-riding jeans and a tight-fitted, white tee that showed off not only his rippling chest but also his bronze skin. Shit.

  His eyes narrowed. “If by him you mean the one who owns the house next door, then yes I am him.” He punctuated the last word with a little sarcasm.

  “I’m sorry. I certainly didn’t mean to offend you or pry into your business.” She fiddled with her camera. “I’ll erase the picture if you’d like.”

  He scrubbed a hand across his face. “No. It’s not necessary, and I’m sorry.” He looked over at the house next door. “I’m just a bit edgy.”

  Sarah stepped forward, her hand extended. “I can totally understand. Let’s start over. Hi, I’m Sarah.” He looked at her then at her hand, hesitating as if touching her would give him some nasty disease. Finally, he gave her a wide smile and grasped her hand. His skin was warm and sent tingles up her arm and straight to her breasts causing her nipples to pebble under the thin fabric of her shirt.