Taken By Desire: Demonic Desires Book 1 Read online

  “You’re rather bossy.”

  He turned slightly so he could face her better. “I’m pulling rank.”

  “Rank?”

  “Yes, I am your king, therefore I command you to take it. It will help protect you when you go back to your world.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Between the pendant Fang gave you and this bracelet, which will bring you here on command, I hope to keep you safe.” He reached for her hand and laced his fingers in hers. “As much as I’d like to keep you here, this isn’t a place for us to stay. I’m taking you back to your world, but there are conditions.”

  Chapter 21

  Seriously? He was pulling the king card? Not a chance in hell would she let him get away with it. She pursed her lips.

  “You will not pull rank on me or command me to do anything. That shit may work in your world, but in mine it won’t fly. I’m more than grateful for all that you’ve done, and I appreciate the offer of such a wonderful gift. But I’m not taking orders, and there will be no conditions.” Maybe she was being stupid, but she had to keep some dignity. She already struggled with her feelings for him, and the thought of losing him tore her to shreds.

  His lip twitched. “I see. You do realize you took an oath this morning.”

  She crossed her arms. “If I remember correctly, that oath only said I would protect you and those who serve you, nothing about obeying.”

  “You also swore to be faithful.”

  “I did, and of course I’ll be faithful to the king. I’m not a traitor.” This conversation was really starting to piss her off.

  “I see. Well, I think you misunderstood what I meant by being faithful. However, if you refuse to take a gift from your king, then how about from the man who loves you?”

  She must have heard wrong or he was playing a cruel joke on her. If that were the case, she wondered if it would be treason to strangle him.

  “Come again?” She barely got the words out and feared his reply.

  “I love you.” He met her gaze straight on.

  “You can’t mean that.”

  “Why the hell not?” His tone charged with anger.

  “Because I’m not what you need, and being with you will only break my heart.” I am not going to cry.

  He shook his head. “I’m confused. How will being with me break your heart?”

  “You need a queen, and I can’t be with you only to one day give you up.” She failed to keep the tears at bay as one slipped down her cheek. The thought of him with another woman had her wanting to commit murder.

  “I see. Well that changes everything.” As he rose, she tried not to become a blubbering idiot. She told herself this was all for the best, and one day she would get over him.

  I’ll never get over him.

  He stood in front of her and she was forced to tip her head back to look up at him. “You do realize of course that with Oshivana under the sea, there will be no going back for some time. This means that my wife will not be crowned queen until we can return.”

  She tried to smile, but secretly desired to rip the woman’s heart out. “I’m sure she’ll understand.”

  He let out a sigh, reached into his other pocket then dropped to one knee. He flipped open the small velvet box to reveal a diamond bigger than any she had ever seen.

  “Aimee, I may not be able to make you my queen right now, but I can make you my mine. Will you marry me?”

  Her jaw dropped and words refused to form. She could only stare.

  He arched a brow. “Woman, are you forever going to make me repeat myself?”

  “I…Umm. Holy hell. I had no idea.”

  He sighed. “When I asked if you vowed to be faithful, it was not as your king, but as the man who loved you.”

  She knelt down in front of him. “Is that a demon thing? I mean, you could have simply told me how you felt.” Aimee realized she was definitely the pot calling the kettle black. She could have shared how deeply she felt for him.

  “No, it was a man afraid to tell you how he felt. I knew you wanted to go home, and all I had to offer you was a broken kingdom and war.” He gave her a nervous smile. “Not exactly ideal conditions.”

  Tears stung her eyes. “I don’t care as long as I have you. Yes, I will marry you.” Her hand shook as he slipped the large trillion-cut diamond onto her finger. She threw herself at him, almost knocking him over, and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Are those happy tears?” He pulled her tightly to him.

  “Yes.” She sniffed and leaned back to look at him. “I never expected we’d end up like this. I mean, I always thought that you would have to marry a full-blooded demon. Probably some rich dude’s daughter.”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “Rich dude?”

  She shrugged.

  “Sweetheart, I am in charge which means I make the rules. Even so, we’re no different than you when it comes to love.”

  “It almost feels wrong that we’re happy when your city has sunk, your people are still missing and now my best friend is gone.” Aimee’s gut rolled with guilt.

  Greydon stroked her arm. “I will not lie. Our life together will be full of turmoil until everything is fixed. One thing you will learn about our people is they believe in the moment. Seize it and live it, and that is exactly what we are going to do.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “One day our life will be grand and you will be a great queen, but we will have to fight to get there. Do you understand?”

  “I can do anything if you’re beside me.” She chewed her lip. “Becoming a queen scares me to death. I don’t know how.”

  “A great leader must have strength, courage and compassion. You have an abundance of all three.” He pulled her into his lap and she laid her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. “I hope you won’t be disappointed that we can’t have an official marriage ceremony until we have everyone back together. But we can perform a bonding.”

  Aimee tipped her head and looked at him. “You mean the same bond you already did…to find me?”

  “Yes, sweetheart. It will tie us together and then you will live as long as I do.” He caressed her hair. “I can’t stand the thought of losing you. Christ, I nearly lost my mind when I saw you dangling from that bridge.”

  Panic suddenly filled her. “Greydon, are you asking me to marry you because of this bond you already have with me?”

  “Not a chance. Yes, the bond makes me crave your body, but it’s my heart that loves you. And for the record, I wanted you the last time we were here alone.” He winked.

  She slipped her hand under his shirt and pushed it up his chest. “I want you,” she whispered then nipped his earlobe.

  He growled.

  “I take that as a yes, then?”

  He grabbed the collar of her shirt and ripped it down the middle, exposing her naked breasts. Then he dipped his head and sucked a nipple into his mouth, eliciting a moan from her before he released her and brought them both to their feet. His gaze was that of a hungry tiger who craved its mate, and it both warmed and excited her.

  He undid the button of her jeans, and with a quick motion, had them and her panties pulled down her legs and tossed across the room. Before she could blink, he managed to undress. His erection jutted out and beckoned her. As she reached for him, he grabbed her around the waist and tossed her over his shoulder.

  “What are you doing?” she squealed.

  He headed for the pool. “Something I wanted to do when we were in here the last time.” He stepped into the water then slid her down his hard body to her feet. He wound her hair around his fist and with a firm yet gentle hand, pulled her head back to expose her neck. Starting at the top of her breast, he licked and kissed his way upward and when he reached the base of her neck, he stopped to suckle. Her skin prickled with bumps and heat went straight to her sex. Damn, the man knew how to make her wet.

  “Now,” she whispered. She wasn’t in the mood to wait.

  He le
ft a trail of heat from his tongue as he licked up to her ear. “Now what?” he murmured.

  “I need you inside of me. Now.”

  He took her hand and led her the couple of steps to the built-in seat where he sat down, and then pulled her into his lap. “Whenever you’re ready, baby.”

  She parted her legs and straddled him, grasped his cock and guided the tip inside. Then bracing her palms on his shoulders, she slid down his length until there was nothing more to take.

  They moaned in unison.

  “I’m all yours, sweetheart. You have total control.”

  Another reason she loved this man. There were so many facets to him. Gentle one minute and demanding the next, she never knew what to expect. But he always seemed to understand what she needed. She leaned forward and kissed him while she ground her hips into his groin and swore he growled. With a nip at his bottom lip, she raised herself until only the very tip of his shaft remained inside her, then delved her tongue into his mouth at the same time she took all of him in again.

  He dug his fingers into her hips. “Baby, you’re such a tease. I’m harder than fucking concrete,” he whispered against her lips. Before she could reply, he brushed his thumb across her clit, eliciting a shudder. Before long, he had her riding the crest of a mind-shattering orgasm and just as she found her way down the wave, he joined her.

  She remained seated on his lap and they held each other for several minutes. “I guess we should get dressed before someone comes and finds us.”

  “They can’t get in. I added some extra magic to keep everyone out.” He grinned.

  “Mmm, I like how you think.” She rested her head on his chest. “So where do we go from here?”

  “I have already procured a house but not back in your home town. We can’t have Garret seeing you.”

  “I can’t believe he’s involved in this. What reason would he have to lie to Bethany about my whereabouts? Unless he knew something.” The thought made her sick.

  “Don’t worry about him. Zander will be watching to see if he can lead us anywhere.”

  She nodded. “When can we perform the bond?”

  “When you’re ready.”

  She glanced around. “How about now?” Aimee could hardly believe the handsome man whose lap she was sitting on actually wanted her.

  “Are you sure? You know it involves drinking some of my blood. If I remember correctly, you can be a bit squeamish,” he replied.

  She licked her lips and surprised herself that the thought of it didn’t disgust her. “Positive.”

  “Baby, you keep doing that and I’ll stay hard forever.”

  She gave him a playful slap on the chest and pushed away. “I need to dress before I turn into a prune, and I don’t care. I need to know I can get to you if you need me.”

  His brows drew together. “I’ll always need you, but try and stay out of harm’s way.” He stood and helped her out of the pool, grabbed a towel and began to dry her with quick strokes before he wrapped a clean one around her. After finishing, he dried himself then tossed his towel to the floor and slipped on his jeans. “I have another surprise for you.” He fished out a box from underneath the bed then handed it to her.

  “What is it?” It was large yet light.

  “Open it.”

  She set the box on the bed and lifted off the lid then pulled back the tissue paper. “Ohh my…” She held the dress up. “It’s beautiful.”

  “It was the dress my mother wore when she bonded with my father.”

  “Oh Greydon. I–I’m so honored that you’d let me wear it.” She wiped a tear off her cheek while she stared at the deep blue material.

  “My mother would have given it to you if she were still alive.”

  She clutched the dress to her chest and stared at him, her heart breaking that his parents couldn’t be here to share the occasion with their son. An idea hit her. “Tell me, if your parents were still alive would they have attended our bonding, or is this more of a private thing?”

  “They would have been there.” The sadness in his voice pierced through her heart.

  “I’m sorry they can’t be, but I think we should invite Zander. What do you think?”

  “Are you sure you wouldn’t mind?”

  “I only wish your other brother could be here, and Bethany of course.” She prayed that her friend was okay. Having this special moment with Greydon seemed wrong, but she knew that Bethany would be seriously pissed if Aimee let it slip by. The wedding was a different matter and would be more her friend’s thing. She could already see Bethany bossing people around, making sure every detail was perfect. “Help me with the dress?”

  He nodded and stretched out his arms so she could lay the garment across them. She dropped her towel at her feet, eliciting a growl from him.

  “Damn woman, hurry up before I forget my manners.”

  She lifted her arms over her head. “You can forget them later. I want this dress on me now. I don’t suppose you have a mirror hiding someplace in here?” He helped her slip the gown over her head and she smoothed it in place, noting how the silk caressed her skin.

  “Look over there.” He gave a head jerk toward the wall.

  “That wasn’t there a second ago.” She took a step closer to examine herself in the full-length mirror. The dress had one strap on the right shoulder made of gold roping that dropped into two coils and hung off her arm. The left shoulder remained bare. A wide gold sash of satin wrapped around her waist, complimenting the navy material that flowed down and touched the tops of her feet. “It’s stunning.”

  “You’re breathtaking.” Greydon stepped in behind her and placed his hands on her hips and his chin on her shoulder. Tilting his head, he planted a kiss on her jaw. “I knew you’d want to see so I conjured you up a mirror.”

  “You’re too much. I don’t suppose you could get me a brush for my hair?” She flashed her best smile.

  Chapter 22

  “Are you ready?” Greydon asked Aimee as he took her hand in his and led her to the center of the room.

  “I am.” She never hesitated in her answer.

  Greydon extended his arm toward Zander, and his brother placed a dagger in his palm. “I’m going to make a slice over my heart, and then you take as much as you want.”

  “Okay.”

  He hadn’t bothered to put on a shirt, so he wasted no time using the blade to make a cut deep enough that blood welled up and trickled down his chest. He handed the dagger back to his brother, dropped his arms to his side and waited for Aimee. He expected her to balk once she saw the blood but she stepped closer, placed her hands on his waist then kissed his wound. The sensation of her tongue trailing heat across his skin caused an erection that pressed tight against his jeans. She continued her sensual ministrations until she lapped up every drop, and his cut had healed. She looked up with lust-filled eyes, and he had to remind himself his brother was watching.

  “What’s next?”

  “Now you repeat the chant.” He’d written it down for her earlier, and she’d already memorized it. He’d also warned that it might become a bit painful. He hated like hell to put her through it, but there was no other way. “Squeeze my hand if it becomes too much.”

  She nodded. “Blood that is yours, blood that is mine. Blood lies between us, blood is the bind.

  I summon the life forces and command our fates intertwine, and let this blood between us forever bind. Bonded by blood, now bonded two souls. Blood flows together making us whole.” The air stirred and Aimee gasped, her eyes widened and she squeezed his hands.

  “I’m so sorry.” He knew she’d reached the point where her insides felt like they might explode. “Hang on sweetheart, it only lasts for a moment.” The bed and cabinet lifted into the air and hovered for a second before they landed gently back on the ground and sweet relief covered her face. He pulled her into him and stroked her hair, feeling both horrible that he had caused her such pain, yet elated that she now belonged to him comple
tely. Her life would be connected to his, and she would live until either he died, or goddess forbid, her life was taken. He tried not to think of the latter.

  “That was incredible. I could actually sense you like you were a part of me.” She kissed his chest.

  “I know what you mean.” His connection to her was even stronger now.

  Zander stepped forward. “Welcome to the family.” He dropped to one knee and took Aimee’s hand in his, placing a kiss on her knuckles. “I pledge my reverence to you and will protect you always.”

  “Thank you.” She fondled the pendant nestled between her breasts. “I’ve never felt safer.”

  “Good, are you ready to see your new home?” Greydon asked.

  Aimee tried to busy herself by going through the house. Greydon and Zander had dropped her off at a beautiful log home some place in Montana. However, it was hard to appreciate its beauty when she was freezing her ass off. She poked at the fire in the hearth that was big enough to sit in.

  “Stupid men.” She jabbed a burning log so hard that sparks flew. She’d begged to go with them, but they said it was safer here. Both had woven magic around the place to keep her hidden. They had explained she would still be able to call for Fang if she needed him. The bracelet she wore would take her back to the underground hiding place. She wondered, if she were pursued, if that would be a smart thing to do.

  Of course, she now had the bond with Greydon, and he had taught her the chant that would take her to him. They’d tested it before he’d left, and it had been both odd and exhilarating to simply command her body to appear wherever he was.

  She sank into the couch in front of the fire and curled up with the book. Zander had managed to bring it back from Oshivana.

  She snorted. “I can’t call it anything other than Atlantis. How weird.” She flipped a page, the text still in ancient Greek instead of Demonic. “Mankind will one day freak out when they discover their lost city is run by demons.”