Asmodel (Alien Legacy Brotherhood #2)

9. Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

A smodel’s mouth dried as his imagination ran wild. He pictured holding a naked, willing Izzy in his arms along with a handy bed nearby. He stumbled. If he hadn’t been holding her under his arm, he’d more than likely would have fallen face-first.

She murmured, “Are you okay?”

This forced him to pay attention to his surroundings. After all, they weren’t anywhere private. Around him, it looked like the pardalions in the village gathered in the large cave to sleep. Some in family groups, some were females nestled together, while single males slept by themselves. Small cubs in several family clusters were being shushed and cradled by their parents.

Asmodel studied the groupings. Some families had more than one female cuddling around an imposing male. Praetor Vorlok appeared to have four females in his group, all with cubs or heavy with one. “Dahl, may I ask you a question?” He looked at the dainty female who was leading them to the far side of the cave.

She glanced over her shoulder at him, her tawny eyes dilated as she traversed through the dim light of the cave. “Of course.”

“Why do the pardalions live in this cave while the zaltrixan live in a large city?”

She didn’t answer right away. Instead, she gestured with her paw to a soft pile of furs and linens inside a recessed alcove. “Here is where you will sleep until the council comes for you in the morning.”

Izzy nodded and thanked her with a soft tone, lowered herself onto the dark nest, and sat cross-legged. Her light-brown eyes were wide as she watched Dahl.

Asmodel stood with his hands behind his back and faced the young pardalion. He didn’t sense the question made her uncomfortable, so he waited.

The female tilted her head and looked up at him. The long fur on her tail floated as it swayed back-and-forth on the dusty floor. “Centuries ago, we all lived in relative peace at Panterion Prime.” Her whiskers fanned out as her eyes became distant. “But there was unrest among the common folk, the zaltrixan. They felt the ruling class—” She placed a padded paw over her heart. “—the pardalions were cruel and prejudiced against them.”

“Wait.” Izzy leaned forward. “Are you saying you’re from royalty?”

Dahl nodded. “Yes.” She nodded toward the praetor, nestled between two females with his eyes closed, sporting a lazy smile. “As a matter of fact, Praetor Vorlok is a direct descendant of Elio-Ferix, the last emperor of CeluriaVO.”

“What happened?” Izzy laid two fingers across her mouth as she asked the question.

“I guess what happens to all dictators who overstep their authority.” Dahl shrugged. “There was a revolt. And since the zaltrixan have always had the majority population, they overthrew the pardalions and exiled us, hoping the wild animals would slaughter us.”

A smile creased her snout, while her ears stood upright and forward. “But we fooled them. Eilo-Ferix had made contingency plans and created this cave system in case of an emergency. This place”—she waved an extended claw from her paw— “is fortified to not only withstand any attack, but they installed a sensor shield around this mountain that repels all attempts to discover us.”

Her laugh came out with a hiss. “The zaltrixan don’t know where we are, and I’m sure it frustrates them to no end.” Her whiskers drooped as her eyes lowered. “I believe that’s why they are so determined to wipe us out.” She stared with firm resolve at Asmodel. “I think they are cowards because the thought of anyone from the royal houses still existing is too much for them to bear.”

“Oh, that’s so sad.” Izzy wiped away tears that made her beautiful eyes bright.

Asmodel cleared his throat. He’d experienced firsthand how it felt to be a slave to an unrelenting monarch, but he could sympathize with the descendants of that dictator who had nothing to do with their ancestors' actions. “Rest assured, Izzy and I will do our utmost to make sure nothing happens to you and your people.”

Dahl’s smile was winsome. “Thank you.” She put her paws together and gave a slight bow. “May Solithar guide your path.”

It was easy for Asmodel to pick up the rest of the scikvak blessing from her. “And bless you with the ability to illuminate the mysteries of life presented to you.”

“Yes. For you as well.” Dahl glanced at Izzy sitting on the floor. “If you need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask anyone here.”

With one last look at Asmodel, she turned and gracefully sauntered away.

Asmodel watched her join a small pod of females, who greeted her with laughs and playful hisses. He turned to Izzy. “May I?” No way would he presume she’d be comfortable with him sleeping next to her on the first day they met.

Her shy smile had all the warmth and welcome any man could wish for.

Izzy’s heart raced, and her hands were clammy. She looked around the niche Dahl assigned them, the small alcove welcoming in its intimacy.

Most of the pardalions settled inside the cave were already asleep.

Taking a deep breath, she nestled into the plush fur and sighed. The warmth seeped into her skin and helped calm her careening emotions.

Asmodel asked if he could join her.

She smiled. “Yes, please.” Scooting back, she patted a place next to her. The luxurious bedding under her hand encouraged decedent images of snuggling with the mesmerizing man standing above her.

With surprising grace, he lowered himself and sat cross-legged in front of her.

He brought his alluring scent she’d thought she only dreamed about. Catching her breath, she inhaled his musky aroma, layered with a sharp spice. Nibbling on her lower lip, she glanced at him. “Do you need anything? Would you like me to ask someone to bring you anything?” She looked over his broad shoulder to see if she could catch someone’s attention.

“Bella.” Asmodel cleared his throat and gently grasped her hands in his. “There isn’t anything I need besides being here with you.”

He brought her hands to his tempting mouth and placed a light kiss on the back of each one. She stared into his dilated eyes and watched a roll of sweat trickle down his temple. The man said and did such suave things, but his body belied his attempts to disguise his nervousness. That made her spine of steel loosen. Maybe he was as surprised about their instant attraction as she was.

“Asmodel.” Izzy sighed and gripped him back. She cocked her head and took in a deep breath. “Are you as attracted to me as I am to you?” Heat flushed up her neck and blazed across her cheeks. Oh lordy . Where did that aggressive woman come from?

His warm smile was full of mischief. “I have to admit, I’d be more comfortable talking about anything else.” He lowered their clasped hands to rest on his knees.

His unique eyes with their browns, greens, and gold held her spellbound.

“But I’d like nothing better than to explore what we have.” His head tilted. “Would you?”

“Oh yes, I do!” Izzy exclaimed. “Where should we start? Oh.” She snapped her fingers. “I know! I’ll tell you a bit about me first…”

Asmodel’s clasp on her other hand firmed. His touch was sure but gentle. “Isabella,” he murmured, his voice low and enticing as he drew her closer.

His eyes locked on her with an intensity that sent a thrill through her.

“I know a deeper, more profound way we can get to know each other better.” He leaned in, his gaze smoldering with silent promise. “One that would erase all doubts between us. And what that would mean to each other. Tell me, alma gemela, are you brave enough to take an intimate journey with me?”

Intimate? Izzy’s stomach tightened low inside. She slowly blinked. An intimate what? Was he talking about sex? Right now? Here in a cave full of other people? Okay, not people, but still.

She frowned, shaking her head. “I know a lot of folks don’t have any problem jumping into bed with someone they just met, but my abuela taught me better than that.” She jerked out of his hands and scooted back. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” She cleared her throat. “Ah, for them.” She gave a wobbly, self-deprecating laugh, along with a careless wave of her hand. “But that’s just not me. I’m sorry I let you think…”

“Bella.”

She stopped moving at the stern, exasperated tone of Asmodel’s voice.

Her eyes widened at the hurt she saw there.

“I’m talking about you and me getting to know and trust each other first.” He ran a hand through the silky strands of his gleaming coffee-colored hair. “I can’t believe how bad I’m messing this up.”

“Sheesh, I could have told you that, organic man.”

For the first time, Izzy noticed JR13 sitting on Asmodel’s shoulder.

The spybot waved a foreleg. “You’d think you were born a month ago and not me.”

“JR13.” Asmodel rubbed his eyes with his thumb and forefinger. “You’re not helping.”

“Well, why don’t you just come out and explain to her how your psychic mojo works instead of dancing around the subject like a clueless idiot?”

Asmodel dropped his hand and gave his companion an exasperated glare. “Can’t you find someone else to harass?”

“Nope.” The bot folded his legs and made himself comfortable right where he was. “This is too good to pass up.”

Asmodel crossed his arms. “I’d like to have this conversation with Izzy in private.” He nodded to the spacious cave. “Why don’t you do some reconnaissance and see what you can find that might help us tomorrow?”

JR13 stomped his front forelegs. “Fine.” His iridescent wings came out. “But I’ll be back.” With a jump, he zoomed away from their small alcove.

Izzy watched the tiny bot fly away until she couldn’t see him anymore.

Turning to her companion, she grasped his hand. “Asmodel, what does he mean by psychic mojo? Does it have to do with you being able to turn into a dragon? Can you read minds as well?” She wasn’t sure about the mind-reading thing. What if he found out what a boring, bookworm homebody she was? Would he still want to get to know her?

Asmodel shrugged. “Yes, and no.” As he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbed. “What I was trying to offer you was a psyche merge.” He glanced at the open cavern as if to make sure JR13 was still out exploring. “The ability for us to join our minds to experience each other on a profound level.” He draped a panel of his hair behind his ear. “It’s not something I’ve ever done before, because I’ve never wanted to share myself like that with anyone.” His eyes softened, giving her a glimpse of the raw truth behind his gaze. “Except you.”

Izzy’s heart thudded at the sudden vulnerability in his eyes. She searched his face, the sound of her heart thundering in her ears. A sudden urge overcame her to grab him and never let go. She reached deep inside, and the decision was made. “I left Earth to find what you keep calling me— alma gemela— my soulmate. Why would I pass up the chance to explore that possibility with you?” She swallowed hard to clear her mouth before she committed herself. “I’d be honored to experience this psyche merge with you.”

Asmodel’s lips parted in a quiet exhale, as he visibly relaxed with a sheepish smile. “Yes, together.” He gestured to the nest of furs and linens. “Let’s lie down so we can get comfortable.”

Izzy nodded as he wrapped her in his muscular arms. Together, they faced each other, her back against the cave wall.

“Close your eyes, my alma gemela .”

She unwound at the sound of Asmodel’s mesmerizing voice.

“And let me in.”

Asmodel’s back teeth clenched until Izzy closed her eyes. He expelled a throaty sigh. Having her lie with him on the cozy fur helped create the soothing ambiance he looked for that allowed him to create a Dreamwalk with her.

“That’s it, Bella,” he whispered. “Let yourself relax while I create what’s called a Dreamwalk. It’s a gentle way for my mind to touch yours. To make it more comfortable for you, I’d like to take us to one of your favorite places. There I’ll share with you who I am. Would that be okay with you?”

Izzy’s warm breath coated his neck as she chuckled.

“You know, my name is Izzy, not Bella.”

He smiled. “Ah yes, but when we are alone, to me you are my Bella. My beauty.”

Izzy giggled and scooted closer to him. Mere fractions of distance separated her body from his. If she kept that up, nothing would keep his lower half from her.

It took every ounce of strength he had to avoid touching her as it was. “Are you ready?” His whisper came out as a growl. He cleared his throat.

She nodded, and Asmodel continued. “Now, picture in your mind a favorite place where you are most comfortable. Some place where you have no fear.” He waited a moment before asking, “Are you visualizing a place like that?”

In his arms, Izzy’s body softened, her sensual curves molding to his touch.

She let out a soft, melodic hum before responding. “Yes, I have it in mind.”

Asmodel brushed a trail of her fine hair from her eyes. “Good. Now, stay calm as I join you.”

With a quick nudge of his mind, he created a pathway between his mind and hers, opening a doorway for him to put them into a dream sequence that would feel real to them both. Satisfied everything was as it should be with her, he opened his eyes in the dream plane and took in the place Izzy had created. He might be the foundations of the dream that held it together, but she was the designer of this sanctum, complete with varied attributes.

His eyes widened at the sight of the outer heavy doors, grand and imposing. In the bright sunshine, their richly paneled dark wood boasted intricate carvings. Brass handles, polished to a shine that caught the light and reflected the grandeur of the building’s surrounding architecture. The ornate doorway was framed by Byzantine stonework, adding a touch of majesty to the imposing entrance.

Asmodel had never seen a place like this. He couldn’t wait to discover what was inside. He pushed through the heavy doors, and the sudden quiet swallowed the outside city clamor he hadn’t paid attention to until it was gone. Looking up, he could see the vaulted ceilings of a large main hall stretched above. The air was tinged with the mild, musty scent of aged paper and polished wood, and light filtered through several tall windows that cast long, solemn shadows across rows of oak tables. Various readers hunched in silent reverence over books, tablets, and computers.

As he walked farther inside, his footsteps echoed softly on the marble floor, like a faint whisper to announce his presence. To his right, the gentle rustling of pages turning and the occasional muted cough punctuated the stillness, as patrons immersed themselves deeper into their literary worlds.

“Welcome to my world, Asmodel.” Izzy greeted him with a huge grin, her hands clasped in front of her. “Isn’t this great?” She whirled around with her arms flung wide and laughed. “I can’t believe how real this looks!” Abruptly stopping, she rushed over to him and gripped his forearms. Her head tilted with a mischievous grin. “You even got the details of Mr. Herbert right—sleeping in the corner over there.” She nodded at an elderly man nodding off in a leather chair that could have held two of his fragile figures.

He couldn’t help but stare at the mesmerizing sight of a giddy Izzy. Instead of the worn-out clothing she’d been wearing since he’d met her, she now wore some kind of long fuzzy sweater that outlined her full breasts, making them appear soft and inviting. Her shapely legs, showcased by tight-fitting pants, highlighted her mouthwatering round rump and taut muscles, ending snugly at her ankles. On her dainty feet were strappy, open-toe sandals that had her pink colored toenails peeking out, inviting him to play.

Asmodel swallowed a dry throat and took in a deep breath. Damn woman was the most tempting female he’d ever laid eyes on.

“Asmodel?” Izzy put her hand on his arm. “Are you okay?” She gestured to the spacious area around them. “Don’t you like it here?” Her lower lip quivered.

It was hard to understand the question. It took everything he had to keep his hands to himself and not grab the fluffy sweater at her waist and lift her up so he could kiss the living shit out of her.

When her grip tightened, he did his best to focus on her gorgeous amber eyes and not lower. “Um.” He cleared his throat. “What? Is what okay?”

“You, being here in this place?” Izzy cocked her head to the building they were in. “Where I used to work—The New York Public Library. Are you okay with this place?”

“Oh.” He glanced around. “Is that where we are?” Not that he noticed anything. The only thing he wanted to look at was her. “Is there anywhere we can go that’s private?”

Izzy’s eyes twinkled, and her grin appeared again. “Oh, don’t worry. I know just the place.” She grabbed his hand and led him away. “Evelyn, watch the store!” Her voice rose as she addressed a middle-aged woman behind an imposing wooden counter.

The woman laughed and shooed her with a negligent wave. “Sure, I’ll mind the shop for ya. Go on now and have a bit o’ fun!” The woman’s laugh was infectious.

Asmodel’s eyebrows rose at the thick Irish accent.

Izzy giggled and stepped up her pace until she reached a hallway with several doors on either side. When she came to the first one, she opened the solid cherry-oak door and rushed them through. The room was modest, lined with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes. On one side of the room, a plush, soft, peach couch invited a moment of repose, its cushions slightly indented, suggesting Izzy used it often. A small, circular table stood nearby, bearing a solitary lamp that cast a warm, golden glow across its surface. The room had a quiet hum, insulating it from the outer world. An antique clock perched atop a bookcase, its rhythmic ticking the only sound breaking the silence.

The centerpiece of the office was the desk—a large, sturdy piece of craftsmanship made from dark, rich mahogany. Its surface was broad and polished to a soft sheen that reflected the muted light from the lamp in the ceiling above. The edges of the desk had subtle carvings—nothing ornate, but just enough to add a sense of distinction and old-world charm. On the desktop rested a slim laptop next to a vintage brass desk lamp on the corner. A few stacks of books and papers haphazardly covered the other corner.

“Is this private enough?” Izzy closed the door behind her. The sound of her twisting the lock in place made him grin.

Any restraint he held in check vanished. He captured the alluring woman in his arms where she belonged.

“This is perfect,” he whispered before devouring her mouth with his.

When Asmodel’s lips touched hers, all the playfulness inside Izzy evaporated. With a single touch, he took control of the kiss and owned it. As his lips slanted over hers, his wicked tongue pushed inside and created havoc. With a seamless motion, he swung her up into his arms, his mouth never missing a beat. He turned, positioning her above him, and then laid back on the couch, holding her close. Thank goodness the piece of furniture she’d purchased years ago at a charity auction was strong enough to be used for something as decadent as what they were doing.

Izzy had just enough time to catch a single breath before her senses exploded with each stroke he made inside her mouth. Forget wanting any kind of slow introductions between them. Desire, commanding and strong, seeped into every fiber of her being. And after one hot second, it dawned on her the lust between them wasn’t just hers.

It was mutual.

She shared his passion. What he experienced, she did. Every sight. Every scent. Every intense touch he felt, she did, too.

No telling how she knew that.

Draping her thighs over his, he grabbed her bottom and pulled her to his groin, turning the kiss into something hungry. Her sensitive nipples rubbed against the wide contours of his chest, causing her to meet his kiss with a savagery of her own. By instinct alone, she toyed with his tongue against hers, causing a white-hot pleasure she’d never imagined.

Izzy felt his hardened cock between her thighs. Sucking in a breath, she pressed closer, grinding her sex against his. The resulting reciprocal vibration made her insane with need.

“Take what you want, Bella,” he whispered, his half-lidded eyes watching her. The colors of his hazel eyes blended into something darker, something sinful. He tugged on the end of her sweater.

“This has to go,” he snarled. With a flick of his hand, the sweater and her bra disappeared. He focused on her naked chest. “These are the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen. Look how pretty your hard little nipples are.” He framed her breasts with his large hands, his thumbs stroking her puckered peaks.

With each brush he made, she garbled a strangled cry and shivered. With thumbs and fingers, he exerted just enough pressure on her tips that left her careening out of control as a pull of pressure built between her legs.

“Asmodel…” Her breathless tone cut off when he rolled his hips, making his hard length stroke her over the sensitive clit. She squeezed his outer thighs in reaction.

“Like that, alma gemela ? Do you want more?” He stroked her hip to control her movements against his swollen hard-on. “Let’s see if I can make this better.” He sat up and covered one of her breasts with his lips.

All coherent thought escaped as his tongue rasped over the hard nubbin. The heat of his mouth tightened her womb with a solid hold as lightning zapped from her nipple straight to her clit. Her vagina burned as her juices spilled, dampening her panties, creating a slick surface between her delicate folds. Desperate for more, she ground herself against his masculine strength.

Izzy rode Asmodel in desperation, unable to stop moving as he went from one nipple to the next, feasting on the sensitive skin.

Steady nips, then licking over each little love bite. First, he covered the nipple, then he sucked it with a heady draw of his mouth.

Her body tightened. Soft whimpering mewls escaped her. She wanted more. She had to have more. Izzy buried her hands in his hair and held him to her as she rode him with desperate movements. The stroke of his leather-covered cock was killing her. She had to assuage the ache.

“Clothes,” she whimpered. Coherent thought was beyond her. Saying one word was hard enough.

With a swiftness that left her dizzy, Izzy found herself underneath him, cocooned by his unyielding, muscular chest.

Good gosh all mighty. His spicy man scent surrounded her, ramping up the overwhelming pleasure of being held by all that glorious naked flesh. And holy moly, the man was naked. All that dazzling body warmth held against every bit of her, eased an aching chill she didn’t know she carried.

Asmodel journeyed down her torso, his wide torso pushing her legs apart until he settled between her splayed thighs. His broad shoulders held them open as his head lowered.

With wide eyes, Izzy watched him kiss her exposed, hardened nub. The light kiss destroyed her. She arched her neck as the promise of total pleasure rushed through her.

Then Asmodel’s tongue slid between the narrow entrance of her sex in a slow, mind-numbing stroke. The man touched her clit and circled it before sucking it into his blazing mouth. She gasped as his hands slipped beneath her rear and lifted her close, making her sensitive intimate flesh accessible to his hungry attention. She had to touch him, to feel more of him. Grabbing his thick hair at the top of his head, she kneaded the silken strands. Instinct caused her to lift her hips, even as conflicting sensations threatened to overwhelm her.

She jumped when his fingers eased inside her, filling her with their girth as his lips and tongue played with her nubbin. Arcs of elation lashed inside her, pulling a garbled cry from her lips as he steadily stroked his fingers inside and out.

Nothing should feel this good, this strong. An inner tsunami took over, all sensations refusing to relent. Each stroke of his lips, tongue, and fingers ramped up the experience, growing in intensity. She ignored anything else.

“Please,” she whimpered. “I… you… Asmodel.” The garbled words fell as his stroking fingers coupled with the sucking heat of his lips playing with her clit. She teetered on the edge of devastating madness.

Izzy moaned, her head twisting back and forth on the soft couch cushion. She couldn’t take anymore. No way would she survive. A spontaneous, jarring rapture took hold. Unable to suck in a breath to scream, no sound came out as her body tightened before exploding in a profusion of ecstasy.

Just as the final ribbon of rapture eased, Asmodel rose between her slack thighs and pushed the broad head of his cock against the entrance where his fingers had filled her, and pushed inside.

The spasms of her slick release parted for his claim. As he burrowed in, her body stretched to accommodate his wide girth. The blazing onslaught of his occupation threw her into another rising tide of pleasure, carrying with it the last of her sanity.

Izzy gripped his shoulders as he retreated then thrust back in until he reached the end of her channel. With every move he made, her sheath stretched tighter round him, capturing him.

“Ahh… that’s it.” Asmodel groaned, nipping the side of her throat. “Take all of me.”

She jerked her hips, clamping her inner muscles around him as he burrowed deeper.

“Yes… right. Every inch of me…” He powered inside her, driving his full length until there wasn’t a place where she began and he ended.

Writhing beneath him, Izzy’s inner flesh flexed and undulated repeatedly, greedy for every stroke. Her entire body sang with exhilaration. “Asmodel…”

“Holy Goddess…” His low groan fanned the sensitive skin at her neck. His body became taut, and each muscle tightened above her.

The slickness between them ramped her experience to a wanton level she never imagined existed. Her womb convulsed, driving the breath from her lungs.

“ Fruk !” He yanked against her, then drew his hips back before pushing forward again and again, every plummet harder than the one before.

Izzy clamped onto Asmodel’s broad shoulders, each nail biting into his tight skin in reaction. Lisping cries fell from her lips. Bending her knees, she lifted her hips higher, begging for more, frantic for more.

The man didn’t disappoint.

Asmodel moved, each deep stroke fucking her hard and solid. Like a master, he plowed her with steady intent. He filled her, retreating then skewering her again and again. Stronger, heavy, until he drove inside her with one last thrust, pushing them both over the edge. With a cry, his body shuddered into hers, his release as high-powered as his thrusts had been.

Collapsing under him, Izzy’s exhaustion took over as a gentle wave. On top of her, his stiff body trembled. With a sigh, she savored a completeness she’d never experienced before.

Home. She was finally home.

Izzy smiled. Darn, they never got around to talking. Asmodel was still as much a mystery as before. Not that she cared about that right now. After that amazing bout of lovemaking, what else did she have to know about the enigmatic man?

She yawned. Well, anything else could wait until the morning.

Asmodel groaned and rolled them over on their sides, spooning them together.

Snuggling deeper into the man’s arms wrapped around her, Izzy welcomed the tranquil arms of sleep.