Fallen Embers (Fallen Guardians #9)

Chapter 38

Chapter

Thirty-Eight

Nia relaxed near the counter, sipping the energizing drink Hedori had given her, watching the other women set the table. They wouldn’t let her help because of what she’d done in vanquishing the thrones.

“That juice really does build up one’s energy.” Kira flashed her a smile as she laid out the cutlery.

At the aisle counter, Jenna whipped up a salad dressing with gusto. Hedori passed her, careful not to bump into her, and set about prepping a tray of food. Her shoulders sagged as he quietly continued his task.

Seriously? Why didn’t Hedori and Jenna just talk and make up?

When Nia learned they shared the apartment beyond the kitchen, she assumed whatever disagreement they had would blow over, but now she wasn’t so sure. She’d have to ask Kira before she stuck her foot in it.

“So, what’s next for you?” Kira asked her, flicking back her spiral hair.

“For now, I must go back to New Orleans, check on my apartment, get my pets, and fill my best friend in on what happened. Saia worries?—”

“ Saia ?” Kira stopped dead, a plate in hand. Eyes like saucers. “Saia, whose mate is Riley? That Saia?”

“Yes…” Nia frowned. “You know them?”

A wide grin appeared. “Yes, I do. Riley’s my brother! Hey guys, Nia knows Saia and Riley!”

Good-natured laughter broke out at her excitement.

Nia’s jaw almost hit the floor. “What?”

“He’s my half-brother.” Kira set the plate down on the table. “I met him briefly two years back, but only about a year ago did I learn who he was. Long story.”

“It truly is a small world.” Nia set her juice down, grabbed the tray with the crystal glasses, and crossed to the table. As she positioned them at each place setting, Hedori walked out with the meal tray for her sister and mate.

Darci transported steaming platters of roast beef and veggies to the table, followed by tureens of broth, the savory aromas drenching the air.

The door opened, and the pregnant woman Nia had seen in the living room earlier entered, holding a glass of half-drunk orange juice.

“Can I help?” she asked, sweeping back her inky, shoulder-length hair sporting a streak of white at the front.

“Nope.” Kira waved her away. “You go sit and rest.”

She cast them a rueful smile and took a seat at the far back.

With nothing else to do, Nia made her way to the woman she had yet to meet. “You’re Shadow, right?”

“I am.” Her striking starburst eyes lit up. “And sadly banished from helping.”

Her friendly demeanor instantly put Nia at ease. “And you’re Nia. It’s really good to meet you finally. Echo’s so excited at having her whole family together again.”

“Yeah, me, too,” Nia said, taking the chair next to her. “So, when’s the baby due?”

“God, don’t ask,” she groaned, rubbing her small baby bump.

“Why?”

“How far along do you think I am?” she countered.

“Hmm, about four months.”

Shadow laughed, sipping some of her orange juice. “I’m just over seven and a half months along.”

Ohhh . Nia frowned. “So, you have about two months left, not too long now.”

“I wish. But not when you’re mated to an immortal. With Nik being a deity… Well, he is a fallen, like the rest of the guys are, for failing to protect an important goddess. So, they were all banished from their pantheons.” Nia nodded. “Anyway, their pregnancies last around eighteen months.” Shadow grimaced. “I’m hoping it really, really isn’t so.”

Nia had learned that the warriors were deities and that Aethan was an Empyrean angel. Echo had filled her in while she lived with Nate. Still, hearing why, questions arose. Then, what Shadow said struck her with a hard wallop. She gaped at the woman.

“You’re joking, right? Eighteen months?”

“I wish it weren’t so,” Shadow said with a wry smile. “I can’t complain, though. Nik is wonderful, and I cannot wait for this little one to come.” She caressed her belly.

“Boy or girl, do you know?” Nia asked.

Shadow shook her head. “No. I don’t mind either, though I like teasing Nik it’s a girl…”

Nia laughed. Christ, she couldn’t even imagine being pregnant for so long! Poor, poor Echo.

Where are you? She telepathed Lore. The meal’s ready.

On my way.

The door opened a second later, and Lore entered. The guys followed. The drag of chairs echoed as they took their seats. Her man joined her at the back.

“Is it time to eat again?” he asked, raising an eyebrow and glancing at the spread.

“Welcome to our way of life.” She laughed. “Yes, meals are three times a day or whenever you’re hungry, not a glass of juice once in a century like in your past life.”

A glimmer of a smile tipped one corner of his mouth as he sat. “Time was irrelevant back then, habibti .”

“Hmm…” She stroked his thigh. “So, everything went well? Were you welcomed warmly into the brotherhood?”

He cast her an indulgent look and grasped her hand, keeping it on him. “Did you think they’d come out with knives?”

“I thought more along the lines of a fanfare, bugles playing, etc. You know, since they have you now.”

Behave.

She bit back a grin.

The kitchen door opened, and Hedori entered.

He glanced at the set table and laughed. “I’m not going to have much to do soon.”

“You can be a man of leisure.” Kira chortled, taking her seat next to Tyr.

“How’s Aethan?” Blaéz asked as Hedori made his way to the kitchen.

He turned, his expression quiet. “Sleeping. Echo won’t leave his side.”

“I get that,” Darci said softly, taking a seat beside Blaéz, and he slid an arm around her.

“Yo, Hedori,” Tyr called out, tipping his chair on its two back legs. “Thanks, man, for being our backup and keeping our mates safe. Enjoy your vacation back in Empyrea. It’s well-earned and three millennia overdue.”

A ghost of a smile touched his mouth. “Indeed. It will be good to be back home.”

“Oh, Heds, I’m going to miss you,” Kira moaned.

“We all will,” Darci added.

Nia’s attention shifted to Jenna.

The woman clung to the island counter, her fair complexion parchment pale. “You…you’re leaving?”

Hedori glanced back, his expression morphing to stoic. “Aye. In the morning.”

“Don’t worry, Heds, we have everything under control,” Kira piped out, stealing his attention.

Amusement glinted in his striking eyes. “That puts my old heart at ease.”

“You’re not old,” Kira retorted. “You’re in your prime, gorgeous and funny. Just don’t get mated to anyone there. She’ll keep you from us, and it’ll make us all sad—” She blinked and winced. I’m sorry , she mouthed to him.

“It’s all right.” His smile didn’t touch his eyes.

Jenna grabbed the huge salad bowl and pivoted so fast, it surprised Nia that the shredded lettuce, peppers, and tomatoes didn’t fly out as she carried it to the table.

With a deep sigh, he said, “Pardon me, I have a few things to take care of.”

As he left the kitchen, Nia turned to Shadow. “What’s that all about?” she asked softly.

Her striking eyes darkened. “Just over a year ago,” she murmured, “Hedori rescued Jenna from the Dark Realm, where she was held captive. The thing is…” Her mouth turned down a little. “She’s his destined mate, but because of the abuse she’s suffered under a psycho fallen who had her imprisoned, Hedori gives her the space she requires to heal. But I think he needs a little break from her seeing him as nothing more than a protector.”

“Aw, man…” Nia whispered. “I feel for him.”

“Yeah, me too.”

Nia glanced at Lore, grateful they’d finally overcome all their obstacles, and found he’d already served her roast beef and veggies with a healthy helping of pepper sauce. He’d spooned some broth into his soup plate.

Her heart melted. “Thank you.”

He nodded. I need you to keep your energy up.

She picked up her cutlery. “I’m okay. I had some of that energizing drink Hedori makes?—”

I meant for later.

Heat flooded her face, and she shoveled a forkful of food into her mouth. Soft laughter coasted through their mate bond.

“What’s next, Nia?” Shadow asked, thankfully distracting her.

Her mate, Nik, cast a quick look at her, obviously hearing Shadow’s question. The warrior was inked within an inch of his life, and the snake tattoo on his neck was seriously terrifying, especially after her serpent-filled ordeal.

As if sensing her wariness, Nik said, “It’s just ink.”

Heck, she reeeeally didn’t think so. That snake was staring at her. And smirking.

Ugh . Nia shook her head. Just because the warriors all possessed mystical Gaian swords tattooed on their biceps, it didn’t mean the snake was magical, too.

As she ate, she told Shadow about having to return to New Orleans to finish her vet residency, about her little pups…

She sipped her water and cast a quick look at Lore. Thankfully, he’d eaten more of his soup this time.

“You finished?” he asked, setting his spoon down.

She had only finished half of her food, mostly because she wasn’t really hungry. “Yes.”

“Good.” He dropped his napkin, rose, and scooped her off the chair?—

“Eeep—Lore, wait! What are you doing?” She grabbed him around his neck.

Laughter broke out around the table.

“Thanks for dinner,” Lore said, cool as all hell, and headed for the door.

Oh, man! She buried her face in his chest as he walked out with her, the door shutting behind them, so sure her cheeks resembled a fire hydrant.

“I can’t face them after that,” she moaned, looking up. “They’re all going to know why you carried me out.”

“So?” An eyebrow arched, his eyes dancing with amusement. “Or do you think they all go to bed and lie piously next to each other?”

She blinked, then burst out laughing. “On second thought, I can’t wait to have my wicked way with you. Man, all the licking and sucking…”

His hold on her tightened fractionally.

A sly smile crept to her mouth. “I have ropes, too.” She let her voice drop an octave to husky. “I’m gonna tie you up, then do the dirty with you or maybe to you… I’ll have you helpless and at my mercy.”

His eyes narrowed.

“And no Googling ropes for sex.”

With a low growl, he took her mouth in a ravenous kiss and flashed them to their bedroom. You drive me out of my mind.

He dropped her on the bed. She bounced once and gave him a flirty look from beneath her eyelashes.

“Show me,” he commanded.

She’d been teasing about the ropes, but…

Nia climbed off the mattress. “Get on the bed and lay back—wait.” She undid his shirt button, removed it, and walked around to his back. The skin was smooth once more, and she sighed in relief. “Right. On the bed, I’ll be back.”

“Nia—”

“Bed,” she ordered, hiding her smile at his narrowing eyes as she skipped off to the dressing room. She dropped his shirt on the bench. What could she use? She searched through her new clothes and found two scarves. Great.

Nia returned to the room and found him lying on his back, hands clasped behind his head—so utterly sexy and all hers.

She halted. Aw , man…

The bed had a massive, padded headboard. That wouldn’t do.

She glanced around. The two squat armchairs in front of the fireplace seemed sturdy and heavy enough, and the carpet appeared soft?—

“The bed won’t work for this. Here’s better.” She knelt and patted the soft carpeting, then wiggled her eyebrows. “Ready?”

He rose, so tall and gorgeous, and crossed to her and lay down again. “Wait. I want you naked before you do anything, habibti .”

Since he only wore his pants, having removed his footwear, his request seemed fair. She shrugged and took off her clothes. Clad only in her new, silky red bra and panties—courtesy of her sister—she knelt at his side.

The heat in his eyes made her own desire hike. She’d never done this kind of kink before, but she’d read a few romance books… Hmm, she’d just improvise as she went along.

“Move lower and stretch your hands above your head.”

The moment he did, she wrapped the silk around his wrist and tied it around the chair’s short, stumpy foot.

His heated gaze followed her every movement as she deliberately crawled over him to the other side, letting her breasts brush against his chest. The silver in his eyes burned like flames as she secured his other wrist.

“Don’t pull free, or you might just break the chair legs. Then all the fun’s over,” she teased.

She knew him well enough to know he wouldn’t. Lore had a curiosity about everything, especially sex and lovemaking.

Now, where to start?

Man, she wanted to do as she’d teased him earlier, lick him from his sensual mouth to—heck, everywhere.

“Well?” he drawled. “I’m at your mercy.”

“So impatient.” She rolled her eyes, straddling him. His hard, warm body under her was her very own aphrodisiac.

Nia licked along his lower lip. He moved in to kiss her.

“Uh-uh.” She pulled back, and he growled. She bit back a smile. “You just lie there and enjoy.”

“Pull your bra down, frame those gorgeous breasts, Nia.”

“Still giving orders?”

Those striking eyes narrowed.

Eh, what the hell. She lowered her bra, the red silk framing her boobs, her nipples already hard. His fingers moved, probably to touch her, and he frowned, clearly remembering the restraints. She rubbed her achy tips against his hard chest. A low, utterly sexy sound rumbled in his throat.

She kissed him slowly, decadently, then slipped her tongue into his mouth, and he deepened the kiss before she could, licking and sucking. A moan caught in her throat.

Man, it was like instinct with him to take over. She pulled back, and he growled. She had a feeling he wouldn’t be held back for long.

Smiling, Nia scooted lower. Trailing kisses over his pecs, she licked his nipple and gave it a slight tug with her teeth, and he shuddered. Then she trailed her mouth across to the other nub and did the same. His bound hands fisted.

Nia slipped her fingers between them, down his muscled belly to his rock-hard shaft, and stroked his pants-covered sex again. His stare turned molten. She sat up, shifted lower, and undid his zipper; his cock sprang out. Thick, long, and rock hard.

“You feel so good,” she murmured, her thumb slicking the rounded tip with the precum there. Using his wetness, she worked him with firm strokes.

His eyes burned hotter.

She licked the head, and his warm, musky male taste made her head swim like it did the very first time she’d done this.

Nia watched him as she sucked him as deep as she could and tightened her lips. Damn! He was enormous. It didn’t stop her. She leisurely retreated, letting her teeth drag lightly against his length. A muscle pulsed in his jaw as he strained for control.

Hell, tormenting him became her own torture as she worked him with her mouth. She tightened her lips, squeezing harder?—

A groan of sheer need broke free. “Nia. Inside you. Now .”

She released him. “I’m not done.” Even restrained, he gave orders. She squeezed his dick hard with her fingers. “And I give the orders.”

His growl turned to a groan. “I’m dying for you, and you’re playing with me.”

“Because that’s how this works. Lengthened foreplay is to heighten your arousal?—”

“I get that from you just being. Every time I see you, I want to drag you to the nearest quiet place and put my mouth on you, and I don’t mean just those lips that often smirk at me.”

Her jaw nearly hit her chest. Man, where before she was hot with rising lust, now arousal hit her like a freight train at this side of him.

Her core aching, she pushed aside her incredibly damp panties and rubbed her achy nether lips over his rigid shaft, still gleaming wet from her mouth?—

In a move too fast for her mind to catch up, he had her flat on her back, her wrists tied to the chair legs.

Dammit! She gasped and blinked, yanking at the restraints. “That’s not how this works,” she grumbled, but fuck, she was so turned on by his take-charge action.

His eyes on hers, he slid lower, pushing her thighs apart. His mouth settled on her core, his tongue delving into her folds, instantly finding her pleasure point, and she shuddered.

I like my way better, he rasped, mind linking with her.

Of course, he did.

Another slow lick, and she groaned. “Lore?—”

“Don’t rush me. I need my beauty spot,” he grasped her left nether lip and sucked on her flesh?—

Christ! She stifled a cry. Her clit ached for his mouth, and her core throbbed for fulfillment. He was driving her crazy!

You like this, hmm?

If you don’t do something soon, I’m gonna go up in flames and die!

Soft laughter. The rumble against her aching clit amped up her lust. She tugged on the silks again, but there was no give— ugh! She pressed her core into his mouth.

Another lick, and she whimpered.

Then he swirled his tongue around her flesh, and she nearly came off the floor. Hands held her hips down. He licked and rolled her aching clit with his tongue?—

God! Whatever he was doing had scorching heat pulsing through her core. He grasped the throbbing bundle of nerves with his lips, teeth gently tugging on her flesh. A whimper lodged in her throat.

A fingertip pressed into her opening, and another joined it, and they sank into her. She couldn’t breathe as he worked her with his mouth and fingers. So, so close…

He lifted his head and stopped thrusting.

“No—!”

“So impatient,” he murmured, teasing her with her own words. “No one keeps me away from you, not even you, my heart.”

“But you asked,” she whined.

“And so I did. Now that I get the gist of it…”

She glared and yanked at her wrists again.

He smiled.

God, if she didn’t love him with every fiber of her being, she’d…she’d chain him naked with some unbreakable twine in the damn dungeon. This castle must have one!

He flicked her clit, picking up on her thoughts, and her body shuddered. Desire soared.

I have you restrained, my mate. And you threaten me?

He withdrew his fingers, leaving her empty, achy, and needy, and he moved up her body, his erection a tormenting slide against her thighs.

“Lore,” she moaned, spreading her legs.

He gripped his heavy cock and pressed at her opening. The head breached her, and he pushed right inside, stretching her. And her aching inner muscles, needing something, clamped his sex hard?—

He grunted.

Nia panted, barely able to breathe. But damn, he felt so incredibly good!

He started moving, thrusting to the hilt and retreating, stealing her breath. The tightness and friction amped her straight to the edge. Her core clenched around him. His scorching gaze lowered to where they were joined, and he moved harder and faster.

I love watching how your body traps me, my heart.

Nia strained against her ties, moving her hips against his in tandem, chasing after her orgasm, everything in her focused on the impossible pleasure building in her core…

His mate. She was so beautiful in her need. And all his.

Her luscious breasts, framed by red silk, bounced with his rapid thrusts, calling out to him, her tan nipples beckoning. He squeezed one mound, then angled his head and tugged the tip with his lips and suckled?—

Stars! Her feminine muscles squeezed around his cock like a vise, and he grunted.

“Lore,” she whimpered. “I’m so close.”

“Then come with me.” He thrust into her harder and faster as his own release tore down his spine. Then he pressed his thumb on her clit and rolled the sensitive flesh?—

“Lore!” she cried his name, her core fisting him.

His balls tightened. His release exploded, his seed spraying into her. He grunted, pleasure crashing through him in waves…

Breathing hard, he dismissed the silk ties restraining her, sat, and drew her into his arms without dislodging his cock from her still spasming body.

She slumped against him, panting like she’d run miles.

Hell, he felt like he’d physically sprinted around the realm. He buried his face in her neck as an absolute knowing settled deep within him.

This is all I need .

Her.

He didn’t want a day to pass without her in his life ever again.

I love you, her voice coasted through his mind, imprinting in his soul.

His heart expanded, and all those emotions he never once thought he was capable of burst free for this human who’d stolen his heart and made it beat for the first time in millennia—from the very first moment their eyes met on that rooftop.

And I you, habibti . For now, always. And in every other lifetime…