Alistair’s Bed (16 page)

While she was still limp and panting from her release Alistair rolled them over again, leaving her for only a moment while he reoriented his body to hers. His kiss was tender and he settled his big body over hers with a gentleness that belied the need in his eyes. “I love you,” he whispered against her lips.

“I love you too.” She drew up her knees, inviting him to take her. “I want to do this with you forever.”

“That’s my intention.” He laughed, his eyes gleaming with the love she knew was showing in her own expression. He gathered her hands in his and lifted them over her head, pinning them with one hand as he arched his hips and eased himself into her slick heat.

He made love to her slowly, both of them savoring each moment, lingering over every sensation and touch. Gradually their passion grew; gentle touches grew bolder, tenderness gave way to need. Her legs lifted and wrapped around his hips, urging him deeper with every panting thrust.

His lips never left hers, even their breath was shared. They moved as one, both of them completing what the other lacked. She felt her body tighten, arching up beneath him as her release began to build. His pleasure flooded her senses and she knew he would be feeling the same, both of them feeding off the other in a perfect circle of give and take. He released her hands and pushed himself higher above her, dropping the last of his control as they once again raced towards their inevitable orgasms.

Keri’s pulse raced and her blood felt as though it was liquid light, singing and sparkling through her veins. Every nerve screamed with pleasure as he filled and stretched her, driving her to the edge of the abyss and then right over the edge into a whirlwind of blissful release.

Her body lifted and shuddered as she came undone beneath him and Alistair came hard, jet after jet of his semen leaving his body as he cried out her name again and again like a prayer.

Keri felt his warm breath fan over her neck and turned to kiss his cheek, laughing as she realized she barely had the energy to move. “I’m going to need to start drinking energy drinks just to keep up with you.”

Alistair eased himself off of her and sprawled onto his back, tugging her up against his side as his breathing gradually returned to normal. “We’ll be sure to bring some across next time we are in your world. I’ll stock the house with them.” He pressed a kiss to her hair and snuggled her in closer. “Anything my mate needs, we’ll bring here.”

She sighed in contentment and nodded. “I’ll make a list for later. Right now though, I think we better rest. Unless I am mistaken? I believe in a few hours we’re supposed to be at your parents for dinner, and this time I’m determined to be well rested and fully clothed.”

He snorted with laughter, “They may not recognize you that way.” He reached over to tug a blanket over them both and closed his eyes. “Welcome to my life, Beautiful.”

***

EPILOGUE

Keri turned the final screw and set down her tools. “There, it’s done.” She stepped back to admire her handiwork, a proud smile on her face.

“It’s beautiful.” Alistair’s arm snaked around her waist and tugged her into his side as they both looked at her creation.

The bed had taken her months to finish, but now it was done and assembled in her bedroom on Salt Spring. The entire frame was carved, sanded and polished by hand, the detailed work calling to mind a forest clearing. Just as she’d envisioned, the columns appeared as trees, the canopy made up of their interwoven branches.

They’d decided to split their time between the two planes, spending the spring and summer months on the island and then leaving for his home as the grey days of rain and dampness came to the west coast.

Many locals were snowbirds, taking off to warmer climes when winter came. No one had questioned it, and it had allowed her to keep part of her old life while embracing her new one.

She glanced up at Alistair and her heart skipped over in her chest as it always did when she realized he was hers, forever. “Are you really alright with me bringing all my tools to your home when we settle there next week?” She asked.

“Of course I am. By then the workspace will be ready for you, and I already know what your next project should be.”

“I’m the artist, I’m supposed to decide on my own projects!” She punctuated her words by tapping her index finger against his broad chest.

“Don’t you at least want to hear my idea?” He grinned at her, looking smugly handsome as he held her close.

Keri raised a brow, sensing he was up to something. “What’s your idea then?”

“A crib.” He murmured and leaned down to kiss her cheek as his hand smoothed down to span her stomach.

“But why would we need a— oh!” Keri’s heart seemed too big for her chest suddenly and her voice went low and very soft. “Really? You’re sure?”

“Really.” He grinned. “I wasn’t expecting to have a family of my own for another century or more; you are magical, and I am the happiest daemon in all the planes. I have my mate, and soon, my child”

Keri beamed back, her eyes brimming with tears of joy as she lay her hands over his where they spanned her stomach. “It takes two to make this kind of magic.”

“So it does.” His lips found hers as he lifted her up and carried her over to their new bed. “Enchanted or not, I promise you’ll not be able to leave this bed for at least a week.”

Keri just laughed. She had no doubt the bed she had carved had a magic all its own; every part of it had been crafted with love, tears and thoughts of her beloved daemon. She’d made this bed for them.

He leaned down and kissed Keri tenderly. “I hope she has your beautiful hair.”

Keri just grinned for a moment before replying, “He or she, I just hope they don't have your horns, at least not until
after
they are born!”

The End

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed Alistair’s Bed. The next book in the series, Malyk’s Salvation, is also available for you to enjoy.

Susan Hayes

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susan lives out on the Canadian west coast surrounded by open water, dear family, and good friends. She’s jumped out of perfectly good airplanes on purpose and had lunch next to royalty by accident. She’s worked for local law enforcement, been a freelance wordsmith, and bakes what she claims are the world’s best double-chocolate-and-caramel brownies. She’s passionately in love with the written word (and a few of her more hunky creations). Writing is her joy, her escape from reality, and the only way she knows of to quiet the nagging harridan of a muse she claims the universe assigned to her.

For more about Susan Hayes and a complete list of her books, please visit her website:

susanhayes.ca