Bonds of Fire: The Bellum Sisters 2 (paranormal erotic romance) (6 page)

“The pack is expecting us. They’ll be ready to greet their new queen.” Willow glared at him.

“I am not their queen.”

“Yet,” he added with a smile. Willow didn’t argue with him because her gut twisted with nerves. 

They pulled in front of a large white building with double-sided front doors. Dozens of cars were parked out front. Hell they were all probably waiting for them inside. One happy celebration.

They came to a stop and the guards got out, leaving her alone with Lyonis. He turned to her and she saw happiness in his eyes. He was happy to be back home. Hell, he was happy to be introducing her. A small part of her wished she was happy too, but she didn’t know this man or anything about him other than on a physical level. He was trying to strap her to him like a ball and chain.

“Nervous?” he asked.

“Like I’m about to go give a speech in front of the whole world.” He chuckled and grabbed her hand, lacing his fingers with hers. The touch made her swallow hard before she tugged her hand back.

“You don’t have to be nervous. They are excited to meet you.”

“Yeah, I bet.” She wished she hadn’t pulled her hand away now because that one touch made her feel a little bit safer. “Let’s just get this over with.”

They got out of the SUV and walked to the tall, ominous doors. Willow closed her eyes. What’s the big deal? It wasn’t like she was going to stay here.

She had no chance to prepare herself or even take a deep breath because Lyonis swung open the doors and dragged her inside to a quiet, staring audience. Dozens of scrutinizing gazes landed directly on her.

Willow lifted her chin and stared back. Dammit, if she could summon a demon, she could stand in front of a bunch of strangers.

Lyonis threw open his arms to encompass the crowd and announced, “I’m home!”

The pack erupted into smiles and cheers. All except for one woman. Willow’s eyes narrowed on her because she stared at her like she was some disgusting insect she wanted to squash. She didn’t clap nor cheer at her Alpha. Willow smirked and went to flip her the bird when Lyonis grabbed her hand and raised her arm into the air.

“I’ve brought back something special,” he said to the quieting crowd. “Much to my surprise, on my hunt to find the succubus that my dear friend Francis Bellum left to me, I have in fact found something much greater.”

All cheers ceased completely. The Alpha grinned, his eyes nearly bursting with happiness. Willow yanked on her hand to pull it back, but he held tighter.

“Everyone, I would like you to meet your new queen. Willow Marie Bellum.”

The crowd glanced at one another, then slowly, awkwardly started clapping.

“See, I told you they wouldn’t be happy about this,” she hissed. Lyonis smiled at her.

“It will take time. They will want to get to know you. This is the first step to full acceptance.”

“But she isn’t a shifter,” argued the blond-haired female who stared nails into her head.

Lyonis nodded. “It’s true. She is a succubus. But as all of you who are mated know, once you find your mate there is no changing it. There is no denying it, and it cannot be resisted.” The last part he said straight to her, in a low, husky voice. A shiver raced up her spine. Her face threatened to burst with a blush, and she prayed no one noticed her reaction. It won’t really help her escape plans if people thought she actually liked the Alpha.

“Why doesn’t she speak?” yelled someone in the audience.

“He’s been keeping her mouth too busy,” another man yelled out. The audience burst into laughter and Willow glared at Lyonis who laughed along with them. He shrugged at her and winked.

“They like you already. Willow and I have had a long trip. Tomorrow, first thing, we’ll get caught up. Jackie and Thane...” he said searching the crowd. Two people stepped forward. They had a look about them that said they could easily fight in a brawl and come out on top.

“Yes, Sir?” the one named Jackie said. She wore her ginger hair pulled back into a tight ponytail with a black tank top, shorts, and sneakers. Willow liked her already.

“You two in my office first thing. We have a lot to do discuss.”

“Yes, Sir,” the one named Thane said. He had long hair too; it was dark as night and complemented his tanned skin and hawkish nose perfectly.

“Goodnight, everyone. It is good to be home!” The crowd erupted in cheers as he led her away. “Time to go home.” He pushed her into the SUB when she didn’t get in on her own.

“Great idea. I happen to live in Florida, not that you’d care about that, and I’d like to go home now. So if you could just pull back over. I’ll happily get out of your hair.”

Lyonis’ mouth pulled into a hard line. For once he didn’t laugh or smile at her. “You put me in a difficult spot, Willow.” She turned slowly to him as her jaw fell open.

“I put you in a difficult spot. You have kidnapped me, which is against the law. You have taken my body when I didn’t want it—”

He slammed on the breaks. She flung forward in her seat. He faced her in a flash of anger. “Don’t you dare lie. You wanted me just as badly as I wanted you, maybe even more with that new moon affecting your body. Don’t you dare twist what happened between us into something else.” Willow slowly peeled herself off the air bag. It was on the verge of her tongue to apologize. He was right. She didn’t like it but he was right. She could have said a stern no to him back in Europe and she knew he’d back away, but she’d wanted him so badly.

“I—okay.” He tilted his head at her.

“That’s it? ‘Okay?’”

She gave him a tight smile and nodded once. Slowly, his lips pulled up until a broad smile that covered his face, popping that cute little dimple on his left cheek.

“Is it that hard for you?”

“Is what hard for me?”

“Apologizing,” he said simply. Willow gave him a disgusted look and turned her back on him. His laughter flowed over her like a caress. “You are one interesting woman, Willow. You and I will have great times together. I look forward to it,” he said softly.

Willow wrapped her arms around herself as a wave of sadness came over her. She wasn’t going to have a life with him. Even though a small part of her was slightly curious to know more about this male and his pack. She couldn’t do it, though. She couldn’t live the submissive lifestyle he required. She’d already tried it with David. Not no, but hell no. She learned her lesson in pain and humiliation already.

He pulled onto the road and soon they were at a rustic log cabin at the end of all the homes. His house sat back from everyone else’s as if he could watch over the others if he wanted to. It also sat near the edge of the forest. If she was lucky she might be able to escape through there. Already her spirits were lifting.

She grabbed her backpack from the back seat, followed him inside, and was surprised to find that his home was...nice. It was clean but with comfortable touches and lots of sofas and couches as if he was used to having people over.

“Shall I take you on the tour of the house?” She nodded because she was curious to see the rest of it. He led her into the kitchen and her brows rose to her hairline.

She let out a whistle. “This is nice. You do a lot of cooking?” He practically puffed up at the comment. The kitchen was filled with stainless steel appliances, a large island with a granite countertop, and a hanging potholder above it. There were cabinets lining three of the walls with glass windows on the front of them. She saw an arrangement of plates, glasses, and bowls that looked brand new.

“Yeah, we have a lot of gatherings and everyone does their share of cooking for it. After you become my wife, you can help me out in the kitchen.”

Willow snorted. “I don’t cook.” She crossed her arms at his laughter. “And I’m not going to be your wife.” His laughter died, then he was coming towards her. Willow refused to step back and show any sign of fear even though her heart was suddenly in her throat.

“Then I look forward to proving you wrong.” He loomed over her, a sensual presence that reminded her of the way his lips felt against hers, the way her body melted when he sunk his teeth into her neck. His eyes turned dark and erotic. She didn’t see him move but suddenly her back was pressed into the kitchen wall; his hands holding her hips.

Slowly, he bent towards her as he pulled her body into his. Her lips felt dry and in need of something. Her breasts pushed against his chest and tightened almost painfully in need. His hand came up to her chin, fingers trailing up her jaw in a gentle caress. Then his lips caught hers.

Willow let him because for those few precious seconds, she didn’t want anything more in life. His warm tongue teased the seam of her lips and coaxed them as if he was asking for permission. A part of her struggled to recall her wills, her strength.

She pulled back, mere inches separating their ragged breathing. The warm, wet heat of him lingered on her cooling lips.

As his eyes flickered over her eyes and lips with a hunger she was starting to understand all too well, he suddenly pulled back. Willow blinked, stunned.

“Come on,” he said gruffly and pulled her up the stairs and into a bedroom. Willow froze.

“I’m not sleeping with you.” She started out of the room but he grabbed her hand and in a dance-like move, spun her into his arms. Then his lips were at her neck, scalding her as he kissed along her pulse. Please don’t let him feel how fast it is, she prayed.

“Yes, you are, my Willow. Every night for the rest of your life. Whether you accept it or not, you’re mine. I have extra guards stationed outside. You will not get away from me now.” Her eyes snapped open and she pushed hard against his chest. He moved away with that damn grin on his face.

She barely restrained the urge to hit him. Guards would put a damper on her escape plans, but she’d outrun the great Alpha for several days, she was certain she could get by a few measly guards.

“Fine,” she said with a sugary smile, “but I’m still not sleeping in that bed with you.” For the first time since she met him, she watched him clench his jaw side to side. As soon as he did it he stopped and once again was relaxed. His bright eyes landed on her, rooting her in place.

Softly he said, “You will sleep in that bed with me.” Chills broke out over her arms. She heard the underlying threat in his words. Just what would he do? If he thought he could challenge her and win, he was wrong. She was born to win.

“I’m taking the couch.” She turned but didn’t even have time to take a step when suddenly he was in front of her. He tackled her legs and lifted her into a fireman’s hold. Willow sputtered as she struggled against his firm hold.

“The bed, with me, every night.” He threw her on the bed and tossed a leg over her waist to hold her down. She wheezed in air. Dammit, it was like having a tree fall on her. He picked up the corner of the comforter and tore it into long, thick pieces.

“What the hell are you doing?”

“Tying you up.” She let out a fierce growl and struggled hard beneath his leg. He didn’t move an inch. She moved to slap him but he caught each of her wrists and began tying them together.

Suddenly she froze. He did too at that exact moment. Their eyes met as they both remembered. Her breath quickened and she felt a blush warming her cheeks.

She turned her face away from him and closed her eyes in shame. She was weak around him. How was it she couldn’t even control something as simple as her body’s reaction? She walked when she wanted to walk; she yelled when she wanted that. But she couldn’t keep her body’s reaction under control as she remembered the way he’d taken her in that club.

Hot liquid pooled deep within her. She clamped her thighs together to keep it at bay. He bent down over her and she was nearly shaking with anticipation. How much she actually wanted his touch scared her more than any demon could.

His teeth latched onto her neck and the moan she let out couldn’t be stopped. Need grabbed hold of her with hard, unrelenting hands.

“Willow.” His voice was liquid smoke, husky and thrilling. She shivered at his breath blowing against her. Then his leg lifted off her.

He picked her up and tossed her further up on the bed, her head bounced off the pillow like a ragdoll. He knelt on the bed and crawled towards her. Some semblance of reality came through.

“Don’t,” she begged. He stopped moving but his eyes didn’t. They trailed over her breasts, stomach, and thighs as if he was picturing everything underneath.

Coming to a stand, he started pulling off his clothes. Willow tensed, tried to look away, but couldn’t. She’d denied herself the pleasure of this in the Russian hotel and her eyes wouldn’t miss it now.

His shoulders and chest were sculpted with lean, hard muscles. His chest was covered in a dusky layer of light brown hair. When he dropped his pants, Willow twisted on the bed.

He was long and thick and pointed up. He finished taking off his clothes and merely stood, watching her with dark, intense eyes. When his hand fisted his cock, she gasped. Watching her all the while, he dragged his hand up and down his cock. Her body tightened as if he was touching her; as if her body was preparing herself for that cock.

He came around to the other side of the bed, his hand still pumping up and down. He reached her side and she couldn’t take her eyes off him.