Moonlight Captivation [Moon Shadows Book 1] (15 page)

Neman took his words to heart. Once again he failed to properly care for her.

"Oh rubbish, I'm going to be just fine.” She struggled to sit up, and Neman pushed her gently back.

"Uh-huh, honey. Those babies are taking all you got—you need to focus on regaining your strength,” said Darren.

"I'll see to it,” Neman vowed.

Slazzamar stood up straight, his ears twitching. “Do you feel that?"

Neman was too absorbed with his concern over Vanessa to notice his surroundings, but then he felt the energy in the air which meant only one thing.

"You've been here too long—they have found us,” Neman said. “We need to get her out of here, now. Can we move her?” he asked Darren.

"She's weak, but stable."

"Sorry, sweetness, but it will have to do."

"They'll trace us if we teleport back to the Zigg,” Slazzamar pointed out.

"I have a place here, outside London. We'll go there, then get far enough away to teleport in safety."

Darren was already unhooking Nessa from the machines.

Neman ripped off the bed sheet, gathered her up in his arms and held her close against his chest. Nessa glanced down at the sheet.

"Another bed sheet. Should I even bother with clothes anymore?” Nessa said, her ever-present humor showing through her unease.

"Sweetness, if we get out of this alive, I'm going to drape you in the finest silks on earth."

"I'd be happy with a pair of jeans and T-shirt at this moment.” She anchored her arm around his neck.

"Follow through my port,” he told Slazzamar, who was taking hold of Darren. A moment later they materialized in his mansion estate west of London at the base of a staircase.

"Goh blimey, you scared me, Neman!” Jonas, the middle-aged man who operated his London division exclaimed. He had a black metallic gun in the palm of his hand.

"Jonas, get everyone out now—we have incoming,” Neman snapped, before Jonas could start a round of questions, though he did look curiously at Nessa in his arms. Slazzamar appeared with Darren a moment later.

Jonas’ eyes widened and he turned, ran up the stairs and disappeared down the hall, yelling, “Code Red! Code Red!"

"This way.” Neman carried Nessa through the hall and under the stairs, heading to the back of the house where he kept a collection of cars.

"We have about three minutes, I'd say,” Slazzamar said.

"Three minutes for what?” Darren asked.

Neman studied the selection of keys hanging from a board on the wall as he came into the large garage. “Before those demons can track us to this location."

"They can do that?"

"It takes a good ten to fifteen minutes for the residual energy to fade after a teleport,” Slazzamar explained to Darren.

"Oh well, then let's get the hell out of here."

"Wow, nice collection,” Nessa said, peering at the row of sports cars. Neman selected the keys to the BMW 760 hanging besides the Jaguar XR, his Alfa Romeo 8C and several high-performance motorbikes.

"I hope you don't have any potatoes stashed under the sheet, sweetness."

Nessa's forehead creased in a frown before her eyes went wide as she registered what he was referring to. “You saw what I did to Larry's car?"

"I was watching,” he confessed, giving her a small smile as he unlocked the BMW.

As he hit a second button to make the garage door roll upwards, a sudden bang shook the house. Gunfire and yells could be heard. Games were over, it was time to leave. Quickly and as gingerly as possible, he placed her in the front seat, buckling her in securely. The other two jumped in the backseat, and Neman hurried to the driver's side. The car roared to life. Shoving it into gear, he slammed his foot down on the accelerator, as two Shadow warriors burst through into the garage. A bolt flew in their direction as the car's tires squealed and, as he accelerated forward, his Jaguar exploded, narrowly missing them.

"Holy crap!” The fright in Darren's voice was evident.

"Damn, there goes one cat I liked,” Neman muttered, as a second bolt hit the car, the back window shattering glass all over Darren and Slazzamar. Wind whipped in, the car taking a sharp corner. Coming around the front of the estate, Neman saw his men scrambling about. Swords flashed and sulfur guns flared, burning up the target on impact. His London team was cutting down the attacking demons. Lights flashed from behind them. Neman hissed angrily, seeing they'd taken his bikes.

"Damn, I like those bikes, as well. Slazzamar, take the wheel!"

"I've never driven a car!"

"I'll do it!"

Darren was climbing over the seats, while Neman flashed into the backseat, drawing out several of his blades. The buzz of speeding bikes revved faster behind them in the darkness.

"Head to the right!” he yelled at Darren.

Slazzamar clung onto the handrail.

"You take this.” Yelling above the rushing wind, he gave Slazzamar his semiautomatic pistol. “Aim and pull the trigger."

Slazzamar twisted in the seat, taking aim at the bikes. A bolt flew past and the whole car skidded to the right as Darren turned past the estate gates onto the main roadway. Slazzamar was knocked sideways. The gatepost exploded, sending concrete shrapnel into the car as they flew past. The bikes kept right behind them, and more deadly magic bolts flew at them.

Neman took aim and threw the first of his blades, hitting a Shadow demon right between its glowing, red eyes. The bike wobbled, sliding sideways, before slamming at full force into a tree. The second demon accelerated, coming up beside the car. Slazzamar fired several rounds at the creature. As one hit the bike, the demon leapt like a predatory cat from the bike onto the back of the car, landing with a resounding thump. Its red eyes glowed behind a human facade.

Neman lunged forward, knocking the creature backwards before it could charge a bolt. It fell with a heavy thud onto its back, denting the boot. Without hesitating, Neman leapt on it, plunging a second blade right into its heart, and giving it a twist to ensure he killed the Shadow demon. The creature thrashed about. Neman yanked out his blade, shoving the demon off the car and watched it hit the ground, rolling briefly before fading in the darkness.

"Hey, Nessa, just like V8 races down in Melbourne!” Darren yelled, the obvious adrenaline rush hitting him.

"Just keep your hands on the wheel, flyboy!” she said in a low voice.

"That was too darn close.” Neman scanned the darkness behind them to make sure no more creatures followed before sliding down into the glass-shattered car. “Everyone all right?"

"Just a normal night, eh?” Vanessa said quietly.

"I'll drive now. Slazzamar, change us.” He gave a nod and leant forward, placing his hand on Darren's shoulder. In the next instant, Darren was in his place, and Neman's eyes scanned the road ahead. He glanced at Vanessa, at her tired eyes and her face still pale in the darkness. Neman reached out, gently touching her cheek. He could feel her trembling body. He could see her white knuckles while she gripped onto the seat for dear life.

"It's going to be all right,” he promised her.

She nodded, but said nothing. She turned her head, staring out into the darkness. Neman would give anything to know what was going through her head. She came through everything with such grace, but was it starting to wear her down? Did she hate him for putting her through all this? Unfortunately, they had no choice.

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Demons cowered when a burst of strong demonic power exploded through the cavern. Only Belshazzar stood firm and unflinching as he delivered the news to her.

"Death will be too good for Slazzamar when I get my hands on him. A few thousand years in my hell pit, then I may decide whether or not to kill him,” she raged.

Belshazzar inclined his shadowy head towards her. “I had the mortals of the place of healing interrogated. The Chosen One carries not one child, but two."

Confusion creased her features. “How can this be? The prophecy dictates only one prince."

"My Queen.” Gremlock stepped forward, holding a scroll. “There is nothing to say either way, only whatever child or children come from their union and our Realm will be sealed shut, imprisoning us for eternity."

"The Chosen One is still alive after too many attempts. My warriors have come closer to killing her than any of yours."

"Were not your warriors killed by the mortals?” She sneered at Belshazzar.

"The mortals were well prepared to defend against our kind. It shall not happen again."

Jezebel snorted in disbelief.

Fernos, the Gorlon Kat demon, came rushing into Jezebel's throne room. “My Queen.” He skidded to a halt, bowing in front of her. “I have found where the Chosen One is hidden and the vile betrayer, Slazzamar."

"Then tell it, Fernos!” Jezebel impatiently snapped.

"I returned to the human hospital and watched and waited. I saw Slazzamar and his human. When they teleported, I was able to track, but not follow. A powerful magic ended my progress. Neman has a hiding place beneath the Moon Temple at Ur, my Queen."

Jezebel walked down the steps. “Well, it seems some people never leave home. It was said Nanna's temple was destroyed after a large earthquake, but now I suspect differently. It was moved and a new one built in its place,” Jezebel said, thoughtfully.

"I shall gather my army,” Belshazzar said, turning to leave.

"There may be heavy god magic on his temple, Belshazzar. We are going to need more than just warriors this time. We need a sorcerer—one loyal to our Realm."

"Azeral was defeated a thousand years ago and entombed,” Belshazzar said.

Azeral, the great demon sorcerer, was defeated by his own kind for breaking every kind of Outer Realm law imaginable in a lust for power exceeding even her own. Even Jezebel was glad to see him stopped.

"He was nothing but trouble. Xenith, of the sorcerer class, owes me a debt. It is time I cashed out."

"I believe the expression is ‘cashed in.’”

Belshazzar's disgusted snort enraged Jezebel. She clenched her fists, only keeping her rage in check because she needed Belshazzar and his army. When this was over, she would have a talk with Lord Derkin to help put Belshazzar down, once and for all. She gave him a tight, false smile. “Let us get this done."

Nessa tried to roll over, but found a heavy arm wrapped around her middle and a hard, warm body pressed against hers. Opening her eyes, she saw Neman asleep beside her. His usually hardened features were softened by his relaxed state. It seemed even gods needed their rest. Two days passed since their narrow escape from London, and Neman was more than doting, waiting on her hand and foot. Every time she tried to move, he was there to scold, growl or escort her into the bathroom, despite her ranting and protests. He made sure she ate everything she was brought—foods rich in protein, calcium and sugar. She drew the line at him feeding her.

Darren and Slazzamar returned to the hospital to obtain more medication to help her cope with her twins, as well as a range of pregnancy vitamins Darren insisted she take. A black lady with a cheery smile named Mona, came in bringing all the clothes she and Ana bought in Los Angeles, along with her favorite strawberry lotions, the brand of shampoos and soaps she used and brushes for her hair, colorful quilts and pillow coverings. They also brought in extra drawers and closets to hold all her new belongings. The once drab room was definitely now brightened with a feminine touch. She had truly moved in with Neman. Nessa was refreshed and energized from the care. Although she felt somewhat smothered, she was grateful. Having Neman so close to her was comforting, but she longed for more than just his caring touch—she missed his heated caress and passionate kisses.

Nessa smiled to herself. Shifting his arm slightly, she slithered down to press her lips against his chest. A slight dusting of hair tickled her nose as she sneaked her tongue out to swirl it around a masculine nipple before grazing it with her teeth. She felt a low rumble coming from his chest. Wickedly, she skimmed her fingers along his side, across the hardened planes of his stomach, letting her tongue trail a hot, wet path between the valleys of his muscles. She loved kissing and tasting his divine skin. He tasted so good, he was definitely her new addiction. He was naked, as he slept beside her and his erection hadn't gone unnoticed.

Finding his beautiful, hard length, she was barely able to wrap her fingers around it. Velvety soft, yet so solidly firm, she caressed the tip, feeling the slickness of his pre-cum. Neman's lips parted and giving a low moan, he shifted onto his back, his eyes still closed. Nessa raised herself up to slide farther down the bed until her lips lined up with his cock. She licked her lips before parting them, then darted out her tongue to slide it over the head and swirl it around. Tasting his salty, sweet flavor, she decided it was better than chocolate. She eagerly started licking up and down his length, enjoying every part of his cock. Her fingers found the large, tight sacs at the base and gave them a squeeze. Opening her mouth, she took in all she could, sucking gently at first.

He moaned, low, deep and guttural.

"Sweetness, what are you doing?"

His husky question came though his heavy breathing. She pulled her mouth off his cock.

"Enjoying myself. Do you want me to stop?” she asked and gave a long lick on the underside of his cock.

He shuddered.

"In your condition, you shouldn't."

But he made no move to stop her. She chuckled before taking him back between her lips, her fist holding and pumping what she couldn't fit into her mouth.

"Vanessa, sweetness."

He moaned, his fingers threading into her hair, cradling her head. Nessa took a deep breath, slipped her hand lower, then swallowed his cock down the back of her throat. Neman growled, his fingers digging into her scalp as she swallowed several times, before pulling back in to breathe.

"Oh baby, sweet mother of all,” he growled, letting go of her hair.

"Don't move—you're big enough to choke me.” She glanced up to see him looking down at her with a heated, passionate gaze. She loved to see that look in his eyes. Smiling, she went back to feasting on his cock, sucking long, hard and deep and extracting more moans. His fists gripped the sheets when she took him deep again. She felt him thicken before he burst. Then she heard the sheets tear, along with a muffled yell. As his hot, sweet cum hit the back of her throat, Nessa swallowed hard and fast until there was no more to take in. Slowly, she pulled back, licking around him to make sure she swallowed every last drop of his godly nectar before releasing his still-hard member from her mouth. With a self-satisfied grin, she looked up at him. “Hummm, better than chocolate."