Jill felt a lot better after a shower. The cave had hot water. Aveoth had told her a bit about the cliffs as she’d eaten. It amazed her that a small city had been built inside a mountain. She dried off her skin and used another towel to scrub at her dripping hair.
Aveoth had laid essentials out on the counter that included shampoo, conditioner, plastic razors, body wash, and a new toothbrush. They were all brands she normally couldn’t afford. He’d even thought of deodorant. She put some on and hesitated. Would Aveoth be waiting outside the door? He’d promised to leave her something clean to wear on the bed she’d slept in the night before.
“I can’t stay in here forever,” she muttered and opened the door. The bedroom was empty but there was a robe laying on the bed. It was a silky black material and looked skimpy. It was a reminder that Aveoth expected her to have sex with him. “Shit.”
“Is there a problem?”
Aveoth’s deep voice startled her, and she spun as the door to the hallway opened. He strode in as if he owned the place, which he did. She clutched at the towel. “I was hoping for a real outfit. You know. Pants. A shirt. Underwear. Maybe a bra.”
He kept about four feet of space between them. “I apologize. I didn’t have time to prepare for your arrival. Decker called minutes before I flew to that landing strip to pick you up. It was the first I was told of your existence. I’ve asked my mother to send Renna here. She’ll measure you and have garments made.”
She eyed his outfit. He’d put on a black pirate shirt and matching loose pants that could be described as breaches. His feet were bare. “I’m almost afraid to see what those will be. Do I get to look like a pirate too?”
He glanced down and frowned. “This is casual wear.”
“Sure. If the year were seventeen-fifty, maybe.”
“I see your point. You’re going to dislike the dresses our women wear. They are formal gowns.”
“How formal?”
“Long gowns that cover women’s legs to the ankles.”
“That’s a joke, right?”
“No.”
“I refuse.” She held his gaze as she clutched at her towel, making sure she didn’t flash him. “I’d prefer to dress like a wench. Those at least look comfy. You’re not getting me into a some gown. No way, no how. I wore one once for a Halloween party. Can you say miserable? I did, about a million times in the course of four hours. It was bulky and I kept tripping on the skirt.”
“I’m sorry. You’ll only have to dress that way when we leave my home.”
“How often will that be?”
“I’m not leaving you alone, so you’ll go to work with me.”
“More judging?”
“Sometimes. I have a lot of meetings, too, in the main hosting room with various clansman about our general welfare and needs.”
“That’s what Kelzeb called your living room downstairs.”
“That’s the formal living room. We host friends there. It’s an old term. We have a clan hosting room where I keep a desk and hold meetings. It isn’t inside my home.”
“Oh.” She gave her attention to the robe and lifted it, studying it. “Nice. It belongs to a woman. Who donated it?”
He said nothing, so she stared at him. He looked uncomfortable.
She dropped the robe as if it were hot. Jealousy was the emotion that hit her. She resented that, too. It shouldn’t matter if Aveoth had tried to give her something that had probably belonged to one of his ex-girlfriends. She sure didn’t plan on becoming his new one.
“I’ll just put my dirty clothes on.”
“Use the robe.”
“No thanks.”
The frown lines around his mouth deepened.
“I’ll guess that belonged to someone you used to sleep with.” She figured that wasn’t a far stretch to make. “Tacky, Wings. Very tacky.”
“She never wore it. It was something I bought as a gift. She died before her birthday.”
A flash of pain showed on his face. It made her inwardly wince at her harsh words. “I’m sorry.”
“I wasn’t in love with her. The robe is new. You should wear it. It’s the only feminine thing I had. I sent her belongings back to her family but forgot about the robe until I was searching through my closet to find something for you to wear.”
“I’m good in my own clothes.”
“I never slept with her.” He stepped closer. “We were occasional lovers but she slumbered in a guestroom below. This room and my bedroom were off limits to Lane.”
Jill found that kind of sad and cold at the same time. “That doesn’t help any.”
Aveoth lifted his hand and ran it through his hair. He strode over to the bed and sat down hard. “Damn. I’m making a mess of this.” He locked gazes with her. “You’re as foreign to me as I am to you. Everything I say seems to make you dislike me. I want things to work between us.”
To see him looking and sounding so vulnerable tugged at her heart. It reminded her of what a crappy childhood he’d had, the stories he’d told her. An image flashed of a small boy with wings breaking the rules to spend time with his mother. There was so much she didn’t know about him. “Tell me about this ex of yours.”
“I’m the lord of this clan, Jill. Certain things have been expected of me. Lane was one of them. She was a VampLycan.”
Jill moved closer and actually sat on the bed a few feet from him. “I don’t understand. What did your girlfriend have to do with your clan?”
“Unmated lords tend to keep a lover. It’s a status thing.” He sighed, rubbing his legs with both hands and staring at the rug on the floor. “I didn’t have one for years. It wasn’t a secret, so sometimes women in the clan would offer to become my lover. I turned them all down. They didn’t want me. To be the lover of a lord puts them in a position to expect certain favors and advantages. I only accepted Lane because she wasn’t from my clan, and she didn’t want anything from me except to escape her own. I understood that.”
“Why did she want to escape her clan?”
“She had fallen in love with a man she’d become a lover to. They were together for seven years. He was an enforcer who was sent on missions sometimes. He went to help a Lycan pack that was being attacked by Vampires and met a woman there.” Aveoth turned his head to stare at her. “This VampLycan had lost his own mate to death years before Lane came into his life. He swore he wouldn’t take another mate, but Lane had hoped he would fall in love with her. Sometimes a deep bond grows between lovers. They aren’t true mates, but they make a lifelong commitment to be together. Instead, he fell in lust with a Lycan on that mission, and she agreed to come home with him if he’d make her his mate. He made that commitment to her. It deeply hurt Lane.”
“Oh man. That’s so messed up.” Jill felt bad for the woman.
“Lane couldn’t stand to see them together, and told me as much when she pleaded her case to become my lover. I accepted her. I thought I was doing a good thing. It would give her time to heal and part of me hoped she’d meet someone here who would pull at her heart.”
That stunned her. “You wanted her to fall for someone else while she was with you?”
“We weren’t what you’d consider in a relationship. I allowed her to live in my home. Lycans go into heat, and Gargoyles experience the same thing, only we call it the ravage. Do you know what that is?”
“I can figure it out. I fed a stray cat for a while. She wasn’t fixed and I couldn’t catch her to take her to a vet. She’d go into heat and disappear for days to go meet up with boy cats.”
Aveoth nodded. “It’s the only time I went to Lane’s bed. And she needed me when she was in heat. It was just sex. I didn’t even sleep next to her. I’d leave her bed to go to my own. It worked for us both. Then one day I came home and couldn’t find her. She’d jumped to her death. I didn’t know she had grown despondent here. She could have returned home at any time. I made sure she knew she was free to leave.”
Unlike me. Jill didn’t say it aloud. “I’m sorry. I’ve heard most people who are really set to commit suicide don’t give warning signs that are easy to pick up, or it’s often a sudden decision. They just do it so no one can stop them.”
He stared at the rug again. “I was angry that she died. Some of my clan believe I might have thrown her off my ledge. I didn’t. I’d never harm a woman.” He looked at her again, his expression pained. “Please believe me.”
She didn’t have to think about it. He hadn’t hurt her and she wasn’t afraid of him. “I do.”
“Good. I liked Lane here. I had my selfish reasons.”
“Sex?”
He shook his head. “She kept other women from approaching me.”
“How long did she live with you?”
“Four years.”
She did the math. “What happened to the lover you had before her?”
“There wasn’t one.”
That surprised her. “She was the only woman you’ve ever had sex with?”
He smiled. “No. I’m older than I look, remember? I flew to human areas and had one-time sex encounters with women, but it was rare.” His humor faded fast. “The woman who was supposed to be my first lover was arranged by my father. He couldn’t resist using me to form an alliance with Decker. I was sixteen at the time and had no say in the matter. Neither did the girl. She was a blood relation to you. I discovered later that she was the younger sister of Decker’s mate. Your grandmother’s sister. I—”
Shit. “You did my great-aunt?” That was creepy and a big ewww factor.
He shook his head. “We never became lovers. She was only thirteen at the time the alliance was made, and it was luckily decided to wait until she reached eighteen to be sent to live with me. I wouldn’t have touched her if she’d come to me that young. I’m not sick enough to steal someone’s childhood away from them, unlike Decker and my father. It wasn’t long after that when I had to challenge my father.”
He paused. “Decker offered her to me as soon as word spread that I’d won. I refused, demanding we keep the original timeline in place. I should have taken her from her clan, but I didn’t know she was in danger. She would visit once a month but never told me what she was being ordered to do.”
“What was that?”
He clenched his hands into fists. “Decker had a tendency to use some of his unmated clanswomen as assassins. I believe he trained Margola to be one so he could one day order her to kill me. That bastard said she died from drowning in the river, and that’s why he couldn’t show me her body. He claimed it was never recovered. But I dug deeper. He’d sent her after a VampLycan who’d fled the clan. She lost when she tried to take out her target.”
“How did you find out she was an assassin?”
“Not everyone in Decker’s clan liked him. I got my information from someone who despised Decker, and tracked down the VampLycan who’d fled to find out if he’d been the one to take her out. He was.”
“Did you kill him?”
Aveoth shook his head. “He was only trying to protect himself and his human mate. She was pregnant with his child. That’s why he’d fled. Decker had sent him on a mission. He’d fallen in love and they were expecting a child. He felt terrible, but Margola forced him to kill her. He’d begged her to just let them escape. She attacked and wouldn’t yield.”
Jill nodded. “Makes sense. She was probably afraid she’d be killed anyway if she returned without getting the job done.”
Aveoth frowned, staring at her with narrowed eyes.
“I’ve watched hitmen movies and read books about them. You flub a job and it’s a death sentence.”
His features relaxed. “She only had to tell me what Decker was making her do and I would have protected her from him. You’re of her bloodline, but the two of you are drastically different. She wasn’t headstrong, from what I knew of her. You’d have refused to do his bidding.”
It reminded Jill of what she’d heard Boon and Cole discuss. “What’s the deal with the bloodline thing? Those jerks who kidnapped me said it made me valuable. At the time, I chalked it up to them being crazy, but now I know so much more… They implied you wanted me for my bloodline.”
“Margola visited me once a month specifically for me to drink a little of her blood. It wasn’t sexual,” he added quickly. “I’d bite her wrist. It was because her clan felt if I drank her blood, I’d form some kind of attachment to her. They believe Gargoyles have no ability to feel. Not that I blame them. Some don’t seem to, or hide it so damn well, even I can’t detect their emotions. Decker is convinced I grew addicted to her blood. That’s why he thought I’d make any deal he wanted in exchange for you. Because you’re her descendant, with the same bloodline.”
“Did you become addicted to my great-aunt’s blood?”
He smiled. “I can’t tell you all of my secrets, beautiful. Give it time.” He stood. “I’ll get you something of mine to wear.”
She watched him use the connecting bathroom to leave and couldn’t help but feel confused. It had been a simple question, but the answer must be complicated since he’d fled to another room. She was pretty sure his answer would be a yes. It also meant he wasn’t going to give her up easily or without a fight, if what ran through her veins was something he craved.
She’d met plenty of addicts growing up in the neighborhoods she’d lived in. They’d committed terrible crimes to get their next fix.
Was her blood Aveoth’s high? What was he willing to do to gain access to it?
He returned soon, holding a folded shirt and soft pants. “Here. I don’t have underclothing that would fit you. Come into the living room when you’re dressed. You said you enjoy reading. We’ll see if I have any books that you like.” He left through the hallway door, closing it behind him.
“You’re not getting off the hook that easily, Wings,” she whispered.
* * * * *
Aveoth lowered the glass he sipped from when Jill walked down the hallway, and swallowed hard. He’d given her one of his shirts and a pair of cotton stretch shorts that should have fallen just under her knees. All of his pants would be too long on her much shorter frame.
It appeared she had chosen to only wear the shirt. The view of her bare thighs teased him as she walked.
“It’s a good thing your home is warm.”
He tore his gaze off her lower half to stare into her eyes. “I gave you more to wear.”
“The waist on the shorts was too big.”
“They have drawstrings inside them.”
“Oh.” She shrugged. “What smells so good?”
“Don’t get too excited. I just warmed some leftovers. I was hungry. You’re more than welcome to join me for a snack. I hope you enjoy elk stew.”
She wrinkled her nose. “I’ve never had it, to be honest.” She walked up to the island that separated them, hiding her legs from his view. Her expression smoothed out. “I’m adventurous though. I’ve tried some weird foods while on dates.”
He didn’t like to think about her with other men and forced his attention back to the pan in front of him. “Like what?”
“Sushi. Know what that is?”
“Of course. I might live here but I’m not that cut off from the world. Did you like it?”
“Some of it was decent but I prefer my food cooked. I was taken to a seafood place that served shark and eel. It wasn’t for me.”
“It’s a good thing we’re not too close to the ocean then.” He turned off the heat to the pan and spooned stew into two bowls. He lifted them and walked around the island, placing them in front of the pair of barstools. He went to the fridge. “What would you like to drink? I have soda, water, beer, and milk.”
She didn’t answer.
He turned, lifting one eyebrow at her in question. “What?”
“Milk? Is there a grocery store around here somewhere?”
“We have cows.”
She looked momentarily surprised, then sighed.
“We’re civilized, Jill.”
“Do you have chickens, too?”
“I’ll tell you if you let me know what you want to drink. I’m hungry.”
“Soda, please.”
He grabbed two cans and sat next to her, the silverware and napkins already something he’d set out. “We do have chickens. We let the younglings tend to the animals near the base of the cliff. It teaches them responsibility.”
“Younglings. You mean kids.”
“Yes.”
“Why at the base of the cliffs?”
“In the warm months, we allow the animals to go outside. Do you know how difficult it would be to fly a cow thousands of feet down to the base of the cliff? They need to be kept inside during the winter months or they’d die from the cold.”
“Okay. I guess that makes sense.” She took a bite of the stew.
He watched her, gauging her reaction. Part of making her happy would be serving her foods she enjoyed. She took another bite, so he relaxed, digging into his own bowl. He figured Jill would complain if she hated it.
He ate fast, used to not sharing his meals. He got a second bowl and polished that off as well.
“What other kinds of animals do you have?”
It seemed a good thing that she showed interest in anything at the cliffs. “Goats, lambs, sheep, cows, chickens, and a few bulls for breeding.”
“I can see the cows for milk and the chickens for eggs. Even the bulls, but why the others?”
“To produce wool, meat, milk, and they’re good animals capable of surviving at the cliffs. We don’t like to be completely dependent on hunting for meat or fish that are plentiful in the nearby areas. I happen to love scrambled eggs once in a while. Horses didn’t fare well. They hated being contained inside for month after month.”
“Do you have a garden?”
“The conditions are too harsh with the dense growth of the trees, so it’s not feasible. Not enough sunlight to sustain a large enough area to grow for the whole clan. We order some supplies from large companies. They are delivered to a warehouse the clan owns near a larger city, and we transport them in over the summer months to store up for the winter.”
“It would be so much easier to live in cities.”
He smiled, guessing where her mind went. “It probably would be but we couldn’t fly in populated areas. It would be a risk that someone would catch us on camera and post the footage to the internet. Out here, we’re free to be ourselves. My territory is clear of humans.”
“I’m in it.”
“You aren’t fully human.”
She stopped eating and put down her spoon. “I don’t have fangs or a hair issue. I don’t belong here.”
He looked at her, spotting the sheen of tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry you were dragged into this, Jill. You seem to be a very reasonable woman. I wouldn’t lie to you. It’s not safe for me to return you to the life you had. I’ll be completely frank. Are you ready to hear it?”
She nodded. “I’m waiting with baited breath.”
He admired her spunk. “When you ran into that guard statue, you bled. Do you remember?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t smell completely human when you’re injured. It’s a miracle that you were never attacked by Lycans or Vampires. The scent of your blood would have told them you weren’t completely human. It would have put a target on your back. They hate VampLycans and probably would have killed you or, like your grandfather, tried to use you to gain something they wanted. The best outcome would have been if they’d bargained with the VampLycans for your life. The worst would have been them turning you over to some crazy-ass Vampire master who wanted to torture you. Your bloodline makes you unique. To be blunt, you’re a sick fuck’s wet dream.”
“Why?”
“Why would they want you? You don’t have the strength of a VampLycan so you aren’t a threat to them. You may even be immune to mind control from a Vampire. When they get excited, their eyes begin to glow. Typical humans are entranced by the sight, hypnotized. See the problem if a Vamp wants to induce terror and screams? It kills their fun. You’d be perfect. They can be vicious bastards. Plus, they really despise VampLycans.”
“Why do they hate them so much?”
“You should know your history.” He sighed. “A nest of Vampires and a pack of Lycans paired up a few hundred years ago, after both of them were tired of being hunted by humans. Vampires can erase and mess with human memories, but sunlight kills them. They had to hide during the day. That often meant being trapped in small, confined spaces with no escape if they were found. Meanwhile, Lycans had to live nomad lives to avoid detection. Humans caught on that Lycans were different when they were around them long enough. Plus, they tend to shift out of extreme fear or anger. So the Lycans protected the Vamps while they slept, and the Vampires made sure humans never remembered if they saw something off with a Lycan.”
“A perfect pairing,” Jill murmured.
“It was at first, until a few Lycans and Vampires became lovers. I should say they were more than that. Lycans take mates, and Vampires have companions. It’s basically the same thing. They commit to each other for life and deep emotions are involved.” He shrugged. “It was considered a good thing to strengthen their alliance. The problem arose when the Lycan women mated to Vampires became pregnant. Vamps are sterile—but they’d finally found a loophole. The nest turned on the Lycans. The strongest Vamps tore into the minds of Lycan women and convinced them they were mated to get them to ovulate.”
Jill had to close her mouth. It had fallen open. “They can hypnotize Lycans too?”
Aveoth nodded. “It’s complicated. A master or someone equally strong can. The Lycans realized what was going on quickly, and they fought to be free. You see, mind control over Lycans doesn’t last long term the way it does with humans. Once the Vamp releases a Lycan mind, they’re immediately aware of what was done to them. They remember every single moment of when they were being controlled. It was paramount that the Lycans escaped before the Vamps could weaken them and imprison their entire pack. Then all the Vampires, regardless of their age or strength, could control their minds.”
“How do you weaken a Lycan?” Jill had a feeling she wasn’t going to like the answer but she was curious.
“Torture, beatings, blood loss, and starvation.”
“Shit.” She felt sick.
“The Lycans ran away. They came to Alaska, where there weren’t enough humans at the time to feed a Vampire nest. VampLycan children were born, and they police Vampires now. VampLycans never want the past to be repeated. They’ll send hunting parties after any nest that preys on Lycan women. It’s a death sentence to force the women to birth their children. Vampires like to think they’re at the top of the food chain, but they created something far stronger than they are. It’s caused a lot of resentment and rage on their part.”
“Is anything stronger than a VampLycan in this food chain?”
Aveoth nodded. “We are—but I will never go to war with VampLycans. We’re allies. They have honor and don’t abuse their powers. We share values and want to keep the peace between all races. Bad guys need killing and good guys should win.”
She peered at him with interest. “Decker is a VampLycan. You don’t seem to like him. I know I sure don’t.”
“He and his enforcers are a rarity. They need to die because they have no honor and don’t value any life. Decker wanted to enslave his own people and others. There’s evil in every race.”
“True enough.”
“You aren’t safe around Vampires or Lycans, Jill. Both live in your human cities.” He stared at her with sincerity. “A cut of your finger near one, and they’d know you’re not fully human. Lycans live in packs. Ones that don’t are considered a threat to their existence because it’s unnatural to them to be solitary. Most rogues are rule breakers, killers, and packs actively hunt them. They could see you as one.”
“Nobody ever bothered me.”
“You’ve been lucky. They try to blend with humans. It helps them fit in and gain a footing in your world. You could get into a car accident and the police officer or the paramedic might be non-human.” He paused. “They take jobs that give them access to blood, to cover up incidents that might reveal what they are, and some even work with the government.”
She let that sink in.
“You’re safe here, Jill.”
She frowned. “It doesn’t seem that way. You’re worried about your own people turning on you. I was paying attention this morning.”
“True, but I’d fly you to safety if that ever happens. I’d take you to the VampLycans. They’d protect you while I dealt with the mess here.”
“They might turn me over to Decker or Decon.”
“Never. I’d leave you with Velder’s clan. They have honor, and you have family there.”
“I think I’d like to avoid any Filmores.”
“You have two cousins who are half human. Both women mated to VampLycans in that clan.”
That news surprised Jill. “I do?”
“Decker’s daughter fled to live with humans, and mated to one. She had two daughters. Decker tricked them into coming to Alaska and their mates saved them from ending up being used by him.”
She opened her mouth, a hundred questions filling her head.
A loud pounding sounded before she could voice any of them.
Aveoth stood fast. “Go to your room. Wait for me there and don’t come out.” He strode away, down a hallway that led to the stairs.
His abrupt and curt tone implied danger. She got up, but instead of doing as she’d been ordered, quietly followed him. If they were going to be attacked by his people, she wanted a heads up. She crept down the stairs and tiptoed toward where the beds had been put on the floor.
“I asked you want you wanted. Get to the point.” Aveoth’s tone wasn’t friendly.
“You had a human brought to you?” The voice was female, and ice cold.
“What I do is none of your concern, Winalin. Leave.”
“Would you like to have this discussion here in the hall where anyone could happen upon us or would you prefer to let me pass to allow for privacy?”
“I have nothing to say to you. I made that clear.” Aveoth’s voice deepened.
“I have things to say to you.” Winalin’s tone rose. “Let me pass, or gossip-spreaders will be busy today.”
“Fuck,” Aveoth rumbled. A door slammed.
Jill hesitated, not sure if she should keep eavesdropping or rush upstairs. He must have slammed the door in that woman’s face. The real question that bothered her was, who was Winalin to him?
“Say what you have to and then get out,” Aveoth snapped.
Jill tensed, realizing he must have let the woman inside.
Silence stretched and no one spoke. It made Jill want to sneak closer to the opening and peer into the other room to see what was going on.
“Goddamn it,” Aveoth thundered, making Jill jump. “You wanted to talk, so do it. Stop staring at me. I’m in no mood to waste a day waiting for you to form words. Spit it out, Winalin.”
“What have you done to the hosting area?”
“It’s none of your business, but I’m using the mattresses for training. Just say what you must and then get out.”
“There was no need for you to send for a human breeder, my Lord. I am right here. My brother and I have discussed this many times. Your younglings should be born of strong bloodlines for the sake of the clan’s future.”
“I see you’re still eager to become a whore for Elco. Get out, Winalin. I’ve told you, I’ll never visit your bed, nor you mine. I’d rather fly through a wildfire than touch you. It would be a more pleasurable experience for me.”
“You insult me?” The woman’s voice remained calm and cool.
“As if I could. You do that to yourself every time you come to offer your body for my use.”
“I’m a pure-blood Gargoyle willing to mate or breed with you. That’s a high honor.”
“One I have no interest in. Have I not made myself clear?”
“You would choose a human breeding vessel to birth your youngling over a pure-blood?”
Aveoth snarled. “Why do you and your brother assume the human is here for me to breed?”
“There’s no other reason, my lord. You’d have chosen another VampLycan if you sought a lover. I offer to become your mate. It would settle you as our lord.”
“Settle me?” Aveoth laughed. It sounded harsh. “I am your lord. Elco may challenge me if he believes otherwise. I’d happily take his head in a fight.”
“You’re twisting the meaning of my words! A mated lord with strong sons is best for the clan’s future.”
“Did Elco tell you this? I would never have been born if bloodlines weren’t mixed. One of my first executive orders was changing the title of our clan to GarLycans after I challenged my father. I beat him, and he was a full-blood. Do you know why? That Lycan blood of mine gives me some advantages. Do yourself a favor and find a GarLycan who makes you feel something, anything, Winalin. Step out of your brother’s shadow and take control of your future. Elco is archaic in his ways and thinking. It’s not a crime to seek happiness in your life. You don’t want to be with me any more than I wish to be with you.”
“You need to choose me. I’m better than a human. “
“No.” Aveoth paused. “You’re not. I’ve made my choice. Get out.”
Jill strained to hear the door open and close but only silence could be heard.
“Goddamn it!” Aveoth yelled. “Don’t undress! I don’t want you, Winalin.”
“I’m offering you my body, my life, and all that I am. You can take me as your mate or as your breeding vessel. I will not return to Elco without your child inside my womb.”
“I’ll toss your ass out into the hallway naked if you keep removing that dress. Do you understand me?” Aveoth sounded pissed. “I feel nothing for you.”
“Your Lycan side will rise. Bare skin will incite your lust.”
“Another bit of bad advice you got from your brother?” Aveoth’s tone sounded bored now. “Your breasts are doing nothing for me.”
Jill’s mouth dropped open. It sounded as if the woman was really stripping in the other room.
Emotions hit—and none of them were good. Jealousy took the lead. She didn’t like it one bit that someone was trying to seduce Aveoth. Part of her wanted to storm out there and tell the bitch to stop acting like a ho. He’d made it abundantly clear the woman’s advances weren’t welcome.
The silence bothered her more, making her wonder what in the hell was going on.
“I still don’t want you.” Aveoth actually yawned. “Get out, Winalin.”
“I’ll touch you if you won’t touch me.”
“Don’t do it. I’d hate to hit a woman, but I will if you get any closer.”
Jill had had enough. Aveoth had spent the morning flirting with her. She’d be damned if he had sex with some Gargoyle bitch, since he wouldn’t let her go home. It wasn’t going to happen.
She pushed off the wall and stormed the few steps to the opening, stepping into the room.
The sight that greeted her was Aveoth’s back as he stood with his legs braced apart and his arms crossed over his chest. Winalin was stark naked and crossing the room slowly toward him. She had a tall, pale body that was on the thin side, but otherwise she had a killer figure, with small, firm breasts that jiggled with every step and a patch of black pubic hair.
She halted when her unusual gaze landed on Jill.
The fact that the Gargoyle was drop-dead gorgeous and looked like something out of a high-end porn movie pissed Jill off more. “Am I interrupting something, my lord?” She managed to not grit the words out.
Aveoth didn’t turn his head to glance at her, or even tense. “Not at all. This is one of those unpleasant things I have to deal with. I’m glad you’re here, Jill. Our guest needs to redress and leave.”
Jill glanced up and down Winalin. That was the last thing she’d have said if she were a man. Most of them would have loved to let someone who looked like the Gargoyle get naked for them. They’d be all over her. The woman made Jill feel a little self-conscious, too. She sure didn’t have that kind of body or those model-worthy looks. It made her wonder why in the hell Aveoth wasn’t tossing her out instead and keeping the naked woman. Winalin wanted to have his bat babies pretty badly, and made no bones about it.
“That’s her?” Winalin curled her lip. “She’s puny.” Her glacial gaze raked up and down Jill. “She’s also not very attractive.”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” Aveoth replied. “Jill is stunning to me. You’re blind to the important things in life, Winalin. Get out of my private chambers. I strongly suggest you put something on before you do or I doubt you’d make it home without inciting someone’s lust. It just won’t be mine.”
The Gargoyle dismissed Jill with a wave of her hand. “She’s nothing, my lord. I stand before you offering you the best. Don’t settle to breed with that pathetic creature.”
Pathetic creature? Jill wanted to punch the bitch but she wasn’t that stupid. She had seen what these people were capable of, between Aveoth’s ability to fly and Kelzeb shelling his body. She’d get her ass handed to her in a fight. Instead, she walked up to Aveoth, keeping slightly behind him instead of at his side, in case the Gargoyle attacked. She had faith he’d protect her, since he’d made it clear she was safe with him.
Jill hesitated for a heartbeat—and then pressed up against his body. There were other ways to win a fight.
She smiled at the bitch and raised her hand, running her fingers lightly down Aveoth’s arm in a caress, and then placing her hand on his hip. “Will she do that soon? We had plans to go to your bedroom.”
That got a reaction from Winalin. She hissed, and her unique-colored eyes brightened, turning into moving orbs of violet. Her white skin began to darken a bit, becoming gray. It shocked Jill a little, and she realized she clutched Aveoth tight with her hand. That was one scary bitch.
He reacted by chuckling and uncrossing his arms. He turned, putting them around Jill and jerking her against his tall frame.
“Don’t even think about it, Winalin. Jill is under my protection. You strike out at her and I’ll not only knock you out, but you’ll wake imprisoned for the next four months. I’ll put your brother with you so you’re not alone.”
“She’s human. It’s an insult!” Real anger showed on Winalin’s face but with her graying, shelled skin, cracks appeared on her otherwise flawless features. “You dare choose that over me?”
Aveoth glanced down at Jill. “This is an example of how to never behave. Conceit is an ugly trait, isn’t it?”
Jill almost smiled. “Yes, my lord.”
“Perhaps Winalin needs a lesson on why I prefer you in my bed over her.”
Amusement sparked in his eyes, and she narrowed hers. She realized he planned to take advantage of the situation. She glanced at the Gargoyle, the sight of her naked and glaring at Jill enough to make her play along.
“What do you have in mind, my lord?” She shot him a warning look. It better not be something humiliating. She had her limits on what she’d do or say to get even with someone who’d insulted her. There was no way she’d go to her knees to fondle him or act like some slutty sex slave.
He slid one hand up her back and cupped her head. He lowered his face toward her and she closed her eyes, guessing he planned to kiss her. Her heart hammered and she tensed a little, but tried not to outwardly show it since they were being watched.
He brushed his mouth very softly over hers and licked the seam of her lips. She opened up to him to deepen the kiss. Aveoth didn’t hesitate.
Jill was glad his arm was hooked around her waist and he was strong enough to hold her against him when a wave of sexual need exploded inside her.
Her body heated from the inside, as if she were being lit aflame under her skin. His taste, scent, and the aggressive way he kissed had her body responding with a near terrifying intensity. Her breasts ached and her clit throbbed. She clutched at him, the desire to tear at his clothes overwhelming.
He broke the kiss and she stared up at him in shock, panting. His eyes were silver and blue liquid orbs of moving, flashing colors. A deep growl rumbled from his chest, and then he broke contact with her gaze. His features hardened, his eyes turning bright blue as he glared to her right.
“Get the fuck out, Winalin. Never come to my home again. You’re not welcome.” He eased his hold on Jill, then bent and grabbed her around her hips. His shoulder hit her lower stomach gently before he rose up, with her body draped over his shoulder. He hooked her behind her knees with one arm, his other hand resting on the curve of her ass. “I have much more pleasurable things to do with my time than spend it with you.”
Jill hung upside down reeling from the way she’d reacted to Aveoth. That wasn’t normal. She wasn’t some blushing virgin. Admittedly, she hadn’t had all that many sexual partners but none of them had turned her on that fast or hard by just kissing her.
He’s not human, she remembered. Not only did Aveoth have wings, the ability to shell and fly, but he must have some freaky hormone thing going on that accounted for the way she’d gone from zero interest on a sex scale to fuck-me-now.
Oh shit. I’m in trouble.
“Get out,” Aveoth thundered.
Jill winced at the loudness of his voice but she didn’t struggle to break free. Confusion and jumbled emotions kept her still. She focused on his ass. He had a beefy one, and she longed to grope it to see if it was as firm as it looked. She fisted her hands instead of touching him. That empty feeling inside was making itself known, and she knew exactly what would cure it.
She mentally went there, imagining the big, muscled guy naked, nailing her. Panic came next over how much she wanted Aveoth. One kiss had turned her into a raging sex fiend.
Aveoth moved and the door opened, then it slammed. She heard metal scraping, probably as he locked the door. “She’s gone.” He turned, walking toward the mattresses that lay on the floor. He bent.
Jill’s feet touched the soft thickness of the mattress and his hold on her loosened. She straightened and he totally let her go, standing before her. She jerked back suddenly, trying to put more space between them, and fell over, landing on her ass.
Aveoth frowned and crouched down, staring into her eyes with a frown. “Are you okay?”
Her mouth opened. “What the hell was that?”
“Winalin is a pain in my ass. I’m sorry about that.” He reached out a hand, probably to help her back up.
She rolled, scrambling to get away. She was afraid if he touched her, she’d lunge at him. The need to touch him and get naked was nearly overbearing. It wasn’t the most graceful of moves, but she got to her feet to bolt away. Jill ran as if the hounds of hell were on her ass to put space between them, and didn’t stop until she reached the bedroom he’d given her.
She got inside and turned, only to find him coming at her with a concerned look in his eyes. She slammed the door.
“Stay away from me!”
“Jill? What is wrong?”
She saw the lock and twisted it. A second later, he tried to open the door. She backed away, breathing hard from her wild sprint up the stairs and down the hallway.
“Jill?” He softened his tone. “I apologize if kissing you upset you, but I needed to show Winalin that I wasn’t interested in her.”
She hugged her body, flinching over how oversensitive her breasts felt under the shirt. Her nipples were hard, her skin too hot. She backed up more and spun, heading toward the bathroom. A cold shower might dilute whatever weird thing he’d done to her.
“Jill?” He knocked on the door. “Talk to me.”
“Fuck off, Wings. Keep your freaky mouth and whatever the hell kind of drug you secrete away from me,” she yelled over her shoulder.
She entered the bathroom and locked the other door that entered his bedroom. It was imperative that she cool down before she ended up throwing herself at the big bastard and begging him to fuck her. It was a real possibility.
She turned on the shower, stomped over to the sink, and twisted the tap. The water was cold when she cupped her hands and leaned in, drinking some of it, hoping to erase the sweet taste of his kiss. It must be some natural sex chemical GarLycans secrete to make defenseless women horny as hell.
The door she’d just locked came crashing open. She jerked upward and spun, gaping at Aveoth. He stopped at the doorway from his bedroom into the bathroom. “What in the hell is wrong with you? Did you say drugs?”
She shoved back against the sink and watched as his nostrils flared. A look of surprise widened his eyes and his gaze lowered to her thighs. “Shit.”
“What did you do to me?”
His gaze lifted, holding hers. “It wasn’t intentional. I swear on my honor.”
“Bullshit!” She wasn’t buying it. Sweat beaded on her skin, the heat coming back. She’d heard about hot flashes but these seemed worse. Her clit throbbed painfully again and her breasts actually hurt.
The color of Aveoth’s eyes swirled to mostly silver. “I swear I didn’t do this on purpose.”
“What did you dose me with?” She leaned heavily against the counter and clutched it to keep upright. Her knees didn’t want to support her weight and her legs shook. “Make it stop!”
“Damn it.” He gripped the doorframe and it creaked, the wood sounding as if were being crushed. “I’m different from other GarLycans. This has never happened before. Well, not like this. I’m so sorry, Jill. You must believe me.”
“Give me something to counteract whatever the hell this is!” She spun, bending over the sink since her legs trembled harder. The need was turning into pure agony. “I’m not having your bat babies, goddamn you.”
“Listen to me. I told you there’s this thing that happens to Gargoyles every thirty years. It’s called the ravage. It’s not my time, but I think you somehow triggered my hormones and you…you must have swallowed some when we kissed.”
She squeezed her eyes closed, leaning more on the counter. “You’re blaming this on me? Really? Are you kidding me?”
“No! Of course not. I’m shocked by this. The ravage is complicated.”
“So you’re in heat like that stray cat I fed. Goddamn you, Wings.”
“I’m not the one in heat, but I think I’ve put you into it. It wasn’t intentional, Jill. I swear on my life. As I said, I’m different. I really wanted you, and for whatever reason, my hormones levels must have increased since I met you. I somehow transferred them to you by kiss. I didn’t even know this could happen.”
She groaned and started to crumple. Aveoth was there instantly and picked her up. She would have fought, but she’d have only ended up on the floor if he hadn’t gotten to her. He spun, carrying her through the broken door and to his bed. He took a seat on the large mattress, cradling her in his arms.
“I really didn’t know this was possible. I swear. Let me help you.”
“Right. By putting a youngling in my womb? Fuck off.” She tried to climb off his lap and he turned, helping her. She rolled onto his bed and curled into a ball on her side. She was burning up, aching, and could feel wetness between her thighs. It was more than that. She was soaked.
“Am I bleeding?”
“No.” His voice deepened. “It’s not your period causing that. It’s lust.”
“Get away from me.”
“That’s not going to help, Jill.”
“Put me in the shower. Cold water will.”
“It won’t.”
The bed moved, and she turned her head, peeking at him. Aveoth started to get naked by shoving his pants down.
“Don’t you dare.”
“I’m going to help you.”
“By fucking me? Pass!”
“No, sweetheart. I’m just going to get you through this. It’s my fault. I apologize.”
She tried to roll away when he put his knee on the bed and it dipped. He was faster, and grabbed her. She gasped as he flipped her onto her back and began to strip her. It was tempting to fight, but getting rid of his T-shirt seemed to help the aches a bit. She stared at him as he lay on his stomach, pushed her legs apart with his strong hands, and slid down the bed. Her eyes widened when she realized what he was about to do, and her mouth opened.
He moved fast, and suddenly his head dipped between her thighs. Hot breath fanned her pussy, and then his mouth opened up and his tongue was on her clit.
She threw her head back and clawed at the bedding as he licked her. Pleasure hit so hard, she saw spots, and then a climax ripped through her. She cried out, her body jerking.
Aveoth snarled and burrowed his face closer, his tongue merciless on her clit. She bucked but couldn’t get away as another wave of ecstasy rolled through her.
Jill lost the ability to think. It was just pleasure, her heart pounding so hard she felt as if it might beat right out of her chest, and yet another climax hit. He was going to kill her with his tongue. There was no slow descent after she came. Just need and bursts of extreme rapture.
She moaned, cried out, and climaxed again.