Chapter Eighteen

 

 

More time slipped by and Christmas drew near.

“Do demons celebrate holidays?” Jade asked Sheena one evening.

Davian had been gone for two nights to deal with military matters he’d been secretive about and Sheena had kept her company. With Jade’s acquiesce, the vampire had brought lined, silk drapes to cover the windows of the cottage so she could be there during the day.

The sapphire in the bedroom matched the headboard and duvet, lending color and richness to the cozy space; for the living room, however, Sheena had selected a softer ice-blue that created a light, airy ambience, despite the heavy fabric over the glass panes. The vampire had exceptional taste.

Regarding Jade’s question, she said in her sophisticated accent, “Some do. Depends on the occasion. For example, Halloween was always a favorite, pre-war. We could be out and about that night, and the ones surrounding it, without anyone batting an eye at us.”

“But you look normal,” Jade told her. “Well, with the exception of being insanely beautiful and absolutely flawless.”

She laughed. “I am not without flaws, I assure you. But immortality does tend to preserve one in a flattering way. For most demons, anyway. The vampires and the shifters. Immortals such as Davian.”

Jade’s heart fluttered. “Now that is perfection personified.”

Sheena scoffed. “Sure, if you like all that brawn and outrageous height. I prefer a little less sinew and someone I can look directly in the eye without standing on tiptoe.”

“Not me,” Jade said with a sigh that sounded dreamy to her ears. “All that strength is intimidating, yes. But sexy as hell.”

Her new friend studied her with a curious look in her emerald eyes. “You enjoy living on the edge, don’t you?”

Jade gave this question serious consideration. Then she said, “When my parents were alive, we had so many adventures. My father was cautious, of course, but he taught my mother and I to defend ourselves, so he worried less about us. That made it possible for us to enjoy short expeditions and try new things. After they died…”

She glanced around the room that had once been theirs. Hers was on the opposite side of the living room, but it didn’t have a fireplace, so she’d moved into this space when she was thirteen. It’d taken her two full years to cross the threshold without breaking down in tears.

“I really had to keep everything on an even keel—status quo,” she explained. “I didn’t have the sort of protection my father had offered me, though the slayers have always looked out for me. I suppose I just stopped thinking about anything other than making it through each day without freezing or starving or crying.”

Sheena stared down at the book in her lap. She maintained her usual post in the chair next to Jade’s bed. “I can’t imagine what it would be like to be human and vulnerable and all on your own at such a young age.”

“Actually,” she said, “I was very lucky. I had a place to live. I already knew how to manage the household, when to collect kindle and have the water tank filled and so on. How to cook and clean and mend clothes. I also had help from the villagers, of course.”

Sheena looked up from the textbook. “But it must have been so lonely. I’ve always thrived on being part of a coven. And when I moved into the castle… There’s so much activity, I never feel alone.”

“It’s not a comforting emotion by any standard—human or demon. But you do what you have to do, right?”

The vampire’s sculpted brows drew together. “You’re not at all what I’ve expected.”

“Am I the first human you’ve gotten to know?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact. And I feel quite fortunate because of it. I had a very tainted view of your kind and I never understood the king’s stance on mortals. When you first came to the castle, I didn’t leave because I wanted to prove I could do my job regardless of any challenge presented. But when I realized how badly hurt you were and how determined you were to rise above the pain and heal the damage, I was so impressed.”

Jade looked away, her stomach knotting. “You wouldn’t have been impressed with me at the church, Sheena. I wanted to die.” Shame seeped through her veins. “I honestly did.”

“But you didn’t give up.”

With a small shrug, Jade told her, “I didn’t have a choice. Davian is much too persistent.”

“Hmm, yes. He cares so much for you. And I can see it’s mutual.” Sheena paused as though gearing up for her next question. “Really, Jade, would you ever leave the human world for the demon one?”

Her gaze met Sheena’s. The vampire actually appeared amenable to the idea. This confused Jade. “How could I? And seriously, how many demons in the kingdom would be offended by my presence in comparison to the three or four of you who wouldn’t be?”

“There are complications and obstacles.” She neither validated nor disputed them. “But it’s something to consider.” Sheena tapped the sheets of paper Jade held in one hand and said, “Now solve this equation already, or I’ll think you’re purposely diverting my attention.”

Jade glanced down at the math problems she’d been grappling with most of the afternoon and well into the early evening. Her next attempt was little better than her previous ones.

Sheena said, “Remember, whatever you do on the left side of the equal sign, you must do on the right.”

How could a couple of letters and some numbers be so damn confusing?

“Learning Algebra, I see,” Davian said as he strode into the room.

Jade laughed. “Learning would imply I have an aptitude for this, which I clearly do not. General math was the extent of the lessons when I was in school, given there’s not much use for anything above what I’ve studied thus far.”

Sheena made a tsking sound. “Everyone should know Algebra.” She snapped the textbook closed and placed it on the nightstand. “Keep at it.” She stood and faced Davian. “My Lord, if you’ll be staying awhile, there are a few matters I should attend to at the castle.”

“Of course.”

To Jade, the vampire said, “I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

Guilt overcame her. “You don’t have to continue visiting me. I’m taking you away from your work. And I’m much better. I’m sure I can survive on my own now.”

“I’m not here out of obligation,” Sheena said, somewhat indignant. “Friends keep friends company when they’re under the weather.” With that, she swept from the room, always one to make as much of a grand exit as an entrance.

Davian asked, “Do you win over everyone you meet?”

“I don’t know. Ask the fire wraith who pounded me against a granite pew.”

“Ah, yes. Him. I have news.”

Before Davian could sit in the chair Sheena had vacated, Jade asked, “Mind if we move into the living room? I could use a change of scenery.”

“Are you feeling up to it?”

“Definitely.”

She climbed off the bed and he held out the champagne-colored satin robe Sheena had brought days ago to replace her old, ragged one. The robe complemented her nightgown, also new. Of both garments, Jade said, “I’m convinced Sheena is trying to class me up. Perhaps make me fit to be the mistress of a king?”

He frowned. “Mistress, to me, infers there’s something shady between us.”

“There is something shady between us,” she reminded him in a delicate tone. “We have to hide our affair from the villagers and your alliance.”

“Morgan and Sheena know. Jocelyn as well, obviously. And the slayers, I suspect, since they patrol the area and have likely seen my horse.”

“Michael knows too.”

“Well, then. It’s hardly a secret, is it?” He took her hand and led her to the other room.

“It should be, beyond the people who are currently in the know.”

Gently clasping her upper arms, his head bent and he kissed her. Then he said, “I don’t really give a damn who finds out about us.”

“But you ought to.”

He groaned, yet conceded the point. “Yes, I ought to.” He released her and added, “Settle at the table. I brought dinner.”

“Please, no more soup. I can make my own food.”

“I thought you liked the soup,” he called from her kitchen.

“I love the soup. But that’s all I’ve been able to eat, because even chewing has been a chore.”

“You’re in luck,” he told her as he returned. A savory aroma instantly permeated the room, making her stomach growl. On the dining table, he deposited two plates, both piled high with thick slices of glazed ham, mashed potatoes with gravy and stuffing. “A belated Thanksgiving meal, compliments of my chef, who enjoyed studying up on traditional human fare for the occasion. You being such a fan of his broth seems to have made him a fan of you.”

“That’s really very sweet. Please thank him for me.”

“His name is Rafe. And he’ll appreciate the sentiment.”

Davian disappeared for a few seconds and came back with utensils, napkins, a bottle of cabernet sauvignon and two glasses. After arranging everything, he poured the wine.

Sliding into a chair opposite her, he lifted his glass and said, “A toast to the season.”

She smiled as their rims touched. “How funny. I was just asking Sheena earlier if demons recognized holidays.”

“Not so much. But I realized it might be important to you.”

Jade shook her head. “There’s hardly a point to it. Like my birthday, holidays are meant to be shared with family.”

He regarded her curiously. “But your friends are your family, Jade.”

She thought of the multitude of dinner and party offers she’d received over the years for the major holidays. None of which she’d accepted. She’d always preferred to be alone or work at the tavern. It didn’t seem right to celebrate without her parents and what good would it do, anyway?

Except… Davian made a valid argument.

“I suppose I’ve been narrow-minded,” she admitted. “Selfish, even. Perhaps a tiny bit martyr-ish as well.” She picked at her food. It smelled heavenly and looked delicious, but something suddenly weighed heavy on her mind. “I’ve always thought it was easier to ignore any sort of tradition I’d shared with my parents, but the fact is, I’ve only isolated myself further by doing this.”

She paused and inhaled the rich scent of an apple cider, butter and sugar coating on the ham that was mouthwatering, and took in the entire intimate atmosphere of the cottage and Davian sitting at the table with her, enjoying his wine. A long-forgotten sense of belonging, Sheena’s earlier sentiment about her coven, and the feeling of being a part of a family ribboned through Jade.

Tears unexpectedly prickled her eyes. “I have to confess. I’ve made my life miserable.”

“You can’t place all the blame at your feet.”

“My parents’ deaths were tragic, yes. But people die, Davian. Even Michael’s parents have passed. Lisette’s husband. Jinx. Many others I’ve known in my lifetime. And with each death, it seems as though I withdraw a little more into myself.” She found this ironic. “I’m the one who insisted death is part of the human experience. Nothing to obsess over because it’s a natural progression in life. And yet…”

She remembered having the conversation with Davian right here in this room.

“The truth is,” she continued, “it jars me to the core every time it happens to someone I know. So why aren’t I appreciating the time I have with the people I care about?”

“Fear of abandonment, which keeps you somewhat detached?”

A shiver of reckoning ran through her. Jade took a healthy drink from her glass. Then another.

Setting the wine aside, she told Davian, “I’ve shared more of myself with you and Sheena—possibly even Morgan—than I ever have with my two closest human friends. And as for the other villagers… I consider them friends as well, of course. Neighbors I have a genuine concern for, but whom I keep a measure of distance from—emotionally.”

“Because of their mortality?” The conversation seemed to intrigue Davian. He sat forward in his chair, his gaze unwavering.

“But I’m mortal too,” she commented. “And I accept death as part of life.”

“Perhaps too much,” he simply said.

Jade reached for her wine again. The alcohol eased the remainder of the pain she felt along her back, which she was careful to keep from making contact with the wooden chair.

When she didn’t speak, Davian said, “Maybe one of the reasons you’ve allowed the connection to form between Sheena, Morgan and myself is because you know you won’t outlive us.”

She stared at him, speechless.

“You could have settled for Michael, even if he didn’t fully own your heart,” Davian contended. “You could have married him and had children. But you told me you want more than amiable companionship.”

Finally, she found her voice. “Yes. I want all the passion I feel with you.”

“And you want someone who’s at least as strong as you. Because, let’s face it, Jade, as we’ve established before, you are not ordinary. You can’t spend your life with someone who is.”

“That doesn’t diminish how I feel about people like Lisette and Michael.”

“No. But you keep them at arm’s length. For a reason.”

“They wouldn’t understand me, if they knew everything about me. In fact, if Michael had any idea the things I’m capable of…” She rolled her eyes. “It’d send him over the edge. He’d think for sure I’d been practicing witchcraft with Lisette on the sly.”

“And when it comes to her, you’re all too aware of her age. And her increasingly limited life span.”

“The village will be a much bleaker place without her, that’s for sure.” She brushed away the tears that crested the rims of her eyes and slid down her flushed cheeks. After polishing off her wine, she asked, “Why are we even talking about this? It’s very depressing. I’m starving and our dinner is getting cold.”

“And you really can’t afford to lose any more weight. There’s not much to you these days.”

She hadn’t worn anything other than the nightgowns and robes Sheena had brought her, since the satin was cool and soft against her back. The bleeding had stopped and she didn’t need the lightweight bandages any longer, just the aloe twice a day. She suspected her regular clothes would hang on her at this point.

Jade sliced her pieces of ham as Davian refreshed her glass. When she sampled the stuffing, she nodded enthusiastically. “Mm, apples and cranberries. Nice touch. I wouldn’t have thought to add them.” She was a basic cook, never crafting anything too fancy.

The meal was the best she’d had since the last one her mother had made. Jade was so thrilled with the food and so ravenous that she devoured everything without uttering another word.

In the dark corners of her mind, however, she realized she was avoiding a key point she’d someday have to address. A compelling notion Davian had brought to light. But she wasn’t ready for the mental debate. She’d had a horrific few weeks following the fire wraith’s assault. No doubt one of the reasons she’d been so interested in Algebra lessons from Sheena was because the complex equations engaged her brain and kept her thoughts from other impossible-to-solve problems.

Following dinner, they cleaned the dishes and finished the bottle of wine. Davian sprawled partially on the sofa—since he was much too big for it—and she stretched on top of him. His hands rested on her hips, because he was wary of touching her bare skin.

She said, “I’m almost fully healed.” She didn’t want him fearing he’d hurt her. And, in all honesty, she wanted him to touch her. Everywhere.

“Did you glean anything new from this experience?” he asked.

“Yes… I have a terrible time concentrating on one specific wound to repair. I should practice separating sensations. Like when you grazed your finger along the cut at the back of my head. I felt that and was able to focus on it.”

He scowled. “I’m not liking the sound of this.”

With a smile, she assured him, “I would practice with pinpricks, not burns and lacerations.”

“Hmm.” He obviously wasn’t convinced—or on board with her.

“Anyway, I’ve had enough of the pain.” She kissed him. “How about we pick up where we left off with that last dream?”

One side of his mouth lifted. “Enjoyed it, did you?”

“Very much so. The waterfall was beautiful.”

“How does it work?” he asked. “When I weave a fantasy in your mind… It doesn’t interrupt your progress or impede your healing efforts.”

“I can’t really explain it, except to say it’s easy to follow your lead and not put any serious thought into it, so I can leave my focus elsewhere. It’s almost as though I’m cloaked in serenity—and it’s completely mindless. More instinctual, so I don’t have to think about my actions.”

“But you would have to divide your attention if we were to have a conversation.”

“Correct. So please don’t be offended when it’s one-sided.”

“I presumed that was the case.”

She fiddled with a button on his shirt. “Are you done quizzing me? I’m a bit muddled from the Algebra lesson.”

His fingers skimmed the side of her face and curled at her nape as he guided her to him for one of his sizzling kisses. Her insides instantly blazed.

“Oh, that is so much better.” The heat flooding her veins overrode everything else.

She slipped the disks on his shirt flap through their small holes and pushed away the material.

“Christ, you truly are magnificent,” she said as her palms smoothed over his chest. Her lips grazed his warm skin. “And so delicious.”

Davian’s fingers gripped the satin of her nightgown and bunched it. She lifted slightly as he pulled the skirt up to her waist. His hands skimmed her ass cheeks, gently massaging.

She kissed him, then whispered against his mouth, “I want you inside me.”

One hand shifted and slipped between them. He unfastened his pants and worked them and his briefs over his hips. There wasn’t much room on the sofa, but Jade managed to straddle him and ease down onto his thick erection. She moaned with great satisfaction.

“I like the fantasies,” she said. “But the reality of you is infinitely better.”

He sat up as his cock thrust into her.

“Nothing feels more incredible than this,” she murmured. “Feel free to stay right here as long as you’d like.”

His low chuckle brought a smile to her lips.

“I’ll eventually have to return to the castle or Morgan will think you’ve kidnapped me.”

She nipped his bottom lip. “Not kidnapped. Seduced you into never leaving so I can use your body for my own personal pleasure whenever I want…”

“Put that way, I’m not going anywhere. Sheena can run the castle.”

His hands roamed Jade’s front under the nightgown, gliding up her stomach to her breasts. The lacy structure of the bodice allowed him to cup the mounds and he caressed with the perfect amount of pressure—an enticing balance between cautious tenderness and natural assertiveness she was certain only he could achieve. And it thrilled her endlessly.

“I love how you touch me,” she murmured.

“You’ve lost too much weight,” he mentioned again, a hint of concern in his voice.

She ignored the emotion sparked by his worry over her wellbeing and playfully asked, “Not into the flat-chested types?”

“You’re not exactly flat-chested, but you used to come closer to filling my hands.”

She suspected she’d lost ten or fifteen pounds since the first attack and because she worked out regularly with Toran—unbeknownst to the king, of course.

“Are you complaining, my Lord?”

He grinned. “Never. But I do want you healthy.”

“I’ll be fine. Especially if you keep doing that.”

His thumbs whisked over her tight nipples. Her head fell back as he kissed her throat, his teeth lightly scraping, his tongue teasing her skin. She felt all the glorious sensations he elicited as acutely as she had the first time they’d made love. Perhaps more so, because the bond between them continued to strengthen.

Their feelings for each other were intricately twined and Jade no longer considered them tenuous, but substantial and significant. Although she’d been honest with Sheena about castle life not being a suitable alternative for her, Jade was pleased Davian came to the cottage for her.

As they moved together, her arousal was heightened not just from their sensual rhythm, but also from the fact he seemed so swept away by her.

Threading her fingers through his hair, she said, “Everything about you causes my heart to pound wildly. Sometimes I feel as if it’s going to burst from my chest.”

He grimaced. “More pain inflicted because of me.”

She sighed. “Metaphorically speaking, of course. Stop obsessing over my welfare.”

“Difficult to do. I’m in love, remember?”

“Still? I thought you’d get over that silly human emotion.”

He thrust deeper into her. “Have you?”

“Of course not. I am a silly human.”

“Hardly. And for the record, no, I haven’t—nor will I ever—get over it. Now,” he said as one hand moved between her legs and his thumb rubbed her clit. “Stop talking and let me make you come.”

It didn’t take much effort on his part. With his cock filling her and his thumb expertly working that swollen knot of nerves, erotic sensations swelled within her. He continued to kiss her neck and roll and pinch her nipple as her hips rocked against him. Her soft whimpers mingled with his primal groans. She clung to him, her fingers woven in his silky hair.

Maybe she really did enjoy living on the edge, because everything about her demon lover made her crazy with desire.

The hand on her breast slipped around to her backside. His finger slid along the spot where they were intimately joined, then the coated tip circled her anus before dipping inside as his wide shaft continued to stroke her inner walls.

Jade let out a cry of pleasure. The man’s talents knew no bounds. Her head fell forward and her arm around his neck tightened.

“You so easily unravel everything inside me,” she said against his lush obsidian strands.

He worked her a bit harder from three different angles and, moments later, tension seized her and then splintered as she climaxed.

“Davian,” she murmured against his temple. Her pussy throbbed and her breath came in ragged pulls. She squeezed him tight and he let out an evocative growl. Then his cock pulsated wickedly as he came inside her. She clutched him as they both reveled in the powerful release.

Jade trembled in his arms. The tingly feeling along her flesh and against all her erogenous zones made her feel radiant and alive. Human sensations she knew to cherish. Euphoria flowed through her, which brought on a curious bout of the giggles.

Davian pulled slightly away, his brow raising. “I’ve amused you?”

She laughed heartily. “No. I can’t help but think what a paradox this is.”

“How so?”

“In the presence of a demon, I feel more human than I have in fifteen years. Not numb and gloomy, but fantastically alive.”

“Oh, good. So no more talk about death and how it’s the natural progression and all that.”

Regardless of the somber topic, her light mood remained. “I still contend that’s the realistic view even you have to face. Because someday I will die. But until then…” She kissed him, no need to say more.

He fell back against the mound of pillows. “The poignant issue here is that you’re telling me you like how I make you feel, yes?”

“Oh, God, yes. So much.” She kissed him. “I’ve spent so many years just going through the motions, without letting anything register too deeply. But I have to admit, all of this warmth and exuberance inside me is a nice change of pace.”

“Yet it’s been a difficult time for you. The fire wraith, your conflict with Michael, the fact that we live in two different worlds, despite being only five miles apart distance-wise—”

“We live in the same world,” she corrected him. “You’ve gotten a good look at what it’s like to be human in this village. You and Sheena have both brought me luxuries I don’t have access to or can’t afford because I live outside the castle walls. But you can’t honestly tell me you haven’t deliberated over the obvious—I’m not the only mortal who might enjoy a little variety versus the plain gray that fills all aspects of our lives.”

His gaze narrowed on her. “Are you suggesting I have a soft spot?”

She mimicked the gesture. “Are you going to lie and tell me you don’t?”

He huffed.

She stared him down.

Seconds later, he sighed. “You’re not seducing me. You’re manipulating me.”

Her lips curved. “Am I?”

Davian sat up again and got to his feet. Her arms and legs wrapped around him and he carried her into the bedroom. He placed her on the mattress and she slid between the sheets.

Following her under them, he reached for her and said, “Seduce me some more.”