Chapter 24
Edwina
For a fleeting moment, I wish I could retrieve the words, but I meant what I said. Every last word. Telling someone you love them isn’t something done lightly. There’s a certain fear that comes with the admission. Surprisingly, liberation and a little relief accompany it too.
Liberation and relief…
Not words I’ve experienced much in my existence.
Confinement and misery…
Those are words I know only too well.
As a slave, I struggled alongside my mother. There wasn’t much she could do to eradicate the horrors in our lives. We endured the same degradations. Poor Papa tried, but he couldn’t protect us from the overseers. The bastards caught up with us and murdered my parents. Their deaths left me vulnerable to the old witches left on the plantation.
Not one of those old bitches helped me. Instead, they cast aside an orphaned teenager and neglected the vows to the ancestors—never leave a witch untested and untrained. They were supposed to raise me as their own. They left me alone to defend myself against the cruelties of men.
Solitude haunted me throughout my time as a free woman and even after I became undead. I traveled the world without anyone by my side. My existence was predicated on a palpable fear. I never knew whether a superstitious human would try to force a wooden stake through my heart or douse me with holy water. Eventually, I learned those methods are based on myth and would have no effect on me. For my kind, the death blow could come from a vindictive supernatural decapitating me or forcing me to stay in the sun. I’m fortunate my pendant keeps the latter from happening easily.
Instead of chancing the odds with humans or supernaturals, I endured my isolation in the shadows. Joy and comfort became strangers to me. Besides, the memory of the lecherous overseer was enough to keep me from seeking solace. But the Fates put Cash Martin in my path, changing my existence. The incubus gave me hope, nothing more. He’d never admit how embarrassed he was being in my company. It was something I learned drinking from him. So I never let my guard down, not completely, around him. I was unable to be myself. So different from the being with me now. Hank accepts who I am without question.
“Angel, you don’t have to prove anything to me.”
Yes, you do. Show him.
Sliding into Hank’s lap, I straddle him and say, “I love ya, my dawlin’, and I’d gladly prove it to ya over and over again until ya believe me.”
Gazing into Hank’s viridescent eyes, I see my heart and my love reflected back at me. My pulse quickens as he wraps me up in his strong embrace and brushes his lips to mine. One simple gesture declares, without words, how much this male loves me. But it’s his rock-hard cock pressing against me, signifying what his body needs, which draws my attention. I grind, shamelessly, against him.
Hank drags his mouth away. “Angel, what about—”
“Ya worried about Kragen and Vin? Don’t be. Kragen’s room is on the other side of the mansion. Vin’s room is in the basement. No one will hear nor disturb us.” Eagerly, I yank my gown over my head. Pulling myself off Hank’s lap, I lean back onto the pillows and pat the mattress. “Make love to me, cher.”
Growling followed by the hush of his zipper break the room’s quiet. Hank’s jeans hit the floor with a purposeful thud. He tugs his shirt off and gazes at me tenderly. Licking my lips, I appreciate the chiseled perfection—gleaming skin and rippling muscles—standing near me. The antique iron bed screaks as he crawls toward me with eyes full of passion.
Unfamiliar feelings grab ahold of me. What I feel for Hank isn’t just lust, although it’s always there. Hank protects me even when I don’t realize I need protection. He makes me feel special when I forget my own worth. The being listens to my complaints, my fears, and my desires. He builds me up when the world wants to tear me down. When it’s all said and done, Hank loves me when I don’t think I deserve a shred of kindness.
As my thighs part for him, I realize this can be a glorious beginning for me…for him…for us.
“I love you, Angel,” Hank whispers in my ear right before we come as one.
Afterward, as we lie together I realize that my spirit, centuries later, has finally found peace. It’s a wondrous feeling this love I have for Hank, and I don’t ever want to lose it. I rest my head upon his chest and listen to his contented heart beat strong. I don’t think anyone—living or undead—could feel this much happiness.
Be careful.
Hank’s hands stroke down my naked back to my butt. “Angel, there’s something I want to ask you. I don’t want you to think there’s any pressure though. You don’t have to answer right away.”
His words concern me. I sit up, dragging the sheet with me. “Dawlin’, ya scaring me.”
“No need to ever fear anything I ask of you.” He runs his fingernails along my side.
I close my eyes, my body already responding to his touch. Quietly, I say, “Go ahead and ask me.”
“We’re good together, and we love one another. When I asked you to come with me, you came.” His hand rests on my thigh. “I’m asking you to stay by my side. Always and forever. Be my mate.”
“Ya mate?” I knew this moment was coming ever since I heard his thoughts on our trip here. I just didn’t know it would be so soon.
Hank sits up and cups my face in his hands. “Yes, my mate. I’ve never had a true one. I told you Sheila wasn’t it. She was a mistake—an act of a lustful boy, nothing more. But you, Edwina Marie Devereaux, you fill me with joy. Angel, you make my heart soar. Whenever we’re apart, I can’t stop thinking of you. And when I’m with you… Oh, baby, when I’m with you, I don’t want to leave your side. You bring out the best in me, and I never want that to end.”
I lean in and kiss him. A long and leisurely kiss, which stirs up my lust all over again. Reluctantly, I break it off and bite my lower lip. Saying no to this male is impossible. My heart won’t let me deny him. “What do I need to do?”
“After we finish this shit with the PFC, we’ll do it properly. In the meantime, just keep right on loving me,” he answers with a smile on his lips.
My eyes narrow. “That’s it?”
“Well, there’s a little ceremony.” Hank smiles, but his eyes hold a little mischief.
I let my lips lift and say, “Ya know I might bite back.”
“I hope so.” He pulls me into his arms as we seal our commitment and celebrate our upcoming union.
It’s noon when someone knocks on our door. Tugging on his jeans, Hank answers it while I pull on the nightshirt.
“What’s up, Baldovino?” Hank says.
“The Master wishes for ya ta join him downstairs.”
Hank glances back at me briefly.
“Vin, tell Kragen we’ll meet him shortly.”
“Very well, Edwina.” He closes the door.
“I guess we should hurry up and shower,” Hank says as he gathers up clothing for the both of us. “I get the feeling Kragen doesn’t like to wait.”
“He doesn’t,” I admit and grasp his hand. “Come on. I’ll show you where the bathroom is.”
Hank lifts an eyebrow. “Angel, maybe taking a shower together isn’t a good idea.”
“Even if I promise to behave myself?” I give him a playful smirk.
His eyes soften, and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Now what fun would that be?”
Kragen’s tight jaw and crossed arms let me know we’re on his bad side. Not a good place to be. “When I summon ya, I expect not ta be kept waiting.”
Hank and I sit across from the coven leader.
“I’m sorry,” I offer, crossing my legs. “Can’t quite blame us for enjoying each other.”
“I don’t give a fuck what ya do with each other. When I call for ya—”
Hank holds up a hand in surrender. “My sincere apologies, Kragen. What did you need to discuss?”
Kragen’s dark eyes shift between Hank and me before he speaks. “There’s news from Ace. We have a location and a time for this ev’ning’s brawl.”
“Good. I should probably meet with Ace,” Hank suggests.
“He’s here.” Kragen points toward the windows. “On the veranda.”
Hank leans in to kiss me before standing.
“Don’t do this,” I plead with him.
“Angel, I’ll be fine. We’ll take down the PFC, and I’ll save my brother.”
I watch Hank walk out, hoping it’s not the last time.
“Ya love him that much?” Kragen asks once Hank closes the French doors.
This morning’s blood bubbles in my stomach. “I do, Kragen. I can’t lose him.”
“Then I suggest we work ta make sure that don’t happen.” He stands and takes the seat vacated by Hank. “Can I give ya some advice, my dear?”
Of course Kragen can give me advice. He’s at least a century older than I am. Makes him potentially the wisest being I know.
“I’m glad ya found love, but ya know the problem with it, right?”
Slowly, I nod. It’s a thought I’ve been trying to ignore ever since Hank admitted he loved me.
“At some point, that beast is gonna die and leave ya for the rest of eternity.”
I open my mouth to protest.
Kragen raises his hand. “Let me finish. I’m glad ya will let his beast claim ya. But ya need ta find out if he’s willing ta accept ya gift of immortality.”
My heart sinks. “I’ve never asked Hank.”
Kragen pats my knee. “Find out, my dear. If things go south this ev’ning, he might need ya gift sooner than later.”