Fate's Embrace Read online

  “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” I asked.

  Aleric’s expression was kind, though his eyes continued to glow. He must have been aware of what I was feeling. “If the two of you were able to break half the spell without even trying, I see no reason why the three of us can’t finish the job.”

  I immediately looked to Michael. I already knew where Aleric stood on the issue of a three-way. Even though Michael had been agreeable before, saying something is a lot different than acting on something. When I looked at him, I didn’t see resistance or hesitation, I saw acceptance.

  “If you’re going to be my mate,” he said, “this is how it will be.” To my surprise he turned to the wizard, moving close enough to place his hand flat against the other man’s chest. “Aleric, will you serve as our shaman, once I am leader of the pack?”

  Aleric placed his hand over Michael’s. “I will, and Raina will be my assistant.”

  I was all right with what was going on, but I didn’t understand it. Obviously, they did.

  “The local pack was formed years ago by a Native American. A shaman used to hunt with them, go to their meetings, and aid in the healing of injured wolves. It’s a practice that hasn’t been around for a long time, but one that will be welcomed.” Michael moved closer to me as he spoke and Aleric followed, closing me between them. The rough baritone of Michael’s voice flowed over me. “To take a shaman into your bed is an honor. This way our relationship doesn’t have to be a secret.” He brushed his hand across my face and that simple touch ignited a spark within me. “I don’t like secrets,” he added.

  It was touching to know that not only did Michael accept Aleric as part of the bargain, but he didn’t want to hide that relationship. They moved closer and I put a hand out to touch both of them. The energy flowing between them was almost electric and I was the conductor from one to the other. My hand felt cool where it rested against Aleric’s stomach, even though his skin was hot. Cold, hard power was pouring from him and into me. It was like standing in front of an oncoming wave or underneath a waterfall.

  My other hand was against Michael’s chest and where it touched, my palm burned. Werewolves always ran a higher body temperature, but he was burning. He was so hot I expected to see his skin turn red, but he was still the same golden tan as before. A fire flowed from him, through my body and into Aleric. I could feel the transfer of power so strongly that when I looked at my hands I expected to physically see some evidence of this magic.

  Aleric stretched his arms wide. As he tilted back his head his wings unfurled and I felt the magic circle expand to enclose the whole room. Michael didn’t look surprised, but he did take notice.

  When Aleric spoke, the power in his voice made me tremble. “What we do here tonight will make our presence known to him. I don’t know how much time we’ll have before he comes looking for us.”

  “Then let’s be prepared,” Michael said.

  They moved so that Aleric stood in front of me and Michael was behind. As the wizard bent down to kiss me his wings enveloped us and a thrill ran through me. There was power in his every touch, and especially when he touched Michael. As they wrapped their arms around me, pressing me tight between them, I knew there was no place on Earth I’d rather be.

  Michael’s hands ran up my sides, caressing my waist, moving up to cup my breasts. I gasped into Aleric’s mouth as I felt the werewolf grow hard against my ass. Aleric deepened the kiss and I gave myself over to the cool, rushing power in his embrace. He pulled both of us close, and where his hands touched Michael’s I felt a jolt of power. The air hummed with magic so close to the breaking point it made me cry. It was like being on the very brink of ecstasy and unable to go further.

  I knew what must be done to complete the magic between us and I couldn’t wait any longer. The desire coursing through me was like nothing I had ever felt.

  “Take me now,” I panted, pulling back from Aleric.

  He cupped my face in his hands, brushing away my tears with his thumb. “I can’t wait anymore,” I begged. “Please.”

  Michael took a step back, pulling me with him onto the bed. The heat of his body burned into me while I rested back against him. Aleric’s glowing blue eyes added an element of danger to his already fearsome appearance and my heart raced as Michael moved his legs underneath mine and spread them wide.

  Aleric lowered his head toward my pussy and I started to grind myself against his face.

  “Yes,” I growled. I threw my head back, my hair spreading across Michael’s chest. He pressed his lips to my throat, growling as he flicked his tongue across my pulse. He cupped my breasts in his hands while Aleric lapped at my clit. It was too much. My body shook with the need for release and yet it wouldn’t come. Not yet. It was as if this magic that was binding us together more with every breath was also holding us apart.

  I leaned back and Michael kissed me long and deep. His tongue plunged into my mouth as Aleric plunged inside me with his cock. My cry of pleasure was lost in Michael’s kiss. The feel of their bodies pressed against me from either side was so intense. The slipping, sliding feeling of hot, wet flesh. Skin against skin. My body ached as Aleric thrust in and out, his wings enfolding both Michael and me again, like another pair of hands. With each powerful thrust I jarred back against Michael’s firm body holding me in place, spreading my legs wide.

  I needed to come more than I ever had. My pussy throbbed and still no release came with the tight pulsing of my muscles. Only more tension.

  Aleric leaned over me, grinding against me as Michael moved his hand so the wizard could suck my nipple into his mouth. Then he withdrew from me and Michael took his place. While Aleric kissed me Michael pressed slowly up and into my body. He moved his thighs, spreading my legs wider and I cried out as he moved faster. I moved almost into a sitting position and he supported me with his hands against my back. Michael moved faster and faster. All the while Aleric trailed kisses up and down my body.

  I could feel the pressure building at the base of my spine. This time I would have release, I knew it. “I need something more,” I said to Aleric, my tone pleading. “It won’t break.”

  Through our connection I knew he understood. The spell wouldn’t break until I came.

  Aleric left a trail of hot, wet kisses down my body until he reached my clit. He ran his hands around Michael’s shaft where it entered my body, rubbing my clit in the process. He stroked the folds of my pussy where it was spread wide and when he bent his head to kiss me there, I came the instant he touched my clit.

  Aleric moved and I reached down to grab Michael’s shaft, grinding myself against him as I came. Michael lowered me back flat against him. He and Aleric took turns and my orgasm continued. In and out, back and forth, and the tension grew, never quite releasing all that was inside me. I wanted them both.

  “Take me at the same time.”

  Michael pressed a kiss against my throat and I trembled. “Where do you want me?”

  They were both huge but… “You’re too big to go in my ass.”

  He laughed softly at my honest answer. I rolled over and they switched places.

  Aleric positioned me back against his big body and I gave myself completely to the building of the energy between us. I’m scared, I thought. The way he looked at me let me know Aleric had heard my thoughts.

  I won’t hurt you.

  He took me slowly and I cried out with pleasure as he pressed his way into my ass. I had never done anything like this before and I was thrilled at the same time I was afraid. To be between them like this, with both of them touching me, holding me tight. I didn’t think I could take it.

  Aleric spread my legs wide and Michael pressed against my pussy, entering me just as slowly. I could feel myself stretching, split wide open from both directions. They were so big. Michael’s body was slick with sweat and as he rubbed down the front of me I screamed with delight. I could feel Aleric, hard as a rock beneath me, moving slowly in and out of my ass. As
he did this the wizard reached between us and started to work my clit. The sensations were more than I could stand. Orgasm after orgasm rocked my body and I felt the magic break. Power flowed over us, pouring down like rain. Binding us together like nothing else ever could. I knew the instant they came because the feelings grew more intense. It was only a moment longer before I passed out.

  Chapter Twelve

  I woke just before dawn. The smell of fresh soap greeted me as I turned to find Michael wrapped around me from behind. Aleric wasn’t there. I touched the space on my other side, it was cold. Carefully I crawled from the bed, making sure not to disturb Michael. He made a sort of growling noise in his sleep. It wasn’t exactly snoring, so it wasn’t annoying or loud. Actually, it made me smile.

  The house was cold and I pulled on Aleric’s long blue robe as I left the room. Our connection was so much stronger than it was just a few hours ago. All I had to do was think about it and I knew where he was. I climbed the stairs to my bedroom.

  There he stood on the balcony. The doors were open wide and a cold breeze tore through the robe, making me shiver. Not only was Aleric still naked, but his dark wings were spread wide, flapping occasionally in the wind as if to push back some of the cold.

  I was reminded of the first night he came to me in what I’d thought was a dream. I couldn’t look at him without thinking of a fallen angel. He was magnificent. His six-foot-four frame was lithe and muscular. If he had lived in ancient times, people would have worshiped him. Actually, they might worship him still.

  Strands of long, dark hair trailed down his back between his wings, flowing in the breeze. I became entranced as I watched him. So much so that when he spoke I jumped.

  “Come here,” he said. “Your teeth are chattering.”

  Aleric placed me in front of him against the railing. He wrapped his wings around me, completely covering me from the wind, leaving only my face exposed. With his body behind me, I felt not only warm, but safe. Isn’t that what everyone needs when it comes right down to it? Someone to keep them from the cold.

  He sighed heavily.

  “What’s on your mind?” I asked.

  “After you passed out, Michael and I took a shower.”

  I almost said, “Together?” But considering how upset Aleric sounded, it wasn’t really appropriate.

  “He was upset by something he suddenly remembered. When the spell was broken, he realized he had done a few things that someone made him forget.”

  “Like what?”

  “For one thing, all the stuff he said to you. He also remembered coming here before.”

  Percy said before he could smell where a werewolf had been on the property. He mentioned it to me on more than one occasion.

  “He said he came back after Percy bit him, not today to apologize, but last night. And he took something.”

  “What did he take?” Why was I having to practically pull this out of him? What was it Aleric didn’t want to say?

  “A book that wouldn’t be here without me. A very old grimoire, the only copy still in existence. It contains the spell that is needed to steal a soul. When Michael was questioned yesterday he told the sorcerer about meeting me and where I was staying. After that he only remembers his instructions were to find the grimoire and bring it to him. In his excitement the sorcerer even told Michael about part of the spell. Whoever he is, the bastard knew I would have the book. He knows who I am. There are other people who know about me, I don’t believe they would have willingly told anyone where I am. It’s possible he learned of me from torturing them. But, there are only a few people in the world who would know about the book, and they should all be dead by now.” He sighed again. “If I had lived and died in my own time, three hundred years ago, this never would have happened. I came here to save you and as it turns out, none of this would have been possible without my interference.”

  I turned to face him and wrapped my arms around his waist. “Even if that’s true, that also means I never would have known you.” I kissed his chest, snuggling my face against him. “I think it was worth the risk. Besides, aren’t you the most powerful wizard in the world?”

  He blushed at my comment. “I’m one of them.”

  “Then I’m not worried.”

  His dark blue eyes didn’t glow anymore and as I gazed up at him, I felt like I might lose myself in their depths.

  “There’s more. Michael couldn’t remember what the sorcerer looks like, but he did recall the scent of blood.”

  I shivered, more from his words than the cold. “What does that mean? Has he already killed someone?”

  “I can’t be sure, but I believe he’s a blood mage.”

  I knew enough about them from my grandmother’s research and from Aleric’s brief mention of the one he knew to be chilled right down to the bone. Blood mages did exactly what their name implies, they used blood in their rituals. Not just any blood, but the blood of a sacrifice. Many witches have used blood, myself included. But I used my own, not an animal’s and certainly not the blood of some poor, unwilling soul. A sorcerer and a wizard are basically the same thing, only most people refer to dark wizards as sorcerers. A mage on the other hand doesn’t follow the traditional practices of magic, black or otherwise. They sort of make things up as they go. Having someone evil making up their own rules, now that was frightening.

  “The good news is, they’re rare. I only knew one other in my lifetime, the one from my coven I told you about, and he’s long dead.”

  “Are you certain? I mean, you’re here.”

  “It took the power of a full coven to perform that spell. I doubt a blood mage could convince twelve people to perform the same spell with him. Who would want to preserve such evil?”

  “Maybe he didn’t need twelve people, only three.”

  We both turned toward the sound of Michael’s voice. He was standing in the middle of the bedroom.

  “When I met with him, I could smell fresh blood. He looked clean, but had missed some when he washed. It was under his fingernails or something small like that. Just barely enough for a werewolf to detect.”

  “Why would you mention three people?” Aleric asked. “Do you have any idea what you’re referencing?”

  “A spell that I didn’t remember looking at until I remembered taking the book. He wanted to be sure I had the right book. While he was in control of me, the mage made me read it.”

  Michael described a spell he’d read before delivering the stolen grimoire. It involved the sacrifice of three people in order to obtain eternal life.

  “Only it wasn’t really eternal. It said the sacrifice had to be performed again—”

  “Once every three hundred years,” Aleric finished. “Fuck me.”

  Under normal circumstances I would have laughed at the way that sounded. But right now I was more interested in what was going on.

  “It must be him,” Aleric said. “My spell of warding keeps him from coming onto the property, so he used Michael to steal what he needs. Even though he was being used, Michael didn’t trigger the alarm because he doesn’t mean you any harm. That mage is the only one I know who would have had access to the same library three hundred years ago or be sick enough to perform that spell.”

  * * * * *

  Mist still clung to the air as dawn broke, spreading over the landscape like a miracle, casting light into dark places. I’d left Michael cooking breakfast and walked to the end of the road to check the mail. Thinking back on it now, I was careless. I considered the edge of the road my property because my mailbox was there. I was wrong.

  “Excuse me, senorita.”

  One of the tall, good-looking priests stood just at the edge of the driveway. Father Dantes smiled at me and I was suddenly chilled. It was nothing to do with the fact that he was a priest that threw me off, it was his slow, sultry Spanish accent. No priest ever sounded like that. At least none I’d ever met. Why had I not paid more attention to his voice before? It spoke of many things, dark, secr
et, sensual things a priest should know nothing of, not to mention go around thinking about. But Dantes thought it all right and it was evident in his voice. Perhaps he covered this up when we spoke before or maybe my guard was down because I thought I was speaking to a holy man.

  “I’m looking for the house of a Ms. Denise Harris. Could you point me in the right direction?”

  My nosy neighbor had invited me to church with her more than once. For the first time I was grateful, just for the information.

  “Denise isn’t Catholic, and I believe by the ‘maneater’ comment you must have already interviewed her for your book.” I was fairly certain she was the one who’d called me that, not that it mattered now.

  His smile was warm, friendly even. “She’s thinking of converting. I had no idea you two were neighbors. You must be the one she spoke of.”

  “Excuse me?” Something told me he wasn’t referring to the “maneater” comment.

  He took a step closer as he spoke. “I meant no offense. Denise mentioned having some words with a neighbor. She asked me to pray with her about it.”

  I laughed, thinking I was safe inside Aleric’s spell, not realizing that I’d put one foot over the line, quite literally.

  “Oh, you’re good. And if you were talking about anyone else, I might have believed you.” Mentally, I was screaming for Aleric, hoping he would hear me before it was too late. “But my asshole neighbor would never admit she had a problem, let alone ask for prayer.”

  His smile never wavered. “You’re right. I saw you arguing in town a few days ago, just after we spoke.” He took another step toward me and I realized I couldn’t move. “Even if you ran now, you’d never be fast enough. I can make this fast, but not painless. So, why don’t you give me what I came for?”

  “Why don’t you suck my dick?”

  Bad move. Not only did I not have the anatomy to back up the threat, I barely had time to see his fist before I was knocked out cold.