“Great. I’m glad I didn’t know that at the time. I would have been so embarrassed.”
“We’re always looking out for you. It’s time to get out.”
Angel eased out of the tub and looked down. “Did I get it all?”
“I don’t see any hair on you. I wonder if Gargoyle women are hairless. It’s kind of odd, isn’t it? Especially since they mate with Lycans. I’ve always wanted to ask one of the mates if they have to keep all the hair off until they shift.”
Angel used a towel and dried off, before letting her hair out of its clip. She’d washed it earlier, wanting it to be dry by the time Creed arrived. “I could ask him tonight.”
“He’s not going to be in a mood to talk.” Her mom lowered her voice. “Monolith barely said ten words to me the night he took me, besides telling me what to do. They don’t seem to be able to think straight.”
“Oh.”
Worry creased her mother’s brow. “Are you sure about this? It’s very rough sex. They lose control.”
“I’m sure. Creed isn’t going to hurt me.”
“You just don’t heal as fast as we do.”
“I’ll be fine.” She hung the towel and picked up the almost sheer material that someone decided to call a dress. “This is it?”
“Yes. I told you. They avoid skin contact but it’s almost as if you’re wearing nothing. Just wrap it around you, under your arms, and I’ll secure it for you.”
“Thanks for helping me.”
“I bet your human friends don’t discuss these things with their mothers or help out this way.”
Angel laughed. “Um, no. They don’t.”
“Humans are too uptight. Sex is a natural, healthy thing.”
“Lycans don’t get STD’s, Mom. Humans do. They can also get pregnant by jerks who don’t stick around. There aren’t enforcers who track down and severely punish their men who hit women. A rapist Lycan would be a dead one. The entire pack would track and kill him. Your world is a lot safer than theirs is, in that regard.”
“That’s true.”
She walked over to a mirror. “How do I look?”
“Beautiful.”
“You’d say that if I were dipped in mud.” Angel smiled to soften the words.
“Smartass. Should I mention that it’s not your face he’ll mostly be staring at tonight? Are you going to be okay with being tied down? I felt a little panic at first. It’s unnatural to do that to our kind but I just breathed through it when he put on the restraints.”
“It’s not my first time. I’m not some blushing virgin.”
“Humans are really into tying each other up?”
“Some are. I’ll be fine. I don’t want you sulking too.”
“I’ll keep your father occupied. Don’t give us another thought. This is your night.”
Angel took a deep breath and blew it out. “I’ve always wanted Creed. I’m just nervous.”
“Once you drink his hormones, thinking and worrying won’t be a problem. That is some powerful stuff. I was really surprised because they’re so cold, but not when the ravage hits. Maybe you shouldn’t drink all of it. I don’t know how a human will handle it.”
“Some Gargoyles in Europe still breed with humans.”
“They do?”
“Yes. Creed told me that once. Don’t worry, Mom.”
“I won’t. I want you to have fun and enjoy finally being with Creed.” Her mom hugged her. “Now it’s time to go so you aren’t late. Sneak out the back door. The elders are on the prowl. You know how they like to put their nose in our business. They think Creed is going to pick you up at the front door, and I didn’t correct them.”
“Thanks. I just hope I don’t run into anyone. Good thing it’s still warm out. Imagine having to wear this in winter.” She looked down at the thin dress. “This thing would also get me arrested in Seattle if I stepped out in it. Indecent exposure. You’d have to send me bail money.”
“I’m going to go to your father. He’s pacing and growling. I hear him.”
“Shit.”
“I can handle his mood, and it’s not as though he can go after you.”
“True. Not without some serious climbing gear.”
“Go. Creed might show up early.”
Angel exited the bathroom and raced down the hallway to avoid her father. He was protective, and she didn’t blame him. It just proved his love. She eased open the back door and glanced around. There was no one within sight, so she took off. The path through the woods wasn’t occupied and she made it to the meeting spot quickly. She stared up at the cliff. Her heart hammered. Excitement and nervousness battled for dominance.
“Come on, Creed. Here I am. Come get me.”
He won’t back out, will he? No. He needs me. He said he’d be here and he always keeps his word. She bit her lip, staring at the cliff face. She didn’t see him. It was possible she was a few minutes early or he was running late.
A twig snapped behind her and she spun.
Creed stood there, and she relaxed. He’d come for her. It just wasn’t by air. He must have gotten there before she had and just stayed out of view.
His eyes were mostly silver as he strode forward. He wore a black cloak with black pants. Both were new and kind of attractive, if unexpected; different from his usual jeans and casual wear. His feet were bare. He didn’t speak, but instead just walked right up to her.
She gasped when he scooped her up into his arms, and then his wings expanded, the cloak folding between them along his back, out of the way. He leapt and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He flew toward the cliff.
Angel turned her head, watching them glide over the river. Faint memories returned of when he’d first found her and taken her to a new life. It was the only time he’d ever taken her into the air. She’d asked when they used to hang out but he’d always refused. It seemed appropriate that they were flying together now. She smiled, loving the sensation of soaring high. She wasn’t afraid. Creed wouldn’t let her fall. His arms were firmly hooked under the back of her knees and her waist.
He did a sharp movement when they reached his ledge that jerked them to a stop, and he just dropped straight down about five feet. He cushioned her landing in his arms. The mouth of the cave was bigger than she imagined it would be. He strode inside and she peered around with open curiosity. She’d always wondered what his lair was like. He’d dodged any and all questions she’d ever asked about it.
Lights were on deep inside, once they’d made a few turns. The fact that he had electricity came as a surprise. The tunnel ended with an open doorway. She glanced at the thick metal and wood barrier. He paused long enough to use his foot to slam it closed. He walked forward through a living area. It contained a small kitchen that had a fridge, microwave, and propane cooktop. It was basic but effective. There was a television and couch.
He carried her through another short tunnel and into a lit room. The bedroom was small, and the bed took up most of it. She gaped a little at the king-size four-poster frame. It was the last thing she figured he slept on.
Creed stopped at the end of the bed and gently lowered her to her feet. She noticed the chains laying on the thick black comforter. They made her swallow hard and face him. His eyes swirled with colors and movement, seeming alive.
“Hi.”
He frowned. “Are you sure, Angel? There’s no turning back after I share my hormones. Yes or no.”
Her mother had said he probably wouldn’t be in a mood to talk. “I’m sure.” She looked down and noticed more chains near the end of the four-poster. She stepped over to the foot of the bed. “Do you want me on it?”
He spun away and walked to the small dresser. There was a shot glass sitting on it, filled with clear liquid. He picked it up and hesitated.
She didn’t. She held out her hand. “Give it to me.”
“Drink half. I’ll give you more if you need it. I don’t want to overdose you.”
“Is that possible?”
??
?Your heart could give out.” He looked grim.
“Half it is.”
He closed the distance and held out the small glass. She hoped it wouldn’t taste bad. It wasn’t blood. That had to be a bonus. She dropped her gaze from his and just lifted the thing. Half. It couldn’t be any worse than downing a shot of tequila. She drank.
She’d expected it to be bitter but was surprised by the sweetness. She stopped drinking and looked at what was left. She’d judged it right.
He took the glass and returned it to the dresser. The cloak he wore reminded her of something out of a Vampire movie but she didn’t say anything. It could be part of his ritual. He returned to her and pointed at the foot of the bed. “Turn around and bend over.”
She hadn’t expected that. The mattress was high, but she did as instructed. His tone was a little harsh, his eyes swirling silver and blue. He reached over and grabbed one of the chains. He pulled it, and that’s when she saw the leather restraints at the ends of them. His hands shook as he gently took one of her wrists, belting it so only soft leather touched her skin. He tightened it, but not so much that it cut off the circulation to her fingers.
A hot flash suddenly hit. She’d never had one before, but knew what it was when heat seemed to spread throughout her body. It was uncomfortable but she tried to relax. She was bent over the bed though, on her tiptoes to be able to get her hips high enough to rest on the mattress. Creed restrained her other wrist so they were spread straight out to her sides. She tested them when he backed off her. She had a few inches of movement but not much more.
She looked over her shoulder and watched him crouch behind her. His fingers wrapped around one of her ankles. “Relax,” he demanded.
He pulled her foot to the side and it left her standing on one leg. He belted that ankle and she understood what he was doing. It would leave her unable to stand when he restrained the other and would keep her legs spread apart. She lowered her head, closing her eyes.
Another blast of heat coursed through her body and she breathed through it. Creed had secured one ankle and took the other. With her upper half lying on the bed, she wasn’t in danger of falling. He secured her other ankle. She wiggled her toes. She couldn’t feel the floor or anything else within reach of her feet.
Her nipples beaded tight and her clit started to throb. It was his hormones. Her mother said it was like going into heat for Lycans, only stronger. She’d always wondered what that experience would be like. Every second that passed made her more aware of her body. Her skin felt super sensitive and her pussy began to ache.
“You’re okay,” Creed assured her. His voice grew even deeper, taking on an inhuman quality. “Just breathe, Angel.”
“Why chain me down?”
“So you don’t fight me. I can’t hurt you this way.”
Clothing rustled and she turned her head, forcing her eyes open. Creed stepped into her view. He’d ditched the cloak and his bare chest glistened in the lights from a fine sheen of sweat. He was breathing a bit heavy, too. She lifted up a little more to take in the view of his abs. He had a very fit body, every muscle defined. He’d removed the pants and now wore the same material as her dress, wrapped around his hips like some thin towel, open on one side where it split. She got to glimpse his hipbone and leg but nothing more.
He stepped behind her and his hands brushed against the back of her thighs.
Angel moaned at the slight touch. It felt extraordinary and only made her ache more. “Creed.”
“You’re almost ready.”
Almost? She wanted him. Her pussy was wet. She could feel that, and her clit throbbed, ached. Her stomach quivered and her breasts almost hurt from how tight her nipples had become. The heat flowing through her body had her breaking out into a sweat, too.
He shifted the material lying over her bent body to expose her backside and it tickled a little. His hands returned but now nothing was between them. He had roughly textured fingertips and they caressed the back of her thighs, slowly trailing upward toward her ass. She tried to shift closer but couldn’t with the way he’d restrained her.
She cried out when he suddenly slid one of his hands between her thighs and cupped her sex. His thumb brushed across her clit and he rubbed. She knew she was soaking wet because he spread it across that bundle of nerves.
“I want to fuck you,” he snarled.
“Do it,” she urged.
She clawed his bedspread with her fingers. It was a thick, soft material. The mattress heavily padded. None of the wood from his bed touched her. He drew a circle around her clit and she moaned louder, almost ready to come just from those few movements.
“So beautiful.”
She barely understood his words. Blood rushed to her ears and she tensed, trying to buck against his hand. He needed to rub her just a little more. She’d come. She was on the edge. He shifted his hand and ran his thumb over her clit again. She sucked in air and moaned. One of his fingers teased over the slit of her pussy and she arched her back.
“Creed!”
He slid a thick digit inside her pussy and rubbed her clit with his thumb. The sensation of any part of him inside her was enough to send her into climax. It was brutal as it ripped through her. Her nipples tightened even more, painfully so. She cried out.
“Son of a bitch.” Creed jerked his finger free, and then he pressed something thicker and larger against her pussy. The crown of his cock rubbed down her slit then hovered right against that opening. He pressed in and gripped her hips with both hands in a near bruising hold.
He entered her in one long, slow thrust. He was big, but it felt so good that Angel yelled his name. He snarled and drove into her deeper. She clawed the bed, still coming down from the climax. He almost totally withdrew from her body but then surged forward, filling her. Angel cried out as pure ecstasy shot through her. She squeezed her eyes closed and her heart felt as if it were going to explode inside her chest. It was too much sensory overload, but Creed withdrew and thrust again. He moved faster, fucking her harder.
There was only Creed, the feel of him fucking her, driving her beyond her limit of pleasure. She fought the restraints, wanting to touch him. They held her securely, her legs spread open for him, and she cried out when the second climax struck.
Creed released her hips and came down on top of her. His weight pinned her to the bed as he drove in and out of her with a fury of passion. His hands slid up her sides and he reached under her chest to cup her breasts in his hands. He squeezed, giving her nipples a slight pinch between his fingers. Angel cried out as she came a third time.
She moaned and tried to buck him off. It was too much. It felt too good. No one could survive what he was doing to her. But she couldn’t move away. He pounded into her harder, more snarls coming from his throat. He caressed her breasts again, massaging them. Angel opened her mouth, biting the bedspread as she moaned. She came again. Her vaginal muscles convulsed hard, squeezing around this cock.
Creed buried his face against her back, his hot mouth kissing her shoulder. “Angel,” he moaned. “My Angel.”
She came yet again. He teased her breasts with his fingers, his cock driving in and out of her so fast, she felt as if they were going to ignite in flames. His cock seemed to get even harder, if that was possible, and then he twisted his face away, roaring out. The sound almost hurt her ears but it didn’t matter. She was gripped in another white-hot haze of pure rapture.
Creed stilled on top of her. He panted and she could barely catch her breath. Their heavy breathing filled the room. He lifted some of his weight off her back and rubbed his cheek against her shoulder blade.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes.”
The heat burned her up. The need. She wiggled her ass, arching her back. “More.”
He moved slowly, almost totally withdrawing from her, and then drove in deep. Angel murmured his name. He turned his head and she felt his fangs brush against her skin.
“Fuck. No!” He jerked his
mouth away from her.
“Yes! Don’t stop.”
“I want to bite.”
“Do it. It all feels so good.”
He snarled and began to fuck her hard. The bed banged against the rock wall near the headboard and the wood frame seemed in danger of breaking. It didn’t matter. She clawed the bedspread and fought the restraints. She just wanted to touch him, but her arms were spread out to her sides and she couldn’t even reach where his hands still gripped her breasts. He squeezed them and she came again. It almost drove her out of her mind. She lost the ability to think. There was just Creed’s cock moving inside her, his weight pinning her down, and his hands on her breasts.
Creed came so hard it damn near made him pass out. Angel was so hot, wet, and tight that she was killing him. He understood why his kind hated the ravage so much. It was the most painful, yet exhilarating thing they could feel. He was an animal at that moment, pounding his dick into the woman under him. And he loved it. He loved her.
Angel cried out his name and he clenched his teeth together. The slight taste of blood was on his mouth. He’d nicked his lower lip with his fangs just to keep from sinking them into Angel. He wanted to bite into her and taste her blood. He wanted to possess every part of her. The claiming need was upon him. He’d known to expect it. He’d survived the ravage once before but it had never been so strong. It was almost too overwhelming to resist.
He tried to force himself to straighten up, to get off her. That’s why they restrained women. It gave him the ability to fuck her without going near the woman’s throat or shoulders. She wasn’t just any woman under him, though. It was Angel. He’d shoved the dress she wore out of the way so his skin was plastered against hers. He loved the way she felt. So soft, slick, and warm.
Her scent filled his nose. He opened his eyes, staring at her creamy skin. Those bare shoulders of hers taunted him. She tossed her head, almost catching him in the chin. He looked away, watching her fingers dig into the bedspread. He wanted to feel her fingernails tear into his skin instead. He came just thinking about how it would feel. He roared her name. She moaned his, and her pussy convulsed around his dick.