Bound by Magick 4-in-1 Box Set (Pentacles of Magick) (3 page)

She stared blankly.

“You’re a smart woman. Think harder.”

He’d been slammed into the wall and she’d absorbed his
darker emotions but the room had still vibrated with excess…

She jerked her head up and met his gaze the moment she got
it. “Sex.”

“Give the girl a prize. Now it’s your turn so start
talking.”

“I don't know what else I can tell you? I studied the cards
and the logical answer is the story I told you. What I haven't figured out yet
is the meaning of the four empathic symbols. I had hoped you would have the
answers.” Rena suddenly felt an urge to leave the house. She needed to get away
from him. His presence made her nervous and his touch completely threw her off
kilter. Sex and magick. Magick and sex. For once, her brain needed a break. She
frantically looked around the room for her coat and shoes. “I think it's time
for me to go.”

“No.”

“Yes, it is. I need to think about what happened tonight.
Figure out how it fits the puzzle. That's what I do.” She slid her feet into
her slides and started towards the door.

“Rena, stop. It's the middle of the night. You can't leave
now.” He strode over to her side and put his hand on her arm. Immediately she
felt his concern clear to her core. Like a warm blanket on a cold night, he
wrapped her up with genuine interest in her well being, lulling her into the
safety of his arms.

“Graelen. It's fine. I'm going back to my hotel for the
night and see what I can work out. I'm not leaving town. I need to find the
answers as much, if not more, than you do.” She slipped herself free from his
touch and walked to the door, picking up her backpack from the chair. Without
another word she slipped quietly from the room.

Graelen tunneled his fingers through his hair in
frustration. He could stop her easy enough; with a thought he could lock down
the house. But, he suspected holding her prisoner wouldn't get him what he
wanted. And what exactly did he want? From the moment he’d heard her voice
through the comm system he was entranced. The new sense of power she created
within him had him on edge, and he wanted to use it. And, to complicate things
more, he'd barely been able to resist forcing himself on her, sinking his cock
deep within her.

His cock twitched and energy tingled along his spine as the
vision of her supple body beneath him filled his mind. When he looked down his
fingertips sparked with the excess energy, sending little vibrating pulses
throughout the region.

He ached.

Maybe he needed some time to think things through as well.
Yet… Letting her wander back to a nearby motel alone did not sound like a good
idea. In a split second decision he decided to follow her to make sure she got
there safe. Call it gut instinct or whatever, but something had his senses
screaming in protest. Besides, keeping an eye on her from a distance might
clear his mind as well as give him more insight as to what else she hadn't told
him.

Grae jerked open the bedroom door and headed down the stairs
two at a time. When he exited the front door, he saw her car just passing the
outer gate. He reached in his pocket for his keys.

“Shit.” He didn't have his keys and didn't have time to go
back for them.

He stood still as stone and opened himself to the
elements—seeking, searching. A light breeze swirled around him, tickling
his skin, awakening him to his surroundings. From nowhere came a female whisper
on the wind. Trouble's coming.

He jumped in his Mustang and, with a warm thought directed
towards the engine of the car, his eyes darkened and the engine purred to life.
A satisfied smile crossed his face as the power singed his nerves, giving him a
jolt of sensation fueled by adrenalin that wasn't unlike a high from some of
the finest designer drugs. Too bad it only lasted a few seconds. A man could
get used to that. That final thought left him frowning. An attitude like that
was exactly what would destroy him if he wasn’t careful. Wishing for more every
time he used was the first step towards becoming an addict, and with every
passing year the urge to resist grew weaker.

Graelen jerked the car in gear and charged after Rena.
Enough bullshit.

Minutes later he caught up with her and followed her back to
a small motel on the far edge of town only a few miles from his house. He
considered looping the block and giving her time to get inside before he
followed her in. Instead he pulled in directly behind her.

Her car door opened and he quickly considered his options
for convincing her he wasn’t a stalker freak. She was barely out of her car
when a gunshot rang out and slammed into the window next to where Rena stood.
Shards of glass flew into her face as her screams rent the night. Graelen was
out of his car in seconds and dug deep for the power to throw up a protection
sphere around Rena as more shots continued to fire in her direction.

“Rena!” Graelen yelled at her through the constant racket
but she was in full panic mode as she pressed up against his shield. He knew
she would be safe for now and turned his attention in the direction of the
gunfire. A rooftop across the street. Studying the fire patterns, he counted
only two gunmen from the separate flashes when a shot was fired. Gathering more
energy from the moisture in the air and focusing on his hands, he formed a
large crackling power ball and flung it at the roof.

It struck the edge of the building, sending bricks and
electrical sparks in all directions. The gunshots immediately ceased and he
heard one male guttural scream from that general direction. Graelen gathered
that he'd at least hit one of his targets. He started to run toward the
building to cut them off, but without warning darkness began creeping through
him, like black oil filling his veins. His motion slowed to a stop as he
realized too late that someone nearby was using.

Shit! He attempted to move his feet, his intent to run over
to Rena, but the spell being woven around him rendered him helpless. He tried
to use his own power to free himself but nothing happened. The only way to
fight it would be to call up the dark magick, the kind he had to avoid at all
costs. One of these days, at any given time, he would go too far and the
darkness would take hold and never let go. It was too dangerous, but the only
choice he had as he watched Rena alone. His protection shield wouldn't hold for
long if he didn't break free.

Taking a slow deep breath, he opened his mind to the deeper power
within, and the tight binds holding it in began to unravel, allowing it to rise
and weave through his body. His vision sharpened, becoming crisper and more
focused as the hold on him began to recede. Glancing at Rena, he found her
watching him closely. Her movements had calmed but she looked at him with fear,
stark and vivid, glittering in her eyes. The spell had woven through him
multiplying like a virus, weakening his power source. His body fought it, but
he feared it wouldn't be in time. His protective bubble around Rena was
deteriorating fast and he didn't have more than a couple of minutes left.

“Hang on, baby, I'm going to get us out of this,” he
reassured Rena.

“Graelen, I can feel it. It's so dark and heavy, it's taking
control of your body.” Her voice trembled with the fear he'd seen in her eyes.
“What is it?”

“Damn it, Rena, close your mind. Someone is using me to get
to you. If you don't shut him out we’ll both lose.”

“I don't know how to stop it.” Her voice rose with panic.
“This power—this energy is more powerful than anything I’ve experienced.
It hurts.”

“Focus, Rena. You can close your mind to it. Take a breath
and relax, then just imagine a door shutting in your mind. Open it wide and
then slam it shut.”

He watched her take a few deep breaths and close her eyes,
releasing the tension lines in her face. Convinced she would concentrate on the
task he gave her, he once again turned inward and focused on breaking the
spell. He had to trust that she would be strong enough to do as he asked. There
simply wasn’t time for any other option.

Whoever held him was a force to be reckoned with. However,
even at this distance he could probably pull in power from his twin, if he
hurried. He relaxed and let the spell continue to weave around his body, but freeing
his mind to open to his brother Cash.

Hear me, brother. I need your help.

Only a few moments passed before he felt his brother join
the connection. A dark power, stronger than before—something more
powerful than he had expected—rushed forth to fight the damage caused by
the spell. Its bonds began to weaken but it wasn't happening fast enough. The
protection on Rena was nearly gone, and Graelen sensed a presence approaching
her. He had to break it now! He seethed white-hot anger when, with one last push
from Cash, he freed himself.

Running over to where Rena crouched protectively on the
ground, he quickly scooped her up in his arms. The presence was dissipating,
but he wasn't taking any chances. I'm getting her the hell out of here.

“Come on, baby, I've got you now.” He carried her back to
his car, setting her gently inside. After scanning the area to be certain no
one else still lurked, he ran back and grabbed her stuff from the front seat.
No way would she be staying in a motel alone. He needed to find out who was
responsible for this attack and why. In the meantime, she’d be safe at his
house where he or Steven could watch over her.

“Graelen, what the hell just happened? Why in the hell was
someone shooting at me?”

Obviously she was more coherent than he'd thought. She went
straight to the important question. No tears, no incessant babbling, but
directly to the analyzing of what had just happened. She was a rare woman
indeed, one he wanted to get to know better. One he wanted to protect from
whatever or whoever just happened. And one he knew was destined to destroy him.

Chapter Three

Rage burned through him as he watched the woman drive away
with Graelen. The blackness flowed freely and the desire to destroy overwhelmed
him. What is she doing here? And why would she help one of the evil ones?

He had to find out their plans. With Samhain approaching all
of their powers would be stronger, even his own. He would definitely need a
boost, and he knew just where to get it.

“Boss.” He turned towards the voice calling him. “Charlie
didn't make it. Whatever that asshole hit him with burned a hole right through
him. He didn't stand a chance. What the hell is going on here?”

His energy surged and built.

“Your eyes, sir. They—They—Black—” The
idiot backed up, holding up his hands.

“You and Charlie failed to get the girl. It was a simple
task. Not too much to ask for.” He inched forward.

“I'm sorry, sir—”

“Shut up.” He raised his hands to show the energy forming in
his palm. “Clearly you were not the right men for the job. All that's left for
me to do here is clean up the mess.” He flung the energy at the coward cringing
in front of him, striking his heart and absorbing the fear and shock emanating
from the man. He looked down at the limp and empty dead body, the beginning of
a smile tipped up the corners of his mouth. His power rolled through him like
the churning seas of a hurricane. More. He needed more.

Relief washed over Rena when they drove through the gates of
Graelen’s estate. The ordeal had scared her more than she cared to admit. The
entire ride here her hands had shook uncontrollably until finally she’d slipped
them under her thighs. She wasn't sure what was going on, but she would
probably be safer with him than at her cheap motel with its flimsy chain latch
to keep people out.

Neither had spoken the entire ride back to his home, the
silence filling the car until it threatened to choke her. She assumed that,
like her, he was trying to figure out what the hell happened back there. She
doubted men firing on her from a rooftop, with weapons more powerful than
varmint rifles, were just random criminals. The more likely scenario was that
someone targeted her. But why? What would someone want from me?

Generally people don't chase after historians. It wasn’t
exactly a dangerous profession. Plus a loner like her didn't even get out much.
She frequently spent days on end working in her office at the museum. And
lately her obsession with the Tarot had kept her at work. She hadn't left the
building for weeks until she decided to come out here.

Wait. Her body stiffened as the possibility dawned on her.

“Graelen, do you think this has something to do with the
Tarot cards I brought you?” She turned in her seat leaning closer to him.

She brushed his arm with her fingers and the same small
spark of energy crackled between them. Her hand tingled, and it was damned
annoying. But she took a form of comfort in being close to him and his power,
even if she didn't really understand it.

He braked the car to a stop in front of the house killing
the engine before turning to look at her. “You're playing with fire every time
you touch me like that.”

She jerked her hand away, dumbfounded by his statement.

“We have a lot to talk about, don't we, Rena?” He leaned
close to her, stopping scant inches from her mouth. “Looks like you're not
going anywhere any time soon.” The planes of his face maintained his cool
appearance, but the heat in his gaze gave away his true thoughts. “Like it or
not, I'm in control now.”

His statement should have offended her, scared her even, but
instead her already thrumming pussy pulsed and her nipples tightened to painful
hard points of flesh. All she could focus on were his lips so close to her own.
She noticed a tiny scar on the side of his lower lip, and without thought she
reached up and ran her finger across the tiny patch of skin.

“No,” she whispered across his mouth before tentatively
touching them with her own, igniting the firestorm within them. His mouth
slanted over hers with a rough, demanding pressure. His tongue pushed through
her lips, seeking out the deep intimacies of her heated mouth. Her calm
shattered with his musky taste and hungry kiss.

She didn't understand this connection between them. But his
close proximity had her body heating quickly in preparation.

Thoughts of Tarot cards and guns fled her mind to be
replaced with warm skin, biting teeth, and power. Yes, as the intensity of his
kiss continued to devour her mouth more of his power seeped into her. With
every added touch her body sizzled from the energy he carried. His sexual wants
and needs towards her flooded her system. As her body softened under the
onslaught, his power changed. Something dark struck her mind.

“Get out of the car, Rena.” His sudden withdrawal startled
her as his order seeped into her lust soaked brain. “Unless you want me to fuck
you right here like a sex starved teen, get out of the car.”

Too confused by his sudden surge of anger, Rena grabbed up
her stuff and fumbled for the door handle. Stepping into the night, she gulped
in the fresh air in an attempt to clear her mind. He made it so hard for her to
think straight.

Graelen stepped up behind her. Close. His heat seeped
through her clothing to wrap around her. His head dipped until his lips grazed
her neck. She couldn't breathe. Not with the delicious sizzle of his mouth on
her skin.

“Are you ready to dance with the devil?” His whispered words
sent shivers along her spine. He hadn't touched her and yet his voice had
malevolently entwined her. Something about this incredible man made her want to
rip off her clothes and beg him to take her.

Right here and right now.

For a brief moment she wondered if he had cast a spell on
her. Could a spell cause her body to tighten at his nearness? Could a spell
cause her pussy to clench in desperate need every time he touched her?

Without another word he grabbed her bags and walked through
the open doorway of his house. That he expected her to blindly follow was clear
and, despite her reluctance, she did just that. The man was far too powerful
and alluring for her to deny. At least, not yet. He’d saved her back at the
motel, not to mention he held the answers to her questions about the meaning in
the Tarot. And it was those answers she sought that had threatened her sanity
for weeks now. She wasn't about to back down now.

This time when she stepped into his home the butler wasn't
there to escort her. In fact, the house had taken on a dark, eerie quality she
hadn't noticed before. As Graelen led her down the corridor and up the back
stairs she found her gaze wandering, absorbing the history of the house. The
front of the mansion held priceless antiques, lending itself to a typical old
money, formal feeling. But here in the back of the house it held items that
intrigued her. Items she was certain were part of a history they didn't
normally share with anyone. She noticed books with ancient leather bindings
that she would love to get her hands on, statues she was sure would honor any
museum to carry, and priceless memorabilia that—

She stopped cold in her tracks, goosebumps rising across her
flesh as a familiar touch brushed through her mind, calling to her in much the
way that damned Tarot card had. “Graelen, wait.”

She turned around to search for what had touched her, and
there on the wall above the hall table hung a tapestry. The fabric was weaved
with rich gold and green colors and a woman's figure was silhouetted against a
mountainous background. The tapestry appeared quite old, threadbare in some
spots with minor damage and fray around the edges. Nothing remarkable about it
stood out to her, but she was drawn to it anyway. She placed her things on the
carpet and moved towards it for a closer inspection.

“Rena, what is it? What are you doing?” Graelen's voice
questioned from behind her, but she brushed it aside.

She had to go to the hanging. She needed to touch it.
Graelen mumbled something else under his breath, but she was too involved with
the brush on her mind compelling her to move forward.

Standing in front of the old tapestry, she focused on the
sharper details—the woman featured in the scene was lounging in a garden,
reading a book. There were faint symbols on the book she could barely make out.
Leaning closer, she realized it was the same four symbols from the cards. The
ones that stood for empath.

Oh, my God.

Yes, despite Graelen's rejection of her theory of the
symbols, she knew she was right. The empathic symbols from the card were
repeated here. Now she just needed to figure out what it meant and why did it
draw her in. Her hand reached up, and the instant her fingers touched the
fabric Graelen wrapped his arms around her waist and molded his hard body along
hers.

The shock of emotion was instantaneous as she felt the pain
and heartbreak of forbidden love from the tapestry blend with the lust infusing
her from Graelen. It took her breath away as she fought a well of desire
flowing through her body. Her nipples tightened as this ridge of his hard cock
nestled along the seam of her ass, the heat radiating through the fabric of her
pants.

Her breath grew choppy as his hands roughly moved across her
belly toward her aching breasts. She could feel his loss of control, the giving
in to his lust and nothing could stop it. Hell, she didn't want to stop it.
Only one thing could quench the fire coursing through her.

She had to have him—now.

His hands plucked and pulled at her nipples, creating a
fiery blend of pain and pleasure. A needy whimper escaped her lips as his head
dipped toward her neck.

“Oh yeah, baby, you need this as much as I do, don't you?”
His breath stroked her ear, increasing the helpless sensations coursing through
her. She arched her back in an attempt to push her breasts harder into his
hands. “I can't wait. I have to have you now.” He grasped the buttons of her
shirt.

But instead of unfastening them as she expected, he grabbed
the edges and ripped her shirt apart. Her shocked gasp gave way to the cool air
rushing across her heated flesh. Grae quickly pushed her bra upward, allowing
her naked breasts to spill freely into his hands. His fingers went straight to
the hard tips, giving them each a fierce pinch. The quick flash of pain took
her breath away.

Oh that was good. Not once had a man touched her like this.
Fast and hard. Rough and raw. Whatever this was she didn’t care so long as he
didn’t stop. She buried her hands in his hair as he worked her nipples. She
curled her fingers into the table, digging her nails into the wood. Every new
place on her body he touched made more moisture flow from her pussy until she
wriggled and ached for so much more.

His large hands pulled and twisted as his thick, erect cock
pushed against her backside, forcing her harder against the table. In a
desperate move she tried to angle her arms for more skin-to-skin connection,
but he grabbed her hands when she moved and forced them back over her head.

Graelen growled at her warningly. He didn't want her to move
just yet. Not with desperate need ravaging through his system thanks to the
events of their night. Heat burned inside of him, melting his brain and ability
to take things slow.

“Tell me what you need.” There was no way to hold back the
harsh demand.

“I need you.” Her voice shook on the answer.

Yes, tonight she would be his. But first, he needed to get
control of himself. Every time he touched her the energy he got from her mixed
with his magick, leaving him with an uncontrollable urge to get closer, to
touch her, to fuck her. As if he could become one with her.

She chose that moment to wriggle her tight jean clad ass
against his burgeoning cock effectively cutting his thin thread of control.
“You shouldn't have done that, baby.” Before she could even whimper a response
he gripped the waist of her jeans and deftly unfastened them, then yanked them
down around her ankles. Her sharp intake of breath only fueled his desperate
actions as he grabbed her waist and flipped her around, seating her on top of
the table and pinning her hands behind her back.

His lips swooped down to hers, feeding on her taste and the
power they created together. He thrust his tongue deep in the hot cavern of her
mouth. The sensation was like a drug oozing into his system, luring him to take
what he wanted. Any way he wanted.

With one hand he forced his own pants open, relieving the
pressure of confinement as his cock enlarged. He slid his hands between her
silken legs, spreading them enough for him to fit his hips into the vee of her
thighs. When his crown touched her engorged clit her hips jerked and a low moan
sounded in her throat. Hunger for more drove him to her breasts again to nip at
her succulent skin. His teeth grazed and bit all around the soft creamy flesh.
A particularly hard bite had her hips pushing against his length as soft cries
and pleas came from her.

“Tell me again you want it, baby.” He looked down into her
molten eyes to watch her response. Her breath came in hard pants as the tips of
her teeth gripped her lip. “Rena. Tell me. Tell me you want my cock inside you.
Tell me now or I’ll stop.”

She cast her eyes downward, a tiny little whimper rolling
from her lips when she tried to speak.

“Look at me, Rena. Don't turn away. Tell me.”

“Yes.” A mere whisper touched his ears. But it wasn't
enough. He wanted her to speak the words. His own need to hear her submission
kept him from sinking deep into her slick folds.

“What, Rena? Tell me. Tell me what you want.” He hesitated a
moment. “Say it.”

“Yes, I want you to fuck me, Graelen. Fuck me now!”