Constricted: Beyond the Brothel Walls (22 page)

“Who? Keys to what?”

“The Morning Star.” My head spun, and I mouthed the words. Nothing came to mind. His mouth gaped and Veric shook his head. “Bloody devil, Satan, Lucifer didn’t that sod teach you anything?”

I shook my head at the banter. The reason I learned about prayer and God was the girls. “Why?” His broad shoulders shrugged. My fists clenched. “Who are my parents? Why’d you leave me with Jules?” He shook his head, and I wondered about the locket. The man … no …“Veric—”

My hand touched his shoulder, and he tensed. “No matter what happens, listen to Petre. He’ll love you and take care of you.” He drew a pistol and handed it over his shoulder. “Marry him, live happily ever after …” He spun around and whispered, “Anyone else walks through the door shoot them.” My mouth opened to protest, and Veric swooped down for a kiss. I blinked as a wide smile fell over his lips. “Now I can die a happy man.”

Die? No way would I have just let him die. He owed me answers. Glass shattered, and he pounced on me. Veric barreled us over the floor and pushed me under the bed. I reached out for him. A finger touched his lips, and I shook my head. Why did everyone risk their life for me? The car shook, and someone growled. Two blackened hooves stepped into view.

“Bastard,” Veric spat. His clothing tore, pieces littering down like confetti. Wings cracked, feathers brushing against the carpet. I crept forward, inching my way toward the door. “C’mon take your best shot you rotter.”

Another crack and blood dropped to the carpet. My eyes glued to the sweet essence, and I licked my lips. Fire surged in my throat. Metal hit metal, and I shook myself out of the hungered haze.

“Give her to me,” a disoriented voice rumbled. Knees slammed to the floor, and Veric hunched forward. Blood dripped from him. No. My eyes widened, and I opened my mouth to scream. Large hands spread wide and stretched up to the heavens. No. The lights dimmed and blinked out the car into darkness. Reddened eyes glowed, illuminating the hoofed attacker. His head bent, revealing slicked dark skin and white bone. I shuddered and closed my eyes.

Veric laughed, and chills raced down my spine. “Over my dead body; she’s mine. D’you all forget that she’s my … Boric gave his blessing.” I blinked, gripping the gun in my hand. I was his what? Damn it what had I meant to him? Hooves disappeared and were replaced by knobbed and furred knees.

“Traitor.”

“Can’t you do better than that?”

The demon gurgled, and I noticed their hands wrapped around each other’s necks. Veins bulged, but I didn’t think Veric would last long. I took a deep breath and rolled free of the bed. My hands shook around the grip. The cold metal pressed at the beast’s head, and without thinking, I pulled the trigger.

My legs stumbled back as blood splattered over my face. “’Bout time ducky.” He shook his head and wiped the remains away. I reached for his hand and pulled him to his feet. His slimed hand stuck to mine, and he cocked his brow. “What’d you have done if he knocked me out?”

“Shot you both.” I grinned as his jaw dropped. My brow cocked. “I’m your what?”

The door slid open, and Petre barreled in with Tomas’ guard and two more men. Their eyes were wide, but whether it was shock or disbelief, I didn’t know or care. Veric blinked and bowed his head. “Not anymore, luv.”

The weight of the weapon compounded in my hands, and I let it fall to the floor before I shot him instead. Fists balled at my sides, and my lip throbbed.

“Kor?” Petre said my name. “What’s he talking about?”

“He told this mincemeat I belonged to him; he said the same to Jules before he left me with the sadistic bastard.”

T
he rest of the group was unharmed, and we managed to pile into one car. Safety in numbers or some crap, but I wanted to be alone. Petre had spoken with the conductor, and the train moved again. A tree had fallen on the tracks, but Tomas and he made short work of the blockage. Sweat beaded, despite my supposed inability to react from hot and cold. It served as one more question the agent refused to answer.

Veric explained the level of demon we’d faced, ignoring my accusations or how I’d known. The fiend was a lower-level demon, but higher and stronger than the Elioud. Almost every demon was stronger than the Elioud.

I stared out the window as he explained the levels of Hell. My mind swam in a million different directions. Petre sat across; he couldn’t touch me with the demon blood. He’d insisted on tolerating the burn, but I’d refused. There wasn’t any need to put him through more pain.

“Angel’s got the key to unleashing the worst.”

Tomas grimaced. I asked, “We’re living Revelation?” Three heads nodded, but I hadn’t sought confirmation, rather was asking what he’d meant. What was Revelation exactly and where had I learned the word? My brows pinched, searching the memory, but none came.

“Is this a conversation for children?” Sophia asked.

Sure, I wanted answers, but not at the risk of harming kids even if I didn’t understand how it hurt them. Veric patted my knee, and Petre clenched his hands.

Tension in our car thickened, and I wanted to cut through it with a knife. Confusion clouded my vision, and I no longer knew what was up or down. In a little over a month, everything I’d known had flipped itself upside down. “The world sundered, and this is Hell on earth.”

I blinked and recalled what the girls had said about Hell. Fiery pits of eternal suffering sounded like life with Jules. Yet they’d claimed it was worse. The thought of something worse than Jules was hard to wrap my mind around. Veric whispered, “My brother is a million times worse.”

Chapter Sixteen

K
orri had kissed him, and I’d forgiven her. That sounded about as stupid as it was, but they were words she’d needed. There wasn’t time for truth, and it would serve to only complicate our already complicated relationship. Veric was her husband.

If I gave her the option, would she still choose me?

My eye twitched. I swore under my breath; if he touched her one more time … Korrigan, I bit the sigh of her name before it left my lips. I should’ve known he’d try something the moment he had her alone. The way he reacted during feedings, and the way he stared at her were all red burning flags. He loved her. Veric wanted his wife. Yes, I’d bitten her and claimed her, but I’d broken the law. Arcadia clearly stated a marriage equated the same as a bite. It also meant I could not marry her. To make matters worse, Veric was the government. My head turned toward the window. I couldn’t look at his smug face for another moment or stomach another thoughtful gaze. Just a little longer, I chanted the words in my head. I’d be free of Veric. But would Korrigan fly away too?

“Angel has the key to unleash,” the demon said, and I’d blinked, before glancing to Tomas.

“Lucifer,” the vampire warlock replied. No wonder they wanted her; he’d surely reward whoever released him. “He tried to hide her with Jules, not realizing he’d sided with Boric. Sorry ami, but he’s not lying.”

My stomach twisted. How old had she been when he’d laid claim? I grimaced and swallowed hard. It made sense why he hadn’t shared the fact, but why had Veric chosen to hide her in the first place?
“It isn’t as cut and dry as the Americans say. There isn’t time, but your thoughts … they are on the wrong path. Dark magic is at play here. Even now I sense the suffocation.”

My head wandered, trying to block out the sounds and voices. Over twenty of us crammed into one car, but Kor looked the worst for wear. Her forehead perspired, and her fingers drummed over the butt of Veric’s revolver in her lap.

“Korri.” I called her name and leaned forward.

She met me halfway. Her amber eyes widened as the train jostled, but there was nowhere to go. Veric touched her again; his eyes flickered amusement. Voices sounded in my head. Too many children chattering at once, but all I wanted was the woman across from me. I didn’t care if she swam in a lake of demon blood or had kissed the one next to her. His claim meant nothing to me, and his ABDA buddies couldn’t hurt me. I’d find a way for us to be together again.

Her lips parted; her hand rubbed her throat. She leaned away and eyed the demon. “I’m—” Veric held a hand up and pulled up his sleeve for her to drink. “—no not in—“

“Tomas can distract them.”

Tomas took his cue and gained their attention. He led them from the car, and Sophia followed like a lost puppy. She acted strange, not that I’d know what normal was for the dark-haired woman.

The three of us were alone. My eyes didn’t leave Korrigan. Teeth ground, rumbling inside my head, as her fangs sliced into his arm. I cursed myself for not teaching her how to make it painful as the large demon groaned. Veric shifted in his seat, those hips rocking against the leather. My legs stood on their own, and my hand wrapped around his fat neck.

Fingers brushed against my thigh and up my inseam. My cock jumped from the strange touch, and Veric danced his fingers higher. Korrigan’s eyes remained closed, her fangs deep in his vein, and lost in her feeding. I loosened my grip on this throat and stroked his rough, strong jaw. Veric’s palm ran up the length of my dick, and I leaned into his touch. My head swam as he popped the button on my jeans and lowered the zipper.

I gasped as his brawny hand gripped me free, and stroked my aching length. Hot fingers caressed my balls. Veric leaned forward, rubbing his finger over my tip, and kissed the trail down my stomach.

“Angel …” She blinked her eyes open and glanced between us. Wide eyes soaked up her surroundings. Veric guided her closer, and I closed my eyes. Her mouth felt like an old memory. Warm wet lips teased my head, but as I stared downward, it was his mouth sucking my cock.

Korrigan knelt to his side, rubbing the demon’s thighs and bare chest. My hands grasped his head, and a groan slipped between me parted lips. It’d been years since I had allowed another man to pleasure me, but he wasn’t as good as my Angel. Our Angel.

His thick lips inched down as his tongue wiggled back and forth. Korrigan lowered Veric’s zipper, and he rumbled his accord over my cock. Anger rose in my throat as I watched her head bob up and down, and his hand rub over her crotch. Korri whimpered and ground her hips into his touch. My fists clenched into his hair, and I yanked, biting my lip. He dragged his mouth away.

“Bloody hell, mate what’s your problem.” He gasped and leaned his head down. His fingers curled into her purple hair and pulled her mouth free. I blinked. Her hair had been green. Why was it purple again? “Your bloke’s a tad bit jealous.” Korrigan met my gaze. I grasped her hands and dragged her toward me.

“This isn’t something you have to do,” I explained. She blinked, and I swallowed. “We got caught up in the moment.”

Her arms raised, and she tugged her sweater free. Veric stood behind her and undid her jeans. The skin on her body laid half painted in demon blood.

He dropped to his knees and peeled the denim from Angel’s legs. Lips nibbled and suckled the exposed flesh in an erotic dance that shot fire deep into my balls. The tingle of anticipation spread as her sweetness flared my nostrils. My lips fell to her neck, and I trailed to her ear. “Let us love you.”

Slowly I kissed a path down her body until I had knelt with Veric. He moved his head over, and our tongues danced over her clit. The contrast between silky flesh and his rough face tightened my belly. I wanted her pussy as much as I yearned for the demon’s touch.

Korrigan moaned, placing a hand on each of our heads as her hips rocked. My hand found his cock, and I stroked the hot flesh in my palm. Veric mumbled and broke contact as he leaned away. The iciness he’d left in his wake hadn’t lasted. Hot hands ran over my back and grasped my jeans.

Veric trailed teasing kisses as he lowered the fabric and tossed the constricting garment aside. Rough hands spread my cheeks as soft lips tickled my flesh. Angel’s hips bucked faster, and the demon encouraged her.

My fangs pierced her flesh. She tensed, and her screams became music to my ears as I drank in the honey nectar. Korrigan staggered backward and plopped on the seat. Her breasts glistened and heaved with each shaky breath. I spun around and pinned Veric to the train floor. Need flared in his red eyes as I dipped down for a kiss.

Veric groaned as our lips connected. My hips ground as our lips parted. The rough blood-tainted stubble nicked my smooth face, but I didn’t mind. Our tongues met, massaged, and caressed as we explored each other’s mouths. His fingers massaged my rim, and I thrust myself back, shoving them deep inside. Hips rocked over those thick fingers, and my balls tightened. God how long had it been since a man fucked me senseless. My demon nemesis managed it with only his fingers.

His gigantic hand pressed me onto the floor and broke our kiss. My legs swung over his wide shoulders; he wanted to fuck me. I wanted him to fuck me. The train shook, or perhaps it was me, and I glanced at Korri. My finger crooked, and she crawled to my side. I guided her mouth to my dick, and nodded to Veric as his thick cock inched inside.

Inch by inch he moved as she suckled me, until he’d bottomed out. My back arched, meeting his first thrust. I gritted my teeth and cried out. Slow and steady, Veric teased me. He bit his lip and slammed back into me. I wasn’t going to last. My head tossed from side to side, shielding my face with my long hair. Kor’s hot little mouth sucked harder, and his cock plowed faster. My hands gripped her hair, and I held her still as my dick erupted down her throat.

“Don’t swallow,” Veric said and pulled her to his mouth. “Feed it to me.” My balls twitched as she shoveled my orgasm into his mouth. Veric palmed her breasts, stroking her as he massaged my ass with his prick. I hardened again, watching them kiss. A twinge shot through me, but before I could protest, the demon flipped me onto my knees.

His fingers dug into my hips, and I moaned; I didn’t think I’d stopped yet. My ass met each thrust. Korrigan knelt in front of me and spread her legs. I inhaled her sweet scent as she dragged my head down to her pussy. If only she wasn’t a virgin … His hands curled into my hair, and he pulled me back against his chest. “Angel sit.”

He grumbled for me to move toward her, and he didn’t relent until my cock twitched at her pussy. “Slow,” she said, locking her lips with mine. I swallowed and nodded. This wasn’t how I’d pictured her first time, and I shied away. Korrigan slid forward and cupped my face. “I’m ready.”

“Petre, bloody do it already, mate.” I blinked. My heart raced. No, it wasn’t supposed to beat at all. I glanced around, but there was nowhere to run. Stuck, sandwiched between the two of them. He shook my shoulders and growled in my ear. “Petre, wake up already.”

My brow scrunched. “What do you mean wake up?” I blinked again. The crowded car came into view, and everyone stared at me. Korrigan sat across from me fully clothed. Veric, also fully clothed, leaned in close but didn’t touch me. If I could have blushed, my cheeks would have blazed redder than hell. Tomas’ eyebrow rose, and he stifled a giggle into the palm of his hand. A dream, a vision, and perhaps the largest disturbance of my lifetime. I glanced between Kor and Veric as a smile tickled my lips. It wasn’t ideal, but I had an idea. A plan to insure Korrigan stayed with me.

“We’re here.”

K
orrigan and Sophia went into the bathroom at the Halifax station to clean up. Tomas arranged for transportation, and Veric called the ABDA for an escort. The boys and a handful of men would stay in my houses, and I’d utilize the guest quarters until suitable arrangements were made. Between the farm and his restaurant, there was plenty of work, and we paid well enough for them to live on their own once they’d settled. If needed, we’d own other companies too.

Our cars lined up like a caravan, and we separated into groups of fours. Kor put up a fuss when Veric and I insisted on accompanying her, as opposed to splitting up. After the attack on the train, I wouldn’t risk leaving her unguarded, and we were her best bet.

The ride home hadn’t changed as we made the daunting and quiet journey by car. With all that transpired over the few weeks, I’d forgotten the disarray we returned to: Mellissa and Jobe wouldn’t greet us. Mellissa and Jobe had died, and I’d buried them in Delphia.

Thinking about my dear friends wasn’t top of my list, but the dream on the train had bothered me. For starters, I was not attracted to the demon even if I’d slept with men in the past. Granted there wasn’t attraction then either; times were difficult, and I had been vulnerable. If not for Tomas, I wonder if I’d ever have found freedom. Korrigan thought I hadn’t understood the life of a slave, but I had. I’d chosen to stay with my captors, not out of fear, but as punishment for my lies. I sighed and ran my hand over my face. No one but Tomas knew about that piece of my past.

“What’s wrong?” she asked. Would she be open to such an arrangement? I faced her and forced a smile. Kor’s eyebrow rose; she hadn’t bought my faked emotion. She whispered, “I love you.” Her eyes conveyed more as they wrinkled around the edges.

“I love you too.”

We arrived and walked into the empty house. No words left her lips as she ran up the stairs. Korri kept her head down, and her shoulders pressed forward. The last time she’d been here, she was human. The last time she’d been here, Jules had attacked her.

“Make yourselves at home.” I relayed to Veric to get our visitors whatever they’d needed, and I’d return to take care of sleeping arrangements.

My feet grew heavy as they pounded up the stairs and the scent of honey and lavender filled my nose. Water ran; the sticky heat surrounded me as the foggy mist filled the bathroom. I needed her now more than I ever had before. Just to touch her, kiss her, and make sure she was all right. The door squeaked softly as I pushed it open. Her bloodied clothes were piled in a neat heap by the shower door. No tears or sobbing this time, but I remained unconvinced she was unfettered. How strong could one woman be?