You Lucky Witch (A BBW Paranormal Romance): Demon Brothers (2 page)

Roark hated witches. They were deceptive and untrustworthy. His family had suffered centuries of pain and imprisonment because of a witch. The hole closed and the floor slowly grew solid as the magic did its work. Some of the slug slime remained and it looked as if someone had dumped tubs of green Jell-O in front of the frozen food aisle. Leave it to Rafe to find the coldest spot to emerge from hell.

“Which way did he go?” The sword vanished in the blink of an eye. He had several skills and the ability to materialize any weapon of his choosing was one of his favorites.

The woman stood behind him with a somewhat stunned expression on her face.

“Speak up, woman. Which way did he go?”

Kayley suddenly felt like she’d stepped into a bad Bugs Bunny cartoon with Elmer Fudd whispering in her ear,
which way did he go, which way did he go
. She shook her head to clear away the fog and saw the man frown yet again.

Granted Kayley could be a little grumpy herself some days and he was apparently a demon from hell — that could ruin anyone’s good mood she was sure… but still. She placed her hands on her hips and confronted the man with all the ire she had in her slightly Irish soul.

“Okay, you need to rein in the attitude, mister —”

“I believe that was Mr. McHottie.”

She couldn’t believe it when a grin lifted one corner of his mouth. He seemed too stoic to smile.

She ignored his teasing to continue with her rant, which was losing steam by the second. The decrease in her irritation had a lot to do with Mr. McHottie standing there, his legs spread, arms crossed, biceps bulging, staring at her.

Trying to give herself more confidence, Kayley flipped back her hair, copying the move she’d seen her friends use on Saturday nights at the bar when they wanted to attract a man’s attention.
And you certainly want to attract his attention
, a devilish little voice sounded in her ear. She turned her head and swatted into thin air as if there really was a little imp whispering to her, urging her to do naughty things.

Before she could say anything else, she heard footsteps behind her. Since Mr. McHottie — was she ever going to live that down? — didn’t materialize a sword, she’d didn’t start shaking in fear, figuring whoever was approaching wasn’t a danger.

She turned, seeing Wanda and a teenager she assumed was a stock boy slowly rounding the corner. “Oh, Kayley, are you all right?” The woman almost ran the last few feet and took Kayley in her arms for a warm hug. Kayley returned it, rubbing her hands up and down the woman’s arms trying to calm her. Kayley, unfortunately, was used to crazy things like this happening. Usually, she caused the disturbance. For once, it was nice someone else was in the middle of the trouble.

“I’m fine, Wanda. Are you? No one was hurt, were they?” She had seen where the other demon had gone. He’d headed straight out the door and now, somewhere in the small suburban town was a naked man who looked like he had a very severe sunburn.

“Yeah, we’re great. Aren't we, Wayne?” The lanky teen nodded his head, his attention focused on the demon.

She had the urge to introduce everyone, which was a ridiculous thought since a giant hell slug had almost eaten her. Taking a deep breath, she muttered a few words to calm everyone. Feeling the tension ease in the room, she was just about to congratulate herself on her success when the demon behind her growled.

“What the hell did you just do?”

She turned around to see his eyes literally flashing fire. “What are you talking about?”

He closed the space between them and yanked her to him. As her chest crashed into his, the air left her lungs and that, along with her shock, kept her from crying out. Her mouth opened to ask what the hell he thought he was doing. Before she could form the words, his mouth covered hers, his tongue thrusting between her lips.

One hand cupped her plump ass and pulled her lower body against the natural bulge beneath his leather pants. A bulge that was growing by the minute and making a solid statement that he was aroused. After his chauvinistic comment of before, Kayley knew he was the type of man who got hard whenever he was close to a woman. Any woman. Even a plump one like her. His other hand encircled her neck and threaded through her long, auburn hair, holding her still as he continued to kiss her. Firm, sensuous lips plundered hers, his tongue delved deep, tasting her, and drinking his fill.

For a demon, he tasted damn good, Kayley thought. To be honest, she’d expected him to taste like ash — you know the whole fire and brimstone thing.

Instead, he tasted like fresh mountain rain. In other words, he tasted delicious.

She met each and every thrust of his tongue and her hands gripped the hard muscles of his biceps as she lost herself in the kiss. His hands pulled her closer and she realized he really was aroused. Really, really aroused. Her skin was on fire where their bodies touched. She wanted to will their clothes away so she could feel her naked skin against his.

Suddenly, she realized something else — her spell had gone wonky, yet again. She pulled out of his arms and pushed him back. “Umm, sorry about that.”

He looked down at her, his eyes now a dark black with streaks of gold. The gold faded, indicating her spell waned as well.

This hadn’t happened before, but then when she usually cast her calming spell, she did it in the privacy of her bedroom after a long, hard day at work. Oh, crap, she thought. Maybe that’s why she usually used other ‘methods’ for calming herself later, when she was in bed.

Apparently, her calming spell was actually a horny spell. Then, wasn’t having sex supposed to have a calming effect?

She clenched the muscles of her pussy, hoping to keep that feeling of pleasure pulsing deep inside her. She wanted to crawl all over him, make love with him, disregard every reservation and inhibition she’d ever had about her curvy body and just be naked with this man under the moonlight.

Roark allowed the witch to pull away with great reluctance. He shook his head to clear it from the images flashing through his mind. All of them had to do with sex — and this witch.

He hated witches.

“Did you just cast a spell?” He’d never felt that kind of burning need before and he’d been around a long, long time. He’d fucked queens and peasants, movie stars and lonely housewives. None of those women had ever made him feel such an overpowering need to have her, possess her.

Looking at her bright red lips, lips he’d crushed beneath his, he knew it had to be some kind of spell. When she refused to look him in the eye, he knew he’d guessed correctly.

“It’s not what you think.”

He opened his mouth to say more but the human woman stepped forward, waving her hands at the floor where moments before, a big gaping hole to hell had been. The tile was slightly warped where the hole had sealed back together. Plus, there was still the green slime all over everything.

“What am I supposed to do with this? Call for a cleanup on aisle four?” The witch’s lips twitched at the woman’s comment and Roark suppressed his own laughter. Damn, what was happening to him? He wasn’t a laughing, smiling kind of demon and he’d done both in the last five minutes.

Yeah, the woman in charge of the store was humorous, but he didn’t have time for any of this. The humans, the laughter, or the witch.

He had to get his mind back in the game. Tracking down his brother. More customers gathered in the aisle, coming out from the hiding places they’d scrambled to when his brother had burst out of hell. It was time to get moving. He realized he — and his cock — didn’t want to say goodbye to the curvy witch smiling in front of him.

“Come on.” He grabbed the witch’s arms and dragged her behind him. In a show of strength for such a small woman, she dug in her heels. Some might not have agreed with his assessment of her size and stature, but any being under the six-foot mark was small compared to him. Even a woman who had more meat on her bones than he knew humans found less than acceptable.

Her resistance didn’t stop him. He stalked to the front of the store.

His brute strength made it impossible for her to stop him. She tried words next. “You better just leave. Opening a portal is a punishable offense.”

The supernatural world had strict rules about some things. They’d made them eons ago in order to live in harmony with humans. Not all supernaturals obeyed the rules, which was why Roark had the job he did. To track down those beings who refused to obey.

The witch tried to convince him again. “I’m sure Wanda has already called the manager. Someone might be casting a no-demon spell as we speak.”

Some witches and sorcerers did have the ability to spell cast from a distance, but he didn’t think the manager of a grocery store would bother. The cost wouldn’t be worth it.

“Tell me what you need to scry, witch.”

The beautiful gray color of her eyes darkened at his hard tone as she answered him. She was smart enough to realize she wasn’t getting away. Now why did that make him happy? “I need a map and some salt.”

He gave a start of surprise at the last request. This wasn’t his first time around the block as far as tracking rogue demons. Salt was not a necessary ingredient.

“Salt, umm?”

She licked her lips and his attention immediately refocused on her mouth. He’d been in her presence less than an hour and he’d already kissed her. Worse than that, he wanted to kiss her again. This time without any spell compelling him to do it.

“Look, I —”

He didn’t know what she was about to admit and didn’t want to know. His features closed up tight and he held up a hand, cutting off her response. “You’re all I’ve got. Stay here,” he ordered. He didn’t trust her not to run, but he knew he could catch her if she did. “If you don’t, I’ll make sure everyone else in the store pays for your disobedience. Do you understand?”

She gave a small nod.

Most of the items he needed were near the front of the store. All except the salt. He quickly located the correct aisle, grabbing a blue and white box. Tossing it up in the air, he walked back to the witch. He had a good idea what she wanted it for and had decided to go along. It wasn’t as if she could harm him.

She’d cleared off some space on a display table full of cereal boxes. Throwing down the map, he handed her the salt. He didn’t have any more time to waste. He for damn sure didn’t need to be near the witch any longer than necessary. “Scry.”

CHAPTER TWO

ROARK BROUGHT BACK the things Kayley needed. Technically, she didn’t need the salt to scry and she prayed he didn’t realize what she was doing until it was too late. All three Anderson sisters had received an amethyst pendant on their sixteenth birthday and she wore hers without fail. She took it off and laid it on the table near the map.

Taking the box of salt, she poured it onto the floor, making a circle around them. When she was done, she unfolded the map. She picked up her necklace and looked at him. She couldn’t believe she was about to scry for a demon. There was so much that could go wrong.

She shuddered to ask for the next thing she needed. “I need something personal. Can you, umm, go get some of his, skin?” There were big hunks mixed in with the slug slime.

“No need. I got something.”

“What do you have?” There was nothing more personnel than skin.

“Blood.”

“You carry a vial of this demon’s blood wherever you go?”

“No. He’s my brother. Our blood is the same.”

Her eyebrows rose at that confession. “You’re really brothers?”

“Yes. Will it work?”

“I guess so.” Kayley wasn’t sure blood from a sibling would work, but who was she to argue with the demon?

She held the pendant in her hand, her fingers trembling.

Without preamble, he pulled a huge hunting knife from the sheath he wore at his waist and sliced the palm of his hand. “Here.”

She dipped the pendant in the blood seeping from the cut and took a deep breath. She gathered her courage and looked at him, her gaze meeting his full on. “I’m warning you right now this might not work.”

He took a stalking step forward, but Kayley held her ground, refusing to back away from his intimidating presence. “And why is that, little witch?”

He came to a stop in front of her. Only inches from her face. She gulped and licked her lips, still tasting him. “I’m not very, um.” She cleared her voice. “I’m not very experienced.” A huge sigh, knowing she had to confess her weakness. “I’m not very good at spell casting or scrying I’m not sure if I can find your brother.”

“Why not?”

Surprisingly, he wasn’t as angry as she thought he would be.

“My spells seem to go a little wonky.”

“Was that what happened back there?”

She bent her head letting her hair swing forward, hiding her features — and embarrassment. “Yes.”

“What kind of spell did you cast?”

“A calming spell.”

“That made me want to kiss you?”

She peeked up at him through her lashes. Her heart accelerated when she saw the smoldering desire in his eyes. They were once again coal black with those streaks of gold flashing through them. Damn, that expression made her wet.

She froze when his nostrils flared as if he scented her desire.

“A calming spell makes the person think of something that relaxes them. Like a forest, a child, a kitten or a puppy.” She slanted him a mischievous look. “Apparently, kissing, and um, wanting to have sex, calms you.”

One side of his lips tilted upwards. “That’s a flat out lie, sweetheart. I’m anything but calm when I’m fucking.”

She gasped at his crude remark.

“Like I said, you’re all I got.”

Well, that filled a girl with confidence,
Kayley thought. She studied the map, finding the location of the grocery store. Holding the pendant above the map, she slowly moved it in a circular motion, increasing the width of the circle as she moved it towards the edge of the map. Without warning, the pendant stopped swinging.

“Is that him?” Roark had been quiet during the whole process.

“I think so.” Kayley dropped the pendant. It fell straight down and the sharp point, covered in blood, marked the map. She picked up the necklace and he studied the map.

She couldn’t see the precise point the pendant had revealed, but it appeared to be near the inner city park. Why would a demon want to go there? She’d thought the seedier side of town with the bars and strip joints would have appealed more to a demon wanting to enjoy his escape from hell with some sin-filled fun.

“Come on.”

“No.” Kayley took a step back, careful to avoid breaking the salt circle. She stepped over it and looked at Roark. “I’m sorry, but I need to go home.”

“What about my brother? Are you going to just leave a demon on the loose?” Roark stood still, looking at her.

“My father will know what to do.”

“Really?” He crossed his arms, still staring at her. “How would he know?”

Kayley licked her lips. “He, umm, has some connections to the underground world.” If you counted a mother who had been a succubus.

“Sorry, Kayley, I’m not done with you yet.” His words sent a shiver up her spine that had nothing to do with fear. It was all want. All need that went straight to her pussy.

She was so distracted by the feeling firing through her, she didn’t realize he’d stepped out of the salt circle and was by her side.

“How did you do that?” Salt was supposed to keep a demon out — or in.

Roark ignored her and walked to the door. He held it open. “Coming?”

She stood there, still shocked. Just what kind of demon was he?

“I’m not going with you.”

“Yes, you are.”

Roark watched as the witch folded up the map. She couldn’t follow the machine-made folds, making him smile at her frustration. Something about her called to him, and it went beyond her face and her figure, which were both stunning. Especially her figure. He knew for a fact most males — human, demon, or angel — craved the curves humans — mostly bitchy females — had deemed unworthy. A man liked to sink his cock into a woman who had soft, abundant curves to support him. A woman who could take a good pounding.

Roark would mark this female, leave bruises on her skin in the shape of his fingertips as he held her still for her fucking. Not that he wouldn’t take care of her, he thought to himself. He’d spread her legs and give her a thorough loving with his tongue, making her cream against his lips before he took her. Then he’d make her come again with his cock deep inside her.

He shook his head to clear it. He didn’t have time for this. This being a night of free-for-all sex with this curvy beauty. That’s all it would be. Nothing more.

Absolutely, fucking, nothing more.

“No, I’m not.”

Normally, he could track another demon just fine, but Rafe had the ability to disguise his essence. Each Conroy brother had some little extra power to help them do their jobs as bounty hunters. Rafe’s ability sucked right now. Something was telling him he needed to take this woman with him. Roark never admitted weakness to anyone. To ask a witch for help would be more than unsettling. If he did, he might as well hand her a piece of his soul. Every sentient being had a soul. Even a demon.

For the first time in a very long time, indecision rode him hard. He knew he might be making a bitter mistake insisting the witch go with him. Wasn’t it a witch and a demon’s lust for her that had gotten the family into such dire straits? Yeah, the woman pushed his ‘let’s fuck’ button harder and faster than any female ever had, but so what? He could get some good pussy afterwards. What made hers so special?

He gritted his teeth as he spoke. “You’re a witch and you can scry for him. Now, let’s go.” He didn’t mean for his voice to be so hard and demanding — okay, maybe he did. He just wanted to get this over with.

Kayley cursed the map as she tried to fold it up. Could nothing go right for her tonight? The demon grabbed her hand and pulled her along behind him toward the exit. It went against the grain to allow anyone to manhandle her. Her father had taught her and her sisters how to protect themselves physically just as her mother had shown each of them how to cast a spell of protection. That’s really what stuck in her craw. She couldn’t seem to formulate a protection spell to repel him and keep him away. Her powers might be wonky, but if she was really in danger, her magic usually straightened itself out.

Why wasn’t it now?

Perhaps the demon didn’t pose a threat to her. Her heart beat a little faster at the thought.

“Kayley, Kayley. Where are you going?”

It took her a moment to realize Wanda followed behind them into the parking lot, calling her name. She heard the worry in the other woman’s voice and gave her a small smile. “I guess I’m going with him for a while.”

“You can’t do that,” the other woman protested. “What will your mother say?”

Kayley almost laughed. What would her mother say indeed? The demon tugged harder on her hand and his steps sped up. “Why don’t you ask my mother, Wanda?” She nodded her head sideways at the demon hoping she would take the hint, call her parents, and tell them what was going on. Not that she wanted her daddy to come charging to the rescue anytime soon.

She worried her bottom lip between her teeth, wondering if she had done the right thing, agreeing to go with him. She didn’t have much of a choice. He was bigger than she was and all her witch senses told her he wasn’t a threat.

And… her body told her it wanted him. Wanted him bad.

Nope, despite the danger that might be waiting around the corner, she wanted to go with this man. She tightened her fingers around his hand and felt his start at her action. He tried to pull away, but she tightened her grip even more. He’d been the one to grab her hand, not the other way around.

Wanda stopped walking, getting the hint. “Oh, okay. I’ll do that. Bye, Kayley.” She waved her hand, the motion unsure.

Kayley turned her attention back to the man — demon — who had suddenly appeared in her life. “My name is Kayley, by the way.” Darkness had almost fallen and she realized she’d been in there far longer than she’d thought. Her not-so-subtle message to Wanda would be a moot point soon anyway. When Kayley didn’t return home in the next half hour or so, her family would come looking for her.

Despite the fact that she was twenty-five, they still treated her like a child. Living at home probably didn’t help her cause for independence, but paying rent seemed silly when she had so much student debt. She had no need for privacy since she didn’t have a boyfriend. And since she couldn’t use her powers for personal gain…

“Which car is yours?” The man came to an abrupt halt, scanning the almost empty parking lot. Her little sedan sat to the side. A few other cars were scattered here and there. A late model SUV she recognized as Wanda’s and a muscle car that had seen better days. It probably belonged to the stock boy.

A few spaces down from her car was a large truck.

“The blue one is mine.” She lifted their clasped hands to point to the sedan.

The man made another noise and if Kayley thought a demon could sigh, she knew she’d just heard one. She got a little indignant at his less than impressed attitude as he started toward the nondescript car she fondly called her own. She’d bought it with her savings her freshman year in college. She’d earned the money working at the grocery store and tutoring young witches afterschool. She might not be the best spell caster around, but she knew her history and geography.

Roark shook his head as he neared the car the woman had claimed as her own. Just his freaking luck. There was no way he was going to chase his brother in a car no bigger than a can opener. He turned toward the truck parked close to it. At this time of night not many people were out and about, which was in his favor. He knew the uproar Rafe would have caused walking down the road butt naked in broad daylight. Maybe, since it was dark out, he would have enough sense to stay in the shadows.

Who was he kidding? Rafe wanted out of the shadows. He wanted to walk in the sunshine, free from the restraints of hell.

For the very first time, Roark thought he understood a little of what Rafe felt. The need to break his bonds. To choose.

His hold tightened on the witch he’d kidnapped and pulled her closer to his side. She was beautiful even with her hair a wild mass around her shoulders and several smudges of soot on her face where Rafe had held her. Her hair was brown, bordering on red and her face was a study in beauty. Classic features of high cheekbones, full pouty lips, and wide-set eyes the color of a rain-laden sky.

“We’re taking this one.” He stopped by the large truck and dropped her hand. For a moment, he wondered if she would take the opportunity and run. A part of him wanted her to — so he could chase her down. He tried the truck’s door on the off chance it would be unlocked. Much to his surprise, it was.
This must be a trusting little town,
he thought. In hell, you kept what was yours close and behind as many layers of spells you could afford.

“I need to go home.”

Roark ignored the woman’s demand. Over the years, he’d gotten good at ignoring the high-pitched screech of a woman’s voice when she demanded something he couldn’t give her. Ice water. Freedom. Emotion. Not that Kayley’s voice was a screech. No, unfortunately for his peace of mind, it reminded him of a siren’s call.

A call that went straight to his dick.

“Get in.” He pulled her forward and shoved her into the driver’s seat. He tried not to think of the handful of soft flesh as he manhandled her inside. There was no time to waste. He needed to get Rafe back before the powers-that-be realized they were missing. He hadn’t exactly been assigned the job of finding his wayward brother. Technically, both Conroy brothers were now AWOL.