13

Tessa dug deep and summoned her inner strength, determined to at least try to make an escape. It was all she could do not to let her attitude sour. After all, she’d never had much luck getting her magic to cooperate. No, don’t think like that. This will work! She stopped in front of the bars, wrapped her fingers around the metal, and closed her eyes. She envisioned the bars softening like butter, bending enough to allow her to walk between them. The metal began to warm in her hands and she tried hard to keep her positive attitude. When she opened her eyes, she nearly jumped back.

“Oh my hell!” She’d done it. For once in her life, she had accomplished exactly what she’d set out to do. “Okay, Tessa don’t get cocky.” She still had to escape without detection. Slipping between the bent metal, she stepped into the dank corridor. From what she could gather, she was either deep inside a mountain or underground. Either way, it would be treacherous.

She kept to the stone wall and followed the pathway upward but stopped several feet away from her cell. “Cripes, what an idiot I am.” She was so used to her magic disobeying her, she didn’t even think to try casting a spell to open a portal. Pulling in a deep breath, she quietly chanted but nothing happened.

Shit.

Okay, so back to working her way out on foot. Maybe Zadicus magic was blocking her. It did take a lot more power to cast a portal than bending some bars. When she got out in the open, she’d try again. In the meantime, she continued to follow the path, slipping once on the wet surface and nearly falling to her knees. Her skin pimpled from the cold, and she wished for something warmer.

“Son of a...” She stroked the soft sleeves of a fuzzy black sweater that had wrapped itself around her. “I need to be careful what I wish for, but I do wish to get out of here in one piece.” She waited. “Yeah, figures my power would be fickle.” Still, she had to wonder what had happened to suddenly make things go her way. Could Crone have something to do with it? Damn, but she was desperate to find her way back to him, so she could tell him that she wanted him. She only hoped he still desired her.

She’d been so in awe of her new outerwear that she hadn’t noticed the voices until she was almost upon them. Coming to an abrupt halt, she saw a dim light flicker ahead and panic gripped her. Again she tried to summon a portal but was greeted with only failure. She chewed her lip and racked her brain on what to do. Going back was not an option, so she tiptoed forward closer to the light, until she was able to peer around the corner.

Zadicus.

“Khrom, our top priority is to find a way to reverse this bond between the Jinn and my witch,” the warlock spoke.

His witch? Ass.

“Master, it would seem the most logical would be to kill the Jinn.”

“Revenge will be mine for what he did to my grandfather. Making Crone suffer will prove more sport than simply killing him.” Zadicus walked to a shelf and began pulling down bottles. “Making Tessa watch while I destroy Crone and his family should be sufficient punishment for involving them in the first place.”

Bile rose and scratched her throat raw. She was responsible for this entire mess. Already the queen had been abducted, but luckily she’d returned. How long, though, before Zadicus was able to carry out his threats. If she gave herself up––no that wouldn’t solve the fact she was bonded to Crone. Zadicus would still destroy the Jinn simply to torture her. There had to be a way to stop the warlock. Tessa had to hurry and find a way out before they caught her. Even though she had some working magic, she wasn’t going to depend on it sticking around.

Crone and his father took a portal to the outskirts of a small village that could only be seen by other immortals. It seemed this was the time of year when others made their way to the witches to barter for favors. As they strode past several demons, a couple of shifters, and an ever-elusive fairy, they were cast evil glares. His father barged up to a long table where an elderly woman sat.

She lifted her gaze. “Back of the line.” She pointed.

“I am Efrain, ruler of the houses of Agana and Tujan.”

The witch raised a thick brow. “Who is he?” She jerked her head toward Crone.

His father grinned. “That is my son, Crone. Soon to be ruler of the house of Tujan.”

Her mouth gaped. “The Crone of legends?”

Efrain’s smile widened. “The one and only.”

The woman jumped from her seat, turning to a guard who stood at the gate. “Let them in and make sure they are escorted directly to the council.” The man nodded and pushed open the gate, giving them access. Once on the other side, another guard directed them down a brick path to a large log home. Inside they were led down a set of stairs and to a large room. In the center was a table that stretched several feet, and seven witches, four female and three male, sat around it. The man at the head rose to his feet.

“Efrain, how good to see you. To what do we owe this visit?”

“Hector,” Efrain reached for the witch’s hand and grasped it in a firm shake. “I’ve come to beg a favor.” He looked to Crone. “This is my son, Crone.”

“Yes, we heard he was here.” Hector shook Crone’s hand then directed them to two vacant chairs. “Please sit. I must say we are honored to have you here.”

To say Crone was slightly confused would hardly indicate how he felt. “I’m touched but not sure how I’ve commanded such an honor.”

The witch settled back into his seat. “Your skill at slaying warlocks is legendary.”

Of course they would have heard of him. Morden had several warlocks killed during Crone’s enslavement. There was no love lost between most any species and the warlock’s, but especially the witches. Most witches were peaceable and one with the earth. Warlocks were the epitome of evil.

“You must also know that several witches lost their lives during that time,” Crone stated. While it wasn’t many, he’d still committed a crime against Hector’s people.

Hector steepled his fingers. “Of course we were distressed over their deaths, but for what it’s worth, you showed mercy in your killing of our people. It was that action that led us to investigate, and we discovered you were not acting of your own free will.”

Crone didn’t have time for the guilt he felt. He wanted Tessa back. Now. “I am truly sorry. I went into the agreement knowing full well what was expected of me.”

The witch’s green eyes sparked. “True, and I don’t doubt you’ve lived with the guilt of your actions. I might also add––to ease your mind––that those who fell by your hand were criminals. Had they been caught by us, they would have met a similar fate.”

That did help. Some.

Crone looked to his father then to each individual at the table. “If there is any punishment I must face then so be it. However, first I need your help to find my mate. She is a wi—”

“We are aware Tessa is your mate,” a woman across from him spoke. “Tara’s request to the ancestors was heard by the council.”

Suddenly Crone grew angry. “Why have the witch’s done nothing to help Tessa?”

Another female leaned forward. “We cannot fight the curse or the warlocks. It has pained us that we’ve not been able to protect our own. Unfortunately, the Blackwood women have paid the price. Tara must have realized, when she met you, that you could help Tessa finally break her family’s curse.”

He curled his fingers into a fist and slammed them on the table. He should be angry that Tara basically used him for her own agenda, but that’s not what pissed him off. “Help me find my mate.” He didn’t care how or why Tessa had come to be his. He only knew she did, and that was all that mattered.

Hector nodded. “We have spies who know where Zadicus hides. We can get you in, but Tessa has to be the one to end the warlock.”

It made sense. “I have two of the three items she needs to break the curse.”

“I’m afraid you’ve run out of time for that. You’ll have to take her virginity and give back her grandmother’s power, along with sharing some of your own,” another female stated.

“What the hell? So I’m expected to sweep in there and fuck my mate before Zadicus discovers us?” Several of the females turned bright red. Well, they deserved to blush for even thinking that he should treat Tessa in such a manner.

“Umm. You only need to take her virginity. How you do it is totally up to you,” she replied.

“Can’t I simply kill the bastard?” That was more his style anyway, plus he wanted Tessa’s first time to be special. Not something that was taken in the middle of a war zone.

“I’m afraid the warlock has been busy spreading his seed. We’ve no idea how many sons he has at the moment, but if this curse isn’t broken, it will affect your daughters.” Hector was matter of fact.

Crone’s head spun, so many emotions boiled and were ready to erupt like a toxic volcano. The world would end if anyone touched his children. “I will do what is required,” he snarled. “Lead the way.”

Tessa tiptoed past the open doorway, her heart ready to leap from her chest; she was so fearful of getting caught. When she looked over her shoulder to make sure she wasn’t being followed, she ran into a wall. When she looked back, she tipped her head to meet the dark blue gaze of the most gorgeous man in the world. She started to whisper his name when he placed his finger over her lips and shook his head. She understood and would ask questions later, after she kissed the hell out of him. Before she knew what was happening, he wrapped his strong arms around her and the scenery began to melt away. In the distance, she swore she heard the faint screams of pain along with a tinge of smoke.

Seconds later they were back on the beach that was beginning to feel more like home. Waves crashed on the sand as the sun began to show itself on the horizon. Brilliant colors mottled the sky, but her attention was on the man standing in front of her.

He pulled his shirt over his head and tossed it to the ground.

She gulped and savored the view.

“Tessa. It’s a long story, but your people say you have to break the curse. Before we begin, I need to make a few things clear.”

She licked her lips. Were they really going to have sex? “Okay.”

“How you lose your virginity is up to you. Remember mi amor, whatever you desire, it’s yours to take.” He snapped his fingers and a large carpet, woven in vibrant colors appeared on the sand. Half a dozen pillows were laid out at one end.

“Umm, what if Zadicus shows up?” God, just looking at him and the thought of what they were about to do had heat pooling in her sex.

“My people have him detained.” He stepped closer. “He will have to die.”

“I know.” She understood what would be required of her.

He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I want one thing made very clear before we begin.”

“Yes?”

“I can’t let you go. I know I promised but…” He lifted his hand and slid his fingers into her hair. “I need you, Tessa, and I will spend the rest of my life making you happy. Just please say you’ll give us a chance.” He traced his thumb across her bottom lip.

She nearly melted, parted her lips, and nipped his thumb. “I wanted to tell you, before everything happened, that I choose you. I want us to be together, and I was foolish thinking I could fight fate.”

He leaned closer, his lips only inches away from hers. “I’m so happy to hear that. Now tell me, what do you want?” he whispered. “I need to hear the words.” His lids were heavy and his eyes burned with desire.

Her own need grew until she thought she’d burst. “You. I want you to make love to me. Do we have time for that?”

He grinned. “I will always make time for you, mi amor.” He touched his lips to hers and she opened. Met his tongue and matched every swipe while reaching for the button on his jeans. She wanted him naked. He broke free, and she groaned in despair.

“I need you naked, but as desperate as I am with need for you, I want to do this the old-fashioned way.” He moved his hands to her hips and slipped them under her tee. Lifting the fabric as he slid along her skin until he was to her breasts. Her excitement grew with the knowledge he was going to undress her rather than use his magic to make her clothes disappear.

He continued pulling the tee over her head until it was free from her body then tossed it to the ground. Next, he bent and kissed between her breasts, his facial hair soft on her skin. Her nipples hardened in anticipation, begging for his attention. He licked and nipped along the edge of her bra, teasing. She tipped her head back to allow better access, and he kissed his way up her neck while his hands found the clasp and unhooked it. Before she realized it, that too had landed on the ground, and her breasts pressed against his warm skin. He stepped back and his gaze roamed from hers, downward, and landed on her chest. He licked his lips and looked as if he wanted to devour her.

Before she could make a move, he grabbed her and laid her on the carpet, pillows cushioning her head.

“You are perfect.” He swirled his tongue over a nipple then sucked it into his mouth.

She moaned and arched into him, her fingers clutching the rug’s fabric. He lifted his head, an evil grin on his lips.

“You like?”

“Mmm, most definitely.”

His grin growing wider, he licked his way down her belly. He stopped to trace a circle around her belly button while he unsnapped her jeans. With a quick jerk, he had them removed along with her undies.

“Such beauty. I am humbled.” He kissed her calf, working his way up her thigh and along her hip, before he ran his tongue across her pelvic bone and to her other hip where he repeated the process in reverse.

Tessa trembled with anticipation, her core burning with liquid heat. “I can’t take much more,” she whispered. “Please, make love to me.”

“You’re not ready. Soon.” He dived between her legs. His hot breath made her clit throb, so she slid her fingers into his hair to encourage him. He took the hint and licked between her folds.

“Ohh.” Damn, the things she’d been missing out on. Then again, she couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather have introduce her to the wonders of sex.