pause. Temptation to unlock him, to free him, warred with self-preservation. For now, she kissed him back, dropping her emotional shields.
He groaned low and took the kiss deeper.
Heat and steam surrounded her. She flattened her hands against the bruised ridges on his abdomen, keeping her hold light. Even wounded, Jase lit her on fire. With a slow stretch, she coasted right into the flames.
His hands manacled her hips. Before she could protest, he lifted her.
She stiffened, breaking her mouth loose. “You’re hurt.”
“I’m not that hurt.” With a powerful thrust, he embedded himself balls-deep in her.
Pain and pleasure ripped through her. She arched her back, her mouth opening. His weight pressed her into the stone tiles, his body as hard as the wall.
The billowing steam wrapped her in safety, stealing her thoughts. For the moment, she could only feel.
Hot male, chilled tiles, throbbing cock.
She rested her head back, sliding her palms up to his shoulders. The bullet holes had closed, and relief fluttered her eyelids. The man could still heal himself. ’Twas a promising start.
His head dropped to her neck, where he nipped and sucked. The pull zinged right down to her sex. She secured her ankles at the small of his back, holding tight.
His hands flexed, then slid around to where he penetrated her. One thumb brushed her clit.
It was too much. She stiffened. “No—”
“Yes.” He did it again. Then he tugged.
She reared back, shocks of pleasure bombarding her, seeking his darkened gaze. Needing to see him. Reality and fantasy all whirled away, narrowing the moment to this man and this time. Nothing else mattered except the way he held her, the way he took her. All-encompassing until she was complete.
His muscles undulated as he kept them both still. Green darkened the copper in his eyes to midnight. “Brenna.”
Flutters of heat coursed through her skin. The way he said her name—as if it was his alone. As if she were his.
Slowly, he slid out and then back in, torturing them both. Then again. She clenched around him, her thighs trembling.
Sharp fangs dropped low. She groaned in response and tilted her head, exposing her neck.
The sharp points cut deep before she could blink. A climax tried to take hold, tried to bear down on her. She fought it, wanting the closeness to remain. Biting her lip, she tried to hold back, but the flames kept building higher. Higher, hotter, and faster.
Jase pounded harder, holding her in place, drinking her blood.
His tongue lashed the wound, closing it. “Now, Brenna.”
The shower sheeted white through the fog. She cried out, the orgasm rippling through her. Riding the waves, she dropped to his chest, biting his pec.
He growled and ground against her.
They came back to reality together. He set her on her feet, tipping back her head. “I’d do anything for you, Bren.” Softly, gently, he kissed her with so much hope, tears pricked her eyes.
Jase kept his body perfectly still in defense against the need to fidget. His bulk dwarfed the flowered chair, and he felt like an overgrown dumbass in the feminine office. He’d never ventured into any of the private offices in the main lodge that weren’t commandeered by his family. This was not what he meant when he’d told Brenna he’d try.
Lily Sotheby smiled and settled her skirts around her petite body. Well over three centuries old, the blond prophet had sparkling blue eyes, frighteningly delicate features, and a wicked sense of humor. As one of the three Realm prophets, she was tasked with bringing hope and faith to their people.
Who the fuck knew she was also a shrink?
She took a sip of something raspberry-smelling from a dainty teacup. “So, you’re going crazy?”
Jase frowned. “Um, no?”
“Then why are you here?”
His meddling mate had made him an appointment. “Apparently I need help of the psychological type.”
“Why?” Lily lifted a delicate eyebrow.
“I’m angry.”
“Well, of course you are. The demons kidnapped you, tortured you, and nearly killed you.” She smiled, a dimple flashing in her smooth cheek. “I’d be angry, too.”
Um, okay. “Everyone thinks I need help.”
“Do you?” She tilted her coiffed head to the side.
“Shit if I know.” He coughed, heat rising in his face. “Pardon the language, prophet.”
“I know what shit is, Jase.” She took another sip. “So, you’re angry. Any plans for revenge?”
“Yes.”
“Are they reckless, stupid, or desperate plans?”
“I’m not sure.”
“Then what’s the problem? Of course you want revenge. Who wouldn’t?” Her tiny feet kicked out from under the skirts. The dress was somewhat reminiscent of the last century, yet on Lily, it worked.
“Okay.” He shook his head. “I’m confused.”
Her eyebrows rose. “Good. Let’s talk about that.”
Irritation and an odd panic shot down his spine. “Aren’t you supposed to help me get rid of the anger?”
“Why would I?”
“Because anger is bad.”
“Says who?”
“Everyone.” The word exploded from his gut.
“Ah.” She leaned back. “So, you’re not responding like you think everyone else wants you to?”
“I can’t be who they want.” The words hurt as they spilled from him.
She pursed her lips. “I assume you know your brothers fairly well.”
“Yes.”
“Well, let’s take a look at this. Knowing the king, what do you think Dage wants to do with the demons who hurt you?” Lily’s voice softened even more.
Jase exhaled, his fists clenching. “Knowing Dage? He’s torn between wanting to rip their world apart and fulfilling his duties as king to find peace.”
“Talen?”
“Talen wants to kill them all.” Jase fought a rueful grin.
“Conn?”
“Same as Talen, but probably with more finesse.”
Lily nodded. “And Kane?”
“Kane wants to take them out cleanly but with great precision.” Jase sat back, his mind spinning. “I hadn’t thought about it like that.”
“Like what?” Lily asked.
“Like they’re all feeling pretty much what I am.” He shook his head. Since when had he only thought about himself? His hands shook, so he tucked them in his pockets.
“What does that tell you?”
“I have no clue.” But it made him feel both relieved and guilty as hell. “I’m afraid I’ll never be the same.”
“You won’t.” Her blue eyes darkened.
His chin jerked up. “Aren’t you supposed to reassure me?”
“Why the heck would I reassure you?” She smoothed down her long skirt.
“Um, that’s your job?”
“Nope.” She smiled. “I’m here to help you heal, and the truth heals. You went through hell, and you’ll never
