Without breaking off their kiss, Sofia moved until she was straddling Ash's lap. She left one hand in his hair, as if to keep him from running away, but she dropped the other one down to the demon's broad shoulder and caressed his arm.
Ash rumbled in his throat, and some of his fear scent dissipated, replaced more heavily by lust.
Ed glanced at the others. They looked as content as he felt while the demon lost himself in Sofia's embrace.
They finally came up for air. Ash stared at Sofia with wonder in his mottled blue and white eyes.
"You know," she said slyly. "I had always thought you were just after Doc."
Ash's jaw dropped and he cleared his throat, his eyes darting over to the vampire, a hint of panic overcoming the wonder.
"Uh…"
"It's okay. Ed's the only one not after him," Sofia whispered and pressed her lips to Ash's again. "He is pretty hot," she said against his lips.
Doc smirked, possibly finally owning up to that particular aspect of their pack dynamic.
"Mmhm," Ash agreed as he focused on the woman in his arms.
Ed quietly got up, working on clearing the table, though Sofia's hungry moan distracted him. Ash cupped her ass, holding her close. The rest of them had the table cleared by the time Sofia let Ash go. Though the demon certainly wasn't complaining. He looked happier than Ed ever remembered seeing him.
"Should we start the cabin?" Nikolai suggested. "It will snow again soon."
Ash tore his gaze away from Sofia and glanced around the yurt, looking slightly panicked again. Obviously, he had known everyone was there, but maybe he hadn't quite thought through the implications of kissing Sofia.
Doc, probably trying to reassure Ash that it was okay, put his arm around Ash's waist.
If he hadn't been watching the demon, he wouldn't have caught the hint of mischief that flashed thorough his eyes. Ash turned quickly and grabbed Doc, pressing his lips to the vampire's.
Doc's eyes went wide, but he didn't have any reason not to kiss Ash back and Ed found himself wondering just how good of a kisser the vampire was. He was certainly getting a lot of practice recently.
Nikolai huffed, rolling his eyes. Sofia laughed.
Ash released Doc, a smile tugging at his lips. "Yes, we probably should go build a cabin."
Sofia hopped off the bed where she had perched while watching Ash and Doc. "Great. I can't wait to get this done. Bigger showers, here we come!"
Chapter 16
Sofia
Kissing Ash was definitely the right thing to do. He had a spring in his step I'd never seen, and though I wouldn't exactly call him cheerful, he stood straighter and a small smile tugged at his lips. The move he'd pulled with Doc had showed he was relaxing a little.
If only I had been able to wake up more slowly and enjoy the tangle of limbs and possibilities it had presented.
We probably had been a bit short with Adriana considering she and her people had come through as they said they would and helped take out the Andersons, but her questions were getting frustrating and worrisome. Of course, she also presented an interesting possibility. Especially with Ash in our pack, we were powerful. Should we help others? Or should we stay hidden away in the mountains? Could we do both?
All I really wanted to do at the moment was enjoy my guys and work my way through college.
My phone chimed while I pushed my feet into my snow boots.
Mom: We'll be there in a week if the weather cooperates.
Sofia: Sounds great. Got a place to stay?
Mom: Yes.
She sent the name of one of the bed and breakfasts in town. I was impressed she had gotten reservations. Ski season was in full swing. I'd been a little worried that they would want to stay with us.
Nikolai handed me my jacket. His calloused hands caressed mine and he winked.
I wanted to fold myself into his arms, but we had a cabin to start and snow to beat. The storm bore down on us with a heavy pressure that had me a little worried now that I focused on it.
"We should be able to get this all done today," Ash said as we headed out into the crisp mountain air.
"Really?" I couldn't imagine building an entire cabin in one day.
"The shell, anyway. The little details will take longer." Ash glanced at the sky. "We'll likely be snowed in for a few days, so we'll have plenty of time to rest and put the finishing touches on everything."
"Wow. Okay." I hadn't expected it to go that fast.
"We're all powerful," Ash explained. "You and Nikolai work together well. It will make this all easier."
Nikolai didn't comment and I glanced over at him. A slight frown creased his brow as he studied the spot where the old cabin had stood.
"Nikolai?"
Blue magic danced in his dark eyes. "Ready?" He didn't answer my unspoken question, but I sensed confidence through our bond.
"You and Nikolai should join your magic and then let me in. I can guide us."
Nikolai called his magic and I groaned as it washed through me, tugging my magic to the surface and lighting me on fire. Working magic with him hadn't affected me this strongly in a while and I wondered if Nikolai had done it on purpose. His hands slid around my shoulders and he pulled me against him as we held our magic and waited for Ash.
The demon hesitated, staring at the ground, platinum hair obscuring his face as he hid from us.
Finally, I reached out my hand and took his. "It's okay, Ash. Join us."
"It's so different with the two of you. I've had to work magic for and with that family for so long and there was never any affection. To feel the love in your bond." He shivered. "It's frightening."
"How can we help?" I squeezed his hand.
"I'm just…" He didn't finish but I could guess. He
