“One last time.” Roman tilted his hips back and thrust inside.
Isabella clung to his back, staring into his intense eyes and grabbing his hair as she accepted him, moaning at the rising waves of pleasure he created. As she cried out, her muscles contracted and he pushed deeper, sinking his teeth into her neck. Pulsing spasms rippled through her, wave after wave. She splintered apart as he drove into her, seeking his own release. His hands explored her body as he rocked back and forth without mercy. A burning sensation at the lower part of her spine intensified and she screamed, but a cool hand soothed her discomfort and once again the waves of euphoria intensified, lifting her as she orgasmed. Roman did the strangest thing and kissed her tenderly on the lips—the softest, most gentle of kisses. A languid sensation raced through, zapping her awareness.
“I’m sorry, my love. I hope one day you’ll forgive me, but for now you need to forget tonight. I’ve tried to release you, and you may even be the cause of my death, but I cannot let you go—now or ever. Forgive me.”
Isabella heard the words, but they faded away, and she couldn’t ignore the desire to shut her eyes.
CHAPTER TEN
The Morrigan strolled into the pentacle, careful to step over the five-pointed star drawn inside. A wall of flames rose behind, closing them off from any creature that might intrude. The soul-shifter lay prone on the stone altar, naked and rendered compliant by her creature that resided inside her body, holding her hostage. Sucking in the night air, she gazed up at the inky sky. A million stars twinkled. She could feel the energy pulsing in the air from Ella, and her skin tingled with excitement. The Morrigan wore her leather outfit, with her signet ring ready. The young demon fondled the soul-shifter, stroking her soft, supple skin. She couldn’t wait to occupy her body and test it in every way possible. She clapped her hands with the climbing intoxication as to what she would accomplish.
“To be able to feel. To touch and taste again. It’s been centuries since I have experienced these simple pleasures. I’ll keep you busy all night, demon,” she cried out.
The demon resembled the foolish warrior husband of Ella’s. He stared at her, devoted to her every word. Just as she liked her men. Her plan for the warrior made her smile.
“I’m yours to serve, my queen.” The demon stroked Ella’s long hair.
“Good—now cut her wrist with the blade.”
The demon withdrew a small curved blade from his hip and picked up Ella’s arm, slicing the wrist. Fresh blood rushed to the surface and dropped to the earth. The crash of thunder ripped open the sky; the wind burst forth, gusting around her, and she spread her arms out to the side, raising them skyward.
“I call upon all the demons of the night, all the elements of life. I command the darkness to transfer this soul, this life-force and magic into mine.”
Five female angels, the guardians of life—air, water, earth, spirit, and fire—floated around in the sky. “Do not do this. You will disrupt the balance of nature. It goes against all we believe in to preserve the heavens above and the earth below.” The women spoke in unison.
The Morrigan flew to Ella’s side and grabbed her wrist from the demon. “You hold no power over me. I call on the darkness, the soul-collector. I demand he agree to my wish.”
As Ella’s blood dripped to the ground, the earth trembled beneath her feet, thunder cracked overhead, and lightning streaked across the black sky. The earth split open and from it rose a giant wearing leather pants, with horns on either side of his head and a broad, muscular chest. Its eyes glowed, peering at her with curiosity.
“Why have you summoned me again, goddess of death? Or do you have the souls you promised me?”
The Morrigan stared at the monster before her, unafraid. “Not yet, but soon. This witch, her soul is unique…”
At her words, the devil leapt upon the altar. His scales protruded down his spine; his tail lashed out behind him with razor-sharp edges. He examined the woman who lay with her blue eyes open, but in a deep sleep. The creature pressed over Ella’s heart and sniffed, shaking its head wildly. A vile screech escaped the monster’s mouth. He hopped down to stand erect before her, transforming into a tall man with sharp, handsome features, dressed ridiculously out of place in a dark tailored suit.
“What is it you wish for?”
“A transference. Give me her power and I’ll gather all the souls you want. When I’m done, what’s left of her is yours.”
The devil strolled around, tilting her chin to look up at him. “A charming proposal. But her soul, as you say, is unique. It’s pure and it doesn’t belong to you. Even if I grant your wish, you have nothing to offer me unless you can corrupt her soul. If you do that, the deal will be fulfilled. If not, I will take payment in another form of my choosing. Agreed?”
The powerful wind swept through the ancient trees, shaking them back and forth. The energy filled the space, calling to her. The thunder and lightning carried on, serving only to excite her more. One simple soul. She would not give up. Once she possessed Ella’s power, and her body cloaked
