I could feel the power in the charm he'd given me. "Didyou even sleep, mate?"
"No. I don't need as much sleep as you do on aregular basis."
Everyone pocketed their protective charms.
"I made this for you, since you seem to havemisplaced all of your own tools." Mal winked and handed me a black stolewith protective sigils hand stitched in silver thread. It was very similar tothe one I had made for myself years back, only much nicer and the stitching wasfar neater. The added protections were helpful when dealing with exorcisms.
I took it from Mal. Yeah, this one was much nicer.That was real silk and I bet the thread actually had a silver content. Mine hadbeen put together with a hope and a prayer and a beginner's skills. That I'dkept using it once I'd improved probably wasn't my smartest move.
"Thank you," I said with a touch ofreverence.
I felt Ezra squirm.
Gonna be a problem?
No. You should wear it. It will help protect you. It'ssimply uncomfortable for me, not detrimental.
I slipped the stole over my shoulders and grinned atMal.
"The one thing we're short on supply of is holywater, but you may not need any with Prince Ezra riding along."
Ezra shuddered.
"Yeah, I got a little bit left in my squirtbottle if I get desperate. Would hate to burn myself, though." I wasgetting way too comfortable with the idea of being possessed.
Mal handed me a silver knife with sigils worked intothe blade and a sheath I could slide onto my belt. That could also be reallyuseful for protection and other ritual needs. As with the stole, it was farnicer than the one I'd made for myself years back.
"I'd avoid touching the blade until Prince Ezrahas left us," Mal suggested.
"Yeah, had that figured out. He's squirmingpretty hard right now." I shifted on the couch, made uneasy by hisdiscomfort.
I slipped the blade into the sheath and slid it ontomy belt.
I am glad we are on the same side. Malak does know howto construct quality tools.
High praise from the demon. I'd tell Mal later.
"How long before we leave?" Aaron askedafter Mal handed him another silver blade.
"Half an hour. Anyone hungry before we leave?"
You should eat.
My stomach was churning, but Ezra was right.
"I should try to eat. How are you doing, Mal?"
"I'll be all right."
I held out my wrist and his eyes darkened before helooked away.
"If that's all it takes, Mal, you're hungry, too.We all need to be at the top of our game. I'll feed you, you feed me. It'll befine."
"It hasn't been that long since I've had fresh blood.I really am fine." However, he did not object when I scooted over onto hislap. I threaded my fingers into his wavy hair and grinned when he met my eyes.
Mal ran his fingers along my jaw, before tracing themdown my neck.
I shivered in pleasure at his touch. Now, more than Ihad been before, I was grateful that Ezra had spared me the full impact ofwaking Mal up from being staked. Because of that, I had no hesitation when Mallowered his lips to my neck. He hesitated a moment before he sank his teethinto my skin.
Pleasure exploded through me, curling through mybreasts and sliding its way down my belly until my stomach tightened, and heatpooled in my core. I quivered, groaning, just on the edge of release.
Hmm, I kind of like this. I can torture you a bit.
Jerk.
Ezra laughed, running phantom fingers over my body,teasing me, using his ability to control me to keep me from crashing over theedge into some much needed relief.
Beg me, he demanded.
Fuck you, Ezra.
I groaned when Mal released me from his power. Turnedon, but denied relief by the freaking demon.
That's about enough to get you exorcised.
He laughed, the sound trailing through my body andlighting me up further.
"Are you okay?" Mal asked, brow furrowed.
"Fucking demon thinks he's funny," Igrumbled.
Mal raised his eyebrows before pulling me into a hug. "Thankyou."
"Yeah, any time, Mal. Hopefully next time withoutan asshole demon being a giant jerk." I said the last loudly, as if hecouldn't read my thoughts.
Ezra chuckled.
"Maybe he is evil," I muttered.
"Why don't you let me cook dinner for you andAaron, and then we can head out." Mal probably knew what my problem was.Scratch that, I was certain he knew, but he was kind enough not to rub it in.
"Sure." I climbed out of Mal's lap andcollapsed back onto the couch.
Aaron was staring at me, his mouth open slightly inamazement. Oh, right, he was still here and had not yet experienced thatparticular aspect of having a vampire around. Well, guess he was reallyindoctrinated now.
"Sorry, guess I'm just used to Sabian beingaround. Didn't think about it."
Aaron snapped his jaw shut and shook his head. "It'sfine." He didn't continue, though I had the feeling he wanted to saysomething more.
He's turned on and more than a little surprised by it.
Thanks, Ezra. You know, I'm fucking turned on, too.Asshole.
I'm well aware.
His amusement was about to get him sent back to hell.
You need me for a little while longer.
If I didn't, I'd be kicking you out for that.
He laughed and retreated before we could argue more.
Fucker.
Sabian watched me with a trace of amusement in hisotherwise carefully neutral expression. I wondered how much of my conversationwith Ezra he could overhear. I knew, to some degree, he could read my mind, aswell.
Grumpy, I climbed off the couch and headed for myroom. My underwear was soaked, and I had nothing to show for it exceptunrelieved desire.
I can help you with that.
If you had just left me well enough alone, I'd befine. I was not about to ask thedemon to get me off.
You'll enjoy it more later.
I don't want to enjoy it later, I wanted to enjoy itnow. What if we all die and I go out with unrelieved orgasams because youdenied me.
I promise, if you're about to die, I'll make sure youhave a mind blowing
