FREE NOVELLA CHAPTER Demon Heart Chapter NIne
Demon Heart by Kiss Carson
Copyright 2020
CHAPTER NINE
Arms folded, Dominique watched Gagan, and he watched her. Primitive intelligence shone from his dark eyes, along with a fierce protective spark. She wouldn’t want to test the bear’s devotion to Zachary and hoped she would never need to.
Zachary stopped beside her. “I do believe these shoes belong to you.” He dropped the horrid boots to the snow.
“Great. Thanks very much.” Dominique muttered.
Zachary attached the dragonette cage to Gagan’s belt. Even the distance of a few metres couldn’t help her see the creature inside.
“I have brought a blanket for the journey. It can get cold on Gagan’s back.”
Dominique sat on the snow and prepared herself to wrestle with the boots. “I might walk.”
“There is a long journey ahead. Are you sure you want to walk?”
No, she didn’t want to walk. However, she didn’t want to ride the bear, either. The inside of her thighs hurt from straddling the wide back, and her fingers hurt from her tight grip on his fur. If she didn’t hang on for dear life she would slide off. Soft fur and vinyl didn’t make good partners.
“You walked yesterday,” she said and pulled on the boots. “It’s my turn today.” She accepted Zachary's outstretched hand. He pulled her up and steadied her with a hand to her elbow. She wobbled on the six-inch heels but managed to stay on her feet.
Bemused, Zachary glanced at her shoes. “Very well. I shall persuade Gagan to go slow.”
The journey started well. Dominique managed to keep pace with the ambling giant bear. Once or twice, her heels stuck in the snow but she freed herself without fuss, and without Zachary's help. An hour into the trek, she wished she’d agreed to ride the bear. Her thighs ached. Her calves burned from staggering on heels, and the further into the snowy wasteland they went, the icier the air became. She hunched her shoulders and folded her arms.
“A snow storm approaches.” Her gaze followed Zachary's pointed finger. Clouds of snow churned on the horizon. Zachary reached down from the bear. “Come, Domini, we can move faster if you join me up here.” He nodded, encouraging her to take his hand.
The wind picked up. Flecks of snow clung to her hair. Dominique grasped his hand and within moments sat between his strong thighs. His arms circled her and he gripped Gagan’s fur to keep them both stable.
Gale force winds struck head on. The temperature plummeted. Ice formed on her vinyl suit, stiffened her hair, and made breathing hard. Dominique pressed her face into Zachary's chest and squeezed her eyes closed. Frozen particles flew on the wind and stung every centimetre of exposed skin. Zachary pulled her closer and wrapped his coat around her but even his body heat couldn’t stop the bone shaking shivers.
“Gagan, halt,” Zachary yelled over the wind.
Obediently, the bear stopped and Zachary slid to the ground. The full force of the snowstorm hit Dominique, ripped breath from her throat, and nearly knocked her from the bear’s back. Snow struck her face like tiny pieces of glass. She shielded her face with her hands but now her hands suffered the fury of the wind and snow. Moments later, she lay on the snow. Protected from the storm, she was pressed into Gagan’s stomach until the bear’s heartbeat thumped on her back. Zachary lay beside her and pulled the blanket over them both to form a very snug cocoon. A radiance crystal bathed his face in a warm, soft glow.
The storm raged on but Dominique barely noticed. All she knew was Zachary's safe aura, and the small, sexy smile on his lips. He didn’t say a word. Not one part of his body touched hers. She didn’t know which was worse, when he touched her, or when he didn’t. Either way, the anticipation was enough to lift her body heat a few degrees. She studied him as openly as he studied her in the pale light of the crystal. His face had become familiar, a welcomed sight, and she loved the way he protected her. Affection surged through her like a tidal wave. Her fingers tingled. She wanted to touch his cheek, to feel his hair but she couldn’t convince her heart to let go of the past.
“The storm is over.”
“Already?”
Zachary made no attempt to move. “Yes.”
“What now?”
“We continue.”
Disappointed, Dominique lowered her eyes. She wanted to lie with him hidden away in their snug shelter forever. She hoped the storm would come back and force them to stay together for the night. Who knew what would happen. One thing was for sure, though, and that was she wouldn’t forget this time.
“You really are beautiful.” Zachary tossed the blanket back and stood.
What? She struggled to her feet. “What did you say?”
Zachary looked at her, his expression blank. “Nothing.” He brushed snow from Gagan’s fur.
Dominique stared at his back. Had he really called her beautiful or had she heard the words she wanted him to say? He had muttered so he could have said a million things. But he hadn’t said a million things. Zachary had called her beautiful.
“Are you walking?” He didn’t look at her.
“Yes,” she replied brightly. “I’ll walk.” Or float alongside you.
* * * *
Zachary breathed in the warm, fresh air of the rainforest. Trees towered overhead, the sky barely visible through the thick canopy. They had left snow behind a measure of time ago and now humidity hung heavy on the air. Sweet melodies of a flock of dragonettes drifted from the high branches. Domini's dragonette shifted restlessly in the cage and tooted a cheery reply. Ahead, Domini strode shoeless along the forest track as though she’d lived in Demon Realm all her life.
Gagan released a low growl as he left the forest and entered an open area of deep green grass. Scattered boulders and a large waterhole dominated the clearing. Sunlight reflected on the clear blue water and brightened the glade even more. They had reached the Pool of Truth. Considering his latest declaration to Domini, the Pool wasn’t the ideal place for them to stop. If he wasn’t careful he would be uttering more than simple statements about her beauty.
He caught Domini's eye and quickly looked away from the excitement that sparkled in the green orbs. He shouldn’t have said the words but he’d become so caught up in her presence. When Domini had looked at him with such trust, such unbiased emotion, the words had escaped with a force of their own. Zachary shot a look in her direction. She really was quite…beautiful. He tutted and shook his head to reset his addled mind. He was stronger than a pretty face, and could fight the uncommon hold Domini had over him. He had do. The fate of Demon Realm depended on his ability to follow through with her destiny.
Domini's resounding yahoo startled him from his thoughts. Before he could stop her, before he uttered a word, she plunged into the Pool of Truth, fully dressed, and surfaced moments later, her smile like liquid sunshine. He wanted to look away, but couldn’t. Domini's emotional honesty mesmerized him.
Gagan let out a growl.
“I agree. Now, Domini will keep us awake all night with declarations of truth.”
“The water’s great,” Domini called. “Strip off and come in.”
Zachary chuckled. He dismounted and strode to the edge of the pool. Why didn’t she ever proposition him when she wasn’t under some spell? He squatted by the edge of the waterhole and watched her glide through the water, closer to shore. She became more and more beautiful as each moment passed.
“Are you aware that you are swimming in the Pool of Truth?”
“I thought there was magic involved. There are pictures in my head…Things I want to do to you…” Her eyes widened. “Next time, warn me!”
“You failed to give me the chance. Your impulsiveness took over.” He tried to close his mouth but words kept pouring out. “You can be a little reckless, but that is one of the many traits I like in you.” Zachary wiped a hand over his mouth in an attempt to stop the words. He shifted his gaze to something a little less distracting than Domini's smile.
“Really?” she asked, breathless from treading water. “I’ve been told I can be annoying.”
“I find you beguiling.” With a low curse, Zachary stood and took a few steps back to put some distance between him and the pool. “Domini, please come ashore.”
“Why?”
“So you can remove your clothes. That suit must be uncomfortable.” Zachary clamped a hand over his mouth. He turned his back to the pool and drew in a few composure-building breaths. He’d slept by the Pool of Truth on many occasions. Never had he suffered from the water’s powers.
Behind him, Domini splashed her way from the water. “I’ll undress if you undress first.” The unmistakable sound of a zipper rang in his ears.
He faced her and then wished he hadn’t. She squeezed excess moisture from her long auburn hair, and she’d pulled the zipper all the way down to her navel. Creamy skin glistened in the sun, skin Zachary had no right to see. Green eyes shifted to him. Her warm smile was an intimate as a kiss. He lowered his eyes. “We must leave.”
“Already? I’d planned to undress right in front of you.” She advanced a step. “I really want you to see me naked.” Domini's expression became suitably horrified after such a statement. “That’s not true,” she added quickly and yanked the zipper up.
Zachary's gaze traveled the curve of her hip. He admired the swell of her breasts. “I want to see you naked.”
He stepped closer until his body heat mingled with her cooler, wet body. Desperation to feel the warmth of her skin nearly overwhelmed him. Gentle fingers touched his chest and burst the bubble of lust that surrounded him. He forced himself to face Gagan. He tightened the bear’s belt with sharp, short tugs, yanked open one belt bag, and then the other, slapping the flaps closed again. In truth, he didn’t even know what he searched for. Gagan grunted and looked at him.
Zachary sighed and bowed his head. “My friend, some things you cannot help me with. This conundrum I must overcome myself. I suggest you find yourself somewhere peaceful to settle because you will not want to see what I have planned.”
Gagan snorted.
Zachary nodded. “I understand. However, my curiosity will not be satiated by mere imagination.” The image of Domini naked and writhing under his body startled the breath from his lungs. “Damn the Pool of Truth,” he muttered. “How can I escape that fleeting vision?”
The water’s magic had penetrated his subconscious. He couldn’t control his actions even if he wanted to. Only one thing would clear his mind so he could continue his quest. Zachary spun away from Gagan. He unclasped the scabbards on his back and allowed them to drop. Two steps later, he discarded his coat. Then, he pulled his t-shirt over his head and tossed it behind him.
All the time, Domini watched with wide eyes. “What are you doing?” she demanded.
Zachary worked at his trouser button as he strode forward. “I am quenching my curiosity,” he replied. “Believe me, the experience will be most pleasant for us both.”
He grasped Domini's arms and pulled her to him, trapped her hands behind her back until she stood flush against him. The faintest scent of apples came from her skin. A pink flush brightened her cheeks, and her chest rose and fell in quick succession. Lips, ripe for kissing, parted. She didn’t struggle, or complain. All he saw was desire. For him.
His mouth covered hers hungrily, devoured her sweetness. Releasing her hands, he gently cupped her face, her skin as soft as he’d imagined. Domini's velvet tongue thrust into his mouth and banished any indecision that still lingered at the back of his mind. She tasted like nothing he’d encountered. His senses reeled. Such pleasure couldn’t be real. He would remember if he’d made love to Domini in the village. He would never forget such perfection.
Her hands traveled the length of his back, soft as feathers. Her touch took him away from his reality, bathed his aura in shades of orange and pink. Mercy Stone. Why hadn’t he thought of this earlier? He’d never felt as alive as he did at that very moment.
Domini pulled away and stepped back, swiping the back of her hand across her lips. “Dear God,” she whispered.
Zachary didn’t understand. Why had she pulled away? Wasn’t he giving her as much pleasure as she gave him? Her low growl startled him. Then, she lunged. He stumbled backward when she threw her arms around his neck, curled her legs around his hips and smothered his lips in a hot, urgent kiss. Exhilarated, he cupped her buttocks in his hands and met her savage kiss. A noise penetrated his enthusiasm. Zachary released Domini's mouth. She hung, limp in his arms, her head flung back, her breaths labored. He wanted to continue but he had the feeling their moment of joy had passed.
The sound of flapping wings brought his attention to the sky. A black form glided high in the blue expanse. Then, the high-pitched siren call of a dragon. Destroyer. Panicked by his lack of preparation, he pushed Domini away. She uncurled her legs from around his waist and collapsed to the grass, her expression one of dazed satisfaction. Zachary grasped under her arms and carried her to the shelter of the trees where he propped her against a trunk. Hastily, he donned his t-shirt and fastened the scabbard. He laid his hand on the ornamental hilt of his father’s sword. Aemon’s sword. He would need all the help he could get. He searched the pockets of his long coat until he found the candle he sought, and strode back to Domini.
“What did you do to me?” she whispered.
“’Twas the Pool of Truth.” He kneeled before her. “The water’s power tripled our passion.”
Domini dragged a hand over her face. “I’ve never been kissed like that before.”
“Nor I.” Zachary placed his hand under her chin and lifted her face until she looked into his eyes. “Are you focused?”
She nodded.
He scanned her flushed face and allowed himself to smile. “Perhaps when the war is over we will come back here and make love.”
“Oh, now I know you’re teasing me.”
Zachary's smile widened. “Not yet, Lady Demon.” He held the candle forward. “Take this summoning candle. If we are separated, light the candle and I will find you.”
“Do I blow it?”
“That’s right. No matter where you are, light that candle and I will come.”
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