Cupids Bakers Dozen Read online

  “When there is no one around, I would prefer no clothes on you. You are too pretty to hide.” He once more scooped her up into his arms.

  “That will be the last interruption, because right now, I’m afraid I’d have to kill the next person to interrupt. I need to be inside you, Violet,” he told her, totally honest, not hiding anything from her.

  She rested her head on his shoulder and stared at his profile. High cheek bones, dark black hair and full lips that were amazing when he kissed her.

  “And I plan on kissing you often, everywhere,” he said, kicking the door shut when he stepped into a massive bedroom. “You may change this room any way you’d like, same with the rest of the house. The only rooms that are off limits are my office and the play room.” He laid her down on the bed, her legs dangling off the edge, Ian just staring at her.

  “I take it I’m not allowed to go hunting anymore?” she asked.

  “No,” he stripped, never taking his gaze off her body. “Spread your legs, baby.” He knelt and pulled her butt close to the edge of the bed, swiping his tongue across her pussy lips. “I’ve been waiting to do this all night,” Ian said right before he reached up and separated her lips, exposing her clit.

  “When I’m done feeding on you, I’m going to fuck you, hard and quick, but then, I’m going to spend the rest of the night loving you as you should be.”

  Three times she had come in his mouth before he stood and thrust into her hard, staring down at her. “Mine!” he snarled.

  He was wide, long, but the little pain meant nothing to the loving that she saw in his face as he lowered himself over her, yet keeping most of his weight off of her. His thrusts never stopped as he placed a kiss on the side of her neck right before sinking his fangs into her.

  The connection was instant, his emotions poured into her, his disbelief that he’d found his blood mate, and his resolution to kill anyone that would hurt her.

  Violet laughed, running her hand through his hair before hugging him. “You’re being silly, my man,” she whispered as he lifted up, leaving his mark.

  She reached up and cupped his cheek as he stopped his movements for a second. “Thank you for bringing me home, Ian. Now, fuck me like I see in your head.”

  He growled, lifting her legs up onto his shoulders. “Yes, my little warrior. I’ll always love you.” He promised, surprising her as his cock swelled further inside her, his thrusts now rubbing something inside her that had her digging her fingers into his shoulders.

  “Ian!” she whimpered and he smiled.

  “Now you can come,” he snarled. His seed was hot, not burning, but so warm it triggered something deep inside her into a quivering mess.

  One minute, she was screaming her head off; the next, Violet was opening her eyes to a very worried Ian. “What happened? I passed out, didn’t I?” She smiled and he growled.

  “Do not do that again; you scared me.” He got real close, his nose touching hers. “I don’t do scared; I scare others.”

  A snort in the corner had him growling. “Eros, if you’re not gone in two seconds, I’m having a chat with your parents personally.”

  “I just wanted to make sure you two were good to go. See you next week.”

  “Do I even want to know?” she asked, and he shook his head.

  “No, I’ll explain later; right now, I’m going to hold you ‘til my heart stops its marathon running in my damn chest,” he grumbled as he curled up next to her, holding her.

  “Ian, thank you for coming for me,” she said and closed her eyes as the tears threatened to come.

  “I’ll always come for you, baby.” He kissed the top of her head, just holding her, knowing that is what both of them needed.

  She might have been a human, but Violet now held the heart of one of the most powerful creatures on Earth. She was home and would be no other place in the world if given a choice.

  * * * *

  Eros sighed, staring at the sheet, sighing; Cax was so going to kill him, but he was the only one that could handle his next assignment, Xena.

  He sat down at his desk, staring at the damn computer and laughed. Oh, the fates were good. He would deliver the women to his friends, he had no choice, but Eros knew they would make him pay sooner or later.

  Xena Tomlin’s Story

  Xena Tomlin patted George’s head; her Shepard loved to walk, and the night was beautiful. The snow was falling but not too cold.

  “So, what are we going to do for Valentine’s Day, George? How about some chick flicks and ice cream?” she asked her dog, knowing, once more, she’d be spending the night alone like the last five years, ever since her ass ex had taken off with her younger, thinner sister.

  George stopped, the hair on his back raised, and the only time he did that was when others were around. One gift she had been given from her mother was to see the other beings that inhabited their world.

  Sometimes, Xena really hated her gift, like now. All she wanted was a quiet evening, but no. Slowly, not to draw attention to herself, Xena turned to see two demons leaning against the building, staring right at her.

  Glad she had her knives on her, she bent down to pat her dog on the head, ignoring the creatures, hoping they wouldn’t come toward her.

  But it would seem her luck wasn’t holding out as she felt a hand on her shoulder. “Should you be out here all by yourself this late?”

  George growled and lunged forward, but she caught the collar before he could sink his teeth into the demon. “As you can see, I’m well protected, but thank you for your concern,” Xena said, standing and moving away from the creature.

  “Your dog really does not like us, does he?” the man said. “Which is unusual since most animals like me.” He stepped closer but stopped, glancing behind him.

  “Sir?” he said.

  Xena looked over to where he was talking and watched as the most handsome man or demon come into view. “Ouch!” She jumped and twirled around with one of her knives in her hand. George lunged forward at nothing.

  “Okay, who the hell pinched me?” she yelled.

  “Serves you right, messing with people’s lives, Eros. She’s human, damn it,” someone with a real deep voice and very, very close to her said from behind her.

  “And you’re a demon; get the hell away from me, pun intended.” She jerked away from the thing behind her, her knife flashing in the air, but the man disarmed her in a matter of seconds, frowning at her.

  “How do you know what I am?” he asked, looking at the knife. “It can do some damage but not much, especially against our kind.” He handed her the knife back and nodded.

  “Come, walk with me, the others won’t bother us; they are now awaiting their fate. Tell me about yourself?” he asked, reaching down and rubbing George’s head, and her dog actually licked the man.

  “George!” she snapped, totally surprised. “What the hell is going on? What did you do to my dog, and who is this Eros person?” she asked, and god knows why, but started to walk again, putting her knife away, feeling safe next to the stranger, which was so freaking weird.

  “Eros is the god of love; in other words, human’s Cupid, and he just stuck you with his special bow. In other words, he was making sure you didn’t take off trying to help me since you happen to be my mate.”

  She stopped walking and turned to stare at the man. That is when she realized the man had to be close to seven feet tall. Xena glanced down at his feet, and he laughed.

  “I’m reading your mind, sweetie, and I promise you I’m big enough to please you,” he teased her, taking her hand and pulling her forward.

  “Well, stop it, and what are you talking about mate? I can’t be your mate; I’m human, as you said.” She yanked on her hand, but he refused to let go.

  He stopped and looked down at her. “I’m sorry about that, but humans aren’t supposed to see us, let alone be our mates. So, I was a little shocked.” He stopped and looked down at her. “You are different, beautiful.” His gaze tr
aveled down her body slowly even though she had a winter coat, Xena swore he was seeing right through her clothes.

  She shook her head and tried to step away but ended up slipping on a piece of ice. Xena would have fallen, but this man wrapped his arm around her and pulled her up against his body.

  “Little woman, you feel really good in my arms, and there is no mistake. Your scent is like an aphrodisiac to me, and the thought of any harm coming to you...” He snarled, and Xena noticed the claws come out of his hands.

  “I’m fine,” she patted his chest and noticed how hard it was. “Aren’t you cold?” The man was standing there in black jeans and a tank top. He even had black cowboy boots with silver tips on the front of them.

  He had dark-brown, shoulder-length hair, and his grayish-colored eyes seemed to dance with flames in them as he turned them on her.

  George growled, and she spun to see three different demons approaching them. “Great,” she mumbled but was shocked when the man shoved her behind him.

  “Cax; call me Cax,” he said, looking over his shoulder winking at her. “Please allow me to get rid of these three.” He turned his attention to one. “San, what are you doing here? Is there a problem?”

  “My sister has been waiting for you, so I thought I’d come see if you needed my help. Do you need me to erase her memory so you can leave?”

  “No one’s messing with my memory. Take your men and go home,” Xena said a little annoyed at the mention of another woman and that just made her pissed off as she turned, yanking on George’s leash.

  Don’t move, little one, I’d hate to divide my attention, but I will in order to make you safe. Later I will explain about his sister, his voice came into her head, shocking the total crap out of her.

  But Xena didn’t have time, as the one who spoke stepped around Cax reaching for her, but that is as far as he got when he went flying backward and Cax growled, and it wasn’t a sexual thing either.

  Xena looked over her shoulder up at Cax, and sure enough, the horns were there, his skin was now like rubber, and he had a tail.

  “Get your mind out of the damn gutter, Xena,” she whispered, shaking her head, trying to get rid of the image of what that tail could do.

  Next to her, Cax snorted. “You will be surprised at what I can do, but not yet, soon.” He turned and growled. “Leave and tell your sister I told her before I wasn’t interested in bonding with her and let it be known I’m mated. Anyone touches what is mine will feel my claws shredding them apart. You are lucky I don’t kill you where you are now, go,” he ordered.

  The men slowly backed away, looking at him then tried to get a good look at her, but Cax wasn’t having it as he lunged forward. The three disappeared without a word.

  The sound of bones popping, like that of knuckles cracking but louder had her turning fully toward Cax. He was once more as he was before.

  She shook her head. “This has to be wrong. There is no way I could be your mate. I mean, come on, you’re immortal, and I’ll die in, say, sixty years.

  “Come on, George, I’ve had enough excitement; if you didn’t get enough walking, I’m sorry,” Xena said and turned toward her apartment.

  Behind her, Cax stood there for only a second before catching up to her. “You don’t understand. You’ll have my immortality, be tied to me. You won’t be able to shift, but you’ll carry a number of my abilities to protect yourself, I believe.” He wrapped his arm around her. “Now, take me to your home; I want to get to know all of you.” His gaze again traveled down her body. “And I mean all of you.”

  Xena grew warm inside and out but didn’t say a word as she made her way home. Was she really going to take him home? Yes. She sighed five minutes later in front of her building. “I should warn you, it’s not much, but it’s mine. The ex-husband got most of everything, which was no surprise since he knew the judge in our divorce.” Xena looked up at him. “I have a real bad track record with men. Are you going to be on that list, Cax?” she asked before moving to the stairs where he stopped her.

  He placed his hands on her hips and stared down at her. “No, I’m it. There will be no other men, little woman. I’ll kill any man who tries to touch what is mine. I mean it, Xena, no other will touch you.” He said.

  “And what about you? Will others be touching you? You know it goes both ways. What if you get bored with the little human?” she asked.

  Not saying a word, he scooped her up in his arms and took the steps two at a time, as if knowing where she lived, and her dog followed right next to them, not taking off as the doors opened by themselves.

  They came to her apartment door; it stood open, and he stared down at her. “Do you allow me entrance to your home?” he asked.

  Xena looked up at him and realized Cax was the man she’d been waiting for. The one who took charge and looked at her like there was no other. “Yes, please go inside.”

  He stepped into her small apartment, and the door shut, locking behind them. But he didn’t stop in the living room; no, Cax moved right to her bedroom where he lowered her feet down to the floor.

  “I can be with no other. Once we meet our blood mate, you are the only one I can have sex with.” He took her hand and placed it on his cock.

  Even through his pants, Xena could feel how big the man was. “Damn, if this is true, we’re going to have some fun.”

  He unzipped her coat, throwing it in the corner when it came off, next came her sweater where he reached up and ran his fingers over the swell of her breasts, where he plucked one of her knives out of its hiding spot, throwing it at the wall where it embedded in it.

  “Mine to protect,” a very sexy growl this time as he stripped her of the last knife. Her nipples harden when he unhooked her bra and threw it where the pile of her clothes was being put.

  He bent down on his knees and started to undo her boots. “You know, I could do that,” she said, and he growled again.

  “No, I will take care of you.” He lifted his head and looked up at her. The intensity of his gaze had her stumbling backward.

  “This is real, isn’t it? It’s not a one-night stand; you’re really mine?” She squeaked, and he smiled right before pulling her back to where she was, finishing taking off her boots.

  “You now realize this? We are going to have a long chat. I have a feeling you’d trust anyone.” He gripped the waist of her pants and yanked her so she was leaning against him.

  His arms wrapped around her, and he nipped her belly. “Until I know you are safe, I will not be leaving your side. You will travel with me, also. Is this going to be a problem?” he asked.

  “I do work,” she waved her hand to her surrounding place. “I mean, this little abode does not come cheap.”

  “You will quit your job and live with me, but first...” He used his teeth to unbutton her pants and yanked them down with her panties with his hands, throwing them in the pile.

  Cax leaned in and took a deep breath. “Sweet,” he mumbled as he pushed her legs apart, running his tongue over her lips.

  But he surprised her, standing, lifting her by the hips. Her back hit the wall, and he stared into her eyes. “Wrap your legs around me and hold on. You are wet and ready for me. Will you allow me to claim what is mine?” he asked, waiting.

  “Take me, Cax, but, Cax, if you so much as look at another, I’ll cut your cock off, understood?” she said, knowing the pain her eyes was showing when he placed a kiss on her forehead.

  “Never will I hurt you. Only you. You are my true heart,” he growled and thrust into her.

  She knew he would be big, but the rough edges around his cock were a surprise and a pleasure. “Oh damn,” she groaned and wrapped her arms around him. “Hard, give it to me, Cax,” she pleaded, suddenly burning inside, her heart raced, her breathing came in little gasps, and Xena swore her hormones were loving each other, because she’d never had such pleasure.

  “Feel the connection building, our lives twining together. You were meant for me, Xena,
my little human,” he ground out in between thrusts. “Let go; give it to me,” he ordered.

  Oh, she knew what he was asking, and she was scared, but inside, Xena knew what he, no, what they needed.

  She slowly opened up the door that held her gifts hidden from others and allowed Cax inside her. But that was all it took, the connection to him was instant. So was the orgasm that rode through her like a bucking horse, on and on it went, her screams so loud her ears were ringing.

  Xena slowly came out of her stupor, feeling his seed pour into her, filling her, giving them a child that night. She lifted her eyes, meeting his gaze.

  “You’ve come home, little human. I give you the only gift I have, my love, and promise to always be there for you,” he said, lifting her and carrying her to the bed she didn’t recognize.

  “I take it we’re at your home?” she asked as he laid her on the bed, joining her, his leg covering hers as he covered her breasts with his hand. “Our home, and I hope you’re not too tired, because I have a lot of loving to make up for?” he asked.

  “Bring it on, old man, let’s see who tires out first,” she challenged and he laughed.

  “You’re on, baby.” He covered her body with his, sliding inside her again. “I can go days; maybe, I’ll just keep you here ‘til Valentine’s Day.”

  She laughed. “You are my Valentine, Cax,” she said before he kissed her, but inside, Xena knew she’d made the right choice.

  * * * *

  Eros put a check by Xena’s name and tapped his fingers on the desk, once more at the computer. Up next, Zoey. He sighed, knowing what he had to do, but it was risky.

  “I need to speak with Griffin and get access to the cabin now. His little brother is going to be hit by the love bug.” Eros laughed and transported to the king of the gargoyles’ home, knowing what had to be done and quick.

  Zoey Blue’s Story

  She stared at the paper in her hand and shook her head. Zoey never won anything in her life, and here, she won a trip for herself to the Valley of the Whispers.