The Hunted

Chapter 69

Callie's POV

I stumbled when we appeared in a lush garden. His large hands grabbed my arms and steadied me. "Easy Zia, wouldn't want you to fall and hurt those little ones," he smirked.

"You do know that's not my name anymore, don't you?" I asked him, pulling away from his touch.

He grinned, holding his hands up, "I know, but to me, I still see that young girl who drew my attention. Of course, finding out who and what you are explains my reaction."

"How so? I thought it was just the blood bond?"

He motioned for me to walk with him and I did. I had no idea where or when we were, but the garden was breathtaking. I paused near a lilac bush and took a deep breath. I was so lost in the fragrance and beauty that I failed to realize he'd come up behind me. "Incubi are drawn to succubi, Zia. You are the direct descendant of the single most powerful succubus in creation. Add in your purity blessing and that makes you irresistible." His hand trailed along my arm as he spoke. I could feel his essence ebbing and flowing, but not forced. I couldn't stop my response as my heart rate became elevated. "The moment you walked into that courtyard, I wanted you for my own," he whispered in my ear. "You have been my obsession, my craving for centuries, Zia. Your wolves aren't wrong about my connection to your sister. It isn't a choice."

"Choice?" I snapped and spun around facing him nose to nose. "It sure seemed like a choice every time you defiled me, every time you killed my children, killed me! It seemed like a choice you enjoyed, hell, you reveled in it!"

His nostrils flared as his eyes turned crimson. He let out a low growl as he grabbed me and pulled me against him. "Is it a choice that you're aroused right now, Zia? I'm a demon - an incubus. It is in my very nature to deceive, seduce and destroy. You know that all too well, don't you? Each time you're with your mates, you have to hold back now. The demon in you wants to devour them, to feed until you get your fill, but you can't, can you? If you did, they would be nothing but hollow shells - soulless."

I wanted to pull away, but I couldn't. He was right. Even with Gabriel, I had to be careful. I was terrified of this new power, terrified I would kill the ones I love.

"So are you telling me you've killed me again and again accidentally?" I scoffed.

He chuckled, "No. I won't lie. I've enjoyed feasting on you, but over the years it has become less. There were times I couldn't do it myself and I had to influence others." I rolled my eyes in disbelief. "The battlefield, the fertility ritual, the wolf, the bear," he started to list the times. I noticed most of them were recent incarnations. His eyes were still crimson, but they held something... regret?

"Why - why did it become less enjoyable?" I pushed, desperate to understand.

His hand trailed down my face, muttering, "Always the inquisitive one." I started to ask what he meant when his lips crashed against mine and my mind was flooded with moments between us - some violent, while others were gentle, almost loving. I recognized some scenes, while others I did not. His fingers tangled in my hair and tugged, making my lips part as a low moan escaped me. His tongue darted in and swept over my own. Your light calls to my darkness. I am drawn to you, Zia.

His voice filled my mind, and I found myself on the ground underneath him. He held my hands above my head with one of his, while the other ran along my body. When our kiss broke, I was panting. He watched my every reaction, his eyes glittering. "You feel it, don't you, Zia? The connection, the desire - it's just below the surface, clawing to get out, to be satisfied." His hand pressed between my legs, his fingers making circles over my clit. I bucked and moaned as I breathed in, pulling his essence. "Fuck, Zia," he groaned when he felt the pull. "You've never pulled from me before, my goddess, please don't stop," he begged, his body grinding against mine.