Chapter 13
I’m Leaving
W hen I say I’m totally overwhelmed, I’m so outside of my comfort zone and depth of understanding my head hurts. After I ate back at the clubhouse, Bradan took me down to the garage, where my car was waiting.
However, we didn’t climb into my Altima. Instead, Bradan led me to an SUV. We climbed into the sick-looking, black-on-black Lincoln and Bradan took off for my apartment so I could collect my things. On the ride over, he filled me in on everything I needed to know about him and what happened back at the clubhouse.
I can still feel his anger over that woman who threw those flames at me and Ray. It’s been pulsing off him. I can’t blame him. That bitch was crazy.
“Here, you can park right there,” I say as we come to my block, and I shake my thoughts off.
Thankfully, there’s a parking space for him to pull into. Which is a miracle in itself. I glance at him as he maneuvers into the space. How does he make parking look sexy?
He shifts into park and turns to look over at me. He searches my face with his gaze before reaching over to run his thumb across my bottom lip. A warm tingle spreads across my skin from his touch.
His anger finally seems to fade a bit. I look into his eyes and I’m sucked into his orbs. It’s as if my breathing falls in sync with his.
“So you’re saying I’ll have powers of my own?” I say to keep from falling too deep into his trance.
“Yes, and you will share mine as well. I will help you manage what you have gained from me. I can already feel your flames coming to life,” he murmurs.
“This is crazy, but it feels right. I mean, I can’t say I don’t feel like something has changed.”
“You don’t have to worry about any of that for now. Come, let’s get your things and get you back to the clubhouse.”
“Okay, I guess you’re right.”
He leans in and captures my lips for a searing kiss. That’s definitely one way to get me to forget everything. When he pulls away, I try to follow him for more.
He chuckles with a smile on his face. “Come, little one. The sooner we take care of this, the sooner I can get you back to our room.”
“Say less.”
I dig into my backpack to get my keys out. Bradan steps from the vehicle and comes around to open the door for me. I step out and we walk to the building together, hand in hand.
I nervously juggle the keys in my hand as we get closer to the door. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I should be happy to be moving out of this place.
I unlock the front door to the building, and we step inside. I’m suddenly hyperaware of the fact that Bradan is so much bigger than me. As we walk through the second entryway to the building, he places a hand on my back.
It’s comforting and calming all at once. The warmth of his hand is something I’m beginning to crave. The closer we get to my apartment, the more I gnaw on my lip.
“Why so nervous, little one? Are you ashamed of me, little mate?” Bradan asks with amusement in his voice.
“No, I have nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to you. Now, the mess behind this door. That’s another story. Please don’t judge me for them,” I say.
“It can’t be that bad, can it?”
I roll my eyes. “Whatever you saw in my head, it’s ten times worse.”
He laughs and shakes his head as I unlock the door. I push in and groan. It seems like all my roommates are home.
I was hoping at least two of them wouldn’t be here. I guess luck isn’t on my side today. Leona has music blasting. Tangy is wrapped up like a burrito as she sits on the couch with a book in her hands and Angel is on her phone texting as she stands in the kitchen.
Angel looks up from her phone and her eyes light up. She bites her lip as she looks Bradan over. I can feel my anger begin to simmer.
My hands become warm and my fingers tingle. The impulse to hurl something at Angel is so strong I don’t know how I’m holding back. I work my jaw as I glare at her.
“You have nothing to worry about. I’m all yours,” Bradan leans into my ear to whisper.
I look up at him and smile. He pecks my lips and I allow the anger to recede. He’s right; he’s all mine.
“Who’s this?” Angel purrs.
I ignore her and address Tangy instead. “I’m moving out. I’ll give you six months’ rent since it’s such short notice.”
“I knew this was coming,” Tangy says as she turns her attention to me.
Bradan pulls out his wallet and looks at Tangy. “How much does she owe?”
“It’s six hundred a month. That’s thirty-six hundred.”
“I’ll give you forty-two,” Bradan says, pulling the bills out to count and hand over.
“That works for me. I’m Tangy, by the way. Nice to meet you …”
“Bradan.”
“We’re going to head into my room to pack my things,” I say.
“Cute outfit. You might want to call your job. They called looking for you when you didn’t show up for your shift,” Angel says.
“Oh, okay, thanks.”
I don’t bother to share with her that Bradan told me to go ahead and quit. He wants me to focus on graduating. I had planned to protest at first, but I have thought about quitting a few times already anyway.
I wouldn’t mind focusing on school. However, I’m not ready to give up both jobs. I shrug Angel off and head into my room with Bradan on my heels.
We step into my room, and I groan to myself. Bradan cups the back of my neck and tilts my head back. He takes my lips in a toe-curling kiss.
“What’s wrong?”
“I didn’t think to stop for boxes. We’ll have to step out and find some.”
He gives me a smile. With a wink, he pecks my forehead. “I can fix that. We don’t have to leave.”
I knit my brows. He gestures with his head for me to look toward my bed and I find boxes and tape on it. Some boxes are already folded for me to pack. With a gasp, I rush to close the door behind us.
“So how do I do stuff like that? Can you show me?” I whisper.
“Come here. We will have our first lesson,” he says with a smile.
I clap my hands like an excited toddler and run back over to him. Bradan looks down at me with adoration in his eyes. I’m too intrigued by what I’m able to do to be embarrassed.
I blink up at him expectantly as I place my hands on his waist. Cupping my face, he brushes his other hand over my hair. I nuzzle his palm on my cheek, loving his warmth.
“Do you remember how I showed you to shut me out?”
“Yes, I had to find the door,” I reply.
“Good, your magic is lying in wait just the same. Concentrate. Find the pulse within that’s not your blood. It will be weak until you find and acknowledge it.”
I close my eyes and search for what he has described. I feel something in my belly, but it’s more of a tingling. As I turn my attention to it, there is a warmth that begins to spread and pulse there.
I open my mind to Bradan to see if he can help me by seeing my thoughts. He tugs me in closer to him and wraps his arms around me.
“That’s it. You’ve found it. Now, find an intention for that power. Whatever you want to do, you can. Focus on the intention and pull on that feeling to create the intention,” he instructs.
I don’t want to be here forever packing. If I could get it all done with magic, that would be awesome. We can get back to the clubhouse where I can study and then explore this man before me.
“That’s my girl,” Bradan croons.
I open my eyes and look around him to see my things have moved into the boxes. One side of the room is already packed. I squeak and jump up into Bradan’s arms. He lifts me onto his waist and kisses me passionately.
“We don’t want to leave too soon and make them suspicious. What should we do with our time?” he says against my lips before devouring me some more.
I smile into his kiss as a thought comes to mind. With no more than a thought, I make both our clothes disappear. Bradan growls into the kiss and moves swiftly to press my back against the wall.
I cling to his shoulders as he moves his lips to my neck. His words from earlier come back to me and I can’t help but smile and wonder what all he’s into if last night was his vanilla.
I don’t have to wonder for long as I’m suddenly dressed in a sexy red corset teddy, thigh highs, and clear platform stiletto stripper heels. Bradan places me on my feet and takes a step back. Looking down my body, I begin to feel a new sense of power and confidence.
When I lift my head and find Bradan stroking himself as he looks back at me heatedly, the feeling heightens tenfold. I wouldn’t have picked something like this for myself, but I take note of the things he seems to like.
“What do you want to do with me now?” I say quietly.
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes.”
“Good girl, turn around and bend at the waist for me.”
I turn and do what he says. “Like this?” I breathe once I’m in position.
“Just like that,” he says.
Before I know what he’s going to do next, he has me by the thighs, lifting me in the air as he presses my back to the wall. Then he spreads my legs with his palms. I should be in a panic. He has me upside down in the air with just his palms that are spreading me open in a split.
My heart drops as I register the position I’m in, but my cries of surprise are cut off as he buries his face in my pussy and the sound turns to cries of pleasure. As he eats me, I realize the teddy I have on is crotchless because he has his face all in it.
I reach for his waist to have something to hold on to. I’m trying my best not to make too much noise so they can’t hear us outside the room. However, the struggle is real because this man is devouring me in the best way.
“Bradan,” I whisper-moan as I start to come.
I had no idea I was this flexible, but he’s holding me in this split like it’s nothing. Bradan continues to bob his head even after I climax. His moans and groans have me so wet all on their own.
I come again and begin to feel lightheaded. As swiftly as he lifted me up here, he flips me upright and brings me down on his waiting erection.
“Stop fighting it. Make all the noise you want. I’ve made it so they can’t hear us. Sing for me, baby girl. Let me know how good it feels,” he rumbles.
“Oh my God, Bray. Baby, please.”
“That’s my girl. Hands over your head,” he commands.
I do as he says and lift my arms above my head. I’m taken by surprise as my wrists are suddenly wrapped in chains. However, the chains aren’t what startle me. It’s the fire on them.
I look at Bradan with wide eyes. He grins back at me as he reaches between us to rub my clit. Sweat begins to drip down my arms from the heat of the flames.
They’re not burning me, but I do feel the warmth. It’s intense, but I can’t say I’m not into it. Bradan chuckles as he keeps me bouncing on his length. He dips his head to take one of my nipples into his mouth.
I cry out and gush all over him. He snaps his fingers and a flame sparks between his fingertips as he holds them up in front of my other nipple. I must be losing my mind because this is such a turn-on.
“Bradan,” I scream as I start to convulse harder than I had been before he held the flame up to my skin.
He doesn’t hold it there for long, just long enough for my heart to race and my belly to drop. However, the sensation heats my body and sends me into overdrive. Bradan releases a deep groan.
“You’re fucking perfect for me. Your pussy is so wet right now. You like fire play, baby? We’re going to have so much fun together. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
Fire play? That’s his kink? Why am I not afraid? I’m the exact opposite.
Bradan
Taylor’s little body slumps forward against my chest as she comes for the fifth time, clenching around me and convulsing. I haven’t enjoyed sex like this in … I don’t think I’ve ever had someone I’ve been able to enjoy this thoroughly.
I haven’t held back once, nor have I felt like I’ve had to. Taylor takes me like she was meant to ride my cock and receive all the pleasure I have to give. Her cries of pleasure have only heightened the experience for me.
“Come, little one. You did well. You should rest,” I murmur as I carry her body over to the little bed.
Once I have her placed down on the soft-looking covers, I hold my hand out. A wet rag appears in my palm for me to clean my mate. I clean between her legs and then assess the rest of her body to ensure there are no burns.
Fire play can be dangerous. Burns happen often, usually first-degree burns I can soothe with my magic. It’s been centuries since I’ve burned a partner or caused burns that broke the skin—not unintentionally.
Humans who play with the kink are at greater risk. Although I would never do anything that would place my little one in severe danger. I’m very happy she wasn’t scared or turned off by my preference of play. Not only can fire play be fun and arousing, but it’s intense and can connect the participants on a deeper level.
The level of trust is the most satisfying part for me. Usually, I would wait for a deeper connection, but there is no deeper bond than the mate bond between Taylor and me. Which she proved by accepting me so easily.
“Very well done,” I murmur as I finger a lock of hair that’s falling in her face.
Then I brush the back of my hand across her cheek. With a grin, I stare down at her sleeping form. She looks so innocent and sexy in the red teddy I placed on her. The urge to protect her becomes fierce within me.
She shivers as she lies without my body to keep her warm. We won’t fit on the tiny little bed together. In all honesty, we didn’t need to hang around here once her things were packed.
I’m avoiding my brother and my current anger with him. It wouldn’t have taken much to make those three humans forget we were ever here. As I think of how Taylor is no mere human, I second-guess myself and decide to play it safe.
I don’t want to chance triggering unnecessary complications. I think, planning to create a bed for us to share while she sleeps, but a knock comes at the door. Instead of making it so we can lie together, I change her back into the clothes she arrived in and cover her with a blanket as I dress myself while walking to the door.
Throwing up a quick glamour, making the room look like a mess we’re still packing up to anyone who peeks in, I then open the door. I find Angel—the roommate Taylor distrusts and dislikes the most—standing on the other side.
She looks up at me with lust in her eyes. I’m not interested and if she knew the things I’ve seen in my mate’s thoughts, she’d stay clear of me. My little one feels sorry for her at times, but she’s also annoyed by the liberties this one takes. I glance over her head to find the others staring at me.
Leaning against the doorjamb, I fold my arms across my chest, the leather of my cut whining with the motion. Angel bites her lip as she follows the motion with her eyes. She then glances at my patch, lifting a brow as she reads VP stitched there. This one is bold.
“Hey, um … I’m Angel. You guys have been in there for a bit. I was wondering if you’d like something to drink or maybe something to eat. I’m about to make lunch,” she says, trying to come off coyly.
As if pretending to be shy like Taylor will entice me in some way. I read right through it. I’m not impressed one bit.
“We’re good. Thanks,” I say and snort.
“Oh, well, if you change your mind, I’m already cooking, so there’s plenty.”
“If you don’t get out of his face and get away from that door,” Tangy hisses in warning.
I despise that one a little less. Although she seems to be indifferent, she’s not as malicious as the other two, from what Taylor has allowed me to see. If Taylor weren’t so shy, I believe she’d be friends with her.
“I was only trying to be polite. I mean, she rushed him in there and didn’t offer him anything.”
“How would you know? Besides, can you blame her? Look how you’re drooling all over him. Get your ass away from that door, Angel.”
“Yeah, for once, I agree. Sit your ass down or go and make whatever you’re lying about in that kitchen,” Leona calls out as her attention has turned to her phone.
Angel rolls her eyes then she drops her voice into a whisper. “I’ve got you if you need anything. Anything at all.”
“You can reel that shit in. I’m only interested in what’s going on in this room. You feel me?”
The other two scoff out laughs before they can stifle them. I pull a face and back up to step back into the room and close the door in her face. Taylor didn’t introduce me, but it was clear that I was hers.
Although, from Taylor’s thoughts, I can tell this one never respects her boundaries. I’m not an object that can be taken without Taylor’s consent. If she continues to try me, I’m going to teach her a lesson for all the times she’s taken things or violated Taylor’s space.
Turning to look around the room, I decide to send most of her things to our room at the clubhouse while she sleeps. Within seconds, I have her boxed-up things teleported with just the wave of my hand. The sooner I have her out of here, the sooner she can forget about this part of her life.
I want my little mate to be happy. These women have agitated me during the short time I’ve been here. I can only imagine how often they have triggered my mate’s ire—though she’s too kind to show it.
I look over at her and smile. She’s so sweet. I have to question how she will handle being my other half. Tempering fire takes having a fire within.
I’m not expecting her to burn as hot as I do. Maybe the gods felt it was better to balance me than to match me. The way my rage can become all-consuming, I can understand that.
“It will make it harder for you to wield fire with such a soft heart,” I muse aloud.
I wouldn’t change anything about her. Soft heart or not, she’s everything I want. I can’t help but wonder if Ardan has found his mate. I’m still angry as hell with Kendrick, but we’ll have to get back to the clubhouse. I have so many questions.
Taylor used magic with such ease. Almost as if it were second nature. The more the bond settles, the more I can feel her own magic coursing through her.
There is something very different about her. If she and Ray are indeed sisters, maybe Kendrick has figured something out. I’m not ready to speak with him, but I want to know more about Ray.
“Oh my God, I’m so thirsty,” she groans as she begins to come awake.
I frown. I can conjure a glass of water, but it will be warm because of my nature and the fact that I’m still stewing in anger. My other option is to go out and get her a glass.
“I’ll be right back,” I say and move to peck her forehead.
Turning, I leave the room to grab her a glass of cool water. After our heated session, it will be refreshing and soothing. When I step out of the room, Tangy is still sitting on the couch reading a book. Leona is nowhere in sight, but Angel is in the kitchen.
I frown deeper and move in that direction. The first thing I notice is the sink full of dishes. Taylor’s space was neat when we stepped into it. I know this isn’t her doing.
“Can I get something for you?” Angel purrs as I move to the cupboards to find a clean glass.
“You should be washing those dishes. Aren’t you embarrassed that we have company and that’s your nasty-ass mess in the sink?” Tangy mutters in disgust, not bothering to look up from her book.
“I need a glass and not one of those,” I say, eyeing the dishes in the sink.
“Oh, Taylor’s glasses are over in that one,” she says, pointing out one of the lower cabinets.
“Thank you.”
I move to it and open the door to find red-tinted glasses. I bend to grab a glass then turn to find Angel staring at my ass. Quickly, she turns back to whatever she is doing.
“The red and black bottles of water in the refrigerator belong to Taylor,” Tangy calls out.
“I’m about to fry this chicken for lunch. You still not hungry?” Angel says as she shakes seasoning over the bowl of wings she has in the kitchen sink with all the dirty dishes still piled inside.
“I wouldn’t eat this shit if you stripped down and served it to me off your tits. Why didn’t you wash the damn dishes before starting to prep food? I wouldn’t let my dog eat that,” I say in disgust.
I may be a supernatural being, but I have standards. That shit is gross. The dirty dishes are literally touching the bowl she has the meat in.
Tangy bursts into laughter. “I’m so glad someone else said it. I’ve been over here shaking my head for the last ten minutes. Her ass’s going to fuck around and find out when she’s in the hospital with some type of stomach-eating virus.”
I pour Taylor’s water into a glass and turn to head back into the room. I only make it two steps before Angel places a hand on my arm to stop me. I look down at her hand as if it’s the filthiest thing I’ve ever seen.
“You’re going to want to get your hand off me,” I bite out.
“ Now .” I hear growled from the direction of Taylor’s room.
There is so much venom and anger in her voice I have to turn to make sure it’s my little mate speaking. My mouth falls open when I take Taylor in. Her eyes are glowing red, and the sparks of embers are at her fingertips.
Thinking fast, I glamour her magic, so I’m the only one who sees it. I then begin to walk toward her to calm her down. I can feel her about to lose control.
Handing her the glass, I then shove my hand into the back of her hair and tilt her head back before I move to lean into her ear.
“I’m happy to see you so possessive over me, baby girl, but you’re going to need to reel that in. They’re humans, remember?” I whisper to her.
She closes her eyes and takes a calming breath before giving me a nod. I take her lips in a searing kiss that leaves no room for misunderstanding. I belong to her, and she is mine. There’s no in-between.
“I’m ready to leave. I’m done here.”
“Let’s go.”