Strange Familiar

Strange Familiar Cassidy Hunter

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Published By: Etopia Press P.O. Box 66 Medford, OR 97501 www.etopiapress.com Strange Familiar Copyright © 2010 by Cassidy Hunter ISBN: 978-1-936751-06-8 Edited by Nicole Hicks Cover by Bree Archer All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

First Etopia Press electronic publication: December 2010 www.etopia-press.net

~ Dedication ~ To Bettie S., who taught me about description. I'm grateful. :) To Annie, who inspires me with her courage and sense of adventure. I'm thrilled to be going along for the ride. ;)

Chapter One “Son of a bitch!” Olivia plopped down in the middle of the alley and yanked off her pointy boot, her big toe throbbing like an abscessed tooth after the hour-long chase through the city. She wiggled her toe and glared after the mangy black cat that had slipped through her clutches and squeezed under the chain-link fence. “Go on then, you one-eared bastard! You weren’t the right one anyway.” She had exactly twenty-three days left to find her familiar, or her dwindling powers would likely disappear forever. At least that’s what Lily, the witch she called her mentor, had told her. And she had to admit, she was getting weaker than a newborn baby. Her powers, when they worked, were completely uncooperative. She had to find her familiar, and fast. “Are you alright, ma’am?” She looked up at the voice. A man and a woman peered down at her from the mouth of the alley, clutching each other in an endearingly terrified way. Yay, the big city good people. “Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. Just banged up my toe chasing a deformed monster cat.” “You uh…lost your cat?” “Nah, I was going to…rescue it.” She grinned. They smiled—or rather, pretended to smile—all the while backing stealthily away. “Okay, then. As long as you’re not hurt. Have a…nice day.” They turned and hightailed it out of the alley. Olivia rolled her eyes and pulled her boot back on, easing it over her blistered toe. Sometimes it was fun to mess with humans, but she was too aggravated to get any enjoyment out of it today. Damn familiar. Where the hell was it? “Maybe it’s not a cat,” Daddy had told her. “Maybe it’s a bird. Or…a goose.”

“Yeah, daddy. Like I’m going to find a stray goose running around downtown.”

Whatever her familiar was, she just needed to find it. No one else in her family had ever had such a hard time finding their familiars. They looked at her with pity, shaking their heads and whispering behind long-fingered hands until she threatened to kick some major ass.

Which didn’t stop them, but at least now they whispered about her when she wasn’t looking. Well, to hell with them. She still had time. She stood up and gathered her jacket around her, trying not to put all her weight on her sore toe, then pulled her watch cap low and hobbled out of the alley. Her apartment was her favorite place in the world. Well, next to the woods. There really was nothing like sitting in a tall old tree, listening to the birds, soaking in nature. But her apartment was as close as she could get to nature in the big city. It was huge and old, and she’d filled her kitchen with potted plants, hung fresh herbs to dry in bunches from the ceiling, and had acquired a comfortable collection of oversized wooden furniture. And it was hers. She didn’t allow many people into her sanctuary, and she would be a much happier camper if no one ever darkened her doorway. Therefore, she wasn’t very happy, to put it mildly, when she came around the corner and saw Mama and Desdemona sitting on her steps, waiting for her. “Yoohooz, Oliveeeeea! Here we arez!” Her sister’s odd z-inflected vocals carried like the cry of a drunken banshee. “I see that, Des. What are you…” She cleared her throat and forced herself to be a little more diplomatic. “What’s up? Hey, Mama.” “Hi, baby. How are you, sweetheart?” Her mama stood and pulled her into a tight hug, her face mournfully long. “No luck yet? Poor, poor little thing. Come on in and let me make you a cup of tea.” Olivia raised her eyebrows. “Uh, I wasn’t really expecting company—” “Pshaw. Get in here…”

Pshaw?

“And don’t act like some sort of antisocial deviant.” She sighed and took out her key, then opened the huge, red door with regret. “Look at that,” Mama whispered to Des. “She has to use a key to get the door open.” She stepped inside and pulled off her hat. “Good lord, Mama. I don’t have to use the key. I just have neighbors. What would they say if they saw me hocus-pocusing the frigging door knob?” “Watch your language, dear.” Olivia sighed and closed the door behind them. She knew Mama and Des exchanged pitying looks behind her back, but she ignored them and led the way into the kitchen.

“Why are you limping, sweetheart?” “I got a blister on my toe chasing a cat.” “Tsk, tsk. You shouldn’t be chasing them, dear. Your father’s right. Your familiar will find you. It’s just being stubborn.” “Shows what a time she’s going to have when she does findz it.” Des plopped her curvy body down at the big, scarred table and looked expectantly at Olivia through false lashes that looked suspiciously arachnoid. “What do you have good to eat?” Olivia sat and pulled off her boot. “I’ll make something. Soup?” “Soup? Yuck. You got any lunchmeatz?” “You’d rather have lunchmeat than soup? That’s messed up. But I’ll order in anything you want if you’ll stop adding z’s to every word you speak.” Most of the time she was quite sure her sister was an idiot. Idiotz. “Now, now, girls, settle down. I’ll make us a proper dinner.” “Mama, you don’t have to do that.” “I want to, dear. Sit!” Olivia sat and tossed her boot on the floor. “Fine. How’s daddy?” “He’s doing better, honey. That strange human virus just about knocked the life out of him.” “Mama, he had a cold. We do get sick occasionally, especially at his age.” Mama turned from the stove, big spoon held frozen in her white hand. “He’s not old, dear.” She shook her head. “Kids. You think anyone over a hundred is old.” “I have a new boyfriend,” Des interrupted. Olivia turned to her sister, who sat biting her lip, her cheeks a lovely pink “Yeah? I don’t remember you even breaking up with the last one.” “His name is Tony. He’s Italianz.” She raised her eyebrow in a way that reminded Olivia of herself. She vowed never to do it again. “That’s great, Des.” “Is that all you can say? Don’t you knowz about Italianz? Italian men?” Des winked at her. “Desdemona, I’m sure your sister knows all about Italian men and their propensity toward passionate lovemaking.” The elder Brew dumped a box of pasta into a pot of boiling water. “Mama!” “What, Olivia? Do you think I don’t know about sex?” “Mama!”

Mama waved her spatula and glared at her. “Oh hush. You squeak like a straight-laced old biddy. Loosen up, will you?” “I cannot believe we’re having this conversation.” Olivia got up and yanked a bottle of water from the fridge. Des laughed, slapping the table with glee. “You are so funny, Livvy. A funny little birdz. Have you ever even had sex?” “Shut up, Des.” Des shrugged, her eyes dancing. “Poor sissy.” “Dear, do you have any of that sauce left your aunt Nadine made? Now there’s a woman I can’t believe is still single. Men love a woman who can cook.” She shot a meaningful look at Olivia. “And I like a man who can cook,” Olivia snapped. A knock sounded at the front door. Olivia jumped, nearly knocking over her water bottle. “What now?” She padded barefoot to the door and threw it open, eyebrow cocked and ready. The man who stood there—the very gorgeous man who stood there— glared at her like she’d already said something to offend him. “Olivia Brew?” “Yeah?” He was a sexy son of a bitch, that was for sure. All dark, steamy eyes and hair a bit too long. Muscles upon muscles beneath an expensive suit jacket… “Maxwell sent me. He said he couldn’t do anything until I talked to you first.” Maxwell. She should have guessed. Gorgeous men didn’t come knocking on her door of their own accord. She threw a nervous look over her shoulder. It wouldn’t do for Mama and Des to see a man in her apartment; they’d be planning the wedding before the poor guy could sit down. “I have company right now. Could you come back, say, around midnight?” “Midnight?” He looked at her like she’d just grown a second head. Up went her eyebrow. “You have a curfew?” “I have a job, Ms. Brew, and I get up at six a.m.” Again with the glare. She sighed. Humans kept such odd hours. “Okay, how about we meet for dinner tomorrow?” “That will be fine. Shall we meet here?” “No,” she whispered. Footsteps were moving rapidly toward them. She had to get rid of him before Des or Mama saw him. “I’ll meet you downtown, at Ophelia’s. That okay with you?”

He looked at her as if she were simple-minded. Damn that Max for not telling her he was sending someone. “That will be fine.” She stuck out her hand. “Glad to meet you, Mr.…?” “Oliver. Kane Oliver.” He looked at her hand a moment, then seemed to concede to the demands of good manners and shook it. Power shot through her body like lightning, short-circuiting her brain, turning her limbs into liquid. Her eyes rolled up, and she fell to the floor, her last thought a mixture of joy and horror. Son of a bitch. I’ve found my familiar.

Chapter Two She lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling with, she was sure, a glazed look in her eyes. “Imagine,” Des said, “if you two get married, your name will be Olivia Oliver.” She and Mama leaned on each other, cackling like two hysterical geese. Help me, Tom Cruise, help me, Oprah! Repeating the line usually cracked her up, but even that didn’t ease her mind. “My familiar is a fucking man.” “Olivia! Language,” Mama said, her laughter interrupted. “Sorry, Mama. But my familiar is a fucking man!” That kind of gruesomeness warranted a curse word or two. She felt she was entitled. “Ooh, but what a man.” Des licked her lips. “What a fucking manz!” “Desdemona Mercedes Brew! Watch your nasty mouth, young lady, or I’ll slap you silly!” “Sorry, Mama.” Looking as contrite as a twenty-six-year-old girl could look when threatened by her mama, Des gave a respectful pause. “But he sure does give Tony a run for his money!” She shivered delicately. “I’ll say. He is a hunk of melting hot sexy, that’s for sure,” Mama said. “Mama!” “Oh, hush, Olivia. I’m not dead, you know.” Olivia shook her pounding head. “You two should go. I need to think. And sleep.” “Sleep at ten o’clock? Honey, maybe I should spend the night here, take care of you if you’re feeling all that bad.” Oh hell no! “No, no, Mama. Daddy needs you. I’m fine. I want to be alone.” More than just about anything else on earth. Away from mama and her mama-ness and Des and her z’s. Mama soothed her hand over Olivia’s forehead. “Well, if you’re sure, honey. Daddy does need his supper.” “And you must do what’s best for Daddy. Go, Mama. I’ll be fine without you. Somehow.” Des snorted. “Shall I stay then, Livvy?” “Why yes, dear, that’s a good idea!” “No!” They stared at Olivia, twin expressions of offense in vivid blue eyes. “I mean,” Olivia said, “both of you should go. I want to be alone. By myself.” Don’t make me throw your asses out of here, because I’ll do it.

Finally, blessed quiet descended over the darkened house, and she was alone. The last shrill notes of Des’s voice faded away as they walked down the street. Olivia was sure they only waited for a dark alley to step into before whipping out whatever object they had brought with them to fly away on. She couldn’t even fly anymore. Unless she somehow convinced Mr. Luscious Familiar Oliver to be hers, she would never fly again. He’d actually carried her upstairs to her bed after she’d humiliated the crap out of herself by fainting, but she could tell by the way he wiped his palms on his pants and backed out of the room with something close to disgust on his face that he wasn’t going to be easy to convince. And no way would she force him. That’d be like rape, and she was nowhere near that kind of girl. No. She’d have to hope he’d feel the pull and realize that unless he gave himself to her, he would get sick. Very sick. Or…more likely, she was going to have to trick him to within an inch of his life. She wasn’t sure just exactly how much different trickery was than force. She flipped to her side and grabbed her cell, punching in Maxwell Price’s number. “What’s up, Hazel?” he asked, his loud voice vibrating her brain. “Don’t call me that. And what’s up is a certain Kane Oliver. Anything you’d like to tell me?” “Oh, shit, Ha…Olivia. I completely lost track of time. I meant to call you.” She sighed loudly. “How many times have I told you to call me before you send them my way, Max? I mean seriously, give me a choice here, okay? I’d like to pick my clients.” “Now honeybunch, you only work for me part time. I didn’t think Kane would be too big an imposition.” “You mean, you couldn’t resist him, don’t you?” “Well…he is something to look at, Ms. Smug Muffin.” “Obviously he’s straight, Max.” “And why would you think that?” “Because.” “Uh huh. Anyway, are you going to do the job for him?” “Well it might help if I knew what the job was.” “Oh, he didn’t tell you?” “Didn’t have time. Ma and Des were here.” “Oh dear.” “Uh, yeah.”

“Thing is, he’s finally allowed his Aunt Herman to convince him he’s being overtaken by an evil spirit.” “Aunt Herman?” “Honey, I don’t question them, I just take their money.” “Of which I will be getting a handsome cut, I presume.” “Don’t I always take care of my most favoritest witch?” She snorted. “Tell me more about Luscious Buns.” He laughed, a little more loudly than was warranted. “Okay darling. A few days ago Kane came to me and said that over the last year or so, he’s been slowly losing his energy, his health, his vitality, and his normally high spirits. He’s becoming depressed, sour, angry, and downright sick. Aunt Herman told him he had a bad spirit attached to him and sent him to me to get rid of the fucker. I, of course, sent him to my resident ghost buster. End of story.” She was quiet. Kane didn’t have a bad spirit attached to him—as her familiar, he had to attach himself to her. As a human, she had no idea what would happen to him if he refused. He could very well waste away and die. “Olivia? Are you there?” “Just thinking, Max.” “Will you take him?” “Yes. I have no choice.” “What?” “Never mind. Yes, I’ll take him. I’m meeting him for dinner tomorrow evening. We’ll get things sorted out then.” “Good girl. Thanks, babycakes.” “Don’t call me that.” “Sor—” She clicked off and climbed from the bed. It was too early to sleep, and she was way too restless. At least she didn’t have to go chasing down any more cats. Nope. Now all she had to do was convince a grown man that she was a witch, he was her familiar, and they needed to do the binding ceremony, and fast, or he might die. And worse, she would lose her powers and stay sick and weak for the rest of her life. He might disagree on whether or not that’s worse. One thing was for sure. Her life had just become a little more complicated.

Chapter Three “Are you feeling better, Ms. Brew?” She drank half her wine and smiled. “Yeah. Thanks. I was just weak from…uh, I gave blood.” Yeah, that’s it. “Hmmm. Well, shall we get down to business?” Gosh, wasn’t he just full of compassion? “Maxwell filled me in on your problem, Mr. Oliver.” “And?” “Oh, I’m sure I can take care of it.” “Good. What will you have to do?” Shit. “Well…” He waited. Dark, lackluster, but still sexy eyes stared at her across the small table. “Yes?” he prompted. “It’s complicated.” Most of them didn’t really want to know anyway. “I’m not an idiot, Ms Brew. I do think I will understand it if you’ll just explain it.” So much for that. Now what the hell was she going to say? Uh, well, see,

if you’ll agree to be my familiar, we’ll have a ceremony to make it official, and you’ll feel all better! Well, except when you take a zing of power or a curse or something for me. That might sting a tad. “Ms. Brew?” She blew out a breath. “Mr. Oliver…hey, call me Olivia, will you? And I should call you…?” “Mr. Oliver.” Hmph. “Right. Shouldn’t we enjoy our dinner first?” “I’m not hungry. And I’m sure you can eat and talk at the same time.” “You don’t seem to like me very much.” She could stall with the best of them. “Does that really matter, Ms. Brew?” He gestured impatiently. “I haven’t liked anyone for quite awhile now. My aunt seems to think it’s an overly mischievous spirit, not that I really believe in that kind of thing. I’m doing this to placate her.” He leaned forward, and she had to fight not to lean back. “And I simply want to know what you will do, what you will need, and how fast we can get this over with.” “Aunt Herman? Is that really her name?” She smiled, but she knew what she looked like. When she got nervous, her smile stretched like a hideous evil mask halfway across her face, and she looked like the village idiot.

He was not amused. “Yes. That is really her name. And I do suggest for your sake you don’t make fun of her to her face.” “I wasn’t making fun of her! I was just asking. I mean, you have to admit—” “I am going to give you one more chance to either talk business and explain the process, or forget this whole silly thing. Which is it to be, Ms. Brew?” Wow. Grumpy was in need of a whole bunch of ceremonies. “Fine, Mr. Oliver.” She was going to have to lie like a son of a bitch. At least for now. Later on, when the time was right, she’d explain things. “What I will do is take you to a special place where I will then walk you through a special ceremony. When the ceremony is over, you will be cured.” If he stuck close to her for the rest of his life, anyway. But she needn’t tell him that right now. She’d at least wait until they weren’t in a public place. “That’s it?” “Yup.” “What happens at the ceremony?” “Well, we’ll join hands, and a woman will chant some words, ask a couple questions, throw some herbs on us. She’ll make a cut somewhere on our bodies, drain the blood into special goblets, and we’ll each take a sip…” She shivered, just talking about the ceremony that would restore her. “And then—” But she looked up, and he was staring at her with a pale face and horrified eyes. She hesitated. Huh. She must have told him too much. “Are you okay, Mr. Oliver? It really doesn’t hurt.” Much. “It’s not the pain, Ms. Brew, but to be surrounded by a bunch of strange people as I drink your blood is hardly my idea of a good time. I don’t even know you. I refuse to drink your blood, aunt or no aunt. For all I know, you have HIV.” “Mr. Oliver! I assure you I am disease free!” Her voice squeaked as it often did when she was particularly offended. Imagine, ones familiar acting with such disrespect! “Even you can understand my point though, I’m sure.” “Yes, Mr. Oliver. Even I can understand your point. I’m sorry you’re so afraid. But—” she shrugged and pointed to the door. “You are, of course, free to go.” She held her breath. If he did go, she’d have to chase him down like one of the city’s stray cats. And then what?

But he didn’t get up. He seemed to be in pain, his face scrunching up in agony as he lifted his ass a little ways off the chair, then plunked back down with a hard enough thump to garner the attention of half the patrons in the restaurant. “I can’t seem to manage,” he muttered, more to himself than to her. “Even if the logical part of you wants to go, Mr. Oliver, the visceral urge you’re fighting is the one to follow.” She leaned forward, her hands snaking across the table to slide across his. “Do you feel that?” she asked him, her voice low. “Tell me you don’t feel that.” His gaze glued to their hands, he shuddered. “Why?” She knew what he was asking. She couldn’t tell him, not yet. “Because it’s the right thing to do. I’m the right thing to do.” She bit her lip. That hadn’t come out as she’d meant it, exactly. “I mean, doing the ceremony with me is what you need to do to feel better. And believe me, when it’s done, you’ll feel better than you’ve ever felt in your life. I swear it.” She kept her hands over his. Now that her spirit recognized him, and the shock of that first meeting was over, touching him melted her whole body. Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure everyone could hear it. Her stomach tossed, her soul reached eagerly for his. She had to have him. He looked at her, his gaze leaving her eyes to caress her face, her lips, her throat. When he stared at her breasts, she groaned. His glance was better than the hands of an ordinary man roaming her body. “Kane,” she whispered, and his name tasted so good she said it again. Get

a grip, girl, before you orgasm right here in public!

“I haven’t had an erection in weeks, Ms. Brew, and here I am in the middle of a restaurant, getting hard just holding your hand. And that’s weird. What are you?” Then he glanced at his wine, suspicious. “Did you drug me?” She had to force her dazed mind from his mention of an erection. “What did you just say?” “I said, ‘Did you drug my drink?’” She snatched her hands away from him, sure he would have done it himself but for lack of strength. “Mr. Oliver! I have had just about enough of your insults.” “Then how do you explain my reaction to you, Ms. Brew?” She glared. “I don’t have to explain anything to you.” She stood up and stared at him, hands on her hips. “You know where to find me if you decide

you want my help.” She turned on her heel, as hard as it was to leave him, and stomped from the restaurant. Damn, the man was fine. When she fell into a restless sleep at four in the morning, her dreams were full of him. His hands caressed her body as he curled around her like a big cat and licked her from head to toe. “Oh, Mr. Oliver! That feels so good!” “You are the most beautiful, sexy creature I’ve ever seen, Ms. Brew.” “Mr. Oliver…” When she awakened, the sheets lay crumpled on the floor, and she didn’t even try to fall back to sleep until she’d masturbated him out of her mind.

Chapter Four A steady beat thumped its way into her dreams. It took her awhile to wake enough to realize it wasn’t the sound of ceremonial drums, helping her find her rhythm as she rode Mr. Oliver into the sunset. “The fuck?” Bleary eyed and exhausted from too much broken sleep, she stumbled from her bed to answer the unrelenting knocks on the door. It couldn’t have been anyone who knew her, else they would have known better than to rouse her from sleep at such an ungodly hour. Someone stumbled toward her from the end of the hallway, a terrifying apparition with straw-colored hair that stood at least two feet into the air. Only after she’d screamed did she realize she was seeing herself in the fulllength mirror Des had screwed to the wall. Girl liked to see herself wherever she went. “Dammit! I’m coming, already!” She stubbed her sore toe on an occasional table, the legs of which were way too big. “Knock knock knock!” she screeched, and finally, after a near fall down the stairs, a throbbing toe, and a whole hell of a lot of cursing, she reached the front door. Had it been a lesser door, she would have ripped it from its hinges and sent it flying down the street like a dangerous Frisbee. “What?” “I’m sorry, did I wake you?” asked her familiar, looking for all the world like a cool, collected, and very gorgeous sexpot who’d been up for hours already. “Oh, noooo. I always get up at the crack of fucking dawn. That way I can get ready for my audition as the scarecrow in the Wizard of fucking Oz.” She gave her unruly hair a tug. “Can’t you tell?” Her glare should have set him on fire, but the most she got from him was a tiny uplifting of one corner of his mouth. In Mr. Oliver land, that was downright hilarity. “I’m sorry,” he repeated. “May I come in?” She smoothed down her hair, hoping she didn’t have gross crusty things in the corners of her eyes, and motioned him in. “Go through there. Kitchen. If I have to be up, I’m going to need some coffee.” She didn’t dare touch him. Hell, she barely dared to look at him. After the dreams she’d just had, she’d have to be a lot stronger-willed than she was to keep her hands off him. He called to her like a magnet to metal. When he accepted her, she’d be all better. It was sort of like having been starved for weeks and then being offered banquet upon banquet. She’d want to jump atop those tables of food

and roll around in it naked, all the while cramming gobs of meat, bread, and cream cheese into her mouth. “Ms. Brew?” “Yeah?” “You’re drooling a little bit, just…there.” Shit! “Thank you for pointing that out. Sit down, Mr. Oliver.” Cool as a cucumber, she snatched a napkin from the countertop and dabbed it delicately to her chin. He sat. “Ms. Brew—” “Oh for fuck’s sake! If I hear Ms. Brew come out of your mouth one more time, I’m going to send you into a wall. And I can do it, weak or not!” “Why are you weak?” As though she’d never said anything else. “Because I am.” “Seems to be a lot of that going around. Ms. Br—er, Olivia, I sense a connection between us. As a matter of fact, it seems to be rather strong. Very strong. And if you’re finished trying to make a fool of me, I’d really like to know what’s going on.” “I’m in cahoots with Aunt Herman.” His jaw dropped. “I knew it!” “I’m lying! I’ve never seen Aunt Herman in my life.” His hands, lying quite innocently atop the table, tightened into fists. “I don’t find you at all amusing.” At least he didn’t add, Ms. Brew. “Sorry. But you woke me up.” She poured herself a coffee, desperate to do something with her hands. Something besides rip his clothes from his body. “Tell me, Olivia.” He stood, took her coffee, and sat back down, sipping slowly. “What’s going on?” “You took my coffee.” “Your powers of observation are astounding.” “You’re pissing me off. And you don’t want to do that.” “Are you the Incredible Hulk?” “What?” He shook his head, too long hair brushing the shoulders of his tailored suit. “Never mind. And will you please stop trying to distract me?” She turned to grab another cup and burned her tongue on her first gulp. “I’m not.” “Right.”

She took a deep breath. How the hell was she supposed to make him see reason? If she told him the truth right now, he was going to run like a pair of old pantyhose. “But what choice do I have?” “Pardon?” She turned to look at him, sitting at her table like he already belonged there, his legs crossed, drinking her coffee, and she knew exactly what she had to do. “This ceremony,” she said. “You don’t have to drink my blood. You can have wine instead. And it will cure you just as well.” The problem was, she had to make him agree to be her familiar without him knowing what he was agreeing to. Shouldn’t work, but probably would. After all, animals didn’t really know what they were agreeing to, did they? He leveled her with a stare and then nodded once, quickly. “Okay, I’m going to trust you. When do we do this?” Dammit. Okay, Olivia, nix the guilt. You’ll do this or let him die. To say nothing of your own worries. “Tonight good for you?” He looked at his watch and stood up. “Yes.” “Meet me here at eleven o’clock. I’ll take care of everything else.” “I do hope you’re worth the money I spent, Ms.…Olivia.” “I’ll be saving your life, Mr.…Kane.” And that was the truth. His lips quirked. “Then you’re worth every penny.” “You have no idea.” She walked behind him all the way to the door, finding it difficult to take her eyes off him and seeing no reason why she should. He moved like a big cat, and a zing of electricity shot through her. He was hers, whether he knew it or not. And when he found out, Goddess help them all.

Chapter Five “Oh, child! You didn’t tell him? You didn’t explain what this ceremony means to both of you?” “Lily…if I had told him, he wouldn’t be here right now. And we’re both in bad shape. I had no choice!” Olivia leaned back against a tree, the rough bark scraping tender skin thinly covered by her robe, giving her courage. “Dear heart, there is always a choice. Just pray you made the right one.” “I had to trick him.” Lily sighed. “At least, once he does find out, your powers will be strong enough to protect you.” She squinted at him, the high moon offering a bright, mysterious light. “He’s a big one.” Olivia smiled, proud. “Yeah.” “You act like you made him, Livvy.” “Hush, Des. He’s mine, that’s what matters.” Des stuck out her bottom lip. “I’m so jealous,” she whispered. “He’s hotz! And you get to have him as your familiar!” Lily shook her head. “I know of only one other witch who had a human as a familiar, and that was…well, long, long ago.” Olivia and Des exchanged knowing smiles. Lily’s age was, or so Lily thought, a well-kept secret. “I’m just lucky, I guess.” “Let’s hope so, Olivia. Let’s hope so.” Olivia wasn’t going to let Lily’s gloomy warnings ruin this night. Really, she had no choice. She was saving her familiar’s life. He’d thank her. Eventually. After the ceremony, they’d be bound so tightly together that staying out of her bed would be something he’d find next to impossible to do. She shivered at the thought. Oh, the pleasure to come. It was going to be earth shattering. She could feel it every time she looked at him. And he, what was he feeling when he stared at her with his shadowy, glittering eyes? He looked like a dark angel in his borrowed robes, so tall, sexier than anyone she’d ever seen. She swallowed, surprised at how her hands shook as she smoothed her robes. She was doing the right thing. She was. Her eyes sought Mama from the gathered knot of people. As though she knew her baby girl needed her, Mama met her glance, winking. It’ll be fine, she mouthed.

“It’s time,” Lily said, and it seemed her voice, dire and heavy, echoed off the big rocks surrounding them. She couldn’t draw in a breath, and for a moment, she swayed as the seriousness of the night squeezed her heart with a heavy fist. Kane appeared at her side, his eyes quizzical. “Are you all right, Olivia?” He took her arm, leading her toward the circle as though he’d done this every night of his life. The warmth of his flesh, even through her robes, seeped into her skin and centered her, calmed her. “I’m fine.” How right it was for the two of them to touch. Surely he felt it. As her familiar, he would feel it. How then, did he stay so cool? They stepped into the circle. She kept her gaze on Lily, standing at the altar with her chocolate brown eyes full of joy, of strength, of knowledge so deep and ancient one could only guess at what this woman knew. But behind all that, she imagined she caught a glimmer of fear. “Join hands, children.” Though she was ready for it, the power that shot through her body when his bare hand took hers was almost as strong as that first time he’d touched her, when she’d had no idea who he was. Somehow, that seemed like eons ago. She met his eyes, gratified to see that she wasn’t the only one affected. He frowned, staring down at her. “Why does that happen?” he murmured, speaking more to himself than to her. “What?” she whispered back. As if she didn’t know. He shook his head and looked once more to Lily. “Nothing.” The circle of gathered witches quieted. The woods pressed in on her, heavy and still. Nature stopped singing, and all that remained was the soothing breeze that swirled around her, lifting the ends of her hair with gentle fingers. She was afraid. He squeezed her hand, bringing her gaze once more to his face. He smiled and winked. The power wove around him, changing him in infinitesimal ways, making him into what he’d been born to be. Her protector, the one who would take every single blow that was too much for her, soaking it into himself so that she would grow, thrive, live. She couldn’t stop the flow of tears then as he comforted her without even knowing why he did it. Kane. I am sorry.

She wanted to stop then, to turn to him and scream out the truth, but her body was frozen, her mind a cold lump of clay that refused to work. Held in the clutches of something bigger than she would ever be, she realized one gleaming, icy truth. It was too late. Lily lifted carefully the black-handled knife and glided toward them, her red lips moving in a sonorous chant. She would cut them, and with the fusing of their blood would come the binding of their souls, forever. Taking Olivia’s right hand, she drew an almost painless line upon her palm, repeating the process with her familiar. As Kane concentrated on Lily’s attentions, Olivia turned to the aide at her side, allowing three drops of her blood to enter the waiting goblet of wine. She would need no wine to cover the magical taste of his blood. “Drink,” she whispered, holding the goblet to him. She took his right hand, its precious blood painting his palm in dripping color, forcing him to take the goblet with his left hand. “Wine?” he murmured and lifted it to drink. As he did, she lowered her lips to his bleeding right hand and pulled his blood into her mouth. His blood sang through her veins, bringing to life dying cells of power, infusing energy and strength into every part of her body. She dropped his hand, drunk on his blood, on her power, on life. “Oh,” he said. “Oh…fuck.” Power and energy shot from them into the watching crowd, and the people gasped as one. Oh, the magic. The life. The torchlight swayed and moved with them as the crowd danced, chants providing a beautiful music, souls soaking in goodness and light, spirits crying with elation. And it all faded into background noise as Olivia pressed her cut hand to his. Overflowing with peace, with ecstasy, her body, once bogged down with weighty, festering sickness, now arose into the air as light as a flickering candle flame. “My God,” Kane said, his eyes dazed and drunk on power he still did not understand, “You’re floating.” “Yes.” She laughed, twirling and rising, arms above her head, breathing in deep breaths of rightness. Her entire body was buzzing, and she could not contain her bliss. Reaching for him, she pulled him into the air with her.

Wrapping her arms around him, squeezing his body against hers, dancing the Dance of the Witch. He was hers. At last, she had him. And right or wrong, at that moment it mattered little to her.

Chapter Six The morning sky lightened slowly, the cool air making it known that autumn would soon be arriving. They stumbled into her house, still high on power. “I don’t know what happened,” he said, “but I feel…incredible. Whatever you did, it worked. It’s like I’m a different man.” “No, Kane. No. You’re still the same man. You’re just…all better.” He grinned down at her, eyes shining with a light that wasn’t there before the ceremony. “So it was an evil spirit? My aunt was right?” She stopped walking and wrapped her arms around his waist, swaying against him, halfway between the kitchen and the living room. “Hmmm. Let’s not talk about it.” “No? Then what do you suggest we do?” Oh, honey. “Do you really want to know?” “Yes.” “I suggest you call off work and we stay in bed all day.” His hands stilled against her back. “Yes?” “Sleeping.” She sniggered against his chest, inhaling his warm, perfect scent. He smelled of magic and fire, nature and comfort, mystery and sex. He was like a kid, discovering everything good for the first time. “Even sleeping is going to be a different experience. I haven’t slept well in a long time, but I know I will now.” He yawned, squeezing her to him. “You’re not exactly yourself right now, Kane. Tomorrow, once the high wears off, you’ll feel a little more…down to earth.” A fact she much regretted. “What’d you put in that wine, anyway? I’d like to keep a supply of it.” She laughed, but her happiness was mixed with worry. Now that the first part of the ceremony was complete and he had officially given himself to her, she would have to tell him what he’d done. It was the right thing to do. Wasn’t it? He gathered big handfuls of her hair and crushed it to his nose. “You smell like fucking…heaven.” And against her belly, his cock stirred and pressed against her, insistent. She groaned, liquid heat rushing through her veins to gather heavily between her legs. No. Not until he knew. She couldn’t. But she couldn’t not. “Olivia?” His voice was soft, deep, caressing. “Oh, no. No…”

“No?” He slid his hands from her hair to her face, rubbing a thumb over her lips. “Really?” She gasped, her resistance fading fast into oblivion. “Kane, you don’t want to.” He seized her wrist, pushing her palm against his erection, rubbing it against his hardness with such force she was afraid of hurting him. “Baby, I want to more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life.” Oh, fuck. He let go of her wrist, but her hand stayed where it was, firmly pressed to the front of his pants. “I can’t be strong enough, Kane. I can’t. You’re mine, and I want you.” He put his hands under her ass, lifting her into the air, holding her against his body. The wall slammed into her as he backed her into it, slipping his fingers under her billowing cotton skirt to squeeze her ass. “We shouldn’t do this!” Her voice came out weak and hoarse, floating from her mouth on gasping breaths. “Not yet…” He slid her down his body and lowered her to the rug. Kneeling between her legs, he slid his hands with torturous slowness up her thighs. The tips of his fingers brushed the lace of her panties. She moaned as he slipped his fingers beneath the thin fabric, his fingertips caressing the lips of her pussy with a whisper of touch. “Should we not?” he asked, his low voice throbbing with need. That was it. The little resistance she’d had crumbled beneath his probing fingers and she gave herself up to the sensations. She’d deal with tomorrow when tomorrow came. He pushed her skirt to her waist, his fingers hot against her belly as he slipped her panties down her legs. Under the heat in his eyes she lay, her naked pussy eager, so eager, for his touch. He played his fingers across the tiny patch of hair as she moved restlessly, certain she would die if he didn’t relieve the pressure, ease the throbbing. But he wasn’t ready to cease his torment and moved his hands over the skirt bunched against her waist, to her shirt. One button at a time, he opened her top, finally pulling the edges apart to free her breasts. She panted like she’d just jogged across the city, her breasts rising and falling rapidly beneath his intense stare. Oh, touch me, Kane, before I die…

Her nipples hardened into rigid points, tips reaching for him like tiny fingers. She groaned again, her voice urging, desperate. At last he moved, brushing his fingertips across her nipples, back and forth, in circles, carefully, slowly, touching only her nipples. Each stroke of his fingertips shot pleasure through her breasts, so intense it was painful, and she cried out with each touch. He watched her, the look on his face strong, stern, powerful. He wanted to torment her. And what a great fucking job he was doing of it. Part of him had to know he was no longer in control of his impulses, at least where she was concerned, and that part of him would resent the hell out of that fact. Even if he didn’t realize it, he was going to make her pay. One way or another. She just hoped she could bear such delicious torture and that the end result didn’t send her into paroxysms of pleasure so extreme she couldn’t recover from it. Back over the bunched skirt he went, hands following a trail of heat, to rest upon her small patch of hair. His fingers fondled her pussy lips, never quite delving into the throbbing, moist flesh within. “Kane.” She didn’t care that her voice was pleading, she only cared that he touch her. “Please.” Satisfaction lit his dark eyes, and with agonizing slowness, he slid one finger between her lips. He rubbed her clit, lightly. “There, baby. Is that what you want?” She had to clear her throat to speak. “Harder.” He increased the pressure and the speed, glancing at her when she cried out. “Oh! Oh fuck!” Who could take this kind of torture? That he belonged to her only made it more intense. She hooked her arms beneath her legs and opened herself up to him, hips gyrating in wild little circles, in time with his touches. He massaged her swollen clit until she arched her back and screamed, the orgasm bursting upon her with the force of a thousand ordinary climaxes. Before the vibrations had time to slow or fade, he thrust his fingers inside her, using the fingers on his other hand to continue playing with her clit. She tried to move away, her pussy too sensitive, the orgasm too extreme. He slid down to his belly, moving his hands to the backs of her knees. Pushing her legs toward her chest, he held her securely.

Wide open and quivering with unrelenting orgasms, she waited for his mouth, eager, almost afraid. His lips closed around her clitoris, bathing the throbbing bit of flesh with a knowing tongue. He licked from her opening to her clit with firm, fast strokes, eating her pussy with an enthusiasm that brought her screaming, her fingers squeezing her own breasts, no thought on her mind but his mouth on her sex. He slithered up over her body while she was still in the deep throes of her climax, stopping to lick her nipples before his lips melded with hers. She opened her mouth to him, taking his kiss, her scent, and everything he now meant to her deep inside where it would be safe, a secret she’d keep as long as she could. To do otherwise could mean the loss of someone who was now as important to her as her life. What cruel irony, to have tricked him into bonding with her, only to realize she was the one who would wither and die if she had to give him up. Her familiar was now her master. His tongue was sweet upon hers, his lips fusing them together in a kiss of two lovers born for each other. She clung to him, craving the feel of his warm flesh beneath her fingers. “What have you done to me?” His lips moved against hers as he murmured the question, but she had no answer to give him. Bending her knees and arching toward him, she moaned as he rubbed his erection against her opening. He probed with the very tip of his cock, teasing, tormenting. She hadn’t even realized he’d removed his pants, but was so glad he had. She tugged at his shirt. “Off!” He yanked his shirt off, freeing his smooth skin to the touch of her eager fingers. “Kane!” He slipped his dick just into her pussy, stretching her, driving her crazy with desire. His fingers were great, his mouth was better, but his lovely, huge, hard cock…that, she had to have. Now. Her fingers scrabbled at his back, sliding through the slippery sheen of sweat on his skin before digging in and holding on. “Fuck me, Kane! Oh please, just fuck me!” She wrapped her arms around his neck, her legs around his waist, and held on as he plunged into her, his cock seeing to go on and on before pulling back to thrust into her again.

She couldn’t help shrieking with the pleasure of it. Her pussy clung to his shaft, tightening around him, pulling him back inside, deep inside, where he touched off something that had her gasping for breath. Too much, it was too much… But it wasn’t. It was perfection. Giving her more pleasure than she’d ever known existed, he thrust into her, harder, faster, better…her orgasm didn’t sneak upon her, it exploded, and for long moments she was one huge nerve ending, mindless with pleasure. When she was able to open her eyes, he was staring down at her, his gaze hot, a grimace of near pain upon his face. “Olivia,” he ground out, and she watched as his own orgasm took over his body, his mind. His pleasure, the pleasure she gave him, called her own orgasm forth once again, a less severe orgasm that let her think, let her watch him. Gazes glued together, they came, breaths mingling, skin sliding against skin. Magic, their magic, swirled around them, wrapping them in a cocoon of intimacy and making them one as they rocked against each other. She knew life would never, ever, be the same. He sank down upon her, deplete, an exhausted groan ripping from his mouth. She clutched him to her, staring sightlessly at the ceiling. The ceremony was complete.

Chapter Seven She slept for perhaps an hour, and when she awakened, Kane was gone. “And I am not surprised.” But truthfully, she was. She didn’t think she could have forced herself to leave his side. “You had better snap out of it, girl, and now!” Life would be unbearable if she couldn’t think of anything but Kane, if she didn’t want anything but Kane. He was her familiar. He should find it more difficult to stay away from her than she should from him. Dammit. She was being a girl, that was all. A girl witch who’d finally found her familiar and had just gotten the best sex of her life. She laughed and forced herself into the shower, where she washed away, regretfully, his scent, his seed, his touch. She needn’t worry. There’d be a lifetime of sex with him. She hoped. Flinching, she ran soapy fingers over the tender, ache between her legs. Although she felt raw and swollen, the mere thought of him infused her with desire. Keeping the water running and spraying down on her in a warm rain, she lay down in the tub and spread her legs. Oh Kane, Kane… Slowly, she rubbed her clit, the heat of lust throbbing with unrelenting force beneath her fingers. *** “Mr. Oliver, are you all right?” He glared at his secretary, his frown obviously vicious enough to frighten her half to death. She did a double take at the look on his face, bit off a squeal, and scampered away. He ran a tired hand over his face, sighing. What the hell was wrong with him? He felt better, healthier, than he’d ever felt in his life, but his mood had only seemed to worsen. He should be floating on cloud nine right about now. A couple of days ago, he could barely get an erection. Today, he’d fucked a beautiful woman, lived through the best sex he’d ever had, and that annoying…problem he’d had was now gone. And yet, he felt strange. Like all his appetites had doubled, hell, tripled, and he was now an uncivilized animal.

What he really wanted was to tear off his expensive silk suit and run naked back to her, his cock leading the way. He’d always been so in control, so logical and calm, but not now. Looking around the office, his stomach clenched into a painful tightness, and his mind rebelled. Everyone in suits, pushing papers, popping pills for ulcers, living on caffeine… This was not where he belonged. This was no longer his world. Now where the fuck had that thought come from? And more importantly, why did he feel it was now a fact of his life? Unsettled and confused, he stood in the middle of the room, staring back at the sea of faces eyeing him with no little amount of fascinated curiosity. “Hey, Kane, what’s going on?” John Reilly was a friend, he really was. But Kane wasn’t feeling particularly friendly. “What do you mean?” John gave a quizzical half smile. “I mean, you’re looking a little out of it, old man. Is everything okay?” “You want to back off?” Surprised, John held up his palms in a consoling gesture. “Hey, hey! I just don’t like the look of you, is all. I just wanted to make sure everything—” “Get the fuck out of my way, John.” “What’s going on here?” Shit. That was all he needed. The oldest partner at the law firm, George Wilson had a perpetual stick up his ass and thought he was king of the world. Kane turned, not even pretending to smile. “There is nothing going on here, George. If you all would clear a fucking path to my office, I’d like to get some work done.” As he stumbled to his office and slammed his door, the part of Kane that had always been cool and logical—until today—sat down in a hard, straight chair in the corner of his mind, folded his arms, and looked on with disgust. What was wrong with him? He was a lawyer, not a Neanderthal. He seriously didn’t have a fucking clue. But he did. He’d been a sane—albeit sick—fastidious man with a large bank account and a charmed life, except for the recent “spirit” attachment. Now… A scene flashed briefly into his mind of Olivia on her back, naked, arching her back, her breasts bouncing as she moved. Another flash of her opening her legs, her little clit so plump and red, delicious as sweet fruit upon his

tongue. Her pussy clenching around his cock as he fucked her for what seemed like hours. “Oh God.” He squeezed his dick, straining against his pants. “What the fuck have you done to me?” It was the ceremony. Something had gone awry. She may have cleansed his aura or what-the-fuck-ever of an evil spirit, God knows she’d done something, but now he was infected with something worse. Something that had turned him into a sex crazed, Olivia craving, savage brute with uncontrollable appetites. He could feel her legs wrapped around his waist as he plunged into her so hard a part of him thought he might hurt her. He dismissed the thought and fucked her even harder. And her moans urged him on, her lips parted, eyes screwed shut, her fingernails leaving marks that might never go away. He shut his eyes and slid down his zipper, closing his hand around his hard, throbbing dick, wanting her, needing her. He squeezed his erection, running his palm up and down, imagining her there. She called to him, a siren song of raging, unquenchable lust, and he’d go out of his mind if— “Kane?” He froze at the voice, his thoughts coming to a screeching halt. Oh shit. John stood in the doorway, his cheeks flushed, a rather sickly looking smile pasted to his face. “What are you doing in my office, John?” Kane was pretty sure he sounded completely in control. Well, almost. Instead of backing out and shutting the door like any normal man might have done, with a few murmured apologies, John simply stood there, gaping. His eyes darted to Kane’s dick, to his face, around the room, and back to his dick. Slowly, Kane stuffed himself back into his pants and zipped up, wishing he had a bottle of whiskey hidden in his desk drawer. Some semblance of sanity decided to finally make an appearance, and he mentally shook his head. What the hell was wrong with him? Whacking off at work, no desire to do anything but fuck Olivia Brew. He stood up, suddenly furious. She’d done this to him. And he was going to make sure she undid it. She’d turned him into a stark raving animal with nothing in his head but chaos and sex. And her. Damn her to hell. John came inside and pushed the door shut. “Kane, what’s going on?” Kane thought his teeth might break if he ground them any harder. “Nothing is wrong, John, for fuck’s sake!”

“Kane, Kane. You’re not yourself. And…” He trailed off and gestured helplessly at the noticeable bulge in Kane’s pants, all the while sidling closer. “What do you want me to say, John?” Really, what could he say? “They’re going to make you partner, Kane. But if the old man gets wind of this, I don’t see that happening.” Kane narrowed his eyes, feeling…dangerous. “He won’t get wind of this though, will he, John?” John stood in front of him, shaking, pale. “Not if…” He swallowed, the click of his throat as loud as a backfiring car. As though unable to resist, but knowing he should, he pressed his palm against Kane’s erection. “Let me take care of it.” Lifting his other hand, he plunged it into the top of Kane’s unbuttoned pants. Kane drew in a sharp breath as John’s fingers brushed the tip of his cock, and he grabbed the other man’s wrist with a bone-crushing grip. “I don’t think so.” “Kane.” John’s voice was softly pleading. Kane stepped back, not as furious as he was a moment ago, feeling little but pity for the other man. “Get out of my office.” When John slunk away, he sat back down at his desk, head in his hands. The whole world had gone crazy. There was no doubt about it. Partner or no partner, he was going to have to take some time away from work until he got his life—his mind—straightened out. And he was going to start with Ms. Olivia Brew.

Chapter Eight Olivia hung up the phone, biting her lip. She’d just spoken with Lily, who was not pleased at being awakened this early. But Olivia needed to know what to do about her strange obsession with Kane, and Lily was the one to ask. Lily hadn’t eased her mind, though. Instead, she’d made it worse, telling Olivia that Kane was going to need some time and guidance to settle the turmoil in his own mind. “You’ll be fine, Olivia, you’re a witch. But Kane is a human man and has no idea what’s happening inside him. He’ll need time to adjust.” “But Lily, I don’t know what’s going on! It’s not like I took a class on what to do if you happen to get a human for a familiar! Tell me what to do.” Lily made soothing noises, but they were unsuccessful in calming Olivia. She knew—she felt—his confusion, and instead of lessening, it was growing stronger. “You should sleep, Olivia. That will help clear your mind.” “What about him?” “He will stabilize, dear. This is an enormous shock to his system, but he will calm. You need to keep him close to you in the meantime. This is the time to bond. Give him time to adjust.” “What shall I tell him, Lily?” “The truth would be nice.” “I’ll lose him.” “You owe him.” “I’m afraid.” “You’re strong. You can keep yourself safe from his anger.” “And what about his hate? Can I keep myself safe from that?” Lily hung up, gently. Olivia floated herself to bed, too tired to actually walk. She’d take Lily’s advice and get some sleep. The rest, she’d figure out when she awakened. Be safe, Kane. And be calm. If only it were that easy. She drifted to sleep on clouds of unease, cotton layers of worry wrapping gauzily about her body. Her sleep was dreamless, and the phone ringing was an interfering shock she could have done without. “God! What now?”

“It’s not fun to be awakened from a sound sleep, is it?” came Lily’s smooth voice. She didn’t try to hide the satisfaction. “Lily. Sorry. What is it? Is something wrong?” She shook her head, trying to clear the thick cobwebs of sleep. “I’ve just been shown something during my own sleep, what little of it I got.” “What?” “Witch’s familiars are special. We both know that. They always have some sort of unique ability, some power. They have to.” Olivia sat up in bed, clutching the sheets to her chest. “Oh! I hadn’t even thought of that! What do you suppose his is?” “Or more importantly, what he is.” Olivia took the phone away from her ear and stared at it blankly. “Olivia?” Lily’s tinny voice, threaded with impatience, blared from the phone. “Sorry, Lily. I mean…what do you mean, what he is? He’s human, of course.” “Hmmm. I’m not so sure. And if he is, there’s something else in there. He’d have to be special to be a familiar, Olivia. He is made to take the overflow of harm from you, of black magic, spells, curses…he couldn’t do that if he were merely human. You find out.” “How?” “I don’t know, but you need to be prepared.” A thrill of terror snaked up her spine and she shuddered. “I just got a bad, bad feeling.” “Just be careful until you know more, Olivia. I’ll find out what I can.” “Do you think he might be…lying to me? Tricking me, for some reason?” “He can’t lie about being your familiar, Olivia.” Again, that thread of impatience wove its way through Lily’s voice. “I just don’t think it ends there. And I didn’t get a bad vibration from him. Whatever he does, or is, I don’t think he’s aware of it.” Olivia sat for long minutes after Lily ended the call, her knees drawn up, staring into space. What a mess. What a huge, fucking mess. When the pounding began on the front door, she had no doubt at all who it was. Frozen for one fear-filled minute, she finally ran down the stairs, too uncentered to actually float.

Placing her palm against the door, she gasped as his energy, his darkness, came though the wood and ran like electricity through her palm, up her arm, and into her psyche. “Kane?” “Open the door, Olivia.” She held her hand to her mouth. Oh shit. Why the fuck was she so afraid? He was hers. She was now his mistress. His duty was to protect her, not harm her. And with that quick pep talk, she opened the door.

Chapter Nine He came in like a hurricane, energy swirling about him like debris in high winds. His eyes were dark, his mouth a straight, firm line. He was the most frightening thing she’d seen in a long, long time. “Kane…” His eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping her body. Lips barely moving, he said, “I want to do so many things to you, and not all of them are anywhere near good things. What the fuck did you do to me?” His fists clenched, tight, hard. She took a step backward. Don’t show him your fear, Olivia. He needed her strength, her control. Forcing a smile, she tilted her head. “Come into the kitchen, Kane. You need tea. And food.” He didn’t move. “Come on, Kane. Come on!” And she turned as though nothing were wrong, slowly heading for the kitchen. Just let her make it there. Her kitchen was the center of the house, the safe place, the peaceful place. Magic swirled there like light, delicious cake icing, painting the air with tracks of protection. She’d cast the spell herself. It was airtight and even he, whatever he was, would be lulled into calmness by it. She hoped. He couldn’t hurt her, he was her familiar. Funny how the chanting reminder didn’t really ease her mind. It might have helped more had she truly believed it. How far gone seemed the days when he’d glanced at her from cool eyes, calling her Ms. Brew in that arrogant way of his. She breathed a sigh of relief when she felt him behind her, quietly following her into the kitchen. Perhaps he sensed she’d make it right, that she wasn’t a threat. Or perhaps he just didn’t know what the fuck else to do. He sat down at the table, watching her as she bustled about. “You look tired, Olivia.” Closing her eyes at how normal his voice sounded, she turned to face him. His glance shot over the front of her thin shirt and immediately, her nipples stiffened. “I’m a little tired.” “We need to talk.” “I know.” “What did you do to me?” “Let me feed you first, Kane. Then we’ll talk, all day, all night, however long it takes to get this sorted out.” He studied her for a moment and nodded slowly. “Deal.”

She turned to put on water for tea, keeping her voice casual as she asked, “Do you feel better now, Kane? Here, with me?” “Yes.” She took a deep breath. “It’ll be okay.” “I’m counting on that. It’s either going to be okay, or I’m going to need a straitjacket.” Once again she turned to face him, surprised at the humor in his voice. His proximity to her, added with the bespelled kitchen, had worked wonders. He looked almost normal. “You’re some man, Mr. Oliver.” “Get me some breakfast, Ms. Brew. I’m hungry enough to eat you.” His words hit her low in her belly. From his hot gaze and low growl, he too had realized what he’d said. And really, really liked the thought. She stared at him, frozen, spatula held in her hand. “I’m not a good cook,” she said, mindlessly. His lips quirked, the lines at the corners of his eyes deepening as he grinned. “I am. Sit down, Olivia.” He took the spatula from her, pushing her toward the scarred table. “Wow.” “Wow?” “I do like a man who can cook.” He laughed, most of the blackness gone from his eyes. It lurked there, though, like a demon lying in wait. Waiting patiently… Sunlight streamed through the windows, lighting the kitchen with happy rays, and all was right with the world. For now. She shook off the heavy thoughts, leaning back in her chair. “Don’t go borrowing trouble, Olivia.” Imagining her father’s voice caused her to smile, and her spirit eased. Watching her familiar cook her breakfast, she sipped her tea and decided to enjoy the moment. When trouble came, she’d deal with it. After breakfast, when they had the promised talk, she had a feeling trouble was going to come running. “How do you like your eggs, Olivia?” “Any way you like to cook them. I’m not picky when it comes to food. And I have to warn you, I can really pack it away. I got my appetite from my father.” He paused, egg held above the skillet. “What are your parents like?” “They’re very…different.” “Different.”

“Yeah.” “In a good way?” “Well…sometimes.” She laughed. “What about your parents?” Something slid through his eyes, something dark, before he turned away, hiding his gaze. “I’ll make scrambled eggs.” Ooookay. Touchy subject. “Sounds good. Shall I make toast? I can do that. Kinda.” “I’ve got it.” Mama was not going to believe this. Or understand it, for that matter. And Des was going to jump him like a little bitch in heat. They both ate like starved things; every bite she took was a burst of new flavor upon her tongue. Eggs had never tasted so good. Even the water she washed it down with was sparkling with diamonds of fresh, vital essence. When she and her familiar had finally merged, every sensation, every experience had magnified by a thousand. What must he be thinking, he, who

had not a single clue or preparation.

For a moment she stopped chewing as she stared at him, sympathetic tears springing to her eyes. Seemed she was more emotional, too. But the wry thought didn’t stop the sting of tears. “What’s wrong?” Her laugh rang with a weakness she’d never noticed before. Maybe because she’d never felt like anyone was really listening to it. “I had an attack of conscience.” “On my account?’ “I just…I don’t want you to be alone. To feel alone.” He scraped his fork on his plate, carefully rearranging his remaining eggs into neat lines. “I’m not. I don’t.” He looked up, his gaze meeting hers. “Not with you.” His deep voice went through her like a fish through water, cutting through seamlessly, smoothly, barely a ripple of disturbance. She closed her eyes, the sight and sound of him at the same time suddenly too much. Swallowing, she gripped the table and waited for the effects to lessen. When they did, finally, she felt his breath warm upon her cheek and was undone all over again. He’d moved, quiet and catlike, to her side. Bending down, he scooped her into his arms. “I need to take you upstairs, Olivia.” She shuddered. “And I need you to take me there.”

They were halfway up the stairs when the front door burst open, and Olivia groaned. Only two people in the world would dare enter her house without knocking. Her mama, and Desdemona, the aforementioned bitch in heat.

Chapter Ten “Yoo-hoo! Here we are!” Olivia closed her eyes and leaned her head against his chest. “Ah, hell, Kane. It’s Mama and my sister.” “You want me to get rid of them?” She laughed. “If only it were that easy. Come on, might as well get this over with.” Mama and Des stood at the bottom of the stairs, peering up with curious eyes. “Olivia, is that you standing there?” Mama was a bit nearsighted, but still, who’d she think would be standing on her stairs? The freaking president? “Yes, mama.” “Holy…is that your Fa—” “Desdemona!” Olivia practically screamed, to cover Des’s near disaster. “Will you and Mama go sit down? We’ll be right there.” “Do I have time for a cold shower?” Kane asked. “You might laugh,” Olivia replied, severely, “but I’m sure you’ll be a little grumpier by the time they leave.” She knew she would. He took her hand, a movement that calmed her immediately, and led her down to her family. Des and Mama huddled on the couch like two old ladies waiting to see a stripper, arm in arm with big eyes, excitement in little pursed lips and tapping toes. Olivia sighed. “Mama, Des, you know Kane. Kane, the mama. The sister.” Smooth as creamy hot chocolate, he went to them, hand outstretched, smile welcoming. “So good to see you again, Mrs. Brew. Ms. Brew.” Olivia couldn’t help but notice that he lingered over Des’s hand a bit longer than Mama’s and wasn’t sure she was going to be able to keep herself from sticking Des’s broom up her ass and sending her flying home. Surprised at the strength of her possessiveness, she forced herself to sit in her favorite, comfy blue chair and smile. No way was she going to let anyone know what an idiot she was. Logical or not, she was jealous as hell. “What brings you two here again today, Mama?” Mama, the originator of all eyebrow raisers in the family, and quite the expert at it, stared at Olivia with winged brown brows nearly buried in her hairline. “Are you implying something, dear?”

“Not at all, Mama. Although you were just here. Usually you give me at least a week between visits.” Mama looked at Kane, shaking her head, her eyes liquid with sadness. “Do you see what a poor mother has to put up with, Mr. Oliver? Do children even realize what they do to us?” Kane, sitting on the couch with Mama, Des between them, reached around to clasp her hand. “I’m sure she meant nothing, Mrs. Brew. And you are to call me Kane, please.” Mama blushed. Blushed. Des twittered like a bird that’d flown into one too many windows and leaned forward slightly. Her chest, more mountainous than usual, pressed against Kane’s outstretched arm. “Oh, for crying out loud!” They all looked at Olivia. “What is it, dear?” She glared. “Oh, nothing, I’m just afraid Des is going to knock Kane off the couch with her overly stuffed bra.” Kane covered his mouth, his eyes twinkling brightly. He did, however, seem to have enough sense to take his arm away from Des’s twin peaks. Mama tsked. “You know how that child is, Olivia. Pay her no mind. She’d flirt with a dead man. Has, actually.” Kane’s guffaws filled the room, and Olivia couldn’t help but grin at him. She didn’t think she’d ever heard him laugh, really laugh, before. At least that was one good thing she could say about Mama and Des. They could make a person laugh. Des hmphed and folded her arms, frowning. “Mama, you exaggerate. A littlez.” “Yes dear. We’re simply going to have to find you a man who can control you.” Kane patted Des on the knee. “You need to find her someone who is man enough to take her on, that’s all. Someone who completely satisfies her in every way.” Des’s mouth fell open and she looked at him with adoring eyes. “Oh, yes.” Oh, shit. Des looked at her with big eyes, mouthing, I love this man! “Well, if such a man exists, I wish you’d find him,” Mama said. “But I have to tell you, it usually takes three or four men to satisfy our Des.” “Mama!”

“Oh, Olivia, hush. You think I don’t know what goes on with my own daughters?” Kane looked at Des, his eyes a little too considering for Olivia’s comfort. “Don’t even think about it,” she said. Whatz?” He turned his gaze to her, and she sighed. He was messing with her. The man sure knew how to push her buttons. In every way. That reminded her. “Mama. Kane cooks. He made me breakfast.” Up went mama’s eyebrows. “Oh…” She thought for a minute. “Well, poor guy would have to cook for himself if he didn’t want to starve to death around here.” She leaned toward Kane, her voice a stage whisper. “Olivia refuses to learn to cook.” “Pity,” he replied, poker-faced. “I bet she could do great things in the kitchen.” “Oh, sure she could,” Mama said, waving her hand. “She’s a wi—” At Olivia’s horrified gasp, Mama changed her words. “A whiz at everything but cooking. She could learn.” She darted an apologetic, but stern look at Olivia. You need to tell this man. “So did you get rid of your…bad spirit, Kane?” Des asked, probably thinking she was being helpful. But Kane’s eyes darkened, just enough for Olivia to notice. “Something happened. You know, we never really got to talk about it, but I wondered. How is it you came to be involved in…” Now it was his turn to wave his hands. “Hoodoo and the like?” Mama pressed a hand to her bosom. “Hoodoo?” “Yeah,” he answered. “All of you, actually. I guess stuff like that runs in the family, like cancer and heart disease.” “Cancer?” Mama repeated. “Heart disease?” Okay, now, it was a well-known fact that witches were a sensitive bunch. You couldn’t go calling them disease-ridden hoodoo practitioners and expect to get away with it. Olivia groaned and stood up, thinking to get between Kane and Mama. Too late. Mama arose to tower over him, her face stone cold and hard as a rock. “Heart disease?” “Now, Mama—” “And cancer,” Des reminded helpfully. Mama pushed up the sleeves of her dress, getting ready, no doubt about it, to lay some powerful hoodoo upon the hapless human’s head.

“Oh, hell,” Kane said. “You have no idea, buddy.” Mama‘s voice grew particularly high and squeaky, like it always did when she was pissed off and readying her magic to wreak some serious havoc. “Mama! Des, don’t just sit there like a half-wit, help me!” Des climbed to her feet and grabbed Kane’s arm. “Let’s get you out of here, Kanez.” “Into the kitchen,” Olivia shouted. “It’s secure. Quickly!” Rumbles from Mama’s body vibrated Olivia’s restraining arms, and she was almost positive it was too late for the older witch to call it back, even if she’d wanted to. And that meant Olivia was going to get a hell of a thumping. Kane, confused, let Des lead him to the middle of the living room floor before he shrugged her off, his eyes on Olivia. His eyes, midnight dark even through the confusion, stared at Olivia and her mama, his face as still as the shadow of an oak tree. He glided toward her, intent, serious. Mama’s magic overflowed at the exact moment he reached for Olivia, and though she felt the spark from the overflow, she realized exactly what was happening. As her familiar, Kane was taking the brunt of the power. It’d been directed at him anyway, but Mama’s control was not what it used to be, especially when she was upset. Had he not touched Olivia, she would have gotten banged up a whole hell of a lot more than she did. Kane, on the other hand, was thrown against the wall with enough force to put a hole in the drywall. Olivia screamed, fear lending her feet wings. She leapt toward him and stood over his prone body, turning to look at Mama with palms held up and ready, a heart full of fire. “You will stop,” she demanded, the threat obvious. Mama gasped and sat down with a plop, her face paling. “Olivia,” Des shrieked and ran to Mama. Kane stood up, touching Olivia’s arm. “Calm down, Olivia. I’m fine.” When she ignored him he grabbed her shoulders, turning her toward him and shaking her slightly. “Olivia! I’m fine, more embarrassed than anything.” He bent over to whisper in her ear, “The old lady can kick ass.” Olivia burst into noisy tears. He knew they were different and wasn’t running. And she’d threatened to use power against her mama. She ran to Mama, pulling the older lady into her arms. “I’m so sorry, Mama! I just couldn’t think about anything but protecting him.”

“Oh dear, oh dear.” Mama lifted her trembling hand to pat the bun on her head. Olivia glanced at Kane, and her heart froze at the sight of him. The ruckus hadn’t hurt him. Instead, he leaned against the wall he’d battered, a strange half smile on his face, eyes glittering. She frowned. Something was very wrong with her familiar. She had no idea what, but right now, she had to concentrate on getting Mama and Des out of here. It wasn’t safe. She could feel power jumping over her skin like a plague of grasshoppers and knew it didn’t belong to Mama, Des, or her. The only other person in the room was Kane.

Chapter Eleven Mama and Des didn’t need a lot of convincing and left Olivia’s house with hasty glances back at Kane. It was clear they too knew something wasn’t right, but obviously trusted she would be fine. He was, after all, her familiar. What familiar had ever harmed the one he was born to protect? He might, though, harm them. Olivia saw them off with a fake smile and sharp relief. Staring down the street after them, she felt him at her back before she could even turn around. Chills raced up her spine like cold, skeletal fingers. Sex and fear, her new drugs. She was addicted to her familiar. Addicted to what he did to her. Unable to move, she waited for his touch. Mr. Hyde, is that you? His breath stirred her hair and little hills of goose pimples dotted her skin. She swallowed past the cold knot in her throat and whispered, “Kane?” He ran the back of his fingers over her upper arm, and she had the sudden realization that whatever was happening to him was getting deeper, more ingrained, stronger. “What are you?” Finally, he turned her to face him. “Are you afraid?” “I…I don’t know. I think I’m afraid for you.” His laugh, low and silky, whispered across her skin like a quick, hard breeze, heavy with dark skies and impending storms. The kind that made her stomach flip with anxiety and unremembered emotions. The kind that made electricity dance across her skin, restlessness leading doom in a dangerous waltz. Something was wrong.

You think?

“Let’s go into the kitchen,” she said, knowing he wasn’t going to be swayed. Not this time. His smile was white and sharp, eerie eyes staring down at her from a height that seemed a little more towering than usual. “Unless you want me to fuck you on the table, we’re going upstairs.” “You’re not yourself.” “I’m exactly myself. Just a little more…intense.” You’re not kidding. “You wanted to talk. Let’s sit down and figure this out. There are some things I need to tell you.” Funny how telling him what she’d done to him was now the lesser of two evils. He grabbed her ass and dragged her to him, grinding his pelvis against her. “Does it feel like I want to talk?”

She was lost then as surely as the sky was blue. The man standing before her was the sexiest thing she’d ever seen. “Upstairs,” she said. He ripped her clothes from her body as they ran up the stairs, and by the time they reached her bedroom, she was naked and ready. Pushing her up against the foot of the bed, he grabbed her from behind and slammed his rigid cock into her. She grabbed a bedpost and hung on, panting, low noises rushing past her lips in a rush of pure sensation. He didn’t try to make it anything more than what it was—a quick, hard fuck. Foreplay consisted of a hard slap to her ass. And she really, really didn’t give a damn. “Fuck! Harder,” she shouted, hardly recognizing her own hoarse voice. Behind her, he laughed. “I’ll give you harder.” He ripped her hands from the bedposts and threw her on the bed. She could take anything he could give her. And she fucking wanted it all. He flipped her to her back, jerked her legs apart and pushed her knees to her chest, holding her open and secure. His cock waved before him, angry, straining, and she couldn’t remember wanting anything more. With his arms keeping her legs positioned, he thrust into her—hard, hard as she’d ever had and more than she’d ever wanted—and she cried out. “Oh, god!” Then the initial pain was gone, battered away by an intense pleasure that burst upon her with one big explosion. She screamed her orgasm into the still air, and as she did, he bit her. For a brief second, bliss and agony battled as pain from the bite streaked from her shoulder to paint her entire body with lines of fire. He’d marked her; she didn’t know how she knew, but she knew. He’d marked her as his…as his something…as surely as she’d taken him through a ritual that had made him her familiar. Turnabout, as they said, was fair fucking play. She stared up at him as he thrust into her, and the pain faded like an old memory. He met her gaze with his own glassy, glittery eyes, keeping the link between them even as he groaned out his own climax. Whatever held him in its grip seemed to ease up as he collapsed atop her, breathing hard. “Sorry.” Sorry for giving her some of the most incredible sex of her life? Her pussy still throbbing from the quick but incredible sex, she waited for her heart to still. “What are you sorry for?”

“That was selfish of me.” She patted his smooth, sweaty back with a weak hand. “Don’t be sorry. Seriously. You could bottle and sell your brand of selfish.” His body shook as he laughed, but just as suddenly stilled. He pulled back, frowning. Pulling from her tender pussy, he knelt beside her, fingers tracing her shoulder. “I did that.” He sounded as though he didn’t really believe it. She felt for the bite, her fingers joining his to caress the sore, torn flesh. “It’s just a little uncomfortable. It doesn’t hurt very much anymore.” “Why did I do that? Why would I hurt you?” She turned toward him, propping her cheek on her fist. “I think you marked me.” “Yeah. I think so too. But why?” She sighed. The time had come to fess up, and she wasn’t looking forward to it. She had a feeling, though, that no matter how mad he got, he could never leave her side for long. They were linked through her ceremony and his mark. Whether they liked it or not. And she liked it just fine. “Kane. We need to talk.” He reached over her and grabbed two pillows, propping them under his head. Then he pulled her to his chest, cradling her in his arms. “So tell me. Tell me the truth about what happened at that ceremony and what I have to do to get rid of it.” “This is no evil spirit,” she said, running her hand across his hard belly. “It never was.” “Then what it is?” “Kane, I’m a witch. And you…by some strange stroke of fate, are my familiar. The ceremony made it official.” He remained still, so quiet she wondered if he’d fallen asleep. “Kane?” “Something bad happened to me. I can feel myself changing.” “The ritual linked us. Without each other, I was losing my powers, and you were getting sick.” She rose up to look at him. “I’m telling the truth. And something else is going on, but I have no idea what. It’s like the ceremony opened or released something that seeped into you, and you’re still holding that inside you.” “You didn’t give me the choice to decide what I wanted to do, just lied to me about a ritual that would make me your…your fucking animal?” “Yes.” But she could no longer look into his eyes.

“And you’re a witch. I’ve never met one, you know.” “I’m sure you have. It’s not like we inform each human we meet. It’s still too risky for us.” She’d heard the horror stories and knew they’d come a long, long way, but still. The time for wars had passed, but there weren’t enough witches left to actually live as equals among the humans. The humans wouldn’t allow it. “That explains your mother knocking me into a wall. And you…you rising into the air on the night of the ceremony. I’d forgotten that.” Though his voice was light, his entire body was still, so still she couldn’t feel his chest rising. “Kane?” He moved away from her and stood, pulling his clothes on. “I need to think.” A cold, hard knot of fear settled in the pit of her stomach. “You will be back.” His look was cool. “Is that an order? Am I officially your slave, now?” “Kane…” “I’m a man, Olivia, not a familiar. So am I supposed to be unable to resist you—” He broke off, a horrified look in his eyes. “You’ve made me crave you. I don’t want you, the animal you’ve turned me into wants you.” She slid off the bed and tried to put her arms around his waist, but he pushed her away, disgust on his face. At her or himself, she couldn’t tell. “No, Kane!” “None of this is real. What I feel for you isn’t real.” He stuffed his feet into his shoes, his movements jerky, hurried. He couldn’t wait to get away from her. But before he left her room, he turned back, his face stone cold, eyes hard. “I will never let you control me.” Then he was gone, in his place an empty blankness that swirled around her, leaving her shaking and weak. And afraid. If his will was stronger than their bond, both of them could die. It would be like jerking the beating, bloody heart from a living body. Neither the body nor the heart would survive the separation.

Chapter Twelve When Kane didn’t return for two days, she finally called Max. “What’s wrong, sweet thing?” “Max, I need Aunt Herman’s address.” “Sweetie, you know I can’t—” “I’m not asking, Max. Don’t make me come down there.” “Oh, dear. It’s that way, is it? Hold on.” He was gone for what seemed like a week before finally getting back on the line with the requested address. “She’s not going to be happy about this, Olivia Raven Brew. And guess who’s going to get the fallout? Me. So thank you very much for repaying me this way, after I’ve taken you under my—” She hung up in the middle of his tirade. There was no time for pacifying Max. She had to pay a visit to Kane’s aunt and hope to find some answers. There were some strange changes going on with Kane that had nothing to do with being her familiar. He needed help, whether he knew it or not. Jerking open the front door, she screamed and held her hand to her chest. “Daddy! What are you doing standing out here?” Dammit, another delay. She ushered him inside, worried. “Is Mama okay? Are you completely better?” “I’m okay, Mama’s okay, Desdemona is okay. Sit down, Olivia, and quit fussing. I want to ask you some questions about your familiar.” “He doesn’t like being called that, Daddy.” “I’m sure, I’m sure.” But he waved his hand in the air, his ‘I really couldn’t care less’ gesture. “Mama told me what went on here the other night. I would have been here sooner but wanted to be back to normal first, in case I had to face him.” “Face him? Daddy, he’s a wonderful man. He’s just a little confused.” “If he’d have been here, I would have been duty bound to take him to task for that fiasco with your mama.” “Daddy! Mama kicked his ass, not the other way around.” “Uh huh. Tell me all about it. Tell me everything.” So she did. She explained everything from the very beginning, leaving out only the sex. While she was talking she floated him a cup of hot tea, and he sipped it without so much as one word of interruption. When she finished speaking, he placed his cup gently on the coffee table, his eyes distant. “Hmm.” “Hmm?” “I thought as much, I really did.”

“What?” He looked at her as if just realizing she was in the room. “Where is the young man?” “I wish I knew. He left when I told him about making him my familiar, and I haven’t seen him since.” “Good of you to finally inform him.” “Daddy!” He stood. “Go on about your business, dear. I have some things to do. If you see your young man before I do, call me, won’t you?” “Yeah, Daddy. Sure.” He grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her, ignoring her dropped jaw and offended tears. “If you see him, you will call me. Do you understand?” “Yes! I will, Daddy.” She flinched and caressed her marked shoulder. It hadn’t hurt until Daddy had squeezed it, then the pain had flared like a son of a bitch. “What’s wrong?” Daddy’s sharp eyes missed little, especially when it came to his children. She’d be damned if she was going to explain to him that during a wild quickie, her lover had bitten the fuck right out of her. “Nothing. I just…you shook me!” He didn’t fall for the pouting tone or the stuck out lip. He yanked the neckline of her shirt over her shoulder, exposing the twisted and purple wound. “Olivia!” His voice was filled with such a mixture of horror and understanding that she could do nothing but stare, mouth once more agape. Oh perfect. Now Daddy was going to think Kane had abused her, and a gross of heat seeking missiles weren’t going to be able to stop her daddy once he went hunting for her familiar. “Daddy, please, you don’t understand! You can’t hurt him—” “That poor boy.” Okay, now she was offended. “What?” Poor boy, when she was the one standing there with half a hunk missing from her delicate white shoulder? He kissed her hastily on her forehead. “I must go, dear. Remember what I said. I haven’t time right now to explain, but will as soon as I make sure of the truth.” What the fuck? “Daddy! What’s going on?” But he left, barreling down the street like his ass was on fire. There was nothing she hated more than being left in the dark. But then, Daddy had

always been a bit on the eccentric side, to put it mildly. It was probably just one of his little oddities. She didn’t lock her door as she left, but bespelled it. If Kane came back, he’d be able to enter. If someone else tried to enter, they’d get a nasty shock when the door threw them halfway across the street. Not something she normally did, as she’d rather eat raw meat than have the neighbors know she was a witch, but desperate times called for slightly different actions. It wasn’t like they weren’t suspicious of her anyway. Clutching the paper in her hand, she hailed a cab and settled in for the fifteen-minute ride. She hated cabs; she hated cars, period. But it was difficult to fly, especially during the day, without getting shot out of the sky. She stood in front of Aunt Herman’s house, finally, glad to have her boots planted firmly on the ground once again. Aunt Herman’s home was cute, tiny, and looked like the kind of house you’d risk getting cavities just to nibble on. Painted with vanilla creams and strawberry pinks, chocolate browns and honey nougat, it was enough to make a girl’s mouth water. Despite the prettiness, she shuddered as a shadow of coldness seeped into her psyche. Forcing herself to walk to the red and green door, she lifted the intricate black knocker. For all the uneasiness, when the door was opened, no monster lurked there. Instead, a rather youngish, smiling blonde lady stood in the doorway, a hint of curiosity in her sky blue eyes. “Can I help you?” “I’m looking for Aunt Herman. Does she live here?” Damn Max, if he sent her to the wrong address… The lady’s smile widened. “Aunt Herman,” she said, sounding delighted. “You must know my nephew, Kane.” Olivia swallowed, nervous. “I do. He’s why I’ve come.” Aunt Herman moved just the slightest bit closer, and with a movement a human might not have noticed, sniffed the air. And at last, something cracked in the smooth façade of sweetness and light, and Aunt Herman didn’t look quite so welcoming. “A witch,” she said, her nose wrinkling, looking revolted. “How do you know my nephew, and what do you want here?” Olivia gasped and stepped back so quickly she nearly fell off the pretty little porch. Only one other species hated witches more than the humans. Demons.

Chapter Thirteen Aunt Herman was a fucking demon? Did that mean… “Kane! He’s a—” Olivia knew she probably looked shell-shocked, but just finding out your love was also your enemy was enough to knock a girl on her ass. “Shh!” Aunt Herman darted her gaze around the postage stamp yard as though bugs were planted in the hedge. “Get in here!” Walk willingly into a Demon’s den? “Uh, yeah. I don’t think so.” Olivia backed slowly away, ready to blast the demon back to hell if it lifted so much as a finger. “Girl, don’t be an idiot! I’m not a practicing demon. I live among the humans, dumb ass. Now come inside so we can talk. I promise not to eat you.” “I’m hungry enough to eat you.” Kane’s words echoed inside her head and took on a whole new meaning. But Aunt Herman was right. They had to talk. She slid passed the demon, into the demon’s dwelling. It wasn’t pretty on the inside; the furniture was dark and large, the paint a peculiar shade of brown that made the large room look like a cave. The shades were pulled tight, the only light coming from a single corner lamp. Aunt Herman pointed at a hard looking green chair. “Sit.” She offered no refreshments, surely knowing Olivia would refuse them anyway. “Kane’s a demon?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” “Kane’s a demon and he didn’t tell me.” Oh lord, that was worse than making him a familiar without telling him. And no wonder he was so messed up. One just didn’t make a familiar out of a demon. “I can’t believe he’s been inside me and didn’t tell me he’s a demon.” She looked up, blushing. Did she say that out loud? “Eww!” Aunt Herman actually shuddered and looked like she might have thrown up in her mouth a little bit. Olivia sniffed and looked down her nose. “And we don’t particularly love demons.” They glared at each other for a moment. “You’re the one he’s been seeing, then,” Aunt said, shaking her head like Olivia had committed a horrible sin. “Where is he?” “I won’t say.”

Olivia threw up her arms. “Do you understand that he’s in danger?” “And you put him there!” “I never!” “Did you make him your familiar?” “Fate made him my familiar. I only closed the deal.” “He’s in danger because of you. If he stays away from you, there will go the danger.” “You know better than that, unless you’re a particularly stupid demon.” Olivia tilted her head, considering. “Oh, you little shit. I am not stupid. No demon is stupid.” “So why are you here, living among humans and witches? Why aren’t you with your own kind?” “I said they weren’t stupid, I never said they weren’t cruel.” “Look. I just want the truth. Is Kane a fucking demon?” “He is not.” But Aunt turned her head, refusing to meet Olivia’s eyes. “Oh, my god.” “What?” “Don’t act innocent.” Olivia sneered. “What are you going on about?” Aunt twisted her hands, eyes darting. “You never told him, did you? You’ve raised him all these years and kept something as important as what he is from him? That’s right, isn’t it?” “You don’t know what you’re talking about, girl!” “Oh, I think I do. I really think I do. And you’d better start explaining it to him fast, before something terrible happens. Isn’t it true that you can’t hide a demon’s nature forever?” Aunt put a hand over her eyes, shoulders shaking. “Are you laughing at me?” Olivia asked suspiciously. “No, I’m not laughing, you fool!” Aunt lowered her hand, flinging away a stream of glowing, bloodred tears. Oh shit. She’d just seen a demon cry. “Obviously you’re not a full demon.” “What tipped you off?” Olivia ignored Aunt’s sarcasm. “What are we going to do about it? About him?” Aunt Herman stood and began to pace the room. “You understand nothing.” “Then explain it to me.” “It’s your fault his demon is coming out. You’ve called to his demon, and now he will call to them. And he won’t even know he’s doing it.”

“I don’t understand.” “No shit.” Aunt Herman stopped pacing long enough to shoot an angry glare Olivia’s way. “I never wanted to give him over to them. He is mine. I raised him, I cared for him, I loved him. I will not see him become one of them. He’s perfect, my Kane.” “You’re psychotic.” “Am not.” She frowned, wounded. “A little overprotective, maybe…but I watched them destroy his mother! I vowed that I would never let them touch him. They never knew where I took him.” “But they will know now.” “Oh yes. Oh yes, they most certainly will now.” “So, what will you do?” And why do I feel certain that you’re lying to me? “I can’t help but notice you dropped the we in a hurry.” “Okay, so what are we going to do? Neither of us wants the demons to take him.” “No. But there’s more, now.” “You mean that if he and I are torn apart, we’ll be destroyed by the separation.” Aunt waved an impatient hand. “No, besides that.” “There’s more?” Aunt Herman sank back down onto her chair, as dejected looking as a half demon could look. “His demon is untamed, unschooled. When it rises up, it’ll take him over. He won’t be the Kane you and I know.”

Chapter Fourteen Olivia flew home, needing the release. The skies were dark and cloudy, the air heavy with promised rain. She now knew Kane was only one-fourth demon, but even that amount was a heady, powerful brew. Kane, Kane, where are you? She’d never felt so bad in her life. Her Kane was being ripped in half by things he didn’t even remotely understand. And how was he going to react to being a demon? More importantly, how was the demon going to react to being a witch’s familiar? After her visit to Aunt Herman, she was left with only more questions. She needed help. Now if she could just find it. She adjusted herself slightly, the tree limb she’d chosen to fly on a bit bumpier than she liked. Landing in what she hoped was an empty alley, she threw the limb in a dumpster and went the rest of the way on foot. Once a bum had seen her land, but she wasn’t afraid of them. No one listened, let alone believed them. Sad but true. She’d taken him a bag of sandwiches every night for a week, to make up for the shock she’d caused him. Although, truthfully, he’d seemed thrilled by the ‘witch sighting’, as he’d called it. Like she was a UFO. The minute she touched her door, she knew Kane was inside. Relief, sharp and instant, flooded her body. Quietly, she entered her living room. The lights were off but she didn’t need to see to feel him there. Still, she wanted to see. With a quick, practiced gesture, she motioned a lamp on. “That’s a pretty good trick.” His voice floated from a dark corner of the room, gravely, low. Shit. Somebody was in a great fucking mood. “Kane. Are you okay?” She probed the shadowed corner, almost unconsciously gesturing for more light. She needed to see him. She walked closer, careful. Now that she knew he was a demon, caution ruled. He ignored her question, staring at her as she sat on the edge of the couch, her knee almost, but not quite touching his. “Where have you been?” he asked. “You smell like something familiar.” He sniffed the air. “Just another little perk to being your animal. I seem to have the ability to smell things. Isn’t that fucking fantastic.” “I went to see Aunt Herman.” “Of course you did. And what, exactly, did you say to her?”

“She told me some things. Some things you’re not going to like. Things she should have told you a long time ago.” She should have shut up. She would need backup before enraging an inexperienced demon. But she couldn’t stop. “When I made you my familiar, it brought things out in you, things Aunt Herman had buried since you were born. I’m not sure how she did it…but now it refuses to stay hidden.” “Could you be a little more cryptic?” She swallowed. Her gaze skipped from his dark, glittering eyes, familiar and strange at the same time, to his hard body, sprawled with deceptive looseness on the chair. “I’m sorry. This isn’t easy, Kane.” Now is not the time, Olivia. And for once, she heeded her inner voice. “I think you should have a talk with Aunt Herman. She has some things to explain to you.” “But I’m not at Aunt Herman’s. I’m here. And since you’re so obviously in the know, I think you should explain things.” And he leaned toward her, his eyes so dangerous she couldn’t help but gasp. “What’s wrong, little witch? Are you afraid of your animal?” “You’re not my animal, Kane. To be a familiar is an honor, not an insult.” He lifted an eyebrow, easing back into his chair. “Why doesn’t that warm the cockles of my heart?” “There are other things to consider…” “And you’re about to tell me what those other things are, yes?” She shook her head. “No…I can’t. I am not safe with you.” He barked a sharp laugh, but didn’t disagree. She shivered, rising to her feet with a smooth, quick motion. The kitchen would ease him, at least a little. “Let’s have some coffee, Kane. Some dinner.” His hand shot out, snaking around her wrist. He jerked her to his lap, his grip strong, so strong. Ordinarily her power would have risen at a threat posed to her, but her spirit accepted him. He was her familiar. Her power was attracted to this man, not threatened by him. Still, she called her power, forcing it around her like an invisible, shielding cloak. “Hmmm,” he said. “You really are afraid. I can smell your fear.” “I’m not afraid.” She was sure her scoffing fooled no one. “Know what else I smell?” His body was so warm against her, so right. “Excitement?” He slid his fingers between her legs, his skin hot even through the thick fabric of her jeans. “Sex.” He rubbed her crotch. “Lust. Need.”

She closed her eyes, her body more than willing to forget her mind’s fear when he was touching her. “Kane.” “Yeah.” She leaned her cheek against his forehead, her breath caught somewhere between her lungs and her throat, refusing to move in either direction. “I can’t think when you’re touching me.” He increased the pressure, his fingers seeming to know exactly where to touch. “So don’t think.” They could talk later. “Okay.” Breathless, she straddled him, yanking her top over her head with one quick pull. Breasts heavy with desire, she guided an already swollen nipple to his mouth. He growled, pulling her nipple into his mouth, sucking with an almost painful intensity. She threw her head back, neck straining, breasts thrusting. “Ah, Kane…” He tore his mouth away and pushed her off him. “Get your pants off.” She ripped her boots off, nearly falling in her hurry to get undressed and back to him. Naked, shivering from overpowering desire, she leapt once more into his waiting arms, a leg on either side of his big body. He dug his fingers into her hair and captured her lips, kissing her so deeply she wasn’t sure where she ended and he began. She rubbed her bare pussy against him, caring not even a little bit that he was fully clothed. His clothes against her naked skin only heightened her sensations. He dragged his lips from her and cupped a breast with one hand as he snaked the other between her legs. Leaving trails of blistering heat wherever he touched, he took her deep into a cave of desire. She became nothing more than a nerve ending of craving. She couldn’t find control, didn’t want to. All that mattered was his lips, his hands, his cock. Only realizing he’d lowered her to floor when she felt the rug soft upon her back, she cried out when he stood. But he sought only to remove his own clothing, and when her searching gaze found his, long tendrils of excitement traced her body at the reddish glow she saw lurking in his eyes. The demon was nearly free. And she, for the first time in her life, was about to do the unthinkable. She was going to fuck it.

Chapter Fifteen His grin was wolfish, hungry, as he stared down at her naked body. Shuddering, she wondered how much was the old Kane and how much was the new demon. She spread her legs beneath his hot gaze, more turned on than she’d ever been in her life. She liked a little danger with her sex. She bit her lip and slid her hand between her legs, one fingertip running circles around her clit. “Olivia.” Was there a hint of warning in his deep voice? His stare glued to her finger, teasing upon her pussy, he dropped to his knees between her open legs. She nearly burst into an orgasm right then. Throbbing pleasure washed over her, her pussy tightening around a phantom cock. His big, smooth body begged for her touch, and she planted the soles of her feet against his chest, not to push him away, but to have that contact with him. Letting her knees fall apart, she opened herself even more to his gaze. At last he moved, pinching her clit between his finger and thumb, hard, but just right. He knew her body. She arched her back, breasts thrusting at an uncaring ceiling, eyes staring with unseeing ecstasy. He didn’t let her come, though. His fingers stilled on her clit, bringing her back from the edge of that orgasmic cliff she so wanted to go over. When her vision cleared she screamed, but not because he’d resumed massaging her clit. Standing behind him, hulking and glowing, were two huge, naked demons. They hadn’t bothered covering their true forms with magic and stared at her pussy with lusty red and black eyes, lips parted. “Kane!” Too close to stop, she came, with the three pairs of eyes watching. She screamed her climax, coming so hard she thought her heart might stop. Kane plunged a long finger inside her, thrusting as she came. He seemed to feel them at his back then, finger still moving inside her even as he tossed a frowning look over his shoulder. When he saw them, his jaw dropped and he jumped up, twirling toward them, crouching, snarling. Gasping as the vibrations from her orgasm faded, she rose up on her elbows, watching. She had no idea what would happen now, but for some reason, was unafraid. It was Kane’s job to protect her, could she not protect

herself. And she was way more leery of Kane than she was of the new demons. And still, her pussy throbbed with excitement, Maybe crazy as hell, but there it was. Truth in all its ugliness. The demons weren’t ugly, and in the demon world, she was pretty sure these two would be considered exceptional. Bulging with muscle, towering over Kane—who was at least six two—they stood on powerful, solid legs, heat glowing in the two sets of eyes that exactly mirrored Kane’s. And between those legs, erections that would send a human woman screaming for the hills. Long, thick, proud, enormous. She saw it all in the blink of an eye; and the three of them, two demons and her part human, part demon familiar, froze in a hesitant tableau, so beautiful she was robbed of breath. “You belong to us,” the demon on the left, only slightly smaller than the other, informed Kane. These were demons of few words, obviously not big on explanations. “What the fuck are you?” He turned slightly to look down at Olivia. “Are these more of your familiars?” The demon on the right roared. “We belong to no witch!” Those fucking demons sure were insulting. She floated up beside Kane. “This one does.” And even though Kane flinched, she took a deep satisfaction from the shock in the strange eyes of the demons. They turned to look at each other, understanding blossoming in icy hot eyes. “That’s what we scented,” the larger one said. “Sorry, boys, but it’s true. Kane’s my familiar. And I’m not letting you take him anywhere.” Kane narrowed his eyes. “She has no control over what I do or don’t do. And I’d still like to know what the hell you are.” The taller demon’s hair was so dark green it was nearly black. It had been gathered on top of his head, wound around, and secured with what looked like skeletal fingers, and it flowed down his back in a ponytail that ended below his waist. He moved closer to Kane, which meant he moved closer to her. “We’re your people.” Kane looked at Olivia and she nodded, suddenly tired of being one of the people who contributed to keeping him in the dark. “It’s true, Kane. That’s what I was trying to tell you. Your aunt admitted to keeping from you the fact that you’re part demon. She was afraid you’d be taken.”

“As he shall be,” tall, scarlet, and naked said. “You’ll want to stand down, little witch.” “I guess I’ve always known,” Kane murmured, surprising her. “At least I knew I wasn’t fully human. There was always something in there. Just lately, it started to take over. Since the ceremony.” “Not take over,” Olivia said, squeezing his arm. “It’s just refusing to stay hidden any longer. You’re still you.” “Regardless,” said the smaller demon. “You shall end your connection immediately, and we will take him back where he belongs.” “I can’t end it. It just is. He was born to be my familiar and there’s nothing anyone can do about it. If we’re separated, he’ll die. As will I, most likely.” The big one shrugged. “It’s a chance I’m willing to take.” She snorted. “How very noble of you. But I—” “Both of you shut up. I’m the only one who decides what happens to me.” “You want her body,” big one said. “That’s understandable. But when you come with us, the memory of this one will fade into oblivion and will be easily replaced by more beauty and sex than you could imagine in your wildest fantasies.” He reached out, casually, and hooked a large hand around Kane’s hanging cock. Kane sucked in a deep breath and threw back his head, his back arching. His cock hardened immediately, power sizzling along its length like water on a hot skillet. “God,” he cried, his teeth clenched. Little demon joined the fun, going behind Kane to push his erection against Kane’s buttocks. He had to bend his knees to do it, and Olivia felt the familiar swell of lust begin to grow deep inside. Big demon ran his fist up and down Kane’s cock, his other hand cupping the firm balls hanging below. “We can make you feel this—and a hundred times more. Come with us.” They seduced him easily, the demon part of Kane surely craving the closeness of his own kind, the relief of finally knowing where he belonged. The big demon, his hands caressing Kane’s cock, turned his face to her. “Do you want to feel what he feels, little witch?” She swallowed and nodded. Floating closer, she opened her legs to him. He ran a sharp edged finger up her leg and over her clit, and the top of her head nearly came off. She climaxed immediately, with that one touch, and it was as though her entire body was a clit. Screaming with ecstasy beyond

anything she’d ever imagined, she grabbed his hand and plunged his first finger inside her pussy. His other hand continued to caress Kane, and together with the demon connecting them, she and Kane yelled out orgasms that didn’t stop. Sudden terror cut through the bliss. If she couldn’t get away from him, she was going to lose her mind. No one could stand so much pleasure and survive it. Gathering every bit of strength she possessed, she forced herself off the demon’s finger. Flying through the air when she came loose, she slammed into a wall and fell to the floor, her body still throbbing with intense need. She climbed to her feet, panting, rubbing her own pussy in a frenzied loss of control. She had to touch herself or go back to him and beg him to fuck her. “Tricky bastards,” she snarled, thrusting her fingers inside herself. The smaller demon was rubbing his enormous dick in the cradle of Kane’s ass as the big one continued to rub his fist up and down Kane’s cock, faster and faster. She saw sparks flying, sparks of a sex magic she wanted so badly. Afraid Kane was already out of her reach, she nevertheless flung herself at him and tried to drag him from the demons. “Kane,” she screamed, right in his ear. He opened his eyes, groggy, his irises so dilated his eyes were black. Not red, black. He was still Kane, still there. He blinked at the demon who pumped his dick like his life depended on it. “Fuck,” he said, his voice weak, so filled with sex she knew he was going to need help. She grabbed him around the neck. “Kane, touch my shoulder!” Kane began fading, his physical presence becoming dimmer as she watched. No, she couldn’t lose him. She refused to lose him. “He’s mine,” she yelled at the demons and drew back her hand. Power shot from her fingers with an intensity that might have taken off her fingertips. She was sure, actually, that it had. But big demon was flung from Kane with enough force to send him through her wall. She was going to have to do some major restorations on her house. Small demon took over where big demon left off, his hand caressing Kane’s erection. She raised her hand, ready to send the smaller demon flying; but Kane caught her wrist with bone crunching force, his eyes narrowing to glittering, frightening slits. He flung her away, not enough to hurt her, but enough to stop her from kicking smaller demon’s ass.

“Oh, Kane, no!” Smaller demon laughed, his cackling full of evil knowing. Kane caught the demon’s wrist and tried to pull burnt fingers off his dick. The demon crooned and massaged, but Kane was growing stronger. “Get off me before I kick the fuck out of you.” With one huge push of will, he pried the demon’s fingers from his cock. Olivia flinched at the sound of bones cracking but had little time to think about it as big demon came roaring back into the room, shaking his large head as though trying to dislodge Olivia’s power. “Oh no you don’t,” she said and charged toward him. He might be bigger, but Olivia was a fighter. She threw power at him like balls of fire, and he came on, trying to duck the spells. The demon’s powers seemed to be more sexual than anything, but they were strong sons of bitches. If he got his hands on her… Suddenly Kane slid between them, facing the demon, his back to Olivia. Surprised, Olivia glanced back, and the smaller demon was nowhere to be seen. “Where—” “I sent him back to hell.” Kane’s voice was cold, ice cold, and shivers slithered down her spine. “Just where I’m about to send this one.” The huge demon narrowed his eyes. “You don’t want to try me, little humanoid. You might be mine, but I won’t hesitate to destroy you.” “You might be mine,” Kane returned, “but I won’t hesitate to fuck you up.” And he leapt toward the demon. Olivia screamed a warning, her hand to her chest. He had protected her, but who would protect him? “Have a little faith in him,” she whispered. Suddenly Kane changed; his body, nude and human, changed in the blink of an eye. His skin glowed with a new crimson color like incandescent blazing glass; his muscles popped, straining inside his skin like a crowded bag of heavy rocks. And Kane became the demon.

Chapter Sixteen Olivia ran for her clothes while the demons fought. It wasn’t good to be naked in a fight, really, and she could use the extra protection of her boots. Her first plan of action after getting dressed was to help Kane with Mr. Hung and Horrid. The naked demons clashed, flesh pounding flesh, not letting little things like furniture and walls stand in their way. Realizing the noise they were making was going to bring the cops, Olivia cast a quick spell of silence and sent it to surround her apartment. Inside, chaos reigned. Outside, it would be as silent as a snow-filled meadow at midnight. Stalking toward the battling demons, she searched for an opening through which to send an ass-kicking ball of power. Suddenly big demon grabbed Kane around the throat, and she saw her opportunity. With a flick of her wrist she sent a sharp edged spell, which, had it landed where it was supposed to, would have sent the demon reeling. As it was, the power hit the wall, ricocheted like a speeding bullet, and hit Kane in the face. Had it not weakened from its collision with the wall, Kane would have been knocked out, at the very least. “Ah son of a bitch!” she yelled, furious at herself. Kane finally flung the demon away and darted a look at her, his face so alien she was tempted to fly the nest and let him deal with the demon invasion alone. Obviously, he had similar thoughts, especially after having been hit in the face with her power. “Get out of here,” he yelled. His voice was so gravely she could barely understand his words, but the look in his eye—that she understood perfectly well. “I want to help you,” she yelled back. He slammed a hard fist into the demon’s nose, and blood went flying. Splatters of it landed on the rug, singeing the fabric and sending horrible smelling smoke into the air. “I can’t take care of you right now. Out!” “Well!” She stood with arms akimbo, furious. “Let me tell you something about witches, buddy! We—” While the demon writhed around on the floor in what appeared to be excruciating pain, Kane leapt at her, interrupting her outraged speech. Throwing her over his shoulder like a bag of oranges, he yanked open the

front door, deposited her none too gently on the cement stoop, and slammed the door in her face. For five minutes she could do nothing but stare in shock at the door, her mouth open. He hadn’t just done that, had he? Really? She’d never been so humiliated in her entire life. And did he honestly think he could keep her out by locking the door? She raised her hand and gave the door a tiny, gentle tap, satisfaction bathing her mind when it flew off its hinges. To hell with the neighbors. She was pissed. “You don’t want to make a witch angry, pal.” She stomped back into the house, magic roiling around her like a toxic dust. But finally, the silence stuck her consciousness like a sledgehammer of doom. “Kane!” Legs no longer able to support her, she sank to the floor. The demon was gone. But the thing that struck terror into her heart and weakened her body was the fact that Kane was gone too. The demons had him. She sobbed, emotional as a baby. Kane was gone. She’d lost him. That meant she’d killed him, and probably herself. She jerked at the hand on her shoulder, heart leaping, for one brief second, with hope. Then, “Daddy?” “Honey, did they take him?” She didn’t even ask what or how he knew, just nodded her head and let him help her to her feet. “I’ve lost him, daddy.” “Maybe not.” He patted her back. She sniffed and looked at him. “What do you mean? Do you know a way I can get him back?” It might be impossible, but she wasn’t ready to let logic smother her desperate hope. “You can go there, Olivia. Bring him back.” She sighed. “Daddy, I’m a witch. You know we can’t get into their world. Not without…exploding or something.” Wiping her eyes, she pulled away from him and surveyed the damaged room. “But Aunt Herman is a demon, and I’m going to make sure she goes to get him back.” “She should go with you, certainly. And I’d like to go as well. Your young man can use all the help he can get, and I’m not about to see my little girl fade away because the demons have her familiar.” Had Daddy lost his mind, at last? “I’m a witch, Daddy. Witches can’t go into demon world. Do you understand?”

He frowned. “Olivia, you are not too old for me to take a willow switch to. I know all about witches and demons. I also know some things you don’t, which I have to tell you now, much as I hate to.” “Daddy?” A feeling of foreboding swept over her, and for a moment, she wanted to beg him to shut his precious mouth. “You’re not like most witches, Livvy. You don’t hate the demons. They don’t repel you, do they?” She shrugged. “Obviously not, seeing as how my familiar is a demon and I want him back more than I’ve ever wanted anything.” He pursed his lips and nodded. “Well, honey…now, don’t get excited, but you have just a smidgeon of demon blood flowing through your veins. Just a mite.” Reaching out to slam her mouth shut, he asked, “Do you understand?” “Has the world gone crazy?” It was all she could think to say. “No, honey. But you got your DNA from your old dad, who happens to be a teensy bit demon himself.” His grin was hopeful, the grin of a two year old trying to get out of trouble. “I’m a…demon?” “No, no! You’re a witch with a little demon blood swirling around in there somewhere.” He held is index finger and thumb an inch apart. “This much blood. Not enough to consider yourself a demon, really. But it’s enough to gain you admittance to the demon’s world.” “Does Mama know?” “See, that’s the thing. I’d like to ask you not to tell Mama any of this. She wouldn’t understand. And to say she’d be angry at your daddy, well, that’s an understatement. She’d kick me out of her life with boisterous intent, and Olivia, I can’t live without your mother.” “Oh, Daddy. I won’t tell her.” He closed his eyes for a brief second, and she realized just how much of himself he was putting at stake. “But you can’t come with me, Daddy. You stay here with Mama, and I’ll get Herman to go with me.” He didn’t argue. The fact of her new demon status she filed away in an empty compartment of her brain, to take out and examine later. Right now, she had to rescue her familiar. And take Aunt Herman with her. Ugh.

Chapter Seventeen “So, Aunt Herman. Are you good or evil?” Aunt Herman gave Olivia a look of pure amazement. “Seriously, my dear. You can’t be so young and naïve as to think anything is really that simple.” Olivia, pacing on Herman’s scuffed wood floors, shrugged. “It really is. Are you going to help my…Kane? Or are you going to let the demons destroy him because you’re afraid?” Herman pursed her lips, eyes narrowing. “You don’t want to push me, kid.” Olivia widened her eyes innocently. “What do you mean? I’m simply asking you if Kane and I can count on you or not.” “First of all, don’t say we like you’d be of any help. It’d be me doing the rescuing.” She shot Olivia a dark look. “You wouldn’t be able to set so much as a toe inside the demon’s world. And I’m not sure I could get him out. I just don’t think I could. Not alone.” She nibbled on her fingernail, frowning. “I don’t know of anyone who could go with me.” Olivia took a deep breath and blurted out the words even she wasn’t ready to accept. “I have some demon blood in me. My father…” She let the words trail off, staring somewhere over Herman’s shoulder. Finally, when Herman was silent for way too long, Olivia darted a glance her way. Herman’s cheeks were flushed, her mouth open, and the look in her eyes somewhere between disbelief and disgust. “A witch with demon blood? It’s not possible. Witches and demons can’t procreate.” She shuddered. “And why would they want to?” Olivia raised an eyebrow. “Obviously it’s possible, as I am proof. My dad as well.” Aunt Herman was a narrow-minded bigot. “And now your nephew is involved with a witch…he’s my lover as well as my familiar. You’d better get over your intolerance if you don’t want to lose him.” She kept her gaze glued to Herman’s, dead serious and suddenly ready to twist Herman’s head off if she made one more comment about witches. “You think he’d choose you over the only mother he’s ever really known?” Olivia nodded. “Yeah. I do.” Tears rose in Herman’s eyes like an ocean wave in a red sunset. “Get out of my home, you smug bitch. Before I take the choice out of Kane’s hands.” A pang of pity wormed its way through Olivia’s heart. “I’m not going anywhere. Shall we discuss our options? Kane needs us. Both of us.” She sat, at last. It was going to take a lot of planning to enter the demon world and

try to leave again, alive. “I’m going to do everything I can to get him out of there.” And back with her, where he belonged. Herman’s nod, when it came, was stiff, but yielding. “As will I.” Hours later, they were as prepared as they were ever going to get. As Herman took her hand, all she could think was, wait, I need to think! But there was no more time to think. They’d thought things through together, and now Herman was taking her to Kane. Simple as that. Right. Herman’s hand was hot as a banked coal, her grip strong. If she was afraid, and she surely was, she hid it well. We’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz… The rather ominous sounding ditty reverberated through Olivia’s hand even as Herman closed her eyes, warned Olivia to do the same, and the swirling mist came. It didn’t just surround her, this demon fog, it climbed inside her. Like a soul-stealing wisp of a dream, it infiltrated her body and her mind, sat in her throat like a block of solid wood, and if Herman hadn’t held her hands in a death grip of determination, she would have bolted. Screaming and clawing for the door as the fog stole her breath and sent her to a dark place she imagined only the insane had ever gone, she would have bolted. And as suddenly as it had begun, it was over. She came to herself kneeling on the ground, sharp, hot rocks digging into her hands and knees. Gasping and gagging, she climbed to her feet, reeling, wiping her eyes. “You’ll be fine. It’s just the witch in you getting an ass kicking for being here. I’m surprised you’re able to stand yet.” The deep breaths she gulped were full of heat and ash, but sweet nonetheless. “You might have warned me.” Her voice was hoarse, harsh against her tender throat. “I thought I did,” Herman murmured, shading her eyes and staring into the distance. “Let’s get going. You don’t want to be here long.” “No shit.” “He’ll be held at Tommy’s home, of course.” “Of course? Tommy is the head cheese in these parts?” Olivia scanned the barren looking area, dotted with the occasional dead tree, blackened limbs frozen in an ever-reaching plea. Even the trees didn’t want to be here. There were rocks; huge ones, small ones, brown ones and red ones. If she’d have been an artist, she would surely have brought her paints. The

place was beautiful in its stark, red-and-black solitude. No sound interrupted her thoughts, no machine, no buzzing, not so much as a dog barking. As soon as she thought it, a crow flew by and cawed, mockingly. “There she goes to carry tales,” Herman said, her voice grim enough to scare Olivia. “She?” “Angel.” “You’re kidding me, right?” “Nope. Not even a little bit.” “Huh.” She stumbled and grimaced as a stone bruised her foot even through her boots. “How far until we reach Kane?” “As soon as we’re Abel.” Herman laughed. “Get it?” Olivia rolled her eyes. “You’re hilarious.” After a ten-minute walk in which not a speck of the landscape changed, Olivia could no longer stand the quiet. It was eerie, to say nothing of aggravating. “So tell me about this Angel shifter lady.” Herman sighed. “You’ll find out for yourself soon enough.” “Dammit, Herman, can’t you just humor me? I hate this fucking quiet.” “Enjoy it while you can.” Olivia growled. Difficult, stubborn bitch. “Fine, whatever.” They walked in silence for perhaps another half an hour, climbing a rocky-faced hill for at least ten of that. “Over the rise,” Herman said, “you’ll see them. They live in the valley, for the most part. Of course some of them live off into the hills and caves, but they don’t matter. At least not right now.” “Gee, Herman, how could you ever have left all this fertile land, to say nothing of the incredible sex?” Herman narrowed her eyes, looking, for a moment, so like Kane that Olivia couldn’t breathe. “How do you know about the incredible sex?” “Well from Kane, of course. I told you we were lovers.” Herman didn’t look convinced. “Two of them were in your house. I somehow doubt that Kane is the only demon sex you’ve had. Knowing you, I really doubt it.” Olivia stared. “Knowing me? What’s that supposed to mean?” “I notice you didn’t deny it.” Herman’s voice was dry and way too knowing for Olivia’s peace of mind. “I didn’t have sex with the demons,” she said. And it was the truth. Kinda. “Not that I owe you an explanation.”

“Uh huh.” She was beginning to hate that woman. But in the next second, they reached the top of the rise, and her thoughts were swept from her, carried into the valley below. Her legs shook, and she felt strangely near tears. It was the most beautiful, peaceful looking place she’d ever seen. And more than she’d ever wanted anything else, she wanted to go there.

Chapter Eighteen The valley spread out before her like an unbelievable offering, a view she’d never before imagined. Colors so vivid they hurt her eyes; deep greens, crimson, burning reds, sunny yellows and moonlit whites. Midnight-velvet blacks and shimmering blues. Trees with leaves of a million colors enclosed the valley, and exotic birds flew and sang with lilting, lovely voices. “Close your mouth, darling. Something might crawl inside and die there.” Olivia looked at Herman, stunned. “How can you be so—so—” And at a loss for words, she gestured toward the beauty below. “Just shut up and come on.” “You need a serious attitude change.” “We probably won’t make it out of here. They’ll keep us both for a while— you as pure entertainment, I’m sure—before they kill us. So excuse me if I don’t fall down and weep for joy. I know what lies beneath.” Olivia had nothing to say to that, as Herman was right. “So why are we sneaking in if he already knows we’re here?” Herman raised her eyebrows. “What?” “You said the crow was going to carry tales.” “Ah. Yes, but not to him.” “Care to elaborate?” “Nope.” “So no one knows we’re here?” “Nope. But if you don’t close your mouth and walk, we’ll die of old age before we get there.” “Hmph.” “You sure have a careless attitude about you for someone in so much danger.” It’s all an act, Herman, aunt of my love. All an act. And when she gave the thought weight, her knees began to tremble and she shut up. Swallowing the lump of terror, she followed Herman into the beautiful unknown. They snuck into the valley like ninja shadows, just as the sun began to set and light the world in an orange-red glow that took her breath away. The houses, set on fire by the descending sun, looked like something out of a fairytale. Peaked, pointed roofs in various colors sat atop homes rounded like towers, shimmering in rich, burnished golds and gleaming, old silvers. Each home was a mini castle, surrounded by black wrought iron fences, gardens in the backs bursting with a thousand vibrant colors.

She expected that at any moment a white steed, bearing a knight or a prince upon its back, would thunder past them. She shook her head, amazed. She’d like to live here. But with liquid stealth, another feeling gradually snaked inside her, and despite the beauty, she was no longer so entranced. “There are no children,” she whispered. “Where are all the little…baby demons?” “In the Wastelands. When they reach a certain age, they are brought back to the valley.” She didn’t want to know. Darkness, insidious and wet like a cancerous cough, fell down softly to blanket the valley. That was when the cold came. Bone-chilling and damp, it slid inside her body and wrapped around her psyche. She couldn’t even bring herself to pretend at bravado. Fear was as heavy as the beauty had been astonishing. “This is one hell of a place.” Her voice shook only a little. Herman snorted. “You reckon? Now keep quiet. Down here, voices carry, and they carry far.” Olivia wasn’t about to argue. Shivering, she wished again that Herman had warned her about what to expect. She’d have worn a frigging jacket. About to cast a warming spell, she remember, just as she lifted her hands, that here, she was powerless. Dropping her hands, she slipped along with Herman, quiet, afraid, freezing. The moon rose, ascending like a huge, cold ball that someone had just thrown. It wasn’t slow, and it wasn’t the moon of her world. This one watched them with sinister intent, icy white veined with scarlet, freezing the world with hate. “Do you like it?” she whispered to Herman. “The moon, I mean? Do demons like it?” “Yes.” And though Herman had made choice to leave a long time ago, she still lifted a worshipful, clear gaze to the evil orb. Olivia shuddered. The plan was to sneak into Kane’s prison, release him, and spirit him out before the demons even realized they’d been invaded. Suddenly, the idea, though it was all they had, seemed way weak. “I’m not sure we’re going about this the right way, Herman. Kane is a valuable person to them. It’s not going to be easy to get him out.” “Do you have a better idea? Because if you do, now would be the time to let me know. We’re here.”

Olivia swallowed hard, every fiber of her being urging her to run away. But she thought of Kane and forced down the fear. He would have done the same for her. Besides, without him, life would be a sad, gray thing to endure. She walked on, the silence overpowering. There was not so much as a cough or a dark figure leaning against a porch, smoking a last cigarette before bed. “Everyone’s asleep here?” “For another hour, this world will be completely still. This is our window. It’s why I chose this time of night.” “They’re vulnerable right now.” Herman shot her a quick look, her eyes silver in the moonlight. “That’s right.” “Then let’s find Kane and get the hell out of Dodge.” Herman sighed. “What exactly do you think we’re doing, Olivia?” “Finding Kane and getting the hell out of Dodge?” “Gosh, you’re a quick study.” “You don’t have to be so nasty. I tend to spout nonsense when I’m nervous.” “Yes. Yes you do.” “If they’re all asleep and we’re in no danger for an hour, why are we whispering?” “Because they can wake up, Olivia.” “Oh. But they’re not likely to?” “No.” Herman’s voice had a tiny quiver, and Olivia got nervous all over again. They glided between the rows of houses, heads moving, eyes darting. For a moment, Olivia couldn’t breathe as a dark claustrophobia wafted over her. It was as though this world was contained within a tiny dome, and she was trapped. At last, Herman stopped and pointed a long, dusky finger. “He’ll be in there.” Olivia took a deep breath. “Let’s go.” And with her love in sight, or very nearly, she strode for the dwelling that housed him. “Olivia! Slow down.” Olivia thought of something. “How are they keeping him here? If he wanted to leave here, could he not simply do…whatever it was you did to get here?”

Herman’s look, once again, was disgusted. “Don’t be ridiculous. They’re hardly powerless, Olivia. They’ll keep him here with little trouble. Restraints of treated wool will hold him. You’ll have to loosen them. If I touch them, I’ll be as helpless as he is.” “But I’m part demon. What’s to say they won’t hurt me?” “They’ll hurt you. They won’t weaken you.” “If you say so.” The stone building was bulky and rounded, thick and elaborate with carvings and high reliefs that she wished she could have studied. The door shone with a deep red glow, and she hesitated. She could practically hear it sizzling with heat. “It’s cold,” Herman hissed. “Move, I’ll open it.” But Olivia grasped the ornate knob and twisted, shaking as she pushed open the heavy door. It slid noiselessly back, and holding her breath, she slipped inside. The interior was cool, but not freezing, darkness thick and somehow moving, like it held thousands of wriggling worms. “Step carefully, Olivia. Move through that doorway.” Doing as Herman had instructed her, Olivia found herself in a huge, round room, dark except for a contained red spotlight that shone upon a single figure. The figure, and she knew it was Kane, lay suspended in midair, still as death. She wanted to run to him, but Herman’s cautioning hand upon her forearm brought her back to her senses. “Careful,” Herman whispered. She took a handkerchief from her pocket and threw it toward the invisible altar, and Olivia covered her mouth to smother a scream when it burst into flames and disappeared. “You should follow me,” Herman said. “I know the way.” Olivia nodded. “I’m not going to argue.” “Grab my arm and follow exactly in my footsteps.” Herman led her to Kane. His still form stretched in a straight line, unmoving, lifeless as a statue. Unable to help herself, Olivia lifted a trembling hand to touch him. As soon as she did, all hell broke loose. Lights bathed the room, people were yelling, their gleeful voices hitting her ears like bullets, and the suspended figure dissolved beneath her fingertips.

Dazed and silent with shock and confusion, Olivia grabbed Herman to her, seeking some sort of comfort. “What—?” The screaming throngs of dancing demons parted to provide a corridor for their leader, who glided toward them like his feet were smooth wheels. “Olivia Brew,” he said, smiling with satisfaction. “How nice of you to visit.” Still with her arms around Herman, Olivia’s voice trembled as she answered. “I came for my familiar.” The demon in charge roared, his anger enveloping her in a tight rage that left her gasping when he calmed. “He is not your familiar. He is a demon! And you will learn your place. You are nothing more than a powerless slave, witch.” He gestured, and smaller demons rushed forward, hands reaching, eyes greedy. “Take her to the white room.” They dragged her from Herman. “Herman, help me!” Master demon laughed, his oily voice thick with malevolence. “Herman helped you all the way here, dear witch.” He held his hand out to Kane’s aunt. “Come, Herman, we have much to catch up on.” Without looking at Olivia, Herman walked to him, face expressionless as he took her into his arms.

Chapter Nineteen Locked in the “white” room, Olivia leaned against a stone wall and fought the insidious cold that seeped into her bones and weakened her so much she could barely stand. She hadn’t rescued Kane, she’d merely gotten herself captured as well. And Herman… She shook her head, fighting tears. How awful to trust someone who betrayed you without a single look of remorse. How awful that Herman could have betrayed her own blood, as well. I thought she truly loved him. Too mentally and physically exhausted to ponder the whys and wherefores, she slid down the wall and sat upon the icy, bare floor. “Come on, Brew! Snap out of it. You’re a fighter. Not a giver-upper. Snap to!” She straightened her shoulders and lifted her chin. “Although you see me…goin’ on so, oh yes…I have my trials, here below.” Her voice trailed off and she laughed, feeling strong enough to climb back to her feet. Nothing like a little song to give a person hope. “I’ll be damned if I’m going to let these motherfuckers win.” And with that, she began to think of a way to get out of the hell she found herself in. *** Kane was sleeping when she came. Eyes snapping open, he cried out, his nightmare now a reality. “No, Olivia!” But it was as real as the bonds that held him; she was here. He felt her like a thin bit of silk drifting over his nude body. He’d laughed when Tommy had said she would come. “Not Olivia,” Kane had replied. “You won’t get her.” But here she was, and there wasn’t a fucking thing he could do about it. Tommy thought if he brought Olivia, let Kane fuck her whenever he wanted, Kane would be satisfied. Would join the demons, where, according to Tommy, he belonged. “I just need one little favor from you, Kane. And in

return I will give you anything you want.”

He climbed from his bed and stood at the window, watching the dawn come in. His fingers itched to touch her, his mouth watered at the thought of kissing her. She was a crazy, fucked up little bitch, but she was his. And like

it or not, she was under his skin like a cactus spine that just could not be pulled out. Tommy wanted to make her his slave. Promised to do so, actually, if Kane would join them. “I’ll give you your fondest wish,” he’d said. “I’ll give you your wildest dreams, your deepest hopes.” And that all started with her. But the demon didn’t understand. Kane didn’t belong here. He wasn’t a demon, not really. Sure, this place called to him, but not as much as his world, and for damn sure not as much as his woman. They’d been doing something to him. Tommy surely knew he wasn’t going to cave, was going to fly back to his world as soon as he could figure out how. Over the last few hours, he’d felt himself weakening, and not just his body. He was starting to feel lazy, his mind sluggish and uncaring. He hadn’t touched supper, afraid they were drugging his food. Then he’d realized that with their power, they wouldn’t need to drug his food. He hated mind games. Worse than that, though, was mind control. It wasn’t like they were controlling his mind, exactly; more like they were somehow sapping his will, or trying to. For the hundredth time, he tried the door. Of course it didn’t open, not even when he kicked it over and over in a fit of frustrated fury. The door wouldn’t open, the window wouldn’t break, he was a fucking prisoner, and now Olivia had walked right into a solid trap. If he couldn’t get out, Olivia wouldn’t have a prayer. But who had brought her? That was the question. She couldn’t have entered the world by herself. Tommy said she had demon blood inside her, whether she knew it or not. He was pretty sure not, or she would have told him. She would have recognized him for what he was in the beginning. He groaned and leaned his forehead against the wall. He was so tired of thinking about it. Tired of thinking, period. His head ached, his muscles were sore, he was just fucking tired. He didn’t even know how long he’d been here. He’d barely lay back down on the bed when the door slid open, framing Tommy, his face wreathed in smiles. “Kane. She’s arrived.” “I know.” For a moment Tommy’s smile wavered, then quickly snapped back into place. “No kidding,” he said. “At any rate, you now have her here. I’d really love you to be part of us, Kane. If I can’t release you, that might be kind of difficult, you see. I want you to be here because it’s where you want to be.”

“Or else what?” Kane frowned. “I don’t want to be here. I want to take Olivia and go home. So what will you do with us if I refuse to stay?” “You’ll change your mind eventually. Until you do…” he shrugged. “I’ll keep you secured.” Kane ground his teeth and once more slid from his bed, fists clenched. “I wouldn’t be controlled by her, and she had a way better chance than you. You’ll have to kill me to keep me here.” “And the girl? Shall I kill her first?” Kane narrowed his eyes, his whole body becoming still. Calm, centered, feeling more in control than he’d felt since he’d been here. He advanced on the demon, gratified to see the older man flinch, just the slightest, around his bright green eyes. “I won’t let you do that.” Despite his hesitation, Tommy’s voice was cool. “I admire your dedication to her, Kane, I do. But you cannot overpower me. You cannot win. Join us, be who you were meant to be, and you will never regret it. You will rule by my side.” Kane shook his head. “Why? Why do you want me?” Tommy studied him for a moment before replying. “You’re of my blood. Your place is here. Not…not there.” He curled his lip, a storm raging in his eyes. “Anywhere but there.” Kane backed off, sensing he was about to get some answers. And it was about fucking time. “There are a lot of people walking around there with some of your demon blood. That still doesn’t explain why you want me.” Tommy’s laugh was scented with wood smoke and hot enough to singe Kane’s hair. “They are not of my blood, Kane. They may have a drop of demon blood, like your little witch, but they are not of my blood.” He put his hand on Kane’s shoulder. “You are of my blood. You are prince to my king, my boy. You belong here. Herman…she managed to hide you away for so long. Too long. But I waited and watched. I knew you would call me someday. Do you not remember me at all?” And for a second, he did. He remembered…something. But it was not a happy thought, or a good memory. He frowned, trying hard. “I got a glimpse…” “Good! That is good!” But his eyes darted, his smile too wide.

You don’t want me to remember, you red bastard. Whatever happened, you don’t want me to remember. “It’s gone. If it was ever there to begin with.”

Kane would bide his time. Herman had some explaining to do, and he had no doubt that she knew everything.

And maybe Tommy really wanted him to join him, maybe he didn’t. But Kane knew without doubt that the demon wanted something else. And he wasn’t going to let him take Olivia out of here until he had it.

Chapter Twenty They didn’t hurt her. On the contrary, they seemed determined to make her feel as good as they could, and everybody knew that demons were all about the sex. Olivia lay on her bed, nude body spread eagled and helpless beneath the eyes of any demon that wanted to check her out. Or touch her. No longer terrified of the demons tearing her limb from limb and throwing her dismembered body into a lake of fire, Olivia found she now had a whole different kind of problem. Demon touches were like having cool, sparkling water when you’d been dying of thirst for days. No, they were more than that, even. They were pleasure too intense to understand. They were irresistible. But they never took her beyond a certain point, never entered her. As though they had strict orders, they simply trailed long fingers over her skin, rubbed her nipples and clit, and occasionally slid a tongue across her open lips. One particular demon she came to know as Shard never touched her anywhere but her asshole. Each time he walked into the room he never spoke, never smiled, only stood at the side of the bed, leaned over, and found her hole with an eager finger. Even when she begged him to touch her pussy, he ignored her except to turn her with rather gentle hands, reattach her bonds, and thrust a finger deep into her ass. She had to get out of here. If she didn’t, and soon, she was going to find herself a slave to demon passion. Already, cravings took over her body when she was alone. When she heard the door open on the third morning of her capture, her nipples tightened and her pussy began to throb. “Hello?” “We came for breakfast,” a rather squat male said, all big eyes and wide grin. His partner stood beside him, a plain female with swollen red lips and not a stitch of clothing. Her breasts were enormous, jutting out proudly from a body that looked too small to hold them up. “So sorry,” Olivia replied, “but I don’t seem up for cooking this morning. Perhaps you could try a MacDonald’s down the road? And oh, hey, bring me back a biscuit, would you?”

“We’re having breakfast,” the female said, “but we’d be glad to feed you when Tommy says we might.” She climbed on top of Olivia and turned her back to Olivia’s face. Olivia felt the demon grasp her pussy lips, stretching them wide, exposing her clit. “Come, Ethan. Eat.” “Oh…fuck.” Olivia thought she might faint when the male’s tongue touched her clitoris. If this was the demons way of imprisoning a person, it was hard to complain. Except… Every touch of the demon’s tongue was Kane’s tongue, and every stroke of a demon’s fingers was Kane’s fingers. Each kiss belonged to him, and when she opened her eyes and realized that it was not Kane, the pleasure became a little less. Always, something was missing. “They’re doing something to me.” She wasn’t herself. Like walking through a thick fog to a clear patch of sunshine, she realized she was just not herself. Raising her head, she frowned, looking at the two demons playing upon her body. “Get off me,” she said, but her voice was weak and threaded with desire. The demons ignored her as the female massaged her pussy lips around the male’s eager tongue. So difficult to resist something that felt so fucking great. But still, her anger at being manipulated grew stronger, and she gathered her outrage around her like a solid steel cloak. “Get off me!” She bucked, but this only rubbed her pussy against the demon’s sucking, licking mouth. She groaned and climaxed hard. Her sex still throbbing, she drew in a deep breath and came again, even as she meant to rebuke the two so enthusiastically touching her. And she gave in, the sensations more than she could fight. Later, when they were gone and she was alone, she’d build her defense, would brick that sorely neglected tower that shielded her psyche. Lily had tried to tell her, long ago, that she needed to pay more attention to her shields, but she’d had better things to think about. Like…well, she couldn’t remember, but there’d been things. “Oh, god…” She closed her eyes and gave into the pleasure the demons were bathing her in. The male ate her pussy like a ripe, juicy peach, his lips smacking noisily, his tongue probing and licking, and she came again, until she knew not when one climax stopped and another began.

“Kane…” Her scream was hoarse and desperate, and she knew he would not come. But once again, she did. *** Kane beat at his prison’s windows and yelled, his voice harsh, his rage uncontrollable. He hit the indestructible glass until his fists bruised, the skin breaking, bleeding great wet spots of scarlet like a tragic curtain upon the pane. He threw his head back and howled. “Olivia!” The bastards were sucking her dry, he could feel it. They would drain her slowly, like demon vampires, until her life forced dimmed and her will dissolved. A slave to her body, to her body’s desires. The demons were creatures of the flesh, no more, no less. And they would break her. Olivia was such a physical woman. Her body was a pleasure to her, and Olivia was not afraid of pleasure. She wouldn’t have a chance against the demons. If Tommy sought to make her a slave to the demons, to him, then he was well on his way to being successful. Everything was his fault for wanting to come here, wanting to see what the demon world was like, to see if he belonged. He didn’t. Part of him, maybe, but the bigger part wished for nothing more than to be back in his own world, his real world, with his Olivia. He slid down the window wall, trailing his battered fists on the floor. Think, Kane. Think. There had to be a way to get them both out of here. He just had to find it. Slowly, carefully, an idea crept in. Not a plan, exactly, but an awareness. He was a demon. Demons couldn’t be contained by glass and stone, could they? Could they?

Chapter Twenty-One The demons were gone. Olivia turned her face to the wall and drifted into an uneasy sleep. There was something she needed to do, something she needed to think about, but right now, she couldn’t bring herself to care. Her body still throbbed. Her breasts were heavy, nipples still pointed, waiting for the next touch. If she hadn’t been restrained she would have masturbated, because she couldn’t get enough. Her body never stopped craving the next orgasm. That was just wrong.

Olivia, wake up. Come on, wake up. Take your mind off your cunt and protect yourself.

That damn inner voice was like an annoying fly, but she’d listened to it all her life and wasn’t going to stop now. She opened her eyes. A breeze from piped-in air blew across her heated skin and she moaned at even that whispering touch. So good. She needed to protect herself. It would have been easier had she not wanted to lie there and do nothing more strenuous than wait, eager and quivering for someone, anyone, to come run cool fingers across her swollen clit. Kane. She had to think of Kane. His face swam into her mind, his serious eyes watching her, his sexy mouth quirking at one corner as he smiled. You can do it, he seemed to say. Keeping his face dead center in her mind, she began to build her walls. Slowly, she cemented stones, heavy and strong, into the wall. Time passed; she lost track but knew it couldn’t have been too long or the demons would have been back to pleasure her. Her mind cleared, the fog dissipating in the sunshine of her spirit. She rested, the bed soft under her back, the air cool upon her skin. Waiting for them to return, to see if she could resist their power and keep her mind clear. Still, even if she succeeded in that, there was the little matter of the restraints that tied her to the bed. She couldn’t will those away. What was a witch without her power? A regular human being. She laughed, then drifted to sleep, more at peace than she’d been in a long time. “Olivia.”

She brushed her hand at the annoying voice, wishing it would just go away and let her fall back into her lovely, restful sleep, but the voice droned on. “Olivia. Olivia.” “Fuck me!” She shifted in her bed, furious. “What? What?” “Wake up, honey.” “Kane?” She looked around wildly, eyes hazy with sleep, but Kane was not there. “Fucking dream…” But it’d been so real. She’d heard him. Felt him shaking her shoulder. Torn between anger and hopeless tears, she let her head fall back against her pillow. “Damn it,” she whispered. “Olivia, focus. I’m here.” Gasping, her heart galloping like a wild horse, she once against lifted her head from the pillow. “Kane?” she asked, tentative and shaky, wondering if she might be losing her mind. “Right here baby. Close your eyes.” She obeyed him immediately, afraid not to. “Kane.” “Now feel me.” She swallowed. “You’re really here? What’s wrong with me?” “Nothing. I’m not here in the traditional sense. Do you feel me touching you?” He slid his hand up her thigh. His flesh was warm, solid, real. She shivered as his hot fingers skimmed her cooler skin. “Yes. God, yes.” He stopped at the lips of her pussy, his fingers stroking them with the softest of touches. “I won’t allow anyone else to touch you again.” She kept her eyes closed. If she opened them, surely this…dream, or fantasy, or whatever it was, would disappear. “I don’t—” He cut her off, his voice angry, abrupt. “It doesn’t matter if you agree or don’t agree. You belong to me now and no one else will touch you again.” Once more, she shuddered. The demon in Kane was in full force, whether she could see him or not. He was a ghost. And if he was a ghost, then he must be— She screamed and her eyes flew open. “Kane!” “Hush, Olivia. I’m here.” And suddenly she could see him as well as feel him, his form an incandescent, wavering light that slightly solidified even as she caught sight of him. “Are you…dead?”

His grin flashed, and she realized how much she’d missed him. How alone she felt without him. His cock jutted from his body, long, hard, and all for her. “No. But I’m a demon, and this world is a demon’s world. I’m figuring out what I can do here. And one thing I plan on doing is saving you.” “Untying me would be a fantastic start.” She groaned as his fingers delved teasingly between her smooth lips, capturing her sensitive clit. “First I’m going to erase every touch but mine.” She started to assure him that his was the only touch that really mattered, but didn’t want him to stop playing with her clit. “Oh yes,” she murmured. “You should do that.” He slid a finger inside her, then rubbed the moisture into her clitoris. “Good?” “So good…” Then another damn thought intruded and she raised her head, looking into his dim but substantial eyes. “You’re right, Kane. You should be able to just…go back home. To our world.” “I’m not sure how. When I came the first time, the demon was attached to me and brought me with him. And when I go, I’m taking you with me.” “So you didn’t want to come?” He didn’t want to leave her? He sighed. “I wanted to.” And before she could feel too badly about his words, he pushed two fingers into her and finger fucked her, his thrusts fast, short, hard. She arched, crying out, wishing more than anything that he’d plunge his cock, his hard, huge, gorgeous cock, into her. His other hand slid over her ribs to squeeze her breast, and her nipple pushed against his hot palm, begging for a touch. He didn’t disappoint, plucking at it until it stood, hard and pointed, before rubbing his palm over it in gentle, quick circles. “Untie me so I can touch you,” she begged. “No.” With an abrupt movement he thrust his hands beneath her thighs and lifted her, lowering his mouth at the same time. Ignoring her screams he ate her, knocking the demon from earlier clear out of the water. “Kane, Kane!” His name tasted sweet upon her lips, and her wrists strained at her bonds. Her fingertips tingled with the need to touch him. Her entire body tingled.

Kane had proven himself as the master of tormenting, delicious torture and tonight was no different. His dark hair teased her thighs as he played her pussy like a delicate instrument. And when she could no longer draw breath to scream, he finally slid on top of her. His cock teasing her opening, he reached for either wrist and released her from her bonds. Her fingers slid over his strong shoulders and dug into his back. “Do it, Kane. Fuck me. Please, oh please, fuck me.” This was what she’d been waiting for, craving, needing. He thrust into her, his stiff cock ramming her body, sliding out only to ram her again. Each time he pulled back, a little too much, as if he wanted to hear her moans of denial. She squeezed his ass, keeping her hands firmly planted to feel him pumping into her. Thrusting up to meet him, she bit his neck as her orgasm exploded, darkness dotted with silver stars covering her vision. “Kane oh Kane oh Kane…” It was all she was capable of saying. He buried his face in her neck and groaned, his voice guttural, inhuman. Every touch, every moment became crystal clear, every movement magnified a hundred, a thousand times. His balls slapped against her as his dick plunged, his voice echoed, his body heated like a furnace. Her breath seemed to whoosh in and out of her with ease, filling her lungs with fresh, clean air; she held that air inside her lungs and climaxed again, and again, and again. His skin slid against hers, friction that sent sparks cavorting through the darkened room, his cock rasping against the sides of her pussy. Still he thrust, his groin hitting her clit, bringing her ever closer to yet another orgasm, an orgasm that threatened to tear her apart. And it came, came thundering over her body with a power too big to hold, too much for one small female body to bear, surely. She might have screamed, but all she was really aware of was the orgasm; her trembling body, her quivering pussy, her throbbing clit. For one brief moment she grew afraid, terrified it was too much for her, this feeling, this fucking, afraid she could not contain it. When he stopped, finally, but the feeling continued, she cried out. “Kane!” He must have heard the fear in her voice because he soothed her, lying atop her, squeezing her to him, murmuring comforting words. And she came down, floated down, to a manageable level, at last. It had been like nothing she’d ever before experienced.

“You did it,” she whispered, and he smiled against her throat. He knew what she was talking about.

Chapter Twenty-Two “You’re really here,” she said, when she was able to talk. “How?” He ran his hands up and down her sweaty back and she kissed his chest, glad to be free of the restraints. Weren’t the demons going to be surprised when they came in for a little slap and tickle and instead got a little punch and kick in the balls? And if Kane were still here when they walked in the door, dicks all hard and eager… She shivered and smiled against his warm skin. Kane would kick some major ass. All for her. Twenty minutes later they did come in. Two of them, tall, handsome, and from the way they looked at her, loving their jobs. The one who walked in first had dark red hair and green eyes, the one behind him had dark hair that snaked over his shoulders and nearly to his waist. She smiled and rolled off Kane, who sat up and glared. The two demons walked to the bed and frowned. “Hey!” Yeah, motherfuckers! “This is my familiar,” she said, and Kane stiffened beside her. “I mean, my…uh…boyfriend. He won’t take kindly to you—” “Olivia, shut up,” Kane said and slid smoothly from the bed. The two demons completely ignored Kane, their eyes on Olivia. Kane stalked to them, his fists clenched. “Get the fuck out of here. Both of you, now.” Olivia gasped when they ignored him. They were either very brave, very stupid, or just didn’t realize what a threat Kane was. “How’d you get untied?” Red said, staring at the restraints. “Um, hello? Kane untied me. You know, the guy standing beside you who’s about to kick your asses?” Kane closed his eyes. “They can’t see me. They can’t even hear me.” She looked at him, puzzled. “Of course they can. If you can untie me, hell, if you can fuck me, then surely they can hear you.” “She’s lost her mind,” dark hair said, speaking from the corner of his mouth like Olivia wouldn’t then be able to hear him. “Go tell Tommy.” “You go tell Tommy. I don’t care if she’s insane. She’s got some tits I’ve been itching to get my hands on.” He walked toward her, smiling. “Just relax honey. My name’s Seth and I’m going to make you feel real good.” She lifted an eyebrow. Okay, fine. If Kane couldn’t make them see him, she was going to have to take care of herself. And with her restraints gone,

that shouldn’t be a problem. Especially since Dark Hair had fled the room, leaving her and Red alone. “It’s because you’re my familiar,” she told Kane. “We’re connected in so many ways.” Kane grabbed her under the arms and dragged her backward off the bed, leaving Red gaping. “How’d you do that?” Red asked. “I’m a witch.” She smiled. “Witches are powerless here.” “Some of them, but not me, honey.” “Olivia, stay put. You’ll only get hurt if you try to fight him. I’ll keep you out of his way.” “Seriously, Kane. I’m not a baby.” “What?” “Nothing, Red. Talking to Kane.” “Kane is locked in the black room, Missy. He won’t be helping you.” “He’s here, Red.” She reached out and ran her hand over Kane’s chest. “Right here beside me. Just because you can’t see him doesn’t mean he isn’t here.” Red paled, his eyes darting nervously. “If he was here, I’d see him.” “Tell him he needs to run away. If he touches you, I’ll kill him, and I’ll make sure it hurts before he dies.” Olivia stared at Kane, saw the seriousness in his eyes, and swallowed hard. “He said to tell you he’s going to kill you if you touch me, and he’s going to make it hurt. Bad.” Red scratched his nose, shifting from foot to foot. “I don’t believe you.” “Yes you do. Now follow your friend.” He edged toward the door. “I’m going to check on Kane. If he’s there…I’ll be back.” Kane roared and picked up one of Olivia’s boots and threw it at Red. It hit the demon in the forehead and sent him reeling, more from shock than from pain. “Fuck, he is here!” And before Kane could toss the other boot, Red nearly tore the door off its hinges when he jerked it open and ran. “He’s going to get Tommy,” Kane said, holding open the door. “We have to get you out of here.” Olivia gathered her clothes, pulling them on haphazardly. “Give me my boots, and I’m right behind you.” Then an idea occurred to her. “Kane, is

your…body still back in that room? I mean, will they see you there when they go look?” He nodded. “They’ll see me. I saw myself when I was leaving my cell to come to you.” “That’s messed up. Did it freak you out?” “Olivia, get those boots on so we can get out of here.” “The name Tommy somehow doesn’t strike fear into my heart.” “It should.” He stared at her, impatient, grim. “Come on.” She followed him out. “Where are we going?” “To find Aunt Herman.” “That bitch betrayed you, Kane. She brought me here to give me to them.” “Tommy promised her me in exchange for you.” She gaped. “Bitch!” Then, “How’d you know that?” “He told me.” “And I guess I shouldn’t hold it against her. But wait! I went to her. I had to convince her to bring me here.” “Really, Olivia.” She peeked around his shoulder. The day was too bright, too pretty, too warm. She was pretty sure someone was going to see them. “I guess it was a trick then. They knew I’d try to save you all along, didn’t they?” “Yes.” “I still can’t believe she fell for that.” “She was desperate and had no other choice. Now be quiet.” “How did Tommy know I’d be able to come here? He knew I’m part demon?” “So he told me.” “What’s she going to do to help us, anyway?” “She’s going to get you out of here.” “What about you?” “I can’t get you out of here.” “I mean, how are you going to get out of here?” “I’ll figure it out.” She dug in her heels and put her hands on her hips. “I came for you, Kane Oliver, and I’m not leaving without you.” She flinched as his fingers dug into her shoulders. The cold stone of a building hit her back as he pushed her against it. “Do not make this harder on me. I need you and Herman to get to safety.” “Kane—”

He lowered his head to kiss her, his lips firm, warm, and determined. “I’ll find my way back to you. I swear it.” She melted faster than a Popsicle in July. “Okay, Kane.” “Good girl.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her along beside him, pausing at each corner to make sure it was clear. She hadn’t solved anything, but at least she’d seen him. She’d touched him. Yeah, there was that. “Do you know where she is?” Olivia dug her fingers into his arm, reluctant to let him go. The place was quiet, too quiet, and spooky even under the bright sun. The beauty now looked plastic to her, not as attractive as it had when she’d first arrived. Underneath all that fake beauty was a swimming blackness, a cesspool of simmering sin and roiling wickedness. The swirling vortex greedily waited for someone to snatch into its inky depths. The terrible thing was, it was tempting. So tempting. Visions of herself stretched out on that green, soft grass, with demons playing over her body hour after hour, day after day…no taboos, nothing but excesses and—

Stop it!

She shook her head, dislodging the influence this world held. All she wanted, truly wanted, was to be home, in bed, with Kane. That’s it. “There,” Kane said. “She’s in there.” “How do you know?” Slowly, he shook his head. “I don’t know. But she’s there. That’s where Tommy would…” He trailed off, eyes glassy and distant. “Kane, what is it?” “I just remembered something. Or…I think I remembered something.” “What?” “I think…I think Tommy’s my father.”

Chapter Twenty-Three Her thoughts swirled. “What? This Tommy is your dad? Who’s your mother? More importantly, where’s your mother?” “My mother is dead. She was Herman’s sister. At least, that’s what Herman has always told me.” “I don’t understand.” “Me either. And I haven’t got time to figure it out right now. Let’s go.” “Where are all the people?” “Probably falling upon each other in a frenzy of group sex.” “Yeah, a huge orgasmic orgy.” She shuddered and pressed her crotch to his still nude body. “How awful.” He snorted. “Come on, slut.” Pulling her after him, they darted to the small building, a standalone brown monstrosity that squatted over the too green grass like an ugly garden gnome. To her surprise, the door opened easily when she grasped the handle. “Be careful,” Kane cautioned. They slipped into the room, and Olivia remembered the last time she’d sneaked into a room here. Things hadn’t turned out too well. Herman sat in the middle of the room on a short, raised dais, her eyes downcast, giving no sign she’d heard them arrive. She was nude except for wide gold bands around her ankles, her upper arms, and her throat. Olivia snatched a red robe from a table at the bottom of the dais, running up the short steps to wrap it around Herman’s shoulders. “Aunt,” Kane said, kneeling before her. “Can you hear me?” When she didn’t acknowledge him Olivia shook her shoulder, perhaps a little too boisterously. “Herman! Snap out of it, bitch. We’ve come to get you back home.” “Take it easy, Olivia.” Kane’s voice was stern. She pursed her lips. Okay, so maybe she shouldn’t be so hard on the hag. Gently, she leaned over and snapped her fingers in Herman’s face. “Wake up, Herman. Come on, you can do it.” Slowly, Herman lifted her face, her eyes wide and staring, and empty. “Go away,” she said. She started to slide her fingers inside her robe. Oh, shit. Darting a look at Kane who had stood and was averting his gaze, Olivia yanked Herman’s hand away from the robes. “Herman, Kane is here.”

This seemed to garner a bit of attention, and for a moment, Herman’s eyes gained some life. But as her gaze darted and she didn’t see him, she sank heavily back into her inner world. Olivia sighed. “Herman, he’s here, just not physically. Look, I can’t explain what’s going on, only that he’s here to help us get out of here.” Nothing. “Herman!” “We need to hurry,” Kane said, keeping watch on the door. “I know that, but try getting her to listen. Herman, come on. For Kane. You can pull yourself out of this…funk. Don’t let them win, huh?” Herman slowly raised her face again. “I want to stay here.” Her voice was dull, lifeless. “With Kane.” “Kane won’t be…” then she stopped. She wouldn’t be able to reason with Herman, and she wasn’t above a little lie when it was necessary. “Kane isn’t here, Herman. He’s already back in our world. He’s waiting for you, for us.” Herman frowned, just barely, but it was there. “How?” “He figured out how to go from one world to the other. His powers and strength grew while he was here.” Herman’s lips moved, blowing out a tiny sigh. “Liar. It’s not a matter of his figuring out how. Tommy has covered him in a birthright spell he borrowed from a wicked, wicked woman. As his father, Tommy has control. Kane will never leave here again. But at least, Tommy won’t harm him. Not too much.” Herman’s words were so stilted, so blurred, Olivia had trouble understanding her. She glanced at Kane, standing stock-still and shocked, his gaze on Herman’s face. “Kane, we’ll get you out of here.” “Kane?” Herman said, looking around her once again. “Where?” “Herman, you have to tell me how to break the spell. Do you know?” Herman shook her head. “The easiest way to break a birthright spell is to kill the one who made it.” “Tommy?” “No. Angel.” “The crow?” “She’s many things,” Kane whispered. “I think I remember her.” “Kane said he thinks he remembers her.” Herman awakened a little more. “When did he say that?” “Just now. He’s here, you just can’t see him.” “Prove it.”

Olivia threw her hands in the air. Just what she needed, a suspicious demon. “Kane, tell me something I’d have no way of knowing.” “Hmmm, Okay. Herman eats bird eggs she steals from nests once a month and takes the blood of toads to make herself look young.” Olivia raised her eyebrows. “That’s just gross. Toad’s blood?” She looked at Herman. “How old are you, anyway?” Herman flushed and slowly, slowly, came out of her stupor. “He’s here?” she asked in a weak, hopeful voice. “Show me.” Olivia took Herman’s hand and lifted it to Kane’s. “There. He’s holding your hand.” Herman squeezed, tears rising in her eyes. “I think I feel him, Olivia. I feel him. Kane?” He squatted down before her. “I’m here, Aunt. And I want you to do exactly as I say.” He glanced at Olivia. “Tell her.” “He said he’s here, and he wants you to do exactly as he says.” Herman nodded, her cheeks wet with red-tinged tears. “Tell me what to do.” “Tell her I’m going to confront Angel and then I’ll come back. Tell her not to worry and to take the two of you out of here. Can she do that?” “He’s going to talk with Angel, and he wants you to get us out of here. He’ll follow us as soon as he convinces Angel to take off the spell.” Herman sighed, the hope gone out of her eyes. “I doubt he can convince Angel. Angel will kill him. She’s too powerful, and as far as I know, she’s immortal. And she’s very, very bad.” “What the hell else can he do, Herman? We have to get out of here. He has to get out of here. Now come on, think. Help us.” “He can beg her. He can try to appeal to her motherly—” she gasped and held a hand to her mouth. “Angel is his mother? That crow is his mama?” “She never wanted him, you see. She tried to smother him when he was three months old. When he was four years old she was going to drown him. I took him and ran. Tommy thought he could protect Kane from her, but he couldn’t. He never could.” “Fuck me!” Olivia turned and took Kane’s free hand. “I’m so sorry, Kane. But Herman, that doesn’t exactly sound like the kind of mother with instincts Kane could appeal to.”

Kane stood staring into the distance, his eyes flat. “I will appeal to the crone.” He glanced at Olivia, finally. “The two of you get out of here. I will take care of my…Angel.” “Kane said for us to get out of here. He knows what to do.” “Kane, no!” Herman grasped at the air, her eyes wide. “No!” “Herman,” Kane roared, “get Olivia the fuck out of here.” And she heard him, or some part of her recognized his command. She stood and took Olivia’s hand. “Goodbye, my darling boy.” “Wait, Herman! I want to—” I want to kiss him goodbye, Olivia had been about to say, but the swirling, dizzy sensations took over, and suddenly she was flying through space, her body splintering into a million pieces. “Olivia.” Kane’s whisper swirled with her, keeping her company all the way home.

Chapter Twenty-Four Kane wandered through the desolate no man’s land, the wastelands his mother called home. He’d never find her if she didn’t want to be found, but no matter what else she was, she was also female. And no woman he’d ever known could control her curiosity. She’d make her appearance. Hopefully soon; though he was a ghost for all intents and purposes, the body he’d left in his cell wasn’t the only part of him that could experience sensation. What Tommy’s demons were doing to that body he couldn’t say, but he was pretty sure it wasn’t pleasant. The sensations his spirit was feeling—the burning heat that would have peeled his skin had he been wearing it, the deep thirst, the terrible dryness—was still preferable to what his physical body was undergoing, back with Tommy and the demons. Once he was back in his body, if they didn’t destroy it, he didn’t doubt he’d feel every little bruise. He’d talked with his father first. He’d had to enter his body again before Tommy could see him, but leaving and entering his body was like breathing, now. He was a quick learner. And despite the fact that he wanted out of this world, he couldn’t help the dash of pride at his newly learned power. Even Tommy had trouble sliding from his body. Right now, he had other things to think about. The crow, when she came, floated far above his head, her caws grating, terrible things worse than nails on a chalkboard. She seemed to realize this, and with each flinch he gave, her voice became louder. He threw his head back, eyes narrowed against the sun. “Bitch!” he yelled and shook his fist. If I had a gun… Her caws became shrieks of laughter, until at last she alighted on a dead, blackened tree limb ten feet in front of him. How could he talk to a fucking bird? And even as he thought it, she changed; a smooth, seamless change that at once impressed and repelled him. Nude, she perched on the limb, wrinkled and ancient, her long, streaming black and white hair hiding, thankfully, most of her small body. That she’d made herself so vulnerable to him, so soon, surprised him. The crow was invulnerable. The hag was not. “Mother,” he said, not even trying to hide his contempt. His hatred. She laughed again, her voice no less caustic than the bird’s. “Oho, baby boy all full of rage, even after all these years. Still needs his mommy.”

Don’t, Kane. Don’t antagonize the bitch. “I need a favor, but it’s not only for me. It will benefit you as well.” “Get right to the point, baby boy.” She hopped down from the tree, as spry as a kid. She pulled sunken lips into her mouth, and for a moment they disappeared. Black eyes stared at him from folds of loose wrinkles. “What, no hug for mommy?” He recoiled immediately, and her laughter rang out once again. “So happy to find you in such high spirits, Mother.” She shuffled closer and peered up at him, tilting her head like a curious bird. “What do you do here?” “Tommy brought me.” “Lie to me again and I’ll see to it you never find your body again, boy. Father couldn’t bring you if you didn’t want to come.” He struggled to keep his gaze on hers. “I did want to come. I was…interested in this part of my life. But no more. I want to go home, but Tommy doesn’t want to let me go. He wants, Mother, to have me rule by his side, and in his place when he steps down. And from what he told me, he wants to step down soon. Retire. Relax.” She began laughing so hard she nearly toppled over, at last reaching out a thin hand, crusted with dried skin and long, black fingernails, and clutched his arm. “Retire,” she snorted. “Retire!” “Your ugliness, Mother. I can change you back. Back to your youth and beauty.” Her laughter cut off abruptly. “What did you just say?” Fingernails dug into his skin, her eyes at once hopeful and canny. Dark, horrible things lived there and again, he had to struggle to hold her gaze. “You heard me.” Her eyes nearly disappeared into the wrinkled flaps of skin. “You lie.” “Look into my eyes, Mother. I do not lie.” “How?” “Tommy told me.” “And just why would he do that?” He shrugged. “He wanted to show me he loved me, or so he said. He said he made you this way for me. Did he?” For a moment her eyes wavered, and she refused to speak. Guilty? Could she feel guilt? “Why, Mother?” “Why what, boy?”

“Why did you try so hard to destroy me? Why did you want to kill a child, your child?” She reached up and ran a sharp fingernail over his cheek. “So handsome, you turned out to be. You look like me.” Grasping her wrist, he dragged her hand from his face. “One wouldn’t know that to look at you now.” She flinched, then spat at him. “If I regain my true form and powers I will rule.” “And my father may die.” One of you will die, in the war that ensues. “And you don’t care one bit.” Slowly, he shook his head. “No. He’s—” “Don’t explain to me, boy. I don’t care about your petty thoughts.” She stuck her forefinger into her hole of a mouth, sucking noisily. “Why would he give you such power over him?” He shrugged. “I don’t know.” Her eyes grew distant, her mouth lax. “I see him, there. I can see everything, you know. I still have that. I saw your whore, spreading her cunt for every demon that walked in there…” Her voice trailed off as though she were looking and listening hard. “He’s really working your body over, isn’t he? You’re going to be one sore little asshole when you get back.” Then she hesitated. “Tommy, Tommy…He might still be pretty, but the man can’t fuck. Did he tell you that? I made his cock a limp noodle.” She leaned closer, confiding in him like he was her best friend. “Only he still feels desire. Just has no way of relieving it.” She threw back her head and cackled. “Except with me, the ugly crone!” Kane shuddered and took a step back. At once she stopped laughing. “Fix me then, you bastard. I was once human, you know. But he brought me here, changed me…those were the good days.” Her eyes misted, unbelievably, and for one brief second he felt a spark of pity. Then she drew back her hand and hit him across the face, leaving his skin burning, stinging. How, he did not know. He had no skin to burn. “I still hate you, worthless bug.” And even though he was now a grown man whose past had been long buried, inside, he saddened. Why, though? Why did she hate him? “I need the black dagger you carry, Mother. It was part of the curse and will be part of the counter.” “I know that.”

It appeared in her hand; where she pulled it from he did not know, nor did he care to know. Before she handed it to him she made a fake lunge, laughing when he jumped to avoid her. “Give me your throat, Mother.” She lifted her chin, baring her throat with a hopeful speed that might have been touching, had she been someone else. “Just have a care that you don’t hurt me, boy. I may look old, but I can strike you down.” And he had no doubt that once he’d cured her, she’d try to do just that. “I wish only to cure you.” He held the knife at her throat, steady. “But you have to swear to do something for me in return. That is why I’m here, offering to restore you.” “Of course, of course.” Her reply was hurried, impatient. She had no intention of keeping whatever promise she made to him. “Just do it. I’ll do whatever you want.” “I want you to send me back.” “Gladly. Now do it! Quickly before the sun melts away!” Still, he hesitated. “Mother…” “Don’t call me that, you worthless creature! Reverse the curse before I rip out your heart and eat it!” “You can’t kill me, Mother. Not in this form. Why do you think I’m here?” Her eyes widened in sudden, awful understanding, and he ripped the dagger across her throat. “Terminus of vita , terminus of nox noctis. Goodbye, Mother.” “No…boy, no…you don’t know what—” but her words ended in a hideous gargle as blood spurted, drowning her in a black sea of death. She tried to change and save herself, but it was an unsuccessful move. Halfway shifted, she flopped to the ground, a nightmare in the sun. Her blood spread in a widening pool, black upon the dry, rocky ground. Smoke rose into the air and he backed away, a hand to his nose. He wouldn’t have to bury her; the ground melted away where she lay, and she sank into the grave created. His chest tight, he stood with clenched fists. It hadn’t been hard to do, and that bothered him. He was a child of his parents. He’d murdered his mother. The hand upon his shoulder was heavy. “Thank you, son.” He turned to Tommy, his eyes, damn them, swimming with useless tears. “Just send me back,” he said. “I kept my end of the bargain. Send me back.”

Tommy’s eyes were sad, almost human. “I loved her once, you know. But it was constant, this war we waged upon each other. I had to kill her.” “You had to have me kill her.” Rage and sorrow mixed together in a putrid soup. “I killed her.” “She never loved you, Kane.” Kane drew in a deep, arid breath. “Yeah. But I’m a murderer, and it doesn’t matter that she didn’t love me.” “And I will do as I promised. You may go home. I won’t bother you again. I had no choice—” “Yeah, yeah. Just…send me back so I can get back to my life and forget that you, she, and this world ever existed.” “You are who you are, Kane.” “I am who I am. I’m not who I was born to be. I’m not one of you.” His father stepped away, sighing. “I’m sorry for harming your body, son. But she would have seen through the plan otherwise.” “I will never forgive you for what you’ve done, Father, or for what you made me do. And someday, for what you did to Olivia, I’ll come back and destroy you.” And letting go of some of the rage, he drew back a fist and slammed it into his father face. “You watch for me. I will be back.” From the ground, Tommy waved his hand weakly. Sending his son back, in his opinion, to hell. “I’ll be waiting,” he said.

Chapter Twenty-Five Weakened from their excursions into hell, Olivia came out of the experience with more strength than Herman. Though it had been Herman’s world, she had been sapped of her energy, left depressed and weak. Olivia helped her into her bed, zinged her a pot of tea and some cookies, then headed home. Herman wanted to be alone, and Olivia wasn’t going to argue. There were so many questions, but Olivia cared about little except for Kane. Left there alone, she wasn’t sure he’d be able to make it back out. She would, of course, go back. But this time, she’d leave Herman and have her father send her. She would not leave Kane there alone. Even now, her body, her spirit, cried out for him. Flying home on a folding chair she’d borrowed from Herman, she landed gracefully on her front porch. Somehow, she just didn’t care if the neighbors saw. What could they do, look horrified? Big deal. She could handle any torch-waving mob that dared approach her. Assholes, anyway. She dragged herself to her bed, suddenly as drained of energy as Herman had been. “Jet lag,” she murmured, managing a hysterical cackle. As soon as she threw herself across the bed, her tears came. Sobbing into her pillow, she moaned and groaned and threw a fit brought on by relief, terror, love, and plain old overwhelming tiredness. “I want Kane!” she screeched, shaking her fist at the ceiling. “You’re supposed to be here, you bastard.” “Olivia.” She screamed and sat up, shoving her hair out of her face. “Kane? Oh my god, Kane?” Launching herself from the bed into his arms, she cried into his warm neck, gasping for breath, too overwrought to speak with any sort of coherency. He squeezed her against him, his voice dry when he spoke. “Miss me?” She pulled back to look at him, still sobbing, to get a look at her poor, dear familiar. Then she gaped, tears forgotten. “Son of a bitch! What happened to your face? Oh, no, this isn’t happening. I don’t think so.” She pushed away from him, more angry than she could ever remember being. “I’m going back and this time, I’m packing heat! I’ll shoot the motherfuckers. Who—” “Hush, Olivia.”

She melted against his chest, emotions overflowing. “Oh, how did you manage to get away from them? Angel…?” “I took care of it.” “But what—” He pulled her to him and buried his face in her hair. “Not right now, Olivia.” She stood in his arms, quiet, breathing in the scent of him. “Lie down, Kane. I’ll get you some food. Do you want a bath? Let me take care of you.” His eyes were tired, so tired. And something else. Something that made her want to grab him and do things to erase every bit of sadness and pain inside him. “Kane,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry.” “For what?” “For whatever put that look in your eyes.” He nodded and then pulled her tighter against him, perhaps to hide his face. “I’m okay.” His sigh was long. “Now.” For long, silent moments they held each other, swaying, breathing, living. She couldn’t get close enough to him, couldn’t grip him hard enough. “I was so afraid.” “I’ll always take care of you.” Her eyes misted again, but more from a heart-wrenching love than anything else. “I know you will.” And she did. “I’ll be your familiar, if that means I’m your man, the one who takes care of you, the one who loves you, the one—the only one—who touches you.” She nodded against him, the lump in her throat refusing to let words by. “And it’s over,” he went on, “with the demons, with my…Tommy. I don’t belong there.” He buried his nose in her hair. “You smell good. So clean.” She sniffed and moved her cheek from his chest to look at him. “You’ll have to tell me all of it.” “Soon.” “Yes. Soon. Lie down with me?” “Yes.” They moved to the bed, holding hands as though afraid not touching would mean they’d lose each other. As she settled into his arms, the phone rang. She reached across him to answer it, knowing her family would be worried. “Hello?” “Olivia! Are you all right? When did you get back? Where’s Kane? How is he?”

“Daddy, Daddy. Give me a minute to answer. We haven’t been back long and are both fine. Kane’s here with me now. We’ll talk tomorrow, okay?” “Of course, of course. I’m sure you’re tired. But…you’re really all right?” “Yes, Daddy, I promise. You can come by tomorrow.” “Thank you, dear.” “Bye Daddy.” She started to press the hang up button but hesitated. “Daddy?” “Still here, dear.” “I love you.” “Why, I love you too, honey.” She hung up and flicked a finger at the light. It was too bright in the room. Hard to rest with a bulb glaring like a spotlight. “I love how you can do that,” he said. Surprised as well as delighted, she smiled. “Thank you.” “You’re an amazing woman, Olivia.” He pulled her into his arms, pressing her cheek to his chest. “I’m glad you finally figured that out.” Her cheekiness garnered a weak smile. “Was my aunt okay?” “Yes. Tired, down, but she’ll be okay.” He ran his hand over her hair. “And you?” “Now that you’re back. And safe.” “I’m sorry you had to go through that.” “I’m fine, Kane.” She rose up on her elbow to study him. “I’m more worried about you. Talk to me.” “Not right now.” His voice was hoarse, his eyes haunted. He shuddered against her. Uneasiness turned to fear, the taste of it sharp and acrid upon her tongue. What the fuck had happened to him? Whatever it was, he wasn’t ready to tell her. She did the only thing she knew to do to take his tortured mind from his problems. “Close your eyes, Kane. Don’t think about anything but the way your body feels. Let everything else go, just for a little while.” He closed his eyes, willing, for once, to relinquish control. For a moment, she could only look at him, tracing his features with a loving gaze, realizing how truly deep were her feelings for this man, for this familiar. God, she loved him. She loved him so fucking much. And she had a good feeling that he loved her right back.

Chapter Twenty-Six With something close to awe, she undressed him. He lay lax and quiet, perhaps too worn to do otherwise. Carefully, slowly, she slipped his buttons free and only then did he move, to discard the shirt. At her gasp, his eyes flew open and he sighed. “Don’t stop, Olivia, please. It’s nothing.” Grinding her teeth, tears of rage stinging her eyes, she kissed each purpling bruise, each cut, each hurt he’d been dealt. How unfair life was, sometimes. How hard to live. Still, she knew something much more than a battered body was bothering him. And deep down, she wasn’t sure she wanted to know what that was. Determined, she pulled off his shoes, then her hands eagerly reached for his belt. Demon love, her inner voice sang. Demon love is good, good love. Despite his trials, Kane was ready for her. So ready, so hard, that the ridiculous ditty floated through her mind once more. Demon love, indeed. But then his eyes opened just a slit and her heart beat faster at the redness shining there. She ran her thumb over the satiny, moistened tip of his cock. Her demon…her familiar. Her love. Her breathing shallow and fast, she lowered her mouth to taste him. At the first touch of her lips, he groaned and arched his back, thrusting his erection deeper into her mouth. She cupped his firm balls, squeezing, massaging, her other hand gripping his penis at its base. He’d never tasted so good to her. Seriously good, as if his essence were nectar and she was desperate to drink it, to get it into her body. She sucked hard and fast, single-minded in her desire. The world dimmed to only this moment, her mouth, and his cock. Becoming aware that the breathless, moaning little cries were coming from her, but helpless to halt them, she took him deeper, deeper, until his long, thick cock was filling her throat and finally, with a shout that sounded like pain, he came. His seed spurted in a never-ending stream into her throat and she swallowed convulsively, holding him steady lest he try to withdraw. When his semen hit her stomach she felt it, physically felt it, painting her insides with life and strength, hope and love. Something changed inside her, but she had no idea what it was.

With him caught inside her mouth she climaxed, her orgasm shocking her even as it thundered through her. Her pussy vibrated with the force of it, her body seizing in a contraction of ecstasy. And still she sucked, swallowing each little drop of moisture, moaning in joy as her tongue swirled around his hard cock. She squeezed his balls, urging them to give her more. Until at last there was no more; she’d drained him of everything he had to give. For now. She’d drained herself as well. Exhausted, she dropped her face against his belly, swimming in the aftereffects of whatever power had held her in its grip. Sweaty, hot, breathing like she’d just finished a marathon, she fought sleep. Eyes heavy, heart light, she flicked her tired tongue out to touch the head of his still hard cock, her body stiffening in a spasm of bliss. Wow. Just…wow. “Kane?” she murmured, almost too spent to get the word out. His fingers crept over her head to pat her face, weakly. “Sleep,” he managed. And his voice lulling her over the edge, she gave in and sank into the warm cotton depths of sleep. Her sleep was deep and dreamless, and what seemed like only a moment later, she felt him patting her awake. “Olivia. I’m hungry.” She groaned and pulled the sheet over her head, realizing that somehow she’d ended up with her face resting on his shoulder, his arms around her. “Sleepy.” “You’ve slept long enough, lazy witch. Wake up and let’s have breakfast.” His stomach growled, to prove how starving he was. Her yawn nearly cracked her jaw. “You know I can’t cook. Order something in.” She could almost feel his scoff. “I’ll cook breakfast.” “Oh, good. I’ll just go back to sleep. Call me when it’s finished. Or better yet, just run me up a tray, will you? And coffee. Lots of coffee.” He laughed and slapped her thinly covered ass. “I’m willing to do that, just this once.” That woke her up. She lifted her head, mouth open. “Yeah?” He slid out of the bed, much to her dismay. “Look at me, Olivia.”

Blinking her eyes against the lingering layers of sleep, she peered at him. Once more, her jaw dropped, and she sat up. Reaching for him, she squealed. “Kane! We did this?” “Yes.” He stood before her, naked, not one scratch or bruise on his perfect body. “Or should I say, you did this. Woman, you sure can give head.” She hooted with laughter, suddenly wide awake. Bouncing out of bed, filled with sizzling energy, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “I’m starving, too. I don’t know if I can wait for you to cook something.” “Maybe we can find you a crust of bread to nibble while I’m frying bacon.” Her stomach groaned. “Bacon, sizzling hot, crispy bacon…and eggs over easy…oh my god, I’m going to die if I don’t eat right now!” He bent and swept her into his arms. “Control yourself, woman.” With a mock growl, he raised her high in his arms and rubbed his slightly prickly face over her breasts. “Ow!” Still, her nipples hardened eagerly. He noticed and darted his tongue out to flick the end of one. “Olivia, you are insatiable.” “Where you’re concerned, I most definitely am.” She wiggled against him. “Food first. I have to fuel my body in order to deal with you.” “Deal with me?” “Yep.” He slid her down his body. “Come on, witch.” She floated herself down the stairs, leaving the demon to walk. “Show off,” he called. She giggled. Giggled. Ugh. What was he turning her into? An idiot? her inner voice offered, helpfully. He took time to pull on his pants. The sight of him standing at her stove, shirtless, dangerous, sexy, nearly took her breath. Then a cold wind crossed her naked body, and she shivered. Everything was so perfect. The intrusion of foreboding was most definitely not welcome. “Kane.” He turned from the stove, eyebrow cocked. “Yes?” “I just…I felt something bad.” He frowned and walked to stand in front of her. “I told you I’d take care of you.” She swallowed, feeling her eyes growing large in her face as a cold, hard knot of fear settled in her stomach. “I feel like something is going wrong.”

He knelt down beside her chair, pulling her against his chest. “I won’t let anything happen to you, Olivia. Trust me.” Her nod was jerky, but hopeful. “Okay. Yes. I trust you.” But the knot in her stomach refused to melt away. She ate her food, still hungry despite her fear. If something happened to him… Sunlight streamed through her kitchen windows, dotting the wood floor with glimmering beads of light. The air was redolent with scents of a hearty breakfast, and Kane sat across from her, chewing slowly, watching her. He smiled when he caught her gaze. Everything was perfect. Why then, was she so afraid? She shivered and pushed her chair back. “Where are you going, Olivia? You haven’t finished your breakfast.” “I’m just going to get dressed. I’ll be right back.” For suddenly she was way too naked. Something was coming, and she wasn’t going to meet it without her clothes on.

Chapter Twenty-Seven When it came, it came roaring in on destructive hurricane winds, tossing acid rain and brown swirling rivers that flooded the world with angry, terrible intent. “I knew it,” Olivia said, standing in the living room floor, her arms wrapped around herself. “I knew it. Fucking bad shit never ends, does it? Really?” Kane sat in the corner chair, shadowed and still. “Olivia.” “What?” “Sit down.” She wanted to argue, so full of helpless frustration was she, but in the end, she did as he asked. A fight with a powerful demon might be fun sometimes, but right now it wasn’t high on her list of things to do. She was pretty sure that no matter how angry she got, she’d be unwilling to hurt Kane. She wasn’t, however, sure he’d be quite so reticent. “Okay. I’ll be calm. I’ll even be logical. But I have to tell you Kane, murder is not condoned. You’re a familiar. My familiar. If you were a cat or a…a dog, you’d be put down for taking another life. Just because you’re human…or, almost human, doesn’t mean your life will be spared. When the council hears of this—” “Fuck your council, Olivia. It was what I had to do.” “No one has to commit murder, Kane. Although, you being a demon, it’s almost understandable.” She clasped her shaking hands together in her lap, torn between horror, fear, and the desire to just forget that Kane had murdered his mother. Yeah. Like she could ever forget that. “So you think it’s okay for your council to murder me because I murdered someone else.” “It’s not that they’d murder you, Kane. Merely punish you.” But she frowned. He was right. “And I’m not going to let anyone kill you, council or not.” She shuddered. Going up against a demon was preferable to going against the council. “Still, you’re drawing away from me. I can feel it.” She bit her lip and studied the floor. “I can’t help it. You murdered your mother.” The awful words rang through the house, echoing like a bell of doom. “Can you get past it?” His voice was dry, so dry.

Her stomach began to hurt and she pressed a fist against it, too hard. “I don’t know.” He nodded. Climbing from his chair like an old, old man, he stood looking down at her. “I’ll give you some time.” Mentally exhausted, she could barely acknowledge him with a nod. Sadness seeped her very bones of energy, and after he’d gone, she sat for long minutes staring blankly into space. She loved a murderer. All her life she’d been taught that to kill someone in cold blood was the very worst thing one could ever do. She believed that with all her heart. And now, she was in love with a murderer. Not only in love with one, but connected to one spiritually. He was her fucking familiar. She knew of only one person she’d trust with this. But before she could call her father to her, her family opened her front door and came inside. “Baby,” Mama said, rushing to her. “I felt something was wrong. Are you okay? Did that horrid man harm you?” “He wouldn’t hurt her, Mama.” “Hush, Desdemona. You don’t know!” Olivia, oddly, felt comforted by their inane chatter and the knowledge that no matter what, they loved her. “Where’s Daddy?” “I’m here, dumpling. Just took a detour at the kitchen to get a cookie.” “I need to talk to Daddy.” Mama drew back, eyebrows lifted. “Well!” Daddy patted her shoulder. “Now, Mother. I’ll tell you afterward.” “That’s not the point. If my own daughter can’t talk to me…well, I just don’t know.” She pulled a hanky out of her sleeve and blew her nose. Olivia studied the floor. Despite the older woman’s theatrics, Olivia knew she’d sincerely had her feelings hurt. “I’m sorry, Mama. I just don’t know how to tell you. And I don’t want you to worry.” Tears dried like they’d never been there, Mama sat down beside her, all big eyes and eager ears. Des sat on her other side, always the curious cat. Daddy simply sighed and stayed where he was. “Mama…I’m in love with my familiar.” Mama patted Olivia’s hands, looking rather disappointed. “Oh. Well, dear, that’s okay then. There’s nothing wrong with that, since your familiar is a person, not an animal. Now, were he a cat, or say, a pig, I’d be worried.” Olivia took a deep breath. “He’s not exactly human, Mama.” Now Mama perked up. “No? Well whatever is he, darling?”

“He’s a demon.” Des and Mama gasped, both holding white hands to plump bosoms. “What?” Avoiding Daddy’s gaze, Olivia nodded. “He’s part demon.” “Oh, gross!” Des said, but Olivia got the distinct feeling that was for Mama’s benefit. But mama, she was definitely anti-demon. “Oh, my. This will not do. My daughter with a demon for a familiar?” She stood, then sat down again abruptly. “And in love with him? And you’ve…oh dear lord, you’ve…” She couldn’t even say the words. “Slept with himz,” Des offered helpfully. Mama fanned herself, looking faint. Daddy rushed to her side, ready to catch her should she topple into the floor. Poor Daddy. “Mama, calm down. I don’t care that he’s a demon.” Mama gaped, her fanning interrupted. “You mean you have more to tell me? Worse?” Olivia nodded, tears congealing into a cold knot and gathering in her throat. “Much, much worse.” “Have mercy on us all,” Mama said. “What could possibly be worse than the fact that he’s a demon?” Daddy flinched. “Now, Mother…” “He’s also a murderer,” Olivia whispered. The only sound in the room was the clock, ticking the seconds away in the frozen silence. Then Daddy grabbed her hands. “Tell me.” “He killed his mother to get out of the demon’s world. His father wouldn’t let him out otherwise. They struck a deal.” Even Daddy looked horrified. “A deal to kill his mother? No.” “Yes. But she was a bad, evil woman. She’d tried to kill him when he was a child and she—” “Olivia,” Mama said, stern as a schoolteacher. “There are no excuses for murder.” “I know, but…” “The council will sentence him to death.” “But Mama, if they put him down, Livvy may die too. He’s her familiar.” Again, that frozen silence, the clock tick ticking the seconds away. “What do we do?” Mama whispered.

Chapter Twenty-Eight Daddy paced the floor, on his face a look Olivia had never seen before. “We’ll not tell them.” “They’ll know, Daddy,” Des said and went to kneel beside Olivia. “Oh, Livvy.” She began to sob, and Olivia put her arms around her. “Hush, Desi. We’ll figure something out.” “Desdemona’s right,” Mama said, her face white as a bleached bone. “The council will know. If they don’t already.” Olivia couldn’t help but shiver. Why, why? “I love him,” she said, and once the words were out of her mouth, she realized just how true they were. She couldn’t take back her love because he’d done something she couldn’t understand or agree with. “I love him.” Des sniffed and nodded, and Daddy murmured, “He’s a good man.” Mama, however, sat with her lips in a thin line, disgust in her eyes. But Olivia didn’t care about Mama’s disapproval. She cared about the council calling him forth and striking him dead with a few well-placed and casual waves of ancient, bony hands. She stood, handing Des to Mama and pacing with Daddy. Back and forth, back and forth, wearing a path in the smooth floor, and still no answers came. She couldn’t lose him. Whether or not she faded away without her familiar didn’t matter. She just couldn’t lose her love. She turned to her father. “Daddy, surely you know something we can do.” He nodded. “I do have an idea, but…” “What, Daddy? If it’ll save Kane, it’s worth doing.” Mama and Des stood, wringing their hands. Olivia waited. Still, Daddy rubbed his chin, his frown deeper than ever, and hesitated. “Daddy,” she prompted. “The Council has no jurisdiction over the demon’s world, Livvy.” She tilted her head, and then his words sank in. “Oh,” she breathed. “I see.” “What?” asked Des. Mama shook her head. “We’re not worried about him. If he goes back to his world, Olivia will still be here, pining for her familiar. She can’t be without him, much as it pains me to say.” “Livvy would have to go with him,” Daddy said.

Mama raised her eyebrow. “She’s a witch, hon. Witches can’t go to hell.” She held his hand, her face sorrowful, as though Daddy had lost his mind with worry. Olivia closed her eyes. “Don’t, Daddy.” Don’t make Mama hate you. Des frowned. “Livvy?” “There’s something I have to tell you, Mother. And you too, Desdemona.” His eyes were too sad for Olivia to look into, so she sank down on the couch and dropped her face into her hands. “I named you, Desi. Mother named Olivia, and I got to name you.” His voice was matter-of-fact, soft enough that he might have been talking to himself. Olivia looked up, dreading the coming tale. Des smiled cautiously. “It’s okay, Daddyz. I like my name.” Demon. Daddy had to get his part in there somehow and had chosen Desdemona because part of that name was demon. Tears sprang to Olivia’s eyes. What a lonely man he must have been. Never daring to share that part of himself with anyone, least of all his wife. “What has that to do with anything?” asked Mama. Daddy’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. “Mama, I—” Olivia’s stomach plummeted and her heart squeezed painfully. Jumping to her feet, she ran to put her arms around Daddy’s neck. “Don’t say a word,” she whispered in his ear, “I’ll make something up. Just go along with me.” Mama and Des were beyond confused. “What is it, Olivia?” mama asked. “Listen,” Olivia said, making it up as she went. “What Daddy’s trying to say is that in order to save himself, Kane will have to live in his world. He’s out of reach of the Council there. And in order to survive, I’ll have to live there with him.” “We gotz that,” Des said. “But it’s impossible. Witches can’t go to the demon’s world.” “See, though, because of the strangeness of my having a demon familiar in the first place, things are different with me. I can go to the demon world. It’s a fluke, but it’s possible.” “And how would you know this, Olivia?” “Because I already tried it, Mama. I went there. With Kane.” “You what?” Olivia nodded. “So you see, that’s what…I will have…” her voice trailed off as the truth hit her like a falling boulder. She’d have to live there? Lose her powers? She put a trembling hand to her chest. Exactly like Angel. Angel

had once been human. Or maybe, just maybe, Angel had once been a witch. And look at the misery of her life. And death. “Daddy,” she said, beseechingly, like he could fix things. “I’m sorry, baby.” “Oh no,” Des said. “Oh no. You can’t go, Livvy. You can’t.” “If I stay here, I’ll weaken until I die.” Her lips barely moved, stiff from disbelief and dismay. And she didn’t want to live without him anyway. “It’s all his fault. That murderous low-life demon. Why would a witch have a demon familiar anyway?” Mama squared her shoulders. “I’m going to talk to Lily. There has to be another way around this problem.” Past the first shock, she gathered herself together to do some work. “Mama will fix things.” She kissed Olivia’s cheek. “Just don’t do anything right now.” She pointed a finger, shaking it enthusiastically in Olivia’s face. “Do not let that…demon drag you off. You stay right here where you belong until we can straighten this mess out. Come along, you two. We have work to do.” And she sailed out of the room like a majestic ship on high seas, Des and Daddy sucked along in her wake.

Chapter Twenty-Nine For three long days and three lonely nights, Kane stayed away. On the fourth morning she awakened to find him perched on her bed, staring at her, his eyes strange, alien. The pupil was inky black and dilated, the iris deep red surrounded by a crimson so dark it was almost black. She lay still, her gaze pinned to his, not daring to move. “Kane?” His gaze moved over her and still he did not speak, his face closed, dark. Finally he reached out a steady hand and pulled the sheets from her body. She swallowed, heart speeding with desire. It took only the thought of his touch to get her going. “Naked,” he said. His voice was rusty as though he hadn’t used it at all in his time away. “For me.” “Yes,” she whispered. “Only you.” He’d dressed in a rumpled black tee and a pair of indigo jeans, and his muscled bulged under the short sleeves of his shirt. His hair was slightly messy, as though he’d just awakened and hadn’t thought to find a comb. It seemed longer, somehow, tickling the top of his shoulders in dark, sexy disarray. She darted her tongue out to moisten her lower lip. “I’m glad you came back.” “I had no choice.” He sounded like he regretted that fact. She frowned and rolled away from him, out of the bed. “Olivia.” “Just give me a minute.” Slightly pissed that he seemed hell-bent on regretting her, she stomped to the bathroom. She might be inclined to tantrums, but she was pretty sure she was going to get a nice, long, steamy round of sex. Which meant a quick pee and a half a tube of toothpaste were in order. How much better it was to lose one’s self in sex when worries were overwhelming. And Kane was so easy to get lost in. She tried not to think about the fact that while she was so relieved he was safe and back with her, part of her stood back with folded arms and judged him. And therefore, judged herself for wanting him. When she went back into the bedroom and found him lying atop the covers, nude and beautiful, her only thought was to lie beside him, to feel his warm skin against hers. They could talk later. Decide things later.

“Come here, Olivia.” She went to him, sudden shyness weaving around her like a teasing breeze. He reached for her, and finally, back in his arms, she was able to release her fears. Scalding tears helped wash away some of the pain, and his warm, strong embrace lulled her into a sense, however false it may have been, of security. “Lay your head down,” he said, and she cried, wrapped in his love. At last, purged and empty, she sighed. “Things have been hard since I found you.” She felt him nod, knew his smile would be fleeting, but there. The sadness in his eyes, however, would linger. “I know what you mean.” Desperate, she ran her hand over his smooth chest, over his abdomen, to grasp his slowly rising sex. “Kane, make me forget for awhile. Can you?” “Yes, baby. I can make us both forget, for a little while.” She lifted her face for his kiss, meeting his lips halfway. Softly, with the gentlest touch he rubbed his lips against hers. Her heart lifted at that kiss. It promised so much, but above all, it promised they would be together, and that was all that mattered. He moved to his side, pushing her to her back. “Lie still, Olivia. Let me love you.” Did he? Did he love her? His fingertips danced across her skin, drawing intricate patterns that soothed even as they excited. “I never want to see you unhappy.” “Nor I you.” She could only manage a whisper as his fingers continued their way over her skin. Say you love me, Kane. Make it all worth it. Say you love me. But the words didn’t come, not then. And soon, she no longer cared. He didn’t have to try hard to make her forget. His fingers were tipped with erasers, wiping clean the slate of bad memories and dark uncertainties. This lovemaking was gentle, sweet, or perhaps bittersweet. Like he thought they might never see each other again. Like he was going to go to his demon world and leave her here. As if. Kissing her gently, his tongue dipping into her mouth, he kneaded her breast with a large, warm hand. He rubbed the pad of his thumb over her nipple, that one touch causing her to rip her mouth from his to drag in a deep, desperate breath.

She moved her legs, silently seeking his touch where she most craved it. Restless, the pressure building, she moaned before he once again captured her lips. His kiss deep and commanding, he took her further emotionally with his lips than any other man had ever managed. But then, she’d never loved them. She’d never, ever been so afraid of losing someone. Trailing his fingers over her skin, his hawkish gaze trained upon her, he abruptly changed the game. Instead of soft violins, cymbals and bass began to crash and thump, and her heart jumped and beat in perfect sync. He became, in that second, more demon than man. She had no idea what changed him. Maybe he was hardening himself against loving her. He would not want to be vulnerable, especially if he thought they were going to be separated. “Kane.” She lifted her palms to cup his face. “You know we can’t be away from each other, right?” His eyes didn’t change, and he remained silent above her, his lips a straight line. She shivered as a dark premonition began gnawing at her mind, slicing through the haze of desire. “Kane?” But he still refused to speak. He lowered his mouth to her breasts, his mouth rougher than usual, frantic on her tender flesh. He ground his groin against hers, his cock insistent, probing. The curtain he’d pulled over his eyes wavered, too sheer for her to miss the look of longing and uncertainty he’d been trying to hide. “Kane…” But she couldn’t talk, couldn’t question him. He understood too well how to take her mind off everything but herself, her body, her desires. Between them, his erection slid like hot silk against her skin. She encircled it with an eager hand, lifting her chin to give him access to her throat. His chest rubbed her nipples, his teeth scraping her neck. His body, warm and smooth, moved against hers, and her stomach tightened, her heart beating fast and hard against her ribs. She couldn’t get a deep enough breath, couldn’t even think clearly; all she could do was open her legs and hope he’d put an end to her misery. “Fuck! Kane…” Right now she needed him inside her. Where he belonged. Tilting her pelvis, she rubbed her pussy against him like an out of control animal. She wanted to come and wasn’t going to be picky about how that happened. Her clit felt swollen and raw, her pussy seeking his dick, wanting more than anything to clench around him as he plunged deep inside her.

His voice, harsh and alien, rasped out of his throat to tickle her with a whisper of laughter that wasn’t at all amused. Before it was buried beneath a rush of pure lust, a thread of unease shot through her. At last, with a quick, hard thrust, he pushed into her. Nearly too small for him, a cry of shock rushed past her lips on a breath of ecstasy. It was good, too good. Finally she was able to move, her body accepting his with glee. She bucked beneath him, thrusting with him, crying out with each plunge of his huge erection. Flesh slapping against his in a slick, sweaty dance, her orgasm exploded, leaving her breathless, fingernails digging into his back. And before she could draw a decent breath and recover from the first climax, she came again, her body stiffening and shaking beneath him. The orgasms rolled through her on tidal waves of bliss, wiping away any worry, any thought. Darkness covered her vision in a silky, cool sheet, and she lost herself in pure sensation. Wrapped in his arms, she slept a deep, dreamless sleep. When she awakened, he was gone.

Chapter Thirty “You will go with him to his world, Olivia.” “This is his world.” “You know what I mean. It’s the only thing that will keep you both alive. His world wants him, and you will be accepted because you are part of him.” “I don’t know what to do, Lily. Neither of us wants to go back to that…hellhole.” “You can make a life anywhere, Olivia. As long as you’re together.” “You sound like a movie of the week.” “Don’t be disrespectful.” “Sorry.” Lily sighed and heaved herself from her chair. “I can see no other choices, dear. I’m the one who’s sorry.” “Not your fault, Lily.” But she felt a sinking disappointment in the older woman and couldn’t quite look her in the eye. Lily hesitated at the door. “Olivia, if you could find a way to reject him as your familiar, so all this would be moot, would you do it?” Olivia smiled, then frowned. “You’re serious.” To make up for the lack of respect earlier, she pretended to actually give the question some thought. “No. I wouldn’t reject him.” Lily smiled, her canny old eyes bright. “But dear, I think I have just found the answer to our dilemma. Oh!” She gave a little dance, so out of character that Olivia could only stare. Only after Lily had hopped out the door and disappeared did Olivia think to jump from her chair with questions on her lips. But Lily was gone. Shrugging, Olivia left her house and wandered down familiar streets. If Lily had the answer, she would give it to Olivia when she was sure it was, in fact, the solution to the problem. Olivia couldn’t get excited. Depression wrapped around her, encouraging her feelings of hopelessness. She was tired. Way too tired to think about it. Of course, she could think of nothing else. Her love—her fated, true love—was a demon. Not only that, but a demon familiar. And not only that, but a murdering demon familiar, whom the council would not allow to go unpunished. And she couldn’t live without him. It was almost funny. She walked the streets until dark and found her feet leading her home. He wouldn’t be there, of course, because he was a stubborn son of a bitch, and

he liked to drive her mad. He knew how that tiny part of her cringed when she thought of him as a murderer. The disgust must shine from her, similar to the way it glowed from her mother’s eyes when she’d discovered he was a demon. Ugh. She was turning into her mother. When she got home, the entire house appeared lit up. Dammit, why did people continue to torment her with intruding visits? But she saw Des peeping from the living room window and despite herself, a tiny spark of hope flared. Maybe Mama had found a way. She hurried into the house to find her family, Lily, and Maxwell Price, of all people, crowded into her living room, drinking wine and eating crackers, laughing and looking for all the world like a major celebration was underway. But what made her heart leap was the tall figure leaning against the far wall, his dark eyes steady as he stared at her. He opened his arms and she walked straight into them, resting her cheek against his broad, warm chest. Enfolded in his big arms, she realized Lily was right. As long as they were together, she could live anywhere. She’d opened her mouth to say so when Des launched herself at the two of them, nearly knocking them over in her excitement. “Waitz ‘til you hear, Livvy!” Olivia drew away from Kane with a sigh, shaking her head at Des. “Desdemona, are you six years old?” Des raised an eyebrow. “You’re such a damp mop!” “What’s that supposed to mean?” “Well, duh,” was Des’s succinct reply. Then quickly she added, “Zzz.” With Kane’s arm heavy and comforting across her shoulders, Olivia turned to the others. “What’s going on?” Mama stepped forward, her face wreathed in smiles. “We’ve found a way to solve everything, Olivia. Lily?” “She’s right, dear. I flew straight home after our talk and began my research. You are about to be a free woman, and Kane can safely return to his own world. All we have to do is reverse the ceremony that made him yours.” A cold, sick feeling sucked the air from her lungs. “He’s meant to be my familiar. Even before the ceremony, I was getting sick because he wasn’t here. Take us back to before the ceremony, I’ll still be sick from needing him. And so will he. That’s not solving the problem.” But even before Olivia finished speaking, Lily was shaking her head, smiling.

“We’re going back to the beginning, Olivia. We’re going to erase him from your genes, so to speak.” Lily raised a finger before Olivia could open her mouth. “And we’ll implant that…magic into a normal familiar. A nice cat or a toad or whatever you wish.” She looked at Kane, standing so quietly beside her. Tension screamed loudly in every part of his body, from his stiff spine to his dark, avoiding gaze. “Kane? Did she tell you this?” “I told him,” Lily answered, when Kane refused to. “He’s agreed it’s the best possible solution. He will go back to his world, Olivia.” Her voice was soft, so kind. “And you will stay in yours.” Angel’s face floated through her mind, and she shuddered. “I can’t live without him.” “You will live without him, dear. I wouldn’t do this unless I was very sure you weren’t going to be harmed.” “I…” she stared at Kane, willing him to look at her, to give her the truth of those hot, dark eyes. “Kane?” Finally, he looked down at her, his eyes carefully blanked. “It’s the only way. We will do it.” She shook her head. “You can’t mean to do it, Kane. You can’t.” “Of course I do,” he replied. His voice was a rusty nail, scraping across her skin. His eyes blazed with rage, lip curling. “I am not a witch’s worthless familiar.” He spat the word like he tasted toxic waste upon his tongue. “I’m a man. A demon. And I will not be the cause of more pain for you. Not if there’s another way.” He stepped away from her and turned to Lily. “We’ll do it. The sooner the better.” “Kane! Why are you doing this?” “What did I just say? Think about it. I want to be the man I am, not the animal you want me to be. I am under no one’s thumb. I see the way you look at me now.” His voice grew softer, which was so much worse. “You can’t live in my world, Olivia.” “So you’re throwing us away because of your fucking pride? Your stupid male ego?” She stalked around him, fingernails digging into her palms to keep from hitting him. He was hers, her familiar. He was her protector. He couldn’t help but obey her, could he? And then she stopped, stunned. “Oh, no.” He was right. She thought of him as her animal. As something to control. Eyes wide to keep the tears from spilling, she could do little but stare in mute appeal. Of course he’d want to be released. Of course he would.

And she loved him enough to let him go.

Chapter Thirty-One The ceremony was less than an hour away when he came to her, walked into her bedroom like he still had the right to, and leaned against the wall to watch her dress. She turned from him, unwilling to let him see her red eyes and telltale swollen nose. Some women could cry oceans and look good doing it. She was so not one of those women. She looked like a hung-over, mutated Pinocchio. She felt guilty for being such a bitch—a slave-driving, selfish witch—but she wasn’t without her pride. “What do you want, Kane?” She turned to glare at him, wishing she had the nerve to shoot a stinger at him and watch him writhe on the floor in agony. Okay, maybe not a stinger. But the idea of a love spell had definitely entered her mind. But she knew she couldn’t. She’d never want to keep him if he didn’t want to be there of his own free will. “You never loved me, then?” she couldn’t help but ask. He tilted his head to the side. “Whatever I felt wasn’t real, Olivia. It was made up of chains and magic and secrets.” He shrugged. “So that’s not a question I can answer.” Oh, the darts of pain that shot through her heart. She leaned against the dresser, trying to breathe. It was harder than she’d thought it might be, to hear him say that. And so casually. I loved you, Kane, magic or no. Still do. “You should wait downstairs,” she managed. “I need to finish dressing for the ceremony.” His gaze flowed over her, hot and silky, sensuous black-red eyes that shook her whole body. He didn’t leave, but reached out to grasp a strand of her long hair, pulling gently until to resist would cause her pain. She went to him. She really didn’t want a pity fuck. But then he kissed her, and she realized she’d take whatever kind of fuck he offered. Lips touched in a familiar dance, soft skin sliding against soft skin, tongues meeting and stroking questioningly. He ran his hands up her bare arms and hooked his fingers in the straps of her black bra. She shuddered when he lowered the straps, then slid his thumbs over her rigid nipples on the way down. As if in slow motion, the calloused pads of his

thumbs scraped her tender, swollen skin and lingered. Time stood still as her mind concentrated on only one thing. His touch. Between them, magic flowed like a gentle river, then cascaded over them like a warm waterfall. Her throat clogged, and she held her breath, afraid she would sob into his mouth. In the end, that’s just what she did. “You’re such a sissy,” he whispered, then walked her to the bed. He sat down and pulled her between his open legs, easing a turgid nipple between his lips even as his fingers slid between her thighs. What little pride she had left kept her from screaming, why don’t you

hurt like I do? Why don’t you care like I do?

But he was a man, after all. A simple truth: men were not the same as women. They could not be expected to react as women. Still, it hurt. Desire pooled between her legs as liquid heat seared her swollen flesh like melted wax, coating her sex with need. There was only ever this man, this love. She couldn’t imagine losing him. He was as much a part of her as her very bones. As her blood. “Lord, baby. You do know how crazy you make me, don’t you?” She bit her bottom lip as his fingers continued to slide over her clit. “Likewise, Kane.” She thrust her breasts at him, rubbing her aching nipples across his lips. “Very fucking much likewise.” He turned her to the bed and pushed her down. “Open your legs for me, Olivia.” Bossy man. Not that she minded. She bent her knees and let them fall open, exposing herself to his heated gaze. As he watched her, he jerked off his shirt, buttons flying, and pushed his pants over his hips. God, he was beautiful. He stared at her, his gaze hot and impatient as he kicked his shoes into a corner. He leaned forward and ran his hand up her thigh. He plucked at her throbbing clit with strong fingers, pinching, pulling, and rubbing until she gasped, her body on fire. As though he read her mind, he pushed two fingers of his other hand inside her, fucking her pussy as he massaged her clit. “Come for me. I want to watch you come.” His gaze stayed on her, his voice so commanding and smooth she did come, came writhing and gasping, her fingers digging into her own breasts. When she would have reflexively closed her legs against the onslaught of too much pleasure, he refused to let her. Holding her legs open, he lowered his mouth to her sex.

At the first touch of his tongue she bucked and screamed. She buried her fingers in his hair, unsure whether she was trying to pull him off her or push him deeper. It didn’t matter. Kane would stop when he was ready. And right now, he didn’t seem even close to being ready. “Oh…fuck!” He was good. He was too good. She tried once more to withdraw, the explosion of pleasure overwhelming her. The pressure built between her thighs to a vibrating, throbbing beat. At last he let her go, and as she groaned, he slid on top of her. His cock teased her opening, spreading a smoldering desire that he refused to quench. She thrust up, hard, her hands on his buttocks. “Fuck me, Kane, or I’m going to get up right now and finish myself.” He only laughed, his shoulders shaking. “I think you deserve a little torment, baby.” Digging her nails into his firm cheeks, she cried out as his cock continued rubbing against her. “Please, Kane.” He stared into her eyes, his sensuous, full lips quirking. But deep inside his gaze she saw a flicker of pain. She closed her eyes against it. “Kane. I’m sorry.” He drove into her then, hard, angry thrusts. She didn’t care. Wet, ready, and eager for him, she met him thrust for thrust. He buried his face in her neck, slid his hands under her shoulders. The unbearable pressure built, screaming inside her, through her, until at last the dam burst and she came with his cock inside her, slamming her into one orgasm after the other. “No,” she screamed, unsure why. Her head whipped from side to side on the pillow, and only after the vibrations of one of the most intense orgasms he’d ever given her subsided did she realize he was watching her. It was in his eyes again—that pain—and finally it hit her. He was saying goodbye. He was sad over the leaving, but in his mind, he was already gone.

Chapter Thirty-Two “I can’t do this,” she whispered. No one moved, no one even heard her, she was sure. Then Maxwell, standing at the altar with Lily, frowned at her. “Olivia Raven Brew!” he hissed. “How can you be so—” “Ravenz!” Des hooted, coming up behind them. Mama bit her lip, and Lily sniggered. Olivia sighed and closed her eyes in a long, slow blink. “Ravenz?” Max’s eyes opened wide. “That’s her name,” he said, mystified. “Isn’t it?” “Her name…” Des said, drawing it out, her smile a thing of evil. “Shut up, Des.” Olivia opened her eyes to glare at her, but shut them again when she saw Kane looking at them with a half smile, his eyes quizzical. “…is not Olivia Raven,” Des continued, ignoring her. “It’s not?” asked Maxwell. “She told me it was. Olivia, you told me…well, what is it, then?” Des trembled with glee. “It’s Rainbow. Olivia Rainbow Brew. Rainbow.” Olivia ground her teeth together, wishing she could give Des one good pinch. “I think he heard you the first twelve times, Desdemona.” “Rainbow?” Max repeated, eyeing the hapless Olivia with doubt. “Seriously?” “Mama named her.” Des rubbed her hands together, practically dancing with mirth. Mama pursed her lips. “It’s a beautiful name. And it suits her. At least, it did when she was a baby.” “Really, Mama?” Olivia said, her lip curling. “Really?” “Well…no, not really,” Mama admitted. “Not really.” Olivia nodded sharply. “I didn’t think so.” She tightened her lips and glared at Kane, who was studying the ground with unwarranted concentration. “Don’t you say a word,” she told him. “Don’t you dare.” He bit his lip, and his shoulders were shaking. But he didn’t speak, just nodded at his shoes. “Dammit, Mama.” She blamed her hot face on the ceremonial fire. It burned cheerfully in the scooped-out pit, casting flickering shadows on the dark world. Soon, it would burn to ash her ties with her familiar. “Olivia. Don’t take on so. It’s just a name.” Mama tightened her lips, then dabbed at her eyes, as though she couldn’t decide whether to pretend anger or hurt feelings.

“Can we get on with the ceremony?” Lily eyed everyone, hands on hips. “Unless you’ve all changed your minds about what’s important here tonight?” “We’re ready.” In an instant, Kane went from amused to dark and serious. Olivia crossed her arms across her chest and took in a deep breath. Did he have to be in such a hurry to get rid of her? “You’re not fooling anybodyz,” Des whispered, then gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. “It’ll be okay, Livvy.” Olivia wiped her cheek, childishly, and walked to Lily. “Let’s get this over with.” “Clasp hands,” Lily said. She opened a huge old book to exactly the page she wanted and ran her finger under the words. “We shall now undo what we have done, untie those bonds we have tied—” Her voice blew away like grains of sand in a windstorm as Kane squeezed Olivia’s hand, gently rubbing his thumb across her skin. She could think of nothing else, hear nothing but the lovesick lamenting of her own mind. Kane, Kane. Her heartbeat was loud in her ears, blood roaring like an angry ocean. Tears slid down her cheeks, leaving wet tracks she could not wipe away. As though Lily’s words physically wrenched him from her, she felt the tearing of his spirit from hers. Gasping, she bent double, holding her stomach. The pain was nearly unbearable, unimaginable. “No!” The world went black and there was, for a brief moment, silence. She was deaf and blind, but pain free. And then he was gone. When she could see again, the world had gone dark and quiet. She glanced around, disbelieving that she still stood, that everyone looked at her like she hadn’t just gone through a catastrophic few minutes. Everything looked…normal. Kane stared at her, his eyes unreadable. “It’s done?” she asked, knowing it was. “Yes.” “I feel…” Empty. Tired. Sad. “Free,” he said. She couldn’t even get angry. Turning away from him, she found her family waiting. Arms around her, they walked her away. “We’ll take care of her,” Daddy said. “You go on your way now, Mr. Oliver. Go on.” But his voice was gentle.

“Wait.” Olivia clutched her father’s arm, feeling her fingernails dig into his arm, helpless to stop it. This wasn’t right. It couldn’t be right. “Get her out of here,” Lily ordered, and for a moment, Olivia wanted to hurt her. “Go on. It’s critical to physically separate immediately. We cannot have them merging again.” Oh, fuck no, couldn’t have that. She opened her mouth to shout obscenities at Lily, at Kane, at all of them, but all that came out was a hoarse, heartbroken sob. Kane turned and walked away. Just walked away. His body melted into the darkness, and Daddy put his arm around her and led her away. Away from him, her love, her man, her familiar. Ex-familiar, she reminded herself. Numbness settled over her, and she welcomed it with open arms. Bastard, she thought. And she welcomed the anger as well.

Chapter Thirty-Three “Come on, Olivia. You have got to get up and start living your life,” Des said, plopping down on the bed beside Olivia and sighing. “It’s been—” “It’s been two weeks,” Olivia snapped. “That’s hardly enough time to get over someone.” She pulled the covers back over her head. “Leave me alone.” “Olivia, I’m not leaving. Get up. Let’s go shopping.” Olivia growled. “Desdemona, leave me the hell alone!” “Nope. Not gonnaz.” “Gonnaz? That’s a low even for you.” “Up, sister. You’ve wallowed long enough.” Des jumped from the bed and grabbed the covers, jerking them from Olivia’s body. “For crying out loud!” But there would be no getting rid of Des. She was as stubborn and tenacious as a demented bulldog. “Good girl,” Des said, sounding, for once, like the responsible one of the family. “I’m getting up, but I’m not leaving the house. If you bug me about that, I’ll kick your ass and go back to bed.” She glowered at Des, expecting an argument, relieved when none was forthcoming. “You’ll have to go back to work soon.” Des fingered a necklace lying carelessly on the dresser, her voice casual. “I’m sure you’re getting low on money.” “I have money. And if I do run low, Max will advance me what I need.” She winced as she limped to the bathroom, feeling like she was coming off a two day drunk. She caught sight of a bottle in the corner of the hall and grimaced. Oh yeah. She was coming off a two day drunk. “You stink!” “You suck,” Olivia replied, but weakly. She was quite sure she did stink. Forty-five minutes later, she sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee and eating some of the worst scrambled eggs she’d ever tasted. Des couldn’t cook any better than she could. Des sat across from her, not eating. And Olivia, choking down a half-raw yellow mess, couldn’t blame her. “Olivia. Are you just giving upz? I’m surprised at you.” Olivia pushed back her plate and took a sip of bitter black coffee. “What are you talking about?” “You know. You want the boy, but you won’t goz after the boy. You’re afraid.”

“I’m afraid of nothing.” “Liar. You’re afraid of Kane. Actually, you’re afraid of Kane’s rejection.” Olivia couldn’t meet her eyes. “That’s not it.” “Really? Then what is it?” “He doesn’t want me. He’s already rejected me. I fell in love for the first time, and he walked away. I thought…I thought he felt the same way I did.” And it hurt, it hurts so badly. Des shook her head, her eyes soft. “Oh Livvy, you should go after him.” Olivia tightened her lips. “I will not. Ever.” “Not even if he’s in trouble?” Olivia looked up, sharply. “What?” “Wait.” Des held her hands up as though to ward off an angry older sister who so far, hadn’t left her chair. “Lily got a vision.” “The fuck?” Des nodded. “Yupz. She got a vision. She said she saw Kane in a cell, a terrible, cold, bare cell. She couldn’t see his face because it was buried in his hands, but he looked like was crying.” Olivia narrowed her eyes. “Kane, crying? Right.” “Well,” Des hurried on, “she said she got the feeling that whoever is holding him told him you were dead.” She nodded again. “Yep. Dead. And of course he was just devastated and can’t get up the fight to try breaking free.” “You sound like you’re making things up as you go.” Olivia did get up then, putting her hands on Des’s chair on either side of her body. She leaned in, putting her nose so close to Des’s face that her eyes crossed. “Now tell me the truth, before I put my foot so far up your ass we’ll need surgery to remove it. What the fuck is going on?” “Okay, okay. Just sit down and I’ll tell you the truth. Go on, sit down. I can’t talk with you in my face.” Olivia hesitated, then backed off. “Talk.” “Here’s the truth. Kane has gone insane. His demonz has taken him over, and he’s causing chaos and big pain for a whole lot of people. They’re going to catch him and put him down like a rabid dog.” Olivia put her hands to her head. “Desdemona!” Des stuck out her bottom lip. “Oh all right! Don’t you see I care about you? I can’t stand to see you in such pain, Livvy. I know the answer to your problem, and it kills me that you just won’t…fix it!” Olivia stood and paced, then kicked the refrigerator. “I can’t fix this, Des. Damn it. I can’t fix this. He doesn’t want me to fix it.”

“You’re hurt. And that’s understandable. But sweetie, you can’t go the rest of your life pining for the one man who’s meant for you. I know he is. I feel these things.” She grabbed Olivia as she paced past and held her hand fast. “You know it’s the truth, Livvy.” Olivia nodded. She gently yanked on her younger sister’s hair. “Yeah. I know. I feel like I’m missing some critical part of myself when he’s gone. Doesn’t matter what ceremony we went through to break us…” She put her hand over her heart and realized, vaguely, that she was crying. “The only thing broken is my heart. My need, my want, my love, those never went away. Only he went away.” Des stood up, her arms strong and warm as she pulled Olivia into a hug. “Not because he doesn’t love you. Just because he’s a stupid male whose pride is hurt. He thinks a spell made him love you and that your feelings weren’t real. And Livvy…he doesn’t want to force you to live in his world. That shows he loves you, right there.” “I know. That doesn’t make me feel better. The jerk…if I’d have been in his shoes, I would have loved me enough to stay.” Des laughed. “That doesn’t even make sense, dork.” “You know what else doesn’t make sense?” “Hmmm?” “Your tic seems to have disappeared.” Des shrugged and pulled away. “It’ll be back, don’t worry.” “I wasn’t worried. I was hopeful.” “Shut up and let’s go get your boy.” “I’m not going to get him. I might find him and say hello, see if he’s okay…” “Whatever. Come onz.” “Shit.”

Chapter Thirty-Four It was full dark, with only a sliver of moon hiding behind a thick cloud cover to light the way. Fog rose from the forest floor in eerie silence, creating ghostly shapes and wispy curtains, hiding a world most humans never knew existed. They crept along, Olivia pulling Des by her hand as though they were a couple of first graders out on the playground. “What makes you think he’s here, again?” “It’s what Lily said,” Des whispered back, her voice holding barely suppressed excitement. “He’s here. Just up the way a little. What are you going to do?” Olivia shivered. “I don’t know. Talk to him, I guess.” “Good luck. I think I’ll wait here. He’s close now, can you feel him?” Olivia frowned in Des’s direction. “You shouldn’t be able to feel him.” And yes, I feel him. She swallowed a fearful lump. It’s Kane. No matter how big his demon grows, he’ll always be Kane. She went on alone, unwilling to expose her sister any more than necessary. “Kane?” No answer, but a rustling alerted her to the fact that someone, or something, was near, moving behind her with steps that weren’t silent enough. In the dark, one could only move so quietly. Was it Kane? The demon? She turned in a circle, debating on lighting the area with a radiance ball. On the one hand, it would help her see. On the other hand, it would spotlight her. And yes, she trusted him, but the demon? Not so much. She should, dammit. The demon was Kane. How could she ever even think about going to his world to live with him, if she couldn’t trust him? “Kane? Are you there?” Her voice little more than a hoarse whisper, she scanned the area, prying into the thick darkness with inadequate sight. And suddenly he was there, standing right in front of her with a vibrating presence that caused her heart to leap with fear. A small scream caught in her throat. She couldn’t speak, couldn’t move. “Olivia…” His voice was low and somehow spooky, crawling up her spine like a cold snake. She cleared her throat, once, twice. “You’re here.” He said nothing, but reached for her, a dark, solemn form in the dark, solemn night. “I’m here.”

“Oh Kane. Kane.” She melted into a puddle of goo against his strong, warm, familiar chest. But he wasn’t trying to hug her. Before she could relax against his body, he grabbed her shoulders and started shaking the life out of her. “What…the…fuck,” she screeched, her teeth clacking together like a gag toy on Halloween. He’d gone mad. “Olivia!” he shouted, ceasing his shaking long enough to lift her into the air so her face was even with his. “Are you in there? Stay calm, I’ll save you.” Save her? Save her from what? But she couldn’t very well ask him as he was shaking her again. “K-K-ane…” “Get out of her,” he snarled. He stopped shaking her and forced her to the hard ground. Straddling her, he wrapped one hand around her head and the other he placed over her heart. “Omni omni lom,” he chanted, his voice deep and serious. “Omni pomni pee! Evil, ye shall leave, as I command of thee!” She could only gape. His hand tightened around her head like a vise, his other hand pressing against her breasts. “One, two, three!” The weight of his hand was gone suddenly from her chest, and she felt him reaching behind him. “Kane,” she said, “Let’s be reasonable.” “Omni Om!” he shouted and tossed what felt like a half gallon of water in her face. “Out!” Okay, now she was pissed. He might have lost his marbles, but it wasn’t her fault. Well, not really. And she was about to show him just why she was called Witch. “Omni om this, motherfucker.” With a flick of her wrist, she sent him spinning off her, the flask of liquid he’d held flying in the opposite direction. “Surrender,” he yelled, then “Oomph!” as he landed against a tree trunk. “What the hell is wrong with you, Kane? I mean, seriously! What the hell?” “You speak with her voice, you steal her body, and for that, spirit, you will die.” “Can’t we talk this over?” So what if her voice squeaked a bit. It was completely understandable, seeing as how her familiar, ex-familiar, was completely off his rocker and trying his best to kill her. She closed her eyes to better catch his scent, that beautiful, sensuous, male scent that only he possessed, the one that drove her mad with desire when he—

“Oh yes,” he whispered, right in her ear, “let’s talk.” Clearly, he wasn’t serious about the talking part. He kicked her feet out from under her and threw himself atop her. “Oh, baby!” Maybe his encounter with the tree had knocked him back to normal. “Shut up, spirit.” “Gah, gah! Blug!” In English, that would have been, get your fingers out

of my mouth, you crazy fuck!

But he pushed his fingers further inside her mouth, and naturally, she bit down. Hard. “Oh no you don’t, you bitch,” he yelled and with his free hand, began squeezing her jaw. Unable to aim with her arms pinned, she nonetheless formed a white ball of power and threw it at his back with a flick of her wrist. “Asshole,” she screamed, when her power knocked him off her and somewhere into the darkness. Enough was enough. She levitated, slowly twirling into the air. He’d be back, she had no doubt, but she could remain out of his reach, at least for a while. “And we are going to talk.” He came charging out of the woods like a pissed off bull. “Olivia!” “Right here, lover boy.” He skidded to a halt, turning from side to side as he looked for her. “Come to me. I’m sorry I scared you. I won’t hurt you.” “I know it. I won’t let you. Look, Kane—” He caught sight of her. He leapt at her, jumping, hands reaching for her feet. “Missed me.” She bent her knees, just enough out of his reach for a delicious sense of excitement to curl through her belly. Her laughter rang through the still night air. The moon fought its way from behind a heavy cloud cover, and she could see him, below her, his eyes glinting. “I will catch you, spirit. Sooner or later you have to come down.” She shuddered. “Why do you keep calling me spirit?” His laugh, when it came, was harsh. “Desdemona told me everything. There’s no use lying about what you are.” “Des?” She frowned. What was going on? “What did she tell you?”

“I know you’ve possessed Olivia’s body. I will drive you out. I have been given fail-proof instructions.” He glided closer, so he was directly below her. “And do you know why I was chosen to exorcize Olivia?” “Wh—why?” “Because, sweetheart, I always get what I want.” His voice strained as he jumped, and this time, he caught her around her left ankle. “Aah! Let go, Kane!” She kicked, but he pulled her down like a hot air balloon. “You should have flown away while you had the chance, maggot.” Maggot! “Well!” Once more he forced her to the ground, his heavy weight settling on her carefully. With one hand he held both her wrists, pulling her arms above her head. “Ouch, Kane! I’m lying on a fucking rock!” “Omni omni lom…” “Oh, for crying out loud. I don’t care what Des told you, I am not possessed by a fucking evil spirit. I came here to—” “Omni omni pee…” “Kane!” “Evil leave this body, as I command thee!” “You cannot be serious!” “Des told me—” “I lied, Kane.” Des’s voice floated out of the trees, and then she started laughing so hard she nearly lost her breath. Kane climbed off Olivia and they sat side by side, watching the silver-lit Desdemona roll around on the ground, her arms clutching her middle as she laughed. “Oh, god!” she gasped, her laughter at last sputtering to a choking halt. “Oh, you should have seen you two! And you!” She pointed at Kane. “Omni omni—omni—oh, Goddess!” She collapsed once more into fresh gales of laughter. “Oh, it’s too much!” Olivia shook her head and finally looked at Kane. She gestured helplessly, even though he wasn’t looking at her. He stared straight ahead, unmoving. “I’m sorry, Kane. I guess she thought she was helping.” “Helping.” “Well, yeah. She wanted to get us together.”

He inclined his head. “If you say so.” He stood, still not looking at her. “Goodbye, Olivia.” He stepped over Des and stalked away, not deigning to look back. “Kane, wait!” She hurried after him. “Just…wait!” He sighed, but stopped walking. “What, Olivia? What do you want?” She caught his arm and stood resolutely in front of him, staring up at his face. The moonlight kissed his high cheekbones, shadows playfully painting his face into a mysterious, cold mask. His eyes stared, glassy, but calm. Or maybe they just held the sad light of resignation. His arm was so warm, so familiar beneath her fingertips. “Kane, I…we need to talk. About us.” At last he looked down at her. “There is no us, Olivia. I can’t stay here, you can’t go with me. You can’t look at me without thinking of Angel. And I can’t look at you without thinking that a spell made me love you. I’m not your familiar anymore.” In spite of herself, a knife of molted pain seared her heart. “Kane…” He blew out a loud breath of air and ran his hand over his tired looking face. “Olivia, please, just let me go.” “I can’t,” she whispered. “What do you want?” His voice was cold, so cold. You. I want you. I want your love. “I never put a spell on you, Kane. Not ever.” “Right.” He shook her hand off his arm. “What will it take? What will it take for you to believe your feelings for me are real? I will do anything, anything to convince you.” “I know it was a spell, Olivia.” “What? Why would you say that?” “Because the spell wore off after the ceremony.” He shook his head, his gaze glued to hers. “I don’t love you anymore.”

Chapter Thirty-Five “He’s lying,” Des yelled, her voice a mixture of exasperation and amusement. “Come on, Kane. Don’t be an idiot.” “I can handle this, Des. Go home.” “Whateverz.” Des started singing, her voice fading as she swept away. “Ain’t too proud to beg, sweet darlinz’…” Olivia grabbed his arm as he turned away. “I don’t believe you. You love me. We were born for each other.” She knew it as surely as she’d ever known anything. She thought his face softened for the tiniest second. “I don’t love you, Olivia. I’m sorry. Try to forget me.” “Kane, I’m warning you! Don’t make me do something I’ll regret.” He snorted, then laughed. The gleam in his eyes took on a red hue. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, sweetheart.” “Kiss me.” “What?” “Kiss me, Kane. I’ll know if you feel nothing. And if you don’t, I’ll walk away and you’ll never see me again.” She heard him swallow. “Olivia…” “Why are you so afraid? If you feel nothing for me, why are you afraid?” His growl was loud in the still night air. Wrapping his big hands around her upper arms, he jerked her against his chest. “God, Olivia.” His voice held the passion she’d be waiting to hear. “Kane.” He buried one of his fists in her hair and at last, his lips took hers. The world exploded in a sudden flash of light, then there was silence, complete and utter silence and the only thing left on earth was that kiss. Her soul sang and her spirit danced. Her tired heart began to beat once more with the strong beat of magic, pumping her veins with life, with love. Oh yes, he loved her. His tongue swept hers, his lips at once soft and firm as he took command of her mouth, her body. Did he feel that? Did he feel what she felt? She wanted to ask him, but she knew. The whole world had to feel their love. He ripped his mouth from hers, gasping out, “It has to be magic, Olivia. This can’t be anything other than magic.”

“It is magic. It’s the magic that you and I create when we’re together. Our magic. The magic of the truest love ever born.” She put her hands on his cheeks. “True love, Kane. Pure love. It’s what you feel because it’s what is.” Please, please. He fought it, she could see it in his strained face, his clenched jaw, his narrowed eyes. But in the end, he lost. Or won. But he believed. “Or maybe I’m just tired of fighting,” he murmured, “whether bespelled or not. Damn you, Witch.” “You’ve said that before. Do you mean it this time?” He kissed her, his breath mingling warmly with hers. “I always meant it, love. I just don’t know how to make it okay.” “We’ll figure it out.” She needed to be sure. She couldn’t bear his rejection again. “Won’t we, Kane?” “Maybe,” was all he said. It had to be good enough. “It’s simple,” she told him. “All you have to do is trust me.” He slid his palm over her ribs and cupped her breast. “All I have to do is be inside you.” She couldn’t help how her heart leapt at his words. “My door is open to you. You don’t even have to call first.” Again he laughed. “Do you know, Olivia, that I can never remember laughing except with you?” “That’s because you love me.” She winked at him, her heart light. So light. He really did love her. “If only you’d stop fighting it.” He ran his hands up her arms, squeezing lightly. “I don’t feel any different.” “What do you mean?” “After the ceremony that was supposed to sever the connection we had to each other. I expected not to feel anything for you. To go back to the way it was.” “You mean back to when you were sick and desperate for answers?” He frowned. “Don’t be sarcastic, Olivia. You know what I mean.” She sighed. “I do know. But Kane, you don’t feel any different, because your love for me is real. If you hadn’t ever loved me, you would have gone back. You wouldn’t still feel this pull.” Oh, how she loved this man. “This need,” he said. “Want.” “Desire.”

“Love,” she whispered. He leaned his forehead against hers. “Love,” he admitted. At last. She could have cried. “Yes. Love me, Kane.” “I do. God help me, but I do.” Dawn made an appearance at his words, softly illuminating the world in a beautiful, clean radiance. It was a new beginning.

Chapter Thirty-Six “Lily, I can’t believe you. And I felt our split. Physically felt it.” She thumped her chest for emphasis. “What am I supposed to tell him?” “Don’t tell him anything, dear. It won’t harm him not to know. And what you felt was all in your mind. Sorrow at the thought of losing the one meant for you.” Olivia sighed and cupped her chin in her hand, her gaze landing on the older woman. “You want me to lie to him? Again? That didn’t exactly lead to good things last time I did it.” Lily shrugged. “That was different, Olivia.” “What I am going to say?” Speaking more to herself than the older woman, she stared into the distance. “Uh, Kane, sorry to have to break it to you, but the reversal ceremony was a sham. You’re still my familiar. Yuk, yuk, yuk.” “He knows what is real now, dear.” “I just hate having to break bad news to him so often. It’s enough to drive a man to drink.” “Now, now. You’re blowing the situation out of proportion. Kane will be fine, whether you tell him or not. I would advise against telling him something that will do him no good to know, but it’s up to you. He’s your husband, after all.” Olivia grinned, then shivered. Yes. Her husband. Husband. They had traveled a bumpy road, but things had been so good lately. Smooth. And hot. She smiled again at the thought. Very, very hot. They never talked about the fact that he had once been her familiar. It was a touchy subject, and one that neither of them was willing to touch upon. Some things were best forgotten. But now, here was Lily telling her that the ceremony had never been real, that she’d only thought to do it so that Kane would relax enough to see what really mattered. Their love. “Sometimes a man’s pride causes him to do catastrophic things,” Lily said. “Let’s not worry him with the tiny details. What he doesn’t know…” “If I don’t tell him and he finds out, that will cause problems. Besides it’s not right. I’m going to tell him.” She stood up and walked to Lily, leaning over to hug the older woman. Lily felt so tiny, so birdlike. “I’m trying to be good, Lily.”

“Honey, you are good. Go back to…home to that beautiful young man of yours.” She flew for a while, enjoying this world, the world of her parents. It was dark, cold, and the streets weren’t crowded by pedestrians. The air whizzing past her nearly took her breath, but she had thoughts of Kane to warm her. Things had been so great in the last few months. Every night was a honeymoon. She had given herself to him without reservation, totally, completely. And one of the things she’d promised herself was to be completely honest with him. She’d been afraid, so afraid of living in the demon’s world. Funny how that no longer mattered. But telling him he was still her familiar… “Dammit, Lily, why’d you have to tell me?” Because now, she was honor bound to tell him. At times, ignorance really was bliss. In the middle of the quiet street, she took a deep breath and a last look around, a look that was only slightly tinged with longing, and then she went back to his world. The world that was now hers, as well. He was asleep when she slipped into the bedroom. Lying in the soft pool of light from the hallway, his lightly bronzed skin glowing against the crisp, white sheets. His hair, slightly too long, curled darkly around his broad, strong shoulders. One of his arms was thrown over his head, and seeing him there, her man, her love, her familiar, she melted. He always has that effect on her. And she wasn’t completely happy about that. How scary it was to be so into someone. She leaned against the wall, watching him. What a beautiful man. What a beautiful demon. Hers. He was hers. The clock ticked loudly in the silence, ticking away seconds, minutes. She couldn’t move. Could only stare, dreading the moment that she’d have to broach the dreaded subject they’d so carefully avoided. Her familiar. One minute his eyes were closed as he dreamed his dreams, and the next, he was staring at her. He never moved, but she could see his eyes gleaming, feel the change in his breathing. Her own breathing sped as her heart galloped in response to him. Desire gathered in a damp pool between her thighs. He would smell her need. He would know how she wanted, how she craved him. Frozen in a silent tableau, gazes locked, hearts connected, they waited. At last he moved, reaching to slowly slide the sheets from his nude body. His erection stole her breath, made her legs tremble. Oh, how she wanted him. “Come here, Olivia.”

Enmeshed in the quicksand of apprehension and the need to ignore all but her body on his, she shed her clothes and went to him. He pulled her against his smooth chest, the muscles of his arms bunching as he wrapped them around her. Automatically, she reached for his cock, wrapping her hand around it and caressing the soft tip with her thumb. A low, hot moan slid from his throat, encircling her entire body and making things deep inside her tighten. She shivered against his warm flesh, darting her tongue out to taste his flat male nipple. “Kane,” she whispered, watching his nipple harden as her breath blew on the moisture left by her tongue. His sigh was light, but there. “What is it, Olivia?” She stiffened in surprise. “What do you mean?” “Something’s wrong.” No, not yet. In a sudden movement she twisted from his arms and slid her mouth over his hardness. Tightening her lips around him, she concentrated on the sensation she always got when she had him in her mouth. Or other places. Talk was for later. Right now, she wanted to make love to him, to hold him, to worry about nothing more than whether she wanted to be on top or not. Caressing his firm sac, she took him deep, deeper still, into her throat. Licking with long, slow strokes, then sucking with an enthusiasm born of love, she took him to the edge. He groaned and sunk his fingers into her hair, thrusting his pelvis once, twice, before dragging her off him. “You’re going to make me come,” he said, his breath tickling her ear, “and I want to be inside you when I come.” Pushing her breast up with a large hand, he lowered his mouth to her breast. She writhed beneath him, in ecstasy and joy that bordered on dismay. Her mind rebelled, as it always did in the beginning, terrified she would be unable to take such overwhelming pleasure. She wouldn’t have traded it for anything. Raising his head to look at her, he slid his hand over her breast to her belly. “Do you know how you make me feel, Olivia?” “I have a good idea,” she said, panting. He slipped a finger into the cleft between her legs, lightly running it over her clit in small circles. “Oh,” was all she could manage, and she opened her legs a little more.

At her invitation, he pushed his finger into the slick dampness of her, gently biting her throat when she arched her neck and cried out. “You’re so hot,” he murmured. “So tight.” He pushed two fingers inside her, thrusting with a quick rhythm, his thumb upon her clitoris. He was merciless, determined, his face hawkish and proud as he watched her squirm beneath him. She teetered on the edge, her hips gyrating as his fingers moved inside her, trying to get him deeper, harder, until finally her orgasm burst upon her in an explosion of fireworks. At the moment she climaxed, he slid a finger into her ass and lowered his mouth to her nipple. Screaming, she tried to push him away even as she pulled him closer. “Kane!” “What, baby?” Her orgasm weakened, at last, and when she could think again, she answered him. She put her hands on his face and pulled him to her. “I love you.” He flipped over to his back. His teeth flashed in a quick smile as he lifted her into the air. “I know.” And he impaled her on his huge erection. Thoughts flew out of her head like bits of windblown fluff. His big hands at her ribs, he held her off him and thrust up into her. As the pressure built, she relaxed totally, feeling nothing but the sensations between her legs. Head back, hair hanging to tickle her hips, she went limp. Her climax was sharp, intense, and it spread down her legs and up her belly in a lazy, heavy swell. She curled in on herself, lost in the world of orgasm as tremor after tremor shook her body. He flipped her off him, urging her to her knees. Behind her, he grasped her hips and in one quick movement, shoved his swollen cock inside her. As he slammed into her, harder, faster, and deeper, she could only hang on for the ride. With angry, desperate strokes he fucked her, and for a brief second, a sense of unease flashed through her before once more she was lost in the power of the magic they created. He growled, his grip on her pelvis becoming tighter, nearly scorching her skin with his heat. She knew without seeing him that he would have become more demon than man as he lost control in their coupling. The thought thrilled her. He was dangerous, powerful, and so, so arousing. Her blood sang through her veins, roaring in her ears, speeding her heart. Her orgasm hit her, and screaming with the enormity of it, she buried

her face in the bed and went with her love to a place only he had ever taken her.

Chapter Thirty-Seven Wrapped in his arms, her cheek against his chest, she listened to his pounding heart as it slowly calmed. “I can’t imagine going back to a life without you,” she told him. “Why do you sound so sad, Olivia? This is not a perfect world, but we’re in it together.” “But for how long?” “As long as you’ll have me.” “If that was true, we’d be together forever.” “You’d be fine without me, if it came to that.” “I don’t want to be.” “Fine, or without me?” She shrugged and caressed his chest. “I have something to tell you.” “I know.” Though his voice was unconcerned, she felt the tightening of his body beneath her fingertips. “How do you feel?” He might have smiled. She thought he did, without looking at his face to see. She couldn’t bring herself to look into his eyes. “How do I feel?” “Tell me,” she persisted. He knew what she was asking. He always knew. “Olivia, I only know what love is because of you.” She did look at him then, with eyes held wide to keep the tears from spilling over. “The ceremony didn’t work. It was a charade, performed by Lily. She’d hoped it might make us understand that no matter what, we belong together.” He said nothing, but didn’t look away from her. “You’re still my familiar, Kane.” Slowly, so slowly, he ran his hand over the chilled flesh of her arm. “Am I?” “You were born my familiar. Nothing can change that. I should have known.” “Maybe you did know.” “No! Kane I—” “Shh. Olivia. I wouldn’t care if I was born your hat.” “Huh?” He smiled at her. “I told you I’d never leave again.”

His eyes were so clear and honest she couldn’t help but let the tears free. “But…” “But nothing. It doesn’t matter. I have my pride, sweetheart, but I realize that what I’m most proud of is that you belong to me. Call me what you want, but in the end, you’re mine. And I am quite happy to belong to—and with— you. I’m not going anywhere.” She howled. Mouth open and eyes screwed shut, she bawled like a sixmonth-old baby. He tried not to laugh, she could feel it in the tremors of his body as he held his amusement inside, but even he was not that strong. His laughter broke free to join her sobs in a symphony of all that was and all that would be. “Olivia,” he said, “you’re such a sissy.” She smacked his chest and gulped her sobs back. “I know it.” Then she hiccupped, as loud as a drunk with a paper bag and an empty bottle. She ignored his laughter and squirmed on top of him, despite his oomphs of pain, and lowered her lips to his. Several minutes later, he tugged her hair until she lifted her face. “Hmmm?” she asked, slightly dazed. “Olivia, I’d be lost without you, too. I thought you should know.” With a smile that nearly split her face, she whispered, “I do know.” And she went back to kissing her gorgeous love, her dangerous demon, her strange familiar.

The End

~ About the Author ~ Whether you like straight contemporary sweets or erotic paranormals, Cassidy Hunter has a story for you. Cassidy began writing as a child, penning lyrics, poetry, and stories. She now has six published books (four under the pseudonym Jane E. Jones) and is always hard at work on the next one. You can find Cassidy at: www.cassidyhunter.com http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cassidy-Hunter/114918498548906 http://www.facebook.com/people/Cassidy-Hunter/100001315974127 http://twitter.com/cassidyhunter