Cursed Vengeance (9 page)

“So, the bite—” I started.

Dylan interrupted, “Was unintentional, but happens with our mates sometimes. I should have warned you. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“Oh, that didn’t hurt. Pretty sure my screaming orgasm was proof enough. I just wasn’t expecting it.”

He grinned. “Never had a woman come so hard in my life. Either time.”

I frowned, knowing he wasn’t a virgin—neither was I—but I wasn’t sure how much I needed to know about his past. “So the bite is normal.”

He nodded. “They say it strengthens the bond. You’ll likely feel like biting too. If you do, I’m sure I’ll love it.”

I couldn’t help taking in his body. It was tempting to forget about the curse and go another round, but I heard the fear in Sean’s voice. Leaving him alone wasn’t an option.

“There’s a lot to do. We should head back before he blows a gasket.” I climbed off the bed and nodded to the bathroom. “Come shower with me. Then we can gather up the books and go.”

He shook his head, standing up to step in front of me. He took my shoulders in his hands. “If I go in there, I’m not keeping my hands to myself. You shower, I’ll take one after. Otherwise we’ll be here all night.”

I didn’t bother to argue. I was sort of hoping to have him again, but we were running out of time. “There’s a shower at the end of the hall. The water heater is top of the line. You can take one in there and we’ll both be ready faster.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead before leaving me there. Shaking my head, I hurried through a shower and getting dressed. Then I packed a bag for the rest of the week.

Beyond that, I wasn’t sure what I was doing. Was Dylan a part of my life? Absolutely, but I wasn’t ready to define what that meant. I still had to save their lives.

I had several boxes filled by the time Dylan wrapped his hands around my waist and leaned down to murmur against my ear. “Tell me you’re okay with this decision.”

I leaned into him. “Very. Not a single regret.”

“Wanted to make sure,” he whispered.

I turned, meeting his gaze. “Do you regret it?”

He shook his head. “No. You’re worried, though. I can feel it.”

Snorting, I turned around and put the last book on top of the box. “My brother is going to die if I don’t find an answer in three days. Your birthday is shortly after. Plus, there’s still the creepy gift out there.” I reached into the box and pulled out a black satin bag with drawstrings. “I need to bring it, but I don’t want to touch it. I can feel the magic and it’s toxic. Not like poison, but not right. I have a feeling it holds a clue. But I’m not ready to open it.”

“And the bag?”

“Will lock the magic inside. Later, somewhere safe, I can find out what’s inside, but right now, I’m not ready. There’s other pieces of the puzzle to explore.”

“I’ll load the truck. You do your witchy thing with the box.” He winked, picking up the first box.

I slung the duffle bag over my shoulder. Staring at the package, I opened the bag and dropped it over the brightly wrapped box, then tied it shut.

Dylan was already heading inside when I followed to grab the last box, but he stacked them and took them, sticking his tongue out. “Strong back, remember?”

I couldn’t help laughing as I locked up.

The trip back was quiet. I was on my phone, looking up anything I could that had anything to do with Solstice Blessings and Anabeth Rowan. Even her name sent a chill down my spine.

I looked up as Dylan shut down his truck. He shook his head with a raised brow.

“Come on. I’ll explain when we get inside.”

He nodded, but didn’t say a word as I hopped out and grabbed a box.

Sean opened the door as I came up the steps. “I know that look. Why do I feel like this is going to get a whole lot more interesting?”

“Something like that.” I put the box down in the corner and pulled out my laptop I packed with the books. Taking it to the table, I opened it up, typing one handed to bring up the website. Being a semi-frequent visitor, I had the wireless info loaded already.

Dylan came up behind me, his hands going to my shoulders, massaging gently. I took a deep breath and pointed at the woman in the picture. She looked to be in her early thirties, younger than the woman on my porch, but their eyes were the same, so was their gaudy jewelry.

“That’s Anabeth Rowan, our grandmother. The picture was taken a year ago. She looked like she was in her fifties on my porch, but I think that was magic.”

Sean rubbed his Jaw. “An illusion. Yeah, she’d be capable of that if the stories I heard are true. What about it?”

“Why did she want to look older for me?”

“Maybe she didn’t want to shock you in case you didn’t know about our world. I’m not sure what she knew about you.”

“You know David Brighton?”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes, I know your father.”

“Slimeball works for Anabeth.” Sierra shuddered. “I think Tom Payne works for her too.”

“The douchebag you were with in college?”

Dylan’s grip tightened on my shoulders. “What did
douchebag
do?”

Huffing, I patted Dylan’s hands. “Not important. I dumped him after a few months. That was forever ago. Still, he’s listed on the website. Part of her outreach program for sensitives. What the hell does that mean?”

Sean nodded slowly. “Looking for untrained witches most likely. Recruiting.”

“And what’s with the name? Solstice Blessing?”

He shrugged. “A lot of witches worship the sun.”

I nodded, thinking it was obvious. “And werewolves are ruled by the moon, right?”

He frowned. “It’s a coincidence.”

“Is it, though? Think about it. Grandmother hated werewolves. Told Mom as much. She wouldn’t help her daughter’s husband. Pretty much called you a sack of fleas and wanted nothing to do with you. Then she sends her flunkies after me and Mom to spy on us.”

Sean laughed nervously. “That’s a lot of conspiracy theory, Sierra.”

“Maybe, but tell me those don’t add up to a creepy pile of shit.”

“She’s got a point,” Dylan added. “I felt something wrong from the box Anabeth left. Didn’t your mom use to talk about scrying crystals? New age shops have that shit all the time.”

“You mean like listening in?” I asked, turning toward him.

“You said the bag would nullify the magic, right?”

“Supposed to.” I frowned, looking at the box covered in it. “I don’t feel anything from it now.”

“Well, we can put it on the back porch for now.” Sean grabbed the bag by the corner and took it outside. He came back and took my hands. “So, you’re okay after Christian passed?”

“Yeah. I had to try, but really, I didn’t have much chance. I was flying blind and grasping at straws. I have some ideas. When I was going through your books, I kept thinking back to all these books and different things I saw. Now that I have the magic back, I think I know what I was looking at.”

He took a look at the boxes. “Where were these?”

“The attic.”

“Why didn’t I know there was so much up there?”

“Look, I don’t know, but I’m hoping some answers are in these books. I have to try.”

Sean looked over at Dylan and back to me. “Give us a minute.” My brother pulled me outside and walked down the driveway. He looked miffed. One brow arched and a slight scowl on his face. “You really stopped to seal a bond?”

I groaned. “You said he’s the best guy you know.”

He laughed softly. “He is. And you two together makes more sense than I want to admit. And I get it. I know what it feels like to avoid a bond. It’s hell, but sometimes that’s the best choice.”

“Too late now. And honestly, I didn’t have any hope of fighting it. I was feeling it the night I hit him with my car. And then, after the spell unlocked my magic, I barely stopped myself from fucking him on the floor. I wanted to deny this world a little longer, but then you took me to Christian’s and expected me to fix shit I didn’t understand with no way to know what to do, and the only thing that kept me from running was Dylan’s comforting presence. I realized then I couldn’t run, I couldn’t give up. I needed to see this through.”

He nodded. “As long as you understand the bond doesn’t go away.”

I lifted my shoulders in a shrug. “I read Mom’s story. I know she felt the same for Seamus. Difference is, I was trying to compare it to the human world, but it doesn’t fit there. I may not fit there anymore. Later, after I figure out this curse, I can sort out what that means. Right now, I have to save my big brother.”

Sean pulled me into a hug. “And your mate.”

Blinking back tears, I nodded.

Dylan

When Sean called to find out what was taking so long, I didn’t know how to answer. I could have lied and simply said Sierra needed sleep. He would have seen through that the minute we saw him and he sensed the bond between us. The reality she’d chosen me hadn’t quite sunk in yet. My greatest fear had become my greatest joy.

Sean’s reaction was another story. I couldn’t tell if he was incredibly pissed off or happy for us. He seemed to be bouncing back and forth. At one point I thought he wanted to jump through the phone and strangle me. Then we got there and he was hot one minute and cold the next. Something was bothering Sean besides the curse.

The sound of the front door opening made me look up. In walked an angel. Man, she was absolutely gorgeous and she was all mine. A look of determination on her face as she walked toward the couch. I didn’t miss the bags under her eyes either. The hour of sleep at her place wouldn’t keep her going for long.

Sierra clapped her hands together, a false bravado written clear across her face. I could feel her trepidation as well as her determination. “Let’s get to work, boys.”

She dropped down on the couch next to me and pulled one of the books into her lap. “If Grandmother dearest has anything to with this, I think the answer lies in Mom’s books.”

“Why would you think that?” Sean asked.

“Because I think Mom had the same idea I do and I don’t think she stopped looking for a way to end it.”

“This is all based on your theories about Solstice Blessing? And I know Mom kept looking, who do you think taught me all of this?” Sean said and gestured around the room. “What I don’t understand is why she didn’t give me everything she had.”

Sierra shook her head. “I wish I knew, but dwelling on that isn’t going to help us find the answer.”

“Maybe it will,” I spoke up. “What if your mom knew Sean’s power wouldn’t be enough, that it would take your strength to overcome it?”

Her eyes moved to connect with mine. “Makes sense, except why would she block my powers if she intended me to solve the curse all along? Wouldn’t I have a better chance of figuring this out if I knew how to use my powers my whole life?”

Reaching up, I caressed her cheek. “I don’t have the answer. We need to work with what we have right now.”

“You’re right, let’s start looking.” Sierra opened the book in her lap and began reading.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Sean nod toward the kitchen. Looked like it was my turn for the tête-à-tête. I placed a quick kiss on her temple. “I’m going to grab us a drink and something to snack on. You’ve barely eaten all day.”

She gave me a quick “Mmm Hmm,” without ever pulling her attention from the book.

Satisfied Sierra was preoccupied, I followed Sean into the kitchen, curious to see what he had to say. Walking to the fridge, he grabbed a beer, handing me one at the same time. We stood there drinking in silence. Finally, Sean spoke up.

“Do you think you made the right decision binding her to you with all of this going on?”

“I tried to explain over the phone, she pushed the issue. Every reason I gave her to not go through with it she had an answer for. What did you want me to do? My body was screaming for hers. I could only ignore it so long, especially when she’s coming onto me.”

“Dude, that’s my fucking sister. But I know what you mean about your body screaming at you.”

My head snapped in his direction. “Are you saying you found your mate?” I couldn’t believe he wouldn’t tell me if he had.

He quickly looked away. “I didn’t say that. Just promise you’ll treat my sister right for as long as you can.”

“You’ve known me practically your whole life. I’ll give her anything in my power. I love her.”

He sighed. “I know you do. I only hope she can survive what’s coming.” With that, he left the room.

No explanation, no nothing. Something told me Sean had indeed found his mate, but with a stubborn streak a mile wide I wasn’t getting any more out of him tonight. In my heart, I believed what I did was for the best. In all likelihood, my death would be as devastating even if we hadn’t bonded. Now she wouldn’t have the regret of not sealing the mate bond before my death. A death I could help avoid, if I got off my ass and went back into the living room.

Rooting through Sean’s cabinets, I found a jar of peanut butter and bread. Sierra needed to eat something if she planned to work until she passed out. From the fridge I grabbed a bottle of water and carried it all out to her on a plate.

“Sierra?” She ignored me at first, putting a finger up asking me to wait. “Sierra, you need to eat something.”

She looked up from the book and smiled at me. “Thank you.”

The part of me that was restless with Sierra pushing past her limits, settled in, watching her eat the sandwich. I knew the energy wouldn’t last her long, but it would give her a boost until she eventually needed a break to sleep.

Determined best described Sierra over the next few hours as she sat meticulously taking notes, flipping through books, and asking Sean about different theories. At one point Sean and I went back to get my truck. I knew she wouldn’t be able to go all night. She had some interesting ideas on the curse, but all the while I felt her exhaustion slowly creeping in. No matter how hard she tried, she wouldn’t be able to keep up at that rate.

After about the eleventh yawn in a row, I laid my hand over hers. “Sierra, you’re exhausted.”

Bloodshot eyes lifted from the book on the table. “But I don’t have much time.”

Raising my hand, I cupped her face and stroked her cheek with my thumb. “I know, sweetheart, but you’ll be able to do so much more with some sleep.”

“Dylan’s right,” Sean spoke up.

Sierra sighed. “I know. But I feel bad walking away from all of this.”

“You’re not walking away. Let me take you home. You can get some sleep and start with fresh eyes tomorrow.”

“I don’t want to go all the way home. That’s two hours of drive time.”

“I don’t mean your place in Philly, I mean my place. It’s as much yours as it is mine now.”

Her cheeks pinkened. “Oh,” she said sheepishly. “I can do that.”

Sean looked like he wanted to argue, but bit his tongue.

Standing, I held my hand out to her. “Come on, let me take you home.”

She placed her small hand in mine and let me help her to her feet. I wanted to carry her to the car, but I wasn’t sure how she would take that. Her shoulders slumped and the black circles under her eyes had grown darker.

As I led her to the door, she turned back to Sean. “I’m not giving up. I promise I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Sean walked over and wrapped her in an embrace. “I know. You’ll be able to focus better once you’ve slept. Now, go before Dylan starts to twitch.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Starts to twitch?”

Sean laughed. “Yeah. Remember, he can feel everything you feel now. So go get some sleep.” He kissed her on the top of the head and gave her a little push toward the door.

Looking over my shoulder, I mouthed ‘thank you.’ He hit the nail on the head. The more tired she got, the more restless I became trying to find a way to ease it. He nodded and I led Sierra out to my truck and helped her into the passenger seat. Climbing in the driver’s side, I noticed her head leaning against the seat, her eyes closed. I thought she might have been asleep, until she spoke.

“You can feel what I feel?”

Starting the car, I pulled down the drive and out onto the road. “I can. If you focus, you can feel me too. It’ll become easier as time goes on.”

“Time,” she whispered.

I placed my hand on her thigh. “We’re not out of time yet. Close your eyes, we’ll be home soon.”

During the drive, Sierra’s breathing evened out. She didn’t even make the drive home before she was fast asleep. Pulling into my driveway, I parked and moved around the front of the car to lift her out of it. The way she curled toward me sent a wave of peace through my body. Even after we sealed the bond, I hadn’t felt so relaxed. Something about having her in my home made me calmer than I had been in a long time.

Unlocking the door, I carried her through the house and down the hall to my room. Carefully, I laid her on the bed and removed her shoes and jeans. She was so peaceful, I didn’t want to disturb her. The exhaustion pulled at me once Sierra’s needs were taken care of. Stripping down to my boxers, I climbed in beside her. When she naturally curled into my arms without any prompting, I knew I made the right decision today. Time may not be on our side, but I was determined to enjoy what little time we did have.

*  *  *

An odd sensation woke me, then I realized my dick was hard as a rock.
Fucking morning wood.
Then something soft caressed against my hard length. My eyes snapped open. Blue eyes that made me want to drown in stared up at me seductively. No longer was she wearing the clothes from the night before, she was now gloriously naked. Her fingers lightly grazed up and down my shaft.

“Sierra,” I groaned.

“You promised me slow and gentle yesterday.”

I reached for her, need coursing through me. “Come up here and I’ll show you gentle.” Her fingers continued their torment. “Fuck,” I hissed. “If you want me to last long enough for slow and gentle you need to stop doing that.”

“You don’t like it?” she purred.

“You know I do.” Tired of letting her have the upper hand, I rolled until she was under me. “That’s better,” I growled.

“Mmm…I have to agree.”

Bending my head, I captured the sweetest lips on Earth. They were soft and warm. Sucking her bottom lip into my mouth, I slipped my tongue inside for a taste. Her tongue dueled with mine, stoking the fire she’d lit earlier with her gentle touches. Slipping my hand down her collarbone to her breast. I thumbed her nipple and felt her sharp intake of breath when I pinched it between my fingers. Her body responded to my every touch.

Needing to taste her body more than my next breath, I kissed down her jaw and down the valley of her breasts. Her skin was smooth and creamy. Sucking one pebbled tip into my mouth, I kept the connection of our eyes and watched lust take hold of her as I laved one breast and moved my mouth across her body to pay the same attention to the other.

Her hips thrust up, rubbing her slick heat all over my shaft. The feeling was exquisite, but made the need to take her burn through me even stronger. I threw my head back and let myself enjoy the sensation.

“My turn,” she whispered, pushing me with a strength I hadn’t anticipated.

Before I had the chance to argue, she sucked my whole length into her mouth, flicking her tongue over the crown. All thoughts of slow and gentle flew out the fucking window.

“Shit,” I hissed, balling my hands at my side to keep from grabbing her head.

The torment continued until I neared the point of no return. I pulled myself from her lips and pushed her to her back. “You’re a fucking goddess with that mouth of yours, but I need to be inside you when I come.”

Entering her with one smooth stroke, her walls gripped me tight.

“Dylan.” Her head moved fitfully on the pillow. “Please…”

“God, yes,” I groaned, thrusting into her over and over. My body climbed higher and higher. “Tell me you’re close,” I begged.

Sierra chose that moment to go up in flames, the ripples of her body milking me of my own orgasm. Lowering myself carefully, I placed my elbows on either side of her face.

She smirked up at me, her breathing starting to slow. “Remind me I love slow and gentle.”

I couldn’t stop the laugh. Moving to her side, I brushed the sweaty hair out of her face. “I could get used to waking up every day like this.”

Something flickered through her eyes, but just as quickly it was gone as she leaned forward to press a kiss on my lips. “Mmmm…” she hummed.

I sat up and threw my legs over the side of the bed. Looking over my shoulder, I said, “Come on and get up. I’ll take you to breakfast before we head back over to Sean’s.”

Her eyes clouded over for a second, then cleared. “Let’s do this.”

The strength of will she possessed amazed me. No one was going to tell her she couldn’t break the curse. She looked around for a moment. “Where’s my stuff?”

“Shit, still in the truck. Bathroom’s right behind you. You can get started while I grab your bag.”

“You aren’t going to join me?”

“Sweetheart, if I get in the shower with you, we’ll never leave the house.”

She smirked and stepped through the bathroom door and shut it. Looking around on the floor, I knew Sierra had to have thrown my boxers somewhere before waking me up. Once I found them at the end of the bed, I pulled them on and went to grab her stuff from the car. What a wakeup call. Sierra was perfect for me in every way. Too bad we only had limited time. How fucking unfair that I found a woman who completed me only to lose her when my turn came.

Trying to shake off the depressing thoughts running through my head, I went to the bathroom door and dropped her bag inside. I knew I couldn’t step one foot in the bathroom and not climb in behind her, bend her over…
shit, get it together, Dylan
. Trying to push the thoughts aside, I grabbed some clothes and went to the bathroom down the hall.