Stone Cold Seduction (8 page)

He ignored me and continued his exploration and feather-light touch. He traced his finger along the waistband once more, then down along the side, dipping at the curve of my hip. Leaning close, he softly pressed his lips there.

The rough pads of his finger tips smoothed over my skin. I tried to hold still and didn’t dare breathe. His touch continued along my inner thigh. First the sweep of his finger, then a soft kiss. I closed my eyes.

When his finger found my most sensitive spot through the material of the panties, my hips lifted, and I moaned.

“Shh…little gem. Let me.”

The endearment caught me off guard. I watched his face as he continued
t
o lightly stroke me with his fingers. His jaw clenched, and his gaze was hungry.
It was torture. It was wonderful. I grabbed fistfuls of covers and tried not to interfere. He increased the pressure so it was just…about…perfect, then stopped. He pulled the fabric down, then let my panties drop to the floor.

I reached for him, but he stepped back, evading my hands. “I can’t. If you touch me…” He stopped and shook his head. “Not this time.”

Understanding dawned as I watched his skin shift from flesh to stone. His control was slipping. I knew exactly how he felt. I wanted to touch him. To feel the difference between the soft skin and smooth stone.

But I could wait.

I sat up and unclasped my bra, dropping it off the side of the bed before he decided to tease me with it. His mouth twitched, but he didn’t say a word. I scooted back on the bed, giving him room.

He knelt on the mattress between my legs and held me with his gaze. “You are mine.”

I wasn’t about to argue at this point. Instead, I reached for him. Our lips met, and he settled over me.

His erection was heavy against me. I shifted and wrapped my legs around him. I moaned when he settled more firmly against me. I wanted him inside. I needed to feel his skin against mine. I had dreamed of it often enough. And so far, everything about him had gone far beyond my expectations.

I wanted this memory to hold onto. Somehow, I knew Jax would be my light at the end of the tunnel.

He sucked in a sharp breath when I moved my hips. One large hand cupped my left hip, and he held me still. “Let me,” he repeated. His mouth moved to my neck and collarbone as his hips began to move in a slow, tantalizing rhythm. Still teasing.

I slid my hands along his back, marveling at the smooth skin and solid muscle. He was back in control.

“Jax, do you shift…ah…in the middle?”

His hips stilled, and he lifted his head to look at me. “No. Unless you make me.” He smiled at my worried expression. “It’s not as bad as you think.”

I was unconvinced, and he bent down again and continued his exploration of my skin. “I am as mobile in stone form as I am now,” he murmured against the top of my shoulder.

“Mobile?” I swallowed hard.

His soft laughter tickled my neck as his tongue traced a leisurely path to my ear lobe. “Don’t worry. Today is for you. For us.”

Worries faded as his mouth and hips captured my full attention.

“Say you are mine,” he whispered against my neck.

I shivered at the delicious tingle it sent down my spine. I felt his hard length press closer, almost right where I wanted him. I was so ready for him. Every nerve ending in my body was on edge, waiting. “Jax!”

“Say it,” he demanded, and his tongue flicked my nipple. I arched off the bed, and his mouth closed around me. Heat and pleasure spiraled through me. His tongued caressed the hard peak, making me cry out. His teeth closed gently on my nipple and pulled, and then he turned his attention to the other one. Just the sensation of his mouth on my skin was bringing me closer and closer to a climax.

“I am, I’m yours,” I gasped. A small part of me was shocked to realize I meant it.

One hard thrust, and he slid inside. He threw his head back and groaned. He was huge and hot and he felt so right. He filled me, and it was perfect, just like he’d said it would be.

I shifted my hips, and he whispered, “Stop.” Slowly, he began to move. I closed my eyes and let sensation take over. His breath tickled as he kissed the skin at the base of my throat. His weight pressed me into the mattress as he found a steady rhythm. I could feel every inch of him.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined how he would feel. How his lips would leave me craving more. How his low growls of appreciation would create an answering groan in my throat.

My breath quickened as he began to move faster. Need grew, and the heat of him overwhelmed me. I bit down on his shoulder to keep from screaming as I climaxed. I felt the muscles in his shoulders bunch as he found release. His head was thrown back and his eyes were closed as he called my name. I memorized the look on his face. Sheer, unadulterated pleasure. Satisfaction.

I felt the same way.

His eyes opened, and he looked down at me. I smiled and brought my hands to his cheeks, drawing him to me. I kissed him, putting all of my emotion behind it. Things I wasn’t brave enough to say out loud. Things I’d been denying for the last few weeks.

Moments later, when we parted for a breath, he rolled to my side and wrapped his arms around me. I was breathless and overwhelmed, and I couldn’t stop smiling. Jax pulled me close and kissed the top of my head. The gesture was sweet and unexpected. I placed one hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat, strong and steady.

For the first time that day, for a moment, things felt right.

My eyes closed, and I realized how tired I was. I opened one eye, and checked the small alarm clock on my dresser. It was only one-thirty in the afternoon, but I felt like I’d put in a full day already. I sighed and relaxed against him. A crazy morning followed by great sex entitled me to a nap.

He rubbed a hand along my back in a soothing gesture. “Sleep. I’ll watch over you.”

Always so serious, and now stepping into the role of protector. But I believed him and…I trusted him. Jax was a man of his word. Dependable and steady. Like a rock.

I smiled. Jax had some amazing hidden talents that had nothing to do with his alter ego. I snuggled closer and let my breath even out.

His hand continued to massage my back. It was heaven. I could almost forget the morning. I trusted this man.

Before sleep fully claimed me, I heard him say, “Elle Fredricks, you are mine. The fates have declared it. I will not let you go.”

Chapter Five

Waking up from a nap after sex is fabulous.

I felt sated, I stretched luxuriously, and…I was alone. I dropped my head back onto the pillow, and stared at the ceiling. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. There was a definite twinge of disappointment. I also knew, in my heart, Jax wouldn’t go far. He wasn’t a one-night-stand kind of guy, and I wasn’t interested in that, either. I had no idea how this would all work out, but I was open to any possibilities.

It was three o’clock, and I was tempted to stay in bed for another hour or two. It was Sunday, so I could. Maybe it would help to clear my head.

I closed my eyes and exhaled. I remembered Jax’s words before I’d fallen asleep. He’d said the fates had declared I was his. But that didn’t make sense, because I didn’t know my fate. I didn’t think he did, either, or he would have said something. So how could the fates have “declared” it?

Was it like a roll of the dice? Hope you roll the right numbers, or you’re screwed and lose everything? My biggest questions and hopes were riding on something that might prove to be just as disappointing or vague. Or worse. I pushed the thought of anything worse from my mind. I needed to get my fate before I made it into a bigger issue than it already was.

A male voice drifted down the hallway.

Surprise and pleasure curved my lips into a smile. Jax hadn’t left. When I realized there was more than one voice, my smile dimmed. The last twenty-four hours hadn’t been kind when it came to meeting new people. After another masculine murmur, I realized the second voice was Teryl’s. With a sigh, I pushed myself up and out of bed.

Jax and Teryl could wait. I needed a shower, and a little time to regroup and prepare. Somehow.

I walked down the hallway fifteen minutes later. A hot shower and comfy yoga clothes did wonders for my nerves. The guys were sitting in the living room. Teryl sprawled out on the couch, and Jax had folded his frame into the small side chair. My best friend and my…I wasn’t sure what to call Jax. Boyfriend seemed too juvenile. And “mate” was an odd phrase, at least to me. I could take his lead and just call him “mine.”

Jax looked good. His jeans and shirt were a little rumpled, and he was leaning back in the chair, casual and relaxed. And he still seemed dangerous. It wasn’t fear that sent a shiver up my spine.

“Hey,” I said to Teryl.

He flashed a devilish grin. “Hey, yourself. I came back to check on you, and it looks like it was unnecessary. All I can say is, it’s about time.”

I stopped dead in my tracks. Was it that obvious? I barely resisted the urge to turn back and check my reflection in the small, decorative mirror in the hall.

I turned away to hide my red face. Teryl wasn’t known for his tact, but this was awkward enough. My feet wanted to walk back out of the room, but I stayed firmly planted. Teryl wasn’t chastising, he was teasing. I had to remember that. He was my best friend, and I loved him for his blunt honesty.

“I have an idea. Let’s head to the Thai restaurant next door and grab a bite.” I looked at Jax while I spoke, noticing how his eyes were a welcoming gray. The corner of his mouth lifted. And that fast, Teryl was forgotten as my mind went blank.

Seeing Jax smile when he was usually so serious…I sighed. He was gorgeous. And that small smile made me feel so much better.

Teryl jumped on the food idea. “I could go for some spring rolls and Pad Thai.”

Jax stood and walked over to give me a hug. I inhaled his scent. He always smelled so good. I usually preferred warmer, woodsy scents on a man, but Jax was the exception. Mentally, I ran through my fragrance list. It would have to be a blend of crisp notes, maybe ozone, mint, and a hint of vanilla. I could call it “Ice.” It would be a great seller in my shop. And the packaging…

Teryl interrupted my musings. “As soon as you’re done mooning over Jax, let me know. I’m starving.” He was tapping his fingers on the arm of the chair.

“Okay, okay. I just have to grab my purse and a jacket.” I reluctantly let go of Jax and shrugged into a dark green corduroy jacket.

We wandered downstairs and made the short trek to the restaurant. It was a blessing and a curse, having one of my favorite restaurants so close. I indulged in their meals more than I should. The owner, Mr. Li, didn’t need to ask if we wanted a booth or a table. I always wanted the booth in the farthest corner. It was dark and—crap. Did I like dark spaces because of my father’s shadow elf heritage? I returned Mr. Li’s usual warm smile with a weak one of my own, and we were quickly seated in the usual booth, me next to Jax, Teryl across from us. True to his word, he ordered spring rolls and Pad Thai. Jax ordered the Pad Preaw Wan, a sweet and sour beef with pineapple and vegetables, and I got the Thai barbeque chicken.

After our order was taken by Mr. Li’s youngest son, Teryl leaned on the table and said, “We need to finish our conversation.”

My mind rebelled, and my knee-jerk reaction was to avoid the subject. “I thought we were done. I’m a shadow elf. You’re an oracle. Jax is a gargoyle. I don’t have MacLean’s stolen souls. What else is there to talk about?” I sipped my iced tea. The brew was bitter today. They made a mean Pad Thai here, but seemed to struggle with a regular iced tea.

Teryl pressed his lips together in irritation. “Your fate, remember?”

“Right. I thought we agreed that we’d find my fate. Until then, I’m good.” It would clear up everything, and it seemed like the easiest thing to do. At this point, I was all for easy with a hefty dose of boring for good measure. I’d had enough surprises to last a lifetime.

Teryl wrapped his hands around his water glass and tapped his fingers on the side. “There’s a sense of urgency here. I think the latest turn of events might force our hand.”

“Force our hand?”

Teryl was being a serious mood killer. Things were going to get worse before they got better. Anything my father had a hand in got ugly, fast.

“Yes, we need to clear a few things up.”

I raised an eyebrow. “A few things? Would that include the shadow and light elf thing? Or what about the phoenix poofing into ash then reappearing thing? Or maybe the whole mate and alleged engagement thing? Or…” I pretended to tap my chin in thought. “How about the whole figure out my abilities thing?”

Teryl grimaced. “Okay, one at a time. Your fate will give us a better idea about your abilities.”

“Question. What do the fates look like? Are they a book? A sentence? Are they detailed, or more like a riddle? How will I know mine when I see it?”

“That’s more than one question,” Teryl said.

“It depends on the individual,” Jax answered, before I could take a breath to make a snarky remark. “Some are a few sentences long. Others are paragraphs long. I suspect yours will fall in the latter category because of your family line.”

“The royal families usually have more to their fates,” Teryl added.

“Goody for the Queen of England, then.”

“You’re royal, Elle. Jedren is the king of the shadow elves.”

I sat back and forced a smile as the owner’s wife brought our dishes. Originally from Thailand, she stood just under five feet tall and had a wide, beaming grin. She had a fondness for my lemongrass scented soaps, so I tried to bring her one when I came over. I’d forgotten today, with the chaos.

She didn’t seem to notice, because she beamed at Teryl. “I brought extra spring rolls. I know you love them.”

The shameless flirt followed their usual script to a T. “Be careful, Mrs. Li. I might sneak you away from your husband and shower you with gifts, so you’ll make them every day for me.”

She laughed and bustled back to the kitchen, glowing with pleasure.

The guys didn’t wait to dig in, but I couldn’t start eating with words like “you’re royal” hanging in the air.

“Thanks for the reminder of Daddy’s rank, Teryl. Back to the important stuff: what does a fate say? Does it outline your whole life? Tell you your job? Your favorite color? What styles look best for your body type?”

“Not quite,” Teryl said, before dipping one of his spring rolls in the restaurant’s famous plum sauce. He hummed in pleasure.

Jax got talkative. “Fates can be a few sentences about your strengths and weaknesses in life. Fates can also detail your career, your ability, and your mate. They can outline your death. It varies, but the information given is usually the most important to your life path.”

I gave him a sharp look. “So, why do you say we’re mates?”

He was calm when he said, “My fate specified you as my mate.”

I had nothing to say to that. I looked over at Teryl for help, but he wasn’t paying any attention to me. Instead, he attacked his Pad Thai like a starving man.

I could tell he was mulling over something with each quick bite, but it was Jax who spoke next. “What was your mother?”

That caught me off guard. “She was amazing, beautiful, loving…”

“Do you think…?” Teryl stopped eating and shook his head slowly. “Oh, shit.”

Now I was worried. “Why ‘oh, shit’?” In my experience,
oh, shit
was never good.

Jax looked at both of us. “I’m not asking about your mother’s personality.
What
was she?”

The shock hit me.

They had to be joking.

“Oh, no.” I shook my head, vehement in my denial. I lowered my voice when I saw a couple at a nearby table give me an odd look. “No, no, no. My mom was human. One hundred percent, grade-A human.”

“Elle,” Teryl said. “You’ve got to consider the idea.”

“No, I don’t,” I said, anger making my voice slightly hoarse. “That’s ridiculous. Even if my father stole my memories, I remember my mom perfectly clearly. I would have known if my mom wasn’t human.”

Teryl held up a placating hand. “Okay, okay. Just listen for a sec. Yesterday, when you shifted Jax to stone, that was incredible.”

I watched him, wary about where he was leading the conversation. My hands were shaking, so I sat on them.

“It’s not a common skill for a shadow elf. And,” he flicked his gaze to Jax before looking back at me. “Only a mate should have been able to do it.”

Jax placed a hand on my thigh. “She is my mate.”

His tone brooked no argument. I was happy for the comfort, mate or not. I picked up my chopsticks and pushed the chicken around on my plate. I was no longer in the mood for my favorite spicy dish.

“At this point, I’d have to agree with you. But…” Teryl trailed off and stared at Jax.

I felt Jax stiffen with tension. He shook his head once, and then took a bite of his dinner.

“But?” I prompted.

Teryl twirled his fork nervously—the guy was hopeless with chopsticks. “You also shifted MacLean.”

Ash on my hands. Ash on the floor. It wasn’t an experience I would be able to scrub from my mind any time soon. MacLean seemed like he’d grown up to be a nice enough guy. He might have been my first crush, but I couldn’t remember why or what kind of history we’d had.

Was Teryl trying to say I had two mates? Despite the obvious chemistry and connection Jax and I shared, I wasn’t sure if I was ready to be anyone’s mate. Not yet. Not until I figured out who or what I was.

I tried for nonchalant. “So, maybe because I’m not full shadow elf, I have a few quirks.” Quirks, I could handle. More skeletons in the closet? Not so much.

Teryl’s face reflected the doubts in my mind. I snuck a quick glance at Jax. He was frowning and his eyes were starting to show streaks of silver. He took a deliberate bite off his chopsticks. I sighed. It was best to get this over quickly.

“Spell it out for me What’s the significance of me shifting both guys?” I gave Jax’s thigh a quick squeeze. I didn’t think I was the only one who needed comfort.

Teryl sighed. “I’m not really sure. Shifting a phoenix is only something a light elf should be able to do. And a mate.”

“So you think I have light elf blood?” I tried to be calm about the idea. I even ate a small bite of my chicken, which I normally loved. Today it didn’t taste as good. But the heat exploding on my taste buds gave me something else to focus on.

Teryl watched us, and his face relaxed. “It’s a possibility. That’s why Jax asked what your mom was.” He resumed eating his Pad Thai as if he hadn’t dropped a bombshell.