Demon Within (31 page)

Teila held up the gold cord into the air that had been draped around her neck. Showing it to everyone, she swayed from side to side before addressing Kai and Eloise.

‘Face each other.’

Slowly turning towards one another, Kai smiled to his bride. Eloise blushed and smoothed a lock of hair from her face before smiling back.

‘Hold out your hands.’

Kai and Eloise followed her orders. Teila moved Eloise’s between Kai’s, then closed his hands over hers. She began wrapping the cord around their touching hands.

‘You will feel no rain; each of you will be sheltered by the other.’

Teila finished her words before wrapping the cord over their hands again. Kai grinned at the mention of ‘rain’.

‘You will feel no cold; each of you will be warmth to the other. You will feel no more loneliness; each of you will be a constant companion to the other.’

Each time Teila spoke, she paused before continuing to wrap the cord over their hands. Eloise watched her but quickly glanced to Kai after she spoke, giving him a comforting smile.

Kai drew in a sharp breath and swallowed as Teila spoke of loneliness, smiling to Eloise he tried to concentrate and not let his emotions carry him away. Teila looked to each of them before speaking the final words.

‘You are two bodies, but there is only one life ahead of you.’

Finishing wrapping the cord around their hands, she placed hers on top and smiled.

‘Go now to your dwelling place, to enter your days of togetherness.’

After she raised her hands into the air, everyone cheered. Whistles and applause rang throughout the courtyard.

Nissa began to cry and wiping away the tears she sniffed. Glancing towards her, Sabe was quick to offer her comfort, and placed his arm around her shoulders. ‘They make a lovely couple, don’t they?’

Nodding emphatically, Nissa couldn’t speak. She was so happy for Eloise. Looking to where Garlan, Leon and Roulan stood, she noticed Garlan was crying too, it brought a lump to her throat, and she wondered if Eloise could forgive him for what he’d done. Roulan turned his eyes towards her, his mouth a sneer. Quickly turning away she looked back towards Eloise and Kai, and began clapping her hands furiously, along with everyone else.

Teila removed the cord and placed it back around her neck. Leaning towards Kai, she told him he should address the crowd.

He took a deep breath. Normally his words to the people of Darkmide were those of warning to thieves, but this time his words would be of thanks, to his people especially, and to those who travelled to see the ceremony.

‘Thank you!’ He bowed to the crowd and waited for them to hush. ‘Thank you again. Please, celebrate with us, drink and eat all you want. The cooks have been busy all day and have provided a banquet for everyone.’ His hands gestured towards the terrace along the west side. Table’s had been filled with plates and dishes, brought out by the kitchen staff.

‘Eat! Drink! With our blessing!’

The crowd went crazy, cheering loudly, Eloise couldn’t help giggle and Kai was amazed at the warm reception they received. Taking Eloise’s hand he stepped forward and aided her down the steps. The crowd parted, making way for them and threw flowers into the air as they passed. Eloise couldn’t believe it. Blushing and ducking to avoid the flowers, she followed Kai’s lead back into the hall. Nissa followed and Sabe stood by the door ushering in the dinner guests.

‘Come along Caster, Ellanor…’ Sabe bowed and smiled, ‘Jace, I think you should sit next to my sister… don’t you?’ His grin widened and Jace nodded happily.

‘Garlan, Come along, you and Leon should sit next to each other, Kiera will show you where…hello Roulan, glad you’re joining us.’ He smirked as Roulan pushed passed, he didn’t look pleased and Sabe cocked a brow at Kiera. ‘Watch him.’ He whispered. She nodded and moved towards the dining room, ready to show everyone to their seats.

Everyone at the table had eaten more than they needed, the never-ending supply of food brought to them, made it impossible to resist. Wine flowed freely; among the noise and chatter, it was hard to hear one’s own thoughts.

Eloise kept watching Nissa and Sabe as they huddled together in private conversation; Nissa blushing and giggling, she could only assume Sabe was furnishing her with never ending compliments, and quite rightly so. Her bright blue eyes stood out as they widened with each whisper from Sabe. Smiling and looking away before she was caught staring, Eloise hoped they would find the same bond she and Kai had.

Looking around the other guests, Eloise’s eyes rested on her father. He’d barely eaten or drank anything and looked miserable. She felt sorry for him even though she was still angry. What her father did was wrong, inexcusable, and even though it was many years ago, he should have to bear the consequences of what he’d done.

Unable to eat or drink anymore and covering her glass when Kai tried to refill it, she watched him quietly as he laughed and drank with everyone. He could do no wrong in her eyes, despite his inner problems. She hoped his angrier self would appear less and less as the time passed. Glancing at her as she stared, Kai frowned.

‘Are you alright?’

Smiling and nodding, Eloise had never been so happy. ‘Yes, I’m fine.’

‘You’re not drinking or eating, are you sure?’ His brows furrowed in concern she was unwell.

Eloise felt her cheeks redden as she thought about the previous night, eager to return and have those sensual lips against her body; she drew her lower lip into her mouth. Leaning closer she whispered soft words.

‘I need you.’

Softly groaning at her words and feeling his cock twitch, Kai took a deep breath; he glanced around the room under hooded eyes before slowly turning to Eloise.

‘I think we’ll be missed if we leave now.’

He would love nothing more than to drag her off to bed, rip off her dress and sink his cock into her fast and hard, but it was a little early to be leaving. He stared at pleading eyes, and smirking, rubbed his nose close to hers.

‘Let’s see if we can sneak out.’

Giggling, and already feeling heat flush across her face and neck, Eloise swallowed then rose from her seat, closely followed by Kai.

The room went quiet and everyone stared at them, forcing them to stand still with reddening faces.

‘Leaving so soon?’ Sabe shouted then laughed loudly.

He picked up a fork and holding it in his fist, started rapping it against the table. Jace joined in and was soon followed by Leon and Caster. All the men, apart from Eloise’s father and brother jeered as they bashed their cutlery against the table in a chant.

Kai dragged his hand over his face and groaned while Eloise turned a brighter shade of crimson then lowered her head. Leaning closer, Kai whispered.

‘Go, while they’re enjoying themselves.’

Eloise grinned; it was too late now to change her mind. Quickly pushing past Caster and Ellanor and avoiding eye contact with everyone, she hurried out of the room, closely followed by Kai. As they left, everyone cheered and banged their hands or cutlery against the table, shouting various comments that made even Kai raise his brows.

Once in the hall and with only the house staff milling around, Kai swept Eloise off her feet. She squealed and put her arm around his neck, giggling as he marched them towards their room. He couldn’t get there fast enough and carrying Eloise as if she were a feather, raced down the hall.

Kicking the door open and setting Eloise down, he slammed the door shut with his foot before locking it.

Slowly turning, a wicked grin covered his face as hooded eyes raked down her body.

‘You do realize you’re not leaving this room for three days...at least.’ Kai chuckled.

She took a step backwards; Eloise felt her heart race as Kai moved slowly towards her.

‘As long as you’re here with me, I don’t see the problem.’ Her lips broadened into a perfect smile.

The room was too dark, Kai wanted to look at his bride and side-stepped towards the table by the wall, taking a lit taper from a deep bowl filled with sandy soil, he moved from candle to candle and lit each one. He took his time, and satisfied the room was perfectly illuminated, blew out the taper before leaving it on the dresser. Slowing returning to Eloise, thoughts of seeing her naked made his pulse race and his cock harden.

It was sudden and unexpected; pulling his shirt open, Kai practically ripped it off.

Faced with his tanned, perfect body, Eloise stared in awe. The leather trousers bulged at his groin and unable to divert her gaze, she felt a rush of heat course across her skin. He stood for a moment, just staring, ready to devour her. His deep, husky words reached her ears amidst the sound of her beating heart.

‘Take of your dress.’ Feral eyes raked down to her nipples straining against the silky fabric as his words affected her state.

Eloise tugged on the long ribbon that held the edges of her gown together. Once releasing the bow, she pulled at the lacing crossed over her back then slipped the fabric off her shoulders. As it fell to the floor she raised her chin high in the air and stared at her husband. Eloise stood naked except for the dainty lace, fashioned by Nissa that morning, covering her woman’s mound.

In slow, deliberate steps Kai approached his lover. Feeling a sudden rush of embarrassment, her head dropped, but taking her chin and tipping it upward, Kai stared into soft brown eyes.

‘No more turning away, there’s no shame in taking pleasure from each other.’

‘I know, I’m still getting used to being undressed around you.’

‘Then we’ll spend more time naked, until you become ‘used’ to it.’ The corners of his mouth curved in a sinister grin. Eloise giggled.

With a soft, feather light touch, Kai placed his hands on Eloise’s arms and slowly turned her around. He teased her hair from around slender shoulders, then started to wind it around his arm like a spiral until he reached her neck. Kai pulled gently and pressed his lips to her shoulder, scorching her skin with his hot lips. As her head fell against his warm chest, she could hear his heart beating as fiercely as hers. Soft, delicate kisses rained over her skin as Kai moved higher, drowning her senses. A soft nip of her lobe caused a sharp intake of breath, and she reached over her shoulder to touch his cheek.

Kai moaned softly against her skin, his cock hardened with every taste of her sweet flesh. Tugging on the lace-up of his leathers and quickly unfastening them, he heeled off his boots before sliding his trousers off and kicked them to the side. The slick, tip of his cock pressed against the small of Eloise’s back; warm and soft, he couldn’t help grinding against her as he moved his free hand around and cupped her breast.

Eloise relaxed against him, pressing her heated flesh closer, needing to feel his touch, she moaned softly when his palm smoothed over her erect nipple. He savored the soft breathy moans she made with each caress. Heated breaths, ragged and straining to keep control fell against her neck causing her skin to ripple with goose bumps. Reaching low, his hand slipped beneath the delicate fabric that covered her sex. Kai’s gravelly words made her moan softly when his lips pressed close to her ear.

‘Open your legs, I want to touch you.’

Her instant compliance of his command made him groan, carnal and seductive; Eloise shuddered and gasped when his fingers dipped into her heat. Slowly circling his fingertips across the hardening nub, Kai listened to Eloise, her breath quickening as his touch increased with deliberate and precise teasing.

‘Kai...’ She called his name in a whisper when a rush of sensual pleasure caressed her body. Her head fell back against his chest, crying out her pleasure with a mixture of deep sighs and whimpers.

A low growl rumbled deep within Kai’s chest, erupting from his throat to fall against her slender neck. He needed her, needed to slide his cock between her silky folds then deep inside her heat. Tugging at the lace and snapping the ribbons holding it together, he let if fall to the floor before sliding his hand around her waist and raising her off the floor. He walked towards the bed and lay her down. Releasing his hold around her slender frame, he lowered himself over her, suspending his weight on his forearm. Roughly nudging apart her legs while he nestled between them, his resolve was faltering, quickly. Eloise lay on her stomach and feeling the hardness pressing between her damp thighs, she arched her back, pushing her hips to greet his when his cock teased her entrance. Kai groaned loudly with the first thrust of his cock. Eloise gasped, and eager to feel him, ground against his heated flesh. His body was on fire, passionate heat spread through him, burning and tormenting him with a need he’d never felt. Eloise brought him to his knees; he had no control when she was naked, nor could he resist her.

Kai looked down between their bodies; his hot, ragged breath fell against her back and shoulders as he watched his hips slamming against her cheeks. Watching her creamy white flesh ripple with each hard thrust and clenching his jaw, he struggled to hold back his climax. She would be his undoing. Burying his face against her neck, nostrils flared as scented hair and skin filled his senses.

Bucking harder and with rhythmic precision, he growled with each deep grind of his hips. Eloise pressed her hands against the bed and braced against his unyielding thrusts; moaning and whimpering with each hard penetration, she could feel the start of another wonderful eruption.

Calling out her name, Kai’s quickening jabs against her brought his orgasm; they cried in unison as the final exquisite raptures broke through them.

Resting a moment before releasing Eloise, Kai eased her onto her back and covered her with his body. Starting at the delicate curve of her shoulder, Kai pressed soft, wet kisses along velvet smooth skin. Dipping his tongue at the sexy hollow at the base of her throat and grazing his lips along the slender column of her neck, Kai groaned softly. He raked his jaw along her chin before resting against her soft lips. Eloise slid her fingers into his hair and pulled him closer, devouring his mouth in a kiss of heated passion.

She moaned against his mouth as he broke the kiss. She wanted him, all of him and tried to pull him back for more scorching kisses, but he resisted.

Husky words fell against her parted lips. ‘I love you Eloise.’

Eloise had a rush of emotion and never felt so complete in her whole life.

‘I love you too.’

A long finger stroked her cheek before resting his forehead to hers; groaning softly. Throughout his life, he never expected to find someone like Eloise; a woman that would love him, with all his faults. Remaining still and after recovering briefly, Kai stared at Eloise’s mouth and recalled the first time he’d seen her and daydreamed of her lips around his cock. Inwardly grinning at the replay of the image, hardening instantly, he moaned.

‘What are you thinking about?’ Eloise noticed his eyes seemed to glaze over.

A devilish grin broadened as he rolled onto his back and smoothed the palm of his hand over his cock.

‘I was thinking about your lips.’ Fingers tightened around the hardening length.

Kai’s insinuation caused her cheeks to blaze with heat. Leaning against his already heated flesh, she lowered her gaze and watched fingers lazily slide up and down; she wet her lips and smiled. Her hand eased its way across his hip and lower, gently brushing her fingertips along hot skin she dallied and traced a line as she drew nearer towards the base of his cock.

Sliding her fingers around the shaft, barely managing to close them, she wanted to know all of him.

‘Let me do that.’ Her voice faded to a husky whisper.

Kai graciously relinquished his hold to her soft caress. Despite her naivety, it didn’t hinder her efforts; quickly mimicking what Kai had done with his hand, she stroked him.

Soft and warm, Eloise’s fingers squeezed gently with each stroke to the tip and back down to the base. Her thumb brushed over the tip and spread his arousal across the sensitive area; causing his breathing to quicken. She watched herself caress him then wetted her lips before covering the swollen crown with her mouth.

Kai hissed at the first touch of her lips and when unsure eyes caught his stare, his eyes flared with need; her innocence was enough to make him come.

‘Eloise…’ He barely managed to speak her name.

Hair so soft, twisted around his fingers. Eloise had no experience to call on but listening to Kai’s soft moans and feeling his cock jerk with each soft suckle or flick of her tongue, she learned how to pleasure her husband. Sliding her hand up to meet her mouth, her movements were gentle; Kai tugging her hair, faster, as if he needed more, hastened her actions.

Taking the hard muscle deep into her mouth incited a guttural noise deep from Kai’s throat. Rasping cries fell from her husband’s mouth, she knew it was what he wanted. She looked up his body and watched the soft belly flesh tremble as he strained to control his need to thrust against her. Eloise tightened her fingers around the thickness and each time she stroked, her lips suckled around the crown. Her mouth never left him. Feeling Kai’s body tensing, and listening to heavy breaths, she understood he needed release.