13. Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

A fter excusing themselves from the scikvak, Asmodel led Raxx, Prisma-Solara, and Izzy aside for privacy.

“Now, what can you tell us about Lord Baelon?” Asmodel asked the Krystalii. He eyed the yellow crystals of Prisma-Solara that appeared to be softening. If he wasn’t mistaken, the sharp edges of her protruding stalks were smooth instead of sharp and hard. Without taking his eyes off her, he spoke to his droid companion. “JR13, please record.”

“Affirmative, organic one.”

Prisma-Solara’s explanation was brief and to the point.

When she wound the narrative down, Raxx whistled and Izzy gasped.

Asmodel rubbed his chin between his forefinger and thumb. He had to admit her proposal wasn’t something any of them would have imagined was possible, but it was at least it was something in their favor.

With a final wish for their success, Prisma-Solara headed back to Jaltaar and Talira, who had watched their brief conversation.

As Asmodel observed her walking away, it took some time before the acrid scent of smoke mixing with the metallic tang of the burning city caught his notice. In the distance, the rumble of collapsing structures and the occasional crack of shattering glass filled the uneasy silence. He glanced at Izzy, her eyes narrowed on the departing Krystalii. “I guess we’d better figure out what to do next,” he said, his voice heavy with the weight of urgency.

Izzy nodded.

Raxx shrugged. “Echo, babe, start up the Shadow Drifter, pretty please . ” He glanced at Asmodel. “So, are we headed to the chancellor’s palace or what?”

“Yeah, I guess we’d should head back to the Federation Consortium headquarters,” Asmodel stopped stroking his chin, his tone serious. “Time to share with them what Prisma-Solara stated would help defeat Lord Baelon and the rest of the Krystalii.”

Izzy’s eyes widened. “But what about the scikvak? Shouldn’t we stay here and help them?”

“We can't help them if we're all dead,” Asmodel replied in a tight voice. “Prisma-Solara said she believes Lord Baelon has not only upped his timeline for coming to this dimension, but the havoc his interdimensional armada would create the minute they get here may be unsurmountable.” He looked off in the distant, lost in the memories of being held a slave under a violent dictatorship.

A deafening crash in the distance jerked him out of his musings. Another large section of a nearby building collapsed, sending more dust into the air.

Izzy flinched, coughing as she waved the dirt away. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the sound of twisted metal and shattering glass filled the air.

Asmodel wrapped his arms around her, feeling her heart pound in her chest against his.

“We can’t just abandon them.” Her voice cracked. “They’ve suffered so much already.”

Asmodel wanted more than ever to send comfort to her through his psychic sense. While he agreed with her, he wouldn’t let his emotions cloud his judgment by asking her to remove the PsyShields. “Izzy, I wish we could stay, but we don’t have a choice. While I can communicate with the governing body, it’s best to be there in person to coordinate with my family what we need to do.” He hugged her. “Besides, with Prisma-Solara staying, she’ll give them the extra protection they’ll need to survive the Krystalii invasion if we fail.”

“Shit,” Raxx crossed his arms. “When you put it that way, I’m tempted to stay here. Besides”—his dark eyes flicked around them—“I doubt the chancellor’s palatial palace is ready to roll out the red carpet for me anytime soon.”

Asmodel grinned at him. “I promise that won’t be a problem. Will it, JR13?”

“What?” The droid glanced at him. “You expect me to do miracles now?” A harsh huff. “The man’s wanted in five systems.”

“JR13.”

“Fantastic. Just what I always wanted to do. Commit a cover-up crime.”

Asmodel nodded. “Thank you, JR13. I knew you could do it.”

“Of course I can, you insufferable organic creature. Already done.” The bot trotted with harder steps to his place at the back of Asmodel’s neck. “But it’s temporary. The only way to expunge it must come from the chancellor himself.”

The droid's exasperation made Asmodel grin wider. He loved pushing the AI’s buttons.

“Hey, that’s awesome!” Raxx rubbed his hands together. “Hear that, Echo? We’ll be free to go anywhere we want in the galaxy!”

The galaxy. Asmodel glanced at Izzy watching the scikvak walk away. He had to make sure she was safe before they went anywhere. The thought of putting her in danger as he and his family fought the Krystalii was unacceptable. “But first you have to take us to Earth.”

“Why Earth?” Izzy cocked her head, an eyebrow arched. “If time is so urgent, shouldn’t we head straight for the palace?”

“Normally, yes. But we’ve got to take you to safety first. Putting you in the middle of this upcoming conflict isn’t going to happen.” He turned to Raxx. “Now, tell me what you need…”

“What does that mean, take me to safety?” Her gruff tone matched the twitch in her left eye. “You talk like I’m some kind of nuisance you have to get rid of.”

“What? Izzy, no!” He shot a look at Raxx, who shook his head and took a step back with his palms up.

“Nope, no can do, dude. You’re on your own.” Raxx pointed to the group of scikvak talking to Prisma-Solara getting farther away. “Oh, wait. They’re calling me. Gotta split.”

The coward sprinted off as if the hounds of Gilgamesh were after him.

“I thought we were in this together.”

The slight quiver in her voice made Asmodel frown. “Izzy, it’d be better for you if we take you back to Earth,” He searched her face for understanding.

Her reaction was immediate. Her jaw dropped and her eyes filled with tears. That expression of shock pierced him more than any physical wound. “I mean so little to you that you’d do that? Leave me behind?” Her voice was barely a whisper.

Asmodel’s heart clenched. “Oh, my goddess, no… no! It’s not like that. The only thing I want is for you to be safe, that’s all. With Lord Baelon coming, things are going to be unpredictable and dangerous. I can’t protect you if—”

“So, instead of a partner, you view me as a burden?” she interrupted, stepping closer. Those damn tears spilled over. “You think I’m a liability? If it wasn’t for me, Prisma-Solara would still be destroying this planet!”

He pulled her into a firm embrace, his heart aching for the warmth and comfort of her having her in his arms.

She was stiff and unresponsive.

“You’re right. You couldn’t possibility be a liability to anyone,” he reassured her. “No, Izzy, it’s because I care too much about you to take a chance. Just because you did that here, doesn’t mean it would work with this formidable threat.” He swallowed hard, his mouth dry. “I couldn’t stand the thought of anything happening to you.” He was desperate to make her understand. “You mean far too much to me.”

Her shoulders trembled as she pushed away, her nose in the air. “So you think getting rid of me will keep me safe? Is that right?”

Asmodel’s chest tightened. How did this turn into such a chaotic, emotional mess? All he wanted to do was protect her. Shield her from the impending danger ahead. But every time he opened his stupid mouth, he ended up pushing her away.

“The last thing I want, Izzy, is to put you in more danger. Can’t you see? I’m afraid if you go with me, I won’t be strong enough to protect you.” His words came out scratchy, his mouth and tongue were so dry. “And I couldn’t live with that.” Now she’d know what a frail coward he was when it came to her. It was a weakness hard to admit out loud.

Izzy leaned toward him, close enough for Asmodel to bathe in her alluring, honeyed scent laced with a sting of acidic anger. “I thought we were partners, Asmodel. I believe, no, I know, we’re stronger together. Why don’t you?”

The urge to tear the PsyShields from her hit Asmodel hard. That way, he’d take the easy way out and enter her mind to manipulate her emotions. To force her to see things his way. His mind raced, confusion clouding his thoughts until one thing became crystal clear. His shoulders slumped. Since when did he turn into someone who’d force others to his will? If he did that, he’d be no better than the Akurns who enslaved him.

Reaching out with his trembling hand, he touched her arm. “ Alma gemela . Never doubt I believe in us. In what we have. That’s why I want to do this. Because I love you too much to lose you.”

She yanked out of his hold, her shimmering tears held at bay with a narrow stare. “Then don’t push me away. Let me fight by your side. I’m stronger than you think.”

Asmodel’s heart ached at the sight of the grimace of disgust on her pretty face. Where did his soft, agreeable female go? He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Now that she wasn’t in his arms, the stench of smoke and ruin of the city filled his lungs. He opened his eyes, and her unwavering stare held him hostage. Her determined, blatant intent seared into his soul. He only wished he was strong enough to deny what she demanded. But he was man enough to admit he wasn’t. The bleak thought of separating from her made the decision for him.

“Alright.” He hung his head. May the goddess of the underworld, Ereshkigal, grant him mercy in the afterlife. “We’ll face this together. But please, understand why I wanted to take you to Earth in the first place. It’s not because I don’t need you. It’s because I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you. If you got hurt, it’d be all my fault.”

Izzy ran into his arms.

He tightened his hold on her and rested his head on hers before she pulled back, loosening the hug for her to look up at him. The pain in his stomach went away when her disarming smile replaced the pinched expression thinning her lips.

“Oh gosh, Asmodel. This isn’t just about you. Don’t you see I feel the same way about you? I can’t stand the thought of you being away from me when all this is happening.” She wiped a lone tear from her eye. “I can’t imagine being anywhere but at your side as we fight for our lives. Without you, I’d be lost, my love.” She sniffled.

He didn’t have the words to refute that statement. No, wait. There was only one word that mattered. She’d called him “my love”. No one ever said that to him… just him . While he and his brothers had a deep and abiding love for each other, they never went around saying it. His only response was to pull her back into his arms, where she belonged.

As they held each other in the ruins of Panterion Prime, Asmodel allowed a flicker of hope to spread. Maybe she was right. The only way to defeat evil was together.

Izzy relaxed in Asmodel’s secure embrace. She grinned at the conflicting expressions crossing his handsome face. Typical man. It must be hard for him to verbalize his feelings, so he relied on the physical. Not that she cared. She hugged him tighter. Physical was good. There’d be plenty of time to guide him on the freedom of expressing his feeling verbally later. Once things calmed down and the threat to their way of life was gone, then she’d take off the PsyShields and encourage him to use his psychic mojo and merge his consciousness with hers.

She shivered. What would that be like? Making love in real life instead of inside what he called a Dreamwalk. She licked her lips and snuggled her face against the hard hills and valleys of his wide chest. That would be a fantasy come to life. She’d read many a paranormal romance where the two lovers enjoyed such a thing and longed to experience something like that herself.

“What are you thinking of, Bella, to make my body react like this?” Asmodel captured both of her buttocks in his large hands and pulled her close enough to feel his hardness pressed against her stomach.

Izzy buried her nose, her face heated. “Oh, my stars. Are you reading my mind?” His firm pecs muffled her mortified voice.

He leaned back and put his finger under her chin.

Her eyes widened at his sensual smile that made her womb clench.

“I don’t have to read your mind when your luscious scent tells me everything I need to know.” Still keeping her in his arms, he whispered into her ear, “I know of a perfect place on Raxx’s ship where we can explore each other to our hearts’ content.” He nipped the lobe of her ear. “If you’re willing, that is.”

“Willing?” Izzy took a deep breath for courage. “Oh no, I insist.” Her internal shivers intensified. Lordy, she wasn’t normally a demanding person. What if she drove him away?

“Oh, my alma gemela . You take my breath away.” Asmodel’s voice was rough. Then he kissed her. His lips drifted over hers in a sensual exploration.

Without hesitation, she peeked her tongue out to run over his lower lip, tasting his masculine musk.

Asmodel’s tongue slid against hers in an erotic dance.

Izzy groaned at his demanding kiss and rubbed her aching breasts against his ironclad chest. Her core spasmed harder, dampening her panties.

“Damn, people. Wait ‘til we get to the ship, will ya?”

Izzy gasped and pulled back at Raxx’s laugh. She put her fingers over her wet and swollen lips. She’d forgotten where they were. Her face burned as she regarded Asmodel. His sharp, almost flawless features were relaxed, his eyes glowing with adoration.

“We’ll take you up on your offer, Raxx.” Asmodel answered the man standing behind him without taking his dilated hazel eyes from hers. He brought the back of her hand up to his mouth for a light kiss. “Isn’t that right, my Bella?”

Mute, the only response Izzy could give was a nod.

He placed her hand into the crook of his arm and turned to face Raxx.

“Raxx—” He walked them over to the smuggler and followed him back to the scikvak. “How fast can you get us to the chancellor’s palace? We’ve got to tell them what Prisma-Solara told us that would turn the tide against Lord Baelon.”

Raxx nodded, for once his expression serious, as he scratched the five o’clock shadow on his chiseled jaw. “Well, that all depends. The QLR is low on Etherium. Don’t suppose you got some around here, do ya?” They reached the other group, but he directed the question to no one in particular.

“We have a very limited supply,” Jaltaar supplied. “What do you need it for?”

Raxx’s expression turned blank. “My ship. Can’t leave home without it.”

“He needs it for the QLR installed on his ship.” Prisma-Solara studied the smuggler with a knowing look in her eyes. “To show my good intentions, I can create as much Etherium as you need.” She glanced at Jaltaar. “That is, if you don’t mind showing me where you house the mineral.”

“Hey! How did you know that?” Raxx’s jaw clenched.

“Although the PsyShields constrain most of my powers, I can still read what’s uppermost in your mind,” she said.

Raxx’s cheeks darkened.

Oh dear. Izzy glanced at Asmodel, noticing his bemused smile. Seemed like Prisma-Solara’s announcement didn’t catch him by surprise.

“We aren’t showing you anything until we know what a QLR is and what it’s used for.” Talira was firm as she glared at the Krystalii.

“That, my friend, is something unique. Not only in this galaxy, but I assure you, Lord Baelon would do anything to get his hands on one.” The crystals in Prisma-Solara’s body caught the low light and gave her an ethereal glow. “Once a theoretical device, it’s comprised of synthetic Quantum Crystals grown in the micro-gravity of deep space. Each crystal aligns at the quantum level, creating a lattice capable of resonating with the very fabric of space-time. It needs rare elements like Etherium to provide the stability for a ship to fold space. Without it, the unforgiving forces of space would obliterate the vessel it was in.” She eyed Raxx. “Are you telling us you have such a thing?”

Raxx pressed his lips together and glared.

Asmodel turned to Prisma-Solara. “If you know so much about the QLR, I’m surprised your people haven’t already created it.”

“You heard me say they were made of synthetic crystals, didn’t you?” When Asmodel nodded, she continued. “Lord Baelon decreed all production of synthetic crystals was an abomination and outlawed. The QLR never got past the theory stage in our dimension.”

“Yet, he’d take one and use it if he could,” Izzy mused. Any dictator she’d studied in Earth’s history wouldn’t have any qualms about using something they’d outlawed for others.

“That is correct.” Prisma-Solara answered with a short nod. “It would accelerate his timeline in advancing his forces to this dimension.”

“I may have, ah, borrowed a QLR from the Vargrux. But, believe you me, whoever they stole it from probably has more.” Raxx made this warning with a steady stare at Jaltaar and Talira.

“Then it’s imperative we get to the Federation Consortium as soon as possible,” Asmodel stated. “Once your ship is ready, how long will it take for us to get there?”

“Once I install the Etherium, all I gotta do is input the coordinates and let my baby do her thing. Then, whammo !” He snapped his fingers. “We’re there. Easy-peasy. Trust me, it got us here in the first place that quick, eh?”

“Trust me, the organic buffoon says.” JR13 spoke up from Asmodel’s shoulder in a whisper.

Izzy strayed nearer to Asmodel so she could hear what else he said.

“I wouldn’t trust him to point out the exit in a one-room cabin,” the bot continued. “But rest assured, I’ll work with Echo to make sure everything in the QLR is working properly.”

Asmodel nodded, then glanced at Raxx. “If I can help, just let me know.”

Raxx “pshawed” and waved the offer away. “No worries. We’ve got it.”

“So, just to make sure, you’re okay with providing the Etherium?” Asmodel asked the scikvak.

Izzy glanced at Jaltaar and Talira, whose faces bore a mix of distrust and reluctant hope. After a moment, both nodded.

“Well, good.” Asmodel folded his hands behind his back. “Here’s how we’ll compensate you for the mineral. If at any time you have trouble, use this with your communication system to contact us.” He opened his palm and a swirl of light morphed into a square disk. “It’s a direct line to our friend’s ship.” He patted Raxx’s shoulder. “And he’ll come running as if the hounds of Gilgamesh are after him to aid you with whatever you need,” he assured them with a grin.

“Hey!” Raxx exclaimed with a step back.

Asmodel’s hand dropped away.

“I never…”

“As for you, think of this as a goodwill gesture to the chancellor, along with the QLR, when we bring your case before him to have your, ah, past indiscretions wiped clean. Sound good, dude?”

Izzy chuckled when Asmodel said, dude .

Raxx’s eyebrows furrowed as his dark eyes turned black and he glared. Crossing his arms, he spoke through pinched lips. “I suppose so.” He pointed his finger at Asmodel. “Next time, ask before you go pimping me out like that. At least buy me a drink first. I have some standards, ya know. Not much, but some.”

Izzy’s grin widened. The mischievous twinkle in Raxx’s eyes reassured her he wasn’t too stressed about it. She doubted he’d agree if he didn’t mean it.

Jaltaar’s eyes narrowed as he gazed between Asmodel and Raxx before his black lips curled into a cheeky grin. “In exchange for the Etherium, how would you like having exclusive trading rights with CeluriaVO?”

Raxx’s jaw dropped. “For reals, dude?”

“We’ll need lots of supplies to rebuild.” Talira hooked her arm through Jaltaar’s. “I bet it’ll take years to set everything right again. Let’s go somewhere to discuss our next steps as well as figure out how to get the Etherium for you.”

Raxx rubbed his hands together. “You hear that, Echo? That’d like set us up for life!”

With a sigh, Izzy mirrored Talira and slipped her arm around Asmodel. Well, wasn’t this nice? She always loved a happy ending.

Now, all she and Asmodel needed to figure out was how to stop a maniac from another dimension from ruining their own happily ever after.

Asmodel, holding Izzy's hand, followed Jaltaar and Talira through the debris-littered plaza with Raxx by his side. They ended up in one of the surrounding buildings deemed sturdy by a team of inspectors. As dusk settled, most civilians found refuge in any sturdy shelter they could.

Fortunately, there was a nice roomy conference room available, complete with chairs and an intact table.

As Asmodel took a seat next to Izzy, it occurred to him their little group was increased by several more scikvak. Short-furred zaltrixan as well as a smattering of pardalions with their silky long fur.

Before long, the air buzzed with loud conversations as plans were made, itineraries created, and personnel assigned.

Asmodel couldn’t care less.

The only thing he wanted to do was spend some overdue time with the gentle woman next to him. He longed to indulge in Izzy’s unique fragrance, preferably up-close and naked. Unable to resist, he rubbed a section of her lustrous hair, twiddling the strands resting on her shoulder between his thumb and forefinger.

“I’m sure that’s okay with organic man. Right?”

JR13’s voice jerked Asmodel out of his slumbering sensual haze. He was too busy imagining wrapping her hair around his closed fist to pull her steady as he pressed her naked body under his. He frowned. What did the bot say?

“Not surprised you lost your ability to speak. Expected it a long time ago.” Sarcasm laced JR13’s voice. “But could you at least nod in agreement?”

Asmodel’s eyes lingered on Izzy leaning toward an elder pardalion female, her head tilted as if to catch every word the scikvak said.

“Asmodel!”

JR13 shouting his name yanked Asmodel back to the conversation at hand. “What?” How could anything get done if everybody just sat around and yapped all day?

“Is… it… okay… with… you… if… I… go… with… Echo… and… Raxx?” JR13 huffed, his black-and-silver body wiggling. “That clear enough for you?”

The room got quiet. Even Izzy turned to him with a contemplative frown.

Asmodel clenched his teeth. Ever since the bot met Echo, he’d turned into a real pain in the ass. Or maybe it was all Raxx’s fault. Either way, they were welcome to him. At least for now. It sure wouldn’t take much to disown the annoying little thing. He sighed. But facing JR13’s “parents” without the little guy was a definite no-go. “If you think you can contribute more than a constant stream of criticism, go ahead.”

“I only give advice when warranted.” The iridescent wings on JR13’s back slid out and fluttered. The bot lifted off Asmodel’s right shoulder and buzzed over to land on Raxx’s.

Raxx smiled at his new passenger. He sent Asmodel a grin and a wave. “No worries, dude. He’ll be a big help with me and Echo. We’ll meet you back on the Shadow Drifter in a few.” He waved a palm up.

And there was the exit line Asmodel had been waiting for. “Ready?” His lids went half-mast when he addressed Izzy. His heart raced and his palms were slick. For the love of a motherless goat. He couldn’t remember the last time he was this nervous.

Izzy’s brows raised. “What?” Her pretty brown eyes dilated as she studied him. “Oh my, yes.” She nipped the side of her bottom lip.

Asmodel put his arm around Izzy’s shoulder and stood with her, facing the others in the room. “If you folks will excuse us, we’re going to head back to the Shadow Drifter .”

Not waiting for anyone’s response, he teleported himself and his woman to his cabin aboard the spaceship for some much-needed privacy.

Alone at last.

Now that the moment had arrived, Izzy shivered, a tangle of nerves wracking her body. She stood next to Asmodel in his cabin aboard the Shadow Drifter , too anxious to take in her surroundings. It was only as an afterthought that she noted the cabin’s compact, yet comfortable, layout. There was a bed in one corner with crumpled blankets and plump pillow, while a single chair beside a small round table caught her eye on the other side. The material of the table was puzzling—wood, steel, glass? Its composition seemed to shift depending on whether she looked at it directly or from an angle.

Asmodel moved behind her, his warm body enveloping her back, covering her in his musky, spicy scent. She agreed to this, didn’t she? Here she was, getting ready to… do what she… hoped? Dreaded? All with a man she’d just met a day ago.

But, after going through several life-threatening situations, she knew some things about him already. General things, like he had four brothers whom he was close to. He was a caring man, ready to come and rescue a woman he’d never met before. He treated the alien scikvak community with dignity and chose to help the murderous Krystalii rather than figuring out how to kill her.

Then there was his constant companion, JR13. He never lost his temper with the bot, even when the droid was sarcastic to him. That showed patience.

Let’s not forget his extraordinary psionic abilities, like changing into a dragon. Holy guacamole, that had to be the sexiest thing she’d ever seen. Again, he could have used all that power to destroy the pardalions’ village in one swoop. Instead, he transformed back into his normal self. For a split-second, standing unabashedly, gloriously naked. Talk about making a good first impression…

More importantly, he could have used his psychic powers at any time to invade her mind. Izzy suspected if he’d done that, he could also have taken her will away. She might not have any type of psionic abilities, but she was pretty sure she’d have known the moment he touched his mind to hers.

“Would you like something to eat or drink?”

Izzy jerked when his hands rested on her shoulders. Leaning into his warmth, she shook her head. “No, I’m good.” She cleared her throat when her words came out garbled. “Thank you.”

Asmodel’s warm breath caressed the side of her neck.

“Are you sure this is what you want, Bella? I won’t presume you are ready to take what we have to a more physical level.”

His low baritone made her shiver, and his brief kiss on the side of her neck made her entire body break out in chill bumps.

“If you prefer, we can go to the main galley and wait for Raxx there.”

In self-conscious move, Izzy threw her shoulders back. “If that’s what you want.” She made a move to step away. Maybe if she wasn’t so close to him, it’d be easier for him to back off if she was rushing things.

“No, that’s not what I want.” The disbelief in his tone came through loud and clear. “I’d give anything for us to be closer.” His rumbled chuckle was deep. “I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.” He closed the minuscule distance between them. Turing her to face him, he grasped her hand and pressed her palm against the firm muscle of his thigh.

Izzy stared at her captured hand, noticing how much larger his was, holding her against his firm leg. She half expected to see sparks spring from where she touched him. An electric slide of arousal built inside her, making it hard to breathe.

“I haven’t been close to anyone for a long time.” Her self-deprecating laugh was short. “I may have forgotten how.” To stop from making a fool of herself, she bit the side of her mouth at the confession. Would she even remember how to please a man? She glanced up at his near-perfect features. Could she somehow satisfy this outstanding man? Could she, a plump librarian more comfortable surrounded by books, satisfy someone as magnificent as him?

Asmodel pressed a finger to her lips as if to stop her from confessing her shortcomings. “Neither one of us has experienced what is happening between us.” He breathed out the words.

She couldn’t pull her eyes away from their hands.

“What’s between us is unique to us alone. I want you to know whatever we do is because you want it and are comfortable with it.” He lifted her hand and placed a gentle kiss on her knuckles. “Whatever you wish is yours. If I do anything you don’t want, all you have to do is say so and I’ll stop. Agreed?”

Izzy swiped her tongue over her dry lips and lifted her gaze to him. His plump lips captured her attention. His lower lip was a tad fuller than the upper, giving him a sensual aura. It was all she could think of, having those lips on hers.

“Will you kiss me?” The words came out on their own. That’s it, Izzy. Beg the man when you just offered him a way out. Brilliant.

“I dream of nothing else,” he whispered.

She blinked and watched as his lips lowered, the whisper of his breath a prelude to the heated, velvet command of his lips caressing hers. She closed her eyes to savor his masculine flavor.

Izzy’s breath caught as an intense communion surged through her from his mere touch. She’d never experienced this kind of hunger before. It took over, dominating her every thought.

He tilted his head, wrapping one of his hands around her neck in a tender hold.

Waves of unexpected pleasure washed through her as his tongue licked her lips, then slid inside. Parting her mouth just a bit more, she reached out to twirl her tongue with his. Immersed in their intimate dance, she trembled.

He pulled back, his eyes turning a golden brown. “So soft, my Bella.”

Izzy’s hands slid up the clothed hardness of Asmodel’s chest before wrapping around his thick neck. Offering herself to him, she moaned when he met her invitation, meshing his lips with hers. Molten fire consumed her. Her sex throbbed in reaction—her swollen clit straining from the hood it normally hid behind. She pressed against him, whimpering when she couldn’t connect with his steel-hard erection where she wanted it.

Mewling cries of need escaped her and drowned in the heavenly cavern of his possessive mouth. She’d raised onto her toes, still trying to connect her sex with his. The careening mass of sexual tension tightening her low inside made everything hard to handle.

Even the instinctive act of breathing was beyond her. Not that she cared. All she wanted was to grind her hard-as-nails nipples and swollen clit against his solid masculinity. Even the dream love she had with him didn’t dare to come close to the reality. She burned out of control like she’d never burned before. “Asmodel.”

Tearing her lips from his, she dropped from standing on her toes, moaning when her sex slid over his. All the while, his large, commanding hand still held the back of her neck, keeping her from moving away.

“Easy, alma gemela.” His voice was smooth, but his body remained tense.

His heartbeat thundered so hard she felt it through their pressed-together bodies.

“I wish to savor this first time together and do not wish to hurry.”

His words were clear, but laced with a thickened accent.

Izzy sucked on her lower lip, craving to have him cover hers again. No, she wanted something more. Much, much more. Whoever said patience was a virtue was an ignoramus.

Her only coherent thought came out as a demand. “Shirt.”

Grimacing at her lack of verbal skills, she reached underneath his loose garment while his lips moved along her shoulder. When had her shoulder become bare? The question flew away when he nuzzled the sensitive line of her neck and shoulder.

Izzy sighed with pleasure. The scrape of his nimble teeth sent tremors racing down her back, straight to her convulsing womb. She cried out in surprise.

Grasping the front of his shirt in a tight grip, she tried again to get her naked skin against his. “Off.”

“Whatever you wish,” came his rumbled response.

She blinked. Not only was his shirt gone, so was everything else he wore. Her knees weakened as she took a step back to survey the bounty before her. Oh my stars. She’d never been anyone as spectacular as he was. Dark-copper skin covered a bevy of solid muscles from his broad shoulders to his tight calves. A smattering of black curls covered the hills and valleys of his chest, just enough for her sensitized nipples to stand at attention and beg, “Yes, please”.

Izzy lowered her gaze to his magnificent erection, straight and thick. She sucked in a breath. The circumference had to be as wide as her wrist. She swallowed, not sure if she was excited or terrified, imagining all of that fitting inside her.

Asmodel reached down and engulfed his uncircumcised self with a firm hand, rolling the deceptive looking pliant flesh in a rounding motion. With lazy, half-lidded eyes, he gazed at her as a panties-melting smile creased his full lips. “Izzy,” he growled, his eyes narrow.

Her womb clenched tighter and her vagina tightened, causing a trickle of her cream to coat the outside of her sex.

Oh my.

“I have to touch you.” He closed the distance between them. “I cannot think straight for the desire to feel your soft skin. To immerse myself in all the ways a man does with a woman.” He gripped her upper arms and stared down at her heaving breasts.

Noodles. Her legs were nothing but wet noodles. How could they possibly work when he talked like that? Izzy swore the room spun. Good thing her hero was there to save her from fainting like some Victorian maid. Oh yes, him sweeping her up in his massive arms was worth everything that had happened to her since she left Earth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him down for a kiss. Her heartfelt moan slipped inside their kiss as he lowered her to the bed.

He eased over her, covering her with his heated body. “Izzy—” He pulled back. “—I’m going to taste every luscious ounce of you and your precious body.”

She was beyond words. Quivering, she arched her back as an offering.

Asmodel didn’t disappoint. His hands encased each breast, plumping her nipples into sharp points. Keeping his dark gaze on her, he covered one mound with his mouth, while the other hand continued to play mercilessly with the other. He sucked the peak hard enough his cheeks hollowed.

She cried out when a turbulent surge of lust tore through her womb. “Asmodel!” She shook her head. Not that she wanted him to stop. He had to keep going. Every movement of his fingers created minute explosions that shot straight to her clit, making her empty womb spasm.

“Easy, Bella.” Asmodel’s breath was harsh as he lifted his head. His face and neck were flushed. His hand left her breast and traveled down her side, while he fervently suckled the neglected crest. “Don’t worry, alma gemela. I won’t leave you behind.” His words came out mumbled as he spoke around her captured flesh.

His other hand wandered over her hip before his mouth let go of her breast with a loud pop. Now his traitorous fingers found the super-slick, swollen folds of her sex. With lazy intent, he circled a finger around the hardened nub of her clit.

Straining to make him reach her clamoring prize by shifting her hips, he finally found purchase and tweaked it with a mild pinch. Just enough pressure to bring her closer to the release she sought. “Oh my, yes!” Izzy exclaimed with her head thrown back. When his mouth settled on her over-sensitized flesh, she gasped. She couldn’t breathe. She couldn’t think. He hurled her into a wild roller coaster, its overwhelming force threatening to rip her apart.

“Yes, that’s it, my love,” he whispered. “Let’s get there together.”

Asmodel had never encountered such an intense, unprecedented situation before. Lying with Izzy, with nothing guiding them but their passion, left him unsure of what to do.

When he and his brothers ended up in the modern world, sex opened a whole new chapter in his life. One he never knew was missing before. But it didn’t take long before the experience ended up hollow, leaving him unfulfilled. Like eating a favorite food over and over. It might be enjoyable, but after a while it ended up mundane and hardly worth the effort.

But being with Izzy was the difference between eating at a fast-food place and dining at an exclusive gourmet restaurant. She alone showed him the depth of what two people with a profound connection could share. He took in a deep breath. Case in point, the air infused with Izzy’s sweet, arousing perfume was intoxicating, like nothing else. Especially when he’d brought her to the brink of orgasm.

“Open your legs wider for me, Bella.” Asmodel stroked the softest skin of her inner thigh, eager to explore her there with the tips of his fingers. Her glistening, swollen sex was captivating. He licked his lips, longing to lap and savor her sweet essence. “You are so beautiful in your passion.” The words came out in a guttural rasp.

With her face a nice, rosy glow, Izzy threw her hands above her head and spread her legs, giving him a clear view of what she offered. The open expression on her face humbled him while at the same time brought out the uncivilized man ready to mate with his woman.

It took what little control he had, but he stifled the urge to mount her like a savage when all he wanted was to push his straining cock inside her slick, hot pussy. Damn Gilgamesh’s balls . He was better than that. Yes, he had to be better than that. Especially joining with this astounding woman for the first time.

Lowering his head, he shouldered between her splayed legs and inhaled her scent before letting his tongue stroke the tantalizing treat. He inserted first one finger, then another, to stroke inside her burning channel. Keeping his gaze locked on hers, he pressed in deeper and brushed the bundle of sensitive nerves just under her straining clit. Her strangled cry gave him immense satisfaction. Lowering his eyes, he concentrated on suckling her tender bud.

“Asmodel… please… I can’t… don’t want… to come without you inside me.”

Asmodel lifted his head to look at her. His wicked grin was to let Izzy know her plea fell on deaf ears. Once again focusing on her womanhood, he ramped up his efforts, determined to have her explode under his tongue. His fingers thrust, a back-and-forth movement, fucking inside her as his lips resumed their suckling on her hard nubbin. His tongue stroked over it, rasping it until she stiffened and froze.

Then Izzy’s back bowed. With her eyes wide, she screamed his name, slamming her thighs tight against his head.

Ah, music to his ears.

“That’s it, my alma gemela ,” he crooned. “Fall apart for me.” Watching her come was the most satisfying thing he’d ever witnessed. He rose to his knees, letting her legs fall loosely to the bed.

Her quivering body made her breasts jiggle as the hard tips of her berry-brown nipples pointed up.

Her shuddering breath unlocked something deep inside him.

He snapped.

With a savage grunt, he stretched on top of her and plowed inside her slick channel. Yes, finally, he was inside. It was too much. Damn, it wasn’t enough. Ah, shit. Her rippling channel grabbed him. Any coherent thought was beyond him. Of their own accord, his hips moved, shifting and working inside Izzy as a violent claw of lust tore him up inside.

He groaned. Izzy’s name became a song of worship. Leaning down, he captured one of her nipples in his mouth before reaching up to take her mouth with his. His kiss was demanding, claiming her as his cock claimed her pussy. Pulling away, he shifted onto his knees and grasped her legs and draped them over his arms. All the while, he kept a steady beat between them, ramming deep inside her. Her eyes widened as she gripped his forearms, her fingers digging into his skin with a surprising strength.

“Izzy, sweet,” he moaned, his hips jerking and driving, plowing deeper inside her. Her woman’s channel strangled every hard inch of him. The stroking of her feminine sex held him as a willing captive.

Her groan created a vibration that stroked around his flesh. He clenched his teeth. So close. So close… almost there. He hissed in agonizing pleasure as he watched her expression turn sharp, hungrier, while her eyes gleamed with excitement.

Asmodel’s hips tightened, arched. His cock throbbed hard, a violent flex of flesh as the first spurt of semen shot inside her.

Izzy screamed, her body spasming around his. Milking him for everything he had.

And just like that, his control shattered.

At the height of his release, the psychic barrier between them blew apart. Somehow, with her forceful release, the PsyShields she wore tore away. Now, nothing prevented his consciousness from flooding into hers. He merged their minds together. They both cried out as an unbreakable bond that transcended time and space carried their combined pleasure to a never-imagined height of shared ecstasy. Together, they soared to an unprecedented pinnacle of higher awareness neither dared experienced before.

It made them into something more.

It made them whole.