Chapter Thirteen

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

For a second, Knox didn’t move out of sheer terror. His mate was curled up on the floor, shivering violently, teeth chattering, arms wrapped tight around her body. His demon let loose a deafening roar. “Shit, baby.”

Knox lifted her and held her close, shocked that her skin was so cold it was uncomfortable to touch. Her system seemed to literally soak up his body heat—he could practically feel the warmth leaving him.

With a single thought, he reined in the flames of hell before they could do further damage or harm the little girl within them, but he never moved his eyes from Harper. She was gulping in breaths like she’d just surfaced from the ocean after being submerged for too long. Each shaky breath fogged the air.

He stroked her face. “I need you to breathe for me, baby. Relax. Slow it down.”

She clumsily tried fisting his shirt but seemed barely able to move her fingers, as if they were too numb.

“I’ll get you warm, you’ll be fine.” But she didn’t look fine. Not at all.

There was a loud, birdlike screech just before a black harpy eagle soared inside the café and landed on the floor. A billow of smoke swirled around it, blanketing it for a mere moment, and then Larkin was stood in its place.

She glanced around, taking in the frozen people, the little girl unconscious on the floor, and the block of ice encasing Tanner. “Oh, God. Tanner called me and—what the fuck happened to Harper?”

“The incorporeal happened.” With a quick wave of power, Knox freed Tanner from the block of ice. The hellhound blinked, as if surprised to see that time had passed. “I need to get Harper home, Tanner,” said Knox, urgency in every syllable. “You and Larkin need to take care of the situation here.”

Concern lighting his eyes, Tanner said, “Consider it done.”

Knox unfroze the rest of the café and then pyroported his mate to the walk-in closet of their bedroom. Although he wanted to put her straight into a hot bath, he knew he needed to slowly increase her core body temperature first.

Snatching a fleecy blanket from a top shelf in the closet, he stalked over to the bed and lay her down. He then quickly shed their clothes, which wasn’t easy when her jeans were stiff with cold. Her eyes fluttered open. She tried to talk through blue lips that were dry and bleeding.

“No, baby, don’t talk. Just get warm.” Lifting her, he held her tight, sharing more of his body heat even though her icy skin made him flinch. As he pulled the fleecy blanket around her, she huddled inside it, chin dropped down to her chest.

Flipping back the coverlet, Knox settled in bed with her tucked close to his body and then dragged the coverlet over them both. She burrowed into him, placing her hands on his chest as if to greedily absorb more of his warmth. Her hands and feet were like blocks of ice.

Under the blanket, he rubbed at her skin, hoping the friction would warm her. Inside him, his demon roared and raged. Knox’s own fury was tangible. The fucking incorporeal had tried to kill her. Tried to freeze her from the inside out. Tried to take from him the very thing that had brought life to his existence.

He’d known she’d taken a hit from the incorporeal, but he hadn’t known it was fatal, assuming Harper would have told him if it were. But she hadn’t. And she’d almost died right in fucking front of him and his demon but, so focused on toying with the incorporeal, they’d been completely oblivious to just how seriously hurt she’d been.

He didn’t need to ponder why Harper hadn’t drawn attention to her condition. But he already knew the answer to that: she’d sooner die along with the incorporeal than have it be free to harm Asher. His demon wanted to spank her pretty ass for being so ready to sacrifice herself. Knox wasn’t at all averse to the idea.

He telepathically reached out to Keenan. Harper and I are home, but I need you to keep Asher downstairs. He gave the sentinel a brief summary of what had happened at the café.

Son of a bitch,spat Keenan. Will she be okay?

Yes, she will.Knox wouldn’t have it any other way. Reach out to Levi and explain what happened. Knox’s focus needed to be on Harper. Breaking the connection with his sentinel, he touched his housekeeper’s mind and said, Meg, I need hot water bottles for Harper. She was attacked, and she’s ice-cold. Bring them to the master bedroom.

I’ll be as quick as I can,replied Meg, sounding frantic.

Just as frantic, Knox stared down at Harper. His mate never looked weak. But right then, huddled into a tight ball, she looked so delicate it made Knox’s chest tighten. Every rough breath sounded like it was sawing at her throat. Being upset with her, letting her sleep alone and then leaving before she woke—it all seemed so stupid now. Stupid and petty and beneath him. She’d deserved none of it.

He kissed her hair. “I’m sorry I was a shit, baby,” he said, unsure if she was even properly aware of where she was or who she was with.

One by one, the other sentinels telepathed him questions, wanting to be sure that Harper was fine. He answered their queries but was far too furious to sound reassuring.

Meg bustled into the room with a hot water bottle that was wearing a chunky knitted cover. “I could only find one,” she said, anxiously. “Here, put it near one of her major arteries.”

Satisfied that it wasn’t so hot it would burn her skin, Knox tucked the water bottle under Harper’s armpit and then pulled her blanket tighter around her, hoping to trap the heat and hot air inside it.

Twisting her fingers, Meg asked, “Should I make her a hot chocolate?”

“I don’t think she could drink it, Meg. She’s shaking too badly.”

“Watch out for chilblains and frostbite. Can she get those things if she hasn’t really been out in the cold?”

“I don’t know.” He gently touched her dry mouth. “Get her some lip balm or something,” he ordered, and Meg swiftly disappeared. He should have felt like a bastard for being so gruff, but he didn’t have tact in him right then. Not when he was so worried for Harper. He didn’t like how slow and shallow her breaths were. Didn’t like how weak her pulse was or how her muscles kept spasming.

“Baby, I need you to be okay,” he whispered, breezing his fingers over her cheekbone. Like her lips, the skin on her cheeks and forehead had cracked. “You hear me? You have to be okay.”

Her chapped lips trembled, but she didn’t respond.

With Dan trailing behind her, Meg came back into the bedroom holding a tub of Vaseline. “This will help.”

When she unscrewed the lid, Knox dipped his finger inside and then gently spread the Vaseline over Harper’s lips.

“Is there anything I can do?” asked Dan.

“Help Meg and Keenan watch over Asher for me,” said Knox. “I’m not leaving Harper’s side until I know that she’s fine.”

As both Dan and Meg melted out of the room, closing the door behind them, Harper’s eyes fluttered open again. She stuttered words that he couldn’t quite make out.

If you really need to talk, do it mind-to-mind,Knox told her.

My skin is prickling and tingling,she said.

That’s good. It means it’s beginning to thaw.But that didn’t bring him any relief. Even when her pulse began to steady and her trembling eased a little, he didn’t settle. Couldn’t. Not until she was one hundred percent okay. Maybe not even then.

Still, taking a deep breath, he did his best to rein in his anger. She’d be fine, he assured himself. She was safe. Alive. Right there in his arms. But it was hard to find calm when his demon’s own anger still bubbled within Knox’s veins. Stroking her skin, he inhaled deeply, letting the feel and scent of her calm the chaos in his mind.

Knox glanced down at the ring on his finger that was studded with black diamonds. He hadn’t imagined he’d ever completely commit himself to another person, let alone ever wear a symbol of commitment. But he wore it with pride—even smugness. That same satisfaction always filled him when he looked at the rings on her own finger.

He was not an easy anchor, and he was an even more difficult mate. It would probably always astonish him that Harper had accepted his claim on her. She’d changed everything. Brought out emotions in him that he’d never before felt. Emotions he’d never thought he could feel. He needed her. Fucking adored her. And now he needed to fix his fuck-up.

He lay there with her for what could have been hours, holding her close, rubbing her skin, talking to her in a low, soothing voice. Her skin eventually warmed, and she slipped into a restless sleep. He just continued to hold her, stroking her hair and skin.

At one point, Tanner’s mind touched his. How’s Harper? Any better?

A little, replied Knox. How is the clean-up going?

Once you unfroze the people in the café, I pushed the smell of smoke into the air and yelled that there was a fire. Everyone other than Royce—who was shaking on the floor from what I’m pretty sure was soul-deep pain—rushed outside. With regret, I carried the asshole out of there instead of leaving him to burn in the fire that Larkin then started. Once the building was destroyed, she let the hellfire ease away. It was the only way to cover up the scorch marks left behind by the flames of hell.

What was Harper doing in the café?asked Knox, rubbing a silky strand of her hair between his fingers.

She was restless and wanted to go for a drive. I don’t know if she meant to drive to her old studio, but she pulled up outside and just looked at it. She’s hurting that Devon won’t take her calls.

He knew that. Hated that he hadn’t been more sensitive about it. If he had, if they’d talked last night instead of arguing, just maybe she wouldn’t have felt the need to go for that drive. Then the incorporeal wouldn’t have almost killed her.

She went into the café to grab us both some coffee,said Tanner. I saw her talking to Royce, but I figured she could handle him. It happened so fast—one second she was talking to him, the next thing he collapsed to the floor and a weird vapor shot out of him and intothe little girl. I bolted out of the car, but the café door iced over before I could get inside.

So Royce had been possessed by the incorporeal. Harper had clearly figured it out if she’d delivered him soul-deep pain, but that pain obviously hadn’t reached the incorporeal. If the incorporeal was in control of Royce, he won’t remember any of what happened. That was a good thing.

Larkin and I slipped away before the human authorities could question us. I’m glad Harper had the presence of mind to call out to you while she was being attacked, because I was too frantic to get inside that fucking café to even think about it.

Just as Knox had been too frantic about her condition to even care much about damage control—he’d left it to his sentinels. You would have called me. She just beat you to it.

Breaking the telepathic connection, Knox glanced down at Harper. She was looking up at him, eyes a little glazed over. His relief at seeing her awake almost felled him. “Hey, baby,” he whispered, mouth curving. A hint of wariness entered her eyes, as if she suddenly remembered their argument and expected him to continue it. As if, worse, she thought he’d verbally strike out at her again. Fuck if that wariness didn’t gut him.

Drawing her closer, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and stroked her back, letting her know without words that the last thing he intended to do was snap at her. All he wanted was to hold, comfort, and soothe her.

“You shouldn’t have let the incorporeal go,” she said, voice a little croaky.

Knox skimmed his thumb over her jaw. “Your life is a billion times more important than its death.”

“It will keep coming.”

“And it will keep failing.”

Harper hoped to God that was true, because she was so done with assholes hurting her and the people she loved. She shifted a little, flexing her toes and fingers. She felt drained and drowsy, but her lungs and throat no longer burned. Still, her muscles were tired and stiff. That didn’t stop her body from reacting to his nakedness—it was a total traitor.

Tossing the hot water bottle aside, she said, “I feel like I’ve been in a car wreck.”

Knox played his fingers through her hair. “You scared me. I could feel you weakening … feel your pulse slowing.” Resting his hand on her chest, he let the steady beat of her heart soothe him. “Too close. I came too close to losing you. Again.”

She swallowed at the torment in his voice. She wanted to be mad at him for what he’d said last night and for keeping things from her. She was mad at him, but it was hard to keep a firm grip on that anger when he looked so tortured. Her demon, on the other hand, had no problem holding onto its rage—it sniffed haughtily at him, unmoved.

“If the incorporeal hadn’t warned me what was happening to you, you would have died right there in front of me.” As the dark reality of that once again hit him square in the chest, Knox tightened his hold on her. “You should have reached out to me and told me how bad it had hurt you—if I’d known, I wouldn’t have spent so much time antagonizing it in the hope that it would make a mistake. I’m not asking why you didn’t. I know why you didn’t. But it’s not a good fucking reason. There’ll never be a good reason for you to die.” But she just stared at him, unapologetic. He dropped his forehead on hers. “You’re going to drive me into an early grave.”

“I’m going to put you into an early grave if you ever purposely hurt me again,” she warned.

Knox stifled a smile. Ah, there was his hissing, spitting kitten. “I’m an asshole.”

“Yes, you are.”

“I didn’t consciously set out to purposely hurt you, but it doesn’t change the fact that I did—I know that. And I’m sorry. I fucked up. Majorly. But I need you to forgive me, baby, because the way you’re looking at me right now—all wary and sad—is killing me.”

Harper wanted to groan. Why did he have to be so good at apologies? Was it so wrong that she wanted to be mad at him for a while? She didn’t think so, but he knew just how to take the wind out of her sails.

“I didn’t mean what I said last night,” he continued. “I don’t think you want Drew. Nor do I think you like having his attention. I said that shit because I was pissed.”

“And hurt.”

“And hurt,” Knox admitted, though he’d never have confessed that weakness to anyone other than her. “It’s been an extremely long time since I had someone in my life who had the power to hurt me. I’m not yet used to it. I can’t say I like that you have that power, but I wouldn’t give you up for anything. No matter how much of a bastard I am, never think that you’re not everything to me.”

“You weren’t here when I woke up,” said Harper. When she’d promised she wouldn’t walk out after arguments as long as he gave her what space she needed to calm, he’d agreed on the condition that she’d never sleep anywhere except beside him. He’d given her space last night, but she suspected that was also because he’d been brooding. “You didn’t sleep beside me.”

“Because, like I said, I’m an asshole.”

“And you were brooding.”

He couldn’t deny it. His demon—whose temper ran quick and hot—had lost its anger with her within the hour. It had pushed at him to seek her out, but Knox had been too busy ruminating on everything. As such, his demon had sulked all damn night and morning.

Harper hiked up a brow. “You’re not honestly going to deny it, are you?”

Knox’s mouth quirked. She was the only person who expected him to explain himself. She was also the only person he ever would explain himself to. “No, I’m not.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I always thought I was too emotionally disconnected to ever have a mate. Of course, I knew what love was—I’d felt it for my parents. But after so many years without them, the memory of the emotion had faded. Still, I’d sensed the emotion in others and I’d known full-well that it wasn’t something I’d felt for a woman. Then there was you.

“I’ve never had someone as deeply enmeshed in my life as you are, Harper. Never wanted anyone to be. I don’t have any real experience with emotional intimacy, which means I’m often flying blind here. Not being good at something pisses me off. But you … you’re something I need. I absolutely refuse to live a life that doesn’t have you in it. I hate that I hurt you, but I can’t change that I did it. I can’t even promise I won’t do it again, which doesn’t help my cause here. But, as I said, I need you to forgive me. Can you?”

“You kept something huge from me, Knox.”

“I truly do think I might be wrong about Asher being something other than a sphinx—it just seems so impossible. But the black smudge … that could suggest otherwise. The demon is cloaking itself.”

“Hiding.”

“In a sense, yes, it’s hiding. I don’t see why it would.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Your demon knows if Asher’s a sphinx or not.”

“Probably. I’ve asked it dozens of times for answers, but it’s being very tight-lipped. I truly don’t know what we’re dealing with here.” And Knox hated that, because he detested blind spots. He liked to have the facts. “The only thing we can do is the very thing we’ve both been doing, though you didn’t consciously acknowledge that you were doing it. We watch and wait.”

“Do you have any theories at all?”

“Not at present. Asher hasn’t shown any abilities that are limited to a particular breed of demon. Every demon has at least one power that’s exclusive to their kind. We just have to wait for Asher’s to show itself, which could happen any day now. Probably within the next month. But I’m still hoping I’m wrong.”

Her hand twitched into a fist. “You should have told me.”

“And you should have shared your suspicions with me.”

True, Harper thought. She could understand why he’d kept it from her, since it was the same reason she’d kept her own concerns from him. In that sense, the blame for this shit lay with them both. “From now on, we communicate fully. No holding back—not even to protect the other’s feelings.”

Knox nodded. “No holding back.”

She let out a long breath. “I guess you’re forgiven. Sort of. Maybe.”

He sighed, relieved, even though he knew there was a very good chance that he’d go to grab a suit from the closet in a few days’ time only to find that she’d sewed pink sequins onto it. His mate might forgive, but she never forgot. “What about your demon?”

“It’s no longer imagining jerking you off with a pencil sharpener.” At his wince, she smiled. “But it’s by no means a happy bunny.”

“What if I promise it a nice sparkly necklace?”

The sad thing was that her demon genuinely perked up just a little at that. It had a huge weakness for shiny things, especially the jewelry he often bought—Knox had good taste. “I don’t think that’s necessary,” said Harper. Her demon frowned, finding it totally necessary. As if Knox sensed that, his mouth twitched into a smile. Harper scowled. “You shouldn’t exploit my demon’s weaknesses. It’s not fair.”

“I don’t fight fair, as you well know. If I have to buy my way back into your demon’s good books, that’s what I’ll do. As it happens, I did see a diamond necklace that I thought would be perfect for you.” Knox gently tapped her earlobe. “I think some matching earrings wouldn’t go amiss.”

“Okay, stop. Just stop.” Because her demon was beginning to salivate.

Smiling, Knox pulled her even closer and took a deep breath, inhaling her scent. “I hate it when we argue.”

“Me, too.” But they’d undoubtedly do it again, she thought—particularly since they both had such strong personalities. He didn’t bend to please others any more than she did. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I was trying to fix the situation.”

“I know.” He feathered his fingers down her throat. “It isn’t your fault that it isn’t something you have the power to fix.” Knox landed a soft kiss on the corner of her mouth. “But I don’t want to talk about that.”

“Don’t you?”

“No. I don’t want Clarke in our bed.”

No, neither did she.

“And I don’t want to think any more about all the shit going on around us. Right here, right now, it’s just you and me.”

Harper closed her eyes as he began to skim his hands over her skin, petting her, tracing her, soothing her. But those touches soon lost their comforting edge; became sexual and teasing. His cock, hard and thick, dug into her lower stomach.

As he swirled his tongue in the hollow of her throat, she raised a brow. “You really think that sex will soften me up?” He should, since it worked every time. And, really, how could she resist him after such a heartfelt apology? Especially when the need to reconnect beat at her. Even her demon had backed down, though it was more placated by the promise of sparkly jewelry than by his apology—typical.

His mouth kicked up into a smile. “I hope so.”

“What if I’m not in the mood?”

Knox almost laughed. She was already wet—he could smell it. “Then I’ll have to get you in the mood.” He slid his hand up the back of her neck and thrust it into her hair, liking her sharp intake of breath. “You’re easily the best thing that ever happened to me.” Knox swiped his tongue along her lower lip. He loved the shape and softness of her cherry mouth. Hungered to delve and taste and dominate. And that was exactly what he’d do.

Harper’s lips parted on a surprised gasp as he pinched her nipple hard. His tongue sank into her mouth. He didn’t kiss her. He consumed her. Greedily ate at her mouth like he’d been starving for her.

Fisting his hair, Harper shamelessly rubbed against him like a cat. Her breaths turned short and rapid as a ravenous need built inside her, making her restless. He was grinding his cock against her clit, but it wasn’t enough. She needed more. But whereas she was a hot mess, he was in complete control, the bastard.

Hoping to eat at said control, she dug her fingers into his scalp and let him feel the edge of her nails, knowing how much he liked it. Sure enough, he groaned—the guttural sound made her pussy clench. But his composure didn’t falter.

Refusing to give up, she sucked on his tongue. A growl that vibrated with power rumbled out of his chest and poured down her throat, making her nipples pebble and a shiver quake through her. Still, he remained in control. Both her and her demon snarled. “You’re such a dick.”

“I can’t deny that.” Knox closed his hand possessively around her breast, loving the feel of her skin. She was a taunt to his senses with her petal-soft flesh, sweet honeyed taste, cock-hardening raspy moans, and the beautiful sight she always made.

Demons were prone to developing addictions, and this little sphinx had long ago become Knox’s. She was a drug he would never get enough of—one he had no intention of ever giving up. A drug that pumped through his veins, invigorated every nerve ending, and stimulated every part of him.

Lifting her breast, Knox swooped down and sucked her pierced nipple into his mouth, relishing the taste and texture of her. With a low moan, she arched into him, thighs clenching. Using his teeth, he tugged on her nipple ring just enough for it to hurt a little. Fuck, he needed to be inside her, assuring himself that she was fine, but he wanted to savor her just a little first. His demon had no such patience; it wanted to take her there and then.

“Fuck me. I want you in me,” she rasped.

“I know.” He bit the skin between her breasts and sucked hard, leaving a mark there. “But I’m busy. So you just lie there like a good little girl.” She spat a curse, and he couldn’t help but smile. But then the little witch slid her hand down his chest and fisted his cock. He thrust into her grip with a snarl as she pumped him. “You think you can make my control crack, baby?” His demon sure fucking hoped so.

“Shh, I’m busy. You just lie there like a good little archdemon.” Tightening her grip on his cock, Harper pumped faster, feeling quite pleased with herself. Of course, she expected him to match her move for move, so she wasn’t the least bit surprised when his hand cupped her pussy and he slid his finger between her folds.

Harper moaned as this thumb circled her clit, making her pussy spasm. He didn’t touch her clit, though. No, he zoomed in on the hood. Stroked it in circular motions that made her see stars. Lightly pinched it just shy of pain, which only made her want more. And then he was rolling it between the pads of his fingers, and she thought she’d cry if he didn’t finally touch her clit.

Using the tips of his fingers, Knox spread her plump folds. “Put your finger inside you. Tell me how wet you are.”

She licked her dry lips. “I’d rather you did that.”

“I know.” He thumbed her clit hard enough to make her hiss. “Do what I told you to do.”

The dominant rumble almost made her shiver. Releasing his cock, Harper slipped a finger inside herself; automatically, her pussy clenched it tight. “I think I’m wet enough for you. But you might want to check for yourself.” Before she could move her hand, his own was there, keeping hers in place. She gasped as a long finger thrust inside her pussy, joining her own finger.

“Nice and slick,” Knox agreed. “But I want you soaking wet.”

Harper made a sound of annoyance in the back of her throat. “No, you’re just playing ‘let’s torment Harper’ because you’re a sadistic asshole.”

“Who wouldn’t want to play with a pretty little fuck-toy like you?”

Harper gaped. “Bastard.”

He chuckled and took her mouth again. Licked and bit and dominated. Swallowed every moan and relished the tightening of her fist around his cock. “Now we’re both going to finger-fuck your pussy. Don’t come until I tell you.”

Keeping a firm grip on her hand, Knox withdrew both their fingers and then thrust deep. He did it again and again, watching pleasure and desperation play across her face. When her pussy started to heat, he drove a psychic finger inside and upped the pace of his thrusts. He could sense how close she was to the edge; could sense how hard she fought off her orgasm. “Good girl. Come when you’re ready.”

Harper almost sobbed as he forced all three fingers to fuck her with hard, rough digs. She didn’t last long. Pleasure swept over her like a tidal wave, sucking her under and sending her thoughts scattering. She might have sagged against the mattress, but the psychic finger dissolved, causing her pussy to blaze and quake unbearably. “Hurts.”

Knox scraped his teeth over the hollow beneath her ear, where he’d left a small mark that indicated she was anchored, and then spoke into her ear. “Want me to take the pain away, baby?” She only nodded.

Rolling her onto her back, he tugged her down the bed so that her head slid off the pillow. He then eased himself on top of her, giving her his weight, and she wrapped her limbs tight around him. Knox shook his head. “No, baby.” He shackled her wrists. “I want these above your head.” One-handed, he pinned them down on the pillow.

As his free hand cupped the branded globe of her ass and tilted her hips, Harper said, “You like touching that brand while you fuck me, don’t you?”

Mouth curving, he lodged the thick head of his cock in her pussy. “You know I don’t like rhetorical questions.” He slammed home, forcing his way past swollen muscles and shocking the breath from her lungs. Her scorching hot pussy clamped down on him so hard, he ground his teeth against the urge to come right there and then. “Look at me.”

Opening her eyes, Harper curled her legs tighter around him. “I need it hard.”

“Do you now?” Tightening his grip on her wrists, Knox mercilessly fucked in and out of her. He was done teasing her. Didn’t have the control for it. Not while something wild and primal was clawing at him, driving him to plunge deeper, faster, harder. Not while his demon was riding him just as hard, feeding Knox’s hunger with his own carnal greed.

Harper gasped as ice-cold psychic fingers dug into her thighs, hiked them up and then spread them wide, letting Knox slide even deeper and hit some magical spot inside her. “Fuck, Knox, I’m going to come with or without you.”

He bit her lower lip. “Then come.” He pounded harder, his pace furious, and then he watched as her orgasm crashed into her, making her eyes go blind. She screamed as her spine arched like a bow. Knox jammed his cock deep just as her pussy contracted and rippled around him, greedily milking every bit of come from his dick. And then they both collapsed.