Chapter 19

The following morning, Harper ate her breakfast alone on the terrace. Jared had left her a note that he had errands to run.

Tired of her room, she decided to explore, not to find a way to escape, but to see what other rooms held.

By mid-morning he still hadn't returned, and she found not only his office, a large book-lined room with windows overlooking the mountains, but a library.

Floor to ceiling windows on one wall allowed in plenty of natural lighting. Pale maple bookshelves crammed with books on the other walls, with a winding staircase leading to a second floor filled with bookshelves. A crystal chandelier hung from the recessed white ceiling.

Two cream-colored microfiber sofas on the first floor offered comfortable spots to curl up with a book. There were also two matching armchairs with gooseneck lamps by the windows, with small pale maple side tables for placing drinks.

Or more books.

The entire room was light and airy, as opposed to the other rooms in the castle, and invited one to sit and read for hours.

Delighted, she skipped into the library, and began combing through the selections. One entire bookcase held romance novels. Another held fantasy and science fiction. Much as she longed to pluck a tome from the shelves and read, her attention was drawn to the second floor.

The books there seemed larger, older and more ponderous.

After she climbed upward, Harper scanned the titles. Most were leatherbound and some had strange writing on the spine.

Then she came to a heavy book displayed on a lectern. The volume was closed, and the title easier to read.

The history and lifelines of the Family Griffin.

Intrigued, she opened the book. The parchment crackled. Using the hem of her T-shirt, she carefully turned the pages, not wishing to let oil and sweat from her fingers stain the delicate paper.

It was a history book filled with details about Jared's family. Harper's breath hitched as she scanned the first pages. His lineage went back centuries.

And I don't even know who my grandparents or other family members were. How lucky he is!

Reminding herself to look at the volume later, she carefully closed it and then began combing the shelves. Surely with all these books there had to be one about the type of paranormal powers she possessed.

Selecting one called Fire Beings, she began thumbing through the table of contents.

Harper took the book downstairs, settled on the sofa to read. Most of the book had to do with demons and their ability to summon fire. There was a brief mention of a coldfire pyrokinetic, and the rarity of this kind of power.

Seemed paranormal Others like her were so rare, only one or two were born every century. Or, in the case of need, the goddess bestowed a special couple with such powers to pass along to their offspring.

"In times of great trouble, when the world is overrun by supplicants of the Dark Lord, a coldfire pyrokinetic will aid the forces of good to defeat the evil," she read aloud. "Such an Other will need mentoring from one who has embraced both darkness and light, to know how to use the coldfire to eliminate the Dark Lord's supplicants."

Interesting. Harper shut the book, wondering what it meant.

Hearing the door open, she glanced up and set the book aside. "Jared. I hope you don't mind me indulging in your library."

"What I have is yours. All the books are yours to read." He leaned against a bookcase. "But I thought you'd like to get out of here. See a little of the surroundings. Go for a hike."

Harper brightened. "What should I wear?"

Jared snapped his fingers and suddenly he was clothed in faded jeans, leather hiking boots and a checked shirt. He unbuttoned the shirt to show a white T-shirt beneath. "Make sure to layer. First rule of dressing for a long hike. When you get too warm, you can take off the shirt."

Harper waved a hand and dressed in the same kind of clothing. Jared conjured two backpacks and she put one over her shoulders. He took her hand.

She sucked in a breath, still accustoming herself to this kind of transit.

When they materialized they were in a peaceful town ringed by majestic mountains. In a nearby field, horses grazed while young men played a vigorous game of soccer.

"We're in Chachapoyas, about an hour or less hike to the Gocta Waterfall. Northern Peru. It's faster than taking a tuk tuk." Jared winked at her.

He paid 30 Soles at a ticket booth in the town square, and they proceeded to the trailhead.

Stone steps provided for easy navigation, but the pathway was also dirt and somewhat slippery due to a recent rainfall. Every once in a while they stopped at viewing spots to take in the breathtaking view of the valleys and canyons. It was gorgeous here, with a quiet peacefulness she enjoyed. Even the coffee plantations added to the ambiance.

The steep inclines proved challenging. Jared helped her through. Soon she was working up a sweat, and they both removed their shirts, tying them around their waists. When they had ascended after a couple of hours, they took a break, chugging water.

Birds called overhead in the tall trees. Hearing an odd bird call that resembled a squealing pig, she craned her neck. "Did you bring binoculars?"

Jared snapped his fingers, and they appeared in her hand. "Better than a camping supply store."

"And less weight in the backpack," she said, smiling.

She used the glasses and gasped. "Wow!"

Harper handed the binoculars to him. "Look up at the tallest tree. See that bright red bird with the oddly shaped head?"

Jared looked. He whistled. "Nice."

Harper remembered the photo DarkBird1790 shared with her. "I can't believe it! It's a cock-of-the-rock! I've wanted to see one ever since hearing about them. National bird of Peru."

Jared's eyes widened as he lowered the binoculars. "A…what?"

"I know, I know the name is nuts, but what a beautiful bird! I never thought I'd see one in person! My online friend, Darkbird, in my birding chat group, has seen them."

He gave her an odd, searching look. "What's your name online?"

"Rockstar00, after my profession, studying rocks, and the year I was born. Why?"

As he snapped his fingers and the binoculars vanished, he cleared his throat. "Rupicola peruvianu is its scientific name. Or to use the common vernacular, the Andean cock-of-the-rock, found in Peru."

Jared's expression filled with emotion. "Nice to meet you in person, Rockstar."

She stared at him, touched his face. Her trembling hand fell away. It was hard to comprehend. "You… you're Darkbird1790?"

A torrent of feelings rushed through her as he nodded. Wonder, gratitude, and desire, along with oh, so many questions. "How… why…"

Picking up her palm, he kissed her knuckles. The warm caress of his mouth made her shiver with need. "You know what I am, Harper. Alone in my room, night after night, never wanting to show my face because, well, I am a beast. My solace was found in reading, the internet and interesting chats with a certain fellow bird watcher."

Speechless, she couldn't find words. "You like birds."

Jared rubbed a thumb across her knuckles, his head bent. "I know, it sounds incongruous. A Krampus who enjoys bird watching. Hunting birds and eating them is more in line with my identity, I suppose."

Jared raised his head. In his dark eyes, here among the towering trees and majestic valleys and canyons, she saw a new emotion flare to life.

Hope, mingling with desire.

"Maybe we should go back," she murmured. "We can always see the waterfall another time."

"Yes," he agreed, his voice husky.

A minute later, they were back at the castle, only this time in his bedchamber. Emotions rolled through her; desire, need and overwhelming awe that she'd found someone who truly understood her.

Gone were the feelings of being lost, the life she'd always known abandoned. There was only Jared, her friend from online who liked birds, who connected with her on a much deeper level than any human ever could.

Their gazes met. He tilted his head. "A shower after our hike sounds like a good idea. Care to join me?"

"Yes," she murmured.

Jared hefted her into his arms. A lock of black hair spilled into his face. So handsome, the face of an angel with devilish dark eyes. A beast looked out of those eyes. Her beast.

"You're shivering. I have plenty of hot water to warm you."

Jared pushed open the bathroom door. Very gently, he set her down on the floor. Slowly she stripped out of her clothing, until she stood before him nude. Desire and approval flared on his expression. Never had she seen a man look at her with such appreciation.

Nor such tenderness.

She stepped into the shower, big enough for two. Closing her eyes, Harper sagged against the wall, every nerve ending tingling with sheer arousal as he removed his clothing.

The slow rasp of a zipper caught her attention. Jared shrugged out of his clothing and removed everything. His chest was broad, dusted with dark hair.

Muscles and sinew flexed as he bent over and tossed his clothing aside. Harper's breath hitched as she thought of the passion between them threatening to consume them.

Jared stepped into the shower. One arm locked around her middle as he stood behind her and twisted the knobs. Warm water cascaded over her tired muscles. Harper sighed as he murmured assurances. He pushed a hand through her hair, his touch oddly soothing.

Jared reached for the soap and began washing her. His touch was gentle as he slid the bar over her arms, her torso. Delicious warmth stole over her body. Harper closed her eyes as he slid the soap lower, between her legs. Her body cried out in frustrated need. She rubbed against him, feeling the hardness of his erection behind her.

Water beat against her overly sensitive skin. A slow glide of soap over her midsection. She felt his big body grow taut as he stroked the bar back and forth.

He set down the soap. Cupping her chin in one hand, he forced her to turn.

Jared took her mouth.

His lips were firm and commanding as he kissed her. His scent of pine and spice filled her senses, sent brimming with readiness. Jared coaxed her lips apart and plunged his tongue inside. Sexual need made her body soft and pliant, and willing. She craved him like a drug.

A drug that could destroy her, but she could not resist. Harper turned into the kiss, tasting him, her mouth moving against his.

His mouth was on her skin now, lips lightly tasting the droplets on her shoulder. Harper's breasts tingled. She opened her eyes, saw her body glow blue with power.

Taking the soap from him, she smiled. "My turn now."

Emboldened with her own sense of power, she stroked the soap over his torso, his long, athletic legs, his muscled torso, and finally his erect penis. Up and down as he shuddered.

She put her mouth on him, humming as he sagged against the shower wall and moaned. Licked him slowly like her favorite ice cream cone. Then he pulled away and grabbed the soap.

"My turn again," he rasped.

Jared stroked the bar of soap up and lathered one breast. He trailed a finger lazily over a pebbling nipple. She ached for his touch. Moisture gathered between her legs, her body betraying her.

She threw her head back in a small moan as he thumbed her nipple, flicking it expertly.

"Give in," he murmured. "Let it go, Harper. Let it go."

The pleasure built higher and higher, her body growing tight and hot. She was fire, molten fire with the heat at her core intensifying…

She came with a shuddering scream and sagged against him.

His erection prodded at her backside. It grew thicker and longer. His strokes grew harder, more intent. She sensed he was slipping. The arousal becoming painful and urgent.

Jared growled deep in his throat. "Fuck," he grated out, the roughness of his voice turning guttural. "Have to have you. Now.

After turning off the water he stepped out. Swinging her into his arms, he carried her to the bed as if his life depended upon it.

Jared tossed her onto the soft mattress. His mouth was on her naked skin now, licking her body, as if licking up the blue fiery magick from her pores.

Harper's breasts tingled as she writhed from the pleasure. She saw her loins and limbs glow light blue. This had never happened before, but then again, she'd never had a man like Jared.

Magick seeped out of her like perspiration. Moisture gathered between her legs as he stroked a finger between her soaked folds.

This craving for connection and bonding twined with the arousal and desire he sparked. Being here, in his arms, felt oh, so right. As if every other man in the world didn't matter. Nothing else mattered but Jared.

Sensations built higher and higher, her body growing tight and hot. The tightness in her loins grew more intense.

Jared cupped her sex possessively and then slid a long finger inside her. She shuddered with need, pumping her hips upward against his teasing strokes, as his caresses became more urgent and frantic.

"Come for me, my darling Harper," he whispered. "I want to look into your eyes as you come. Look at me."

His face was ruthless with lust and intent and yet his gaze tender. He stroked harder and she clung to him. The pleasure built higher and higher, cresting over me as she cried out his name.

The chiseled angles of his face did not soften, but hardened with purpose. He brought his fingers to his mouth, slowly licked them.

As Harper opened her arms to him, he mounted her, his gaze fierce and glittering with intent.

His penis began pushing inside her soaked core.

"I'm going to try to go slow, ah fuck! But I haven't had sex in a while."

"Me either," she managed to say. "It's been a couple of years."

"Try a few dozen decades."

He felt thick and hard as a steel bar, each slide pushing him past the tiny muscles that gripped him. Harper flexed her hips.

Enough of this. She wrapped her legs around his lean hips and forced him deeper. He threw back his head and groaned deeply.

Jared began thrusting in earnest, the dance of erotic pleasure she'd never experienced to this level. Emotions raced through her, tenderness and wonder, and a blossoming love. This was not mere sex, but something more.

His hips slammed against her, their wet flesh slapping as Harper dug her nails into the thick muscles of his shoulders. Heat built higher and higher again. Then he angled his thrusts, rubbing against her G-spot and climax slammed into her so hard she nearly blacked out with pleasure. Harper screamed again and again, calling his name.

Jared shuddered, threw back his head and called out her name. "Harper, ah, my Harper!"

Warm seed shot inside of her as he bucked against her.

He looked down at her and the flare of tenderness mingled with masculine satisfaction and pride.

"Damnit, I think I've fallen in love with you," he whispered.

Harper reached up, stroked his wet cheek. "Ditto."

For the first time, she had a chance to take in their surroundings. His bed seemed larger than an ocean liner. The sheets were soft cotton and the mattress equally soft, yet offered plenty of support. Panting, she rolled over and cuddled against him.

The sheets were wet from showering and perspiration.

Jared waved a hand and suddenly the bed was warm and dry. He grinned at her.

"Magick has its advantages."

She cupped his face, her gaze centered on him. "I believe in you, Jared. You may be an incubus, but you're a good man. Demons aren't good."

His smile seemed bittersweet. "I wish I had your faith. I walk a razor's edge of falling into the abyss of evil. It's in my nature. My family's heritage. Xavier, the Crystal Wizard, has warned if I do not break the curse soon, he will be forced to destroy me before I turn to darkness and serve the Dark Lord."

Her heart dropped to her stomach at his grim tone. "Then don't turn to darkness, Jared. Stay here with me, in the light. I love you. I don't want to lose you."

She curled into the crook of his arm. Filled with peace, she fell asleep.

Long after Harper fell asleep,Jared remained awake, one arm curled around his lover.

His thoughts danced like droplets on a hot frying pan.

Making love with Harper was sweet, soul-searing. He had never known such bliss, nor such connection with another. Damn, he in love with her and she'd confessed her feelings for him.

Surely this would break the curse.

Connecting sexually with her also should break the curse.

Harper insisted he could be a good man. He had his doubts, but she'd been fierce in her belief and her feelings for him.

Maybe Harper was enough to make him revert back to his former self.

But as the hours moved toward midnight, he knew better. Jared slipped out of bed, feeling the change take over. He kissed her forehead and went downstairs to the great hall.

The clock struck midnight.

He felt bones lengthen painfully, his face contort. Fur grew along his naked, shivering body.

It was over in a few minutes. He remained a Krampus. The curse had not been broken.

His cry of despair echoed through the hall.

For her sake, and the sake of her happiness, he knew what he must do.

Let her go.