Desires of the Otherworld 2: Darkest Hunger (22 page)

After rushing through the kitchen, she came to the back door. The blasted thing was flung wide open. While the tot could tolerate short amounts of time in the sun, his mother’s vampiric genetics meant that extended doses could kill him. Her brother would have her ass if something happened to his child.

“Deacon, get back here!” she thundered.

She saw a flash of dark hair as Deacon barreled for the door. He was almost at his destination when he was scooped up. Her sigh of relief was short-lived when she saw that the person responsible for the rescue was none other than Bridon—the very man who’d recommended they take in their nephew so she could get a handle on what it would be like when they had children of their own.

He wrapped his arm around Deacon’s tummy, arching a dark brow at her. “Still think a nanny is a bad idea?”

She scowled. “Our children can’t possibly be this bad. He’s an exception to the rule.”

Bridon closed his eyes, shook his head, and passed the boy over to Deacon’s nanny who had come along in case Willow couldn’t handle things. The older woman murmured something that sounded like a reprimand to Deacon in her native Irish dialect before she ruffled his hair and carried him back through the kitchen.

“He’s
one
baby,” Willow said weakly. “It can’t possibly be that difficult.”

“He’s a baby with a mixed heritage who requires special care,” Bridon corrected and walked toward her.

She slumped into his arms, basking in the reprieve. They’d only had Deacon for a week and she was already exhausted. He didn’t sleep through the night. He couldn’t decide if he wanted liquid or solid food. And he was teething, which meant he chewed up everything in sight. By the time she was finished putting him to bed each night, she was too exhausted to do anything more than crawl into bed with her Chosen and sleep.

It was absolutely, positively
depressing.

“Hilda’s going to care for Deacon while we’re out for the full moon.” Bridon kissed the top of her head.

“I hope I still have what it takes.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “In case you haven’t noticed, our new houseguest has made our time together a second priority.”

“Believe me, I’ve noticed.” He moved back, took her head in his hands, and kissed her. Her insides started to tingle, and she felt a spark of life between her legs.

Thank you, fucking goddesses.

Bridon lifted her into his arms, and she didn’t argue. Being this close to him felt good after spending so many nights together but apart. He carried her through the kitchen and dining room, then back up the stairs. When they made it to their bedroom, he opened the door, then locked it behind them.

“I’ve missed you,” she said and peppered kisses along Bridon’s throat as he placed her on the mattress.

He pressed his body against hers. “That’s a relief. I was beginning to think I’d been traded off for a handsome toddler who excels at getting himself in trouble.”

“You know what they say about bad boys.”

He nipped her earlobe, licked the shell, and whispered, “What do they say?”

Heat rushed through her. Fates, how she ached for this man. “I can’t remember.” She groaned, rubbing against him. “And I don’t really care. Do you?”

“Not in the slightest.”

She rose so he could remove her shirt and bra. The moment her breasts were accessible, he teased them. Reaching between their bodies, she found his hard and swollen cock and massaged it through his pants. He moved his hips, applying pressure to her hand.

She released him and tugged at his shirt. “I have a feeling this isn’t going to last long.”

“I’d say you’re probably right.”

All it would take was one request, and she knew he’d give her anything she asked for. They were alone for the first time in a week. Deacon was safe with his nanny. And it had been so damned long since she’d been with her mate, she couldn’t wait to feel him inside her.

“Can we stop talking now?” she asked breathlessly.

He didn’t say another word as he stripped them both, slid between her legs, and pressed inside her until the entire world faded away. Nothing was left but Bridon—her mate, her Chosen, and her Fated. His presence surrounded her as he moved, going slow, worshipping her tenderly. He watched her as he penetrated her body, gazing into her eyes. It was the ultimate display of vulnerability.

Just as he could see how she felt, she could see how he felt as well.

Their journey hadn’t been an easy one, but it made her devotion to the man unshakable. He meant more to her than anything ever had or would.

She feathered her lips across his and whispered, “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He smiled.

No more words were spoken, and no more words were needed.

Death and pain had separated them.

Life and love had united them.

Loose Id Titles by Aline Hunter

The DESIRES OF THE OTHERWORLD Series

Eternity and a Day

Darkest Hunger

Aline Hunter

Aline Hunter is the alias of multi-published author J.A. Saare, who has written stories featured in horror magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests.  Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and have been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath of fresh air.”

Currently she is penning multiple projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance categories.

Catch up with Aline at
http://www.alinehunter.com
. Those interested in her tamer side can learn more by visiting
http://www.jasaare.com
.