Liaison

Liaison:

Soul Bond Book 1

by Ambrielle Kirk

Breathless Press Calgary, Alberta www.breathlesspress.com

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 Copyright© 2010 Ambrielle Kirk ISBN: 978-1-926771-83-0 Cover Artist: Dara England Editor: Clarissa Yip All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews. Breathless Press www.breathlesspress.com

Chapter One

Known for its French colonial history and located along the vast Mississippi River, Natchez attracted thousands of tourists a year. It was the city for all seasons, but unforeseen danger lurked within these borders. Leona Moreau dug her toes into the dry earth as she glanced out at the river. Bald cypress trees swayed as the prevailing southerly winds gushed about. Leaves rustled amongst the thick carpet grass and around her ankles as she approached the water’s edge. The levels were lower than usual, but that didn’t stop the tourist and residents from boating. A large ferry docked yards away from where she stood to let off the passengers from the last ride of the evening. A streak of lightning flashed across the sky and thunder rumbled from miles away as the storm approached. Leona lifted her nose to the soft breeze. The acidic stench on the air alerted her of pending rain in the forecast. The exact hour of a torrential downpour could never be predicted, but the grayish overhead clouds hung low over 1

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 the city with evidence of their burden. The Heavens cried more often nowadays. Perhaps the Gods took note of the troublesome state of the Earth. Situations would need to be exceedingly dire for them to intervene. After all, it was the humans who first invoked the demons on Earth. Why should the gods fight a battle they never started to begin with? “Ma’am, do you need some help?” Leona turned to see a security guard standing over his bike. The radio on his belt hummed with static and voices of his colleagues. He took off his baseball cap. “I thought I should warn you that there’s a thunderstorm approaching. We’re notifying people to take safe cover.” “Yes, I know.” She backed away from the river’s edge. “The climate is ripe for a thunderstorm.” “Do you need a ride into town?” His suntanned skin beaded with sweat as if he’d pedaled his bike for miles without rest. “Thanks for offer, but I can manage.” Leona dropped her sandals to the ground and slipped them on. “Anytime, miss.” The security guard’s eyes lingered a bit too long on her as she walked past him. Leona diverted from the asphalt trail into the dense woodlands to get to her cottage. Her decision had been made. She’d been holding off making this choice for a long time. Now she had to go face the Elders to tell them that she disagreed with their previous ruling. The Elders had been offering advice to her since the start of her reign. Some things were left unchallenged, they said. They swore all they could do was pray that more humans would come to them for help. Leona didn’t like to live on false hopes, but she would never turn down anyone who wanted their soul returned from the demons who stole it. A powerful chant that summoned, bound, and imprisoned the demon until it agreed to give up the soul was all it took. Not an easy task for the summoners. With the threat of danger, the ceremony should only be performed by those with the knowledge. The Elders wanted to take the easy way out, hoping that all humans would seek out their coven, but the innocent humans, who gave up their souls unwillingly, would never think to ask a voodoo witch for help. As quickly as Leona and the coven of witches snatched the souls from the demons, the greedy bastards were already two steps ahead in stealing others. The demons had a slight advantage: they knew how the witches worked. 2

Ambrielle Kirk One of them had stolen the Book of Power. The more time Leona spent deliberating, it became clearer to her what had to be done. It was her Book. She wanted it back.

***

There was no place on Earth for a lowly demon that didn’t possess a soul. His was taken from him the moment of his birth. With his human mother dead from complications while in labor, he was brought to the Otherworld, home of the demons. To live in the caves, among the rocks. Carrick sat back on his haunches and gazed at the dreary landscape from atop the gravely mountain. This world was a prison to him. The others only came here once in a while to recuperate or escape an attack on Earth. The Otherworld was in shambles and no rightminded demons wanted to be here. Carrick ran his hand through his knotted hair. “Right-minded. Pfft. What an overstatement.” All demons were out of their minds. Most would rather stay topside with the humans to invade their space and steal their souls. However, to get there, one needed a soul first. Although offered many times to him, he could never accept a soul transfer from another demon. It was not in his nature to take what wasn’t his. A rumbling vibrated the ground and thunderous jolts exploded around him. The tremors seemed to enter through his boots and his body shuddered involuntarily. Gaseous fumes escaped the volcanoes below. Deep red molten lava flowed downstream, cascading over the edge of a cliff into a river basin. Ashes floated up and settled on his clothing. The thick smoke nearly suffocated him. Carrick stood and picked up his meager belongings. Everything he owned, wrapped in a blanket, secured with rope. He never stayed in one place on any given night. These precautions were taken not only for his safety, but to appease his adventurous side as well. His demon blood bound him to this lifestyle, but his human instincts to care, feel, and think, earned him a place in the lower demon ranks as an outcast. It didn’t matter that his father was an archdemon. As long as he shunned the practices of his brethren, he would be hated by them. They wouldn’t gain anything by killing him, either. He didn’t have a soul to take. No. His father had stolen it. ‘Tis why he was bound to this Godforsaken rat hell in the first place. There had to be more to this life than roaming around in circles 3

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 in the Otherworld. Here, he was a prisoner and would never be free unless he took charge of his own destiny. He wanted out.

4

Chapter Two

“I have called you here, Elders, Second, and First degrees, to achieve a task.” Leona glanced out at the curious stares. Their expectant facial expressions gave her pause, but it was too late…the decision had been made. She ran her sweaty palms down the front of her dress. “Tonight, I summon the demon that holds my book.” “Impossible!” “Have you gone mad!” Some of the coven members stood on their feet, eyes wide in shock. Their foreheads creased in anger and disbelief. Lightning cracked over their heads, matching the tension swirling in the air. Leona couldn’t decide which was driving her blood to boil—the protests from the coven or the loud grumbling signifying the beginning of the storm. The three-hundred-year-old cypress tree wouldn’t shelter them from the rain for long. The witches chattered among themselves. Talk of insanity and danger struck her eardrums. When their words forced itself in one ear, she forced them back out of the 5

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 other. Leona’s mind was already made up and she wasn’t going to back down. She’d expected this kind of resistance, but leaders weren’t true leaders if they tried to please everyone under their control. Their way wasn’t working fast enough. If they sat on their tails any longer, the demons would have learned all of their secrets and she feared they would use it to their advantage. Leona’s hands tightened into fists. Her patience was at ends. Each time the demons stole, their powers became greater. There were not many who could destroy a demon. These entities had to be studied, understood, and controlled. Her coven existed for that purpose, but their inside knowledge had been compromised when the Book of Power had been lost. The book was used to rid the Earth of evil. What if evil was now using it to stay here indefinitely and steal the souls of the willing and unwilling? Leona focused on the bickering coven members and observed the negative energy from the air around her through her fingertips. She tossed the force against the ground just beyond their circles. The explosive impact got their attention as the black smoke faded with the wind. She strode from behind the makeshift tree-carved podium. “If you don’t want to participate in the summoning, I don’t plan to force you. The main objective here is to get our book back. It should’ve never left our coven to begin with.” Her uncle, Frank, rushed forward, fists pumping at his sides. “Before your aunt passed into spirit, she left the safety of this coven to you. Do you know the danger you will cause if you summon a demon into our circle? Don’t you remember what happened to your mother?” Half a century had passed since the last demon was summoned. A Disaster. Her mother, the leader at the time, had called a demon to Earth. Although Leona had never known the love of a mother’s touch for very long, she would never feel shame for what her mother had done. She would always remember her mother as a leader who would give up her life for one more precious than hers. Her mother’s death was a lesson learned. However, this didn’t deter them from their goal to help people. “Do you have any other suggestions for getting the book?” she asked. Silence met her ears as they contemplated more solutions. They’d placed many options on the table before, all to no avail. It was sim6

Ambrielle Kirk ple—summon the demon who possessed the book. Leona waited for them to acknowledge the truth, but their past experiences still left them doubtful. Elder Frank stepped in front of her. “Are we going to repeat the same mistakes, queen?” Leona swallowed the rising lump in her throat. Clutching at her dress, she directed her gaze on Frank, the most difficult Elder. “My mother didn’t make a mistake. She traded her soul for that of the innocent baby.” “If you want to trade yours for that book, go ahead. When you’re dead, I’ll see to it that the coven makes no more foolish mistakes under my reign.” Leona ground her teeth to sustain her anger. The consequences for letting her rage erupt would not be a pretty sight. She’d learn to control her energy over the years, but Uncle Frank was testing her patience tonight. “The coven will never be under your reign, Elder. I have already chosen my successor.” “Who is—” “You will know when they take my place.” They already knew she was partial to leading the coven. Why cause further uproar tonight by telling them who she’d chosen? She had other more pressing matters to tend to. Like the book. “The midnight hour is near. Let us begin.” The others began lighting blue candles near the ancient tree. For any other ceremony, they would form a circle, but for this one, the square would be best to contain the demon better. Out of the corner of her eye, Leona spotted Frank and his closest followers storm off in a show of indifference to her decision. Good. She didn’t need their negative energy there. A young witch brought her a black cape and placed it over her shoulders. The raspy cloth scratched against her exposed skin and thin white dress. As they prepared the area with incense, Leona closed her eyes and meditated. All grew quiet. They were waiting for her to begin the chant. The naysayers were gone and the energy balanced. Candles made an eerie glow over the forest around them and the incense smoke flooded the area. The rain slowed to a trickle as she started the summoning in French. Tonight, she was prepared to put her mind, body, and soul into this thing. It was never promised that the demon would show itself, but she had to trust her instincts that she would get back her book tonight. Or else, it would remain in the wrong hands forever. 7

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 The wet earth rumbled under their feet as the others joined the chant. Thunderbolts struck in the distance, lighting the midnight sky. Her fingers trembled and her voice grew shaky. As the rain poured heavily, it snuck through the trees, drenching their clothes. The wind rushed around the area, trapping them in the throes. Water flooded the candles and their wicks could no longer hold the flame. Darkness enveloped them. The smell of burnt ashes overwhelmed her. Leona grinned. A presence. She opened her eyes and glanced out into the night, attempting to focus amid the darkness. Let the Book of Power return to its owner. Claim refuge in its rightful place. I feel your presence, demon. Uncloak your shadow to witch’s delight. Lightning cracked and its yellow spear split the old cypress tree in two behind them. When it bowed to the ground, the coven members jumped to their feet, and raced in all directions to escape its deadly limbs. While the others scurried away, her pride bolted her to the forest floor like the roots of the tree. Fear lurched through her heart, but determination to live up to her responsibilities took over her mind. Her gaze roamed the area in search of a black shadow. Nothing. The candlelight was gone and the demon presence around them was still in hiding. The wind slapped at her back and she jerked around. “Leona, look.” The young witch pointed in the direction of a tree where a ball of fire shot up from the ground. The force shook Leona, but she stumbled to gain her stance with her focus still on the inferno. A cry of agony tore from the blaze and echoed about them. Her eyes widened, and she shivered in fear. Tree limbs and branches rose up to join the windstorm. The remaining witches cowered and closed their eyes to the dust thrashing about their faces. Fire exploded in different directions. Leona threw up her hands to cover her face against the heat. She lowered her arms when the glow faded to see her coven members running off. “Leona, run…” Their voices trailed off. Her instincts told her to retreat with the rest of them, but her feet were planted. This was what she’d wanted. The demon was here now. Leona might face him with fear, but at least her mission would not be abandoned. Her gaze molded to the black smoke merging together. Forming… 8

Ambrielle Kirk When the smoke cleared, a dark-haired male stood in its place. His skin was tanned, naturally, as if by the sun. He was bigger than any human male she had ever seen. His steely gaze seemed to focus in the dark. Then it landed on her. Leona’s heart dropped to her stomach. The cloak she’d been holding tight against her slipped from her slack grasp and fell to the forest floor. The rain drenched her thin dress and clung to her skin like a magnet. Her toes dug into the ground and her fingers curled into her palms. His chest heaved up and down as if he were aggravated by his current state. Stark naked. His skin was smooth and nearly devoid of hair. Her eyes roamed over his chiseled chest, then over his lean abs. Even further, her gaze dropped to his well-endowed manhood. Her eyelashes fluttered in a heated blush. “D-demon.” She couldn’t manage any other word. “You called me?” “Yes.” The demon looked about at his surroundings. “This is Earth.” Leona swallowed and tried to speak, but her throat was too dry. She should’ve run with the others. Why was she standing here? The demon glanced down at his feet and bent to grab a satchel from the ground. He hooked it over his shoulder and moved closer. She shook her head and tiptoed back. The stones that formed the containment square were scattered about. He must have destructed the formation upon his arrival. Now he was outside of it—unbound. Her mind went blank of all her magic. He stopped just beyond the halved tree. “I won’t hurt you.” Was he trying to trick her? Did he want her soul? “You are a demon, aren’t you?” He came closer and paused only a couple feet away from her. “What do you want, witch?” It was in solid human form, not a spirit. She blinked several times in an attempt to refocus. “You can’t be demon.” “I haven’t stolen any human souls, so why do you call me?” His words were gracefully formed and they rolled without effort from flawless lips. Leona stepped forward, sizing up this demon that stood before her like a Greek god. “Demon, you come in the flesh. How is this so when others have only come in spirit?” “I have a human mother. My blood runs red, not black.” 9

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “I wouldn’t doubt that this is possible.” She bit her lip. There had been talk of demons breeding half-human children since they’d been taking up residence on Earth. His hair was black and sleek, but knotted from lack of care. Funny how she found it unique, not off-putting. It stirred curiosity in her and another feeling she couldn’t identify. “So, you are of the flesh? Of this Earth…so you come that way.” “I suppose.” He was unbound still, standing before her. “Why aren’t you trying to escape?” “There is nowhere for me to go.” Sadness riddled his voice. Someone with no place to call home? How could that be? “What about back to your own world? Isn’t that where you demons retreat?” “That world is like a prison to me.” He met her gaze and the sadness was replaced with indifference. “I would rather reside in Hell.” Strong jaw line, eyes deep-set and the color of darkened ashes, his size and the deadly expression on his face would’ve scared school children from a playground, but oddly she found this demon particularly attractive. The energy around him was not in the least bit negative. He was not like the other demons. She fed off his calm demeanor like the witch she was born to be. If he had it in mind to possess her, steal her soul, and kill her, he was playing it off rather well. “Demon, but you are very strange.” “Witch, but you are very beautiful.” Butterflies fluttered throughout her stomach and sent brushes of pleasure between her legs. Why did she feel this way? She shouldn’t be lusting after a demon. Ignoring the warmth enveloping her body, she looked him squarely in the face. “Do you know why I’ve called you here?” “Carrick.” “What did you say?” She frowned. “My name is Carrick.” A demon with a human name. One born of a human mother. One who presented himself in the flesh. “I see.” “Are you looking for a soul?” “No.” “Is there something you want me to do for you?” He must think I’ve summoned him to do evil work. Leona shook her head. “Why do you ask?” “This is how it happens. A human summons a demon asking their help with one task or another. Most demons only accept a soul as form of payment. This is how it all started.” 10

Ambrielle Kirk “Yes, I know.” His eyes trained on her and his gaze flowed from her face to her toes and back again. “Do you plan on giving up your soul for whatever it is that you seek?” “Negative,” she said through clenched teeth. “So, you have called me here to get something for nothing?” “Not exactly.” What would she offer him in exchange for the book? Was she liable to offer anything at all? “Then you would offer something else.” Leona followed his gaze to her chest. She might as well have been naked. The dress she wore clung to her curves and was nearly seethrough, courtesy of the rain. Her nipples pebbled under his inspection and her checks heated in embarrassment. She folded her arms over her chest. “Hell no.” A grin twitched at the corner’s of Carrick’s mouth as his devilish eyes continued to sweep her body. “I’ve taken nothing that doesn’t belong to me.” The words flowed casually as if he believed his own lies. Leona placed her hands on her hips. “Demon, you have my book!” His eyebrows creased. In a swift movement that caught her off guard, he grabbed her arm. Carrick’s irises flashed red as he glared. “I found it.” Her eyes widened. She tried to jerk free of his hold. “It is mine, demon.” He closed his eyes and he bent low to bury his nose in her hair, inhaling deeply. Her body stiffened as if frozen, but her insides warmed to his touch. “Witch, how badly do you want it back?”

11

Chapter Three

Carrick had never seen a woman more beautiful than she. He’d imagined them and even had the privilege of seeing a few on his trips to his father’s throne. Of course the ones he’d met were willing sex slaves, who’d given up their freedom to live in the Otherworld. “What’s your name?” His eyes roamed over her hair. Her dark auburn tresses held loose curls that brushed her shoulders and she smelled like some soft perfume he wanted to lose himself in forever. “Leona.” The words flowed from her lips like a caress. Her body had stiffened under his touch and her eyes remained on the ground. “Leona, are you afraid of me?” He pulled back to study her face. Her hazel eyes filled with question and doubt. “Yes.” An urge to console her and rid her of her fears took over him. He needed her to understand that he wasn’t the soul-snatching demon like the others. He was prisoner in the Otherworld realm, just like she’d tried to make him prisoner to their summoning circle. “I am demon, but not one you should fear.” 12

Ambrielle Kirk “How do I know this?” “If I wanted to harm you, you would most likely be lifeless now.” Carrick’s gaze softened at the panic in her eyes. “There is something that I would like to tell you.” “What?” Leona shivered, rubbing at her forearms. Raindrops clung to her arms and chest. Chill bumps rose up on her soft, supple skin. She seemed so delicate and innocent—different from the women he’d known in his realm. He reached out to touch her, but she jumped back. “You will catch the flu if you don’t change into something dry. Is there somewhere we can go?” She glanced over her shoulder and through the trees behind them. “Yes, but you can’t stay long. The others…” “Yes, I know about the others.” Carrick leaned down and grabbed her cloak off the ground. He shook the garment to rid the dirt and handed it to her. “What’s in that sack?” “Everything that is rightfully mine. Everything that I own.” “I hope you own a pair of pants, Carrick.” Leona spun around and led the way. “Humans wear clothes in this day and age. We aren’t in the Adam and Eve era anymore.” “Do you call that meager piece of silk you’re wearing clothes?” He snapped back. “You might as well be naked.” She mumbled something under her breath, and he admired her shapely ass all the way to the remote cabin further into the woods. If he was about to walk into a trap, at least he could say that he’d been in the company of the most intriguing human witch he’d ever laid eyes on. It was instinct for his kind to want and take. However, it wasn’t her soul calling out to him…he wanted her body. She kept glancing over her shoulders as if the other witches would pounce out from behind the bushes at any moment. Oddly, he had an urge to protect her from whatever harm she feared. Swinging the door open, Leona gestured for him to come inside the darkened cabin. “Do you live here?” The cabin was small and smelled of sweet incense, a different scent from the vulgar smoke he’d endured back in the forest. Votive, pillar, and tea light candles covered almost every flat surface. Airy light curtains covered the windows and the edges brushed the aged hardwood floors. “Yes.” She closed and locked the door behind her. 13

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 Carrick stepped further into the room. His gaze swept over the numerous, leather-bound books lining the shelves and walls. Artifacts, pendants, and glass balls lay throughout the area. He placed his bags at his feet. “How long have you been practicing?” She maneuvered around him, progressing further into the living room. “All my life. I’m the leader.” This didn’t surprise him. There was talk throughout the Otherworld of witch covens banded together for the very purpose of ridding the world of demons. “You are too young to be an Elder, yet you’re the leader?” “I was born into it. In this coven, the ring passes to the queen’s first born.” “Do you have any children?” “No.” Leona lifted some logs and placed them into the fireplace. Carrick hadn’t detected any other presence in her home. No servants or kids possibly meant no husband or mate. He had a hard time believing that anyone would leave this woman unprotected, but the idea of having her all to himself pleased him and he fought to wipe the grin off his face. She poked at the logs, creating a tall blaze within the hearth. “Would you mind putting on some clothes?” “Aren’t you gonna change?” His tongue passed over his lips as she bent further to adjust the wood. If Leona had called him here to seduce, then she’d succeeded in doing this. He couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like to undress her, like a gift. “Not right now. I’d rather keep both eyes on you. You may be part human, but something warns me that I should take precautions.” “Suit yourself.” He unrolled his bag and drew out clothes. She turned her back to him and stood in front of the fire while he slipped into jeans and a shirt. Above the fireplace, a picture of a woman bearing a striking resemblance to Leona hung over the mantle. She could have been Leona’s twin, despite the lack of the sparkling hazel eyes that mesmerized him. The slinky dress clung to her curves as Leona lifted her hands out towards the source of heat. Her wet auburn hair plastered to her shoulders. A silver anklet adorned one of her delicate feet. His attention deflected to the footsteps rustling outside her door. She brushed past him when a knock sounded. “Who is it?” Leona stood in the foyer, hand on the doorknob. 14

Ambrielle Kirk “Erin.” The female’s voice was soft and faint. Leona made a shooing motion with her hands for him to move out of sight. He stepped into a darkened corner of the room. The incense smoke swayed in the direction of the air as it snuck through the crack she made in the door. Her back faced him as she peered through the opening. Carrick inched further into the shadows. “Are you okay?” the young female asked. “Yes, just wet from the rain…and a little frazzled.” “The people ran back to the main highway. I offered to come find you. Where—” “Go tell the others I’m fine.” “What happened to the demon?” Carrick straightened his back and ground his teeth together. “He must have been frightened by all the commotion. The link was broken when the others ran. He vanished,” Leona spoke quickly. “Okay. Do you want me to stay with you tonight, Leona?” “No. Go back and tell the others I will hold a meeting tomorrow.” The door closed firmly and the footsteps receded away from the cabin. Carrick emerged from the dark shadows to find Leona with her back to the door nibbling at her lips, deep in thought. Her eyes lifted to meet his. “Where is my book?” The blatant question caught him off guard. He secured his bag with a rope. “You think I have a book that belongs to you?” “I know you do. This is why the summoning spell brought you here.” Carrick sat down and rested his arms on the back of the sofa. “What does your book look like?” “I don’t know.” “If you can’t identify it, then it’s not yours.” He grinned and patted his sack of belongings. “After all…finders keepers.” Her eyes squinted in defiance. “The book has been in the possession of our coven for over hundreds of years.” “It’s not anymore, but don’t worry, the book is in good hands.” Leona sat on the couch adjacent to him. “Where did you get it?” He lifted a chin toward the picture above the mantle. “Is that your mother in the picture?” “Yes.” Her gaze dropped as she wrung her hands. “Lena Moreau?” “How do you know her name?” “You keep your family tree in the book. Your name was never even recorded.” 15

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 Carrick had learned so much about her coven of witches from this one little book and would’ve never guessed that it would earn him one night on Earth. He wasn’t exploring this world and all its vast treasures as he should’ve been. Instead, he was spending it with the witch, who’d literally snatched him from the disastrous realm of which he had the misfortune to call home. It came as a surprise to him when the dark tunnel had engulfed him in the middle of his morning bath in a lake. The others had told him many times in the past that once a summoner targeted a certain demon, then he’d have to throw a counteracting vibe to break the connection. He never expected anyone to call him—there was nothing he could offer them. Carrick had fought like hell to escape her spell, but when the flames engulfed him, he thought he was toast. “When my mother died, the book was lost.” Her voice filled with grief. “She forfeited it—” “What?” Her fingers dug into the arm of the chair. “To the demon that took her soul. She bartered with him to save the soul of the newborn. The bargain included the book.” Her eyes shot daggers at him. “Are you her soul-stealer?” Carrick returned her critical expression. His neck burned in irritation. “I’ve never taken an unwilling soul, but I have no problems with taking the life of a demon that has. In the Otherworld, it’s a demoneat-demon world. You must fight to live and damn near have eyes in the back of your head or else you get stabbed in the gut. He messed with the wrong demon that night.” Leona crossed her arms over her chest and arched a perfect brow. “So, you do have it?” Her insistency for the book matched his stubbornness to keep what was his. After all, her mother had given it up, so it was no longer hers. Why did she really call him? Was she trying to connect the book to the lost souls…and the lost souls to him? She didn’t trust him anyway and had even accused him of being a soul-stealer. “Yes, I have the book. If it’s the souls you are looking for, I couldn’t save them… or that of your mother. That demon died in a fire and carried them with him.” She cringed and shook her head. “Tell me why you want it back.” He had a feeling the reasons were more than keeping the knowledge away from demons. “There are secrets that you should’ve never learned.” 16

Ambrielle Kirk “Because I’m demon?” His father had told him that he would never fit in on Earth, despite his half-human blood. Humans were taught to fear their kind. “That’s the main reason.” Would he be able to drag the others out of her? How could he explain to a witch that he had thought long and hard many times about bartering for his soul with her book? “Why is it so important to you if your mother gave it up?” Leona stiffened, but drew in a deep breath before she answered. “She was possessed…not in the right state of mind when the demon lured her to hand it over. We know she made a terrible mistake.” “A terrible mistake, huh?” Carrick couldn’t read the language, but he had a hunch that the secrets it kept were important to Leona. What would’ve happened to her and her coven if he’d traded in her book? “You’ve managed without the book for several decades. This would imply that you or members of your coven know everything by heart. Why was this knowledge even written?” “Demon, you ask too many questions!” She jumped up, rushed towards him, and tried to snatch his bag. He grabbed her wrists, before her hands could reach his satchel, and clutched her to his chest. Blood rushed through his veins, quickening his pulse. No one touched his bag. Curtains fluttered and whipped about as witch fury and demon intensity clashed. Chairs and furniture rattled against the floorboards. The crystal balls seated on the coffee table swirled with their magic and grew black. Candles went out and the scent of burnt wick fogged the room. Carrick leaned in to bury his nose into her sweet-smelling hair. His face brushed against her soft cheeks, and she stiffened in his arms. Once her body relaxed, he released her wrists and snaked an arm around her waist. Her chest pressed against his and her heart pounded with his own. With no desire to move away, he continued to absorb her scent. A shield of energy pushed at him. He recalled the summoner’s circle and her powers. It would take more than a witch’s spell to run him off. Little did she know, her powers were like a magnet to him. Leona was living proof that one so different from other humans could still live in the real world among them.”I feel your power, Leona. Your energy could cause much damage. Do you use this for anything else other than destruction?” 17

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 Her eyes gleamed with anger as she struggled to break his hold. “I am not a witch of destruction. If it weren’t for you demons running amok, I might be able to devote all my time to healing.” “When was the last time you had a lover?” Carrick traced the soft outline of her jaw and paused to stroke the small cleft in her chin. She was so perfect and her floral perfume enchanted him. He couldn’t get enough of her smell. Stroking the delicate curvature of her neck and collarbone, the pulse in her vein sped up under his fingertips. His hardened cock pressed against her belly. “When was the last time you used your energy to please yourself?” Her eyelashes swept her cheeks as her body became pliant in his arms. “I…I don’t know.” Carrick wanted to give her what her body obviously desired. He understood her ache because he’d known the same for all of his life. His own urges consumed him and he needed… “You need release. That’s your problem, isn’t it?” Leona parted her lips, but nothing came out. He licked his own, anticipating the taste of her. “Well, I’d very much like to help you with the solution. Wouldn’t you enjoy that?” Lust-filled eyes opened to meet his, but not before he spotted the flicker of doubt in them. Her opposition didn’t surprise him. After all, he’d known conflict all his life. He started to release her, but to his surprise, she took his hand and wrapped it around her waist.

18

Chapter Four

Carrick’s scent was addicting. Husky with a tinge of nutmeg. Leona had never believed the tales about human females falling for estranged demons that walked the Earth in human form. She’d questioned how they could fall for such malevolent creatures. If they were as intoxicating as this one was, she could understand why. She’d always been anxious to learn more about the demons—the good ones and the bad ones. Her aunt never taught her enough to satisfy this curiosity. She wanted to know what it was like to kiss one. To lie beneath them in bed. To take control of them while in the throes of passion. She laid her palms to his chest and lifted to kiss him. His lips parted beneath hers and became soft and willing. She accepted his mouth as his kisses became deep and rugged. Her heart jumped against her breastbone in anticipation, arousal…and fear. Fear of being caught. Fear of the unknown consequences. Carrick dug his fingers into her hair, tilted her head back, and his lips devoured hers effortlessly. Passion blazed into her spine as their 19

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 bodies connected and warmth radiated between them. His essence was rich and prevalent, like fresh afternoon breeze after the rain. One she would never want to forget. He broke away from her. Before she could protest, he gripped her thighs and hoisted her up. She wrapped her legs around his torso as he carried her in the direction of her bedroom. Her fingers latched onto his hair and she studied his face. The look of determination was all the indication she needed to know that he meant to have her. He set her down softly so that she was standing in front of him. “May I undress?” Hesitation stopped her from jumping at his words. She wanted him badly. He seemed to be the one who could either control or satisfy her desires. But what about her responsibilities to her coven? Carrick was here to give her the book back, not to provide her with sexual fulfillment. He’d surprised her when he mentioned her energy and how she kept it absorbed inside of her. Only her coven members had experienced her telepathic rage in the past and they knew better than to evoke it. Relaxation had always been a solution, but the release Carrick offered would be even better. Tempting. Irresistible. Leona swallowed and nodded. He lifted his shirt over his head and tossed it on her dresser. Once his jeans were unbuckled, he slid them down his toned legs and stepped out of them. Her eyes widened when his thick cock jutted out from sleek black hair. It was even more beautiful now as the blood from arousal caused it to bounce from his movements. He dropped to his knees, clutched her hips and pressed his forehead into her stomach. “You are so sweet, Leona.” He kissed her through her dress. The heat from his lips warmed her belly and sent energy jolts to her loins. Her toes curled under and she reached out and held onto his hair. He turned his face into her palm, kissed it and licked her fingers. His eyes lifted to meet hers as he dragged his tongue up her index finger. “Your fingers taste good.” “Carrick.” “Yes,” he hissed, then pressed soft kisses to the veins on the underside of her wrists. “I love when you say my name, Leona. It is exquisite…the way you say it.” He bent lower to grace the tops of her thighs with his lips. Her legs quivered and shook under his careful touch. He slipped the hem of her dress up inch by inch, his heated breath reaching her aching cen20

Ambrielle Kirk ter. She squeezed her legs together as he kissed her mound through her panties. Her pussy pounded with longing and she grew bashful at the thought of letting him play her like a puppet. “Have your fingers been down here? Is that why they are so sweet?” She hitched in a breath as he traced the outline of her panties. He hooked the waistband with a finger and drew the silky fabric down her legs. “You are perfect,” Carrick whispered as his gaze rose from her exposed pussy to her face. He pressed his forehead into her belly and slid his hand across the surface of her plump flesh. His digits slipped deeper into her, tethering around the edge of her sensitive opening. Her clit throbbed when he brought his fingers to his lips again to sample her nectar. He closed his eyes as if savoring the taste. “I need more of you.” Rising to his feet, he backed her up until the backs of her knees connected with the bed. He helped her out of her dress, pulling it over her head and chucking it aside to expose all of her to his lust-filled eyes. Leona fell against the soft sheets as he settled over her, his unkempt black hair slipping off his shoulders. Their lips met and he cradled her in his arms. She sensed the urgency within his muscles as she caressed him. To allow him easier access, she lifted her chin as he swept his tongue along her throat. He suctioned softly against her skin, leaving a stinging passion mark. His demanding lips made a heated trail past her collarbone to nip at her breasts. She arched her torso to his exploration and her breath caught in her throat when his tongue swiped against her tightening buds. He rolled the nipples around on his tongue, causing excruciating pleasure to claim her core. “Carrick, please…” The teasing went back and forth—pinching and taunting one nipple and licking and sucking the other. Temperatures rose between her legs and she dug fingertips into his back as he played over her. “This feeling is something I have never known, Leona.” Carrick kissed the valley between her breasts. “I pray that when I go back, these memories will remain with me forever.” Why did he threaten to leave and go back? She didn’t want him to go, didn’t want to move from beneath him and especially didn’t want to be alone anymore. Fingers strayed downward and found its way between her pussy lips. They glided against her slippery excitement. His head descended 21

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 lower until his face poised over her and his eyes danced with desire and longing. Carrick’s tongue disappeared between her slit. Leona moaned at the sight and sensation of the sexy demon fashioned into a man pleasuring her. He dipped his tongue in and out of her heat and her hips moved involuntarily in rhythm with his thrusts. He gave attention to her aching clit, flicking it lightly at first, then thrashed relentlessly to drive her insane. The tension built up faster than she expected it, too. His lips tugged at her swollen clit, enticing her release out of her. Her body trembled as the orgasm tore through her body and soul. For fear she would hurt him, she clutched at the mattress beneath her as her hips bucked off the bed. The same devilish tongue that worked her into frenzy also brought her down from her orgasm. The soothing strokes against her saturated folds elicited purrs of satisfaction to escape her. “What a nice treat.” Carrick appeared over her, licking his lips. Leona dragged him up into a kiss, tasting the salty sweetness that was her own essence. She was still on her high when he guided his thick head toward her drenched opening. They made eye contact as he penetrated her inch by inch. The invasion was foreign, but welcomed. She’d never given this much of herself before. Leona cried out when he buried his dick deep within her sheath. Her muscles worked to accommodate his size, milking him. He groaned. “You are so tight.” She wrapped her thighs around his torso, lifting her own hips. Taking the invitation, he pumped into her. He thrust, taking what was offered and giving what she needed. She bit her bottom lip to keep from crying, but then he lowered himself and covered her lips with his. Tongues tangled. Pelvis thrust against one another. Careful, calculating plunges became intense, firm drives. Her pussy craved more and more of his engorged rod with each stroke. Her vision faded and ecstasy shot through her core. The unexpected orgasm consumed her and her pussy clenched around his cock. He lifted his head and whispered her name. “Do you know what you do to me?” “Carrick.” Her fingers played at the nape of his neck. Dark gray eyes bore into hers, the ferocity evident in the glare. When the pulsing began inside of her, she knew that his release was hanging over the edge. She ground her pelvis to meet his. Carrick’s facial expression turned from intensity to one of elation. He came, burn22

Ambrielle Kirk ing her insides like molten lava. It sent her into another peak and she joined him in the cries of pleasure. They panted for oxygen as their heartbeats made futile attempts to return to as close to normal as possible. “Leona, my queen. You have brought me into your world and I fear that I may never want to leave.” Leave. No. She didn’t want to hear those words. Despite the consequences of losing the trust of her coven, she needed him to stay with her. Why was it always that the ones she shared strong connections with always had to leave? Her heart could not accept another loss. “Don’t leave.” Leona slipped her arm across his chest and laid her cheeks against his breastbone. He sighed deeply, then returned the gesture, cuddling her closer. She was drained beyond point of rejuvenation…at least for tonight. He had stolen all of her energy in the process of their sexual rendezvous. Leona wouldn’t have had it any other way.

23

Chapter Five

The same group of wild birds woke Leona up every morning. Only today, she didn’t feel like rising. Her muscles were sore and the sensitive flesh between her legs throbbed. She yawned and stretched out the kinks in her limbs. A light breeze floated over her body, sending goosebumps across her skin. Leona smiled. “Carrick.” She still tasted the result of their coupling on her tongue. Still smelled the musk and nutmeg that was his signature. She wanted to feel his skin again and tug at his cottony soft hair with her fingers. Her eyes peeled open and she turned to glance at the pillow next to her. No one there. She bolted upright and tore her gaze from left to right in search of him. An indention from his heavy body remained molded into her mattress. 24

Ambrielle Kirk Maybe he’d just gone down the hall to use the bathroom. Tugging the sheets to cover her body, she slipped out of the bed and pranced out of the room. The cabin was eerily quiet. She rushed to the bathroom on the end of the hall. Empty. The sinks were dry, the bathtub was sparkling clean. The sheet fell from her hands onto the floor as she darted into the main living area. Empty. “Carrick!” Where was he? Her breath hitched and burst from her lungs at an unnatural pace. What had happened to him? Had the others— No. Leona threw on fresh clothes and shoes. Hair still matted from sex, she charged outside and glanced around the perimeter of her home. Like a mad witch woman, she ran all the way back to the magnificent tree. Its branches were still strewn about on the ground and leaves sprinkled on the forest floor. Uprooted from the ground, it was broken in half. She paused to catch her breath, examine her surroundings, and tried to decipher what had happened last night. There was only one conclusion. Her demon lover had left her and would not be coming back. Pain wretched her throat and gripped her heart as reality dawned on her.

***

“What do you have to say for yourself now, Leona?” The Elder, Frank, threw up his hands, and pointed toward the mess from the summoning ceremony the previous night. “Your spell was futile. Nothing came of it!” “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “The demon is gone. The book is gone.” Elder Frank’s eyes grew into angry black orbs. “I am willing to bet you called a demon to this realm for nothing and now it is probably running about this town causing mayhem as we speak.” Yet another reminder that Carrick had left her. Why had he betrayed her? “The demon I called last night went back to its realm.” Maybe it was his mission to seduce her so that she’d forget her responsibility and it could return back to his realm with her book. But, he’d been so convincing… 25

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “How do you know this?” Another questioned. Leona jerked her head up, frustrated. “Don’t question me!” “What are your plans now? Summon another one? How many will you summon before you realize that you are too stupid to know what you’re doing?” Uncle Frank’s face was etched with animosity. His painful words struck her heart like a whip. Her coven never had any faith in her. Leona was only leader based on their customs, not because she wanted to be. She could save souls without being a leader. “You’re forgetting the point. The purpose of this was to identify the demon and get the bo—” “And we don’t have it, so you’ve failed,” Frank said. Shame washed over her. She had failed her people. Had failed humans. Had given her body to a demon to do with what he wished. Now he was gone. What had she done? “You’re weak…just like your mother!” Leona looked upon the face of her uncle. She couldn’t control her rage in that instant and sent a ray of her own painful energy at him. He hated that his wife had loved a baby more than she could him. Frank had even accused Leona of sending her dear aunt to an early grave. But it wasn’t her fault. Uncle Frank clutched at his heart. His eyes bulged and lips quivered violently. Leona heard his heart stalling in her head. When he crumbled to the ground, another coven member rushed to his aid. Leona released her hold on him. “You little bitch!” Frank panted as his breathing returned to normal. He knocked aside his helper and rushed at her. Erin stepped in front of him to block his path. “Calm down, Father!” “She’s a killer!” “Father!” “Her mother was too weak from giving birth to her and let a demon consume her life.” Frank spat on the ground. “My wife waited on her hand and foot like a live-in slave and now she’s six-feet under before her time.” Two males rushed to usher Frank away from her. “She was evil the moment she was born! She’ll ruin us all!” His insults echoed through the forest. Leona was good at holding back the tears. She’d done it for her entire life. There was nothing but death and destruction in her future. Her cards had been dealt to her at the moment of her conception. 26

Ambrielle Kirk “I’m sorry about that.” Erin placed her hand on Leona’s shoulder. “Nothing to worry about, cousin.” She turned around and left the others looking behind her. There was no one on this Earth to love her. Those who did were all dead.

***

Leona waited until midnight to perform the summoning spell, again. This time, she did it within the privacy of her own space. It was forbidden to summon demons without at least one other witch, preferably an Elder, present. But, this was something she had to do alone. Would she do it to get that book or to see Carrick again? Leona wouldn’t accept it as betrayal until she knew the truth. Her heart ached from a lifetime of unhealed wounds, but her soul yearned for something else. Now that she knew Carrick existed, the void grew even more, now that he was gone. Gone with the rest of her pride. And gone with her book. She’d meditated deeply for hours until all negative thoughts had left her mind. Had taken a while, but now her heart, mind, and body was ready for what she prepared to do. Nothing could go wrong. All she needed to do was to call the demon with the Book of Power like she did last night and he would come to her again. The fire burning on the candlewicks seemed to pulse at the same consistent beat of her heart. The winds blew outside, whipping at the windowpanes, nearly drowning out her chants. Leona called out, over and over again, depleting all of her energy. It was an hour before she realized that Carrick wasn’t coming back. She’d lost him and the book forever. As she rose to her feet, she wiped fresh tears from her cheeks. Frank had been right—she was a failure. She retreated to her bedroom and collapsed onto the covers. His scent was everywhere. On the sheets and pillowcases. Carrick’s essence would be gone in a couple days, but the memories of what they had done would remain with her. This was nobody’s fault, but her own. Her sexual needs had been met and he’d walked away with satisfaction and her book. Leona slammed a fist into the mattress. She had to let her mistake go or she’d never get over him. Leona buried her face in the pillow he used, sliding her hands beneath it. Her fingers grazed a hard object and her eyes shot open. She cast the pillow aside, throwing it the floor. 27

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 The Book of Power. Black casing, metal binding, with gold trimmed pages. He had left it here? With her? She clutched the lightweight book to her chest and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, it was back with the coven again. Now they could rest assure that their powers would not be used against them. Good thing the book had fallen into the hands of Carrick. Regret washed over her for blaming Carrick for keeping her book. He wasn’t like the other demon kind. Was it because he was half-human or because he actually had a conscience? It was too late to wake up the coven members about her discovery. A story about how she found the book lodged in the branches of the fallen tree brewed in her head. Something else weighed heavy on her mind. She had to find some way to connect with Carrick, again. Had to find out why her heart and soul would not accept that he was never coming back.

28

Chapter Six

Carrick crossed the bridge into the ruler territories. The air was thick with sulfur and smoke. Devoid of any plant life-form, the ground was dry and cracked. He hated coming here. Demon guards roamed the area in their true form. Their servitude to protect the ruler territories provoked them from retaining any souls. The longer a demon remained without a soul, the more monstrous they became. Carrick didn’t want to become that monster. He’d already declared that two nights ago was the best thing that ever happened to him. Leona had remained in his thoughts even after he’d left her in a deep slumber. It might have been so much easier to tell her that he was bound to the Otherworld because he didn’t have a soul. What good would it do to complicate her life more when his chances of getting his soul back were slim to null? Carrick paused on the other side of the bridge, took a canteen of water from his bag and held it to his mouth. Warm water met his lips and back of his throat, needing it to prevent him from passing out in 29

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 temperatures that could rival the pit of Hell. The stench of acid mixed in with the stream below burned his nose when a light breeze brushed over him. His patience was growing thin. He sped up until the roof of the fortress ahead came into view. His father had been adamant about not relinquishing his soul in the past, so what could he offer to convince him to do it now? Leona’s book was out of the question. By keeping it in this realm, it would most definitely put her and her coven in danger, should it be placed in the wrong hands. Even when the book had been in his possession, he’d never learned any of the knowledge—it was all written in a foreign language he had yet to decipher. Only the names in the English language on the opening flap registered with him. His thoughts returned to Leona. She had looked peaceful in her sleep. Her beauty kept him mesmerized until the sun threatened to peek above the horizon—until it was time for him to return to his realm. He made the ultimate sacrifice. He left the book with her. Perhaps she would use it for a purpose much greater than his. It was not in his nature to keep what wasn’t his. As he approached, the guards looked upon him with indifference. They knew him—knew one of the rulers they were protecting had sired him. No one was to enter the fortress unless they had an invite. They stood their ground, unflinching. Of course he had no invite, but there were matters that he needed to discuss with the one demon he hated most. His miserable father loved keeping him in despair. Carrick’s soul had been compromised for far too long and he needed to do something to get it back. No more waiting, this was the moment. He wanted to see Leona again. He needed his soul now, more than ever, for that reason. The gates were molded of cast iron, the barbed wire fence stretched out for several acres—the rulers’ way of keeping the human captives and sex slaves inside. He tugged the ropes of his luggage tighter around his shoulders and trudged forward, ready to unsheathe the machete lodged in his backpack should there be any trouble. Before he could take another step, the surface of his skin sizzled like someone had thrown a vat of acid on him. He cringed, nearly biting his tongue, and rubbed at his bare arms. The burning sensation increased and his heart thumped vigorously in his chest. Carrick froze 30

Ambrielle Kirk when an orange light blinded his vision. His body burned from inside out. He let out a fierce howl of aggravation. A black tunnel wrapped around him.

***

Leona threw her forearm up to shield her eyes from the flying sparks emanating from the ball of fire. It hovered above the ground and as the fire evaporated, a male materialized. She exhaled when Carrick’s form became clearer. Sweat glistened on his arms and his shirt clung to his chest. He hung his head low and his chest heaved as he caught his breath. She stood slowly, heart pounding erratically. This time, she feared there’d be dangerous repercussions for summoning him. He’d left her the last time, so what right did she have to assume he wanted to come back to her? Leona crept back as Carrick lifted his gaze to lock on her. His lips set in a grim line and his eyes darkened to black coals. He pranced forward without saying a word. Her back hit the trunk of a tree and she dug her nails into the bark. Oh, God. She’d made a terrible mistake. Maybe she should send him back. Carrick slipped his palm around her nape and his thumb rubbed at the pulsing vein in her neck. His fingers crept higher to tangle in her hair. His lips fell onto hers before she could utter an apology. Leona reached up to grasp something, anything, and her fingers came in contact with the hard contours of his chest. He dragged her body against his as their lips molded and tongues flirted. Was he angry with her or hungry for her? He had every right to be mad. She’d snatched him, with no warning, from another realm. Leona’s feet lifted from the ground and she realized that he was carrying her. She wrapped her thighs around his hips. Carrick stumbled as he made his way into her home. He slammed the door behind them and found his way to her sofa, settled down on it and brought her legs around to straddle him. Security, warmth, and protection blanketed her as his arms embraced her in a tight hold. His eyes darkened with a caring glint as if he missed her. Had it really been his intent to deceive her? She pulled away from his kiss. “Carrick, why did you leave?” “Sssssh, we won’t talk about that now.” He traced her lips with his calloused fingertips. 31

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “But, Carrick—” He kissed her protest away and unzipped the back of her dress. She lifted her chin as his fiery hot tongue came in contact with her throat. “I missed you, Carrick. I’m sorry.” Tears fell from her eyes before she could stop them, and he kissed the wetness from her cheeks. “Leona, don’t be sorry. I need you, too.” Carrick covered her lips, sharing the salty taste of her tears. The straps of her dress fell down her shoulders. He helped free her arms and bent his head to kiss her cleavage. Leona closed her eyes in pleasure and arched against him. He nipped delicately at her flesh as she ground her heated pussy in his lap. His fingers gripped her ass tightly. Her hands slid up to caress his head as he took a nipple into his mouth. Leona’s body jerked in response and wet moisture pooled at her core. He tugged and pulled at the sensitive bud with his lips and tongue. Her cries grew louder and louder. “I want you out of this dress,” he mumbled against her skin. Leona obliged his request by standing up and drew the dress further down her body, letting it fall to the floor in a pool at her feet. She glided a thumb inside the waistband of her panties and smiled as his tongue peeked out past his lips. The panties would stay on for now. “Holy shit, you are so damn gorgeous.” Carrick swept his eyes across her body. Leona leaned forward to lift the tail of his shirt. He obliged her unspoken request and pulled the damp shirt over his head. Licking the corners of her lips, she remembered the way his solid chest felt against her palms. She unzipped his pants at the same time he unhooked the button. Carrick sucked in his breath when her fingers stroked the hot bulge beneath the fabric. He lifted his hips to help peel his pants down his legs and then kicked them and his shoes to the side. Leona knelt down in front of him, using her fingernails to scrap the tops of his thighs lightly. “I’ve been thinking about you…and this…a lot.” His cock pulsed and the visible veins thickened with his excitement. Her fingers grazed the tip, bringing forth the slippery evidence of pre-cum. Carrick’s head rested on the back of the sofa as she brought her lips over the head. She moaned at the first taste of him. Had imagined it would be this sweet. The same way her pussy had 32

Ambrielle Kirk made adjustments for him two nights ago, her mouth did the same as she took him deeply. Leona loved that she was in control. Groans escaped his lips and his hips jerked off the sofa to thrust into her mouth. She dragged her tongue up his shaft, along the underside of the vein, and to flirt at the head of his cock. He bucked in excitement, watching her as she pleasured him. “Leona.” She took him into the back of her throat again, groaning against him in response. Carrick reached out to grab her and lifted her gently, bringing her lips to meet his. His palms slid down her belly and his fingers maneuvered around the edge of her panties. He rubbed at her clit, dipping his fingers between her lips to moisten them before massaging at the bud again. Leona’s legs turned to mush as he teased her aching clitoris relentlessly. He jerked her panties, snapping the string that held the garment together. Both hands encircled her waist as he hoisted her up above him. Her feet met the soft cushions of the sofa. Her knees hit the back of the pillows. Leona hissed when he sucked her sensitive bud between his lips. She grasped the back of the chair as he pleasured her pussy from beneath. His tongue swept over her like a musician’s fingers thrumming on guitar strings. She tried to escape his demanding tongue, but he held her firmly to his hungry mouth. Her cries wretched from her voice box involuntarily. He took her on a roller coaster ride and the waves of ecstasy washed through her like a tsunami. Once the raging storm inside her was over, he brought her down and impaled her with his thick manhood. “Take what you need, Leona,” he commanded her. Her body obeyed and she bounced her hips to the same rhythm as he lifted his. Leona rode him, wild and wanton. Carrick’s eyes swirled with pleasure and his mouth gaped open to allow for his heavy breathing. Their rhythm, desperate and hard, brought on another climax. Her nails ground into his back. His lips suctioned at the delicate area on her neck. He drove his fingers down between their bodies and orchestrated her orgasm to the forefront. They cried out together in climax, sharing the same powerful sensation as it coursed vibrantly from one body to the next. Leona didn’t know what to call this feeling that she and Carrick shared. It was beyond sex…beyond lust… She didn’t want to let go. 33

Chapter Seven

“What made you leave the book with me?” Leona reached over to smooth stray strands of hair from Carrick’s forehead. He lifted himself up on his elbow and glanced down at her. “You put your life in danger by summoning a demon. I figured you had more use for it than I did. It was the right thing to do.” It dawned on her that he’d left the book without thinking of asking for anything in return. She’d been so quick to accuse him of betraying her and now shame washed over her. “We’ve been trying to find the book for decades. We were afraid that our knowledge would be compromised and used against us.” “I sensed the hostility in the environment from the other members of your coven when you called me the first time.” She swallowed, averting her eyes away from him. “They didn’t necessarily agree with my decision. They believe I’m following in my mother’s footsteps. She wasn’t the most popular among our coven, either.” 34

Ambrielle Kirk “What did they have to say about you having it now?” At their recent meeting where she presented the lost book, Frank had refused to attend. All the reason to believe that her uncle would remain bitter over his state of widowhood. “There are a few who don’t believe that I’ve earned the right to the Ring of Power.” “Why is that?” He lifted her left hand and brushed his finger across the Ring. The band was silver with round rainbow moonstone in the center. It was passed down from each generation of female witches within the coven. The gem swirled a multitude of shades according to her mood. Tonight, it flashed blue. She swallowed. “My mother died before I was properly inducted into the coven. Even before that, the others always thought my aunt to be the stronger witch. They were twins.” “Do you believe that?” “In a way I do.” She’d learned everything about the craft from her aunt who stepped in to lead the coven until Leona was old enough. “But, my aunt believed in tradition…that the ring should pass to the queen’s first born.” He leaned in and kissed her forehead. Leona smiled. She’d never felt loved or cherished quite this way before. He made her feel as if he enjoyed being in her company and that she was wanted. Carrick had been truthful to her, so it was time to ‘fess up to him. No one would understand, but maybe he might. “I should tell you something. I haven’t told anyone else.” “I’m listening.” “Another reason why I wanted to have the book was that I thought it would bring back my mother’s soul.” Leona closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “But after you told me the demon took the souls in the fire with him…” “I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” he whispered. “No, it’s not your fault.” Growing up, Leona had despised needing a picture to know her mother’s face, but more than anything she hated that her mother’s soul might never rest in peace. But now that she had the missing pieces about what had happened, her mother’s fate could not be reversed. Crickets and cicadas chirped loudly outside of the cabin. The light from the fireplace glistened on their bodies. She’d spent so many nights stretched out in front of the fire, mind wandering and lonely. Now she had someone to listen to her without judgment. However, there were only a couple hours left until sunrise. 35

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “You’re going to leave, aren’t you?” He settled on his back, looking up at the ceiling. “I’m not like other demons, Leona. I don’t have a soul.” Leona propped herself up. Her mind started to run with excitement. There were many souls here for him. “All you need is a soul to remain here?” “Without a soul, I can only be summoned at night.” She wanted him with her, would even trade her own soul for him. Was that selfish of her? But if he had a soul to free him from the Otherworld, would he still stay with her? “Do you leave on your own?” “Yes, or else the sun will burn me.” Leona cringed. “It hurts when I summon you, doesn’t it?” His lack of response made the answer clear. Leona recalled the ball of fire that transported him from his realm to Earth each time she called. “Do you feel the fire?” “Yes. For a half-demon without a soul, the summoning you performed could’ve been the death of me.” Perhaps he thought she wasn’t worth all the trouble or pain. “Do you want to stay?” “Yes.” His response was quick. “I’m not ready to leave you.” Relief consumed her. “Then how can I help you?” “I need my soul back from my father. Only then can I remain here with you.” Leona studied him in disbelief. “Your father took your soul?” She’d heard of demon’s stealing the souls of human babies, but not of their own off-spring. “You’re looking at the product of a union between a human and a demon. My mother was a sex slave to my father. Giving birth to a demon baby cost her life. My father snatched her soul when she passed and also took mine to keep me contained in the Otherworld.” “What would happen if you borrowed a soul…temporarily? My soul?” “I would never take a soul, Leona. Not even yours. I wish to spend eternity with you, but I can’t put you in danger.” Leona sighed. Her energy had been drained from the sex, but her brain worked overtime to find ways to solve his predicament. “I suspect it will take more than just simply asking him to get your soul back. Why does he keep your soul?” “I will worry about that, Leona.” He brushed her cheek. “Why are you fighting sleep?” 36

Ambrielle Kirk She wanted to spend every waking moment with him, for in the morning he would be gone. “Can you take me with you?” “Out of the question. It is too dangerous for you in that realm.” His arms moved around to cradle her. “For right now, I’ll answer your summon for as long as you call me.” Leona cuddled closer to his chest, draping her arms across his torso and latching her fingers onto his locks. “We’ll find some way to get your soul, Carrick.”

37

Chapter Eight

When midnight approached the next day, Leona grabbed her coat, wrapped a shawl around her head, and headed outside in anticipation of seeing Carrick again. A breeze whipped her face and an owl fluttered about in a tree overhead. The hem of her coat brushed against the tall grass as she diverted from the path. Her heart filled with excitement, but hiding her liaison with a demon was a betrayal to her coven. What could she do to convince the coven that Carrick was not like other demons? She feared any efforts would be futile, just as the ones she’d made to convince the coven that summoning him was their last option. It had always been the coven’s understanding that when faced with life or death demons would always choose eternal life. This choice meant the demon would need a soul, sooner or later. A branch cracked beyond the path. Leona looked down at her feet, noting the noise wasn’t from her. Holding her breath, she peered over her shoulder. She could not get caught summoning Carrick. 38

Ambrielle Kirk The sound of marching footsteps came closer and she froze. Maybe she should turn around and pretend she was on her way back to the cabin. What would be her excuse for walking in the woods at fifteen minutes before midnight? “Leona!” It was Erin. She rushed after Leona, her jeans ragged and men’s shirt torn. Only two years younger than Leona, Erin was always regarded as a tomboy. It was one reason why the other coven members were also partial to her claiming the title of Queen. Erin had always been a superstitious witch, believing that the devil, instead of demons, were always after her. “Erin, what are you doing out here?” “I was looking for you. I heard you in the woods.” Erin caught up with her. There was a roll of paper clutched in her fists. “I was going to ask you the same thing.” “I left my bag in the forest from earlier today.” Leona couldn’t risk them discovering Carrick by telling her the real reason. “I was digging herbs this morning.” Erin narrowed her eyes, as if detecting the lie. The sweat that glistened on her forehead in the moonlight told Leona that she’d been working hard at something. Her gaze moved to Erin’s hands. Black dirt caked under her fingernails. Leona wrinkled her nose. Had she been digging in the ground? “Why are your hands dirty? Have you been getting those dreams, again?” “Yes. I have something to show you.” “Not again, Erin.” Leona turned and walked in a direction away from her target. “It’s too late tonight. Go back home.” “This can’t wait until tomorrow. It will be too late. I have to—” “Erin!” She spun around. “There is no lost coven! Now that we have the book, it proves that there is no separate branch. There’s no missing link.” Erin had beliefs that their coven had split over a hundred years ago, favoring one leader over another. She believed that conflicting goals led the members astray. One leader walked away with the knowledge, while another took the riches. There was no written evidence of this and nothing passed down to the younger generations about it. “I would love to see your face when I prove you wrong, Leona!” She swallowed. Everyone wanted to prove her wrong. “My aunt— your mother—was certain that we are the only coven of witches ca39

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 pable of summoning and controlling the demons. We can talk about what you found. Tomorrow. But, not tonight…” No other protests came from Erin. When Leona turned around, the only image she got was a retreating form that disappeared into the direction from which it came. She sighed. If Erin’s dreams were true, then it would mean the lost coven had abandoned them a very long time ago. If the split was made because there was a difference of opinions in the way the covens were run, would the lost coven welcome them now with open arms? For some reason, she didn’t think so. Leona ran to the clearing in the forest. It took her half the time to perform the small chant needed to bring Carrick to Earth again. There had been nothing on her mind all day except seeing him. She grinned as a small streak of light appeared before her. It expanded until a round ball of fire emerged. Ignoring the heat from the contained blaze, she rushed to greet Carrick. When the fires evaporated, he slumped to the ground. He gasped for oxygen as the smoke dissolved around him. “What’s wrong?” Carrick tried to talk, but only succeed in taking in gulps of air. He clutched at his chest, bracing himself by his knees and one arm. “Did I do something wrong?” He shook his head and lifted himself, then braced his other arm against the tree. The gray eyes that she remembered to be mesmerizing and sultry were now pale and devoid of intensity. He pulled her closer until their foreheads were connected and whispered, “The transporting back and forth has taken a toll on my body. Sooner or later…” Carrick leaned back against the tree and his eyelids fell shut. He exhaled and his arms went limp at his sides. Leona shook him. “Carrick! Sooner or later, what? Wake up!” Her mind raced in panic as she looked about for help. She ground her teeth to keep from crying out. No one could help them. She had gotten both of them into this predicament, now she must find a way to save him and get him back to his realm to recover. Sliding her arms between him and the tree, she hooked her hands under his armpits. One tug…and all she managed was to pull him over on his side. His heavy shoulder squashed her feet as he slid deeper onto the dry earth. Digging her heels into the ground, she grabbed him tighter about the forearms and pulled him backward. Leona had 40

Ambrielle Kirk only gotten several feet before she slumped. He was too heavy and the rocks and stray branches snagged at his skin and clothing. “What now?” She needed to get him out of the forest and hidden. The others would never understand if they saw him like this. They would think he was just another demon and he and the coven members deserved a proper introduction. Leona let his unresponsive body slump to the ground, turned, and made a dash for the cabin. There she grabbed a large quilt and twine and rushed back to Carrick’s stiff body. She lowered her head to check his breathing. The pulse pounding at his neck told her that he was still alive. It took all her strength to roll his body over onto the blanket. She knotted the twine to the ends of the blanket and wrapped it around her wrists and arms. Carrick’s weight was still unbearable, but now it slid effortlessly against the forest floor. Sweat beaded down her forehead as she lugged him through the forest. Her arms and thighs burned like hell. The boards creaked loudly as she lifted him onto the cabin steps. By the time she reached the threshold, her clothes were tattered and the pins had fallen from her hair. Once she made it inside and closed the door, she collapsed onto the floor beside Carrick, who was apparently oblivious to what was going on. After catching her breath, she made sure all the doors and windows were bolted before shedding soiled garments. Nothing was successful in waking Carrick from what seemed like a deep sleep. Not even the ice bag she placed on his forehead or the cool water she forced past his lips. Of course, there wasn’t a spell she’d learned that would awaken a demon from his slumber. They’d never had any use for one like that before. Leona glanced at the grandfather clock that hung near the mantelpiece. Six hours to get him back to his realm or let him perish under the Earth’s sun.

***

Carrick woke with a raging headache. It felt as if someone had thrown stones at his back. Oddly, he wasn’t lying on any rocks. There was something soft beneath him, cradling him. Different from the makeshift beds he used in the Otherworld. His skin itched and tingled. On instinct, he brought his arms up to rub them. 41

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 He was blinded by bright sunlight the moment he opened his eyes. A glimpse of Leona’s mirror was all he needed to realize that he was still on Earth. This couldn’t be possible. Wasn’t it daylight? He should have been back in his realm. He sat up straight and glanced at his surroundings. The sun peeked through a small slit from the curtains over the windows. Despite the sliver of light leaking inside, the room was dark with only the shadows of her furniture in it. At the foot of the bed were unlit candles and what he suspected were barks and herbs—the same ones she’d used to summon him the first time. There was an indention in the pillow beside him so he knew Leona had slept next to him. The last thing he remembered was being summoned and transported to Earth in the dark tunnel. He’d gladly welcomed it, but when he materialized, the pain was so great that he could barely stand. He must have passed out. His body felt heavier…different. The hungry urge to seek what he’d lost since the moment of his birth no longer resided within him. The smell of food wafted from the open door and floated up to his nose. He swung his legs over the bed, cursing when he nearly tipped over a candle with its wax still warm and in liquid form. What had she been up to last night? Her back was turned to him as she bent over a pot on the stove. The entire cabin was dark, the windows boarded and the curtains pinned together, as if intentionally. If his keen sense of smell wasn’t playing tricks on him, then it was morning outside. The night had turned to daylight. Why was he still here? Why wasn’t he dead—a burnt crisp under the sun? Leona jumped when he slid his arms around her waist. Carrick smiled when her muscles relaxed and she leaned her back into his chest. He trailed one side of her neck with kisses, breathing in her floral perfume. “I’m supposed to be dead,” he whispered. “But, you’re not.” She turned the dial and the flame disappeared from under the pan. The smell of the fluffy, yellow round disk with multi-colored vegetables caused his stomach to grumble. Human food shouldn’t have had this effect on him. “Leona, what have you been up to?” She turned, and he led them away from the stove. He pressed her back against the refrigerator and gazed into her eyes. They were so in42

Ambrielle Kirk nocent, yet smart and knowing. The soft flesh of her thighs cushioned his rod. The excitement that throbbed within the head of his cock reminded him that Leona drove him to sexual insanity. The vein in her neck pulsed beneath his lips as he sucked on her delicate skin, kissing along her neckline. Her body responded in small shivers beneath his touch. He was surprised when she pulled away and led him to the kitchen table. “Carrick, I wanted you to live. I want to help you get your soul back from your father.” She slid the Book of Power across the table. “I don’t think that book will help me. The answers were never in it. My father would never answer a witch’s summons. He’s too powerful…and much too stubborn for that.” “Your father is a very powerful demon lord, isn’t he?” “An arch demon, to be exact.” He studied her expression when he delivered this information. It didn’t surprise him that her calm demeanor didn’t change. Leona opened the cover of the book. The ancient language flashed before his eyes as she flipped through the lightweight pages. “I wasn’t offering to summon him. I always knew there was some knowledge lost with the book that I was never taught.” She pointed to a passage that he couldn’t translate if his life depended on it. “Do you know what that stands for?” “I only know one language. I’m not well-versed because I’ve been bound to the Otherworld my whole life.” “Animus vinculum. Soul bond.” “You didn’t.” She’d bonded them. No wonder he was still here during the daylight hours. Demons that were caught on earth without a soul during the sunlight were supposed to burn under it. He’d heard the horror stories circulating in the Otherworld realm. “If I didn’t do something…you would’ve died. It was minutes before sunrise and you wouldn’t wake or move. I tried everything.” She was right. He would have been lost forever. Carrick pulled her into his embrace. “You and I share a soul. Your soul.” He searched her face for a reaction. There seemed to be no regret in her demeanor. Only a hopeful expression marked her features. “Do you know what this means?” Leona shook her head. “I only wanted to help. You shouldn’t be kept prisoner in a place where you don’t belong.” “In our eyes, soul bonding is a form of mating.” 43

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 Her eyebrows creased together. “I don’t understand.” He grinned. “You’re mated with me.” “I thought this could be temporary. That you could bargain for your soul and we could still…could still…” Her eyelashes fluttered downward in embarrassment. “I love being with you just as much you enjoy being with me. What better way to love you, Leona, than as your mate.” “What does it mean, Carrick?” “You bonded your soul to my body. We share it now. This is the same as accepting me as your mate as long as we both shall live.” She gasped. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” He grazed the side of her face with his fingers. “My body would’ve never accepted your bond if we were not meant to be together.” “So, if you didn’t…want me…you would have perished anyway?” “Yes. Your soul would have been denied by my body. The ceremony you performed was that of a mating ritual. A human to a demon.” He placed his hand over her heart. “Animus vinculum. Soul bond.”

44

Chapter Eight

Seeing Carrick in the daylight for the first time was a brilliant experience. They’d spent nearly all day roaming the surrounding woods she knew like the back of her hand, identifying every species of bird that crossed their paths and each scientific name for the flowers and plant life that grew in the fields. Leona wanted to show him the spot by the river where she usually went to spend time alone away from the coven during the day, but his skin hadn’t become fully accustomed to the late afternoon sun. They decided to leave this adventure for another day. She wanted to spend the night with Carrick for the first time without worrying that he would be gone. Tomorrow, she’d think about his meeting with the coven. “Do you have a beach here?” Carrick caught up with her on the path and laced his fingers with hers. “Not really. The tourists don’t travel here to visit the beach. I’ve never been outside of these state borders. I’ve always wanted to visit California or Florida. That’s where the nicer beaches are.” 45

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “And the mountains?” Leona laughed. “We should visit the mountains, too. In the springtime, maybe.” He thought she knew the answer to all his questions. In theory, she had been a prisoner of her own coven for far too long. She’d never even had a job like normal people. The Elders in the coven would never allow it. Her responsibilities were to hold the coven together and assist others who sought them out for help. The day had already turned into dusk before they reached the edge of the forest. “What will your family say about me?” The thought of revealing her relationship with Carrick to her coven had constantly lurked her mind. They’d always made it a priority to know with whom she was spending her nights with, if anyone. Leona’s first attempt at a relationship had gone wrong when her uncle-in-law delved into her ex’s past to uncover a malpractice suit against him that ended in a hefty settlement. She supposed that if the doctor had lied about his past, then he would lie about anything. Two weeks later, he’d been arrested for practicing without a license. Uncle had been quick to throw up smoke in her face about her making unwise and faulty decisions. Just like her mother. “It doesn’t matter what they say anymore, Carrick.” She swallowed. “I have plans for the coven in the near future and they do not include me, I’m afraid.” “Are you stepping down as their leader?” She grinned. “If I didn’t know any better, I would think that you reading my mind has something to do with us, sharing a soul.” He chuckled. “It doesn’t work that way, but from what you’ve told me, you’ve never been happy as their leader anyway.” “I never really felt accepted. It has always been Erin who showed signs that she had the gifts they were looking for in a queen.” They crossed over a makeshift bridge over a stream to reach the partially concealed entrance of the village. It was so heavily wooded, only residents who lived here entered. “What do you mean? What gifts?” “These dreams that she—” Cries and wails echoed in the distance hundreds of yards ahead of them. Loud shouting ricocheted around the trees. The disturbing sounds came from the main village. Leona turned to Carrick. “My family. They’re in trouble.” 46

Ambrielle Kirk She took off with Carrick running closely behind her. Her heart protested wildly and her veins pulsed with adrenaline. Was it from the running or from fear? A combination of both, maybe. They came to a halt in the clearing. Leona’s jaw dropped as she took in the destruction in front of her. It looked as though a tornado had torn through here with the village as its concentrated area. Nearly all the residents stood outside their homes, taking in the ravaged surroundings. Tree branches had fallen on rooftops and bushes uprooted from the ground. One cabin was completely decimated with the articles of clothing and remnants of furniture strewn about the area. A group was huddled over something on the ground. She rushed forward to see and determine the source of the madness. “Leona!” An Elder female spotted her and came to meet her. “The demon came after us.” Leona shook her head in confusion and held the woman sputtering an incoherent explanation of what had happened. Only the words demons and murderer registered. There was more crying and wailing from the residents as she progressed forward. She broke through the circle. Two lifeless bodies of young witches lay on the ground. Their clothes were torn and their bodies contorted as if thrown about in the storm. “What happened?” She knelt down and dragged the head of the female victim in her lap. Tears brimmed around her eyes and her heart tightened with grief. “He came so fast, we were caught off guard,” the resident doctor explained. “There was no time to set up any defenses. The demon came in spirit—” he gestured with his arms and hands “Flying back and forth from one house to the next.” “What did it want?” The resident doctor pointed to the girl lying dead in her lap. “Elba tried to contain it. It entered her body, possessed her, used her to make demands we couldn’t deliver on. We tried to help her.” He lowered his face into his hands, then wiped his tears away, and looked Leona square in the eyes. “It was looking for its son.” Leona gulped in dry air at his revelation. Carrick stood outside of the circle. When she lifted her head to glance at him, the others followed her gaze. They may have not noticed him before, but they noticed him now. As if the predicament couldn’t get any worse, Uncle Frank emerged from one of the battered homes. She followed his line of sight to where Carrick stood. His gaze shifted to land on her. 47

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “Do you see what you have caused, young lady?” He stormed over to their circle. Some of the onlookers’ cowered at his rage and took several steps back. Carrick darted between her and Uncle Frank so fast that she wondered if he’d even bothered bending a knee. Uncle Frank paused in his pursuit and sized up his new challenger. “Who are you?” “The name is Carrick.” “Carrick what?” Uncle Frank crossed his arms over his chest and mouth grimaced in aggravation. “Just Carrick.” Uncle pretended to disregard Carrick and shot her an accusing look. “You’d bring an outsider in? This coven has done nothing but fall apart under your leadership.” Leona stood and noticed the blood stains from the young witch on her shirt. “Could you have done any better, Uncle?” She could no longer hold the tension, and her anger erupted. “I have done everything to be a good leader to this coven. Everything I am sanctioned to do has been done. Have you forgotten our purpose? We are the only coven with the knowledge to protect humans from the demons who steal their souls! If you think I will just sit around, living off the riches left to us by our ancestors while doing nothing to help the public, then you are mistaken.” “You’ve made faulty decisions, just like your whoring mother!” He threw up a hand towards Carrick. “Now, you’re following in her footsteps.” A unified gasp erupted from the others. Leona’s fists clenched with rage as she maneuvered around Carrick to reach Frank. Her palm lashed against the side of her uncle’s face. The sting on her hand must have mirrored his pain. He grimaced. His eyes widened with malice. “This will be the last time you disrespect me or my dead mother, Elder or not!” His lips trembled as he spoke his next words. “Do you know my daughter is missing? How will you fix that!” “Erin,” Leona whispered, clutching her heart. No. Not missing. Carrick fell in step beside her, pressing a supporting hand to her back. “That demon took my daughter!” “How do you know?” Carrick asked. “We checked her room after the attack! She was gone.” 48

Ambrielle Kirk If there was anyone on this Earth that Uncle Frank loved more than he hated Leona, it was his daughter, Erin. Her cousin never ventured away from the village without letting someone know. As much as she wanted her dreams to become reality, she had always been too timid to act on them. Leona buried her face in his chest. “Carrick, how could this happen?” “Don’t worry, Leona. I’ll do what I can to find her.” “You offer help, yet you barely know us?” Frank’s tone had softened, but his angry expression remained. “Who are you?” “I have ties to the Otherworld, witch. Ties that may never be broken.” He loosened his grip on her, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I have to go before it is too late to save her.” “Carrick!” At the same time she yelled his name, his form vanished, leaving her and the witches in a state of shock.

49

Chapter Nine

When the guards realized that Carrick wasn’t going to stop outside of the gates of the fortress, they converted to their true demon forms. Their limbs contorted until their bodies hunched over, ready for an attack. Their scaly skin was as black as the ground they stood on. Hook-like claws shot out from their fingertips. Slime and saliva dripped from their parched, ashen lips. “I don’t want any trouble. Let me in to see my father and there will be none.” Carrick drew his fingers into fists at his sides. “The rulers are having a meeting. We have orders not to let anyone enter,” one of the guards hissed between yellow-stained and rotten fangs. “You can leave your calling card and we’ll be sure—” Fuck that. He pushed past the guards. Without turning around, he estimated that one of them was two centimeters away from clawing him from behind. He extracted his machete from the sheath between his shoulder blades, turned, and swung at the target. Black blood spewed 50

Ambrielle Kirk upward and a head flew several feet away, landing at the feet of the second guard. This one growled and snatched his dagger from the hip pocket, then charged at him like a crazed fool. Unmoving, Carrick grabbed the guard by the throat and lifted him three feet off the ground. The demon swiped and swung at his chest with the sharp weapon. His efforts were futile as Carrick continued to hold him up in a chokehold. “I asked you nicely the first time.” With his windpipe cut off, the demon couldn’t speak. Clashing noise and pounding feet in the distance alerted Carrick that the others had learned of the breach into the fortress. They ran toward them, their eyes gleaming in the dark. He thrust the body of the guard down into the ground. The impact was so great that his body left an indenture where he lay. With his closest threat unconscious, Carrick broke through the gates, surprising the heck out of the inner guards. They grabbed their weapons and circled around Carrick. Like a pack of mutts, they growled and bucked at him in the hopes of intimidation. He was not frightened in the least bit. He’d been fighting to survive among a realm filled with these murderous lunatics his entire existence. The grins on some of their faces confirmed that they would welcome his battle. There were very few times when these guards were faced with a challenge. Carrick let his bag drop to his feet, wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of one hand, and clutched his fingers tighter around the hilt of the machete with the other. He snarled back at the demons as they hissed and grouped together around him. They came from every direction, thrusting their daggers. It took everything in his power to best them and duck from being nicked by their sharp blades. His machete cut through their flesh effortlessly. Some of them fought without limbs. A demon clawed into his back, taking the fabric from his shirt with him. His blood welled up and trickled down his spine. They went wild and ravenous at the smell of his human blood, licking their lips in anticipation of killing him. If and when they murdered him, they would more than likely feast on him. This was their only reward for serving the archdemons—not souls, but human flesh. A dagger buried deep in his shoulder and he cried out. He threw the perpetrator off his back to regroup, but more came after him. His knees hit the ground, the rigid rocks burying deep within his flesh. 51

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 They piled up on his back, claws thrashing at his flesh and one another to get to him. Closing his eyes and blocking out the pain, Carrick remembered that his vow was to never give up without a fight. Tonight he had put up a fight—a struggle not made in vain. It wasn’t all about him this time. He needed to live…for Leona. A vision of her hazel eyes and golden brown skin gave him strength. Carrick shot to his feet, sending many of the demons flying backwards. He lifted his machete from the ground and buried it in the gut of the next demon who rushed at him. The deep gashes on his flesh burned and throbbed under his movement. His blood, his sweat, and the acidic black blood of the demons dripped down his face and into his mouth. He lifted his machete, ready for the next victim. “Halt!” A familiar voice bombed through the atmosphere. Carrick and the demons froze and turned in the direction of the command. His father, one of the cruelest archdemons in the Otherworld stood at the entrance of the fortress, overlooking the mayhem. “Halt,” he repeated. His black eyebrows were connected in the middle of his forehead, but not in anger. They had grown that way. He was a giant by any demon or human’s standard, standing well over seven-feet tall. He walked around in a partial state of mutation, taking on a human form mixed with the surreal qualities that made him demon. “Estranged son, I thought you had come under attack.” His father had never called him by his birth name, always estranged son, wild wanderer, or rock child. “It is you who have executed an attack,” he shouted back. His father grinned. “Let us talk about what made you decide to take a soul.” “I’m here for only one reason.” Carrick didn’t move. “Not that one.” “Sure. Sure.” His father rubbed his hands together. “Why don’t you come visit me in my quarters?” He gestured behind him for his servants. “Do something about his appearance, then bring him to me.” He disappeared, leaving a cloud of smoke.

***

“I assume you have gotten tired of living in the caves.” His father’s back was turned to him when he entered the room. He was seated in a chair, a book propped open in his lap. 52

Ambrielle Kirk Carrick inched closer, untrusting of the guards that stood in the room. “I’ve gotten tired of living amongst you devils.” Laughter resounded in the room. “I knew that it would be sooner or later before you took a soul.” “You shouldn’t assume things you don’t know much about, Father.” “Oh?” He gestured to the empty chair beside him. “Sit down. Tell me what I should know about.” Carrick’s eyes darted to the stone carved chair offered to him. He’d rather sit on the floor. It’d probably be more comfortable. He remained standing. “The young girl? What did you do with her?” More laughter. “Young girl? What are you talking about?” “You took a girl captive from the witch village. What did you do with her?” Carrick folded his arms across his chest. “Like father, like son, eh? Now you are assuming things that you don’t know much about.” “Did you take her?” It wouldn’t have surprised him if they’d taken her to be trained as a sex slave. Bile rose to his throat. “You forget that you and I are connected by way of your soul, rock child. The moment you took one within your body and became Earth bound, I felt it. I was led to that filthy village. I couldn’t find you and the witches were no help.” “You killed two innocent people.” Carrick thrust his fists towards the ground. “They lied and said you were never there.” He pounded his fist on a table, sending a pitcher of fresh water to the floor. “They didn’t know.” “Have you been fucking the witch women?” his father bellowed. “Is that what this is? You came to rescue one of them.” Carrick’s blood sizzled with anger. “Where is she?” “I took no human captives from that witch village. Although, I should have.” “A young female is missing as a result of your rampage.” “I have no female and I have no reason to lie. If I had her, it would be my pleasure to flaunt it.” His father was a heartless scavenger who took pleasure in announcing all his dirty accomplishments. Capturing humans and stealing souls was like playing cat and mouse to that bastard and he seemed to enjoy his position to do so as much as he enjoyed keeping Carrick’s soul. So, then why did Leona’s people think that Erin was taken captive? 53

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “However, I did gain the souls of two witches.” A pleased smile spread across his father’s face. “What an angry bunch these witches have been. They’re the same ones who rally against us all the time.” Carrick swallowed. Visions of the young teenage girl with the blunt force head wound spiraled through his mind. It pained him to know that they’d never find peace in death if their souls were compromised. “Release their souls…as well as mine.” “Can’t do that. Once I have something…it is mine, forever.” “You will not keep my soul forever,” he hissed between clenched teeth. “How valuable is one soul to you, when you can take many more, huh?” Carrick rushed forward with his arms held out and hands curved, aiming for his father’s neck. Two guards halted him, jerking him back, just short of doing bodily harm. “Hear me out.” His father brought his hands up, lacing his fingers together to cradle his chin. “In exchange for information about your missing witch, you promise not to pursue your soul anymore.” “That is a one-sided bargain!” “You think so? You’ve survived without your soul this long. What is more important? Saving your new human friends from losing a loved one or getting back your soul?” He hung his head in defeat. “Estranged son, your downfall is your human heart. You’ve gotten what you’ve always wanted, anyway. Now that you’ve taken a soul of your own, you know what it’s like to be a real demon.” “At least I have a heart.” He backed away, heading for the door. “It’s a deal. What’s her location?” “Your treasure hunter is headed west. Tuxtla Mountains. I felt her energy when I was in the village, even though she was long gone before I cast my shadow there. This female has a very strong soul. A young mind, but a determined heart.” Only Leona and the others would know why this girl was headed to Tuxtla Mountains. He’d gotten the information he needed, just as he’d promised—bargained for at the expense of his long lost soul. “I’ve never taken a soul, father, and I never will. This is one of many differences between you and me. I share this soul inside of me…it was a gift.” “You’ve mated a human witch!” When his father stood from his chair to turn around and face him, Carrick was already gone, and this time he had the last laugh. 54

Chapter Ten

Leona felt his presence before Carrick fully materialized. She met him with open arms and heart. The other witches peered up from the circle they formed. It appeared as though they’d had a meeting in his absence. The looks of indifference he received when they first saw him were no longer there. Instead, their faces were filled with curiosity and hope. “She’s still on Earth, Carrick. We were able to connect with her in spirit, but she won’t let us through. She won’t tell us where she is.” He took her arm and led her to her circle where they sat on an overturned log. “Her soul is still with her. She was never held captive. But, she’s headed to a very dangerous region.” He directed his next question to the girl’s father. “Is your daughter a treasure hunter?” The Elder dropped his head in his hand in an attempt to hide a sob. He lifted his gaze after recuperating. “I should have known it. She’s chasing after these leads from the dreams she keeps having.” “What exactly is she after?” Carrick looked at Leona, who wrung her hands her lap. 55

Liaison: Soul Bond Book 1 “The lost treasure,” she whispered.

***

Leona turned and left her uncle sitting on the steps of his cabin. Their heart-to-heart talk brought contentment to her. Frank never really hated her, just wanted someone to blame for his misery. Just as she’d expected all these years, the man was still grieving the loss of his wife—her aunt. It took a humble man to admit his selfishness and indifference to Leona and the coven, but she respected Frank for his confession. Of all people, she understood very well that Frank’s heart would need more time to heal. She didn’t know what Carrick had said to her uncle to convince him that they would bring his daughter back home safely, but they all agreed that for his health, he would sit out this journey. Leona maneuvered around the van and she smiled when she found Carrick with the others. The muscles in his back moved as he helped some of the men load bags of clothes, food, and medical supplies in the van. Sweat rolled down his bronze skin each time he lifted luggage inside. It had been hours since they’d had any time alone, but the temporary separation was warranted. She turned and went back to the barn to make sure they hadn’t left anything they would need on the trip. This would be a long journey and they had better be well prepared. Despite the dire situation they were in, she couldn’t help but smile. She had finally found the person who made her feel whole again. He was now a part of her, sharing the one thing she kept dear to her heart even without thinking about it—her soul. One day they could live in peace together without having to worry about their responsibilities to others. Today wasn’t that day. Her cousin should have never embarked on this journey on her own. They should’ve believed in her, instead of calling her dreams a fantasy. She’d been selfish for not listening to Erin that night. Her cousin would probably still be here if she had. Now, Leona feared that it would be too late. Erin might be lost forever. A strong set of arms encircled her waist and the scent of musk and nutmeg engulfed her. She relaxed her muscles and nestled her head against Carrick’s chest, reveling in the security and protection he offered. It left her heart filled with love and hope. She trusted Carrick with her life. With his help, they would find Erin and return her home safely. 56

Ambrielle Kirk “Are you sure you haven’t cast any love spells on me, beautiful?” He nipped at her neck, spreading soft kisses along the skin. She giggled. “Maybe. How else would I convince you to stay with me?” “There is no convincing needed, Leona. I was bewitched the moment I first stepped foot on this Earth.” Leona turned, still in his embrace, to face him. His mouth came down and pressed into hers, softly. Her heart flooded with excitement every time he cherished her this way. Only seconds later, she’d opened up for him, and his tongue slipped between her lips to play with hers. Their kiss became insistent and heated, and for a moment, she’d forgotten what lay ahead of them. She pulled away. “Leona, do witches have regular weddings like humans do?” She laughed. “I am human, Carrick. Only my powers make me witch.” She stroked the hair back from his face. “And yes, we do have regular wedding ceremonies.” “I want to have one with you. So that we’re mated as demons are and as humans are.” Leona only grinned, when she realized that Carrick was serious. He had a lot to learn about the human culture and she would enjoy teaching him. “Can we do that?” he urged when she didn’t answer. “Yes, we can do that, Carrick.” She lifted her chin and stood on her tiptoes to give him another kiss. “Maybe in the summer, when we visit the beaches.” Carrick’s smile was priceless.

57

Biography Ambrielle Kirk is an author of romantic fiction ranging from contemporary erotic to dark paranormal romance. She likes to bring flair and edge to anything she writes. She was inspired to create stories in her pre-teen years from a very vivid imagination. Now, over a decade later, that inspiration has never left her. Please visit her website at www.ambriellekirk.com for more information on current and future book releases.

Other Books by Ambrielle Kirk

A Player’s Agenda Special Client Soul Bond Book One: Liaison