Emerald Fire (12 page)

“Harm a hair on her head, and I’ll slice you inch by slow, painstaking, fucking inch,” Brock growled.

The guy laughed. “Can you get to me before I slit her?” The bastard pressed the knife deeper into her skin, and he could see blood trickle down her neck.

Fuck!
His grip on his own blade tightened.

It was apparent the one who held Sarah had to be the ring leader. The injection he spoke of must have been how they’d subdued her. Brock looked to Elias for any indication they could beat this. Had it not been for Elias rolling his eyes toward Sarah, Brock might have missed his opportunity. When the two humans approached, he held out his dagger as if he were going to drop it to the floor. A second later, Damis shoved his knife into Sarah’s captor’s back. That’s when Brock made his move.

He spun, blade extended. The head of the first man hit the floor as blood sprayed into the air. The second man never had time to react. Brock was on him in seconds, the man’s head meeting the same fate.

“Get her out of—”

Before Brock could finish, Damis had grabbed Sarah and vanished. Brock let out a sigh of relief that she was free but then worried if she was all right. He took a step forward and stumbled. Elias was at his side instantly.

“Easy, buddy. Let’s get you home and healed.”

Chapter Twelve

Sarah rolled over and realized something was different. Softness covered her skin, and she was no longer bound. Slowly, she opened her eyes and was greeted with sunlight filtering in through several windows. Taking a deep breath, she recognized the scent of the ocean. She pushed herself into a sitting position and glanced around. She was in a king-size bed, surrounded by rich, wood-paneled walls. Something told her she was aboard Brock’s boat. She barely remembered seeing him when those awful men had her strung from the rafters.

She shuddered at what they had intended for her. Sarah suddenly worried for Brock’s safety, though she was sure he’d brought her here. Still…she had to see him with her own eyes. Spotting a robe at the foot of the bed, she grabbed it and wrapped it around her naked body. She padded across the room to the open door. The rich aroma of coffee and frying bacon caused her mouth to water so she followed its trail, not remembering when she’d last eaten. Hell, she wasn’t even sure what day it was. Whatever they’d drugged her with had left her memories fuzzy.

She found Brock standing in the galley, placing bacon on a plate. He looked up, and their eyes met.

“I’m glad to see you’re awake. How do you feel?” he asked.

She stared. He looked unharmed, but she remembered him covered in blood. A quick scan revealed nothing, at least nothing visible anyway. Relief swarmed over her then anger. She remembered now.

“Sarah?”

She closed the distance between them. Raised her hand and slapped him across the cheek. “You…you son of a bitch!”

He rubbed the reddening mark on his face. “I know I deserve that and more. I can do nothing but beg for your forgiveness.”

She pursed her lips and tried to ignore the tingling between her legs. Even in her anger, the bastard still made her wet, and that pissed her off even more. “You fucking left me without a word. Left it to another man to tell me you’d dumped me.” She clenched her fists, wanted to pummel him but realized she probably owed him thanks for saving her life.

She reined in her anger. “Where are the others?”

He pulled a mug from the cabinet, poured coffee into it then added cream and agave before handing it to her. “They’re cleaning up the mess.”

She sipped. “Mess?”

“Yes. We left no survivors.”

“What happened? It’s all too hazy,” she asked.

“I was heading back to see you when Mina told me you were in danger.”

She felt her brows lift. “Mina?” She’d have to remember to thank the woman if ever the chance came about.

Brock lifted his shoulders. “I know, wild, huh? Anyway, Damis got me to the warehouse where we met Elias and Snake.” His eyes darkened. “When I saw how they had you strung up and when they ripped your dress, I lost it.”

She set the mug down. The anger radiated off him. “Thank you for coming.” She tilted her head. “But why were you coming to see me?”

Brock leaned against the counter, looking sexy in only a pair of faded cutoffs. “I came back to apologize and tell you…”

She wrinkled her nose. “Tell me what? What an ass you are? I think I know firsthand.” Why was she feeling no satisfaction in insulting him? Right now, she wanted to hate him but found it becoming more difficult the longer he stared at her.
Bastard!
Those brown eyes gazed at her with a longing she would never burn from her memory. It made her desperate. Seeing Brock look at her like that caused a slow burn between her thighs. She had to remain steadfast, or he would break her heart. Again.

“Tell you I’m sorry. I know it doesn’t make up for what I did, but I hope you will give me another chance.”

She pulled the robe tighter around her and fought the urge to rip it off and throw herself at him.
Damn mating bond.
“I may forgive you one day, but I’m not sure I can give you another chance.” She cast her eyes down, knowing if she looked at him she’d lose it. “You broke my heart.”

He moved across the small galley in two steps, backed her into the wall and placed his palms on either side of her. His hard body pressed against her soft flesh. “I know I fucked up big time, but I also finally came to my senses. I’ve been given a second chance at happiness, and I don’t intend to let you go this time.”

She laughed and tried to hide the emotions swirling inside her gut. Didn’t want him to know how he affected her? “What do you mean you won’t let me go?”

He pressed his lips to her ear. “I love you, Sarah, and I don’t intend to fuck this up again.” He nipped at her lobe before pulling back. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you mine. You complete me, and I was an idiot for not seeing that.”

She swallowed hard. He was so not playing fair with his sexual advances. Could she forgive him? After all, it was his love she truly desired, and god knew, her heart really wanted her to, but how could she be sure the words of affection were real. “What if I already agreed to mate with Elias? Did you even think of that?” She pushed on his chest, but he refused to budge. “It’s what you wanted.”

His lip curled into a sexy grin. “I know you haven’t made any agreements, and Elias is willing to step away. He knows we are meant to be.” He leaned closer until his lips were inches away from hers. “It was Mina who brought me to you. She showed me where to find you. We are meant to be Sarah, and I’m sorry it took almost losing you to realize it.”

Brock’s lips touched hers every so lightly, teasing before pulling back. Again, he repeated the simple caress, and she tried to push him away. Admittedly, it was only a half attempt. Deep down, she wanted to forgive him and understood the pain and fear which prompted him to run away. He was here now. Had come back for her. Would this moment be different if not for the attempt on her life? Sarah suspected it might have been, but now that she had come so close to dying, some things didn’t seem important. Still, would he leave her again?

She caught movement over his shoulder. Mina smiled at her then faded away. Sarah let out a breath.

He nipped at her chin. “You know, if you really want me to stop, I will.” He cupped her face. “I never wanted to hurt you. It’s just our relationship scared the hell out of me, but I promise Mina is gone.”

She knew it to be true. Somehow, she’d felt when Mina had disappeared, it was for the last time. His dead mate had brought them together, and now, she was free to move on. “Brock?”

“Yes, darlin’?”

“I choose you.” The words had never felt more right. She only hoped she didn’t come to regret it later.

He smiled, scooped her into his arms and headed back to the bedroom. “I’ll show you how serious I am.” With great care, he lowered her to the bed. Tugged the tie on her robe and pulled it open exposing her naked flesh. “Beautiful.”

He cupped her breast and suckled her nipple. His tongue circled and fangs scraped the protrusion. The ecstasy and pain together caused her to shift her hips upward, begging for the ache between her thighs to be sated.

He ignored her.

Brock moved to the other breast and again made long, slow circles until the nipple matched the other. He stood, leaving her cold, and dropped his shorts, His erection jutted, and she reached out to touch it only to have him grab her hand. “Not yet.”

She started to object, but he licked her fingertip. Kissing the top of her hand, wrist and up her arm, he left a hot trail until he reached the inside of her elbow. Soft lips caressed the erogenous zone sending a shiver through her body as a moan passed her lips. Before she could recover, he ran his tongue over her mouth while pinning her arms to the bed.

“Let me show you how much you mean to me.” The brown in his eyes deepened until they were almost black.

Words formed but caught in her throat. This man was going to undo her.

He pulled her bottom lip between his teeth, and when she gasped, he slid his tongue across hers. His fingers tangled in her hair and pulled her closer. With her arms now free, she wrapped them around his neck. He pressed his erection into her thigh and rubbed. Her breath hitched. The friction sent a cauldron of lava through her veins.

“Brock, I need you,” she whispered.

“And you shall have me. Soon.” He flashed a white smile.

Soon?
Did he mean to drive her insane with desire? If it was his intent, she already teetered on the edge of a white-hot blade. There was no contest. He’d won.

“Now.” She tried hard to sound demanding, but it was difficult when her voice strained.

He only smiled again and slid down her front. Pushing her thighs apart, he slipped his hands under her ass and lifted her to him.

She clutched the bed in anticipation.

With a swipe of his tongue between her folds, the world stopped spinning. A second swipe and she reached for his arms, her nails digging into his biceps. The third time, his tongue speared her, parting the fleshy opening and pushed into her clenched tunnel. There was no holding on any longer. He’d pushed the button that sent her on a rollercoaster ride.

Her thighs pressed into him and held tight as the orgasm consumed her body and sent her skyrocketing upward. She wavered at the top, hovering on the brink of some kind of sexual madness. She could scarcely draw a breath. Then his tongue pressed her swollen clit. Every nerve fired simultaneously and sent her spiraling downward. She would crash and burn, but what a way to go.

When he finally released her, he laid her gently to rest on the bed.

His eyes swirled with desire. He planted several light kisses on her abdomen and up her chest, between her breasts. His cock pressed into her pussy, and she wiggled against him, needing him inside her. He didn’t oblige her desire. Instead, he kissed her. His tongue speared her and slowly tasted every inch of her mouth before he broke free.

“On your knees, darlin’.” His voice remained calm yet commanding. He moved back to give her room to comply, and the look in his eyes told her it was best not to disobey. Not that she was considering it. She needed him, this demon who was her gentle alpha. She loved him. There was no question in her mind.

Once she was on her knees, he spread her legs farther apart and rubbed the head of his cock along her slick center.

She hissed.

In a swift move, he was in. So deep inside it felt as if he touched her soul. Maybe, he was.

He pulled out then thrust deep. Steady rhythmic movements brushed her center, bringing her closer to heaven. “Oh god, Brock, you feel so good.” She pushed back to meet his every move. She craved every piece of him. His heart, his body and his soul.

As she climbed upward, thinking nothing could feel more blissful than this moment. He reached around and rubbed her clit.

She shattered.

Light flashed, and magic caressed her skin. He held her tight, never missing a beat. When she’d come back to reality, he pulled her to his chest, brushed her hair aside and kissed her shoulder. Before she knew what happened, he bit her. Magic sparked in the air, and she felt the warmth of her blood running down her arm.

He’d marked her.

In one last thrust, he released his seed, filling her and completing the mating bond. They were now joined for eternity.

For several minutes, he held her to him. No words passed between them. She was in shock. She hadn’t expected he’d actually mate her. Here. Now.

“Brock?”

He gave a squeeze before releasing her. She pulled away and turned to look at him.

He raised a brow. “Why do you look so surprised?”

“I…”
Shit.
“I didn’t expect you to mate me.”

“I told you I was going to show you what you mean to me, Sarah.” He rose, grabbed his shorts and pulled them on before walking out of the room.

“Fuck!” She snatched the robe, trying to get her arm through the hole while running from the room. She hadn’t meant for her words to sting him like that. She followed his scent to the upper deck where he was tipping back a beer.

“Brock. I didn’t mean it like it sounded.” She stood in front of him.

“How did you mean it then? I thought that’s what you wanted.” He scrubbed a hand over his stubble.

She moved forward and placed a hand on his cheek. Tears formed in her eyes. “Yes, it was exactly what I wanted. I just meant I thought you’d want to wait awhile. That’s all.”

He set down his beer and pulled her into his arms. “I thought I might have fucked up again. It was the only way I knew to show you that I really do love you. That I’m committed to us and our future.”

She sniffled.

“Why you crying?” He had fear written all over his face.

“I’m so happy. I’ve waited a long time for you.” She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I love you.”

He smiled. “Darlin’, you have made me the happiest man alive. I promise to spend eternity catering to your every need.”