Unleashed: The Cursed Trilogy, Book Two by Betty Legend (little bear else holmelund minarik .TXT) 📗

from his tinted lips, a wicked grin tugging the corner of his mouth.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

“That was… erotic.”

Phoenix lies next to me, caressing his cool fingers over my abdomen.

“I believe you and I are capable of bonding. You taste better than any blood that’s ever touched my lips.”

“Is that a compliment?”

“It is.” His finger taps my hardened nipple, then he lowers, sucking it into his mouth. His fang scrapes across it as he releases it, and I suck in a breath at the renewed arousal aching between my legs.

“You’re trying to seduce me.”

“Is there anything wrong with that?”

Turning away from him, I gather the blanket and crawl under it.

“I don’t want to be seduced. I want a real connection with you.”

Phoenix watches me, still lying in place, a look of interest filling his eyes.

“If you don’t mind, can you unlock the door? I’ve fulfilled my part of the deal.”

He clicks his tongue against his cheek. “I said it would cost you much more than a taste. Removing the demon venom used a lot of my magic. You’re stuck with me for a while longer.”

“Fine. Do you have any food here? You just had your dinner. I haven’t.”

Phoenix tilts his head, listening to something above us. Lips flattening, he climbs off the bed.

“Your boyfriends are here. They can get you dinner.”

I catch the disappointment in his tight features as he walks to the closet.

“Phoenix?”

“Hmm?”

“Do you truly want me to stay with you?”

Standing in the threshold of his closet, he crosses his arms as his gaze lingers over me.

“I wouldn’t mind the company and to drink from you again if you’ll allow me.”

“Are you up for another deal?”

“I’m listening.”

“I’d like to go upstairs to see them and get something to eat. I know the others won’t want to leave, so if you let them sleep in your house, I’ll sleep here with you and let you have another small drink.”

“Letting them stay here is a big ask. I want more than a small drink.” Tilting his head, he raises one brow, challenging me.

“How bad do you want to taste me again?”

His lip purses as he slips his tongue beneath it.

“You run a hard bargain.” He throws his hands out. “Fine, they can stay.”

When I smile, the corner of his mouth starts to lift, but he turns away before I get to see a full smile. Coming out of the closet with black briefs and black silky pajama pants, Phoenix tosses a long-sleeve button-down shirt to me. I slip out of bed and into the soft, white fabric. I start walking to the bathroom, and his voice stops me.

“Don’t bother with your foul, wolf-scented shorts unless you want to take another shower.”

My arms fold over my chest, and he smirks, then strolls to the exit door.

“Can you really smell him that well?”

“Yes, I can. I don’t want to smell another man on what is supposed to be mine.”

My words hitch in my throat. Maybe Phoenix wants me more than he’s ready to admit. He fingers the keypad attached to the door, and the metal box blinks green. Standing next to it, he waits for me. With a breath, I leave behind the thought of bottoms and head up the stairs with him. Thankfully, he’s so tall, his shirt covers my ass.

At the top of the stairs, we exit through another door and walk straight into four sets of angry eyes. Phoenix closes the door behind us and leans against it.

“As you can see, she’s in one piece.”

Before my guys unleash their fury, I swing my arms around Emeric, careful to avoid the healing wound.

“I’m so relieved you’re all right!”

Smooth, feathery wings wrap around my body as he holds me close. “I am, thanks to you.” His fiery need slips through his lips to mine, and my eyes water.

“I was scared you weren’t going to wake up.”

Strong hands palm my bare ass, squeezing me into him. “Nothing to worry about, baby. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

Phoenix hisses. “For fuck’s sake. You want to unzip your pants?”

A mischievous laugh leaves Emeric’s lips. “Now that you mention it.” He unzips his pants and cocks a brow at Phoenix. Glancing down at me, he winks.

“I’m reconsidering our deal,” Phoenix snaps, his fangs visible.

I caress my hand over the bump in Emeric’s jeans. “Hold that thought.”

Zipping his pants back up, he withdraws his wings and folds them onto his back.

“We’re all staying here tonight.”

Killian runs a hand through his reddish-brown locks and sighs. “Where are you sleeping?”

“Downstairs with Phoenix.”

Emeric pulls me back to him, his finger toying with a button of the shirt.

“Why downstairs when we can all sleep together?”

I already like where his thoughts are going, but Phoenix and I need the time alone.

“Because Phoenix and I need to get to know each other better, but I still want you all close.”

Griffin nudges past Emeric and takes my hand. The familiar tingling sensation warms my body as he brings me into a hug.

“That’s fine. We’ll sleep up here. Have you had dinner yet?”

I shake my head, and Griffin frowns at Phoenix.

“She’s a guest in your house and doesn’t drink blood.”

Phoenix rolls his eyes. “I didn’t have this evening planned out.”

“We’ll order delivery.” Cyrus removes the jacket he’s wearing and hangs it on the dining chair nearby. “It’s fine.” Curling his finger at me, I leave Griffin’s arms and go to his. Those sweet, delicious lips meet mine in an impassioned embrace, revealing how much he was worried about me and how relieved he is to be with me now. “What do you think, gorgeous? Italian, Thai, or barbeque?”

“Italian,” Griffin responds, knowing me well. He winks, and I smile at him.

“Definitely Italian.”

Killian comes up behind me, slipping his arms beneath mine and around my waist. My body buzzes with the new vibration I’m coming to know as our bond.

Cyrus gives us space, pulling his cell phone from his pocket. “What do you all want?” he asks the group.

Leaning my head on Killian’s shoulder, I