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

“You must be Griffin. Selene described you perfectly.” Griffin pushes his hair behind his ear, and my mom looks directly at it. “Even the ears, which are unique and adds to your good looks.”

A smile tilts his mouth. “Thank you for your kind words. I see where Selene gets her beautiful looks.”

The smile that lifts my mother’s lips reveals the flattery she feels. Stepping away, she presses the remote and ignites the fireplace.

“How about I make us some fresh drinks and set out some snacks?”

“I’ll help you.”

Killian joins Rachel on the couch and finishes answering her questions. Emeric disappears for the third time on a trip to find Cyrus. In the kitchen, Griffin helps my mom mix drinks while I gather pastries from the fridge and cookies from the cabinet.

“Selene’s email said you were the first man she was dating. I assume then, you were the first she bonded with.”

Griffin’s mouth slants as he winks at me. “I was, yes. At first, she thought I was nuts and had abducted her for my own twisted game.”

“At least you came out of that unscathed,” my mom quips.

Griffin chuckles as he pulls as much of his hair into a ponytail as he can.

“I was worried there for a while, but our strong connection prevailed.”

“It seems you all have spent time teaching her how to use her magic.”

Griffin pops a cookie into his mouth, then slows his chewing, savoring the cookie. When finished, he grabs another. “These are delicious.”

“My mom owns a bakery.”

“Understandably. You have a gift.” After another bite, he waves his hand in the air. “I’m sorry, yes, we have. Cyrus has taught her a lot about her ancestry, her craft, and each of us has spent a significant time teaching her how to use the magic we possess.”

Lowering her voice, my mom steps closer to him. “What about the demons and Holy Accolades who will hunt her?”

Griffin doesn’t miss a beat. “The more she knows, the better she’ll be able to protect herself. It’s why we practice her magic often. Don’t underestimate Selene’s magic. She possesses incredible powers. And I hope it soothes your worries to know she has the love and protection of four powerful supernatural beings. We discuss her safety on a regular basis because we love her and want a lifetime with her.”

My mom exhales a sigh. “I’m beginning to feel some relief seeing how much you all love her and want to keep her safe.”

Griffin reaches out, placing a hand on my mother’s shoulder, and gently caresses.

“It’s why I built a home for us on Mordeeves Island. There, Selene is safe and able to practice her magic without attracting demons or the Accolades.” He glances at me, the love in his eyes evident. “I’d keep her there permanently, but I understand she has her job, her family, and another home with Killian.”

Turning her attention to me with watery eyes, her reddened cheeks swell with her smile.

“These men, they love you so much, my sweet girl. It gives me a lot of joy.”

“It’s impossible not to love them,” I tell her.

Griffin tilts his chin, beckoning me over. As I near, he puts his hand out, places it at the nape of my neck, and rests his forehead against mine.

“It’s impossible not to love you.”

My mom takes the tray of pastries and cookies out to the living room, leaving us alone.

“I’ve missed how you make me feel.”

Raising his hand, he places his fingers through mine. Our magic merges, swirling between our skin.

“I’m eager for you to be home with me.”

“Killian asked me to stay with him for a while. I’d like to.”

Griffin frowns, and it guts me. I remove the space between us and kiss him. Our tongues swirl as the heat rises between us. Firming his grip on my back, he molds me to his chest.

“I can’t be without you for several days, let alone weeks.” A turquoise glimmer fills his eyes as he thumbs my lips. My body aches to be pleasured by him, and he seems to sense it. “It’s been too long already.” His fingers dip into the waistband of my jeans. The tantalizing touch of his fingers teasing their way south has my body arching into his.

“How about we all go to Killian’s?”

“How about you and I find time alone first?” Lowering my hand, he places it over his erection. “I think we both need it.”

As I massage over his shorts, I lean forward to nibble, then suck the lobe of his ear. A pleasured groan leaves his lips.

“Think we’ll be missed if we slip upstairs?”

“Yes.”

His fingers slip into my wet opening, and I breathe harder as I clasp my hands on his shoulders.

“My mom could come back at any moment.”

“I can hear well, my love. She’s busy talking.”

“Then, don’t stop.”

“Only for a moment.”

Removing his hand, he takes mine and searches for the bathroom. I point in the direction he needs to go. Behind the closed door, I slam my lips to his and tug at the buttons of his shorts.

Pulling my jeans down, he peels them off my legs, then lifts me onto the sink counter. His mouth is back on mine as I free his erection from his boxers. Putting his arms under my knees, he leans me back and enters me, thrusting slow and concentrated as he watches my reaction.

Each roll of his hips is a rising crescendo, taking me higher toward my climax. Muscled arms flex as he holds my legs and thrusts deeper. Sweat dampens my chest and forehead as my breathing comes on quicker breaths.

“I love you.”

“I love you.” Bringing my lips to his, he holds me in his sensual embrace as we dive into ecstasy.

As the overwhelming pleasure tingles throughout my body, I remain in his arms, his languid kisses drawing out the enjoyable sensations.

“Take the time with Killian. But after,”—stroking my arm, he lifts it to kiss my hand—“it needs to be just us.”

“I want time alone together too.”

“Then I’ll take you on a trip