Mafia Beasts: The Complete Series, page 52
“Looks like you were followed.” Forrest dug the tip of his blue sodalite wand into Analyssa’s throat. He tsked. “I thought you’d be better at detecting a tail. Oh well, your loss and my gain. Pretty, isn’t she?”
My stomach threatened to revolt when Forrest licked her cheek.
“Let her go,” Lucas said with a growl.
Forrest grinned. “You didn’t think I could smell this trap from a mile away? What are you going to do now? Would you risk this girl’s life? Because if any of you move, I’ll break her neck quicker than a vampire can get to me.”
Shit, shit, shit. We had the numbers to take them out, but not without risking Analyssa’s life. I wasn’t willing to do that. I glanced at Lucas and shook my head.
Claire said, “Forrest, let the girl go.”
“No.” He jerked Analyssa’s hair hard, and she screamed. “I like the way she sounds. Besides, you took my house. It’s only fair I take something of value from you all. I wonder what delightful secrets are in this pretty head. I’ll find out soon enough.” A purple smoke consumed them all. When it cleared, they were all gone.
“Motherfucker!” I lurched forward, but there was nothing I could do. Forrest had slipped through our trap and taken Analyssa with him. To that sick fuck, this was all a game. I rounded on Claire. “Where has he taken her?”
“I—” She jumped back on her motorcycle. “I have a pretty good idea. I mean, he could be anywhere, but if he’s going to torture her, then that narrows it down. Come on.”
“Where are we going?” Ash asked.
“Warehouse district. Follow me. Forrest knows that I know where he’s taken her. He wants us to follow, so keep an eye out. We’ll definitely get ambushed at least a few times on the way there.”
I mounted my bike, keeping my wand in hand, and we sped off after Claire.
The warehouse district was a maze of chain-link fence and sprawling buildings. High walls and sharp corners made perfect hiding places. It was a maze we’d be lucky to survive. We rode along one quiet, deserted lane and an eerie feeling crept over me. We were being watched.
A blazing spell came out of nowhere, narrowly missing my head. I retaliated but didn’t seem to hit anyone. We crept further along, all four of us on edge.
When we turned a corner, we were met with a sudden, blinding light. I couldn’t see what happened, but I heard the whoosh of our witches and Fae as they flew by us, then the sounds of a fight. A moment later, the light vanished, plunging us into darkness once again. My wolf eyes took over. Half a dozen 5th Circle members lay in the street, unmoving.
As we continued to progress, our nearly silent, now visible group of witches and Fae took the lead with Claire. Zane and the other vampires stayed behind, protecting us against an attack from the rear.
We came upon two more ambushes that were quickly dealt with in a quiet, ruthless fashion. I was so done playing games and, apparently, so were all of Penumbra’s members. Taking out the dark witches in small batches like this was almost easy, a boon for our morale. I suspected, though, this bunch were not as well trained as Forrest, or Claire, or Bryon Vexx.
Claire had us stop in front of a nondescript building with a small door. “This is one of his workshops, as he likes to put it. There’s a ninety percent chance he’ll be in there. Emma and Ash, work with me on getting past the ward.”
The door was protected with a complex spell that took us a lot of time and energy to break through, but we did.
Inside, the warehouse was dim with a smattering of blinking fluorescent lights overhead, except for one corner. Glass walls enclosed the brightly lit but small room. Through them, I could clearly see, but not hear, Forrest tormenting a shrieking Analyssa, who hung naked, suspended by chains in the middle of the space. My blood boiled at the sight.
Forrest casually glanced toward us, and I crouched in the shadows of a pillar. He didn’t react. It was like he couldn’t see us.
I looked to Claire. “Those walls are glass, right?”
“Actually, I think it’s a viewing room.” She shuddered. “The inside is all mirrors. People watching can look in, but the performer inside can’t see out. And yes, Forrest is arrogant enough to think a ward and his posse of thugs are enough to protect him from the likes of us.” Claire shook her head in disbelief. “Besides, he gets really focused when he’s working.”
My gut twisted with revulsion. I knew exactly how Forrest operated, how obsessed he was when he was in the midst of torture. To him, it was like the rest of the world didn’t exist outside of him and his victim.
I ground my teeth together and glanced at Lucas. “I say we surround him and take him down.”
Lucas growled an affirmative. Claire and Ash both nodded.
Together, the four of us advanced on the viewing room. Claire and I raised our wands. Ash, his features set in harsh determination and his eyes fixated on Analyssa, lifted his sparking palms. Lucas had shifted to his half-form.
On a silent count of three, we let loose our magic and the room’s glass and mirror walls came crashing down. Analyssa screamed as pieces sliced into her flesh. Unfortunately, that couldn’t be helped.
This time, I didn’t waste a moment. But in a blur, Zane appeared, beating me to Forrest, and had him disarmed and pinned to the floor. He held Forrest as Lucas approached. My wolf only needed to punch him once for Forrest to be out cold.
Ash was already unchaining Analyssa. He caught her as she collapsed in a bloody mess. He quickly picked the worst of the glass shards from her skin. Once finished, with a swift, one-armed movement, he had his T-shirt off and was helping her into it. The garment covered her like a dress.
Claire kept her wand trained on Forrest. “I’m not taking any chances. We need to get out of here before someone comes to investigate.”
The warehouse doors burst open, and the rest of our crew flooded the space. Cade’s silver wings illuminated where he’d landed. Relief flooded me, knowing all three of my mates were safe.
His sweeping gaze halted on Analyssa. “What did he do to her?”
Ash glanced up. “Nothing that I can’t fix—physically.” He cringed. “We should get her home. I’ve patched her up enough to teleport.”
“Good,” I said. “If each witch takes three people, we can return home all at once. You up for that, Huxley?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He and Vincent strode forward, ready to take orders.
“I’ve got Forrest, Lucas, and Zane,” Claire said. “Between the three of us, we should be able to handle my brother if he wakes up.”
I jerked my head in a nod. “I’ll take Ash and Analyssa. Cade, too. Everyone else, group up, and don’t forget the bikes.”
Everyone clustered around the remaining witches and purple smoke filled the warehouse as we teleported out of Seattle back to the Penumbra mansion. As soon as we landed, triumph swelled in my chest. We’d done it. We had Forrest Nightling, and he was in for a long, unimaginable suffering.
I shivered from the thrill of getting my hands on him.
18
EMMA
Making Forrest wait, chained, and secured in the dungeon, was my first act of torment. I was in charge now, and I wanted his thoughts manifesting scenarios of what I was going to do to him once I deigned to go down there. I wanted him to sweat. This was going to be a long, long game that we played together.
With only a few hours left until dawn, I desperately needed a shower and sleep. My mates and I were gathered in the parlor, having a stiff drink after our night of shenanigans. I set down my empty glass, the ice cubes rattling together, and studied the three bosses who each owned my heart. Maybe I wasn’t that tired. I was in the mood to celebrate.
I stood, catching their attention. “I’m going to shower, in that enormous bathroom, in our bedroom. If anyone wants to join me…” Leaving that invitation open, I started down the hallway to my room. Three heavy pairs of footsteps sounded behind me and I grinned.
While I’d moved into our new room, none of the others had joined me yet. I aimed to fix that tonight. I yearned to be surrounded by my mates, to sleep in their arms and wake up together in the morning. Their scents and mine should mingle in our room, making it truly ours.
I entered, leaving the door open behind me, and started peeling off my clothing, leaving a trail of discarded garments all the way into the bathroom. Forgoing the overhead lights, I flicked my malachite wand at the sea of candles and they lit. The warm glow flickered and reflected in the marble and gilded mirrors.
Entering the shower, I pressed on the controls to turn on all four shower heads, as well as the rainfall one in the middle.
Three very naked, large bodies crowded into the marble-and-glass enclosure along with me. For a few minutes, we cleaned ourselves up, casting glances at one another. Through our bond, I could tell the bosses were feeling a bit awkward about showering together, except for Lucas. His gaze lit with anticipation, as he rinsed suds from his chest.
I, on the other hand, couldn’t get enough of taking in their wet, hard-packed muscles. This was a fantasy come to life, and this part was only the beginning.
I lathered bodywash slowly over my breasts, pinching my own nipples as I faced inward so they could all see what I was doing. Then I skimmed my palms over my stomach, lower and lower. I slipped one hand between my legs and bit down on my lower lip. Three growls echoed in the small space.
Lucas was the first to pounce. He dragged me in for a scorching hot kiss, crushing my breasts against his chest. “I’ll help you wash,” he murmured as his lips moved to my neck. His fingers slid down to play with my clit and I moaned.
Zane appeared behind me, turning my head to capture my mouth with his. He palmed my butt, massaging and squeezing.
Lucas moved down to suck on my peaked nipples, and Zane raked his fangs across my neck like a dark promise, his erection searing my lower back.
Sandwiched between my wolf and my vampire, I sought out Cade. He leaned back against the softly illuminated marble wall, languidly stroking his cock as he watched us. His pupils were completely blown out. A wave of pure lust zipped through me, and I trembled from its power. One corner of Cade’s lips pulled upward. He zapped me with another spike of arousal through our bond. This time, I cursed aloud.
“Fuck!” Lucas swore, feeling the emotions racing through me. He tore me away from Zane, and I wrapped my legs around his hips as he backed me up against the wall, where he entered me in a single sharp thrust. He let his savage beast out to play. A few more forceful jerks of his hips and I tumbled over the edge with a shout.
“I’m so not done with you yet, baby.” Lucas’s grin was practically feral. He spun around so that his back was to the wall but kept his hold firmly under my thighs.
“What are you—” I cut myself off as Zane’s cinnamon-and-vanilla scent washed through my senses. His body heat pressed into me from behind. Sweeping my wet hair over one shoulder, he dragged his fangs across my skin, and I shivered.
Zane moaned into my ear. “Your blood calls to me, sweetness. My fangs ache as much as my cock to be inside you.”
My pulse stuttered in anticipation of the pain and euphoria his seductive tone promised. I tilted my head, showing him my desire, my need for him.
Zane sank his teeth into my neck, the pain sharp and biting. My orgasm hit me before he even had a chance to pump me full of his erotic venom. Lucas groaned as my pussy clenched around his cock that was still buried deep between my thighs.
I felt each draw of blood from Zane all the way to my pulsing clit. His venom swam through my head and body, stimulating every nerve ending. I needed more, so much more.
Continuing to drink from me, he lined up his dick with my asshole and easily inched in. My body relaxed around him, taking all of him. I sighed. A delicious feeling of fullness ached through my body.
Lucas began to move, slowly at first. Zane joined him, his fingers digging into my hips as he licked at the wound on my neck. I rested my forehead against Lucas’s shoulder. In complete surrender, I let them take my body, leisurely at first, until they couldn’t hold back any longer and fucked me mercilessly.
Cade appeared beside us, his stormy eyes blazing with arousal. He threaded his fingers through my hair and tugged. The gesture was harsh, demanding, and I ate it up. He crushed his mouth to mine, his tongue exploring, taking what he wanted.
I shattered again, screaming my release against Cade’s lips. Lucas cursed as his hips jerked. Zane buried his cock deep in my ass. His dick twitched as he filled me with semen.
Cade’s kisses softened. I trailed my palm down his stomach to find his shaft scorching and hard.
Zane and Lucas released me onto my wobbly legs. I broke my mouth away from Cade’s lips and dropped to my knees in front of him. Taking his cock in hand, I swallowed his rigid length. He roared a groan. His fingers in my hair tightened, stinging my scalp.
I used my lips, tongue, and hand to pleasure Cade as he spouted curses that made me want to smile. He pumped into my mouth, hitting the back of my throat. I sucked hard one last time, and he came. Warmth exploded over my tongue. I eagerly swallowed his release, then shifted backward on my shins and gazed up at him. I licked my lips and his eyes flashed with danger.
Cade pulled me up, into his arms. “Fuck. That was hot.” He plastered me against him, shower water streaming over us. “I never thought watching you get fucked in both ends would be such a turn on.”
I grinned contentedly.
The three of them took their time washing every inch of me while I floated, riding my high. Zane bundled me up in a fluffy towel and carried me to the bed to tuck me in. He murmured sweet nothings. With a kiss on the top of my head, he turned to go.
I reached out. “No, stay.” Zane nodded. I found Lucas and Cade across the room getting dressed. “All of you. Stay. Please.” They exchanged a glance, letting their clothing drop back to the floor.
“You want all of us in that bed together?” Cade asked, seeming uncertain.
“Yes. I want us to sleep together. I want you to move all your stuff in here, too. There’s plenty of room for everyone.” I sat up, waiting for their answer.
Zane inclined his head. “As you wish.”
Lucas prowled closer, then jumped onto the bed. He lay next to me, his chin resting on his propped-up arm and a playful smile on his lips.
“Okay,” Cade said.
Zane strode back into the bathroom to douse the candles and hang up our towels. Cade eyed him, then took the opportunity to settle under the covers at my other side. When Zane returned, he huffed in irritation.
“Really? That’s how it’s going to be?” he asked.
Lucas and Cade both chuckled. They looped their arms around my waist, snuggling in close.
Lucas flashed his teeth. “Yep. That’s how it’s going to be.”
“Fuckers,” Zane muttered as he settled in on the other side of Lucas.
“Goodnight,” I said.
They murmured the same in return.
“I’ll never tell you a single thing,” Forrest spat. “Go ahead and flay me, tear me to pieces, make me bleed, you stupid cunt. Bryon Vexx will come for me and obliterate all of you.”
I slapped him across the face with a spell. He glared at me, spitting out a mouthful of blood along with a tooth.
Cade had done some fancy work, suspending Forrest in the middle of the cell, allowing enough space to walk all the way around him. He’d also been kind enough to set up a workbench with numerous torture instruments, most of which I wasn’t sure how to use. It sure was an intimidating display though. If I were Forrest, I’d be shitting my pants right about now.
“Vexx isn’t coming for you. No one is.” I circled my captive while Lucas and Cade stood guard on the other side of the bars, offering me their silent support. I’d negotiated with them to have this special time with Forrest. I needed to face him on my own.
Forrest snarled. “Shut the fuck up! You have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m extremely valuable.”
“Then I guess you shouldn’t have gotten yourself caught.”
He snorted a laugh. “Oh, how I’m going to enjoy getting out of these chains. You thought the last time I had you at my mercy was a nightmare? This next time will be even worse. I have so many new ideas of what I’d love to do to your sweet, soft skin.”
Lucas growled with a low threat. Since he and Cade insisted on staying, they were bound to hear some nasty shit.
“There will be no next time. I promise you that.” Stopping in front of him, I kneed him in the balls. His breath escaped him with an oomph. Beating the crap out of him was going to be so satisfying. I hadn’t yet decided if I wanted to use magic or do it with my hands. I might have to settle on both. But which one first? Or should it be more of an alternating kind of thing?
“Does your back look the same as I left it?” Forrest’s icy eyes met mine. He licked his lips. “I want to see it. Take off your shirt and show me my masterpiece.”
Bile rose in the back of my throat. A sensation like spiders crawling over my skin made me suppress a shudder. I slapped him again on the other cheek, with a flick of my wand.
He smiled, his teeth tinged red. “I think about our time together a lot. I think about you under me as I cut into you, one tiny piece at a time. So much blood smearing across your perfect flesh.” He tilted his head back and moaned. “I remember your screams. I replay them over and over in my mind as I touch myself. You do a good enough job beating on me today and I might come in my jeans.”
Ugh, gross.
Hostility and rage prickled through the mate connection. But no matter what kind of filth poured from Forrest’s mouth, I was going to stand strong and face him until this was done. I needed to hear his words, be this close to him, and confront my fears. This was my one and only chance.
He raked his gaze over my body and smirked. “I really should have fucked you while I cut on you. Just the thought of that is making me hard. Why don’t you uncuff me and we can reenact that lovely week we had together. The setting is perfect.”
