Saving Sophia, page 5
“Are we going to be honest right now?” I have to ask before I answer him. Will he be honest with me?
“Please.” That one word holds so much emotion, it almost knocks me back. Instead, I stand my ground inches away from Finn.
“No. Do you want me?” I don’t know why the question falls out of my mouth, but I have to know if he wants me as a mate, a plaything, or anything?
“Yes.” He moves closer to me, now only inches apart.
“As a mate?” I need clarification. This is dangerous for both of us, but I’m so drawn to him, I can’t help but ask.
“As my everything,” he whispers before his lips slam into mine. His kiss is punishing and electric. He buries his hands into my hair, holding me in place as he takes my mouth.
Before I know what’s happening, he’s on top of me on my bed, our bodies rubbing against each other, both of us wordlessly begging for more. He pulls back and looks at me sadly. “We can’t, he will know. I don’t want him to hurt you.” He runs his thumb in gentle circles on my hips.
“I know. I hate acting with him, but until the time is right, I can’t provoke him.” I want to tell him my plans, I want to tell him everything, and I want to hear his side too, but once again, the time isn’t right for that.
“Whatever I may say or do, know me an’ Saoirse are with ye, lass. We jus’ have to be very careful,” Finn whispers in my ear, his delicious accent strong.
I just nod my head and whisper, “Me, too.”
“I need to shower and take care of this.” He nudges his delicious erection against me, and I push back with a soft moan.
“Feck, I want ye.” He gives me another toe-curling kiss and a hard grind before he moves back. “Keep that pretty pussy covered.” Then, he gives me a small smack on the offending area making my clit throb. Then, he’s off me and near the door.
“I need to leave now.” His voice is feral as if he’s telling not only me but himself. I sit up and crisscross my legs, his eyes drop to my crotch, where I show him I won’t keep it covered around him.
He bites his bottom lip, his fangs elongating, his small bite drawing blood from his lip. I almost moan at the thought of tasting him. He takes a deep breath and runs out of my room as if his ass is on fire. I throw myself back on the bed. I’m in so much trouble.
Chapter 6
Finn
I’m milliseconds from saying fuck everything and taking my mate. Her scent, her touch, everything consumes me. Kissing her was a bad idea, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Both of us are in precarious positions. In a matter of hours, I went from being a cold, heartless bachelor, never wanting to settle down, to being obsessed with thoughts of being tied down in every possible way with Sophia.
We didn’t even talk, we played for hours in the forest, never speaking a word, but I know she was happy and free being with me. I’m enough, just me. Not my position in the supernatural community, not for money. I know both of us could live in a shack and be content just being together, not that either of us have to worry about that.
We both come from powerful families, and instinctively, I know she’s working on something with her pack, just as Saoirse and I have discussed needing to get rid of Drake. We need to meet to formulate an actual plan, so we can work cohesively.
I’d hate for our allies to attack them in a melee or vice versa. Under the very watchful eye of Drake and his guards, a meeting together is damn near impossible. Saoirse and I need to figure out a way to talk with her alone.
I need to shower and get to dinner. Not because I’m hungry, although I am for regular food, I just want to see Sophia again, even if we both have to put on a show. How in the hell have I been able to keep my hands off her for as long as I have? I can’t wait to have her mouth again, no matter how bad of an idea it is. She’s made for me.
After a quick shower, I dress and head down to dinner. Luckily, I run into Saoirse and Sophia in the hallway, but unfortunately, one of Drake’s guards is there, so I can’t talk freely to either of them or stare at Sophia.
“Little sister, I haven’t seen ye all day!” I put my arm around her shoulder and squeeze her, glancing at Sophia. I give her a wink unseen by the guard.
“Miss Sophia.” I give her a small head nod and reluctantly go back to ignoring her.
“Saoirse, how long before ye have to head back to New York?” I’m hoping to get some basic information from her with questions she can answer in front of this guard.
“As long as you’re here, brother, I am.” She gives me a look that says ‘you know how long, idiot.’ Well, technically, I don’t, but I know she’s working with someone in Sophia’s pack.
“Out of curiosity, do vampires sleep?” Sophia asks openly. I’m wondering are we supposed to answer truthfully or lie. I’m shite at the conspiracy crap.
“We sleep as humans do. We like to keep normal hours since the sun doesn’t bother us, it makes made-vampires weaker, but it’s not deadly as myths have portrayed. Pity, though,” Saoirse answers with a glance at the guard.
The guard clears his throat, probably hoping he can say something to Saoirse about her comment but knows not to say anything to one of Drake’s children. We aren’t supposed to let Sophia know all our secrets, but he can go feck himself. “Sophia is Drake’s mate-to-be, she will need to know his habits, so she can adjust if need be,” I tell the guard with open hostility. “Speaking of Drake, being yer mate-to-be, maybe we should see if he can move up the ceremony sooner, so both Saoirse and I can attend. I know we both get busy when we’re away.” I keep my voice even and bored. Sophia will never mate with Drake, but the sooner they plan the ceremony, the sooner I know her pack will come to fight for her, and the sooner I can claim her.
“That’s a wonderful idea, Finn. I’ll bring it up to dear papa!” Saoirse says excitedly. She’s the best damn actress I have ever seen. Truly impressive.
“What idea is that, darling daughter?” Drake’s voice interrupts our musings.
“We should have the mating ceremony as soon as possible! This way, Finn and I can be sure to attend! I need to go back to school in a couple of weeks. I’d hate to get behind and miss more school by having to return in a few months.” Saoirse pouts as if the idea of missing the ceremony or school is awful.
“I was thinking the same thing,” Drake pipes up happily. “Sophia…” He holds his arm out, and she flits to his side as he caresses her hand gently. I want to break every tiny bone in that hand for touching what’s mine.
“I know we agreed to a longer waiting period, but I find waiting is becoming difficult.” He leans in and inhales her scent, and I’m seconds away from ripping his throat out when I feel Saoirse’s hand touch me, reining me in from my rage.
“I…” Sophia starts, and I swear my poor girl looks green. She clears her throat, “I suppose a sooner ceremony would be okay. My pack would still be invited, yes?” Good girl, she’s stronger than me. Her voice is strong and sweet, betraying none of the disgust I know she’s feeling.
“Of course! We’d have to ensure no weapons are brought and have them blocked from shifting to ensure they keep the peace. I know how protective your family can be.” Drake’s smile is more snake-like. He knows her pack will fight and do considerable damage, but putting a block on everyone might not work for rescuing her.
“I’m sure they won’t mind, I am fine with it. You let me run today, and I am ever grateful.” I can almost see the wheels turning in her head on how that could work, but again, we need to meet to decide what will happen next.
“Wonderful, I’ll ensure all the details are taken care of. How about for the end of the week, Friday the twenty-eighth?” Drake looks at Sophia as if he cares for her, and it pisses me off. How the hell am I going to make it a week without killing my arsehole father?
“That sounds great. Will your entire clan stay through the holiday? Or do vampires celebrate Christmas?” Sophia’s voice cracks a bit betraying her emotions. She will miss Christmas with her family. She won’t even be able to talk to them. I know Drake, he will enjoy her suffering. Bastard.
“We don’t celebrate trivial human holidays. There’s no reason.” His tone is cool as if offended she’d even suggest such a thing. I have always hated Drake, but my hate is growing more and more with the hurt he’s causing my mate, and even more, I hate there’s nothing I can do right now. I want to take her away from here, return her to her family, and stay by her side. As against I have always been about having a mate, I can’t deny how much I want Sophia. She’s mine, and I am hers.
Ignoring the obvious pain in Sophia’s face, Drake announces, “Let’s eat, it’s long past dinner time. I rarely like my schedule being disrupted,” he says it politely. However, I can see the look he’s giving my girl as if she has inconvenienced and disappointed him. She looks down as if ashamed. I can see what she’s feeling is rage. She loathes him. She doesn’t care what he thinks but will play the dutiful mate.
I can feel the tension in the dining room as we sit, which only increases as the wonder bitch enters. As if we needed the extra drama.
“Finally, I’m famished!” Katrina announces as if she were waiting for an eternity. I am seated across from Sophia, and Saoirse is next to her, so, unfortunately, Katrina sits next to me, scooting her chair close to me.
“Excuse me, have ye heard of personal space?” I look down at her with as much abhorrence as possible.
“Finn, be polite, and speak correctly. Your accent is unrefined. I believe you should spend more time with Miss Katrina. Her family consists of powerful witches. They would be a substantial addition to our family,” Drake tells me as if I’d ever consider this leach as a mate.
“Drake, I have never wanted a mate, surely never cared for your alliances, and I will not start now. I enjoy my bachelorhood, just as you have.” I emphasize speaking without my accent, so he knows I can speak as he wants, I just choose not to. I refrain from looking at Sophia because that would be too obvious as my emotions would give me away. She’s the only mate I’ll ever want and have.
“We’ll discuss this in private,” Drake snaps at me. I don’t give a flying feck. I applaud Sophia pretending to be Drake’s potential mate, but there’s no way I can pretend to feel anything but disgust for any female other than Sophia. Pushing Katrina and her chair as far as I can with my foot, her face is pouting. Pathetic.
The rest of the dinner passes without much more drama. Katrina stays away from me, thankfully. We all start leaving when lo-and-behold, Drake stops me.
“Finn, a word.” Great, I’m not getting away from him. I might as well get this over with.
“What do you need, Drake?”
“You need to be more present in our clan. You’re a powerful vampire, and you need to take your place here. You will mate with Katrina Everly. If you refuse, I’ll sell Saoirse to the Italian Vampire court immediately.” Son of a bitch. From everything I have heard of the Italians, they are ruthless. They will torture my little sister, more than likely pass her from vampire to vampire forcing her to breed born vampires to strengthen their clan. They keep to themselves unless they want something, then they take it by force. If Drake were conversing with them, it’s possible he can send Saoirse to them for a powerful alliance. He has most likely already promised Saoirse to them—that will not happen.
“Fine. She needs to stop being a simpering eejit. It’s pathetic.” Not hiding my disgust of her, I don’t care how powerful her family is. He knows I’ll do what I have to do to save my little sister. Agreeing now will give him the illusion he has control over me. I won’t go through the mating just as I know Sophia won’t be going through with hers, and Saoirse is sure as hell not going to the Italians. I’ll keep my girl and sister safe.
Chapter 7
Sophia
One week, I can deal with Drake for that long. I hate that I’ll miss Christmas with my family. This will be the first Christmas my brothers have their mates, and I had hoped I could be there to celebrate. Knowing Tristan, he will want to reschedule the entire holiday just for me. The thought makes me smile. He’s the best brother and pseudo parent anyone could ask for.
I have a five-second pity party, and as sad as I am, I’m also excited. Finn. That man, he’s damn yummy. I’ve dated occasionally. Hell, I even slept with a couple of guys, not that any of my brothers know. They would’ve killed the guy, just on principle alone. I’m the one who never wants a commitment. I wanted a night or two for some fun, but the men, or should I say boys, were immature and annoying. They were pretty to look at, but once they opened their mouths, I lost interest.
Sometimes I feel as if I’m that guy girls complain about, the one who can’t commit. With Finn, though, he’s a man, and he is my mate. I’m already committed to him, and we have only just kissed. I know Drake is talking to him right now, and I have a feeling it has to do with mating him to Katrina. I wouldn’t wish a mating with her on my worst enemy. Well, maybe Drake. Those two would make the perfect pair.
“You and my brother need to hide it better.” Saoirse’s voice draws me from my thoughts.
“What?” I look at her, then around us, and notice, for once, we’re alone.
“You’re mates, right? I see the glances you trade with each other. Who knew a small look could hold so much fire?” She giggles.
“Do you think Drake saw?” I whispered, worried.
“Honestly, I don’t know, but he has his own agenda. He always does,” she grumbles.
“A week, I need to talk to Aria.” I thought about how I need to get the news to my pack. She needs to visit me tonight since it has been a couple of days. I can only hope if I think of her hard enough, she can pick up on my need to speak with her.
“You can communicate with your pack?” Shit, I didn’t mean to say that out loud, I don’t know how trustworthy Saoirse is.
“We’re on the same side, Sophia. I have a contact in your pack that I was giving information to before I got here. But with Drake and his guards, I haven’t been able to contact him. I’m sure he has told your Alpha everything,” she tells me, looking around, making sure no one is around.
“Who?” It’s awesome that she’s on our side. Too bad it couldn’t have prevented me from coming here, but then again, I wanted to be here to meet Finn.
“James Reid.” Well, I didn’t expect that, Dillan’s mate. I briefly wonder how their courtship is going or if it’s going at all.
“He’s a good guy. You must be where he got my location from.” That makes sense. Aria last told me they knew where I was. This is good. I’m wondering if Aria can pull Saoirse and Finn in without knowing them.
We have been standing outside my room, not realizing we already made it here. I wonder for a moment if Finn will be in the hall soon. I haven’t seen where his room is. Saoirse’s room is directly across from mine, so his might be close too.
My question is answered as he comes around the corner with Katrina on his arm. Damn, Drake must have threatened him. I’m not going to fault him for doing the same as I was. I know he despises her, anyone can see that. How anyone can put up with her simpering and manipulations is beyond me. It’s pathetic the way she throws herself at men she wants. First, Jonah, Aria’s mate, now Finn. Both have been forced betrothals. If she weren’t such a raging bitch, I’d feel sorry for her.
“Hi, guys! Guess what! Finn and I are to be mated at the same ceremony as Sophia and Drake. Isn’t that fantastic!” Katrina gushes as they approach us. Finn, on the other hand, just scowls. My poor mate.
“That’s just lovely! You’ll be my step-daughter. Perhaps we can all go shopping together for our dresses!” I exude the same high pitchy cheery tone she does. Saoirse snort laughs before she covers her mouth and composes herself.
“You’re just jealous. You’re to be mated to an old man, I get the young, sexy Finn,” Katrina coos, petting Finn’s arm.
“I am choosing to be here, Katrina. I’m not being forced.”
“I want to be mated to Finn!” She whines like the petulant child she is.
“But does he want to be mated to you? Jonah sure didn’t. You have to trap a man to mate you. Will anyone ever want you for you, or will it always just be coercion?” Her mouth drops, and before she can respond, I turn away. “Good night!” I send a wave to Saoirse and resist glancing at Finn.
Closing the door behind me, I decide on a long, relaxing bath. I want to ensure all my thoughts are on connecting with Aria. I’m theorizing that if my thoughts are on contacting her, she will pick it up and reach out to me.
After soaking for a long while, I get out, relaxed and sleepy. I throw a robe on and head to my room. I stop short as I see Finn sitting on my bed.
“What are you doing here?” I whisper, not sure if anyone is in the hall.
“I wanted to make sure ye are okay with my pretense of mating with Katrina? I know I’m not,” he grumbles.
“Finn, I’m secure enough in myself that I know what’s going on. What did he threaten you with?” I sit next to him and put my hand on his arm. He looks down at it, then holds my hand.
“That he’d sell Saoirse to the Italian vampires. They are the most ruthless vampires around. They make Drake look like a Sunday school teacher.” His voice is sad, and I know he worries most about his little sister. I can understand since I have three brothers who are the same way with me.
“We’ll free all of us, Finn. Drake won’t get away with anything.” I believe we all will get out of here, and we’ll destroy anyone who thinks they can control us or any of the other supernaturals.
Finn looks from our hands up my body to my face, and only then do I realize I’m still naked under my robe. He must have realized that fact at the same time by the evidence of the heat in his eyes.
“Yer the most amazing woman. Bloody gorgeous, sexy, and so strong.” His voice flows over me like melted chocolate causing me to shiver. He leans close to my neck behind my ear and inhales. “You’re mine.” He nips at my earlobe, then soothes the bite with his tongue, trailing kisses along my jaw before taking my mouth in a scorching kiss.
