Once it was full, I stoppered it and skittered away from the oak just as its branches twitched to life again, skidding to a halt next to Belial. With a satisfied grin, he pulled me against him. I held the tiny vial, beaming.
Two more things, and then I’ll have my Christmas tree.
“That’s one ingredient down!” I said excitedly. “What’s next?”
Something wicked gleamed in his eyes, and he swept me up into his arms, like a groom carrying his bride over the threshold, as we left the blood oak’s corner of the garden.
“I’d say you’re in for a bit of arewardfor practicing your magic, don’t you?”
Chapter Seven
Belial
I cradledRayven’s small frame in my arms, keeping her tucked close to my chest like the precious treasure she was.
It was exhilarating to watch her take on the blood oak, arguably the most dangerous plant in my garden. She was always a defiant little hellion, which had bewitched me the moment we met. A year later, she’d evolved into a formidable enchantress and a magnanimous queen. Seeing her rule beside me filled my chest with pride and my dick with blood.
What I had planned for her was just as much a reward for her as it was an indulgence for me. I was practically trembling with the need to bury myself in her.
I didn’t simply rut my queen. I worshipped the woman by giving her everything I had to offer, and making sure she was well fucked and satisfied like a dark goddess ought to be.
There would be a part of her that resisted the manner in which I planned to fuck her today.
There often was.
That’s what made it so tantalizing for both of us.
“Wait.” She lifted her head from the crook of my arm and I felt her breath stall in her chest when I rounded a corner and my garden cemetery came into view.
“This is where…” Her voice trailed off and her cheeks heated, likely recalling all the things I did to her the last time we were here.
“Where I brutally spanked you and made you suck my cock for the first time in exchange for shoes,” I mused, recalling the memory like it was yesterday. “Since I forced you to frolic around my deadly garden in nothing but a dress as thin as tissue? Yes.”
Her eyes narrowed on me. “You’re the most filthy bastard to ever walk the Earth and the Underworld, you know that?”
I laughed, amused. “What an accolade coming from the woman who’s met the worst monsters in both realms. Let’s not pretend you didn’t love every moment of it.”
“I hated you.”
“I think you hated the part of you that wanted me more.” I chuckled. “You were so cute, all frustrated, covered in mud and desperate for me to spill my cum down your throat.”
In the year we’d known each other, I’d fucked this woman in every hole, in every inch of my castle grounds, often in ways that would make lesser mortals sick. Yet here she was, blushing like a school girl.
“Why do I get the feeling that this is less of a reward and more of a punishment?” She tensed against my chest. “Are you going to spank me again?”
“Punishment, reward…” I shrugged, making her body jostle in my arms. “The lines have been blurred for a while, haven’t they, little thief?”
Her lips parted as she sucked in a breath of air. It had been a while since I’d used the old nickname.
“But it’s something I’ll like?”
“Of course. I wouldn’t bring you here if I didn’t think you would.” The corner of my mouth lifted at her skeptical expression. “And on the off chance you’re not having fun, all you have to do is use your safe word. Remember what it is? It’s been some time since you’ve used it.”
“I’ve never used it,” she corrected, chewing on her lower lip. “Black widow.”
“Good girl.”
Bleeding Hells. I was completely and unequivocally fucked for this woman. It didn’t matter to me if she wanted to celebrate a seasonal holiday in a world where seasons didn’t exist. The moment she asked, with those ink black lashes all a flutter, I couldn’t say no.
