Page 34 of Kisses at the Crossroads

I shake my head. “Drake is powerful. If he wants to?—”

“Sweetheart, Drake has been using your power through the soul tether. He’s powerful because of you.”

My blood runs cold. That’s why I’m always exhausted. Always out of sorts. Not truly myself. My hands fist and it takes everything in me not to scream. Drake has been using me so intimately. My life force and magic, through the tether. He makes me perform for a crowd. I have no say in how I live my life. All because some human wanted power.

Pike continues to pet my head, soothing me. “I’m sorry Lark. You don’t deserve any of this.”

“I’ll survive,” I mumble. Fae are resilient and I’ll get through this.

“Let me take your mind off of everything. If for a few minutes.” Pike kisses my neck and I sigh into him. His hands drag down my body, making every nerve ending sing.

“Yes, please.” I wiggle into him, begging with my body.

“Just relax and let me do all the work.” Pike sinks his hand into my underwear and slides it over my throbbing cock. How does it feel so much better when it’s someone else touching me? “You’re so hard for me, darling.” I thrust into his circled fingers, but he stills my hips. “Let me help you, Lark.” He kisses my shoulder and I melt into him, wanting to be a part of him. Every touch sizzles against my heated skin. Every kiss fuels my desire. I moan into his mouth when he turns me toward him.

Thankfully, Frankie leaves to wander the basement.

I thrust against Pike and his hardness trapped inside his pajama bottoms. Pre-cum leaks from my tip and I know I’m not going to last long. Pike presses me to my back. “I want to taste you again.” Plus, if he swallows, that means there’s less clean up. At least that’s my theory. One hand finds my balls as he takes me in his mouth. He hollows out his cheeks as he sucks and I’m done for. I clamp a hand over my mouth, trying to keep my shout contained. My back arches as I suck in deep breaths. Pike drinks down my release and keeps going until I’m almost too sensitive. But he pulls away before I can beg him to stop.

I rub my hand against his still hard cock, but he stops me from doing anything more.

“Rest and dream of musical meadows.” Pike kisses the top of my head. He’s so warm and safe. My mind whirls, but my body relaxes and I find myself asleep before I know it.

Chapter 19

Pike

I wake to a shivering Lark, which should be impossible. Frankie and I generate a lot of heat. If anything, Lark should be sweating.

“Darling, are you okay?” I smooth pink hair from his face only to notice the color is too pale. “Sweetheart?” He wheezes when he breathes and my heart races. Something is wrong. I pull him up with me when I sit against the wall, but he’s floppy.

Frankie whines and noses at Lark’s shoulder.

“Darling, can you wake up for me?” I rub his sternum with no response.

Frankie whines louder and I can’t think. Drake wouldn’t kill Lark because he needs him. Unless?—

The door to the basement slams open, and Drake marches downstairs. “I knew you were getting in. Trick seemed too happy lately.”

“What have you done to him?” I push to my feet, bringing Lark with me in a bridal carry. Frankie growls, showing Drake her teeth. Her flames growing brighter by the second.

“Nothing that’ll hurt him too long. Just needed a little boost. The coven’s been complaining my brews aren’t as strong as they used to be. Can’t have them knowing?—”

“That your power is really Trick’s and you’re weak?”

Drake’s eyes glow golden. “Exactly.” He snaps, and it takes me a blink to realize Lark’s gone.

Frankie howls when she notices Lark’s not in my arms anymore.

Drake lifts a hand. “I let you three play long enough, but he’s mine. You can’t have him.”

“Dissolve the soul tether and I’ll make whatever deal you want.”

“No, thank you. I’d rather not make a deal with a devil.” Drake spits, and I keep my mouth shut about being a demon, not a devil. “I don’t owe you anything. The little Fae agreed to be my servant for eternity, and I’ll use him how I want.”

“He didn’t understand your language.”

“Magic doesn’t care, he agreed. He’s mine. And I thank you for making me realize that letting him have sun makes him more powerful. Maybe I’ll give him a rooftop cage. Who knows?”

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