Creed Read online

“Great. I’m glad I didn’t know that at the time. I would have been so embarrassed.”

  “We’re always looking out for you. It’s time to get out.”

  Angel eased out of the tub and looked down. “Did I get it all?”

  “I don’t see any hair on you. I wonder if Gargoyle women are hairless. It’s kind of odd, isn’t it? Especially since they mate with Lycans. I’ve always wanted to ask one of the mates if they have to keep all the hair off until they shift.”

  Angel used a towel and dried off, before letting her hair out of its clip. She’d washed it earlier, wanting it to be dry by the time Creed arrived. “I could ask him tonight.”

  “He’s not going to be in a mood to talk.” Her mom lowered her voice. “Monolith barely said ten words to me the night he took me, besides telling me what to do. They don’t seem to be able to think straight.”

  “Oh.”

  Worry creased her mother’s brow. “Are you sure about this? It’s very rough sex. They lose control.”

  “I’m sure. Creed isn’t going to hurt me.”

  “You just don’t heal as fast as we do.”

  “I’ll be fine.” She hung the towel and picked up the almost sheer material that someone decided to call a dress. “This is it?”

  “Yes. I told you. They avoid skin contact but it’s almost as if you’re wearing nothing. Just wrap it around you, under your arms, and I’ll secure it for you.”

  “Thanks for helping me.”

  “I bet your human friends don’t discuss these things with their mothers or help out this way.”

  Angel laughed. “Um, no. They don’t.”

  “Humans are too uptight. Sex is a natural, healthy thing.”

  “Lycans don’t get STD’s, Mom. Humans do. They can also get pregnant by jerks who don’t stick around. There aren’t enforcers who track down and severely punish their men who hit women. A rapist Lycan would be a dead one. The entire pack would track and kill him. Your world is a lot safer than theirs is, in that regard.”

  “That’s true.”

  She walked over to a mirror. “How do I look?”

  “Beautiful.”

  “You’d say that if I were dipped in mud.” Angel smiled to soften the words.

  “Smartass. Should I mention that it’s not your face he’ll mostly be staring at tonight? Are you going to be okay with being tied down? I felt a little panic at first. It’s unnatural to do that to our kind but I just breathed through it when he put on the restraints.”

  “It’s not my first time. I’m not some blushing virgin.”

  “Humans are really into tying each other up?”

  “Some are. I’ll be fine. I don’t want you sulking too.”

  “I’ll keep your father occupied. Don’t give us another thought. This is your night.”

  Angel took a deep breath and blew it out. “I’ve always wanted Creed. I’m just nervous.”

  “Once you drink his hormones, thinking and worrying won’t be a problem. That is some powerful stuff. I was really surprised because they’re so cold, but not when the ravage hits. Maybe you shouldn’t drink all of it. I don’t know how a human will handle it.”

  “Some Gargoyles in Europe still breed with humans.”

  “They do?”

  “Yes. Creed told me that once. Don’t worry, Mom.”

  “I won’t. I want you to have fun and enjoy finally being with Creed.” Her mom hugged her. “Now it’s time to go so you aren’t late. Sneak out the back door. The elders are on the prowl. You know how they like to put their nose in our business. They think Creed is going to pick you up at the front door, and I didn’t correct them.”

  “Thanks. I just hope I don’t run into anyone. Good thing it’s still warm out. Imagine having to wear this in winter.” She looked down at the thin dress. “This thing would also get me arrested in Seattle if I stepped out in it. Indecent exposure. You’d have to send me bail money.”

  “I’m going to go to your father. He’s pacing and growling. I hear him.”

  “Shit.”

  “I can handle his mood, and it’s not as though he can go after you.”

  “True. Not without some serious climbing gear.”

  “Go. Creed might show up early.”

  Angel exited the bathroom and raced down the hallway to avoid her father. He was protective, and she didn’t blame him. It just proved his love. She eased open the back door and glanced around. There was no one within sight, so she took off. The path through the woods wasn’t occupied and she made it to the meeting spot quickly. She stared up at the cliff. Her heart hammered. Excitement and nervousness battled for dominance.

  “Come on, Creed. Here I am. Come get me.”

  He won’t back out, will he? No. He needs me. He said he’d be here and he always keeps his word. She bit her lip, staring at the cliff face. She didn’t see him. It was possible she was a few minutes early or he was running late.

  A twig snapped behind her and she spun.

  Creed stood there, and she relaxed. He’d come for her. It just wasn’t by air. He must have gotten there before she had and just stayed out of view.

  His eyes were mostly silver as he strode forward. He wore a black cloak with black pants. Both were new and kind of attractive, if unexpected; different from his usual jeans and casual wear. His feet were bare. He didn’t speak, but instead just walked right up to her.

  She gasped when he scooped her up into his arms, and then his wings expanded, the cloak folding between them along his back, out of the way. He leapt and she wrapped her arms around his neck. He flew toward the cliff.

  Angel turned her head, watching them glide over the river. Faint memories returned of when he’d first found her and taken her to a new life. It was the only time he’d ever taken her into the air. She’d asked when they used to hang out but he’d always refused. It seemed appropriate that they were flying together now. She smiled, loving the sensation of soaring high. She wasn’t afraid. Creed wouldn’t let her fall. His arms were firmly hooked under the back of her knees and her waist.

  He did a sharp movement when they reached his ledge that jerked them to a stop, and he just dropped straight down about five feet. He cushioned her landing in his arms. The mouth of the cave was bigger than she imagined it would be. He strode inside and she peered around with open curiosity. She’d always wondered what his lair was like. He’d dodged any and all questions she’d ever asked about it.

  Lights were on deep inside, once they’d made a few turns. The fact that he had electricity came as a surprise. The tunnel ended with an open doorway. She glanced at the thick metal and wood barrier. He paused long enough to use his foot to slam it closed. He walked forward through a living area. It contained a small kitchen that had a fridge, microwave, and propane cooktop. It was basic but effective. There was a television and couch.

  He carried her through another short tunnel and into a lit room. The bedroom was small, and the bed took up most of it. She gaped a little at the king-size four-poster frame. It was the last thing she figured he slept on.

  Creed stopped at the end of the bed and gently lowered her to her feet. She noticed the chains laying on the thick black comforter. They made her swallow hard and face him. His eyes swirled with colors and movement, seeming alive.

  “Hi.”

  He frowned. “Are you sure, Angel? There’s no turning back after I share my hormones. Yes or no.”

  Her mother had said he probably wouldn’t be in a mood to talk. “I’m sure.” She looked down and noticed more chains near the end of the four-poster. She stepped over to the foot of the bed. “Do you want me on it?”

  He spun away and walked to the small dresser. There was a shot glass sitting on it, filled with clear liquid. He picked it up and hesitated.

  She didn’t. She held out her hand. “Give it to me.”

  “Drink half. I’ll give you more if you need it. I don’t want to overdose you.”

  “Is that possible?”

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