Kissed by Tempation Read online

  “What?” I asked him.

  “Nothing. Just making sure he’s well enough to shadow walk.”

  I gave Vaughn the side–eye, but didn’t question him further. All I wanted to do was get out of here and check on Janie.

  “I’m good,” Chad said, though he was swaying on his feet.

  “Here.” I wrapped an arm around his waist. “Just lean into me.”

  “Okay.”

  “Ready?”

  He closed his eyes and swallowed. “Yeah.”

  I took a deep breath and then focused on the WΔΜ house. The shadow mist faded and a second later the dark of night surrounded us.

  It took a moment for my eyes to adjust, and as we stood there, Chad clutching at me, trying to stay upright, but he lost the battle and slowly sank to the ground.

  “Wow,” he said to himself.

  “You’ll be fine in a few minutes,” Vaughn said. He turned to me. “If you want to go in and get Janie, I’ll wait with him.”

  “Thanks.” I didn’t hesitate. I couldn’t leave without her, not after what just happened. There was no telling if more demons were after her angel soul.

  The party was still in full swing with most everyone paired up on the dance floor. Looks like they’d found their dance partners. Everyone except Janie, that is. I spotted her sitting in a chair near the punch bowl.

  I took a seat next to her. “Ready to go?”

  “Yeah.” She sounded so dejected, so lost, that my heart ached for her.

  I reached over and squeezed her fingers. “What’s wrong?”

  She let out a huff of frustrated laughter. “What isn’t? I made out with a demon, and the guy I like has vanished without even saying good–bye.”

  I jumped to my feet, unwilling to let her have a pity party. “Forget thinking you made out with a demon. He was possessing an incubus, and you were powerless to stop whatever went down there. And as for Chad, he’s outside waiting for you.”

  Her eyes lit up at the mention of her friend. “Really?”

  “Really. Let’s go.”

  She jumped to her feet and we were halfway across the room when the witch in the green velvet dress cut me off. “I recall telling you we needed to talk.”

  Janie didn’t stop. She was an angel on a mission. I didn’t even bother to ask her to wait. Vaughn was outside. She’d be safe with him.

  “I was busy battling a demon,” I said.

  She raised a curious eyebrow. “Can I assume he’s been eliminated?”

  I gritted my teeth. “Yes. You may.”

  “Good. Now, I’ve spoken to your sister. This isn’t the first time we’ve had trouble with the underworld. And it’s getting worse. Since the demon portal was blown open a few months ago, we’ve had three campus attacks. All of them targeted our less experienced witches. And now Janie. Your sister and I both decided it’s best for everyone involved if the angel council keeps a close eye not just on Janie but the university witches as well.”

  “Okay.” A ball of anxiety formed in my gut. Chessa had a bad habit of forcing me into situations that weren’t necessarily in my best interest. And this practically screamed Run! Run now while you can!

  “She’s decided you’ll be her eyes and ears. And the best way to do that without putting you in immediate danger is for you to join WΔΜ. Otherwise if you appear to be investigating, you’ll become an instant target. A schedule will be delivered to your residence by tomorrow afternoon. Participation in our events is mandatory.”

  “Wait, what? You want me to join the sorority?”

  “Yes, Ms. Ballintine. You’ll be inducted at the next meeting.” She swept off into the crowd, leaving me gaping after her.

  Goddammit, Chessa! Joining a sorority? I was going to kill her.

  Chapter Eight

  I found Vaughn, Chad, and Janie standing by Vaughn’s black SUV. Janie and Chad had their arms around each other, their heads bent close, whispering. Vaughn, who was leaning against the driver’s side door, strode to meet me the instant he saw me coming.

  “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  “You don’t want to know.”

  His eyebrows rose. “I think I do.”

  I sighed. “I just got signed up to join the sorority.”

  His lips twitched.

  “Don’t even say a word. I’m not happy.”

  “Chessa’s idea?”

  I just nodded. Then I glanced at Chad and Janie. “How is he?”

  Vaughn’s dark gaze clouded as he frowned. “He’ll be fine after a few days’ rest.”

  “You’re not telling me something about him. I can tell.”

  He shrugged. “He’s got magical roots.”

  “Yeah, he’d have to in order to be invited to the sorority party. Is he a witch of some sort?”

  “No.” Vaughn leaned in and whispered, “Incubus. But he hasn’t been called yet. That’s why the demon was masked when he was sharing Chad’s body.”

  “Oh, damn.” I glanced back at Janie.

  She was an angel, and even though they were both young and likely wouldn’t end up together forever, the fact was Chad’s calling would lead him to a sex witch at some point, which would awaken his inner incubus. It made me sad for Janie when that day came.

  “It’s something they’ll figure out when the time comes.”

  “Yeah. I guess so.” I crossed my arms and shivered in the night air. “How’s Chase? And how did the demon get the better of him?”

  Vaughn scowled. “He was intoxicated, rendering his senses impaired. He’s fine, but he’ll be disciplined. Maximus is not happy.”

  Maximus was the leader of the Brotherhood, and while he seemed like a sweet older man, he didn’t mess around. And in this case, I wasn’t upset about that. Because of his actions, Chase had put Janie’s life in danger.

  “Come on. I’ll give you a ride home,” Vaughn said, opening the car door.

  I shook my head. “My car is here and I need to drop Janie off at her house.”

  “Meet me back at my place?” he asked hopefully.

  I cupped one hand over his cheek and leaned in, kissing him softly. “Not even a rogue demon could keep me away.”

  His eyes twinkled. “Good. I’ll be waiting.”

  ***

  A half hour later, I dropped Janie off at the small house she shared with a couple of other witch students. The house had been warded against sinister forces and had private security. It was just about the only place she was safe.

  “Thank you, Mati,” she said before hopping out of my car. “I can’t even think about what would’ve happened if you hadn’t been there.”

  “But I was, and so was Vaughn. That’s all that matters.” I smiled at her. “And you’re welcome. We’ve all had to rely on others to help us out from time to time.”

  “But not like that.” Her eyes were wide with belated horror. “Demons? That’s not normal.”

  “Not everyday normal, but also not my first rodeo.” I frowned at her. “But it is something you’re going to need to come to terms with. I mean, as an angel it’s going to be your job to save souls from those very beings.”

  “Yeah.” Her tone was wary, but I couldn’t blame her. Battling demons as a lifelong career sucked. Especially when she didn’t have a choice in the matter.

  “Try not to worry about it now. Once you’re trained and have the tools in place, it won’t be as scary.” Right. Even I didn’t believe me.

  “Good night, Mati.” She pushed the door open and climbed out.

  “Night, Janie. You looked amazing tonight.”

  She gave me a halfhearted smile and then took off up the walk.

  After she was safely inside, I steered the car in the direction of the Lakeview neighborhood. Within fifteen minutes I was knocking on Vaughn’s door.

  “Hey, gorgeous,” he said as he opened the door and tugged me inside.

  “Hey, yourself.” I wrapped my arms around him and melted into his solid frame.

  And w
ithout moving me from his entryway, my incubus folded me into his arms and stroked his fingers through my hair repeatedly while I filled up on his strength.

  “I’m so sorry, Mati,” he whispered.

  I glanced up at him. “Why?”

  “Because you were left alone with that demon, and I didn’t get back to you soon enough.” He tucked a lock of my long dark hair behind my ear. “But I’m so proud of you at the same time. You took the demon on and expelled him from Chad. Do you have any idea what kind of inner strength that takes? You amaze me.”

  My heart swelled with love, and instead of answering, I stood on my tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to his mouth.

  His hands adjusted, landing on my hips, his fingers digging into my sides. That one movement lit a small spark of desire from my core, and I opened my mouth, welcoming his tongue as he deepened the kiss with just a hint of desperate need.

  I responded instantly, my entire body coming alive under his touch. “Vaughn?”

  His hand moved up my side, sending tingles of magic everywhere. “Yes?”

  “Take me to bed.”

  He stared down at me, his eyes full of desire. “You’re sure? You don’t want to–”

  “I’m sure.” I pressed my lips to his once more, claiming them as mine. I wanted him. Needed him. And not just to fortify my magic, though that was a nice side effect. This was all about needing to feel close to him after the battle. Needing to feel alive. Needing him to know how much I loved him.

  His lips still pressed to mine, turned up into a small smile. “Glad to hear it.” Then he swept me up in his arms and carried me down the hall to his bedroom. I already had his shirt unbuttoned by the time we got there. So when he lowered me to my feet, I wasted no time slipping it off his shoulders and letting it fall to the floor, followed by his black T–shirt.

  His chest was glorious. All rippling ridges and toned muscles. I could’ve happily spent the rest of the night just touching him. Well, except for that raw ache that only intensified the longer I trailed my fingers over him.

  I stepped back abruptly.

  Vaughn just grinned, knowing what was coming next.

  I raised one eyebrow and glanced at the fly of his jeans. “Take them off.”

  His eyes never left mine as he did as he was told. The jeans hit the floor and then he stood there in just his boxers waiting. “Your turn.”

  This was my favorite part. I ran one finger over the curves of my cleavage, keeping my eyes fixed on his as his pupils dilated with lust. Then, in slow motion, I lowered the zipper on my silver–sequined dress. “If you want it to come off, you’ll need to do the rest.”

  Vaughn gently turned me around and then his fingers replaced mine on the zipper, continuing what I’d started. His breath was warm on my skin as he lowered his mouth and trailed kisses over my shoulder, pushing one strap down and then the other.

  The dress fell in a heap at my feet, leaving me in only my G–string and my heels.

  “No bra,” he said.

  I shook my head. “Not practical with my dress of choice.”

  “Fucking hot, Matisse. Very hot.” His fingers hooked into the strap of my G–string, and a second later I was standing completely naked in front of him, my body on fire from his gentle touch.

  I pointed to his boxers. “Off.”

  He smiled that cocky grin he likes to wear when we’re together and pulled me to him, placing my hands on the waistband. “You do the honors.”

  “Gladly.” Kissing him, I slowly tugged the fabric from his hips one inch at a time as I stroked my thumb over his velvet shaft until he let out a strangled groan.

  “Mati,” he breathed. His boxers fell silently to the floor.

  “You feel better than ever,” I said wrapping my hand around his base.

  He pressed into my palm and bent his head to scrape his teeth along my pulse, exactly the way I loved.

  “Oh, God,” I said, throwing my head back.

  I felt the rumble of laughter deep in his chest but didn’t comment. My desire always amused him. But as I stroked my hand up and then down and up again, all the humor vanished, replaced by shortened breath.

  He seemed frozen in place as I touched him. Then abruptly his hand wrapped around my wrist and he gently pulled me from him. “It’s my turn,” he said huskily.

  I grinned, all too happy to give myself over to him.

  He pointed to the bed. “Lie down.”

  I did as I was told.

  “Spread your legs.”

  His words shot another spark of molten desire to my center.

  “Touch yourself.” His eyes were black with heat and need. It was almost more than I could take.

  But once again I did as I was told and ran one finger along my slick heat.

  “Oh, Mati. Damn, girl. You’re so fucking sexy.”

  I slipped one finger inside myself and moaned.

  “Mine.” The word came out in almost a growl as Vaughn hovered over me. His teeth scraped over my right nipple, causing me to jerk and arch beneath him. Then he moved to my left breast and flicked his tongue over the sensitive tip, making me lose all control.

  Both of my hands landed on his hips, and I yanked him down, opening fully to him. “I need you now, Vaughn. Need you inside me.”

  Then he was there, his hardness pressing into me, filling me, torturing me with his slow movements.

  I let out a frustrated growl and pulled him closer. “Deeper,” I commanded. “Now.”

  His hips thrust and he anchored himself inside me. We locked eyes for just a moment, and then we both started to move, magic pulsing all around us.

  Every nerve was alive with passion and yearning, every stroke building power, and the delicious friction nearly drove me out of my mind.

  Light danced over my skin and spread to him, a cocoon of magic surrounding us. But ever since I’d fallen in love with Vaughn, the power boost from our magic didn’t matter to me like it used to. All I cared about was the man above me, the one who made me feel alive and powerful and sexy as hell.

  He quickened his pace, and I matched him thrust for thrust, meeting him with my hips. Our breathing quickened and everything except the wave of passion consuming us ceased to exist.

  “Vaughn.” I nearly whimpered as the wave built higher and higher until finally my muscles clenched around him and our shared magic collided, mixing together. As I let out one last cry of pleasure, the power soared into me, fortifying that place deep inside that kept me strong and whole. The place reserved for only him.

  He held on, riding out my wave with me, and just as I was coming down, he thrust one last time and let out a groan of his own. A small stream of magic flowed from me to him, just as it always did. If I was going to sleep with an incubus, I had to expect that I’d share some of my power.

  Vaughn rolled over, taking me with him so I was lying on his chest. He kissed the top of my head and said, “I missed you.”

  I kissed his damp chest. “I missed you too.”

  After a few moments, Vaughn ran his fingers down my bare arm. “So. About this sorority.”

  I let out a small groan. “Yes?”

  He chuckled. “I can’t wait to see you at their Thursday teas.”

  Lifting up on my elbow, I glared down at him. “Thursday tea?”

  Nodding, he winked. “It’s a tradition. Dresses, hats, and gloves. You’re going to look–”

  “Ridiculous!”

  “No.” He pulled me back down and rolled until he was staring down at me. “Adorable. And the perfect cover for security detail.”

  I sighed. “That’s really going to be my life from now on, isn’t it?”

  He nodded. “But it’ll be worth it to keep the next angel safe.”

  “You might have a point.”

  “You know I do. And I also know you. Even if Chessa hadn’t ordered this, you’d have been the first in line to do something about it. Admit it.”

  “Yeah, okay, sure. When it comes to demons,
I have a bit of a grudge. But that doesn’t mean I would’ve joined a magical sorority. You know I like to work alone.”

  He ran one finger down the bridge of my nose. “Look on the bright side. Think of all the friends you’ll make.”

  “Or better yet, I can just think of all the demons I can send back to hell or turn to ash.”

  He laughed. “Whatever works for you, babe. I’ll be here when you need me. In more ways than one.”

  Vaughn bent to kiss me, and once again, I was lost in his touch.

  Demons and sororities could wait. Janie was safe for now and I had an incubus to tame.

  He pulled back and rolled over, reaching for something in his nightstand. “I have something for you.”

  I pulled the sheet up to cover my breasts and turned sideways. “What?”

  “Just a little Christmas present.” He held out a burgundy velvet box.

  “But Christmas isn’t for another week,” I protested. “You want this to be a surprise, don’t you?”

  He chuckled and sat up, facing me. His lips curved into that sexy little half smile. “Too late now.”

  Oh damn. I was doomed. Head over heels for this incubus. “Come here,” I said, crooking a finger to indicate he should come closer.

  He leaned down, brushing his lips over my cheek. “Yes?”

  “I don’t deserve you.”

  He winked. “Yeah, I already knew that.”

  I let out a huff of laughter. “Well, maybe I can try to bribe you. Check the third drawer.” It was the one he’d given to me for sleepovers.

  His eyes twinkled with amusement as he reached down and pulled out the box I’d so carefully wrapped. It was long and thin.

  “A tie?” he asked.

  I snorted. “Right.” Holding the velvet box up, I nodded to it. “Open them both on three?”

  “You got it.”

  I sat up cross–legged and counted. On three we both ripped into our packages, laughing. Our chuckles abruptly stopped, and I sucked in a breath, caught completely off guard. In my velvet box lay a silver necklace adorned with a miniature dagger that was an exact replica of Vaughn’s demon–hunter dagger. I ran a gentle finger over it, delighted by the spark of magic radiating from the miniature blade. It was Vaughn’s signature and so personal.