Her lips, pink in the glow of the light, opened in an ‘O.’

  The need to take her in his arms swelled, and it took all his willpower to ignore it. She’s not ready.

  When Pippa pulled her foot away, he let her, and settled back on his haunches.

  “Is she… Is she here?” Pippa’s voice was little more than a whisper.

  “Yes,” Maxim answered.

  “Do I know her?”

  He smiled. “Yes, you do.”

  “Will you tell me…?” Her gaze darkened.

  “Pippa.” He waited for the knowledge to settle.

  She sucked in an unsteady breath, and her gaze zeroed in on his mouth. “Me?”

  He nodded, reached out and took her hand. “But you need time, and we need to deal with the threat of Roger first.”

  Pippa wanted to cry out at how unfair it was. Maxim had dragged her down a path of pleasure, between the glory of his touch, albeit on her feet, and his words, then dashing her, as if with cold water, with the mention of Roger.

  She gripped his hand, tugging herself up and him with her. “No,” she whispered.

  He blinked and paled. “No?”

  She had so little experience of men, but even she could see he’d misunderstood the intent of her word. “No. I will not let Roger take the pleasure of this away from me.” From somewhere deep inside herself came the push to take charge. She leaned into Maxim, letting his heat surround her as she folded her arms around his shoulders in a hug, and kissed him gently on the mouth.

  Her first kiss.

  It stole her breath as the tingle of sensations wound through her. She gasped and felt Maxim’s hands grip her shoulders, pulling her back. “I want to give you time, Pippa,” he growled. The sensations rippled along suddenly alive nerve endings.

  “I don’t need time, Maxim,” she said, but her voice wavered.

  “Well, I do. Pippa, I will not rush this. I am not wanting quick sex and no…” She felt him warring with himself, as if he didn’t know the word. “Hooy morzhovi.”

  Pippa blinked. “Did you just swear?” The ridiculousness of her question made her giggle.

  He grunted. “I may have.”

  “What did you say?” She delighted as a crest of red appeared high on his cheekbones.

  “It is not…”

  “Maxim?”

  He grunted. “It means penis of walrus. Hooy means dick or penis.”

  She laughed at that. “Well now, there you go. I learned two new things…three actually.”

  “What have you learned?”

  “You get embarrassed. You swear in Russian and taught me one of those…” Searching for a word, she waved a hand in the air. “That you like me.” And she stilled and stared deep into his eyes. “And I like kissing you.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Roger paced and fumed. His hand was glowing as his distress increased. Hunger gnawed at him, and the hairs on his arms and hands had grown significantly overnight.

  If he looked in the mirror, he knew what he’d see.

  Glowing eyes. Elongated teeth.

  The pile of bones behind him did little to assuage the growing needs that clamoured in his body.

  He needed nourishment. He needed magic.

  The phone rang and he answered. “You have them?”

  “Not yet. They remain inside the warded grounds, and the guards have increased.”

  He snarled. “Bring me something. A para or a human, I don’t care. I must feed.”

  “But the magic you need… None of them are strong enough.”

  “I hunger,” he grunted, aware that the growl was growing in his voice. Soon, he’d no longer be able to contain this form, and he’d have to begin again. “Get me food.”

  He pressed on the key to end the call, but the phone slipped and fell. Crashed to the floor. And with a roar of fury, he smashed it beneath his foot.

  Food! He needed food to sustain the last remnants of his grip on the form. Then he could think again.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Once again Maxim found himself tossing and turning, his mind returning to the scene where Pippa had told him she learned she’d liked kissing him.

  The meeting with Morrow had been cancelled again, and the pressure inside Maxim was building. Muscles clenched hard, he rose and entered the sitting room, telling himself that perhaps a warm drink might assist. He poured the hot water from the decanter quietly, after choosing a teabag. It wasn’t the same as the exotic samovar he’d used in his student days, but the water was hot enough to steep the leaves, and he waited before adding milk, then settled in the armchair.

  What did he know? That in the morning he might learn what an orisha was. That it’s likely what both Peter and Pippa were. It wasn’t much and didn’t explain why Roger sought to recapture them, nor how Maxim would be able to ensure their safety. No, it wasn’t a lot at all. He knew Simon had a team working around the clock, but they were just as blind as he was, without knowledge of what Roger was.

  All he could say for certain was he’d give his life for Pippa, because she meant too much for him to face the future without her. Just as he did with Mischa.

  And that led to the next problem. Mischa’s father. Gregori hadn’t replied to Maxim’s email, but that wasn’t uncommon, because they may well have lost either power or their connection to the internet. According to Gregori not much had improved on that front since Maxim had lived there. It was still like living in the 1980’s with power and food rationing.

  The light flared. “Maxim? Why are you sitting in the dark?”

  He’d been so lost in his thoughts that he hadn’t heard Pippa entering the room. “I couldn’t sleep,” he told her.

  She sighed, and he couldn’t help himself, watching hungrily as she swept her black hair out of her face. “Mind if I join you?”

  Her eyes carried that somnolent look, drowsy and soft. She moved with the innate grace of one who was totally relaxed.

  “I’ll make you a tea if you like. Or hot chocolate,” he said and rose.

  She stepped up to him, slid her arms around his waist. “No, wait.”

  He stilled, every muscle alert as the touch of her hand left tiny fireworks in place where her skin grazed against his. She nuzzled closer, and the air in his chest whooshed out audibly.

  “I just want to be held for a moment,” she whispered against his chest.

  His arms surrounded her, and he held her close as his eyes closed in pleasure. The rest of his body followed suit, aroused by her proximity, and he knew the moment she felt the pressure of his erection against her belly. Ignoring it proved painful, but he’d do whatever it took, he reminded himself.

  “Maxim, I’d love that hot chocolate,” she whispered, and it was with both frustration and gratefulness that he released her.

  As he poured the drink she’d requested, he reminded himself she was innocent and didn’t understand the effect she had on him; just how hard it was to give her the time she needed. He gritted his teeth and willed his body to subside.

  “You’re uncomfortable with me, aren’t you? When I need to be held you stay stiff. I don’t want to pressure you,” she spoke from behind him, and he hissed between his teeth.

  “I want to give you time, Pippa. I want more, but you are not yet ready, and too much remains unknown.” He turned and passed her the cup of chocolate.

  “There is a lot we don’t know, but I do know I hate that you’re uncomfortable.” She settled on the lounge chair opposite him. “So, tell me what you plan to do in the morning?”

  He sighed. “I’m meeting with the librarian. She is looking into what an orisha is.”

  “I’ve heard that term before,” Pippa said, and he startled.

  “You have? Do you know what it means?” Was this the information they needed to solve the puzzle?

  “I… It was a long time ago. Something to do with needing one. Roger was talking on the phone to someone, and I don’t know who. I… Is it important?” Her gaze captured his.

  “I think you and Peter are something to do with it. I was told of orishas and that it is likely that’s what you are, but no one seems to know much about them.” He frowned. “You’re sure you don’t remember more?”

  She shook her head, a fine line appearing between her brows, and he could see the question worried her. “If I did, I’d tell you.”

  He released the oxygen in his lungs. “I know. I am hoping to meet with Morrow too, but I’m waiting to hear back maybe today.” He shrugged.

  “Alright, but you’ll tell me what you learn, right? You won’t hide the truth from me.”

  His guts twisted. “I’ll tell you what I can, but I don’t know a lot.” He ran through the very short list, then she grimaced.

  “No, that’s not a lot. Maybe we should wait until morning to consider the facts after you’ve met the librarian,” Pippa said. Then she nodded, and he wondered if she was making some kind of decision in her mind that only she understood.

  “Pippa?”

  “Oh, well, I guess if there’s no more information, we need to concentrate on something else.” The corner of her mouth ticked up, and he could swear there was a glint of humour in her eyes.

  He waited as she finished her drink, watching him, and inside him pressure mounted, sensual pressure. Her smile promised devilry, but she was making him wait, drawing out the tension like a well-seasoned flirt.

  He groaned as she slid the mug to the table top and rose slowly, every inch of her stretching in a way that left him aware of her form. He also couldn’t miss the pebbling of her nipples, as if she too were affected by the sudden heat and tension in the room.

  “Maxim?”

  His tongue felt swollen, and he could barely form a thought as need speared him.

  “Come here, please?” Her voice quaked, and he knew then she was using every inch of bravado to encourage him.

  Unable to stop himself, he rose and surged toward her, dragged her close, needing the touch and heat. The flash and the fire that she held within her.

  As his mouth descended, he muttered, “Da pomozhet mne Bog,” on a groan, then their lips met. The touch was scalding and stole his breath and his mind. Their lips clung, and for a moment, it was as if he’d lost his soul.

  He tugged away and realised his wings had unfurled, because they hovered a foot or so from the ground.

  Her eyes opened. “Oh my…” she whispered.

  My wings. They’d unfurled for the first time in years.

  “They’re so pale. May I… Can I touch one?” She breathed against his lips.

  He sighed. “Better not right now. Otherwise, my ability to…” He tried to think of the right word, and growled, “…wait will be at risk,” he rasped, hearing the depth of his yearning in the gravelly tones of his voice. He breathed deep, working to dispel the hunger, and waiting for his wings to retract. When they finally did, they were once more standing on the floor.

  “Oh,” she whispered, her eyes large. “I’ll remember that.” The words were delivered in a throaty, sexy tone, making him close his eyes once more.

  “Please, Pippa. Go to bed.”

  She smiled. “I will, for now. But next time, maybe I won’t,” she said and laughed lightly before heading to her bedroom door. “I’ll dream about you, I think.” Then she disappeared through the door, and it closed with a quiet thud.

  He dragged his hand through his hair and watched for long moments, in case she returned. She didn’t.

  That’s a good thing, otherwise one thing might lead to another, and neither of us is ready yet.

  He straightened his shoulders, feeling the retraction of the wings, and looked at his bare chest.

  Well, she’d certainly seen the real him, he thought, then snorted before grabbing his tea and swallowing it in a gulp. Once he’d replaced the mugs back on the tray, he returned to his room, glanced at the bed with a grunt, and retreated to the bathroom. A cold shower wasn’t quite how he’d planned to prepare for bed, but tonight, that was all that was on offer.

  Pippa rolled her eyes. “He must think me either fast or foolish,” after the display she’d put on for him. The only thing she didn’t regret was the kiss. It had been hot, and her body took on a neediness she didn’t recognise.

  Heat curled in her gut, and her body felt heavy, her breasts felt fuller, and she couldn’t stop herself from running her hands over them and feeling the hard jut of her nipples. “Ohh,” she murmured, feeling a zing of pleasure at the slide. Would it feel like that if Maxim stroked them?

  She wasn’t unaware of the act of intercourse. She’d seen enough in the house; both her mother and Roger having partaken before her with each other and with others brought into the house. But it had felt dirty and icky, yet with Maxim there was an emotional thread that tugged inside her.

  Never before had she felt a hunger for it. She bit her lip, realising she was aroused. Maxim had broken through the wall she’d kept up around others. She had seen his caring nature, and the way he leashed his own desire for her. She’d felt the jut of his erection, and that pleased her, knowing that she had caused that reaction.

  She punched her pillow and rolled onto her side, holding her legs tightly together, hoping that would banish the sensations. It didn’t.

  “Sleep. Go to sleep,” she told herself, closing her eyes tightly, but it was a long time lying there before her mind settled and the hunger melted away.

  “Daughter, you’ve reached out to me,” a voice obscured by the clouds called.

  Pippa stepped onto the road, feeling the softness of grass beneath her feet. “Where are you?”

  “Here,” called the disembodied voice. “Come to me, child.” The voice was a woman, and Pippa followed the call, entering the fog.

  “I can’t see you,” Pippa called out, and a hand extended toward her from the other side of the fog. She stepped into a glade. It was beautiful, green, and the sheen of a waterfall drew her eyes.

  “You’ve finally found us, Philipa. I’m so pleased. We have sought you for years, but your danger is extreme. The ancestors sent me looking for you. They need you to understand that there are few you can trust.” An older woman appeared at her side, her skin a light coffee colour, eyes a cat-like green, and her hair an elaborately curled fall of indigo silk.

  “What do you mean?” Pippa looked around. The fog lay heavy around this secluded place, yet beyond she could hear other voices.

  “Your father is here too, my dear. But while you’ve seen him in a dream, he cannot enter this place until you accept who and what you are.”

  “Pardon? I don’t understand. What am I?” Pippa turned and stared at the woman.

  “It is not my role to divulge that. The man who will walk beside you, he will learn soon. Now that we know where you are, we’re able to send our descendants to assist you. But Philipa⁠—”

  “How do you know my name? Where am I, and how did you contact me?” Pippa felt her frustration spike up so much that she bit the words off at the woman.

  “I am Azura. You will learn about me soon enough, but for now, all you need to know is you and your brother Pedro⁠—”

  “I don’t have a brother called Pedro,” she bit out.

  “Ah yes, my dear. I know he is called Peter now. Your mother, she changed it when she ran away, but the name he was given at birth is Pedro. You and your brother—your twin—are special. The one who seeks you, he knows that. He’s stolen your mother’s secrets, but now she is gone. The body decaying and empty. You must protect yourself. Trust the man who walks with you.”

  “Who?” she queried, wondering if this was all some strange hallucination.

  “The man, or fairy, Maxim. He protects you, and cares. He too is special and more than he seems. He is yet to learn that, but for now, child, you must listen. He will meet with another tomorrow. He will learn much, and that will be your guide. But be aware, there are those who will attempt to trick you and your brother. He is not yet ready to learn all, and must be protected, but his time will come. Soon.”

  The woman called Azura paused and whirled around.

  “Yes, I am almost done, my family.” When she looked back to Pippa, she smiled, but it was tight. She reached out and grabbed Pippa’s hand, fingernails digging into Pippa’s flesh. “You must listen and learn, my child. Take care, and I shall see you again very soon.”

  The grip released, and Azura stepped away.

  “Listen and learn, child.”

  The fog enclosed Pippa again. “Azura? Azura!” she called, but she was alone in the fog.

  Before panic could settle in, Pippa woke up. She was still in bed, yet when she looked down, there were crescents dug into the flesh of her hand. Pippa looked at her nails, but they were short, unable to have made the marks, and the soles of her feet carried blades of grass.

  Bolting out of bed, she rushed to the door and knocked twice on Maxim’s door.

  “Wha…?”

  She pushed into the room. “Maxim? Maxim!” she called as she hurried across the room.

  He rose from the bed and captured her tightly in his grip. “What? Has something happened?”

  She nestled in, not sure what to tell him, but needing the reassurance he offered, the warmth of his body and the scent of him. “I… A dream. It… Maxim, I don’t know how to begin.”

  He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. “Come, sit and tell me.”

  She shivered. “I had a dream, but I don’t know that it was a dream. When I woke up, there was grass on my feet, and look.” She held out her hand. “See those marks? They weren’t there when I went to sleep. And I didn’t make them.”

  He stilled. “You walked in a dream?”

  “I don’t… What do you mean walked?” Pippa asked.

  “Some with magic can travel to other places when they dream. It’s called walking. What did you see or do?”