Tornado_A Paranormal Romance Read online

“She got you?” Asha asked.

  He nodded, reaching back to rub his posterior. “Yep.”

  She sighed. “I warned you…”

  Once the food had been put away, most of the family gathered in front of the television to watch the game. Seph joined Uncle Harold and the gang for a beer during the first quarter. At halftime, he wandered into the dining room where he could hear people laughing and talking loudly over a board game that involved making wild sentences from a combination of cards with random words printed on them.

  “Seph!” Ruth said, patting the chair beside her. “Come be on my team!”

  “Ah, excuse me,” Asha said, “he’s my guest, so if he’s going to be on anyone’s team it’ll be mine.” She nodded to the seat on her side of the table. “Come on, get in on this. Don’t worry if you’ve never played, you’ll learn as you go along.”

  “I’ll give it a try,” Seph said. Loosening his tie, he pulled up a chair. “Let’s do this.”

  For the next hour or so, they engaged in a battle of wits that often erupted into lighthearted disputes over the validity of a few plays. It lasted several rounds and in the end, they had to do a Sudden Death tiebreaker which Ruth’s team wound up winning. The young woman threw fists into the air and did a little dance around the table, poking at Asha and teasing her. “You lost, I won, you lost, I won!” she sang.

  “Only because we let you win,” Asha shot back, grinning. Seph could tell from their moods that they bore no real animosity toward each other; in fact, he could feel the affection radiating between the cousins. That same love permeated the house.

  If the whole world could fit under this roof right now, Seph thought, there would be no war, no hatred, and no longing – just peace, happiness, and satisfaction.

  When the football game ended, the family began to disperse. Sleepy children got bundled into their coats. Everyone kissed Grandma and Aunt Helen, thanking the latter for a wonderful dinner.

  Ruth surprised Seph with a hug. “Still wish I could have seen you shapeshift,” she said.

  “Another time,” Seph promised with a smile. Wait – did I really just say that?

  Finally, Seph decided to take his leave. “I had a wonderful time,” he said to Asha, as she walked him to the door and pulled his overcoat out of the hall closet where the other guests had hung their jackets. “Your family is amazing. I’m a little jealous, to be honest.”

  “Of what?” she asked. “These crazy people?” She waved him off, chuckling. “Yeah, they’re all right…I’ve been with them this long, I might as well keep them.” She smiled up at him. “Thank you for coming.”

  “I should be the one thanking you,” Seph replied, gazing down into her eyes. “I can’t begin to tell you how grateful I am for having the opportunity to experience this.”

  “Well, I’ll be even more grateful when I can find you a mate,” Asha said. She shook a finger at him. “I am not giving up until I find the perfect match for you. I know she’s out there.”

  Remembering something said earlier that evening, Seph cocked his head. “So, why haven’t you found someone for yourself?” he asked. “If you know you could be a potential mate for a Dragon, why haven’t you put yourself out there, too?”

  Asha smiled. “Because I want to help others find their mates, first,” she said. She rolled her shoulders and shook her head. “Too many people wander around, blind to the fact that they have someone out there who is totally compatible with them in every way. You know that old saying, ‘ships that pass in the night?’ I want to be the lighthouse that helps to bring these boats in from the darkness, so they can meet on a common shore and go off together on new adventures. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. Believe it or not, I was inspired by Gram Ham – she and my grandfather were the perfect couple, so happy and in love. They were together a long time, and while she managed to outlive him, you never hear her complain or get sad. She misses him, but she still carries the same joy in her that she had when Gramp-Gramp was here. She said that’s what happens, when you’re lucky enough to be loved by a Dragon.” Asha reached out and poked gently at Seph’s shoulder with a fingertip. “Someday, some woman is going to say the same thing about you.”

  “I hope you’re right,” Seph said. He picked up his bag of leftovers. “Good night, Asha.”

  “Good night, Seph. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

  “You, too.”

  Chapter Six

  Christmas at Tamerlane had always been a requirement, not an option. Cyril Vovin had insisted his sons come home for the holidays and stay through New Year’s Day. This year, Seph knew Father would be using this as an opportunity to check up on his sons’ progress at finding mates.

  Seph had invited another of his prospects from Wings of Love to accompany him. Elizabeth had attended an Ivy League school and recently completed work on her doctorate. She taught a course in Medieval History at a local college, and had written several books on the subject. Seph liked the fact that she satisfied his intellectual needs, and that she spoke her mind freely. If he had to settle down, he wanted his partner to be smart. Of all the women with whom he had been matched through the program, Elizabeth was closer to his age – in her early thirties – and she had the maturity of character to go with her years. They had gone out on a couple of dates and seemed to be getting along fairly well. She had agreed to join Seph for the week-long visit to his family home, as it coincided with the school’s winter break. Seph saw this as a chance for them to get better acquainted, and perhaps test the waters of intimacy between them.

  They arrived at Tamerlane late in the afternoon on the day before Christmas Eve. A recent snowfall had covered the grounds; as they followed the winding driveway to the manor, they could see festive lights and garlands in every window. A pair of large wreaths with red and gold bows hung on the double doors at the main entrance. Seph carried their bags like a proper gentleman until they got inside. Paul and one of the other stewards met them in the foyer.

  “Welcome home, Master Seph,” Paul said cheerfully. “You are the first to arrive.” He smiled at Elizabeth. “It is a pleasure to have the young lady as a special guest, as well.”

  “Thank you,” Elizabeth said, removing her coat and shaking the snowflakes from the mass of red curls framing her face. She looked around. “What a beautiful home.”

  “I’ll give you the grand tour,” Seph said. He nodded to Paul, who ordered the steward to take the luggage up to Seph’s old room. Each of the boys had his own space; only one – Drew – had his own bath. Seph and Vann had to share, as did Mal and Don. Seph proceeded to lead Elizabeth around the main floor. He took her through the kitchen where he introduced her to the staff. Everyone showed Elizabeth respect and kindness.

  Mrs. Carson gave her approval along with a sampling of the latest batch of pastries to come out of the oven. “She’s lovely, dear,” she told Seph, as one of the cooks invited Elizabeth to taste the soup that would be served as one course of their meal tonight. “Very dignified.” Mrs. Carson shook her head. “I must admit, I’m a bit surprised.”

  Seph frowned at her. “Surprised?” he echoed. “Why?”

  “Well, I’m just going on a first impression,” the matronly woman assured. “But I had always pictured you with someone who was more down to earth but capable of being a bit of a firecracker.” She nodded to Elizabeth. “She’s a redhead, so she could have quite a spark to her.” She smiled up at Seph and gave his hand a pat. “All that matters is that she makes you happy in every way. If she can do that, then she’s perfect.”

  Seph continued to guide Elizabeth along on the tour, leaving the kitchen and making their way up to the second floor. “And this is where we’ll be staying,” he said, drawing her into the bedroom and closing the door behind them for a little privacy. “You know…we have a little time to ourselves before everyone else arrives.”

  Elizabeth responded with a sultry chuckle. “Do we, now?” she purred. She backed toward the tall, four-posted be
d and sank down against the edge of the mattress. Leaning back on her arms, she let her legs fall open as she lowered her head and treated Seph to a predatory smile. “And what would you propose we do with that time?”

  Seph sauntered toward her. “I have a few suggestions,” he replied, his voice and his cock both growing heavy with desire. They had graduated from hand-holding and pecks on the cheek on their first night out together, to making out on her doorstep after their third date. He nodded to the bed. “I guess you’re okay with sleeping together for the week that we’re here?”

  “Well, I was hoping we’d do more than just ‘sleep,’” she said. Reaching out, she snagged him by the front of his red pullover sweater and hauled him down for a kiss. They tumbled across the duvet in a tangle of limbs. Up until now, they had both agreed to ease into this relationship and let it develop naturally instead of rushing it. Apparently, they were abandoning that plan in favor of sex – not that Seph was complaining.

  Clothes began to fly off in every direction. Seph used his fingers to trace the blue veins standing out against the pale white of Elizabeth’s breast before lowering his mouth over the pink bud of her nipple. He followed the curve of her hourglass figure down to the brassy copper curls between her thighs. Seph used his tongue to open her up, lapping at the soft folds and sucking at her clit while she moaned and quivered uncontrollably.

  “Wait!” Elizabeth gasped, when Seph rose up and began to position his cock to take her. She held him back with one hand. “Do you have protection?”

  Seph blinked and frowned at the question, his brain so fogged with lust that it took a moment for him to comprehend. “No,” he said, panting. “But it’s okay – as long as I pull out in time, you won’t get pregnant.” Some people might roll their eyes and call that particular reasoning an Old Wives’ Tale; in terms of Dragon reproduction, only the passing of the fertilization sac guaranteed pregnancy. Seph would have to plant his seed deliberately in order for Elizabeth to conceive.

  “Let’s not take any chances,” Elizabeth said, and Seph felt a pang of disappointment – until she looked up at him with leaf-green eyes and a sly twist to her lips. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t do it another way.”

  Seph furrowed his brow in confusion. “Oh?” As Elizabeth turned over and got on knees and elbows, suddenly he understood. “Oh!” His heart began to race. “Are you sure this is what you want? I mean…it’s probably going to hurt…”

  Elizabeth laughed. “Oh, Seph,” she said, “you’re not the first Dragon I’ve had fuck me in the ass.” She looked back over her shoulder and him and smiled. “Come on, big boy.” She wiggled her bottom at him. “I can take it.”

  Amazed, Seph obliged and crawled up behind her. Dragon cocks secreted a natural lubricant to help pass the egg sac; he used it to prepare Elizabeth, milking himself and then spreading the slick fluid over her pink pucker. He dipped down to finger her, finding her equally wet. She’s excited, he realized. Wow – I never would have guessed she went in for this kind of thing.

  Despite Elizabeth’s assurance that she had done this before, Seph still felt the need to proceed with caution. He eased into her slowly, holding her hips steady as he pressed in. He bit his lower lip and groaned at how tight it felt around him. He began moving in and out, building speed, Elizabeth grunting and speaking in the dirtiest, raunchiest manner for someone so well-educated. Seph still managed to pull out just before he came, shooting across her back. With a satisfied moan, he flopped over onto the bed. He looked over at Elizabeth. “How was that?” he asked.

  “Mm, good.” Shifting, Elizabeth stretched like a cat before leaning in to nuzzle along his shoulder. “How about you? Is finding out I like anal sex going to have a negative impact on this relationship?”

  Seph grinned and rolled his head from side to side. “Not at all.” He slipped his arm around her and pulled her over on top of him, burying his fingers in her curls as they came together for a kiss. His enhanced hearing picked up the sounds of a car pulling up outside and then the opening of the front door. “Hey, my brothers are here.” He looked at his watch, chuckling. “Just in time for supper, of course.” He smiled at Elizabeth. “Let’s get cleaned up, get dressed, and head down to meet them.”

  She walked her fingers over his chest. “Can we shower together?” she asked.

  “I think that can be arranged,” he murmured, and kissed her again.

  An hour later, they made their way down to the dining room. Seph kept his hand at the small of Elizabeth’s back as he escorted her in. They had upgraded from jeans out of respect for Father; Elizabeth looked stunning in a simple black, off-the-shoulder dress and heels, while Seph had opted for a pair of dark wool trousers and an oatmeal-colored turtleneck. Seph pulled out Elizabeth’s chair for her.

  Donnie and Drew were already there and seated; it came as no surprise to Seph that Don sat alone, but Seph expected Drew to have someone at his side. “Drew…Don,” Seph said, acknowledging them both with a nod. “How have you been?”

  “Busy, as usual,” Drew replied, reaching for his wine glass. He smiled at Elizabeth. “You seem to be doing well.”

  Seph picked up on the note of envy in his clutch mate’s voice. “Elizabeth, this is my brother, the District Attorney I told you about.”

  She reached over to clasp his hand briefly. “Pleased to meet you,” she said.

  “The pleasure is mine,” Drew replied. He withdrew his hand and grinned. “When Seph messaged me and said he was bringing a schoolteacher to Tamerlane, I will admit I pictured someone more austere.”

  “I said she was a professor of Medieval Studies,” Seph muttered. He could tell when Drew was flirting, and he did not appreciate him doing it with his date. He leaned in toward Elizabeth. “Pay no attention to him, he’s always had a thing for authority figures – he graduated from being Teacher’s Pet to seeking favor with every lady justice on the bench.”

  “Hey,” Drew said, “innocent until proven guilty – remember?” He turned his charming smile on Elizabeth. “I’d love to talk to you sometime about Medieval law, when you have the time.”

  Elizabeth nodded, beaming. “I’d like that,” she said, and looked at Seph, who lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the backs of her fingers.

  Mal came in, dressed in a priest’s cassock, leather pants, and a pair of round mirrored sunglasses. “Merry Christmas to all!” he said. He had one arm draped around the shoulders of a beautiful young woman with a rooster’s crest of silver-white hair and wearing a red vinyl skirt and bustier that looked painted on.

  Cyril sat at the head of the table, watching as his sons filed in. Upon seeing Mal, he rolled his eyes and sighed. “Glasses,” he said, motioning to Mal with a long finger.

  Smiling sheepishly, Mal removed the shades. “Sorry, Father.” He guided his date to the chairs directly across from Seph and Elizabeth. “Hey, bro,” he said, leaning over the table with his fist extended in greeting. “Pound it!”

  Seph smiled and bumped his knuckles against Mal’s. “Good to see you, Mal,” he said. “How’s the tour going?”

  “Awesome, man,” Mal replied, dropping into his chair. He jerked his chin at Elizabeth. “I see I’m not the only one with a plus-one this week.” He gestured to his own companion with a showman’s flourish, the black lacquer on his nails glittering in the room’s light. “Allow me to introduce the rocking goddess to my left: my beloved Gwendolyn.”

  Seph smiled at the young lady. “Pleased to meet you, Gwendolyn,” he said. “I’m Mal’s brother, Seph. And this is Elizabeth.” He reached for Elizabeth’s hand, and instantly picked up on a change in her demeanor. Racing pulse, nervous… He looked at her, puzzled. Her fair skin looked almost ghost white, and her green eyes darted. Something’s wrong, Seph thought. “Is everything all right? You’re not feeling sick, are you?”

  Before she could answer, Mal let out a low whistle. “Whoa!” he said, squinting at Elizabeth. “Cinnamon? Is that you?” He fell back in his chair and laugh
ed. “Holy shit – it is you! Damn, girl! I almost didn’t recognize you! How ya been?”

  Seph’s confusion continued to mount. “Hold on,” he said, his brow furrowed as he held up a hand to silence Mal. “’Cinnamon?’”

  “Yeah,” Mal said. He leaned forward, elbow on the table, and twirled a lock of his black hair around his fingertip as he looked Elizabeth over. “Because she’s red and hot, just like the spice.” He shook his head slowly, marveling at Seph’s companion. “Wow…look at you! You grew up fine!”

  Now Seph began to get annoyed. He could feel the discomfort rolling off Elizabeth in waves; across the table, Gwendolyn had crossed her arms under her breasts and crossed her legs, eyes flashing with jealousy. “Okay, that’s enough,” he said, a little sharper than intended. Seph looked at Elizabeth, concerned. “Have you met my brother, before?”

  Elizabeth cleared her throat and forced a smile. “I…may have followed his music when I was younger,” she confessed.

  Mal brayed with laughter and winked at her. “Well, at least for one crazy summer, am I right?” He glanced at Seph as he gestured to Elizabeth. “Cinnamon, here, followed me on my first tour ten years ago. I kept asking to see her birth certificate because I couldn’t believe she was legal.”

  “I was eighteen,” Elizabeth insisted. She looked at Seph, shaking her head. “I was young, and it was the year before I went off to college…” She let out a soft snort. “’Vovin.’ Of course. I can’t believe I never made the connection that you two were related.” Grimacing, she averted her gaze. “God, I am so embarrassed right now.”

  “It’s all right,” Seph assured her. “No one should ever judge you for anything you’ve done in your past. It’s who you are, today, that matters. Whatever happened between the two of you ten years ago is not up for discussion, now.” His gaze sharpened as he regarded his brother. “Mal, I have to ask you to refrain from talking about this. Not only is it inappropriate, it’s upsetting Elizabeth.” He nodded to his sibling’s date. “And I don’t think Gwendolyn appreciates it, either. You’re with her – you shouldn’t be talking about a liaison you had with another woman. It’s disrespectful to them and everyone else in this room.” He motioned to the two ladies. “I would suggest you offer an apology, and then we can move on from this matter completely.”