Page 70 of The Mating Fire
For the first time, she had a chance to take in their surroundings. His bed seemed larger than an ocean liner. The sheets were soft cotton and the mattress equally soft, yet offered plenty of support. Panting, she rolled over and cuddled against him.
The sheets were wet from showering and perspiration.
Jared waved a hand and suddenly the bed was warm and dry. He grinned at her.
“Magick has its advantages.”
She cupped his face, her gaze centered on him. “I believe in you, Jared. You may be an incubus, but you’re a good man. Demons aren’t good.”
His smile seemed bittersweet. “I wish I had your faith. I walk a razor’s edge of falling into the abyss of evil. It’s in my nature. My family’s heritage. Xavier, the Crystal Wizard, has warned if I do not break the curse soon, he will be forced to destroy me before I turn to darkness and serve the Dark Lord.”
Her heart dropped to her stomach at his grim tone. “Then don’t turn to darkness, Jared. Stay here with me, in the light. I love you. I don’t want to lose you.”
She curled into the crook of his arm. Filled with peace, she fell asleep.
Long after Harper fell asleep,Jared remained awake, one arm curled around his lover.
His thoughts danced like droplets on a hot frying pan.
Making love with Harper was sweet, soul-searing. He had never known such bliss, nor such connection with another. Damn, he in love with her and she’d confessed her feelings for him.
Surely this would break the curse.
Connecting sexually with her also should break the curse.
Harper insisted he could be a good man. He had his doubts, but she’d been fierce in her belief and her feelings for him.
Maybe Harper was enough to make him revert back to his former self.
But as the hours moved toward midnight, he knew better. Jared slipped out of bed, feeling the change take over. He kissed her forehead and went downstairs to the great hall.
The clock struck midnight.
He felt bones lengthen painfully, his face contort. Fur grew along his naked, shivering body.
It was over in a few minutes. He remained a Krampus. The curse had not been broken.
His cry of despair echoed through the hall.
For her sake, and the sake of her happiness, he knew what he must do.
Let her go.
Chapter 20
The bliss of making love with Jared filled her the next morning as Harper awoke in his bed. Smiling, she stretched and rolled over.
His side of the massive bed was empty. Harper glanced at the windows and the sunshine streaming into the room. She must have overslept.
After showering in her own room, and dressing in a flowing pink flowered dress with lace trimming the hem and cap sleeves, she conjured pink suede flats. Harper studied her appearance in the mirror. Bright spots of color in her cheekbones, her gaze sparkling, she looked feminine and well-loved.
Putting a skip in her step, she went downstairs to the dining hall for breakfast on the terrace.
The scent of fresh air filled her senses as she went onto the terrace, but gone was the delicious smell of coffee, eggs and bacon. The table was empty.
A small note rested on the table’s single china plate.
“Time to fix your own breakfast. You know where the kitchen is. You have the power. Use it. J.”
