Burning to Ashes Read online

  “She’s going to do anything and everything in her power to get Scarlet, Archer, and she’s never gonna quit.” Heath stood as well. “We need to stop her before this goes too far.”

  “I still say, this needs to be someone else’s problem,” Erik said.

  Sophia slapped him on the back of the head. “And you were outvoted, bro, this is every Eternal’s problem, and we are some of the strongest around. We have to stop her.”

  “That means keeping Scarlet safe, because if Jasmine gets Scarlet’s power, she will be unstoppable. Even the God’s would have a hard time.” Tate poured himself another drink and slammed it back.

  He stopped and looked at them all. “You are all signing up to help us with Scarlet?”

  “Duh.” Sophia rolled her eyes.

  Scarlet felt like crawling under the table when all eyes turned to her.

  “If we can keep her alive,” Heath pointed out.

  “Thanks, killjoy.” Tate shook his head

  “What—I’m just saying, the likelihood that Scarlet will survive her own fire is minimal, and that’s before she has to deal with Jasmine and Geo, and crew.”

  “Wow, everyone, please meet Mr. Optimistic.” Sophia made a face at him. “Don’t worry, Scarlet. You’ve got us batting on your team now. You are going to be just fine.”

  Archer came to stand behind Scarlet. Resting his hands on her shoulders, he kneaded softly, making her want to melt into his touch.

  “We are all beat, so let’s get some rest. The rooms in the back are safe. We can take turns doing guard duty for Scarlet.” Heath stood. “Come, Scarlet, I’ll show you to your room.”

  “That won’t be necessary. Just tell me where I’m bunking, Scarlet will stay with me.” Archer’s voice was like steel, daring any of the others to disagree.

  Zane shrugged his shoulders when they looked to him.

  “Um, okay, the second door to the right,” Heath said. He didn’t seem very happy about Archer’s insistence that Scarlet would share his room.

  “Okay, but I want watches set up for the whole building, through the day, anyway. Zane, you are out, since you’ll get sunburn,” Tate added.

  “I can do a watch from in here,” Zane growled out. “No more pine benches. I mean it!”

  Tate frowned. “Huh?”

  “Let him have a watch in here.” Archer instructed. “Zane is part of the team, suntans or not. Now, do you have any food in this place?”

  “I’m the local fry cook.” Erik grinned. “What ya want?”

  He grabbed an apron off the counter and went into the kitchen.

  “Bacon, eggs, sausage, toast and pancakes all around.” Heath got up and went to the kitchen to help Erik.

  “You aren’t going to help?” Zane asked Sophia, knowing that she hated cooking.

  She sauntered over to him with an exaggerated swagger, bent down and gave him a loud smooch on the lips. “Honey, I don’t do kitchens, but I’d do you.”

  Scarlet’s jaw unhinged in shock before the whole room burst into laughter.

  “Hit me with a feather and call me spanked, but I never thought I’d see a vampire blush,” Erik roared from the alcove.

  “Oh, shut up.” Zane muttered and ducked his head. “I don’t eat, so I’ll just take myself to my room. Call me when it’s my turn to stand guard.”

  “It’s the third room,” Heath called out after the disappearing vampire.

  Archer grinned at Scarlet. “Don’t worry, he’ll be okay. He’s not used to the way this lot tease, yet.”

  Neither am I, Scarlet thought.

  Chapter Five

  Archer shut the door of the bedroom and leaned his forehead against it. He was fuming, and he was frustrated.

  He wasn’t even going to consider the constant state of sexual need Scarlet had reduced him to, but what was getting to him right now was the way the men in the other room had looked at Scarlet, making his beast itch to do damage. Heath, especially, had shown an interest in Scarlet. Archer wanted to hurt the bastard.

  The problem was that even though he’d never been close to Heath, if he gave into his urge, he’d be killing a fellow Outsider, and Dimi would hand him his paws, and nail his head on the wall like a trophy.

  No, he had to find another way to keep his beast happy and he knew how. It was time to satisfy his need. Even as a teen, he’d never had so many damn erections in so short a period of time, and right now, he wanted nothing more than to grab Scarlet around the waist. He wanted to toss her on to the bed and strip her down to skin. Then, he wanted to sample every inch of her soft body, explore every curve, dip his tongue between her legs, and find out what her core tasted like.

  He groaned, lifted his head back, and dropped his forehead with a soft knock against the door. What was he thinking? Now was neither the time nor place for that kind of exploration.

  She’s mine, I’ll have a lifetime to know her body.

  When had he decided that, and when had it become imperative for Scarlet to be his? Somehow he’d started believing that Scarlet was his She, even if she wasn’t Lycan.

  Then again, whom was he kidding? He wasn’t sure Scarlet was going to survive the month. He’d have to make sure she did.

  “Is something wrong, Archer?”

  He turned his head enough to look over at Scarlet. She’d changed into a satin nightdress that was a deep blue, brushing her ankles, with a slit up the side that showed glimpses of leg and thigh. The color made her skin shine with a jewel tone, and her dark hair hung in waves down to her waist.

  “Sorry” She blushed and ran her hands down the material in an unconscious motion. “Zane did the shopping for me. I didn’t choose this, and I don’t have anything else to wear.”

  Archer fought the urge to moan at the decadence of her hands on that satin. His need ratcheted up five notches.

  His voice was hoarse when he answered. “Not sure I like the fact that Zane saw that, with or without you in it.”

  Scarlet looked up at him with a questioning expression.

  “I’m only allowed to see you in things like that,” he said before she could voice the question.

  He took a step towards her, then another, and another, until Scarlet was backed up against the far wall, but he hadn’t touched her, yet.

  “Um, I’ll go change and sleep in my jeans.”

  “You are going to get undressed, yes, but you won’t be putting anything back on.” He reached out a long arm and hooked Scarlet behind her head in the nape of her neck, then pushed his body into hers, pinning her against the wall.

  There was no point in fighting his need anymore. His cock was straining in his jeans. He had to touch Scarlet now, and he didn’t care where they were. He was going to mark her, and make sure everyone knew Scarlet was his She.

  It wasn’t just about lust, though Archer felt he might burn up from wanting her. No, it was also about territory. His beast needed her to know, and it needed everyone to know that she was not available to anyone but Archer.

  “Archer.” Scarlet tried to tug her head away. “We can’t do this.”

  Her movement caused a low growl to trickle from his throat and his eyes turned away. Scarlet stiffened in his arms.

  * * * *

  Scarlet laid her palms flat against his broad chest as she felt Archer call her passion to the front. She fought it—this was not the right time.

  “We can’t do this.” She remembered that Archer had a She, and it wasn’t Scarlet.

  “Yes we can.” His voice was so gravely, it sent gooseflesh flowing across her limbs. He grabbed her wrists, and forced her arms up over her head so she couldn’t fight him, then he dipped his head and slanted his lips over hers for a breath-stealing kiss.

  Oh, God he feels so good, I’m lost to this.

  His lips were firm but giving, making her want more—much more.

  Scarlet found herself pushing her body against his to get closer. She wanted the heat of his skin on hers.

  She felt his sa
tisfied smile against her lips before he opened up and deepened the kiss, his tongue flicking over hers in the sweetest of tastes.

  Scarlet met his tongue, a moan escaping her that was swallowed by his kiss. He kept her arms above her, pinning her as if he didn’t want her trying to escape him, a wicked predator with his half-unwilling prey.

  He switched his grip on her wrists to one hand as the other big palm snaked around her waist and settled on the curve of her ass to tug her against his erection.

  “You did this to me.” He groaned when instinct made her hips roll to rub against his cock.

  He dropped his other hand to her ass and pulled her up and along his hard length.

  “Fuck, you feel so right,” he moaned against her lips before demanding more of the kiss.

  He broke the kiss, and kissed and licked down her neck, nuzzling the strap of the satin nightgown out of his way. It fell down, the loose material slipping off her shoulder and exposing the smooth top mound of her breast.

  Scarlet arched back in his arms and slid one leg up the outside of his jeans. She reveled in the texture of the denim against her soft skin.

  Archer lifted his head to pull the material of her nightgown away from her breast with his teeth.

  His body went still as he gazed down at her.

  “I want you.” His voice was breathless, and Scarlet almost came to her senses before he dipped his head forward to capture her nipple in his hot mouth.

  “Oh, God… Archer,” she gasped as he flicked his tongue over the swollen bud. Scarlet felt like she was going to turn to dust.

  His teeth scraped gently, and Scarlet could no longer stay still as she rocked her hips up, her thong soaked with her heat.

  Archer worked his magic on her other strap and moved to worship that breast as well.

  Scarlet forgot all the reasons why she wasn’t supposed to be doing this with this man. His mouth was masterful, and she wondered if he’d be as good lower down.

  “Archer, please,” she begged. She needed more than he was giving her right then. She wanted to feel his skin pressed against hers.

  He released her breast, hoisted her up, and turned towards the one place she wanted to be.

  The few steps to the bed felt like an eternity, but as soon as he put her down, he moved his big body to cover her.

  She felt tiny and feminine with him over her.

  He stopped and sat back.

  Scarlet reached for him, bereft without his heat.

  Archer reached up and pulled his shirt off.

  She took a moment to stare. The male was magnificent and she wanted to taste his skin.

  When he moved forward to cover her, Scarlet reached down between them and stroked him.

  Archer let out a hiss. “No, belan.” He moved her hand. “If you touch me now, I won’t last.”

  So Scarlet reached up and pulled him down on her. Her mouth finding his, she opened up to him and he took full advantage, their kiss becoming so intense that they were both gasping for breath in moments. Scarlet moaned, and Archer took the sound into himself, returning it to her with his own moan.

  His hands moved to her breasts, kneading and stroking them. He rolled her nipple between his thumb and forefinger, and Scarlet arched into his touch.

  Archer was lying with one leg between hers and Scarlet spread her own legs, unconsciously rubbing against his denim-covered thigh.

  She was burning for more. Her body temperature spiked, her hands on his shoulders kneading the muscles she found there.

  Archer’s hand left her breast, and Scarlet voiced a soft complaint, but he stroked down her side and further down the outside of her thigh. He moved his weight as his hand caressed up the inside of her thigh and came to rest on her thong.

  Scarlet felt his erection twitch against her hip as he moaned.

  “Fuck, you are so wet—so ready for me.” His fingers delved under the material of the thong, causing Scarlet to gasp and open her legs wider for him.

  A thumb unerringly found her clitoris, and he did a slow circle that had Scarlet writhing and begging him for more.

  She ran her hand down his stomach and he grabbed it with a grin. “I said no, belan.”

  Scarlet was going to complain, but his fingers started moving as he stroked between her folds.

  “Do you want my fingers inside you, Scarlet?” He leaned down and stole a kiss before she could answer.

  Her breath was ragged as she said, “Yes. Please, Archer, give me more.”

  He rewarded her with a finger sliding smoothly into her.

  “So tight,” he groaned and dropped his forehead to her shoulder.

  Scarlet bucked her hips against his hand, and he lifted his head.

  She pulled his head down for another kiss as Archer filled her with a second finger, slowly moving in and out.

  Scarlet didn’t know how long she could last against his onslaught. He was making her melt.

  Then his thumb found her clitoris again and Scarlet cried out softly as she felt its slow luxurious circles, the movement of his fingers driving her to the edge of sanity.

  “Archer…”

  “Come for me, belan.”

  His hoarse command flung her over the edge and her whole body spasmed in pleasure as she rode his fingers to climax. She’d never felt anything like it before, and she felt like worshiping Archer for showing her as she called his name and clung to him.

  He was tense above her, his whole body vibrating with need. Even in her state of bliss, Scarlet sensed that he was holding himself in check.

  When the waves subsided enough for her to think clearly, Scarlet knew what she wanted—and what she wanted was Archer.

  This time she wouldn’t let him tell her no.

  She smoothed her palm down his stomach and found her target. Scarlet closed her hand around his erection through his jeans.

  These have to go. Now!

  She worked the button, and he watched her with something predatory in his eyes.

  Scarlet got the zipper down and reached into his jeans. She groaned as her palm encountered his engorged erection.

  She stroked down and he moaned.

  “Fuck.” He bucked his hips into her hands. “It won’t take much, belan.”

  Scarlet wanted to taste. She sat up higher, intent on pushing him back. She let go of his erection, and put her hands on his shoulders to make him lie down.

  Someone started pounding on the door.

  “Archer. We are under attack.” Zane’s voice came through the wood and Archer shot to his feet, cursing foully.

  “Who?”

  “It’s the Enforcers. Geo is in front, and they are demanding we give Scarlet over or they will kill us all for aiding and abetting.”

  Scarlet’s blood ran cold.

  “I’ll be there, now.” He reached for his pants and zipped them up with a groan of frustration.

  He turned to her with a look that promised more. “We aren’t done with this.” He grabbed his shirt off the floor and tugged it on.

  “Stay here. I’m going to investigate.” He pulled the door open. “Lock the door behind me. Don’t let anyone in but me, okay?”

  She was too shocked to argue with him. Scarlet went to the door and locked it. Then, she mechanically changed into a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. If the Enforcers were attacking, she wasn’t going to be caught in her nightdress.

  The glow from her orgasm was fading and Scarlet was calling herself all the names she could think of. What the hell had she been thinking? Archer wasn’t single and she wasn’t the type of woman to mess with another woman’s man.

  Archer was Selene’s, and it didn’t matter if he curled Scarlet’s toes if he just looked at her. Scarlet had no right to him.

  What had happened had been a huge mistake. Scarlet pulled her shoes on. It sure as hell wasn’t going to happen again.

  Even if you badly want it to happen again?

  Yeah, she told her inner voice. Even if I do want it to happen again.
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  Part of her was going to mourn the fact that she couldn’t have Archer, and she was sure, it was more than just wanting him in a physical way.

  He affected her on a visceral level, and Scarlet was going to have to fight that effect with everything she had in her.

  As if she needed another battle—like being a pyro that was going to burn up in her own flames wasn’t enough? Or having a death sentence hanging over her head didn’t give her enough worries?

  “Did I ever tell you, you have shitty timing, woman,” she muttered aloud to herself.

  Life sucks. lift your skirts, and deal, she scolded herself. Time to go see what was going on—oh, and screw Archer’s command to stay put.

  Chapter Six

  “How the hell did the Enforcers find us?” Archer moved up behind Tate to peer through the partially opened up part of the window. The others had similar vantage points, all well hidden, but able to see out into the daylight.

  Geo stood out in the open. He was relaxed, looking bored. He glanced up at the sun, then at the front of the building.

  “I’m not going to wait much longer, Outsiders,” he intoned in bored voice.

  Luke flickered into to view, a mirage in the strong sunlight outside. He was closer to the building than Archer liked.

  “Stay back, Luke. I’ve got rock salt and I’ll use it,” he called out through the window, cocking the double gauge sawed off he held in his hands. He didn’t want the psychopath anywhere near Scarlet. She’d seemed freaked out by the sprit when Archer had found her, and he didn’t want her scared.

  Luke disappeared, then reappeared next to Geo.

  “Send her out, Archer, you know I’m going to get to her eventually, and I’d much rather you send her out than send Luke in. You know he can’t be trusted to take only the person he’s after.” Geo’s mouth curled into a smile that could only be called vicious.

  Archer turned to the others. “We are going to have to go out there. Luke is unpredictable. I think we’ll have a better chance of talking this situation away, if we go face Geo.”

  Archer turned toward Zane, and saw Scarlet standing at the back of the room. “Damn it, Scarlet,” he nearly yelled, then remembered Geo was just outside, and lowered his voice. “I told you to stay in the room.” He stalked towards her, intent on shaking some sense into her. Why would she be so stupid and put herself in danger?