Jericho Read online

  Silent and still, Abe began caging the evil creature in a tight web of her power when Jericho's voice came clear as a bell in her mind. Release me, myn lykyng. Reality slammed home when she heard his words. Everyone was in terrible danger. With a flick of her wrist, the stasis that contained those close to her disappeared.

  Incredibly, none of them lurched forward or gave away they were no longer frozen in place.

  Face placid, Abe showed no fear, saying calmly, "You certainly came to the wrong place." Emerald eyes immediately shifted to Bear when the Djinn threw back his head, chuffing out hellish laughter.

  Distraction – a split second of time that infinitesimally spans a million years with every heartbeat – and Abe dipped her chin.

  Bear mowed in like a rock wall, taking the big Djinn down as Jericho swooped in, battering his face, reaching to clear Bear away so he could go for the heart. Bear shifted downwards and tore his long claws across thighs and shins – ripping through tendons, muscles and bone that healed almost instantly.

  Bear appeared surprised.

  Jericho wasn’t nor was his team. The speed of the Djinn’s healing was a hideous tell that he had recently feasted on the young of the family taken hostage. Djinn’s ate their victims while still alive. Young blood was always an elixir, an injection of massive repower for Djinn and a few other races.

  Mis also removed some of that rejuvenation, dulling it and slowing the healing process.

  The Djinn, once a great warrior, roared in rage, evil and killing his only mantra. He swivelled to one side, going for Bear with his fists flying and knives plowing in deep, but only meeting rolling, wobbling blubber.

  He tried to wrench his fists free, but they were tangled in fur and fat. Shoulders straining, he twisted his blades, cutting deep, but still couldn’t pull away and from behind rapid painful punches pounded every part of his body.

  Bear let out a whiffling screech – a powerful force when angry – he used his massive girth, rolling to one side to shot-put the trapped creature – powering him past couches – the Djinn smashed the big coffee table with one driving heel before hitting the solid rock fireplace.

  Lights out for a second or two – the Djinn's empty eyes rolled into the back of his head.

  Enraged, Bear smashed through the great room, mowing down everything in his path – on the big Djinn in two leaps, six-inch claws looming and incisors ready to rip and tear.

  Strangely, after that there was only darkness and all the Djinn smelled was rank animal breath up his nose, in his mouth, gagging him before his broken body jolted upwards, pain scored his brain, bleaching it, blackness descended – beyond dark and he was falling...

  His head rolled from his body, spraying the fireplace with black blood. A slash to his chest and his blackened heart followed, sheered into pieces by Bear's claws.

  Reno moved in then, opening a black sac, gloving up, he said, "Right behind you, boss Bear – just grabbing his bits."

  Bear grunted and hauled back, covered in his own and Djinn blood and headed for the front door, everyone stepping aside.

  Except Abe.

  Jericho reached out to her, but she brushed him off, running for her hero. It hurt, deeper than he'd ever admit. Yeah, fuck he could live with Bear being her hero as long as he was too.

  Abe tucked into Bear, uncaring of the blood, wrapping her arms around as much as she could, burying her nose in his fur, she sighed. She stepped back and Bear leaned his massive head down to gain a kiss on his bloody nose. To Abe – a hero was a hero and Bear was hers. "Always my protector, I love you."

  The sting of resentment covered Jericho – he was her only hero and it was hard to swallow he'd always be competing with Bear on that front. Abe proved it by stating her love openly. Never once had she hinted or let slip that kinda shit for him. Yeah, she was killing him slowly with what ifs and hell no. When it came to his female, truly he had no clue and was flying by the seat of his pants on all fronts.

  Abe stepped back, a wide grin and emerald eyes glassy. "Don't go far, okay?"

  Bear whined agreement, trundling out the wrecked front door towards the greensward at the side of the house – to continue healing and roll around in the lush bed of grass to get clean.

  Rad was healing just fine – a big healthy Jinn now – it didn't take him long, although his arm was gonna be stiff for a while.

  After a quick recon they found the four warriors locked inside their barracks, windows, doors, the entire structure warded shut. It took Elron and Zulu a few moments to unlock the Djinn's wards – powerful and dangerous as they could continue beyond a Djinn's death.

  Jericho was on Abe in a split second, lifting her into his arms, he cupped her close to his chest, kissing the top of her head. He took the front stairs three at a time. They needed to clean up.

  When Bear returned a few minutes later, Zulu had to let him pass. “Even I can’t stop a bear with my hands.” He huffed impatiently several times.

  Reno squared his shoulders. “Hey big guy, time to disappear. Off you go.”

  Bear only rose to his feet – big paws dangling – he smelled of the outdoors and grass, lotsa grass – his mission clear, wherever Abe was, so was he.

  Fifi shrilled in rage, bursting into the destroyed great room. “What on earth is going on here? Elron? Oh! Dear! We just redid this room...who did this?" Pretty blue eyes afire – locked directly on Bear "You can’t be inside…”

  Bear ignored her, heading for the front stairs, lumbering up, sniffing the air at the top and bounding towards Abe. His massive weight rustled old cracks and the house creaked in an odd way.

  In the foyer, Fifi sat on a footstool while Elron fanned her face. “It’s all gone to hell, El, since we went shopping. It was only three days!” she wailed.

  Elron murmured softly, stroking her hair as she calmed down.

  Reno stayed at the bottom of the stairs, hands on hips, legs akimbo, surrounded by Caleb, Conn and Zulu in nothing but a sleeping cloth wrapped around his waist – covered in Rad's blood, he had stripped down.

  Jericho’s bedroom door opened, Bear whiffled and the door closed.

  In silence, they waited, Fifi still sniffling.

  Matty shuffled into the great room, tired as hell after tending to Rad. Somber mood lifting instantly, she eyed Zulu. All muscle and brawn with a set of abs she wanted to lick. That little ole cloth he wore slung low on his hips made her panties damp.

  A wide grin and staring right at Matty, Reno announced, “Let’s hit it, everyone. Party’s over. There's work to be done.”

  It broke Matty’s concentration as she turned, face red as her panties, and shuffled to her room. She wished Zulu would follow and at least try to attack her, unable to hold back his passion any longer. Her tiny t-shirt would go first, then maybe her bra or red panties… If only.

  Bear hunkered down on the floor next to Abe. A low moan and he was soon snoring. Just as Abe was. She showered first and by the time his six second shower was done – she was fast asleep.

  Beyond Bear and flush with the wall sat a black athletic bag packed full – zipper bulging. Abe was obviously ready to leave – she would try to slip away probably early in the morning.

  Of course, he’d never allow it.

  His deep blue eyes turning iridescent purple, Jericho knew it was essential to bind her to him – as soon as fucking possible. Then, there would be no escape for her.

  He stood in the dark fighting with himself. If he got into bed naked she didn't stand a fucking chance – and maybe that's what needed to happen. For a second, he pondered the idea of taking her choice away.

  He didn't hesitate, redressing even down to his shit-kickers before crawling into bed and shifting in beside Abe so her head was tucked in the crook of his right arm and her fine, sweet ass nestled right where his permanently hard cock wanted her.

  Although she had already said no to mating him, his heart didn't believe it. They had a connection and he had felt it from the moment his eyes land
ed on her. Somehow, someway he had to convince her that the best and only choice was him.

  For now, unbelievable as it was, he just wanted to hold her, feel her warmth, and listen to her softly snoring. A smile turned up the corners of his lips and he made a mental note to tease her about it.

  Purposely, he tucked his hand around her tiny waist locking her to him, but more so that his hand wouldn’t start wandering. Cop a feel here or there. What could it hurt? Yeah, if she woke up and he was doin’ shit, takin’ advantage, she might never talk to him again.

  Nah, he was gonna be a real good male – and just hold her.

  It was so enough.

  For now.

  Abe brought nothing but insanity to his world and he loved her even more for that. Never a dull moment with her around. Still, he'd like a few days of peace and quiet – enough time to seduce this treasure he held next to him – laugh and love. He'd never thought it possible to be here with the female of his dreams safe in his arms and his bed.

  Jericho kissed the top of her head, her scent filling him with honey, lemons and rain. It warmed his tarnished soul. He’d never get enough of her scent. “Myn lykyng. Mine forever.”

  Rarely did he sleep for any length of time, but now that he had everything he wanted safe in his arms and with Bear on point, guarding the gates, he drifted off.

  CHAPTER 16

  Jericho’s eyes flew open, Abe was inches from his face, so close he could kiss her. “What are you doing?”

  “Looking at the grand poohbah.”

  “Like what you see?” He lifted both brows.

  “You’re a beautiful male, Jericho, but you don’t need me to tell you that. Your ego is already the size of this room.”

  Jericho snorted. “Males aren’t beautiful, Abe, you’ve got that mixed up.” Early morning light filtered through a slit in the heavy drapes. “Hell, did we sleep all night?”

  “I did. Not sure what you mighta been up to.” Abe sat back on her haunches as Bear rustled on the floor, a snap of powerful jaws telling he was also awake.

  A lascivious grin sat on Jericho’s face. “I was good. Really I was. Didn’t even cop one feel. True.”

  “You said you’d never lie to me.”

  “It’s the truth, my coc...” he flapped his mouth closed. Huh. How much of a virgin was Abe? Surely, she had to know about the birds and the bees or the way animals did it.

  Bear lifted his head, eyes level with the mattress, staring straight at Jericho. “How much does he understand?”

  “Everything mostly. He’s animal based, has animal instincts. He’s very clever and has an exceptionally quick mind, but I’ve always believed it’s his sense of smell, likely a thousand times better than ours, that really gives him greater understanding. When our moods change we give off different scents that we can’t smell and probably don’t want to. Bear scents those changes and he can also scent prey miles away. He’s a great tracker too and never forgets.”

  “How do you make him disappear?”

  “Bear to me.” The massive beast disappeared without a sound. Abe winked at Jericho and laughed. “I love it when you get that confused look. Like a kid in a candy store, you get it; you just don’t know where to start.”

  Jericho chuckled. “Smartass.” Emerald eyes twinkled back at him. “So where is he?” It was hilarious, yet Jericho scanned the bedroom.

  Abe giggled. “Bear is part of me. Mamam combined us when I was born.”

  “You’re Bear?” Jericho pushed up against the headboard.

  “No silly. He’s Bear, I’m Abe, but he’s with me all the time. He’s my protector.”

  “Where’s he now?” Abe called him silly. Imagine that. She could call him anything and he’d still beg like a dog for any morsel she threw him. And, he thanked every god there ever was that she hadn’t a clue she owned him lock, stock, swollen barrel and a couple of hard balls on the side. Not to mention every last shred of his heart. Now, it beat for her and only her.

  “I’ve got a mark.” Abe buttoned her lip.

  Jericho didn’t want to upset her so he dropped it. “Have you thought any more about mating me?”

  “Hmmm. No, my decision is final. I’m not mating anyone for convenience. Not even to stop Mamam. I’m sorry Jericho.” Gah, he really was stone cold. It was so painfully obvious he had absolutely no damn feelings for her.

  Abe bit down hard on her bottom lip. Even if she gave in and agreed to mate Jericho, it would always be one-sided with her loving him more. Was he even capable of love? Did he know anything about the emotions swirling through her when she was near him?

  Sheepishly, deep blue eyes hooded, he admitted, “Abe, I’m considered a catch.”

  She snorted and quickly rolled off the side of the bed, his fingertips skimming her back as she wriggled away. “As much as I hate to admit it, you’re right Jericho, you are a catch. Probably the catch of all time. Just not my catch.”

  Again without any hesitation, she rejected both him and his offer to mate her. It drove a spike through his heart that she didn’t feel the same way about him as he did for her. He needed to know and asked, “What will you do then?”

  “Find a safe niche until some crisis grabs Mamam’s attention. I can’t run from her forever, but I’ll survive.”

  “Is that all you want? Just to survive? I won’t allow you to leave, Abe, so get used to it.”

  “Jericho, I can’t just hang around here forever. You know it and I know it. That’s only putting off the inevitable.”

  “Abe, this is your home now. You’ll communicate with your mother from here.”

  Abe glared at him – he was ordering her around again, but then a new realization dawned. “Under your protection Mamam can’t snatch me away can she?”

  “She can’t touch you, can’t threaten you and I won’t allow her to force you to do anything unless I agree to it.”

  “Huh. It’s like that eh? Either she owns me or you do. A fine fix I’ve gotten myself into. A real jackpot.”

  He loved her sense of humor and the easy way they sparred back and forth. “Are you calling me a jackpot? It’s okay to call your mother that, but you’re going too far.”

  Abe giggled, heading for the bathroom.

  “Abe, we’ve got to further discuss mating. I know you said no, but there’s lots of positives mating King of the Jinn.” At this point, he’d use anything – even his title assuming it would entice her – make him more appealing.

  Shit, another first. He’d never had to sell himself to a female before.

  “Yeah, like what? I’m already a Princess and by the way you can start addressing me as such. Already royal and above it all, so there’s little appeal from your royalty. Hey, Jericho, maybe write it all down for me – you know the pros and cons. Or better still do a vid.”

  She closed the bathroom door as he roared with laughter. It made her smile, she loved to make him laugh, it was so much nicer than his hard ass in her face all the time, giving orders he knew she’d never obey.

  Jericho continued to chuckle, arms crossing his massive chest and shoulders back. Right in this moment there wasn’t a care in the world as he waited for Abe to come out of the bathroom. His only focus – how to convince her to mate him

  Abe turned off the bathroom light, waited a heartbeat then two, took a deep breath and opened the door. Decisions made – and to hell with her purity.

  Up against the dark headboard of the bed, he was utterly handsome and sinister at once with one corner of his mouth tweaked up. Black hair swept over his shoulders, black silk shirt open with his abs and muscled chest on perfect display and his black jeans crushed and well slept in. He hadn’t taken off his boots either.

  Pure unadulterated eye-candy was Jericho. The King of eye-candy. She wanted her some. Maybe this time she’d be the one in the candy store and she’d know right where to start as her curious emerald eyes dropped to the bulging mass at the front of his jeans.

  Jericho groaned loudly, he liked
the way she was lookin’ at him. “Abe, how much do you know about sex?”

  “A little. I’m not a child even though you insist upon treating me like one at times. Really, I’m not. I know the female may be uncomfortable during it and it can get quite hot and sweaty.” Abe giggled, knowing she was botching it while revealing she knew next to nothing. “Truth is, I’m not really sure about the finer details.”

  It was Jericho’s turn to snort loudly. “So, essentially you admit to knowing very little about sex or mating. Wanna hear my version?” Purposely he leered, his piercing blue eyes roaming over her lush delectable body, pausing for a long moment at the Vee in her jeans, wondering what style and color of underwear she wore today.

  A thrill shot up her spine and heat swarmed between her legs. How could he do that to her with one simple look? “What are you doing?”

  “Talking about you and me mating and what sex is all about. I’d prefer to show you rather than talk.” Jericho winked and added, “Much more fun that way.”

  “Do we have to mate to have sex?”

  He was pleased as hell that she was interested in having sex with him. But he kept his face serene, accepting he had to avoid the truth a little for sure, but at this point he’d do just about anything to get her on board and under him. His cock was so hard he was ready to fucking cut it off. “In this case, Abe, we have to mate while we get hot ‘n sweaty. With your family so fiercely protecting your purity, it can only be given once and it’s forever.”

  Unsure and her Chic Radar on alert, Abe quirked one brow in question. “Is that true?”

  “Your purity is everything to your mother is it not? To seal our mating, your purity will be mine to keep for all time. Eternity, Abe.”

  She shivered – the thought of belonging to Jericho for eternity was sheer bliss – a dream come true. Still, she hedged, “Tell me how it’s done. Do Jinn say vows?”

  Jericho held out his hand to her. “Come here, I’ll explain.”

  “Nuh, uh. I’m not agreeing, I just want to find out how it works.”