As You Wish Page 10

  Karis, look at me.

  She opened her eyes and lost herself in the molten golden depths of his gaze as he pulled back and sank his cock fully into her in one powerful stroke. She let out a sharp cry of surprise. There was no pain, only an incredible amount of heat and pressure as her body stretched to accommodate his hard length.

  Are you okay? He moved within her slightly.

  Don’t stop. She wiggled her hips and sucked in a breath as she adjusted to the width and depth of his penetration.

  He began to move slowly, deeply, reverently within her. The delicious friction was unlike anything she had ever experienced, more than she could have imagined it to be. She was so wet; his cock seemed to glide in and out of her with incredible speed, faster and deeper as she moaned his name. The exquisite sensations intensified, her pleasure tripled and Karis didn’t think she could stand any more of the sweet tension building within her.

  Her nipples ached and her breasts jiggled with the force of his strokes as she wrapped her legs around him. The sound of Vander’s hoarse groan pushed her closer to the edge. Don’t stop, oh, my God, don’t stop!

  If he responded, she didn’t hear him as the first ripples of her climax swept through her. She called his name, helplessly lost in the rings of ecstasy spinning through every inch of her body. Pinpricks of light fluttered behind her eyelids, brighter and brighter. She opened her eyes and gasped.

  A halo of pink light surrounded them!

  She stared at the light as Vander slammed into her several more times. His ragged groan as he climaxed was barely audible over her heavy breathing. She shuddered as he pulled out of her with another groan.

  He collapsed next to her as the ethereal light around them danced off the beads of sweat on their skin.

  “Do you see it?” Karis whispered in awe.

  “See what?” He opened his eyes to look at her.

  “The pink light around us.” She traced the outline of the aura above them.

  “I don’t see anything,” he said, his bald head glistening in the soft light.

  Karis frowned. “It’s so incredible. I’ve never seen anything so bright and beautiful.” She turned her head to look at him.

  “You are coming into your gifts.” He played with an ebony curl. “Try to think of something right now and then focus on blocking the thought from me.”

  “Anything?”

  Vander nodded. “Anything.”

  She looked at him for a second, closed her eyes and concentrated on shielding her thought as it formed in her head. I think I’m falling in love with a genie. She opened her eyes, surprised by her own thought. “Well?”

  Vander shrugged. “Did you think of anything yet?”

  “I did,” she said, sitting up. “You couldn’t hear it?”

  “Not a thing.” He laughed as she let out an excited whoop and clapped her hands with obvious delight.

  “It worked just like you said it would.” She kissed him. “Now I can use my gift to find my mother!”

  “We can find her,” he said, grabbing her hand.

  “Right.” Karis rubbed his beard with her hand. “Do you think I’m strong enough now to help my mom?” She searched his face, seeing a flash of something in his eyes that troubled her before he nodded.

  “You need practice and time to hone your abilities. But we don’t have the luxury of either.”

  “But, I just blocked you from my thoughts. That’s proof that I’m ready.” She shifted her attention from his jaw line to his face. “My mother’s running out of time. I can feel it.”

  “I know, but first we shower,” he said, standing up. “You don’t want your mother to see you like this?” He gestured to her wild hair and dew slicked body.

  Karis glared at him.

  “I didn’t think so.”

  Vander exhaled as Karis headed to the bathroom. What was going on? Obviously, she was coming into some of her abilities but why hadn’t she been able to block him from reading her thoughts?

  He walked to the window and stared unseeing at the rain falling steadily over the woodland.

  She was falling in love with him. He had been blindsided by her declaration, his own gut reaction to it. Before he could second-guess his actions, he had lied to her. How could he admit what he heard when he couldn’t respond to her vulnerable statement?

  He cursed under his breath as he clenched his fists. It had been so easy for him to love Lona. He had surrendered his heart to her with no reservations. When she had walked away from him…from his love, he swore he would never experience that kind of heartbreak ever again. He was free from his past with Lona. Seeing her had confirmed it, but her betrayal had cost him more than years of pain. He had lost his ability to trust his own emotions when it came to his heart.

  The sound of Karis beckoning him to the bathroom snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned from the window ready to join her in the shower. Telling her the truth could destroy the confidence she was going to need in the hours ahead. Not telling her left him alone to wonder if she was strong enough to help Nadine after all.

  Chapter Ten

  “I don’t have anything to wear,” Karis said, wrapping a thick fluffy towel around her as Vander shut off the water in the shower.

  “Tell me your sizes,” he answered back, stepping out of the tub.

  She fought against the familiar pull of desire splintering within her body as her eyes swept over the droplets of water dripping from his bald head and shoulders to the wet hard muscles she now knew so well. “Tell you my sizes?”

  Vander grinned. “Never mind, I took a guess but you will have to give me your shoe size.”

  “Nine.”

  “Look behind you.” He walked out of the bathroom with a cheerful whistle as he secured the towel around his waist.

  She turned, smiling as she saw the pile of clothes waiting for her on the bathroom counter. Upon quick inspection, she found a green sweater, jeans, thick socks, hiking boots and the sheerest, silkiest green bra with a matching pair of panties.

  Blushing, she stepped into the panties, fastened the bra before taking a moment to look in the mirror. Through the steamed reflection, she appreciated the vivid colour against her skin and the perfect fit of the sexy undergarments. Vander had good taste and he tasted good. She laughed out loud at her silly joke, recognising the need to release pent up anxiety and the growing feeling of nervousness pooling in the pit of her stomach.

  The time had come. Would she really be able to use her abilities to help her mother and save her from Rue’s crazy agenda? She pulled on her sweater and pants, wishing she knew the answer to her question. Fully dressed, except for her socks and boots, she smoothed lotion onto her face.

  It was a good thing she had been able to block Vander from her thoughts. She wasn’t ready to profess her…her love? Her hands fell to her sides as she stared at her reflection in the mirror. Did she love him?

  “Karis?”

  She whipped around from the mirror to see him dressed in head-to-toe black, looking deadly and utterly sexy at the same time.

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m good.” She flashed a bright smile. How else could she answer such a loaded question given the chaos of her thoughts? Right now, she had to remain focused on bringing her mother back home and somehow stopping rogue genies from stealing portals necessary to world balance. “I don’t have any of my make-up and that’s okay, but I really miss my strawberry lip bal—”

  “Here.” Vander held out his hand.

  Karis walked to him and took the small tube from his fingers. It was the exact brand she always wore. “Thank you. You read my mind?”

  “No, I remembered seeing the tube of gloss in your bathroom.”

  “Oh.” She followed him back into the bedroom as she smoothed the lip balm on her lips.

  “My friend, Rafi is here. He is another genie who has been working with the High Council to stop Rue and his men.”

  “Okay, give me a minute and I’ll
be right out.”

  “Are you hungry? Technically, we never did eat.”

  Karis blushed as she grinned. She would never forget the feel of his warm mouth on her breasts. “Do you have any fruit?”

  “Whatever you want.”

  “Surprise me.”

  “Done.” He kissed her hard on the lips before exiting the roomy bedroom.

  She sunk down on the freshly made bed, took a deep breath and blocked out the low voices of the two men talking in the living room as she reached out to her mom. Closing her eyes, she focused on seeking out her mother’s energy. We’re coming for you, Mother. She breathed deeply, welcoming the strange buoyant sensation rising within her body.

  Be careful, Karis.

  Mom? Her mother’s presence continued to slip from her mind no matter how hard she focused then she was gone.

  Her eyes flew open. There was no time to lose. She stood up and strode out to the bedroom to join Vander and his friend.

  Ready or not, she had to try.

  Vander had his back to her as she entered the living room and offered Rafi a smile. The first thing she noticed was his warm smile back to her and the incredible bulk of muscles not easily concealed beneath his thin grey pullover sweater. He stood a few inches shorter than Vander and had the physique of a body builder.

  “Karis, this is Rafi,” Vander said, turning to face her as she approached. “Rafi meet Karis.”

  “Nice to meet you, Rafi.” She took his large hand in a friendly handshake, noticing the coolness of his touch compared to Vander’s. He released her hand, concern etched in the strong features of his handsome tanned face.

  “I wish it were under more pleasant circumstances.”

  “I’ve asked Rafi to handle back-up for us once you’ve got a sense of where Nadine is being held. I’m sure Rue is anticipating a rescue attempt and has stationed more men on guard.”

  Karis nodded. “What about, Lona? Has she told the High Council how many men he has prepared?”

  “She did and they’ve already got more reinforcements ready to go.” Rafi unfolded his bulky arms from across his chest. “She asked me to give you this.” He opened his hand with a small smile.

  Karis gasped as she took her mother’s necklace from Rafi with one hand and touched her neck with the other. “Thank you! I didn’t even realise it was missing.” She touched the dainty silver pendant in her palm. “Rue must have taken it when I was out of it.” She looked up at Rafi. “Is Lona okay?”

  Rafi glanced at Vander. “She’s going to be fine.”

  “What does that mean?” she asked, looking to Vander, but Rafi answered.

  “It means she has to go before the High Council for a hearing.”

  “What will happen to her?” she asked, glancing at both men. “I’ll testify or whatever it’s called her on her behalf. She tried to save me from being raped.”

  “It’s not that easy, Karis. The High Council won’t even consider letting her back into our community until she has answered all of their questions and explained how she could go along with Rue’s plan for as long as she did.” Vander touched her arm. “I know you want to help her but the only way we can is to stop Rue.”

  “Then let’s stop talking and get started,” she said with bravado she didn’t feel. “There’s a lot riding on us.” On me.

  Vander cupped her face with his warm hands. “We will find your mother and bring her back home safely.” Together.

  “One way or the other,” Rafi added darkly. “Things are starting to unravel for him. I’m sure he hadn’t expected Lona to switch sides.” He stopped as his cell phone began to chime. “I need to take this. I’ll be out on the deck waiting for your signal.”

  Karis watched him slide open the door leading to the deck. “He seems like a good guy.”

  “The best,” Vander confirmed, taking the necklace from her hand. “Let me put this back on for you.”

  She lifted her hair as he walked behind her, marvelling at how deftly his large hands could fasten the chain.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, pulling her into his warm embrace.

  “I’m scared.” She rested her head on his chest, comforted by the strong thud of his heart beating against her cheek.

  “I know and I wish I could do this part for you.”

  “This is going to work, Vander, it has to.” She pulled away from him, swallowing down the lump in her throat. “Let’s do this.”

  “Why don’t you lay down here?” He motioned her to the dark leather couch and waited until she was comfortable. “Remember how you reached out for me with your mother’s help?”

  “I forgot to tell you I tried to do it again a few minutes ago.” She held up her hand when he frowned. “I’m fine.”

  “Tell me what happened.”

  “She told me to be careful. That was it. It was like she just faded away from me.” She shook her head. “She’s weak and exhausted. I think this may be our last chance to bring her back home.”

  “Don’t say that, don’t even think it. Just focus on reaching her again now.” He sat at the opposite end of the couch and lifted her bare feet onto his lap. “Once you have made the connection, concentrate on finding out where she is now. What you see, I will see and we will go to her,” he said as he rubbed her feet. “I am going to stay right here beside you.”

  “I know,” Karis whispered, seeing concern in the amber depths of his eyes. “Here I go.” She closed her eyes and slowly relaxed as he massaged the soles of her feet. Minutes passed by with only the sound of her breathing filling the room as she reached out to her mother with her mind. She welcomed the familiar buoyancy in her body as she centred her thoughts. A pulse of energy vibrated through her and she was vaguely aware of Vander’s sharp intake of breath as the image of her mother chained to a wall came into full focus. Her heart sank to witness her mom huddled on the ground, shivering in the dark.

  Karis?

  I’m here, Mom. We’re going to get you out of there. Do you know where you are? She could see her struggling to speak and realised Rue must have drugged her. Mom?

  Rue moved me and his men to the Shadow Clearing. Karis, don’t underestimate him or yourself. I’m losing strength…I…

  Mom? Mother?

  Karis opened her eyes and struggled to sit up as waves of disorientation washed over her. “Do you know the place she was talking about?”

  “I do. I can’t believe he’s been practically under High Council’s noses, the last place anyone would suspect him of hiding.” He leant down to kiss her toes. “I’m going to tell Rafi and we’ll go. I want you to stay here.”

  “I’m going. I can help you.” She stood up. “She’s my mother. I have to go.” She yelped as he grabbed her and brought her close to his body.

  “It’s too dangerous, Karis.”

  She tilted her head to look in his eyes. “I could help.”

  “You could get hurt.” His hands tightened on her arms. “I promise I’ll bring your mother back to you. Just wait here where I know you’ll be safe.”

  I feel safe when I’m with you. She didn’t try to block her thought from him.

  The golden irises that had mesmerised her from day one darkened in hue and his hands tightened on her arms as Rafi opened the door.

  “Ready?” Rafi asked.

  “Let’s go,” Vander said, releasing her with a quick kiss.

  The two men talked strategy in low tones as she placed a hand over her racing heart. She had asked herself whether she loved him or not and now the force of the emotion she had only dreamt about experiencing made her heart skip beats. There was no question. She did love him.

  “Vander, wait—” she said, turning around, but the living room was empty.

  He was already gone.

  * * * *

  Vander stepped through the portal with Rafi, Karis’s words replaying in his head. He knew she would be furious for the way he had left her but he couldn’t risk another liability. There was no way he could ha
ndle anything else happening to her. He couldn’t wait to exact retribution when he caught up with Rue for even attempting to harm her…dear, God, for even touching her.

  He silently signalled the other Djinn joining the fight. Each team of men moved into position to attack Rue’s camp up ahead at Shadow Clearing. With the moon hiding behind a cover of clouds, he was banking on the element of surprise. They would hit the rogue genies hard and put an end to the traitorous bastards for good. End the dissention among their kind once and for all.

  He flexed his fists in anticipation of the moment he brought Rue down to his knees. Another tormenting image of Karis’s lifeless body beneath the other genie’s hands kicked his heightened senses into overdrive.

  He would have his revenge.

  With the stealth of a panther, he took the first steps towards the side of the old castle with Rafi and two other men flanked on their sides. It was time and he was more than ready to end what Rue had started.

  Karis cursed. He had left her behind! “Think, Karis, think.” She paced the living room and stopped mid-stride. Her wishes! Vander still had to grant her three wishes. There was no way he could deny her. “Vander, I wish to be where you are,” she whispered and a second later everything went black.

  Vander was calling her name. His angry whisper pierced through the mental fog surrounding her. She blinked as his face slowly came into focus.

  “Dammit, Karis!” he hissed, pulling her up against the cold, stone wall of the castle. “How could you do this?”

  “You left me.” She shook her head, disorientated and cold. “You gave me no choice.”

  “This was careless of you and where the hell are your shoes?”

  His voice was the smallest of whispers, but Karis shivered in the wake of his fury. She glanced at the other men nearby, barely visible in the dark in full tactile gear and night vision goggles.