Rock's Bully: Chapters 6-10 (Patreon)

Chapter 6

I lean against my headboard, more than happy with my view as I sit back and watch Rock strip.

His eyes dart toward the door, ensuring it’s locked, before he reaches for his shirt and pulls it over his head. I feel good knowing I’m the only female to see him like this, and take my time admiring the muscles that flex underneath his skin as he gets to work removing his pants.

He makes a show of it, even if he doesn’t intend to, and I find great joy in watching the way his body moves as he undresses. Rock’s quite smooth in his movements, everything he does meticulous and without fault.

Being around him makes me feel like such a klutz sometimes.

I grin as he removes his last article of clothing, happy to note he’s already hard. The sight of his bobbing erection is enough to do me in, and I shuffle over to where he stands. He’s been driving me crazy all afternoon, and I’m more than ready for my fill.

His eyes darken as I arch my back and reach for his hand, eager to get him into bed with me.

“Hurry up.” I urge.

Rock laughs, but I don’t take any offense as I yank him onto the mattress and attempt to crawl on top. I really do want to know if I can pin him, and am not above launching my attack when he’s not expecting it. It’s a very Wrath thing to do, but at this point Rock should know me well enough to always be prepared.

A loud screech emerges from my throat when Rock grabs my hips and flings me, taking advantage of the leverage I used to pounce as he throws me over him and onto the bed on the other side of his waist.

“You bastard!” I laugh, trying once more to climb on top.

I’m careful not to knock any of his important bits as I grab for his wrists, but Rock easily dodges my hands. He snorts before sitting up and connecting his lips with mine. It’s not what I expected, and the mere second of distraction is all he needs to take hold of my wrists.

Sneaky bastard.

I try and fail to twist out of his hold as he turns and throws his body on top of mine.

“Rock!” I grunt, trapped underneath him.

He lays flat on my body, and the shaking of his shoulders tells me he thinks this is the funniest thing he’s ever done. I wiggle, shove, and yank, but Rock’s heavier than he looks. I suppose all that muscle adds up.

Realistically it would be easy for me to tap into my Wrath and push him off, but I don’t want to. I like this playfulness too much to ruin it.

“You smell good.” He states, burying his face into my neck where my scent is most potent.

I pause, my cheeks warming in response to the compliment. I like his smell, too.

Sensing that I’ve given up trying to get him, Rock props himself up on his elbows and looks down at me. A soft smile toys at the corners of his lips, and I’m sure mine matches as he gives me another kiss.

“Do you remember when we first met?” I ask.

Rock nods, the space between his eyebrows crinkling as he rolls onto his side. I copy the action, and turn so we’re still facing one another.

“Yes. You had a funny shaped head and were covered in birth fluid.” He states.

I huff, annoyed that’s what he decided to say. I understand Rock feels weird about the fact that he has known me my whole life and very literally saw me being born, but I don’t think it’s that bad.

Maybe it would be different if he had been involved in my childhood, but he was gone for most of it.

I can count on one hand the number of times we crossed paths when I was a kid, and even then, it was during large events and we hardly spoke to one another. He was too busy flirting with women, and I had little interest in the boring man that worked for my fathers.

He didn’t become a regular figure in my life until I was well into my twenties, and by then we were practically strangers.

“No. I mean when you made your debut back in the Demon realm.” I clarify.

Rock raises a brow.

“My debut?”

I shrug. That’s pretty much what it was. Daddy G insisted on throwing a giant party to celebrate Rock’s formal return, and from the looks of it, didn’t spare any expense. It went on for days, and was the first time I had any real interaction with Rock.

I still want to know why he was gone in the first place, but I know asking won’t get me any answers. I think it’s a Fated thing they aren’t allowed to talk about.

The moment I saw him at that party, though, I was obsessed. I also wasn’t exactly good about hiding it. Each of my parents teased me at some point during the party that I was drooling, and Pop went as far as to try and dab my mouth when I got too aggressive with my gawking.

I couldn’t help it, though.

Rock moved with such easy confidence I’d never seen a male possess before, and despite the sheer amount of power emanating from him, he was full of friendly smiles and happy greetings. Most powerful Demons I meet have an inflated sense of ego, and the way they look down on my mother and the weaker breeds is always such a turn-off.

The only Demons I’ve found that I can tolerate are Incubi, those ones prone to liking everybody, but they’re impossible to have a serious relationship with. I’ve tried too many times to count, but all that leads to are angry fights and hands coated in blood.

They can never seem to keep their dicks in their pants, and I won’t be made a fool.

But Rock, I could tell immediately that he was special.

He didn’t treat my mom any differently than anybody else, and went as far as to flick her so hard on her forehead that she winced. Nobody ever dares to touch my mom, even if it’s playful, in fear that she’s so fragile she’ll drop dead the moment they come in contact with her.

I found it, him, intriguing, even if I hated the way he ignored me.

Rock was more than polite when Dad introduced us, the man saying and doing all the right things before moving on to speak with a succubus he felt was more enticing. It was a shock, most men fawning over me because of my status and parents, but Rock didn’t seem to care at all.

I knew right then and there that I was going to have him, and after five excruciatingly long years of plotting, I finally do.

“Ciara, you’re aware that referring to flirting with me as plotting makes you sound crazy?” Rock laughs, tucking my hair behind my ear as I share my side of the story with him.

I shrug, not caring.

“I do remember that day.” He eventually admits, grabbing my hip and pulling me closer.

I throw my thigh over his waist and rest my head on his shoulder. This feels nice.

“You reeked of arousal, and I was so fucking angry by how much I liked it. I was terrified your dads would smell it and try to kill me. You think Aziel’s possessive of you now, but you have no idea how intense he was back then.” He breathes, slipping his hand between our bodies.

I lick my lips, rocking my hips as his fingers find their way to my sex.

“Fuck, and you were so damn persistent. For years I felt like you were there every time I turned around, your sweet smell saturating every damn room I entered.” He states.

I stiffen for a brief moment before forcing my body to relax, but Rock notices it anyway. He slips two fingers into my sex and curls them upward as he demands I tell him why I reacted that way to his words.

“I, well,” I start, pausing to readjust with a low moan. Fuck, that feels good. “I bribed your assistant to give me your meeting schedule, and whenever you were out I’d go in there and mess around with things so it’d smell like me when you got back.” I admit.

Rock connects his thumb with my clit and rubs me in a slow circle before pulling away entirely and spreading my thighs. I feel empty without his fingers inside me, and I sink my teeth into my bottom lip as I straddle him and sink onto his length.

The stretch is good, and Rock curls his hands around my hips as I begin to ride him at a relaxed pace.

“Of course you did.” He breathes, looking down to watch where his cock disappears into my body. “It’s just my luck that my girlfriend would turn out to be my stalker.”

I grin, happy with the title as I sink back down and roll my hips. Rock’s so thick, and I struggle to maintain a smooth rhythm as he sits up and connects his mouth with my chest. He scrapes my nipple between his teeth before biting down, and I arch my back to keep him there as I reach between us and touch myself.

He moans, his fingers digging into my ass as he helps me ride him.

“I stole a pair of your dirty underwear last year and masturbated into them for a good month.” He blurts.

Rock’s noises grow in volume as I writhe against him, eager to bring us both to orgasm. I want him to cum in me again, and share that between sharp gasps every time he drives his hips up and slams himself entirely inside me.

“Fuck, Ciara, I love you.” Rock continues.

It takes everything in me not to sink my teeth into him as my muscles clench around his length and I tip over the edge. Rock throws me onto my back, his body caging in mine as he takes over our fucking. His hips strike my ass with each thrust, and I push back against them until he stiffens and spills inside me.

I trace one of the thick scars on his shoulder before leaning in and kissing it. He cups the back of my head, his breaths still shaky as he recovers from his orgasm.

“Stay the night with me?” I ask.

Before hearing his answer I wrap my legs around his waist, trapping him against me in case he says no.

“I really shouldn’t. I wouldn’t want your parents figuring out we’re together this way.” He murmurs.

I frown, more than a little annoyed with that. My room is soundproofed, and if he’s okay fucking me in it, I don’t see why he draws the line at actually sleeping with me. Angry, I latch harder around him, refusing to let him leave.

“Ciara,” Rock sighs, grabbing my thighs as if he’s going to push me off before changing his mind and rolling us onto our sides. “Very well, but don’t be surprised when Aziel finds us and rips out my heart.”

I wedge my face into his chest, happy he’s letting me have the win.

“He would never do that.” I promise.

Rock plants a kiss on my head before gesturing for me to get up so we can climb underneath the covers. I’m leaking his cum, but I don’t say anything about it as I shut off the lamp to my room and cuddle up against him.

My crusty thighs will be a problem for future me.

“So you stole my dirty underwear?” I eventually tease, breaking the comfortable silence between us.

Rock groans, but doesn’t deny it.

“It’s nothing compared to the weird shit you apparently did.” He argues.

He’s not wrong about that. My desperation knows no bounds, and I did many things I’m not exactly proud of to get Rock’s attention. I was especially bad the first year or two after we met, but as our friendship grew, I stopped doing most of the sneaky things.

It felt too risky, and I didn’t want to ruin what he had already begun to develop.

Besides, once I knew he wouldn’t run to my parents and tell them what I was doing, I realized I didn’t have to sneak around. I could lay on a bed and masturbate right in front of him to show my interest.

And it worked, too.

Now I’ve got him naked and curled around me while I leak his fluids. I entwine our legs, almost wishing I could crawl up inside his body and we could be one. Soon he’ll let me mark him and we will be one, our souls entwined and forever connected.

Demons don’t typically mark one another, instead choosing things that are less permanent, but I want what my parents have. They are so perfect together, and I’ve always dreamed of the day I would have a mark on my neck to show off to the world.

I smile and slide my fingers to the side of Rock’s neck. His pulse thunders underneath my fingers, and I press against the skin where my mark will go. He’ll look so good with it.

“When do you want to tell your parents about us?” Rock asks.

That’s a good question. I know we should do it sooner rather than later, but I’m enjoying things the way they are right now. Sneaking around with Rock is exhilarating, and I know the moment I tell my dads, they’re going to be nosy and annoying.

I also don’t want to mess with Rock’s work.

He’s Daddy G’s right-hand man, and I’d hate to come between them. He and my parents have been friends long before I was even born, and I’m not naive enough not to realize that this will put a bad taste in their mouths.

“Let’s not think about that right now.” I eventually state.

Rock hums, and I can tell he’s not exactly pleased but doesn’t push. Instead he cups my head and plays with my hair, his fingers running through them before carefully untangling the few knots I earned when he was throwing me around the bed.

His touch is soothing, and I hope he’s still here when I wake. I know he typically gets up early for work, but I think it would be nice to wake up in his arms.

“What time do you have to get up tomorrow?” I ask.

My voice is thick with sleep, and I fight to stay awake as I wait to hear his answer.

“I have to be at work by six.” He answers, laughing as I shiver in response.

Gross. I will most definitely not be waking in his arms.

Chapter 7

"Seven months! It's been seven fucking months, Ciara." Rock hisses, yanking on his pants.

I cover myself with his comforter, not having anticipated this angry of a response. It's not like I don't want to tell my parents about us. I'm just not ready. I know everything will change the second they're made aware of our relationship, and I'm scared of what that'll mean for Rock and me.

Rock could lose his job. Dad will undoubtedly be furious. Shay will probably start badgering me for details. I'm just not ready for it.

"If it means that much to you, we can tell them tomorrow after the party." I state.

Rock scoffs, his glare cutting deep as he searches for and throws on his shirt. I hate when he looks at me with anything other than adoration, and feel my pulse race in response to his icy stare.

"Where are you even going?" I ask, crawling to the end of the bed.

Rock ignores me as he searches around for his socks. We never get to enjoy lazy mornings together, and I was looking forward to this one. A glance at the clock confirms that it's much too early to argue, but as I reach for Rock's arm, he moves it out of my reach and grabs his shoes.

"I have work to do." He lies.

My lips purse as my frustration grows, and I glare at the side of his head before dropping the covers from my chest and reaching for him again.

"No, Ciara."

I recoil, not liking the tone he's speaking to me with. It makes me feel like a misbehaving child and Rock knows it.

"We can tell them tomorrow." I repeat, frustrated when he refuses to stop moving around.

Rock shakes his head and sits on the edge of the bed to tie his shoes. I take advantage of that and throw myself at him, wrapping my limbs around his back before hooking my legs around his waist so he can't escape.

I hate when he leaves angry, and I want to settle this now.

"I have been more than patient, and more than understanding, but this is getting fucking ridiculous. I love you, but I refuse to sit around begging you to tell your family about us." He grunts, prying my interlocked fingers apart. "Are you embarrassed by me?"

My entire body stills. What?

"No!" I rush to assure him. "Of course not."

How could he even think that?

Rock turns to meet my eye, but I can tell by his expression that he doesn't believe me. What would ever make him think I'm embarrassed by him? Rock's one of the most sought-after bachelors and is kind, strong, smart, and literally everything a girl could ever want.

If anything, he should be ashamed of me.

"Then why do you continue to put off telling your parents about us?" He asks.

I shake my head.

"I just said we can tell them tomorrow."

"You're saying that because I'm angry, not because you actually want to tell them." He points out.

He's right about that and we both know it, so I don't bother trying to argue otherwise. This entire argument started because he suggested we tell them after the party and I laughed before pushing it off. Again.

"I'm scared." I admit. "I don't want anything to ruin or change what we have. I'm happy, so fucking happy with you, and I worry about what will happen when we tell them."

Rock sighs, and I take advantage of his momentary softening as I hurry to strip him of his clothing and force him back into bed with me. He doesn't fight me, which I appreciate, and crawls back under the covers with a low huff.

"I don't care if your parents disapprove, Ciara. I love you, and that's not going to change. I'm just so tired of always sneaking around." He mumbles.

I place my finger between his eyebrows and smooth out the frustrated wrinkles between them. Rock lets me, and leans into my touch when I cup his cheek afterward.

None of what he says is news to me. He's been saying it for months, and it's become an almost daily comment in the past two. I've been ignoring it, and he's been letting me, but I should've known at some point that wouldn't be acceptable any longer.

It seems today is that day.

"When women come sauntering into my office, I want to show them the mark you're yet to leave on my skin and tell them I'm taken." He continues, playing into the jealousy we both know I struggle to control.

My fingers trail to his neck, and I poke at the spot where I've already decided I will mark him. He's dead set on not letting me sink my teeth into him until we've told my parents. I want to so badly, and scratch his skin until a thin line of blood reaches the surface.

He'll heal in a second, but I still like seeing the spot marred by me even if it doesn't last.

"I want to mark you and give you my pebbles." Rock sighs.

I blink, running his words through my mind as I try to make sense of them. What is he talking about? Rock doesn't collect stones as far as I know.

"Your pebbles?" I eventually give in and ask.

Rock's answering grin tells me I'm about to roll my eyes.

"Yes. Because I am Rock." He chuckles, bringing his hand to my belly. "And our children will be my pebbles."

I think I've forgotten how to breathe. I'm sure my emotions are incredibly apparent as I duck my head in a sad attempt to hide my smile. Rock and I have briefly mentioned children a few times, usually just to confirm that we both want them, but he's never said anything like this before.

My pulse races at the thought of carrying and having his children. I'm not ready to be a mother yet, something he's been made aware of, but I still can't wait for the day we decide to start a family. I want a million children, and look forward to creating my own Wrath army I can use to overtake Dad.

He seems to think it's pretty funny when I tell him that, but he will be changing his mind when my spawn and I swarm his office and kick him out. I could probably go to him today with the news that I'm ready to take over and he would start preparing me to do just that, but I can still barely even shift.

Wrath needs a strong leader and I'm not quite there yet, but someday I will be. Someday I will lead the Wraths and I will be damn good at it.

"Rock isn't even your real name." I blurt.

Sometimes I forget that, so used to everybody I know calling him Rock. I've grown so accustomed to it that when somebody refers to him as Rexton I think they're confused.

"I know, but I've grown to like it over the years. I just about wanted to kill Gray when he gave it to me. He went through a phase when he met your mom where he insisted on renaming everybody. He went to Gray and forced Aziel to go by Alex. He wanted Silas to go by Shawn, but Silas refused." Rock shares.

I laugh, having never heard that story before.

I'm not surprised by it, though, and I can visualize Daddy G doing just that. When I was sixteen he wanted to change from Gray to Riggs, but mom didn't like it so it didn't stick.

"Let's tell them tomorrow. I mean it." I state, cupping Rock's cheeks and looking into his eyes so he can see how earnest I am.

I love Rock, and if tucking away my fears and coming clean to my family is what's going to make him happy, then I'll do it. Even if the mere thought has me ready to shit my pants.

On the off chance my parents aren't mad about me dating Rock, they're most definitely going to be pissed that I kept it from them for seven months. Prolonging this has only dug me a deeper hole, and is only worsening my fear of saying anything.

Rock slides his arms around my waist and pulls me into his chest, hugging me tightly. There's nothing I love more than being squeezed by him, and happily return his hold with one of my own.

"Thank you, Ciara." He whispers.

I nod before pulling away so I can kiss him. We bicker a lot, and even though we don't often fight, it always tears me up inside when we do. Rock's lips are soft against my own, and I don't hesitate to open my mouth and deepen it.

I want assurance that he still loves me, and this is the best way I know how to get it.

Rock slides his knee between my legs with a low moan, and rolls me onto my back before crawling down my body and spreading my thighs. He takes his time licking me, and doesn't come back up until I'm sealing his head between my legs with a loud cry.

"I love you so fucking much, Ci." He gasps, sliding into me.

I grin, and laugh when he flips us and puts me on top. Rock rarely lets me be in charge, and I take full advantage of it as I grab his wrists and pin them above his head. He allows me to hold them there as I ride him, but when he finishes he breaks free so he can push my hips down and shove the entirety of his length into me.

He twitches a few times as he cums, and when he pulls out I feel him dripping down my inner thighs. I love it, and hover over him with a soft smile.

"What women are sauntering into your office?" I pry, his earlier words still lingering in the back of my head.

Rock rolls his eyes with a laugh, but I don't join him. I want to know what females are trying for my male. He told me months ago that he was no longer receiving visitors, everybody getting the hint that he wasn't available. I took care of the few who were too slow to get the memo, and even though I was discreet, word still got around that women visiting Rock were going missing.

It stressed him out, and he made me stop when Daddy G and Aziel pulled him into a meeting to ask if he was killing them and needed some time off.

I'm sure Daddy G knows it was me, but he's kept my secret quiet. Every once in a while he'll come to my room asking if there's anything I want to tell him, the man always prying, but I blow him off every time.

It's one thing to know he knows, and another to sit down and have a whole discussion about it.

“There are no women, Ciara. I was just saying that to make you mad." Rock says.

The very corner of his lip twitches when he lies, and I force myself to remain calm when I notice it move. Rock and I have been together for a long while now and I trust him completely, but I still don't like the idea of women sniffing around what's mine.

Especially when I know it's likely a Succubus who has been with him in the past.

Sometimes I think too much about the fact that he works day in and day out surrounded by women he knows exactly how it feels to be inside. It makes me irrationally angry, and I refuse to let today be the day it gets the best of me.

Rock watches me clench my jaw and fight my Wrath, and peppers me in dozens of soft kisses when I finally get it under control. He's been doing that a lot lately, making me mad and forcing me to calm myself down.

"You're getting really good at that, Ciara. When we first started dating, you'd be in Wrath trying to smell my office chairs." He praises.

I bury my fingers into his sides.

"That was one time." I defend myself.

Rock smiles and nods. It was not only one time and we both know that, but he technically only caught me once and that's all I'm willing to confess to.

"Just about everybody in Lust has concluded that I have a secret girlfriend, and a few women don't seem to respect that. They have been finding excuses to enter my office between meetings, but I'm keeping my door open as I know you like me to and have been shutting down every advance the moment it begins." He finally admits.

I want to rip out their hearts.

Rock rubs my cheeks until I've calmed down once more.

I want to ask if he's been intimate with any of them in the past, but Rock and I have agreed not to speak about that. I was getting too angry with his answers, and he was tired of being punished for his past.

At one point it almost broke us up, Rock declaring that if I couldn't get past it we would never work, and after much, much angry soul searching, I've promised not to pry.

Instead I sit on the center of his belly. Rock grimaces as his cum spreads all over his skin, but doesn't say anything about it as I lay flat on him and squeeze him tight.

Someday I will sink my teeth into him and our scents will combine. Any females who approach him will smell me, and while they don't respect the faceless girlfriend they know he has, they will respect me.

I have a reputation, admittedly not the best one, but it wasn't formed out of nothing. If they want to disrespect me when he wears my mark, then I will disrespect them by ripping off their flesh.

Rock trails his fingers down my spine, his touch soft and comforting.

"Would you like to meet my parents?" Rock asks.

I kiss his collarbone. I hate them for what they did to him, and even though he occasionally speaks to his mother and father, I can't bring myself to do it.

The moment I look at them, the moment I see the people who covered his body in thick scars, I will lose control.

There's no question about it.

"I will meet them at their funerals." I breathe.

Rock laughs, his chest vibrating as he cups the back of my head and urges me to look up so he can kiss me. When he grows hard underneath me, I can't help but smile against his lips and reach a hand between our bodies.

I take hold of him and squeeze tight.

"Mine." I breathe.

"Yours."

Chapter 8

Tommy’s face is entirely covered in chocolate, and it takes everything in me not to laugh as he comes sauntering up to me with only the confidence a Lust can muster. Even though he’s only a toddler, he’s suaver than anybody I’ve ever met, and I watch him come up alongside me with a smile.

I’ve grown bored of this conversation, and Tommy’s messy lips are the perfect excuse to slip away.

“Sorry, but I should go clean him up.” I smile, stepping away from the two Greeds who have been bothering me all night.

After Greed’s fight with Dad, their entire kingdom has been thrown into chaos and they’re all desperate to make peace with us. They don’t know what to do now that their leader is dead, and her children are doing a poor job trying to manage.

I’m not surprised she didn’t teach them how to rule, the action fitting perfectly with her name.

Tommy coughs on my hand as I reach for his, and I resist the urge to gag as the wet particles land on me. What’s wrong with him? Who coughs on another person?

Kids are fucking disgusting.

Still, I wrap my fingers around his and lead him out of the room. I make brief eye contact with Pop on my way out, and gesture to the small child before exiting. He’s in charge of watching the miniature Lust tonight, and the last thing I need is to come back in five minutes to all three of my dads tearing apart the room in search of him.

Again.

Tommy has a bad habit of wandering off, and when he grows old enough to shift, I just know he’s going to be an absolute menace.

Rock’s fingers graze mine when I walk past him, and I slow to shoot him a soft smile. The man looks amazing tonight, finally changing out of his robes and into an actual suit. I’ve never seen him so formal before, and the knowledge that he’s doing it for me has butterflies erupting inside my stomach.

He wants to look nice when we talk to my parents tonight.

I flush, and hurry Tommy along when he squeals and gives away my excitement. He’s too young to pick up on sexual desire, but the little rat sure as fuck can tell when somebody is happy. I hate him for embarrassing me, and push open the bathroom door before picking him up and setting his butt on the counter.

He licks at the chocolate on his face, trying and failing to eat as much as he can before I wipe it off.

“What were you even eating?” I huff, rubbing the wet towel across his lips.

He scrunches his nose and tries to push me away, but he’s small and weak and his attempts do nothing. Once he’s clean I get to work fixing his bowtie. Daddy G put him in a dark blue one with little dinosaur drawings all over it, but the fool put it on upside down.

“Candy.”

I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

“No shit.” I huff. “What kind? And where’d you get it from?”

I’m feeling a bit hungry myself, and I wouldn’t mind some sweet chocolate to snack on. There are several appetizers around I can eat, but they all taste like shit. I want something full of empty carbs and regret.

“No shit.” Tommy parrots.

My lips twitch upward before I force them down and shake my head. Dad will kill me if I return his child with an expanded vocabulary.

“Don’t say that.” I plead, already knowing it’s a lost cause.

If you tell Tommy not to say something, all that’ll encourage him to do is look you in the eye and scream it about a thousand times. He likes the attention it gets him, and I curse myself for having been dumb enough to swear in front of him in the first place.

Hoping to distract him, I help him stand on the counter and spin so he can see himself in the mirror. He leans in, examining his outfit and newly clean face before nodding and turning back to me. His grin tells me he likes it, the man just as cocky as Dave and Daddy G.

I’m starting to get sick of Incubus blood in our home, and I need to talk to Dad later about ensuring his next child is a Wrath or Fate. Wraths are arguably the best, but I’ll settle for a Fate if it means the Incubi no longer outnumber us.

“Well, aren’t you looking stunning this evening.”

I’m going to stab myself in the eye.

I plaster a smile on my lips as I turn toward Wren. Fucking him was a mistake, and dating him was an even worse one. Daddy G had me fooled into thinking Incubi could be trusted, but Wren sure taught me a lesson for that foolish thinking.

Daddy G is an anomaly, and all Incubi are cheating trash.

Not wanting to upset Tommy, I refuse to let the sight of Wren make me angry as I glance down at myself and mumble a polite thank you. Just as Rock got all dressed up this evening, it seems I did the same.

Cocktail attire is generally the go-to for Wrath parties, but I’m a bit more on the formal end of that spectrum. I chose something red, knowing how much Rock likes it, and the tight silhouette leaves very little to the imagination.

Mom told me I looked like a slutty devil when she first saw me in it, which is exactly what I was going for.

Wren blocks the bathroom door, and I grab Tommy and place him on my hip to act as a buffer.

He may be a cocky bastard, but he won’t try anything when I’m actively holding a child in my arms. He knows my dads would tear out his heart, and he loves himself way too much to risk getting killed.

“Excuse me,” I breathe, gesturing for him to move.

He doesn’t. Naturally.

“I haven’t seen you around Lust in months. I hope our breakup hasn’t scared you away.” He teases.

Deep breaths. Just take deep, calming breaths.

Tonight is not the night to make a scene. I’m shitting myself at the mere thought of telling my parents about Rock and me, and I want everything to be perfect. Everything has to be perfect.

Tommy wiggles, his fingers digging into my shoulders as he grows uncomfortable. I know he doesn’t like my smell when I’m angry, but he’s very literally the only thing keeping me from losing control right now so he’s just going to have to suck it up a minute longer.

“I’ve been busy.” I state, readjusting Tommy so I can better smell his stupid fucking baby scent and stay calm.

Wren’s smile grows, the man picking up on my subtle action more than I’d like it to. He used to love making me angry, claiming to find our hate sex hot. I know that’s what he’s trying to do now, but he won’t get that reaction out of me.

The moment he tries to put a hand on me, I’m ripping out his throat, repercussions be damned.

“I have a boyfriend.” I state.

Wren steps forward. I step back.

“Really? Because I don’t see him anywhere?” He teases.

“Aziel’s looking for you, Ciara.”

My muscles relax when Rock steps into the space. His eyes are on Wren the entire time, the anger in them impossible not to notice. He knows about my history with the Incubus, our very public breakup reaching more ears than I’d have cared for it to, and despite not being prone to jealousy, I know Rock holds no soft feelings for the man.

Wren looks confused as he notices Rock’s hostility, and glances between him and me before gasping.

“You!” He blurts, pointing to me. “You’re the whore everybody’s been talking about. The one dating Rock!”

I purse my lips, not wanting to deny it but not wanting to confirm it just yet. Wren will be telling everybody the second he leaves the room, and I want to be the one to inform my parents. They’d kill me if they found out through somebody else.

I practically drop Tommy when Rock pins Wren against the wall.

The bathroom door swings shut, and I rush forward to break the two apart. What the fuck is Rock doing? Starting a fight is the absolute last thing we need right now.

“Call her a whore again.” Rock breathes.

His voice is barely audible over Tommy’s sudden screaming, and I’m immediately overwhelmed as I force myself between the two fighting men and push both of them away from one another. I’m surrounded by a bunch of fucking children!

“So it’s true.” Wren snorts, adjusting his shirt. “You’ll learn soon enough, Rock. Ciara here is nothing more than a tease.” He continues, leveling his stare with mine before returning it to my boyfriend.

He’s always loved starting trouble, hence why I was attracted to him in the first place, and I’m very quickly beginning to regret that.

“She’ll tell you she loves you, she’ll put her teeth all over you, but she never does pull the trigger.” He hisses.

Fuck.

That was probably the absolute thing he could have said to Rock. Things were different with Wren, and he always pushed me to announce our relationship just for the fame. He didn’t actually care about me, and just wanted to be known as the man dating the Wrath heir.

I bet he thought it would help him get laid more.

Many women hate me, and would undoubtedly love to sleep with the man I was publicly claiming as my own.

Tommy slams his body into the door and escapes just as Rock shifts away. In a panic, I reach out and grab his arm last minute so I can tag along. He can’t just run from me. I know he’s sensitive I’ve been putting off telling my parents about us, but it’s so much different than it was with Wren.

I didn’t care about Wren outside of stupid vanity reasons, but I fucking love Rock.

I can tell he’s pissed I rode along with him the second we solidify in his home. He rips his arm out of my hold and turns away, his chest heaving with each breath he takes.

“Go back to the party, Ciara.” He orders, reaching for his tie.

I shake my head as he yanks it off and throws it across the room.

“No. Wren doesn’t know what he’s talking about, Rock. We are telling my parents tonight, remember.” I promise, desperate for him to believe me. “Wren is stupid, and my relationship with him was nothing like ours.”

Rock scoffs and rips off his jacket. It joins his tie on the floor, and I run around him when he turns and begins removing his shirt. The buttons pop, a few falling to the floor with quiet thuds.

“Did you tell him you love him?” Rock asks.

I gape, not knowing why he’s asking. It doesn’t matter.

“Did you?” He urges.

I sink my teeth into my bottom lip before nodding.

“Yes, bu-“

“Did you put your teeth on him?” Rock interrupts, not giving me even a second to explain.

A part of me wants to refuse to answer, but that alone would be telling. In all honesty, I’ve put my teeth on every man I’ve been with. I don’t know why I did it, and only with Rock have I ever actually wanted to mark, but I found it hot to do something I know I shouldn’t.

Putting my teeth on them was precisely that.

It’s symbolic amongst Demons, and I curse myself for being so stupid as I watch Rock’s face fall. I never told him about it, mainly because he never asked and it’s not something I’m exactly jumping at the gun to tell people, but also because I was scared of seeing his expression as it is right now.

He looks devastated, and when I step forward to touch him, he recoils like the mere thought of my hands on him is vile.

I hold in tears as I step back and give him the space he’s so clearly wanting.

“Did you string him along like you have to me, constantly telling him you’re going to tell your family and the world but never actually doing it.” Rock spits.

My cheeks grow wet as I watch him pace, the muscles and scars on his back flexing as he reaches up and runs his hand through his hair. I hate that he’s turned away from me, refusing to so much as let me see his face.

“Baby, please.” I beg.

He stiffens, hopefully debating turning back to me, before shaking his head.

“Go away, Ciara. I need time to think.” He states.

Time to think? Think about what? I cover my mouth with my hands to try and muffle my sob. Is he trying to break up with me? He can’t do that. No. I won’t let him do that. Rock’s the only person I’ve ever truly wanted, and I refuse to let my stupid past ruin that. I love him too fucking much to walk away without a fight.

“I love you, Rock, and I want to tell my family about you. I’m excited to do it. Please. You have to believe me. Things with Wren were never serious. Not like they are with us.” I promise, desperate for him to believe me.

Rock finally spins to face me, and I’m horrified to see that his eyes are wet.

“I don’t care to hear it. I’m tired of sitting around like a fucking idiot waiting for you to- “

We both freeze when Dad pops into the room, a still-screaming toddler clutched in his arms. He looks pissed, and probably came here to yell at me for working Tommy into a frenzy and then leaving, but that expression shifts to confusion as he glances between Rock and me.

Rock turns back around, probably not wanting Dad to see his tears, but I can tell it’s too late as Dad’s expression shifts to horror.

His eyes dart between Rock’s bare back and my wet, red face as he sets Tommy on the ground. The child shuffles himself into another room, probably on his way to breaking several Rock’s items, but we all let him go.

If it isn’t Rock’s crying that gives it away, it’s most definitely his lack of shirt. I doubt even Aziel has seen the scars that litter Rock’s body, the man careful to always keep them hidden.

Nobody sees him without his clothing, but here I am in his apartment in the middle of an argument while he’s half naked.

Dad clears his throat and crosses his arms over his chest, his disappointed eyes settling on mine.

“How long?”

Chapter 9

I hate crying. I always have.

When I was around fourteen, I decided that I would never cry again, and for the most part, have been successful. The few times I’ve been brought to tears I’ve done it in private, hiding my shame and pain from the world, and that’s the way I like it.

My Dad hasn’t seen me cry in years, and I can tell the sight of my wet cheeks and wobbly bottom lip is strange for him as he clears his throat and re-straightens his spine. He doesn’t like seeing me like this, but his Wrath is winning.

He’s angry, and he won’t stop until he has his answers.

“How long, Ciara?” Dad repeats.

I open my mouth, but the words die in my throat before I get anything out. Fear keeps me silent, unable to form a single sentence. This isn’t how I wanted him to find out.

Movement from Rock distracts me, and I turn just in time to watch him slide his shirt back over his shoulders. He still faces away from us, refusing to look at either my dad or me as he redresses. Out of the corner of my eye I see Dad cross his arms over his chest, the man probably growing impatient.

I’m sure my silence isn’t helping the thoughts swirling around in his head.

“About seven months.” I finally state.

My words are no louder than a whisper, but I can tell Dad’s heard them by the way he recoils and shakes his head. He was probably expecting me only to say a few weeks, maybe a month or two at most.

Our family doesn’t keep things from one another, especially things this big for this long.

Once Rock’s finally dressed, Dad looks over at him, and I take it as a good sign that he respected the man’s privacy despite his anger. A small part of me has always been afraid of Dad’s wrath killing Rock, but his consideration speaks volumes.

Rock shoves his hands deep into his robes and shrugs, offering no explanation.

He still refuses to look at me, and when I move to be closer to him, he shuffles away. The movement hurts, fucking burns me to my core, but I don’t push it and slide back to my original spot. Is he truly so angry that he can’t even look at or be near me?

He’s wanted to tell my parents for months, and I’m sure this isn’t exactly how he imagined it.

It’s not how I did, either.

“You’ve been fucking my daughter for seven months?” Dad hisses.

Rock nods, his eyes briefly darting toward me before he returns them to the seething man.

“Yes.” He answers, his tone cold.

I shake my head, hating the way this is happening. Rock and I were supposed to be all in love and happy when we told Dad, and he would see just how perfect we are for one another and be excited for us.

This is the exact opposite.

“It’s not Rock’s fault. “I chime in, eager to get Dad’s murderous gaze off the man I love. “If there’s anybody you should be angry with, it’s me. I-“

“I don’t care to hear a damn word you have to say, Ciara.” He spits, cutting me off.

I bite my lip, trying and failing to stop a pained noise from slipping from my throat. Dad and I always fight, but he’s never been this angry with me. I hide my hands behind my back so nobody can see their shaking.

“She is a child.” Dad continues, returning his attention to Rock.

I shake my head, but Dad lifts a hand to stop me from speaking.

“She’s older than Charlie was when you met her.” Rock states.

It’s annoying that they’re speaking about me like I’m not even here, but I know now’s not the time to complain about that. Rock and I knew our age difference would be a sticking point for my parents, and Dad’s statement isn’t unsurprising.

It was an issue for Rock, too.

Still, I’m not a child. I’m a grown adult, and old enough to make these decisions for myself.

Dad can’t scare away or kill all my boyfriends like he did when I was a teenager. At some point, he’s going to need to accept that I’m a woman. I’m not his little girl anymore.

A loud crash followed by an even louder squeal cuts through the room, causing Dad to glance down the hallway Tommy disappeared into. He sucks in a slow breath, an action he does whenever he’s fighting to keep himself from losing control, and I hold my own as I watch him shut his eyes.

After what feels like a lifetime, he exhales and returns his focus to us.

“I’m disappointed in both of you.” He states.

Those words are crushing, and I can only watch in horror as he storms down the hallway for Tommy. There’s a bit of a commotion as he grabs the boy, and then seconds later both heartbeats are gone.

“Rock-“I start, turning to the man still standing as far from me as he can possibly get.

He shakes his head before disappearing, shifting to fuck knows where.

I know he’s angry, but we need to talk. I shift to his office, hoping to find him there, and am disappointed when I’m met with an empty room. His secretary says she hasn’t seen him either, and I order her to let me know if he comes by before shifting to his home in Wrath.

He never comes here, but it’d be a good place for him to go if he’s trying to avoid me.

This shift takes it out of me, my body exhausted after making two big jumps back to back, but I shove aside the pain and storm around Rock’s home. He’s nowhere to be seen, and the stale scent tells me he hasn’t been here recently, either.

Where the fuck did he go?

I love Rock, I really do, but he doesn’t have much of social life. He spends most of his time at work, and the few hours a day he has to himself are usually spent lounging on his couch watching movies.

He’s got like four friends, but they’re all at the Wrath party tonight so I know he’s not with any of them.

Shit.

I suck in a slow breath before shifting back to the party. This time I’m careful to enter through my closet, not wanting to risk ending up in the middle of the room naked. Patting myself down, I’m happy to note I’ve brought every article of clothing I’m wearing with me.

Now’s not the time to bask in the personal victory of completing three consecutive shifts without getting lost in a void or ending up naked, though.

My knees shake as I push open the closet door and storm into the ballroom. Immediately I spot Dad with Tommy, the boy clutched tightly in his arms, but thankfully he doesn’t seem to notice me. Despite his anger, I know he’d be by my side the moment he sees my weak state.

I’m sure it’s showing on my face, my cheekbones probably sunken in and dark bags blooming over my skin. Any other time I’d be embarrassed being seen like this, but I’m on the hunt for the Demon I love and I’ll be damned if I let a bit of physical weakness slow me down.

The room is too full to try and sniff him out, and instead I slink around the perimeter of the room searching for him.

My stomach drops when Rock’s nowhere to be seen, and I feel my jaw clench as my eyes once more begin to grow wet.

Fuck.

What’s up with the waterworks today?

“Baby?”

I blink away the tears and look down at Mom. Her eyebrows crinkle as she steps forward and cups my cheeks, her hands soft and warm. I lean into her touch, but the kindness only worsens my crying.

A tiny gasp slips from her lips as she throws an arm around my waist and leads me out of the room, her voice soothing as she directs us away from the crowd. People give us odd looks, the more daring of them going as far as outwardly staring, but nobody says anything.

A few guards are standing near the foot of the stairs to keep anybody from entering our personal living areas, but they hurry to the side when they see us approaching.

“It’s okay, sweetie. Everything’s okay.” Mom promises, leading me down the hallway to her bedroom.

The space is a mess, clothing strewn all about from what I’m assuming was them getting ready for the party earlier. Most of it looks to be Daddy G’s, which isn’t surprising. He cares more about how he looks than all my other parents combined.

Mom spins and pulls me into a hug the moment the door shuts behind us, and I don’t know what comes over me, but almost immediately I find myself sobbing in her arms. She rubs my back, soft hushes slipping from her lips as she comforts me.

“What’s going on, baby?” She eventually asks.

I don’t answer right away, not knowing what to say.

After a while, my tears slow, and she urges me to sit with her on the end of her bed. For once in my life, I don’t fight her and lean my head on her shoulders as she continues rubbing my back.

“I’m dating Rock.” I blurt.

Her entire body goes still, and I watch a mixture of emotions flash over her features. The most prominent ones are shock and disgust, but she hides them quickly. I’m happy for it, unable to mentally handle another person being angry with me right now.

Mom sucks in a few slow breaths before nodding to herself and urging me to continue.

“He’s been wanting me to tell you guys for forever, but I’ve been putting it off. We got in a big fight tonight, about a lot of things but mostly that, and Dad showed up and figured it out and now both Rock and Dad hate me and I don’t know what to do.” I admit, my shame growing with each word that slips from between my lips.

“Now I doubt either of them hates you.” Mom chuckles, pulling away and cupping my chin.

She urges me to turn and look her in the eye.

“Ciara, you are one of the most headstrong and stubborn people I’ve ever met, but your fathers and I always have and always will love you. Your heart is so big, and anybody who spends time with you can see that. Dad loves you with his entire being, and I’m sure Rock does too.” She assures.

I shake my head, not believing it.

Rock might have loved me, but I fucked that up.

“He found out I put my teeth on other men before we were dating. He thinks I’m playing games, and doesn’t believe me when I tell him it’s different with him.” I admit, needing her to see just how badly I fucked up. “But it is, Mom. I truly love him.”

She does a poor job hiding her shock when I admit to putting my teeth on other men, but I’m happy she doesn’t show any disappointment or disgust. I don’t think I could handle that from her. I know what I did was wrong, and if I could take it all back, I would.

“Oh, Ciara.” She sighs, pushing my hair out of my face. “How long have you two been together?”

I’m starting to hate that question.

“A long time.” I whisper.

Mom continues to stare, waiting for her answer.

“About seven months.”

She sucks in another deep breath.

“And you told Dad that?”

I nod.

“Well, I can see why he’s upset. That’s a long time to keep something like that a secret. Especially when Rock’s at our house for game nights practically every week.” She chuckles, rolling her eyes as it finally clicks. “I suppose it makes sense now why he’s always here.”

I huff, finally cracking a smile as she lightly scolds herself for being so blind.

Mom’s good about being calm, and I’ve never appreciated it more than I do now. When my dads lose their minds, I can always count on mom to be a voice of reason.

“Just give them both some time to digest.” She urges.

I suck in a shaky breath before nodding. I hate it, but she’s right.

Rock clearly doesn’t want to talk to me right now, the extremes he’s going to hide from me proving that, and forcing him to face me before he’s ready will make it worse.

The same goes with Dad.

I lay sideways and put my head in Mom’s lap, comforted as she begins playing with my hair. She used to do this all the time when I was a kid, and it feels just as good now as it did then.

My shifts from earlier have me bone tired, and I let myself relax on her as I will my body to recharge. I don’t like feeling this weak, and I’m pretty sure that’s the reason I’ve been doing all this crying.

“I’m so glad you found somebody who makes you happy.” Mom states, drawing my attention. “Rock is a good man, and you both deserve-“

She pauses as the bedroom door flies open.

I grimace, looking away as Daddy G and Pop come tumbling inside. The horrific sounds of kissing and what I’m pretty sure is a moan emerge from them before they notice my presence and stop.

“Ciara?” Pop clears his throat. “What’s going on?”

There’s a low grunt that makes me want to vomit, and I listen and wait until the sounds of pants being fixed and a belt redone are finished before looking their way. Daddy G leans against the dresser, his face flushed. Pop doesn’t look much better, but concern takes precedence as he sees my splotchy cheeks and rushes forward.

He’s on his knees a second later, his hands cupping my cheeks as he wipes at my tears and turns to Mom. She only shrugs, refusing to answer.

“I’m dating Rock, have been for a long time, and Dad found out and is mad. Rock’s mad at me too for other reasons, and now they both hate me.” I blurt, wanting to get this over with.

This is precisely why I wanted to tell them all at once. I hate saying it over and over again.

“Oh,” Silas breathes.

I can smell his anger, but he does a good job hiding it as he pulls me into a hug. I’m glad he’s not questioning me as Dad did, but Pop’s always been more laid back. Besides, I’m pretty sure everybody in this room can tell I’m only one negative reaction away from having a complete mental breakdown.

“I already knew.” Daddy G states.

Pop pulls away, and we all turn to face the Incubus.

Daddy G avoids eye contact as he purses his lips and runs his fingers across the surface of his dresser.

“Just in case you were wondering. I knew first.” He continues.

My lips twitch, and his eyes practically sparkle when I breathe a slight laugh and he realizes his words have worked.

Pop huffs and turns back to me while Daddy G continues with his not-so-subtle bragging.

“Don’t ask me how I knew. Just know that I did, and I knew the entire time.”

Chapter 10

Mom has no idea what she's talking about.

It's been days, and Dad's still ignoring me like the plague while Rock is nowhere to be found. She said to give them time, which I've done, but that hasn't seemed to help at all.

I only have so much patience, and the little bit I've been able to force myself to conjure is long expired. I'm tired of Dad leaving the room whenever I enter it, and I miss waking up to Rock's long limbs wrapped around my own.

Daddy G rolls his eyes as I storm into his office demanding to know if he's seen Rock.

It's been five entire days, and I've not heard from or seen the man once. I gave him three full days before going to his homes and office in search of him, and now I'm worried.

The little voice in the back of my head whispers that he's staying with other women, but I refuse to listen to it. Rock wouldn't do that to me. He wouldn't.

Now I'm desperate and embarrassing, and have been doing rounds every four or so hours.

"No, I haven't seen him." Daddy G sighs.

He looks at me with pity, and I wince before storming out of his office and down the hallway that leads to Rock's. I hate when people feel bad for me. Even Dave and Shay have gone out of their way to ask around about Rock, but their searches have been uneventful, too.

My male is sly, and if he doesn't want to be found, he won't be.

I check Rock's office and touch base with his secretary before shifting to his primary home. My knees buckle as the world around me solidifies, but it's more than worth it when I breathe in and smell him.

He's been here.

No.

He's here.

I run toward his bedroom, my elbow slamming painfully against the doorframe along the way. My balance is slightly off from the toll the near-constant shifting is having on my body, but I don't care.

Rock's back stiffens as I push open the door, but otherwise he doesn't react. I freeze, shocked as I take in the sight of him crouched in front of his dresser with a large suitcase at his feet.

What the fuck is he doing?

"I told you I need space, Ciara." Rock sighs.

Hearing his voice is a relief, and I feel my tense muscles relax at the sound of it. I missed him so much, and step further into the room.

Rock straightens up and shoves some more items in his bag, but he still doesn't look at me. It hurts, but I'm nothing if not persistent. I know it's one of the things he likes most about me, and it worked to get us together the first time so I'm sure it'll work now, too.

"And I've given that to you," I state, taking another step inside.

I'm not dumb. I know he's packing clothing so he can hide away from me even longer. He was probably hoping I wouldn't catch him, but I have and I'm not going to let him run again.

He's mine just as much as I'm his.

"Really? If I were being given space, I'd be able to enter my own home without fear of you showing up." Rock retorts.

Finally he spins to face me, and I can't help but flinch at the look of disgust written across his face. It softens when he sees my pain, but it's too late.

Is he truly so angry that even being in the same room as me makes him feel that disgusted? I know he's mad, but we're still dating. He still loves me. Doesn't he?

He has to.

"Please, just talk to me," I beg, uncaring how weak it makes me sound.

I once told myself I'd never beg for anybody, but I would do it every day of my life for Rock. Especially when I know I'm to blame for everything happening between us. It's my fault, and if I hadn't been so afraid of telling my parents about us, this all would've been avoided.

Rock sighs and runs a hand through his hair, pushing it out of his face.

"There's nothing to say."

"There's everything to say." I argue, hurrying forward and grabbing his shoulders. He doesn't pull away, which I take as a good sign. "I love you."

Rock shakes his head and tries to pull his body out of my grasp. I tighten my grip, not wanting to let him go. I know if I do he's going to leave and, probably, not come back. I've pushed him too far, and there's only so much I can ask somebody to tolerate.

"Please." I choke, scrambling for the words to fix this.

I've never been very good at apologizing, and I curse myself for not talking with Mom beforehand about what I can say to make Rock believe me. She's always been good with this stuff, and I could use her advice now more than ever.

Rock grabs my hands, the touch invoking an intense feeling of excitement until I realize he's trying to push me off.

No!

My mind goes blank, and in a moment of panic I shove him onto his bed. He lands with a huff, and I'm climbing on top and pinning him down before he can get up.

As long as I'm touching him, he can't shift away. I'll be able to jump in and join him, and we both know that's exactly what I'd do.

"You're mine, you said so, so you can't leave me," I state.

Rock shakes his head.

"That's not your decision to make."

"Yes, it is."

"No, Ciara, it's not. Get off me." He breathes, tilting himself to the side to try and slide me off.

We both know he could easily overpower and force me away, and that knowledge is the only thing that keeps me seated. Rock's fighting me, but his heart isn't in it. A part of him, no matter how small, wants me to keep trying.

It's precisely what I'd want if I were in his position, too. I'd want him to fight for me, to pin me down and refuse to let me leave.

"I love you." I state, needing him to hear it. "You're my world. Please."

He shuts his eyes, and I watch the muscle in his jaw tighten as he clenches it. Carefully I duck and press my lips to his, desperate to feel him. For a moment he doesn't respond, but after a second his mouth softens.

I don't try to deepen the kiss, and I refuse to feel embarrassed when my tears slip between our closed lips. Rock's body relaxes beneath mine, his muscles finally unclenching. It's all I've ever wanted, and I fight back a sob as I press my mouth harder against his.

He's mine.

I don't know what compels me to do it, I really don't, but the next thing I know I'm shoving his head to the side and sinking my teeth into his neck.

Rock grunts, his hands grabbing at my shoulders before he curls one around my neck. He pries my teeth out of him before flipping and pinning me onto my stomach. I moan, my body practically vibrating with joy as I feel the bond between us form.

He bundles my hair up in his fist before harshly ripping my head to the side.

I hiss, pain shooting through my scalp as he cranes my neck into a submissive position and sinks his teeth into me in return. He does it so deep it aches, and I cry out as I feel him ripping through the skin and muscle.

My chest burns where the bond forms, our souls combining in the way I've always known they're meant to be.

Rock loosens his grip on my hair just slightly as he pulls his teeth out, but his body still pins mine to the bed as he licks the blood away and breathes against my neck. It tingles, and I shift underneath him when he does it again.

"Mine." He grunts.

I nod, desperate for him to understand just how true that is.

I'm his. Not Wren's or any other Demon I've had the displeasure of entangling with in the past. His.

I mentally prepare for him to close off our connection as it forms, locking me out, and am pleasantly surprised when he keeps it open.

I don't hesitate to pry.

He's angry with me, so fucking angry, but behind that is excitement. He's happy to be bonded to me, and relieved by how hard I fought to apologize. He still loves me, even if he's not showing it right now.

I try and shove my love into him, eager for him to sense it and know I feel the same way. I've always felt the same way, despite what he may think.

Rock grunts, and I hold in a smile as I double down and begin to push more.

His hand falls to my hip and lifts it, making just enough room for him to shove my shorts down my thighs. He doesn't even bother getting them past my knees before freeing his cock and pushing himself in deep.

The sudden stretch is shocking, and I bury my face into the sheets as he drives himself roughly into me. His pace is fast, giving me no time to adjust.

"Apologize." He grunts.

I struggle to find my voice, the force of his thrusts stealing my breath.

"I'm sorry," I eventually choke out between gasps. "I'm so sorry."

Rock huffs and shoves my head into the sheets before yanking my hips higher. He likes my ass, and I arch my back to give him what I hope is a good view as he drives into me.

Everything feels more intense with the bond, and I can't seem to stop clenching around his length as each thrust brings me closer and closer to orgasm. I don't typically cum from penetration alone, but my body seems to forget all about that as I curl my toes and scream into the sheets.

"You make me so fucking mad, Ciara." Rock hisses, shoving his face between my neck and shoulder so he can lick at my mark. "You think that just because you're Aziel's daughter, you can do whatever the fuck you want."

I shake my head, denying it as his hips slam into my ass.

"With this mark, though, you're mine." He grunts.

"All."

He pulls back and smacks my ass.

"Fucking."

He does it again, and immediately I know my skin will be red and bruised once this is said and done.

"Mine."

It feels good, too good, and I clamp down around him as he grabs a fistful of my hair and pulls me up onto my knees. My back presses against his chest, and he reaches around me with his free hand so he can squeeze and pinch my breasts.

"You're my girl now, and I'm not going to stand for your fucking attitude."

I shake my head, some incomprehensible words slipping from my lips about promising to be good. I mean it, too. I'll do anything to have him. I'll do anything to make him happy.

I'm tumbling over the edge with one more sharp pinch to my nipple and hard thrust. Rock fucks me through it, his moans deepening as he follows immediately behind. He sinks his teeth into my neck as he finishes inside me.

It's painful, my skin sensitive and not yet fully healed, and I whine and twist my neck away when he refuses to let go.

"Rock," I cry.

He bites down harder, and continues until I fall limp underneath him.

Once satisfied with my submission, he pulls back, finally removing his teeth from my skin. I don't move, and lay flat on my stomach with my neck exposed.

"I still need space, Ciara." Rock breathes.

No. No, no, no.

He lifts just enough that I can flip over. I'm sure he can feel my pain through the bond, and I stare in horror as he shakes his head and cups my cheeks.

"You can't leave me." I choke out, shaking my head side to side.

He can't.

He promised me he would never leave me.

We're bonded now.

"Ciara," Rock grunts, forcing me to look him in the eye. "Baby, I'm not leaving you. I'm not breaking up with you, and I never intended to. I just, fuck, you hurt me, and I need a few days to cool off."

I slide my hands down his sides before wiggling underneath his shirt and going for his back. He lets me touch him, lets me skate my fingers all over his smooth, raised scars, which I take as a good sign.

His lips twitch as I trace them, and I lift a hand to his neck when I can't hold back any longer.

He tilts it to the side, showing me the mark I've placed on him.

"I'm sorry," I whisper.

He shrugs.

"I assumed from the moment you first tried to bite me that our marking wouldn't be gentle." He admits. "I'm honestly surprised you lasted this long."

He's making fun of me, mocking me even, but I don't care.

"Will you stay here?" I ask.

The space between Rock's eyebrows crinkles.

"I promise I won't bother you. I just like knowing where you are." I admit.

Rock sighs, weighing his options, before tentatively nodding.

"I'll stay here, but the second you show up demanding to speak to me, I'm returning to the shitty Envy motel I've been holed up in." He informs.

It doesn't go unnoticed that he's sharing the location of where he's been, and I hide back a smile as I nod and promise to leave him alone.

He lets me hold him for a few more minutes before subtly kicking me out. I turn around one last time before shifting away, and feel my heart stop as I take in the sight of him staring at the ground with a soft smile on his lips.

He prods at his neck, tracing the scar I've permanently left on him, and I do the same to my own as the world around me disappears.

___

3 chapters left of this story!