Twin Flames by Elizabeth Winters Page A

they would kill Raven without thought, and he would die along with her. He took three slow, deep breaths. “Be assured, I will do my duty.” He turned on his heel, leaving the chamber in chaos behind him.
    Blood in his ears, he didn’t hear Chalice until he was right up on him. Reflexes quick as silver, he had a knife pulled before he recognized the other man.
    Chalice looked worn, though young. His worry lines seemed to multiply before Devlin’s eyes.
    “Brother, you must tread carefully.” Chalice took the blade from him, flipping it into his palm. “They will not hesitate to kill you. That would accomplish nothing.”
    “Damn. You’re the king. Stand up to them for God’s sake.”
    “You misunderstand my intent. Politics resembles chess, you bide your time then strike when the other is least expecting it.”
    “You helped them banish me once. How can I trust you?”
    Chalice shook his head, his dark hair spilling around his shoulder. “Go to your woman and seek your solace. I will not let them interfere.” As Devlin turned away, Chalice grabbed his arm. “You cannot bond with her. Our people will never accept it. You must take a mate that will solidify our family…our rule.”
    Devlin jerked from his grasp. “You can all go to hell.”
     
    ***
     
    “This has been rather a lot for you, hasn’t it?” Devlin’s husky voice roused Raven from her sleep.
    “I must have been exhausted.” She sat up slowly, the bedspread wrapped around her bare breasts.
    “Shy?” He leaned forward, pulling the thick covering down to reveal her pebbled nipples. “There’s no need.”
    She gasped, but made no move to stop him when he leaned down to taste one of the nipples he had uncovered.
    “So beautiful,” he whispered, his breath hot against her skin.
    Her pussy trembled. Her heart pounded.
    “Are you wet for me, sweetheart?” He pulled the blanket down until she was fully revealed. Spreading her legs, he licked one fingertip and trailed in across her cunt.
    A scream of pleasure stuck in her throat. She trembled as he leaned forward to taste the wet flesh of her pussy.
    “So desirable.”
    She squirmed against the silk sheets, aching, wanting more. Desperate, she tried to pull him to her, but he avoided her seeking hands.
    His teeth grazed the tender skin, sending her spiraling into heaven. Back arched, head thrown back, she screamed with pleasure.
    He continued his assault, his quick tongue licking circles on her sensitive flesh, while he fingers kept a playful friction against her clitoris.
    Lights splayed behind her eyelids as she lost control. Sensations surrounded her, pulling her in every direction imaginable. When he thrust inside her tight vagina, she spiraled even higher. Pure bliss unfurled inside her. She never wanted to leave the safety of his arms.

Chapter Six
    Raven rolled onto her stomach, the bedspread in a tight ball at her feet. Unable to resist, she ran her fingertips down the expanse of Devlin’s bare chest, feeling the softness of his skin, the strength of the muscles that lay dormant underneath. Tears welled in her eyes. She must leave him, forever. How would she forget him? This?
    He moved to face her, his hand cupping her face. “What is it, baby?”
    She took a deep breath. “Did the Council decide when they would send me back? I have to go home. There are people that need me.”
    “Raven.” He paused. Unease filled her belly.
    “You did talk to them about it?” She moved away from him to lean against the headboard.
    He sat up with a sigh. “There are things you don’t know, that you wouldn’t understand.”
    Fear tightened in her belly. “What things? I know your people don’t want me. That was apparent yesterday. There is nothing to keep me here.”
    There was pain in his eyes as he turned. “I want you. I want you to stay with me.”
    She looked down, her hands knotted in the bedspread. “You know I can’t.”
    “Do you love me, Raven?”
    Her head shot up. “What? I