Edge of Night, page 17
When his finger penetrated, just a little, she gasped.
“Maxim,” she called. “More,” she demanded, her body suddenly tight as her fingers caught him, circled him. Felt the desperation of his own need. The emptiness warred with the wildfire inside her, driving her to burn for his possession.
“Please,” she entreated, and he grunted, moving so he crouched between her thighs, hands softly repositioning her in counterpart to the flames she swore filled his gaze.
His fingers gripped her legs, then he moved himself into position. “May hurt,” he groaned as his hips started to move toward her, nudging so that her flesh would make way.
One finger gently kept up the pressure on the spot that increased her pleasure as he moved, so very slowly. Pressure built, this time pressing hard, and her body reacted, muscles locking.
“Let go,” he demanded. “Let me in.” And he kept up the pressure while she bit her lip.
Suddenly, he thrust, and she cried out, her body recoiling as pain ricocheted through her, and when she would have pushed him away, he held her.
“It will pass,” he muttered, his body hard and immovable.
“It hurt,” she cried, and he pressed his forehead to hers.
“Soon it will not hurt.”
Pippa wanted to end their embrace, but he held her still, for long moments. Then his body jerked, and she realised the pain was receding. “Ma…Maxim?”
“Pleasure now,” he growled, and once more he moved, kissed her softly while she was lost in a maelstrom. “Let me show you,” he said, and his hips moved slowly at first, then with a rapidly deepening rhythm.
Deep inside her, the heat which had died down reignited to a conflagration. What started as a slow burn was a wildfire and spread out to every quaking nerve ending. Her hands were once more gripping as her fingernails dug in, holding him close, her nipples grazing his chest as she gasped and sighed, hunger winding ever tighter inside her.
Her body was alight with the hunger expanding and increasing with every seductive move Maxim made, and finally, her eyes flashed open, and she gasped. She noted dimly how close to the ceiling they were, his wings flashing brightly in the dim light as they undulated in a sexual frenzy.
The vision drove her emotions to a new level, and suddenly she was there, on a precipice. “Maxim!” The scream came at the crescendo as one more move pushed her over the edge and her grasp of reality flashed away as her orgasm rippled over her.
Chapter Twenty
Maxim woke next to Pippa, and lay still, just letting his gaze roam over her nestled-in body. She’d been generous in her loving, even though it was the first time for her, and he was humbled. His emotions were fully engaged, he’d already accepted that, but the lovemaking had reinforced just how strong the power of his emotions was.
The muscles of his back ached, and he knew it was because his wings hadn’t just flashed out, it was the power they’d used brushing the ceiling and glowing in the final throes of pleasure.
With Mischa they’d never done that—glowed. He’d only ever heard whispers when it was spoken of. It also brought about a realisation that the depth of his attachment to Mischa was no indicator of the attachment he now felt to Pippa. What was between them was deeper, more powerful. Was that because he was older? Or about Pippa? He didn’t know and wasn’t yet ready to consider that.
Mischa was part of his past, but Pippa, he felt, was his future. The woman he would love and protect until the end of time. Unlike Mischa, she wasn’t physically weak, and unlike Mischa, there had never been a prophecy that said they couldn’t be together. Destiny wouldn’t win this time, he thought to himself.
Maxim rose, keeping quiet while he made his way into the lounge and poured two generous cups of coffee. He brought them back to the bedroom, sliding one cup to the table on her side of the bed then moving around to slide the other onto his table. He hadn’t reclaimed the bed when she groaned, “Oh, I ache,” and rolled before becoming incredibly still, then finally looked up at him, her face turning red. “Oh! Maxim.”
He grabbed a pillow, realising that her seeing him standing there naked might be something she wasn’t yet ready for. “I brought coffee.”
“I… Uh, thank you?” Her words stopped on a squeak.
“I can dress if—”
She shook her head, the dark cloud whipping around her face. “No! I mean, it’s your bedroom,” she said and looked away.
He took advantage and dove under the covers before rolling closer to her and taking her chin in one hand. “Do not be embarrassed.”
“I’m not. Well, not really. I wanted you, and still do,” Pippa whispered. “It’s just… I mean, I’ve seen naked men before, just not you.”
He laughed gently. “And I am small. Weedy. A disappointment perhaps?”
She giggled. “No, not at all. You’re so big and masculine.” Now she swallowed, her eyes telegraphing the sudden intensity. “Not a disappointment at all, Maxim.” She cupped his cheek, and he felt the kick of warmth that she exuded. “Thank you.”
“For what?” Confusion filled his mind. “I don’t understand.”
“For understanding what I needed. For being you.” She shifted, seeming a little uncomfortable, and he dragged her close.
“Then I am happy.” He held her close, letting her become more accustomed to the press of body-to-body.
He sighed and guessed reality had raised its head. “We should get up. Dress.”
“Yeah. I wish…” Pippa’s words trailed away.
“You wish what?”
“That we could stay here. That out there wasn’t difficult.” She ducked her head. “That danger wasn’t waiting for us. I’m scared, Maxim.” He saw the tears in her eyes and frowned deeply. “I wish I could just wave a hand to banish the evil.”
He squeezed her to him. “We will fight, Pippa. We will fight with others who believe.” He inhaled, nostrils flaring. “I would die for you, because you hold my heart. I won’t ask a promise from you. It’s too soon, but when you’re ready, know I will give you all I am.”
Her lip wobbled. “I… I wish I could say now,” she whispered.
“I know.” He pulled away from her, rose.
He knew she understood the future couldn’t be ignored. It was a train, speeding toward them, and if they didn’t prepare now, it would crash through them, crush them.
They dressed in silence, he gave her the space to prepare without watching, then after drinking the coffees he’d prepared, they readied themselves for the outside world.
Pippa sat at the table, watching the members of the nest wander by her, some saying hello, and others settling in with groups of friends. She wondered what it would be like to live in a world where friendships were easily formed and curated. She’d never really had a friend, and she thought back to the day she’d spent in the kitchens, where she’d felt not just comfortable, but welcomed. Like a peer.
“What are you thinking?” Maxim asked.
“I wonder about this life. About being part of a nest and feeling like I belong.”
“Would you want that, once this is over?” He was still, as if her next words would determine something momentous.
“I’d like to think that this lifestyle is right for me, but…” She shrugged. “Peter would fit in. He’s already made friends. But you, Maxim? What about you?”
He smiled, the lines on the side of his face crinkling. “I am waiting to find a place where I can practice. But how to do that?” He shrugged. “I need someone to ask questions.”
“Could you do that here?” The words slid out.
“Maybe. Or I could work in a clinic, one that caters to all.” He glanced around. “Many paranormals live alone, like I did. They do not have access to such clinics, it was what I was training for in Oblast.”
“Oh,” she said. She wondered about such entities as outreach centres, but who could she ask? Spying Ben, she waved him over, and he loped toward their table.
“Maxim.” Ben nodded at him, then turned to her. “How may I assist you, Pippa?”
A swift glance at Maxim showed him just as confused as Ben.
“What is there, medically, for paranormals who live outside the nests?” The words tumbled out.
Ben blinked. “There are moves by Cressida to set in place outreach centres, but the services currently available are minimal. I don’t have a lot of information…” He shrugged. “If you want more, I can get you a folio of information. I believe Daniel is working on that. He felt there is a need that is yet unmet.”
Maxim shifted in his seat. “I would be interested.”
Ben looked at him. “You have some skill in this area?”
Maxim nodded. “I am awaiting my registration as a medical doctor. I… The records in Oblast—” When Ben’s gaze blanked, Maxim added, “Russia. The records were not registered. Once they are, I must sit an English equivalency test. Then I can apply for registration here.”
“Well, we can assist with the test, if you’d like. I could contact Daniel and have him arrange a meeting, they may also be able to expedite your registration, maybe,” Ben added. “If you’d like?”
Pippa felt Maxim’s stillness. Have I done something wrong?
“I would…appreciate that.” Maxim’s voice was strangled, but his eyes glinted with what she thought might be hope.
Ben nodded, and with a quick, “I’ll check that and get back to you,” he retreated.
“Is… Was that okay?” she asked Maxim.
He jerked a nod. “I… Thank you, Pippa. Yes, I… Thank you.” He reached out and took her hand. “You are a good woman, Pippa. Ty moya edinstvennaya. You are the only woman for me. The one I love.”
She felt the burn of a blush on her face. “It’s grossly unfair you can tell me things like that, and I can’t respond.”
“Then I will teach you. What would you like to say?” His eyes glinted.
“How about I’m crazy about you?” She smiled and his eyes widened.
“Ya skhozhu po teve s uma.”
Pippa’s eyes must have crossed, because he laughed, then said the phrase slowly again, letting her repeat the difficult words, which she knew she’d mangled. He said it again, and this time she managed to struggle out, “Ya skojie po teaba es ooma.”
It was Maxim’s turn to laugh but that died away. “Better. Close. I’m crazy about you too,” he said and picked up his coffee. “We should eat though. I’ll teach you more tonight.”
The words, laden with sensual promise, warmed her again. “Oh… I can’t wait,” she whispered as his grin widened.
“Good,” he said. “Khoroshiy.”
Chapter Twenty-One
They’d barely crossed the entrance hall when Ben called out, “Maxim? Do you have a moment?”
He looked to Pippa. “I’ll go see what he wants,” he said, and left her there as he made his way to the assistant Yeux Secondes.
“A man has landed at the airport, an Ilya Kuznetsov. He presented to the paranormal assistance counter and said he knows you, is trying to locate you. Do you know him?”
Maxim’s stomach nearly bottomed out. “He’s… my dead wife’s father. Yes, I know him.”
Ben goggled. “Oh. Okay, so we should transport him here then?”
He wanted to say no, but something stopped him.
“Maxim?” Ben queried. “We can send him elsewhere if that’s easier for you.”
The words jolted Maxim. “No. This is where I should see him, talk to him. Thank you.”
Ben nodded. “I believe a contingent of Pippa and Peter’s family are due to arrive later today. We’re housing them in the family units at the rear of the estate.”
“Then we are…”
“We have scheduled a planning meeting for later today. Javed and Celina will go over the plans tonight, and if necessary, will convene another meeting. They are more than willing to let Simon take the lead, given the circumstances, but have been consulting with Cressida in case backup is required.”
His guts knotted. That meant they were mere days away from enacting the plan they’d roughed out the night before. Baiting the trap with Peter, Pippa, and himself.
“I would like some time to prepare to meet Ilya and a private room, if that can be arranged?”
“Certainly,” said Ben with a nod. “I have your number now, so I’ll text you once he arrives and give you the location of the room.”
Maxim watched as Ben walked away, and he felt a soft touch on his arm. “What was that about?” Pippa asked.
“Ilya is here.”
“Ilya? Who’s that?” Pippa waited as the seconds drew out.
“Mischa’s father,” he replied, and Pippa made an ‘oh’ with her mouth. “It might be best if I see him by myself,” Maxim added.
“Oh yes, of course.” She nodded. “When is he due to arrive?”
“Very soon. I… When I am done, I’ll come looking for you,” he said.
“I might visit the kitchen for an hour or two, so come find me when you’re ready. Maxim? Will you be alright? I mean, you haven’t seen him since…”
Maxim smiled at Pippa, taking her hand. “You humble me. Thank you, I will be fine.”
He waited as she gave a short nod then watched as she moved back toward the refectory. A ding echoed in his pocket, and he pulled out his phone and read a text from Ben.
While Maxim wanted to avoid the meeting, he knew it was necessary to lay this issue to bed. He didn’t need anything else to split his concentration.
Walking slowly toward the room, Maxim cleared his mind, seeking the balance he’d spent the last few years employed in finding. He watched as staff laid out the necessaries then left the room, and he made himself a coffee and had settled in a comfortable chair when a commotion signalled that Ilya had arrived. The door opened and there was the man he’d known—older, greyer, and more grizzled than before.
“Maxim,” the man said.
“Ilya. It’s been a long time,” Maxim responded.
“Years. Ten years, two months, and a week since you fled me and my fury, Maxim.” The older man shook his head. “Too long. Ten years and two months too long.”
“And here you are. Tell me why, Ilya?”
The man looked at the coffee by Maxim’s hand. “A cup if I could?”
Maxim indicated the side where everything sat ready. “Help yourself.”
The older man busied himself while Maxim waited, knowing that whatever had propelled the action of this man, a few more minutes wouldn’t kill either of them.
Ilya settled opposite him in the armchair. “I was wrong. I blamed you for Mischa’s death, but that wasn’t fair.” He stirred the tea Maxim knew he preferred. “I didn’t understand until it was too late that you both made the decision, and it wasn’t for me to choose your path. For either of you.” He looked up. “There is war brewing, Maxim. The army has invaded Oblast, and the paranormals are fleeing. Too many have died. Gregori and Katya are—”
“They’ve fled. I heard from Gregori two days ago. He and Katya took the children. They’re on their way here.”
Ilya deflated in front of him. “That’s good. I cannot defend them. It’s good they’ve left.” He sipped his tea and looked down, meaning Maxim couldn’t easily read his face.
Maxim waited. There had to be more, else why would Ilya have travelled the distance?
“I am dying, Maxim. Olga passed two years ago, and I’m… I have an incurable cancer. I was preparing Gregori to take over the orphanage and came to ask for you to come back. To help, but now…” He shrugged. “It appears I am not needed.”
Words failed Maxim. He’d known of Olga’s death, Gregori had told him, and Maxim had mourned the loss of Mischa’s mother, but with Ilya’s pronouncement, there were no more of the family and the orphanage would cease to exist. The one last bastion of assistance for the children of paranormals who had died.
“I was wrong, Maxim. My actions and those of all of us were prompted by our grief, but Mischa would have been destroyed if she knew. I could not have faced her, and Olga told me that afterward, stated how disappointed Mischa would have been. Olga was angry with me too.” His face carried a grey tinge, and he spoke haltingly, as if every word caused him physical pain.
“I release you, Ilya. I forgive you for your actions and pain if that will assist you.” And he did. He didn’t want to be mired in the pain of memories which only hurt everyone involved.
“You are generous. Mischa said that once. She said you were a good man and that one day I would understand. It shames me that I am here, came to ask for your assistance and you give that and forgiveness willingly.”
Now Maxim couldn’t contain a laugh. “I’m not a hero, Ilya. Forgiveness takes time, and I’ve had years to come to terms with what happened.” He didn’t understand until now that forgiveness was also a part of moving on. Of learning to live again. A gift which Pippa had bestowed on him.
“I should leave you then.” Ilya rose stiffly.
“Wait.” Maxim stood and moved to stand in front of Ilya. “Where are you staying?”
The man shook his head, whisps of thinning, grey hair flying around. “I haven’t… I must go back home…”
“Why?” Maxim asked.
“What?”
“Why return to Oblast? With Gregori and Katya on their way with the children, wouldn’t it make more sense to look for a secure home for them all? I can… I could assist you.” Maxim didn’t question the drive to help. In his mind he was already deciding whether Simon and Niamh might have accommodations for the family and children they would be bringing to safety.
“You can do that?” The man was clearly amazed.
“Not me, but I know people who might be able to help. The wolf pack, or even the nests.”
