Claim Her (The Warriors of Hades 1)

“I know this is moving very quickly for you to understand, as you are not of our kind, but we are the warriors of Hades and, as such, must live life a certain way,” Rylan said directly to her. “And this is that way, Tessa. But we can’t let you go. We won’t.” His words were hard and determined. “Our world is not meant to harbor human life. You wouldn’t last beyond the safety of these walls, so for your safety and our peace of mind, you must know your place as well.” He spoke without remorse, and although she wouldn’t be a prisoner, she also knew they were right.

This wasn’t her world, and she wasn’t like them. Her body wasn’t meant to stand the intense heat, and she had only gotten a sample of it when Rylan had flown them to his home. Could she give these males a chance? All three of them?

“Your uncertainty is understandable, but you must know there really is no other option. It is either us or death out there, because we will not let you go.” Tessa saw the way Rylan tensed his hands so hard the red flesh lightened from the force. “We want you, Tessa. Badly.”

She dipped her eyes low, as if they had a mind of their own, and saw the massive erections that pressed against each of their pants. They were big, seemingly everywhere, and although she had been with a few human males sexually from her camp, nothing compared to the males of Hades.

Her heart was pounding so hard and fast as she looked between them. Was she really going to do this? Did she really have a choice? She nodded, knowing this was it, her future, and she was staring at it in three sets of frightening yet desirable eyes.

Your fate could be far worse, Tessa. You could have ended up with the other males at the auction, ones that might not actually be gentle and kind, and be considerate of what you wanted.

“Okay.”

All three of them grinned slowly, their satisfaction evident and causing something to stir inside her, growing brighter and hotter, making the fire that was just below this mountain seem unsubstantial compared to what she felt.

Zarek gestured at the mug she held. “Drink up, little human.” He grinned and then brought his mug back to his mouth to finish the rest of his drink and then slammed it on the table in front of them. Soran was next to finish his, but it seemed as though Rylan took his time. He watched her over the rim of his cup, those all-black eyes looking like bottomless holes but making her feel like he knew far more than he let on.

“Go on, Tessa. It’s just juice from the ventina berries that grow along one of the eight fire lakes.” Zarek grinned broadly.

She lifted the mug to her mouth, but right before she took a sip, Rylan said, “Just to forewarn you, that drink will cause a euphoric sensation.” She looked between the three of them, and then looked back at Rylan.

“Although, it will only add to your arousal if you have it simmering inside you,” Soran said with a harsh, gravelly voice. He leaned forward, rested his thickly muscled forearms on his thighs, and watched her with a stoic, hard expression. “But I can sense that undertone of curiosity, fear, and, of course, your desire. There is no shame in wanting us so soon. In essence, we are all animals with baser urges. Your body knows we will treat you well. You know we will treat you well.”

“And our baser urges are roaring out to take you, Tessa. You’re our female. Ours.”

She breathed heavily, and the place between her thighs pulsed at Rylan’s words. The drink she held called to her, and she glanced down at it.

“It’s only a drink. It won’t make you some sex-starved maniac.” The brothers smiled. “It will just help you relax, that is all.”

Tessa could have set it aside, could have let the natural things that were bound to happen take their course, but she was tense over the situation. She had decided on what she would do, and that was stay with these males and have a life with them.

Taking a small sip of the drink, the berry flavor exploded along her tongue. It was pleasant on the palate, and immediately a warmth spread through her mouth, down her throat, and filled every available spot inside her. She finished the liquid and set the cup on the table. The heat inside her intensified, and her arousal climbed up another notch, but it wasn’t as if she couldn’t control herself.

How she felt reminded her of the one time she had inadvertently eaten a plant that made her feel pleasure. It had consumed her, but not in the good way one would want. This drink they had given her only made her feel relaxed, content, and helped loosen up her muscles so she didn’t feel so tense.