Author's note: So I binged "Danced With Devils" and was oddly captivated by Mage... But Ritsuka was just too... Not weak exactly, but far too timid for most of the series, for my tastes. So I decided Mage needed someone more capable. And tough. And so Karma was born. This story started out a bit more violent, and a lot less sweet, because it started life inspired by "Bedroom Warfare" by One Ok Rock. (Awesome song by one of my two fave bands, go check it out on YouTube! Check their ballads too, Taka's voice is amazing, rawr.) But as all writers know, sometimes our characters make their own minds up, and this lemony goodness ends on a sweet, tender note. It's a long story, but a one-off, as far as I know. First story with such mature content, so go a little easy in your reviews, ok? Thanks, and enjoy the heat! (Oh, and Anita Blake is mentioned in passing. For those that don't know, she is the brainchild of Laurell K Hamilton, and is a vampire slayer in St. Louis, Missouri.) I don't own Mage, unfortunately, but I do claim Karma!

They say that Karma is a bitch. It's a phrase that is used so often, people tend to brush it off as nonsense, or use it as a joke. But the humans of this world have no idea just how much truth there is to that simple phrase. If they knew, they would flee from the night and cower in terror at Karma's wrath. At MY wrath.

Karma was the name given to me at the moment of my birth, and Karma is the justice I deliver in the deepest reaches of the night. Those that dwell in shadows tremble at the mere mention of my name. Devils and vampires alike shudder at my very presence.

At least, most of them do.

I watched as the last pathetic vampire turned to dust and blew away in the breeze. When will these bastards learn? The leaders of these blood-drinking clans just kept creating more cannon fodder. Well, more sword fodder, truth be told. Cannons would be far too difficult to lug around.

I wiped the bloody sword on my trousers, uncaring of the stains. They were ripped to hell anyway, I'd not be wearing them again. When the blade was reasonably clean, I slid it into the sheath at my back and flipped my hair over it. Wouldn't do to frighten the poor little civilians.

Humans were a strange lot. Gang members toting massive guns didn't rate so much as a second look. But one super pale woman with a sword, and everyone tweaks out. I suppose things would be simpler for me if all of the supernatural beings were shown in the light. But with my luck, it would be too much like Anita Blake's world, and the evil bastards would be accepted and protected as members of society. How anyone could accept those blood-suckers is beyond me.

Not that I have any room to talk, really. Being only half-human, could I ever really count myself among them? From the seventh anniversary of my birth, the day I sprouted wings, I knew I was a freak. The unnatural offspring of a human and one of the Fallen. Daughter of an angel.

I scoffed at the term and wondered why my mind wandered that far back. That day was sixteen years ago, why did it crop up tonight? Maybe I was more tired than I'd thought. Hopefully there would be no more surprise attacks tonight, and I could finally get some sleep.

Yawning, I strode down the dank alley, kicking debris out of my way. Damned vampires were always picking the foulest places to attack. I knelt before the latest victim and checked for a pulse. Damn, nothing. I pressed the back of my hand to the woman's cheek and found it already cooling. She was gone.

Frustrated, I kicked the brick wall beside the corpse. Ruined a perfectly good outfit, got sliced, and couldn't even save the girl? What the bloody hell? Tonight sucked so hard.

I stomped down the alley and took off in the general direction of my apartment. I almost wished for some asshole to pick a fight, because I would've loved to pummel someone right at that moment. But luck wasn't with me, because there wasn't a soul around.

A couple blocks from home, I stopped dead still. The wind had changed and brought with it a new scent. There was a devil nearby. Why the hell was there a devil so close to my apartment? And just what the hell did it want?

I reached into the sleeves of my jacket and palmed the knives I had hidden in wrist sheaths. Wouldn't do to terrify the neighbors if I could help it. Moving to a new place would be such a pain. I would much rather keep the neighbors in the dark, so to speak.

I started moving again, walking towards the scent, which seemed to be coming from my apartment building. What the hell? I was not about to let some scumbag devil devour the souls in my own damned building. This was not happening.

I stomped down the alley behind my building, scanning the shadows.

"Alright, show yourself, you scuzzy bastard!"

There was a quick laugh and a puff of smoke, and the devil appeared before me. He flung a decimated body away and took a step toward me. I knew instantly that this one could be a problem if I let him live. He was tall, blonde, and ridiculously attractive. If I didn't end his existence tonight, he would litter my city with bodies in a matter of days. Between his appearance and the tricks I knew devils possessed, he could charm half the women in the city without even trying.

He looked me up and down, grinning in a completely lecherous way. I couldn't tell if he was wondering how my soul would taste, or my flesh. It totally tweaked me out, and I couldn't help the shudder that ran down my spine. What was this dude's problem?

"You picked the wrong place for a midnight snack, you know."

He laughed like I'd said the funniest thing ever. Oh, I was SO going to kill this guy.

"You don't want to mess with me, little girl. You have no idea what you're getting into."

Little girl? Oh yeah, this dude had to die. I threw one of my knives without another word. My aim was off, and it stuck in his shoulder. The yelp of shock and pain was decidedly unmanly however; and made me feel a little better.

I snickered at the sound and flung my other knife before he could recover. This one was closer to my target and protruded from the middle of his chest. Score! The knives had been engraved with blessed runes and symbols, and the devil growled in pain and anger as he yanked them from his flesh.

"You're gonna pay for that, girly."

"Bring it on, Blondie!"

He rushed at me, but I was faster. I jumped out of the way at the last moment, drawing my sword as I whirled around to face him again. I brought my sword down in a graceful arc, aiming for the devil's already-bleeding chest. He leapt back with a surprised grunt, and only the tip of my sword made contact, slicing through his shirt. Damn, missed!

"Not bad for a human, girly. Been a long time since I got stuck like that. Those Exorcists finally have some decent training, hrm?"

I stopped mid-lunge, snorting in derision. This dumbass thought I was with the Exorcist Society? Really? I just couldn't let a comment like that go.

"As if! Those pansies couldn't fight their way out of a wet paper bag."

My comment must have shocked him, because his jaw dropped open and he just stared for a moment before bursting into laughter. He doubled over and clutched his stomach, completely uncaring that I still had my sword pointed at him. What was wrong with this guy? I was too stunned to bring myself to attack again, and just stared instead as his laughter finally tapered off.

I brought the tip of my sword up again as he stood upright finally, still snickering a little. He glanced at the blade for only a moment before swatting it away. His movement looked so slight and effortless, but the sword was ripped from my hands with shocking force. Damnit! Now what?

He took a step toward me and I leapt back, wondering if I could fake a fall and get to the dagger in my boot. Before I could even finish the thought, he vanished. Shit! Shit shit shit, where'd he go? I whirled around, searching the darkness. I whipped my head back and forth, but found no trace of the devil.

Suddenly, my legs were swept out from under me, and I crashed to the ground. My back hit something hard and slimy, but I was glad my head didn't suffer the same fate. The bastard devil was laughing again as I jumped to my feet.

"Aw, what's the matter babe? Little too much to drink?"

"Oh, you are so dead. Do you have any idea how filthy this alley is? I liked this jacket, you bastard!"

I leapt at him and my fist hit his face with a crunch that was satisfying only until I realized that it was my hand and not his nose that was broken. Shit! Damn! OW! I punched him again anyway, despite the pain. He grunted and grabbed my wrist. His grip was tighter than I'd expected, and I struggled to break free. Before I could manage it, his free hand found my throat.

I stilled immediately, racking my brain. He could snap my neck or rip my throat out before I could so much as blink. He caught my eyes and stared, trying to bewitch me with his devil tricks. I had just a second to be grateful for my angelic immunity before a low growl issued from him. His hand tightened the smallest amount around my throat, and he leaned in closer.

"How can you resist me like this? Who are you?"

Before I could answer, he leaned in even closer. And oh, my God, did he just sniff me? Oh hell, he did! He inhaled deeply, fingers twitching against my skin. He growled softly again, long and low.

"Who are you, woman? What are you? You don't smell like any other human I've come across."

"Great, I'm unique. Stop sniffing me, you pervert, and get off of me!"

He pulled back to look in my eyes again, grinning. I slapped him with my free hand, but that only seemed to amuse him. He chuckled and sniffed again.

"Tell me now, and don't lie. You know I could snap this pretty neck in a second if I want to."

I glared at him, hissing in frustration, and his fingers tightened around my wrist, causing me to yelp in a completely embarrassing, girly way. I groaned. I was going to die anyway, might as well be honest. Tell the truth and shame the devil, as they say.

"Ow, bastard! Fine, whatever. My name's Karma, and I'm only half-human. Happy? Just kill me quick and get it over with, I'm totally bored already."

Holy sainted Light, why am I antagonizing him? Shut up, dumbass!

He blinked and looked shocked. So was I, but I wasn't about to say that. His grip on my throat loosened slightly, and I swallowed experimentally. Ok, so nothing was broken, that's good. We stared at each other for a few seconds before he said anything else.

"Only half, huh? So what's the other half? Why do you smell so different? So…delicious?"

He tilted my head back and sniffed my neck again, inhaling deeply. I wondered if he was going to use his teeth to rip my throat out. I wondered how much it would hurt. I wondered if – Holy shit, did he just freaking lick me?! I trembled and my whole body tensed up as I felt the warmth of his tongue on my neck.

"Mm, your skin tastes even better than that last soul."

My breath caught in my throat at his words. His breath was warm on my skin, and I shivered involuntarily. What the hell was going on here? Before I could so much as blink, he let go of my throat and shoved me away.

"What the hell, human? You can't put any spells on me, I won't fall for it!"

Spells? What? What spells? I peeled the ruined jacket off and tossed it to the ground, wincing at the pain in my probably-broken knuckles. Dude's face was hard. I glared at him in confusion.

"The hell are you babbling about? I didn't use any damned spells. Your stupid face broke my Goddamned hand, asshole!"

"Yeah right, whatever. Don't lie, woman, what did you do? Why do you smell so…so… so irresistible? What did you do?"

He ended on a growl, his true form beginning to manifest in his shadow. I snorted and rolled my eyes. This guy had worse anger management issues than I did.

"I didn't do anything, moron. You're all hot for my body wash, big whoop. If you're that obsessed, go to the drugstore and buy some, it's warm sugar and vanilla."

I turned my back on him and bent to retrieve my sword. It was luckily undamaged, despite hitting the brick wall earlier. Now if I could just find the knives, I'd be set. I glanced around, wondering where the big idiot threw them.

Before I could find them, I was grabbed from behind. This devil just didn't know when to give up. He spun me around and slammed my back against the wall. The sword sheath dug into my back as he pinned my shoulders against the rough brick.

"Ow! What the hell, man?"

His grip was tight on my upper arms, his fingers digging into the soft skin. I hissed in pain and annoyance. He growled softly in response, bringing his face closer to mine. His eyes locked on mine, searching. So pretty. Like melted gold. Wait, what the hell?! I shook my head frantically and struggled to free my arms from his grip. If I lived through the night, I was sure to have some wicked bruises in the morning.

"Let go of me, you shithead! God, I'm gonna kick your ass so hard! Let me go, damnit!"

"Oh, I don't think so, babe. You had your chance to kick my ass, and you lost it."

Oh great, he was laughing at me again. Seriously, what the hell was this dude's problem? Was he trying to piss me off? His face was barely an inch from mine, and I wondered if there was enough space to headbutt him effectively. Before I could make up my mind, he buried his face against my neck, inhaling deeply.

I let out a girly little squeal in surprise, and tried to jerk away, only to bash my head against the damned brick wall. I barely had time to curse in pain before he shocked me again. He chuckled quietly, his lips brushing softly over my skin only a moment before I felt the slight pressure of his teeth. Oh God, this was it, I was about to die a violent, bloody death! So why the hell wasn't I terrified? Surely this trembling was from fear, right? It had to be fear, there's no way it could be- Holy hell, did he just lick me again?

This was just getting way too weird. No devil tricks had ever worked on me before, so what the hell was going on? I shifted my feet experimentally, wondering how much room I had to maneuver. Damn, no good, my feet were less than an inch from the stupid wall. Now what? My arms were pinned, my legs were trapped, I couldn't reach a single blade. Hmm…

Maybe I could use his own actions against him. I brought my face down and rubbed my cheek against his. He pulled his head back with a little quiet gasp of shock, giving me plenty of space. I took advantage of his shock, burying my face against the side of his neck. I fully intended to rip a chunk of flesh out with my teeth, until his scent hit my nostrils.

He smelled like thunder storms and good leather and something else I couldn't define. Something inhuman and yet, altogether masculine. It was intoxicating, and I had inhaled deeply before I even realized it. I couldn't get enough of his amazing scent, and I wondered what sort of trickery this was. There's no way this devil could smell so, so… so very…yummy.

I mentally slapped myself and shook my head fiercely. I tried to shove him away, but his grip was still tight on my arms. All I managed to do was hit his chest with my fingertips. His hard, muscle-y chest. The hell?! Focus, dumbass!

Left with no other option, I resorted to the most pathetic, girly attack ever. I scratched him as hard as I could, dragging my nails across his skin. He grunted and pulled away, a puzzled look on his face.

"What the hell? Did you just scratch me?"

I took advantage of his confusion and stepped out of reach, gasping for breath. We stood and glared at each other for a few seconds. I couldn't be sure, but he seemed just as confused as I felt. What the hell was going on here? He whipped his tattered and bloody shirt off and looked down at the marks on his chest. So pretty…

I bit my lip hard to clear those insane thoughts from my head, and bent to grab the dagger from my boot while he inspected the scratches. Before I could straighten up completely, his hand was on my wrist again, squeezing tightly until I was forced to drop the blade. Shit! Not again! Tonight was just not going my way.

"Damn, woman. Just how many blades are you hiding?"

What? God, he was laughing at me again! This dude was seriously tweaked. I growled quietly in annoyance.

"Gee, I'm so glad I could amuse you. You've had your fun, now piss off, asshole."

"I don't think so. I haven't even begun to have fun with you, sweetheart."

"Just what the hell is that supposed to mean?! Knock the tricks off and let go, damnit!"

Ugh, could my voice get any higher? Jeez, you'd think I was afraid or something. He was looking at me in confusion, but at least the grip on my wrist loosened enough that it wasn't going to break. He narrowed his eyes and moved closer, pushing me back towards the damned wall again. I was getting really tired of these bricks.

"What are you talking about? My tricks didn't work, remember?"

His voice was lower, softer. He sounded just as confused as I felt. Great, so we were both lost. What the hell was going on in this bloody alley? Before I could think of a way out of the situation, he had both wrists in his grip, pinning my arms against the cold brick just above shoulder-level. I was trapped, but he wasn't actively hurting me in any way. His hands were warm, but light on my wrists. I shook my head and glared, trying to ignore the way I was trembling.

"Yeah, whatever. Now who's not being truthful? The hell are you trying to do to me, devil bastard?"

He chuckled and grinned at me. The thunderstorm scent seemed to grow stronger, and my breath came in shallow gasps. What was happening to me? Why couldn't I stop trembling? It's not like it was that cold outside! Even without the jacket, I shouldn't be cold enough to shiver this way. But it had to be the cold, I refused to believe anything else.

He caught my eyes again, and I felt trapped by the look in them. The melted-gold orbs burned with an intensity that wasn't there before. I couldn't force myself to look away, even as it grew harder to breathe. His scent filled my lungs. I was drowning in it, and couldn't bring myself to care.

He leaned in until there was less than an inch between his face and mine, and I stopped breathing completely. He inhaled deeply, his cheek brushing mine. He breathed me in like he couldn't get enough, as if he needed my very essence in a desperate, vital way. As if his very life depended on me, somehow.

As I struggled to force my lungs to work properly, he moved closer, and I could feel the warmth of his body against my own. The air finally clawed its way down my throat with a sound like a rusty metal door screeching open. I swallowed thickly and tried to focus on just breathing. No hyperventilating allowed, not now.

There was a very soft pressure against my neck that I couldn't place at first. It couldn't possibly be what came to mind first, there's no way. He couldn't be! But then I felt it again, and was certain. He was! Oh God, he was actually kissing my neck!

I gasped, trembling so badly I would have fallen if he wasn't holding me up against the wall. He chuckled quietly against my neck and then shocked me again by running his tongue along my skin. A small sound escaped my throat, a sound that couldn't possibly have been a moan. Certainly not. What the hell is happening to me?!

Evidently, my reaction amused him, because the growl that came from him was soft, almost a purr against my skin. My whole body tensed up, but I couldn't bring myself to struggle out of his grip. He slid his hands up and intertwined his fingers with mine.

I let out a little hiss of pain, and he pulled back as if I'd burned him. His eyes locked on mine. And was that… concern I saw in his golden eyes? Oh my God, it was! What in the bloody hell was happening? My head cleared just enough to answer his unspoken question.

"My hand. I think… I'm pretty sure something's broken."

His fingers twitched, and he started to draw back. But my hands seemed to have their own minds, because my fingers clamped down on his, refusing to let go despite the pain. What was I doing? I could've gotten away! What was wrong with me?! The smallest whimper escaped my throat as our eyes locked again. At least I wasn't the only one confused and strangely affected. His breathing was shallow, and his hands twitched against mine. He shook his head and when he spoke, his voice was soft. Almost tender.

"What kind of spell is this? What's happening? I don't understand this…"

"I don't know, but it's so weird. One second I wanted to kill you, but…"

He let out a quiet little laugh and rested his forehead against mine, closing his eyes. He didn't let go of my hands, but they were no longer pressed against the rough bricks. His scent was stronger now, and I breathed in deeply, reveling in the thunderstorm-and-leather fragrance.

"I know. I was going to devour your sweet little soul, but I just can't bring myself to do it now. You smell way too damn good. Like cherry blossoms and the sweetest raspberries. I can't let that scent just disappear. It's too intoxicating."

I laughed softly at that thought. I was the one getting drunk on his scent. His eyes opened, and he pulled back just a few inches, a curious look on his face. I shook my head and smiled wryly.

"You're the one with the intoxicating scent, Blondie."

"Mage, not Blondie. And what do you mean?"

"You smell like thunderstorms and leather… Mage."

And something else that makes me desperately want to bite you. But I didn't add that last part out loud. It was bad enough that his name fell from my lips so softly, a plea whispered in the dark. His lips curved into a genuine smile as I said his name, and I wondered if he tasted as good as he smelled. I blushed at my own thoughts, grateful that he couldn't read my mind.

He growled quietly and leaned in until there was barely a hairsbreadth of space between his lips and mine. His eyes desperately searched my own, but for what answers, I didn't know. Until he spoke.

"No tricks?"

That was it, just two little words. But there was something in his tone that stunned me to my very core. Pure and simple longing, a yearning that I knew very well. My hands tightened over his, every cell in my body seeming to strain toward him. I wondered if he could see the desperate, aching need in my eyes.

"No tricks."

Almost before the words left my mouth, his lips were on mine. So soft… God, was this really happening? Moments ago, we were trying to kill each other, and now we were kissing?! What the hell?! But oh God, his lips were so soft, so perfect. I stopped caring why and just reveled in the warmth of his body and the taste of his kisses.

He let go of my hands and slid one hand around the back of my neck, fingers tangling into my hair. He wrapped his other arm around my waist and roughly pulled me close, growling softly against my lips. I whimpered quietly and brought my hands up, running my fingers through his surprisingly silky hair.

After another moment, we broke apart, both of us gasping for air. His arm tightened around my waist, holding me so close. I slid one hand down to his chest, trailing my aching fingers along his skin. I noticed the pain, but couldn't bring myself to care in the slightest.

I was blushing hotly and trembling like a leaf, and I couldn't bear for him to see the desperation in my eyes. I leaned in and buried my face against his neck, pressing my lips softly to his skin. He was so warm, and he smelled so incredible, I couldn't help myself. I just had to know. I flicked my tongue across his skin, surprised when he shivered and gasped softly in response.

Oh God, he tasted even better than he smelled! I ran the tip of my tongue up the side of his neck, marveling at the way his scent and warmth filled the air. The smallest sigh escaped my throat as my lips trailed along his jaw.

He caught my lower lip between his teeth as I went for another kiss, biting ever so gently. His fingers ran through my hair and lightly down my neck, his touch raising goosebumps along my skin. My fingers tangled in his hair and I pulled him closer, crushing my lips against his.

His free hand slid down to my hip and clung tightly as he pushed me back against the wall, his hips pressing roughly against my own. I couldn't stop the quiet moan as I felt the firmness and heat of his body holding me captive. His eyes glowed with a fierce need in the darkness.

Wait, just wait a minute. Brick wall. Darkness. Shit, we were still in the damned alley! With a whine of regret, I shoved him away.

"Wait, wait. This is wrong."

We were both gasping for breath, and I shivered in the sudden cold. I immediately mourned the loss of his warmth, and I had to force myself not to reach for him again.

"What? What the hell, woman?"

I swallowed thickly against the lump in my throat. He sounded almost hurt, and I mentally slapped myself. As he stared, I shook my head.

"This is so not happening. Not like this, not in this nasty little alley. Do you have any idea just how disgusting this alley is?"

He stared for a moment, until my meaning kicked in. Then his jaw dropped, and he burst into laughter. I let out an annoyed little huff and bent to retrieve my blades from the dirty ground. Trying to straighten back up, I nearly fell on my face because my knees were still so weak. I tucked my blades into their sheaths and kicked the wall, knocking some random filth off my boots.

When I turned back to him, he was watching me with fascination, and something else that made my stomach curl in a very pleasant way. I rolled my eyes as another hot blush crept up my face. I was sure I was almost glowing in the dark. Stupid hormones.

His eyes wandered the length of my body as I stepped closer, and I wasn't surprised to hear another soft growl. I cleared my throat and slipped my arms lightly around his neck. His hands found my hips and pulled me close as I leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"Hold on tight now, Blondie."

"Wait, what? What the-"

His hands tightened in shock as I unleashed my wings and leapt into the sky. Instead of using the stairs, which would take far too much time, I simply flew straight up to my balcony on the fourth floor. We landed with a gentle bump, and I grinned at the startled look on his face.

"Told you I was only half human."

He looked so shocked, I couldn't help the girly little giggles that bubbled up. But then he didn't just look shocked, he looked…amazed. He stared at my wings for a moment, then shook himself and finally spoke.

"You… You're an angel?"

I shrugged and ruffled my wings before tucking them away. The good thing about having wings, they don't stick around if I don't want them. It would be so much trouble getting clothes to fit properly if my wings didn't disappear when I wasn't using them.

"Only half. That's why your tricks wouldn't work. But I don't have any magic of my own, just the wings."

He blinked and nodded slowly at the new information, then glanced around in confusion. I laughed softly and hooked my arm through his as I reached for the door with my good hand.

"Told you, that alley is gross. My apartment is a much better idea."

"Your apartment? This is… Oh!"

He let out a quiet laugh and ran his fingers through his hair, grinning ruefully. I flipped the light on and slipped my hand into his, tugging him into the room. He brushed his thumb over the back of my hand, so lightly I almost didn't feel it.

I kicked the door shut and turned to face him. There was such a fire in his eyes that I swore I could feel the heat on my skin. The way he looked at me caused my whole body to tense up, and I shivered. His grin grew wide and somehow feral, and my breath caught in my throat as he growled out a little laugh.

"Damn, babe. Hell of an outfit you're almost wearing."

Huh? I glanced down, and burst into startled laughter. My black combat boots were fine, just a bit dirty. The tight black jeans I had started the night in were now shredded and covered in blood and filth, glued to my skin by the blood. I had lost the black jacket in the alley, but I was thankfully still mostly wearing the crimson tank top I'd had on under it. It too, was sliced to ribbons. I was just lucky that the bra beneath it held up. I blinked in shock, only just realizing how close those damned vampires had come to shredding my flesh along with the clothing. The wrist sheaths were clearly visible without the jacket, and so was the strap for my sword belt. Well, shit.

"Aw, hell. Goddamned blood-sucking sons of bitches. I loved these jeans!"

Mage chuckled at my frustration.

"I don't know, they're totally working for me."

I blushed again. Damnit! What the hell, why was I acting so damned girly? I stomped over to the door and toed my boots off, kicking them at the door. I took my knives and the dagger and tossed them on the desk nearby, unceremoniously dropping the sheaths on top before struggling with the damned sword belt. My knuckles were sore and starting to turn fun colors and swell. Yup, definitely broke something. Shit. I finally got the sword off and dumped it with the rest of my blades.

Mage watched me, fascination in his eyes. When I was finished with the blades, he walked toward me, and I had a brief moment of panic. I was completely weaponless, and my physical strength was beyond pitiful compared to his. But then his hands were cradling my cheeks and his lips were crushing mine, and panic was obliterated in a rush of heated desire.

His hands were large and firm, but his touch was so gentle. I brushed my good hand over his cheek before running my fingers through his golden mane again, using his silky locks to pull him even closer. He growled quietly and drew my lower lip between his teeth, biting ever so softly before kissing me again, almost tenderly.

He pulled away after just a moment, and I couldn't stop the pouty little whine that popped out. He flashed a sly grin and chuckled softly. He was so maddening! I was sorely tempted to stick my tongue out at him, but managed to refrain. Instead, I took his hand in mine and strode down the hall.

"Whoa, hey, where are you taking me now, woman?"

"I don't really have any desire to get rug burns on top of my other injuries tonight, Blondie."

He let out a little snort of laughter as I nudged open my bedroom door. I flipped the light switch and turned to face him, walking backward a few steps. He glanced around for just a few seconds before his gaze landed on me again. His golden eyes burned into me, making my skin flush and my breath come in small gasps.

I couldn't hold his gaze, or I was going to drown in that golden fire. My eyes trailed down to his chest instead. He had discarded his shirt in the alley, so there was nothing blocking my vision. The girly little scratches I'd given him had barely left a mark, but the knife wounds were still prominent. They'd stopped bleeding, but I felt a heavy pang of regret.

I closed the distance and lightly trailed my fingertips over the wound on his shoulder, sorrow filling my eyes and threatening to spill over. I leaned in and tenderly brushed my lips over his wound, and then again on the one in the middle of his broad chest. He put his hand under my chin and nudged my head up until he could look into my eyes.

He cradled my face in his hand, brushing his thumb lightly over my cheek. Very gently, he took my injured hand in his and brought it up to his lips, placing the softest, feather-light kisses on each of my swollen knuckles. My slight gasp had nothing to do with pain.

His eyes found mine again, and there was something besides desire in them. Something softer burned behind the raging inferno of lust, something…tender. My heart leapt into my throat, and my knees grew weak.

Before I could do more than whimper quietly, he gathered me in his arms and kissed me again, so softly. His intoxicating scent grew stronger, and I breathed him in deeply, trembling in his arms. He picked me up effortlessly, and I wrapped my arms and legs around him, desperate to be as close as possible.

He broke the kiss just long enough to turn and find the bed, thankfully a few short steps away. He set me down on the edge of the bed, laughing when he had to peel my legs off of him. I looked up at him, sticking my lower lip out in an over-exaggerated pout. He grinned and caught it between his teeth, biting playfully.

He moved closer, and I scooted toward the center of the bed on my knees. He knelt before me and captured my lips in another scorching kiss that left me gasping. His hands trailed up my arms to my shoulders. His fingers curled around the straps of my top, and with one sharp tug, it fell to shreds around us.

He ran his fingertips lightly down my shoulder blades, sliding down my spine until he hit fabric. His nimble fingers unhooked my bra in a second, and he slid the straps down my shoulders, tugging it away from my skin and flinging it behind him without a glance.

He rested his hands on my hips as he pulled away from the kiss. His molten-gold eyes burned a trail down my chest before he even touched me, and a low growl sounded from his throat. His hands were gentle when he finally, finally cupped my breasts, and I couldn't stop the quiet moan that fell from my lips as his thumbs brushed over my nipples, causing my skin to tighten and tremble.

He bent and replaced the actions of his thumbs with soft kisses, his lips barely grazing my skin and driving me crazy. I arched against him, earning another throaty growl that vibrated against my flesh, making me ache with a desperate need. I curled my trembling fingers through his hair as my breath started coming in shallow gasps.

He trailed little kisses back up my neck, along my jaw, and back to my lips. There was an urgency to his kisses now, a longing that reflected in his eyes as he nudged me onto my back. My lips burned beneath his, a fierce blaze that refused to cool. His hands roamed freely, scorching my skin.

When his hands hit the top of my tattered jeans, he stopped and pulled away, leaving me breathless and shivering. His eyes stayed locked on mine as he flicked the buttons open and undid the zip.

"Lift your hips for me, babe."

His voice was soft and gentle, but absolutely confident. I complied at once, struggling to control my tremors. He peeled the shredded remnants of denim from my legs, taking the thin scrap of lace underwear with them, and I was suddenly completely bare before him.

I was suddenly afraid, and closed my eyes tight, certain that he would see all of my battle scars and change his mind, disgusted. He was silent, and I forgot how to breathe. When I finally dared to open my eyes, I was left gasping in shock.

He was kneeling before me, staring at me with the most amazing look in his eyes. The golden fire burned brighter than ever, desire and desperation raging in them. His hands were poised above my hips, and were they trembling, or was I seeing things? He took a deep, shuddering breath, and his words chased away every doubt, whispered so tenderly.

"You are so beautiful, Karma. I've never seen a more beautiful sight in my life."

I gasped, and the relief spilled from my eyes. He leaned down and kissed my tears away, then placed his mouth next to my ear to whisper, his breath warm on my skin. I trembled as his words went past my ear to reach my very soul.

"So strong, like a warrior. But so soft, even softer than the cherry blossoms you smell like. You are so amazing."

I couldn't speak. I could barely breathe. I reached up and wrapped my shaking arms around him, pulling him down to me. I was desperate to feel his skin against mine, I would have gladly burned in his embrace.

I sighed softly as I felt his weight shift against me. But wait, something wasn't right. I ran my fingers down his back until I hit fabric. Of course. I let out a tiny growl and pouted at him. I doubted that I could string together a full sentence, but I was determined to make my point clear. I hooked my fingers through one of his belt loops and tugged.

"Off. Off."

He chuckled quietly and grinned at me. Evidently my incoherence amused him. But still. He moved back, and then his weight disappeared from the bed. I turned my head to watch as he swiftly discarded the last of his clothing, gasping as my eyes took in his form.

He was magnificent. He was all hard muscle and tight, silky skin. I noted that he was a natural blonde, and I whimpered in quiet desperation at the sight of him. I longed to reach out, but he was back by my side before I could make my muscles work properly.

He nudged my knees apart and knelt between them. When he bent to capture my lips in his again, he pressed his body to mine. I moaned softly against his lips, trembling violently at the way he felt, long and hard against me. I arched my hips, longing, aching with need.

He broke the kiss far too soon, smiling slyly at me. His hands found my hips and pinned me down, breaking contact. I whimpered and struggled, yearning for his touch. The passion and desire raged in his eyes, and his desperation rivaled my own.

"Mage…"

His name fell softly from my lips, a prayer whispered in the night.

"Please, Mage, please…"

His name was his undoing. With a quiet moan, he crushed his lips to mine as he finally took me. One swift thrust, and he was inside me. I couldn't help crying out as he filled me for the very first time, but I wrapped my arms around him and held tight until the first round of desperate, violent tremors passed.

After a long moment, he began to move slowly, a gentle rhythm that had every cell in my body singing joyously. Each thrust brought the most delicious friction. I was flying. I was drowning. I marveled at the way he treated me, like I was precious and delicate and perfect.

When his rhythm changed, became more urgent and desperate, I wrapped my arms around him and clung tightly, my hips rising to meet his in perfect sync. His lips found my throat and he nuzzled close, burning a line along my skin. He sent me soaring over the edge, and his name fell from my lips in quiet ecstasy. As my body clenched around him, he growled my name in a way that sounded both victorious and reverent, and I felt him go over that edge with me.

His rhythm slowed to a halt, and he rested his forehead against mine, both of us trembling and gasping for breath. He trailed his fingers through my hair and down my cheek, and I nuzzled against his palm. I sighed softly as his lips sought mine, and we shared a sweet, tender kiss.

After a moment to catch our breath, he slowly pulled away. I instantly mourned the loss, but he simply curled up beside me and pulled me into his arms. I laid my head against his chest and snuggled close, happily lost in his warm embrace. His arms curled around me and he held me close.

I closed my eyes and sighed softly, listening to his heart race and reveling in his thunderstorm-and-leather scent. He ran the fingers of one hand lightly up and down my back in a way that was so tender and soothing. His voice was soft, and not altogether steady.

"You are amazing, Karma. My beautiful little warrior."

I leaned up on my elbow to look in his eyes, and was pleased to find the same joy shining there that I was sure shone in my own. I swept his hair back and brushed my fingertips along his cheek.

"Mage… You are amazing. My devil."

He grinned and took my lips in another gentle kiss. A little satisfied hum sounded from his throat as I curled up in his arms and rested my head against his chest again. I yawned and closed my eyes, safe and content in the embrace of my devil.