Unexpected Love: Another Falls Creek Romance, #6

By SF Benson

They thought they'd never have a chance at a second chance at love--but when Sybil is granted a Do-Over, she and Khan must face their past mistakes and conquer their present jealousies to make their happily ever after a reality. Falls Creek is a town like no other: in its hidden corners, supernaturals live out in the open, but only select humans know their existence. When Sybil is granted a Do-Over, she faces a host of men vying for her attention. Khan Najex, the man she once loved, doesn't appreciate the event until he crosses paths with his own love siren. Will Sybil opt for the free-spirited life of a different male each night? Can Khan conquer his insane jealousy before it destroys his chance at a happily ever after with the woman he loves?If you enjoyed the tension between supernatural forces and humans in the Twilight series, you will love Falls Creek.

 

With a unique take on second chances, this romantic paranormal novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Avanturine Press
• Release date: Jun 20, 2019
• ISBN: 9798223072256

SF Benson

SF Benson, a Michigan native, resides in Southern California with her husband, a human daughter, and a couple of miniature fur kids (two female short-haired guinea pigs). At one time, she wrangled a household which included three Samoyeds, saltwater fish, a hamster, and three guinea pigs. She’s an avid bookworm who appreciates a well-written book regardless of genre. SF prefers writing stories about strong, diverse protagonists set in dystopian, science fiction, or paranormal worlds. Connect with Author SF Benson: Be the first one to find out news about releases and giveaways! Email List https://bit.ly/3GnDYCk Facebook www.facebook.com/bensonsf Twitter @bensonshantella

Book preview

1

Sybil

Slipping my feet into my red patent-leather stilettos, I’m preparing for another party. Too bad my son was in such a hurry to leave Hell. Colton should have tried harder to have a good time. For Royals, Hell can be a vacation if you apply yourself. Ever since my arrival, it’s been one non-stop celebration with a different soul warming my bed each night. It’s the most fun I’ve had in years. Yes, I realize that coming to the Nether Region was a punishment. In all honesty, it’s been anything but penance. It should be a sin to have such a good time.

It is a sin!

Well, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m a happy sinner.

I smile at the changeling guards at the front door of the Inner Circle Club. At the moment, they resemble a couple of well-renowned male dancers from the human world. Delicious. They dip their heads as I cross over the threshold. If they read my mind, then I should find them in my room later.

Inside, a techno rhythm and pulsing red lights greet me. Demon after demon flash toothy grins in my direction. I love this place. Here, I’m a queen. Beings bow down to me and not my despicable husband.

Instead of taking part in the numerous sex games offered in the darkened recesses, I let a muscular dark angel sweep me up into his embrace, and our bodies gyrate to the beat. I turn to grind my ass against his swollen crotch when I notice Ashmedai, the King of Hell and my father-in-law, watching us.

Just the succubus I’m looking for, he announces as the Dark One steps away from me. We need to talk, my dear.

Rolling my eyes, I follow Ashmedai into the VID—the Very Important Demon—room. Deep moaning comes from a corner booth. Shit, it’s the two incubi who have been sexing each other up for two months. Ashmedai clears his throat, and they jump apart.

I need the room, the King says flatly. Take that shit back to your room. If I see it again, I’ll permanently separate you.

The males zip up their pants and rush from the VID.

Sitting on a cushioned chair in a distant nook, I say, Was that necessary? They were only doing what comes naturally.

Ashmedai sits across from me. There’s nothing natural about incubi into each other. They were created for females.

Now, now, Ash. That’s not exactly how you felt with Colton.

My father-in-law ignored my son’s choices. Ashmedai indulged Colton and allowed him to be human for a month to discover his true self and his life’s purpose. He now lives as an immortal in New York City.

That’s different, admits the King of Hell. I could never refuse my grandson anything. But I didn’t come here to discuss your son.

I flag down a server carrying a bottle of Devil’s Mark. She hands me the container along with an etched glass tumbler. Pouring myself a generous portion, I nod toward the alcohol. Ashmedai holds up his palm. What did you come here for, Ash?

A barely perceptible flinch passed over the King. He was never a big fan of my casualness around him.

You’re too comfortable here, and that’s a problem, Sybil.

I take a sip, eyeing Ashmedai over the rim of the glass. Really? I didn’t know it was possible to overstay a visit to Hell.

Actually, I’ve been here thirty days past my due date back home, but I’m having fun. Once I return to Falls Creek, I’ll have to give up wearing jeans and skimpy tops. I’ll put my waist-length, black hair up into my normal severe bun. My husband prefers me in humdrum suits and dresses with sensible shoes and no makeup. Boring!

Ashmedai’s eyes narrow as he crosses an ankle over his knee. You know what I mean, Sybil. Khan expected you a month ago.

Khan’s expectations no longer concern me. I toss back the alcohol and wipe a red-tipped finger across my mouth. He can wait forever. I don’t plan on going back to him.

My father-in-law tips his head but doesn’t indicate any real surprise at my revelation. He is your husband, and you have a duty—

Don’t talk to me about duty! I spit back. Khan doesn’t respect his vows. I’ve decided that I won’t either. Crossing my legs, I notice Ashmedai’s eyes drifting over my curves. It’s one reason why my husband doesn’t like me in jeans—the attention the garment brings me. Glancing back up at my father-in-law, I say, Ash, I’ve done some thinking since I’ve been in Hell. I want out. I’m done with Khan, his demands, and his ever-changing stable of females.

Ashmedai lifts a dark eyebrow. Are you requesting an absolution? You realize that it must be a mutual decision?

Tilting my head and pursing my lips, I think about his questions for a moment. Do you really want an honest answer? Let me ask you something. Do you know that your son only does things that benefit him?

How do you mean?

Khan doesn’t consider my feelings or needs. I can’t remember the last time we were intimate. Unfortunately, I do recall the moments he spends with his whores. Every single damned night he visits with a different one, leaving our bedroom to fuck someone else. Then he comes back smelling of hot sex. Not even bothering to wash off the stench before slipping between the sheets. Some nights he stays in their wing and doesn’t return till morning. The only thing I’m grateful for is not having to hear their constant moaning.

Ashmedai shakes his head. An unfortunate situation. I didn’t know about it, but I want you to think on this. He strokes his beard. Granting an absolution is a permanent act. Once done, I won’t reunite you.

My fury grows, and a crack forms in the glass. I set it on a side table. Last thing I need is to injure myself. Good. Like I said, I’m done with Khan. Let someone else deal with him. I’m sure he’ll be happy with the Whore-of-the-Day. My decision is final. I’ve had enough of being my husband’s doormat.

Not acceptable, says Ashmedai. When I joined you, it was for eternity.

His words infuriate me. Then un-join us! Our marriage is a farce that I didn’t ask for! If you don’t undo this, I’ll walk away. I’ll live the life I want with or without your permission.

Calm down, Sybil.

I will not! It’s unfair to ask me to give up living to appease Khan! I’m tempted to leave the VID, taking as many males as I can drag with me through the front door, and locking myself in a room for perpetuity.

Ashmedai’s dark eyes rake over me. What if I offered you a deal instead?

Deals with my father-in-law are always precarious. Usually, they involve great risk to the person accepting the tempting offer. Curiosity, however, begs me to learn more. What do you have in mind?

He intertwines his slim, elegant fingers around his knee. A Do-Over—a resetting, if you will. Thirty days to rediscover each other.

Interesting, but I need more information before I agree to anything. What happens if we don’t find each other?

You’ll forget one another, and the lives you shared. He pauses for effect. Because I love him, Colton will remain untouched and retain his memories of you.

The possibility of forgetting my son is troubling. Granted, I’ll never win the Mother-of-the-Year award, and I’m pretty sure Colton considers me the worse female ever to give birth. After all, what parent manipulates her son to abduct an innocent female? But in my defense, I only did it out of love.

Khan wanted to rule over his family. That wasn’t what I bargained for, so we only had the one child. I refused to let him dictate how our son should live, but then Khan began tormenting Colton. I had to intervene. Honestly, I thought if Colton found the right female, he’d forget his predilections and settle down. It would have gotten Khan permanently off his back.

With hesitation, I ask, Will I remember my son?

No. You’ll only know him as he is now—a young male married to his soul mate.

There’s a news flash. I had no idea that Colton found someone. Khan only told me that the perversion he created was in love with a fallen angel. I had hoped I might meet the former Celestial.

And Khan? If I have to forget my son, I sure as Hell hope the same fate falls upon my spouse. That male deserves to have all his memories erased.

Same thing.

It’s a tempting solution. A chance to do it all again. Maybe find the right male this time around. How does it work?

I send you back to when the two of you met.

Thirty days is too short. Honestly, it took me much longer to give in to Khan’s pleading. Give me three months, and we’ll have a deal.

That’s unheard of, Sybil.

This situation requires time. You weren’t there years ago. Three months passed before I even went on a date with Khan. He pleaded for me to marry him. Ours was not a love match. That was information I didn’t learn until well after we said the vows. If you’re expecting us to rekindle emotions, we need the same amount of time.

Khan lowers his chin. And you’ll accept the consequences?

Yes. Hopefully, with a second chance I’ll follow my heart instead of my head.

Ashmedai holds his hand out but quickly withdraws it.

Is there a problem? A handshake sealed most deals.

My father-in-law rises to his feet. Here’s what I’ll do. First, I must go over the details with Khan. Do-Overs have to be mutually agreed upon. Once he accepts, we’ll exchange a virtual handshake. Ashmedai stares at me for a moment. Sybil, you’ll enter into this arrangement blind. You won’t know about the first outcome.

Holding my chin high and pushing my shoulders back, I say, Understood.

You will, however, have an awareness of Khan’s intentions. If they’re not pure, you’re welcome to act accordingly.

Works for me.

After the discussion with Ashmedai, I hang out in the VID longer. The door opens, and an incubus I’ve spent a lot of time with enters the room. Kellen’s smile lights up any dark space.

Sybil, I hear you’re leaving. He sits beside me and kisses my cheek.

This male reminds me so much of a friend I knew years ago. Yes. Sadly, it’s my time to leave. How about you? How long are you here for?

Ah, me darling, he starts in his Scottish brogue, I’ve a bit longer in Hell. Made a fucked-up deal with a devil.

Knowing Kellen, he made that deal after a long night of imbibing a fiery brew. The incubus, a male who’s warmed my bed frequently, has a tendency to drink too much and think too little.

I warned you about drinking before speaking to Ashmedai.

Aye, you did, but it’s not all bad. I’ve got my eye on a couple of succubi for a little devilish delight. Kellen places his arm around my shoulders. Care to join me for one more night of pleasure?

Tempting, but I really should gather my things.

Kellen’s head bobs up and down. You’ll be missed, Sybil, my love. If I’m ever in your neck of the woods, would you mind if I paid you a visit?

I wouldn’t mind in the least bit. Lifting my hand, I caress Kellen’s cheek. I search his eyes, and thoughts of Torin Murphy enter my mind. The incubus beside me, however, is nothing like the gentle male who befriended me years ago. Maybe our paths will cross again. I’ll miss you too, Kellen.

He leans forward and claims my lips one last time.

2

Khan

Ablonde, a brunette, and a redhead clamor for my attention, but frankly I’m bored. The females are a temporary distraction while my goddamned wife is still parading her ass in Hell. Honestly, I couldn’t understand what she finds so interesting in that fiery pit. Nonstop inhaling of brimstone combined with the endless wailing of the doomed are not my ideas of a good time or a vacation.

Pushing a pale leg off me, I reach for my robe and slip out of bed.

Come back, Khan, urged the females—witches from the Blue Moon Coven—as I walk toward the door.

Over my shoulder, I say, Pleasure yourselves for a while. I need some air.

Loud kisses and moans fill the air as I step into the hall. A shadow appears, and I nearly lose my shit. Grabbing my chest, I lean against the wall. A little warning would be nice, Father.

The King of Hell wrinkles his nose as his black eyes rake over me. He points to the door. Do I even need to ask?

No. I stalk past him and down the stairs, but my father beats me to the bottom. He never hesitates to manifest instead of walking anywhere. Did you bring my wife with you?

Let’s talk about that. He disappears into the dark hallway, undoubtedly headed for my study.

The last thing I want is a fucking conversation. My father and I have never seen eye-to-eye on anything. Our relationship mirrors the one I have with the incubus I once called my son.

Entering the study, I find Father standing in front of the lit fireplace with a drink in hand. He points to a tumbler of amber liquid on my desk. I make a beeline for it and chug down the fiery signature alcohol—Devil’s Mark.

Why didn’t Sybil come with you?

My father studies me for a long, uncomfortable minute. He sips from his glass before saying, You should thank me. Your wife wants an absolution.

Not a news flash. Sybil indicated as much before her exile. I lift my chin. Did you give it to her?

Father tosses back his drink and holds the glass out. I oblige, refilling it until he raises his palm. Of course not. He takes a seat on one of the sofas near the fireplace. I gave Sybil the excuse that both of you must agree upon it.

My father is always the consummate liar. Twisting the truth is an art form for the demon. I still don’t know what prevarication he crafted to get rid of my mother. Was she even alive? I had no idea, and I gave up searching for her eons ago.

Tying my robe tightly around my waist, I walk over to the window and look out into the darkness. Good. I’ll deal with her when she returns.

No, you won’t. Father sets his glass on the table and stands. Get dressed and come with me.

Wrong. There are no trips to Hell in my future. Sorry, Father. I have no desire to smell brimstone today.

He points to the ceiling. With the smell of witch twat upstairs, a little sulfur would be an improvement.

When I don’t move from the window, he continues, I swear I thought I raised you better than this, Khan.

His statement pushes a button. "You didn’t raise me. If I recall correctly, it was Hecate and her crew who were responsible for my upbringing."

It’s how I developed my taste for harpy pussy.

Father ignores me. All you had to do was choose a partner and stay together for eternity. Do you think that meet and greet years ago was random?

My forehead wrinkles. The meet and greet—a Lilin ritual—was how I met Sybil.

That was my way of making sure you had not just a suitable wife, but one who took care of all your desires.

What the bloody fuck? He saddled me with Sybil? The nerve of him. Given time, I would have found my own goddamned wife. So, why do I need to go to Hell?

To discuss a Do-Over with Sybil.

Clenching my jaw, I grit out, What the fuck is a Do-Over?

Another chance to fix this, you insolent piece of shit! Win over your wife’s heart again.

My face heats. And if I don’t?

Father carves his hand through his slicked-back hair. His mouth opens and closes before blurting, You lose Sybil and all memory of her along with your son.

Losing Sybil? Would it really matter? Sure, there’s the precedent. I’m The fucking Najex, and I don’t lose. Ever. But then again… Considering how Colt turned out, maybe the loss would be worth it.

My father crosses the room in a blur. His fists ball up as he stops in front of me. Failure. Is. Not. An. Option.

My muscles tense. Why not?

He gets so close that I smell the sulfur on his breath. Because the two of you are royalty! If this union fails, it opens a door allowing every damned soul to pester me for absolution. Father pushes a finger into my chest. I will not have that chaos on my doorstep.

Slapping his finger away, I say the unthinkable—even between demons, Then why don’t you marry her? I’ll gladly give her to you.

Suddenly, air is everywhere but where I need it—in my lungs. Father’s heavy hand crushes my throat as I’m lifted off my feet. Saliva drips from my mouth as darkness takes over my vision. Struggling is useless. If this demon wants me dead, so be it. He doesn’t want me as a permanent resident of Hell. I’ll cause so much chaos that even Lucifer himself will abandon the realm.

Red-hot eyes bore into me. Don’t think I haven’t considered it. His voice wavers. Truthfully, I should have kept her for myself, but I thought you had the balls to handle her.

Father’s temple quivers with an aberrant twitch. The agony doesn’t last for long before he loosens his grip and steps back, averting his eyes.

Retying the belt on my robe, I say, This goes a lot deeper than not wanting chaos, Father. Why is my marriage to Sybil so damn important?

He shakes his head and walks over to my corner bar. He twists the lid on a bottle of vodka. Instead of finding a glass, he raises the bottle to his lips. After a hefty swig, he says, Khan, this is about what’s best for our family—for me and you. What I have to tell you stays between us. No one, including Sybil, can know.

Intriguing. My father doesn’t reveal secrets. Spill it.

He wets his thin lips and takes another drink. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, he glances up at me. Lucifer is Sybil’s grandfather.

What the fuck?

How the hell is that possible? Wouldn’t she know?

Not once during our marriage has my wife mentioned anything about this relation. Besides, I would think it was common knowledge. Who wouldn’t know about Lucifer’s family tree?

Father takes a deep breath, plops down on the sofa, and stares at his feet. You weren’t supposed to know these things. His voice thickens. Sybil’s parents made a deal with a devil to mask her memories. She has no recollection of her early years in Hell.

I sit across from him. Why?

Sybil isn’t your average succubus. When she first came into her powers, she killed the first mortal who denied her.

I shrug. It’s not uncommon for newly developing Lilin to kill when draining energy.

Shaking his head, he adds, It’s not what you think. Sybil didn’t even kiss the boy. She simply looked at him, and he burst into flames.

Damn. A fire demon?

Yeah. She could give some of my creations a lesson or two. The Nakamura Demons thought it best Sybil not have access to such powers, so they contained them.

Makes sense. The Nakamura Demons are dangerous enough. Hell, their skill with the deadly dark forces make the mafia seem like children playing. Maybe I should rethink this union with Sybil. She could be the worst fruit on her family’s tree. She’d be a worthwhile ally in my corner.

My father’s voice, however, interrupts my thoughts. Sybil is way too content for a Lilin in Hell. The longer she stays there, the greater the chance of her memories returning.

Leaning back against the cushion, I ask, What’s the risk to our family?

Father scrubs a hand over his face. Pure retribution. The Nakamura Demons and Lucifer came to me. They wanted this marriage. If it fails, we cease to exist.

My jaw drops.

I lose my position as King, and you lose your reign in Falls Creek. Both of us will become mere servants to that evil bastard.

Fuck! No way am I losing. I’ve fought hard for everything I have. Does Sybil know about the terms of our marriage?

No. I told her that an absolution would erase her memories.

Okay. Tell me more about this Do-Over. How does it work?

Father clears his throat. I’ll send you back in time to the night you first met.

Interesting. Another chance at the meet and greet. Can I honestly sit through watching Sybil flirt with the incubi I once called friends? Same circumstances?

Yes.

That means competing against my brother too. Same time frame?

Three months, with one exception.

And that is? I ask, my shoulders curling forward.

Sybil will see your true self.

No news there. She saw it the first time. It’s why it was so difficult to reach her. She wanted nothing to do with me.

Khan, you have to help her see past your cheating heart, but this time… My father spreads his arms wide. This shit stops. No more stable of females. You must prove your loyalty and stand by her side.

If memory serves correctly, Sybil was a free spirit. Males worshiped her, wanting to bed her nightly. Back then, she sidestepped their advances. Would she do so this time around—now that she knows how big a prick I can be?

Not fair, Father. She can’t know those things if I’m to have a chance.

Not my rules. It’s how Do-Overs work. You can’t hit the reset button and not expect consequences. Either accept it or find another way to keep your wife from deserting your ass.

Rubbing my chin, I ask, Does she really want this?

No. What she asked for was the absolution. I talked her into the Do-Over. You have a steep road ahead of you, son. Sybil is over you and your scandalous ways. Father holds out his hand. If you accept the Do-Over, Sybil has to be your one and only. Screw it up, and she’ll learn who she really is.

I start to accept his extended hand but pause. How would she learn?

He raises an eyebrow. Sybil became close to a Scottish incubus. If your marriage falls apart, she could return to him in Hell. Returning on her own accord would restore Sybil’s memories. She could go to Lucifer and tell him what’s happened.

Not good for any of us.

Trust me, son, we don’t want his retribution. His vengeance would make your torture feel like a paper cut.

Unease rolled through me like a chilled, dark wave. Pissing off the master of Hell was not my intention. It was better to take Father’s offer and see where it leads. Fine. When does this start?

All I have to do is snap my fingers.

Standing, I say, I need to finish what I started upstairs.

My father stretches. No need, son. I’ve got it. Besides, it’s been a long time since I had three females at once. He grabs his crotch. They might enjoy a real good fucking, nothing like what you offer.

I swear if the demon wasn’t my father, I’d obliterate him just for the fun of it. Get it over and done with.

He grins widely, displaying gleaming-white teeth. No need to worry. I’ll make sure they’re singing my praises when I’m done. I might even pay a visit to Elsbeth while I’m here. Help her dust away a few cobwebs.

Is it possible for a parent’s actions to embarrass a demonic Lilin?

3

Sybil

October 1989

New York City

After listening to complaints all day, vegetating in front of the TV was my plan for the evening. As the negotiator for the Nakamura Demons, I heard misdeeds and determined punishment for anyone deserving of my family’s wrath. I’d earned some downtime. A meet and greet with eligible Lilin wasn’t on my agenda.

Wrong outfit, my roommate and best friend, London Constantine, announced from the hallway.

And what’s wrong with my outfit? My jeans were clean and my top wasn’t overly sheer.

The redhead bounced over to my closet and tugged dresses off the hangers. You’re looking for a mate, Sybil. Not someone to paint your walls.

What are you blabbering about? Reluctantly, I picked up a red silk blouse and a black leather skirt that had landed on the floor. Contrary to London’s statement, I wasn’t looking for a mate. I’ll wear this if I can borrow your black heels.

London nodded. You can’t expect to find a desirable incubus with money dressed in jeans.

Buttoning the blouse, I said, You’re as bad as my mother. She’s always thinking about an incubus’s bank account instead of his personal charms.

Charm gets you a boring male, London pointed out. Trust me, you’ll attract the right male in the right outfit. I’ll be back.

As I tugged the skirt over my generous hips, I considered London’s words. Problem was, I wasn’t looking for anyone. Getting married was my parents idea. Mother had threatened to marry me off to a partner of their choosing if I didn’t find someone before my birthday—in three months. Sadly, the only male I’d considered marrying wasn’t even remotely interested in me.

The highly exclusive club, near the Museum of Modern Art, was the perfect place for a gathering. Incubi and succubi of all varieties packed the elegant surroundings as the sounds of Troop’s My Heart filled the air. The beat made me want to dance, but unfortunately I was with London. She didn’t cut loose at meet and greets. Instead, my friend treated the event like it was a business venture.

The wall-long bar was calling me—and it wasn’t for a drink. Some of the finest incubi in all the world occupied the stools. As London and I strolled past it, I felt like I was part of an open meat market. All eyes were on my ass as I wiggled it. I shimmied shoulders, and the lecherous males drooled with drinks in their hands. London gave me the stink eye, but I didn’t care. It wasn’t like I was the only succubus shamelessly flirting. Most of them were looking for a husband while others just wanted to get laid.

Personally, I preferred to be in the latter group. I saw what marriage did to my aunts. They gave up their ability to live life the way they saw it, doing whatever their husbands chose for them. It wasn’t what I wanted.

London slipped her arm through mine and leaned in. This is a good turnout, Sybil. Even the patio is full of males. For a change, there aren’t an overabundance of succubi.

Thank the sirens for that. Sometimes meet and greets devolved into females hitting on each other. Not a problem if you rolled that way—I didn’t.

My gaze drifted over to my roommate. She dressed to land a husband—strapless, black velvet dress with a sapphire sash, dark pantyhose, and black suede heels. Her heavily made-up eyes scanned the incubi. I hoped she found someone soon. London was the marrying type—loyal to a fault and desiring all the trappings of the life. She wanted the lair, the handsome husband, and plenty of offspring.

If I lived in a sprawling mansion, I’d rather fill it with handsome males all loyal to me. Much more fun if you asked me.

My eyes bounced around the dimly lit room. London was right. There were plenty of gorgeous males to