Elsie gave him a gentle squeeze. “I’m in a little bit of pain here, Mr. Bossy Pants. Lighten the hold, please.” He loosened his grip, but didn’t let go of her. “Hey, it’s okay. I’m fine really. And, what did I tell you about giving orders? You can’t simply say I will never be without protection. I don’t need a bodyguard. If my car hadn’t broken down, I would’ve been perfectly safe with Mack.”
He leaned back and smoothed her hair. “I remember what you said. And, like I told you, giving orders is what I do. I will be providing protection for you. This isna up for debate. If not me personally than one of my…employees will bewith you. Now, how are you feeling, a ghra?”
“My pain was much better before you squeezed me,” she teased. Zander reluctantly released his hold, and placed her against the stack of pillows. “Dr. Jace gave me some good drugs. By the way, I wanted to ask why you’ve been leaving me obscene tips.” Before he could respond, Elsie went off on another train of thought. “It’s so good to see you. I feel safe when you’re near.” Her soft voice was a balm to his soul. She relaxed further when the machine beeped, dispensing another dose of pain medication. Thank the Goddess for modern medicine. It killed him to see his mate in pain.
He slid his hand from her cheek to her throat, stopping at her pulse while his other hand gently rubbed her arm. He struggled to retract his fangs so he could talk to her, and prayed his eyes weren’t glowing with desire.
When he gained a modicum of control, he went back to her previous question. “My tips were no’ obscene, lass. I wanted to make life easier for you. I saw how hard you were working, and know the loss you’ve suffered.”
“Are you kidding me? It made everything easier. Hmmm, your touch is nice. It warms my chest and soothes my pulsing black hole. Oh, and, it makes me all tingly, I love it. Christ, your eyes are gorgeous. The color is unlike anything I’ve ever seen,” she cocked her head to the side, taking in his countenance. He couldn’t help but puff out his chest. His touch eased his mate’s pain, and she liked his eyes.
“In a world hardened by war and bloodshed, you bring meaning. You are the sunshine to my gray skies, a ghra.” He felt the connection blaze between them. The Goddess’ creation of Fated Mates put the human notion of soulmates to shame. There was nothing else like it in this realm, or any other.
Her eyes flared and her pupils dilated. The scent of her arousal drowned out the smells of the hospital and put him to the test as his body hardened.
“Flatterer,” she accused.
Her eyes traveled away from his face and stopped at his groin. Her gaze was a torch, burning his ardor.
“Is that leather you’re wearing? Beats the scrubs the doctors wear. And, you make me feel so much better than their medications. You know the TV show, about doctors and nurses set here in Seattle?” she muttered.
Her stream of consciousness escaped without pause, making him chuckle.
“You are so much hotter than Dr. McDreamy. Holy shit, you are so yummy in that soft leather,” she confessed and reached over to rub his leg. “These are the softest pants I’ve ever felt.”
He bit back a curse as she caressed his thigh. He’d never been so close to orgasm with such little contact. Her eyes were partially closed, but displayed her lust and drug-induced fatigue. The latter should have cooled his desire, but it didn’t diminish it one bit.
“You’re my Dr. McYummy. I could eat you up. My face is numb, am I drooling? I think I need a bib…and dry panties,” she whispered the last under her breath, but Zander heard every word.
The drugs were obliterating her inhibitions and she was saying anything that came to her mind. His mate may hunt skirm but this showcased her innocence. It was refreshing and endearing.
He smiled, careful to keep his throbbing fangs hidden while his shaft stiffened further inside his pants. “Och, you’re going to unhinge me with your touch,” he warned.
Her cheeks reddened with embarrassment. “Oh, no. I didn’t say that out loud, did I? Oh, God,” Elsie said, burying her face in her hands.
He pried her hands away and bent over, placing his lips to her skin. His eyes closed at the soft feel against his lips. He breathed deeply of her sweet, honeysuckle fragrance. Delicious.
“You are wrong aboot one thing, a ghra. Your skin is infinitely softer than my pants, and you are the sexiest creature I’ve ever laid eyes on. I could drink you in for centuries, and no’ get enough. Everything will be okay. I’m going to take care of you from now on.” The vow escaped his lips and he refused to take it back.
Her eyes widened with surprise. “Wow. This must be a dream. You are so gorgeous and no one like you has ever told me I’m sexy. I’m dreadfully average. Yep, definitely dreaming but I like this dream…” she trailed off, closing her eyes.
He bit back a groan, hearing her thoughts. His mate had an erotic imagination. Without the grief and guilt hanging over her head, she allowed herself to think about the wicked things she wanted to do to him. He couldn’t wait to get her in his bed.
“I canna survive this,” he admitted.
*****
Zander’s deep, masculine voice dripped down Elsie’s spine, leaving a warm path that set her blood on fire. She loved Dr. McYummy’s accent. Guilt over her thoughts rose but quickly receded, heading in a naughty direction. A direction she knew would be riddled with remorse later but for now, the drugs stripped her bare.
She took a deep breath and embraced the fantasy.
She wondered if Zander had any tattoos she could nibble. She imagined lifting his shirt over his head then tossing it to the floor so she could run her hands across his broad, muscular shoulders. She pictured a beautiful, Celtic cross tattooed somewhere on his muscled body.
She ached to suck his full, lower lip into her mouth. Feel his heavy breaths fall against hers before she slipped her tongue into his mouth for a passionate kiss. He was a take-charge kind of man, and she imagined him doing that. His kiss would be explosive. He wouldn’t simply explore the depths of her mouth but would plunder and stake a claim.
She longed to run her hands over his sculpted chest, feeling the power radiate from him. A power that would embrace her as she reached around to caress his firm ass while he pounded into her body.
Elsie had never given into her desires like this before, and it was liberating. Her inner-sex-fiend was strutting around the room, tail high, begging for him to mount her. She doubted she would ever get a leash on her animal again.
Her conscience grabbed hold and she shook off her mental fantasy and met glowing pools of desire. Zander’s blue orbs awoke something in her soul. Their eye contact intensified but neither spoke a word.
Her fantasy took control again, and Elsie mentally reached out to caress his muscular body. Her hands ran down his arms as she nibbled then sucked his nipples, feeling them pearl in her mouth. Would he like her to bite them? Her mouth watered at the thought. A sudden urge to bite him hard enough to break skin and take his blood overcame her. She was lost in the passionate fantasy and was grateful that when her guilt rose again, it quickly fizzled away, leaving her free to continue.
*****
Zander was unable to form a coherent thought, let alone use his powers to stop Elsie. Not that he would dare stop her fantasies. It wasn’t real but his body sizzled everywhere her hot, little mind wandered. When she imagined biting his nipple, a growl escaped. He fisted his hands to keep from touching her but his eyes remained glued to her hypnotic gaze.
He shuddered when she reached out and caressed his shaft through his leather pants. He knew he should tell her to stop, but he loved it.
Wanted it.
Needed it more than he needed to breathe.
He was going to explode if she continued yet he was helpless to stop her. Her grip tightened on his shaft, and his balls drew up tight. The base of his spine tingled with his impending orgasm.
Zander wasn’t the only one breathless.
Elsie panted as she whispered, “So big.”
Unable to resist, he softly ground his hard cock against her hand, showing her how big.
“Careful, a ghra, that may go off in your hand. Och, but it feels so good,” he murmured as he marveled at her beauty.
“That’s the point, I think. I love the way you look at me. Your eyes are glowing,” she whispered, gripping his shaft harder through the material.
That was all it took. He lost control, and felt his seed shoot out in a rush. He dropped his head to his chest and groaned as his orgasm continued. Thinking this was fantasy, Elsie rubbed harder as she stared seductively at him. It felt so fucking good to have his mate pleasure him. So good, in fact, Zander swore he left his body.
He would never be the same. The sense of rightness was overwhelming. He best come to terms with her human status, and find a way to win her over because there was no going back for him. He belonged to her in every way.
“Holy shite,” he whispered, shocked about the sensual experience.
This was the most incredible and satisfying sexual encounter of his life and there had been no penetration. He could only imagine what it would feel like to be inside her. The mating compulsion demanded he claim her. He both thanked and cursed the Goddess for his fortune. He’d gotten a small taste of his mate, and he wanted more. So much more.
“Wow, I think I came with you on that one. I love this dream, and don’t ever want to wake up. Real life is full of too much pain,” Elsie confessed as her eyes slipped closed.
She may not realize it, may even fight it, but eventually, she would be his.
Zander always got what he wanted.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Zander listened to Elsie’s inner battle and watched her drift off to sleep. She was chastising herself, saying she’d had her fun and now it was time to remember her vows to Dalton. Her loyalty was a blessing and a curse. One thing was clear to him. He would not be mating her anytime soon.
She wasn’t ready. Not only did she have to find her way through her grief and guilt, but she hated vampires and hunted them for vengeance. Clearly, they had a few hurdles to overcome.
Unfortunately, Zander had fallen for her. He couldn’t go back to a life without Elsie. He marveled at the dynamics of Fated Mates. He needed her emotionally and physically. He wanted to confide in her and seek her opinion on realm matters. More importantly, he desperately needed her blood. His body weakened with each passing day.
Zander refused to force her into something she didn’t want but the realm needed him at his best. Thousands relied on him to battle the demons and keep them safe. Rock and hard place slammed into each other, trapping him in the middle.
One step at a time, he told himself. For now, he would enjoy their combined arousal, which was thick as pea soup. He used his telepathy and asked Jace to bring him some clean scrubs as he recalled the reason he needed to change. The interlude with Elsie had been intense and erotic.
“Bugger, Zander, I thought she was going to rip your pants off and tup you right here. She sure had a tight grip on you. I bet she’s no’ a wilting flower in the sack,” Bhric teased.
The male was playing with fire.
“Fuck off, brathair,” Zander growled as he rushed forward and pinned Bhric against the wall.
“If we were no’ in Jace’s hospital, I would rip you to shreds. Doona speak of her in that manner,” he spat and shoved an elbow against Bhric’s throat.
Everyone fell silent as Zander’s power pulsed through the room. The idea that he would harm his sibling was frightening and bespoke of the bond between mates. He wondered how much stronger it would become when they completed the mating.
“Aye, brathair. I apologize. It willna happen again. This Fated Mate stuff is new to me. I’m still getting used to the fact we have a queen now,” Bhric choked out.
Zander released his hold. His brother was right. Everyone, including Zander, was adjusting to the news.
The energy Zander expended throughout the day and evening was taking its toll, and he staggered from his weakness. He needed to obtain her blood soon.
Jace quietly entered the room, clearly aware of the varied emotions. He tossed Zander the clean scrubs and a plastic bag for his clothes.
“Hey. How long has she been out? Do I even want to know what happened in here?” Jace asked.
Zander walked to the bathroom to change, and replied, “The medications you gave her made her believe she was dreaming, and, let’s just say, she found my leathers very soft. The touch of a mate is a verra powerful thing. She’s been asleep for aboot five minutes. Now, tell me aboot her injuries, aside from the wee bite on her arm,” he said through the door as he removed his soiled leathers and quickly donned the scrubs.
Jace cleared his throat but remained silent. The hesitation caused sweat to break across Zander’s brow. This wasn’t good.
“She has several injuries. Her right radius and ulna are fractured. I will be setting and casting those breaks. She also has a concussion and a zygomatic fracture on her left cheek, which I plan to heal. Otherwise, she’d be heading for surgery to correct it. And the bite under those bandages is not so little. The venom permeated the surrounding tissues, and her body is having a hard time fighting the infection. Aside from a few loosened teeth, and assorted bumps and bruises, that’s it as far as the attack is concerned,” Jace explained, and met Zander’s gaze when he exited the bathroom.
“What those skirm did to her,” the warrior snarled and took several deep breaths before continuing, “is one more reason they need to be eliminated. I still can’t believe she hunts them. Listen, Z, there’s something else,” Jace said and looked down at Elsie.
Zander didn’t like the sound of his tone and his heart kicked up a notch. “What is it? Doona keep anything from me,” he barked.
Jace exhaled then continued, “The most pressing issue is her weight loss. It’s having a negative effect on her health. She needs to begin sleeping, eating, and regaining weight, or there will be severe consequences. Her frail system can’t handle much more.”
Zander walked to the side of her bed. “This is verra complicated,” he replied, his gaze glued to Elsie’s face. “I need her blood. As you know, the IV infusions you’ve given me have no’ been helpful. With her health at risk, I doona want to jeopardize it further but I canna last much longer withoot her blood,” Zander admitted. “Elsie comes first. Do whatever it takes to insure her health,” he quickly added.
Jace rocked back on his heels and sucked in a breath. “I can fix what’s broken in her body but I can’t make her eat or sleep. That’s up to her. But, as for blood, we can safely take a pint tonight. You will need to be sure and feed her a big steak later. Also, I suggest that she quit working. Waitressing will be near impossible with a broken arm and she needs to focus her energy on healing.”
Zander’s movements stilled and he reached over and brushed a lock of hair from her face. She sighed and turned into his touch. His heart stuttered.
“She will no’ take that well. She’s fiercely independent and verra stubborn,” he said with a smile.
*****
Masculine voices penetrated the thick fog. They were talking about her but Elsie was unable to make sense of what they were saying. She fought the effects of the drugs to clear the haze. She blinked her heavy eyes open and brilliant, green orbs came into focus.
“Hey, cupcake. How are you feeling? It’s so good to see those beautiful blues shining back at me,” Orlando cooed.
She noticed the tight brackets of tension around his mouth and how his hair stood on end. She imagined him plowing hands through it as he waited for her to wake up.
“I’m…ugh…it’s starting to hurt again,” she grunted with a rusty voice.
Her head throbbed almost as much as her arm and cheek. She turned her head to look around and winced with pain. The discomfort diminished at the sight of Zander standing. He was on the other side of her bed, next to Jace. From the corner of her eye, she realized Kyran and Bhric were still standing sentinel at
the entrance to her room.
Turning her focus to Zander, she noticed he wore scrubs and suddenly recalled her dream. It was about him. He was wearing leather pants and she was exploring his spectacular body. The residual zing in her blood told her it had been one hell of a dream. She would much rather be in her fantasy than lying on a bed in agony.
Memories rushed back about why she was in pain and a thought struck. “How is it that Kyran killed those guys who attacked me?” she asked, suspicious and curious about how much they knew. Did they know about vampires? Was she in trouble for killing them?
Orlando grasped her uninjured hand, stealing her attention. “I’m not sure what you remember but you passed out at some point. Kyran managed to subdue your attackers while Bhric got you to safety. But that doesn’t matter right now.”
Nausea churned in her gut. “I passed out? Oh, my God. I could’ve been another TwiKill victim,” she breathed, careful to use the media terminology.
Had she imagined the flash of fire at the park? It was all such a blur to her. Maybe they didn’t know about vampires. It was crucial to keep them in the dark about her involvement with SOVA.
Zander placed his large palm on her cheek and gently turned her to face him. “A ghra, doona fash over this. You have much healing ahead of you. We are here and will keep you safe.”
“Speaking of safe,” Jace said, stepping into her line of vision. Zander moved over for Jace to do a quick review of her vitals. He injected another dose of medication into her IV, which quickly took effect. “This should take care of your pain but let’s talk about your injuries.”
She met his beautiful amethyst eyes and cut to the chase, “The meds are a lifesaver, thank you. Will I need surgery?”
Jace took out a pen-light and checked her eyes, ears and throat. “No, you won’t need surgery. There are several fractures in your right wrist and forearm that I will set and cast. You’ll be in a cast for six to eight weeks while it heals. Your left cheekbone is badly bruised but not broken, and I need to stitch the bite on your arm,” he explained.
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