Shadows and Stars

by Becca Fanning

  “That is none of your concern. I pay you to do a job and that is all you need to know. Find the girl or there will be a price on your head.”

  Ryder smiled to himself. Screw this asshole. “Good luck with that, Damien. Find someone else to do your bitch work. Keep your money and your threats. I quit.”

  “What?” Damien exclaimed. “You can’t quit! You belong to me and my coven. There is no way out except in death. You will find the girl, kill her, and bring her head back to me. Is that understood?”

  “Nah, I think I’m going to pass.” Ryder took a calming breath then lowered his voice to a dangerous tone. “Remember one thing, you, sniveling little shit: I am the best tracker and assassin that coven has ever had. If you attempt to make good on your threat, you had better send someone you don’t mind losing. I will kill them. Are we clear?”

  Damien stuttered a few times, then answered, “You will regret this.”

  “Good.” Ryder ended the call with a satisfied smile. There were so many things he wanted to say to that worthless excuse for a coven leader, but felt it wouldn’t do a bit of good either way. He said what needed to be said and it was done.

  Ryder knew Damien wouldn’t give up and would most likely send his goons after him, but he didn’t care. He meant what he said—he would kill them all, including Damien if he had to. Especially if that meant keeping Vivien safe.

  Vivien woke up startled in the now-chilled bath. She didn’t realize she had fallen asleep, and now she was freezing. She pulled the plug to drain some of the water and turned the hot water tap back on. She needed to wash her hair and finish scrubbing.

  Once the bath was more comfortable, Vivien began her routine. As she was rinsing her hair, the bathroom door opened, and she yelped out in surprise.

  “What the hell, Ryder?” She grabbed her washcloth to cover her breasts. That was stupid. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been feeling her up earlier, but whatever. He was being rude.

  Ryder smirked, and his silver eyes swirled. “I’m sorry to intrude, but I wanted to let you know that Damien called again. We had a conversation… about you.”

  “What? What did he say?” Vivien leaned forward, washcloth and all modesty forgotten.

  “Exactly what I thought he would say,” Ryder answered, leaning against the doorjamb with his arms folded across his chest. “He wanted to know where I was and why you weren’t dead. I told him that I quit, after he threatened my life if I didn’t find you.”

  “He threatened to kill you?” Vivien asked, concerned, standing from the bath. “Hand me that towel, would you?”

  Ryder’s eyes widened in what looked like shock, or maybe surprise, but Vivien was done taking a bath and wanted answers. “Here.” He handed her the towel, attempting to avert his eyes. “Yes, he said there would be a price on my head if I didn’t kill you and now that I have left the coven, he mentioned something about me regretting my decision.” He shrugged his shoulder as if it was no big deal.

  “Why are you acting so nonchalant about this? He could send a horde of vampires after you. Aren’t you the slightest bit worried?” Vivien asked, wrapping the towel around her.

  “No. Vivien, you forget that I was their assassin. They can try, but I don’t give a damn. They will have to find me first. It is you that I’m more worried about.” He stepped away from the door and pulled her close to him.

  Vivien looked into his eyes. “Thank you for helping me. If they come, we’ll fight them together. I have no qualms about killing a vampire.” She cringed. “Not you, of course.”

  Ryder smiled. “I would hope not.” Then he kissed her. Not just any kiss, but the kind of kiss that she felt from the top of her head to the tip of her toes. It was mind-blowing.

  Breathlessly, Vivien broke away. “Okay, no more of that,” she said smiling, placing her hand on his arm. “It’s your turn in the bathroom.” She moved past him, her heart thundering in her chest, and went to the bedroom. Holy hell, that man was walking, talking sex-on-a-stick and it was all Vivien could do to walk away.

  She removed her towel and thought about clothes. It had been so long since she had used her powers for anything frivolous, and she felt giddy. Sure, it was childish, but she didn’t care.

  The first thing that came to mind was sexy matching bra and panties—several pair in different colors. She concentrated on what she wanted them to look like, then waved her right hand and five sets appeared: purple, red, pink, white, and black. Perfect. She reached for the pink set, stepping into the silk panties first. They felt amazing against her skin. The bra was the same, caressing her like—

  Ryder cleared his throat. “Are you enjoying yourself?” he asked with a sexy grin, stepping into the bedroom.

  Vivien nearly jumped out of her skin. “Aren’t you supposed to be showering?” she countered, placing her hands on her hips.

  “Yes, but I could hear your thoughts and couldn’t resist seeing what was making you feel so good.” He took a step closer.

  “Oh, no, you don’t.” Vivien grabbed his shoulders and turned him toward the bathroom. “Get your ass in the shower and stop stalking my mind. Damn. Can’t a girl get any privacy?” She was smiling internally, but seriously, he needed to stop, or she wouldn’t be able to control herself.

  “Fine. Do you mind conjuring something simple for me: jeans, T-shirt? I’m easy.” He smiled mischievously.

  “Sure, black will suit you just fine. Now, move your ass.” She shooed him toward the door and closed it behind him.

  Taking a deep breath, she smiled to herself, squared her shoulders and went back to work. She decided on comfort: jeans, T-shirts, tanks, a few sundresses and several pairs of shoes to choose from. Then did the same for Ryder.

  She changed into a dark pair of low-rise, hip hugging jeans, with a purple V-neck T-shirt, then sat in the reading chair next to the window and conjured a good book. Switching on the reading lamp, Vivien tucked her legs beneath her and settled in for a nice romantic read.

  She couldn’t concentrate on the book. She kept reading the same paragraph over and over. Hell, what was she thinking trying to read right now anyway? She set the book on the table and put her head in her hands. What was she going to do? Her mother’s letter. It kept playing over and over in her mind. The letter itself didn’t say much, only that Emma and Richard would protect and guide her toward her destiny, whatever the hell that was. Her mother had left instructions for Vivien about learning the true nature of her father, Machin, and apologized for never telling her the truth. She had felt it better to hide the truth in order to keep her safe and Gretchen didn’t want to run the risk of Vivien ever attempting to seek him out.

  In Vivien’s mind, all of what her mother had said about her father made sense, except she still didn’t understand his motives or why he wanted her dead. She assumed she would find out sooner rather than later.

  When the door to the bathroom opened, Vivien looked up and gasped. Ryder was dripping wet, wearing nothing more than a towel around his waist. Why couldn’t he have chosen the stupid robe? His abs were more chiseled than she had imagined, with a happy trail leading all the way down to the V of his defined hips. The towel left nothing to the imagination—she could even see the outline of his—she knew she had to stop and look away. If not, bad things might happen. Very bad. She picked her book back up and acted like she was interested.

  “You know, it is okay to look, Vivien.” Ryder smiled devilishly. She looked up at him and could see his fangs. Oh shit. She felt an ache inside of her that only he could fill. Why couldn’t she stop her mind from going from “I’m in danger” to “I have to have that?”

  “I’ve looked, thank you,” she said, then glanced back down at her book.

  Ryder came to stand in front of her. He was too close. She could smell the scent of his shampoo and wanted to jump him where he stood.

  “Are you hungry? I’m hungry,” she said. “How about we see what Emma has prepared for lunch?” She changed the subject, then wanted to s
lap herself in the face. He drank blood. She was most likely on his menu.

  Ryder removed the book from Vivien’s hand and pulled her close to him. “If you’re hungry, I suggest you eat, but I have already eaten. That is, unless you’re offering.”

  Vivien could feel his breath against her skin. He was dangerously close to her face. Her chest was rising and falling with each breath that she took. Looking into his eyes, she became lost in him. “I’m hungry, yes,” she breathed.

  Ryder hooked his fingers in the waistband of her jeans and pulled her even closer. “I want you, Vivien. All of you.”

  Vivien parted her lips, but couldn’t say a word. She reached for his towel and let it drop to the floor, then yanked her top over her head, exposing her pink lace bra. Screw it. She wanted him too, and she was gonna have him. Now. She could eat later.

  Ryder grabbed her face and covered her mouth with his in a desperate kiss. Throwing her arms around his neck, Vivien pulled him as close as two bodies could be—she needed to feel his skin against hers. She was on fire from the inside out. Within seconds, Ryder unclasped her bra, revealing her breasts, and broke the kiss. He leaned down, cupping them in his hands, licking and sucking them both. She could feel his fangs graze her nipples and cried out in pleasure. It was the most erotic sensation that she had ever experienced.

  With his left hand, Ryder unbuttoned her jeans and yanked them down, along with her panties. Vivien stepped out of her pants, then stood naked before him. It was all or nothing now. She was breathing heavily, needing him to ravage her body. She didn’t have to wait long.

  He scooped her up and gently laid her on the bed, then knelt on the floor in front of her, spreading her legs. Vivien was screaming inside with anticipation. She sat up on her elbows to watch and Ryder looked at her before inserting two fingers inside her wet center. “So ready for me.” He lowered his face without taking his eyes off of her and licked her gently at first, then became more aggressive. Vivien could feel the pressure building inside of her and she arched her hips to meet his mouth, but Ryder pushed her back down with his hand. It was torture and bliss at the same time—she was so close.

  “I need you inside me. Now,” she said, panting and reaching for him.

  He didn’t say a word. Once his tongue reached her sensitive nub, she exploded in ecstasy, throwing her head back and trembling from head to toe. Ryder continued licking and sucking, allowing her to ride out her pleasure, then climbed on top of her.

  He looked at her, his eyes a swirling mixture of silver and blue. She wanted him to bite her again.

  He situated himself between her legs, then leaned down and kissed her hard. His fangs turned her on more than she ever thought possible. She fell into his embrace, reaching down and grabbing his hard length, pushing the tip into her slick entrance. Ryder broke the kiss and a growl escaped him. “Are you sure this is what you want, Vivien? I know what I want, but you need to be certain.”

  “Yes,” she breathed. “I want you inside me. I want you to bite me.”

  A look of shock crossed Ryder’s face and he sat up on his elbows. “Vivien, I’m not sure you understand what that might mean. All signs point to us being mates and if I bite you during lovemaking, it would be permanent. I can already hear your thoughts and feel what you feel.” He took a deep breath, looking deep into her eyes.

  Somehow, she could feel his soul—feel what he was feeling at that very moment.

  “Are you positive that is something you’re ready for? An eternity with me?”

  Vivien hadn’t thought of it like that. She was only thinking of how wonderful it would feel to have him bite her during sex. She knew they had a strong connection, but could she be his mate? She had never been in a long-term relationship before and never wanted to be. That was, until she met him. The emotions she felt for him were like nothing she had ever experienced before, not that she had a lot to compare it to. But she knew in her heart that he was the one—she had never trusted anyone so implicitly. He was her equal in strength and would fight alongside her, even give his life for her. She decided there was nothing left to think about.

  “Yes. I’m sure,” she answered, looking into his questioning gaze. There, she saw recognition—and something else.

  Ryder clutched her face, kissing her with more passion than she’d ever felt in her entire life. Vivien’s heart was racing, then all of a sudden, she felt his soul again, she saw his life as a human, then when he was turned, and flashes of his life as a vampire, right up until the night he first laid eyes on her. She knew then, he was truly her destined mate. Maybe he was part of the destiny her mother and Emma were talking about.

  Vivien cried out when Ryder filled her, slowly at first, keeping his eyes trained on her the entire time. It was all she could do to keep breathing. She had never felt anything so explosive, sensual, yet full of love in all her life. She didn’t think it possible. He quickened his pace and Vivien knew she was nearing another orgasm.

  “Do it. I want you to bite me. Now.”

  Ryder roared. That was all it took. He leaned down, sucking her rapidly beating pulse, then sank his fangs into her neck, and she cried out in pure ecstasy, holding his head and running her hands through his thick dark hair. He was now hers for all eternity.

  NINE

  RYDER OBSERVED a sleeping Vivien and couldn’t believe what had just happened. He knew of other vampires who met their destined mates, but he never thought it would happen to him. Ever. He pushed a strand of her long black hair away from her face and looked at her perfect mouth. She was everything that he had ever wanted, yet he never knew it until the night he first touched her skin. His mate. His heart was full—the emptiness he had felt in all the centuries since becoming a vampire was now gone. Ryder continued to watch her sleeping form until a knock sounded at the door.

  “Yes?”

  “I apologize for disturbing you,” Emma called out through the door, “but I’ve prepared dinner. I’m sure Vivien is starving.”

  Ryder threw on a pair of jeans lying across the chair and cracked the door open. “She’s resting, but I’ll wake her now. We’ll be down momentarily. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality, Emma.”

  She smiled. “No thanks necessary, Ryder. I’ve been waiting for the two of you for over twenty-five years,” she said. “Everything is prepared in the dining room. Richard and I will see you there.” She turned and left, then Ryder closed the door.

  Vivien was sleeping so peacefully that he hated to wake her, but knew she needed to eat. He sat down on the bed and stroked her hair, then kissed her cheek. “It’s time to wake up now.”

  She rolled to the side and greeted him with a wide smile. “What time is it?” she asked, yawning.

  “Around four thirty. Emma and Richard are waiting for us downstairs with dinner.”

  “I didn’t realize I slept so long. Would you like to shower with me, then we can go down together?” She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a gentle kiss.

  “Well, seeing as you asked so sweetly, how can I resist?”

  She ran her hand along the stubble on his jawline. “I rather like you unshaved.”

  “Unshaved it is then. Let’s get in the shower. We don’t want to keep them waiting too long,” Ryder said, standing from the bed, extending his hand.

  Once they were showered and dressed, the pair headed downstairs toward the dining room. Emma stood waiting for them. “I hope the two of you are well rested. It seems we may have a problem,” she said. “Come sit. I’ll explain over dinner. Richard should be back in a moment.”

  Vivien looked to Ryder with worry in her eyes, but said nothing. They took their seats at the table where Emma had laid out a delicious-looking spread of meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad.

  “What’s happened?” Vivien asked, pouring herself a glass of sweet iced tea.

  Emma looked between the two of them. “I’m not exactly sure, but one of our wards has been breached on the south side of to
wn. Richard and two other witches have gone out to investigate.”

  “What does that mean?” Ryder asked, concerned.

  “It could mean several things,” Emma answered, sipping her tea. “The coven has never been able to break our wards, but that doesn’t mean they won’t try. It’s possible they followed you here.

  “Ryder, I have to ask you a personal question. I know that you left the vampire coven to save Vivien. Have you been contacted recently?”

  Ryder immediately felt sick to his stomach. His phone. The coven—Damien—could have tracked his location. He hadn’t thought to obtain a burner phone in all the commotion.

  He ran his hand through his hair in frustration. “Yes, Damien, the coven leader, contacted me earlier on my cell phone. It’s quite possible he traced the call.”

  “What?” Vivien exclaimed. “But wait. Emma, you said no one who wishes harm on any inhabitants can enter, right?”

  “That’s correct.” Emma placed her fork on the table and steepled her hands together. “However, if our protection spells are somehow overridden, it is possible for someone to enter, but we have security in place for such things.”

  Vivien looked to Ryder and didn’t seem convinced. “I’ve been running from these people all of my life. It’s time I stand and fight. I’m done living in the shadows, always looking over my shoulder. It’s no way to live.”

  Ryder nodded. “I agree with Vivien. I need a new phone. I must contact Tristan and find out how long before he and his friends arrive.”

  “Not to worry,” Emma said. “I have several in the corner store, located just off the side entrance. I’ll get one for you so that you can make the call.” She stood to leave.

  “Thank you, Emma. For everything,” Ryder said.

  Vivien picked at her food, taking a few bites here and there when Ryder touched her hand. “Hey, you need to eat and fuel your system. It could be a long night ahead.”

  “I know. I’m just pissed off. When I’m pissed, I don’t wanna eat, I wanna beat the shit outta something or someone. And I want to hear what Richard has to say—if we ever get a chance to meet him.” She took an angry bite of meatloaf.