by Lexi Ostrow
***
Standing next to the car she stretched and smiled as Stryder grabbed her and kissed her, a quick peck, but a promise of what else he could do. He grabbed her hand and she quickly slipped it free. His frown made her feel guilty, and she quickly put the blue tooth on so they could communicate.
“It's nothing bad, you dummy. Think about it. What would it look like if I walked around holding my hand out to thin air? Come to think of it, no kissing either.”
He growled, but nodded. “You're right. Dammit to hell what was I thinking? I'm sorry, Ciara, I didn't mean to put you in a compromising position.”
She grinned at him and walked toward the door. “I may have a solution for that. How about you stand behind me and wrap your big, strong arms around me. Might make walking a bit slower, but I can promise you, I won't push you off.”
She bought her ticket and he wasted no time taking her suggestion and putting it into action. The minute his arms wrapped around hers, she smiled and leaned back just a little. Pushing open the big door they stepped inside and she heard him whistle.
“That whale on the ceiling, that's a big ass, fucking whale.”
She laughed. “Yes they do have a Blue Whale hanging from the ceiling in here. It's really impressive. But not what I think I want to see right now.” She'd had tons of practice communicating in public with Alcott. The shift in speech to make it appear she was on a call came second nature.
Stryder squeezed her shoulders and she could hear the amusement in his voice. “Well I'll be damned. You are good. Where are we going?”
Leading them down the pathway on the right side she smiled as the cylindrical tanks came into view with the various types of jellyfish floating through the water on the current. “I just love jellyfish. There's something so serene in watching them move through the water.” She stood back a bit from a tank of Moon Jellyfish, her favorite, and watched as Stryder unhooked from her and walked up to the tank. He put a hand up on it and his eyes widened in fascination.
“You've never been to an aquarium, have you?”
He pulled his face from the tank and offered her a small smile. “We have them. But no, I've never been. You mentioned these places where your favorite. Why not walk me through the way you like to go. Show me how Ciara Miller does Aquariums.”
She laughed and almost slipped a hand out to tug him with her, but stopped herself. “Good thing for you that you're talking with an experienced aquarium attendee. I always go to the seahorses and tropical fish tanks next.”
“Lead the way, fearless leader.” He winked and stepped back, putting his hands on her shoulders this time, making it easier to walk for them both, but still giving them a connection.
Walking through the aquarium, she paused a little longer at each tank than she would have if she were alone. But it wasn't just about watching the fish this time. She was watching him. He was so gentle and boy like when he was in here. It was almost difficult for her to imagine either the blood thirsty demon she watched fight for her, or the sexy man whose hair she'd dug her hands into when his tongue was inside her.
“The fish, they're so colorful.” He pointed to a Lion-fish. “This guy. I've seen him a lot. Aggressive and poisonous. Kind of like me.” He smiled at her and she couldn't help but laugh.
Their path wound them around to the room with the giant crabs, lobsters and the octopus. She pointed accidentally at the tank holding the octopus. “I could stand here and watch him all day.” For the first time she felt him watch her and not the octopus. Not wanting to feel like she could turn around, fall into his arms and kiss him senseless she turned away from the tank.
“Bet you'd never guess they have birds here, Lorakeets. Bright, colorful, friendly birds.”
* * *
He wasn't sure which was more entertaining to watch. The way Ciara happily floated from area to area explaining things to him, or watching the creatures themselves. He would have to properly thank her for the trip. He was a swimmer sure, but he definitely hadn't seen so many of these creatures and was impressed at just how many there were that man could capture.
The trip to the birdhouse hadn't been his favorite. The incessant chirping made him want to flick the birds from their perches. But again, she looked so happy, the smile on her face made him smile.
“Well,” she said as she raised her arm for the bird eating out of a cup of food could get off, “that's it. Time to head home.”
He raised a brow at her and grabbed for her out of instinct. She masterfully side stepped him and he began to regret the date being public for the second or third time. “Sweetheart I may not be experienced, but I sure as hell know every aquarium has something in the way of sharks. So no, not time to go just yet, I want you to show me it all if it's your favorite place.”
Her gaze dropped to the floor and she rolled her foot nervously against the ground. Ahh, it made sense now. “I don't like sharks. And before you give me the same lecture I've heard a million times, it’s called respect. When something is easily four feet and two hundred pounds bigger than me, with three rows of teeth, I don't really enjoy being in their way.”
Her discomfort made him smile. “Good to know you're afraid of something. Come on though, they're behind glass and I'll protect you.”
She made a face at him that said she'd heard that a handful of other times, but sighed and lead the way to the tank. He could see inside the glass tunnel as they approached and he grinned at the entrance. Such magnificent beasts sharks were. He'd always wondered who would win, a Great White or War. But he'd never tried. He didn't feel like explaining to his brothers his wounds or worse, missing body parts if the damn shark did win.
When he walked forward and she didn't, he frowned. She was shaking just a little and he realized she hadn't been kidding. He'd watched her stare down and fire at men trying to kill her easier than she was contemplating stepping inside the tunnel.
Horror contorted her face and she screamed. He turned quickly to see what was bothering her and saw the six men step out of the blurred doorway. She must have been so focused on her fear it opened. “Fuck.”
Grabbing his knives from his boots he threw one at the neck of the closest man, dropping him immediately. He couldn't pay attention to Ciara and the five men so he decided to hope she could get her ass out of the way. “I can't play babysitter right now. Get out of here. Don't run, your scream already drew attention.”
It had. Heads had turned, but had written her off as someone just hysterically afraid of sharks. A slash to his back had a growl rippling through him. Turning, he punched the female in the stomach before kicking her legs out from under her, grabbing her by the head and twisting.
The gasp near him told him Ciara hadn't moved. In fact she was staring at her hands and he swore she was playing with fire. “Get out of here, Ciara. Now!”
She jerked her head side to side and lifted her hand. A streak of fire licked down the tunnel, skimming over the glass and slamming into both men across from her. Three down, three to go. He didn't need War for this, so he didn't bother accessing the link in their DNA.
“I really really fucking hope this shit can't be seen or melt that glass.” She was pale and he didn't blame her. But based on the reactions all people had seen was her raise her hand. Her sentence drew a startled look from the man next to her and he shoved her out of the way.
“Damn it, Ciara!” He grabbed the female coming to him by the collar and slammed her head into the tank. Red spilled down her face and she dropped to the floor, alive but not an issue.
It wasn't until he was rounding on the final two that he felt the ground shake. He turned to Ciara and saw her just staring at the ground. The people around them were completely unshaken. Whatever was going on was only happening for them and he was a little tired of not knowing all the rules.
A second later he felt the heat behind him as he turned and saw Ciara, tears sliding down her face and a ball of fire the size of his head resting on her hand before she flick
ed her wrist and it flew at the last of their enemies. Sizzling and screams echoed because of the glass tunnel they were in.
Her arms wrapped around her and she didn't bother to wipe at her face. “Stryder. As I mentioned. I really don't like sharks and I'm going home now.”
He had to practically chase her out of the aquarium to catch up in time to get in the car with her. Her sobs were audible now and he had a pretty damn good feeling it was because of what she had been able to do, not the attack itself that had terrified her.
Reaching out he stroked a hand through her hair and grasped her right hand in his, which she quickly pulled out. “I don't want to talk, Stryder. I just want to drive.”
Chapter 15
The ride back took forever. They'd hit traffic and he was ready to jump out of his skin to get her to stop ignoring him. The tears had stopped and now she was stoic. When they'd finally parked she seemed devoid of emotion.
When he closed her apartment door behind her he wrapped his arms around her, tugging her backwards into him. Turning her around he kissed her. No rush this time. Just a gentle kiss, meant to calm her, bring some sort of awareness back to her since she seemed lost in herself. It hadn't been his intent to let her take over. But she did.
Her mouth opened against his and he was powerless to stop her tongue from controlling their kiss, their pace. Her hands ran down his body and he felt them tug at the hem of his shirt. Gods did he want her. But it was more important to figure out what she could and couldn't do. One weird seeming power at a time. Who knew, maybe she could control all the elements, her last Guardian was a Wiccan and that was what they did after all.
She'd been kissing him. Trying to distract him and damn her it almost worked. He pulled back and didn't bother to hide it as he adjusted his cock in his pants. Her eyes followed his hand and he winked at her.
“No fair, you're a tease, mister.” Her voice was playful and he couldn't resist placing a kiss on her nose. He wasn't sure how she turned off being afraid, but he liked this side of her better and knew how to deal with it.
“Good that you know it, sweetheart.” He grinned and winked at her. “Now open the doorway.”
He watched as she focused. She might be able to open them whenever she wanted, but it wasn't as easy as she'd wanted him to think. A moment later the shimmering doorway he'd grown accustomed to using as travel opened.
He walked over and slipped his hand through the doorway. “I'm going to go through first. Don't waste time trying it, we don't know when they could slip through. Just walk through it if you can.” Stepping through the doorway entirely he stepped onto the front yard grass. He'd missed his palatial Greek retreat.
Turning to face the doorway he could see her standing on the other side and smiled. She looked beautiful. Apprehensive as hell about trying this, but beautiful. “Not sure if you can hear me, but come on. Don't think about it or you'll scare the hell out of me thinking about asking you to do this.”
She cocked her head to the side. Apparently she couldn't hear him. He didn't mind that so much compared to how long she was waiting. It didn't hurt him to do it so he didn't get her unwillingness to try. If she didn't move soon he was going to reach his arm through and not so gently tug her. They needed to do this.
She must have read his mind and he watched as she put her foot through and wiggled it, like it would help. He bit his tongue to not laugh at her testing the waters. Slowly she pushed her foot through. Her thigh, waist and torso followed before he lost his patience and wrapped a hand around her waist pulling her through. Her body crashed into his and he gripped her to stop her from falling backwards. The minute their bodies connected heat shot through him. Without a second thought he reached down and captured her lips with his.
Hungry and demanding, he claimed her with his mouth. His tongue clashed with hers for dominance and he didn't release her body from his as he ground his hips against hers. Her arms wrapped around his neck and he lifted her to compensate for their height difference and groaned as her legs wrapped around his waist. Losing himself in her, he didn't know whether to curse or thank Lucifer when she pulled back. Her eyes were heavy lidded and her lips red and plump from his kisses. Her arms unwrapped from him neck and she tucked a strand of black hair behind her ear.
“Um down please.” She seemed uncomfortable and upset.
“Fuck. I'm sorry. I just, it's just that. . .” He ran a hand over his hair and sighed. “I'm sorry. I'm trying to respect your wishes, but you can't pretend like you don't feel this. Like it's not a pounding forceful need for you too.”
She flushed and looked at the ground before turning to look into her living room through the doorway. Her arm reached out and she slipped her hand back into her own world. “It's amazing.” She turned to him, a smile on her face again. “Thank you for making me try this, Stryder. I never would have known I could really just come here.” Her lips were still calling to him and he adjusted himself, not caring that she was watching.
“You’re welcome. Now time to head to the bar.” She paled and he held out his hand. “I haven't done anything to endanger your life. If I thought you'd be in danger there, I wouldn't do it.”
“But no one can come here. I know that much. That your homes are warded, like the entrances to heaven and hell. I think I'd rather remain here.” She wandered in the direction of his home and he groaned. He wanted to introduce her to his family. Show her more of himself since despite her body's willingness, her heart and mind still clearly objected to him.
“Keep walking in that direction and consequences be damned I'll have you underneath me screaming my name quicker than you can spell your name.”
Her gasp and spin worried him for a moment. “Yes about that- you're very unoriginal considering your reputation and what happened in the kitchen.” With a wink and a grin, she actually strutted toward his house like she wanted it.
Frowning he grabbed her arm and flashed them to the bar.
A quick punch to the arm assured him he needed someone to train her, even if he couldn't do it himself.
“I said it wasn't safe here and I didn't want to be here.”
“Sweetheart, you still aren't the one in control of us. Power aside, this is my world and when I think something is better for you, you'll damn well do it. Throw a temper tantrum again, forget your age. It’s no skin off my back since I've had you under me and screaming my name despite your, supposed, hatred of me.” His eyes were black and he could feel his fangs had extended and if he wasn't mistaken, his horns had appeared as well. Too damn bad. He was tired of her treating him like shit only to fuck his brains out a minute later. It was time to make a choice; to accept what was happening or he was going to see to it she was reassigned. Mate or not.
Chapter 16
She couldn't believe him. “You arrogant, condescending, infuriating son of a bitch!” As she'd been yelling at him she'd walked closer and didn't even think as she pulled back and smacked him across the face so hard it vibrated through her own hand and turned the heads of the demons in the bar. The danger in his eyes scared her. But she wasn't backing down.
“Sweetheart that might have been the stupidest fucking thing you've ever done. Don't think I won't teach you better.” His voice was a snarl and oddly enough some of her fear retreated because she suspected he was lying.
Wrong.
She had her back pressed against a dirty wall before she could blink. His hard body pushed against hers and sent lust through her. She bit down again on her lip, drawing more blood. Aversion therapy. She hated the taste of blood and hoped that she could make herself hate the feel of him against her. His hand slid against her neck, enough to prove a point, but not to where she felt like he was choking her.
“Do. Not. Push. Me.” He bent his head like he was going to kiss her and her heart stopped. She needed to stop this and she couldn't. She needed to get away from here and focus only on her and her work and her bills, anything but let her heart fall further and further for this man.
He brushed his lips lightly against hers and she fell apart. Her arms wound around his neck and as she went to kiss him back, he dropped his hand from her neck and walked away. Tears sprang in her eyes. She was crying because he wouldn't kiss her? How could this be? How did this man make her forget everything, but the idea of them together?
“I am not a fucking toy. You want to curse me to hell. Go right ahead, sweetheart, it's my home away from home, don't forget. But you want to use me to sate your sexual needs and then scream at me for it? I don't fucking-”
An explosion rocked through the bar. She barely had time to see the chunks of wall exploding toward her. Or the bodies of demons that flew at her. The smell of ash burnt her nose at the same time as the shrieks in the room bombarded her ears. She was amazingly unaffected by whatever had blown the exterior wall. Her eyes were having trouble adjusting to the smoke and she screamed Stryder's name as someone grabbed her by the ankle and tugged her to the ground.
“Shh. It's me. Shush.”
The sound of Stryder's voice made her cry. He was ok. She didn't know who to thank for that and she grabbed onto him. His hands briefly wrapped around her and she held him. The familiar voice came across the room as he was checking her body over for injuries.
“Listen up, demons. It's time to say hello to the Initiative. We've decided it was time to shut your little party place down. And yes it will be a blood bath. Yours, not ours, as we have ways and information to take you all down.”
He didn't need to say his name. She knew the voice from the other day. They were determined to take her down weren't they?
Uniformed men and women swarmed the bar. She wanted to stand, to try her powers, but in a blink she was standing in a kitchen. An unmarred perfect kitchen with an adorable blonde standing over a stove cooking what smelled like stew.