Quinn

by D. B. Reynolds

  EVE PUSHED HERSELF as deep into the plush sofa as she could, wanting distance between her and Quinn. He was so angry about this. She’d admitted he was right, what more did he want? And for him to laugh and say she hadn’t been the one who killed that evil fucker, Barrie Meaney? Not to give her even that much, when he had to know what it meant to her? Or maybe he didn’t. Maybe he was so lost up there in his super powerful vampire universe, where all he had to do was lift a finger and his enemies died, that he could no longer understand what it was like for everyone else. Well, fuck him. She didn’t care what he said. She knew she’d killed at least some part of Barrie. Maybe hers hadn’t been the last, fatal blow, but she’d weakened him. She’d been part of the precious team that had killed him, and she was going to kill his buddy Cillian, too. Because her brother’s death demanded vengeance, and she needed to finish it, so she could finally just stop.

  She looked up to find Quinn eyeing her far too closely, as if he knew what she was thinking. He didn’t, though. If he had, he’d have been locking her up until this was all over. Or he’d have tried, she thought defiantly.

  Across the room, a mobile phone buzzed angrily on a tabletop. Eve patted her pocket, finding her phone there. Quinn stood with an impatient noise and crossed to the sideboard, where he must have set it down while he was preparing his drink.

  “Yeah,” he said, answering the call. “Really. All right, put him on.”

  QUINN STUDIED EVE while he waited for the call to be switched over. She was hiding something. Her emotions, to begin with. Building walls between them. He wouldn’t permit that. She was his, whether she knew it yet or not. He could be patient, give her time to come around, but he wouldn’t let her deny what was happening between them. Call it chemistry, fate . . . call it what it was, fucking combustible attraction. But what it wasn’t, was something she could ignore. He wouldn’t let her.

  A man’s voice on the phone said, “Sir. My name is—”

  “What’s the message?” Quinn cut off the plummy sounds of Sorley’s flunky. The vampire claimed to be calling on behalf of the vampire lord and had insisted on speaking to Quinn directly. Quinn didn’t need his name or particulars. All he needed was the message he’d been ordered to convey.

  The vamp sputtered a moment or two, then pulled himself toget­her. “Lord Sorley requests your presence this evening. He said only that there are matters to discuss. I am not privy to—”

  “Okay,” Quinn interrupted again. “Any particular time?”

  “At your convenience, sir.”

  “Great. We’ll be there.”

  “But, sir, Lord Sorley said only you—”

  Quinn disconnected and called Garrick. He was sure Sorley had ordered Quinn to come alone. But Quinn wasn’t suicidal, and he didn’t take orders from Sorley. Garrick answered on the first ring. “My lord?”

  “We’ve been summoned. Or rather I have, but I think we both know what this really is.”

  “You think he’ll challenge you so soon? I mean formally? He seems more like the sneak attack sort.”

  “I agree. He won’t want to give me much of a warning, so there’ll be no formal challenge. The only question is how much willing support he’s mustered among his people. It could be every vamp in the city. Hell, maybe the county. I doubt it goes much beyond that, but he can draw on the whole fucking territory, if he’s willing to kill a few vampires. And I think we both know he’s willing.”

  “So, why agree to show up at all? Why not do it on your terms. You’re the challenger, not him.”

  “Yeah, but I’m tired of the game. I want this part of it over with, so we can start rebuilding what he’s broken.”

  “All right,” Garrick agreed instantly. “What’s the plan?”

  The plan was simple enough. There wasn’t one. Without knowing what they’d face at Sorley’s, he had to fall back on tradition and hope it had become tradition for a reason.

  When he disconnected, Eve was watching him with a glint in her eyes. “I want to go.”

  He didn’t respond immediately, but just walked over and sat in the chair facing her, rather than beside her on the sofa.

  “I’m serious, Quinn.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I know that something big is going down tonight, and I know it involves Sorley. I want to go.”

  He pretended to consider it, but tonight’s challenge was vampire business. Humans had no place there. If Sorley had a mate, she might be there. The same went for any other vampire who trusted his mate to hold her own in what was certain to be a violent battle. But he and Eve sure as hell weren’t mated. He didn’t even know how she felt about him, other than as a good fuck. And there was also the feeling he had that she was holding something back, that she had some other reason for wanting to go to Sorley’s. And until he knew what it was, he couldn’t trust her not to do something like she had the other night with Barrie. That had turned out well enough, because he’d been ready to kill the vamp anyway. But he was reminded that there was a second vampire out there who’d been responsible for killing her brother, a vampire who almost certainly worked for Sorley. If Eve spotted him and pulled a surprise like she had with Barrie, vampires would die. His vampires.

  And then there was simply her safety. Because, regardless of how she felt about him, she was his. And he wasn’t going to risk her getting hurt or, even worse, killed. This was a vampire challenge. It would be fought with vampire weapons, which would certainly be fatal for his redheaded lover.

  “Sorry, sweetheart,” he said. And he was sorry, but only to disappoint her. “This is vampire business, no humans allowed.”

  She studied him intently, searching for the lie in his words. She wouldn’t find it. Quinn had perfected a blank face long before becoming a vampire.

  “All right.”

  He stilled. He hadn’t known Eve long, but he knew this wasn’t like her. She never gave up without a fight. He made a note to have their vehicles checked for bugs, and to assign one of his vamps to keep an eye on her while he was gone. It would have to be someone powerful enough to control her, but who at least seemed harmless enough not to set off her radar.

  “I don’t know how long we’ll be gone, but you can wait for me here,” he said, more as a test, than anything else.

  She shrugged. “No. I’m going home tonight. To Howth,” she clarified. “I haven’t been by to see my mother, and she’s gotten after me about it.”

  Losing patience, he stood and pulled her to her feet. “Don’t do this, Eve.”

  “Do what? I don’t know what—”

  He took her mouth in a hard, commanding kiss, his teeth clashing against hers, his tongue winding around hers, demanding a response.

  Eve held out for a heartbeat or two, pretending not to care, not to feel anything, but the chemistry between them couldn’t be denied. With a deep groan, she melted into his embrace, her arms tightening around his back.

  Quinn fisted a hand in her long hair, tipping her head back as he deepened the kiss, until one of his fangs tore the tender flesh of her lip, and the sweetness of her blood filled his mouth. He squeezed her against his chest, his arm a band around her lower back as he straightened to his full height. Taking her with him, he strode for the bed. He didn’t have time for this. His vampires were waiting, Sorley was waiting. But if he was going to die tonight, then he was going to have one final taste of his Eve.

  Her legs were crossed behind his back when they reached the bed, pulling him tight against the heat between her thighs, her kisses as demanding and ravenous as his own. Her ass hit the mattress and her legs loosened as she reached for his belt, nimble fingers making quick work of the heavy buckle. Smooth leather slid easily through the constraining loops, before she slid his zipper down and wrapped her fingers around his cock. Leaning forward, she took him into
her mouth and sucked him deep, her cheeks hollowing with the effort.

  Quinn groaned, his hand on the back of her head, urging her forward. He wanted his cock buried in her sweet pussy, but her mouth was so damn hot and wet, and it felt so fucking good. Ripping her blouse open, he snapped the band on her bra and bared her breasts, squeezing the succulent flesh, weighing them in his hands as he flicked her nipples into flushed and swollen peaks.

  Eve moaned around his cock, the sound a delicate vibration along his shaft that had him shuddering with desire as she took him deeper and deeper. He could feel her throat muscles working, struggling to swallow, the constriction caressing his full hard length. He pumped in short strokes, in and out, fucking her mouth. She looked up at him, raising only her eyes, while her lips remained wrapped around his dick. It was incredibly erotic, and he nearly climaxed at the sight. But he wanted her pussy, wanted to come deep inside her body.

  Tightening his hand into a fist around her hair, he pulled her off his cock, her mouth coming free with an audible pop as he dragged her higher up onto the bed. Ripping her jeans and panties down her legs impatiently, he tugged one shoe off so he could yank the constricting fabric over her foot to make room for his hips between her thighs. Eve gasped, but spread her legs wide in invitation, her pussy glistening with arousal, the outer lips swollen and flush with readiness.

  Quinn snarled as he slammed his cock into her tight channel, gliding through the creamy wetness of her sheath. He stretched her wide, one hand cupping her ass, tilting her higher and opening her up to him even more. Plunging deep into her sweet body, he began rocking back and forth, the hard pearls of her nipples scraping against his T-shirt clad chest with every movement. Eve was making hungry little noises, swallowing her screams with every thrust, until finally her pussy clamped down on his cock, and she shattered around him, holding him deep inside her as her climax went on and on, her inner muscles flexing and squeezing his length, while her nails scraped bloody furrows into his shoulders.

  Quinn fought his own climax as long as he could, loving the feel of her hot, tight body around him, the sight of her lost in orgasm as his cock thrust back and forth. But, finally, it was too much. He drove himself as deep as he could go and climaxed hard, his release pumping into her sex, until he collapsed on top of her, one hand still twisted in her hair, the other cupping her delicious ass to hold her close.

  They lay there together, breathing, until finally Eve muttered, “You weigh a ton.”

  Quinn laughed and rolled away, pulling her up onto his chest, with one possessive hand still petting her naked butt. They stayed that way until their hearts slowed and their lungs were no longer gasping, and then Eve patted his chest. “I’ve gone and drained you now, before your big meeting.”

  “It’s not that big of a meeting,” he lied.

  “Still, I don’t want that huge bodyguard of yours blaming me for making you weak in front of Sorley. Do you need blood?”

  Quinn smiled at the eager note in her voice. Apparently, his Eve had decided she rather liked being bitten, after all. But he’d already spent more time with her than he should, and the others would be waiting. Why the fuck did Sorley have to pick this night to play his games?

  He shook his head in regret. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. But as much as I’d love to sink my fangs into your pretty neck, and as delicious and tempting as your blood is, it’s not necessary. I’m strong enough that I don’t need to drink every night, and you need your blood, too.”

  She sighed in regret, then stretched out her entire body, rubbing against him in pure sexual enticement. The witch. She sat up abruptly, her legs straddling his hips, as she fingered the tatters of her shirt. The buttons were gone, but there were no tears. Her bra, on the other hand. . . .

  “Will you be late tonight?” She didn’t look at him, pretending to be casual, but he could feel the fine tension in her body as she waited for his answer.

  He stroked his hands over her smooth thighs. “It depends on what Sorley wants, but whatever it is, I suspect it will take longer than it needs to. He prides himself on being a pain in my ass.” His hands tightened, holding her in place. “Will you sleep overnight in Howth, or come back here?”

  “Here?”

  He nodded. “My guards have you on their list, even if I’m not back.”

  “Is it good to be on this list?” she asked, grimacing in disgruntlement.

  “It’s a very short list of people who are welcome in the compound, smartass.”

  She laughed, a sweet, almost childish sound that he hadn’t heard her make before. He smiled.

  “Well, just as your night depends on Sorley,” she said, leaning over to prop her elbows on his chest. “Mine depends on my mam, and I suspect I’m in for a lecture.”

  “Lecture?”

  “About what a bad daughter I am. I’m overdue for a reminder.”

  He eyed her solemnly. “You could just stay here, you know. Give her a call instead. I’m sure the lecture would be just as effective.”

  She shook her head, then stretched up to kiss him. The kiss started sweet, but went on and on, until it threatened to spark the passion that lived between them. As if she sensed the same danger, she broke away and sat up, breathing heavily. “Thanks,” she said after a moment. “But I have to make a personal appearance this time.”

  “I’ll send someone with you, then. Things are too unsettled right now. I don’t want you going there alone.”

  She gave him a disbelieving look. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve been making this drive alone forever. I’ll be fine.”

  “Maybe. But I’m not taking any chances.”

  “Quinn, I don’t—”

  He cut off her objection with a kiss. “Don’t waste your breath. I’ll make it someone you know. Come on.” He started to sit up, but she stopped him.

  “Call me when you finish tonight, okay? So I know you made it out alive.” She said it as a joke, but there was fear in her eyes. For him.

  Quinn hauled her close and kissed her again. Deeply, passionately. A long, lingering kiss meant to brand himself onto her heart. “I’ll make it back, Eve. I’m not finished with you yet.”

  “Quinn,” she breathed, as her eyes filled with tears. “I’m serious. Sorley’s a sneaky bastard. He’ll do anything to win.”

  “So will I, sweetheart. Sorley’s not the only one who can fight dirty.” He sat up then, taking her with him, until they both stood by the side of the bed. He turned her toward the bathroom and smacked her ass. “You get first dibs on the shower. Make it quick.”

  She stared at him for a moment, her gaze serious as it met his.

  “I’ll be fine, Eve. I promise.”

  Nodding, she toed off her jeans and panties from the other leg, bent over to retrieve them from the floor, and then hurried to the bathroom.

  As soon as the door closed, and he heard the shower running, he called Garrick. “Is everyone ready?”

  “Waiting on you, my lord.”

  “Ten minutes, Garrick. And then we’ll go give the vampires of Ireland a new lord.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “YOU THINK THIS is it?” Garrick’s question was sub-vocal, meant for Quinn’s ears only. It was difficult to have a completely private con­versation in a vehicle full of vampires. Garrick sat next to Quinn in the back seat, with Adorjan in the front passenger seat and Casey driving. Quinn had called him back from Howth with the sunset, knowing the final confrontation with Sorley was near. When it came, and Quinn suspected it would be tonight, he’d need all of his American team at his back. They were the ones who’d sworn to him from the very beginning, not knowing what the future held, but believing in Quinn, in his strength and ability. Their loyalty had brought them to Ireland—a place where most of them had never set foot—to help him take and hold a territory of his own.

  Quin
n didn’t have to think about his answer for Garrick. “I think it is.” His gut was telling him that tonight was, indeed, it. Either Sorley would confront him openly, or he’d do something that would force Quinn to issue the challenge. Probably the latter, since Sorley was the kind to let others do the dirty work and take the responsibility if it failed.

  Quinn didn’t intend to fail.

  Sorley’s house was mostly dark when they arrived, his guards sharply alert when they opened the gates to admit Quinn’s two SUVs. A pair of guards tried to slow them down as they drove through, harassing him simply on principle, it seemed, since there was no other reason to do it. It wasn’t as if Sorley wanted a public battle in the middle of Donnybrook.

  Casey ignored their demands and plowed through, followed bumper-to-bumper by the rest of Quinn’s team in the second SUV. The two vehicles came to matching tire-squealing stops, and the doors flew open to disgorge Quinn’s team. Everyone except Quinn, that is. Even Garrick jumped out to join the security cordon around the first SUV and hold Sorley’s people at bay. Quinn seethed silently, once again hating the necessity that had him sitting in safety while his people put themselves at risk. For him. But it was part and parcel of being a vampire lord. Not because the lords couldn’t take care of themselves, but because vampire society was old and rooted in tradition. It was expected that a vampire lord would have a retinue of guards who surrounded him whenever he ventured out. It seemed contrary to logic, but the absence of such a cordon would make him seem weaker, not stronger.

  So, he sat and waited until Garrick opened the door for him to exit. And when he climbed out, he didn’t protest as his vampires closed in to form an impenetrable circle around him. Sorley’s vampires glowered at the show of force, but no one tried to stop him, or even approach, until they entered the large, marble-floored foyer of the house.