Maven Warrior: Dark Warrior Alliance Book 20

by Brenda Trim

  “I’ll buy you a roomful of trophies if we overcome this issue. I think we should complete the mating and test that theory,” Killian murmured as he hugged his female close. Her curves fit him perfectly. This was where she belonged.

  Teagan held up her hand. “No way am I going to marry you just to test this theory. One, I’m only getting married to the man I want to spend the rest of my life with. And two. Don’t you think you deserve a wife, or mate, who can be around your friends? This is your family. I refuse to come between that.”

  “You don’t understand, Dimples. You are it for me. You are my one and only. There will never be another female. I hope you come to that same conclusion about me. And, if it comes down to it, we can refrain from discussing important matters around you. My biggest concern is protecting you from Crocell. With this compulsion in place, she can get to you at any time she pleases. I won’t risk her hurting you, or worse. It’s my greatest fear.”

  Zander paced the room, clearly deep in thought. Suddenly, he stopped at glanced to Killian. “Och, you’re no’ going to like this, but what you just said gave me an idea. If Crocell can get to Teagan, then maybe we can use that to our advantage.”

  Killian’s eyes narrowed, and he shot to his feet, dumping Teagan from his lap. “Absolutely not. No fucking way, Z.”

  Zander held up his hands in a gesture of peace. If only the king was suggesting something even remotely peaceful. The fucker had some balls to even mention what he was thinking. “Look, we willna do anything to actually risk Teagan, but it’s an opportunity to set a trap for the bitch.”

  Killian couldn’t even consider it. “No. Not happening.”

  Teagan, now on her feet, stepped in front of Killian with her arms wrapped around her chest. “Tell me. What’s he suggesting?”

  Killian wrapped his hands over her shoulders and turned her to face him. “He wants to use you to lure Crocell into a trap.”

  Killian wanted to punch Zander for even suggesting it when he saw Teagan’s eyes go wide with her fear. He wanted to tear the Vampire King a new one when that look changed to one of resolve. “Can you kill Crocell for good? To where she can never come back?”

  “We no longer have the Triskele Amulet, so she will come back if we kill her,” Killian explained. “Besides, the danger to you is too great. Ask Bhric and Alex how cunning the vile bitch is. She nearly killed Alex,” he explained and motioned to Bhric’s mate. No way in hell he was risking Teagan being captured and tortured by pure evil.

  “Shite, Kill. We were no’ prepared for that situation. This time will be verra different. We will meticulously strategize every detail,” Zander promised.

  Killian glared at the male. They’d been friends for centuries, and Killian should trust him and be open to the idea, but this was his Fated Mate they were talking about. There was no thinking rationally when Teagan was going to be placed in danger. “Would you use Elsie if she were the one in Teagan’s situation?”

  Zander cursed and shook his head. “Nay. I wouldna place my Lady E at risk. I nearly went oot of my mind when she was in Kadir’s hands, and nearly died.”

  Elsie placed her hand on Zander’s chest and gave him a kiss. “You saved me, and I’m here with you now. You can’t let that stop you from looking at all angles of a situation.”

  “And, neither can you,” Teagan added, drawing his attention. “Think about this objectively.”

  Mack snorted and kicked her feet up on the table and crossed them at the ankles. “Mated males are as rational as a schizophrenic in the middle of a full-blown hallucination. No such thing.”

  Teagan’s forehead furrowed as she looked over at the tattooed female. “Huh?”

  “Supernatural males lose their shit when they mate. There isn’t anything they won’t do to protect their one and only from any and all harm. They are the very definition of overprotective. They only get one in their lives, and many will actually die if their mate is killed. Not to mention, they cannot tolerate the mere thought of her getting so much as a hangnail.”

  “She’s right,” Elsie added.

  Killian fought against the urge to pick Teagan up and run away with her. If he took her to Khoth, she would be safe from Crocell. It would be an adventure she’d love. There would be dragons and so many other things he could distract her with while keeping her safe.

  “Come with me to Khoth. We can explore the dragon realm together,” he begged her.

  Teagan shook her head. His gut churned when he sensed her mental cage closing in on her psyche. A stifled whimper escaped her lips. and her eyes closed. Whatever compulsion Crocell had on his mate was hurting Teagan to even contemplate leaving with him.

  “I…I can’t,” she mumbled. “It hurts.”

  Heaving a sigh, he picked her up and sat with Teagan in his lap again. With two fingers on her temples, he rubbed gentle circles. “Don’t think about it anymore. It’s clear you won’t be able to leave.”

  Killian wanted to crow when her head drifted toward his shoulder. Her eyes opened, and she stopped herself before seeking comfort. “I can’t go anywhere, but I can help.”

  “You don’t have to do this to earn your way into the group. We all love you for who you are, regardless of anything else,” he told her. She looked up at him, and he saw a momentary hint of her vulnerability before she shook it off and turned away.

  “He’s right,” Zander added. “I didna mean to pressure you into agreeing. We will eventually catch Crocell and stop her.”

  “Thanks, brother,” Killian told Zander before turning to Teagan. “Forget about this, for now, Dimples. It’s time to go have dinner with Kari. I want to meet your best friend.”

  Teagan smiled slightly. “This discussion isn’t over, but you’re right. Kari is waiting at the apartment. And, thank you guys, for giving me a chance,” she told the others before they left the room.

  Killian’s heart clenched when she thanked the group for not rejecting her. It told him more than her words about what she’d experienced in her life, and it pissed him off. His mate hadn’t met many decent or good people in her life. That included her parents, who should’ve been her first supporters. He didn’t know how she turned out as good as she was without that first shining example of love and affection. He vowed to spend the rest of his life, showing her she how important she was to him and that she deserved to be loved and cherished.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Teagan’s head was going to split in half. The pain was beyond excruciating, and she was going to have to stop trying to figure out how to recall the archdemon and her compulsion. The fact that some evil being was controlling her pissed Teagan off and made her want to smash someone’s face. At the rate she was pushing herself, she’d be lucky if she had enough coherence to jump back into the conversation.

  What had her friend asked? Something about Killian’s job. She had to say something before Killian mentioned his nightclub. Kari would want to go with her, and there was no way to tell her about supernaturals and keep their identity secret.

  “He does something with computers,” she interjected with a wave of her hand.

  Killian gazed at her and winked as he smiled. “I work with my best friends as their computer expert.”

  Kari’s eyes widened, and she looked at Teagan. She knew exactly what her best friend was thinking. Not exactly the type she usually went after. “So, are you a hacker or something? Can you create a website?”

  “I can hack most sites, but never do. I have no desire to draw attention to myself. Creating websites isn’t that difficult anymore. I remember when I used to have to write the code. Now some programs make it as easy as drag, drop, copy, and paste.”

  Kari shook her head. “It’s only easy if you’re good with technology, which I am not.”

  “I can help. What is it you want to set up?”

  Kari smiled at Teagan, letting her know she wanted to move forward with their business plans. “Tea and I want to start a party planning business, but we can g
o over that another time. I’m meeting a cute guy for drinks, and I need to get going.”

  That perked Teagan up and had her forgetting all about her demonic problems. As was par for her life, there was no solution for her. “Who’s the lucky guy? Where did you meet him?”

  “His name is Cole, and I met him in the fresh produce section of the grocery store.”

  Teagan laughed. “Only you could manage to get a date while shopping.”

  Kari fluffed her hair and got to her feet then picked up her empty plate and glass. “It’s truly a curse. But someone’s got to be there for these poor men,” she joked.

  Teagan laughed at her best friend’s antics and waved to her as she left the apartment. Teagan sighed and picked up her glass of wine and took a sip.

  “Now that we’re alone,” Killian murmured as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “I’ve been waiting all night to kiss you.”

  “Mmmm,” she moaned into his mouth. Instantly, her body erupted with burning need and ramped her engine to full-throttle. Never before had she been so out of control, but Killian brought out every ounce of arousal in her body.

  Without hesitation, he pulled her onto his lap. A demanding wave of need twisted her stomach and heated her core. The ease with which he lifted her reminded her of his preternatural strength and that had wetness dripping from her core.

  “That’s better, Dimples. I hate when that demon takes your mind away from me,” Killian murmured against her mouth.

  “Stop talking about her. I want to forget,” she demanded, running her hands up the planes of his hard chest. The soft fabric of his button-down was a stark contrast to his muscular pecs. Needing to see his flesh, she ripped the fabric, and buttons flew in every direction. Her fingers were sliding over silky yet hard flesh in the next heartbeat.

  Killian groaned and cupped her cheeks, pulling her so close they were exchanging oxygen. Large, hot hands snuck under the hem of her shirt and blazed a trail of fire up her back. Before she could blink, he had her shirt off. Her bra followed quickly after, and her breasts bounced as they were freed.

  Pausing, Kill pulled back and perused her body appreciatively. His eyes took on that supernatural glow, making them look otherworldly, yet still sexier than they should be. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she sat forward and placed her lips against his. The action made her nipples rub against his heated skin with every indrawn breath. The sensation was tantalizing and pushed her closer to the edge of release.

  “Goddess, Teagan, you are sexy as fuck. I need to be inside you now, but I want to taste you, as well,” Killian admitted, his fingers tightening in her hair.

  Shifting her hips, she brought her core in contact with the hardness in his pants that he didn’t have a hope of hiding. When she moved back, his big body shuddered beside hers.

  A white-hot whip of electricity shot between them, making her forget the archdemon and all the reasons she needed the kiss in the first place. The connection between them was combustive from the instant they met, and she doubted time would ever diminish the zing she felt when he touched her. Without warning, he took her mouth in a passionate kiss. He claimed her as his, and she didn’t have one complaint.

  The world melted away when they were together. Nothing and no one would come between them. There was no compulsion driving Teagan’s actions and making her a threat to the realm, and he wasn’t forced to hide his world from her to protect innocent children. There was only desire, heat, and need.

  Sinking her fingernails into his shoulders, she kissed him back with every ounce of passion he incited in her. Sliding her tongue against his, she deliberately provoked him to give her more. She wanted him to unleash everything he had on her.

  As if he heard her thoughts, his hands were everywhere, grabbing, squeezing and tweaking her most sensitive spots. Her back arched when he pinched a nipple. A gasp left her mouth, earning a low, masculine sound rumble in his throat before he wrenched her head back.

  “You’re playing with a grenade that’s ready to go off,” he warned. “Be sure you’re ready for the fallout because once I start, I’m not stopping until you scream my fucking name.”

  She swallowed hard, at the same time her lips lifted in a full-blown smile. “Promises, promises.” Her laugh turned into a squeal when he smacked her ass.

  “Trust me. I won’t stop until you do,” Killian smiled wryly.

  “Ay, yes,” she moaned, and her head fell back as he kissed a trail down her neck, nipping the sensitive flesh at the crook. It was so easy to get lost in pleasure with this man. He knew just what she craved, and then some.

  Lifting her hips, she shoved one of her hands between them and cupped his erection. After a couple good strokes, Killian yanked her body flush with his and refused to allow her any wiggle room. Her head lifted, and she looked into his glowing jade green eyes. He held her captive in his gaze. It told her more than she could decipher. What was undeniable was that his every movement hinted at the ruthless warrior underneath his intellect and humor, and she loved it.

  Killian directed their kiss, as well as, her every movement. He was in complete control of her pleasure. His dominance was addictive and had wet heat dampening her core.

  “That’s right. You’re mine, Dimples. I’ve been waiting for you longer than you can imagine,” Killian murmured and closed long, strong fingers over her breast in blatant possession. Yep, she thought. No way to deny that he owned her. That realization had her heart pounding in her chest.

  She had to discover a way to get free of the archdemon’s compulsion. It wasn’t fair to be a half-mate to him. It would be impossible to really share a life with him if he had to hide nearly everything about himself, and the council, from her. She refused to be the reason innocent children died. She’d walk away and allow him to find someone else before that happened. Even if it killed her.

  Squeezing her thighs around his hips, she pressed her feminine flesh over his hard shaft. Too bad their pants were still in the way. “You’re overdressed, Maven. Take off those sexy leather pants, now.”

  “And, if I don’t? What will you do?” he asked, as he unzipped her jeans. His finger played with the skin of her lower stomach. A full-body shudder wracked her system when his finger slid through her slick flesh.

  Killian growled, and before she knew what was happening, he had her on her back, and her jeans were on the floor. A tug of his finger and her panties ripped free. A moan escaped her throat as she luxuriated in the feel of his eyes on her naked flesh.

  He looked at her with primal hunger as she lay there on display for him. One long finger teased her with feather-light touches. “Holy crap, Kill. I need more,” she begged, as she thrust her hips, trying to get more friction where she needed it.

  His ministrations paused, and he met her gaze. “My needy little mate,” he murmured, unbuttoning his pants and shoving them to his ankles.

  “Huh,” she exclaimed when she saw his teal boxer briefs. “I’d have thought you’d go commando. But these are a nice surprise.” Her finger stretched the waist of his briefs and tugged. When she let go, they snapped back into place, making him hiss.

  A giggle escaped her when she realized that the head of his cock was pinched by the elastic. “You gonna kiss it better?” he asked.

  Staring at his shaft, she licked her lips as she imagined sucking the large member into her mouth. The thought didn’t go far when Killian lifted her face with his finger and leaned down, capturing her mouth in a kiss.

  Lips sliding overs hers, he lifted her from the sofa and carried her to the bedroom. He smoothly stepped out of his pants between one step and the next. As he seared her with kisses, anticipation bubbled in her veins.

  The click of the door competed with their kisses as he walked them to her bed. Laying her on the soft comforter, he joined her side and hovered above her. He slid his hand up and down the sides of her body. His rough hands were exquisite on her body and drove her crazy.

  Leaning to one side, Kill
ian cupped one breast and squeezed. Her head tilted back, and thrashed on the pillow while he pulled and tweaked her nipple.

  Killian watched as his mate moaned and moved under his ministrations. Her body called to every cell in his body, and arousal raced through his veins.

  Moonlight filtered through the window blinds, illuminating her peaches and cream complexion. Her long, black hair fanned across the bed, and her hooded gaze left him speechless. Goddess, she was breathtaking, and the sight of her lying beneath him nearly robbed him of his seed.

  Lowering his head, he kissed his way down her throat to her pearled nipples. By the time he took one into his mouth, she was squirming from impatience and need. Killian used his free hand to nudge her knees apart. With nothing more than a brush of his knuckles over her heated flesh, her movements increased.

  His hand refused to leave the new center of his universe as it ran through her slick folds over and over while she moaned and writhed. “Touch me like you mean it, Killian. I need to cum,” she demanded.

  Lifting his head, he smiled down at her, allowing her to see the potent need simmering there. He needed her ready for what he was going to give her. Not a shy female, his Fated Mate laid herself bare rather than trying to hide from him. He saw her doubt and fear, but she was willing to give herself fully to him, regardless.

  “Patience, love. I plan on taking my time with you. I want to savor every part of you.”

  “The mating compulsion is driving me mad. I ache for you to fill me,” Teagan panted.

  “I can’t have you hurting,” he informed her with a thrust of his hips. His hard shaft jumped against her thigh while pre-cum leaked from the tip. The sensation was foreign still and made his arousal so potent it hurt. The pleasure was fucking unreal.

  Teagan lowered her eyes and licked her lips. His little vixen wanted a taste. This was the second time in minutes she tested his resolve. He wanted to sit up and shove his cock in her mouth and demand that she suck him off. He forced his eyes closed and took a deep breath to calm his primal urges. He wanted her mouth on him, but that was going to have to wait. He needed to be inside her.