Denying the Watcher

by Kim Loraine

  “What the fuck?” He growls at me, gripping my arms tightly as I drop the stake to the ground.

  And, here it is. The end of my life, all because of a mangy cat. Fuck.

  What the fuck just happened? Willow just flirted like a champ and then took off. I’m pretty sure I still have game. I mean, I’ve taken home married couples before. Married. But no, she doesn’t like vampires, and apparently, I’m so uninteresting, she got distracted by a shiny object and left. Meanwhile, I’m over here hard as a fucking rock and pining like a hormonal teenage girl. This is not okay by any stretch of the imagination.

  Following her scent, I stalk down the hallway and find nothing. Just a back door that I’m sure leads to an alley. I hear the wail of what sounds like a cat before the distinct noises of struggling fill my ears. Shit. Is that her? Throwing open the door, I rush outside and stop with my jaw slack as I watch her take down a man at least twice her size.

  “What was it you planned to do to me, asshole?” Her words are laced with venom, and fuck is she ever hot.

  She’s got blood on her lip, and my fangs instantly extend, but the moment she plunges the stake in the guy’s chest, my veins run cold.

  Holy shit.

  She’s a hunter.

  Backing away, I pray she didn’t see me as I slink into the shadows. Her breaths come in harsh gasps as she stands over him, waiting and watching as he finally flakes away to nothing. I can’t believe what I’m seeing. I knew she was tough—just the fact that she’d gotten the drop on me and knocked me on my ass when we first met proved that. But I’ve never met a hunter in all my years on this earth. They’re rare—kind of like urban legends. Now, here I am, my body desperate to claim her and never let her go. Wait, what? No. I just want to fuck her—over and over until she doesn’t know her own name.

  Damn it, things are getting way too serious in my head. As she straightens her dress and picks up her stake—her fucking weapon of mass vampire destruction—I step farther back into the darkness and wait until she’s inside. As fast as I can, I blur around the building until I’m standing in relatively the same spot she’d left me. How the hell am I going to handle this? Obviously, she doesn’t know I’m a vampire. Or does she? Is she going to try to lure me with her amazing curves and the sweet smell of her pussy, only to drive that stake through my heart instead of my cock into her body?

  My chest constricts when she comes into view. She’s typing on her phone with a smile on her face, as if she didn’t just slay a vampire two minutes ago. She’s so damn beautiful, but then I notice the spot of blood that darkens the otherwise pristine white of her dress. A warning. She’s beautiful, and she’ll kill me.

  “Hey, sorry about that. I, uh, I had to, um … talk to someone.”

  Shifting in place, I let my gaze land anywhere but on her face. “Yeah, whatever. It’s fine. Look, I’ve got to get out of here.” I don’t even know what I’m saying, but I can’t be around her and feel this way. I’m so torn.

  Her small hand drifts across my chest. The feel of her skin brushing the mesh of my shirt makes any sense of self-preservation shatter. “What’s your plan for the night? My friend Alanna and I are going to a costume party. You want to come?”

  Do I want to come? Fuck yes. In more ways than one. Biting my lip, I make a pained noise before shaking my head. “No. I’ve got to go. I’ll see you around, Willow.”

  I turn and stride out the door, wishing I could go full speed to my waiting Harley. If I did that, she’d definitely know what I was.

  “Really?” Her voice stops me in my tracks. She’d followed me outside.

  Tensing, I turn to face her. “Yeah.”

  She raises one eyebrow as she cocks her hip. “So, we’re just going to do the heavy-breathing-and-fuck-me-eyes thing?”

  Holy hell, her mouth is like sin itself. Maybe she’d be worth the risk? As long as I got to come inside her at least once, dying wouldn’t be so bad. I was planning to basically live out the rest of my existence in a dormant state anyway. I could die with a smile on my face.

  Stepping closer to her, I let my gaze roam her body. Her nipples press outward through the thin white fabric of her dress. Without a thought, I shrug out of my leather jacket and hand it to her. “You look cold.”

  She laughs and shakes her head. I’m momentarily grateful she didn’t take my coat. If she’s a hunter, she’ll notice lack of warmth inside the jacket. “I’m fine. Besides, my wings are in the way.” A dark look fills her eyes, and she purses her full, pouty lips. “I know another way we can keep warm.”

  I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from pushing her up against the wall and shoving my tongue in her mouth. Clearing my throat, I murmur, “Oh yeah? How’s that?”

  Smiling, she takes my hand and pulls me down the sidewalk. “Dancing.”

  “Are you trying to scare me away? It’s not working. I’m a fucking awesome dancer.”

  “I thought you might be. You know, dancing is the best aphrodisiac there is. I always want to screw after a night at the club.”

  Jesus. This girl. If she knows what I am, she’s not making it easy for me to tell. I need to be on my guard in case this is her way of trapping me. At the crosswalk, we stop and she turns to face me with a questioning look.

  “What?” I ask.

  She takes a harsh breath and rises to her tiptoes, warm skin pressing against my cool chest. Her hand slides behind my head, and our lips connect. I wrap my arms around her, heedless of the people now crossing the street as my tongue delves inside her mouth. God, she tastes like heaven. Her hips grind against mine, sending waves of arousal pulsing through me at the friction. I need inside her. I have to feel her body clenching around mine as I claim her. At the very thought of claiming her, Sariel pushes forward, wide awake now, but I’m not letting him get control.

  He’s noticed my body’s reaction.

  He wants to feed on her.

  She’s fucking mine.

  Devin’s body is hard—everywhere. As our kiss continues to escalate, I realize we’re going to either have to take this inside or tone it down. A wolf whistle helps me decide, and I pull away, staring into his eyes. He looks different, his irises now a silvery blue rather than the bright ice blue I’d remembered them as. Maybe it was a trick of the light, or the raging lust between us. I’m sure I look like a wild mess. His hands had been tangled in my waves, and my lips, so carefully made up earlier, feel swollen from his kisses.

  “We should get going.” I stumble through the words but manage to pull myself together enough to start across the street.

  His hands never leave me, and I’m pretty sure if I suggested we find ourselves a bathroom so we can fuck until we’re both satisfied, he wouldn’t say no. But that’s not how I want this. Oh, I want him inside me, but this man is worth a lot more than a frenzied screw in a dirty bar. I want to watch him stroke himself before I take him in my mouth. To lick every inch of that muscled chest, tangle my fingers in his long blond hair, and pull until it hurts as he sinks deep inside me. Damn, the very thought of him is turning me on more, and all we’re doing is walking.

  “So, dancing, huh? Are you going to dance with me, or will I need to fight off other men for your attention?”

  I chuckle. “Baby, you’ve had my attention since you almost ran me over on your Harley.”

  He smirks and slides his hand inside the open back of my dress. Tingles race up my spine, making me shiver.

  “We’re going to have to heat you up somehow, Angel.”

  I can’t help it, the nickname makes me melt into a puddle. I don’t think I’ve ever been willing to let anyone give me a stupid nickname, but his voice is a caress over my skin and I just want more. He can call me whatever the fuck he wants as long as he makes me feel like this.

  Alanna is standing outside the club, two coffees in her hand, mouth hanging open as she takes in the sight of Devin.

  “Hey. Sorry it took me so long.” I can’t hide my grin as her eyes bug out of her he
ad. She’s practically drooling over the man next to me. “Weren’t you going to wait at Starbucks?”

  She ignores my question. “You said you forgot something. I didn’t realize it was your own personal Greek god.”

  Devin laughs, shaking his head. “Thanks, but I’m not Greek, and I’m a vampire, not a god.”

  Squaring her shoulders, she stands a little taller. I don’t miss the way she pushes her breasts toward him.

  “Are you hungry, vampire?”

  The way she’s flirting makes me itchy. He’s not here for her. “Okay, that’s enough of that. Find your own man. This one is mine.”

  Pushy? Yep. But I don’t have a single fuck to give. There’s something between Devin and me, and I want to find out what it is.

  As we navigate the throng of sweaty, costume-clad people, I feel Devin’s fingers trailing a line up and down my spine. The music is dirty, sexual, and the bass line makes me want to grind my hips against Devin’s. I lean back, pressing my ass into his crotch, smiling when I discover his hardness. His cool lips feather over my neck, settling on my shoulder as he sucks and nips my skin.

  “I’m going to get a drink!” Alanna yells over the music. “Do you want one?”

  Devin and I both shake our heads, and I close my eyes, reveling in the sensation of his mouth on me. His hands drift across my belly until they grip my hips and pull me tight while he moves against me.

  “Are you going to let me fuck you, Angel? Can I taste your sweetness before the sun rises and the spell breaks?”

  Oh, sweet Jesus. Yes, he can do all that and then some. But, I want to make him work for it. He knows I want him, but it can’t be so easy. “Maybe,” I tease. “You’ll have to show me you’re worth the effort.”

  He bites my neck, a little harder than comfort allows, and thrusts his rock-hard erection against my ass. “Does that feel like it would be worth your time?”

  It certainly does. He’s large even hidden in his pants. I suck in a breath and turn to face him. “Oh yes.”

  We dance together, never losing contact. Either his hands are on my body or mine are on his as the music morphs from one song to the next. Soon, I’m overheated, out of breath, and so fucking horny. I want to take him home or have him take me to his place. Now. But first, I need to sit, drink some water, and figure out the right time to proposition him.

  Pushing away from him, I offer a sweet smile and cock my head toward an empty table. “I need a rest.”

  He nods and follows, pulling my chair out for me like a gentleman, which is a little surprising. “I’ll get us some drinks.”

  “Water?” My chest warms as he gives me a wink and a grin before turning away. God, I really like him. That’s not part of the plan. Attachments don’t go with my life—never have. More often than not, I end up packing up my shit and bolting without warning. But when he glances back at me from the bar and that damn smile of his crinkles the corners of his eyes, I fall a little harder.

  Until a gorgeous woman walks between us, her long, dark hair falling all the way to her waist. His eyes flash—they actually fucking flash in the multicolored lights—and he follows her with his gaze. He must know her. I expect him to look back at me, but he pushes off the stool and stalks after her, leaving me without a word.

  Asshole.

  It’s her. Selah. I can’t believe it, but as I follow behind her, I know it’s the truth. I can feel her connection to me, as if a thread is sewn into her soul and mine. Now that I see her, I have no clue how I could have mistaken anyone else for the woman in front of me. Devin fights with every step I take, but I can’t let her get away, no matter how weak I am. She’s only a few feet away from me, her hair swinging in long chocolate curls down her back. I can smell her fresh, clean-water scent, and I ache to hold her. She’s mine.

  “Selah, wait,” I call after her, but she doesn’t turn. I try again. “Miss. Excuse me.”

  This time, she turns, and I swear my heart gives a hard squeeze in my chest. Wide eyes the color of slate make contact with mine, and it’s like looking into the past. She’s here. She’s really fucking here, right in front of me. I must look like a crazy person, since the expression on her face is confused, and a little frightened.

  “I’m sorry, do I know you?”

  I can’t contain my excitement. “We … we knew each other long ago. In another life.”

  Amusement makes her eyes twinkle as she assesses me. “That’s one I haven’t heard before.”

  She smiles and turns to leave, but I catch her by the arm. “Selah, wait.”

  Her eyes widen in confusion. Of course. Her name wouldn’t be the same, thousands of years later. But then she says, “H-how do you know my name?”

  A thrill runs through me at the realization that I got her name right. But, in this life, she wouldn’t know me. How could I be so stupid? “I…met you years ago. You probably don’t remember.” I lowered my voice. “I could never forget you.”

  Frowning, she shakes her head. “You’re right. I don’t remember. I’m sorry, but I’m not in the habit of talking to men I don’t know.”

  “I’m Sariel. Nice to meet you. There, now you know me.”

  “Sariel? That’s an odd name.”

  I shrug. “I’ve heard weirder.”

  She lets out a soft laugh, the sound covering me like a warm blanket. “True.”

  Rocking back on my heels, I try to appear light and easy, rather than the emotional wreck I am on the inside. “So, I’ve introduced myself. Won’t you do the same?”

  She smiles at the gesture. Even though it’s clear I know her name, I can tell she appreciates being given the opportunity to share it with me. “I’m Selah.”

  “That’s beautiful. It’s a Hebrew musical term, isn’t it?”

  Her eyes widen. “No one ever knows what my name means.”

  “I’m a student of theology. I doubt there’s a name in the Bible I haven’t heard.”

  Cocking an eyebrow, she grins. “Really?”

  “I can even name every single one of the fallen. Want to grab some coffee somewhere less crowded and quiz me?”

  I stiffen as a strong arm slides around her shoulder. That arm is connected to a tall, handsome man who looks like he wants to end my life here and now.

  “Sea, is this guy bothering you?”

  She puts her hand on his chest and smiles, shaking her head. “No. He thought I was someone he knew. Sariel, this is Adam. My fiancé.”

  Rage burns in my chest as I stare at the man. Her fiancé? No one else can have her. She is mine.

  He offers me a hand, but I sneer and turn my gaze on Selah. “You’re making a mistake. You are meant for me.”

  I know I sound insane, but the pull I feel for her is too strong. I can’t control the rising panic.

  Adam places a firm hand on my shoulder and pushes me back. “That’s enough. I don’t know who you are, but she’s definitely not yours.” Holding her closer, he looks into her eyes. “Come on, baby. Let’s get out of here.”

  As they walk away, I try to follow, only to be assaulted by a splitting headache. The last thing I see is my soul mate walking away in the arms of another man before darkness takes hold.

  Motherfucker.

  Sariel hasn’t been any trouble for almost five full years, and now he’s hijacking my body, and I’m pretty sure he just cock-blocked me. As soon as I’d been able, I took back control and slammed a wall between his consciousness and mine. I’m not as powerful as he is, but it’ll hold for a while. A hard tapping on my shoulder grabs my attention, making me turn around.

  Willow looks like an avenging angel as she stands before me, her eyes blazing with anger. What the fuck had Sariel done?

  “Are you serious?”

  “What?” I can’t help but ask, even though I have a sinking feeling something very wrong just happened.

  “You couldn’t even wait until I wasn’t in the room before you set your sights on someone else?”

  Shaking my head, I tr
y for a relaxed attitude. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  She stamps her foot and huffs. “That woman you followed. The one your eyes were locked on from the moment she passed you. Tell me that wasn’t what I thought it was, because it sure as hell looked like you’d found a better option.”

  Oh no. He’d found his soul mate. No way was I letting him take over before our five years was up, not after I’d finally found Willow. “Oh, her? She’s my cousin. I haven’t seen her in years.” I’m such a terrible liar, and I’m sure she can see it written all over my face.

  Pursing her lips, she stares me down. “Cousin, huh? Is she a second cousin? You looked like you wanted to do a lot more than catch up.”

  Damn. I’d probably looked like I’d seen a ghost and wanted to fuck her. “Well, I didn’t. I haven’t seen her in a long time. I was surprised to run into her here.”

  She rolls her eyes and bites out a terse “Whatever. I’ll see you around, Devin. I don’t have time for shit like this.”

  Pushing past me, she storms toward the door, and panic grips my chest. She can’t leave. I need her. My whole being physically hurts at the thought of not being near her. Shit. I am turning into Galen. He was exactly this way when he’d met Reese. Crazy. Possessive. Obsessed. But that had been Sariel’s influence. Hadn’t it?

  Willow stops about ten feet from me and turns around, stalking back in my direction. Hope flares in me until she gets closer and doesn’t even glance at me. To my surprise, she heads straight to the dance floor and grabs a man in a firefighter costume. He’s not ugly, unfortunately, and he definitely seems to like what he sees. Rage bubbles up in my chest as she lets him put his hands on her. My fangs descend, making me aware of my hunger. I’m going to kill him, rip his throat out right here in front of every last person in this club. But then Willow would know what I am. She’ll kill me before she has a chance to fall for me.

  Clenching my fists, I work to control myself.

  I will not commit murder.