“Yeah, I figured there wasn’t any. I’ll just have to use my wiles.” Zyric grinned. “It’ll be fun.”
He continued conversing with the dogs as he unpacked. When he was done, he put away his bags then went to the couch. He sat then propped his feet on the ottoman and grabbed the remote from a side table. Zyric relaxed in a way he hadn’t in a long time. He turned on the TV and found one of his favorite shows was on. Settling in, he smiled then sobered. There would still be things to deal with about his revealing he was back, and his mom was still to be fully soothed. Thankfully, she and his dad were staying with Sin and Lethra. Zyric almost felt sorry for Lethra, because their mom was relentless when she was steamed. And she was mad at Lethra and Zyric for what they’d done, but at least he had some space by being at Pandora’s.
“I brought you some snacks,” Pandora said from the open doorway.
“Thanks. I hope you brought enough for yourself, since you are joining me.”
“Thank you so much for your wonderful invitation,” she said dryly as she came in.
The cat ran in behind her then the tiger, with the hawk flying over it. Pandora set down the tray on the center table then elegantly lowered herself to the floor before it. Zyric pushed the ottoman away then, taking the remote with him, joined her. They leaned back against the couch. The animals reclined around them and the hawk perched on the top of the armchair. Zyric glanced at the tiger that had his head on Pandora’s leg.
“Really, you can’t find another place to sit?”
“Leave him. He’s fine.” Pandora stroked the tiger’s head.
Zyric leaned back. “So tell me what makes you tick?”
“Really? You think it will be that easy.” She laughed—a sensuous sound that reminded him of sultry nights listening to jazz under a full moon.
“Do you like music, Pandora?”
“I love all sorts of music,” Pandora replied.
“You have an innate rhythm to you, Pandora.” Zyric smiled. “Like earlier today when you shattered the shield I had so my brothers could not feel how close I was to the shadow aspect. It was a tempo of a drum beating an angry taboo.”
“That’s sort of cheesy.” Pandora picked up a chip and ate it.
“Well get ready for some more cheese. When you walk, it’s a saxophone playing smooth jazz that punches you in the gut.” Zyric lowered his voice, letting it deepen.
Pandora stared at him. Her breathing increased then she smirked. “I liked that. But still no dice.”
“I’ll just have to keep trying.” Zyric snagged a chip and munched on it.
“So are we really going to watch this?” Pandora’s disdain was clear to hear.
“Yes. I like the show Leverage. I take it you don’t like it.”
“Never seen it before.” She popped another chip then took a sip of her iced tea.
“Then why are you turning your nose up at it if you have never seen it.”
“Because of that cute brow furrowing thing you do when you are trying to figure me out.” Pandora snickered.
“Puppies are cute. I’m sexy—or handsome, if you prefer.” Zyric grabbed his cup and sipped the sweet tea.
“And modest too.”
“Modesty is overrated.” Zyric crossed his ankles and relaxed. “Now hush. The show is starting. It’s a marathon, so there are a few of them, so try to stick to see them with me. And when you enjoy it, I expect a steak dinner as thanks for introducing you to such a great show. You can pick the side dishes and dessert. Although just a tip about dessert… I’m fond of lemon.”
“And if I hate it, I expect you to cook me a lobster dinner. I’m partial to pineapple.”
“It’s a deal.” He alternated between watching the show and Pandora’s reaction to it.
She laughed and the sound went right to his cock. Everything about her made him want her. Zyric would bide his time and he would have what he needed—her.
* * * *
Zyric stared out of the window overlooking the back gardens and the forest beyond. Dawn was just breaking over the horizon, the sun bathing the area in light and making it look mystical. It would be a good day. At least he thought so—after spending a surprisingly pleasant evening with Pandora, he was hoping it would extend to today. Last night they had talked as they’d eaten and watched television. He’d got to know a little about the woman who had been tempting him. For months prior, being so close to her and knowing who she was but not able to do anything about it had been frustrating. But now he could and Zyric would ensure he wouldn’t do anything that would make Pandora walk away.
The soft pad of footsteps reached his ears and by the power signature being emitted by them, Zyric sensed who approached. He waited until they came in then to his side before he said, “Lazy bones, you’re usually up before I am.”
When he didn’t get a reply, he sighed, “So you’re still giving me the silent treatment.” He glanced down at the Bengal tiger sitting beside him. It gave him a haughty look then swished its tail, knocking him on the back of the legs.
“Okay, fine, be that way. Just for that, I won’t be feeding you.”
“That’s not nice. You should make sure your pets eat.” Pandora spoke behind him.
Zyric was startled. He hadn’t heard or felt her approach. Knowing the culprit for that, he glared at the tiger and warned, “Behave before I kick you out.”
“Now why would you do that?” Pandora asked. “Stop being mean to your pet. Come here, Kyrian.”
The tiger gave Zyric a smug grin then hit him with its tail again before leaving his side. Zyric turned and his breath caught as he saw her. She was in a swirled patterned dress with various shades of greens and blues. The jagged points of the hem gave him a tantalizing glimpse of her bare legs and her clothing was complemented by her gold accessories and strappy sandals. She looked delectable and Zyric resisted the urge to go over and touch her.
Patience. Let her set the pace and you will reap the reward. Having been around Pandora for months, he knew she was exceedingly stubborn and with one wrong move, she’d retreat and the fragile, tentative connection he had built last night would be gone. So instead, he watched as she squatted beside the tiger and stroked along its head. The skirt of her dress pooled between her thighs, riding up slightly to show more bare skin. Zyric clenched his fist—not because he was jealous, but battling the need coursing through him, he would rather she be smoothing her hand over his skin—preferably bare, and leading to other more pleasurable things. He’d lift the dress up and run his fingers along her upper thighs, moving the fabric out of his way…
The flapping of wings made him look toward the door. The hawk flew in and landed delicately on the floor by Pandora and Kyrian. She rubbed a finger against the hawk, making a soft coo. Zyric shifted to relieve the pressure of his jeans on his erection.
“About my so called pets. They are—”
“I don’t want to hear it. You’ve been acting jealous of these two since last night. With Ram you’re okay, but not these two. There is no need to be jealous. I’ve been trying to figure out why.” Pandora looked at him. “The only conclusion I can come up with is you’re feeling like establishing yourself as the alpha male—that you want to be stroked and soothed. Maybe like I’ve done with your pets here. Is that the case, Zyric?”
The challenge in her tone and in her expression made him harden even more. He wasn’t stupid enough to admit he wanted to be stroked. Hell, he did want to, but it had nothing to do with soothing.
“Come on. Bare where you want me to stroke.” Pandora lowered her voice.
Zyric was tempted to drop his pants to show her what was in need of her touch. Again he resisted and went to reply. A smug little smile curled Pandora’s lips. At that, he figured she was expecting him to be a gentleman about her comment. She didn’t know him well yet. He stared into her eyes then put his hand on the front of his shirt. She followed his motion. Zyric slowly pulled up his shirt, showing his stomach as well as his erection, pressed against his zi
pper. Pandora glanced up at him, lifting an eyebrow. Zyric returned the mannerism.
“I’m waiting.” He flicked a finger along the muscles of his belly.
Her gaze followed his movement then she met his eyes. He didn’t think she would come to him. Zyric wanted to laugh at besting Pandora’s challenge. It was another thing he’d noticed about her—she liked to push him and see what he’d do. Until now, he’d let her believe he would back down. It’d been hard for him, but he’d been going for under the radar with her and her partners. He’d needed them to find out more so he could rescue his brother. With that no longer a factor, he’d been ready to meet her.
Pandora rose and she came toward him, her strides sleek and predatory. Clenching his stomach muscles, Zyric pulled in air as she watched her walk. She was sexy and oh so captivating to all his senses. Her scent of wild untamed sea and peaches tantalized him, making him want to strip her then inhale along her skin, searching out every place the fragrance went. He’d bet it was all over, and he was more than willing to enjoy it all as he drove her as crazy as she was making him. She stopped before him. Pandora gazed at him then placed her hand on his stomach. He shivered as her warm hand moved against him. Touching him, she feathered her fingers all over the skin. Zyric tightened his hold on the shirt he held up, stifling a groan.
“Do you like that, Zyric?” Pandora’s tone was soft as her touch. “Are you gonna purr for me or push into my touch?”
Zyric almost did but caught himself. “I’d say go lower, but I’ll not play into the obvious innuendo. So are you finished treating me like those two?” He inclined his head to the tiger and hawk.
“Are you done being jealous of your own pets?”
“They are not my pets.”
“No need to act like that. Don’t you feed them or offer them a place to stay?”
“I…” He rethought his denial. “Technically I do both but—”
“Then they are your pets. So stop being a growly bear and feed them.” She patted his stomach gently then swirled her finger over his navel.
Zyric’s thoughts scattered and he pushed into her touch. Pandora narrowed her eyes then did it again. He stiffened, holding in a moan.
“Oh…someone has a hot spot.” Pandora smiled. “I’ll make a note to touch you here.” She caressed him again. “Makes you make that sexy sound. I did get you to purr after all.”
Zyric stopped making the sound, not even knowing he had been doing it. He cleared his throat. “I need to find out one of your spots so we’re even. Quid pro quo.”
“Who said we need to be even?” Her laugh was sultry.
Zyric gave into the need he’d been fighting since the first time he’d seen her again. He smoothed his fingertips along the side of her face. Pandora went still, her gaze locked on his. He moved his hand down her jaw, before he slid his hand behind her ear. Slowly he went under her hair until he touched the base of her skull. Although she didn’t shudder her pleasure, her pupils widened, almost eclipsing the rest of her eye.
“Ahhh…I found a hot button.” Zyric licked his lips.
“How’d you know?” she asked in a husky voice.
“I’ve observed you, Pandora.” Zyric gently smoothed his fingers on her skin. “Whenever I’ve been around you, I’ve noticed you let out this delightful shiver every time your hair brushes against the back of your neck. I don’t think you even realize it.”
“I realized everything.” She gripped his upper arm. “Especially that when you’ve been around me, you kept staring at me like I belonged to you. At times I was tempted to set you straight—I didn’t like you and that would never happen. But something in your gaze piqued my curiosity.”
“What?”
“A longing, like you were looking for shelter.”
Capturing a Siren’s curiosity could be a good or bad thing, according to how they decided to use it. Also, shelter meant so much more to them than the actual definition of the word. Shelter was offering a part of them and bringing someone into their heart and life. If he was able to have her do that, he’d have her as his mate. Pandora was his bond shadow but even if she accepted it, that meant nothing if she didn’t accept him as her water mate—offered him shelter, thus claiming him.
Pandora spoke again. “It confused me because you seemed like a man who didn’t need anyone.”
“As a Reaper and Shadower, we are taught to be self-reliant. To not show weakness of such things as needing anything or anyone.” Zyric stared at her. “But you, Pandora, are a weakness.”
“Sirens don’t do weak. Having someone to share your life with strengthens you, not weakens. Look at your parents,” Pandora pointed out as she continued to stroke his skin.
He didn’t think she was even aware she was doing it, but he was. Each brush of her fingers made him want to take her hand, kiss the fingers then pull her to him and kiss her.
“My parents love each other and no, it is not weakness. But not everyone has that sort of connection. Look at Blagden and what he did to his mate. He exploited her love for him and forsook her for A’rm Ageddon.”
“Like anything else, some people use a person’s emotions against them or they accept the gift they are given and appreciate it.” Pandora inclined her head. “Do you think Savage or Grayson would use that they love each other against each other?”
Zyric had had a chance to talk with his brother about his bond shadow. Savage did love her, yet he was the same fierce warrior. In Grayson, he saw the same warrior spirit and he could see what drew Savage to her. Pandora had the same thing and he wanted her by his side.
“No, they would not.” Zyric went with his gut. “And neither would you.”
“This isn’t about me. I might or might not even like you.” Pandora pivoted on her heel and left the room.
Zyric watched her retreat and smiled. Her leaving so abruptly gave him more hope. Pandora was running from their connection.
“Looks like I am making progress, boys.” He glanced at the tiger and hawk.
The turned their backs on him.
“Really, when are you all going to get over it? No matter what Pandora said, just for that I’m not cooking for you until you decide to stop pouting and talk to me.”
“Again, you are being mean to your pets.” Pandora spoke from the doorway.
“They are not my pets.” Zyric glared at the animals. “And you both better quit doing that.”
“What?” Pandora asked.
“Nothing.” Zyric focused on her.
“Okay. I’m heading into work. Since you are already dressed, I assume you’re ready to go in too.”
“Yes.”
“I’ll be at your Cherokee waiting. Will you let me drive? It’s that new Trailhawk that they made. I’ve been thinking of getting one.”
“Yes, it is.” Zyric pulled his keys out of his pocket. “Sure you can drive.” He threw the keys toward her.
She caught them. “Thanks. Blue was a good color choice. Meet you outside. Feed your pets.”
“They’re fine. They can get their own food,” Zyric said.
“Mean pet owner.” She turned and left.
Moments later, the front door opened then closed.
“You two think you are smart. Masking Pandora from me so she can catch me unawares.” Zyric walked to the door. “Find your own food and don’t be nosy and snoop around Pandora’s house.”
He went outside to meet her. She was already in his vehicle with the engine running. Zyric opened the passenger side door and slid in.
“You do know that I’m growing on you. I went from you not liking me, to not liking me much, to you might or might not like me.” He leaned back against the seat. “We are making great progress.”
“You wish.” Pandora headed down her drive.
“I know. But I’ll let you deny it…for now. Now, about my so-called pets.”
“Again with the so-called. I don’t want to hear your excuses on why you’re jealous of them. Do you need me to rub your
belly again to make you feel all special?”
Zyric went hard again. “Only if I can return it and touch your hot button too.”
“You better be careful. You never know what you doing that could do.”
“I’m willing to find out,” he countered.
“Hmmm…so noted. I wonder what else you would be willing to do.” Pandora glanced at him briefly, a small smile on her lips.
“All sorts of things.”
“Do tell…”
They bantered back and forth as she drove them to work. They parted in the parking lot and she headed into Conundrum. Zyric stared after her before turning and going toward R&D Incorporated. Whistling, he crossed the parking lot.
“Someone is in a good mood.” Taye came into view by his side.
“Why wouldn’t I be? The sun is shining and I’m looking at the lovely partner of mine.” Zyric smiled at Taye.
“That’s not going to work on me.” Taye glared at him. “I’m still pissed at you.”
“So are Aldis and Kyrian. All of you need to get over it.”
“Humph.” Taye strolled on.
He followed, not picking up the conversation, instead letting the silence descend between them. She was one of his best friends and he knew that she, as well as Aldis and Kyrian, were only mad out of concern. They had followed him as he’d tracked the man who Blagden had sent to kill him all those years ago. He’d done the same for years—hunting the man—but he’d never got close until now. Over the years Zyric had made sure his adversary was unaware of his being alive and hunting him. This time he’d almost blown his advantage of the anonymity of being supposedly dead. He’d thought he fooled Taye, Aldis and Kyrian so they wouldn’t know what he was up to. He had been wrong and they had followed him without him being aware. Their arrival had coincided with him having to blow up a building to get rid of some nasty creatures that he’d stumbled upon in his search. Having them loose on earth would have been too dangerous for mankind. It had been necessary. He’d had no idea that they were inside. Taye had zapped them all out in the nick of time. His friends were mad he had gone without them and had all the fun. Zyric loved them all. Zyric thought of Pandora thinking he was jealous of Aldis and Kyrian—that was absurd, but her fierceness about it had been sexy.
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