Killian groaned before he spoke. “We were supposed to have a nice swim then eat, talk, and later I would take you.”
“The thing about plans…” Storm’s voice was breathless and deep.
“What?”
“I tend to go off them. I like doing things my way.” Storm whimpered. Her fingers rubbed with his as they stroked into her.
“I know that about you.”
“Yet you keep trying to plan and you know it doesn’t work on me.” Storm gripped his shoulder with her other hand.
“Maybe someday you will for once give in to my plan.” Killian kissed the top of her arm.
“Not likely.” Storm gasped.
She clenched around his fingers, shifting closer to his touch. Killian licked up her shoulder to the crook of her neck then to the underside of her jaw. Storm made delectable noises of pleasure. He moved his head and covered her lips with his, swallowing her sounds. Withdrawing his fingers, Killian then lifted her before stepping between her legs. Storm wrapped her legs around him and held him tight.
“Now, now,” she said in a litany.
Killian surged forward, filling her in one sure thrust.
“Killian,” Storm cried, grabbing him harder and sinking her nails into his skin.
His movements were quick and he gripped her ass, plunging into her. Storm babbled with each motion and Killian enjoyed hearing her pleasure. Moving quicker, he held her, shuddering as she tightened around him. Her inner walls gripped him firmly as they strove together toward fulfillment. Killian kissed her, sucking on her tongue in time with each thrust. Storm returned his kiss, nipping on his tongue, then plunging hers into his mouth. She was wild and untamed—Killian loved it. In one more deep forward thrust, Killian felt her clench around him then she went over. Killian joined her, grunting as he came, shaking under the force of his release. He locked his knees to keep standing and continued to kiss her as they came down from their pleasure. Storm gave a soft, contented exhalation then licked along his lips before pulling away from his kiss. Storm pushed her unruly hair back from her face and grinned.
“Now we can eat, chat, and all the other romantic stuff you have planned.” Storm tweaked his nose. “That was the appetizer to later.”
“Woman, when will you ever do anything that I expect?”
“Probably never.” Storm chuckled. “Gotta keep you on your toes.”
Killian was sure she would. But Storm would learn that he, too, could do things that were unexpected. It would take his wiles to convince the free-spirited woman that she was his. He was up to the task and couldn’t wait to see where she would take him next.
* * * *
Killian punched then kicked the punching bag before rotating back and forth between the two. Each time he hit it harder and ignored the sweat dripping off his body.
Damn stubborn woman. Killian poured all his frustration into the punches. As he did, his thoughts were filled with Storm and the weeks they had spent together. She was leading him on a merry chase. Storm was open and sharing with him but he could sense she was holding something back. She had lived up to what she’d stated she was—unpredictable. That he didn’t have any problems with. He enjoyed the spontaneity she had, although there were times she made him want to turn her over his knee and paddle her butt. The woman didn’t think of danger but went headlong into things without wondering about the consequences. Now that she was his lover, he was hyper aware of keeping her safe, yet she resisted his protection. Killian jumped up and turned into a back kick, hitting the bag. It flew across the room.
“Hey, no need to break me.” Christos caught the bag effortlessly then grinned, walking over to him carrying the bag. “What did the bag ever do to you?”
“Humph, like that could even make you wince.” Killian rubbed his hand over his face. “The bag is the pain in my ass.”
“Now, now, you can’t pound your woman into the ground to teach her caution.” Christos lifted the bag then flicked his power to reattach it so it hung again. “Storm will never know it. I learned that a long time ago. I swear when she joined the agency, I thought I would get gray hair with the antics she and Harmony got into. Allure was no help either, as she went along with them, too.”
Killian found that hard to believe. From what he’d seen of Harmony and Allure, they were not as wild as their aunt.
“I can see from your expression that you don’t believe me about all of them. The three of them are close, and tend to hold one head when they are determined.” Christos braced himself behind the bag. “Now keep punching and talk to me.”
Killian closed his eyes briefly as gratitude for being back and having one of his best friends to talk to filled him. When they were dead in the place he and Kaitya had been watching them from, he had wanted so many times to be able to talk with Christos. He rolled his shoulders and hit the bag hard. Christos didn’t move or even blink.
“She doesn’t want my protection.” Killian grunted as he hit the bag again. “I don’t get why she won’t let me keep her safe.”
“Protection is something you always wanted to give to your family. And I think since what happened with your dying and leaving Kalina alone, it is even more prevalent.” Christos stared at him then spoke again softer, “But even if here”—he touched his head—“you know your family can take care of themselves—hell, your mom could topple the earth if she wanted—it is here”—he patted over his heart—“that feels you need to protect those you care about.” Christos’ lips twitched. “Although if you keep this overprotective thing up, Storm will teach you she can handle herself.”
“Why would you—?”
“Hey, you!” Storm roared from behind him.
Killian’s eyes widened and he glared as he noticed Christos’ grin. “Bastard.”
“Hey, I gave you a warning. It was only two seconds, but it was a warning.” Christos glanced beyond Killian then stepped back out of the way.
“I’m talking to you,” Storm said in the same loud voice.
A zap of power blasted his ass. Killian gasped then turned to glare at her. In the next moment, he was captivated by the beautiful woman who was driving him insane. A pale blue sweater hugged her upper body while her hair framed her face, flowing down her body and moving around her as if it had a life of its own. She strode toward him and her dark blue skirt swirled around her legs. Each step she took in her high-heeled black boots echoed against the hardwood floor of the training gym.
“Yes, dear.” Killian smiled, wondering what had her in a tizzy.
“Patronizing me by calling me ‘dear’ only pisses me off more.” Storm stopped before him and put her hands on her hips.
Killian’s thoughts flashed to weeks ago when they had made love in the lake.
“How dare you try to bar me from being able to see A’rm Ageddon. We arrested her together and I have a right to see her.”
“I gave that order weeks ago. Why would you go see her now?” Killian frowned.
“Because I thought I could get some insight into why Blagden let her go so easily by seeing her. Wait, you said weeks ago.” Storm poked at his chest. “Who the hell do you think you are?”
Killian noticed Harmony and Allure walking up behind Storm. The women were frowning and he felt put on the spot under the gaze of the three of them.
“Your partner,” Killian said coldly. “And there is no reason for you to see A’rm Ageddon. Blagden didn’t let her go easily, we took her. He hasn’t come for her yet but we know he will. All we can do is prepare for it and we don’t need anything from A’rm Ageddon.”
“How many times have you been to see her?” Storm’s question was mild but it didn’t fool him.
“A few.” Killian frowned. “That is beside the point.”
“That is the point. You claim I am your partner yet you try to coddle me.” Storm’s eyes narrowed. “This is an equal partnership or none at all.”
“I try to protect you. You have no sense of caution and run into things you
should not.” Killian clenched his fist.
“Ahh… I see what my mistake has been.” Storm pushed up the sleeves of her sweater then put up her fists. “You think I can’t fight. Well let’s get to it so I can kick your ass.”
Killian stared at her in disbelief then at Harmony and Allure for help. The women crossed their arms over their chests and he would swear that it was pity he saw on their faces. Killian looked at Christos then blinked as he realized that more people had come into the gym. He spotted most of his and Storm’s units, along with Kaitya, Kalina and Ryne in the crowd as well as his mother. Killian scowled when he saw his mother was amused. A fist hit him in the shoulder and he turned and grabbed Storm’s arm as she punched him with the other one.
“I’m not fighting you,” Killian growled, pushing her hand away and stepping back.
“That’s okay, because I am fighting you.” Storm threw another punch and he countered it instinctively.
She smiled then swept down and kicked at his leg. Killian slid out of the way.
“Hey. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Hurt me.” Storm came at him with a flurry of blows, each of which he blocked as she yelled at him. “You hurt me every time you do shit like claim to protect me when we are doing our jobs. Hurt me when you have such a lack of faith in me as your partner.” She jumped up and flew into a roundhouse kick, levitating in mid-air. “Hurt me with your stubborn pride thinking that I am some meek woman who needs a big, strong man to block all the bad shit from me.”
Killian caught her leg and stared at her while her words resonated in him. He pushed away the idea that he was wrong. “It is my duty to protect you.”
“Your duty is to care for me.” Storm levitated away then rolled her hands together, brought up her power then threw it at him. “Show me some fucking respect as your partner and more importantly as”—she snapped her fingers and brought up Maji Stars—“your lover. I have your back, Killian, and if you can’t see that there is no hope for this partnership. For us.” She threw the stars in fast motions right at him.
Killian put his hands out and blasted through the power she threw then caught each Maji Star and let them fall to the floor.
“And that is what you have been working for. An us.” Storm rose higher over him and glared at him, her chest rising as her breath hitched. “I am a Zuri Maji, Killian, and my gifts make me a formidable opponent in battle.”
Suddenly the floor grabbed his ankles and yanked him below the surface. Killian went in, not fighting it, and looked upward. Storm floated down and knelt above him. She touched the floor and stared at him, her expression contained. Killian didn’t need to see how she felt to know her pain. It filled him with his every breath. He was starting to realize they had connected on a level that he hadn’t known.
“Yes, I see you know it now.” Storm smiled softly then pressed her hand on the floor over him. “When you are ready to apologize, come find me. Make sure it is a good one.”
She rose and strode away. Killian felt a push of power then the floor brought him back up and went smooth under his feet. Storm was almost to the door, flanked by Harmony and Allure. He watched her go, his heart racing as he was overcome with shock. The sound of the crowd leaving reached him.
“You better make sure she forgives you.” Niya patted him on the back. “I love that woman. She has a flare.” She laughed before going in the same direction the women had gone.
Christos came beside him. “Your mother—”
“Don’t want to hear it.” Killian’s mind was in a jumble. “I don’t know why you all don’t just give in and get it over with.”
“Not my call.”
Killian looked at Christos. “It is if you want her bad enough. I think you like the chase she has you on.” He lowered his voice. “But some advice, my friend. If you let her come after you instead, you’d better be prepared. An Amazonian Warrior always gets what they want.”
“So does a Silan Guardian.” Christos flashed his fangs then walked away.
“You need to stop denying your firebird.” Ryne spoke behind him.
Killian turned to him. Kaitya stood with Ryne who had Kalina by his side.
“Both of you,” Ryne said, including Kaitya in his look. “I was debating for a while if I should interfere or let you work it out. But what has happened with Storm makes me know I can’t.” Ryne’s eyes swirled then lit with flames. “You are an Amazonian Warrior and a Firebird. Instead of suppressing one for the other, let them work together.” He gestured with his hand. “The combination is formidable and Eve would not have brought you back and made you the hybrid you are if she didn’t think you could handle it.” Ryne rubbed his hand over his head. “With all that is going on with A’rm Ageddon, Eve hasn’t even realized what is happening, or she would have had this talk with you already. Or attacked you to unleash the firebird. It wants out and you are holding it in so tight. My firebird can feel yours crying to be let loose. Let it out.”
“I hear you, but I need to do something first.” Killian nodded then strode away. He rushed rapidly into the office. Storm lifted her head then leaned back in her office chair, arching an eyebrow.
Killian strode to the desk. “All you said was true. I want an equal partner but I can’t suppress my instincts to want to protect you. I will try to not be so overprotective.” He went to stand in front of her. “I knew in my warrior heart you were mine and set out to make you so. But today you showed me that you already knew what I was blind to.” He lifted his hand and brought up flames. “That my firebird recognized its mate. You are my mate by my warrior heart and my firebird soul.”
“Is that all you’ve got?” Storm scowled. “I haven’t heard I’m sorry yet.”
“I’m sorry for being an overbearing, protective idiot who doesn’t know when to let a wild woman be herself.” He pulled her into his arms. “You can protect me from now on.”
“Humph, maybe that was a better apology.” Storm placed her hands on his chest. “I can sense your firebird yearning for me, its mate. It bombarded me each time we are together. At first I didn’t know what it was, but then as we became more intimate it became clearer.” Storm studied him with concern on her face. “Why have you not shifted to let your firebird out?”
“I don’t know.” Killian frowned. “No, that isn’t true. Letting it out is acknowledging that I am changed. I am no longer an Amazonian Warrior.”
“There is no way you won’t be that anymore.” Storm smacked him upside the head. “Embrace both, you idiot. It makes you more powerful. You’re already a kick-ass warrior and now add to it a firebird. I can feel it in you—if you do that you are gonna be a formidable man.”
Killian held her hand and lifted it to his lips. “Knocking some sense into me.”
“Damn right. Someone has to. That’s the job of a mate.” Storm sighed then rolled her eyes. “All I wanted was a little sex and now I have a mate. Only I am so lucky.”
“Yeah, you are lucky all right.” Killian kissed her briefly then stared into her eyes. “You worked your way under my skin. Damn if I know when I fell in love with you.”
“You’re going to make me get all weepy.” Storm playfully wiped her eyes. “You say you love me in the sweetest of ways.”
“Only you would think it was sweet.”
“What can I say? I like the unique way of saying I love you.” Storm winked. “Now I’m old-fashioned so here it goes. I love you, Killian. Every stubborn, pain-in-the-ass part of you. Even the protective side that I had to kick some ass to get you to back down.”
“Now you say the sweetest things.” Killian kissed her again then held her close. “I promise to be by your side from now to eternity.”
“Ditto.” Storm smacked his arm. “Now you have something else to do.”
Killian stopped holding back the part of him he kept contained. He felt the power shift under his skin. In moments, hazel flames licked along his skin. Storm held his arms as his body was awash then engulfed in
flames. Awareness of being a firebird filled him and with it the knowledge of the kind he was now part of. The power could be used for many things, ranging from hurting to healing…or to destroy. This time he used it for pleasure. He pulsed it into Storm and she gasped then shuddered. Killian pushed more power into her and enjoyed the flow as she shivered with carnal need. It bathed him and he fueled it with his firebird power. In the next moment Storm arched and he held her as she shook, coming hard.
“Killian,” she screamed, her nails digging into his flesh.
He kissed her deeply then gently set her in her chair. Killian turned, ran to the window and went through the glass, shimmering briefly before coming back to form outside the window. He floated and watched his flaming body in the glass. Storm waved and he heard her in his mind along their shared path.
“Go and fly with them.”
As she spoke, a screech filled the air and Killian watched as a majestic firebird swooped down and floated beside him. He instinctively knew it was Eve. She dipped her head gracefully then another firebird joined her. This one Killian sensed was Ryne. A body floated up beside him and Killian held out his hand to Kaitya. She met his fingers with hers and when they touched, she shed her skin and flamed. Killian shifted and let his firebird out the same moment that Kaitya did. A sense of rightness filled him as his warrior side aligned with the firebird. Through his fire-lit gaze, Killian viewed the many others surrounding him. Eve lifted her head and let out a harmonic sound then flew away. The others streaked after her. Killian glanced at Storm once more—she was in the window with a smile on her face. He inclined his head then, with Kaitya by his side, he flew to join the rest of the firebirds.
Storm watched as they departed and appreciated the beauty of Killian in his firebird form—he was breathtaking. When he had changed, flames circled his body then the majestic bird that was Killian was revealed. His feathers looked soft and ranged from longer on his body then shorter on his face. They were a mixture of reddish-brown and amber with a streak of magenta that went from his beak over his head then down his back. Although Kaitya had the mixture of colors like Killian, in contrast her streak was a brilliant white gold. She hugged herself and mused at how life was so weird. Killian was her partner in all senses of the word. Hopefully he would stop being so overprotective and see her as an equal. Storm returned to her desk, rubbing her temple. She blew out a breath. Lately her headaches had been getting worse. She hadn’t told anyone since it was apparent from the exhaustive tests they had run on her that they didn’t have anything to do with her run-in with Blagden. As she thought of him she frowned, wondering again about him and what he had planned. It was too easy that they’d got A’rm Ageddon from him. Since then, they hadn’t heard of any leads on him. He was just gone, and Storm couldn’t help but think it was the calm before all hell broke loose.
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