by Trina M. Lee
“I want to know more about what you have with him. He wasn’t inclined to do a lot of talking about that when he took it upon himself to defend your honor, which I have yet to truly threaten.” He raised a dark eyebrow and grinned. That action seemed to be threat enough for me. “You are not like any other werewolf, human or vampire. You seem to have a little of every world, and my dear Arys is somehow connected to you. It’s only natural that I am curious.”
“Of course.” I nodded, hating that he referred to Arys as his. Arys had never been his. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying so. “I’m sure you know we've bonded our power.”
“What have you gained from that?” His eyes remained on mine, but I could feel his analysis of me on every level.
“I’m still not entirely sure. It’s come with a bit of a learning curve.” I was choosing my words carefully, and from the dark look he gave me, it was apparent.
Harley paced a very slow circle around me so that I had to turn to keep him in my direct line of sight. His coal-black eyes were eerie; a chill coursed down my spine as they peered deep into me. I felt myself falling into them before I could stop it. The next thing I knew, he had me up against the wall, a hand on either side of my head. It was dizzying, and I struggled to clear my mind.
He pressed close, so that I had to keep staring into those drowning pools of black. I gasped when he brought his lips to mine, a gentle press that I couldn’t deny while gazing into those hypnotizing eyes. Though I knew that this was his allure as a powerful vampire, I couldn’t combat it.
I expected him to deepen the kiss, but he didn’t. The press of his open mouth on mine was enough for him to draw my energy directly into him, intimate but not entirely invasive. I was stricken with fear that he would bite me. I didn’t want him tasting my blood. He never did though.
Harley tasted sweet, like forbidden candy. My resistance burnt up like a flammable substance until it was nonexistent. When I found myself reaching for him, I came back to myself with a start. I began to struggle harder against him, and he stepped back with a strange smile pulling at his lips.
I felt ashamed of my weakness and inability to resist him. My hand flew to my mouth, touching my lips as I pondered what had just happened. Harley laughed, low and smooth. My stomach clenched in response.
“He hasn’t blood bonded you.” Harley ran his tongue over his lower lip, tasting me.
“It’s incredibly easy to see why he was drawn to you. You are damn powerful.”
I had to concentrate on the mechanics of breathing. I shook my head and choked on my words. I gaped at him for a moment. “You stole the power right out of my hand. How powerful can I be?”
“That has nothing to do with it. I merely took what you were freely giving. It was idle power, fair game.” He shrugged as if it was common knowledge. “What can you really do?”
I thought back to what I’d done to the vampiress that I'd killed with Arys. I'd forced power into her until her heart exploded. Telling Harley about that couldn’t possibly work in my favor. I was glad mind reading was a selective ability for vampires, much like energy manipulation. Some were better than others.
“Nothing,” I answered blankly. “I’m just a werewolf.” I feigned the best, vacant-eyed expression possible.
“Alright, Alexa, have it your way. I won’t be put off that easily. You have successfully made Arys more powerful than even he would have dreamed possible. And, if you think that’s going to go unnoticed, you’d better think again. I won’t be the only one crawling out of the woodwork to get a taste of you.”
I shuddered at his words, hating the feeling of him on my lips. What I hated most was how badly I’d wanted to taste his power as well. I glared at him with all of the hate I could muster.
“Why are you here, Harley? What is it that you really want from me?” I came away from the wall with my hands balled into fists.
He nodded thoughtfully, a slight tilt to his head. “I want to know what Arys has that I don’t. I want to know what is so important that he is willing to destroy anything that dares to threaten you. Clearly he loves you, yet he chooses not to bond you.” Harley’s voice was low, contemplative. “I want to know what joins him to the most powerful werewolf alive.”
I stared at him fearfully as if he were mad, which I was pretty sure he was. This was all about what Arys had that he did not. Was it just a vampire’s need to dominate or was there more to it?
“All I can tell you is this, whatever Arys and I have, it’s meant to be. It’s bigger than we are and try as I might to find my way out, it is here to stay.” I saw no harm in divulging that much to Harley. I was hoping he would see it for the truth it was and leave me alone.
He remained motionless, but his energy sparked hot around me. What I wouldn’t have given to have Lilah walk in right then.
I felt myself shrink beneath Harley’s sinister gaze. True terror struck me when his power reached out for me, battering my personal shields.
“I created him, wolf. Arys is mine before he will ever be yours.” Harley took an unsteady step toward the door, and I knew he was fighting the urge to hurt me. Or worse.
I knew better than to argue with him. “And whatever is his, is likely to be mine, if I should will it.”
My breathing effectively stopped then as his words squeezed my heart like a vice. I stared into those inky orbs, the blank expression on his stony face stealing any response I would have had. His threat was clearly spoken, leaving no room for confusion. I began to pray silently that he would just leave before this situation could get any more fucked up.
“I just had to see you for myself,” he continued, edging closer still to the door. “And, I see what a rare and powerful beauty you are. So much so, that I do not trust myself to stay another minute without tasting your blood. I’m afraid our visit is much shorter than I would have liked. I promise you that next time, we will get to know one another a little better.”
He winked then, his self-satisfied smile unfading. The moment he disappeared through the door, I was moving. I slammed the door closed and secured the locks before backing into the kitchen, a hand over my mouth as I asked myself what the hell had just happened.
Oh, I knew what happened, but I couldn’t believe that it was real. Harley Kayson had set his sights on me. His intentions were clear. Just as Arys had feared, Harley had taken an unhealthy interest in me. And, his obvious jealousy was something to be concerned with.
I sat in the kitchen, shaking in both fear and revulsion. When nobody came back to the office, I paced anxiously until sunrise was so close that I knew I was safe.
No vampire had instilled this kind of fear in me in almost a decade. It was humiliating, and a part of me wanted to cry. It swept me back in time to when I had been a frightened teenage werewolf coming to grips with the urge to shred living things with my bare hands. This was worse, much worse.
Chapter Nine
Shaz was practically having kittens by the time I made it home. Making the mistake of leaving my cell phone in the car had resulted in half a dozen missed calls. I was feeling both stupid and ashamed when I pulled up at home to find his car sitting out front. He probably thought I was dead after being MIA for so long. I wasn’t looking forward to sharing this news with him. My overprotective mate was likely to become even more so.
“Where in the hell have you been?” The look on Shaz’ face was so stricken with concern that I couldn’t even laugh it off like I’d hoped. “I’ve been calling you since I got off work.”
“I know. I’m sorry; I forgot my phone in the car.” I went to him immediately and slipped into the safe confines of his warm embrace. “I had an unexpected visitor at the office last night. Harley couldn’t wait any longer to get a look at me.”
My white wolf lost it then. He pulled back so he could take a good look at me, checking for anything amiss. “What? Why didn’t you call someone? Where was everybody? Did he hurt you?”
I shook my head and smiled in spite of his worry. It was ju
st so sweet. “No, I’m fine.
I promise. He just wanted a little taste of my power, which he took against my will. Then he threatened me and left.”
I gave Shaz the instant replay of what happened, walking down the hall to my room to change as I spoke. He followed closely, asking questions here and there. His tone was frantic, and I knew that no matter what I said, he was going to go all territorial male on me.
“I knew that Arys was going to put you in danger. It was just a matter of time.” He ran a hand through his white hair, causing a tuft to stand up haphazardly. “I’m going to fucking kill him, I swear it.”
“Oh please, not that again. I need you to stay calm. Freaking out isn’t going to put me in any less danger from Harley.” I shed my clothing and shrugged into my silky, leopard print robe. “I need you, Shaz. If you go crazy, you could get yourself killed.”
He scoffed but didn’t reply. He knew I was right. Crossing his arms over his firm chest, his green eyes followed me around the room as I brushed my hair and piled my laundry in the corner.
After a long moment, he sighed and said in exasperation, “Arys was adamant that he hear from you. He came by Lucy’s Lounge last night. He was worried when I mentioned not being able to reach you during my last break.”
“I’m surprised you mentioned it at all.” I smiled teasingly, but he wasn’t in the mood. His jade eyes remained serious.
He crossed the room, his footsteps falling softly on the beige carpet. With the gentlest touch, he lightly traced the scabby claw marks that ran down the side of my arm.
“I know there are some things that I can’t save you from and others that I don’t have to. Still, I can’t help but feel the need to try.” He smiled softly and bent to press his lips to mine in a tender kiss. “And that godforsaken vampire is just one of them. I’m sorry.”
I kissed him back with a desperation that surprised even me. My wolf was eager to cling to him and the comforts of pack. “Don’t be sorry. I love everything about who you are. Even when it makes me crazy.” I laughed softly in between kisses with my hands entwined in his downy soft hair.
Shaz slipped his tongue between my lips, tracing a moist path along my lower one. I sucked his tongue into my mouth, loving the taste of wolf and pine. Closing my eyes against the daylight streaming through my window, all thoughts of Harley were swept away. As the kiss deepened, Shaz’ strong arms went around me, and he slowly walked me backwards, to the bed.
I thought he was going to drag me down with him but instead he pulled back. “You better call that damn vampire and get it over with. I want to enjoy you, uninterrupted.”
His touch fell away as he turned to get the phone from my bedside table. I rolled my eyes when he pressed it into my hand, but I dialed Arys’ number anyway. He answered on the tail end of the first ring.
“I know you saw him, Alexa. Tell me what he did to you.” Arys cut straight to the chase, not one to waste time on meaningless small talk.
I sighed and took a deep breath. “You were right. Harley really does want a piece of me. He scared the living shit out of me tonight.” A litany of curses was Arys’ response to that before demanding that I tell him everything. After doing so and taking care to leave nothing out, he immediately demanded that I come to him.
“I’ll be there at sunset.” I watched Shaz who sat on the end of my bed, waiting patiently. Nothing could pull me from his side right now.
“You’re with the wolf.”
“Yes. Is that a problem?” My tone was daring, and he knew better than to push me.
“Of course not.” He laughed outright in my ear, and I realized he’d been worried that I simply didn’t want to see him. “I’ll expect you at dusk.”
“Happy now?” I asked Shaz, replacing the phone on the receiver before turning to him expectantly.
He grinned playfully before his arms went around me, and he tackled me down on the bed. “Almost. I’ll be happier once I’m inside you. I can’t tell you how bad I’ve been aching for you.”
His words instantly brought both a blush and a smile to my face. If my wolf could get away with never leaving his side, she would never part from him. Regardless of the need we had for each other all the time, it was considerably stronger with the approach and rise of the full moon. Just knowing how bad he wanted me had the heat rushing between my legs.
I lay beneath him as he nuzzled my neck. Shaz’ hot breath tickled, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. I pulled him closer, inhaling his scent deeply into my lungs. It stirred me to life inside, and I hungered for him.
“You make me crazy, Lex,” he whispered, dragging his teeth over the sensitive skin of my throat. His tongue was quick to follow, and I squirmed in excitement. “If I had it my way, I’d never let you out of my sight.”
Drawn to touch his bare skin, I reached under his t-shirt, sliding it up so I could run my hands over his perfectly hard body. A sigh of contentment escaped me. “I love you, wolf boy. I wish we could stay this way forever.”
Shaz rose up on one arm so that he could look down into my face. The look in his eyes was intense, as if he could see into my soul. Maybe he could. He kissed me suddenly, plunging his tongue deep into my mouth. Things tightened low in my body as moisture rushed to my tingling sex. I made a sound of pleasure, and Shaz nipped at my tongue and lips.
“My mate,” he murmured, tugging on my lower lip lightly with his teeth. “My love
… you are my other half. I’d die without you.”
The soft touch of his hand as it slipped inside my robe had me anxious to rush ahead, needing to feel more of him against me. Though I noted his strange choice of words, I didn’t want to inquire about them and risk stopping our building momentum.
The truth was that I agreed wholeheartedly with his emotional words. I felt them to the tips of my toes and the depths of my very being. A surge of feelings swirled like a tornado inside me, and I clung to him. In light of last night’s events, I feared my time with Shaz would be cut short now more than ever.
Shaz trailed a hand over my ribs, up my side to my breast. When his fingers deftly found my nipple, I moaned softly and bit at his bottom lip. I wanted to taste his blood, something I rarely did. I was suddenly aching for his hot werewolf blood. With fangs, I carefully bit down, drawing just enough blood to coat my tongue. He made a small pained noise, but his growing erection pressed against me indicated how much he enjoyed my bite.
His touch grew in aggressiveness along with his desire. I tugged at his shirt, wanting him to be rid of it. I needed to feel his skin on mine. I ached for it.
“I need you,” I panted, pulling at his clothing. Slow and savory wasn’t what I was in the mood for. However, Shaz seemed to have his own ideas. He pushed my hands away, kissing me as he did so, deep and thorough so that I had no choice but to give in.
“Slow down. What are you in such a rush for?” His tongue dipped in and out of my mouth, playing along my sharp fangs. When he kissed and licked his way down to my breasts, I knew it was going to be his way whether I liked it or not.
He drew my nipple into his mouth, swirling his tongue around it in a way that started a fire burning in my loins. It quickly grew into a flame that caused my power to rise.
Though it was subtle, it was undeniable. Every single piece of me was in need of him.
Shaz’ head came up suddenly; his eyes fixed on me as he felt the sensations of the energy as it hummed around us. He raised an eyebrow and then shrugged, nuzzling his way into my robe.
I was more than willing to let him pull it out from under me, glad to be rid of it. Shaz pressed his face against my flat stomach, inhaling deeply. His tongue dipped into my bellybutton, and I giggled. Placing both hands on each of my hips, he held me perfectly immobile as he licked his way down to the edge of my black thong.
I bit my bottom lip, careful with my dangerously pointy teeth. He was my mate, and right then, I needed him to act like it. Sensing this, his touch seemed to grow rougher as he quick
ly stripped me of the flimsy underwear. When it had landed on the floor with my robe, he turned back to me, a fire smoldering in his sexy stare.
The direct eye contact as he lowered his mouth to me was exhilarating. As Shaz dipped his tongue into my wetness, I shuddered and clawed the bed sheets. His touch was soft as he licked me lovingly. His hands gripped my hips, controlling my movements, holding me still beneath him as he worshipped me. Though Shaz was naturally a very gentle man, I absolutely loved it when the wolf in him came out to dominate me.
I reached down to entangle my hands in his hair. I moaned and writhed beneath him.
When he bit at me, the touch of his fangs sent a thrill racing through my veins. I practically melted as the orgasm steadily built in response to the rough licking. The sensations quickly became overwhelming as the waves of amazing pleasure washed over me. When I climaxed it was with a shattering intensity that had me crying out between gasps for breath. He never ceased his oral love, not until I had ridden out every descending wave.
I couldn’t have formed words if I’d tried to. All I knew was that I wanted him inside me, to fill the emptiness and ease the throbbing ache. He bit lightly at the inside of my thighs before pulling my legs open wider.
When he rose up over me, I repositioned so I could take his deliciously smooth shaft in my hand. I stroked the rock hard length of it, wanting to feel him throb in my mouth before taking him into my body. Shaz closed his eyes as I ran my tongue along the sensitive head of his cock before sucking him deep into my mouth. He moaned softly, and a small growl rumbled in his throat. I smiled to myself, loving his response to me. It wasn't long before he begged me to stop, wanting to climax inside me instead.
I lay back as Shaz kissed and bit his way along my neck and shoulders. He positioned himself between my legs, and I was eager to have him fill me. Wrapping my arms around him, I held him close as he teased me with the head of his velvety erection. I squirmed against him, coming undone by his teasing. Just when I thought I would surely scream for him to take me, he slid deep until he was completely buried inside me.