‘You cared for them as if they are your own, family.’ Daniel kisses me. ‘There are no words for what I feel.’
Where was the conversation before Lee got thirsty? Ah yes, my Alpha.
Daniel sighs. ‘Like a dog with a bone.’
‘Wolf,’ I correct. “So? What did you and Daddy discuss?”
“You.”
“Very forthcoming,” Lee mutters.
I’m afraid to ask, but it has to be done. Unless Aaron sold me down the river, my Pack could only know the barest of details of that happened between the Vampire and me. From the scents we left behind, they will discover a rogue Vampire aroused me. How they’d fit that into a logical flow events I don’t know.
“ Come on, what did you talk about?” I twiddle my thumbs. “Did you tell him about us?”
“I explained you are my Bride. He was distraught.”
He must be putting it mildly.
I’d been nothing but a source of disappointment to my Alpha, but this must take the biscuit in his eyes.
First he’s told I’ve been consorting favourably with Vampires. Then I ditch my sister’s wedding. That would have been enough to rattle most fathers’ cages. To sweeten the pie, my husband by Vampire law and my mate by Pack rule strolls onto his territory informing him that he and I are doing the nasty.
Sweet lord, Daddy must have had an apoplexy.
‘I was not crude.’ Daniel doesn’t hide his exasperation. ‘I explained what happened with your cousin, and between my kind and me. What happened with you.’
“You told him I found you? Fine, but I know Daddy. He’d still want your head for being on the hunting grounds without an invitation.”
“I never suggested he wasn’t. Believe we both have your best interests at heart. We came to an understanding the soonest.”
“That’s it?” Lee frowns. “Simone’s sure the Lycans will declare war as soon as they amass enough strength. I sent Daniel to pay for the death he caused, but he never made it to your Alpha.”
Resentment my mate was treated so callously busts through my calm. “Well, breaking his legs then dumping him miles from the Alpha house expecting him to take himself there wasn’t exactly a fool proof plan.”
Lee cringes in embarrassment, but nods. “Liam must feel as if our family has ignored him by not acknowledging what happened to your cousin.”
“That is irrelevant now, love.” Ben cocks his head, gaze on Daniel. “An understanding?”
Clever Ben cuts to the heart of the matter.
What understanding could have been made so fast between hated enemies?
“I am exempt from any peace treaties or truces of safety between our kinds now or ever to come.” Daniel contemplates the middle distance. “I must not cross into Lycanthrope territory. Packs will be advised of who I am, what I look like, and the danger I pose.” His lips twist wryly.
Ben makes a small noise. “There is more.”
Daniel shoots him a look of irritation. “All this hangs on the outcome of a test. Tomorrow night, Harmony will allow the Pack Beta a chance to….” He trails off. His whole body tightens before he forces it to relax. “If her wolf accepts him, I will revoke my claim, and vow never to touch my Bride again.”
Lee’s horror-struck gasp swallows Ben’s heartfelt curse.
I will revoke my claim.
My hand falls from Daniel’s face to my lap. I stand jerkily. Shuffle my feet. I look around helplessly. Finding no solace, I sway, a bit like a scarecrow caught in the wind.
I will revoke my claim.
Where’s that nails-on-a-chalkboard-screech coming from? Oh. That’s me trying to speak, breathe, and scream in chorus. The silence is horrible, but the racket trying to escape my mouth is dire.
I will revoke my claim.
He wears my mark. He has been inside me and will rest in my heart as my true mate until I die. Mine. There’s no ‘revoking’ to be done. Impossibility. My mind cramps and I rub my brow endeavouring to fathom what he’s agreed.
Not considering, agreed.
“How will this wolf male test you?” Lee sounds nervous on my behalf. Bless her. She looks from me to Daniel to Ben, who shakes his head sadly. She touches her temple and her eyes drift out of focus. “I have no memory of this test. I don’t understand.”
Clasping my hands at my waist, my eyes drop to the floor. “We shift to wolves. He’ll try to mount me, and if I submit he’ll claim me in front of the witnesses and mark me. I-. It–. This is, um….” Hysteria bubbles just beneath the surface. Outrage fuels some false courage and gets me coherent. “This will bond me to him as his life mate.”
I feel Daniel’s eyes on my face.
Gathering my courage, I look up and watch a jumping muscle in his jaw. He looks determined, and I resist the natural urge to slump in defeat.
The test is archaic and flawed. It’s rare for a she-wolf to possess the strength to fight off a male who pins her beneath him, and Sy is a Beta. Only the Alpha is stronger. The test had been designed for when leaders of the Pack set their sights on a piece of ass they wanted, but was already taken. Challenge to the mate was issued, and supposed to be considered a fair challenge that avoided loss of life. Blatantly unfair, its usage had faded from Pack life.
My Alpha has resurrected it to bring me to heel.
I’m more than most she-wolves – born a powerful Alpha female. I will not allow them to do this to me.
It hurts Daniel found it tolerable for the test to be suggested. Why is he not enraged and ready to spill blood? Is he all wax and no wick? Why is he not ready to start a war in my name? Ben would obliterate the person for daring to utter the words about Lee then destroy evidence they existed. Daniel cares so little for me–
‘I do this because I care.’ Daniel is grim. ‘It’s wrong of me to separate you from your family, and cause conflict because of misplaced pride.’
‘Bullshit. I doubt you’ve ever considered doing anything that principled in your life.’ I eye him. He body looks no older than his late twenties, but his eyes are ancient. ‘How old are you anyway?’
‘Nine hundred give or take a year. Time was not measured as it is now. You see? I have a greater perspective on what needs to happen here.’
‘You think I’ll fail.’
‘I want you safe. This agreement with your Alpha gives me that.’
‘I won’t do it.’
‘Lee is going to be a mother. My kind has a chance at a new future. You would jeopardize that?’
Lee makes a noise of protest.
Daniel shuts her down with a fierce look. “This is private.”
Ben nods then captures his mate’s outraged eyes, drawing her into an intense stare. From their changing expressions they're having a private argument of their own.
The barrier of my folded arms drop.
Despite being mated to me, Daniel retains his sense of self and loyalty to his people.
I respect that.
Struggling to keep my inner voice steadfast yet desperate to change his mind, I think, ‘We can keep her safe.’
‘You would risk her life – yours! When you are not certain?’ His lips press together in disappointment. ‘And you expect me to take you seriously, and not treat you like a burden.’
My neck’s hot but fuck him. It’s my prerogative to avoid a trap I’m biologically biased to fail.
‘If war comes our Brides will be the first thing the Lycans come for. You are considerably weaker than us–’
‘But I–’
He slams his fist onto the chair armrest. ‘You will listen.’
I glare at the floor.
‘Lee holds the curse in her blood and will be protected to the death. She would be the last one standing. Do you hear me? The last one. Picture a world where you died, and I remained. You used to think of me as evil? Evil is holy compared to what I would do to each Lycan man, woman, and child if they took you from me.’
My tears fall hot and heavy. “Please, Daniel. No.”
Sliding a finger under my chin, he lifts my gaze to his. His thumb rubs my cheek. “With me you may not play coy. You are not, and it does not become you.”
Pulling my shit together, I push the tangle of hair from my sticky face. I wipe my cheeks and compose myself. “I need to think.”
Daniel’s hand squeezes until his fist creaks with tension. An enchanting smile curves his lips. “If you must. Come with me.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Popping the button and pulling the zip, Daniel loops his thumbs into the waist of my jeans and drags them off my hips.
I rest my hands on his broad shoulders for balance. The stubbly underside of his jaw is irresistible, and I rub my thumb over the hard contour.
Daniel stares at the scrap of lace hugging my bony hips. A tremor rocks his frame. “I like this.”
Untying the knot at the base of my spine, he lazily pops the buttons on my shirt.
He’s close enough for me to rest my head on his chest and reposition my hands onto his waist. The hold is intimate. I savour the feel of his fingers brushing the skin of my bared back.
I feel close to him.
Regardless of his aloofness, I know if I tell Daniel anything he won’t judge. He might make a statement or declaration in response, but there will be no judgement or condemnation.
The cotton shirt falls to the floor, and we’re holding each other. Standing still. I’m afraid moving or speaking will splinter the trance.
Daniel nudges my head with his chin. I bare my throat and he settles his head in the crook of my shoulder. Hmmm. How happy to be tall am I?
Kisses tickle my flesh, and as his lips brand my skin I take in the little things. He has a dusting of caramel-coloured freckles across the nape of his neck. There's a birthmark behind his right ear. His thick hair is a darker blonde at the roots, and his hairline is uneven. Leaning back, I thrust my hips into his, and lace my fingers together at the back his neck. There are small scars along his forearms where his shirtsleeves are rolled up. He wears two shirt buttons undone at his throat instead of one. His torso is longer than average. Rangy legs are probably a tad shorter than they should be on someone his height. The lower hem of his shirt is untucked from his–
“Your jeans aren’t ruined.” I assess the dark denim with a critical eye. Expensive. Twisted cut. So he’s old but he has style? His muscled thighs were visible before through the gaping tears. I admit the blood soaked garment was a vast improvement on these current jeans. More of his delicious flesh was on display. “You went home for more clothes?” I try to look him in the eye and end up staring over his shoulder. “Your home in the city?”
“Ja.” Daniel pulls my arms from around his neck.
He draws me a bath.
Does he resent having to stay at Castle with Ben and Lee so loved up? He tried hard to obstruct their relationship. Does he begrudge me for keeping him here?
“You don’t have to stay here if you don’t want.”
Unresponsive, Daniel wiggles his fingers in the bath water. He adds liquid soap from a beautiful glass bottle. Freestanding brass taps glow dimly from the low light hanging overhead. The roll top bath fills with hot water, the bubbles and steamy vapour infusing the room with the snappish fragrance of peppermint.
“I don’t want you to feel trapped or beholden to me for anything.” Hugging my stomach, I shuffle closer, unsure because he won’t respond. “It’s not like mates can’t be apart. I can stay here by myself if you feel more comfortable in your own home.”
It would be hellish for my wolf to know he was gone without knowing he was coming back.
I wasn’t desperate enough to admit that aloud.
The stone floor is cold. I dance from one foot to the other, biting my tongue.
Daniel’s back’s to me, but steam fogs up the bathroom mirror, so I can’t covertly judge his expression.
Sighing, I sniff deeply. I smile and wander to the open window to peer outside. The sea. It’s so beautiful. Past the rocky shoreline the horizon is endless. The waters ripple in dark blue waves gilded in silver moonlight.
“Get in.”
I glower over my shoulder. “You have nothing to say to me?”
“Did you ask a question I missed?” Daniel crooks a finger at me then taps the rolled top of the copper bath.
Nothing I said was phrased as a question, but he knows the comments were suggestive. I fished for a reassuring response he’s chosen not to give. “Touché.”
“Coulé.”
“Um.” I scrunch up my face. Kind of afraid I’ll hurt my head remembering anymore. “Yup, touché is all the French I know. What did you say?” My brows swoop low and I glower. “Did you insult me?”
“No.” Striding over, he sweeps me off my feet. “Such excellent pronunciation.”
A slow smile spreads across my face. “Really?”
“Truly.”
“So what does it mean?”
“Imagine our battle of wits as a duel of swords.” Daniel’s eyes shimmer with amusement. The lapis lazuli of his irises is pushed aside by a radiant cerulean that bleeds from his pupils. Even those inky puddles twinkle magically. “I’d transcend my touché by feinting and sliding my rapier along your blade to conclude my attack.”
I loop my arms around his neck and give him a small squeeze. “You’re so crazy.”
The corners of his eyes crinkle. “And you are young.”
Daniel places me in the bath water.
Prickly heat rushes up my thighs and back until a flush blooms on my face. The moisture relaxes the aches. I ease down with a sigh, the water lapping at my neck. Mind drifting and bobbing from thought to thought, I rest my head on the lip of the tub. The ends of my hair float on the surface of the water and snake canyons through the bubbles. Blissed out, I lift my hands to rub my face. The water trickles off my nose and chin.
I fall into the notes of a piano, playing with bubbles as I listen.
I can’t find a suitable word to describe the poignancy. The melody moves me. “The music is beautiful.” Lame but true. I shrug apologetically for how unimaginative my response is.
Daniel kneels beside the bath. He brushes my hair over my shoulder. “My thanks.”
It’s the way he said it. Unsure the compliment is one he can accept.
My hands had touched him the moment he was close enough. Now my stroking fingers still as I come to terms with Daniel being capable of making this extraordinary composition.
He smiles at my astonishment. “Maybe one day I will play for you.”
“Today can’t be ‘one day’ because…?”
“I do not wish for it to become associated with–” Mouth snapping shut he rakes a hand through his hair.
“You don’t want this to be associated with me in case things turn bad.”
Face tight, he picks up a sponge and soaks it. I let him rub me down, the strokes smooth and sure.
He rewards my silence.
“I love to play, but it is not something I share easily. I– I hide it.” He frowns, shakes his head, eyes closing briefly in shame. “I do not wish to share it.”
I spread my fingers under the surface of the water. My skin looks plumper and more vivid. “I’m not sure I understand.”
‘Have you ever treasured something? In a way strange to others but clear to you?’
Nod.
“What?”
I touch his chest over his heart. ‘You.’
Daniel drops the sponge. His hand blurs to snatch it from the surface of the water. “Explain.”
“How much do you know about my kind?”
“Nothing more than that separating fact from myth.”
I contemplate this. “The Great Bloodline knows little about its enemy.”
“We were never your enemy. Lycanthropes are young and bellicose.” He pauses. “Territorial and possessive.”
“Young? My wolf spirit is ancient.”
“She does not
live life for you, merely experiences it through you. No memories or wisdom is inherited from your wolf, just power.”
“You make it sound like a bad thing.”
He arches a brow. “To be given power without wisdom is not bad. It is dangerous.” He dismisses the topic with a shake of his head. “Vampires live too long to bother with petty disputes over land. As long as we can roam at will we do not care if a few corners of the world are off bounds to us. The Lycans declared war on us.”
Considering I’m Lycan, not him, I disagree with his views on the wolf spirit, but I can’t help but agree with what he says about my species confrontational temperament. Apart from Sean’s death there had not been an act of aggression from the Great bloodline to one of the Lycan Packs in centuries.
The last two acts of unprovoked aggression on neutral ground had been the faults of Lycans, not Vampires.
His perception of my wolf spirit is correct in essence, but shouldn’t form the entire basis of his understanding of what it means to be two natured and Pack.
How do I explain a way of life, a frame of mind to someone who’s spent his life answerable to no one?
“Harmony?” Daniel strokes my neck and lifts my chin.
I stare into his eyes, and the words form in my mind so easily. “As a Pack member I’m compelled to share.” I swallow the instinctive response to brush over the traits he might find ugly. “It’s our culture to give without resentment and receive without hesitation. It’s how our society survives isolated from the rest of the world. It’s how the Pack functions. Everything I have can be taken if needed by a pack-mate. When I was a pup my toys were given away even if I loved them. My favourite clothes as teenager were handed out if others were in need. I shared my mother as a baby, and Daddy’s affection wasn’t mine alone.” I clear my throat nosily. “I hate it. I understand the need for my things to be shared, but there were times when I was young I begged for things I loved to be left alone. I was branded selfish.”
I huddle in the bath and put my chin on my knees. This is embarrassing. I avoid Daniel’s gaze.
“You get nothing in return?”
“Anything I need is given without a moment's pause. I have a dozen surrogate mothers to stand in for mine when she’s needed elsewhere. Men who protect and guide me when Daddy can’t.” I risk a look at Daniel and find his expression indestructible. It helps. “Do you understand what I mean by compelled to share? I can demand the clothes of a woman’s back in the middle of the street and she is expected to strip naked.”
Bite My Love Dark Creature Page 10