Wasteland

by Lynn Rush

  She gathered me to her, flattening her breasts against my chest. So close she had to put one of her feet between mine so we could move. Her warmth seeped through her thin shirt into mine. Hunger for her forced the air from my lungs. The demon demanded to be let out.

  “So, do you have a name?” Her minty breath washed over me, and I put my hands on her hips.

  “What is yours?” I asked.

  “Rebeka, but everyone calls me Beka.”

  “You frequent this establishment?”

  Her inner thigh skimmed my leg as she leaned into me more. My hold on her hips tightened, keeping her core from mine. The prickle of my demon sliced at my heart, urging me to pull her close. My heart pounded and body tightened. I couldn’t handle much more touching before I lost control.

  “Yes. I’m here often.” She held my gaze. “Tell me your name.”

  “I am David.”

  We swayed in silence, her body dangerously close to mine, yet I absorbed every touch. I played with fire remaining in her embrace, but for unknown reasons, I dove in further.

  “Where are you from, Beka?”

  “Here. I was raised here. You?”

  “Nowhere special. Passing through town.”

  Her gaze inched down. “Just passing through? How long will you be here?”

  “Not sure yet.”

  Her teeth sank into her lip again.

  I stiffened. That gesture with her mouth was too much. “I should be going now.”

  “Will you be back?” She loosened her grip.

  Frigid air seeped between us, and I wanted to pull her close again. She felt like heaven against me. “I might be.”

  “Hope so.” She winked.

  My gaze swept over her body, taking in the soft, delicate skin held captive by her tank top. With each breath her chest swelled. We hadn’t danced quickly, but she was winded.

  A thin, black line of ink peeked out from behind her earlobe. The beginnings of a tattoo. Possibly marking her identity. Guardians bore a tattoo distinguishing them from humans. I drew in a breath, strengthening my resolve to remain in control, and cupped her cheek. She gasped and leaned into my hand like I’d hoped.

  The fury of blazing heat streaming from her face in my grasp threatened to distract me. My pulse hammered. But I had to see the mark. A thin line followed the curve of her lobe and disappeared into the shadow behind her ear.

  Her teeth grated her lip. Must be a nervous habit. But the action chipped at my resolve each time.

  One quick taste.

  I brought my other hand to her face, the side with the mark, and curled my fingers around her neck, moving my thumb behind her ear. Her hands cuffed my wrists, but not to push me away. Instead her stare bore into mine like a freight train. The flashing lights of the club bounced a coral, teal, and violet rainbow over her shimmering skin.

  The people surrounding us blurred into oblivion, and the music faded into a storm of muffled pitches and tones.

  I concentrated on her shining lips and took in the warmth of her body so close to mine. I wanted only the sense of touch to be awake while I reveled in the silky texture of her skin. For so long I’d touched nothing. If I was going to break my rules, I would enjoy it.

  Her hands glided from my wrists down my forearms and up my biceps, sending a ripple of desire through my soul. I could resist no longer. I brushed my lips against hers and tasted melon. She heaved a sharp breath and clamped her fingers around my shoulders, holding me in place.

  Scents of lilac permeated me. My heart hammered, and my demon pounded, wanting out.

  Wanting her.

  I turned my head, severing our connection. Too intense. Must stay in control. She let out a whimper. I pressed my mouth to her cheek and tilted her head.

  I almost wished I hadn’t.

  She bore the mark of a Guardian, immortal protectors of the humans.

  I drank Beka in for three long breaths, knowing it may be my last chance to hold her close. Because if Beka truly was guarding Jessica Hanks I would more than likely have to kill her to get my Mark.

  CHAPTER 5

  “A Guardian?” I punched the light post on the corner of Fifth and Grand and pain radiated down my hand, into my wrist. “Beka’s a Guardian?”

  Across the street, on the opposite corner, a young kid with a buzz-cut strutted out the door of a small café and jammed a key into the door handle. White wires protruded from his ears, and his head bobbed to a beat I didn’t hear.

  I paced the sidewalk, waiting for the light to turn. Sweat streamed down my back. The malodor of exhaust hung thick as two cars idled. Master had thrown me into a den of Guardians. Jessica Hanks must be quite important to have two near-angels protecting her.

  The light flashed neon green and I crossed the street. A distant car horn blared.

  Guardians. Only killed by beheading. And I knew, because I’d beheaded many in my day. But Beka, how could I—if she found Jessica first, I would have to kill—

  I kicked a crumpled can into the brush bordering the parking garage. “Shit!”

  “Learning this century’s foul language already, brother?” Gage asked.

  “Quit calling me brother.” I slid the back of my hand over my damp forehead. “Have fun with your jade?”

  “She was exquisite. And oh, she didn’t have the Mark of Elpida in case you’re wondering. You have any luck?”

  “No. I searched all I could. No young girls hanging around the bar either.”

  “There are living quarters above the bar. We will check those now.”

  I finally faced him. His disheveled hair stood on end, defying gravity. “You could have at least cleaned up a little, Gage.”

  “I saw you with her.” Gage’s eyes narrowed.

  I crossed my arms over my chest and nailed him with a glare.

  “Dancing with that woman. You toe a fine line, brother.”

  “How else can I check for tattoos if I do not get somewhat close? She’d been at the club twice now.”

  “She does not look fifteen.”

  “Difficult to tell these days. But, no, she is not the Mark.” Just someone I would eventually have to kill to get to my Mark, I feared.

  He shoved his hands through his messy hair. “Then that’s one less female you have to feel up.”

  “I shall leave the feeling up to you. I will go search the apartment.” I did an about-face. “Can’t have two people lurking around.”

  “I will be close by.”

  “Of course. Tell Master I said hello when you call in your report like the good little boy you are.”

  I turned three streets before the bar and went two blocks past to get into the back alley from a different angle. Hugging the shadows cast by the tall, brick buildings, I made my way toward the club. The narrow passage behind the structures was a haven for dirt, loose papers, and a rancid-smelling garbage container.

  Such filth, yet the absence of bright light helped me tame my raging demon. He wanted Beka. I couldn’t blame him. For over four centuries, including two and a half in sensory deprivation, he’d been denied his carnal pleasures. And Beka’s statuesque beauty and pureness billowed from her in tangible waves, of course my dark demon wanted to extinguish it. Defile her. Dominate her. Kill her.

  In the alley behind the bar, a fire ladder hung high above the back door to the club. I slowed, held in a breath and let it flow out my mouth. The bass thumped through the thick walls. I sensed no other movements.

  With one quick jump, I seized the cold metal and hoisted myself up. Once my feet touched the steps, I propelled skyward onto the metal staircase.

  It creaked beneath my weight.

  The first set of square windows above the club level was dark. I cupped my face against one. A desk with a computer propped on top flashed the Club Noir logo.

  Offices.

  A quick glance up showed me another row of windows. I worked my way upstairs.

  “Be quiet, Russell. He is not.” Beka’s harmonic voice flowed ou
t below me.

  I froze, only fifteen feet above her. Hopefully the metal wouldn’t creak again.

  “He is. I can feel it.” Russell stormed past her through the door from the club.

  “I have the same senses you do, brother, he is not demon. He is human.” Beka crossed her arms over her chest, sending some of her flesh spilling over the seam of her top. I had a clear view and had to work to keep myself from moving, fearing the metal would groan again.

  Sweat trickled along my temple. Stay focused.

  I folded my fingers into a fist, allowing my nails to elongate enough to break skin. A much needed distraction from the lure of Beka’s beauty.

  “I confronted him last night. Told him I knew he was demon. He didn’t deny it. Beka, he’s here for a reason. Has to be.”

  “You’re wrong. You probably startled him by calling him a demon. He’s so jumpy. Flinches every time I touch him.”

  “You are not to touch him.” Russell pivoted and pointed his finger at her face. “You hear me?”

  She slapped his hand away. “First of all, remember who you are speaking to. Second, you are wrong about him. You’re just paranoid. This is a new city, we are not sure where our charge is yet, but we’ll figure it out. We always do.”

  “You can’t join with him. It is forbidden. You know you are to be—”

  “There’s something about him. Something special.” She hugged her mid-section and turned her back on her brother. “I cannot explain this feeling. I’ve existed for so long, seen much. But I’ve never felt so drawn to a human.”

  “Drawn?” Russell shot his hands skyward, then buried them in his dark hair.

  My stomach cramped, but he didn’t see me. If I remembered correctly, the Guardians didn’t have stellar night-vision.

  “What do you know about drawn, Beka? You met him only yesterday.” He moved in front of her.

  I glanced up. One flight of stairs down to the window, another to the roof. I stayed frozen, gripping the railing. If they saw me, and figured out what—or who—I was after, I would have to kill them both. I didn’t think myself capable of taking Beka’s head. Russell’s, on the other hand. . .

  “Beka. Think rationally about this. You can’t—”

  The back door flew open and both jumped. “Russ. Better get in here. Some asshole’s starting a fight.”

  Beka and Russell hurried into the club. The door slammed shut, and I relaxed. I might have to try out the whirlpool jets in the hotel tub tonight.

  So. She felt drawn to me. I was honored to earn the attentions of such a fair lady. After only two meetings, she’d already worked her way into what was left of my human heart. If only I wasn’t the antithesis of her existence.

  I finally let my breath out and climbed the last set of stairs. I peered in. Even with my enhanced sight, all I saw was darkness—the panes had been covered with something I couldn’t see through. I shuffled to the side and tried the next window. A living room with two plush, cloth chairs flanking a large, caramel colored leather couch.

  Tinting on one set of windows but not the others might mean something was hiding or being hidden.

  Fingers shoved under the window frame, I tugged. Locked. Same with the tinted window. I couldn’t risk breaking them to enter and alert the Guardians to my presence. Or Gage’s. I sprinted up the last of the stairs and hopped onto the roof. The gravel shifted beneath my weight as I circled, scanning the area.

  The moonlight spilled over the neighboring business establishments and apartments. But they were deserted, save a few chairs. Sunning on rooftops must be something the humans did.

  A door in the middle of the open rooftop was shut. Two plastic chairs sat near the ledge with a little table between and a long blanket spread over the rocky ground.

  A telescope next to the ledge pointed skyward. I neared the picnic setting and squatted. I brought the corner of the blanket to my nose. Beka’s lilac scent tickled my senses, triggering a firestorm in my stomach.

  Her image danced in my mind. Her long, graceful neck. Full lips. Her inviting mouth.

  I bound to my feet, shaking off the memory of her body against mine and moved to the door. One quick twist of the knob and the lock broke.

  Creaking hinges rent the air and I froze, listening. Inside the stairwell an pool of darkness greeted me. No sounds and only the stale scent of cement and dust. Two flights down brought me to another door, more than likely the hallway to the apartment.

  My ear to the door, I slowed my breathing and my body—still as if dead. Another demon trait.

  No signs of any movement or people.

  I slowly turned the knob and the door cracked open. One closed door between me and the exit at the far end of the hallways. Had to be how they entered the apartment from the ground level. I checked my watch. Nearly one a.m., and the club closed at two. Time enough to sneak in for a peek. But with only one exit, I’d have nowhere to run if they returned early.

  Voices trickling through the end of the hallway exit answered my hesitation.

  I backed into the stairwell but left the door partially open to watch. So much for getting any information on my Guardian friends.

  Humming an unfamiliar tune, Beka strode toward the apartment door. With slender fingers, she slid the key into the knob and cranked it open. When the door shut, I vaulted up the stairs to the roof. Once out into the night, I hurried to the edge. The light from the window reflected off the metal staircase.

  “Shit.” I hurdled over the short wall enclosing the roof and landed on the fire escape stairs.

  Hopefully I could navigate the sharp turn and get down before she was settled and would see me through the window. Down a flight, I paused.

  Beka.

  She bent over the kitchen sink, washing a glass. The ceiling light spilled its illumination over her, emphasizing her frame. A sliver of smooth, pale skin on her lower back peeked beneath the hem of her silky blouse at her movements. A quick turn to the table gifted me a glimpse of her corded stomach.

  I feared I’d let out a growl, but Beka didn’t make a move indicating she heard the beast. I must have refrained. The base of my spine tightened, and a blast of desire rushed up my back.

  She’d twisted her flowing hair up into a bun, revealing her long, swanlike neck in full form. I inched toward the stairs, but they whined beneath my two-hundred-pound body.

  Fearful she’d see me, I swung my legs over the railing and landed two stories below. The jolt resonated through my bones and up my spine, but barely registered.

  Another demon trait.

  I rushed around the corner and slouched against the building, listening. The dull, thudding bass of the dance club echoed my heart pounding my ribs. The sharp brick bit into my skin through my thin shirt, and I slammed my hand against the unrelenting surface. But the self-induced pain didn’t erase Beka’s image or the feel of her body.

  Mine.

  I was in big trouble.

  CHAPTER 6

  “What’d you learn?” Gage asked when he caught up to me at the SUV.

  “Nothing. They came home as I was on my way in. Tomorrow. I’ll need you to do lookout for me. Nowhere for me to run should they come home.”

  My chest heaved, and I propped my hands on my thighs. Sweat dripped from my brow and splattered against the sidewalk. I needed the run, though. My entire being had been cooped up and immobile for so long, it might take me another century to work out all the kinks.

  “Master won’t be happy.”

  “It’s only been two days, Gage. Not even. I can’t make the Mark just appear. If he had more details for me other than a fifteen-year-old orphan. . . .” I stomped through the rock landscape surrounding the garage. “I plan to visit some orphanages tomorrow during the day.”

  There had to be something more going on here. Two Guardians, Gage hovering and watching my moves closer than any of my babysitters had, and Master constantly reminding me of the consequences of my failing to get his target.

  I s
lid my fingers around my throat. The choker wasn’t visible to anyone, human or demon, but it existed. Cinching tighter and tighter.

  Gage’s laughter followed me to the car. “I don’t know how your last chaperone handled you, David.”

  I stopped and turned, allowing a fraction of my demonic half to surface. Its jagged features stretched my human form. A feral rumble thundered through the darkness between us. Fear tugged at the corners of Gage’s eyes and mouth.

  “My last chaperone didn’t handle me, Gage.” My chest burned. “You’d do well to remember that.”

  I had no patience for him tonight. Beka had rattled my soul, but she was a Guardian. Not only were romantic relations forbidden for me—lest I wanted to become full demon—never could I be with someone so pure. Only Angels were more pure than Guardians.

  And she thought me to be special.

  “I’d like to see you try and handle me, David.” Gage fastened his narrow-eyed stare on me.

  The animal within me awakened. My human side didn’t want to fight. I needed to get the girl and leave. Beka’s appearance complicated things, teasing me with her elegance.

  “Did you mean to challenge me, babysitter?” I allowed the evil closer to the surface. The pointy tips of my elongated canine teeth pricked my bottom lip. My eyesight sharpened.

  The quiver of his chin told me he hoped I wouldn’t call his challenge.

  “Why push me, Gage? You know the contractual bonds around my neck and wrist prevent any being from killing me.”

  He paced, keeping his eyes trained on me. His mouth clamped shut, firing a ring of muscles along his jaw.

  Having been in solitude for so long sharpened my senses. The rush of power flowing through my veins was intoxicating. My fingernails grew long, inching me toward transformation.

  I bit at the air, tasting Gage’s acrid fear. But it wasn’t only fear of me. “What aren’t you telling me about this mission?”

  He resumed pacing but said nothing.

  Gage was lucky I was in such control. Had this happened last night, there would have been bloodshed. His blood.

  “Be careful the next time you issue a challenge.” I marched toward the car. “My last babysitter would tell you the same—if he was still alive.”