“Um, factoid one, dipshit.” She ignored his glare and continued. “Lana’s my BFF, remember? Grammy Annabelle filled me in long before I met you.”
“Yes, but—”
“No buts. Factoid two. I’m in danger every day of my life, whether you’re there or not. I work in an emergency room, remember?” She started ticking off the ways she could be made dead. “We had a guy come in once with a gun, looking for the guy he’d already shot so he could finish the job. I’ve pricked myself accidentally giving a shot to someone who was thrashing and had to be tested to make sure I hadn’t picked up anything from them.”
He glared at her. “But none of them happened because of me.” He pressed his lips together tightly, then sighed deeply, looking worn-out. “None of this is your fault, Kerry. I shouldn’t take it out on you.” He tucked the covers to her chin and kissed her forehead. “Get some rest, okay?”
That wouldn’t do at all. She was dying for another taste of her wolf-man. “On one condition.” She reached for him, thrilled when he immediately took hold of her hand. “I want a real kiss.”
Daniel blinked, looking shocked. “You’re hurt.”
“I’m not asking for sex here, Ron Jeremy. Just a stinkin’ kiss.”
He rolled his eyes and pecked at her lips. “Now go to sleep.”
She blinked up at him, thoroughly unimpressed. “Sure thing, Grandpa. Don’t forget to wash your dentures when you go to bed. Alone.”
Daniel’s eyes narrowed as he gazed at her. “What are you trying to do?” Daniel sounded so suspicious she had to wonder just what it was he thought she might do from a simple lip-lock.
Kerry shrugged, wincing at the slight tug up in her chest. The ache hadn’t subsided, but it wasn’t life threatening and she knew it. She could handle it. “Nothing.”
“Kerry.” The warning was clear in his voice.
“I mean, if you don’t wanna, you don’t wanna.” She licked her lips, smirking when his gaze followed the motion. “It’s not like I have to have you.”
Grabbing hold of her chin and staring at her face didn’t seem to answer anything for him. “You’re up to something.”
“No, I’m not.” She pouted up at him. “Why do you always have to think the worst of me?”
“What?” He seemed truly shocked that she’d said that. “I don’t. It’s just, you’re pushing awfully hard for this.”
“I’ve never worked so hard for a damn kiss in my life,” she grumbled. “You know what? Never mind. I waited and waited for you. Guess I can wait a little while longer, huh?” Daniel went still as she rolled over. “Goodnight, Daniel. Pleasant dreams.”
Before she knew what was happening he was rolling her back over, his body blanketing hers. “You waited for me?”
She clamped her lips shut. She wasn’t giving him anything else to work with. It was bad enough she’d admitted that she’d been practically celibate since meeting him.
Hell, if she was honest with herself, there was no “practically” about it. He’d been it since she’d first laid eyes on the handsome son of a bitch. And she didn’t think that her vibrator counted. BOB had seen a lot of action since Kerry met Daniel. She’d gone through more AA batteries than a sex toy convention.
Of course, that whole keep your lips shut unless you wanted to admit masturbating to images of Daniel’s bod idea lasted right up until he bit gently down on her earlobe. She couldn’t stop the small gasp of pleasure that escaped.
“Kerry?”
God. Damn. The man’s voice had gone deeper, huskier. She could feel his erection pressing against her through the blankets. “Did you know a good orgasm can send endorphins through your body, acting as a natural pain reliever?”
He choked out a laugh. “Shouldn’t I be the one saying something like that?”
Kerry’s cheeks heated so fast her head swam from the sudden influx of blood to her face. “Did I say that out loud?”
“Mmm-hmm.” The purring growl sent a shiver through her. “So you were up to something.”
“Maybe if you’d just given me my kiss things wouldn’t have escalated.” She wiggled, uncertain if she wanted to dislodge him or feel more of that fabulous body pressed up against hers.
“I suddenly find I like escalating. Let’s escalate a little more.” Daniel thrust his hips against hers, grunting irritably. “Off, damn it.” He lifted up and tugged the blankets down, sighing at the sight of her wrinkled clothes. “Work, work, work.” He began tugging off her jeans.
“I thought you didn’t want to do anything because I have a boo-boo.” Kerry wasn’t really stopping him. Hell, she helped by tugging off her T-shirt and tossing it on the floor.
He froze, her jeans already hanging by a foot. “Uh…”
Kerry whined in the back of her throat. “If you stop now, I swear I’ll tell Zach you have a tiny penis.”
“You wouldn’t.”
She almost laughed at the horrified look on his face. Instead, she glared up at him menacingly. “Watch. Me.”
“You are a mean woman, Kerry Andrews.” He flung her jeans behind him and crawled back up her body, leaving her socks still on. “I like it.”
She almost retorted but he short-circuited her brain when he sucked her nipple through her bra. She reached down and cupped him through his jeans, his soft groan music to her ears. She unzipped him, pulling his cock out into her hand. She stroked up and down the shaft. “You were saying?”
He latched onto her breast, suckling at her nipple until she was gasping. Daniel thrust his hand under her panties, fingering her clit. “God and Goddess, you’re already wet.”
“Told you I’ve been waiting,” she panted. The man had talented hands. Fingers entered her, fucking her gently, his thumb a constant pressure on her clit. She rode his hand, almost ready to beg if he’d help her come.
He pulled out of her and sucked her juices from his finger. His wolf was close to the surface. Dark claws replaced his fingernails, and his eyes were the dark amber of his wolf. “Delicious.”
“My turn.” Before he could move she was pushing him off her, forcing him onto his back. She might not have come, but dear Goddess, she was going to taste him too. She wanted to return some of the pleasure he’d shown her. She straddled his legs and bent, sucking the head of his cock into her mouth. His taste was divine, salty and sweet. She lapped him up, savoring that taste, knowing that this was the man she’d spend the rest of her life with.
For some reason, that made everything more intense, more satisfying. She needed him like air, like water, and he had no clue.
“Holy fuck.” He wrapped a hand around the back of her head, holding her steady while he pumped between her lips. He was watching his dick slide in and out of her mouth with an intense desire that fueled her own. She held still, allowing him to control the pace of the blowjob, stroking his shaft with her tongue, determined to show him that she was willing to give him everything, if only he’d reach out and take it.
She peeked up at him and saw his jaw clench. He was watching her face, his gaze drifting between her eyes and mouth. When she closed her eyes and hummed, he pulled out with a gasp.
“Oh, no you don’t.” He sounded breathless. “You’re very good at that. I think I might be jealous.”
She smirked. “Thank you. I’ve had practice.”
His gaze darkened. “I’m the only one whose cock you’ll be sucking from now on.”
“Oh? Are you sure?” She had no idea why she was pushing him so hard, but the reaction she got was well worth it.
Daniel put his hands on the edges of her panties. “Take them off.”
Her pussy clenched in anticipation. She slid off the bed and removed both her panties and her bra. Having him clothed while she was naked was one hell of a turn on for her.
Stroking his cock, he gestured for her to get back on the bed. “
Up for a little ride, sweetheart?”
“I can do that.” She climbed back on the bed and straddled him.
Daniel clutched her ass cheeks and dragged her forward. “First things first.”
Oh god, was he going to…?
Yes, thank the gods yes. Daniel lapped at her pussy, his tongue dragging over her clit. “Don’t move too much. I don’t want you to hurt more than necessary.”
“I won’t.” She’d play statue for hours if he’d keep that up.
He began slowly lapping at her, from her hole to her clit, steady, rhythmically. The rasp of his whiskers against her inner thighs was almost painful against her overheated flesh. Daniel moaned as he ate her, sucking her clit into his mouth until she couldn’t stand it anymore. She reached up and began pulling on her nipples, riding his face. She was close, so damn close she could feel her body throbbing with the desire to jump over the edge into the abyss.
His hands held her thighs apart, his fingers digging into her flesh, his low, hungry growls finally throwing her over the edge.
Kerry screamed as the orgasm washed over her, so intense she saw spots dancing in front of her eyes. She clutched his headboard as her body fell forward, shivering as it seemed to go on and on. It felt like forever before the spasms ended, but when they did he was still lapping at her, keeping her body in overdrive.
“You up for round two?” Daniel pushed her back toward his cock. She could feel his desire in the trembling of his hands, see it in the desperation on his face.
“I think I can handle it.” She scooted until she was hovering over his cock, her pussy just tipping the edge of the head. “Can you?”
He scowled. “Careful movements, Kerry, or I stop.”
She slid down an inch, smirking at him when he flinched. “I’ll do my best.” She steadied herself as she slid down him, enjoying the sight below her. Daniel Beckett, in all his naked glory, was magnificent. With smooth, tanned skin, a washboard stomach and amber wolf eyes, he was the most beautiful man she’d ever met. She ran her hands over his chest when she was completely seated, filled with his thick cock. “How’s that?”
“You’re going to kill me.” He controlled her movements with his hands, placing them on her hips. The faint scratch of his claws against her skin was almost as enticing as the denim between her thighs.
She rode him slow and easy, staring at him as she took him. The expressions that raced across his face continually fascinated her. He looked almost tortured as she slid up and down his cock, riding him at the pace he set.
She stroked his nipples, wondering if they were as sensitive as her own.
Daniel bucked, almost knocking her off him. “Fuck yes. Do that again.”
So she did, caressing him, pinching his nipples until slow and easy became hard and strong. Daniel seemed to forget about her injury as he bucked beneath her, slamming into her over and over again.
Kerry was lost in those amber eyes of his as his body demanded her surrender. He fucked her until they were both slick with sweat, sliding against one another. She put her hands on his shoulders, unable to keep her balance otherwise. All of her focus was on coming.
She began to stroke herself, the urge to come intensifying with each move of his cock inside her. This one was going to be intense. Her spine was tingling, her toes curling and her hands clenched Daniel’s shoulders like he could somehow pull her back if she fell too far.
“Now. Please, fuck, now.” Daniel was gritting his teeth, his claws almost piercing her skin.
She cried out as the first tremors started, the strength of the orgasm rocketing through her. Her whole body clenched as her vision went black, the ecstasy blinding in its intensity. She thought she heard Daniel shout, but she was too busy trying to catch her breath. The pleasure was so intense she didn’t even realize she’d lost her grip on the mattress and fallen, landing on Daniel’s chest.
When her senses finally returned she was still breathless. His cock was still inside her, both of them shuddering with the aftershocks of the most intense orgasm of her life.
“You should demand a kiss more often,” Daniel panted.
“Pfft,” she blew against his chest. “You still haven’t kissed me, damn it.”
Daniel’s soft chuckle rumbled against her ear. “I’ll have to do better next time.”
She cuddled up against him as he drew the blanket over both of them. “I guess you will.”
Chapter Thirteen
“Stay in the building, got it?” Daniel hated this. He was sending his injured mate out alone, even if it was only a few floors down.
“I will.” Kerry grimaced as she opened the door to the stairwell. It would be weeks before the elevator was replaced due to the damage the crash had done not only to the base of the elevator shaft but to the cabling. Repairmen were due to start working on it any day. Since it was Gareth’s private elevator, that left only the stairs or the service elevator. For some reason Kerry had decided she’d take the stairs today. “It’ll be a pain walking down all these, but no way am I taking an elevator after…” She shuddered. “Yeah. I like stairs. Stairs are my friend. A good workout for the butt.”
He chuckled for her sake, but already his wolf was straining to get to her, follow her. The only way she’d be truly safe was if—
“Knock it off.” Kerry took his face between her hands and kissed him. “If anything goes wrong I’ll have Gen, Lana and Jo with me. Nothing will get through those three to me.”
“That’s part of what I’m worried about.” He sighed, leaning his forehead against hers. “I can’t let anything happen, not to any of you.”
Her smile shed sunshine on the dark fury that had ridden him since he’d found out she was hexed. “Then I won’t let any of them get hurt.”
“I don’t think you get it.” He closed his eyes, enjoying her warmth, the feel of her breath against his skin. “I’m a text away.”
“I’ll call you when we’re done.” She kissed the corner of his mouth and pulled away. “Promise.”
Daniel opened his eyes, aware they were probably deep gold. His wolf wasn’t happy, but at least she’d calmed it somewhat. He reassured it that they’d peek in on her once Zach, Gareth and Chris were hard at work.
She waved good-bye and stepped into the stairwell, the door closing softly behind her. Daniel grunted, already unhappy with the separation, but she was right. He couldn’t hunt Arthur and help her at the same time.
His wolf disagreed, but Daniel ignored him, heading for Gareth’s apartment. He knocked, muttering hello to Mac when the steward opened the door. “Chancellor Beckett.”
“Daniel, please.”
Mac nodded graciously. “Of course, sir. While you and the king work on our Godwin problem, I’ll be doing our work.”
Daniel entered the apartment. “I swear, I’d rather be doing that. As soon as the Godwin problem is dealt with, you’re getting a vacation, man.” He meant it too. Mac had taken on a hell of a lot since Gareth was made king. He deserved some time off.
Mac shrugged. “If the king says so, but I’m willing to stay. My work is important to me.” He waved his hand toward the living room. “King Gareth, Lord Christopher and Lord Zachary are in the living room. I believe they’ve got something to show you.”
With that cryptic note Mac left, leaving Daniel staring at the door. “I will never understand that guy.” He turned toward the living room, the sound of screams becoming louder as he approached. “What’s up?”
“That.” Zach’s fury startled him. “I’m going to kill his fucking ass.”
Daniel glanced at the laptop sitting on Gareth’s coffee table. On screen, a woman was…
“Fucking hell!” Daniel grabbed the laptop. A blonde woman was strapped to a dangerously familiar altar. Her face was contorted with agony as a dagger stabbed into her stomach. The image changed, and another blonde too
k the first’s place. The screams continued as image after image flickered one after the other, each woman dying horribly on the altar. “Who are they?”
“We don’t know.” Gareth growled as he paced, clenching his fists. “This was in my email this morning.”
“Arthur sent it.” Zach stared at the images over Daniel’s shoulder as if he could will the horrors to stop.
At least four women were shown in varying stages of torture as the slideshow played, all of them blonde, naked and strapped to the same dark altar. The scream soundtrack Arthur had added couldn’t be fake. Each scream was different, changing with the images of the women as if he’d matched the screams to the owners.
“We need to figure out who those women are.” Daniel watched the last woman’s eyes go blank, her death recorded for all time. “Someone has to be missing their daughter or loved one.”
“And where. If we can find out where this is, we can find Arthur.” Zach shook his head. “But it looks like the only thing in the pictures is the women, the altar and the damn dagger.”
“Wait.” Daniel paused the video. “Take a look at the dagger.”
“What about it?” Zach leaned in, staring at the weapon in confusion.
Gareth stalked over to take a look as well. “That’s not the same dagger Hugh or Davis used, is it?”
Daniel shook his head. “I didn’t get a good look, but the runes look different, don’t they?” He pointed at the hilt. “And the dagger itself also looks different. The other one was a straight dagger with a cross hilt. This one is curved, with no guard at all.”
“And the pommel looks to be made of bone.” Zach leaned back, his tone thoughtful. “What the fuck is he up to?”
“He’s not feeding souls to his demon?” Gareth seemed just as confused as Daniel. “If he’s not, then why is he sacrificing them?”
“We need to research those runes. They could be the clue that leads us to what he’s up to.” Zach glanced around. “I need pen and paper. I want to copy those runes down.”
Warlock Unbound: Heart's Desire, Book 4 Page 10