Demon Wolf

by Bonnie Vanak

  Screaming his name on her lips, she climaxed, her core squeezing him as she shattered, her back arching. He growled in satisfaction, gave one last thrust and threw his head back with a hoarse shout. Dale collapsed atop her, his face pillowed beside her, his breathing ragged. She bore his weight, welcoming it, but then he eased out of her and rolled over, pulling her into his arms.

  She lay in his arms, listening to his pounding heart, her fingers tracing the horrid scars lining his pectorals, the ridged muscles of his abdomen. But for once, she felt no guilt over them.

  “Do you find my body repulsive?”

  Startled, she raised her head. “No. Why are you asking?”

  “I asked Dakota tonight for the name of a top plastic surgeon he knows. Man’s an expert at removing scars.”

  “Why now?”

  His expression shuttered. “Just thinking about options. My shirtsleeve rode up tonight. Leona, Sully’s girlfriend, noticed my left arm. She cringed and turned away. A natural reaction. I’m used to it.”

  “A natural reaction for a woman whose worst day consists of a bad manicure, not tangling with demons. She’s superficial. I’m not.”

  He smiled, but doubt remained in his eyes. Fine. I’ll show you....

  Keira leaned over and kissed his scars, one by one.

  “These are badges of courage and sacrifice. You sacrificed yourself to save innocent children.”

  A sudden memory struck. “They can be removed by the one who placed them there, through a tremendous act of sacrifice and courage.”

  Such sacrifice was beyond her. I’m a coward, she thought, grief tightening her throat. Can’t do it.

  Because doing so would mean surrendering her life back to the Centurions. Only this imprisonment called for worse than a dark cell, and infrequent beatings and the terrible price her victims paid.

  What the Centurions would do to her would make Dale’s torture seem like a slap and a tickle....

  Keira closed her eyes, resting her palm on Dale’s chest. He pulled her down for a kiss. “No more talk of scars. I want to love you tonight, Keira. All night.”

  * * *

  After, she lay cuddled against him. Soft and warm, sleeping like a contented puppy.

  Dale stared at the ceiling, unable to sleep.

  Sex had been explosive, exquisite and powerful. Filled with feelings he’d denied himself for years, he relished making love to this woman.

  Keira had cracked open the cold shell and touched his heart.

  He wanted to cherish her, protect her as a man did for a woman he intended to hold and keep. Keep her so awash in pleasure she’d never seek another’s bed.

  Not like Kathy. At that thought, the familiar ache returned, but this time, it was a distant throb instead of the wrenching pain from the past.

  How could she fit into his world, with her unconventional gypsy lifestyle? The free-spirited attitude of a world outside the naval base called to her like a siren song.

  Keira might remain content for now. But for how long? Would she pack up and move on like his ex, seeking a less structured life, filled with people like her who wanted to see only the good in others, instead of seeking out the bad?

  Maybe she’s right. There is a point to finding the good in others.

  The thought startled him. With a rueful smile, he realized he had dropped his rigid black-and-white views and embraced the gray.

  Just like she did.

  “You’re a witch,” he whispered into her ear, kissing her cheek.

  But one troubled thought remained, chasing away elusive sleep.

  He’d opened his heart to this woman, shared his deepest emotions. Yet as sweet and open as she’d been, whispering her hopes and dreams to him in bed, Keira still held something back from him. And if it turned out to be something big, a betrayal as shattering as Kathy’s, he must excise her from his life.

  Dale couldn’t forgive such deception from a woman again.

  Ever.

  Chapter 21

  A steady rain fell the next morning as Keira trudged down the stairs, rubbing her eyes. In a crisp khaki uniform, Dale sat at the kitchen table, reading a thick report, an empty coffee cup before him. She opened the cabinet, took out a cup and poured herself coffee, added the creamer Dale had bought just for her, and then refilled his cup. They had settled into a routine of two people who intimately knew each other’s needs.

  When she set it before him, he glanced up, warmth in his gaze. “Thanks.”

  She leaned against the counter, sipping, feeling alive and happy for the first time in...when? Couldn’t remember ever feeling like this, all the joy pushing back the darkness, making the past blur completely. He was dedicated to his job, focused on keeping the men and women of ST 21 safe. Little by little, she peeled back his layers, finding more of the man beneath.

  The more she discovered about Dale Curtis, the more she liked. A tentative friendship had deepened to something more, her feelings growing stronger each day until Keira knew she cared deeply about this Mage. And yet beneath the effervescent joy and serenity, was a tiny blipping light. A lighthouse beacon winking through all the sparkling giddiness.

  He’s going to find out who you truly are. And then what?

  Keira refused to consider. I just want to be happy for once. I’ll take whatever he’s willing to give and worry about the consequences later.

  Still reading his report, he pushed back his chair and got up, sipping his coffee. His concentration remained absolute until he reached the counter, and set the cup and paper down.

  Curiosity overcame her. “What are you reading? It looks utterly fascinating.”

  He spun around, grabbed her by the waist, papers spilling to the floor. “Not as fascinating as you.”

  He buried his face in her throat, delivering hot, nipping kisses. Squealing with laughter, she pushed at his chest. “Dale! I’m hungry.”

  “So am I,” he muttered, sliding his hands down to her butt and squeezing. “I’m craving a Keira breakfast special. You, naked against the counter.”

  Pulling back, he looked at her, tenderness in his eyes. “Or are you too sore for this? I want you to feel nothing but pleasure this time.”

  A furious flush heated her cheeks at the intimate reminder of last night. In response, she pulled him down and kissed him, desperate to feel him close against her, keep the magic alive and dancing for a while longer.

  Absorbed in his mouth nibbling at hers, his hands stroking the small of her back, she dimly realized they were being watched. Dale pulled away, his eyes narrowing as he turned around.

  Dressed in camouflage rain gear as if prepared for attack, Chief Petty Officer Samuel Shaymore stood on the deck outside. Even in the pouring rain, he could not disguise his cold fury.

  Wriggling free of Dale’s grip, she became uncomfortably aware of the thin cotton sleep shirt riding up her thighs, her nipples standing in hard points against the fabric. Far worse was the fear snaking down her spine like the stroke of a cold finger.

  She knew why Shay was here....

  She went to dart away, but Dale shook his head.

  “I’m not letting one of my men chase you away.” He tapped her nose, his gaze soft. “Stay here.”

  Dale slid the door open. “Shay. You’ve got lousy timing.”

  The SEAL’s gaze slid to Keira. “Sorry, sir. I have to talk to you. Alone. It’s very important.”

  Panic squeezed her chest. Keira fisted her trembling hands.

  “Whatever you have to say can wait for my office. Fifteen minutes...” He glanced down at his watch, then over to Keira, his expression intent. “Make it thirty-five.”

  But Shay stepped into the door, rain dripping off his cloak onto the floor as Dale started to close it. “I’m sorry, sir, but this can’t wait. It’s personal.” He glanced at Keira again with that glacial look. “Not about me, but you.”

  Dale’s jaw tightened. He flexed his hands, then nodded. “My study.”

  The young SEAL pushe
d past, not looking at Keira. Dale sighed and dropped a kiss on her lips, his mouth warm and firm. He looked at her with such a devoted expression, she felt tears rise in her throat.

  Knowing after hearing what Shay said, he’d never look at her like this again.

  “This won’t take long. Don’t go away.”

  He playfully touched her nose and went down the hall. The study door closed behind him.

  For a moment she stood still, looking around the cheerful kitchen, memorizing every detail of Dale sitting at the table. A memory to tide her through the upcoming lonely nights.

  Keira hurried down the hallway to gather her things.

  * * *

  “Spill it, Shay. I am a little busy.”

  Dale watched the SEAL pace back and forth in front of the fireplace. In all the years he’d known the Mage, he’d never acted this agitated.

  Finally he turned and looked him straight in the eye.

  “Your relationship with Keira... You’re getting quite close to her.”

  Dale narrowed his gaze. “And what concern of it is yours? It’s my private life.”

  “She’s not who she pretends to be.”

  He frowned, then relaxed. “You’re a little late. I found out exactly who she is.”

  Shock slackened Shay’s jaw. “You know?”

  Dale steepled his fingertips, rested them against his mouth. “At the base before you arrived, I had Thad check her out. She’s a Celestial Hunter wolf with demon blood, not only a Luminaire. She saved Sully’s life from a demon in my basement.”

  “Maybe her motivation wasn’t so altruistic.”

  He went absolutely still. “Say what you mean, damn it, and make your point.”

  Shay hesitated. “I don’t trust her, sir. And I don’t want to see you in a position where she can hurt you. Again.”

  Now this conversation had taken a peculiar twist. “I’m a big boy, chief. I can take care of myself.”

  An odd shadow of grief crossed the Mage’s face. “Do you remember anything about that time in the basement, Curt? When Kelly and I rescued you?”

  Dale’s mind raced. Memories still fogged, only a shrill screech of pain, talons over his flesh. And deep, deep sorrowful sounds of someone weeping. Him?

  As time passed, the memories became more clouded. Thankfully. But pulsing beneath was a blinking red light, a warning he knew he should not ignore.

  But hell, it had been so long since he’d felt this peaceful, this damn happy. Why spoil a good thing with trying to recall a horrific nightmare?

  “Keira is the wolf who hurt you in the basement. Kelly thinks she was forced into it, but I had to tell you to watch your six.”

  A horrific pain slammed into his skull. Dale held his head and bit back a moan. “The woman who tortured me had blond hair.”

  Shay stared. “Curt, she did not...”

  “She did. I know she did.” Dale stood. “If that’s all, I’ll see you on base. I don’t want to discuss this any more with you or anyone else.”

  Shay nodded. But as he went to leave, Shay grabbed his arm. “Mage to Mage, Curt, I’m here for you. If you ever need me, no matter what, or when, call me. You’re more than my commander, and more to Kelly, too. If we didn’t care, I wouldn’t be so worried.”

  Dale smiled briefly, touched the other Mage’s finger, watching their auras spark pure gold. “You’re a good man, Shay.”

  “You, too, Curt.” Emotion pulled his face tight. “That’s why I’d hate to lose you. Watch your six, Commander. Never let your guard down. Not even for a woman who loves you. Or one who pretends to.”

  He slipped down the hallway, leaving Dale to puzzle over his cryptic warning.

  * * *

  Fleeing to the garage, Keira found her bike, kick-started it and roared away.

  Driving endlessly, tears streaming down her face, not caring where she headed, just running, running. Running from her pain, from reality.

  Rain fell into her eyes, mingling with the salty tears. Little traffic on this side street this early. A black pickup truck approached from behind, the driver blaring the horn.

  Dale.

  Keira pulled over and stopped the bike and dismounted, barely able to see through her tears and the rain. The truck pulled up behind her, the motor shutting off. Dale jumped out, leaving the door open. He ran to her and clasped her arms.

  “You okay?” he asked.

  When she nodded, he cursed low and pulled her roughly into his arms. “Don’t ever do that to me again. You scared the hell out of me, racing away like that in this rain where you could take a bad spill. Damn, Keira, if I hadn’t seen you take off, and followed... Why did you do it?”

  Her mouth wobbled. “Shay didn’t tell you? What I am?”

  Dale lowered his forehead to hers. “Shay warned me against you. I told him I know about your demon blood and I can take care of myself.”

  “Dale...” she began.

  And then he kissed her, cutting off her next sentence, his mouth warm against her frozen lips, his arms solid and sure, anchoring her to him.

  When they both broke apart, gasping for breath, Dale lifted her into his arms. He jogged to the truck and lifted her into the shotgun seat. He climbed in beside her and closed the door, chafing her hands. And then he stopped, made another low sound and pulled her into his arms again, his fingers fumbling with her leather jacket. She managed to remove it and his hands slid upward, cupping her wet, unbound breasts. He squeezed and kneaded, so warm, so good. Keira gasped for breath and hitched up her skirt. With a rough grunt, he ripped her panties, tossing the shreds aside as she fumbled with the zipper on his jeans. His penis sprang out, hard and ready.

  “Condom. Glove box,” he gasped.

  She found it, ripped off the foil wrapping and he rolled it over his erection. Dale lifted her up and she slid down, half-afraid he wouldn’t fit; she was too dry, but her body was ready for him, and they slid together like all her dreams, as if they truly belonged. He groaned and lifted her hips as she gripped his wide shoulders and began moving up and down, his thrusts becoming wilder and faster. “Come on, sweetheart, come with me,” he urged and as he threw back his head and stiffened, she orgasmed.

  Dale shouted her name in the truck, the symphony of the rain drumming against the truck, as the cymbals of thunder crashed around them. Keira clung limply to him as he finally slowed and held her against him, her wet body shaking with bliss now, the cold chased away by his heat.

  She never wanted to leave.

  She must leave, for she didn’t belong with him.

  He buried his face against her shoulder and gave a low curse again, kissing her throat. Slowly he lifted her, disengaging them, and then he ripped off the condom and tossed it onto the floor. Her breathing ragged, her heart knocking against her chest, she looked at him.

  “And here I thought you never let anyone litter in your truck.”

  He kissed her again, his mouth tender and gentle this time. “Except with you. You throw all the rules out the window.”

  Dale zipped up his jeans as she put herself to rights, the space between her legs aching and pulsing and wet. He pulled his cell phone from his jacket pocket and dialed a number.

  “Sully? Favor. Pick up Dallas. I need Dallas to drive Keira’s bike back to my house. It’s at...” He glanced at the street sign and gave the intersection. “Thanks.”

  He thumbed off the phone and started up the truck.

  At his house, he hustled her into the shower, turned on the twin knobs to hot and undressed her. As she stood beneath the spray, shivering again, he soaped her body.

  After, he toweled her off, helped her shrug into a terry-cloth robe. Dale lifted her into his arms and placed her gently on the bed. For a moment she lay in silence. And then she turned to him, unable to bear the quiet anymore as she watched him stand at the window.

  “You’ll be late for work,” she whispered.

  “They can do without me for one morning.” Lightning cracked, spearing
the air with brilliant light. “Storm’s getting worse.”

  “I used to be afraid of lightning, until my mother taught me it was a natural element of the earth, one that some Mages can harness for power.” Keira slid out of the bed and joined him at the window, flattening her palm against the glass.

  “I can,” he said quietly. “But I haven’t in a long time.”

  Keira clasped her robe tightly. He needed the power now. If he were to engage any more demons, he needed to draw his strength from the earth.

  “Maybe it’s time you recharged. It’s the perfect opportunity.” She clasped his hand. “Come with me, outside now.”

  Dale’s brows wrinkled, but he followed her down the steps.

  The rain slowed to a gentle patter, but lightning still crackled in the air. They went outside to the backyard to a clearing away from the trees. Wiping rain from her forehead, Keira took a deep breath.

  “Stretch out your hands and focus all your powers as a Mage. You’re going to be a lightning rod and pull power from the storm. You’re more than 400 years old and you’ve done this before. You can do it and it’s not going to be a direct hit. I’ll help you.”

  Closing her eyes, Keira began the chant, coaxing the lightning to him. Dale extended his arms. His total trust in her squeezed her heart hard.

  Creating a small ball of energy, she tossed it into the air. “Now, Dale! When the lightning hits the bolt, yank all the power into you!”

  The bolt zigged and zagged across the sky and crashed into the energy bolt. Dale closed his eyes and yanked hard. Energy crackled and sang as it surrounded him in a white glowing light. He kept pulling and pulling, like a sailor towing a rope.

  And then the skies grew quiet and the storm abated.

  Dale opened his eyes. They were burning white, sizzling with power.

  A little afraid, Keira stepped back. Never had she been close to this much power. Little sparks leaped off his body, crackling in the air.

  Finally, the white glow died down and his eyes resumed their normal gray shade.

  But Dale was not normal. She sensed it, knew it. He had gone from a strong, but frail Primary into a force of nature, a force equal to defeating the Centurions.