by Julia Laque
He slowed to a walk and then finally stopped. Without a word he brought her over to a tree, and set her down gently on her feet.
There was no reason to speak. They both knew what would happen. The urgency was all around them.
Adam’s hands never left her. He put his hand at her back to protect her from being scratched by the bark of the tree. Their gazes locked, he slid her pants down smoothly and freed one of her legs. Her skin tingled at the cool, early morning air as he released himself, lifted her thighs to wrap around his waist and slipped himself slowly inside her.
She was whole again.
Shuddering at their union, Evangeline watched as he slid himself in and out of her in an agonizingly slow rhythm. She met each thrust with passion and aching force.
One arm was locked around her as he held onto the tree behind her with the other. They didn’t kiss. If he kissed her now she would surely die. They just stared at the torture in their eyes as they tried to fill the void for a bittersweet moment. Her face was drenched in tears and his eyes, once again yellow, were building moisture. All too soon, he broke contact and squeezed his lids shut as they came together, panting heavily.
Adam rested his head on her shoulder and embraced her, crushing the life out of her. When he came up, he righted their clothes and picked her up once more and took off.
When her home came into view a few minutes later he slowed his pace and then stopped just before the bridge, setting her down under the cover of the trees.
Adam straightened and sniffed the air. He hadn’t said a word since they’d left, but now he spoke and sounded like someone else. “There are vampires patrolling around your home. They were just here a few minutes ago.” He met her frightened stare. “Don’t worry. The guys are not far. Besides…” Adam’s look became grave again. “As long as you’re returned and I agree to a summit with the coven, they won’t do anything.”
She stiffened. He must have had contact with his pack and Maxwell while she’d been asleep. She hoped the coven would stick to their word. If anything should happen to him…
“Can you get in alone?”
She looked at the distance from the house to where they were.
His jaw flexed. “I’m not allowed on your grounds.” His lips curled and he hissed, “Part of the deal.”
Her face grew tense.
“No vampire or werewolf is allowed in or around your grounds after tonight, at least not until after the summit, according to Maxwell Jones.”
Nodding numbly, she thought there might be a key in the flowerpot on the side of the back door.
“Go.” Adam was trembling now, violently. She turned to him and he shook his head at her. His yellow irises burned and right before her eyes, he began to grow in height. Skin was stretching over his muscles and she heard the cracking of bones and tendons. “Go.” He growled more loudly and without another word, she turned and ran toward her home.
Behind her came the howl of a wolf, a wolf she would never forget.
****
"Eva!"
She jumped up, her sister's shrill cry startling her out of a deep sleep. Evangeline had cried herself to sleep around five o’clock in the morning. Her head was pounding now and her sister's shouting did not help.
"Holy shit!" Katherine yelled, slamming the door behind her as if it would muffle her voice. "What the hell happened to you? And don't give me any shit about going to the city. I called you a hundred times. Why didn't you answer me?"
"Calm down," Evangeline said groggily as she slowly got out of bed. She felt the soreness between her legs and an ache stabbed through her chest. Images of Adam thrusting into her on the couch, the bed and against the tree flooded her mind and her knees gave out. She sat down hard on the bed. Horrible reality was sinking in and sucking the energy right out of her. "I'll tell you everything, just give me a minute."
Looking up at her sister, she noticed Katherine wore an expression of pure fury. She still had on her pajamas, a Victoria's Secret T-shirt falling down to her knees and cozy socks. Evangeline could not help but wonder and envy how lucky her sister was to have her whole life in front of her. She could do whatever she wanted. Suddenly, Katherine's impulsive and sometimes-reckless behavior didn't seem so bad. At least she had choices, choices she, Evangeline, didn't have.
Katherine's face softened and her eyes widened. "What's wrong?" Her voice was soothing now.
Evangeline realized a tear had slipped down her cheek and she wiped it away.
Katherine came to sit next her, giving Evangeline her undivided attention.
She knew she could be honest with her sister. She trusted her with her life and Evangeline needed to let it all out at the moment.
"I was kidnapped, Katherine." Evangeline's tone was low and calm, but she giggled a little when she said kidnapped. God, she would love to be kidnapped by Adam again.
"What?" her sister whispered, clearly confused.
Evangeline went on to tell her sister everything. She told her about Adam, the Blacktail pack, the jackal, the pizza he made her… everything, except she didn't go into detail about them making love. She simply told her it happened, but of course, her sister could not be deterred.
"You slept with him?" she asked, wide-eyed with shock and curiosity.
"Yes," she said, sadly.
"Oh, my God."
They sat silently for a moment, both lost in their own thoughts. She felt as though her life were at a standstill now. The fact she was supposed to marry the king didn’t override the pain of losing Adam. What was she going to do? How could she ever be with anyone else when deep inside her soul she knew she would always be completely devoted to him?
"You love him, don't you?" Evangeline looked up to find her sister staring.
Nodding pitifully, she said, "I never in a million years thought I could feel this way. It's awful."
"Don't say that!" Her sister got up and stood in front of her. "This is...this is so...wow..." Katherine stared out the very window Adam used to take her. She could tell her sister was finding it all terribly romantic. Funny, Evangeline had been terrified when she realized she was being kidnapped, but it seemed like a long time ago now.
A sudden thought occurred to her. "Has Maxwell Jones been here to see Dad while I was gone?" she asked her sister worriedly.
"No. At least, I haven't seen him."
"Do you think Dad believed my message?"
Katherine shrugged. "They've been worried, of course, but I covered for you. I lied and said I talked to you and you were doing fine. I'm not sure they bought it because I was worried too. You know I'm a bad liar."
Evangeline was now nervous to see her parents. It was one thing to confide in her sister, but she did not want to see her father's face when he found out she had been kidnapped by the Blacktail alpha. And her father would definitely find out, either from Maxwell or Cyrus. Her father would blame himself for this too and she hated to see him so worried over her.
She got up and headed for the bathroom. "I better go talk to Mom and Dad."
"Wait!" Her sister stopped her before she could close the bathroom door. "How was it? Making love? To the alpha?" Katherine's gorgeous dark eyes sparkled with delight.
For one brief moment she felt the rush of excitement she had felt in Adam's arms and she gave her sister a small smile. "Let's just say, I hope your first time is with a man as wonderful as Adam."
****
When Evangeline finally dressed and came downstairs it was almost noon and Maxwell Jones had beaten her to the punch. Geoffrey had been livid to find out she had been kidnapped by the Blacktail pack. She assured both her parents she was all right and she was not hurt in any way. At least not in any way they could tell.
They spoke for an hour in the living room and she told them everything she could, leaving out falling in love and having mind-blowing sex with a werewolf.
After what seemed like forever, Maxwell stood up and said he was leaving. "Before I go, can I speak to you privately,
Evangeline?"
She started. "Sure—"
"Hang on, Max. What can't you say in front of us?" Her father had stood too, looking suspiciously at his friend.
Maxwell was never one to beat around the bush. "If Evangeline wants to share this with you after we're done, she can, but let her decide." He looked her father dead in the face. "Geoff, please."
Her father gave her a worried look and she could see the tension in his face.
"It's all right, Dad." Giving him her sweetest smile, she hugged him and her mother who looked worse than her father. "Kat's making lunch. I'll join you guys in the kitchen in a minute."
When they left the room, Evangeline turned to face Maxwell, wishing her father hadn't gotten rid of the double doors that once hung in the doorframe during the house's third renovation. She didn't want her family to overhear their conversation.
"How upset is he?" She knew he wanted to talk to her about Cyrus and give her warning.
Maxwell's somber expression made her stomach bunch up in knots. "I'm not going to lie; he’s in quite a state. I have never seen him like this. His reaction to your abduction worries me. I was able to talk him out of retaliating, but who knows how long before he changes his mind. I made them both agree to stay off your property. If you see any vampire or werewolf here, you call me right away. They need to stay far away from each other until the summit. Cyrus understands the repercussions should he ignore this." He paused and gave her a strange look. "He's really into you, Evangeline, which brings me to what I wanted to speak to you about."
She sat up straighter on the couch.
"I already know he did not complete the vampire betrothal contract, otherwise he would have immediately realized you were in trouble and been able to find you. Unfortunately, he is still seething at the fact you were trapped with a werewolf for several days." Maxwell looked at her and flushed. "By the way...you don't have to confide in me, but if something happened with Perez, you better take it to your grave."
Damn! How could he tell? She must have given it away somehow during their conversation earlier. She kept her mouth shut, not wanting to deny or confirm Maxwell's suspicions. Evangeline struggled to keep her expression straight.
"He's going to ask you if something happened between you two and you have to learn to calm your breathing so your heart doesn't race. Don't shift your eyes either. He is a master at reading people."
Evangeline started to panic. Jesus, what if Cyrus found out? What would he do to her? What would he do to Adam?
"Now," he went on and sat down next to her, "the king wants you at his coven as soon as possible. I'm here to take you there. I insisted on coming along for your protection." He made a rough sound.
Definitely panicking now, she asked, "Why do I need protection?"
"Cyrus is going to complete the contract."
Her heart dropped straight to her toes.
"I can't exactly do anything, except bring him up on charges should he get carried away."
Stunned, she uttered, “I see..."
"I'm certain he won't hurt you, but I know you have never been bitten before and the temper he is in might make him more aggressive."
Evangeline sat staring at the floor. Didn't she know Cyrus would have to bite her eventually? Why was she more nervous now than she was when they had met?
She knew.
It was because she was in love with Adam and she didn't want Cyrus' hands or mouth on her. She didn't want any of this.
Getting up from the couch and trying desperately to sound calm, she said, "Let's eat first, then we'll leave." She wanted to spend time with her family for a while before heading to the coven.
Why did it feel like she was about to have her last meal?
Chapter Twelve
They followed the huge, scary vampire, Victor down the hall to the king's office where they had dined a few days ago. Try as she might, Evangeline's tough exterior was waning. Even Maxwell's presence didn't give her any comfort.
When they reached the door, Victor only cracked it open and blocked their view inside. It was quiet and Evangeline just knew they were communicating telepathically.
After a minute, he turned and shut the door. "Go on in." His deep baritone was unnerving. He looked at Maxwell. "You can wait in the dining room."
"No. I'm going with her."
Victor glared. "Either you walk to the dining room, or I drag you."
Evangeline blanched.
Maxwell turned to her. "Evangeline—"
"It's okay." She tried to smile. "Really, I'll be fine."
He grabbed her arm and pulled her close. Speaking low, he said, "If he hurts you, scream."
Her heart leapt. Why did lawyers have to be so blunt?
"I'm sure he won't hurt me," she lied.
Maxwell turned and she saw Victor take his arm and lead him down the hall toward the dining room.
Evangeline summoned up the last of her courage and entered the lion's den.
A single lamp on the desk dimly lit the room. It was still light out, but the thick curtains were drawn to keep the sun's rays from coming in. Cyrus sat in the corner of his office on a leather armchair, a drink in hand.
It was two in the afternoon so it was the middle of the night to him. He looked pale and disheveled in black slacks and a black shirtwaist, unbuttoned at the top. His hair was tousled as if he had just gotten out of bed and he had a day’s growth of beard.
Stepping forward, she lifted her chin. "You wanted to see me."
He smirked, but said nothing.
Evangeline stood ramrod straight as he stared. She had no idea what he was thinking, but she was getting irritated. Were they going to just stand there all day?
She took a deep breath. "I appreciate you not going to the authorities or retaliating against the Blacktails. It would have been stupid to start a fight over me."
Cyrus still said nothing. His eyes slowly assessed her from the top of her head to the tips of her toes.
"I wasn't hurt, in case you were wondering. I was treated kindly, considering..." She was rambling.
Cyrus finally spoke. "Are you defending the animals who abducted you?" He sounded calm, but his face was tense.
"No. I mean…I…I don't blame them. They’re worried for one of their pack members. I don't appreciate being physically taken from my home, but I understand why they did it." She hesitated, her face softening slightly. "I'm glad you didn't have Serena Perez."
He raised a brow. "Did you doubt me?"
"Actually, no, I didn't." She really hadn't doubted him. Hadn't she told Adam she didn't believe Cyrus had taken his sister?
He straightened up in his chair, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. His eyes were black on hers. "Other than physically taking you from your home..." He began and his jaw flexed. He asked, "Did he touch you?"
And there it was.
She debated telling him the truth. Would he be so disgusted a werewolf had touched her and turn her away, forgetting all about this marriage business? What if he got so angry he hit her or worse? Maxwell's warnings resounded in her head. Cyrus might forgo the deal and retaliate against the Blacktails if he knew she and Adam had been together. She couldn't have that on her conscious.
Evangeline stared him straight in the eye. "No. I told you. I was treated well." She didn't move, hoping her poised stance and devil-may-care expression was a good front.
He scrutinized her for what seemed like forever.
Taking slow breaths in and out, she watched him closely.
"You'll stay here for the rest of the day. You can return tomorrow morning. The wedding will be next weekend. My coven is taking care of everything. All you have to do is show up on Saturday night. You're family is more than welcome to attend."
Evangeline didn't say a word. It was all too depressing. They were really going through with this joke of a wedding and there was nothing she or anyone could do about it.
Cyrus placed his drink on the floor and gripped the arms o
f his chair. "You realize had we completed the contract, this would not have happened." He was seething. Her mere presence was making him angrier than he'd been before.
Evangeline nodded and before she could say a word, he sped toward her and she was slammed up against the door, wrapped tightly in his arms. She cried out as one hand gripped her hair, painfully at the base of her neck. Evangeline could hardly breathe with his heavy weight pressing on her. "You're hurting me!" Gasping at the sting his grip inflicted, she tried to push him away, but it was useless.
He was livid. Cyrus' eyes were silver now, fangs out. "A fucking werewolf had his hands on my future wife. I want to fucking kill him, but I can't. Do you realize how this makes me feel?"
Staring at his fangs, she dreaded the pain they would cause. He had promised it wouldn't hurt, but he obviously didn't care about being gentle. "I hate you!" she whispered, a treacherous tear falling.
Cyrus held her tighter. "Good!"
He struck.
Pain seared the skin at her neck and she let out an uncontrollable scream as she felt his fangs dig deeper into her flesh. Squeezing her eyes tight, she forced herself to shut up and bit down the urge to wail.
Evangeline tried to calm herself, but it was no use. She was too frantic. The pain was unbearable. She whimpered softly as he sucked roughly at her throat. Then she felt his arousal against her thigh and she wanted to vomit.
Struggling against him, she lost track of time and didn't know how much he drank. Her vision blurred and she was getting dizzy.
"Please!" She was pushing at him again. "Stop, please!"
Evangeline felt him stiffen and slowly he came up. Eyes closed, his head hung back, Cyrus' fangs were still out and she could see her blood around his lips. "Fuck!" He groaned, opening his eyes to look at her.
"Let go of me." She felt weak and tired and her neck throbbed as if she'd been stabbed with a pitchfork.
"I've never tasted anyone quite like you." He was breathing heavily.
Glaring at him through hazy eyes, she muttered, "I don't give a shit. Let me go!"
Slowly, he pushed himself off her, letting his hands slide over her back and waist before he took a step back.