by Milly Taiden
Her orgasms were much more powerful with her body slowly brought to peak, once, twice, three times before he allowed her to go over the edge. Stars exploded behind her closed lids, and a sharp pain on her shoulder sent fire straight to her pussy, bringing her around again. He pounded into her one last time, then she felt hot liquid fill her insides. Barry collapsed on top of her, his weight deliciously pinning her to the bed as she drifted into sleep.
Sometime during the night, Charli reached out for her love. The bed was empty except for a piece of paper her hand came across. She whirled up and snapped on the bedside lamp. The note trembled in her hands.
Charli,
There is something I must do. I can’t tell you about it because the less you know, the safer you are.
I told you I’d never be far from you and I’m not. I love you too much to go anywhere without you by my side. I have something to finish that never should have been started. I’m sorry I can’t elaborate. I do this to protect you to my last breath.
I will be back. Soon. Believe that. Believe in me. In us. I will return to you very soon. Believe me, Charli. That is all I am asking you. You said you’d marry me and I’m holding you to that. No takebacks.
I love you more than life.
Barry
She believed in him. She loved Barry too much to think he’d leave her, knew him too well to doubt him. In her heart, she was absolutely positive his words were truthful. He’d return to her soon.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
Klamin closed the mind link with the plant shifters in the fellowship’s office and sat back in his leather office chair. The plant on Agent Mayer’s desk told him that the two detectives had talked on the phone and had discovered Klamin’s name and his role in the senator’s death. And it seemed Ms. Paters and her mate Sonder were on their way to meet Nex. Finally something was going as planned.
He rose from behind his desk and paced the suffocating office. He would either kill Sonder or keep him in exchange for Paters’s cooperation. Either way, neither were seeing the light of day again. The fellowship would come down, one agent at a time, if need be.
Then he didn’t know what to do with that bastard dickhead Harzoon. The Russian was more of a pain in the ass than he was worth. If Klamin didn’t need the dickwad to get black-market items, then the little shit would’ve been gone a long time ago.
He had to get his master plan rolling before that happened.
He stormed out of the office to the elevator and slammed the up arrow button. He was glad he had made the elevators in this place extra speedy. He hated to wait when he had stuff to do. Hell, he hated waiting even when he didn’t.
Finally out in the late afternoon air, he took a deep breath. Sometimes being cooped up under tons of concrete and dirt sucked the life right outta him. Soon he wouldn’t have to hide anymore. He would sell every drop of water, every mineral and metal, and every human in this country. He would quietly take over each city and run it into the ground, make as much money as he could, and find the next place to exploit.
He was creating the perfect shifter species. He had taken the knowledge from those who came here before him, those who long ago created the first species of shifters to protect Earth, and had evolved it into a higher being. A creature able to do things only told in legends and stories. And he would control it.
It would bend to his will like papier-mâché to its mold. He would have the power to control everyone and everything around him. Then those who wronged him would curse their ancestors’ names for their actions.
Klamin took a deep breath and shook off the anger. He was starting to sound like a psychotic, pussy-whining human. He laughed out loud, listening to the sound echo through the valley.
In the distance, across the valley floor, he saw a human form walking. The swagger and sway looked familiar. Could it be? He really needed to update his own body with shifter abilities. To see for a mile and hear ants on the ground would add greatly to his survival, on the planet and off. Perhaps Ms. Paters would lend him a hand with that. After he put her under his mind control, of course.
He watched the form in the distance run in his direction. Fast. Faster than any human could possibly move. The closer the person came, the surer Klamin became, until the man stood before him.
He gave the man a quick hug and slap on the back.
“Welcome home, Perry.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book wouldn’t be possible without some amazing people supporting me.
My readers. Thank you for having my back in everything I write and always loving my work.
Tina Winograd. Your continued support and knowledge of all things is amazing. I can’t thank you enough for all you do.
Mr. T (aka Hubby). Thank you for pushing me and believing I can rule the world. One day, I just might.
My kids. Aiden, for your love and random (only when you want) hugs. Alan, for sitting with me while I write, to keep me focused (it mostly worked). Angie, for the cute emoji messages (I love the little whale). You can be anything. I know; I’m proof of that.
Julie. For your unwavering support and willingness to read anything I send you. No matter how bad it looks.
My Curvy Girls and Street Team. Thank you all for your support and telling everyone about my books. It’s massively appreciated!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Milly Taiden is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of numerous series, including the Paranormal Dating Agency, the Sassy Mates books, and the Federal Paranormal Unit novels. Milly loves writing sexy stories so hot they sizzle your e-reader. When her curvy humans meet their furry alphas, inhibitions give way to animal instincts—and carnal desire.
Milly lives in Florida with her husband, children, and spunky dogs, Needy Speedy and Stormy. She is addicted to shoes, Dunkin’ Donuts, and chocolate and is aware she’s bossy. Visit her online at www.millytaiden.com.