by Lia Davis
He rose from the bed and stalked quietly through the living room to Khloe’s closed bedroom door. With an ear pressed against the wood, he listened. He frowned and fisted his hands at his sides. She’d left.
How in the hell had she gotten past him? Why hadn't he sensed that she was gone?
Damn it!
Opening one of the floor-to-ceiling glass windows, he shifted into his ghostly shadow and flew out into the night. Fury and fear pushed him to find her. It wasn’t that Khloe couldn't take care of herself; it was the manner in which she went about it. In his observation of her in the last month, she had proven her reckless nature and need for an adrenaline rush time and time again.
Jagger was beginning to understand the slight smirk on his mother's beautiful face when she’d appointed him Khloe's guardian. It was just like Hecate to give him a challenge like this.
He slowed and drifted to the ground near an alley holding Khloe's magical signature. Sounds of a struggle followed by a feminine laugh he knew all too well cut through the air. She was in there, and not alone. Still in his shadow form, he eased into the alley.
His angelic Divinity stood holding a dagger in one hand, feet spread in a defensive stance and chest rising in short, even breaths. She had a smile on her face, like she was merely sparring with her sister.
A demon, most likely a Soulkeeper by the yellowish skin tone and markings on his wrists, lay on his back, dead. Three other minor demons—he couldn't pick up on their origin—formed a semicircle in front of Khloe. The demons weren't having as much fun as his mate.
Mate.
Until now, he'd denied it. He couldn't let himself get involved. It was against the rules. He was her guardian, never to be involved more than keeping her safe. But seeing her now was all he could take. She was beautiful beyond any creature he'd ever seen in his three-thousand-plus years of life.
He inched closer, and Khloe's head jerked in his direction. She narrowed her eyes and pursed her lips. Annoyance drifted from her. The other demons sensed him too and took that moment to react. They rushed forward. Jagger returned to solid form, grabbed the closest demon by the neck, and snapped it with a quick twist.
A scream made his heart seize. Khloe was on her knees, holding her side with one hand while gaining her balance to stand with the other. The distraction and fear for his mate cost him. One of the two remaining demons charged at him, knocking him to the ground, farther away from her.
He had to believe she would be okay on her own. She was strong.
A flash of silver from a blade caught his attention, and he rolled just in time for it to miss his heart. Fucking demons were out for blood. Did they not know Khan wanted Khloe alive?
Or, had the game plan changed?
Chapter 11
Khloe pushed away the burning pain in her side. The damn blade had iron in it. Had to. Because now, her side was on fire.
Ah, Fire. She smirked at the demon and raised the element she loved so well. Heat started in her chest and built until she pushed it out to her arms and then her hands. Two fireballs formed in her palms as she lifted them between her and the bastard facing her.
The demon laughed. Pissed at his amusement, she thrust one of the fireballs at him. The fiery sphere hit him square in the chest, but nothing happened. Angry, she flung the other one at him. He absorbed it.
What the hell? She formed a cloud and soaked him with falling rain. Again, the demonic creature absorbed it.
“You can't fight him with the elements,” Jagger growled several feet from her.
“Why not?”
“He's a Dark Divine, and appears to be elemental.”
A sinking feeling went through her. This demon had waited for his chance, held back while the others met their fate. “He's demonic.”
“That why they are called Dark Divine.”
She knew that. The irritating Death Demon thought he knew it all, and the lack of focus on her end pissed her off. “So, how do I kill it?” She ducked as her dark counterpart swung at her.
“They can be killed in the same way you can.”
That was so not helpful. She had to take his head or take his powers. Khloe chose his head since she didn't know how to drain his powers.
An awful howl startled her. She turned in time to see the demon Jagger fought puff in a cloud of black dust. Her guardian locked gazes with her for a brief second before he lunged for her. She didn't know how, but she heard Jagger tell her to duck. It was like he was inside her mind, but Death Demons weren't telepaths. Not that she knew of anyway.
She moved just in time for Jagger to collide with the Dark Divine. They rolled on the asphalt until Jagger straddled the dark one. A flash of light came from a pendant around Jagger's neck she hadn’t noticed before.
The Dark Divine stilled and dissolved away into nothing.
“How did you do that? What did you do?” she asked with arms crossed. He rose and advanced toward her. The pendant glowed with a brilliant ice-blue light. At closer inspection, the charm looked identical to the Sinew. “Hey! That's supposed to be with Teddy-Bear.”
“The Sinew is with the hounds. This is just a piece of it. You don't think Hecate let all the world's magic out of her control, do you?” He grinned at her. She swallowed, not liking how that smile affected her. She looked away when he came to a stop inches from her.
“Why did you go out on your own?”
She raised her eyes to his icy glare. “I'm a big girl. Besides, I was doing fine until you showed up like a dark knight come to save the day.”
One dark brow rose, and the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “Dark knight?”
She rolled her eyes. “You sure aren't a white knight, demon.” She turned from him and walked out of the alley, her side still burning like hell.
A groan escaped her as Jagger fell into step beside her. He held out a hand. “Come back to the condo so we can take care of your wound. It won't heal until it's cleaned.”
Like she needed him to tell her that. The dagger the demon had used had iron particles on it, which would cling to her skin. If she didn't get the cut cleaned out soon, the iron could enter her bloodstream and possibly kill her. “I don't need a teleporting escort.”
He made a sound close to a growl before speaking. “Why do you resist my assistance?”
She stopped walking and faced him. “Because I don't like you.”
Khloe faded out, her body disappearing in a soft white glow. Jagger shook his head. She was going to be the death of him. That fiery temper of hers would send him over the edge. He had a hard enough time controlling his lusty urges around her. That control would snap very soon.
With one last look around, he teleported back to the condo. He went directly to her bedroom. Light spilled out from her bathroom where she stood in front of the sink in her jeans and a bra, frantically cleaning the open cut on her side. Her scent was filled with panic and fear.
Khloe's teal gaze met his. “It's too late. The iron is in my blood. I feel it.” Tears filled her eyes.
In one long stride, he stood nose to nose with her and captured her face in his hands. “I can help, but I need your permission. I can draw the iron out of your blood. Do you understand?”
She shook her head then stilled, eyes growing round. “You have to bite me. No…”
“Lo, please. It's the only way.”
Silence overtook her as though she were weighing her options, of which there were none. “What will that do to me?”
“The bite? Nothing besides save your life.”
She gasped, wrapped her arms around her stomach, and sank to the floor at his feet. “Do it. Just make it stop burning.”
Jagger scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Carefully, he laid her down and knelt beside the bed. He rested one hand against her creamy skin over her rib cage. She flinched as if not expecting the touch. His fangs elongated, yet he stalled. Uncertainty and guilt rode him hard. Once he took her blood, he'd be linked to her for the rest
of her existence. She was his mate. The bite would only confirm it and seal what was fated. There would be no turning back. No re-do button.
“Jagger, for gods' sake, do it!” she demanded through clenched teeth. By the sound of it, she was also fighting a scream.
Her pain reached out to him, and he lost the ability to think. He struck, sinking his fangs into her soft skin around the wound, and sucked. A moan drifted through the air, and he wasn't sure if it was his or Khloe's. Nor did he care.
The rich, tangy, sweet taste of her was intoxicating. The scent of chocolate with a hint of rose filled him as her blood flowed down his throat to mingle with his.
Under his hands, she began to relax. Her breathing slowed, returning to normal. With his fangs inside her, a connection formed, so strong he could feel her subsiding pain and increasing arousal.
A few more pulls and the iron would be out of her system. He withdrew his fangs and stared down at the wound. The cut was knitting itself together, healing with the Divine magic that ran through her veins, and now his.
Chilled fingers touched his cheek, bringing his eyes to hers. Like a siren's call, she beckoned him closer until their lips touched.
None-too-gently, he thrust his tongue inside her mouth and twined it with hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck, sank her fingers into his hair, and drew him in deeper.
By force of will, he pulled back and broke the kiss. “I need to go.”
Chapter 12
“You can't leave.”
He was out of his mind if he thought he would leave her all hot and bothered.
“I have to.” Jagger's chest rose and fell in breathless waves. Pools of his emotions washed over her.
“Why?”
He was in her face before she could blink. “Because if I don't leave now, you will regret it in the morning.”
Yes, that was more like it. She’d been worried for a minute that she was the only one fighting the lusty urges. Now the truth had come out. “Maybe not,” she whispered against his lips.
He cursed.
“Khloe, you don't know what you're asking. You're hyped up on adrenaline, and your magic is running wild in your blood, repairing the damage.”
Who was he trying to convince? She lived her life by taking chances and never looking back. Maybe in a few centuries, she'd feel differently, but she was young, and she would enjoy the ride as long as she could.
She opened her mouth to speak, but he shook his head. “I am beyond control right now with your blood in my veins. I can't promise I'll be gentle.”
A smile tugged at her lips, and naughty thoughts circled around inside her head. “Maybe I want to be possessed, controlled.”
Broad shoulders bunched and flexed as he shifted to hover over her. Heat coursed through her in anticipation. “You ever fuck a demon?”
“Never thought about it.”
Her sex throbbed with a need she'd never known. She was growing tired of being alone, but couldn't give her heart to anyone fully, especially since Mark had ripped it out.
Jagger captured her mouth in a demanding kiss. When his tongue ran across the seam of her lips, she opened and welcomed the invasion. The sweet tang of her blood on his tongue was oddly arousing.
She ran her hand under his shirt and over the hard muscles of his chest and smiled at the light dusting of hair. He pulled back from the kiss, yanked the shirt over his head, and tossed it to the floor.
She chewed on her bottom lip and marveled at the creamed-coffee-colored skin of his body. He grasped her hands when she reached out to touch him and held them above her head with one of his. His clasp was firm, but it didn't hurt. It did, however, keep her from moving her arms. He lowered his body to pin hers in place.
His hard length pressed into her through their jeans. She moaned out a plea. Jagger had reduced her to begging, and she didn't care. Sex with Jagger somehow felt right. Besides, the need got worse the longer they were together. She had to get it out of the way. End the desire to have him once and for all.
When he’d sunk his fangs into her moments ago, she’d lost all hope of controlling her urges. That was the moment she knew she had to have him. Feel his power surge through her with every pounding thrust.
A low growl brought her eyes up to meet his, now completely red and glowing with need. “You said you couldn't read my mind,” she teased.
“I can't. I can smell your desire.” He leaned down and pressed his lips to the top of her left breast.
She sucked in a gasp and arched into him. Her body warmed from the inside out, starting at the center of her chest and spreading out to her limbs and head until she was consumed by a raging inferno of lust and desire.
Jagger abandoned her breast, and she whimpered in protest. He let go of her hands and moved down her body. His soft lips touched her belly, and she jumped. A low chuckle vibrated off her skin. She giggled at the sensation and then moaned when his tongue drew her belly button ring into his mouth.
“I thought you didn't want to take this slow.”
He lifted up on all fours over her. A wicked grin spread across his face. “I've changed my mind. I have found I enjoy torturing you.”
For the love of the gods. She was going to die a very happy and pleasured woman.
Warm breath glided over her skin as he trailed light kisses back up her body. With a swipe of his hand, her bra disappeared. She gasped when he took a nipple into his mouth. Hot need shot straight to her core, causing the walls of her sex to pulse.
When his tongue flicked the hardened bud, she fisted the sheet and rubbed her throbbing pussy against his erection. It did nothing to ease the ache. There was too much clothing between them. Unclenching the sheet, she slid one hand between them to unbutton his jeans.
Jagger raised his head and seized her hand in his. Her heart skipped a beat at the fierce desire showing in his gaze. “Are you sure?” His tone was low and graveled.
She had never been sure of anything. Until now. If she didn’t get the release her body screamed for, she wouldn’t be held responsible for her actions. “Yes.”
A fraction of a second later, both of them were completely naked. That wicked grin was back on her demon’s face. Living in the human world as a mortal, she didn’t use her magic for simple daily tasks, like dressing and undressing. Being with Jagger, she was free to explore all her magical abilities and didn’t have to hide from the prejudices of some humans.
“I could’ve done that.”
“But you didn’t.”
She didn’t have time to respond before his mouth was on hers, and his tongue had thrust inside, searching for hers. Her moan changed to a gasp as his cock slid inside her.
He stopped halfway in and broke the kiss. Their eyes locked on one another’s. A tic formed in his jaw as if he were trying to fight for control. After a brief silence, he thrust in the rest of the way, filling her. She was lost. Lost in the sensation of being consumed and taken by Jagger.
She wrapped her legs around his waist and moved in sync to his gentle thrusting. With her tongue, she drew his earlobe into her mouth and gently bit down. A growl rumbled from his chest, and he quickened his pace.
Pleasure built from the depths of her being until her climax threw her over the edge, ripping a scream of pleasure from her. Jagger followed her over with his own release.
Chapter 13
Morning sunlight bathed the bedroom with the signs of a new day. Warmth enveloped Khloe, and she smiled. That warmth wasn't from the sun. It was from the large arms wrapped around her, cradling her in a protective shelter.
Reluctantly, Khloe slid out of bed and went to the bathroom. She closed the door with a soft click and turned on the shower. She felt invigorated, alive, complete somehow. What an odd feeling. The last time she’d felt so at peace was…
Oh, no. She wasn't going there. Mark might have been her magical companion—eternal life partner—but he’d taken all hope of a family away from her the day he’d rejected what she was. No one kn
ew if Divinities could have more than one perfect mate in a lifetime.
Khloe was in no hurry to find out.
After taking a quick shower, she opened the bathroom door and was hit with the wonderful aroma of coffee. She followed her nose toward the smell and leaned against the bar-style countertop separating the kitchen from the living room. Jagger was making breakfast. Bacon sizzled on the stove while he chopped veggies. The carton of eggs and a small pile of shredded cheese told her he was making omelets.
“You can cook?” She couldn't keep the giggle from escaping.
Jagger lifted his head to face her. She stifled a gasp. Her heart rate skipped five beats at the raw energy coming from him. It reached out to her and caressed her skin like a physical touch. Thoughts of the night before flashed in her mind and stirred all kinds of unwanted need.
He set down the knife and stalked toward her like a predator after his prey. One large arm snaked around her waist and drew her into his body. Her breasts flattened against his chest while his lips possessed hers in a fiery kiss. His tongue invaded her mouth, but she didn't fight it, didn't want to.
Her heart raced as their lips moved together and tongues tangled in an erotic dance. Jagger sent her places no other man had dared. It might be because he was a demon, or because of his connection to the Sinew, but whatever it was, she liked it. Liked the way he smelled, tasted and felt under her, on top of her, and inside her. He was fast becoming her new addiction. Far more so than Mark…
With a hand flat against Jagger's chest, Khloe pushed, breaking the kiss. His inquisitive eyes met hers. Breathlessly, she managed to say, “The bacon's burning.”
His sensual lips lifted in a smirk, and he gave her a quick kiss before releasing her and stepping back to tend to the splattering bacon. She turned and walked to the wall of windows in her living room. The beautiful view of the river and cityscape was peaceful on the weekend mornings.
She opened the double doors and stepped out onto her balcony. Fresh air mixed with the scent of salt water and the aroma of coffee from the factory across the river greeted her. With a deep breath, she drew in the air and connected to the elements around her. Realization was starting to settle in. Her reaction to Jagger was all too familiar, and she cursed herself for not picking up on it sooner. Like before, she’d spent the best night of her life with him.