Gathering Darkness: A Paranormal Romance Collection

by Anna Zaires

  He hadn’t made a move for more with her. Was that night at Hades just about sex, for the sake of scratching a mutual itch? She was confused—too shy to pull him into a dark corner and kiss him senseless, but unable to resist sneaking glances at him whenever he was around.

  Sighing, she focused on the room full of soft couches and throw blankets. “Why did I black out in the first place, and not anyone I used my skill on?” Saige muttered.

  “A check and balance,” Whysper said. “With power this great, the potential for abuse is enormous. As you are well aware.”

  Saige nodded. The weeks there had only started to wash away the horror of the Viper’s club. All the Lash males, save one, had returned home to their families. None of them harbored any ill feelings toward Saige, thanks to Arawn’s officially released summary of the events. He hadn’t revealed her identity or her power, just that the Vipers had kidnapped and forcibly coerced a creature to use mind control on their sons.

  The one family whose son had died in the ring bitterly mourned their child, wanting retribution. According to Tanner, Arawn and his diplomatic mate, Ria, had spent time with the family, explaining as best they could that justice had been done and the situation was not going to change. Saige only hoped they would one day find peace.

  And she hoped she would as well. Melixa and Whysper had helped her with relaxation and meditation techniques, for when the grief over the loss of her parents or her actions with the Vipers got to be too much. Saige treasured the fledgling friendship she shared with Melixa.

  But it was one sexy tall green-eyed warrior who owned her attention.

  “Well, child, if you’re feeling fine, then I’m going to work on a new project that one of the boys thought up. Spelled bullets.” Whysper sighed and pushed up from her spot on the comfy couch. “Interesting concept…tricky in reality. Boys.”

  Saige bit back a smile. Boys was how the ancient witch referred to the Watchers, though many of them were centuries old.

  Melixa twirled her thick black ponytail as she and Saige followed Whysper out of the quiet room and into the main spell area workspace. Desks and tables were scattered around, and rough wood planks lined the walls. It was earthy and efficient. “You’re getting better. Each day we go for a minute longer, and so far no side effects.”

  Saige nodded. “Yeah. That’s great, but I don’t even know how I ended up with this gift.”

  “It happens. A lot of people here have unusual gifts.”

  “I’ve heard. I just don’t feel special. What am I going to do with this?” Saige shook her head, glancing around the room. Her eyes settled on Melixa’s desk, where Saige’s collar sat.

  Whysper had taken the thing off shortly after Saige arrived, and Melixa had been eager to dig into it, as she put it. Now Melixa followed her gaze. “You can do a lot. Gain information that will help the Watchers track and catch bad guys. And they will never, ever throw you into a situation alone, or one that you’re not ready for.”

  “I know, and I’m grateful. But for right now I’m happy to stay here, practicing mind control for two or three minutes at a time.”

  Melixa grinned. “Sure. There’s no rush that I know of.” She walked to her desk and jiggled the mouse next to her computer. “I’m still tracking who might have created this. What about you?” Her blue eyes took on a sly gleam. “Going to see Tanner today?”

  “Um, I hope so.” Saige couldn’t suppress a smile. “He manages to stop by every day.”

  “I have never seen him make time to see a girl every day. Just so you know.” The witch winked. “He’s a good guy.”

  “Yeah.”

  “And he likes to swim. You know we have a pool downstairs right?”

  “I remember hearing that,” Saige said. “I don’t have a swimsuit though.”

  “I can fix that. Come on.” Melixa got up and tugged Saige to the door.

  “Wait, you’re not going to conjure me a suit are you?” After what she’d seen of the witch’s skills, she’d believe it.

  “No, silly.” Melixa laughed. “I’m taking you to my room. I have extra, and they’re cuter than the suits that we stock in the pool area.”

  ***

  Tanner wrapped up his second run on the outdoor obstacle course with Raul. They’d each won once, and this new configuration was a bitch. Caine, who designed the layouts, was getting more devious.

  “Shit, man, I am done.” Raul grunted and took a big gulp of water. “I could sleep for three days.”

  “Yeah, I’m gonna head down to the gym for bit.” Tanner said.

  “Dude, you’ve been working out like around the clock lately. What gives?”

  What gives? Oh, just the memory of Saige’s pliant, willing body. Just her jasmine scent that hung in the air like a promise. Just her sweet laugh and brown eyes that held a look of adoration for him that she gave to no one else.

  Then there were the cold facts. Her parents had been killed. She’d been kidnapped, beaten, forced to aid and abet criminals, unwittingly causing death of innocent men. She’d been manipulated, taunted, and repeatedly made to lose consciousness.

  And she was only twenty-five. So damn young. Most Lash lived for centuries.

  He couldn’t rush her into more than she was ready for. Yeah, the night at Hades had been so hot, the memory made him regularly wake up hard and wanting her. But she’d had her seasonal lust to deal with, just like him. What if that’s all it was? And sure, he’d orchestrated her rescue and she might see him as her savior—now. Didn’t mean it would last. Soon, she’d find her own place here at HQ and adjust to her new life.

  Tanner shook his head and caught the water bottle Raul tossed him. “Just feel like I’m not done burning my muscles yet.”

  “Or is it a certain blonde you’re not done with?” Raul’s dark eyes sparked with mirth. “She’s cute, and some of the guys have been asking what’s going on between her and you. If you’re not with her, then…” he shrugged, “they’re definitely interested.”

  A rumble of possessiveness started low in Tanner’s chest. “Still figuring that out. She’s been through hell, man.”

  Raul threw up his hands. “I know. I saw it. I’m just sayin’.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I’m going downstairs.” Tanner stalked into the building and jogged down the steps to the lower level.

  The ever present scent of chlorine hit him as soon as he pulled open the heavy metal door. The pool was in its own room, off to one side, with a concrete and glass block wall separating it from the rest of the space. And hanging in the air, potent like a shot to his groin, was Saige’s scent.

  She was here? He stepped close to the glass blocks, but their thick waves only revealed that one person swam inside. He couldn’t see who. He pulled open the door and entered but didn’t walk far in, sticking close to the wall.

  He was met with the sight of long legs and a bikini clad ass as she cruised down the lane in a strong freestyle. The pale, nearly naked skin of her back tempted him. No one else was here. His cock hardened.

  Tanner reached over and locked the door. He stripped off his T-shirt and shoes, leaving only his track pants. He wasn’t taking one extra second to change into his board shorts.

  Then he slipped into the water at the end opposite her, sinking low. She hadn’t noticed him, and he admired her from below the surface as she churned back toward him. Her lithe body rotated slightly side to side as her arms and shoulders pulled her forward. Gods, she was beautiful.

  He shifted to her lane and stood against the wall, loving the surprise in her eyes as she glanced up and saw him. She was going too fast to stop, so he caught her against him.

  “Tanner!” She rested her hands on his biceps as she caught her breath. “I didn’t know you were here.”

  “Ditto.” He tracked the rosy flush that spread from her throat, down to breasts cradled in a black bikini top. Those sexy curves filled his dreams.

  She dipped her head back without letting go of him. Good, because
he needed to touch her.

  “I actually hoped to run into you,” she said.

  “What? Here?” He frowned, remembering Raul’s comment about other males. “You could have run into anyone in here.”

  “Yeah, why not?” She tilted her head.

  Because I don’t want any other males to see this much of your skin. Shit, the last thing he should do was act all Neanderthal on her. “Uh, well, you don’t know exactly when I’ll be here. And I see you every day.”

  She kicked her legs gently under the water, brushing against his. “I know, and I like it.” Her brown eyes swirled with amber. Lust and temptation. Gods she was killing him.

  Tanner’s heart rate doubled. “Saige, I like it too. A hell of a lot.” He pulled her an inch closer. “But I don’t want to monopolize you.”

  “You’re not. Everyone says I’m doing well. The healers, the witches. And Logan’s loving Watcher boot camp. He’s happy.” She bit her lip. “But I want more time with you.”

  Holy hell. He pulled her flush against him, cupping her ass. His cock strained in his pants. “I want that too, Saige. One time with you wasn’t enough.”

  She whimpered and rubbed her center against him. “I was afraid you didn’t want me like that. Now that the season is over.”

  Didn’t want her? “Hell, Saige, I want you all the damn time. You feel that?” He flexed against the juncture of her thighs.

  She nodded. “Mmm.”

  “But you’ve been through so much. More than a lot of people could handle. I don’t want to take advantage of you. And I don’t know how much longer I can stay away.” On a deeper level, he recognized the connection that had hovered around the edges of his mind but that he couldn’t rationally explain. “I want you. I want to protect you, to keep you close. All the time. Are you ready for that, Saige?”

  “Yes,” she whispered, lips inches from his. “I want to be with you, all the time. I love it here, but it feels incomplete, somehow. I love the times you visit me, but I wish it was more. I know you’re busy, your team has missions and stuff, but…” she dropped her gaze to his lips. “When you’re here, I don’t feel like sharing,”

  The last thread of his restraint snapped. His mouth covered hers and he kissed her with all the force of his longing. She melted into him, winding her arms around his neck.

  Her scent invaded his nose, her wet body slicking against him. With the water’s buoyancy supporting her, he slid his hands up her back and then down to her hips, caressing over the tiny scrap of fabric. Every inch of her was perfect. He set her up on the deck. “Chair.” He grunted, and hoisted himself up from the water.

  “But the door—”

  “I locked it.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the nearest chaise lounge. He sat sideways on it, and stood her in front of him. Leaning forward, he placed a kiss to her smooth belly.

  She ran her hands through his hair and sighed. “I want you, Tanner.”

  Flicking a glance to her eyes, the glow of lust they held banished any reason to hold back. “Good.” He yanked her swim bottom down, drawing in a breath at her bare, soft skin. “You are so beautiful.” He couldn’t resist. Leaning close, he kissed her mound, licking down lower, teasing her.

  Her hands clenched fistfuls of his hair, sending sharp pleasure-pain through him. She propped one foot on the lounger, further exposing herself to him. The spicy sweet fragrance of her arousal pierced the air and a primal force ripped through him at her obvious need. A need only he could fill. Only he would ever fill.

  He couldn’t stop to process where that thought came from. Not when she rocked against his mouth, seeking more. A flash of black hit the floor, and he recognized her top. Hell. His cock throbbed.

  “Tanner, I need more.”

  Her breathy words drew his attention up to her pert breasts, gleaming with water. Pink nipples stood taut as liquid coursed down in a path he wanted to mimic with his tongue. He slid his hands up to cup her and her whole body jerked.

  He scooted back on the lounger, giving her room, and freed his aching cock from his soaked track pants. She licked her lips, licked those sweet, kissable, fuckable lips, and reached for him.

  Stopping her, he guided her hand to his shoulder. “Baby, if you touch me, this’ll be over too soon.”

  She nodded and centered herself above him, brushing her heat along his swollen tip, coating him with her desire.

  He groaned, loving the sweet torture, but he couldn’t help rocking up into her. He knew what her body felt like, how it welcomed him. And gods, he couldn’t wait another second.

  Grabbing her hips, he pulled her down. She let out a sexy, adorable purr as she took all of him, leaning back to accommodate him to the hilt.

  Mine. The thought pulsed in his heart just like his cock pulsed in her heat. She responded with a squeeze of her inner muscles, then began moving her body in a perfect undulating rhythm.

  “That’s it, Saige,” he whispered, skating his hands up her torso. The firm tips of her breasts begged for his touch and he rolled her nipples gently. “So hard for me.”

  She moaned and her pace quickened. And through it all, her voice echoed in his head. Gods, yes. I need him. I love him.

  What the hell? But her tight walls gripped him, making him forget everything. Almost. She felt too good, he wasn’t going to last. He drew one pebbled tip into his mouth and swirled, and she came with a soft cry. Her hips rocked frantically, seeking more, pulling him over into his orgasm.

  She wrapped her arms around him, trembling and out of breath. “Oh my gods, Tanner.” She dotted kisses along his shoulder. “I missed that.”

  Mine. You’re mine. If he had his way, she’d never miss that again.

  She straightened to look at him, brown eyes wide. “Did you say something?”

  “Hell,” he murmured in wonder, caressing her jaw. Impossible pieces clicked into place. It couldn’t be. “Only in my mind.”

  “But I heard it. You said ‘You’re mine.’ I mean, you thought it. Right?”

  “I did. And I also heard your voice in my head. Saige.” He kissed her lips. “Do you know what this means?”

  Her jaw dropped. “Oh, wow. We’re…”

  “You’re my mate.” He kissed her again, barely believing the miracle.

  “How can it happen this fast?” A small, curious smile played across her face.

  “It’s been known to happen. One couple from my home town completed the bond in an hour.”

  “No way!”

  “Yeah.” He rubbed circles on her back. “They just knew, at first sight, that they belonged together.”

  “That’s amazing.” She looped her arms around his neck and gave him a smile that rivaled the sun. “Is that why my power doesn’t work on you?”

  He studied the glow of her skin and the curiosity in her eyes. “I bet it is. The bond wouldn’t allow you to take over my mind, even though it hadn’t fully formed then.”

  “I won’t need to do that anyway. I can just project my thoughts to you.” She leaned close to his ear. “I can tell you exactly what I want you to do.”

  “And I’ll commit every dirty little command to memory.” He squeezed her hips.

  A giggle escaped her, the sensual sound full of joy, belonging, and promise. “I love you.”

  Her sweet words made him want to pound his chest with pride. “And I love you.” He pushed a strand of wet hair off her shoulder. “Can’t believe I let you walk away at Hades.”

  “Good thing you came after me.” Her brown eyes swirled with an amber glow as love poured through their brand new bond.

  “You never have to be alone, without a protector, again. I’ve got you.”

  Her lips met his in a tender kiss as their souls surged, binding them in a whirl of bliss and devotion. The mate bond enveloped them, an everlasting connection that he never expected to find, but now, couldn’t imagine living without.

  THE END

  About the Author

  Sharon Kay writes a
ward-winning fiction and can never get enough reading time. She loves winter and black coffee, and is endlessly inspired to write kick-ass *crane heroines and the men strong enough to capture their hearts. Sharon lives in the Chicago area with her husband and son, and one weekend the idea for her crane Lash Watchers and tough leading ladies formed in her head, refusing to stay quiet until she put pen to paper. Her characters tend to keep her up at night, as they banter, fall in love, and slay endless varieties of power-hungryyy demons.

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