Desperately, Chavez moved one way and then the next to avoid his shadow people. As the tunnel of wind grew smaller and narrower, Chavez’s creatures grew closer and closer to him, until they pressed against him and melted into his body.
Chavez screamed. The gurgling sound was terrifying. He was a drowning man gasping for that life sustaining breath, only to suck more water down his throat.
As the air shaft spun faster, it swallowed the air from the small confines of the twister.
Fallon saw his eyes bulge as he gripped his throat. His mouth parted.
Adrian’s eyes were cold, dangerous as he approached Chavez.
He grew closer to the whirling mass. A strong breeze blew his hair about, but he appeared undaunted by the storm in front of him.
Power like Fallon had never seen before crackled like lightning around him, so thick she felt like she could reach out and touch it. Battle worn, Briar and Tucker stood erect lending their strength. The combination of their might together stole her breath.
The funnel completely engulfed Chavez, pulling him deeper into its fury.
The roar of the wind was so loud now it suffocated Chavez’s screams.
All Fallon could see was this whirling haze.
Slowly. Deadly. Adrian raised his hand before him, as his fingertips extended into long, sharp talons.
“This is for Christy, Fallon, Doreen and all the others who have fallen beneath your cruelty.” Cold intent hardened Adrian’s features as he thrust his hand through the twister.
Time seemed to stand still as a ribbon of blood splattered in all directions, hitting everything in sight, including her. It was warm against her face and arms. But she couldn’t keep her eyes off Adrian.
His power grew stronger not weaker.
The grayish volume of air continued to spin and whistle as if it were reaching a crescendo. Then Adrian extracted his hand from the funnel and everything seemed to die.
The energy in the air fizzled, so it was only a spark here and there.
The roar of the air current became a hum.
When the wind died down and the cyclone was gone, Chavez swayed. His bloody mass was unrecognizable as he crumbled to the ground.
Fallon watched Adrian as his fingers closed tightly into a fist, muscles and tendons taut in his arm. The loud explosion as Chavez shattered into flames before her eyes startled her. She jerked her gaze away. When she looked again there was nothing left of Chavez. But he had left his mark. The land was scorched and torn apart. It wept quietly in the breeze that carried the woodsy scent of the forest and the fresh smell of freedom.
Fallon released a weighted sigh.
Now Christy could rest peacefully.
Fallon was on her knees. Her red T-shirt was torn, hanging from one shoulder. Her jeans were spotted with black dirt. Eyes bloodshot and agape, she stared blindly at the spot where Chavez once stood. With each rapid rise and fall of her chest Adrian heard her ragged breaths. Her enemy’s blood was splattered across her face and body, but she didn’t seem to notice. Nor did she seem to realize he, as well as Tucker and Briar, were close by.
Very gently her shoulders began to shake. For a moment he thought she was crying until he heard a soft sound, giggles that turned into morbid laughter. At the same time tears began to stream down her face, and then she threw back her head and screamed. The cry tore from her diaphragm, raw and furious.
When she quieted, she glanced up at Adrian with so much pain on her face a lump formed in his throat. “I’m supposed to be happy, aren’t I?” She hiccupped fighting the lack of oxygen.
“Ahhh… Darlin’.” He moved before her and drew her up into his arms. He held her close.
“He’s gone,” she mumbled against his shoulder. “I thought I’d feel something—anything. But it doesn’t bring Christy back.” Her sobs deepened as she buried her face against his chest. Her fingers twisted his shirt as she clutched tightly to him. “Make the pain go away, Adrian. Make me not miss her so much. Please…”
His chest squeezed so firmly, he thought for a moment it would explode. “I wish I could, darlin’.” He felt so fuckin’ helpless. With all his strength and power he couldn’t ease her sorrow. So he held her while she cried.
The wave of comforting thoughts Briar and Tucker wrapped around them didn’t appear to help or ease the anguish seeping from her pores.
Silently his friends moved around the land cleaning up whatever evidence might be visible to the human eye. The stench of evil would remain until Mother Nature healed the land’s wounds. But it wasn’t as strong now that Chavez was gone and a cool breeze blew through the tree branches. When Briar and Tucker were finished they approached hesitantly.
“Adrian? You want us to wait?” Briar cleared his throat and look toward the sky.
“Fallon. Honey.” Adrian raised her chin with a finger so their gazes met. “We need to go home. It will be light soon.”
“Light?” she repeated. A shudder trembled through her. She furrowed her forehead, little worry lines appearing. Her grip on him loosened.
A ghost of apprehension slid across his skin. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Adrian—”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “No. I didn’t fight the devil himself to lose you now.”
She stepped back out of his embrace. “You don’t understand.”
He took her by the arms and couldn’t help the little shake he gave her. Whether it was anger or fear he didn’t know.
“I understand more than you know.” Emotion surfaced so quickly it startled him. It traveled across his shoulders tightening muscles and tendons as it raced up his neck. “Remember, I outlived my family and friends.” Dammit. I won’t let you go. “I watched my wife and children mourn my death. I lost everything I loved that day. Don’t you think it tore my heart out to see her marry my best friend? But I wanted her safe and happy, my children to have a father.” He hadn’t realized how very lonely he’d been these years until this moment.
Everything had changed when Fallon came into his life. “Don’t you think Christy wants the same for you?”
Silent tears spiked her dark eyelashes. “I don’t know what to think. I’m so confused. I miss Christy so much.”
“Well know this, Fallon McGregor—I love you.” He pulled her into his arms. “And I’ll move heaven and earth to keep you in my arms.” Then he captured her mouth in a fiery kiss.
Chapter Twenty-One
Adrian’s mouth was fierce, hot and ruthless, demanding Fallon’s complete surrender. Part of her wanted to yield, to give in to what he offered. But her promise to Christy haunted the back of her mind. Even now as he pressed his body so close to hers, new tears beat behind her eyelids for what she had lost and would be losing when she left him.
He broke the kiss, but still held her in a grip that said he’d never let her go.
Tender emotion glistened like amber lights in his eyes. “Stay with me.” Voice husky, he added, “I need you.” Although his friends stood a short distance away, Adrian didn’t attempt to soften his tone or hide his feelings. Not only his love and need for her, but that of his family. Memories that felt so precious to Fallon.
It humbled her.
He was an extraordinary man. If he could live centuries and overcome his guilt and regret, could she? There had to be more to life then what fate had dealt her.
Fallon softened before she could help herself. “Yes. I’ll stay.” She prayed Christy would understand.
Adrian’s eyes tightened a little at the corners as a full smile touched his lips. He looked happy. For the first time she noticed the blood that streaked his handsome features.
Chavez’s blood.
It covered them both from head to toe. Her shirt was torn, hanging from one shoulder. Her jeans were in a little better shape. With just a thought, she cleansed traces of her enemy from her and Adrian’s bodies, refreshing their clothing. Someday maybe she could erase Chavez from her mind just as easily.
; “Adrian, take me away from this place.”
“Anything you want, darlin’.” He turned and addressing Briar and Tucker, he said, “Boys, let’s go home.”
Fallon could feel the strain of morning approaching as she shape-shifted into her Gyrfalcon form. As she lunged into the thinning darkness, she heard Briar say, “An Artic bird?”
“That’s my girl.” Adrian’s deep laughter warmed her heart.
Soon Adrian and his friends were airborne, soaring alongside her. They were magnificent in flight. Majestic. She couldn’t help remembering how they fought Chavez, his minions, and the creatures from the earth. It had been an awe inspiring sight to behold when they unleashed their power.
For so long Fallon hadn’t felt safe, but surrounded by Adrian and his friends she did.
As they flew over the beautiful landscape of the White Mountains, past its valleys, lakes and creeks, she knew her decision to stay with Adrian and not seek the light was right. She loved Christy. But she also loved Adrian.
From high above the treetops, she could see the tile roof of Adrian’s house. As giant birds, they each swept low and shape-shifted as their feet touched the ground. At once the yard was filled with people welcoming them home.
A concerned look on her face, Maggie ran to Fallon’s side. “Are you okay?” She reached out and hugged Fallon. “Is it over?”
Fallon returned her new friend’s embrace with a tight squeeze. “It’s over.” Thank God, it was truly over.
The jovialness Fallon had seen in Tucker earlier vanished as his boots pounded the ground toward them. “Why the hell aren’t you aground?” he barked, addressing Maggie.
“Why the hell aren’t you?” Maggie tossed back to him with an exasperated expression.
“Hurry inside,” Sally warned as the bright orange-yellow rays of the sun peeked over the mountaintops. As everyone filtered into the house, Maggie and Tucker continued to bicker. They were still arguing as Adrian and Fallon descended the stairway to their resting place.
Each footfall felt leaden as she stepped from the stairs to the soil beneath her feet. With a brush of Adrian’s hand he prepared the ground. A spray of dirt rose into the air, coming to rest in a pile beside the hole. The smell of freshly turned soil teased and tempted Fallon’s nose.
With just a thought he ridded them both of their clothing. “Tired?” he asked. The damp coolness of the underground cave caressed Fallon’s nakedness. With ease he lowered himself into their bed.
Mentally and physically she was worn out. “Yes.” The aches and pains of the last few days still had a lingering effect on her.
He lay down against the welcoming soil, his arms outstretched. “Come here.”
She went willingly into his embrace.
Gently, he pressed his lips to her forehead. “Sleep, darlin’.” She felt his compulsion just before the beat of her heart stilled.
* * *
Adrian woke Fallon with a kiss. He tasted her first breath on his lips, as he planned to do every rising. Hungry and aroused, it took all his control not to ravish her the minute she stirred.
He loved this woman.
Dark lashes rose as she opened her eyes and greeted him. “Hi, cowboy.” She sounded sleepy and sexy, her sweet voice filling him with joy.
“Evening, darlin’.” He smoothed his hand down her thigh, moving across her hip to settle upon her abdomen. “How do you feel tonight?” Damn good to him. She was soft beneath his palm.
Fallon gave him a confused look. “Feel?”
He brushed her hair off her shoulders and pressed his lips to the area where a nasty bruise had been. She had healed nicely, but that wasn’t what he was talking about.
“No dreams?” he asked, as his hand cupped her perfect breast.
Her eyes widened. Whether it was realization dawning or the fact he began to rolled her nipple between his fingers he didn’t know.
“No dreams,” she murmured. A soft smile curved her lips. She arched into his hand. “This is the second night in over a year and a half.” She groaned, “Thank you.”
He didn’t have to ask for what. It shined in the sparkle of hope glistening in her eyes.
There had been a brief moment of worry when he awakened wondering if she would regret her decision to stay with him. But the calmness in her demeanor, the tender expression on her face said it all.
She was his forever.
His lips traveled a path over her shoulder blade, up her neck, until he reached her mouth. “If you’re as good as new, what do you say about giving this cowboy a ride?”
Her laugh was hearty, more carefree than he had ever heard. “An eight second ride?”
“Hell, no.” He rose, extending his hand to her as he stepped from their resting place. When her fingers closed around his he couldn’t believe that she was truly his. “This cowboy likes to be ridden hard and put up wet—real wet.” With just a thought he called to the elements to cleanse them both of the soil that dusted their naked bodies.
In a flash, she took off toward the stairs, giggling. “Then what are you waiting for?”
His feet thudded against the wood as he chased her like some randy high school boy. What a sight they must be, bare assed, running upstairs to his bedroom where his king-size bed awaited them. He couldn’t remember when he had felt so lighthearted, couldn’t remember when he wanted a woman as much as he did Fallon.
When he caught her just inside the bedroom, he jerked her into his arms. Her laughter was music to his ears. As their eyes met, the heat of the moment thickened, and her laughter died.
Her expression grew tight, serious. “Kiss me.” She paused for a moment as if she wanted to say more, but kept the words to herself.
With a tilt of his head, he possessed her with a firm kiss. A nudge of his tongue against the seam of her lips, she opened to him and he plunged in. She tasted of a future, one filled with adventure, happiness, and love.
Never breaking their kiss, he eased her toward the large bed against the wall. When the back of her legs bumped the edge, he pushed her down upon the comforter. She was beautiful. Her long black hair spread across the red comforter. With each breath her breasts rose and fell. Using her elbows and feet, she scooted further on the bed so she lay crossways.
Eyes dark with desire and hunger stared at him. “I love you,” she whispered. It was the first time she had uttered the tender words. They touched his heart sending a tremor down his spine and straight to his toes.
The bed creaked as he sat upon it. He couldn’t wait to make love to her. Hear her soft whimpers as he felt her body shatter around his.
Slowly, he parted her thighs and knelt between them. He couldn’t believe this beautiful woman was his for all eternity. His fingertips pushed between the comforter and her ass, lifting and spreading her wider. His cock throbbed, growing harder as he placed its swollen head to her moist slit. With a slow thrust of his hips he pushed between her swollen folds. She was wet, hot, and all his.
Her mouth opened on a gasp. Her pupils dilated, large and dark. The swish of her blood beat louder and louder in his ears.
Fallon was lost to sensation. His touch—caress. The gentle rock of their bodies together moved in perfect harmony. He filled her completely, the motion slow and intense.
Heat simmered in his eyes, golden pools of fire, as he stared at where they came together. He pulled from her body and then thrust slowly inside her—watching.
“Tight,” he growled. “So fuckin’ tight, darlin’.” He breathed deeply, scenting their musk mingling together.
The tendons constricting in his neck brought her gaze to the vein that pulsed below his skin. Her fangs burst in her mouth with a savage need to taste him, to mark him as hers.
“Do you know how sexy you look hungry and aroused?” His tone was breathless, exciting her further. “I can’t wait to feel your body tremble with release, as you sink your teeth into my neck.”
Her pussy drew taut sending shudders up her womb. “Adrian.” H
er plea came out a whimper.
She heard the intake of air he sucked in through clenched teeth. “What, baby?” He ground his hips against her making a rotation that nearly made her come.
“Ahhh…” She arched, clenching her inner muscles, attempting to quiet the storm building inside her. She wanted to ride the rising climax as long as she could.
“Damn that felt good,” he snarled as his canines dropped so that they pierced his bottom lip. He slipped his hands from beneath her ass putting one and then the other on each side of her head as he leaned forward draping his body over hers.
Arms wrapped around his neck, she buried her face into the side of his neck, inhaling his masculine heat. His blood called to her as she stroked the vein lightly with her tongue.
Fallon felt Adrian tense and knew he was fighting his orgasm. His hips moved faster with his excitement. His breathing was labored.
“Do it,” he groaned hoarsely. “Bite me.”
When her teeth broke his skin he cried out. It was a beautiful male sound of pleasure. His body stiffened. His breath caught. The fiery feel of his seed splashing against the walls of her sex and the heady flow of his essence down her throat triggered her climax.
Heat waves rippled through her, touching every inch of her inside and out. She held on to him as her body squeezed his cock, again and again. When the aftermath began to ease she moaned low and sated. Lazily she swiped her tongue over the pinpricks at his neck. Then she released a heavy sigh of contentment.
Adrian rolled from atop her, gathering her in his arms and pulling her against his chest. Fallon couldn’t remember when she felt so loved, so cherished. Even the pain of losing Christy wasn’t as raw when Adrian held her close.
“You’re thinking about your daughter.” It wasn’t a question. How he knew Fallon didn’t know.
She fought back the tears misting her eyes. “Yes.”
“I know it hurts.” He squeezed her. “Just promise you’ll give me a chance to make you happy.” The plea in his voice made her love him even more.
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