by Kate Douglas
There. That was good. Polite, calm. She could do this for Alex, no matter how it pained her.
“You,” he said softly. The color of his eyes was the deep gray of the sky before a storm. “I need you. No matter how hard I try to run away from that fact, I can’t escape it. I’m always going to need you.” His voice was a grating rasp, and he set his hands on her shoulders, gripping so tight it hurt. “I fucked up, in so many ways, but I love you, Chloe, and I’m sorry I hurt you.”
“You . . . you love me?” Somehow hearing him say the words was like taking a swift blow. It bowled her over, left her reeling. She’d been so sure he would never come for her. She was safe, and he could escape his nightmare. The end. A tear spilled over her lashes, and she dashed it away, a sob hitching her breath. “B-but you didn’t call m-me. You c-called to check on Alex, but you didn’t bother to do the s-same for me.”
Gods, it sounded so needy and whiny. Pathetic. She closed her eyes. Tears continued streaking down her cheeks, and she fought hard to keep from totally breaking down.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. I know I totally fucked things up between us.” Merek eased her into his arms, cradled her against his broad chest. He tilted her head back, wiping the moisture from her cheeks with the pad of his thumb. “Please don’t cry. I wanted to call you, but I couldn’t.”
A watery laugh huffed out of her. “Yeah, that’s what I told myself, too, until Alex said you were calling him.”
“That’s not what I meant.” He rested his forehead against hers, rocking her gently. She could see deep into his eyes, read every emotion there. He didn’t try to hide anything from her. “I didn’t mean I was physically unable to call you; I meant I had some personal shit to work through. A lot of personal shit.”
She leaned back a little and searched his face, but even without the open expression, she’d have known. “Because you couldn’t see to help us and save us from all the bad stuff.”
A chuckle rumbled from him, and he kissed her temple. “You know me too well.”
“That’s not going to change, I don’t think.” She swallowed, wishing she didn’t have to remind him, wishing she could just take what he said at face value, but she couldn’t bear it if he walked away again. She had to know he’d stick it out even if it meant living with his worst fears every day. “You’re not suddenly going to wake up tomorrow and be able to see our future. I don’t even want you to.”
“I know.” He sighed, lifted his hand to cradle the back of her head and burrow his fingers into her hair. “That was the shit I was working through. Once I got my head on straight, I drove like a bat out of hell to get to you.”
“So you’re fine with it?”
“No, I’m not.” His smile was rueful. “I’m never going to be, but I’m a lot less fine with walking away from you and Alex because I can’t protect you like I want to be able to. I thought it would be better for you if I left, but I couldn’t do it. I didn’t want to. I want to be with you. I want to help you with the kid. I want all of it. I know it’s a risk to love people, and there’s always a chance something will take them from you, but I’ll take that risk with you. I have to.”
“I want all of that, too. I’m willing to take the risk.” Letting out the breath she hadn’t been aware she was holding, she cupped his face in her palms. His eyes closed, and he leaned into her touch, a fine tension she hadn’t noticed before easing from his muscles. She mapped the lines of his face with her fingers. “I thought . . . I thought you might also have some doubts because”—the words caught in her throat, but she forced them out, needing to have everything clear between them—“because I need you too much, and since my mom died, I tend to hold on too tight to the people I love. I cling.” She flushed, and she knew he’d see it in the bright beam of her porch light. Every light in the house was on. “I mean, you were bleeding out and all I could think was don’t leave me alone. Gods, I’m so sorry.”
“Shh. No. None of that.” He pulled in a slow breath, his gaze steady, his touch so tender it made tears prick her eyes again. “Sweetheart, did you ever think that of all the people in the world, Alex and I are two who could really use someone who holds on and refuses to let go?” He stroked her hair, her shoulders, her back. “I don’t want to leave you alone, and even if that’s all you were thinking when I was shot, you still managed to pull nine bullets out of me. You saved my life.” He brushed his mouth over her lips, and she fisted her fingers in his shirt to keep him close. “Need me as much as I need you. Love me so much it feels like you can’t even breathe. Hold on tight and never let me go.”
A sob bubbled out of her, and pure joy broke through. Yes. That was what she wanted with him. Every day for the rest of her life, as long or short as that might be. “I love you, Merek. Everything about you. Dangerous job, control freak, and all. Even if that dangerous job takes you away from me, I will always be grateful for the time I had with you. I love you just the way you are, because you love me the same way, with all my baggage in tow.”
“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” He hauled her up on her tiptoes, pressing her flush against him, and slammed his mouth over hers.
A moan ripped loose from deep down inside her. She knotted her fingers in his hair and shoved her tongue between his lips. His hands cupped her ass, ground her against the hard arc of his erection. Her skin flashed hot and her sex went wet, her head spinning after days and days without him. Gods, she wanted him. Needed him, craved him, loved him.
She tugged him backward, pulling him with her inside the house. He didn’t break the kiss as he shut the door and locked it, engaging the security spells. That made her smile against his lips, and then shove him against the closed door.
Jerking his shirt from his pants, she pushed it up until he had to release her mouth to get it over his head. He groaned when her hands skimmed over his chest, her fingers circling his small nipples. “I love your hands on me, sweetheart. I’ve missed you so fucking much.”
“Good. I want you to miss me.” She flicked her nail over one nipple, and he jerked and chuckled at the same time. Then he hissed out a breath when she licked the flat brown disc, sucking it between her teeth to nibble. Her fingertips toyed with the other nipple, rolling and pinching it until he groaned for her.
Then she used magic.
A hoarse cry wrenched from him, and he shuddered, his big hands biting into her ass. “Fuck.”
She let his nipple loose, flicking her tongue over it to tease him. “We’re getting to that.”
He bent and scooped her into his arms, which made her squeak and grab for his shoulders. “We’re a hell of lot closer than ‘getting to that,’ sweetheart. I haven’t had you in days. You can play with me later.” His teeth flashed in a white smile. “Much, much later.”
“Hurry.”
The room sped by as he moved toward her bedroom. He set her on the bed, and Ophelia uncurled from the end of the mattress, trotted over to them, and purred. Merek chuckled and scooped the cat against his chest, stroking her as he walked away. “Sorry, sugar. This is a human-only reunion.”
He dropped her to the floor outside the bedroom and kicked the door shut as he came back to Chloe. She propped herself up on her elbows, watching him. Her breath caught when she noticed the puckered scars that now marred his torso. She sat up, brushing her fingers over them when he drew near, searching out all of them on his chest, side, and back. How close she’d come to losing him. Her throat closed at the thought.
“It didn’t happen, sweetheart.” He caught her hands, drew them to his lips to kiss. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
She nodded. He was right. They’d had a lot of close calls lately, but they were still here. They just had to hold on as tight as they could for as long as they could. Starting now. She bent forward and flicked her tongue across a scar that sat just above waistband of his pants. She kissed her way across the taut skin and hard muscles of his lower abdomen.
“Chloe,” he groan
ed, sliding his fingers into her hair when she worked his belt and fly open. Her body tightened with longing as she moved her hands over his flesh. She wanted to savor, but it had been too long.
Shoving his pants down, she waited for him to toe off his shoes and socks and step out of his jeans. She stuck her finger through a jagged hole in the heavy fabric. “Rough day?”
“Rough week.” He chuckled and dropped to the bed beside her, pushing her flat and leaning up on one elbow to gaze down at her. He slid the pants from her grip and tossed them on the floor. “I’ll tell you everything you want to know later. Right now, I need you.”
She kicked off her heels, her heart thrumming in her chest at the look in his eyes. “Well, then. I’m all yours.”
“Mine. Yes. I like that.” He smiled, leaned forward, and brushed his lips over her collarbone. “I also like this dress. You look like a felony waiting to happen.”
Shrugging delicately, she let the strap fall off one shoulder. “I clean up okay.”
“You’re beautiful.” He reached for the zipper on the side and slid it down. She arched her back to help him drag the shiny garment over her head. His grin turned feral when he gazed at her bare breasts. “Beautiful . . . and mine.”
“Mine,” she whispered. She let her fingertips drift down his torso until she could swirl one around the head of his cock. He was wet with pre-cum, and she brought the pearly fluid to her mouth to taste.
His pupils expanded until only a thin rim of silver remained as he watched her. He stopped breathing for a moment, and then he sprang into action. He wrestled her panty hose and underwear down her legs, and she was naked in seconds. He settled on top of her, his thighs shoving hers apart.
Wrapping her arms around him, she pushed her feet against the mattress, lifting herself in offering. He groaned, reached between them, grasped his cock, and rubbed it up and down her slit, circling the head on her clit. Moisture gushed from her sex, excitement coiling with each brush of his hot flesh against hers.
“Please, Merek,” she gasped, shudders running through her body. “Inside me. I need you.”
“I need you, too, sweetheart. Always.” He guided himself to her entrance, pumping in one slow inch at a time. She wrapped her legs around his waist, thrusting her hips up hard to take all of him. Patience was beyond her.
They both groaned when he was seated deep within her pussy, stretching her channel. She cupped her hands on his strong jaw and urged him down to kiss her. She had to taste him, honey sweet and all Merek. Masculine and perfect and hers. Perfect for her. He licked her lips before shoving his tongue into her mouth. His hot, sensual rhythm matched the tempo he set with his hips, working his cock into her slick sex.
Magic flowed so easily between them, twining and melding together. Every movement brought a new wave of pleasure spells skating over their skin. Magic skipped and sizzled, pure carnal energy. Love.
“I love you,” she moaned, sliding her hands over his shoulders and back, down to palm his ass and pull him tighter against her.
“Yes.” His breath sighed out, and he plunged deeper into her pussy, harder. Faster. “Say it again, sweetheart. Don’t ever stop.”
When he ground his pelvis into her clit, she sobbed it. The words became a litany born from her soul. “I love you. I love you, Merek. I love you so much.”
She arched beneath him, the hair on his chest scraping over her nipples. They tightened to points, and she sighed at how good he felt. He slowed down his thrusts, and she moaned a protest, but his hard penetration every time he entered her made tingles explode over her skin. He braced his arms straight out on either side of her, which changed the angle of his thrust and pushed him deeper between her thighs.
Gasping, she tightened her legs around his waist and tugged lightly at the hair on his chest. The smile he gave her was wicked, and he rolled his hips against her, sending a flood of magic right to the core of her. Her pussy flexed around him, and she sucked in a shocked breath. “Oh, gods.”
“I love you, Chloe.” Harsh breaths bellowed in and out of his lungs. Sweat gleamed on his face and chest, and he shuddered over her. The way he clenched his jaw and groaned every time he pushed his cock into her sex told her how close he was to orgasm. As close as she was.
The intensity of the spells pouring over her sensitized skin made her writhe. Every inch of them that touched was electrified with it. Power. Pleasure.
He lowered himself until he could suck the tip of her breast into his mouth, his teeth and tongue working her nipple. Then he bit down, and she burst into a thousand pieces. Her pussy spasmed on his cock, her inner walls clamping down on him in strong pulses. He released her nipple with a moan, and he thrust hard and fast into her sex, riding her with fierce intent. His gray eyes sparked molten mercury, swirling with the energy racing back and forth between them.
She arched into him, sending a sizzle of magic down his skin. “Come for me, Merek. Now.”
A shout erupted from him, and he froze over her, his cock buried deep. His fluids pumped into her, and he shuddered, his gaze locked with hers as they rode out the storm together. Then he sighed and sank down on her. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, cradling him close. They both shook with the aftereffects of their loving, hearts pounding against each other, sweat sliding down their heated skin.
“I love you, Chloe. Gods, how I love you.” He crushed her to him, rolling them onto their sides, but staying deep inside her. Enough love to last ten lifetimes shone in his eyes. He stroked her hair back from her face, his voice and touch reverent. “Only you.”
“I love you, too. Only you.” She shook her head, tears shimmering in her eyes as she smiled at him. Only Merek had ever made her let down her guard enough to love, to need without fear or shame, to give everything. Her heart and body and soul. Only Merek could bring her through her worst nightmares and still make her feel safe, cherished, loved. Hopeful that their future would be far brighter than their pasts. Bright enough to keep the darkness at bay.
Only Merek.
Erotic Romance
by Kate Douglas
Wolf Tales
“Chanku Rising” in Sexy Beast
Wolf Tales II
“Camille’s Dawn” in Wild Nights
Wolf Tales III
“Chanku Fallen” in Sexy Beast II
Wolf Tales IV
“Chanku Journey” in Sexy
Beast III
Wolf Tales V
“Chanku Destiny” in Sexy
Beast IV
Wolf Tales VI
“Chanku Wild” in Sexy Beast V
Wolf Tales VII
“Chanku Honor” in Sexy
Beast VI
Wolf Tales VIII
“Chanku Challenge” in Sexy
Beast VII
Wolf Tales 9
“Chanku Spirit” in Sexy
Beast VIII
Wolf Tales 10
Wolf Tales 11
Wolf Tales 12
Paranormal Romance
by Kate Douglas
Demonfire
“Crystal Dreams” in Nocturnal
Hellfire
Starfire
Also by Crystal Jordan
Embrace the Night
“In Ice” in Sexy Beast V
Carnal Desires
On the Prowl
“Naughty or Nice?” in Under
the Covers
Untamed
Primal Heat
NIGHTSHIFT
KATE DOUGLAS
CRYSTAL JORDAN
LYNN LAFLEUR
APHRODISIA
KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.
www.kensingtonbooks.com
All copyrighted material within is Attributor Protected.
Table of Contents
DREAM CATCHER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
TAKEN BETWEEN
1
2
3
4
5
6
THE RIGHT NUMBER
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
DREAM CATCHER
KATE DOUGLAS
1
In orbit behind Earth’s moon—present day
Zianne? Is he the one? Is he strong enough? Smart enough?
I think so. He’s very strong—I heard his voice over such a great distance, but I don’t know. We’ve waited so long. How can I be certain?
We’re dying, Zianne. All of us. There’s no time to hesitate. There are hardly enough of us left to matter.
No. Don’t say that. We matter. We must.
Then go. Even I sense this one. His world will nurture us for now, but this man ... this one man will be our salvation.
Silicon Valley—April 1992
“Fucking chicken scratch.” Mac Dugan wadded up yet another lined yellow page covered in pointless doodles, equations, and code. He reached overhead, aiming for the Sloan’s Bar and Grill sign over the trash can.
Powerful fingers closed around his wrist.
Jerking his arm free, he spun around, prepared to take a swing at whatever idiot had interrupted his mini-tirade. When he saw who it was, he laughed. “Christ, Dink. Haven’t seen you in ages. You trying to get yourself killed?”
“Nope. Just trying to save your stupid ass.”
Mac grabbed the beer Dink handed to him. “Who says my ass needs saving?”
Dink grinned. His wide smile, along with the collar-length blond hair and thick dark lashes framing light blue eyes, made him almost too pretty for a man. “I do,” he said. “That redhead, Jen? The one who was with you last month? She’s all cozied up to the bar with your nemesis.”