Louisiana Moon

by Rhea, Lani

  “I’m glad I’m with you too. But to be truthful, I’m nervous about tonight.” Her insides shook like an earthquake and no, it wasn’t the beast inside shaking—it was her. What if one of the demons showed and tried to kidnap her when she least expected it? She knew she would fight like hell to escape but that didn’t mean they wouldn’t be able to overpower her.

  Ryant turned her to face him. “Everything will be fine. We have guards stationed in locations no one will detect. Several more will be in the crowd. You’re all covered, love.”

  “But what if?”

  “There are no ifs, only security. I will be by your side the entire night.” He touched his mouth to hers, tracing his tongue over the seam and she opened. Not in a rush, he deepened the kiss as he tucked her body into his. His hand inched to the small of her back and further. As he cupped her ass, he rubbed his erection into her belly.

  A rumble from his chest vibrated through hers. “I can’t wait for tonight.” Ryant glanced to the side to where the spiked heels he’d bought sat. “You’re going to make me so lucky in those.”

  She giggled. “You’re wearing my lipstick.” Plucking a tissue from the box on the corner of the dresser, she wiped the berry color off his mouth. “There. Better.” She tapped him on his chest a couple of times. He stepped back, and she patted her hair and smoothed the dress.

  After reapplying lip color, she took a deep breath and said, “Let’s do this.”

  He presented his arm and she looped hers through his as they walked out the door. In the hall stood Darin and V ready for action. Same as her and Ryant, they had color coordinated with royal blue—V’s dress and his hanky.

  “Hello, you two.” Kris smiled as they passed. Darin and V fell in behind them.

  This damn bait plan better work. Ready to be rid of the demons, she fine-tuned her senses with the wolf, waking it from its slumber. And you—you better be with me tonight.

  The power of the creature charged through her body. The extra security dissolved the fear. The swishing of fabric rubbing sounded like a saw cutting through wood. The scent of copper and furry moss on the walls blended to woodsy marsh and rotting leaves.

  At the main door, she sucked in a strengthening breath. Ryant squeezed her arm as they entered the grand room. A spotlight clicked and beamed on them. Not able to see a damn thing because of the glare made her uneasy. The crowd clapped, and he walked her down the red carpet. As they stood dead center in the room, she smiled her best until her cheeks hurt.

  He leaned in, whispering, “You’re doing wonderfully.”

  Here beasties, come and get it. Damn straight, she planned to be the best bait.

  One couple at a time greeted her. She exchanged a few words as the people fawned over her. Through the long reception line that didn’t seem like it would ever end, she held her position and waited and waited. Even as she greeted others, her thoughts wandered. Thore had expressed that tonight’s event was only to lure the demons.

  The longer they stood there, the more she doubted the plan. She should have known it wouldn’t work. Even setting statues around the room had failed to draw the sneaky bastards. Tugging at her dress, she moaned inwardly as the plan to announce her as a Throne to draw out the demons deflated like a disturbed cake when checked too soon. She’d continue and do her best to finish the night and then they’d come up with another plan. One that didn’t involve her being a Throne.

  Finally, the line ended as the guests mingled. Ryant took her by the hand and led her through the throng. “These people are who need to know you to make the plan work.”

  With his thumb, he caressed light circles on her inner wrist. He tried his best to soothe her, bless his heart. But she didn’t know if the nerves would go away.

  She looked around the room. Her gaze swept over each family crest banner draping from the balcony to the crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Overnight, the club had been transformed into a miniature palace. It was so different she hardly recognized the place. If she hadn’t known beforehand it would happen, she never would have guessed it was the same place.

  She and Ryant stood before a man who appeared more human than anything preternatural yet Kris smelled the wolf inside him. His wife, she presumed, had the same scenario. They both had that earthy aromatic blood expelling from their pores.

  “Kristina, this is Ultra Westberg from Scandinavia. After your training, he will be one of your supervisors.” Ryant smiled.

  She faced the man and pretended the best she could. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Westberg.”

  Ryant rested his hand on the small of her back and plucked at her dress. Every nerve ending in her body sparked alive with his touch, and she quivered. A frown tightened her lips. She didn’t need the distraction. Channeling her body’s reaction to his touch, she put a pleasant smile back on her lips.

  “I was very pleased to hear your announcement for Throne leader. I do look forward to working with you.” Ultra bowed his head. “This is my wife, Alleta.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Kris shook Alleta’s hand. Something dark behind the woman moved fast on the balcony.

  Her hand tightened around the woman’s. So the fuckers are here. Let the party begin. Then again, since her senses are all riled up maybe she’d seen something else.

  Ryant, did you see that? The shadow?

  Yes.

  Wincing, Alleta tugged at her hand. “Oh, I’m sorry.” Kris let go.

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Westberg, Mrs. Westberg. I need Kristina to make the rounds. Maybe later this evening we can catch up.” Ryant dipped his head and firmed his grip around her waist as he led her away. Passing through the crowd, they went to stand in the center of the room.

  Sparky, gather security. We saw a shadow.

  His words rang loud and clear, like crystal, through her mind. Her wolf zoned in on the area where she’d seen the shadow and her gaze narrowed. The upper balcony was pitch black. She couldn’t make out a damn thing.

  From one corner to the next, she scanned the room. Was it possible they could hide themselves so well she couldn’t sense them? Gods, that would be horrible. Her hands fisted and unclenched.

  One of the crest banners over to her right fluttered. Undercover guards swarmed to the balcony to investigate. Adrenaline pumping through her veins fired her nerves. Come on, fuckers. Come and get it. She turned in circles and a few partygoers looked at them strangely.

  Ryant raised a hand at the studio booth and music played as he looped his arm around her waist and dragged her to the dance floor. “Kris, you need to calm down and not be so obvious. They are just testing us.” He stroked her back, the rhythmic motion easing her tension. “We will not let them get the best of us.”

  He was right. She was going to blow the whole thing. Even as he soothed her, his attention was intent on the balcony. Jaw muscles clenched as he awaited news of what had been discovered. Guests filled the area to dance. With her and Ryant dancing, it was a great cover up.

  Kris glanced over his shoulders with each turn of the waltz. V and Darin joined them and despite the appearance they were only into each other, she could smell their alertness. With each step, Darin made sure V’s attention was on the balcony. Just like Ryant.

  What had the guards found? The anticipation of what was to come gnawed at Kris as her nerves sizzled while she waited for a Soulscape to plunge. Yes, Ryant was with her, but what if?

  A few more turns on the floor and he stopped dancing.

  “What is it?” No response. Several anxious seconds ticked as her nerves unraveled. She couldn’t take the silence any longer. “What, for gods’ sake, Ryant? Tell me.” She stepped away from him as he bobbed his head in response to whatever was being said in his mind from one of the other vamps.

  He smiled, relaxed and dragged her back against him. “There is nothing to be frightened of. Someone left a window open upstairs and forgot to close it. The window is secure now and more guards have filtered upstairs. We’re good.” He licked h
is bottom lip. “Now, where were we? Yes, me holding you.”

  She squinted toward the balcony and the banners. Yes, they’d settled but she’d still seen a dark shadow. Hadn’t she? “You’re positive?”

  “Yes, my love.” The fingers of one hand rounded her ribcage, settling on her lower back as his other hand cupped hers.

  A thrill of delight rushed through her. He made her body come alive. She placed her palm on his shoulder. Seductively, she stepped closer and slowed their dance. The music reduced with them. The air seemed to spark and the mood, right for love. The party had to end soon, it just had to. With the moves Ryant made she couldn’t handle another moment.

  As he molded her to him his erection pressed firmly between them and felt so perfect. With his smooth shaven cheek next to hers, his eager breaths feathered heat over her skin. Kris glided her nose alongside his jaw line as she inched her lips closer to his. Their breaths merged when their lips connected. He took from her lungs as she took from his. With his arms around her, she gave her soul to him.

  As if the whole room vanished, the kiss dragged her into another place, another time. Their first time together, and she melted into his embrace. She wanted him. The only thought she had was of his hips burrowed deep between her thighs as he plunged inside her.

  The tempo slowed to a stop, dragging her back to reality. Her grip loosened, and Ryant lifted his lips from hers. They held one another firmly, nose to nose, staring into each other’s eyes.

  “Damn. You’ve never kissed me like that before.” His tone was a hoarse growl.

  Her cheeks warmed as her body trembled with need. “Do you think we can sneak off and not be noticed?” She traced a thumb over his collarbone.

  The most delicious grin appeared on Ryant’s lips. “I’m positive we can manage a quick escape.” He bent low and gave her a swift kiss.

  His visible hunger suggested he’d have his way with her in more than one position, and she was up for the challenge.

  28

  The click of the doorknob drew his attention. A crimson spiked high heel, attached to a sexy leg that stretched on forever, peeped from the partially opened bathroom door.

  Ryant licked his lips. The moment he’d anticipated had finally arrived. A deep throb settled in his groin as he waited, surrounded by his coveted medieval art collection and the many trophies won off men slain by his hand. Tonight, he would conquer once again—and claim yet another prize. The best prize.

  The door swung open and his cock swelled at the sight. From her breasts to her hips, her curves were so delicious he could barely wait to caress and lick the silken valley of tender flesh. With the bathroom light silhouetting her lush figure, he imagined the different positions he could take her, including a few in the bathroom if she didn’t hurry.

  Kris turned slightly, displaying a pert nipple he wanted to flick with his tongue, tease between his teeth and use to make her to squirm beneath him. His mouth went dry as desert sand and his jaw clenched with hungry frustration.

  Decades had passed since he’d sweated. Yet, at that moment, he remembered the feel of perspiration wetting his upper lip as it had the last time he had Kris writhing beneath him.

  Kris moved from behind the rock wall into the arched doorway, hiding none of her flesh from his sight. His breathing quickened as his gaze roamed her naked body. He twitched, ready to stand and pounce on the feast before him.

  She widened her stance, spreading herself wide, and raised her hands slowly to her hair. Her breasts jiggled with the movement. The desire to suck her nipples into his hungry mouth almost killed him.

  A lovely array of curls framed her head and fell in cascades of thick, brown ringlets over her shoulders, hiding her creamy breasts and dusky pink nipples under the lushness. His fingers itched with the need to tangle in the silken mass then slide the strands aside for full access to her neck. A lump the size of a marble formed in his throat as he clenched his hands into fists, fighting the urge to rush across the room, take her to the floor and push inside her until she screamed.

  “Damn, you’re beautiful, woman. Come here.”

  With a sultry grin, she prowled across the room to him, her balance perfect on those delicious heels. When she stood in front of him, he separated his legs, grabbed her waist and tugged her until his knees were on either side of her hips. The scent of sweet musk made his mouth water. He leaned forward and tenderly kissed the softness of her skin below her breasts, pressing his cheek to her flat belly.

  “Ryant, I don’t know how much more of this I can handle.”

  He smiled. “What do you want?”

  “You know what I want.”

  “Tell me. I need to hear you.”

  “I want to feel you inside, filling me entirely.”

  He gladly accepted the invitation, and glided his hand from her waist to cup her ass, holding her tight as he stood. She wrapped her long, sleek legs around his waist, folded her ankles and feet with the heels around his back. Their mouths connected as he carried her across the room to the bed. When he laid her down, he pounced on top of her beautiful body and her legs held him tight as if she never wanted to let him go. That was fine by him, because he would never let her go again. When she left years ago, what humanity he barely regained had crumbled like their relationship.

  He lifted a fraction, and she stilled beneath him. He caught her gaze and held it, making sure she could see the truth in his eyes then moved his hands to her locked ankles and released the hold. Pushing to his knees and stroking her leg as he did, he kissed her ankle near the heel.

  Inch by eager inch, he reached her kneecap. As he danced his tongue beneath the fold of her knee, he got a shiver out of her. He smiled, taking the movement as a demand to continue. Wild and free, sweet and salty, his Kris, a perfect complement.

  His lips moved from the back of her knee, down the backside of her thigh. She dug her fingernails into his biceps, pulling him closer. The sting of her nails only added to the pleasure. He swung her leg to the side of the bed and admired the treasure sprawled before him.

  Wanting to feel her touch against his skin, he ripped off his shirt. As he watched her, her gaze slowly trailed down his chest then locked in on his trousers. He fumbled with the snap. Damn. He couldn’t wait to nestle between her thighs, to take her to places only he could take her.

  He moved backward off the bed and pulled his pants down, kicking them off to the side. His swollen, tight erection sprang out. He grasped the base, barely holding back the explosion from longing over her well-sculpted breasts and the plush cushion of hair he was about to enter.

  “Come here.” She licked her lips and motioned with her finger.

  As he crawled up the bed, she spread wider, baring pink flesh between her thighs, nestled under the down of hair. His breath seized in his chest. The tip of his cock reached her wet opening. When they were almost connected, he looked into her eyes. He wanted to watch her as he entered.

  “Keep your eyes on me.”

  She nodded.

  He braced one hand and guided himself to her center, nudging past her tightness. Just then as he entered her, he squinted, and pushed further inside her heat. Damn it. He couldn’t thrust inside and lose control, not just yet. When he stopped moving, she lifted her legs, drilling the spikes of the heels into his skin as she spurred him on. He pushed hard, past the iron grip of her core.

  “Ahh…” Kris groaned.

  “Shit, did I hurt you?”

  “No, just keep going.”

  “I love you.”

  She smiled and her bottom lip quivered. Eyes glassy, she whispered, “I love you too.”

  With his lips crushed to hers, he moved out and back in to the hilt, deep in her silky, hot center. They were complete as one, and he intended to take her to their special place.

  Moving faster, his pace deepened. She threw her head on the pillow, brown hair cascading as she bucked her hips to meet his. He caught a pebbled nipple between his teeth and bit lightly, and her
muscles clenched.

  A few more thrusts then he held back. He didn’t want to go before her. He feathered his hand between them and found her hardened nub in the slit of her pussy, and rhythmically moved in circles.

  “Oh, oh…Ryant, I’m about to,” she panted. Her sweet breath washed over his face.

  “Yes, love, come for me.” He bit her nipple harder, tasting blood, moving his hips faster.

  Her nails grazed his back and dug into his skin. “Ryant,” she screamed. Her muscles contracted as she scratched his back.

  A couple of pumps more and he spilled inside her, jerking with his own release. Each tug of her orgasm, his body sputtered. He clasped one of her breasts, licking her blood off his lips. “I love you, Kris.”

  She threaded her fingers in his hair, latching hold as she guided him up for a kiss. “I love you, Ryant,” she whispered over his lips.

  When his cock and her core stopped twitching with release, he rolled off her and she planted her chin on his chest. He dragged her close as they both caught their breaths. More than just right in his arms, she was perfect. They were perfect together.

  He blew out a huge breath. Drowsiness threatened to overtake him but he wasn’t ready for rest. “Tell me something about your past you’ve never revealed before.” He tugged her closer, resting his chin on her head.

  “Well, let me think.” She sighed as she stroked a hand over his chest, playing with the fine hairs. “When I was a child I fell into water. I couldn’t swim and thought I would die. It took me years to overcome the fear. I can swim now, but I’m still leery of water.”

  “Did you slip or were you pushed?”

  “I slipped on a mossy rock into the pond behind my parents’ home.”

  “Have you wanted to go back there? It’s been some time now.”

  “Yes. I have. I’d like to see who lives in the home now.”

  Ryant hugged her. “We’ll have to travel to Yorktown one day, after this mess is under control.”

  “Good.”

  Something in her tone made him blink. “Do you not want to travel there?”