by Amber Kallyn
Beyond her control, her fangs extended.
He kissed her again. His tongue slipped across one long fang, and he jerked back. The taste of his blood, an aphrodisiac in its own right, filled her mouth. He shuddered, staring into her eyes. Lifting her up, he devoured her mouth once more.
As he deepened their kiss, her body came fully awake. She rubbed against him, loving the sparks of friction.
He ran his hands over her back, cupped her butt in his firm grip as she wiggled, delighting in the way his hardness pressed between her thighs.
She curled her fingers in his long, soft hair, licked his lips, along his jaw and down his neck. His heartbeat made the vein on his throat throb. She pressed her mouth to his skin, resisting the urge to nibble.
He reached between them and tugged her shirt from her jeans, then slowly unbuttoned it. Her breasts ached to feel his touch. His hands were rough on her skin, sending shivers through her. He unclasped her bra and pushed her upright.
The lace slid down her arms and she let it fall to the sand. His gaze caressed her, making her nipples tighten. He cupped her breasts, flicking his thumbs over the throbbing tips.
She gasped as electrifying thrills shot through her, the needy ache spreading. She tugged at his shirt and slipped it over his head. She wanted, needed to feel his bare skin.
He rolled her to the ground, hovering above her. “Still not running?”
In answer, she arched up to rub against him. He licked down the slope of one breast and captured a nipple between his lips. Her body shuddered as pleasure swamped her.
Shane rose, reaching for her jeans. He unsnapped them, tugged them down her hips, her thighs. He slipped off her shoes, then the pants, leaving her lying on the packed sand in nothing but her panties.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered, running his hands lightly up her legs.
She blinked, trying to come up with something to say. Finally, she muttered, “You’re wearing too many clothes.”
He chuckled and stood, removing his own jeans.
Niki gasped as he revealed himself to her. He was long and hard and ready.
“Not much for underwear?” she asked.
“Nope.” He knelt between her thighs, placing light kisses along her hips and belly. His fingers softly traced the edges of her underwear.
The longer he teased her, the more she fought the urge to grab him and make him hurry. Shane tugged the straps of her panties down an inch, kissing her bared skin. Then he cupped her wet heat. She moaned, her back bowing to his touch. She pulsed with need beneath his touch, wanting more. So much more.
She stopped thinking and gave over to all he made her feel.
***
Shane ran his hands over her velvety skin, amazed at how she had gone from cool to hot so quickly. She was ready, damp beneath his fingers. Her lips curled in a smile, her eyes were unfocused, green and bright.
He wanted to take this slow, afraid he’d scare her away with the intensity of how much he wanted to bury himself inside her. He tugged her panties down her hips, slipping them off. Then he nuzzled her belly, nibbling his way down. When he flicked her with his tongue, she gasped. Her hands fisted in his hair.
He cupped her ass, lifting her to taste her heat. She trembled beneath him, breath coming faster. He teased her with his mouth, licking her soft, wet skin. She wiggled beneath his mouth, her breath coming in sharp little pants that drove him on. He twisted, tasting her deeper, until she cried out her pleasure.
When he met her gaze, she looked dreamy, a satisfied smile on her swollen lips.
Staring into her eyes, his chest filled with a sweet softness. This woman made him feel so much.
***
Niki trembled beneath Shane’s reverent gaze. She’d forgotten a man’s body could make her delirious with need, yearning to be filled, completed.
His hands and mouth roamed her skin. Another tight ball of tension built inside her as he explored every inch.
She relished the feel of him, how his muscles were so hard beneath her touch. Their legs entwined, skin against skin, as he kissed her, his tongue thrusting, invading. He caressed her breasts, her stomach, her hips.
She spiraled into the heady sensations racing through her body. The cool air of the night caressed her heated skin, and where he touched her, sparks ignited. Her breath came in quick pants as he rose above her, meeting her gaze as he drove his length deep inside.
She took him in willingly, letting him fill her.
The sensations wouldn’t be denied. She felt everything fully, as if her senses had expanded to encompass the magic between them. Shane groaned as he moved inside her. She rose to meet each thrust, certain she couldn’t take any more, yet wanting it all.
She clenched his shoulders, his muscles bunching beneath her grip. Their eyes locked as he continued to pleasure her. In his dark golden gaze, something shifted. Niki felt an answering pulse in her heart.
They were connected, not just joining as a woman and a man, but as something beyond.
Something which had no name she was willing to use.
He eased inside her, hips undulating. She gasped as the tension built higher, faster. Then the pleasure swept her over the edge. Her breathy cries echoed from the rocky walls, mixing with his groans. He drove deeper.
She felt as if she were being washed down a torrential river, the water swirling, caressing her, the force of it all was awe-inspiring.
Her body shuddered as Shane pushed her further, higher, his onslaught relentless.
And she didn’t want him to stop.
She reached the peak and fell once more, screaming his name. Exquisite waves of fulfillment swept through her.
His shouts echoed hers, his body stiffening. His movements slowed, tender, sweet. He lay by her side, breathing heavily. He drew her into the curve of his body and just held her.
She should have moved. But Niki found she was enjoying the closeness too much to give it up just yet.
Chapter Fourteen
Shane didn’t have the energy to move. He didn’t care. He was content to lay here with Niki in his arms for the rest of eternity. He smoothed his hand down her hair, surprised yet happy as she snuggled a little closer.
Her rump wiggled against his groin and her head lay on his outstretched arm, their bodies fitting together like a key made for a lock. Tenderness swept through him. He’d been denying it since they met, but now, he had to face it. This woman had a hold on him that wouldn’t let go. He didn’t want her to.
As she rolled over, a satisfied grin on her face, he traced a finger down her cheek. She leaned into his touch and gently kissed him.
Niki sat up, looking out at the water. A mischievous glint lit her eyes as she stood. “Dare you.” Then she dashed into the icy lake.
Her mood from earlier in the bar was back. Carefree and playful, she splashed in the water. He loved seeing her like this.
He raced in after her, his breath stopping at the cold water. He caught her around the waist and lifted her high, then dropped her into the water. She came up spluttering and splashed his face. They laughed as they played. When he felt kindred to an ice cube, he lifted her in his arms and carried her from the lake. They shivered as he built the fire back up. When they were mostly dry, they dressed.
The entire time, he could practically hear her thinking. The tension in the air changed. Rubbing her hands together, Niki stared into the flames.
Abruptly, she asked, “What was that?”
He tried to lighten her suddenly serious mood. “Fun?”
Niki sent him a piercing glare.
“Look.” He took her hand in his, refusing to let her pull away. She stared at their interlocking fingers. “There’s been an attraction between us since we first laid eyes on each other.”
She glanced away, but not before he caught the sheen of dampness in her green eyes. “I’m not talking about the sex.”
It dawned on him. She was feeling the same emotions, this beyond physical conne
ction that kept tugging at his heart.
“There can’t be anything between us, don’t you understand?”
Before he could respond, something splashed in the lake. A howl rose just outside the cave entrance.
Niki jumped to her feet, grabbing a dagger so fast it was a blur. A wolf stepped into the fire light, a man right behind him.
Shane rose, moving in front of Niki. “What is this?”
The wolf growled and behind Shane, Niki hissed. The man stepped forward.
“Our Alpha said you wanted to talk. We were sent to find you,” the man said. “Didn’t know you’d be with a vampire.”
“Sex,” the wolf grumbled.
“So. The Keeper is taking sides.” The man stared at Shane.
“No, I’m not.”
Niki stepped forward, glaring at the shifters. Her eyes were bright red, her fangs pointy splashes of white.
“Tell your Alpha I’ll be by tomorrow morning. But what I do in private is exactly that and none of the pack’s business.”
“The Keeper is pack business,” the man growled, staring at Niki. His face bulged at the jaw as his teeth lengthened. “Taking sides makes traitor.”
The word stopped Shane’s thoughts. Was that how all the Arcaine would see his relationship with Niki?
***
Niki hefted her blade, ready for the fight, as the man’s mouth grew wider. His teeth were too long, jutting grotesquely from his mouth. Beside her, Shane stiffened.
“Vampire,” the wolf growled, taking a step forward. The man with him didn’t move, but claws sprouted from his fingers.
She lifted the blade higher. The wolf snarled.
Shane grabbed her arm and yanked her back. To the shifters, he said, “If you fight here, the judgment will come against you. She’s not harming anyone.”
The wolf shook itself and backed up to the edge of the light. The man glared at Shane, before the two disappeared into the night.
Shane sighed and Niki felt his confusion. She struggled with her anger, the urge to chase after the wolves and fight them. When she managed to calm it enough to retract her teeth, she said, “We need to go.”
He turned, eyes blazing. But he didn’t say a word.
They headed back to the bar parking lot, not touching, not speaking. An awkwardness grew between them. She couldn’t guess what he was thinking, but acutely felt the loss of the closeness they’d shared such a short time ago.
They were almost to his truck when his phone rang. He picked it up. “What?”
Someone mumbled on the other end.
Face white, hands fisted, Shane shouted, “What? How bad?”
Niki met his gaze.
“I’ll be right there.” He slammed his phone shut.
“What is it?”
“Chase was attacked.”
“Your deputy?”
He nodded.
“By what?”
“Vampire.”
“Where is he?”
“The ambulance is on its way to the hospital. Henry’s with Chase, says it doesn’t look good.”
“And your other officer?”
His gaze hardened, and she knew. The young cop was dead.
She glanced back over the forest. Thomas hadn’t just been looping around to draw them off, but to attack someone.
They drove in silence, Shane pushing the truck to its limits. When they got to the hospital, he slammed it in park and nearly broke the key yanking it out, then rushed into the emergency room.
Shane spoke to nurses and doctors. When no one could give him any answers, he slumped in the waiting area. Niki sat next to him, feeling his pain and worry, but unsure how to help.
Power flowed into the room and she watched Jordan MacDougal stride in. His eyes lit when he saw her, darkening when his gaze fell on Shane.
Jordan sat on Shane’s other side. The three of them didn’t speak for a long while.
Finally, a doctor came out. “Sheriff?”
Niki stared at the vampire as everyone jumped to their feet. The doctor’s eyes widened as he saw Jordan, and he bowed, regally. Then he turned to Shane, while neatly ignoring Niki.
He’d smell she wasn’t clan. She was nothing to him.
“Chase isn’t looking so good. He lost too much blood. Even with all my experience, there’s not much I can do. You need to be prepared.” He looked from Shane to Jordan. “The man’s most likely going to turn.”
Shane let out a harsh sigh, bracing his arm on the wall.
Jordan nodded to the doctor. “Tyler, this is Nicola DeVeraux.”
The doctor finally glanced at her, eyes narrowed in suspicion.
“Say hello, Tyler. Where are your manners?”
“Miss DeVeraux,” Tyler said, with a skimpy bow.
“Doctor.”
“This your handiwork?” he pointed back to where he’d come from.
She wanted to say no. But wasn’t it she who’d made Thomas run into the woods? Wasn’t it she who’d let Shane bring his deputies along to track down a vampire?
How stupid could she be?
The silence stretched until the doctor bowed to Jordan once more and strode away.
The clan King took her arm and sat her down, then dragged Shane to the seat next to her. “If you both want to wallow in guilt and self-pity, fine. I’ll track this vampire down and kick his ass.”
She started to argue, but Jordan shushed her with a look.
“The only person who’s at fault here is Thomas. Shane, if your deputy turns, you know I’ll be there for him.”
“Yeah,” Shane said, a spark of emotion coming back to his voice.
“Niki, did you bring Thomas here?”
“No.” Her cheeks burned. “If you recall, I followed him.”
“Exactly.” Jordan smiled and strode down the hall. At the doors marked ‘No Admittance’, he turned back. “Coming?”
Shane jumped to his feet and Niki followed. They stopped at a closed door. Shane hesitated, before slowly entering.
Chase Campton lay in the hospital bed, gadgets hooked up to him and beeping away.
His skin was pale, damp with sweat. His eyes rolled back, mouth gaped open. For a long moment, he seemed dead.
Then he sat up and screamed.
Jordan gently pushed him back down and held a cup to his mouth. Chase drank greedily. His eyes slipped closed.
Niki took Shane’s hand. Together, they approached the side of the bed.
His grip tightened as he looked Chase over. “Is there anything...”
Jordan laid a hand on Shane’s shoulder. “You know there’s nothing we can do. Chase will survive, or not.”
Shane’s fingers dug into her palm, but she didn’t pull away. She wished she could spare him this pain. On the other side of the bed, the wisps began. Soon, her family was standing next to Chase, mournfully staring down at the young man.
Jordan nearly jumped. The Master strode to Niki’s ghosts, looking them over. When he turned to her, his eyes brimmed with sympathy. She avoided his gaze and instead stared at Shane’s white-knuckled grip on her fingers.
Beside her, Shane began to shake. His grip tightened to the point she was afraid he might break something. The room was silent, but for the beeps of the machines. Shane dropped her hand, spun and stomped out the door.
“Go to him,” Jordan whispered.
She hurried after Shane, catching up to him outside. “Where are you going?”
“Was it Thomas?” he demanded.
“Yes.”
Shane nodded sharply. “So we led my friend to his death.”
She didn’t point out Chase might change and become more... undead.
“I need to speak with my father. As soon as the sun sets, I’m going hunting. You’re not going back to the Inn and I don’t want to leave you alone at my house.”
She wanted to argue, but he seemed so upset, she bit her tongue. “Then I’ll come with you.”
“I thought you said there was nothing betwee
n us?”
“I said there couldn’t be. I didn’t deny what is there.”
Chapter Fifteen
His parent’s house was empty. Shane led Niki to a guest bedroom, then strode away without a word. She didn’t know why his cool silence hurt so badly.
Hours later, she woke. Her eyes were swollen, and it scared her she’d cried in her sleep. She left the bedroom, headed down the hall, and strode into the living room. Then froze, more terrified than she had been in a long time. People surrounded her, patting her hands, her shoulders. One young girl even came up and petted her hair.
Each person seemed to think it was their duty to say hello and ask about her health, her business in Moss Creek and her history.
Shane was nowhere to be found.
She finally made her way to the far wall, and from there slid along to the corner of the room. She searched in vain for as escape route, even a window would do the trick. But the wall-sized window beside her didn’t open.
She didn’t think Shane would appreciate her jumping through the glass just to get away from his overbearing--gods, they were everywhere--family.
An old, short woman hobbled up to her, took her hand and led her from the fray. Niki thought it was Shane’s grandmother, but she’d been a bit fuzzy when she’d met the woman, and didn’t want to put her foot in her mouth. She hadn’t had to deal with family politics in two centuries. That part had been kind of nice.
The old woman took her through a kitchen and into a small library. Niki breathed a sigh of relief at the empty room.
“If you don’t remember me, don’t worry. I’m the boy’s grandmother, Morning Dove.” She awkwardly knelt to the ground in front of the stone fireplace and began building a fire.
Niki headed over. “Let me do that.”
The old woman looked up with dark eyes, knowledge and magic swirling in her gaze. She held out her hand. Niki took it without thinking and helped the woman to her feet.