Consumed (Dark Protectors)

by Rebecca Zanetti

  David gave a humorous laugh. “We attended the colloquium ten years ago—you didn’t notice.”

  “Ah.” Several shifters had been infected that year, Katie being one of them. “Guess that’ll teach him to crash a party.”

  “He’s evolved. And he has great plans for the feline and canine nations. We both do. No more bowing to the vampires. We’re taking over.”

  Jordan shook his head. “You’re about to die, son.”

  David flicked his glance toward Katie and back. “No, Jordan. You’re going to die. Then my brother and I will share your woman.”

  Jordan smiled. “That the best you got?” Jesus. The moron might as well be spitting from a playbook for dummies about messing with your opponent’s head. He tucked his chin, lowering his voice so only the cat in front of him could hear. “Your brother begged for his life. On his knees.” Not true, but what the hell.

  David snarled, shifting into lion form in a flash, striking for Jordan’s jugular.

  Jordan pivoted, throwing the cat across the field. With a hiss, he shifted into a mountain lion, bones cracking, pain ripping through his muscles until he landed on all fours. His roar filled the night.

  They lunged at the same time, claws rending, clashing upright like dueling bucks. Jordan swiped down David’s face, tearing tissue. Baring his teeth, he gave an Alpha’s roar.

  The other cat howled in pain and snapped teeth into Jordan’s front leg.

  Agony rippled up his tendons. He batted David away.

  The clouds parted. Moonlight cascaded down. A buzzing set up between Jordan’s ears, cotton filtered over his eyes. Warmth.

  Closing his eyes, he lifted his head.

  “Jordan!” Katie screamed.

  A wisp of a thought later, sharp canines latched into his neck.

  Instinct had him dropping to the ground and rolling over, throwing the other cat away. Blood flowed freely from the wounds in Jordan’s neck.

  Confusion had him shaking his head. Moonlight. Safety. Where was he?

  Then a scent. Wild orchids. He pivoted and saw her. Katie. His. Snarling, he lowered his head and ran his claws through the earth, his focus on her.

  Air whispered along his fur an instant before a hard body collided with him, sending them sprawling. Hissing, he rolled to his feet, gaze on the other lion. Challenge. His female behind him, the threat before him, he reacted like any animal and charged.

  Digging his teeth into his opponent’s jaw, he kept track of the other two lions, the vampire, and the female. The need to protect her battled with the moon’s pull ... but the female’s silent demand won.

  Twisting his jaw, he scraped through muscle, cartilage, and bones until reaching the jugular. Warm blood flooded his mouth.

  The other cat yelped, slashing wildly with sharp claws and snapping with its teeth.

  Jordan felt their intent a second before the other males shifted into cougars.

  The vampire roared in protest, the female yelled a warning.

  The other two cats bounded across the clearing, circling him while he lay on their struggling leader. The vampire leaped in front of one cat, a wicked blade flashing fast and bright.

  The female ran to intercept the other shifter, firing green bullets. The cat roared and leaped toward her, knocking the weapon free. She fell back, hitting the ground, her head and shoulders bouncing.

  Rage beyond primal ripped through Jordan.

  A force of darkness rushed out of the forest. A werewolf. Jordan knew him but the name wouldn’t come. The monster stalked into the clearing, eyes on the female. Katie. The female was Katie. She flipped to her feet, yanking another weapon from her boot.

  The other cougar took advantage of Jordan’s distraction to jump on his back.

  Jordan struggled, his sole focus on the female. Sharp fangs ripped into the back of his neck. Fire lanced through his jaw.

  He tightened his hold on the cat below him.

  Gunshots echoed behind him, along with a primal roar.

  Then suddenly, a helicopter blasted through the sky, setting down hard, shifters jumping out.

  Not his people.

  As a unit, they shifted from human to lion. Every instinct he owned bellowed for him to protect the female—to fight so she could get away. The forces weren’t equal, but he could take several out and give her a chance to seek safety.

  The shifters made it halfway across the clearing, five of them, before a second helicopter smashed between them, sending dust flying. Vampires leaped out, weapons ready. Allies.

  Katie careened past him, thrown by hairy hands. She bounced twice on the hard ground. The furry beast stalked by, taking a moment to kick him in the ribs. Rage ripped through him.

  The cat below him slashed deadly claws along his belly.

  Jordan hissed, digging his teeth in further.

  Another vampire jumped out of the helicopter in his direction, rapidly firing green shots into the werewolf. The creature howled in pain. Katie pivoted and plunged a knife up and into the monster’s jugular. The beast staggered away.

  The cougar on Jordan’s back leaped off to stalk toward Katie.

  Allowing the animal inside to roar, Jordan clenched his jaw until his teeth met through David’s flesh. Jordan yanked. Tissue, muscle, and bone flung across the clearing. David sagged to the earth, his eyes open in death.

  The werewolf stumbled to its feet, lurching toward the tree line. Jordan’s legs bunched to go after him. But the other cougar continued to advance on Katie. His female.

  The moon called to Jordan. The damn light stole his concentration. Stole his drive. Growling, he shifted back into man to avoid the seductive pull. Pain crackled along his bones and tendons. Stars burst behind his eyes. Lunging, he tackled the other mountain lion, arms circling its body, right as the animal pounced for Katie. He slammed the heel of his hand under the cat’s massive jaw. Deadly teeth smashed together.

  Man and beast rolled in the dirt. Jordan landed on top, straddling the animal. The cat yowled in protest, legs thrashing, claws seeking purchase.

  “Jordan!”

  Jordan jerked his head at Conn’s yell, sharp reflexes snagging the knife thrown by his friend. Two seconds later he gutted the animal and then cut its jugular. Warm blood covered his legs, washed down his hands.

  Shoving the carcass away, he staggered to his feet. Spinning around, he found Katie. She scrambled to stand, her face pale except for a spreading purple bruise on one high cheekbone. He glared, and she took a step back, eyes wide.

  Inhaling, he turned and took in the rest of the field. Talen and his men had taken care of the other shifters. Brent was gone. Animal blood scented the air along with the sweetness from the moon. Ironic and disheartening. Jordan popped a tendon back into place. “Good timing.”

  Talen wiped blood off a knife on the grass. “We kept an eye on the airspace and saw the second helicopter coming—Dage sent reinforcements.”

  Thank God for friends. Jordan nodded, eyeing his ripped clothing on the field. The wind whipped over his naked body. Cuts and bruises marred his flesh, and his gut was still bleeding. He’d heal. “I need my phone. I’ll video the result of the challenge.” Maybe the carnage would keep other felines from challenging Noah next week.

  But probably not.

  Chapter 14

  Jordan’s body ached. The wounds had healed by the time he broadcast scenes of the bloody clearing, showing the dead shifters. He’d ruled for three centuries with fairness and mercy ... unless challenged. Then whatever beast was living beneath his chest had roared. Being the last of his line, he’d been challenged more than others, considering there wasn’t anyone who could easily step up if he died.

  He eased through the underground hallway lined with priceless western oils toward his quarters. Still nighttime, the moon pulled him, causing an itch just under his skin.

  During the fight, the animal inside had recognized Katie and wanted her. He’d send her away so she wouldn’t see his death, but Realm Headquar
ters was the safest place for her. Maybe he should just leave like a wounded dog to die alone.

  Shoving his door open, he stopped short. “Katie,” he sighed. “Enough. Go away.” Only the back of her head remained visible. She sat on his couch watching a rerun of Friends. Allowing the door to shut behind him, he shuffled toward the refrigerator and yanked out a beer.

  “No.” Soft, angry, her western twang wrapped around his heart. The television clicked off. The leather protested as she must’ve stood. “I’m here to finish what we started earlier.”

  Cool beer calmed his throat as he tipped back his head and emptied the bottle. Setting it on the table, he turned around to face her.

  Holy shit.

  The woman had come prepared this time. A sheer baby-doll negligée left nothing hidden. High breasts, hard nipples, tiny little waist—all visible through the fabric. He would not look lower. “What are you wearing?” he choked.

  Feminine and dangerous, a smile slid across her pretty face. “Not much.”

  Heat rushed to his groin. His balls tightened, and he hardened in his jeans. The teeth from his zipper were going to be permanently indented on his cock. “This is a bad idea.” His voice fucking cracked.

  Lifting an eyebrow, she circled the couch. Barefoot, bare legged, he could have her stripped in seconds. Those tan, nicely muscled thighs belonged wrapped around his hips. Temptation swirled through his blood.

  Reality smacked him in the face. He’d protected her for decades—he’d do so until he died. Panic had him settling his stance. The sigh he gave came from his soul, truly hating what he had to do. Wiping all expression off his face, he stared her down. “You need to understand. There’s never been anything between us.”

  She lifted an eyebrow, tilting her head to the side. “What do you mean?”

  Hurting her would cut out his heart. But it was the only way she’d move on. “I’ve never felt more for you than friendship, Katie.”

  Her eyes widened. Something choked in her throat.

  He stepped forward, then stilled. Offering comfort wouldn’t help.

  Gorgeous hair flipped when she threw back her head and ... laughed? A deep, sensual chuckle that moved her entire body. Tawny eyes filled with mirth, and her focus returned to him. “You’re such a complete asshole.”

  Yeah. He was. Apparently he’d gotten his point across. “You need the truth.”

  Her stubborn chin lifted. “Then why don’t you actually give it to me?”

  Irritation warmed his lungs. She wasn’t making this easy. “I just did.”

  The woman snorted. Actually snorted that delicate nose. “Bullshit. You just gave me a cockamamie evasion so I could move on without you. Do you really think I misunderstand your feelings?”

  The sudden urge to flee fully pissed him off. “Excuse me?”

  “You want me. Have for quite some time, Jordan. Deal with it.”

  He lowered his chin, taking a good look at the woman. And a woman she was. The little girl he’d saved, the teenager who’d dogged his every step with adoration in her eyes ... was gone. In place stood a fully confident, courageous as hell warrior with challenge lifting her chin.

  His belly warmed. Hell. His cock began to pound. “Well, now.”

  She slammed her hands on her hips. “You can stop worrying. I’m not going to follow you into the afterlife. I’ll move on.”

  He growled low. “That’s nice to hear.”

  Full lips bowed as she shot a hard smile his way. “In fact, I fully intend to go on. Maybe with Lance. Or Noah, our new leader.”

  The growl turned to a snarl. Possessiveness clenched his hands into fists. The idea of Katie—his Katie—with any other shifter shot his beast to the surface. “Your point?”

  “My point?” She stalked three steps forward, putting herself in range. “I choose my life, Jordan. Stop being a damn coward and take a chance.” Slim fingers jerked the filmy covering over her head, leaving her in a tiny thong. “Mark me.”

  Pert breasts, flat stomach, and toned thighs ... all covered by skin smoother than silk. Perfect. She was so fucking perfect. His lungs compressed. Heat roared into his head. Inevitability shuddered down his back. The beast inside him rattled hard against the chains, wanting to leap and take. The man shoved the animal aside, needing reason. Needing to protect her. “Katie—”

  “No.” She took the final step forward, her scent of wild orchids wrapping around his heart and squeezing. “I want you. Even if this is our only chance ... our only time ... I never want to look back and wish.” Both small palms pressed against his abs, sliding up and over his chest to his neck, finally reaching his hair.

  Even with her height, she had to lever up on her toes to get ahold of him.

  Her grip was determined, sure ... and meant to keep him in place. But it was nothing compared to the look in her amber-colored eyes. Need, fear, total determination.

  No force on earth existed strong enough to make him turn away.

  One long shudder moved his shoulders, winding down his back as he gave in. If they only had one time, he wanted it, too. She’d always been fragile, even before the virus took hold of her. Now she was breakable. He’d have to be so very careful.

  Lowering his head, he captured her lips in a kiss meant to convey everything. Tears pricked the back of his eyes, shocking the hell out of him. He deepened the kiss, tasting honey and Katie.

  All wild woman and desperate promises.

  She groaned, pressing against him, her hands lowering to his shoulders.

  Ducking, he released her mouth and grabbed her behind the knees, sweeping her up. Gentle. He needed to be gentle. Long strides had them in the bedroom. She peppered hard kisses along his neck, sending demand straight to his cock.

  He laid her down on the plush bed. His utilitarian quarters underground weren’t good enough for her. Just a bed and dresser filled the room—no flowers or soft touches for a woman. The thought flew out of his head as he took a moment to look his fill. In his long life, he’d never seen anything as beautiful as this woman, nearly nude, face flushed, waiting for him.

  A trembling in his hands surprised him as he yanked his shirt over his head. His jeans soon followed. Her eyes widened a little, and he paused. During the last decade, he’d wondered. Sure, she’d dated. How many men had she accepted as a lover? She’d date again, he was sure. She deserved a good life ... when he passed. “I want this night, Kate.”

  “So do I.” The smile tipping her full lips promised heat.

  Right or wrong, he was taking this moment. Pressing a knee on the bed, he leaned over and ran his mouth along her smooth abdomen. Her breath caught, muscles shifting beneath his lips. The scent of woman and wild orchids shredded his heart.

  He traveled a path up her torso, between her breasts until he could nip her chin, his body covering hers. “I’m not going to mark you.”

  “Yes, you are.” Satisfaction filled her topaz eyes. Along with trust and love—yeah, love was there. “We both know it’s the only chance you’ve got to live.” Her palms spread over his pecs, her gaze following those clever hands as she caressed him, sliding down his sides to his flanks. “I don’t want this life without you, Jordan. Please take the chance.”

  As if on her command, his incisors lengthened. The lion inside him stretched, howled ... wanting to sink deep into her flesh. He shoved back, returning his teeth to human size. “The risk isn’t mine.” If he marked her, she’d never get another mate. Sure, she could find companions, even love, but no mate.

  “My risk, my decision.”

  Then she reached for him, partially encircling him with one smooth palm.

  His balls swelled, the base of his spine sparked. The air in his lungs began to burn. “Brave little kitten, aren’t you?”

  “One of us has to be.” She rubbed pinpoint sharp nipples against his chest.

  The control he’d tried so hard to keep faltered. He jerked her hand off his dick, pinning it next to her head while he reached for the o
ther one. This was such an incredibly bad idea. But his body had taken over. “I think you’ve misunderstood the dynamic here.”

  She arched into him, the scrap of material barely covering her. “Dynamic?”

  He lowered his head, scraping his teeth over one nipple. Her gasp of breath and low moan made him smile against her flesh. While he might let the animal out to play, he was still in control—and would remain so. But Katie, on the other hand ... well now.

  Pressing her hands flat, he laved her other nipple. Sweetness and salt exploded on his taste buds. His eyes closed in pure pleasure.

  Her fingers entwined with his as surely as she was wrapped around whatever heart he still had. An impressive grip the woman had.

  “Jordan, let go of my hands.” Husky and soft, her voice caressed his skin.

  He’d never heard that tone from her. An instant irritation ripped through him that another man would someday hear the sound. Someday feel her incredible breasts, listen to her soft moans, know her in ways Jordan never would. A snarl rippled up his throat and he quashed the anger. They had this night, and he’d make sure the woman remembered him always.

  Faster than cat reflexes had him rolling them both until she perched on his abs, his body flat on the bed. He released her hands and put his behind his head on the pillow. “You want to play, kitten?”

  Intrigue and delight lit her pretty eyes. “Yes.” Her gaze lowered to his chest.

  Slowly, almost hesitantly, she reached out, her fingers curling over his shoulders. A soft sigh escaped as her palms slid over his clavicles and down to his pecs.

  Fire licked down his spine in response. His hands shook with the need to grab her and flip her under him, so he interlaced his fingers to keep still. If Katie wanted to play, no way was he going to stop her.

  Her full breasts tempted him, so sweet, so feminine.

  Wonder filled her smile as she ran her hands back up, caressing the cords in his neck until tangling in his hair. Her reverent touch, as if she’d been waiting for so long, humbled him in ways he hadn’t expected.