“Luna, don’t you feel it?” His voice vibrated against her breastbone. “From the moment I first saw you, I felt the connection. And it’s only grown stronger and stronger every moment from then on. Once I bond with my soul mate, we will be mates for life. Luna, you are my heart’s desire, and I want you in my life…in my bed….”
She’d spent centuries with the water god thinking she was his soul mate, but the water god never claimed nor hinted she was his. He never promised her anything, not his undying love, devotion, or gratitude for all she had done for him. Yet, in a couple of days, this man had taken her existence to the next level. His glances from across the room had thrilled her. The heat from his hands on her skin excited her. But she fought it. She was bound not to sing, not to lure the island’s occupants to their death, so, therefore, no love interaction on her part. She accepted the terms. Just because she was mysteriously attracted to this man, she would have to ignore it. The only problem was he wanted her—a siren. And she didn’t have to sing to see it in the depths of his eyes. It signaled clear and true.
He is a fool for following me into the lake. “You should stay away from me. I’m dangerous.”
“More so than vampires or witches? Can you cast a spell over me?” Humor and passion lit his eyes.
Raw emotion lodged in her throat, her eyes swam with tears threatening to spill out. “You wouldn’t understand—”
“What Luna? That you’re a siren?”
You are just a siren. Those were the hurtful words the water god had uttered when he made her see she would never mean more to him than the new woman in his life. Being a siren—she—hadn’t been enough for the water god. Buried feelings of insignificance resurfaced, and she couldn’t bear being rejected again.
“Damn it, Nate, I will drown you. I won’t be able to control myself. It’s the way of my kind,” she cried desperately.
“Oh, honey, it would never happen.” He cupped her soft cheek.
“Get your paws off me!”
His empathy fanned the anger raging almost unchecked inside her. She didn’t want his pity any more than she’d wanted the water god’s when he dismissed her love and devotion and chuckled at her naïveté.
Nate’s hand remained clamped on her waist, the other hooked behind her slim neck. He refused to release her, sending her heart soaring—and plummeting—knowing he wouldn’t let her leave. What am I to do?
“Please…. You’re a fool to underestimate a siren’s warning.” She hung her head in defeat.
He brushed his lips across her forehead. “Don’t let history define you. Look at me after all; I’m a Sasquatch with immense strength, tracking skills, and the ability to camouflage—great for a soldier—but not my calling. I’m happiest at my home in the northern woods with my dogs. I may serve when duty calls, but I make room in my life for more. I want a future with my mate.”
A Sasquatch! The legend of Bigfoot. She’d only heard of the species and the unremarkable legend of their hunted existence. Placing her slim hand on his hairy chest, half out of the water, she stroked the long, dark strands, now drying and springing off his hard flesh. “Wow, I never would have guessed. Do you change…shift?”
He suddenly seemed disappointed, perhaps by her words or her tone. “I shift into the images of legend, when necessary. Does that repulse you?”
She winced like she’d been stung by an electric eel at the pain in his voice. Her breathing increased as her mind scrambled to fix this sudden change in him. His vulnerability gripped her at her core. Are you my true mate for real—no tricks or spells? Every fiber of her being screamed, “Yes!”
The plains of his chest were unyielding under her fingertips as they rose up until her hand held the thick column of his neck. “No—on the contrary—I want you more than anything.”
He nuzzled his nose in the crook of her neck and pressed his lips to her throbbing pulse. “Luna, kiss me.”
Sounds of pounding surf rushed her ears as his soft lips beckoned her. She was a lost sailor on a cloudy night without a compass—Nate was her beacon. He brushed her lips with his, enticing. She desired more…more intimacy…more glorious feelings of being cherished and loved. The iceberg in her heart was melting.
She still doubted this man could truly love her—not even a god could.
He will know me—intimately—and he will pay dearly for it.
Swooping her mouth onto his, she fueled her kisses with strong and urgent passion. He responded by locking his arms around her, sealing her flesh to his. He slanted his mouth, deepening their kiss and plunging his tongue. She instinctually circled his tongue by tightening her lips around it and sucked hard, sliding it in and out of her mouth. A low, muffled growl rumbled in his chest as he stroked her flesh. The rhythm intensified her heat. When she pulled back to gulp in air, he cupped her face, forcing her gaze to his. No one had ever looked at her like Nate did. And something shifted inside of her.
“I want you, Luna.” He must have seen the expression change on her face because he continued, “Why does it surprise you? You are beautiful, smart, interesting…and I could taste you for eternity.”
She forced a swallow and drew her thighs together, indeed ready for him to taste her salty heat. “You don’t know me. You will regret choosing me.” She searched his face for understanding. “I’ve done things. People get hurt around me, Nate. I don’t want to hurt you.” Kill you.
He released her face and slid his fingers lower, spanning the milky white skin above her breasts. His palms glided over her nipples, firing a quiver down her spine. When his palms cupped her breasts and gently squeezed, she sucked in a jagged breath along with her bottom lip. The lip caught between her teeth felt tender and swollen. His gaze never left her face, seemingly content to watch her changing expressions as his thumbs brushed her nipples.
Her heart always flip-flopped at his wolfish smile.
“I’ll take my chances. Do your worst, siren.” Nate’s head dipped, and his hot mouth captured the bud.
He’d remained on his knees during their kisses. Luna clutched the wild mane of his hair, squeezing the water from it. The droplets trickled down her silky arms. His mouth returned to hers, hungry. He stood, lifting her so she could wrap her legs around his waist. She sat, secured on the size of him between her legs. His erection stretched beneath her junction, between the roundness of her ass and beyond. So, Nate was a match for a god.
She broke the kiss to speak but had to take a few shallow breaths first. His mouth didn’t break contact with her skin. He ran hot kisses over her flushed cheeks, along her jaw, and skimmed her jugular with his teeth. This last action undid her. She was completely ready for him.
“Let’s get out of the water,” she said shakily.
“No.”
“Please, Nate, it’s safer.”
“No.”
“I can’t promise—”
“Only promise to be my mate.” He held her tight, drawing his head up to gaze at her. “Say yes, Luna. We are meant to be together.”
A tear slid from her eye, shocking her. Rarely had tears filled her eyes, but never before had she shed them. More curiously, it made a sound when it hit the water. She knew her tears weren’t for the loss of her water god because he didn’t matter anymore. This tear was for Nate—for what she would do to him—because she nodded and said yes.
“Luna, allow me to claim you. And you me.”
“Yes, Nate.”
She pulled his mouth down to hers. She closed her eyes to ward off the army of advancing tears. The cool, night air caressed her skin until he moved them into deeper water. Too deep! His large hands gently lifted her buoyant curves to adjust her for his entry. He pushed against her opening, rousing her killer instincts. She refused to be like her sisters and wouldn’t let the bloodlust control her. It had been so long since she’d been intimate with the god, or anyone. The savage return of her bloodlust scared her. It was too late to stop now. She’d said yes—
and damn it—she meant it!
Gripping her hips with gentle force, he eased in, stretching against the soft tightness of her. He paused and let out a long, low breath, the strength of it blowing the hair around her ear. The sensation caused her to shiver. In turn, she shimmied lower onto his cock.
Is the joining of soul mates, especially during the first time, always this powerful and intense? She’d never before experienced anything like it—it seemed her very soul joined with his at a higher level of consciousness.
A shallow groaning from him began as a hum at first, but it turned deeper—more menacing. He began to rock, and she intuitively arched, matching his rhythm. Her genetics were programed to pull him under the water. The urge was as strong and extreme as the spike drove her passion to the brink. It coiled in her belly, a building of tension. It thrilled and terrified her all at the same time. She whimpered as she let go, allowing her body and soul to belong to this man. As earthshattering as her climax was, after she reached her pinnacle, her urge to kill him escalated. A melody filled her mind. She inhaled a singer’s deep breath, and the lyrics died on her lips.
No. I won’t do it. I won’t kill him.
Elated she’d won, she clutched him to her, kissing him wildly until he pulled away burying his face in the wet folds of her hair. For a fraction of a breath, she thought she felt a ruffle of fur under her fingertips as Nate roared against her shoulder with one final thrust.
Under the moonlight, when his lips returned to hers, the kisses were lingering and gentle. “Luna, I am yours. And you are mine.”
You are mine. The words floated around her head while she wound her arms around his neck. However, bloodlust overpowered any contentment.
At odds with her very being, she buried her shaking hands in his hair. No! It’s doesn’t matter that you are my mate. I cannot transform like Selena. I tried. If I can’t change for you, then I will never change. Monumentally, she fought to clamp her jaw tight, but it seemed impossible to control the resurfacing urges in the water. I won’t bite him—maim his beautiful body. Instead, she buried her devastation, a firestone sinking in her belly, and resolved to remain calm and in control. Sirens had cold hearts after all. Still, she forced their mouths together and guided him under the water, counting on her strength to amplify and his life ending quietly. I’m so sorry, Nate, but I can’t fight it anymore.
Though Nate’s eyes were still open, she guessed he probably couldn’t see her well in the darkness. She, however, could see perfectly in the darkest depths. At war with herself, she fought both her powerful urge to drown him and her thoughts to save him, to love him. This is who I am. A siren. He was so sweet to want me for the rest of his life. Only he didn’t believe his life was going to end so soon.
He didn’t fight when she pulled him deep under the surface. The consuming bloodlust fueled her to drag him deeper. She hadn’t sung to get him here, but, after his death, she would have to leave the island. A wave of remorse overwhelmed her. I thought I was different. She trembled with self-loathing.
Suddenly, Nate lifted her out of the water.
She blinked. He had easily broken away from her clutches. At the surface, flabbergasted, she sputtered, “How did you…? How can you…?”
He effortlessly carried her from the lake. “You will never physically overpower me, Luna. The power you have over me is in an entirely different way.”
Elated by this news, she relaxed in his arms. She didn’t—couldn’t—kill him. Fate smiled on her after all. Nate broke her barriers and toppled her world. Now, he was her mate for life.
“You felt amazing. I almost lost control. I almost shifted while inside you.” He looked relieved. “I’ve never felt like that before.”
Lost control. Ha. I tried to kill you!
Still stunned, she couldn’t keep from grinning at him while they dressed. He reached for her, and she walked hand in hand with him to the Haus. Under the gazebo, one of the blondes and the vampire who’d approached Luna earlier were making out. She elbowed Nate, alerting him to the couple. “If either of those blondes touches you again, I will bite off their fingers.”
Nate chuckled.
Luna caught the vamp’s eye. Bite her good!
Chapter Six
Luna strolled toward the Haus after her morning session with Selena, renewed and content. She searched for Sage to inquire about one of her famous shakes. Cemil had mentioned his sister made the best concoctions on the island, and, earlier today, Selena recommended them as well.
When she reached the lobby, the Zen atmosphere had changed. Luna paused. Several feet away, the ample-chested blonde she had seen groping the vampire last night—after groping her mate—raised her voice at Rekkus and Cyrus. Others hung around to listen, including Charlie, who leaned heavily on his cane. She proceeded to the front desk. Rekkus tapped information in a handheld device while the woman prattled on about her complaint. Cyrus casually strolled away, apparently allowing the head of security to handle the distraught woman.
“And where are these bites you woke up with?” Rekkus asked.
“Everywhere! My neck, my thighs, my tits. And I’m telling you it was that guy. I don’t remember his name, but the pale one…you know, the one who could use a suntan.”
Luna suppressed a laugh. Blondie got what she deserved after touching Nate. The vampire is forgettable, but he did a lousy job glamouring you. She stepped up to the counter and smiled at Myron. The ladies exchanged pleasantries as if nothing odd was occurring, though they heard every word.
“I’ll file your complaint, and we’ll have it rectified by this evening,” Rekkus robotically informed the agitated woman.
“This evening! Why can’t you just talk to the pervert now?”
Luna glanced their way. Because he’s a vampire who prefers the night. She flicked her gaze to Myron. “Where can I find Sage? I was hoping to sample one of her famous smoothies.”
“Sage usually works in the garden at this hour.” The receptionist slid a paper forward and pointed to a drawing of its location on a trifold map.
“Perfect. Thank you.”
Myron returned to flipping cards. Luna discreetly scanned the room. Many onlookers had moved out of hearing distance. Even Cyrus walked outside with Charlie, engaged in conversation. Heading out of the building, and feeling a little sorry for Rekkus, she couldn’t resist one last glance at him.
“We have protocol and procedures.” Rekkus glanced at his military grade watch. “If you have more to add, we can step into my office.”
“Oh, there’s more! I think you may need to drain the lake.”
His gaze lingered on the entrance, making Luna wonder why Rekkus still seemed suspicious when he watched her leave. Did he think she might have something to do with the lake? Dashing into the sunshine, she skirted the building and found Sage in the garden.
After a pleasant fifteen-minute conversation with Sage, Luna left the herbalist to her task of tending the garden. Sage had offered to make her a shake right away, but Luna assured her there was no rush and she was headed for the beach to swim.
While the other guests congregated at a sandy beach, Luna preferred to bask on the smooth flat surfaces of the rocky shore on the other side of the island. She padded barefoot down the overgrown path toward the surf. An agonized moan filtered through the thinning trees. She halted and scanned her surroundings. It came again. Stepping off the path, she picked her way through the underbrush to investigate. A few hundred yards in, the owner of the Wiccan Haus, Cyrus Rowan, lay sprawled and semi-conscious in the vegetation. Her heart raced, and she gasped as she dropped to her knees beside him.
What possibly could have brought down this large man?
She leaned closer. A dart of some sort stuck out of Cyrus’s neck. Instinctively, she plucked it out and tossed it aside. The puncture wound swelled, turning a blackish purple. Crashing footsteps penetrated the fog of bewilderment gluing her focus on Cyrus. Awareness infiltrated, and sh
e pinpointed the culprit. Charlie ran away. She tried to solve this puzzle as her mind spun.
Charlie is running? Where is his walking stick?
She staggered to her feet, calling his name. He paused and narrowed his wild eyes at her. When she advanced toward him, she stepped on a hard object—Charlie’s walking stick. She bent to retrieve the broken stick, except it wasn’t broken. It lay in two pieces with a hidden compartment just large enough to contain something narrow like the dart.
Charlie must have shoved the dart into Cyrus’s neck. A part of the puzzle solved, she exclaimed, “Charlie, what have you done!”
He bolted. She chased after him. He’s remarkably fast for a man with a bad knee. As more puzzle pieces snapped into place in her mind, she realized birdwatching had been a disguise, and Charlie was an imposter. But why? Why attack Cyrus? She should have guessed he wasn’t genuine when he hadn’t recognized the common goldfinch. And she’d caught him spying on Cyrus in the woods several days ago. As the sticks poked at her feet, she grumbled, knowing she couldn’t catch up to him. But she couldn’t let him get away with this! There was only one thing she could do.
Taking a huge, shaky inhale, she exhaled in song.
***
The early morning hours had started with glorious lovemaking. Everything he’d heard about finding and connecting to a mate was astonishingly true. The worst part about it, though, was separating from her—he to his security duties and she to her session with Selena. Nate had hastily dressed, dragging his gaze from Luna’s tempting, lithe body curled in the scattered sheets. Her black hair, long and luxurious, cascaded over the pillow in stark contrast to the snowy white linens. He’d blown a long, exaggerated breath to ease the tugging in his loins. Nate had other responsibilities and couldn’t neglect the ongoing investigation into the death threat on Cyrus’s life. As he reached for the doorknob, he’d stolen one final look at his mate before he left the room.
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