Ancient Enemy

by Reus, Katie

  Feeling nervous, she played with the tie of her robe as he shoved his pants off, clearly fine with his nudity.

  “I’ll leave if you don’t want me here,” he said quietly when she still hadn’t undressed.

  She met his intense gaze and shook her head. “I want you here. I’m just feeling nervous, I guess.” Things had changed so quickly between them and she was feeling untethered. As if the reality of her world had suddenly shifted and she wasn’t sure what to do.

  “We don’t have to do anything but shower. We never have to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.”

  “I’m not used to casual sex,” she blurted out. “So I’m just feeling out of sorts.” She wanted to blame it on all the magic she’d expelled earlier but that would be a lie. And the thought of lying to him felt wrong on many levels. She was already withholding something from him. She didn’t want to add to that with lies.

  “I’m out of sorts too,” he murmured, his dark blue eyes holding hers.

  For some reason it was hard to believe because this arrogant male was always so confident. Before she could think of a response, he pulled the shower curtain back and stepped inside. Steam billowed out behind him, and when he pulled the shower curtain half closed she was able to breathe out a sigh of relief.

  He’s already seen you naked, she reminded herself. And he obviously liked what he saw. Rolling her eyes at herself, she stripped off her robe. She wasn’t a coward so it was time she stopped acting like one.

  She stepped into the shower with him and he immediately moved to the side, allowing her to get under the water. Just like that, most of her tension fled. This dragon was so damn thoughtful and possessive and it was almost enough to undo her.

  “Tell me more about your family, about when you moved to New Orleans,” he said as she stepped under the water.

  She frowned up at him. “Why?” she demanded.

  His lips quirked up. “Ah, because I’m making conversation. Because I want to know more about you.”

  Oh, that made sense. She inwardly winced at her paranoia, that he’d somehow figured out who her mother was. She needed to tell him the truth but…later.

  Closing her eyes, she let the water completely soak her, then stepped out of the stream so he could get under it. But instead, he grabbed a bottle of shampoo and started washing her hair. For some reason the action was incredibly intimate and sweet, and she didn’t care that she’d just washed it that morning. The peppermint scent filled the shower as his expert fingers magically massaged her head. Goddess, he was talented with those fingers. Another rush of heat spiraled through her and she knew he would have to scent her desire. Not that she wanted to hide it or anything.

  He let out a low groan behind her and she felt his heavy erection brush against her back so yeah, he was in the same place she was. But he’d asked her a question and she’d never answered.

  “My family history isn’t really great. I never knew who my father was. Just someone my mother used because she wanted to get pregnant. He was powerful, that much I know. She alluded to it more than once,” Dallas added, surprised she was telling him this.

  But he’d told her about his dead sister, and considering that her mother had been the one to kill his sister, she could be honest. Plus, she cared for him—more than she wanted to think about.

  “I think she held back the knowledge of who my father was as a way to control me. Though I didn’t realize that until much later. When I was young, my mother was decent enough, even if she wasn’t a very caring parent. For the most part, our coven at the time raised me. Witch covens are like shifter packs in that respect—everyone helps out when needed. And I like that, in theory. But it just gave her an excuse not to have much to do with me until I was old enough for her to actually care about my growing power.”

  Now that Dallas had started it was like she couldn’t stop. The words just poured out of her.

  “By the time I turned sixteen, I realized that she didn’t love me. I wish I could say that her love was just conditional but…there was simply no love there. She doesn’t know how to love anyone but herself. And she was the queen of gaslighting. The only thing she cared about was how powerful our coven grew—how powerful she was. There’s a darkness in her…”

  She swallowed hard, but forced herself to continue. Behind her, he was silent, still massaging her head.

  “The week I turned eighteen I left town. I didn’t tell a soul I was leaving, because I knew she would try to stop me. I backpacked around the country for a while.” Decades. “I worked odd jobs, got a couple degrees. Eventually I made my way to New Orleans and I’ve been here the last twenty years. Something about this place called to me on a fundamental level. This is my home and I love it.”

  He’d finished massaging her head and was now just holding her close.

  “So that’s my sad story,” she said on a nervous laugh. “So you have to tell me more about your family.” She stepped forward and started rinsing the shampoo out of her hair.

  “Or I can go down on you again.” His voice was all raspy, sexy.

  His words punched through her and she sucked in a breath as the shower jets cascaded around them. “Rhys…”

  “Is that a yes or no?” His eyes glowed slightly now as he watched her.

  “Yes, no, I mean…I still want to know about you.” She was getting whiplash from his change in topic, but she liked it. Liked him.

  “And I’ll tell you later. But I need to taste you now. I can feel the sadness rolling off you. I don’t like it.”

  Oh goddess, and he wanted to take it away by giving her pleasure? This male was going to destroy all her walls.

  Before she could respond, he had her pinned against the wall and was devouring her mouth with his. He plundered her mouth the same way he had earlier, possessing her completely in a way she’d never experienced. Never even allowed herself to fantasize about.

  She arched her body into his, clutched onto his shoulders as he cupped her face with one big, callused palm.

  She felt like a cat in heat, wanting to rub all up over him.

  He groaned into her mouth as he slid his hands down her body, cupping her breasts as if she was made of spun glass.

  She loved the way he was with her, but she needed a little more.

  Reaching between their bodies, she palmed his thick erection and slowly started stroking him. He’d been in control earlier and she wanted to make him come. Just from her, with no help.

  She had no idea what would happen between them after this. They’d made each other orgasm once and now apparently they were about to do it again. But that didn’t mean anything. Soon he’d be going back to Scotland—once he got his revenge and killed her mother. And if he ever found out who Catta truly was to her, he would hate her for the rest of his life.

  She shoved those thoughts out of her mind when he cupped her mound. She didn’t want to think about her crappy family or the secret she was keeping from him. She just wanted to enjoy this moment. Especially after she’d nearly expended all of her energy earlier.

  She rolled her hips against his hand, her inner walls tightening around his finger as he slid it inside her.

  “I can’t get enough of you,” he murmured against her mouth before he crouched in front of her.

  She stared down at his broad shoulders and dark hair. He should look ridiculous in this small shower but he just looked sexy as hell.

  “Put your leg over my shoulder,” he ordered softly, pinning her with those dark blue eyes.

  He’d been so gentle and careful with her over the last couple days. And she really wanted to believe that he cared about her, not because she could do something for him, but because of who she was. He made her feel special, treasured. That alone terrified her because she’d been rejected so many times before. It had become second nature to reject people first. She was always waiting for the other shoe to drop, for her former partners to reveal that they were just using her for whatever reason. It had gotten to t
he point that she’d stopped dating, stopped sleeping with anyone.

  She didn’t want to walk away from Rhys though.

  He leaned forward as she did exactly as he ordered and put her leg over his shoulder. There was no purchase against the slick tiles of the shower but he gripped one of her hips securely and held her in place.

  When he flicked his tongue against her clit, she forgot everything else. He teased her over and over until she was climaxing against his face. She didn’t care how loud she was, didn’t care about anything other than the spirals of pleasure punching out to all of her nerve endings as he completely consumed her. By the time he’d wrung multiple orgasms out of her, she collapsed against the wall but he caught her, pulling her into his arms.

  Her nipples brushed against his bare chest and she savored the skin-to-skin contact. Craved it.

  His erection was still thick between them, heavy and pulsing. “I’m going to take care of this,” she murmured and wrapped her fingers around it even as he kissed her deeply. It was kind of weird to taste herself on his mouth but she found she liked it.

  He shuddered under her touch, his big body trembling as she stroked him over and over until he completely lost control just as she had. It hadn’t taken much to push him over the edge. Getting him off like this was a huge turn-on, and she realized that if they had sex right now, she would likely come again, the instant he slid inside her. But she wasn’t ready for that intimacy. Not yet.

  He came with a growl against her mouth, coming all over her hand and stomach. Just like before he rubbed it all over her skin, and in that moment she knew he was definitely marking her. It must be a shifter thing—and she liked it way too much.

  She liked being claimed by this male, liked feeling as if she belonged. As if maybe…they could have something real together. It was a fantasy but one she was allowing herself to have.

  “You’re going out tonight with me,” he murmured against her mouth, giving her gentle little kisses before snagging the shampoo bottle for himself.

  She stared up at him. “What?”

  “You, me, some of the others. We’re all going to the Quarter later tonight. I spoke to King before you woke up and they’re still searching for the witches. Per him, there’s literally nothing you can do right now. Nothing I can do either, because I’m not leaving your side. And I know you’re overdue for having some fun. So after this, you’re going to eat, then I’m taking you out dancing.”

  She stared up at him, a swirl of emotions mixing inside her. She wanted to say yes, but doing this almost felt like going on a date. It felt real. More real than what they’d just shared. “So if we go out tonight…we’re…together? For the night, I mean? Not like…” She cleared her throat.

  He watched her, his dragon peering back at her for a brief moment. “We’re most definitely together. And if that sneaky lion flirts with you, I’m punching him in the face. So fair warning,” he murmured before he leaned down and brushed his lips over hers.

  Okay, then. She fell into his kiss, marveling at how natural this felt.

  When he stepped back under the jets, she grabbed her conditioner as he washed out his shampoo. The thought of going out with him on a pseudo-date sounded almost fun.

  Fun?

  She’d almost forgotten what that was, she realized. She had no regrets about her lifestyle and loved where she lived. She missed the peace and security of her land and she looked forward to eventually returning home. Her land was a part of her in a way non-witches wouldn’t understand. But the truth was, she said no a lot to people. Especially her friends in the city when they asked her to come visit and stay a night or two. Because it was easier to reject people first. A habit she’d allowed herself to fall into.

  But for tonight at least, she was going to turn off her brain and have fun with the big, sexy dragon in the shower with her. Because he was right—there was nothing they could do if King’s pack was still hunting those witches.

  King was Alpha, and if he wanted her and Rhys on the sidelines, it was the way it was. And that was fine with her.

  Besides, she got to spend the evening with Rhys. She knew it wasn’t going to last between them, but she could enjoy the here and now and pretend that they had some sort of chance at a real relationship.

  Chapter 22

  “I feel weird being out and having fun right now,” Dallas murmured as she linked her fingers through Rhys’s. She also felt pretty weird holding hands with this big dragon when there was so much up in the air between them. She hadn’t been kidding when she said she didn’t do casual. Apparently she was breaking all of her rules tonight. And for the foreseeable future with him.

  Until he learned the truth. Because he’d end things with her then, no doubt about it.

  “I understand,” he said as they followed behind Lola, Bella, Brielle and Harlow. Axel was in his actual lion form, swishing his tail back and forth as they trotted down the street. It seemed so…on brand for the lion.

  Music poured out from multiple places on St. Peter Street as they headed deeper into the heart of the French Quarter. Unlike the many times she’d been here before The Fall, now there were plenty of supernatural creatures in their animal form just walking around. Minding their business, having a good time.

  “I take it you haven’t had a lot of fun in the last year since waking up?” she asked as she sidestepped a jaguar running down the street.

  “No. Not until I met you.” He kissed the top of her head and warmth spread everywhere as they continued onward.

  “We don’t need to wait in line,” Bella tossed over her shoulder. “I called ahead and—”

  “Dallas!”

  She turned at the sound of a male voice coming up on her left from the street. Her eyes widened in surprise when she saw her friend Javier striding down the road.

  His dark hair was cropped close to his skull, very likely a throwback to his Marine Corps days. The half-demon hybrid moved with a liquid grace that belied his other nature. His amber eyes glowed slightly as he stepped up on to the sidewalk to greet her.

  “Oh my God!” She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him into a tight hug.

  Laughing, he hugged her back.

  “What are you even doing here?” she asked as she stepped back. “I thought you were living in Biloxi under Finn’s rule.”

  Rhys wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close, the possessive gesture not lost on her. She wanted to laugh because Javier was definitely just a friend.

  “How about you introduce me to the big dragon first before he bites my head off? Then I’ll tell you everything.” Javier’s smile was genuine as he held out a hand to Rhys. “My name’s Javier, or you can call me Javi. I am just a friend with Dallas and have only ever been a friend. For the record.”

  She elbowed Rhys gently and he held out a hand, returning a semi-polite “Hello.”

  “This is my friend Rhys,” she told Javier. “He’s in town for a little bit and we’re helping King out with some gardening stuff.”

  “Gardening?” He snickered as they hurried to catch up with the others.

  “You know what I mean.” Then she looked up at Rhys. “Javier used to run a farm back in Alabama. Agriculture and livestock. We actually met on an agricultural forum ages ago. Later we discovered that we were both supernaturals and formed a real friendship.”

  Rhys frowned slightly.

  “Oh, a forum is a computer thing. Like a group where people chat online. Sort of like a group text.”

  He nodded slightly and Javier gave him an interested look. “Did you just wake up or something?”

  Rhys’s back straightened. “What do you know about dragons?”

  “Well, my brother is a dragon hybrid, so I know enough.”

  Rhys seemed to ease at that. “I woke up about a year ago. I’m still adjusting to this world and learning many things.”

  “You woke up at the wrong time. Or maybe the right time. I don’t know,” Javier said, shaking hi
s head as they reached the corner of the next street. “Where are you guys going, anyway? Because I’m surprised you’re out at all.”

  “Oh, we’re actually going to your sister’s club.” Cynara, half vampire, half demon badass warrior.

  He laughed lightly. “What a coincidence. That’s exactly where I’m going.”

  “How long are you in town?” she asked.

  “Few weeks. Maybe a month. King asked Finn if I could help out with tracking down some things. Since this is my night off, I figured I’d better go see my big sister, or risk getting my ass kicked later.”

  As they rounded the corner, she saw the line to the club was incredibly long and she was glad they weren’t going to have to wait in it.

  “You have a familiar scent,” Rhys said bluntly as he looked at Javier. “Bo is your brother also?”

  Javier’s eyes widened slightly. “Yes. And you have really good scent abilities. Are you a tracker too?”

  Rhys shrugged. “I’m a warrior.”

  “And I can tell you’re talkative too,” he said, laughing.

  Rhys’s mouth kicked up slightly.

  “Come on you guys!” Lola called out ahead of them. “And bring your sexy friend!”

  Javier’s eyes widened slightly as he looked at Lola. “You gonna introduce me to her?” he asked Dallas quietly, eyeing the petite snow leopard with the rainbow-colored hair.

  “Of course. I’m pretty sure she’ll eat you alive though.”

  “I am so okay with that.”

  Rhys actually grunted in what sounded a lot like laughter so she leaned into him as they headed for the VIP door, which was being held open by Cynara—who tackle-hugged Javier.

  In that moment Dallas was glad she’d listened to Rhys. Getting out tonight felt good. Weird, but hanging out with people who genuinely liked her, people she hoped that she could be friends with—yeah, she was going to enjoy tonight for all it was worth.

  And just maybe it would end with her and Rhys getting sweaty and naked. At that thought, a burst of heat bloomed inside her and Rhys let out a little growl as they stepped into the fairly loud club.