When Hunter Meets Seeker: (An Arcane Society Novel - Paranormal Demon Romance)

by Betty Shreffler

  She quickly outstretched her arms, lengthening her fingers so she could graze the feathers before they disappeared. When her fingers contacted, it was incredible softness beneath her fingertips, yet solid, unbreakable, as though they were made of the strongest metal and softest fabric.

  They folded inward, disappearing into her skin, fading into it, becoming part of it, leaving the black tattoos, as if they’d never left her body.

  The evening breeze blew her curtains inward, casting beautiful shadows over her body, a contrast from the bright light of the moon. Her lights were out and it gave him relief. Had she killed the shadow walker? He stood there for several moments outside her open window, wondering if he should even go in, but the scent of her won him over, pulling him in like a thread to an empty spool.

  He stepped near her bed. She’d cleaned the makeup from her face. The bruises were clearer now, filling the visible side of her cheek and jaw. In her tank top and shorts he could see the cuts and abrasions that he could not see beneath her jeans and long-sleeved shirt she’d worn earlier. His chest tightened at the sight of her injuries. He didn’t like seeing her this way. He wondered what happened to her. What she’d fought against. Why a shadow walker had been following her. How it was possible that he’d seen her eyes fill with demon green. Too many questions plagued his mind. Too many to think about now.

  He slid into her bed, pushing his ability onto her, keeping her in a restful sleep, dreaming of him, dreaming of them. She moaned a breath and her lips parted. His cock hardened at the sight of her arousal. He bit back a grin as he eased her into his arms. He kissed her softly on the full lips that moaned for him. She curled herself into his chest and he lay there peacefully, inhaling her incredible scent.

  As much as he didn’t want to trust her, he couldn’t bring himself to stay away from her. He wanted to lie with her every night, to ensure she was safe, to ensure she dreamt of him and only him. He wanted to do to her what she dreamt of now. He wanted to plunge deep inside her, feel her desire consuming him, feel her giving him life, giving him love, giving him all of her.

  When he’d seen her tonight at the club, rage had filled him, only to be snuffed out by hope, by intrigue. Maybe there was a possibility for them to trust one another. She’d proven she had no desire to harm him, or his boss or others. He’d recognized her friend when he’d kicked him out of the club. He’d been one of Serena’s clients. He returned to his office after she’d left and watched the video feed. Anya was right. Serena was causing the sickness in him. Any more and her friend would have struggled to survive. He understood her choice to protect him, to protect others.

  His thoughts exploded into tiny fragments when he heard his name escape her lips. It came quietly, softly, barely a whisper. He held her tighter, taking her dream of them deeper into intimacy. Intimacy that only lovers would share. Her hand squeezed his chest as she exhaled an anticipative breath. He ran his thumb over her cheek and jaw, wishing he could take away the bruises. He tangled his fingers into her hair, strumming them through it, taking pleasure in the softness and flowery scent of it.

  When she moaned and fisted his shirt tighter he swelled. His need pulsing. He couldn’t keep himself from her any longer. He needed her.

  “Anya.” He grazed his hand along her cheek. Her sleepy eyes opened, flittering from her drowsy state of sleep.

  “Dex.” His name escaping her lips was a sound as enchanting as music.

  He thumbed her bottom lip, stroked her cheek and then kissed her deeply. Her tongue melted into his, warm and inviting. He pulled away to look at her beautiful eyes.

  “Am I dreaming?”

  “Do you want this to be a dream?”

  She shook her head and his chest lightened, feeling airy. His incubus body a mixture of raw need and anxious anticipation.

  “I want you, Anya. I want to be inside of you. Will you be mine tonight?”

  She reached up, touching him, as if she needed to be sure he was real. “Yes,” she said softly.

  His heart sped up, eager to have her beneath him. He kissed her softly, taking her face in his hand. She gave him as much passion as he’d hoped for. She wanted him just as much as he needed her. He laid her back gently and continued placing soft kisses over her lips, neck and shoulder as he eased his fingers under her tank top, lifting it as he raised his hand to her breast.

  Her petite, firm breast filled his hand entirely. He massaged it, thumbing the nipple, hardening it. She moaned beneath him, giving him satisfaction that he could bring pleasure to her so easily. He lowered himself, kissing along her stomach, her sides, licking and nipping as he came to the edge of her shorts. He pulled them from her hips; she raised them, assisting his efforts.

  With her lying naked beneath him he admired her body, storing every curve and detail to memory. “You’re beautiful, Anya, incredibly beautiful.”

  Her eyes glimmered as she watched him undress. He lifted his shirt and eased out of his jeans. Her eyes settled on his erection and he grinned as lust and desire filled her eyes. He took her hand in his and placed it on him. She stroked eagerly and as she did, he slid his fingers into her, diving into the hot, wet, warmth she had to offer. He plunged, massaging her folds, finding her weak spot. Her feverish strokes hardened him to the point he ached to be inside of her.

  With her desire strong and her body aching for him to fill it, he removed his touch. She kept hold of him and pulled him down to her, spreading her legs for him. He eased inside of her, driving into the delicious warmth and tight folds of her. With each thrust his body burned with need, need for her orgasm, need for her to give herself over to him. Her body arched and the moans came enthusiastically from her lips.

  He took her harder, coaxing the orgasm from her body. She clung to him in panicked need to survive the ride he was taking her on. Her breathy moans quickened and her fingers dug into his arms. He kept his thrusts even, steady, stroking her clit just right, drawing her orgasm, fast and intense.

  As the scorching heat poured over him, he tilted his head back, absorbing her arousal. His body quivered with euphoria. Her arousal was strong, powerful, giving him incredible vitality. He clung to her orgasm for the time it lasted. As it waned, so did his sensation of pleasure.

  He stayed above her, kissing her tenderly, thanking her for what she’d given him. He nuzzled into her neck and hair. She clung to him, holding him above her, not letting him go. She breathed into his ear, her breaths becoming shallow. He could feel her slipping into sleep’s embrace. He leaned back, stroking her face, her hair, admiring her beautiful face. He pushed his ability onto her and ensured she slept peacefully. He turned to his side, pulling her body against him, holding her close as he let himself fall into oblivion with her.

  Chapter 14

  Anya woke and fisted an empty sheet. Her eyes darted around her. The dreams had seemed so real. It was as if he’d actually been here. Her body warmed at the memories of the dreams, of the love he’d made to her. She nuzzled her face into her pillow. She could smell his musky scent. Feel him between her legs still. He’d been here. It wasn’t all a dream. He’d asked her if she wanted it to be a dream. She’d said no. She’d wanted it to be real. He’d made love to her. Asked her to be his for the night.

  She curled into her pillow and sheet, smiling, remembering what he felt like, how tender he’d been, how easily he’d drawn the orgasm from her body. How he’d held her tight, keeping her warm and loved through the night. She wanted him here now. She wanted to have him again, to feel him inside of her, wanting her.

  She reluctantly dragged herself from her bed, already missing his scent. A hot shower soothed the remaining aching need she had for him. With fresh clothes and dry hair she packed her gear for her first kickboxing lesson of the day, feeling better today than she had in several days.

  Jackson waved as she entered the gym. She smiled and joined him at the weight bench.

  “You look happy this morning.”

  “I am.”

  �
�Uh-huh. And the reason?” he asked as he curled the dumbbells.

  “I had a very good night’s sleep.”

  Jackson stared at her, clearly unconvinced. “That’s it? Just a good night’s sleep?”

  “Oh and I killed the shadow walker.” She’d forgotten all about him in her lightheaded happy state of mind.

  Jackson set the dumbbells down. “Good. That’s a relief. Now I don’t have to worry about you being home alone anymore.” He glanced at her gym bag. “You teaching class today?”

  “Yeah, I’ll take it easy and won’t personally instruct as much.”

  “You doing anything tonight? Joe wants to go out.”

  She thought of Dex, and her stomach fluttered with a swarm of tiny butterflies. “We should go to Donatello’s.”

  Jackson grinned. “Hoping to see someone special there?”

  “Maybe.” She turned away before he saw her cheeks turn pink. “See you tonight.”

  After making it through two classes, she gorged on lunch and then came home and collapsed in a heap on her bed. She’d fallen asleep shortly after her head hit pillow. When she woke it was already evening. She made sure to eat again, giving her body much needed nutrition. Sitting at her counter, she had time to think before getting ready. These last few days had been a whirlwind.

  She had to put the pieces together to keep from losing her mind. She’d discovered she was the same creature she hunted. Had it surprised her, yes, but she’d accepted the news pretty quickly just like she accepted she was born into the legacy of being an Arcane Hunter when she was sixteen. Losing Dillon was something she hadn’t entirely dealt with and his death happened so quickly and mysteriously she wasn’t even sure how to deal with it.

  She did believe that the Arcane Society was not what she thought it was. She wasn’t sure yet if she believed the organization to be completely corrupt. Wanting to shut down a club full of demons wasn’t a malicious act. Killing Carl’s brother as punishment wasn’t commendable either.

  Did Leo really send the shadow walker or was someone else behind the curtain, pulling the strings? And Dex. Her stomach jumped with excitement, sending arousal trickling down to her thighs. The demon was incredibly sexy, devious, and just what she needed. His touch was like a fire warming the coldest parts of her soul. She wanted to see him again. She hoped he’d be working at the club tonight.

  Then there was the fact that she’d been born from a demon and a half-blood demon. Maybe two half-blood demons. With few facts to go by, she didn’t know for sure. Either way, she wasn’t human, not entirely, like she’d believed all these years. The tattoos and wings were a whole other issue. Their purpose so far had served as a defense mechanism. They were incredibly strong and impenetrable, responded out of instinct as though they were tied to her emotions and subconscious. When they opened they felt as much a part of her as her own arms or legs. She could feel their weight, but not enough that it made her unbalanced, more of an awareness that they were there.

  They could clearly get her short distances. She’d proven that when she’d jumped off the roof like a lunatic. They’d had the strength and swimming motion to keep her adrift in the air. How long and far they could keep her adrift was yet to be discovered, as was any other purpose the wings served.

  She glanced at the clock and tossed her plate into the sink. She made sure to pick out something sexy to wear and to spend the needed time to put a little extra curl in her hair and to cover the yellowish-purple bruise along her cheek and jaw. She chose a long-sleeved, shimmery cream shirt with an open V-shaped back revealing her now visible tattoos. She slipped on dark denim jeans and strappy heels. She looked in the mirror, pleased with what she saw.

  When the horn honked outside, those familiar butterflies flapped rapidly. She left her house and joined the guys in Jackson’s car. Thomas had apparently decided to join them too. He gave her a wave as she entered the car.

  “Damn, Awn, you look hot.” Joe tugged at a curl. “If you weren’t my friend I’d want to bang you. Who am I kidding, I’d bang you anyway. Wanna ditch these guys and go back inside?”

  Anya turned back to him and slapped his leg. “You’re such a pig.”

  Joe tried to block her swing and laughed.

  “She’s not dressed up for us, she’s hoping to run into the guy who works security.” Jackson winked at her as he pulled out of the driveway. “You do look good, really good. He’s gonna like what he sees.”

  She glanced out the window as her cheeks warmed.

  “When did you get the new tattoo?” Thomas asked her. “Looks like it already healed.”

  Anya didn’t think about that when she’d donned the open-back shirt. “Oh. Yeah. A few days ago. It did heal pretty quick. Got a homemade ointment from the artist. Some concoction he created. The stuff is amazing, works great.”

  She glanced at Jackson knowingly. He smirked.

  “It looks sexy on you. I like it.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Are they wings?” Joe studied her back and then reached over and grazed her skin. She shivered from the sudden and unexpected touch.

  “Yeah.”

  “Looks badass. Almost 3D, like they’re going to pop right out.”

  Anya laughed. She couldn’t help it. If only he knew.

  Jackson pulled into the parking lot of Donatello’s and those butterflies wandered into her stomach again, flapping annoyingly. They stood through a longer line this time. With it being the weekend the club was much busier. When they finally got in, she darted for the bar. The guys followed her this time. They seemed to want to stick together instead of ditching her for the VIP area. She appreciated that she’d actually get to hang out with her friends tonight.

  They each ordered several shots and raced to chug them down. The bald, tatted bartender seemed to recognize her and Jackson.

  “We’re not going to have any trouble out of you two, are we?”

  She shook her head and smiled. “None at all. Don’t worry.”

  He nodded and went back to filling glasses for his customers.

  Jackson grinned. “I think we’re getting a reputation here.”

  She laughed before settling her eyes on the camera above the bar. She wondered if Dex was here and hoped he saw her on the screen.

  Dex absentmindedly watched the screens. The club was busy tonight, but so far no activity worth breaking a sweat over. Greg laughed behind him and he turned his head to see the cause.

  “Red’s back.”

  Dex tried to conceal his flutter of anticipation. “Where?”

  “Sitting at the bar, looking right at us.” He leaned back and tilted his screen so Dex could see.

  As his eyes reached the screen, hers left it. She was with three other guys, laughing at one of their comments. Seeing the way they looked at her made his skin tighten and his jaw tense. She looked ravishing, undeniably sexy. He wanted to scoop her into his arms, take her to a room and have a replay of their first night together.

  When one of her friends touched the small of her back and led her to the dance floor, his muscles constricted. He stood from his chair, headed toward the door.

  He heard Greg let out a low chuckle behind him. “This should be interesting.”

  Dex moved through the crowd like a panther stalking its prey. His eyes locked on her body, swaying to the music, the man’s hand on her hip. A surge of jealousy embedded in his chest. He didn’t like another man touching her, let alone getting pleasure from her delicious curves. As he stepped in closer he put his hand on the man’s shoulder. He turned his head and Dex nodded for him to move away. Her friend grinned and eased his hand off her hip. He seemed to be expecting him or was smart enough to know when to walk away.

  Dex grabbed her hips and pulled her into him as he wrapped his hands around her sides, leaning into her ear. “Do you know what’s going through my mind right now?”

  She turned in his arms and her beautiful odd-colored eyes glimmered with desire and anticipation.

&n
bsp; “No doubt the same as what’s going through my mind.”

  “If it is, then you know I want to take you into a private room and have a repeat of our first night.”

  “I won’t stop you.”

  His eyes roamed over her face and body. Arousal tickled his gut and expanded into his jeans. “What I want to do to you I don’t have enough time for right now.”

  He pulled her closer, bringing her soft lips closer to his.

  “Later then, you’ll come again?”

  He nodded as he stared down at her beautiful face. He reached his hand up, holding her chin up to him as he kissed her. Dancers swayed around them and the music pumped wildly as his heart pounded in his chest. The scent of her arousal reached his nostrils and his body responded.

  “Screw it.” He grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the dance floor. “I can’t wait until tonight. Not when you look this good and smell the way you do.”

  Dex shoved the door open and lifted her around his hips as he kicked the door closed.

  “Where are we?”

  “Does it matter?”

  It didn’t. His lips came down on hers like hot embers. She succumbed to the heat, the warmth, the fire, driving her senses wild. He pulled back for a breath.