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

by Betty Shreffler

“Done.”

  Dex’s dark eyes glistened as he eyed her, taking a mouthful between his grin.

  “We need to work on your negotiating skills. That wasn’t a bargain, Dex. That was a win-win, for me.”

  The curve of his mouth raised. His dark possessive eyes remained locked on her. “It’s just as much a win-win for me. I enjoy cooking and especially enjoy being inside of you.”

  Anya tightened her thighs as arousal spread throughout her body. She swallowed, staring back at his seductive eyes.

  “Stop looking at me like that. I’d like to get through this meal without thinking about tearing your clothes off.”

  Dex winked at her as he slid another bite into his mouth.

  “Tell me more about your family.”

  She noticed his jaw twitch. She wondered if she was antagonizing his history with the hunters and immediately regretted asking the question.

  His brow tightened. “I was adopted. An Arcane Hunter killed my parents when I was seven. I was fortunate that my adoptive parents were close friends of my birth parents and they took me in. They’re human, so of course I didn’t discover what I was until after I left home. When I figured out what I was, a weight was lifted. I finally had an explanation for my extreme sex drive and for why any woman I took to bed often would become sick.”

  Her body tensed, not only at the thought of him with other women, but that a hunter killed his parents. It made perfect sense why he had reacted the way he did when he discovered what she was.

  “I’m sure you’ve heard I’m sorry so many times in your life, and it doesn’t seem like the right words. I understand why you resented me.”

  Dex reached across the table, intertwining his fingers in hers. “I shouldn’t have held that against you.”

  “Yes, you should’ve. I’ve been trained to do the same things as the hunter that killed your parents.”

  “You’re not that hunter.”

  She set her fork down as she let out an anxious breath. “I’m worried about what will happen. I’ve never ignored an order. I don’t know how the Arcane Society will react. I’m worried that my brother, Leo, does see me as a threat, and honestly I don’t even understand why.”

  “What did your friend say? The one you went to visit.”

  “He told me Leo is like my father in every way. That he’s more of a vuall demon. That I’m like my mother, a handuit demon. Dillon said Leo has joined the board and that they’ve become corrupt with power. He believed Leo is dangerous.”

  “They’re taking out anyone who they believe could challenge them or they perceive as a threat. It’s been done before. As a handuit demon you would be stronger than your brother. A vuall demon is strong, even stronger when they transform. Even then you’d be a difficult adversary. Your wings are not only for defense. They can attack just as easily.”

  Anya tilted her head in surprise. “How do you know so much about demons?”

  “You learn a thing or two when you’ve spent the last twelve years among them. Once I discovered what I was, I spent a lot of time studying what I am and what else exists. I’ve met many kinds of demons over the years. Most were living normal lives, but there were some that were dangerous.”

  Anya adjusted in her seat, pushing her nearly empty plate away. “What I don’t understand is that I’m not a threat to him. I have no reason to undermine him or try to take his place. He’s created a threat by seeing me as one. If he sent the shadow walker after me then he’s given me reason to have animosity toward him.”

  “Maybe you should contact your brother and find out what you can. While you discover what his intentions are, I’d feel better if you stayed with me.”

  “Do you have any roommates or pets that I need to know about?”

  Dex’s brow raised. “No.”

  “Then yes.”

  “You don’t like pets?”

  Anya’s cheeks warmed. “I don’t like cats. They always hiss and wave their claws at me.”

  Dex laughed and she smiled, feeling embarrassed.

  “What?”

  “They hiss at you because you’re a demon.”

  “Oh great.” Her eyes widened. “Another creature that sees me as a threat.”

  Dex’s lips curved, clearly amused.

  She grabbed both plates and took them to the sink. She looked over the counter to see Dex removing his shirt and sprawling comfortably on her bed.

  She joined him, lifting her own shirt off. He held her waist as she straddled him.

  “Thank you for dinner.”

  She leaned in and kissed him. When she pulled away his eyes were glossy, arousal filling them.

  “Bring your wings out.”

  She relaxed and focused. They raised from her shoulders and back, lifting outward and stretching before him. She folded them down, resting them behind her back.

  Pride spread over his face. He reached one arm behind her and caressed along the top of her wing. She stretched her wing out, following his caress. The warmth of his touch along her wing sent a titillating sensation through her body. His expression grew satisfied.

  He leaned forward, taking her lips beneath his as he caressed her feathers, stroking them fully and then gently tugging at the end. She purred beneath his lips. With his hand still on her hip, he moved her back, repositioning her above his growing erection. She tilted her head back as he pushed her down onto him and moved her hips over him.

  His hands went to her jeans, unfastening them and opening them over her hips. He reached in, cupping her and stroking her beneath his fingers. She quickly grew wet beneath his touch, her body yearning for more of him. He removed his hand, taking her hips in his hands, and lifted her with ease. She folded her wings against her back as he slid her jeans off her hips and legs.

  She stroked his erection beneath his jeans as he unfastened them and dropped them, leaving them on the floor. His hands took hold of her waist, raising her above him as he lay beneath her. She straddled him, bobbing her hips up and down over him as he filled her. His eyes darkened, focused on her taking pleasure from the feel of him.

  He leaned up, holding her body close to him as he kissed along her neck and shoulder, blowing warm breaths before placing his lips on her. His hand stroked along her feathers, sending pleasure shuddering through her body.

  He leaned in to her ear. “Spread them out, beautiful, let them be free while you ride me.”

  His words alone sent her arousal spiraling. Her breath quickened and her head tilted back. She outstretched her wings as her hips hugged him, thrusting against him.

  Chapter 17

  They stood in the doorway of her apartment as he took her face in his hands, kissing her with his warm, soft lips.

  “I’m debating calling in sick. I’d much rather keep you in bed.”

  She leaned up, kissing him good-bye.

  “You’re going. I need the rest.”

  He pulled her into him, squeezing her backside. “See you tonight. I’ll pick you up.”

  The moment his warm touch left her skin, she wanted it back. He glanced over his shoulder at her and must’ve recognized her need. He turned, coming back to the doorway. He pulled her into him, kissing her, meeting her tongue with his.

  “If you miss me, come by the club.”

  He winked as he let her go. She stared into his dark, beautiful eyes until he turned away, disappearing into the night.

  She closed her door and sank to the floor, gnawing her lip as waves of arousal and emotions hummed in her body. Incubus or not, she was hooked. She couldn’t get enough of him, leaving her completely exhausted. She stood, ambling to her bed. As soon as her head hit pillow she dozed off.

  She woke to her phone buzzing wildly. Through hazy eyes she saw Jackson’s name and photo.

  “Yeah?”

  “Did you just wake up?”

  “Yes.”

  “Dex still there?”

  “No.”

  “You wanna go out? Thomas called and wants to meet up. I didn�
�t think I’d have to pull your arm too hard to get you to go.”

  “Are you guys going to Donatello’s?”

  “If you’re coming, yes.”

  “You guys doing VIP?”

  “No,” he responded adamantly.

  “Okay, then yes. I need to pack some things. I’m staying at Dex’s until I figure out how the Arcane Society is going to handle me disobeying an order and I find out if Leo really is a threat.”

  “I like that plan. An hour good?”

  “Yeah.”

  She showered, fixed her hair and makeup and packed essentials including a few weapons. An hour passed quickly and she walked out her door as Jackson and the guys pulled in. She tossed her bag in the trunk and hopped in.

  “Your boyfriend working tonight?” Joe asked.

  Hearing those words warmed her. She smiled wide. “Yeah, he is.”

  “Jackson says you two are pretty cozy already. I’m glad to hear it. You deserve it.”

  She glanced back at Thomas and smiled, feeling appreciative. “Thanks.”

  “Think he’ll be cool with you coming to the club after spending the day with him? You know?” Joe asked. “You don’t want to be clingy.”

  Anya laughed. “No, he invited me to the club. He wanted to skip work and stay with me.”

  “That’s our girl. It’s so good he doesn’t want to leave it. Keep it up and he just might put a ring on it.”

  Anya laughed as Jackson pulled into the parking lot. “You’re a poet, Joe.”

  He slapped her behind after they got out of the car. She playfully kicked at the back of his leg. Joe dodged and spun, laughing. “Had to get it in while I can. Once we’re in there your man will be watching.”

  The scary-looking bouncer cracked a smile when she approached. Seeing him smile was scarier than the first time she’d seen him. She’d grown accustomed to his brooding eyes and serious expression. It was frightening seeing a smile beneath those dead eyes.

  “No need for ID. Head in.” He moved the rope for her and the guys to enter.

  Her mouth raised into an appreciative smile. “Thanks.”

  As they moved through the hall, Joe wrapped an arm around her. “I think we just got bumped to VIP members thanks to Awn’s new beau.”

  Jackson winked at her as her cheeks grew pink.

  They corralled around the bar, ordering their drinks. After a couple, Jackson pulled her to the dance floor. Joe and Thomas eyed the ladies around them before sliding in with a couple pretty girls dancing together.

  Dex watched the screens, trying to focus on the activity, but his mind was elsewhere, still thinking of Anya, the feel of her beneath him, the way her desire would rise the moment she laid eyes on him. The way he felt about her wasn’t the only thing on his mind either. Concern agitated him. Was she in danger from her brother? Would he send another demon after her or come after her himself? Would he have to kill her own brother to protect her? Would she forgive him?

  He glanced at the screen fixed on the dance floor. His eyes left it and then returned quickly when he saw her long, auburn hair and beautiful body pass through the screen. Pleasure seized his chest. He rose from his chair.

  “Be right back.”

  Al glanced over at him and then the screen fixed on the dance floor. His lip raised into a half-smile.

  “Room 5B is free.”

  Dex smirked as he walked out.

  Anya moved to the thumping of the music, her body warm from the two shots she’d taken. Jackson waved his hand in the air, enjoying the music just as much. He grinned and nodded behind her. Anticipative excitement coursed through her. She turned to see Dex’s tall, muscular body moving through the crowd toward her.

  His hand reached out and took hold of her hip, pulling her into him. His lips came down on hers, fiery and eager. He took her hand in his and pulled her to the side of the dance floor, away from the crowd and speakers. He wrapped her in his arms, rubbing along her back.

  “I like seeing you at work. I’m glad you came.”

  She leaned up and kissed his soft, delectable lips.

  “You can thank Jackson for that. I was going to sleep until you picked me up. He called and asked me to come out.”

  “I’ll be sure to thank him. Now I have something worth watching on the screens.” He rubbed along her back, gently caressing her tattoos. She fought back the desire to release her wings beneath his touch.

  “I can’t stay long. It’s a busy night and I need to get back, but I had to come see you and kiss these lips.”

  He thumbed her bottom lip before kissing her. Sparks ignited in her abdomen and traveled south, warming her.

  “If you need more of those, come see me in the office.” His hand slid inside her jeans, massaging her behind as he held her close to him. “I’m looking forward to taking you home with me.”

  She rubbed along his solid biceps. “I am too.”

  He reluctantly pulled away. “Have fun with Jackson.”

  As she turned toward the dance floor his hand came down on her backside. She glanced back, grinning at his provocative and devious grin.

  Anya slipped through the crowd, finding Jackson on the other side of the dance floor. She tapped his shoulder behind him. He turned, clearly surprised to see her.

  He smirked. “Thought you’d be gone a lot longer.”

  “Unfortunately he didn’t have much time to talk, too busy tonight.”

  “Guess you’re stuck with me.”

  She wrapped her hand in his arm. “That’s not so bad. Want to get another drink?”

  “Yeah.”

  They slid onto the stools, each ordering a beer. Jackson’s attention quickly became distracted by the pretty brunette sitting a couple stools over. As Jackson chatted and flirted, she swiveled her stool to watch the activity around her. A man, solidly built, with eyes focused and intent, stood a few feet away from her. His cold, brown eyes scanned the club, apparently searching for someone. Something about his demeanor held her attention. She watched his glare. It settled on another man, lean and fair-haired, walking toward the metal door on the right side of the club, the door to the offices.

  As the fair-haired man pulled a key and opened the door, the man with intent eyes moved through the crowd toward the door. She watched him, suspicious of his intentions. As he passed by he didn’t look directly at anyone, yet seemed to be aware of everything. His eyes watched the activity around him, absorbing it with obvious intelligence. Her skin crawled and the familiar sensation swam across her body. He was a demon. The club was full of them, but this one seemed different, dangerous.

  Her eyes followed him as he easily slipped through the crowd unnoticed. He stopped ahead, standing by the door, obviously waiting for it to open or someone to come out. She set her beer down and waved the pretty blond bartender over.

  “What can I get you?”

  “Can you get ahold of Dex for me?”

  Her lips curved upwards. “You’re the one we’ve all heard about?”

  Anya glanced at the demon waiting by the door and then back at the bartender. If it wasn’t for the strange demon this conversation could be much more entertaining. “Yeah, would you be able to get a hold of him for me? Ask him to meet me at the bar, but to come out the VIP door.”

  Her brows pinched and then smoothed. “Sure, I’ll give ’em a ring.”

  She moved to the wall of the bar and picked up an office phone. She spoke into it quickly and hung up.

  “He said he’ll be right down.”

  Anya kept her eyes on the mysterious demon, hidden by the shadows of the wall. Dex’s hand grazed her arm and she turned her head to face his concerned expression.

  “I saw the way you looked on the screen. What’s wrong?”

  “There’s a demon by the office door. He followed another man in and seems to be waiting for him to come back out. There’s something not right about him. My hunter alarms are going off.”

  Dex looked over her head to the demon.

>   “The one with black hair and a hard expression?”

  “Yes.”

  Dex’s eyes remained fixed on the demon. “Chris Donatello just came in to see Carl. He’s in his office now. You think that’s another hunter, here to finish the job?”

  “Could be.”

  “One way to find out.”

  Dex moved forward toward the demon. Anya grabbed his arm.

  “What are you doing?”

  He kissed her cheek. “My job. Don’t worry.”

  “Yeah, like that’s going to happen.”

  Dex rubbed her shoulder. “Watch for his markings.”

  She took hold of his hand, stopping him. “Dex, if he’s a hunter you’ll need my help.”

  Dex nodded his head for her to follow.

  They moved through the crowd with ease. Dex stepped up to the demon. Anya held her thumb on her belt.

  “I apologize, but this access door is for security and employees only. I’m going to have to ask you to move elsewhere.”

  The demon eyed Dex with a stone-cold stare. His eyes left him and grazed over her passively before returning to Dex. Surely he sensed Dex as another demon.

  “I’m waiting for someone.”

  Dex’s posture didn’t change. He gave a casual smile and pulled a key from his pocket. He placed it in the lock and opened the door wide. With one swift motion he snatched the demon’s shirt in a fist and shoved him through the door.

  The hunter’s markings glowed beneath the light above the door. Anya yanked the door closed as fists flew through the air.

  “He’s a hunter!”

  A dagger came from the hunter’s back. Anya wrapped an arm around his neck and dragged him backwards as the blade swung through the air, just missing Dex’s chest.

  Dex pried the dagger from the hunter’s grip and shoved it into his chest. Her breath caught in her throat. The hunter’s remains covered the front of her clothes. The stench of his residue filled the air.

  Dex’s dark, dangerous eyes softened as they looked over her. “You okay?” He smoothed his hand along her face.

  Her hands trembled. “We just killed a hunter.”

  “No, I killed him. Anya, look at me.” He raised her chin to him. “That hunter might’ve killed me if you hadn’t intervened.”