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

by Betty Shreffler

  His lips came down on hers, soft, affectionate, loving over hers.

  “Thank you for stopping him from burying the blade in my chest.”

  Her trembling eased. As troubled as she felt for having killed another just like her, she’d do it again to protect Dex.

  She reached up and took his face in her hands, kissing him tenderly. “Trust that I’d do it again.”

  His lips met hers with fiery passion. His tongue wound over hers, bringing her arousal to the surface.

  “Tonight I’ll show you how appreciative I am of that.”

  Her sex burned with need. His dark, possessive eyes roamed over her face and body. His eyes lost their desire when he looked at her clothes.

  “Do you have something to change into?”

  She glanced down at the mess covering her shirt. “Yeah, my bag’s in Jackson’s car.”

  “I’ll go get it. He was at the bar last?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Wait in my office til I get back.”

  She opened the door to Dex’s office. She saw herself leave one of their screens. The blue-eyed incubus and his co-worker looked her over. Their eyes grazed over her messy shirt and returned to her face.

  The blue-eyed incubus turned his chair and outstretched his hand. “Thanks for having Dex’s back like that. I’m Al.”

  The other incubus, with a pretty face that no doubt women loved, turned his office chair and leaned back. “I’m Greg. We saw the fight on the screen. Happened pretty damn fast. You didn’t hesitate to protect Dex. I wasn’t so sure about you until that. You’ve gained my respect. Dex and I go way back.”

  “I understand your skepticism. I’d feel the same if I was in your shoes. You can trust me though. I more than care for him. I’d do it again to protect him.”

  Al leaned back in his chair, glanced over at Greg and grinned.

  “That’s good to know, because Dex feels the same about you.”

  Her cheeks warmed as she smiled.

  Greg motioned to Dex’s chair. “Take a seat. You can help us watch the screens.” Greg’s attention returned to the screens in front of him.

  She slid into Dex’s office chair and leaned back comfortably as his scent surrounded her. Her stomach fluttered when she saw him on the screen, leaving the entrance with Jackson.

  She caught Al studying her. She met his gaze questioningly.

  “Sorry. Dex says you’re a mix of handuit and vuall, yet I can’t sense that you’re a demon at all. It’s strange.”

  “Have you guys ever seen a handuit demon?”

  Al shook his head and Greg nodded yes.

  “Would you like to see them?”

  Al grinned. “I probably sound like a nerd, but yes.”

  She laughed, smiling at the interest in his eyes. She stood and turned her back toward them, lowering her shirt over her shoulders. The slow warming sensation ran across her skin as they lifted from her shoulders and back. She spread them out as much as she could for the space they were in. She flapped them and then folded them down slowly.

  She heard Al catch his breath behind her and saw Greg watching with a smile over her shoulder. Once they faded back to tattoos she raised her shirt over her shoulders. She turned to see them staring at her with charmed expressions.

  “They’re beautiful.” Al told her with bright eyes.

  Blood rushed to her cheeks. “Thank you. I’m still getting used to them. I only recently discovered them.”

  “The Arcane Society never told you what you were?”

  She shook her head as she sat back down. “I was trained for one purpose and never told anything else. I don’t know if it’s that way for all hunters because I don’t know any other hunters besides my brother. Once I was fully trained and unleashed I was given a handler to report to. If I had any problems he took care of it.”

  Al gave her an expression of what seemed like sympathy. “Dex said you recently went through your transformation, which explains why you never had a reason to question what you were.”

  Anya nodded. “A shadow walker tried to kill me, causing me to crash my Jeep. My wings came out during the car accident.”

  “I bet that scared the shit out of you?” Greg asked, still watching the screens.

  She laughed. “I didn’t even have a chance to absorb what was happening. I blacked out. Woke up in the hospital.”

  “That’s impressive that you killed a shadow walker. I’ve heard they’re very hard to kill.”

  “I don’t think I would’ve been successful without my wings.”

  The door opened and Dex walked in with a new shirt for her. She stood and walked into his open arms. Her body already warming from his presence.

  “I put your bag in my car while I was out there.”

  She took her shirt from his hand and kissed him. “Jackson waiting for me?”

  Dex shook his head. “He’s dancing with the woman from the bar.”

  “Where can I change?”

  He motioned his head for her to follow. He took her a couple doors down to a restroom. He sunk his lips into hers before walking away.

  “I’ll be in the office.”

  Dex walked into his office to Al and Greg eyeing him with wide grins.

  “What?”

  “You’ve got yourself quite the girl there, Dex,” Greg complimented.

  “She showed us her wings. They’re amazing.”

  Dex warmed with pride. “She is something special. I plan on keeping her.”

  He settled into his chair.

  “I can see why you’d want to,” Al told him, seemingly enamored by her.

  “That’s some twisted shit with the Arcane Society not telling her what she is,” Greg said, his eyes back on the screens.

  “They probably kept her in the dark because of what she is,” Al added.

  “We can only guess why they make the choices they do. Her brother though, that’s my concern. He’s become a high-ranking board member and for some reason he has it out for her. I’m waiting for this guy to appear any day. Hunter, vuall demon, I don’t care what he is. If he goes after her, I’m taking him out.”

  Greg frowned at him. “Bad move, you looking to make a crew of enemies?”

  Anya walked back into the office. Dex’s body instantly responded to the sight of her in the new cleavage-bearing shirt he’d picked out for her. “Come here.”

  He pulled her into his lap. A mischievous smile spread across her face when she felt his arousal. He winked at her and wrapped an arm around her.

  “Your friends are busy with the girls they’re trying to take home. Want to stay up here with me?”

  She nodded and his chest filled with satisfaction. He liked having her with him while he worked.

  “Watch the screens and if you see anything get out of hand, we’ll head down and take care of it.”

  When her eyes went to the screen he wiggled her behind over him. She glanced back and he grinned at the shock and arousal that spread over her face.

  He leaned into her ear. “If they weren’t here, I’d bend you over this desk.” He reached in front of her and cupped her between her legs. He rubbed over her and watched her eyes close as she bit back a breathy moan.

  Her body hummed with need. She closed her thighs, trying to control her arousal. She opened her eyes and gave Dex a pointed look. His devious grin spread wide. In her peripheral she saw Al and Greg adjust in their seats. They glanced over at her. Demon green flashed in their eyes and then disappeared just as quickly.

  Aroused and in a small space with three incubi. No doubt they could scent her arousal as well as Dex could. Her cheeks grew pink and she leaned deeper into Dex’s arms. He kissed her cheek.

  “I think I need to get you a job here, so you can sit in my lap and work with me every night.”

  She held his arm around her and squeezed. She enjoyed how much he wanted to be with her. He kissed her again and her body warmed from the affectionate touch of his lips.

  She leaned
up and pointed to one of the screens. “The dude in the hat is about to get punched. Check out the body language. He just got caught pawing the other dude’s girl.”

  A second later and a fist flew through air, making contact with the guy in the hat.

  “What’d I tell ya?”

  Dex grinned at her as he raised her from his lap. “I’ll be right back. Coming, Greg?”

  Greg turned in his chair and started to stand.

  “I’ll go,” she told him. Her tone revealed the excitement she felt.

  Greg lowered into the chair and smirked. “Have at it.”

  Dex took her hand in his. “Don’t get punched. Then I’ll really have to fuck them up.”

  She kept pace with Dex’s sprint to the dance floor. As soon as they approached the men fighting in the open crowd, she sensed it. The sensation swam across her skin, raising her hair. Dex winked at her. He knew too. The one in the hat was a demon.

  Fists were pounding flesh and grunts were escaping both men. Dex grabbed the bigger guy, the human, and yanked him from the other guy’s bloody fist. The demon charged forward ready to launch another hit. Anya sprinted forward, lunged and brought her foot down on the back of the demon’s knee. She heard him yelp as his knee buckled. He turned toward her and she caught a glimpse of the demon green flicker in his eyes. His expression contorted when recognition slammed into him that she was a female. He seemed to debate hitting her and then glanced around, obviously reluctant to do it in front of a crowd.

  “Done?” She hardened her stance, ready for a fight.

  Dex grabbed him from behind, pinning his arm in his. “Yes, you are. Time to go.”

  Dex dragged him toward the entrance. She spied Jackson on the way out and joined him and the brunette from the bar.

  “That was badass. You two work well together.”

  Adrenaline still pumped through her, rousing her excitement. She smiled wide. “I need a job here.” She laughed.

  Jackson’s lips curved upward. He pointed to the brunette from the bar. “This is Laura. Laura this is Anya. She’s a close friend, practically a sister.”

  Anya smiled at the added clarification. That’s right, sista, no romantic threat here. Dex slid in behind her, putting an arm around her waist and kissing her cheek.

  “Good job. I need to head back. You coming up?”

  She nodded. “Be right there.”

  He bobbed his head at Jackson and disappeared into the crowd of people getting back to their night of dancing and partying.

  She turned her attention back to Jackson and Laura, a petite, busty, brunette with long, curly hair. “It’s nice to meet you.”

  “You too.” Her voice was sweet and bubbly.

  Anya caught the glistening attraction in their eyes when they looked at each other. Her mouth raised into a half-smile.

  “I need to head back. Dex said he put my bag in his car, so I’ll see you tomorrow?”

  Jackson winked. “Yeah, not too early though.”

  Anya laughed inwardly, catching his message. She made her way to the metal door. Dex had left it cracked open for her.

  She walked into his office and he turned his chair and outstretched an arm for her to sit in his warm, inviting lap.

  Chapter 18

  She walked around his studio apartment, taking it all in. His taste was modern, artistic, natural, and she loved it. The walls were covered with paintings and black and white photography, the floors hardwood, the furniture earth-toned and comfortable-looking. She spotted a professional camera and equipment near the full frame windows overlooking a small pond and fountain.

  “Did you take these?” she asked, pointing to the black and white photography.

  “You like them?”

  She could see the anticipation sweep across his face. He wanted her approval.

  “Yes, they’re stunning, Dex.” She moved toward one of the framed photos. “This night sky over the lights and buildings of Atlanta—it’s beautiful.”

  His solid arms wrapped around her as she admired his work. “I’ll take you to that spot. You’ll like it there. It’s one of my favorite locations in the city.” He rubbed along her side. Her hair raised along her arms. “It’d be a perfect spot to have your beautiful wings spread out around me as I make love to you.”

  Her body tingled, responding to his warm touch and soft words. He gently moved her hair away from her ear, kissing her softly behind it.

  “Will you let me photograph you with your wings out?”

  Her lips curved upward as his hands roamed her body, caressing over her stomach and slowly making their way to her breasts.

  “Yes,” she said softly, arousal filling her.

  His hands lifted her shirt, slowly removing it. His bare chest met her back as his hands cupped her breasts, massaging them as he laid succulent kisses along her neck. Her breath quickened as his hands unfastened her jeans, removing them slowly from her hips. His kisses traveled up her backside then the small of her back. Her sex ached for his touch. She bit back a moan when his hand eased around her waist and slid inside of her. He kissed along her shoulder as his fingers moved with grace, applying perfect pressure and strokes. A deep purr escaped her lips.

  “Do you want more?”

  “Yes,” she begged. She tilted her head against his chest as his kisses continued along her ear, neck and collarbone. He stepped back from her, removing his touch from between her legs. She instantly ached to feel his warmth again. His hand took hold of her hip, gently turning her toward him.

  “Sit on the stool.”

  He lifted her with ease, setting her naked backside on a black leather stool. She caught his dark, seductive gaze and her stomach jumped with anticipation.

  “Spread your legs for me.”

  His knee eased in between hers. He placed his hands on both her thighs and lowered on one knee. She saw his intent and her sex burned with throbbing need. His tongue met her sensitive folds and her head arched back as her breath left her. He held her thighs firmly in his grasp as his tongue massaged, dipped, plunged, drawing the orgasm from her body. Her moans came quicker, more immediate, her body swimming with heat and desire. His tongue whipped eagerly and then plunged again. Her thighs quivered as her body convulsed, drifting into ecstasy.

  Dex stood and lifted her. She wrapped her legs and arms around him as he pushed her against the wall. His hard cock found her, filling her with pulsing need. He expanded as his thrusts deepened. He held her back with one arm while the other intertwined with her fingers, raising her arm above her as his thrusts grew in intensity. She moaned desperately as her back pounded the wall behind her.

  His thrusts eased as her orgasm poured over him. He let out a sigh of pleasure. He kissed her intimately, his affection evident in the tender caress of his lips. His head leaned against hers as his breathing slowed.

  “I can’t get enough of you, Anya. I’m falling…hard.”

  Complete and utter rapture filled her. “So am I. I never want this to end.” She stroked her hand along his chiseled jaw, admiring his angelic face and arousing dark eyes.

  “It won’t. I promise you. You’ll always be mine.” His lips came down on hers, possessively, affectionately, claiming them with his own. She loved them right back, stroking her fingers through his short, messy, black hair.

  He eased her legs down and held her close to him. “How about a shower together and then you can model those beautiful wings for me?”

  “Mmm, a shower sounds really good, but only if you lather, lick and repeat.”

  A mischievous grin spread over his face. “You read my mind.”

  She pulled the towel away from her damp, curly hair. She hung it on the rack as Dex entered the bathroom, leaning against the doorway in nothing but a pair of sexy jeans and holding her black lace undies, perfect for revealing her lower cheeks.

  “Saw them in your bag when I got you a new shirt. I couldn’t stop thinking about you in them. Will you wear them for me?”

  She
walked over to him and took them from his hand as she kissed him on the lips. “Yes.”

  He squeezed her behind as she walked out of the bathroom. “There’s only one thing more beautiful than the backside of you.”

  She glanced at him as she slid her lace panties over her hips. “What’s that?”

  “The front of you.”

  He took the few steps over to her and pulled her into him, kissing her tenderly. “Ready?”

  Excitement and nerves swirled in her stomach. “Yes.”

  Her breath caught when he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the stool he pleasured her on earlier. He leaned down and kissed her as he caressed along her back. His touch warmed her, relaxing her muscles. Her wings lifted from her back, following his caress. She spread them, outstretching them as his hands stroked evenly. His tantalizing touch sent shivers over her body. She wrapped her hands around his toned and naked waist as he lifted her chin to him.

  “Your beauty, your wings, they’re exquisite. Nothing compares.”

  He kissed her softly and her heart swelled. She was falling deeply, madly in love with this man. Her chest tightened at the fear of losing him.

  “You’re not going to lose me.”

  Astonished, she looked up at him, her eyes wide.

  “I felt you tense. You told me before you fear losing me. You’re not going to.” His fingers wound through her slightly damp waves of hair. “I’m yours just as much as you’re mine.”

  He stroked her cheek and kissed it before leaving her side. The moment his touch left her she immediately longed for it to return.

  He picked up his camera and moved over to a light with an umbrella attached. He flicked it on. It lit up the area behind her.

  Her wings flapped as her nerves jumped and she tried to settle them. She heard several clicks go off. She glanced up at him in surprise.

  “That was beautiful.”

  Suddenly feeling shy she turned her head away as her cheeks warmed. Several more clicks went off on the camera.

  He walked over to her, lifting her chin to him. He kissed her passionately and then backed away. He raised the camera, taking several more shots.