“And you are?” Marianna asked, trying to be friendly, but knowing that this woman had little interest in being friends.
“I’m Brittany. Pete and I used to… hang out.” A wicked smile slithered across her face. “You’re a lucky woman.” She looked over her shoulder at Pete, who was on the pay phone. “That’s one big hunk of man, and if memory serves, he really knows his way around a woman’s body.”
Marianna hadn’t missed her Amoveo abilities over the last week or two. However, right now, she’d give just about anything to shift her eyes into their clan form and scare the shit out of this woman. She wasn’t stupid or naive. She knew Pete had other lovers. Hell, she’d had a few of her own. But she didn’t need it rubbed in her face, especially by this woman.
She may not have her ability to shift, but she could still play head games with the best of them. The only way to win with a woman like Brittany was to make sure she didn’t get to you—at least don’t let her see it.
“He sure does. I can assure you that his skill set is second to none.” Marianna tilted her chin and smiled sweetly as she surveyed the table before turning her attention back to Brittany. “Do you think we could get some menus?”
“Fine.” Brittany’s jaw set, and she hissed under her breath as she slapped two greasy menus on the table. “Hurry up. Kitchen’s closing early tonight.”
“Hello, Brittany.” Pete slid into the seat next to Marianna and draped his arm behind her on the back of the booth. Brittany jumped at the sound his voice, and her face flushed. He picked up the menu and had a look. “What’s good tonight?”
“Menu hasn’t changed here in close to twenty years, Pete, but I’ll get you some water while you have a look.” She smiled, but the smile vanished when she looked in Marianna’s direction. “Be right back.”
“You must’ve done quite a number on her,” Marianna said under her breath. “That is one angry woman.”
“We dated one summer after high school.” He lay the menu down and leaned back in the booth, which creaked in protest. A smile cracked his handsome face. “Jealous?”
“Hardly.” Marianna rolled her eyes and pretended to be interested in her menu. “I don’t need to read her energy signature to tell that she was obviously holding a candle for you and meeting your fiancée snuffed it out in one fell swoop.”
“I never made her any promises.” He sighed. “We were just kids, Marianna.” His eyebrows knit together, and confusion covered his face. “Are you upset about something?”
Marianna lifted one shoulder as she studied the limited offerings. She was annoyed, but not at Pete. She was annoyed with herself for allowing a woman like Brittany to get under her skin. She’d never been jealous in her life, and she knew—intellectually, she knew—she had no reason to be jealous, but she was. It was stupid and juvenile, but she couldn’t help it. The notion of another woman touching Pete made her want to tear that woman’s hair out.
“What did Dante have to say?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Richard is concerned that their man on the inside might have been discovered. They haven’t heard a peep from him in over two weeks, and two more women have gone missing. Both unmated, pure-blood females from different clans, and they’re barely eighteen years old.”
“It’s sick.” Marianna shook her head as if she could shake out information about what Artimus was doing. “Any idea where his base of operations is?”
“No.” Pete shook his head grimly. “They had several leads, but so far nothing. Richard feels that Artimus is using the advanced shielding that the elders possess to hide him and anyone who’s with him.”
Marianna nodded and sat back as Brittany strutted by with a tray full of drinks. She didn’t miss the lusty look she cast in Pete’s direction or the provocative wiggle of her hips as she passed by.
Pete didn’t miss that or the look on Marianna’s face. “You’re not really letting her get under your skin, are you? Don’t you think we’ve got bigger problems?”
“I know. It’s silly, and to be honest, I’m surprised at myself.” She took a swig of her drink and glanced at Brittany, who was over by the jukebox whispering to another waitress. “I guess I wasn’t prepared to answer questions about us or meet old girlfriends. Remember how upset you got with Hayden when he put his hands on me at The Coven?”
Pete’s features darkened. “Yes.”
“Well, that’s how I feel, but you actually slept with her.” She put her hands up before he could say anything. “I know it’s dumb. I know, but I can’t help it… must be a mate thing.”
Pete nodded, and a smile broke out across his face. “Must be,” he said quietly as he pulled her against him and kissed her head. “I kind of like it. I have to admit that there’s something sexy as hell about a gorgeous thing like you getting jealous over a fling from fifteen years ago.” The smile faltered, and his tone grew serious. “By the way, Hayden’s lucky I didn’t take out my gun and shoot him for putting his hands on you.”
Looking into those intense blue eyes, she knew he meant what he said. There was a predatory and protective side to Pete that she knew had the potential to be deadly. She had no doubt that he would kill to protect her, which was frightening and intriguing. That night he’d shown up in the club, he’d instinctively known that she needed him, and it was in that moment everything changed.
“That’s when I heard you for the first time.” Her voice fell to above a whisper as she stared into those captivating eyes. She sucked in a slow breath, and her lips lifted as she saw desire bloom in his gaze. “That’s really the only thing I wish I could still do. Hear you in my mind. Touch your mind with mine while we make love and join with you in every possible way.”
“Did you make up your mind yet?” Brittany’s irritating voice sliced into their conversation, but neither looked up.
“I’m famished.” Marianna held Pete’s attention firmly. “I’ll have the house special.”
“Me too,” Pete murmured.
They barely noticed as Brittany huffed away with the menus.
“I am famished.” She sighed. “But not for food.” Marianna leaned into Pete’s embrace and brushed her hand along his jean-clad thigh beneath the table. She whispered into his ear as his five o’clock shadow rasped enticingly along her cheek. “I’ve got a house special for you… if you’re interested.”
She shifted in the booth and gave a surreptitious glance around the room to see if anyone was watching. Not that she’d care.
“Oh, I’m interested.” Pete played with her hair as she snuggled in his arms, and his entire body, hard and taut, hummed against her with anticipation. He picked up his beer and took one long pull, as if trying to put out the flames. “You are full of surprises, aren’t you?”
“Must be the bear in me,” she whispered as she discreetly undid his belt beneath the table and tablecloth.
He was already hard and sprang from the confines of his jeans easily. Pete tensed and let out a long, slow breath as Marianna wrapped her fingers around him and stroked. She leaned one elbow on the table and smiled wickedly as she brushed her fingertips along the engorged length of him.
His eyes flicked around the room before landing on hers once again. There was something wickedly erotic about touching him this way in the middle of a public place without anyone knowing. It was powerful and intoxicating—a major turn-on. It was like that ride on the snowmobile. One wrong move, and they could be discovered.
“This was the perfect table,” Marianna murmured as she sipped her drink casually.
Pete nodded and grunted something that sounded like agreement as she squeezed him and ran her thumb over the swollen head. He leaned both elbows on the table and pressed his folded hands against his lips as she massaged him.
“Brittany.” Marianna waved her free hand, flagging her down. Pete stilled, and Marianna smirked as she saw a flicker of panic wash over him. She slowed her pace, but kept her fingers trailing up and down his cock beneath the well-covered
table.
“Yeah?” Brittany’s annoyance was evident, but her brows furrowed with concern when she looked at Pete. “You okay? You’re all flushed and sweating like a pig.”
Marianna ran her thumb over him again as she smiled at Brittany. “Actually, that’s why I called you over. Pete is feeling a bit… hot.” His cock twitched as she flicked her gaze to Pete, who nodded curtly. “Could we please get that dinner to go?”
“Sure.” She cast a suspicious glance from Marianna to Pete as she walked away.
Marianna ran her fingernails gingerly up the hot length of him before pulling her hand away completely. She leaned back in the booth and ran both hands through her long hair with a satisfied sigh as Pete discreetly put himself back together.
“Oh, you’re gonna pay for that,” he said with a wicked grin.
“I should hope so.” She winked over the rim of her glass and couldn’t wait to see what he’d do to even the score.
***
Pete hauled ass back to the cabin, and Marianna thought at several points they were going to careen into the trees, but in true Pete fashion, they made it back safely. Driving like a man with a mission, he pulled the snowmobile in front of the cabin and skidded to a halt, sending a wave of snow onto the already snow-covered steps.
Marianna took off her helmet and hopped off the blasted contraption. Pete stared at her through serious eyes as he removed his own helmet and tossed it into the snowbank. He didn’t shut off the engine, but slid back and patted the empty space in front.
“What?” Marianna shouted over the noise of the engine. “I’m not driving that thing.”
“No,” Pete agreed. “You’re definitely not driving tonight.”
With lightning-fast reflexes, he hooked one arm around her waist and pulled her to him. Pete pushed her jacket and sweater up, baring her flat belly to the ice-cold air. She shivered as he licked and nibbled at the tender flesh of her stomach, while he gently pulled her black leggings over her hips. Marianna grabbed his hands to stop him, but he shook his head slowly and made a scolding sound as he flicked his tongue into her belly button.
“It’s freezing out here.” Marianna ran her fingers through his short dark hair as he rained kisses along the curve of her hip. “What exactly did you have in mind?”
“I just thought of something that might change your mind about riding my snowmobile.” He tugged her hips toward him. “Get on.”
Intrigued, Marianna straddled the bike in front of Pete, but when she went to sit down, he grabbed her hips and stopped her. She glanced over her shoulder, and he looked up with that cocky grin she’d come to adore.
“Grab the handlebars, and stay like that,” he said above the din of the engine. “Do you trust me?”
Shivering from a heady combination of cold, lust, and anticipation, Marianna bit her lower lip and nodded. She leaned forward and gripped the handlebars tightly as Pete pushed her leggings down to expose her bare ass to the winter air and trailed hot kisses along her bottom. Vibrations from the buzzing engine ran up her arms and through her entire body, having a far different effect than usual.
Pete’s hand slipped beneath her sweater, flicked aside her bra, and captured her breast greedily. He massaged and rolled her nipple between his fingers as he reached between her legs, finding her most tender flesh. Marianna gasped as he slid two fingers deep inside and rubbed her clit with his thumb.
Head back and eyes closed, she cried out as he teased her to the edge, and wave after wave of pleasure whipped through her. The frigid winds blew against her hot skin as Pete’s touch mixed enticingly with the vibrations of the humming machine. He nibbled and licked at the exposed flesh along her waist as he pushed his fingers in and out of her hot, wet channel. She tried not to move, but she needed more, wanted to take him deeper.
“Please.” She moaned and writhed for release. Marianna looked over her shoulder and pushed herself against his hand. “I need you, all of you.”
Pete looked at her and placed one kiss on her hip as he made swift work of undoing his pants. She watched as he stroked himself while stroking her at the same time, and Marianna didn’t think she’d ever experienced anything more erotic.
She flicked her eyes to his. “Now.”
Pete clutched her hips as he stood behind her. Still gripping the handlebars for dear life, Marianna leaned forward, offering herself, and in one swift thrust, he arrowed into her hard and deep. Marianna cried out as he speared again and again with slow, deliberate strokes, taking her to the peak, and finally, over the edge into oblivion.
Still lodged inside her, Pete collapsed and braced his hands on the handlebars on either side of Marianna’s. “So,” he said between heavy breaths. “Think you’ll like the snowmobile any better now?”
Marianna, still breathless, placed a kiss on his unshaven cheek as they pushed themselves off the handlebars, and he slipped from the warmth of her body. “Something tells me that I’ll never look at a snowmobile the same way again.”
Pete shut off the engine as she shivered and pulled up her leggings. He gave her a hand as she climbed off the machine onto unsteady legs and swept her into another breath-stealing kiss.
God, I love this woman.
His voice floated into her mind with surprising ease. Marianna froze and looked at him through wide eyes. Had she really heard that? It had been almost a month since he’d used the binding powder. Could it be wearing off already?
“What’s wrong?” Pete asked.
“Nothing.” She kissed his cheek quickly and shrugged. “Just cold, I guess.”
“Right.” He studied her carefully as she slipped out of his embrace and headed for the steps. Pete grabbed the bags with their food out of the storage compartment and followed her inside.
“I’ll get this on the table,” she said, taking the bags and heading into the kitchen.
While Pete made the fire and she put dinner on the table, Marianna squelched the guilt of not telling Pete what she’d heard. She kept telling herself that there was no use in saying anything until she was absolutely certain.
Lying to herself didn’t count, did it?
Chapter 11
The sunlight streamed through the window, casting an early morning glow in the small bedroom. Pete was sound asleep with his long naked body spooned comfortably around Marianna in a familiar way. She hadn’t slept much that night and couldn’t stop thinking about the sound and feel of Pete’s voice touching her mind.
Tangled up in skin, she snuggled deeper into his embrace and ran her fingertips along his arm that draped over her possessively. Marianna closed her eyes and sighed contentedly, enjoying the feel of his bare skin pressed along hers, and then she heard it.
Marianna.
It was faint at first and sounded muffled and far away, but she recognized it immediately. It was her mother’s voice. The warm, familiar sound flitted along the edges of her mind.
Marianna. Her pleading grew louder and resonated through Marianna’s mind. Can you hear me?
Yes. Marianna reached out and touched her mind with relief. Yes, Mother. I can hear you.
Pete said something incoherent in his sleep and tightened his grip. She whispered soothing sounds and kissed his cheek as she slipped out of bed. “I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
As silently as possible, Marianna pulled on her white pajamas and went into the living room, closing the door quietly, careful not to disturb Pete. She stood at the center of the room and closed her eyes, focusing on following the comforting path to her mother.
I’ve been so worried. Are you alright? I thought you were like those other girls who’ve gone missing, but Dante kept assuring me that you’re okay. Her voice quivered, and Marianna could tell she was crying. I can hardly use telepathy anymore since your father died, and I’ve been so lonely without you.
I’m so sorry, Mother. Marianna wiped away a tear and struggled to maintain the connection. I want you to know that I’m alright. I’m better than al
right… my mate found me.
Marianna, that’s wonderful. What clan is he from? Marianna…
Her mother’s voice faded, as the connection dissolved and vanished.
Mother? Mother, can you hear me?
Marianna tried to reestablish the link, but to no avail. She wandered to the window and stared at the snow-covered woods. She wondered if the connection was lost due to her abilities coming back sporadically or her mother’s waning powers.
She glanced at the bedroom door, focused her energy, and reached for Pete’s energy signature. Lightning flashed in her mind as his spiritual fingerprint connected with hers. She sucked in a shuddering breath and grinned as her body was energized by him… and something else.
It felt as though there was another layer to his energy—or hers—she wasn’t sure why, but she chalked it up to being mated. She knew that all Amoveo’s energy signatures changed once they were mated, so maybe that was it? She wanted to try telepathy to reach Dante, but she knew he’d be pissed that her powers were back and worried that Artimus would find her.
Let him, she thought. He’d get a face full of bear claw.
Grinning, and too excited for words, Marianna looked at the snowy trees and frozen lake. As silently as possible, she opened the door and stepped outside. Her grin broadened as she trotted down the steps barefoot and found herself once again unfazed by the cold. The only thing that would make this moment complete would be shifting into her clan form.
After a quick run in her bear form, she’d tell Pete that her powers were back and let him use another dose of binding powder on her again. He’d have to in order to keep Artimus in the dark about where she was, but first she needed one run in her clan form—one little run couldn’t hurt.
Marianna trotted through the snow and breathed in the clean, cool air vigorously. She stopped along the edge of the lake, closed her eyes, stretched her arms wide, and whispered the ancient language. Verto.
Undone (The Amoveo Legend) Page 13
