Kalindra (GateKeepers)

by Bennett, Sondrae

  She tilted her head to the side, sighing as it cracked three times before tilting it the other way. Then she turned to face Cameron. She had to admit, as nervous as she was about him fighting beside her, he held his own quite well. Had more than proven himself in the past week.

  Plus, he was damn sexy all fired up and sweaty from combat. Every time she saw him with the light of battle in his eyes, the urge to jump his bones came over her. Like now. The fierceness in his gaze contrasting with the grin curving his lips. Sexy as all hell.

  “The assaults are coming more frequently,” he muttered. Although his tone seemed disgruntled, Kali could tell how much he enjoyed the fights. Understood the craving for violence she saw in him.

  Once upon a time, she’d felt it as well. The glory of battle. A craving for the intensity and focus fighting for one’s life brought. The adrenaline rush. She’d lost that natural high many, many years ago, but ever since Cameron had joined her, she’d begun to feel it again. Because now she had something to lose. Something more important than her own life.

  “They’ll get bored eventually. Plan their attacks with more than angst and cockiness.” That was when things would get really hairy. Right now, there was no thought in the assaults. They saw something they wanted, they picked up their weapons to go get it, conveniently forgetting the strength of the obstacle in their way: her.

  When they began to plan, that would be a whole different story. But she wouldn’t worry about it. She had a secret weapon. She wasn’t alone anymore. Cameron had turned into a true warrior, strong and sure.

  He’d been right, damn him. It wasn’t fair for him to take on all the worry. Together, they were stronger than apart. They could take on all of Outremer, and as long as they stuck together, they would win. The two of them were so together, so connected, it was almost as if they could read each other’s minds when they fought. They were a finely-tuned strike force.

  Pride filled her as she stared at her warrior. Hers, just as much as she was his.

  “It’s nice to have someone watch my back,” she admitted.

  The pure sexuality in the answering smile had her melting as liquid heat flooded her. God, she was wet from a smile. But she couldn’t seem to get enough of him. She turned away to get a glass of water.

  “I do so enjoy watching your…back.”

  Kali glanced over her shoulder in time to see his eyes fixed on her ass. She laughed at the focus in his gaze.

  “That’s not what I meant, you goose.” Shaking her head, she turned back to the counter. She couldn’t figure out what she wanted, hot sweaty sex with Cameron, or lunch. Both. Definitely both. But which hunger was stronger?

  “Goose, huh?”

  Something poked her in the butt, startling her.

  “Ooo,” she squealed, jumping and spinning around. His hand was inches from her behind. Slapping his hand away, she asked, “What was that?”

  “You told me to goose you. I was only trying to oblige.” And damned if he hadn’t perfected that innocent expression.

  “I called you a goose, I didn’t ask to be goosed.”

  His finger poked her twice on her left butt cheek before she’d even finished talking.

  “Stop that,” she said through a giggle. The man had her giggling now? That was probably the first time she’d giggled. Ever.

  “Stop what?” All innocence.

  “Poking me.” She pushed away his arm before he could prod her butt again, only to have his other hand get her from the right side. “Cameron!”

  She dashed around him, crossing to the middle of the kitchen before turning. Cameron was in hot pursuit, his arms open as he tried to hug her. Another giggle slipped past her lips as she darted away, but he wasn’t giving up. His fingers came out as he tried to poke her while she ran.

  She turned and ran down the hallway. He’d never catch her. Not until she wanted to be. She did want to be caught. Eventually.

  Kali slowed her pace as she neared their bedroom. To be caught or not to be caught? But she didn’t have time to think it over as Cameron’s arms surrounded her, lifting her off the ground and swinging her around.

  “Looks like I caught myself a prize.” Another giggle spilled out as his hand skittered over her ribs, tickling her. Her laughter turned into a moan when he cupped her breast. Her nipples pebbled against the heat of his hand. His touch never failed to fire her blood.

  His lips were warm and soft as they caressed the juncture between her neck and shoulder. Lust coiled in her belly as those lips traveled up her neck to her ear. Matching her step for step, he walked her to the bathroom, letting go of her only long enough to turn on the shower.

  Then he took her back in his arms and his heat enveloped her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and eagerly returned his kiss. She closed her eyes, giving herself over to the sensations. He nibbled on her bottom lip before thrusting his tongue back inside her mouth. The man kissed with such raw passion, it always awakened the sexual beast inside her. Awakened her to new heights of pleasure.

  Steam filled the bathroom before they came up for air. Grinning, she dragged him under the spray, and pushed him against the wall.

  He tried to spin her around, but she pushed him back. Her turn to play. She ran her hands down his chest, scattering the water drops. Downward until she found her prize, hard and hot in her hands. He groaned when she squeezed him, so she did it again.

  His muscles tightened everywhere her lips caressed as she kissed a trail down his chest. A fist tightened in her hair as she trailed her tongue down the line of hair running from his bellybutton to his groin.

  She paused, examining the treat before her. A drop of pre-cum dotted the tip, and she licked her lips in anticipation. He groaned, and she grinned up at him.

  Teasing him was mean, but so much fun. She couldn’t resist. Using her tongue, she licked the head, but resisted any further contact. She reached down and caressed the sac between his thighs.

  His hips bucked, but Kalindra continued to tease, swirling her tongue around the tip. He hissed, the hand in her hair tightening. Oh yeah, she had him right where she wanted him.

  Unable to hold back any longer, Kali took him into her mouth. Hard. Thick. Hot. She leaned back, sucking in as she retreated, then plunged back in until he hit the back of her throat. He jerked against the shower wall, but she wasn’t finished.

  She breathed in deep through her nose, pulling his scent into her lungs. He filled every sense, consuming her. She wanted to taste him. Wanted his pleasure to coat her tongue and throat. And when it did, she’d know she brought him to such fervor.

  Bracing herself, she pulled him deeper, swallowing against him. His cock jerked and his thighs were rock-hard under her hands. Everything about Cameron was hard. Strong.

  His hands gripped her shoulders, trying to pull her off, but she wasn’t having any of it. He was close. She wasn’t giving in until she had what she wanted. For now, he was at her mercy.

  She leaned back until the tip rested between her lips, then slowly moved back in. Back and forth. In and out. Changing her pace until the salty taste of his seed filled her mouth. She swallowed it all, sucking on him until he softened in her mouth. Leaning away, Kali licked her lips.

  “Mmm, tasty.”

  His breathing was rough as he pulled her up and turned her away. He pressed her hands onto the wall in front of her, just above the temperature knobs.

  “Keep them there,” he said right before he pulled her hips backward, opening her to him.

  One hand stroked over her back, and she arched into his touch like a cat. The other hand kept her hips steady. He had her trapped. Payback for the teasing she had put him through.

  His hands curled around her body, one seeking her puckered nipple, the other grazing over her clit. She cried out as he pressed one finger inside her. Her inner muscles clenched around him. It wasn’t enough. She needed more.

  Pleasure zinged from her nipple to her core as he pinched harder. Then he was cupping her, li
fting her breast directly into the spray of the shower head. Kali cried out.

  Water pounded against her chest, rivaling the fierceness of the pleasure pulsing through her veins. Another finger joined the others inside her. Kali gasped at the sensations centering on her core. Deliciously full.

  Tension built inside her. She trembled as she neared a climax. Almost there. She curled her fingers into the tiled wall. So close. His fingers slammed into her. Once. Twice. And then she was soaring. Her breath sobbed out as pleasure overtook her.

  When reality returned, Cameron rubbed her limbs with a lavender-scented washcloth. His lips caressed her skin as the water washed away the soap suds.

  “I think we should make lunch and eat it in bed,” he suggested.

  Kalindra could think of nothing better.

  Chapter 12

  “Well, don’t look so surprised. I told you next time we’d hang out on your side of the gate.” The smile curving Ana’s lips promised trouble.

  Kali stared at her friend, her body caught between cooling passion, anticipation of a fight, and surprise. Slowly, Ana’s presence registered in her confused mind.

  Not an attack on the gate. Friend, not foe.

  Ana stood before her, sunlight reflecting off her vibrant red hair, lips puffed out in their natural pout. A clingy scrap of a dress covered her form, barely, showing off full breasts, curvy hips, and shapely legs. Kali’s gaze took it all in.

  She lowered her head to the side, hoping beyond hope Cameron would stay put. Maybe fall while trying to get out of bed and knock himself unconscious. Or something. Anything to keep him from coming here.

  Never before had she been concerned about Ana’s appearance. She’d never really paid any attention to it before today. Ana’s draw on the opposite sex amused her more often than not. The way she could get them to forget everything but her. More than one man had forgotten his own name. She and Ana always laughed for hours when that happened. Besides, it wasn’t like Ana could control it. Attraction was part of her power as a siren. She couldn’t control her appeal any more than the men could resist it. So it had never bothered Kalindra that she was all but ignored by others when they hung out.

  Not until today.

  “You don’t look happy to see me,” Ana said with a pout.

  She wasn’t. But she couldn’t say that. Ana would be hurt, and no matter what Ana was, she was still Kalindra’s best friend. Had been her best friend ever since they were little girls, despite the differences in their species and upbringing. Ana had always been there whenever Kali needed her.

  But Kalindra wanted her far away from Cameron.

  “Of course I’m happy.” She hesitated. Her ears picked up someone crashing through the brush to her left. Get rid of her, her brain screamed. Her breath sped up in panic. Had to get her to leave. “Now’s not really a good time, Ana.”

  “Oh, poo,” she said, oblivious to the panic inside Kali. She moved forward, the sway of her hips drawing Kali’s gaze. A twig snapped in the forest behind her. Cameron was moving closer. Leave, leave, leave.

  “You have to go,” She said, no longer softening her words. She didn’t care if she hurt Ana’s feelings. Didn’t care if Ana left in a snit. All she cared about was making sure Cameron did not see her. Because watching Cameron ignore Kali in order to slobber all over her friend would kill her.

  Hooking her arm though Ana’s, she spun her toward the gate. Hurry, hurry, hurry.

  “I’m not leaving. We’re going out.” Ana spun out her grip and moved away. “You need to have more fun.”

  But this wouldn’t be fun. This would be torture.

  “Ana, please, I’m begging you to go.” Her heart was in her throat as she begged her friend with her eyes to leave without an explanation.

  “What are you hiding?” Ana asked, her features turning shrewd. No, no, no. Now she would never leave until she met Cameron.

  Not that it mattered anymore. It was too late. Kalindra watched in horror as he came tearing through the brush, broadsword raised. He drew up short as he caught sight of them. The look on his face would have been funny, had her world not been crashing down around her.

  His gaze moved from her to Ana. Back and forth. Any minute now, he’d move toward Ana, and Kali would cease to exist for him. Kali bit her lip, refusing to let the tears fall. Not his fault, she knew. Ana being siren, her power of attraction lived in her presence. She could turn it off no more than Cameron could resist. But seeing it would crush her nonetheless.

  His gaze settled on Ana, amusement lit his eyes, and a smile that would have made her heart speed up had it been directed at her spread across his face. Her chest tightened in dismay.

  “My, my, Kali, you have been keeping secrets,” Ana murmured softly so only Kali could hear.

  Kali closed her eyes and prepared herself for the untenable pain of watching Cameron drool over another woman.

  * * * *

  Cameron glanced between the two women, not quite sure what was happening. Kali wasn’t fighting the other woman, so that had to be a good sign. Right?

  But the look on her face worried him. If everything was fine, why did she look so devastated?

  “Uh…hello,” he said, still trying to read the undercurrents in the air.

  “Aren’t you a handsome one.”

  The redhead sidled toward him. His gaze dropped to her swaying hips, before he even thought about it. Once his brain kicked in, his gaze shot up to her face.

  No denying the woman was beautiful. With her flawless skin, vibrant red hair, and delicate features, she was a sight to behold. Something about her compelled him to get closer. The compulsion strengthened as he stared into her piercing green eyes.

  He’d been wrong. The woman was more than beautiful. She was stunning. Her beauty was a physical force, pulling him in.

  Movement behind her distracted him. His gaze collided with Kali’s, and he almost stumbled as the other woman’s spell left him. He wanted Kali. No other woman held a candle to her.

  The woman poked her head between him and Kali. His frustration lasted only a moment as her sexuality wrapped around him once again. Whoever she was, he wanted to know everything about her.

  “I’m Analise.” The goddess held out her hand, and Cameron almost fell to his knees. The chance to feel her skin against his! A dream come true.

  But wait. That wasn’t right. He’d already touched his very own goddess. And it wasn’t this woman in front of him. Where was Kali?

  He turned away from the proffered hand and searched for Kali. There she was. Her eyes met his and whatever spell he’d been under vanished. Everything he wanted was right there.

  He turned back to Analise, preparing for the punch of her power, but it never came. As if realizing exactly how much she meant to him made him immune to the other woman’s charm.

  “Cameron,” he said, taking the woman’s hand. Still nothing.

  The woman studied him carefully before a wide smile bloomed on her face.

  Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Kalindra flinch as if struck. He jerked his head so he could gaze around her. No sign of any enemies.

  Analise stepped into him. Her grip tightened on his hand, preventing him from backing up.

  “If you’re looking for the source of her distress,” she whispered, her lips caressing his ear with every word. “I believe it’s because I’m talking with you, and she’s worried you’re going to fall under my spell. But you’re not entranced like most of the men I meet. There’s only two reasons that could happen. Either you don’t…sway to womanly persuasion, or you are deeply in love with my friend over there.”

  The word love punched into him, knocking the breath from him. Was he in love with Kali? His eyes sought her again. Her distress called to him. He met her eyes, and all the pieces of the puzzle clicked into place. She clicked into place. Before, he would have given his life for her without thinking through the reason. But the answer had been there in front of him the whole time. She was the reason
. He loved her with every ounce of his being. And he’d do anything to keep her safe.

  “Based solely on the way you’re eating my friend up with your eyes, I’m guessing it’s the latter.”

  Cameron pulled away from her. “Excuse me,” he whispered.

  Kali’s brow lowered into a frown. Her narrowed gaze snagged his, and she shook her head as he crossed to her, no longer able to stay separated. He needed to touch her. To hold her, and feel her respond to his kiss.

  Needed to confess his love. He just hoped she felt the same.

  Her gaze zipped between him and Analise’s. Obviously she expected him to be captivated. But she had no idea. He couldn’t be enthralled by her friend, because he was already enthralled with her.

  Wasting no time, he grabbed her, and swung her into a dip. Her hands gripped his shoulders, her body relaxing in his arms, trusting him to keep her from falling. Pleasure filled her eyes, even as a smile curled her lips, lighting her entire face in happiness. His chest puffed out knowing he had put it there.

  “How…”

  He leaned in, grabbing her bottom lip between his teeth and cutting off her words.

  She groaned into his mouth, urging him on. He loved the sound of her pleasure. Pleasure he wrought.

  Then he slipped his tongue into her mouth. Tasting her. A flavor all her own. Sweet, but with an edge. Just like Kali herself.

  Her breasts brushed against his chest, her nipples pebbled as he continued to savor her lips. Her tongue moved against his, and the world around them disappeared. He forgot about her friend, and about the gate. The woman he loved was in his arms, matching him passion for passion. Everything was right with the world.

  He dipped her lower, his fingers curling harder into her hip. Whenever he kissed her, all his good intentions went out the window. He’d wanted to keep things light. But now, he wanted her naked and moaning with need as he plunged into her wet heat.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck, sunk her fingers into his hair, and arched into him.

  Cameron pulled away and stared into eyes gone hazy with pleasure. And yeah, he felt like a million bucks. His chest swelled.