Needing to pull herself together, she turned away from Damek’s probing gaze and opened her blouse enough so she could remove her bra. She didn’t have any pockets, so she dropped the damaged garment into the garbage can tucked behind the desk.
Liquid trickled down the inside of her bare thigh, and for a brief moment, she wished she’d worn underwear instead of giving into her need to seduce her husband. She needed to clean up, but that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. Damek’s office didn’t have a private bathroom or shower. If they were going to be doing this kind of thing here on a regular basis, she’d have to do some renovations. A shower would be perfect right about now. Behind her, she could hear Damek pulling his clothing back on.
Pasting a smile on her face, she turned and, sure enough, he looked immaculate, not a hair out of place, while she was rumpled and sticky. If she didn’t love him so much, she could really resent him for that.
Papers were scattered all over the floor and she bent to pick some of them up. Damek’s hand came down on her shoulder. “Leave them.”
She slowly straightened and laid several papers on the desk. She’d never be able to look at his desk again without remembering tonight.
“What is wrong?” He rubbed her upper arms, his gaze growing more concerned by the moment.
“It’s nothing.”
“It’s not nothing.” Frustration bled from every pore of his body. Being this in tune with another person was disconcerting at times. Sonia knew he was upset, but she didn’t want to admit to what was bothering her.
It felt wrong to want more from him than he was willing to give. His every action showed her that he loved her. Why couldn’t she just be happy with that? She gave herself a pep talk every single night when she woke from her day sleep, determined to be patient, but it simply wasn’t working.
“Sonia. You must tell me. Do you want to leave me?” His tortured question almost broke her heart.
“No!” How could he even think such a thing? She lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing him tight. “I love you. I’ll never leave you.”
His breath was warm against her temple as he sighed. “Then what is it? Something has been bothering you these past weeks. I’ve been patient long enough. Tell me so I can fix it.”
So autocratic. So demanding. That was her husband. How could she make him understand? She took a step back and ordered her scattered thoughts, which wasn’t easy with him watching her with those penetrating, sexy dark eyes. “It’s not something I can demand you fix. It’s something you have to figure out for yourself. If I demand it and you give it, then it’s worthless.”
Damek rubbed a hand over his face. “I don’t understand.” For the first time since she’d known him, he looked tired and discouraged. Her heart felt as though it was breaking. She was making him feel this way, though it wasn’t her intention. She didn’t know what else to do.
“I know.” Sadness tinged her words, but they were the truth. She did understand. Damek had never been in love before and probably wouldn’t even recognize the fact if it hit him over the head. He wasn’t used to thinking in those terms because he’d been alone for so long.
Desperation ate at Damek. He had to know what was wrong. He could easily slip into her mind and discover the truth for himself, but he knew if he did such a thing, he would irrevocably break the special bond between them. He needed Sonia to tell him what was wrong, freely and of her own will.
Sadness enveloped her and it was breaking his heart, a heart he’d long thought dead and dormant until he met her. She’d changed him, and there was no going back to the man he’d been. He didn’t want to.
He enjoyed life now in a way he hadn’t for hundreds of years, maybe never. Everything was more special when he shared it with Sonia. He loved the way she insisted on behaving as though she were still human—having coffee in the evening when they woke, sharing the newspaper and going out to concerts and the movies.
But most of all, he simply loved being with her, holding her in his arms as the sun rose and sent them both to rest. He stayed awake each morning long after she was asleep simply watching her and marveling at the fact that she was his.
He knew she was happy most of the time, but in quiet moments there was something unsettled inside her. “Are you unhappy I turned you into a vampire?” He’d dreaded something like this happening. He’d changed her life, tied her to him without her consent.
“No. Of course not.” She offered him a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes and patted his chest as if to reassure him. “I’m going to go home and get started on my research.” She leaned in and kissed his cheek before turning to leave.
Damek knew if he let her walk out the door whatever was wrong would continue to fester, inevitably driving a wedge between them. He couldn’t let that happen. “Sonia.”
She shook her head, not turning around to face him. “Let it go, Damek. Everything is fine.”
Using his preternatural speed, he reached the door before she did. “I can’t let you go. Not like this.”
“Nothing is wrong,” she promised. “I love you.”
Damek knew she was telling the truth, but there was still something she was hiding from him. Fear and regret ate at him. He had to know what was wrong. If he couldn’t take it from her by force, there was only one other way to get it from her.
He slowly dropped to his knees before her.
“What are you doing?”
He felt her mounting concern, but he’d gone too far to stop now. “You must tell me what is wrong?” Emotion threatened to close his throat. He swallowed hard and forced out the words, holding nothing back. She was his reason for living now, his sanity, the balm that drove back the bloodlust and indifference that had colored his life for so many years. He could not go back to those centuries of bland sameness. He’d rather die.
“Damek.”
He shook his head and buried his face against her stomach, needing her warmth against his face. “I love you, Sonia. I cannot lose you. You must tell me what is wrong.” The last was more a demand then a request, but he did not take back the words. He held her hips in his hands to keep her close.
He felt her stiffen against him and looked up, ready to do whatever it took to put an end to this untenable situation. Her gray eyes were shining with the pure light of her soul. It was so beautiful it almost hurt him to look.
“You love me?”
He frowned at her question, wondering what his love for her had to do with whatever was bothering her. “Of course.”
“Of course,” she muttered. A lone tear slipped from her eye to roll down her cheek.
Damek surged to his feet. “Please don’t cry. You don’t need to tell me what is wrong.” Not if it made her cry. He caught her face in his hands and kissed her cheek, capturing the tear on his tongue. The salty drop was bitter in his mouth. He’d done this. He’d made her cry.
Then she started to laugh. He eased back, not quite sure what he should be doing. Was she sad or happy? He might be a thousand years old but he still didn’t understand women. He wasn’t sure any man truly could.
“That’s it. Don’t you understand?”
He shook his head. “Have pity on your poor husband.”
Sonia had earlier pictured Damek on his knees confessing his love to her, but never had she thought it would hurt her so much when he did so. Hearing him beg her to tell her what was wrong was a moment she wouldn’t soon forget. She never wanted to see her proud vampire begging her or anyone for anything. It simply wasn’t right.
He was watching her carefully, as though she was a ticking time bomb and he had no idea what would make her explode. “You told me you loved me.”
He shook his head. “I still don’t understand. Of course, I love you.”
He really didn’t get it. “You never told me you did. Not in words.” She sighed and leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. “I was going to be patient and pretend I didn’t need the words. You alwa
ys spoke in terms of possession, not love.”
“You are mine.” He caught her chin in his hand and tipped it upward until she could see his scowling face.
There he was, her arrogant, dictatorial man. And she wouldn’t have him any other way. “And you’re mine,” she reminded him. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t need the other words, the softer ones.”
A slow smile curved the corners of his mouth. “Ah, I think I understand now.” He kissed her then, the soft caress filled with love and gentleness and hope.
“I love you, Sonia. You saved me in more ways than you will ever know. You are my life.”
“As you are mine.”
She tugged his head down and kissed him, tasting true happiness for the very first time. Damek cupped the back of her head, tilting it to the side to give him better access. She felt the hard push of his erection against her belly and smiled.
Then they forgot the outside world and let all their troubles drop away. Whatever happened in the future, they would deal with it together.
About the Author
N.J. Walters has always been a voracious reader of romance novels and decided one day that she could write one as well. The contemporary story, Discovering Dani, was the very first novel she wrote while living in a little town much like the one Dani O’Rourke lives in, though all other similarities to Dani’s life pretty much end there. Then she wrote another one that followed up on Dani’s friends and neighbors. But she didn’t consider herself a “real” writer yet.
Just a few years later N. J. had a mid-life crisis at a fairly young age, gave notice after ten years at her job on a Friday and received a tentative acceptance for her first published novel (an erotic romance) from a publisher on the following Sunday.
Happily married to the love of her life, with his encouragement and support she gave up the job of selling books for the more pleasurable job of writing them. She now spends her days writing novels of her own. Werewolves, vampires, time-travelers, seductive handymen, and next-door neighbors with smoldering good looks—all vie for her attention. It’s a tough life, but someone’s got to do it. And some days she actually feels like a “real” writer.
N.J. enjoys hearing from readers, and she can be reached at [email protected]. You can check out her web site at www.njwalters.com.
Look for these titles by N.J. Walters
Now Available:
Jamesville
Discovering Dani
The Way Home
The Return of Patrick O’Rourke
The Seduction of Shamus O’Rourke
A Legal Affair
By the Book
Past Promises
Legacy
Alexandra’s Legacy
Isaiah’s Haven
Legacy Found
Quinn’s Quest
Finding Chrissten
Spells, Secrets and Seduction
A Touch of Magic
Dreams of Seduction
Love in Flames
Coming Soon:
Night of the Tiger
Mark of the Bear
She escaped hell. Now love must capture her heart.
Finding Chrissten
© 2012 N.J. Walters
Legacy, Book 5
For eighteen horrific months, Chrissten Lawton was at the mercy of a crazy doctor and his pureblood werewolf flunky. She was subjected to experiments, beaten, mated against her will…and fading fast.
Just as she reaches the breaking point, the Haven pack comes to her rescue. Although any strange male makes her nervous, one of her rescuers stays by her side night and day, and something within her responds to this wolf’s gentleness.
From the moment Hank Brewer picked up Chrissten’s unique scent, he’s been driven to help her overcome her trauma-fed fears. He may be a half-breed, but he never does anything halfway. As he dedicates every waking moment to her healing, their fragile link leads them toward something they both hesitate to name.
But the danger isn’t past. Chrissten’s mate is still on the loose and he won’t rest until she—and the rest of Haven’s females—are taken for the cruel enjoyment of his rogue pack. Even though Hank would give his life to save her, the biggest challenge lies ahead. Admitting their love to each other.
Warning: This book contains an evil doctor, a crazy pureblood werewolf, a dysfunctional family, hunky werewolves, hot, sweaty sex, a daring rescue and a love that will make your heart sing.
Enjoy the following excerpt for Finding Chrissten:
“I have a possible location.” Damek’s declaration had Hank moving away from his post by the wall. His heart was pounding with anticipation.
“Where?” Isaiah stepped in front of Damek, making the vampire frown.
Instead of telling them, he glanced out the window. “Dawn is getting closer. I suggest we hurry.”
Quinn swore and lunged, but Isaiah blocked him with his big body. “Get a grip on yourself, Quinn. We need Damek’s help.”
Quinn tensed but nodded, and they all trooped out to the vehicles waiting in the alleyway behind the building. Hank thought about his sniper rifle tucked away upstairs in the back of his closet, but dismissed it. This fight wouldn’t be about conventional weapons. If it came down to a fight it would be all about brute strength and cunning.
Isaiah, Meredith, Quinn, Bethany and Craig all went in the SUV. Michael, Benjamin, Kevin, Teague, Neema, himself and Damek all piled into the van. The silence was deafening as they drove through the lonely city streets with Damek barking the occasional direction.
As Hank expected, they were heading to a derelict and dangerous section of the city. Not surprising in the least. The people who lived here didn’t ask questions and minded their own business. Drug dealers, the sound of gunshots and the cries of despair were a part of their daily life. If they noticed some shady looking men going in and out of an abandoned building, no one would think to call the cops. They didn’t want to bring trouble down on themselves and many of them had things they wanted to hide from the authorities.
Hank forced himself to relax, but it wasn’t easy. Every muscle in his body was primed and ready to explode into action. His heart rate settled into a heavy, steady rhythm and his breathing was even. It was the same way before he went into any battle. His body knew what it had to do and did it, turning him into the perfect fighting machine.
A bead of sweat formed on his temple but he ignored it. This wasn’t Iraq. This was Chicago. He refused to allow nightmares from the past to intrude on the present. A woman was depending on him.
Chrissten. He could easily picture her face. Craig had shown him several photos and the images were ingrained in his brain—her long blond hair, pale blue eyes and slender, athletic body. But it was her smile that had captivated him, full of mischief and life. He took a deep breath and swore he could smell her, the light fragrance that never failed to remind him of a summer’s day.
He felt someone watching him and slowly raised his head. The vampire was staring at him with black, soulless eyes. Hank ignored Damek as best he could, focusing on the fight ahead.
“Turn right at the lights,” Damek instructed, and Michael turned the van down the road with the SUV following close behind them.
Hank started to take note of the people on the street. Even at this time of night there was plenty of activity. A man with baggy pants and a flashy leather jacket sold drugs on the corner to a trio of young men. On the opposite side of the road two women in skirts so short they were probably illegal in some states plied their trade. By a crumbling stoop, a drunk curled up with the remains of his bottle.
“Pull over here.” Damek had the door open and was out before Michael had brought the vehicle to a complete halt. He turned back and pinned Teague and Kevin with his dark gaze as they stepped out of the van. “You two stay with the vehicles. We can’t afford to lose our transportation.” His gaze seemed to soften as he looked at Neema. “You better stay with them to keep them out of trouble.”
Hank climbed out
and looked around, studying the terrain and the locals. Three tough looking dudes with tattoos and piercings on their faces started in their direction. Before Hank could do more than growl at them, Damek waved his hand and the men suddenly turned and went back the way they came.
“Weak-minded idiots,” Damek grumbled under his breath.
Hank suddenly had a new respect for the vampire. His power seemed limitless. He was damn glad Damek was on their side in this fight.
The vampire suddenly whirled around. “Women are to be protected, wolf.” He disappeared in a blur only to reappear twenty feet down the road. “Are you coming?”
While he’d been watching Damek, the rest of the pack had emptied out of both vehicles. All were ready to fight. Hank didn’t think Quinn could take another disappointment. He didn’t think he could either.
Damek pointed at a dilapidated three-story building. It had probably been a single-family dwelling at one time. Over the years it had been remodeled into apartments. Now it stood empty and boarded up.
Hank loped toward the side of the building and hurried around to the back. The rest of them could take the front. He wasn’t waiting. His heart started pumping faster when he saw a garage out back with a shiny new lock on it. He took a few precious seconds to glance inside the tiny window in the door. With his preternatural sight he could see a white van just like the one that had fled from the scene the last time they’d hunted for Chrissten.
This was it. Hank could feel it in his gut.
He raced to the house, senses flaring open. He forced himself to slow down and use stealth. No need to alert the bad guys to his presence. He ignored the secured back door and jimmied a basement window instead. The lock was old and rusty and gave easily under the steady pressure he put on it. He raised the glass slowly and listened.
All was quiet.
He grabbed the upper sill and slid his body through the small opening, landing sure-footed on the gravel floor. This part of the basement wasn’t finished and the musty stench of mildew and mold assailed his nostrils. He ignored the pungent odor and took a deep breath. The smell of garbage, urine and sweat seeped upward from the ground and outward from the wooden structure.
Damek's Redemption: Legacy, Book 6 Page 22
