Unbound

by Sara Humphreys

  “Good night,” Ivan said. He slapped David on the shoulder and waved to Killian before heading toward his bedroom. “What time do you want to head out tomorrow, Your—Killian?” He corrected himself before Killian could.

  “About noon. I have some emails I need to catch up on before we go to the site.” Killian smiled and gave his friend a nod. “And not to worry, our visits to The Coven will be fewer and farther between. After all, I have my own club to worry about now. First thing tomorrow, I’d like to head over and check on the construction. They should be almost finished, and if all goes well, I can let the interior designers have at it before the end of the week.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “One more thing,” Killian said, stopping Ivan in his tracks. “At sundown the day after tomorrow, we will be picking up Ms. Pemberton and bringing her to the club.”

  “You’re the boss.” Ivan gave him a tight smile and tilted his head in deference before striding through the large living room and disappearing into the hallway that led to his bedroom.

  “Good night, Ivan.” Killian let out a sigh and stuck his hands in the pockets of his slacks. Ivan was a wall of muscle and looked like an escapee from a military unit. Most people would expect a brute, and while the guy may have been hell of a fighter, he could be surprisingly formal.

  “Are you pissed?” David asked.

  Killian blinked and turned toward him in surprise. Standing in the sprawling kitchen, with its gleaming stainless-steel appliances and shiny granite counters, the fighter looked remarkably out of place. A pang of guilt hit Killian like a ton of bricks. David and Ivan wanted to be in this loud, crowded city about as much as Killian wanted to bond with a mate just for the sake of the throne.

  “Why would I be pissed?” Killian tossed his jacket on the mahogany dining table and went to the fridge in search of a midnight snack. He glanced at the digital clock. Actually it was more like a really, really early breakfast. Pulling out a container of leftover sesame chicken, he grabbed a fork from the drawer and dug in. Chinese food tasted even better when it was a day old.

  “I don’t know.” David shrugged and leaned back against the counter. Killian offered some chicken to David, who politely refused. “Maybe ‘pissed’ isn’t the right word. But something is up with you, Killian.”

  “What are you getting at?” Killian swallowed the food in his mouth and leveled a serious gaze at David, who looked like he had something important he wanted to spit out. “You can be honest with me.”

  “How honest?” David narrowed his eyes and sucked in a deep breath. “Like friends honest or the king hired me to have your back honest?”

  “Friends.” Killian looked at him earnestly because he meant it. Ivan and David had both become more like friends, but especially David. “What’s up?”

  “Why are we here?” David asked quietly.

  “You know why.” Killian kept his voice even. “I’m opening the club—”

  “Right.” David held up one hand. “You could open one in Anchorage on our territory. Why have you decided to work and now live in a city run by vampires?” He ran one hand over his cropped blond hair and let out a slow breath, a wry smile playing at his lips. “I don’t get it, man. You could be back in Alaska and up to your ass in willing she-wolves who would do just about anything to be the next queen. Hell, Christina’s made no secret that she wants you for herself,” David said, referring to the she-wolf who was at the top of the king’s potential daughter-in-law list and also happened to be the daughter of the general of their military. “The entire society knows she’s the most suitable choice for queen.”

  “It’s a moot point.” Killian shrugged. “Christina doesn’t bear the mark.”

  “Oh man.” David ran his hand over his head and rolled his eyes. “So you’re telling me that you’re only gonna mate with some dream-woman who has the mark of the moon on her shoulder? With all due respect, she may not even exist.”

  “I believe she does,” Killian said firmly. “Don’t make me sorry I told you about that.”

  “Yeah.” David laughed. “If it hadn’t been for too much champagne the other night you probably wouldn’t have.”

  “True.” Killian pointed at him with his fork before dropping it in the sink with the empty Chinese food container. “But it doesn’t change the fact that I have no intention of ever mating with Christina.”

  “Fine. Don’t hook up with her,” David said quickly. “You could be looking for your dream girl with the moon mark in wolf packs in the other territories, and instead you’re hanging around a coven of vampires. This city is crowded and dirty, and it stinks. I can only imagine what the stench will be like in the heat of summer.” He let out a sigh and shrugged, his voice edged with sadness. “Don’t you miss the fresh air? The mountains? I mean, I don’t know about you, but if I don’t get to run as a wolf soon, I think I’m gonna lose my fuckin’ mind. I know your father wants to improve relations with the vampires…but…”

  “We’ve run in Central Park.”

  “It’s not the same, man, and you know it.” David looked at him earnestly. “It still feels like we’re caged in. That’s what this city is, Killian. It’s one enormous cage.”

  Silence hung heavily between them and regret flickered over David’s face, showing he undoubtedly believed he’d been a bit too honest with the prince. Killian nodded slowly and stood to his full height, about a half a foot taller than David. The guard squared his shoulders and his jaw clenched, as though bracing for the how-dare-you flogging he obviously expected.

  “Well, I did ask for honesty, didn’t I?” Killian narrowed his eyes as a smile cracked his face. “I know my choices don’t make sense to you—or anyone else, for that matter—but I have my reasons.”

  “That reason wouldn’t be named Sadie would it?”

  “Maybe.” Killian kept his voice calm. Snagging a paper towel, he wiped his hands and leveled a serious stare at David. “And maybe the reason you don’t mind going to the club is because of a certain DJ.”

  “I—I don’t—” David paled.

  “It’s fine, David.” Killian’s expression softened and he tossed the paper towel in the trash can. “My point is that all of us have secrets. Your private life is your own…just like mine is.”

  “Understood.” David stilled and paused before adding, “But with all due respect, I’m not the heir to the throne.”

  “Good night, David.” Killian patted his friend on the shoulder and gave him a sad smile. “I’ll see you in the morning.”

  David’s voice stopped Killian as he reached the top of the open staircase to the second floor.

  “I see the way you look at her.” Killian stilled at the top of the stairs but didn’t turn around. “You’re playing with fire, Your Highness.”

  The truth of that statement plowed into Killian with all the force David intended as his friend hit the lights and sank the apartment into darkness. The sound of David’s bedroom door clicking shut downstairs echoed through the dark, cavernous space.

  “Shit,” Killian said, letting out a long sigh.

  He knew David was right, and based on Ivan’s comments earlier, Killian figured that Ivan suspected the same thing. The only difference was that Ivan was too worried about protocol to call the prince out on his dangerous fascination. Unbuttoning his shirt, Killian strode across the loft hallway to his bedroom. The entire second floor was essentially his bedroom and he loved it. The space was private and the bird’s-eye view from the building’s top floor almost made it feel like he wasn’t in the city at all.

  Not even bothering to turn on the lights, Killian shed his clothing and tossed them into the corner, missing the laundry basket entirely. Standing naked in front of the massive bank of windows, he looked out at the spectacular view of the Hudson River. The lights sparkled on the surface of the choppy winter water, and with the light of the almost ful
l moon, the world outside was surprisingly light. Although with the heightened eyesight of his wolf, Killian didn’t need the moonlight. Werewolves could see clearly on even the darkest of nights.

  He should sleep, but he was too wound up. And Killian had developed a nasty habit of doing anything except what he should do. He should go back to Alaska, mate with Christina like his father wanted him to, and forget about the stupid fantasy of some perfect woman with the mark.

  And Sadie. He should forget about her too.

  He should and yet he couldn’t get her out of his mind. Those dark eyes, full red lips, and long, silky hair came together to create an exotic and dangerous-looking woman. David was absolutely right; Killian couldn’t deny that part of the allure was that she was a vampire.

  Forbidden.

  The sound of splashing water brought him out of his thoughts and immediately set his senses on high alert. Someone was in the pool on the private rooftop terrace.

  The sound grew louder, and based on the level of disruption in the water, it couldn’t be something small like a bird. There was definitely someone in the pool. Who the hell could it be? Who would be swimming out there in the middle of April other than another wolf? David and Ivan were downstairs, and the only way to get out there was through Killian’s office down the hall.

  Moving swiftly and silently, with his wolf clamoring to get out, he crept along the dark hallway. The door to his office was open a crack, allowing him to slip into the room without alerting the intruder to his presence. The sound of water sloshing grew louder as Killian moved closer to the sliding glass door, and a low growl rumbled in his throat as he spotted a body moving in the water. A pile of discarded clothing was draped over the bench.

  Stark naked, with his body wound tight, Killian curled his hands into fists as he prepared to rip the door open. The growl in his throat fell silent and heat flashed in his gut when he got an eyeful of the intruder and a wave of recognition flooded him.

  The crystal blue water of the pool was lit up from beneath, giving him a clear view of the most perfectly shaped female body he’d ever seen. Ripples of dark hair skimmed behind her as she stretched her long, lithe body through the water, pull after pull. She moved with absolute grace, and every curve on her nude form was exquisitely shaped.

  It was like watching an underwater dancer—one who didn’t need to come up for air.

  If the lacy cuffs on the shirt amid the pile of discarded clothing hadn’t given her away, the lack of a need for oxygen would have. With all that long, dark hair and the curve of those hips, he knew exactly who it was—Sadie. His lips tilted. She couldn’t possibly be aware that this was his place, and even though the temptation to go out there and bust her for trespassing was strong, he refrained.

  Killian didn’t know how long he stood there staring at the beautiful water nymph that had invaded his pool. Seconds? Hours? He didn’t care. All he could see was her. The trance was finally broken when she ascended the stairs at the far end of the pool and sat on the edge with her back to him. His heart thundered in his chest as her alabaster skin glistened in the light of the moon. Every single inch of him hardened as his gaze skimmed over the dip of her waist and along the curve of her round ass.

  Vampire or not, he didn’t give a shit. Killian knew, in that moment, he had to have her. It wasn’t a matter of should or shouldn’t—it was a matter of need.

  Part of him, for just a second, felt guilty for being a peeping Tom, but to be fair, she was the one skinny-dipping in his pool. Any guilt he might have felt was instantly squashed by a surge of desire when she arched her back and stretched her arms over her head. She reminded him of a cat stretching out in a patch of sunshine. She was loose and languid, and he swore he could practically hear her purr with contentment as she basked in the light of the moon. Still with her back to him, she gathered her long, wet hair in both hands and pulled it over her right shoulder to squeeze out the water—and that was when he saw it.

  On her left shoulder blade was a perfect dark circle—the mark of the moon. As the steam rippled off the water’s surface, blurring her from his vision, everything finally made sense. This moment and this woman were his vision come to life.

  Sadie Pemberton, a two-hundred-year-old vampire, bore the mark of the moon.

  Before he could stop it, Killian’s eyes shifted to the glowing amber eyes of his wolf. His muscles rippled, straining against the desire to shift, and every animal instinct went into overdrive. The primal need to claim her and mark her as his was beyond any other sensation he’d ever experienced. Without thinking about the consequences, Killian slid the glass door open and stepped out into the crisp early-summer morning air, the inky darkness just beginning to give way to glimmers of the impending dawn.

  The moment his foot hit the cement, Sadie leaped to her feet, spun around, and bared her fangs.

  Standing on the steps of the pool, gorgeous and naked as the day she was born, Sadie looked ready to pounce and rip his throat out. The look on her face went from fury to shock within a split second and the change was almost comical—almost. There was nothing funny about the way Killian’s body was responding to hers.

  Nude and fully aroused, he stood at the edge of the pool and let his burning gaze drift over her gorgeous form. Nudity wasn’t a big deal among the wolves, and based on the way Sadie wasn’t running for her clothes, it wasn’t for her either.

  Thank God she didn’t cover herself.

  The woman looked like she was carved from marble, a statue of the goddess Aphrodite come to life. Her round, full breasts were tight and high, and rivulets of water trickled over her erect nipples as though begging him to lap at them. A narrow waist and flat belly gave way to full hips, and his gaze lingered briefly at the juncture of her lean, toned legs. A dark patch of hair hid the treasures he so desperately wanted to discover.

  He expected her to fly off in a furious huff, but to his delight, she met his burning stare with her own as Killian stalked slowly around the edge of the pool toward her.

  “What the fuck are you doing here? Spying on me?” Sadie seethed. Her dark, almost black eyes clocked his every move and her lips peeled back, effectively showing her razor-sharp fangs. “How did you know I’d be here?” Her eyes flicked over him quickly. “And why are you naked?”

  “Actually, I was going to ask you the same thing,” Killian murmured. He was just a few feet away from her now and he lifted his nose, inhaling her rich, feminine scent. It was a combination of mint and violets. Feminine and fresh. His gaze drifted to her breasts that swayed enticingly. Sweet Mary, this woman was sexy. She was totally and completely comfortable in her own skin and seemingly unaware of her beauty. And that made her even more desirable. “This is my pool and I was going to go for a swim. So, tell me, what are you doing here? Vampire.”

  “Your pool? I’ve been here before and never picked up the scent of your kind.”

  “I haven’t used my pool yet.”

  “When did this become your pool?” Sadie’s voice wavered ever so slightly and her brow furrowed. “I thought you lived at that hotel.” She smirked. “Wolf.”

  Killian knew she meant the word “wolf” as an insult, but damn if it didn’t sound sexy coming out of her mouth. It was a challenge. Like she was daring him to come at her one way or another.

  “As of last week.” Killian stopped just a foot away from Sadie and kept his voice low. “Ivan, David, and I just moved in. In fact, I signed a five-year lease.”

  “Really?” Sadie arched one dark eyebrow and scoffed. “That’s a hell of a commitment. It must be love. I heard your kind was into the ménage à trois. Congratulations. They’re both very handsome.”

  “Hardly.” Killian held her fiery stare. “I have nothing against a threesome. In fact, I’ve enjoyed a few over the years and I can assure you—I’m the only male.”

  “I knew it.” Sadie rolled her eyes. “Homophobe?
”

  “Alpha,” Killian growled and shook his head slowly. Sadie’s expression faltered briefly. The tough exterior gave way momentarily to a heated look of lust, and that was all the encouragement Killian needed. “Looks like there are lots of things you don’t know about me, Ms. Pemberton.”

  “I know enough.” Sadie straightened her back and tilted her chin defiantly, steeling her stance and making no move to retreat. Her sharp gaze flicked down to the evidence of his desire, which he was doing nothing to hide. Killian didn’t miss the slight widening of her eyes before she met his stare once again. “For example, it’s time for me to leave.”

  “Chicken?”

  “Don’t flatter yourself.” Sadie jutted a thumb to the brightening horizon. “Sunrise. But since I have you here, I want to tell you something. I should have said this to you when you first started coming to the club.”

  “Be my guest.” He took one step closer.

  “If you sell Maya out or reveal her secret to your father or any of the others…” she said in a firm, steady voice. “Make no mistake about it. Treaty or no treaty, I will kill you.”

  “I swore that I would keep Maya’s secret, and I always keep my word.”

  “The word of a werewolf doesn’t hold much water with me.”

  “Do you know many wolves?” he asked playfully.

  “I’ve known enough.” Sadie’s voice wavered briefly. “They seemed more interested in savagery than promises.”

  “If a man doesn’t have his honor, then he has nothing.”

  “Really?” Her voice dipped to a low, challenging tone. “Like your brother?”

  “Yes.” Killian stilled for moment. Bringing up his brother was a low blow and she knew it. “Just like him.”

  “Sorry.” Sadie’s voice softened and a look of regret flickered across her face. “That wasn’t fair.”

  “If you don’t believe me, then why not taste my blood and read my blood memories?” Killian’s voice dipped lower to a challenging tone, daring her to break the rules. Which of them would crack first? “Your kind can do that, can’t they? Read the memories of those they feed on?”