“I don’t want to marry him.”
He swallowed hard. “But you might.”
“You don’t understand.”
“Of course I do. He’s a rich, powerful vampire, and I’m—”
She looked up, holding his gaze, and stopping his words “—the man I love but can never be with.”
He stared, lost for words.
“Brendan, it’s always been you.”
His hands moved up to cup her cheeks. “Alexa.”
She closed her eyes. “I’m going to agree to marry him.”
His heart stopped. “No.”
“Yes, I am.”
“You just said you loved me.”
She pressed against him even more closely. “I do.”
“Then why would you marry him?”
She opened her eyes, her stunning hazel gaze pinning him in place. “Because I can’t risk losing you to Draven. Jareth has agreed to fight in your place. Politically. And with both houses together, Draven can’t win.”
“No.” He leaned closer to her, locking gazes. “I’ll fight, and I’ll win. And if you love me, then I will do whatever it takes to be with you.”
Tears shimmered in her eyes. “I’ve made my decision.”
But he couldn’t let her go. Not when he knew she loved him. So instead, he kissed her.
For a second she held herself rigid, and then she seemed to melt in his arms. Her lips softened and spread. Her hands ran up his chest, her fingers tangling in the back of his hair.
He tilted her head, deepening their kiss. His tongue slid into her warm, inviting mouth, and she groaned against his lips.
Her body fit even more tightly against him, and she rubbed herself against his aching cock. Tonight he would fill her completely. Tonight she would finally be his.
And then, she broke their kiss and stumbled back. “We can’t.”
He reached for her, but she held her hands up to keep him away.
“Trust me enough to let me fight for you.”
For one perfect second she seemed to consider his words. And then, he heard four shots ring out.
Her eyes widened, and she stared down at herself. Four red spots blossomed on her robe.
He grabbed her, pulling her down and out of harm’s way. Crouching over her, he waited for evidence of their attacker, but no one came. He inhaled deeply, trying to sense their enemy, but he was overwhelmed by the coppery scent of her blood.
She looked up at him, touching her wounds, and staring at her hands covered in blood. “Wh-what?”
A second later, the door was thrown open by Halloway. The old vampire looked from her to him.
“We were on the balcony and—”
Halloway’s head jerked to one side. “They’re on the trail of the gunman. Keep her here with you. Feed her. And for God’s sake don’t let anyone disturb her tonight.” He hurried across the room and closed and locked the balcony doors. Then he headed back to the door to the bedroom.
Brendan finally found his voice. “She’s injured!”
Halloway raised one bushy brow. “Nothing that the blood of a young, healthy shifter can’t fix.” He turned the lock on the door and closed it behind him.
Could it really be that easy?
He looked back at the woman he loved. Her skin had gone several shades paler.
“Halloway said you just need to feed.”
She nodded, her gaze going to his throat.
“So feed.” He leaned over her, but she didn’t move.
“You’re still healing,” her voice wavered.
“I’m strong enough,” he muttered.
She shook her head weakly. “No, it’s not right.”
“Damn it!” He tried to hide his anger with fear, pulling her head to his neck.“Drink. Feed on me. Whatever you call it.”
After a second, she moaned and he felt her hot breath caress his throat.
Finally. He swallowed, imagining her teeth piercing his skin. Imagining her drinking his blood.
And then, she bit down. The sharp stabs of pain quickly faded into a warmth that spread throughout his body. He groaned as she rose over him and pushed him back onto the floor, her need giving her enormous strength.
A second later, she was straddling his hard cock. Pleasure unlike anything he’d ever felt before swept through his body. He was lost. Lost in the feel of her slender curves pressed against his own. In the strangely sexy feeling of her teeth buried in his flesh. His hands curled around her thighs as it went on and on. He felt as if he might explode, the pleasure driving him higher. Is she going to unman me?
She bucked above him, riding his manhood, and he was surrounded with the feel of her body, the smell of her need.
His shifter side took over. I need her.
She drew back from him, licking the blood from her lips, and he followed her, covering her lips with his.
He tasted his own blood, her need, and something that was incredibly just Alexa.
Then, somehow, the robe was loose, dropping to the floor behind her.
He broke the kiss for a moment to rise, and her legs curved around his waist as he stood. His shifter side howled at the dark green nightie she wore, the green lace transparent in the moonlight. Her nipples, small, pink, and hard peeked through, begging to be touched. He took a step toward the bed.
“Make love to me, Brendan.” She gasped as the movement thrust her against him.
He shuddered. “You’re hurt.”
Lifting the edges of her nightie, she pulled it off over her head, letting it flutter to the floor. His gaze went to her full bare breasts, and then to her stomach, -which showed no signs of injury.
“See? All better.” Taking one hand she placed it on her breast.
He growled again and carried her to the bed. His need to take her was overwhelming. The desire to feel her smooth body among satin and lace. She bucked against him, trying to drive him inside her.
“Slow down, Alexa,” his voice was rough. “My shifter is riding me hard to get inside you.”
“Then get inside me,” she whispered, reclining as he laid her back on the bed. Her arms above her head, she held his gaze as he reached down and cupped her perfect breasts.
She inhaled sharply, biting her lip, and time stood still for a moment.
Using his thumbs, he circled the nubs until they grew even harder beneath his ministrations. Then, slowly, he leaned down and took one nipple into his mouth.
She went wild, arching off the bed, grasping his head and moaning his name. Her legs wrapped around his waist, drawing him closer. She rubbed herself eagerly against his erection, driving him wild.
She reached between them and yanked his boxers down, seizing his cock and stroking its length. Oh, shit! A shiver went straight down his spine. That feels so damn good.
How many times have I imagined this? Alexa touching me. Stroking me.
“You like that?” she asked, her voice husky.
In response, a growl tore from his lips, and the primal wolf within him began to howl. He bucked in her grip as she stroked him up and down in a movement that was teasing and painful in its slowness.
If I don’t distract myself, I’m going to take her hard and fast, the way my wolf wants.
But this isn’t about my pleasure, it’s about hers.
Ripping her panties off and tossing them to the ground, he parted her lower lips, brushing his finger along the wet folds. She gasped his name, and the sound of her slickness filled his ears. The scent of her arousal was all around him.
Stay. In. Control.
He tried to focus on her pleasure, not on the delicate hand gripping his pulsing shaft. One of his fingers entered her channel while his thumb circled her clit. Her inner muscles squeezed him, and he shuddered, imagining those same muscles squeezing his cock. As her hands continued to pump him, he grew slick with precum. It took everything in him not to roar, tear her hand away, and slam into her wet, welcoming channel.
He was losing his mind. His con
trol. Her hips were rising higher and higher as she took his fingers deeper and faster. Her chest rose and fell with increasing speed.
“Brendan…I’m close.” She shuddered, riding his fingers harder.
Oh God, she’s finally ready for me.
She whimpered when he took his hand away.
He gritted his teeth and settled on top of her, his wolf howling in triumph. Mine.
And then, she wrapped her legs around him again, allowing him to press closer.
The head of his cock slowly parted her lower lips, then slid into her wet channel.
They both groaned together, and he closed his eyes. His head fell forward. She was so tight. So wet. Her nails dug into the flesh of his shoulder, urging him on.
He sank, inch by inch, deeper and deeper into her, until he came to his hilt. There, he paused, overwhelmed by his senses, trying to keep some semblance of control. His muscles strained with the effort of holding back. Of giving her tight body time to grow accustom to his girth.
When her grip on his shoulders lessened, he looked at her, holding her gaze as he slowly pulled back out. Her mouth dropped open in an unspoken O, and her nails dug into his flesh once more. He shivered, loving the sensation of his shaft being held so tightly by her body. Loving the raw desire and wonder in her gaze.
I’m making her feel this way. Me…this is unbelievable.
When only his tip remained inside her, he hesitated a moment, then plunged back in. They groaned together, and then, his control snapped. He pounded into her wet, welcoming body. The sounds of their desire filling his ears. Her moans growing louder and louder.
Her legs shook, her body shuddering beneath him with each of his thrusts. She’s close. So close.
She pressed her lips against his neck and then sank her teeth into him. His shock was immediately replaced with pure pleasure. Wrapping one hand behind her head, he drew her closer. Feeling nothing but his cock pressed deep into her body. Feeling nothing but the heat spiraling from her bite.
And then, he came back to himself. Her channel was so wet, so ready. Her legs holding him so deeply that he could go no further.
Gritting his teeth, he began to thrust again. Harder and harder.
They immediately found a rhythm. Her teeth still sunk into his flesh. Her legs wrapped around him as she pulled his closer, forcing him deeper.
His hands clenched the bedsheets, pounding her as he felt himself moving closer to the edge. His pleasure building until at last she screamed and shuddered around him. He forgot to breathe as her inner muscles squeezed him.
And then, he exploded, feeling her orgasm continue as he orgasmed. His hot seed filled her as she continued to hold him tightly.
He found it impossible to stop, sliding in and out of her for several minutes after as they shuddered together. At last, he collapsed on top of her. My Alexa is incredible.
“That was…so good,” she whispered.
He looked down at her. Her eyes had closed, her face relaxing.
Unable to help himself, he kissed her soft lips. From this day forward you are mine. Mine to love. And mine to protect.
Moving to her side, he pulled her close to him, covered their bodies, and drifted into the most peaceful sleep of his life.
Chapter Twelve
Alexa opened her eyes, feeling confused and out of place. She was in her mansion, but not in her bedroom. But why? And then, she realized there was a warm body beneath her hand. Looking up, she stared into Brendan’s sleeping, relaxed face. Memories of the night came back to her. Sex with Brendan had been so good it was almost unreal. She should regret their night together, but somehow, she couldn’t bring herself to.
I need to find a way to keep him, and to keep him out of danger. Is such a thing even possible?
Slipping out of bed, she put on her clothes and left his room. Trying to distract herself, she showered, did her hair and makeup, and put on her most comfortable clothes. The well-made white jeans hugged her body in all the right places. And her top? Well, it was pure art. Long in the front and back, it nearly reached her knees. But on the sides? It slit up high, revealing peeks of her flesh between the stripes of black fabric. The high neckline in front made the sexy dip in the back even more fun.
Putting on her short black-and-white leather boots, she stepped out into the hall and met a world of chaos. That’s right. I was shot.
How could sex with Brendan make me forget that?
Her inner muscles tightened in memory. Oh. That’s how.
Halloway made his report. By the time they caught up to the vampire who shot her, his throat had been torn open by some kind of wild animal. Perhaps even a shifter.
The notion didn’t sit well with her head of security, but she did her best to reassure him.
“Alexa, this was a warning. If they’d meant to kill you, they would have used something other than a gun. This was to show you that you’re not even safe in your own home.” He covered his face with his hands, as upset as she’d ever seen him. “You should replace me.”
“Halloway, there is no one better than you. It’s going to be fine. I’m a tough girl to kill.”
She could see Halloway disagreed, but he held his tongue.
Next came the chief of police, a shifter with a constant scowl on his face. Apparently, twelve people had gone missing since her trip to Magic, and the police force suspected vampires were to blame. Again, she tried to reassure him. But his warning to take care of the problem was less of a suggestion and more a warning.
Which she didn’t appreciate.
By the time she was finished dealing with the responsibilities of her household, it was nearly nightfall once more. She sipped a glass of warm blood and made her way up to Brendan’s room, hoping he’d returned from the security detail Halloway had insisted he shadow.
Time for us to discuss last night.
Turning the handle on his door, she opened it a crack and knocked softly.
A soft beeping caught her ear.
“Come in,” he said, his voice filled with excitement.
She entered, frowning, and closing the door behind her.
He was standing staring down at something in his hand.
As she got closer she recognized the communications device.“What is it doing?”
Looking up at her, his expression was one of shock. “It’s telling me that a ship is in orbit.”
I thought we had three more days.
She slid closer to him, staring down at a screen with a dot blinking in and out over their planet. “Are they getting your message?”
“No,” he said, frowning, “but this tiny monitor indicated a place I can get a clearer signal.”
“Where?”
“It looks to be about thirty minutes from here.”
Looking down at the screen, she instantly recognized the spot. Boulder Creek.“That’s a wooded area. We’ll gather a team and—”
He looked up for the first time, his gaze sweeping over her in a way that made her blush. “Sorry, but you’re staying here. Where it’s safe.”
She huffed. “You do realize I was shot here last night. Four times. In the chest.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he said stubbornly. “Halloway said this is the safest place for you to be and that you need every last vampire on guard to keep you protected. I’m going now, and I’m going alone.”
“Like hell you are!”
He grabbed her arm and pulled her against him, his hard mouth crushing hers in a kiss that sent her head spinning. Then, he pulled back, a low growl emanating from his chest. “You’re staying here.”
“No. I’m not,” she replied calmly.
He was breathing hard, his mouth brushing her cheeks and moving onto her neck. She shifted closer to him, desire uncurling in her belly as she felt his obvious arousal.
“If I go alone, I can be back before anyone notices. If I take you with me, I’m sure your enemies will follow.”
Damn it. He’s right about that.
&nb
sp; She took a deep breath. “All right. But you’re taking Edger and Soren with you.”
At his reluctance, she said, “The two young vampires might look inexperienced, but they can fight like hell if they need to.”
After a long moment, he sighed. “Okay, but I have to leave now.”He kissed her one last time, then headed down the stairs.
She followed, still unsure that she should let him go.
After a few commands, Edger and Soren joined them, looking excited to be included. He and the two blond vampires slipped out into the night.
She stood in the doorway of her home, staring after them long after they were gone. Be safe, she prayed.
A half hour later, as she was sorting through paperwork in her office, her private line rang. She picked it up absentmindedly, too distracted by Brendan’s absence to consider much else.
“Do you know where your mutt is?” Draven’s voice came over the line, cold and cruel.
She stiffened. “Listen, you bastard, if you—”
“He was an idiot to double-cross those aliens. They’re dangerous, and that’s coming from me. Too bad my Tracker led them right to him.”
Her heart in her throat, she listened as the line went dead.
“Halloway!” she screamed. Rising from her seat, she flew toward the door. I don’t care if it’s a trap, I have to save him.
Chapter Thirteen
Brendan stood at the top of the large white rock surrounded by a thick forest, the two vampires slightly behind him. The sound of the rushing river behind them filled the silence of the night. Holding the communication device as high as he could, he was rewarded when it made a soft chime.
His prerecorded message began. “To whoever hears this message: Dangerous alien shifters have escaped from prison and landed on my planet, known as Earth. They are known criminals in whatever world they came from and were hunted by beings called Star Rangers. They are attempting to create alien-human hybrids. If they are not removed from this world, the damage they could inflict would be costly. Please come and collect them.”
Then, the message began again.
The two young vampires who had accompanied him leaned against the boulder looking bored.
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