by F. G. Adams
It is difficult for me to slip quietly away from this perfect woman … my true mate. Shivering from the cold that has taken over my body, I can feel the sun coming up. It’s time to get home and talk to Marcus. I steal one last glance at Wren, captured by the sight of her generous breasts moving up and down as she breathes in her deep, sated sleep. I leave her—content, for now.
Chapter Ten
Wren
I ease my eyes gently open to the early morning sunlight filtering through the windows. My soul is happily singing from the previous night and early morning tryst with Aldin. Oh my goodness. My body begins to awaken, instinctively seeking out the man who caused my bliss. Turning my head, I gaze at the empty space on the other side of the bed and my heart races to my throat. A lump forms, causing a deep ache from the emptiness in my middle—something unfamiliar, foreign to me. I don’t understand it. One night of ecstasy with Aldin and I’m hooked.
A single moonflower on the pillow is his goodbye. With a smile curling around my mouth, I carefully scoop the delicate bud up to my nose and sniff deeply. The fragrance explodes over my senses and I drift off to sleep again, dreaming of Aldin.
The next morning, I wake feeling well-rested. The clock by my bed says ten a.m. and my shift at the hospital starts in a few hours. I can’t believe I slept twenty-four hours straight. I haven’t slept that much since I was teenager. Guess Aldin wore me out. Stretching, I feel the pull of every muscle that was thoroughly fucked the previous night. Aldin was amazing. He was exotic, erotic, and dominant—just what I needed and craved. He was the total package and we were well-matched.
Will I see him again? Was this just a one-night stand? These thoughts race around my mind. I know that’s what I was looking for in the beginning: hooking up and moving on ‘til the next time I needed release. Now that I’ve had a taste of this man, I want more. I crave him. Feelings of love filter in and out of my head, and I can’t shake the yearning to be near him. There was a defined moment when I knew I had been changed forever. I slipped across the line I swore to never cross.
“Well, shit,” I mumble, realizing I didn’t even get his number.
I stumble out of bed and open my door, following the sound of music echoing off the apartment walls. The moment I arrive in the living room, I see Candie dancing around doing her exercises. Smiling to myself as she gives me her Candie-crazy face, she continues to dance and I move into the kitchen for the caffeine my body requires.
After I pour a cup of coffee and take my first sip, I almost orgasm from the rich, steaming flavor flowing around in my mouth. The tantalizing aroma of the dark roasted beans spin around me in the air. Taking another sip, I conclude that this is the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had.
“Hey, Candie. Did you make a new kind of coffee today?” I yell into the living room, hoping that she can hear me.
Candie saunters into the kitchen, sweat dripping down the sides of her face, and takes a seat at the bar as she takes a drink from her water bottle.
“What about the coffee, Wren? It’s the same as always.”
“Mmmm. It’s delicious. Are you sure you didn’t change it?” I ask again, curious, because every sip is nirvana.
“Nope. But if everything tastes better today, I think it’s the afterglow from a night of crazy sex and being knocked out for twenty-four hours, girlfriend.” Candie laughs and exits, moving down the hall. “Gotta go shower, I have an early night at work! You’ll have to give me every juicy detail when I get home later.” She disappears behind her door.
I sit at the bar, contemplating her comments. It’s true. I feel really good today, like I could run a marathon, and I haven’t even finished my first cup of coffee. Maybe she’s right. Maybe sex with Aldin was just what the doctor ordered. Fondly, I touch my neck, the lingering ghost of Aldin’s lips and teeth grazing my skin causing a shiver down my spine and an aching in my lady bits.
There has to be a mark from all the sucking and biting. Tossing my hair to the side, I look in the mirror at the end of the bar. Nothing, nada. I move closer to get a better view, but there’s nothing there. Crazy. I really thought I would be diving into my makeup kit to hide a hickey.
Giggling, I go shower. Duty calls. I need to go to the hospital for a few hours and make my rounds. I especially want to check on the miracle preemie baby Lana, and I know some patients will be discharging and I’ll need to sign the paperwork. Mentally, I make a to-do list for the rest of the day—and I add Aldin to it. I’ve got to find him. I have a burning need to see him again and that scares the hell out of me.
Aldin
I made it home just in time to avoid the piercing sun on my back. Although my play time with Dr. Bishop was worth getting caught out in the early morning light, I chuckle to myself. Wren swamps my every thought. I can’t believe I’ve found my mate and bound myself to her so quickly. I’ve joked over the years, saying I would never be good mate material and didn’t want the ball and chain around my neck that comes with one. Clearly, I didn’t know what the fuck I was talking about.
Mike greets me at the elevator as I head up to the penthouse.
“Morning, sir.” Mike sniffs the air. “Smells like you had a good night.” His chest rumbles deep within from his chuckle.
I pat his back, then nod and smile to acknowledge his comments. He knows I’m a man of few words. Riding the elevator to the top floor, I exit to go and find Marcus. My cell phone vibrates halfway down the hall. I glance at the caller ID and wince.
“Damnation.” I realize my day is turning from really good to really bad in a matter of a few seconds.
Answering the call that I feel can only be bad news, I slide the bar across the screen.
“Agent Fox.”
My voice sounds annoyed because he wouldn’t be calling unless it was bad news. Agent Brenton Fox is an FBI agent and a hunter—not a hunter of animals, but of the supernatural. Fifteen years ago, we ran into each other. Literally. I was on the trail of a bloodthirsty Vampire and so was Fox. Long story short: I saved his life and he’s owed me ever since. That night, he realized not all Enchanted Immortals are evil. In the end, it was a win/win for both of our kind. Fox watches my back and I do the same for him.
“Kovac,” a gruff voice from smoking over the years spills through the line. “I put those feelers out like you asked and what I found out is some fucked up shit. According to wiretap transmissions and a few eyewitnesses, we’ve put together a timeline and a suspect. I’ve got people here who are freaked out and not understanding what’s going on, Kovac. You’ve got to act on this fast. I have coordinates and maps I’m uploading now to your phone. It’s a place to start.” Agent Fox takes a deep breath and then releases the most disturbing part of his findings. “It’s Jackson Parrish, Aldin. Fucker got away from us years back when you made the choice to save my sorry ass, and now he’s out there killing more innocents.” He pauses again and I feel the other ball about to drop. “Aldin, you need to watch yourself. Word is, he’s also after you and Marcus. He wants what you have and is coming for you.”
“Balls! I knew something wasn’t settling right.” I pause to compose the sharp, prickly anger rushing along my scalp. Fucking Jackson. He’s a sadistic prick, haunting me with all his savage kills. “Thanks for the lead. We’ll handle it. If you hear anything else…” I leave the rest hanging because it’s already understood.
“If you need me, don’t hesitate, Aldin. I’ve got your back. Later.” With that last remark, Agent Fox hangs up.
After sliding my phone into my back pocket, I continue down the hallway to find Marcus. It’s time to go hunting. A rogue who has escaped my grasp for fifteen years needs to be put down. And this time, I won’t fail.
Chapter Eleven
Aldin
Darkness has descended upon the city and it’s early evening. The moon cascades through the unobstructed windows across the penthouse roof. We’ve been mulling over the maps and locations Agent Fox sent to me for hours. Tempers flare with the knowledge of
the outcome. Either we find Jackson Parrish and destroy him, or more innocent people, human and Enchanted Immortals alike, will die.
“And you contacted the southern district?” Marcus asks wearily. He’s frustrated and wants this to end, as do we all.
“Yes, my lord. I spoke with Esmerelda and she’s worried. Three Vampires are missing. Two of the missing were younglings, newly made, just a few decades old. The other missing is a member who sits on their council. No one has heard from them.” I explain to Marcus as my phone pings, indicating a message coming in.
“Here it is. She sent me a location that is suspect. I want to match it with what we already have to narrow down the search.”
Walking over to the table full of maps, I find the point and put an X over it. A previous mark right next to the newest X confirms my suspicions. We got him.
Leaning over the table, Marcus delivers his final judgment. “We need to prepare. Call the enforcers home. We meet at dusk. Tell them to be ready to hunt. Make sure they know we will be preparing a celebration in honor of our impending victory. We feed. We hunt. We kill.”
“Yes, my lord. It will be done,” I rapidly reply and proceed in the direction of my office.
Once settled, I begin to make the necessary arrangements that will eradicate the world of a monster and his followers. First on the list are the Enchanted Immortals: Vampires, Shifters, Necromancer, and other supernatural beings. Marcus has formed many alliances over his centuries of existing. At the beginning, I believe he wanted to create a “family” of his own to aid in relieving his loneliness. It morphed into a network where thousands of Enchanted Immortals are protected from harm daily: safe places all around the globe for our kind, a shelter of sorts from the humans and other predators. I recall the stories he’s told me of the death and annihilation of complete races that no longer exist because of the fear humans harbored of not knowing or understanding.
Over the centuries, hunters have claimed many Enchanted Immortal lives. Brenton Fox and I work together as Ambassadors, educating both sides, and a truce of sorts has been in place for the last fifteen years. Some of the elders will never accept it, but as long as Marcus reigns, no one will dare challenge his ruling, which is another reason of concern for him to leave me in control.
Next, I notify Agent Fox and his team. All are ready to go to war with us. I look up, rubbing the back of my neck when a flash of lightning fills the sky. It’s midmorning and I’ve been working all night to ensure that everything goes as planned. I notice the black storm clouds moving in to darken the city, illuminated only by the occasional bolts of lightning in the distance.
I’ve been so caught up ensuring no detail was left to fate that I realize I haven’t contacted Wren in over twenty-four hours. I scroll to Wren’s phone number. While she slept, I called my phone from hers. Call me obsessed, but I had to have a way to contact her again. My mind is immediately reminded of the need burning deep within. Driven by that need, I finish up what I’m working on and rise to leave. On my way to the elevator, Marcus stops me.
“Where are you going, Aldin? The celebration is beginning. We need to feed well and be ready for the impending hunt.”
I don’t want to share my news about finding my mate or explain to him the feelings swirling around in my heart for the doctor just yet, so I play along and agree with him.
“Of course, my Lord. I wanted to clear my head, get some fresh air. I’m going for a ride and I’ll be back later. Then, I will join you and the others in celebrating our anticipated victory over Jackson.”
He pauses a moment to stare deeply into my eyes. I’m concerned my secret has been found out. The blood bond Marcus and I have shared over the years betrays me now by allowing him to read my emotions. Hell, it’s not like I don’t want to shout at the top of my lungs “I’ve found my mate!” but being so new, I’ve yet to deal with what’s emerged between Wren and me. My trust in Marcus is unwavering. He is my lord, sire, and father.
He must find what he is searching for in my gaze. “Until later then, my son,” he says before continuing toward the main room where the celebration is beginning.
I hastily move towards the elevator to exit. I don’t look back. I worry that if I do, Marcus will stop and question me again. I will tell him when the time is right. I’m not ready to spill about my treasure. Not yet.
Once in the parking garage, I climb onto my Harley, rev the engine up, and peel out into the storming rain. Lightning flashes in the sky and the wind whips around me from the storm as I aim my bike toward the hospital. Pellets of water fall from the sky, but I have no need to worry about being drenched; my skin armor protects me and keeps me dry from the rain.
My need to see Wren is overruling my logic. Urgency taking hold of me to see my mate.
Wren
Candie left for work and I went to the hospital. It was pouring rain outside when I arrived earlier in the day and, with a glance out of the window in my office, I notice the storm hasn’t stopped yet. I’ve been thinking about Aldin and how I can find him when it hits me: He owns a brewery, but I just can’t remember the name. I’ll be stopping by to see Candie on my way home. 3:30 in the afternoon and that means only a few more hours and I’ll know where to find him.
It’s time for the last stop of my rounds today: baby Lana. I’ve been waiting for the results from the tests I ordered before examining her. They should be back by now.
I stand inside the prenatal ICU watching Lana sleep peacefully. I had already finished up the exam and, wow, this little girl is a trooper. She didn’t even make a sound as I held her precious little body and rolled her around on the table, checking her from top to bottom. Adorable. Lana’s blood and test results came back perfect.
She’s a miracle.
Suddenly I’m struck with the familiar feeling of another presence assailing my surroundings, just like before. Turning around, I search for whoever is watching me.
Then I see him. Aldin is standing outside the room gazing inside, watching me.
Whoa, wait a minute…
Aldin smiles at me from the other side of the glass. I exit the room in a hurry to see him. I get the feeling deep down in my bones that something is different. Mysterious. Aldin’s powerful aura radiates strength and comfort, calling to me, hastening my steps forward. We are connected and I’ve only known the man for a few days. A magnetic pull stirs deep emotions I have never encountered. What is happening to me? I shouldn’t be obsessing for the next look or touch this man will gift me with.
His hypnotic gaze captures me and I’m reeled in to his open arms. His manly smell calls to my womanly desires and instantly I’m in need.
“Hello, my lovely Wren. I stopped by to see you. How is your patient, baby Lana, faring today?”
“She’s a miracle. It was touch-and-go from the start. I’m so happy about her recovery. I was about to tell her parents she should be able to go home soon. I don’t anticipate any problems in that little sweetie’s future,” I babble, placing my hands on his chest.
“Wonderful news. How are you feeling? I’m sorry I left before you woke, but I remembered a meeting and knew I couldn’t get out of it. Did you like your flower?” he inquires, caressing my back.
“I did. How did you know moonflowers were my favorite? My mother always kept a bouquet on the dining room table.” I smile at the fond memory from my childhood.
“I know many secrets about you, my lovely doctor,” he quips.
My spine stiffens at his remark, and an uneasiness filters in my mind. That’s odd. How could he know those details about me? Maybe Candie told him more about me than I expected. She normally doesn’t give out my personal information. I have to remember to ask her about it later, mentally talking myself off the ledge.
He reaches for my hand and opens the door behind him, pulling me into a small closet, and quietly shutting us inside. The light trickling in from the crack at the bottom illuminates his face and I’m mesmerized by the desire burning in his stare. His embr
ace is solid as he nuzzles my neck, inhaling.
“I need you now, my Wren,” he says, lifting the skirt up my legs until his hand touches my inner thigh. I release a moan at the contact. “This is going to be quick, my lovely.”
I don’t care. I just want him to stop the ache growing inside of me. He guides me up against the wall, licking my neck in the same spot as he did the first time. He groans and nips me, causing a chain reaction to start inside my body, a flittering in my belly and pounding of my heart. Then he benches me straight up into a sitting position on his forearm, his strength a complete turn-on to my already charged body. I wrap my legs around his waist and lock ankles, anchoring me in place.
“You call to me, my heart. Every moment away from you, I longed to be back inside you.”
His free hand unbuckles his pants and his already hardened cock extends forward. Grabbing the side of the delicate lace thong, he snaps the fabric, slides it into his pant pocket, and positions himself at my wet entrance, grinding his hips as his shaft slides back and forth on my channel priming him.
I clutch his shoulders and try to position him where I want him: right inside of me. He chuckles at my desperation and continues his leisurely assault on my pussy.
“Stop playing around and give me what I want, Aldin,” I demand insistently. I know what I want and I want him now.
“Wren, I said quick not rough, my lovely. I want to savor every second, to remember later when you’re not with me.” He nibbles on my skin at his favorite place again. “You are so delicious.”
The tingling sensation from his lips heighten my desire for him. He’s playing with me and the thought of his dominant side causes me to shiver with need. I can’t believe he is here with me. He’s a dreamsicle on two legs, likeable, lickable, and definitely loveable. And, he’s here with me. It all seems too good to be true.
