Defending Kyra (Guardians Book 1)

by Susan Hayes

  She wriggled closer, her free hand returning to his flank, fingers seeking the scratches she had treated just yesterday. “You’re healed?” she asked, amazed.

  Gareth’s laughter was the low rumble of an approaching storm. “Now is when you think to check on that? Clearly, I’m not doing this right.” His fingers twisted and slid inside her, two and then three as he curved them up and deep, stroking every nerve ending she had and several no lover had ever discovered before. She cried out with the pleasure of it, and he leaned in to kiss her, the stubble of his jaw rasping over her cheek as he laid claim to her mouth. She tightened her grip on his cock and began pumping slowly, her rhythm matching his.

  Stroke for stroke they toyed with each other, passion and need ramping up with each passing minute. His flexed his fingers, seeking out her G-spot. When she cried out again, he growled in approval and began a relentless tapping, making her channel clench tight around his hand.

  Her fingers barely spanned his thick girth as she caressed him, pumping her fist the length of his cock. She used the pearls of pre-cum that sprang from the tip to lubricate his skin until her fingertips were gliding from root to glans. She felt him shudder and knew he was as far gone as she was, both of them craving the other’s touch.

  Soon Kyra felt as though her skin was on fire and her pussy was soaked with the proof of her need, every touch of his fingers making her shudder. Trembling on the edge of control, she lifted her lips from his and drew in a breath, trying to cool the burning in her lungs. “Need you.” She gasped, her hips arching against his hand.

  “Need me where?” Gareth growled. “Tell me what you need, sweetheart.”

  “Need you, inside me.” Kyra’s heart slammed against her ribs as she spoke the words. “Please, Gareth. I need to feel you come inside me. Need to feel alive.” She kissed him again, feeling something break inside her, releasing a sense of warmth and belonging that burned brighter than mere passion. She shifted her body so that she was on her back at right angles to his body, one leg draped over his hip and the other sliding the other between his thighs, guiding him with her hands so that he lay facing her, his cock standing stiff and straight between them.

  He groaned and rummaged through their discarded clothing until he pulled a small foil packet out of a pocket with a relieved sigh. He worked quickly, sheathing himself in the latex and then lying back as Kyra drew his hands to her hips and tightened her legs, pulling them together.

  As his cock slid between the drenched folds of her pussy, Gareth’s breath caught in his chest and she felt his hands tighten on her hips, pulling her sharply toward him.

  “Yes,” he whispered in approval as he slid himself back and forth across her opening, teasing them both.

  “Gareth, please!” She heard herself begging and didn’t care. All she wanted was him inside her, touching her.

  “As my lady wishes,” he whispered, his gaze never leaving hers. She felt herself getting lost in the shifting colours of his eyes, a myriad of emotions and unspoken promises hidden behind their forest-tinted depths. The warmth returned, wrapping itself around her heart as she felt him arch into her, completing her in a way she had never felt before.

  “Gareth.” She spoke his name softly, her body giving way to his. She felt her muscles tighten around him, and it nearly drove her to orgasm then and there. He was so much, nearly too much, stretching her until pleasure blended into the boundaries of pain. Then he started to move and it was all pleasure, their position dictating that the pace of their lovemaking be slow and deep, a steady rocking that was enhanced by every lurch and roll of the camper carrying them.

  “You’re so tight.” His breath hissed out of him between thrusts. “Gods, this is good, so good.” She flexed her inner muscles and heard him groan in approval, felt his cock thicken and jerk inside her. “Do that again and I’m not going to last, sweetheart,” he warned.

  “I thought we didn’t have much time.” She clamped her inner muscles around him again, releasing and clenching in a series of short pulses.

  “We don’t, but damn, woman, you are going to kill me!” His fingers bit into the soft flesh of her hips, and he drove himself deep. Kyra whimpered with pleasure and he released her hips, turning his hands over to twine his fingers with hers. He tugged her arms hard, holding her close as he plunged in and out, every ridge and line sending shimmers of bliss through her body. Her orgasm came on slowly, rippling outward from her center until every breath added to her pleasure and she shattered like crystal, coming with a soft cry of wonder. As her body shuddered around him, she felt his release and heard him speak her name over and over in time to the pulse and jerk of his cock as he came.

  Afterward, Kyra didn’t want to move. Her fingers were still intertwined with Gareth’s, and their bodies were still joined. Words she never thought she’d ever speak danced on the tip of her tongue, and she swallowed them back, sealing her lips against confessions she wasn’t ready to make. If she wasn’t in love with him yet, she knew she would be soon, and that thought scared her more than the undead monster that was hunting her down. He’s worth the risk, she told herself and tried not to listen to the voices that whispered to her from the dark part of her mind where fear and doubt still held sway.

  “Kyra?” Gareth moved at last, breaking the moment of blissful silence they had been sharing. “You can’t know where we’re going, you know that, right?”

  She nodded. “Yeah, I know. If he gets any clue, I’m a sitting duck. But how do we make sure that doesn’t happen?”

  “You can’t remember anything if you’re not awake to experience the trip. I can give you something to make you sleep.”

  A cold twist of worry shot through her. “Seriously?”

  He gave her a look of apology as he drew her closer. “I’ll stay with you the whole time. I’ll hold you if you want. By the time you wake up, I promise you, you’ll be safe. I’m sorry, sweetheart, but this is the only way.”

  “I hate drugs. I don’t even drink.” She thought about it for a long moment and then nodded. “But I trust you.” She uttered the words without thinking and was amazed to realize it was the truth. She trusted him with her life. Another band of warmth wrapped itself around her heart and she squeezed his fingers. “How?”

  “There’s a spray injector in the case. I’ll give you just enough that you’ll sleep through the rest of the trip.”

  “No needles?” she asked softly.

  “No needles.” He chuckled. “How can someone with as many holes in their ears as you not like needles?”

  “It’s complicated,” she muttered.

  “Ah, trial by fire, feel the fear and do it anyway sort of thing, huh?” Gareth gently separated their bodies and went to fetch the suitcase.

  Surprised by his understanding, Kyra started dressing as she watched him prowl through the cramped space of the camper, her eyes drinking in the sight of his naked form, especially his taut, well-muscled ass.

  He climbed back up beside her and drew her into his arms. “You ready?” His voice was a low murmur near her ear.

  “Hit me.” She closed her eyes as she felt something cool touch the top of her shoulder, just by the collar of her shirt. “And for the record, you have a really fine ass. I’m looking forward to seeing it again soon.” There was a hiss of gas and a stinging sensation, and then the world was fading away.

  The last thing she heard was Gareth’s voice murmuring, “Sleep well, sweetheart. I’ve got you.”

  GARETH GUARDED her while she slept, holding her in his arms as they drove onto the ferry that would take them to Vancouver Island. It was the ferry they had to keep out of her awareness. It would have given away too much to the creature who was hunting her. It was a two-hour crossing, and he spent the time memorizing her body, the feel of her soft limbs tangled with his, the gentle rhythm of her breathing. He counted the rings that ran along the rim of one ear and breathed in her essence, letting it imprint on his senses until he would know her by scent or touch
alone. She was his, and he was starting to wonder if he really could find the strength to let her go when this was done. For the first time in his life, he wasn’t sure he was strong enough to do what was needed. Not if it meant losing her.

  When Dale and Gertie were back on the road again, he left Kyra sleeping and managed to get dressed, certain that Dale was deliberately hitting every pothole and bump in the road as he struggled to stay upright and tug on his jeans at the same time. He found the torn remains of Kyra’s panties caught in the fold of his shirt and stuffed them in his pocket with a grin he suspected was more than a little goofy. “I owe her some new ones.” He found himself laughing at the idea of finally having a reason to spend the salary he had rarely touched over the years. The Brotherhood paid for nearly everything he needed on the road, and he knew he could easily afford to buy Kyra as many lacy underthings as she would let him. His cock went instantly hard as a half-dozen images of Kyra in lace and satin raced through his mind. It took the rest of the journey to get his libido under control again.

  When Gertie finally eased to a stop at the end of a long gravel driveway, Gareth gathered Kyra into his arms and gently drew her down from the bower of quilts and sleeping bags. He heard footsteps and then voices, and he knew they were no longer alone. The thought didn’t give him any peace, though. More people meant less time with Kyra and an increased chance they would assign others to protect her. His arms tightened around her, and she groaned softly in her sleep, a sure sign the sedative was wearing off. He needed to get her inside, soon.

  The camper door opened and gray daylight poured in, illuminating Dale’s cheerful face and several others he was not familiar with, all of them looking at him with something like awe. That look was another reason why he tended to avoid these places. These people knew who and what he was. To them, he was a living myth, and they treated him with an annoying mix of respect and reverence. He preferred to stay away.

  “We’ll take her for you, sir,” one of the men standing nearest the doorway offered, lifting his arms to take Kyra’s sleeping form.

  “She stays with me.” Gareth bit out the words and stepped off the back of the camper, dropping several feet to the ground without trouble and then straightening to his full height as he looked around them.

  “Certainly. I’ll show you the way to her rooms and then to your own.” Another voice, this one female, came from one side, and he glanced down at an older woman with kindly features, her eyes curious as she looked at Kyra.

  “She stays with me,” Gareth repeated. “I would appreciate it if you would take me to our room.” He heard Dale whisper the words “blood bond” and saw several heads snap up in surprise, everyone who heard the words taking an immediate step back. Wise move, he thought to himself as they cleared the area around him.

  The woman near him just nodded in comprehension. “I see. Very well then, it will be as you say. If you bring her along, we’ll get her inside before she wakes up.” She took a step and then stopped to glance back over her shoulder. “I’m Anna, by the way, and this is my home. So, please stop glowering at me, Gareth Harkness. No one is going to take her away from you.” She started walking again as several others stared at her, clearly stunned at her daring. “Really, people, he’s a dhampir, not a rock star. Everyone move along and stop gawking!”

  In his arms Kyra stirred again, and Gareth leaned down to nuzzle her hair. “You’re safe, sweetheart, just rest.” She grew heavier in his arms as she drifted off again, and Anna glanced back. Her expression intent.

  “We were told she’d been targeted by Vlad, and that you were protecting her. It would seem there was some information missing from that report.” She raised a questioning brow at Gareth. “How far has it gone?”

  Gareth fought the urge to growl that she was his and that was the end of it. The primal feelings Kyra inspired in him were growing stronger by the hour. “He has her blood, but he’s not gotten near her since, nor will he. If you mean the two of us? I won’t initiate the bonding until this is over.”

  Anna simply nodded and led them up a flight of stairs and down a hallway. “Your room is the last one on the left, and Dale’s is on the right. The items left behind at the hotel have been claimed and they’ll be here later today. When she is settled and awake, I will need a full debriefing. I will send in one of the girls to keep her company while you’re away from her. She will also need to be debriefed, but that can be done from her room.”

  He opened his mouth to argue but saw the look she tossed his way and decided to stay silent. This was her safe house, and while they were here, he was subject to her rules. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Dale chortled. “Reminds me of your mother.”

  “And who do you think trained me? Moira Harkness and I have been friends for years, which you would know if you ever came home, Gareth. She worries about you. Now, off you go. I’ll be back in a bit to check in on you two. This place is supposed to be a retreat and spa for the wealthy and secretive, so you’ll find that your rooms are complete suites with all the amenities. Dinner will be served in the main hall at five.” With that, she was gone, leaving Gareth and Dale standing in the hall.

  “I didn’t know you were staying, Dale.” Gareth glanced across the hall to his mentor’s assigned room.

  “Neither did I, but this place is a damn sight nicer than my bachelor pad, and someone else is cooking.” He smacked his lips. “Maybe I’ll stick around.” His expression grew more serious. “That little girl of yours is going to need all the help she can get, boy. I’ll stay and see this thing through.”

  Gareth just nodded in thanks, his throat tightening at Dale’s offer. As he carried Kyra inside and laid her on the queen-size bed, he silently blessed his sister for sending Dale to fetch them. He knew the man had retired for reasons deeper than just his age, but having him here was a comfort he was more than grateful for.

  As Kyra slept, he prowled the suite, impressed by the comfort and luxury he found. Jacuzzi tub, a spacious shower, handcrafted furniture and rich fabrics everywhere, fresh flowers by the bed. This place was truly an oasis. The wards that protected this place had been built into its very foundation and added to it at every level of construction, creating a sense of peace and security. No matter how hard he tried, no vampire was gaining access to this place or the people inside it.

  Finally, he stretched out beside Kyra and cuddled her close, letting his guard down for the first time since he’d met her. Sleep claimed him quickly.

  14

  KYRA WOKE UP, thankful to discover that her world had stopped lurching and swaying like a drunken camel. She yawned and wiggled her toes, the whisper of fresh linens and the soft scent of flowers teasing at her senses. She went to move and realized Gareth held her close, one arm curved protectively around her waist to guard her even while he slept.

  She settled back, relishing the feeling of having him hold her, of being safe. That was when it hit her again, that odd sense of familiarity. She concentrated on the sensation, and finally she remembered the dreams, the ones that started just as Vlad had come into her life. Not the nightmares, but the dreams of warm darkness and strong arms holding her. Gareth’s arms. Gareth’s kisses. Gareth’s voice speaking her name. She drew in a slow breath and tried to quiet the questions and fears that bubbled up in her mind. What the hell was going on? And why was she dreaming of not one man, but two? She was no psychic!

  She fought for calm and won, barely. When Gareth woke up, he had a lot of questions to answer. Lying back, she looked around her new surroundings, which were a far sight better than Dale’s camper. Her perusal left her with an impression of rich fabrics and soft colours, polished wood and gleaming glass. Beyond the heavy drapes she could see dusk was rapidly falling, and she lost some of her contentment as she instinctively reacted to the coming of nightfall. Her pulse jumped, and she reached for the knife she’d slipped into her boot, cursing when she realized she’d lost it during her memorable romp with Gareth earlier.

  “Mi
ssing something?” An amused voice rumbled behind her and a flash of metal caught the last rays of the sunset as Gareth handed her the missing knife, hilt first. “You’re safer here than you can imagine. You really don’t need that.” He sat up slightly and tugged her back into his arms. “Especially when I am right here.”

  “And when you go, then what? I stay here forever?” she asked sharply, her voice cracking as her carefully reined-in fears broke free.

  “I’m staying with you until this is done. I gave you my word on that already.” She felt his arms tighten around her. “You’re mine to protect.”

  “I’m not yours!” Kyra twisted and turned until they were facing each other on the bed, his arm still holding her close. “Just because I dreamed of you doesn’t make me yours! If that’s true, then I’m his, too!” Tears burned at her eyes, and she threw herself away from him, suddenly feeling the need to put space between them. “You know everything there is to know about me, but I know almost nothing about you. Hell, I’m not even allowed to know where I am!” She got up, the knife still in her hand, the blade flashing as she toyed with it absently, making it dance over her fingers as she paced out her agitation.

  “You dreamed about me?” Gareth gave her a dazed look and sat up as he watched the knife flicker and dance in her hand. “Come back to bed, we need to talk about this. You know why you weren’t told where we are. It’s for your protection.” He opened his arms to her in a silent invitation to come to him.

  “Oh yes, it’s all necessary. If your people didn’t have me running for my life then he’d have killed me by now, or worse. My life is totally out of control, Gareth. I can’t even get away from the madness in my dreams! And the best I can get from you is some Neanderthal statement that I belong to you and you’ll protect me.”