Stunner
Page 3
“Do I frighten you, little wolf?” His husky murmur slid down my spine like an icy hand.
His power was strong and intoxicating. It reached out to me and my own power burst forth in response. His energy mingled with mine in a dizzying union that crushed the breath from me. I’d never felt anything like it.
Our two separate powers coiled together, becoming something else entirely. It was a sudden and strong connection. My knees grew weak. I had to get the hell out of there. Giving in to a vampire’s thrall was not part of the plan. Of course, my plan had been blown out of the water long ago.
I forced myself to meet his hypnotizing gaze and I lied. “Not in the least.”
A grin lit up his face, revealing straight white teeth and wickedly sharp fangs. He leaned in close and I braced myself for the bite that would drain my life away. My heartbeat thundered in my ears, drowning out the sound of my rapid breaths.
His lips were warm against my ear when he whispered, “Liar.”
I shuddered, coaxing a chuckle from him. I couldn’t prevent my body from responding to his dark charm. As afraid as I was, I wanted him. It wasn’t real. It couldn’t be. Our power writhed and flowed around us, an entity all its own. I couldn’t break free of his hold on me. Part of me didn’t even want to. That realization only served to heighten my terror.
“Please,” I heard myself beg. “Let me go.”
He was going to kill me and I was making it easy for him. I had to take my power back. Arys lingered, breathing in the scent of the blood that trickled from my neck. He sighed, a ragged sound so unexpected and human that it momentarily stunned me.
“How is it even possible that you exist? So much power for one so mortal and fragile.”
He wasn’t the first vampire to say something like that to me. He was however, the first to stare at me with such wonder and intrigue. Was this guy crazy? Just kill me and get it over with.
“I was born this way,” I squeaked out. I’d been able to manipulate energy in various ways all my life. What started as basic telekinesis and psionic skills had evolved over the years.
I stood stiffly as he ran a hand through my long, ash blonde hair. Pausing to study the tendrils that drifted through his fingers, Arys grew contemplative. “Unreal.”
He pushed me away so suddenly I stumbled. Hunger shone in his eyes. Run or fight. I had a split second to choose. Arys chose for me.
“Go, now,” he said through bared teeth. “Before I change my mind.”
His gaze wavered, straying to my bloody wound. The magnetic but brief spell was broken. I wasn’t dumb enough to stick around to ask questions. With a last parting glance at Arys, I turned tail and fled.
I wasn’t sure why he let me go. I was a hunter. A killer of those supernaturals who risked public exposure with their actions. My target had been Octavia. It was my blunder that I’d crashed a party of six. I didn’t know a damn thing about Arys, had never seen him before tonight, and certainly hadn’t expected a run in with him.
His manipulative touch had reached deep within me, awakening both intrigue and fear. I disappeared into the night with the echo of his power giving chase.
Chapter Two
The noise level grew to a dull roar, driven by the steady flow of alcohol. I sipped from a glass of whiskey and coke, watching the antics of several drunken guests. I was late to the party myself, having just arrived. I was definitely behind as far as drinks went.
I sat on a folding chair near the small fire pit in the backyard. Coming to Raoul’s birthday party had been low on my priority list. I doubt he would have noticed my absence. I only showed because of Shaz’s insistence that I make an appearance. Where was Shaz anyway?
The party was made up mostly of werewolves with a few humans sprinkled in here and there. Whoever had made the guest list was either ballsy or stupid. It was most likely Raoul. I’d never mix humans with this many rowdy, drunken werewolves. That was just asking for trouble.
Music mingled with the steady hum of voices, several conversations taking place around me at once. I half listened to Zak and Julian as they crudely sized up their chances of getting laid before the night was over. Young, horny and drunk. Nothing that came out of their mouths would surprise me.
“What do you want to bet that I can do not only that blonde over there, but her friend too?” Julian swigged from a bottle of beer, nodding towards a woman standing near the barbecue with a hotdog in hand.
“Nice choice,” Zak replied thoughtfully. “She looks pretty good eating that thing. I don’t see her friend going for it though. Too uptight.”
“Fifty bucks?” Julian challenged with a smirk.
Zak watched the blonde take a bite of her hotdog before nodding slowly. “You’re on.”
That was enough guy talk for me. I was not listening to this crap all night. Without a word to either of them, I vacated my seat and headed for the kitchen, draining the last of my drink as I went. I paused to make small talk as I made my way through. The party vibe was strong in those around me but I just wasn’t feeling it.
I bypassed the cheap whiskey sitting on the table for all to partake of. I knew where Raoul kept the good stuff. I doubted the location had changed since I moved out.
Living with the Alpha wolf had been great back in the beginning, when I was a new werewolf and just sixteen years old. When I reached adulthood, many things had changed, including the way Raoul looked at me. After spending a few years in and out of his bed with grandeur delusions of a happily ever after, I was forced to accept that I had been little more to Raoul than another conquest.
I slipped through the crowd gathered around the large dining room table to the den just off the kitchen. The door was closed, as I expected. I grabbed the doorknob and finding it unlocked, ducked inside.
Flicking on the light, I surveyed the room. Small but cozy, it was furnished with a cluttered desk, stacked bookshelf and an old leather sofa. Memories lived in this room. I ignored them, seeking out the stash of expensive booze occupying most of the bookshelf. If anything would drown an unwelcome memory, it would be the pricey whiskey I generously poured into my glass.
I sipped from the heady elixir, savoring the way it warmed my blood. In no hurry to return to the party, I browsed through the books stacked on the shelf above the liquor. Had Raoul ever really read all the Shakespeare he had or was that just for show?
I skimmed through a few pages of Romeo and Juliet. It reminded me of tenth grade English class and my deceptively tiny but tough as nails teacher, Mrs. G. She scared the bejeezus out of me. I never did miss a homework assignment though.
“I wouldn’t have pegged you as a romantic.” Raoul’s low timbre startled me out of the tragic tale.
I shoved the book back into its place on the shelf. “I’m not. I’m only here for the booze.” I held up my glass for him to see. No, I wasn’t a romantic. He had cured me of that long ago.
“Ah, you read my mind.” He held up an empty scotch glass and swung the door closed behind him. Crossing to the bookshelf, he refilled his glass from one of the pricey bottles.
I sidestepped him, ensuring he didn’t have to get too close. He raised a dark brow at the motion but said nothing. I could feel the watchfulness of his wolf as it looked out at me from behind his coal black eyes. My wolf leaped against the surface of my being in response. It was difficult to keep from reacting to him.
“Happy birthday, Raoul,” I said coolly. “I trust it’s been everything you wanted and more.”
He tilted his head to the side and gave me an appraising once over, taking in my tight jeans and cleavage baring tank top. His jet black hair was long, falling to his shoulders. The length did nothing to diminish his masculinity. Tall with the frame of a football player, Raoul was all wolf and all man, try as I might to forget.
“There’s still time for it to get better. What did you get me, Alexa? I wouldn’t say no to a quickie.” He gestured to the leather sofa with a mischievous grin. “For old time’s sake.”
“A quickie?” I sneered. “You’re still quite the selfish lover, I see. Sorry, I’ll have to pass this time.”
“But it’s my birthday. I’ll even let you go on top. I know how much you like that.” Cocky and self assured, Raoul enjoyed getting under my skin.
I held my temper in check and refilled my glass. I needed to make a getaway. Where was Shaz when I really needed him? That’s what best friends were for. To bail you out of dire situations like this one.
“If you had really bothered to pay attention to what I like, I may not have stopped sleeping with you.” I took a sip of whiskey and shot him a smug smile.
“So show me what you like. We’ve got time.” Raoul advanced on me slowly, the predator stalking his prey.
“I really need to get back out there. I’m meeting Shaz.” I knew better than to immediately go for the door. He would love nothing more than a chase.
He stopped just inches away, completely invading my personal space. He was testing me. “He’s probably busy with a piece of tail. There’s no rush. The night is young. Help me make the most of it.”
Raoul wasn’t used to taking no for an answer from me. The disbelief shone in his eyes. He was certain that he would have me.
“What’s wrong, Raoul? Is Belle not available to get you off tonight?” I scoffed. “I’m so flattered to be your second choice.”
With a small growl he closed the remaining space between us. If I stepped back it would press me against the bookshelf. Instead I stood my ground and drank my whiskey like I wasn’t painfully aware of his warmth against me.
“You know damn well you’re not my second choice. Belle might be a freak in bed but nobody is quite like you, Alexa. You make those sexy little noises. And the way you bite your lip, that drives me wild.” He leaned in to brazenly nuzzle me. It was an affectionate, wolfish gesture. Raoul had a way of making it sensual.
“Oh be still my heart,” I said sarcastically but it took more effort than it should have. The scent of his cologne mixed with his musky wolf to tantalize my senses. “Maybe you should start reading a few of these plays you’ve got here. Your sweet talk could use a little improvement.”
His lips were warm as they brushed over mine. I was ready to resist his kiss but he didn’t try for one. Not yet. His breath was warm against my ear when he murmured, “I’ll always be the big, bad wolf and you know it. I’ll leave the sweet talk to the nice guys. We both know that’s not what gets you hot.”
I clutched my glass in a precarious, white knuckled grip. It stung to have him come to me for a lurid night of carnal delight after I’d done my best to make it clear I wasn’t interested in being his plaything anymore. My temper flared and in response, my power rose up to warm my insides.
“I told you I wasn’t doing this anymore. It takes more than just sex to satisfy me these days.” With a hand on his chest, I pushed him back, forcing him to put some space between us.
For a moment I thought he would refuse. We stared into one another, each trying to win a war of silent domination. Raoul’s energy grew frazzled with the rise of his irritation. He really couldn’t believe I was refusing him. Conceited bastard.
He took a few steps back but his gaze never left me. I watched as his eyes bled to wolf. He set his scotch down on the desk with a loud smack. I couldn’t help but brace myself. Raoul could be terribly unpredictable.
“When did you become so high maintenance?” There was no humor in his tone.
I took my time finishing my drink. He wasn’t taking my rejection so well if his beast staring out at me was any indication. I could feel his growing fury like tiny needles stabbing into my skin. I couldn’t help but vibe off his energy. I didn’t like what I was feeling.
“After I moved out of here I guess. I realized that I’m worth more than what you want me to think I’m worth. I’m better than this.” I gestured uselessly to the space between us.
“Not this again.” He scowled, glaring daggers at me. “I thought you’d be over that by now.”
“Sorry to disappoint you.”
I was tense. I could feel the territorial urge of his wolf to claim me. He gave a growl of frustration, low in his throat.
Raoul picked up his glass, drained it dry and moved to the bookshelf for more. It was as good a time as any for me to bring an abrupt end to this conversation.
“Well, I just wanted to say happy birthday. I hope you find what you’re looking for.” Raising my empty glass, I nodded and headed for the door.
He moved so fast he nearly upset the almost full bottle of scotch as he dropped it back onto the shelf. Arrogance wouldn’t allow him to let me walk out on him so easily. This was what I’d been trying to avoid.
The den was small. It wasn’t hard for him to block my way out. He slid in front of the door like a snake, danger lurking in his eyes. Just as fast as he’d blocked me, Raoul had me pressed against the wall near the door.
The empty glass slipped from my hand, its fall cushioned by the carpet. My wolf roared up angrily within me, ready to tear a strip out of the male that dared to manhandle me. I snarled up into his face and he laughed.
“Let me go, Raoul. There are plenty of women out there for you to choose from. Don’t make this a battle of wills. You can’t win.”
“It’s my birthday, you little tease. I know you want it. I can smell it all over you.” His voice was rough. His wolf was testing his control.
I’d be lying if I said that not a single part of me wanted him. As much as I loathed Raoul, part of me would always belong to him. I hated that and I’d made a vow to myself that he had gotten all he was going to get from me.
“I’m not a toy for you to pick up when the urge strikes you and then to forget about when the novelty wears off,” I hissed. I jerked my head back when he leaned in to kiss me, banging it against the wall. It had my wolf ready to come out fighting. I didn’t want it to come to that.
“Novelty?” His breath was warm on my face. The scent of scotch mingled with his cologne. “Sweetheart, you are one of a kind. That kind of novelty never wears off. Let me show you what you mean to me.”
Here we go. This is how it always went with us. I resisted his advances. He took that as an invitation to try harder. Conflict ensued.
“But you already have. You’ve shown me exactly what I mean to you over the years.” I let my lips brush against his as I snarled, “Nothing.”
A growl rumbled low in his throat. His hands tightened on my arms and I made a tiny, pained sound. He was hurting me and instinct drove me to react. I brought a knee up, ready to slam it into his groin. His reflexes were stellar but he wasn’t faster than me. The blow landed, crushing the breath from him.
His reaction came swift and shocking as he backhanded me, hard. Stars exploded behind my eyes, momentarily obstructing my vision. I tasted blood from my split lip. It had me rounding on Raoul with a psi ball burning hot and ready in my palm.
A pained expression marred his face. He leaned over the desk, gasping for breath. Pain rolled off him in waves to taint his energy with a flavor that was both enticing and bitter. I would have let that psi ball fly if Shaz hadn’t chosen that moment to open the door.
“Alexa?” He stopped dead in the doorway, taking in the scene before him. Confusion registered in his jade green eyes, followed quickly by understanding.
I didn’t hesitate to flee the room. With Raoul otherwise occupied, there was nothing to stop me. I shoved past Shaz, almost knocking him off balance as I went. He turned to follow me, my name laced with worry on his lips.
He caught up with me at the front door. With a warm hand on my arm, he pulled me to a halt. Shaz’s platinum b
lond hair was in disarray and he reeked like Belle. So that’s why Raoul had come to me. His regular plaything had turned her attention to a much younger playmate. Typical.
“Alexa, are you alright? What’s going on?”
“I’ll be fine once I get the hell out of here. I knew I shouldn’t have let you talk me into coming here.” I needed someone to blame but Shaz wasn’t the one. I tried to rein my temper in. He didn’t deserve to take the brunt of it. “That jackass doesn’t understand that when I said it was over between us, I meant it.”
Shaz gazed toward the den, his features hardening. “Did he do this?” His touch was gentle when he brushed a finger over my cut lip.
“Yes. But to be fair, I did kick him in the balls first.” I threw my hands up in exasperation.
“That doesn’t give him the right to hit you.” Shaz wasn’t known for having a temper but the heat in his gaze betrayed his anger. Just another reason to adore him.
I yanked the front door open, sighing as the cool night air caressed me. “Honestly, Shaz, it’s nothing compared to the scars he’s left behind. I’d rather take a smack any day over the hell he’s put me through.”
“Wait.” Shaz followed me out onto the front step. “Are you heading home? Do you want me to come along?”
I looked past him to the party still going strong in the kitchen, overflowing into the backyard. I wasn’t going to ruin Shaz’s fun because of my own personal issues.
“You should stay here and continue your good time. I just need to blow off some steam.” As an afterthought I added, “Don’t get into it with Raoul. Just let it go. Ok?”
His jaw clenched and his face was a mask of disapproval. Finally he relented. “Fine. I won’t say anything. This time.” He pulled me into a hug and pressed a kiss to my forehead. “Call me later. And stay safe.”
I savored his scent, finding comfort in it despite the stink of Belle clinging to him like a musty second skin. Beneath that was the scent of pine and wolf. Being with Shaz felt like home, no matter where we were. There were many reasons we were so close. His uncanny ability to know what I’m thinking without me having to give voice to it was just one.