Keeping His Siren Part 2

by Kiersten Fay

  Throwing the covers off, she checked her limbs for the cuts and bruises she’d amassed, but she had none. Her shoulder was completely healed. Her legs were baby smooth. Someone had dressed her in a clean nightgown. She rubbed her skull where there should be a massive lump where she’d been pistol-whipped. There wasn’t even a tinge of pain. The only evidence of her violent scuffle was the dirt caked under her nails from when she had clawed and fought for her life.

  Her throat should be burning from how hard she’d sung. Had she truly sung a man to his death? Was that even possible? Was she a two-time killer? She mentally dug around in her self-evaluation bin, seeking a shred of guilt, finding not even a kernel. That fucker had shot Cortez—

  Oh, god! Cortez!

  Leaping out of bed, she raced for the living room. She skidded to a halt when she spotted Cortez sitting on the couch. Ryder was next to him and Donovan was across the room, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Their heads shot up at her entrance, worry etched in their features.

  She let out a sound of pure relief and then burst across the room, landing in his lap and throwing her arms around his neck.

  He winced at her hold and she immediately pulled back. “Are you hurt?” He’d changed into one of Cole’s old sweaters. A spot of blood had already seeped through the fabric near his shoulder. She shifted to get off his lap, but he stayed her at the waist.

  “The bastard had gotten his hands on some illegal ammo. I’ll heal, though it’s taking longer than normal.”

  “How long was I out?”

  “A couple hours.”

  Yet I’m completely healed? “Is the hunter...is he really dead?”

  Cortez nodded solemnly, warily, and she knew the answer to her next question.

  “I...I killed him?”

  Ryder interjected with his typical enthusiasm. “You’ve got a scary set of lungs on you, girl. I thought my brain was going to explode.”

  She gasped. “You were affected too?”

  “Dropped us all like stones,” Donovan said. “Never thought a sound could be worse than torture.”

  Vampires had never before been affected by her abilities. “I hurt all three of you?”

  “Seven,” Ryder said.

  Her eyes bugged.

  Cortez lightly squeezed her hips. It was oddly comforting and despite herself, she relaxed. “After we talked on the phone, I summoned all the available members of my clan, and we set out to bring you home.”

  The word home fluttered through her like a cool drink on a hot day. “You remembered the code Cole and I use.”

  He nodded. “I nearly panicked when you said it, but your voice was strained. I figured someone might be listening in if I let on I knew something was up. I wasn’t sure of the level of danger you were in, so I thought it best to come in full force. Then I scented your blood and I thought I was too late.” He closed his eyes momentarily as though the memory pained him. “But it was only traces, and we were able to follow it like a trail.”

  She smiled, preening.

  He noted the triumph in her expression. “That was your plan?”

  “Yes. I cut myself before he forced me out of the apartment, but I feared the rain would wash it away too quickly.”

  “Luck was on our side tonight. The hunter only saw the three of us, but we had him surrounded. Dane was getting in position to take him out when he fired on me. Then you went all banshee.” She flushed, but he only grinned at her with pride and cupped her cheek. “My beautiful banshee. Remind me not to bring out your vengeful side.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Are the others alright?” she glanced around as if they’d appear on command.

  “I sent them up to his campsite. As we caught up to you, I read his thoughts and learned he’s been holding another woman up there. They’ve gone to help her.”

  Naia slumped forward, resting her forehead on his good shoulder. “That poor woman.”

  “If she’s still alive, we’ll do what we can to help her.”

  Considering what that woman had probably endured, Naia didn’t think a dose of vampire blood was going to be enough. “That reminds me.” She sat back. “Did you feed me your blood?”

  He eyed her for a moment before slowly shaking his head.

  “Then how am I completely healed?” In turn, she glanced at Ryder and Donovan.

  Ryder put his hands up. “Don’t look at me.”

  “Nope.” Donovan shook his head.

  “Whatever you did to the hunter healed you simultaneously,” Cortez informed her. “There wasn’t a scratch on you.”

  She contemplated that a moment. Sucking the life-force from him had made her whole again. She didn’t know how to feel about that, and honestly didn’t want to think about it right now. Plus she had more important things on her mind.

  She faced Cortez. “So we’re not bonded yet?”

  He hesitated. “Not yet. No.”

  “When can we make that happen?”

  He smiled, letting all his relief and desire and love shine through his eyes. “As soon as these two assholes leave us alone.”

  “You think they’re giving us a hint?” Donovan asked Ryder.

  “It’s more like a big flashing sign that says FUCK OFF,” Ryder replied.

  Naia laughed, then said to Cortez. “Take me home first.”

  “As you wish,” he replied, still grinning like he’d won some kind of lottery, and impossibly, she fell even deeper in love with him.

  Chapter 45

  At Ever Nights, Cortez suggested she visit Cole. “He’s been worried.”

  She groaned. “You told him?”

  “I made sure he was kept informed. He knows you’re safe now, but he wants to see for himself. Ryder will escort you.”

  “Okay, but…why not you?”

  “I have something to take care of. I’ll see you shortly.”

  She couldn’t help the tinge of disappointment. She figured he wouldn’t be able to wait to sweep her up to his suite to get this whole bonding business over with.

  As if sensing her reluctance to part ways, he drew her in for a quick, yet searing kiss that had butterfly wings skimming her insides. His eyes said that was just a prelude. Then he turned to leave, and she followed Ryder.

  When she entered the room lined with cells, Cole jumped off his cot and rushed the bars. “Are you alright?”

  She gave him a smile. “I’m okay.”

  When his body slumped like he’d been riding a wave of tension, she wanted to put her arms around him and hold on forever.

  On the same page, he said, “I wish I could hug you right now.”

  “Me too.” She paused. “So how are the cravings going?”

  He scraped a hand down the back of his neck. “It’s like you’re suddenly a drug addict, but you can’t quit taking it because you need it to live. Let’s just say it’s a good thing I’m in here. But hey, if I have to be caged, at least it’s gilded. Got a TV, and all the blood I can drink. Ryder even brought me a game console. I can already beat his ass at Battle Max Extreme.”

  “He beat me once,” Ryder qualified, indignant. “And I want a rematch.”

  Cole spread his arms out. “Bring it on, bitch.”

  “I’ve got time to wipe the floor with you. Fire it up,” Ryder challenged, growing lively.

  Naia sighed, said her goodbyes, and then returned to the main floor alone. Kenzi was there when she entered the lobby, and suddenly Naia was swept up in a painfully tight embrace.

  “My God, are you alright? I heard what happened. Is there anything I can do?”

  “Thanks, I’m fine. Do you know where Cortez is?”

  “I saw him go into one of the conference rooms a little while ago.”

  She didn’t need to ask which one. “Thanks. We’ll talk later, okay?”

  “Yeah. Okay.”

  She hurried through the club and found Cortez sitting at the table alone. His fingers were steeple over his tightened lips. Instantly she hated the look
on his face. “You’re having second thoughts already?”

  He let out a heavy sigh and leaned back. “Naia, there’s still a lot to consider before you agree to this. I’m afraid you’re jumping in with both feet because you just had a near-death experience. You might not be in your rational mind, and I might be taking advantage of that fact.”

  She shook her head. “I had already decided last night what I wanted, and I haven’t changed my mind. Today’s events have only solidified my decision.”

  “That’s exactly my point. You decided because you were nearly about to die. That’s why you told me you loved me over the phone, I could hear it in your voice. You thought it would be the last time you ever could.”

  “You’re not hearing me. And in case you’ve forgotten, I told you I loved you before that. I’m not confused.”

  He hesitated as if he couldn’t quite bring himself to believe. “True, you told me you loved me before that, but then you learned about the blood bond. I’ll never forget your stricken expression after I told you everything. It freaked you out.”

  “Yeah, it was a lot to take in. And you were right. I did need to think it through. Which I have. Why are you doing this? I’m not going to change my mind.”

  He met her gaze, and she saw all the fear and vulnerability and hope he’d been concealing till now. He was a man who was used to being sure about his every decision, planning for every outcome. Only now he didn’t know which way was up, and they were both on a ledge about to dive off.

  She crossed to him and placed her hands on either side of his face, forcing him to look up at her. “What I went through today was significant and traumatizing and terrible, and, well, you’re right, it did affect my decision. It chased away all my doubt. All of it. When I believed I was going to die, I thought of only two people in the world and how much I loved them and would miss them and wished only the best for their future with or without me. The two men I love most in the world and always will. I love you, you big stupid dummy. You’re my family now, and there’s nothing you can do about it, so get used to it.”

  At length, his lips twitched, but then that stubborn frown returned, and she knew he was about to piece together another weak protest.

  “Come with me.” She grabbed his hand and tugged him out of the chair.

  “Where are we going?” he asked, offering no resistance, which told her more than he probably realized.

  “I’ve got an idea that will settle this matter once and for all.” Leading him through the lobby, past the main room, she stopped in the pool hall. “I’ll play you for it. I win, you take me upstairs and make wicked love to me before I make you mine forever. You win, we forget the whole thing.” She waved her hand airily as if that wouldn’t shatter her to her core.

  She turned to face him and raised her chin. Several people in the corner overheard her speech, their mouths agape. She didn’t care.

  “Shall I break?” Cortez asked, ignoring their audience. He moved with swift intent, racking the balls and selecting a cue stick.

  Would he really try to beat her? Was she playing a losing hand? She chewed her lip, breath stunted.

  He glanced over his shoulder at her, meeting her gaze. The cue stick slammed forward. The cue ball shot straight into a corner pocket.

  He straightened to his full height, looking into her eyes, and set the cue stick on the felt. “I guess I win.”

  She was about to correct him, but then he was suddenly in front of her, arms hooking her waist, lips kissing her with a passion that scrambled her brain in the best possible way.

  When he released her, she blinked up at him in a daze. Then he did something so outrageous, for a split second, she thought she was dreaming. But no. He really was kneeling in front of her, balanced on one knee. And that was a ring sized box he was pulling out of his pocket.

  All the air seeped from her lungs as he opened it. Inside rested a ring with a massive, glittering diamond surrounded by a spiral of smaller sapphires. She cursed her sudden tears for momentarily obstructing her view of the glorious, glorious thing.

  “If I truly get to have you,” Cortez said, “then I want to make you mine in every way possible. Will you marry me?”

  “God yes! Gimme-gimme!” She bounced with anticipation, trying to hold her hand steady so that Cortez could slip it on her finger. A perfect fit.

  He stood and swept her up in his arms, their lips crushing together with pure joy. She barely registered the clapping and cheering from the small audience.

  She broke the kiss to whisper in his ear, “If you don’t take me someplace where I can have you naked right now, we’re going to put on a different kind of show for your guests.”

  “Noted.”

  Chapter 46

  They’d practically traumatized a young couple in the elevator with their rabid kissing before realizing they weren’t alone and took measures to keep their groping to a minimum. Somehow they’d made it to his suite without tearing each other’s clothes off.

  When she entered, she saw what he’d had to take care of before. Aside from fetching the ring, he’d had a fully stocked dessert cart sent up. She turned to him with mischievous eyes. “Someone was pretty confident he was getting laid tonight.”

  “You see dessert and think of sex? What a dirty mind you have.” He stalked toward her as she slowly backed her way to the cart.

  “So you weren’t thinking about licking sugary goodness off every inch of my body?” She plucked the chocolate syrup off the cart and dangled it loosely in the air.

  “I never said my mind wasn’t dirty.”

  He snatched the syrup from her and then grabbed several other items. “You. Bed. Naked. Now.”

  Eager feet guided her to his bed, both of them attacking her clothes as they went, leaving a trail of fabric behind them.

  “Lie back,” he ordered. Eagerly, she did. He began to drizzle chocolate over her breasts and down her stomach, leaving a chilly path that made her nipples pucker. Next he spritzed her with whipped cream, making her squirm for his tongue in all those naughty places before crossing to pick up a small container.

  “Really?” she said, raising a brow. “Sprinkles?”

  “What? I’m making the perfect dessert.” He rolled his eyes. “Fine, no sprinkles.” He tossed the package behind him, then crawled onto the mattress. “We’re going to have to work on your patience, Wife.”

  Oh, she liked the sound of that word in his husky tone.

  “I’m going to start with my favorite part.” He dipped his head and began to devour her. She moaned, her mind clearing of everything but the wonderful friction of his tongue on her body. Pleasure mounted as he assaulted her swollen flesh over and over, relentlessly, till she was panting and groaning and moaning. Her fingers fisted his hair as her body writhed beneath him. He laved her till she thought she might go mad from an overload of bliss, his mouth sliding back and forth over her like he couldn’t get enough.

  It wasn’t until he forced the deliciously sharp spike of ecstasy up her spine that he moved on to follow the trail of chocolate he’d made along her torso. His wicked tongue scored a white-hot path over her stomach where he planted a soft kiss before moving higher. He caught a sugary nipple between his lips and sucked.

  When he lightly nipped her, she yelped, then moaned long and hard when he did it again. Kneading and sucking and nipping, he nearly made her come a second time. If he kept this up, she’d be spent before they got to the big finale, and she wasn’t about to let him have all the fun.

  Gaze filled with desire, she pushed against his chest. He obeyed her silent directive, laying back on the bed and giving over control. She drizzled a bit of chocolate over his beautiful cock, licking her lips at the sight. A rough sound escaped him that was part pained, part impatience. She leaned close to tease him with her tongue, forcing another rumble from somewhere deep within him. If she weren’t so eager to taste him, she might be tempted to torture him for him a bit. Instead, she sucked him deep. Every mus
cle in his body contracted and he groaned for her.

  When she drew him in all the way to the root, he blurted a fervent curse. “You’ll not unman me on our first wedding night.” Even as his hips thrusted for more.

  With a tantalizing suction, she slowly drew back, circling the tip with her tongue before she release him completely. “First? How many wedding nights do we get to have?”

  “As many as you want.” He pulled her over him, her knees straddling his hips, and kissed her hard and demanding, sugar mixing with their unique flavors. “Need you now,” he growled, gripping her hips and aiming her over his shaft. He slammed her down atop him; they both cried out at the blissful contact. Hips rocking, she began to move, seeking more. More friction, more him, deeper, harder, faster. Hands on her, he encouraged the increasingly wild tempo. As she rode him, pressure mounted till sparks of pleasure exploded within her, and she threw her head back and roared.

  Suddenly she was under him, his hips pistoning her into a state of wild passion, extending her orgasm to the point where madness met genius. “Yes! Oh, God, yes! You feel so good!” Her nails scored down his back.

  “You’re mine,” he grunted. “Never get enough.”

  As he moved in and out of her, hard and fast and without abandon, she screamed her pleasure for him, telling him between breaths how much she adored him, needed him, wanted him forever.

  Not stopping his fevered pace, he knotted his fingers in her hair and angled her face so that she was looking directly at him. “Are you ready?”

  “Yes,” she said without hesitation. He planted his fangs in her neck and she screamed with unhinged ecstasy, his thrusts never slowing. As he drew from her neck, he groaned. She felt the vibrations like a second assault on her nerves, and screamed once more as the most explosive orgasm of her life blasted through her.

  Extracting his fangs, he pulled back and brought his hand up to sink one clean, white fang into the pad of his thumb. A red dot beaded there, beautiful and glistening and calling to her. This was it. This would unite them forever. She licked her lips in anticipation and he groaned once more as if that were the sexiest thing she’d done all night.