by Kiersten Fay
So much for being discreet.
“He's locked up for now. We will decide what to do with him once we finish the contract.”
She glared at him. “How are you not more angered by this?”
“Oh, you should have seen him before.” Anya took another bite of food.
“Is that so?” Sonya smiled at him devilishly, “I'll bet Bastian never lets another male anywhere near you again.”
As right as Sonya was, Sebastian still gave her a look of irritation. She playfully swatted him on the shoulder before taking a seat.
“You didn't close the pub just to come see me, did you?” Anya asked.
“Hell no! I made Cale stay and watch the counter. He sure is proud of you though, isn't he?”
Anya beamed.
“Though I don't think his ego will ever be the same.”
In a barely audible voice, Sebastian said to Sonya, “I want you to go search Xandar's room. I do not believe two drinks alone made Anya so sick.” He switched to Demonish before continuing. “Xandar came into her room last night while she was unconscious. If I hadn't been there…” He trailed off and looked at Anya for the calmness only she could provide. He had to keep reminding himself that she was unharmed.
In Demonish, Sonya replied, “I'm assuming because you're telling me this in our language that Anya doesn't know about this.”
“Correct. And I don't want her to.”
“You think he tainted her drink?”
“Yes.”
“I'll tear the bastard's room apart if I have to.” She paused thoughtfully. “Why were you there?”
In defense, he said, “I stayed on the couch. Anya asked me to. She said she was frightened.”
“Hmm, perhaps she has a gift for sensing danger.”
“That might be so. I went to the Edge right in front of her. It was the fastest transition I've ever experienced. Must have only taken a second, but it seemed like she sensed it happening before I did.”
“Interesting. Well, I'm sure you will figure her out one day brother. I'm off to destroy, I mean, search Xandar's belongings.” Sonya hugged Anya once more before she left.
“What is that language you speak?” Anya asked, finishing the last of her dinner.
“It's called Demonish. It is the language of my people.”
“It's beautiful, even if you are using it to hide something from me.”
Marik approached then, saving Sebastian from forming a response. He set a plate in front of Anya. On top was a heaping slice of her cake. “I saved the last piece for you,” he said. “I don't think you had a chance to try some.”
With a look of pure affection, she gazed up at him. “Thank you.”
For a moment she studied the strange, new thing in front of her. Sebastian knew it must look odd to someone who'd never tasted it before. The color was so deep it was almost black, with a layer of chocolate frosting sliced through the middle and another on top.
She stabbed through one corner and placed a bite in her mouth. Her features were rapturous as she met the flavor. “Bastian, you must try this.” Placing another bite on her fork, she held it out to him. Then, realizing what she was doing, her cheeks heated and she began to pull the fork away.
Sebastian stayed her hand, lightly gripping her wrist. Her eyes jerked to his. He held her gaze as he brought the fork to his lips and took the bite, all the while making slow circles on her wrist with his thumb. In a sensual voice, “It's not the best thing I've tasted.”
Her eyes fired silver, causing his shaft to jerk in response.
“Uh.” Marik's voice broke the moment. Anya looked away from him, cheeks warming to a lovely shade of pink. “Sebastian can I have a word?” Marik motioned to the galley.
Assuring her that he would be right back, Sebastian followed Marik.
As soon as the door closed, Marik whirled on him. “What are you doing?”
“I was enjoying cake.”
You know what I mean. I thought you were trying to stay away from her. That looked like just the opposite to me.”
“Maybe I've changed my mind.”
“Are you prepared to keep her? Do you know what would happen if she fell for you and then had to leave? You don't know what kind of damage you would cause her. How badly you might hurt her.”
Sebastian's stomach clenched. Already he felt like it was too late to let her go. His want was too deep. Could she truly be…?
He decided to tell Marik the truth. “I don't think I can let her go.” He leaned against the wall as Marik's lips parted. That was probably the last thing Marik ever expected him to say. The only thing that could shock him more was if that statement had come from Cale. “Do you remember our discussions about the validity of matehood?”
The two of them would debate for hours on that subject. Marik had always believed it was possible, and now Sebastian did too.
“Well, I no longer believe it's a myth.” Sebastian glanced at Anya through the serving window.
“You don't mean…tell me this is a joke.”
“No joke, Marik.”
Marik didn't seem to know how to respond. “What are you going to do? I'm assuming she'll be staying on the ship then.”
Sebastian let out a hard breath. “I have to destroy whoever might be hunting for her first.”
“Of course you do, if she truly is your mate.”
“I will have to hide her somewhere safe while I'm gone. Then I will return for her.” Marik nodded in full agreement with his plan. “I would ask you to stay with her and protect her while I do this.”
Marik squared his shoulders. “Of course. Where would this hiding place be?”
“I don't know yet. Once we finish the mission, I'll want to head out right away. Right after I get her to tell me who it is.”
Marik nodded. “I never thought I'd see the day. Does she know?”
“No. But I think she feels it too.” Sebastian spied her through the window. She was laughing with three males that were now surrounding the table, engaged in conversation. Sebastian growled low in his throat as pure possessiveness surged through him.
Marik chuckled. “It must be true. I've never seen you like this with a female in my life. Thought it wasn't possible.”
“Just keep this to yourself for now, okay?” Sebastian was out of the galley and making his way to Anya before Marik could answer.
The males were of strong build. Sizing them up Sebastian was confident he could take all three in a fight. They're merely talking, he reminded himself. Pushing past the men, he claimed his place at the table, then greeted them as their captain. “Is there something I can do for you gentlemen?”
“No, sir. Some of us are gathering at the pool tomorrow and we were just inviting Anya to join us.”
“And?” He looked at Anya.
“I said I would consider it.”
Relief swept over him that she hadn't said yes. The idea of her in a bathing suit, her body on display for any male to see, made him crazed. Though, if it were just him and her…
When the three politely left, Sebastian studied Anya. Her cake was gone. It looked as though she had licked the plate clean. Then he noticed she looked a little sad. “What is it? Would you like to go tomorrow?”
She shrugged. “I might, but…I don't know how to swim.”
Of course she didn't. When would she have had the opportunity to learn? “I could teach you, if you're not too tired.”
Her face lit up. “I'm not too tired.”
Sebastian mentally scolded himself. He would teach her to swim tonight, just the two of them, giving him all the pleasure of seeing her body clad in only thin fabric, wet and clinging. But then she would go tomorrow where anyone could look upon her. The former he wanted. He abhorred the latter.
* * *
——
* * *
Sebastian waited in the warm pool like an adolescent on a first date, while Anya changed into her suit in the other room. He was already hard as a rock at the thou
ght, but when he saw her he nearly came in his swim shorts.
She wore a white two-piece bikini. A bow tied around her neck and one around her back. The material cupped her breasts, creating a V that joined at the apex over her heart. The bottoms rode low on her waist and displayed her flat stomach and deliciously perfect ass. His mate was gorgeous.
Anya approached the edge of the pool and gazed down at the water. “Do I just get in?”
“Yes.” He moved forward to help her.
“Is it deep?”
“Not this part. It gets deeper over there.” He pointed. “We'll stay over here for now. You can hold on to me until you feel comfortable.” Sebastian inwardly grinned.
Anya crouched down and eased herself into the water. “It's warm,” she said, clinging to the side. “Okay, now what?”
“Now let go of the edge and come to me.” He backed up a little to challenge her. Though Anya could touch the bottom, where the water came to his upper chest, she was up to her neck.
She made her way toward him slowly, feeling for the floor of the pool. “I don't understand the point of this.”
“You're not swimming yet.”
When she reached him, she instantly clung to his shoulders. Unable to help himself, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him. She inhaled a shaky breath and brought her arms around his neck. Her body felt slick against his.
In a breathy voice, she said, “So, show me some swimming then.”
“I'll need to put you down.” He loved that her hold tightened, and she looked as though she didn't like the idea. To his disappointment, she nodded.
He let her slide down his body, relishing every soft curve and crevice. Reluctantly, he let her go.
“It's simple, when you get the hang of it. You just kick your arms and legs to stay afloat and maneuver through the water.” With that, he swam to the deep end of the pool and back. “If you would like to try, I'll take you in a little deeper.”
She bit her bottom lip, glancing at the other end of the pool. “You'll stay with me though, right?”
“I'll be less than a foot away. I won't let you go under.”
“Okay then.”
With a little too much eagerness, Sebastian pulled her back against his chest. Where she belongs. He thought he might have scared her with his movements, but she only yelped in surprise and then let out the cutest giggle he'd ever heard.
She was so relaxed with him. He couldn't understand how she could be, after what she'd been through with Xandar, and then witnessing his change, but he adored her for it.
He moved a little further into the deep end until water was at his neck, where Anya could not touch the bottom. She realized this and her hold on him had become like a vice. “I'm going to let go. When I do, kick your legs back and forth in smooth fluid motions, not too fast. Do the same with your arms. You're just going to stay in one spot for now, and try to float.”
“Okay.” Her voice shook.
“I'm right here so nothing will go wrong.”
She nodded.
“Ready?”
Another nod.
Linked, hands to forearms, Sebastian slowly held her away from his body. She began kicking her legs. When he let go completely, her movements grew panicked and she began to sink. He grabbed for her. She clung to him fiercely, with both arms and legs. He would have reveled in her position if fear didn't reside behind her eyes.
“You're okay. Here…” He walked to the edge of the pool and lifted her out of the water to sit on the side. Liquid beads cascaded down every part of her and he was awash in the sight of her once again. Stifling a needy groan, he backed away. “Watch me.” He swam to the deepest part of the pool and hovered. “Can you see the way I'm moving my arms and legs?”
Anya stood to get a better look, also giving Sebastian perfect view of her body. His movements faltered, and he sunk slightly. Righting himself, he continued to tread the water for her observation.
After a moment, she said, “Can I try again?”
“Whenever you're ready.” He started to move toward her as she slipped back into the water, but decided to keep his distance. “Let's try something else first.”
Clutching the edge, she awaited his instruction.
“I want you to push off the edge and propel yourself toward me.” At her aghast look, he added, “The momentum should be enough to get you this far without even having to use your legs. It will make you more comfortable.” He was only a few feet from where she was.
She pondered his request for a moment and then pushed herself toward him. Sebastian latched onto her quickly.
“Good.” He brought her back to the edge and moved a little farther out. “Try it again. This time kick off with your feet.”
They practiced until she was able to reach him in the middle of the pool without a panic.
She was smiling, thoroughly enjoying herself. “This is fun. I understand now why you do this.”
“Are you ready for something a little more fun?” She eyed him warily. Moving Anya to his back, he said, “Hold on to my neck, tight.” When she did, he continued, “I'm going to dive under and you're coming with me.”
“Um…”
“Just hold your breath, and hold on tight.” At that, she crushed his windpipe. “Not that tight,” he added, and she eased up on her grip. “Tap me if you're running out of breath, and I'll come right to the surface. Kick your legs with me to get used to the sensation.” After a silent pause he asked, “Do you trust me?”
“Yes,” she said, without hesitation.
“Take a breath and hold it.” When she did, he dove.
He could feel her legs kicking with his. Under the water, he propelled them to the farthest end of the pool, not swimming too fast, allowing her to get used to being under. She hadn't tapped him by the time they reached the end and rose to the top. Then he maneuvered her to his front, against the wall of the pool.
There was no fear in her, only excitement. “That was amazing. It was like flying.”
“You're amazing.” Sebastian brought his lips within an inch of hers. Water droplets clung there, and all he wanted to do was lick them off.
Anya's breath became erratic.
“Do you still trust me?”
She nodded.
He moved his lips, barely touching hers, but the touch was electrifying. “How about now?” His voice had gone low and husky. Still she nodded, causing her lips to rub against his.
Sebastian leaned his body into hers, loving the feel of her in his arms, so soft and warm and his. A surge of possessiveness rushed through him. He trailed his lips along her jaw, down to the soft curve of her neck. He could feel his fangs elongating, the urge to bite, to mark her as his was almost overwhelming. Opening his mouth he rested his teeth there. She gasped with…excitement? Fear?
He pulled away, appalled at what he was about to do, what he still wanted to do. Then her eyes widened as she caught sight of his fangs.
Chapter 14
Anya should have been horrified. Should have screamed and fought to get away from Sebastian. He looked animalistic, intense. His fangs had grown just as they had when he'd been about to take off Xandar's head. She should have been cowering at the sight, but she wasn't. As it was, she was wildly aroused. More aroused than she knew was possible.
It was obvious Bastian had been about to bite her. Maybe he would have even drawn blood. She shivered. Why did the idea appeal to her? It was almost as if she craved it.
As though she weighed nothing, Sebastian lifted her out of the pool and seated her on the ledge. “It is getting late. Get dressed and I will walk you back to your room.” He was backing away from her again. Closing himself off. A wall had been put up between them.
From the pool, Bastian watched her with intensity as she stood and walked across the hard floor to the dressing room. Like a predator ready to pounce. Only this predator was trying not to pounce.
Did she want him to?
Inside the d
ressing room, she steadied herself by placing a hand on the wall.
She did want him to.
She wanted him to pounce her up and down this wall. “My gods, what is the matter with me?” she whispered. Bastian made her crave things she had never wanted before.
The dressing room was small, with a few private enclosures, a plush chair, and a countertop with a mirror above. After she dressed, she checked her reflection, pleased to see she was gaining some of her weight back, though she still looked half starved. Her golden hair was damp and fell in waves down her back and shoulders. Then she studied her womanly parts, wondering how Bastian saw her. Her mind wandered back to his intimate kisses. She shivered, yet her body grew hot with need once more. Would he always affect her like this?
“Anya?”
She jumped at his voice coming from outside. Before, Bastian had mentioned that he could scent her desire. “Coming!” she called. She was still flush with desire and wondered if he knew it. When she left the dressing room, her fears were confirmed. His body was rigid, eyes on her in a steady unwavering gaze, gleaming with dark thoughts.
He too had changed out of his swimming shorts, donning a slightly damp black shirt that displayed arms sculpted like a work of art. Arms that had been tenderly wrapped around her only moments ago, were now rigid and crossed over his chest. He wore that thick silver chain around his neck which he'd been wearing in the pool. In fact, she hadn't seen him without it.
She stopped just feet away and looked up at his beautifully chiseled face. She expected him to embrace her—by his energy, she could tell he wanted to—but he turned without a word and led her out of the room.
The walk was once again silent. She could only wonder what was going on with him. He was hot one minute and cold the next. Was this a normal male trait, or exclusive to demons? She would be sure to ask Sonya about it.
Anya entered her room expecting Bastian to follow her inside, but he didn't. He stood silently in the hallway. A mix of emotions stormed across his features before he checked himself.
