by Renee George
Her golden brown eyes offered no treachery as she watched him from across the Formica table. “So, Ty. Where are you from?”
“Here.” He bit into the burger.
Sol pushed one of her fries into a pile of catsup, a faint blush crossing her cheeks. “The casino?” she teased, “or the reservation?”
“Both.” The flush of pink on her cheeks contrasted appealingly with her tawny brown skin. Ty’s cock stirred, nearly making him choke on a piece of tomato. He wished he’d worn looser jeans.
He put down the burger and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “Are you staying in the hotel?”
“I…well, no.” Her voice quivered. “But I’ll probably stay the night.”
He couldn’t stop the adrenaline rush as his desires threatened to override his mission. Instead of whisking her to the front desk to check in, like he wanted, he asked Sol, “What do you do for a living?”
“I’m an artist.”
“Really?” She was young, but still, he’d pictured her in a more ruthless profession. “What kind of art?”
“Modern impressionism.” When he gave her a quizzical look, she added. “I’m fascinated by light and shadow. Always have been. The colors we see are only real in the sense that we recognize them as real. The idea that the world is mere perception has always captivated me.” She leaned forward. “Like your eyes. They are so dark brown, they are almost black.” Boldly, she touched his chin and moved his face to capture rays from an overhead chandelier. “But change the way the light hits them, and I can see hints of blue and thin streaks of gold.” Her gaze lingered on his face. “Fascinating. I’d love to paint you. You have really strong features, a perfect specimen. I mean, you know, for painting.” Sol’s fingernails danced on the table, tap, tap-tap, tap, tap-tap-tap.
Ty decided to change the subject before he offered to get naked for her right now. “Where are you from, Sol? That’s a beautiful name, by the way.”
“Thank you.” Grinning, she leaned forward. “I’m from Springfield, Missouri originally, but I’ve lived in Texas for the past three years.”
How could she possibly be a killer? She seemed so normal. Human. Except for the way she made him feel. No woman had ever bespelled him like this one. And that was the problem. He worried that she had put a spell on him. Maybe she knew he’d been the one testing her aura, and she was playing innocent to get him into a vulnerable position.
He’d spent a fair amount of time with other worlders. He fought alongside the new queen of Caledon, Benoica Dilian, her two wolf-shifter mates, and other of his brethren in service to Gray as they helped Benie claim the throne. One of her husbands, Ian Arent, had explained to Ty that scientifically, their kind, and all the variations, could be traced to the human branch of the family tree. Evolution was a crazy bitch.
Even so, he’d never met anyone like Solange. He could almost hear her magic like a song in his head. It called to him on every level, and he took a deep breath to regain control of his thoughts. Maybe this sweet and naive act was a mere performance, meant to lull Ty from his true purpose. He had a terrible suspicion she was unaware of her power. Surely, no one was that good at acting the innocent.
Ty picked up his napkin and reached across the table, wiping the red smear from her adorable chin. “You missed your mouth.”
“Thanks.” Her voice quavered, and her eyes were wide. He saw the desire there—and the hesitation.
She was a powerful being and should have been bold and confident. Dangerous. Sol was not living up to the image of the sorcellarie he’d created in his mind. Unable to stop himself, he took her hand and drew it to his lips, placing a gentle, but firm kiss on her knuckles. “You are lovely.” And despite the fact she was a witch, his natural enemy, he meant the compliment.
“Why, thank you.” She laced her fingers in his, and a pulse of energy warmed him. “I think today has all sorts of possibilities. How’d you like to, um, do something after we eat?”
She was stunning, and the physical reaction she caused in him made him want to roar his “yes.”
When he didn’t answer right away, she added, “Only if you want to, of course, no commitment, just some fun.”
“Yes,” he finally said. Her kind were dangerous, potentially the most dangerous of the non-humans, especially to Ty’s people, so he rationalized his answer as if it were part of his plan to get more information…and not just a means to satisfy his rising lust.
*
Sol could not believe she’d just propositioned a man she barely knew, even if he did look like a god. He was charming, but the way he looked at her sometimes was downright hostile. Oh, but there was a certain animal magnetism, and besides, it wasn’t like she’d be back to the casino any time soon. Once she was in her mother’s presence, she was doomed to parental smothering. What happens in Oklahoma stays in Oklahoma didn’t have quite the same ring as the original Vegas slogan, but it worked.
After paying the check, Ty took her to the check-in counter, and she got a room for the night. She texted her mom to let her know she wouldn’t arrive home until tomorrow.
“Elevator or stairs?” she asked.
“Stairs.”
As she led him up the dimly lit deserted stairwell to the third floor, butterflies jumbled around her stomach. What are you doing, woman? You don’t even know this guy. He could be a serial killer. Or worse! Yep, this had to be the craziest thing she had ever done. Sol didn’t do one-night stands. Was that what this was? A one-night stand? The idea of never being with Ty again, never touching him after this night, made her heart ache. She’d never felt such a magnetic pull from any man.
His large warm hand clasped gently with hers, and she could imagine how good it would feel to have him caressing her skin, kneading the muscles of her back, and stroking between her thighs.
She shivered with anticipation. Yep, definitely the craziest thing I’ve ever done.
*
The touch of the witch’s small hand in Ty’s palm electrified his body. He couldn’t stop thinking about her lips, and how good they would taste. How good she would taste. Ty stopped between the first and the second floor in an effort to control himself, but the wall light flickered then died, leaving the stairwell nearly dark.
Had she done that?
The slightly frightened expression on her face triggered his protection instinct, and he pulled Sol into his arms, holding her to his chest. Her taut nipples pushed outward from her blouse. He wanted to rip her clothes from her body and savor every inch of supple skin. Her large pouty lips, ripe with promise—he imagined them wrapped around his anxious cock.
She looked at him quizzically. “Is something wrong?” He felt her warm breath caress the skin on his neck, sending shivers of heat down to his groin.
He wanted to tell her everything was wrong—this whole situation. Yet, he wanted to ravish her all the same—to claim her, to possess as a man and as a shifter.
Why do I want this woman? Ty might not have understood the reason, but his rock-hard shaft and the ache of longing in his chest left little doubt it was true.
Chapter 3
Being in Ty’s powerful arms, feeling the bulge in his tight black jeans, made Sol’s entire body ache for more of him. She barely reached his chin and waited for him to lower his head so she could kiss his firm, full lips. Problem was, he wasn’t cooperating. Stopping in the stairwell and the lights turning off, all seemed very seductive, if not a little naughty, but he hadn’t made a move. Not really.
Impulsively, she traced her fingers down his tightly muscled arms. He felt like raw energy, strong and capable.
If she hadn’t been so maddeningly turned on by him, she might question her choice to sleep with a Sun Casino employee. They did background checks and stuff, right? So, probably not a serial killer.
He stood rigid, and Sol swore he held his breath. His small nipples puckered tightly through his black shirt. Impetuously, she lowered her mouth and bit gent
ly on one of the nubs. He groaned.
She moved in for another bite when he seized her arms and pulled her up his body. Jesus, he’d lifted her like she was nothing, and a surge of pure happiness rocked her when she locked her legs around his waist.
He looked surprised at his own actions. His grip loosened, and she took the opportunity to wrap her arms around his neck.
“Kiss me.” She whispered the words along the smooth line of his jaw.
“I…”
“Shhh.” She held a finger to his lips. “Kiss me, Ty.”
He traced the pad of his thumb over her lower lip, smiling bitterly. Slowly, he moved his mouth over hers, hovering for a moment, then meeting her lips with his—soft, slightly moist, and wonderfully warm. Unable to resist, she slid her tongue along the crack of his mouth, parting his lips, slipping between his teeth. His mouth tasted sweet, of honey and oranges, delicious—strange considering they’d just eaten burgers. The kiss suddenly became fierce, hard, punishing, and oh so exotic.
Sweet heavens, I really could die a happy girl.
*
Ty had stilled for a moment as she probed him, darting her tongue in and out, his own aching flesh crying out for him to surrender. Her legs around his waist, her soaked sex rubbing against his groin, and her large breasts pillowing his chest—it was more than he could take. He closed his eyes and allowed his desire to surface. Pressing in on her mouth, he fed from her warm, hungry kiss, matching her thrust for thrust, inviting more.
Yes, he told himself. He would take all she was, stripping her to nothingness. He cupped her breast then slid his fingers to the fragile fabric that formed a V on her chest, and ripped it aside. He pushed her bra down, exposing her creamy flesh, and rolled her puckered nipple between his thumb and forefinger. She moaned softly against his mouth.
Ty broke from the kiss and lifted her breast to his mouth, suckling the tightly drawn bud, licking the tip, twirling and teasing. She latched onto his neck, sucking at his flesh. He longed to have those lush lips around his engorged shaft, to feel her take him in deeply.
“I want…”
“Yes,” she encouraged him, nipping at his ear. “You want?”
“I want you to suck me.”
“Oh.” Sol licked her lips. “I…Okay. Yes.”
She slipped down from his waist. Her hands worked the button on his jeans. After she got the fly undone, she pushed his pants down to his thighs. His cock sprung forward, eager. He leaned back against the stair rail, watching, waiting, and wanting.
*
Sol knelt on the stairs, marveling at Ty’s wondrously erect and uncut cock. With her fingertips, she touched the soft black hair that formed a neat triangle just above. She’d wanted to taste him, to savor him, from the moment she’d plunged her tongue into his mouth.
What if someone entered the stairwell?
The chance of being caught only served to heighten her lust.
Sliding back the foreskin, she licked the pearl of liquid from the tip before taking his shaft between her lips. A deep sigh resounded from Ty, and his fingers sifted through her hair. Holding Sol’s head firmly, he assisted her up and down motions. It was difficult to manage his choking size, but she opened for him. Her eyes watered as the head bumped against the soft palate of her throat.
A shuddering breath escaped Ty, then Sol heard him speaking what must have been his native language, since she couldn’t understand any of it. But the words were ferocious, demanding, possessive…and fucking hot.
Encouraged, she grasped his balls, pulling them gently, rolling them with her fingers as he thrust into her mouth. His hips began to rock in earnest, and he grunted with every stroke to the back of her throat. Her swollen heat demanded attention. She reached into her pants and slid her fingers between the folds of her sex, stroking, caressing—enjoying the fullness in her mouth, while satisfying her own tingling need. As her climax built, she slid two fingers into her sleek channel, imagining his length stroking between her depths.
Her strangled cry as an orgasm took her triggered Ty’s climax. His fingers tightened in her hair, holding her head as she swallowed every bit of his seed. As his hold on her hair lessened, she slipped off his shaft. Sol stood and leaned into his embrace. She watched his masculine hands with interest and wondered what more the night would bring. In her mind, she painted them with broad strokes of her brush, every angle, bend, and vein, imagining the rare power he might hold in his calloused fingers. Suddenly, his hand seemed to change, grow larger, his nails thicker. She blinked, the image wavered, and when she looked again, his hand was normal.
Your mind is playing tricks on you, girl. Sex-dazed. That’s what you are.
Ty pulled away from her. “I have to go.”
“What?” The thought of him leaving her after what they’d just done, made her feel cheap, and honestly, hurt her deeply. She’d known sleeping with Ty would be a one-off, a diversion, and no more. But they hadn’t even made it up to the room. “You got what you want, so now you have to go. Is that it?”
“I’m sorry, Sol.” He yanked up his pants. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She gripped her torn shirt closed, her hands shaking. Her temper flared, but she held back, because she knew crying was next, and she wouldn’t give him her tears. “No, you won’t.”
“I will, I promise.” He moved quickly down the stairs in long graceful strides.
She watched him disappear around the stairwell corner thinking his so-called promise sounded like a threat.
“The hell with you.” As she gave in to the anger and hurt swirling through her, she felt an electrical surge within her. All the lights snapped on in the stairwell, and then one by one exploded. Sol gave a surprised shriek, pushed her breast back into the bra, and ran up the stairs.
Chapter 4
Ty sat in the darkest corner of the lounge and nursed his bourbon and Coke. He felt both shame and confusion. Leaving Sol was necessary because he could not become his other form with her. She’d pulled on his bear, drawing his animal to the surface, and he’d barely stopped himself from shifting. As his passion for Sol burned bright, he felt the rise in magic. Her power pulled on him like a leash. This demonstration of Sol’s true power had left him shaken to the core. Ty hadn’t been able to get out of the stairwell fast enough. After fortifying his nerves by draining the alcohol, he called Myron Gray.
“Yes, Ty.”
“I found a witch on the reservation. She’s staying in the casino.”
“Is she the one?”
“I don’t know.” Ty’s gut clenched. “She’s powerful.”
“A sorcellarie draws power from other worlders. If she is your murderer, you need to tread lightly. Keep the talisman on you at all times. Do you need back-up? Destan can be there in a few hours.”
“No,” Ty said. He didn’t want his dragon shifter friend anywhere near the witch. “If she’s guilty, it is my duty as a tribal protector to mete out justice.”
Gray was silent for a long moment. “You are conflicted.”
Ty wasn’t sure how to give voice to what he was feeling. “I don’t feel any evil in this witch. Yet, I’ve found no other sorcellarie.”
Gray seemed to consider Ty’s words. “There is more going on with this situation than I first believed. Consult Red Sun.”
As well as being his Great Uncle, Red Sun was also the tribe’s shaman and an aural with the ability to project his spirit into other beings. Ty wasn’t sure what insight the old man could give him, but Gray usually didn’t suggest something unless it was important. Surely Red Sun knew more details about the witches since he was last known tribe member to fight and defeat one.
“Be wary, my friend,” said Gray. “And no matter how you feel, do not trust the witch.”
Ty said good-bye and ended the call. No, he didn’t trust Sol.
But he wanted her.
Chapter 5
Sol chose to eat breakfast at the same diner where
she and Ty had shared dinner the night before. You are so lame. She wasn’t even hungry. She needed to get back on the road, forget about Ty Wasape, and quit avoiding her problems. Mom’s frantic texts and voicemails had ended only when Sol called her and listened to a twenty-minute harangue. If you are not home today, I will call the police, the Army, the FBI and…and your father.
Since her father was dead, Sol figured she’d pushed Mom beyond her usual parental melting point. It was time to go home.
After dumping two containers of artificial creamer into her coffee, Sol sighed. She didn’t understand the chemistry with Ty, but didn’t have to—it was there. In a freaky-deaky way. She didn’t want to leave without seeing him again. She’d had crazy dreams last night, just like all the other crazy dreams she’d had since her twenty-first birthday. In fact, that’s when all weird crap started happening at her apartment.
“Hello.” A young man with short black hair, a strong jawline, and a chocolate-brown gaze stood next to her table. He had a boyish charm and a flirtatious manner, and Sol found herself smiling at him.
“Hi.” Sol saw the interest in his eyes and admitted that she enjoyed the attention. Especially after the way Ty had dumped her on the stairwell the night before. The young man didn’t have Ty Wasape’s raw magnetism, but there was something to be said for cute and pleasant.
“Are you alone?” he asked.
“Yes.” Unfortunately.
“May I sit?”
Sol was a little taken aback by his forwardness, especially since he took the chair across from her without waiting for her answer. The air glimmered around her, and she saw a swirl of dark colors dancing between them. She blinked, and the ugly browns and harsh blacks disappeared. Suddenly, the young man across from her no longer seemed appealing.
Ty Wasape sure had done a number on her.
“I can’t believe someone hasn’t laid claim to such a beautiful woman.”
What an odd thing to say. Sol stirred her coffee, and then sipped from the mug.
