by Lia Slater
No way would she let that happen.
“Yes, my One.” He braced her cheek and her deceptive heart fluttered again.
Shit. She couldn’t allow herself to pretend this would have a happy ending. She wasn’t that naïve.
“Worth, I’m not going to be your anything.” She forced the words out and a sour knot twisted in her stomach when she saw the hurt in his eyes. Damn him. She had to leave this place, get far away from him but she knew he’d never let her leave. She’d have to wait until the right moment to make her escape.
First she needed to escape the sullen look he was giving her. Geez. He acted as though he were the wounded party here. She quickly gathered her dress and pulled it over her head.
“We’re not done talking, Blanca. Where are you going?”
“Let me have a little freedom, would you?” she said as she passed him by. “You want to mark me? Fine. But I won’t let you control my every blasted move.”
* * * * *
Worth had avoided her long enough. The day had long ended and he’d run out of chores to do. He’d given her space like she’d requested. He hadn’t been happy about it but he’d kept his distance, allowing her to sulk in the bedroom.
He’d never understand women. The way she’d shot down his offering to make her his One had bored a hole in his chest, making it hard to breathe. In the short time the petite Were had been in his life, he’d fallen in love with her. He’d thought it had to do with their blood bond at first but that bond had faded and his desperate need to be with her had only grown. He’d hoped she’d felt the same and that there was a slim chance she’d agree to the idea.
What did he expect? In the High Council’s eyes he’d be marking her as Okantalor property, not binding to her to him as his life’s partner. The woman wasn’t stupid.
But she was his. And he planned to remind her of that over and over again for the rest of the night, until early dawn.
He pushed his way into his home and strode to the bedroom with a single-minded purpose. The sun had set hours ago and he’d already healed and bathed in the nearby river so he was more than ready to take Blanca into his arms and make love to her again.
This was one of the times he wished their blood connection was still strong, so he could see what she was doing so quietly in the bedroom before he walked in on her. Was she dressed or was she bare? Was she angry with him or hurt?
Hell, was she even here?
The bedroom was empty.
“Blanca?” He glanced from one corner to the other, searching the bed, the floor. She wasn’t anywhere to be seen. His frenzied gaze finally fell on the open window.
It would’ve been too damn easy for her to jump from that window and head out the back way without his knowledge.
Fuck. He just hadn’t thought that she’d leave him. Not yet. Had he really misled himself into thinking she’d stay absent a blood bond?
Obviously.
“Blanca!” He stormed out of the house and ran out toward the outlying area of the orchards, the only path where there were no workers.
There was no sign of her.
Hadn’t he learned that a woman couldn’t be kept? At least not by him. But he’d hoped there was a chance with Blanca. He’d hoped she’d felt the same way about him that he felt about her. He was no longer her master, but her lover.
Stupid. Gullible. Ignorant. All the terms Marta had called him had been dead on. The little Were had simply waited for the chance to escape him. It was damn hard to believe the tenderness she’d given him, all the loving caresses, all the passionate kisses had been merely an act.
If it wasn’t an act then she’d still be here, wouldn’t she? At least she could have humored him with one last kiss good-bye. Was he not worth that much to her?
He scrubbed his hand over his face and bit out a curse. Ha. He would’ve required a million kisses before allowing her to leave him. An infinite night.
Now she was out there somewhere, heading into danger. If another Vamp got his hands on her, he wouldn’t be as gentle as Worth had been. She knew that yet she’d chanced the journey anyway.
Did she despise him that much?
He shook his head and stared out into the dark of the night across the prairie. It didn’t matter what she thought. He couldn’t allow her to be captured by another Vamp. If she made it back to the safety of Paqualette then he’d wish her well. But he refused to let another moment pass not searching for her if there was the slightest chance she was in danger.
If he could get within a certain distance of her he might be able to pinpoint a weak mental connection. There was nothing to do but try. Homing in on every last Vamp sense his body allowed, he set off in a run, heading in the direction of the border.
Chapter Seven
Blanca squatted down on her hind legs when she spotted the house that belonged to Worth’s cousin, Orleff. The tiny cottage had seemed so much larger when she was shackled in the dank cellar. Then again, she’d been so far gone she’d thought she was in a cave. It was amazing she’d found her way here but since it never seemed to rain in this country, she’d had no problem following her own scent back here. Well, hers along with Worth’s.
Her heart pinched tight at just the thought of him. She’d wasted too much time in his bedroom mentally debating over leaving or staying. When he hadn’t come home at his normal time, making her miss his presence, she’d taken that as a sign to get the hell out.
She simply couldn’t allow herself to fall in love with a Vamp, certainly not a Vamp who was planning on marking her and keeping her in his Were-loathing country for eternity. For over half a day, while her mind debated, she’d curled up in his bed, inhaled his essence and wondered what it would be like to be his One. To share his home. To bear his children. To love him thoroughly every day of her life.
And she’d almost given into the temptation. Almost.
But freedom was too important to her and she’d never have that while living in Okantalor.
So the decision was made. And she’d run.
Now she just needed to catch her scent and trail it back to Paqualette. If possible. Past experiences allowed her to think most goals were achievable if given the proper motivation.
It was somewhat pathetic that her paws dragged on the dirt every step of the way toward freedom. And even more dismal that the reason for her laziness had to do with the possibility of Worth chasing after her.
If she could just see him one last time, taste his lips once more, then she’d be reenergized and ready to find her way home.
To heck with it. She had to get a move on. Her pack depended on her. And that was enough motivation for her. It had to be.
In her wolf form, she quietly bypassed Orleff’s cottage, careful not to get caught within the Vamp’s senses. The dirt ground was still warm from the sun beating down on it all day long. And in just a few hours the sun would rise again, making the prairie ground almost unbearable.
She much preferred the night and not only because she could shift under the moon’s energy. No, the darkness was where she could roam free and be herself. One day she hoped she could share that experience with a life mate.
Worth would’ve been a fine companion to tramp through the forests of Paqualette. He would’ve loved the fresh scents and she wouldn’t have minded falling onto the lush grass with him, making love under the night sky.
“Are you lost, little doggy?” The voice had come from nowhere but it encompassed her and scared the sanity out of her.
Before she could gather her wits, he was on top of her, pinning her down and sinking his filthy fangs into her flesh.
Orleff. She’d only seen a flash of blond hair before he’d attacked her, catching her by surprise while she’d stupidly daydreamed of a man she could never have. How completely idiotic.
She fought and clawed at him as best she could but as she’d found out before, he was quite fast at draining her blood once his canines were lodged in.
The bright stars above
her blurred. Her movements slowed. And…for the briefest moment…she pictured Worth in her mind, running through what looked like the valley of lavender flowers she’d passed on the way to Orleff’s home.
The mental connection was just a whisper in her mind. And it grew weaker as her body grew limp.
Worth. She used the rest of her strength attempting to link her thoughts to his. Worth, help me.
* * * * *
Worth pushed himself to run faster. She was near. He could feel her presence. She’d traveled toward Orleff’s house and his cousin had, no doubt, found and captured her. The Vamp was a skilled hunter, especially when his prey was on or near his property.
The mercenary didn’t let anything pass him without assessing its full value and deciding if it was worth selling or keeping. And Worth was sure Orleff wouldn’t let Blanca traipse on by untouched, especially since he’d gotten a stallion in exchange for her the first time around.
It was at least three hours before sunrise. He would find her before then and take her home, whether she wanted him or not. Determination fueled him, along with the need to find her safe. If Orleff hurt her in any way, Worth wouldn’t hesitate to kill him.
He slowed to walk as he neared the thatch of trees that stood between him, the dried up creek and Orleff’s cottage. He spotted his cousin not too far ahead, along with someone tied to the trunk of one of the trees.
Worth clenched his teeth when he realized Blanca was the person tied and Orleff was standing in front of her, far too close.
His cousin preferred men but could bend his appetite toward women if he was desperate enough. The bastard better not have touched her.
“Orleff,” he yelled and closed the distance between them in no time. “Get the hell away from her.” He pushed the man back out of the way so he could see if Blanca was injured.
She was in her human form, in much the same condition that she’d been in the first time he met her in Orleff’s cellar. She was groggy, her eyes leaden, her mouth in a deep frown and her body completely bare of clothing.
“Worth,” she whispered and her head lolled to the side.
“Did you take her blood again?” Enraged, Worth spun around and gripped Orleff’s shirt.
“Relax, cousin, she’s healing quickly. See.” He gestured to the sky. “I’m allowing her the moon.”
“And I’m allowing you two seconds to tell me if you touched her in any way.”
“Of course not. Don’t be silly. I wouldn’t even if she did have the right equipment.” Orleff sniffed and shuddered. “She reeks of you.” He yanked his shirt out of Worth’s grasp. “I was simply explaining to her that Weres need to be respectful of their blood masters. Running away like that was very, very naughty.”
Worth fisted his hands. “You’ll let me worry about her. This is none of your concern.”
“It is when the little wench is on my property sniffing around. It’s up to you to keep that animal under your control yet she’s out loose with no blood bond. What are you thinking, Worth? If the High Council finds out—”
“They won’t if you keep your mouth shut. I’m taking her to the marking ceremony this evening and then the High Council will have no need to worry about what I do with my woman.”
“Your blood slave. Don’t be a fool, Worth. She’s a Were, not your equal.”
“Fine.” There was no point in arguing. “I’ve got her now. You can leave us.”
“Just like that?” Orleff chuckled. “Surely you know me better than that. Time is money, dear cousin.”
“Then I’ll owe you. I have nothing on me.”
Orleff tsked. “Your word is gold. I’ll be collecting soon.” He turned on his heel and walked toward his cottage.
Worth reached for the ropes and pulled the top one free.
“So you bought me again.” Blanca’s voice was a whisper but growing stronger with each syllable.
“I did.” Relief surged through him as he realized she was safe. He’d found her in time. Yet he couldn’t stamp down the sting of betrayal he felt. She’d left him without a word. She hadn’t trusted him to do right by her. Just like Marta, she’d turned her back on him. But with Blanca, it hurt much worse. He couldn’t shrug this off as easily.
“Never run from me again, Blanca,” he said, wondering if his words were pointless. “This could have ended much worse.”
She let out a weak laugh. “I’m doomed either way. Without my freedom, I have nothing.”
“Am I nothing to you then?” He stopped untying the rope and met her gaze.
“That’s not what I meant, Worth, and you know it.” Her amber eyes were gaining back their usual vivid hue as she collected her energy from the moon. “I may feel things for you that I shouldn’t. Strong feelings. But you can’t be my everything and I can’t be your slave.”
“I told you I don’t want you as a damned slave. Why don’t you trust me?”
She shook her head as if in disbelief. “Why would I? What reason have you and your kind given me to put any of my faith in you? I’m not your equal, remember? Your cousin said it and you didn’t deny it.”
Stubborn woman. Worth bit back a few choice curse words and gripped her chin instead. “I love you, Blanca,” he said.
“Love?” She searched his eyes, her expression unreadable. “I don’t believe you, not when you wish to take me in front of your precious High Council and mark me as if I’m an animal.”
“You have to realize that I have no choice in the matter. As long as I live in this country under their rule, I have no choice. Please believe me, Blanca. I want you to be my One and I your mate. I’ll say it over and over again if that’s what it takes to make you understand.”
“You’ll be wasting your time.” Her words were harsh but her face was solemn, as if she were holding back tears. His wildflower knew how to put up a good front. She liked to pretend to be an emotionless warrior but Worth saw through her tough façade to the sweet, sensual, nurturing woman underneath—the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.
He’d never wanted to prove someone wrong more in his life. And he would prove her wrong. Their time together was never a waste. Yet, given how he’d almost lost her tonight, he realized how precious their moments were. He wouldn’t stop her from leaving him if her pack came for her. He wouldn’t hold her against her will. But he would keep her safe and close until that day. And he’d do everything in his power to make her realize how good he’d be to her if she chose to stay with him.
Determined, he dropped to his knees before her and pressed a kiss to soft flesh of her belly. Still bound, she had no choice but to allow him to love her thoroughly. Orleff had disappeared from the area. Worth didn’t sense him anywhere close. They were completely alone.
“Worth? What are you doing?”
“I’m making better use of my time,” he murmured and ran his hands down her hips. “Earning your love.” He kissed her mound and inhaled her scent.
“This isn’t the way to do that. Are you out of your mind?”
“Yes.” He was madly in love, completely and insanely obsessed. “How does this feel?” he asked and slid his tongue between her pussy folds and flicked it along her silky flesh. She was incredibly warm and flavorful against his intimate caress, making him long for another taste.
“Worth,” she whispered. “You know how you make me feel.”
“Then keep feeling it.” With his fingers he held her folds open and gazed longingly at the rosy pink flesh that he beheld. So lovely. And his.
She squirmed against the rope and it loosened some. It wouldn’t take much for her to free herself. Of the bindings and of him. That realization made him even more desperate to please her.
He brought his mouth to her pussy again and licked, taking his time, trailing his tongue along her creases, over her budded clit. Then back down, where he jabbed the tip of his tongue into her juicy entrance. She was wet for him, her pleasure apparent as he tasted her cream.
“Worth, p
lease, please.”
He met her wild, amber eyes. “Show me what you want, lover,” he said. “I’ll give you anything.”
Her hips hitched forward and she widened her stance. The useless rope fell to her feet. Yet she remained leaning against the tree.
Hunger overtook him and he delved his tongue into her pussy again, piercing her tight, wet-hot channel. He licked her walls, found the area that made her moan and then tortured her by raking it over with the tip of his tongue.
Her whimpers filled his ears and drove him to work harder, to thrust her to her pinnacle. His fangs itched to break free, to sink into her sweet flesh and drink her rich blood. But he restrained himself. It could wait until the ceremony, when he marked her.
He found her clit again and sucked the tender bud into his mouth. One hand held her open for him while the other found her pussy. He slid his finger into the soaking wet entrance, rubbing it against her hot cavern wall.
Rubbing and sucking, he worked her until her pussy constricted against his finger, her juices flowed onto his hand. “Ah, ah,” she panted and then jerked against him and screamed, her lust-husky voice filling the night air.
Yes. He released her swollen clit and concentrated on eating up her sweet cum, the only thing that tasted better than her blood.
Her body went limp and he knew he’d taken more energy out of her than he should have.
“Blanca.” He jumped to his feet and swept her body up into his arms. “I’m going to take you home now.”
She nodded her head and nuzzled against his shoulder. “I’ll trust you, Worth,” she said in a whisper. “I’ll let you mark me…but it won’t mean anything. It can’t mean anything.”
The air left his lungs. Her words were bittersweet. She’d concede to being marked and whether she knew it or not, she’d be keeping Kerene and himself out of trouble, possibly away from death. For him to ignore the High Council’s direct request would most likely result in an execution, especially if the culprit had broken their rules many times before.
