Claws and Fangs

by Laurann Dohner

  He pulled his mouth away, trailing kisses from her lips to her throat as he lifted up just enough to yank her destroyed shirt away. With one tug, he ripped away the boxers. Jasmine’s fingers tangled in his hair, seeking something to hold on to. The urgency and purely primal way Chase touched her was an exhilarating experience. No one had ever wanted her as much as he did.

  “Mine,” he growled in a deep, sensual voice before his teeth gently nipped just under her ear.

  “Yes,” she agreed, out of breath, despite his tone leaving it clear that it wasn’t a question. He was staking his claim and she was willing to let him.

  He released her and she wanted to protest when he sat up, until she realized the cause. It was with regret that she stopped touching him too, unable to hold on as he shifted away. She instantly missed exploring his heated, muscular body. His shirt was quickly shed but he just unfastened his pants and shoved them down before he was on top of her again. Her thighs spread to give him access to settle over her once more. It made the ache to have him inside almost unbearable while she waited to see what he’d do.

  His brilliant blue eyes blazed when their gazes met as his rigid cock nudged against her pussy. She was wet and ready to accept him as he entered her in one slow drive of his hips. The sensation of being filled and stretched—taken—was all-consuming to Jasmine.

  Chase froze, buried deep inside her.

  “Mine,” he repeated. “Forever.” He leaned in closer until their noses pressed together. “Agree to be my mate.”

  “I do.” She meant it. She wanted to join with him in every way. “Take me.”

  A snarl came from his parted lips. That animalistic sound might have frightened her at any other time, but then he began to move in and out of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her heels finding purchase on the waistband of his leather pants, which were snagged on the back of his thighs. Every slide of his cock against sensitive nerve endings brought her closer to coming. Her nipples grew taut, her vaginal muscles clamping around his thick girth. The pleasure intensified until it threatened to drown her. Moans tore from her throat.

  “Suck on me,” he demanded. “Don’t stop.”

  Her first thought was that he wanted oral sex, but then his wrist was suddenly against her mouth. Hot liquid with a metallic taste coated her tongue, and she knew it was his blood. At some point, without her realizing, he’d cut himself. His fingers curved around her jaw, turning her head away slightly but keeping his wrist bleeding over her parted lips.

  He fucked her harder, the intense pleasure making her almost oblivious to the tingling inside her head. She swallowed his blood, too focused on the coming climax to care or think about what it meant.

  His teeth clamped onto her neck where it met her shoulder and Chase bit down. His fangs punctured her skin.

  Pain and pleasure blurred together, making it impossible to distinguish one from the other as sheer ecstasy struck. She exploded from within, orgasms jolting through her in an endless loop. Chase bit deeper, sucking her blood, and groaned. Their bodies were locked together, trembling, when his hips finally stilled.

  Sweetheart? Can you hear me?

  She attempted to turn her face away from his wrist but the hand holding her jaw tightened.

  Don’t. Keep drinking. Send your thoughts to me. I’ll hear you.

  It was difficult to put words together while her body still twitched and reeled from making love. Chase’s voice was inside her head, his mouth still locked on her neck, so it was impossible that he’d spoken aloud. She breathed through her nose and tried to calm her erratic breathing.

  Chase?

  We’re mates. No speaking is needed. You can let go of me now. I’m going to gently withdraw my teeth. Hold still. This won’t hurt. Just relax. I’m blocking your pain.

  It stunned her that he could do that. He pulled his wrist away and she sucked air into her mouth. The taste of his blood wasn’t gross, but instead something she wanted more of. It worried her, but her mate was suddenly speaking inside her mind again.

  It’s normal, sweetheart. You’re different now but you were already changing before we formed our life bond. You’ll crave my blood and it will taste sweet to you. He pulled his fangs away and the area he’d bitten had gone numb.

  Jasmine turned her head, staring up at him when he looked down at her. The way his eyes glowed was spectacular. His mouth was closed and none of her blood showed until he licked his bottom lip. His tongue was bright red.

  “You’re not comfortable with silent conversations.” His voice came out husky. “You’ll quickly adjust to our mate bond and learn to appreciate that we can communicate without others hearing us.” He chuckled. “Read me. You can. Just try. It’s all there for you if you open up.”

  She closed her eyes to concentrate, a tiny bit afraid of what she’d find if she were able to do the impossible.

  His thoughts didn’t transfer to her, but intense emotion suddenly filled her. Love. Tenderness. A deep sense of protectiveness. Passion. He wanted her again.

  Yes, I do. I’ll always want you. I do feel all those things. Did you believe I’d want to mate you if I wasn’t willing to die for you? You’re mine, and I’m yours until the end of our time.

  Jasmine’s eyes opened to stare at him in wonder. Tears blinded her as her own emotions surfaced. She loved him and he loved her back. All doubt left.

  I’m still not comfortable talking this way. I love the sound of your voice. It’s sexy.

  He laughed. “Okay, sweetheart. Anything you want.”

  “Anything?”

  His eyes narrowed as he read her mind and lowered his mouth to hers for a kiss.

  Always. We can definitely do this more. My sister and our dinner can wait. I’m going to make love to you again.

  Good. Stop thinking at me and do it.

  Chapter Six

  Chase was tense when he reached the club. He hadn’t wanted to leave Jasmine but he needed to confront the fallout of taking a mate.

  The two guards stationed outside the doors whipped their heads in his direction. The sound of them sniffing seemed amplified as he approached. They’d smell the change in his scent now that Jasmine was his mate. Her scent was mingled with his.

  The one on the left took a step back, his gaze instantly dropping. The one on the right growled, shock clear in his dark eyes.

  The threat was clear. Chase didn’t hesitate to grab Jacob by his jacket and slam him hard against the wall.

  “Do you have a problem, wolf?” he snarled.

  “No.” Jacob’s eyes flared before he dropped his gaze, darting it everywhere but at Chase’s face.

  Chase dropped the werewolf to his feet and stepped back, releasing him. “Good. You’re my enforcer. I expect you to respect my decision and my mate. I’ll leave it to you to notify the pack.” He growled low in his throat. “Can I count on you to dissuade anyone from causing trouble? I want the truth.”

  “Of course.” Jacob gave a sharp nod. “You’re my alpha.”

  “Don’t forget it,” Chase warned. He glanced at Paul. “Do you have a problem?”

  “No.” He shook his head wildly, his chin tucked. “Congratulations. When do we get to meet her?”

  “When I believe no one is stupid enough to challenge me or her.”

  Both werewolves were silent. Chase paused for a good minute but they refused to speak. It was going better than he hoped. Otherwise he’d have already had to fight and kill at least one of them.

  “I’m going inside now. Hold your posts. Has there been any trouble tonight in the club?”

  “No, alpha.” Jacob lifted his head and met his gaze, before glancing away. “It’s been quiet.”

  “Full house but no disturbances,” Paul added. “Just the way you like it.”

  Chase passed them and yanked open the door. The sound of music spilled out as he entered. All that soundproofing his friends had paid for worked. Flashing lights from the ceiling jumped around the dance floor to spotli
ght the swaying bodies. He breathed through his nose, taking in all the humans and vamps. He sniffed again, identifying the bartender and other members from his pack.

  A few of the vamps turned their heads as he slowly strolled through the club toward the offices. Their senses of smell would note the change in him as well.

  Marcus, one of the club regulars, stood, blocking his path.

  “Who is she?”

  “None of your concern. Do you want to move or shall I put you back in your seat?”

  The bloodsucker grinned, revealing his fangs. Blood coated his tongue, proof that the human at his table had already been tasted. “You know what they say about mates, freak. They are a weakness—and now you have one.” His pupils dilated. “I won’t forget to share the good news with your fans.”

  Chase swiftly gripped him by his throat. “And I never forget a threat,” he growled. “You’re dead if you or any of your friends attempt to go after my mate.”

  “Is the lad being a problem?”

  The deep voice with the Scottish brogue came from behind him. “No, Blaron.” It annoyed Chase that his friend could move so silently that he hadn’t heard his approach, but the noise in the club had helped mask it. “Just making friendly conversation with one of the customers.”

  “Ah.” The big kilt-wearing vamp stepped closer, pausing next to him. “Marcus, a bonny lass is at your table and you’re bothering my friend? Shame on you. That’s the thing I find most annoying with the younger generations. Stupidity and rudeness run rampant.”

  Chase squeezed enough to prevent the vamp within his grasp from responding. It would have crushed a human’s throat but the bloodsucker just winced in pain.

  “I resent that. I’m younger, but I have manners. His head is still on his shoulders. I know the staff hates to clean blood off the floors, and it would spook the guests who aren’t aware of what he is,” Chase returned.

  “True.” Blaron grinned, fingering the long blond braid that fell over his shoulder. “I assume this is about the lass you took as a mate?” He glanced at him. “I never forget a scent. I’ve smelled her before on you.”

  “Let’s discuss this in a more private setting.” He didn’t want his friend to give anyone hints on the identity of Jasmine. She had family and friends that his enemies could target.

  “Sure.” The older vamp’s humor disappeared as he circled around Marcus to stand at his back. He leaned in to put his lips near his ear. “You’re in my house, and this is my friend. Am I clear, young’un?” He clamped his hand on the vampire’s shoulder. “Should I allow him to rip off your head to save me the trouble?”

  Marcus whimpered, panic widening his eyes.

  “That’s what I thought.” Blaron stepped back. “The staff hates cleaning up piss, too. Drop him before he wets his pants.”

  Chase grudgingly released Marcus. The frightened vamp would have returned to his table, but Blaron halted him with a chilling glare. “Anyone who threatens or goes after someone under my protection won’t see the following night. Am I clear?”

  “Yes.” His voice came out raspy, but at least Marcus could talk.

  “That includes mates. His, specifically, and any of her kin. Are you hearing me?”

  Marcus gave a sharp nod.

  “And don’t be thinking you can have someone else do your bidding. Anyone so much as breathes on them, and I’m blaming you.”

  Marcus nodded again.

  “Now go sit your arse down and be nice to that bonny redhead waiting for you. She’s a looker, and I want her to return here often. It’s good for business.” Blaron stepped to the side. He glanced at Chase and jerked his head in the direction of the offices.

  Part of Chase was relieved. His friend had just announced to the entire club that his protection extended to Jasmine. Every vamp in the place would have noted the exchange.

  He followed Blaron to the side doors, down a set of stairs, and beyond the noise of the club once he sealed them inside the office.

  Lethal sat behind a desk, and he peered up at him with lively blue eyes. “Interesting.” His nostrils flared. “The real estate agent?”

  Alarm shot though Chase and a snarl burst from his mouth. “Were you having me followed? We are supposed to have trust.”

  The tall vampire rose to his feet, his leather pants rubbing against his chair. “Easy.”

  “How do you know about my Jasmine?”

  “I can smell her.”

  “How do you know what she does for a living?” Suspicion grew.

  A smirk twisted the male’s lips. “I recommended her to you, remember? I’ve used her a few times.”

  Chase reacted on instinct, leaping over the desk and shoving the big bastard into a wall to pin him there with the claws that shot out from his fingertips. “You touched my mate?!” The urge to kill his friend was so strong, he barely resisted. “Fed from her?”

  Lethal’s blue eyes widened. “Hell no! The lass helped me buy a few homes. I never tossed her skirts up and bedded her. Nor did I bleed her.”

  “She didn’t mention you to me.”

  “She wouldn’t.” Lethal cleared his throat and frowned. “I blurred her memory of my name and what she helped me acquire. I still paid the lass. You know I don’t like anyone knowing where I buy property. They were my safe houses.”

  Blaron cleared his throat. “Gentlemen? Are we going to fight? Allow me to move the computers at least. It’s payroll day, and nothing is worse than snarling employees bent out of shape.”

  Chase withdrew his claws and stepped back. “We’re good.”

  Lethal grinned. “She’s a bonny lass who will make you a wonderful mate. You hid her scent well. I had no idea you were even dating anyone.”

  He hesitated, glancing at them both. “It was spur of the moment. You know that rogue you asked me to hunt? She was one of his victims.”

  A growl sprang from Lethal. “Is she well?”

  “I healed her. She will be fine.” Chase rounded the desk. “She was the only one who survived. We need to keep a closer eye on missing persons’ reports.”

  “Agreed.” Blaron fingered the sword attached to his belt. “We’ll dispatch those damn rogues from our city. We don’t need any more problems.”

  “You’re going to hate to hear this then.” Chase sat in a chair. “My pack isn’t going to take it well that I mated.”

  His friends took seats too. “What makes you believe that?”

  He held Lethal’s curious gaze. “My lead enforcer backed down when I gave him the opportunity to challenge me outside, but he didn’t want to. He’s not happy my mate isn’t a member of the pack, and that means I can’t trust him as far as I can throw him. It will lead to strife in the ranks and they’ll eventually come after me once some of their anger overtakes their fear.”

  “Aye,” Blaron mused. “They will. It would have bonded you to them if your mate happened to be a werewolf from the pack. They’ve been looking for a reason to spill your blood since you arrived. So have most of our regular customers. Your bloodlines are an issue. You’re of both worlds, but they only see you as different.”

  “I’m giving my notice.”

  Lethal reached up to shove his long black hair over his shoulder. “No. We refuse to accept it. You’re our head of security and you’ll stay in that position.”

  “We’re friends.” Blaron smiled. “You can’t leave us in the lurch. We trust you.”

  “It’s going to make your club a target if they can’t find my den.”

  “Is that where you’re hiding the bonny lass?” The dark-haired vamp grinned. “With your sister—the one you refuse to allow us to meet?”

  “They are both safer far from here.” Chase sighed. “I don’t want my trouble coming to your door.”

  “We love trouble.” Blaron winked. “It gets too boring around here otherwise. We’re friends ’til the end, but I’m not preparing to die.” He glanced at the other vampire. “Tell him we have his back.”

  �
�You just did.” Lethal chuckled. “It goes double with me.”

  Chase studied them. “You don’t owe me for saving your asses when you decided to visit the pack I lived with. You didn’t know about the war between wolves and vampires. It started before you came to America. You’re used to the city packs that depend on you for steady work. That pack has a long memory, and they hated you both on sight. They shouldn’t have blamed you for a history you had no part in.”

  “They decided to behead us but you got us out of there.” Blaron leaned back in his chair. “You were the first mixed breed we’d ever met. We’re friends, and we stand together when trouble comes.” He patted his trusted sword again. “I say we set a trap and wait to see who comes.”

  Chase didn’t like the idea. “It would be easier if I just didn’t work for you anymore.”

  “We trust you, Chase.” Lethal grinned. “Friends don’t abandon friends in bad times. They stick together. You’re the best one for the job, so forget quitting.”

  “Shit.” Chase eyed both men with dread. He knew them well and they’d already made up their minds. They wanted to help him whether he wanted it or not. “And if it means losing an entire pack? Who is going to guard you when you sleep? I can’t do it every single day. I have a mate who might not enjoy being alone all the time.”

  “We have our safe houses. I don’t plan on sleeping below the club anytime soon.” Blaron stood. “Let’s plot our enemies’ demise. I’m sure they are doing the same.”

  Chase stared at Lethal, hoping he’d be the voice of reason.

  He rose to his feet with a deadly look on his features and gripped his sword, strapped it on before grabbing a leather trench coat. “To battle, men.” He chuckled. “May the blood of our adversaries flow so we may be victorious.”

  “You both are nuts...but I’m glad you’re on my side.” Chase pushed out of his seat and glanced at them. “I think I have an idea how we can lure them out tomorrow night. Let’s go upstairs and handle the customers. Afterward, we’ll talk strategies.”

  * * * * *

  Jasmine set aside the book and slid off the bed to peer at Chase when he suddenly stormed into the bedroom. It was apparent he was upset, but she didn’t know why. His gaze fixed on her as a deep, scary growl burst from his parted lips.