Crisis Alert (Divine Justice, 3)

by Mary Abshire

  She grinned. “Trust me, I have plenty of energy for more of your love.”

  The apprehension drained from his face. “Good, because I have a wealth of love to give.”

  He covered her mouth as he lowered on top of her. Heart thumping fast, he groped one of her breasts while his erection pressed against her. The yearning within her grew stronger as she imagined him buried inside her, filling and bringing her another release. Inspired by the image, she sucked on his tongue. He groaned and his heartbeat accelerated. He slithered his hand down her body and then positioned himself to enter her. Ever so slowly, he slipped his thick member inside her.

  Hands braced on each side of her, he began pumping into her. “Oh, Anna…. You’re mine. All mine.”

  The temperature of his body rose as he slid within her slick walls. He pulled his erection almost out and then propelled it back in. Though snug inside her, he moved with ease. He filled her with what she yearned for and more. His love fed her soul while his body worked to sate her passion. She met his movements and accepted all of him. He thrust into her again and again. Wanting him to go deeper, she brought her legs up. He hooked them over his shoulders and then lowered to his elbows. His body was on fire as he ground into her. Sweat broke out on his head and back. Each deep penetrating thrust drove her closer to another climax. Judging from the quick beat of his heart and the tension in his body, she suspected he was nearing his summit too.

  She clawed gently at his back and groaned. His thrusts quickened as he endeavored to reach his release. Her body thirsted for satisfaction the way she’d longed for nourishment after being dehydrated. He drove deeper and faster, hitting her sweet spot. Anticipation mounted and became too much for her to bear. Her climax broke free and she dug her nails into his back. A low throaty groan expelled from him as her walls clenched his erection. Body tense, he continued driving into her. His release arrived so strong and fierce, her climax strengthened and milked him. She was in awe and total bliss as his strong pulse hammered inside her. She’d never felt such heartfelt love and admiration from a man. She never wanted to let him go.

  Panting, Zale slowed his movements. Sweat rolled down his body. His erection still throbbed as he lowered on top of her. He licked her lips before he pecked them. Her heart swelled with love for him.

  She grazed her nails over his back. “How much time do we have before sunrise?”

  He inhaled a deep breath. “At least an hour. It was about two when we left.”

  “Good.”

  He grinned. “Why do you say that?”

  “I want to take a shower with you. I want to thoroughly clean every inch of your body.”

  “Do I get to clean yours too?”

  “If there’s time, I’m hoping you do.”

  He pressed his mouth to hers. “Anything for my mate.”

  Chapter Thirty

  A sense of bliss filled Zale and he held a smile as he pulled the fitted sheet over the mattress. The last couple of hours with Anna had been the happiest ones he could recall in a very long time. Having her in his life gave him a feeling of completeness. Their world was far from perfect, but together they could share their love and make it better.

  He tugged the sheet down to the next corner and noticed small slashes in the protective cover. Grinning, he fastened the end under the mattress. He’d been enjoying himself between her legs when she’d dug her nails into the bed. Once she’d said she needed him, pleasing her had been his top priority.

  They’d spent close to an hour in the shower. He mentally patted himself on the back for installing a larger water heater a year ago. Anna had taken her time cleaning his body, first with soap and then with her mouth. He’d enjoyed watching her suck on his erection and she’d done an excellent job. He’d also taken time to clean her body. He’d started with suds and then cleansed her with his tongue. He loved tasting every inch of her. Hearing her vocalize her happiness filled him with equal joy. Needless to say, it aroused him more too. He’d taken her from behind and had sated both their desires. The vampire’s carnal appetite seemed to match his. Could his mate be any more perfect?

  Water running from the sink in the bathroom informed him of her presence in the house. Her company comforted his soul and eased his mind. After they’d finished in the shower, she’d needed nourishment. He’d stocked the fridge with her bags while she’d heated one in the mini-microwave. When she’d started to consume the dark red fluid, he’d left to prepare the bed for her daytime rest.

  Zale yanked one of the blankets from the recliner in the corner and then unraveled it. After he tossed the cover over the mattress, he straightened it. Soft steps on the carpet captured his attention. Still naked, Anna walked into the room, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. He would never tire of seeing her without clothes. Even dressed, he enjoyed gazing at her, but eyeing her in the buff would always please him.

  “I’m almost done,” he said as he strode toward the chair.

  “Are you planning to sleep with me?”

  He grabbed another blanket and then shook it. “Of course. I doubt I’ll sleep all day, but I’m not missing a second of holding you in my arms.” He threw the cover over the bed.

  She came to stand beside him. She smoothed her fingers over the back of his shoulder. “This tattoo is incredible. When did you have it done?”

  “I think it was in the ‘40s. It was during the war. I’d seen a picture of a soldier with a small tat of justice scales on his bicep. I wanted something bigger and more intricate. I wanted it to fit my job.” He lifted the sheet up again, trying to get it even over the mattress.

  “Lady of Justice holding scales. It’s nice. Why did you chose it instead of regular scales?”

  “I like the symbolism of a woman holding the highest virtues and keeping things balanced. Kind of how you do.” He hadn’t considered it before, but Anna made for a fair representation of the Lady of Justice. She held high morals and had devoted her existence to keeping mankind safe by exorcising evil. The scales sometimes tipped in the wrong direction, but she worked to bring humanity back on track.

  She grazed her nails down his back and zings of desire shot through him, all heading to his groin. “I made a few marks on you earlier. I forget how delicate human flesh is.”

  He twisted his head, trying to look. He couldn’t see the scratches. “They’ll disappear after I shift.” He pushed her long damp hair over her shoulder before he kissed her. “Don’t worry, I heal. Feel free to dig those claws into me.”

  Her lips stretched. “In that case, I will.” She smacked one of his butt cheeks before she walked away from him.

  His erection pulsed, aroused from her words, her touch, and everything about her. She was his, now and forever. He flipped off the light switch before he slipped under the covers to be with her.

  She took his wrist and pulled it over her as he settled behind her. He covered one of her breasts and squeezed it. Her cool flesh felt good to his warm body. Pressed against her back, his erection poked her thigh. All he had to do was move up a bit to slide inside her.

  “You’re so warm. I can’t get enough of your heat,” she said, holding his hand to her tit.

  He brought his lips to her shoulder. “I’ll share everything I have with you. Even the fluid you need to survive.”

  “You don’t have to share your blood. I have a donor.”

  He sighed heavily as he thought about her lips pressed to another man while she drank his blood. Although he knew she had no sexual feelings or emotional ties toward her donor, unease still swam within Zale. He wanted to provide for all her needs. No other man should provide for her when Zale could.

  He rubbed his nose and lips over the nape of her neck. “I love you, Anna. If you want to drink from me, you have my permission to do it. Honestly, I’d prefer you take what you need from me instead of seeking your donor.”

  “I know you think I’m your mate—“

  “I don’t think i
t. I know it.” He pecked her shoulder again.

  “Still, Wesley is loyal to me.”

  “And I am loyal to you. I am your mate and will supply all your needs.

  She grazed her fingers along his forearm. “What will your UoJ agents think when they find out I’m your mate and feeding from you?”

  He hadn’t considered their thoughts, nor did he care. Anna and his job were the two most important things in his life. “It doesn’t matter what they think. My morals and obligations haven’t changed. The only difference is I have you now. And who knows, maybe we’ll get to continue working together. I think we could both benefit and help each other.”

  She twisted her head to meet his gaze. “That’s actually a good idea. I wouldn’t mind working with the UoJ. In fact, I’d ask for a specific agent to be my partner.”

  He gave her a slanted grin. “Oh yeah? Who would you ask for?”

  “You, of course.” She pressed her lips to his. “We’d make quite the team.” She licked his bottom lip before she twisted around and laid her head on the pillow.

  His cock swelled from her kiss while his heart pumped faster. Since she’d teased him with her tongue, he decided to do the same. He dragged it from behind her ear and down the back of her neck. She pressed her hand to his and he kneaded her breast. He continued gliding his tongue to her shoulder. Then he bit it gently.

  “Zale?”

  “Mm hmm?”

  “Make love to me again. We have a little time before dawn.”

  His erection hardened more. When his mate asked for love, he would never refuse.

  “Anything for you, Anna.”

  He glided his hand down her body while he inched up. His cock poked at her, seeking entrance. He found it at the same time his fingers grazed over her sensitive core. She moaned softly and tightened her hold on his hand. He loved touching her. He enjoyed hearing and seeing her response as he worked to please her. Wasting no time, he slid into her. His body blazed as her snug walls accepted him. More blood rushed to his balls. He caressed her sensitive nub while he pumped into her moist depths, seeking to show his love and bring them both pleasure. Body and soul, she was heaven for him.

  She pressed her hand over his, keeping him between her legs. “You feel so good, so right.” She matched his movements, taking every inch of him inside her.

  It was as if she’d read his mind. He’d been thinking the same thing. The feel of her slick cozy walls invited him to go deeper. He thrust faster while his fingers stroked her. She moved her hand to his hip and then dug her nails into his skin. The fire within him burned hotter. Anticipation grew stronger. He needed to feel her come and to know he pleased her. When she twisted enough, he locked his mouth to hers.

  She claimed his tongue and passion so hot and fierce consumed him. He circled her core while he endeavored to deliver the release she sought and the one he needed too. But he couldn’t hold back his strong desire. His climax burst free and his hot seed spilled into her. He continued pumping into her as the ache in his balls lessened. She pressed her fingertips deeper into his flesh and her body tensed. Her moment of joy arrived with a gasp. Her walls squeezed his throbbing erection. Pure bliss swam through him as her inner muscles gripped him. He’d never felt such joy and peace. She gave him love physically and spiritually. With her, he felt complete. He would hold on to her as long as he walked on Earth and forever in the kingdom above.

  He slowed his movements to relax and enjoy the last minutes before the sun would rise. She took his hand and returned it to her tit again. Exhaustion started to settle within him. Staying buried inside her and pressed to her body, his mind started to drift.

  “Thank you, Zale,” she said. “For loving and saving me.”

  “You will always have my love.” He kissed her neck. “And thank your helping me see the truth.”

  For the longest time he’d held poor opinions about vampires. He’d spent most of his life chasing the criminal ones and serving justice on them. He hadn’t considered there were others with devout principles. She’d demonstrated how righteous she and many were. She’d shown him how valuable vampires were to saving mankind. Above all, she’d proven her devotion to preserving life and maintaining peace for all.

  Every species had a place on Earth, a purpose to fulfill. Zale started to see his with more clarity. He shared the same principles and morals as Anna. They sought the same objectives. Together, they could accomplish their goals more effectively and as top agents they could serve as role models to their peers. First, they needed to rest.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  The heavy blanket on top of Anna generated a wealth of heat. She basked in the warmth and the love Zale offered her. Cozy and still sleepy, she didn’t want to wake up. Her internal clock knew the sun had gone down, but she preferred to stay in the arms of the man who claimed she was his mate. With all the chaos and violence in the world at the moment, she wanted to enjoy a few more minutes of happiness.

  Zale’s affection for her had far surpassed her assessment of their connection to each other. His heartfelt love seemed quite genuine. He’d stunned her when he’d offered to be her donor. Although she appreciated his proposition, she wondered if their relationship was moving too fast and if it were solid enough to survive. She enjoyed working with him and cared for him as much as he did for her. But great things were seldom what they seemed, at least from her experience.

  She recalled her relationship with Christopher. For over a decade he’d acted as if he’d loved her. He’d had a good heart once and had vowed to fight for her. He’d shared his blood too. As time passed, he changed. She’d loved him and had believed he truly cared for her. Then, he’d sold his soul and had tried to destroy her because she wouldn’t give him the gift of immortality.

  Zale’s words hadn’t been too different from Christopher’s. Zale had promised to love and protect her. He’d also offered to be her donor. The strength behind Zale’s commitment led her to believe him, but her past made her skeptical. Zale’s biases against vampires also made her wary. What if they grew? What if he believed she should be punished for allowing Christopher to live? He’d said he didn’t believe she was to blame for the violence and loss of vampires and humans. But what if he later changed his mind? What if his peers or the agency he worked for pressured him to take action?

  She swallowed hard. In her heart, she wanted to stay with him and be the one and only for him. They could accomplish great things working together. But a part of her feared he’d change with time. Their love wouldn’t last. One day, he’d see her as one of the vampires who deserved punishment. The notion of being his mate made her heart swell with joy, but in reality he had to be mistaken.

  With a heavy heart, she opened her eyes. The dark room had little furniture. She’d hoped to find a nightstand with a clock. Instead, she found nothing. She wanted to move and check on the time. Feeling thirsty, she needed to drink a few bags of blood. But any movement would wake the werewolf snoozing on top of her backside.

  Still, she couldn’t continue to stay in bed. DS agents had started their shift and demons were going to cause more problems in the city. She couldn’t work, but she could conduct research or offer some kind of assistance to agents. She cared too much for mankind to sit around twiddling her thumbs while others faced evil.

  Slowly, she wedged herself out from under his body. He stirred and took a deep breath. As he rolled onto his side, she scooted off the bed.

  “Where are you going?” he asked, rubbing his eyes.

  She searched the ground in the darkness, hoping to find a towel or blanket to cover her body. When she spotted her bag near the door, she strode toward it.

  “I need to get a drink. Stay in bed and rest.” Finding a long-sleeved shirt and underwear, she fished them out of the bag.

  He sat upright and the covers fell into his lap. “I’ll get up with you.”

  “If you’re tired, you should stay in bed.” After she donned the
panties, she shoved her arms into the sleeves of the shirt. She slid it over her head and then down her body.

  “I’m not laying in bed without you.” He shoved the covers aside before he rose.

  Anna left the bedroom and strode down the hall. Currents of air blew from the vents in the ceiling. Passing the stairs, a cool draft brushed her bare legs. The temperature in the quiet basement felt warm again after she rounded the corner. She suspected Zale had turned on the heat at some point.

  She stopped in the small kitchenette and opened the refrigerator. The bright light blinded her until her eyes adjusted. She grabbed two bags from the top shelf.

  Water splashed in the bathroom as she set the bags on the counter. She opened the microwave and then placed one bag inside. Since she wasn’t sure of the wattage of the machine, she entered a short time for it to warm the fluid. Before she pressed the start button, she heard the beat of Zale’s heart drawing nearer.

  “I can’t believe how much I slept today,” he said as he approached her, naked.

  She lifted the glass she’d left in the sink from the morning. Since she’d already rinsed it out, she didn’t see a need to wash it. “How long did you sleep?” She set the glass on the countertop.

  He stopped behind her, coiled his arms under her breasts, and then kissed the side of her head. “I woke up close to two in the afternoon. After I did some laundry, ate, and checked email, I came back to bed around six. I’m not sure when I dozed off again.”

  His warmth and nudity aroused her. He held her close in his strong muscular arms while his erection touched her back. She wished his admiration for her would remain constant, but she lacked belief it would. Gently, she pushed his arms down and then stepped away. The microwave hummed in front of him.

  “You must have needed the rest. You had been up for a long time. The stress of yesterday would have added to your exhaustion,” she said as she ambled near the edge of the kitchenette and living space.

  He ran a hand through his dark locks and pushed them back as he stepped toward her. “I wouldn’t mind spending every day with you in my bed.”