His Dark Embrace

by Verika Sloane

  Later, when he pulled into his parking garage, he was still at a loss. He replayed the evening in his head, looking for any sign where he’d turned her off. Other than an awkward moment or two at the start of their date, he recalled nothing that would send her running.

  He didn’t have her cell number, had no way to contact her other than a damn hole in a tree.

  Maybe dinner was as far as she planned to go. One and done. He’d thought the same, except he didn’t think it’d end until they were gasping for breath between the sheets.

  Forget her. A few hours in public was risky, even for you.

  He snarled as he threw himself on his sectional.

  Rejection stung. And it’d been a while since he felt it.

  Then again… Was it rejection? Or was she playing a game, challenging him to hunt her down again?

  To hell with that.

  Tanaka would arrive soon. Then all of his attention would have to redirect, anyway.

  Shain raked a hand through his hair, unable to stop from smiling.

  The vixen. She got him, and she got him good. Damn the gods if he didn’t like it.

  He pushed up, tucking his hands in his pockets as he walked toward his window overlooking the city. She was out there, somewhere. Was she proud of herself for rendering him powerless and sashaying away? Oh, he was sure she was feeling quite smug right about now.

  Whether or not she’d meant to throw down a challenge, he was going to find her. Get some delicious payback. And then he’d be the one to end it.

  He smiled. “You wanna play? Let’s play.”

  Chapter Eleven

  Lucinda snapped her fingers.

  Kimber jerked, recognizing she’d been spacing out again, thinking about Shain. The dinner. The after-dinner. To her wretched realization, it was all she could think about. As soon as she had a moment to herself, her mind would propel to that night and stay there, until someone forced her back.

  “Sorry,” she murmured, reaching for her coffee mug on the kitchen table. “What was the question?”

  “Pay attention,” Lucinda commanded. “You know I hate repeating myself. I just asked if you ordered some groceries to pick up.”

  “I took care of it when you asked me the first time. We can pick them up between two and three o’clock tomorrow.”

  Lucinda rolled her eyes. “Good. Now, I think we should all go to the Fourth of July parade today.”

  Tory groaned, using a magazine to fan herself…while standing in front of a fan. Lucinda was stingy with the A/C since electricity wasn’t included in their month-to-month rent and had to be paid separately. “In this heat? No, thank you.”

  “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity,” Abigail complained. “Much more oppressing here than at home.”

  Lucinda wasn’t having it. “Suck it up and drink a glass of cold water. There will be quite a few shifters coming out with their families. Perfect time to meet some.”

  Claudine’s pinched face matched everyone else’s thoughts. “How is meeting other families going to help us? We’re looking for single shiyas only, right?”

  “Right, and a good way to find some is to find their brothers, mothers, and cousins. If their own pack doesn’t have any available shiefs, we’ll be the answer to their prayers. Sometimes parents are more than eager to send their daughters to a pack.” She glanced over.

  Like Kimber’s parents had right after her sixth birthday. Both her mom and dad had been drug addicts, trying to suppress their wolves, uninterested in taking care of them or their little girl. To them, shifting was a curse, not a gift.

  Everyone knew her sad origin story.

  Beth cleared her throat. “I love parades. The marching bands, the colors, the smiling faces! I think it’ll be fun. We should go early and set up chairs.”

  “Better yet,” Lia said, grabbing Tory’s magazine to fan herself, “let’s have a picnic at one of the parks.”

  “Which one?” Tory asked.

  “Montclair,” Kimber blurted, suddenly desperate to revisit it.

  Each pair of eyes turned to her. Feeling a blush coming on, she calmed her tone and added, “I heard it’s one of the best. They do a fireworks show, too.”

  Beth smiled. “Sounds good to me.”

  Her desperation calmed immediately. Was it Nya telling her to go, her instincts pushing the impulse, or a twisted desire to be in a place she knew Shain had been?

  It’d been less than a week since their date, but she was sure he was over it by now. Over her. But she’d had her reasons.

  At first, she’d felt guilty going to the restroom to order a ride home, but resolute on her decision not to leave with him. She knew if she went, he’d have her needing and panting and giving her body to him. Also, she still couldn’t trust his end game. Though she sensed he had no intention of hurting her or trying to trick her, she just couldn’t be one hundred percent on that.

  The only surefire way to stay safe had been not to go.

  Thinking of his lips and hands on her while she’d arched on his car made Kimber’s temp rise and the back of her neck dampen.

  She stood up fast. “I’ll go buy some coolers and ice,” she rushed to say, and dumped the rest of her coffee in the sink. If she didn’t calm down, they’d smell the arousal on her.

  “Perfect,” Abigail exclaimed. “That’s one less thing. Thanks, Kimber.”

  She closed the den doors and pressed her back to them, exhaling.

  He’d been so magnificent. All of him. Sensual and strong and ravenous. She would never forget the moment Shain’s body aligned with hers, his hard cock pressing into her sex. His hot tongue licking her nipples; his amazing hands squeezing her breasts; how he trembled when his fingers touched her aching pussy.

  She’d been so needful for his touch, it had scared her. If he would’ve pushed her jeans down and mounted her on the hood of the car, she would’ve welcomed him…and lost her virginity in a red haze of dangerous lust.

  Then her ride had pulled up. And she’d run away.

  Kimber groaned, sliding to the floor.

  One night only.

  Why did that depress her?

  Because that night had merely been a sample.

  The dinner had flown by so fast, and in order to spend more time with Shain, she would’ve had to go to the hotel, so a decision had to be made.

  Though her instincts had said he had no intention of hurting her, trust was not implicit just because of that.

  If she sought him out again, sex would once again be at the forefront of his expectations. He would likely try even harder to make it happen, no doubt.

  Leave. Him. Alone.

  She climbed to her feet to put on her flip-flops when her cell phone buzzed. It was a text from Stefan.

  Plans for patriotism tonight? Carlos has to work. Sad face.

  She smiled and replied: Parade and fireworks with the group. You should come.

  I’m in for the fireworks! Boom! When and where?

  Her mood lifted. Seeing Stefan would be more fun than bothering shifter families and asking if they knew of any unmated shiyas looking for a pack.

  She responded with the details and put her cell phone away.

  Shain entered her mind, just as relentless in her head as he was in real life.

  The only thing she could do was pray Shain was the only vampire in existence that she’d ever be this attracted to, and that once she went back to Tavish, she would never think of him again.

  After the parade, chairs and coolers in hand, the other shiyas walked back to the van, eager to get to the park and eat.

  Kimber had to admit she was having a good time. Her light mood had maintained, especially when she received one of Lucinda’s rare, approving smiles after Kimber had brought over a shiya, Heather, who claimed she had a sister who was eager to join a new pack.

  Heather had gone to the parade because her mate was a firefighter, and she liked to see him walk beside the firetruck and wave. They had two children, a
boy, Christopher, who was currently being carried, and a daughter, Sarah, who was six, skipping ahead, and waving her mini American flag.

  Kimber and Heather hit it off enough that Heather joined them on the walk back to the van, near to where she’d parked.

  She hoisted a sleepy Christopher higher on her hip and sighed. “I swear he gained five pounds since this morning.”

  “Want me to hold him?” Kimber offered.

  Heather looked over at her with gratitude. “Would you? He’s passed out, he won’t fuss.”

  Kimber took Christopher in her arms and the child rested his head in the crook of her neck. “Got him.”

  “Thanks a ton.” She looked for her daughter. “Sarah! Wait for us, sweetie.”

  The little girl turned around, grinning as she ran back.

  Kimber smiled. “How long have you lived here?”

  “We live in the sticks, but Luke works in the city. He does two twenty-four-hour shifts and stays at the fire station, then comes home for three days. We like it. Two on, three off. More ideal than commuting every day.”

  “Is your pack all together?”

  “Yes and no. Our houses are within a few miles of one another. We get together at our alpha’s house when there’s a meeting or a party. We aren’t that hardcore.”

  Sometimes Kimber wished her pack lived that way, far enough to give everyone privacy and space, but close enough to keep camaraderie. “Both situations have their pros and cons.”

  “My sister has always wanted the kind of community you guys have.”

  Kimber found it difficult to endorse her pack with much enthusiasm. “Well, if can she endure the winters, doesn’t mind the isolation, and being outnumbered by men, then we’re probably what she’s looking for.”

  “I appreciate you not sugarcoating it. Tina’s no pampered belle. She’ll pull her fair share. More than anything, she just wants a mate and a family of her own.”

  Yes, she’s the archetypal shiya. How I wish I was one of those, too. “They’ll take good care of her.”

  “They?”

  Kimber realized her snafu. “I meant we. We’ll take care of her.”

  After they crossed the street, Heather seemed to hesitate before asking, “Any vampires in the area?”

  Her heart thundered at the mention of Shain’s kind. The baby squirmed in her arms. “They’re, uh, not around. Few and far between where we are. Most of them prefer urban living, so the chances of running in to any in the country are slim to none. The nearest major city is an hour away from Tavish. I’ve only come across two in my life.”

  Three, if she counted Shain. But she didn’t count him. The other two were forgettable, save for the fact they’d been vampires. Shain? Most definitely in the unforgettable category.

  “That’s a relief,” Heather said. She glanced at her son and smiled. “He hasn’t made a peep. Must like your scent. Gotta say, I’m surprised you’re the only unmated one in your group. Out of all of them, I would’ve picked you to have a mate with kids.”

  Where have I heard that before? “I’m not in a hurry to settle.” It was one of her ten ready-made answers to the list of FAQs.

  “Waiting for your true mate?” Heather asked. “Don’t blame you. No need to wonder if you found the right one, ’cause it’s already been decided for you, and it’s like,” she snapped her fingers, “poof. True love at first sight. Though, we have just as many chosen couples that are, in my opinion, as happy as the destined ones. So, don’t wait too long.”

  Same advice, different shiya. “The perks of immortality.”

  “True, but you only have so long to breed. The more of us out there than vampires, the better, right?”

  What else could she do except agree? “Right.”

  “I can’t imagine not being a mom,” she said, taking her daughter’s hand. “There’s no greater joy. It’d be a shame if you let the opportunity pass you by.”

  It’d also be a shame if she made major life decisions to please everyone but herself. “I will when I’m ready.”

  Without seeing it, Kimber sensed Heather was giving her a strange look. It wasn’t the first time and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

  They caught up to the group, and she handed Christopher back. “We’re having a spaghetti dinner night at the end of the summer for all interested shiyas. You and your sister are more than welcome to come.”

  Heather smiled with a nod. “Thanks. She’ll be there, for sure. Take my number and text me the details. And if you ever want to get coffee and chat, let me know.”

  Kimber ignored the instinct Heather really wanted to talk her into trying harder for the mate/mother thing. Even so, she was used to it. “That’d be nice. What’s your number?”

  After Heather said goodbye to the others and walked to her car, they headed out for the park. The moment it came to view, Kimber’s pulse kicked up with a sweeping rush over her body.

  “It’s packed,” Lucinda complained. “But I guess that’s to be expected for the holiday. Maybe two of you should hop out while we park and grab a spot.”

  “I’ll go,” Kimber volunteered.

  “Me too,” said Claudine.

  They got out and went looking around to find a big enough spot for the seven of them. Despite the heat, there was a healthy crowd of families, couples, and friends playing Frisbee, barbecuing, chasing kids, dogs catching balls.

  Claudine shielded her eyes from the late afternoon sun. “I think I see some open grass over there near the doggie area.”

  While she called Lucinda, Kimber felt a draw to her left, the path that led to the lake. What was Shain doing right now? Did he think of her as much as she thought about him? If she stayed here all night, would he eventually show up?

  Claudine whipped out the blanket. “Omigod, I’m so hungry.”

  Kimber sighed, unable to look away from the path, whispering, “So am I.” Her mood altered, a gloom sneaking its way in and finding a home.

  The others joined them, and they passed around the sandwiches, chips, and fruit. While the other shiyas people-watched, gossiped about the pack, or were on their phones, Kimber watched the sun set. Her wolf whined, trying to push through, but she forced her back, wondering if the next time she snuck out she could find a way to shift. Though, she’d have to go pretty far not to be seen.

  Her sisters only shifted inside the townhouse, too afraid to go out, but no way would she make Nya remain indoors.

  Her cell phone rang, and she grinned. “Hey Stefan, are you here?”

  “I am! Where are you?”

  She gave him directions to the area, happy to have someone coming that she knew would cheer her up. The moment Stefan approached the group, Kimber could hear each of the shiyas sniffing him. Even though none of them visibly sneered, she sensed the “ugh, a human” vibe immediately.

  He gave a friendly smile and a somewhat awkward wave as all six pairs of eyes looked from her to him. “Hi, gals.”

  Kimber got up and swiped the grass from her palms. “Ladies, this is my friend, Stefan. We met at the expo.”

  Tory and Lia were the first to greet him with genuine smiles. “Nice to meet you,” they said.

  “Want to go for a walk?” she asked, pleading him with her eyes.

  He understood her cue instantly. “Sure.”

  After they were out of earshot, he leaned down to her ear. “Not the friendliest squad I’ve ever met.”

  Kimber flinched, embarrassed. “Sorry. They can be clique-ish when they first meet someone.”

  “No worries, it’s nothing I haven’t experienced before a thousand times. Usually all I have to do is braid someone’s hair and then suddenly I’m in like Flynn.”

  She laughed. “I don’t know if that’ll work with them. Most of them aren’t girly-girls, but it’s worth a shot. But don’t feel like you need to be accepted by them. If they want to be snobs, they can be snobs. You and I are friends, regardless.”

  He patted her hand. “You know it.”

/>   “Thanks for coming. I’ve been needing someone to talk to.”

  “About Mr. Eleven?” At her nod, he exclaimed, “What’s the latest?”

  A ball bounced her way, and she kicked it back to the kids chasing it. “I met him for dinner.”

  “And?”

  What could she say? “It was…” Infuriating. Sensual. Hot. “Nice.”

  “How nice? Where did you go?”

  “Cutty’s.”

  “I know of it. Ooh-la-la.”

  “I had nothing fancy to wear, so I showed up in jeans. He didn’t seem to care, though.”

  “Of course he wouldn’t care. You could’ve worn rags and he still would’ve been all over you.” He tugged at her arm. “Speaking of, what happened after dinner?”

  A blush flared her cheeks, and she looked away.

  “Well?” He yanked her arm even harder.

  “We got hot and heavy. Once we start, it’s next to impossible to stop. But eventually I did.”

  “I’m guessing you told him why you had to stop?”

  “I couldn’t get the words out.” She tipped her head back and closed her eyes. “God, I almost gave in.”

  “He must be good,” Stefan joked.

  “Good doesn’t come close.”

  Stefan’s eyes were wide as he looked down at her. “I take it a second date is happening?”

  She bit her bottom lip. Stefan didn’t need to know every detail. “No. I ditched him. I had to,” she implored at the look on his face. “We agreed to one date. I didn’t want to tell him I’m a virgin; he didn’t need to know. And I wasn’t about to see the look on his face or hear him laugh at me. Plus, I wanted to be the one to walk away.”

  Silence fell as they walked.

  Wait. How had they ended up at the lake? Had she subconsciously steered him this way?

  “Er. You left?” Stefan asked. “Like, you made up some excuse and went home?”

  That would’ve been the mature thing to do. “Fled would be a better word.”

  “You left him standing there while you bolted like a thief in the night?”

  Kimber hated that Stefan nailed the scene. “More or less.” She rushed in to justify it. “I shouldn’t have even met him for dinner. He’s way too worldly. And intense. His whole demeanor screams he’s got more sexual experience than ten men combined. I’m not naïve. His only end goal is sex. He doesn’t actually like me. I did the right thing.”