Vampire’s Witch Rebecca Airies
Serena Blackwood can‟t believe it when she learns she‟s becoming a vix. Finding that she has to work with sexy vampire Marcus Castillo to catch a rogue vampire only adds to her stress. She‟s unbelievably attracted to the hunky man but knows staying near him will increase the chances of her jumping his bones—and Marcus discovering her secret. Marcus knows the witch working with his team is hiding something. She‟s beautiful and talented and he wants to know the mysteries she‟s hiding almost as much as he needs to know the feel of her body moving against his. But the rogue has plans of his own and unless Serena and marcus work together, they could lose everything.
An Ellora‟s Cave Romantica Publication
www.ellorascave.com
Vampire‟s Witch ISBN 9781419922886 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Vampire‟s Witch Copyright © 2009 Rebecca Airies Edited by Helen Woodall Photography and cover art by Les Byerley Electronic book publication December 2009 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora‟s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora‟s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher‟s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author‟s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the authors‟ imagination and used fictitiously.
VAMPIRE’S WITCH Rebecca Airies
Dedication To B.— Although there‟s been a lot of rain in your life lately, you‟re still able to see the good and the funny in the bad. You‟re the absolute best!
Trademarks Acknowledgement The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction: Cadillac: General Motors Corporation
Rebecca Airies
Chapter One “Damn it, that‟s impossible. It practically goes against the laws of nature!” Serena stared straight ahead at the white textured wall, not really seeing it. She felt numb, her mind in total shock from the words the doctor had just said. From the corner of her eye, she saw Doctor Alexander. He waited patiently, his head tilted to the side, green eyes compassionate. When she finally faced him he was frowning. The trim man looked like he wanted to roll his eyes. “You‟re not the first witch who‟s been bitten and begun the change.” She knew he was right and maybe her reaction was a little over the top. He dealt with all kinds of ailments in the groups of paranormal beings. She‟d never expected it to happen to her. Grimacing, she admitted she hadn‟t even thought it was a possibility. He probably didn‟t see this as anything out of the ordinary. It wasn‟t as if she were the first woman to be transformed into a vix after a bite but for her it was catastrophic. This was something extraordinary, at least for her. She wasn‟t just a woman. She was a witch with a family who just wouldn‟t understand. Not very many people could even be changed into a vampire. What were the chances of a single bite changing her? She‟d thought the chances of turning were minimal. “Your case is very advanced. You‟re almost fully transformed. I can give you some meds but it will only slow it a little. It‟s too late for the meds to do as they were meant to do and practically halt the progression. All it will do is give you a little time to think, to adjust.” Doctor Alexander walked over to one of the cabinets and pulled out four pill bottles. Crap! Serena stared at the wall, aware of what he was doing, but her mind raced. All her magical abilities wouldn‟t help her now. She couldn‟t cast a spell or perform a ritual to push back the changes in her body. She couldn‟t have done it even if she‟d guessed right after the bite that she‟d be one of those who would change. At least she didn‟t have to worry about Doctor Alexander telling the Vampire Council as some other doctors did. He was one of the best doctors for witches in the city. He was extraordinarily discreet. “How long until the transformation is complete?” she asked. She was amazed at how calm her voice sounded. A vampire witch. Who had ever heard of that? The two groups very seldom even mixed. Although not by the vampires‟ decree. Witches just tended to keep to themselves. “Maybe two months.” Doctor Alexander leaned against the wall near the exam table. His gray-streaked black hair looked a little ruffled, as if he‟d run his fingers through it one too many times. He began rattling off instructions on taking the pills.
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Serena tried to pay attention but part of her mind was still focused on what she‟d just learned and the changes it would make in her life. She didn‟t know what changes she‟d have to make as a whole, and the drinking blood thing made her want to gag. Right now she couldn‟t think about it. The only thing on her mind was how she was going to tell her family. Her mother and sisters would absolutely freak. Nothing like this had ever happened in the entire history of the Blackwell family. Her mother took pride in that. Their line of witches had always been pure as her mother liked to remind her when she didn‟t care for the latest man Serena had chosen to date. Serena intended to put off telling her family for as long as possible. There had to be a way to break it to her mother gently. A buzzing ring sounded from her purse. Opening the small outside flap, she pulled the phone out and looked at the display. She didn‟t need to recognize the number. She recognized the shield on the ID. “I have to take this,” Serena said just before she hit the small button on the cell phone. “Hello, Serena here.” “Hi, Serena, this is Jamie. Steven would like to see you. We‟ve got a case that needs your touch. We‟re prepared to pay your usual fee.” Jamie‟s cheerful voice rang in her ears. Serena tensed. Her mouth dried and she looked around, half expecting to see one of the Protectorate operatives somewhere close. She shook her head. They couldn‟t know where she was, what she was doing here. She firmly pushed back an irrational surge of fear. The newness of the situation made her nervous. She needed time to figure out what she was going to do about this. “I‟ll be there in about an hour.” She kept her voice smooth and calm only with tremendous effort. There was no way that they could even suspect that she‟d begun the change into a vampire. As far as she knew, they didn‟t know she‟d even been bitten. It had only been a minor nick on the side of her arm. She hadn‟t thought it worth even mentioning. She wouldn‟t give them any reason to start suspecting something was wrong with her. “Thanks, I‟ll tell Steven to expect you, then. Bye, Serena,” Jamie said. “Bye.” Serena barely had time to respond before the woman ended the call. Jamie was a perky, petite blonde. Serena had never seen the woman when she didn‟t seem cheerful and slightly over-caffeinated. At times, Serena wanted to hand her a cup of tea laced with a sedative potion because that perky, everything‟s-perfect mood of Jamie‟s got on her nerves fast. “Sounds like you‟re going to be busy, Serena. If you want to slow the change as much as possible, you need to take the pills as directed every day. If you don‟t, you‟ll be full vix in less than two weeks.” Doctor Alexander put her chart on the small stand near the exam table.
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“I‟ll take them as directed. I want as much time as possible. I have to decide what to do.” Serena nodded. That was an understatement. She didn‟t have any idea if she was going to be able to hide the change for long. Or if it was even possible. All she really knew about vampires was rumor or common knowledge. If they could tell by feel like she could sense the magic of other witches, she‟d be found within a week. She really didn‟t want to attract the attention of a vampire anytime soon. There were things she had to do before she discovered what her life would be like as a vampire. “Good. Now, you need to take things easy and don‟t donate blood. If you do, the organization will undoubtedly inform the vampires. And stay away from vampires. Another bite will put you over the edge, not to mention instantly alert that vampire that you‟re changing,” he lectured, handing her the pills. “I won‟t go near a donation center. I thought that vampires being able to tell if someone was changing just from a taste of blood was simply a myth.” She knew that many of the myths about witches were false and had assumed the same was true of vampires. “Do you want to try testing it?” The doctor raised a salt-and-pepper eyebrow. “Not really. Will these pills last the full two months you said I‟d have or will I need to come back for more?” Serena looked at the bottles. Some of those pills she had to take three times a day and unless they were small there weren‟t going to be enough. “You‟ll have to come back for more.” Doctor Alexander smiled and then picked up the chart and opened it again. “I‟ll want to see you in two weeks to see how the drugs have affected the transformation.” The doctor closed the file and extended his hand. She stuffed the bottles into her purse before she slid off the table. “I‟ll make the appointment when I pay for the visit.” She shook his hand. “I don‟t know if I should thank you for what you told me. I guess knowing is better than one day figuring out that I‟ve turned into a freaking vampire.” “That‟s vix.” He smiled, stepping forward and leading the way out of the exam room. She nodded, not arguing. She didn‟t really care about the technical term. It was all the same. A vampire was a vampire regardless of whether male or female. This day couldn‟t get any worse. Walking out into the reception area, she felt like someone had pulled her life away from her. This wasn‟t supposed to happen. Not from what had basically been a scratch. She was supposed to find her witch-mate and marry him.
***** Serena pulled her Cadillac to a stop in front of the Dallas Protectorate headquarters. It looked like an office building with its gleaming silver glass windows and unprotected doors. The only giveaway that this was some kind of agency was the row of identical
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black cars lined along one side of the building. She took the time to transfer the bottles of pills from her purse to the glove box before walking to the building. She didn‟t want those found during a routine search. She pushed open one of the double doors and immediately found two pairs of eyes locked on her as she entered the spacious reception area. Jamie went back to work at the computer, but the second pair of eyes didn‟t waver. The large man sitting in a corner of the room was obviously a security guard in spite of the paper on his lap. She could see the bulge of a gun beneath his blue suit. His eyes locked on her. His body stiffened and she knew that he considered her a threat. She tried to hold back a smile at the reaction. He must have been sensitive to magic. Otherwise a man of his size most likely wouldn‟t react like that to her. She wasn‟t physically strong or carrying a weapon. Serena walked across the functional gray carpet to the blonde with her hair cut in a neat little bob, sitting at the reception desk. Jamie smiled as she looked up from the computer in front of her. White teeth flashed in a cheerful greeting. “Hello, Serena, Steven‟s not quite ready to see you yet. Do you mind taking a seat and waiting? I‟ll buzz you through when he‟s ready.” Jamie‟s voice bubbled with energy. Like I have a choice. She kept the thought silent. Waiting irritated her but causing a scene wouldn‟t solve any of her problems. She didn‟t do anything more than nod and go to one of the seats around the edge of the lobby. It wasn‟t as if she could get into the inner offices without using her magic. The only entrance was beyond a weapons‟ detector to the side the black-and-white, U-shaped desk. That door had to be opened from the other side. She took a seat and settled in to wait. The entrance doors opened and a tall, broad-shouldered man entered the building. The hair on the back of her neck rose as her stomach tightened. She frowned but pushed the sensation aside as she studied the man from beneath her lashes. Dressed in a red sweater and jeans, he strode over to the desk. The jeans lovingly cupped his tight, round buttocks. She couldn‟t stop staring at that gorgeous butt. She wanted to grab it. In spite of the very nice sweater, the dark-haired man looked out of place here. By build, he seemed more like a construction worker or biker. His broad face had rugged angles and he looked like he‟d been in more than a few fights. In fact, his nose was crooked. But he was sexy and she enjoyed watching him. Jamie spoke to him briefly and gestured for him to take a seat. He walked over to the chairs but he didn‟t look happy. It seemed as if she had to wait for hours even if her watch did say it only took about thirty minutes. Finally, Jamie looked up and smiled. The receptionist put a stack of papers on the ledge to her right and brushed a strand of curly hair off her cheek. “Serena, Marcus, you can both go back,” Jamie said in her brisk voice. Jamie‟s eyes barely focused on Serena but locked on the muscled Marcus. Serena couldn‟t really blame her. The man did have something that drew a woman‟s eyes. If
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she didn‟t have other things weighing on her mind, she‟d enjoy watching that man for as long as possible but the test results wouldn‟t leave her mind for long. Serena handed over her purse to be searched and stepped through the scanner. Jamie nodded and finished searching the purse before handing it back. Serena waited while the man went through the scanner. From experience, she knew the door wouldn‟t be opened until both of them had been scanned and their belongings checked. As the man, Marcus, stepped up beside her, a low buzz sounded. She stepped forward but the black-haired man was there before her. He opened the door and waited until she stepped through it. Darron Canon waited in the hallway, leaning against the glass wall of one of the offices. The clear wall gave the area an open feeling but it was only an appearance. She knew the glass wouldn‟t break from the discharge of most weapons. “Hello, Serena, it‟s nice to see you again. And you as well, Mr. Castillo.” Darron walked over to meet them, clasping Serena‟s hand before nodding to the man at her side. “I‟ll escort you both up to Steven‟s office.” He led them down the hallway toward an elevator. “Thank you, Darron. It‟s been a while since I‟ve been here but I didn‟t expect to see you at this time of day. How did you get stuck with escort duty?” Serena smiled at the young redheaded agent. From what she knew, he was out of the office more than he was there. “I‟m stuck in the office for a while because of an injury.” Darron exhaled and shook his head slowly. “I‟d love to be out there but that‟s not going to happen anytime soon.” They reached the elevator and Darron pressed the button for the top floor. As the doors slid shut, Serena snuck a glance toward the dark-haired man at her side. She wondered why he needed to see Steven. He looked fairly normal. He could be a prospective agent or a former agent but somehow she doubted it. He didn‟t look like he was out to impress anyone. Most people meeting a prospective or former boss wouldn‟t dress as casually as this man was. On the other hand, he could belong to any of the various paranormal groups in the area. Since she didn‟t feel even the slightest hint of magic from him, she knew he wasn‟t a witch. She wondered exactly what he was but knew she‟d probably discover soon enough. A young man sat at the desk in front of the glass wall into Steven‟s office. Steven noticed them and waved them into the room. Again, Marcus opened the door before she could get to it. She smiled at him and entered the room. Steven gestured to the seats in front of his desk as he listened to someone on the other end of the phone. She sat and waited, watching the brown-haired leader of the Dallas Protectorate. It took only a few minutes for the conversation to end. He put the phone down and straightened. “Hello, Marcus, it‟s good to see you again. Serena, I guess you‟re wondering what‟s wrong and why you‟re here with him.” Steven tented his hands on the desk as he leaned forward.
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“I‟m a little curious,” she said, and shrugged. “Jamie said you had a case that needed my touch so I know it has something to do with magic.” “Yes, we do need your skills. This is Marcus Castillo. Marcus, this is Serena Blackwell, a witch. Marcus is a vampire. A task force of vampires and Protectorate agents is currently hunting a rogue. Unfortunately, the rogue has some talent for magic and will use it against opponents who don‟t have protection.” Steven looked from Marcus to Serena and waited as if he expected some kind of outburst from one of them. Serena was too stunned to reply. She just hoped her horror didn‟t show on her face. He wanted her to work with that vampire, with other vampires. Her stomach tightened and she felt a little dizzy. Her life had just become even more complicated. She couldn‟t refuse the mission even though part of her wanted to shout the denial. It would cause too much suspicion. She‟d never refused to work with a vampire before. Hell, she‟d never refused a mission unless she was sick or hurt. “What do you need?” Serena asked, trying to keep her voice even. “Do I just need to be with them on their hunts or do they need help finding him?” “There‟s no problem finding him but that‟s not going to matter. I don‟t think you‟re going to be able to help. This is a rogue we‟re after. He won‟t hesitate to rip your throat open and watch you die.” Marcus shook his head. “I‟ve dealt with rogues before. You can do the hunting. I‟ll stay back and just keep him from hurting you with the magic.” She didn‟t get as offended as she normally would have. If he really wanted to find another witch for the job, he could try. She really didn‟t want to talk him out of it. If it were possible, she‟d run away from this job as fast and far as her little car would take her. “No offense, I think we really need someone who‟s a little larger, stronger.” Marcus tilted his head and ran his eyes over her. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. He probably thought she‟d be an easy target. “None taken. Well, there‟s a family of werewolves who know enough battle magic to help you. They wouldn‟t be too weak for your fight. I don‟t know how big they are because I only know them by reputation. The unaffiliated witch who works for the Protectorate doesn‟t know any, plus there‟s the small female thing.” She gave him an easy smile and relaxed back in the seat. “The Council doesn‟t want to include anyone who doesn‟t have to be included.” Marcus shook his head decisively. “Do you think that there are that many witches who work with the Protectorate in this city? There aren‟t any wizards in Dallas who do that. I know of one in Portland, Oregon, if you want to import him.” She swiveled the chair a bit to face Marcus. She was enjoying this right now. It was probably the only enjoyment she‟d be able to take until the rogue was caught. She just wished she could offer him another option. Relaxing would be impossible, having to cope with vampires every day.
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“I don‟t have time to find someone willing to come down here. The rogue is killing people and drawing too much attention now. You‟ll have to do.” He sent a scowl toward her. “I‟m honored.” She didn‟t try to hide her sarcasm. “You‟ll need to be guarded once we start the hunt.” His lips were pulled into a straight line and it was obvious he wasn‟t happy. Now that he‟d seen that there really wasn‟t a horde of witches and wizards trained in higher magic and willing to work with the Protectorate, he seemed all business. He could toss orders all he wanted, she wasn‟t going to obey. She clenched her jaw and took a deep breath. No way was he putting a guard on her. She wasn‟t having some vamp following her around wherever she went every day. Not now. She had too much to lose. “No, I can take care of myself. If there comes a time when there‟s an actual threat, then we‟ll deal with it, but now I don‟t see any reason for it.” She shook her head decisively. Marcus tilted his head. He didn‟t know what it was but she was hiding something. Her reaction was too…guarded. Everything about her screamed control. Her long black hair was confined in a tight braid. Not even a hair seemed out of place. Her pink lips were pulled into a straight line and her eyes gave almost nothing away. Interest and a little fear shimmered in those witchy green orbs. He wondered what it would take to crack that shell. That tight control and perfect appearance almost seemed like a challenge. He wanted to muss her a little, wrinkle that cream-colored shirt. Or maybe take it off and see if that golden tan covered her entire body. He wasn‟t going to argue with her over the guard. She‟d get one whether she wanted one or not. The rogue was too dangerous to take chances with anyone‟s life. He wasn‟t going to confront her with that just yet. He didn‟t want her to suspect she was being watched. With luck, he‟d discover what she was hiding. The only thing he was certain of was that it couldn‟t have anything to do with him. They‟d just met. Since she worked with the Protectorate when most witches chose not do anything to help other paranormals, she wasn‟t afraid to take chances. The possibilities were endless. She had to be hiding it from Steven and the Protectorate and probably thought he‟d tell them anything he learned. “How much experience have you had catching vamps and with battle spell work?” He tilted his head and looked at her. He wanted her to think he doubted her abilities. “More than enough to catch your little friend.” She folded her arms across her chest and scowled at him. “He favors the club scenes as his hunting grounds. Usually picks young victims in a small group and always kills at least one of them. He scares the hell out of the rest while drawing as much attention as possible.” Marcus ran through the major details quickly.
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She‟d need to know the information but he wanted to get back to important matters. Like finding out what made her tick or scream. Either one would be great. He‟d never before met a woman he wanted to get all hot and sweaty just to see if she looked as controlled and neat then as she did when she was sitting beside him. That and the fact that the attraction was undeniable and the obvious secret she was hiding ensured she had all of his attention. “So on top of liking to kill, he wants to push the balance of power between humans and paranormals, maybe even start some kind of battle between the two groups.” She grimaced and looked at him with a weary sigh. “A real prize. Did he just suddenly go crazy or has your Council known about him for a while?” “He had been brought to the attention of the Council for a few minor offenses but had never killed anyone.” Marcus knew just how frustrated she felt. Not many vampires killed. There just wasn‟t the need to do so unless they were threatened. When vampires did go rogue, there were usually signs. Unfortunately, just knowing the signs were there wasn‟t enough to act. A crime had to actually be committed before anyone could do anything. “And of course no one knows where he is now or where he might go except those clubs. Wonderful.” She looked over at Steven. “So will this operation be run by the vamps or by the Protectorate?” “It will be cooperative. We‟ll have people at as many of the clubs as possible. If he‟s spotted, we‟ll go after him. You‟ll need to be ready to go at…” Steven‟s voice trailed off as he noticed Marcus shaking his head. “No, she‟ll be going out with us. If he‟s spotted, we‟ll get her over to him. That will be faster than her coming from her home whenever we find him.” Marcus glanced at Serena. He wanted her where he could find her. She shrugged. “Will we be going out tonight? And will we actually be going into the clubs?” “Yes to both. Why don‟t you go home and get some rest? It‟s probably going to be a long night because Daniel doesn‟t always favor the legal bars,” he suggested in a neutral tone just to push her temper. She tensed and slowly stood. “Steven, call me when I‟m needed. I‟ll meet the team here.” “I will.” Steven stood and walked her to the door, closing it after she‟d left. He turned around to face Marcus. “Do you want to spend a few weeks as a stone statue? She‟s more than capable of it, you know.” “I don‟t doubt that she is. Is she from the Blackwell witches who‟ve been on the Witches‟ Council for generations?” Marcus waved away Steven‟s concern. He hadn‟t even made a dent in the woman‟s control yet. But he would. He wanted to see the passion in her burning out of control. “Yes, the youngest daughter. She may look like an easy mark but I‟ve personally seen her take down a man twice her size. And she wasn‟t using magic. If it wasn‟t 13
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against policy to have an affiliated witch directly working for the Protectorate, I‟d have recruited her years ago.” Steven leaned against the edge of his desk. “That‟s one rule I‟d like to see changed myself. The Protectorate needs more than human operatives.” Marcus stood. He meant for far more than witches but wasn‟t going to elaborate. Now that they‟d found a witch, he needed to get his team together for tonight and arrange guards for Serena. “You know that‟s not going to happen. It would defeat the purpose of the organization.” Steven folded his arms across his chest. Marcus leveled a look at the man but didn‟t bother saying anything. It was an old argument and they both knew each other‟s opinion. Things were changing and the need for an integrated organization grew with every day. There were just some things that required more cooperation than was possible as it was now. If the groups even shared information reliably, the rogue wouldn‟t have gone undetected as long as he had. “I‟ll get my team together and we‟ll meet here. By the way, don‟t bother to call Serena. I‟ll pick her up and bring her with me,” Marcus said as he walked to the door. “You don‟t know where she lives.” Steven looked a little stunned. “I will by the time we‟re ready to leave.” He smiled with easy assurance. He wanted to know everything about the cool little witch.
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Chapter Two Serena stepped out of the shower and used a bit of magic to dry her wet hair. She had no idea how much time she‟d have before Steven called. Better to use it now than later when she was rushing. She didn‟t want the aura of magic to hang heavily around her if they found their vamp tonight. He probably wouldn‟t be able to sense it but if he could, it would give him advance warning of her presence. She didn‟t want that to happen. If possible, she‟d like this to be the last night of the hunt. She didn‟t know how long she‟d be able to walk the edge without being discovered. Strolling into her bedroom, she looked at the outfit she‟d decided on for the clubs. A very low-cut, sleeveless black and green shirt rested on the bed just above a black skirt. With stockings, a garter belt and high heels, it was a striking, sexy outfit. She always felt hot and slinky when she wore it. It was so very different from her office wear that she almost felt like a different person in it. She put on a robe and went to find something to eat. She had to do that before she took some of those pills. She wasn‟t going to miss even one. Especially now that she had to work with vampires. She wasn‟t going to chance becoming a full vix around them. Hopefully this hunt wouldn‟t take long and she could put some distance between herself and any vampires. She had some adjusting to do before she made any permanent decisions. Just as she finished dressing the doorbell pealed, once and then again almost before the ring had finished. She sighed. Who is this? She really needed time to think. There was so much she had to work through on this infected thing. That was long-term but first she needed to keep the vampires from discovering her secret. Walking over to the door, she felt her stomach tighten as a shiver rippled up her back. She stopped and frowned. What was that? She‟d felt it at the Protectorate and now here. The doorbell pealed again. She stepped up to the door and peered at the screen beside it. A groan escaped as she recognized the harsh features of Marcus Castillo standing in the hallway outside her apartment. Why in hell was he there? She hadn‟t even heard from Steven, so she knew she wasn‟t late. “You can open the door. I‟m not going away.” Marcus‟ deep voice sounded from the small speaker. She took a deep breath and lowered her head. Maybe if she opened the door he‟d say what he wanted and leave. Straightening, she unlocked the door and opened it. He stood there smiling, looking thoroughly satisfied. He wore the same clothes he‟d been wearing when she‟d last seen him but she couldn‟t resist trailing her eyes over his broad shoulders and those muscled thighs.
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“You look wonderful, very sexy.” He tilted his head and his eyes traced the length of her legs. “What are you doing here?” she asked bluntly. She didn‟t release her grip on the doorhandle or step back. He could just wait out in the hall. She hadn‟t invited him to her apartment and she wasn‟t letting him into it. “I came to get you for the mission.” He folded his arms across his chest and looked ready to stand there for hours if that‟s what it took. “Steven‟s going to call me and I‟ll meet you there. I don‟t need a ride.” She wasn‟t fooled by his easy calm attitude. She hadn‟t made a mistake. The man was on the hunt. She wasn‟t going to let him view her as prey. “Steven‟s not going to call you. I told him I‟d get you.” Marcus grinned. “Are you ready to leave?” She sighed heavily. She hated his type of man. A take-charge attitude was good but she didn‟t need arrogant and overbearing. Short of physically throwing him out of the building, she wasn‟t getting rid of him. As much as she wanted to do that, lifting him was beyond her physical abilities. She might as well get this finished quickly, he wasn‟t going to disappear. Not without some help and she was tempted to give him just that with a bit of magic. At this point, he wouldn‟t be worth the resulting trouble. The Witches‟ Council tended to frown on that sort of thing. “Let me get my purse and a light coat and I‟ll be ready.” She rolled her eyes. Walking over to the closet, she pulled out an ankle-length black coat. She grabbed her purse off the table, only checking to make sure she had keys, money and ID before turning back to the door. He stood there, waiting patiently. She closed the door behind her, pressing her hand to the panel at the side to lock the deadbolt. He stepped back and walked at her side down the hallway. She was surprised when she felt a warm palm press against her back. She stiffened and took a step to the side but he just followed. “Did I ask for a guiding hand? I‟m not feeble.” She slashed a glance over at him. It was irrational but that solicitous attitude was getting on her already-frayed nerves. “I want to touch you.” He smiled. His hand didn‟t move. “You‟re not my type.” She didn‟t look at him but kept her tone even and hopefully convincing. The man was almost every woman‟s type. He had a tough appearance but that only made her want to see what was under the rough exterior. It was impossible though. He was a vampire and she couldn‟t take the chance. She wanted her life in order before her transformation completed, much less became public knowledge. “The scent of your arousal says differently.” He didn‟t sound arrogant but his matter-of-fact statement still infuriated her. She didn‟t respond to that, just kept looking straight ahead. She was aroused and she couldn‟t deny it. That didn‟t mean that she‟d be acting on it. He urged her out of the
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apartment building to a black car in the parking lot. He opened the door for her before she could get to it. She slanted her eyes up at him and dropped into the seat. The ride to the Protectorate headquarters was conducted in silence. She was too wrapped up in her thoughts to make idle conversation and he seemed to know that. By the time Marcus parked the car, her nerves were stretched taut. She opened the door and started toward the building. After they entered, they were buzzed through the entrance without delay and led to a conference room. People sat in the rows of chairs. Judging by the clear delineation between the two groups dressed in street clothes, she knew that some must be the Protectorate operatives and the others vampires brought in for the search. Marcus moved forward to talk to some of the men. Serena slipped into a seat on the opposite side of the room. With luck, she could get into a different group from him. She didn‟t need to tempt fate. If there was any way to do it she‟d back out of this now but that was impossible. He would be too suspicious about why and there wasn‟t any good reason she could give. A few minutes later, a small group of people came into the room. She was surprised when moments later, after only a few words, the group began to break up without the briefing she‟d expected. She blinked, not really believing what she was seeing. She sat in her chair as they began to file out the door. This was wrong and she had no idea where she was supposed to be or what the plan was. “Come on. You‟re with me.” Marcus stepped into the aisle and wrapped his hand around her wrist. She stood and frowned at him. “And how are we supposed to know where to go?” “All of that was worked out in a conference before I picked you up. The only reason I brought you here was that we needed to pick up Jason.” Marcus gestured to a man walking toward them. “Wouldn‟t it be better if I stayed in a central location until your man is found? Then I can go to him without having to make my way out of one club and maybe even across the city.” She pulled back, resisting his light tug. “No, we‟ll get you there but you‟ll be coming to the club. I want to watch over you. Now that we have a witch with us, I‟m not going to chance you getting hurt,” he said with utter calm as he led her through the halls and out to the car. His entire attitude screamed arrogance. He wasn‟t about to listen or acknowledge that he just might be wrong. She didn‟t need him to watch over her. The rogue wasn‟t going to get to her. She gritted her teeth and resisted the urge to use her magic on him. She could put a stop to Marcus‟ high-handed attitude fairly effectively but the use would mark her. While she was hunting for this vamp, she couldn‟t lose sight of the fact that the rogue vampire did know magic and might feel even a trace of it. But after the mission was completed, she‟d certainly think about it and whether he was worth a censure from the Witches‟ Council.
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She slipped into the backseat and buckled the seat belt, leaving Marcus and Jason to take the front seats. After a single glance back at her, Marcus started the car. As they approached the first club, Serena could feel the beat of the music pulsing through her body. It was loud to her. She knew it probably sounded almost deafening to them. Entering the large open club, Serena looked around at all the people. It was a typical upper-scale bar. People danced to the thumping beat and the glossy black surface of the bar gleamed in the light, although she couldn‟t see much through the mass of people in the room. She abruptly realized that she didn‟t even know what the rogue looked like. If he was here, she couldn‟t identify him. She‟d never even seen a picture of the man. She frowned and tossed a scowl over her shoulder as she waited for Marcus and his friend. That was an oversight that would be corrected if this search lasted longer than tonight. She didn‟t want to walk into situations blind. A moment later Marcus stepped up beside her. He definitely stood out in this bar. It wasn‟t his clothing that made him noticeable. Most of the patrons wore casual but expensive clothing and his fitted right in with those. It was his attitude and bearing. Just a glance and anyone could see the predator lurking under the surface. He seemed like a wolf walking among puppies. “What‟s your friend look like?” she asked in a voice she hoped he could hear over the base thump of the music. “Blond hair, thin, not muscled. In looks, he‟d fit in here but he usually dresses in darker clothes.” Marcus leaned close so that only she could hear. “Maybe we should try the Goth bars,” she suggested. She was all for finding the man tonight. They walked toward the back, even looking into the employees‟ area. As they made their way around the dance floor, a young man dancing wildly crashed into her. She stumbled into Marcus. He caught her and whirled her away from the man. She gasped as she felt her feet leave the floor and experienced a sense of moving fast. Just as she registered his body against hers and the wall at her back, the pressure of his chest against hers was gone. He stood in front of her, his back to her. His muscles tensed and he seemed ready for attack. She shook her head, smiling as she looked beyond him. The dancer hadn‟t even noticed that he‟d bumped her and was even now among the other dancers, continuing his wild moves on the floor. Slowly Marcus‟ body relaxed. He turned to face her. Her smile slowly died. His brown eyes focused on her with undisguised hunger. “Everything‟s fine. There‟s no danger here.” She put her hands up on his chest. She had no idea why he‟d turned toward her. She was sure that there was no one attacking them. They should be continuing their stroll around the club but she could tell that was the last thing on his mind. There was no way that she could mistake the possessiveness and lust rolling off him. He didn‟t say a word. Stepping forward, his hands flattened on the wall at her shoulders. She drew in a sharp breath. His head lowered and he inhaled.
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“You smell so good.” His lips feathered across her cheek. “You need to relax, calm down. Nothing happened,” she urged in a soft voice. She could practically see the energy changing into arousal. Somehow she had to soothe him. Not to mention get his mind off her in any sexual manner. She didn‟t want him to see her as anything more than the witch helping them catch the rogue. She didn‟t need any more trouble in her life right now. His teeth closed over her lips. Her focus narrowed to the feel of his mouth on hers. She wanted that, ached for it. His tongue traced her lips. Her lips tingled. She opened her mouth, leaning into him. But it couldn‟t happen, shouldn‟t happen. His tongue stroked into her mouth. He tasted minty but not sharp, a smooth flavor. She groaned. So good. She pushed against his chest, trying to wedge some distance between them. She couldn‟t resist tangling her tongue with his or savoring his taste. His chest brushed against her hardened nipples as he moved slightly from side to side. That light graze sent a thrill shooting through her. Her breasts felt swollen, too sensitive. His hand cupped the curve of one full mound. “Marcus!” A deep voice broke through the haze surrounding her. She blinked. Reality flooded in just as Marcus pulled back, turning toward the man who‟d interrupted them. She didn‟t know what had just happened, how the arousal had just exploded with that kiss. Nothing like that had ever happened before. “There‟s been a possible sighting at another club. We need to get the witch over there,” Jason said evenly. Serena couldn‟t see Marcus‟ face but she saw his stiff back. She knew he wasn‟t happy. He slowly turned around to face her. “We have to leave but we‟ll get back to this. Somewhere private where we won‟t be interrupted.” His fingers lifted to her cheek, lightly stroked across the curve. “I don‟t date people I work with. I‟m not interested in any kind of relationship right now.” She folded her arms across her chest. Especially not with a vampire. “I can smell your desire for me but we‟ll talk about it later.” He took her hand and began leading her through the crowd. She hated to have to agree with him but this was not the time to argue about it. They had to find that rogue. As soon as they did, this mission would end and she could put some distance between herself and Marcus Castillo. Hopefully that would happen before he figured out she was turning into a vix. Jason had left the club before them and was waiting with the car as close to the entrance as he could get. They were on their way to the next club in moments. She sat fuming in the backseat but most of her anger was directed at herself. She‟d known better than to let him get that close. He‟d made the fact that he was attracted to her more than clear. He wasn‟t just going to stop after a kiss. She was trapped until they caught that rogue vamp. After that, a long vacation away from any vampires would be nice. She had that whole vix thing to adjust to, not to mention deciding how she was going to tell her family. 19
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She heard snatches of country and western music as they approached the bar. Definitely not the kind of place she expected to find the man Marcus had described. They entered the club and Marcus grabbed her hand before she could walk away from them. “If he‟s here, you could be in danger once he realizes you‟re a witch,” Marcus advised as he led her toward the bar. He didn‟t even hesitate and seemed to know just where to go. A blond man with collar-length straight hair separated from the line of people at the long bar. He smiled as he walked slowly toward them. He looked at Marcus and then at Serena. “Is this the witch?” The man‟s head tilted as he was studying her. Dressed in nice slacks and a crisp white shirt, he looked as if he had just stepped out of an office. “I have a name.” Serena narrowed her eyes at the man. “This is her.” Marcus‟ arm curved around her. “Her name is Serena. Where is he, Caine?” “Jesse thought he saw him but we haven‟t seen him since.” Caine shrugged. “There certainly hasn‟t been any kind of incident here. So if he was here, I don‟t think he is anymore.” “We‟ll continue to search until we have proof whether he is or not,” Marcus said. He led Serena into the crowd of people. “You know I can take a walk through this bar on my own. I don‟t need an escort. Especially since your friend isn‟t here.” She tugged her hand, waiting to see if he‟d release her. She didn‟t think he would. He seemed to intent on keep her with him. “You don‟t know what he looks like. You should stay with someone who does know.” He smiled down at her and lightly squeezed her hand. “And that‟s something that‟s definitely going to change if he isn‟t found tonight.” She didn‟t look over at him. His smug smile was getting on her nerves. He laughed. “Don‟t think you‟re going to be very far from one of the operatives even when you do know what he looks like. Someone‟s going to be near you so that if we do need to leave, we won‟t have to hunt for you. You‟re an essential part of this mission.” Serena rolled her eyes. She didn‟t buy that at all. She had a cell phone and she was certain he did too. It wouldn‟t attract attention to her to answer a phone. The rest of the night was spent going from one club to the next but they didn‟t find the man. Around four in the morning, they gave up the search. Marcus took her home and to her surprise, he didn‟t press for even a kiss. She went inside and leaned against the door and took a deep breath. She had no idea why he was so focused on her, what had caused it. If there was a way to get his attention off her, she hadn‟t been able to think of it. His interest in her had just seemed to explode.
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***** Serena walked slowly down the gray-carpeted hallway. It seemed to go on forever. The cream-colored walls were broken only by the occasional dark brown door. She tried the first door, but it wouldn’t open. The knob didn’t even move. She frowned, trying to make sense of this. She had no idea where she was, but there had to be a way out of here. She tried the next door. It swung open on silent hinges. She took a step into the room and the door swung closed behind her. Flickering light spilled across the gray carpet. Taking a few steps farther into the room, she saw a desk, some bookshelves and a couple of chairs. It looked like a study. A plush, deep maroon sofa had been placed against one of the light cream-colored walls. It wasn’t the couch that held her eyes there. It was the man on the couch. Marcus Castillo. His black hair looked mussed as if he’d just run his fingers through the thick mass. Her fingers tingled and she clenched them, resisting the urge to run her own fingers through his hair. Deep brown eyes watched her so intently that she had a feeling he’d catch her if she turned and tried to run out the door. She deliberately pulled her eyes away from his harsh features and let them travel lower. His shirt was red, blood red. Her mouth watered. She shuddered in revulsion. She had no idea how just the thought of the word “blood” had such an effect on her. It caused her heart to slam in her chest. The pull to him was so strong that she almost forgot why should stay away from him. She had to admit he was tempting and more than just sexually. Part of her wanted to get close to him and even tease him while still keeping her secret. She’d never realized she had such a crazy streak running through her. “Come join me, Serena.” Marcus lifted his hand, extending it palm upward to her. She shook her head but found herself taking slow steps forward. Her fingers slid over his palm and he tugged her to stand between his outstretched legs. What was the matter with her? Her mind whirled. She should be rushing out the door, not blithely walking up to him as if he were harmless. It wasn’t only her legs that she couldn’t control. Her entire body felt electrified. Her breasts felt heavy and swollen, the nipples tight and aching. Need tightened in her stomach and felt hot moisture on her thighs. “You’re beautiful. Don’t you want to sit here with me?” His low sexy voice sounded inviting. She swallowed hard. Her mind screamed no but she felt herself sliding onto his lap. Was this some kind of spell? She shouldn’t be here. She shouldn’t want him this much. Before she could even think about casting a spell to discover the truth, his mouth slanted across hers. She gasped and his tongue thrust deep. He tasted like mint and she couldn’t get enough. She pressed close to him. Her arms looped over his shoulders. She moaned as his mouth tore away from hers. She felt his hand slip between them and his hand cupped her pussy through the soft material of her skirt. Her eyes widened. She felt the heat of his palm and just resisted the urge to lift into that light pressure. Her clit throbbed. She wanted to rub against him until she came. He looked down at her and she had the impression that he knew exactly what she was feeling. She tried to fight the growing sensations pinging through her body, but no matter what she did, the heated need increased.
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“Let’s get you out of these clothes.” His hand rose to the buttons of her shirt. She wanted his hands on her not on the stupid buttons of her shirt. She didn’t brood about it long. Her hands went to the row of fastenings on his. If her clothes were coming off so were his. She wanted to see his body as well. The shirt gaped open and she tugged it free of his pants. It slid down his shoulders and arms, catching at his elbows. He growled and struggled out of it before returning to the small pearly closures of her shirt. She took advantage of it. Her hands smoothed over his chest, plucking at his nipples. His muscles rippled beneath her fingers. Something went flying and suddenly her blouse fell open. His hands slid inside the loose garment and cupped her breasts. Only the thin fabric of her bra separated her aching nipples from his hands. “You’re wearing too many clothes.” He unfastened her bra. When he pushed her shirt down, she impatiently wriggled free. She didn’t want to stop touching him. The moment her shirt slid off her hands, he urged her back onto the couch. She relaxed back onto the soft cushion. His hands trailed down her stomach to the fastening of her skirt. As soon as he’d freed the button, he pulled it and her panties down her legs. Serena watched him as he rose. His skin gleamed in the flickering light. With urgent moves, he shoved off his pants and briefs. Then he was gloriously naked in front of her and she couldn’t tear her eyes away from him. His thigh muscles flexed and his cock jutted up toward his belly. She hungrily licked her lips. She wanted to taste him. He must have read her interest on her face. “Not tonight.” His knee pressed against the cushion as he moved between her thighs. His fingers parted the slick lips of her pussy and moved down to whirl in the thick liquid at her entrance. His thumb flicked at her clit. Her hips lifted. The sharp edge of her nails bit into her palm as two thick digits pressed into her. “I want you,” she whispered hoarsely. “You’re so wet.” His hand continued to move against her. His head lifted. She saw fierce hunger in those dark eyes and two white fangs flashed as his lips pulled back. Fear surged through her, but it was pushed away by the need rolling over her body. Her clit throbbed and her body writhed. She couldn’t remember being this out of control in her life. His fingers withdrew and she couldn’t hold back a raw scream of frustration. Her inner muscles clenched. Not yet. She pulled at him and kissed him hungrily as his chest brushed against her breasts. The round head of his cock nudged her opening before slowly pushing into her. Her nails sank into his back as he rocked his hips. She forgot everything as he drove against her. He nipped at her lips between searing kisses as if he couldn’t get enough of her taste. That only excited her even more. Her hips rose to meet his. She pulled in ragged breaths. The unrelenting need tightened and churned. Small desperate moans escaped her lips as climax remained just out of reach. Something was missing. His lips dropped kisses on her throat. Pain slashed through her as his teeth sank deep. At the same moment, pleasure ripped over her. His mouth worked at her neck. He continued driving into her. She trembled. Her body arched into his. He tensed above her and she felt a hot, wet splash inside her.
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“You’re one of us. I knew it.” His teeth withdrew and his tongue lapped at her neck. Serena gasped, bolting upright and fighting the tangle of covers around her. Her hand flew to her neck. Her heart raced with fear. She didn‟t feel wetness, punctures or even a scab. Shakily, she reached over and turned on a lamp. Understandably, her blue sheets and blankets were askew, but everything else looked like it should. The dream had seemed so real. Just to be sure, she checked for spell work and the state of her own protection spells. No one had cast a spell on her or entered her home. She was safe. She straightened her covers and turned out the light. At least, she hoped she was safe. She didn‟t know if vampires could enter a person‟s nightmares, but she didn‟t think they could.
***** The rest of the week followed in a haze of late nights and unsuccessful searches. On Friday of the following week, she was actually dreading the search. The loud noise and false alarms were beginning to get to her. She wanted to walk out of the clubs and go home but it was important that she be there to help. She knew that. They needed her to keep the vampire from harming someone with magic. She was certain that if she did take a break, the vampire would make an appearance. “He‟s here,” Marcus whispered up as he stepped up to her side. Dressed in a black button-down shirt and black slacks, the man took her breath away tonight. She looked around, trying to spot the man she‟d come to know from the photos she‟d been shown. “We have to wait until we see him doing something. We know he is a killer but we have to get all the evidence we can to make sure he‟s not allowed to do this again.” His hands on her shoulders urged her to turn to the right. “He‟s at the table near the back, surrounded by women. I don‟t know if that‟s a spell or if he just attracted them on his own but it is strange enough to note.” She concentrated, trying to sense any magic in the area. She hadn‟t bothered before because witches and wizards could easily be here. She felt a light glamour from the man in that booth. “It‟s a spell. A glamour to alter, enhance physical appearance and to draw women in.” Her low tone wouldn‟t carry beyond him. He drew her to the side where they could watch the rogue, Daniel, without being obvious about it. She didn‟t object. She wanted to study the man. From what she‟d seen, the man didn‟t look very dangerous. She tried to see beneath the glamour. He wasn‟t that tall. A thin man, he really didn‟t look like most of the other vampires she‟d seen. If she didn‟t know it, she‟d think he was a normal young man. “Face me. We‟ll take turns watching him but we don‟t want to be obvious about it.” He leaned against the wall. His hands drew her hips closer until her lower body was plastered against his. She could feel the ridge of his cock pressing against her belly. Swallowing heavily, she looked up at him. 23
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“You know this isn‟t a good idea.” She slid a hand up his chest, gripping the soft black fabric of his shirt. The man seemed to know just how to tempt her. Her fingers practically itched to unbutton that shirt. His hands hadn‟t moved below her waist and his touch was light and far from intimate but her body tingled. This didn‟t feel like work. “Shh… We‟re not doing anything. This is just cover for our surveillance.” He leaned down and dropped a light kiss on her lips. Serena licked her lips as he drew back. Not doing anything. Surveillance was the last thing on her mind. The attraction to him seemed to be growing and it scared her. She didn‟t know if it was just natural attraction or something to do with the changes happening inside her. Whatever it was, she wished she knew of a way to stop it. “And we‟re supposed to just be lovers who can‟t keep our hands off each other long enough to get to a room.” She slid a hand up to his shoulder. She focused on the fact that this was just a technique to keep an eye on the rogue. Her body didn‟t really believe it. She wanted nothing more than to relax against him and let the feelings flow. “Nothing that intense. Just two people enjoying each other and a little light play.” He leaned down and let his lips brush over the shell of her ear. “The…friend won‟t recognize you? He hasn‟t met you?” she asked, tilting her head, wanting to feel his lips on her neck. A disappointed groan rolled from her lips when his mouth lifted away without more than a brief brush. “No, he won‟t recognize me. I don‟t think he even knows of me.” Marcus‟ hand roved up and down her back. “He‟s standing. Three of the women are walking away with him. How long will that glamour hold?” Serena barely resisted the impulse to turn her head and look at the man. As much as she wanted to know exactly what he was doing, she knew she couldn‟t give him any idea he was being watched. They had to catch him before he hurt or killed anyone else. “As long as he has the power for it.” She drew her fingers up the back of his neck, more because she wanted to touch him than to keep her lover role. “They‟re heading for the door,” he whispered. His lips tugged at her earlobe. “Are we going to follow them?” She bit her lip. Now that they‟d found the man, she didn‟t want to let him disappear again. “Not us. We‟ve been too close to him. He might just recognize us. Someone else will take close surveillance. We‟ll meet up with a few of the others and stay at a distance but close enough that we can help if needed.” His arms tightened briefly in a reassuring hug. “What‟s he doing? Is it time to go find the others yet?” She slanted a look up at him when moments passed with nothing more than the thrum of the music pulsing around them.
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“No, he‟s still here. He‟s near the bar. It looks like he‟s leaving two of the women here. They don‟t seem to want to stay.” He tipped up her chin with one finger and gave her a quick kiss. “How badly are they resisting his orders? Are they clinging to him and crying and pleading?” She took the opportunity to find out a little about the rogue‟s power levels. At least the amount he was prepared to expend on this spell. “No crying or pleading. They just look vaguely disappointed. One of them took a step toward him but not more than that. Does that tell you something?” he asked, leaning back to get a look at her face. “He‟s not using very much power. I don‟t know if he doesn‟t have much or if he didn‟t feel the need to use a more-powerful spell.” Serena leaned into him, relaxing as she waited to see what happened next. Despite the fact that the vampire suspected of going rogue was going to leave with a woman. She did wonder what he knew that she didn‟t. “So do you think that you can handle him when the time comes?” His head cocked to the side and he seemed just curious about it although for a moment she wondered if he was teasing her. “I‟ll handle him, magic-wise. You really don‟t seem worried that the woman‟s going off with him alone.” She slid a glance toward the bar but didn‟t see either the vampire or any of the women who‟d been with him. “This isn‟t his pattern for killing. He‟s probably already fed tonight. My guess is that this is just sex. He‟ll be followed and watched of course but she should be safe.” He stepped back and curled an arm around her shoulders. “Let‟s walk toward the door, find Jason and leave.” “That sounds good.” She looked around the bar, trying to find the other man. There were too many other people here for her to easily spot him. It was going to be a long night. They wouldn‟t be stopping the watch until they were sure the woman was safe and away from the rogue. After finding Jason, they left and met up with a few of the other vampires and four Protectorate agents. The sun was coming up when they saw the woman walking out of the hotel. Men would stay to follow him and hopefully keep track of him. Marcus escorted Serena to her door. She turned to open the door but his hand on her shoulder stopped and turned her to face him. He kissed her, his hands cupping her buttocks. She didn‟t have time to think before his lips settled over hers. She just reacted, enjoying the firm claiming. Her tongue slid against his. Lifting his mouth away, he stared at her with open hunger. “I don‟t want to leave you but I want you awake when I make love to you. I‟ll pick you up tomorrow.” This time she didn‟t argue or insist that she meet him at the Protectorate headquarters. He wouldn‟t listen. Right now she didn‟t have the wits to argue it with him when a simple kiss had sent an arc of energy sizzling through her body. She opened the door and slipped into her apartment before he could kiss her again. Leaning 25
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against the door, she exhaled loudly. It was getting harder to resist him. The rogue vampire definitely wasn‟t stupid. Somehow he lost the men following him nearly every day. Tomorrow, she had her next appointment with the doctor. She‟d just have to hope that she wasn‟t needed during that time.
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Chapter Three The distinctive ring of his cell phone drew Marcus‟ eyes away from the latest reports of illegal paranormal activity in the city. He opened his desk drawer and pulled the small phone out, looking at the number before he answered the call. When he saw the name of one of the men he‟d posted to follow Serena, he answered it. They hadn‟t called him before about any of her movements or visitors. He knew this had to be important. He tried to push down the rush of fear. “Is something wrong?” he asked, not waiting for a greeting or small talk. He wanted the facts now so he could do whatever was needed to keep her safe. “Nothing‟s wrong. She‟s still safe and is in no danger,” James Rule reported. Marcus relaxed and took a deep breath. Since she wasn‟t in danger, they must have learned something important. “What do I need to know?” “We just followed your witch to the offices of Doctor Alexander. She‟s been inside for a good thirty minutes.” James‟ voice held no emotion. He was just reporting the facts. Marcus just sat there stunned. What would Serena be doing at the offices of one of the doctors most well-known for helping women hide their conversions? The doctor had been caught at least four times helping women block the change. It was interesting that she‟d chosen that doctor but he was relatively sure she hadn‟t been bitten. That would have been reported since she did most of her work with the Protectorate. Lately, that organization had been very good at giving the names of those who‟d been bitten. She would have only encountered vampires in her work with them. “Keep an eye on her.” He leaned back in his chair and thought about where this information fit in the puzzle of what she was hiding. She was keeping a secret. Could she be ill? She hadn‟t seemed sick. She certainly didn‟t act as if she was ill. He was going to get the truth. Today about her visit to the doctor and later about whatever secret she was holding. He was beginning to think it was very important. The matter was still uppermost in his mind when he knocked on her door. It was earlier than he usually arrived at her apartment. He intended to speak with her before they went to follow the rogue. Tonight they knew exactly where he was. Ringing the bell, he waited for her to open the door. She wouldn‟t be expecting him yet and shouldn‟t even be getting dressed yet. He heard a soft sigh and a click as the door opened. “Hello, Marcus. Is there something you needed to ask that couldn‟t be answered over a phone or are you just impatient to hunt your rogue tonight?” She leaned against
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the doorjamb, holding on to the doorknob in her hand, not giving him the space to enter. He stepped forward and gently pushed on the door. “Yes, I want the answers to some very important questions. Now step back and let me in. We have things to talk about.” “What?” She frowned at him. Her hand tightened on the door and she leaned into it to try to keep him in the hall. “We‟ll discuss this in the privacy of your apartment. Move, or would you rather I went through full protocol and called Steven to join us?” He crossed his arms and waited to see her reaction. Her eyes widened and he caught the scent of her fear. She swallowed and took a slow step back, opening the door wide. He saw a wary watchfulness in her gaze. If he hadn‟t already suspected she had something to hide, he would have known it in that moment. Her reaction was a sure giveaway. He walked over to the slate-gray couch. Deep red and blue-green pillows had been placed at each end. Sitting down, he waited until she‟d taken a seat on a gray chair across from him. “What do you want?” she asked in a tight voice. “What were you doing at Dr. Alexander‟s office today?” He sat back and kept his eyes on her face. Her mouth dropped open but a moment later she snapped it closed. Her lashes dropped down, shielding her witchy green eyes. Her head tilted to the side and she drummed her fingers on the cushioned arm of the chair. “I had an appointment with him. You have someone following me?” Her voice was low, angry. “I told you I wouldn‟t leave you unprotected. Why did you have an appointment with him?” he asked, wondering just what answer she would give him. “What do you have against Dr. Alexander? He‟s the primary doctor for almost every witch I know. It‟s not exactly easy finding someone who‟s familiar with how certain medicines react with magic.” She shrugged, her lips curved in a tight smile. Every muscle in her body was taut. Her voice might have been soft and matter-offact but her body language told the tale. The doctor might be the primary physician for many witches but he knew there was more to her story than she was telling. “He‟s one of the most notorious doctors in the city for hiding or false reporting the results of women known to have been bitten. We‟ve caught him at least four times.” Marcus smiled and watched with interest as her hands tightened into fists. “Well, I doubt he could run an entire practice on just the few women who react to a vampire bite.” Serena smiled but didn‟t say any more than that. “So what did you have to see him about?” Marcus decided to press for specifics. If she wanted to play games, he would call her on it when he caught her in a lie.
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“He ran some tests and I had to talk to him about sleep aids. I haven‟t been sleeping much more than a few hours at a time lately. Since I haven‟t ever used them, I needed to know about possible side effects for a witch.” She met his eyes briefly before looking out the window. “And did he give you something for it?” He pushed just a little more. “No, he advised a bedtime routine and plenty of exercise first. I have to give that time to start working before we try any meds. Muscle relaxants and sedatives can have some unwanted effects on a witch‟s ability.” She leaned back against the cushion and crossed her legs. He didn‟t miss the way her smile softened or how her body had relaxed. She thought she‟d answered all of his questions and erased his suspicions. For now he‟d let her believe that. There was no use confronting her until he had proof that she was lying. “What kind of unwanted effects? Do they block your power?” He‟d never given much thought to how witchcraft and pharmaceuticals would mix. It did make sense that the drugs would work a little differently than they would on a normal human. “A lot of magic is backed by intent. Sedatives and muscle relaxants can weaken a witch‟s control. So if she wants to go swimming or even dreams about it, she might wake up with her home flooded.” Serena‟s hands spread and she looked significantly at the floor. “You can understand why they‟re used only in certain controlled circumstances.” “That would be a very bad side effect,” Marcus admitted. He didn‟t doubt that the side effects were true enough but he knew she was using the story as a cover. Pushing her right now wouldn‟t get him anywhere.
***** Serena still felt a little nervous about Marcus‟ visit hours later. A fast bass beat pounded through the club. The noise didn‟t drive the worries from her mind. She wondered if he‟d actually believed her. He‟d seemed to take her story at face value. She just had a feeling that something was going on beneath the surface. Maybe she was being a little paranoid. “Stay close. He‟s here and tonight he doesn‟t seem to be out to impress the ladies.” Marcus leaned close. His hot breath fanned over her ear. She looked around the club, trying to find the man. If Marcus could see him, she should be able to spot him. Her eyes traveled over the crowd around them. She almost missed him. He wasn‟t using a glamour tonight. His blond hair seemed a little dull and he looked very average today. She couldn‟t understand why he wasn‟t using the spell. He certainly wouldn‟t get very many volunteers with the way he looked tonight. She looked back over her shoulder to the man following just behind her. “Why isn‟t he—”
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Marcus‟ hands tightened on her shoulders. “This isn‟t about luring a woman to him. It‟s about the hunt.” She felt a shiver run down her back. She‟d known that Daniel had attacked and killed at least one person but she‟d never thought about how he chose them or how far he took his predatory behavior. It was just more reason he had to be stopped in any way possible. “When? Is there a pattern?” she asked. If there was, maybe they could get ahead of him and set a trap for him. “No pattern in where he takes them. There are some similarities in what he does. He usually chooses a small group of people.” His words just carried to her. Her shoulders slumped. There was nothing to do but wait and watch. They‟d have to hope they could get to him before he could kill anyone. And that they caught him the first time. He‟d be much harder to track and catch once he knew he was truly hunted even though he had to suspect. “Let‟s move. We don‟t want him to know we‟re watching him.” Marcus‟ arm tightened. She turned and they moved back into the crowd. They were so close that she felt his thigh brush against hers with every step. He led her to the bar and ordered her a cola. Serena sipped at it as they waited there. She couldn‟t help feeling nervous. Someone could die if they didn‟t keep track of Daniel. So much depended on other people. She knew if she was close enough she could block or counteract any magic he used but the lack of control frustrated her. “A little nervous?” Marcus asked. “Anxious, hoping things don‟t go wrong,” she admitted. “We‟ll catch him.” She sighed. She knew that they would eventually catch the man. It was the time between now and then that worried her. After a rogue was first confronted, he usually became twice as dangerous. He‟d kill anyone who got in his way. Beside her, Marcus tensed. She looked over at him and saw his head tilt a little to the side. He looked as if he were listening to something. What could he be hearing? “We have to go. He‟s leaving the bar, following a group of four.” Marcus‟ hand fastened at her wrist. Almost as soon as he touched her, he began moving. She stumbled a little but caught up as a group of people moved into his way. Her heels slowed her a bit. She wished she could kick them off. Dressing for the clubs made moving fast a challenge. She wasn‟t the type of woman who could sprint in stilettos. She couldn‟t figure out how he knew Daniel was stalking those people. Marcus certainly couldn‟t see him. “How do you know what he‟s doing? Is it some kind of vampire trick?” she asked just lowed enough for him to hear. Was it some kind of vampire ability she‟d never heard a hint of in the rumors or bits of knowledge she‟d picked up?
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He tapped his right ear as he leaned down. “Small wireless earbud. Let‟s go.” She nodded. They wove a path through the crowded club to the doors. Finally they managed to get out onto the street. Serena looked around, hoping for a glimpse of the rogue on the sidewalk. Nothing. She didn‟t even see a group of four people. “They‟re in a car and he‟s following in his. Right now they‟re not in danger. At their next stop, he‟ll probably attack. Especially if they‟re only letting one person out of the car.” He urged her to the car at the curb where Caine waited for them. She‟d been surprised to see the man. Every other time they‟d hunted Daniel, Jason had accompanied them. She slipped into the backseat. Marcus closed the door and quickly took his seat in the front. The car pulled away from the building. “Why don‟t I get an earpiece so I can hear what‟s happening?” she asked as she tightened her seat belt. Caine drove aggressively. The black car zipped around a silver van in front of them that had the temerity to be going the speed limit. Where were these people and why was Caine driving so wildly? She‟d been under the impression that they weren‟t in any danger at the moment. “You‟re always with someone. There‟s really no need for you to have one.” Marcus half turned in the seat to look back at her. “I wouldn‟t need a shadow if I had one of those lovely little earpieces. For now, we‟ll let that go. Why is Caine driving like a maniac? Has there been bad news.” Her hands clenched. “We just want to get you close enough to help before those two cars come to a stop. We have no idea where or when that will be,” Marcus said easily. “You two heal a lot faster than I do. If he wrecks, I‟m not going to be happy.” She folded her arms across her chest. Cain whipped the car out into the oncoming lane. She saw a huge black truck racing toward them on the highway. Serena drew in a sharp breath and pressed back into the seat. The truck whizzed past with what seemed like only inches separating it and the side of the car. Her heart slammed inside her chest. Was he trying to get them into an accident? In spite of all of her worries, they weren‟t in a wreck. Caine finally slowed the car and began following a dark blue car. “Is that Daniel?” Serena relaxed a little in the seat. At least Caine wasn‟t whipping the car in and out of traffic anymore. Slowly, the tight knot in the pit of her stomach began to ease. Hopefully he wouldn‟t be doing that again. “No, the car ahead of us is one of the tail cars. Two cars ahead of that is the lead tail car. Daniel is in a car three cars in front of that,” Marcus informed her. “Daniel drives a white sports car. Serena couldn‟t even see the back of a white sports car. If he said Daniel was up there, she believed him, she just wondered where this little caravan would finally stop and the battle start. She knew that if Daniel attacked someone there would be a fight.
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After what seemed an eternity, the car sped down an off-ramp into a residential area. She felt tension creeping into her shoulders. She swallowed heavily and pushed down the fear. She had to focus. “The car has turned onto a street and is slowing. Get your magic ready or whatever a witch does to prepare.” Caine tossed the order back over his shoulder. She rolled her eyes. Talk about cliché. As if she had to say a spell over a bubbling cauldron. The magic was inside her. All she had to do was use it. Most spells didn‟t even require a word. Countering spells would be so easy if everything was done aloud. The rogue should be surprised by their sudden appearance and he wouldn‟t expect them to have a witch. That would give her an advantage. The car stopped with only a slight lurch. Serena unbuckled. By the time she stepped out of the car, Marcus was already running. She didn‟t see the rogue. She saw tall darkhaired men jumping out of cars but no blond in sight. Running forward, she opened her senses. Marcus said he‟d use magic to protect himself and cause a scene if he was confronted. She didn‟t feel any magic building. Finally, she managed to see through a gap in the tall vampires rushing toward the rogue. The slim blond man held a young red-haired woman by the throat. He smiled and his fangs flashed white and lethallooking in the yellow glow of the street lamp. Serena stopped near a tree behind the wall of men but in a position where she could see what was happening. “Oh look, more people to watch you die,” Daniel said in a loud voice as he pulled the petite woman in front of him. His head lowered and he licked the woman‟s cheek in a long, slow swipe. The young vampire must be totally out of his mind, she thought. Any sane person confronted by at least six other people would try to run. He acted as if there weren‟t any threat to him anywhere. She just couldn‟t understand it. From what she‟d been told, the man wasn‟t stupid. Even a little magic wouldn‟t guarantee his escape. “Let her go and we‟ll take you before the Council.” Marcus stepped out of the line of men. “Hurt her and you know what we‟ll have to do.” Daniel laughed. “We all know what the Council will do. I might as well have fun. You still have to catch me.” His fingers released the woman‟s neck. The redhead jerked, trying to lunge out of his arms. Just as she seemed to be out of reach, his fingers gripped her hair. A scream slashed through the air as Daniel yanked the woman back into his arms. She fought. Serena could tell the woman was panicked. The rogue gave a vicious tug on her hair, pulling the woman‟s head sharply to the side. “We‟ll catch you.” Marcus folded his arms across his chest. From her vantage point, she could see Marcus‟ expression. His lips were compressed into a thin, nearly white line. The angles of his face seemed even sharper as muscles flexed underneath his skin.
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Magic flared, building. Serena straightened. Time for her to go to work. The spell felt like a shield spell. Not a very strong spell but if left intact, it would delay any followers. She began to channel magic. Working slowly, she neutralized his spell. Daniel‟s head came up and she heard a distinct growl. He pulled the girl more solidly in front of him. His eyes moved over the group almost frantically. He seemed more desperate and nervous now. His eyes finally settled on her. “So they found a witch to work for them. I‟m going to enjoy killing you. Maybe I‟ll do it in front of the members of the vaunted Council. What do think they‟d say to that?” Daniel dragged his teeth across the woman‟s throat. Blood welled on the woman‟s throat, marking the path of those sharp fangs. Fury flared. She wanted to go over there and rip the woman away from the vampire. It frustrated her that she couldn‟t do that. She‟d only put herself in danger. She could protect the girl from lethal harm. Weaving a spell, she visualized symbols of protection, interlacing them into the shield. In her mind, she pictured a thin silvery shield forming tight to the skin around the woman. She couldn‟t actually see it but she knew it was there. “Do you think I‟d let you touch her?” Marcus stepped to the side, mostly blocking her view of Daniel. Serena moved a little more to the side. She didn‟t need him guarding her from mere words. The rogue wasn‟t going to run at her with all the other vampires so close to her. It was all empty threats to rattle Marcus and the other vampires. Daniel just laughed. His head snapped down. She knew he intended to rip the woman‟s throat out in front of them. Marcus tensed, leaping forward. Before he could get to the rogue, Daniel screamed. Rage sharpened the rogue‟s features as blood gushed from his broken nose. She folded her arms and waited. Was once going to be enough for this rogue? “You bitch…” The rogue ground out from between clenched teeth. “Did you really think I‟d let you kill her when I was right here?” She shook her head. Unlike the vampires and the Protectorate men, Serena wasn‟t so worried about any showy magic Daniel might try. Most of that could be covered by manufacturing a normal explanation. Lightning, exploding transformers and the like. Her main priority was the lives of any potential victims. If it was possible, she‟d save them. She felt power building. She knew it was a thrust spell, just from the feel of it. What she couldn‟t tell was who he‟d target. The men would be the biggest threat to him when he ran. She knew the rogue would also want to hurt the woman. Serena had managed to prevent him from ripping out the woman‟s throat. She didn‟t doubt that given a chance, he‟d try to finish what he‟d started. She strengthened the shield around the woman and put one up in front of the men. Placing a light shield in front of herself, she waited. She didn‟t think he‟d try to go after her. He should realize she wasn‟t the biggest immediate threat to her.
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“Give up. You won‟t be able to hurt the woman.” Marcus stepped forward. “We will get you. Have no doubt about that.” Daniel swept his arm wide. He shoved the redhead toward the car. A wave of power flared and she could feel it rolling toward them. The other vampires lunged forward. Marcus started after the man. “No stay back!” Serena yelled. Marcus stopped and the others froze. The wave of magic hit and Serena felt it hit her with the force of a hammer. The air rushed out of her body and she flew back through the air. She landed on the grass. Light flared across her eyes as her head bounced on the packed ground.
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Chapter Four For a moment, she struggled to draw in a breath. The dark sky seemed to swirl overhead. She heard a footstep and the sound seemed unbelievably loud in the silence. Blinking, she turned her head just as Marcus knelt beside her. “Are you all right?” Marcus asked. “Yeah, just got the wind knocked out of me. I‟ll be fine. Go get him.” Serena slowly sat up, drawing in a painful breath. “Some of the men are chasing him.” He curved an arm around her shoulder. “Are you sure you‟re not hurt?” “Yeah, I‟m good. I just wasn‟t expecting so much of that to come my way. My shield wasn‟t that strong. I‟m no threat to him, not like you are.” She pushed a strand of hair off her face. “Go join the others and catch your rogue.” “They‟ll find him if possible. I‟ll stay here. The woman will have to be tested in a week.” Marcus helped her to her feet. She nodded and moved to the car. She was a little surprised that the people Daniel had tried to attack hadn‟t tried to leave. The three people in the car just sat there looking shocked. “We‟ll have to get one of the Protectorate‟s Psychics with these people. The scars could be serious especially for the woman.” Serena glanced at the redheaded woman. One of the Protectorate men knelt beside the woman. She was crying brokenly. Her fists beat against the man‟s chest but she didn‟t try to pull away from him. “I believe that one of the men has called for one to deal with that. How do you plan to explain your little flight?” Marcus asked. He watched as she straightened, rolling her shoulders. “If any of them ask, I‟ll just say I tripped.” Serena shrugged. “You flew horizontally backward, at least a body length. I don‟t think anyone would call that a fall.” He shook his head. “They‟ll want a logical explanation and the psychic will reinforce that. You have to remember that most people would rather just ignore anything out of the normal in spite of the fact that they know paranormals walk among them.” Serena looked down the street. She thought she saw one of the men walking around the corner. Frowning she watched the man. Daniel hadn‟t had that much of a lead. They should have been able to catch up to him. She really hadn‟t expected them to have this much trouble. She hadn‟t felt even a touch of magic. The rogue hadn‟t attacked his pursuers with magic.
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“He won‟t be an easy catch. We‟ve chased him before. The man just seems to disappear.” Marcus‟ eyes flicked briefly to them but almost immediately swung back to her. “Then why didn‟t you do more to catch him? Surround him or something?” She frowned. She knew they wanted to catch him badly. “There is the fact that we are in a very public place and also some of the men weren‟t that sure of how your abilities matched up with his. Every time he‟s surrounded, he uses his magic to get out. To be frank, they didn‟t know if you could prevent him from hurting them.” Marcus shrugged. The search took hours. Neighbors were questioned and statements taken. Her frustration built. It might have been easier if she could have been doing something. It certainly would have helped keep her mind off the slight ache in her back and ribs. Cleanup and questioning went on around her. She watched as the last men began to filter into the area. They didn‟t have the rogue. “Let‟s go. We‟ll have to begin searching for him again tomorrow.” Marcus walked over to her after talking with two of the Protectorate men. “They‟ll patrol this area for the rest of the night but they probably won‟t even see him.” Serena was more than ready to leave. Daniel would at least be more cautious if he didn‟t leave the city entirely. It could take months to find him. She just wanted to go home and soak in a hot bath. When they‟d first seen him tonight, she‟d had such high hopes that tonight would end with his capture and the danger would end. She was so wrapped up in her thoughts that she was stunned by the fact that the street signs didn‟t look familiar. Looking at the buildings, it took her a minute to realize that Marcus wasn‟t even in the right part of the city. “Marcus, where are we?” This definitely isn‟t the way to my apartment.” She halfturned to face him, frowning. “I‟m taking you to my home tonight.” He didn‟t look over at her as he braked at a red light. “Why?” She took a deep breath, trying to keep her temper and not just start screaming. The urge was there. “I don‟t want to take chances with your life. Our rogue is probably slinking around and doing his best not to draw attention to himself but even the possibility is too much. I don‟t want him to follow us to your apartment. Plus, I want to check on your side. I noticed you clutching at it a couple of times while we waited.” His voice was soft but she had no doubt he meant every word. “I‟m fine. As to your fears about that pest you call a rogue, get me a hotel room for tonight if you‟re worried.” She folded her arms across her chest. A lumpy hotel bed would be better than risking discovery. As attracted as she was to him, she couldn‟t see being with him for the whole night without something happening between them. “No hotel. You‟ll be fine. You know that I‟m not going to force you.” He stopped the car at a gate just long enough for it to swing open. 36
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“That‟s not the point.” Serena looked around as he drove forward. A gated residential community. She had no doubt that every resident had been carefully screened. It definitely wasn‟t the type of place she‟d pictured him living. She‟d thought one of the newer apartment buildings would have been more his style than this place. Street lights brightly lit the road. She wouldn‟t have been surprised if he was an investor or part-owner of this complex. He pulled into the driveway of a large two-story cream-colored brick house. “The point is that you‟re afraid. I don‟t know if it‟s because you‟re hiding something or if you‟re just afraid of the attraction between us.” Marcus opened his car door and started around the front of the car. Serena put her hand to the doorhandle. She bit her lip. He was going to come around and open the door like some macho man from over a century ago. She knew it, but she didn‟t make a move to get out on her own. If she stepped out of the car, it would be tantamount to agreeing to stay with him. She wasn‟t going to give him even a chance to misunderstand that she wanted to go to a safe house or hotel. He opened the door and, clasping her hand, urged her out of her seat. “I‟m not hiding anything and you know it. You also know I‟m not afraid you‟re suddenly going to rape me. It‟s just that I‟m not going to get involved with you.” She twisted her wrist free of his hold. “There‟s already too much going on right now to make things even more complicated. I want to go to a safe house.” “It won‟t make things more complicated. I‟ll admit it won‟t make things simpler. The desire isn‟t going to fade. I want you just as much as you want me.” He stepped back and gestured for her to walk in front of him. She rolled her eyes. He wouldn‟t stop trying to persuade her. Being in close proximity to him wasn‟t going to be easy. She had too much to hide. She couldn‟t stay here and keep her secret. Not for long. The man didn‟t know just how complicated things actually were. She hoped he never did. “Welcome to my home.” Marcus opened the golden wood door. “Feel free to look around and take any bedroom you want.” “Do I look prepared for any kind of overnight stay? I have none of the essentials. I don‟t even have a change of clothes for tomorrow.” She paced into the tile-floored, light tan entryway. Clothing wasn‟t at the top of her list but she couldn‟t just blurt out that needed tomorrow‟s ration of pills. “I can have someone get you some clothing and any other essentials you need from a store. No one will be going to your apartment tonight.” His hand rested in the center of her back, urging her farther into the room. She moved into the living room. Putting her purse on a small end table near the door, she walked over to a dark blue couch. She sat down and looked around the room. The walls were a light silver-gray and the floor golden wood. The large comfortable furniture suited what she knew about Marcus.
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“How long do you intend to keep me away from my home?” She folded her arms and waited for his answer. Not that she intended to stay away for more than tonight. She‟d be leaving early tomorrow morning if she could manage it. “The rest of the week should ensure your safety.” Marcus sat on the couch beside her and lightly touched her arm. “A week?” She was already shaking her head. There was no way she could stay here for a week. “A night is more than enough.” He cupped her cheek. His finger stroked over the curve in a slow up and down motion. Heat flared from each sweep of that finger. If she didn‟t know better, she‟d swear a magic spell lurked beneath that soft touch. The desire that flared was so hot, so sharp that she automatically wondered if it was real. “A night won‟t be enough,” he whispered roughly just before his lips closed over hers. His teeth nipped at her full lower lip before he sucked on it. Tingling electricity pulsed from the sensual contact. Her mouth opened as his lips slanted across hers in an aggressive claiming. His tongue swept into her mouth. She knew it wasn‟t a good idea, but part of her wanted nothing more than to lose herself in the feeling. His lips brushed back and forth across hers just before his tongue slipped back into her mouth. She couldn‟t resist responding, tangling her tongue with his. His arms closed around her, pulling her against his chest. She could feel the heat of his muscled chest even through her shirt. Her hard nipples stung and tightened as he lifted her into his lap. His teeth nipped at her jaw. She drew in a sharp breath at the sensuous sting. Her hands pressed against his chest. The heat of his body tempted her. Her fingers tingled with the urge to feel more, to slide her hands beneath his shirt and explore. Almost without thought, her fingers began working on the buttons. The fabric parted and she pushed it wide. A rumbling sound of approval rolled from his chest. He leaned back against the cushions. One of his hands trailed down her side and cupped her hip. “Touch me,” he ordered. “I‟m not going to pin you down and ravish you even if the thought is tempting.” Licking her lips, she gave in to the temptation, pushing aside her doubts. She smoothed her hands across his chest. His muscles shifted beneath her fingertips. She heard his sharply indrawn breath and felt his heart thud against the wall of his chest. His hands swept under her shirt, pushing it up, baring her midriff. The cloth bunched beneath her arms. She raised her arms and he tugged the shirt off her. He quickly released the catch on her bra. The silky fabric fell forward, baring her breasts. The air felt a little cool and tingles sparked over her skin as her nipples drew even tighter. His head lifted from the back of the couch. She drew in a slow breath as his lips moved closer to her. Hot, moist breath puffed over her nipple. The thought of his mouth on her breasts sent a thrill pulsing through her. Her back arched, lifting the firm mounds even closer to him. The tightened nipples ached. A smile curved his lips as his
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hands lifted to the tight, swollen mounds. His thumbs brushed across the taut buds. Sharp sensation streaked straight to her core, an ache building low in her belly. His touch was torture. Not what she needed. Not enough. But her desire didn‟t stop her from needing to caution him one last time. “No biting.” She grasped his hand and lifted his head until their eyes met. He smiled and nodded. “No biting this time. Well, not like you mean.” A bite was a bite as far as she was concerned, but she guessed he meant teasing nips. That she didn‟t mind as long as the fangs didn‟t come out. It was the fangs that did the damage. Those teeth were needle sharp and carried some kind of agent or venom that started the damn conversion. She didn‟t know what those teeth carried, but from what she‟d learned normal kissing and sex weren‟t risky. She relaxed and let his head lower to her chest. A breath shivered between her lips as his tongue batted at one darkened peak. Her fingers tightened in his hair. She wanted to pull his head close and feel his lips close over her flesh but waited to see what he‟d do next. One of his hands skimmed down her side. A trail of tingling heat followed the slow glide. She shivered as his fingers slid up under the fabric and over her stockings. He sucked at her breast, drawing it deep. His mouth worked pulling. The slow tugging sensation sent white-hot spears arcing through her. Every move, every touch seemed designed to drive her need higher. He seemed to savor every gasp, every wriggle he pulled from her. Her thighs widened in invitation. His hand hadn‟t moved any higher. She needed him to touch her. His fingers were so close to her pussy. It seemed like torture to be denied. She could feel the slick moisture on her thighs. “Touch my pussy please.” She licked her lips. A pleased laugh rolled from him. She felt the vibrations against her back. His fingers again traced the edge of the gray stockings. “I‟ll want to see you wearing just these sometime soon.” He dropped a kiss on the slope of her breasts. “I love seeing the desire rise in you.” His fingers lightly touched her cheeks. “You could see my desire now if you‟d stop playing.” Her nails scraped lightly across his shoulder. He smiled but his fingers traced up her inner thigh. The slightly calloused tips brushed across the full lips at the juncture of her legs. Anticipation danced through her. Parting the folds of her sex, he lightly brushed the hood of her clit. She trembled, the sensation hotter than she‟d ever have imagined. In a single move, he stood. He pushed her skirt down, taking the thong at the same time. She kicked out of her heels. His hand went to his fly. In moments, he‟d freed his cock and rolled on a condom. He sat back down. Serena straddled his thighs eagerly. She felt her inner muscles clench. She needed him inside her. His hand gripped her hips as he urged her into position. She slowly lowered onto his shaft. She felt his fingers tighten as she took him inside her pussy. For a moment, she savored the feeling of their joined bodies, the fullness. She couldn‟t remain still.
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She slowly rose until she felt only the rounded head inside her. His hands pressed her back down until her slick labia pressed against him. His teeth nipped at her shoulder. The sting sliced through her, enhancing the sweet ache throbbing inside her. She ground against him. His hands lifted her, urging her to a faster pace. She tensed as light and pleasure exploded over her. She trembled even as his hands continued moving her on him. Each movement seemed to increase the sensations rippling over her. A moment later, he growled her name and came. Serena collapsed against him, her head resting against his sweat-slicked chest. His hands stroked her back, bringing her slowly out of the half doze. She blinked and looked up at him. He was staring down at her, a small smile curving her lips. He looked satisfied and anticipatory at the same time. “Let‟s go up to bed. I want to try this in a bed.” He let his fingers trail down the cleft of her buttocks. She shivered as the tingling sensation sparked a very definite interest. Her muscles tightened around his shaft. His cock began hardening, lengthening inside her. Surprised, she rocked her hips experimentally. “Not here. In bed where we can fully enjoy each other‟s body.” His hand tightened as he rose to his feet, holding her tightly against him. His hands cupped her buttocks and kept their bodies joined as he carried her down the hallway.
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Chapter Five As she surfaced from a deep sleep, she felt a muscled leg against hers and an arm at her waist. The strange sensation pulled her fully out of the heavy fog of sleep. She opened her eyes and stared at the deep brown nipple right in front of her eyes. The urge to lick or nip it rose but she pushed it down. The muscled chest rose and fell rhythmically. She tilted her head up to look at him. His eyes were closed and he looked as if he were asleep. She drew in a deep relieved breath. She didn‟t want to have to deal with any questions just yet. Slowly, keeping an eye on his face, she eased back out of his arms. If at all possible, she‟d like to go home. She knew he‟d argue with her about that. Since he was inclined to just take over, leaving before he woke sounded like a wonderful idea to her. She slipped out of bed and looked around the room. Luckily, her clothing was out in the living room and she didn‟t have to hunt around in here for the bits and pieces. The risk of waking him would be too great. She slipped out of the room and down the hallway. Halfway to the living room, she realized she‟d need a ride. Under the circumstances, she couldn‟t just steal his car. He wasn‟t a threat to anything but her sanity. It took a few moments to find the number of a taxi. All her friends would be getting ready for work. She called a cab. She had to get home, change clothes and get to the office. After a walk to meet the cab, Serena was on her way. She already knew she was going to be late for work but that was the least of her worries. Pills, shower, clothes and then work. Her priorities were a matter of survival. The phone was ringing as she came out of the shower. She let it ring and focused on getting ready. She had a feeling that was Marcus. Her cell phone started ringing a few minutes later. As she finished dressing, Serena put him on speakerphone. “Hello.” She tried to sound cheerful and confident even as she continued to move around, grabbing the essentials. “That little disappearing act of yours could have easily gotten you killed.” Marcus‟ voice was soft but the intensity could easily be heard. “Your rogue might make a try for me but he‟s more likely to find me through you or one of the other vampires. I think I‟m safe enough for the moment.” She twisted her hair into a bun, securing it with pins and a band. “I have to get to work. We‟ll talk about this after I get off.” “There will be men waiting for you in your company‟s parking lot. Do not try to lose them. We‟ll talk then,” he ordered. She rolled her eyes. “I don‟t see any reason to try to lose them. They‟re probably wasting their time but they can follow me if they want.” 41
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“Good.” He didn‟t sound any happier than when he‟d started the conversation. Serena eventually got to the office. The day seemed to drag but after what seemed an eternity she walked out of the building for the day. She spotted the two vampire guards almost immediately. They sat in a silver car nearly directly across from the door. She ignored them as she made her way to her car and left. The silver car pulled in behind her and followed her back to her apartment. She went inside the building. As she got into the elevator, she saw the two vampires enter the building. Walking into her apartment felt great after the long day. She knew she‟d have to deal with Marcus and probably more demands that she leave her apartment. At least she could actually make a real choice here, instead of the virtual trap of last night. Letting down her hair, she headed for the kitchen, wanting to get something cold to drink. As she walked through the door, the front door slammed into the wall. Serena spun on her heel and looked out into her living room. She saw a slim blond-haired man just before he spotted her. It took her a moment to recognize him as the rogue Daniel. He must have been waiting in the building, because she was sure that the men Marcus had following her wouldn‟t have let him past without a fight. They‟d been right behind her until she‟d gotten into the elevator. He surged forward, running across the living room. Serena stumbled back, instinctively throwing up a shield around herself. The edge of the counter pressed into her back. She couldn‟t retreat any farther. She had to meet the attack. Her hands scrabbled along the countertop even as thoughts and magic melded. Unleashing her power, she watched as he flew back. He hit the wall on the far side of the living room. Serena didn‟t count on the vampire seeing the truth this quickly. Her hand closed around the handle of a pan. Symbols and images flashed through her mind, combining with raw magic. The vampire slowly got to his feet. A smoky haze rose about two feet in front of her. The gray smoke swirled, forming two muscled legs first then a torso. As the rogue stumbled forward, the smoke solidified into a Shadow Warrior. The Warrior held out his hand and a staff appeared in it. “You‟re out of your league.” She kept her eyes on the vampire. “I‟m going to enjoy ripping you apart. Maybe I‟ll wait around to see the face of the person who finds you.” His hands flexed and his muscles tensed. She licked her lips. She had faith in her magic and ability to keep him at a distance. The only problem would be the time. The longer he was here, the more likely someone else was to walk in and get hurt. Daniel barreled forward. She knew he was going to try to go right through the Shadow Warrior. That he‟d never seen a Shadow Warrior was obvious. The Shadow Warrior‟s staff jabbed into the rogue‟s stomach. Daniel stumbled backward, the air bursting from his lips. He looked absolutely stunned but he shook his head and advanced again. Maybe she should have given the Warrior something a little more damaging than a staff. Daniel approached more cautiously this time. The Shadow Warrior‟s staff swayed to the right, tracking Daniel‟s every move. She felt a little useless
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and restless. She wished she didn‟t have to just stand back and watch but she couldn‟t match the vampire‟s strength and speed. He really could rip her apart. Daniel feinted to the right before coming in low from the left. The Shadow Warrior stepped back and the staff slammed across the vampire‟s head and then again on his back. Daniel‟s hands flew up to shield his head. He tried to push forward but the Shadow Warrior shoved him back. He stumbled and fell to the floor. Before he could get to his feet a blond man rushed through the door. He was one of the men Marcus had sent to watch her. Daniel looked at the man and then back at her. He lunged to his feet. The blond vampire bared his teeth. “So you‟re having a few problems, Daniel?” the blond asked as he took a step forward. Daniel glided away from the Shadow Warrior. He faced the blond vampire. Daniel glided forward and slammed into the blond. The two men fell back against the wall. Serena heard a distinct crunch as the two men grappled. Fists flew and they broke apart. Her eyes widened as she saw a dent and cracks in her wall. Daniel again sprang forward. The two men slammed into an end table. The blond man‟s fist slashed upward into the rogue‟s jaw, his hand fisted into his opponent‟s shirt to keep him close. The rogue wrenched free staggering to the side. He lunged forward but seemed to think twice about it. Spinning on his heel, he raced out of the door, only a step in front of the blond. Serena watched and waited. She had no idea if the rogue would come back. On top of that, she‟d never seen the blond vamp before today. She‟d assumed he was one of the men sent to guard her but she wasn‟t going to take any chances. The Shadow Warrior was staying in place until someone she knew arrived. She knew that could take some time. She heard running footsteps out in the hallway. A dark-haired man rushed through the door. She recognized him as the second man who‟d followed her into the building. It was another man she didn‟t really know. She sighed and leaned back against the counter to wait. She knew if this was one of the men sent to guard her, Marcus would probably show up soon. “Are you all right?” the man asked. “I‟m fine. He didn‟t touch me.” She folded her arms and watched him over the counter between the kitchen and the living room. He took a step forward but stopped as the Shadow Warrior‟s staff came up. He moved to the left then right and the staff followed his every movement. She kept her eyes on him, needing to see his reaction. He frowned, looking more confused than angry. That reassured her but she still kept her Warrior in front of her. “Why is that…creation…still in front of you?” He kept his distance but moved so that he could fully see her.
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“Do I know you? I‟m keeping my Warrior until I see someone I know I can trust. You‟re just lucky he‟s not overly sensitive. I personally wouldn‟t take being called a creation lightly.” She looked at the large black and gray Warrior in front of her. “But you control him.” The vampire shook his head. “Don‟t think that a shadow is all it is. It may look like a shadow but it probably is more than it appears, James.” Marcus‟ voice came from the doorway. Serena looked toward the door and saw him leaning against the frame, the side that wasn‟t splintered. Dressed in a white shirt and gray slacks, he looked reassuringly calm and solid. She couldn‟t recall ever being so relieved to see anyone. She focused, feeling for any trace of magic. When she was sure, he didn‟t have any hint of glamour on him, she relaxed. She turned her attention to the Shadow Warrior she‟d called to her aid. “Thank you so much for coming to my aid, Warrior.” She walked over to stand in front of the large Shadow Warrior. “It was my pleasure to serve you, Lady Witch.” He turned to face her as she approached him. The dark gray shadows coving his face fell away revealing golden tan skin. “If you‟d given me a different weapon, I could have defeated your enemy.” “I only wanted him kept away from me this time. If there‟s a second time, I won‟t hesitate to use something more lethal,” she said, and gave a small shrug. “If you‟re ready, I‟ll send you back now.” “I‟m ready. Are you sure you‟re safe with them?” The Shadow Warrior looked over at Marcus. “He might yell but he doesn‟t want to hurt me.” She looked back over at Marcus and saw him scowling at her. “If you‟re certain of that, I‟m ready.” The gray mist rose, concealing his face once again. Serena concentrated, letting her magic rise as she pictured the images and symbols. A moment later, the gray smoke dissolved. Looking up, she saw that Marcus had moved to the kitchen doorway and just stood there, waiting. “Just how many times have you summoned that Warrior? He seems protective of you.” Marcus‟ eyes narrowed as he glided forward. She heard a distinct growl in his voice. Her own eyes narrowed. His attitude went beyond just protective. She could see his frustration and anger as well as hear the possessiveness in his tone. Was it all just because she hadn‟t done what he‟d said and Daniel had found her? “That Warrior, maybe twice, but all Shadow Warriors are protective. It‟s part of who they are,” she explained. “You can explain about that Shadow Warrior later. You should see now that you‟re in danger. He won‟t stop coming after you.” Marcus took the final steps closing the distance that separated them. His hand cupped her chin, ensuring that she met his intense stare.
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“I‟ll admit that I‟m not safe here. He‟s found me now and he will come after me.” She licked her lips. “Like I said earlier, he probably found me through the men you set to guard me.” “I‟m not so sure about that. I trust that you‟re not going to argue about leaving the apartment this time.” His thumb stroked over her cheek before he lowered his hand. “I‟m not going to argue about going somewhere safer until we catch him. That doesn‟t mean I‟m not going to argue about going to your house. There are plenty of hotels and safe houses I could go to.” She folded her arms across her chest. “We‟ll talk about where you‟re going to stay a little later. Why don‟t you go pack whatever you‟ll need for a week,” he suggested. “That way you won‟t need to come back here for a while.” “I‟ll go pack. Why don‟t you do something about that door? I can‟t just leave my apartment open.” She smiled. The man liked giving orders. She‟d love to see how he followed them. She heard his soft laughter as she walked past him. Striding back to her room, she left him to the task. Her first priority was getting her medications packed before he followed her into the room. She had no doubt that he‟d be in here as soon as he arranged for someone to fix the door. She was sorting through her work outfits when he strolled into the room. He leaned against the wall, looking too satisfied. She felt his eyes follow as she walked back to the closet. He seemed content to wait until she could focus all her attention on him. Finally she zipped up her garment bag and then the large suitcase. She wasn‟t traveling light. Finished, she dragged the suitcase off the bed. “Here let me take that.” He walked over and took the suitcase from her. “Now are you ready to go?” “Not until we settle where I‟m going to be staying tonight and I‟ll need my car to get to and from work. You‟re not just going to take over like you did last night.” She faced him and braced her hand on her hip. “You‟ll be staying at my house. You know I‟m not going to force you to do anything you don‟t want to do.” His head tilted to the side and he gave her a considering look. That was the problem. She wanted him now but any kind of involvement was a bad idea. She knew it would probably lead to him finding out about her transformation. The thought of it was distracting. She kept expecting him to ask who she thought she was fooling. “Just because I‟m certain that you‟re not going to jump me doesn‟t mean that this is a good idea. I don‟t want involvement.” She stopped and dropped her luggage, letting him see that she wasn‟t budging. “We need to keep this just to the hunt.” “It‟s a little late for that. Unless you‟re going to try to deny that last night happened.” He looked amused. “Don‟t you want those things?”
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“Yes, I want them but we need to settle this.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I‟m not trying to deny that it happened. There just doesn‟t need to be a repeat. We need to focus and an affair would distract us both.” She met his intense stare. “Do you think either of us is going to be able to resist the pull even if we are in different houses? I can smell your arousal now.” He put the suitcase next to her bedroom door and turned to face her. “I don‟t want to fight the attraction.” She shot him an exasperated look. The man was deliberately missing the point. She wanted to fight the attraction. They both knew that some distance between them would ease the pull. As long as they weren‟t always with each other, it would lessen. “A safe house, that‟s where I want to stay. If you don‟t know of one, call Steven. I‟m sure he could arrange it.” She tapped her foot in irritation. “Oh, I know of a safe house but you won‟t need it. You‟ll be staying with me. It will be safer for you at my home. The whole community is monitored. If you think it will help, you can take one of the spare bedrooms.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “Don‟t you think you‟ll be able to resist the urge to be with me?” She tried not to grind her teeth at that obvious ploy. “I think I can manage not to push you to the ground and rip your clothes off.” “I wouldn‟t fight you if you wanted to do it.” He smiled. “Are you ready to go now? I have some chicken ready for the grill.” She heaved a big sigh and picked up her bags, irritated that she‟d let him maneuver her into agreeing to stay with him. “All right, let‟s go. You don‟t know much about compromise, do you?” He laughed. “What‟s to compromise about? You‟ll get what you want.” She walked over to join him at the door. He led the way into the living room. The door still hung at an angle on one hinge. The doorjamb was splintered where the locks had ripped through the wood. She stopped and looked at Marcus. He was supposed to have taken care of that. He must have caught that look because he stopped, and said, “I arranged for it to be fixed and a man will stand guard until it‟s done.” “I don‟t want to come back after we catch your rogue and find my home wide open to anyone who cares to walk in,” she warned. “You won‟t find your home open. Everything will be just as you left it.” He put a hand lightly on her shoulder. “Now about those Shadow Warriors, are they real or creations of magic?” “They‟re real but they tend to stay on the edges of paranormal society. They‟re usually busy with some sort of mission. You probably know of them by their ancient name, the Ananti.” She strode for the door. “I‟ve heard of them but I don‟t remember much about what they did then or now.” He stayed near her as she stepped into the hallway.
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“They usually guard those with special power. Most of the time the man or woman doesn‟t know they‟re being guarded. They also work with witches sometimes.” She felt a little better about leaving her apartment when she saw the man standing out in the hallway just to the side of the door. “I guessed that some witches used them. Bringing them to you is a fairly high level spell, isn‟t it?” He matched his stride to hers as they began to move to the elevator. “Not that high. It‟s just not a common spell. Mostly only witches from old families know of it.” She shrugged and stepped into the elevator. “That explains why I‟ve never even heard of a witch calling upon anything like the Shadow Warrior.” He leaned back against the wall of the elevator and watched her.
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Chapter Six Marcus rolled out of bed. He needed to burn some of the energy pulsing through his body. What he really needed was a long run but he couldn‟t leave Serena alone. She was a target now and Daniel would eventually realize where she‟d be if he didn‟t already know. Marcus knew the rogue would consider her the biggest threat to his freedom. As long as she helped them, Daniel‟s magical talents would be blocked and useless. He‟d want her out of the way as soon as possible. Serena had held firm tonight. Although she‟d kissed him and held him, she‟d called a halt almost as soon as his touch had strayed below her waist. He took heart in the fact that she hadn‟t been able to deny herself of all contact. Her sweet scent had lured him, enticed him to try to change her mind. Letting her walk away from him had been one of the hardest things he‟d done in a long time but he‟d kept his word. Choosing one of the spare bedrooms, she‟d gone to bed. His only satisfaction had been that she‟d been as aroused as he was. That was little comfort now when his body burned for hers. He headed for the kitchen, debating whether a late-night swim would help. Getting a glass from the cabinet, he filled the glass with water. He took a drink of the cold liquid and leaned against the counter. The water would be refreshing after the heat of the day and the exercise might just burn off the need. The soft slap of a bare foot against the tile drew his attention. He turned and saw Serena standing in the kitchen doorway. As she noticed his eyes on her, she leaned against the wall and stared at him, a frown turning down her full lips. A silky green nightgown swirled about her thighs. She looked utterly sexy and a little frustrated. Or maybe he was only seeing what he wanted to see. “Is something wrong?” he asked. His fingers tingled with the urge to peel that gown off her. “I can‟t sleep.” She took a deep breath and crossed her arms just below her breasts. “I heard you pass by the door and…” “Do you need something to help you sleep?” He frowned as he remembered she‟d said she‟d had trouble sleeping lately. She shook her head and shifted positions nervously. Her eyes dropped to the floor. It took her so long to answer that he wondered if she was going to say anything else. “I‟ll probably regret this. It could be a disaster.” Her voice was soft and barely carried to him. He wondered if he‟d heard that right. What would be a disaster? Why would it be a disaster? His mind automatically jumped to thoughts of her and him in bed but there was nothing disastrous about that.
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“What are going to regret?” He didn‟t move from his position near the sink. Just the thought of making love with her had his body hardening in reaction. “I want you. I can‟t pretend that I don‟t but I‟m afraid that this is going to be a distraction.” Her fingers plucked at the silky fabric at her thigh. “What exactly are you saying?” He didn‟t want to jump to a wrong conclusion and send her scurrying away from him. Not when she‟d suddenly taken the first step toward him. She closed her eyes briefly and ran her fingers through her hair. “I know you‟re not dense. I don‟t want to fight this tonight. I want to make love to you.” Relief rushed through him. He hadn‟t read her wrong. She did want him. He smiled and opened his arms. He wasn‟t going to think much about her reasons for wanting this. He‟d welcome any opportunity to get closer to her. The tension seemed to flow out of her body. Her witchy green eyes sparkled and she took two quick steps, closing the distance between them. She pressed her body against him. He felt the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her nightgown. The hard little beads of her nipples seemed to be trying to poke out of her gown. It almost felt like she didn‟t have a top on at all. “Do you still want me not to bite you or would you like to see how it feels?” He trailed his lips down her neck. He wanted to bite her. The thought of tasting her blood as he fucked her had his fangs lengthening and slipping from his gums. “No biting. If you need to feed, you‟ll need to go find a donor. It‟s not going to be me.” Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging his head away from her neck and meeting his eyes. Her pink lips glistened in the overhead light. He wanted to take that full lower lip between his teeth and tug. She looked so serious that he knew she‟d need an answer. He wouldn‟t ever bite her without her permission but trust would take time. “I won‟t bite you, Serena, not unless you ask me to do it.” He sucked at her lips between the words, unable to resist touching her. She nodded and her fingers slid down his neck and across his shoulder. Her lips brushed against his, her tongue sliding over his lips. He opened his mouth, needing to taste her. His hand slipped beneath the long fall of her black hair and cupped the back of her neck. Her sweet, spicy taste flooded into his mouth. She tasted so good, so right. Her lips felt soft beneath his, perfect. Her tongue stroked over his, demanding more. He gave it to her. He guided her back against the counter. His cock strained against the soft cloth of his briefs. Her leg lifted, sliding against his thigh, hooking around his leg as she arched against him. He groaned and lifted her until she was sitting on the edge of the countertop. Her breath hissed between her teeth as the cold marble counter sent a shock straight up her spine. She wriggled, trying to scoot off the cool countertop. He glanced down and saw the sexy scrap of green silk covering her pussy. He wanted to rip them off her, but forced himself to wait. His body, pressing into hers, kept her in place. His
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hands smoothed down her thighs, urging them wider. He stepped between the space. She wrapped her legs around his hips, wanting to bring him closer. “Let me see those beautiful breasts.” His hands went to the thin straps of her nightgown. He pushed the loose straps over her shoulder and onto her arms. She wriggled and the fabric slid down to her wrists. She slipped her hands free of the loops and pushed the slinky fabric over the curve of her hips and let it fall to the floor. Her eyes met his. She licked her lips before her hands smoothed up over his chest. Her nails scraped his nipples and the small stinging sensation seared through him. He couldn‟t resist sliding his hands down to her butt and pulling her tighter against him. His cock pressed against the soft lips of her pussy, separated only by two thin layers of cloth. He could feel the warm moisture of her pussy. It was all he could do not to grind into her, to rip away those slinky green panties and rip off his own underwear. “Lean back for me,” he urged, slowly licking his lips. Bracing her hands behind her on the countertop, she watched him with feverish eyes. His eyes locked on the reddened tips of her breasts. He kissed her neck, dropping a kiss on her lips, before spreading light, quick kisses over her chest. Licking a twisting trail up the slope of her right breast, he took his time. He wanted her wild for him. Her fingers gripped the back of his neck and her thighs tightened around his waist. He drew her nipple into his mouth, teasing the pebbled bead before he sucked hungrily on it. A mewling moan tore from her as her head fell back. He lifted his head and ran his eyes over her, noting the aroused flush pinkening her skin. She was so damn sexy. The scent of her arousal was driving him wild. “Are you hungry for me?” he whispered, his lips just brushing her skin. Her lips looked swollen. She slowly lifted her head, blinking her eyes as if it took her a moment to understand what he was saying. He wanted that. He wanted to pull away all of that calm, collected control. She always seemed so perfectly together. Her hair was always in place. Seeing it fall wildly around her shoulders thrilled him but not nearly as much as making her so wild she had trouble thinking. “I want you,” she said softly. Her hands slid down his back and underneath the band of his boxers. Her palms seemed scorching hot as she cupped his buttocks. Her nails scraped over his skin. He drew in a hissing breath. A searing jolt of sensation shot straight to his cock. He wanted her hands on his cock, not his ass. He nipped at the curve of her breast. She shivered. He felt the hitch of her breath. He wanted to pull that scrap of lace from her and drive into her. A huge part of him wanted to mark her, to push all thoughts of any other man out of her head. Her eyes fluttered closed. He swept a hand down her thigh. Rocking his hips against her, he gave in to the need to move against her. Near pain slammed through him. He had to have her soon. He sucked at her breast, clasping the peak between his teeth. She arched and pulled his 50
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head tight against her. He slipped his hand between them and cupped his hand over her pussy. Her juices dampened his fingers. “Let‟s get these off you. I want to be inside you.” He straightened, licking and nibbling at her neck. She shifted and brought one hand up, pushing at the thin band of her panties. He smiled at her eagerness. Fastening his fingers around her wrist, he pressed her hand back onto the counter. She tensed, her mouth opening in protest. He sealed the sound behind her lips with a quick hard kiss. Stunned, she remained passive for only a breath before kissing him back. Giving her lips a final nip, he lifted his head. “I‟ll take care of it. Just be still and patient,” he ordered. She blinked but relaxed. He slipped his fingers beneath the thin straps of her panties and tugged. She lifted her hips, helping him as he pulled the panties down her legs. He dropped the scrap of green lace and silk on the floor. As soon as the panties were off, she widened her thighs. “You‟re wet. But are you ready?” He stepped back between her thighs after taking off his briefs. He skated his fingers down her stomach. He felt the muscles tighten. His fingers slipped over her plump labia. He teasingly traced the outline of the lips but avoided the hood of her clit. She moaned and her fingers clasped around his hand, trying to put it where she needed it. He drew his finger down the center divide. He flicked her clit. She writhed, her thighs tightening around his hips. His fingers slipped down and stroked into her slick channel. Hot fluid coated them. Her inner muscles clenched around thick digits. He felt her body shake. Her eyes glittered with hunger. “Don‟t play.” Her voice sounded breathy, strained. She pressed kisses on his shoulder, his neck. Her tongue slicked over the pulse point. Framing his face with her hands, she pressed quick kisses on his lips. Those light teasing brushes only made him want more. They weren‟t nearly enough. He lifted one of his hands and tangled it in her hair, holding her still. At the first pressure, her mouth opened beneath his. Her tongue met his eagerly. This was no light teasing joining. Her hands slid around his waist pulling at him and she sucked at his tongue when he drove it into her mouth. She couldn‟t seem to get close enough to him. She wriggled and he felt the hard tips of her nipples brushing back and forth against his chest. She was as ready as he was. If he didn‟t get his cock into that tight pussy soon, he‟d spill on her belly. Only as he smoothed his palms up her thighs widening her legs did he realize he didn‟t have a condom. Fuck. He took a deep breath and silently cursed the fact that he wasn‟t the type of man to store condoms in every room of the house. Almost shaking with need, he stepped back. “Don‟t move. Think about where you‟d like me to put my tongue next. I‟ll be back in a flash.” He brushed his lips over hers and hurried toward his bedroom without waiting for her to answer.
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Grabbing a foil packet from the box in his dresser, he rushed back to the kitchen. Hopefully, she was still just as hot and ready as she‟d been when he‟d left. He was relieved to see that she hadn‟t moved and she watched him hungrily as he walked over to her. “Did you decide where you wanted my mouth? Here?” His fingers brushed over the hard peak of her right breast before slipping down her belly. “Or maybe here?” Reaching between them, he grasped his cock and rolled on a condom. He fitted it to her slick entrance and looked up, meeting her eyes. He slowly stroked into her. Part of him wanted to drive into her, to take them both to their pleasure hard and fast. Another part needed to take her slowly at first to watch the fever rip away all her restraint. Gripping her hips, he slowly pushed into the tight, wet heat. Her nails scraped his back and the slight sting shot through him. His balls tightened even more and it was all he could do not to lose the fragile grip he had on his control. Setting a slow, grinding pace, he withdrew and then rolled his hips forward again. Her legs tightened around his hips and she pulled in gasping breaths. Her lips glistened and her head tilted back. She was so beautiful and wild. Her inner muscles pulled at his cock, trying to keep him inside her, just as her hands tugged him closer. “Please, Marcus, I can‟t wait,” she urged. Her hands stroked up his shoulders. The strain, the need in her voice ripped through him. He rocked into her a little faster, needing to give them both what they craved. His mouth moved along her shoulder, tracing patterns over the sweat-slick skin. Her neck arched to the side, giving him better access. The unconscious move nearly tore way his control. The salty taste of her skin lured him. His fangs had burst through his gums and he wanted just a taste of the blood pulsing beneath the surface of her skin. She couldn‟t know just how much she was testing his control with that inviting curve of her neck. He lifted his head, trying to stay away from her neck and the temptation to bite. She‟d have a right to be furious with him. He‟d given his word. It had never been this hard to resist. Marcus hooked an arm under one of her thighs, pulling it higher. He surged into her, pushing as deep as he could get. He couldn‟t seem to get close enough to her. He wanted more. She kissed him eagerly, soft moans rolling over his lips. He thrust into her, each rolling grind of his hips brushing against her clit. He heard her keen his name just before his own pleasure slammed over him. Streaks of lightning flashed over his body, sending bolts of hot pleasure through him. He came and ground into her, wanting to prolong the fiery sensation racing through him. He caught his weight on his arms as his knees went weak for a moment. Leaning into her, he brushed soft kisses across her lips. Her hands stroked over his back in slow circular patterns. She seemed to be savoring the moment and he could understand the impulse. He didn‟t want to let her go but they needed to get somewhere more comfortable. There was also the chance that she might not want to come with him. He‟d love to pick her up and just haul her away with him.
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“Do you want to come to my room with me or do you want to go back to your room?” He brushed the hair away from her temple. She bit her lip and was silent for a moment. “With you.” She‟d taken so long that he‟d gotten a little nervous. As much as he wanted to give her the time and space she seemed to need, he didn‟t know how much longer he could hold back.
***** Serena knew she‟d had a close call last night. Just after she‟d come, she‟d seen the white flash of his fangs. He hadn‟t bitten her but just the fact that his fangs had descended meant that he‟d wanted to do it. How long would he be able to resist his urges? She hadn‟t been able resist the need to be with him last night. She didn‟t try to fool herself that it was going to get any easier to stay away from him. Somehow the man had tapped into her inner sexpot. That part of her wanted him whenever and however she could have him. And God, did she want him to bite her. She‟d been close to begging him to bite her. At least tonight they‟d be surrounded by people hunting that damn rogue Daniel. The man couldn‟t be caught soon enough for her peace of mind. Living with Marcus, even with the option of sleeping in a different bedroom offered too much temptation. Serena didn‟t know if it was just her imagination but lately she‟d been having some strange feelings. She felt an ache in her gums sometimes when she was hungry. Then there was the fact that when she did eat something, she never felt quite satisfied. She just hoped that it was her mind playing tricks on her. She didn‟t want to think about the other option. The doctor had told her that she would go through the transformation but she hoped it wasn‟t happening now. She had no idea how she was going to handle it. She knew nothing about being a vampire. “You look a little thoughtful, is something wrong?” Marcus slid a quick glance over at her as he steered the car through light traffic. Yeah, my life is coming apart around me. She clamped her lips tightly together. The desire to say that or something like that was too tempting. She knew she could just sit there and say nothing. The man was already suspicious. She didn‟t need to give him any more reason to watch her. “I was just thinking. Nothing‟s wrong.” She shrugged and turned toward him. “What were you thinking about?” he asked. Vampires and becoming one. He would have to ask that. She decided to keep as close to the truth as possible without revealing her secret. “The rogue and vampires in general.” “We‟ll catch him. It‟s just a matter of time. What were you thinking about vampires? If you have any questions, you can ask.” He stopped at a red light and took the time to slant a smile over at her. “Mostly I was thinking about the old myths and how they‟re so wrong. You know— the garlic, the sunlight and the three bites. If someone knew of vampires, and
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just the legends‟ existence indicates someone had some knowledge, how did they get everything so wrong?” She licked her lips and rubbed her hands down the sides of her black skirt, over her thighs. She was an expert on one of those myths. A single bite. Not even a really deep or long bite and here she was almost fully transformed into a vix. “Information passed through many people and just outright superstitions are to blame for most of it. The myth about vampires bursting into flames when sunlight touches them, I don‟t know where that one came from. There might have been one or two vampires whose natural rhythms pushed them to a nighttime existence but there‟s nothing that I know of in the history that would cause it. The bites, there might be an explanation for that. In the past, it was harder to be alone with a person of the opposite sex. A person might be bitten three or four times before the change was noticed.” His attention was focused on the road as the light turned green. She just had to ask because part of his explanation made her too curious to ignore it. “How did the fact that they couldn‟t be alone with each other lead anyone to think that it took a certain number of bites. Especially since the one who was bitten most likely wouldn‟t have talked about it.” He raised a brow and gave her an arrogant look. “It‟s not obvious?” “If it was, I wouldn‟t ask. Now stop being arrogant and tell me.” For effect, she frowned and glared at him. “The way I understand it is like this. The two are only alone a few times. Then the woman‟s parents or guardians discover that their little girl isn‟t human anymore before she‟s even married to the vampire. Maybe her fangs come out when she‟s threatened or emotional and they see it. They assume that he had to have done it when he was alone with her. Basically, it was a supposition by scared people trying to make sense something they didn‟t understand.” He shrugged. “The real problem when that happened was keeping the woman from being killed by her own family.” She didn‟t want to ask anything more specific. Too many questions might make him suspicious. She was already half afraid that she‟d drop her makeup bag one day as he walked into the bathroom. In her mind, she could just see the bottles of pills spilling out and one of them rolling to a stop just in front of his feet. Some of those medicines had only one or two uses. It wouldn‟t take him long to discover her secret if that happened. “We‟ll be at the club in a few minutes. Jason will meet us there. Are you ready to get back to work?” he asked. “I‟m ready to catch that damn rogue and get back to my normal life.” She folded her arms across her chest. If possible, she‟d like to get out of Marcus‟ house before he became really suspicious of her. He laughed softly. “Are getting tired of being with me?” She wasn‟t touching that question. “I want to be in my own apartment. I‟ll just feel more relaxed and comfortable there, especially when there‟s no danger of attack.”
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He pulled into line for the valet parking. She looked around the area. This club was much different from the one they‟d last visited. Very upscale, not the type of place she expected to see a vampire who was into the Goth scene. She felt a twist of anxiety in her stomach. Smoothing her hand over her short black skirt edged with silver, she took a few deep breaths. She hadn‟t been exaggerating. She wanted this over. She wasn‟t afraid for herself. It was the harm he could do to other people that worried her. The man could easily kill someone just to spite those chasing him. The car door opened and she looked up and saw Jason holding the door for her. She swung her legs out of the car and rose to her feet. He took her hand and guided her onto the sidewalk before he firmly shut the door. “It‟s good to see you. Are you ready to face our rogue again or are you going to leave us to face him?” Jason asked as he urged her toward the entrance to the club. “The man broke into my house and tried to attack me. I‟ll definitely be helping you catch him. In fact, if you weren‟t chasing him, I would be after that. Is he here?” She strode easily beside him, her black and silver heels tapping on the sidewalk. “Not yet. We haven‟t seen him here.” Jason‟s voice was quiet as they approached the entrance. “If he sees me, he‟s going to know we‟re after him again.” She shook her head, angry at herself for her shortsightedness. She should have put on a glamour earlier but she hadn‟t realized that they‟d be actively hunting him tonight. She‟d thought they‟d just wait for a call from those trying to track him. The lack of communication of plans was irritating and she intended to talk to Marcus about it later. “He won‟t see you before he‟s been spotted. We‟ll be called if he shows at another bar tonight.” Marcus‟ hand pressed against the small of her back as he fell into step beside her. The heat of his palm almost seemed to burn through her thin silver shirt. She resisted the urge to lean into that light touch. Looking over at him, she saw the narroweyed glare he was shooting toward Jason. She had no idea what had caused that reaction. Jason hadn‟t done anything. Whatever it was, she was certain that the two of them wouldn‟t let it interfere with catching the rogue. They were professional enough to put the mission first. “Come on. Let‟s go find a seat out of the way while we wait for word on Daniel.” Marcus leaned close so that she could easily hear him over the heavy beat of the music. She went with him but doubted they‟d find an actual seat in the club tonight. They‟d probably be lucky to find an open space along the wall. The club was crowded. He wove a path through the people to the back of the club. She was absolutely floored when he led her to an empty table that seemed to be waiting for them, although she didn‟t see anyone standing near it to ensure no one took it. He urged her onto the cushioned seat before walking around to the other side of the table. He slid into it and leaned back. He looked absolutely at ease. A woman in a royal blue dress stopped by their table. The small handheld device in her hand indicated she was one of the staff.
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They both ordered nonalcoholic drinks and settled in to wait. After a while and several stunted conversational gambits, she decided to use Daniel and the hunt to get a little of the information she was going to need after the transformation. “How much…” She slanted a look around them to gauge how close others were. There were too many people near to just come out and say blood. They were supposed to be undercover here until Daniel showed. “How much of his special liquid diet would Daniel need to maintain his strength and how often would he need it?” “Maybe twice a week and around a pint. He won‟t be weak because it‟s fairly easy to find a donor.” Marcus‟ fingers steepled. She saw his eyes moving over the crowd. The thought of blood was both revolting and intriguing. She pushed the thought of the future away and focused on the information as it pertained to Daniel. They knew Daniel hadn‟t killed while he‟d been on the run. The man had never hidden the bodies of his kills. He wanted everyone‟s attention to be on those murders and the vampires. So somewhere he must have found someone willing to take the chance and give him what he needed. “Shouldn‟t those people have been worried about him hurting them?” She kept her voice just loud enough so he could hear her. “People on the donor database were warned he could be dangerous. That doesn‟t mean that someone who knew him before he went rogue would have believed the warning.” Marcus‟ lips pulled into a thin line. “They wouldn‟t have called us if he approached them like most of the other donors would.” She knew Marcus didn‟t like that he couldn‟t control that part. So Daniel probably had a female donor on the database who liked him enough to ignore all the warnings from the vampires. That did make catching him a little more difficult. Serena wished the woman would show a little more sense and call someone. She didn‟t have much hope of catching a break in that way. It would have already happened if the woman thought she was in any danger.
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Chapter Seven They stayed at that bar until nearly closing. She was beginning to think that just maybe Daniel had decided to stay in hiding for another night. She really wouldn‟t mind having one night free of worry about the spells cast by that rogue. Not to mention the worry over if they‟d be too late to save someone‟s life. She‟d hunted rogues but none had ever been this unpredictable. Or seemed this dangerous. It could be because she felt so much more stressed than she had before but the fact that they hadn‟t stopped him yet worried her. He didn‟t seem to have a pattern for his attacks. Usually, rogues stuck to one type of place or had an area where they felt most comfortable, but so far, Daniel seemed to be an exception. Jason appeared at their table and the look on his face was so serious that Serena knew she wouldn‟t be getting to sleep anytime soon. The rogue had decided to make an appearance somewhere and he‟d been seen by those hunting him. They‟d be following him, watching him until more people arrived to help. Jason seemed furious and a little worried. She could only guess at what Daniel had done this time or who he‟d attacked, but knew it was probably bad. “Well, let‟s go find the little pest. I‟d like to get some sleep tonight before I have to go to work.” She stood and edged out of the booth. She meant every word of that. She just wished this was already over. “You‟ll get your sleep. I think you‟re just a little upset that you thought you‟d get an early night and it‟s not going to happen.” Marcus stepped out of the booth and she felt his hand settle on her lower back. She slid a glance at him from the corner of her eyes. The man had some definite possessive tendencies. What they had barely qualified as a relationship. They‟d had sex but he acted as if they‟d been dating for months. She knew he was determined to protect her, maybe even felt a little responsible. There wasn‟t anything she could do to change that. The rogue had come after her and she wasn‟t going to stop helping with the hunt. Marcus would consider it a failure on his part if anything happened to her. Guilt and desire probably spurred most of it. She didn‟t think he had any deeper feelings for her. There hadn‟t really been time for them to grow. They left the club. Jason rode with them this time. It took so long to get to the location that she was wondering if Daniel would decide to run before they arrived. She knew Daniel was brazen and liked to taunt the other vampires but she really didn‟t think he was stupid. He always seemed to find a way to escape. She‟d like to avoid another chase through the city streets and a wide-open confrontation. They pulled into an almost-deserted parking lot on the edge of one of the suburbs. Only a few cars and vans dotted the parking lot. Marcus parked the car in one of the
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slots. That seemed strange, but not as strange as the cars parked at angles near the door of the club with their high beams spotlighting the entryway. It wasn‟t time for the bars to close. She unbuckled the seat belt and stepped outside the car. She eyed the long building. Just from the faux wood outer wall, she‟d guess that it was a country and western bar. Marcus circled the car and met her on the sidewalk. As they approached the entrance, a man stepped out of the shadows. “We still have him locked in there and all the exits are guarded inside and out. We don‟t have the men to fully surround it yet. Most of our people are still on the way. He has two women who he‟s not letting out of his reach. Every time we think we‟re going to get one of them free of him, he grabs her. Usually yanking her back hard enough to cause her to scream in pain,” the dark-haired man announced. “We‟ll handle him. Don‟t let him escape with either of the women.” Marcus nodded and started forward but stopped. “Put the women‟s lives above catching him. There will be other chances to get him if he escapes today.” Serena raised her brows. That he was even thinking that Daniel might escape wasn‟t good in her opinion. They had the man cornered and he shouldn‟t get out at all. But she did agree that the lives of the women were far more important than catching Daniel. No matter how much he was inconveniencing her life. They headed into the club. Serena had never been in a bar when it wasn‟t open for business. The sound of her heels on the gleaming hardwood floor echoed in the huge, almost-empty building. The place looked absolutely vast. Men were stationed at every exit and at points through the room but the twenty or so men didn‟t make the room seem any smaller. Tables had been scattered around the area but the majority of the space was devoted to a huge dance floor and long bar. A small cluster of people near the back drew her eyes. She recognized a few of them as vampires and a few members of the Protectorate who‟d worked with them on the previous nights. Marcus led the way toward the group. He stepped ahead of her, moving almost completely in front of her. She could still see past him and didn‟t try to move up beside of him just yet. She kept her eyes on the group in front of them, searching for Daniel and the two women he was holding captive. She needed to see if she could find a way to help get those women free. One at a time if need be but hopefully, both at the same time. “I see you‟ve brought the witch with you. Are you afraid of what I‟m going to do if you don‟t have someone to control my magic?” Daniel‟s voice rang through the bar. He held one of the women by her long blonde hair. The other he held against him. Serena could see two slashes along her neck. The man was a plague to any female near him. That was the second woman who‟d be watched and tested over the next month or so because of him. She clenched her hands into tight fists. She wanted to be able to physically take him down. His callous disdain infuriated her. He had to be stopped. If only for the sake of other women and keeping them safe.
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“She‟ll keep you from doing anything drastic and probably the women from further harm. You‟re obviously not getting a second date from either of these two women. Definitely not behaving like a gentleman today, are you?” Marcus kept walking until he was even with the other men. “These whores. They‟re just walking blood bags.” Daniel pulled the blonde‟s head back and bared his teeth. Serena flung a shield spell around the two women. She couldn‟t stop him from tugging the woman‟s hair but she could stop him from seriously injuring either of them. A shimmer next to her drew her attention. A Shadow Warrior solidified, still in full shadow mode. He‟d probably been here the entire time but for some reason hadn‟t interfered. She almost wished he had. She looked at him and cut her eyes to the rogue. Which one of those women was under the protection of a Shadow Warrior? He wouldn‟t be here if he wasn‟t protecting one of them. “You have to get her away from him.” The Warrior leaned close and his voice was so soft it carried only to her. “I‟m working on getting both of the women out of there without being hurt further. Give me a little time,” she whispered. “She‟s important.” The Shadow Warrior practically growled at her as the vampire tightened his grip on both of the women. “If I get involved in this vampire matter, the man‟s going to be dead.” Serena didn‟t ask how the woman had gotten taken if she was so important. It wasn‟t a good idea to provoke him in his present mood. The rogue‟s death wouldn‟t be a great loss in her opinion but she knew that Marcus and some of the other vampires wanted to take him before their Council for judgment. Angering the Warrior wouldn‟t help get the woman free. “She‟s safe right now. I have a shield around both of the women. Let us get her free. She‟s scared but she‟ll be fine.” Serena kept her voice soft but confident. She had no doubt they would free the woman. It would probably just take longer than the Warrior wanted to wait. “So you brought a protector of your own. Don‟t you trust the vampires around you?” Daniel smirked. The little snake was trying to cause dissension between her and the vampires. She really didn‟t think it would work. The tactic was too obvious and the vampires didn‟t even look at her. “If he was here as protection or specifically to end your destructive run, he‟d be in front of me, coming toward you. Don‟t flatter yourself. You‟re not that dangerous.” She folded her arms across her chest and let a smile tilt her lips. She hoped it would infuriate him. Daniel blinked and tightened his grip on the two women. “You‟re going to die for that, bitch.”
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“How are you going to kill me when you‟re too much of a coward to stop hiding behind those two women you‟re using as shields?” She gave him her most condescending look. Although she didn‟t think the goad would work, it was worth a try. “I personally would have said he was being a pussy but coward will work.” Marcus‟ even tone belied the tension in his body. Daniel looked as if he were going to explode. Red flushed his cheeks and his jaw was clenched. All trace of the nice-guy image was gone. His fangs were bared and he looked just a breath away from attacking someone. Rage glowed in his eyes. She knew it must irritate him that he couldn‟t rip out his captives‟ throats while they watched. From what she knew of him, he‟d enjoy doing that to spite the other vampires. “You‟re very brave when you have all of those men around you.” Daniel‟s gaze locked on Marcus. “And with a high-talent bitch-witch to back you in case you need it.” “Stop acting like a fucking baby. You brought this on yourself when you began killing people and threatening the peace and overall acceptance we‟ve worked years to attain,” Marcus said without a trace of compassion in his voice. Daniel‟s lips thinned. “You want these two women alive? Then let me walk out of here.” “You already know you‟re not going to be able to kill them. That‟s already been taken out of your hands. As to you walking out that door, it‟s not going to happen any more than you giving up and surrendering right now.” Marcus tapped his foot. Daniel nodded slowly as if agreeing. Serena didn‟t know what the men were going to do. Things looked like they were at a standoff. She knew the vampires wouldn‟t rush Daniel as longs as he held the two women in front of him. There was too much chance that the women could be hurt in the fight, even with a shield around them. The vampires didn‟t want to use weapons to bring him under control but she had a feeling that this time it was the only choice. It was going to take weapons to stop him. She knew that most of the vampires and Protectorate operatives had a tranq gun that fired darts which would eventually take a vampire down, but they weren‟t used anytime a human might be in the crossfire. The powerful sedative would kill a human. Considering a vampire‟s speed, that meant they probably wouldn‟t fire as long as he held onto one of the women. “You want one of these women.” Daniel tugged at the woman he held by the hair, pulling her closer. He gave her a shove. “Take her.” The woman stumbled forward but the moment she realized she was free, she ran. One of the vampires grabbed her and hurried her out of the bar. From the corner of her eyes, she saw the Shadow Warrior nod and fade. She surmised that the woman he guarded had been freed and he was now following her again. Serena kept her eyes on the rogue. She knew Daniel was going to try something. If the smirk on his face hadn‟t given her a clue, the waiting stillness of his body would have. He just seemed too ready. She watched his hand move to the table behind him.
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He lifted a beer bottle. His hand swung back and he smashed the bottle against the edge of the table. She noticed he also had a bottle in the hand he had around the woman. It wasn‟t broken and she knew that he couldn‟t cut or hit his captive with it. He had to have released the other woman for a reason. He had to have a plan, something he thought would make it easier for him to escape. Her muscles tensed as she tried to figure out what he was going to do. He leaned down and whispered something in the woman‟s ear. The woman shook her head wildly. Daniel‟s arm tightened and again he said something to her. Whatever it was, it obviously scared the woman. She went absolutely white and drew in a gasping breath. She slowly nodded. Daniel smiled slowly, apparently satisfied with her reaction. Serena wished she knew what he‟d said to the woman. If she knew, she might be able to counter his plan. It would help limit what he was going to try. She knew he didn‟t want to get caught. He‟d do anything to get even one more day of freedom. He‟d most likely use the broken bottle on the vampires. If he injured one of them enough, they‟d let him go so they could save the other man. It was his one chance. Cause enough damage to make a real problem for the hunters. Daniel‟s grip slowly relaxed on the woman. His arm lowered. The woman didn‟t move. She didn‟t even seem to realize that Daniel‟s hold on her had loosened. Daniel‟s hand, still holding the unbroken bottle, fell to his side. Serena bit her lip waiting for the woman to lunge out of the rogue‟s arms. The woman‟s muscles tensed but she didn‟t move. Serena was practically chanting the word “run” in her head. The moment the woman was out of the way, Serena knew that Marcus and the others could handle Daniel. Daniel raised the whole bottle as his other hand moved the broken bottle in small circles. Serena kept her eyes on him even as she hoped that the woman would run while she had a chance. Frustratingly, the woman didn‟t even take a step away from him. Daniel flung the bottle at Marcus. Marcus threw up his arm, shielding his face. Serena was stunned and a little concerned as the bottle slammed into his wrist. She turned her attention back to the rogue. Just as she focused on him, she saw the broken bottle flying toward her. Fear slammed into her and her throat seemed to close. She didn‟t have time to slam up a blocking shield. Stumbling, she did her best to dodge. The bottle hit her arm, slicing into her flesh. She slammed her palm over the wound. Glaring at the rogue, she cursed her own stupidity. She should have been ready for anything. He‟d already shown he was unpredictable. “Well, aren‟t you the sneaky little witch, brazen too.” Daniel smirked. She blinked, not understanding his comment. Then she saw that she held the attention of every vampire in the building. Swallowing, she glanced down at the blood on her arm and realized that they must be able to smell the change in her blood. She groaned. Fuck. She‟d like to kill the bastard with her bare hands. This was the absolutely worst way for her transformation to be revealed. She didn‟t need this.
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Determined to stop him, she flung a spell to hold him in the building. She felt it grab for him, but then it rebounded back and entangled her. Cursing under her breath, she tried to free herself from the spell. The rogue chose that moment to bolt. He dragged the woman past one vampire, using her as a shield. He made it to the door. Serena followed, hoping there was something she could do to help. Blood trickled over her fingers and down her arm. She didn‟t want to let the little toad just escape, especially since he‟d just caused her loads of trouble. He shoved the woman at one of the men standing just to the side of the door and took off running. Most of the men in the room ran after him. She felt a hand on her shoulder and then a cloth against her arm. “Let‟s see how bad this is.” Marcus turned her to face him. His voice sounded a little tight. How bad is it? It was a disaster. She gritted her teeth to keep from screaming. She knew he was talking about the wound but the discovery had thrown her into confusion. He kept the pressure for a few moments before he peeled the cloth away from the wound. “You‟re going to need some stitches. This is still bleeding,” he said quietly. “I just got cut by a beer bottle. I was pretty sure I would need stitches or at least a doctor to check for shards of glass.” She shrugged but her throat felt like someone had a grip on it. She stood absolutely still and let him wrap the cloth around her arm again. She winced as he applied pressure to the wound. The pain was becoming harder and harder to ignore. “We‟re going to get you to a doctor.” He guided her out of the club. “They‟ll call us if there‟s any news about Daniel.” “They‟d better catch him.” She clenched her fist and felt the stickiness of drying blood. “I need a wet cloth to wash away the blood.” He stopped and looked down at her but called back into the club for a wet cloth. She stared down at the pavement. Even with the pain in her arm, she felt numb. What was she going to do? Her choices had narrowed to almost one. She knew she could still run but she had no idea where she‟d go if she did decide to flee. Vampires were everywhere. “Why didn‟t you say something about becoming a vix? When were you bitten? It‟s not like we would just step in and take you away from everything you knew. As long as you‟re not in danger, we would have let you have some space.” Marcus‟ head tilted as he watched her. “I didn‟t discover I was changing until about three weeks ago, the day I met you. It was too late for the drugs to have much effect but I was hoping for another few weeks to adjust. I didn‟t know what to do and I don‟t know how my family‟s going to react.” She bit her lip and met his eyes. A little bit of a lie but she‟d hoped to think of a way to help her mother understand. 62
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His fingers touched her jaw. “Still a little bit shocked, hmm?” “And scared. I don‟t know anything about being a vampire.” She licked her lips. “My mother probably won‟t handle this very well.” “Your mother loves you. She‟ll understand. As to being a vix, you‟ll learn what doesn‟t come naturally. You never said how you were bitten.” His voice was soft and soothing. Serena blinked. He was comforting her. Had she just stepped into another dimension? This definitely wasn‟t what she‟d expected when she‟d thought about him finding out she was becoming a vampire. She‟d always imagined him being more confrontational, more aggressive. “You really don‟t know my family. Blackwells always marry other high-talent witches or wizards. According to my mother, not one person in the family has ever married any other type of being. She‟s very proud of that,” Serena explained. “She might be a little angry at first but with time she‟ll adjust.” Marcus nodded. She took the wet cloth and walked with him to the car, wiping at her hands and arm. She slid into the seat and pulled the belt across her waist but Marcus fastened it before going around to the driver‟s side. He pulled out of the parking lot and she watched as he drove them into another section of town. She frowned in confusion. She had no idea where they were going. This wasn‟t the way to any of the ERs or even a minor emergency clinic that she knew. “Where are you taking me?” She relaxed back in the seat and pressed the cloth into place. “A clinic. Jason called ahead and there will be a doctor waiting for us. He‟ll stitch your arm and check just how advanced your change is.” He paid attention to the road and didn‟t look over at her. “I was bitten almost half a year ago helping the Protectorate.” She licked her lips. “Did you get tested at all or was there a false negative?” he asked. “I didn‟t think that much of it. The bite wasn‟t deep. Witches seldom go through the conversion. It sounds stupid now but I was sure I‟d be fine. I didn‟t get the test.” She grimaced. That hadn‟t been the best decision she‟d ever made. In fact, it rated up there with the most stupid mistakes of her life. Marcus pulled up in front of light beige brick building. She didn‟t see any kind of sign, not even a series of plaques on the wall, announcing what kind of offices the building held. Judging by the size of the building and where Marcus had said he was taking her, it had to be a large clinic or mini-hospital if it occupied the whole building. The windows glowed with a soft yellow light. Walking up to the building, she felt a pulling low in her stomach. She frowned and lightly put her hand over the area. What was that? She‟d have to ask about that later. It didn‟t even rate with all of the other things happening tonight. She felt overwhelmed
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and a little lost. She just wanted to find somewhere to sit and work through everything that had happened. A dark-haired man waited at the door and opened it. “The doctor‟s waiting for you in the office.” “Thanks. I‟ll take her back to him.” Marcus‟ hand at the small of her back guided her down the white-tiled hallway. They walked past door after door until he stopped in front of the next to last door on the right side. Again she saw nothing to the side or on the door to tell who occupied this office. She‟d never have known a doctor had an office here. Why in hell wouldn‟t they put names on or near the doors? “Don‟t they believe in nameplates, signs, something? I‟d think this was just a professional building, an empty building if I didn‟t know there was something here.” She walked through the door Marcus opened and into the reception area. It had been painted and decorated in tones of soothing blue and gray. “Those who need to know of it or learn of it,” a blond-haired man said as he walked forward. He had golden boy-next-door good looks and looked like he should be surfing somewhere. The man definitely didn‟t look as if he belonged in that white lab coat. “I‟m Ted Bayliss.” “Meet your new doctor, Serena. He‟s a specialist in your new situation.” Marcus guided her through the door back to the examination rooms. “I have a suturing kit set up in the first room.” The doctor said as he followed them. “He‟s a doctor for vampires exclusively?” She went into the cream-colored room and sat on the exam table. “Well, I have some other clients but most of my patients are vampires,” Doctor Bayliss said with a smile as he gently unwrapped the cloth from her arm. “And he is a vampire so he has plenty of experience at what he does.” Marcus stood beside her and watched the doctor.
***** She wearily walked into Marcus‟ house. The examination had taken hours and that doctor had even insisted on checking her gums. She really hadn‟t expected him to find anything. Her jaw had dropped open even wider when he‟d said her vampire canines were dropping. She ran her tongue over her teeth again, still having a little trouble believing it. They‟d confirmed that the conversion was happening with a preliminary test. The full test would take a few days. She headed for the bedroom, more than ready for sleep. The hunt had gone so wrong. Being cut and the other vampires finding out that way had been something out of her worst nightmares. She groaned and rolled her shoulders as she pushed open the door. Reaching up, she unclasped the clip at her hair, letting it fall around her shoulders. Her arm throbbed and she‟d definitely need pain medicine tonight.
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“Sit down and take this.” He handed her a glass of water. “I‟ll get your pills out of the sample packs the doctor gave us.” She nodded and wearily sat on the edge of the bed. She took a sip of the water. Part of her insisted that she should be doing that herself, the other part was just too damn tired to care. She wanted to sleep for days but knew that it wouldn‟t happen without some of that medicine. He dropped a single pill into her hand. She swallowed it, hoping that it worked fast. “Thank you.” She tried for a smile but her face felt tight. Her whole body did. She‟d known the other vampires would eventually find out she was changing. She never thought it would be this way. “Where are those pills you were given to help block the change?” Marcus asked. She grimaced but knew there really wasn‟t much use denying him the answer. The conversion would happen soon anyway. “In my makeup bag.” “Let‟s go to bed. You need some rest. Saturday, we‟ll go see your mother.” Marcus‟ hand settled just above her buttocks. “There‟s no use waiting any longer. The end result isn‟t going to change.” Serena stopped unbuttoning her shirt. “When I tell my family is my choice and when that happens, I‟ll do it alone. Bringing anyone else into the situation is just begging for an angry confrontation.” “I‟m not letting you face them alone. If you‟d thought your family would be accepting, you‟d already have told them.” Marcus closed the bedroom door and leaned back against it, watching her. He looked arrogant and too attractive. She could feel his eyes on her as she undressed. Pulling a nightgown over her head, she walked toward the bathroom. She just hoped he wasn‟t going to push the issue about going with her to talk to her mother. She wasn‟t up to conducting an argument about the matter. Too much had happened tonight. All she wanted was a few hours without having to think about everything that had changed. She‟d worry about the problems tomorrow. “I‟m not going to interfere. In fact, I won‟t say much beyond hello unless they start to belittle you. As long as they‟re not screaming or harassing you, I‟ll just stand back and wait.” He strolled to the bathroom and watched as she finished getting ready for bed. “I can handle my mother.” She rolled her eyes. “Then it won‟t make much difference if I‟m there or not.” Just his very presence was going to cause problems. She knew it and suspected that he knew it too. Taking him with her would just start things wrong. She knew her mother would assume that she brought Marcus along for protection. Sighing, she pushed the matter aside for the moment. She couldn‟t argue him out of his decision tonight. She couldn‟t think clearly enough and didn‟t have the energy. Later, she‟d make him see reason.
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“We can talk about this more later. I‟m tired. I think I‟m already feeling the effects of the pill.” She walked over to the bed and slipped between the sheets. While the pain was still there, it did feel a little better. She was sure that if she didn‟t move too much she could go to sleep. “We can talk about it later but I‟m not changing my mind. I‟m going with you.” His eyes met hers and she didn‟t see a hint of softening. “You don‟t always have to get your way. That could get really annoying. I understand the orders during the search for the rogue but you can stop when we finish the hunt for the night.” She leveled a glare at him but he‟d disappeared into the bathroom. “It‟s not about getting my way. You need someone on your side without question.” He came out of the bathroom and turned off everything except the light at the bedside. He slid into bed beside her and flicked the switch of the lamp. She leaned against him and resisted the urge to yell at him. Tomorrow they‟d talk about it. Slowly her eyes closed. The last thing she felt before sleep fully claimed her was his arms slipping around her.
***** Marcus‟ eyes opened. He stifled a groan. Lord, the woman tempted him even in her sleep. Her ass rubbed against his cock with every breath. Her body had seemed to mold itself to his the moment he‟d slid into bed beside her. It also didn‟t help much that his hand seemed determined to wander. He‟d gone to sleep with his hand on her stomach. When her soft moans had woken him the first time, his hand had been cupped over the full mound of her breast. Her hard nipple had pressed upward like a tight berry, tempting and teasing him. Reluctantly he‟d pulled his hand away and settled it back on her stomach. This time his hand was under her soft-peach nightgown. He slowly drew his hand away from her. “Are you going back to sleep again?” Her husky voice sent a thrill through him. He tensed and his arms tightened around her. He felt like a boy caught trying to cop a feel while his girlfriend wasn‟t paying attention. At least he did until she caught his wrist and pushed his hand back to her breast. Then his mind pretty much shut down and his body took over because it liked the direction she seemed to be leading. “I didn‟t know you were awake.” He rocked his hips forward, loving the feel of his cock nestled between the cheeks of her ass. He could almost be happy just with that. Almost. The thought of feeling the tight hot grip of her pussy made him so hard he almost doubled over from the ache. He needed to feel her inner muscles pulling his cock deeper. “You‟ve woken me twice. First with those hot little nibbling kisses along my throat and then with your cock prodding my butt. I know a good idea when it‟s right behind me. You, on the other hand, took some coaxing.” She arched her back, pressing her breast into his hand. 66
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“Not at all. I just didn‟t want to take advantage of you after what had happened tonight. Your arm…” His hand glided over the bandage on her arm. “Don‟t hold on to it.” She shrugged. “Now are you going to fuck me or are you going to be all noble? ‟Cause if you‟re going for noble, I‟m going to have to take care of it myself.” Instantly, images of her hand slipping between her thighs bombarded him. He swallowed hard. Had she said that just to make him crazy? He shook his head and tried to get his mind off the thought of her fingers driving into her wet pussy. He wasn‟t going to watch her find her pleasure. The scent of her arousal already hung in the air. He wanted to heighten it and taste her as she screamed her satisfaction. He moved back, although his cock liked where it was. With a hand on her shoulder, he gently pushed her onto her back. He groaned as he saw the peach silk. Her lips curved into an amused smile. He wasn‟t about to let that thin, alluring sheath get in his way. He gathered it in his hands. She lifted up enough for him to pull the gown over her head. Her breasts jiggled as she relaxed back onto the bed. He watched the seductive sway of her those dark nipples and licked his lips. His hands closed over those delicious globes. Lord, she had the most gorgeous breasts and he couldn‟t get enough of looking at them. But he wasn‟t just going to dive into her. This was going to be for her. Gentle, hot and so memorable. He had to kiss her. Her pink lips glistened. Leaning down, he brushed his lips over hers, back and forth, not taking the kiss any deeper. Her hands threaded through his hair, pulling him closer. Her teeth closed over his lip before her tongue darted into his mouth. He loved the aggression, but knew he couldn‟t let himself be drawn into it. As much as she wanted him, she was hurt. She needed him, but he could give her pleasure gently. He pulled away slowly and drew in a deep breath to control his reaction. “I want to taste you. Do you want that?” Marcus drew his hand down her body to her thighs. She licked her lips and nodded. Her eyes locked on him and he saw the hunger in those brilliant green eyes. He kissed his way down her chest, pausing to drop a kiss on each dark nipple. He drew his tongue down her stomach to the dip of her navel. He felt her shiver and nipped the curve of her stomach before moving lower. Her scent drew him and he knew he had to taste her. He parted the folds of her pussy and lowered his mouth to her. Her legs moved restlessly as he drew his tongue from her clit to the moisture flowing from her pussy. He lapped at the warm fluid. She tasted so good that he knew he could easily get addicted to that delicious essence. Her hips arched up as he thrust his tongue into her. Her fingers clenched in his hair, pulling him closer as she strained into him. Although his head stung from her grip, he loved her reaction. He felt her body tightening and drew back. He didn‟t have the strength to start again. His cock strained to be free of his briefs.
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“You tell me if anything hurts,” he ordered. He pushed his briefs down his legs and kicked free of them as he settled between her thighs. She moaned and grabbed for him, trying to keep him where she wanted him. Her hands only stopped pushing at him when his cock brushed against her labia. “Don‟t be so protective. I want this.” Her hand slipped between them and stroked his cock. He grabbed her hand before he spilled onto her stomach. “I want this too.” Rolling on a condom from the nightstand, he guided his cock to her entrance. He slowly joined them. His cock slid deep into her and he closed his eyes, fighting the urge to pump into her hard and fast. One of her legs lifted and hooked over his. Rocking his hips against her, he set a slow pace that strained his control. Her inner muscles pulled at him as he moved. His mind focused on the feel of her hard nipples brushing against his chest and the feel of her thighs tightening around him. His balls tightened and the burning ache spread up his spine. Only the thought of her wound kept him from driving into her hard until they were both screaming. He thrust against her slowly. Her hands wriggled between them and she tugged at his nipples. He drew in a gasp and his hips drove forward. She moaned raggedly and her pussy clenched around his cock. Her body shivered as her orgasm took her. Those gripping muscles tore away the last of his control. He drove into her and he lost all thought except of the heat and pleasure searing his body.
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Chapter Eight Serena pulled the car into the driveway in front of the sprawling white two-story house, her childhood home. The lawn looked lush and immaculate, the boundary defined by a tall flowering hedge. The large porch and walk were lined with roses and an array of other flowers. Her heart pounded. It was such an inviting-looking porch. She shouldn‟t feel this afraid. She knew Marcus was right. Her mother loved her and would eventually accept the change. Eventually. The present just wasn‟t going to be comfortable. “Why don‟t you stay in the car? This probably won‟t take long.” She looked over at Marcus. She really didn‟t expect the suggestion to have any effect but she had to make it. “I said I was coming with you when you suggested I stay at the house. This bid isn‟t going to work either. I‟m going inside with you.” He smiled and opened the door, stepping out of the car and walking around to the driver‟s side. He‟d remained cheerful through the day and her repeated suggestions that he stay at the apartment. Why did he have to be so stubborn? This would really be so much easier if he wasn‟t there. And if it did turn as nasty as she thought it would be, she didn‟t want him to see it. He might be on her side but this was a touchy subject. On a long sigh, she led the way up to the front door. No use waiting any longer. This wasn‟t going to get any easier. She rang the doorbell, knowing her mother didn‟t like unannounced visits. Only a few moments later, her mother opened the door. Her platinum blonde hair was swept up in a sleek coil. As usual, she looked elegant and poised. Her crisp persimmoncolored pantsuit didn‟t even have a single wrinkle. “Serena, how are you?” her mother asked. Her arms folded around Serena in a loose hug. “It‟s been weeks since you‟ve come by.” Serena smiled, returning the embrace. She drew back and saw her mother‟s eyes turned to Marcus. “Mother, this is Marcus Castillo. Marcus, I‟d like you to meet my mother Elizabeth Blackwell.” Serena stepped back and performed the introductions. “Mrs. Blackwell, it‟s nice to finally meet you,” Marcus said, extending his hand. Serena‟s head whipped around and she stared him, aghast. She felt her jaw go slack. He‟d just implied that they had a long-standing relationship. She waited for him to rephrase that. He just stood there, looking friendly and as if he‟d wait for days for a response. She turned back to her mother and found an elegant brow arched in imperious demand. Serena sighed. She‟d always wished she could put that much attitude into a single brow lift.
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“Marcus means I‟ve talked to him about my family over the past week or so. He‟s wanted to meet you.” Serena sighed and tossed a glare toward Marcus. She wanted to kick him. There weren‟t many ways he could have made this any harder but he‟d managed it. “When you called, you said you wanted to talk to me. Why don‟t we go inside and you can tell me your news in comfort.” Her mother‟s eyes narrowed but she led the way into the house. Serena took a step forward but not before she sent a seething look toward Marcus. Her mother hadn‟t bought that lie even for a second. Now her mother was suspicious. It was going to make telling her even harder. Following her mother into the living room, Serena looked at the white walls with the startling dark chocolate accents while she tried to think of a way to tell her mother that wouldn‟t put her on the defensive. The room was all very much like her mother. Beautiful but part of the perfect image she wanted the world to see. Serena sat on the couch and Marcus took the seat beside her. His hand brushed against hers. She felt a distinct urge to turn her hand against his and just hold him. That small touch had provided an amazing amount of support and comfort. She felt her muscles relax a bit. “Why did you and your friend want to talk to me?” Her mother‟s voice dripped sarcasm. “Marcus is here only as my friend and he thinks I need someone unquestioningly on my side,” Serena said evenly. She wasn‟t going to let her mother start on him and ignore the real subject before it was even introduced. “Why would you need support?” Her mother‟s eyes narrowed and looked Serena over from head to foot. “Are you pregnant with his child? Is that why he‟s with you? He doesn‟t have a drop of magic in him.” “I‟d be thrilled if she was pregnant and I‟m well aware I don‟t have any witch magic. I‟m a vampire and we have our own bag of tricks.” Marcus lounged back against the cushions of the couch. “Silent support, remember?” Serena gritted her teeth. She was getting a headache and longed to just chuck the discussion and walk right out the door. “A vampire. I‟d rather you date almost any other type of paranormal than a vampire. What are you thinking, Serena? You know the Blackwell lineage is pure of any taint.” Her mother straightened, perfectly drawn eyebrows coming together in a scowl. “Well, what you want doesn‟t really matter anymore on that matter, Mother.” Anger and frustration boiled inside Serena. The talk had already turned hostile. She hadn‟t intended it to come out like that. “Serena Dawn Blackwell, how dare you speak to me in that tone?” Her mother rose to her feet.
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Serena suddenly felt as if she were twelve years old with mud on her feet. Never mind that she was a fully grown woman with a life of her own. She felt a flush heating her cheeks. “Serena Dawn?” Marcus‟ soft voice reached her ears. She heard the laughter. “Don‟t start with my name right now.” She grabbed his hand and dug her nails into his palm before releasing it. Now was not the time for humor. “Serena, I expect an answer.” Her mother tapped the polished black toe of her high heels. “That didn‟t come out like it should have.” Serena grimaced. Her mother might have married into the Blackwell family but she took the lineage very seriously. “Then what did you mean, Serena. Explain.” Her mother crossed her arms over her orange-red shirt. “I meant Marcus is only being a friend. He doesn‟t have anything to do with what I need to tell you. Even if I was involved enough with him for there to be possible consequences, it wouldn‟t matter. The damage is already done.” Serena took a deep breath and met her mother‟s eyes. “Serena, I don‟t need the riddles. What are you talking about? What damage is already done?” Her mother‟s head tilted and her lips thinned. Serena felt like running a hand through her hair but resisted the urge. “I‟m not just a witch anymore, Mother. I was bitten by a vampire half a year ago. I didn‟t think much of it but then I started feeling strange.” “You can‟t mean what I think you‟re saying.” Her mother‟s hands slammed onto her hips and her eyes never left Serena. That intense stare and warning tone told Serena that her mother was getting angry. Not that she‟d expected her mother to be calm about it. She‟d known this wasn‟t going to be easy in any way. Her mother was going to need a lot of time to adjust. It was just that knowing it would happen and experiencing her mother‟s chilly disapproval were different things. “I‟m saying that before I even realized what was happening to me, I was almost a full vampire,” Serena said baldly. There wasn‟t any easy way to soften the admission. Her mother‟s head slowly shook from side to side and she paled. “Serena… You can‟t have…” Seeing the look of absolute horror and repulsion on her mother‟s face sent a shaft of pain through Serena. Part of her had hoped that her mother would accept the change and her. She was still a witch. The change in her was only physiological. Nothing else had changed. “After the bite, there was no way to change it.” Serena looked down at the floor but quickly brought her eyes up again. She had nothing to be ashamed of.
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“I told you that getting involved with the Protectorate was a bad idea. Look what happened to you because of it. If you‟d just stayed with your own kind this wouldn‟t have happened.” Her mother‟s voice rose and her face reddened. “Mother, a rogue bit me. Not one of the people I was working with. It could just as easily have happened if I‟d been going to clubs with friends. Aside from that, I like feeling that I am helping other witches and paranormals make a place in the world. It would be all too easy for a few bad incidents to cause a huge amount of trouble.” Serena tried to keep her tone even. She didn‟t want to let her defensive reaction elevate the conflict. “If you hadn‟t been chasing them it wouldn‟t have happened. Do you know what you‟ve done to this family?” Her mother whipped around and stalked to the door. “I haven‟t done anything to the family. I‟m becoming a vampire. It happened to me.” Serena crossed her arms over her chest. She wanted her mother to turn around and look at her. The sight of her mother turned away from her seared through her. The open, hostile rejection stung. “I would have preferred you married a human than to have diluted the bloodline like this. Your father would be so ashamed of you, Serena.” Her mother didn‟t even turn to look at her. Serena felt tears burn the back of her eyes but pushed them back. Her mother was wrong. Her father had never once thrown that pure bloodline crap at her. He‟d always just loved them. “Dad wouldn‟t have cared as long as I was happy. It was you and grandmother who cared who my friends were and if my dates were of magic bloodline.” Serena stepped forward, her hands falling to her sides. “Well, before you had to help the Protectorate, we had something to be proud of. A history that few could claim,” her mother said with disdain. Serena opened her mouth but closed it when she felt Marcus‟ hand on her shoulder. She looked over to find him rising to his feet. He shook his head. She took a deep breath and held back the angry words that wanted to spill out of her. He smiled and pulled her off the couch. His arm curved around her back, tugging her to his side. She felt his warmth wrap around her and relaxed a little. “Mrs. Blackwell, I‟m going to take Serena home before either of you can say something you might regret. My card is on the table and my home phone number is on the back. If you want to talk to Serena, you can reach her there at any time if you can‟t reach her cell.” Marcus dropped his card onto the small end table. “You‟re living with him! That you‟re turning into a vampire is bad enough. That you‟d turn away from everything you are is the last straw. Get out and don‟t come back.” Her mother spun on her heel, her arm slashing up and pointed toward the entrance. Serena blinked and opened her mouth but snapped it shut. There was no use arguing or trying to get her mother to see that there was another side to the situation. 72
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All her mother could see right now was what had been done to that all-important status of untainted witch blood. “Goodbye, Mother.” Serena turned and led the way out of the house. Her shoulders sagged. It had been even worse than she‟d imagined. She hadn‟t even faced her sisters and she felt drained. Her mother wouldn‟t soften her position anytime soon. The woman knew how to hold on to her anger and always had. Serena doubted she‟d hear from her within two months. Marcus‟ hand moved in small circles on her back. Serena let the warmth of his hand and his obvious desire to comfort her flow into her. He guided her around to the passenger side of the car and urged her into the seat. Feeling a little numb, she sat back and let him take control. She didn‟t have the energy to fight with him about it. “She‟ll call you, Serena. This was all a surprise to her and she hadn‟t known anything about you changing. She does love you.” Marcus turned to her after he slid behind the wheel. He reached across the seat and gently patted her thigh. “It‟s going to take her a long time to calm down enough to even think about doing that. My mother doesn‟t forgive easily and as far as she‟s concerned, I‟ve ruined everything. You weren‟t exactly helpful in certain parts of the conversation. I appreciate the support but…” She let her voice trail off and closed her eyes. Resting her head against the back of the seat, she thought about everything that had happened. She wished things could have gone differently. “What do you mean I wasn‟t much help at times?” he asked. She opened her eyes and saw that he‟d turned to face her. She almost couldn‟t believe he‟d asked that. He‟d been there for the entire fiasco but the disbelief on his face was real. He didn‟t know what she meant. “Let‟s see. First, there‟s the „finally meeting you‟. Have you known me longer than I‟ve known you? The short time we‟ve known each other doesn‟t qualify for a „finally‟.” She drummed her fingers lightly on the seat. His mouth kicked up briefly. “You know I didn‟t mean it that way.” “That‟s the way my mother heard it. That‟s exactly the way I heard it.” She looked forward gritting her teeth. She felt so tired. “Can we go? I‟d like to get home.” He started the car and pulled out of the driveway. When they were on the road, she looked over at him. She knew the words hadn‟t been intentional. It didn‟t change the effect they‟d had on her mother. She didn‟t totally blame him. It had been a bad situation for the start. Even if he‟d said nothing or not been there, it probably wouldn‟t have ended any differently. “It‟s going to be all right,” Marcus said. “She‟ll come around and call you. In the end, what you are won‟t matter. You‟re her daughter.” She sighed and nodded, knowing it was the truth. “Eventually. I‟d hoped to think of a way to make it easier for her to accept it but I don‟t think there would have been any way to tell it and have her react any differently.”
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“It wasn‟t going to be easy news to break. You‟re her daughter and she wants what she considers the best for you,” he said easily. She shook her head. It had already been a long day and they still had to see if they could track down Daniel tonight.
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Chapter Nine Marcus looked around the club. He was a little on edge after what had happened the last time they‟d confronted Daniel. He didn‟t want Serena hurt again during the hunt. She needed to see to her own health and he‟d talked to her about it. He wanted her to set a physical blocking shield around her anytime they encountered Daniel. His horror at seeing her hurt had been a little offset by the stunning discovery that she was almost a full vix. For a few precious moments, he hadn‟t even been able to move. He‟d wanted to go over to her and hold her but his feet had seemed frozen to the floor. That had been the one thing he‟d never have guessed she‟d be hiding. He walked deeper into the throng of people. Jason would arrive as backup a little later. He was helping a group of Protectorate men until other vampires arrived. Marcus wasn‟t worried. If anything happened, everyone would converge on the club where Daniel had been sighted. Nothing would be done until help arrived unless Daniel made some sort of threatening action. The man had escaped too often. Marcus wanted him caught. Serena would be in danger until he was finally off the streets. “Ready to do a walk around?” He looked down at Serena, his voice just loud enough for her to hear. She smiled. Confidence shone from her eyes and her stance was relaxed. She looked a little cocky and definitely unafraid. “You really think it‟s necessary?” She pointedly looked around the room. The bar was filled with cowboys and truckers. He and Serena stood out a little in the room even though they were dressed in jeans and button-down shirts. He had to admit she had a point. It wasn‟t the type of place they‟d found Daniel over the last few days. Daniel wouldn‟t fit in with this crowd but they had to make sure and then wait and watch until there was news on where exactly Daniel was, if he showed tonight. They walked around the bar, arm in arm. His eyes swept the groups of people. He didn‟t see anyone who even looked like Daniel. Marcus knew the rogue wouldn‟t try to disguise himself. The man was too sure of himself to try even something as simple as dyeing his hair another color. It would still be blond. He wouldn‟t dress in the wellworn jeans and western shirts most of these men wore. He favored designer labels and edgier clothing. “I don‟t see any sign of the man.” She cast a long glance over the dancing couples. “I haven‟t spotted him either. Let‟s go sit at the bar and keep an eye on anyone who comes into the club.” Marcus unhooked his arm from hers and slipped it around her waist, guiding her around the various groups to the bar. She slid onto the padded chair. Marcus ordered them both sodas. The last thing they needed was to cloud their minds with alcohol. He looked over at her. She seemed a 75
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little distracted but he knew that when they had to face Daniel, she‟d do what was needed. She‟d been quieter since the talk with her mother. Now that he knew what she‟d been holding back, a little brooding was to be expected. He turned in the seat and looked out over the dancers. No sign of Daniel yet. A hand touched his arm. He realized that it was Serena even as her hand patted him again and again. He turned to see what she needed. She wasn‟t looking at him. Her head was turned and her eyes locked somewhere near the doors. She glanced quickly over her shoulder at him. Her eyes were wide and her mouth slightly open. She looked stunned. “He‟s here and he‟s coming straight for us.” Her voice was barely audible over the music. Marcus moved so he could get a clear look in that direction even as he reached for his cell phone. Daniel strode straight toward them. Marcus could see the rogue‟s eyes were fixed on both of them. Marcus lifted the phone. He felt a brush of cloth just before a woman bumped into him, knocking his phone out of his hand. The phone hit floor and there was a distinct crunch as the woman pressed closer to the bar. Marcus cursed under his breath. He‟d never thought Daniel would come looking for him. The possibility hadn‟t even entered his mind. From Daniel‟s fixed stare and relaxed walk, Marcus had no doubt that was just what was happening. “Give me your phone, Serena, and make sure you put the shields around yourself.” Marcus didn‟t take his eyes off Daniel. The man was treacherous and he wasn‟t giving him an opportunity to strike. He had to get the others here to help with the capture. Serena put her phone in his hand. Out the corner of his eyes, he saw her hold out her hand. He didn‟t see anything in her palm but he smelled a slight sharp odor and felt a pulling sensation. She made a small tossing motion. He wondered what that had been about but didn‟t worry. He knew he‟d probably find out about it soon. He dialed a number on the touch screen. Daniel stood there and didn‟t seem to be ready to do whatever he was planning to do. Marcus wasn‟t going to goad him just yet. He had to think of some way to get all the people in the bar out of danger. The more people surrounding them, the higher the danger of someone getting seriously hurt by the rogue. Marcus heard a single ring before the phone Jason answered. “Hello.” “Get everyone here. He‟s here now.” Marcus didn‟t explain any more. Jason drew in a sharp breath and the call ended. Marcus wasn‟t worried about that. Jason had people to contact but he knew they wouldn‟t be alone for long. Jason and others would be here as soon as possible. Water suddenly began raining down over them and the lights brightened as a ringing alarm sounded. The music stopped and a male voice directed everyone to the exits. Marcus smiled as he realized that this was what Serena had been doing. He thoroughly approved of the plan. The people were leaving the building and Daniel‟s 76
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time had just become very limited. Daniel wouldn‟t wait long now that other vampires were on the way. “You‟re ruining my fun, witch. Or should that be vix? I‟m sure they‟ll find many ways to use your talent. Another useful tool for the Council. Just be aware that the Council is notorious for discarding their tools when they‟re no longer useful.” Daniel shook his head slowly but looked confident and totally relaxed. “It‟s part of my job to make sure you don‟t get to play your games. I happen to like it.” She shrugged and smiled. The mischievous tilt of her mouth made him want to see that expression under very different circumstances. Marcus straightened. He saw her glance at him. He knew she had to be wondering about parts of Daniel‟s remark but her focus was on the rogue and the fight. She‟d ask about it later if she was that curious. Most of the people had left the building but there was one group near the end of the bar as well as one woman who was staring at Daniel. He‟d flashed his fangs a few times. Marcus guessed the woman was too scared to move. “She‟ll get tired of playing by your rules. Are you going to put her down at the Council‟s orders when the time comes?” Daniel‟s tone taunted. “It won‟t happen. She won‟t go rogue like you did. She‟s not weak.” Marcus shook his head. He wasn‟t going to get into an argument with Daniel. If Serena had been inclined to abuse her powers, she‟d have had trouble with the Witches‟ Council. He‟d checked. She‟d never even been reprimanded. Marcus saw Daniel‟s hand move just a little. He wondered about it, but the frown on Daniel‟s face began to give him a clue as to what might have happened. Daniel‟s trusted backup plan was magic. The thought was confirmed when the rogue sent a glare toward Serena. “No magic for you today. It‟s not going to be that easy.” Serena drawled, but Marcus could hear the humor in her voice. Daniel lunged forward. His hands slashed toward Marcus‟ face. Marcus jerked back and the hands flew past his chin. Surprise slammed through him. He‟d never expected Daniel to actually physically attack him. Daniel was smaller and not as experienced. Marcus swung. His fist slammed into Daniel‟s jaw. Daniel stumbled back but came back fighting. Marcus knew he had to get away from the bar and the chairs there. They limited his movement too much and gave Daniel an advantage. Marcus took a punch on the shoulder. He felt Serena‟s shoulder against his arm just before he gave Daniel a hard shove. He moved forward, away from the bar, away from Serena. Marcus watched Daniel and waited to see if the man would attack when he no longer had an easy target. Daniel‟s foot slashed out in a vicious kick. Marcus grunted as the man‟s shoe slammed into his arm. He drove his fist into Daniel‟s gut. Daniel doubled over and spun away. Marcus grinned. It felt good to get his hands on the man who‟d caused so much trouble.
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“You‟re not as tough as they make you out to be. I think I‟m going to be ripping your throat out tonight.” Daniel bared his teeth. Marcus was more than willing to let the man talk. If he wanted, he could rant until the other hunters arrived. Daniel lunged forward. Marcus felt a sharp pain on his arm but he knew Daniel hadn‟t touched him. Marcus shoved his hand back but didn‟t touch anything. Daniel‟s hand collided with Marcus‟ jaw. Light exploded across Marcus‟ vision. He kept his hands up in guard and tried to clear the spots from his vision. He vaguely heard a thump and some scrabbling to the side but Daniel was still in front of him. He couldn‟t turn his attention away from Daniel. Marcus could see the man‟s outline, though it was fuzzy. Marcus felt warm liquid running down his arm and smelled his own blood. He knew he‟d been cut or stabbed but he didn‟t have time to worry about it. He blinked clearing his vision a little more. Daniel rushed forward, his fists flying and his feet lashing out. Marcus blocked and slammed his fist into Daniel‟s face. He drove his knee into Daniel‟s ribs. Daniel grunted and tore away from Marcus. He spun and ran for the door. Marcus took a few steps after Daniel but stopped when he heard a female groan and more thumping. He turned and saw Serena straddled over a woman. The sight was vaguely arousing. When he saw that Serena was struggling to keep the woman‟s hands away from the handle of a knife, he rushed forward to help. He kicked the blade across the room. He grabbed the woman‟s hands and Serena scrambled off her. “I‟m sorry. I didn‟t see her until she was almost to you. I couldn‟t get her before she‟d stabbed you.” Serena moved up behind him and checked the wound. Her fingers gently probed at his arm. “You kept her from doing any more damage. What does it look like?” He pulled the wild red-haired woman to her feet, keeping hold of her. “It‟s fairly deep and long. Is it going to heal on its own or will you need stitches like I did? How fast do vampires heal?” Serena asked. “We heal fairly fast but if it‟s as deep as you say, I‟ll probably need a couple of stitches.” Marcus looked down at his arm, trying to get a look at the cut. He could see the blood but not the cut. Serena came back with a cloth and pressed it to the cut. The doors to the club slammed open. Men rushed into the club. Protectorate guards and vampires swarmed through the bar. Jason was at the front of the group. “Did Daniel get away already?” Jason asked. “Who‟s the woman?” “She stabbed me while I was fighting Daniel. Serena kept her from doing more damage.” Marcus looked down at the woman he held. The Protectorate would charge her but she‟d be back on the streets by tomorrow. At least they knew of her now. “Daniel apparently has a few allies we don‟t know about.” “We‟ll hand your assailant over to the Protectorate. Why don‟t you go get that checked?” Jason took the cursing redheaded woman. 78
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“Marcus, let me have the keys. I‟ll drive and you can give me directions to the doctor you took me to see.” Serena held out her hand. Marcus pulled the cloth away from his arm and turned it, trying again to see the wound. “I think the bleeding has slowed enough. There‟s really no need to go to the trouble of driving all the way over there when it‟s not necessary.” “It is necessary. Jason, have that blade tested. He targeted Marcus tonight. Is there a poison that would kill a vampire?” Serena pushed the cloth back onto the wound. Marcus almost smiled at her take-charge attitude. She was probably being a little too overprotective but she did have a point. Daniel had to have had someone following them to have known where they were. If Daniel had trailed them here, he had to have a reason. Jason frowned and he looked like he was taking her comment very seriously. “There isn‟t any poison that would be easily delivered on a blade that would be even close to fatal but there‟s a drug that can make a vampire go almost crazy.” Jason waved to one of the passing vampires. He handed the woman off to the man. “Take her to the Protectorate operatives. Tell them she was aiding the rogue and injured one of us. I‟m going with Marcus and Serena to the doctor.” Marcus raised his eyebrows. Now Jason was taking her side. “I don‟t need to see the doctor. The blade wasn‟t drugged.” “It might not have been but if it was, she won‟t be able to handle you if the drug takes hold while you‟re alone. Do you want to chance hurting her?” Jason leveled a hard glare at him. Marcus got the point. As sure as he was that Daniel hadn‟t drugged him, there was a small chance he had. If he had, that drug would drive all rational thought out of his mind, leaving a raging madness in its place. He could very easily hurt or kill her before anyone could get there to help her. If for no other reason than her safety, he had to go see the doctor. It shouldn‟t take long before they knew for certain if he‟d been drugged by that swipe of the blade.
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Chapter Ten Serena sat beside Marcus in the back of the car. She looked at Marcus and bit her lip. How could he look so calm? That damn rogue had targeted them. If he‟d had a chance, she was certain he would have killed them but she knew he hadn‟t counted on that. She‟d never come closer to using her magic with intent of deadly force than she had tonight. When she‟d seen the flash of that blade in the light, she‟d almost stopped the woman permanently. If the woman had aimed the knife at his back, she didn‟t know if she would have been able to resist the impulse. Serena hadn‟t had time to analyze what she was feeling at the time. She‟d seen the blade and started running. Now she could see that there‟d been more than concern for another person behind the rush of panic and anger. It had been something very deep. “How are you feeling?” Jason glanced into the rearview mirror as he drove. Serena drew here eyes up to Marcus‟ face. He looked a little pale but he didn‟t seem to be under the effects of a drug. His breath came a little fast and his hands were clenched at his side. She hoped he was right and he hadn‟t been poisoned. “You need to hurry. I‟m feeling disconnected.” Marcus‟ voice sounded strained. Jason said nothing. The car surged forward. Serena wondered just what the drug would do to him. Jason had said there was a poison that would drive a vampire crazy. Was there an antidote for it? How long would it last and was it permanent? “You know I‟m getting tired of Daniel getting away from us. The man‟s slippery but this is ridiculous. One way or another we have to catch him.” She squeezed his hand gently, determined to keep his mind off the drug and its possible effects if she could. “We‟ll catch Daniel. You know it takes time.” Marcus‟ fingers tightened around hers. “Don‟t worry. I‟m not going to lose control just yet.” “I didn‟t think you were going crazy on me. Anyway, aren‟t you the one who was sure that there wasn‟t anything on that blade? That you didn‟t need even a couple of stitches.” She winked at him to let him know she was just teasing him. “Trust a witch to say I told you so.” Marcus shook his head at her, a smile curving his lips. He looked more amused than reprimanding. “Well, you know I did say he‟d targeted you and that he had to have wanted to do more than hit you. I know it‟s tempting but I don‟t think it would have been worth the risk of capture if he hadn‟t planned to cause some kind of trouble. You‟ve made life very difficult for him,” she said slowly, raising her brows.
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“You can wait to crow about it until after I‟m back to my normal self.” His deep voice sounded a bit strained. “I‟ll do that. I‟ll ask you more about Daniel then too.” She felt relief flood through her as they pulled into the parking lot of the nondescript building. Finally, they were somewhere he could get some help. Jason came around the car and opened the door, helping Marcus out. Serena scrambled out of her seat and followed them. Jason was carrying Marcus along the sidewalk. He was going so fast that she had a hard time keeping up with him. That he felt the need for such a pace alarmed her. Marcus hadn‟t seemed even mildly concerned until they‟d been well on their way here. Someone must have called ahead with the news because again there was a man waiting to open the door. Serena blinked when she walked through the doors. A wheelchair waited in the center of the hallway but it was like no wheelchair she‟d ever seen. It was made entirely of metal with ample padding at the back, seat, arms and legs. Thick bands rose above the armrests and at the ankles. Straps hung in position to secure the chest, waist and thighs. “Are we going to need this?” the dark-haired man at the door asked. “Yes,” Marcus answered. “I can already feel the disorientation beginning to take hold.” He sat down in the chair, placing his arms on the armrests. Jason and the other man began strapping him into the chair and securing the bands at his legs and arms. Serena could only stand and watch them. She didn‟t understand why they were doing that. Couldn‟t they give him something to counteract the effects of the drug? “Why are you…” She stepped forward to stand just in front of the chair. She didn‟t care if she was in the way. She just couldn‟t stand by and let them do it without some sort of explanation. “It‟s the only way to keep him from going wild and doing something he might regret later. If he‟s not restrained, he‟ll be a danger to himself and others.” Jason looked over at her as he secured the last restraint. “I‟ll be fine, Serena. Jason, don‟t take her back to my place. She might not be safe there. Daniel could know where I live.” Marcus‟ fists clenched. “Keep her safe until I‟m back to normal.” “I will, Marcus. I‟ll keep guards on her.” Jason nodded, his answer fast and in a reassuring tone. “I‟ll be safe. I can take care of myself but that‟s beside the point. I‟m not leaving you.” Serena folded her arms across her chest. They could try dragging her away from him if they wanted. They weren‟t going to have much luck. She was only beginning to come to terms with what he was to her but she wasn‟t going to waste time denying the truth. “You can‟t be in the room with him.” Jason shook his head sharply. “There‟s nothing you can do here.” 81
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“I‟m not leaving him alone. He wouldn‟t leave me to suffer without someone I know nearby and wonder if anyone even cared about me.” Serena took a deep breath and struggled to keep her tone even and calm. “Besides, do you really think you can take me out of here if I don‟t want to go? I might not be up to vampire strength but I‟ve got tricks of my own.” “We need to get Mr. Castillo back to one of the containment rooms. You can argue about it there.” The man cut Jason off before he could respond. Jason nodded but Serena knew that he‟d take it up when they‟d gotten Marcus to safety. She had plenty to say to them about it too. Containment room. It sounded like they considered him to be contagious or very hazardous. She didn‟t care if he was contagious. They weren‟t keeping her from him. The man was her mate. She knew vampires didn‟t have a single mate like witches. She had no real claim on him. Regardless of her feelings, she couldn‟t force him to feel as connected to her as she did to him. That didn‟t change how she felt about him. She thought he wouldn‟t want anything more permanent than an affair. That scared the hell out of her but she had to focus on the present. She‟d deal with the end of the relationship when it happened. They went into the doctor‟s office and past the exam room where she‟d been seen. The nurse stopped only long enough to clean and put some butterfly bandages on Marcus‟ wound. She followed them through the door at the end of the hall. The door led into a stone hallway but the doors along this hall were much sturdier. She couldn‟t tell by the finish but they might be metal. “What does this drug do? Why are you going to put him into a room with what looks like prison door, maybe still strapped into that medieval torture chair?” Serena asked. “Basically, the drug takes away the ability to think. While under the effects, the people are also paranoid and antisocial. They‟ll see a threat when their friends are only trying to help,” Jason said. “He‟ll stay in the chair for at least fourteen hours and in the room for another day of isolation.” Marcus‟ muscles tensed and he glared at Jason. “Get away from her.” “It‟s starting. We have to get him into one of the rooms.” Jason pulled her away from the chair. The other man keyed in a code and the door opened. Jason pushed the chair into the room. Serena stepped forward and looked into the room. It was padded floor, ceiling and walls. The white made it seem so sterile. “You can‟t be in there with him.” Jason guided her back out of the room. His hand rested on her shoulder. Marcus roared and his body arched as he tried to get out of the chair. His hands clenched into fists. His fangs were bared and he seemed totally out of control. “Don‟t touch her! Serena! You‟re not going to take her from me!” The chair rocked back and forth as he jerked against the restraints.
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Jason stepped out of the room and the door slid shut. Serena stood outside the room, her hands clenching and unclenching. She felt torn apart. She needed to be with him but logic told her that Jason and the other man knew what would be best for Marcus. Jason and the male nurse began walking down the hallway toward the exit. Serena couldn‟t move. She was just resisting the urge to go into that room with him. Walking away from him wasn‟t an option. She leaned back against the wall and ran her shaky hands down her jean-clad legs. Having him in there and so upset almost felt like a physical pain. “Serena! You can‟t have her.” Marcus voice seemed to echo in the hall. “You can‟t do anything for him. Come with me. If you want to wait here, you can at least be comfortable.” Jason came back down the hallway and lightly touched her arm. “He wouldn‟t want you to stay out here all night.” “Well, I‟d like to be in there with him.” She looked at the door. It was possible but she didn‟t think it was the best idea right now to be in there with him. “Since that isn‟t an option, I think I‟ll stay here.” The intensity of her feelings scared and amazed her. She really should be trying to put some distance between them. That wasn‟t a choice because Daniel was still roaming free. When the hunt ended, she‟d have to walk away from him. Hopefully with time and distance, the feeling would lessen. She couldn‟t even think about it while the rogue was still loose. It was going to rip her soul apart to leave him. Part of her wanted to hold on to hope until Marcus ended their relationship but she knew walking away wasn‟t going to get any easier. “He‟s too dangerous right now. Let‟s go find somewhere to sit. It‟s going to be a long night.” Jason‟s hand cupped her elbow and he began to guide her down the hallway. Another inarticulate roar came from the room. She actually heard the chair rocking and slamming into the floor. Serena froze. He sounded as if he were in agonizing pain. What if it wasn‟t the drug? It could be something else. She turned back. “Look. You can‟t stay here. Do I have to carry you out of here? Marcus will want to kill me if he finds out you didn‟t go somewhere safe.” Jason‟s grip firmed, preventing her from moving closer to the door. The door at the end of the hallway slid open and the male nurse burst through it as soon as there was room. He looked harried. “Whatever you‟re doing, stop it. He was relatively calm but now he‟s almost tipped the chair over. If he keeps going, he‟s going to tear the straps. I wouldn‟t lay money on that door holding him if he does manage to get loose.” Serena‟s head whipped toward the door of the cell where they were holding Marcus. She‟d probably never be able to convince Jason, the male nurse or the doctor but she knew Marcus needed her with him. Deep inside her, she knew he‟d never hurt her. All his anger, his yelling had been over someone else touching her.
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“Just let me stay here. I‟ll talk to him through the door. I want to be here and he obviously doesn‟t want me anywhere near you.” Serena twisted her arm in his grip and took a step down the hall. “I‟ll be out in the hall, safe from any danger.” Jason looked at her. “I‟ll get you a chair. The first time I see you nod off to sleep, you‟re coming out of here.” Serena sat and talked until her voice was hoarse and she couldn‟t keep her eyes open. She drifted off in the chair and woke on a sofa in an office. Done in light beige and browns, it was a nice office. She saw a picture of a couple sitting on the desk along with a very thin computer. Somehow she hadn‟t expected anything quite so normal in an office that dealt mostly with vamps. The door opened and the nurse stopped in the doorway. “Oh good, I don‟t have to wake you up. We need you to go back and talk to him. He‟s been raging that the rogue is going to get you, that you have to be protected.” “The rogue has been giving us some trouble. It‟s been on all of our minds for the past few days.” She yawned and sat up, combing her fingers through her hair. “I know but reassuring him is all that matters. We don‟t want him to hurt himself or anyone else trying to get to you,” the nurse, Tony Ames, said with a hand on his hip. “He still rambles and rants but when you‟re near him he doesn‟t try to rip himself out of the chair.” “How much longer do you think he‟ll have these rages?” Serena stood and walked toward the door. “Maybe another ten or eleven hours. The drug seems to be very strong and it‟s taking longer than usual. You‟ve been here for nearly ten hours already. Then we‟ll just keep him for observation. The drug sometimes has some lingering effects but he‟ll be back to normal after it leaves his system.” The nurse stepped back and waited until she joined him in the hallway. They headed back toward the isolation area. “This drug is dangerous. Is it such a popular weapon that you often have more than one man in under its effects? I saw four doors in that hallway.” Serena tilted her head. She had a whole new world to learn about and right now everything seemed overwhelming and a little frightening. “Well, it‟s not often used but we have had three or four drugged people brought in to the clinic from a single battle. Since only vampires know of its effects, it‟s only used by vampires on other vampires. Like tonight, rogues use it on their hunters to gain time to escape.” Tony shrugged. The moment the door to the isolation area opened, she heard Marcus shouting. She rushed forward, leaving Tony to follow or not at his own pace. She pressed her hand to the door, needing to see him, to comfort him if she could. “Daniel will kill her. You have to let me out of here, you bastard. She‟s in danger. He knows where she is. He‟s got spies everywhere.” Marcus‟ voice sounded harsh desperate.
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“Marcus, I‟m here. Daniel can‟t get to me. He can‟t find me because I‟m right here with you. I‟m not going anywhere.” Serena wished there was some kind of window or even a viewscreen to the side of the door. In a way, she could understand their reasoning. Although they probably had a camera for monitoring the room somewhere high on the walls, they probably didn‟t consider it necessary to connect it to a view screen here. She just wished they had. As soon as she said it, she realized she was wrong. She hoped Marcus wouldn‟t be able to find the holes in logic in that explanation. Daniel might know where she was right now. It wouldn‟t take a great deal of intelligence for him to figure out that Marcus would have to be at a hospital or clinic. But she doubted even as brazen as Daniel was that he‟d try to get through the vampires stationed outside the clinic. “Serena, get in here!” Marcus‟ voice carried easily through the door. “I can‟t, Marcus. They need to watch you for a little longer.” She leaned her head against the cool metal door. She didn‟t know how much longer she‟d be able to resist going into that room with him. Locked doors wouldn‟t stand in her way long. “They‟re going to take you to Daniel. You have to get away from them and come to me.” Marcus again started wrestling in the chair. She only knew because she heard the chair thumping again. She realized she shouldn‟t have said that. She‟d only made things worse. “I‟m not going anywhere, Marcus. I‟m staying right here.” She rested her hip against the door. “You can‟t trust them.” Marcus‟ voice rang with anger. “I‟m right here. There‟s no one else here,” she said. She didn‟t have much hope that the reassurance would work but wanted to try everything. “Get in here,” Marcus growled the order, and she heard the rattle of the chair. Tony appeared in the door at the end of the corridor. “It‟s not working. He‟s getting more agitated than he was before you came back. Come on. Maybe we can distract him if you‟re in another room. Get him onto another subject.” Serena looked at the door and then back down the hallway at Tony hurrying toward her. She didn‟t want to leave. Marcus‟ torment tore through her. Marcus must have heard Tony because his struggles increased. “No, Serena, come in here. Don‟t be fooled. They want to hurt you!” Marcus yelled, and she heard a distinct thump. The fear she heard in his voice made her decision. Calling on her magic, she focused on what she wanted. Power swirled through her mind and body. Bright light surrounded her and she felt a tug in her belly as if something was pulling her through thick, warm liquid. When the spots cleared from her eyes, she saw only white walls in front of her. She frowned. Where was Marcus? Had she gone beyond his room and into another? A thump and a low growl drew her attention. She turned and saw the chair
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and the back of Marcus‟ head. The straps still held him securely but he jerked hard and the chair tilted. Somehow she‟d ended up behind him. “Serena! You‟re not going to hurt her!” Marcus‟ arms jerked upward but the straps held for the moment. “I‟m right here, Marcus. They‟re not taking me anywhere, especially not away from you.” She walked in a wide arc around the chair. She knew he‟d need to see her before he‟d believe she was in the room with him. “Don‟t go away from me again, Serena. You‟re not safe. Daniel would love to get his hands on you.” Marcus seemed to relax a little once he could see her. “I‟m here. I‟ll stay with you.” Serena took a seat on the padded floor, stretching her legs out in front of her. “Serena, are you in there?” Tony‟s voice came from just outside the door. “I‟m here. I‟m not leaving until he‟s free from the effects of the drug. He‟s calmer now and I‟ll make sure he stays that way.” Serena leaned her head back against the wall. “Just go away and watch the monitor. I‟ll be fine. I can take care of myself if the situation warrants it but it won‟t.” “Don‟t make me come in there and get you.” Tony‟s hand hit the door heavily. “Don‟t you have something better to do? I‟m safe in here. He‟s still in the chair.” Serena threw an annoyed look at the door. The man was on her nerves. She could see the tension cording Marcus‟ muscles again just at the mention of her leaving. “You‟re not taking her!” Marcus jerked forward, the chair coming slightly off the floor. “I‟m not going anywhere, Marcus,” Serena directed the first part of her response to Marcus. She was more worried about him than the annoying man outside the door. “Tony, go find something to do. You‟ve got a camera and I have a shield. Marcus isn‟t going to hurt me.” There was a long pause outside the door. She waited tensely. Would she have to keep him from taking her out of the room by force? She hoped not. She was tired even after the nap. Using her magic hadn‟t really helped that. “I‟ll leave you in there for now. If you get into trouble or he gets agitated again, I‟ll pull you out of there,” Tony warned. Serena rolled her eyes. As if she‟d let him. She wouldn‟t be in danger. Marcus was strapped into the chair and wasn‟t a threat to her right now. It was danger to her that ruled his mind, not hurting her. He seemed to consider anyone near her a danger. Marcus rambled but as long as he could see her, he didn‟t try to get out of the restraints. Serena discovered that just walking behind him could upset him when she had to walk around and stretch her legs after sitting in one place for so long. After that she stayed in front of him. Finally, he seemed to get calmer and more in control. He quieted. Her eyes slowly closed and her body relaxed against the cushioned wall.
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“Serena.” Marcus voice filtered through the layers of sleep, pulling her back to consciousness. She blinked blearily and saw him leaning forward in his chair. He looked relaxed but also a little confused which was understandable. Maybe he was finally back to normal. If he was, he‟d know she wasn‟t supposed to be in here with him. She smiled. Getting to her feet, she took a step forward but stopped. He might not be completely free of the effects. As much as she trusted him, she should be cautious. She looked up at the ceiling where she suspected the camera was hidden. “Tony, get down here and tell me if it‟s safe to let him out of the restraints. Serena stood there, feeling a little helpless. She wanted to go to him and the urge was almost irresistible. “How did you get in here? I know they locked me in here alone.” Marcus relaxed against the back of the chair. She didn‟t know how he could look so comfortable after sitting so long in that chair. After just an hour or so on the floor, she‟d needed to move. “Well, you were having a hard time accepting that I was safe and were going crazy. So I joined you in here and you calmed a bit as long as you could see me. The others couldn‟t stop me.” Serena clutched her hands together in front of her and waited for what seemed an eternity for the door to slide open. “It‟s safe. Jason‟s here to check on both of you,” Tony said as he stepped into the room. “But how did she get in here? You didn‟t open the door and let her in, did you?” Marcus scowled. The hard look on his face gave warning that that had better not be the case or someone would hear about it. “Let her in! She was in the hall talking to me. There was a bright flash like vamps sometimes use and then she was gone.” Tony shook his head and began unfastening the restraints. “I‟ve never seen anything like it. I didn‟t know witches could do that.” Marcus tilted his head and his eyes ran over her. She smiled sweetly at him, not about to explain right now. Speculation burned in his eyes. He tilted his head but said nothing. She could tell he was waiting for her to speak but if she could manage it, she wasn‟t going to say anything about it at all. Jason came into the room and Serena welcomed the distraction he‟d provide. “You look and sound much better today, Marcus.” Jason clasped Marcus on the shoulder just as Tony finished unfastening the last of the straps. “I feel better than I did yesterday. My mind isn‟t entirely clear but it‟s improving by the moment. I thought you‟d take her to a safe house for the night after you secured me in the room.” Marcus stood, stretching. Serena thought he‟d probably need more than a stretch. Maybe a long walk might ease away the cramped muscles but not a single stretch. She personally wouldn‟t want to be near a chair if she‟d just been in one for as long as he had.
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“If I could have gotten her to leave, I would have. She wouldn‟t budge. On top of that, my just talking about taking her away sent you into a yelling rage.” Jason grinned as he glanced over at Serena and then back at Marcus. “With both of you causing problems, I left her here and posted guards. I decided to wait until at least you were rational because she wasn‟t listening to me at all.” “I haven‟t heard anything to convince me that he‟ll be fine and won‟t regress. They wouldn‟t need to monitor him if there wasn‟t some chance of it happening.” Serena folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot. She was confident in her ability. They might be strong and fast but she had talents of her own. “I won‟t leave him as long as there is a chance of it.” “She‟s as stubborn as you are and that‟s without her abilities as a witch. I can‟t think of a way to get her out of here without her cooperation. If you have any suggestions on getting her to agree to leave, I‟d be willing to listen.” Jason shook his head in obvious frustration. “If he was going to have problems, we would have seen signs of it by now. He‟ll be fine, Serena,” Tony assured her. “We‟ll probably watch over him for a few more hours and then release him. He‟ll probably sleep most of the time we‟re watching him.” “See. There‟s no reason for you to worry about me at all right now. Go with Jason and set that witchy mind of yours onto something else.” Marcus strode over to her and hooked an arm around her waist. His hips nudged against hers for a moment. “That reminds me, Marcus. You were right about Daniel knowing where you lived. He tried to get past the gates last night but was spotted. He ran before we could catch him. It‟s getting fucking old. I‟m tired of feeling like a bumbling fool because we can‟t catch him. I‟m beginning to think he has some kind of help. Maybe another witch.” Jason leaned against the wall near the door. “There‟s no other witch involved, not in his escapes. I would have felt the magic.” She shook her head. That was one thing she knew for certain. As to any other type of help Daniel was getting. They‟d know more about his contacts and who he could bring in to aid him. Serena held on to Marcus not wanting any distance between them now that she could hold him again. She rose on tiptoe and brushed her lips over his. She trailed her lips over to his ear. “My witchy mind is already bubbling. The sight of you strapped into that chair gave me some very interesting ideas.” Her voice was pitched low in husky whisper. He stiffened and she felt his arm tighten around her. He groaned and she laughed softly. She loved that reaction and the immediate hardening of his body. “I‟ll leave with Jason since you‟ll just be sitting and resting. Are you going to think of me while I‟m gone?” She stepped back. After only a small hesitation, he released her completely. “After that little remark, I‟ll be thinking of you until I can get my hands on you again.” Marcus‟ hand trailed down her arm but she could see the heat in his eyes. 88
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“Sleep well. I‟ll see you later.” She smiled and winked at him. “You definitely will see me and you‟d better get some rest.” His eyes slid over her, lingering on the swell of her breasts. She could see the promise in his eyes. The heat there sparked some wicked fantasies and she welcomed the chance to fulfill them. She just hoped it was sooner than tomorrow.
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Chapter Eleven Serena looked around the apartment. It was fully furnished but it felt a little too impersonal to her. She just couldn‟t get comfortable here. The white walls and white furniture reminded her too much of a hotel room. Jason had brought her here earlier and had later dropped off some clothing. She felt a little lonely in the big apartment and there was too much time to think. There hadn‟t been any word from Marcus and she was getting a little worried. She was eager to see him and she was tired of being cooped up in this apartment. The urge to do something, preferably something to catch Daniel, bubbled inside her almost impossible to resist. The door opened as she lounged on the comfy couch and flipped through a magazine. She turned her head, expecting to see Jason dropping off something else he thought she‟d need in the days or weeks they‟d be using this apartment. Marcus walked through the door. His t-shirt looked like it had been painted onto him and it outlined the muscles of his chest quite clearly. He looked absolutely gorgeous and undeniably sexy. If she hadn‟t known about it, she‟d never have thought he‟d been drugged and irrational last night. She jumped to her feet and the magazine dropped unnoticed to the floor. “Marcus, they finally let you out. How are you? Does your arm hurt?” She strode over to him and moved around him to look at the wound. It looked like it was days old. She was amazed at the healing but realized it was just another thing she‟d need to find out before her conversion was complete. His wound looked almost as old as hers. “It‟s fine. If it hurts, I‟ll tell you. Stop fussing.” He pulled her around in front of him. She snuggled close to him and slipped her arms around his waist. His head lowered and his lips fastened over hers hungrily. She stroked her tongue against his. She savored his taste and the feel of his mouth against hers. The last few days had been horrible and she needed to hold him. She drew back but couldn‟t resist leaning into him and nibbling at his lips. Resolutely, she straightened. She could feel the hard ridge of his cock. “If it hurts. Are you planning to do something?” she asked, and couldn‟t keep the smile off her face. He very definitely wasn‟t weak from the wound or needing care. Nothing could have made her happier. “You can‟t be serious. After that little comment before you left me, I‟ve been thinking of nothing else but you, me and a chair.” His head lowered and he nipped at her neck.
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She moaned and tilted her head, giving him more access to her throat. Just the feel of his mouth there sent tingles through her body. She ached to feel his teeth sinking into her neck. She‟d resisted the urge to ask him to do it so far but she didn‟t know how much longer she could stop herself. “I haven‟t seen a chair here that would work. The barstools won‟t work. I really don‟t want to end up with a broken leg or arm.” She couldn‟t keep the laughter out of her voice. “We definitely don‟t want you breaking an arm, falling out of a chair. We‟ll work something out. I think the couch might just work.” He brushed his hand through her hair. His eyes roamed over the apartment as if looking for some other option. “Well, what are you waiting for? Get out of those clothes.” She tugged on his shirt before starting on her own clothes. “Are you taking control?” He pulled off his shirt. “If you hadn‟t been almost out of your mind and there hadn‟t been cameras, I‟d have given you something to think about. I could have handled everything, but your ranting did concern me a bit.” She stopped unbuttoning her shirt to trail her fingers across his chest. “If you think you can deliver on those promises, then I‟m more than willing to let you play.” He unbuttoned his jeans and slowly pulled down the zipper. Serena just smiled and peeled out of her clothes. She was more than ready to deliver on those promises. The sight of him strapped into that chair had really given her some ideas. She‟d have loved to climb into that chair and ride him until they were both screaming their pleasure. His skin had gleamed in the light and the soft touches so far weren‟t satisfying her. She wanted to explore his gorgeous body some more. He stripped out of his clothes and sat on the couch. She moved forward, straddling him as she knelt on the couch. His cock brushed against her pussy. She made no move to join them just yet. The temptation was there but she wanted to tease him a little. His hands clasped around her hips. “Now you shouldn‟t be holding me. Your hands are strapped down remember. I can secure your hands if you need it.” She arched a brow, challenging him. She wanted to see how far he‟d let her go with this game. “Ah but I‟m not strapped into the chair. If I was, how could I do this?” His fingers plucked at her nipple. She gasped. That was a good question. Hot sensation flared from the tug. Did she really want his hands secured at his side? Before she could decide, his hands cupped both her breasts. His fingers tightened on them, squeezing and lifting. A moan rolled from her lips. “Do you want me to keep my hands at my side? I‟d much rather touch you.” His teeth tugged at her lip just as his thumbs flicked across her hard nipples.
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Oh hell no. She needed him to touch her. It felt too good. She couldn‟t even think of using magic to seal his hands to the couch. Her head arched back and she closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. Her hips slowly rocked against him. His cock pressed insistently between the lips of her pussy. “Take me inside you.” His hands swept down her sides to her hips, clenching and moving her against him. She lifted her head and looked at him. She wanted that. Rising to her knees, she reached between them and fitted his shaft to her entrance. Lowering herself, a shiver rippled down her spine as her sheath stretched. She held perfectly still, savoring every little tingling prickle. She laced her fingers with his. He smiled and his fingers tightened. Rising, she swirled her hips. He groaned and his eyelids slowly lowered nearly completely, shielding his eyes. “More.” The single word came out in a low growl. She kept her eyes locked on his face as she slowly moved her hips. The intensity in his brown eyes excited her. He leaned close and his tongue swirled over her collarbone. Her hips moved slowly, the rhythm deliberately teasing. The hot tension stretched tighter. She didn‟t rush. She wanted to enjoy this for as long as she could. A lance of hunger swirled through her as she felt the scrape of his teeth on her neck. She wanted to feel those sharp fangs sinking deep. Her gums tingled and she felt a light pressure there. Before she could think about that too much, his hips lifted against hers. She rode him. Her body trembled. She pressed her hips down with every descending stroke, grinding her clit against him. “What do you want, Serena?” he asked. Keeping their hands still joined, he slowly put his arms around her. Excitement flared through her at the new position. She‟d always wondered how it would feel to be tied up and helpless. His thumb stroked over the back of her hand. She licked her lips, unconsciously tilting her head to the side. She didn‟t know if she could actually ask him to bite her. “I want…” His head lifted and he smiled. “What do you want? Tell me.” His fingers untangled from hers and he urged her down onto his shaft and then up again. She made no move to bring her hands back to the front. His lips curved into a wicked engaging smile and she knew the move hadn‟t gone unnoticed. “Do you want me to bind you, to take you as if you‟re tied?” His voice came out in a gravelly growl that sent shivers through her. She felt a rush of heat flush through her cheeks. “I want you to bite me.” Excitement flared in his eyes. His hands urged her down against him and he guided her hips in a slow circle. Her eyes slid closed for a moment. His lips trailed up her throat, hovering just below her ear. “You want me to bite you?” he whispered softly.
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She nodded. Her body trembled with anticipation and hunger. “Then lace your fingers together behind your back and ride me. Show me you want me.” His hands tightened on her butt cheeks. She clasped her hands together, trusting him. Her hips rose. The urge to move harder and faster kept rising. It wasn‟t enough, she needed more. He seemed to need the same. His teeth nipped at her shoulder, leaving a tingling sting. She gasped and felt her muscles clench. He guided her into a faster rhythm. His teeth grazed her neck and tension coiled in her stomach. She slammed her hips down, desperate now. She wanted this. His teeth sank into her neck. Pleasure seemed to explode over her. Heat flared and spread in a rolling wave. Her entire body tensed and quivered from the sheer power of the orgasm. His hands moved her hips against him until he tensed beneath her. He came. She felt the hot splash of his semen inside her. His lips moved at her neck, his tongue stroking over the wound. He finally lifted his head. His eyes were heavy lidded and a small smear of blood colored his lips, just before his tongue swept out to gather it. “I‟m sorry.” His hands stroked over her shoulders. She slipped her arms around his waist and cuddled against him. It took her a moment to figure out why he was apologizing. The condom. “It‟s all right. I forgot about it too.” She let her hand trail up his side. She could hardly tell him that there was no reason for him to apologize. It had felt so right. She didn‟t want anything to come between them. He was her mate. She wasn‟t going to try to keep him near by telling him that. She didn‟t want his pity. If he was going to be with her, she wanted to be everything to him. It was too soon for that to happen and she didn‟t know if it ever would. “It won‟t happen again. I promise I‟ll take care of you.” His hands cupped her face. She tried to hide her disappointment. He was doing the responsible thing but it seemed so wrong. She worked to smile at him. He was frowning. She knew he was wondering what was wrong, that she hadn‟t hidden her feelings from him. He hadn‟t asked any questions though and that was good. She cuddled against him, savoring the closeness, the slow beat of his heart. “Let‟s go find the bedroom in this place. I want to spread you out and enjoy this new kinky side of you.” He slowly lifted her off him before standing. She was glad he wasn‟t going to press her to explain just what was bothering her. That wasn‟t something she was willing to do. It would put too much pressure on him. She focused on the present and walked with him to the bedroom.
***** An hour later, he watched her as she cuddled against him. She looked absolutely content. It wasn‟t her expression now that concerned him. Earlier, he‟d seen such sadness in her eyes. She‟d almost looked lost. He‟d wanted to tip her chin up and talk to
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her until he found out what had caused it. It was the distance in her expression that had astonished him. Before she‟d been so open with him, that withdrawal had sent a pang through him. He‟d wanted to rip away anything that caused that look but he knew he couldn‟t force her to tell him what was on her mind. He also didn‟t want her lying to him. What had caused that look? What was going through her mind that caused her to look like that? “Do you think Daniel will target you again?” She trailed her fingers in circles on his chest. “I don‟t think he‟d try the same trick twice in a row. I‟d be more worried about his intentions toward you. As long as you‟re with us, he won‟t be able to use his magic tricks to against us.” Marcus said and tightened his arms around her. Daniel knew that Serena was a vix. Well, almost. The same drug that had ruled his mind could affect her. There was also the fact that most of the drugs that affected witches might still affect her. He had no idea how her becoming a vix would change that. “It‟s not me he seems to hate, to blame. I think he thinks I‟m just a fool you‟re going to use and discard. He has a real grudge against you and the Vampire Council.” She lifted her head and looked at him. He‟d known that they‟d get around to explaining Daniel‟s remarks eventually. She was right. Daniel hated the Council and he considered Marcus the personification of the Council‟s edicts. “Daniel got away with his killings for a while. We thought another rogue was in the area, one we had a name for. It wasn‟t until that fiend was caught in another state that we realized there was an unknown rogue in the city. Eventually we found Daniel.” He grimaced. There had been plenty of clues but they‟d been so focused on the other man that they‟d missed them. He felt guilty and responsible. People had died because of that mistake. He should have seen it earlier. “Why does he think the Council is corrupt? That they used him and then dropped him when he wasn‟t useful?” She propped her head on her hand and watched him. She seemed just curious. “Because they didn‟t appreciate his skills,” Marcus couldn‟t keep the sarcasm out of his voice. Daniel‟s whining and claims of persecution got on Marcus‟ nerves. “His skills? I know he worked for the Council, but what didn‟t they appreciate? Was he a hunter?” she asked. “For maybe a week he worked as a hunter. He‟d made it through the training but he didn‟t work well with others. When he nearly got himself killed by a rogue chasing after him alone, he was put on a probationary period. Less than a week later he ran after a rogue again, leaving his backup behind. This time, he wasn‟t the one hurt.” Marcus could feel the tension building inside him as he thought about that night. “How badly was the man hurt?” Serena‟s hand rubbed in slow circles over his chest. 94
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He found the move more comforting than he would have thought. Grinning, he silently admitted he liked her touching him. Most of the time she didn‟t even seem to think about it. Her hands reached for him almost instinctively. That gave him hope. He wanted more than just her body. It was after their mission finished that concerned him. Just from her attitude and a few things she‟d said, he knew she considered their living arrangements temporary. She‟d probably leave the day they caught Daniel. He‟d have liked to ask her to move in with him but thought he should probably wait to do that. Her life was changing very fast. It might be too much too soon. They had time. He didn‟t intend to walk away from her or let her just walk away from him. She might think this was only an affair but he had other plans. “He spent about three weeks in the clinic. Four days under around-the-clock observation. He‟ll have scars and it isn‟t that easy to scar a vampire.” Marcus could still remember the blood and the deep wounds. Roger was still having trouble adjusting to the marks on his face and body. “So was Daniel kicked out of the hunters?” She turned and rested half on his chest. With her chin propped onto her arm, she looked comfortable, curious and a little sleepy. “He was transferred to non-fighting position. He was supposed to gather information. He actively looked for ways to involve himself in the fight and disobeyed several orders from the Council.” Marcus stroked his fingers through her hair. “So they finally fired him or whatever it is the Council does to those who won‟t follow their orders.” She drummed her fingers on his chest. “He was discharged. Daniel didn‟t take it well. He went into a rage and did some vandalism to Council members‟ property. Most of them decided to ignore it and let him come to terms with his situation. After a while, he stopped and they thought he‟d found something else to do.” Marcus yawned and looked over at her. He caught her fingers to stop the action. “Aren‟t you sleepy?” “A little but I also want to know why he has such a grudge against you. Don‟t try to tell me he doesn‟t. It‟s obvious he does.” She gave him what was probably supposed to be a serious frown. That expression looked more pouty and sexy to him than serious and determined. He wasn‟t going to tell her that. He didn‟t want to get into an argument with her about it. He stroked his hands up her back in a slow, soothing rhythm. “I recommended he be taken out of the hunters after the first incident. I‟m not on the Council but I head the hunters in North Dallas,” Marcus said. “They obviously didn‟t take your advice. So what‟s his problem?” Serena‟s elbow dug into his chest as she levered up. He tugged her back down. “Be still, that‟s not comfortable. I didn‟t stop saying it. He thinks I‟m responsible for the Council finally acting. That I ruined his career and his relationship with his family.”
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“I can see the blame for the career. He‟s not right but that part is at least semiunderstandable. But the ruining his relationship with his family, that sounds crazy.” She trailed her fingers down his ribs. A rippling, tingling sensation followed the trail. He grabbed her hand again. Was she trying to find his most ticklish spot? Because she was certainly doing a good job of it. Giving her his most serious frown, he put her hand back on his chest. If she continued her exploration, they‟d both be awake for much longer. He could already feel his cock hardening. “Family tradition. Every male in his family has been a hunter for at least four generations. When he was discharged, that was ended and his family didn‟t take the news well. I don‟t think they‟ve talked to him since that day.” Marcus frowned. “The Council‟s version of dishonorable discharge. So he‟s been cut off from his support and generally has been out to make the hunters look like fools out of revenge.” She pursed her lips and her brow furrowed. His thumb smoothed the skin just over her nose, easing away the wrinkles. “That‟s been what we think his main goal is. Are you ready to go to sleep yet?” She smiled and shook her head. “No. How often do vampires get pregnant? I know it‟s theoretically possible. It‟s more difficult than for a human or a witch, right?” “It is more difficult and doesn‟t happen often. It‟s sort of a balance for our long life.” He turned onto his side and pulled her against him. “There must have been times when it seemed like a curse. I know vampires have been hunted even longer than witches have,” she whispered. Her lips were turned down slightly. He slipped his arm beneath her head, one of her favorite sleeping positions. She didn‟t seem to be sad or even worried. He thought the question might be simple curiosity. Not surprising, considering she was turning and after what had happened earlier tonight. “There were times when in vampire history it would have been nice to not have such difficulties. Even though most of the humans who hunted vampires killed other humans for the most part, they did get a few true vampires.” “And the usual male fighting took out some others.” Her eyes blinked drowsily. He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Sometimes. Go to sleep. We can talk tomorrow.” “All right but we will talk.” She snuggled closer, her leg lifting over his. Her eyes closed. It seemed only a few moments before her breath slowed becoming more rhythmic.
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Chapter Twelve Business as usual, Serena thought looking around the bar. They‟d rejoined the hunt for Daniel yesterday but no one had seen the rogue since the night Marcus had been hurt. Serena knew the peace wouldn‟t last. Daniel wouldn‟t be satisfied with feeding from his donors. He‟d want to kill again. If he couldn‟t get to someone in one of the clubs, he might just attack one of his allies or someone on the street. They had to stop him, before he went on an unpredictable rampage. It was only a matter of time before he got tired of taunting the other vampires. If he was going to stop, he would have done it already. It might have started as revenge against the Council and his family but something had obviously changed. “Stop scowling. You‟re not blending in with the crowd.” Marcus leaned closed to whisper in her ear. “Blend in with the crowd. Daniel knows about us.” She shook her head. “If he‟s still wanting to taunt you, he‟ll show up. If not, we‟ll probably hear about his next move in the news.” “He‟s not ready to go to that level yet. He‟s had too much success taunting and playing with us.” Marcus relaxed in the seat at a corner table. He blended fairly well with the jean-clad crowd at this dance club, although he looked and was older than most of the people here. “You sound very certain of that. I‟m tired of feeling like a fool and Daniel slipping out of rooms and areas loaded with vampires and Protectorate hunters. How does he do that anyway?” Serena cupped her hands around the tall, slim glass of soda. “Vampire tricks. An experienced vampire would sense a vampire shimmer but not all our teams have a vampire with them at all times.” He lifted his glass and took a slow drink. “You‟ll learn them once your conversion is complete and you‟ve had time to get used to the basics.” She grimaced. She was trying hard not think about the basics of being a vampire. Things like actually drinking blood still gave her shivers of revulsion. Maybe drinking blood would seem more appealing after the full conversion but right now she couldn‟t get past her mental block. The thought turned her stomach. She had felt the urge to bite him but she really hadn‟t thought about what the biting would necessarily lead to until after the feeling had passed. “My conversion isn‟t in question. Catching Daniel is. Now could I sense some of those vampire tricks?” She tilted her head. “If you were working with a human partner and you were certain there were no other vampires near, you probably could feel him do it. You aren‟t going to be alone.
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Daniel would just love to get some time alone with you again.” Marcus shook his head firmly. Just the look in his eyes was a denial. She knew he was right about Daniel wanting revenge. The rogue wouldn‟t hesitate to attack if she was in a vulnerable position near him. Vampire tricks had let him escape. She couldn‟t stop him from using them. She had no idea how the vampires did them or whether the power came from a type of magic. Magic. Damn it, I’m a complete idiot. She would have raged at herself a little more but she knew she had things to do. There was a way to catch him but she‟d have to push him. Unfortunately, she couldn‟t do this alone or until he arrived. She‟d need help. Serena pulled out her phone and dialed a number. Waiting as the phone rang, she impatiently drummed her fingers on the table. Just when she thought that maybe Claire wasn‟t going to answer, a faint click sounded as the call was answered. “Hello, Serena,” Claire‟s voice said softly. She sounded a little sleepy. Serena couldn‟t hold back a smile. Claire was notorious for checking caller ID. “Hi Claire, I think I might need some help with a case I‟m working on for the Protectorate. You won‟t be actively involved in the mission. I‟ve got an idea and I‟ll need some help at the end of it if it works.” Serena relaxed back in the chair and waited for her friend‟s answer. She was relatively sure Claire would help her but if she didn‟t, Serena knew she could find someone else to help her with this. Marcus‟ hand touched her arm. She looked up and saw him frowning at her. He raised his eyebrows and tilted his head, obviously expecting some kind of answer. She held up her hand in a signal for him to wait. He didn‟t look too happy about it but he settled back into his chair. She knew he didn‟t like not knowing what she planned. “Of course, I‟ll help. When do you need me? What do you need me to do? Should I be with you when you do it?” Claire sounded a little stunned. “Thanks, Claire. No, you can‟t be with me. I‟ll need your help from outside.” Serena twirled a strand of hair around her finger as she talked. “Ah it‟s that kind of help. Sure, I‟ll be ready if you need me. Just call me if you happen to get your chance.” Claire laughed. “Thanks. If this works, I‟m going to need someone. It might be a little on the late side when I call,” Serena cautioned. “No problem. You know I tend to be up later than most. You probably won‟t be waking me up.” Claire sounded cheerful. “If it‟s tonight, you definitely won‟t be waking me. I feel very creative at the moment.” Serena smiled. “I‟ll call you when I need help.” “Okay, it sounds like you‟re going to have an interesting night. I‟ll talk to you tomorrow afternoon if I don‟t hear from you before then,” Claire said easily. “Thanks again, Claire. Bye.” Serena flipped her phone closed and stuffed it into her purse. She looked up to find Marcus watching her.
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“Claire is your friend and a witch, I take it. Why are you thinking of bringing in outside help without talking to me first?” His eyes narrowed and she could tell he wanted an explanation. The arrogance stamped into that expression made her want to cut that attitude down just a bit. “She won‟t be helping catch Daniel. She‟ll be helping me after he‟s caught. If my plan works. If it doesn‟t she won‟t ever be involved.” “What plan and why would you need help? I‟m not about to let anything happen to you.” Marcus sounded offended. “I don‟t think anything‟s going to happen to me. My plan…” She looked around to see if anyone was close enough to hear them talking. “I can‟t do much about those freaky vampire tricks. I don‟t know enough about how it‟s done to say if my magic would even have an effect on it. I can do something about his magic.” “That‟s why you‟re here, to keep him from using his magic.” Marcus gave her a pointed look. “You‟ve been doing it since you joined the hunt. What‟s going to be different now?” She rolled her eyes. Maybe she hadn‟t been specific enough about what she could do but he should know that she meant more than that. “What I mean is that I can keep him from getting away but he‟s got to use his magic first.” “You can stop him from escaping?” He tilted his head. His entire body tensed and she could see that he wasn‟t in the mood for any kind of delay. She wasn‟t going to draw out her answer. This wasn‟t the time to play teasing games. “If he uses his magic, I can stop him from leaving. It will be up to you vampires to control him after I do it.” She met his eyes. She‟d explain later that she‟d be stopping herself from leaving, using any magic at all. “He hasn‟t been shy about using his magic. I think he likes testing himself against you.” He relaxed and tossed a smile at her. Serena didn‟t know if that was true but she doubted it would be easy to get Daniel to use his magic. Even if she managed to lock him into a room, stopping and catching him wouldn‟t be easy. Daniel wouldn‟t just surrender once he was trapped. He‟d probably rip the place apart before the other vampires managed to wrestle him down to the ground. She wanted to get this finished but almost as if Daniel knew she was eager to find him, he didn‟t show that night. She went back to the apartment with Marcus feeling a little depressed. She looked over at Marcus as she dropped onto the couch. She suddenly realized that if they had caught Daniel tonight, there would be no reason for her to be here with him. They would both have been able to go back to their homes. She licked her lips. This might be the last time they were together like this. There wouldn‟t be any danger. She didn‟t know if he‟d even want to continue seeing her. “Come here.” She slowly unbuttoned her shirt. If this was her last chance to be with him, she was going to savor every moment she had with him. 99
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“In the mood to give orders, are you?” His lips tilted in a slow smile and he walked over to her. He took her hand and pulled her to her feet. “No, I‟m in the mood for you.” She pressed her hips against his and slipped her arms around his waist. “Anyway I can get you. What do you want?” He drew her lower lip between his and sucked at it for a moment. She moaned as tingles spread over her. She loved the way he touched her as if he couldn‟t get enough. No matter how much he touched her, he seemed to want more. His tongue slid over her lips. She relaxed against him, responding eagerly. His taste flooded into her. She loved that. Need tightened low in her belly. She nipped at his lips. Her hands slid up his shirt and worked at the buttons of his shirt. “I want you in bed.” His hand tugged off her open shirt, letting it fall to the floor. She trailed her tongue along his neck. A tremor shook his body. His head fell back and a groan rumbled in his chest. Her feet left the ground as his hands tightened on her buttocks. She smiled in triumph at drawing such a strong reaction. She wanted him to need this as much as she did. “Let‟s get to bed, then.” She nibbled at his neck and wrapped her thighs around his waist. He drew in a sharp breath and began striding toward the bedroom. She drew her nails over his back. If she had her way, he‟d remember this night long after he left her. She felt something wild uncurl inside her. When he put her on the bed, she came to her knees and pulled off the rest of her clothes quickly. He unbuckled his pants and kicked out of his shoes. In a rush of movement, he stripped out of his pants and pulled off his socks. She moved, giving him space as he climbed onto the mattress. She pushed him onto his back. He let himself fall onto the soft sheets. A husky laugh rumbled from him. He pushed a condom into her palm. She rolled it onto his cock. Concentrating for a moment to channel her magic, she held out her palm. A small thin rod appeared in her hand. Marcus raised his brows at the sight of the rod. “Are you thinking of using that on me?” He looked more than a little dubious about the idea. She grinned. “That does sound interesting but no. You‟re going to touch me with it. I‟ve got my own tricks. I thought you might want to play too. I can always send it away if you don‟t want it.” “Touch you with it? Where?” He took the glowing, silver rod out of her hand. “Anywhere you‟d put your fingers or mouth,” she whispered as she bent and dropped a kiss on his chest. She let her magic flow through her body. She enjoyed the way his eyes widened. She knew that her touch would send warm tingles over his skin. He didn‟t remain still for long. He drew the rod across her arm experimentally. She closed her eyes as the warm prickling sensation spread over her arm and low in her belly. It felt like electricity pulsing as moved it back and forth. She moaned.
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“Are my arms the only thing you want to touch?” she whispered. He slid the rod across her belly and she drew in a shaky breath. Maybe she should have kept her mouth shut. The man might be getting too good at this. In a way, she wanted to draw this out for a long time. She wasn‟t going to let him do everything though. She moved down his body. “Uh-uh.” His denial drew her head up as his hand closed on her shoulder. “Not yet. You can get more adventurous with those electric lips later. I want to suck on your breasts and see which you prefer. My lips or your little toy.” “I already know that. I like your lips much more than any toy.” She stopped moving down his body, content for the moment to play with what she could easily reach. It was probably better than following her impulse to get her mouth around his shaft. She didn‟t want this to end too quickly. He smiled. “I‟m not so easy to convince. I want to see the results myself.” She smiled and drew her fingers across his chest, putting just a little extra zing in the touch. He bared his teeth and swirled the small rod around her nipple. She stiffened and her breath locked in her throat. Fire followed the path of that light touch. She shivered and licked her lips. His hot breath brushed across the slope of her breast. The pleasure stick sent prickles over her skin but his mouth… She knew what he could do with that mouth. He couldn‟t have any doubt that she loved it. She felt slick liquid on her thighs and a steady throb of desire. His smile was pure wicked anticipation. He might not know exactly what the rod could do but he seemed absolutely certain of his ability regardless of that. She wasn‟t about to let him have all of the fun. She drew her hands inward, plucking at the flat nipples. His shoulders shifted on the blankets. She licked her lips and leaned down to swirl her tongue around one dark circle. His fingers threaded through her hair. He trailed the pleasure stick down her back. The tip skated down her spine, sending ripples of sensation ripping over her. Her head fell against his chest as her body shook. She licked at his chest. She didn‟t know how much longer she could play. She might have started this but he‟d found spots she‟d never imagined would be so erotic. “Your lips feel so good. Every touch seems so intense.” His voice sounded rough and she could see the pounding pulse at his throat. She licked her lips. The sight of that flickering skin stirred something inside her. She wanted something. Her gums ached. She firmly pushed the impulse away and focused on him, on giving him as much pleasure as she could be before they both lost control. The pleasure wand drew down the crevice between her buttocks. She cried out and felt her inner muscles clench. She drew her tongue slowly across his neck, her teeth scraping over the skin. He trembled and she felt his cock twitch against her thigh. She wasn‟t sure she was going to be able to wait until he was inside her. The pleasure stick circled the tight clench of her anus.
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She had to push him into moving faster. Her hand slid down his body and closed around his cock. She sent an extra pulse of magic through her fingers. He tensed, his breath exploding out of his chest. His hands closed around her waist. He rolled, looming over her. She smiled, thrilled at his aggressive move. His lips parted, revealing his lengthened fangs. “Now it‟s my turn to play and tease.” His hot breath fanned over her breast. She gasped imagining the feel of him drawing her nipple into his mouth. A small moan of disappointment left her as his lips moved to her belly. Her fingers moved to his hair. Tugging, she tried to guide him to where she wanted him. He didn‟t move back up her body. In fact, she felt the graze of his teeth on the soft flesh of her belly. He looked up at her, his brown eyes shot with golden sparks. “Do you think I‟m going to do as you ask?” he questioned. The pleasure rod skimmed up her thigh. She shivered and drew her knee up, giving him more room. The thin shaft drew between the plump lips. Fire shot up her body. She arched off the bed. He had to stop. She was too close. “If you keep playing, I‟m going to come.” Her voice sounded hoarse as if she had something stuck in her throat. He nipped at her thigh, his tongue swirling over the sting before his eyes met hers. “I want you to come. I want you wild and out of your mind with pleasure and then I want to make you wild again.” Her body shook just at the thought. She bit her lip. She was only a breath away from pleading for that, for anything. The very male, very predatory look in his eyes told her he knew just how close she was. He touched the pleasure wand to her clit. Bright heat exploded over her and her body trembled. Her heart slammed inside her chest as she came. The intense sensation seemed to last for an eternity. Pleasure washed through her in wave after wave. She blinked and her eyes met his. He‟d watched. A flush rose over her cheeks. He licked his lips and slowly drew the pleasure rod down circling it around her moist entrance. She bit her lip and wondered if he‟d actually slide that rod into her. The muscles in her thighs quivered. She wanted to grab his hand and pull him closer. “You‟re aching, wondering if I‟m going to slip this inside you. Well, you‟re just going to have to wait and see. I‟m going to enjoy watching you get hot again.” His tongue swirled around the indentation of her bellybutton. “I want to taste you first.” She squirmed and felt a rush of thick liquid. He was such a tease. His lips moved lower. She drew in a shaky breath as he lifted her other thigh over his shoulder, opening her completely to him. He leaned in close. His tongue traced along the slick lips. She shivered and her fingers tightened in his hair. He let his teeth drag across the sensitive skin. She relaxed her thighs, wanting him closer, his touch firmer. His tongue slid up the divide and circled her clit. She trembled. He was playing. Touching just
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firmly enough to drive her insane but away from any sensitive area, keeping her from going over the edge. “Damn it, if you‟re not going to do something, I‟ve got some definite ideas.” She tugged his head up and glared at him. If he didn‟t do something, she wasn‟t above using her magic to get what she needed. The man was courting being restrained. He laughed. “I‟m sure you‟d do it too. I‟m not going to disappoint you. You‟ll feel my mouth.” Just after the last word left his mouth, his head lowered. His mouth closed over her clit. He sucked at it, his tongue flicking at the hardened bud. He seemed to feed on her response. His mouth closed over her clit. A gasping cry fell from her lips. His tongue quickened and his mouth moved hungrily. She arched into him. A scream locked in her throat as he slowly pushed the pleasure rod inside her. Prickles sizzled outward from the torturous touch. Too much. Her hands fell to her side. Her head tossed on the bed. He slowly pulled the thin rod out and slid his mouth lower. He feasted, lapping the juices spilling from her. Her nails scraped over his shoulders. He rose, tossing the pleasure rod across the room. His cock nudged against her clit. She lifted her hips, urging him to move faster. As soon as he was close enough, she slanted her lips across his. She tasted her own essence mixed with his distinct taste. His tongue thrust against hers as he slowly joined them. He moved cautiously, as if he was afraid that he might hurt her if he moved too fast. She framed his face, pouring everything she had into kiss. He began thrusting into her. She panted, breaking the kiss. Her head tilted to the side. His jaw was clenched. Suddenly the night before flashed through her mind. She needed him to bite her. It would only feel right when he did. He wouldn‟t bite her unless she asked him. “Bite me, Marcus.” She nipped at his lips. He hooked her left leg over his arm and rocked into her. Serena ran her hands down his back, letting the magic in her hands push him closer to the edge. His mouth dropped open and his head tipped back. She could clearly see the flash of his fangs in the light. He went deeper with each thrust. His pace quickened and his head lowered. His mouth moved over her neck, kissing and licking. She moaned, wanting, needing to feel his teeth sinking into her neck. His hips drove against her. His teeth scraped and then sank deep. She gasped and arched up into his thrusts. The surge of hot pleasure sent her over the edge. Her entire body shook as she came. He stiffened above her. She felt the tremors roll over him as his release took him. She stopped the pleasure spell and stroked her hands over his back. She wanted to talk now that they‟d both calmed a bit. She had some questions to ask and he was the only vampire she knew well enough to ask. “Damn, woman, I never knew playing with magic could be so interesting. Why did you decide tonight to do that?” He licked at the small wounds on her neck.
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She closed her eyes. It had been the next logical step for her. She couldn‟t tell him that. He‟d want to know what it was the next logical step toward. He couldn‟t know just what sharing magic meant to a witch. “That was so intense. Is it always like that?” He lifted his head and looked up at her. She wasn‟t about to tell him that that was the first time she‟d ever shared her magic with a lover. The questions it would lead to were too revealing. When a witch shared her magic with her lover, it was a very intimate act. Something usually reserved for a witch‟s mate or husband if she‟d chosen to marry a man who wasn‟t her witch-mate. She just shrugged and decided to try to change the subject. “Is the bite always pleasurable or is it only during sex that it‟s that way?” She tilted her head and smiled at him. Her entire body still felt sensitive and she knew it wasn‟t the effects of her magic. “I mean it‟s not like an orgasm and I can still feel the sting of the bite but the pleasure made it more than worth it.” “It always feels good but the bite does intensify orgasm and the skin is sensitive afterward. There‟s a chemical that‟s released during the bite. A sort of bonus for the donors. There wouldn‟t be many people who‟d volunteer to be donors if it hurt,” he said softly. “That‟s good. I wouldn‟t want to cause someone pain on a regular basis. How do you find someone to be a donor? It would seem a bit dangerous to just ask someone off the street to give you their blood.” She watched as he withdrew and disposed of the condom. She waited until he‟d returned to the bed. It felt a little wrong for him to be using a condom but she knew that it was something that would have to continue. “We have a registry. Some donors do prefer to be with a specific vampire but there are plenty of men and women available whenever you need to find one.” He patted her arm as he pulled the blanket up around them. She wasn‟t going to think about male and female donors and the choice she‟d have to face at some point soon. That was a decision she‟d make after she adjusted to the thought of actually taking blood. Getting bitten, biting and drinking blood were three very different things. Right now she had problems even thinking about it without her throat tightening and her stomach churning in revulsion. “It all sounds a little strange to you, doesn‟t it?” He curled an arm around her waist and tugged her closer. She grimaced. “I can understand the need for a registry but I can‟t even think about drinking blood. The idea makes me want to gag.” He laughed softly. “You‟ll get past that eventually. You‟ll want and need to take blood.” She couldn‟t imagine it happening now. “The donors. What do they get out of it other than a bit of pleasure and maybe some dizziness.” His hand stroked her back. He looked sleepy and satisfied. “They get paid a fee. Some of them start out trying to find out if they can be converted. The very few who are 104
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capable of being turned find their place among us. Those who can‟t stay because they can use the extra money. She couldn‟t see the allure of being converted. Okay, she did get the long life part but there was more to it than living for hundreds of years. An idiot would see that after a little thought. She wouldn‟t have ever asked to be bitten. To be truthful, she had more than enough trouble without chasing more. Was it just the fascination of a longer life or the perceived power? She knew there was a perception that all vampires held some position of power and had a horde of gold and jewels.
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Chapter Thirteen Serena sat tensely in the car as they rushed through the streets toward a club where Daniel had been spotted. They had enough evidence, had witnessed enough to condemn Daniel. Now they just had to catch him. If all went well, tonight would be the last night they searched for Daniel. He would finally face justice from the Vampire Council. She watched as Marcus pulled into a large parking lot. Her muscles bunched as thoughts of what she needed to do and the destruction Daniel could cause ran through her mind. Somehow, she had to provoke him into using his magic. Then she had to set the spell, locking him into the club. After that, the vampires‟ work would begin. She wouldn‟t be able to do any magic once the spell was cast. The timing wouldn‟t be easy. She had no desire to feel the sting when the spell took effect. Getting out of the car, her stomach felt tight and her heart was pounding. She knew her breathing was a little faster than normal. She worked to calm herself. If she went in there all excited with her heart racing, Daniel would know she had something planned. She composed herself before they entered the club. She noticed that the room wasn‟t as crowded as she expected. Maybe they‟d cleared some of the people out of the club. She couldn‟t understand why Daniel was still here if that was the case. Then again, a lot of what Daniel did didn‟t make much sense to her. At times, he seemed to want to get caught. Maybe he was tired of being on the run. Whatever the reason, she was more than happy to help catch him. Walking across the wooden floor toward the vampires, her eyes slowly scanned the room. She suspected that Daniel was somewhere beyond them. He was probably using his magic to keep the other vampires away from him. She smiled as she strolled through the crowd. Daniel stood near the far wall. He stood just behind a young woman, his arm banded around her waist. Too bad for him that she recognized the woman. His fangs were bared. She folded her arms across her chest and waited for Marcus to get through the people. He laughed softly when he arrived. “You‟re not buying this little act, are you, David?” Marcus looked over at a redhaired man standing nearby. “You‟ve seen her before?” David looked over at them, a frown on his face. “She‟s the woman who stabbed Marcus,” Serena said. “He might kill her but only if she‟s outlived her usefulness to him.” “We didn‟t know he was holding one of his allies as a hostage. That would change how we handle him.” David looked back at Daniel. “Whether he kills his friend or decides to give up his latest gambit isn‟t of much consequence. He‟s not going to escape tonight.” Serena tried to prod his temper. 106
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Daniel released the woman and pushed her away from him. The woman scurried out of the way and Serena lost sight of her. One of the Protectorate men or the vampires should grab her. She had no idea when he‟d last used magic and she needed the energy to be fresh around him. She could tell there were magic users in the room. They‟d probably be trapped here when she set the spell but that was a consequence that couldn‟t be avoided. Since Daniel was also a vampire, she had to make sure that the magic was intense and very present around him to ensure that the lock worked on him as well. Daniel growled. A rush of magic hit the shield Serena had placed around the group in front of Daniel. It was the same type of spell he‟d hit her with that first day. This time she‟d been prepared for it. Good thing too. He hadn‟t sent that one at only her. He‟d wanted to send everyone flying through the air. Serena laughed softly. “Not quite that easy this time, Daniel.” Quickly she dropped the shield and set the lock spell. Daniel yelped and staggered as it slammed into place. She took a few steps back, removing herself from the front line of what she suspected would be a heated battle. Daniel probably wouldn‟t go quietly even when he realized that he had no more magic. “Marcus, you and the others can take him now. I‟ve done what I planned.” She caught Marcus‟ eyes and smiled just to let him know everything was fine. She kept moving back, wanting to give them room. Vampire fights could be wild, bloody and deadly to anyone caught in the middle of the action. It definitely wasn‟t her idea of fun. Marcus and the other vampires moved forward as a group. Daniel blinked. He flung his hand out and his eyes widened. He tried again and grimaced in pain. She couldn‟t stop the small smile from kicking up the corner of her mouth. He‟d finally realized she‟d done more than neutralize one spell. She felt a rush of accomplishment. “You bitch! What have you done to me?” Daniel‟s eyes found her through the group of men. Hate blazed in his eyes. “Just leveled the playing field for them. Now it‟s vampire against vampire. No magic involved.” She smiled. It felt a little strange not having her own magic to rely on but she knew the situation was only temporary. For Daniel though it would probably be permanent. They‟d put spelled cuffs on him once he was captured. Daniel didn‟t have time to call her any more names. The other vampires were closing fast. He threw up a ball of light that exploded. Serena blinked, trying to clear her vision after the flash of bright light. The feat did make her curious. It must be one of the vampire tricks. The fact that it hadn‟t been blocked told her that it wasn‟t linked in any way to magic. Well, to the witch kind of magic. “It‟s not so easy now, is it, Daniel? We know all your tricks, can do all of them. You‟re not going to get away from us this time.” Marcus‟ voice sounded cheerful. Serena‟s was glad they were prepared for those tricks. She still had spots flashing in front of her eyes. They felt dry and irritated. The urge to rub at them was almost 107
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overwhelming but she knew it would probably make it worse. She focused on the fight and ignored the sensation as much as possible. Marcus stepped forward out of the group and began circling toward Daniel. She had to peer around one of the men in front of her to get a clear view of what was happening. Daniel began circling opposite Marcus. Both men‟s bodies had lowered into a crouch. Marcus looked confident and relaxed. Daniel seemed edgy. She just hoped Marcus wasn‟t underestimating the rogue. She knew that Marcus didn‟t consider Daniel much of a threat. Well, at least not to himself physically. It was always Daniel‟s threat to anyone weaker that concerned him. Marcus had seemed certain of his own abilities in a fight. “Not going as planned, is it?” Marcus‟ grin revealed the tips of his fangs. Daniel scowled. “I‟ve gotten out of tougher situations. All I‟ve got to do is get out of this club. And I will.” Serena kept her mouth shut. He was so wrong and she was sure that he wouldn‟t get anywhere near the door. He wouldn‟t get past Marcus probably. She knew he wouldn‟t get through all the Council vampires sent after him. Marcus darted forward. His fist slammed into Daniel‟s cheek. It didn‟t even seem to faze the rogue. Daniel‟s fist hit him in the ribs. She winced but Marcus barely flinched. He pressed forward. His clenched fists pounded into Daniel‟s body and face. Daniel spun wrenching away, dancing out of reach. Marcus followed, determined to end the fight. Daniel was trying to keep his distance. That wouldn‟t work for long. Marcus smiled. Daniel‟s eyes slid around the men who‟d formed a loose circle around them. He was obviously looking for a way out of the battle. A way to escape but it wasn‟t happening this time. Marcus saw when Daniel realized it wasn‟t going to be as simple as slipping away from them. Daniel squared his shoulders and leapt toward Marcus. Marcus met him in the air. He wanted the rogue stopped now. Daniel‟s fist slammed into his jaw. Marcus saw sparkles of light flashing in front of his eyes just as his own fist collided with Daniel‟s chin. Daniel stumbled back. Marcus didn‟t follow. He needed the time to clear his vision. By the time, he could see clearly again Daniel was once again barreling toward him. Daniel tried to tackle him and take him to the ground. Marcus stepped to the side managing to avoid those grasping hands. He wasn‟t about to let the bastard have any advantage. Marcus gritted his teeth. This was taking longer than he‟d expected. He really hadn‟t expected Daniel to get in even one good punch. He pushed down his irritation, not wanting to let it give Daniel an edge. He wanted this over quickly. He had a feeling something would go wrong if this took too much longer. Daniel had nothing to lose. He knew the Council would never let him free again. Marcus went on the attack. He slammed punches into Daniel‟s gut. Daniel fought with desperation. He didn‟t block any of the blows, just kept swinging. Marcus couldn‟t
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believe the man‟s endurance. Daniel didn‟t seem to feel any of the punches. Marcus blocked what he could and kept fighting. He slammed a kick into Daniel‟s gut. A scream of pain seemed to echo in the silent club. Marcus heard the fear in the female voice. It sounded like Serena. His head swung toward the sound. He saw Serena clutching her side and Jason wrestling with a woman. Marcus reeled as Daniel‟s hand slammed into the side of his head. Marcus staggered. He expected Daniel to press his advantage and prepared to block. Marcus saw Daniel‟s back as he slipped through a gap in the ring of men that had formed when Serena was hurt. “Get him!” Marcus yelled. Daniel wasn‟t going to escape not this time. He didn‟t know what had happened but he knew that if it was serious, Jason would have signaled to him. Marcus lunged to his feet and sprinted after Daniel. Daniel made it to the club door but just as Marcus thought he‟d slip out of the door and run into the night, he seemed to hit a wall. Daniel staggered and fell back onto his ass. Before Daniel could get to his feet, the vampire operatives were on him. The cuffs were clamped onto Daniel‟s wrists. “Serena, you can call your friend now.” Marcus called watching with satisfaction as Daniel was hauled to his feet. “Marcus, get over here!” Jason called. He heard Serena speaking softly on the phone even as he turned. He saw Jason holding cloths to her side. She dropped the cell phone back into her purse. She looked a little pale. “Claire‟s on her way,” she said. “Keep the pressure up, Jason. That knife went deep. As soon as she gets here, you can take Daniel to your Council.” “Someone else can take him to the Council.” Marcus shook his head and crossed the space between them. He gently peeled the cloth away to look at the wound. He saw not one but two deep stab wounds in her side. “You were the vampire in charge. You need to do it. I‟ll be fine. Jason can take me to the doctor. It‟s a wound. It‟s not anywhere near fatal. I‟ll be fine.” She gave him a small smile. “It‟s your duty and I understand that.” Marcus frowned. Why would she think that he‟d just leave when she was hurt? The Council wouldn‟t care who brought Daniel as long as he was caught. “Marcus, I know you‟re worried about me. I also know you won‟t be really satisfied unless you‟re there when he‟s handed over to the Council.” She touched the side of his face. “They will take him. You‟re more important than he is.” Marcus waved that argument away and glowered at her. She must have hit her head too. That was the only reason he could think she‟d believe he‟d just leave her. “I‟ll talk to them after I‟m certain you‟re going to be safe.”
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She looked at him and seemed to decide he wasn‟t going to budge on that. He nodded and looked impatiently at the doors. When would her friend get here? And how long would it take for her to undo what Serena had done? Serena‟s phone rang. She dug it out of her purse and spoke on it. “Claire, wants to make sure that everything‟s secure before she unlocks the spell.” “Tell her to take it off. Daniel‟s not going anywhere,” Marcus said. He watched the door, waiting. “How will we know when the spell has been taken off?” “She‟ll come into the club,” Serena answered softly. “It shouldn‟t take more than a few moments.” Marcus watched the doors, anxious to get Serena to the doctor. She was swaying on her feet. He put his arm around her and applied a little more pressure to the wound. He looked over at Jason. “You take Daniel. I‟ll be there to give my report as soon as I‟m sure Serena is safe,” Marcus said. Jason nodded. “I‟ll make sure he‟s locked up securely.” Serena leaned heavily against him. The door pushed open and a black-haired woman walked into the room. Marcus scooped Serena off her feet and began striding for the doors. The woman stopped, the smile on her face slowly fading. “What happened to her?” the woman asked. “She was stabbed. We had to wait for you to arrive before we could get her out of here,” Marcus said tersely as he strode past her. “She didn‟t tell me she was hurt. That there was anything wrong.” Claire shook her head and began following them. “How badly is she hurt?” “She‟ll be fine but I have to get her to the doctor now. I‟ll have her call you later.” Marcus didn‟t have time to reassure her any further. He pushed past the men crowded near the entrance of the club and went straight to the car. He put Serena in the passenger seat and rushed around to the driver‟s side. On the way to the doctor‟s office, he drove as fast as he could and still get there safely. He stopped right in front of the entrance doors. He scooped Serena out of the seat and carried her toward the entrance. The door opened and the vampire guard held it open until he‟d carried Serena into the building. The doctor was ready for them in the waiting area. He led Marcus back to the exam room after a single glance at Serena‟s pale face. “It‟s been a dangerous hunt for you two.” The doctor said as he slipped on gloves. “The danger‟s past now. We got the rogue and the woman who did this to her.” Marcus stepped back and waited for the doctor to begin his work. Serena gave him a small smile and slipped her hand into his. He squeezed back just to let her know that he knew she was going to be all right.
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Chapter Fourteen Marcus walked into his house. He was tired but he knew he probably wouldn‟t get much sleep. The house felt empty and quiet. It had since Serena had left. The woman hadn‟t even told him she was doing it. If she had, he‟d have stopped her. She‟d left while he was meeting with the Council. The multiple meetings had given her the opportunity. Now that he was finished with the conferences, he‟d finally find and show her that she belonged with him. He‟d tried to talk with her but she hadn‟t answered her home phone or her cell phone. He was tempted to just go after her and get her but he wanted to talk to her. She‟d been happy with him. He was certain of that. It was part of the reason he couldn‟t understand why she‟d left. He needed to know why she‟d decided to walk away from what they had. After that, he‟d decide how to change her mind. He wanted her to choose to be with him. He didn‟t think he could just let her go. Not now, he felt too much too intensely for the woman. He dialed her number as he sat down on the couch. He tapped his fingers on his thigh as he waited to see if she‟d actually answer this time. He heard three rings and just when he thought it would go straight to voice mail again, she answered. “Hello.” Her voice sounded hesitant. He could hear voices and soft music in the background. Where was she? He felt irritation rise up inside him. The woman should be here. Didn‟t she realize how special what they had together was? “Hello, Serena, are you ready to talk?” Marcus asked. He restrained himself from asking her just where she was and what she thought she was doing there. “Hi, Marcus, checking up on me already? You don‟t need to worry. I‟m not in denial. I‟ve already contacted the Council,” she said easily. Marcus raised an eyebrow. Very definitely nervous. “I‟m not checking up on you. It‟s good that you have contacted the Council.” “Not checking up on me.” She chuckled as if she didn‟t believe it. “They‟ve assigned someone to guide me through the changes. You don‟t have to worry or be so protective. I‟ll be fine.” He heard laughter, a distinct, “Like that will happen” in the background. Where was she and who was with her? “Where are you? We need to talk.” Marcus sat forward, eager to hear the answer. “I‟m out with some of the vix. I‟m getting to know them. I‟ll have to call you later. Bye, Marcus.” She ended the call before he could say another word.
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Marcus clicked the phone closed and glared at it. He wished he could go to her right now but he had no idea where she was. He could almost hear her as he replayed what she‟d said. Like hell would anyone else teach her about being a vix. The thought of another male vampire anywhere near her nearly sent him into a rage. He dialed Devon. As a Council member, Devon would be able to change the person set to be her guide. She would learn that when she went for her first lesson. He‟d get his answers then. His thoughts ended abruptly as Devon‟s secretary answered. He spoke briefly with her and then she transferred him to Devon. “Hello, Marcus, is there something you need?” Devon sounded relaxed and happy. “I need some help. Serena Blackwell recently registered as a vix and I want to be her guide.” Marcus waited tensely. He knew it was an unusual request but Devon was a friend and newly married. Devon hadn‟t had a smooth road with Jessie and would understand. “Hunters don‟t usually volunteer to be guides after their first hundred years. Is there something special about this woman?” Devon asked. “Yes, she‟s very special. We spent weeks together and the woman even shared her magic but now she‟s decided she‟s not talking to me.” Marcus could have cheerfully shaken her at that moment. However, if she‟d been close enough to grab, he knew shaking her would be the last thing he‟d be doing, even though he was angry and frustrated. He‟d be kissing her, holding her. “She shared her magic with you? Are you certain?” Devon‟s serious tone drew Marcus‟ thoughts away from holding Serena. “Yes, I‟m sure. I was there.” Marcus wasn‟t going into the how and where of the magic sharing. That wasn‟t something Devon needed to know. “Do you know what that means?” “It means something?” Marcus frowned. He remembered that he‟d been curious about why she‟d done it at the time but she‟d deflected his questions. “Oh yes. A witch doesn‟t share her magic with just any lover. He has to be very special. The man has to be her witch-mate or someone she loves deeply,” Devon said. Marcus felt as if he‟d been hit with a hammer. Why hadn‟t she told him? Her witchmate or someone she loved deeply, which one was he? “I‟ll have her guide changed and call you with the meeting time. Good luck.” Devon‟s last words barely registered as Marcus stared straight ahead.
***** Serena sighed as she stepped onto the sidewalk outside the brown brick three-level building. The vampires seemed to have a thing for nondescript buildings on out-of-theway streets. Just as that other building didn‟t look like a medical clinic and who knew what else was housed there, this didn‟t look like any building that should house the Vampire Council. With the conversion fully complete, it was time to begin learning 112
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everything she needed to know about being a vix. She was supposed to meet the man meant to be her guide here. That had surprised her. Serena had expected a female guide since she was a woman, but had been told that since feeding could be very sexually arousing, they tried to pair the newly changed with a guide of the opposite sex. Plus, she had a feeling there was more than a little tradition involved. She didn‟t know anything about the man. She hadn‟t asked for even his name. It hadn‟t mattered. It wouldn‟t be Marcus. She‟d been told that the higher level hunters didn‟t do guide work. That was both a relief and a disappointment. She missed being with him but knew she couldn‟t have stayed. The relationship had to end sometime. It was better to end it now while she could walk away relatively whole. Pushing one of the double glass doors open, she looked around the room. She stared and almost couldn‟t believe what she was seeing. A long, waist-high desk sectioned off one part of the room. With gray carpet and the dark brown wood furniture, the room reminded her in ways of a bank lobby. She almost stepped out of the building to check that she‟d gotten the right place. She knew that she had. Only a few people were in the large room and most of them were behind the counter. She‟d double-checked before she parked. Just where was she supposed to go? The place didn‟t have any signs and no obvious guards. This wasn‟t what she expected. She‟d thought it would be like the Protectorate. “Can I help you?” A blond man in a dark gray business suit stopped at her side. He seemed every inch the businessman and for a minute she wondered if he was even a vampire. “It‟s just not what I expected. I came here to meet my guide.” Serena smiled and brushed her hands over her gray slacks. “It reminds me of the lobby of my bank.” “It serves as a bank too. There are advantages to using it. You must be Serena Blackwell.” The man smiled broadly. “How did you know who I was?” She‟d thought there would be more than one woman needing to be guided. “You are the only woman who‟s starting with her guide today. The others have been here before,” he said easily. “Come with me. Your guide is waiting. I‟ll take you to him.” “Thank you.” She followed him to a door near the long desk. It led into an office with a cluttered desk and two plants on one side of it. Another door in that office opened onto a stairway. She climbed the stairs slowly. This probably wasn‟t the main access. There had to be an easier more public way to get to the second and third floor. She wondered why he‟d used this stairway but decided to wait and ask the man who‟d been assigned to be her guide. On the third floor, the blond man urged her into a hallway. Numbers were etched onto plaques and that relieved her. She wouldn‟t be wandering around lost here. The man obviously knew exactly where he was going. He didn‟t even hesitate to look at the numbered plates. Finally, he stopped at the door bearing the number 316.
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“Your guide is waiting inside, Ms. Blackwell. He‟ll escort you down when your meeting is finished,” the man said, and turned on his heel, heading back down the hallway. Serena raised her eyebrows. Well, she was just going to have to introduce herself to her guide. Maybe the man had other things he needed to do. She pushed open the door and entered the room. Her eyes searched the office. A dark-haired man stood in front of the window behind a large, black desk. His back was to her and he was dressed in a dark blue suit. She frowned. Those broad shoulders and the way he stood seemed familiar. She closed the door. “Hi, I‟m Serena.” She took a step forward. The man turned. Her mouth dropped open. Marcus smiled at her, apparently enjoying her surprise. At first she wondered what he was doing there. Then it finally hit her. He was supposed to be her guide. It was impossible. It didn‟t make any sense. Hunters didn‟t serve as guides. The man she‟d talked to had been very specific about that when she‟d asked. “You‟re surprised. You shouldn‟t be. I wouldn‟t let another man teach you.” He came around the desk and walked over to stand just in front of her. Part of her wanted to jump up and down with excitement. He really had to want her to come after her. She resolutely pushed that thought back. She tried to think logically. He couldn‟t feel as strongly as she did. They‟d been pushed together by dramatic circumstances. For her, she‟d found her mate. A life-changing experience. For him, it had probably only been lust. “Why? What difference does it make who gives me the lessons?” she asked on a long sigh. This was going to be complicated. She couldn‟t be in the same room with him without wanting him. Being with him almost daily until she learned everything… She didn‟t think she could resist touching him. “Why?” His head tilted and he looked at her as if he couldn‟t believe she‟d asked that question. “Because in spite of the way you just walked away from me, I‟m not letting you get away from me.” She slowly shook her head. “It was just the danger. What we had can‟t last.” He took a slow step forward until she had to tilt her head to look at him. She had no doubt he was being deliberately intimidating. Anger rushed to her rescue. She straightened and glared at him. “If I thought you believed that I‟d put you over my knee right now. I want to know why you left when you know we have so many reasons to stay together.” His hand cupped her chin. “It can‟t last. What you feel…” She closed her eyes. “It‟s all the tension and danger of the chase for Daniel.” “And you know exactly how I feel? How is that?” He raised an eyebrow.
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She blinked at the aggressiveness in his tone and the sudden hardening of his face. “There hasn‟t been time for anything more to grow. Not true feelings.” “I think you‟re scared. Your feelings are so strong and you‟d rather run away than take the risk that those feelings won‟t be returned by me,” he said, and smiled with male satisfaction. She didn‟t know how to respond to that. She was afraid of that. The feelings were too intense already. She didn‟t know how she was even going to walk away from him today. She wanted to be with him. “You‟re reaching. I‟m grateful for your protection and of course the sex was great but the danger‟s finished.” She didn‟t want him thinking that her feelings were that strong. She wanted to sound practical, as if it hadn‟t torn her apart to walk away from him. “Do you think that I didn‟t see your face just a few moments ago? I know you feel more for me than lust. I lived with you for weeks. You‟re not as shallow as you‟re trying to make me believe.” Marcus shook his head. “What I feel doesn‟t make any difference. I‟ve made my decision.” She folded her arms across her chest and stared up at him. “Aren‟t you supposed to be teaching me or advising me?” He leaned closer. “You‟ve left out one person in this relationship. I‟m not willing to let you throw everything we have away because you‟re afraid.” “I don‟t see what you can do. As you said, there are two of us in this relationship. If I‟m not cooperating, I don‟t see what you can do about it.” She gave a small smirk. Hopefully he‟d leave it at that and just accept that they weren‟t going to be together. “I don‟t think after I‟ve eliminated the distance you‟ve been trying to keep between us that you‟ll even want to be uncooperative. You do want us to be together. I can‟t understand why you‟re so resistant right now but I‟m not going to walk away from you or let you walk away from me.” His voice was calm and he didn‟t take his eyes off her face. He looked as if he expected her to react strongly to his statement. She drew in a deep breath and tried to stay calm. He was right. She wanted to scream at him, to hurl insults, but he‟d take the strength of her reaction as proof of stronger feelings. She couldn‟t give him any kind of encouragement. “What are you going to do? Kidnap me? Wouldn‟t that be against not only the law but the Council‟s rules as well?” She titled her head and gave him a smug smile, certain he‟d back off before actually breaking the law. He respected it too much. “It wouldn‟t be kidnapping. At least not in the eyes of the Council.” He drew his hand down her arm in a slow, lingering caress. She swallowed hard. “Why wouldn‟t it be kidnapping to the Council?” “Because they know that you do want me.” He gestured to the corner of the room. At first she didn‟t see anything but then she caught a tiny flicker of light. She made out the reflective lens of a hidden camera high in the corner of the room. She grimaced
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and turned away from him. That had been deliberately planned. He‟d wanted to get her to admit she wanted him. “I still can‟t quite understand why you‟re so resistant but it‟s not going to stop me from finding a way to break through that hard attitude of yours.” His hand cupped her shoulder and turned her back to face him. “Why can‟t you just let it go? Doesn‟t anyone ever say no to you? Can‟t you accept that?” She thrust a hand through her hair, thoroughly frustrated. “I could accept no if I really thought you meant it. Your body language, the reactions of your body to my touch. Everything points to you wanting to be in my arms as much as I want you to be there. Did someone threaten you if you stayed with me?” Marcus asked. “What? No.” She blinked surprised at the question. He shrugged. “It was a possibility. If it was just lust as you‟ve said, you wouldn‟t have left. There would have been no reason for you to leave. You would have just enjoyed it.” “I…” She bit her lip and dropped her eyes to his chest. His fingers tipped up her chin. She expected him to say something, to probe or prod again. His head lowered and his lips brushed lightly over hers. The light touch seared through her. She‟d thought to deny herself the feel of his lips. His tongue gently stroked over the full lower curve of her lips, asking, teasing. She couldn‟t resist opening her mouth beneath his. Almost without realizing what she was doing, she curled her arm around his waist, tugging him closer. Her tongue stroked into his mouth. His stance widened and he pulled her even closer. His hands slid down her back and cupped her buttocks. His fingers flexed on the soft rounded mounds. She slipped her hand under his shirt. The heat of his skin only drove her to explore more, to want to strip his clothes off. She had to fight that urge. She could just remember the cameras and didn‟t want to give some watching security guard a thrill. His mouth moved down to her neck. His tongue stroked over the taut cord. She titled her head and bit her lip. His mouth felt so good. She slipped her hands out of his shirt and pressed them against his chest. “We can‟t…” She managed to push out of reach of those lips. “The cameras, they‟ll see.” He lifted his head and a sensual gleam lit his eyes. “I‟d like to take this somewhere more private.” She swallowed. “Nothing has changed. I‟ll be going home alone tonight. We can‟t be together.” “You‟re going to tell me why. I‟m not buying that garbage that it‟s just lust.” His hands kept her right in front of him.
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Think. She had to think. She honestly didn‟t know what to say. Something told her he probably wouldn‟t accept any explanation. Telling him her real reason just wouldn‟t work. He wouldn‟t walk away if he knew how strong her feelings for him were. “I know you were reared to expect you‟d find a wizard who‟d be your one mate, a match for your magic.” His hand cupped her cheek. “I‟m not a full witch anymore, Marcus.” She wanted him off that subject. His hand moved in a halting gesture. “Vampires don‟t have a mate, a spiritual or biological match that we can recognize. We just have to muddle through and make our own decisions. We get married and like humans sometimes we choose the wrong person, but I know what‟s between us isn‟t going to fade. If you‟ll give it time, you‟ll see that we‟re right together.” He was making it so hard. She swallowed. “I‟d love to just give it time but it‟s not that simple.” He smiled. “It is that simple. You‟re coming home with me and we‟re going to work through whatever‟s holding you back.” She groaned and shook her head. A thrill slammed through her at his persistence. He looked prepared to carry her out of her if she tried to resist him. She didn‟t see any way to stop him. Somehow she had to do it. She wouldn‟t trap him. “Tell me, Serena. I‟m not going to stop asking. You mean too much to me.” He drew one hand slowly up her back. “Why are you being so damn stubborn?” she asked. “Why did you share your magic with me?” he asked. The question came out of nowhere. She‟d never expected him to ask about that. She thought that he‟d accepted it as just a little game. He hadn‟t pressed that night. Why was he asking about it now? “Because I wanted to. It was an impulse.” She looked over his shoulder, refusing to meet his eyes. “An impulse, just a little game. Are you saying that sharing your magic wasn‟t at all important? It‟s just something you‟d do with all your lovers?” The smile on his face was positively feral. He couldn‟t know. There was no way he could know that it meant so much more than any mere game. She slowly shook her head and tried to push down her rising panic. He was trying to trick her into revealing what he thought she was hiding. He had to be. She wasn‟t going to let him succeed. “I told you. It was just something I wanted to do. I thought you liked it. Why are you making such a big deal about it?” She tried to sound bored and confused. From his expression, he wasn‟t impressed by her act. She just hoped she didn‟t sound as frantic as she felt. “And you‟re lying again. Give me some credit for getting the information right before I confront you. You‟ve been trying to deny there was anything between us at all.
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Didn‟t you think I‟d want to know why?” His fingers tangled in her hair, forcing her to meet his steady gaze. Oh hell, he wasn‟t bluffing. Somehow he actually knew the full meaning. Her mind reeled with shock. How? She knew that most of the witches wouldn‟t have told him anything about what sharing magic really meant. He‟d obviously found someone to tell him. Right now she‟d like to get her hands on that person. They‟d just made a hard situation nearly impossible. “So you know. You expect it to change what I‟m going to say?” She looked up at him. “It makes all the difference. You would have only shared your magic with me if I was your witch-mate.” He raised an eyebrow. “Why did you walk away from me?” “I didn‟t want this situation. Before you knew, you were thinking only of a long affair. Exploring what we have together.” She groaned. She jerked out of his loose grasp and stalked a few steps away from him before spinning around to face him. “You don‟t know what I was thinking then or what I plan to do now.” His arms folded across his chest and his feet braced wider. That stance was aggressive and his tone was demanding. Serena lifted her chin, refusing to be intimidated by his tactics. This was not the time to let him gain any ground or get the idea that she was softening. He‟d take any advantage she gave him. “I know you feel guilty that what you feel isn‟t anywhere close to what I feel for you. Well, I don‟t want your pity and I won‟t have it. That‟s why there‟s not going to be anything else between us.” She put her hands on her hips. “So because I wasn‟t shouting that I love you before you left me, I don‟t feel anything strong for you? Tell me where you get this amazing insight into my feelings?” Anger hardened his voice. “Because wherever you got it, it‟s wrong. You don‟t know anything about how I feel.” She flinched at that staccato recitation. “Is it wrong? Before I left, it was all sex and your protective instincts. Don‟t mistake any lingering concern for my safety you might feel for something deeper.” “Stubborn witch, I felt more than protective of you. I could have assigned someone else to watch over you.” He stepped forward and cupped her shoulder. “You‟re forgetting the sex.” She tapped her foot. He was being deliberately difficult. “Serena, if all I had ever wanted was to protect you and have sex with you I would have let you walk out after that first night. Having a woman just disappear on him isn‟t exactly easy on a man‟s ego.” Marcus scowled. “Yeah, I‟m sure you had happily ever after in mind all the time.” She tried to tug free of his hold. He didn‟t release her. His hand tightened, keeping her in front of him. He took a slow step forward.
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“No, I wasn‟t thinking of marriage when we met. I wanted to see you hot and sweaty. You looked so neatly put together that I wanted to see if you looked that way after sex. It didn‟t take me long to realize that there was more than lust there.” He smiled, his eyes trailing down her body. She rolled her eyes. “And your feelings have grown so much since then.” “You keep up the sarcasm and you‟ll find the limits of my patience. I‟ve been trying to hold on to my temper and be as understanding as I can be but you won‟t listen to anything I say.” His head lowered to within a breath of hers. “There‟s nothing to understand. You want me and you think that since you‟re my witch-mate that there‟s no reason we shouldn‟t be together.” She kept her tone sharp and tried to focus on something other than the concern and sincerity on his face. She couldn‟t let herself hope. It would end. She knew it would. “Very dismissive. That‟s not what I think or what I feel.” His hands fell from her shoulders. “I‟m wasting my breath.” “I‟m glad to see you‟ve realized you‟re not going to be able to change my mind.” She tried to force a smile. She felt a little sick. In spite of knowing that it was for the best, she wanted him to push and not give up, for his feelings to be that strong. “Now go get me another vampire to be my guide.” “I haven‟t realized anything. I‟m just not going to stand here arguing about it anymore. We‟ll talk about it after you‟re in a more agreeable mood.” His hands gripped her hips and lifted her off her feet. She gasped as he seemed to juggle her for a moment and then he cradled her in his arms. She pressed her hands against his chest and levered back. She didn‟t care if he dropped her. She just wanted him to let her down. He couldn‟t just carry her away because he wanted to do it. “Marcus put me down or I‟ll cause a scene you‟ll regret for years,” she threatened. “You think that‟s going to stop me when this is so important to both of us. One way or another, you‟re going to start telling the truth and listening to me. You don‟t know how I feel. You‟re too busy running away from the pain of a future rejection that won‟t happen.” His arms tightened hauling her close. She stiffened. By the time her mind began to get past the shock, he was stepping into an elevator. How could he know she was afraid? She shook her head. Arguing with him about it would only reinforce that belief. Besides that, she needed to find a way to get him to put her down. Before he did something he might regret. “You can‟t do this. You‟ll get in trouble, Marcus.” She shook her head. Even as angry as she was, she didn‟t want him to do something that would get him into trouble with the Council. “No, I won‟t. They‟re doing this to stop trouble. As long as you‟re single, not with someone, there are going to be males around you. You‟re not going to be able to choose a male since you have a witch-mate.” He leaned back against the wall as the elevator moved downward. 119
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“I don‟t have to be with you.” She shook her head stubbornly. “Do you think you could be with another man? Just imagine having sex with another man.” He raised an eyebrow his whole expression challenging her. The very thought made her stomach clench in revulsion. He smiled widely, satisfaction almost radiating from him. She knew she hadn‟t been able to hide it from him. He was right. As long as she knew he was alive, she could never let another man touch her. It would be a betrayal of what she knew should be. “The fact that I won‟t be looking for a man soon doesn‟t change anything. After I learn what I need to do, I‟ll stay away from other vampires.” She gripped his shirt. “Not going to happen. Even if I were willing to let you ignore everything we have, the male vampires wouldn‟t stay away from you just because you didn‟t mix with other vampires. They‟d find you. There aren‟t that many female vix and they‟d definitely want to meet you and see if there was even a hint of attraction to build on.” Marcus started forward almost as soon as the elevator doors began to open. The doors didn‟t open onto the bank-like lobby. They opened onto a large hallway. Now she was wondering why she‟d been led up what seemed to be the secret entrance. “Damn it, Marcus. I can‟t do this.” She dropped her head to his chest. She felt panicked and didn‟t know what to do. His arms tightened. Strangely, she felt comforted by his warmth and his secure hold. “I‟m not letting you walk away from this, from us.” He headed straight down the hallway. He was obviously sure of where he was going. At the end of the hallway, he turned the corner and strode down another hallway. At the end, he pushed a door open and stepped out into the bright sunlight. She blinked at the sudden transition. Light flashed off car windshields, nearly blinding her. She really hadn‟t expected to be outside. He took her to his car. She didn‟t try to lunge out of the car and make a run for it as he slid in beside her. Too much turmoil boiled inside her. She really didn‟t want to leave him but the fear was still there. The possibility of him someday tiring of her and walking away from her seemed all too possible. She didn‟t know if she could walk away from him again. She wanted to believe, to grab the opportunity that had been offered. She stared out the window, almost unaware of the car moving. Her mind was going in circles. She felt the car come to a stop. She looked up and found Marcus watching her. His eyes moved over her face and a smile curved his lips. “You‟re finally calming and thinking.” He reached over and lifted her hand. His thumb brushed over her knuckles. “I‟m thinking. It doesn‟t make things easier. I still don‟t think this is a good idea,” she said. “It‟s the way it should be. You didn‟t even try to find out what I felt. You just ran.” He released her hand got out and met her as she got out of the car.
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He led her into the house. She felt both exhausted and nervous. She really hadn‟t expected him to come after her. Not after she‟d told him that she didn‟t need his protection. She hadn‟t really thought that he‟d care. “I didn‟t think my leaving would matter. There are other women. I thought you‟d find one.” She walked into the house. She was surprised by how secure and at home she immediately felt. She‟d missed just being with him. “Come here. Let me hold you again.” He lifted his arms and urged her to him. She licked her lips and hesitated. She wouldn‟t be able to think about the future while he held her. Any resistance would fail once she was in his arms. Did she really want to fight him anymore? She wanted to be with him. Her eyes closed. He‟d come after her. He wanted her but it was such a risk. Her own feelings were so strong she was afraid she‟d read too much into his feelings. He‟d never lied to her, one part of her insisted. She took a step forward. After the first step, she couldn‟t stop. A moment later she was in his arms. He pulled her against him, a soft groan rumbling in his chest. “You‟re going to have a hard time walking away from me again.” His hand stroked down her back. “How could you think I could be with you and not see how special you are? I don‟t need some mystical ability to recognize that you and I belong together.” “I don‟t want you to think you have to be with me because you‟re my mate. I don‟t want you to regret being with me.” She slid her hands up his shoulders. “You might get tired of me.” “Get tired of you? You might drive me crazy at times but you‟re never going to bore me. I love you, little witch. I‟ve been trying to tell you that since you walked into the room at the Council building.” His hands framed her face. She searched his eyes. She could see the sincerity and the worry in his eyes. Suddenly it hit her. As much uncertainty as she felt, he felt the same. The sign of vulnerability convinced her. He wouldn‟t have been uncertain unless it mattered so much to him. She threw her arms around him and gave in to the desire to kiss him. “I was so afraid that I was going to trap you into a relationship that you‟d hate. I didn‟t want to ever see disgust in your eyes,” she whispered against his neck. “You‟re my witch. I wasn‟t about to let you go.” He lifted her chin and kissed her, claiming her lips. “Now why don‟t we go to the bedroom and you can show and tell me how you feel about me this time.” She skimmed her hand down his chest and shaped over the hard ridge of his cock. “You‟re supposed to be teaching me everything about being a vampire, not seducing me.” He chuckled, the sound relaxed and happy. “Judging from where your hand is, there could be some doubt about who‟s seducing whom. We‟ll get to the teaching later. You‟ll learn everything you need to know. Now I need to feel your body against mine.”
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She smiled and leaned back to wink at him. “I think we can take care of that. You want to carry me there or walk? If we walk, I‟d bet we could both be naked by the time we get to the room.” She unbuttoned the top two fastenings on her shirt. His eyes dropped to the widening v and locked there for a moment just as she knew it would. The way he responded to seeing her body made her feel like the sexiest woman ever born. His fingers lifted and brushed the slope of her breasts revealed by the gaping shirt. “I like that idea.” He pushed the fabric to the side, revealing more of her breast. His fingers kept going until they encountered the lace of her bra. “Why don‟t you start taking off your clothes and lead the way?” “You just want to look at my ass as I walk down the hallway.” She finished unfastening the buttons of her shirt and let it slide down her arms. She didn‟t look as it fell to the floor and kicked out of her heels. The soft carpet felt wonderful beneath her toes, but she wasted no time savoring it. She flicked the fastening of her slacks open. Stealing a glance at him, she saw that he was already down to his blue briefs. She pushed her pants down and she bent, blatantly teasing him with the pose. His hands cupped her round butt cheeks, smoothing up and over silky film of her panties. His arm slid around her waist, pulling her back against him. He leaned over and pulled her hair to one side. “Do you know how much you tempt me?” His breath puffed over her ear. “Hurry up. I want to see this gorgeous ass swaying in front of me as we go to the bedroom.” “We could go to the bedroom later.” She wriggled her butt just to tease him. She felt his cock, thick and hard, against her. She‟d love to pull down her panties and feel him sliding deep right here and now. She was that ready for him. “No, you‟ve been out of my life for too long. I want you in my bed, where you belong.” His hands grabbed her hips to keep her from moving again. She laughed softly. “Okay, bed it is. If you‟ll let me go, I‟ll remove these nasty panties and bra and lead the way.” “No tricks, Serena.” He let her go and she felt him step away from her. With a sigh, she straightened. Reaching behind her, she released the catch on her bra. The silk dropped to the floor. She glanced over and saw him watching her. He was completely naked. His cock jutted toward her and the rounded head was dark and enticing. Licking her lips, she decided she‟d have to taste him tonight. She hurriedly pushed her panties down. Walking slowly, she led the way to the bedroom. The bed was spread with a simple red blanket and an open box of condoms sat on the bedside table. If he hadn‟t been so convincing, she might have wondered about what had happened since she‟d left. Instead, she knew he‟d made sure everything was ready and waiting for them. She smiled. It was good to be back here. His hands clasped around her waist and lifted her off her feet. She drew in a sharp breath and clutched at his arm. He laughed and put her on the bed. 122
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His mouth came down on hers as he joined her there. She hooked an arm around his neck and played with the ends of his hair as he kissed her. Hunger built and she trailed her foot down his calf. She didn‟t want only his kisses. She needed more than that after the time away from him. Her juices coated her thighs. His hand slid down her stomach and cupped the mound of her pussy. She widened her thighs. Two of his fingers slid between the plump folds. “You‟ve missed me.” His fingers stroked into her pussy. “Every day.” She stared into his eyes letting him see the truth. Pushing on his shoulder, she shoved him onto his back. “Now let‟s see if you‟ve missed me.” “Do you think it‟s necessary? I came after you.” He didn‟t seem to mind that she‟d taken over the play. Dropping kisses on his chest, she played with his nipples for a little bit. His hands slid down her back and flexed on her buttocks. She licked around the darkened circle and tongued the hardened bead of his nipple. His fingers slid between her legs and found the slick entrance of her pussy. She gasped as he thrust his fingers deep. She knew she had to get away from those fingers before she came. His cock had to be inside her when she came again. Reaching down, she slowly eased those talented digits out of her. She shuddered as her muscles clenched and her body protested the loss. Determined to give him pleasure, she moved down his body. She hadn‟t thought she‟d have the chance to do this again and she was going to enjoy it. Clasping his shaft in her hands, she dropped a kiss on the head. Her tongue swirled around the tip as her hand began stroking its length. A groan tore from Marcus‟ throat. She enjoyed the sound of his enjoyment and it only kicked her response to an even higher level. “Straddle my leg.” His voice was rough and growly. She absolutely loved it. “I like where I am.” She opened her mouth and took the head inside. He put his hand on her shoulder. Serena‟s eyes widened as he lifted her until her mouth popped free of his cock. She knew he wasn‟t using most of his strength. The threat was clear. If he didn‟t get his way, she wasn‟t going to get to play. She straddled his left leg and went back to her project. Her hand slipped down to play with his balls as she took his shaft deep into her mouth. His leg rose and his calf pressed against her pussy. She wouldn‟t mind having him come now and sucking him until he was hard and ready again. Marcus didn‟t seem to be willing to wait. The pressure of his leg on her pussy was going to drive her insane and she knew it was deliberate. She stroked her mouth up and down his shaft. His hips lifted and she knew he was getting close. His hands grasped her shoulders, lifting her away from his cock again. She eyed the bobbing head with desire before she met his eyes. “Not this time. It‟s been too long since I‟ve felt the warmth of your pussy.” He grabbed a condom and ripped open. “Put it on me. With your fingers.” 123
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She took the condom and rolled it onto his cock. Not wasting time, she straddled his hips. She wanted him inside her. He reached between them and held his cock at her sopping entrance. She lowered her hips slowly, wanting to savor the sensation. As her butt touched his thighs, his hands clasped her hips and began guiding her in a slow rocking motion. When she took over the rhythm, he released her and slipped one of his hands between them on the upstroke. Every time she lowered her hips, his fingers brushed against her clit. She closed her eyes. He knew how to torment her. Her stomach tightened and the wild feelings were only building even more. Her hands smoothed over his chest. She wanted to make him as desperate as she was. Her nails scraped across the hard nubs of his nipples, drawing a hissing breath from him. His finger circled her clit on the next downward stroke. She trembled. So close, but the need clawed through her belly. Desperate, she leaned down and nipped at his nipple. His hips thrust against her. As his finger ground on her clit, pleasure ripped through her body, shaking her down to her toes. Her mouth found his neck and before she realized what she was doing, she bit. Liquid flowed into her mouth and she instinctively swallowed. Marcus groaned and his hand tugged her away from his neck. When she felt his teeth sink into her skin, it felt so right. His hips rocked against her, lengthening the pleasure of her orgasm. Finally, he lapped at her neck and relaxed back onto the bed. Serena savored the feeling of still being connected to him. She wasn‟t in any hurry to move. In a way it was solid proof that she was really here. It would probably be a few days before she could believe that this was real, but she was going to enjoy reassuring herself and him, if he still had any doubts.
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About the Author Rebecca Airies has always loved to read. Futuristic, the classics, mystery or horror, the genre doesn‟t matter as long as the stories capture her interest and take her on an adventure. She soon discovered a love for writing and characters just waiting to tell their stories. Since that time, writing has become an obsession. Rebecca lives in the heart of Texas. She loves the outdoors, growing things and working on crafts when she‟s not lost in the worlds of her characters. Please feel free to write and tell her what you think; she‟d love to hear from you. Rebecca welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.
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Also by Rebecca Airies Between Two Tiron Ellora‟s Cavemen: Jewels of the Nile II anthology Ellora‟s Cavemen: Seasons of Seduction II anthology Fire Princes‟ Bride Guarded Beginnings In Sorcery‟s Hold Lost Memories Primal Attraction 1: Primal Quest Primal Attraction 2: Primal Pursuit Primal Attraction 3: Primal Encounter Second Chance
Discover for yourself why readers can‟t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora‟s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.
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