Consumed (18 page)

Then he turned into a total bastard and attacked me without mercy. It should have pissed me off, but I actually did a lot better after that. Mostly because I knew that he would no longer pull his punches – no pun intended – so I’d need to move my skinny ass fast. Plus, I saw the guilt that flashed on his face each time I flinched at one of his slaps. It made me more determined to improve.

By the time the session was over, I was pretty good at it – even if I did say so myself. Not that it made Salem feel any better. He turned broody and growly, which I probably shouldn’t have found cute or amusing, but I
so
did.

We had an hour long break for lunch, and then we were back in the arena. We repeated the same exercise again, which I was certain was going to make Salem explode with anger at some point. The only thing that kept him relatively calm was that what he was doing was actually working.

Near the end of the session, Sam gathered me and the other girls together. “Now it’s time for me to pair you with someone from your own squad who will suit you during battle – who has a gift that can complement your own. Alora, you’re with Maya.”

I wasn’t surprised by that. We’d discovered that Alora’s gift of communicating with animals allowed her to fully understand Maya when she was in her jaguar-form – to understand the meaning behind each hiss, chuff, and growl. Not only that, they could communicate telepathically using pictures while Maya was in that form.

“Paige, you’re with Imani,” Sam then announced.

That wasn’t much of a surprise either. Paige was extremely protective of her friend, and I’d seen them work well together during battle. Imani would disable her opponent as she’d done with Butch, and then Paige would use her gift of transferring injuries to destroy them.

“Lastly…Jude, I’ll be matching you with Cassie.”

I understood that, too. Jude’s gift wasn’t offensive, so it would be best if she worked with someone like Cassie, whose gift of mind control could help protect her. Also, Cassie wasn’t the best fighter in terms of combat, whereas Jude was well-trained in that area so she would be good at watching her back.

Sam gave me a faint smile. “Unfortunately, that leaves you without a partner. But that’s only for now. Three more will eventually join the squad, and one of those will be paired with you. During this battle, you’ll have Salem as your shadow anyway.”

That was true, so I didn’t mind so much that I was without a partner. As such, I was in a damn good mood when I got home. Salem, however, was in a very foul one. “Must you be so miserable?” I asked with a smile.

He pulled me to him. “I hated hurting you. It goes against every instinct I’ve got.”

Aw, so sweet. I looped my arms around his waist. “You wasn’t hurting me. You were helping me learn to protect myself against someone who gladly will. That’s important.”

He rested his forehead against mine. “I don’t know if I can do it again.”

“Sure you can, because it’s working. Besides, Sam was right. You’ll go bat-shit crazy on anyone who hurts me, even if they are part of your squad.”

He just grunted, clearly unhappy that I’d won that argument.

“I think Reuben’s going to be mad at me for a while.”

Salem’s mouth twitched. “You could be right.” His hands framed my face. “Such an innocent, pretty package for a deadly female.”

“It’s probably wrong that I’m more flattered by ‘deadly’ than ‘pretty’.” I smoothed my hands up and down his back soothingly. “Stop sulking.”

A frown. “I don’t sulk.”

“You
so
do. It’s sort of adorable.”

“
I’m not adorable
.”

“Ooh, here comes the growling. Makes me all gooey inside.”

A glint of humour entered his eyes just as his mouth curved. “In theory, your teasing should further piss me off. But it seems you can weirdly calm me down this way.”

“Does this mean we can leave out the arguing and skip straight to the make-up sex?”

His mouth curved a little more as he scooped me up. “Works for me.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

(Ava)

“I think I have paint in my ear.”

Alora gagged. “I think I have it up my nose. One thing’s for sure, it’s going to take me some time to get it all out of my hair.”

“Same here. We must look like rainbow cookies.”

As part of our training, Sam and Jared had taken us, the squad, and the rest of the girls to Sam’s tactical training field deep in the rainforest. We’d played a few games of paintball, all of which were designed to help us learn battle tactics like how to best engage and eliminate an opposing team, and also how to defend and hold outposts.

Even though we’d worn camouflaged overalls, padded gloves, and safety masks, paint had still managed to make its way into places it had no right being. Our socks and the collar of our t-shirts were also stained with blobs of paint. Feeling some squish between my toes wasn’t a pleasant sensation.

After the games were over, Sam and Jared had sent us and the other girls ahead of them so that the guys could engage in a few much more advanced games. Jude, Paige, and Imani were giving Maya and Cassie a tour of the rainforest. Alora and I, however, were returning to our apartments to shower and change, since we were due to meet with Ryder soon to have our minds scanned for ‘demon interference’. I seriously doubted that my mind had been compromised, but I wanted to be certain.

It was as we neared the fringe of the rainforest that we noticed a figure lounging against a thick, vine-covered tree. Gina laughed cruelly on spotting us. Did anyone want their boyfriend’s ex to see them in a bad state? I didn’t.

“A fashion statement of some kind?” she asked.

“I still can’t quite believe it speaks,” I said to Alora, who chuckled.

The amusement vanished from Gina’s almond eyes. She was beautiful – there was no doubt about it. But she was cold, and that tainted it. At a guess, I’d estimate that she had been in her thirties when she was Turned. Being so much older than me and with so much more life-experience, she made me feel unworldly, young, and naïve in comparison – especially since she persisted to call me ‘child’ and used that condescending tone when talking to me.

I offered her a blank look. “Excuse us.”

“I see that you haven’t gotten past what happened at the meal. Really, child, you’re too sensitive.”

“Whatever, old woman.”

She almost snarled. Ooh, how fun. “I can’t see it. I can’t see what could possibly have drawn you and Salem together. You’re nothing alike. You have nothing at all in common. Salem’s always liked strong women. Not to mention that he’s a breast man.”

I adopted my airhead tone, knowing it drove her insane. “Yeah, but what I lack in breasts I make up for in pure awesomeness.”

She ground her teeth so hard it was audible. And hilarious. “You can’t honestly think it will last. Salem isn’t going to join you in Munchkin Land.”

“Sure he will. There’s a wizard nearby and everything.”

Ignoring that, she continued, “You have a lot to learn about men, child. Especially Salem, since –”

“Yeah, uh-huh, me too.” I waved a hand dismissively. “I have stuff to do, so…” I went to pass, but she planted herself in front of me.

“You really do think you can hold onto him, don’t you?” she sneered.

“And you really do think you can lure him away, don’t you?”

“Astonishing,” mused Alora. “Not to mention delusional.”

“I can have any man I want, including Salem,” Gina stated, adamant. “I can make even a Bound male into my very own puppet.”

Fletcher was right; she saw Salem as a possession. To this woman, men were toys for her to play with and control. She liked that she could manipulate, seduce, and control them; that she could have a level of power over them.

“I’d wager I could even have Jared under my thrall.”

Alora winced. “I’d advise you not to try it. If it worked – which I strongly doubt – Sam would kill you. And if it didn’t work…well, Sam would still kill you.”

I nodded. “Now, fascinating though this is, I have no intention of abandoning my schedule to give a shit about the petty crap that goes on in your head.” Again I went to pass Gina, but she moved to block my path.

“You’re not as blasé about this as you’re acting,” she insisted. “My presence here worries you. You know Salem will fall under my thrall, you know you could never forgive him for it, and you know part of the reason he’ll so easily fall under my control is that he
wants
it.”

Seriously, how could I not pity her? “Feel free to immerse yourself in that alternate reality if it makes you feel good about yourself. It would be cute if it wasn’t so pathetic.”

Ooh, that
really
pissed her off. She glowered as she advanced on me. “You little –”

A loud squawk split the air as a parrot came to land on the branch of a neighbouring tree. It bobbed its head as it squawked, “Gina’s a slut, Gina’s a slut, Gina’s a slut.”

I exchanged a knowing smile with Alora, who was looking suspiciously innocent. Sometimes I wished I had her gift.

Gina’s glower turned deadly, and I expected her to cover the tiny distance between us with one huge lunge. Instead, she froze. And I quickly understood why. Jude, Paige, Imani, Maya, and Cassie were coming up behind me and Alora – presenting a wall of defence. Gina snickered and backed away. Her expression said ‘we’ll speak again soon’. Then, in vampire speed, she was gone. Good fucking riddance.

(Salem)

Ava laughed and smiled at people all the time, it was part of her nature. And they always laughed and smiled with her – it was the effect she had on people. It was fine.

Unless it was Ryder.

Entering Sam and Jared’s office to find them laughing and joking like old friends, Ryder’s hand on her elbow, made something dark and dangerous slither beneath my skin. I clenched my fists and ground my teeth as I attempted to get a hold on the fury, bitterness, and a strange black emotion I didn’t recognise that began to curdle in my stomach. It was jealousy, I realised. Not something I was very familiar with.

Either Ava had sensed or scented my presence, because she turned with a welcoming smile. A slight crease formed between her brows as she took in my expression. Ryder instantly dropped his arm, recognising my possessive reaction.

Part of me wanted to storm over there, punch the ‘pretty’ little prick, and drag Ava out of the room. Evan and Alora, who were chatting in the corner, wouldn’t prove to be a hindrance. Only two things stopped me from doing exactly that: one, Ava had stepped away from Ryder; two, there was no guilt in her expression. This wasn’t the look of someone who had done anything wrong. She hadn’t been flirting. She was loyal and good, and she didn’t deserve my anger. It wasn’t her fault that I could be a possessive and jealous bastard when it came to her.

That didn’t mean I was going to leave her with the little fucker.

“Everything okay?” Ava asked, concerned, as I approached.

“Fine.” I grabbed her hand and tugged her to my side, glaring at Ryder…who annoyingly seemed to find the situation funny.

“Ryder said my mind is like sunshine.” She laughed.

Like sunshine? Was that supposed to be a pick-up line? Because if so, I might reconsider the whole punching thing.

“It’s a refreshing place to be,” elaborated Ryder. “Full of positivity and joy.” There was no awe or longing in his voice, so I’d allow him to live. For now.

Ava dug her heels when I moved to leave. “Wait! I need to check if Alora’s still game for movie night.”

Movie night? As she flitted over to Alora and began a very animated conversation, Evan came toward me, drinking an NST.

“You had your mind scanned yet?”

I nodded. “Last night. No sign of demon interference.”

“Good. I was telling Ava earlier that another supplier was found. Like the last one, he was a pile of ashes – ashes containing red residue. A high number of the clients we tracked were in the same state.”

“So it’s looking like there’s a leak.” And as much as I found that important, I couldn’t give Evan my full attention; my gaze kept straying to Ava, and I was sure it was territorial.

“Sadly, yes.” He exhaled heavily. “If that’s true, I’d like to think the person has no idea what they’ve done. But it wouldn’t be the first time that someone at The Hollow proved to be a traitor. The idea of it being someone in the legion…That’s hard to stomach.”

“Who else has access to the information?”

“Sam, Jared, Antonio, Sebastian, Ryder, and our researchers. I trust all of them.”

I wasn’t the trusting kind, so I couldn’t say the same. But I found it hard to believe that any of them would betray The Hollow – particularly Sam, Jared, and Antonio.

Evan took a gulp of his NST. “I thought you might want to know that your Sire sought me out last night. He wants a position in the legion. Did he go to you about it first?”

I briefly glanced at Ava. “Yes. I sent him to Coach and Jared.”

“He consulted them, too. When they blew him off, he came to me. He’s persistent, I’ll give him that.”

“What did you say?”

“That there aren’t any positions of any kind available right now.” Another swig of his NST. “Even if there were, I would have turned him away. Sam doesn’t trust him, and I respect her judgment. I know he’s your Sire and that might offend you, but –”

“It doesn’t offend me. When he came here, I saw another side of him.” A side I didn’t like or respect. I glanced at Ava again, frowning when I saw that Ryder had joined her and Alora.

“You don’t have to worry about Ava and Ryder, you know.” Evan sounded amused.

“I know.” I realised right then that I trusted Ava. “Doesn’t mean I like seeing him or any other guy touching her. And I’m not sure you’re in a position to judge me on that.” He could be just as bad with Alora.

“Oh, I know,” he admitted with a smile.

“What the hell is movie night?”

“The girls get together once a month in one of their apartments. They watch a movie, eat crap, and do whatever things girls do. I don’t know what those girl-things are, and I don’t think I want to know.” He shuddered a little, as if feminine things made him uncomfortable. Yeah, I could relate to that. His smile turned crooked and teasing. “I hear your new sofa cushions are nice.”

I arched a brow. “How are all your plants?”

His smirk shrunk. “Bastard.” There was no heat in the word.

“Clearly we’re going to have to end their conversation for them.” I went to Ava, picked her up by her t-shirt, and carried her out of the office.

She kicked her legs. “This is simply unnecessary.”

Ignoring that, I zoomed to our apartment in vampire speed, only releasing her when we arrived in the living area.

She pivoted, glaring at me. “What was all that about?” Her confrontational posture slipped away as she then asked, “And why are you advancing on me like a feral wolf scenting prey?” She backed away, but there was no wariness in her expression as I stalked her.

Once her back met the wall, I placed my hands either side of her head. “You let him touch you.”

Her mouth formed an ‘O’. She patted my chest, and for once there was no patronisation in the act. “It was just my elbow. Nothing exciting or sexual or remotely important.” Apparently, that was supposed to be a reassuring statement.

I brought my face close to hers, barely refraining from growling at her. “Not remotely important?
All
of you is important – inside and out.” But thanks to the assholes in her past, Ava didn’t see that, so she didn’t see her importance to me. I’d told her several times, but she just wasn’t hearing me. Insecurities still taunted her, and I hated that.

“You took what I said the wrong way.”

“Whether it’s your elbow, your ass, your breasts isn’t the point –
every
inch of you matters.” And every inch of her was mine. I slammed my mouth on hers, driving my tongue inside. Dominating, devouring, and consuming her with just my lips, tongue, and teeth. She softened under the assault, letting me lead. Pacifying me, I understood. I didn’t want to be soothed. I wanted to fuck.

I unbuttoned and roughly shoved down her jeans. She kicked them off just as she pulled off my t-shirt. I whipped off her own, lifted her high by her waist, and latched on tight to a nipple. The texture and taste of her was a double assault on my senses, making my cock throb and ache. I was so hard it was actually fucking painful.

Moaning, she threaded her hands in my hair, tugging as I suckled and bit hard enough to sting. I switched my attention to her other breast, licking, nipping, and drawing the taut bud deep into my mouth. As the scent of her need swirled around me, a growl rumbled up my chest. “I love how you smell.” I needed to be inside her. Right. Fucking. Now.

Snapping off her panties, I slid a finger through her folds and plunged it inside her, finding her slick and ready. “I want to fuck you deep and fast, baby.” Withdrawing my finger, I tore open my fly and dropped her hard on my cock.