Consumed (Dark Protectors) (24 page)
Read Consumed (Dark Protectors) Online
Authors: Rebecca Zanetti
The bra slid open with a flick of his fingers. “I love ... these.” With a chuckle, he lowered his head, taking one nipple in his mouth. His good hand caressed down her hip, following the angle of her body.
She gave a strangled sigh at the scalding heat. Her knees buckled.
Jordan caught her, standing and swinging her into his arms as smooth as any dance. His mouth found hers as he strode toward the bedroom, passing through to gently place her on the bed. He tugged off her boots and socks before unsnapping her jeans. They disappeared along with her thong. His jeans followed suit.
More candles lined the sparse furniture, their soft light flickering over the hard planes of his face.
The idea that he’d spent so much time on romance sent butterflies winging through her abdomen, and pain through her heart. There had to be a way they could stay together. Her eyes filled.
“No.” He gently shook his head, sliding a hand across her ribs. Her muscles shifted, and her skin puckered. “No sadness. Only us.”
He placed a soft kiss on her mound, his mouth traveling up her torso to wander around one breast. Playing, exploring, he kissed his way to her collarbone, nipping in several places. So many nerves lived under her skin—she’d had no idea. Her heart filled. She arched against him.
Chuckling, he slid up her jugular to her earlobe, where he bit.
The erotic pain had her eyelids fluttering shut. Then she moaned when he traced the shell of her ear, so lightly, as if memorizing every angle and hollow of her body. Gentle kisses landed on her closed lids, her nose, and her chin.
She opened her eyes to see absolute love, real and lasting, in his eyes. “I love you, Jordan.”
Jordan absorbed the words he’d needed to hear, wishing against fate they had more than this one moment. Not even an entire night, just a series of minutes, maybe an hour, to show her how very much she meant to him. Several lifetimes wouldn’t be long enough.
The idea that he could’ve spent the last ten years with her nearly broke his determination to go slow. For once, he’d show her slow. He’d show her love.
How could he have missed how perfect they were together? For so long, he’d kept himself apart from his people, even from his friends. But not Katie. From day one, she’d seen the man inside, and not the leader. She’d wormed her way right into his heart, into his life. Then when she’d become a woman, she’d become an insightful and caring cat.
She’d become the perfect mate for him. Kind, smart, and stronger than imaginable. She
knew
him. And for some inexplicable reason, she loved him anyway.
knew
him. And for some inexplicable reason, she loved him anyway.
The claiming had been brutal. He wouldn’t change a second of it, but she deserved more. More than he could give her. But for now, he’d leave her with a memory of being loved, of being everything. Because she was.
He slid up her jaw, marveling at the softness of the skin covering such fine muscle. A delicate warrior, to be sure. Finally, he found her mouth. His woman liked to kiss. Taking her mouth, he plunged deep, exploring her secrets. He had to learn as much as possible before moving on.
A low whimper escaped her.
Light caresses along her inner thigh had his little warrior trembling. Flattening his palm over her leg, he slid up and over her hip bone and back down her side. So much strength in such a delicate package.
Who would protect her?
Sure, she was tough and would make an excellent leader. But she was his woman, his mate. The most important calling he’d ever have would be to protect her and their offspring.
Her tongue swept inside his mouth, slowly learning him. Stealing his control.
The complete perfection of the moment ... hurt.
His fingers clenched into her butt. Slowly, he slid inside her. God, she was tight. Her body fought him, even as her legs wrapped around him. Taking several seconds, taking his time, he finally shoved all the way home. He released her mouth to lean back and exhale.
Then he stilled. She enclosed him in so much heat, a roaring filled his head. “You’re perfect.” And she was. Better than even fate could’ve created. She was something more.
She smiled. All woman, all mystery, so much love in her tawny eyes she took his breath away. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she arched against him.
His low groan drowned out her soft moan. In unison, they began to move. He slid out, and then back in, trying so hard to go slow. To torture them both. To leave her with memories to keep her warm on the cold nights ahead.
He grabbed her hand, pressing it beneath his, feeling a surge of satisfaction when she curled her fingers through his.
Increasing the speed of his thrusts, he watched in fascination as a dark blush stole from her breasts to her classic face. She sobbed his name.
“Open your eyes,” he whispered, waiting until she complied, then, “keep them open.” More than anything in the world, he wanted to watch her go over. See those amazing eyes glaze over with passion. For him.
Pounding faster, he angled just right.
Her cry shattered the peace, waves rippling through her body to clutch him. With a hoarse shout, he followed her into pure bliss.
Coming down, he smoothed a kiss over her gasping mouth. “I love you, Katie. Forever.”
Chapter 25
J
ordan rubbed a hand over the scruff on his jaw. He hadn’t showered, and Katie’s scent covered him. No way would he shower her off. He’d left her sleeping, making sure not to awaken her—making sure she couldn’t follow him. Deep down, he was almost disappointed he would miss her explosion of temper.
ordan rubbed a hand over the scruff on his jaw. He hadn’t showered, and Katie’s scent covered him. No way would he shower her off. He’d left her sleeping, making sure not to awaken her—making sure she couldn’t follow him. Deep down, he was almost disappointed he would miss her explosion of temper.
“Don’t shave on my account,” Talen muttered as he eyed the far tree line.
Jordan shrugged, his gaze on the cliffs dropping to the ocean. “Considering chances are I’m about to turn into a beast, I figured, why bother.” Not the truth, but oh well.
“Right.” Talen sniffed the air, rolling his eyes. “Right.”
Vampires could smell as well as shifters.
Jordan turned, checking out the sniper positions to the south. The sun had disappeared and the moon would make an appearance shortly. His neck itched. The muscles along his spine ached with the need to shift. “I have about an hour before I need to lock myself in a room and hopefully keep my head from exploding. Do you mind if we hurry this up?”
“Sure.” Talen surveyed the door beyond the courtyard. “All nonessentials will be in the lower level. Guards on every level. Max and his team will cover the kids, who we’ve decided to keep in the playroom on the tenth level along with our mates.”
“Good move.” The playroom would keep the kids busy, and the tenth level was the most secure. “Escape routes?”
“We have tunnels leading from there to land, sea, and air options. If Max needs to retreat with the kids and nonsoldiers, he’ll make the decision as to direction at that time.” Talen checked his weapon. “Kane thinks you’ll be able to beat the moon.”
“He does?” Surprise lifted Jordan’s brows.
“Yes.” Talen frowned. “We need another front line—the door isn’t secured enough.”
“Yes, it is.” Even in despair, Jordan felt like grinning. “Kane didn’t say I’d survive.” Talen was actually using positive reinforcement with him. Probably Cara’s idea.
Talen lowered his brows. “The idea makes sense. Mating changed Katie, it’ll change you. You just needed more time.”
Yeah. In a fairy tale. Jordan nodded, giving his friend what he needed. “I think you’re right. I’ll be fine.”
Dage stalked outside, a digital tablet in his hand. “You’re not going to believe this.” He punched in buttons. “Your buddy Gerald has aligned with the demons. He’s in Scotland and is demanding you step down.”
The king flipped the tablet around and a form began to take shape on the screen. Jordan stepped forward, waiting until the panther could be seen clearly. “Gerald. What the fuck are you doing?” The time for diplomacy and manners had long passed.
The panther raised an eyebrow. “Figured you’d be dead by now.”
Asshole. “Thanks for the support—I’ll keep it in mind.” Jordan fought to keep his temper leashed. The closer the moon came to rising, the stronger the beast within fought against its shackles. “If you thought I’d be dead, why are you making stupid demands?”
The panther’s nostrils flared. “I don’t see what’s stupid about the king wanting his brother returned alive.”
Dage growled low. “You know where Jase is?”
Menace tinged the panther’s smile. “Yes. Kill Jordan and his bitch, and I’ll make sure you get your brother back.”
How did Gerald already know about Jordan’s mating Katie? If he survived the moon, he was hunting the leak. He kept his face placid, his voice bored. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“We know you mated the handicapped shifter.” Gerald stepped close to the screen, his features distorting. “We also know the second you die, she will be squired to safety by Noah Chance. I’m not playing hide-and-seek for the next decade until finally killing the lioness.” He looked past Jordan. “I know where your brother is. Jordan is going to die anyway, as is Katie. Make it easier on all of us. Kill them both.”
Anger swept through Jordan, his bones enlarging, the beasts within fighting to get out. He struggled to contain himself. “I’m going to kill you, Gerald.”
Talen grabbed the tablet, shoving his face close. “Where’s my brother?”
The panther sighed. “Do you accept my terms or not?”
Rage rippled down Jordan’s back. How the hell could Gerald turn against him like this? Not for a second did he think the Kayrs men would kill Katie. He, on the other hand, was probably fair game. Especially since his life expectancy wasn’t too great.
“You’re asking me to trade one brother for another,” Dage hissed. “You don’t want to do this.”
Surprise grounded Jordan. The Kayrs men considered him family. All of a sudden, the last hundred years of his leading alone, solitary and tough, seemed like a waste. “Take me out, Dage,” he whispered. “I’m going to die anyway.”
“No.”
He shoved Dage out of the way. “You don’t want Katie. She can’t shift, she can’t fight ... she’s no threat to you. But the king will kill me.”
“No, I won’t,” Dage muttered softly. “This won’t work.”
Gerald chuckled, flashing sharp canines. “Katie has to be taken out, and I promise I’m the guy to do it. Unless, of course, the king wishes to save his youngest brother before the demons turn him into an unrecognizable psychotic.”
Jordan struggled to remain in control. If his enemies ever found out about Katie’s pregnancy, there wouldn’t be a place on earth she could hide. Good thing his woman could fight. His claws shot out, and he kept them away from the tablet. “Prove you know where Jase is.”
“All right.” Gerald reached behind him, grabbing a man’s necklace featuring a silver Celtic knot. “I believe you recognize this.”
Neither man next to Jordan twitched a muscle. Their faces gave away nothing. Yet anger popped the oxygen and tension vibrated almost strong enough to see. He recognized the pendant, too. Conn’s wife had given the charm to Jase for his birthday about five years ago, first blessing the metal as only a witch could. The youngest Kayrs brother wouldn’t give it up willingly.
Anger wasn’t going to get Jordan anywhere. “The demons consider shifters to be fun pets. They’re using you right now, and they’ll continue to do so until they get bored. You’re a dead man if you align with them.”
The bastard’s gaze hardened. “For now, they have the power. Soon I’ll take over the feline nation and help the demons finish destroying the Realm ... and then the Kurjans. Vampires and Kurjans have existed long enough in this world, and we’ve waited long enough for you two to finish each other off. Apparently you both stink at war.”
“I will find you,” Talen growled, “and when I do, you’ll wish Jordan had found you first.”
Gerald licked his lips. “Your choice.”
The screen went blank.
Dage tapped his ear communicator. “Conn? Find Gerald Shotlam—he’s aligned with the demons and might know where Jase is.” Clicking off and pivoting around, he pierced Jordan with a glare. “Don’t fucking die.” Without another word, the king disappeared inside.
Jordan clapped Talen on the back. “Remember your promise.” He’d gotten vows from all his men as well as the Kayrs family to protect Katie and their cub. “My child.”
“My life.” Talen gave a short nod.
That was as good as a vow could get. Jordan nodded, wishing he could spend what little time he had left with Katie. Man, she was going to be mad when she awoke. “I need to check out my little room of hell.” It was right off the entrance, just in case his brain started to explode and he needed to escape. But his friends didn’t know he had no intention of escaping into the moon. Shackles remained under the one cot to keep him in place.
He’d never turn into a beast.
Hustling to the small room, he dropped to sit and catch his breath. While his grand plan included staying underground until his head exploded, he knew with a certainty that Brent would find him.
Their final fight would happen that night.
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