Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans) (7 page)

“Sydney, maybe we should take you to the doctors…” Kade could tell from her steady heartbeat that she was not seriously injured but she was hurt nonetheless.

“Kade, I just need to rest a minute. I’m fine. I’ll probably have a huge bruise on my back though.” She winced as she tried to move in his arms. Forcing herself to relax, Sydney let her head fall safely onto Kade’s shoulder. For a moment, she let herself enjoy the hardness of his chest and the spicy scent of his skin. She knew she should push him off and walk away, but she was shaken and what could it hurt to pretend someone cared?

Holding her closely, Kade managed to pull out his cell phone with one hand and place a call. “Luca, call the station and give them the address. Yeah, Jennings is dead. They need to scrub it. I want you here with them. You get anything, call me, got it? Okay. Bye.”

Sydney pulled away from Kade breaking their brief embrace. Something seemed to snap reminding her that she was on this case. “Let’s case the site and make sure no one else is here. I didn’t even get upstairs before this guy got me with the baton. What did you find out back? I take it you weren’t just picking daisies while I was in here with Jennings.” Her cool demeanor returned sending her emotional wall back up in place.

Kade noticed the change and played along. “I had myself a dance with a rogue vamp out back. They must have seen us coming. Let’s do this together this time. First, we’ll take the basement, then the second floor.” He wanted to respect her independence on the job. He may not like that she put herself in danger, but that was her job. And, he needed to try to worry a little less about his detective. Soon, he would stake the offending vampire and catch his jet back to NOLA. As much as he wanted Sydney, he knew the reality of the situation. He would have to let her go.

Sydney noticed that all of Kade’s nurturing over her injuries had disappeared. She guessed he responded to her pulling away. Her walls worked, kept people out.
If you can’t get in, you can’t hurt me.
Still, she was surprised by his sudden decision to let her go with him without a thought.
Whatever, I can handle it.
Guns back in holsters, she followed him down the stairs to the basement.

Thirty minutes later, with no clues to be found, Sydney did something she never let any man do, she let him drive her baby, her convertible. She was hesitant about turning over the keys, but she was nursing a major headache and the lump on her upper back was throbbing. The bleeding on her hands had stopped, but she was pretty sure her entire back was going to be black and blue. As they pulled up to her building, Kade carefully parked the car. So, her limo driven vampire seemed to have some driving skills after all. What else was he hiding?

Kade got out, handed her the keys, and opened her car door. Sydney groaned as she shoved herself up onto her feet. “Well, thanks for driving. You sure you don’t want to take my car back to the station? I can have Tony pick me up later. Um...you wanna come up for coffee?” She felt stupid even asking. Did a freakin’ vampire even drink coffee?

Kade wanted to go in with her, but he had to get back and call home. Luca would have a full update on possible suspects waiting. He didn’t want to tell Sydney yet, but there were rumors back home that someone was working black magic to gain power, just talk. There was always some asshole looking for more supernatural power. Once you were a vampire, there was no democracy. You reported to the head vampire in the area, comply or die. Most accepted their new life, some didn’t.

“Sydney love, you know you tempt me with your offer. While I do enjoy a spot of tea, I am afraid that my tastes require more than you are willing to give.” He wanted to stay. She was driving him fucking crazy. “But I really must get back and make some calls.” He reached for her hand, and she let him take it. He lifted her hand, turned her palm up, and kissed it. “I will call you with any news. Please do the same. Please forgive me...ah, my car is here.” The limo pulled up to the curb.

Sydney sniffed, “Whatever. You’ve got my cell number. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll be in touch tomorrow afternoon and we can plan next steps. It’s been a hell of a night, and I need to get a shower. Later.” She turned and entered the code to the building not looking back. What was she thinking anyway asking him up for coffee? Really? Coffee? More like do you want to come up and fuck my brains out? Guess not.

After taking three Advil, Sydney showered and dressed in her favorite, red sundress that showed off the swell of her tan breasts. Unfortunately, it also showed off her upper back that had started to turn bluish. She slipped on a pair of black, platform flip-flops. She didn’t bother to dry her hair; her blonde locks looked wild and curly. It was late at night, no use blowing it out.

Sydney considered going to sleep. It was nearly four in the morning, but working nights, she was wide awake. She knew she should get into her pajamas, read a book and get some rest, but her nerves were on fire. Nearly dying can do that to a girl, but it wasn’t what was making her jumpy. It was Kade. She wanted, she needed, needed something, someone, him. But she wasn’t going to have
him
. Like a wanton slut, she asked him to come in with her 'for coffee' a.k.a. 'sex', and he was just too freakin’ busy, or didn’t want her. Fine. She thought there was a sexual tension there but maybe she was wrong. He had lied about being a detective. He seemed to have plenty of other secrets. What else was the guy lying about? Maybe he had a girlfriend? Maybe he was married?

Sydney longed to forget her lustful thoughts of Kade. She would get him out of her system. She didn’t believe in love at first sight anyway, lust maybe, and lust could be controlled...or redirected. Sydney decided Tristan was just what she needed. She knew he cared about her...wanted her. He was always there for her, the one stable man in her life besides Tony. Life was too short to sit around moping. She didn’t want to be alone tonight, and Tristan would help her forget.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As Sydney strolled through Eden’s doors, she spied Tristan leaning against the bar, talking to a redhead who was flirting with him and flipping her hair back. Setting her sights on Tristan, Sydney traipsed across the dance floor, ignoring the stares from all the other men. It meant nothing to her; this was a club, a place to come and be noticed. Dancing, drinking, sweat, blood, sex, it was all here, and she was going to sate herself until she felt better. Stepping in front of Tristan, she flashed a badge at the girl. “Get lost. I’ve got business here,” she ordered. Her face held no smile. The girl looked at her and rushed away, not wanting to be involved with the police.

Tristan was not going to be bossed in his own house, but damn if Sydney didn’t have presence. He instantly grabbed her arms and pulled her against his own firm body. His cheek brushed across hers, and he whispered in her ear, “What gives, Syd? My girl looks a little tense. You need something tonight?”

She quivered in his arms. “Yes, Tristan. I need you.”

With those words, Tristan took her hand and led her up the stairs. There would be no stopping him tonight. It had been weeks since they’d been together. Yeah, he knew there was no commitment between them, but tonight she was his. He wasn’t sure what Kade had done, but he would take care of her. Like always, he would give her what she needed.

Tristan led her into a private room that was painted royal blue, which had a large cherry desk and a black, leather sofa. This was Tristan’s private office. It was soundproofed, secure. He flipped a switch and a gas fire flared up in the fireplace. Sydney stood still. She needed her friend Tristan. Needed to feel cared about. He was always there for her, and she for him. “Tristan, I....”

“Sydney, you don’t need to say anything. You know I care for you. I missed you.” He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek, and she leaned into him and kissed his hand.

“Tris, this case. It was a rough night. I just need to relax. I just need…you.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow at her. “You sure, baby? You seem, I don’t know. A little different tonight. Distracted. You okay?”

Sydney didn’t want to tell Tristan that she asked Kade to come up to her apartment or how she almost got killed tonight. But he would see the bruises and wonder what happened to her. “I’m fine, Tris, really. I got hurt earlier tonight out with Kade. I’m okay, just some bruises, really.”

“Dammit Syd. What happened? Let me see you.” He pulled her closer to the fireplace and walked around her inspecting her skin. When he looked at her back, he sucked a breath and ground his back teeth. “You’re hurt. Mon chaton, did you go to the doctors? Where was Kade when this happened?” He leaned down and kissed her shoulder. Tristan rubbed her neck, and she moaned. Sydney relaxed and leaned back into him allowing him better access to her throat, submitting. Usually, she had to be in control. But here, she could let down the wall with Tristan. He knew what she wanted in life, sexually. She would never let him fully into her heart but this would have to be good enough. She would purge the thoughts of Kade from her mind. She would get her release, go home, sleep and be back on the job tomorrow with a smile on her face.

“I’m okay. Some perp got me with a baton. It’ll leave a bruise but it’s nothing serious. Come on Tris, I don’t want to talk about it. Please, just make me feel good. No more questions.”

Tristan put his hands on her shoulders and pushed away the flimsy strings of her sundress. The dress fell to her feet exposing her back to him. He reached around under her belly and cupped her breasts. His hands were full as he took her nipples between his forefinger and thumb and squeezed. She moaned again as heat rushed to her sex. Tristan gently turned her around and pressed his lips to hers. He found her lips opening, their tongues reaching for each other.

“Tristan,” she gasped, “I need you now.” He reached down and grabbed her ass. The only thing covering her body at this point was a tiny, black, silk thong. His other hand trailed down from her breast to her stomach and pushed away the flimsy fabric. His entire hand covered the mound of her sex, exploring her folds, his fingers gently building a rhythm. She rocked into his hand. “More, Tristan. In me. Please”

He loved when she begged. His wolf was aching to fuck her but he wanted to make her come first. He knew how to please a woman, especially his Syd. “Mon chaton, I will take good care of you. That’s it. Feel me.”

“Tristan, don’t stop,” she begged as she dug her fingers into his shoulders as if she was holding on for dear life.

Tristan slowly inserted a finger inside her while circling her clit with his thumb. She wouldn’t last long. He slowly added another finger, pumping her. “That’s it baby. Just let go.” Her orgasm built quickly. Tristan’s words took her over the edge as she came by his hand. She rested against him as he held her tightly.

He eased up his hold, and Sydney knelt down onto her knees in front of him. She wanted to taste him, make him feel good too. Tristan groaned as she reached up and grabbed the outside of his pants cupping his groin. She quickly unbuttoned his jeans and let his erect length jut out. She grabbed the base of his sex slowly stroking him, and looked up into his eyes. She would willingly return the favor.

After his release, they fell gently to the floor as Tristan held Sydney close to him. Relaxing on the rug in front of the fire, Sydney relished this rare closeness. She loved Tristan as a friend, but knew that she wasn’t in love with him.

Even as she lay in Tristan’s embrace, her thoughts drifted to Kade. Why did she want him so badly? Why the fuck did she feel this crazy attraction to him? She just met him. It was as if the sexual tension between them escalated exponentially every time they met. She closed her eyes and decided that whatever she felt for Kade would go away when he left. She was a cop. She didn’t need attachment. He didn’t seem to want her anyway when she offered, so why shouldn’t she enjoy a little fun with Tristan?

As if reading her thoughts, Tristan spoke into her hair, “Listen Sydney, I know something’s got you upset. What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?”

“What are you talking about Tris? I’m fine,” she denied.

“Come on, Sydney. I can feel it. Remember, Alpha magic and all. I know you are just off today...even if you did just blow my mind,” he laughed. “You're so alone all the time. It’s not good for you. Maybe you should think about being here more often...with me. I can protect you. And before you get all riled up, I get that you are a super cop and all, but face it, you're a little beat up tonight...albeit a beautiful shade of blue. You need someone to care for you.” Tristan hated seeing her hurting like this. “Sydney, you know you mean a lot to me. I don’t want you getting hurt while you are working this case. Why don’t you think of spending the night here with me tonight? No pressure. Just spend the night and we’ll see how it goes in the morning.” He looked down at her. He knew she’d refuse; she was too stubborn to admit he was right.

After he spoke these words, Sydney kissed him gently, rose off the floor, and started to get dressed. “Tristan, I really appreciate the offer. You know I care about you too. Really, I am okay. It’s just that I have a lot on my mind. It’s complicated. I swear I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, mon chaton, but I'm here for you if you need me. And Kade will protect you too. He and I have been friends for a long time. He's a tough son of a bitch and has sworn to me that he'll protect you with his life, if needed.”

And there it was again.
Kade, fucking Kade.
“Tristan, don’t worry. I’ll be okay, Kade or no Kade. Thanks for everything tonight. I really gotta get going. You were exactly what I needed,” she purred. She kissed him quickly and turned to open the door.

He wondered why she was so annoyed at Kade. She barely even knew him. Yet, she talked about him with contempt, and he wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t like Sydney to be that way with his friends. He kissed her again. He wanted her protected, and he was going to talk to Kade again, whether she liked it or not.