Kraven (VLG Series Book 2) (7 page)

“Now, I’m sure my grandfather is a rotten bastard who probably earned his money by being a heartless prick. The rich often step on people to get to the top. Whatever your reasons for not liking him, I don’t blame you. He isn’t my favorite person either. But you
need
to return me to the crash site and to my sister. I won’t press charges. You saved me from being killed. I’m giving you credit for that.”

He blinked. It was better than lunging at her to lift her off her feet again. The rock he used as a makeshift table had the knife sitting there. He wrapped his hand around the handle and her heart skipped a beat.

He cut into the rabbit instead of trying to stab
her
.

“Your mother was a VampLycan. You’re half one. It’s not your fault that you don’t know your heritage, if you weren’t told. I’ll give
you
credit for
that
. There are four clans of us, and one clan of GarLycans. We live in peace since Aveoth helps us keep it. Your grandfather wants to rule every clan; that’s why he’ll hand you over to Aveoth. You’re his one weakness because of the blood addiction.”

She swallowed hard, biting back a sarcastic comment. He wasn’t going to be rational.

“I’m almost tempted to hand you over to Aveoth myself at this point, to make my own little deal. He’d kill Decker if I asked him to, with you as leverage, but I’m just not that cruel. You wouldn’t survive a month with the GarLycan. You’d open your mouth one time too many and he’d kill you in a fit of rage. I doubt he’d be able to form any kind of attachment to you that would stir his protective instincts enough to overrule his temper.

“Marvilella, your grandmother, was part of my clan once. She mated with Decker trying to keep peace between his clan and the others. Decker was unstable even back then. He killed her in the end. Your grandfather has no honor, Bat. He also has no love or compassion in his heart. He doesn’t have one. He’d force you into a hellish existence, as long as he got the support of the GarLycans to take out any opposition from the other three clans.”

She sighed.

“You don’t want to find out how honest I
really
am if Decker’s enforcers find us first. There would be a battle to the death.”

“Right.”

“You’re going to do as I say.” He shoved meat on a stick he’d sharpened with the knife, holding it over the flames to roast. “Sit down and allow me to feed you.”

She sat. The rabbit smelled delicious and she was starving. He passed her the stick.

“Careful. Blow. It’s hot.”

“I just watched you cook it. I’m not an idiot.”

He frowned, putting another piece into the flames. “I didn’t say you were. You don’t seem the type to eat outdoors much.”

“Try never.” She blew on the meat and used her fingernails to protect the tips of her fingers while she tested a tiny bite. Her eyes closed as she savored the food. She finished it and opened her eyes, almost jumping when he offered her another piece by waving it right in her face.

“Thank you.” She passed him the first stick back, accepting the next one.

She blew on it and ate. They were big chunks. He cooked a few more, letting them cool a little on another rock. He looked at ease in nature, as if he hunted and cooked his meals on a daily basis over an open flame. It would be kind of sexy, if she didn’t know how unstable his sanity was.

His muscular thighs and legs were displayed nicely from his crouched position. His pretty gaze flicked her way, and she again found it unfair that he had to have a major flaw.

“More?”

“No.” She passed back the stick. “I’m full for now. Thank you. Aren’t you going to have some? You haven’t eaten.”

“VampLycan men take care of women first. You won’t find that trait much in the human world. I wouldn’t touch the food until I made sure you’d had enough to eat.”

Interest sparked inside Bat and part of her softened. “You’ve romanticized your fantasy world. It’s kind of sweet, and a nice change. Most guys would make up more barbaric stuff that degraded women.” She smiled. “You aren’t so bad, are you? You just need meds.”

His head snapped in her direction as he bit down on a piece of meat. He chewed, swallowed, and rose to his feet. “I’ve lost my appetite. I’m tired of your insults. Stay by the fire, Bat. I need some space.”

As he stormed away, regret hit her when she glanced at the rest of the strips he’d left behind. She should have just kept her mouth shut.

A low growl sounded close by and she knew it had come from Kraven. He hadn’t gone far. Her belly was full, but he
had
to still be hungry.

“Damn it.”

She rose to her feet, ready to apologize. The guy had fed her. Guilt had her walking carefully over dirt to find him.

He may be delusional but he thinks it’s real. Believing he’s some creature with a hero complex is better than some of the nutjobs I’ve dealt with. He needs to eat. I’ll go play nice to bring him back
.

Kraven hands fisted at his sides and he fought the urge to howl out his rage. Bat’s insults weren’t far off the mark when she’d accused him of being nuts. She was driving him crazy. It was her fault.

How in the hell could she have survived to her age without knowing she wasn’t fully human?

Her traits must be almost nonexistent for her not to have learned what she truly was. It meant she was vulnerable and without defenses. The sight of claws growing from her fingertips every time she lost her temper would have clued her in. She obviously didn’t have the ability to shift. He’d pissed her off plenty and her eyes hadn’t even responded by changing color. Her body was human.

He softly groaned.
Not completely though
. She smelled good to him, enough to tempt his lust. It was bad timing, considering he was giving women a good long rest after Violet had tried to kill him.

Bat had no clue what kind of danger she was in. Her mother had been wrong to keep secrets. She’d probably figured she had more time to warn her daughters, and instead had died suddenly. At least he
hoped
Antina had planned to warn them.

He pondered if Decker had been behind that so-called accident that killed her parents, but he’d never mention that to either sister. The pain in Bat’s eyes when she’d spoken of the loss had been too fresh. It didn’t sit well with him, the thought of emotionally hurting her that way.

His hands itched to touch Bat. There was something about her that got to him, beyond her scent. It wasn’t just her way of pissing him off. She was strong-willed and ornery. It was oddly arousing.

He sat on a wide rock and removed his jacket, tossing it over another. The cooler air felt good against his heated body. Lust rolled off him just
thinking
about Bat. Maybe he was losing his mind, or he’d gone far too long without a woman.

He was also pissed at Drantos. The bastard was being too soft on the sisters. They’d already be at their village if his brother wasn’t worried that Dusti might be terrified by their shifted forms. They both could move a hell of a lot faster on four legs, rather than two. Walking through the woods, lugging someone over his shoulder, slowed them down a lot. Drantos had even insisted on stopping at nightfall so the women were well rested. None of that would matter if Decker’s enforcers found them and they had a fight on their hands.

He was tempted to knock out Bat, tie her to his back, and shift. He could dump her off as soon as he reached home and someone else could babysit her. Then she’d be someone else’s headache and irritation. The downside was, that would leave Drantos alone out here.

Kraven rejected the plan. His brother was bound and determined to ease Dusti into their world. It meant wasting a hell of a lot of time, in his opinion.

Movement drew his attention and the hellion stepped into view. He bit back a low growl, the sway of her hips noticeable as she carefully walked on the ground as if the earth would bite her. It was kind of cute. Though he hated the way his body responded by wanting to rush to her side and pick her up.

“I said I need space.”

She kept coming, not taking the hint.

“Go back to the fire. We have to leave soon.”

She ignored his order. It wasn’t a surprise
.

Chapter Five

Bat stopped right in front of him. “You should eat. I’ll keep quiet.”

His light blue eyes narrowed with irritation when they fixed on her. She clenched her jaw. He wasn’t the only one annoyed. He drove her nuts, but at least a little time to cool off would make
her
sane. Not Kraven. He needed a team of doctors with a pharmacy at their disposal to help him find his right mind.

“What are you doing?” His voice came out deep.

She hated the way her body responded instantly when his voice changed to that gruff, sexy tone. Her nipples hardened, making her intensely aware of them.
He’s insane, not hot
, she reminded her libido. It was probably just the stress.

His gaze lowered to her feet. “You shouldn’t be walking out here barefoot.”

“I wouldn’t be if you hadn’t ditched my shoes when you decided to kidnap me.”

Anger flashed in his expression, his mouth tensing. “You’d still have them on your feet if you had decent ones that wouldn’t break your ankles.”

His pleasing scent was noticeable, being so close to him, and a wave of warmth flooded her body for some reason. He looked tall even sitting down, face level with hers. She’d never liked really large men, they usually intimidated her, but she found his bigger size yet another turn-on. She took a deep breath to quell the anger that attraction also made her feel.

“I’m sorry I hurt your feelings. I’m just a little upset that I’ve been kidnapped after being the victim of a plane crash. It hasn’t exactly been the best twenty-four hours of my life. Please come back with me to eat some food. You’ve got to be as hungry as I was.”

“No. I’ll find something else to eat. Return to the fire.” He slowly turned his head to look away from her.

Bat grabbed his arm before she even realized her hand had lifted. It really bothered her, thinking about him going hungry. He annoyed the hell out of her but she honestly didn’t feel threatened by him. The fact that he fantasized about being something kind of romantic softened her toward him. He seemed to believe he was protecting her, that he was some mythical half-breed creature out to keep her safe from an evil villain.

He froze when her fingers gripped his upper arm. His tan skin felt really warm and definitely firm. He turned his head to watch her with a frown. His gaze shifted to her hand before meeting her gaze again.

“Let go of me.”

“
You’re
always grabby. I’m picking it up from you. Let’s talk as though we’re two reasonable adults.” A smirk twisted her lips. “How hard can that be?”

He growled. Her heart raced and damned if her nipples didn’t harden even more. She wondered if he’d make those animalistic noises during sex. Would he take the Werewolf/Vampire delusion into bed with a woman? She hated that she really wanted to find out. It had to be the hit to her head making her have crazy thoughts.
Yeah, go with that.

“You’re determined to make me spank you, aren’t you?” His voice rasped the words and his blue eyes narrowed.

I’m a sick bitch
, she decided.
Dealing with the scum I normally do has twisted me if I want to jump this crazy bastard
.
But God, he’s totally hot
. “Please eat something? I promise I won’t insult you and I’ll be nice.”

Oh, if only you knew how nice I want to be to you,
she thought, glad he couldn’t read her mind. He smelled incredible and his eyes made her feel drawn to him for some strange reason. She could get lost inside that intense look he gave her.

He spread his thighs and leaned back, his hands braced on the stone behind him. It moved him out of her reach so she had to let go of his arm, but the picture he created forced Bat to repress a groan. The guy was sex on legs. She gawked a little, taking notice of every inch of him.

Tight, faded jean encased thighs that were big enough to make her fantasize about how strong they must be. She had a real thing about men’s legs. With his spread, and his hips tilted just a little, she could imagine him sitting that way to accommodate a raging hard-on. Her gaze lowered but didn’t see a telling bulge. She wasn’t sure what she’d have done if he were in that condition.

Her gaze zeroed in on his tank top. She would pay good money to see him lift it to flash his abs. His arms were sculpted with impressive muscles and he probably had a washboard tummy to match.

Is he hairy?
She hoped not. She hated to lick a matted chest.

Damn it, knock it off
, she ordered herself. Her body was really getting worked up and she knew if she didn’t stop fantasizing about the big sexy loon, she’d need a new pair of panties to wear until hers dried.
A concussion would totally account for this.

“Talk,” the gruff, deep voice rasped.

She didn’t want to. She finally met his gaze and those light blue eyes framed in thick black eyelashes may as well have punched her in the gut.
Damn, I want him
, she admitted.
Right or wrong, crazy or not, I’ve never been so turned-on in my life.

“Obviously we’re stuck together for as long as you feel the need to keep me. I just hope your brother really is taking care of my sister. We’d both get lost, die of exposure, or fall victim to the dangerous wildlife your state is known for. You and I need to get along until this is over.”

“Fine. Don’t talk to me and we’ll get along just great.” He straightened, giving her a look that left no doubt his temper hadn’t cooled. “I won’t be insulted by some clueless bitch. I’ve told you the truth.”

Anger instantly flashed inside Bat. “I told you not to call me that again.”

Kraven’s eyes seemed to glow. “I remember. You threatened to castrate me.” He gave her a cold smile. “You keep your hands off my dick. You damn near injured me when we crashed. You hurt me one more time and you’ll kiss it better.”

He was so forceful she believed every word. He’d put her on her knees to get her lips on him. That turned her on more, just imagining the scene. The submissive side she tried to hide shivered just a little at the image of him unzipping those jeans to reveal where she’d “hurt” him.

Bat closed her eyes, the image stuck. She tried to push it back. She heard Kraven sniff deeply a few times and her eyes opened. The first thing she saw was his shocked expression.

“That turns you on?” He whispered the accusation.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she lied.

He sniffed again and leaned forward. His gaze jerked from her skirt back up to her eyes. “You’re so turned-on I can damn near taste you. The scent is that strong.”

“That’s right. You’re part doggy.” She moved before she could think or talk sense to her brain, which had obviously decided to take a vacation. She stepped between his spread thighs to stand right before him. With him sitting, she didn’t have to look up anymore to gaze into his incredible eyes. “So what do male dogs do when a female one is wet?”

He gaped at her, unmoving.

“I see. For a guy with dog instincts, it’s kind of surprising you’re not all over me yet…unless you’re one of those guys who prefer other ones.” She glanced down at his full lips, bit back a groan. She wanted to kiss him so badly she trembled. She couldn’t look away from them. “Is that it, Kraven? Am I the wrong sex?” Her gaze lifted.

“I’m not attracted to men.”

Her fingers slid down her skirt and curled against the material. She tugged it slowly up her thighs. His gaze lowered to stare at her exposed skin when she inched the skirt high enough to reveal her panties. She stopped there.

A soft growl came from him.

“You don’t want to do this.” He snarled the words, not looking away from her thighs. “Trust me. You’re playing a dangerous game, woman. I know you’re just screwing with me but if you don’t stop,
I’m
going to be the one doing the fucking.”

Desire made her heartbeat accelerate. She ached just at the thought of him doing exactly that to her. She raised her leg and planted the ball of her foot on top of his thigh. She knew it fully exposed her blue silk thong and spread her open to his view.

She released her skirt, cupped his face with both hands, and his gaze lifted from staring at her panties. She closed the distance to his parted mouth…

He turned his head at the last second, avoiding the kiss.

Frustration rose, making Bat want to curse. She wasn’t willing to give up though. He’d put her out by taking her into the woods, so he deserved a little payback.

Her lips brushed over his warm throat instead. She hesitated before licking the area just under his earlobe, then closing her mouth on that soft, fleshy part of him. Her tongue and teeth raked it.

His big, strong hands curved around her hips to grab her ass. She made a soft sound in the back of her throat to encourage him.

“I’m going to lose it if you don’t stop,” he groaned.

She released his ear. “Go ahead. How many more green lights do you need to let you know that I want you?” She dove for the line of his neck where it met shoulder, her mouth open, and clamped down on the skin there, nipping him, not hard enough to hurt but enough to let him feel her bite.

“Fuck me,” he moaned, his voice turning so deep it made Bat hotter.

One of her hands slid from his face, brushed down a firm chest and stomach covered by thin cotton, and found his belt. One of his hands helped her unbuckle and get it out the way. She clawed at the snap of his jeans to open his pants. She ached to feel what was hidden inside them. He’d given her an order to fuck him and she fully intended to comply. He grabbed her ass again to squeeze.

The snap gave way after a few tugs and she found the tab of his zipper. The side of her fingers brushed a rigid shape that made her heart beat faster.
Please
, she silently begged.
Don’t be tiny like the last guy I had a one-night stand with
.

She pushed that disastrous four minutes of her life out of her mind. That’s about as long as the guy had lasted, probably as many inches as he’d had. All she’d gotten for her time was frustration.

Hot, hard skin brushed the back of her hand when she got his pants open. She twisted her wrist, her fingers seeking, and found more than a handful. She tucked her chin down to verify the fact that Kraven probably had the thickest cock she’d ever encountered. Her mouth parted when she got a good look at his sex.

“Jackpot,” she whispered.

“What?” His raspy tone lifted her gaze to stare into his.

Pure passion nearly swamped her while she studied his crystal-blue eyes, the paleness of them so breathtaking her lungs froze until she forced air inside them again when she remembered to breathe.

Her hand caressed his velvety shaft up to the tip. Pre-cum beaded the rounded crown of his cock, the slickness spread across the top by her thumb. Kraven softly growled deep in his throat. The purely animalistic sound had Bat’s vaginal walls clenching in anticipation of what would come.
Hopefully both of us together
, she prayed.

His hands on her ass flexed, dug into her skin for an instant, and then released. She nearly protested but he suddenly grabbed her again and twisted her around, to her surprise, nearly making her stumble when her foot slid off him. His hands roamed down her hips, thumbs hooking the sides of her underwear, and he yanked them down to her knees. They fell on their own at that point to circle her ankles. She lifted one bare foot, freed it of them, and would have done the same with the other, but Kraven grabbed her hips again and jerked her back.

Bat landed on top of his thighs, his free hand fisting her skirt, pulling it higher up her stomach before he shifted again. She gasped, her hands wrapped around his forearms, when Kraven shoved his booted feet between her ankles and spread his legs, forcing hers wide apart. Her knees bent slightly, her legs resting outside of his.

She turned her head to stare over her shoulder. Their gazes met.

“No going back now. You’re going to get me,” he growled. A look of anger seemed to darken his tan, handsome features. “I’ll try to be gentle but don’t count on it.”

Her mouth parted but the arm at her waist pulled her higher up his legs and his hand fisted the hair at her nape, forced her to face the woods. He bent her nearly in half on top of his lap. All she could grab was his arm over her stomach for something to cling to. His strength amazed her. He totally controlled her body.

“Don’t move,” he ordered in that deep voice of his that did funny, wonderful things to her.

His fingers untangled from her hair, the tips running softly down her spine to the crack of her ass, and then over one cheek. His soft touch made her nipples ache. She knew he’d discover just how wet she’d become when he tested her by sliding his hand where she was spread wide.

Another snarl tore from his lips, a good indication he took that whole part-animal fantasy in his crazy head to the extreme. His touch left her. She wanted to protest but he moved them both when he shifted a little closer to the edge of the rock, the feel of soft denim under her ass and thighs a bit sexy.