ShadowsofNight (15 page)

Christian found Emma staring out a window near their
bedroom. She was dressed in black cargo pants and a turtleneck, the tight shirt
and fitted pants perfectly hugging those sumptuous curves. Her hair was pulled
back in a tight ponytail. He wanted to take it down and run his fingers through
that silky mane.

He swallowed hard, ignoring the siren call of this tempting
creature. She looked over at him with unspoken pain in her eyes. Damn. Knowing
that telling her the truth hadn’t helped left a bitter taste in his mouth. In
fact, he sensed it had only made the situation worse.

“Hi,” he said. “You okay?”

“It rains a lot here,” she said softly, as if she didn’t
hear his question.

“It does. That’s why it’s so green.” He walked toward the
window and stood behind her when she turned away.

“Where’s ‘here’?” She placed her hand on the glass.

“We’re in the Highlands of Scotland. I can’t give you the
exact location.”

“That’s what I thought.” Her voice sounded distant.

“Emma, look at me.” He reached out and gently turned her to
face him. She met his gaze. “Talk to me.”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.” She hugged her arms to her body.

“You’re lying.” God, he wished he knew what to say to
somehow make everything better.

“What do you expect from me? Of course I’m not fine. But
there’s no sense in dwelling on it since I can’t change anything, is there?”

“I know this isn’t what you wanted.” He placed his hands on
her shoulders, feeling her tremble beneath his touch. Christian closed his
eyes, trying to quell the desire building inside him.

“Christian, I…”

“What is it?” He touched her cheek in a soft caress.

“I-I can’t be with you right now—maybe never.” Tears
glistened in her eyes.

“There’s nothing preventing us from being together,
especially since we both know you’ll eventually turn.”

“You don’t understand. I need some time to figure all this
out. And I’m going after Dorian. I can’t do that if I’m sidetracked by my
emotions getting caught up in you.”

“You’ll have your revenge, I vow it.” Oh bloody hell. He
shouldn’t have thrown so much at her all at once. He didn’t blame her for
feeling confused and angry. But going after Dorian on her own wasn’t smart.

“Oh believe me, I plan on it.” She crossed her arms over her
chest.

“You need my help.”

“No, Christian. I have to do this myself.” She shook her
head.

“You’re upset. I understand that part. But what you’re
suggesting is crazy.”

“Stop treating me like I’m some freaking damsel in distress
who needs a man to fight her battles for her. My strategy will work if I go it
alone.”

“It’s quite obvious you can take care of yourself, Em. We
both know that. But without my help, bad things
will
happen to you.” He
started to get angry.

“You’re wonderful and I appreciate everything you’ve done.
Please…Christian, I need you trust me when I say I know what I’m doing.”

“So what’s this plan of yours?” He raised an eyebrow, sure
he wasn’t going to like it.

She lowered her eyes. “I’ll let Dorian have me. Make him believe
I want to be with him. Then when he least expects it, I’ll kill the bastard.”

“What do you mean, ‘let him have you’?” Was she nuts? Did
she have any idea what she was getting herself into?

“Do I need to spell it out for you?” Her voice was
emotionless but sadness radiated from her in waves.

“Say it.” He was seething now. He knew what she meant.

“Sex. I’m going to
fuck
him. Is that what you wanted
to hear me say?” She threw up her hands. “Fine, I said it.”

“
That’s
your brilliant plan?” His voice was laced
with disgust.

“It’s the only way to get close enough to him.”

His chest was tight, making it hard to breathe he was so
fucking pissed. A muscle quivered in his jaw as he tried to hold it together.
He couldn’t believe his ears. How could she want to do this after what they’d
shared? He struggled to keep a lid on the rage threatening to escape.

“It’s not like I haven’t done it before when I’ve gone
undercover. Sex is a powerful weapon against the enemy. Don’t think I’m doing
it because I want him. Believe me, my only pleasure will be when I drive a
stake through that bastard’s heart.” She shuddered.

“Never!” he said through clenched teeth.

“You don’t own me, Christian Voss. No one does. It’s my
decision, not yours.” Her expression was one of fierce resolve.

“Let me help you!” He wanted to punch something. Why was she
being so fucking hardheaded?

“It’s the only way Dorian will let his guard down long
enough for me to kill him. We can’t get close to him any other way.”

“I’d rather die than let another male put his hands on you.”
It wasn’t just about their bonding. He cared for her. Feelings were developing,
along with his intense desire to claim her. She
meant
something to him.

He was in love with her. Yes…love. And it would be over
before it had a chance to begin if she followed her current course of action.

“There’s one problem with your foolproof plan,” Christian
said, clenching his fists.

Emma closed her eyes, feeling utterly miserable. Her life
was a nightmare from which there seemed no escape. “Yeah, and what’s that?”

“Dorian and I aren’t human, Em. He’ll read you like a roadmap.
You’re no match for him alone. He’ll take you without regard and tie you down
if necessary to keep you from harming him physically.”

“I have to try.” She let out a shaky breath.

“Damn you!” He swept her off the floor before she could
protest, crossing the hall to the bedroom in two strides. He tossed her on the
bed and straddled her waist. “I won’t let you do this!”

“My mind’s made up. Now will you please let me go?” But all
her energy seemed to evaporate. She didn’t want to argue with Christian. Lying
to him would’ve made everything easier, but she didn’t want that between them.

“Not until I convince you to forget this madness.” He captured
both her wrists in one hand and pinned them above her head. She struggled but he
held her firmly in place.

“Christian…” She was flushed and out of sorts. Her mind and
body at odds.

“You’re
mine
, Em. I’ll kill that son of a bitch if he
puts a hand on you. The satisfaction of ending him should be yours, but not
this way.”

“You can’t tell me what to do,” she snapped.

He clenched his teeth. “Yes, I can.”

“What is so goddamn special about me? I just don’t get it.”
She closed her eyes.

“Look at me,” he commanded. She slowly opened her eyes to
see his angry glare. He inhaled a deep breath. “I’ve existed in a state of
night for as long as I can remember.” Some dark, primal emotion flashed in his
eyes. “I was going through the motions of life, but not living it. Only
existing in this world forced upon me. And at times, so truly deep was this
night that everything faded in its depths. There was no redemption for me. Then
you
came into my world, and everything changed. You’re that other part
of my soul. When joined, we become one. I can’t explain it any better than that.
I can’t let you do this to us.”

She swallowed hard. “I don’t know what to say.” His words had
struck a deep chord.

“Say nothing, then. But if you do speak—speak from here. That’s
all I ask.” He placed his hand over her heart.

“That’s never been an easy thing for me to do with anyone,”
she whispered.

“I know. It hasn’t been easy for me either. But I think we
could be happy together if you’d just believe in us.”

Emma chewed on her bottom lip. She’d tried to tell him
goodbye, but actually doing it hurt like hell. How did he hold such power over
her?
Is this what love’s supposed to feel like?
She just didn’t know. He
didn’t use those words. But maybe for him, this was the closest description he
could give her without just coming out and saying it. Not that she wanted him
to say it—did she? Oh God. She drew in a deep breath, and forbade herself to
tremble.

Outside, the rain hit the windows hard and the wind howled
loudly. Christian released her hands and she touched his face. “I’m scared to
let someone in.”

“Trust is a hard-won thing.” He kissed her palm as it grazed
his lips.

“Isn’t what you feel for me more of an instinctual thing
brought on by your very nature?”

“No, my heart knows what it wants. There’s no question for
me about that.”

“I can’t promise you anything more until I’ve dealt with my
past. You have to understand that.”

“You mean Dorian,” he sighed.

“Yes. I’m going after him.”

“Can you do me one favor?”

“It depends on what it is.” She looked at him warily. There
wasn’t any way he was going to talk her out of it.

“You’ll have more of an advantage if you wait for the change
to happen first.”

Emma shook her head. “I don’t see the point of waiting.
Unless you can move the process along. Can you do that? Change me now?”

He rubbed the back of his head. “We’re not the same. You’re
still part human. I need to speak with Marcus first.”

“Okay.” She nodded slowly. It wasn’t as though she was going
anywhere tonight.

“I’ll be right back. I won’t be long.” He got up, gave her a
tense smile and disappeared from view.

Emma rolled to her side and stared out the window. The rain
had eased somewhat, but now a swirling fog began rolling in like thick smoke
and the sky was dark. A strange feeling settled over her. Her body tingled. She
was really hot again.

She tried to ignore the sensations, her body and mind tired
and out of sorts. It had happened a few other times. The weird hot flashes and
sensitive skin she usually felt when she was upset or under prolonged stress.
She knew she was too young to be going through menopause. It was probably
because of her recent discussion with Christian on top of all the other shit
she’d been dealing with.

This time, however, it wasn’t letting up.

What if this is my body getting ready to go through the
change?

Holy shit!

Emma sat up, fearing the unknown. She took a deep breath,
feeling the tingle increase near her core, of all the strange places.

Stop being a chickenshit.
Her heart pounded loudly in
her ears.

Just breathe through it, Em.
She grabbed the pillow
next to her and rested her head on it. Christian’s mouthwatering scent lingered
there. The tingling intensified with each breath. Images of him arose in her
mind, which drew a gasp from her lips. Her skin grew more sensitive. Thoughts assailed
her of his hot mouth teasing and tempting relentlessly just before his big body
surged forward between her spread thighs. Predatory instincts began to emerge
and the ache between her legs was stronger.

She rolled over onto her back and kicked off her boots,
wanting out of these wretched clothes. Each breath caused the borrowed lace bra
to rub against her straining nipples, the friction increasing the growing
sensations taking over her body. A moan escaped her lips and she pulled off the
tight-knit sweater and unclipped the clasp on her bra to free her breasts. The
cool air heightened her pleasure and goose bumps broke out all over her exposed
flesh.

“Oh yesss,” she hissed, rolling the tips of her nipples
between her fingers, squeezing and pinching, sending an electrifying shudder
through her body. She grew breathless, hips undulating, orgasm building. She
reached for the snap on her pants with a shaky hand, eager for release. There
was no control, no restraint, only need.

Face flushed, she lay back against the pillow and kicked off
her pants. Her legs fell open and she breathed an audible sigh of relief when
her fingers slid down her trembling belly and spread her slick folds. She
quickly circled her clit, rubbing and stroking the swollen nub. She moaned with
abandon at the delicious sensation her touch created.

Her back arched when her fingers found her opening, the need
to be filled building. “Christian,” she breathed, lost in the sensation as her
fingers sank in and out in a dizzying rhythm that continued while her finger
stroked her clit. Nothing could possibly feel this good.

Her body undulating as she increased the tempo. Her nipples
strained in the cool air, making her shiver, stoking her desire. She spread her
legs farther apart as the tingling sensation increased. Pressure building, she
surrendered to the mindless pleasure. Her fingers worked in unison, rubbing, pumping,
until she fell over the edge.

Emma cried out, her vaginal walls clamping down, the orgasm
seemingly unending in its power as it took hold. She continued to thrust her
fingers inside her pussy with each powerful spasm, but the burn was growing. It
didn’t end. Her orgasm had only made it worse.

“Christian,” she mewed. She needed him now.
Where the
hell did he go?

Christian lingered in front of the fireplace in Marcus’
study. The elder must have retired with his mate. Considering the hour, it was
probably just as well. His thoughts shifted back to Emma as he watched the
flames dancing about. Her reluctance to even consider accepting him as a mate until
she dealt with Dorian had him on edge. Longing filled his heart and he decided
to return to the bedroom. He closed his eyes, thinking of Emma…

When he opened them, the sight of her naked and writhing as
she pleasured herself nearly dropped him to his knees.

“Emma.” His voice grew deep. The sweet scent of her sex
permeated the air, stronger than ever before. His fangs instantly extended and
blood rushed to his groin. Primal instincts flared to life like nothing he had
ever experienced before. He took a step back, afraid he might hurt her if got
any closer, he was so aroused.

“Christian.” Her voice a sexy purr, she crawled toward the
edge of the bed. “Come to me.”

“I-I’m not in control. It’s probably not a good idea.” He
stumbled back.

She leapt from the bed, her body slamming into his chest. “I
need you.”

Her tongue invaded his mouth. He gasped in surprise. Her
legs wrapped around his waist as she lifted herself and clung to him, her
fingers tunneling through his hair, clutching him close. She was acting so
different…

Could it be time?

“Emma, please. I-I’m hanging on by a thread. Don’t push me
right now. I can’t resist my instincts.” His voice was hoarse. “I won’t be able
to stop.”

“I don’t care anymore.” She ignored his protest as her lips
sought his again.

He groaned in surrender, offering her a punishing kiss. She
moaned loudly when his hand found her weeping flesh. “You’re so wet. It’s time,
isn’t it?”

“Fuck me, Christian,” she panted.

He traced them to the bed and caged her beneath him. She
ground against him and pulled frantically at his clothes.

“Easy, Em…” His cock felt as if it were going to explode.

“No. Now!” She ripped his shirt open aggressively, causing
the material to tear. Christian rolled off her and removed his pants even as he
worried about the changes she was about to go through. It would also be very
difficult not to claim her, since their bond was strong and his carnal side
would be fighting to do just that.

“Wait!” He needed to explain this part.

“No waiting…” She reached for his straining cock as soon as
it was free, and her warm lips teased the crown. Christian shuddered, throwing
his head back as her hot little tongue licked the swollen tip. He felt
something sharp graze the side of his shaft, but before he could say anything,
she pushed him down on the bed.

“Lay flat.” Her voice sounded husky.

His fingers threaded through her hair as her tongue
continued its dance all over his crown, taking him deep and coming back up. She
gave a harder suck, and his hips rocked forward. Her hand and mouth pumped his
shaft, making his testicles draw tight.

“Emma, you’ll make me come.” His voice was ragged. She didn’t
relent, but instead grew more aggressive, her mouth and hands working together.
He felt the sharp points of fangs graze his length just before they sank in and
his mind briefly went blank.

Pleasure screamed through him and his back bowed. He roared
as she continued to sate her hunger. Her fingers dug into his thigh, unwilling
to release his flesh, not that he would ever dream of making her. He’d never
felt anything quite as exquisite, not even with an experienced lover. There was
no stopping the hot seed rising in his shaft. Rapture tore through him and he
exploded. Hips flexing, muscles straining, he snarled as semen jetted out of
his cock, reaching his chest. Her nails scored his abdomen as she growled against
his flesh hungrily.

When she finally released him, he was still hard.

“More,” she whispered, straddling his waist and sinking down
on him slowly, until she was fully seated.

He lifted her hips, thrust up into her tight little sex and
threw his head back in triumph.
She’s mine!

Frantically, she moved on him. “Oh yes, yes!” She climaxed
in a rush that swept through them both. He could feel her muscles clenching his
cock as she cried out his name. Dark hunger curled inside him as he came again
in a powerful rush, pumping into her. He shuddered and groaned from the intense
pleasure.

Still hard, he flipped her onto her back and began to drive into
her flesh in long strokes that drew a whimper from her lips. His hips moved
mercilessly, plunging deeper and deeper. Taking, giving, he gripped her bottom
and raised her hips to meet each thrust.

“Tell me you’re mine.” Slowing the pace, he pulled out and
rubbed the head of his cock along her swollen clit to tease. He threaded his
fingers into her hair, pulling her face to his. She moaned, her eyes
heavy-lidded. “I need to hear you say it!”

“I’m yours, Christian,” she said.

He covered her mouth in reward with a deep, penetrating kiss
while thrusting his cock back inside to fill her completely. She moaned into
his mouth as another orgasm tore through her, squeezing him like a glove.

Christian shoved deeper, pounding against her. The sound of
their bodies slapping, his guttural moans and the cries of her pleasure filled
the room.

When he broke from the kiss, he turned his head, exposing
his neck to her. Without prompting, she pierced his flesh. He was relieved that
she did it without hesitation. His muscles bunched, locking as more seed
spilled forth, bathing her insides. Hunger for this woman consumed him.

“Yes!” His teeth gnashed together. His hips bowed and his
bellows couldn’t be contained.

Emma couldn’t believe the urges that had taken over, and she
was just along for the ride. It frightened her how strong the need to feed was
each time it came over her. She wasn’t herself. Body and instinct were in
control. The pleasure was intense. She had already climaxed several times, but
still her pussy ached for more.

“Spread your legs wide for me,” he demanded forcefully.

He teased her pussy lips with his tongue then used his
fingers to spread them apart. He captured her clit, licking the tiny bud and sucking
it in long, slow pulls. Her hands clutched his hair as fangs pierced her flesh,
her head thrashing back and forth, legs quivered as he pinned them open with
the weight of his shoulders.

“Christian, oh yesss…” She tried to buck her hips, and
climaxed again.
Bliss
was the only word to describe how he made her feel,
and she was utterly lost to it.

Slowly he relinquished her flesh and licked it gently. She
grasped his face in both hands and held him with her gaze. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. How do you feel?” he asked.

“I’m good.” Actually, she felt a little weak, but other than
that she was no worse for wear. At least the hot flashes and aching need was
gone. She could do without that happening again.

Had she changed? If so, it hadn’t been that bad of an
experience. The sex was great.

“Are you sure?” He caressed her cheek.

“I’m no longer human, am I?” She already could tell things
were different. Shit, she was sporting fangs. She ran her tongue along her
teeth to feel the sharp points.

“You’re starting to change but it may take a few days to
complete the transition.”

“You asked me if I was yours, and I…” She hesitated but
still needed answers to her questions. What did that mean for them as a couple?

“We’ve bonded, Emma.” He trailed a finger down to her lips,
keeping his gaze locked on her.

“Yeah, well…about that. Uh, what does that mean?” She
swallowed hard.

“It means you’re my mate now.”

“Is that like marriage in your world?” She didn’t feel as if
she was ready for something so permanent. It scared her. If they took it slow,
dated first…that sounded like a better plan.

“In a way, yes. However, I think it’s far more significant
than what humans consider a legal union because there’s no divorce for our
kind.”

“I see.” She breathed nervously.
Shit, well there goes
that idea.

“Do you understand? Because I sense fear.” He looked at her
warily.

“I’ve never made a commitment to anyone before, and
certainly not like this.”

Christian scooted forward, getting as close to her face as
one could get. “You have nothing to fear from what has happened between us, Em.”

She slid her hand around the back of his neck and drew him
toward her lips. His opened to meet hers, the kiss tender, passionate.

“I’m not opposed to being with you. It’s just that marriage
or being a mate is kind of a big step. I was hoping we’d have more time to get
to know each other better is all.” She tried not to make it sound as if she was
opposed to the idea. But things were moving at warp speed and slowing down a
bit was probably best for her to avoid freaking out.

“I’ll give you all the time you need. But you’re mine. End
of story.” The look he gave her in response was scorching, possessive.

“Okay…nothing like a little pressure there, buddy.” She
smiled.

He dropped his mouth to her ear, nipping the lobe. “If I
have to, I’ll tie you to the bed and seduce you until you finally give in,” he
threatened.

“Hmm, sounds like fun.” It was hard to resist his charm when
he poured it on. His tone remained playful but she did wonder if he was
serious.

“Which part?” His hot breath continued to fan against her
ear, sending a delightful shiver down her spine. God, he was a sexy beast.

“The tying-me-up part sounds kind of fun. A little kinky
too.” She gasped as his cock slid between her slick folds but didn’t enter her.

“Whatever you desire, I shall give it to you.” He nuzzled
her neck.

“You sound tired.” She hugged him close. Maybe she’d worn
him out.

“I
am
tired, but it was definitely worth it.”

Christian rolled over, taking Emma with him, holding her
tight against his powerful body. She snuggled into the cradle of his arms,
basking in his warmth. The thought of belonging entirely to one person was
still hard to fathom, but maybe she’d adjust.

He gently kissed the top of her head, resting his cheek
against it. Soon, his breathing changed, becoming slow and deep, and she knew
he had fallen asleep. Her body sated, she closed her eyes and hoped she’d soon
follow.