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  “Just because I’m certain that you’re not going to jump me doesn’t mean that this is a good idea. I don’t want involvement.” She stopped and dropped her luggage, letting him see that she wasn’t budging. “We need to keep this just to the hunt.”

  “It’s a little late for that. Unless you’re going to try to deny that last night happened.” He looked amused. “Don’t you want those things?”

  “Yes, I want them but we need to settle this.” She folded her arms across her chest. “I’m not trying to deny that it happened. There just doesn’t need to be a repeat. We need to focus and an affair would distract us both.” She met his intense stare.

  “Do you think either of us is going to be able to resist the pull even if we are in different houses? I can smell your arousal now.” He put the suitcase next to her bedroom door and turned to face her. “I don’t want to fight the attraction.”

  She shot him an exasperated look. The man was deliberately missing the point. She wanted to fight the attraction. They both knew that some distance between them would ease the pull. As long as they weren’t always with each other, it would lessen.

  “A safe house, that’s where I want to stay. If you don’t know of one, call Steven. I’m sure he could arrange it.” She tapped her foot in irritation.

  “Oh, I know of a safe house but you won’t need it. You’ll be staying with me. It will be safer for you at my home. The whole community is monitored. If you think it will help, you can take one of the spare bedrooms.” He raised an eyebrow at her. “Don’t you think you’ll be able to resist the urge to be with me?”

  She tried not to grind her teeth at that obvious ploy. “I think I can manage not to push you to the ground and rip your clothes off.”

  “I wouldn’t fight you if you wanted to do it.” He smiled. “Are you ready to go now? I have some chicken ready for the grill.”

  She heaved a big sigh and picked up her bags, irritated that she’d let him maneuver her into agreeing to stay with him. “All right, let’s go. You don’t know much about compromise, do you?”

  He laughed. “What’s to compromise about? You’ll get what you want.”

  She walked over to join him at the door. He led the way into the living room. The door still hung at an angle on one hinge. The doorjamb was splintered where the locks had ripped through the wood. She stopped and looked at Marcus. He was supposed to have taken care of that.

  He must have caught that look because he stopped, and said, “I arranged for it to be fixed and a man will stand guard until it’s done.”

  “I don’t want to come back after we catch your rogue and find my home wide open to anyone who cares to walk in,” she warned.

  “You won’t find your home open. Everything will be just as you left it.” He put a hand lightly on her shoulder. “Now about those Shadow Warriors, are they real or creations of magic?”

  “They’re real but they tend to stay on the edges of paranormal society. They’re usually busy with some sort of mission. You probably know of them by their ancient name, the Ananti.” She strode for the door.

  “I’ve heard of them but I don’t remember much about what they did then or now.” He stayed near her as she stepped into the hallway.

  “They usually guard those with special power. Most of the time the man or woman doesn’t know they’re being guarded. They also work with witches sometimes.” She felt a little better about leaving her apartment when she saw the man standing out in the hallway just to the side of the door.

  “I guessed that some witches used them. Bringing them to you is a fairly high level spell, isn’t it?” He matched his stride to hers as they began to move to the elevator.

  “Not that high. It’s just not a common spell. Mostly only witches from old families know of it.” She shrugged and stepped into the elevator.

  “That explains why I’ve never even heard of a witch calling upon anything like the Shadow Warrior.” He leaned back against the wall of the elevator and watched her.

  Chapter Six

  Marcus rolled out of bed. He needed to burn some of the energy pulsing through his body. What he really needed was a long run but he couldn’t leave Serena alone. She was a target now and Daniel would eventually realize where she’d be if he didn’t already know. Marcus knew the rogue would consider her the biggest threat to his freedom. As long as she helped them, Daniel’s magical talents would be blocked and useless. He’d want her out of the way as soon as possible.

  Serena had held firm tonight. Although she’d kissed him and held him, she’d called a halt almost as soon as his touch had strayed below her waist. He took heart in the fact that she hadn’t been able to deny herself of all contact. Her sweet scent had lured him, enticed him to try to change her mind. Letting her walk away from him had been one of the hardest things he’d done in a long time but he’d kept his word. Choosing one of the spare bedrooms, she’d gone to bed. His only satisfaction had been that she’d been as aroused as he was. That was little comfort now when his body burned for hers.

  He headed for the kitchen, debating whether a late-night swim would help. Getting a glass from the cabinet, he filled the glass with water. He took a drink of the cold liquid and leaned against the counter. The water would be refreshing after the heat of the day and the exercise might just burn off the need.

  The soft slap of a bare foot against the tile drew his attention. He turned and saw Serena standing in the kitchen doorway. As she noticed his eyes on her, she leaned against the wall and stared at him, a frown turning down her full lips. A silky green nightgown swirled about her thighs. She looked utterly sexy and a little frustrated. Or maybe he was only seeing what he wanted to see.

  “Is something wrong?” he asked. His fingers tingled with the urge to peel that gown off her.

  “I can’t sleep.” She took a deep breath and crossed her arms just below her breasts. “I heard you pass by the door and…”

  “Do you need something to help you sleep?” He frowned as he remembered she’d said she’d had trouble sleeping lately.

  She shook her head and shifted positions nervously. Her eyes dropped to the floor. It took her so long to answer that he wondered if she was going to say anything else.

  “I’ll probably regret this. It could be a disaster.” Her voice was soft and barely carried to him.

  He wondered if he’d heard that right. What would be a disaster? Why would it be a disaster? His mind automatically jumped to thoughts of her and him in bed but there was nothing disastrous about that.

  “What are going to regret?” He didn’t move from his position near the sink. Just the thought of making love with her had his body hardening in reaction.

  “I want you. I can’t pretend that I don’t but I’m afraid that this is going to be a distraction.” Her fingers plucked at the silky fabric at her thigh.

  “What exactly are you saying?” He didn’t want to jump to a wrong conclusion and send her scurrying away from him. Not when she’d suddenly taken the first step toward him.

  She closed her eyes briefly and ran her fingers through her hair. “I know you’re not dense. I don’t want to fight this tonight. I want to make love to you.”

  Relief rushed through him. He hadn’t read her wrong. She did want him. He smiled and opened his arms. He wasn’t going to think much about her reasons for wanting this. He’d welcome any opportunity to get closer to her. The tension seemed to flow out of her body. Her witchy green eyes sparkled and she took two quick steps, closing the distance between them. She pressed her body against him. He felt the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her nightgown. The hard little beads of her nipples seemed to be trying to poke out of her gown. It almost felt like she didn’t have a top on at all.

  “Do you still want me not to bite you or would you like to see how it feels?” He trailed his lips down her neck. He wanted to bite her. The thought of tasting her blood as he fucked her had his fangs lengthening and slipping from his gums.

 
“No biting. If you need to feed, you’ll need to go find a donor. It’s not going to be me.” Her fingers tangled in his hair, tugging his head away from her neck and meeting his eyes.

  Her pink lips glistened in the overhead light. He wanted to take that full lower lip between his teeth and tug. She looked so serious that he knew she’d need an answer. He wouldn’t ever bite her without her permission but trust would take time.

  “I won’t bite you, Serena, not unless you ask me to do it.” He sucked at her lips between the words, unable to resist touching her.

  She nodded and her fingers slid down his neck and across his shoulder. Her lips brushed against his, her tongue sliding over his lips. He opened his mouth, needing to taste her. His hand slipped beneath the long fall of her black hair and cupped the back of her neck. Her sweet, spicy taste flooded into his mouth. She tasted so good, so right. Her lips felt soft beneath his, perfect. Her tongue stroked over his, demanding more. He gave it to her. He guided her back against the counter. His cock strained against the soft cloth of his briefs. Her leg lifted, sliding against his thigh, hooking around his leg as she arched against him. He groaned and lifted her until she was sitting on the edge of the countertop. Her breath hissed between her teeth as the cold marble counter sent a shock straight up her spine. She wriggled, trying to scoot off the cool countertop. He glanced down and saw the sexy scrap of green silk covering her pussy. He wanted to rip them off her, but forced himself to wait. His body, pressing into hers, kept her in place. His hands smoothed down her thighs, urging them wider. He stepped between the space. She wrapped her legs around his hips, wanting to bring him closer.

  “Let me see those beautiful breasts.” His hands went to the thin straps of her nightgown.

  He pushed the loose straps over her shoulder and onto her arms. She wriggled and the fabric slid down to her wrists. She slipped her hands free of the loops and pushed the slinky fabric over the curve of her hips and let it fall to the floor. Her eyes met his. She licked her lips before her hands smoothed up over his chest. Her nails scraped his nipples and the small stinging sensation seared through him. He couldn’t resist sliding his hands down to her butt and pulling her tighter against him. His cock pressed against the soft lips of her pussy, separated only by two thin layers of cloth. He could feel the warm moisture of her pussy. It was all he could do not to grind into her, to rip away those slinky green panties and rip off his own underwear.

  “Lean back for me,” he urged, slowly licking his lips.

  Bracing her hands behind her on the countertop, she watched him with feverish eyes. His eyes locked on the reddened tips of her breasts. He kissed her neck, dropping a kiss on her lips, before spreading light, quick kisses over her chest. Licking a twisting trail up the slope of her right breast, he took his time. He wanted her wild for him. Her fingers gripped the back of his neck and her thighs tightened around his waist.

  He drew her nipple into his mouth, teasing the pebbled bead before he sucked hungrily on it. A mewling moan tore from her as her head fell back. He lifted his head and ran his eyes over her, noting the aroused flush pinkening her skin. She was so damn sexy. The scent of her arousal was driving him wild.

  “Are you hungry for me?” he whispered, his lips just brushing her skin.

  Her lips looked swollen. She slowly lifted her head, blinking her eyes as if it took her a moment to understand what he was saying. He wanted that. He wanted to pull away all of that calm, collected control. She always seemed so perfectly together. Her hair was always in place. Seeing it fall wildly around her shoulders thrilled him but not nearly as much as making her so wild she had trouble thinking.

  “I want you,” she said softly.

  Her hands slid down his back and underneath the band of his boxers. Her palms seemed scorching hot as she cupped his buttocks. Her nails scraped over his skin. He drew in a hissing breath. A searing jolt of sensation shot straight to his cock. He wanted her hands on his cock, not his ass.

  He nipped at the curve of her breast. She shivered. He felt the hitch of her breath. He wanted to pull that scrap of lace from her and drive into her. A huge part of him wanted to mark her, to push all thoughts of any other man out of her head. Her eyes fluttered closed.

  He swept a hand down her thigh. Rocking his hips against her, he gave in to the need to move against her. Near pain slammed through him. He had to have her soon. He sucked at her breast, clasping the peak between his teeth. She arched and pulled his head tight against her. He slipped his hand between them and cupped his hand over her pussy. Her juices dampened his fingers.

  “Let’s get these off you. I want to be inside you.” He straightened, licking and nibbling at her neck.

  She shifted and brought one hand up, pushing at the thin band of her panties. He smiled at her eagerness. Fastening his fingers around her wrist, he pressed her hand back onto the counter. She tensed, her mouth opening in protest. He sealed the sound behind her lips with a quick hard kiss. Stunned, she remained passive for only a breath before kissing him back. Giving her lips a final nip, he lifted his head.

  “I’ll take care of it. Just be still and patient,” he ordered.

  She blinked but relaxed. He slipped his fingers beneath the thin straps of her panties and tugged. She lifted her hips, helping him as he pulled the panties down her legs. He dropped the scrap of green lace and silk on the floor. As soon as the panties were off, she widened her thighs.

  “You’re wet. But are you ready?” He stepped back between her thighs after taking off his briefs.

  He skated his fingers down her stomach. He felt the muscles tighten. His fingers slipped over her plump labia. He teasingly traced the outline of the lips but avoided the hood of her clit. She moaned and her fingers clasped around his hand, trying to put it where she needed it. He drew his finger down the center divide. He flicked her clit. She writhed, her thighs tightening around his hips. His fingers slipped down and stroked into her slick channel. Hot fluid coated them. Her inner muscles clenched around thick digits. He felt her body shake. Her eyes glittered with hunger.

  “Don’t play.” Her voice sounded breathy, strained. She pressed kisses on his shoulder, his neck. Her tongue slicked over the pulse point. Framing his face with her hands, she pressed quick kisses on his lips.

  Those light teasing brushes only made him want more. They weren’t nearly enough. He lifted one of his hands and tangled it in her hair, holding her still. At the first pressure, her mouth opened beneath his. Her tongue met his eagerly. This was no light teasing joining. Her hands slid around his waist pulling at him and she sucked at his tongue when he drove it into her mouth. She couldn’t seem to get close enough to him. She wriggled and he felt the hard tips of her nipples brushing back and forth against his chest. She was as ready as he was. If he didn’t get his cock into that tight pussy soon, he’d spill on her belly.

  Only as he smoothed his palms up her thighs widening her legs did he realize he didn’t have a condom. Fuck. He took a deep breath and silently cursed the fact that he wasn’t the type of man to store condoms in every room of the house. Almost shaking with need, he stepped back.

  “Don’t move. Think about where you’d like me to put my tongue next. I’ll be back in a flash.” He brushed his lips over hers and hurried toward his bedroom without waiting for her to answer.

  Grabbing a foil packet from the box in his dresser, he rushed back to the kitchen. Hopefully, she was still just as hot and ready as she’d been when he’d left. He was relieved to see that she hadn’t moved and she watched him hungrily as he walked over to her.

  “Did you decide where you wanted my mouth? Here?” His fingers brushed over the hard peak of her right breast before slipping down her belly. “Or maybe here?”

  Reaching between them, he grasped his cock and rolled on a condom. He fitted it to her slick entrance and looked up, meeting her eyes. He slowly stroked into her. Part of him wanted to drive into her, to take them both to their pleasure hard and fast. Another part needed
to take her slowly at first to watch the fever rip away all her restraint.

  Gripping her hips, he slowly pushed into the tight, wet heat. Her nails scraped his back and the slight sting shot through him. His balls tightened even more and it was all he could do not to lose the fragile grip he had on his control. Setting a slow, grinding pace, he withdrew and then rolled his hips forward again. Her legs tightened around his hips and she pulled in gasping breaths. Her lips glistened and her head tilted back. She was so beautiful and wild. Her inner muscles pulled at his cock, trying to keep him inside her, just as her hands tugged him closer.

  “Please, Marcus, I can’t wait,” she urged. Her hands stroked up his shoulders.

  The strain, the need in her voice ripped through him. He rocked into her a little faster, needing to give them both what they craved. His mouth moved along her shoulder, tracing patterns over the sweat-slick skin. Her neck arched to the side, giving him better access. The unconscious move nearly tore way his control. The salty taste of her skin lured him. His fangs had burst through his gums and he wanted just a taste of the blood pulsing beneath the surface of her skin. She couldn’t know just how much she was testing his control with that inviting curve of her neck. He lifted his head, trying to stay away from her neck and the temptation to bite. She’d have a right to be furious with him. He’d given his word. It had never been this hard to resist.

  Marcus hooked an arm under one of her thighs, pulling it higher. He surged into her, pushing as deep as he could get. He couldn’t seem to get close enough to her. He wanted more. She kissed him eagerly, soft moans rolling over his lips. He thrust into her, each rolling grind of his hips brushing against her clit. He heard her keen his name just before his own pleasure slammed over him. Streaks of lightning flashed over his body, sending bolts of hot pleasure through him. He came and ground into her, wanting to prolong the fiery sensation racing through him.