Gerri towel-dried her hair and smiled at the computer screen. “No way, Ann. You know I don't go to clubs.”
Her friend frowned across the live feed. “Please? Ben will be there but I'm playing hard to get. I blew him off two weeks ago when he invited me to his birthday bash but I want to go. I'll look desperate and sad if I show up alone. We go together and it's just a coincidence. We'll accidentally run into him.”
“That's the lamest thing ever. You realize that, don't you? He's not a moron. He'll see through your ruse as soon as you walk into that club. You don't hang out with his crowd. Did you get an official invite like his friends did?”
“No, but it's a nightclub, open to the public. You think it would be that obvious I was there to run into him?”
Gerri tossed the towel over the handlebars of her stationary bike in the corner of the guestroom she'd turned into a computer/exercise room. “Totally. Find out where he eats lunch near your office and show up there one day. That's way smoother and more believable. I don't know why you want to play games though. Just say yes when he asks you out.”
“That's why you're single. Men like a challenge. I don't want him to think I'm easy.”
“Then don't sleep with him on the first date.”
“You've seen him. Who would say no?”
“Me.” Gerri leaned closer to the screen. “Just go to the club and tell him you changed your mind. Or don't. I'm not going with you. My plans tonight consist of watching a movie and being in bed before ten. I need clean clothes and I had to take off work today, so I promised Robert I’d come in tomorrow to make up the time. You're lucky you have a washer and dryer inside your condo. I have to put the first load in by the crack of dawn when our Laundromat opens or it never gets done because my neighbors hog the machines until closing time. Now—grow a set of balls and call Ben if you don't want to show up unannounced. It's just after seven, and you said it starts at nine. Get him while he's still at home so he can swing by your place to pick you up. Problem solved.”
“What if he asked someone else? That would be awkward to hear over the phone.”
“It would be more awkward being introduced to his date at the club. Just call him. I'm out.” Gerri clicked off the connection, shaking her head.
“Are human dating rituals that seriously messed up?”
Gerri jumped in her seat, her heart racing. She didn't turn around though, not needing to. “How in the hell did you get in?”
Wen was quiet, and she finally turned her head to the side, finding him leaning just inside the door. He looked as if he'd been there for a while, with his comfortable stance. The jacket was gone but he still wore the same clothes. His eyes were uncovered, and as she stared into them, she wished he still sported the sunglasses.
“I forgot to brace the door but I locked it. Did you break my locks?”
“You live in an apartment.”
She pushed out of her chair, gripping her robe tighter. “The manager has a spare set of keys,” she guessed. “You hypnotized poor Mrs. Wagnor into handing them over.”
“It was easy.”
“That's so rude and wrong. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should mess with people's heads. She's a sweet lady. You didn't do anything to her, did you?”
He scowled. “I don't harm innocents.”
“You just force them to your will. What did you tell her?”
“I completely wiped her of meeting me. She won't remember a thing.”
“Do you still have my key?”
He grinned. “Yes.”
“What happens when she notices my set of keys are missing and thinks she's gone senile to have misplaced them?” She crossed the room but kept a good four feet of space between him. “Return them to her so that doesn't happen. You guys never think about the consequences of the crap you do. Leave now, Wen. We have nothing left to say.”
“I disagree. I remember your parting words when you left our clan too. You told me to eat shit and called me dog face.”
“I was mad!”
“I had come to say goodbye and wish you well.”
“I thought you were coming to stop me from leaving.”
He moved fast, and Gerri gasped when his hands gripped her around her waist, hoisting her right off her feet. She clutched at his arms as he stormed out of the guestroom and into her bedroom. He broke the connection between them by flinging her through the air. She landed on her back, bouncing when she hit the mattress. It took her a second to realize what he'd done.
“Damn you!” She struggled to sit upright.
“What was I supposed to do? Knock your mother on her ass and throw you over my shoulder? Rush into the woods to live out there with you while the entire clan hunted for us?”
Her mouth parted, but no words came out as she stared at one very angry Wen. His eye color had darkened to a deep midnight blue, a sure indication that he was close to changing shapes. She glanced down and spotted the telling sign of his fingernails lengthening. Hair seemed to darken and thicken along his arms, spreading upward to his biceps. He snarled, the sound loud in her apartment, and he flashed some sharp fangs.
His reaction killed her anger and made her wary instead. It wasn't like a VampLycan to easily lose their skin. She finally found something to say. “Calm down. Don't go all beasty in my apartment. I'd never get all the hair you'd shed out of my carpet.”
“They would have caught us within two days—that's what I figured, anyway. Your humanness would have slowed us down, even with me carrying you on my back. I thought we could seek sanctuary with the GarLycans if we could make it that far, to give you time to mature. It was crazy, since they would have turned us back, but my mind went there anyway.”
Astonishment silenced her.
“Your mother refused to stay. I begged her but she didn't want that kind of life for you. She said everything reminded her of her mate and it was breaking her heart. You were fifteen, so I had no right to claim you. The age of consent is eighteen unless both parents die. Then it's seventeen. I even considered killing your mother. It wasn't my best day.”
“Wen…what are you saying?” She scooted down the bed to sit on the edge, not sure her legs would support her enough to stand.
He glanced at his hands, flexed them until all the extra hair faded from his arms, and then lifted one to brush his fingers through his hair. He turned away, giving her his back. “I had feelings too. I planned to track you down later…but things changed.”
Her entire world felt as if it were crumbling around her. He'd once thought he was in love with her too. That's what he was saying. What he left unsaid hurt. “You found someone else you cared about more? Do you have a mate? Where is she, Wen? You wouldn't leave a mate for anything. It's against your nature.”
He sighed and slowly faced her again. “There's no mate, Gerri. My older brother was killed and his responsibilities fell to me. My parents took it hard. He was their first son. My mother went a little insane too. She took his loss the worst. They knew how I felt about you, but made it clear they'd reject you as my mate. They’ve demanded I mate a full-blooded VampLycan. My offspring will carry our family name and position in the clan.”
Part of her was relieved he wasn't mated but she was also sad. “I'm sorry about Gerbin.”
“Thanks. I couldn't put you in danger. My mom really has lost her mind and my father is overly protective. She’s mentally fragile, which makes him crazy too. I worried that she’d try to kill you if I ever brought you home—or he would do it to keep her happy.”
“They think my being human would make for weak grandkids.”
“Yes.”
They stared at each other. He let his hand fall to his side, where it fisted. He took a step closer but then halted. “I'd hoped the attraction would be gone when I set out to find you.” He glanced down her body. “You want the truth? I saw you…and all those feelings I used to have resurfaced. You're beautiful, G.L. You have no idea what you do to me still.”
Gerri remained seated, sure her legs wouldn't support her now. The old nickname was a reminder of the past. He'd teased her about her golden locks and called himself the big bad wolf. She'd pointed out he had his fairy tales mixed up but he hadn't cared. “That's why you really came to me for help?”
“I am hunting a crazy Vamp, but I thought of you when I came to the lower forty-eight. My plan gives me an excuse to both spend time with you and accomplish my mission.”
“Two birds with one stone, huh?”
He smiled, the blue of his eyes lightening. “Yes.”
“So you lied about me needing to play the part of your lover because you were hoping if you got me into bed, you could rid yourself of the itch? Finally scratch it?”
All humor fled. “That was the truth. The only way I'm going to get close to him is if we go in together as a couple. He'll know I'm there for him otherwise, but my exit from the clan to be with a human is plausible. He's most familiar with Decker's clan, since he’s the bastard who sent them to Alaska. I not only have to kill him, but I need to find out what kind of damage he’s done before I do. That means spending at least a few days around him.”
“Why would Decker do that? I deserve answers if you want me involved.”
He hesitated, then sighed. “You’re right. Decker wanted to rule all four clans, not just his own. He’s been making sneak attacks on our clan and the others for years. Lord Aveoth forbid him to outright go to war with other VampLycans. The fear of having the GarLycans defend Trayis’s, Velder’s, and Crocker’s clans kept him mostly in check. Then Decker thought he’d finally found a way to control Lord Aveoth and make him join forces to take out his enemies. It backfired. Instead, Lord Aveoth is furious and wants him dead, so Decker fled.”
“Decker is insane. Never anger a fur bat. They’re cold and mean.” She shivered, remembering the few times she’d seen GarLycans from a distance when one would visit the clan to relay a message. They were terrifying. “Plus they fly. You can’t even outrun them.”
Wen grinned. “Very true. That’s why Decker fled.” His features turned grim. “The stupid bastard tried to blackmail Lord Aveoth. We’re guessing Decker was furious when he learned that Lorn took leadership of the clan he left behind. He sent a nest of Vamps to fuck with them. Then that small human town suffered.”
“The Vamps needed to eat.”
“It was more than that. We took out that nest but one of them survived. He’s the one I’m going after. We’re guessing he’s blaming Decker and all VampLycans for the loss of his beloved master. He has to be stopped before he causes us more trouble.”
“So you’re going after him. But you’re a VampLycan. You can’t hide that from this Vamp, can you?”
“He’ll know what I am. He’s collecting rogues, so I’ll pretend to be one. It's a good cover to say being hunted by the same clan members tracking him because you and I are forbidden lovers. It has a touch of truth to it, since my family would be outraged if they knew I’ve come to you for help. I’m hoping he’ll add me to his nest or whatever the hell he wants to call it. I’ll get my information and then be able to kill him.”
“Wen…I can't do this for you.” But she was tempted.
Wen approached her and lowered to his knees, so close she could reach out and touch him. “I need your help. I don't trust any other human enough and a manipulated woman wouldn't convince them I'm not a threat. Even Vamps can't stomach mindless blood slaves for long and kill them. You know what I am, and I wouldn't have to worry about you turning on me. You know that some humans would think we're monsters if they learned the truth. I might end up with a knife in my back while I'm sleeping next to one, since I'd have to reveal what I am. I wouldn't die, but it would blow my cover if the woman tried to take me out. That doesn't sound real loving, does it?”
She swallowed.
“I need to not only get to him, but I have to find out what he’s done. That means staying at least a few nights to gain information.”
“What kind of information?”
“Whether or not any of the nests or packs have taken this dickhead’s words as truth. I need to know if the Vampire Council is urging all the nests to attack us or if it’s just the one this jerk belonged to.”
She could understand why that would matter. One nest could be dealt with. The council ordering every nest to go after VampLycans would be seriously bad.
“Aren't you curious about what’s between us?” He leaned closer, staring deeply into her eyes. “I am. I can't offer you forever, but don't you wonder what it would have been like if we'd had the chance to be together?”
“Wen…” He was so sexy, and she longed to touch him.
“Worst case scenario, we're going to realize what we had was real. Best case, we'll learn enough to never want to see each other again. We won't be certain either way unless we become lovers.”
She closed her eyes, unable to stare into his anymore. “God, Wen. Don't do this.”
“I'm not touching you yet.”
Yet. “What happens if it was real and those feelings are still there? What if they deepen?” She forced herself to look at him again. “What if we both want forever?”
Wen looked away that time. “It can't happen. I have to return home and it wouldn't be safe for you.” He returned his gaze to hers. “I'd be afraid my family might want to hurt you or our children.”
Children. Her guts twisted just imagining having some with Wen. She'd stopped dreaming about that long ago. His family would see her as the enemy. He'd stated as much. She knew all about VampLycans and the importance of first sons. Wen had become just that after his older brother's death.
She hadn't met Wen’s brother, Gerbin, too many times when she'd lived with the clan. He’d been born over twenty years before Wen. The elder sibling had traveled a lot, doing what Wen seemed to be doing now. He would leave the clan to track down and kill enemies. Wen's father was an elder, ranked high in the clan, so it would fall to his firstborn to carry on that legacy of being an enforcer for the clan leader. There was a real chance any children she and Wen would produce together might lose the ability to shift forms, therefore making them useless in that role. Even Trayis, the clan leader, wouldn't want that to happen to Wen’s children. They were all about keeping the clan strong.
Her mother had been allowed to mate a VampLycan because he’d been a tradesman. He wasn’t a fighter but instead artistic. Her stepfather had been a genius with a chainsaw and a large chuck of wood, selling his sculptures for big bucks that he’d shared with the clan. He’d actually met her mother while he’d been out in the human world at an art show to promote his work.
“It's too big of a risk to take,” she managed to say.
“I don't see it that way.” Wen shook his head.
Her anger returned. “You wouldn't. I was the one picked on and who lived in fear that someone would finally shove me over a cliff just to be rid of me. Some of those kids were mean, Wen. I don't ever want my child to suffer through that shit or to be seen as weak. I could get pregnant. Did you even think about that? Whoops! It happens. Then what? You'd have the option of killing me outright or taking me back to the clan, where our child would face prejudice. You said it yourself, your own parents would pose a threat. And even though some of your clan might be assholes to a half-human kid, they'd still keep our baby safer than I could. I wouldn't last two weeks out here on my own once my scent changed. Every freak with a nose would know I was carrying something not totally human. I might as well paint a sign that states ‘kill me’ and hang it around my neck.”
A muscle in his jaw clenched and his eyes darkened. “I won't get you pregnant, Gerri.”
“I'm not like you.” She was stunned she had to remind him, of all people. “Your women can breed when they want to because they can control their ovulation. But you can totally get a full human pregnant. I don't have any freaky self-birth-control thing going on.”
“I would smell it if you were ovulating.”
She frowned back at him. “That's disturbing on so many levels. But what if we're in the middle of this mess you want to drag me into and I hit that time of the month? I'm not on anything.”
Some of the tension left his features and his eye color lightened further. Humor glinted. “You've never heard of condoms? Do I need to explain what they are to you? Human men wear them to prevent pregnancies from occurring.”
“Very funny. Those can break.”
“It won't happen. You're hunting for excuses now.”
“No. I'm using your own words against you. You said these rogues needed to smell you all over me.” She paused. “Inside me. That means no condoms.”
“I'll know when your ovulating, and if they say anything, I’ll tell them I’m avoiding getting you pregnant because we’re on the run.”
He probably had a point, but so did she. “You can't guarantee I won’t get pregnant by accident.”
“You're not the first human I've touched, Gerri.”
The stabbing sensation was jealousy, and she hated feeling it. “Oh, that's a selling point.” She rolled her eyes. “So not hot.”
“Sorry.” He actually appeared to regret the words. “I don't want to hear about the men you've allowed access to your body. I was just stating a fact. I managed to not get them pregnant.”
Them. She wanted to ask how many he'd slept with but resisted, not sure she'd like the answer. “That you know of. Did you stick around long enough to make sure?”
That muscle along his jaw jumped again. “Of course. I always used a condom and none of them broke.”
“Into dating humans, huh? I bet your parents love that.”
“I've been sent out into your world on many occasions to hunt others and do business for the clan. Sometimes I’m gone for a few months.”
And VampLycan males are as horny as hell. He didn't need to state that. It also served as a reminder that he'd never contacted her before. “Why come see me now?”
“This time you don't smell of someone else.”
His answer stunned her. “What?”
“This isn't the first time I've sought you out, Gerri.” The blue color of his eyes darkened again. “I've never left my territory to travel into your world without having someone track you down first. The Lycan I hired reported you were involved in a relationship every other time. I didn't care anymore if I had to take you from someone. I need you, and I'm tired of waiting for it to be the right time to find out what’s between us. Make your excuses, protest all you want, but you're not avoiding the inevitable.” His gaze lowered to the waist of her robe. “I'm going to fuck you, Gerri.” He stared back into her eyes. “Tonight.”
Her heart rate spiked and so did her breathing. “Wen, please don't.”
“You want me as much as I do you. Tell me otherwise and I'll call you a liar. You're not afraid of me. You should see how flushed your skin is right now. I can hear your heartbeat.” His nose flared as he inhaled. “I can smell how wet and needy you are. You've been tormenting me since I walked in the door.”
She clenched her thighs together, horrified because she knew what he was picking up with his super-nose. “That's not from you. I masturbated in the shower. Stop sniffing at me, damn it! That's so rude, and I hate having to admit something so personal. You damn VampLycans have no respect for privacy.”
He smiled. “Were you thinking about me when you came?”
She wanted to punch him because he'd hit it dead on with his guess. She usually fantasized about him. “Get out, Wen. I was actually thinking about my ex-boyfriend.”
The lie seemed to set him off. His features twisted with rage and a snarl burst from him. He lunged and knocked her onto her back. It didn't hurt, but she was so stunned that she didn't react quickly enough to stop him from shoving her robe up her legs and spreading them. His hands gripped her inner thighs, holding them wide open.
“I'll be the best you've ever had, Gerri. It will be my memory that fills your mind from now on when you touch yourself, wishing it were me instead.”
“Goddamn you!” She knew he'd exposed her from the waist down. She wasn't wearing anything under her robe. “Let go.” She was turned on, wanting him, but it was a bad idea. “Stop it!”
“I haven't even begun.” Some of his temper faded from his harsh tone but he showed his fangs. They were intimidating as hell and a little scary to see. He actually opened his mouth more and ran his tongue over the sharp tips. “Be still. I don't want to cut you by accident.”
Her mouth parted, wondering what the hell that meant, but then he bent, sitting on his ass on the floor to lower himself. His hold on her thighs tightened and he jerked her entire body closer to the edge of the mattress. It put her pussy right under his nose.
“Don't you dare,” she whispered.
He had the nerve to wink. “I've wanted to do this forever.”
She stiffened and stopped trying to squirm away the second he lowered his face and his hot breath fanned her lower region. It was something right out of one of the more sexual dreams she'd had about Wen. Of course, she hadn't expected to feel the front of his fangs pressed to either side of her clit, giving him easier access to it. The first lick of his raspy tongue over the sensitive bundle of nerves had her tightening her hold on his arms.
He growled and his tongue vibrated against the spot that was the most receptive to pleasure.
“I hate you,” she moaned.
His response was to growl deeper and wiggle his tongue against her clit. She released his arms and clawed at the bed. It felt too good to fight. None of her ex-boyfriends could do what Wen was doing. Only he could pull off oral sex while doing an impression of a vibrator at the same time. She panted, trying to remember not to buck her hips in case he cut her with his fangs down there. It would probably hurt.
Her nipples beaded tight under the terrycloth robe, making them overly sensitive, and the soft material suddenly felt rough. Heat spread through her belly as pleasure shot from her clit directly to her brain. She was going to come hard and almost embarrassingly fast, since Wen wasn't wasting time with foreplay. Every muscle felt as though it was rigid and her back arched off the bed.
“Oh God,” she moaned, then bit down on her lower lip to stop talking.
Wen growled deeper, probably loud enough for her neighbors to hear, but she didn't give a damn. The climax tore through her. It was brutal and fierce, so intense she couldn't think, just wonder if she'd survive because all the blood seemed to rush to her brain, almost blowing it.
It took her a moment to come down from the high, and she realized she was being flipped over. Material ripped as Wen stripped her of the robe in the process. She was sweating and the air felt chilly after being wrapped in the warm material. Her knees hit the carpet and she was bent over the bed until her hips were pushed tight against the side of the mattress. The distinct sound of his zipper mixed with the harsh breathing from both of them.
She should protest but she didn't. She wanted him. Gerri turned her head, flipping some of her damp hair out of her face. Wen was on his knees behind her. His eyes were bright blue and glowing. It was a reminder of what he'd said about them doing that when he was turned on. They were absolutely beautiful, and so was he.
Her gaze lowered as he shoved down his pants. It wasn't a surprise that he didn’t wear underwear. The size of his cock was slightly scary. He was thick, long, and incredibly hard. The only thing that drew her attention from it was when he reached up and tugged his shirt off, tossing it aside. All that tan skin was revealed, and the sight of his eight-pack abs was stare worthy. Everything about Wen was big and intimidating. Sexy.
“I'll be gentle.” His voice was gruff, more animalistic than human.
She faced forward and closed her eyes, trying to relax. “You better be,” she got out. “You're huge.”
“Flattery will get you everything with me.”
His hand braced next to her shoulder and he pressed against her back. He was hot but it was skin, not fur, so he completely kept his human form. She was grateful for that because some VampLycans could beast out a bit during sex. She'd walked in on her mother and stepfather once, something she wished she could forget. He'd been mostly human but had a shitload of hair, along with some extended jawline action going on, and fangs. She didn't want that with Wen.
Wen used his knee to bump her inner thigh and she spread her legs more. “I wish you were bigger. You are so delicate, G.L.”
He used his other hand to grab her hair, something she didn't expect, and bared one shoulder and the side of her neck. He leaned over and his lips brushed skin, kissing her. She relaxed even more, glad he wasn't just going to fuck her right off the bat. He used that same hand to reach between their hips and fondle her clit. She was wet, could feel how much so as he slid higher and one finger slowly breached her pussy.
She moaned in response; it felt incredibly good as he tested to see if she was ready to take him. He didn't immediately withdraw but instead seemed intent on exploring her by sinking the digit in deeper. He twisted his finger so the tip of it rubbed and she moaned when he found the right spot. He stilled and rubbed it again. Gerri arched her ass to give him better access.
“Got you, G.L.”
She wondered what that meant, but then his finger withdrew and something far thicker rubbed against the seam of her sex. He found the entrance with the crown of his cock and pushed forward, breaching her pussy. It stretched to accommodate the girth of his shaft but she'd never taken someone his size before. It was a tight fit, and her head lowered until her forehead rested against her mattress. He was gentle, not going in fast, and allowed her to adjust to him until he was fully seated.
“Fuck,” he growled, his mouth against her ear. “You're going to kill me.”
“Ditto,” she moaned.
He withdrew, but not totally, and pushed back in. He was rock hard and every nerve ending down there seemed to get hit as he filled her again. He stopped, growled low, and repeated the action a few more times until some of the tightness of their joining eased as her body grew familiar with him.
She moaned again when he nipped her with his teeth along the curve of her shoulder. It wasn't painful. She was sure he didn't break the skin, but that jolt of his fangs added to the pleasure. She'd never guessed she liked being bitten, but then again, it was Wen.
He did it again, a little to the right, closer to her throat as he picked up the pace of fucking her and adjusted the angle of his dick.
“Oh God,” she moaned, understanding now why he'd said he got her. Every glide of his cock hit that spot he'd found with his finger. She'd heard about a G-spot but was suddenly a believer in its existence, if that intense feeling was any indication.
He fucked her faster, harder, and she frantically reached for his hand still braced on the bed, needing that contact. She clung to him, wanted to move with him, but he kept her pinned down with the weight of his chest along her back. She could only take him and feel.
Her vaginal muscles clamped around him right before she came. Her cries were muffled against the bed but Wen's snarl wasn't when he tore his mouth away from her shoulder, no longer nipping her skin. He gripped her hip in an almost bruising hold as he frantically fucked her. She felt it when he started coming. His dick throbbed strongly, almost a heartbeat pulsing against her vaginal walls, until he stilled. A slight feeling of pressure followed, small bursts of it, and then liquid heat spread inside her.
Wen collapsed mostly on top of her but then seemed to remember he could smother her with his weight. He lifted up enough to make sure she could still draw air into her lungs. They both suffered from ragged breathing and sweat tickled her from where their bodies were still pressed together. It wasn't a surprise that sex with Wen would be nothing less than hot, messy, and mind-blowing.
She waited for him to pull out when she felt his cock soften somewhat, but he didn't budge. Gerri finally lifted her head, opened her eyes, and looked at his face. He was turned away though, his hair hiding his features. Something on the wall across the room seemed to hold his full attention.
“Is my neighbor pressed up against the wall listening to us? I'm sure we put on quite an ear show for him.”
Wen didn't respond.
“Hello to Wen? Did you fall asleep?”
“Shut up, Gerri,” he rasped. “Just don't talk right now.”
That pissed her off. She struggled to lift up, and he shifted his weight enough to allow her to raise her chest off the bed. She braced her hands and shoved her ass back, hoping to dislodge him from his position over her.
He hadn't been prepared for that. His dick slid out of her as he fell back, landing on his ass. She crawled up on the bed, ripping at the cover to twist it around her body as she rolled, glaring at him.
“You fucked me. I told you this was a mistake. Don't you dare tell me to shut up if you regret it. Did you have to come inside me? You know I was worried about getting pregnant. Would it have killed you to pull out first?”
She took in his features as she spoke, noticing the way he appeared a little worse for the wear. His jaw seemed off, a little too long, and his nose had a smashed appearance, wider than it should have been. The fangs were still present but his eyes weren't glowing anymore. They were pitch black. Hair had grown along his jawline and on parts of his cheeks.
“What the hell? You went beast on me? You asshole!”
He snarled and rolled, yanking up his pants as he struggled to his feet. He gave her his back as he tucked in his dick and zipped his fly closed. “Shut up, damn it. Give me a few minutes.”
“I told you about my parents and the trauma I suffered after I caught them fucking. You thought it was funny but you agreed that was so wrong of him to go all half-shifted on her ass, literally. I can't believe you did that to me.”
Wen tried again to force his body into submission. It wasn't listening. He'd never had that problem before and it made it worse, hearing Gerri rage at him. He didn't blame her for being upset. He closed his eyes and tried to ignore her. He centered his focus on his rapid heartbeat, slowing it.
A soft object hit his back. It felt like one of her pillows. He smiled, grateful it wasn't something more solid, like one of her bedside lamps. He realized the humor helped when his face tingled, assuring him that his jaw had shifted back into a human position and the hair on his face had receded. Only Gerri would dare assault him with harmless sleeping paraphernalia. He ran his tongue along the top of his teeth to make sure his fangs had retracted. He took one more deep breath, opened his eyes, and turned.
Gerri had most of her comforter hiding her body. She was on her knees, clutching the thick bedcover, and held another pillow she was about to pitch his way. Her hair was a mess of damp ringlets falling in disarray over both bared shoulders, even covering one of her eyes and half her face. She looked adorable and sexy as hell. His dick hardened.
“I'm sorry.” He meant it.
“Go to hell!”
He was already there. Wondering what it would be like to take Gerri had always kept him awake at night, but the reality had been much better than anything he'd fantasized about. He was in deep shit, and man enough to admit it. He’d suspected she might be the one for him—but now he was pretty certain. He'd lost control of his body, and that was a first. It was also a sign, one that he desperately wanted to ignore.
“I'm sorry,” he repeated.
“Get out, Wen. I'm totally serious. You got your itched scratched and you regret it. Thanks for fucking me over, just like I knew you would. Now out!” She let the pillow fly.
He dodged it by stepping sideways. His humor fled. “I don't regret it—and we're going to do it again.”
He winced at her horrified expression. She'd enjoyed the sex as much as he had. He would never forget the sweet sounds she made while he fucked her and how good she felt, twitching as she came with his dick buried deep in that hot little pussy of hers. She could become his favorite addiction.
She recovered enough to glare at him. “Out, Wen. Bye. Have a good life!”
Gerri was never going to forgive him for those words he'd once spoken. That was the second time she'd thrown them in his face. He'd been young then and had no choice but to allow her to walk away. Times had changed. He couldn't exactly take her home with him but he had time before he had to return to Alaska. Every minute would be spent with her.
“I had to get control of my body. I didn't mean to partially change. The sex was that great. I needed silence to do it, needed to block you out.” He wasn't going to elaborate more.
“So that was an accident? You accidently went all beastly on me and whoops, you couldn't pull out either? You had me pinned, not the other way around.”
“You need to smell like me. I planned on the second part. I marked you from the inside.”
She turned her head, looking for a weapon. The paperback book on her nightstand was her choice. She flung it at him. He threw up his hand to easily defect it. It bounced off his palm and hit the floor. That seemed to irritate her more as she huffed, searching for something else as she yanked open the nightstand drawer. He tensed, hoping she didn't have a gun. It wouldn't kill him but a bullet would hurt.
The object she withdrew stumped him. It was bright pink and plastic. “What the hell is that?”
“A rabbit.” She pitched it at him.
He caught it and studied the strangely shaped object. He wasn't familiar with sex toys but it didn't take a genius to figure out what it was. A grin split his face as he arched his eyebrows. “Is this a hint?” He took a step closer as his thumb pressed against a button. It turned the thing on and the vibrations made him laugh. “Nice. I've never used one on someone before but I'm willing to give it a try.”
“Oooooh!” she yelled, and almost fell off her bed when she tried to get out of it, still tangled with the comforter.
He was ready to lunge forward to prevent her from hitting the carpet, but she caught her own balance before the need arose. He kept back, turning off the sex toy so it went silent and still.
“I'll mark you,” she muttered. “I wish I had a whip or a belt. You need your ass beaten.”
He laughed, tossing the toy on the bed a safe distance from her. “That sounds kinky but I'm not into that. Are you?”
“You spank me and I'll rip off your nuts.” She pointed a finger at him. “You’re pissing me off. I don’t think you’re being charming.”
He lifted his hands and schooled his features. “Calm down.”
“I will once you leave.”
“I missed how unreasonable you can be. It's cute.”
“Oh, I've got cute for you.” She suddenly dropped the comforter, streaking naked into the bathroom. The door slammed before he could react, a lock clicking into place.
He walked to it but didn't kick it open. The sound of water coming on had him clenching his teeth. She was showering to remove his scent. He'd bet she planned to wash all of him away too. He lifted a hand and fisted it, knocking. “Stop it, Gerri.”
“Fuck off!”
He'd replace the doorknob. He gripped it firmly and twisted, applying enough strength that the cheap thing didn’t stand a chance. He didn't want to damage the door or the frame.
He strode inside the bathroom and found Gerri about to step into the glass shower stall. The sight of her naked played hell with his already active libido. He wanted her again. The fact that she cursed, grabbing a towel to wrap around her to hide her body, wasn't lost on him.
“You're so rude.”
“You're angry because what we experienced frightened you. I understand. I know you too well…but you know me too, G.L. You're panicking and acting this way trying to avoid the truth.” He purposely used the nickname to remind her of the past. “I didn't mean to lose control. I wasn't prepared for that either. I damn near bit you. That's why I wanted you to be silent. The urge was still there. You have no idea how close I came to drawing blood.”
She stumbled, taking a step back but forgetting about the lip of the shower stall behind her.
He moved fast, one arm wrapping around her waist and jerking her against his body to save her from slamming against tile. It put them flush together, and she stared into his eyes. He watched emotions flicker in hers, astonishment and then growing wariness. She shook her head but clutched at his biceps with both hands, clinging to him instead of attempting to push him away.
“I wanted to taste your blood in the worst way.” He hated to admit it.
“Your kind only does that during sex to see if you found your mate. That urge is rare.”
“You do remember.”
She closed her eyes and he was surprised when she leaned her face forward, resting it against his chest. She felt right in his arms, despite their size difference. He tightened his hold by wrapping his other arm around her.
“You can't do that, Wen.” Her soft voice was hard to hear over the shower, but he did.
“I know.”
“Your family would never accept me. Maybe at one time, but not now.”
The loss of his older brother had been heartbreaking, but so was the truth of her words. “I’ve mentioned that.”
She turned her face, pressing her cheek against him. The feel of her warm tears wasn't expected. He reached out and turned off the water. The silence, with only their breathing in the small room, seemed amplified. He wrapped his arm around her waist again, wishing it would comfort them both.
“What if you had bitten me and discovered I tasted right?” She sniffed and released his arms, wrapping them around his waist instead.
“You know the answer.”
“You would have to claim me.”
“I'd have damned you into becoming a target of my family's wrath.”
“This is all kinds of fucked up.”
He smiled but it was with bitterness. “Yes, it is. I'm so sorry.”
“Me too.”
She sniffed again and wiggled, releasing him. He let her go as she turned away, hiding her face. She avoided looking at him in the mirror when she bent over the sink, splashing water on her face. She used a hand towel hanging next to it to pat all the water away. She finally straightened and turned, meeting his gaze again.
“You need to go, Wen. I really can't help you now.”
“I disagree.”
She gaped at him.
“I need you to pull this off.”
“Are you insane?” She secured her towel a little more. “I don't have a death wish. We’ve had sex once. I can remove your scent if you get out of my way and let me in that shower.”
“No. This ghoul maker is dangerous, and so are those rogues he’s seeking shelter with, but I can handle them. I just need to get close enough to take them out. You can help me do that. I'll be the target they come after if shit hits the fan, not you.”
She shook her head, gazing at him with disbelief etched on her features. “I'm not talking about that. You want me to play lover to you as a cover to get in deep with those pricks, but that means we're going to have to keep having sex. I'm not naive, Wen. You have the urge to test a mating. I wish I could forget everything about my childhood but I was raised in your culture. Every time you touch me, that urge is going to grow stronger. Your scent on me will grow stronger too. Am I wrong?”
“No.” He wouldn't lie to her about that.
“And if I taste right to you, if you have those strong feelings, you're going to mate me. Period. Nature is going to bitch-slap you so hard, you won't have a choice. Am I wrong about that?”
He frowned, saying nothing.
“I'll take that for a no. You’re either damn sure I'm just going to be O positive with a little lack of iron in my bloodstream when you do bite me, or you already know someone else is your mate, so you feel safe enough to risk it. Which is the case?”
“I've never found someone else I wanted to test before. You're the only woman I've ever had feelings for.”
“That makes it worse. What if you bite me and it's instant insanity time?”
“Then I'll know you're my mate.”
“And what then? You'll find super VampLycan strength and be the first man ever to resist claiming a mate? Are you that delusional?”
He hesitated. “I'm sure I can control the urge to bite you. I also wouldn't be the first one to resist claiming a mate. It just doesn't happen often.”
“I've never heard of that.”
“You've been gone a long time and weren't privy to what was going on in other clans. Another VampLycan refused to claim a mostly human half-breed for his mate in Decker's clan. His love for her was strong enough to make sure she wasn't killed. Decker would have taken her out. Lorn knew it was a death sentence to his Kira if he made her his mate while Decker ruled.”
She studied him. “Do you love me, Wen?”
He drew in a deep breath and released it. “I always have, Gerri. You will never know how close I came to killing the humans you dated. I wanted to rip them to shreds every time I read about one in a report. I would never endanger your life by taking you as a mate. I know it would be a death sentence for you in the long run. My clan leader would accept it but my parents wouldn’t.”
“Then walk away. It's too risky.” She blinked rapidly. “Because I know I wouldn't be strong enough to say no if you asked me to go home with you.”
“I'd rather have this time than none at all.”
She glanced away and hugged her waist.
“We don't have forever, but I'll take whatever time I can get with you. The memories will be easier for you to live with than me.”
Gerri whipped her head up and peered at him. “How do you figure that?”
“You have a much shorter lifespan, G.L. You're going to haunt me long after you're gone.”
She closed her eyes and walked to him. “Goddamn you, Wen.”
“Is that a yes?” He hugged her around her middle. “Will you come with me until my mission is completed?”
“This is so damn stupid…but count me in. I'll regret it otherwise. I already do,” she admitted. “But I love you too.”
He lifted her, determined to carry her to bed and make love. This time he'd take it slower, with her facing him, and be more prepared for the way he was going to respond to her. He'd keep his skin or put on a muzzle if he needed to, just to keep from biting her.
But the way his chest tightened and how strong his urge was to claim her told Wen more than a blood test ever could. She was his mate.