Breslin stood at her refrigerator, searching for something to eat. She didn’t know why she was looking because she wasn’t hungry. She was on edge. Her nerves were a jittery mess and she hoped a snack would calm her emotions. She scanned her shelves, trying to decide what to grab.

Apple? No.

Cheese and crackers? No.

Chocolate truffle? Ooh, maybe.

She grabbed the foil-wrapped delicacy and twisted the ends. Popping the white chocolate into her mouth, Breslin enjoyed the burst of creamy goodness. She loved gourmet chocolate almost as much as she loved cheesecake.

Unfortunately, the heavenly treat did nothing to ease her anxiety.

Had she made the biggest mistake of her life, asking Rhett to move in with her? The male had squashed her heart like a pestering bug. Could she trust him not to repeat it? She wanted to believe he’d changed, but she wasn’t certain.

At least having him close, she could feed more often. Her body quickly recovered after taking his blood a few times. The mere thought had her gums tingling and she knew she would need to feed again soon.

Breslin hated that she was so dependent on the male. Damsel in distress didn’t suit her. She called the shots, not the other way around. And yet, here she was, sitting around waiting on him. Anger, hot and unyielding, coursed through her veins. This was not how she envisioned life after finding her Fated Mate.

Her mate was supposed to complete her. Make all her fears and uncertainties disappear. Ha, what a joke. Rhett only added to her insecurities.

She grabbed another truffle and slammed the refrigerator door. The last thing she needed was to overindulge on the calorie-loaded dessert. Not that supernaturals were prone to weight gain. Their metabolism was off the charts and they were healthy and fit, but too much of the sugary substance gave her a stomachache.

Maybe she should hit the training room for a quick workout before Rhett arrived. That would ease not only the stress, but her pent-up lust. Breslin’s mate mark flared to life, reminding her she needed to complete the mating. Fat chance of that happening anytime soon. She wasn’t about to plan a ceremony with a male that might leave her standing at the altar because he needed to go on another walkabout.

A soft rap at her door startled her out of her contemplation.

“Come in,” she called and her gut twisted.

The door swung open and she watched Rhett swagger into her suite of rooms. The male left her breathless every time she saw him. Goddess, he was sexy. Her eyes trailed from head to toe, taking in every inch. Her core clenched with need at the sight.

“Hey, Flame,” he husked and walked to her, setting his small suitcase on the floor by her feet.

“Did you have any problems getting inside the gate?” she asked, aware that Rhett wasn’t the most welcomed visitor at Zeum.

“Uh, not too bad. Nate had a couple jabs but I expected that. I passed Zander, too. You might want to check me for holes after the death glare I received,” Rhett commented as he wrapped arms around her waist and pulled her flush against his torso.

“Doona pay him any attention. I talked with him and Kyran a bit ago. I’ll get with Bhric when he gets back. They know I’ve asked you to move in,” she explained.

“I’m well-aware that I need to prove myself to your family and friends. I can’t expect them to go back to the way things were so easily. Having said that, they are not my priority. You are,” he admitted as his hands roamed her back.

She wanted to melt into him and get lost in his arms, but she knew that was a bad idea. They needed to discuss some things. She stepped out of his embrace and walked to the nearby sofa.

“I’m surprised you have just the one bag. Is that all of your things?” she asked as she took a seat.

Rhett followed her lead and sat beside her. “You’d be surprised how much is in there, but yes, that’s it. When you travel as much as I have, you learn to keep it light,” he replied and reached over to caress her cheek.

Heat blazed where he touched and she leaned into his palm. She craved his hands all over her body. His simple stroke left her burning with need. She met his gaze and watched flames dance in his orange eyes. It was hypnotic.

He leaned down and nuzzled her neck. “Do you need my blood?” he whispered in her ear as he kissed a trail along her sensitive flesh.

“Aye,” she panted.

“Take what you need, my love,” he murmured and tilted his head in offer.

She felt his fire ignite, reminding her of what happened outside the restaurant. Shaking off her desires, she put a hand to his chest.

“We need to talk. You need to explain what happened earlier. I havena seen you like that before,” she stated.

“I’d rather give you what you need. Let’s forget about that and focus on the now,” he coaxed and scooted closer.

“Nay, Rhett. I canna forget. It scared the shite oot of me. It felt like you were slipping away. Why?” she demanded.

Rhett sighed and leaned forward, his head resting in his palms. He sat quietly for a few minutes then answered. “I’m not sure. That’s never happened to me before.”

Breslin wasn’t sure what to make of that. Rhett was over a thousand years old. She couldn’t imagine there was much he hadn’t experienced at least one time in his life.

“I’ve heard fire demons are unpredictable when it comes to rage. Was it that?” she asked and leaned forward to meet his gaze.

“Yes. My inner beast has remained in check all my life. I’ve always controlled my fire…until tonight. When that fucking shifter staked a claim on you, I lost it. The beast broke free and wanted to destroy everything. That’s all I can tell you,” he said and reached over to grab her hand.

“Bre, it was you that brought me back. I could feel you battling the demon for my fire. I was lucky. Typically, once the beast has control, it’s hard to cage them.”

“So, are you saying you need me as much as I need you?” she asked with a slight grin.

She wished that were true. Unfortunately, the mating compulsion wreaked far greater havoc on Breslin than any fire demon did on Rhett.

“Yes, and no, Flame. The way I see it, it’s your fault he escaped. Flaunting that jackass in front of me. If you ever pull a stunt like that again,” he growled.

“My fault? Doona blame me. You brought this whole mess on yourself!” she snapped and Rhett burst into laughter.

“Ah, my beautifully wicked Flame,” he cooed and pulled her to him, laying back on the sofa.

Instantly, heat sparked between them. She loved the feel of her fire calling to his.

“Ugh, you jackarse,” she quipped and tried to sit up but he held her tight.

“Don’t fight it. You know it feels too good. Just be,” he encouraged as he grabbed her wrists and pinned them behind her back.

Breslin was trapped but not entirely. She was strong enough to break free of his hold if she wanted.

“‘Tis your problem, demon. Everything is aboot the moment with you. But what happens when the moment ends and you want something else?” she said teasingly, even though she meant every word.

Rhett released her wrists and cupped her face, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“Gods, I hate what I did to you. I’m so very sorry for putting doubt in your mind. If I could have a do-over, I’d change so many things, but that isn’t an option. I promise you this. No matter how long it takes, I’m going to prove how much you mean to me. Just don’t write me off, Flame. Can you give me that much?” he asked as his thumbs caressed her flesh.

More than anything, she wanted to believe him. She didn’t need to be pampered with gifts or false notions. She yearned for honesty, loyalty, and passion that would set her soul on fire. Could this demon give her all that when his basic nature was to put his needs before others?

* * *

“I promise that I’ll give this a second chance, Rhett. Doona disappoint me,” Breslin replied.

Rhett could see the hurt in her eyes. He wished he weren’t responsible for putting it there. There was a wall between them and he hoped he could tear it down before it was too late.

“Och, doona tell me you caved, puthair,” intruded a familiar voice.

Rhett and Breslin turned their heads to see Bhric standing in the doorway.

“Come in, brathair,” Breslin cried out as she climbed off Rhett and sat cross-legged on the sofa.

Rhett sat up and swung his legs to the floor, resting his arm along the back of the sofa. Bhric took a seat in the adjacent chair, his eyes pinned on Rhett.

“Doona give him the evil eye. I asked him to move back in. How did it go with the humans?” Breslin asked as she straightened her t-shirt.

“It’s all taken care of. And, I doubt you’ll be hearing from your shifter friend after tonight,” Bhric said with a laugh.

“If that fucker so much as texts you,” Rhett barked, and his beast rattled its cage. The fire in his veins gained momentum and his vision wavered.

Breslin rubbed circles on his thigh and Rhett took several deep breaths. It calmed the worst of his anger to where he could focus. Realization dawned. His demon was awake and could easily take control if Rhett wasn’t careful.

“Thank you for handling that,” Rhett said to Bhric, rubbing his chin.

“Look. I doona know where this is going with the two of you, but Bre’s happiness is all that matters to me. Treat her right or you’ll be answering to me, demon. Got it?” Bhric snarled.

“Understood,” Rhett replied and met Bhric’s stern gaze.

“Good. Now, I’m going to get cleaned up before my mate gets home from the hospital. I borrowed some metal handcuffs from Kyran and thought I’d test her abilities on escaping them,” Bhric said and smiled.

“Och, keep that info to yourself. You’re enjoying this way too much,” Breslin stated and shook her head.

“Aye, you got that right. You might want to cover your ears later,” Bhric added as he stood up and walked toward the door.

“Thanks for the warning,” Rhett called to his retreating back.

A yawn escaped and Rhett stretched his arms, trying to wake up his weary body. The strain of the night was catching up to him.

“Tired?” Breslin asked as she turned to face him.

“A little. So, where will I be sleeping?” he asked and waggled his eyebrows.

Breslin laughed and hit his chest. “I might need Nate to bring in a doghouse,” she joked.

“Low blow, Flame. What’s a male got to do to get in your bed? Beg?” he teased and stuck out his tongue, panting.

Her amber eyes glowed with mischief. “Maybe. Or, you could stop talking and let your mouth do something more useful,” she hinted as she stared at his lips.

Without hesitation, he leaned over and claimed her mouth. Her soft lips meshed against his and Rhett devoured her sweetness. He would never tire of her cinnamon candy. His tongue pressed the seam of her mouth and she instantly parted her lips. That fast, passion erupted and he delved inside her hot cavern, exploring her mouth as his hand fisted her long auburn hair.

She quickly scrambled to his lap and straddled his thighs as her arms wrapped around his neck. He pulled her closer, relishing the feel of her lush bosom pressing against his chest.

“Bite me,” he murmured against her mouth.

Her resounding moan had his cock jerking with need. No, he scolded the horny bastard. This was about her, not him. She needed his blood and he wanted to give her something without expecting anything in return.

She broke the kiss and stared at him several seconds before her fangs slid from her gums. She was an exquisite creature. Enticing, yet dangerous. He wanted her beyond reason as he felt her fire come to life.

She lowered her head and pierced the flesh on his neck.

“Fuck,” he groaned as his orgasm slammed home and his seed spewed from his cock.

The feeling of Breslin drawing his life force was indescribable. He didn’t give a fuck that she repeatedly caused him to cum all over himself. She could do this to him ten times a day if she wanted. He might need to buy a few more clothes but it would be money well spent.

He scooted down to a more comfortable position and relaxed. His hands slid beneath her t-shirt and rubbed her silky skin. Breslin took her time, drinking deeply, and minutes later, Rhett felt her shudder a release, as well. It was gratifying to know he was the only male alive that could give her such pleasure. She could only feed from him, which meant this intimate act was solely theirs.

When she’d had her fill, she removed her fangs and licked the puncture wounds, sealing them shut. Her gaze met his and he saw raw lust behind her amber orbs. She licked the blood from her lips and Rhett almost came again. He wanted her to lick his aching cock, but fought his urges.

“I want you in my bed, demon,” she demanded and worked her hips on his straining erection.

“Sleepy?” he husked.

“Nay,” she replied and grabbed hold of the hem of her shirt, lifting it over her head.

Her chest heaved with her pants and Rhett leaned forward to bury his face between her breasts. Fucking Heaven, he thought. He kissed the space between her large globes, enjoying her protests when he pulled away. He loved the sexual play with her.

“I was thinking we could play video games or a board game, like Monopoly. What do you say,” he offered with a straight face.

Her responding pout was the sexiest thing alive and he couldn’t resist grabbing her face and pulling it to his. He placed a tender kiss to her lips then murmured, “Or, maybe strip poker.”

“Now, you’re talking. Cards are my specialty,” she said as she nibbled his ear.

“Let’s shower first, Flame. Thanks to you, I’ve got a sticky mess to clean,” he admitted as he stood, taking her with him.

As she wrapped her legs around his waist, his horny bastard jerked in triumph. Yeah, so much for being virtuous where the sexy vampire was concerned.