Chapter Six
Simon watched Jacie run through the courtyard chasing her new puppy. He thought about his presence at the compound and how it endangered the little girl for him to be there.
He glanced at his watch, noticing he had four hours left until the sun came up. That left plenty of time to go back to his place, grab a few items, and lead Svetlana away from Atlanta.
Though the sadistic Svetlana probably wasn’t stupid enough to storm the compound with Roman, Simon, Alex, and Niko in residence, Simon wasn’t willing to take that risk. “I can’t stay here.”
Madison turned to face him. “You’re leaving?”
“I have to. Staying here will only run the risk of endangering everyone within these walls. Including you.”
Madison looked away. “Where will you go?”
“Anywhere but here. I’ve come to care a great deal for Jacie. I will not be responsible for bringing the wrath of Svetlana on this place.”
“I see,” Madison murmured. “And what’s to stop Svetlana from having someone stake you in your sleep? She could easily control an army of humans just as you did with Jeanie.”
Simon inwardly cringed at the mention of Jeanie’s name. He’d done a lot of things he wasn’t proud of; things he’d come to regret after meeting Jacie.
His gaze drifted back to the little girl, his mind recalling the night two years ago when he’d taken her to lure Lydia to his side. It seemed an eternity had passed since that that dreadful time. Whether she knew it or not, Jacie had inadvertently saved him. “I’m all too aware of Svetlana’s abilities. I also know her well enough to be certain she will not have me staked.”
“What if she attacks here while you’re gone?” Madison pointed out. “What then?”
Simon ran a hand down his face. “I have to find a way to destroy her.”
“You can’t kill her, Simon…but I can.”
Heat swirled behind Simon’s eyes. “You will not go anywhere near that sadistic bitch!”
“I’m the only one who can,” Madison argued.
“You’re insane, Madison. Svetlana is not going to leave herself unprotected. Especially not during slumber. She’ll have an army of mindless muscle guarding her at all times. Forget it.”
A determined look settled in Madison’s eyes. “I am not some prissy little female who can’t take care of herself. Besides, I have Sawyer.”
That angered Simon even more; though he had no idea why. What did he care if she idolized Sawyer? It wasn’t as if he gave two shits about her. Did he? “You’re not going after Svetlana.”
Madison spun toward the house. “I don’t recall asking your permission.”
Simon found himself holding her against the door, her arms pinned at her sides.
“Let me go,” she bit out between clenched teeth.
His gaze lowered to her lips. Even angry, they were alluring.
“Don’t you—”
He closed his mouth over hers, effectively cutting off her words.
Madison stiffened in his arms, her lips hard and unyielding.
Still, Simon kissed her. He couldn’t seem to stop himself. She tasted of woman and wine…and, man, was it intoxicating.
Her mouth suddenly softened, and her body relaxed against him. A moan escaped her, only to be swallowed up by Simon’s feverish kiss.
She opened for him, tilting her head to give him better access. Simon was lost.
Jacie’s tinkering laughter rang out from the court yard, bringing Simon back to reality. He broke off the kiss, backing up enough to gaze into Madison’s eyes.
Neither of them spoke for several heartbeats, the sound of their uneven breathing echoing between them.
The crack of Madison’s palm against Simon’s cheek brought him out of his frozen state. He stared back at her for a moment longer and then vaulted to the rooftop.
Simon paced along the top of Roman’s fortress, unable to purge the memory of Madison’s lips from his mind. He’d kissed her. And damn him, but she tasted incredible.
The door opened below him, and Sawyer’s voice drifted to the rooftop.
Simon slowed his steps, listening as the shifter spoke to Madison in a soft, deep voice. “Roman wants everyone in the training room in twenty minutes.”
“Has something new transpired?”
“Not that I’m aware of. He wants to discuss our options.”
“I’ll be right there.”
Simon stayed still as Madison ordered Jacie to bring her puppy and follow her inside. The door closed softly behind them.
Guilt settled in Simon’s gut. If not for him, Roman wouldn’t be calling a meeting in the training room. He’d be holding his beautiful wife, tucking sweet Jacie into bed, and enjoying the life he’d recently been blessed with. Instead, he was now forced to double up on security in hopes of holding Svetlana at bay.
Well, no more, Simon decided, jumping to the ground below. He would leave the compound and do everything in his power to lure Svetlana far away from Atlanta.