Kraven (VLG Series Book 2) (35 page)

She chewed on her bottom lip. “I’m not asking you to take me home. To be honest…I’m okay with staying here for a while.”

His mouth dropped open and she could see she’d stunned him.

“I’m not saying I’m ready to apply for a driver’s license or sell my condo just yet, but your people need help. It was like watching a bunch of brooding teenagers trying to have an important discussion but their hormones were getting in the way. You need a clearheaded negotiator to keep them on track when they have sit-downs. I’m familiar with politics. You’ve got four governments, pretty much, that are trying to work together as a whole. Five, counting the GarLycans. And we’re not even sure if Lorn will head his clan. That means other candidates might be in the running. It could take some time to sort this mess out. I need to learn your laws and regulations so I understand things better before the clans meet up again, but how hard can that be?”

He gaped at her.

“Close your mouth, sweetheart. I love a challenge. I need to get a look at your constitution or whatever you use.”

He took a deep breath. “They aren’t written down but I could explain everything to you.”

“That’s a good start. That way I won’t have to ask what’s allowed and what isn’t.”

“What are you saying?”

“Part of my job is settling disputes. There’s a lot of negotiation that happens behind closed doors. Not every case goes to court.” Her excitement grew the more she considered the possibilities. “You said there’s tension between the clans, especially between Decker’s and Aveoth’s. Five parties need to sit down on a regular basis and come to terms.”

“You want to be a part of that?”

“I do.” She grinned and wrapped her arms around his neck to pull him closer. “I really do. It’s the perfect solution.”

He still appeared stunned.

“We’ll get to stay here longer with your family and my sister. I haven’t had time off in forever. It won’t exactly be a vacation and I won’t be paid. Pro bono is fine, and I won’t technically be an attorney. I’m not licensed in this state. I could be though. I’ll have to check into what I need to do about that. I’m certain someone here will need one, what with the way you guys love to fight.”

Kraven grinned wide.
I love you.

“I love you too.”

His body turned rigid.

“What’s wrong?”

“I didn’t say that aloud.”

“Yes you did. I heard it.”

He sealed his lips firmly.
I love your ass, too. It’s mine!

Bat heard him but he wasn’t talking. His voice sounded inside her head. It was her turn to gape at him.

“Our bond’s in place. Try thinking at me.”

“I don’t know how.”

“Try, Hellion. Just focus on me and think something.”

This is freaking me out.

He laughed. “I know but it’s part of being VampLycan mates. It’s normal.”

Shit! He heard me.

“I did. I do.” He scooped her up into his arms.
I hope the physical bond is in place. We’re about to find out.

“What does that mean?” She clung to him.

He placed her on his bed and began to strip. “Amazing sex. Get naked, Hellion.”

Her hands trembled as she removed her shoes and twisted on the bed to take off her clothes. “We’re going to fight a lot if you can read my thoughts.”

“We’ll adjust to having private thoughts and open ones. Trust me.”

I do.

He grinned.
Good.

This is still freaking me out.

“We’ll stop talking then. Only feel.” He stepped closer to the bed and wiggled his finger. “Come here.”

She went to him.

He reached out and pulled until she rose to her knees, facing him. “Open your mind, focus on me, and suck on my nipple.”

“What are we doing?”

“It’s a test to see if you can feel what I do. Try it, Bat.”

She licked her lips, gripped his bared hips, and leaned in. Her mouth fastened over his nipple and she gently sucked. She used her tongue to play with him.

A moan tore from her when her own nipple throbbed and she jerked back, startled.

“You felt it, didn’t you? How good it feels to have your mouth on me?” Excitement thickened his voice.

“Is that what that was?”

He nodded. “Keep your mind wide open.” He backed up a little and separated them. “Close your eyes and lay down.”

Bat followed his directions.

“Relax.”

She tried. She forced her muscles to go lax and just lay flat on the bed. His fingers lightly ran down her stomach, lower, and Kraven gently touched her clit. She spread her legs wider to give him better access. His fingers brushed over the sensitive nub, rubbing back and forth. Bat moaned. It felt good but there was…a strangeness to it, for some reason.

She opened her eyes—and gasped.

He wasn’t on the bed with her or even within reach. He stood in the exact same spot but he was cupping his erect cock with one of his hands, brushing his thumb over the crown. He released himself.

“We’re linked. You ready, Hellion? You’re about to learn firsthand why mates don’t ever want someone else. Nothing can come close to what we’re about to do together.” He climbed on the bed with her and took possession of her mouth.

Desire and heat swamped Bat. It burned her up. She clutched at Kraven, trying to pull him closer. She couldn’t get enough of him. She felt her own nails digging into her skin, despite actually clawing at
his
back. She ran her fingers lower to the curve of his ass, moaning. She twisted her head away from his lips.

“Fuck me now,” she demanded. “I need you inside me.”

“I know.”

He adjusted his hips. She was ready, wet and needy as his cock rubbed against her spread pussy. He entered her with one swift thrust and Bat cried out, wrapping her legs around his waist. She lifted them a little higher almost immediately, realizing it made it easier for him to move when she did. He fucked her fast and hard. His powerful body pinned her to the bed, and sheer ecstasy inundated her.

Bat screamed out as a climax hit. She wasn’t certain if he’d sent them over the edge or she had, but they were experiencing it together. She could sense his love for her, how much she meant to him, and incredible pleasure.

Fear came next. It was all too intense. Too much…

It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you.

His voice inside her head made her focus on him. It helped.

“I’m right here,” he rasped next to her ear. “I’m never letting you go. Don’t be afraid.”

Tears filled her eyes.

Kraven lifted his head, peering at her.

“I know, Hellion. You’re wide open to me right now. I’m never going to hurt you.”

She knew that. Knew for certain now. He’d rather die than do anything that would break her heart or put a wedge between them.

This is mating. It’s two becoming one. Don’t be afraid. There’s no fear here. It’s just us, together. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

Yes.

Tears shone in his eyes but he smiled.
You act so tough but you’re brimming with emotions. See? I’m feeling them too. You’re my hellion and I love you.

I think I’ll die without you.

It won’t ever happen. You’re stuck with me.

Promise?

Kraven nodded.
I always keep my word.

A sense of peace settled inside Bat. She believed him. Loving someone had been considered a weakness to her for so long…but not anymore. Kraven had changed everything about her life and made it better.

Her job in L.A. didn’t matter. The man holding her did.

“You can have both,” he rasped. “We’ll make it work and find a way.”

“We will.”