Of A Darker Nature (24 page)

Marcus killed the engine. “You’re quiet tonight. Did something happen at work?”

Emily’s gaze was miles away. “I’m fine. Just a little spooked.”

He followed her inside and plopped down on the couch next to her. Emily picked up the remote to flip through channels. Finally, she stopped on a colorized classic.

“Do you want to talk about it?” He stretched his legs beneath the coffee table. None of Starr’s people had contacted her. Beau was under strict orders to call if anything strange happened or if any of the coven members showed up.

Emily didn’t take her blank stare from the screen. They watched the movie in silence for a few minutes. Unease skittered through him when she dropped her head into her hands and sighed.

“What happened?” He scooted closer and put his arm around her shoulders. Though her body tensed at his touch, she didn’t move away or protest.

“The guy I read tonight was an alcoholic. He put someone in the hospital a few years ago because he was driving drunk.” Emily pressed her face against his shirt. “Tonight he was drunk again. He didn’t hurt anyone. He just veered off the road into a tree.”

Marcus frowned, not quite understanding.

Emily reminded him of how she lost her parents and why her sister hated her. Her green eyes shimmered with tears. Even the silly antics of the scarecrow on television couldn’t cheer her now.

“Why did you read him?”

“I didn't realize my nail punctured the glove until I touched him.” She laid her head back against his shoulder, exposing her throat.

Damn, the girl liked to tease his willpower.

“Seeing his past made me think of what happened to my mom and dad. It reminded me of how a simple decision can change your life in an instant. I wish I’d never come back. It was stupid to think everything would be okay—that I could start over and be happy.”

“Tell me what happened in Arizona, Freckles.”

“The biggest mistake of my life.” Emily snorted with mock laughter. “I ran off with my high school sweetheart after graduation.”

He studied the contours of her face in the flickering light.

“Instead of getting a real job, Greg looked for easy money. He used my gift to get it. I did despicable things, Marcus. I told people whatever they wanted to hear, regardless of what I saw. If the deceased left behind any money, Greg wanted to know so he could exploit their family. I willingly gave him the information.”

Marcus stroked fingers through the soft strands of her hair. After a few moments, her body relaxed against his.

“He broke my arm the first time I tried to leave him. He broke two of my ribs and fractured my wrist the next time. After that, I started saving every dollar I could hide. It took a couple years, but I finally saved enough to get a ticket home. I never told anyone about what he did. Not even my parents or Liz.”

“Where is he now?” Marcus clenched his jaw, and his chest tightened. The monster had better be far, far away. 

“I have no idea.” Emily pulled her legs up onto the couch and laid her cheek against his chest. “Sometimes I wish I didn’t have this curse.”

She laughed, but it sounded dangerously close to more tears. It was enough to jerk his attention away from the television. In the last few minutes, he’d begun to think he ought to go do a perimeter check or something, anything to get away from this wounded creature. Instead, he dropped his arm around her and drew her closer.

“I can’t find a way to get rid of it,” Emily whispered. “I’d do almost anything to be rid of it.”

A little gnat of worry buzzed at the back of his brain. Would she make a deal with Starr Carter if the witch promised to take away her seeing-touch?

Scooting off the couch, Emily paced in front of the television. He reached for her, but she moved just out of reach. “You have no idea how it feels to be overwhelmed by each and every fear, every emotion, every memory, want and need. Seeing it is terrible, but feeling what they feel…that's what kills me.”

“Come here.”

Emily continued pacing. “That’s what tears me up inside. I don’t just see every broken memory. Every death, sadness or lost happiness. I also feel it. It’s just too much to take.”

“Come here,” Marcus repeated.

“What?” She swiped the back of a hand across her cheek. “Why?”

He patted the cushion next him. “Come on.”

Emily eased onto the couch. “What are you up to?”

He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into a sort of embrace. “See anything?”

“You know I can’t read you.” Her shoulders relaxed a little. She laid an arm across his stomach then nuzzled her cheek against his neck.

“Exactly.” He extended his legs and got comfortable. Though she might not realize what she wanted, he could see the need burning in her eyes. She wanted to belong. She needed to be normal. With crystal clarity, he knew he’d chosen the correct path to get what he wanted…everything he wanted.

His fingers followed the curve of her spine. On their next pass, he ran his hand up the back of her shirt. He needed to feel her smooth, warm skin against his palm.

Emily pressed tentative lips against his neck. Her breath was warm and oddly sensual.

Blood rushed south, demanding attention. Maybe he should just go outside, cool off and get his thoughts straightened out. He doubted the butterfly kisses on his neck and jaw meant anything. She’d had a rough night. She wasn’t thinking straight and to do anything more would be taking advantage of her.
Damn, did he want to do more.

She swung a long leg over his and settled on his lap. Her knees sank into the cushions on either side of his hips, bringing her sex down on top of his. Her gaze met his and he recognized desire burning in their emerald green depths.

“What are you doing, Emily?” His fingers skimmed her hips and ran down the curve of her buttocks.

“Make me forget.” She shifted, rubbing herself against him.

“Persuasion doesn’t work on you, remember?” Because if it did, he would have already gotten everything he wanted from this beautiful, tantalizing woman.

Emily lowered her mouth to his in a questioning kiss. The wary trust in her eyes was like a gut punch. She wanted to lose herself with him, and all he could think about was how much he’d hurt her. When it was all said and done, all he could offer her was his body, nothing more. He couldn’t promise his eternal, undying love. She was a human, not meant to last. Food.

Her lips curved against his. “There’s other ways to take my mind off things.”

“Emily.”

She ignored the warning in his voice. Her fingers tickled up his ribs then smoothed across his chest.

This whole situation would be a lot easier if he didn’t give a shit about her. The problem was he not only wanted Emily physically, but he was beginning to experience strange emotions for her as well. She was in his daydreams, in his every thought. Somehow she’d gotten under his skin, and he didn’t know what to do about it. 

His hands framed her face, guided her to his mouth. He devoured her, couldn’t get enough of her taste. A rush of possessiveness overcame him, and he wanted to claim her wholly. He wanted to explore every part of her body until they both screamed for release. Who was he kidding? He wanted to fuck her all night then let her fall asleep in his arms.

“I need to touch you.” Her warm breath tickled his ear.

He gritted his teeth and ignored the urge to push her onto the couch and bury himself deep inside. “Touch me all you like.”

Emily pulled the shirt over his head and tossed it over the back of the couch. Her fingers trailed through the fine hair on his chest then dipped lower.

Marcus loved the intent, hungry expression on her face. He gripped the cushions, reluctant to touch her just yet. He wanted to prolong this ecstatic feeling. Emily might come to her senses at any moment and call a stop to it. And if she didn’t, he wasn’t entirely sure he could control himself with her.

Her nimble fingers wrestled the waistband of his jeans. Within moments, she’d freed him from them. Instead of touching him, she sat back and stared at his erection. He was so hard, it hurt. It took every ounce of willpower to keep his hands and teeth off her.

“Baby, please…”

Emily’s hand closed around him. Her touch was gentle, inquisitive at first.

Marcus groaned with pained pleasure then allowed his head to fall back. He gripped the cushions in an effort to control himself.

She stared at him through lowered lashes, a mischievous smile on her face. Her fist tightened around his cock, and her hand moved with slow, sure strokes. He tensed beneath her and moaned when everything within him grew to a maddening intensity. 

Emily crushed her mouth against his, delighting in the growls of pleasure she brought him.

He had to touch her, couldn’t withstand much more. He’d explode in her hand if he didn’t stop her now. And damn it, her hand was not where he wanted to let go.

Marcus removed her shirt to reveal breasts encased in a whisper of peach lace. Pulling her forward, he took a nipple in his mouth. His lips and tongue worked the taut bud of flesh until Emily purred with pleasure. She was ready for the taking.

Emily reached this knowledge at the same time he did. She crawled off him only long enough to remove the rest of her clothing.

She stood in front of him in all her glory.

“Beautiful,” he murmured with a smile.

Emily shucked the jeans from his legs then pushed him back onto the cushions. She stared at his cock then licked her lips. He almost lost it right then.

This time when she straddled him, his hands helped guide her hips. She lowered herself, biting her lower lip as he slid deep inside. The silken softness of her sex swallowed him, devoured him whole. He groaned as the inner walls of her pussy stretched to accommodate him.

His mouth was at the hollow of her throat as he allowed her a moment to adjust to his size. Hands on her hips, he brought her down onto his full length.

Emily rocked back, forcing him to balance her with one hand at the back of her neck. This new angle must have allowed him to touch something deep within. Her green eyes focused on him, and she made the sexiest sound he’d ever heard. Within moments, she was rocking and gyrating her hips.

“Oh fuck, Freckles.” He surged between her thighs, eager to please.

She was so tight, warm and wet around him. Her heat enveloped him, gripped him, and he was beyond thinking of much else. This was the sweetest surrender, something he’d never experienced before with a human. Sure, he’d had sex with plenty, but Emily was different somehow.

Lost in the pleasure they’d found together, Emily rocked against him. No longer able to keep up with his rhythm, she leaned forward to grab his shoulder. She threaded the fingers of her other hand through his hair, then dragged him toward her greedy mouth.

One of his hands tangled in her hair, and he kissed her deeply. Pleasured pain tore through every nerve ending and settled in his cock. It made his desire a fury that could barely be contained. Each time she raised her hips, he thrust deeper, harder. He wanted to push her onto the couch, take control and come inside her. It took every last bit of determination not to.

Marcus was no longer in control of anything. Not his mind, his body or even the mind-blowing sensations flooding through him. He was so lost in Emily right now, and he never wanted to be found. 

He clenched his teeth to keep from sinking fangs deep into her creamy flesh. The bliss became unbearable. He never wanted it to stop, yet his body begged for release.

Emily’s breathing became throaty gasps, and she cried out his name. She met him thrust for thrust, taking everything he had. Both hands gripped his shoulders and her nails dug in. Her pretty little cunt tightened around him, and she cried out in orgasm. He followed close behind.

She looped her arms around his neck and lay against his chest. Caressing his face with trembling fingers, she practically purred against him.

Marcus wrapped his arms around her, still buried inside. He breathed in her scent and kissed her neck. She was a delicious mix of sex, blood, and Emily.

She nestled into the hollow of his shoulder. “That was…”

He tensed, bracing himself for “a mistake” or some other word to nullify what they’d just experienced together.

“Amazing.”

Still groggy and a bit sore from the night before, Emily glanced at the wall clock. It was ten in the morning, and she found it difficult to stay awake.

She needed more coffee right away. There was a viewing at noon. After the family finished, she would do some touch ups to the deceased for the funeral tomorrow. Add the other two bodies, both of which had passed of natural causes, it was going to be a full day.

Wren’s head poked through the chapel door and spied her in the hallway. “Brenda’s on the phone.”

Emily raced into the parlor and snatched the phone off the desk.

“Hey, kiddo, what’s the latest?” Brenda was pretty chipper for such an early hour.

A mixture of emotions swept Emily away. She was elated her friend had called but also angered. She shouldn't have called Liz to tattle on her.

“How’s Florida?”

“Pretty good, thanks.” Brenda sounded like she was in good spirits. “So, have you had any more trouble with Starr or the vampires? Are you safe?”

Emily propped her feet up on the desk and got comfortable. “Now that I’ve got a personal bodyguard, no one’s been around. He’s even got someone watching during the day.”

“I’d feel pretty claustrophobic.” Brenda laughed. “It sounds like you’re being taken care of though. That’s good.”

“I wish you hadn't called Liz. She's not too pleased about my house guest.” Emily couldn’t help thinking about what had happened last night. She’d been vulnerable and had used him for all the wrong reasons. At the time though, it had felt oh so right.

Brenda sighed. “How does Scott feel about your vampire?”

Emily laughed though she was a little worried. “Well, I haven’t exactly asked him. Plus, I think he’d rather not talk about it. I think he’s avoiding me.”

There was interest in Brenda’s voice. “Why do you say that?”

“He’s hardly ever around. When he is, he's busy, and we don't talk.”

“Sounds like he’s jealous. He's always had a thing for you, you know?” Brenda chuckled. “It's got to be eating him up inside that a new man is in your life.”

Emily sighed, wishing she could tell her friend everything she’d learned about her boss. She was already treading on eggshells. There was no reason to give him more reason to be angry with her. “I guess I’d better not tell him about the accidental reading I did last night while preparing a body. I totally broke down on Marcus, and he helped me forget for a while.”

There was a surprised gasp on the other end of the line. “Oh Christ, Emily, you let him... Please tell me you didn’t.”

“He didn’t do anything I didn’t want him to do! I totally took advantage of him.”

Brenda groaned in exasperation. “Don’t forget they’re the bad guys.”

Irritation crept over Emily. Why she put up with her friend’s prejudices was beyond her. “I don’t need this from you, Brenda. I’m just trying to make the best out of a bad situation. The master of the city hired me to read him without him knowing. I have to figure out a way to get on his good side and make him trust me. It just kind of happened. And I’m not ashamed to say it was nice.”

“Nice?”

“Oh my god, so much better than nice.” Heat swirled low in her belly at the memory of him inside her. He’d reawakened a part of her that had lain dormant for too long.

“Just don’t let him get the wrong impression,” Brenda cut her off. “I’m only saying this out of concern. I’ve seen several of those enforcers in the bar. If Marcus is the one I’m thinking of, you’re in way over your head. He’s a player, sweetie. He’ll work you over, twist you around his fingers. Then he’ll just walk away and leave you in a broken heap.”

“No,” Emily said in a quiet, unsure voice. “You’re probably confusing him with Corey.”

Brenda’s throaty laugh blasted through the phone. “No honey, not the kid with all the piercings. He’s cute, but I’m talking about the dark haired guy with the wings on his back. He’s the quiet, brooding type. You have to watch out for that one.”

A jolt of trepidation shot through Emily. “What do you mean?”

Her friend laughed again. “He’s a dangerous predator. I hate to sound like a broken record, but you need to get the guy off your property. Having a vampire around, especially that one, is just begging for trouble.”

Emily wished it was that simple. “Yeah, I know what you mean. He almost attacked me the night before last.”

“See! That’s what I mean! You can’t trust them. To be fair, I’m not just singling out the nosferatu. That includes the shifters and everything else unnatural.”

“But he didn’t! He got control of himself. Marcus isn’t a monster. Some of them might be, but he isn’t. You’ve got him all wrong, Brenda.” Needing a change in subject, she switched gears. “And I’m in deep crap, Brenda. Mistress expects me to read him, and I don’t see how I can do that without getting closer.”

“Must not have been that difficult if you slept with him.”

Emily’s cheeks heated, and the sudden sting of tears overwhelmed her. “I think I’m falling for him, Brenda. I don’t know what to do.”

“That’s not good. I don’t suppose you could ask the mistress to let you out of the deal, huh?”

“She threatened to hurt Liz.” Emily frowned, remembering how quickly Isabella seemed to lose her temper. “I hoped to do a reading this morning, but he was still awake. Did you know they can stay awake past sunrise?”

“Good to know,” Brenda muttered. “Listen, Marcus comes into the bar, does whatever business he needs to and leaves with a different woman just about every time I see him. I hear he’s a fine catch, but no one can keep him on their hook. He comes in to find someone and never leaves without them if you get my point. Just be careful, okay?”

“Hey, is there any chance you’ll be home soon?” Emily asked. Maybe if she had a distraction, she’d think about something other than Marcus.

Brenda was quiet for several moments. In the background, a door thumped closed followed by the sound of running water. “You and I both know there’s little chance of that happening. I’m fine where I am, thanks.”

“We found Bill.”

“Did he say why he gave you the property?”

Emily couldn’t help wondering why it kept coming back to that.

“He’s dead.” Bile rose in her throat just thinking about the old man’s bloated, waterlogged face. “Marcus and I found him stuffed under the RV. It looked like his throat was torn out.”

“By a vampire?” There was a distinctive tone of accusation in her voice.

Emily groaned. “I see where you’re going with this, but you’re wrong. I read Bill, Brenda. The blond vampire who attacked us did it that same night.” 

Brenda harrumphed and didn’t sound the least bit surprised. “So what’d you guys do with his body?”

Emily bit her lower lip. “I’m not sure. I think Marcus had his people clean up. The RV isn’t there anymore, and I haven’t had an opportunity to ask about the details.”

“I’m sure he just swept it under the rug.”

“I’ll have to ask him about it.”

Brenda seemed hesitant to ask the next question. “What did you see when you read him?”

Emily swung her legs down and shifted in the chair. “Not a whole lot. Trent attacked him, and I caught glimpses of things that happened prior to that. I think he charmed the deed. He chanted a spell over it. He said something about protection lying within only one and in death it would be undone. Weird, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s weird. Did you find out where the ley line is?”

“No, why?”

Brenda seemed distracted all of the sudden. She changed the subject to the weather. Her version sounded like she read it right off the television. The conversation fizzled after that.

Emily found Scott leaning against the wall behind her after she hung up. At least he had a steaming mug of fragrant coffee in each hand. She followed him to his office and accepted the caffeinated beverage.

“I’m not avoiding you.” He settled behind his desk. “And I just want you to know that what you’re doing is dangerous. And stupid. That’s all I’m going to say about your current living arrangements.”

Emily tossed a wadded piece of paper into the wastebasket and frowned. “So now you’re listening in on my conversations?”

“You were in the foyer. How could I not hear you? I’m sure Wren did too. Besides, Liz called last night and practically begged me to talk some sense into you. It seems she's a believer in all things scary now.”

Emily lifted a shoulder to indicate she couldn’t care less. “It’s not against the law to be with a vampire.”

Scott grimaced. “You said that like you meant…”

It was her turn to make a face. “You know what I meant.”

“I heard you tell Brenda about your agreement with the mistress of the city. Is there any way to get out of it?”

Emily didn’t quite meet his eyes. “I’m afraid not. Not without putting Liz in danger. Mistress Isabella is a person who won’t take no for an answer.”

He frowned. “What kind of information does she want?”

“She’s sent Marcus on a fool’s errand. He’s there to protect me, but she’s sent him so I can read him.”

“He doesn’t know?” Scott sat back and studied her. “There will be hell to pay if he finds out, mark my words. It would be in your best interest to either come clean or call a stop to it.”

“I can’t do that. Mistress Isabella won’t take a refusal. Marcus doesn’t strike me as the type that would allow me to read him and report back to her. Either way, I’m screwed. And poor Liz has been threatened by both Starr's people and Isabella. I don't know how to protect her.”

“One vampire or several, it doesn’t matter. The outcome will be the same.”

He was right. Someone would get hurt, and she doubted very much that it would be either of the vampires. “She threatened my sister. I have to do what Isabella wants. Liz is all I have left.”

Eager to change the subject, Emily leaned forward and searched his eyes. “What happened in here after Beau and I left? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

“No, of course not. I was angry that he attacked you and I might have overreacted, but we’ve reached an agreement.” Scott shifted his gaze downward. “I never wanted you to see me like that.”

The idea of a shaky contract between them worried her. “What kind of an agreement?”

He rolled his shoulders. “The kind that forces me to play advocate and talk to the shifters and weres about helping the vampires bring Starr Carter down. The pack leader, Degas, already knows Marcus. So it shouldn’t be that big of a problem.”

“All these meetings and appointments you’ve been going to… They aren’t dealing with funerary issues are they?”

“No, I’m afraid not.” The phone rang, and drew his attention away.

Emily returned to the workroom to prepare the bodies and be alone with her thoughts.