ShadowsofNight (24 page)

“You’re right, I didn’t follow your orders, sir, and I
apologize. But I was drawn to that woman. I felt her presence, and even had a
picture of her inside my mind before I saw her with my own eyes. It’s strange
but there’s this powerful connection between the two of us. I’m linked to her
somehow and I want to know why.”

“I see.” He rubbed his jaw thoughtfully and glanced over at
Christian, who said nothing.

“There was no time to ask your permission, and I feared
she’d leave before I had a chance to question her. Look, I’m capable of
following orders but I’m also searching for the truth.” Emma hoped her
explanation would be enough.

“Very well. However, if you want to remain a part of this
coven, following my lead isn’t up for debate again. Are we clear?”

“Yes.” She gave him a nod.

“And you…” He glanced at his mate.

“I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.” Lena went to him and
placed a hand on his chest.

“You’re not going to get off as easy, you know.” He lifted
her chin to make her look at him. “We’re a team, remember that part?”

“How can I make it up to you?” She leaned into him and
wrapped her arms around his neck.

“This is a good start.” He smiled at her but then grew serious.
“Promise me.”

“You have my word.” She kissed his lips.

Emma cleared her throat. “Um—I’m sorry for interrupting but
is it possible for me to speak with Petrina?”

“Yes. Christian, you know the way,” Marcus replied, waving
them off, now fully distracted by his mate.

“You sure about this?” Christian reached for her hand and
opened the door to lead her from the room.

“Yes.” She took a deep breath as he traced them to a
location that looked nothing like Emma had expected.

“She’s in there.” He pointed to a door where a guard sat
watch. He rose to his feet when they approached.

“It’s okay, Rav. Emma is here to speak with our prisoner.”

He nodded and sat back down.

“This doesn’t look like a very secure prison area,” Emma
remarked with a smirk. There was art hanging on the walls, luxurious rugs on
the floor. It looked as if they had just entered another wing of bedrooms in
the mansion.

“She’s being detained but isn’t considered a prisoner,”
Christian replied.

“Am I the only one who gets that she’s in league with our
enemy and should be detained in a cell, and not a luxury suite?”

“That’s not your call. It’s Marcus’.”

“I understand Marcus is your superior but if we’re going to
be a team, you need to go to bat for me occasionally. It feels like you’re
always taking his side.”

Christian grabbed her around the waist. “Your side will
always be the one I choose.”

“Not tonight you didn’t.”

“You’re right. I should have pushed the issue with him, and
argued to let you come with us. But your safety is a sticking point for me. I
love you.”

Emma took a deep breath, his words causing her to lose
steam. “I know. I love you too.”

Christian reached out and traced her lips with his thumb. “You
deserve my loyalty above all others, and I will always put you first unless it
places you in danger. Do you understand?”

“I get it.” She placed her arms around his neck. He licked
his lips, always hungry for a taste of that perfect mouth. A furious throb of
need coursed through his veins as he heard the sudden quickening of her pulse.

A slow smile took over Emma’s lips, as if she could read his
thoughts. Her fingers reached up to stroke his cheek. Desire rolled off him and
he leaned forward, kissing her slowly in an unhurried sweep at first, using his
tongue to show her how much he wanted her. She was his mate, more precious to
him than his own life.

“What are you thinking?” she asked breathlessly as he
lightly traced the contours of her throat with the tip of his nose.

“I was thinking how sexy you are,” he whispered.

“And you’re just trying to butter me up so you can get
lucky.” She pulled back with a smirk.

“Is it working?”

“Yes.”

“I need you right now. I want us to be connected. Can this
wait?” He glanced at the door.

“Mmhmm…”

He quickly traced them to their room, moving her toward the
bed as his mouth descended on hers. He guided them onto the mattress, lips
still locked together as he gripped the front of her shirt and tore it away.

“You are everything to me,” he rasped in a husky tone as he
broke free from their kiss.

“I know.” Emma reached up and stroked his face again, tracing
the angular line of his jaw.

He leaned forward to capture her full lips, which parted
without hesitation to give him entrance. Her taste exploded through him. He
clutched the small of her back and in the next breath, had her beneath him. He
was acutely aware of the feel of her breasts, taut nipples straining against the
lacy bra still covering them. He gripped the front, breaking the clasp to
release her soft flesh. Her moans spurred him on as he covered the hard peaks,
caressing them, circling one tender bud with his tongue.

He licked his bottom lip in anticipation as his eyes
traveled lower, focusing on that beautiful space between her thighs. Emma
unbuttoned her pants and wiggled out of them, removing shoes and socks as well.
He lifted up to give her room, his eyes scanning every inch of creamy flesh
exposed to him.

She propped herself on her elbows to watch him undress.

“Lie back and open your legs for me. I want to see all of
you.”

She grinned. “You mean like this…?” She spread her thighs
wide.

“Oh yesss…” He planned to devour her, literally. To
emphasize his point he leaned down and brought his head to her lower abdomen
and kissed her satiny skin—then tore off her panties in a fit of lust. He
pushed her legs farther apart, exposing her pussy.

“Christian…” She gasped as he lowered his head and flicked
her clit with his tongue. Groaning, he covered her sweet flesh, suckling and
nipping as his fangs extended. She whimpered, her head thrashing. His instinct
and the drive to pierce her right where he tasted took over. He caressed her
opening, dipping his fingers into her with a probing thrust. Then he claimed
her, sinking his fangs into her flesh, her blood flowing in rich torrents down
his throat.

She cried out, body locking down around his fingers.

He groaned low, almost a feral sound, her climax throwing
him over the edge, driving his passion to a whole new level.

Emma’s head fell back and she moaned at the immense pleasure
of his fangs embedded in her and the pull and tug as he continued to drink
while teasing her clit with his tongue. She wanted more of the physical contact
and the sheer ecstasy that enveloped her.

“I-I want you inside me,” she purred, knowing how good his
arousal would feel buried in her warm depths. He released her gently, licking
her flesh to seal the wounds.

“Soon.” He grinned, kissing every inch of her as he traveled
up her body. Her nipples hardened as he grazed them with his chest. Desire
pooled in her core, flooding her with liquid heat. His chest rumbled with
satisfaction.

She arched her back and rubbed against him, craving the
contact of his heated skin against hers. She wanted him to take her in a
dominant way, to ride her body hard and make her cry out like before. Slow and
passionate could come later. Right now she wanted to be sated, and to feel the
full force of this powerful male inside her.

As if he’d read her mind, something primal flashed in Christian’s
eyes. He lifted her hips off the bed and drove into her with a fierce groan,
stabbing deep and hard with one sure thrust. He didn’t stop, his invasion like
a force of nature, taking her higher and higher.

Emma moved with him in wild abandon, desperate for more. He
held her just at the edge of orgasm, so utterly glorious there were no words to
describe it. He drove hard, deep and fast, his hips thrashing in answer to her
body’s call.

“Feed, Emma.” He leaned forward and turned his head to give
her access to his neck. She grabbed his powerful shoulders and bit down, causing
him to shudder. More pleasure as his rich blood flowed down her throat. A guttural
groan in his chest signaled his release, like an explosion spilling deep inside
her core. Her own orgasm followed, her sex squeezing him violently over and
over again in waves. Christian held her close, letting her continue to feed,
drawing out the rising tide of pleasure between them.

When he finally stilled, they were both covered in sweat and
breathing hard from the experience. Her fangs receded, releasing his flesh. She
nuzzled his neck, breathing in his wonderful scent.

“You’re amazing,” she panted.

He rolled onto his back. “I know I am.”

“And a cocky bastard…” She tickled his side.

He pulled her into his arms with a devilish grin. “But I
thought you liked my cock?”

“I don’t like it, I
love
it.” She winked. Their
playful exchange made her heart fall even more for the man beside her. Emma
entwined her legs with his as she snuggled against his chest, enjoying the
foreign experience of contentment that had never truly been hers until now.

“All I know is you love
me
, and that’s enough.” He
kissed the top of her head.

“I do,” she replied. “So much it scares me to think about it
sometimes.”

“Are you sure you want to question this female Marcus is
protecting? I’ve got a bad feeling about her.”

“I have too. She knows something. But there’s a connection
between us. I can’t be sure how much of what she says will be the truth. But I
won’t know until I question her.

“I worry she’s going to fill your head with lies. What if
this is a trap?”

“I didn’t sense deceit. Whatever the case, I want to hear
what she has to say.”

“What if you’ve sensed incorrectly?”

“Then I’ve got you to watch my back.” She kissed his lips.

“True but—”

“No, let me finish. You’re the only one who’s ever gotten past
my walls, given me peace. The only one I trust more than myself. She won’t ruin
my life, no matter what she has to say, because I have you.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” He pulled her closer. “Your
happiness is all I desire for you now.” He hugged her to him tightly. She
melted as warmth and safety enveloped her, not resisting it, but embracing it.

“It’s you and me,” she whispered, closing her eyes in
exhaustion.

Christian caressed her back, contemplating her words. He
battled with a personal need to protect her at all costs. She was
strong-willed, fierce. The desire to keep her independence was still very much
a part of who she was. He respected that. But he also feared losing her too. It
was a possible reality that continued to haunt him.

He placed a tender kiss on her forehead. How could he ever live
without her?

He couldn’t. It was as simple as that. She was in his heart
and soul and he would do everything in his power to protect his mate.

“Emma, what are you doing outside? Come to me this instant!”
Anna Lisa scolded. “How many times must I tell you about the dangers before you’ll
listen to me?”

“But Mommy, I can’t help it.” Her mother seized her arm,
pulling her through the open window that had recently been nailed shut.

“How did you get the window open, honey? Wait, never mind, I
don’t want to know.” She shut the window.

“I’m sorry,” Emma said. And she really was.

“Your willfulness will surely get us both hurt, you know
that? I’m trying to protect you, my sweet girl,” she sighed.

“But I love the moon, Mommy, it’s so pretty. Why can’t I go
out? I’ll be careful.”

“I can’t take that chance. I’m sorry, love. If you fall…”

“I’ll bounce.” She couldn’t help but giggle when her mother
grinned.

“You’ll break.” She ruffled her hair. “Now don’t do it
again.”

“Okay, Mommy.”

Emma sat up in bed with a gasp. She rubbed her eyes and
glanced around the room.
Just dreaming…
She lay back down and tried to
ignore the dull ache inside her heart. She didn’t want to think about the past.
Not much you can do about your dreams though.
She sighed and heard
Christian stir next to her.

“Hey,” he said in a sleepy voice, wrapping his arm around
her waist. “You okay?”

“Yeah, can’t sleep. I dreamt of my mother. The dream left me
with more questions. I need to speak with this Petrina chick.”

“I’ll get dressed.” He started to rise.

“Christian…I’ve decided I need to do this alone. She’ll
probably open up more if it’s just her and me.”

“Why? I haven’t given her a reason to fear me.”

“That’s just the feeling I get.”

“All right,” he nodded, “do what you think is best.”

“Thank you for trusting my judgment on this one.” Emma
rolled over and gave him a kiss before climbing out of bed to dress.

“I’d still feel better if I was just outside the door. In
case you needed me.” He followed her off the bed, worry lacing his voice.

“No, I can handle this.” She pulled a shirt over her head.

“Okay.” Though clearly it wasn’t. He grabbed his pants and
slipped them on then took a seat at the edge of the bed.

“Stop worrying, she and I are just going to talk. I’m safe inside
the compound, remember?” She arched an eyebrow at him.

“You’re right. Old habits die hard.”

“It’s nice to know that you care so much. Really it is.” She
walked over to him and leaned forward to kiss his lips.

“I’ll never stop.”

“Promise.” She cupped his cheeks and stared into his eyes.

“I vow it.”

“I have to know what’s fact or fiction. I have to get some
answers from her.” She tried to remain calm so he wouldn’t worry more than
necessary. The truth was she felt anxious, but knew she needed to do this
alone.

“She’s in league with our enemy.”

“And no match for me. I’ll kick her ass if she tries
anything.”

“That’s true.” He grinned.

“This is important to me, Christian. I don’t know who I am
anymore.”

“
I
know who you are.” He stood and pulled her into
his arms as his luminous gaze met hers. “You’re the woman I love. The one I’d
easily lay down my life for. You are strong, brave. Someone who didn’t give up
after such profound loss. Instead you kept going, kept living.”

“Thank you. I needed that.” She rested her head against his
chest.

“Be careful not to buy into everything Petrina tells you,”
he warned.

“I’ll keep my guard up, don’t worry.”