TangledHunger (15 page)

Awareness dawned in Tanasha. “Sydney, no. He’s not worth
it.”

Her friend didn’t seem to hear her.

Tanasha wanted to run to Sydney but Duncan held her back.
We
don’t know yet if they’re still on Marius’ side. It’s not safe.

She’s going to kill him.

She has the right. After what he’s done, she has the
right.

Sydney lifted her hand. It shook.

Marius clambered to his feet. Blood dripped from cuts on his
face and hands. He laughed. “You don’t have it in you, bitch. You’re just a
piece of trash. Something you buy to move up in the world.”

Sydney’s expression didn’t change. She pulled the trigger.
The laser tore through Marius’ torso like butter.

He gaped at her, disbelief coloring his face. He dropped to
the ground.

Dead.

The men in her family stared at her, but when Sydney slumped
to the floor her brothers raced to her side.

“Call the doctor immediately,” Tanasha demanded. “Marius
drained her of blood for nearly a week.”

An outcry went through the basement. One brother picked
Sydney up while another rushed to hold open the door. Slowly everybody else
climbed to their feet, rubbing their heads and looking around in confusion.

Tanasha curled into Duncan’s embrace, shivering. The events
caught up with her, leaving her weak-kneed and shaking.

He really loves me.
The thought dominated her mind.

Love and warmth flooded her. Images of her in his apartment,
of her on his sofa, of her in his bed rushed through her mind. Above it all his
glorious joy that he had found his other half, that he would no longer be
alone. That Tanasha existed and loved him.

I love you more than my life, Nasha. You are everything
to me. I know things happened very quickly. Sydney is back now, so we have
plenty of time to get used to the new us.
He tightened his grip on her.

She dropped her head back and met his gaze. His love filled
her up, filled the gaping hole that had always ached inside her. She stood on
tiptoes and pulled his head down for a kiss.
I love you too.

Joy and excitement rushed along the link. His. Hers. It
doubled and tripled with each race along the bond, connecting them.

His taste exploded through her. His heat and scent engulfed
her.

Tanasha curled her wings around them.
I can’t wait until
we’re alone.

Duncan stiffened and mentally groaned.
Woman, are you
trying to kill me?
He cupped her butt with his hands and stroked along her
outer wing feathers with his power.
Now you’ll be as eager to leave as I am.

She leaned into his touch.
I’m always ready to leave with
you.

He pulled her close for a ravishing kiss.

“Honorable Omeiko, please explain why your wings are on
display.”

The harsh voice from behind her brought Tanasha back to
reality with an almighty slam. But instead of jumping to attention and
stuttering an explanation, she sank deeper into their kiss.

Duncan’s amusement curled through her, but he didn’t stop
her. Exactly the opposite. They celebrated their love and their achievement by
ignoring the outside world and being together.

“Honorable Omeiko, what is your explanation for this
emotional display?”

Tanasha ended the kiss and rested her head on Duncan’s
shoulder. Together they turned to Sydney’s father. “Estimable Older Radnall,
this emotional display is a celebration of overcoming Marius and saving Sydney,
something nobody else in this family deemed necessary.”

She snapped her wings back but didn’t make them disappear.
Duncan’s arm was around her waist, his utter confidence in her supported her
like nothing before. “As to my wings, I needed a weapon to fight you and your
family off without killing you. Would you have preferred me to kill you,
Estimable Older Radnall?” She lifted her eyebrow.

Duncan’s laughter came down the link.

Radnall rubbed his head again.

Tanasha exhaled. “Estimable Older Radnall, you and your
family will need to see a doctor as well. Once you’re all feeling better,
Estimable O’Clare and myself will explain what happened.” She nodded at Marius’
body. “And you better call the Guard too.”

Chapter Nine

The cleanup took much longer than Tanasha had anticipated.
Duncan told her not to mention the Feral influence added to Marius’ power nor
the use of the crystals. Instead he contacted his friends again via com.
Nikolai and his lifemates Galen and Brooke arrived an hour later. They’d
already been on their way after Duncan’s first message.

Tanasha’s jaw nearly dropped when she realized Galen was
ArchNaema Galen Kinwin. She wasn’t the only one surprised.

The Guard attempted to deny Duncan’s friends access to the
Radnall house, but ArchNaema Kinwin just looked at the officer and informed him
that he had no grounds to forbid the ArchNaema entrance. Nikolai stood next to
his partner, looking grim and intimidating, but their third, Brooke, had
laughter sparkling in her eyes. She had to turn her back on the officer a
couple of times, coughing rather hard.

Finally ArchNaema Kinwin’s patience ran out and he shoved a
comp under the leading Guard officer’s face, officially taking over the
investigation.

Much to the Guard’s dismay.

Triumph curled in Tanasha’s stomach as a number of the
officers who’d ignored or laughed at her request for help had to leave Sydney’s
house.

Duncan must have felt her response. He winked at her from
across the room, where he and the other two men were deep in discussion.

“It’s rather overwhelming, is it not?” Brooke Deverell
stepped beside her, her gaze on the men.

Tanasha crossed her arms over her chest, for a moment
falling back into old habits and feeling inadequate. The other woman looked
like a supermodel or an Amazon. “What do you mean? Finding out that Ferals are
one step away from throwing us into ultimate war or realizing a supposedly
harmless crystal can be used to make another being go completely against their
beliefs?”

A smile lit up her eyes and she threw her tightly braided
long brown hair over her shoulder. “Actually I was talking about becoming a
lifemate.”

Tanasha exhaled, feeling stupid for poking at the offer of
friendship. “Yes. Yes, it is. But also mind-blowingly beautiful.”

The other woman studied her men. Love and contentment filled
her face.

Men.
Tanasha still tried to wrap her head around
being linked to one man, one Vampire. She couldn’t imagine being connected to
two.

And that’s how it will stay. There’s no need to mess with
perfection.
Duncan’s husky voice made her shiver.

“Yes, it is beyond beautiful.” Brooke looked back at her. “But
also a lot of work. Be prepared that not everybody will be accepting of your
union, Tanasha. If you ever need a hand or a friendly shoulder, just com me. I
know what it’s like.”

“But you’re human.” The words escaped her before Tanasha
could pull them back. She’d wondered about the other woman’s relationship as
soon as she’d realized Brooke was human and would die long before either of her
men.

Brooked smiled. “I am, but as soon as I am ready Nikolai
will turn me into a Vampire.” She chuckled. “I still have a few years before
wrinkles and gray hair will be permanent.”

Tanasha laughed with her. “Please excuse my rudeness.”

“Don’t worry, you’re not the first to ask.”

“Are they worth it?” The expression on Brooke’s face spoke
volumes, but Tanasha still wanted a little reassurance. There’d already been
looks and whispers as the Naemas saw her relationship with Duncan. Tanasha
wanted to be with him, but right now the future appeared somewhat daunting.

Brooke patted her back. “Only you can decide. How would you
feel if he disappeared right now? If you’d never see him again for the rest of
your life?”

“I would die.” No hesitation, no thinking necessary. However
daunting their future may be, Tanasha didn’t want to imagine it without Duncan.

His lips touched hers.
I am very glad, love. We’ll figure
it out. Together.

Together.
She walked to Duncan, no longer able to be
separated from him, even if it was just the length of the room. Brooke followed
her and slipped between her two mates.
Are you making progress?

Duncan held his hand out to her and pulled her under his
shoulder. “Nikolai and Galen will gather up all the crystals in the house.
They’ve already sent a preliminary report to their commanding officer. He’ll
take charge of the mines.”

ArchNaema Kinwin held out his hand to Tanasha. “Honorable
Omeiko, we are in your debt. Marius has been at the top of our capture list. He
was a traitor and hurt Brooke in ways that cannot be forgiven. I am very glad
he is no longer.”

Tanasha swallowed. “You are most welcome, Estimable
ArchNaema Kinwin, but it was Sydney who pulled the trigger.”

His smile probably made women stop in place and stare
everywhere, but it had no impact on her. “Please, call me Galen. And it was you
who found Marius, even if it was for another crime.”

Nikolai chuckled. “What my partner is attempting to say in
the highfalutin way of Naemas is that we really wanted to take Marius out, but
had made no progress in narrowing his identity down.”

Tanasha smiled at the Vampire’s blunt words. “I wouldn’t
have made it without Duncan.” She took his hand. “And without the information
you shared with him.”

Nikolai slung his arm around Brooke’s neck. “Yep, one more
head of the hydra cut off.”

“And an unknown number more to go.” Brooke leaned into
Nikolai.

“I may have information that will help. Hugo gathered data
on a microchip. It’s all in code and lists financial transactions. We had a
quick glance but didn’t yet have the chance to look in more detail,” Duncan
said.

ArchNaema Kinw—Galen frowned. “I’ll send it to headquarters.
He may be able to pull out the details.”

“Give a copy to Sydney,” Tanasha said.

Everybody turned to her. She shrugged. “She has the best
financial mind I’ve ever seen. Who do you think looks after the wealth and
well-being of her family?”

“She knows most of what is going on already. With the stakes
at hand she could be an asset,” Duncan added.

“We could use the help.” Galen nodded at Tanasha. “And if
you trust her.”

“Let me talk to her, see where she stands.” Tanasha would
ensure Sydney was ready before she pulled her best friend into the battle.
Sydney would need some time to heal, but Tanasha couldn’t see her friend not
wanting to take down everybody responsible for her torture.

The men agreed.

“Duncan, have you heard from or spoken to the Spaniard recently?”
Nikolai asked.

Duncan played with Tanasha’s hair, his gaze narrowed. “Not
in years. Why, what have you heard?”

Nikolai grimaced. “Only rumors, that’s the problem. But
rumors that put Calatrave in the middle of this mess.”

Duncan hissed. “On which side?”

“Nobody seems to know.”

Duncan tightened his grip around her shoulders.
What is
it? Who is the Spaniard?

A Vampire you don’t want on the opposite side.

“We need to know either way,” he said. The other two men
nodded.

Even this added worry was no longer enough to keep Tanasha
focused on the conversation. She sank against Duncan and curved her hand around
his butt before sliding it under his shirt to stroke his back.

She needed him. Needed to hold him and reassure herself on a
physical level that he was alive and well.

As do I.

What about your wounds?

Your blood has healed most of it. I only have the odd
scrape left.

Good.

Duncan kissed her head and nodded at the other three. “If
you need anything else, come by my apartment late tomorrow. Nasha and I need a
soak and rest. It’s been a long day.”

Galen nodded. Nikolai grinned knowingly. “Rest? Is that what
you call it these days?”

Duncan chuckled. “Should I ask Galen and Brooke what they
call it?”

“Let’s not get into that.” Brooke leaned against Galen and
covered Nikolai’s mouth with her hand.

Everybody laughed.

“Good thing I’ve sent a cleanup crew to your apartment,”
Galen said.

Tanasha was glad that no visible trace of the fight would be
left in Duncan’s beautiful home.

Damn, I’m uncertain if I can last all the way back to my
apartment
, Duncan groaned.

Tanasha smiled.
We could stay at my place. It’s closer
and I need a change of clothes anyway. It would just mean sleeping on top of
each other. My bed is half the size of yours.

He leaned over and kissed her.
Usually I have no issue
with that, but tonight I have plans that require a little bit more space.

Heat pooled low in her body.
Really? What kind of plans?

He smiled, his eyes gleaming silver but not giving anything
away.
The kind that are better acted out than explained.
Duncan sent her
an image of her lying on his big bed with himself feasting on every inch of
her.

Her cheeks flushed. She swallowed.
I can top that.

His eyebrows rose. Slowly.
Really?

Tanasha smiled. She sent him an image of her sitting on his
big bed. Naked. With her wings spread behind her.

Duncan stiffened. Then he grabbed her hand and waved at the
others. “Brooke, always a pleasure to see you. Niko, Galen, I’ll talk to you
later.”

Laughter echoed around them when he dragged her to the door.
“Much later,” was all she heard before they marched out of the house. Tanasha
didn’t know who said it.

“Are we in some kind of rush?” She couldn’t ever remember a
time she wanted to laugh while being so hot she expected her clothes to catch
fire at any moment.

“Woman, you’re killing me.” Duncan picked her up and dropped
her into the taxi transport waiting for them. He pulled her onto his lap while
he entered the destination.

Tanasha moved around until she straddled him, rubbing her
moist pussy against his hard member.

His lids dropped and his head fell back. He groaned. “You
are
trying to kill me.”

She laughed. “Never that, I still have use for you.” She
leaned down for a kiss. His hands gripped her behind and his lips opened for
her. Tanasha curled her arms around his neck and sank into the kiss. His taste,
his heat, the feel of his hard body under her drove her higher. The knowledge
he was safe curled through her.

But beneath it all was that rainbow-colored link running
between them, sharing their laughter, their fire and their love. She pulled
back a little and met his gaze. “I can’t believe I’ve found you,” she
whispered. For a second her emotions overwhelmed her and tears clouded her
eyes.

“But you have.” Duncan tightened his hold. “That’s all you need
to remember. I’m right here. And unless you want to give TransportSec a show
they’ll never forget, you better stop moving.”

She nuzzled the sensitive curve between his neck and
shoulder. A shiver ran through him. Even knowing she pushed her luck she couldn’t
resist one last slide across his erection.

His body tensed even more.
You’ll suffer the
consequences.

Bring it on.
Anything they did together would be
mind-blowing.

You asked for it.

It felt like hours, but finally the transport stopped
outside his apartment. Duncan didn’t even give her a chance to move. He
tightened his grip around her behind and stepped out of the transport with her
still curled around him.

We’re making a spectacle.
Tanasha hid her face
against his chest when an elderly couple walked past them in the lobby,
staring.

It’ll give then something to talk about.
He took the
steps two at a time and jumped into the elevator. Each step rubbed her molten
core against his cock, driving her more and more crazy.

Duncan marched through the door and kicked it shut behind
him. “Here we are.”

She cupped his face in her hands and kissed him, thrusting
her tongue deep into his mouth, tangling with his. He stumbled to the stairs
and stopped to take control of the kiss. Minutes later they still stood in the
same spot.

Tanasha pulled back. They panted.

“I love you,” he whispered.

Joy unfurled inside her. “I know.”

A smile spread across his lips. “We better hold off for a
second, otherwise there’s a good chance I’ll either drop you or fall back down
the steps.”

She stroked her fingers across his cheek. “We can’t have
that.”

He walked up the stairs, each step driving his hard penis
between her legs. “I can feel how wet you’re growing. Once we’re in bed I could
slide right in, be welcomed by your wet, tight pussy.”

Heat flushed her face. She swallowed and pressed a finger to
his lips. “I have other plans.”

His eyes turned even more silver. “I like your plans.”

Tanasha smiled. “I’m glad.”

They’d reached his bedroom and he slowly slid her down his
body, keeping her close against him.

She leaned back in his arms and pushed a little.

He released her.

She stepped backward, her eyes never leaving his. Her
heartbeat increased. Her fingers went to her blouse and she unbuttoned the
first button. And the next. And the next. With each button the silver flared
brighter and brighter. Once her top was open she pulled it off and dropped it
to the floor. She pointed to the large bed.

He smiled as he pulled off his shirt and flopped on the bed.

Her mouth watered as she saw his long, lean body drape
across the sheets. His tanned chest invited her touch. The top two buttons on
his trousers were undone, inviting her to explore.

Tanasha wanted to, but she wanted to share herself with
Duncan even more. For a moment she froze.

I’m not going anywhere, love. There will be plenty of
times like this. We don’t have to do everything at once.
Laughter and love
shimmered along the link.