Unclaimed (18 page)

Dominic grinned as he tore off his shirt and tossed it aside. He whispered the ancient language again, and in a burst of warm, prickling static, an enormous glass dome appeared. Tatiana gasped and spun around in awe.

“Okay.” She giggled as she leaned back in his embrace. “That's totally awesome, but since its see-through, doesn't that defeat the purpose?”

“No.”

Dominic snagged her tank top and whisked it from her body in one fluid motion. She sighed with pleasure as the heated skin of his chest pressed enticingly against her back. Dominic kissed her cheek and splayed both hands over her flat belly, which quivered in anticipation.

“We can see out.” He released the button on her shorts and drew the zipper down. “But no one can see in.” Dominic pushed her shorts and undies down past her hips, and she moaned as the fabric skimmed over her sensitized skin. “In fact, if anyone were to walk by, they would see only an empty pool.”

“Oh, that's cool.” She was having trouble concentrating as Dominic's hands traveled up her sides and trailed slowly along the curve of her rib cage. “Dominic,” Tatiana growled his name as his hands cupped her breasts.

“Yeah, Doc?” He licked her ear and squeezed her nipples as she arched into his touch.

“Shut up,” she rasped.

Tatiana spun around and captured his lips with hers as her fingers fumbled with his fly. She made quick work of undoing it and pushing his pants and boxers off. Dominic kicked the offending garments aside, leaving them naked and tangled up in skin.

Licking and suckling her lips, he lifted her into his arms and carried her into the pool. The warm water enveloped them, and as he paid thorough attention to her mouth, he dunked under the surface, dousing them both. Tatiana laughed as they came up for air and tilted her head back, wiping the water from her face.

Dominic tightened his grip, and the hungry look in his eye almost made her come. She shivered and cradled his scarred cheek in one hand as he watched her through the glowing eyes of his tiger.

Tatiana brushed her lips over his, gently at first, almost reverently. She adjusted her position in his arms and wrapped her legs around his waist as she kissed him. With the help of weightlessness in the water, she hoisted herself enough so the head of his thick erection was poised at her swollen entrance.

Tatiana broke the kiss but held his stare as inch by delicious inch she impaled herself on his thick shaft. They gasped in unison as her hot sheath covered him completely. Dominic braced himself against the edge of the pool with one hand as she rode him in long, unhurried passes. Her fingers linked behind his neck and her ankles hooked against his lower back, as she took him in and drew him out, again and again, in a slow, languid motion.

It was highly erotic to have this kind of control, to see the hungry, almost desperate look as she engulfed him time after time. She increased the tempo, riding him faster, but as they approached climax, he kissed her and lifted her off him, disengaging himself from the shelter of her body.

“Not yet, Tatiana.” He grinned, and his hands encircled her small waist as he hoisted her onto the edge of the pool.

The smooth stones were slippery beneath her wet bottom, and she looked around self-consciously. “Are you sure no one can see us?”

There didn't seem to be anyone in the area, but that didn't mean much. The Amoveo were good at hiding and sneaking around, especially in their clan form. She knew that better than anyone. That's how she'd avoided Dominic for so long, but as she stared into his handsome face, she could barely remember why.

“Not a chance.” He stood in front of her and spread her legs as he ran his hands up and down the wet skin of her inner thighs. With every pass, Dominic's fingertips slipped closer and closer to her most sensitive spot. “Do you think I'd ever want anyone else to see you like this?”

Tatiana, taut with desire, was unable to utter a word. She bit her lip and shook her head. Grinning, he pulled her closer, and she moved with him so that her butt was on the edge of the pool.

“Will you lie down for me?” Dominic's voice was quiet but commanding. He ran one hand up her side and kissed her breast, flicking the sensitive nipple with his tongue. “I want to see you naked and spread wide.”

Tatiana lay back and stretched her arms behind her head, anticipating what was coming next. She shivered as his arms hooked around her thighs. Dominic leaned in and kissed the tender flesh of her inner thigh, trailing butterfly kisses and licking beads of water away. He parted her lips and blew gently on the highly sensitized flesh.

Tatiana gasped and moaned as he teased, and just when she thought she'd scream with need, Dominic took a long, loving taste of her. She arched back and cried out as he licked and suckled the little bundle of nerves furiously. Sounds of pure pleasure escaped on breathy sighs, and she grabbed his head as his talented tongue fondled her to the brink. Her hips writhed, and she bucked beneath his assault, but Dominic held her down beneath his erotic assault.

I
want
you
to
come
for
me, Tatiana.
His mind touched hers as his tongue dove inside her. Lights exploded behind her eyes, and the world shattered as the explosive orgasm rocked her to the core. Tatiana screamed his name as a second wave of pleasure ripped through her, and her body shuddered until the sensations finally ebbed, leaving her with a weak, boneless feeling.

As the fog of bliss lifted, ragged breaths wracked her as she pushed herself onto her elbows and locked eyes with Dominic. He was floating in the water, resting his chin on her thigh as he wiped beads of moisture from her hip, all while looking rather pleased with himself.

“You think you're quite a stud, don't you?” she teased as she attempted to catch her breath.

“I have my moments.” Dominic pushed himself away and drifted backwards, evidence of his own unsatisfied desire glaringly obvious.

“Well, you're not the only one,” she said playfully as she hoisted herself into the water and swam after him. “It's my turn to make you scream, but I'm getting all shriveled from being in this water.” She flicked a glance at his erection. “Although, you clearly aren't having that problem.”

Tatiana launched herself into his arms, ready and willing to do what she promised, but his body tensed as he looked to the sky. She looked up to see what had captured his attention and swooping overhead was an enormous eagle—Malcolm.

“Is something wrong?” Tatiana asked as her fingers trailed along the back of his neck. “Did they find something else?”

“No.” His jaw clenched, and his body tensed beneath her touch. “He's still chasing that weird energy pattern. I should really patrol the property with them.”

“Not now. You've done your duty, and tonight you're going to do it again. Right now, I simply want you all to myself.” Tatiana swam around him and climbed on his back like a monkey. She wrapped her limbs around him and nibbled his ear. “Let's take this inside.”

“Your wish is my command.” Dominic hooked his hands beneath her thighs and started walking toward the edge of the pool with her still on his back. She wiggled enticingly, the heat of her feminine core pressing against his back.

“I'll even agree to taking the blinky way there.”

“You've got a deal,” he growled.

Dominic uttered the ancient language, and in a rush of static they vanished and reappeared in Dominic's bedroom. Her head spun, and she clung to him as she waited for the dizziness to pass. She slid from his back and let out a sound of relief as her feet hit the cool, wood floor. Before she even had time to say anything, he spun around and kissed her.

It wasn't the ravishing, urgent kisses he usually gave her. It was slow and tender. His mouth moved over hers reverently, and his tongue explored her mouth in unhurried strokes, as if he wanted to memorize every bit of her.

Tatiana sighed and hooked her arms around his waist as he kissed, licked, and suckled her lips in the most tender, loving way. Still kissing her, he lifted her off her feet and placed her on the bed with heart-shattering tenderness. He ran his fingertips up her arms, over the curve of her shoulder blade and dragged them along the swell of her breast, while paying thorough attention to her mouth.

They spent the next hour simply touching and kissing one another. Exploring every inch of skin and swath of flesh, and it was the most erotic, intimate experience of Tatiana's life. Through it all, Dominic said nothing. Not a word. Her gut feeling was that his emotions were too strong. Words would cheapen it, but that was just fine, she didn't need him to say a thing. Every touch, stroke, and caress revealed more about his heart than any single word could.

For the first time, Tatiana understood why it was called
making
love
.

As darkness fell, and the impending event of the night crept closer, the cold finger of dread tripped up her spine. She and Dominic showered and dressed quickly, but try as she might, the dark thoughts and fears drifted into her mind. Tatiana knew that even though Dominic would never admit it, he was scared. He was as scared of losing her as she was of losing him.

Tatiana's heart sank as the reality of what was to come settled over her. She'd allowed herself to forget, for a little while, what Dominic was about to do. However, as they walked toward the house, and the other Amoveo came into sight with guns at the ready, reality came crashing back.

Dominic squeezed her hand, and even though that tiny gesture steeled her strength, she couldn't drown out the voice of doubt. Their little afternoon together may well have been their last. If the Purists had their way, Dominic would never survive the exchange.

Malcolm said he and Eric had been chasing the same phantom energy signature all day, but every time they got close, it vanished. They all met in the Council meeting hall to regroup before the exchange, but a couple of people were notably absent.

They wanted to move Courtney to New York with the others, but Steven wouldn't hear of it. He felt her condition was too fragile, so they left Layla and William in the medical suite with them and armed to the teeth. If a Purist came anywhere near that room, they would get a face full of bullets as Steven visualized Courtney out of there, but he only agreed to do it as a last resort.

At least, that was the plan.

Dominic breathed deeply and savored the familiar scent of pine as it filled his head. They stood in the cavernous space of the Council meeting hall awaiting Richard's arrival, but no one spoke. They were all wound too tight. Dante and Kerry were sticking close to Zachary as Dominic instructed. Kerry had tried to get a reading off both men but had been unsuccessful.

Daniella seemed more uncomfortable in the meeting hall than she did in the house. Dominic wanted to talk to her, to try one last time to bring her to her senses, but she wouldn't look at him. He even tried to telepath, but she kept her mind closed to him.

Heavy silence blanketed the group. Dominic adjusted the ammo and knife belt he wore around his waist and checked his handgun one more time before slipping it into the holster. Tatiana's nervous energy waves flickered in skittish ripples, and it took every ounce of self-control to keep from grabbing her and getting the hell out of there.

Tatiana kept her large, dark eyes on him and even offered a supportive smile, but there was no hiding her concern. To her credit, she remained calm and focused, but she'd said little since they left the cabin. She wasn't angry, but she seemed distant, as though she was slipping away from him somehow. He knew it was probably her fear, concern over what might happen to him, but any barrier between them felt unacceptable.

Dominic was about to broach the subject with her when a crackling rush of static filled the space, and Richard appeared. He stood on the platform at the end of the arena, his eyes glowing bright blue and his face stamped with concern. Richard jumped from the platform and stalked toward the group, his gaze fixed on Eric and Zachary.

Dominic telepathed to him earlier and told him their suspicions about Eric and Zachary. Needless to say, Richard was not taking it well. Dominic couldn't blame him because it was yet another betrayal, another brother at arms who threatened their mates and brought violence to the ranch.

“We end this tonight,” Richard said tightly. He scanned the room, looking at each of them individually, but stopping on Dominic. “Chances are the Purists have others prepared to strike while we make the exchange with Moravian. Ladies, you will go back to New York City and wait at the vampire stronghold until this is finished.”

Kerry and Tatiana started speaking at once, but Richard raised one hand, silencing them.

“I know you feel this is a sexist decision, especially given what I said before, but things have changed.” A sad smile played at his lips, and Dominic knew he was referring to the issue with either Eric or Zachary. “I've already spoken with Layla, and she gave me an earful. However, she has done as I requested and left for New York with Salinda.”

Dominic linked his arm around Tatiana's waist and pulled her into the shelter of his body, needing to feel the weight of her and the warmth of her skin against his. He kissed the top of her head and inhaled her sweet cherry scent. His heart beat in perfect sync with hers as their energy signatures merged as one and swirled through the air.

“I am also fully aware of the difficulties that can arise when mates are separated, but we cannot risk your safety.” Richard looked from Kerry to Tatiana. “You are far too important to us and to the future of our race. The Purists have made it clear that hybrid mates are the focus of their hatred and their wrath. Therefore, we need to remove you from imminent danger. If and when they attack, you will be the first ones they go after.”

Richard's word was resolute, and while Dominic sensed the frustration from the women, Tatiana in particular, he was enormously relieved by the prince's decision. He wanted Tatiana out of harm's way more than anyone, but he knew if he had been the one to insist on it, she would resist. However, since the prince was commanding it, no one would argue.

“What about Courtney?” Tatiana spoke up.

So much for no one arguing the point, Dominic thought on a sigh.

“I'm the only person, other than Steven, who is even remotely qualified to help her. With all due respect, Richard, I feel that I should stay behind with Steven and Courtney.”

“No.” Dominic's eyes glowed, and his fingers dug into her waist. “You will do as Richard says and go to New York with the others.”

“No, I won't. You might be my mate, Dominic, but you're not my father or my boss.” Tatiana slipped out of his arms and crossed to Richard. “Look, I know the risks, but I can't leave Courtney here. Steven is a hot mess, and the guy isn't thinking straight. If something goes down, I don't know if he'll to be able to handle it on his own.” Hands on her hips, she jutted a thumb at Dante. “If you're so worried, then leave Dante
and
William with us in the medical suite. They have enough firepower to take out half the state.”

Richard's eyes narrowed as he stared at Tatiana, clearly weighing his options.

“Your highness,” Dominic said. “You can't seriously be entertaining this idea?”

“Wait a minute!” Tatiana snapped her fingers and pointed at Richard as an idea bloomed. “I know Steven doesn't want to move Courtney, and he's only doing it if he absolutely has to, right?”

“True,” Richard said slowly. “He said he would if danger was imminent.”

“Well, if things get really hairy around here, we will use that blinky thing to get out of here. I mean, they'd find us eventually, but it could buy us time.”

If
need
be
, Tatiana touched her mind to Richard's and Dominic's using a protected path,
we
could
go
to
my
home
in
Oregon, Richard. None of the others know where
it is, and we would be safe there, at least for a while.

Hands clasped behind his back, Richard nodded and looked from Tatiana to Dominic.

“Your highness,” Dominic said. “Please don't listen to this nonsense. She doesn't know how to use her visualization abilities yet.”

Dominic regretted the words before they were even out of his mouth.

“I'm a quick learner,” Tatiana bit out. She shot him a dirty look and turned her attention back to the prince. “I could do it if I had to. Besides, I won't be alone. Dante and William would be there too.”

Dominic's jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists at his side as held his breath and waited for the prince to make his decision. The others stood in stunned silence, and all eyes were on Richard as he kept his gaze on Tatiana.

“Fine.” Richard flicked his glowing eyes to Dominic. “You have a brave mate, Dominic. You should be proud.” Richard looked at his watch. “Kerry, you should go now and join Salinda.”

“Yeah, about that,” Kerry said on a sigh. “I'll be with Tatiana. She might need psychic backup, so since none of you have that particular ability, I'll be sticking around too.”

Richard let out a weary sigh and ran one hand through his hair as he held Kerry's gaze briefly before looking to Dante for help.

“She's not wrong, Richard.” Dante wrapped his arm around Kerry's waist. “We might need her help. Besides, I learned a long time ago that arguing with Kerry is pointless. Once she has made up her mind about something, that's it.”

“Fine.” Richard's face grew serious. “Dante, you and Kerry will go with Tatiana to the medical suite, but if you get even a whiff of a Purist, then you get the hell out of there. I don't care how much Steven protests. You leave and take him and Courtney with you.”

“We better get this show on the road, Richard,” Zachary said. He nudged Daniella toward Dominic. “She's all yours, dude. Bye, sweetheart. It's been real.”

“Shut up,” Daniella seethed.

“Hold on.” Dominic extended one arm but didn't take his eyes off Tatiana. “I need a minute.”

“Oh Christ,” Daniella groaned. “Spare us the sappy good-bye.”

Dominic's eyes shifted to the glowing amber eyes of his tiger, and he growled a warning over his shoulder to his sister, silencing further comments. He took Tatiana's hand and led her to the other end of the arena, which was the most private spot he could find given the circumstances.

Looking into her eyes, his heart hammered in his chest as his worst fears bubbled to the surface. What if she was hurt or needed him, and he couldn't be with her? What if she was in danger, and he couldn't get to her in time? Dominic rested his forehead against hers as he cradled her face in both hands.

“You're a pigheaded woman, do you know that?” he whispered.

“So I've heard… but I can't leave Courtney, Dominic.” Tatiana clasped her hands over his and pressed her lips to his cheek. “So you better come back to me.”

“Does that mean you'll stay with me, Tatiana?” He pulled back and looked her in the face, and his voice dropped low. “When this is all over, will you commit your life to mine?”

“I guess you'll have to survive this mess in order to find out,” she said with a smile.

Tatiana pressed her lips to his and kissed him tenderly as one tear rolled down her cheek. The warm liquid trickled over his fingers, and her sweet fragrance filled his head. Dominic suckled her lip and broke the kiss as his mind grazed hers.
I'll come back to you, Tatiana.

Tatiana's hands curled against his chest and pressed the cool metal of his dog tags against his skin. Dominic linked his fingers around the chain at the back of his neck, removed the precious amulet, and pressed it into Tatiana's hands. He closed her fingers around it and pulled her hands to his chest as he held her gaze.

“Keep these for me,” he said quietly. “If anything happens to me, then I want to be sure you have them.”

“No.” Tatiana shook her head and tried to give them back. “You always wear these.”

“Now, you do.” Dominic took the chain from her hands and placed it around her neck. He adjusted the shiny tags, nestling them in between her breasts. “They have my energy signature imprinted on them. Just wear them. It will make me feel better, okay? Like a part of me is here with you.”

“Time to go,” Richard said.

Dominic nodded and placed a tender kiss on Tatiana's lips before turning on his heels and crossing to Daniella and the others.

“I'll take care of her,” Dante said firmly as he shook Dominic's hand. “Just make sure you get your ass back here in one piece.”

“Thank you.”

Dominic locked gazes with Tatiana as she stood between Dante and Kerry. Dante uttered the ancient language. In a blast of static, they vanished, but as Tatiana disappeared, her voice touched his mind.
I
love
you, Dominic.

The meeting hall felt far emptier without his mate, but Dominic shoved aside the self-defeating thoughts that threatened his composure and turned his attention to the others.

“We should leave now,” Richard said.

Dominic stilled. “We?”

“Yes.” Richard took one of the guns from Malcolm and checked the chamber for ammunition. “We. You, me, and Daniella.”

“Your Highness,” Dominic began, “I don't think it's wise for you to come with me. We all know this could be an ambush, and risking your safety is unacceptable.”

“Dominic,” Richard said with measured patience. “I am almost three times your age, and I possess certain powers you do not. Now, while I know you are an exceptional soldier, I am the leader of the Amoveo. I
cannot
and
will
not
send one of my men into a situation like this alone. We go together or not at all.”

Dominic flicked a sidelong glance toward Malcolm, who stood between Eric and Zachary.

“Your Highness,” Eric interjected. “I agree with Dominic. If you insist on going, then you should have two Guardians with you.”

“No.” Richard turned his glowing eyes to Eric. “You and Zachary will patrol the property around the main house with Malcolm. The energy signature that's been detected along the outskirts of the ranch troubles me. My one consolation is that it has not been picked up on the main property. I have placed another shield around the house, which should prevent anyone other than Dominic or myself from visualizing themselves inside. I used a different spell, so if they are capable of breaking through, it should take them awhile to figure it out. So I want you three posted outside just in case.” His eyes glowed brightly. “Are we clear?”

“You got it, chief,” Zachary said as he popped a stick of gum in his mouth. Malcolm gave him a look of disapproval, but Zachary's eyebrows flew up in surprise. “What?”

“Let's do this.” Dominic grabbed Daniella by the arm and pulled her next to him. He removed his gun from the holster and flipped the safety off as he pointed at her. “Don't try anything funny. I don't have any desire to see you harmed, but make no mistake, I will kill to protect the prince.”

Daniella stiffened but said nothing, and though guilt tugged at him for threatening his sister, he meant what he said.

“Take care of the others.” Richard stood on the other side of Daniella with his gun drawn.

“Be careful,” Malcolm said.

“Yes.” Richard glanced at Eric and Zachary briefly before looking back at Malcolm. “You too.”