Midnight Magic, page 42
“So when she asked you to infiltrate Supernatural Intelligence?”
“I did so without question. I hunt down monsters knowing I am one, so when I was asked to watch someone who was believed to be incredibly powerful with little control, I did. I didn’t care who it was or who I would hurt because I was watching, waiting to see if they would become a monster too. But then I met you, this crazy rainbow woman that the darkness inside me craved.”
Rose found her fingers in his hair, not remembering when she had begun to stroke through the soft strands. “You keep telling me I’m in danger, but you haven’t said from whom?”
“I have many enemies.” His head dropped just an inch, his lips impossibly close.
Rose sucked in a breath. “And why would they care about me?”
His lips captured hers as if he had the right, her claws prickling her fingertips at the blatant show of power. Her panther purred at his strength, pleased in her mind as Danton’s tongue licked along her lips, teasing until she opened for him. Rose moaned, pulling him closer as his hands dropped to her thighs and lifted. She was quickly pressed back against the wall, her legs automatically wrapping around his hips as she fought his tongue for dominance.
She found a long fang, the end sharp as she tasted her own blood.
Danton hissed, pulling back until his lips settled against her throat.
“This is a bad idea,” Rose said on a groan, moving her head for a better angle.
“Oui,” he growled, his kisses hot as she struggled to breath beneath the passion. “A very bad idea.”
“We should stop.” His teeth nibbled, the sensation shooting heat straight between her legs.
“Then stop,” he said, moving until their eyes met.
With all her strength she pulled at his hair, claiming his lips as her claws sliced the shirt from his body. The fabric fell away, revealing the chest of a man she had dreamed about, but would rather had died than admit it. Vampires in general had the body of gods, but Danton’s was something else, his muscles sculpted through hard work and training rather than vampire genes.
Her own corset disappeared just as quickly, her strapless bra snapping clean off her body until her breasts were pressed against his chest.
“Tu es belle,” he said, his lips moving south until his tongue circled her nipple.
“Danton!” she cried when he sucked it in between his lips, one of his fangs pressing until the tip pierced her flesh. The initially pain was immediately replaced with euphoria, his fang secreting a pheromone that confused her pain sensors. She knew it was a trick of a predator, vampire bites feeling pleasurable as they drained your lifeblood.
Right then she understood why a vampires kiss was addictive.
“Now!” she moaned as instincts took over. She wiggled, grateful that she had worn a short skirt to the club and it had risen up above her hips. She pressed herself more fully against him, able to feel the hardness that she ached to have inside her through the leather of his trousers. “D!”
His movements blurred, so fast that she hadn’t felt him move until she felt the tip of his cock pierce through her swollen folds. There was no hesitation, and she savoured the burn as she stretched to accommodate him. She threw her head back, his fang releasing her nipple as he thrust, her body savouring the man who knew exactly what he was doing.
His fingers dug into her hips, hard enough she knew she would be marked, but all she cared about was the release that she was building, ready to explode. He angled her perfectly to the point a purr vibrated up through her chest, igniting the sweet pain in her nipple that added to the pleasure that was racing through her veins.
He stopped, her orgasm on the edge. She tried to move her hips, push herself over but she was locked tight in his grip, his long fingers stroking the inside of her thighs just shy of where she needed them to be. Her eyes shifted, the nightglow of her panther washing his face in green.
“Ask me to stop,” he said, his tone so deep that it ended in a rumble she felt right where they connected.
Rose panted, forcing herself to think past the passion and desire. He was giving her an out, an option to end their sudden joining that was a combination of lust and desperation.
Did she want that? Their relationship was complicated, built on lies and deception to the point she had hated him. But he was also the man that had laughed at her terrible jokes, that had protected her, and who had paid an obscene amount of money to her father, for her.
He really believed he was a monster, she could see it in the dark depths of his gaze and the pained tension along his body.
She already knew there would be no regret in the morning, her panther showing a vulnerability she had never done with anyone else. So Rose tilted her head, exposing her throat to the man who had the capability of ending her life within seconds. His moan was pure ecstasy, as was his lips that brushed so softly against her skin. His fangs pressed, just a slight pressure and Rose clenched even tighter around him, the anticipation unbearable.
His hips began to move, pulling out to pause, and then push in inch by painfully slow inch until she was ready to scrape the flesh from his bones. Her orgasm was back on the edge, and only one more…
“D!” she cried when he stopped again.
His chuckle was dark. “Last warning.” His fangs pierced at the same time he thrust, the orgasm ripping through her with such force she screamed. His hips moved like a piston, his suction on her neck pinning her whole body to the wall. Warmth burned as he violently pulled back, his movements frenzied as waves of pleasure overwhelmed her senses and she saw colour beneath her eyelids. Finally able to move she yanked his head back by his hair, sinking her own small fangs into the side of his neck just as she reached another peak. He tensed below her, a groaned exhale as he finished this time with her.
*.*.*.*.*
* * *
Rose stretched, rolling her whole body until it clicked. She was warm, almost hot as she blinked tired eyes and looked at the man who shared her bed. It took her a few seconds to wake up, her body aching in places that made her panther both sated and smug.
In all the years she knew him she couldn’t remember if she had ever seen Danton so peaceful, his eyes closed to create dark crescent moons against pale skin. Somewhere between the living room and the bedroom they had lost the rest of their clothes, a sheet covering both their lower halves, his body on full display for her to appreciate.
His face and chest were flawless, almost made from the finest granite without a single blemish, scar or evidence of aging. The only markings Vamps had on their bodies were ones they received before their turn, and for Danton it was his hands. His fingers and knuckles showed evidence of hard work, even if the rest of his body displayed nothing but perfection.
She knew he wasn’t asleep even though his breathing was even, a habit considering he didn’t really need to take more than one or two breaths a minute. He remained motionless as she carefully traced the lines across his stomach, his body relaxed beneath her explorative touch.
She had been right, she felt no regret in giving him a chance to explain, no regret in allowing him intimate skin privileges.
His fingers had begun to stroke along her back, slowly moving down until he possessively started to grab her lower curves. His upper lip curved at her growl, his hand only petting her harder.
“Chaton facile.” His lashes lifted, only for his eyes to settle on the exact place he had bitten on her neck.
“Careful,” she warned, “the afterglow only lasts so long.”
His fingers dipped between her legs, and her rumble turned into a moan.
“Ten seconds,” he said, his smile growling until it was almost an echo of him before.
It took a moment for his words to register, her brain fried as she concentrated on his talented fingers. “What?”
Her ears picked up exactly what he meant immediately after, footsteps before a knock at the door.
“Ugh, bloody hell,” Rose groaned as she climbed out of bed, grabbing a t-shirt to cover her modesty. Shifters in general had no shame when it came to their bodies, not when they were naked as they shifted. Unfortunately, other Breeds and humans weren’t as open, and because of them there were laws for which she couldn’t open her own front door without the important bits covered. Well, not unless she wanted a criminal record.
“What took you so long?” Bee asked as she stormed inside, her gaze taking in the pieces of shredded fabric and marks on the wall. “Actually, don’t answer that.”
Danton strolled out of the bedroom, the leather trousers he wore last night pulled up, but left unfastened as he leaned himself against the wall. His chest was bare, probably because what remained of his shirt was tossed on her floor, and she couldn’t help but notice the deep lines that were like arrows down to his...
Bee cleared her throat, and Rose jumped as if she had been shot.
“Considering you didn’t check in with me last night, I would say something went wrong.” Her gaze flicked to Danton then back again. “Or maybe it went right?”
Rose couldn’t stop the nervous laughter that bubbled up. “Erm, yeah, so Tanner fired me.”
Bee waited, and when Rose didn’t explain further she pulled out a file. “That doesn’t matter because I was able to interview Mr Taylor this morning.”
“Wait, he woke up?” Rose grabbed the file Bee held out, flipping it open to scan through the notes.
“He did, and he was able to explain exactly what happened to him and the others.”
“Which was?” Danton pressed.
“Are you shitting me!” Rose gasped, tracing the answer with her finger. “He paid to be attacked? As in literally money?”
“Yep, apparently he wanted to become a shifter.”
“Why would you want to become a shifter?” Danton asked, reading over Rose’s shoulder.
Rose angled the file away. “Why wouldn’t you want to be a shifter?”
“I’m asking why he thought he could become a shifter when it is impossible, non? If he was so bored with his life as a human, he could have waited until he was eligible to apply for the turn.”
“D’s right,” Bee said with a shrug. “It’s common knowledge that shifters are born, not created.” The ability to shift was not something that could be shared through a bite or a scratch.
“Well, I don’t know maybe they were trying to create an army?”
“Possibly a hybrid?” Danton added.
“Or maybe they’re just bat-shit-fucking crazy.” Rose threw up her hands. “We don’t know.”
Bee grabbed the file, pulling out a loose photograph from the back and holding it out. “It doesn’t matter, because as of thirty minutes ago we have a positive I.D. from Mr Taylor.”
CHAPTER 9
Rose strutted past the line, pushing in front of the queue with Bee tight on her heels. The anticipation of an arrest made her panther on edge, so when Kali looked up from the desk it took all her effort for her irises to remain hazel.
Kali’s eyes widened as she took in her Paladin leathers, straps crisscrossing her arms that held two short daggers, while a gun sat snugly on her hip. The outfit would actually blend well in the club, except her weapons were real and not for play.
Kali flicked her gaze to where Tanner was supposed to be, but Rose had waited until he had stepped out for a cigarette break before moving in.
“I’m not here to create a problem,” she said, trying to keep her voice even. “I just have a job to do.”
“You were a Paladin this whole time?” she asked, brows creased. “Who were you hunting?”
Rose’s smile was sad.
“I can refuse you entry,” Kali said. “You know Tanner doesn’t like drama and this is private property.”
“Actually you can’t refuse us,” Bee said from behind, her leathers similar to Rose’s except she hated knives and preferred wire. It was neatly woven into the cuffs she wore, and one tug released the razor sharp weapon that worked great for beheadings.
Which was great except Paladin contracts very rarely ended in a death, and if there were it was usually the Paladin.
Yeah, you didn’t piss Bee off.
They didn’t wait for a verbal acceptance, instead Rose made her way into the main room, the smells, atmosphere and sounds comforting against the impending hunt. Danton had been there for a few hours, enjoying the sights from a table in the corner while scoping out their defendant. His hand circled a drink, mouth twisted into a flirtatious smile as he spoke to the men and women who hovered around his section like fireflies to a flame.
Danton’s gaze suddenly locked with hers, the intensity sending the flutters in her stomach crazy. Jealousy spiked as soon as he looked away, a toxic emotion she was not used to.
Bee nudged her, gesturing to the mountain of a man who stormed over.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Tanner seethed, his voice low as he hunched over. “Are you trying to get me closed down.”
“I’ll deal with him,” Bee said, stepping up to the raging bear. “You go.”
“Deal with me?” he scoffed.
Rose left Bee to it, knowing she was trained to deal with men like that despite the size and strength difference. Besides, she had razor wire.
She found both Vera and Brennan by the stairs. They turned as one, Brennan greeting her with a disgruntled frown while Vera squeaked with excitement.
“Rose!” she cried, arms wrapping around her shoulders in a quick hug. “I’m so glad you came back. You didn’t say goodbye.”
“No, I’m sorry.” Rose met Brennan’s hostile eyes. “Can you step back a moment?”
When Brennan crossed his arms in defiance Vera pulled Rose back to her. “Oh ignore him, you know what he’s like.” Her hands ran down Rose’s arms, hesitating at the daggers on her forearms. “You’re not as touch starved, congratulations! I hope they rocked your world, girl!”
Rose tightened her smile, and kept her voice low, private. “Vera Wilson, you’re under arrest for the grievous bodily harm of five humans. You do not have to say anything. But, it may harm…”
Brennan moved forward while Vera’s colour drained from her face. “Wait, what?”
“…your defence if you do not mention when questioned something which you later rely on in Breed court. Anything you do say may be given in evidence.”
“Rose what the fuck are you doing?” Brennan grabbed her arm as she snapped the first cuff around Vera’s wrist. Rose knocked him back, the empty glass he held smashing against her palm.
“Step back!” she snapped, ignoring the attention she was drawing.
“I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” Vera sobbed, tears smearing her thick makeup. “I didn’t mean to hurt them like that, they wanted it. I promise!”
“Shut up, Vera!” Brennan snarled. “Don’t say anything!”
“Hey!” Kali shouted, pushing through the crowd. “Baby, what’s happening? What did you do?”
“Kali, I’m so sorry, I did it for us! We we’re in so much debt and I couldn’t do anything…” Vera babbled, her sobs turning into dry heaves as the second cuff locked around her wrist. They were specially designed silver, able to remove the shifting ability and strength of a shifter for a short time. “Rose, you understand! You’re in debt to that loan shark,” she continued between hectic breaths. “I was desperate and these rich kids wanted me to do it!”
Bee appeared, grabbing the cuffs to start guiding Vera out of the club. Tanner stood on the edge, jaw clenched as anger radiated off him in waves. Bee must have explained the situation, which meant he knew Vera had been targeting his own clientele.
“What did she do?” Kali asked, face flushed. “How bad is it?”
Danton appeared, his lips set in a grim line. “I suggest you follow your friend to The Tower. They will likely have questions regarding the magic used.”
Kali blinked. “Magic?”
“Oui, I’ll escort you.” Danton’s eyes slanted down, her hand slick with her own blood.
“I’ll clean this up,” she said when he hesitated. “I’ll meet you outside.”
A bow, just a gentle dip at his waist before he gently pushed Kali towards the exit.
Pain tingled her palm as the adrenaline begun to wear off, replaced with crushing disappointment. She had liked Vera, but what was worse was Rose understood the desperation and need for money.
“You must be a cat,” Tanner muttered beside her. “Only cats are this much trouble.”
Rose chuckled, the sound hollow, empty. “I’m sorry about the drama.”
“I promise my clients no judgment and safety while under my roof. My own staff couldn’t provide that, so thank you.”
Rose clenched her hand, the slice in her palm opening further.
“No problem.”
Tanner nodded, frown deepening at the audience who watched the exchange with curiosity. “Everyone is welcome to a free drink from the bar,” he said above the music. “An apology for the interruption to your evening.”
Rose disappeared as the crowd surged, voices excited at the show and the prospect of free drinks. The staff bathroom was just past the bar, a small room with a stall, sink and a mirror. Everything was white, sterile which made her blood stand out like a horror scene.
“Shit,” she muttered as she turned on the tap, the water running red as she held her hand beneath the spray. She hadn’t realised how deep the glass had cut, and she was yet to clot. A single shift would heal it, but she couldn’t walk around like a fountain until she found somewhere private.
Her hand burned, the water still tinged pink when the back of her neck prickled.
“Not now, Brennan,” she said, head dipped as she carefully pulled the sides of the cut together. “I’m a little busy.”
“Ciao bella.”
Rose flicked her gaze up towards the mirror. The Italian stood in the doorway, his face callous and fangs on full display. Her instincts screamed, but she knew she would be too slow before she even sensed the air move between them. His palm gripped the back of her head, his hand wrapped in strands of her hair as he pressed her face into the newly cracked glass of the mirror.
