Chapter Eighteen
Dagen opened his eyes and stared up at the darkened ceiling. He’d slept, having trained his body to rest whenever the opportunity arose. Physically, he was at his peak. Emotionally, he was battered and bruised.
Onyx was sprawled across his chest, an arm wrapped around him, her breath coming in short, warm puffs that feathered over his skin. He ran his hand over her hair and down her back. Snuffling, she snuggled closer.
She’d cried until he’d feared she’d make herself sick. It had been a relief when she’d finally fallen into an exhausted, but uneasy, sleep. He’d been helpless to do anything to alleviate her suffering. For all his strength and intelligence, the only thing he could do was hold her. And, damn it, he’d been jealous of a dead man. To have such unconditional love and caring…
Not that he needed or wanted such a thing. Not when it came at such a high cost. Each tear that hit his chest had lashed him like a whip. Her anguish had been a living, breathing foe he couldn’t vanquish. He’d sought the cold, emotionless place inside him but had been unable to find it.
For better or worse, he cared about her. The blood link had brought them together, had assured they were sexually attracted to each other. He didn’t believe any external magic could conjure the deep feelings he had for her.
Look at Theo. In his final moments, his love for Onyx had broken whatever emotional and magical hooks Solange had in him. And she’d had him since he’d been a child.
No, whatever these feelings were, they were in him. His wolf rumbled happily inside him, having already claimed her. He didn’t have that luxury. It was his opinion that was why the other lone wolves had failed. They claimed the blood link was the way to defeat Solange. He believed the emotional bonding, the mating, had made them react in ways they wouldn’t have otherwise done, allowing Solange to escape.
It was his job to end her. That meant being willing to use anything and anyone at his disposal. His upper lip curled and a low snarl escaped. He’d reached the point where he was no longer certain that was possible. Onyx meant too much to him.
He should get up and check his computers. There was business to tend to—personal as well as the broker’s. He’d sent out instructions as he’d waited for the kettle to boil last night. His people would be scouring the city for Charles and Solange. His werewolf team would be shadowing the hunters, hopefully leading him to his quarry.
If that didn’t work, Onyx might be able to cast a spell of some kind using their blood to track back to any Solange might have in her possession. That was a last resort as that kind of spell might work in reverse, allowing the mage to track them here.
“You’re thinking too loudly.” She tilted her head back and blinked several times. “I fell asleep in your arms.”
“You did.” Rather than get up now that she was awake, he continued to stroke her back.
“I’ve never cried that much or that hard before.”
“Never?” Considering all she’d been through as a child, that surprised him.
She shrugged and touched her fingers to his jaw. “I never felt safe enough to let go.”
The pressure in his chest grew until it threatened to explode. The simplicity of her words belied the enormous trust she’d put in him. “I’m glad I was here.”
Her mouth opened with a yawn. “Sorry about that. I slept deeper than usual. I feel almost hungover, which isn’t fair since I didn’t have any alcohol.” She rubbed her hand over her forehead. “My eyes are gritty and my head hurts.”
“You’ll feel better after a shower and some food.” The desire to tend to her was alive and well. So was his body. His dick had sprung to life the second her eyes had fluttered open, making his jeans more uncomfortable than they’d already been.
“I didn’t drink the tea you made me.” Her gaze went to the mug on the nightstand.
“There’s more where that came from.”
“I guess we should get up.” She trailed her fingers over his chest.
“We should.” The light touch sent ribbons of pleasure radiating out to his entire body. He doubted she understood exactly what she was doing or how her touch was affecting him. She wasn’t fully awake yet. Her eyes were red with dark smudges beneath them, a combination of mussed makeup and fatigue. Her brow was furrowed, likely from a headache.
He sighed when she propped herself up on one arm. Disappointment battled with relief. She’d tempt a saint and he was about as far from one as you could get. He was a wolf pushed to the limits of his restraint. His body ached to have her beneath him, naked and moaning his name. He clamped his jaw tight when his cock flexed, pressing against the zipper of his pants. He was going to wear the damn imprint of the metal on his flesh until either his erection went down, he got some relief, or he was able to get rid of the jeans.
“Thank you for last night.”
“It was nothing.”
“Not to me. And I know you don’t want my gratitude, but you’ve got it. Suck it up and live with it.” Leaning forward, she touched her lips to his. His hearing picked up the increase in her heartbeat and the slight catch of her breath. He fisted his hands and locked the muscles in his arms when she leaned in again and repeated the caress. It’d be easy to drag her into his arms, roll her onto her back, and make love to her. But he would not coerce her or take anything that wasn’t offered, no matter how difficult it was to walk away.
“Onyx.” Her name was all he could manage. Having her lips on his was scrambling his brain. The passion from last night hadn’t been doused, only banked. The undercurrent of it only needed a spark to start a raging bonfire that would consume them both.
“Mmm.” She planted tiny kisses on his jaw before nipping at his lower lip. “You taste delicious.”
“We need to stop,” he gritted out from between clenched teeth. A wolf could only take so much teasing. He grabbed the covers to keep from dragging her into his arms.
“I don’t want to.” She brushed a lock of his hair away from his face. “There’s been so much death and destruction, and we’ll face more before we’re done. Make me feel alive.” When he started to object, she pressed her fingers against his lips. “I know all the arguments. We don’t have, can’t have what the other lone wolves and their women do, but there is something undeniable between us.”
She wasn’t wrong. The emotional bonds were heavier than any physical chains would ever be. “You’ve been through a tumultuous few days.”
“Yes, I have.” She trailed her hand down his throat and onto his chest. His pectoral muscles jumped, and it became more difficult to remember why they should stop. “But I’m also an intelligent, grown woman. I understand the risks and consequences, but I want this. I need this.”
“I don’t want you to have regrets.” There it was. His vulnerability lay out before her. It would wound his soul if she gave herself freely to him only to be sorry later. It was tearing him apart to be at odds with his wolf. It was a first for them both, and it was because of her. As much as he’d tried to keep an emotional distance, it had become impossible.
Making love to her now would seal both their fates…and lead to their deaths because his path was unalterable. Solange had to die. He’d accepted his death, but now he had to accept Onyx’s as well.
“It’s okay.” She traced the sickle-shaped tattoo on his chest, following the crisp white lines. “There’s no way out for us. We understand that.” She peeled the T-shirt over her head and tossed it aside, exposing her full breasts. Her taut nipples made his mouth water. The only thing covering her was her underwear.
Her determination was reflected in her eyes. She’d accepted her life was forfeit, as he had, but wanted him anyway. There was no pleading for him to change course, no entreaty that there might be another way. There was only acceptance.
He rolled off the bed. She didn’t reach for him, but pulled her legs up to her chest and hugged them. “Look at me.”
Defiantly, she raised her head. “I won’t apologize for my actions because I’m not sorry.”
“Good. Neither am I.” He undid the button on his jeans before carefully lowering the zipper. His cock thrust forward, eager and ready, the head already damp. She crawled across the bed until she reached the edge, glancing up at him. He gave a curt nod and then almost swallowed his tongue when she closed her hand around his erection.
…
Every nerve ending in her body tingled in anticipation. Emotionally spent after last night, a sense of clarity filled her. Neither of them was getting out of this alive. Not that she’d ever expected to, but she had planned to save the black wolf. If that was no longer a possibility, she wanted to give him, give them as much pleasure as possible to sustain them in the battle ahead.
He might not agree with her, but their connection did matter. You fought harder for someone you cared about. Theo had proved that, shown her the way. They were on borrowed time from here on out. Solange would not take the insult of her assassin’s death without requiring retribution.
Outside this room, she and Dagen were warriors with a mission. Inside, they were a man and a woman with sexual chemistry that was off the charts. The fact that they cared about each other made it all the more special.
His long, broad shaft pulsed in her hand. Like the rest of him, it was warm, almost hot to the touch. Veins ran the entire length, pulsing wildly as she drew her hand up to the tip and rubbed her thumb over the head.
He groaned and thrust his hips forward. “Christ, you’re good at that.”
“I’m just getting started.” A growl vibrated through him. It was heady to have a strong male held captive by her touch. She pressed a kiss against his stomach. His abs clenched beneath her lips. His cock jerked in her hand.
His head was thrown back, exposing the thick column of his neck. Black hair tumbled around his shoulders. His lips were pulled back, revealing strong white teeth. His nostrils were flared, his brows furrowed. Every muscle in his arms and chest was taut and covered in a faint sheen of sweat. The tattoo seemed to shimmer, appearing more like a light than white ink. Hands fisted by his sides, jeans splayed open to expose his impressive erection, he exuded a primal power that called to her.
Mine! The declaration echoed in her head. Had it come from her or him? Impossible to tell. Not that it mattered. They were bound together, their fates entwined, but this had nothing to do with that and everything to do with the depths of her feelings for the man. Lowering her head, she dragged her tongue over the slick head of his shaft.
“Fuck, that’s amazing. Too good.”
She’d never done this before, had never wanted to. Going with instinct, she opened her mouth and took him in. Hard hands gripped her head, holding her steady. Hmm, she was obviously doing something right. She was already aroused, the crotch of her panties damp. Being near him, seeing him naked was enough to have her nipples hard and her core pulsing. But inhaling his hot, musky scent, tasting the salty tang of his desire on her lips, kicked it up another notch.
Getting into it, she gently gripped his balls in her free hand and squeezed. Not too hard, but enough to make him jump. She released him from her mouth and ran her tongue over the veins protruding from his shaft, following them down to the base.
When she went to take him in her mouth again, he tilted her head back. “I’m going to come if you do that.” Pride had her tossing her hair over her shoulder and licking her lips. “Like that, do you?” He rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. “I’d like it, too, but I want to be inside you.” Her core pulsed. He smiled and sniffed. “You like that idea, too.”
Damn, he could smell her desire. “No fair. You have an unfair advantage.”
“All’s fair, sweetheart.” He tumbled her back onto the bed, following when he shucked his jeans. Kneeling between her legs, he hooked his fingers into the band of her panties and peeled them down her legs. If someone had told her a week ago she’d not only let a man look at her most private parts but enjoy it, she’d have called them delusional. It had nothing to do with him being a wolf and everything to do with the man he was.
“Oh, I’m scared. You’re the big, bad wolf.”
He flashed a grin. “All the better to eat you, my dear.” He shoved an arm under each thigh, making room for himself between them.
She sucked in a breath as he lowered his head, but he turned it at the last second, brushing a kiss over her inner thigh. Swallowing a groan, she grabbed a hank of hair and tugged him to where she wanted him to be.
He laughed. Both of them froze, equally surprised by the sound. “Only you,” he muttered. There was no hesitation as he dragged his tongue over her slick folds. She wanted to capture the special moment, but thought was no longer possible. This was a wolf on a mission. He sucked on her clit, sending heat blasting through her core. She kicked her feet, hitting nothing but air. His broad shoulders shoved her thighs wider and higher.
Digging her head into the pillow, she raised her shoulders, shoving her lower body closer. He licked and sucked, taking her to the brink before pulling back. It was the most delicious torture. Underlying the teasing and laughter was the realization this might be their last time. Neither of them wanted it to end.
His name stuck in her throat. She grabbed a fistful of hair and tugged. He raised his head, his face damp from her arousal. Not relenting, she pulled until he reluctantly released her and rose over her.
He hadn’t wanted to come without her and she didn’t want to come without him. She drew him down and kissed him, tasting herself on his lips as he’d tasted himself on hers. It was intimate and beautiful. Her heart kicked up a beat. Warmth spread throughout her when he raised his head.
Their gazes locked, he notched the head of his shaft at her opening and pushed. It was a tight fit but he squeezed inside, her body stretching to accommodate him. Her inner muscles rippled up and down his shaft. A muscle flexed in his jaw.
This was how it was meant to be. They fit perfectly, like two pieces of a puzzle. Warmth bloomed in her chest. I love him. There could be no hesitation when they faced Solange, though. She saw it as a precious gift, one that would fuel her determination.
He brushed a damp lock of hair off her face. “Are you okay?”
She twined her legs around his waist. “I’m more than okay, but I could be better.” Using the leverage she had, she tilted her hips upward, driving him even deeper.
Growling, he began to thrust, slowly at first, getting faster as he went. She tried to keep pace but finally hung on for the ride. His cock flexed and swelled. God, he was almost hot inside her. Their bodies moved in a primitive dance, slick skin making it easier. He palmed her ass, angling her so his pelvis brushed her clit on each inward stroke.
Panting heavily, she swiveled her hips, reaching for release. He powered into her, relentless. The tattoo began to glow and his fangs dropped. Throwing his head back, he howled. It echoed in her blood, causing an answering reaction. Her breath caught in her throat. Her orgasm roared through her, her cry mingling with his. Two more thrusts and he stiffened above her, the hot pulse of his release flowing through her.
He dropped, covering her. She wrapped her arms around him to keep him from moving away, needing to savor their closeness another few minutes. Their hearts pounded together, both breathing heavily. The need to whisper her love burned in her throat, but she swallowed it back.
He raised his head, his face relaxed but his eyes alert. Words weren’t necessary. There was nothing either of them could say that would change the future facing them. There was always the chance they could make things worse. Once said, things could not be unsaid. Silence was better.
Her body was sated but her heart ached with longing. Embracing the gift she’d been given—time with her lover—she cupped his cheek. He turned his head and pressed a kiss right in the center of her palm. When he pulled away, she didn’t try to hold him. He grabbed his jeans and pulled them on before handing her the shirt she’d worn.
…
The drive to the estate went faster than usual. Traffic was light at this time of night. Dawn wasn’t far off. The timing couldn’t have worked out better. Solange jumped out of the town car as soon as it rolled to a stop. “Head back to the city. I’ll contact you if I need you.” The fewer witnesses, the better.
“Yes, ma’am.” As soon as she closed the car door, he pulled away.
Having alerted the staff of her impending arrival, the front entrance opened as she charged up the stairs. The housekeeper kept her gaze averted, knowing better than to look directly at her. “Get out. I want all the staff gone within the next five minutes.” Ignoring the racing footsteps behind her, she headed to her lab.
This was how it was meant to be, her and the black wolf, the true lone wolf. There was something extra special about his blood. Heart pounding with excitement, she went down the stairs. This was her domain. Not even Charles had ever set foot down here.
Drawing up her power, she removed the magical warding and then accessed the retinal scanner before inputting a code. The door slid open. Theo’s scent caught her off guard. The slight twinge in her chest wasn’t regret. She didn’t believe in having any. Still, she’d considered him a success. She’d broken him and made him better, ensuring his loyalty had been to her and her alone.
The lights came on as soon as she entered. Once she was immortal, she’d create an army of Theos. The first step was to harness the essence of the black wolf.
Not trusting the driver not to contact Charles, she worked quickly, gathering the necessary tools. The final confrontation would be here, but the spell itself was better cast outside. Sealing the main entrance to the lab, she exited through the escape tunnel that ended in a private garden.
The sky was growing lighter but the sun hadn’t yet risen.
Working fast, she placed candles in a circle on the grass. With a wave of her hand, she lit all the wicks. As they flickered, she placed a shallow silver dish on the ground in front of her. Closing her eyes, she centered herself. The elements fought her, as if sensing her purpose, but she would not be thwarted. Grabbing the natural power, she combined it with her own.
Opening her eyes, she removed the vials from around her neck. “Blood to blood, I summon thee. The pull of it draws you to me.” She poured the drops onto the dish. The wolf’s moved across the surface, as if alive, mingling with that of the girl.
Solange smiled. Even better. The wolf might be able to resist the call, but the girl was weak. He would follow her, and she’d have them both.
Tossing the vials aside, she drew her athame and dragged the sharp blade over her skin. Blood pooled in her palm. She clenched her hand tight and raised it over the dish. As the first rays of sunlight fell on the clearing, she threw her head back and called to the sky. “Blood of my blood. Child of my body. I command you to return.” The first droplets of red spilled over her fist and onto the dish. There was a hard tug in her chest. Smiling, she sucked more energy from the trees and shrubs surrounding her, from the grass and rocks beneath her feet. “Dagen Kern. Lone wolf of black. My calling you cannot spurn.” Wind whipped around her, yanking at her hair. Her heart began to pound. It was working!
In a flourish, she brought both hands toward the dish. Flames leapt from the center and rose to the air in a giant fireball. The flash momentarily blinded her. She turned away, shielding her eyes.
The world went silent.
When she opened her eyes, she smiled. Only the dish remained. The blood was gone. The grass under her feet was brown, the trees and shrubs gray, all dead. She’d drained their life force for her purpose.
Laughing, she retrieved the dish, vials, and candles and hurried back to her lab. She had preparations to make.