“You’re saying you’re part animal?” she asked quietly.
“Aye.” He took a step toward her.
She dropped, naturally and easily, into a fighting stance. “Animals can be tamed.” The challenge in her voice competed with the scent of her arousal.
The beast deep inside him cracked open a link in his chain of control. “Alexandra, you miscalculated today.” He struggled to regain control and use logic.
Her chin lowered. “Did I, now?”
In her eyes, he could see the truth. She knew she’d fucked up. But in her stance? In the tilt of her head and the proud carriage of her entire body? A definite fuck you challenge from a female mate to her male. Much quicker than he would’ve expected, she was becoming more than human and was seeking the part of him, the non-human side that had instigated her change.
“I warned you to follow my laws,” she murmured.
Intrigue clawed through him along with heated desire. Just how far did she plan to push him?
Another link in the chain split open. “Feeling brave, lass?” he asked.
Her head snapped up, desire spinning red across her face. “I’m always brave, Kellach Gideon Dunne. That’s what has you so pissy, isn’t it?”
He smiled a flash of teeth, feeling her struggle as the war between desire and pride created an anger-filled lust. “I’m a fair man.”
She snorted. “Oh?”
“Aye. So here’s your one chance. Come here.” Every nerve in his body tensed in anticipation.
She tilted her head, ever so slightly, to the side. Studying him. Uncertainty and curiosity shining bright in her eyes. Even through the rain, the scent of her desire tempted him. She took a deep breath, shuddering out a strong exhale as if embracing the inevitable. “No.”
The one word. The simple, absolute, deliberate defiance of his order.
He’d expected it. Hell. He’d wanted it.
The beast broke free.
She sensed it.
He knew she did, because against everything she was, she turned to run. He caught her in two steps, lifting her easily, carrying her around the truck to the side shrouded by darkness.
An expert punch landed against his jaw, and he growled low, opening the door and tossing her onto her hands and knees. She tried to scramble across the seat, but he was on her, yanking the door shut as he lunged. She reached for the other door handle, and he ripped off her shirt. Need cascaded from her, but even so, she fought, trying to turn.
He yanked her jeans down to her ankles, and she laughed, the sound low and throaty. Sexy as hell. His fingers found her, wet and hot. So fucking hot.
She moaned and pushed back against his hand, her fingers curling into the seat. “Kellach,” she breathed.
He grabbed her hair, yanking back, holding her in place. She gave a whimper, one of need, spreading her knees. He slapped her clit.
She breathed in hard, her ribs compressing, her back bowing. Sensations of raw pleasure shot from her to him, flying under his skin, connecting them.
He slipped a finger inside her, and she tightened around him, trying to hold him in. He slid out, ignoring her groan of protest, and slapped her square on the clit again. She cried out, shock waves ratcheting down her back.
He moved up, his mouth next to her ear. “That’s for making me buy condoms.” Another slap. “That’s for making me fucking wear condoms.”
She moaned, trying to thrash against him.
He held her tight and pinched her swollen bud. “That’s for having me arrested.”
Mini shocks shuddered through her body. He could feel how close she was, how desperate, so he loosened his hold. She cried out, softly, trying to ride his fingers.
He tightened his hold on her hair, jerking her head up. “Alexandra?”
She shut her eyes. “What?” she gasped.
He angled his hand. “This is for not trusting me.” He hit her with the edge of his palm, square on, throwing her into an orgasm that shook her from neck to ass. Then he rubbed her, enjoying the heated wetness, until she mewled.
“Kell, please,” she gasped.
He yanked his jeans down. “Please, what?” He covered her, his fingers still playing, his breath on her ear.
“Please.”
He pinched. “Not good enough. Say it.”
“Fuck me. Please fuck me, Kell,” she moaned.
He shoved inside her with one hard thrust, sliding one arm under her to grip the front of her shoulder, and keeping the other tangled in her hair. Without giving her time to adjust, without pausing, he started to pound. With every hard thrust, he yanked her shoulder back, forcing her ass to hit his groin.
She moaned and rocked against him. “More.”
He gave her more. For the first time, he held nothing back, pounding into her, going so deep he’d never be free. Her walls gripped him, keeping him in so much heat his blood boiled.
A tremor started inside her, cascading along his shaft. She stiffened and arched her back, crying out his name. He pounded harder, making her take more, making her ride the waves even when she gasped out uncontrollable murmurs. Electricity clawed down his spine to grip his balls. His eyes shut, and white sparks flashed behind his eyelids. He gripped her, holding on, and came hard.
Slowly, he returned to reality and released her hair.
Her head dropped down, and she sighed. The sound of their panting filled the cab of the truck, while steam covered the windows. He withdrew, falling to sit, pulling her damp body around to straddle him. She snuggled her face into his neck, and her body went limp against him.
He rubbed her back, struggling for air. “You are a lot of work, darlin’.”
She chortled against his neck before pushing back to face him. Both hands shoved his wet hair away from his face, and she smacked a gentle kiss on his lips. “Sorry I had you arrested. I was hurt you lied to me about Spike.”
Just when he’d fucked her silly, definitely had gotten the upper hand, she turned all sweet on him. He sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about Spike. I figured the less you knew, the safer you’d be.” Actually, that turned out to be the exact opposite.
She bit her lip. “How much trouble are we in, immortal world-wise?”
He rolled his eyes. “Much less than we should be, but now I owe the king a favor, which is never a good thing.” But he’d pay the piper when the marker came due; it was something to worry about another day. “For now, let’s compare research so we can put this fucking case to bed. For good.” If they worked together, at least he could keep an eye on her.
She gasped, struggling against him. “Oh, God. There are cameras out here.”
“They’re down right now and have been since the king was in the vicinity.” Kell sighed. “Again, you’re a lot of work, Alexandra.” He grinned, his heart lighter than it had been since he’d met her. They’d figure it out. All of it.
Chapter 33
After an incredibly good night’s sleep, Lex finished dressing, her mind a whirl. She and Kell had reached an agreement to work together, and after they’d picked up her sister and mother, they’d all had a nice dinner together. Her mother had pretty much fallen in love with Kell, and the sentiment appeared to be mutual.
Then Lex had wild witch sex for several hours before jumping into dreamland, only to awaken to find the condo empty. Kell had left to track down a lead, while her mom and sister had gone to a spa with Simone, with Adam Dunne as bodyguard, if the note was to be believed.
Lex grinned and shoved silver earrings through her lobes. Tori could befriend anybody.
Of course, if Kell was correct, Lex and Simone were more alike than Lex had originally thought. Maybe she should make an effort with the stunning witch.
Whistling, Lex strode through the apartment for the kitchen, only to draw up short at Daire glaring at Kell’s industrial latte machine. He stood in beyond old jeans, bare feet, and a T-shirt that may have been blue decades ago. “Daire?”
The enforcer turned aro
und. Dark stubble covered his jaw, and the thick hair on his head was ruffled. Lines fanned out from his multi-green colored eyes. “I’ll give you a million dollars if you’ll make me a cup of coffee. My maker broke, and this one has too many damn buttons. What’s wrong with coffee grounds and a bloomin’ pot over a fire?”
Her eyebrows rose. “Dude. How old are you?”
He blinked. “Old enough not to be called dude.” Desperation, the real kind, flitted across his chiseled face. “Please, Alexandra. Coffee.”
She bit back a laugh and gestured toward the stools across from the granite kitchen bar. “Sit.”
He nodded and crossed around to sit. “Spent the night at Titans of Fire drinking tequila.”
Lex shoved a coffee cup under Kell’s latte machine, filled the grounds, and quickly pushed buttons to make a quad. “Do you want steamed milk or any of the flavorings?” Several syrups lined the counter.
“God, no. Do I look like I want steamed friggin’ milk?” Daire muttered.
She turned around. “Good lord, you’re a grouch in the morning.”
“It has been said.” He nodded, obviously not taking offense.
She quickly handed over the hot quad-shot, watching with wide eyes as he tipped back the entire thing and handed the cup toward her.
“Another.”
She lifted her eyebrows and turned back to the machine to push more buttons. “I would’ve figured you could handle tequila better.”
“I usually can, but I haven’t slept in about a week, and I needed those guys to loosen up and give me the goods on Apollo.” His grateful smile as she turned around to hand him another four shots of espresso seemed almost sweet.
“Did you discover anything?”
He took a deep drink and sighed. “No. Only Pyro seems to have the knowledge, and he wasn’t there last night.” Daire rubbed his eyes. “I may have to torture him for the info, and that can always backfire.”
She put her hands on her hips. “Daire. I’m a cop.”
He focused. “Oh yeah. Sorry.”
The enforcer didn’t sound sorry. “The note on the counter said that Adam would be with my family today at the spa,” Lex asked, a little uneasy with her mother being out in public.
“Don’t worry. He won’t let anything happen to any of them, and I’m sure they checked in under aliases.” Daire rolled his neck. Slowly, his eyes began to focus and his body sat straighter.
“That coffee kicks in quick, huh?” She turned to make herself a nice steamed latte with tons of syrup.
“Yeah. Kell’s the cheerful one on the morning. Adam and I usually want to shoot somebody.”
That was true. Kell had always been cheerful early dawn. And horny. Sipping carefully, she turned back to face Daire. “Is it normal for brothers to become enforcers for your people?” It would seem that they’d want to keep a brother or two safe if one courted danger.
“It’s not unusual, to be honest. Family bonds are stronger than any others, and we cover each other’s backs well.” He took another drink, savoring this time. Then he focused on her. “How are you doing with the mating?”
She coughed and moved the cup away from her mouth. Heat climbed into her cheeks. “Fine.”
His cheek creased. “I’m now your brother, Alexandra. You can talk to me.”
Brother? “Uh.” She took a drink of the sweet brew.
He chuckled. “That disconcerts you.”
Yeah. She had enough family to worry about. “I don’t know how to have a brother.”
Lights glimmered in his odd eyes. “There’s that sweetness Kell talks about.”
She straightened. “Kell talks about me?”
“Well, sometimes he passes me a note in gym class.”
She grinned. “Smartass.”
“Aye.” Daire downed the rest of his cup. “Here’s the deal. You’re family, and if you need anything, I’m there as your brother. You’re a new mate, so if you need protection, I’m there as a Coven Enforcer.”
“My job makes that difficult,” she murmured.
“Yes, it does. You’re good at your job, and I respect that.”
She studied him. “But?”
He lifted a wide shoulder. “We both have our jobs to do.”
Right. So his job might interfere with hers at some point. “Don’t forget I have no problem arresting you.”
He grinned. “I wonna forget that.” Then he cleared his throat. “Ah, Kell feels guilty about the mating.”
She blinked. “Guilty?”
“Yes. He’s a fair guy, probably the most fair guy I’ve ever met, and he would never have mated you without your consent.” Daire snorted. “Probably in writing and with so much ‘are you sure questions’ you would’ve changed your mind.”
She lifted her chin. “He’s all possessive and protective and definitely not acting guilty.”
“Well, no. It’s done.” Daire’s eyebrows drew down in the middle. “You’re his mate, and that’s that.”
She shook her head, trying to bite back a smile. “You’re all lost in the last century.”
“No.” Daire sobered. “We know what’s out there, and you don’t. Not really.”
Maybe, but she’d fought any enemy she’d ever had and won. “I like him a lot.” Hell, that was an understatement, now wasn’t it? She smiled, feeling almost shy. “I love how he calls me Alexandra and draws out my name. I never loved my name before I met Kell.”
“Good.” Daire stood and stretched his back. “Then learn to work with him instead of against him, little sister. I’d hate to see you locked down in Ireland when you want to be here.”
Lex blinked. “Are you kidding me?”
“No.” Daire padded around the counter to rinse out his cup and set it in the dishwasher.
She put her hand on her hip. “What about you, Dunne?”
“Me?” he turned around.
“Your mate. Do you know who it is?”
He shook his head. “Nope. I’ll probably meet her in a couple hundred years, and I guarantee she won’t be a cop, enforcer, or soldier.”
“Oh really?” Why did some guys just tempt fate like that? Lex shook her head.
“Yeah. I know myself, and I know what I want. It’s enough work trying to protect the council and witch nation; I don’t need a wild mate out there.” Daire patted her shoulder and almost knocked her down. “But I think you’re perfect for Kell.”
Her heart warmed. The guy was actually kind of sweet. “I hope I’m there when you fall, and don’t worry, I’ll help you through it.”
His lips twitched. “Fair enough. Thanks for the coffee.”
She walked him to the door where Kell was just entering, a huge bouquet of red roses in his hand.
Daire snorted and brushed by him.
Kell walked in and handed her the bundle.
She accepted the fragrant bouquet, absurdly touched. “What’s this for?”
He looked down over the bundle. “I, ah, was a little rough last night in the truck, and I thought the roses were pretty. I thought maybe you’d like them.” His eyes darkened even more.
She smiled, feeling all girly. “They’re beautiful.” Nobody had ever given her a dozen red roses. “Thank you.”
“I like you, Alexandra.”
God, she freakin loved her name now. She inhaled the scent of fresh flowers. “I like you, too.”
He led her into the kitchen and drew down a gorgeous Belleek vase to hold the roses. “I know we agreed to work together last night, and I’m glad we’re on the same page. There has to be an us outside of this case and this investigation.” He turned and pulled her into his arms.
Warmth and male surrounded her. She smiled. “I agree.”
“Good.” His kiss went deep and left her breathless.
She cleared her throat, wanting to ease his mind. “I, ah, don’t blame you for the mating. I mean, for the surprise of it.”
He leaned back and studied her. “You don’t?”
“No. We both were taken away, and I was just as into the moment as you were.” Maybe even more so. It wasn’t fair for him to carry that burden alone, even though she hadn’t known about matings. The knowledge wouldn’t have stopped her that day in the forest, as she had been more than desperate for him. “We need to go on from here.”
He dropped a kiss onto her nose. “That fairness of yours takes me away every time. You’re a keeper, Alexandra.”
“So you’ve said.” They had time to figure out everything. She stretched up on her toes and wandered her mouth along his. Desire flitted through her, warming her head to toe.
He took over the kiss, as she’d known he would, angling her head for better access. When he finally lifted up, they were both panting. The brand at her hip pulsed as if alive, and her heart beat in tune with his—she could just feel it.
The door to the apartment banged open. “Everybody still dressed?” Daire called out.
Kell sighed, his chest moving nicely with the effort. “Aye. We’re in the kitchen.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “Family. Damn it.”
Lex stayed in Kell’s arms but turned her head on his chest to watch for Daire.
He loped inside, his gaze serious. “We had an attack on the west side of Seattle.”
Kell straightened, his body going stiff. “Who?”
“Mel and June Thompson,” Daire said.
Lex pushed away from Kell and didn’t move an inch. “An attack? Do I need to call it in?”
“No,” Kell said softly. “They’re ours. What happened?”
Daire rubbed the scruff on his chin, fury darkening his eyes. “Dart attacks with Apollo. Killed both witches.”
Lex gasped. “How many darts?”
“At least ten each,” Daire said. “Looks like ten is the kill number.”
Lex pushed again. “I need to get to the station.”
“Keep this to yourself. We have the bodies,” Daire said.
She opened her mouth to argue, and Kell squeezed her. “These are ours, baby. We don’t know what an autopsy will show yet, and there’s no way your people will find the bodies,” he said.
“Fine. But keep me informed,” she muttered.