with them. You were also right earlier when you mentioned a crazy woman in charge. None of us lower level scouts have met her. But I can tell you she’s a hot redhead, with an appetite for destruction.
You’re not kidding about that. I’d seen the kind of destruction she hungered for. It involved severed body parts and lots of blood.
What were you doing in the trailer? I decided to be direct. The worst that could happen — he wouldn’t answer.
The same thing you were, looking for some antique coins. Don’t bother asking what they’re for. I don’t know. None of us did. There’s not a whole lot of trust on our side of the fence.
What about the ugly man wearing a robe. Did you see him? I needed to find out more about the creature.
I’ve never seen one, but they’re out there. We’ve been warned by our superiors to stay away from them. You should do the same.
Not sure how to respond to his warning, I plopped on the bed. I’d been pacing like a caged panther for the duration of our conversation. His assumption about the cloaked creature, or as he said, creatures, didn’t add up. The one I’d met had been helpful, even timid. I decided to keep that information to myself.
Chloe?
I’m here.
Your friends are on their way for another fun round of questioning.
Play nice, I reminded, before falling back on my pile of pillows, arms stretched over my head.
I always do, he said, his voice like silk and honey.
Men! Mutants. Werewolves. They all had one thing in common. They were big flirts.
Goodbye, Stryder. It was almost as if I was ending a casual phone call.
The good news: I’d accomplished some positive team building. Maybe I’d close my eyes for a few minutes. A quick powernap wouldn’t hurt.
After all, tomorrow would be a long, long day.
Chapter 2817
I felt his presence well before I opened my eyes and saw him silhouetted by the window.
Several perplexing thoughts wound through the sleep-clouded maze in my mind. First: I was alone in the bedroom with a mystery intruder. Second and third: Darkness had replaced daylight, and there was no evidence indicating Zane was close enough to rescue me. But in spite of such glaring danger, I wasn’t afraid, although I should’ve been trembling in terror.
My visitor stood unmoving like a statue, hinting at his supernatural status. I didn’t know any human that could remain so still for what felt like so long.
Before I could ponder further, the shadow moved closer, so fluidly it was difficult to register until he was standing over the bed, gazing down at me with pale blue eyes.
Rather than speak, he dropped into a crouch, his face now level with mine. I found myself drawn into the pools of blue, lost in their depths. Even Zane’s eyes didn’t have this effect on me. My little inner voice, the one I tried heed whenever it spoke up, told me to look away, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from his.
His icy hand brushed my hair away from my neck. He twisted his fingers through my curls and leaned closer. When his lips brushed mine, I sighed. He rose suddenly and pulled me up, clutching me close. I swallowed hard, anticipating his next move.
“You smell so delicious, Chloe. I have been unable to keep you from my thoughts. Never can I recall such an exquisite woman.” He leaned in to nuzzle my neck, pulling my hair back and sending jolts of anticipation through every nerve in my body.
When the prick came, my knees buckled. My head swam. I knew on some level he was taking my blood, and not for the first time. I should have been furious, but instead I was enraptured. My body was alive, on fire. An unexpected series of spasms tore through me and I rocked my pelvis against him, riding wave after wave of near excruciating pleasure. My body continued to shudder as he drank what felt like every last drop of my essence.
When I thought I might pass out, he pulled away, but leaned in again to lick my neck. “More,” I heard myself beg, still pressing myself against him.
A low chuckle vibrated deep in his chest. “Believe me, I want so much more.”
“How long have you been watching me?” I purred, still enthralled by whatever spell he’d cast over me.
“Always, Chloe. You are my destiny. Leave the wolf and come with me. He cannot protect you from the dangers ahead. Neither can he