Constant Cravings (11 page)

The air was charged with so much sexual energy I felt as if I might explode if I didn’t at least move.

“Get us a couple of shots,” I said to Liam.

He raised a brow. “Where are
you
going?” 62

Constant Cravings

“To dance. I can’t sit here anymore.”

My behavior was surprising, considering how afraid I’d been to come here. Now that I was here and the fear was subsiding, my anxiety was turning to excitement. And my excitement was turning to arousal.

Liam moved toward the bar and I made my way through the crowd. I could feel his eyes on me as I moved and turned to see him propped against one of the tall leather barstools. He crooked a finger toward me, beckoning me with his suggestive smile as much as his gesture.

When I was close enough he pulled me against him. “You didn’t specify, so I ordered spiced rum.”

We downed our shots and this time Liam took the lead, pulling me out onto the dance floor. There was sex in the way he looked at me and the way he licked his lips. I loved how he stood out in the crowd. It wasn’t just the fact that he was taller than most everyone, his white hair and pale skin made him appear to glow beneath the strobes and black lights. Through the flashes of light and dark his lavender eyes smoldered, blazing to life each time I looked at him. My heart pumped to the beat of the music as he held me close. He moved against me, slow, grinding and perfectly in time. He reached for my leg, pulling it up his thigh. Thanks to my heels I had the necessary leverage to dance with someone so tall.

I don’t know how much time passed because as I watched him, smelled his skin, felt his breath against my neck, I became entranced. I ached with need as the sea of bodies pressed in tight around us. It would seem that they too were becoming entranced by Liam’s magic. I wasn’t aware that anything was wrong until someone put a hand on my shoulder.

I was pulled roughly by a man whose muscular arms were as big around as my waist.

“Do not put your hands on her,” Liam said, stepping in front of me.

The other man growled and smiled, flashing his fangs. “Easy there,
fairy
. I just wanted a dance.” The wolf licked his lips. “Besides, everyone can smell how turned on she is. I think she might want more than a dance.” My fear had returned full force, however, Liam sounded calm and confident as he replied, “You do
not
put your hands on her.” The werewolf took another step toward us and Liam thrust his hand forward.

Purple lightning shot from his fingertips, knocking the werewolf through the crowd and into the back wall. The music came to a screeching halt and I heard someone say,

“He’s out cold.”

Things were definitely changing and our welcome was running out. I hugged against Liam from behind, not caring if I looked afraid, because I was. Fuck trying to be tough, these were
werewolves
and I was unarmed.

63

Tracey H. Kitts

I could feel someone else close to me. The smell of soap mingled with aftershave drifted toward me. It was at once new and familiar, like the smell of burning leaves in the fall with a splash of leather.

I turned to see Marco Barak. I knew it was him without being introduced because clearly he was in charge. The other wolves stepped aside as he extended his hand in greeting.

“Marco Barak, pleased to meet you.”

“I’m Luna Randal and this is Liam Corrigan,” I said.

His hand was as warm as his deep brown eyes and his grip was firm. “Yes,” he said. “Your companion and I have met before.”

He was wearing black leather pants that were nearly as tight as Liam’s and I couldn’t help but notice how well he filled them out. His matching shirt looked like silk and hung completely open, showing off his nice tan and washboard abs. His dark hair was shaggy and the beginnings of stubble could be seen on his chiseled jaw.

Pheromones or not, he made my pussy ache with just one look.

However, just because the werewolves could sense my arousal didn’t mean I had to act on it. Surprisingly, I was not embarrassed by my body’s reaction. There was something very primal and raw about the way I couldn’t help being turned on in Marco’s presence. I suppose that was what I found so appealing about Liam as well.

Okay, it was
one
of the things I found so appealing about Liam.

“Would you care to talk upstairs, in my office?” Marco asked.

His voice was even deeper and rougher than Liam’s. He had the kind of voice that was normally acquired from chain smoking and meant to sing the blues. But Marco didn’t strike me as a chain smoker or a blues singer. Still, I loved his voice.

He walked past us and since he was a few inches shorter than Liam, paused to look up at the shaman. “Try not to electrocute any more of my wolves along the way.” We followed him to a staircase near the back of the room. When we were halfway up the music started to play again.

“I’m sorry about that,” Marco said, directing his comment to me. “It’s only a few days until the full moon and you
are
gorgeous.”

“Like putting chocolate in front of someone on a diet,” Luther explained as he passed us.

He kept walking back toward the main floor, followed by Marco’s and Liam’s laughter.

“Still, he will be punished,” Marco said, talking to me again. “I expect my wolves to have better control.”

“Don’t,” I said. I hoped my boldness didn’t overstep any bounds.

He paused, looking surprised. “Are you sure?”

Having the wolf king take my opinion seriously helped to calm my nerves quite a bit.

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Constant Cravings

“He’s already been electrocuted. Besides, I’m not hurt.” He nodded. “As you wish.”

He led us through a red door and into a long corridor with many different rooms off to the side. We went straight down and took a right. All the way at the end of the hall there was another red door that led to Marco’s office. Not only was I surprised at how well the size of the building was concealed from the outside, but I was impressed with his office as well.

A large mahogany desk stood near the back of the room. Behind the desk and along one wall were rows upon rows of books. To my left was a tan leather sofa with dark suede pillows nearly covering it. Against the opposite wall was a matching chair and ottoman with a deep crimson blanket flung across it that reflected in the highly polished wood of the floor. The chair was pulled alongside a black marble fireplace that crackled invitingly, adding to the atmosphere of the room.

“Nice,” I said, as my heels made clicking sounds across the shiny floor.

“I’m glad you like it. Would either of you like a drink?” We both shook our heads as Marco picked up a glass from his desk and saluted us. “Pineapple juice and rum. It’s my favorite.”

Ever since I’d vacationed in Jamaica years ago, it was mine too. If it wasn’t for Rachel I’d never have been able to afford that trip. Remembering this brought me back to the reason for my visit and took my mind off how much I liked pineapple juice and rum.

Marco took a sip of his drink and motioned for us to sit.

I chose the straight-backed red chair in front of his desk and Liam decided to remain standing. The chair was tall and Victorian in style, with ornately clawed golden feet. Yes, the sofa looked much more inviting, but I didn’t want to get too comfortable.

Especially if Marco was insulted by what I was about to say. I was afraid he might take my questions as an accusation.

Marco propped against the desk in front of me, and I watched in fascination as the muscles along his torso rippled beneath the skin.

“I’m sorry about the wait. What can I do for you?” The apology was directed to me and the question was directed to Liam.

The shaman gestured toward me as he spoke, “Something has happened to Luna’s friend. It might be best if you hear it straight from her.” I cleared my throat and realized I was so nervous I could barely swallow.

“It’s all right,” Marco said softly. “I won’t bite.” I noticed he said he
wouldn’t
, not that he
didn’t
.

“Please don’t take what I have to say the wrong way,” I began. “I believe my friend may have been hurt by a werewolf and someone said you were the man to ask.” He smiled. “You’d think, huh?” He grew serious again. “How was your friend hurt?”

65

Tracey H. Kitts

Shit. I really didn’t know how to say this to him. “She was eaten. Right in front of me.”

Marco nearly choked on his drink. “By a werewolf? If that’s so I swear you’ll have his hide as a Christmas present.”

Wow. I was really starting to like him.

“I’m not sure. I guess I was too afraid to pay close attention.” I took a steadying breath and decided to be as honest with him as I knew how. “I’ve never seen a werewolf transform before, so I apologize if my assumptions sound ignorant. All I can remember clearly is that it was big, had lots of dark fur and glowing red eyes. I remember hearing her scream, saw her knocked to the ground. She was looking up at it.

There were teeth right in front of her face, jaws opening. And then I turned. I had no choice but to run.”

Marco looked upset by my story. “Were you hurt? Did it chase you?”

“It chased me and ripped off my jacket. But after that it was like it gave up. I ran two blocks before I stopped.”

“I’m so sorry,” he said. “Did you go back and look around? I’m guessing by you coming here that you didn’t file a police report.”

“I went back to look,” Liam said.

We both turned to him. “You did?” I asked.

“I didn’t want to tell you about it until after you’d taken the potion. I thought talking more about what happened would only make your pain worse. I would have mentioned it earlier but I got distracted.” I blushed with the memory of what had distracted him.

“What did you find?” Marco asked.

“Claw marks on the ground and Luna’s jacket. But not one trace of blood.”

“Hmm.” The werewolf ran a hand through his hair as he seemed to consider what Liam had said.

“We didn’t file a police report,” I said. “We didn’t want the werewolf hunters turned loose unnecessarily. Especially if this proves not to be a werewolf.” Marco’s smile showed how genuinely pleased he was. “That’s kind of you. Most people don’t think past their own situation. You say the eyes were red?”

“They glowed in the dark.”

66

Constant Cravings

Chapter Nine

Marco watched me for a moment, like he was considering his next move. Finally, he knelt in front of me and took my hands. His leather pants creaked with the movement and my heart fluttered. There was something so erotic about the sound of creaking leather.

“I’m psychic,” I said. “You might not want to do that.”

“I have nothing to hide,” he said softly. “That’s why I want you to touch me. I want you to know I’m telling you the truth.”

“Did you know I was psychic?”

“You’re not the first empath I’ve met. I could sense it.” He licked his lips and leaned closer. Marco looked down at the floor and when he looked back to me his eyes had turned amber. I gasped.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said. “This is the normal color of a werewolf’s eyes. The only exception I’ve ever encountered is a close friend of mine. His eyes are always blue, even when he takes on the beast.”

I thought about the man with ice blue eyes I’d seen downstairs and somehow I knew that was who Marco was talking about.

“If the creature you saw had red eyes, it was either demonically possessed or it wasn’t a werewolf. To my knowledge there are no rogue wolves in my territory at this time. But I will continue to look until you let me know this situation has been resolved.” He withdrew from me and moved back to prop against the desk. Without the warmth of his body so close to me, I felt the cold return. When he looked at me again his eyes were normal.

There was another question I wanted to ask, but hesitated. After a brief pause I decided I didn’t care if I sounded stupid. After all, these were the first werewolves I’d ever met.

“Are you the king of all werewolves?” I asked.

He laughed softly. “No. I’m the head alpha in the tri-state area. My pack is the largest in the country. Plus, I represent werewolves in their movement for equal rights.”

“He’s become the ‘face’ of werewolves everywhere,” Liam said.

“They should be so lucky.”

Marco smiled at my comment.

“I’m sorry to say I haven’t paid closer attention to the news.” I meant it. I’d read a few headlines, but somehow missed Marco’s handsome face.

67

Tracey H. Kitts

“Don’t worry about it. Most people don’t unless it directly affects them,” Marco said.

Of course werewolves and vampires going public had affected everyone in one way or another. But I knew what he meant. Other than reading tabloid headlines or seeing the occasional broadcast on the news, it had not directly impacted my life until a few nights ago.

“Thank you for your help, Marco,” I said, reaching to shake his hand again. “This has been an unexpected pleasure.”

He smiled again. “How so?”

I shrugged, unsure of how to word my feelings. “You’re so nice.” He laughed as Liam said, “Tell that to the former king.” When I gave him a questioning look Marco explained, “I keep the pelt of my predecessor in my apartment.” He paused. “It makes a lovely throw.” I had no doubt Marco was telling the truth. Now the question was, if I didn’t see a werewolf, what the hell did I see? We got our coats and as we walked out of the club it started to rain again. This reminded me of the hoofprints I’d seen earlier. When I turned to Liam
that
was what I meant to talk about. There he stood, gorgeous beyond words and being soaked through by the rain, one of his elements. He had no time to block the effect and I could no longer hold back.

Between the werewolf pheromones and my hunger for Liam I was at the end of my ability to resist.

“I need you now,” I panted, grabbing him by the wrist.

I pulled him into an alley beside the club and pushed him back against the brick wall.

“I could block the effect,” he offered.