Demon Love (4 page)

He pulled out and drove back in with one long powerful stroke. Her eyes opened and he did it again. Her breath caught as she arched up into him. Thor felt the final threads of his control start to shred as he shifted, capturing her legs behind her knees with his arms. Moving so she was fully open to him, he began a rhythmic movement increasing the speed and force of each thrust. His self-control took a beating but he held on until her nails were biting into his hips, demanding and begging for more. Then, and only then, he released the reins to his inner beast and gave her everything he had.

Kendra smiled as she crossed the parking garage at work to Thor’s car. A quick glance around assured her they were alone, so she added a little extra swing to her hips. She’d awoken earlier, wrapped in Thor’s arms and couldn’t help but wonder if she’d made a horrible mistake. Then he had come awake and neutralized each and every doubt running through her mind with an intense session of lovemaking in the shower. Even though that had been a couple of hours ago, she was still riding the high. Her heart skipped a beat to see how intently he watched her. The man was smart, handsome, honest, brave and loyal to a fault. She’d known all of this from working with him for so long, but it had taken spending hours with him to see a different side that ran much deeper than she would have otherwise thought. He went to the passenger door and opened it.

He pinned her between his large warm body and the cool steel of the car as she started to slip in. He dipped his head as if to kiss her, but he stopped short, so close she could almost taste him.

“I want you,” he growled.

Kendra felt her face flush even as her body heated. “Already?”

“I wanted you again five minutes after I last had you.” He cupped her cheek as he ran a thumb across her lips. “I’m not sure this need I have for you can ever be satisfied, but I’d like to stay here a lifetime or two and try.”

Her heart skipped a couple of beats as he dipped his head. She placed a hand against his solid chest and clutched the front of his shirt as anticipation rocketed through her. As their lips touched, the bell on the elevator dinged and people started pouring out the doors. Thor stepped back so quickly that she was forced to release his shirt or be pulled over. She heard him mumble some very unkind words as she slipped into the car and he closed the door.

Neither spoke as he started the car and pulled out of the parking garage. Worry needled at her as they drove through the empty streets. Finally, unable to stand the silence any longer, she turned to him. “That was too close. We can’t be caught in a compromising position.”

The streetlights accentuated the hard planes of his face. “Don’t worry. I talked to Midnight earlier about swapping teams with him.”

She couldn’t believe her ears. “Please tell me you didn’t?”

Thor glanced over at her as he turned on Travis Street. “It’s been done before, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Kendra turned to look out the front window as her mind tried to process this new information. Things were getting complicated quickly. It wasn’t until they’d reached their destination and the car was turned off that she realized they’d made most of the trip in silence.

“What’s wrong?” His voice was rough as he turned toward her.

She turned to face him. “I’m thinking we both made fools of ourselves.”

He reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, reminding her there hadn’t been time to secure it up like she normally did for work. “How, when we were both on our best professional behavior the entire meeting and there is no way anyone saw us in the parking garage? There is nothing that we did wrong this afternoon to raise a single eyebrow. Once Midnight trades teams with me, we have nothing to worry about.”

She looked into his eyes. “Oh, we still might. The other night when you caught me in Midnight’s office, I was asking for a transfer to his team.”

Thor sighed. “And tonight, I asked him to change teams with me. No wonder he stared at me like I was crazy. If he did as we both requested…”

“We’d be right back in the same boat we’re in.”

Thor closed his eyes, and even in the dimming light, she could tell he was attempting to control his anger. Then he surprised her by tossing back his head and laughing. It took him several minutes to regain control, but when he finally looked at her, his face was filled with emotions she couldn’t begin to understand.

He reached across the small space and pulled her across his lap. “I’ll talk to Midnight and get it all cleared up. Next time, we need to discuss our plans first before we put them into motion.”

Her breath caught in her lungs. “Next time?”

His lips brushed across hers. “Yeah, I’m planning on a lifetime with you. I hope that’s okay?”

Her heart swelled at hearing Thor talk of a future together. Unable to put feelings into words, she reached up, took his face between her hands and kissed him with all the passion and love she felt. What started out frantic turned gentle, and was filled with a promise of more to come. She could have stayed there forever, if it wasn’t for the annoying vibrating occurring between them. Reluctantly she pulled back, breaking the kiss. “You’re buzzing.”

“What?”

She tapped his coat. “Something is vibrating.”

“Damn.” The offensive item went off again and this time Thor pulled it from an inside pocket. “Sorry, I need to take this.”

Kendra rested her cheek against his chest as he opened what looked like a very sleek cell phone, but was actually a CUCD, Cross-Universe Communication Device. Every Torlin on earth carried one. It was their only way to stay in touch with their home world.

Thor flipped open his CUCD and instantly the screen powered up and his father appeared. He held the machine in one hand and wrapped the other arm around Kendra, holding her tight, unable to shake the feeling something bad was going to happen. “Evening, Dad.”

His father’s angry voice filled the air. “Evening hell, its morning here and I wake up to a message from Midnight saying you’d been hit by an Urgan dart.”

Thor knew he needed to take control of the conversation before his father got out of hand. “By the time I could call, I was fine. I didn’t realize Midnight had left a message.”

His father’s voice rose. “That’s no excuse, you…”

Thor spoke over his father. “Dad, there’s someone here with me.”

“You’re usually alone when we talk at this time of day. Is it a coworker?”

He ground his teeth at the question. “Yes, I’ve got a coworker riding with me tonight.”

Kendra made a disgruntled noise and it took great effort on Thor’s part not to look at her.

“What was that noise?”

“My coworker clearing their throat.” Thor grunted as a sharp elbow jabbed him in the ribs.

His father’s eyes narrowed. “Who’s there with you?”

Before he could say a word, Kendra spoke. “Kendra Morton.”

His father’s eyebrows only went up a fraction, but Thor knew his father recognized the name. The two of them had discussed the woman more than once. To Thor’s relief, a smile appeared on his father’s face. “Well, it’s time for you to get to work. Thor, call me when you get home. I don’t give a damn what time it is.”

His father closed the connection before Thor could utter another word. With a shake of his head, he put the device back into his pocket.

“Is he always so direct?” Kendra asked as she moved back to the passenger side of the car.

“Only when he’s worried. Honestly, he’s easygoing ninety-nine percent of the time.”

“But hold on to your hat when that one percent shows up.”

Thor laughed. “More like, run for the hills.”

Kendra smiled at him. “Guess that’s a good thing to know. Now, we do have to get ready for work.”

Thor reached out and took Kendra’s hand in his. He held her gaze as he brought her hand to his lips. Slowly, he placed a kiss to the back of her wrist, felt her pulse quicken and knew if anything happened to her his demon would run free. “I have a bad feeling about tonight. Stay close.”

Kendra stood in the shadows of the New Horizon Bank Tower and sucked in much-needed air. They had barely finished putting on their gear when all hell broke loose around them. Thor stood next to her, breathing as heavily as she. This skirmish had only been going on for two hours, but it felt more like six. They had both already reached their endurance limits and that had her worried. “What is going on?”

“We are being herded away from the rest of the team. Now that they’ve accomplished that, they will try and divide us.”

Kendra brushed hair out of her eyes. “I figured that out about three blocks back. What I don’t get is why?”

“There seems to be a traitor among those of us from Torlin. We leaders have known for a while that a couple of the gangs from Torlin are trying to stake a claim in this realm. It’s now starting to seem as if they want a position within our ranks.”

“By killing the two of us?”

“No, by killing you.” Thor’s voice was hard as steel. “Removing any of the team leads at this point would cause too many questions, but a second-in-command wouldn’t be looked at twice.”

“Especially if said person doesn’t have family to question the events surrounding her death.” The words came out rough, even to her own ears.

Thor turned to her and even in the dark she could sense his anger. Wrapping an arm about her waist, he pulled her to him. “I might not be family yet, but it doesn’t mean I don’t love you. If anything happens to you, I will find those responsible and rip them to pieces.”

His voice was barely louder than a whisper, but each word rang with sincerity. Reaching up, she placed a palm against his chest. “You love me?”

He gave her a sly little smile. “After losing my mother, I never wanted the possibility of hurting like that again. Somehow, you got around my defenses and before I knew it—bam. I found myself head over heels in love with you.”

His words left her temporarily speechless. When she finally found her voice again, a loud roar not far from them stopped her from saying what she wanted.

“Do you have any weapons left?” The kind, gentle man she’d seen too seldom was replaced by the well-honed demon-slayer.

“My dagger. I’ve gone through everything else.” There was more noise from down the street and every nerve ending in her body wanted to run. She wasn’t a person who scared easily, but right now, she was terrified, for both of them. There was no doubt in her mind that Thor would die protecting her and that frightened her beyond anything she’d ever faced.

Thor reached into his coat and pulled a small weapon from an inside pocket. He held it out to her. “Take it. There are still six live rounds in it. We are only four blocks from the back door of our office building. When I tell you to, run as fast as you can to the office. You’ll be safe once you’re inside.”

Realization hit her like a cold, dirty dishcloth. “You aren’t coming with me.”

“No. I’m going to stay back and cover you.”

Kendra shook her head. “No! I won’t run away and leave you…”

Shouts from the street cut off her words. “Thor! Kendra! Where are you?”

Relief washed over her at the sound of her friend’s, and teammate’s, familiar voice. “We’re in here, Campton.”

“Damn.” Thor stepped in front of her as Campton turned the corner and stopped several feet away. “I never thought it would be you, Campton.”

“Campton?” Kendra’s voice faltered even as Thor’s words sank in. She’d known Noah Campton for the past three years, ever since he’d moved to this world. She considered the man a friend first, coworker second. Pain sliced through her at the betrayal. “Why?”

“Are you really that naive, Kendra?” Campton gave her a smug look. “Power, money—but mostly money. There’s an entire world here that someone can control. It might as well be those I work for. You humans pay good money for protection from the demons who will one day permanently inhabit this world, and I want my cut.”

She placed a hand against Thor’s arm and felt the tension building in him, like the anger inside her as this turncoat’s words sank in. “That’s crazy. We’ll never let them or the thugs you work for take over.”

Thor’s voice was hard as nails when he spoke. “You wouldn’t, Kendra, but let a few high-ranking positions be filled by scum like him and the demons could virtually run free.”

Campton growled and, in a flash, turned from human form to a beast that reminded Kendra of a hairy Minotaur on steroids. Thor pushed her away as he ran directly at Campton without changing.

Kendra raised her weapon and tried to get a clear shot at Campton. The man and beast were a blur of movement stopping her from firing for fear of hitting Thor. Campton was larger, meaner and stronger than Thor. Despite the differences, Thor was faster and used that to his advantage. Kendra moved toward them, knowing she was getting too close, but the man she loved was in trouble.

Not able to get a kill shot, Kendra changed her tactic and went for wounding the demon. Thor moved to the left, presenting her with an opening. Firing two quick shots, she hit the creature in the leg. Campton roared and swung one of his tree-trunk-size arms, landing a blow that sent Thor flying through the air. Steadying her aim, Kendra took a deep breath and slowly let it out. Pulling the trigger, she fired off two more quick rounds. The animal stopped and brushed the spots she’d hit as if it were brushing off specks of dirt. She fired her last two rounds and watched as the fiend lifted its head in what appeared to be laughter.

Green glowing eyes focused on her. Kendra pulled her knife and started running in the opposite direction. Even though she knew it was a waste of time, it was still better than simply waiting for death. She heard the creature closing in on her and knew time was running out.

Before she could turn and fight, she was tackled from behind, hard. The demon landed on her, knocking the wind from her lungs. The dagger flew from her hand and landed several feet away. With the beast on top of her and breathing down her neck, she twisted her body, slamming the heel of her hand up and into the creature’s nose. Campton roared, rearing back as he did. Kendra scooted out from beneath the animal and started crawling toward her dagger. Stretching out her right hand, she managed to just touch the hilt with her fingers, but she couldn’t grab hold of it. She pushed forward and was reaching for it again when cold fingers wrapped around her ankle and yanked her back.

She screamed as she frantically grabbed for her only weapon, but it was no use. Campton lifted her off the ground, swinging her around like a rag doll before slamming her to the hard ground. She fought off the pain as she kicked out, landing blow after blow, but to no avail. It was like she was kicking a brick wall. Campton pinned her to the ground, sitting across her chest, cutting off her air supply. Black spots floated before her eyes as she watched Campton lift his arms high, preparing to deliver a killing blow. Kendra felt herself drift into the darkness that was engulfing her and welcomed the nothingness in hopes that she wouldn’t feel the pain of death.

Thor stood, shaking off the pounding he’d taken from Campton. The beast inside him was clawing to get out despite his effort to keep it inside. Kendra’s scream was all it took for his demon to break its restraints. This time, as he changed, the uncontrollable mental confusion he hated and feared wasn’t there. He was totally focused on saving the woman he loved. In two long strides, he blindsided Campton, sending them both rolling across the ground in a flurry of fists and snarling teeth.

The fight was brutal and bloody, but Thor had the advantage of a clear mind instead of the confused state that usually came with transition. He fought with the precision of a prizefighter, wearing down Campton until finally, Thor’s next blow snapped Campton’s head back with a sickening crack. The demon crumpled to the ground and immediately changed back to human form. Thor ran to Kendra, shifting back as he went.

Before he reached her, she stood and started toward him. “Thor!”

He gently pulled her into his arms and cupped her cheek with a shaky hand. “Are you okay?”

She smiled up at him. “Nothing that won’t heal. And you?”

He grimaced, remembering the change he’d undergone. “I’m…”

Kendra wrapped a hand behind his neck and pulled him to her until their lips touched, cutting off his words with a kiss that was anything but timid. By the time she broke the kiss, he’d almost forgotten what he was going to say. “I changed.”

Kendra reached out and caressed his face. “I know and you were spectacular. I don’t care if you transform every night. I love you, and that will never change.”

In that moment, the internal battle between beast and man he’d lived with since his teen years ended. For the first time in his life he felt complete and in control of the animal within. He had this woman to thank for that. Even if he had a thousand years, he could never begin to repay her, but he had a few ideas on how he might start.

He carefully held her in his arms, not wanting to let go. “I’ll try not to change too often, but no matter which form I’m in, I’ll always love you.”

“I know.” Kendra pulled his head down to hers, wondering how she’d gotten so lucky. “Now stop talking and kiss me.”

He kissed her passionately as the rest of the world faded around them. The sound of approaching voices brought them back to the reality of where they were. With one last touch of her lips to his, she let go of him and together they turned to see Erik, Navida and Midnight watching them.

Kendra smiled. “I think our secret is out.”

Erik threw his head back and laughed. “You two suck at keeping secrets. She’s working with you now, Midnight, starting with your next rotation.”

Midnight turned to them both. “Fine, but I expect her to be on time and no excuses for being late. And for God’s sake, don’t come to work wearing that silly grin. This is serious business.”

Kendra laughed again. “I’ll be on time, don’t worry. As for the silly grin, I make no promises.”

Thor turned to Navida. “You have any opinions?”

Navida gave a big sigh. “It’s about time. I was beginning to think the two of you would never hook up. Now hurry up. We’ve still got work to do.”

The three of them turned and walked away, leaving Kendra and Thor suddenly alone and her feeling very off balance. “This isn’t going to be easy you know.”

Thor pulled her into his arms. “Nothing worth having ever is. But together we can slay the demons that get in our way.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck. “Together. I like the sound of that.”

Her lips touched his and she knew, without any hesitation, that everything was going to be fine so long as they had each other. Reluctantly, she pulled away. “Well, we’d better get back to work.”

Thor slipped an arm about her waist as they walked down the street. “I sure hope you can type fast when we get back to the office. I’m looking forward to going home.”

“So am I.” Kendra smiled as they turned to leave. She knew, in that moment, she was a very lucky woman. She’d managed to find something she thought she’d never have, her very own happy-ever-after with the man of her dreams.