Therian Promise Read online

  Ava. If he was dreaming again, why was the pain still so intense?

  She repeated the hesitant caress on the other side of his face. Then her soft body slid against his as she settled against his side.

  He trembled, holding back the urge to attack, to take what he wanted, what he needed with every cell of his starving body.

  “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered. “I want to feed you, but I—”

  With an instinctive surge of strength, he swept her beneath him and pinned her arms against the bed. “Say it again.” His voice sounded gravelly and…desperate.

  “Say what?”

  He still hadn’t opened his eyes. Part of him was terrified this wasn’t real. He wasn’t afraid to die. Anything would be better than this endless, burning hunger. But he knew madness would claim him if he opened his eyes and her image disintegrated.

  Slowly lifting his lids, he blinked until her face came into focus. So damn beautiful. And so afraid. He eased his grip without letting go and tried to relax his muscles. “Are you really willing?”

  “That’s why I’m here.”

  “A kiss won’t cut it this time. You understand what I need?”

  Her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes, but she nodded. She was trying to be brave. “I’m not a virgin, Kyle. I’ve actually seen a penis before.”

  The fact that she still called it a penis proved her minimal exposure to them. “If I lose control and try to claim you, scream for Jake. He’s probably listening outside the door anyway.”

  Her gaze darted toward the door, but she whispered, “I trust you.”

  “Don’t.” He treaded his fingers through hers and gave her hands a squeeze. “I don’t trust myself right now. Do not, for any reason, drink my blood.”

  “That would seal my definition and ruin any hope I have of becoming an Omni Prime.” Her eyes twinkled as she smiled this time. “I understand the situation. Now shut up and kiss me.”

  On an ordinary day it would have been hard as hell to resist that invitation, today it was impossible. Kyle released one of her hands and slipped his arm beneath her neck as he lowered his mouth to hers. Her lips parted and her tongue greeted his with a silken swirl. Warmth and affection flowed into him, sweetening the kiss and driving back the urgency degree by degree.

  The fiber-thin link he’d formed on the mountain vibrated, urging him on, guiding him deeper into her mind. He fit his mouth more tightly over hers and parted her legs with his knees. She opened for him, offering her body and her energy.

  Humbled by her selflessness yet unable to go slowly, he found the opening to her body and eased inside. Slick, hot softness surrounded him, caressing the head of his cock as he drove steadily inward. She tensed and tore her mouth away from his.

  He stopped, panting harshly. “Am I hurting you?”

  “No.” She drew her legs up along his sides and tilted her hips. “It’s just been a long time.”

  He released her other hand and stroked the side of her face. “I need…”

  “I know.” She squeezed him with her inner muscles and smiled. “It’s all right.”

  A fresh wave of hunger crashed over him and he gritted his teeth. He didn’t want to take her roughly, selfishly feeding as she endured the ordeal, but his ravenous body was leaving him little choice. “I’ll…make it up to you. I promise.” He pulled back slowly then thrust hard. Pleasure burst through the pain, driving back the hunger.

  Her hands moved over his arms and down his back as he rocked between her thighs. His chest grazed her breasts, keeping her nipples pebble-hard. He eased into her mind, sinking deeper with each firm thrust. Their link expanded, creating a stronger connection. He flowed through her consciousness, carefully siphoning energy as her thoughts and sensations trickled into his mind.

  She wasn’t afraid anymore, yet she felt overwhelmed and uncertain. He refused to allow their first joining to be traumatic, so he rolled to his back, taking her with him. Then he urged her up so she straddled his hips, his shaft still buried deep inside her.

  “Ride me.” His voice cracked, making the directive sound more like a plea. It didn’t matter. He’d worry about his pride once his cravings were under control.

  He grasped her hips and showed her the motion he needed, hoping she’d feel less vulnerable if she controlled their movements.

  She didn’t need help for long. Bracing her hands against his chest, she found a rhythm that sent pulses of pleasure surging through them both. She arched her back, drawing his attention to her breasts. High and round, the mounds quivered each time she brought her hips down and took him deep.

  He covered her breasts with his hands, enjoying the rasp of her hard little nipples against his palms. Even with their lack of foreplay, her skin was flushed and the sporadic tightening of her inner muscles assured him she was nearing orgasm.

  Her energy seeped into him, stabilizing his need without assuaging the hunger. He craved the dazzling surge of energy released each time she came. This steady dribble would never ease the ache consuming him.

  Easing his hand between their bodies, he found her clit with his middle finger and caressed the sensitive nub. She gasped and started then energy rushed into him, saturating his emaciated cells. Her hips moved faster and she squeezed him tighter, rubbing against his finger as she took his cock deep into her wet core.

  Coherent thoughts slid from her mind as pleasure overtook her. She cried out and slammed her body down over his. Kyle fought back the need burning in his balls. It felt so damn good! But he knew he’d slip into unconsciousness as soon as he let himself come and he was far from sated.

  Dazed and tingling, Ava murmured a breathless protest as Kyle lifted her off his cock and dragged her forward. One glance over her shoulder proved that he was still hard, so why had he stopped and separated their bodies?

  He shifted her knees, arranging her astride his face. She gasped and fought for balance as he slid her legs outward, not stopping until her sex rested against his lips. His intention was obvious, so she didn’t say a word. She wasn’t sure why he’d waited until now to use his mouth, but she wasn’t about to argue.

  His tongue parted her folds, lazily circling her clit before pushing into the center of her body. She was already wet and sensitive from the demanding slide of his cock, making each subtle motion of his tongue all the more arousing.

  Don’t hold back, love. I need you to come as often as you can.

  She’d felt his presence in her mind as soon as they kissed, but his words still surprised her. Can you hear my thoughts too?

  Yes, but don’t let it distract you. Concentrate on what my mouth is doing.

  His tongue slid in and out a few times then he caught her clit between his lips and drew lightly on the swollen nub. Sensations spiraled through Ava’s core and streamed down the inside of her thighs. She felt weightless and dizzy as tension gathered low in her belly.

  He grasped her bottom and ground her sex against his mouth as his tongue swirled and thrust. His upper lip rubbed her clit and distinct spasms pulsed deep inside her. Reaching back, she steadied herself against his thighs and she cried softly as she rode out the orgasm.

  Her limbs grew heavy and her eyelids drooped as he withdrew more energy. She’d offered herself willingly, had basically known what to expect, but it still felt odd to know he was drawing sustenance directly from her body.

  While she was still stunned and shaky, he crawled out from under her and turned around. He urged her forward, bringing her hands to the top of the headboard as he pressed against her back. “Are you still doing okay?”

  She nodded, but she wanted to see his face, needed to know her surrender was strengthening him.

  He positioned himself between her thighs then grabbed her hips as he drove home in one fast thrust. She gasped, clutching the headboard as the sudden fullness took her breath away. There was no pain, but he definitely stretched her tighter than any of her other lovers.

  A deep growl intruded on her
thought. Then he pulled nearly out. “I’m your lover now. That’s all that matters.” He accented the statement with a possessive thrust and they moaned in unison.

  He stayed deep inside her and ran his hands over her body. She rested her head against his shoulder and relaxed beneath his touch. His fingers skimmed over her skin, never lingering in one place for long. When her skin tingled and her core tensed with need, he placed his hands on her hips and he took her with long, smooth strokes.

  She grasped the headboard, pushing back against him and raising her ass. He filled her mind as he filled her body, creating a connection far more intimate than any she’d experienced before. The past faded, overpowered by Kyle’s savage tenderness. He caressed her breasts, teasing the nipples as his cock slid in and out.

  “Kiss me.”

  Happy to obey, she turned her head and tilted her face. His mouth sealed over hers, his tongue thrusting deep as soon as her lips parted. Her cream mixed with his unique taste, the combination both new and evocative.

  His fingers plucked her nipples then moved down and teased her clit. Sensations followed in the wake of his nimble fingers. Her breasts felt heavy and her core clenched, her orgasm hovering just out of reach.

  Suddenly, he rotated to the side and pushed her head down as he thrust fast and hard between her thighs. He collared her neck, keeping her head low as his hips furiously pumped. Desire blazed into her mind, consuming everything but the need for fulfillment. His cock stabbed into her, driving deeper than ever before. She clutched the covers and pushed up into his frantic thrusts, exhilarated by his frenzy.

  He cried out sharply and shuddered against her as he released his seed deep inside her. The hot splash of his release sent her over the edge one last time. She felt the inescapable draw as he extracted energy. The persistent suction kept her climax pulsing until she was breathless and weak.

  “Thank you,” he whispered as he gently separated their bodies. He collapsed onto his side then rolled to his back, sprawling across the bed.

  She stared at him, too shocked to move. “Are you okay? I thought this would heal you.”

  “Need. Sleep.” His eyelids drooped and his breathing became deep and regular.

  He was breathing, so his heart was beating, but she still felt like there should be something more she could do. He looked pale and exhausted yet peaceful. “Feel better.” As she eased her feet toward the edge of the bed, he caught her wrist and pulled her toward him.

  “Stay.” He didn’t open his eyes, but his fingers remained firm against her wrist.

  Warmth and tenderness welled within her as she settled against his side. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her even closer.

  Her debt was paid. She’d kept her promise, so why did she still feel drawn to him?

  Were they “in sync” like Enya said? And what exactly did it mean if they were? Sex with Kyle had been amazing, but what did that prove?

  It had been less than a week since she’d seen her sister, and Carissa had managed to adjust to Therian expectations. Carissa’s devotion to Quinn had been obvious in Ava’s vision. Was it possible that she had stumbled on to a similar attraction, or was Kyle simply the first Therian male she’d met?

  Jake was better looking than Kyle. Jake was also charming and self-assured, yet she didn’t feel the same connection with the powerful tiger-shifter that she felt with Kyle. Whatever the cause, her body had obviously made its choice and she feared her heart wasn’t far behind.

  With a weary sigh, she pressed her face against his chest and let his scent surround her. She was safe and satisfied. The combination was impossible to resist. Within minutes she was sound asleep.

  * * * * *

  Osric moved so quickly and so silently he seemed to appear out of nowhere. His fingers tangled in the back of Carly’s hair and he jerked her head back. “Where did they take her!”

  “I don’t know.” Pressing back into his hurtful grip, she tried to ease the pain. “Roberto showed up while you were gone and took Devon with him when he left. No one said anything to me about why or where.”

  “I don’t believe you.”

  She had anticipated Osric’s outburst and made preparations while he was gone. She hadn’t expected him to stay away all night, but that was just as well. After a restful night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, she was better prepared for the challenges awaiting her.

  “You’re hurting me.” She didn’t struggle or reveal her distress. She remained passive and waited for him to release her.

  With an exasperated snarl, he shoved her away and braced his hand against the countertop. They were alone in the lab, as per usual. Her two assistants had a way of disappearing every time Osric entered a room.

  “First Milliner bags three of my kin when he’d agreed to leave my family out of this. Now that preening Italian transfers Devon when he knows I’m not finished with her. Can’t you see what they’re doing?” Veins of gold burst in his dark gaze as fury contorted his features. “They’re trying to squeeze me out.”

  When the backers were finished with Osric, they’d kill him, not annoy him. But Carly wisely kept the thought to herself. “What do they gain by ‘squeezing you out’?”

  “Control.”

  She remained out of reach, unsure if his temper had played itself out or if he would strike again. “We’ve learned a lot about your people since this project began, but you still provide a unique perspective. Surely the backers realize your value.”

  He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at her. “How did they learn who Devon was?”

  “Her transfer could have nothing to do with—”

  “Nice try.” He stalked toward her, his expression overtly menacing. “I only told one person about my contingency plan.”

  “I didn’t say anything to anyone.” She held her ground yet lowered her gaze. Challenging an enraged predator was just plain stupid. “Conversations in this place are never private. Who was on duty yesterday?”

  He raised her chin and searched her gaze for a long, tense moment. If he didn’t take the bait, he wouldn’t find the video files Tias had planted. She’d used an archived file and manipulated the time-date stamp to make it appear current. Though sound was conveniently garbled, the image was quite clear.

  Rather than debate the issue, Osric walked past Carly and sat down behind the communal desk. He activated the workstation and brought up the security logs. It didn’t take him long to find the planted file. He watched Barnes enter the conference room and his scowl darkened. “This is twenty minutes after I left the complex.”

  “Was there any other reason for Barnes to contact the backers?” She tried to sound casual but her heartbeat was racing and her mouth was so dry she could barely form the words.

  “He’s head of security. He updates them on a regular basis, but this is no coincidence.” Osric advanced through the file, verifying that no one else entered the conference room during his absence. “And less than an hour after his unscheduled report, Devon is transferred to who knows where.” He clenched his fists, clearly accepting the false evidence. “Greedy bastard. He’ll pay for this.”

  It was the conclusion she needed him to find, but it was where her plans for Osric began not ended. “Would you like to grab a cup of coffee? I’m ready for a break.”

  He whipped his head around, challenge burning in his dark eyes. “I thought you wanted to keep things professional.”

  She smiled, hoping her slanted glance appeared flirtatious. “I suggested a coffee break not a nooner.”

  “Too bad.” He ran his gaze up and down her body then shrugged. “I might make time for a nooner. Coffee breaks don’t interest me in the least.”

  “Fine by me.” She started back across the room, having expected his reaction. He couldn’t pursue her if she didn’t run.

  He grabbed her upper arm, bringing her up short. “You gave up too easily.”

  “I don’t have time for games.” She tugged against his hold, secretly thrill
ed by the strength of his grip. He might look like a man nearing middle age, but she knew from experience that his body was lean and muscular. If only a kind person resided within that buff body, these games would be a lot more rewarding.

  “I think you enjoy games every bit as much as I do.” He pulled her toward him with slow, steady insistence. “You pretend indifference while your body begs for more.”

  “You treat me like a sex toy.” She took a deep breath and looked into his eyes. It was a dance, a balancing act. She had to encourage his interest without actually giving in.

  “And you enjoy every minute of it.” He reached for the top button on her blouse, but she twisted away. “Is this where you try to convince me you aren’t willing?”

  “I’m not that big a hypocrite.” She straightened her shoulders, giving him a better view of her cleavage. “My body responds to your bullying, but my mind is appalled by my weakness. I have more pride than to let it go on indefinitely.”

  “So this is about assuaging your pride?” He chuckled and released her arm. “I seldom fuck any human more than once. The fact that I’m still interested should make you feel better.”

  What an arrogant jerk. If not for the backers, she never would have let Osric touch her in the first place. He was a means to an end. Nothing more. But she couldn’t let him realize how she really felt. “That’s the problem. You’re not interested in me. You’re interested in my body.”

  A dark smile curved his lips and he leaned toward her. “Come to my room and I’ll prove you wrong.”

  “Do you really think I’m that stupid? As soon as the door closes behind me, you’d be all over me.”

  His brows shot up while lust smoldered in his gaze. “Have I forced anything on you?”

  “That’s not the point. I don’t want to sleep with you again, so going to your room would be foolish.”

  “Don’t trust yourself?”

  “Yes, I don’t trust myself.”

  That seemed to please him. “How can I earn your trust if you avoid being alone with me?”