He eased through the underground hallway lined with priceless western oils toward his quarters. Still nighttime, the moon pulled him, causing an itch just under his skin.
During the fight, the animal inside had recognized Katie and wanted her. He’d send her away so she wouldn’t see his death, but Realm Headquarters was the safest place for her. Maybe he should just leave like a wounded dog to die alone.
Shoving his door open, he stopped short. “Katie,” he sighed. “Enough. Go away.” Only the back of her head remained visible. She sat on his couch watching a rerun of Friends. Allowing the door to shut behind him, he shuffled toward the refrigerator and yanked out a beer.
“No.” Soft, angry, her western twang wrapped around his heart. The television clicked off. The leather protested as she must’ve stood. “I’m here to finish what we started earlier.”
Cool beer calmed his throat as he tipped back his head and emptied the bottle. Setting it on the table, he turned around to face her.
Holy shit.
The woman had come prepared this time. A sheer baby-doll negligée left nothing hidden. High breasts, hard nipples, tiny little waist—all visible through the fabric. He would not look lower. “What are you wearing?” he choked.
Feminine and dangerous, a smile slid across her pretty face. “Not much.”
Heat rushed to his groin. His balls tightened, and he hardened in his jeans. The teeth from his zipper were going to be permanently indented on his cock. “This is a bad idea.” His voice fucking cracked.
Lifting an eyebrow, she circled the couch. Barefoot, bare legged, he could have her stripped in seconds. Those tan, nicely muscled thighs belonged wrapped around his hips. Temptation swirled through his blood.
Reality smacked him in the face. He’d protected her for decades—he’d do so until he died. Panic had him settling his stance. The sigh he gave came from his soul, truly hating what he had to do. Wiping all expression off his face, he stared her down. “You need to understand. There’s never been anything between us.”
She lifted an eyebrow, tilting her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
Hurting her would cut out his heart. But it was the only way she’d move on. “I’ve never felt more for you than friendship, Katie.”
Her eyes widened. Something choked in her throat.
He stepped forward, then stilled. Offering comfort wouldn’t help.
Gorgeous hair flipped when she threw back her head and ... laughed? A deep, sensual chuckle that moved her entire body. Tawny eyes filled with mirth, and her focus returned to him. “You’re such a complete asshole.”
Yeah. He was. Apparently he’d gotten his point across. “You need the truth.”
Her stubborn chin lifted. “Then why don’t you actually give it to me?”
Irritation warmed his lungs. She wasn’t making this easy. “I just did.”
The woman snorted. Actually snorted that delicate nose. “Bullshit. You just gave me a cockamamie evasion so I could move on without you. Do you really think I misunderstand your feelings?”
The sudden urge to flee fully pissed him off. “Excuse me?”
“You want me. Have for quite some time, Jordan. Deal with it.”
He lowered his chin, taking a good look at the woman. And a woman she was. The little girl he’d saved, the teenager who’d dogged his every step with adoration in her eyes ... was gone. In place stood a fully confident, courageous as hell warrior with challenge lifting her chin.
His belly warmed. Hell. His cock began to pound. “Well, now.”
She slammed her hands on her hips. “You can stop worrying. I’m not going to follow you into the afterlife. I’ll move on.”
He growled low. “That’s nice to hear.”
Full lips bowed as she shot a hard smile his way. “In fact, I fully intend to go on. Maybe with Lance. Or Noah, our new leader.”
The growl turned to a snarl. Possessiveness clenched his hands into fists. The idea of Katie—his Katie—with any other shifter shot his beast to the surface. “Your point?”
“My point?” She stalked three steps forward, putting herself in range. “I choose my life, Jordan. Stop being a damn coward and take a chance.” Slim fingers jerked the filmy covering over her head, leaving her in a tiny thong. “Mark me.”
Pert breasts, flat stomach, and toned thighs ... all covered by skin smoother than silk. Perfect. She was so fucking perfect. His lungs compressed. Heat roared into his head. Inevitability shuddered down his back. The beast inside him rattled hard against the chains, wanting to leap and take. The man shoved the animal aside, needing reason. Needing to protect her. “Katie—”
“No.” She took the final step forward, her scent of wild orchids wrapping around his heart and squeezing. “I want you. Even if this is our only chance ... our only time ... I never want to look back and wish.” Both small palms pressed against his abs, sliding up and over his chest to his neck, finally reaching his hair.
Even with her height, she had to lever up on her toes to get ahold of him.
Her grip was determined, sure ... and meant to keep him in place. But it was nothing compared to the look in her amber-colored eyes. Need, fear, total determination.
No force on earth existed strong enough to make him turn away.
One long shudder moved his shoulders, winding down his back as he gave in. If they only had one time, he wanted it, too. She’d always been fragile, even before the virus took hold of her. Now she was breakable. He’d have to be so very careful.
Lowering his head, he captured her lips in a kiss meant to convey everything. Tears pricked the back of his eyes, shocking the hell out of him. He deepened the kiss, tasting honey and Katie.
All wild woman and desperate promises.
She groaned, pressing against him, her hands lowering to his shoulders.
Ducking, he released her mouth and grabbed her behind the knees, sweeping her up. Gentle. He needed to be gentle. Long strides had them in the bedroom. She peppered hard kisses along his neck, sending demand straight to his cock.
He laid her down on the plush bed. His utilitarian quarters underground weren’t good enough for her. Just a bed and dresser filled the room—no flowers or soft touches for a woman. The thought flew out of his head as he took a moment to look his fill. In his long life, he’d never seen anything as beautiful as this woman, nearly nude, face flushed, waiting for him.
A trembling in his hands surprised him as he yanked his shirt over his head. His jeans soon followed. Her eyes widened a little, and he paused. During the last decade, he’d wondered. Sure, she’d dated. How many men had she accepted as a lover? She’d date again, he was sure. She deserved a good life ... when he passed. “I want this night, Kate.”
“So do I.” The smile tipping her full lips promised heat.
Right or wrong, he was taking this moment. Pressing a knee on the bed, he leaned over and ran his mouth along her smooth abdomen. Her breath caught, muscles shifting beneath his lips. The scent of woman and wild orchids shredded his heart.
He traveled a path up her torso, between her breasts until he could nip her chin, his body covering hers. “I’m not going to mark you.”
“Yes, you are.” Satisfaction filled her topaz eyes. Along with trust and love—yeah, love was there. “We both know it’s the only chance you’ve got to live.” Her palms spread over his pecs, her gaze following those clever hands as she caressed him, sliding down his sides to his flanks. “I don’t want this life without you, Jordan. Please take the chance.”