Lucian followed her up the stairs, carrying her sniper’s rifle. “This thing weighs almost as much as you do, Jaxon.”
“You said you knew I was out of the house,” she suddenly mused aloud, completely ignoring his teasing. “Why didn’t I know what you were doing?”
“You didn’t look.”
She glanced at him over her shoulder, her large eyes eloquent with censure. “Look? Look at what?”
“My mind.” He spoke in an even voice without any inflection at all. “I stay a shadow in your mind. Aside from the fact that it is much safer for me to know what you are doing at every moment, it is necessary for us to touch each other to be comfortable.”
“You know, Lucian, if I had any brains at all, I wouldn’t let you suck me in this way. You throw out these casual statements, and my curiosity always gets the better of me.” She flung her knives and guns onto the dresser, pulled her cap from her pocket, and added that to the growing pile.
Lucian was watching her through half-closed eyes, a small smile curving his mouth. “Look at you, a walking arsenal.”
“Well, at least I know how to protect myself. You think you’re so powerful, not even a sniper’s bullet can get you.”
“We are back to that. Honey, I can command the heavens, move the earth, move my body through time and space. I am much more armed at all times than you will ever be. Do not look at me with your big brown eyes and that little frown on your face. You are in grave danger, for I have a desire to kiss that look right off your face.” Jaxon backed away from him so quickly, she fell backward onto the bed, alarm on her face. “Stay across the room, you fiend.” She held up one hand to ward him off. “No talking, and no looking at me either. You use unfair tactics to get your way.”
He stalked her right across the room, looming over her small figure like a conqueror of old. “You deserve some kind of punishment for leaving this house after you so sincerely promised me you would stay put.”
“I assured you I had no intention of going out dancing,” she pointed out virtuously. “I can’t think where you ever got the idea that I intended to sit around waiting for you. I have things to do. Modern-day women do not sit at home while their men go out and play.”
He touched her face with one fingertip, tracing her soft skin, the delicate line of her high cheekbone. “I told you to stay here.”
“I was merely out walking. Fresh air is good for a person—didn’t you know that? And walking is the greatest exercise of all. It can be done anywhere, anytime.” She looked absolutely convinced of it. “Walking doesn’t count as going out.”
Lucian sat on the bed, crowding her. “Walking.” He murmured the word absently, his fingers tangling in her hair. The feel of it against his skin distracted him. “Do not place yourself at risk again, angel. I will take action next time.”
She shoved at the wall of his chest, more to get some breathing room than for any other reason. He seemed capable of robbing her of her very air. “I hope you don’t think you’re threatening me with something. I’m a police officer, Lucian. Threats are not a great way to win favors.”
“I do not need favors, and I do not much care for your rather strange choice of occupations. This may not be a good time to bring it up, but you do not seem to understand. I have never had anyone question my decisions. You will not place yourself at risk again.” He never raised his voice; if anything, it was softer, gentler than ever before. He sounded mild, almost absently giving his order to her.
Jaxon frowned at him. “You don’t improve much as one gets more acquainted with you. I don’t like bossy men.”
His hand slipped to the nape of her neck, his fingers caressing her soft, scented skin. He didn’t seem to notice, and she sat very still, not wanting to draw attention to the fact that he was scattering her senses in every direction.
“I do not consider myself bossy. There is a vast difference between being bossy and being in command.”
“Go command something else then, Lucian, because I am in charge of my own life. Total charge. If I decide to leave the house, I’ll do so anytime I please. Don’t think you can get away with being a supreme dictator just because you’re...” Words totally failed her. What was he?
I already answered that.
Deliberately he used the intimate form of communication that his race used with their lifemates. He bent his head to the vulnerable nape of her neck, unable to resist the temptation.
I am Carpathian, your lifemate
.
At once hungry flames danced over his body. His gut clenched hotly, and he closed his eyes to savor the taste and feel of her skin. To savor the feeling of intense hunger. His larger, stronger body bent over hers, slowly forcing her to lie across the bed beneath him. She was very delicate, very fragile beneath his exploring hands as he imprinted her for all time deep within his soul.
“Lucian.” His name came out a soft, whispered plea, almost as if she were asking him for help.
Lucian lifted his head and stared down into her enormous eyes. She looked confused, drowsy, and very, very sexy. “I am not hurting you, angel, only giving in to a tremendous need I have to feel you.”
She reached up to brush at his hair, a small smile tugging at her full lower lip. “Yes, well, I noticed. I just think this is a little dangerous. I’m still trying to get used to the idea that you’re not human. You tell me all this interesting science-fiction stuff, and I hear what you’re saying, but my mind doesn’t want to put together all the facts. You’re positively scary, Lucian.”
“Not to you,” he denied, his voice lazy as he bent to find her throat with his mouth. She tasted so good. Felt so good, her skin like satin. “I have been unfailingly gentle with you.” His mouth followed the perfection of her skin down her throat and across her collarbone. She was so very delicate. He didn’t see how anything so small could hold together such a perfect package.
“You’re always in such perfect control. I can’t imagine you not in complete control. But then you look at me, and...” She closed her eyes as his mouth wandered lower, pushing aside the thin material of her top so he could touch more skin.
“You were saying?” he murmured against the inviting swell of her breast. “I look at you?” His teeth scraped gently, erotically over her sensitive skin, and she heard herself gasp even as her arms cradled his head to her.
What had she been saying? He was still in control. Even now, while she lay in his arms and could feel his body burning for hers, hungry for hers, he was in complete control. She turned more fully into his arms, her body pressing closer to the enormous strength of his. What would it feel like to belong? Really belong to someone? Not to be afraid all the time? When she was with Lucian, she was never afraid.
Lucian felt her body, soft and pliant, molding itself to his. He pushed the offending cloth farther from her skin, exposing her small, perfectly molded breasts to the cool air. To his dark, possessive gaze. To the heat of his mouth. She really was a miracle, everything about her. Her body moved restlessly, and he shifted his weight to pin her more fully beneath him, needing to feel every inch of her imprinted against his skin. He lowered his mouth and tasted her breast, his tongue swirling lazily, teasing her nipple into a hard peak.
He could hear the ebb and flow of her blood rushing through her veins, calling to him, beckoning with a sweet invitation. He murmured her name softly, stroked her skin, tracing each separate rib, finding the indentation of her small waist. In his ears was a dull roar, and the beast within him lifted its head and roared for release. Roared to claim what belonged to it.
Jaxon sensed the change in him. It was in the hard possession of his hands, the sudden aggression of his body. For the first time she was afraid. She caught his thick black hair in her fists and made a small sound somewhere between submission and protest. “Lucian.” She whispered his name like a talisman, knowing he would always protect her.