“We’ll send our best troops. I’ll even go if you want. You need to stay here.”
“You’re not listening to me.” Moira fought the urge to burn Conn again.
He studied her face, his gaze hard. “I’m listening. I’m just not agreeing. Deal with it.” His cell phone buzzed, and he flipped the screen open to read. With a raised eyebrow, he closed the device, tucking the cell in his pocket.
Moira eyed the door. “I need to get home and assist the council, Conn.” If she had to burn him to a cinder, she would.
He shut his eyes for a brief second before opening them, his jaw setting. “You’re not going anywhere, Moira. The text message was from Dage. Your aunt just requested assistance from the Realm in protecting you.” Raw determination hardened his jaw. “This is a good thing. Either way, you’re staying here until I deal with this threat.”
She took a step away. Her aunt wanted her to remain with the Kayrs family in case the Nine withdrew—so she was in place to betray them. Nobody had the right to tell her to stay. “Who the hell do you think you are?” Anger returned so fast her breath caught. “More important, who the hell do you think I am?”
His shoulders went back. “You’re my mate.”
The freaking vampire truly didn’t understand her. “So what? I have a job to do.”
Triumph glittered in his eyes. “I understand. The leader of the council, your boss, ordered you to stay here until we figure out what’s going on.”
“No.” Her voice shook she was so furious. “My aunt ordered The Seventh to stay here in a blanket of safety.” Or as a Trojan horse. “I’m an enforcer.”
He cocked his head to the side. “Either way, you work for the Nine, Moira.”
The man was correct. She gave one short nod. “I quit. Now get out of my way so I can fly to Ireland and tell Viv that in person. My choice is to go forward on my own.” Being an enforcer had fit her on all fronts. She’d miss her job, but no way would she let anyone dictate her life. Destiny had made her the seventh sister of the seventh sister, which gave her powers beyond those shared by the Nine. She hadn’t even begun to tap into the energy she could harness.
“Good. We’ll e-mail your letter of resignation.” Conn folded his arms.
Her jaw ached as she clenched her teeth together. “I don’t answer to you any more than the council, Conn. Get the fuck out of my way.”
His eyes sparked. “Do you really think I’m going to let you put yourself in a danger the Nine can’t even quantify?”
“Think you can stop me?” She summoned her own energy, gasping at the heat through her lungs. A ball of energy began to form above her left palm.
Faster than she’d have imagined possible, Conn shot forward and lifted her by the elbows, laying her down on an empty table. Her shoulders hit with a dull thunk. Hovering over her, he leaned down, his breath heated against her lips. “We already played that game, Dailtín. I’d rather not go there again.”
Her body flushed hot with desire while her mind sparked with fury. She gave a muffled shriek, levering her legs to kick him solidly in the stomach. He huffed an irritated “oof,” but didn’t move, a light of male intent filling his eyes along with a translucent green she’d never seen.
Determination filled Moira. He wanted to play, did he? Scissoring her legs, she clasped his chest, twisting sideways and throwing him to the floor. He landed with a snarl.
Leaping, she dropped onto his stomach, angling one knee toward his balls and an elbow against his jugular. A keyboard bounced off the table, landing next to him.
He smiled.
She stilled.
Her eyes widened. Instinct forced her to press harder against his neck.
He flung a hand under her knee while grabbing her arm. Smooth reflexes had him lifting her away. “Whoever taught you to fight should be shot.” Her ass hit the floor. Seconds later he covered her head to toe.
The enforcers had taught her. “I’m a good fighter, Conn.” The heat of his body contrasted with the chill of the wooden floor in a way that sped up her heartbeat. Her body urged her to wrap her legs around his waist, but pure stubbornness had her slapping both palms against his ears.
He huffed out air, grabbing her wrists and extending them above her head. “You are such a brat.” He settled into her. “As a fighter, you’re fast and strike well. The second you pause, you’d better hold a weapon in your hand.”
Her nipples pebbled against his chest. “You’re right.” When strength came into play, she didn’t stand a chance with someone his size. Energy crackled along her arms. “I do hold a weapon.”
“Excellent.” He pressed his hardened groin against her.
She fought the need to rub along his length. “Get off me.”
“Why would I do that?” His free hand roamed down the side of her body to clasp her ass and tug her into male hardness. “This is where I like you.”
Forget subtlety or suggestion. The man always said just what he wanted. “Too bad.”
His dark eyebrows shot up. “Bet I could change your mind.”
The heat filling her pores guaranteed he could. Her body clamored for his. The branding on her hip pounded with painful need. But the situation called for them to come to some sort of agreement. “I’m not the person you envision for your mate, Conn. I’m an enforcer.”
“As such, you have your orders.” He scowled. “Sometimes our jobs require more of us than they should.” His hand tightened on her butt. A rock-hard erection pressed against her flesh, and she fought a whimper. “Believe me, Moira. I understand how frustrating it is to be stuck underground in safety when there’s a fight going on. I understand the need to be at the front and protect those you love.”
He said love. Of course, he was talking about his brothers, but still her heart jumped. “You do a good job protecting your family. Keep doing so, but I need to go.”
“Just what do you think you are?” His gaze dropped to her mouth, which actually tingled in response.
“A mate.”
“That’s family, darlin’. Like it or not.” He wet his lips, and she fought a groan. “Our world starts right here. You and me. Everything else spirals out ... my people, your people, friends, and enemies.”
“You make it sound so simple.” She took a deep breath. “What if it came down to your king or me? Say you had to choose, and only one of us would survive?”
“I’m choosing not to engage in silly riddles, Moira. We chart our own destinies, and I’ll keep my choices from narrowing to you or my king. You should know that.” He partially lifted her off the floor, sliding her along his length.
Her nipples pebbled. Arrogance and faith in his own abilities made up the vampire. She appreciated the qualities, though they infuriated her at the same time. “I hope you’re right.”
They probably shouldn’t be rolling around on the floor of the public computer room. Anyone might walk inside.
Something vibrated in his pocket against her, and she jumped in surprise. Conn chuckled, releasing her wrists to yank out the cell phone and press it to his cheek. “I’m busy.” His entire body stiffened as he listened. “I’ll be right there.” Rolling to his feet, he tugged Moira up.
Gentle fingers brushed curls off her face. He leaned in with a hard kiss. “The demons attacked a clan of feline shifters in Alaska, taking hostages. They’re members of the Realm and I need to go.”