Rebecca Zanetti: Fated

She wasn’t sure what her goal was, but she didn’t reach it. A genuine smile played across his lips, and he uncrossed his arms. “You’re not going to make it.”

She inhaled the thick sweetness of the impatiens, trying to calm her nerves. Trying to clear her head. Most men relaxed when they smiled, became more approachable. With Talen, a showing of teeth seemed like a warning. His gaze ran over her face and her skin flushed in response. Enough. A creeping anger started to burn in her belly. “Get out of my way so I can get my daughter.”

A slow shake of his head skittered unease down her spine. “While you may choose to ignore fate, the outcome of this day is inevitable.”

“Outcome?” She hated the quiver in her voice.

“We will be married before leaving this building and mated before another dawn emerges.”

“I. Said. No.” She fought the urge to grab the chair off the floor and chuck it at his stubborn head.

“You may choose to ignore fate, and you may choose to ignore your own abilities, your own intuition that would tell you this is right, but”—angry green flecks swirled through the molten gold of his eyes—”you have no choice when it comes to the safety of your daughter. It is paramount. As her mother, you know that.”

She stumbled back a step, fury slamming through her. “You’re threatening my daughter?” Panic warred with her rational mind, and her breath caught. She needed to get to Janie. Now.

Talen straightened to his full height. “Hell, no. The most sacred duty I’ll ever have is protecting that child.” The green flecks in those eyes overtook the gold. “And any others we may have.”

“I don’t understand.” Chaos and pure denial swirled through her brain.

“That’s because you’re not being rational.”

“Rational?” Her voice rose to an uncomfortable shriek. She wasn’t a woman who shrieked, damn it.

“Yes. Stop for a moment and think. The treaty’s over. You and Janie have been discovered. You are a potential mate, one the Kurjans will do anything to acquire. You don’t want that, Cara.”

“I can keep my daughter safe.” Her eyes widened as he laughed. He actually laughed.

“I took you in less than three minutes, and that was with keeping you from harm. With not scaring Janie. You can’t protect her. Hell, your government can’t protect her. Face it Cara, I’m all you’ve got.” He straightened his stance.

She took another step back. “If our government isn’t helpful, why are we here? Why are we meeting with them?”

“I didn’t say they weren’t helpful. I said they can’t protect you. They do come in handy for a good cover story, which you’ll need. Since you just disappeared.”

Disappeared? Oh God. A sob rose in her throat, and she stamped down on the fear. Who was going to water her plants? She scrambled to reason with him. “I’ll hire you.”

“I don’t need money.” He pushed away from the door.

Toward her.

“If what you say is true, and I’m not saying I believe it, but, even so, if I marry you, the Kurjans would still want me.”

“No. You only get one mate, darlin’. You’ll be safe as soon as tomorrow. They won’t be able to touch you. Literally.” Two slow strides and he stood less than a foot away.

She lifted her head to meet his eyes, refusing to retreat another step. “Why?”

Talen pushed a curl off her cheek. “Chemicals. Something exchanged during the mating act.” Another step and his energy swam over her, through her. The scent of man and purpose mingled with spiced pine to dance over her skin.

The gold of his eyes held her in place. Her heart started to thrum. His hand cradled her chin and those eyes dared her to stop him. Tension threaded through the room, and a buzzing began between her ears. She opened her mouth to say something, anything.

He lowered his head. Then, fire.

Firm lips heated hers, taking her under. His other hand moved to the small of her back. He pressed her closer. Into impossible hardness. Lava washed through her and she slammed shields into place, but this passion was her own. She couldn’t shield herself from within.

He bent her to fit him, his mouth taking hers with a hunger barely checked. She forgot where she was. Hell, she forgot who she was. She returned his kiss, whimpered deep within, and pressed into pure strength. Her body softened as his hardened.

Still, he went deeper.

His growl echoed in the blood racing through her veins. He pivoted, lifting her onto the table. Her butt slapped hard wood as he stepped into her, one hand fisted in her hair, the other holding her upright. Her knees clenched his hips, and his tongue took hers, fiercely and without question.

He lifted his head, and she could only stare, bemused. The green dominated the gold in his eyes. How was that possible? A dark flush worked its way across his high cheekbones, and his canines dropped low and sharp.

Alarm cut through her desire, her body froze, preparing to flee. Her heart galloped into a run, and her mouth went dry. “Wait.” She started to struggle.

Talen lifted his head toward the door like a wolf catching a scent. He released her and stepped away. “They’re returning.” His canines retracted again.

Cara jumped off the table to straighten her hair and clothing. What in the hell had just happened? Good God, she’d kissed him like the truth to the universe existed on his tonsils. Her breasts still ached heavy and full—for him. A deadly stranger with fangs—one who could probably kill her without breaking a sweat—and she’d kissed him like he was hers. She needed a shrink.

“Still questioning our bond?”

She concentrated on the closed door, refusing to look at him. “We don’t need to get married.”

“Yes, we do.”

“You believe in marriage?”

“No. Our mating rituals predate your marriage. But I find I want your vows.” He watched the door as well. “Since I can hear our minister with the director, you might want to accept that fact now.”

“Talen—” There had to be some way to reason with him.

“Janie isn’t safe until we reach my headquarters. Only mates are allowed to know its location, and we’re not leaving until you give those vows, Cara.”

Her mind scrambled for some way out of this mess. There was nothing but the need to keep Janie safe. “Fine,” she spat, “but my taking vows doesn’t mean anything else, Talen.” The walls closed in on her, and she stifled the urge to scream her head off. Like a mouse in a maze, her gaze darted around the room searching for a way out.

“You think you’ll say no, darlin’? After that kiss?” His deep chuckle sent her temper spinning.

“What kiss?” she retorted.

His second chuckle echoed louder than the first.

A small beep made her glance toward Talan’s watch where he pressed a button. “My brother has arrived to pick us up. Are you ready to get married?” The deep hue of his eyes met hers in challenge. The door opened, and Janie skipped in before the director and a round man in black robes.

Cara’s heart stuttered and then melted as Janie ran into her arms. Instinct and love washed over her—she’d do anything to keep her daughter safe. Even marry a vampire.

“I’m ready.”

Less than an hour later, Cara signed the license for the minister wondering if the document would be recorded. Anywhere. The marriage ceremony had taken place quickly in the small conference room. Talen uttered his vows in a deep, sure voice while holding her hand in a large, gentle grip. Janie had all but danced with glee at her side. Then Talen wrapped a warm metal cuff around her left wrist. She attempted to study the intricate pattern inlaid on the thick copper but had been interrupted when the justice told Talen he could kiss his bride.