Rebecca Zanetti - Shadowed

It might’ve been a happy home for her. But some things weren’t meant to be.

Jase had stayed with her underground when she was sure to blow up. More than that, he’d risked his own life and sanity to save her. But when it had come down to it, he’d chosen revenge over helping her. A man in love didn’t make that choice. Although he was an honorable man and would fulfill his duties, she didn’t want to be a duty, and she didn’t want him to sacrifice for her. She owed him, and she’d make this easy on him.

Spreading out her fingers, she watched aqua flames dance on her skin. The comet had passed, as had the solstice, but some power remained. Much more vibrated through her veins than she’d ever had, even before she’d been poisoned. Unfortunately, she needed time to regain control.

She sensed Jase before he prowled into view. The early light flitted across his angled face, highlighting shadows and strength. Tucking his hands into faded jeans, he leaned against the trunk of a massive pine.

“How are you?” he asked, his voice a deep rumble.

A shiver wound down her spine from the husky tone. “I’m fine.”

“Good. Sorry we missed your birthday.”

“I’m glad it’s over.”

He eyed the ocean. “How’s your control?”

“Marginal, but I’ll get it.” This polite talk was giving her a headache. “I’m sorry I couldn’t cure the virus.”

He turned, his eyes cutting through the morning. “You did something better. What you did, saving Janie . . .”

“I know.” Sometimes life took odd twists.

“Thank you.” His hair was growing out, and she wondered if he’d let it go shaggy like when he was younger. The relaxed look worked on him. “Kane thinks the triggers are out of my brain for good now.”

“I’m glad.”

“So you don’t need to worry any longer.”

“I’m leaving tomorrow.” She extended her legs, stretching the tendons. The Kayrs men were honorable to the core, and Jase would try to be a good mate. But they’d mated for convenience, and for survival, and she wouldn’t hold him to honor. “Maybe when a cure is found for Virus-27, we’ll also figure out a way to negate matings.” The idea of him mating somebody else cut deep.

“No.” His instant grin flashed white teeth.

“Don’t be difficult,” she sighed. “I don’t want to stay.”

He pushed off from the tree. “That’s unfortunate, because I’m not letting you go.”

Now that sounded like a Kayrs male, didn’t it? She shook her head. “You already let me go.”

“I was wrong.” He stood with his feet braced, tall and indomitable. “And I was coming to get you.”

She’d been treated like a duty her entire life. She deserved better. “I owe you for saving my life, but that’s all you get. You don’t get me.”

“Ah, Brenna. I already have you.” His voice dropped to a tone that licked along her spine and softened her sex. “Fight me all you want, but you won’t win. You’re not going anywhere.”

Anger tickled the base of her neck, and flames danced on her skin. She stood, trying to keep her voice level. “You might want to rethink that. Some of the comet’s power remained.” The need to challenge him rose hard and fast in her. He thought he could treat her like a duty and dictate her life? Not a chance in hell.

“You want to fight? We’ll fight. You throw fire, and I’ll throw ice.” He sounded like he was discussing the latest football scores. “But you’re staying here, and you’re staying with me.”

Panic flushed through her. She turned for the house. “I said, no.” A hard wind smacked into her chest, halting her progress. She flipped around, fury crackling over her skin. “You don’t want this.”

“Oh, but I do.” He angled closer to her, a predator on the prowl.

Fine. Extending her fingers, she shot three hard plasma balls at his face. One casual sweep of his hand sent the wind carrying them out to sea.

Brenna dropped her hand and side-armed a ball at his leg. The plasma hit hard, knocking him back a step.

He growled and lunged for her.

She yelped, hands up in defense. Her palms burned through his shirt, shredding the cotton. He grabbed her, ice washing along her skin.

Thank goodness. She hadn’t meant to burn him. “I’m sorry.”

The corners of his eyes crinkled. “I’ve always thought you were hot.”

God. That charm would be the end to her. “Let go of me.”

“Not going to happen.” He slid his arms around her waist. “Ever.”

Tempting as sin, he was. She shook her head. “I want love.”

“You have it.”

Her heart lurched, and she searched for calmness. “The real kind.”

He grinned, flashing a dimple. “I love you with everything I am, with everything I’ll ever be, and with every hope I could ever dream.”

Now that was just sweet. She wanted to fall into the dream, but reality always returned. “What about Suri?”

“I don’t love him at all.” Jase pulled her closer, into his hard body.

“You know what I mean.” The man had left her once to chase revenge, just when she’d needed him.

Jase leaned back, his gaze serious. “You come first, no matter what.”

This was too good to be real. She shook her head to keep sane. “No.”

“Yes.”

She bit her lip. “What about revenge?”

“I still want it—and I want Suri dead.” Jase’s hold tightened. “But I won’t leave you when you need me, I promise.”

Dreams didn’t come true like this. “Jase—”

“I’m damaged, and I’m determined to kill.” Regret twisted his lip. “But I’m all yours, baby. The good and the bad.”

Well, now. “No, you don’t understand.”

“I do understand. What’s more, I love you. Completely. Please stay.”

The words rang with truth, and her heart thumped hard. If she wanted him to accept her for herself, she could do no less for him. She needed him, and she wanted to be there every day to help him fight his demons. Who knew? Maybe they’d actually win. “All right.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “And?”

Her smile broke free. “I love you, too.”

His smile beat hers. “In that case”—he released her and dropped to one knee—“how about we do this right?”

She stopped breathing. “Right?”

“Yeah.” He pulled out a platinum diamond solitaire surrounded by intricate Celtic knots. “This reminded me of you. Consider it a late birthday present.” He slipped the ring on her finger.

The morning light flickered across the amazing stone. She blinked.

He grinned. “Marry me.”

“You’re supposed to ask.” She grinned. A Kayrs didn’t ask, but the thought was amusing.

“Would you do me the incredible honor of marrying me?” he asked softly.

The man was full of surprises. “Yes.” She rushed him, and he caught her, falling back with a laugh.

A golden cuff instantly fastened around her left wrist, the magic metal re-forming to a tight fit. She frowned. “What in the world?”

“My brothers and I each have a cuff from childhood—they attach to our mates, too.” Jase rolled her over, pressing her into the ground.

“Take it off.”

“Nope. It stays on.” He tangled his fingers in her hair.

Desire warmed her torso. “My sister doesn’t wear a cuff.”

“I think it’s on her ankle.” Jase captured Brenna’s mouth in a hard kiss. “Though maybe you could convince me to take it off . . .”

Brenna had finally found her home. Who knew it’d be with a wounded, scarred vampire? “Not a problem, Kayrs.” Hooking her ankles at his waist, she kissed him with all the love she’d held back until now.

The king of the Realm finished securing the ancient cuff links at his wrists, his mind focusing on fifteen other matters at once. A rustle sounded by the doorway of his bedroom, and he turned.