Arak's Love: A World Beyond Book 2 (14 page)

Sylvie reached over the table and clasped hands with the caramel-skinned woman who had red streaks in her dark hair. Not Enotian but the distinctive gold rings around her blue eyes would be hard to miss. Her scent was reminiscent of one he was becoming used to. Earthling, he guessed.

Sylvie glared at him but spoke to her friend. “Leesa, you don’t have to.”

Leesa stood, eyes sparking with humor as her gaze passed over Arak. “Don’t worry. I’ll head home now. My Chosen, Mylin, worries if I’m out late.”

Arak felt no remorse when the woman smiled at him, leaned over and gave Sylvie a brief hug before leaving. Several patrons in the restaurant turned and watched the shapely tall woman exit, her hips swaying beneath the gold one piece pantsuit that flattered her coloring. Arak faced Sylvie, her friend no longer a thought and sat in the abandoned seat.

A small candle flickered in a yellow jeweled container at the center of the table. Sylvie’s blue eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. Lips that glistened with a peach color additive. She’d dressed for her evening out. Golden hair fell over one shoulder in a sleek wave, the ends forming a single fat curl which lay close to the full breasts revealed by the low neckline of her lavender top.

“I didn’t know you were back.” Her tone conveyed annoyance and irritation.

“Would you have been waiting?” His question pushed boundaries but Arak couldn’t find it in himself to care.

Her brows dipped low. “What’s with you?”

His cat stretched and prodded at his temper. All he’d wanted to do was return and surround himself with Sylvie’s scent. Pick-up where they’d left off, fill his hands with the full mounds of her breasts on display and nuzzle into her womanly softness. Instead she was out at one of the most popular places to be seen. Arak snarled. He didn’t want other males seeing her beauty.

“I wanted to see you,” he confessed.

Her eyes softened at the disclosure.

“Joni said you were on a date,” Arak continued.

The softness fled as her brows lifted. “So you rushed down here to do what?”

His upper lip peeled back, revealing his sharp fangs. “I would have taken care of him.”

Sylvie’s mouth parted to ream him out no doubt but the waiter interrupted and set a steaming plate of brown pasta, vegetables and diced meat covered in a brown sauce.
Peisanta.
Arak’s stomach rumbled at one of his favorite dishes.

The waiter recognized him a second later and grinned, his professional demeanor relaxing to one of comfort. “We weren’t aware you planned to dine tonight. Does Garis know you’re here?”

Arak leaned back in his chair, resigned to this. If he’d considered all the factors in his mad rush over, it might have made him re-think coming to Santagos, especially on what was sure to be a busy evening. “I just stopped by Mik.”

Mik nodded and whipped out an electronic tablet from the leather pouch tied around his slim hips. “What would you like? The cooks will make anything you request.”

Sylvie’s stare turned curious and Arak kept his gaze on Mik as his neck heated. “Anything with meat. Lots of it.”

Mik tapped away. “Of course. Did you just return? Should I let Garis know?”

“I’m already aware.”

Arak closed his eyes on a brief exhale then opened them and faced the man who’d silently joined them. Mik faded away with a final head nod toward him.

“Arak, it’s been too long since you’ve stopped by. You look tired.”

And why did that make him feel like a naughty child being reprimanded ever so gently.

***

Arak’s appearance caught Sylvie off guard. He had strode across the restaurant with determined steps, blue eyes blasting ice cold fury. So much so Sylvie had shivered, her gaze darting around the cozy restaurant with its sheer elegance to see who had set Arak off. Tension crept up her spine when she didn’t notice anyone or anything out of the ordinary.

With laser focus he’d paused at her table and all his contained energy zeroed in on her. Now he sat across from her as calm as possible after interrupting her first night out with a new neighbor, another Earth woman who met her Chosen the same day as Faye met Torkel. Leesa had shared the hard to believe story of Faye’s attack during the Enotian presentation ceremony.

“Arak, it’s been too long since you’ve stopped by. You look tired.”   

Sylvie tipped her head back to see a slender, blond man standing beside their table. Slightly older with hints of silver at his temples but his blue eyes stared at Arak in relief.

“I’m fine,” Arak sighed and ran a hand through his disheveled, dark hair.

Had something happened on his mission? She hadn’t expected him to be gone for three days.

“Who is your lovely companion this evening?”

Another sigh and Arak straightened in his seat. His hand slid across the table before Sylvie could react and gripped her hand, lacing their fingers. The shock of the touch thrilled her.

“Sylvie, this is Garis Wilda. Papan, it pleases me to introduce Sylvie Forrester recently from Earth.”

Arak’s words clicked into place. Papan. This was his father? The man hardly looked old enough to have a grown son and had the typical appearance of an Enotian.

Sylvie tugged on her hand slightly, smiling at Garis all the while. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Arak released her, fingers gliding over her palm.

Garis’ smile beamed. He inclined his head in her direction. “Forgive the intrusion. My son has not visited in some time.”

Arak lowered his head to the linen covered table with a thump but she witnessed the hint of red on his neck.

Garis offered her another smile, eyes twinkling. “I hope you enjoy your meal this evening. Make him bring you by the home and perhaps we shall visit. If he remembers the way.”

Arak’s head snapped up as he groaned. “Pa-pan.”

Garis winked. “It’s true. You’ve been gone so long I wondered if you’d lost your way.”

A grin curled Sylvie’s lips at the subtle reprimand. He rubbed his son’s back and Sylvie sensed the connection between them easily. Someone called Garis’ name and he left them with a final word to order what they wanted.

“Your father seems nice,” Sylvie spoke, twirling pasta on her silverware. The first taste melted on her tongue in a burst of season and herbs far from what she was used to on Earth but delicious none the less.

“He is,” Arak agreed then leaned back in his chair as their eager waiter returned and placed a plate consisting of grilled meat and nothing else in front of Arak before disappearing once more.

Sylvie’s eyes widened but Arak started on the food immediately. The heat of her gaze must have gotten through because he lifted his head mid-chew. He swallowed, his throat moving with the motion. “I’m sorry. I’ve not eaten all day.”

So polite. Sympathy faded the last of Sylvie’s ire with him for interrupting her evening with Leesa. She remembered he’d just returned. “Tough mission?”

He paused and met her gaze. Stress lines bracketed his mouth. “They’re all tough. Jutaks mostly handle high-level assignments, riots and escaped prisoner retrieval. It’s what we train for.”

She learned more about him each time they spoke. He returned to his meal and she understood he didn’t want to talk about it. Sylvie directed her conversation to something simple. “Does Garis eat here often?”

At her question, Arak dropped his utensil beside his now empty plate and chuckled. His eyes brightened and his fangs flashed with his broad smile. “My papan owns Santagos.”

Amazement gave her pause in enjoying her meal. “Your father owns this place?”

He nodded.

“And you don’t eat here every night?” She couldn’t imagine such, inhaling another mouth of pasta to reiterate the point.

Arak chuckled again. “If I want to eat what Santagos serves, I don’t come here I go home. My papan is always eager to cook for me. He lives alone and likes the opportunity to work in the kitchen again.”

Sylvia remembered what he’d said about his mother. Lissi and Faye had explained a little about the Enotian custom of finding a life partner through a chosen presentation. The process sounded risky to her but the idea of women making the choice appealed to her.

“Is he going to try the presentation again? Since your mom is gone.”

Arak’s brows dipped low and his mouth twisted in disgust. “No, he says he loved her with everything he had and always will.”

Sweet and sad. Those few minutes talking with him showed Garis to be a pleasant man. Hopefully he’d fall in love again. It also brought her back to what Arak had said earlier.

“Did you really come here to…beat up my date?” The very thought was too barbaric. No one owned her. She wouldn’t be owned again.

“Beat up?” His dark brow arched.

Sylvie made a fist and held it up. “Hit, attack, fight.”

A wicked grin flashed across his face. “If you were dining with another male I would have gut him.”

Her mouth dropped. Sylvie couldn’t believe him. People didn’t go around attacking people for going out together. “You can’t be serious!”

Chapter 16

His silence must have lasted too long, letting her know exactly how serious he was. Sylvie reached over for a shiny handbag he hadn’t noticed and stood. “I think I’ll leave. My appetite is suddenly gone.”

She marched away from the table before it hit him that she was leaving.

“Sylvie!” Arak jumped to his feet and chased her, ignoring the startled gazes he received from the other diners.

Her flight continued through a narrow archway he knew for fact led to a minuscule coat closet. Arak cornered her as she breezed through, allowing the door to shut behind them in the enclosed space. Sylvie’s fingers stabbed at the buttons on the wall-mounted panel and the rack of coats flipped around a suspended system, bringing the clothing to a swaying halt.

Her usually sweet odor held tints of anger and Arak didn’t need to follow the tense lines of her shoulders to sense her emotions. His gaze dropped from the lavender top to the knee-length skirt in the same color as it twirled about her limbs. Sylvie’s long legs shifted as she leaned forward for a silver coat inches from her fingertips.

“No one owns me,” she grumbled under her breath.

Savage need assailed him. Desire built in rapid waves, his heart raced to keep up with the surge of emotions. He just needed a touch. One slight caress from her trembling fingers to ease the inferno raring through his body. Arak moved in until her back lined with his front, his face unerringly nuzzled into the crook of her delicate neck. He inhaled deeply and her honeyed fragrance pushed away the last of his own worry and anger. Worry that she’d found someone else. Anger that she hadn’t waited.

Arak lowered his voice to the husky whisper he knew affected her. “I don’t want to own you. I’m sorry you took my words this way.”

His lips took a sensuous journey down the exposed column of her neck. The honey spilling in the air increased. Arak locked his hands at her waist and pulled her snug against his hips, groaning at the contact he’d longed for. Sylvie’s head tipped to the side and her pulse sped up as she leaned her slight weight into him.

Arak savored the moment of triumph and eased the edge of her skirt up, fingers flirting with the silken skin of her thigh until he had her lower half exposed. His teeth nipped at the flesh he’d kissed, not missing the shiver coursing down Sylvie’s spine. “Yes, feel it. Feel me, love.”

When his fingertips brushed along the cloth covered core of her, another shiver accompanied her small cry. Sylvie’s hips jerked and Arak’s other hand at her waist bit down holding her in place for his pleasure. His shaft throbbed against the fullness of her buttocks, her every shudder a reward for his patience.

“Arak,” she moaned, hands coming above her head to thread through his hair.

“You promised, Sylvie,” he murmured, kissing the delicate curve of her ear. “No more running from what we feel. You and me.”

“I’m not running. You can’t go around trying to kill people who go out with me.”

“Not people.” His teeth grazed her pulse. “Only other males.”

She snorted.

Arak deepened the caress. Her breathing grew shallow as her panties dampened. Rich honey. Arak breathed deep, completely intoxicated by her. “I do love the way you smell Sylvia Forrester.” Another inhale. “Especially when you’re aroused and …wet.”

Arak nudged his fingers beneath the edge of her underwear and brushed beyond moist curls to her silken folds. Another swipe and Sylvie’s fingers clenched in his hair. He growled, the low sound continuous, and added a finger to probe her heated depths. Her moisture ran over his fingers and she moved in his arms, the familiar dance drawing a deep groan from him.

***

Sylvie tossed her head back and forth, overcome as Arak caressed her. Anger melted. Muscles clamped on his fingers, her nerve endings buzzing with sensation.

Arak eased back, eyes on her face. “I’m so turned on right now. I don’t want to stop touching you.”

He reiterated the point with a slick pump from the two fingers deep in her core. “Open for me.”

Secure in his embrace, Sylvie parted her legs wider and allowed him to take her weight. Anything to continue the rich feelings stirring in her middle. Arak leaned his head on her shoulder, nuzzling against her neck. The affectionate gesture at odds with the passion he ignited had Sylvie admitting what she’d known from the moment he’d surprised her by sitting at the table.

She was falling for him. And maybe just maybe he was falling for her too. It was there in the way he touched her, the way he looked out for her and his constant habit of sniffing her. Sylvie’s lips curved. It was there in the way he liked to crowd her when they were in a room together. Like now when the closet offered enough space for two comfortably but he turned it into an opportunity to get close to her. The Marenians didn’t get to take this opportunity from her. She wouldn’t let them.

“Why the smile?” he asked.

Sylvie tipped her head back to face him fully “You crowd me.”

His brow crinkled. “This makes you smile?”

“It makes me happy to know you really care about me.”

Blue inked into navy as his gaze narrowed. “It’s more than care, Sylvie.”

His fingers slid from her, slick with her passion. He prevented her reply by spinning her around in his arms and taking her mouth in a demanding kiss. Hands caressed her back as his thighs pressed insistently between her legs. Sylvie bumped the small ledge behind her, dragging her fingers through his hair.

Head back, Arak’s lips parted and he purred. “Do that again.”

Hands buried in the thick strands, Sylvie raked his scalp with her nails, receiving the same response. Deep, rumbling vibrations curled up from his chest and throat then poured out.

He went still all over. Sylvie blinked and focused on him but Arak exploded into motion and tugged frantically at the neckline of her top, baring her breasts. Seconds later, his mouth rasped over the sensitive buds. Wet, heat engulfed her nipple as he sucked.

“Arak,” she cried out. Pressure built, pushing her toward climax.

He switched to the other side, giving it the same rough laving. Sylvie gasped as she rolled her hips against him. When he pulled back, his fingers replaced his mouth and lightly plucked at her sensitized nipples. Under his attention the buds hardened and her thighs trembled.

“You’re so close,” he crooned. His hands returned lower and eased along her moist folds. “I want to touch you. Stroke you and feel you come all over my hands.”

***

Fire. She set fire to every nerve with a simple touch. Sylvie belonged to him. He’d leave his mark so no other would dare encroach. She had no idea. What he did had nothing to do with crowding. He did it because he liked the thought of his scent covering her.

“Arak,” she whimpered.

Arak stop or Arak please
. He had no time to figure it out because mixed with Sylvie’s aroma came another odor. One which drowned out the delicious honey bathing his fingers. Acrid and barely there, the insidious smell broke the spell Sylvie wove. Arak raised his head. His cat protested but he smoothed his hands over Sylvie’s dress, adjusting the material until it fell about her legs once more with a swirl.

“Arak?” This time her tone clearly questioned. The hands sifting through the strands of his hair paused before releasing him.

After finally having her touch him freely, Arak wanted to snarl at the loss but his training as a Jutak kicked in and he set Sylvie away from him. “Something’s wrong.”

Face flushed and chest rising, Sylvie turned. “What is it?”

Beautiful. She was breathtaking. Of their own volition, his hands rose and cupped her face. He stared deep into her mesmerizing blue eyes. “You’re beautiful, Sylvie.”

She melted. Her eyes lowered, lips parted and the feel of her in his arms tempted. Then the scent from earlier invaded. Unease rippled across his shoulders. Arak chuffed and dropped his hands to link one with Sylvie’s. He hadn’t made it this far as a Jutak by ignoring the senses his maman gifted him. “Something’s wrong.”

He pushed the door open with one palm not releasing his hold on Sylvie as his gaze searched the hall. Arak headed toward the main part of the restaurant, eyes never still.

“Arak?” The voice carried to him from down the narrow corridor.

Arak turned behind him. Everything from that point on occurred in slow motion. Mik, the waiter, made eye contact. He stood at the entrance to the back kitchens.

Waved.

Smiled.

Then the explosion hit.

The force knocked Arak back but his grip on Sylvie never wavered as his arms wrapped around her. They landed in the dining area of the restaurant on a nearby table, sending it crashing to the floor. Panic ensued. The blast had taken out the back half of the place plus the kitchen. If they’d stayed in the coat closet…he broke off the thought. The world sped back up. Diners rushed around them, heading for the only available exit. Screams filled the air.

Arak jumped to his feet, tugging Sylvie’s wrist and helping her up. Her dazed eyes blinked. He wanted to comfort her but they didn’t have time. “Move, Sylvie!”

She flinched and stumbled in her shoes but followed. His thumb caressed the thumping pulse at her wrist in apology for snarling as he hurried them through the streaming crowd. Overhead alarms started to ring, the emergency system warning everyone to evacuate.

“Please exit in a calm manner, there is danger. Please exit in a calm manner, there is danger,” the automatic voice droned.

“What’s going on, Arak?”

Fear coated the anxious question and Arak ruthlessly pushed his cat far back in order to maintain his form on two legs. His mate was in danger. “Not sure, love. Keep moving.”

Smoke filled the air. He joined the ebb and flow of those fleeing for the exit on the left of the main portion of the restaurant. Arak’s breathing held steady but his heart raced. A quick scan gauged the distance. Only a few more feet and they’d be clear. Sylvie would be safe. Glass crunched beneath his boots. If anything happened to Sylvie he’d lose his mind.

On the heels of the thought another explosion rocked Santagos. The loud crack thundered through the room. Fluid dripped from Arak’s ear as he fought back a howl of pain. Around them several people fell. Others trampled the fallen in their bid to escape. Arak picked up his pace. A sharp cry from behind had Sylvie hesitating, pulling away. He reached for her without thought, the need to protect driving him. She looked up, eyes wide and the scent of her fear nearly drowned him. Arak curved his arm around her shoulder, guiding her forward again.

“I need you safe, Sylvie,” he murmured, heart pounding against his chest. “I’ll help after you’re clear.”

He made the promise easily. Arak meant it on his word as a Jutak. But he’d do nothing until this woman who held a part of him was away from the devastation around them. The ceiling caved to the floor, blocking their way. Changing direction and ignoring the heat at their backs, Arak kicked aside chairs and shoved at tables with half eaten meals, his goal the plate glass window at the front. More screams and cries behind them.

People stampeded forward with the same thought. A huge metal pot flew at the window. Spider cracks appeared. Another determined customer used the legs of a table and hammered until it shattered, spraying glass in a tinkling wave to the ground outside. Everyone funneled forward.

One man paused, his leg half over the cleared window. He pointed beyond Arak. “It’s going to blow again. Get out!”

More people surged forward, the wave pushing them aside. They’d never get through at this rate. Sylvie turned to him, fear flashing through her eyes. Arak had a moment to think. A moment to react to the danger. The floor rocked as he grabbed her at the waist and hefted her in his arms. Arak took several running steps, knowing he’d never make it. Not the both of them. A running leap landed him on top of an intact table. He had one chance. His gaze dropped to Sylvie. Color had leaked from her face, leaving her pale and trembling in his arms. She meant so much to him.

“Be safe, Sylvie,” Arak murmured.

“W-what?!” Sylvie read his expression and clawed at his shirt, fingers grasping as she sought a firm grip. “Don’t! No, Arak!”

He didn’t listen as his hands curved over her hips. Then Arak tossed her. Held her high in his arms and tossed her as hard as he could toward the opposite side of the loud bangs at their back. One second her body flew through the air, arms akimbo, a vision in lavender with blonde hair swirling and the next something slammed hard into Arak’s back with enough force to knock him from the table and across the floor. The lights went out.