Crimson Dichotomy (Dichotomy Saga) (7 page)

She wiggled and moaned as he drove her beyond endurance. He felt her come beneath his fingertips, hard, rhythmic spasms of release. Before she regained composure, he turned her toward the desk and urged her down across the smooth surface. He guided her hands to the far side of the desktop and curved her fingers over the edge.

“Open your legs, hellion. Make room for me.” Her thighs tensed then she obeyed, moving her feet farther apart. He stroked her back and caressed her ass, fascinated by the silken texture of her skin.

He knelt behind her and inhaled her scent. Holding her cheeks apart, he licked her from clit to anus over and over. Her taste was addictive and he pushed his tongue directly into her core. She cried out softly, her inner muscles constricting, urging him on. So hot, so giving, so perfect for all his needs.

Desire raged through him and he surged to his feet, burying his cock to the hilt inside her pussy. She moaned, pinned by the weight of his body. He paused, surrounded with her softness and absorbing her heat.

For a long moment he couldn’t move, could think of nothing but the pleasure of being inside her. With just a few fast thrusts he could push them both over the edge, but his dark nature balked, demanding more, demanding complete surrender.

He pushed off the desk, separating their upper bodies, while remaining inside her. The lube rested within easy reach. If he gave in to his possessive urges, he’d never let her go. A smile curved his lips. Who was he kidding? He’d passed the point of no return the first time he’d kissed her.

Flipping open the cap, he squeezed some of the lube into the palm of his hand, then set the bottle aside. He scooped a generous glob off his hand and prepared her body for his entry. She shivered and wiggled as his fingers slid in and out of her back passage, firmly stretching with each careful stroke.

He eased her away from the desk, so he could reach her clit from the front. She remained pliant and relaxed, willing and ready. Warmed by her trust, he reined in his hunger and focused on her pleasure.

“If you don’t do this soon, I’m going to lose my mind.”

The urgency in her tone snapped the last thread of his control. He slid out of her pussy and pressed his cock against her other opening. She held perfectly still. He circled her clit several times then drove slowly inward.

Mara couldn’t breathe. She felt suspended, out of time and lost to reality. Her body stretched and stretched some more. Pressure turned to pain, but his fingers blended pleasure with the sting until she didn’t know how to interpret the sensations. Something inside her gave and he surged into her deeply. She gasped and shuddered.

Heat rushed up through her and her pussy tightened, inadvertently emphasizing the massive fullness lodged in her other passage. He pulled back a tiny bit and smeared more lube along his shaft and around her anus. When he pushed in again, the sting eased, leaving only overwhelming fullness.

His other hand returned to her clit, determined to shatter her sanity. She tossed her head and rolled her hips, pushing back onto his cock in the process. “I think… I need… Just move already!” He pulled back and pleasure spiraled through her, raw and forbidden, undeniably exciting. “God, yes. More!”

He needed no other encouragement. Holding her hips, he drew back slowly and drove in fast. Her breasts pressed against the cool surface of the desk, accenting the fiery delight building in her abdomen.

Rising to the balls of her feet, she gave him a better angle, taking him deeper with each firm drive. She cried out, gripping the edge of the desk until her knuckles ached.

He filled her body and swirled through her mind, the metaphysical connection every bit as astonishing as the tangible joining.

Feel me.
His deep voice manifested in her mind.
See me. Know all of me.

She opened for him, offering herself as freely as he shared himself with her. His movements sped as their beings merged. Colors danced before her eyes, surreal representations of the emotions washing over her.

Beautiful
, she thought.
It’s so beautiful.

We’re so beautiful
, he corrected.

The sensual storm exploded, driving them beyond thought. Pleasure poured through them and rushed over them in torrents of shimmering bliss. He wrapped his arm around her hips and pressed his face into the side of her neck. She reached back and found his other hand, entwining their fingers as the waves gradually receded.

“That was…” She couldn’t find words to express what they’d just experienced.

He didn’t even try. Kissing his way down her spine, he carefully separated their bodies and turned her to face him. His mouth claimed hers in a long, lingering kiss. “That’s going to be pretty hard to top,” he whispered against her damp lips.

“We have the rest of our lives to try.” She regretted the words as soon as she said them. He hadn’t said he wanted to make the bond permanent. He’d just wanted her to forget every lover that had come before him.

“How can you have doubts after what we just shared?” He interrupted her flash of insecurity. “We are soul mates, Mara. There’s no point fighting what we both know to be true.”

Joy burst through her uncertainty, parting her lips in a blinding smile.

“That’s more like it.” He kissed the tip of her nose then pinched her bottom. “Now stop screwing around. You’ve got work to do.”

“The gala is canceled and that’s final,” Steffen snapped later that night.

“It’s not your decision to make,” Mara returned just as vehemently.

“The danger is no longer just a possibility,” Hector joined in. “Robert is dead. This is real.”

“What does this vampire want with us? The elder council only deals with the Dichotomy. How could we have wronged him?”

“Don’t confuse Taerok with Valerie,” Steffen cautioned. “A common enemy might have brought them together, but their goals are very different. Taerok knows for a fact that combining human, Dichotomy, and vampire physiology can create a being immune to the solar trance.”

“What are you talking about? I thought he was helping Valerie avenge her family.”

“The details are classified,” Steffen told her. “We’ve been using his connection with Valerie as a cover as often as possible.”

“He knows about the Sentinels?”

Steffen nodded, looking decidedly uncomfortable. “Taerok’s father participated in the original project. It was his DNA, in part, that created my father and Max.”

“But their genetics were engineered in a laboratory. Taerok is trying to…consume the right combination of blood. Surely he sees the difference.”

They had congregated in the living room after Hector received the grisly news about Robert. Her father was the only one composed enough to sit. Steffen and Mara were pacing the room with alternate patterns.

Steffen paused at her side, his gaze sharp and assertive. “All I know for certain is Taerok can be merciless.”

“Do you need to see these pictures again?” Her father held up a stack of photographs. “You’ve known Robert for years. The council proposed him as a possible mate for you. How can you not be affected by this tragedy?”

“I’m not some callous bitch,” Mara objected. “Shall I show
you
pictures of all the children the Serenity Foundation helped last year? I’m not planning a social excursion here. This is an important fundraiser. People are counting on me.”

The men fell silent and Mara took a moment to absorb the new information. There were still pieces to the puzzle that didn’t fit. “If this isn’t about the council, why are you so certain he’s coming after me?”

“Max is busting his ass trying to find Taerok before he realizes he’s a step behind. Our only advantage so far has been knowledge. We know more about the—formula, for lack of a better word, than Taerok knows.”

“The genetic formula that created Max?”

“Yes. Vampires and humans have been blending their genetics in various combinations for centuries. Taerok knows it was only when Dichotomy DNA was added to the mix that the results became impressive.”

“So what is he missing? What does Max know that Taerok has yet to figure out?”

Steffen seemed reluctant to explain the rest, so Hector spelled it out. “He needs a halfling. He must start with a person who is already half human and half Dichotomy.”

Anxiety dropped into the pit of her stomach and she pressed her hand to the base of her throat. “Why me? There are halflings peppered all over the world.”

“There have been very few halflings in the Ruiz family,” her father went on. “Taerok wants the very best, the strongest and most powerful.”

“But I have no abilities. I can’t even send my thoughts.” Her link with Steffen had broadened her telepathic horizons, but this wasn’t the time to introduce that particular tangent.

“We’re not sure why, but abilities tend to skip generations when our bloodline mates with humans. Your children will likely have powers stronger than mine. That’s why the council has been so interested in your potential mate.”

“Only the oldest and most powerful families hold positions on the council,” Steffen said. “We believe Taerok will ultimately target one of their halfling descendants.”

“Are the others being guarded as well? What about Rebecca and Melissa? Oh my God, what about Colette? Her abilities are unbelievable.”

“Our agents are protecting everyone you mentioned and more,” Steffen assured her.

“How many of them are planning to attend the gala?” her father wanted to know.

She dreaded the answer, knowing it would give them more ammunition to use against her. Or would it? “It’s well known that many council members have generously supported the foundation.”

“Which is why it’s too dangerous to hold the event,” her father concluded.

“I disagree. If we warn everyone away, make sure I’m the only halfling there, we leave Taerok no choice but to make his move.”

Steffen’s gaze narrowed thoughtfully, but her father was having none of it. “There is no way you are setting yourself up as bait!”

“We’d create an opportunity the Sentinels would be able to control. We’d decrease the variables and—”

“Talk some sense into her,” Hector flared. “She stopped listening to me a long time ago.”

“She’ll be in danger until Taerok is destroyed,” Steffen muttered. “I don’t like using her as bait any more than you do, but it’s not a bad plan.”

“This is how you protect your assignments?” Hector sneered. “I’m not impressed.”

“Mara is more than my assignment and you know it. I can hide her away during this one event, but she’ll still be in danger. Taerok must be stopped permanently before anyone else is hurt.”

“I don’t like it,” Hector snapped.

“I don’t like it either, but we might never get another opportunity like this one again. Mara’s right. We can’t squander it.”

* * *

“You clean up pretty well,” Lukas said as he casually slipped into the chair beside Steffen.

Steffen glanced at his younger brother and smiled. The subdued light of the massive ballroom picked up the blue tones in his ink-black hair, which in turn made his sapphire eyes appear even brighter. “Right back at you.” Steffen couldn’t remember ever seeing Lukas in a tuxedo before. Faded jeans and a black leather jacket were far more his style.

“There’s a spectacular sunset going on outside.” Which meant they were running out of time. “Where did your charming companion disappear to?”

“I was just about to go find out.” Steffen pushed back his chair and stood. The structured portions of the gala had gone off without a hitch. The band had just begun to play, encouraging the guests to dance.

He’d spotted Max earlier in the day, but Max had instructed him not to react to his presence. It was imperative Taerok not connect him with any of the other Sentinels.
Is everyone in place?

We’re waiting for the delectable bait.

As if responding to the comment, Mara entered the ballroom through a side door and strolled toward them. Her emerald-green dress skimmed her curves, showcasing her figure with elegant subtlety. Steffen’s breath hitched and his heart thudded awkwardly for half a second before regaining its steady rhythm. Her exotic eyes picked up the color of her dress, appearing impossibly green.

“Damn,” Lukas muttered under his breath. “She is easy on the eyes.”

“She is
mine
.” The emphasis explained everything Lukas needed to know.

She reached them and slipped her hand into the crook of Steffen’s arm. “Are you going to introduce me?”

“Of course. This is my brother Lukas. Lukas, meet Mara Ruiz.”

Lukas held out his hand and Mara shook it. “I’m pleased you could make it. Have you enjoyed the party?”

“The food was wonderful and the band is great. What more could anyone ask?”

“I hope you express your appreciation with generosity.” She remained true to her role as she’d been instructed to do.

“Unfortunately, I missed the auction. I just arrived a few minutes ago.”

“It’s never too late for a donation,” she reminded with a pretty smile. “There are brochures on tables throughout the room.”

“I’ll make sure I grab one before I leave.” He raised her hand to his lips and brushed her knuckles with a light kiss. “It was nice meeting you.”

Time to enact the final phase of their plan. “You look a little pale,” Steffen said as Lukas disappeared into the crowd. “Are you feeling all right?”

“I’ve been running half a step ahead of a migraine all day. Unfortunately, I think I’m losing the race.”

“Can’t someone cover the rest of the party? You look pretty miserable.” She’d never looked more beautiful, but there was no telling who might overhear their conversation with this many people milling about.

“I’ve already arranged it. Can you have the car brought around?”

“I think you better come with me. You look pretty unsteady.”

“All right.”

Mara’s steps lagged a bit as they left the ballroom. There had been no evidence of vampires at the party, but the sun was just now going down.
What if he doesn’t show?

He’ll show.

Shortly after the incident in her office, Mara realized Steffen could hear her thoughts. Her inability to communicate telepathically had always made her feel inadequate. She didn’t know if she’d ever be able to send her thoughts to anyone else, but it comforted her to know their bond was strengthening.

Steffen had wanted to concentrate entirely on her protection, so he’d insisted they take a limo to the party. The hotel had a side entrance with a circular drive designed for limos and taxies. Steffen called their driver and wrapped his arm around her waist as they waited for the vehicle to arrive.

“Where is Max? I see no reason to negotiate with minions.”

The autocratic voice sent shivers down Mara’s spine. The air around her grew dense and cloying as evil polluted the atmosphere. Steffen turned and stepped in front of her. They stood at a slight angle and she could see the intruder.

Neither tall nor brawny, the vampire managed to exude menace with nothing more than his presence. His hair was a common shade of brown, tucked carelessly behind his ears. Though his eyes were the same unremarkable brown, the intensity in their depths was chilling.

“Are you talking to me?” Steffen did a respectable job of sounding confused.

A slender woman stood beside the vampire. The calculation in her blue eyes belied her bored expression. She turned to the vampire with a charming smile. “Can we play with them before you kill them? They make such a pretty couple.”

Ignoring her entirely, the vampire moved toward Steffen. “Where is Max?”

A large space behind the couple blurred as if space itself disintegrated to make way for the Sentinel commander. “I’ve never known you to negotiate with anyone, Taerok, so don’t waste our time.” Tall, heavily muscled, and darkly dangerous, Max was far more what Mara had expected than his nemesis. “Do you turn yourself in or do my men close ranks and bring you down?”

Taerok chuckled, pivoting so he could see Max without losing sight of Steffen. “Though it would be entertaining to watch you try, you have no crime with which to charge me.”

Max’s dark eyes narrowed and tension rolled across his broad shoulders. “I’ve got the savaged body of a Dichotomy that says otherwise.”

“Yes, poor Robert.” Taerok folded his fingers and inspected his immaculate nails. “That was unfortunate, but I had nothing to do with his death.” Amusement bled from the woman’s expression an instant before Taerok grabbed her arm. “Valerie took a life and as her sire she is my responsibility.” He shoved her toward Max as the ghost of a smile stole across his thin lips. “Do with her what you will. I uphold the alliance.”

Valerie collided with Max as Taerok flashed out of sight.

“That lying bastard!” Valerie tugged against Max’s meaty fist, her features tense and pale. “He killed Robert, not me! You can’t take his word for it.” Max snatched a metallic band off the back of his belt and snapped it against the side of her neck. The semi-rigid collar coiled around her throat and she shrieked as if she’d been scalded. Kicking and twisting, she gasped and cursed.

“Settle down,” Max commanded. “It won’t hurt if you stop fighting it.”

“It’s draining me,” she cried, clawing at the offensive band. “I can feel my strength melting away.”

“It will just ensure you behave.”

Three additional Sentinels materialized in the periphery. Two were armed to the teeth, while Lukas, like Max, wore a tuxedo. Max pushed Valerie toward the nearest Sentinel. “Take her to headquarters. Have Olin interrogate her.”

Offering a stiff nod, the man grasped Valerie’s upper arm. The other fully armed Sentinel fell into formation on her other side. He grasped her arm as well and the three faded from view.

“What the hell just happened?” Steffen asked.

“He got us to tip our hand,” Max muttered with a frustrated sigh.

“Do you believe him?” Mara asked. “Do you think Valerie killed Robert?”

“Probably, which means
technically
he’s right. I have no reason to apprehend him.”

“Yet,” Lukas drawled. “He’ll slip up. They always do.”

“And we just wait around until he makes a mistake?” Mara didn’t like the sound of that at all.