ShadowsofNight (21 page)

“I’m very pleased. Let’s remove the IV, shall we?”

“No! Don’t touch it. I’m fine. Give him more.” She wanted to
make sure.

“Okay, a little bit more. I have to go check on another
patient. I’ll be right back to remove the line.”

She nodded and returned her attention to Christian as he
stirred.

“Emma…” His beautiful voice was raspy and low.

“Hi.” She smiled, feeling relieved and suddenly very sleepy.

“Why do you have an IV in your arm? Wait—what are you doing?”
He glanced at the line connecting them.

“I couldn’t let you die.” She began to feel lightheaded. Her
mind starting to slip into a dreamlike state, the world around her feeling
weightless.
Doesn’t he know I’m doing this for him? I’d give every ounce of
blood to keep him alive.

“No!” he growled, pulling the IV out of his arm.

“Don’t take it out! It’s helping you heal.” She weakly
batted his hand away. Her arm moved in slow motion, as if a heavy weight held
it down. Slow and sluggish.

“Not if it’s going to kill you, it’s not.”

“I’d give up my life for you.” Her lids felt heavy.
So
tired.

“You owe me nothing, Em. Your guilt is not what I want! I
want
you
.”

“Would you prefer my heart instead? Because it’s yours, my
love…” She forced her eyes open.

“You love me?” He sounded surprised.

She smiled at the way he was looking at her. It was really
adorable. “Yes, I do. Very much. I’m really tired…can’t stay awake.”

“You’re weak,” he growled.

“It’s okay. I have plenty more. You’re worth every ounce.”

“Emma…” He reached to steady her as she slumped forward.

“I couldn’t bear to let you die…when there was a chance I could
save you.” Her words came out garbled and her tongue felt thick against the
roof of her mouth.

She fell into oblivion.

Christian quickly sat up. He shook Emma and her eyes rolled
open. “Wake up, Em.” He gently shook her again before lifting and dragging her
across his lap.

“Shit, I knew this would happen,” Arturo said as he came
running up to the bed.

“Then why didn’t you stop her?” he snapped at him.

“It wasn’t my choice. Your mate wanted to help you. What was
I to do?” Arturo put his hands up defensively.

“You say no!”

“S-stop fighting with him. I’m fine, j-just need to rest is
all.” Her words came out slurred, as if she’d had a bit too much to drink.

“You can’t sleep, please stay with me.” He rubbed her back
briskly, trying to keep her awake.

“Okay,” she mumbled, but he sensed her drifting again.

“You need to feed.” He shook her awake again.

“I’ll go get more blood,” Arturo said.

“She’ll get it from me. Now leave us,” he ordered, glaring
at the other male. Arturo nodded and quickly left the room.

“No, your injuries…” She feebly tried to push him away.

“Stop arguing. I’ll not live without you,” he urged. “Please,
for me?”

He felt her lips press against his neck right before she
sank her teeth into his flesh.

Christian moaned at the sinfully delicious feeling. Her
hunger was apparent as he held her in his arms, relishing the knowledge that
she belonged to him. “That’s it baby, drink.”

Worry raced through him even as passion ignited. He shook off
the intense emotions coursing through him like fire. Amazingly, his strength
had returned with a vengeance. There was no weakness, no need to heal further.
He felt as strong as an ox. It was as if he’d never suffered an injury. Her
blood, both powerful and tempting, was a potent elixir. He truly loved everything
about this woman.

Emma rested against him and memories of their last embrace
came rushing back.
She loves me.
God, to hear her utter those words
is a gift.

Christian closed his eyes, savoring every pull, every tug. His
cock stiffened and he groaned. It felt so good. The urge to flip her over and
drive into the depths of her silken core was almost too tempting to resist. He hated
the barriers preventing him from acting on it. But right now her needs were
greater than his own.

She finally released his neck and looked at him before
resting her cheek against his chest. “I-I should probably stop now before I
take too much.” Her breathing was heavy.

“Take what you need, I’m fine.” He ran the tips of his
fingers along her spine. “You are a delicious torment that I wish I could
devour right now.” He shook his head, cupping her cheeks and lifting her face
to give her a kiss.

“Oh Christian. I’m so sorry for the pain I’ve caused you.”
Her eyes glistened with tears as she tried to sit up.

“Don’t speak of it. Your words of love are enough.” He gave
her a tender kiss.

“B-but I don’t deserve your forgiveness. You should be so
mad…” She started to pull away.

“And where do you think you’re going?” he murmured, holding
her firmly against him. “I
will
be mad if you try to remove yourself
from me.”

“You’ve been injured. I should give you some space.” She
felt out of sorts. Was this right? He wasn’t mad? How could he love her so much
that he’d forgive her so easily?

“The last thing I want is space from you,” he growled,
covering her lips with a hungry kiss. Her low moan of approval urged him on and
he flipped her over, pinning her beneath his body with a shudder.

“Are you sure we should be doing this here in the infirmary?”

“Who’s going to stop us?” He smiled. She could tell he
wanted more but clearly feared she was still too weak. “How are you feeling?”

“I feel better.” She gasped when his hand sought out the
swells of flesh straining against the fabric of her shirt. She arched into his
palms, moaning when he gave them a gentle squeeze.

“I’ve missed you.” He wedged his hips between her thighs and
the hard, hot length of him pressed against the seam of her pussy. He leaned
forward and kissed her frantically until she was gasping for air.

She broke away. “Wait, wait…I thought you’d still be angry with
me for sneaking away and joining the battle.”

“Ssshh…not now. There’s no need to talk about that.” His hot
breath tickled her ear as he continued to stroke his erection along the thin
fabric of her pants, causing her to writhe beneath him. He kissed her again,
his tongue sliding deep into her mouth, penetrating her.

She turned her head away. “But you’re wounded.”

“Mm…I was, but your blood is potent. And it tastes
delicious, just like you.” He gave her another smile.

“Yours isn’t bad either.” She grinned.

“I’m dying to make love to you.” He leaned forward,
capturing her lips once again in a savage kiss that had her clawing at his back.
She wrapped her legs around his waist as he ground his cock against her. Reaching
up, she ran her fingers through his hair, drawing him closer.

Panting and out of breath, he released her lips and was
about to rip her shirt away when someone cleared his throat from behind him.

Christian whipped his head around and let out a warning
growl.

“You should take your mate someplace else for that,” Arturo
said.

Christian’s warrior instincts flared to life and a violent
possessiveness came over him like nothing he’d ever experienced. “If you so
much as
look
at her, I’ll cut your eyes out. Now get out!” he roared.

“This isn’t the place for that kind of—”

“Arturo, please, I’ll take care of this. Now is not the time
to instruct him on propriety, not when Christian’s in a highly possessive
state. I suggest if you want your throat to remain intact, you take your
leave,” Marcus warned.

“Yes, my lord.” Arturo bowed and quietly left the room.

Marcus smirked and crossed his arms. “Glad to see you’re
feeling better, Christian. There’s no need to threaten my healer.”

“He shouldn’t have walked in here unannounced.” His anger was
still barely contained. The drive to protect his mate made him bristle with
anger over the intrusion.

“This isn’t exactly our room,” Emma whispered.

“She’s right.” Marcus chuckled.

Christian looked around and realized the healer was correct.
This probably
wasn’t
an ideal place for getting intimate. “He still shouldn’t
have walked in on us.”

“I’m sure he wasn’t expecting you two to be going at it like
horny teenagers after such a serious injury, either.”

“Okay, enough about that. What do you want?” Christian
asked, changing the subject.

“We’ll talk later, after you’ve rested a bit. I think both
of you need some time to get reacquainted before we discuss our next move.
Bring Emma with you.”

Christian growled. “I don’t want her in harm’s way.”

“That’s not a request. She’s a good fighter and we could use
her help.” Marcus disappeared without allowing him to respond.

“Will you let me go with you?” Emma grabbed his chin and
made him face her.

Christian sighed. “Yes.”

Emma threw her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”

“I won’t make the same mistake as before. Let’s go back to
our room.” He slid his arms around her and traced.

“Are you okay?” She bit her lip, gazing into a pair of
luminous eyes. A dark, primal emotion shadowed his expression as he laid her on
the bed. She scooted back, taking in every inch of his magnificent frame. His
expression clearly promised he was about to do wicked things to her body.

“I hunger for more of you.” He stepped closer, his gaze as
predatory as his words.

“Then what are you waiting for?” Almost losing Christian had
finally put her priorities into perspective.

“Will you let me possess you in all ways? I’ll not have half
your heart anymore. I want it all.”

She gazed at his face, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight,
his expression fierce as he waited for her answer. Saying yes meant a full
commitment. No turning back. She lost her focus for a moment as the enormity of
his words sank in.

Fate’s a funny thing but I’m ready for it.
“Yes.”

“No more running from me again, do you understand?” She
shivered as he swept his thumb over her bottom lip. “I mean it.”

“
Old habits are hard to break, but for you, I’m
willing to try. You don’t have to worry about that anymore. I won’t run again.”

“You’re mine and I’m yours.”

His words hit her like a sledgehammer. They were so
powerful. “Make love to me.” She watched in anticipation as he complied,
releasing his fully aroused cock to her gaze.

He growled deep in his throat. “Is this what you want?”

“Mm-hm.” She crooked her finger, motioning him forward.
Every muscle contracted, rippling beneath his flesh as he put one knee on the
bed and crawled toward her. That beautifully engorged shaft, straining as his
gaze held hers. He inhaled deeply, groaning on an exhale. The tattoos wrapping
around his powerful biceps flexed and moved with a life of their own on the
landscape of his tantalizing flesh, fluid and graceful.

“You’re still dressed.” He frowned, sitting back on his
haunches. “Take those off.”

“I kind of got distracted by the view.” She quickly pulled
her t-shirt over her head and unclasped her bra, freeing her breasts. Cool air
licked at her nipples, causing them to pearl into tight points.

“Here, let me help with those.” He grabbed the waistband of
her pants and yanked them off.

“Impatient, are we?” She giggled. It felt good to be
carefree and not so guarded emotionally.

“Very.” He leaned forward, sucking a nipple into his mouth. She
jerked her head back in a strangled cry. Pure, unadulterated heat flooded her
core with moisture. He always had that effect on her though.

“Christian…” She sucked in a gasping breath, trembling as
his hands set upon her breasts, stroking the soft flesh as he continued to
suckle the tips.

“Do you enjoy my touch?” He inhaled deeply, traveling lower,
parting her thighs wide. She wanted his touch on her core. Those fingers
delving deep, massaging her, bringing her closer to release with each stroke
inside her slick heat.

“You know I do.” She gritted her teeth when his fingers
separated her pussy lips.

“You’re so perfect in every way. Do you know I could get
lost inside you forever?”

Christian was now such a tremendous presence in her world.
“You make me feel beautiful.”

“That’s because you are.” She felt his glorious shaft
pressed against her lower belly, its silky length gently gliding over heated
skin. “I’m going to kiss you now.”

Emma closed her eyes, lifting her chin.
Please…

“It’s not your mouth I crave at the moment.” Christian
softly chuckled, pressing a finger to her lips. He slid down to her waist,
pushing her legs apart, grazing a path along the seam of her pussy.

“Oh yes, kiss me there.” Emma rolled her hips slightly with
a shudder.

“Mm…I intend to. Deeply.” He nipped at her inner thigh,
causing her to moan when his fangs grazed her skin seductively.

“Don’t tease me, Christian.” She parted her sex with her
fingers, letting him taste her.

His hot breath fanned her sensitive flesh. “You want me to
do it like this?” he murmured, gliding his tongue over her clitoris with a
strong sweep.

More bold strokes of his tongue. “Oh yes, there.” She
clenched her jaw. Her eyelids slid shut as his fingers probed her entrance. She
was shivering, her body tensing, ready to orgasm.

“Please…” She wasn’t above begging.

He brought his lips down on her once more. His hand worked
her hard, fingers pumping, one, then two and, dear Lord, three. Her legs quaked
from the intensifying sensations rolling through her core. He was a master with
his hands and tongue and she was on the brink of bliss. Her fingers dug into
his scalp, her body bracing for the impending explosion that would surely
follow.

“Don’t move,” he growled against her nether lips just before
his fangs sank into pink flesh.

Emma cried out, back arching as he pinned her. He snarled
loudly, drinking, and she fell over the edge in spasms around his fingers. Lips
warm, silky and wet, moved over her clit, lengthening the waves of pleasure. He
released her, licking with gentle laves of his tongue. Such an attentive male.
Sex with him was so much more satisfying than anything she’d ever experienced
before.

Christian kissed a path along her cleft, circling her slick
heat with maddening slowness. He was taking his time, savoring her. “Tell me
you’ll let me do anything to you.”

“Y-you can— Ah God!” she groaned as his fingers continued
their play.

“I want you so aroused with desire, so prepared to take me
into your body again and again.”

She surrendered completely. Oh, the wicked things he was
doing to her. He kissed his way up her body. He swirled his hips, causing the
heavy swell of his erection to glide slowly back and forth over her nub,
already sensitive from her recent orgasm.

“Please, Christian…” she moaned, legs trembling as she
mindlessly spread her thighs for him.

“You’re a greedy little thing.” He continued to tease her
arousal.

“Yes, I am.” She ran her fingers through his hair and drew
his lips to hers, seeking his tongue.

He broke away from the kiss, rose up, grabbed her hips and
slammed into her balls-deep.

His erection was impossibly thick, causing her whole body to
quake, the pleasure so great she didn’t want it to end. He started to pump with
strong, penetrating thrusts that had her moaning his name in absolute
surrender.

Pinning her hands above her head, he took complete control,
capturing a taut nipple, sharp fangs piercing into her flesh. Just as quickly,
he relinquished it. He lifted his head with a groan, teeth clenched as his head
fell back. “Gods, woman, what you do to me. I can’t think.”

Emma’s eyes rolled back in her head, body arching, release
cresting. Christian surged above her, jaw tightening, his breathing growing
harsh. When he came, his head shot back, a roar piercing his lips, and he
bathed her insides with his essence. He bared his fangs as he continued to spend
inside her.

It was the most erotic thing she’d ever experienced.

He finally collapsed over her, nuzzling her neck and kissing
her throat.

“I love you,” Emma whispered into his hair, kissing the top
of his head.

He looked up, blood glistening on his swollen lips. Passion
glowed so intensely in his eyes it made her heart squeeze. He kissed her deeply,
and the mixture of her blood with his spicy flavor was enough to have her ready
to go again.

“You truly mean that?” His voice was hoarse, gravely.

“Yes, I do.” Worry threatened the sincerity of her
admission. It wasn’t that she didn’t want this, but her past was still an
uncertainty that lingered, threatening to undo everything. Tears glistened in
her eyes. She didn’t want to fuck things up again with him. He was important to
her.

“Why are you crying?”

“I feel like I shouldn’t be this lucky. Not after tonight.
It was such a close call…” She shook her head, emotions were a hard thing for
her to express.

Christian cupped her cheek. “You’ve always deserved
happiness, babe. You just refused to accept it is all.”

“I almost lost you.” She wiped away the tears, feeling that
nagging edginess that always came when she expressed a moment of weakness.

“You’ll never lose me.” He flipped them over, cradling her
in his arms.

“Don’t make promise you can’t keep,”she mumbled
against his chest.

“You should have more faith in me.” He pressed a kiss to the
top of her head.

“And you should listen to your own advice.”

“I suppose you have a point,” he sighed.

“Neither of us wants to lose the other.” She lifted her chin
to meet his gaze.

“He’ll neither succeed in taking you from me, nor me from
you.” Emma trembled at his words. The idea of losing Christian wasn’t something
she wanted to consider.

“When this is over, Em, I want us to marry. What do you
think about a real ceremony?” he whispered against her hair.

No, please…no formal ceremonies.
“I thought we were
already sort of married?” She drew circles along the rippled plains of his
chest.

“Is that a no?”

“Yes. I’ll marry you.” Though the idea seemed absurd.
Marriage was a piece of paper. It meant nothing. She’d never given the
institution much thought. “Can I ask why you want a formal ceremony? It’s not
really necessary for me. I don’t need a piece of paper to prove I’m with you.”

“Sharing everything with you is important to me.” He hugged
her tighter.

Wow, I can’t believe how my life has changed in just a
few short weeks.
“So I’m to become Mrs. Voss on paper?” She glanced up at
him.

“You okay with that?”

“If it makes you happy, I’ll do it.” She shrugged. Marriage
wasn’t her thing but she loved him and it wasn’t as though she was totally
against it.

“I eventually want children, Emma. Would you ever consider
that?”

“Wow, you work fast.” Fear crept along the edge of her
emotions. She knew he was ready for a whole commitment, but children—that was a
topic she was definitely not ready to discuss.

“Does that frighten you?”

Hell yeah, it scares me to death.
“Christian, about
that—um, I’m not so sure I’m ready…” In the past, she wouldn’t have hesitated
to say exactly what was on her mind, so why was she having trouble now?

“I shouldn’t have brought that subject up. There’s plenty of
time to discuss a family later,” he added.

“Do I seem like the motherly type? I mean, come on,
seriously.” Her attention slid to his lovely face. Long, thick lashes cast
shadows over his sharp cheekbones. Her own question raised plenty of fear in
her mind. Children weren’t something she’d even considered contemplating

“I can understand why you might question motherhood. All I
ask is that you give it some time. Think about it.” His unease shone through as
he regarded her expression.

She thought of what her mother had said in her dream. “I—I
don’t even know if I can have kids, Christian.”

“Well, that’s something we can test for later. There’s no
rush, right? If you can’t, I’ll love you just the same.”

“You’d really want to bring children into this chaotic life?”
She sat up.

“Now that I’ve found my mate, and we’re in love, I’d give
anything to have a family with you.”

“I can’t bring children into this life, Christian. There’s
too much ugliness. They can’t have a normal existence in our world.”

“I’ll protect them.”

“You’re missing the point. This is no world for children to
grow up in, and you know it.”

Christian covered his eyes with his forearm. “You’re wrong.”

“How do you figure?” She reached for the arm and pulled it
away from his face.

“You’re still afraid to trust in us, in
me
.”

“That’s not true. Just because I’m not willing to bring kids
into a dark, scary world doesn’t mean I don’t trust you.”

“And you think being human is the only way to have a normal
life?”

Emma growled and turned away.
Fuck, I hate this.
“Why
are we fighting about this?”

“We’re not fighting.” He started to get up.

“Sorry,” she whispered, suddenly exhausted. “I just can’t
think about this right now.” Her heart pounded wildly.

“We can discuss it later. Let’s get dressed.” He abruptly
leaped off the bed.

“Christian—”

“We’re dropping it for now,” he said gruffly.

“Fine,” she huffed, and climbed out after him.