You Complete Me (8 page)

Emily focused her attention on Ben. “You said I was dangerous. Now you’ll find out how dangerous I can be.” She grabbed Ben into a headlock and pressed the knife to his throat. “Where is Hagan?”

“In the sunshine,” Ben managed. He laughed. “I’ve fried him.”

“Sorry, bastard. You wanted to kill the Supers. You’re one of them. We’re you planning on killing us yourself?” Kynan shredded the front of Ben’s shirt.

“He’s been in on the deal the whole time.” Emily tightened her grip. “He used me to kill the others.”

“Liar,” Ben growled.

“You’ve gone mad,” Emily said. “Only a mad man would kill his own kind. Only a person who has gone berserk would destroy an entire group of people because he doesn’t like something about them. We were Hunters tasked with keeping the balance and order. You’re out of line.” Emily drew her knife against his throat and pulled. The sickening sound of skin breaking and blood spurting echoed in the room. Her fury took hold and she divided his head from his body. His head rolled across the floor and settled beside Maslow’s lifeless body.

“Anyone else?” Kynan shouted. He held up his knife. “The Supers don’t need to die.”

The two Hunters hovering by the doorway dropped to their knees. “Thank you.” The blond man offered both hands. “We’re forever in your debt.”

“Screw the debt. I need to find Hagan.” Emily shoved past them and sprinted to the front of the building. She threw open the doors. Bright sunshine splashed over her. “Damn it,” she screamed. “Where are you?” She shook with fear. Where was Hagan?

“He’s here.” Kynan ran across the steps to what looked like a pile of human-shaped pile of charred mess. “Get your Jeep.”

“I’m not leaving him.” She scooped Hagan into her arms. The man was just as light as the night she’d found him. She carried him into the darkness of the building. “Don’t you dare die on me.” She petted his hair. “You can’t leave me.” With her knife in hand, she slit her wrist. “Drink. I’m not going on without you.” She placed her arm against his lips and dribbled her blood into his mouth.
Live. Come on, Hagan. Live. I love you. You’re the one I want
.

The char began to recede, but otherwise he wasn’t responding. She blinked back tears. “Help me.”

Kynan bounded into the room. “I brought your Jeep around. We’ll do better if we can get him to the mansion. Come on.” The vampire scooped Hagan into his arms and carried him to the vehicle. “Drive. We’ll save him. Promise.”

Although she couldn’t stop the tears, she forced herself to speed across town to the mansion. She’d put her faith in the wrong people for far too long. Time to believe in someone who truly cared in order to save the man she loved. At the house, Kynan bypassed the others and took Hagan directly to their suites. He placed Hagan on the bed and ripped his own wrist open. He added his blood to Hagan’s mouth.

Emily crawled onto the bed beside Hagan. She rested her head on his chest. He didn’t have a heart, so trying to hear his heartbeat was pointless. Still, she needed to touch him.

Kynan flicked his hand and lit the room with a ring of candles. “Stay with him. He will come around. Your faith in him is strong. He’s got someone to stick around for. Just don’t let your faith slip.”

“I won’t.”

Emily sat beside the bed. She tried to keep her eyes open, but the harder she tried, the faster she slipped off to sleep. She gripped Hagan’s burnt hand. The possibility of losing him scared her. She loved the vampire and truly couldn’t see her life without him. She’d go mad and the Hunters, the very friends she used to hold dear, would end up hunting for her. She slumped over in the chair to sleep and fought back nightmares of her vampire dying a lasting death.

When she woke, she scooted the chair closer to the bed and rested her head on his chest. She murmured prayers to anyone she thought might be listening. “Goddess, please save him and allow him to come back to me.” More tears slipped down her cheeks. “I was foolish to deny my feelings. Please don’t punish him because I didn’t believe.”

Her voice cracked. She knew he wouldn’t come around right at that moment. Healing couldn’t be instantaneous. “God, don’t take him. I’ll do anything.”

The candles around them flickered before blowing out. Her breath stuck fast in her throat. The flames extinguishing couldn’t be good.

“I should’ve given him more blood.” She sat up and wiped her face with the back of her hand. “I should’ve been honest faster. Should’ve believed.” She spread her palm across his pec. “I should’ve believed.”

“You did.” Hagan smiled. Weak, but a smile. He slowly moved his hand to cover hers over his heart. The char melted away from his face and the color returned to his body. “You did it, hon.”

“Thank you, Goddess…God or whoever listened.” With her free hand, she brushed his sweat-stiffened hair from his face. “I saved you because I need you.”

“No one else died?” He rubbed her arm with the pad of his thumb.

“Maslow and Ben are dead. It’s over.” She shoved the chair away and sat beside him on the bed. “It’s over. You’re safe with me at the mansion. Kynan helped me get you out of the sunshine.”

“Good.” His smile strengthened.

“I meant what I said. I love you. The moment I realized you’d gone, I got mad and screwed my head on straight. We belong together.” She gripped his hand. “I have trust issues, yes, but I trust you all the way.”

“I knew you did.”

“Soon you’ll be healed.” She measured her breaths. Holy crap, asking him to be her mate became scary all of a sudden. “I want to do the mating ceremony. No more waiting. I love you and want to be your Pasha. Will you take me as…your mate? I want to be yours forever.”

“I love you, Emily. Yes, I will—once I’m on my feet.” He struggled to sit up. “So the real devil is dead? He couldn’t see Kynan could he?”

“No, he used Ben as his eyes and ears. The other Hunters who were there surrendered to Kynan. They were relieved to be going back to their actual mission of keeping order. None of them wanted to follow Maslow and his madness.”

“Understandable. What about you? How are you feeling?” He trailed his fingertips down her cheek. “You’ve been through a lot in a short period of time.”

She sighed. How was she feeling? She hadn’t given a thought to dealing with what she’d been through. Her focus had been on saving Hagan. She sagged beside him. “Well…I’m back to being a regular Hunter. The war is over.” She laughed. For the first time in over a year, she allowed herself to laugh. “Maslow can’t hurt anyone. His main disciple is dead and I feel free.” She looked up at him. “I found you. I’m good. Better than good…I’m invincible.”

“I like hearing that.” He cuddled her closer. “Give me one more day and I’ll be ready. I want to make you mine, so much.”

“I’m yours.” She closed her eyes and allowed herself to succumb to sleep. Her vampire had lived and they had a future. Everything else was icing on her cake.

****

Hagan rolled over and watched the woman he loved sleep. He’d barely been able to keep his eyes closed during the daylight. His brain buzzed. How could someone so beautiful, so perfect, be his? He chuckled. Not long ago, he’d thought he had no journey and nothing else to learn. He’d been so wrong. The moment he found himself in her Jeep was the moment he’d come back to life.

“You’re staring again,” she said, without opening her eyes. “I’ve felt your gaze on me all day.”

She’d gone to bed naked. God, he loved her and the way she thought. “You’re sexy.” He palmed her ass through the fabric of the sheets and blankets. “I’ve been thinking about you since we crashed this morning.” With the clothes out of the way, they could make love and recharge. Hell, they could mate right now. He wanted to be inside her, to have her beneath him as they cried out in orgasm and then to start all over again

“I know what you’ve been thinking about.” She rolled onto her side and wrapped her body around him, situating his knee between her legs. She grinned at him. “I can read your thoughts. All day you’ve been fantasizing. I have to admit, I look good in your fantasies.”

“You look good no matter what.” He cupped her cheek. Every cell in his body longed to bite her. He needed her. Hagan mashed his lips down over hers, tasting her. He vibrated with desire for her. Good Goddess. His cock had been semi-hard most of the day, but now that he’d connected with her, he needed more.

“Make love to me, Hagan.” Emily rubbed her cunt on his thigh. Her juices slickened on his skin. Her heart radiated through him. He shuddered. “Please?” she asked.

She didn’t have to beg, but according to the ancient mandates, she had to ask him to do the ritual. Silly, her having to ask. If she wanted him, she should be able to demand him. He rather liked the switch in roles, her having to be temporarily submissive to him. He preferred her playing the dominant role.

“Do you wish to take me as your mate? To be mine forever and love me as long as we both live?” He needed to know. Had to hear the words out loud and feel the overwhelming desire coming from her.

“Yes, Hagan.” Emily wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him on top of her. “I do.”

Thank the Goddess for the idea to sleep in the nude. Made having sex so much easier and hassle-free. Hagan eased his cock into her pussy. “I love you, Emily Cross.” Loved her so much his heart, damn near burst with admiration.

She pulled him closer and curled her legs around his backside. “I love you, too, Hagan Dean.”

He buried himself to the hilt in her cunt. “Before the Sources, the heavens and all who look on, I take you, Emily, as my mate. Forever.” He tilted his head back and his fangs elongated. Goddess, he needed this moment. He leaned over her and sank his teeth into the tender spot connecting her shoulder to her neck. The moment a bit of her blood spilled on his tongue, he eased back. Her nails bit into his shoulders and she whimpered again. She tightened her legs around his waist.

Hagan licked her wound closed and then rested his forehead on hers. “My lover, my partner and my mate.” He rocked his hips, filling her and then pulling out. His skin prickled and a bead of sweat slipped down his temple. He balanced himself on his knees and hands. Each thrust, each push into her body nudged him closer to release.

Her legs trembled again and she arched beneath him. Her breasts heaved with every breath. “I’m so close, Hagan.”

The power in her body as well as her blood washed over him. He’d found himself a woman his equal who could bring him to his knees or love him for the rest of his life.

You have found your mate.

Hagan continued pistoning his hips. He’d heard the voice. The Sources were addressing him.
I have accepted Emily as my mate and marked her.

She is truly worthy of you. Your Hunter shall bring out your full power. We bless this union. You’ve both been an asset to the cause.

Thank you.

He shook his head. Everything sizzled. He’d never felt so alive.

“Hagan.” She dug her nails into his biceps. “I’m vibrating.” She held onto him tighter. “What’s happening?”

“We’re one.” He thrust into her harder. He sat up and tugged her onto his lap, sending his cock deeper into her cunt. “Forever. Come with me, Emily.”

Her breath warmed on his cheeks. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back. From her head to her toes, she shuddered. Her body tensed, and then she collapsed against him. He surged within her and deposited his seed in her pussy. The orgasm washed over him, bathing him in sweet relaxation.

He sagged forward and turned enough to land on his shoulder, protecting her as he went down. He kept her tight to his chest and cradled her body. His now-flaccid cock slid out of her.

“Holy crap.” He snuggled her in his arms. “We’re one.”

“We are.” She rested her head on his chest. “We’ll have our full power.”

“We’re officially stuck together for…life, or whenever we die.” He stroked her arm. He’d found his mate and his reason for living. He’d helped to defeat Maslow. Hell-freaking-yeah.

“I don’t mind being stuck to you.” She shifted enough to look him in the eye. “I’ve been in love with you since the night I met you, even if I didn’t realize it was love.” She kissed his chest. “You’re the best mate a Hunter could have. You’ve got my back and my heart.”

“You’ve got mine, too.” Hagan closed his eyes. He could sleep. His mind eased and his body rested. He’d found his mate. Life, even as a vampire who was one of the undead, was good.

****

The next morning, Hagan followed his mate to the main living room. He still couldn’t wrap his mind around the idea he could walk in the sunshine. Vampires weren’t supposed to be day-walkers. They lived for the night. Now he was able to do more than skulk around in the darkness. He saw everything in glorious daylight with vivid color.

“I hope this doesn’t take long,” Emily whispered. She wound her fingers around his hand. “Now that we’re mated, I want to make love again. I can’t get enough of you.”

The tips of his ears burned. He’d never get over how much he loved her or knowing down to the pit of his soul that she loved him, too.

Hagan sat beside Emily on the couch. The rest of the group sat around the room. Vanessa and Creighton, Greer, Ricky and Paul, Lexa…and Ava with her two mates, Joachim and Padraig. He’d thought he’d hate the two men. He thought he’d want them dead. Once he’d gotten to know her mates, he actually liked them and saw why they complimented Ava. Truth be told, Ava was the one he didn’t care much for any longer. He saw the real woman—the bitterness, the neediness and the self-centeredness she’d displayed when they were together. He’d loved the impression of her he’d formed in his mind. Having the real, honest love of Emily changed his mind and outlook. A small part of him would always care for Ava, but he didn’t love her any longer and that feeling was so good.

“Is everyone here?” Kynan clapped his hands. “I’ve got…news. Lexa and I met with the heads of the Hunters, Josef and Michael. According to them, the group had already splintered from Maslow, but they hadn’t come out telling anyone they were splitting. Since they’re now in charge, I’ve worked with them to create a council. The Hunters, Defenders and heads of the various Super people are coming together to make sure we don’t have another episode like Maslow.”

“Good thinking,” Creighton said. “We need to keep things democratic.”

“The council will. As to who will be on the council, I’ve agreed I’m not going to lead us. We’re a mixture of all the groups. I’m tired of leading. You choose your reps.” Kynan opened his arms. “As for living quarters, you’re free to stay here as long as you like. Some of you don’t have homes and I refuse to kick you out.”

Beside Hagan, Greer, Ricky and Paul collectively sighed.

“I’ve got one other announcement.” Kynan paused. “The Sources want to see us. All of us.” He bowed his head.

Smoke filled the room and the lights extinguished. Emily gripped Hagan tighter. “Where are we?” she whispered.

He glanced around the space. He’d been there before. Rocks…darkness… “We’re in the cave of the Sources.”

“Very good, vampire.” A shaft of light filtered down from the ceiling. A being stepped into the light. Like before, the male Source refused to show his face. The light caught in his beard and the snowy white robes covering his body. A thick hood covered the top of his head.

“Sit,” the Source said. He waved his hands. “I’ve brought you all here for a reason.” He paused as some of the smoke dissipated. “You’ve all fought bravely for the cause and the war is over. The cancer on our kind removed. True, Maslow was not of Super blood, but he found a way to see in the darkness. You’ve also managed to bring light into the darkness. In your own ways, you’ve overcome adversity and found your way to your happy ending. I warn you, the war is never truly over. Where one cancer is removed, another can grow. It’s up to you to remain vigilant, to allow the council to work with balance and to challenge when the balance has shifted. You are all needed for our race to survive. Are you willing to come together again, when asked, in order to protect the Supers and the humans?”

Kynan and Lexa nodded. Creighton and Vanessa joined in.

“Yes,” Joachim and Padraig said in unison.

“I will,” Ava said.

“We’re in,” Greer said and waved her hand around, pointing at Ricky and Paul. “Totally.”

“Vampire? Hunter?”

Hagan couldn’t see the Source’s face, but he felt the being’s stare boring into his chest. Hagan glanced over at Emily, who nodded. “My job is to protect, serve and keep the peace. I’m in.”