Chapter Two

 

 

 

“Stupid, stupid, son of a bitch,” Dakota Reese muttered as she slammed the door to the suite she and her lover were staying in. She dropped her keys onto the long glossy table next to the entry before she stomped to the bedroom. A mere month, thirty days only, was how long the man she was dating had been at the local branch of the Organization and he’d managed to create complete chaos every time her back was turned.

Kieran was such an odd mixture of charming yet sarcastic that he made work more interesting. His harmless insults and pokes at other agents were one thing, but he’d obviously gotten bored and more imaginative tonight.

If she wasn’t almost sure she loved the guy, Dakota would be very tempted to rip out his throat. As hard as she’d tried to figure out why he would pull a stunt like that, she just couldn’t understand.

And this was all before she found out he’d been attacked earlier! From what other agents had told her, Kieran and Remy had been investigating the missing shifters and had a meeting with a witness. Then all hell had broken loose and they’d stopped a girl from being abducted. Of course a fight had taken place since it was Kieran. All she could think about was instead of being able to check on him, she’d been sitting in their boss’s office getting reamed out because Kieran had decided to screw with the other agents.

She was furious.

As she reached the threshold of the bedroom, Kieran came out of the bathroom, towel drying his long black hair. Dakota braced her feet shoulder-width apart and fisted her hands on her hips. “Really?” she asked in a tone that would usually put fear into her suspects.

Kieran glanced up and grinned. “You’re home early.”

She narrowed her eyes while pressing her lips together. She would not laugh. Would not give him the satisfaction of knowing he amused her deep down with his childish antics. He could have been seriously hurt while she had been getting screamed at. “And why am I back early?” she drawled.

“Because you missed me?” he asked with innocence lacing his words.

Dakota knew better. “Try again.”

“Something wrong, love?” he inquired, strolling forward.

Thank God Kieran had put on a robe after his shower, was all Dakota could think as he made his way slowly toward her. If he’d been naked, she wouldn’t have been able to resist him at all. How he could be so fucking hot and annoying at the same time was a mystery.

She took a deep breath before pointing a finger at him. “Why?” she asked. “What would you gain from breaking into the office…again?”

Kieran laughed, his bright blue eyes sparkling. “Technically I didn’t break into the office. Plus, I did warn Charlie he should keep a better eye out. It’s not my fault he didn’t see me enter.”

“Sparro’s new vehicle?” she asked because she just had to know why.

Kieran shrugged. “Just testing his alarm for him.”

“Testing his alarm,” she repeated. It was like talking to a child sometimes. “Do you know how pissed he is? And what about the cartoons on the security feed?”

“You forgot to mention locking Charlie out of his own guardhouse. I really liked that touch.”

Dakota sighed. “It took them three hours to get everything sorted out and to determine there wasn’t a threat.”

“I’m sorry I missed that. Remy made me leave before I could really enjoy the show.”

“How’d you get by him to pull your little stunt?” Usually Remy helped her keep Kieran under wraps and with her out of the office, it had been up to Remy to distract Kieran.

“I tossed a ball and told him to fetch,” Kieran replied in a flat tone. He didn’t even smile.

“Funny,” Dakota deadpanned

“If you’re nice to me, I’ll give you the ball of string I bought you,” he teased.

Dakota smiled, right before she balled her fist and punched him in the stomach. Because of her shifter strength, she pulled her hit some to ensure she didn’t really hurt him. Not that it was ever easy to injure a Walker. Still, there were times she wished she could go full jaguar on him. But she knew that would be the fastest way to really lose him.

Kieran grunted then wrapped his arms around her and yanked her off her feet.

She squeaked before his mouth landed on hers and he kissed her.

Damn it, how was she supposed to stay mad at him when his touch made her feel more alive than ever before? Passion swept over her as Kieran nibbled on her bottom lip while sliding his hands up to cup her butt.

She wrapped her legs around his waist before she arched against him, pressing her chest against his. It had only been a little over twelve hours since they’d left each other after beginning their morning with a passionate bout of lovemaking, and still she felt as if she’d burn up from the inside.

“You aren’t really mad, are you?” Kieran asked as their lips parted.

“Yes, I had to sit and listen for thirty minutes as Sparro ranted about what you did,” Dakota told him. “Thirty minutes!”

Kieran placed his mouth against her neck, but she knew he was smiling. “I’m really sorry about that.”

“Liar,” Dakota said fondly. She wasn’t mad at him, but he didn’t need to know that. “Now let me down.”

“And if I don’t? You going to hit me again?”

“I might. This time in that pretty face of yours.”

Kieran leaned his head back so their gazes met. “But you like my pretty face.”

She did. “And yet sometimes I have the urge to put my fist through it.”

He barked out a laugh, then finally put her back on her feet. Dakota pushed away from him before she could get distracted by his touch again.

“On top of having to listen to the lecture meant for you, I find out you were attacked tonight!” she exclaimed.

Kieran grew serious. “I’m okay.”

“Okay?” she repeated. “From what I hear, there were four shifters.”

“And Remy was with me.”

“Four shifters, Kieran!”

“They were easily taken care of. The day I can’t take out a couple shifters is the day I—”

“You really don’t want to finish that,” she warned as she walked past him, farther into the bedroom they’d been sharing for the last few weeks. Housekeeping had been by earlier, so the bed was made with fresh sheets and blankets. She inhaled the clean scent before continuing to the bathroom. She loved the bathroom.

When Kieran had first gotten to town, he’d rented a smaller room inside the hotel-casino. But since Kieran’s oldest friend owned the place, Jackson had been able to talk Kieran into moving into a bigger suite with a kitchen. Dakota had liked the other, but this one was pure decadence.

Even though she still had her own room at the Organization housing building, Dakota was finding herself at Kieran’s more and more. The hot sex wasn’t the only reason she kept returning either.

Her hands shook as she braced them against the marble vanity. It was common for Kieran to make remarks about his feelings on shifters. She’d grown used to them for the most part, but sometimes it still hurt.

He had every right to feel the way he did after being tortured for ten years, but other than her and Remy, Kieran couldn’t stand being around any other shifters. It made her worry about their future.

“I’m sorry.”

She glanced up into the mirror and saw him braced against the bathroom door, watching her. She smiled. “I know what you mean, but sometimes…” She let her words trail off, not having the courage to bring up the familiar fight.

Deep down she knew Kieran didn’t think before he spoke most of the time. He wasn’t trying to hurt her. In the privacy of their home, the elegant hotel suite, Kieran showed her a part of him no one else got to see.

No one would ever believe it, but Kieran was a nester. He enjoyed high-end items, luxury and soft fabrics. Their bed was always piled high with an excessive amount of pillows and blankets. Even though Kieran’s body temperature was colder than hers, that wasn’t the only reason for the extra layers. Kieran was a snuggler as well.

Growing up in the Organization training facilities hadn’t given Dakota the chance to take advantage of the luxuries available to others. Kieran had changed that for her. He made sure she could have whatever she wanted. He shared the small lavish comforts he enjoyed. He also indulged in the best food and drink, making sure she was always included. He might seem like a bad-boy biker, but really he was someone who loved extravagance.

She glanced over her shoulder, admiring his body. “Shame you already showered.”

Kieran growled before he stepped closer. She smiled then pushed against his chest, shoving him back before she slammed the door closed. She locked it for good measure.

They both knew she wasn’t angry, but if she made him wait just a little bit, Kieran would no doubt make her pay later. A shiver of arousal and need traveled up her spine. Tonight should be fun.

They might have only been sleeping together for a month, but the connection between the two of them was strong. From the moment she’d seen Kieran standing in a dark, dirty alley, she’d known he was the man she was supposed to be with. Kieran had gone back and forth between wanting her with every fiber of his being and trying to push her away. It still surprised her sometimes that they were together. With her jaguar always close to the surface, Dakota worried she’d scare him away one day. Kieran remained cautious anytime he could sense her animal, but he’d also accepted her in his life. Still, their relationship was always teetering on a ledge.

There was still steam in the air and Dakota didn’t wait to turn on the shower and add to it. There were four faucet heads inside the glass and marble stall. Four! She’d never been big on water play while in her shifted form, but one day when she knew Kieran wouldn’t accidently stumble in on her, she was going to transform and let her jaguar have some fun.

With quick and efficient movements, she undressed before stepping under the hot spray. She didn’t even attempt to hold in her moan of pleasure. While Kieran had been playing around in the office, she had been trying to run down a confidential informant. The little fox shifter usually gave her the best intel, but now, when Dakota needed him the most, Jerry had gone into hiding.

It was upsetting and as much as she wanted to think he was okay, her instincts told her differently. She was aware of the case Kieran and Remy were working, plus she worried Jerry had gotten caught giving out information to cops or herself. Usually, he wasn’t too difficult to find.

Shaking away the disturbing thoughts, Dakota began to wash the long day down the drain. She hadn’t been kidding when she’d been bitching to Kieran about his prank. Funny—yes, the stunt had been funny, but the other agents were getting more and more pissed off at him. Not that Kieran seemed to care. He spoke to her and Remy and no one else. Even the director had trouble getting Kieran to say two words to him.

Although she’d brought up him hanging out more with others, Kieran only scoffed at her. She’d known he was a loner when they met and there wasn’t anything she could think of that would change that fact, but she was trying. She was hoping if he began to feel at home in her city, then maybe he would stay, even after his boss came off assignment. They didn’t talk about the future, so all Dakota could do was worry and hope.

Kieran living in the hotel was just another reminder he hadn’t put down roots. She understood it was easier and cheaper to be there, thanks to Kieran’s old friend’s generosity. It also gave Jackson and Kieran the chance to reconnect.

They’d been together years before as victims of the shifters that had taken them. When Jackson had been taken out of the cell and had never returned, Kieran had believed him dead.

Now not only was Jackson alive, but the two men were closer than ever before. Jackson still appeared uncomfortable around her, though. Just like Kieran, Jackson didn’t like to be around shifters. It made it hard for her to get to know her lover’s friend.

As she rubbed shampoo into her hair, she heard the soft click of the bathroom door closing. She didn’t even try to hide her smile. Of course he’d managed to get the locked door open and followed her. Kieran loved seeing her wet and slippery, as he’d told her time and time again.

“I thought I told you not to come in here,” she said even though she didn’t mean it.

“I’m just here to make sure you get clean. Your health is very important to me,” Kieran responded as he opened the glass stall door.

Dakota wiped the water from her eyes. “I’m clean. Thanks for the offer, though.”

“No,” Kieran said while still moving closer. “You missed a spot.”

She smirked. “Really?”

“Right here,” Kieran said right before he leaned down and ran his tongue in the shell of her ear.

She shivered and tried to push him away. “Stop. I’m still mad at you.”

Kieran moved behind her, running his hands over her body the entire time. Even through the hot water and steam, goosebumps rose.

“No you’re not,” he whispered knowingly.

“K…”

“I’m really sorry you got yelled at for me,” he whispered. “But I think when I turn in my suggestions on how we can approve security, you’ll be impressed.”

Dakota sighed. “There are better ways to make changes you think we need. If you would just send in a report, almost every agent in that place would not only read it but would agree.”

“Then what would I get out of that?” He actually sounded genuinely confused.

She turned in his arms before she palmed his face in her hands. “You’re a brilliant man and I don’t want to see Sparro strangle you in front of my eyes.”

“Like he could.”

“I mean it.”

He shrugged. “Like I care what anyone thinks of me. If Sparro doesn’t like it, he can fire me.”

There was no reasoning with him when Kieran got in this mood. And Kieran did have other options. Jackson had offered more than once to hire Kieran to run one of his security companies anywhere in the world. If he wanted, Kieran could travel and see places she’d only dreamed about. Kieran didn’t seem interested in the job, but that didn’t mean if Sparro pissed him off enough, Kieran wouldn’t take Jackson up on his offer.

If that happened, Dakota would end up not only losing Kieran at work, but probably also in all aspects of her life.

“Okay, I might not be mad at you, but that doesn’t mean I’m in the mood,” she said.

“How about if I do this…?” Kieran lowered his mouth to hers.

God, he tasted so good. Like caramel and spice. She groaned while wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him close. His hands were slick as they brushed her thighs before he easily lifted her off her feet.

Her back hit the wall and she wrapped her legs around his hips. His cock, full and hard, nudged at her entrance. He was so strong, her Walker—she didn’t have to worry about him dropping her.

“I missed you,” Kieran said as he kissed along her neck.

She closed her eyes. Sometimes he could surprise her with sweet words like that. His tone would change to soft and loving and Dakota would forget all about the problems between them. “Me too.”

“I’d do anything to keep you safe,” he murmured. “Even if that means showing all the dumbass agents you work with they’re morons.”

“Was that what today’s prank was about?”

He just grunted.

Dakota tightened her legs before she began rubbing up against him. Her nipples dragged along his smooth chest, making her stomach clench.

“Mm,” he hummed in response.

“Inside me,” she pleaded. “I want to feel you.”

“What if I want to play?” he teased, running her hands up and down her thighs.

“Later, I promise.”

His hand brushed against her as he gripped his cock. It wasn’t long before the tip of his shaft was at her entrance. He began to press hard and her body opened for him like it always did. The hot, hard cock claiming her from the inside. Since they didn’t have to worry about pregnancy, he didn’t use a condom. They couldn’t pass on diseases to each other with their paranormal genes.

Unlike in Hollywood movies, Kieran wasn’t a vampire, dead or undead, but a living soul that had extraordinary gifts. He also had a rare disease that made drinking blood a part of his life.

Still, she loved that there was no barrier between them. He thrust deep, scattering all thoughts of disease, pregnancy and blood from her thoughts.

She dug her nails into his back, feeling the scars. He didn’t like her to touch them, but to Dakota they were a sign he had survived. He was alive and with her.

“Feel me inside you,” he murmured. “My body taking yours. You belong to me.”

“Yes,” she hissed. Her heart, body and soul were all his. Every part of her was tailored for this complicated man.

He drew back and gazed into her eyes as he plunged over and over, harder and faster. “Mine.”

His blue eyes began to glow. “Always.”

She held on as he slammed into her. She loved when he lost control. She was no fragile female. She was tough and a good pounding was what she craved. For her lover to prove he could not only handle her but give her a rough fuck too was something she had only gotten with him.

“More!” she demanded.

He snarled, his fangs dropping, but she wasn’t afraid. Kieran would never bite her during sex. That was the very first rule he’d given her. Still, she loved when he came close.

“Show me. Show me how much you want me.”

Kieran kept thrusting as Dakota ran her tongue across his neck. She loved the taste of him. Kieran might not hold scent in his skin but he did have his own unique flavor. When she reached the hard muscle where his neck and shoulder met, she bit down, making sure she didn’t break the skin. She did so just because she could.

He growled then groaned as he hiked her farther up the wall so he could get a better angle, pushing his cock into her wet pussy. Each time he drove in hard, her back slammed against the surface behind her. As she began to tremble, Dakota knew she wouldn’t last much longer. Her breasts felt fuller and her clit began to tingle. She clawed at Kieran’s back, which spurred him on further. His movements were so fast she could barely follow them, so she closed her eyes. He loosed a grunt as sweat dripped down his forehead. Dakota threw back her head as she screamed out her orgasm.

He didn’t slow until his plunges grew frantic and he shouted as his own climax was ripped from him.

The quiet of the bathroom, just the sound of the water beating down on the tiles, wrapped around her as she lowered her forehead to his and closed her eyes in exhaustion.

 

* * * *

 

Kieran lifted his head and peered down at Dakota, who was still sleeping peacefully. She was truly beautiful. At times like this, he couldn’t believe how lucky he was. After years of torture and abuse at the hands of monsters, Kieran had thought his life was over. He’d actually prayed nightly his pain would end. Instead, he’d been found by the Organization. And years later, even when he’d thought he was happy alone, he’d stumbled across Dakota.

She had fought for him, even gone up against Kieran’s own fears to be with him. He didn’t deserve her. He was fully aware of that, but, as long as she wanted him, Kieran would do everything in his power to make her happy.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead then, as carefully as he could, pulled out his arm from under her neck before he slid away. Luckily Dakota merely rolled over onto her stomach, still breathing deeply and softly.

Kieran climbed out of bed. He had to fight to keep the old memories at bay. Ever since he’d seen Jackson again, sleep had been hard for him. The nightmares he’d thought he’d escaped were back. Still, they were better than the flashbacks he was having. He was managing to keep his issues from Dakota, but he wasn’t sure how long that would last. She was a smart girl and had great instincts—if he didn’t figure out how to get rid of the nightmares or flashbacks, she would find out.

With the stealth of a Walker, Kieran crept to the chair where he’d left his sweat pants and long-sleeved T-shirt. Dakota ran hotter than he did, so Kieran was trying to get used to keeping his suite cooler than he preferred. Kieran closed the door behind him quietly. He dressed quickly right outside the bedroom door before heading into the main room. He heard a soft ding and strolled to his desk, where he’d plugged in his cell to charge. He clicked on the small lamp before picking up the phone.

 

Can we talk?

 

The text from Jackson had arrived two hours ago. Jackson was probably asleep by now, but Kieran typed back a message.

 

Yes, when?

 

He set down the phone before lifting the lid of his laptop and powering it up. If he wasn’t going to be able to get any sleep, at least he would be able to check on his boss.

Kieran logged on to the Organization network, having to key in his password three different times before he was finally able to pull up the database where he and agents from his old division were tracking Caspar Westbridge.

Caspar had rescued Kieran on that cold night years ago from the cell deep inside Mount Fauna. He’d tracked his ex-partner and former best friend after the Organization had discovered Bradley Johnson had been kidnapping Day Walkers and experimenting on them, trying to figure out how to make the shifters live longer. Kieran didn’t remember everything that had been done to him, but what he did know was all bad.

Bradley had wanted eternal life and the closest he’d been able to find was the Walkers. They weren’t immortal, but they did live longer than any other creatures. Bradley had been vicious in his pursuit, not caring how many Walkers he’d killed or hurt. Ten years Kieran had been tortured for the amusement and experiment of the shifters who’d held him.

Until he’d been saved.

Even though Caspar took Kieran home with him, it had taken months before Caspar could be around him without Kieran trying to attack, but eventually, through Caspar’s kindness and understanding, Kieran had stopped being the monster the shifters had made him into and had started to trust his rescuer.

Through training, Caspar had taught Kieran to defend himself and become strong again. When Kieran had been ready, Caspar had broken every Organization rule by bringing Kieran into the fold. Kieran might have a lot of issues still, but he did believe in protecting those weaker than him. He knew he would spend the rest of his life in debt to Caspar.

So when his boss, the man he respected more than any other, his father figure, had taken an assignment after Bradley had surfaced again, Kieran had been truly afraid. If anything happened to Caspar, Kieran wasn’t sure he would ever recover, even with Remy and Dakota by his side.

Luckily, Caspar had worked things out so Kieran could follow his progress. Kieran had access to the reports Caspar was sending in and could follow along with the investigation. He could also email Caspar his own thoughts and suggestions. Hell, even Dakota and Remy had started following along and giving their own ideas.

Kieran felt his pulse pick up when he saw Caspar had recently uploaded a video file. If Caspar was still giving updates, then he was still alive and well. At least that was one less worry for the night.

His phone dinged before he could open the file. He picked it up.

 

6 a.m. work?

 

He answered quickly. Yes.

 

I’ll come to you.

 

Okay.

 

Kieran put down his phone again after replying. He was glad Jackson was willing to come to his suite. They could have met in Jackson’s office or his own living quarters, but Kieran was hoping Jackson would grow more comfortable with Dakota. She was everything to him and it was important the two of them got along. Remy already loved her, so if Jackson would start to trust her, then his small circle would be complete.

Kieran glanced up to make sure she was still asleep, and smiled. Her soft breaths wouldn’t be heard by a human ear, but he could easily pick up the sound. Satisfied she was where she belonged, Kieran double-clicked the video file and pulled it up before he pressed Play.

It appeared to be a recording from a phone. He jerked when Caspar’s voice sounded.

“This is the latest lab we found,” Caspar said. “We followed the trail to some caves in Arizona. Whoever was here had gone by the time we arrived. I don’t know if they were tipped off we were coming or if they just had a feeling. It’s obvious they haven’t been gone long, though.”

The camera panned, showing a concrete room with metal tables lined up. Kieran shivered. It was too much like the room they used to take him to.

“There were no living persons to rescue. We did find one dead Walker, though,” Caspar continued. “The evidence shows the Walker had been dead almost a week. I’ve called for a team to pick up the body to try to figure out the cause of death. The computers were all wiped, but hopefully we can recover some data. We haven’t been able to on the others, so I just don’t know.”

Kieran didn’t like how defeated his boss sounded.

“I’m not sure where to go from here,” Caspar said. “We started on the east coast and seem to be working our way back west. I’m almost certain Bradley is aware we’re hunting him.”

“Fuck,” Kieran whispered. He balled his fist to keep from pounding the table. He wanted to be with his boss. He knew Caspar had a team he was working with, but Kieran didn’t trust them to keep him safe. If Bradley knew Caspar was stalking him, there was no way of telling what the sadistic shifter would do to him.

Caspar was human. And, even though he was thoroughly trained, he wouldn’t be much of a match against Bradley. Caspar had been out of the field for too damn long.

Even though Kieran would have a hard time dealing with the places Caspar was coming across, it would be better than watching from the wings. Waiting for something bad to happen.

“I’m moving from the lab to the holding cells,” Caspar said. He entered a dark room and Kieran didn’t want to see. He should turn the video off. He wouldn’t, though.

Caspar flipped on the light and Kieran’s stomach rolled. He closed his eyes, but he could still hear Caspar’s voice explaining the room and the three cells.

He couldn’t fight the memories that rushed forward.

He was cold, so damn cold. They had taken his clothes and left him lying naked and dirty on the metal bars. The entire cage was made up of steel poles. If he didn’t move enough, the imprint of them would show on his body. He didn’t have a blanket, a toilet—nothing. Just the fucking bars.

Kieran wrapped his hands around the rods in front of him.

What had he done to deserve this kind of treatment? He’d been traveling across country in his old pickup truck when he’d started having trouble with the stupid vehicle. It had been decades since the truck had seen better days, but Kieran still kept it maintained.

It should have gotten him to his destination. But as the truck sputtered, he managed to get it off the dark highway and onto the shoulder right before it died.

He’d popped the hood, but couldn’t find the problem. He’d filled up only thirty miles ago, so he had plenty of gas. Still, the vehicle wasn’t going anywhere.

Kieran had stepped out onto the two-lane road, hoping to spot another vehicle or a house close by. He couldn’t see anything even with his enhanced sight.

He’d pulled the jacket closer around himself and settled in to wait. If no one came in an hour, he’d have to hoof it to the nearest town. He had plenty of money, the only thing his father had given him when he’d sent him away, so getting another vehicle shouldn’t be too hard.

It had only been twenty minutes before he’d spotted headlights headed his way. When the driver pulled over to the side and stepped out, Kieran had smiled. A shifter. They would surely help another paranormal. Kieran had been raised in a small town up in the mountains and had only known other Walkers like his family and humans. Very seldom did a shifter come around, but there had been a few occasions one would stop by to speak with his father. Caspar had enjoyed learning about other cultures.

He walked forward with his hand out.

Out of nowhere he’d been struck on the back of his head. As he’d fallen to his knees, he’d heard laughing. Right before at least three people began to beat him.

At eighteen and away from his family for the first time, he had been terrified when he’d woken in the cage, alone, naked and in pain.

Now Kieran wasn’t even sure how long he’d been held by that point. It seemed like a lifetime had passed already.

Sometimes he hadn’t seen anyone for what had to be days and he would wonder if they’d forgotten about him and left him to starve. Other times the days ran together as his enemies spent their time torturing and abusing him.

He’d prayed for his suffering to end. For all of it to end.

Kieran gasped as he came out of the memory and found himself at his desk. He was trembling, chilled to the bone, and the video had stopped playing. He jumped to his feet to stalk over to the liquor bar.

He poured two fingers of whiskey before tossing it back then refilling the glass. The alcohol did nothing to warm him, but hopefully it would help settle his nerves.

“Damn,” he muttered, strolling to the large windows behind his desk. He yanked open the curtains, not even thinking about the noise he’d make. Too distraught to remember Dakota, until he heard the bed shift.

He froze, hoping she hadn’t woken. He didn’t want her to see him like this. When her breathing evened back out, Kieran sighed in relief and peered out of the window.

The bright lights of the Strip twinkled below him. Even now, at three o’clock in the morning, there would be people running around, walking, some drunk, some just high on life.

They were alive and unaware real monsters watched them from the dark. One wrong move, one misstep and they could become someone’s victim. Just like he’d been.

He leaned forward and rested his forehead against the cool glass. The feeling of helplessness gnawed at him until the first tear fell down his cheek.