They had made it to the perimeter of Site R without any more mishaps, which left Ryder relieved. However, the ride had gone on for an eternity without Kayla in the back seat to torture him. Instead, she persecuted him from several vehicles back. Maybe giving her space had been a bad idea. If he allowed his needs to fuel his choices, he would have her by his side. Gordy and Tara had been busy giving off pheromones that nearly made him sick to his stomach. Certainly made him crankier than usual, which these days didn’t take much. Had anyone told him a female would get under his skin, he would have laughed hysterically. Yet, here he was. One miserable bastard who was ready to tear the throat out of anyone who looked at him crossways.
When he’d gotten into the vehicle, Tara happily showed him her marking. The couple had a matching set, and he had several burning questions about the process but never asked. Ryder wasn’t in any mood to find out what he already suspected. At least not yet.
The sky reflected his dark emotions the entire trip, and now it finally opened up and began to snow. Flakes the size of silver dollars floated on a light breeze and started to collect on the ground. Without local weather service, they had no way to know if this was going to be a dusting or an all-out storm. Instinct told him this wasn’t going to be good.
“What’s our plan?” Jaden had wandered to the SUV and leaned in the open window. “Somehow I think knocking on the door won’t do much good.”
“We go scouting once night hits.” He shoved on the door and Jaden stepped back. “For now, we make camp here. Send some scouts out to make sure this place is secure. Liam can lead them.”
“Dare we build a fire?”
“I don’t think we have much choice but only a small one. We’ll forgo setting up the tents until we know if we can get in or not.” They had been lucky enough to procure several large heavy tents and other winter camping supplies. Thank God, because he had a feeling they were going to need it.
“Will do.” Jaden strode off to gather supplies.
“Why didn’t Kayla ride with us?” Tara moved beside him while Gordy kept a watchful eye.
“Long story,” he muttered.
She crossed her arms and stared him down, but his gaze held hers.
“Fine. I’m giving her space. Seems my life-saving blood was also a curse. She now carries the mark on her arm.”
“Like mine?” Tara asked.
“Similar, but not exactly. At some point we need to discuss the changes between the two of you.”
“Really?” Tara asked. “You’ve had several hours to ask us whatever you wanted. Gordy and I will certainly share anything we learn.”
He knew her point was valid, but he only wanted one thing right now. He caught sight of Kayla as she exited the bus and stretched. She looked his way, and their gazes met before he tore away and looked at Tara. “It would seem fate has decided that survivors of the Red Death and vampires might make good mates. Kayla and I have demonic blood running through our veins. How this shit works is beyond me, but you two seem to be faring much better.”
“Know that I don’t like talking about Tara in this manner, but I realize the information is important,” Gordy said. “After being intimate, her mark showed up as a heart only. It was after she drank my blood that the marking completed to look identical to mine.”
Tara nodded. “The bond we have now is…” She looked at Gordy like he was her entire life. “I know it sounds strange, but if anything happened to him I couldn’t go on.”
“Do you two have a mental link?”
“Yes,” Gordy responded.
“We do as well but we had that before we started any bond. I’d say after Kayla fed me the first time.” Ryder rubbed his jaw. “Then again, we might have had one before that and not known. Appears those that survive the Red Death gain some sort of telepathy.”
“I still don’t get why you pushed Kayla away. I would be devastated if Gordy did that to me. I can’t even imagine how she must feel.”
Gordy pulled Tara to his side and kissed her temple. “Would never happen, baby,” he whispered and now Ryder felt even more like shit.
“Kayla didn’t have a choice when it came to being marked.” He walked away and entered the forest. He needed to do something, but what he had no clue. Feed? Fuck? Or fight? All three sounded appealing, but only one was within his grasp. He already realized he was unable to take another female for blood or sex, and the thought of sucking on the wrist of one of the men made him shudder. At some point he would have to approach Kayla for blood, but he would wait until he couldn’t take the hunger a second longer. As he strode into the woods, the snow came down harder.
Not a good sign.
The evening grew colder, and snow came down in heavy flakes to create a fluffy blanket across the landscape. Kayla didn’t shiver even though she was standing several feet away from the fire the men had started to keep everyone warm. Normally, she would have been huddled with the others, but she was different. Even more so since she had woken in that motel room with a mark on her wrist. The thing burned and was a constant reminder of Ryder and his dismissal of her. She stared into the blackness of the forest and saw everything with new eyes. An owl sat on a branch and studied them. There was nothing but dark shadows surrounding the winged creature, yet she saw it perfectly. So in awe of it, she looked back to see if anyone noticed her, then snuck into the thickness of the trees. The forest was alive with creatures that hunted at night.
Was she like Ryder now?
Hard to say, considering she had gained new and strange powers since the Red Death. Telepathy had been one as well as being able to scent rogue vampires. She stopped in her tracks and inhaled. Nothing but pine mingled with…
Spiced rum.
Warm caramel with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Her stomach growled with a painful hunger and her mouth watered. Ryder had gone this way, and without thinking, she found her feet carrying her in the same direction. As much as she wanted to turn and go back to the others, her body refused to obey every command she threw at it. Instead, she rolled with it. Curious to what he was doing anyway––at least that’s what she told herself––she made her way through the forest. Her breath a small fog in the cold, dark air, Kayla quickly experienced a sense of freedom she hadn’t in a long time. Her muscles ached for more so she fell into a jog. Jumped over a fallen tree and continued along a trail she blazed with minimal effort through the snow until she heard the breathing of another.
“What are you doing out here?” Ryder managed to slip in behind her.
“I needed to go for a walk.” She turned to face him, a critical error on her part. Ryder wore a pair of well-fitting jeans, a dark tee, and a black leather jacket with a dusting of snow on the shoulders. His dangerous appearance heightened by the dark shadow that always covered his jaw and the deep, rich eyes of a predator who searched for any sign of weakness. No wonder he had excelled as a Navy Seal. Kayla was certain Ryder was a cold-blooded killer when necessary. She even understood why Arsenia had chosen him.
The man was destined to survive.
She shivered, but it wasn’t the cold that caused it.
“You are foolish to be out here with no coat.” He pulled his off and wrapped it around her. His scent hit her then went straight to her sex.
Damn it!
She wanted him but quickly remembered his rejection and the sting it had left her with. That was worse than her desire so she tried to shove it away. Doing so proved difficult with his scent cocooning her.
“What are you doing out here?” she asked, hoping to put her mind on anything else.
“Scouting. I didn’t see anyone, but I’d stake my life on the place being occupied. We may have to set up camp while I strategize a plan.”
She was aware of the camping equipment since she had seen it in one of the trucks. “Won’t they know we’re here? If there are people, that is.”
He nodded. “We are far enough away not to be a threat to them.”
“Did you ever think about simply asking if we can come in?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe if I and a few of the other women approach them––”
“No. I will not have you walking into potential danger.”
Well, this conversation was beginning to irritate her. Her sexual tension and his proximity flared her temper. “Why do you care? You fucking walked out on me back at the motel.” So much for discretion.
He stepped closer. Part of her wanted to move into him while another screamed to run away. She ignored both and stood her ground.
“Kayla. Walking out of that room while you lay there spread to me was possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Remember, I’m a Seal and have done many difficult things in my life.”
Was that supposed to make her feel better? Fuck him.
“That’s a shitty answer and not even a reason.” She fisted her hands. “Grow a damn pair and simply confess you don’t want to be attached to me. The thought of having one woman cramps your style.” God, what was happening to her that she had turned into such a vicious person?
With another step he invaded her space. So close his breath heated her face when he bent to speak. “Do not assume you know how I feel. I knew I could have you, and you would not have refused me. However, I chose to walk out because I want you to come to me with a rational mind.”
Her mind certainly wasn’t rational at the moment because she fisted his shirt and jerked him closer. Bringing her mouth to his lips, she prayed he didn’t push her away. Instead, he slid his arms around her waist and brought her closer to his hard body.
She shivered again.
“You’re cold,” he murmured against her mouth.
Far from it because she was going to burn alive if he didn’t do something to douse her fire. She parted her lips and his tongue slid across hers. Passion burned in his kiss and went straight to her soul. His erection pressed into her abdomen while his kiss consumed her. When he broke away, he gave her lip a nip. His fangs had lengthened and pricked her until a drop of blood welled up causing him to lick it away.
“As badly as I want you, I cannot continue without knowing for certain that you want this. That you want me.”
Was he serious? Well, she supposed she should be grateful he was making sure of her desires. “I thought my kissing you made my intentions clear.”
“I know your body’s desire, but I need to hear you say it.” His hand slid under her shirt but he stopped inches away from her breast.
“I want you, Ryder. My need for you is so overwhelming I can’t think straight.” It’s also making me one bitchy woman.
He cupped her breast. Tweaked her nipple between his fingers as he claimed her mouth again. The only thoughts in Kayla’s mind were total surrender to this man. Not caring where they were, she reached for his erection and squeezed.
“Ryder?” The voice of Jaden carried in the wind.
Ryder broke free. “I’m going to kill him,” he whispered, releasing her. “What? And this better be good,” he growled.
Ryder had to fight for control of his desire for Kayla and the death of Jaden. He quickly adjusted her shirt and noticed her lips were swollen from his kiss. He rather liked he had done that to her but hated the fact she needed him, and they were being interrupted. Still, this wasn’t the place to have her. Kayla shouldn’t be fucked in a snowy forest. The woman who fate had decided belonged to him, who had also survived a demon-born plague, deserved far better.
“Sorry to interrupt, but maybe we should consider setting up camp. Even with the fire, we can’t expect the women to sleep outside in this snow and the bus is cold.”
Ryder felt like an ass. While he was out here frolicking with his woman, the others were suffering. “You’re right. Make it happen and we’ll be along in a minute.”
Jaden gave a knowing look between Ryder and Kayla. “Sorry again.”
“Think nothing of it,” Ryder responded and watched Jaden blend back into the darkness.
“I feel bad now,” Kayla said, shifting her weight. “I was being selfish and not thinking of the others.”
He kissed her forehead. “You and I are going through something we cannot explain or understand. Let’s go back and help get things set up, then we can pick up where we left off.” He took her hand in his. “That’s if you still want to.”
Her pupils dilated. “I don’t think this is going away on its own. It’s all I can do not to rip your clothes off right here. I have this urge to have your fangs buried in my neck.”
And he seriously couldn’t get any harder. “I rather like that you want to rip my clothes off and will give you that chance. Later.” He leaned in and ran his nose along her jaw. “While I feed from you, you can do whatever you want to me.” He led her back through the forest to the camp.
“We don’t exactly have a private place.”
“Don’t worry about it. I will make sure things are taken care of.” He’d build a fucking hut from sticks if necessary in order to make her comfortable. This time, he’d not be walking away. She wanted him and that was all he needed to hear.
Back at the camp, the men had already begun setting up the tents. Each one held ten cots and a small wood-burning stove. Luckily, the truck that held all of their winter camping supplies had survived. They would be able to set up two for the women and the men would share the remaining four tents. They would be crowded but vampires didn’t require much sleep. Ryder was now thankful he’d had the foresight to grab a smaller tent. He’d use this for Kayla and himself.
Everyone pitched in, and in short order they had the tents up and the stoves warming the insides. Heavy sleeping bags covered the cots and already people began to settle in. By the time Ryder had encouraged Kayla to go to their tent and get some rest, it was well into the night. The snow had finally let up after dumping several inches on them when Ryder stepped inside.
Kayla was already tucked into the sleeping bag, and Ryder thought about leaving her to sleep, but when he turned to exit, she spoke.
“Don’t you dare think about walking out that door.” She sat up, the sleeping bag dropping to reveal perfect naked breasts.
Ryder groaned. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
“Good. I know I wanted to rip your clothes off earlier, but I think I’d rather watch you strip.”
He shucked his jacket and tossed it into the corner, careful it didn’t land on the now hot stove. Next, he freed his tee from his jeans and pulled it over his head, not bothering to hide his grin when Kayla gasped.
“You are so perfect,” she whispered.
“I can’t wait to see the rest of you,” he replied.
It was her turn to grin, and she pushed the sleeping bag to her hips. “Hurry up and you can join me.”
No more encouragement was needed. He undid the belt, button, and zipper at record speed and had his jeans shoved to his ankles where he stepped out of them. His arousal now free, it jutted in front of him as he lowered himself to where Kayla lay. She flipped the sleeping bag aside and made room for him, and it was then he caught sight of her naked curves. The curls at her apex, neatly trimmed to reveal her damp arousal. She cupped his cheek as she lay back and he followed. Staking claim to her mouth, he plundered. Tasting every inch, he was intoxicated by vanilla on his tongue. He would never get enough. It was a craving that couldn’t be sated. The mark on his arm tingled. It was different from the burn he’d experienced earlier. He broke the kiss and glanced down at it, a glow caught his eyes. He held his arm out.
“The mark is glowing.”
Kayla focused on it then held her own arm out. “Mine too.”
He swallowed. “Sugar, I have this feeling what we are about to do is going to affect us deeply. From what little I’ve learned about demons and even the angels, there seems to be a marking involved, and sex only helps to bind the couple together even more. It’s happened to Gordy and Tara, and we already know we are partially bonded.”
She continued to stare at her mark. “Are you afraid, Ryder?”
“Of being bound to you?”
Her gaze flicked back to him. “Yes.”
“No. I’m learning to take one step at a time and deal with what comes. I do fear hurting you somehow. Are you afraid?” He would dress and walk away if she said yes.
“I’ve lost everyone I love. Survived the Red Death only to have enhanced abilities. Now, I have a vampire who has taken my blood, and fate has decided we belong together. I’m afraid, yet this feels more right than anything has in a long time.” She closed her eyes. “Maybe fate does know more than we do, so I guess I’m willing to take one step at a time with you.” She looked back at him.
Her words touched him. “I swear I will always put you first. Your safety and comfort come above everything else.” He knew this was a promise he would keep. The thought of anything happening to her was like a dagger in his heart. How the hell had he gone from killing the enemy to giving his life to the woman who stared back at him.
“Then let’s take the next step and see where it leads us.” She traced her fingers down his chest until they circled his cock.
He swore his eyes rolled back. Her touch was incredibly… Perfect. Right. He reached for her but a scream shattered the moment.