Alexandra Ivy - Darkness Unleashed

Regan, you are certain? Jagr demanded.

Certain? No. She didnt have a clue what was about to happen. Well, nothing beyond a great deal of pain when those huge fangs sank into her flesh.

Thankfully, she was no coward, and if Jagr needed blood to get him up and moving, then by God, he was going to get blood.

Do you need an engraved invitation? she taunted, not at all surprised when his mouth widened and his fangs slid smoothly into her wrist. Jagr was not a vampire to back down from a direct challenge. Regrettably, her plan had neglected one small detail.

She was braced for pain. She was even braced for the necessity of ripping him forcibly from her flesh if he lost his head and tried to take more than she was willing to offer.

What she wasnt prepared for was the realization that far from painful, the sensation that jolted through her was one of intense, relentless pleasure.

Oh Her eyes drifted shut as she felt him suck deeply of her blood, every pull tightening the coiling bliss that was lodged in the pit of her stomach. Her entire body trembled, the same excitement that had set her on fire when hed kissed her blazing through her body. Only this time it was more powerful, more driving, moreexplosive. She was drowning, lost in the dark, intoxicating desire

Jagrs anger eased as he watched Regan hastily back away from him. Oh, he still intended to slaughter the imp. Slowly, painfully, and with exquisite skill. But he couldnt deny a hint of amusement at Regans skittish unease at his grim announcement.

Shed spent the past thirty years being brutally taught that she could depend on no one but herself. Trust no one. Now her prickly independence resented the mere hint that someone else might fight her battles.

Just as she resented the thought she possessed a sister and pack who cared for her.

Well see, he murmured, turning to grab two armfuls of clothes off the rack. This should do.

As hed hoped, Regan was instantly distracted. He wasnt a particularly perceptive vampire. Unlike Viper, he couldnt sense others most intimate thoughts. But not even an idiot could miss her covetous expression or longing sighs as she had searched through the racks.

She wanted the clothes, she would have them.

I cant take all that, she protested.

Then I will.

Without missing a beat, Jagr searched until he found the large bags stashed behind the counter and filled them with his bounty. He even included several bras and panties that were piled in a large bin, refusing to consider what the bits of lace of would look like against her ivory skin.

Reaching into the pocket of his jeans, he pulled out a wad of cash and tossed it near the register, then headed out the door and into the dark street.

He knew better than to ask, or worse yet, demand that Regan accompany him. She needed to feel as if she were in control. He was willing to give her a sense of freedom so long as she didnt put herself in danger.

There was a tense pause before he heard Regans soft curse, and soon she was hurrying to match his long strides.

Why did you leave money? she demanded. You have a moral issue with stealing?

Jagr allowed his powers to flow through the dark street, searching for any hint of danger.

No, just a dislike for attracting unwanted attention. I left enough money to keep the owner from calling the cops and risk losing her sudden windfall.

Now where are we going?

A shower.

Confident there was nothing more threatening than the usual humans and a few water sprites that sang their siren song from the river, Jagr turned the corner and headed toward the main highway that cut through town.

Despite his swift pace, Regan easily kept at his side, her gaze warily searching the shadows, her body tense, ready for any unexpected attack.

Jagr should have been pleased. The woman was obviously smart enough to keep up her guard, despite the seeming lack of danger.

But he wasnt pleased.

In fact, he was downright pissy. As if some latent, primitive part of his nature was offended she would question his right and ability to keep her safe.

Alarm trickled down his spine like ice, but Jagr grimly ignored the warning. Regan had been setting off alarms since he first caught sight of her. Instead, he slowed before the cheap chain motel with the blinking vacancy sign.

Regan frowned as he headed toward the far end of the building. What are we doing here?

This is the nearest shower.

Were checking into a hotel?

Tonight I prefer to skip the paperwork. The desk clerk is no doubt busy sharpening his skills at Guitar Hero.

Christ, what is it with you?

What?

She regarded him with a sour expression. One minute you sound like you just crawled out of a medieval crypt and the next, you sound like youre a full-fledged member of Gen X.

He shrugged, hiding his smile at her fierce need to keep him at a distance. And people called him antisocial.

I watch TV.

Let me guess. Youre addicted to Dexter .

Actually I prefer Gossip Girl .

Her jaw dropped. Youve got to be kidding.

He moved toward the last door. This ones empty. Placing his hand against the door, Jagr waited until he heard the click of the lock and pressed it open. Standing aside, he waited for Regan to march past him, her head high, her spine stiff.

Shutting the door, he held the bags toward the wary woman.

Dont turn on the light until youve closed the bathroom door. We dont want to alarm the staff.

She inched forward, clearly suspicious of his motives in bringing her to the hotel room.

What are you going to be doing?

Keeping guard. His brief amusement faded as the jasmine scent of her wrapped around him, stoking the hunger that smoldered deep inside him. The mere thought of her naked in the shower, with only a flimsy door between themgods. Heat blasted through him, swirling through the air and making his voice thick. Unless you have need of me?

Snatching the bags, Regan backed toward the open door across the room.

Ive got it, thanks.

Her tone was sharp, but Jagr didnt miss the darkening of her eyes or the rapid beat of her pulse. He pushed from the door, the flames licking through his blood.

My assistance would save time. I could scrub your back. His gaze swept down the delicate curves. Or your front, if you prefer.

Not even in your dreams, Jagr.

Oh, she was definitely going to be in his dreams. The only question was for how many nights.

Or centuries.

You did say you were in a hurry to get on the trail of Culligan.

Ha. Do I look stupid?

The sweet, enticing scent of her arousal perfumed the air, but Jagr didnt miss the hint of panic that flared through her emerald eyes. She desired him, but she feared that desire as much as she feared any emotion that wasnt hate or revenge.

Damn. He moved forward, forcing himself to halt when a tremor shook through her body. She was going to bolt. He sensed it as clearly as if shed tattooed it across her forehead.

You look like a woman who has been knocked around enough to assume everyone is your enemy. His voice was deliberately cool, his hunger firmly leashed. I will not hurt you.

She swallowed heavily, then predictably channeled her unease into anger.

Because precious Darcy would be mad? she sneered.

Because I understand.

Yeah, right. Just keep watch, Hulkster, she growled, her wolf prowling beneath her skin. And dont you dare come anywhere near this door.

The door in question was slammed with enough force to split one of the wooden panels. Jagr remained in the center of the room, pretending that the image of Regan stripping off her clothes and stepping beneath the pelting water wasnt searing through his brain. Then, confident she was actually taking the opportunity to bathe, he slowly backed out of the room and made a swift sweep of the neighborhood to make sure they hadnt been followed.