Win.
Great. Contrary female. Now Strider had to win a battle of wills with her. But he supposed he understood why his demon leapt at this chance for victory, small though it would (hopefully) be. Accommodating as Kaia had been during the drive here, the bastard needed to feed.
Whatd he learn? And yes, we are having a prolonged conversation whether you want to or not. Ill follow you around like a puppy on a leash all damn night, if thats what it takes. If that threat didnt scare her into answering, he didnt know what would.
Nothing. She sighed. Amun couldnt find herthe girl now possessed by the demon of Distrust. Cronus wants him to return to the heavens tomorrow and try again. Now you have both answers. Happy?
A little. Hed won and tiny sparks of pleasure filled his chest. Tell him Striders eyes widened as a thought struck him. Have him call me when Cronus is done with him and hes rested up a bit. Amun was too tired for him to burden tonight. But if anyone could find Juliettes hiding place for the Paring Rod, it was him. Damn, but Strider should have thought of that before. I need a favor.
Haidee gulped back her beer. You and everyone else in the world.
Damn, girl. Learn to share.
She rolled her eyes. Thats hilarious, coming from you.
No, its ironic. Learn the difference. But, honestly? Im a lost cause, too set in my ways. You, however, have a fighting chance.
She laughed and said something in reply, but a piercing shriek in the background drowned out her words. Oh, shit. Striders eardrums knew that shriek intimately.
He wheeled aroundjust as a red blur flew past him, aiming for Haidee.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
WIND RUFFLED STRIDERS HAIR as he reached out and grabbed Kaia by the waist. He was fast, but not fast enough, and by the time he had the woman anchored over his shoulder fireman-style, both of Haidees cheeks were claw-slashed and bleeding.
Haidee appeared too shocked to react, much less defend herself. Which wasnt like her. No one had self-protective instincts like Haidee. Either she was slipping or being without Hate had slowed her down.
You do not touch him. You do not speak to him. Ever! Kaia snarled in a voice layered with another beings screams, her own fury, and plumes of darkness.
Damn it, Kaia. Strider smacked her ass. She didnt notice. She tried to twist around and accidentally kneed him in the stomach. Hard. Air gushed from his mouth, and he hunched over, almost losing her. He readjusted his grip, one hand on the back of her legs, the other on the small of her back. And damn, she was hot! Literally. Heat seeped from her, burning him.
Win?
And, there was his demon, making another appearance. Freaking great. At least the bastard wasnt quite sure how to proceed with the Harpy. Ive got her, dont I? What more do you want?
Kaia, Strider said. If you dont settle down, youre going to hurt me.
To his surprise, that worked, penetrating the fog of her fury. In a blink, she settled, remaining draped over him, her palms pressed into his back, her heated breaths wafting over his shirt and slithering past the material, caressing him with molten deliciousness.
Hello again, Stridey-Monster. Thank gods the fall of her legs hid the evidence of his arousal.
Won. Defeat sighed with pleasure and that pleasure shot through him, increasing his enjoyment. An enjoyment far stronger than anything hed experienced with Haidee.
There were several humans in the bar, watching them. He smiled sheepishly. Women.
They nodded in understanding.
A frowning Amun rushed to Haidees side. Haidee said, Its nothing, baby. I swear. Still, he cupped her cheeks and the frown became a scowl. A scowl he leveled at Strider.
As the keeper of Secrets, Amun could read the thoughts of everyone around him. So Strider opened up his mind and allowed his friend inside. Dont even think about getting back at her. This could have been a lot worse and you know it. Kaia merely scratched her up, nothing more.
You protect whats yours and I protect whats mine, Amun signed angrily.
Kaia. His. He didnt want to analyze the thrill of delight that joined the pleasure. And he didnt need to. She was his. Just for a little whileanother reminder.
Haidee wrapped her fingers around her mans forearm, leaving a smear of blood on his mocha-colored skin. Its fine. Im fine.
Kaia traced something on Striders back, distracting him. A heart, he thought, wanting to smile.
Amuns hands began another furious bout of signing directed at him. You think this is funny?
Yeah. I do. If youll excuse us, we have a little business to attend to. Strider carted Kaia to the dance floor.
Sabin had yet to arrive, which meant there was no reason to resist. With a shrug of his shoulders, he bounced Kaia up and slid her forward. Her body pressed against his as it descended. Only, instead of placing her feet on the wooden slats, she wrapped her legs around his waist and held on tight, fitting her core against his erection.
He bit off a groan. At least her temperature had cooled, so he didnt have to worry about his cock catching on fire. He peered deeply into her eyes and the world around him faded. There was only Kaia, desire and a need to soothe the temper he had unintentionally roused in her.
He anchored his hands on the back of her thighs to keep her from falling and to prevent his friends from seeing anything they shouldnt. Anything of his. Her ass was definitely his.
Let me go, she said, though her tone lacked any kind of admonishment. He didnt point out that she had a tighter hold on him than he had on her. Im going to kill that bitch.
No, baby doll, you wont.
Yes, I will. But the black faded from her eyes, leaving the decadent silver-gold he so loved.
Whoa, whoa there. Loved? Hell, no. He liked the color, that was all. Wheres Miss Agreeable? The girl I chauffeured over here. That small taste of Miss Agreeable should have been a slice of heaven, too, since thats what hed always claimed to want from her. Surprisingly, he realized he preferred her this way. On edge and wild.
Maybe because his blood roared at the alluring prospect of taming her.
Another flicker of black. Miss Agreeable is dead. You killed her when you flirted with another woman.
If you havent heard, dead doesnt have to mean gone forever, he teased. Maybe she can rise from the grave.
A gasp left her. I knew youd like me that way. She pounded a fist into his shoulder. I knew it!
He laughed, unable to trap his amusement inside.
Frowning sulkily, she stilled and glared at him. Whats so funny?
You. Just then she was illogical and adorable, and jealous as hell. Of Haidee, and even of herself. I just want to eat you up.
Her mouth fell open, pearly whites bared in what could only be a mix of shock and hope. What?
Now that he had her attention He moved his hands just under her thighs, lifting and balancing her on the tip of his straining erection. You want to tell me what just happened? With Haidee?
Expression closing off, she stared just over his shoulder. And yet, she nibbled on her bottom lip as he arched his hips forward, rubbing against her. No. I dont.
Do it anyway.
He rubbed again. She nibbled harder. Too much, he thought. Too much for this crowded room. He held her steady.
Tell me, he said.
There was a pause. Then a pouty, You like her more than you like me.
Shed faced a clan of vengeful Harpies without a single complaint, but the thought of him with someone else was more than she could tolerate. That stroked his ego, yeah, but he didnt like that hed hurt her. No, baby doll, I dont.
Yes, you do. You told me so.
Then I was delusional. And really, really dumb. Im very sorry for that. The truth, all of it. Hed only thought hed wanted Haidee in a romantic sense, had gotten snagged by the challenge of winning the heart of an enemy.
After hed won her, he would have walked away from her without any regrets. Easy. Kaia, though, hed treated abominablymaybe because hed sensed, deep down, that he would not be able to walk away from her so easily.
I like you. A lot.
Her chin lifted, that too-delightful stubborn streak kicking in. But I slept with Paris and you can never forget that.
He had pushed that fact in her face over and over again, hadnt he? Stupid of him. While the knowledge had bothered him beforebecause yeah, hed been a little jealous and hurt himself since shed picked Paris firstit seemed insignificant right now.
How many women had Strider been with over the years? How many after Kaia had declared herself to him? Any one of those women could have been a friend of hers.
News flash, he said, hoping to soothe the hurt hed caused, half the people in this room have slept with Paris.
Hope bloomed, the gold consuming her eyes, overshadowing even the silver, only to swiftly wither and die. Youll never be able to get over it. Not really. Not with me.
Okay, a little damage control was in order. Allow me to iron this out completely. Am I jealous? Yes. Are you going to do it again? Hell, no. Not if you like him breathing. Am I worried about our first time because of him? Yes. What if Im not as good? But do I cast stones about what happened? No. Youre talking to a borderline man-whore, Kaia. Like I really have room to judge.
Youre jealous? The lustrous gleam of her skin suddenly peeked past her makeup as her body temperature rose.
His heart galloped into an unsteady rhythm and his mouth watered. A taste, soon, very soon. He had to have one. Yes. And heres another news flash. His words were slightly slurred, as if he were drunk on desire. Im possessive. Thats not going to change.
I dont want that to change. I like that about you.
Good. The few times hed tried the relationship thing, that possessiveness of his had gotten old, fast.
And I She frowned, the gleam dimming just as her hope had. Youre just saying all of this because you expect me to win the Paring Rod for you.
Wrong as she was, he deserved the doubt, he really did. Plus, he couldnt stop a wave of guilt from sweeping through him. No matter what he next said, no matter whether she believed him now, she would think hed lied when he actually did steal that damn Rod.
Worry later. Does the Rod have sexy red hair and a body that wraps around me just right?
Her sexy lips puckered. No.
So kissable Then Im pretty sure I like you for being you. I mean, whats not to like?
True, she said, but she didnt relax against him. I am pretty awesome.
Better than pretty.
I know. And no one can ever convince me otherwise. No matter how hard he tries. A direct hit, reminding him of all the times hed pricked at her pride to save himself from craving her.
Not that it had ever worked.
Defeat perked up and Strider gave him a mental shove into a darkened corner. He didnt want the demons interference right now. This was between him and Kaia.
Im sorry I ever said otherwise, he added sincerely. Clearly I was suffering from some kind of brain injury.
I suspected. Her expression softened, but still she didnt cave. So what do you like about me besides my amazing hair and body? Because last time we talked about this, you said I was too much trouble. You said I challenged you at every turn and you didnt want the hassle of dealing with me.
Are you going to throw everything Ive ever said in my face each time we argue?
Absolutely. She admitted it freely, with no hesitation.
Okay. Just checking. And here was a shocker. He liked that. You had to use every weapon at your disposal to win a fight, and she wielded his past stupidity like a razor. She cut him with it, at the same time teaching him how to soothe her wounds.
Well?
You are a challenge at every turn, theres no denying that. She stiffened, and he hurried on. But Im finding that I dont mind.
Anger flashed, a stormy silver with no hint of gold. You dont mind? Well, arent I a lucky girl? If one of your past girlfriends ever told you that you have a way with words, she was lying.
Kaia unhooked her ankles and dropped her legs. He didnt release her, though. He hefted her back up, forcing her to remain in place. Flush against him, rubbing just right without stimulating too much.
Look, he said. You amuse the hell out of me. You excite me. And Im finding that what I thought I wouldnt like about you is actually my favorite part. Besides, I know Im no picnic in the park, either.
Shed begun to soften. At the last little bit, she flashed her pearly whites in a grimace. Youre just digging a deeper hole, you big moron.
Come on, baby doll. He spread his fingers, covering more ground as he angled toward the greatest roller-coaster ride on earth. Im new at being a consort. Give me some wiggle room.
Yeah, he knew it was funny that he was asking for emotional wiggle room when he wouldnt let her move physically, but come on. He was a guy. This was par for the course. But then she realized what he said and froze, not even seeming to breathe.
Suddenly utter vulnerability radiated from her. Is that an admission that youre mine? she asked.
Was it? Yes, he said as realization struck. For the next few weeks Ill be the best damn consort youve ever had the pleasure of meeting. After that, I cant promise. Ive never done the long haul, forever thing. Well have to reevaluate, see how we feel.
A thought short-circuited his brain. What if she couldnt forgive him for stealing the Rod? What if that act proved to be more than almost anything? There would be no reevaluation because she wouldnt want anything to do with him. They would be over, done.
A sense of urgency overtook him. He had to get her to agree to have him, all of him, now. That way, later, she would have a harder time shoving him out of her life.
Not that he would want to stick around. As hed told her, hed never done the long haul thing before. A few months, but never more than that. And yet, just then he couldnt imagine not wanting Kaia. Just then he despised the thought of being without her. So, yeah, he had to get her to agree.
Give me a chance, he beseeched. Please.
Win? Defeat said.
Go back to your corner.
In the back of his mind, he acknowledged that the music had changed, the tempo harder, faster, but he refused to accelerate the slow grind he had going with Kaia.
Her shoulders sagged, but rather than stomp away in disappointment because he hadnt agreed to stay forever, she flattened her hands on his chest and whispered, Thats not good enough. I wish it were, but
For now, its all I can offer. He cupped her jaw, forcing her attention to remain on his face. I do know that I hate the thought of you with anyone else. I know youre the only woman I desire.
She started nibbling on her bottom lip again, and he almost, almost, replaced her teeth with his own. But not yet. Not until she agreed.
What changed your mind? she asked. I mean, it certainly wasnt my mad street fighting skills since I crashed and burned at Tag.
His stomach churned as an image of her blazed through his mind. Her body limp and covered with blood. Her face swollen, her limbs mangled. Never again, he thought darkly. He would protect her.
Win?
No trying to shove Defeat away. In that regard, yes. He would accept any challenge.
Before he could respond to Kaias question, she looked down and added, I threw a fight for you once. Do you remember? That night with the Hunters? I challenged you to kill more than I did, and I totally could have won, but I gave you my targets.
His chest constricted, a pang of some unknown emotion lancing through him. I remember, baby doll, and I never thanked you. Im sorry for that.
Well, thank-you or not, Im not doing that again. Im not throwing a fight for you. So gently said.
Im glad. Her sense of pride was as intense as his own. She hated losing, and while she didnt experience physical pain when she failed, she did experience a shitload of mental anguish.
Her own people called her Kaia the Disappointment, for gods sake. Because of that, she always strove to prove herself worthy. He realized that now. Knew it was the reason shed challenged him to begin with. Shed wanted to prove she was good enough for him. And the fact that shed purposely lost demonstrated just how deeply she desired him. He realized that, too.
As if she had anything to prove.
Still. How had he repaid her? Hed dumped on her, time and time again. Shame exploded through him, a bomb hed built all by himself. Well, no more dumping. As long as they were together, he would treat her with the care and concern she deserved.
Youre glad? She blinked at him, her warm, sweet breath trekking over his neck. His pulse leapt up to meet every exhalation. But if I beat you at anything, youll hurt.
So youll kiss me and make me better. Right?
Her nails dug past his shirt and into skin. IIdont know what to say.
Say you wont purposely challenge me to something I cant hope to win.
A moment passed in silence as she considered his words. Ill try not to, but I cant promise. Sometimes you bring out the worst in me.
Ha! He brought out the best in her. No ego check necessary. The truth was the truth, no matter how you sliced it. Either way, well work it out.
Yes, well work Slowly her eyes narrowed, her nails sinking deeper into his flesh. Well, well. Finally I meet Mr. Agreeable. Are you buttering me up like a breakfast muffin just so I wont hurt Haidee?
So suspicious, but that was the nature of the beast. They were very similar in that respect. You can hurt her if you still want to hurt her, but then Amun will be pissed and hell attack me. Ill have to hurt him.
Fine, she said on a sigh. I like Amun, so I wont hurt Haidee.
Thank you, he said through gritted teeth. She liked Amun?
She retracted one set of claws and flicked her hair over one shoulder. So what do you like about me? You never said. Feel free to get wildly descriptive and maybe throw in some poetry. Or one of those limericks you mentioned.
Gonna make him work for it, huh? Even though shed already decided to give him what he wanted. All the privileges of a consort, the uncertain future be damned. Oh, she hadnt said so yet, but then, she didnt have to. He knew. She was here, in his arms, demanding he romance her.
Typical Kaia. Never a dull moment, but a ton of fun. More than that, she had very nearly mastered the art of pleasing Defeat, offering little challenges here and there to feed him. Challenges Strider could win, no problem.
Win.
See? Shed done it again; shed challenged him at something easy. But would he take this victory home with poetry? Gods, no. Well, lets see, he began huskily. I like your smart mouth. I like your pouty mouth. I like your potty mouth. I like your whiny mouth. I like your shrieking mouth. I like
My mouth, she said dryly, rolling her eyes. Eyes bright with arousal. She wiggled against his shaft, rubbing him perfectly, just the way he liked. Tell me why.
No. Ill show you why. He moved one of his hands to her nape and urged her the rest of the way forward. Their lips met, opened, and their tongues thrust together. She tasted like mint and cherry, and he decided that was his new favorite flavor.
Her fingers tangled in his hair, her claws digging into his scalp. Desire pumped through his veins, pure, undiluted, blinding him to everything else. To the people around them, the circumstances, the consequences. He held fire in his arms and he desperately wanted to be burned.
And he wanted to burn her. Burn his essence into every part of her, reshaping her into his woman. Everyone who looked at her, neared her, would know who she belonged to.
Mine, shes mine. Damn, she excited him. Their tongues dueled, even that a battle. Such a delicious battle. He dominated, claiming her mouth as his territory. He felt her nipples harden against his chest and wanted to tweak them. Wanted his fingers between her legs, deep inside her, thrusting over and over again.
Strider, she rasped.
Baby doll.
Dont stop.
Won, Defeat said on a sigh, shooting more of that pleasure through him and driving his need even higher.
Strider walked her forward, every jarring step rubbing her more firmly against him. When he reached the nearest table, he leaned down, swiped his arm across the beer bottles littering the surface and distantly heard them shatter on the floor. He pressed Kaia against the wood.
He wanted to do things to her. Bad things. No, good things, he told himself. He had to do good things to her. Had to be her best. But maybe hed push her for a few of those bad things, make her take everything he had to give, make her beg, need him, crave him like a drug.
Woohoo! Yeah, baby, yeah! Anya, the minor goddess of Anarchy, called, her voice dragging him kicking and screaming from the fog of desire. Rip his clothes off, Kaia. Show us what hes got!
Strider straightened with a snarl, his gaze scanning, his mind buzzing. Destroy the crowd, return his mouth to Kaias. As he realized every single person in the bar was watching them, the heat inside him cooled. Some were watching with grins, some with exasperation, somenamely the humanswith lust.
The heat returned, but for an entirely different reason. Fury, so much fury, overshadowed his own lust. He didnt like anyone seeing Kaia like this, lost and needy, eager for him. He couldnt allow it. Wouldnt allow it.
He grabbed her arm and jerked her to her feet, smoothing her dress for her. His motions were stiff, jerky. How could he have forgotten their audience, even for a second? Someone could have attacked him. Defeated him. How could he have forgotten what would happen to him if he failed to be Kaias best? Her best kiss. Her best lay. Hed be ruined, too weak to be effective and no use to her during the coming confrontations.
Althoughhe wasnt on his knees, overcome by pain, so hed clearly been her best kiss. Again. The knowledge puffed his chest with pride. Of course hed been the best, andego check.
He had better things to do than praise his own magnificence. Like let the guys train her for the next battle the way theyd promised to do, and then haul her back to the motel.
Won, won, won, Defeat said on a sigh, more of that pleasure consuming him.
I never doubted it. He scowled at his friends. Enough playing around, he snapped, then returned his attention to Kaia. Get the boys and go out back. Do what I brought you here to do.
Thick red lashes lifted, a curtain rising over a screen of surprise. Youre not coming with me?
No. He gave her a little push. Now go.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
TO STRIDERS CONSTERNATION, they never made it outside.
As his friends downed their drinks in a hurryno drop left behind and all thatthe front doors swung open and a black-haired beauty strutted into the bar. Lavender eyes searched the barand landed on Kaia. Red lips curled into a satisfied grin.
Strider stiffened. Shit. Wasnt that just his luck. Sabins mission was now superfluous, which meant thered be no hunting, no stealing tonight. The Eagleshields had landed.
Kaia cursed under her breath. Just my luck. Juliette the Nag You Until You Kill Yourself Eradicator is here.
The womans consort wasnt far behind. Strider hadnt seen him at Tag, had just assumed the guy was off somewhere guarding the Paring Rod, and now he experienced a beat of surprise as the bastard stepped into the bar, expression smug and superior, as if he owned all he surveyed. There was no sign of the artifact. What did he have? Multiple, heavily armed Harpies flanking him. His guards?
During orientation, the hulking giant had sported chains. Now Strider noticed that he sported tattoos. Links had been etched into the flesh around his neck and wrists. Most likely, if he removed his boots, Strider would see ink around his ankles, too.
The tattoos looked red, swollen and fresh, and Strider would have bet his left nut theyd been added only this morning.
Why keep so dangerous a guy around, huh? Kaia had said Harpies could forgive their consorts for almost anything, but come on. The man had murdered other Harpies. Surely that was worse than, say, stealing a priceless artifact from an enemy.
Within seconds, Striders friends had lined up beside him, forming a wall of menace. They had no idea what was going onexcept, maybe, for Amunbut they knew him well. Knew when he was gearing up to fight. Hell, they knew an enemy when they spotted one.
Win!
No combative words had yet been spoken, but even Defeat had sensed the threat. Consider it done. With pleasure.
The manor whatever he wascaught sight of Kaia. Obsidian eyes swirled hypnotically. He was bare-chested, and his pectorals jumped. Because he was imagining Kaias hands on him? Strider tensed. Mine. And I dont share. Ever.
Lets kidnap Juliettes followers and threaten to release them if she doesnt do what we want, Kaia whispered to him.
Wait. What? Threaten to release them?
Theyre so horrible, getting them back would be the punishment.
He fought a grin.
Now, lets zip this convo up and let momma work. She cleared her throat, straightened her shoulders. Well, well, Kaia said, casual yet loud enough to be heard by one and all this time. Is it my birthday already?
No, Juliette said. Its mine.
Speaking of, When is your birthday? Strider asked Kaia. His friends would assume he wanted to know now of all times simply to irritate the newcomers, to show them just how little they mattered. And that was partly true. But Strider found he really, really wanted to know anyway. For himself.
Wide silver-gold eyes swung to him. You dont know?
No.
Pouting, she twirled a strand of her hair. How can you not know?
Do you know mine? he asked.
Of course I do. Its the day you met me.
As good a day as any. No, its not, because that was a trick question, baby doll. I dont actually have a birthday. I was created fully formed, not born. True story.
You can be such a moron. She threw up her arms, exasperated. Dont argue with me about this kind of thing. Ill always be right. Seriously. You were dead until you met me and we both know it. Which means I brought you to life. So, happy belated birthday.
Amun laughed, which was a shock. The serious warrior never laughed. Anya nodded as if shed never heard a more solid argument and Gideon snickered behind his hand. Scarlet slapped him in the back of the head.
Youre right, Strider said, wanting to laugh himself. So whens yours?
Shut up, Juliette suddenly snarled. I thought we were going to trade insults.
He turned back to her, as if surprised to find she was still there. Fury colored her cheeks a bright pink and even thinned her lips. Excellent. Emotion would make her stupid. The consort, though, looked amused. And impressed, even a little wistful.
Make a play for Kaia, dude. I dare you, Strider projected at him.
As if sensing the new hazard, the man moved his gaze to Strider. For several seconds, they simply glared at each other. There was no way in hell Strider would look away first and the guy must have sensed that, because after flashing his teeth in a show of aggression, he returned his attention to Kaiaand licked his lips.
Oh, you will pay for that. Why Defeat didnt pipe in with a Win, Strider didnt know. Like that would stop him from doing a wee bit of bitch-slapping, though.
So howd you find her? Strider demanded with more force than hed intended.
Please. As if tracking you was hard, Juliette replied, deigning only to speak to Kaia.
Finally, Defeat perked up.
Not a challenge, you bastard. And where were you when I wanted you?
No response. Of course.
Kaia grinned slowly. As if I didnt know you were following me. As if I didnt leave bread crumbs for you to find. And look who ate those crumbs like a mouse and landed herself in a nice little cheese trap.
Score. Juliette shifted uncomfortably from one booted foot to another. Her gaze panned the demon-possessed warriors in front of her and she paled.