I probably should have.
No head start for you, he whispered, running one hand over my hip and up my side. His fingers tickled, sending promising shivers all over me. I squirmed beneath him and heard his breath catch.
I dont need a head start, I breathed, my cheek pressed into the floor. His stomach was warm against the curve of my lower back, bare between the seam of my shirt and the low waist of my jeans. On the radio, a new tune played, intense, and heavy on guitar and drums. My heart raced along with its rhythm, and my legs ached to run. But instead of glorying in the freedom of speed, I was trapped, immobile. Ive always been faster than you, and a few years with limited practice time isnt enough to give you an advantage. I twisted my neck, trying to see him. Besides, you cant run while youre holding me down.
His fingers eased beneath the edge of my top, brushing the sensitive skin over my ribs and beneath my breast. I gasped, fascinated by the curiously delicate sensation and my own conflicting impulses. One was to fight, to claw at the carpet in a bid for freedom. But the other was to lie still in anticipation of what might come next. Because whatever it was, knowing Jace, it would be good.
Okay, maybe today was a little different after all, I thought, more puzzled by my bodys reaction to him than by anything hed done.
Im just slowing you down to give the guys a chance, he whispered into my ear.
I froze, listening, and heard laughter and footsteps coming from the backyard. They were already heading for the trees.
Damn it! How could I have forgotten? As teenagers, Ethan and Owen had taken turns delaying me by tripping me or distracting me through even less honorable means. Apparently theyd now recruited Jace to do their dirty work. If I couldnt get out from under him, they would start the hunt without me.
Fueled by impatience and mounting aggravation, I bucked, trying to throw him off, but he rode me with ease. I couldnt help being a little impressed, in spite of my frustration. I hadnt been near another cat in ages and had forgotten how good our balance really was. Whatever liberties you take now, youll pay for outside, I panted, winded by my own struggle.
Oooh, he purred, his nose skimming the surface of my skin. Say that again. His fingers brushed the wire edge of my bra cup, but went no farther.
Youre all talk, I said, trying not to squirm. But my voice was throatier than Id intended, and the hitch in his breath told me hed noticed.
Is that a challenge?
Its a fact. I threw his own words back at him, and he laughed, his body shaking against me.
How bout a bet?
Youll lose, I warned, still listening for the others. I could barely hear them now; theyd already disappeared into the trees, their laughter blending into the chorus of sounds that defined the night. And as interesting as Jaces distraction was proving to be, I was eager to join the hunt.
Maybe, he said. But if I dont, you owe me.
Owe you what?
His voice deepened, and he grew still against me. The chance to prove Im not all talk.
Five
My heart thumped in surprise, accompanied by a tiny, treacherous spark of curiosity. Id expected him to ask for something typically lecherouslike me washing his car in a tiny bikinibut I was completely unprepared for his actual request. I was tempted to laugh it off as a joke.
But Jace wasnt laughing. He wasnt even breathing. He lay on top of me, heavy and completely motionless, his pulse racing as he waited for my answer.
I strained again to look at him over my shoulder, trying to see if he was serious. Surely he was only teasing. But no matter how I twisted, I couldnt see his face. I saw dust bunnies under my desk and the edge of a long-lost CD case jutting out from beneath my dresser. But all I could see of Jace was his shadow, stretching in front of me and into the hall through the open doorway.
Whats the matter? he asked, soft lips brushing my ear again. Afraid youre going to lose?
Was I? Id never lost a race to him, but Id never bet on one either. And my body was a high price to pay for a stumble at the wrong time. But if I won My reward would have to be huge to match the one hed named. I could ask for practically anything.
Did he have anything I wanted?
An inkling of an idea formed in my head. I smiled, my decision made. Jace didnt know it, but hed just given me an opportunity I couldnt pass upassuming I won. And if I lost? Id worry about that when and if the time came.
What do I get if I win? I asked.
Jace purred in anticipation, trailing a finger slowly across my neck as he brushed back a strand of hair. Anything you want. Name it.
First, let me up.
He started to get up, then hesitated, considering. Promise you wont bolt?
I dont make promises. Anymore, I amended silently.
Jace chuckled. Glad I asked. He wrapped one hand around my right wrist, holding tight as he got to his knees, in case I made a dash for the hall. Pulling my arm forward with him, he knee-walked three steps to the door and swung it shut, then sat down and leaned against it, pulling me toward him by the arm he held captive.
I let Jace tug me down into his lap, my back resting against his chest. He moved my hair to one side and propped his chin on my shoulder, making a small sound of contentment deep in his throat. So, what am I wagering? he asked, wrapping his arms around my waist.
Okay. No big deal, I thought. Ive been in his lapbefore. Wed wrestled on mats in the basement and fallen asleep on the couch watching old horror movies. Wed even shared a sleeping bag once, on a camping trip. This was just more of the same. Friendly cuddling. Riiight.
I took a deep breath and held it, preparing to set my newly hatched escape plan in motion. I want you to take my side. Convince Daddy to let me go back to school.
Jace stiffened against me, lifting his chin from my shoulder. The back of his head thunked against the door. Faytheyou know I cant do that. His arms were gone, as was the heat in his voice, drenched by the cold wash of reality.
I smiled, glad he couldnt see my face. Ask for the impossible, then settle instead for what you really wanted in the first place. My father had taught me that lesson years ago. He probably never suspected Id put it to good use.
Are you afraid? I asked, daring Jace to say yes and own up to a weakness.
Of you or your father?
I laughed. Good question. Of losing.
Yes. He didnt even hesitate. Pick something else, anything you want. But I cant go against orders.
You mean you wont.
Its the same thing. His tone pleaded with me to understand. I swore myself to him.
I nodded, and his arms snaked around my waist again, a gesture of relief that Id accepted his decision. Id counted on him saying no, and he hadnt disappointed me.
Like all adopted Pride members, Jace had sworn allegiance to my father when he joined the Pride, and again when he became an enforcer shortly before I left for college. Any violation of his oath would end his association with the south-central Pride, and without endorsement or acceptance from another Alpha, he would not be welcomed into any of the others. He would become a wildcata natural-born werecat who either left his birth Pride or was exiled from it, usually for the commission of a crime. Such as breaking an oath of allegiance.
Like all adopted Pride members, Jace had sworn allegiance to my father when he joined the Pride, and again when he became an enforcer shortly before I left for college. Any violation of his oath would end his association with the south-central Pride, and without endorsement or acceptance from another Alpha, he would not be welcomed into any of the others. He would become a wildcata natural-born werecat who either left his birth Pride or was exiled from it, usually for the commission of a crime. Such as breaking an oath of allegiance.
Wildcats have no recognized territory, no companionship, and no protection. They are vulnerable and alone. Wildcats are rare, because unlike the adolescent-rebellion version of freedom Id claimedthe kind where Daddy still paid my tuition and renttrue independence is difficult to achieve in total social seclusion. Isolation from the Pride is most tomcats worst fear, and Jace was no exception.
I sighed for effect, and my eyes roamed my room as I pretended to try to think of an alternate prize, something worth risking my body for. After passing over my desk, bed, and dresser, my gaze settled on an old family photograph hanging on the wall. It was the last wed ever taken. In it, a thirteen year-old version of me stood between Ryan and Owen, looking shinier and happier than I remembered ever actually being. After Ryan left, my mother refused to pose for another family picture. She took his absence very personally. I think she felt guilty for something I didnt understand.
Ryan was one of those rare toms who wanted independence badly enough to leave the security of Pride life for the freedom of an existence with no supreme authority figure. He considered the rewards to be worth the risks, and more often than not, I thought he was right. But not Jace. Hed known since before his tenth birthday that he wanted to serve my father, if for no other reason than to be near Ethan, who would never consider leaving. Ethan and Jace were two halves of the same coin, and as such, could not be separated. Even by me.
Jace had sworn his oath to my father, but he kept it for Ethan.
Leaning my head against his chest, I took another deep breath, as if an idea had just occurred to me. Fine, if I win, I get your keys.
My house keys?
I tilted my face up, rubbing my cheek against his shirt as I tried to look at him. No, Jace. Your car keys.
Why do you want? He stopped, shaking his head in sudden understanding. No. I cant help you run away again.
You wouldnt be. I removed his arms from my waist gently and turned around to sit facing him, still encircled by his long legs. Id say I took the keys. All youd have to do is leave them lying around where I could grab them.
From the hall came the creak of hinges and the whisper of wood sliding across carpet. Someone had just opened a door, probably to better hear our conversation. I tensed, listening for some sound with which to identify the eavesdropper, but heard only the quiet, steady rhythm of Jace breathing as he considered my proposal. If he heard the door open, he gave no sign.
I was a little surprised by how sincerely he considered my request. I could almost hear the argument between the devil atop one of his shoulders and the angel hovering over the other. As an enforcer, Jace took his vow to my father very seriously, and for him to even consider endangering his connection to the Pride meant that he wantedwhat he wanted from me very, very badly. That realization was almost enough to make me reconsider my plan. Involving emotions added a dangerous edge to our little game. I didnt want anyone to get hurt. I just wanted a little liberty.
Wed catch you, he said finally, meeting my eyes as he brushed a strand of hair from my face with warm fingertips. You know we would.
His words faded into silence for a moment, as I debated how to answer in front of the secret listener. In the end, I decided it didnt matter. Daddy was the only person I was worried about, and he was above spying, even on me. Yeah, but I might get a long weekend out of it. I smiled up at Jace. And even if I dont, Ill be making a statement.
He snorted. Saying what, that youre stupid, or just plain crazy?
That Im an adult.
You want to prove youre an adult by stealing my car for a joyride?
I sighed. He would never understand, but at least he listened, unlike the others. Ill take what I can get. What are you driving these days, anyway?
A Pathfinder, and its new.
Great, so were on?
He hesitated, searching my eyes, and I used the opportunity to practice my innocent look. He smiled. It was working. He was going to say yes. I knew it. And finally he nodded. Yes!
Youd better come through if I win, he said, his hand just above my elbow.
About that I tugged on the hem of my shirt, avoiding his eyes.
He took my chin in one hand, lifting my face until I had to look at him. Backing out already? His tone was casual, but again his eyes didnt match. He was disappointed and trying to hide it.
No. I jerked my chin from his grasp. Im not backing out. Justclarifying. But man, I didnt want to clarify, because that meant stating out loud what I was agreeing to, which would make it official, with no room to wiggle out of my promise. And I just couldnt look at him while I promised to sleep with him.
Id never considered myself shy until that moment, but our wager had made me reconsider several things, including Jace himself.
Okay, clarify away, he said, running his hand slowly up and down my bare arm. Goose bumps popped up all over, reminding me that even if I lost, I wasnt really losing. This was Jace, and if I was truly honest with myself, Id have to admit Id always kind of wondered
That was enough honesty for the moment. I was much better at manipulation. It was a natural gift.
I made myself meet his eyes, strengthening my resolve to win the race. If I had trouble looking at him, how was I ever going to go through with anything more? If I lose Well, I mean I glanced away, trying to gather my thoughts, but again he tilted my chin up. He grinned, clearly flattered that thinking of him along forbidden lines had me so flustered.
Youre talking about one time, right? I asked, blurting it out all in one breath, before I could chicken out again. A one-night stand, of sorts.
Standing, huh? he teased. What are they teaching you at that school?
I flushed, and could actually feel my cheeks burn.
He ran one knuckle down the side of my face, leaving a cold trail in its wake. I was just kidding, Faythe, he said, but his wistful tone made me doubt his words. I cringed inwardly, wondering how I always managed to bury myself so deep in trouble. Daddy would kill me if I started something with Jace. Ethans best friend was a great enforcer and practically a member of the family, but my father had made it clear early on that Jace was not suitable husband material for his only daughter. And neither of my parents understood a relationship, for me at least, that led to anything less than marriage and lots of babies.
Jaces knuckle followed the line of my jaw, then trailed down my throat to the hollow between my collarbones, sending a fresh wave of shivers through me. Once it is, if thats what you want. After that, its up to you. He paused, tilting his head down to catch my eyes. Its up to you anyway. We can forget the whole thing right now, if you want.