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The air was thick with anticipation as Catalina and Riker found themselves leaving via The Thorny Rose’s underground labyrinth of tunnels after their encounter with what took place in the bar. The tunnels were of magicalorigin and showed up, moved, and were destroyed randomly. It could be confusing and dangerous—especially if you were caught in one of the passages that were demolished. New Orleans might prove to be the perfect backdrop for their unconventional alliance. She, a lightning faery with a fierce reputation for demon hunting, and he, a prehistoric bear with an uncanny ability to transform into a rugged and imposing cop, were an unlikely duo.
"You're one stubborn, ferocious faery," Riker said, breaking the silence, his voice deep and commanding. "But you and your sisters can't take on every demon in this city alone. It's time to let the professionals handle this—the department has its share of supernaturals. It’s best if you girls lay low."
Catalina smirked, her blue eyes sparkling with defiance. "And what makes you think I need your help, bear? I've been hunting demons longer than you’ve been a cop. I don't need some overbearing cop slowing me down."
Riker's dark eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Catalina thought she saw a hint of admiration in his gaze. "You might be a force to be reckoned with, but even you can't take on a shapeshifter backed by demons looking to take over the world single-handedly. I think this thing is more powerful than you or anybody else realizes."
The tension between them was palpable, a volatile mix of desire and animosity. As they walked, the arguing morphed into banter. It was as if they were using their repartee to get to know one another and establish the beginnings of something more solid than a partnership neither had wanted. As they were heading to one of the exits, a group of minor demons emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with an unholy light. Sensing the danger, Riker's body began to shift, his muscles bulging as the swirling mist surrounded him, and he transformed into the form of his bear once again.
Catalina's eyes widened at the sight of the massive creature before her. Things weren’t moving as fast as they had upstairs, and there were no civilians to protect. It gave her a chance to really look at him. She had heard tales of the legendary prehistoric bear, but nothing had prepared her for the raw power emanating from Riker. As the demons advanced, she unleashed a bolt of lightning from her fingertips, sending one of them flying. Riker roared, charging at the remainder with primal fury.
Together, they fought back-to-back, a deadly dance of claws and lightning. Catalina's agility and precision complemented Riker's brute strength. As the battle raged on, they began to understand that their partnership, however reluctant, was undeniably effective.
In the aftermath of the fight, they stood amidst the wreckage, both breathing heavily. Riker, still in his bear form, nuzzled Catalina's side, a gesture of gratitude and respect. She placed her hand on his massive head, her heart pounding with a mixture of adrenaline and something more.
"I guess we make a pretty good team after all," she said, her voice soft.
Riker shifted back into his human form, towering over her. "We do, but don't get used to it, faery. I still don't trust your kind." His voice was gruff, but his eyes betrayed a hint of desire.
Catalina's defiance melted away, replaced by a smoldering heat. She stepped closer, her body pressing against his. "And what if I want to get used to it, Riker? What if I crave the thrill of our partnership?"
Riker's breath quickened, his alpha male instincts taking over. Without a word, he backed Catalina into one of the rooms off the tunnel, grabbed her by the waist, and lifted her onto a nearby table, the wood creaking under her weight. He pinned her with his gaze, his eyes burning with intensity. "You wantto play with fire, faery? Isn’t that your sister Phoenix’s thing? I doubt you’d be able to handle the heat."
“First, Phoenix has all the heat she can handle with Griff. Second,” she said, raising her hand and letting small bolts of lightning fly from her fist, “I can make my own damn heat. Trust me, creating a heat or fire has never been a problem for me.” Catalina's response was a seductive smile as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer. "I think I can handle you, bear. I've faced demons far scarier."
With a growl, Riker claimed her mouth in a kiss that was both punishing and passionate. His tongue demanded entry, exploring every inch of her mouth as if it were a territory to conquer. Catalina moaned, her hands tangling in his hair, encouraging his aggressive display of desire.
Riker's hands roamed over her body, the leather of her outfit doing little to hide the evidence of her arousal. He cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her hardened nipples, eliciting a gasp from her lips. Catalina arched her back, offering herself to him, her lithe body trembling with need.
With a swift motion, Riker tore at the leather straps holding her outfit in place, baring her breasts to his hungry gaze. He bent his head, taking a taut peak into his mouth, suckling and biting gently until Catalina was writhing beneath him. His hands traveled lower, skimming the moist heat between her thighs, making her hips buck against his touch.
"Please, Riker," she whispered, her voice hoarse with desire.
He growled in response, his fingers delving into her wetness, stroking her sensitive flesh. Catalina cried out, her body trembling on the edge of release. Riker positioned himself at her entrance, his thick length pressing against her. With one powerful thrust, he filled her, claiming her body as his own.
Catalina cried out, her nails digging into Riker's shoulders as he began to move, his strokes deep and relentless. Thetable creaked with each thrust, adding a primal rhythm to their passionate dance. Riker's control slipped as he pounded into her, his prehistoric nature taking over.
"You're mine, faery," he grunted between thrusts. "I don’t know that I trust you, but you’re mine. Mine to protect, mine to use, and mine to pleasure."
Catalina's eyes blazed with a mixture of passion and defiance. "Oh god, that feels good, but you can’t claim me, bear. I will never be yours."
Their bodies moved as one, driven by primitive instinct. Riker couldn’t help but feel there was an underlying growing emotional connection, but as he pounded into her those were secondary to his primal need to claim and dominate her. Riker's thrusts became more urgent, his own release building. Catalina's inner walls clenched around him, milking his cock as she soared toward her own climax.
With a final, powerful lunge, Riker buried himself deep within her, his roar echoing through the cavernous tunnels as he spilled his seed, marking her as his own. Catalina's body convulsed around him, her own orgasm ripping through her like a lightning strike.
As their hearts pounded and their breathing slowed, they remained entangled, sweat-soaked, and sated. Riker, still inside her, gently brushed the hair from her face, his expression softening.
"You're a force of nature, Catalina, just like me," he whispered as he nuzzled her neck.
She smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I’m nothing like you, Riker. However, you may be the first one to make me question my solitary ways. But don't get too comfortable. I still have demons to hunt."
Riker chuckled, his amber eyes glinting with amusement. "And I have criminals to catch. But, perhaps we can make an exception for each other, just this once."
In that moment, they understood that their unlikely partnership had forged a bond that went beyond duty and desire. As he withdrew, Catalina waved her hands, and he was clothed once more.
They found their way back to the surface, and as they parted ways, each with their own responsibilities to fulfill, she could feel his eyes on her as she walked away, unfurling her wings and allowing them to lift her into the darkening skies. Catalina shivered, her magic faltering for a moment as she realized Zane Riker might prove to be a greater threat to her solitary freedom than any shapeshifter might ever be. The dark and dangerous nights of New Orleans had just gotten a whole lot more threatening.
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