Watching the huddled loving trio speaking in excited whispers, he observed how Jelena reacted around them.
Her eyes lingered on them as she wore a soft, forlorn smile.
The lizard on her shoulder twitched his tail.
“Come on, Shther, time to leave.”
Her loneliness called to him. He followed her.
She was a fascinating woman of contrasts. In some ways, she was as innocent as a child, but in others, she had the sophistication of an elderly matron. Her loyalty was without question, either for her pet or her companions. As he admired the swish of her luscious backside, the crossbow in its leather harness across her back caught his attention.
There was something odd about that damn weapon. If he didn’t know any better, he swear she talked to it sometimes. Hmm, what a strange thing to consider.
The gentle sway of her hips mesmerized him again. The one-piece suit, similar to the red Catwoman outfit he’d first seen her in, showcased her firm ass. This one wasn’t as tight, and was a bland beige color that lovingly showcased her mouthwatering figure. Trim waist, rounded hips, and full breasts high on her toned frame. She had her dark hair pulled into a tail that exposed the slender column of her neck.
She stopped and faced him, fists firmly on her slim hips. “Are you following me?”
“No.” Yes.
She crossed her arms. The action lifted her glorious breasts. The pupils of her dual-colored eyes expanded. Ah, she found him attractive. “Don’t you have something to do?”
“No.” Except follow her.
She leaned toward him. Her eyes narrowed as her lips pressed into a thin line. “You will go to the quarters assigned to you and wait there until I have need of you.”
His mouth watered, thinking about the varied ways she could need him. Indulging in taking her blood was the least of his cravings. He took a step and narrowed the distance between them. Leaning in, he whispered. “No.”
She jerked back. Her eyes were wide enough the whites showed around her dual irises. She sputtered. “What do you mean, no?”
He was close enough to trickle his nose down the slender column of her neck. “I mean, I don’t want to go to my quarters.” The rasp in his normal tone deepened. “Unless you come with me.” He licked the throbbing vein under her fragrant skin. The burst of salty goodness made his head spin. It was amazing how being this close to her somehow defused his rampaging bloodlust.
She gasped and pushed him away. “No! You’re supposed to be under my enthrallment!”
“Oh?” His lids lowered. He gave her a small, sardonic grin. “I am? Didn’t we already go over this?”
Her nose wrinkled. “You mean it never really worked on you?”
“Jelena, my anshar, ever since we met, you’ve had me under your spell.”
“I don’t want you under my spell!” She stomped her cute little foot.
“Too late. I’m forever yours.”
She scowled.
Okay, that was a mite cheesy. With a grin, he wrapped his arms around her to mesh their chests together. If she resisted him, he’d let her go. When she didn’t, he lowered his mouth to hers until their lips were a hair’s breadth away. “Tell me you don’t want this.”
“I don’t want this.” Her words came out ragged and breathless.
Resisting the hard instinct to possess her quivering lips, he pulled back, his lids heavy. “As you wish.” His nostrils flared as he took in the musky scent of her arousal. Patience. He was the fucking poster boy for patience. Her delicious response to him was encouraging. The damn woman was well worth the wait. He’d retreat. For now. Then regroup and circle back later.
An insistent vibration in his mind told him Raiden was trying to get hold of him.
Adding a sensual curve to his lips, he gave a slight nod to Jelena and bypassed her without looking back.
Zamush strolled down the corridor, still smiling. Jelena was noticing him as a man. Instead of a blank stare, she narrowed her gorgeous eyes and focused on him wherever he was near. Silly woman may think she’s in love with someone else, but that couldn’t be real. If she was, he wouldn’t scent her heated arousal whenever they were near each other.
Entering the quarters assigned to him, he opened up the private telepathic pathway to his eldest brother. You trying to get hold of me?