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“Later then,” he said, a husky promise in his tone. While she was capable of sensing the emotions she evoked in him, he wanted to give her the words.

“Later when I don’t have to share you with Helen.” Her cheeks colored, her anger returning. “I hate to watch that woman hanging on you while I’m forced to pretend it doesn’t affect me.”

“This night hasn’t been easy for either of us,” he growled. “Every time a male looks at you with hunger in their eyes, I imagine taking their head.” From the moment they’d arrived, his darker instincts hovered beneath his skin.

She flashed him a fierce look, one of a vengeful goddess preparing for battle. “As long as we’re adding Helen’s blonde head to their numbers, you’ll hear no complaints from me.”

His brow quirked. Who knew his little Chosen was so bloodthirsty?No female had ever cared enough to be possessive of him. Coming from Alex, it was sexy as hell.

He grasped her arms and pulled her against his hardening length.

Her breasts rose and swelled with her indrawn breath. Breasts he’d teased and feasted on just hours ago. The cut of her skirt made access easy, and he raked his hand up her thigh.

With wide eyes, she darted a look over his shoulder to see who might be watching while her heart raced with interest.

Sweet strawberries and honeyed arousal teased his senses. His jaw clenched.

“We can’t do this here,” he groaned, pressing his forehead to hers. Disappointment resonated in her sigh. Gods, how she tempted him.

His indrawn breath did little to cool his heated blood. He hated having to censure his reactions to her, to hide the effect she had on him.

For Alex’s sake, he needed to stay in control, stay focused. She wasn’t safe here, not with powerful males like Marcus Steele around.

He forced his thoughts back to their assignment. “When you ran earlier, it was about more than Helen.”

Her slim shoulders drooped. “I couldn’t read him. As soon as you started talking about the club, it’s like I short-circuited.”

Jericho tensed. “If he blocked you, he knows you’re a sympath.”

“No, it wasn’t Marcus. There was another Chosen, a faerie.” Her brows drew together. “Besides my mom, I’ve never met one. It was as if our abilities canceled each other out, like two repelling magnets. I didn’t get much, just a sense of satisfaction when Marcus mentioned the attack at Pulse. Something’s going on, but I have no idea what.” She ducked her head, staring at his chest. “I’m sorry. I let everyone down.”

“Don’t apologize. We had no way of knowing there would be another faerie here or the effect she would have on you.” Jericho hesitated. “But maybe someone else did.”

Her head snapped up. “You believe it was no accident she was here tonight?”

“It’s possible.”

“I doubt Dove was aware she was part of a plot. I had an opportunity to speak with her in the ladies’ room. The girl was genuine and kind. Unlike the other people I met tonight.” She shot a glare over his shoulder.

“Jericho, there you are,” Helen sang. “Come along now. Marcus and I are headed to the club.”

“God, her voice reminds me of fingernails on a chalkboard,” Alex muttered under her breath.

“I’ll decline her invitation,” he said softly.

“No,” Alex whispered the word as though pained. “It will give me another shot at Marcus.” She closed her eyes, bumping the back of her head against the wall. “We should go.”

Duty battled with his desire to shield her. If Alex got Victor the information he wanted, he’d be far more inclined to let her go. As much as Jericho hated it, they couldn’t pass up an opportunity like this.

He brushed his lips against the shell of her ear. “Fine, but the second you get what we need, we’re leaving. I have plans for you. Later.”

When he leaned back, the warmth of her smile melted him.

“Don’t look so happy. I’ve just chastised you for your behavior.”

Her smile slid into a half-hearted scowl. “Yes, sir. Please forgive my poor manners. I don’t know what came over me.”

He turned, tucking her into his side. Slim fingers pinched his ass, and he coughed into his hand.