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The full force of his inhuman gaze leveled on her. “You didn’t mind two days ago.”

Her cheeks reddened, but she thrust out her pert chin. “I’m allowed to change my mind.”

Had she? Unlikely. Though her eyes shot daggers at him, he scented her desire, which had haunted him ever since she’d arrived. It would stay with him forever, even if she left.

“Not where this is concerned.”

“You don’t own me, Mr. Blackmore.” Her spine straightened. Again, he’d hit a nerve. A terrible thought occurred to him. Did she have a human at home? A male from the Organization who waited for her? That contacted her through some secret means he wasn’t aware of? His claws itched to burst out.

Leah continued, “Maybe you’re too old to understand this, but I’m my own person. I choose to be with whomever I want, and I can change my mind.”

Devon’s laughter jolted them out of their little world.

Julian snarled, wanting to kill something. “Why are you laughing?”

“At you two, of course.” Merriment danced in his ex-friend’s eyes. “I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun at a party.” He patted Julian on the shoulder. “She’s a good match for you. Felix isn’t the only one who’s got his work cut out for him.”

Leah gasped. “You’re leaving me with him?”

Devon gave a courtly bow and kissed her hand. “Miss Davis, it’s been a pleasure. Unfortunately, my time here is at an end. I wish you the best.”

Julian was almost amused at Leah’s stunned expression when Devon turned on his heels and left. Almost. If he wasn’t so furious at her, and at Devon, for playing his little games…

“Come with me.”

He gripped her arm and led her out of the ballroom. Good thing she didn’t protest. He wouldn’t be responsible for his actions if she did something stupid, like chasing after Devon. His control was at breaking point.

He dragged her into the first empty room down the hallway. It was a storage room for the extra tables and chairs from the event company.

The minute the doors closed behind them, Leah jerked away. “Let go—”

He didn’t let her finish. He closed the distance between them in a blink of the eye and did what he’d wanted to do since he’d spotted her on the stairs.

He kissed her.

Fire lit up inside Leah at Julian’s raw and furious kiss, as though he’d been holding himself back this entire time. Locking his right arm around her waist, he pulled her against his stone-hard chest while his other hand tilted her head up to give him better access.

She should pull away. She should slap him for daring to claim that she was his. But damn it, her body melted. The frustrated desire she’d held back roared to life viciously as she moaned against his lips. She tangled her arms around him, her fingers rubbing the short stubble of hair on his neck. She couldn’t get enough of him. His wild scent. His hard body. His rough hands on her. His mouth possessing hers.

When she found the strength to pull away, his lips trailed down her jaw, his beard abrasively rubbing her skin in the most delicious way. Heat spread wherever he kissed and between her legs. Whatever protest she may have had died an ignominious death. It was impossible to catch her breath. She’d had sex but had never been this out of control. Nothing Dmitri had done had made her crazy with lust.

What she was doing now felt nothing like an obligation.

Without stopping his kisses, her nipples aching when his fangs scratched her neck, he pushed her back against the wall and hefted her up, shoving her skirt up until she wrapped her legs around his waist and her core rubbed against his rigid cock.

His hips ground against her. They both groaned.

“Gods, you smell divine,” Julian whispered into the curve of her neck, driving her crazy with another thrust.

“No drinking.” Her voice returned, urged on by an instinct as old as time. God knew that her body vibrated with a need to feel his bite.

“No drinking.” His voice was low with lust riding him hard.

Her core clenched when he licked along her pulse. Thoughts escaped her, replaced with an unquenchable thirst for him. His lips trailed a line of fire along her collarbone, down the front of her chest, and closed around one of her hardened nipples. Fiery heat seared through the thin dress material. She bucked against him, her body crying out for something she didn’t understand.

Julian wedged his thigh between hers and freed his right hand. Leah didn’t even realize she’d protested at the loss of him against her core until she heard his chuckle.

“Don’t worry. You’re getting something much better.”