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His guttural groan sent me over the edge a second time. His cock throbbed in my core, and my pussy clasped onto him with repeated wrings. Gripping tighter and tighter. He thrust once more and then kept his hips flush against my ass,hands painfully clutching my hips. He gasped and my channel squeezed him. Another throb of his cock caused moisture to leak from around him and trickle onto my thigh.

Half his body settled over me, smushing me against the mattress. He curved over my back, his weight settling over me. As heavy as he was, the compression felt good.

His nose grazed against my ear. That felt so good. He’d tired me out.

He stiffened, stopping mid-nuzzle, cock still deep inside me.

“You can’t compare to Imogen.” It was like a bucket of ice-cold water was dumped over my head. The fogginess clinging to my thoughts ever since drinking from Asher faded.

Nothing Jax said could have hurt me more. He could have tossed me around and it would have stung less. His weight disappeared off me. I rolled to sit up. My chest still heaved with exertion. God, him choking me had hurt less. I hugged myself, my chin dipping to my chest. With ease, he ruptured the blissful cloud I’d floated on. This place could never be my true home. And I could never belong with them. I curled my legs to my chest, pushing my skirt down.

Jax stood at the end of the bed and efficiently buttoned his jeans, his jaw working as he stared at me with dead eyes. I watched the smooth glide of his fingers work through his short hair.

“Don’t expect anything from me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I almost choked on the words.

His eyes narrowed at me but I meant it. I honestly didn’t think he was capable of it.

With a final look, he turned. It spiked my pulse into action. Panic crawled up my throat. If that vampire that held me captive had found me, it meant the end of me. The remembered feel of insects crawling all over me forced nausea to the surface.

“Don’t leave!” I choked out and I hurried off the bed. My feet got tangled in the dress and I fell to my knees. Pain vibrated through my legs.

Jax stared at me on the ground. One beat, then two beats passed. He slammed the door.

My eyes stung. I wanted him. It was too late to save myself. That chance was gone and I’d embrace the darkness while I stayed put until the time came to escape or die, whichever came first.

FIFTEEN

tobias

“To what doI owe this pleasure?” Calliope’s tone was biting. She perched on the edge of the plush red seat cushion, leaning forward so her elbows rested on the edge of the table. She swirled a cocktail glass, swishing the red liquid side to side. The loud booming from the speakers assaulted my ears. Saphire Lounge was in full swing. I never understood how others enjoyed the raucousness of places like this. I smoothly glided into the seat next to her.

Damn mind reader—her thought cut off. I didn’t react. Thoughts from vampires came and went.

“Would you like a drink?” She waved a hand at the wine bottle. “I had it siphoned from a severely intoxicated human.”

“No, thank you.” I leaned forward, lacing my hands on the surface.

She snorted, shook her head and tipped her glass back.Never understood this one?—

“I will get to the point before you continue to disparage me,” I said.

She stiffened.

“I must remind you, if you act against me, I will?—”

I put up my hand.

“Yes, yes, you will cause all sorts of havoc against us. The threats are unnecessary.” I sighed. “Today we had an uninvited visitor. Do you know anything about this?”

Her dark eyebrows furrowed.Someone attacked them?

“Why should I tell you anything when you killed one of my people?” Vampires and their notorious grudges.

I sucked in one breath to contain my aggravation.

“Cease with the melodramatics. I did you a favor.” My tone held the slightest bite. “Now, tell me, did you attack my Coven?”