Darker (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #6)(35)

“Fine.” I didn’t really want to argue. I was happy to stay put beside him. He was right. I needed to let things go for a while, at least long enough to get a decent sleep.

In Arys’s arms I drifted back to sleep, finding peaceful rest this time instead of fitful dreams. When I woke again after sunset, I was just starting to feel rested. With a groan, I hugged my pillow closer. Would a sleep-in day be so wrong?

Against my will, I dragged myself out of bed and into the shower. I had time to peruse the files further before heading to the city.

“Come back to bed for a bit, Alexa.” Arys beckoned me with a finger. “It’s a wonder you even slept at all.”

“I’m not tired. Besides, I want to read through the rest of those files before we go.” I stood in the en suite bathroom dragging a brush through my long, wet hair.

“The files can wait. They’ve waited this long.” The weight of his gaze was heavy upon me.

“No, they can’t wait. The FPA used Raoul’s affair with my mom to murder my parents. That’s why they have Juliet. They would have me, too, if Veryl and Shya hadn’t intervened.” I met his eyes in the mirror. “That was in the files along with some info that may help me deal with Lilah. I need to read the rest.”

I filled him in on the details I had while examining my reflection. I gave my head of ash blonde hair a shake. Maybe it was time for another change, something big.

“Maybe I should cut my hair,” I mused. “What do you think?”

Arys shook his head vehemently. “I think you should read the files. Anything to keep you from hacking off that sexy mane.”

I smiled. It was a small victory, but I’d take it. While Arys took over the shower, I hurriedly did my makeup. Dark, smoky liner outlined my brown eyes. A dash of mascara, a hint of blush, and I was done. I dressed in black leather pants and a cle**age-enhancing top. Then, I was off to the kitchen where I promptly got acquainted with a cup of coffee.

I was limited on time so again I scrolled through the files waiting for something to catch my eye. I needed a solid day to do nothing but read Veryl’s meticulous notes. He’d gone to great lengths to obtain and keep some of this information. I was eager to dive in. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be tonight.

“Don’t get obsessed, Alexa.” Arys swept into the kitchen with the scent of shampoo trailing him. His hair was wet and he was shirtless.

“I’m not,” I said, distracted by the sheer beauty of him. “Now that I have access to the files, I’m afraid not to take advantage of it.”

Arys leaned down to kiss me. Cold drops of water fell from his hair to run down my chest. “Damn, you look sexy tonight. You’ll have men falling at your feet. Think you can fight in those pants?”

“I’m hoping not to have to fight at all. But, I can fight in anything.” I grinned. “If anyone has people falling at their feet, it will be you. I have yet to meet a woman that doesn’t want to be your victim.”

“Does that include you?” He nuzzled me, a wolfish gesture that spoke volumes as to the depths of our bond.

Reaching around me, Arys closed my laptop despite my protests. “We should go soon,” he said. “If you want to be ready for anything, we should hunt first.”

“No way.” I slapped his hand away from the computer. “I don’t want to. Just give me a stiff whiskey, and I’m good to go.”

“Until the bloodlust hits you, and you lose your friggin’ mind.” Arys gave me a dark look.

Ignoring him, I gathered my things. I tossed my phone into my shoulder bag and swiped my car keys off the counter.

“Since you won’t let me dig up dirt on Lilah, let’s get going. If you want to suck some young thing dry, that’s your business. I don’t want any part of it tonight.” I headed for the front entry to dig through my footwear. Arys was hot on my heels.

“When are you going to accept what you are?” He boldly swiped the shoe out of my hand and tossed it on the floor. “You’re not human. You never will be again. Denying what you are will only hurt you in the long run.”

With an indignant glare, I picked up a pair of boots and studied them. “I know what I am, Arys. I’m a werewolf. In case you’ve forgotten.”

I slipped the black ankle boots on. They had enough heel to give my petite frame some additional height but were still low enough to run or fight in. It was a warm night. I was torn. If I wanted to carry the Dragon Claw, I’d have to wear a long coat.

“You’re more than a werewolf. You’re vampire too.” Arys’s tone was hard, unrelenting. “You can’t run from that. Living in denial will drive you crazy. You can either accept it and stay sane or end up like Sinclair, a five-hundred-year-old basket case.”

I zipped the boots up and turned to face him. “I get that you’re having a hard time with this. I admit it; I’m scared shitless to become a vampire. It’s not like I have a choice, but I’ll deal with it my own way, in my own time. Back off.”

The tension between us soared. We stared at one another, and I saw my anger reflected in his eyes. I didn’t want to go head to head with him again. Not tonight.

Arys’s energy was scorching hot. A muscle twitched in his jaw. I was dreading the tirade that was coming. He surprised me. Spinning on his heel, he stormed upstairs to finish getting dressed. His parting shot was deadly, a blade of words that sliced deep.