Darkness Unleashed (Guardians of Eternity #5)(47)

“Everything,” she muttered, reaching to pluck a few of the top boxes from the freezer and handing them to Jagr to defrost in the microwave. “Tane at least knows how to feed his guests.”

In a remarkably short amount of time, the small glass dining table was overflowing with pizza, bread sticks, minestrone soup, and a warm apple tart.

Taking a seat, Regan didn’t even try to pretend she was one of those ridiculously skinny women she watched on TV. Why the hell would she starve herself to please some man?

Savoring the delicious food that had nothing in common with the cheap frozen dinners that Culligan used to feed her, Regan at last realized that Jagr was leaning against the counter watching her with an unwavering intensity.

“What about you?” she demanded, wiping her mouth with a linen napkin. “Aren’t you hungry?”

His brooding gaze slid down to the curve of her neck. “Not for what’s currently on the menu.”

Desire, sharp and biting, clenched her body as Regan surged to her feet and began tossing the empty containers into the trash can. Oh, man. She didn’t want to think about how her skin suddenly seemed way too tight for her body, or how her heart was pounding against her chest, or the heat pooling in the pit of her stomach.

She wanted…

Okay, that pretty much summed it up.

She wanted. She wanted bad.

“How often do you need to feed?” she demanded, her mushy brain unable to come up with anything better as a distraction.

“It depends on whether I’m wounded, or if I’ve gone without feeding for an extended period of time,” he murmured, his voice low and husky. “It also depends on the potency of the blood. A Were’s blood is prized for its rare power. Unfortunately, they prefer not to share with vampires.”

Her Were blood abruptly warmed as it flowed through her veins, as if already anticipating the erotic tug of his fangs.

She instinctively bristled at the troublesome sensations. “Maybe that’s because the vamps have nearly made them extinct by keeping them caged in cramped hunting grounds that have stolen their ancient abilities.”

“Did you drink Salvatore’s Kool-Aid?” he demanded, coolly.

It took a moment for her to realize he was accusing her of being brainwashed.

“No, but he’s very convincing that the vamps are at least partially to blame for the lack of pureblood children.”

Jagr flowed forward, easily sensing her rising desire despite her best attempts to appear indifferent.

“His grievance has been brought to the Oracles,” he murmured, halting close enough for her to be wrapped in the cool wash of his power. “They will determine the ultimate fate of the Weres.”

Her mouth went dry as her gaze was ruthlessly drawn to all those muscles rippling beneath his too-tight T-shirt. Christ. She should be given a medal for not having him down on the kitchen floor to have her way with him.

“I don’t care how powerful the Oracles are, I won’t be fenced into some sort of Were reservation,” she muttered, referring to the years that the American Weres had been forced to live on land designated by the vampires.

Not that her thoughts were actually focused on the ancient feud between the two species. No, she was far more interested in the temptation of running her fingers through the long, golden hair.

Jagr seemed just as distracted, his eyes warming to a deep blue as his hand lifted to stroke down the curve of her throat.

“The hunting grounds were created as much for the protection of the Weres as for the humans,” he said, his fingers wrecking a path of distraction as they followed the plunging neckline of her shirt. “Without a strong leader, the curs were out of control and attracting far too much attention. The demon-world was preparing for genocide before the previous Anasso stepped in and created the necessary boundaries. If Salvatore can prove he’s capable of taking command of his people, then the Oracles will no doubt step aside and allow him to rule without interference.”

Regan had to remind herself to breathe.

Air in. Air out. Air in. Air out.

“I don’t care who’s in charge as long as they leave me alone.”

His fingers continued to tease and taunt, stroking over the curve of her br**sts until her ni**les hardened to painful peaks.

“Always supposing that’s possible, what will you do?”

“Enjoy my freedom.”

“It’s more than just freedom.” His hand lifted to cup the nape of her neck, gently messaging her tense muscles. “You’ll have to survive in a world you know very little about.”

She struggled to be annoyed by his patronizing words. Something that would be a hell of a lot easier if she weren’t drowning in a flood of sensuous need.

“I can learn. I’m not stupid.”

“No, you’re extraordinarily intelligent.” His lips brushed her temple. “Intelligent enough to know that a lone wolf is the most vulnerable. Why not accept the assistance of those who only want to help you?”

She swallowed a groan of pleasure. Damn, that mouth was wicked.

“My beloved sister? Thanks, but no thanks.”

“Darcy is not your only option.” He nipped the lobe of her ear. “My lair is well protected, although not nearly as elegant as Styx’s estate.”

Regan stilled. “Jagr?”