Only Vampires Cry Blood (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #3)(6)

I was reluctant to leave him after the dumbass move I'd just pulled. However, we all have a duty to do, and right then, cashing in on the drunk and disorderly was his. My cheeks burned with embarrassment when I turned back to Arys.

“Am I a control freak or is that just me?” I asked.

“Seriously?” Arys took my hand, interlacing his fingers with mine. “You are a little nuts. But, you're no worse than either of us.”

I frowned, contemplating his response. I guess I could live with that, so long as I never became as dominant and possessive as either of my men were. I couldn't help but look back at Shaz over my shoulder. He graced me with his heart-stopping smile, and I felt a little better about running Casey out. But really, who wouldn't have?

Arys was right though. He and Shaz were worse. They had actually come to blows, and though they have somewhat of an understanding, it was tense and fragile at best.

They were two very dominant and extremely different men. Of course, if Casey had wanted to fight it out, I would have been more than happy to sink my teeth into her. I guess I had an unfair advantage, though, as she was the prey and I, the predator.

We made our way outside, not so far behind Casey. I could see her punching numbers furiously into her cell phone as she looked up and down the street. I turned to go towards my car, and Arys nudged me lightly in the side.

“She's all yours, if you want her.”

Six months ago, I would have been shocked to hear him say that. Now, it was almost expected. He should have known better, though, than to instill the thought in my head. I stared after her even as I forced myself to put one foot in front of the other. Even as we drew closer to my bright red Dodge Charger, Casey was looking more appealing than ever.

“You know Shaz would kill me,” I said, more to convince myself than him. “I don't want her anyway. Not like that.” The thought of tasting Casey, biting into her, didn't really appeal to me. It sounded great in theory, but that was where that fantastic idea ended.

Walking away and leaving her standing outside Lucy's Lounge wasn't all that easy.

My insecurities demanded that I ensure she didn't go back inside. However, I had to trust Shaz no matter how little I trusted her. I kept walking until I reached my car, never allowing myself another look back. It was agony.

Actually, a sadistic little part of me toyed with the idea of offering her a ride home. I could just imagine the snarky retort it would earn me. Instead, I tore out of the lot with a squeal of tires and the smell of burnt rubber.

The jaunt across town to my house took less than ten minutes. It still felt strange pulling into the rich golf course neighborhood. After several months, I still wasn't used to living in this section of town. It had been hard to accept the large house as my own.

Raoul Roberts, my former Alpha and lover, had left it to me in his will. I had watched as his daughter killed him in the backyard. It was something that haunted me daily because I couldn't let go of the pain and confusing regret. Not only had Raoul been the first man I'd given my heart and body to, he had also waited until his death to reveal to me through a letter that he was responsible for the attack that turned me. I still struggled to come to terms with it, but it was getting easier as time went on—except for the whole not being able to tear him apart myself aspect.

The house was dark when we pulled up, just as I'd left it. Most of the neighbors were older professionals that kept to themselves. It worked for me, but I did desperately miss the forest out my back door.

My old place, the one I'd shared with my best friend and fellow werewolf Kylarai, was the perfect spot for all wolves. The backyard led right into the rural forest area surrounding town. Even though it was only a few minutes away, I missed it as if it were hours instead. I visited frequently.

The emotional anxiety that stemmed from seeing Casey ate at me. I shoved the front door open with more force than necessary. She was nothing to me, and yet I was letting the entire scenario affect my mood.

Arys began flicking lights on, completely at home in my house, probably more so than I was. I watched as he walked through the house, admiring how perfect he was when he didn't know I was looking. I leisurely removed my shoes and sweater before slowly following him into the kitchen.

The need to talk to him nagged me. I wasn't sure how to broach the subject, but the last thing I wanted was for it all to take a bitter turn. My skin began to burn, and I took a shaky breath.

Strong arms went around me as Arys pulled me forcefully into a comforting embrace. He knew me well and was prepared for my resistance. When I made as if to pull away, he tightened his hold on me.

“What's wrong with you, my wolf? Your anxiety is driving me mad.” His lips brushed my ear, and there was a twinge in my stomach in response. “Tell me what's on your mind.”

I threw my arms around him, burying my face in his neck. Inhaling his mixed scent of cologne, hair products and Lucy's Lounge, I sighed and let the resulting sensations wash over me. The power rose between us, as it always did, our two mingling to become one. Sometimes I thought I would never get used to this, no matter how much time passed. The strength of the pull between us seemed to grow with every touch.

“Is it really that obvious?”

“Your energy is toxic. It's making me feeling jumpy. Start talking.” Despite his words, he continued to kiss his way from my ear down the side of my neck, hitting my ticklish spot along the way. I laughed softly and pressed against him, pleased when I felt his body respond to me.