The Wicked Kiss (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #2)(32)

At times, I’m still not sure how I keep from going past the point of no return. This is a thought I have heard echoed by Shaz. I suppose the genetic and mental disposition isn’t something that just anyone can adjust to.

“Well, have fun,” she said, sounding like she meant it. “I will be here doing paperwork for a case I’m working on.”

Kylarai had a tendency to be a workaholic, using work to lose herself. A night of paperwork would likely do wonders to help her sort out her recent thoughts and feelings.

Trapping herself in the office for days at a time was common self-therapy that usually had her emerging like a butterfly from a cocoon.

“Don’t run yourself ragged. I’ll see you later.”

The chilly October air was like a slap in the face. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t shiver.

My resistance to the natural elements was stronger than that of humans. It was much colder than it had been the previous night. That was a typical Canadian fall though. I smiled to myself and paused to enjoy the quiet autumn energy.

The moon glowed overhead, round and vibrant against the night sky, not quite full.

Its energy radiated down to me, strong when I concentrated on it. The sudden temptation to throw my head back and howl was hard to resist. Instead, I savored the sensations, anticipating that, in just days, the moon would be full and I would be wolf.

* * * *

Just as I’d thought, Jez still wasn’t at the office when I arrived. The funny thing was that she lives closer to it than I do. The building was dark, and the parking lot was empty. I didn't plan on going inside.

The Blue Collar Comedy station on satellite radio kept me chuckling while I waited.

I may have even snorted a little during a bit by Jeff Foxworthy. I don’t care what anybody says, that redneck humor never gets old.

When I found myself looking at the dash clock for the second time, I decided that if Jez wasn’t here in five minutes, I was calling her. Either that, or heading home to watch scary movies and sleep. The sound of a familiar and easily recognizable engine caught my attention, and I turned down the radio to listen. I had to be mistaken.

It sure sounded like the old muscle car to me, but I didn’t really believe it until Kale’s slick, black ride peeled around the corner at the end of the block. I watched as he turned into the lot with a squeal of tires, stopping a few yards from my car. What in the hell was he doing here?

Kale slid from the Camaro with a strong predatory energy that I could feel from where I sat. I quickly opened my door and got out of the car. I didn’t want him approaching while I was still inside.

He was dressed to kill in pinstriped pants and a fedora that made him look like a vampire mob boss. His long duster was part of the badass look, like always. Those two different colored eyes of his sparkled with a devious glint, the one I saw when he killed. I wasn’t sure that I liked this.

“What are you doing here, Kale?” I didn’t try to hide the suspicious note that crept into my voice. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

He looked at me as if deciding how honest to be. “I need to kill something, Alexa.

Something that still has a heartbeat. I’m coming with you tonight.” He flashed me a look that dared me to contest his choice.

I leaned against the back of my car and crossed my arms over my chest. It was the best casual stance I could muster. However, I was overtly aware of the power of the moon above me, and I was prepared to tap it the second he gave me a reason.

“Alright,” I conceded. What could I do, argue with him? “Have it your way. Do you want to take my place with Jez? She should be here any minute.”

There was no way of escaping the awkwardness that fell like a blanket over us. So, I met his blue and brown eyes evenly, ready for anything. He wasn’t prepared for a face off, and he avoided my gaze, looking out onto the street.

“Actually, she isn’t coming. I’m taking her place. It’s just me and you.”

His words rang in my ears, and I stared at him dumbfounded. Please, tell me he was kidding. This was so not cool.

“Look, Alexa,” he sighed and forced his gaze to mine. “I need to apologize for what happened the other night. I still can’t believe I lost to the hunger like that. I’m sorry I hurt you.”

I had expected his apology, knowing him the way I do. Kale is a stand up, respectable guy. I didn’t expect the vibe I was sensing from him.

“Thank you. I understand the temptations. I’ve given in to them, too.” I glanced nervously down the street as if expecting Jez’ beat up white Liberty to fly around the corner. Of course, it didn’t.

I wasn’t afraid of Kale despite what he’d done to me just days ago. But, the devilish look in his eyes mixed with the lusty hunger emanating from him sure had me on edge.

“There’s more.” He took a step closer but stopped a few feet away. “When I took your blood, it wasn’t like anything I’ve ever experienced before. It woke a hunger in me like no other.”

I was keenly aware of the subtle changes in his personal energy. It stirred the atmosphere around us, causing me to grow naturally defensive. I had a feeling that I wasn’t going to like where this was going.

“Kale,” I began. “Let’s just let sleeping dogs lie. There’s no reason to-,”

“I can’t stop thinking about you, Alexa.” He forced the words out in a rush, and I shut up instantly as I choked on my own comment. “The power in your blood, the combination of the undead and the wolf is like nothing I have ever felt in my lifetime.