The Wicked Kiss (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #2)(33)

There is no living power that compares to what you hold inside you. And, it’s all I can think about.”

Oh please, I thought. Let this all just be a bad dream. I struggled to swallow as my mind went into overdrive. I was shocked and at a loss for words.

“I don’t know what to say to that, Kale. I don’t understand.” I swallowed hard, my breathing shaky. “We have a dangerous Were to track down. Let’s do our job.”

“Your blood is like a drug. Ever since I tasted it, all I can think about is tasting it again. You’re drawing me like a moth to a flame, and I don’t know why.”

Alarm rang through me, and I hissed, “Stop it!”

“Alexa…” Kale trailed off pleadingly.

The silence quickly grew strained as we stared at one another. I could feel the glare that adorned my features. His face remained stony, expressionless.

My guts turned when I replayed his rushed confession in my head. A sinking sensation settled heavily in my stomach. I had to fight down the panic that threatened to launch a full-scale attack within me at the thought of Kale obsessing over my powerful blood. Was this something I should tell Shaz and Arys, or keep to myself?

I sighed heavily. “Let’s just go do our job. We are friends, and that’s not going to change. But, we have priorities, like a bloodthirsty werewolf to stop. And, I have no coherent response for what you just said.” There, I was honest.

“Last chance to bail out,” Kale said when I turned to his car. After what had happened last time we rode together, I wasn’t driving. I wanted both hands free.

“Not on your life. If I don’t hunt something soon, my head will burst.” I got into the Camaro and put on my seatbelt, turning to him when he got in next to me. “I am stressed to the max right now, and I just need a good fight.”

His sexy chuckle tickled the nerve endings in my spine, and I squirmed in my seat.

“Careful what you wish for, my dear. I may have to remind you that you said that later.”

As we pulled into traffic, I felt a shift in the energy inside me; something was changing. My stomach flipped a few times, and my fangs appeared unbidden. I swore, and Kale glanced at me, his eyes widening.

“Are you alright?”

I had to think about that before I could answer. The power was roiling around inside me like a rumbling volcano. Closing my eyes against it caught me up in a tornado of undead energy, and I felt like I was falling.

“I’ll be fine.” I ground the words out between clenched teeth. “It’s been worse. Arys

… he must not have fed recently.”

“I can’t imagine how much harder it must be for you than it is for us.” He turned down the radio, plunging the car into silence.

“I have given up trying to figure out how it all works. I feel like a pawn to the power more often than I feel in control of it.” I sighed and stared out the window. “The stress doesn’t help.”

He seemed to consider this carefully before tentatively asking, “Do you want to unload? I’m always happy to listen.”

I debated telling Kale, but before I could censor myself, it was all pouring out. The past few days of fighting, blood bond talk and scary-ass vampires that wanted a piece of me were too much, and I needed to share with a friend. It was easier with someone that was outside the situation.

The scenery outside the window flew by as we made our way downtown. I was hoping we could pinpoint this werewolf by its energy. If we had to rely on physical senses only, it would take forever.

“That’s some heavy shit, Alexa.” He let out a low whistle. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what the blood bond means to mortals.”

“No,” I murmured. “You don’t. I’m fully aware. And, of course, it’s not something I’m even considering.”

“Why do I sense that there is more to that thought?” Kale’s attentive eyes darted from the road to me and back. “Like you left off the words ‘right now’.”

I paused and stared at him in wonder. My tone had indicated that I was leaving something out. Not in a million years. It had taken me ten years to get used being a werewolf, to love it and embrace it as me. Vampire? No, thank you.

It scared me that he had heard something in my tone that I hadn’t intended. Panic shot through me.

“Kale, if you ever hear me say that I want to do it, knock some sense into me.

Seriously.” I reached out to touch the cool sleeve of his coat, wanting to ensure he knew that I meant what I said. “I’m afraid of myself and what I might do in the wrong situation.

I just need to know someone has my back.”

It got quiet then, and I reached to turn the radio up a few notches. I waited for his response, aware that he was weighing his words. I trusted him. I wanted to hear whatever he had to say.

“I’ll do my best, Alexa. I mean, I’ll try.”

He sounded so uncertain. I smiled and gazed out the window as we went deeper into the slums. “That’s all I can ask of you. Thank you.”

Nerves had my stomach in knots as the anticipation began to build. My fangs itched at the gum, burning to pierce and tear.

I snuck a sidelong glance at Kale, judging his mood. He caught me and with a wry smile asked, “Yes? Is there a reason you’re peeking at me from behind your lovely blonde locks?”