There was nothing wrong with the little woman as far as Brim could see. Every curve, every smooth line of her skin, and her delicate features, made her fucking perfect.
The tree bark splintered slightly when Brim gripped it tighter, his breath held as if waiting for her reply. He couldn’t barge in and save her from the dick dweeb of a man, if she didn’t want to be rescued.
“I’ve tried for two years to be what you want. I’ve tried all those stupid diets you wanted me to try. I’ll never be good enough for you, Wayne. You know what, I’m sick of trying, and I’m sick of you.” With jerky movements, she yanked off the ring from her finger and slapped it against the human male’s chest. “I’m glad this holiday helped me to wise up to what an asshole you really are! And, I don’t care if no other man will...” She raised her hand and made little, air quotation marks, ‘want my fat body'. It’s better to live a life alone than put up with your shit a moment longer!”
She spun on her flat, red shoes and stormed off.
Brim felt his mouth turn up into a wide grin. Attagirl! He fucking loved her spark.
The man called Wayne sputtered for a moment before his features twisted into a dark anger. He ran after the woman and grabbed her by the back of her neck.
“You little bitch. I’ll make you pay for that!”
The one thing his Sire and mother taught him was never, ever use your strength against a helpless female. Women were to be protected and cherished, never abused. Clearly, this human male had never been taught such lessons.
Wayne pushed her towards the edge of the harbor wall, his intent clear. Brim knew he was going to throw her off as she shrieked and struggled in the man’s grip.
Nothing stopped Brim this time. He growled low, pulling himself to his full height and stepped from the shadows. Within a few strides, he caught up to them.
“Let the woman go.”
Wayne swivelled around with Amber still in his grasp. “Stay out of…Shit!” Both his and Amber's eyes widened, taking in Brimstone's seven foot height and bulging muscles as he folded his arms, and stood directly in front of them.
Wayne’s arms dropped from the woman. Her eyes narrowed to slits, and she turned around and swung her fist directly into Wayne’s nose.
Brim grinned, hearing the slight crunch of blood vessels bursting. Then he smelled and saw the fresh blood trickling from Wayne’s nose. The man cupped his face, muffling a string of curses.
“We’re well and truly through. When you get back to Melbourne, you can move your shit out of my house. In the meantime, go pack your bags and get out of my hotel room.”
“Amber, be sensible about this—”
“You heard her,” Brim rumbled. “Do as she says, or there won’t be enough of your face left to identify, if I decide to hit you.”
She took several steps backwards towards Brim, seeking shelter closer to him. Her soft back and rear bumped directly into his front. His hands fell on her shoulders to steady her before she could pull away.
“Easy, my lady, I won’t hurt you.” He softened his tone. A sizzle raced up both his arms and like lighting shot through his body. His dragon bolted up, awakening with frightening ferocity. Mine!
His body reacted, lust making his skin heat and his cock strain painfully against the tight restriction of the denim jeans. He glanced down at the little woman. No! It couldn’t be happening, the little, human woman couldn’t be his mate.
Mine, my mate, let me take her, I want to claim her. She is mine! The roar of his dragon thumped at the back of his brain. The impulse to shift, clutch her in his talons, fly away, and claim her was so strong, he didn’t know how he kept from doing it.
She’s human and fragile, so calm the fuck down. It calmed his dragon somewhat, allowing him to try to think with a more rational brain.
Brim kept his eyes trained on Wayne while he turned and scampered away. The woman let out a long breath. From his hold on her shoulders, he felt her shaking. He wanted to pull her into his chest, wrap his arms around her and comfort her, but knew it was not a smart move on his part.
With great effort, he let his hands fall to his sides. She turned and raised her eyes to his, meeting his gaze head on. She took in a sharp breath, fear and uncertainty flashed in her pale blue gaze.
He did a quick mental check to make sure the simple magic spell he placed on his eyes before crossing into the Human Realm still held. He was told that having gleaming, red eyes would alert the humans to his...nonhuman status. Instead, they were a ‘normal’ dark brown colour.
‘How many have run away from you screaming?’ Slade’s words echoed in brain. He didn’t want this one to run screaming. Oh, he wanted her to scream alright, but from the pleasure he would bring her over and over again.