Electric Storm(60)

“How do you want to do this?”





Chapter Eighteen





Sweat dampened Raven’s hairline. This was really going to happen. As Taggert’s smile blossomed to a full out grin, energy snaked along her nerves, rising as the control over her emotions weakened. “Before we go any further, explain each step of the process and what I can expect.”

She wasn’t stalling. She was being analytical. Cautious.

And maybe stalling just a little.

The door slammed against the wall. Startled out of her own worry, the spark building under her skin dissipated, burning as it reabsorbed back into her body. Jackson loomed in the opening, chest heaving and ready for battle. Something about his stiff posture and tight expression relaxed the brutal grip on her throat.

A deep rumble rolled up from Jackson’s gut as he faced Taggert across the room. “Back off.”

Raven winced. Though things would be so much harder with him there to watch, part of her was relieved to have someone present in case things went wrong.

He was dependable.

Reliable.

He would give his life to save Taggert. Even from her. “Taggert, go upstairs and get ready for tonight.”

Taggert practically bounded out of his chair, muscles flexing in a beautiful grace that drew the eyes. Silence lengthened after he left, and Raven finally turned to face the glowering Jackson.

“You agreed to do it, didn’t you?” The accusation lashed through her.

Frustration boiled over, and she snapped back. “Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“Yes.” He spit out the one word between clenched teeth.

A deep sigh for patience escaped her at his contrary attitude. Funny enough, his disgruntlement firmed her resolve. “I won’t let him die a slave because I have a few reservations.”

But that didn’t stop her stomach from churning with dread at the prospect of her abilities interfering with what was normally a commonplace procedure. She and commonplace didn’t get along all that often.

“I know.” The low voice held no emotions, the fury died, only the splintered yellow in his eyes remained alive with his vitriolic emotions.

When he didn’t offer further protest, she couldn’t delay the inevitable and stepped toward the door. When he backed out of the way without a word, she paused. “Will that mean your duty has been satisfied?”

The drum of her heart beat loud in her ears, and she hardly dared to breathe, memorizing the details of his rugged face as she waited for his answer.

“Sorry to disappoint, but I’m here until the end of the month and they remove the collar.” A cruel twist to his lips tripped her heart in her throat. A spike of excitement tingled across her skin at the promise in his eyes. “And I’ll be watching closer than ever.”

Raven licked her lips and turned away, ignoring the way the knots eased from her gut at his promise. It was ridiculous. His threat should’ve angered her. She doubted he intended his comments to give her a strange sense of peace. It also gave her time to figure out an alternative way to help without putting him in more danger by mating him. He deserved a chance at a normal life, not trapped in her chaotic version of hell.

The house was quiet as she climbed the stairs. She entered her room, then pulled up short at the sight of Taggert, gloriously naked on her bed, every inch of him on display. Her mouth watered, and the heat of desire burned through her body. She knew she should turn away, but she couldn’t make herself move and deny herself the view of all that flesh just waiting for her touch.

The dread came back in a rush, along with the inescapable feeling that fate wouldn’t let her escape this unscathed. Jackson stepped in behind her with barely a space between them. His delicious heat soaked into her skin, easing the cold stealing down her spine.

Worry fell away. Muscles relaxed. A brush of fur rolled through her. The need to run, the urge to hunt, increased.

“Cover up.” Jackson snapped out the order, pushing against her back.

The contact worsened her condition. The smell of fresh cut grass filled her nose. She turned toward Jackson, her ache morphing into pure physical need to touch him. To take what she needed. She didn’t have to think anymore.

Desire thickened her blood when she saw passion reflected in his eyes. He wasn’t unaffected. His fist clenched, his muscles shook as they locked into place. She suspected that at the slightest hint from her, he would pounce. When she met his gaze again, he very deliberately tipped his head to the side, offering his throat.

She shuffled closer when Taggert stuck his arm between them. Jackson snapped his teeth in warning, but Raven caught the smell of forest and freedom, breaking the spell Jackson wove.