Page 95 of Feral Possession

More than anything, but where to begin? They already had so much to worry about with the upcoming fight. After speaking with Shadow, she feared the weight of it all may crush her. “No. I’m better. Let’s get some sleep.” Once Helen was captured and the fight over, she’d tell him everything.

She just prayed he was still Marcus in the end.

Twenty-Three

Marcus sat in the back seat of his chauffeured sedan. One look at the entrance to his casino, and his stomach threatened to purge the whiskey he’d downed. Cold sweat painted his skin and he gulped shallow breaths. On either side of the casino’s massive doors, twenty-foot marble griffins glared down at him, ready to render judgment on the weakened, pathetic male before them.

Here, in this very spot, was where his previous life had ended. One moment, he’d stood beside his car, staring at Helen’s retreating back as she raced inside on some errand. The next…

Fire.

The blast of the explosion ruptured his eardrums. Flames seared his flesh from his bones.

“Marcus,” said a soft voice. “Marcus, look at me.”

His head buzzed, his heart thundering.

Gentle hands cupped his cheeks. “Marcus,” the voice firmed, snapping with concern.

Power snaked through his insides, crawling up from the darkest recesses of his core. Energy infused his body, tightening his frozen muscles while his flesh burned.

“Who threatens us? We will destroy them,” snarled the demon in the back of his mind.

“Oh no. Marcus, your face. Darn it, Shadow, not now,” the gentle voice said. “Breathe with me, Steele.” Dove’s worried countenance swam into view. “Deep breath in. Slow breath out.”

Her words penetrated. He filled his lungs and exhaled. “Can’t let them see me like this,” he grated between clenched teeth. “If anyone finds out about the possession—”

“They won’t. How about we deal with one demon at a time, okay?”

He nodded.

Dove rapped on the window separating them from his driver, taking charge. “Change of plans. Take us to Steele’s private entrance.”

The sedan sped off, taking them to a secluded doorway on the side of the building. Once Marcus was away from the bright lights and curious stares, his breathing slowed, his muscles relaxing. To his demon, he sent a mental demand, “There is no threat. Stand down.”

From deep in his mind, the spirit grunted a sound of disgust. “Feeble male.” The power throbbing at his core settled. Darkness receded, and the car’s interior lights flickered to life.

Dove clasped his hands, uncurling his clenched fingers. “That’s better. Take all the time you need.”

His mind cleared, reality returning in a rush. By the gods, what was wrong with him? What would Dove think? He dared to meet her eyes. Where he expected disgust and pity, in her expression he found understanding.

Acceptance.

Part of him wanted to snap at her. Push her away. Hide his weakness. Except the demon at his core wouldn’t allow him to hurt her in that way. Neither would the vampire.

Emotions tightened his throat. “I… uh…”

“Overcame a challenging situation. Now you are going to regroup and forge ahead.”

His lips curled at her confident, authoritative tone. He wasn’t the only one to rise to the challenge. Words failed him, so instead, he cupped the back of her neck, drew her in, and kissed her. He plundered her mouth, showing her the depths of his emotions. With a touch, he shared the intensity of what he felt for her.

When they were both dazed and breathless, he withdrew, gazing into her hooded eyes. He nuzzled his nose to her cheek, whispering against her mouth, “I confess I didn’t want you here, but now I’m glad you came.”

Her lips curled, her eyes sparkling with humor. “I’m glad I’m here too.” They’d argued vehemently yesterday about the part she would play at the fight tonight. In the end, he’d given in, preferring to have control over her safety rather than leave her to her own devices.

“Have I told you yet how beautiful you look?”

She wore a plum-colored gown, skillfully designed to entice. The outer layer was lace and fell to her ankles while the inner satin stopped mid-thigh. Through the peekaboo fabric, he caught a glimpse of her shapely legs. Two strips of gathered material swathed her chest. Her neckline plunged nearly to her waist, baring the swells of her breasts.

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