Page 101 of The Huntress

You’re precious to me, my love. I’ve had nothing in my life worth guarding until now.

We’re a team, deciding on things together.She met his gaze, willing him to take her words to heart.

I’ll try. That’s all I can promise you.

That’s all I ask. She scanned his thoughts, searching for sincerity, and found it.

He spun her, capturing her against his warm chest to brush his lips across hers. She hummed her eagerness when he nibbled on her earlobe.

Home?he asked.

Oh, yes, please.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

AN EPIC CLUSTER-FUCK

Thegatheringmassessquaredoff, underlining animosity tainting the air enough to fragrance it. Callie shot nervous glances at the beasts throwing angry growls at the smirking suckbloods. She was certain Syl and Rhys had made it clear no one was to shed blood, and only accidents would be tolerated. The day was going to hell in a plaid-lined handbasket.

Tension rippled along Gabe’s shoulders, visible under his tight T-shirt.

She nudged him and shook her head.Keep calm.

I can scent their anger and resentment. It feels centuries old.

Gabe, remember why we’re here.

He snatched her against him for a kiss.I must keep the huntress in check.

She snorted before pursing her lips. Syl striding across the chaos drew her attention from Gabe’s lust-filled stare. Rhys met him halfway and rumbled a greeting.

“Your kind lacks honor. To tempt us with offspring is crueler than usual, Alpha.” Syl thrust his furious face in Rhys’s.

That wasn’t an easy feat, with the werebear over six feet in height.

“Your kind is fickle. We no longer tolerate your killing sprees and disregard for family.”

“Ah, so we’re at an impasse?” Syl folded his arms across his chest with an irritating smirk claiming his face again.

“A life for a life, vamp,” Rhys roared but didn’t transform yet.

They’d decided he’d blend in better if he remained in human form.

“Last one standing wins Inner City.” Syl offered his hand for a shake. Rhys slapped it away and lunged.

Bodies flew across her vision—beasts contorting into various animal forms, suckbloods darting across the docks. It looked good. A well-choreographed dance as each cog in the wheel performed its role to perfection. Until a pain-filled cry wrenched the air. Real claws and fangs emerged. Beasts roared and suckbloods leaped into the air before descending to strike. Blood splattered the concrete floor. Unmoving bodies littered the battlefield with moans of agony underlying the sounds of flesh ripping and punches connecting with skin.

Shit! She shot glances at Gabe who trembled, the need to fight blurring the edges of their connection. The tantalizing scent of blood permeated the air, and her fangs slid out to dimple her bottom lip.Untie me.I won’t stay out of this, Gabe.

He fumbled with the ropes, tearing them away and setting her free.

She grimaced, rubbing her stinging wrists.We need to save as many as we can.

Save many. He curled his fingers into fists.

She slipped in front of him and slapped him across his face. He turned his gray-eyed gaze to her, a hiss escaping through his clenched jaw.Are you with me, Gabriel de Winter?

Yes.He forced a smile, and she raised her hand to slap him again. He caught her wrist and yanked her in his arms for a knee-weakening kiss.I’m with you, always.

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