MinetoChase (6 page)

“You won’t regret this.”

Jasmine really hoped she wouldn’t. “What do we do?”

He leaned closer. “What comes natural.”

“That didn’t answer my question.”

“I’m going to make love to you.” One warm hand gently cupped
her cheek. “And when the time is right, I’m going to bleed for you. You’ll
drink more of my blood while I bite into you.”

“Will it hurt?” It sounded oddly sexy but she didn’t want to
feel pain.

“Never.”

The husky promise was one she wanted to believe as he closed
the distance between them and his full lips brushed hers. Just the whisper-soft
feel of their mouths touching was enough to make her heart race with
excitement. His masculine scent and taste was arousing.

“Undress.”

She leaned into him, kissing him when he would have pulled
away to give her room to maneuver out of her T-shirt and boxers. She grabbed
the curve of his shoulder and hung on. The shyness of their new relationship
had her longing to get lost in the moment before she was naked. It would be
easy to do with Chase. The man almost screamed raw sex appeal.

Another growl rumbled from him and her nipples tightened in
anticipation. The sex between them had been amazing, wonderful and intense. She
wanted to be that mindless again and pushed up against him, going chest to
chest with Chase. His free hand wrapped around her back, pulling her more
snugly against him.

Tongue met tongue as they explored each other with an
eagerness born of pure fervor. The memories of the last time they’d touched
excited her as much as his kiss. No one had ever made her as hot as he did. It
might have been the forbidden delight of being with the ultimate bad boy but
her ability to think faded. Whatever the reason, she squirmed, wishing she’d
stripped when he’d asked so no barriers were between them.

Chase pushed her onto her back and she didn’t struggle when
his weight pinned her down. He tore the T-shirt at the sides, the material
easily giving way to his strength. The sound of it shredding only heightened
her desire to be skin to skin with him. His knuckles caressed the skin he
bared, teasing her where they skimmed.

His mouth pulled away, trailing from her lips to her throat
as he lifted up just enough to yank her destroyed shirt away. With one tug, he
ripped away the boxers. Jasmine’s fingers tangled in his hair, seeking
something to hold on to. The urgency and purely primal way Chase touched her
was an exhilarating experience. No one had ever wanted her as much as he did.

“Mine,” he growled in a deep, sensual voice before his teeth
gently nipped just under her ear.

“Yes,” she agreed, out of breath, despite his tone leaving
it clear that it wasn’t a question. He was staking his claim and she was
willing to let him.

He released her and she wanted to protest when he sat up until
she realized the cause. It was with regret that she stopped touching him too,
unable to hold on as he shifted away. She instantly missed exploring his
heated, muscular body. His shirt was quickly shed but he just unfastened his
pants and shoved them down before he was on top of her again. Her thighs spread
to give him access to settle over her once more. It made the ache to have him
inside almost unbearable while she waited to see what he’d do.

Brilliant blue eyes blazed when their gazes met as his rigid
cock nudged against her pussy. She was wet and ready to accept him as he
entered her in one slow drive of his hips. The sensation of being filled and
stretched—taken—was all-consuming to Jasmine. Chase froze, buried deep inside
her.

“Mine,” he repeated. “Forever.” He leaned in closer until
their noses pressed together. “Agree to be my mate.”

“I do.” She meant it. She wanted to join with him in every
way. “Take me.”

A snarl came from his parted lips. That animalistic sound
might have frightened her at any other time but then he began to move in and
out of her. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her heels finding purchase
on the waistband of his leather pants, which were snagged on the back of his
thighs. Every slide of his cock against sensitive nerve endings brought her
closer to coming. Her nipples grew taut, her vaginal muscles clamping around
his thick girth. The pleasure intensified until it threatened to drown her.
Moans tore from her.

“Suck on me,” he demanded. “Don’t stop.”

Her first thought was he wanted oral sex but then his wrist
was suddenly against her mouth. Hot liquid with a metallic taste coated her
tongue and she knew it was his blood. At some point, without her realizing,
he’d cut himself. His fingers curved around her jaw, turning her head away
slightly but keeping his wrist bleeding over her parted lips.

He fucked her harder, the intense pleasure making her almost
oblivious to the tingling inside her head. She swallowed his blood, too focused
on the coming climax to care or think about what it meant. Teeth clamped onto
her neck where it met her shoulder and Chase bit down. His fangs punctured her
skin.

Pain and pleasure blurred together, making it impossible to
distinguish one from the other as sheer ecstasy struck. She exploded from within,
orgasms jolting through her in an endless loop. Chase bit deeper, sucking her
blood, and groaned. Their bodies were locked together, trembling, when his hips
finally stilled.

Sweetheart? Can you hear me?

She attempted to turn her face away from his wrist but the
hand holding her jaw tightened.

Don’t. Keep drinking. Send your thoughts to me. I’ll hear
you.

It was difficult to put words together while her body still
twitched and reeled from making love. Chase’s voice was inside her head, his
mouth still locked on her so it was impossible that he’d spoken aloud. She
breathed through her nose and tried to calm her erratic breathing.

Chase?

We’re mates. No speaking is needed. You can let go of me
now. I’m going to gently withdraw my teeth. Hold still. This won’t hurt. Just
relax. I’m blocking your pain.

It stunned her that he could do that. He pulled his wrist
away and she sucked air into her mouth. The taste of his blood wasn’t gross but
instead something she wanted more of. It worried her but her mate suddenly was
speaking inside her mind again.

It’s normal, sweetheart. You’re different now but you
were already changing before we formed our life bond. You’ll crave my blood and
it will taste sweet to you.
His mouth pulled away and the area he’d bitten
had gone numb.

Jasmine turned her head, staring up at him when he looked
down at her. The way his eyes glowed was spectacular. His mouth was closed and
none of her blood showed until he licked his bottom lip. His tongue was bright
red.

“You’re not comfortable with silent conversations.” His
voice came out husky. “You’ll quickly adjust to our mate bond and learn to
appreciate that we can communicate without others hearing us.” He chuckled.
“Read me. You can. Just try. It’s all there for you if you open up.”

She closed her eyes to concentrate, a tiny bit afraid of
what she’d find if she were able to do the impossible. His thoughts didn’t
transfer to her but intense emotion suddenly filled her. Love. Tenderness. A
deep sense of protectiveness. Passion. He wanted her again.

Yes, I do. I’ll always want you. I do feel all those
things. Did you believe I’d want to mate you if I wasn’t willing to die for
you? You’re mine and I’m yours until the end of our time.

Jasmine’s eyes opened to stare at him in wonder. Tears
blinded her as her own emotions surfaced. She loved him and he loved her back.
All doubt left.

I’m still not comfortable talking this way. I love the
sound of your voice. It’s sexy.

He laughed. “Okay, sweetheart. Anything you want.”

“Anything?”

His eyes narrowed as he read her mind and lowered his mouth
to hers for a kiss.

Always. We can definitely do this more. My sister and our
dinner can wait. I’m going to make love to you again.

Good. Stop thinking at me and do it.

Chapter Six

Chase was tense when he reached the club. He hadn’t wanted
to leave Jasmine but he needed to confront the fallout of taking a mate. The
two guards stationed outside the doors whipped their heads in his direction.
The sound of them sniffing seemed amplified as he approached. They’d smell the
change in his scent now that Jasmine was his mate. Her scent was mingled with
his.

The one on the right growled, shock clear in his dark eyes.
The one on the left took a step back, his gaze instantly dropping. The threat
was clear. Chase didn’t hesitate to grab Jacob by his jacket and slam him hard
against the wall.

“Do you have a problem, wolf?” He snarled.

“No.” Jacob’s eyes flared before he dropped his gaze,
darting his eyes everywhere but at Chase’s face.

Chase dropped the werewolf to his feet and stepped back,
releasing him. “Good. You’re my enforcer. I expect you to respect my decision
and my mate. I’ll leave it to you to notify the pack.” He growled low in his
throat. “Can I count on you to dissuade anyone from causing trouble? I want the
truth.”

“Of course.” Jacob gave a sharp nod. “You’re my alpha.”

“Don’t forget it,” Chase warned. He glanced at Paul. “Do you
have a problem?”

“No.” He shook his head wildly, his chin tucked.
“Congratulations. When do we get to meet her?”

“When I believe no one is stupid enough to challenge me or
her.”

Both werewolves were silent. Chase paused for a good minute
but they refused to speak. It had gone better than he hoped. Otherwise he’d
have had to fight and kill at least one of them.

“I’m going inside now. Hold your posts. Has there been any
trouble tonight in the club?”

“No, alpha.” Jacob lifted his head and met his gaze, before
glancing away. “It’s been quiet.”

“Full house but no disturbances,” Paul added. “Just the way
you like it.”

Chase passed them and yanked open the door. The sound of
music spilled out as he entered. All that soundproofing his friends had paid
for worked. Flashing lights from the ceiling jumped around the dance floor to
spotlight the swaying bodies. He breathed through his nose, taking in all the
humans and vamps. He sniffed again, identifying the bartender and other members
from his pack.

A few of the vamps turned their heads as he slowly strolled
through the club toward the offices. Their senses of smell would note the
change in him as well. Marcus, one of the club regulars, stood, blocking his
path.

“Who is she?”

“None of your concern. Do you want to move or
shall I put you back in your seat?”

The bloodsucker grinned, revealing his fangs. Blood coated
his tongue, proof that the human at his table had already been tasted. “You
know what they say about mates, freak. They are a weakness and now you have
one.” His pupils dilated. “I won’t forget to share the good news with your
fans.”

Chase gripped him by his throat. “I never forget a threat.”
He growled. “You’re dead if you and any of your friends attempt to go after my
mate.”

“Is the lad being a problem?”

The deep voice with the Iris brogue came from behind him.
“No, Blaron.” It annoyed Chase that his friend could move so silently that he
hadn’t heard his approach but the noise in the club had help mask his approach.
“Just making friendly conversation with one of the customers.”

“Ah.” The big, kilt-wearing vamp stepped closer, pausing
next to him. “Marcus, a bonny lass is at your table and you’re bothering my
friend? Shame on you. That’s the thing I find most wrong with the younger
generations. Stupidity and rudeness run rampant.”

Chase squeezed enough to prevent the vamp within his grip
from responding. It would have crushed a human’s throat but the bloodsucker
just winced in pain.

“I resent that. I’m younger but I have manners. His head is
still on his shoulders. I know the staff hates to clean blood off the floors
and it would spook the guests who aren’t aware of what he is.”

“True.” Blaron grinned, fingering the long blond braid that
fell over his shoulder. “I take it this is about the lass you took as a mate?”
He glanced at him. “I never forget a scent. I’ve smelled her before on you.”

“Let’s discuss this in a more private setting.” He didn’t want
his friend to give anyone hints on the identity of Jasmine. She had family and
friends that his enemies could target.

“Sure.” The older vamp’s humor disappeared as he circled
around Marcus to stand at his back. He leaned in to put his lips near his ear.
“You’re in my house and that is my friend. Am I clear, young’un?” One hand
clamped on the vampire’s shoulder. “Should I allow him to rip off your head to
save me the trouble?”

Marcus whimpered, panic widening his eyes.

“That’s what I thought.” Blaron stepped back. “The staff
hates cleaning up piss too. Drop him before he wets his pants.”

Chase grudgingly released Marcus. The frightened vamp would
have returned to his table but Blaron halted him with a chilling glare. “Anyone
who threatens or goes after someone under my protection won’t see the following
night. Am I clear?”

“Yes.” The voice came out raspy but Marcus could talk.

“That includes mates. His, specifically, and any of her kin.
Are you hearing me?”

Marcus gave a sharp nod.

“And don’t be thinking you can have someone else do your
bidding. Anyone so much as breathes on them and I’m blaming you.”

Marcus nodded again.

“Now go sit your arse down and be nice to that bonny redhead
waiting for you. She’s a looker and I want her to return here often. It’s good
for business.” Blaron stepped to the side. He glanced at Chase and jerked his
head in the direction of the offices.

Part of Chase was relieved. His friend had just announced to
the entire club that his protection extended to Jasmine. Every vamp in the place
would have noted the exchange. He followed Blaron to the side doors, down a set
of stairs and beyond the noise of the club once he sealed them inside the
office.

Lethal sat behind a desk and peered up at him with lively
blue eyes. “Interesting.” His nostrils flared. “The real estate agent?”

Alarm shot though Chase and a snarl burst from his mouth.
“Were you having me followed? We are supposed to have trust.”

The tall vampire rose to his feet, his leather pants rubbing
against the chair. “Easy.”

“How do you know about my Jasmine?”

“I can smell her.”

“How do you know what she does for a living?” Suspicion
grew.

Dark eyebrows rose and a smirk twisted the male’s lips. “I
recommended her to you, remember? I’ve used her a few times.”

Chase reacted, leaping over the desk and shoved the big
bastard into a wall to pin him there with the claws that shot out from his
fingertips. “You touched my mate?” The urge to kill his friend was so strong he
barely resisted. “Fed from her?”

Blue eyes widened. “Hell no! The lass helped me buy a few
homes. I never tossed her skirts up and bedded her. Nor did I bleed her.”

“She didn’t mention me to you.”

“She wouldn’t.” Lethal cleared his throat and frowned. “I
just blurred her memory of my name and what she helped me acquire. I even paid
the lass. You know I don’t like anyone knowing where I buy property. They were
my safe houses.”

Blaron cleared his throat. “Gentlemen? Are we going to
fight? Allow me to move the computers at least. It’s payroll day and nothing is
worse than snarling employees bent out of shape.”

Chase withdrew his claws and stepped back. “We’re good.”

Lethal grinned. “She’s a bonny lass who will make you a
wonderful mate. You hid her scent well. I had no idea you were even dating
anyone.”

He hesitated, glancing at them both. “It was spur of the
moment. You know that rogue you asked me to hunt? He’s dead but she was one of
his victims.”

A growl sprang from Lethal. “Is she well?”

“I healed her. She will be fine.” Chase rounded the desk.
“She was the only one who survived. We need to keep a closer eye on missing
persons reports.”

“Agreed.” Blaron fingered the sword attached to his belt.
“We’ll dispatch those damn rogues from our city. We don’t need any more
problems.”

“You’re going to hate to hear this then.” Chase sat in a
chair. “My pack isn’t going to take it well that I mated.”

His friends took seats too. “What makes you believe that?”

He held Lethal’s curious gaze. “My lead enforcer backed down
when I gave him the opportunity to challenge me outside but he didn’t want to.
He’s not happy my mate isn’t a member of the pack and that means I can’t trust
him as far as I can throw him. It will lead to strife in the ranks and they’ll
eventually come after me once some of their anger overtakes their fear.”

“Aye,” Blaron mused. “They will. It would have bonded you to
them if your mate happened to be a werewolf from the pack. They’ve been looking
for a reason to spill your blood since you arrived. So have most of our regular
customers. Your bloodlines are an issue. You’re of both worlds but they see how
different you are.”

“I’m giving my notice.”

Lethal reached up to shove his long black hair over his
shoulder. “No. We refuse to accept it. You’re our head of security and you’ll
stay in that position.”

“We’re friends.” Blaron smiled. “You can’t leave us in the
lurch. We trust you.”

“It’s going to make your club a target since I’m too smart
to lead them to my den.”

“Is that where you’re hiding the bonny lass?” The
dark-haired vamp grinned. “With your sister—the one you refuse to allow us to
meet?”

“They are both safer far from here.” Chase sighed. “I don’t
want my trouble coming to your door.”

“We love trouble.” Blaron winked. “It gets too boring around
here otherwise. We’re friends ‘til the end but I’m not preparing to die.” He
glanced at the other vampire. “Tell him we have his back.”

“You just did.” Lethal chuckled. “It goes double with me.”

Chase studied them. “You don’t owe me for saving your asses
when you decided to visit Alaska. You didn’t know about the wars between wolves
and vampires. It was before you came to America. You’re used to the city packs
who depend on you for steady work. My clan has a long memory and they hated you
both on sight. They shouldn’t have blamed you for a history you had no part
in.”

“Your people decided to behead us yet you got us out of
there.” Blaron leaned back in his chair. “You were the first mixed breed we’d
ever met. We’re friends and we stand together when trouble comes.” He patted
his trusted sword again. “I say we lay a trap and wait to see who comes.”

Chase didn’t like the idea. “It would be easier if I just
didn’t work for you anymore.”

“We trust you, Chase.” Lethal grinned. “Friends don’t
abandon friends in bad times. They stick together. You’re the best one for the
job so forget quitting.”

“Shit.” Chase eyed both men with dread. He knew them well
and they’d already made up their minds. They wanted to help him whether he
wanted it or not. “And if it means losing an entire pack? Who is going to guard
you when you sleep? I can’t do it every single day. I have a mate who might not
enjoy being alone all the time.”

“We have our safe houses. I don’t plan on sleeping below the
club any time soon.” Blaron stood. “Let’s plot our enemies’ demise. I’m sure
they are doing the same.”

Chase stared at Lethal, hoping he’d be the voice of reason.

He rose to his feet with a deadly look on his features and
gripped his sword, strapped it on and grabbed a leather trench coat. “To
battle, men.” He chuckled. “May the blood of our adversaries flow so we may be
victorious.”

“You both are nuts but I’m glad you’re on my side.” Chase
pushed out of his seat and glanced at them. “I think I have an idea how we can
pull this off tomorrow night. Let’s go upstairs and handle the customers.
Afterward, we’ll talk strategies.”

* * * * *

Jasmine set aside the book and slid off the bed to peer at
Chase when he suddenly stormed into the bedroom. It was apparent he was angry
but she didn’t know why. His gaze fixed on her as a deep, scary growl burst
from his parted lips.

“What did I do wrong?” She hated the fear that quickened her
pulse.

“Nothing.” He took a deep breath. “It was a rough night and
the drive home didn’t calm me any. I’d hoped it would.”

“What happened?” Strong emotions of anger hit her suddenly
but she had a feeling they were coming from him.

The sight of him shrugging off the leather jacket to reveal
muscled arms in the black tank top was one she admired, distracting her from
the feelings she picked up from him. Chase’s body always had an effect on her.
He tossed the jacket across the back of the chair by the door, sat down hard
and tore off his biker boots. They were dumped on the floor.

“Chase?”

His intense gaze lifted to meet her curious stare. “Don’t
freak out.” It was as if a mental door closed between them and suddenly she
couldn’t pick up anything he felt.

That’s not good.
She wondered why he thought she’d be
alarmed but then realized he was snarling his words. “I know you’re not going
to hurt me. I believe that. I’m not going to run screaming from you just
because you’re in a bad mood.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He stood. He reached down to fist
his shirt, jerked it up his body and tossed it.

The bruising on his ribs was horrible but the smeared blood
on his side had her stumbling closer. “What happened?”

“It’s not mine. The damn jerk bled all over me though. The
black clothes hide it well enough but it’s all over me where I couldn’t wash it
off without undressing first.”

To prove his point, he removed his belt and unfastened his
leather pants. The red stain continued down one hip and thigh. Jasmine’s mouth
fell open.