The Fighter Duet: Two Full-Length, Red-Hot New Adult Fighter Romances (42 page)

Emotion tightens my chest. His words are beautiful and heartbreaking, and I can only answer them one way. “Take me home, Koa. If this is our last night together, I want it to be a night we’ll always remember.”

His expression is still tense, but he nods, pulling me to his side and turning us in the direction of his apartment.

* * *

Candles fill my room with soft light. My windows are closed for the first time, shutters drawn. I don’t want to see the waning moon. I don’t want a reminder of how little time we have left.

Sitting alone on my bed, I wait for Mercy to finish in the tiny bathroom off to the side. When we arrived, I expected to take her at once, spend the next eight hours making love to her. I didn’t expect her to put a hand up and tell me to wait.
Wait for what?

I’m looking down at my lap, thinking of the time slipping away. I never told her I love her. I worried it would be too soon. Now I feel like a jackass. I’m sitting here on the eve of losing her forever, and I’ve never told her how much I feel for her. How much I don’t deserve her.

A slight squeak breaks the silence, and I lift my chin. Jesus, the sight before me floods my veins with heat. The bathroom light casts her body in a silhouette, and it’s a shadowy curve of the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.

“I didn’t know what to do…” her voice is a soft whisper, and my dick perks up at the sound of my woman.

“Everything you do is perfect.” I move to the foot of the bed in awe of her beauty.

“I wanted to walk out and do a twirl or something you would think is sexy.” She pauses and does a little laugh. “Then I realized I don’t know what you think is sexy. I’m sure you’ve seen it all.”

My voice is thick as I answer with all my heart and soul. “I’ve never seen anything as sexy as you right now.”

Her shoulders drop, and the smallest smile curls her lips. Next thing I know her arms are around my neck, her lips pressed to mine. I only need a moment to recover. I grab her legs and pull her thighs over mine. She’s on me in a straddle, and my lips push hers apart. I taste her mouth, minty from the toothpaste but still with that hint of spring water in the background.

I roll her under me and hold her steady with my hands. She’s still hugging my neck, and I kiss her once more. I want to kiss every inch of her skin, bury my nose in her body so I never forget her scent. Loosening her hold, I make my way down, pausing at her beautiful breasts. Holding them with both hands, I give them a gentle squeeze before covering one hard nipple with my mouth.

She lets out a soft moan, and my dick is raging. I want to be buried so deep inside her, but I want to take my time. Moving to the other side, I repeat the process, kissing and pulling at that beaded peak with my teeth. I’m rewarded with another moan, and I slide my thumbs over her taut nipples before continuing my journey down her luscious body.

Kissing the line of her stomach, I arrive at her small navel, which I circle with my tongue. A little laugh, and I’m traveling further down, to the place I know she wants me to kiss. I decide to tease her a little, draw out her pleasure.

Sitting back on my feet, I lift her long, smooth leg, placing her foot on my shoulder. She’s open to me, and the sight of her lying on my white sheets, her dark hair fanned around her as her round breasts rise and fall quickly in anticipation makes my cock grow even harder.

“This right here,” I nod toward her as I kiss the arch of her foot. Her leg jumps as I slide my fingers up the inside of her thigh. “This is the sexiest thing I’ve seen in my life.”

“Koa, please,” she moans, and I put her other leg over my shoulder, leaning forward to get busy between her thighs.

“Oh, god! Yes!” She wails as I plunder her depths. Her pussy is wet and throbbing, and I fuck her with my tongue a few times before returning to focus on her clit.

Her hands are in my hair, pulling as she squirms in time with my movements. I feel it when she starts to come, but I don’t ease up. I want to hear her scream my name as she comes again and again.

“Koa! Oh, Koa!” Her back arches, and her thighs jump beside my cheeks. I’m holding her hips tight in my hands, and I feel the pressure of her trying to squirm away. She’s pulling my hair harder now. “I can’t… I can’t take it anymore.”

With that, I release her, kissing her flat stomach, the center of her chest, between her beautiful breasts, until I’m at her mouth just as I plunge straight into her core.

“Oh, fuck,” I break away to gasp as her swollen insides throb around my erection. Scooping my arms under her shoulders, I sit back on my heels again, bringing her up on my lap and sending me deeper into her. “So good,” I murmur, reaching down to grip her ass.

She’s rocking me, and I’m working her, lifting her up and down my shaft in a way that’s blowing my mind. My orgasm tightens in my pelvis, and my grip loosens. I realize she’s pushing up on her knees and bucking her hips over my thighs. Her arms are around my neck, and she’s going faster.

My head falls back as my ass tightens. “Here it comes.”

Just as her orgasm breaks, I go off, throbbing and pulsing inside her. My hands are back on her, gripping tightly as I move her, helping her insides pull out every last drop. My heart is pounding in my chest, and her movements slow. Her body is trembling, and she’s holding me as I hold her.

“Nothing will ever be as good as that,” she sighs, as I guide us back to the pillows to rest a moment. This night is far from over.

“It’s a little better when I taste your blood.”

“Mmm,” she curls into my side, a sexy grin on her lips. “That does make it better.”

“It’s up next, my love.”

Her smile relaxes. We’re lying side by side. I’m on my back, and she’s on her stomach looking up at me. In that moment, it’s time. Her beautiful shoulder is up to her chin, and I reach out to smooth my finger down her soft skin.

“Earlier you said you didn’t know what I found sexy—”

“And then you showed me,” she whispers.

Rolling onto my side, our faces are a breath apart. Her blue eyes blink up to mine, round and full of warmth. Leaning down, I touch my lips gently to hers, holding it the length of a heartbeat.

“Do you think,” she whispers, her lips like butterfly wings against mine. “I’ll still be able to hear you?”

My insides ache, and I place my palm gently against her cheek. “I hope so.”

“Just in case we can’t…” Her eyes blink down then back to mine. “I love you.”

I heard the words in her heart, but nothing compares to hearing them out loud. My breath stills, and my eyes drift closed as I pull her to me, holding her body in such a way that every part of our skin touches. Touch drew us together that first night, and I have to believe it will hold us together through this trial.

Relaxing my grip, I reach down to catch her chin, lifting her shining eyes to mine. With all the intensity I feel in my heart, I look into her soul. “I love you, Mercy Quinlan.” Tears glisten in her eyes, and I lean down to kiss her once more. “You are mine, and I will never stop until I have you in my arms again. Don’t ever give up on that. If he takes you from me, I will come and get you. I won’t leave you in that place.”

Her eyes close, and fresh tears spill onto her cheeks. I roll her onto her back and kiss her deeply, parting her lips so our tongues can curl together. Her fingers are in my hair, and I cup her breasts, tease her nipples before sliding my arm around to the arch of her back. With my knee, I nudge her legs apart, and reach down to position myself at her entrance.

She readily complies, spreading her thighs wide so I can slide easily into her. We rock together, and I hold her, worshipping her body with my lips, my tongue, my teeth. My panther canines extend, and I slide up to her neck, grazing her skin as I continue rocking into her.

“Oh,” she sighs, and I feel her insides tighten as I prepare to taste her. Her hands are on my shoulders, and her grip tightens, her back arches up to meet me.

“You’re mine,” I whisper just before I prick her skin.

A low moan shudders through her chest, and her insides break into spasms, massaging and milking me. Her blood is on my tongue, and I close my eyes, allowing the orgasm to pull through me, pulsing into her as she comes on my dick.

Dropping my head against her shoulder, I wrap both arms tightly around her body, and together we ride out the waves of intensity, the erratic beating of our hearts the only sound in my ears.

We’re skin against skin, body to body. I’m focused on our touch when I feel her mouth open against my chest. The softest prick of her tiny lynx teeth, and she’s pierced my skin just above the nipple.

Another burst of pleasure pulses in my dick. I almost can’t take the sensation. “Fuck, Mercy.” I whisper, my voice hoarse. “You’re trying to kill me.”

She licks her lips and stretches up to kiss me. I haven’t let her go since we started this, and I hold her now as if my life depends on it. We kiss deeper, our mouths moving, tasting, sharing everything. I hear her desire, and I taste her devotion.

The bond we share beats in both our hearts. Nothing can break it. I will hold onto this night, our love, this very moment, until I’ve freed her from this curse. It’s my solemn vow to her. I won’t let her go.

K
oa is
asleep beside me when I open my eyes. We made love several more times, not surrendering to sleep until early this morning. Now the sun is high overhead, and I’m sure it’s after noon.

Our time is up. We haven’t found a way to break the curse, and Hayden is coming for me. Last night weighs heavily in my chest. Koa said he would fight for me. He said he would die to keep me from being taken. His long lashes are thick against his coffee skin. He’s the only thing keeping me together, and I won’t let him be killed.

In that instant, I make a decision. Carefully, I crawl out of the bed and go to where my clothes lay discarded in the bathroom. I start to pick them up, but then I change my mind. Creeping back into the room where he sleeps, I tiptoe to the bedside. For a moment I gaze at his perfect form. He’s so beautiful. His face is relaxed, but his intensity never wavers.

I want to kiss him, but I know if I do, he’ll wake. I can’t take that chance. All I can do is look at his full lips and remember how they feel against mine. I look at his strong arms and think of how tightly he held me last night, how our hearts beat in time as our bodies became one.

Pain flashes in my stomach, and I quietly step toward the door. Turning the knob without a sound, I allow myself one last look before I dip my chin and let the magic shimmer over me. I’m out the door on four paws, running at top speed back to the mansion. Outside is a Technicolor fall day. Leaves blaze in every harvest color, and the sun is bright in a clear blue sky.

Dylan’s car is in the long driveway when I make my way out of the forest and across the vast lawn. I scamper into the back door and take the stairs leading to the second floor. Once I’m in my room, I shift into human form and go to my dresser.

My old jeans, the ones I wear to work on my pottery are over my hips, and I find a long-sleeved tee. It’s loose on my body, which is exactly what I want. I have no desire to be attractive to him.

Descending the staircase, I go to my sister’s office. Instead of her usual post behind the enormous desk, she’s sitting on her leather couch. I’m astonished to see her wrapped in a thick robe, her light brown hair up in a messy bun.

“I came to say goodbye,” I say quietly, and her head snaps to where I’m standing.

“You’re here.”

“Not for long.” Looking down at my bare feet, I wonder if I need shoes where I’m going or if I’ll be transformed into a spirit. Will I be dead?

Dylan’s legs move from under her and she stands, crossing the vast office to take my arms in her hands. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save you from this.”

“I only wish you’d told me.”

Her lips tighten as she thinks. “Would it have made your life better?”

It’s a legitimate question. I consider it. Then, shaking my head, I look down. “I suppose you’re right.” I hug her briefly. We’ve never been close, but at least I understand her now. “Tell Aunt Penny I said goodbye.”

“Don’t you want to tell her yourself?”

“No.” I turn and go to the door. “She’s so afraid. I don’t want her to see it happen.”

My sister nods. “She remembers the days when shadows held secrets, when they would steal babies from their cribs and girls from the woods.”

“Now they only take Quinlans.”

Walking out into the elaborate grand entrance, I go to the round table with the four chairs stationed around it. Looking above me, I study the chandelier with its thousands of crystal teardrops. My tears have oddly stopped. It’s as though my insides have resigned themselves to my fate.

Closing my eyes, I push the words across space and time.
I’m ready, Hayden. Come for me now.

In an explosion of sound, the door behind me unbolts and slowly moves inward. A hinge squeaks softly. I’m surprised I never noticed it before. Turning, I see him standing outside, a tall, slim figure framed in the rectangular doorway now open. As usual, he’s dressed in a tailored black suit, and his light blonde hair is perfectly coiffed.

Today he isn’t smiling. The possessive smirk I’ve come to recognize is gone, and his pale blue eyes are fixed on me. He’s studying me intently as if scanning my brain, looking to see if I’m planning to trick him or attempt to escape.

I’m not.

A small quiver of fear moves across my stomach, but I breathe it away. First one step, then another, I force my body to move in his direction. He’s still not smiling, his lips are pressed into a grim line, and I battle with the fear now creeping up my chest.

I pause a moment at the door. Hayden watches me, waiting. The fear is in my throat now, causing it to ache. I’m sure I can’t speak, so I don’t even try. I touch the handle lightly for balance then I step across the threshold.

One more step
… I’m getting closer.
Two more steps
… Hayden’s eyes twitch as if he’s waiting for something to change.
Three more steps
… I’m right in front of him. We’re so close, I can hear him breathing, slow and confident.

“You’re ready?” His voice is level.

“No. I’ll never be ready, but I’m here.”

Our eyes hold each other’s a moment then he nods, lifting an arm and putting it around me, drawing me closer to him. My body is pressed against his chest, and I’m surprised at how normal he feels. I’d expected him to be extremely cold or rigid. He’s none of those things. He feels like a man.

Lowering his face to mine, I study his features, contrasting them to my love. Where Koa’s skin is smooth, brown toffee, Hayden’s is pale cream. Instead of Koa’s full lips and square jaw, Hayden’s lips are thin, his features sharp and defined. Only one thing is the same. When Hayden pulls me against his body, I feel his strength. I won’t get away from him easily.

“Close your eyes,” he says in his elegant, clipped manner of speaking. His breath is right at my lashes, causing me to blink. “Close them.”

For a moment, I resist, staring directly into his eyes now burning with blue fire. The slightest smirk curls his lips, and I give in. He seems merely to hold me, standing there on the front steps of his house.

“Now open them,” he whispers.

When I do, my heart plunges to my stomach. The entire scene has changed. I’m standing before a large stone castle with hideous spires rising like spikes in the darkness. The air is cold like standing inside a cooler, and the sky is a pale bluish hue. Everything is slightly damp, and the colors are stone grey, purple, and black. Far off in the distance, I hear a roar like wind blowing or a cyclone spinning, and a shrill noise like a scream seems to disappear in the air.

My heart beats faster. Hayden’s arm is still tight around me. I’m still pressed against his chest, and his eyes burn into mine. He waits, studying every emotion flickering across my mind, staring as if trying to see the depths of my soul. I wait, unsure what will happen next. Just when I think he’ll never release me, he does.

His arm disappears from around me, and I have to take a step back to find my balance. A light flickers above, and I glance up at the enormity of the structure before me.

Hayden steps to the side, and with a wave of his arm he speaks. “Welcome home, my love. I hope you’re very happy here.”

* * *

I’m on my feet in panther form before my eyes have fully opened. The sensation hits me so hard, it wakes me from my dream of Mercy’s arms, her beautiful body. A quick look around the apartment, and I know she’s gone. I know what she’s done. I heard her heart cry out the moment it happened.

My door is cracked and I’m outside, running down the stairs and into the woods as fast as my panther legs will carry me. I’m moving fast, pushing my muscles to make the miles disappear.

Crossing the soft green lawn, I run straight to the house but stop when I see the front door standing open. The driveway is paved in compact pea-gravel, and my paws make a soft crunching noise as I round the circular fountain to where I can sense he stood. His evil lingers, but it’s faint, dying away on the wind.

The muscles in my legs quiver as I stalk slowly toward the door.
She’s gone. My Mercy has been taken.
She left before I could wake up, so I wouldn’t see her go. So I couldn’t try and stop her, so I wouldn’t fight him.

A cramp hits my insides so hard. I lift my head to the sky, and with a loud
ROAR!
I unleash the pain ripping through my chest.

Another roar, and I’m blind with fury. I want to rip things apart with my teeth. I want to shred them with my huge claws and make them scream with pain.

Dylan appears in the doorway, and when she sees me, she grasps the handle, pushing it almost closed, hiding behind it. I have no clothes, so I can’t shift and speak to her. Still I stand and watch her, my sides heaving with the weight of my pain.

“She said goodbye,” the woman calls through the crack in the door. “She told us all goodbye then she summoned him. He was only here a moment, and he took her.”

I’m breathing hard, every word she speaks shredding my insides.

She should be gone. The firstborn should be taken, but that’s not how the curse works. Mercy’s beautiful body, her shining blue eyes and gorgeous white smile, the warmth of her soul—all gone. Closing my eyes, I let out another low roar. My fangs are bared, and anger rolls off me in waves.

Falling back, I turn to the woods. I’m just leaving when I hear Dylan’s voice behind me. “I’m sorry.”

Stretching out to my full eight-foot length, I run to our meadow, tracing all my steps the night I felt him. Adrenaline pulses in my veins, and I’m desperate to find anything that might lead me to her.

I was on the cliff, near the observatory when he hit me with the wave of his power. With a quiet lunge, I’m on the rock, looking deep into the woods for any signs of a fault line or shift in the earth’s surface. I don’t see anything unusual.

Through all my studies in the library I couldn’t find any record of fault lines or earthquakes in the area. Still, it has to be here. He said the ley line crossed a rift between the worlds. It’s the only thing that makes sense. I was too close to the boundary. He was either coming or going, and I startled him, causing him to lash out in self-defense.

Hopping down, I plunge deep into the forest. My large paws barely make a sound in the damp leaves. Lifting my head, I scent the air. Moldering wood, crisp maple… Someone’s burning a fire off to the west. Heading back in the direction of the university, I cut a wide path to the north to avoid being seen.

The scent of fire has me curious. It’s not cold enough for fire, and it doesn’t smell like burning leaves. Running at top speed, I reach the edge of the forest. An open field is between the point where I’m hidden in the underbrush and a series of ancient brick buildings. A lone highway cuts through the field, and patches of trees line either side. The fire is coming from behind those buildings.

It’s a risk, but I’m willing to take it. A black panther cutting across an empty field in broad daylight is just asking to be caught, but the thought of Mercy pushes me on. Running at top speed, I reach the first line of trees without incident. A car zips past on the two-lane road, no change in speed. I stay low watching as it disappears.

No other cars are coming, and the scent of fire is stronger. Turning toward the network of buildings, I run to the first one. Heavy wooden doors stand open, and a bright green vine climbs the center. Looking inside, spoiled grey tiles are broken and bits of wood are scattered across the floor. Graffiti covers the walls in bold red and blue symbols.

Continuing on toward the smell of burning, I pass another open door. Inside are two rows of pews with a wide passage down the center ending at an altar. A cross is suspended in front of a large, stained-glass window. The glass is missing and the wooden framing hangs like broken teeth in a gaping black mouth.

The scrape of a metal door closing jerks me to attention. Dropping back, I duck under what appears to be the remains of a woodshed and wait, doing my best not to make a sound.

Shuffling of feet echoes in the passage to my left. An old man moves slowly through the debris of what appears to be an abandoned church or convent.

“If I catch you, I’ll throw the full weight of the law against you!” He shouts in my direction, but I don’t move. “Damn kids have no respect for anything.”

He shuffles on a few more paces then I hear him pull up quick. Pulling back further into my hiding place I hear him inhale deeply. “Hmm,” he says in a stage whisper. “Something new in these parts.”

Leaning against the open doorway, he pulls a pipe out of his pocket and taps it on his wrist. “Only thing worse than vandals is all the damn immortals lurkin’ around here.” He lifts the pipe to eye-level and peers into the bowl. “Have to light a fire to get rid of the smell.”

He continues in my direction, and I’m pretty sure he knows I’m here. A quiet inhale tells me this guy is more than human. He’s a shifter, although I can’t tell what kind in his human form. His comment puzzles me. Shifters are not immortal, which means he can only be referencing one thing.

Cautiously, I step toward the light, peering out at the crusty old caretaker. His back is to me, but I see his muscles tense. He knows I’ve come forward, but he isn’t engaging me.