"Everyone deserves a second chance, even you, you jackass," she responded. "I'm going to get my things."

He was silent as she turned and walked away. He was watching her, a predator who'd either figured out his prey wasn't edible or needed more study to kill. His penetrating gaze gave her a different kind of chill, one that made her blood quicken as well as her step.

She gathered her things and searched for Daniela --or anyone --but no one was around. She left the Sanctuary one final time. Rhyn stood in the same place she'd left him, unchanged in any way. She stood before him and waited. This time when he reached for her, she knew it was for blood. She closed her eyes and tilted her head, anticipating the pinch. He drank long, until she was swaying and leaning against him. When he released her, he touched her arm. Warmth shot through her, energizing her.

She looked up at him. She hadn't noticed his pallor beneath his copper skin, but she saw it now. He returned her gaze, steadying her with a possessive hand on her hip.

"Were the guys you killed in St. Louis all bad?" she asked in a measured tone.

"More or less."

"What does that mean?"

"Trust me."

God help me, I think I do.

As if hearing her thought, he gave a slow smile. Before another insult could leave her lips, he kissed her, a commanding, intense kiss. One arm looped around her and she braced herself against his chest, vaguely realizing that --by not refusing him the day before --he'd taken her response as a blank check. The familiar warmth, his intensity -- both lit her blood afire, and she couldn't help but imagine what his hot, talented tongue could do to other parts of her body. The vision in her mind made her bones too weak to hold her on their own.

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He drew away with a satisfied growl. She wanted to be angry at him but was too dazed, too surprised at the sensations running through her. He'd pursue her like a predator its prey, and he'd consume her. All of her.

They gazed at each other for a long moment. She sensed he was reading her thoughts, and she wondered what he was thinking.

"You're not wearing any underwear."

Then again, maybe she didn't want to know.

"Aren't you supposed to take us somewhere?" she snapped, face hot.

He bared his teeth in a grimace, then turned her so her back was to him. She didn't know why until she felt the fog of the underworld and then the warmth of wherever it was they went this time. He tensed as they stepped through the portal, clutching her against him with one arm, and she blinked.




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