Outside the window at her left, the nighttime city twinkled with life below. She looked out, letting her gaze wander over the tangle of milling pedestrians, rushing traffic, and the illuminated beauty of Brandenburg Gate.
None of the humans out there had the first clue about the war that was rising within the Breed. Few in the Darkhavens knew either. Those who were in a position to know of Rogue conflicts chose to turn a blind eye, trusting politics and protocol to keep things in their proper place. Everyone went about their lives, oblivious, comfortably ignorant, while Tegan and the other members of the Order dirtied their hands and risked their lives to maintain the fragile peace within the Breed and its dependent link to humankind.
She had been one of those sheltered many. When she looked across the table at handsome, sophisticated Reichen, she was reminded how easy her life had been before. She had lived in the cushioned lap of wealth and privilege as Quentin Chase's mate. A part of her realized how easy it would be to return to that kind of existence, to pretend she'd never seen the terrible things she'd witnessed outside the Darkhavens these past several months, or done the terrible things she'd convinced herself she had to do in vengeance for Camden's death.
A cowardly part of her wondered if it might not be too late to go back to her old life and forget she'd ever met the warrior called Tegan.
The answer came in the quickening of her pulse, a stirring that flared at just the thought of him.
Her blood would never forget him, no matter how far she ran. And neither would her heart.
Would you prefer to try another dish? Reichen asked, leaning over the table to touch her hand. I can call the waiter over if you-- No. No, there's no need for that, she assured him, feeling rude and unappreciative of his kindness. Tegan probably didn't need her concern. He certainly wouldn't want it. She couldn't turn off her feelings for him, but that didn't mean she had to let them consume her. Thank you for bringing me here, Andreas. I can't remember the last time I had such wonderful food and wine. Quentin and I enjoyed nice dinners together, but since his death, I guess I never really saw any reason to go to the effort.
Reichen gave her a mock scowl, as if he'd never heard a more preposterous thing. There is always a reason to enjoy all of life's pleasures, Elise. I personally do not believe in deprivation. Not in any shape or form.
Elise smiled, knowing he was deliberately putting on the charm now. With that kind of life philosophy, I'm betting that you have broken a lot of hearts in your time.
Only a few, he admitted, grinning.
He lounged back in his seat, one arm slung over the back of the chair, his aristocratic profile etched in light by the warm glow of the candle flickering on the table. With his dark hair slipping loose of its queue, his tailored white shirt unbuttoned one more notch than was decent, Andreas Reichen had the look of an indulgent king surveying his subjects from atop his tower keep.
But there was a restless undercurrent to his practiced air of nonchalance, perhaps a trace of boredom. There was a cynical wisdom in his eyes that indicated for all his easy charm, the male had seen more darkness than he would ever let on.
Elise wondered if, despite his privilege and his obviously libertine ways, Andreas Reichen might have a bit of the warrior in him as well. What about Helene? Elise couldn't resist asking about the stunning female who wasn't a Breedmate, yet seemed to know a great deal about the vampire nation due to her apparent relationship with Reichen. Have you and she...known each other for a long time?
A few years. Helene is a friend. She is my blood Host on occasion, and we enjoy each other's company, but it's primarily a physical arrangement.
You're not in love with her?
He chuckled. Helene would probably say that I love no one more than myself. Not altogether untrue, I suppose. I've just never met a woman who tempted me to want anything permanent. Then again, who would be mad enough to put up with me? he asked, turning a dazzling smile on her that would have made any other woman leap up to volunteer for the task.
Elise took a sip of her wine. I think you are a very dangerous man, Andreas Reichen. A woman would be well advised to guard her heart around you.
He arched a brow at her, looking rakish and serious at the same time. I would never want to break your heart, Elise.
Ah, she said, tilting her glass at him in mock salute. And now you have just further proved my point.
Tegan arrived back at Reichen's estate in a foul mood. The Minion who would have killed Elise was dead, and that was good enough news. But as he'd squeezed the last breath out of the human, Tegan had come away with two critical pieces of information.
The first, that Marek had given kill orders on Elise to several of his Minion contacts in and around Berlin. Which meant Tegan needed to get her the hell out of the city as soon as possible.
He was already putting that plan into motion. He'd just hung up with Gideon, who was going to see that the Order's private jet was fueled and cleared for departure out of Tegel Airport in one hour.
The second thing he came away with tonight was that no matter how much he wanted to deny it, Elise mattered to him. She mattered in a way he could hardly fathom. He cared for her like his own kin--more than that, in fact--a truth that had been driven home pretty clearly when she'd come back after the Minion attack covered in blood. He respected her, not only for her courage, but for her strength. She was an extraordinary woman, far better than he could ever hope to deserve.
He wouldn't even try to pretend that he could resist her. Walking with her into Helene's club had nearly wrung him out. All he'd been able to think of was what he wanted to do with Elise. He'd caught her uncomfortable glance as they strolled through the place, and he hadn't missed the fact that her breathing had kicked into a rapid beat, her pulse drumming loud enough for him to feel it as a vibration in his own body.
She couldn't have known how badly he'd wanted to pull her into one of Aphrodite's plush alcoves, strip her naked, and drive himself deep inside her soft, moist heat. Just thinking about it now gave him a massive hard-on.
And then there was the matter of their blood bond. That was easily the worst of it. As offended as he should be by the whole idea, he found himself looking forward to the next time Elise would take his vein to her mouth. He actually liked knowing that it was his blood making her strong, helping her cope with the psychic gift that had been slowly destroying her before.
His blood that would keep her alive close to forever if they completed their bond. All he'd have to do is drink from her, and they would be linked to each other inextricably.
Yeah, that was exactly what he wanted.
And what the fuck, he might as well admit it--to himself, at least.
He loved her.
Which brought him back to his current state of aggravation. He entered the Darkhaven, which was quiet except for the handful of residents who hadn't gone out for the night. Tegan stood outside Elise's guest room and knocked on the closed door. No response. He tried again, feeling like an idiot as one of the younger females approached from up the hallway.
Good evening, the woman said, smiling pleasantly.
Tegan nodded curtly and waited until she sauntered down the stairs to the main level of the mansion. He knocked one last time, then opened the door and went inside the empty room.
Where the hell was she? And where was Reichen? Why wouldn't they have returned by now?
A tremor of dread snaked up Tegan's spine.
Ah, Christ. If anything had happened to her...
He stalked to the pair of French doors that opened onto a small balcony overlooking the estate's front grounds, intending what, he didn't know. The blast of cold air braced him as he stepped outside and listened to the surrounding night.
If one of Marek's human assassins had managed to find Elise while he was away-- Just then, Reichen's sleek black Rolls- Royce limo came gently up the drive, making an elegant sweep as it came to rest outside the mansion's main entrance.Relief washed over Tegan as the driver came around and opened the rear passenger door. He helped Elise out, Reichen exiting directly behind her.
Thank you again for dinner, Elise said as Reichen strolled in front of her and offered his hand to help her up the mansion's steps.
It was my great pleasure. Truly.
Something primitive and possessively male rose to attention at the intimate tone Reichen was using on Elise.
Perhaps I could entice you to extend your stay in Berlin, said the Darkhaven lord as he inched closer to her, his large frame towering over Elise and obscuring her from Tegan's view. I would very much like to get to know you better, Elise.
Tegan could hardly contain his growl as Reichen reached out to touch her, then leaned down to deliver what was unmistakably a more than friendly kiss.
She didn't draw back. She didn't slap him or run away in outrage.
And why should she?
Tegan hadn't given her any reason not to consider other males. No, he'd practically shoved her into Reichen's arms. He should be relieved that she might look elsewhere for a mate. He sure as hell was no prize.
Elise deserved far better than him--or Reichen, for that matter. And Tegan was going to tell her as much, damn it.
His foul mood heading farther south every second she remained out there with the Darkhaven male, Tegan stalked back into her room to wait for her.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Elise drew out of the very unexpected kiss, her fingers pressed to her lips. It had been a pleasant, if brief, contact but she felt absolutely nothing for the handsome man who was now looking at her in awkward, yet understanding, silence.
I'm sorry, Andreas. I shouldn't have let you do that.
When she glanced down, embarrassed, he gently lifted her chin so that she was looking at him again. The fault is mine. I should have asked you first. No, he said, correcting himself. I should have recognized that your heart is already spoken for. I did, actually, but I suppose I wanted to be certain that I stood no chance. I don't...stand any chance, do I, Elise?
She smiled up at him apologetically and slowly shook her head.
Ah. I feared not. The lucky bastard. Reichen exhaled, stripping the thin leather thong from his queued hair and raking his hand into the loose, dark waves. I think I've finally run out of charity when it comes to that warrior. After this forfeit to him, Tegan will have no choice but to accept that my debt to him is paid in full.
Elise warmed to his praise, even though she wasn't sure it was valid. Tegan had made no claims on her, despite her feelings for him. In fact he seemed intent on keeping her at arm's length. He would probably be relieved if she were to suddenly develop an affection for another male.
But that wasn't going to happen. Reichen was right; her heart was no longer hers to give. Tegan had it, whether he wanted it or not.
She looked up into Reichen's striking dark eyes. You're a good man, Andreas. A very kind man.
He gasped dramatically. Stop, I beg you! You have thrashed my pride enough for one night. I'm a devil and a cad, and don't you forget it.
Elise laughed, and went up on her toes to kiss his cheek. Thank you for dinner. Thank you for everything, Andreas.
He nodded, then strode ahead to open the mansion door for her.
Good night, beauty, he said, then waited in the foyer as she made the climb upstairs to her guest room.
Tegan heard her light footsteps pause outside her room door. He waited silently, stealthily, as the crystal knob turned and the panel swung inward. Elise took only a step inside, then she paused, listening. Her blood link to him instantly gave him away; she could feel his presence. He knew it by the softly indrawn breath she took, her eyes searching the dark room.
Tegan?
She flipped the light switch. Walked farther into the room. He stayed still, watching her rub a chill from her arms as she crossed the thick rug and went to the open French doors. She looked out onto the balcony, her movements cautious, uncertain.
Tegan...are you out here?
The sweet scent of her drifted up to him as a chill night breeze swept in from outside. Reichen's scent was on her too--a dark, musky undertone that set Tegan's teeth on edge. Jealousy spiked in him, raw and feral.
Instinctively male.
As she drew back to close the doors, Tegan came down from the corner of the room where he'd been suspended spiderlike. He dropped soundlessly behind her, his body blocking her as she pivoted around and gasped.
Startled, her eyes went wide. Tegan! Where were y--
He pulled her to him in a hard, unyielding embrace and slanted his mouth over hers. His kiss was forceful, deliberate. An animal male putting his stamp on what he meant to be his, and his alone.
Elise didn't fight him. He felt her hands come up around his neck, her fingers linking together at his nape and holding him close. She kissed him back, sighing into his mouth as he pushed her lips apart and plunged his tongue between them, needing to taste her.
Needing to claim her.
Christ, she inflamed him. Every cell in his body was lit with heat, with hunger for her. He couldn't be gentle, not when everything primal in him was fully awake, fully aroused. All that was Breed in him responded as well, lust thinning his pupils and stretching his fangs. He ground his pelvis against the tender curves of Elise's body, letting her feel the hard ridge of his cock. She moaned as they pressed together, her heartbeat banging like a little drum in his ears.
Oh, God, Tegan, she said, her voice a breathless rush of warm air when he finally withdrew from the lush sweetness of her mouth. I'm so glad you're here. I was worried about you tonight. He grunted, low in his throat. Yeah, I noticed. I saw how concerned you were, down there in Reichen's arms.
You saw us...
He smirked, baring his fangs. I can still taste him on your lips.
Then you must also taste the fact that he isn't the one I want, she said, not flinching at all as he let his mouth travel along her soft cheek, down to the tender skin below her ear. It's you, Tegan. I want to be with you. In case you hadn't noticed, I've fallen in love with you.