“Some of our scientists have a theory,” he said.
She stayed very still, on alert, her gaze on him across the pavement separating them. “Oh?” she breathed.
“Aye. A theory that all immortals share a common ancestor. One that gives us the extra chromosomes, one that makes us . . . more.” He pushed off from the truck, and her eyes widened. “A part definitely not human and much more akin to animal. Wild, free, and long-lasting.” If the woman didn’t learn his nature, how would she ever understand him?
“You’re saying you’re part animal?” she asked quietly.
“Aye.” He took a step toward her.
She dropped, naturally and easily, into a fighting stance. “Animals can be tamed.” The challenge in her voice competed with the scent of her arousal.
The beast deep inside him cracked open a link in his chain of control. “Alexandra, you miscalculated today.” He struggled to regain control and use logic.
Her chin lowered. “Did I, now?”
In her eyes, he could see the truth. She knew she’d fucked up. But in her stance? In the tilt of her head and the proud carriage of her entire body? A definite fuck you challenge from a female mate to her male. Much quicker than he would’ve expected, she was becoming more than human and was seeking the part of him, the non-human side that had instigated her change.
“I warned you to follow my laws,” she murmured.
Intrigue clawed through him along with heated desire. Just how far did she plan to push him?
Another link in the chain split open. “Feeling brave, lass?” he asked.
Her head snapped up, desire spinning red across her face. “I’m always brave, Kellach Gideon Dunne. That’s what has you so pissy, isn’t it?”
He smiled a flash of teeth, feeling her struggle as the war between desire and pride created an anger-filled lust. “I’m a fair man.”
She snorted. “Oh?”
“Aye. So here’s your one chance. Come here.” Every nerve in his body tensed in anticipation.
She tilted her head, ever so slightly, to the side. Studying him. Uncertainty and curiosity shining bright in her eyes. Even through the rain, the scent of her desire tempted him. She took a deep breath, shuddering out a strong exhale as if embracing the inevitable. “No.”
The one word. The simple, absolute, deliberate defiance of his order.
He’d expected it. Hell. He’d wanted it.
The beast broke free.
She sensed it.
He knew she did, because against everything she was, she turned to run. He caught her in two steps, lifting her easily, carrying her around the truck to the side shrouded by darkness.
An expert punch landed against his jaw, and he growled low, opening the door and tossing her onto her hands and knees. She tried to scramble across the seat, but he was on her, yanking the door shut as he lunged. She reached for the other door handle, and he ripped off her shirt. Need cascaded from her, but even so, she fought, trying to turn.
He yanked her jeans down to her ankles, and she laughed, the sound low and throaty. Sexy as hell. His fingers found her, wet and hot. So fucking hot.
She moaned and pushed back against his hand, her fingers curling into the seat. “Kellach,” she breathed.
He grabbed her hair, yanking back, holding her in place. She gave a whimper, one of need, spreading her knees. He slapped her clit.
She breathed in hard, her ribs compressing, her back bowing. Sensations of raw pleasure shot from her to him, flying under his skin, connecting them.
He slipped a finger inside her, and she tightened around him, trying to hold him in. He slid out, ignoring her groan of protest, and slapped her square on the clit again. She cried out, shock waves ratcheting down her back.
He moved up, his mouth next to her ear. “That’s for making me buy condoms.” Another slap. “That’s for making me fucking wear condoms.”
She moaned, trying to thrash against him.
He held her tight and pinched her swollen bud. “That’s for having me arrested.”
Mini shocks shuddered through her body. He could feel how close she was, how desperate, so he loosened his hold. She cried out, softly, trying to ride his fingers.
He tightened his hold on her hair, jerking her head up. “Alexandra?”
She shut her eyes. “What?” she gasped.
He angled his hand. “This is for not trusting me.” He hit her with the edge of his palm, square on, throwing her into an orgasm that shook her from neck to ass. Then he rubbed her, enjoying the heated wetness, until she mewled.
“Kell, please,” she gasped.
He yanked his jeans down. “Please, what?” He covered her, his fingers still playing, his breath on her ear.
“Please.”
He pinched. “Not good enough. Say it.”
“Fuck me. Please fuck me, Kell,” she moaned.