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  His lip curled, revealing his two pointed teeth.

  He glided his hands over my thighs, my hips, then underneath my shirt. I quivered with need while my nipples yearned for attention. He rested his body upon mine, pressing his rigid cock against me. His long hair tickled my face as he drew me into another passion-filled kiss.

  My body burned, wanting more of his pinches, strokes, and nibbles. Sweat bubbled to the surface. Trying to keep cool, I lifted his shirt and endeavored to feel his cool flesh molded to mine.

  He pulled away and journeyed down, nipping my breasts along the way. Soft moans slipped from me, enthralled, excited, titillated. His wet tongue trailed down my navel and stopped above my pubic mound. My heart raced like a speeding train.

  He lifted his midnight black eyes. "May I?"

  I bit down on my lip and nodded. Yes. Please. Do it!

  His strong hands gripped my thighs as he sent his tongue into me. The slick brush set my body on fire and cooled me at the same time.

  "Yes." I breathed out.

  More strokes of his tongue made me agonize with need. I gripped the covers on the bed and thrust my chest up. Sweat trickled down my forehead and my breathing labored. Nothing else mattered but the release I longed for and Drake's willingness to give it to me.

  "Don't stop," I said softly. I flattened my feet on the edge of the bed. Legs spread wide, I lifted my hips to meet his greedy tongue. "Yes…yes."

  A hungry passion sparked in his eyes—one I'd seen once before. Licking my core, deeply, strongly, ravenously, he slid several fingers inside me. Oh, God. He was going to do it again. He was going to bite me.

  I tightened my grasp on the covers. Body quivering, I braced for the brief sting that would send a shockwave of ecstasy rolling through me.

  He slid his fingers in and out while he licked, again and again. I was burning up, ready to explode, dying to feel the all too consuming joy of release.

  The sharp pinch on my clit ignited the bomb. I let out a throaty groan and threw my head back as powerful spasms sent ripples of pleasure through me, each one violent and consuming. Drake sucked on my core, keeping his fingers deep in me. My body trembled, enthralled with the fierce vibration.

  A tear dribbled from the corner of my eye. Gone for the moment was Sean's death, Dimitry's deal, my trouble with the VETOV, and the danger placed on those close to my heart. Thriving ever so strongly was the love and passion Drake and I held. It filled my heart and soul, bringing me peace and total bliss. Together, we could conquer anything. We were happy, strong, and ready to take on any danger. And just as importantly, we rocked each other's worlds.

  We were a good team—no, a great one. I welcomed the opportunity to start a new life, working with him. First, I had to reach an agreement with the VETOV.

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Cool water lapped over my feet as I walked along the beach. The last bit of the sun had disappeared minutes ago. Stars twinkled while a half moon shined in the cloudless darkening sky. A gust of wind brushed over my bare legs, keeping me cool. I stopped and inhaled a cleansing breath while I marveled at the serenity. Mother Earth had a natural beauty that was timeless. I'd spent so much of my adult life working and never got a chance to appreciate her splendor. Maybe that would change if I got to work with Drake.

  As I stared out at the sea, I sensed calmness returning to my muddled life. Worries about meeting with the VETOV no longer weighed heavy on my thoughts. After talking with Drake, I was confident the group wouldn't try to dispose of me. He believed they'd want me to work for them. Days ago, Sean and Jeremy both had agreed they would want to use me, rather, my ability, for their purposes. Using or working, the two had the same meaning. At first, I hadn’t wanted to work for vampires. But now, the idea intrigued me, especially since I would get to work with the man my heart and body lusted for.

  Questions lingered in my thoughts. Would I have to give up my regular life and job to work with Drake, or would they need me only on an as needed basis?

  I dreaded leaving my friends in Indianapolis. They were like family to me. Life seemed normal when I was with them. My life was normal, for the most part. But the reality of change meant giving up something. While there was always something to be gained, there was always a loss.

  Dimitry was still a problem I had to resolve. If I moved away and started over, the people dearest to me would be safe. Although I dreaded losing my closest buddies, I'd do it to save their lives. Dimitry would have to notice my relationship with them no longer existed, then the threat against them would end. It was the best idea I could come up with.

  As for Jeremy…I still needed him. Somehow, I had to devise a plan to destroy Dimitry without Drake or the VETOV knowing. Jeremy was the best person to help me. For now, at least Dimitry and the others believed I had cut off my ties with Jeremy. I hoped the deception made his life a bit safer.

  The isolation from my friends would sadden me, but at least I'd have Drake. With him in my life, I was certain I could conquer my challenges. I would survive and I'd have the man I loved with me. Everything would work out.

  "Trying to escape the island?" Kuri asked, and I gritted my teeth. "It's a long swim."

  I stepped out of the water. Sand instantly clung to my wet feet. "Escaping vampires? I doubt it would be possible." I headed toward him, heels digging in the sand.

  The Asian vampire stood near the path leading up the small embankment. He wore gray, baggy pants and a blazer with a dark shirt underneath. He'd hid both his hands in his front pockets. His short black hair didn't move when the wind gusted.

  "Smart woman," he said.

  I held my hair back from my face as I headed toward him. "Have you come to escort me to the meeting?" I passed him, then continued up the gritty hill.

  He followed me. "In a manner of speaking. The members are gathering. Jeremy does not need to attend."

  Reaching the top of the ridge, I stopped. A tiny part of me wanted Jeremy to go with me. But why should he? I pretty much knew the outcome of this meeting. In their eyes, my future didn't involve Jeremy. "Does he know?"

  Kuri halted a few feet from me. "Not that I am aware of."

  I continued along the path. "I'll tell him. Besides, I need to get a pair of shoes."

  Kuri walked behind, quiet as a corpse, which he was. His chilling energy reminded me of his close presence. Several feet away from the suite, I paused to dust my feet in a patch of grass. My snug, knee-length red and black skirt didn't allow for much movement. Bending with my legs together, I brushed off the sand near my ankles. Kuri watched my every move. Hiking up my skirt would've been quicker and easier, but the thought of him looking at my exposed flesh repulsed me. After I finished, I stomped off the excess granules on my way to the door.

  I strode inside the lodging and immediately heard the sounds of loud female gasps. Surprised, I stopped in the middle of the living room. Kuri entered with his brows arched. He turned his attention to the bedroom. The door hung ajar with light flickering from the television. A male voice drifted from the room and it wasn't Jeremy. I met Kuri's gaze as a touch of heat colored my cheeks.

  "I will wait here," Kuri said, standing by the exit.

  Sighing, I headed to get a pair of shoes. Although I knew the intimate sounds were coming from the TV, I still felt hesitant to enter the bedroom. I didn't want to walk in and find Jeremy masturbating. Fingers on the handle, I gently nudged the door open and it squealed. If he was busy pleasuring himself, then hopefully he'd heard the door and would put his beast away. I ambled inside, keeping my gaze lowered.

  "Back already?" Jeremy asked, and I looked up. He was leaning against the headboard, facing the flatscreen. At least he wasn't mastering his domain.

  Excited voices from the TV stole my attention. Two handsome and large men were having a grand ol' time with one dark-haired female.

  "I see you found the porn channel." I walked past the smut to get a pair of shoes.

  "Nothing else to watch on this shithole of a
n island."

  Exactly the reason why I'd wandered outside all day long after I'd finished my book.

  "Kuri's waiting on me." I slid on a pair of black, three-inch heels. "You don't need to go to the meeting."

  "Good. I'll stay here while you're getting fucked by vampires."

  I pressed my lips together and gave him a sour look. Did he have to be so damned vulgar?

  I strode past the television again. "Enjoy your porn."

  "Enjoy getting fucked."

  Biting my tongue, I fought the urge to tell him something foul. The whole point of arguing was to prove to the VETOV, mostly Dimitry, that Jeremy and I were going our separate ways. Fighting was good, but I didn't want it to reach a point where it seemed unbelievable. But it was clear to me Jeremy enjoyed playing our little "hate you" game. Showing my temper to support our ill-fated friendship, I slammed the door on the way out.

  "I'm ready," I said as I approached Kuri.

  "Trouble?"

  "No. He's just being his usual self—an ass."

  Kuri led the way from the suite. We followed the same path I'd taken too many nights before. A touch of angst swirled within me as I reached the all too familiar stone building. Based on my last conversation with Drake, this meeting might be the last one. If everything worked out, Drake and I could go home and start a new life, working and living together. Change sounded good, especially the kind that would bring Drake and me closer. If everything works out the way we think it might. I held high hopes as I descended the staircase.

  Strolling into the room, I found Drake sitting at the far end between a vacant seat and Dimitry. Confidence showed in Drake's posture and winning smile. His strength and stability added to mine.

  The rest of the group sat at the tables, watching and waiting. In the middle of the room was a single chair. Soft light from the hanging chandeliers lit the room.

  Nassar rose from behind the center table. His dark hair nearly matched his black cloak. "Please, come in, Jessie, and have a seat."

  While Nassar and I took our seats, Kuri claimed the spot next to Drake.

  "First, we have placed Sean's body in a sealed casket. We will make sure it returns home with you so you may bury him properly," Nassar said.

  I inhaled a quivering breath. Sean's body in a casket. Bury him. Oh God, I wasn't ready.

  "Thank you." I squeezed my hands together over my lap.

  "We spent a great deal of time last night trying to reach a consensus that would appease everyone's conscience." Nassar paused and glanced around the room. Everyone gave a nod. He continued, "You have a very unique ability that none of us have ever heard of in all our years. You are special, Jessie."

  My heart picked up extra beats. What was he trying to do, sweeten me up? People often said nice things before delivering bad news. I preferred to skip the good until the end and tell me the straight up truth first.

  "So, what did you decide, since I'm so special?"

  "How would you feel about working for us?" Nassar asked in a polite tone.

  I glanced at Drake and smiled. Working with him would be a dream job. "I wouldn't mind it, as long as I get paid."

  Several members chuckled. "I believe we can accommodate that request."

  "The decision to destroy one of our own is difficult to make. We try to work with the individual. But sometimes, the young and old alike have their own ways that they refuse to change."

  "Like Alexander," I said.

  "Yes. He was one of the more difficult ones." Nassar shifted an icy gaze to Dimitry.

  "You would have to work with one of our investigators. We give the orders. You follow them. You report back to us with the details," Dimitry said in a commanding way. "Would that be a problem for you?"

  "No."

  "We need to make it clear now that you should never take a soul without our approval," Quon said. "Can you agree to that?"

  Air filled my lungs as I considered the question. By agreeing, I would have to walk away from taking a vampire's soul unless they gave their consent. Could I do it? "I won't take a vampire's soul unless you tell me." I looked at Dimitry and my stomach knotted. The agreement would be difficult to keep, but I would try.

  Quon turned and gave Nassar a nod.

  "Good," Nassar said. "We will begin by focusing on the ones we have warned three times. We will give you a list and you will work with the investigator to find the individuals."

  Find them? The job sounded more time consuming than sending a soul to Hell. "Will this be a full-time job or part-time?"

  "This job will take you to various places around the world. We expect you and your partner to find the names on the list, destroy them, send their souls to Hell, and then report back to us," Dimitry said.

  My gaze drifted to Drake. Traveling the world and hunting down vampires sounded like it was part of one's everyday life. This would be a huge change for me. I'd have to quit my regular job, give up my friends, and move in with him, somewhere. But I knew this might happen and had prepared for it. I could do it.

  "Okay," I said.

  "We understand you will need to make a few changes in your current life," Ramon said. "Will a month give you time to prepare?"

  A month would suffice. The most difficult part would be saying goodbye to Dani and Kyle. "A month is fine."

  Nassar looked to each member before giving me his attention. "Then we are in an agreement."

  The silence calmed my fast beating heart. One obstacle tackled.

  "Don't forget to tell her who her partner will be," Dimitry said.

  I squashed my brows together. What was Dimitry talking about? My partner was Drake.

  "I have not forgotten," Nassar said, tone deep as if irritated.

  "Drake is my partner, right?" I bounced my gaze between Nassar to Drake, searching for an explanation. Drake pressed his lips together and held a look of puzzlement as he stared at his leader.

  Nassar veered his eyes to me. "We discussed a suitable partner for who would ensure your compliance with our rules, and we believe someone other than Drake would be better."

  No, this couldn't be happening. My heart felt like it would leap out of my chest. "What?"

  Drake shot up from his seat. "Are you saying I have not complied with your rules?" His voice was thick with fury. "I have always followed your rules."

  My temperature rose as fast as the nausea churning inside me. I thought I might puke at any second.

  "We all agree you are one of the best investigators, and you obey the rules. But when you reported Alexander's demise to us, you failed to mention Jessie's role," Nassar said.

  "Because of your relationship with her, we believe your judgment may falter," Constantine added.

  My head matched the rhythm of my heart. They weren't going to let Drake and I work together because of our relationship. The evil bastards. I should've known this would happen. Dimitry probably planted the seed in their heads.

  Drake pressed his finger to the table. "I have always been loyal to this organization."

  "If you were asked to kill her because she disobeyed an order, would you do it?" Dimitry asked.

  My eyes bugged. Was he fucking serious? I looked to Drake, waiting for an answer. The blank expression on his face worried me.

  "Answer the question, Drake," Nassar said, calm.

  Drake gave an arctic glare at Nassar. "I would not take her life for disobeying one of your orders. Jessie sends evil souls to Hell. Only evil souls. Her actions have always been moral. And I find the nature of your question to be completely unfair. Taking a life for disregarding a command is extreme."

  "Your emotions may interfere with your investigation, and we cannot allow that to happen. The best solution is for you and her to work separately," Nassar said. "You may continue your relationship with her, but you will not be her partner."

  My stomach retched. I slapped a hand over my mouth. An intense fever consumed me and sweat dribbled down the back of my neck and forehead.

  "Are you
all right?" Ramon asked.

  I swallowed the bile threatening to come out. I was in a nightmare. "Who are you sticking me with?" I asked, voice shaky.

  "Kuri will be your partner," Quon said.

  "No!" I shouted and rose. "Not him." Heart thumping out of control, I prayed for a heart attack to claim me, to end the nightmare that kept getting worse.

  "There are plenty of other investigators she could work with," Drake said loudly.

  Nassar directed his gaze at me. "You will work with Kuri for a year. After that time, we will evaluate your progress and possibly change who you work with."

  Rage toward every vamp in the room and fear of losing Drake consumed me, burning me from the inside out and tearing apart my heart. How could I work with a vampire I despised? How could I survive without Drake? Nassar had said we could keep our relationship, but how could we if I had to travel and work with Kuri? Drake would probably be assigned elsewhere. The evil fucks wanted us separated all along.

  I shook my head in complete dissatisfaction. All eyes watched as if waiting for me to explode, run away, or break down. I hated every one of them, except Drake.

  "What if I say no?" I asked. "I refuse to work with anyone other than Drake."

  "Then you will stay on the island with Kuri until you change your mind," Nassar said. "I don't believe that is an option you want, nor do we."

  "You would keep me hostage," I said rather than asked.

  "It is your choice."

  The knot in my gut twisted tight and the room spun. Backing up, I lowered myself onto the chair. What choice did I have, really? Either option put me in misery. Not only would I lose my friends and my normal life, they were taking Drake away from me. And if I tried to escape, they would come after me, without any doubt. Things couldn't get any worse.

  I met Drake's gaze. He sat with his arms flattened on the table, staring with mournful eyes. He was stuck and unhappy too. It didn't matter what he said. They had made their decision. That's why they’d asked him to leave the night before. They knew he would disagree and try to persuade them to change their minds.

  Emotions torn, I looked away from all of them and down at the floor. Part of me wanted to break down in heartache while the other wanted to destroy them all. Jeremy was right. The vampires were fucking me in the worst way possible.