“Fine time to think about that.”
“Sorry.” Rising up on one elbow, she brushed a lock of hair from his brow. “Are you all right?”
“Never better.”
She kissed him lightly, thinking how much she loved him. How much she loved making love to him.
“Keep thinking like that and you’ll put ideas in my head,” he drawled.
“As if they weren’t there already.” One thing about vampire males, she mused. They didn’t need time to recharge. And even as the thought crossed her mind, he was rising over her, his dark eyes hot with desire as he kissed and caressed her until she was on fire for him all over again.
Later, wrapped in his arms, her head on his shoulder, Kadie was almost asleep when Saintcrow pushed her away and darted across the room, his eyes wild.
“Rylan? Rylan, it’s all right. You’re home, with me. With Kadie. You’ve got to fight her, my love. You’re stronger than she is.”
He stared at her, fangs bared, hands clenched, his eyes as red as hellfire. “Kadie?”
His voice was deeper than she’d ever heard it, deeper and filled with pain.
“Yes, it’s me,” she said quietly. “You love me. And I love you. Remember?”
He panted softly as he fought for control.
“We’re at home, in Morgan Creek. Kincaid is here, too.”
“Kincaid?” His eyes narrowed. “My friend.”
“Yes.” She had barely spoken the word when Kincaid appeared in the doorway. He was careful not to look at Kadie.
Putting himself between the bed and Saintcrow, Jake said, “Hey, buddy. Let’s go hunting.”
A slow smile spread across Saintcrow’s lips. “Hunting. Yes.”
“Put some clothes on and we’ll go.”
Saintcrow grabbed his pants and pulled them on, tugged on his shirt and his boots.
Tucking the blanket under her arms, Kadie watched Rylan warily but the thought of hunting seemed to have brought him back to himself. She tensed when he walked toward her.
Brushing a kiss across her lips, he said, “We won’t be gone long.”
Kadie nodded, and breathed a sigh of relief when the men transported themselves out of the house. Falling back the mattress, she let the tears fall.
~ * ~
Saintcrow and Kincaid materialized in downtown Casper. It was late and most of the stores were shuttered for the night, but a couple of saloons were still open. Standing in the shadows beside a nightclub, Saintcrow preyed on the first lone woman who exited the bar, acutely aware of Jake closely watching his every move, ready to intervene if necessary.
After he sent the woman away, Saintcrow followed Kincaid into the nightclub where they both ordered a glass of wine. Neither of them spoke until they’d taken a drink.
“It happened again, didn’t it?” Saintcrow asked. “I lost control in front of Kadie.”
“I reckon so.”
“How did you know?”
Kincaid shrugged. “I felt your confusion and figured I’d better see what was going on.”
“Thanks.” Gazing at the dark red liquid in his glass, Saintcrow whispered, “I’m afraid, Jake.”