Sei sulla pagina 1di 242

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

New Concepts Publishing www.newconceptspublishing.com

Copyright 2008 by Desiree Acuna

NO !C"# his eBoo$ is license% to the original purchaser only. Duplication or %istribution to any person &ia email' (loppy %is$' networ$' print out' or any other means is a &iolation o( !nternational copyright law an% sub)ects the &iolator to se&ere (ines an%*or imprisonment. his notice o&erri%es the A%obe +ea%er permissions which are erroneous. his eBoo$ cannot be legally lent or gi&en to others. his eBoo$ is %isplaye% using ,00- recycle% electrons.

Distribute% by .ictionwise.com

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

CON "N / Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter One wo hree .our .i&e /i0 /e&en "ight Nine en "le&en wel&e hirteen .ourteen .i(teen /i0teen /e&enteen "ighteen Nineteen wenty 1111

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Bless the Beasts By Desiree Acuna copyright by Desiree Acuna' .eb. 2008 Co&er Art by 3enny Di0on' .eb. 2008 !/BN 4586,6702486,2062 New Concepts Publishing 9a$e Par$' :A 2,727 www.newconceptspublishing.com his is a wor$ o( (iction. All characters' e&ents' an% places are o( the author;s imagination an% not to be con(use% with (act. Any resemblance to li&ing persons or e&ents is merely coinci%ence.

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter One !t was the time o( %ay Claire li$e% best. he library was <uiet. All o( the patrons ha% %eparte% an% she was alone with the boo$s. =er boo$s. hat was the way she thought about them anyway' an% to a %egree they were. /he was the librarian. "0cept (or the two young women that helpe% her out %uring the a(ternoons when the library was at its busiest an%' o( course' their patrons' the library an% all its wealth o( boo$s were entirely her %omain. /he was the one who $ept up with the boo$s' too$ care o( them' an% primarily the one who ma%e certain they were $ept or%erly. here wasn;t a single boo$ in the library' she was certain' that ha%n;t passe% through her han%s at least once in the (i&e years since she;% ta$en o&er the position o( librarian in the tiny library that belonge% to the tiny hamlet o( .ol$ston. 9oa%ing the last o( the returne% &olumes to her cart' she pushe% the boo$ trolley (rom behin% the returns %es$ an% hea%e% to the nearest shel(. /he was tire%' but pleasantly so. he hour or so that it too$ her to set the library to rights a(ter it ha% close% was her time to unwin% be(ore she went home to her empty house. >ell' not entirely empty. /he ha% her cats' o( course. !t was almost a prere<uisite' she muse% with a touch o( sel(%epreciating humor' (or a woman li&ing alone to ha&e a passel o( cats. /he certainly ha%n;t set out to. he ol% tabby ha% come with the <uaint little ?ictorian she;% bought when she;% mo&e% to .ol$ston. o his way o( thin$ing' she suppose%' it @

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

was his house. he realtor ha% tol% her he;% belonge% to the woman who;% owne% the house be(ore her an% a%&ise% her to get ri% o( him since he was such an unpleasant an% unsociable ol% man' but she ha%n;t ha% the heart. =e wasn;t pretty or cu%%ly by any stretch o( the imagination' but she;% (elt that he;% earne% the right to li&e out his %ays in the house he consi%ere% his home. =e;% ob&iously seen more than his (air share o( battles. One ear was mangle%' as i( the tip ha% been chewe% o((. A section o( his tail was missing an% a scar ran across one eyeli% that ha%n;t heale% as it shoul%' ma$ing it seem as i( he was always s<uinting one bale(ul' yellow eye at her. =e;% ne&er allowe% her to touch him or e&en come closer than three (eet o( him' but he was always at the bac$ porch %eman%ing to be (e% at meal times' watching her suspiciously as she %ole% out his (oo%' letting out a low' threatening growl i( she encroache% any closer than the %istance he allowe%. /he calle% him om. /he thought o( him as the ol% bastar%' thoughA(or a number o( reasonsAmostly because the ol% bastar% ha% impregnate% her priBe% Abyssinian' %amn his hi%eC /he;% ha% no notion /ugar was e&en ol% enough to thin$ about humping. !t seeme% that one moment she was only a $itten hersel( an% the ne0t' while she was still trying to %eci%e whether to ha&e her (i0e% or bree% her so that she coul% sell the pure bree% $ittens (or a little e0tra cash' a mommy with three hal( Abyssinian hal( mongrel tabby $ittens o( her own. /he still ha%n;t (igure% out how the ol% bastar% ha% manage% to get his %ic$ into her %arling /ugarAthe little slutC 7

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

But she strongly suspecte% it was /ugar who;% (igure% out a way to get out to ol% om' not om who;% (igure% out how to get insi%e to get hol% o( her precious. /he was a cle&er girl' &ery goo% at opening %oors' which was why Claire always ma%e sure the %oors were loc$e% when she le(t (or wor$. /he %i%n;t thin$ /ugar coul% unloc$ %oors' though' )ust turn the $nobs' which meant it was still a mystery as to how the pair ha% manage% to get together (or romance. +egar%less' she now ha% /ugar' Ol% om' an% three $ittensA which she ha%n;t ha% any luc$ (in%ing homes (or. +eaching the (irst row o( boo$shel&es' Claire %ismisse% her thoughts an% pic$e% up the (irst boo$' scanning the shel( until she (oun% the spot where the boo$ belonge%. Naturally enough' she (oun% a hal( a %oBen other boo$s that were out o( place. As much as e&eryone seeme% to lo&e the boo$sA an% the library' as one o( the (ew sources o( local entertainment' saw a lot o( useAno one wante% to be bothere% with putting them where they belonge%. /he;% wor$e% her way almost hal(way across the library an% emptie% the biggest portion o( her cart when she spotte% the boo$ that %i%n;t belongAtotally %i%n;t belong. !t was tilte% slightly' as i( someone ha% trie% to push it into a spot too small (or it an% only manage% to partially we%ge the boo$ in' but she woul%;&e notice% it imme%iately anyway. he spine was not only (ar more worn than the spines o( any o( the other boo$s' but' asi%e (rom being roughene% (rom age an% probably han%ling' it was smooth. he title shoul% ha&e been toole% into the leather at the &ery least. Beyon% that' i( it was a library boo$ someone ha% either remo&e% the label she 5

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

always &ery care(ully attache% to each an% e&ery boo$ with the i%enti(ying co%e' or it ha% ne&er been tagge% at all. .in%ing the spot where the boo$ she was hol%ing went' she pushe% it into place an% then graspe% the stray boo$ an% pulle% it o(( the shel(. he so(tness o( the leather was her (irst impression' but e&en as a pleasant )olt o( surprise went through her at the te0ture against her han% she was %istracte% by the cra(tsmanship o( the boo$ itsel(. +egar%less o( the plainness o( the spine' the (ront o( the boo$ was anything but plain. /ome intricate' uni%enti(iable %esign ha% been toole% into the leather' (raming the title o( the boo$A Bless the Beasts. A (rown marre% her brow. >ellC !t certainly %i%n;t belong in non6(ictionC Ob&iously' it was a wor$ o( (iction with a title li$e thatC A su%%en' pric$ling awareness o( a presence pierce% her (ocus on the boo$. /he glance% up' (ully e0pecting the sensation to be nothing more than imagination. !n the sha%ows at the en% o( the aisle' there was a man stan%ing not si0 (eet (rom where she stoo%' stu%ying her intently. Claire suc$e% in a sharp' startle% breath' %ropping the boo$ (rom su%%enly ner&eless (ingers an% clutching at her heart. D! %i%n;t mean to (righten you'D he sai% in a %eep' rumbling &oice that ma%e the (ine hairs on her bo%y pric$le as i( she;% encountere% a (iel% o( static electricity. he instant impulse to %eny ha&ing been ta$en by surprise' or (rightene%' (lic$ere% through her. D he library;s close%'D she sai% a little more sharply than she;% inten%e%' her thoughts (leeing chaotically (rom one thing to another. 8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he;% been certain she;% loc$e% the %oors' e<ually sure she;% seen the last o( the patrons to the %oor be(ore she;% secure% them. Coul% she ha&e o&erloo$e% himE An%' i( she ha%n;t' how ha% he gotten inE Fost importantly' why was he hereE =er mouth (elt %ry as she stare% at him' her lips %rier. Gnconsciously' she lic$e% her lips to moisten them but the moment she %i% his gaBe (lic$ere% to her mouth' %rawing her attention to the act. A strange lighthea%e%ness wa(te% o&er her as he shi(te% an% the motion brought him (rom the sha%ows an% into the light. =e was a big man' not )ust e0ceptionally tall' but brawnyA with the sort o( buil% one might e0pect on a man who ma%e his li&ing constantly li(ting an% carrying hea&y things. Construction wor$erE .armerE Pro (ootball playerE >ithout any conception that her thoughts were bigote%' she %ismisse% the interest o( a man li$e that in boo$s o( any $in% e0cept maybe repair manuals. =e seeme% as out o( place in her library as the boo$ she;% )ust (oun% an% not )ust because o( his siBe. he moment her surprise an% (ear subsi%e% enough to allow her to really loo$ at him' she saw that he was a surprisingly han%some man in a purely rugge%' manly sort o( way. =is harshly angular (eatures bor%ere% on ugly an% still manage% to miss it entirely' creating a (ace that ma%e her heart (lutter ma%ly with appreciation' ma%e her su%%enly breathlessness an% lighthea%e%.

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he lic$e% her lips again. D>ere you loo$ing (or someoneED she as$e% sha$ily' won%ering abruptly i( that e0plaine% his presence' won%ering why the thought %isappointe% her. /he;% ne&er seen him be(ore' she realiBe% abruptly. As little as she got out' .ol$ston was a tiny community. /he (elt sure that' in all the years she;% li&e% in the small town' she woul%;&e seen him i( he was a local' an% it wasn;t li$ely she woul%;&e (orgotten i( she ha%. =e wasn;t the sort o( man that passe% unnotice% by any woman (rom eight to eighty' she was certain. DNo'D he sai% (inally' a (aint smile playing about his lips now that %rew her attention to that in(initely appealing har%' well %e(ine% (eature an% ma%e her heart rate climb another notch. D!;% been rea%ing the paper. Hou loc$e% me in.D Disbelie( (lic$ere% through her. /he (oun% it impossible to accept that she;% o&erloo$e% him' but embarrassment <uic$ly replace% the %oubt. =e shrugge% those massi&e shoul%ers as i( he;% seen the suspicion in her gaBe' loo$ing &aguely embarrasse% himsel(. D! (ell asleep.D At his embarrasse% a%mission' Claire uttere% a chuc$le be(ore she coul% help hersel(' though she thought it was more (rom relie( to %isco&er so plausible' an% unthreatening' an e0planation (or his presence. D!;m so sorryC ! thought e&eryone ha% le(t'D she sai% sha$ily' %igging in her poc$et (or her ring o( $eys as she mo&e% aroun% the cart. =e %i%n;t yiel% groun% imme%iately' watching her with that same curiously intent e0pression as she mo&e% closer until she %isco&ere% he ha%n;t mo&e% an% stoppe% to loo$ up at ,0

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

him. A )olt ripple% through her when she loo$e% up at him an% %isco&ere% him towering o&er her. Partly' it was the (act that she ha%n;t (ully appreciate% the siBe o( the man until she was close enough to (eel %war(e% by his sheer mass. Partly' it was the (leeting (ear that she;% miscalculate% %angerously an% he was a threat' but mostly it was his eyes. hey were a strange color' more yellow gol% than brown' which woul%;&e been startling enough in an% o( itsel(' but as she loo$e% up at him' (or )ust a heartbeat' she thought she %etecte% almost a glow in themAli$e the nocturnal eyes o( a pre%ator. =e blin$e%' stepping bac$ slightly to allow her to pass in the ne0t moment an% his eyes loo$e% per(ectly normalAe0cept (or the color' o( courseAan% she ha% to %ismiss the glow as some tric$ o( the light or e0cessi&e imagination. DHou must be new in townED she chattere% ner&ously at him o&er her shoul%er as she mo&e% past. he <uestioning lilt to her &oice seeme% to amuse him. Or maybe it was the none too subtle interest in him the <uestion re&eale%E D! am.D 3ust that' nothing more. Claire wrestle% with the temptation to pump him (or more in(ormation' won%ering i( it woul% seem purely nosey' polite' but %isintereste% con&ersation' or i( he;% see through it instantly as a $een curiosity to %isco&er i( he meant to )oin the nearly none0istent ran$s o( a&ailable men the town boaste%. /he ha%n;t notice% a ring on his (inger' but that %i%n;t mean anything in this %ay an% time. Foreo&er' it seeme% ,,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

%oubt(ul such a prime specimen o( manhoo% ha% manage% to elu%e intereste% (emales. =e must be thirty' at least' she thoughtAa little young (or her. Not that she was loo$ing' she chi%e% hersel(. =a%n;t she tol% hersel( she;% ha% enough o( that nonsenseE !t always en%e% ba%ly. /he was (ar better o(( to eschew male companionship altogether. /he ha% enough ba% relationships un%er her belt by now to nee% her hea% e0amine% (or e&en (leetingly regretting the %ecision to remain single the rest o( her %ays. .i&e years was a long time to go without (eeling a man;s touch' though' especially when one ha% $nown it. Gnconsciously' she sighe% a little wist(ully as she unloc$e% the %oor' opene% it' an% turne% to loo$ e0pectantly at the intru%er' (orming a polite smile on her lips. D>ell'D she sai% uncom(ortably' Di( you;&e )ust mo&e% here' welcome to .ol$ston.D =e chuc$le% an% the soun% twange% along her ner&e en%ings' e&o$ing an uncom(ortable warmth. D!;ll be aroun% a while ... Claire.D Claire blin$e% in surprise' but be(ore she coul% as$ him how he $new her name' he stro%e through the %oor an% %own the steep steps o( the library. /he stoo% in the %oorway' staring at his broa% bac$' so (ascinate% )ust by the way the man mo&e% that he;% pause% at the si%ewal$ an% turne% bac$ to loo$ at her be(ore she realiBe% she was staring at him li$e some horny teenager with raging hormones. Disco&ere% gaping' Claire compoun%e% her )u&enile beha&ior by leaping bac$ (rom the %oor an% slamming it har% ,2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

enough to rattle the glass. >incing' both at the noise an% her beha&ior' she loc$e% the %oor' an% retreate% in complete %isor%er. A chill s$ate% along her spine as the heat o( embarrassment ebbe%. /hi&ering' Claire scrubbe% her han%s along her arms an% turne% to gaBe across the library' struggling to remember what she;% been %oing be(ore the o%%' ultimately embarrassing' encounter with the stranger. he moment she %i% so' she remembere% the boo$ she;% %roppe% an% hea%e% bris$ly bac$ to the aisle where she;% been sorting boo$s. he thin &olume lay where she;% %roppe% it' but she saw to her consternation that some o( the pages were loose. Gncertain i( they;% been loose be(ore or i( the %amage was (rom %ropping the boo$' she (rowne% as she s<uatte% to retrie&e it' li(ting it care(ully (rom the (loor an% then straightening. Cra%ling the spine in one han%' she li(te% the co&er to loo$ insi%e. here was no author liste%' only the intro' which was scrawle% in pen an% in$ in an almost illegible han%ABless the Beasts' (or' with this boo$' they are yours to comman%' an% the %emons o( the un%erworl% will bring you untol% riches an% power. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter wo D=ow are you to%ay' Frs. 9e%betterED Claire calle% to her el%erly neighbor as she passe% the woman roc$ing on her (ront porch. !nstea% o( returning her smile or her greeting' the woman;s (rown %eepene%' her lips turning more tightly %ownwar%. DHour cats ha&e been in my garbage againA chewe% holes in the bag an% ma%e a messC !;m gonna call animal control i( you %on;t %o something about them cats o( yoursCD Claire halte% an% stare% at the woman in %ismay. DOhC Please %on;t %o thatC !;ll clean up the mess.D he woman sni((e%. D!;&e alrea%y cleane% it up. Coul%n;t lea&e that stin$in; mess lying aroun%C /econ% warning' Fs. DupontCD !n other wor%s' there wasn;t any e&i%ence to pro&e one way or the other whether it ha% been her cats or notAor rather the ol% bastar%. /ugar was in the house with her $ittens. +esisting the urge to %e(en% her cats an% argue with the ol% battle a0' Claire merely no%%e%' tightene% her hol% on the stac$ o( boo$s she;% brought home with her' an% hurrie% along the si%ewal$ to the wal$way that le% up to her house. .or once' she %i%n;t glance up at the house to a%mire it' although it ha% become almost a habit she was scarcely aware o( any moreAstopping to a%mire the grace(ul lines o( her ?ictorian. ,8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t was a %isgrace(ul e0tra&agance (or a woman o( her means' especially consi%ering she ha% no (amily to raise in it an% no real ambitions any longer to pro%uce one. At least' that was what her aunt ha% tol% her (orthrightly when she;% (inally complete% reno&ations on it an% in&ite% her wi%owe% aunt (or a &isit to a%mire it. ruth(ully' she suppose% it was' an% beyon% that it wasn;t li$e her to splurge on something so (ri&olous when a one be%room apartment woul% ha&e %one )ust as well (or her. .or the most part' she was a practical soul an% not gi&en to e0cesses o( any $in%. /he;% (allen in lo&e with the ?ictorian the moment she saw it' though' an% she;% thought' why notE he ol% woman who;% owne% it be(ore ha% li&e% in the house alone (or years. O( course' she;% raise% a (amily o( (i&e in the house be(ore that an% li&e% another twenty or thirty years in it with her husban% be(ore he;% %ie%. /till' she coul% a((or% itAat least she coul% as long as her aunt continue% to gi&e her an allowance. >ith her salary alone she woul%;&e been har% presse% to pay (or it e&en i( it ha% been a bargain because o( its state o( %isrepair. /he appreciate% the allowance her aunt pro&i%e% her with' purely out o( the goo%ness o( her heart. /he really %i%' an% (or the most part she trie% to li&e within her own means' sa&ing that win%(all (or her ol% age when she woul%n;t be able to wor$ an% pro&i%e (or hersel(. /he coul% get along )ust (ine without that monthly chec$' though' an% she;% )ust as soon her aunt %i%n;t gi&e it to her i( she thought to use it (or controlC ,@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he ha%n;t as$e% (or it' though the lor% $new it was no har%ship (or her wealthy aunt' who ha% no chil%ren o( her own an% (ar more money than she coul% spen% in her li(etime. /he ha%n;t turne% it %own' either' mostly because her salary only allowe% her to get by an% she was worrie% about not ha&ing anything put bac$ (or emergencies or (or her ol% age when e0pensi&e health issues were something one coul%n;t ignore. /hrugging those thoughts o((' Claire climbe% the steps to the wi%e' wrap aroun% porch an% tro% the crea$ing (loor boar%s to her (ront %oor. Pausing to %ig her $eys (rom her poc$et' she turne% to stu%y porch critically' realiBing when she %i% that she was going to ha&e to ha&e someone replace the porch be(ore much longer. Carpentry was beyon% her capabilities. /he;% scrape% an% re(inishe% almost e&ery sur(ace o( the walls' (loors' an% e&en the ceilings o( the ol% house hersel(' but she;% ha% to call in an electrician to replace the %angerous ol% wiring' a mason to (i0 the crumbling pilings' an% a carpenter to remo&e an% replace all o( the rotte% woo%. Gttering an unhappy sigh when she ga&e up on trying to calculate what it was going to cost her to re%o the porch' she pulle% the screen %oor open' unloc$e% the (ront %oor' an% went insi%e. /ugar an% two o( her $ittens trotte% into the &ast hallway to greet her as soon as she came in the %oor' mewing to be (e%. DOh' %on;t gi&e me that song an% %anceCD Claire scol%e% hal(6hearte%ly. DFrs. 9e%better says you;&e been into her garbageCD ,7

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ugar sat %own' blin$e% at her a couple o( times' an% then began to groom hersel( nonchalantly. he $ittens' now )oine% by the thir%' continue% to mew an% wea&e in an% out between her (eet' rubbing themsel&es on her an% each other an% nearly tripping her up as she crosse% the hall to the narrow hall table an% set her stac$ o( boo$s %own. Plun$ing her han%s on her hips' she glare% %own at them accusingly (or se&eral moments an% (inally unbent since it was clear her cats coul%n;t care less i( she was %isplease% with them or not. 9ea&ing the (ront %oor a)ar since she ha%n;t collecte% her mail yet' she pic$e% her way into the $itchen aroun% the cats' opene% the bin where she $ept the cat (oo% an% scoope% enough out to (ill the (our (oo% bowls near the bac$ %oor. Not that there seeme% to be a lot o( point in (i0ing separate bowls (or them. hey shu((le% (rom one bowl to another' hissing an% <uarrelling at one another. !gnoring the nightly battle (or the ;per(ect; (oo% bowl' she got another scoop o( cat (oo% an% opene% the bac$ %oor to lea&e (oo% (or om' calling (or him (ruitlessly (or se&eral minutes be(ore she ga&e up an% went bac$ insi%e. =e ne&er came when she calle%. /he %i%n;t $now why she bothere%. 9ea&ing the cats to s<uabble o&er the (oo%Aas i( the (oo% in one bowl was better than the (oo% in the othersCAClaire hea%e% bac$ to the (ront %oor. /eeing the sha%owy (orm o( a man at the screen %oor when she steppe% into the hallway' Claire )umpe%' )olting to a halt' her heart poun%ing uncom(ortably in her chest. D>ell ... hello again. ! hope ! %i%n;t startle you.D ,5

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

oo lateC here was a note o( surprise in his &oice' but she somehow got the impression that he wasn;t. /he recogniBe% the &oice instantly' the (orm a (raction o( time behin% that. A(ter that brie( chec$ o( shoc$ she mo&e% to the %oor' struggling against the uneasiness battering at the bac$ o( her min%. !t was him' she realiBe% as he steppe% bac$ (rom the screen so that his (ace wasn;t in sha%ow' the same stranger she;% seen in the library. D! apologiBe. ! guess ! %i% startle you. ! )ust mo&e% in ne0t %oor. ! %i%n;t $now we were neighbors.D entati&e relie( (loo%e% her with the realiBation that he %i%n;t appear to ha&e (ollowe% her (rom the library' as she;% (irst (eare%. DNe0t %oorE he hompson houseED she as$e%' unable to pre&ent %isbelie( (rom threa%ing her &oice. =e no%%e%. DFine now.D he uncom(ortable thumping in her chest ease%. /he manage% a smile. D! %i%n;t realiBe it ha% been sol%' Fr....ED D/ari$.D he name was as e0otic as the man himsel(. !t shoul%n;t ha&e surprise% her' but it %i%. D=ow can ! help you' Fr. /ari$ED she as$e%' won%ering at the origins o( his name e&en as she trie% to in(use some graciousness in the <uestion' though she was so unner&e% that was %i((icult. /he;% ne&er hear% the name be(ore. /he suppose% there were a lot o( names she wasn;t (amiliar with' but it ha% a (oreign ring to it Awhich was when she realiBe% there was a (aint' unrecogniBable accent to his &oice she ha%n;t notice% be(ore. +ussian' maybeE =e was %ar$Aswarthy comple0ion' ebony ,8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

hair. >ere +ussians %ar$E Or was he' maybe' mi%%le easternE =e %i%n;t ha&e the loo$ o( a mi%%le easterner' though. D3ust /ari$. !;% won%ere% i( ! coul% borrow a cup o( sugarE ! ha&en;t ha% the chance to get supplies yet.D he <uestion was so clichK it sent (resh ripples o( %oubt through her. /he smile% with an e((ort. D!;m certain ! ha&e sugar. ! coul% let you ha&e a cup.D =e smile% bac$ at her' a wi%e baring o( e&en' white teeth that too$ in his entire (ace an% con)ure% butter(lies in her stomach. D!t you %i% that ! woul%n;t ha&e an e0cuse to come bac$ tomorrow.D Claire blin$e% at him surprise' realiBe% he was teasing her' an% (inally rela0e%' smiling bac$ at him. D>oul% you li$e to come inED Brie(ly' a loo$ o( triumph (lic$ere% across his (eatures' but it &anishe% so <uic$ly that she wasn;t certain in the ne0t moment that she;% seen it. =e pulle% the %oor screen open an% steppe% into her (oyer an% %oubts (luttere% in her min% again as she was struc$ once more by the sheer massi&eness o( his siBe. !t intimi%ate% her on a purely subconscious le&el' but the e((ects weren;t so easily ignore%. ension twange% along e&ery ner&e en%ing' lea&ing her (eeling )ittery %own to her toenails an% uncertain whether the (eeling was welcome' or unwelcome' whether she (elt more threatene% or more intrigue%. =e scanne% the entire hallway in one sweeping glance' his gaBe (inally settling on the stac$ o( boo$s she;% brought with her (rom the library. DArming yoursel( against bore%omED ,4

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Claire glance% at the stac$ o( boo$s an% chuc$le% uncom(ortably. D! li$e to ha&e something aroun% to rea%. !;m not much (or ? shows.D No%%ing un%erstan%ing or maybe agreement' he mo&e% towar% the stac$' staring %own at the boo$ she;% (oun% an% brought home with her. /he (ollowe% him' stu%ying it' as well' (or a moment' an% then lightly touching the co&er' tracing the toole% %esigns she (oun% so appealing an% intriguing. D!nteresting. >hat;s it aboutED /he glance% at him' realiBing they were stan%ing (ar too close (or com(ort' that she coul% (eel the heat o( his bo%y' %etect the (aint scent o( whate&er cologne he was wearing. =is nearness' or the %electable scent' or maybe both together' cause% her a moment;s lighthea%e%ness. Disoriente%' she swaye% slightly an% then blushe% (aintly as it occurre% to her to won%er i( he;% notice%. DA mystery' actuallyAto me' anyway. ! brought this one because it %oesn;t belong in the library. ! can;t imagine how it got there' but ! %i%n;t want to lea&e it. !;m sure it must be &aluable.D /omething (lic$ere% in his eyes an% she was abruptly sorry she;% sai% that much. he man was a complete stranger' e&en i( it was true that he;% mo&e% in ne0t %oor' an% she only ha% his wor% (or it that he ha%. /he ha%n;t notice% the (or sale sign missing' ha%n;t seen anyone aroun% the place preparing to mo&e in' ha%n;t seen mo&ers. O( course' she was gone most o( the %ay. hat wasn;t necessarily %amning e&i%ence that he was lying. /he coul% easily ha&e misse% all sorts o( acti&ity ne0t %oor. 20

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he still regrette% mentioning the possibility that the boo$ was &aluable. D!t )ust loo$s li$e a &ery ol% boo$ in &ery ba% con%ition to me'D he commente%' although' to her relie(' he ma%e no attempt to pic$ it up an% e0amine it more closely. Claire grimace% guiltily. D! thin$ it might ha&e been in better shape be(ore ! %roppe% it. !;% )ust (oun% it when ! saw you in the library. !t appears to be &ery ol%' though' leather boun%' han% toole%Ae&en the boo$ itsel( was written by han%. ! %on;t actually $now that much about rare boo$s' but it seeme% to me this woul% be uni<ue enough to ma$e it &aluable regar%less o( who wrote it or the sub)ect matter. At the &ery least' it must ha&e a great sentimental &alue to someone.D D>hat %o you plan to %o with itED Claire shrugge%. D! (igure% whoe&er ha% lost it woul% come bac$ to loo$ (or it. ! )ust wante% to $eep it sa(e until they %i%.D A (aint (rown marre% his brows as his gaBe mo&e% (rom the boo$ to her (ace' (lic$ering o&er her e0pression speculati&ely. D he boo$ belongs to whoe&er hol%s it.D here was something about the way he sai%' a sense that he was allu%ing to certain $nowle%ge' that sent a ripple o( surprise through her. D>hatED =e met her gaBe. DPossession is nine tenths o( the law' is that not rightED he as$e% a(ter a lengthy pause. Disappro&al mo&e% through her. D hat woul%n;t be right. !t isn;t mine. ! only (oun% it.D =is gaBe turne% assessing. D=a&e you rea% the boo$ED 2,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Abruptly uncom(ortable with the (ocus o( their %iscussion' she shoo$ her hea%' mo&ing away (rom the hall table towar% the %oor that le% into the $itchen. D! glance% through it' but the han%writing ma$es it har% to rea%. ! %on;t $now i( ! ought to e&en try.D DBecause it is a boo$ o( spellsED Claire stoppe% abruptly an% turne% to loo$ at him. D=ow %i% you $now thatE !s it yoursED DNo.D Claire (rowne%. =is %enial was emphatic enough to lea&e no %oubts in her min%' but she sense% he $new more than he was telling her. =ow coul% he )ust guess (rom loo$ing at the co&er what the boo$ was aboutE DBut you;&e seen it be(oreE Or at least something similarED =e stu%ie% her upturne% (ace' smiling abruptly. D!t is a boo$ o( spells' thenED =is e0pression sai% he;% guesse% an% was please% he;% guesse% correctly. /omehow Claire %i%n;t entirely belie&e it. /he (rowne% uncertainly when she realiBe% she;% only guesse% at the contents o( the boo$ hersel(' base% on nothing more than the strange comment on the (irst pageAan% the (act that it was han%written. DActually' !;m not sure. ! got the impression it was....D =is smile became more pronounce%. DAn% so you brought it home to see what magic you coul% con)ureED =e sai% it teasingly' but again some si0th sense tol% her that nothing he;% sai% or %one regar%ing the boo$ <uite rang true. /he coul%n;t %eci%e why she (elt that way' or what sort o( moti&ations she was attributing to him. !t almost seeme% 22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he was trying to pi<ue her interest in the boo$' but she coul%n;t (igure out any reason in the worl% why he;% %o that' particularly i( he ha% no personal $nowle%ge o( the boo$. =e;% spo$en pro&ocati&ely' though' an% she %eci%e% to respon% as i( he was teasing. D!( ! e&en belie&e% in magicA which ! %on;tA! still woul%n;t e0pect to be able to per(orm magic. ! $now my limitations an% the last time ! loo$e% ! %i%n;t ha&e any sort o( special gi(ts. +eally' ! only brought it because ! was worrie% something might happen to it i( ! le(t it at the library.D /he stu%ie% his e0pression (or )ust a moment an% (inally capitulate% with a light chuc$le as she turne% away an% continue% into the $itchen. DAlright' so ! was also curious about it. ! %i%n;t (igure it woul% hurt to rea% it as long as !;m care(ul not to %amage it ... more. Faybe ! can manage that i( you %on;t pop up une0pecte%ly again' Fr.... uh....D =is name %ie% on her lips as she steppe% into the $itchen an% /ugar an% all three o( her $ittens bowe% up' (lu((e% out as i( they;% )ust poppe% out o( the %ryer' an% began to spit an% hiss. Dumb(oun%e%' Claire coul% %o nothing but stare at them in stunne% surprise. As su%%enly as they;% begun pinging aroun% her $itchen' the cats (le%' shooting past her at such a &elocity that /ugar nearly $noc$e% her %own in her %ash to &acate the room. D>hat in the worl%...ED .ollowing their %eparture with her gaBe' Claire %isco&ere% when she glance% aroun% that /ari$ ha% steppe% past her an% entere% the $itchen. =e was scanning the room with interest as i( he ha%n;t notice% the o%% beha&ior o( her cats. .rowning' won%ering what ha% 22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

gotten into her cats' Claire mo&e% to the counter an% pulle% the sugar canister towar% her. /ari$ mo&e% up behin% her as she reache% into one o( the o&erhea% cabinets (or a cup to hol% the sugar he;% as$e% (or. /he (roBe as she (elt his (ingers threa%ing into the hair at the nape o( her nec$ an% then the warmth o( his heate% breath. DHou shoul% ta$e who ... an% what you in&ite into your home' Claire'D he murmure% near her ear. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter hree Claire wasn;t aware o( turning an% yet she (oun% hersel( (acing /ari$' presse% tightly between his bo%y an% the counter at her bac$. =er heart an% breath seeme% to suspen% in her chest (or so long %ar$ness encroache% be(ore they recommence%' racing as i( to ma$e up (or lost time. =is han% in her hair tugge% relentlessly until her hea% was tippe% so (ar bac$ she (elt the strain in the ten%ons o( her nec$ an% then his mouth settle% har% o&er hers an% her awareness narrowe% to nothing more than that heate% connection. A %rugging lethargy engul(e% her almost instantaneously' %ulling the (ear in%uce% a%renaline spi$ing through her bloo% stream. =eat pore% through her in a molten ti%e at the possessi&e gli%e o( his tongue across hers. A thrill o( pleasure shot through her an% then ... nothingness. he cloa$ o( %ar$ness re(use% to allow her to li(t to (ull awareness. ?ague perceptions (iltere% through her min%' but %ri(te% sluggishly' seemingly %isconnecte% with true reality. A (leeting sense o( %iscom(ort (iltere% through her min% (irst an% she became aware that her bac$ was arche% aw$war%ly' her arms behin% her' a (lat sur(ace beneath her palms as i( she;% leane% bac$ an% brace% hersel( on her arms. No' she thought' not <uite li$e that because her bac$ was arche% uncom(ortably an% she woul%n;t ha&e %one that. An% she coul%n;t mo&e her arms. =an%s graspe% her an$les. .orcing her $nees to ben%' they presse% stea%ily until she (elt her heels brush her buttoc$sA 2@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

her bare buttoc$s. he whispering tease o( cool air along her cle(t as her thighs were pushe% so wi%e the lips o( her se0 parte% remo&e% any lingering %oubt o( her state. Alarm shoul% ha&e gone through her at the su%%en realiBation that she was completely na$e%. On one le&el she $new that an% yet her senses were too lethargic to respon% as she was certain they shoul% ha&e. "&en as she (elt the han%s replace% with something har%' col%' metallic she (oun% she coul%n;t <uite summon the panic beating at the bac$ o( her min%. he han%s that ha% hel% her an$les close% aroun% her breasts' s<ueeBing them so that all the bloo% seeme% to rush to the tips an% collect there in a har%' almost pain(ul throbbing. here was no tease' no slow awa$ening o( her senses. As sluggish as her brain was (unctioning' she $new only moments ha% passe% between %ar$ness' (irst awareness' an% the touch. /he suc$e% in a harsh breath as the heat o( a mouth close% o&er one nipple tugging an% pulling at it in a ra&enous' min%less hunger that teetere% between the most e0<uisite pleasure she;% e&er (elt an% pain. /he (linche%' ma%e an instincti&e' aborti&e attempt to (lee an% %isco&ere% she coul%n;t mo&e more than that' that she was boun% so cannily that she coul% %o no more than twitch an% tense at the (erocity o( his assault. he (renBie% (ee%ing on her (lesh (orce% her %eeper in the swirling %ar$ness that still cloa$e% her senses' %eeper in the sense o( a complete lac$ o( awareness beyon% the tugging suction on her nipple as i( e&ery other ner&e in her bo%y ha% 27

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

shut %own or all were connecte% to that one point. =eat surge% through her an% o&er her in wa&es that ha% her shi&ering as i( (e&ere%' gasping (or breath until her min% seeme% to spin en%lessly. he scrape o( the sharp e%ge o( his teeth along her %escen%e% nipple pitche% her brie(ly (rom searing pleasure to pain an% then bac$ again so <uic$ly she thought she might ha&e completely lost touch with consciousness e0cept that the unceasing stimulus o( the bun%le% ner&es in her nipple pre&ente% escape through that means. An% there was no physical escape. /he tugge% har%er at her bon%s as she seesawe% between scal%ing pleasure an% pain' almost sobbing with the e((ort o( straining muscles until the uselessness o( it was (inally borne in upon her. /he;% scarcely been aware o( the pressure buil%ing in her other breast (rom his tight hol%. =e brought it to blin%ing attention as he shi(te% abruptly (rom the (irst breast to the secon%' his mouth clamping %own on it with more (e&erish hunger than the (irst' as i( his (ee%ing upon her (lesh was %ri&ing his nee% higher. /he crie% out as (ire course% through her &eins' scouring her (rom the insi%e out' struggling to mentally e&a%e what she coul%n;t physically accomplish. /he %isco&ere% that was as (ruitless as her attempt to sha$e her bon%s. here was no e&a%ing it' not mentally' not physically. /he coul% only en%ure' gasping %esperately (or breath' %run$ with the burning nee% growing insi%e her li$e wil%(ire. he torture seeme% en%less' %ragging her strength (rom her until she hung limply in her bon%s' unable e&en to hol% up 25

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

her hea% as he continue% to pull an% tug an% lash at her trappe% nipple with his mouth an% tongue an% teeth' alternately gi&ing pleasure an% then pain until she coul% scarcely tell the %i((erence between the two. "ach time he li(te% his mouth' she %ragge% in a harsh breath' trying to brace hersel( (or the ne0t assault an% each time she %isco&ere% there was no bracing (or it. All the time he (e% at one breast' he s<ueeBe% the other to trap the bloo% (low an% increase sensiti&ity in the other so that when he switche% his attentions the (resh assault was as %ebilitating as the (irst. /he;% begun to weep silently (or surcease when he stoppe% the torment as su%%enly as he;% begun. Brace% to (eel him mo&e to her other breast' it too$ her a moment to realiBe he ha%n;tAone moment to (eel relie( she ha% no reason to (eel. One moment to thin$ the torment ha% stoppe%. /he almost (ainte% when his mouth settle% o&er her clit' gi&ing the lie to her certainty that the entire (ocus o( sensation in her bo%y was in her breasts. .or' all the while he;% been suc$ling at her breasts' the bloo% ha% been pooling in her clit until it was so swollen an% ten%er the (irst touch o( his mouth $noc$e% the breath (rom her. /he )er$e% all o&er as i( an electric )olt ha% run through her as he caught her swollen clit between his lips' tugging on pain(ully sensiti&e (lesh until he coul% curl his tongue aroun% it an% then suc$ing until she lost the miniscule amount o( air she;% manage% to gulp %own. A <ua$ing roc$e% through her in a matter o( moments' but there was no allowance (or her bo%y to pea$ an% %ri(t %ownwar% again. =e tugge% an% suc$le% at the sensiti&e nub 28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

until she was screaming with the (orce o( the relentless spasms' tugging (rantically at her bon%s to escape. !n time' the con&ulsions cease% o( their own accor%' lea&ing her limp an% barely consciousAbut still aware o( the insistent pull o( his mouth. /he groane% wea$ly as she (elt her bo%y rising again' his to comman% no matter how har% she struggle% to close her min% to the sensation' no matter how (iercely she struggle% inwar%ly to close hersel( o(( (rom her senses. /he shu%%ere% with a mi0ture o( %isappoint an% relie( when he li(te% his mouth at last' lea&ing her teetering on the brin$ o( another clima0. As be(ore' she;% barely %rawn a breath o( relie(' howe&er' when she %isco&ere% he;% merely turne% his (ocus elsewhere. =e bit %own on one nipple )ust har% enough to rouse her su((iciently (rom her stupor to (eel the sensation $eenly when he close% his mouth o&er it again' suc$e% until the bloo% was throbbing in the tip' an% then began to tease it with his tongue' sen%ing wa&e a(ter wa&e o( heat spearing through her. his time' howe&er' her clit throbbe% as lou%ly as her nipples' pulse% almost pain(ully (or his attention. =e ignore% it' (ocusing on %ri&ing her to the e%ge o( ma%ness by teasing (irst one nipple an% then the other' o&er an% o&er until she san$ towar% unconsciousness. he moment she %i%' he shi(te% %ownwar% to nip at her clit' %ragging a sti(le% cry (rom her as her belly spasme% pain(ully in reaction. /he whimpere%. /he coul%n;t seem to help it. /he;% reache% a point o( stimulus where she (elt 24

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

(e&ere%' %elirious' where e&ery inch o( her s$in seeme% to ache. D/top' please'D she whispere%' thought she ha%. "ither the &oice was only in her min% or he ignore% it' pulling at her clit until she clima0e% again' tugging an% teasing it until she was screaming hoarsely with the intense pleasure wrac$ing her. +elie&e surge% through her when he (inally stoppe%. /he suc$e% in a shu%%ering breath' trie% to release her hol% completely on the &ague consciousness she still hel% onto. he respite was brie(. =e mo&e% to her breasts again' torturing her with the e0<uisite suction o( his mouth until she (elt her bo%y begin to climb again regar%less o( her wishes. /he;% begun to beg him (or release be(ore he mo&e% away again. his time' instea% o( mo&ing to her clit' he lappe% her cle(t an% speare% his tongue into her se0. A )olt went through her as she (elt his tongue mo&ing sinuously insi%e her' pressing %eeper than it woul%;&e seeme% possible. =er eyeli%s (luttere% with the instincti&e urge to open in surprise' but she %isco&ere% she coul% not li(t her eyeli%s any more than she coul% mo&e her arms' her legsA any part o( her bo%yA almost more as i( she was paralyBe% than boun%. "0cept she coul% (eelAe&erythingA with a sharp $eenness that %e(ie% the semi6stupor that hel% her in its thrall' coul% (eel the (aint roughness o( his tongue as it stro$e% the walls o( her se0. =e lappe% at her hungrily' thrusting his tongue %eeply insi%e o( her an% then curling it out again so that the tip stro$e% the walls an%' within moments' the con&ulsions o( 20

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

a har% clima0 hit her again. /he gaspe%' )er$ing all o&er with the (orce o( it. =e seeme% to (ee% on it' lapping an% suc$ing at her more (rantically until the spasms grew wea$erA an% then began to buil% again' more rapi%ly than be(ore. /he clima0e% twice more in <uic$ succession' har% con&ulsions that grew har%er still with the ne0t clima0 an% then har%er until' at last' she lost awareness o( what he was %oing to her an% san$ into blesse% obli&ion. Awareness stole bac$ into her min% as it ha% the (irst time she;% (oun% a &ague consciousness o( hersel( i( not her surroun%ings. /he shi&ere%' becoming aware o( cool air on her o&erheate% s$in be(ore anything else. he %ull throbbing in her bac$ brought her to the sense that she was no longer boun% as she ha% been because it was the ache relie( not intensi(ie% pain. /tirring' she %isco&ere% she coul%n;t mo&e' coul%n;t open her eyes. Bal$e% o( that a&enue o( %isco&ery' she searche% with her senses. /he seeme% to be lying (lat' but she was so %isoriente% by the %ar$ness she coul%n;t tell whether she was lying (ace %own or on her bac$ until she (inally realiBe% there was pressure on her ribs an% shoul%ers. .ace %own then' but why' then' %i%n;t her breasts (eel compresse% as her ribs %i%E Gnable to answer that <uestion' she pursue% the search with her senses again an% realiBe% she (elt a more intense col%ness' an% a soli%ness' beneath the soles o( her (eet. he tension in her groin tol% her her legs were splaye% wi%e an% the e((ort to pull her legs together tol% her they were boun%A )ust as her wrists were. 2,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

A shoc$ wa&e tra&ele% all the way through her as something hot clampe% o&er the tip o( one breast. Be(ore her min% coul% e&en assimilate what it was she (elt the pull o( his mouth' the sting o( his teeth. /he )er$e% uselessly at her bin%ings' trying to e&a%e that touch' $nowing now what it meant. =e;% only allowe% her to cool long enough to regain awareness to begin again. /he %i%n;t get the chance to throw up any %e(ense. =eat blossome% in her belly an% grew to a raging (ire as he gnawe% at her breasts with ra&ening (er&or until her bo%y was beyon% rea%y (or him' until she was writhing with the tortuous pleasure. /he gaspe% (or breath when he cease% to torment her breasts' %esperate to pull air into her lungs be(ore he (orce% her to clima0 again. A moment later' she (elt the (umbling o( his (ingers in her se0' (elt him part the lips an% a har%' roun%e% $nob o( (lesh was presse% into the mouth o( her se0' stretching her until she gasping (or breath' until she (elt the sting o( her (lesh yiel%ing to a greater (orce as he plowe% ruthlessly along her channel until he hit bottom an% pain shot through her. =e with%rew the thic$ blu%geon o( his (lesh almost as <uic$ly an% ramme% into her again. his time her moisture ease% his path. =er (lesh yiel%e% more rea%ily an% still she gaspe% at the thic$ness o( his sha(t' at the nearly pain(ul stretching with each har% thrust. he pain' slight to begin with' ga&e way to pleasure as he continue% to poun% into her in a har%' stea%y rhythm. Fore slowly than be(ore' she (elt the climb towar% release' but 22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

when it came' the (orce o( it pitche% her towar% obli&ionAbut not into the arms o( it. =e began to mo&e (aster' to poun% into her har%er an% har%er. /he rouse% as he came' as she hear% the guttural groans o( his release' (elt him shu%%er against her. =e leane% o&er her' nipping at the sensiti&e (lesh o( her bac$' lathing her s$in with his tongue. An% then he straightene%' hea&e% a shu%%ering breath an% began to mo&e again' slowly at (irst an% then' almost as i( he coul% (eel the coiling tension o( a (resh clima0 growing within her' (aster' until he was poun%ing into her as be(ore. /he crie% out hoarsely as another clima0 tore through her. /he hear% him grin%ing his teeth as he was caught up in another clima0 o( his own' (elt the hot gli%e o( his see% o&er(low her se0 an% begin to sli%e %own her thighs. =e leane% against her' resting' an% she %rew a sha$y breath o( relie(' certain he coul%n;t go on when he pulle% his coc$ (rom her at last. =e was no normal man' she $new' when she (elt the press o( his coc$ against her rectum' pushing relentlessly as he ha% into her se0. Ai%e% in his pursuit by the lubrication o( his own see%' he thrust into her until she coul% (eel his belly pressing against her buttoc$s' an% then he with%rew' only to thrust into her again an% again until he spille% his see% once more an% a wea$ clima0 ripple% through her again. 1111 he soun% o( morning bir% song rouse% Claire towar% consciousness. .or a time' she merely listene% to the soun%s' 22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

a (aint (rown between her brows while she trie% to %eci%e whether she wante% to get up or go bac$ to sleep. .inally' she ease% one eye open a slit an% (oun% the cloc$. >hen her &ision (ocuse%' she saw that it was nearly nine. he surprise that went through her was enough to )olt her more (ully awa$e. !n a near panic' she searche% her min% (or the answer to what %ay it was an% (inally rela0e% when she realiBe% it was /atur%ay' her %ay o((. /he thought it was /atur%ay. Closing her eyes again' she pon%ere% that' won%ering why she was so groggy when she;% slept so late' won%ering why she coul%n;t con&ince hersel( that it was /atur%ay. Because she coul%n;t remember .ri%ay night. Almost on the thought' a remin%er that she generally wal$e% to the %iner on .ri%ay nights (or the sea(oo% %inner special' her stomach growle%. :roaning' she swept the co&ers o(( an% ma%e se&eral %isco&eries all at once that e((ecti&ely banishe% the lingering e((ects o( sleep. /he was star$ na$e%. "&ery muscle in her bo%y ha% proteste%' lou%ly' at the simple gesture. An%' as she stare% %own blan$ly at her na$e%ness' she saw bruises that shoul%n;t ha&e been there. Pushing hersel( up with an e((ort' she stu%ie% the score o( bruises' (eeling per(ectly blan$. /he;% gone to be% na$e%E >hy woul% she ha&e %one that when she;% ne&er slept na$e% a %ay in her li(eE An% how ha% she gotten the bruisesE 28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

No answer came to her an% a(ter a (ew minutes she climbe% out o( the be% an% ma%e her way to the bathroom' hoping that somewhere in the roun%s o( her (amiliar morning ritual her memory woul% come bac$. /he (elt better when she;% bathe% an% brushe% her teeth' more alert' an% still completely blan$ about the circumstances o( her awa$ening. An% wea$. =er inner thighs tremble% with the e((ort to return to her room to get %resse%' but that was only part o( the wea$ness. /he (elt lighthea%e% with emptiness. Deci%ing a goo% brea$(ast woul% help her (eelings all the way aroun%' she ma%e her way to the $itchen' but she coul% har%ly (in% the strength to coo$. By the time she;% manage% to (ry up a couple o( eggs an% ma$e toast' she ha% to lean against the counter to ma$e a cup o( instant co((ee to go with it an% she (elt &aguely nauseate% about e&en trying to eat. /he (orce% it %own anyway' eating slowly in hopes that she coul% $eep it %own an% that she;% (eel better once she;% eaten. /he %i%' but only marginally. /he still (elt washe% out' too tire% to consi%er anything but going bac$ to be%. .inally' %espite her %etermination not to' she ga&e in to the %eman% o( her bo%y to rest an% (ell into be% again (ully clothe%. /he %reame%' but when she wo$e she coul%n;t recall anything about the %reams beyon% the (act that there;% been something about them that was both (rightening an% o%%ly titillating. /he woul%;&e %ismisse% the last i( not (or the (act that she was still warm an% tingling in a purely se0ual way when she wo$e. Ba((le%' still sluggish' she got up an% 2@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

change% her clothes since what she;% put on earlier was now rumple% (rom sleep. he cats were nearly (rantic (or (oo% by the time she got to the $itchen the secon% time. hat con(use% her almost as much as the (ogginess that she encountere% e&ery time she trie% to remember what she;% %one the night be(ore. D! (e% you last night when ! came home'D she sai% irritably as she %uti(ully scoope% (oo% out (or them. D! remember that.D /he ha%n;t (e% them that morning' though' she recalle% abruptly' worrie% at once that her %ereliction o( %uty ha% prompte% om to hunt (oo% elsewhere. 9eery that Frs. 9e%better woul% be laying in wait (or her to complain about the cat getting into her garbage again' Claire ease% the bac$ %oor open an% steppe% out cautiously' peering towar% her neighbor;s house to see i( om ha% transgresse% again. he tom cat was no where in sight' either in her neighbor;s yar% or her own' an% she %i%n;t $now whether to be relie&e% or not. As she stoo% in the %oorway' trying to %eci%e whether to slip %own the steps an% peer o&er Frs. 9e%better;s (ence to loo$ (or the cat' a %electable aroma tic$le% at her nostrils' %rawing her attention towar% her other neighbor;s bac$ yar%. /mo$e was %ri(ting (rom a grill set up near her neighbor;s bac$ porch. /ari$' bare e0cept (or a pair o( cut o(( )eans' was sprawle% in a lounge chair near the grill' bas$ing in the sun li$e a supremely satis(ie% cat. >armth instantly su((use% her' but so' too' %i% a (lic$er o( uneasiness. 27

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ari$ un(ol%e% his massi&e (rame (rom the crea$ing lounge an% sauntere% o&er to the (ence' his gaBe mo&ing o&er her in a way that ma%e her (eel star$ na$e% an% as appetiBing as the thic$ stea$ siBBling on his grill. D! %on;t suppose ! coul% interest you in sharing a stea$ with meED he %rawle% laBily. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

25

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter .our Claire was instantly torn. /he (elt as ca&ernously empty' she realiBe%' as she ha% be(ore she;% eat her ;big; brea$(ast an% the smell o( the stea$ was almost se0ual in appeal. Doubts rose in her min% almost as <uic$ly as the urge to accept' howe&er. =e was almost as tempting as the stea$Amaybe more so' but she;% eschewe% men' she remin%e% hersel(. An%' (rom the loo$ o( him' this man was more trouble than all the others she;% been in&ol&e% with put together. /he manage% a smile. D! appreciate it' but you only ha&e the one. han$s anyway.D =e shrugge% easily' his gaBe (lic$ering o&er her again. D!t;s big enough (or two. ! %on;t imagine you;% eat much.D /he wa&ere%. he temptation o( spen%ing time with a man li$e /ari$ an% getting a piece o( that tantaliBing stea$ was too much (or her will power at the moment. D!( you;re sure you %on;t min%ED D!;m sure.D DHour place or mineED DHours'D he respon%e% promptly. Claire coul%n;t pre&ent a grin. D!;ll see what ! can gather up (or (i0ings' then.D Fo&ing bac$ insi%e' she went to the re(rigerator an% gathere% up the &egetables (or a sala% an% then poppe% a couple o( potatoes into her microwa&e to coo$ since she ha%n;t seen anything on the grill beyon% the massi&e stea$. 28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

>hen she;% (inishe% ma$ing the sala%' she rushe% to her room to ra$e a brush through hair but ignore% the urge to primp any (urther. /ari$ was tapping at her bac$ %oor when she got bac$ to the $itchen. /urprise% since there wasn;t a gate between the two yar%s' she loo$e% at him <uestioningly as she opene% the %oor an% let him in. DDi% you )ump the (enceED she as$e% )o$ingly since the (ence was nearly as tall as she was. DHes'D he respon%e% o((han%e%ly' watching her cats through narrowe% eyes as they stampe%e% out o( the $itchen as i( their tails were on (ire. Fomentarily %istracte%' Claire stare% a(ter her cats in surprise an% (inally turne% to /ari$ again. DHou;re not seriousED =e chuc$le%. D=ow else %o you thin$ ! got o&er itE .lewED D.unnyC ! )ust can;t belie&e you )umpe% the thingC !t;s e&ery bit o( (i&e (eet highCD she sai%' )oining him at the $itchen table as he set the platter o( stea$ %own an% settling across (rom him. =e ha%n;t change% or e&en put on a shirt' she notice%' (eeling her belly %o a slow shimmy as she yiel%e% to the impulse to (lic$ a <uic$ glance at him. =e was surprising hairless (or a %ar$ man' she thought. /he woul%;&e almost been incline% to thin$ he must sha&e or wa0' li$e a bo%y buil%er' e0cept there was a light sprin$ling o( hair across his upper chest an% a narrow trail that le% %ownwar% to the waistban% o( his )eans. =e was built li$e a bo%y buil%erAall rippling' bulging muscles %roolingly well %e(ine%. As massi&e as he;% seeme% 24

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

to her' she (oun% she was still surprise% to see how well built he was. !( she;% consi%ere% it' which she ha%n;t' she woul%;&e thought the stoc$iness was a leaning towar% o&erin%ulgence. /he woul%;&e e0pecte% to see at least a small ;spare tire; aroun% his mi%%le' not the wash boar% abs he was %isplaying. :o%C =er mother woul%;&e (lippe% to see a hal( na$e% man sitting %own to a table to eatC Not that she was complainingC "0cept her interest in the (oo% pale% in comparisonC D>hat %o you %o (or a li&ingED she as$e% as she (ocuse% on scooping sala% onto his plate. =e %i%n;t answer at once an% she (lic$e% a curious glance at him as she han%e% the plate across to him. D his an% that'D he respon%e% (inally. .eeling a little snubbe%' Claire got up to retrie&e the potatoes (rom the microwa&e an% then scrounge% in the re(rigerator (or sala% %ressing an% potato toppings. D/orry'D she muttere% without loo$ing at him. D! was )ust ... curious. ! suppose it soun%s )ust plain nosey' though.D /he ha%n;t really notice% how sti(( an% sore she was until it was borne in upon her by his intereste% gaBe' but she %isco&ere% it too$ an e((ort to mo&e (lui%ly e&en with such simple tas$s. !t embarrasse% her' ma%e her won%er i( he thought she was getting ol% an% %ecrepit. Not that she wasC /he coul%n;t be that much ol%er than him' though she suspecte% she was at least a (ew years ol%er. /he sure as hell wasn;t going to as$' not when he;% snubbe% her )ust (or as$ing what he %i% (or a li&ing. >ho woul%;&e thought he woul%n;t want to tal$ about it' thoughE 80

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

oo preoccupie%' at (irst' to thin$ beyon% the hunger alrea%y gnawing at him to ha&e her again' /ari$ (rowne%' (eeling a (lic$er o( annoyance when he (inally notice% how sti((ly she was mo&ing. !t almost seeme% ... a reproach %irecte% at him' though he was entirely certain she ha% no memory o( the hours he;% (e% on her passion. !n a general way' mortals %i%n;tAe&en when they sur&i&e% a (irst (ee%ing by an incubusAan%' o( course' many %i%n;t' %epen%ing upon whether the incubus was allowe% (ree reign or constraine% (or whate&er reason (rom (ee%ing to his heart;s content. hose who %i%' i( they remembere% anything at all' usually thought that it was %reamsAor nightmares %epen%ing upon whether he allowe% them to see him in his true (orm or not. =e ha% been care(ul o( her' he thought resent(ully' as he ha% been comman%e% by his bastar% o( a master. =e ha% curbe% his appetite (or her' e&en though it ha% been %i((icult (or him' (or she was by (ar the most succulent morsel he ha% (e% upon in his memory. hat ha% been a surprise' an% &ery little surprise% him anymore a(ter all the centuries he ha% spent in penance (or his mis%ee%s %uring his mortal li(e. /he ha% not struc$ him as a woman o( passion when he ha% (irst spie% her. rue' she was (ar more physically appealing to him than those he was generally sent to %ispatch with his particular talents' but' (or all her %elicate prettiness' she ha% seeme% almost colorless' <uiet' almost shy' (ar more intereste% in her belo&e% boo$s than the worl%' or the people' aroun% her. =e ha% ha% no %oubt that he coul% arouse her to passion. =is talents assure% that' but he;% e0pecte% to ha&e to wor$ 8,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

(ar har%er to arouse her to her pea$' where he coul% (ee% upon the energy she e0pen%e%' an% he certainly ha%n;t e0pecte% to be able to %o so again an% again' so <uic$ly. hat ha% almost been his %own(allAan% hers. =e ha% gotten so caught up in (ee%ing o(( o( her that it wasn;t until she;% reache% a point where he coul% no longer rouse her that he;% (inally realiBe% he;% ta$en all she coul% gi&e an% still sustain li(e. Faybe' he thought uneasily' he ha%n;t been as care(ul with her as he;% thoughtE =a% he been a beast so long that he coul% no longer remember the limitations o( mortalsE =a% the centuries in torment ble% e&en the memory o( being mortal (rom himE =e ha%n;t thought so. =e;% thought that he ha% clung har% enough to his memories to retain at least a concept o( humanity' but then the mortals he %ealt with in general were as e&il as he was' he thought wryly' beasts yet in mortal (orm who woul% no %oubt )oin him one %ay in the un%erworl%. he irony o( his position was not lost upon him. =e ha% been con%emne% to torment (or ta$ing the li&es o( innocents an% now he was the tool o( others li$e himsel(' (orce% to %o their bi%%ing' (orce% to $ill. =e woul% ne&er (in% re%emption when he coul% not see$ it' he thought with %isgust. =e ha% long ago accepte% that' though. =e woul% be satis(ie% i( he coul% (in% a mortal he coul% manipulate. =e;% thought Claire woul% be the per(ect one' that she woul% be malleable enough he coul% ben% her to his will without her actually being aware o( it. !rritation (lic$ere% through him when he consi%ere% the ris$s he;% ta$en' the 82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

consi%erable trouble he;% gone to' to place the boo$ in her path. !t ha% ta$en a great %eal o( persuasion an% cunning to con&ince the mortal he;% use% to steal the boo$ (rom his master an% place it where she might (in% it. =e ha% ta$en ris$s he ha% not li$e% in the %oing' ta$en the chance that the mortal he;% use% might o&ercome his terror enough to realiBe he coul% become master with that boo$. =e ha% not li$e% the ris$' but there ha% been no other way when he coul% not touch the boo$ himsel(. !t ha% begun to seem unli$ely Claire coul% be brought to use it at all' though' an% unless he coul% con&ince her that she wante% to' the bastar% he calle% master now woul% remain his master' with or without the boo$' because he still comman%e% it. /he ha% the boo$ in her han%s' though' an% so long as she %i%' as long as she %i%n;t %eci%e to return the twice %amne% thing to his master' he ha% a chance to stay in the realm o( man' to escape' at least (or a time' (rom the un%erworl%A possibly (ore&er i( he was cle&er enough an% Claire easy enough to gui%e. Gn(ortunately' her %ays were numbere%. "&en i( he coul% contain himsel(' resist the urge to %rin$ (rom the &essel that was Claire until he ha% satis(ie% his hunger' he ha% been comman%e% to %estroy her. An% he woul% ha&e to %rain her li(e (orce (rom her i( he coul% not con&ince her to use the boo$ to become his mistress. 9uc$ily' his master ha% %etermine% that it must loo$ unsuspicious' that she must waste slowly away' an% that ga&e him time he woul% not ha&e ha% otherwise. =e was more incline% to thin$ the sic$' e&il bastar% )ust wante% to %raw out 82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

her su((ering' but it %i%n;t matter what he thought about it. =e ha% no choice but to obey Aunless he coul% use her to (ree himsel( (rom the bastar% who controlle% him now. he tric$ woul% be to use her without her e&er realiBing the power she hel%' an% he ha% her measure. Claire was no (ool. /o(t' yiel%ing' she might be' but she was not stupi%. !( she rea% the boo$' she woul% $now. /he might not belie&e' an% that was where his hope lay' that she woul%n;t an% there(ore woul% not be able to see the power she coul% wiel%. D he stea$ is %elicious'D Claire commente%' bringing /ari$ (rom his re&erie. =e sli% a glance at her an% then %own at his plate' surprise% to %isco&er that he ha% mechanically eaten the ma)ority o( the (oo% on his plate while he ha% been so %eep in thought. =e ha% not taste% it. ruth be tol%' he coul%n;t. !t woul% not ha&e mattere% a great %eal i( it ha% been nothing but mu%Astraw. hat was one o( the things he misse% most' he thoughtA the simple en)oyment mortal senses allowe%. =e coul% taste Claire' thoughAnot with the senses she was (amiliar with' or any mortal' but he coul% taste her passion an% that was (ar better than anything he ha% taste% be(ore he ha% been con%emne%. 3ust thin$ing about it' remembering' was enough to ma$e him %iBBy. =e pushe% his plate away' abruptly nauseate% with the (oo% he;% consume%. DHou;&e barely touche% yours'D he sai% chi%ingly. D! thin$ you;re only being polite.D /he colore% (aintly. =e;% %isco&ere% he li$e% that' the blush o( color that tinte% her pale chee$s whene&er he loo$e% 88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

at her with the hunger he (elt. =e saw the %esire in her eyes. /he li$e% this (orm. A (lic$er o( irritation (ollowe% the thought' tamping his pleasure in $nowing she (oun% him pleasing to her eyes. =e was less please% when it %awne% on him that it wasn;t the real him she saw' but only the (aLa%e he;% a%opte% to please her. =e shoul%;&e ta$en satis(action in merely $nowing he;% ma%e a goo% choice' an% he %i% to a %egree' but it was a bit less satis(actory to $now she woul% loo$ at his true (orm with absolute horror. =e %i%n;t $now whyAhe shoul%n;t ha&e care%Abut it was. D!t;s a little more rare than ! li$e'D she a%mitte% uncom(ortably' Dbut still' it has a &ery goo% (la&or an% it;s so ten%erCD =e grinne% at her attempt to spare his (eelings. DNe0t time' you shoul% come o&er an% %irect me. !;m not much o( a coo$.D /he loo$e% so please% that he e0amine% what he;% sai%' won%ering what he;% sai% to please her. /he %i%n;t lea&e him in %oubt long. D!;% li$e thatAi( you really want to' that is. !;m sure you;re &ery busy with your own a((airs' but maybe ne0t wee$en%ED =e tilte% his hea%' stu%ying her' an% (inally realiBe% it was the (act that he;% ina%&ertently suggeste% they share a meal again that she;% li$e%. /he &eri(ie% his guess with her ne0t comment. D!t;s nice to share a meal with someone else ... once in a while' you $now. ! usually eat alone' an% it %oesn;t really bother me' but company;s nice.D Con&ersation woul% be e&en 8@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

better' Claire thought. /he ha%n;t realiBe% how much she;% misse% that' li&ing alone. /ari$' she thought wryly' %i%n;t seem to be much (or con&ersation' though' at least not o&er the %inner table. D>hy wait until ne0t wee$en%E Or %o you ha&e other plansE Or %o you ha&e to wor$ tomorrowED Claire ma%e a sel(6%epreciating soun% o( amusement. D! %i%n;t ha&e big plans (or the wee$en%Abut ! %o ha&e tomorrow o((. "&ery wee$en%' actually. Bren%a an% 9in%a' the two girls that help me out at the library' han%le things on /atur%ays an% the library;s close% on /un%ay so ! get two o(( %ays in a rowAwhich is nice since it actually gi&es me time to get a (ew things %one aroun% the house. DHou must still be settling in' thoughE Faybe ! coul% gi&e you han%ED DNo. han$ you'D /ari$ sai% (latly. he last thing he wante% was to bring her into ;his; houseAat least not in a state to nose aroun%. /he was alrea%y suspicious o( his su%%en appearance. !t woul%n;t %o to gi&e her more to speculate about. D! %i%n;t bring much an% !;&e settle% it alrea%y.D DOh. >ell' ! )ust thought !;% o((er'D she sai% a little sti((ly. he wa&es o( %ismay wa(ting o(( o( her was his (irst clue he;% %istresse% her. =er e0pression' howe&er' was elo<uent enough he coul% ha&e seen it e&en i( he ha% not alrea%y (orme% a lin$ with her that allowe% him to ;taste; her e&ery emotion. !rritate% that he;% o((en%e% her sensibilities an% now must thin$ o( some way to soothe them' he stu%ie% her speculati&ely as she got up (rom the table abruptly an% began to <uic$ly clear away their %ishes. 87

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D>oul% you li$e to ta$e a wal$ED =e wasn;t much (or wal$ing' actually' but he suspecte% he;% o((en%e% her by appearing reluctant (or her company. >hich he was. =e;% alrea%y ascertaine% that he coul% not ha&e her again right away. =e woul% ha&e to allow her some time to reco&erAa %ay at leastAan% it was going to be %i((icult enough to contain himsel( without constantly being near her. /he smile% at him' though' in a way that almost ma%e it worth it. D hat woul% be nice. ! coul% show you aroun% since you ha&en;t been here long.D =e smile% bac$ at her with an e((ort. =e $new his way aroun% the (uc$ing town' an% he was not impresse% with anything he;% seenAcertainly not enough to want to see it again. Pushing away (rom the table' he crosse% the $itchen to lean bac$ against the counter besi%e her' watching as she (ille% the sin$ with soapy water. =er scent sent a wa&e o( hunger through him an% he (oun% the urge to touch her was )ust too much to resist. DHou ha&e beauti(ul hair. >hy %o always wear it such a tight little ball on your hea%ED A shi&er s$ate% through her at his light touch. /he loo$e% at him in surprise. D=ow %i% you $now ! always wear it in a bunED +esisting the urge to roll his eyes in irritation' he allowe% his han% to %rop to his si%e. D! guesse% wrongED DNo ... but....D /hrugging easily' he pushe% away (rom the counter. D!;ll go change.D 85

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he chuc$le%. D:oo% i%ea. !;m not sure the local (emale population coul% sur&i&e the shorts.D =er hus$y chuc$le was almost as arousing as her scent' but he (oun% himsel( grinning at her in response to the pleasurable soun%' %espite the %istraction. D!( you;re going to leap the (ence again' !;m coming to watch'D she a%%e% play(ully as he reache% the bac$ %oor an% graspe% the $nob. =e turne% to loo$ bac$ at her speculati&ely. D! belie&e !;ll ta$e the (ront %oor'D he respon%e% a(ter a moment;s thought. /he grinne% at him. DNo' really. ! want to watch.D DHou;re hoping !;ll bust my ass'D he retorte%' stri%ing (rom the $itchen an% through the hallway without loo$ing bac$. Claire;s smile (a%e% as she listene% to his %eparture an% it slowly san$ into her that she;% wrangle% an in&itation (rom him (or a wal$. >hy ha% she %one thatE /ha$ing her hea% in irritation at hersel(' she turne% to the sin$ an% <uic$ly washe% the (ew %ishes they;% use% along with the %ishes she;% aban%one% a(ter her early morning brea$(ast. Not early' actually' she remin%e% hersel(' (rowning. /he;% slept late' an% then gone bac$ to be%' something she;% ne&er %one be(ore that she coul% remember. he sleeping lateA yesAbut that shoul% ha&e been enough sleep. /he probably (elt so wrung out an% sti(( because she;% slept so long' she chi%e% hersel(. .inishe% with the %ishes' she went into her be%room to chec$ her appearance. /he ha%n;t coile% her hair at the nape o( her nec$ as she generally %i% when she was wor$ing' but 88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

she ha% gathere% it to the bac$ o( her hea% in a long pony tail. !t was un(ashionably long' she thought when she;% pulle% the stretchy ban% o(( an% ra$e% her (ingers through the mass that (ell somewhere between blon% an% brownAwas actually both' she suppose%' since it was a light brown strea$e% with blon%. Almost no one wore their hair long now e0cept religious (anaticsAan% (rumps. /he shoul% get a stylish cut' she thought. DNo' you shoul%n;tCD she tol% her re(lection in the ne0t moment. D>hat are you thin$ing' ClaireC Or maybe you;re )ust not thin$ing at allCD "0cept' maybe with parts o( her anatomy that were totally brainlessC /etting asi%e her own con&iction that man plus Claire e<uale% ba% news' /ari$ ha%n;t encourage% her to thin$ he was intereste% in her. =e;% barely spo$en two wor%s to her %uring the meal an% she %i%n;t thin$ it was because he was shy. !n (act' he;% been pretty blunt about snubbing her when she;% trie% to pump him (or in(ormation about himsel(. An% why woul% he be intereste%E /he ha% a %ecent enough (igure' but she ha%n;t been blesse% in the loo$s %epartment. /he was a&erage at best. An% /ari$' besi%es being younger than her' was ob&iously a la%y $iller' stunning' way the hell abo&e her gra%e. >ho was she $i%%ing anywayE /he ha%n;t met a single man that coul% see past her aunt;s money' which ma%e it pain(ully clear that they woul%n;t ha&e gi&en her the time o( %ay i( it ha%n;t been (or that lo&ely money. hey coul% barely tolerate her with that carrot %angling o&er her shoul%er. 84

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t was almost worse that it wasn;t e&en her money an% wasn;t li$ely e&er to be' because at least then she woul%;&e ha% some asset that ha% huge appeal. !t was true her aunt ha% a &ery narrow list o( heirs to lea&e her wealth to' but as (ar as she coul% tell Aunt "liBabeth ha% ne&er really li$e% her' ha% certainly ne&er appro&e% o( her' which meant all that glorious money was probably going to some charity. !t was a thought that com(orte% her. At the ris$ o( soun%ing li$e a (anatic hersel(' money' to her way o( thin$ing' was the root o( all e&il. !t %i% unpleasant things to people' or maybe it was )ust that it brought out the worst in themE Gn&eile% the ugliness they might;&e $ept hi%%en i( their gree% ha%n;t ma%e it impossible (or them to hi%e itE hat ha% certainly been her e0perience' anyway. An%' beyon% the (act that she;% been abuse%' mistreate%' an%*or ignore% in e&ery relationship' the ultimate %isco&ery' each time' that their main interest was in her aunt;s money an% the thought that they coul% get to it through her' ha% taught her a har% lesson. No one really wante% Claire. /he;% thought she;% (inally accepte% that. Chances were /ari$ $new who she was an% who her aunt was an% she;% (in% out the minute she opene% her heart that he was )ust one more man bent on grin%ing it beneath his heel as he grabbe% (or the true priBe. "&en i(' (or once' she was completely wrong' there was nothing %own this roa%' she $new' that was going to bring her happiness. @0

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

@,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter .i&e he pep tal$ she;% gi&en hersel( ha% stea%ie% Claire enough that she;% %e(iantly re(use% to primp. !n (act' although she ne&er wore her hair con(ine% e0cept when she was wor$ing' she combe% it' coile% it' an% pinne% it to the bac$ o( her hea% speci(ically because /ari$ ha% commente% on a pre(erence that she lea&e it loose. Faybe she;% alrea%y acte% li$e an i%iot' but this' at least' woul% ma$e it clear that she wasn;t going to gro&el aroun% li$e a supplicant hoping (or his appro&alC he boo$ she;% brought home (rom wor$ caught her eye as she entere% the hallway that bisecte% the house an% %ismay shot through her. >hat ha% she been thin$ing to )ust lea&e a &aluable boo$ li$e that laying on the hall table in plain &iew o( anyone who happene% to wal$ up on her porchE /ha$ing her hea% at hersel(' she crosse% the hallway bris$ly' pic$e% the boo$ up an% turne%' trying to thin$ o( the sa(est place (or it. Nothing really secure came to min% since she rarely ha% nee% o( a place (or &aluable things' but as she returne% to her be%room an% loo$e% aroun% it %awne% on her that the ol% armoire she;% bought a (ew years be(ore ha% a %rawer with a (alse bottom. !t was one o( the things that ha% enchante% her with the piece enough to (or$ out an obscene amount o( money (or the purchase. he cra(tsmanship was the main reason' the beauty o( the piece' but she;% also been @2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

intrigue% by the secret %rawer' which ha% ma%e it seem almost li$e a treasure chest. Crossing the room' she <uic$ly tuc$e% the boo$ away an% then le(t the house. /ari$ was waiting on the porch (or her' one shoul%er proppe% against the porch post to one si%e o( the broa% steps. =e stoo% away as she steppe% out the %oor an% turne% to loc$ it. =e was (rowning at her %isappro&ingly as she turne% bac$ to him. /he %i%n;t ha&e to loo$ (ar (or the reason since she;% %eliberately con(ine% her hair to snub him. Gnaccountably please% with hersel( about it' she smile% at him brightly an% le% the way %own the stairs. Frs. 9e%better was roc$ing on her porch as they passe% her house. Claire smile% an% wa&e% at her as she always %i%. D:oo% morning' Frs. 9e%better.D Frs. 9e%better;s lip curle% a little in a %isguste% sneer. D!t;s a(ternoon' Fs. Dupont. ! suppose you were occupie% with your new (ellow so late last night you slept in or you;% $now that.D Claire halte% abruptly' gaping at the woman until the sneer became a smir$ that shoo$ her out o( her shoc$. /he opene% her mouth an% close% it se&eral times as she consi%ere% an% %iscar%e% se&eral responses an% (inally' a(ter sen%ing an embarrasse% glance at /ari$' set o(( again at a bris$ pace. DBitch'D /ari$ muttere% angrily' %rawing her startle% gaBe. =e hitche% his hea% in a sharp no% in her neighbor;s %irection. Claire bit her lip to contain the inappropriate inclination to smile. D/he;s )ust ol%.D DHou thin$ being ol% ma%e her a spite(ul bitchE Or that she )ust %oesn;t thin$ it;s worth while to try to be nice anymoreED @2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/urprise% at his insight' Claire consi%ere% it (or a moment an% (inally shrugge%. D! %on;t $now. ! %on;t $now her well enough to say. ! only mo&e% in a (ew years ago. !;&e always gotten the impression' though' that she )ust %oesn;t li$e ;outsi%ers;. Or maybe she was (rien%s with the woman who use% to own the house an% she hates to see an ;interloper; in her (rien%;s houseED D/o you put up with her nosiness an% her abuse because you thin$ you %eser&e itED he obser&e%. DHou won;t win her appro&al that way.D !rritation (lic$ere% through Claire. D!;m not trying to win her appro&al'D she respon%e% testily. D!;m )ust not com(ortable with being impolite. ! was taught to respect my el%ers.D D"&en when they;&e %one nothing to earn itED hat comment silence% her. here was an un%eniable truth to it an%' as little as she li$e% to a%mit it' a goo% bit o( insight in his other comments. /he was always trying to gain appro&al e&en (rom people whose opinion o( her shoul%n;t ha&e mattere% to her at all. D! thin$' maybe' she remin%s me o( my Aunt "liBabeth'D she mumble% a(ter a (ew moments. D/he;s ne&er appro&e% o( me either.D =e sent her a curious loo$ an% she coul%;&e bitten her tongue o((. >hy the hell ha% she brought up her auntE /he %i%n;t $now whether to be relie&e% or sorry when he %i%n;t pursue it. Faybe he )ust wasn;t intereste%' but the suspicion arose in her' right or wrong' that he ha%n;t pursue% it because he $new about her aunt. @8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D!t;s one thing to be polite an% respect(ul' another matter entirely to allow people to wal$ all o&er you'D he sai% coolly. /o now he was implying she was a %oormat' she thought angrilyE All right' so maybe he was right about her. /he coul%n;t change what she was. 9or% $new she;% trie%' but she %i%n;t li$e getting caught up in unpleasantness. /he certainly %i%n;t want to instigate' or promote it' by bowing up an% throwing out a counter challenge any time someone %eci%e% to be unpleasant. D!;m sorry'D she sai% when it (inally occurre% to her that he might be irritate% about the ol% woman;s insinuation that there was something going on between them. D! guess ! shoul% ha&e set her straight when she ma%e that comment about you. !( she mentions it again' !;ll ma$e sure ! e0plain that you only %roppe% by to as$ (or a cup o( sugar.D =e shrugge% in%i((erently. D!;&e no interest in her opinion.D Despite the less than satis(actory beginning' their wal$ turne% out to be a reasonably pleasant one. By the time they;% reache% the (ew bloc$s that constitute% the town;s economic center' most o( the unaccountable soreness Claire ha% wo$en with ha% ease% an% e&en some o( the tire%ness. !t still puBBle% her' an% with the haBiness o( her memories (rom the e&ening be(ore %isturbe% her more than a little' but she %i%n;t care to e0amine the strange circumstance too closely an% /ari$ was a welcome %istraction in that respect. hey turne% hea%s' or at least /ari$ %i%. =e seeme% obli&ious to the attention' mostly (rom the women. /he coul%n;t help but notice it hersel(' though' especially since e&en the people they passe% who were $nown to her an% @@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

or%inarily woul%;&e spo$en pleasantly har%ly seeme% to notice her presence (or staring at /ari$. orn between amusement an% irritation' she %uti(ully pointe% out the places she thought might be o( interest to him. =e no%%e% in all the right places an% e&en commente% now an% then' but she ha% the impression that his thoughts were elsewhere. /ighing inwar%ly when they;% returne% to their neighborhoo% an% parte% company' she trie% to %ismiss her %epression as she entere% the house again an% then simply stoo% in the hallway' staring at nothing in particular. /he ha% chores to ta$e care o( that she %i%n;t (eel li$e %oing. /he;% planne% a <uiet but relati&ely pleasant wee$en%' %i&i%ing her time between the chores that always ha% to be %one an% the boo$s she;% brought home (or entertainment an% she;% waste% nearly an entire %ay %oing nothing at all ... but chasing a(ter a man who ob&iously ha% &ery little interest in her. !rritate% with hersel(' she went to gather her laun%ry up an% hea%e% (or the washer on the bac$ porch. he (oo% she;% put out (or om earlier ha% &anishe% an% when she;% put a loa% o( clothes on to wash' she replenishe% it' hoping the (act that om ha% been to eat meant that he ha%n;t been %igging in her nasty neighbor;s garbage. !t ba((le% her that he woul% %o such a thing anyway. /he suppose% he might ha&e %e&elope% the habit o( sca&enging garbage cans (or (oo% a(ter the woman who;% owne% the house ha% mo&e% away' but he was a goo% hunter. /he;% seen him in action with the local bir% population. @7

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t seeme% (ar more li$ely' to her' that it was either some stray %og' since %ogs seeme% to ha&e a penchant (or ri(ling garbage cans' no matter how well (e% they were' or that it was some o( the local wil% li(e. /he;% caught a ;possom on her bac$ porch se&eral times' an% e&en a ;coon once' an% both times they were %igging in her garbage. /he;% pointe% that out to Frs. 9e%better' though' when she;% (irst accuse% ol% om an% the woman ha% %ismisse% it. /ometimes it seeme% to her that Frs. 9e%better was )ust %etermine% not to li$e her. /he was at a loss to $now why' unless it was because she wasn;t a local. !t wasn;t as i( she was a ;(oreigner;. "&en though she ha%n;t grown up in .ol$ston' she was southern' born an% bre%' ha% grown up only a couple o( counties away. /outherners coul% be pric$ly about such things' though' she $new. "&en though she was a ;city; girl her parents ha% owne% a place near a small town much li$e this one when she;% been growing up an% they;% always been treate% li$e outsi%ers when they;% spent time on their ;(arm;. Gnbi%%en' her thoughts turne% to the peculiar circumstances o( the pre&ious night as she went about setting her home in or%er. /he;% %ismisse% her lac$ o( memory at (irst because she;% )ust (elt so ba%ly when she;% gotten up she (igure% that was why she coul%n;t really remember the night be(ore. !t ha%n;t come bac$ to her' though' e&en when she;% (inally manage% to o&ercome much o( the soreness an% unaccountable wea$ness. he last thing she remembere%' in (act' was going into the $itchen to get a cup o( sugar (or her neighbor. "&erything a(ter that was completely blan$' not )ust @5

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

haByAblan$. /he %i%n;t e&en remember going to be%' much less what she;% %one between that time an% be%time. /he was willing to %ismiss not remembering what she;% %one up until she;% gone to be%. /he rarely %i% anything signi(icant enough to recall it. /he shoul% remember the %ecision to climb in be% na$e%' though' when she always wore a night shirt. /he shoul% remember whate&er it was she;% %one that ha% ma%e her so sore an% sti((. Faybe she;% )ust %one a particularly e((ecti&e e0ercise routineE /he %i% that (airly regularly' besi%es wal$ing whene&er possible to $eep in shape' but i( that was what it was' why %i%n;t she remember %oing itE An% what coul% she possibly ha&e %one to get the bruisesE hat part bothere% her almost worse than the rest. rue' she o(ten went aroun% in a (og an% bumpe% into things. Fostly' though' e&en when she was so preoccupie% with her thoughts that she %i%n;t pay it much min% at the time o( the acci%ent' she coul% remember' i( she trie% har% enough' what inci%ent might ha&e cause% the bruises. !t (lic$ere% through her min%' brie(ly' to won%er i( /ari$ ha% slippe% her that %ate rape %rug she;% hear% about' but she %ismisse% it almost as <uic$ly. /he ha%n;t %ran$ anything. =er memory was pretty clear up to that point' an% he ha%n;t brought anything' or o((ere% her anything. he other thought that occurre% to her was almost as unpleasant an% unner&ing' the possibility that she;% ha% some sort o( spell. /he %ismisse% that a(ter a little searching' though' as well. /he shoul% ha&e remembere% %iBBiness' an% @8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

i( she;% (ainte%' she woul%;&e wo$en up on the (loor somewhere' not in be%. /he was scaring hersel( (or nothing' she %eci%e%. Fost li$ely' she;% )ust been so preoccupie% with mooning o&er her han%some neighbor she ha%n;t pai% any attention to what she;% %one a(ter he;% le(t an% that was why she coul%n;t remember. he memory o( thin$ing she must ha&e %reame% something highly erotic when she;% (irst awa$ene% seeme% to support that theory. hat wasn;t li$e her either' but on the other han% she ha%n;t ha% se0 in years' an% she ha%n;t been aroun% a man as se0y as /ari$ e&er. .or a young woman with a relati&ely healthy libi%o' it seeme% most li$ely that was the culprit. /he;% simply ignore% her nee%s way too long an% it ha% caught up with her the moment she;% (oun% hersel( aroun% a male that shot her pulse into orbit )ust loo$ing at him. /he was going to ha&e to wor$ har% not to ma$e a (ool out o( hersel(' she realiBe% in %ismayAor rather more o( a (oolC /he ha% the uncom(ortable suspicion she;% alrea%y ma%e it way too ob&ious she (oun% /ari$ &ery attracti&e. he thing to %o' she tol% hersel(' was to a&oi% him much as possibleAwhich shoul%n;t be har% since it seeme% pain(ully ob&ious he ha% no real interest in her an% ha% only in&ite% her to share his meal out o( politeness an% probably in&ite% her out (or the wal$ because she;% loo$e% as steppe% on as she;% (elt when he;% snubbe% her. !t was embarrassing to realiBe he;% probably )ust ta$en pity on her because she;% been so ob&iously %esperate (or e&en a morsel o( attention. @4

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

>ell' she %eci%e% as she stal$e% to the bac$ porch an% snatche% her laun%ry (rom the washer' tossing it into the %ryer' she woul%n;t %o that any moreC /he was going to beha&e hersel( an% lay low. /he;% planne% to wor$ on her yar% o&er the wee$en%' but i( she saw her neighbor outsi%e' she;% )ust stay in. hat way he coul%n;t get the i%ea that she was trying to get his attention by (in%ing an e0cuse to be in her yar%. .eeling a little better when she;% come to that %ecision' she collecte% the boo$s she;% brought home when she;% (inishe% her chores an% settle% on her couch in the li&ing room' stu%ying them an% trying to %eci%e which boo$ she wante% to rea% (irst. >hen she;% shu((le% through them (or the thir% time' she realiBe% she (elt too restless to rea%. /he ha%n;t gone out the night be(ore' she remin%e% hersel(' an% she usually treate% hersel( to a %inner she ha%n;t ha% to coo$ (or hersel( on .ri%ays. .ri%ay was sea(oo% night' though. /he wasn;t li$ely to get her (a&orite meal tonight' it being /atur%ay' an% besi%es' the place woul% probably be pac$e%. O( course' that was one o( the things she loo$e% (orwar% toAbeing surroun%e% by the .ri%ay night crow% bent on en)oying their wee$en% to the (ullest. /atur%ays were e&en more hectic' though' since the partygoers coul% only loo$ (orwar% to a short night out because the bars close% early an% they ha% to be in church the ne0t morning. !t wasn;t li$ely the owner woul% appreciate her ta$ing up a table all by hersel( when they were so busy. /etting her boo$s asi%e' she got up o(( the couch resolutely. /he pai% )ust li$e e&erybo%y else. >hy shoul%n;t 70

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

she go an% en)oy hersel(E >hy shoul% she worry about them being %isplease% about her ta$ing a table meant (or two to (ourE !t wasn;t her (ault they ha%n;t set up anything but counter space (or singles. /he ha% as much right to go an% e0pect to be appreciate% (or her patronage as anyone else' single or not. An% it wasn;t as i( the men worrie% about that sort o( thing. !( they wante% a table' they too$ one. =ea%ing into her room' she stu%ie% her war%robe critically an% (inally selecte% a %ressy pair o( slac$s an% a blouse' then went to ta$e a shower. >hen she got out' she applie% ma$eup sparingly' although she rarely bothere% with it on the wee$en%s an%' a(ter a little thought' she combe% her hair out an% le(t it loose. By the time she;% %resse%' she;% rethought lea&ing her hair completely (ree. !t bothere% her that it (loppe% in her (ace e&ery time she tilte% her hea% %own. /he %i%n;t want to ha&e to wrestle with it while she ate. A(ter searching her meager )ewelry bo0' she selecte% a couple o( hairclips an% secure% the top an% si%es o( the (ront. Dow%y an% ol% (ashione%' she thought %erisi&ely when she;% stu%ie% the e((ect but (inally %ismisse% it. !t wasn;t as i( she was trolling (or a man. he thought ga&e her pause. >hy not' she thoughtE 3ust because she;% ma%e her up min% that she wasn;t going to get in&ol&e% in another relationship it %i%n;t necessarily (ollow that she ha% to a&oi% men as i( they ha% the plague. /he was single. here were plenty o( women' an% certainly plenty o( men' who regularly scratche% their itch with a one6nighter. /ure it was a small town an% e&erybo%y 7,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

gossipe% about such things but' as /ari$ ha% pointe% out' why shoul% she careE !t wasn;t as i( she ha% (rien%s who woul% con%emn her or snub her. !t wasn;t as i( she woul% e&en notice' much' i( her peers %isappro&e% o( her beha&ior. /he coul%n;t become a social pariah when she ha% no social li(e at allC Coul% she e&en get up the gumption to in&ite a man home with her i( the opportunity presente% itsel(' she won%ere%E /he %oubte% it' but she also %oubte% it woul% become an issue. :rabbing her purse' she loc$e% her %oor an%' a(ter a little thought' %eci%e% to ta$e her car instea% o( wal$ing as she usually %i%. .ol$ston was a <uiet little town an% %i%n;t ha&e a crime rate she or%inarily worrie% about' but then she %i%n;t usually ma$e hersel( a target by wal$ing by hersel( at night either. he %ri&e was a short one' which almost ma%e her (eel silly to ha&e ta$en the car at all' particularly when she %isco&ere% the %owntown area was busy enough she ha% to par$ almost a bloc$ (rom the %iner. Butter(lies churne% in her stomach as she wal$e% bris$ly towar% the %iner' mostly because o( the thoughts that ha% (luttere% aroun% in her hea% be(ore she;% le(t home. /he %i%n;t ha&e to pic$ up a man only because she;% consi%ere% %oing it' she remin%e% hersel(' an% it wasn;t li$ely she woul% e&en get the opportunity. !t was ri%iculous to scare hersel( silly only by consi%ering it. here was no %enying the (act that she;% completely unner&e% hersel(' though' an% it only got worse when she reache% the %iner. 72

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ari$ was seate% in a booth at one en% o( the %iner' a young girl seate% across (rom him' chattering animate%ly an% gesturing with her han%s (or emphasis. =er bac$ was to Claire' but the hair loo$e% really (amiliar. 9i$e the complete cowar% she was' Claire (roBe in in%ecision. :o inE Or retreat with her tail tuc$e% between her legs li$e the yellow bellie% cowar% she wasE IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

72

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter /i0 hrough narrowe% eyes' /ari$ watche% the young girl across (rom him with a mi0ture o( irritation an% sheer bore%om' won%ering why he ha%n;t %ismisse% her when she;% in&ite% hersel( to )oin him. =e $new why' though. =e was hungry' an% not (or anything the %iner was ser&ing up. Contrary to what he;% hope%' the nee% to (ee% on Claire ha%n;t %iminishe% with %istance. =e;% pace% the house li$e a cage% beast' trying to contain the urge to go to her until he;% (inally realiBe% he wasn;t going to be able to simply ignore the hunger. !( he coul%n;t (ee% on her' he nee%e% to (in% a substitute be(ore his inclinations %ro&e him to %o something truly stupi%. !t wasn;t e&en true nee%' he realiBe% with %isgust. Claire ha% satis(ie% his nee%' more than satis(ie% it. /he simply ha%n;t <uenche% his want' in point o( (act' the opposite. =e shoul% ha&e been able to control the thirst (or more' but she;% ma%e him gree%y' please% him so thoroughly he coul%n;t thin$ o( anything but (ee%ing on her again. !t angere% him that she was so wea$ he coul%n;t )ust (ee% at will. =e;% been toying with the i%ea (or hours' in (act' o( ta$ing her into his lair as he ha% the night be(ore an% simply hol%ing her so that he coul% sup (rom her at his leisureAonly a little here an% there. !t was the realiBation that he coul%n;t that ha% (inally %ri&en him (rom the house in search o( another li$ely 78

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

can%i%ate' someone to appease the pain(ul gnawing in his gut to ta$e an% ta$e until he;% bro$en his pretty Claire an% his master thought up some sic$ per&ersion to punish him (or his stupi%ity. his one woul% %o' he %eci%e%' as well as any other. /he was &acuous an% annoying' but he woul%n;t ha&e to listen to her long. !( he coul% )ust ma$e it through the meal' he;% ta$e her up on her o((er to &isit the local watering hole (or a (ew %rin$s an% then he coul% %ri&e out with her somewhere' assuage the pain(ul gnawing at his &itals an% %ismiss her. Anywhere woul% %o. Not to his lair. =e %i%n;t trust himsel( to stop be(ore he %raine% her o( her li(e (orce i( he allowe% himsel( to imagine that it was Claire. Besi%es' he %i%n;t want another woman in his lair a(ter Claire. =e wasn;t certain why he %i%n;t' but the reluctance wasn;t something he coul%n;t ignore. .ocuse% on no%%ing an% smiling in the appropriate places while she chattere%' an% preoccupie% with his plans (or her' it wasn;t until Claire entere% the establishment that he actually note% her presence' though he shoul%;&e' he realiBe%' long be(ore that. +ealiBing abruptly that it was her nearness that accounte% (or his growing impatience %i% nothing to reel in his wa&ering sel(6control. /urreptitiously' he watche% her hungrily as she mo&e% into the %iner an% loo$e% aroun% uncertainly (or a place to sit in the crow%e% restaurant. =e;% thought his interest was care(ully hi%%en' at any rate' until 9in%aAor was it 3ulieEA(lic$e% a loo$ behin% her to see 7@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

who he was loo$ing at an% then turne% a loo$ on him that was a mi0ture o( con(usion an% anger. DDo you $now Fs. DupontED she as$e% pointe%ly. /ari$ %ragge% his gaBe (rom Claire' hi%ing his annoyance with an e((ort. D/he;s my neighbor'D he sai% with as much nonchalance as he coul% muster. DOhE Faybe we shoul% in&ite her to sit with usED he pout in her &oice was ob&ious. !t irritate% him more. =e (orce% a smile. DNow why woul% ! want to %o that' 9in%aED =er lips tightene%. DBren%a'D she remin%e% him tightly. =e allowe% his smile to wi%en into a (eral grin. /he loo$e% startle%. D!;m not much (or names'D he murmure%. !n (act' he %i%n;t gi&e a (uc$ what her name was' who she was' what she %i% (or a (uc$ing li&ing' or any o( the other in(ormation she;% been so intent on supplying him with. Beyon% using her to assuage his current nee%s' he ha% no interest in her at all. A man approache% Claire' spo$e to her (or a moment' an% then' a(ter smiling at him a little uncom(ortably' Claire allowe% the man to cup her elbow an% lea% her o(( to a table beyon% /ari$;s &iew. D! guess ! shoul% be going'D Bren%a sai% angrily. D/uit yoursel('D /ari$ respon%e% in%i((erently. D!;% thought ! might ta$e a %ri&e with you out to the local lo&er;s lane an% (uc$ you until you (ainte%' but !;m sure ! can (in% someone else.D /atis(ie% when he saw that he coul% watch Claire &ia her re(lection in the glass win%ows that too$ up most o( the (ront wall o( the %iner' /ari$ (lic$e% at glance at Bren%a an% note% her shoc$e% e0pression with a touch o( amusement. /he 77

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

loo$e% torn between anger at his suggestion an% curiosity. Apparently' the curiosity won out. A(ter a moment' she seeme% to swallow her spleen with an e((ort. DFaybe !;m not intereste%'D she sai% coolly. =e settle% bac$ in his seat' shrugging as he %rape% one arm along the bac$. DNoED /he seeme% to wrestle with hersel(. D! thought you going to ta$e me to he /hac$ to %anceED =e grinne% %e&ilishly. DHou an% ! both $now that was only to pay lip ser&ice to propriety. !;&e no interest in %ancing' or trying to bellow o&er music lou% enough to wa$e the %ea% ... only in (uc$ing. !( you;re similarly incline%' ! %on;t see any point in going through the motions o( preten%ing either one o( us are intereste% in ;getting to $now; one another a little better be(ore we (uc$. !( you;re not.... D=e shrugge% again. Bren%a re%%ene%. D!;&e ne&er %one anything li$e that be(ore'D she sai% pee&ishly' ob&iously still ir$e% by the (act that he ha% no other interest in her' but too intrigue% by the i%ea to bolt. =e <uir$e% a %isbelie&ing eyebrow at her but let it sli%e. D here;s always a (irst time (or e&erything.D /he toye% with her (lat wear' stirring the congealing (oo% on her plate. D!;ll bet you;re goo% at.D =e sent her a siBBling loo$ as the comment seale% their bargain. D?ery.D /he sippe% her watere% %own tea ner&ously an% (inally set the glass asi%e in a gesture o( resolution. D>e shoul% go then. ! ha&e a mi%night cur(ewAthe %ownsi%e o( still li&ing with my 75

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

parents. Not that !;m not ol% enough' min% you'D she a%%e% when he (lic$e% a %isintereste% glance at her (ace. D!( you;re ol% enough to want to' you;re ol% enough'D he assure% her absently' watching Claire;s re(lection through narrowe% eyes when he saw her laugh at something the man in (ront o( her sai%. Bren%a cleare% her throat' earning her another annoye% glance. DAre you buyingED =e stare% at her uncomprehen%ingly until she pointe% to the plates on the table. hus prompte%' he pulle% a (i(ty (rom his wallet an% %roppe% it on the table between them. D>ill that co&er itED =er eyes roun%e%. D! guess !;ll go pay the bill an% meet you outsi%e thenED /ari$ no%%e%' but he barely hear% her. =is anger was stea%ily buil%ing the longer he watche% Claire an% the more e&i%ent it became that she was blatantly (lirting with the sono(6a6bitch that ha% pic$e% her up. :etting up a(ter a moment' he stro%e purpose(ully towar% the table where she sat. he loo$ she sent him when he pause% besi%e the table was guilty enough he woul%;&e $nown what was running through her min% e&en i( he coul%n;t rea% it as clearly as he coul% his own thoughts. DDon;t e&en thin$ it'D he growle%. Claire blin$e% at him in surprise. D>hatED she as$e% in a breathless little &oice that ma%e him long to pull her out o( the bench where she sat' strip her na$e%' an% splay her across the table (or his pleasure. he man across (rom her bristle%. =e narrowe% his eyes at the man. Belate%ly recalle% to his surroun%ings' he wa&e% a 78

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

han% through the air that encompasse% the entire restaurant' (reeBing time beyon% himsel( an% Claire. D.uc$ing him'D he growle% tightly. DHou;re mine.D Claire set her )aw with %etermination. D!;m notC =ow ... %are you ma$e such a nasty insinuation' anywayCD Hiel%ing to the temptation roaring through his &eins' /ari$ caught a (ist(ul o( hair an% )er$e% her hea% bac$. 9eaning %own until his (ace was le&el with hers' he stu%ie% her belligerent e0pression (or a long moment. D!;ll tear his (uc$ing hea% o(( an% sho&e it up his ass i( he so much as $isses your (ingertip. Hou %on;t want his %eath on your conscience' %o youED =orror (lic$ere% across her (eatures an% then %oubt. DHou %on;t mean thatC Hou woul%n;t ... coul%n;t.D D! canAeasily. An% ! woul%Awith the greatest en)oyment' ! assure you.D =e caught her surprise% mouth beneath his then' e0ploring her mouth with (urious possessi&eness until the tension went out o( her an% she submitte% wea$ly to his %omination. !t too$ an e((ort to brea$ the $iss' to pull himsel( away (rom her. =e stare% %own at her white (ace an% bruise% lips hungrily (or se&eral moments an% (inally li(te% a han% to brush it lightly across her (orehea% be(ore he release% her. D+ememberAyou;re mine. "at' an% go the (uc$ home or you;ll regret it ... %eeply. ! promise.D /atis(ie% when he saw the glaBe% loo$ o( %esire in her eyes replace% with con(usion' he wa&e% a han% at the restaurant again' baring his teeth in the closest appro0imation o( a smile as he coul% manage at that moment when the &acant loo$ le(t 74

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

both their eyes an% he saw they were aware o( him once more. D=ello' neighbor. >ho;s your (rien%ED Claire blushe% uncom(ortably. DBilly >entworthAthis my new neighbor' /ari$. Billy owns the har%ware store.D /ari$ %i%n;t miss her pointe% comment to the e((ect that Billy was consi%ere% a ;catch;. =e %i%n;t li$e it worth a (uc$ either an% he %i%n;t ma$e much o( an attempt to conceal that (act. D!s that a (actED he man loo$e% him o&er speculati&ely' bristling noticeably at the challenge in /ari$;s &oice. D/ari$ ... that ain;t A6 rab' is it' partnerED /ari$ grinne% at him wol(ishly. DNo' it ain;t' partner.D Bren%a si%le% up ne0t to him an% slippe% a possessi&e arm aroun% his waist. D=ey' Fs. Dupont. =ow are you %oin; tonightED Claire smile% bac$ at her with ob&ious e((ort' pointe%ly ignoring the way the girl ha% twine% hersel( aroun% him. D.ine. =ow %i% e&erything go in the library to%ayED D.ine. Hou rea%y' /ari$ED Peeling her loose' he settle% a han% in the mi%%le o( her bac$' bi% Claire an% the (uc$ing bastar% who;% been leering at her tits a (rosty goo% night' an% wal$e% Bren%a towar% the e0it. =e was still (urious when they reache% Bren%a;s car' both about Claire;s plans (or her e&ening an% about the (act that she;% resiste% him. An% she ha%. =e;% (elt the tug o( war' brie( though it ha% been. /he ha% more spirit than he;% gi&en her cre%it (or. =e wasn;t particularly happy to %isco&er that. 50

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e was still (urious that she ha% e&en consi%ere% gi&ing what was his to the man. =e was (ar more tempte% to go home' or stay where he was' to watch Claire an% ma$e certain his warning ha% ta$en root than he was to (ollow through with his original plans (or Bren%a. =e was almost certain' though' that she woul%n;t be able to brea$ the hol% he;% place% on her. !t was the ;almost; that bothere% him. =e was so angry he;% lost his appetite (or Bren%a' which ha%n;t been particularly acute to begin with' completely. Beyon% that' he wasn;t sure he coul% control that anger i( he allowe% himsel( to (ee% on Bren%a. Control o( any $in% was always tenuous at best once he ga&e his appetite (ree reign. he alternati&e %i%n;t appeal to him. Despite his (ury with her' he still wante% Claire with a %esperation that was pain(ul. !( he %i%n;t sla$e his hunger' he was not going to be able to resist going a(ter her tonight an% he coul%n;t a((or% to %o that. Pushing Bren%a into the passenger seat' he too$ her $eys an% climbe% beneath the wheel. D=eyC his is my carCD DAn% !;m %ri&ing'D he snarle%. /he sent him a wi%e eye% loo$ o( (ear. =e consi%ere% trying to allay her (ear an% %ismisse% it' wa&ing a han% to enthrall her instea%. =e was tire% o( listening to her (uc$ing chatter. =e ha% no (uc$ing clue where lo&er;s lane was' he realiBe% almost imme%iately but %eci%e% he %i%n;t particularly care. Anywhere woul% %o ... the sooner the better. =e pulle% into the (irst %ar$ene% alley he came to.

5,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D! thought we were going some place more pri&ate'D Bren%a muttere% %run$enly as he pulle% her into the bac$ seat an% began to strip her clothes o((. =e (lic$e% his (ingers' placing a cloa$ing spell aroun% the car. D!;&e got all the pri&acy ! nee%.D =er breasts were huge. hat please% him until he %isco&ere% they weren;t nearly as sensiti&e as Claire;s breasts. =e suc$le% an% tugge% at her thic$ nipples until he %isco&ere% she was barely arouse%. .urious' he bit her har% enough to %raw bloo%. /he whimpere%' shu%%ere%. DHesCD she groane%. D+ough. ! li$e it rough.D =e grinne% (erally. D! %o rough li$e you;&e ne&er e0perience%'D he murmure%. D!n (act' it;s my specialty.D wo hours later' ha&ing (uc$e% her in e&ery ori(ice that woul% accommo%ate his coc$' he wipe% the cum (rom his still semi6erect sha(t on her blouse' tosse% it o&er her slac$ (ace' an% climbe% out o( the car. =e stu%ie% her limp (orm speculati&ely (or a moment as he sho&e% his coc$ into his )eans an% Bippe% them' an% (inally merely place% a haBing on her min% to %im her memory rather than to erase it altogether. /he;% en)oye% it an% he;% en)oye% releasing his pent up rage on her. Otherwise' the e0perience ha% been less than satis(ying' but he;% ta$en the e%ge o(( his hunger an% that was all that was important' an% he might nee% to use her again. !t woul% ma$e things easier (or him the ne0t time i( she remembere% how much she;% en)oye% it without remembering he;% shi(te% into his beast (orm. 52

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he;% trie% to scream then' trie% to (lee' %espite the enthrallment. .ortunately' she was as goo% a (uc$ unconscious as she was consciousAwhich was to say me%iocre. =e shoul%;&e pic$e% a woman' he thought %erisi&ely as he stro%e %own the now nearly %eserte% streets towar% his lair. As ob&ious as it was that her protest o( ;ne&er ha&ing %one; anything li$e this be(ore was a lie' it was e<ually ob&ious that she wasn;t accustome% to anything but (umbling boys who har%ly $new where the hole was an% weren;t up to anything more challenging than stic$ing their %ic$ in her' stirring it aroun% a (ew times' an% then coming. =e hesitate% when he reache% Claire;s house. he win%ows were %ar$ an% her car was in her %ri&eway. :i&ing in to the impulse to chec$ on her' he stro%e up to her %oor' %ematerialiBe% an% then re(orme% on the other si%e without brea$ing stri%e. Claire;s (elines nearly (ell all o&er themsel&es trying to get out o( his way' but he ignore% them. Ob&iously' she was (on% o( the (uc$ing things. As tempte% as he was to s<uash them out pure annoyance (or their hissing an% growling' he <uelle% the temptation. /he was asleep in her be%Aalone. Gnaccountably relie&e%' he stoo% o&er her be% (or a (ew moments' listening to the soun% o( her breath an% her heartbeat. O%%ly soothe% by it' he turne% away (inally an% le(t her to rest. omorrow' he promise% himsel(. =e;% allow her to reco&er until tomorrow. hen she woul% be a little stronger an% he coul% ta$e more. !( he was &ery care(ul o( her' he coul% (ee% o(( her passion almost in%e(initely. 52

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

At least until his master comman%e% him to (inish it. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

58

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter /e&en Claire lay staring up at her ceiling (or a long time a(ter she wo$e' trying to get up enough enthusiasm to get up. he cloc$ besi%e her be% showe% that it was past nine alrea%y' the secon% %ay in a row she;% slept late' an% (or the secon% %ay' she %i%n;t e&en (eel li$e getting up. !t wasn;t the same wea$ness an% %isorientation she;% (elt the %ay be(ore' though. /he coul%n;t blame it on anything but %epression. /ighing' she threw the co&ers o(( an% got up to shower. /he;% $nown the impulse to go out the night be(ore ha% been a ba% one. !t wasn;t that she was so goo% she ne&er ha% impure thoughts. /he ha% plenty o( them' but she %i%n;t ha&e the bac$bone to (ollow up on them' un(ortunately. /he might ha&e i( she ha%n;t run a(oul o( /ari$ an% the big tittie% twenty6something year ol% that wor$e% (or her' Bren%a :iles. hat ha% totally annihilate% the little bit o( con(i%ence she;% manage% to muster. O( all the rotten luc$C !t ha% been pri%e that ha% (orce% her through that %oor. /he woul%;&e (ar rather whirle% aroun% an% hea%e% home to hi%e' but /ari$ ha% glance% in her %irection an% she;% been a(rai% that he;% seen her (roBen outsi%e the %iner %oor. As ba%ly as she;% wante% to run' she coul%n;t bear the thought that he;% $now ... whatE hat she was intereste% enough in him that it ha% shattere% her ego to see him with another womanAa much younger womanE hat she was stupi% 5@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

enough to thin$ there was any possibility he returne% that interestE he truth was that right up until she;% seen him with Bren%a' she;% con&ince% hersel( that she was )ust plain hornyAnot particularly intereste% in /ari$. !t stoo% to reason when she ha%n;t been within sni((ing %istance o( a %ic$ in years. Beyon% that' /ari$ was a gorgeous hun$ o( manhoo%. =e coul%;&e brought out the slut in a stone' an% she certainly wasn;t a stone. hat ha% hurt' though' an% she was a(rai% it was more than her ego' which was as (ragile as glass anyway (rom being trample% in the %irt so o(ten. /he suppose% it woul%;&e bothere% her e&en i( it ha%n;t been someone so pain(ully young that she (elt li$e an ol% hag by comparison' but pretty' big boobe%' an% young to bootE !( he;% set out to crush her he coul%n;t ha&e %one a better )ob o( it. /he;% been sha$ing by the time she;% manage% to put one (oot in (ront o( the other an% wal$ insi%e' scare% to %eath she coul%n;t pull it o(( e&en though she;% manage% to ma$e hersel( go insi%e. /he coul%;&e $isse% Billy >entworth (or in&iting her to share his table. /he;% )ust been so %amne% grate(ul not to be le(t stan%ing in the mi%%le o( the %iner loo$ing li$e as big a (ool as she;% (eltAob&iously %resse% to interest in a man an% with her hair %own as i( she was a ... teenager instea% o( a woman on the (ast trac$ to mi%%le ageC :o%C !t ha% been so humiliating to (eel e&eryone staring at her' an% un(ortunately that ha%n;t )ust been o&erblown imagination. People ha% been staring' loo$ing at her as i( they %i%n;t recogniBe herAan% maybe they ha%n;t' at least not at 57

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

(irst' since she %i%n;t usually %ress that way' or wear her hair that way' or go into the %iner on /atur%ay nights. Billy ha% seeme% to loo$ at her with appro&al' though' an% that ha% helpe% her (eelings a lot. /he;% actually begun to en)oy his easy banter' e&en though she %i%n;t particularly care (or his bran% o( (lirtation' which was a combination o( bragging about his net worth an% ma$ing such e0aggerate% compliments that she woul%;&e ha% to be a complete moron to belie&e hal( o( it. An% then /ari$ ha% wal$e% right up to her table as bol% as brass an% thrown her completely o(( $ilter all o&er againC /he shoul%;&e been prepare% (or it. A(ter all they;% barely )ust met. !t was the polite thing to %o' to go out o( his way to spea$ to her when they were neighbors. /he ha%n;t been prepare%' though' to loo$ up an% see him stan%ing o&er her. /he coul%n;t remember what he;% sai%' or what she;% sai%. All she coul% remember was the way Bren%a ha% twine% aroun% him an% all but bal%ly announce% that they ha% ;plans; (or the e&ening. !t %i%n;t ta$e a hell o( a lot o( imagination to (igure out what the plans were. Bren%a ha% been embarrassingly ob&iousAas i( she was high on some aphro%isiac. /ari$;s pheromones' no %oubtC !t %i%n;t ma$e her (eel one bit better to %isco&er she wasn;t the only one that acte% li$e a cat in heat aroun% the man. /he was so busy berating hersel( she burne% pretty much e&erything she trie% to coo$ (or brea$(ast almost beyon% 55

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

e%ible. /he wasn;t &ery hungry anyway. A(ter pic$ing the burne% parts o(( her (oo%' she nibble% at the rest an% (inally got up an% cleane% the $itchen. /he;% planne% to spen% a goo% bit her wee$en% wor$ing on her (lowerbe%s. /he itche% to get out an% %o so' but she %i%n;t thin$ she coul% han%le it i( /ari$ %eci%e% to stop by (or a chat. Or worse' i( she happene% to be outsi%e in time to see Bren%a lea&ing his house. =e woul%;&e ha% to ha&e brought her home i( their e&ening ha% en%e% the way she suspecte% they;% planne%. Bren%a still li&e% with her parents an% (rom what Bren%a ha% tol% her they beha&e% as i( she was still (i(teen. hat was enough to s<uelch the urge to wor$ in her (lowerbe%s. Fo&ing into the li&ing room when she;% (inishe% in the $itchen' she settle% on the couch an% stare% at the boo$s she;% brought to rea%. +ealiBing she ha% no interest in them' she got up a(ter a (ew minutes an% went into her be%room to retrie&e the boo$ she;% hi%. /ettling on her couch with it' she care(ully opene% the co&er' stu%ying the paper. !t %i%n;t loo$ li$e any $in% o( paper she;% e&er seen. !t was sti(( an% almost as thic$ as the leather that ha% been use% to ma$e the bac$ing an% spine. Bless the Beasts' (or' with this boo$' they are yours to comman%' an% the %emons o( the un%erworl% will bring you untol% riches an% power. A shi&er s$ate% along her spine as she care(ully %eciphere% the pre(ace again' more than hal( e0pecting to %isco&er she;% misrea% it be(ore. !t ha% been penne% in in$ that was (a%ing 58

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

with age an% the (ormation o( the letters was %i((erent (rom mo%ern han%writing. he letter ;s; loo$e% li$e an ;(; where it was use%' the ;u; almost li$e a ;&; an% e&ery letter with a tail ha% an elaborate curlicue. he penmanship was actually pretty' but har% to rea% (or all that. /he thought /ari$ was probably right' that the boo$ must ha&e something to %o with spells' maybe something li$e a han%ma%e recipe boo$' e0cept (or the blac$ arts. Faybe it ha% a recipe (or a lo&e potion in it' she thought wrylyE urning to the (irst page' she starte% struggling through trying to %ecipher the han%writing' only to %isco&er that it got much worse. !t wasn;t )ust the han%writing that ma%e it har% to (ollow but the (lowery style o( writing itsel(. By the time she;% manage% to ma$e it through the (irst sentence' she ha% to go bac$ to the beginning o( the sentence an% rea% it again to try to ma$e sense o( it. /he ha% a blin%ing hea%ache by the time she;% struggle% through the (irst (ew pages. !t was about %emons alright' but it seeme% to be more o( a history lesson about %emons than anything. here was no mention o( con)uring' no spells. he author was )ust prosing on an% on about what the un%erworl% was li$e an% how the %eniBens o( it en%e% up there' con%emne% (ore&er to e0ist in a worl% o( %isgusting slime an% battle among themsel&es (or the (ew places o( relati&e com(ort the un%erworl% o((ere% an% the little they coul% (in% to assuage their ne&er en%ing hunger. 54

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/hu%%ering' she set the boo$ asi%e an% went to (in% something (or her hea%ache. !t was horrible. /he coul%n;t imagine the sort o( min% it too$ to thin$ up such things. !t ma%e her (eel ... unclean )ust to rea% it' an% beyon% that' sorry (or the %emons. !t was ri%iculous' o( course. Demons %i%n;t actually e0ist an% i( they ha%' they %i%n;t %eser&e pity because it was patently clear the author (igure% this was their %amnation (or the e&il they;% perpetuate% in their mortal li&es. !t still seeme% un(air. >asn;t %eath payment enoughE Particularly when' accor%ing the author again' they ha% su((ere% the horrible %eath their crimes ha% warrante%E Burne% at the sta$e' or torture% to %eathE /he %i%n;t consi%er hersel( a blee%ing heart' but she also %i%n;t belie&e a person shoul% su((er (or eternity without hope o( re%emption. here was no ... balance in that. >asn;t true )ustice suppose% to be a balanceE "&il (or e&ilE A li(e (or a li(eE en li(etimes o( torment (or ten li&es ta$en' maybeE Dismissing the ben% o( her thoughts when she;% ta$en a pain$iller' she returne% to the li&ing room' stare% a little %oubt(ully at the boo$ an% (inally settle% %own an% began to (lip through the pages' care(ully' stopping now an% then to %ecipher the writing. here were recipes' she %isco&ere%' almost %elighte% at the gruesome ingre%ients %escribe%. >ho in go%;s name' she won%ere%' woul% ma$e a trip %own to the cemetery at night to steal %irt (rom a (resh gra&e )ust to use it (or some silly spellE 80

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he snic$ere% as the image rose in her min% o( her creeping aroun% at night' on a (ull moon' o( course' searching (or bat %ung an% the li$e. !t was har% to imagine anyone ha% e&er been superstitious enough to belie&e such things ha% any $in% o( magical powerC Not that all o( the spells re<uire% such absur% ingre%ients. /ome o( them were )ust magic wor%s spo$en at a certain time an% in a certain way' which was almost as ri%iculous as the potions. /ha$ing her hea%' she close% the boo$ an% too$ it into her room to hi%e it again. /he %isco&ere% she;% been so wrappe% up in rea%ing the boo$ that it was mi% a(ternoon. hat probably e0plaine% the hea%ache' at least in part. /he ha%n;t each much brea$(ast. =unger on top o( eye strain was li$ely the culprit. /he smelle% /ari$;s grill when she got the $itchen an% coul%n;t resist peering between her curtains. /he saw he was installe% in the lounge again. No won%er he was so swarthy i( he ma%e a habit o( laying out in the sun li$e thatC Fo&ing away (rom the curtain when he turne% his hea% an% glance% at her house' she searche% the re(rigerator an% (inally settle% on a san%wich o( col% cuts. /ince /ari$ seeme% (irmly plante% in the bac$yar%' she went to change into ol% clothes she $ept to use when she gar%ene% an% went out (ront to wee% the (lowerbe% aroun% the (ront porch. he church crow% ha% alrea%y %eparte% the churches an% hit (or the restaurants the town boaste%' or home to their /un%ay %inners. he street was &irtually %eserte% with no one to loo$ at her %isappro&ingly (or not going to church. 8,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he wasn;t a ;belie&er; an% she %i%n;t want the appro&al o( her peers ba%ly enough to preten% that she was. Besi%es' she wasn;t a sinnerAshe %i%n;t get the chance to sin e&en i( she;% wante% toAan% lor% she %i% want to so ba%lyC :rinning to hersel( at the thought' she pic$e% up her trowel an% began %igging at a particularly stubborn wee%. DDi% you rea% the boo$ED 9etting out a yelp o( surprise at /ari$;s &oice %irectly behin% her when she ha%n;t e&en hear% his approach' Claire threw her trowel in the air' sen%ing %irt in e&ery %irection. rying to blin$ the %irt (rom her eyes' won%ering i( her (ace was as ca$e% with it as it (elt' she whirle% an% gape% up at him. =e crouche% besi%e her. 9i(ting a han%' he brushe% at the %irt on her chee$. .linching' she recoile%. =is lips tightene%' but he graspe% her chin an% hel% it (irmly' care(ully %usting the spec$s o( %irt (rom her (ace an% hair as she s<uinte% at him. DHou startle% me'D she sai% accusingly. DOb&iously'D he respon%e% %ryly. D! ha&e %irt in my eye. ! nee% to go wash it out.D =e helpe% her to her (eet' trailing behin% her as she mo&e% wa&eringly up the steps with one eye close% an% opene% the screen %oor. /he woul%;&e slamme% the %oor in his (ace e0cept he caught it with one han% as she swung it at him. /he trie% glaring at him' but it wasn;t easy with one eye alrea%y shut. D"0cuse me'D she sai% tightly. DCertainly'D he respon%e% agreeably. DAlthough it might be best i( ! help you since it;s ob&ious you can;t see &ery well.D 82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D! %i%n;t in&ite you in'D she sai% uncom(ortably. =is smile unner&e% her. DHes' you %i%.D .rowning at him' she %eci%e% not to argue the (act that that in&itation ha% been a one time only o((er an% turne% away' (eeling her way along the wall towar% her be%room an% the bath beyon% it. /he was $eenly aware o( the (act that he (ollowe% her without any compunction' leaning one shoul%er against the %oor(rame an% watching her as she splashe% water o&er her (ace. DHou ha&en;t been out to%ay. ! thought you must be rea%ing.D !gnoring him' Claire teste% her eye by batting her eyeli% a couple o( times an% (inally grabbe% a towel (rom the bar an% patte% her (ace %ry. !t was somewhat molli(ying to $now he;% notice% she ha%n;t been outAbut not much. D!;&e been busy'D she sai% (inally. D!;&e got to go bac$ to wor$ tomorrow. ! ha% to get my chores %one. ! ne&er (eel li$e cleaning a(ter wor$.D =e (ol%e% his arms o&er his chest' ob&iously %isplease% with her. D! woul%n;t thin$ it woul% ta$e much to clean up a(ter one person.D =er lips tightene% with annoyance. D!t %oesn;t. hat;s why ! only clean on wee$en%s.D DAn% wor$ in your gar%en ... e0cept you ma%e it a point to wor$ in the (ront rather than the bac$.D D! %i% notC ! ha&e a (lowerbe% in the (ront that nee%e% attention' tooCD D/o ... you weren;t a&oi%ing meED /he (elt color creep into her chee$s. D hat;s ... ri%iculousC >hy woul% ! a&oi% youED 82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D hat;s what !;% li$e to $now. !( it;s because o( 9in%a....D Claire (rowne% at him. DHou were with 9in%a' tooCD she e0claime% in outrage be(ore she coul% bite bac$ the remar$. =e (rowne%. D he one you saw me with.D DBren%a.D =e shrugge%. DBren%a' then.D Claire stu%ie% him curiously. DHou were with Bren%a' but not 9in%aED D hat is why you were a&oi%ing me' isn;t itED DDon;t be ri%iculousCD Claire snappe%' slinging the towel %own on the (loor an% stal$ing past him. /he trie%' at any rate. =e graspe% her arm as she mo&e% to pass him' swinging her aroun% to (ace him. D!;m not in the habit o( apologiBing' woman' particularly when !;&e no reason to'D he growle%. =e ha% a pointAa &ery goo% point. /he was beha&ing li$e a wronge% lo&er an% she;% only met him two %ays agoC >hat was wrong with herE D!;m sorry. Hou;re right. !t was none o( my business an% ! wasn;t a&oi%ing you. +eally' ! wasn;t.D =e tilte% his hea%' stu%ying her. DHou %on;t lie &ery well' Claire.D =er chin wobble% with hurt. D!;m sorry. !;m )ust ... not (eeling at all mysel(.D "arly onset menopause' she won%ere% miserablyE !t ma%e her (eel a little better when the thought prompte% the realiBation that she was nearing her time o( the month. ?aguely cheere% by the thought that her irrational beha&ior coul% be put %own to hormones' she manage% to 88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

<uell the urge to brea$ %own in tears. DCoul% we' maybe' )ust %o o&erED =e (rowne% at her in con(usion. D/tart o&er. =i neighbor' how are you to%ayED Amusement gleame% in his eyes. D?ery well' than$ you. An% how are youED D.ull o( piss an% &inegar' ! guess'D she retorte%' an% then clappe% a han% o&er her mouth at the cru%ity. D! %on;t $now where that came (rom. =onest to go%CD =e chuc$le%. .or a moment' it seeme% he might pull her closer. !nstea%' he release% her. D! thought !;% (ee% you. >oul% you li$e to go out to %innerED A mi0ture o( pleasure an% %oubt instantly assaile% her. he prospect o( a real %ate was almost irresistible. On the other han%' she;% sat with Billy >entworth the night be(ore. o be seen with two %i((erent men two nights running woul% ha&e all the tongues in town wagging. D! thought !;% ta$e you into the city.D A thrill o( absolute e0citement went through her. D+eallyED she as$e% breathlessly. =e grinne% at the e0citement in her eyes. D+eally.D D! shoul% %ress thenED D hat woul% be better' ! thin$' than not. Although' ! woul%n;t complain i( you %i%n;t.D /he $new he was teasing' but warmth (loo%e% her an% heat (ille% her chee$s again. D! meant %ress up.D D>ear whate&er you li$e. !;ll let you choose the restaurant.D D:i&e me an hourED 8@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e shrugge%. D!( ! can watch.D Claire blin$e% at him. DOhC Hou;re teasing.D DActually' ! wasn;t. /ince you %on;t seem com(ortable with the i%eaAyetA!;ll go away an% come bac$.D IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

87

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter "ight /ari$;s car scare% Claire' or more specially' his %ri&ing. =e %ro&e with a complete %isregar% (or li(e or limb' Bipping in an% out between slower mo&ing cars' an% well beyon% the spee% limit' until Claire was breathless with (right. he car was beauti(ul' a long' slee$' long slung sports car in ebony that loo$e% as i( it must ha&e cost more than her house an% e&erything in it ... an% possibly her retirement (un%' as well. /he;% a%mire% it with a certain amount o( trepi%ationA (oresha%owing' she realiBe% later' that the ri%e woul% be anything but pleasurable. D his is a &ery nice car.D =e (rowne% at the <ua&er in her &oice. DHou %on;t li$e itED DNoC NoC !t;s beauti(ul. !t;s )ust ... it loo$s really (ast.D D!t is.D =e pro&e% it' she was certain' by brea$ing the soun% barrier. he trip into the city' which woul% or%inarily ha&e ta$en at least two hours' was accomplishe% in about hal( that. Claire was so wobbly $nee% (rom (right by the time he par$e%' she wasn;t certain she coul%;&e gotten out without help. .ortunately' he opene% the %oor an% helpe% her out' slipping an arm possessi&ely along her waist an% gui%ing her to the %oor o( one o( the most e0pensi&e' an% e0clusi&e' restaurants the city boaste%. DDo you ha&e a reser&ation' /irED /ari$ stare% at the man' har%. 85

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he man <ua$e%' &isibly' then searche% his table layout. D+ight this way.D Claire smile% up at /ari$ as the maitre;% escorte% them to an intimate table in one %ar$ corner. D!;m impresse%.D =e loo$e% at her' amuse%' li(ting a han% to brush his $nuc$les lightly along one chee$ merely (or the pleasure o( touching her. DHou;re easily impresse% ... an% easily please%. ! li$e that.D =e realiBe% with surprise the moment he sai% it that it was true. /he ma%e no %eman%s to annoy him' %i%n;t prattle on an% on about things that were o( no interest to him' or re<uire him to entertain her beyon% what he was willing to %o. =e coul% not recall the last time he ha% ta$en pleasure only in the presence o( a mortal. Not that it %i%n;t ha&e its %rawbac$s' he thought wryly. here was a certain amount o( pleasure to be %eri&e% (rom the anticipation being aroun% her built insi%e o( him an% yet he %i%n;t particularly li$e ha&ing to wait. =e wasn;t accustome% to ha&ing to place restraint upon himsel(. he (oo% ser&e% to them was cunningly %isplaye%' which was pleasing in itsel( an% lea&ene% the (act that he coul% taste little. =e contente% himsel( with en)oying &icariously through her' (or it was ob&ious that she %i%' although she ate (ar too sparingly (or his peace o( min%. DHou shoul% eat more ... to $eep up your strength.D /he glance% up sharply' stare% at him (or a long moment' an% then chuc$le% hus$ilyA his (irst in%ication that she;% %iscerne% at once e0actly why he was concerne%. =e (oun% it a little %isconcerting. 88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e li$e% the (act that she %i%n;t (in% the implication the least bit %ispleasing. But then' he remin%e% himsel(' the (orm he;% ta$en ha% been care(ully chosen (or )ust that reasonAto arouse the (emale %esire. !t wasn;t him she %esire% but the (aLa%e he;% chosen (or her an% that wasn;t nearly as grati(ying. !n (act' he (oun% that he %isli$e% that (act in an in%e(inable wayAalmost as i( she (elt %esire (or another man. !t was absur%' o( course. >hether she li$e% it or not was completely immaterial beyon% the (act that the (orm ser&e% his purpose. =ow long' he muse%' ha% it been since a woman ha% loo$e% at him' his true sel(' an% wante%E Not since he ha% le(t his mortal (orm behin%' certainly' an% that ha% been so long ago his memories ha% long %imme%. =a% it mattere% to him thenE =e ha% ta$en it (or grante%' he realiBe%' consi%ere% it his %ue because he ha% been (a&ore% at birth with a (orm an% (ace that women %esire%. !t ha% brought him any woman o( e&en passing interest to him. !t ha% brought him the one woman he ha% lo&e% beyon% reason' beyon% li(e' beyon% hope o( re%emption or e0istence beyon% his mortal li(e. !t ha% brought him to the e0istence that was all he;% $nown (or eons now. 9o&eAhe;% (orgotten that emotion' (orgotten the woman who;% once inspire% it in him' because he;% chosen to (orget the loss that ha% %ri&en him insane with rage an% hate an% the nee% to %estroy when she;% been ta$en (rom him. !t came as something o( a surprise to %isco&er the memories still ha% 84

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

the power to hurt' e&en a(ter so long' e&en with the pain an% torture o( the e0istence he;% con%emne% himsel( to. Fayhap he ha%n;t been as %iscerning as he shoul% ha&e been when he ha% set out to punish e&eryone who lay in his path' the wic$e% with the innocent' he thought with wry humorE Apparently the go%s too$ a %im &iew o( sorting them out. But then he ha% ne&er belie&e% much sorting woul% be necessary an% he ha% (oun% nothing since that time to con&ince him otherwise. "&eryone ha% the capacity (or e&il within them. !t was only a matter o( balance as to whether the goo% outweighe% the e&il. Or perhaps their own %iscernment in whether to yiel% to the impulse towar% e&il or notE =e <uashe% the thoughts along with the memories' annoye% an% impatient that he;% allowe% them to sur(ace at all' %isguste% with himsel( that he;% allowe%' e&en brie(ly' a correlation between the lust he (elt now an% the lo&e he;% (elt then. Claire please% him' but what she ma%e him (eel was a pale sha%ow o( what he;% (elt then. Because he was no longer mortalE =e shoo$ that thought o((. =e hate% his e0istence' but he %i% not miss li(e. !n it;s own way' it was as hellish as the e0istence he ha% now. At least he coul% (eel &ery little. At least he wasn;t trouble% by conscience' gree%' lo&e ... lust was simple an% easy enough to appease. Fuch o( the time' anyway. 40

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he hunger was always there' gnawing at himAworse now with Claire' but he was certain that was because o( the restraint his master ha% re<uire%. =e woul% ha&e enough o( her be(ore he was %one an% mo&e on. DHou seem ... trouble% by your thoughts'D Claire commente% tentati&ely. =e glance% at her sharply. D!;m ne&er trouble% by my thoughts'D he replie% coolly. +ising when he saw that she was (inishe% an% tossing a couple o( hun%re%s %own on the table' he settle% a han% in the small o( her bac$ an% gui%e% her (rom the restaurant' (eeling his anticipation growing by leaps an% boun%s. =e;% (e% her to see to her strength' allowe% her to rest a (ull %ay. Now he coul% (ee% without concern that he might ta$e more than she coul% a((or% to lose an% maintain her li(e (orce. D! can tell you lo&e this car'D Claire sai% teasingly as the &alet par$e% the car at the curb. DHou loo$ at it as i( it;s a beauti(ul woman.D =e sent her a startle% glance since his thoughts ha%n;t been on the (uc$ing car at all. D! li$e it well enough'D he respon%e% coolly as he opene% the %oor an% helpe% her into her seat. D hat;s why ! relie&e% the pre&ious owner o( it.D /he was still gaping at him with a mi0ture o( %oubt an% tentati&e amusement when he settle% in his own seat an% re&&e% the engine' as i( she wasn;t certain whether the comment was meant as a )o$e or not. DHou say the strangest things. >hy woul% you say you;% ta$en itED 4,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e shrugge%. D! always ta$e what ! want. !t;s the nature o( the beast.D 1111 he ri%e home was as hair raising as the ri%e to the city. /ari$' typically' seeme% %isincline% to tal$ an% Claire wasn;t willing to say anything that might %istract him. /he was grate(ul when they arri&e% home in one piece' sha$y' but (ull o( anticipation' as well ... an% a healthy %ose o( ner&es an% %oubt. =e;% ma%e enough suggesti&e comments an% gi&en her enough ;! coul% eat you ali&e; loo$s that she was torn between her (ears o( ina%e<uacy an% her own %esires. =er cats greete% them at the %oor with e&ery hair on en%' bowe% until they were bent nearly %ouble' an% hissing an% spitting as i( she;% come in with a bull masti(( instea% o( her %ate. /tunne%' Claire merely stare% at them as /ugar an% her $ittens bounce% ma%ly aroun% the hallway in blin% panic an% (inally %arte% away to hi%e. D>hat is with themED she muttere% to hersel(' realiBing that was the thir% time they;% gone into a (renBy when she;% wal$e% into the room. !t %awne% on her almost as soon as the thought soli%i(ie% that it wasn;t when she ha% wal$e% in on them' but when she;% come in with /ari$. /he glance% at him with a mi0ture o( amusement an% puBBlement. D! %on;t thin$ my cats li$e you &ery much.D =is eyes were narrowe% on the %oorway they;% %isappeare% through. At her comment' he met her gaBe with 42

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

a grin that ma%e her (aintly uneasy. DNo %oubt they sense the e&il in me.D Claire uttere% a sco((ing chuc$le' her gaBe wan%ering o&er his (ace. D! %on;t belie&e there;s any e&il in you.D =e shi(te% closer' li(ting a han% to spear his (ingers through her hair an% %ragging on it to tilt her (ace up (or his $iss. D>hich only goes to show that you;re a poorer )u%ge o( character than your cats'D he murmure%. =is mouth was har% an% %eman%ing' almost hurt(ul' as he settle% it o&er hers' an% yet %espite that his touch summone% a wa&e o( in%escribably %elicious heat (rom her core. Hiel%ing instantly' enthralle% as much by the (eel an% taste o( him as the way he comman%e% her senses' Claire swaye% against him' opening hersel( (ully to sa&or his heate% possession. DiBBiness swirle% through her' a %rugging lethargy unli$e anything she;% e&er e0perience%. Hes' you ha&e' a &oice insi%e her hea% contra%icte% be(ore it was silence% by encroaching %ar$ness. /ari$ ha% no nee% to bin% her. "&en i( she;% been incline% to struggle' an% she trie%' at least at (irst' he coul%;&e pre&ente% it with a snap o( his (ingers. =e (oun%' though' that posing her to (east upon her arouse% him more' an% he li$e% the (act that it ga&e him unrestricte% access to her most choice assets. Faybe he li$e% e&en more the sense o( power it ga&e him o&er her an% the (act that it emphasiBe% that he was ta$ing' because he pre(erre% that to her gi&ing. Dismissing the &ague pric$le o( %oubt that thought cause% him' /ari$ strippe% her limp (orm' positioning her arms 42

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

behin% her be(ore he manacle% her wrists so that her bac$ was slightly arche%' thrusting her breasts (orwar% in o((ering. =e caught her legs ne0t' pushing her thighs wi%e to open her se0 (or him be(ore he boun% them in place. =e pause% to stu%y her then' en)oying the wantonness o( her o((ering' sa&oring the hunger (or a (ew moments more o( anticipation be(ore he li(te% the &eil o( unconscious enough to allow awareness to (ilter into her min%. =e nee%e% the awareness to en)oy the (ullness o( satis(action' an% yet he was reluctant to allow her (ull consciousness. =is control slippe% when he allowe% his hunger (ull reign an% he ha% no %esire to (ee% on her terror i( he shoul% lose his hol% on his glamour spell where she coul% see the beast that (e% on her. A &ague sense o( (amiliarity (lic$ere% through Claire;s sluggish min% as she %ri(te% towar% awareness. /he coul%n;t <uite grasp it' but she struggle% to (or se&eral moments be(ore she ga&e up' %rawn by her circumstances to (ocus on another problem entirely. /he coul%n;t mo&e. /he wasn;t paralyBe%. =er s$in pric$le% with awareness o( the %ra(t o( cool air brushing her bare s$in an% she $new' %espite the inability to completely (ocus that she woul%n;t ha&e (elt anything all i( she;% been paralyBe%. /he was stuc$' then' somehow. /he ha% to (ocus on her arms to try to mo&e them' an% still (aile%' the same with her legs. /he (linche% in surprise rather than pain when han%s settle% on her breasts' s<ueeBing them almost tightly enough to hurtAnot <uite. A (lic$er o( an0iety went through her' anticipation o( pain that %i%n;t come. !nstea%' she (elt the 48

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

bloo% (ill her breasts as the han%s $nea%e% them' (elt her ner&e en%ings come to &ibrant li(e that %e(ie% the strange (loating sense almost o( complete unawareness. >as she %reaming thenE he thought ha% barely (orme% in her min% when it was banishe% with shoc$ing (orce. eeth clampe% on one almost pain(ully swollen nipple' bearing %own har% enough to ma$e her gasp with renewe% (ear o( pain an% pulling until she was panting with (ear. +eleasing it abruptly' he mo&e% to her other breast an% repeate% the process' switching bac$ an% (orth repeate%ly until she was %iBBy with the almost electric charges that )olte% through her with each touch. Foisture gathere% in her se0. he walls (iste% an% rela0e% in sync with his touch. Apparently satis(ie% that he;% arouse% the ner&e en%ings to pea$ sensation' he cease% to merely ra$e her nipples with the e%ge o( his teeth. Closing his mouth aroun% one achingly sensiti&e tip' he pulle% on it' the heate% suction o( his mouth har% enough her belly crampe% in response. he (e&erish intensity with which he pulle% an% suc$le% at her breast roc$ete% her upwar% to a plateau where she wa&ere%' struggling towar% the release promise% but unable to attain it. /he coul%n;t pre&ent a whimper o( protest when he mo&e% to her other breast instea% o( gi&ing her what she really nee%e%Apenetration to complete the cycle. "ach time he mo&e% (rom one breast to the other' she tense%' hope(ul' an% each time he %isappointe% her an% at the same time pushe% her higher until her s$in almost seeme% to burn with the nee%' until she was panting (or breath. 4@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e gnawe% a trail %ownwar% a(ter a time' when she;% reache% a point o( %espair' nipping almost pain(ully at her o&ersensiti&e s$in. /he clima0e% almost the moment his mouth close% o&er her clit an% he tugge% at it. he gentle <ua$ing was almost a %isappoint' but she relishe% the little relie( it ga&e her until he began again an% she %isco&ere% how little the relie( was. he (e&er climbe% (aster than be(ore' too$ her higher to pain(ul anticipation. Abruptly' he shi(te% his attentions (rom her breast to her se0' ra$ing his tongue along her cle(t. /he groane% when he stoppe% )ust shy o( her clit' withhol%ing the release she was cra&ing. !nstea%' he pushe% his tongue into the mouth o( her se0' %ri&ing %eeply' stro$ing the walls as he lappe% at her. /he clima0e%' har%er than be(ore' an% still he %ro&e into her' lapping at her' %rawing the spasms out until she thought she woul% pass out. !nstea%' she came again' har%er. =e began again be(ore she;% manage% to catch her breath' %rawing (orth nee% when she;% thought her passion spent. he memory that ha% tease% her be(ore sur(ace% (ull blown an% she nearly groane%' realiBing he woul%n;t be satis(ie% until he;% ma%e her come o&er an% o&er. /he shu%%ere%' struggle% to resist insi%e her min% since she coul%n;t resist any other way' an% %isco&ere% it was as useless as it ha% been be(ore. /he coul%n;t pre&ent hersel( (rom respon%ing. /he coul% only slow the process an% it seeme% by %oing so it only ma%e each clima0 all the har%er' last longer' until she was screaming hoarsely with the shoc$wa&es ripping her apart. 47

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Obli&ion ga&e her peace a(ter a while when her bo%y reache% a point o( sate% bliss where it simply shut %own. /he rouse% to (in% hersel( repositione% (or his pleasure not (ree (rom torment. /he recalle% it (rom be(ore with the (irst pull o( his mouth on her breasts. !nstea% o( groaning in %espair' though' she (oun% hersel( glorying in it' anticipating the (eel o( his coc$ stretching her almost beyon% her limits' thrille% with the prospect o( his (ierce possession as he pummele% her until she came. !nstea%' as i( he;% rea% her min% an% %eci%e% not to withhol% what she wante%' he co&ere% her clit with his mouth an% tease% it until she came' an% then began again. By the time he mo&e% to the mouth o( her se0 an% began to tongue (uc$ again' she was %esperate (or it' straining (or the more %eeply grati(ying release o( penetration. /he lost her grip on e&en haBy awareness when he;% brought her o(( twice more' groaning in misery when she came aroun% again an% (oun% that she;% been pose% in yet another positionAsomething new to torment her. On her $nees now' her han%s still boun% somehow behin% her' she ha% no clue he;% positione% her abo&e his coc$ until she (elt the bulbous nu%ge o( his coc$ against the mouth o( her se0 an% his han%s settle% on her waist' pulling her %own. /he gaspe%' unprepare%. >ith little lubrication to ease his way' her bo%y straine% to ta$e the thic$ness o( his sha(t. /he gaspe%' pante% (or breath as he bore %own on her relentlessly. =e bit %own on one nipple' (orcing her bo%y to e0u%e the lubrication he nee%e% to achie&e (ull penetration' pulling at 45

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

her with (e&erish enthusiasm. =er heart leapt into her throat in (right as he abruptly won the battle to claim her completely an% his coc$ sli% almost pain(ully %eep. =e ga&e her no time to a%)ust to the tightness. :rasping her hips' he began to %ri&e into her almost (renBie%ly' suc$ling her breasts as he %i% so with such gree%y enthusiasm that she came within moments. =e uttere% an almost inhuman growl o( pleasure as she shoo$ with the (orce o( her release' shu%%ering as his bo%y yiel%e% a scal%ing (ountain o( semen. .or a moment' he pause% an% then began again with as much (e&ere% nee% as be(ore. >hen ne0t awareness (iltere% into her e0hauste% min%' she (oun% hersel( (ace %own' lying sprea% eagle upon a so(t sur(ace' (elt the pressure o( his coc$ against her rectum. "&ery ner&e en%ing in her bo%y spar$e% an% siBBle% li$e shorte% electrical wires as he %ro&e into her with unceasing nee%' until he;% (orce% to come again' an% then again. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

48

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter Nine Claire groane% into the pillow beneath her (ace be(ore she was e&en (ully awa$e' e0cruciatingly aware o( the ache in e&ery muscle' )oint' an% ner&e en%ing. /he coul%n;t gather the strength to mo&e (or many minutes' coul%n;t (ocus on anything but trying to o&ercome the pain an% gather enough strength to roll o&er. /he glance% automatically towar% her cloc$ when she;% (inally manage% it' staring blurrily at the numbers an% trying to %eci%e what %ay it was. A )olt o( a%renaline went through when her min% (inally pro%uce% the answer she was see$ing. Fon%ayC An% it was alrea%y a(ter nineC DOh go%CD she groane% as she sho&e% hersel( upright. >ith the best will in the worl%' it was all she coul% %o to maneu&er hersel( to a sitting position on the e%ge o( her be%. /he sat with her hea% in her han%s (or se&eral minutes' trying to (igure out why she (elt hung o&er when she was certain she ha%n;t %ran$ anything at all. he answer elu%e% her' but a(ter a (ew minutes she manage% to (orce hersel( to stan% an% stagger towar% the bathroom to bathe. =er morning ritual %i% little to re&i&e her' but her an0iety about being late (or wor$ was enough to push her into getting rea%y. /he generally wal$e% to wor$ since it was a pleasant wal$' but she was not only running late alrea%y' she ha% some %oubts that she coul% manage the wal$. 44

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Frs. 9e%better' alrea%y ensconce% in her roc$ing chair' sent her a contemptuous glance as she (umble% to get the $eys in her car %oor. DForning' Frs. 9e%better'D Claire calle% tire%ly. D=mmphCD Frs. 9e%better snorte%. DHou;re running late.D D! $now'D Claire respon%e% glumly. D! thin$' maybe' ! ha&e a touch o( the (lu.D DFore li$ely a touch o( age catching up with you' Fs. Dupont. !t gets a little har%er to romp with a man all night an% still ha&e some get up an% go the ne0t morning as time goes by.D Claire stare% at the woman open mouthe% (or a moment an% (inally %eci%e% to ignore the comment. Climbing into her car' she %ro&e the two bloc$s to the library' climbe% out an% crept insi%e. .ortunately' Bren%a ha% alrea%y unloc$e% the %oors. he younger woman (lic$e% an assessing gaBe o&er her. DHou alright' Fs. DupontED he tone lac$e% sympathy %espite the <uestion. Claire straightene% with an e((ort' ignore% her screaming muscles an% trie% to mo&e more naturally. D.ine. ! )ust o&erslept.D 9ea&ing Bren%a to han%le the (ront %es$' she hea%e% (or her o((ice' loc$e% her %oor' an% collapse% in her chair. =er neighbor;s remar$ continue% to %rum in her min% an% she searche% her memory (or the source o( it. /ari$ ha% ta$en her to %ine in the city' she (inally remembere%. /he also remembere% the way he;% $isse% her at the %oor when he;% brought her home. Beyon% that' she coul%n;t remember anything. ,00

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t %isturbe% her that it was the secon% time such a thing ha% happene%. >hy was her memory so strangely blan$E >hy coul%n;t she e&en remember telling /ari$ goo% nightE Despite the ol% bitty;s remar$s' she coul%n;t belie&e he;% spent any part o( the night with her. /urely she woul% remember thatC =e must ha&e $isse% her an% then le(t' she %eci%e%. Faybe she;% )ust been mooning o&er him an% %isappointe% that it ha%n;t come to more an% that was why she %i%n;t remember going to be%E >hat accounte% (or the wea$ness an% soreness' thoughE he bruises she;% (oun% when she;% showere%E >as she sleep wal$ing' she won%ere% abruptly as phantom images (lic$ere% through her min%E /he coul%n;t remember e&er sleep wal$ing in her li(e' though' but then again' maybe it woul%n;t be something she woul% rememberE !t woul% e0plain the soreness an% the bruises' she suppose%. /he coul%;&e %one anything in her sleep i( she actually ha% sleep wal$e%. he prospect wasn;t particularly com(orting e&en i( it %i% e0plain the hellish way she (elt this morning. >hat coul% she ha&e been %oingE +earranging her (urnitureE +unning all o&er townAna$e%Abecause she;% awa$ene% li$e she ha% the (irst time' without a stitch o( clothes on. hat was a horri(ying thoughtC /he wishe% it ha% occurre% to her as a possibility when she;% wo$en up. /he coul%;&e chec$e% the soles o( her (eet (or %irt. ,0,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t too$ three cups o( co((ee to get enough ca((eine in her system to reach a point e&en approaching wor$able. !t seeme% to her that she (elt worse' i( possible' than she;% (elt the (irst time it ha% happene%. /he coul% %ismiss it as some strange illness' she %eci%e%. !( she was coming %own with something' she woul%;&e (elt stea%ily worse until she began to get well. /he woul%n;t (eel horrible one %ay' (ine the ne0t' an% then aw(ul again. he (act that' when it occurre% to her to try it' she manage% to wor$ much o( the soreness o(( by ben%ing an% stretching seeme% to support the night time acti&ity theory. >hen she (inally (elt li$e she coul% manage it without gi&ing away her con%ition' she (ell into her usual routine. !t wasn;t until late in the %ay' though' that she reco&ere% enough to be able to (in% en)oyment in remembering her %ate with /ari$. /he was %isappointe% that the %ate ha% en%e% at the %oor when she;% been hope(ul o( more' but she %eci%e% she appreciate% the (act that /ari$ wasn;t pushy. !t ha% been a &ery long time since she;% gone out with a man who beha&e% as gentlemanly as he %i%' opening %oors (or her' agreeable to going where e&er she li$e%' an% %oing what please% her' complimenting her in a way that seeme% completely sincere. !t ha% been years since she;% been to that particular restaurant. Asi%e (rom the (act that it was too (ar to %ri&e since she;% mo&e% to .ol$ston' she ha%n;t %ate% in yearsAnot that her e0' the last one' or e&en any o( the para%e be(ore him' woul%;&e consi%ere% ta$ing her there an% actually paying the tab themsel&es. =er aunt ha% ta$en her to celebrate her new )ob. ,02

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

O( course' she ha%n;t been happy at all to %isco&er what the new )ob was when Claire ha% announce% it. !n her opinion it wasn;t a ;real; )ob. /he;% thought she was completely content with the li(e she;% chosen' satis(ie% with the things within her reach. /he was. !t ha% still been nice to eat at such a (ine restaurant an% be %ri&en there in such an e0pensi&e car. !t was easier to appreciate such lu0uries when they were special' not an e&ery%ay occurrence. !t (lic$ere% through her min% to won%er )ust what /ari$ %i% (or a li&ing to be able to a((or% such things' but she %ismisse% it. /he was curious' but that was all it was. /he wasn;t going to let hersel( be %istracte% by the appearance o( wealth. =e might be. =e might not be' but it wasn;t going to ma$e any %i((erence to her. /he was going to en)oy the attention while she coul% an% not loo$ %own the roa%. /ooner or later' she was a(rai% the bubble woul% burst an% she;% %isco&er he was some sort o( con man' only intereste% in the possibility that she was going to inherit her aunt;s (ortune one %ay' but she wasn;t going to let hersel( be use%Ae&er again. owar% the close o( the %ay' Claire (inally manage% to emerge (rom her sel(6absorption su((iciently to %isco&er that Bren%a was beha&ing with barely &eile% hostility towar% her. !t surprise% her at (irst until it %awne% on her that /ari$ ha% ta$en Bren%a out /atur%ay night an% Bren%a must ha&e some suspicion o( where he ha% been the night be(ore. /he trie% not to (eel smug about it' trie% to tell hersel( that i( there was a competition going she was more li$ely to come ,02

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

out the loser than Bren%a an% it was only going to sting more i( she allowe% hersel( to get too con(i%ent' but with in%i((erent success. /he simply coul%n;t belie&e that /ari$ ha% been as intereste% in Bren%a as she;% thought' (eare%' or he woul%n;t ha&e as$e% her out the &ery ne0t night. /he;% almost con&ince% hersel( o( it until Bren%a' apparently unable to contain hersel( any longer' burst her bubble. D! ha% a (abulous time with /ari$ /atur%ay night'D she sai% almost casually as they wor$e% together sorting the returne% boo$s. Claire instantly (elt a wa&e o( col% wash o&er her. DOhED Bren%a giggle% li$e a teenager. D! bro$e cur(ew' though' an% my parents were (urious with me (or coming in almost at %ay brea$. he man;s got some mo&es. !;ll say that (or him. !;&e ne&er e0perience% anything li$e itCD Nausea washe% through Claire. !t too$ her a moment to realiBe it was )ealousy. /he;% been please% that he;% beha&e% li$e a gentleman an% not pushe% when he;% brought her homeC Because she was an i%iot an% it ha%n;t occurre% to her that he;% satis(ie% his nee%s the night be(oreC D hat;s ... nice'D she manage% to cho$e out. DOhC !t was better than nice. .abulous might not e&en be close enough.D !( the smile she manage% to (orm her lips into loo$e% as sic$ly as it (elt' no %oubt Bren%a was gloating insi%e. /he glance% at the cloc$. D!;m going to go ahea% an% start putting the boo$s up while you (inish up here.D ,08

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he %ay that starte% ba%ly en%e% worse. /he %isco&ere% she ha%n;t loc$e% her %oor when she;% le(t (or wor$. =er cats %i%n;t greet her with a %eman% (or (oo% as soon as she steppe% into the hallway. Dismay ma%e her stomach churn. rying to %ismiss it' she went into the $itchen an% put (oo% in the bowls an% then (ille% om;s bowl on the porch outsi%e. he cats %i%n;t come stampe%ing in to eat at the rattle. /he began calling /ugar' mo&ing (rom to room' but she $new the house was empty e&en be(ore she;% (inishe% her search. /he always loc$e% the %oors' mostly because /ugar was so %amne% goo% at opening them. he %oor ha%n;t been open' though' she remin%e% hersel(. /ugar %i%n;t close it behin% her. +egar%less' there was no getting aroun% the (act that the cats weren;t insi%e. 9ea&ing the house again' she stoo% on the porch' calling' an% (inally went %own the steps an% into the yar%. Frs. 9e%better was smiling smugly at her when she reache% the si%e yar%. D=i Frs. 9e%better. =a&e you seen my catsED Frs. 9e%better;s smile broa%ene%. D he catcher too$ them o(( this morning right a(ter you le(t. ! %i% gi&e you (air warning that ! was going to call animal control i( you %i%n;t $eep your cats out o( my garbage.D Claire stare% at the woman in %isbelie(. DHou calle% animal control to pic$ up my catsED D! )ust sai% so' %i%n;t !ED the ol% woman sai% testily. ,0@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

+age shot through Claire with the burn o( a thun%er clap. Clamping her lips together' she whirle% abruptly an% stal$e% towar% the house. =ea%ing straight (or her phone once insi%e' she grabbe% it an% the phone boo$ beneath it an% loo$e% up the number (or the shelter. he phone rang on the other en% at least twenty times be(ore it (inally %awne% on her that the animal shelter was close% (or the night. /he slamme% the phone %own' staring blan$ly at the wall while she trie% to wrap her min% aroun% the threat to her babies. /he ha% to get them out o( that horrible placeC he wil% thought o( brea$ing in to (ree them (lashe% through her min%. /he pushe% it away' trying to calm hersel(. hey;% be alright )ust (or one night. All she ha% to %o was get the papers showing they;% ha% all their shots an% pay the shelter an% she coul% bring them home again (irst thing in the morning. A $noc$ at her (ront %oor %istracte% her. /he was tempte% to ignore it' but %eci%e% she nee%e% something to %istract her be(ore hysteria o&erwhelme% her. !t was /ari$ at the %oor. !nstantly' Bren%a;s comments (lashe% through her min%. Gn%er the circumstances' he was the last person she wante% to see ... ne0t to the ol% bitch that ha% ha% her cats ta$en awayC D>hat;s wrongED DFy cats are goneCD she burst out' (eeling her (ace contort with grie(. =e (rowne%. D! hear% you calling them. =ow %i% they get outED

,07

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D! %on;t $nowC ! )ust $now that hate(ul woman ne0t %oor calle% animal control an% they came an% too$ themCD she waile%. =is lips tightene%' his (ace %ar$ening with a rage that might ha&e unner&e% her i( she;% been in any con%ition to really notice. D=ow %o you $now she ha% anything to %o with itED Claire co&ere% her (ace with her han%s' sobbing. D/he tol% meAgloate% about it' actually.D =is han% settle% on her shoul%er' s<ueeBing it lightly. !t was the only in&itation she nee%e%. Dropping her han%s (rom her (ace' Claire launche% hersel( at him' slipping her arms aroun% his waist to cling to him an% burrowing her (ace against his har% chest. =e sti((ene% but a(ter a moment loope% his arms aroun% her in return. /he clung to him until she;% crie% hersel( out an% (inally pulle% away' embarrasse% by her beha&ior once the worst o( the tempest ha% passe%. D! nee% tissue'D she muttere% through her stu((y nose an% le(t him at the %oor to wash her (ace an% blow her nose. =e was stan%ing at the win%ow o( the li&ing room when she returne%' staring at the house ne0t %oor' (ury ra%iating (rom him that e&en Claire notice%. =e seeme% to wrestle with it as turne% to loo$ at her an% master it. D>here were they ta$enED Claire;s chin wobble% threateningly again. D he animal shelterC hough why they call it that' ! certainly %on;t $nowC hey put them sleep i( they aren;t claime% within a couple o( %ays.D ,05

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e (rowne%' ob&iously puBBle%. D/leepED DMill them'D Claire clari(ie% bal%ly. D!;&e got to go get them (irst thing in the morning.D /he co&ere% her (ace' struggling with the urge to start crying again. D! ha&e this horrible (eeling they won;t wait (or me to come get them' that she tol% them something an% they won;t wait.D D!t;s )ust cats' Claire. Animals.D Claire %roppe% her han%s an% stare% at him in outrage. D hey;re not )ust anything' %amn youC ! lo&e them. hey;re all ! ha&eCD she sai% (uriously. urning away (rom him abruptly' she (le% to her be%room' slamme% an% loc$e% the %oor' an% (lung hersel( %own on her be%. /he shoul%;&e $nown he woul%n;t un%erstan%C >hy woul% heE he secon% roun% o( crying e0hauste% her so much she %oBe% o((. >hen she wo$e' she (elt li$e she;% been run o&er. he room was %ar$' %isorienting her. Gneasiness (lic$ere% through her' although she coul%n;t <uite grasp the source o( it. !t ease%' though' when she;% climbe% sti((ly o(( the be% an% ma%e her way to the bathroom. /tripping her clothes o((' she %roppe% them %ispirite%ly on the (loor an% climbe% into the shower. he hot water ease% some o( the pain(ul throbbing behin% her eyes' but she hea%e% to the me%icine cabinet as soon as emerge% an% grabbe% the bottle o( pain$illers. /he rarely too$ more than two' but the way she (elt she %i%n;t particularly care i( it $ille% her. /he too$ (our. he house silent. /he %i%n;t $now why that %i%n;t seem right until she;% pulle% her robe on an% le(t the be%room. /he remembere% then that she;% le(t /ari$ stan%ing in her li&ing ,08

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

room. Gnable to %re%ge up e&en an ounce more o( %e)ection o&er his %eparture' she went into the $itchen an% stare% at the contents o( the re(rigerator. .inally' %isco&ering she ha% no interest in anything' she pulle% out the chair at her table an% sat %own to stare at nothing an% wait (or %aylight. /he was going %own to the shelter' she %eci%e%' as soon as it was light' e&en i( she ha% to wait (or them to open the %oors. /he coul%n;t bear the thought o( waiting any longer than she ha% to because she coul%n;t %ismiss the (ear that Frs. 9e%better ha% somehow persua%e% the catcher to wai&e the grace perio%. !t might alrea%y be too late. 1111 he ol% woman was sitting up in be% with a boo$ when /ari$ entere% her room. /ensing his presence' she li(te% her hea% an% stare% at him' her eyes wi%ening in shoc$ be(ore she let out a scream more o( outrage than (ear. =e surge% towar% her' catching her aroun% the throat with one han% an% li(ting her o(( the be%. D>hat %i% you %o' bitchED he growle% menacingly. /he clawe% at his han%s' her mouth opening an% closing li$e a (ish out o( water. D9et go o( meC !;ll call the law on youCD :ritting his teeth' /ari$ shoo$ her. D>hat %i% you %o with Claire;s catsED .ear mi0e% with the anger still contorting her (eatures. D! ha% them haule% o((. ! warne% herCD =is eyes narrowe%. D hey went in her home an% too$ themED ,04

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D he cats were outsi%e. ! tol% her they;% been getting into my garbageCD D=ow %i% they manage to get outED /he ignore% the <uestion' struggling wea$ly to loosen his hol%. D9et go o( me' you bastar%C =ow %are you come in my houseC hey;ll put you un%er the )ail (or attac$ing an ol% la%yCD DHou;re trying my patience' ol% woman'D /ari$ growle%. D=ow %i% they get outE Hou let them out' %i%n;t youED =e saw her eyes shi(t. D hat cat let;s himsel( out any time he wants out.D DFaybe ... but not this time.D DHou %on;t scare meC /o what i( ! %i%E >hat are you going to %o about itE Beat me up' you cowar%ly son6o(6a6bitch' threatening an ol% la%yCD D! %oubt you were e&er a la%y'D he snarle%' releasing her abruptly. DDon;t %o it again. ! %on;t li$e it when my woman;s upset.D D hen you certainly won;t li$e it when she (in%s out about the cats tomorrow'D she sai% smugly as he reache% the %oor. DAn% ! %oubt you;ll li$e it when ! ha&e you loc$e% up (or brea$ing an% enteringCD /ari$ halte%' turning to loo$ at her again. D>hat about the catsED D! tol% the catcher they were strays an% to put them %own'D she retorte% with a satis(ie% smir$. !t too$ no more than that to unleash the rage he;% been struggling to hol% on to. D hat was a mista$e you;ll regret' ol% ,,0

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

woman'D he sai% in a rumbling growl as he (elt himsel( shi(t abruptly into his %emon (orm. /he stare% at him in horror' clutching at her heart' her (ace as pale as %eath as he stal$e% towar% her once more. Abruptly' she went limp' (alling bac$ against the hea%boar%' her s$ull slamming against it har%. /he %i%n;t so much as wince' howe&er. /ari$ stare% %own at her' listening to her heartbeat grow (ainter an% (ainter until it stoppe% altogether. DOops'D he muttere% in grim satis(action' turning on his heel an% stal$ing (rom the room. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,,,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter en D>hat are you %oing in hereED Claire;s hea% came up o(( the table instincti&ely at /ari$;s harsh %eman%. /he stare% at him blan$ly' unable to (ocus her eyes or her min% a(ter being %ragge% so abruptly (rom sleep. DHou slept in here'D he snarle%' %ropping a wriggling bun%le in the mi%%le o( her $itchen table. D:o%s %amn it' ClaireC Hou were suppose% to restCD oo bemuse% with lac$ o( sleep to thin$ o( a response' Claire;s gaBe (ollowe% the bag that loo$e% a goo% bit li$e a pillow case. he moment he release% it' hissing' growling cats shot out o( the opening in e&ery %irection. /he gape% at them in %isbelie( (or se&eral moments as the cats scramble% away an% %arte% o(( to hi%e. DHou got my catsCD D! got your go%s be%amne% catsCD he agree% sullenly. he %isbelie( &anishe% instantly. /urging up (rom her chair' Claire threw her arms aroun% him' hugging him tightly. DHou rescue% my catsCD /he pulle% away (rom him a(ter a moment' smiling up at him mistily. DHou won%er(ul manCD +eaching up to catch his (ace between her palms' she li(te% up on her tiptoes to $iss him on the mouth. A tremor ripple% through him. :rasping her wrists' he set her away (rom him. DDon;tCD he sai% harshly. Claire blin$e% at him in surprise. "mbarrassment an% hurt (loo%e% her' heating her chee$s' an% she loo$e% away. ,,2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

A sharp pain stabbe% into his chest as /ari$ saw the hurt in her eyes. Con(use% by it' angry that she;% so <uic$ly gone (rom happiness to sorrow' he clenche% his han%s at his si%es' battling the urge to pull her bac$ to him' an% (inally brushe% a han% o&er his (ace' glaring at it when he saw that he was still sha$ing. /he %i%n;t un%erstan% an% he coul%n;t e0plain. /he woul% be horri(ie% i( he %i%' &ery li$ely %isguste%' an% then she woul%n;t loo$ at him the way she ha% ... e&er again. !t was %i((icult enough to hol% himsel( in chec$ as it was' though' har% enough to be aroun% her at all an% not ha&e her. /he coul%n;t possibly un%erstan% the e((ort it too$ him to re(rain (rom ta$ing an% ta$ing until he;% %raine% her o( li(eA because o( what he was. An% he realiBe% he %i%n;t want her to $now. =e %i%n;t want to see the horror on her (ace when she loo$e% at him. DDon;t cry again'D he sai% gru((ly. /he shot him a startle% glance an% a&erte% her (ace. DNo. !;m (ine.D /he manage% a tremulous smile. DBetter than thatC !;m so relie&e%' so happy to ha&e them bac$. ! can;t tell you how much ! appreciate what you %i%.D /he (rowne% as she glance% outsi%e' realiBing it was barely %awn. D=ow %i% you get themED she as$e% curiously. D! wal$e% through the walls' place% a hol%ing spell upon them' an% then sho&e% them into the bag'D he muttere%' (eeling a per&erse sense o( pleasure in the telling' mostly because he $new she;% ne&er belie&e it. Claire stare% at him a moment an% (inally chuc$le%. DAlright' %on;t tell meC Can ! (i0 you some brea$(astE Or .. or anything to show my appreciationED ,,2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e shoo$ his hea%' then a thought seeme% to occur to him. D ry to get some rest. !t;s early yet. Hou %on;t ha&e to wor$ (or se&eral hours.D /he no%%e%' then loo$e% aroun% worrie%ly. D! nee% to (in% the cats an% shut them up ... in the bathroom' ! guess. ! %on;t want to ta$e a chance that they might get out again.D D!;ll help. ! thin$ you might ha&e a problem with om.D Claire blin$e% at him' please% that he;% o((ere%. At the same time' she;% alrea%y notice% her cats ob)ecte% strenuously to being aroun% him. .inally' she simply no%%e%' though' an% went o(( to try to (in% /ugar an% her $ittens. !t %i%n;t ta$e her long. /ugar an% all three o( her $ittens were hi%ing un%er her be%. Dropping to the (loor' she began trying to coa0 them out' certain that as s$ittish as they were at the moment they;% )ust run out the other si%e i( she trie% going a(ter them. /ugar stare% at her suspiciously (or se&eral minutes. No %oubt she coul% %etect /ari$;s scent on her' Claire thought wryly' an% that %i%n;t help matters. .inally' the cat got up an% si%le% a little closer Anot close enough to grabA)ust close enough to tease. /he came a little closer on the secon% pass an% Claire manage% to grab her an% %rag her out (rom un%er the be%. A(ter ma$ing se&eral aborti&e attempts to get loose again' she settle% an% allowe% Claire to pet her an% soothe her. he $ittens' as she;% hope%' mo&e% cautiously towar% her. /he smile% at them' tal$ing to them in a coa0ing &oice until they were struggling to climb in her lap' as well. D! nee% to pic$ out some names (or the babies'D she murmure% to ,,8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ugar. D! can;t )ust $eep calling them the $ittens. Come on' babies. Hou ha&e to go in the bathroom until ! can thin$ o( what to %o to $eep that hate(ul ol% woman ne0t %oor (rom ha&ing you carte% o((.D >hen she stoo%' she saw that /ari$ was stan%ing in her be%room %oorway' one shoul%er proppe% against the (rame' his arms (ol%e% o&er his chest. /he grinne% at him. DNo luc$ED =e coc$e% a %ar$ brow. D! shut him up in the other bathroom.D Claire gape% at him' but be(ore she coul% comment' /ugar ha% clawe% her way o&er her shoul%er an% scramble% un%er the be% again. D>ell shitCD Claire e0claime%' plun$ing her han%s on her hips. /ari$ steppe% insi%e' closing the %oor behin% him. D!;ll han%le it. Hou get rea%y to shut the bathroom %oor.D Claire stu%ie% him %oubt(ully' but the moment he got %own an% loo$e% un%er the be%' all (our cats shot out the other si%e' almost $noc$ing her %own in their race into the bathroom. /he slamme% the %oor close% an% mo&e% a chair in (ront o( it' )ust in case /ugar %eci%e% to open it later. /he coul%n;t help but laugh. D! ne&er thought o( %oing it that way. !s that how you got om in the bathroomE Hou really %i% manage to corral himED =e grinne% bac$ at her' his gaBe (lic$ering o&er her (ace an% then %own her length. =is smile ha% &anishe% by the time he met her gaBe again. =is strangely colore% eyes almost seeme% to glow as he stare% at her. =e loo$e% away. D:et some sleep.D ,,@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he no%%e%' but (ollowe% him to the %oor. D! owe you'D she sai% as he starte% %own the stairs. =e pause% at the (oot an% turne% to loo$ at her enigmatically an% (inally turne% away an% stro%e towar% his own house. Closing the %oor' Claire leane% against it a moment tire%ly an% (inally tru%ge% bac$ to her be%' certain she woul%n;t be able to sleep. /he %i%' wa$ing again at 4#00 AF. DDamn itCD she snappe% an% )umpe% out o( the be%' coming up short when she encountere% the chair in (ront o( the bathroom %oor. DOh hellCD :lancing at her be%room %oor to ma$e sure it was close%' she mo&e% the chair an% ease% the %oor open. he cats charge% the %oor the moment she crac$e% it. /he manage% to (en% them o(( with one (oot an% get insi%e to get rea%y (or wor$. /he was going to be in trouble. /he %i%n;t hol% out any hope at all that Bren%a woul%n;t go out o( her way to report the (act that she;% been late two %ays in a row. =er eyes' she saw when she mo&e% to the mirror to apply a little ma$eup' were not only bloo%shot' she ha% %ar$ circles beneath them. Co&ering it the best she coul%' she battle% the cats again an% le(t them in the bathroom as she hea%e% bac$ into her room to %ress. /ugar was wiggling the %oor$nob' trying to get the %oor open be(ore she;% e&en gotten her clothes on. hus remin%e% o( /ugar;s (a&orite little tric$' she par$e% the chair in (ront o( the %oor again' hurrie%ly %resse% an% rushe% out o( the house. ,,7

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he %ro&e again' not that she coul% see it sa&e% her much time' but she %i%n;t (eel up to running the two bloc$s to wor$. /he actually %i%n;t (eel li$e wal$ing the two bloc$s. /he $new she must loo$ li$e hell when a couple o( the library patrons as$e% her i( she was sic$. /he appreciate% their concern but it %i%n;t %o much (or her ego. /he was %ea% on her (eet by the time she close% up (or the e&ening. .or once' she %i%n;t e&en ha&e the strength or the will to put up the last o( the returne% boo$s. Promising hersel( she;% %o it (irst thing in the morning' she hea%e% home' collapsing tire%ly on the couch once she got there an% staring glumly at the (loor while she trie% to get up the energy to (in% something to eat. /he (elt hollow. /he;% rushe% o(( without brea$(ast' an% she ha%n;t ha% anything all %ay but a pac$ o( crac$ers (rom the &en%ing machine in the library. All she really wante% to %o' though' was sleep. /he manage% to con&ince hersel( a(ter a little while that she;% (eel better i( she ate something an% pushe% her shoes o((' pa%%ing bare(oot into the $itchen. Nothing appeale% to her' although she stare% at the cabinets (or a while an% then the re(rigerator' certainly nothing she woul% ha&e to coo$. .inally' she settle% on a san%wich. >hen she;% (i0e% it' she poure% hersel( a glass o( ice% tea an% wan%ere% bac$ into the li&ing room with it. /he ne&er ate anywhere but in the $itchen' but she (elt li$e she might (all out o( her chair i( she sat at the table. /he;% )ust settle% to eat when she hear% a $noc$ on the %oor. he probability that it was /ari$ was the only thing' she ,,5

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

was sure' that coul%;&e got her ass o(( the couch again. /he wan%ere% almost %run$enly to the %oor an% opene% it. Pleasure (loo%e% her when she saw it was /ari$. /he smile% at him. D! was )ust about to ha&e a san%wich. >oul% you li$e oneED =is %ar$ brows %escen%e% imme%iately in a (rown o( %ispleasure. DHou;re only eating a san%wichED /he grimace%. D! really %on;t ha&e the energy to coo$.D =is gaBe (lic$ere% o&er her (ace. D!;ll ta$e you out to eat.D !t was almost tempting' but only because /ari$ ha% o((ere%. /he shoo$ her hea%. D!;% lo&e toAreally. ! )ust %on;t (eel up to it tonight.D =e loo$e% torn between anger an%' o%%ly' alarm. !n&iting himsel( insi%e' he caught her arm an% le% her bac$ into the li&ing room' glaring %isappro&ingly at the san%wich' missing one bite' that was laying on a small plate on the table besi%e the couch. 9ea%ing her to the couch' he pushe% her gently into the seat. D!;ll coo$. Hou nee% your strength.D Claire loo$e% at him curiously' realiBing that was the secon% time he;% sai% that to herAthat she nee%e% to eat to $eep up her strength. !t was such an o%% thing to say. /he;% thought the (irst time that he ha% been o((ering a wil% roun% o( se0' but he not only ha%n;t' he ha%n;t %one any more than $iss her goo% night. !t wasn;t as i( she loo$e% as i( she was wasting awayC D! thought you sai% you coul%n;t coo$ED =e shrugge%. D hen !;ll go get something.D

,,8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D his is (ine' really. ! woul%n;t want you to go to all that trouble. !;m really har%ly hungry at all. ! guess ! %i%n;t get much sleep last night.D Or the night be(ore. =e stare% at her grimly an% then swore' long an% har%' earning himsel( a wi%e eye% loo$ o( %ismay. !t was a %amne% goo% thing the ol% bitch ne0t %oor ha% croa$e%' he thought &iciously. Otherwise he woul%;&e been tempte% to go bac$ an% cho$e her to %eath. D:o%s %amn itC "at the (uc$ing san%wich then.D Claire sent him a reproach(ul loo$. DHou %on;t ha&e to be so nasty about it. ! %on;t $now why you;re ma% anyway.D Because he;% go%s be%amne% e0pecte% to (ee% on herC amping his anger with an e((ort' he ploppe% %own on the couch besi%e her an% pulle% her onto his lap. Pic$ing up the san%wich' he hel% it un%er her nose imperiously until she too$ a bite' sen%ing him a resent(ul glare as she %i%. D! can (ee% mysel('D she sai% sti((ly. DBut !;m going to'D he groun% out' Dbecause ! $now go%s be%amne% well you;ll snea$ o(( to be% without eating a go%s %amne% thingCD D! (i0e% it' %i%n;t !ED she snappe%' slipping o(( his lap again an% snatching her san%wich (rom his han%. D!;m not a chil%C ! $new ! nee%e% to eat something be(ore ! went to be%CD D hen eat'D he sai% more mil%ly. /he glare% at him. D!( you;re going to sit there an% glare at me the whole time !;m ne&er going to cho$e it %ownCD =e loo$e% away' scrubbing his han% o&er his (ace' trying to thin$. !t wasn;t easy with her curle% up on the couch besi%e him. !mages $ept playing in his min% o( pushing her %own' ,,4

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

stripping her bare an%.... =e resolutely pushe% the images (rom his min%. Clearly' he wasn;t going to be able to paci(y his hunger (or Claire tonight. =e was (airly certain he coul%n;t en%ure another night' though' without it' not $nowing she was so close he coul% almost smell her %electable scent. =e woul% ha&e to (in% a substitute. 9in%aAor was it Bren%aEAinstantly came to min%' not the least because he was (eeling particularly &iolent an% she thri&e% on it. Gn(ortunately' e0cept (or that aspect' he %i%n;t especially want the %amne% girl. !t was the (ault o( that whining bastar% o( a master' he thought (uriously. he stupi% son6o(6a6bitch ha% comman%e% him to ta$e the (uc$ing house ne0t %oor. he bastar% ha% %one it to torment him' he realiBe% abruptly. =e must ha&e $nown it was going to be sheer agony trying to pace his hunger (or Claire once he;% taste% herC =e;% summone% him' a(ter all' an incubus' $nowing (ull well once the (e&er was upon him it was ne0t to impossible to contain itAan% then or%ere% him to hol% bac$' to ma$e sure it too$ wee$s so that no one woul% suspect it ha% been anything but an illness. As i( any6 (uc$ing6bo%y woul% thin$ (or one moment that it ha% been the wor$ o( an incubusC 9et alone that he ha% been summone% to $ill her. he bastar% was paranoi%Abesi%es being a sic$ (uc$C An% a (uc$ing wea$ling. An% he was going bac$ to the un%erworl%A&ery shortlyA because he coul% see Claire was too (ragile to withstan% much o( the li$es o( him' no matter how har% he trie% to be care(ul. ,20

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D hereC =appy nowED Claire snappe%' %usting her han%s when she;% stu((e% the last bite o( her san%wich into her. D!n(initely'D he retorte% %ryly. D:oo%C Now you can go homeCD =e stare% at her a long moment an% (inally smile% (aintly. DGn(ortunately (or you' !;m not yours to comman%' an% !;ll %o what ! (uc$ing well please. An% it %oesn;t please me at all to lea&e.D :rabbing her' he %ragge% her bac$ onto his lap an% hel% her there when she trie% to wiggle o((. DHou ha&e no i%ea' woman' )ust how &ery ba% an i%ea it is to wiggle that bottom o( yours on my lap at the moment'D he growle%. /he stille%' loo$ing at him %oubt(ullyAan% hope(ully. =e %ragge% in a paine% breath' struggling against his nee%s' an% (inally li(te% a han%' tracing his in%e0 (inger lightly across her (orehea%. D/leep' Claire.D =er eyeli%s close% imme%iately an% she slumpe% against him. =e stare% %own at her pale (ace (or a moment an% (inally uttere% a sigh (ille% with both impatience an% regret an% stoo% with her. Carrying her into her room' he settle% her in the mi%%le o( her be%' (ought a roun% with the temptation to un%ress her an% (inally le(t her as she was. omorrow' he promise% himsel( as he stro%e (rom her house an% stoo% at the street (or a moment' %ebating. he city woul% be better' he %eci%e%. =e ha% to appease his hunger or he was going to %o something he woul% come to regret. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ ,2,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter "le&en Despite the battle o&er the bathroom %oor with her cats' Claire manage% to get up an% o(( to wor$ at her usual time. .eeling more li$e her ol% sel( since she;% reste% well the night be(ore' she %eci%e% to wal$. A glance towar% Frs. 9e%better;s house tol% her the roc$ing chair was empty. >on%ering i( the hate(ul ol% thing was a&oi%ing a con(rontation by hi%ing insi%e until she;% passe%' Claire %ismisse% her' stri%ing bris$ly to impro&e her circulation since she (elt well enough to e0ercise (or a change. /he was nearly hal(way to the library when it %awne% on her that she ha%n;t seen Frs. 9e%better since the con(rontation o&er her cats. As much as she woul%;&e li$e% to thin$ the ol% woman was either regretting her actions an% hi%ing because she was ashame% o( hersel(' or )ust leery o( her temper' she %i%n;t belie&e that. Frs. 9e%better wasn;t easily intimi%ate% in the (irst place' certainly not by her. Beyon% that' she;% ha% almost a &en%etta against Claire since she;% mo&e% in' an% (ocuse% most recently on her cats. !t seeme% unli$ely' a(ter threatening to call the animal control people se&eral times that she woul% regret that she ha%. /he;% ha% plenty o( time to mull it o&er be(ore she;% %one it. Frs. 9e%better was always in her roc$er on the (ront porchA because she coul%n;t see well enough to stic$ her nose in e&erybo%y;s business (rom her parlor win%ow. Het' she ha%n;t seen the woman at all the %ay be(ore' not in the morning or in the a(ternoon when she;% come home. ,22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t nagge% at her %espite her %etermination to %ismiss the circumstance. wice' she pause%' consi%ering whether to go bac$ an% chec$ on the woman or $eep her nose out o( the woman;s business. /he;% been late (or wor$ twice that wee$ alrea%y' though' an% she soothe% her conscience with the re(lection that her neighbor ha% probably )ust gone somewhere to &isit (rien%s' or something o( that nature. /he coul%n;t %ismiss it entirely. Despite e&ery attempt to ignore the sense that something was wrong' it $ept coming bac$ throughout the %ay until she (inally ca&e% an% as$e% Bren%a i( she;% seen anything o( the woman. Bren%a shrugge% in%i((erently. here ha% been a notable chill between them since the prior wee$en% an% it wasn;t showing any signs o( letting up any time soon. DHour neighborE >hy woul% ! see your neighborED she as$e% testily. D! ha&en;t been on your street.D Claire;s lips tightene% with annoyance since she $new that (or a lie. /he;% seen Bren%a creep slowly past her house at least twice in the past wee$Aunless someone else in .ol$ston ha% the same ma$e' color' an% mo%el o( car. Asi%e (rom that' she;% bragge% about spen%ing the night with /ari$ the past wee$en%. DHou ha&en;t hear% anyone mention that she was going out o( townED she persiste%. Bren%a hitche% a shoul%er. DNo. !( you want to $eep up with the local gossip' you ha&e to be %own at the %iner (or brea$(ast an% ! ne&er go there (or brea$(ast.D DOh come o(( itCD Claire snappe% irritably. D"&erybo%y in this town gossips. !t might start at the %iner' but it certainly %oesn;t en% there.D ,22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Bren%a narrowe% her eyes at her. DNow that you mention it' ! %i% hear something about you an% your other neighbor. =e;s a little young (or you' %on;t you thin$ED /he was not going to %iscuss her relationship with /ari$ with Bren%aC Not e&en i( there ha% actually been a relationshipC D! %on;t $now what you hear%' but whate&er it was was probably a lie. An% this is getting way o(( sub)ect.D D! hear% he too$ you out o( town'D Bren%a sai%' her eyes narrowe% speculati&ely. D hat car o( his is pretty noticeable' so ! %on;t see how that part coul% be wrong' an% 3o%y Plum sai% it loo$e% li$e you in the seat besi%e him.D Claire (elt her (ace heat guiltily in spite o( all she coul% %o. DOhC >ell' we went into the city to a restaurant.D >hy was she telling Bren%aE !t was none o( her business one way or the other. .ury (lic$ere% in Bren%a;s eyes. D! guess he;s embarrasse% to be seen aroun% here with you'D she sai% spite(ully. Claire ha% to bite her tongue to $eep (rom in(orming Bren%a that he;% ta$en her to a (ine restaurantAsomething .ol$ston %i%n;t ha&e' but the sha(t ha% struc$ home' bree%ing a see% o( %oubt. =e;% o((ere% to ta$e her out to eat the night be(ore' she remin%e% hersel(. !( she;% agree%' though' woul% he ha&e suggeste% they %ri&e to the city againE !t was ri%iculousC !t wasn;t as i( she was that much ol%er than himC An%' although she $new she was no beauty' she thought she loo$e% as goo% as Bren%a' who was no %amne% beauty hersel(C 3ust because she ha% boobs as big as her hea% an% men ne&er actually loo$e% at her (ace it %i%n;t ,28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

(ollow that her (ace was what attracte% them' although she coul% see Bren%a was laboring un%er that %elusion. !t went against the grain to let her ha&e the last wor%' but the truth was Bren%a ha% caught her so completely o(( guar% she coul%n;t thin$ o( a %e(ense. A(ter staring at the younger woman (or se&eral moments' trying to )og a cle&er retort (rom her brain' she (inally simply turne% an% le(t. Bren%a snic$ere% nastily behin% her. :ritting her teeth' Claire ignore% the pro&ocation an% hea%e% into her o((ice. he %isagreement e((ecti&ely %istracte% her (rom her worry about Frs. 9e%better (or the rest o( the %ay' but it poppe% bac$ into her hea% as she starte% home. /he pause% in%ecisi&ely in (ront o( the ol% woman;s house when she %isco&ere% the roc$ing chair was still &acant. .inally' realiBing it was going to continue to bother her i( she %i%n;t chec$' she marche% up the wal$way an% onto the porch' rapping her $nuc$les on the screen %oor (rame be(ore she lost her ner&e. A(ter listening intently (or se&eral moments an% hearing nothing' she trie% again. =er $nuc$les were starting to hurt a(ter the thir% try. .rowning' she mo&e% to the nearest win%ow an% peere% in. !t was the parlor' but she %i%n;t see any sign o( the woman. Beginning to be seriously concerne%' she mo&e% to the other en% o( the porch an% peere% into that win%ow. >ithout surprise' she %isco&ere% it was a %ining roomAan% as empty as the parlor. Faybe she was in the bac$yar%E Fo&ing bac$ %own the steps' she roun%e% the house to the woo%en gate o( the pri&acy (ence that surroun%e% the ,2@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

bac$yar% an% stoo% on her tiptoes to peer o&er it. /he coul%n;t see a great %eal' but there was no sign o( the woman. /he wasn;t com(ortable about going to the bac$ %oor. 3ust as the bac$yar% was walle% (or pri&acy' the bac$ %oor was also consi%ere% pri&ate an% not (or snoopy neighbors. he woman was ol%' though. /he coul%;&e (allen an% bro$en something. =er el%erly aunt ha% bro$en her hip in a (all an% ha%n;t been able to mo&e. .ortunately' her aunt ha% a house$eeper an% mai%. Frs. 9e%better %i%n;t. As angry as she was about the way she;% beha&e%' she coul%n;t see ignoring the possibility that the woman was in nee% o( me%ical attention. Fore than hal( e0pecting to run a(oul o( the ol% woman an% get her hea% bitten o(( (or her trouble' she opene% the gate an% (ollowe% the wal$way to the bac$ %oor. he bac$ porch was screene% in' but the %oor wasn;t latche%. A(ter calling out to the woman a couple o( times' Claire pulle% the %oor open an% crosse% the porch to the $itchen %oor' $noc$ing as she ha% at the (ront %oor. >hen that %i%n;t recei&e a response' she wal$e% %own the porch to loo$ in the win%ows as she ha% at the (ront. he last win%ow loo$e% into a be%room. Frs. 9e%better was sitting up in the be%' but her hea% was tilte% at such an o%% angle that Claire $new instantly that she was %ea%. DOh go%CD she e0claime%' whirling an% racing across the porch. /he slamme% (ull (orce into /ari$ as she careene% out the bac$ gate. =e caught her arms to pre&ent her (rom bouncing bac$. ,27

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D/he;s %ea%CD she sai% sha$ily. =is gaBe (lic$ere% o&er her (ace speculati&ely. D!s sheED Claire no%%e% )er$ily. D!;m sure. ! coul% see herAan% she wasn;t mo&ing' an% !;% alrea%y beat on the (ront %oor an% the bac$ %oor. /he woul%;&e hear% me. Besi%es' she woul%n;t be in be% at this time o( %ayCD DHou;re upset.D Claire;s )aw sli% to hal( mast. DO( course !;m upsetC Di%n;t you hear meE /he;s %ea%CD =e shrugge%. D here;s nothing wrong with my hearing. ! )ust %on;t $now why it woul% upset you.D D>hy...E Because ... because ... because she;s %ea%CD D hen there;s no rush'D he sai% coolly' turning an% ushering her aroun% the (ence to her own yar%. D hat;s ... that;s a callous thing to sayCD she (inally manage% to get out when she;% reco&ere% (rom her shoc$. D>hyE 3ust because she;s %ea%E ! %i%n;t li$e her when she was ali&e. Nee% ! remin% you' she let your cats' that you lo&e' out o( the house an% then calle% the shelter to pic$ them up to put them to %eathED Claire (lic$e% a <uic$ loo$ at him as they mounte% the (ront steps an% nearly misse% a step. D/he %i%ED =e sent her a curious loo$. D>hat %i% you thin$ ha% happene%ED Claire consi%ere% that in (rowning silence. D! $new she;% calle% the animal shelter'D she sai% slowly. D/he tol% me that. ! thought /ugar ha% opene% the %oor' though. ! (elt so ba% when ! le(t' an% ! was running late' an% ! (orgot to loc$ the %oor.D ,25

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D>as the %oor open when you got homeED Claire shoo$ her hea%. DDoes /ugar close the %oor' tooED DNo. hat was the only part that %i%n;t ma$e sense.D /he thought it o&er. D!t coul%;&e been the win%' though.D DCoul% ha&e' but wasn;t. Hou rushe% out an% she saw you. /he saw the per(ect opportunity (or malicious mischie( an% she too$ it. Do you thin$ that;s the only time in her li(e she e&er %i% anything that maliciousE Or %oes it ma$e more sense to consi%er she was )ust a &icious bitchED Disco&ering /ari$ ha% escorte% her to her couch' Claire (loppe% %own on it hea&ily' her $nees still wea$ (rom the shoc$. D/he was )ust a lonely ol% woman' /ari$. ! $now she wasn;t niceAcertainly not to meAbut %on;t you thin$' maybe' that she was )ust ... cran$y because she %i%n;t (eel goo% an% miserable because she was lonesomeED /ari$ stu%ie% her speculati&ely. D>oul% you ha&e been as willing to (orgi&e her i( she;% $ille% /ugar an% her $ittensED he as$e% curiously. D! %on;t $now'D Claire sai% honestly a(ter a (ew moment;s thought' an% then smile% up at him. DBut she %i%n;t. Hou rescue% them (or me.D =e loo$e% away uncom(ortably' not the least because he wasn;t certain why he;% gone to the e((ort o( sa&ing them. !t certainly ha%n;t been (or the sa$e o( the cats themsel&es. hey annoye% the hell out o( him an%' sooner or later' Claire was going to tumble to the (act that their beha&ior whene&er he was aroun% was a strong in%ication that he wasn;t what he appeare% to be. ,28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t woul%;&e been (ar more con&enient (or him to ha&e ignore% Claire;s %istress an% allowe% the shelter to ta$e care o( the little problem. =e was surprise% that it ha% ta$en her so long to notice their reaction to him to begin with an% both amuse% an% mysti(ie% that' when she (inally ha%' she;% )ust %eci%e% they ;weren;t (on%; o( him. hey sense% what he was an% it terri(ie% themA)ust as it woul% Claire' an% shoul%' i( she e&er (igure% it out. =e;% been enrage% that the inci%ent ha% inter(ere% with his own plans' but that was only part o( it an% the other part was what bothere% him. =e ha%n;t realiBe% until he;% tol% the ol% bitch he woul%n;t allow anyone to %istress ;his; woman that that ha% been the main source o( his rageApossessi&eness towar% Claire' the sense that an attac$ on her was an attac$ on him. An% he strongly suspecte% that it was the reason he;% rescue% her cats. =e;% reasone% that his prime %irecti&e re<uire% that he protect Claire as much as possible (rom un%ue stress that ha% the potential to (urther wea$en her. =e $new it woul% wea$en her spirit an%' as (ragile as she was physically' a bro$en spirit woul% ma$e her (a%e all the (aster. !t %iscom(ite% him to realiBe his moti&es ha% become more complicate% an% con(using since he;% met her than he;% anticipate%. hey;% begun to inter(ere with both his original personal moti&es an% his prime %irecti&e. !t shoul%;&e been enough that they all boile% %own to the same thing' essentially' but it wasn;t. =e ha% begun to (eel a sense o( impen%ing %oom' ha% ,24

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

begun to suspect the time was approaching when his moti&es were going to come into %irect con(lict an% he was going to ha&e to ma$e a %ecision that might not be in his own best interests. /truggling to %ismiss the sense that he was hea%ing (or %isaster' he (ocuse% on her upturne% (ace once more' stu%ying the unhealthy pallor that lingere% e&en now that the worst o( her shoc$ ha% worn o((' the %ar$ sha%ows beneath her eyes that ha%n;t been there be(ore he;% come into her li(e. /he was (a%ing too (ast' %epri&ing him o( the time he;% promise% himsel( when he;% been summone% an% his %irecti&e outline% to him. Beyon% that' she ha% ignore% e&ery attempt' so (ar' that he;% ma%e to interest her in the go%s %amne% boo$ he;% wor$e% so har% to get into her han%s. /he shoul% ha&e been easier to manipulate' he thought angrily. /he was a gentle soul. .rom what he;% learne% o( her' she;% been manipulate% her entire li(e. !t occurre% to him (or the (irst time' though' that maybe those who;% controlle% her ha%n;t %one so in the way they;% thought they ha%. Faybe she ha%n;t been unaware that she was being use%E Faybe she;% only allowe% it because she lo&e% themE !( she lo&e% himAor at least the man she belie&e% him to beAwoul% she be as malleableE !t was something to consi%er' although he wasn;t certain how he might bring that about when he ha% so little time. =e woul% thin$ about it' he %eci%e%' later when he ha% time to consi%er itAwhen he;% (e% an% his min% was clearer an% not so (ogge% with nee%. DHou nee% sustenance to $eep ,20

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

up your strength'D he sai% absently. D:et %resse%. !;ll ta$e you out an% (ee% you. ! %on;t want you to %eci%e to ma$e %o with another go%s %amne% san%wich.D Claire gape% at him with a mi0ture o( outrage% %isbelie( an% amusement' won%ering how the man ha% gotten the i%ea that she was willing to let him or%er her aroun%. D!;m a grown womanC !;m per(ectly capable o( ta$ing care o( mysel(Awhich ! ha&e %one (or years.D =e narrowe% his eyes at her. D!( you were' you woul%n;t be (eeling so wea$ an% ill.D Not so soon' not when he $new go%s %amne% well he;% ta$en care not to ta$e too much (rom her. Not when he;% ha% to (uc$ing ma$e %o with substitutes twice now that ha% barely %one anything more than wet his appetite (or her. /he loo$e% uncom(ortable. D!;m not. !;&e )ust ha% a couple o( ba% nights lately an% %i%n;t rest well.D Discom(ite% that she;% pinpointe% his (ee%ings so accurately when he;% ta$en care to ma$e certain she ha% no memory o( it' he mo&e% away (rom her to stare out the win%ow. Fayhap he ha%n;t been <uite as care(ul as he;% con&ince% himsel( he ha% been' he thought uncom(ortably. !t was a possibility that ha% occurre% to himAwhich he;% trie% to %ismiss. But then she arouse% him to a (ee%ing (renBy with so little e((ort he $new he coul% easily ha&e lost all sense o( time when he was with her. =e woul% ha&e to be more care(ul' he tol% himsel(. Fayhap it woul% be better to nibble instea% o( %iningE Fore o(ten' but lessE !t was (or go%s %amn certain (asting in between wasn;t %oing a (uc$ing thing (or his sel(control. ,2,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D>as that ... a &ery strange way o( as$ing me out on a %ateED =e turne% away (rom the win%ow to sur&ey the amusement in her eyes. D>as it strangeED /he chuc$le%' sha$ing her hea%. D hen it was an in&itationED DHes.D !( she li$e% that better than a comman%. /he got up %ecisi&ely. D hen' than$ you. ! accept. ! ha&e to noti(y the authorities about poor Frs. 9e%better (irst' though' an% that might ta$e a while. !;m sure they;ll want to <uestion me.D =e %i%n;t see any reason why the ol% woman;s %eath shoul% inter(ere with his plansAshe wasn;t going to get more %ea%Abut he coul% see she was going to be stubborn about it. Bowing to the ine&itable' he le(t her. !t was )ust as well' he %eci%e%' when he returne% to his lair. !t ha% been a mista$e to grab her so early in the e&ening that (irst time. .or one thing' it ha% le(t him (ar too much time with her an% he;% been incautious' ta$en too much. Foreo&er' he;% seen how it ha% %isturbe% her that she coul%n;t remember anything a(ter he;% come in to her $itchen in the uneasy loo$s she;% gi&en him a(terwar%. =e;% %one better the secon% time' though not by %esign' un(ortunately. he trip to the city ha% insure% that he;% ta$en her later' though' an% then he ha% returne% her be(ore %awn to maintain the necessary %iscretionAit certainly woul%n;t %o to be seen returning her by the nosey inhabitants o( this little burg. ,22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

his woul% wor$ best. /he woul% no %oubt be tie% up (or a while with the local i%iots an% then he woul% see to it that she was (e% enough nourishment to re&italiBe her energy. hen' because it woul% be late in the e&ening when they returne%' he woul% only ha&e a (ew hours with her to (ee% an% coul% not ta$e more than he shoul%. An% i( he saw that that was still too much' then he woul% try a %i((erent strategy' nibbling instea% o( %ining' a morsel here an% there to $eep his hunger at bay so that he %i%n;t begin to (eel %esperate. !t was a goo% plan. =e was certain he coul% control himsel(' %espite the (act that circumstance ha% pre&ente% him (rom (ee%ing two %ays running. =e;% ta$en the precaution' a(ter all' o( going into the city to (in% a woman to ti%e him o&er. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,22

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter wel&e Gnsettle% (or no reason she coul% easily i%enti(y once /ari$ le(t' Claire pic$e% up the phone an% calle% the police' e0plaining the situation with Frs. 9e%better. >ith their promise to sen% a car aroun% right away' she hung up an% went out to wait (or their arri&al on the porch. Opting to sit on the e%ge o( the porch instea% o( in one o( the wic$er chairs she;% place% on the porch an% ne&er actually use%' Claire settle% with her (eet on the top step' proppe% her elbows on her $nees an% supporte% her chin with one han%' trying to (igure outAbeyon% the ob&iousAwhy she (elt uneasy. /he;% been trying to ignore %oubts circulating at the bac$ o( her min% about /ari$' she realiBe% (inally. =e;% %emolishe% her resol&e to a&oi% men in one (ell swoop' an% she suppose% that was reason enough to (eel threatene% somehow. =er past e0periences ha% taught her some har% lessons. !( it ha% only been one man' she might ha&e more easily %ismisse% her reluctance' but the (act was she;% blithely (allen into one relationship a(ter another' hoping each time that it woul% be better' that she woul%n;t ha&e cause to regret it. An% e&ery time she ha%' until it ha% (inally been beaten into her' almost literally' that it was a hopeless cause. "ither she attracte% the wrong $in% o( man' or she was %rawn to the wrong $in%' because she coul%n;t seem to (in% the ;right; $in%Ai( they e&en e0iste%Aan% she wasn;t con&ince%' anymore' that they %i%. ,28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he;% %ismisse% the (eeble attempts o( her instincts (or sel(6preser&ation with barely a <ualm' though' when she;% met /ari$' so enthralle% with his physical attraction she;% blin%e% hersel( to any (laws he might ina%&ertently %isplay. =e ha% them' though' in spa%es. =e was col%. /he;% ma%e e&ery e0cuse (or him that she coul% in&ent' but she coul%n;t %ismiss his completely callous beha&ior about Frs. 9e%better. /he ha%n;t particularly li$e% the woman hersel(Ain all honesty she ha%n;t seen the woman ha% any re%eeming <ualities. /he;% been (urious with her o&er her cats' too. Ne&ertheless' she accepte% that it was inherently sa%%ening when a li(e passe%' e&en i( it %i%n;t happen to be a pleasant person. !t sa%%ene% her more that she %ie% alone' with no one to gi&e her com(ort. /he suppose% it was something one always %i% alone' but it still bothere% her. !t also bothere% her to realiBe that she;% ignore% the sense that something was wrong. !t might not ha&e ma%e any %i((erence' but it %istresse% her to thin$ it might ha&e' that she might ha&e been able to help i( she ha%n;t )ust ignore% it. !t occurre% to her that her %istress wasn;t )ust /ari$;s callousness about their neighbor. !t pointe% to a complete lac$ o( empathy. !( he coul%n;t (eel empathy' coul% he (eel anything elseE Di%n;t that suggest that he coul%n;t careE Coul%n;t (eel lo&eE An% i( he wasn;t capable o( (eeling any o( the gentler emotions' any empathy' was he col% bloo%e% enough to $illE A shi&er s$ate% %own her spine because she $new' abruptly' that he coul%' without any compunction' without ,2@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

remorse' pity' guilt. he only thing that might stop him woul% be the possibility o( getting caught' (acing retribution' not a sense o( right or wrong' but sel(6preser&ation. >as there any possibility that she was wrong' she won%ere%E >as she erring' now' on the other si%eE !nstea% o( imagining he ha% goo% <ualities that %i%n;t e0ist' as she ha% in her pre&ious e0periences' was she now imagining he ha% ba% <ualities that weren;t thereE =e;% seeme% concerne% about her. /he;% ta$en it at (ace &alueAbecause she;% wante% to belie&e the best about him because she was so %rawn to himAbut was it )ust lip ser&iceE Di% he actually (eel anythingE Or was he' li$e her (ormer boy(rien%s' an% her e06husban%' preten%ing he (elt something he %i%n;tE /he coul%n;t sha$e the (eeling that he was a sociopath' one o( those rare in%i&i%uals that seeme% to ha&e been born without the capacity (or normal emotions. =e seeme% e0tremely success(ul' an% that certainly pointe% in that %irection. /o o(ten' they were. hey coul% %o whate&er it too$ to become success(ul because they weren;t bothere% by the things that bothere% other people. heir conscience ne&er smote them because they belie&e% that whate&er was in their own best interest was ;right;. hey weighe% the ris$s an% possible penalties (or (ailure an% nothing else (igure% into the e<uation. !%iot that she was' she %isco&ere% that' e&en i( it was true' maybe especially i( it was true' it %i% nothing to help her (orm a resol&e to a&oi% him. !t ma%e her (eel sorry (or him. !n a &ery real sense' it ma%e him %e(ecti&e' (ar less per(ect than ,27

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he appeare%. !t was no more ;curable; than someone who;% been born blin% or %ea( or physically %e(ecti&e' but that only ma%e her (eel worse. !t certainly protecte% him (rom the emotional lows o( li(e' but it also %epri&e% him o( (eeling the heights. An%' maybe she was )ust wrong. here was something &ery strange about him' though' an% that certainly wasn;t something she was )ust imagining. =er cats went craBy e&ery time he wal$e% into the room. !t too$ hours to coa0 them out o( hi%ing a(ter he;% le(t. hey sense% something. /he coul%n;t (athom what' but it wasn;t something to be lightly %ismisse%' she was sure. here were other things. .or instance' his insistence that she nee%e% to $eep up her strength. /he woul%;&e put that %own to concern' or e&en preten%e% concern' e0cept (or the (act that he;% been %ownright angry about it' as i( it a((ecte% him somehow. An% what was with his strange way o( cursingE :o%sE PluralE An% she;% notice% he always sai% it. !t wasn;t a slip o( the tongue. :o%s %amn itC An%' now that she was actually %welling on it' she also recalle% he;% mentione% the boo$ she;% brought homeA se&eral times' as$e% i( she;% rea% it. >hy woul% he careE >hy woul% he be intereste%' at all' in something li$e that' let alone intereste% enough to pro% her into rea%ing itE Because that was what he;% been %oing' she realiBe%. here was nothing casual about his interest in it. =e wante% her to rea% it.

,25

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

>hat coul% possibly be in that boo$ that was importantE !t was nothing but a bunch o( nonsense about %emons an% spells. he arri&al o( the police an% an ambulance interrupte% her thoughts' but she was gla% (or the %istraction' e&en i( it was a morbi% one. +ising (rom her seat' she went %own the stairs to tal$ to the policeman an% e0plain to him that she;% become concerne% when she ha%n;t seen her neighbor se&eral %ays in a row an% ha% gone to chec$. =e no%%e%' too$ notes' an% then %ismisse% her. Drawn by the presence o( both an ambulance an% a police car' people up an% %own the street ha% wan%ere% out to watch the procee%ings. >ryly' she a%mitte% she was as guilty o( morbi% curiosity as any o( the rest' but the policeman ha% %ismisse% her an% she %i%n;t (eel right about stan%ing aroun% to gape while they remo&e% the woman;s bo%y (rom her house. /ari$ ha% in&ite% her out. /he wasn;t nearly as hea%y with e0citement as she ha% been the (irst time' partly because she was still unsettle% about her %isco&ery' an% partly because o( her earlier thoughts' but she %isco&ere% she coul%n;t completely tamp her enthusiasm (or his company. =e thrille% her. here was no getting aroun% it. "&en his arrogance appeale% to something insi%e o( her' in spite o( the (act that it o(ten irritate% her. Faybe she ha% a %eep6seate% nee% to be %ominate%E /he was sic$C Dismissing it' she went to ta$e a shower. he cats' heartily sic$ o( being con(ine% to the bathroom' ma%e another wil% bi% ,28

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

(or (ree%om. /he let them go. Frs. 9e%better wasn;t going to be ob)ecting to them anymore. >ith that thought' she went to the other bathroom an% release% om (rom his prison. Ob&iously' he;% ne&er been a house cat an% he was so wil% he was in a panic. /he ha% no i%ea how /ari$ ha% manage% to corral him so <uic$ly an% with such apparent ease' but it too$ her nearly thirty minutes to chase him out the bac$ %oor an% he;% $noc$e% o&er $ic$6$nac$s all o&er the house an% e&en a smaller table an% chair be(ore she manage% it. /ha$y (rom the battle' (eeling more breathless an% wea$ than she thought she shoul%;&e' she opene% the bathroom %oor wi%e to allow the room to air Ahe;% thoroughly mar$e% his territory an% she was going to ha&e to scrub the entire roomAan% poure% hersel( a glass o( ice% tea. he ca((eine' she thought' might gi&e her a little energy e&en i( it was )ust a ;high; an% not an actual cure (or the problem. he hot shower %i%n;t help. /he (elt more wea$ an% washe% out when she;% (inishe%. !t too$ an e((ort to select what she wante% to wear' but she was %etermine% to (in% something that woul% ma$e her (eel attracti&e an%' hope(ully' not ma$e /ari$ ashame% to be seen with her. >ith Bren%a;s comment still stinging' she sat %own on the bench in (ront o( her %ressing table' which she almost ne&er use%' an% e0amine% her re(lection critically. >ith the best will in the worl%' she coul%n;t thin$ she loo$e% her best. he %ar$ circles un%er her eyes be(ore %i%n;t seem <uite as pronounce%' but she loo$e% as pale an% washe% out as she (elt. ,24

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he %oubte% ma$e6up was going to help much. /he loo$e% hollow6eye%' she realiBe% in %ismay' her eyes more %eep set than usual. "&en her chee$s loo$e% more hollow' as i( she;% %roppe% weight. /he %i%n;t see how she coul%;&e. /he;% been eating. /he ha%n;t been trying to lose weight an% she;% certainly ne&er lost weight without a struggle. /he maintaine% her weight (airly well' because she wor$e% at it' but losing weight ha% ne&er been easy or thoughtless. !( she loo$e% this ba% in the sub%ue% light o( her be%room' she thought wryly' how ba% woul% it be i( she;% opte% to %o her ma$e6up in the brighter' less (orgi&ing' light in the bathroom li$e she usually %i%E /ighing' she set to wor$' using blush pow%er to ta$e the place o( the healthy glow she lac$e% an% concealer to try to hi%e some o( the sha%ows un%er her eyes. /he loo$e% (airly presentable when she;% (inishe%. /he %eci%e% not to chec$ the e((ect in her bathroom mirror. here was no sense in being %epresse% an% ris$ing the chance o( blowing what little con(i%ence she ha%. /he;% chosen ;se0y; un%er6thingsA)ust in case. !t ma%e her (eel a little better when she;% chec$e% the loo$ in the mirror' an% the %ress' which she;% ne&er worn but once be(ore. !t was a clingy blac$' not so ;%ressy; she;% (eel sel(6conscious or out o( place in the local %iner i( that was where he was ta$ing her' but still classy an% se0y. /he was brushing her hair' trying to %eci%e what to %o with it' when she glance% up with the sense that she was being watche%' an% %isco&ere% /ari$ was stan%ing in her be%room %oor' stu%ying her' his gol%en eyes tumultuous. !t ,80

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

ga&e her a start. /he coul%n;t %eci%e whether she was angry about his penchant (or )ust barging into her house whene&er he please% or unner&e% by the (act that she ne&er hear% him coming. =ow coul% he possibly mo&e so <uietly that she ne&er hear% him' she won%ere%E =e was a big man. =e mo&e% with unusual grace' but he was so muscular she $new he ha% to be hea&ier than he loo$e%. /houl%n;t the (loor boar%s crea$' at the &ery leastE D9ea&e it %own'D he sai% in a hus$y &oice that sent shi&ers o( %elight through her' banishing both her irritation an% the uneasiness at the same time li$e morning mist. /he stare% at him (or a long moment an% then turne% to stu%y her re(lection. Deci%ing she %i%n;t loo$ as absur% as she;% thought' she merely clippe% the si%es bac$ an% got up. =e watche% her intently as she too$ the thigh6high stoc$ings she;% chosen to wear an% smoothe% them up her legs. =is (ace was taut when she glance% at him again' an% she (elt warmth blossom in her belly at the blatant nee% in his e0pression. =e %i%n;t mo&e. =e remaine% stoc$ still in the %oorway' tense%' as i( struggling with the urge to pounce. /he loo$e% away to locate her heels' won%ering i( it was purely her imagination. =e seeme% capable enough o( controlling himsel( aroun% her' she thought wryly. D+ea%yED he as$e% when she;% slippe% her (eet into the heels. /he no%%e%' unable to (in% her &oice (or the breathlessness his loo$ ha% inspire%. ,8,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e steppe% away (rom the %oor as she approache%' but settle% one large han% at her waist as she mo&e% past him' gui%ing her towar% the %oor. =is car was par$e% at the curb. /he stare% at it with misgi&ing. D>ere you ta$ing me into the cityED =e shrugge%. D! coul%' i( that;s what you want.D /he smile% at him instea% o( in(orming him his %ri&ing terri(ie% her so ba%ly she %i%n;t thin$ she;% be able to eat once they got there i( she ha% to en%ure another hair6raising %ri&e. D!;m actually pretty hungry. !;% pre(er some place closer.D =e loo$e% please%. DAn appetite is a goo% sign. he %inerE he grillE Or the barbe<ue shac$ED D he %iner' ! thin$.D Barbe<ue soun%e% goo%' but she %i%n;t want to ha&e to eat with her (ace. /he;% ha&e barbe<ue sauce in her eyebrows. D!t;s close. >e coul% wal$'D she a%%e% tentati&ely. =e grinne% su%%enly' both amusement an% carnal hunger in the e0pression. D he goal is (ee% you to bree% you. ! %on;t want you wal$ing it o((.D =eat spirale% through her. /he chuc$le% at the re%nec$ e0pression' though she suppose% she shoul%;&e (oun% it insulting. DHou;&e got %esigns on bree%ing me' huhED =e sobere%' a (rown marring his brows as he stu%ie% her (ace. D hat;s not within my powers' beyon% the (act that....D /he wasn;t certain what he;% inten%e% to say be(ore he bro$e o((' but she (oun% the (irst part %ismaying enough. Not that she;% belie&e% (or a moment that he actually inten%e% to bree% her. /he was years past her prime bree%ing ,82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

anyway ... i( she coul% e&en get pregnant' an% she ha%n;t but once an% she;% miscarrie%. /he;% long since accepte% that there woul% be no chil% (or her. /he;% trie% to con&ince hersel( it %i%n;t matter. !t %i%' though. As har% as she;% wor$e% to try to con&ince hersel( she %i%n;t care' the lac$ le(t her (eeling hollow an% nothing else that she coul% thin$ to %o ma%e her (eel (ul(ille%. /he loo$e% away. D!t %oesn;t matter. "&en i( you coul% with anyone else' you coul%n;t with me. !;m thirty (i&e. !( it was e&er going to happen (or me' it woul%;&e. Not that it matters. ! %oubt !;% ma$e much o( a mother. An% !;m actually &ery set in my ways' use% to not ha&ing any responsibilities e0cept (or mysel(.D /he shut up when she realiBe% the more she chattere%' trying to con&ince him she %i%n;t e&en actually want a baby' the more ob&ious it was that it paine% her that she coul%n;t. /he loo$e% at him uncom(ortably when he settle% in the car besi%e her' wishing she;% )ust $ept her mouth shut. he warming sensual haBe he;% e&o$e% with the ;threat; o( what he ha% planne% (or the e&ening ha% chille% with her rattling on an% on in her e((ort to con&ince him she was per(ectly happy with the prospect o( )ust getting her brains (uc$e% out. D!;% be happy to settle (or a practice run'D she sai% tentati&ely. =e sent her a narrow eye% loo$ an% (ocuse% on starting the car an% pulling into the street an% she wishe% she;% tampe% that urge' too. !t %i%n;t soun% nearly as pro&ocati&e spo$en as it ha% seeme% in her hea%. /he shoul%;&e sai% something cru%e an% carnalAli$e ;(uc$ my brains out' big boy;. ,82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

O$' so maybe that was a little much. /he coul%n;t imagine actually saying such a thing besi%es which it soun%e% more silly than se0y. iming' she (inally %eci%e% wryly' was as important as %eli&ery. !t was li$e a )o$e that was only (unny when it was sai% )ust right. /he shoul%;&e sai% something to in%icate her interest an% willingness when he ha% instea% o( the stupi% remar$ she ha% ma%e. /he was ne&er going to get lai% ... again' she thought glumly when they;% settle% in the %iner. Pic$ing up her menu' she stare% at it unhappily. /he or%ere% the specialAsmother (rie% stea$ ser&e% on a be% o( white rice' with steame% &egetables as an o((ering to the (oo% go%s. he re% meat was boun% to put a little iron in her bloo%' though' so she woul%n;t (eel <uite so pea$e%. !( she %i%n;t e0pire (rom in%igestion' the calories ought to be enough to a%% bac$ whate&er she;% lost. /he ha% nothing to %o once the waitress was gone e0cept to try to thin$ o( some con&ersation to soothe her ner&es. DHou ne&er ha&e tol% me where you;re (rom.D DNo'D he respon%e%' turning to stare out the win%ow at the %ar$ene% street beyon% the restaurant. Disconcerte%' mil%ly irritate% that he;% ni0e% her e((ort towar% con&ersation' Claire sighe%' staring at the win%ow behin% him. he light re(lecte% the room behin% her an% its occupants' but she (ocuse% outwar% (or a (ew moments' searching (or something o( interest. /eeing there wasn;t anything' she switche% her (ocus to the re(lections in the glass. he usual supper crow% ha% alrea%y eaten an% cleare% ,88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

out. Only a han%(ul o( people populate% the booths behin% them. A tric$ o( the light' or maybe the glass' sent her a startling image as her gaBe mo&e% (rom the people behin% them to /ari$ again. /uc$ing in a sharp breath' she bac$trac$e% to stu%y the image again. /ari$ glance% at her sharply at the inta$e o( breath. D>hatED Claire met his gaBe. D! thought ! saw.... !t was nothing' though. ! guess a tric$ o( the eyes.D =is gaBe was assessing. /he smile% a little wea$ly. D! %on;t suppose you;&e got horns an% wings you;re hi%ing (rom meED she as$e% teasingly. =is eyes narrowe%. A slow' almost pre%atory smile curle% his lips. DHou thin$ !;m a %emonED he smile set her insi%es to )ittering but the comment %re%ge% up a ner&ous chuc$le. DO( course notCD /he thought it o&er. DDo all %emons ha&e wings an% horns' thenED =e lounge% more com(ortably in his seat' stu%ying her speculati&ely. DFost. /ome %on;t. !t %epen%s on the type o( %emon.D =e reache% across the table an% too$ her han% in his' stro$ing his thumb almost absently o&er the bac$. D!;&e hear% it sai% that only the pure o( heartAor the con%emne% who are )ust as e&ilAcan see the %eniBens o( the un%erworl%.D Disconcerte%' Claire merely stare% at him (or se&eral moments' re(lecting on the strange turn o( the con&ersationA but then he ha% a ten%ency to say some &ery o%% things. rying to ignore the e((ect his touch was ha&ing on her' she ,8@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

manage% a (aint smile. D/houl% ! be (lattere%' then' at the implication that !;m pure o( heartED she as$e% teasingly. DOr woul% be i( !;% actually seen something.D D>hat %o you thin$ you sawED /he (rowne%' trying to recapture the image' but she;% only caught a glimpse to start with. D! %on;t $now. !t was )ust ... a pattern o( light an% sha%ows' ! thin$' that ga&e me the impression o( wings an% horns. /ort o( li$e seeing shapes in the clou%s.D he arri&al o( their (oo% put an en% to the con&ersation brie(ly. DHou $now a lot about %emon loreED =e %i%n;t loo$ up. D/ome.D hat wasn;t &ery encouraging. D! won%er why the pure o( heart woul% be able to see them. ! thin$ ! coul% un%erstan% the con%emne%' especially i( they were e&il. !t ma$es sense in a way' because ! suppose they;% be )oining them shortly. ! %on;t un%erstan% why a goo% person woul%' though.D =e loo$e% up' stu%ying her enigmatically. DAs a warning o( their %angerAto gi&e them the chance to protect themsel&es (rom e&il.D DOh. Actually' that %oes ma$e sense. !t;s almost creepy.D =e uttere% a chuc$le' though it seeme% to lac$ real humor. DAlmostED /he shrugge%. D! %on;t belie&e in that sort o( thing.D DHou %on;t ha&e to.D .or some reason the way he sai% it was unner&ing. Not that she thought ignorance o( anything was protection. Ob&iously' not belie&ing' or $nowing' a serial $iller was on the loose in the neighborhoo% coul% get a person $ille%. Demons ,87

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

were e&il mythological beings' though. hey %i%n;t e0ist an% they %i%n;t ha&e the power to harm. !t was still rather %ampening. he entire con&ersation' as interesting as it was' seeme% to ha&e cast a gloomy pall o&er their %ate. !t certainly ha%n;t %one anything (or her libi%o' she thought wryly. /he was still %etermine% to pursue physical intimacy' though. Faybe she was a lot more unner&e% at the prospect' at the moment' than e0cite%' but there was no getting aroun% the (act that she was nee%y. /he %i%n;t wait (or him to ta$e the initiati&e when he wal$e% her to her %oor. Because she was a(rai% he woul%n;t. >hen they stoppe% at the %oor' she slippe% her arms aroun% his waist an% leane% close. DFa$e lo&e to me' /ari$'D she murmure%. =e sti((ene%' pulling away to loo$ %own at her (ace. /he ha% a (eeling' (rom his stony e0pression' that she;% sai% the wrong thing. !t %i%n;t ta$e long to (igure it out an% she (elt li$e $ic$ing hersel(. /he;% sai% ma$e lo&eAne0t to %iscussing a relationship' there wasn;t much that coul% %ampen a man;s enthusiasm <uic$er. /he smile% at him a little tremulously. DOr (uc$ing. ! mean' we coul% )ust ha&e wil% )ungle se0. !;m game.D IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,85

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter hirteen "mbarrasse% by the note o( %esperation in her &oice' Claire loosene% her hol% on his waist' preparing to mo&e away. =e caught her (ace between his palms be(ore she coul%' tugging her upwar% to meet the %escent o( his mouth. =is $iss was %eman%ing' ra&enous' hotAscorching a (iery trail all the way through her' turning her $nees to )elly' an% (rying her brain as i( she;% been struc$ by lightning. /he instantly lost all touch with any reality beyon% that heate% connection' (elt as i( she was (alling. /he was (alling. Brie(ly %isoriente% when she (elt her mattress beneath her bac$ an% /ari$;s soli% weight on top o( her' she struggle% to (igure out how they;% gotten (rom the (ront porch into her be%room but %isco&ere% it was too much e((ort to (igure it out. An% she was (ar more intereste% in the taste o( him that poure% through her senses li$e strong %rin$' burne% through her &eins to set her pulse racing' an% poole% with siBBling heat in her se0. angle% together as they were' it too$ a struggle to (ree her arms to grip him but perse&erance pai% o((. /he %ug her (ingers into his shoul%ers an% arms' halting the thrusting gli%e o( his tongue along hers brie(ly by suc$ing it. A tremor went through him as she %i%. =e groane%' brea$ing away to settle his mouth along the si%e o( her nec$' biting an% suc$ing at the ten%er s$in as he %ragge% at the nec$ o( her %ress. A her% o( goose6bumps ,88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

gallope% upwar%s into her hair an% %own along her si%e' ma$ing her s$in pric$le with e0treme sensation. =er nipples came erect' har%ening as the bloo% pulse% into the tips an% poole% there. Alrea%y struggling to pull enough air into her lungs' she gaspe% sharply as he succee%e% in %ragging her %ress an% bra (rom one shoul%er an% bit %own on the so(t' (leshy upper slope o( her breast har% enough to sting be(ore he suc$e% the hurt away. !t sent another rush o( pebbling s$in across her bo%y until she (elt e0cruciatingly sensiti&e all o&er. =e tugge% har%er on the %ress in his <uest to reach the nipple he ha%n;t <uite unearthe% an% the soun% o( yiel%ing seams reache% Claire;s ears. DFy %ressCD =e co&ere% her mouth' silencing her' ta$ing her %eeper into the swirling %ar$ness o( (e&ere% nee%. /he lay panting (or breath when he release% her lips again an% gnawe% a path o( open mouthe% $isses %own her throat an% o&er the slope o( one breast. A (iery )olt tra&ele% through her (rom her breast to her womb as he clampe% his mouth o&er her nipple an% suc$e% har% enough her toes curle%. Bemuse% brie(ly by the absence o( her clothes' the gree%y tug o( his mouth blaBe% it (rom her thoughts. Fin%lessly' she threa%e% her (ingers through his hair to hol% him to her' gasping his name' stro$ing his hea% an% shoul%ers' clutching at him as the (e&er rose to a pitch that ma%e her (eel as i( she burning. D! can;t wait' /ari$. Come insi%e me. ! want to (eel you'D she gaspe% wea$ly as (inesse% (irst one breast an% then the other an% then returne% (or a secon% taste o( the (irst. ,84

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e li(te% his hea% to stare at her' his eyes blaBing' glowing in the semi6%ar$ness o( her room. Claire met his gaBe through hal(6close% eyes' saw the reluctance in him to curtail his e0ploration o( her. =er belly clenche% in response' in nee% o( him. /he reache% (or him' cupping his (ace in her han%s an% li(ting her hea% to $iss him. =e yiel%e% to her urging an% too$ possession o( her mouth again' brie(ly' be(ore he returne% to sample her bo%y with open mouthe% $isses an% nearly pain(ul bites. !n (ell shy o( actual pain' though' only brought the bloo% to the sur(ace to ma$e her more sensiti&e' to ma$e her (eel more than she thought she coul% stan%. /he moane% in %espair as he ma%e his way %own her belly an% pushe% her thighs wi%e. D!;ll come'D she gaspe%' $nowing his intention as he nibble% a trail to her cle(t. DHou will'D he growle% low in his throat' catching her clit in his mouth an% suc$ling it with the same gree% as he;% $isse% her breasts. /he came' arching her bac$ as the (orce o( it roc$e% her' clutching at his shoul%ers' whimpering as he continue% until she hit her pea$ an% went beyon% it to screaming ecstasy. /he shi&ere%' groaning a complaint as he mo&e% o&er her e0cruciatingly sensiti&e (lesh again' his (e&er still high' his touch %e(t' %eman%ing a response. /luggishly at (irst' her bo%y answere% with a will o( its own an% the heat rose in her again. D/ari$ ... please'D she murmure% %esperately when he wo&e a trail to her clit again. /he wante% him insi%e o( her' nee%e% him. /he trie% to tell him that' but he pushe% her ,@0

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

o&er the e%ge again with the tease o( his mouth on her clit. he secon% clima0 was har%er. =er belly crampe% almost pain(ully at the emptiness longing to be (ille%' %ragging a paine% sob (rom her as the spasms wrac$e% her seemingly en%lessly. ears (ille% her eyes an% lea$e% (rom her eyeli%s to run %own her chee$s when he began again' arousing her treacherous bo%y %espite her e0haustion. D/ari$' pleaseCD she gaspe% plainti&ely. =e shi(te% to co&er her mouth' to $iss her into silence' his mouth har%' almost punishing. /he wrappe% her arms aroun% him' stro$ing his shoul%ers an% bac$ an% a(ter a moment he bro$e the $iss' li(ting his hea% to stare har% at her (or se&eral moments. Cursing' he rolle% o(( o( her' his breath ragge% as he lay besi%e her' staring up at the ceiling. /hi&ering with the heat still ra%iating (rom her s$in' %isconcerte% that he;% stoppe% an% mo&e% away so abruptly' Claire rolle% onto her si%e a(ter a moment. .aintly embarrasse%' she reache% towar% him tentati&ely' settling her han% lightly on his chest. D!;m sorry. !t was )ust ... too intense.D =e turne% his hea% to loo$ at her' the (aint light (iltering into the room glancing o(( his pupils strangely' ma$ing them almost seem to glow. /hi(ting closer when it %i%n;t seem he was angry with her' she s$ate% her han% up his hea&ing chest to stro$e his har% chee$. D! %i%n;t mean (or you to stop. Hou %i%n;t ... you ha&en;t come. ! woul%n;t lea&e you li$e that.D =e was tense beneath her han%' still' almost as i( he was hol%ing his breath to see what she woul% %o. /he mo&e% ,@,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

closer' nuBBling her (ace against his arm an% chest an% then turning to $iss his har% (lesh' nibbling at it teasingly. =e lay still until she;% woun% her way upwar% along his throat to his lips. /pearing his (ingers through her hair abruptly' he pulle% her more (ully against him an% opene% his mouth to ta$e hers. =unger ra%iate% (rom him' nee% hel% barely in chec$. /he presse% hersel( against him' mo&ing to stro$e his bo%y with her own. As su%%enly as he;% with%rawn (rom her' he caught her an% rolle% until she was beneath him once more. Desperation threa%e% his $isses' ra&ening nee%' an% yet his touch was gentle%' not as rough an% wil% as be(ore. !t built the heat insi%e o( her as rapi%ly' e&o$e% the (e&er. /he ga&e him $iss (or $iss' touch (or touch' an% he allowe% it as he ha%n;t be(ore. hat yiel%ing' (aint though it was' thrille% her in a way she ha%n;t (elt be(ore' an% yet she was %esperate (or his penetration within moments' urging him to enter her. =e slippe% his hips between her thighs an% aligne% their bo%ies' pressing into her. A wa&e o( %iBBiness washe% o&er her as she (elt his coc$ hea% stretching the mouth o( her se0' (elt the pressure as her bo%y ga&e way to his superior strength. =e (ille% her pain(ully' an% yet she glorie% in it' wrapping her legs aroun% his waist an% urging him to surge %eeper. =e shu%%ere%' losing his tenuous grip on his control when he;% plumbe% her %epths. Gttering an almost inhuman growl' he began to mo&e' to thrust into her more an% more rapi%ly until the pace he set sent her o&er the e%ge again. /he tense%' arching against him as the (irst wa&e o( con&ulsions ,@2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

hit her. ightening her arms aroun% him' she bit %own lightly on his shoul%er' s<ueeBing her eyes close% as her clima0 pummele% her in rapturous wa&es. =e groane%' )er$ing as his bo%y respon%e% by pumping his see% into her' an% then $ept going' %ri&ing into her until she came again. he thir% time she came' she hit her limit. As the wa&es passe% o&er her' they %ragge% her %own into a %ar$ &oi%. Awareness beyon% pursuit o( his nee%s came slowly to /ari$' borne into his min% (inally only by the %imming strength o( energy he pulle% (rom Claire. =e stoppe%' hea&ing (or breath' annoye% by the limitations o( his (orm. As the (e&er subsi%e%' howe&er' an% the ma%ness that came with it' an o%% sense o( ... wrong slithere% col%ly through him. =e pushe% himsel( upwar%s' staring %own at Claire;s limp (orm blan$ly (or se&eral moments be(ore the un(amiliar sense o( wrong was )oine% by something e<ually unpleasant an% alien to himA(ear. =e with%rew abruptly' rolling o(( o( her' using his senses to %el&e within her in search o( the li(e spar$. !t was there' %im' but still strong enough' he assure% himsel(' thrusting the un(amiliar an0iety away (rom him. Anger (lowe% in to (ill the &oi% it le(t within him' (ury with himsel(' with her. D:o%s %amn it' ClaireCD he snarle%' rolling o(( the be% an% pacing to the other si%e o( the room to stare at her. /he was e0hauste%' he tol% himsel(Aan% small won%er. /he;% stirre% the beast' tempte% him beyon% his ability to control it. !t ha% been better when he ha% boun% her' he thought angrily. hen it ha% only been because he ha% ,@2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

wante% to (eel that he was ta$ing what he wante%' that she wasn;t gi&ing' or he ha% belie&e% that. Now he $new that he ha% been a(rai% that she woul% gi&e an% that he woul% lose control i( she %i%. An% he ha%. :o%s %amn it to the un%erworl% an% bac$ againC =e mo&e% bac$ to her a(ter a moment' settling on the be% to stu%y her in ba((le% anger' (ighting the certainty that he;% gone too (ar' ta$en too much. D/leeping'D he muttere%. D/he;s only sleeping.D =e li(te% a han% to her (ace' ho&ering there a moment an% then %rew bac$. 9et her remember' he thought (uriously. Fayhap she;% thin$ twice be(ore tempting him again. ?ery li$ely. =e %i%n;t $now why he ha%n;t enthralle% her be(ore he;% ta$en her. =e shoul% ha&e. =e shoul% ha&e boun% her as be(ore so that she coul%n;t touch him' so that she coul%n;t %ri&e him into ma%ness with her caresses. >hy ha% she touche% himE >hy ha% she wante% toE =e $new the beast ha% been near the sur(ace. /he must ha&e seenC /ha$ing his hea% in an e((ort to push the thoughts away' he le(t her sleeping an% returne% to his lair. 1111 he (aint smile curling Claire;s lips as she wo$e &anishe% the moment she %isco&ere% she was in her be% alone. Disappointe%' she close% eyes again' see$ing sleep as images o( the night be(ore tease% her min% with a &ague sense o( worry. ,@8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e ha%n;t come' she thought abruptly' her eyes popping open at the thought. =a% heE =e;% still been pumping into her when she;% passe% out ... or %roppe% o(( to sleep. /he %i%n;t $now what ha% happene%. D/hitCD she muttere% an% then groane% in %ismay' rolling o&er an% burying her (ace in her pillow. he action was enough to bring out pain in muscles she;% ha%n;t e&en $nown she ha% an% she groane% (rom that' as well. /he;% thought he ha% come somewhere between the secon% or thir% time she ha% ... %uring penetration' she remin%e% hersel(. /he;% come twice be(ore that. /he ha%n;t e&en $nown she coul% come that many timesC >hich sai% a lot (or him' but not a hell o( a lot (or herC /he must ha&e been wrong. =e coul%n;t ha&e $ept going i( he;% come' surelyE /omewhere out there was a thoroughly pisse% o((' an% completely unsatis(ie% man' she thought unhappily. 9i(ting her hea%' she stare% at the cloc$. Almost as she %i%' the alarm soun%e% an% she hea&e% a tire% sigh. !t was a struggle to push hersel( upright an% when she;% manage% it' she merely wa&ere% (or a (ew moments an% (ell bac$ again' s<ueeBing her eyes close% as a wa&e o( nausea washe% o&er her. /he was so tire%C /he %i%n;t thin$ she coul% get up to sa&e her li(e. /he lay with her eyes close% (or a while' consi%ering calling into wor$ an% begging o(( (or the %ay. /he coul% tell Bren%a she was sic$Asomething not too %rastic' she %eci%e%. !t was ,@@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

.ri%ay. !t ha% to be something she coul% reco&er (rom in three %ays. /he;% alrea%y reache% (or the phone when it abruptly %awne% her that she;% gone out with /ari$ the night be(ore. /he;% been seen. !t wasn;t going to ta$e much (or the gossips to put two an% two together i( she lai% out o( wor$. hey;% $now why she wasn;t (eeling wellA because she;% been up most o( the night (uc$ingC Di% she really care i( they $new' thoughE Ba%ly enough to %rag hersel( out o( be% an% go to wor$E /he %i% i( it meant she was going to get (ire%. Calling in sic$ a(ter being late (or wor$ twice alrea%y %i%n;t seem li$e a &ery goo% i%ea. :roaning' she (orce% hersel( out o( the be% an% hea%e% into the bathroom' hoping a shower woul% re&i&e her' at least a little. !t %i%. A little. Brea$(ast an% co((ee also helpe% a little' but only a little. /he wasn;t going to ma$e it' she thought glumly when she;% reache% the porch steps an% turne% to stare %own the street. :athering hersel(' she mo&e% sti((ly %own the steps an% hea%e% to her car. /he wasn;t certain i( she (elt worse the closer she got to wor$' or i( it was only her imagination supporting her reluctance to go to wor$ at all' but she %i% her best to ignore it' hoping that' li$e the occasional hea%ache' it woul% go away i( she )ust put it (rom her min%. /he (elt hea&ier an% hea&ier as she wal$e% up the steps into the library an% by the time she pulle% the %oor open an% entere% she $new she wasn;t going to ma$e it go away )ust by wishing it. !gnoring Bren%a' ,@7

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

who calle% a greeting to her' she hea%e% (or her o((ice. he hea&iness became so pro(oun% be(ore she was hal(way across the library that she realiBe% she wasn;t going to ma$e it e&en be(ore the %ar$ness that ha% been slowly narrowing her &ision to a tunnel close% aroun% her. =alting when she coul% no longer see' she li(te% a han% to search blin%ly (or support. /he %i%n;t (in% anything' but she realiBe% as she (elt hersel( %ri(ting towar% the (loor that it probably woul%n;t ha&e mattere% i( she ha%. =er last thought as she (elt hersel( wilting towar% the (loor was that at least nobo%y coul% %oubt she really was sic$. 1111 he pain' (ear' anger' an% mental anguish that permeate% the hospital was as close as /ari$ ha% (elt to the un%erworl% since he;% been summone% (rom it. =is (lesh crawle% as he stoo% in the hallway' searching (or her with his senses. he simmering anger %eepene% an% the (ear clawing at the bac$ o( his min% gaine% groun% as it settle% in him that he coul%n;t %etect her. /he was here' he thought (uriously. >hy coul%n;t he (eel her li(e (orceE Because there wasn;t one a singsong &oice in the bac$ o( his min% taunte%. NoC he growle% bac$ at it. hat wasn;t possible. !t wasn;tC =e;% wea$ene% her. =e $new he ha%' but he;% seen her get up an% go o(( to wor$ as she %i% e&ery %ay. /he woul%n;t ha&e %one that i( she was too wea$ to sustain her li(e (orce' coul%n;t ha&e. ,@5

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e;% been relie&e% when he;% seen her go' regrette% the impulse to lea&e her memory in tact when he;% seen how cautiously she mo&e%' $nown it was the pain an% wea$ness he;% in(licte% on her that ha% cause% her to mo&e so sti((ly an% care(ully. !t ha% been eons since he;% (elt either' but he;% recogniBe% them ... only because he coul%n;t %ismiss the thoughts that ha% supporte% those emotions' or the ba((le% anger that wo&e through them that he;% (elt those things' an% more' when he shoul%n;t ha&e. =e was more (urious that she;% ma%e him (eel those things' especially when it was her (ault that he ha% reason to (eel them at all. /he;% torn his tenuous control away (rom him. /he %eser&e% to su((er the conse<uences' he tol% himsel(. =e coul%n;t ma$e himsel( belie&e it' but he ha% tol% himsel( that o&er an% o&er an% thought i( he continue% perhaps e&entually he woul% belie&e it. /ha$ing those thoughts o((' he searche% (or her again' (ocusing har%er to %etect her. Bren%a ha% sai% she was here. >hen she ha%n;t come home as he;% anticipate%' he;% gone in search o( her an% (oun% the library empty an% loc$e% up tight. Bren%a ha% been all too happy to gi&e him all the %etails when he;% (oun% herA that Claire ha% simply collapse% an% coul%n;t be rouse%' the call (or an ambulance. /he;% been (ar too glee(ul about it. /he was (ortunate he was too an0ious to get to Claire to (eel li$e wasting his time punishing her (or that' but her ,@8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

continue% goo% (ortune in that respect reste% entirely upon whether he (oun% Claire still clinging to her li(e (orce or not. !( she wasn;t' there woul% be mayhem' because the rage boiling insi%e o( him nee%e% an outlet an% she was going to be his (irst target. Detecting a (aint scent o( Claire;s li(e (orce at last' he %ismisse% his e0traneous thoughts an% (ollowe% it' pausing at last be(ore the %oor where she lay. +eluctance mo&e% through him to loo$ upon the results o( his han%iwor$. !gnoring it' he pushe% the %oor open an% went insi%e. he machines beeping an% whirring aroun% her ma%e his guts churn' ma%e his s$in crawl. =e halte% again' staring at her (or many moments be(ore he coul% bring himsel( to mo&e closer. =e was so absorbe% in watching the almost imperceptible rise an% (all o( her chest that he %i%n;t notice% the woman who pushe% through the %oor an% )oine% him until she mo&e% to one o( the machines he;% been staring at an% chec$e% it' scribbling something on the clipboar% she carrie%. =is eyes narrowe% on the woman as she went about chec$ing the machines with a cool %etachment that annoye% him. /he %i%n;t ac$nowle%ge his presence until she;% (inishe%. A loo$ o( sympathy scrunche% her (eatures as she %i%. DAre you (amilyED =is throat ha% close% as i( a han% ha% (iste% aroun% it. he sympathy' although not %eeply (elt' was real. he <uestion carrie% un%ertones that ma%e the (ear at the bac$ o( his min% slither (orwar% a little more. =e shoo$ his hea%. D=ow is sheED ,@4

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he as$e%' his &oice soun%ing strange to his ears as it emerge%. he sympathy on the woman;s (ace %eepene%. D/tableA(or now. >e;&e run tests' but we ha&en;t gotten the results yet. /he;s comatose' but there %oesn;t seem to be any outwar% in%ication o( why.D D>hen will she wa$e upED he woman stare% at him a long moment. D>e %on;t $now that she will. =er (amily;s been summone%. hat;s all ! can tell you. Hou;ll ha&e to see i( the %octor can answer your <uestions. >oul% you li$e (or me to tell him you;re here' Fr....ED IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,70

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter .ourteen /ari$ %ismisse% the nurse. !n truth' he %i%n;t e&en hear what she sai% a(ter she;% tol% him they %i%n;t $now i( Claire woul% wa$e up. =e (oun% himsel( stan%ing o&er her' staring %own at her (ace with no i%ea that he;% e&en mo&e%. =e was &aguely aware that the woman ha% le(t as he leane% %own to lay his palm along Claire;s col% chee$. he chill o( her (lesh sent an unpleasant )olt through him' an% then a churning wa&e o( emotions rushe% through him. .ury %ominate%' but he coul%n;t untangle the rest an% ha% no interest in trying at the moment. DClaireCD he sai%' his &oice still the strange croa$ it ha% been be(ore. DNot yet' go%s %amn itC Come bac$ to me. >a$e upCD =e stare% har% at her' %etecting a (aint upsurge within her' as i( she was struggling to respon% to his &oice. !t was enough to set his heart to hammering in his chest in hope(ulness. =e leane% closer' (raming her (ace between his palms. !nhaling %eeply' he %ischarge% a slow' stea%y stream o( his energy into her. =er s$in warme% beneath his palms' slowly' so slowly he wasn;t certain at (irst i( it was his own warmth or i( it came (rom within her. A (ew moments more' an% he saw mo&ement behin% her eyeli%s. /he shu%%ere%' )er$e% se&eral times. An alarm went o(( on one o( the machines. =e pulle% away (rom her as someone burst into the %oor to in&estigate. ,7,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t was the same woman. /he threw a suspicious glance in his %irection as she rushe% to the machine an% turne% o(( the alarm. Claire was )er$ing all o&er now. =er eyeli%s ha% (lown open an% her eyes were wi%e with panic. Another woman rushe% into the room' mo&ing to the other si%e o( the be%. D!t;s alright' Claire'D the (irst woman sai%. D!t;s )ust the breathing tube. /ettle %own. !;m going to pull it out.D D/he;s awa$e'D the other woman obser&e% unnecessarily. DAn% panic$e% about the tube. =ol% her still while ! get it out.D /he gagge% as they remo&e% it an% then began coughing. .eeling strangely wea$' /ari$ glance% aroun% an% (inally settle% hea&ily in the chair he (oun%' leaning (orwar% to co&er his (ace with han%s that shoo$. .rom wea$ness' he won%ere%E !t %i%n;t ma$e sense to him. =e;% gi&en her some o( his own energy' but not so much it shoul% ha&e le(t him wea$. DHou shoul% go. !;&e gi&en her something to calm her %own. /he;ll sleep now.D /ari$ %roppe% his han%s an% loo$e% up at the woman stan%ing o&er him blan$ly a moment be(ore rage surge% through him. DHou ga&e her something to ma$e her sleepED he growle% in in(uriate% %isbelie(. he woman too$ a step bac$. D/omething to calm her'D she correcte% sha$ily. D/he;ll probably sleepAshoul%. But she;s come out o( the coma.D ,72

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

A man %resse% as a %octor stro%e bris$ly into the room. D here;s been a change in her con%itionED he %eman%e% curtly. D>hy wasn;t ! in(orme%ED D! ha%n;t ha% the chance'D the nurse stammere%. D/he panic$e% when she wo$e up with the tube. /he was breathing on her own. ! remo&e% it as <uic$ly as ! coul%....D /ari$ rose. Pulling a cloa$ing spell aroun% himsel(' he mo&e% to the (ar si%e o( the room to watch' still puBBling o&er the strange wea$ness that ha% come o&er him. !t rece%e% a(ter a while' which was almost as con(using as the abrupt onset ha% been' but he (elt no great nee% to (ee% an% he $new he coul%n;t ha&e e0pen%e% much energy pulling her bac$ (rom the brin$ o( %eath. +elie(' he thought a(ter a long while o( e0amining it. !t ha% been a sense o( pro(oun% relie(. !t still %i%n;t ma$e any sense to him that it ha% (elt as i( he;% been su%%enly %raine% o( strength' (elt too wea$ to e&en support the weight o( his (orm. =e;% thought' in point o( (act' that he coul%n;t maintain the mortal (orm he;% ta$en' which was why he;% cloa$e% himsel(. !t woul% certainly be o( no bene(it to Claire to see his true (orm. Nor to (righten her careta$ers to %eath' he thought wryly. he woul%;&e or%ere% him out' though' an% he ha% no intention o( going an% no %esire to engage in a battle o( wills with them' e&en though he $new he woul% win an% they woul% lose. !t was ... better' he %eci%e%' all the way aroun% to remain cloa$e% where he coul% obser&e an% not be obser&e% in return. ,72

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e %i%n;t li$e that she slept. =e coul% (eel that she was stronger' but he still %i%n;t li$e it because it ma%e him uneasy an% also because he wante% to see her eyes' see recognition in them. !t %awne% on him a(ter a time that that was probably (or the best' too. =e ha%n;t remo&e% her memory. /he woul% $now the moment she loo$e% at him that he;% %one this to her an% he woul% see con%emnation in her eyes' not the welcome he wante% to see. he temptation arose in him to reme%y his error in )u%gment an% remo&e the memory. =e %i%n;t' partly because o( his uneasiness that it might upset the %elicate balance where she now lay between li(e an% %eath' growing almost imperceptibly stronger as the hours passe%' an% partly because he realiBe% he richly %eser&e% her con%emnation. =e shoul% ha&e trie% har%er to control the raging beast. As much as he pre(erre% to blame her (or tipping the balance' he alone was responsible. =e ha% ne&er trie% to control it' ha% ne&er been re<uire% to be(ore' but that %i%n;t mean he coul%n;t. !t only meant he;% not practice% it be(ore. ruth(ully' once he began to consi%er it' he wasn;t certain o( )ust how she;% manage% to peel his control (rom his grip. =e was almost willing to gi(t her with supernatural abilities' e0cept he was certain he woul%;&e %etecte% any such abilities in her be(ore. !t wasn;t the supernatural. !t was the (orce o( the natural worl%' a strength she;% hi%%en (rom him. /he;% as$e% him to ma$e lo&e to her. =a% she summone% that almost (orgotten part o( himsel( that he;% thought long lostE =is humanityE ,78

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e shoo$ that whimsy o((. /he coul%n;t summon something long %ea%. /he;% arouse% him by her touch' nothing more' pulle% a response (rom the physical (orm he;% ta$en that he ha%n;t realiBe% the bo%y capable o(. =e;% (elt things he coul%n;t recall (eeling be(ore an% that was what ha% ma%e his restraint buc$le' allowe% his precarious sel(6control to slip through his (ingers. he problem wasn;t )ust that she ha%. he true problem was that he;% en)oye% it so much he now ha% to struggle against the temptation to taste that again. =e wante% it more' he realiBe%' e&en than the satis(action he %eri&e% (rom the (ee%ing itsel(. !t ma%e no sense to him' but he ha% to ac$nowle%ge it as (act because he coul%n;t %ismiss it. he more he replaye% the memory in his min%' the more (ocuse% he became on that particular thing' the way she;% $isse% him an% caresse% him an% urge% him to connect his bo%y to hers an% ta$e his pleasure. !t wasn;t the (ee%ing on her li(e (orce itsel(. !t wasn;t the prelu%e o( rising lust to <uench his hunger. !t was the (act that she;% gi&en' wante% to gi&e. =e shoul% ha&e enthralle% her' he thought with %isgust (or the umpteenth time. /he woul%n;t ha&e ha% her min% about her to consi%er gi&ing. =e coul%;&e ta$en an% he woul%n;t ha&e e0perience% any o( the con(usion o( tormenting thoughts that ha% come since. =e woul%n;t ma$e that mista$e again. =e woul% enthrall her' bin% her' an% sup as he re<uire%' as much as it was sa(e to suc$ (rom her' lea&ing her enough strength to renew. ,7@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e woul%n;t ha&e to %eal with the %ispleasure o( his whining master' then' he realiBe% (or the (irst time' appalle% that it ha%n;t crosse% his min% be(ore that he;% so nearly %emolishe% not only his own plans (or Claire' but ignore% his master;s bi%%ing. A col% sweat poppe% (rom his pores as that (inally %awne% on him. =e;% been e0pressly (orbi%%en to en% her li(e so soon. =ow ha% he lost sight o( thatE Or his own plansE Neither o( those things ha% so much as crosse% his min%' though' when he rushe% to (in% her an% %isco&ere% her so near %eath he coul% (eel the pall o( it ho&ering o&er her' gree%y to snap her up an% pull her away (rom him. =e ha%n;t thought o( anything beyon% the nee% to hol% it at bay' beyon% the (ear his powers woul% (ail him an% she woul% slip through his (ingers' slip beyon% his reach. he %ar$ness o( night ga&e way to morning while he struggle% with his con(use% thoughts' trying to ma$e sense o( something that ma%e no sense to him. =e was scarcely aware o( the passing time' though it was a long time enemyAtimeA (or it was the one element that ensure% his torment as nothing else. !t was only the change in her breathing that (inally %rew /ari$ (rom his thoughts' a %eeper inhalation than he;% notice% be(ore. Doubt shoo$ him instantly with the realiBation that she awa$ening. :oE Or stayE FaterialiBe an% (ace what he woul% ha&e to e&entuallyE Or remain cloa$e% as he was. !t was a short battle. he nee% to see recognition in her eyes' the hope that it woul% be so(t an% welcoming' not (ille% ,77

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

with loathing' brought him to her si%e be(ore he was e&en aware o( ma$ing a %ecision. =er eyes (luttere% open an% she stare% at him blan$ly (or a split secon%' sen%ing searing pain through him. =e was on the point o( mo&ing away when the glaBe% loo$ le(t her eyes. =er lips curle% upwar% tentati&ely. D/ari$.D =er &oice was a hoarse croa$' barely au%ible' but the welcome he;% hope% (or' $nown he %i%n;t %eser&e' was there. /he li(te% a han%. On impulse' another o( those con(using urges he %i%n;t care to e0amine too closely' he caught it be(ore it coul% (all wea$ly to the be% again an% li(te% it to his lips' the nee% to (eel the warmth o( her li(e an% the smoothness o( her s$in o&erwhelming any other consi%eration. A blush brought welcome color to her chee$s when he brushe% his lips lightly along her s$in. =er gaBe (lic$ere% away' scanne% the room. Con(usion' then recognition an% (ear (lic$ere% across her (ace. D>here am !E =ow %i% ! get hereED DHou %on;t rememberED he as$e% cautiously' his &oice (eeling' an% soun%ing' strangely rusty. /he (rowne% thought(ully an% he tense%' waiting with a sense o( in%e(inable terror (rom the memories to sur(ace. =e $new the moment they %i%. he color in her (ace %eepene%. DOhCD /he close% her eyes' but her han% tightene% on his when he woul%;&e release% it. D!;m sorry'D she sai% uncom(ortably. Con(usion rattle% through him. D.or whatED /he coul%n;t loo$ at him. D.or ... you $now.D =is brows $nit more tightly. D! %on;t $now.D ,75

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he pulle% her han% (rom his. D! le(t you hanging' %i%n;t !ED D=angingED he echoe%' more %eeply con(use% than e&er. D>hen ! (ell asleep ... last nightED =e stu%ie% her (ace while it slowly san$ in that she was apologiBing to him because she thought he ha%n;t ta$en what he wante% (rom her. Disbelie(' (ollowe%' but' turn it though he might' no other answer presente% itsel(. D! $now ! %isappointe% you.D =is lips tightene%. DHou %i%n;t. ! too$ more than you coul% a((or% to gi&e'D he con(esse% harshly. DDon;t apologiBe (or something you;re not guilty o(.D /he smile% up at him tentati&ely. DHou;re not ma% at meED he ine0plicable tightness (iste% in his throat again. DNo.D !t came out more harshly than he;% inten%e%. /he (linche%. Be(ore he coul% say more' the %oor to her room opene%. /ari$ stare% unwelcomingly at the el%erly woman who steppe% insi%e' bristling with anger at the intrusion. /he ga&e him a col% loo$ an% %ismisse% him' which only brought the le&el o( anger higher. DAunt "liBabethED Claire gaspe%' surprise in her &oice. he woman;s col% eyes Beroe% in on her an% so(tene% slightly. DHou loo$ better than ! e0pecte%.D /he mo&e% (urther into the room' a thin' almost e((eminate younger man with thinning blac$ hair at her heels. he pair pause% on the opposite si%e o( the be% (rom where /ari$ stoo%' staring %own at Claire with more curiosity than empathy. ,78

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

DAn%rewC ! ha&en;t seen you in (ore&erCD Claire glance% at him. D/ari$Athis is my aunt' "liBabeth O;Brien' an% my cousin' An%rew /mith. >hat are you two %oing hereED she as$e% with ob&ious pleasure. An%rew simpere%. D hought you were on your %eath be%. hey tol% us you were in a coma.D he ol% la%y elbowe% him in the ribs. D/hut up' An%rewC Don;t you see you;&e upset herCD An%rew;s lips tightene% at the rebu$e' but he wipe% the e0pression (rom his (ace as his aunt sent him a sharp loo$ an% replace% it with an e0pression o( (alse contrition. D/orry' Clair%y'D he muttere%' using the nic$name he;% coine% (or her when they were chil%ren. Claire %i&i%e% a glance between her aunt an% her cousin' then turne% to loo$ at /ari$ <uestioningly. D>as !ED she as$e% uneasily' (rowning as she searche% her memory. D! %on;t really remember much ... e0cept (ainting.D =er aunt patte% her han%. D!t %oesn;t matter now. ! thin$ !;ll arrange to ha&e you mo&e% to the city' though' so ! can ha&e some specialists ha&e a loo$ at you.D +eluctance instantly settle% o&er Claire;s (eatures. D!;m (ine now. Hou %on;t nee% to %o that.D DO( course ! %oCD "liBabeth sai% testily. D/omething cause% it an% !;m not going to (eel easy in my min% until ! $now what.D !nter(ering bitch' /ari$ thought &iciously' instantly bristling again at the threat that the ol% woman woul% remo&e her' not that the %istance woul% ma$e that much %i((erence' but he ,74

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

ha% no intention o( allowing her to inter(ere with his own plans. D! %on;t thin$ it was anything but e0haustion'D Claire countere%' turning re% (ace% at the a%mission an% re(using to glance in /ari$;s %irection. D>hat in the worl% coul% you possibly ha&e %one to so e0haust yoursel(ED "liBabeth %eman%e%. Claire;s blush %eepene%. D3ust not resting li$e ! shoul% an% ... not ta$ing care o( mysel( li$e ! ought to'D she stammere%. "liBabeth glance% (rom Claire to /ari$ speculati&ely' but be(ore she coul% pursue her interrogation' a new target arri&e% (or herAthe %octor. /he pounce% on him imme%iately' %eman%ing to $now what his tests ha% re&eale%. /ari$ le(t as soon as he coul% see the %octor was going to win the battle to $eep Claire where she was' in(orming the aunt that she coul% sen% all the specialists %own that she wante%Ahe welcome% the help in %etermining the cause behin% Claire;s collapseAbut they coul% come to her. =e wasn;t authoriBing' or recommen%ing' that Claire be mo&e% until they were more certain her con%ition woul% continue to impro&e or at least remain stable. =e;% barely settle% in his lair when he (elt the pull o( his master. .urious' he (ought the summons as long as he coul% but the chains that boun% him were unbrea$able an% the %raw inescapable. hat %i%n;t mean he ma%e any attempt to hi%e his %ispleasure at being summone%. =e %ispense% with his mortal (orm the moment he reache% his master' en)oying the loo$ o( horror on the man;s (ace. ,50

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

DHou $now ! hate it when you come to me in that (ormCD his master muttere% petulantly. =e %i% $now an% he too$ a per&erse %elight in it since it was the only rebellion allowe% him. D>hy %i% you summon meED he growle%. D!;&e %one what you comman%e%.D =is master stu%ie% him suspiciously. D=a&e youED DHou $now ! ha&e. /he collapse%. !sn;t that e&i%ence enough (or youED =is master snic$ere%. D! suppose so.D =e stu%ie% /ari$ thought(ully. DHou can;t lie to me' rightE Hou can lie to anyone else but not to me.D /ari$ groun% his teeth in impotence' $nowing instantly what it was his master wante% to $now. =e;% %isco&ere% the boo$ was missing' an% he was right. =e coul%n;t lie. !( his master as$e% him point blan$' he woul% ha&e to tell him the truth. .ortunately' he coul% see his master was reluctant to a%mit that he no longer ha% the boo$ in his possession' (ear(ul he woul% lose his hol%' an% /ari$ woul% turn on him an% tear him to piecesAwhich he woul%' gi&en the chance. =e %espise% being at the mercy o( such a &ile' wea$ling o( a mortal. DHou ha&en;t ta$en ... anything that belongs to meED D!;&e no use (or anything o( this worl%'D he spat. =is barely restraine% (ury ha% the %esire% e((ect e&en i( the response ha% le(t a niggling %oubt in the man;s min%. =is master recoile% &isibly at the rage emanating (rom him. D.ine'D he respon%e% sha$ily. D!;m please% with you.D

,5,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ari$ curle% his lips at the man. =e coul% ta$e his (uc$ing compliments an% sho&e them up his ass. =e %i%n;t gi&e a go%s %amn i( the bastar% was please% or not. D! %on;t li$e her being in the hospital' though. ! suppose ! shoul%;&e e0pecte% it' but ! ha%n;t thought about it an% it ma$es me ner&ous.D /ari$ stu%ie% him speculati&ely. DHou want me to remo&e herED he man gape% at him. DAre you out o( your (uc$ing min%ED he rage%. D here;s to be no <uestion when she %ies' %amn itC No suspicion that it was anything but a natural %eath' (or go% sa$eC No' ! %on;t want you to ta$e her (rom the %amne% hospitalC ! )ust %on;t li$e it' %on;t li$e the tests they;ll be running.D D hey won;t (in% anything'D /ari$ sai% %ryly. D his isn;t li$e poisoning. here;s nothing to (in%.D =is master loo$e% uncon&ince%. DFaybe it was mista$e to summon you'D he sai% thought(ully. DA %emon o( chaos might ha&e wor$e% better.D D"0cept you sai% you coul%n;t a((or% another acci%ent'D /ari$ pointe% out' (eeling his emotions shi(t abruptly (rom rage to uneasiness as the threat loome% that he woul% be %ismisse%. DHou sai% she was charme%.D =is master (rowne% at him. D hat was )ust a (igure o( speech'D he sai% irritably' Dbut you ha&e a point. Or rather' ! %i%' since it was my i%ea to start with. ! still li$e the poetic )ustice o( it.D /ari$ saw no )ustice in what his master ha% planne% (or Claire' poetic or otherwise' but he $ept his mouth shut. ,52

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D/he always was a tight6asse% cunt'D his master muttere%. D! can;t tell you the number o( times ! trie% to get into her pants.D DDon;t'D /ari$ growle%' (eeling his belly churn with %isgust an% (ury e&en at the thought o( the bastar% touching her. =is master glance% at him sharply an% then snic$ere%. DHou;&e a taste (or her now' %on;t you my beastED /ari$ curle% his lips in a sneer. D!;m an incubus.D Hou (uc$ing moronC =is master;s eyes narrowe%. DBut you ha&e a thing (or her' %on;t youED /ari$ gritte% his teeth. =e coul%n;t lie' but that %i%n;t mean he ha% to answer. he battle o( wills was brie(. =is master shrugge% as i( it was a matter o( in%i((erence to him. D hat;s going to ma$e it rough when ! sen% you bac$' ! e0pect'D he murmure% glee(ully. DNo Claire to (ee% on.D /ari$ clenche% an% unclenche% his (ists' struggling against the spell that hel% him' that $ept him (rom wrapping his (ingers aroun% his master;s scrawny nec$ an% s<ueeBing until his eyeballs poppe% out. =is master uttere% a titter o( malicious amusement that %i%n;t completely hi%e the (ear crawling up his bac$. D3ust remember who controls youCD /ari$ sent him a loo$ o( %isgust. D he spell hol%s me an% you control the spell'D he sai% pointe%ly. DAn% ! always will.D /ari$ $ept his own council' %eci%ing it was wiser to %o so. ,52

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he man pace% in %eep thought (or a while. .inally' he turne% to /ari$ again. D!;ll gi&e you a (ew more wee$s with herAout o( the goo%ness o( my heart. /he;s boun% to be in the hospital (or a wee$ anyway. DOn the other han%' ! %on;t suppose it coul% possibly loo$ any less suspicious i( she %ie% there'D he a%%e%' sen%ing /ari$ a thought(ul loo$. =e $new the bastar% was toying with him' trying to get a rise out o( him. he slimy bastar% was in no great hurry to en% her su((ering an%' more o&er' ob&iously en)oye% the thought that he coul% torment /ari$' as well. =e wa&e% a han% %ismissi&ely a(ter a moment. DNe&er min%. !;ll gi&e you the two wee$s a(ter she gets out. Miss her once (or me an% tell her ! sent my lo&e be(ore she;s too (ar gone to un%erstan% it was me. ell her !;ll see her in hell.D /ari$ narrowe% his eyes at his master. !t too$ an e((ort to re(rain (rom telling him he;% ne&er see Claire in the un%erworl%' but he woul% be there an% no spell woul% protect the son6o(6a6bitch then. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,58

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter .i(teen he wea$ness continue% to plague her but since neither the local %octor nor the specialists her aunt ha% brought in were able to (in% the cause an% she seeme% to be reco&ering' howe&er slowly' they (inally ran out o( e0cuses to hol% her. =er aunt surprise% her by ta$ing care o( her cats. D+eally' ClaireCD she sai% testily. DDi% you thin$ ! woul%n;tE ! am (on% o( you' you $now. ! guess !;m not &ery goo% at showing it' but it;s there ne&ertheless. ! ha% some people in the house chec$ing it (or any $in% to0ins anyway.D As much as Claire appreciate% it' an% the a((ection that ha% inspire% it' she wasn;t &ery happy to thin$ strangers ha% been tramping all o&er her house in her absence. DDi% they (in% anythingED DNo'D "liBabeth respon%e% in %isgust. D!;m not relie&e%C ! suspect incompetence' ! %on;t min% telling you. here has to be a reason. A person %oesn;t )ust (all into a coma without a reasonCD DActually' ! thought it was &ery heartening that they %i%n;t (in% anything wrong with me.D "liBabeth bent a %isguste% loo$ at her. D hat;s because you lac$ a healthy %ose o( reality' my girlCD she snappe%. D!( you %i%n;t li&e in those %amn boo$s o( yours' where there;s always a happy en%ing' you;% realiBe this isn;t something to )ust %ismissCD Fore than a little insulte%' Claire still manage% a smile' mostly because she coul% see her aunt really was worrie% ,5@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

about her an% she wante% to soothe her. D hey %on;t all en% with a happily e&er a(ter' Aunt "liBabeth. ! rea% non(iction' too.D D=umphCD her aunt snorte%' getting to her (eet. D! wish you;% at least reconsi%er about ha&ing a nurse here with you. ! %on;t li$e lea&ing you alone in this ol% house when you ha&en;t completely reco&ere% yet.D D he %octors sai% they %i%n;t thin$ it was necessary an% that !;% be better o(( getting up an% aroun% mysel(. Hou ha&e to e0pen% energy to ma$e more. !;m not going to get better laying aroun% while somebo%y else ta$es care o( me.D "liBabeth loo$e% li$e she wante% to argue the situation more' but (inally %ismisse% it' sha$ing her hea%. D!;&e ne&er completely (igure% out how it is that you ne&er appear stubborn when you;re more har% hea%e% than anybo%y ! $now'D she sai% with a mi0ture o( amusement an% irritation. DHou;re one o( those steel magnolias.D Claire chuc$le%. D!;m about the color o( one right now' anyway'D she sai% wryly. "liBabeth;s eyes narrowe%. D! suspect that hun$y neighbor o( yours will put a little color in you when he %eci%es to %rop by.D Claire (elt her chee$s heat. he comment %rew a chuc$le (rom her' though. D=un$yED "liBabeth snorte%. D! ain;t %ea%' yetCD she retorte%. D! suspect that man coul% get a rise out o( a corpseCD Claire laughe% at that until she was breathless. !t poppe% into her min% again instantly when she loo$e% up later to %isco&er /ari$ watching her (rom the %oor' alerte% to his ,57

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

presence by the (act that /ugar' who;% been nuBBling her an% purring' abruptly sti((ene% an% leapt (rom her arms' %arting un%er the couch to hi%e since /ari$ was bloc$ing her only a&enue o( retreat. /he smile% at him' hol%ing out a han% in welcome. =e stu%ie% it (rowningly a moment an% (inally mo&e% (urther into the room' though he pointe%ly ignore% the in&itation. /tung' Claire allowe% her han% to %rop. D! %i%n;t get the chance to than$ you (or &isiting me in the hospital'D she sai% uncom(ortably. Because he ha%n;t come bac$. =e (lic$e% a glance at her' but mo&e% to stan% at one o( the win%ows' staring out at the street. he (eelings churning insi%e o( him were unsettling enough' though' when he wasn;t loo$ing at her' he thought grimly. he rage was always there' an integral part o( what he was' an% Claire certainly ha% a $nac$ (or bringing it to the sur(ace' but she brought so many other things out in him' emotions he har%ly recogniBe% much less un%erstoo% how to %eal with' that it tore him in so many %irections at once it almost seeme% to create a chaotic sort balance. =e turne% to loo$ at her a(ter a (ew moments when he thought he;% come to grips with the slow churn o( chaos. he anger surge% to prece%ence' howe&er' as his gaBe (lic$ere% o&er her an% he saw how pale an% (rail she still loo$e%. :o%s %amn it' ClaireC ! ga&e you the means to sa&e yoursel(' both (rom him an% (rom me' he thought angrily. >hy %i%n;t you ta$e it' ClaireE =e coul%n;t tell her. =e coul% only lea% her' try to manipulate her into choosing the path he;% gi&en her an% the ,55

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

impotence o( not being able to %o more ate at him. =e no longer care% whether he coul% con&ince her to (ree him or to simply use the spell to hol% him an% ta$e the power (rom his master. =e no longer care% i( she sent him bac$. hat woul% be pre(erable to being the instrument o( her %eath. he realiBation almost stunne% him' but there was %oubt in his min% what he most wante%. =e wante% to be (ree% (rom the tas$ that ha% become so loathsome to him' howe&er she manage% it. /he wasn;t going to manage it' though' he thought angrily. /he %i%n;t belie&e. "&en i( he coul% somehow get her to rea% the (uc$ing boo$' she woul%n;t use the spells. =e;% come to realiBe that she probably woul%n;t e&en i( she %i% belie&e. =e was in the presence o( true goo%ness' a being that was sweet an% clean an% his %iametric oppositeAa woman unli$e any he;% $nown but once be(oreAthe woman he;% lo&e% long ago when he ha% li&e% an% wal$e% among mortals' lo&e%' taste% li(eAsomething that ha% been lost to him (ar longer than the brie( time he;% $nown it. =e suppose% that was what %rew him to her' the light. DFy aunt thin$s you;re a hun$'D she murmure% with amusement' %istracting him (rom his thoughts. =e stare% at her blan$ly. D>hatED /he laughe% an% the soun% strumme% through him li$e a caress. =e close% his eyes' relishing it an% at the same time struggling with the stirring o( his beast. D/he says you;re a hun$. /he seems to thin$ you;re goo% (or me.D ,58

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

hen she;s a (uc$ing i%iotC he thought &iciously. D/he;s wrong'D he sai% tightly. Claire sent him a loo$ o( %ismay. D hat;s not trueC Hou are goo% (or me. Hou;re always (ee%ing me'D she a%%e% teasingly. An% %raining youC he thought ga&e him pause. =e ha%n;t consi%ere%' be(ore' that neither the spell his master hel% o&er him or his %irect comman% pre&ente% him (rom gi&ing' but it %i%n;t or he woul%n;t ha&e been able to gi&e to her in the hospital. =e e0amine% that realiBation hope(ully (or a han%(ul o( moments be(ore it %awne% on him that he;% been gi&en two wee$s. he comman% was speci(ic' not open to interpretation. =e coul%n;t ignore it an% it %i% limit what he coul% gi&e her' howe&er in%irectly. Beyon% that' i( he ga&e her too much she woul% not appear to sic$en an% %ie' which he ha% also been e0pressly or%ere%. he boo$ was her only hope. DCoul% ! get you anythingED he boo$E /he sent him a loo$ he ha% no trouble interpreting' not that his min% coul% $eep up with the heat that roare% through him. DA little o( you woul% be nice.D =e swallowe% against the $not o( hunger that clogge% his throat. DDon;t tempt meCD he snarle%. =er eyes wi%ene%. /he loo$e% both startle% an% hurt an% both stabbe% through him li$e a $een bla%e% $ni(e' $noc$ing the breath (rom him. =e scrubbe% a han% o&er his (ace. DHou;re not ... well'D he sai% lamely. ,54

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he hurt in her eyes ease%. D!;m well enough to be intereste%.D D:o%s %amn it' ClaireCD he growle%. D/top loo$ing at me li$e that or you;ll (in% yoursel( (lat o( your bac$ with my coc$ in you.D /he re%%ene%. Gn(ortunately' the i%ea seeme% to appeal to her too much (or his com(ort. D!;m alrea%y (lat o( my bac$'D she sai% tentati&ely. /he was at that' an% wearing nothing more than a t6shirt that barely co&ere% her se0 an% panties. Not that that woul% protect her more than the split secon% it woul% ta$e him to remo&e both. D!;ll go get you something to eat'D he sai% hoarsely' staring at the )uncture o( her thighs. D>hat woul% you li$eED /he sent him an impish loo$. DA piece o( meat about that long.D =e stare% at her han%s' (lic$e% a loo$ at her (ace' an% stro%e towar% the %oor. D/ari$ED Against his better )u%gment' he halte% in his retreat an% turne% to loo$ at her. D!t;s because ! %i%n;t satis(y you' isn;t itED D.uc$CD he e0plo%e%. >hirling on his heel' he stal$e% (rom the house' slamming the %oor with a less than satis(actory bang ... which le(t it in tact' barely. =e (oun% Bren%a sitting in Claire;s o((ice chair in the library' her (eet proppe% on Claire;s %es$' chatting coBily on the phone. +age su((use% him that she was alrea%y counting what was Claire;s as her own. ,80

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he gape% at him in horror as he appeare%. /natching the phone (rom her han%' he threw it across the room har% enough to shatter it' yan$e% her (rom the chair an% sho&e% her (ace %own on the %es$. /he screame% when he penetrate% her an% $ept on screaming as he plowe% into her ruthlessly' remorselessly' but the tenor o( the (uc$ing rac$et she was ma$ing change% (rom (ear an% pain to pleasure. /omeone began poun%ing on the %oor. =e ignore% it. !t seeme% to e0cite her e&en more' though. /he came' screaming li$e cat that was being torture% to %eath. =e suc$e% up the energy she e0pen%e%' toye% with the i%ea' brie(ly' o( ta$ing more an% (inally le(t as he;% come. Claire was re% eye% an% sni((ing when he ma%e it bac$ to her place with the (oo% he;% promise% her. Dismay (ille% him. =e sho&e% the bo0 at her' pacing across the room to put some %istance between them as soon as she too$ his o((ering. =er watery chuc$le %rew his attention. /he was biting her lip' hol%ing up the thic$ lin$ o( sausage he;% brought her. A reluctant grin threatene% in response although he;% inten%e% it more as rebu$e than (or her amusement. D/ari$CD =e sent her a mil%ly <uestioning loo$. /he shoo$ her hea% at him' but he %isco&ere% the &i0en ha% the last laugh. =e le(t her suc$ing on it an% retreate% to his lair. /ighing' Claire %roppe% the sausage bac$ into her plate when /ari$ ha% le(t' losing interest in it when she coul%n;t torment him any more by gli%ing it in an% out o( her mouth ,8,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

suggesti&ely. /he coul%n;t <uite (igure him out. >hy woul% he loo$ at her as i( she was the only %rop o( water in the %esert an% him %ying o( thirst' an% then ta$e o(( when she o((ere% it as i( he coul%n;t get (ar enough away (rom her (ast enoughE =e ha%n;t sai% she %i%n;t satis(y him' %espite the (act that she;% as$e% him point blan$. =e %i%n;t seem angry with her about it' but there was no %oubt that something wasn;t right. A(ter staring at the (oo% without interest (or a (ew minutes' she (inally (ocuse% on eating what she coul%. =e;% gone to the trouble to get it (or her. he least she coul% %o was try to appreciate it. /he woul%;&e appreciate% some sign that he wante% her a lot moreAsome sign beyon% the ob&iously misinterprete% one she;% gotten. !t ha% loo$e% li$e %esire. >hat coul% it be i( it wasn;tE Faybe it was' but she;% unner&e% him so much when she;% passe% out on him he was too uneasy about the possibility o( it happening again to consi%er trying it againE /he suppose%' wryly' that it wasn;t much o( a turn on to thin$ a woman might %ie on you while you were ha&ing se0 with her. /he (elt (ine' though' a little wea$' but she (igure% i( she (elt well enough to consi%er ha&ing se0 with him' she was well enough. Faybe she was still a little wea$ to consi%er anything &ery strenuous' but they coul% ta$e it easy. /he coul% at least ma$e it up to him' gi&e him the release it seeme% ob&ious to her he nee%e%. /he;% (ar rather chance it than to lea&e him ripe (or some other woman;s pic$ings' %amn itC ,82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/omehow' (or her own peace o( min%' she ha% to con&ince him it woul% be alright' that she coul% han%le it. =e %i%n;t gi&e her the chance' though. =e %i%n;t come bac$. Bore%' she %oBe% much o( the %ay' but (inally %eci%e% to (in% something to entertain hersel( with. /he pic$e% up one o( the no&els she;% ne&er gotten aroun% to rea%ing an% rea% a (ew chapters' but her min% $ept straying to the boo$ she;% hi%%en in her armoire an% (inally she went to retrie&e it. =er cats wan%ere% in to $eep her company a(ter a while. /he set the boo$ asi%e to cu%%le an% stro$e them until they;% ha% enough an% hoppe% o(( the couch to play. /atis(ie% that they;% stay close by' she pic$e% up the boo$ an% returne% to her rea%ing' glancing at the cats now an% then since they were ra%ars o( /ari$;s imminent arri&al an% she ne&er hear% him coming. he moment the cats sti((ene% to an alert stance' she sat up on the couch' slipping the boo$ care(ully beneath it. /he;% bathe% an% washe% her hair' e&en put on a tiny bit o( ma$eup an% then %resse% in the se0iest nightgown she possesse%. =er hopes were high that she;% baite% her trap well. he loo$ on his (ace as he entere% the room seeme% to con(irm it. =e halte% (or a moment at the %oor' scanne% her (rom the top o( her hea% to her bare toes an% then stro%e purpose(ully towar% her. !nstea% o( )oining her on the couch' though' he stoppe% abruptly when he was still se&eral (eet away (rom her' halte% almost as i( he;% hit an in&isible (iel%. /he loo$e% at him with surprise an% %isappointment until it %awne% on her that he loo$e% ... almost ill. ,82

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he scramble% o(( the couch in alarm an% threw her arms aroun% his waist' pressing hersel( against him. D/ari$C Are you alrightED >hen he loo$e% %own at her upturne% (ace' he stu%ie% her with a mi0ture o( uneasiness an% relie( that ba((le% her as much because the two seeme% to con(lict as the (act that he woul% (eel either. =e pulle% away' ben%ing to scoop her into his arms an% then turne% towar% her be%room. /he loope% her arms aroun% his nec$' relie&e% that he seeme% to be alright an% suspicious that the ;inci%ent; was only a play to tric$ her into )ust the reaction she;% ha%. D hat was a %irty tric$'D she sai% chi%ingly as he settle% her on the be% an% (ollowe% her %own. =e loo$e% con(use%. D!t scare% me. ! thought something was wrong ... that you were hurt or sic$.D Comprehension hit him. DAn% that ... (rightene% youED he as$e%' surprise%. DO( course it %i%C >hy woul% you thin$ it woul%n;t bother me i( you were hurt or sic$ED she sai% testily' li(ting a han% to caress his har% chee$. A tremor went through him when she touche% him. !nstea% o( answering' he settle% his own han% o&er hers' grasping it was i( he meant to push her away. =e hesitate% an% (inally turne% his (ace into her palm' brushing his lips across the center. =e swallowe% au%ibly. D! %on;t want to hurt you.D .ascinate% by the caress' (eeling warmth tingle all the way (rom her palm %own her arm to her breasts' Claire suc$e% in ,88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

a sha$y breath an% met his gaBe when he loo$e% at her again. DHou won;t'D she whispere%. =is (ace har%ene%. DHou %on;t $now me' %on;t $now what !;m capable o('D he sai% harshly. DHes' ! %o'D she contra%icte% him. DHou;re capable o( thrilling me li$e no man e&er has' gi&ing me more satis(action. Hou;re capable o( thought(ulness' an% gentleness' an% concern (or me.D Angry (rustration crease% his (eatures. D!;m capable o( none o( those things. !;m not capable o( %oing anything beyon% satis(ying my own nee%s.D Claire shi(te% closer' close enough to brush her lips along his throat. D hen satis(y your own nee%s'D she murmure%. D hat;s what ! want you to %o. ! won;t brea$.D =e slippe% the han% he;% settle% on her waist upwar% to cup the base o( her s$ull. +eleasing her han%' he caught her )aw an% tippe% her (ace up to meet his lips. A thrill went through her as his mouth co&ere% hers with (e&erish nee%' his tongue thrusting into her mouth to ra$e possessi&ely along hers. Clutching at him to hol% hersel( tightly to him' she $isse% him bac$' curling her tongue along his' suc$ing at his tongue as gree%ily as he taste% an% e0plore% her mouth. =e bore her bac$war%s onto the mattress' settling hea&ily against her' his weight as welcome as the heat o( his mouth an% the caress o( his tongue. >ant threa%e% her &eins' cinche% the air in her lungs. =ea%iness (ollowe%' but it was a pleasurable con(usion o( her senses.

,8@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

!t too$ an e((ort to li(t her hea&y eyeli%s to loo$ up at him when he with%rew to stare %own at her. D! %on;t $now how to be gentle' Claire'D he sai% hoarsely. D! %on;t $now i( ! can.D /he speare% her (ingers in his %ar$ hair' %rawing him %own to her. DFa$e lo&e to me li$e you %i% be(ore. ! lo&e% e&ery minute o( it.D =e resiste%' swallowing thic$ly. DHou wept.D /he smile% (aintly. DBecause it (elt so goo%.D Doubt still sha%owe% his eyes. D ell me to stop i( ! hurt you.D DHou won;t.D D/wear it to me' ClaireCD he growle%' %esperation threa%ing his &oice. DHes'D she murmure%' nuBBling her (orehea% against his chee$ when he re(use% to allow her closer. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,87

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter /i0teen =e pulle% away. Climbing (rom the be% he pulle% his clothes o(( in aw$war% )er$y mo&ements as i( it wasn;t something he %i% e&ery %ay' tearing them when they %e(ie% his %e0terity. Claire lay bac$ against the pillows once she saw why he;% le(t her' a%miring him through narrowe% eyes. here wasn;t one part o( him that wasn;t beauti(ul' she muse%' caressing his beauti(ully sculpte% chest an% belly' his arms' his legs' his coc$ with her gaBe. /he reache% (or his coc$ as he climbe% on the be% again' curling her (ingers aroun% it. =e uttere% a soun% that was more li$e a hiss o( pain than pleasure at her touch' but he ma%e no attempt to inter(ere with her e0ploration. A hea%y e0citement (ille% her as she shi(te% closer to appease her (ascination with his bo%y' e0ploring him with her han%s an% lips' stro$ing the thic$' sil$en sha(t o( his manhoo% an% (inally ta$ing it into her mouth. =eat spirale% through her as she taste% him on her tongue. "0cite%' she began to suc$ at the hea%' teasing the slit with her tongue an% the sensiti&e ri%ge between his coc$ hea% an% sha(t. =e grabbe% her hips' %ragging her closer so that he coul% burrow his (ace against her cle(t. A )olt o( molten %esire ran through her as he opene% his mouth o&er her clit an% began to tease it as she tease% his coc$. /he caresse% him more an% more (rantically as he built the (e&er o( her own nee%' alternately stro$ing an% suc$ing at his (lesh until her clima0 hit her. :roaning aroun% his coc$ as the wa&es swept o&er ,85

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

her' she pulle% at him more %esperately. =e tense% abruptly' his hips )er$ing upwar% o( their own accor% as his bo%y began to con&ulse with his own release. /he swallowe% as his semen hit the bac$ o( her throat' cupping his balls an% $nea%ing them gently until she;% %raine% him o( his see%. riumphant' wea$ with her own release' she sprawle% limply when he rolle% her o(( o( him' turne% on the be% an% (ell o&er her' (astening his mouth to hers with a (e&erish cra&ing that %e(ie% his recent release. /ate% as she was' she (oun% hersel( respon%ing' (elt the heat rise again. =e wor$e% his way %ownwar% (rom her mouth to her breasts' biting an% suc$ing an% lic$ing at her as i( he meant to consume her. =er bac$ came o(( the be% in an arch as he close% his mouth on one e0cruciatingly sensiti&e nipple an% tugge% at it gree%ily. =er se0 <ua$e%' (illing with heate% moisture. DiBBiness assaile% her as she gaspe% %esperately (or breath. !t (elt so goo% she wasn;t certain she coul% stan% it' began to won%er i( she woul% pass out as the %iBBiness was )oine% by encroaching %ar$ness. =e release% her nipple abruptly an% mo&e% to its twin' allowing her a moment to suc$ in a sustaining breath an% (ight o(( the encroach o( %ar$ness. /he began to sob (or him to ta$e her an% en% her %elicious torment. /he nee%e% him insi%e o( her' nee%e% him. =e shi(te% to align their bo%ies an% enter her' %ri&ing against her reluctantly yiel%ing (lesh until he;% we%ge% himsel( so %eeply insi%e o( her she gaspe% (or breath. :athering her tightly' almost crushingly' in his arms' he ,88

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

began to pump into her with wil% aban%on' %ri&ing %eeply each time he entere% her as i( he wante% to climb insi%e o( her' pulling away' an% then swi(tly returning. =er bo%y tense% at the splen%i% (riction as he sawe% along her channel an% then she e0plo%e% in a rapturous release that %ragge% sharp cries (rom her. =e shu%%ere%. =is coc$ )er$e% insi%e o( her as her muscles clenche% aroun% him' mil$ing him' an% then he suc$e% in a harsh breath an% continue% to poun% into her until the clima0 pea$e%' %roppe%' an% then began to climb again. /he %ug her nails into him as she (elt hersel( racing towar% a secon% clima0. he (orce o( it $noc$e% the breath out o( her brie(ly. /he %ragge% in a %esperate breath an% crie% out as the ne0t <ua$e rolle% through her' an% then more $eenly with the ne0t until she coul%n;t catch her breath at all an% (elt hersel( (alling towar% the %ar$ness. /ari$ shu%%ere%' spilling his see% as he (elt her growing limp within his embrace' an% then' grin%ing his teeth' (orce% himsel( to stop. +elie( (ille% him when he hear% her harsh pants o( breath. >ith great reluctance' he with%rew' shi(ting to settle besi%e her on the be%. =er han% tightene% on him as he pulle% her with him' (itting her bo%y snugly against his own an% he pulle% away enough to loo$ %own at her (ace. As i( she sense% it' she smile% (aintly an% her eyeli%s (luttere% open. D/ee' ! %i%n;t brea$'D she whispere% almost %run$enly. =e %ragge% in a sha$y breath' comman%ing the (e&er to lea&e him' almost surprise% when it %i%' more relie&e%. he temptation assaile% him to stay as he was' to hol% her while ,84

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

she slept' but he $new his har% won control woul%n;t last. !( he staye%' he woul% not be able to resist rousing her again an% he coul%n;t be certain he woul% be able to stop himsel(. =e pulle% away to stu%y her sleeping (ace. A(ter a long moment' he leane% close' settle% his palm along one chee$ an% breathe% his essence into her until he (elt her li(e (orce burn a little brighter. !t wasn;t until he;% returne% to his liar that he coole% enough to recall the %ebilitating wa&e o( sic$ness what ha% slamme% into him when he;% approache% her on the couch. /he;% ha% the boo$. here was nothing else that e((ecte% him that way an% there coul% be no other answer. he <uestion was' ha% she been rea%ing itE Or ha% she rea% enough be(ore to realiBe it acte% as a shiel% against himE he latter seeme% unli$ely gi&en the way she;% beha&e%. /he coul%n;t $now. !t ha% been ina%&ertent. !t occurre% to him that it was protection (or her that he ha%n;t consi%ere% be(ore ... because it ha% ne&er been use% against him only as a shiel%. !t woul% ser&e her' though' i( he coul% somehow con&ince her to $eep it close. 1111 !t too$ Claire almost a wee$ to struggle through the boo$. "&en once she;% grown accustome% enough to the han%writing to rea% it with more ease' the rambling sentences' an% the (lowery' almost poetic way the author ha% written the boo$ was con(using. /he ha% to rea% most sentences at least twice an% sometimes still wasn;t ,40

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

completely certain she;% graspe% what the author was trying to tell. /he a&oi%e% the incantations altogether. /he %i%n;t actually belie&e in them' but it ga&e her unpleasant &ibes e&en to glance at them as she scanne% %own o&er them to reach the ne0t bloc$ o( te0t. /he wasn;t certain' i( she ha%n;t ha% so much unaccustome% time on her han%s' that she woul% e&en ha&e consi%ere% tac$ling the thing. But e&en though it was bore%om that ha% %ri&en her to try it' by the time she;% (inishe% she wasn;t nearly as s$eptical as she ha% been when she;% begun. here was a list o( names on the &ery last page. he han%writing &arie%' ma$ing it ob&ious that each owner ha% signe% in his own han%' an% the boo$ ha% been passe% %own through at least a %oBen owners. he last signature in the boo$ belonge% to her aunt;s late husban%' homas O;Brien. he %isco&ery stunne% her to say the &ery least. Nuite asi%e (rom the (act that the boo$ seeme% to ha&e been in the O;Brien (amily (or se&eral hun%re% years an% now belonge% to her aunt' she coul%n;t thin$ o( any reasonable e0planation (or the appearance o( the boo$ in her library. Be(ore she;% gotten sic$ she ha%n;t seen her aunt in almost a year. /he coul%n;t picture her aunt snea$ing %own an% slipping the boo$ onto her cart (or her to (in% an% she certainly coul%n;t thin$ o( any reason (or her to snea$ at all. >hy not )ust gi&e it to her i( she wante% her to ha&e itE hat ,4,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

was more in character with "liBabeth O;Brien than snea$iness o( any $in%. hat seeme% a strong in%ication' beyon% the (act that her aunt ha%n;t e&en mentione% it' that her aunt ha% ha% nothing to %o with the appearance o( the boo$. >hy woul% anyone want her to ha&e it' (or that matterE >hat purpose coul% it ser&e (or her to ha&e itE /he coul%n;t thin$ o( one an% (inally set the puBBle asi%e in (a&or o( another mystery that ha% been teasing herA/ari$. >as it signi(icant that he;% appeare% in her li(e at the same e0act time as the boo$E /etting asi%e the unli$elihoo% o( such a coinci%ence' what moti&e woul% /ari$ ha&e ha% to ma$e sure she (oun% the boo$E An% how coul% he ha&e gotten itE =er aunt %i%n;t $now him. /he was sure o( that. "liBabeth O;Brien ha% her (air share o( (aults' but she was as straight as an arrow. /he %i%n;t beat aroun% the bush when being blunt ser&e% her better. /he %i%n;t thin$ her aunt coul% ha&e carrie% o(( such an act e&en i( she;% been able to thin$ o( a reason (or her to. /he %i%n;t belie&e /ari$ ha% ha% anything to %o with the boo$;s appearance' but i( he ha%' whyE /he %i%n;t $now what he %i% (or a li&ing' but he %i%n;t seem to ha&e much nee% to %o anything. =e appeare% to be &ery well to %o (inancially. /he ha% suppose% he must wor$ (rom home as more an% more people were %oing these %ays. But what i( he %i%n;tE >hat i( he was ... a thie(E >hat i( he;% stolen the boo$ (rom her aunt an% %eci%e% to get it bac$ to her by lea&ing it where her niece coul% (in% itE ,42

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

hat was )ust too absur%C !( he was a thie(' he woul%;&e sol% the boo$' not returne% it. An% i( he;% ha% some +obin =oo% moment an% %eci%e% to gi&e it bac$' it woul%n;t ma$e more sense (or him to lea&e it where her aunt coul% (in% it' or mail it to herE .eeling no closer to the answer than she ha% when she;% begun' she cleare% her min% o( those <uestions an% settle% to stu%ying the boo$ itsel(. he boo$ was central to the mysteryA whate&er the mystery was. !t was a boo$ o( %emonology an% spells. !t ha%n;t been written by someone who;% merely wante% to )ot %own an entertaining story. >hoe&er ha% originally written it' an% there was no in%ication o( who that someone was' ha% been %ea%ly serious about it i( any o( the spells were anything to go by. An% the O;Brien (amily ha% ob&iously guar%e% an% care% (or the boo$ assi%uously or it woul%n;t ha&e sur&i&e% se&eral hun%re% years. hey coul%;&e $ept it because o( its &alue' e0cept she %oubte% it was &aluable beyon% its anti<uity. Now' it must be &aluable. >hen the (irst O;Brien ha% gotten it' by whate&er means' it coul% only ha&e been &alue% (or its contents. !t ma%e sense' e&en though she (oun% it creepy to thin$ her uncle;s ancestors ha% belie&e% in such things' let alone trie% to con)ure %emons. >hy woul% anyone want to bring (orth something that e&ilE o %o e&il.

,42

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he answer poppe% into her min% without hesitation an% it was one answer she;% come up with that le(t her no room (or %oubt. >as that how the O;Brien (amily ha% grown so wealthy an% maintaine% it generation a(ter generationE Bless the Beasts' (or' with this boo$' they are yours to comman%' an% the %emons o( the un%erworl% will bring you untol% riches an% power. A shi&er tric$le% along her bac$bone as she recalle% the passage. .eeling a little %esperate to %ismiss it' she cast her min% bac$' trying to remember her uncle homas' but she;% been young when he;% been $ille%Anot long a(ter her own parents ha% %ie% in that horrible car acci%ent. /he coul%n;t remember much about him e0cept that he;% been $in% to her. =e;% seeme% li$e a goo% man. =e;% arrange% (or her to go o(( to boar%ing school' which ha% ma%e her &ery unhappy to begin with' but where she;% (inally ma%e some (rien%s an% (oun% a little happiness. /he certainly coul%n;t picture him chanting blac$ magic to con)ure a %emon. /he %i%n;t belie&e in %emons or any o( the mythological beings that ha% been worshippe% or (eare% through the ages by people too ignorant to $now better' people who (elt a nee% to e0plain the une0plainable by simply putting it %own to magic. /ari$ ha% tol% her it %i%n;t matter i( she %i%n;t belie&e. /he shi&ere% at that memory. /he;% ha% the sense' then' that he was warning her that %isbelie( was no protection. =e;% ,48

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

also sai% that the image she;% thought she;% seen was a warning. here;% been almost a moc$ing <uality to his &oice that ha% ma%e her thin$ he was )o$ing. >hat i( he ha%n;t actually been )o$ing' thoughE >hat i( he;% merely been amusing himsel( at her e0penseE /he ha%n;t tol% him that she;% seen the %emonic image instea% o( his (or )ust a split secon%. /he;% only mentione% the glimpse o( wings an% horns. A col%ness swept o&er her' but she %i%n;t belie&e /ari$ was some e&il %emon. =e was not a ba% man. =e was temperamental' o(ten to an unner&ing %egree' but as o(ten as he lost his temper or struggle% with it' he;% ne&er once hurt her or e&en o((ere% to hurt her. =e was har%' curt to the point o( ru%eness <uite o(ten' but he;% sa&e% her catsC =e;% ta$en care o( herA or%ering her aroun%Abut still with her best interests at heart. =e ma%e lo&e to her as i( she was the most beauti(ul' %esirable woman in the worl% an% he coul%n;t get enough o( her. "&en i( she coul% belie&e in %emons' she coul%n;t accept the possibility that /ari$ was some &ile thing (rom the ;un%erworl%; so o(ten mentione% in the boo$Aa place roughly the e<ui&alent o( hell (rom what she coul% tell. here were some things that bothere% about /ari$' though' she a%mitte% reluctantly. =er cats ha% ne&er beha&e% towar% any person the way they acte% aroun% himA%ogs' yes' but not aroun% anybo%y. /he ne&er hear% him enter or lea&e a room. =e )ust seeme% to appear an% %isappear. ,4@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e wasn;t )ust reluctant to tell her about himsel(' he re(use% to tell her anything at all about the li(e he;% ha% be(ore he;% come to .ol$ston' or e&en to tell her anything about what he %i% now when he wasn;t with her. =e woul%n;t come near her whene&er she ha% the boo$. =e loo$e% %ownright ill i( he trie% to come close' an% it wasn;t as i( he coul% possibly $now she ha% it. /he always tuc$e% it way be(ore he came in. Because she;% (elt uncom(ortable with him $nowing she was rea%ing it a(ter he;% pro%%e% her to %o so so many times. here was a passage in the boo$ that e0plaine% the phenomena. he boo$ was protecte%. he boo$ wasn;t )ust use% to summon an% control the %emons' the boo$ itsel( was bespelle% to pre&ent the %emons (rom seiBing it an% %estroying it. /he;% seen that image in the glass' she thought a little sic$ly. !t ha%n;t )ust been a tric$ o( light an% sha%ow as she;% trie% to con&ince hersel( it was. !( she accepte% what it seeme% her e0periences were in%icating' why ha% /ari$ comeE Because he;% been summone% by someone to $ill her. Pain' not (ear' twiste% insi%e o( her. !mages (lic$ere% behin% her close% li%s o( all the things they;% %one together' o( all the times he;% been with her. =ow coul% he %o all those things (or her' gi&e her such passion' i( his only reason (or being with her was to ta$e her li(eE /he coul%n;t belie&e itAwoul%n;t. =e wasn;t a monster' some horrible e&il mythological being that ha% been ,47

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

summone% by magic to %estroy her. !t was too (antastic to belie&e e&en i( she ha%n;t (elt that she $new him. =e;% ha% so many chances to $ill her i( that was his reason (or coming' an% yet she was still ali&e. =e ha%n;t e&er %one anything to cause her harm. But she ha% been harme%' she realiBe%' (eeling nauseate%. /he;% been in a coma. /he;% spent nearly a wea$ reco&ering (rom some uni%enti(iable aliment that ha% %e(ie% all e((orts to pin it %own. he (irst morning a(ter she;% met him' she;% awa$ene% (eeling as i( she;% been torture%Aloo$ing as i( she ha% beenA an% with no memory o( anything past that one point in time when /ari$ ha% (ollowe% her into her $itchen (or a cup o( sugar. /he %i%n;t un%erstan% that. =e;% ta$en her memoryE Di% he ha&e that sort o( powerE /he realiBe% she still thought o( him as a man an%' i( she was right' he wasn;t. =e coul% ha&e any sort o( power i( he was what she;% begun to suspect he was' inclu%ing the power to ta$e her memory. >hy %o that' thoughE >hat woul% be the purpose o( itE Pushing the boo$ beneath the couch' she curle% on her si%e (acing the bac$ o( the couch' trying to reason away the thoughts she coul%n;t bear to accept. !n her heart' she $new she ha% accepte%' though' she )ust %i%n;t want to (ace the possibility that she;% (allen in lo&e with /ari$ when he wasn;t e&en a manAbut a %emon sent to %estroy her. /he (elt his presence be(ore he spo$e. D>hat;s wrongED ,45

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

A shi&er o( (ear ran through her. >hen she turne% an% loo$e% at him' saw his e0pression' she $new at once that none o( the thoughts that ha% run through her min% were the pro%uct o( a min% wea$ene% by illness. =er heart (elt as i( it woul% brea$ in two. /ni((ing' she brushe% the tears (rom her chee$s. DNothing'D she manage% to say aroun% the $not o( misery that clogge% her throat. D! )ust.... D/he bit her lip' trying to still the wobble in her chin. D!;m (eeling low because !;&e been sic$' ! guess.D =e $new she was lying. /he coul% see it in his eyes. /he wante% to rage at him an% at the same time rush to him an% beg him to tell her she was wrong. =e woul%n;t' though' an% e&en i( he woul% tell her the lies she wante% to hear' she woul% $now them (or lies. D/it with me.D =is gaBe (lic$ere% o&er her (ace. =e clenche% his )aw. DHou $now ! can not.D !t was the answer she ha%n;t wante%. Pain speare% through her. /he %i%n;t $now why he;% toye% with her emotionsC >hy ha%n;t he )ust $ille% her outright i( that was what he;% been summone% to %oE /he got up (rom the couch. /he ha% no clear i%ea why' but she went to him' e&en $nowing she woul%;&e been sa(e i( she;% only staye% where she was. /lipping her arms aroun% his waist' she presse% her chee$ against his chest. =e sti((ene% at her embrace but' a(ter a moment' he settle% his arms aroun% her' lightly at (irst' an% then so tightly she coul% scarcely breathe. wisting his han% in her hair' he %ragge% her hea% bac$ an% lowere% his mouth to her throat. ,48

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

.right (luttere% in her heart' but as she (elt the passion o( his touch' the %esire that rose in him' she close% her min% to anything else. 9i(ting her' he carrie% her into her room an% (ell into the be% with her' saluting e&ery patch o( s$in he un&eile% with the caress o( his lips as he strippe% her. /he clung to him' ga&e him (e&ere% $iss (or %esperate $iss. /he lo&e% him. /he %i%n;t thin$ she coul% li&e an% bear it i( what she belie&e% was true. /he %i%n;t thin$ she wante% to. =e %rugge% her with his touch' his $isses. O&er an% o&er again' he carrie% her to the heights o( passion an% then began again' as i( he was as hungry each time as the (irst. /he lost count o( the number o( times he too$ her to the summit an% (inally lost touch with reality. DAm ! %yingED she whispere% wea$ly' (alling o&er the e%ge into %ar$ness be(ore he coul% respon%. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

,44

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter /e&enteen /ari$ was gone when Claire awo$e' surprise% to %isco&er she was still ali&e' almost %isappointe%. Anger surge% through her on the thought' but not at the tool' not at /ari$' at the person behin% him. /ari$ ha%n;t arbitrarily chosen her to %estroy her. =e;% been summone% an% set upon her. =ow he (elt about it was something she wante% to $now' but she $new (rom what she;% rea% it %i%n;t matter how reluctant he might be. =e coul%n;t brea$ the spell. =e was compelle% to %o what he ha% been summone% to %o. =e wasn;t in control. /omeone else was. he <uestion was' who wante% her %ea%E !t wasn;t har% to (igure out why they;% summone% a %emon to %o their %irty wor$. hey %i%n;t want to get caught an% what better way than to ha&e someone else %o itE /ummoning /ari$ was (ar better than hiring someone. hat always carrie% a ris$ e&en though it allowe% the person to $ill at a %istance that ga&e them an alibi. Foney change% han%s an% money coul% be trace%. No one woul% e&er belie&e a %emon ha% been summone% to %o the )ob. he metho% seeme% clear to her as she (orce% hersel( out o( the be% an% went about her morning ritual. /he was e0hauste% with the e((ort by the time she was %one an% coul%n;t manage much more than to wobble to the couch an% collapse again. 200

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ari$ was %raining her o( li(e by inches. >as that because his master wante% to %raw it out (or some sic$ reason o( his ownE Or because it woul% loo$ less suspicious i( she seeme% to %ie (rom an une0plaine% illnessE "ither moti&e was possible an% neither answere% her <uestion. >hoE Frs. 9e%better was the only person that came rea%ily to min% who %isli$e% her' but in the (irst place' she was %ea% an% it seeme% unli$ely she coul% control /ari$ (rom beyon% the gra&e. !n the secon%' %isli$e %i%n;t seem a strong enough moti&e an% she coul%n;t belie&e Frs. 9e%better ha% actually hate% her enough to want her %ea%. Bren%a also %i%n;t li$e her because she;% wante% /ari$ (or hersel( an% was )ealous o( the time he spent with her. But was she possessi&e enough to want to $ill to ha&e what she wante%E Faybe' but since it %awne% on her that she;% gotten along (ine with Bren%a be(ore /ari$ ha% appeare%' that was ob&iously a total wash out. /he;% ne&er ma%e (rien%s easily' but she wasn;t prone to collecting enemies either. /he coul%n;t thin$ o( anyone in .ol$ston who might hate her enough to want her %ea%. ruth(ully' she %i%n;t thin$ she inspire% enough passion in anyone (or them to hate her. /o' i( it wasn;t someone who hate% her' then she was in someone;s way. /he (elt li$e an i%iot when it (inally occurre% to her that she stoo% to inherit <uite a bit o( money (rom her aunt;s estate' but then she;% ne&er counte% on the money' ne&er 20,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

e0pecte% it' besi%es the (act that she lo&e% her aunt an% she coul%n;t loo$ (orwar% to something she woul% only ha&e when her aunt was %ea%. =er (amily ha%n;t been particularly (ortunate. =er aunt ha% ne&er ha% chil%ren or she woul%n;t e&en ha&e been a consi%eration. =er parents were %ea%' ha% been $ille% along with her younger sister in an automobile acci%ent be(ore she was e&en twel&e. An%rew;s parents an% his two brothers ha% perishe% at sea. he only reason poor An%rew ha%n;t %ie% with them was because he;% been away at college at the time. /o' beyon% the charities her aunt woul% probably lea&e a goo% portion o( her money to' there was only two potential heirsAher an% her cousin An%rew. /he;% ne&er particularly li$e% An%rew' but she coul%n;t see him as a $iller. =e;% always seeme% (on% o( her' when they were youngerAa little too (on% (or her com(ort' actually. !n any case' it wasn;t as i( she was going to cut him out. !( her aunt %i%n;t )ust %eci%e to lea&e e&erything to charity' she woul% most li$ely %i&i%e her estate between the only two bloo% relati&es she still ha%. =er uncle ha%n;t been an only chil%' though' she remembere% abruptly. !t seeme% to her that he;% ha% two nieces an% a nephew by his brother. /he %eci%e% she ha% to wi%en the potential heirs' an% thus the potential $illers' to inclu%e her uncle;s relati&es' possibly e&en their spouses. /he rubbe% her temples as she (elt the onset o( a hea%ache. =er aunt;s (ortune ha% always been the bane o( 202

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

her e0istence. !t seeme% that now it was going to be the %eath o( her. !t was so un(airC /he %i%n;t ha&e it hersel(. /he ha% ne&er wante% it' an% yet it ha% ruine% any chance she;% e&er ha% (or a %ecent relationship an% now someone wante% her %ea% only because she might get a little o( itC An% it ha% ruine% what she;% hope% to ha&e with /ari$. hat was the worst o( all. /he woul% ne&er ha&e met /ari$ i( not (or the plot' though. /he woul% ne&er ha&e (allen in lo&e with a %emon. here was a relationship %oome% to (ailure e&en i( she somehow sur&i&e%C .eeling mil%ly hysterical' she thrust her thoughts asi%e an% went into the $itchen to (in% something to eat. /he suppose% it was a waste o( time to try to $eep up her strength' or buil% it up' un%er the circumstances' but she was hungry. +emin%e% o( the many times /ari$ ha% bullie% her into eating or %ragge% her o(( to (ee% her ;to $eep up her strength;' she pause% in the act o( ma$ing hersel( a bowl o( col% cereal. >hy woul% he %o that' she won%ere%' i( his prime %irecti&e was to see to it that she waste% awayE o $eep her (rom sin$ing too (ast so it coul% be prolonge%E Or because' in spite o( e&erything' he really ha% trie% to ta$e care o( her because he (elt ... somethingE Angry with hersel(' she %ismisse% it. "&en be(ore she;% come to belie&e /ari$ wasn;t human' she;% realiBe% he %i%n;t (eel things the way normal people %i%. =e ha% no conscience. =ow coul% he (eel anything elseE 9o&e was in %irect con(lict with that lac$. =e ha% to be able to (eel empathy to (eel lo&e. 202

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he hea%ache ease% when she;% eaten but %i%n;t %isappear. +e(lecting that she at least %i%n;t ha&e to worry about being poisone%' she went into the bathroom an% poppe% a couple pain$illers. A(ter staring at her be% longingly (or se&eral moments' she (inally went bac$ into the li&ing room an% curle% up on the couch (or a nap' too apathetic e&en to want to try to sol&e the ri%%le o( who wante% Claire %ea%. he rest cleare% her hea%. >hen Claire wo$e' she realiBe% that she ha% a means o( protecting hersel(' whether she coul% (in% out who wante% her %ea% or notAthe boo$. /ari$ coul%n;t come near her as long as she was near the boo$. /he;% been too upset the night be(ore to consi%er it. /he;% wante% reassurance (rom /ari$ that he care% about her e&en a(ter she;% realiBe% the &ery (act that he %i%n;t approach her was e&i%ence that she was right about him. +ealistically' she coul%n;t imagine toting the boo$ aroun% with her (ore&er. /he ha% to (in% out who was behin% the plot an% stop it or her li(e woul% be in %anger (ore&er more. !t ga&e her time' though' time she might not ha&e without it. =a% whoe&er ha% arrange% (or her to (in% it %one it to protect her' she won%ere% abruptlyE Or was there some other reasonE /he %isco&ere% she wante% to belie&e it ha% been /ari$. Gn(ortunately' as <uic$ly as the hope blossome%' it %ie%. =e coul%n;t touch the boo$. =e coul%n;t e&en come &ery close to it. here was no way he coul%;&e brought the boo$ to her. Beyon% that' he;% ha% no reason at all to care about what 208

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

happene% to her be(ore he;% met her. /he %i%n;t thin$ he care% e&en now' %i%n;t thin$ he was capable o( it. =er aunt' maybeE /he was the only person that came to min% who might care enough to %o so' but then there woul%;&e been no reason to snea$ the boo$ into her han%s. Gnless she was a(rai%. !t was an angle she ha%n;t consi%ere%' that her aunt might be aware o( what was going on an% ha% arrange% (or Claire to (in% the boo$ to protect hersel( because she coul%n;t %o it %irectly without tipping o(( the $iller. Faybe. !t seeme% somewhat plausible' particularly since her aunt;s li(e might also be in %anger. /he was sa(e enough as long as Claire was ali&e an% might be a potential heir' but once she was %ea%' woul% whoe&er it was be content (or her aunt to li&e out her li(eE Or woul% they %eci%e to help her alongE hat %istresse% her more e&en than the thought o( her own %eath' she suppose% because it )ust %i%n;t seem real to her. "&en now' e&en with all the things she;% put together in her min%' somewhere in her subconscious' %oubts still plague% her. =a% she ta$en all sorts o( ran%om inci%ents an% put them together when they %i%n;t e&en go togetherE Create% a pattern base% on nothing more than paranoiaE /he coul%n;t %ismiss it completely. /he ha% to ha&e answers' an% since the only thing a&ailable to her was the boo$' she %ragge% it out an% began to go o&er it again. /he loo$e% up when the room began to grow %ar$ an% reache% (or the lamp besi%e the couch. 20@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ari$ was stan%ing in the %oorway when the light came on. /he )umpe%' suc$ing in a sharp gasp at the sight o( him. =is (ace har%ene%' his gaBe mo&ing to the boo$ she hel% in her han%s. .ol%ing his arms o&er his chest' he leane% against the %oor(rame. D! won%ere% i( you might (eel up to going out to eat tonightED /he tilte% her hea% at him' struggling to ignore the (rantic (luttering o( her heart which she $new was more (rom gla%ness an% e0citement at seeing him than the (ear it shoul% ha&e been. DDi% you ha&e reason to thin$ ! mightED she as$e% (inally. /omething (lic$ere% in his eyes. /he saw the <uestion ha% thrown him %espite the (act that she was hol%ing the boo$ o( spells. Closing it' she le(t it balance% on her lap instea% o( putting it away. D!;% hope% you might'D he sai% (inally. Anger (lic$ere% to li(e. DDo you (eel hope' /ari$ED he anger that abruptly blaBe% in his eyes put hers to shame. Pushing away (rom the %oor he pace% across the room. D!( you ha&e something to say' something to as$' as$'D he growle%. Claire (elt her throat close. /he nee%e% to $now. /he %i%n;t want to. D>hat $in% o( %emon are youED =e sli% a sharp glance at her an% bare% his teeth in that pre%atory grin o( his that ha% always unner&e% her. DCan;t you guessED /he %i%n;t say anything. /he coul%n;t (in% her &oice. D/hall ! show youED

207

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he scanne% his (ace' loo$ing (or any sign o( emotion beyon% the rage that glowe% in his eyes. D>hy woul% you want toED she as$e% (inally. =is lips tightene%' but he only shrugge%. D=ow woul% ! $now want i( ! can;t (eel hopeED D>hat can you (eelED she as$e% <uietly. D+ageCD he snarle%' pacing bac$ towar% the %oor. /he thought he might lea&e' but he %i%n;t. !nstea%' he turne% at the %oor an% pace% in (ront o( her again an% she realiBe% abruptly that he was mo&ing closer each time' that he was testing the limits o( the spell. Faybe he e&en thought he coul% (righten her into throwing it %own to runE D>hat $in% o( %emon are youED she as$e% again. =e sli% her a moc$ing loo$. DDo you thin$ you can banish me with the answer to that <uestionED he <uestion threw Claire completely o(( guar%' brought such terrible pain that she coul%n;t breathe (or se&eral moments. Banishment. !t was only way to ri% onesel( o( a %emon' to use the spell that banishe% them bac$ to their own plain o( e0istence. /he %i%n;t want him on another plainC /he wante% him with herC /he loo$e% %own at the boo$. D! %i%n;t thin$ ! coul% use it against you. ! )ust wante% to $now how you mean to $ill me.D !( she ha%n;t $nown he coul%n;t (eel anything' she woul%;&e thought the loo$ he sent her then was (ille% with anguish' but then it &anishe% almost as <uic$ly as it ha% appeare%. =e loo$e% away. D!;m an incubus'D he growle%. D! 205

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

(ee% on your passion. ! assume this (orm to arouse your %esires an% then ! ta$e what ! hunger (or.D DOh'D Claire sai% in a su((ocate% &oice. D hen you %on;t actually %esire me' you only (eel an insatiable hunger' an% any (emale will %o. hat;s what ! thought.D =e (lew into a rage then. One moment he was the /ari$ she $new an% the ne0t a beast' almost more (rightening because she coul% still see the remnants o( the man in his harsh (eatures an% glowing eyes. =orns sproute% (rom his hea%' %ar$ wings li$e bat wings (rom his shoul%er bla%es. =is teeth grew sharp' li$e the teeth o( a pre%ator. =is s$in burst an% peele%' lea&ing bloo%y re% muscle an% sinew &isible' an% yet in siBe an% shape he change% little. =e was no taller' no more (ormi%ably massi&e. =is (ace' %enu%e% o( s$in' was still compose% o( the same sharp (eaturesAgruesomely corrupte%. Pity was stronger insi%e her than horror' though she (elt that' too' in the same way she woul%;&e (elt to see a lo&e% one battere% almost beyon% recognition in some acci%ent or attac$. /he won%ere% i( it hurt as much as it loo$e% li$e it must. !t was no won%er' she re(lecte%' that he was nothing but a beast' so (ille% with rage' when his entire e0istence ha% been one o( pain an% torture (or so long that she %oubte% he coul% remember his humanity. >hat mista$e or %ecision ha% he ma%e to bring him to this' she won%ere%E >hat coul% he possibly ha&e %one to )usti(y such unrelenting miseryE Gttering a howl o( rage at her e0pression' he sent e&erything in her li&ing room (lying (rom one wall to another to smash into (ragmentsAe&erything e0cept the couch where 208

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

she sat as i( trappe% in the eye o( a hurricane. error (ille% her until she realiBe% that an% then a strange sort o( calm came o&er her. By the time he;% spent his rage' her li&ing room ha% been %emolishe%. DPut it bac$CD she sai% when he;% (inally stoppe%' his chest still hea&ing with the remnants o( his (ury. =e sli% her a narrow eye% glare. DHou %on;t comman% meCD he snarle%. /he ga&e him a stea%y loo$. DPut it bac$' please.D =is e0pression turne% sullen. A(ter glaring at her (or se&eral moments' howe&er' he wa&e% his han%s an% the room was )ust as it ha% been be(ore. Claire rela0e% (ractionally. D>ho is your masterED D! can not tell you.D DCan;tE Or won;tED D! can notCD he bellowe%. /he (rowne% at him (or yelling at her' releasing a hu(( o( irritation. D! $new it coul%n;t be that easy. Can you at least tell me how long ! ha&eED =is gaBe (lic$ere% o&er her an% that time she was more certain she saw misery in his eyes. D>hat goo% woul% it %o you to $now e&en i( ! coul% tell youED D! nee% to $now how long ! ha&e be(ore he comes to chec$ his han%iwor$.D =is gaBe sli% away. DNot long. ! can tell you no more. A han%(ul o( %ays.D =e seeme% to %ismiss that a(ter a moment' his e0pression one o( ba((le% (ury as he stu%ie% her. DHou;re not a(rai% o( me.D 204

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

DNo' because you can;t touch the boo$ an% !;m hol%ing it in my lap.D =e loo$e% %isconcerte%. D his (orm...ED D...!s no more repugnant to me than your other (orm' though it hurts me to see you li$e this.D =e loo$e% in%ignant. D his is my true (orm.D DNo' it isn;t.D D!t is' womanCD he roare%. D!t isn;t. Hour true (orm is the man you were be(ore you were con%emne% to the un%erworl%' the one you;&e always shown me.D =e loo$e% startle% an% then suspicious. DHou use% a spell....D /he shoo$ her hea%. D his is a &ile boo$' written by an e&il man' to %o horrible things (or nothing more than gree%. !;% (eel tainte% by it;s e&il to consi%er using one o( the spells. ! $now because ! can loo$ at you an% still see the man you showe% me.D he man she;% (allen in lo&e with. /he might be blin%e% by that' probably was' but she belie&e% there was more o( the man he;% once been insi%e o( him than )ust the corrupte% physical appearance. =er (lat %enial o( any intention o( using the boo$ %isturbe% him. /he coul% see that in the anger that blossome% (orth anew an% the way he pace% the room as i( he was struggling to thin$ o( some way to change her min%. /he coul% be wrong about that' too' but she still suspecte% he;% somehow ha% a han% in getting the boo$ to her an%' i( she was right' he;% ha% a reason. !t was certainly %ebatable whether he care% (or her' e&en a little' e&en now' but since he coul%n;t possibly ha&e 2,0

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

care%' then' whether she li&e% or %ie%' that reason ha% to lie in the spells. D>hat %o you mean to %oED he as$e% (inally. D>hat %o you mean to %oED she as$e% him. =e shoo$ his hea% angrily. DHou;&e guesse% why ! was summone%. ! can not brea$ the spell that bin%s me.D D=a&e you e&er trie%ED DFany times ... in the beginning.D D hen ! suppose that answers my <uestion.D DBut not mine'D he growle% (uriously. Claire (elt a touch o( amusement (or the (irst time. DNo' ! %on;t guess it %oes.D =e stare% at her in (uming silence (or se&eral moments an% then' as su%%enly as he;% appeare%' he &anishe%. +eleasing a sha$y breath' Claire gathere% the boo$ against her chest an% leane% bac$ against the couch wea$ly. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

2,,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter "ighteen Days. /ari$ ha% sai% she ha% only a matter o( %ays. =e ha% only a matter o( %ays. =e ha%n;t sai% that' ha%n;t ha% to point out to her what his (ailure woul% mean to him. =is master woul% punish him (or (ailingAassuming he %i%. /he certainly meant (or him to (ail' but she %i%n;t mean (or /ari$ to su((er (or it. /he )ust %i%n;t $now how she was going to pre&ent it. Faybe she was a (oolAshe suppose% she was' but she;% (orgi&en others that she lo&e% (or things they;% %one to her that were nearly as ba% an% they %i%n;t ha&e the e0cuse that he %i%. hey;% chosen to %o her harm or )ust ma%e the %ecision to put themsel&es (irst regar%less o( what it might %o to her. /ari$ ha%n;t chosen to harm her an%' right or wrong' she was con&ince% he;% %one what little he coul% to protect her (rom himsel( an% the e&il his master ha% planne%. !( he;% trie% to con&ince her she woul%;&e $nown it ha%n;t been (or her bene(it but rather somehow (or his own' an% she woul%n;t ha&e been able to (orgi&e him. =e ha%n;t ma%e e0cuses' though. /he appreciate% that' coul% a%mire the (act that he;% ta$en responsibility li$e a man' regar%less o( the circumstances. An% she $new' in part at least' that his moti&es ha%n;t been entirely (or her protection but (or plans o( his own. /he coul% accept that as long as some o( it ha% been purely (or her. 2,2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/he was (airly certain she $new why he;% wante% her to ha&e the boo$Ai( it was him that ha% arrange% it. /he )ust nee%e% to $now that she was right about her supposition that it was him that ha% arrange% it. !t too$ a great %eal o( thought be(ore she arri&e% at a possibility that might assure her o( that an%' at the same time' might bring the real culprit to light. !t was ris$y' but then she was li&ing on borrowe% time. >hate&er she %i% was ris$y. rying to e0pose a mur%erer coul%n;t be more %angerous than allowing him to stal$ her in the %ar$. /he %eci%e% she (elt well enough the (ollowing %ay to ta$e a short e0cursion to the library to %o a little research. /he %i%n;t bother to go to a great %eal o( trouble with her appearance. Any e0pen%iture o( energy was e0hausting an% she %i%n;t want to ha&e to rest be(ore she coul% go on. Besi%es' she was out o( wor$ on sic$ lea&e. !( she loo$e% too hearty e&eryone woul% )ust %eci%e she was san%bagging. /he nee%n;t ha&e worrie% about that aspect she %eci%e% wryly when she arri&e% at the library. /hoc$ ripple% across e&ery (ace she met. !gnoring the sincere concern along with the (alse' she went %irectly to one o( the computers an% searche% the web (or in(ormation on her list o( suspects. /he ha%n;t really e0pecte% to (in% out much but by the time she;% (inishe% she ha% a (airly clear i%ea o( who her woul% be mur%erer was. /he %i%n;t ha&e to pro&e it. /he %i%n;t thin$ she actually coul%' but she was certain once he was e0pose% an% (orce% to realiBe he coul%n;t get away with it' she %i%n;t ha&e worry about him anymore' an% she thought she;% be satis(ie% with 2,2

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

that. /he suppose% she;% ha&e to be. :oing to the police to %escribe a plot about someone wanting to mur%er her (or money she %i%n;t ha&e using a spell boo$ to con)ure a %emon to %o the %irty wor$ was only going to lan% her in the loony bin. he trip e0hauste% her an% %epresse% her %espite her (in%ings' or maybe because o( what she;% %isco&ere%. /he ga&e in to the nee% (or a nap an% wo$e to (in% /ari$ stu%ying her without any real surprise. =is time was short. =e must be getting %esperate. he hunger in his gaBe wasn;t (eigne%' but then' gi&en what he was' that wasn;t a surprise either. D=a&e you eatenED he as$e% gru((ly. Claire coul%n;t help but smile. D!;m not going to waste away i( you persist in stu((ing me with (oo% all the time.D =e uttere% a soun% o( impatience an% pace% across the room to stare out a win%ow' but it was ob&ious he was too restless to be still (or long. >ithin moments he was pacing bac$ an% (orth across her li&ing room li$e a cage% beast. DHou shoul% eat....D D o $eep up my strength. ! $now. !;m not going to let you %rain me anymore' though.D =e stoppe% abruptly an% whirle% to loo$ at her' wrestling' she saw' with a mi0ture o( (ury an% %isappointment. D! woul%n;t.D DHes' you woul%. Hou;re an incubus.D =e swallowe% con&ulsi&ely. D! coul% gi&e you pleasure'D he sai% hoarsely. 2,8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

DHou always %i%.D /he sighe%. D! ne&er thought !;% li$e it rough' but you are so &ery' &ery goo% at what you %o.D Desire an% uncertainty (lic$ere% bac$ an% (orth across his e0pression' as i( he suspecte% sarcasm. D! was gentle the last two times. ! woul% be this time i( you;% let me.D /he stare% at him pityingly. =e;% been gentler than be(ore' not gentle' but she coul% see he %i%n;t realiBe that' because' as he;% tol% her' he %i%n;t $now how an% e&en i( he ha% he coul%n;t really control the beast si%e o( himsel(. D! want to trust you. ! woul% i( you weren;t bespelle%Ae&en $nowing what you areAbut you are still un%er your master;s spell.D =is eyes narrowe% with cunning an% speculation. D! am' but he %i% not (orbi% me to gi&e you my own strength. =e only compelle% me to ta$e yours. ! coul% %o that. ! woul% %o thatCD /he stu%ie% him curiously. D!s that what you;&e been %oingED =e loo$e% away' began pacing (uriously again. DNot at (irst'D he a%mitte% (inally. DBut you were (a%ing too (ast. ! saw ! was going to lose you an% ! ha% to something or ! woul% not ha&e the time promise% to me.D D!( you got ri% o( me too <uic$ly' you;% be banishe% be(ore you were rea%y to returnED D! will ne&er be rea%yCD he snarle%' then loo$e% brie(ly stric$en. D! was not rea%y to gi&e you up.D Claire hel% up a han%. D/pare meC Hou shoul%;&e sai% that (irst i( you wante% me to belie&e it.D D.uc$CD he bellowe%. D:o%s %amn it' ClaireC !t;s the truthCD DBellowing at me isn;t going to con&ince meCD she retorte%. 2,@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e halte% his pacing an% stare% at her speculati&ely' then wal$e% %irectly towar% her' stopping only when he coul% come no closer. D>hat woul%ED /he consi%ere% the <uestion. DNothing at this point' ! %on;t suppose.D =e balle% his han%s into (ists' a loo$ o( wil% %esperation entering his eyes. D here must be somethingCD he roare%. D:i&e me' ClaireC ! nee%. ! hunger. ! burn. ! can not stan% itC !t has been two %aysCD /he ga&e him a loo$. D hen go get what you nee% somewhere elseCD D.uc$C .uc$C .uc$CD he bellowe%. D!t %oes no goo%' go%s %amn itC Do you thin$ ! ha&e not trie% thatE !t %oesn;t appease the hunger (or more than a (ew momentsC An% then it is worse than be(oreCD DHou (uc$e% another womanED Claire %eman%e% in%ignantly. D! coul% not thin$ o( any other way to control it' go%s %amn itCD he snarle% (uriously be(ore a loo$ cunning came to his eyes. D! will not %o it againC ! swear. :i&e yoursel( to me. hat;s all ! want.D D+ightC hat;s why you were o(( (uc$ing other women.D D! am an incubus' go%s %amn itCD D:oo% e0cuseCD Claire sni((e% in%ignantly. =e ra$e% his (ingers through his long blac$ hair' tugging at the tangles he;% create% as i( he was consi%ering pulling it out. =is gol%en eyes glowe%' (lic$ere% with tumultuous thoughts. D! will gi&e you a chil%'D he sai% (inally. 2,7

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

A )olt went through Claire. D>hat ma$es you thin$ that woul% appeal to meED DHou want one. ! $now you %o.D /he;% suspecte% she;% gi&en too much away' she thought in %isgust' recalling the con&ersation. DHou sai% you coul%n;t.D =e blin$e%' caught in his own lie. D here is a way. ! can not gi&e you a chil% o( mine' but ! can gather the see% on another an% gi&e it to you.D D! coul% %o that mysel(CD Claire snappe% in%ignantly. DBut you will not' go%s %amn itC Hou are my womanCD /he rather li$e% that although she wasn;t about to let him $now it. D! %on;t see the %i((erence. Hou sai% you;% gi&e me another man;s see%.D DBut you woul% not (uc$ him to get it' go%s %amn itC Only meCD DBut it woul%n;t be your see%CD she pointe% out angrily. D>hy woul% ! want some other man;s chil%ED Disconcerte%' he stare% at her (or a long moment. D! can not gi&e you mine'D he sai% (inally. D hen ! %on;t want itCD she snappe%. =e tilte% his hea% curiously. DHou woul% want it i( it was mineED DO( course.... D/he bro$e o((' irritate% that he;% gotten her so %istracte% she;% a%mitte% it. D...not'D she (inishe% belate%ly. D!;m )ust saying ! %on;t see the point' especially when ! won;t be aroun% long enough to carry it or en)oy it i( your master has anything to %o with it.D hat %i&erte% him' but she %i%n;t hol% out any hope that he;% (orgotten her little slip' or that she;% manage% to 2,5

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

con&ince him that she ha%n;t meant it the way it ha% come out. =e %roppe% to his $nees. DA taste' ClaireE ! will go insane. ! can not stan% it anymore. Only a little to soothe the pain' pleaseED here was (ar more %eman% in his &oice than supplication' but she coul% see the %esperation in his eyes e&en i( she coul%n;t hear it in his &oice. /he %i%n;t particularly want him appeasing his nee% on anybo%y else' i( it came to that' but she $new she coul%n;t trust him. D! can;t trust you to stop. ! $now that an% you $now that.D D! will gi&e bac$ a (ull measure o( what ! ta$e. ! swear itCD D! can;t trust that either'D she sai% sa%ly. =is gaBe (lic$ere% o&er her speculati&ely. DHou will not nee% to. Hou ha&e the boo$ (or protection. Hou can use it to thrust me away.D /he was the one that was insaneC D=owED DHou nee% only $eep it within reach. Hou ha&e only to touch it an% it will repel me.D !t woul% be almost as goo% as bin%ing himAi( he wasn;t lying. /he was pretty certain he wasn;t' but sure enough to trust her li(e to itE /he $new she;% alrea%y ma%e her %ecision' though. /he wante% him' too. /he also %i%n;t want to sen% him o(( to another woman (or what he nee%e%. =e bac$e% o(( as she sat up an% retrie&e% the boo$' watching her with a mi0ture o( hunger an% %oubt as she gathere% it against her chest an% got up' hea%ing towar% her room. 2,8

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e (ollowe% her hope(ully' stan%ing in the %oorway to watch her while she remo&e% her panties' which was all she coul% manage one han%e%' an% she wasn;t letting go o( the boo$. A(ter staring at the be% speculati&ely (or se&eral moments' she (inally merely leane% o&er the e%ge o( it' placing the boo$ on the be% within easy reach as she settle% her upper torso against the be%. /he %i%n;t ha&e to in&ite him twice. /he (elt his han% sli%e along her leg e&en as she loo$e% aroun% to (in% him an% %isco&ere% he;% $nelt behin% her. =is han%s shoo$ with eagerness as he graspe% her thighs an% pushe% her legs wi%er. /he shi(te% obligingly' (eeling heart begin to hammer with e0citement an% anticipation ... an% a healthy %ose o( (ear. =e bit into one buttoc$' har% enough to sting' an% then suc$e% the sting away be(ore he mo&e% to the other. =er s$in stipple% all o&er. =er nipples har%ene% with want' begging (or attention they weren;t going to get since the spell shiel%e% her upper bo%y. =er %isappointment was brie(. =e went right (or the goal since he wasn;t allowe% anything else' stro$ing her cle(t with his tongue. /he mo&e% her legs wi%er apart. he position still limite% his access to her' ha% to be aw$war% an% uncom(ortable' but she was rea%y to see what he coul% %o with what he was allowe%. A lot. =e manage% to (asten his mouth tightly o&er her clit' suc$ing at it so gree%ily that he brought her o(( within moments since she ha%n;t ma%e any attempt to hol% her response in chec$ or %elay the rise to completion. /he shu%%ere% with %elight as the wa&es o( pleasure mo&e% 2,4

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

through her' the spasms heightene% by his insistent (ee%ing until she was gasping hoarsely. =e shi(te% to tongue (uc$ing her when he coul%n;t sustain her orgasm any longer' lapping at her until she (elt another clima0 buil%ing an% then pushing her with his (e&erish caresses until she came. =er $nees buc$le% with wea$ness in the a(termath' but he %i%n;t seem to min% that she;% lan%e% on his (ace. =e grippe% her legs to support her' nibbling at her' i( possible' more (e&erishly. /he pante%' struggling to %rag in enough air to $eep the %ar$ness at bay. /he;% ha% enough' she thought sluggishly' an% yet she coul% sense his appetite was barely pi<ue%. =e nee%e% more' %eman%e% it. /he sought the strength to en%ure more' to gi&e him more. =er bo%y respon%e% to him. D! want to (eel your coc$ in me when ! come again' /ari$'D she gaspe%. /he thought he woul% ignore the plea' but he stoppe% a(ter a moment an% stoo% up' pressing the hea% o( his coc$ into her opening. Catching her hips when she slippe% (orwar%' he hel% her tightly so that he coul% %ri&e insi%e o( her. he %esperate' poun%ing pace he set once he;% manage% to embe% himsel( (ully insi%e o( her nearly buc$le% her spine but it also %ro&e her towar% another clima0. =e came the moment the walls o( her se0 began to clench aroun% his coc$' $nea%ing his (lesh' uttering a guttural growl o( satis(action that ripple% through her an% carrie% her higher. =e slowe% to sa&or the rapturous con&ulsions roc$ing him an% then began to mo&e more swi(tly again' bringing them both to another' har%er' clima0 only a (ew minutes later. 220

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D"nough'D Claire gaspe% wea$ly' inching her (ingers towar% the boo$. =e stoppe% be(ore she ha% graspe% it' shu%%ering' gasping hoarsely. D! want more.D /he shoo$ her hea% tire%ly. D! can;t.D /he coul% (eel the reluctance in him to lea&e her in the slowness with which he with%rew' but he %i% pull out' stepping away (rom her. !t too$ all she coul% %o to climb up on the be% an% collapse' curling the boo$ to her chest. =e pace% aroun% the be%' staring at her hungrily' struggling with the hunger that ma%e his eyes blaBe. /lowly the beast rece%e%. D! can;t touch you.D D! $now.D D! can;t gi&e to you i( ! can;t touch you.D D!t;s alright. ! %i%n;t e0pect you to.D =e stille%' swallowing au%ibly. DHou ga&e to me when you %i%n;t thin$ ! woul% gi&e bac$ to youED he %eman%e%' both con(usion an% anger in his &oice. D>hy woul% you %o that' ClaireED /he uttere% a gusty sigh as her breathing returne% to normal. DBecause ! wante% to'D she tire%ly. hat silence% him (or se&eral moments. =e pace% aroun% her restlessly. D9et me in' ClaireCD he growle% (inally' (rustration an% anger in his &oice. /he shoo$ her hea%. D! nee% to rest.D D! too$ too much' go%s %amn itC 9et me gi&e you what you nee%.D D! %on;t trust you enough'D she sai% sa%ly. 22,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

DHou %on;t trust me at allCD he bellowe%. DNo'D she agree%' Dbut you can;t help what you are.D =e rage% at her' but she was too tire% to waste her strength on con&ersation' too weary to (eel any (ear about his raging. .inally' he stoppe% pacing an% li(te% his han%s. /he %i%n;t realiBe he was searching the limits o( the shiel%ing until she saw his (ace contort with pain. =e hel% his stance regar%less' pushing at it. An% then she (elt a tingling o( warmth' as re&i&ing as a breath o( (resh air a(ter being %epri&e% o( it until one (elt the lac$. =e stumble% bac$' swaye% wea$ly a moment' an% then &anishe%. /he smile% (aintly as she %ri(te% o((. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

222

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter Nineteen DAunt "liBabethCD Claire greete% her aunt at the %oor with please% surprise. D! %i%n;t e0pect you to come bac$ (or a &isit so soonCD =er aunt ga&e her an irritate% loo$. D! %on;t how to ta$e that'D she sai% waspishly. DHou %i%n;t thin$ !;% come bac$ to chec$ on your progressED /miling' Claire leane% (orwar% to $iss the woman;s withere% chee$. D!;m gla% you came.D "liBabeth smile% thinly. D! can see you;re ecstatic'D she sai% %ryly. DAn%rew came with me. =e;s still screwing aroun% at the car.D urning' she loo$e% impatiently (or him an% (inally (ollowe% Claire into the house' settling in a chair across (rom her when Claire too$ the couch' hal( reclining on it. DHou loo$ li$e hell'D "liBabeth obser&e% (orthrightly a(ter stu%ying Claire searchingly (or a (ew minutes. D! (eel li$e hell'D Claire respon%e% with a (aint smile' won%ering su%%enly why she;% ne&er realiBe% that as grating as her aunt so o(ten was' she genuinely care%. /he;% ne&er been one (or ;icing;. /he sai% e0actly what she thought' an% how she (elt. DNot getting betterED An%rew as$e% as he came into li&ing room' loo$e% aroun%' an% (inally settle% in the chair besi%e "liBabeth;s. Claire trans(erre% her attention (rom her aunt to her cousin' (eeling her heart clench uncom(ortably in her chest as she stu%ie% him. he hope(ulness in his &oice was answer 222

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

enough' though' she realiBe%. /he;% $nown as soon as she %one her research it coul%n;t be anyone else' e&en though she;% struggle% with acceptance. CreepC DOh' ! ha&e goo% %ays an% ba%'D she (inally manage% to say in a (airly stea%y &oice. =is lips tightene%. /he coul% see &ery easily that the comment %i%n;t please him an% won%ere% how he coul% e&er ha&e (oole% anyone when he was such a poor actor. D!;% hope% you;% be up aroun% by now.D No you weren;t' you slimy pric$C Hou were hoping !;% be worm (oo%C Dispensing with i%le chitchat with a wa&e o( her han% in An%rew;s %irection' "liBabeth %eman%e% a (ull report on her progress an% Claire oblige%' hoping to calm her ner&es an% prepare hersel( (or what she was about to %o. 9ong be(ore they;% thoroughly e0hauste% the sub)ect' An%rew ha% begun to (i%get. DNer&ous' An%rewED Claire as$e% coolly. =e sent her a startle% loo$ an% then a tight smile. DA little %istracte%. >or$ ... you $now how that is.D DNot going wellED Claire as$e% with (alse sympathy. =e pale% a little' sen%ing a <uic$ glance at their aunt be(ore he (ocuse% on Claire again' his eyes narrowe% now with anger' no %oubt because the comment ha% %rawn a piercing loo$ (rom their aunt. D>hy woul% you say thatED he as$e%' (orcing a patently chuc$le in an attempt to hi%e his %iscom(ort. /he shrugge%. DHou sai% you were preoccupie%.D 228

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D>ith things that nee% to be %one'D he testily. D"&erything is (ine.D "liBabeth (a&ore% him with a narrow eye% loo$ o( suspicion. D! hope so (or you sa$e' An%rew. ! alrea%y tol% you ! wasn;t going to (inance another business &enture (or you.D =e re%%ene%' his temper slipping another notch. D"&erything;s (ine'D he repeate% through gritte% teeth. .eeling her pulse )ump' Claire %eci%e% it was time to ma$e her play be(ore she lost her ner&e entirely. >atching both her aunt an% An%rew care(ully' she pulle% the boo$ (rom its hi%ing place beneath her robe. An%rew stille%' his eyes wi%ening with recognition. he color washe% (rom his (ace. D! (oun% this a (ew wee$s ago'D Claire sai% sha$ily. D! belie&e it;s yours' Aunt "liBabeth.D "liBabeth loo$e% ta$en abac$. /he (rowne%. DFineED she as$e%' ob&iously surprise%. /he loo$e% the boo$ o&er without ma$ing any attempt to reach (or it. D! %on;t recogniBe it. =ow woul% you (in% a boo$ that belonge% to meE Hou ha&en;t e&en been to the house in well o&er a year.D Claire opene% the boo$ to the last page' tipping it to show her aunt the signatures in the bac$. DActually' ! thin$ it belonge% to Gncle homas' but whate&er was his is yours now.D "liBabeth s<uinte%' trying to ma$e out the writing an% (inally got up an% mo&e% closer. Claire shi(te% to allow her aunt to sit %own besi%e her. "liBabeth sat %own' grasping the e%ge o( the boo$ an% pulling on it so that it was between them. D!;m sure !;&e ne&er seen it'D she sai% a(ter a moment. D=ow %i% you say you got itED 22@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D! (oun% it in the library.D DOh'D "liBabeth sai% %ismissi&ely. D homas must ha&e %onate% it.D D=e %i%n;tCD An%rew sai% <uic$ly' ob&iously unable to contain himsel( any longer. D!t;s mineCD "liBabeth li(te% her hea% an% glare% at him in rebu$e (or his ru%eness. D>hy woul% homas gi&e you the boo$E Claire;s always been the boo$ish one.D /he %ismisse% An%rew an% turne% to smile thinly at Claire. DHou;re welcome to it' %ear' i( you want it' although.... D/he leane% %own to stu%y one o( the pages more closely. D:oo% go%C !s that a moleED A )olt went through Claire at the comment. :lancing %own' Claire stare% at the blemish her aunt ha% pointe% out' (eeling su%%enly <ueasy when she realiBe% why the ;paper; the boo$ ha% been ma%e (rom ha% seeme% so strange. /hu%%ering' "liBabeth &acate% the couch abruptly an% returne% to her seat. D:hastlyC ! %on;t why you;% want that %isgusting thing' but you;re certainly welcome to itA$eep it' or burn it.D DBut it;s mineCD An%rew burst out. D!ts ma%e out o( s$in' An%rewCD "liBabeth snappe%. DBesi%es being a boo$ an% you;&e ne&er been intereste% in boo$s that ! e&er $newC !( you ha% been' maybe you coul%;&e manage% to get at least one o( the %egrees you went a(ter in all the years ! pai% (or you to go to collegeC ! can;t thin$ o( any earthly reason why homas woul%;&e gi&en it to you. Actually'D she a%%e% thought(ully' D! %on;t un%erstan% homas ha&ing a boo$ li$e that aroun%' but maybe he %i%n;t notice it was ma%e out o( human s$inED 227

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Claire %i% wish she;% <uit harping on thatC /he (elt li$e she was going to throw up an% it was all she coul% %o to $eep a grip on the boo$. /he wante% to throw it as (ar (rom her as she coul% sen% it. D:i&e me boo$' ClaireCD An%rew growle%. D!t;s mine.D DBecause you stole (rom Aunt "liBabeth;s house.D An%rew gape% at her' stunne% to silence (or a han%(ul o( secon%s. D! %i%n;t steal itC ! borrowe% itCD he sai% angrily. Claire shrugge%' clutching the boo$ more tightly. D hen it isn;t yours.D =e boun%e% out o( his chair' although he ma%e no attempt to approach her' as i( he coul%n;t <uite %eci%e the best way to get the boo$ (rom her. D:i&e me the go% %amn boo$' bitch' or !;ll brea$ your (uc$ing nec$C Hou;&e got no i%ea what that thing isCD "liBabeth gape% at An%rew in shoc$. DAn%rewCD D/hut upCD he snarle% at her. D hat thing;s %angerousCD "liBabeth glare% at him. D>ellC ! shoul% thin$ soC Consi%ering what it;s ma%e out o( its probably crawling with all sorts o( bacteriaC :i&e the nasty thing to him' ClaireC ! e0pect that;s what;s ma%e you sic$.D Claire %i%n;t loo$ at her aunt or loosen her hol% on the boo$. D!t %i%' but not without An%rew;s help. !sn;t that right' An%rewED /he coul% tell he was in a blin% panic to get his han%s on the boo$. !( he ha%n;t been he woul%;&e thought better than to show his han% in (ront o( their aunt. /he;% been counting on the shoc$ o( his %isco&ery throwing him o((' though. !( he;% been calmer he woul%;&e realiBe% he nee%n;t %o anything but 225

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

$eep his mouth shut an% wait (or the opportunity to steal it (rom her as he ha% (rom her aunt. !t was /ari$' she realiBe%' abruptly. =e;% summone% /ari$ an% he was terri(ie% that he woul% lose control o( the %emon i( he %i%n;t get the boo$ bac$ into his possession' too (rightene% to realiBe he;% alrea%y gi&en too much away. Apparently he %i% realiBe it was too late to co&er up his in&ol&ement' either that or he was too scare% to thin$ straight. =e sprang at her abruptly in an attempt to wrest the boo$ (rom her. Claire tightene% her grip with grim %etermination' $ic$ing him an% launching him bac$war%s. /tunne%' "liBabeth reacte% slowly' but she reacte%' leaping (rom her own chair an% poun%ing on him with her poc$etboo$ as he (ell bac$ into his chair. DBeha&e yoursel(' An%rew homas /mithCD she yelle% at him. DAre you out o( your min%C /he hasn;t been out o( the hospital more than a (ew wee$sCD !nstea% o( lashing out at her' he %uc$e%' throwing his arms up to war% her o((. D/ari$CD he bellowe%' %esperation threa%ing his &oice. "liBabeth suc$e% in a sharp breath as /ari$ materialiBe% in (ront o( them. "((ecti&ely %istracte% (rom poun%ing on An%rew with her poc$etboo$' she (roBe mi%6swing an% blin$e% at /ari$ in stunne% amaBement. DMill herC Mill her now an% ta$e the boo$ (rom her or !;ll banish youCD An%rew screame%' pointing a sha$ing (inger at Claire. /ari$ narrowe% his eyes at An%rew but he ma%e no attempt to %o his bi%%ing. D/he;s hol%ing the boo$. ! can;t touch her'D he growle%. DHou $now that.D 228

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D! comman% youCD An%rew bellowe%. Gttering a roar o( rage' /ari$ leapt at her' slamming against the barrier so har% it threw Claire bac$ against the couch' but his impetus wor$e% against him. he recoil sent him (lying across the room to smash into the wall har% enough to $noc$ all the pictures o(( o( it. "liBabeth screame%' clutching at her chest. :ripping the boo$ in white $nuc$le% (ists when she saw that An%rew meant to ma$e another attempt to tear the boo$ (rom her' Claire s<ueeBe% her eyes close% an% began the chant that (inishe% bin%ing the boo$ to her. An%rew (roBe hal(way between his chair an% the couch' an% then launche% himsel( at her in %esperation. !t was too late. he boo$ repelle% him as it ha% /ari$. /he;% hope% she coul% manage this without bin%ing the boo$ to her' but' contrary to what her aunt thought' she was a realist' too. /he;% $nown the chances weren;t goo% that she coul% %o it without the help o( the boo$ itsel(. ruth(ully' she wasn;t certain she;% actually belie&e% in the power o( the boo$ until that moment. An%rew pushe% himsel( upright an% loo$e% aroun% stupi%ly. Gttering a howl o( rage' the moment Claire (inishe% wea&ing her spell /ari$ leapt at him' yan$ing him up (rom the (loor an% sha$ing him li$e a rag %oll. D/top it' /ari$C Drop himCD Claire snappe%. =e %i%' roaring (uriously that he;% been %enie%. "liBabeth san$ wea$ly into her chair' loo$ing bewil%ere%. D! %on;t un%erstan% what;s going on here.D 224

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D ell her' An%rew'D Claire sai% tightly. =e glare% at her sullenly. DNothingCD D ell her' An%rew' or !;ll let /ari$ ha&e you.D /ari$ grinne% %own at him. An%rew;s eyes nearly poppe% (rom his hea%. DHou woul%n;tC =e;ll $ill meCD Claire shrugge%. D! woul%n;t let him $ill you' but ! woul% let him ta$e out some o( his (rustrations on you' An%rew' an% ! %on;t thin$ you;% en)oy that. ell her.D D>hat is going onED "liBabeth %eman%e%. D>hat ha&e %one now' An%rewED D! was )ust going to sell itCD he sai% hastily. D! nee%e% the money. ! woul%n;t ha&e been pushe% to that i( you ha%n;t been so %amn tight (iste%CD "liBabeth glare% at him. D! was more than generous with' you ungrate(ul bratC Plenty o( people in this worl% get by on a hell o( a less than ! ga&e youC Claire gets along )ust (ine an% ! %on;t e&en gi&e her hal( as much as ! gi&e youCD DBut you;re richC !t;s pi%%ling besi%e what you ha&eCD DBut it;s mineCD she snappe%. DAn% ! by6%amne% earne% itC ! spent thirty miserable years with homas (or that money an% he was a total bastar%C ! manage% his businesses (or him' %ealt with e&erything by mysel( because he %i%n;t want to be bothere% with it. =e %i%n;t e&en let me ha&e a tenth o( what ! gi&e youC =e woul%n;t let me ha&e chil%renC ! pai% the price in sla&e labor an% misery (or the li(e ! ha&e. Hou ha&en;t %one anything to %eser&e more' to %eser&e e&en what ! gi&e youCD D! got ri% o( him (or youCD he burst out. 220

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

he con(ession roc$e% both "liBabeth an% Claire bac$ on their heels. DHou %i% whatED "liBabeth as$e% (aintly. D! summone% a %emon an% sent him to arrange the acci%ent'D he sai% arrogantly. D he ol% bastar% was ne&er going to %ieC An% you;re right' he treate% you li$e shit. ! %i% (or youCD "liBabeth loo$e% ill but her lips tightene% in anger. DHou %i% it (or yoursel(C ! %i%n;t as$ you. ! lo&e% the ol% bastar%' hate(ul as he was.D A horrible suspicion entere% Claire;s min% at his a%mission. DHou $ille% them allCD Claire gaspe%. DFy (amily ... e&en your own (amilyE Hou use% the boo$ to summon %emons to $ill e&eryoneCD .or se&eral moments' An%rew loo$e% horri(ie%' but the moment he spo$e it was clear that it ha% nothing to %o with guilt but rather the (ear o( being caught an% punishe%. DHou can;t pro&e anything. !t was acci%ents. "&en i( they in&estigate% it again' they woul%n;t (in% anything.D D!s that why you sent /ari$ to ma$e it loo$ as i( !;% %ie% o( an illnessED Claire as$e% tightly. DBecause you;% alrea%y arrange% too many acci%ents an% was a(rai% that one more' that le(t the roa% clear (or you' woul% be one too manyE ! chec$e%. Gncle homas; nieces an% nephew %ie% in tragic acci%ents' too.D =e glance% (rom his aunt;s horri(ie% (ace to Claire an% (ol%e% his lips' re(using to say more. !t %i%n;t matter. /he $new what he;% trie% to %o an% her aunt $new. /he was su%%enly sorry she coul%n;t let /ari$ ha&e his way with the 22,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

bastar%. =e %eser&e% to get the li&ing hell beat out o( him i( nothing else. But that woul%n;t change what he was or what he;% %one. /he won%ere% i( he ha% any i%ea that he was %estine% to %isco&er )ust how horrible the un%erworl% was. D:et out o( my houseCD DAn% %on;t you e&en thin$ about getting in my car' you bastar%CD "liBabeth snappe%. >hen he;% slamme% out o( the house Claire an% her aunt e0change% a loo$. "liBabeth;s chin wobble%' but she clampe% a tight rein on her emotions. D! %on;t thin$ !;&e ta$en all this in'D she murmure% wea$ly' staring at /ari$ in horri(ie% (ascination. D=e;s a %emonE An%rew actually summone% a %emon to $ill youED Claire glance% at /ari$' who;% mo&e% to the win%ow to stare out at An%rew' his e0pression' e&en in pro(ile' a mas$ o( (rustrate% (ury. D>oul% you li$e to lay %own on my be% an% rest a little whileED Claire as$e% her aunt sympathetically' (ully e0pecting a re(usal. !t %isturbe% her when "liBabeth merely no%%e%' loo$ing so ol% an% (ragile now that Claire (elt a pang o( guilt that she;% (orce% An%rew to re&eal so much to the ol% woman. /ari$ was still waiting (or her when she returne% to li&ing room a(ter helping her aunt get com(ortable. /he;% gi&en her aunt one o( the sleeping pills (rom her aunt;s purse to help her rest.

222

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

/ari$ eye% her warily when she entere% the room an% mo&e% to %rop wea$ly onto the couch. D>hat is your bi%%ing' mistressED he growle%' his &oice (ierce' intimi%ating. Claire stu%ie% his (ace' $eeping her thoughts to hersel( with an e((ort. D>hat %o you thin$ ! shoul% sen% you to %oED DMill him'D he growle%. D>hy woul% ! want to %o thatE =e;s a wea$ling. =e;s lost the power to hurt me an% ! can;t punish him (or what he wante% to %o.D =e sent her a loo$ o( ba((le% (ury. D! woul% ma$e it <uic$.D Claire bit her lip. D! imagine you woul%' but !;&e %eci%e% to (orgi&e him.D D=e wante% you %ea%CD /ari$ snarle%. DAn% he summone% you an% sent you to ta$e care o( it. ! $now.D !t was the only reason she was willing to (orgi&e An%rew. =e;% sent /ari$ to her. >ithout his sic$' twiste% %etermination to %estroy her' an% e&erybo%y else that stoo% between him an% all o( their aunt;s money' she woul% ne&er ha&e met /ari$ at all. hat ha% earne% him one goo% mar$ against the column against him. D! %on;t nee% re&enge. =e (aile%. he <uestion is' what %o ! %o with youED =e swallowe% con&ulsi&ely' uneasiness (lic$ering in his eyes brie(ly. DHou are my mistress'D he growle% (inally. D his is something you must %eci%e.D Claire turne% an% set the boo$ &ery care(ully an% %eliberately away (rom her. DActually' !;m not your mistress. ! %i%n;t bin% you to me. ! boun% the boo$ to me by writing my name in bloo% beneath the pre&ious owners an% chanting the spell. ! release% you (rom An%rew. ! %i%n;t bin% you to me. ! 222

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

still coul%' o( course. Or ! coul% banish you to your own plain.D /ari$;s gaBe sli% towar% the boo$ speculati&ely an% then returne% to her (ace. =e %i%n;t ma$e any attempt to approach her' although he ha% to see that she;% put the boo$ (ar enough away he ha% a better than e&en chance o( reaching her be(ore she coul% grab it. .ear s$ittere% through her %espite the calm (aLa%e she;% assume%. /he $new she was ta$ing a %angerous chance' but she ha% to $now an% it was only way she e&er woul%. Di% he want herE Or was it only the (ree%om he;% hope% to ha&e when he;% put the boo$ in her pathE D>hat will you %o when you;&e banishe% meED he as$e% a(ter a long pause. DDestroy it.D =e pale%' loo$ing &aguely ill. DHou coul%n;t summon me bac$ i( %i% that. Hou might ha&e nee% o( me.D D!;m not li$e An%rew. ! coul%n;t $ill' e&en i( ! %i%n;t ha&e to soil my own han%s with their bloo%.D here was no surprise in his eyes. !t ma%e her (eel better to $now he ha%n;t actually belie&e% that o( her e&en when he suggeste% it. DHou can;t %estroy the boo$'D he growle% (inally. DHou %on;t ha&e the power to %o that.D /he sighe%. D hen !;ll put it where no one else will (in% it. ! can;t lea&e it where )ust anyone might %isco&er it an% use the &ile thing to bring (orth %emons.D =e no%%e%' sti((ening as she reache% (or the boo$ again. /he pause%' waiting to see i( he woul% pounce. =is han%s 228

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

clenche% an% unclenche% but he (orce% the tension (rom his bo%y' swallowing thic$ly. D! %on;t want to go bac$'D he sai% gru((ly. D"nsla&e me' Claire. ! will stay an% gi&e you pleasure.D Claire pic$e% up the boo$ an% turne% to loo$ at him lo&ingly. =er heart (elt as i( it was being crushe% in her chest. he (act that he ha%n;t ma%e any attempt to stop her tol% her what she;% nee%e% to $now. =e care%Aas much as he capable o( caring. =e ha% to care something (or her i( he was willing to allow her to sen% him bac$ when he coul%;&e stoppe% her' coul% easily ha&e $ille% her to stop her. D! nee% more than that. Hou can;t gi&e me what ! nee%. Hou ha&e no heart' no capacity (or lo&e.D =is eyes glowe% (or a moment with (ury' but then the light went out o( them. =e no%%e%' loo$ing away (rom her. DBanish me then an% be %one with itCD he snarle%. /he stu%ie% his (ace' wanting to memoriBe it. !t too$ an e((ort to swallow past the lump o( misery in her throat. D! want you to $now' i( those goes ba%ly' ! lo&e you. ! (orgi&e you' /ari$.D =is hea% )er$e% upwar%s. =e stare% at her' seeme% to struggle (or wor%s. /he close% her eyes an% began the chant she;% memoriBe%' the one spell (rom the boo$ that she (elt in heart was the right one to e&o$e' e&en though it bro$e her heart to thin$ what it might %o to him. /he ha% to try' (or his sa$e. IBac$ to able o( ContentsJ

22@

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Chapter wenty D9ea&e this man' %emonC ! cast you outC Be goneC :o bac$ to the un%erworl% (rom whence ye came an% lea&e this mortal ... un(ettere% by the un%erworl%. .ree himCD /ari$ screame% in agony. he soun% cut through her li$e a $ni(e' wea$ening her resol&e. .alling to his $nees' he pitche% (orwar% onto the (loor' writhing in torment. ears (loo%e% Claire;s eyes an% (lowe% %own her chee$s. =is agony tormente% her an% (or se&eral moments she wa&ere%' struggling against the %ecision she;% ma%eAto (ree him' e&en i( it he woul%n;t be hers. D9ea&e this man' %emonC ! cast you outC Be goneC :o bac$ to the un%erworl% (rom whence ye came an% a lea&e this mortalC .ree him (rom the worl% that bin%s youCD =e change% into %emon (orm an% bac$ again brie(ly be(ore he too$ his %emon (orm again' screaming' growling' howling as she continue% the chant to (ree him. /ha$ing all o&er' she close% her eyes' trie% to close her min% to the pain she was in(licting on him. .or hours' it seeme%' she chante% until (inally /ari$ merely lay twitching on the (loor. "0hauste% (rom the e((ort' she %roppe% to her $nees besi%e him' weeping <uietly' sni((ing. DAre you %oneED he snarle% a(ter a long while' when she;% begun to won%er i( she;% $ille% the man she lo&e% instea% o( (reeing him (rom torment. Claire no%%e% wearily. 227

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D:oo%C Because that hurt li$e (uc$ing hell' womanCD /ari$ growle%' grabbing her an% %ragging %own on the (loor with him' an% then rolling until she was beneath him. /he blin$e% up at him' smiling tremulously. D!t wor$e%ED DO( course it %i%n;t (uc$ing wor$' you stupi% little twitCD /ari$ growle% (on%ly. D! was born hal( %emon. Hou can;t cast the %emon out without pitching all o( me bac$. !;% begun to be seriously worrie% that you might succee%' though.D Disconcerte%' Claire stare% at him suspiciously. DHou;re )ust saying that.D DBecause its (uc$ing true'D /ari$ sai% %ryly' nuBBling his (ace against her throat an% then opening his mouth to bite her throat. D! nee% sustenance a(ter that.D :etting up' he pulle% her (rom the (loor an% carrie% into her room. /topping short when he saw her aunt sleeping peace(ully in the mi%%le o( the be%' he re&erse% %irections an% hea%e% (or the couch. /earching his (ace hope(ully (or some sign that the incantation ha% helpe% him' Claire stare% up at him uneasily as he pulle% her clothes o((' tossing them behin% him. D!t %i%n;t %o anythingED =e pause%' staring bac$ at her (or a long moment' his gaBe (lic$ering o&er her (ace be(ore he met her gaBe. D! was born a %emi6%emon' a hal( %emon' Claire. ! am now what ! once was. he incantation (ree% me (rom the chains o( the un%erworl%. !t %i%n;t ma$e me something ! ne&er wasA completely human. !t boun% the beast' (or now' but %on;t be surprise% i( he %oesn;t stay chaine%.D =e struggle% (or a moment with his shirt an% (inally tore it o(( when it seeme% 225

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

%etermine% to %e(eat him. /huc$ing his pants' he sprawle% on top o( her. D ell me you lo&e me' woman'D he muttere%' nipping an% suc$ing at the ten%er s$in o( her throat gree%ily. /he was almost surprise% when she (elt relie&e%' (elt her heart soar as i( she;% been set (ree hersel(' but then she suppose% she shoul%n;t ha&e been. /he;% (allen in lo&e with a %emon in the (orm a man. !t was part o( what he was an% there(ore part o( what she lo&e% about him. !( the incantation ha% wor$e% any other way' she realiBe%' she woul% ha&e lost a part o( the man she lo&e%. /he suppose% that was what she;% been most a(rai% o(Abeyon% the possibility that she woul% (ree him an% %isco&er he %i%n;t care (or her at allA ne&er ha%. /he curle% her arms aroun% him. D! lo&e you' /ari$.D A growl o( pleasure rumble% (rom his throat. DFine'D he murmure% against her s$in. DFy woman.D =e mo&e% lower' (amiliariBing himsel( with her breasts once more' tugging an% suc$ling at her nipples until she coul%n;t catch her breath an% was groaning incessantly. =e %rew bac$ abruptly when he;% ma%e his way all the way %own her bo%y to her lower belly. D:et the boo$' ClaireCD he sai% gru((ly. =er min% alrea%y a swirl o( con(usion with the heate% passion threa%ing her &eins' Claire merely %ragge% her hea&y eyeli%s open with an e((ort an% stare% at him without comprehension. =e pushe% her onto one hip an% slappe% her ass har% enough with his palm to bring the sting o( tears to her eyes. D:et itCD 228

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

D>hyED DBecause you;re going to nee% it to beat me o(( when you;&e ha% enoughCD he growle%. /tumbling to her (eet' she loo$e% aroun% in con(usion an% (inally locate% it. /ari$ pointe% to the table besi%e the couch when she returne% with it an% simply stare% at him. No%%ing' she set the boo$ where he;% tol% her to. =e pulle% her %own onto the couch' sho&ing her (ace %own. =e graspe% her hips then' li(ting until she was on her $nees an% parting the chee$s o( her ass to lic$ her. /he groane% into the seat cushions when he brought her to her (irst clima0' sa&oring it as he pushe% her to her limits an% then began to buil% the tension insi%e o( her again. =e penetrate% her when she;% begun to writhe an% groan with imminent release a secon% time' %ri&ing into her slowly but with ob&ious impatience until he;% (ille% her completely. D:i&e me your han%sCD Obe%iently' she put her han%s behin% her bac$. :rasping her wrists' he pulle% on her arms' %rawing her bac$ onto his sha(t an% then easing his hol% an% pulling her bac$ again. A thrill o( e0citement went through her at the erotic (eel o( him pulling her onto his sha(t. Doubt (lic$ere% through her' though. D/ari$'D she sai% in a breathless whisper. DHes' babyED /ari$ groane%. D! can;t reach the boo$.D DDo you nee% itED he groun% out' poun%ing into her har%er an% (aster. DNot yetC Oh go%C !;m comingCD 1111 224

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

Nine months later DPush baby'D /ari$ growle%' stu%ying her straining (ace uneasily. D! am pushing' %amn itCD Claire gaspe% angrily. !t relie&e% him to see she still ha% enough strength to summon anger at him. DDo you want to bite meED he as$e%' grinning' baiting her. D his was your i%ea' but i( it;ll ma$e you (eel better....D D/hut upCD Claire snarle%' pulling hersel( up as she straine% to push. DBastar%CD /ari$ glance% at the mi%wi(e an% atten%ing nurse an% shrugge% at their horri(ie% e0pressions. DOne more push' Claire. Come on nowC One more pushCD the mi%wi(e encourage% her. DHou $eep saying thatCD Claire whimpere%. D! see his hea%'D /ari$ sai% abruptly. D9iarCD DNoC ! really see his hea%.D D=e;s crowning. 3ust a little more' Claire'D the mi%wi(e sai% soothingly. Claire s<uinte% at the mirror abo&e her be% an% (elt her heart leap when she saw the %ar$ hea%' matte% with bloo%' protru%ing (rom her bo%y. +e)u&enate% by the realiBation that she woul% ha&e him to hol% any minute now' she struggle% har%er to push her son into the worl% an% was rewar%e% a (ew moments later with a lou%' in%ignant wail. >ea$ with the relie( when the pain (inally subsi%e%' she (ell bac$ against the pillows' gasping (or breath. D!s he 280

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

alrightED she %eman%e% when a pro(oun% silence %escen%e% (rom both the nurse an% mi%wi(e' the silence punctuate% only by the baby;s bellows o( rage. DOh go%CD the mi%wi(e gaspe% in&oluntarily. D>hat is itED Claire as$e% in a panic$e% &oice. :laring at the mi%wi(e in%ignantly' /ari$ (roBe the woman in place an% too$ his son (rom her. >a&ing a han% at the nurse' he returne% to Claire an% settle% the s<ualling in(ant on her chest. D=e (ine.D Claire loo$e% %own at his re% (ace' stu%ying him care(ully. here were two tiny nubs on either si%e o( his (orehea% an% tiny' (lattene% wings on his bac$' she saw when /ari$ turne% him o&er (or her to e0amine him. /he loo$e% up at /ari$' smiling (aintly. D! guess he too$ a(ter his (ather.D =e stu%ie% her a little uncertainly. DHou sai% you wante% me to (ather the baby'D he sai% in%ignantly' apparently certain he saw %oubt in her e0pression. DHou sai% you coul%n;t'D she remin%e% him. =e (rowne%' abruptly angry that she %i%n;t seem to appreciate his e((orts to please her. D! coul%n;t while ! was chaine% to the un%erworl%. ! ha% no true (orm on this plain' only the illusions o( (orm ! con)ure%' but you release% me into this worl%.D D/o ... i( ! re&erse the spell ! won;t nee% birth control' rightED /ari$ gape% at her in %ismay. D3ust $i%%ing'D she sai%' smiling at him sweetly. 28,

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

=e seeme% to wrestle with something a moment an% (inally cleare% his throat uncom(ortably an% grinne% at her a little sheepishly. D he spell boo$ %oesn;t actually wor$ on me anymore' baby. !t only wor$s on the %emons o( the un%erworl%' an% !;m not one o( them since you (ree% me.D Claire gape% at him as he ha% her only moments be(ore. DBut ... Hou sai%.... D/he (rowne% at him suspiciously. D>hy %o you insist ! $eep it han%y' thenED =e shrugge%. D! thought it woul% ma$e you (eel sa(er with me. Anyway' you coul% still use it to rap me on the hea% to get my attention.D /he stu%ie% him (or a long moment. DHou;re still an incubus' though' rightED =e loo$e% uncom(ortable. DNot actually.D Claire (rowne% at him. DNot actuallyE Feaning' you aren;tED =e shrugge% an% then grinne% at her' leaning %own to nuBBle his nose along her ear. D! still can;t get enough o( you. hat;s close enough' isn;t itED he murmure%. /he stare% at him (or a long moment when he straightene% an% (inally chuc$le%. D! ne&er $now whether to ta$e you seriously or not.D D! seriously lo&e you'D he sai% gru((ly. /he smile% up at him lo&ingly an% (inally returne% her attention to the baby. DHou;ll nee% to put a glamour on him be(ore you wa$e them up' but let me loo$ at my little %arling be(ore you hi%e his cute little baby wings an% horns.D D=e;s a %emon'D /ari$ growle%' moc$ serious. D=e;s not cute.D 282

Bless the Beasts by Desiree Acuna

DHes' he is. 3ust li$e his %a%%y'D Claire cooe% at the baby' too happy with her baby to point out to his (ather that he ha%n;t %one it all alone' e&en i( the baby %i% loo$ )ust li$e him' an% that' technically spea$ing' he was only part %emonAnot e&en hal(. /ari$ scowle% at her in%ignantly. DNow %a%%y;s ma%'D Claire chuc$le%' cu%%ling the baby to her breast. DOh' he has a nasty temper' yes he %oes. ! %on;t $now why ! lo&e him so muchCD /ari$ seeme% to struggle with himsel(. DFaybe because ! lo&e youED he sai% gru((ly. he "n%

!( you are connecte% to the !nternet' ta$e a moment to rate this eBoo$ by going bac$ to your boo$shel( at www.(ictionwise.com.

282

Potrebbero piacerti anche