Chapter Nine

Emma.

I want to cry as I lower myself from Ryker’s big body and turn away from him. This has been a very emotional day.

I was full of nervous energy this morning, up until I met the team Gabe bought in for the Sato mission. During the meeting I could feel all the intense fury and need for revenge bubbling beneath the surface.

Then, Archie and I had a nice chat for a few minutes, and we went over the new adjustments to the collar.

Derek showed up, and Archie went over all the gadgets any spy would ever need with him. Surveillance and monitoring and explosives, and I sort of wandered off and stopped paying attention.

Then all hell broke loose when Archie brought me the damn inhaler. I’m pretty sure I talked for twenty minutes straight about nonsense before proclaiming my love for Ryker and then having a complete freak out about it.

I don't remember how I started giggling, but once I started, I couldn’t stop, and pretty soon I was laughing harder than I ever had before and then Ryker walked in.

He’d asked Archie what he had done to me when the truth of the matter was that Ryker was the one that had gotten into my head and my heart and irrevocably changed me. For some reason, that had been even more hysterical to me.

Then, he was pulling me into this little room, which I now realize is someone’s office, and kissing me senseless.

It feels so good to kiss Ryker again. I’ve missed him more than I thought possible, and every time I’m forced into his presence without being able to kiss him and touch him, it's torture.

I reluctantly turn towards the door, and Ryker grabs my arms to stop me. He pulls me back against him, and I can feel his hard length against my back. He turns me back into the office, so I'm facing the desk and reaches down to unfasten my pants.

“What are you doing?” I gasp, even though I’m pretty sure I know.

“I gave you a choice, Emma,” he growls in my ear as he pushes my pants down.

I hear him undo his pants and push them down his hips. He pushes my shoulders forward, so I’m leaning over the desk.

I don’t even think about saying ‘no’.

This is Ryker. I know he would stop if I wanted him to, I know I could make him stop if I wanted to, but I don’t. I want him to fuck me. I want him to take me. I want to go over to his house tonight and every night.

Tonight is impossible with Mason watching my every move. Every night is impossible with The Community. But I’m already here, and I can’t bring myself to deny him or me the pleasure of right now.

Ryker teases me with his fingers and finds me hot and wet. He groans. I feel his cock rub through my folds. He lines himself up with my opening and leans over me.

He pauses and whispers in my ear, “Tell me to stop, baby.”

“No,” I gasp. “Don’t stop, Ryker. Please don’t stop.”

He growls and pushes into me. I moan at the intrusion. He’s so damn big and with the way my body heals, it would always be foreign and invasive like this. Even though I wasn’t a virgin when I turned, I was still very inexperienced, having only been with one man who wasn’t anywhere near Ryker’s size.

“Emma, baby, you feel amazing,” he murmurs in my ear. “I hate this. I hate not being able to keep you. I miss you all the time. I had thought to bend you over the desk and fuck you so hard, but I can’t, I can’t do that to you. Not when all I want to do is protect you and love you.” He’s stroking into me slow and rhythmically.

“I know. I’m sorry. I hate it too,” I say between gasps and strokes. “God, Ryker, please faster, I need you.” Unlike last time I asked him to go faster, this time he does.

I arch my back, and he reaches around to palm my breasts. He shifts his hips, changing the angle and then slams against my G-spot, making me cry out. He reaches one hand up and covers my mouth before slamming into me again and again. My orgasm hits me violently and suddenly, and I scream into his hand and shake uncontrollably.

Then he’s slamming into me a final time and pumping his seed into me. He collapses onto my back and pants against my neck. When his breathing slows he leans back and pulls out of me. He pulls up his pants as I pull up mine.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” he asks. The question is so unexpected and sweet that tears form in the corners of my eyes.

This day really has been an emotional rollercoaster. He looks at me just before I blink the tears away and his eyes widen, he opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out. I wave away his concerns.

“You didn’t hurt me.” I adjust my clothes and make sure I’m presentable. “I have to get going.”

“Emma, I’m sorry.” Ryker rubs his hand over his head and his eyes roam over my face. “I did not mean for any of this to happen. I just attacked you. I lost control. I’m so sorry.” He looks regretful which makes me sad, but he also looks confused.

“I think you’re forgetting something.” I cock my head and put my hand on my hip. I’m hoping that he regrets the thought of attacking me and not having sex with me, and I need to give him an out from his guilt. “I’m a vampire. If I wanted to stop you, you wouldn’t have walked out of here.”

“Oh yeah.” He looks amused for a second, but then he frowns. “But I pressured you and took advantage of your mental state after the aerosol shit.”

“Do you regret having sex with me?” I raise an eyebrow in question.

“Fuck no,” he says without hesitation.

“Neither do I.” I give him a small smile. “Stop with the regrets and the sorrys, Ryker. I will never regret anything that happens with you. Even if it goes against my better judgement.”

He nods and steps towards me. He cups my face in his hands and kisses me on the lips. The kiss is brief but sweet, and it makes my heart flutter.

“I know you probably have enough shit going on right now and maybe I shouldn’t add to it,” his eyes soften as he speaks, and his gaze feels like it penetrates my soul, “but I need to give you something to think about. I need to know that you know. I love you.”

My mouth drops open, and I want to protest, but he puts his finger to my lips.

“I love you. You can fight it, you can argue, you can run away, but I love you and this is not the end for us.” He drops his finger from my lips and kisses my forehead. “I’ll back off for now, but after the Sato mission, we’re going to reopen this topic and have it out.” He opens the office door and leads me out.

I walk to the elevator in shock. I should say something, I should argue or agree or something, but nothing will come.

I’m suddenly excited for the end of the Sato mission, and not because Sato will be dead, but because maybe it could mean a whole new beginning. There are ways around every argument, aren’t there?

If Ryker and I wanted to, could we make it work? Could we be something more and find a way to do it without getting him killed? Suddenly I want that more than anything.

“Until then,” I say with an unsure smile as I board the elevator.

“Oh, baby, I can’t wait,” Ryker whispers. “You are mine. You just don't realize it.”

“You’re mine,” I whisper back as the elevator doors close.

“Always.” His voice is quiet and muffled through the doors, but I hear it.

My heart soars, and I resist the urge to jump up and down. Ryker loves me.

He loves me and I love him. This is beyond anything I’ve wished for in my life for decades and decades. He gives me hope and breathes a new light into my existence. My life isn’t solely focused on bringing down Sato anymore, even though that is ever-present.

I know I’m not normal and a relationship with me will never be normal, but if I'm what Ryker wants, don’t we deserve to have a chance at something? I think we do.

My phone rings as I’m getting in my car. I see Everlee’s name on the screen and answer.

“Come pick me up,” she says immediately.

“I can be at the house in twenty,” I reply.

“I’ll be ready.” She hangs up.

That was cryptic. I hope nothing is wrong with her. I haven’t been a very good friend. I’ve been completely absorbed with tracking Sato over the years that I’ve neglected and abandoned her. If I was still as I once was, we would probably have grown to be closer than sisters after all these years of knowing each other.

I don’t know what is going to happen after we take down Sato. Once Sato is dead, I won’t need The Community’s connections and knowledge anymore, I could be free.

I hadn’t thought of it before, but there will be nothing keeping me there. Everlee would be my only regret. I have to make it up to her somehow. I owe her so much, and the thought of leaving her makes me feel uncomfortable.

As soon as I pull up, Everlee jumps in the car, and I take off without a word. After about ten minutes, I'm thinking about asking her what's up when she starts talking.

"I don't know how much more I can take," she grumbles. "Nobody will stop talking about how Mason is going to change the world as we know it. He's got everyone saying you're going to bite a human as a betrothal gift to him."

"What?" I shriek, but she doesn't stop there.

"The girls all think the more often they fuck him the more likely it is he'll pick them over you. Seriously, all over the house. I've walked in on him three times, on accident, and each time was with someone different." She makes a gagging sound and shudders. "At least none of them have the idea to try to kill you… yet."

Everlee turns to me and her voice softens. "Are you close?"

"To what?" I ask, glancing over at her as I manage the car through the trafficked streets.

"To killing Sato," she says bluntly. "To finishing it."

This is the first time she's asked me something like this, and I hesitate. I figured she knew all along what I was about, but we've never actually spoken frankly about it.

"Yes," I admit finally.

"What's your plan after?" she asks.

I turn off the interstate. "I don't know yet. I haven't had time to really consider the possibilities."

"I want to go with you."

I think she means on the Sato mission, and I immediately shake my head and start to protest.

She puts a hand up to stop me. "After you kill Sato. If you leave the house, The Community, I want to go too. I've stayed in and kept my head down, kept up appearances, listened to the gossip for you, but I want out."

I immediately pull the car over and turn to look at her. I had no idea she felt this way, and I don't know what to say.

"Promise me you'll consider it," she begs, not meeting my eyes. "Promise me you will think of me. Promise me you won't disappear on me."

"I promise, Ev." I nod emphatically. "I didn't know you would want that. You've never said anything before. I won't leave you if you don't want me to."

"Good." She nods. "There's more. Richard and Thomas just arrived at the house."

Richard and Thomas are members of the council, and supposedly big supporters of Mason and his plans to restore the hierarchy. Richard was also one of the first vampires and the one that turned Mason.

“I don’t know why they’re here, but I know Mason is cooking something up, and it can’t be good for you.” She bites her lip nervously.

She’s right. Mason has been putting pressure on me at every turn, dropping hints and cornering me every chance he gets. I’ve spent most of my time scouting Sato’s buildings and watching our team, but I still have to go back to the house, and he’s becoming increasingly troublesome. The sooner we get the Sato situation resolved and come up with a new plan, the better.

“You better start heading back to the house,” Everlee says, breaking my train of thought. “When we get there, you should try to avoid everyone and go straight for a shower.”

I blush as I remember that I have Ryker’s smell all over me. My mind floods with visions of him pushing me against the wall, picking me up, and then putting me back down and bending me over the desk.

“Do you love him?” she asks quietly.

“Yes,” I respond without hesitation, knowing she means Ryker and not Mason. I pull the car back onto the road and start driving back to the interstate in the direction of the house.

“What’s he like?” She gives me a soft smile.

“He’s strong. Big. He’s kind and considerate.” I think for a second. “He knew I was a vampire right away, but he didn’t care. He makes me want more.”

“Does he love you?” she asks.

“Yes,” I say again without hesitation.

He said as much, but even if he hadn't, I would know. Ryker shows me with his touch and his kisses and the look in his eyes.

“I’d like to meet him.” She half-smiles.

“You will." I nod. Then after a minute, I ask, “Have you ever been in love?”

“No.” She shakes her head and looks out the window. “I thought I was in love once, but it was just infatuation.”

“Anyone I know?” I know the chances of this are small since she had a long life before she met me, but I ask anyway.

“Yes,” she surprises me by saying, “Mason.”

“What?” I gasp. “Oh my God. Why didn’t you tell me? Do you hate me?”

“Of course not.” She chuckles. “It was a long time ago. He turned me. Did I tell you that?”

I shake my head, and she continues as I drive. I never would've guessed, he treats her like a little sister.

“It was an accident. He was a new vampire. He turned me and felt bad, so he helped me and brought me into The Community. I had a stupid crush. He never treated me like he does the other girls. I don’t know if it’s because he’s not attracted to me, or if it’s because he has guilt or regret about turning me, but that’s how it is. After a while, I saw him for what he was, and I realized my feelings were ingenuine. I’ve been with a few other vampires over the years, but none really clicked.”

“I’m so sorry,” I say, truly sad for her. “It couldn’t have been because Mason wasn’t attracted to you, though, Ev, you’re gorgeous.” Where I’m petite and blonde, Everlee is tall with dark, chestnut brown hair, honey brown eyes, high cheekbones. She also has a slim, graceful build and delicate features.

“Thank you.”

We talk about other vampire drama and laugh over some of their ridiculousness on the rest of the drive back to the house. I really enjoy spending time with Everlee, and I hope this all works out and we can spend many days together in the future.

After I park in the yard, we both walk into the house, and Mason immediately approaches us.

“Ladies,” he says with a wide smile. “Nice day?”

“It was lovely.” Everlee smiles at me and then excuses herself. “Thanks for the drive, Fox.”

“Anytime.” I smile as she walks away.

“It's nice to see you smile,” Mason says, and I immediately wipe the expression from my face and level him with a scowl. “Ah, so it’s still like that.”

“It’ll always be like that, Mason.” I turn from him and walk towards my bedroom.

“You had fun today, huh?” He sniffs loudly to make sure I know exactly what he’s referring to.

“What’s it to you?” I narrow my eyes and keep walking.

“It’s everything to me,” Mason snaps. “You have the stench of at least a half a dozen human men on you, and one stands out in a very obviously intimate way.” He grabs my arm and pushes me against the wall. “People will talk.”

“People already talk,” I remind him with a sneer. “People talk all the time about the gaggle of females that you fuck on a daily basis.”

“That is different. They are vampires, and they mean nothing to me.” He smirks. “Are you jealous, princess?”

“Yuck.” I wrinkle my nose. “Do not call me that. And no, I’m definitely not jealous. Just appalled by your double standard and the ridiculous notions that you have in your head. Now, release my arm. I’m going to take a nap.”

“Do not be so quick to dismiss me, Fox.” He leans forward, so our noses are almost touching. My head is against the wall, and I can’t lean back any farther. “This is going to happen whether you want it to or not. It will be in your best interest to just fall in line and do as you're told.”

“Have you met me?” I scoff.

“You will regret fighting me on this,” he warns. “You will pay dearly, and you will suffer to no end if you keep up this charade. Heed my words and do what is right before it’s too late.”

He steps back as I pretend to think it over. Then I thrust the heel of my hand up and break his nose, blood immediately spraying out. I storm off before he has a chance to recover. Too bad he'll heal so quickly.

I take a long hot bath and crawl into bed.

***

I'm awakened by a harsh knock on the door. I look at the clock and realize I've slept until midway through the next day. I throw on jeans and a fitted t-shirt and answer it. One of the house managers, Devon says that my presence has been requested by Thomas.

This cannot be good. I tell him I’ll be there in a minute and slam the door in his face. I slip on my tennis shoes and a denim jacket. I look around the room, and I know I'm just procrastinating. I take a deep, calming breath and walk out of my bedroom and into the hall.

Devon is standing just outside my door, waiting for me. He gives me an apologetic look, and I have a feeling he was instructed to not only summon me, but to literally fetch me.

“Come on then.” I roll my eyes. “Lead the way.”

He leads me through the house to a back parlor I’ve never seen before. I get curious glances from some of the vampires. Me being led around the house is definitely a novelty. Me walking through the house at all is pretty rare, actually.

Some of the girls give me dirty looks, but I ignore them and keep walking with my head high.

When I enter the parlor, Richard and Thomas are already seated in wingback chairs in front of a row of bookcases. Even though they're hundreds of years old, they both appear to be in their mid-thirties.

Richard's black hair is slicked back and his cold eyes turn my blood to ice. Thomas has neat brown hair and an easy smile, his eyes are sharp though, and I get the impression he doesn't miss much.

Thomas gestures for me to sit on a settee across from them. I take a step forward, and Devon shuts the door behind me. I freeze and gulp, my natural instinct to run surging inside me.

“I realize this is a novelty for you, dear,” Thomas says pleasantly. “But honestly, we’re not going to hurt you, and we’re not getting any younger, so do just come in and sit down.”

I mentally chastise myself for my cowardice and stride towards the settee. I perch on the edge of it and wait for the ball to drop.

“You’ve been in America for quite some time,” Thomas says conversationally. “Do you prefer it to Europe?”

“Not particularly,” I reply honestly. I’ve traveled the world many times, and there are several places I have enjoyed, none that have felt like home or anywhere I’d want to stay full time.

Although to be fair, most of my time is spent tracking and monitoring Sato, and I don’t do a lot of sightseeing or tourist stuff. I always find myself driving around, but that’s the same no matter where I am, and it doesn’t matter the views or the people.

The best thing about Denver is Ryker, but I can't exactly tell them that.

“I will say the weather is quite mild and agreeable here, though,” Thomas says, and I nod.

“We didn’t summon you to discuss your travel habits or the weather,” Richard snaps suddenly, causing me to flinch.

“I figured.” I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from saying something sarcastic. Like, no shit, Sherlock.

“We are here to inform you that very soon, Mason will be standing in front of the council and presenting his arguments for restoring the hierarchy and assuming the role of king.” Richard’s voice is gruff and demanding. “And you will be standing at his side, as his wife, ready to assume the role of queen.”

I frown. “With all due respect, I have no desire to become queen.” I leave out that I would rather die than marry Mason.

“I don’t remember asking you what you desired,” Richard retorts flatly.

“The council needs to see a strong, united front in favor of Mason,” Thomas explains. “We feel that you would be a necessary addition to that front. Your support, your loyalty, your commitment to the cause. Everyone respects your strength and your intelligence. While there are some that question your peculiar habits, once you assume your role, all that will be forgotten quickly.”

I want to ask 'why me,' but it doesn't matter, so I ask the question I really need answered. "And if I refuse?"

Thomas frowns and looks away. Richard narrows his steely eyes at me.

"Are you sure you want to know the answer to that question?" he growls. "The important thing is that your friend and your boyfriend will not die, but will wish they were dead long before we allow them the privilege. Your new friends, gone. Your car privileges, gone. Everything you enjoy, gone. You will be queen regardless, but your life can either be enjoyable or miserable. Do yourself a favor and accept the inevitable. The council does not need you to say 'I do' to marry you."

I rub my hands down my face and realize there are tears on my cheeks. I wipe them away and force my expression neutral.

"May I think about it for a couple days?" I don't know what else to say to buy myself some time. I need to contact Gabe immediately and see about getting the mission scheduled stat.

Richard doesn't look like he's going for it, and even Thomas looks hesitant.

I force myself to smile brightly and lie through my teeth. "I mean, there's so much to do. I'll have to talk to Mason so we can decide if we want a full wedding. I'm sure we could whip up something small in a hurry. He wants me to bite a human as a betrothal present to him, you know, and I'm really, really out of practice. Plus, of course, I'll have to go shopping."

Both men are silent, and I don't think they're buying my bullshit, but then Richard nods and Thomas smiles.

"You have a week," Richard says.

I jump to my feet. "That's not much time, I better get to it." I hustle towards the door.

"Do not forget who you are dealing with," Richard warns behind me.

"No chance of that," I mutter as I push the door open and hurry out.

I see Everlee waiting for me outside the parlor. I grab her elbow and pull her along with me to my room.

"Oh Everlee," I falsely gush while I shoot daggers at her with my eyes so she gets the ruse, knowing others can easily hear me from anywhere in the house. "Richard and Thomas want me to marry Mason. I only have a week to plan. I have to go out and hunt for my betrothal present now. Will you go shopping with me to pick out a dress?"

"Oh my," she responds with wide eyes, joining in on the charade. "That doesn't give us much time. We'll have to buy off the rack. I know a few cute little bridal shops in town. I'll get some ideas together and be ready whenever you would like to go."

"That sounds great." We approach my room, and I give her a quick hug. "It'll have to be very small and quick. There just isn't time for more."

"I understand." She nods, and I know she understands we're actually discussing leaving The Community. "It'll all be wonderful. You'll see."

"I hope so." I frown. "I've never thought about marriage, and I don't know how it's all going to work." I'm actually worried about leaving the Community. What we will do. Where we will go. I have more than enough money, but our safety is more concerning if The Community decides to pursue us.

"Marriage is just like everything else." She puts her hand on my shoulder, and I know she hears my real concerns. "You take one day at a time and do the best you can."

I smile at her. I'm so glad she understands that nothing about our future will be easy or guaranteed.

"Go hunt." She ushers me towards the door. "I'll start pulling up bridal stores and dress designs so we have a head start."

"You're the best." I reach out and squeeze her hand. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Good thing I'll always be here to support you, my queen." She gives me a cheeky wink, and I bite back a laugh.

I shake my head in amusement at her overselling it and wave as I rush into my room. I change clothes to my skinny jeans and black long-sleeved shirt. I pull on my boots and grab my phone to text Gabe when I see I missed three calls and a text from Ryker over an hour ago.

'Call me now.'

Fuck. I throw on my leather jacket, grab my purse and run out the door. When I'm in my BMW, I drive as fast as I can get away from the house before using the Bluetooth to call Ryker.

"Where the fuck have you been?"

"What's wrong?" I ignore his question.

"Sato is selling his shit. We're moving now!" he barks into the phone.

"Right now?" I take a turn on two wheels, pointing the car in the direction of the office.

"Yes, everyone is meeting at the office." He muffles the phone and tells someone to go gear up in the munitions’ locker. Then he's back. "Get your ass here."

"I'm on my way." The streets are relatively quiet for Denver, and I make it to the office quickly.

I throw the car in park and sprint to the doors. My heart is pounding in my chest. If we take out Sato tonight, Everlee and I can leave The Community right away, and the problem with Mason will be gone.

Maybe Ryker will come with us.

I'll wait until after tonight to talk to him about it. He needs to be focused on the mission. I need to get my head on right too, but everything has changed, and Sato isn't the sole focus of my thoughts anymore.

But he still needs to die.