15. Livana

Chapter 15

Livana

" Y ou cannot be serious," I say, stopping in my tracks as we hit a fork in the well-worn road.

Rain halts beside me.

The midday sun does little to quell the cold clinging to my skin, soaking in my bones despite the clean change of clothes I borrowed from Quest and the cloak. The chill has been relentless for the past two days on the road and winter feels closer than ever.

"What now?" Zev groans, turning around with absolutely zero patience on his face. I would have thought giving him the best sex of his life two nights ago would make him somewhat less grumpy, but he's back to his usual self.

Maybe it wasn't as good for him as it was for you, a traitorous voice whispers in the back of my head. I shake it off, latching onto the sexual confidence I know I have. I'm a succubus for fuck's sake.

Even reminding myself of this fact does little to quell the doubt sitting heavy in my stomach. I hate that I care, but I do.

"It looks like you're about to go left," I finally say, pointing to where the path forks left.

"And?" Zev grumbles.

" And ," I say, shaking my head. "That road borders Tamworth."

Jagger raises his brows, impressed.

"And?" Zev asks again.

"Tamworth is Banach territory."

Zev blinks at me.

I glance between him and Jagger. "You two are drifters. Surely you know messing with Banachs is a bad thing?" The monstrous little creatures are highly protective over their swamps and live off the flesh of any who trespassed, not to mention their razor-sharp teeth happen to be drenched in poisonous venom.

"That's why we're not going through Tamworth," Jagger explains.

"But you still want to walk the edge of it?" I ask. "Isn't that risky? Why not take the path through Barnesly?" I point to the path on the right.

Zev groans.

"Barnesly is at least three days out of our way," Jagger explains.

"Not to mention there are droves of drifters who make use of the inns and taverns," Zez says.

"So you'd rather take your chances with Banachs instead of running into your own kind?"

Zev stomps up to me, and I hate how my body perks up at the closeness. My mouth waters at the smell of his blood pumping through his veins.

"You saw what happened with the last drifter crew who spotted you. That will happen again if we pass through there. As long as we stay on the main road, we won't provoke the Banachs." He tilts his head, challenge in those golden eyes. "You're not afraid of them, are you, succubus?"

I hiss at him, baring my fangs. "I'm not afraid of anything," I lie.

I'm afraid of a great many things—being eaten by a Banach being one of them. I've heard stories about how they use their magic to keep you alive and breathing under water long enough to feast on your body for a month, all while you're suffering the effects of their venom.

A shiver races down my spine, and he must read the lie on my face, because he clenches his jaw.

"Fine," he says, shoulders dropping. "We take our chances in Barnesly." He points to the right, and Jagger's mouth nearly hits the road it drops so fast.

I step into Zev's path. "No," I say.

Zev growls again.

"We'll go your way," I say. There is no way in fuck I'm going to be proved wrong and run into a drifter war if we go through Barnesly. I'd rather die at the hands of a Banach than admit I was wrong.

I lead the way, walking confidently down the path toward Tamworth.

Jagger's laughter sounds behind me before I hear him run up to walk at my side. "That was a good use of our time," he teases.

"So eager to be rid of me that you're worried about wasting time?" I fire right back, a smile on my lips.

"Cruel, dove," he says. "You know I would slow time if it meant more moments with you."

I roll my eyes, but my smile deepens. "Always the charming siren," I say.

"You jest," he says as we continue to walk. "But it's not the truth. You know there are many sides to every monster. Sirens are not always charming."

An icy shiver trickles into my blood as I study him. I grew up fascinated by the stories about sirens—how they use their honeyed voices to manipulate emotions, bending others free will. How they can partially shift into a more animalistic version of themselves when provoked, kind of like how I can with my fangs and speed. But it was the nightmarish stories of being captured by a siren's voice while you willingly walked to your own death that stuck with me.

I've felt Jagger's influence before. It's powerful, and I'm not certain he was using his full strength when he tried to lure me under it that first night we met. He'd never be able to fully subdue me, not that he knows that, but the idea of being hypnotized and completely out of control of my own body is definitely terrifying.

"I'll remember that," I finally say.

Jagger's wide smile is enough to soothe the hesitance in me, the curiosity of whether he's a true threat or not. I haven't felt anything malicious from him or detected any hint of something rotten in the way his desire or blood tastes, but I know better than anyone it's never a good idea to let your guard all the way down.

"Don't be afraid, dove," he says, partially singing the words in a way that makes my body feel relaxed, like I've stepped into a warm bath. "I may be your captor, but I have no intention of harming you."

I believe him. It's easy to after the way he's looked after me, fed me, made me laugh despite being on the road to my inevitable death.

"So you're saying you'd never show me your shifted side?"

Jagger's teal eyes flash to mine as he stops suddenly. There's pain there, strung tight along his features before he blinks it away and keeps moving,

"You don't ever want to see that side," he says.

I furrow my brow. "Who says?"

He huffs out a dark laugh, cocking a brow my direction. "Brave, reckless. Do you ever do anything that is for your own well-being?"

"Sometimes," I say, smiling at him. "Life is short," I continue, absently tracing my fingers over my heart. "And cruel and unforgiving." I swallow hard. "If you're not squeezing out whatever little pleasure in this goddessforsaken life that you can, then what's the point?"

"Is that an invitation?" Jagger asks, his voice dropping into that seductive hum that has my breath catching. Even though it's a small influence, it's enough to spark excitement along my bones. "Because I'm feeling terribly left out in the squeezing department."

A laugh rips from my lips, unexpected and unfiltered. The sensation fills my body with a sort of hope that has nothing to do with the siren's powers and everything to do with surprising joy.

"Poor, sweet siren," I say. "I didn't mean to exclude you," I admit with a sigh. "It happened so fast."

My skin flushes at the memory of being chased and caught by Zev. I can still taste his blood on my tongue. I have the urge to turn around and see if he's listening or if he even cares, but I keep my eyes forward.

"I wouldn't be fast with you," he says, and warmth unfurls in my core.

"No?" I ask, my eyes trailing the length of his body. Goddess, he's gorgeous. And powerful and playful and slightly dangerous. All the things I would want in a reoccurring partner. Not that I'm allowed to have such things, but if I were…

I think of Six and the way he's been a warm, comforting presence. Teasing me with heated words, unraveling me with just the power of his mind.

I think of Jagger and how fun it would be to feed and laugh and go on adventures together.

I even think of Zev and how I'd never be able to stop biting him or fucking him or doing my best to rile him.

I allow myself to live in the fantasy for only a few moments before taking a dagger to the heart of it.

I can't Link with my captors.

I can't Match with Six.

If the collector core doesn't kill me for assassinating the Collector, then his deranged son certainly will. And if by some miracle from Aletha I survive them, then my heart will eventually finish the job.

"No," he answers, nothing more.

My lips part. "You want to elaborate on that statement?" I ask, unable to stop my curiosity from spiraling.

He shakes his head, his delightful smile shifting to pure mischief. "If you really want to know what I'd do to you, you'll let me show you."

"Oh, really?"

Jagger pauses in the road, turning to face me, getting so close I can hear his blood thrumming through his veins.

That quickly, I want him.

I've wanted him since the first time he fed me, but I had no intention of crossing that line with either of them…

Until I did .

What happened the other night with Zev was a purely primal submission into our baser instincts and need. If I slept with Jagger…

It would be fun, no doubt, and definitely an energy boost…but I like him. And that small affection could complicate things in an already complicated situation.

"Really," Jagger says, kicking me out of my thoughts. "All you have to do is say the word."

My lips part and my entire body narrows to the need ramping up in my soul. Goddess, he smells good. I'm still fully satiated on the blood and desire Zev gave me two nights ago, but I want more. I crave Jagger's blood any time I scent it. Like now, with him standing so damn close.

I've never stayed with the same group long enough to develop this kind of longing before, not since…

"We need to move," Zev grumbles behind us, and Rain snorts.

I blink out of the heated stare Jagger and I hold, and suck in a sharp breath to shake of the tension curling between us.

Jagger flashes Zev a curious look, and I can't tell if he's angry with Zev for breaking up the moment or intrigued. Either way, we do as we're told, and press on.

By the time we stop to make camp, the sun is just setting on the horizon, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink. The chill in the crisp night air mounts with its descent, and I sigh with gratitude as we find a clear spot near a winding river.

Zev leads Rain to the water to drink his fill while Jagger and I grab wood and rocks to build a fire. The motions are almost routine now, which almost makes me laugh out loud. When I first decided to use these two drifters as a personal invitation to lob off the Collector's head, I never once thought things would become routine between us.

Comfortable.

Dangerous, but undeniable.

After finishing setting up camp, I set my satchel at the base of a wide tree, leaning it against its trunk. I have a moment of hesitance as I take a few steps away from it. I don't normally take it off unless I have to, but the thermal coves that are nestled near the river are calling my name. The farther I get away from that bag, the more I realize I've found some kind of trust between our little trio. It may be fragile, but it's enough that I feel my valuables, including the medicine that keeps me alive, are safe to leave behind.

I'm even more surprised as I make my way downriver that neither one of them asks me where I'm going. Especially Zev, who would usually throw out a threat against running by now.

Maybe I'm being too much of a complicit bounty. I'd normally stir up a little more trouble to keep them on their toes, but there really isn't much room in my mind for anything else other than washing off the grime of the road and soaking my muscles the hot springs for as long as possible.

I glance left and right, scanning the banks of one of the hot springs that is situated just off the main river. It's a pocket of hot, mineral laced water separated from the free flowing river by rock and stone. There are scattered woods behind it, and I give the place another look in order to make sure I'm not being watched by any creatures who inhabit these lands. We're far away enough from Tamworth that I'm not worried about Banachs, but we're close enough that I know it's good to be on alert.

Sensing that I'm alone, I strip out of my travel-ragged clothes and step naked into the blissfully warm water.

I sigh audibly as I completely submerge myself, popping up for air and floating on my back, letting the water rush all over my body. It's blissful, the bubbling warm water sucking the sting out of the chill of the day. I relax into it, letting the feeling sink into my aching muscles.

A burst of warmth trickles down my right forearm, and I lift it out of the water to read the gold script written there.

What are you doing right now that has you feeling so joyful?

Surprise streaks through me, and I drop my feet to the riverbed as I read the question again.

Now he can feel even a timid emotion from me?

How is our connection growing that much stronger?

Our earlier assumption of the physical proximity being the source is starting to look a lot more viable. We are drawing closer to Lingate…is that why he can sense me simply being relaxed?

Are you doing something to tap into the connection and feel me or is it happening naturally?

I can't help but ask the question, wondering if I'll be bombarded by his next string of emotions the closer we get to Lingate. The last thing I want is him feeling my rage before I strike against the Collector or my death should I fail.

I should tell him.

I should be honest with him.

Guilt weaves its way into my heart and tightens like a knotted rope. If I tell him the truth, he'll do everything in his power to stop me. He has been nothing if not patient and kind and loyal to our Matched bond, despite my insistence that we can never be together. If I told him my actual plans, or even just a piece of the truth…I worry that he'd do everything in his power to find me.

And somehow, I know he could if he wanted to.

Just like I could find him if I really tried. This Matched bond between us may not be complete, but it's strong enough that if I decided to use an ounce of my power to follow that connection to where he is, I could do so with half a thought.

Who's to say he couldn't too?

The only reason he hasn't has been out of respect for me and my wishes. The male has more patience than any I've ever met, but what happens when it runs out? What happens when our bond and the need to complete it grows too strong and too powerful to deny?

I'm not trying , he finally writes back. I simply found a rare moment of quiet and knew that blissful sensation wasn't coming from me.

Shit. So he's sensing my emotions through our bond without even trying to tap into them. But wait...

What's wrong ? I ask.

Why would anything be wrong ?

There's a dark foreboding pulsing just at the edges of my soul. It feels cold and heavy and riddled with anxiety. It isn't coming from me.

What are you worried about, Six?

Ah, so this connection development is happening on both sides. Interesting.

You didn't answer my question.

And you didn't answer mine, my Matched.

I can't help but smile at the golden script, shaking my head as I feel a little bit of his amusement shake away his worry.

I'm bathing in a hot spring after a chilly day on the road and the sun is setting, making the sky look like a painting come to life.

These simple pleasures bring you such happiness?

Despite my prickly demeanor, I don't ask for much when it comes to happiness .

What I wouldn't give to be in that spring with you, helping you bathe.

I close my eyes and allow the fantasy to play out. My phantom Six, gliding up behind me, powerful hands embracing me from behind and holding me to his chest, planting a loving kiss to my neck, then my jaw, then my lips...

Are you thinking about it? he asks, forcing me to open my eyes and continue reading. Are you thinking about me touching you?

Yes , I write back.

I can feel you , he says. Fuck, it's exquisite. Being able to sense you like this. It's also torture. Tell me where you are. Let me come to you.

I want to say yes. Every single instinct in my body is roaring at me to say yes.

But I can't.

I can't draw him into the chaos of my life more than I already have just to lose me in the end. It isn't fair.

Nothing about any of this is fair.

I wish I could , I write back, giving him something honest.

You can , he says. I know that you have your secrets and your reasoning for not wanting to meet, but I can feel you now. I know that you long for me like I long for you .

He's not wrong, so I don't try to deny him.

I told you from the beginning that fate was cruel for Matching you to me. I cannot be what you need me to be.

I only need you to be you , my Matched , he says. Nothing more, nothing less .

Emotion clogs my throat, and I do my best to bite back the tears that gather in my eyes. I've told you a thousand times before, if you knew the real me, you would curse Aletha for bonding you to me.

You underestimate me .

Perhaps , I write back. But it doesn't change things .

What if you meet me and don't like what you find? Maybe you'll be the one cursing Aletha.

Never, I write back. Six is good to his core. I've felt that from the moment he came into my life. I could never meet you and dislike any part of you.

See, he writes back. That sentiment goes both ways.

I sigh, relaxing more into the water.

You're coming to Lingate, aren't you? Or at least close?

My travels may be near there .

A jolt of hope and anticipation pulses from the connection between us.

Good , he writes back. I will find you .

You won't.

And even if he does it'll be too late.

I will , he writes back. Whatever it is you're running from or toward, we are Matched. We are bound together through fate. I will find you. I would find you even in the darkest night or the most violent storm.

I bite back a smile. Are you a poet now, Six? Is that what you do to earn a living in Lingate? Stand on the corners of busy streets spouting pretty lines that no doubt has all the maidens dropping to their knees before you?

A tickle of amusement comes from his side of the connection, and it soothes all those guilty aching things inside me.

There is only one female I dream about and that's you.

I suck my teeth. That hardly seems fair, as you already know I'm currently intimate with two males as of right now .

Ah, but you forget that I know you at your core, despite you thinking otherwise. I know your appetite and your needs and your heart. I know it'll take more than me alone to satisfy them all. And that's all I've ever wanted since knowing you, is for you to be happy and safe and cared for. As long as these two males are doing that, they can have your attention, for now. When we meet? I'll claim you for myself until I'm certain you're mine and I'm yours and these playthings of yours will merely be bonuses for you.

A bolt of warmth radiates down the middle of me, something about his devotion and support and understanding has me feeling all sorts of things. Could he possibly sense that I'm a Succubus? I've never outright admitted as much, but I suppose if he can feel me enjoying the warmth of the spring, he might be able to feel my thirst.

I have to go , he writes back, that sense of foreboding overtaking every other emotion on his end of the connection. Remember. When you get to Lingate, I will find you .

You won't .

I will find you.

I feel a door close over the connection between us, something he's only done a few times before when he doesn't want me writing to him. I've never locked him out like that, but I'll have to once I meet the Collector.

I breathe out another sigh, moving my arms back and forth through the water, unable to satisfy the restlessness prowling beneath my skin.

Not only did Six worry me, but he also worked me up, which is only an addition to what Zev and Jagger were doing to me on a daily basis?—

"Can I join you?" Jagger calls to me from the bank, and I spin around to see him standing there, already slipping out of his leather vest and laying it on the ground near my clothes.

"It's a big hot spring," I say, my heart picking up speed as he sheds his long-sleeved shirt then tugs down his leathers and ohmygoddess ...

Jagger's body is a carved work of art. His skin stretches over muscle upon muscle, a strength and power that's normally hidden beneath those leathers. His full lips shape a confident grin as he steps into the water, his chest flexing as my eyes try to settle on one perfect piece of him.

It's nearly impossible, but if I had a dagger to my throat, I'd say it's his smile. Although the teal eyes filled with mischief are a close second, his wonderfully sculpted body third.

He swims his way over to me until he's only an arm's length away. He's so tall that he can stand where I still tread water. He rakes his gaze over me, expectant yet patient.

"What are you doing?" I ask once his comfortable silence is too much to take.

"Waiting."

"For what?"

"For you to ask me to show you."

Flames lick my skin, making my already flushed skin that much hotter. Our conversation from earlier snaps back to the forefront of my mind, and I can't deny my curiosity or the need pulsing beneath my skin.

"We shouldn't," I say, though I don't sound convincing even to myself.

"Why?"

"I told you, sex with me is dangerous. You can't Link with me."

"I know," he says. "I knew when I first fed you, dove. You made it very clear. And we didn't have sex that night. So, we're not even up to one yet, let alone three." He grins.

" Yet ," I say, unable to stop the smile on my lips.

"If you'll have me," he says.

"I'm not starving," I say.

"Do you have to be to enjoy my body and my blood?"

"No," I admit. "It's…the rules I live by."

"And the other night, with Zev," he says, brow cocked as he inches closer to me in the water. Gauging my reaction as he reaches for me. "Only happened because of the injury you suffered?"

I lean into his touch, more than allowing his talented hands to smooth over my arms, then down to my hips as he drags me through the water, bringing our bodies flush.

I gasp at the contact, my skin burning hot everywhere his touches, nothing separating us. His desire bursts on the back of my tongue, the autumn spices making my mouth water, and my fangs punch out.

His smile is breathtaking, his eyes lighting up with pride at the sight of my fangs.

"Maybe," I finally answer him. "Maybe not." I can't bring myself to answer any other way, not wanting to analyze the moment of weakness with Zev any more than I already have.

Jagger keeps one hand on my hip, the other trailing up and out of the water as he drags his fingertip along one of my fangs.

I arch my head back, sighing at the way he shows no fear.

I'm not used to it. Not used to being with powerful males who can handle me and then some.

"You may not be starving," he says, shifting his muscled body against mine in a way that makes me shiver. "But it looks like you want to feed."

The notion is new and exhilarating. For so many years I've been living off of a must feed , have to feed basis, my wants be damned.

"Well," I say shrugging as I trail my fingertips over his muscled chest. "You taste exquisite. Can you blame me?"

Jagger slides his free hand around the back of my head, inching his lips toward mine. "I could never blame you. It's in your nature to feed, I'm just happy to be a part of it," he says. His lips are so close they nearly brush mine as he speaks, and everything inside my being tightens with need. "I need you to ask ," he says just barely grazing my lips with his.

I hesitate, trying to think around the pulsing between my thighs and the desire to taste him again. I've always done my best to not let my hunger rule me, and maybe I can use that as an excuse with Zev, but I wouldn't be able to do that here.

Not when I'm completely satiated, having all the energy I require to sustain me for a while. No, this would be a purely selfish act. It would be an act just because I want to. Because it would make us happy.

I'm not used to it.

But why shouldn't we? It's not like we're making a decision for him to Link with me, and then in two weeks' time, I'll be a distant memory for him. An entertaining story the two drifters can tell each other as they continue bounty hunting. Because I fully believe, even if I succeed, the drifters will still carry out their duties but not off the Collector's orders. They'll only hunt the creatures that are actually a threat to all kind—those malicious, soulless beasts who the drifters were created for in the first place before the Collector came and corrupted their purpose.

So truly, what is the harm in indulging now? What would be so bad about giving in to what I want for once?

Decision made, I let go of any worries or doubts, and span the small distance between us, kissing him softly, exploring, my eyes drifting shut at the sensation.

He holds me tighter, flicking his tongue against mine as his fingers tangle in my hair. He gives it a gentle tug, and I meet his gaze.

"Show me," I breathe the words.

He grins. "Show you what, dove?"

I tremble at the sound of his voice, at the way he edges his gift in pleasure, just enough to make me even more wild with need.

"Show me what you would do with me," I say.

"As you wish," he says, slanting his mouth over mine and dipping his hand back in the water, both of them now palming my ass as he holds me against him, rubbing our bodies together.

I throw my arms around his neck, clinging to him, submitting fully to the need pulsing and begging and aching inside me.

Jagger's powerful hands squeeze just enough to give me a bite of pain laced pleasure as he rocks me against his hard cock. I shiver as he moves me in the water, never breaking our kiss as he glides himself through my thighs and against me but not inside me.

"Jagger," I groan between his lips, wrapping my legs around his hips in a clear indication of consent. My mind is whirling with desire, his and mine clashing together in a beautiful flavor in the back of my throat. I feel drunk on it, exhilaration rushing through me with a heavy dose of anticipation.

He grins, pulling back just enough so that I can catch his gaze. I swear his teal eyes are glowing, this beautiful bright light that promises endless nights of fun and adventure. He shifts one hand between us, fisting his considerable length and using it to drag his thick head up and down my slit. Each graze is like striking a match, flames igniting inside of me, threatening to consume me.

"Jagger," I say again, practically whining as I ride that sharp edge of pleasure.

He laughs softly, nothing but the sun's setting light rippling over his features as he continues to tease me.

"Keep hold of me," he demands, releasing his grip on my ass and using that hand to skim my ribs, then my breast. "Goddess," he groans as he massages a handful of one breast, dipping his head to where they're just peeking out of the water and sucking one of my nipples into his mouth. He flicks his tongue over it before making me gasp with a gentle bite. "You're stunning," he continues, moving on to my other breast, working them until they're heavy and full for him.

I roll my hips, my thighs clenching as he continues to stroke and rub and tease me with his cock. I do everything I can to try and get him inside me, to try and ride him like my body is demanding.

"Ah, ah," he chides me, kissing his way up my neck and along my jaw until he reaches my lips again. "Didn't I tell you I would take my time with you?" He holds my gaze as he let's go of himself and uses that hand to stroke me, sliding two fingers inside my aching heat.

I gasp at the sensation, arching slightly into the touch.

"You're lucky we're in the river, dove," he says, pumping his fingers into me as he grinds the heel of his palm against my throbbing clit. "If we weren't, I'd be using my mouth to bring you to the edge and take you away from it over and over again. As it is, my hand will have to do."

"I want you," I say as I rock into his hand, memories of the first time he did this to me swirling in my head, anticipation building at the base of my spine at the idea of sinking my fangs into him. The taste of his blood practically dances on my tongue already.

"You'll have me," he says, increasing his pace between my thighs. "But first you're going to come on my hand and then you're going to bite me."

"Goddess," I moan at his touch, at the words, at the confident way in which he handles me.

He wants me to bite him. The notion is so refreshing and uplifting that I practically buzz with the happiness of it. With the freedom in not having to worry if I'm going to terrify him, or hurt him or be judged.

We know what we are to each other, bounty and hunter. A meal ticket. A delightful amusement and distraction. There is something so damn honest about that, it gives me this addictive, freeing sense of detachment from the cold reality in which I live.

He kisses me again, careful of the fangs, his expert touches driving me mad with need. I cling to him, rocking into his hand as he curls those fingers again and again until he presses with the heel of his palm against my aching clit with just the right amount of pressure that I shatter completely.

I moan at the release, my orgasm shivering with sparks crackling down my spine. Jagger is still working me through the throes of it when he turns his head to the right, baring his neck to me.

I strike, sinking my fangs into his flesh and groaning as his blood hits my tongue, all ginger and nutmeg and other heady spices. My heart expands with every pull I take, the hot liquid deliciously sliding down my throat. I ensure that all the pleasure I feel radiating inside my body seeps into the bite, washing over him in waves?—

" Fuck ," Jagger rasps, his voice rougher than I've ever heard it as he shifts me, lining up his cock with my hot aching entrance. "Tell me this is okay," he says, and there's an urgency to his voice that makes my heart race. Maybe he wasn't prepared to feel the amount of pleasure in the bite this time, but he seems out of control now and I love it.

"Yes, please yes ."

I've barely finished speaking before he spears his cock inside me, slamming to the hilt. I arch my head back, the beautiful sky above me turning purple with the setting sun.

"Jagger," I say when he pulls out and slams home again.

His hands are on my hips, dictating the speed as he pumps into me. Each time our bodies connect, my oversensitive flesh trembles. He loses himself, loses the slow game he'd been playing before, giving himself over entirely to the need to consume me just as I need to consume him. It's intoxicating, and with the taste of his blood still on my tongue, I'm drowning in bliss.

He reclaims my mouth, and I gasp in surprise at the eagerness to kiss me when I've just drank from him. The flavor doesn't seem to bother him as his tongue flicks over mine, teasing the edges of my teeth as he continues to pump inside me.

My pleasure builds again, throbbing at the way he fills me, my walls hugging him so damn tightly as we crash together.

Goddess, he knows what he's doing. One free hand roams over my body, plucking little pleasure spots over and over again until I'm a whimpering limp creature clinging to him as he continues to play me like he does his guitar.

"You feel so fucking good," Jagger says, slowing his pace to an absolutely torturous grind that has me shaking around him. I'm so close to release, and he's stopping me on a dead turn, the sensation both incredible and infuriating at the same time. "Feels like you were made to take my cock," he continues, lifting me slowly before hauling me back down again, the pace making my head spin.

"Jagger," I plead. "Please."

His smile is mischievous as he kisses me again, hard and quick. "You want to come on my cock, dove?"

All I can do is nod, rocking against him as I chase my pleasure.

"How badly?"

"Bad enough that if you don't let me come, I'm going to bite you harder next time."

He laughs at that, smiling broadly. "Promise?"

I can't help but smile back, my breathing ragged as he increases his pace again, giving me exactly what I need but still holding me right there on the edge.

He's too much.

Too cocky, too funny, too kind, and too perceptive. Not to mention he likes to flirt with danger in a way that would make even Zev take caution. I told him my bite can be addictive, but he doesn't seem to give a shit.

So I don't either.

I move on him, just enough that my lips are hovering above his left pectoral, and I flicker my eyes up to him before sinking my fangs into his flesh. It's a tender spot and the bite has him hissing and pumping into me harder than before, sending rivulets of pleasure trickling over my skin.

I draw more of his essence into my mouth, swallowing him down in greedy mouthfuls as he pumps and pumps into me, thrusting harder every time, the pleasurable bite driving us both toward the edge.

I moan and lick his wounds closed, my nails digging into his back as he locks a muscled arm around my lower back, pinning us together in a new angle that has me gasping for breath. Every move is heightened, his thick, hard cock dragging against every spot I possess, plucking and pulsing until I can't see around the white-hot need.

"Jagger!" His name rips from my mouth as my orgasm snaps through me, the intensity has me convulsing around him as he continues to thrust inside me, pushing one orgasm right into another.

I'm liquid around him, the water around us only ramping up the heat that pulses between us. I'm lost in him, completely consumed as he finds his release inside me, and we cling to each other as we catch our breath.

I make no move to untangle us, and neither does he. Not until the stars pop up in the midnight sky above us.

We get dressed and make our way back to camp, the cold night air pricking my wet hair, but it feels so damn good to be in a fresh set of clothes. Jagger and I share a conspiratorial look as Zev does his best to ignore us as we sit down by the fire to warm ourselves.

"No dinner?" Jagger asks.

"I set some snares," Zev answers. "Come check them with me."

Jagger flashes me a smile before standing up, joining Zev, who looks down at me. He doesn't have to open his mouth for me to read what's happening behind his eyes.

"I'm not moving from this spot," I say, shaking my head as I hold my hands near the flames of the fire. "Thanks to your friend, I'm thoroughly exhausted."

A muscle in Zev's jaw ticks, and he gives me a low grunt.

"I'm not going to run," I say, rolling my eyes.

Jagger tugs on Zev's arm, turning him around as they both head deeper into the wooded area near camp.

Soon I can't hear anything but the sound of the calm river behind me as it continues to move along the banks.

I sigh, overcome with contentment as I listen to the water, doing my best to commit this feeling of happiness permanently in my mind.

After a few minutes, I hear footsteps and grin at the way my heart lifts at their quick return. "Miss me so much you abandoned the snares?" I ask, turning around toward them?—

"More than you know," a familiar male voice says, right before something heavy hits me hard over the head and everything goes black.