A Demons Mate

My prey

Serena sat in the library again after being unceremoniously kicked out of the earl's study so he and Sebastian could confer about their newest case. Figuring that she should work on everyone's Christmas present, the red head hadn't ventured from the room in hours. That didn't stop her from being annoyed with the two men.

'Don't want to upset the little lady, so she needs to go do woman things while the men talk business.' The red head scoffed and felt her anger rise again. 'Sexist pigs, each and every one of them.'

"Serena."

She looked up as Sebastian walked into the room. For some reason she noticed how smoothly the demon walked as he came closer. There was a grace that she had never seen any man or woman before. It reminded her almost of the panther she had seen in a zoo when she was little. All coiled muscles and gliding, silent footsteps.

"Serena."

She jerked back with a blush to see that he was standing right in front of her. The demon leaned over her, putting a hand on either arm of the chair. The panther came into her mind again. A predator eying its prey. Her heart sped up and she wondered if the rabbit was entranced by the beauty of the cat before it was devoured.

"That analogy is very apt in this situation. I do want to enchant you. I do want to devour you."

"How...how did you know what I was thinking?" She hated how breathless her voice was.

"It is not uncommon for a demon to be able to see the surface of their mate's thoughts. How else am I to know exactly what you desire?"

He leaned closer and she smelled the same scent of delicious spices as last night. There was something else, comforting, like warmed vanilla bean.

"What is that? That smell?"

"As I said, your analogy is correct. I am a predator, Serena and humans are my prey. Everything about me is designed to draw you in. To make you crave me. As I crave you." There was a quiet seduction in his voice. Her mind conjured up images of smooth, silk sheets warmed by flesh. "Again very aware, my mate. You feel what I want too."

"Stop."

"Is that what you really wish for?" Sebastian breath moved to her neck, stopping just short of touching.

"I...I..." Her hands clutched the material of her dress to stop from touching him.

"Shh. You cannot lie to me, Serena. You can put up all the bravado that you want, but I still know the truth. You know too. Your soul knows and so does your body."

She felt him smile next to her ear. It would be so easy to move that last inch. So easy to touch the warm skin right next to hers.

"Go ahead. I belong to you. Just as you belong to me. I will always welcome your touch, my mate. Crave it, as you do mine." Her head started to turn, drawn by the promise his voice offered.

A crash resounded through the halls. Serena jumped with a gasp and stared at the doorway, her heart in her throat. She heard a growl next to her. Sebastian was still in the same position leaning over her but staring at the hall too. His eyes had changed to swirling red, his pupils slitted as anger took over seduction. His moment was lost and they both knew it.

Serena took a shaky breath and put a hand against his clothed chest pushing lightly. "Back off."

Sebastian's gaze turned back to her and she could almost see him weighing the option of trying again. She shook her head and pushed harder.

"Very well." He stood slowly, with just as much grace as he entered the room. "Master wishes to go into the city this afternoon. He will need to use his contacts in London and plans to be based there for the duration of this assignment."

She nodded, still trying to calm her heart.

"The master has decided that you will come as well