Bound By Blood

Chapter 8

The vampiress walked into the werewolf bar as if she owned the place. Since she was mated to the alpha, Jace figured that, well , she pretty much did. Her skin was pale and perfect, not even a blister left from the fire that had nearly stolen her from him. Her lips were red, full , and he’d soon feel them beneath his mouth. She was wearing a new pair of fuck-me boots that showed off the long length of her legs. And her eyes—they were on him.

When the others became aware of her, they stopped talking. Heads swiveled toward her. Toward him. The bar waited.

He didn’t move. Jace wanted to jump up, run to her, grab her, but he was also enjoying the sexy picture she made as she crossed the bar.

Morgan smiled at him, flashing fangs. “The Miami Vampire Council would like to officially extend its appreciation to you,” she said, her voice clear and her eyes bright. “And if there is anything that the Council can do for the pack…” She stopped just a foot away from him. “You have only to ask,” Morgan finished, her voice softer.

She’d spent two days healing. Even with all the wolf blood, she’d had to battle to stay alive. He’d been by her side, determined to keep death away.

He’d succeeded.

When she’d woken, the vampires had made her the head of their Council. He knew she’d weeded out the vamps who’d been secretly working with Devon. The bastard hadn’t been implementing his plan alone.

She’d cut the head off the snake when she sent Devon to hel , and now Jace knew that she’d cut up the body, too.

Still , he didn’t touch her, not yet. “Glad the Council approves,” he said, his own voice mild. Understanding flared in her eyes. She lifted her hand and put her palm against his chest.

“And you have my personal gratitude…” Her lips curved. “For pulling my ass out of hell.”

He caught her hand. Pressed it harder against his chest. “Leaving you there wasn’t exactly an option for me.”

Jace saw the delicate movement of her throat as she swallowed.

“What was it like?” Louis called out. “What did you see, cher?”

She glanced back at him. “It was damn hot.”

Some of the wolves laughed.

“As for what I saw…” Morgan shook her head. “Some things are better not said.”

When she turned back to him, memories were in her eyes. While her body might have healed, Jace knew she’d carry the scars inside. Some memories couldn’t be forgotten.

“Is the gateway closed for good?” Because he didn’t want any more demons coming after her.

“Yes.” He still held her hand. She didn’t pul away. She inched closer as she said, “It closed when the demons killed Devon. He was the sacrifice I gave to them. He opened the pit, so it only seemed fitting that he close it.”

Jace waited. He knew there was more.

“I made a deal while I burned.” Her lashes lowered as she stared at their hands. His dark, hers so light. After a moment, she glanced back up at him. “I told those demon assholes that if they accepted Devon and shut the door, I wouldn’t send my wolf down to tear hell apart.”

And he would have. If they’d kept her…

“When you yanked me out of their hands, they realized I was serious. You were ready for hell. But hell wasn’t ready for you.” Her hand fisted beneath his. “Besides, I don’t think the guy in charge down there really liked for his demons to escape.”

No, Jace bet he hadn’t been eager to lose those bastards. “So it’s over,” he said.

“No.” Now her body brushed against his. “The demons are gone, but things are far from over.” Her head tilted back. Her lips were inches from his. “In fact, I think you promised me that things would just be getting started…”

They would be.

“You locked me in a cage,” she told him, a faint frown pulling between her eyes. He brought his hands up to curl around her shoulders. “But I also pulled you out of hell. Makes us even, doesn’t it?”

Her soft laughter put an ache in his chest.

“I don’t know,” she told him, “I think that might put you ahead.”

His lips took hers because his control broke. The kiss was too rough, too wild, but that was his way.

And she kissed him back just as wildly and with just as much desperate need. He lifted his mouth from hers long enough to growl, “There’s no score between mates. You don’t owe me anything.” He wanted her out of the bar and naked beneath him.

“I owe you forever,” she told him as she rose onto her toes and kissed him again. “And that’s what I’m giving you.”

Forever with his vampiress…it was the only thing he wanted.

“You’re mine, wolf,” she told him. “And I’m not letting you go.”

Enough. He grabbed her and hoisted her high into his arms. The pack shouted and laughed as he passed them, but he didn’t slow down. He wanted her alone. Wanted in her.

Jace took her upstairs. Since his house had burned, he’d taken over Howling Moon. The apartment above the bar had a bed, and that was all he needed. He kicked the door shut behind them and lowered her in front of him. Morgan smiled at him. “When are you going to say that you love me?”

He blinked. “But…you already know.” She had to know.

“A woman still likes to hear the words.”

He yanked off his shirt and kicked off his boots. Then he reached for her. If she needed the words, he’d damn well give them to her. He’d give her anything. “I love you.”

Her fangs glinted. “And I love you, wolf.”

Enemies no more. Lovers.

Mates.

Forever.

They’d told the devil to screw off, and now they had eternity waiting. Sometimes, it was good to be an alpha wolf…

Very fucking good.