Last to Love Page 4

  Finn narrows his eyes on me. “You say Lucas’ family needs him, but the air around you is wrong. You reek of lies, Monica. So what is it you’re really after?”

  How the hell did he know that? That gut intuition warns me again to thread carefully, that I’m not understanding the mess I really stepped into.

  “Nothing except Luciano,” I finally say.

  Finn shakes his head. “I don’t believe you.”

  Elle squeezes out from under his hold and mutters something about needing to empty the garbage. Leaving us alone, she heads to the back, and the full glare of his emerald eyes settles on me.

  “If you bring havoc to Lucas, I don’t really care. But don’t feckin’ drag my mate into this, you hear me?”

  I mock-salute him. “Aye, sir.”

  Before he can respond, a cry from the back freezes us both. I drop my stuff on one of the tables and before I can even think it through, I’m following Finn out the door, and into the small enclosure. Elle is surrounded by four – no, six – wolves, all in various stages of disarray.

  She glances behind at us, then her eyes flash golden. Just like Lucrezia and Blondie from yesterday... Then in front of my stunned gaze, she lifts her hand and draws something in the air – some kind of archaic symbol. It flashes golden-red, then bursts into a myriad of sparks that blind the wolf closest to her.

  Elle expertly shifts to the side, avoiding his jaws, and Finn jumps into the fray without a second’s hesitation, morphing into his wolf form. In moments, he’s behind Elle in all his supple light grey form, covering her.

  And once more, I’m utterly frozen. I’ve been in enough fights with wolves in Alessandro’s territory, but nowhere have I seen anything like this. The way they move as one, watching each other’s backs, is unreal. Mate connections are practically unheard of in my pack, so seeing one in action is...distracting, to say the least.

  When I finally snap out of it, I take in my surroundings. Finn and Elle are both so busy with the attack, they don’t notice the reason for the group of rogue wolves gathering.

  Half-hidden under garbage bags is a young man, barely over sixteen. A large gash in his leg bleeds profusely, and his moans of pain grab my attention. With a quick check around, I head to him, all the while wondering what the hell I’m doing and why I’m getting involved.

  There is no real answer. The kid is bitten, and he’ll be turning soon. I’ve seen enough of those wounds to catch on pretty fast. He passes out in front of my eyes, then another wolf comes and drags him by the leg away. “No,” I say softly. When he ignores me, I kick off my high heels and crouch on the ground, grabbing the boy’s hand and ending in a veritable tug-of-war.

  My eyes clash with the wolf’s yellow ones. “I said no. Leave him be.”

  He growls and I smirk. When he lunges on me, I give in and let my girl take over. The transformation rolls over me like a wave, and I’m already smacking the other guy before he can realize what happened.

  Destabilized, he loses his balance and I jump on him, pinning him to the ground with my paws. In Alessandro’s pack, I quickly learned to defend myself as a single female, so this is no different. One bite into his throat, and his carcass stops moving as blood fills more and more of the area.

  I stand to my full form, taking in a deep breath. I’ve just hunted outside my alpha’s borders, on Lucas’ territory no less, and without Alessandro’s permission. All to save someone who obviously has her shit under control.

  Merda! Something about this town is messing with my head.

  Finn turns to me then, and I know what he sees. Black fur, blue eyes, and the mark imprinted on my chest. A thick C as large as a human fist, topped with a crown. Alessandro’s brand. He says nothing, but even in wolf form, his expression is filled with questions.

  Instead, he jumps on two other wolves, dragging them down with him. Elle, in the meantime, is busy drawing again in the air. I don’t quite understand what she’s doing until a gust of fire escapes the design, encompassing two more wolves.

  Another goes to jump on her from behind, but I’m already lunging, taking the brunt of the attack as we both crash into metal bins. When I’m done with him, I turn to see Elle and Finn have taken care of the other wolf, and Finn’s back to human form, fully clothed.

  With an effort, I switch back to human, cringing at the thought of being naked. Yet when I check my body, I find my old clothes on, including my torn jeans and the fresh blood seeping through a laceration.

  “Monica!” Elle rushes to me, gasping at the wound. “I’m so sorry you got dragged into this.”

  I shrug. “Not a big deal. Are you alright?”

  She nods, apologetic. It makes me feel like shit – I’m here under false pretenses I don’t even know, and now I’m doing crap I can’t even comprehend the motivation for.

  “How did you...” I wince and readjust my weight. “How am I clothed? What were those drawings back there?”

  “Runes,” Elle says. “I, um, the thing is I–”

  Finn marches on us then, interrupting what she’d been about to say. “The kid’s dead, and so are all the Reapers. Why did you get involved?”

  Too tired to fight this, and with my injury hurting more and more, I settle on the truth. “I didn’t realize Elle had...magic. I thought you’d need back up.”

  Finn’s expression doesn’t ease up, but Elle touches my shoulder softly. “I’m really sorry you got injured. The, um, wolves you saw, they’re the bad ones here in town. Rogue ones. They’re attacking humans and some days it gets out of control.”

  “Isn’t your alpha doing anything about it?” I ask before I can stop myself.

  “He’s working on it,” Finn says in a tone that broaches no counterargument.

  I know when I’m not wanted, so with a mock-salute to them I wobble back inside the store. I pick up my pastries from the table, wincing at the sharp pain shooting up my leg. Just as I straighten up, luck would have the door swinging open and none other than Lucas strolls in.

  “Ma che diavolo...” He stomps to me and grabs my elbow, yanking me to him. “Did I not say you’re not welcome here?”

  Nostrils flaring, eyes as dark as they’ll get, his energy surrounds me. It’s chaotic, and he means what he says. Yet I won’t back down. But I can’t help a wince, as the way he’s gotten me off balance has weight bearing down on my injured leg.

  Lucas frowns then and glances down. His jaw clenches when he sees the blood. “What happened? Why are you bleeding?”

  I pull my elbow out of his grip, refusing to be intimidated. “Go ask your damn pack members. And I told you, your father sent me to do a job. I cannot leave until it’s done.”

  Despite my best efforts to leave with my head held high, the moment I try to move I end up stumbling right back. Lucas draws me into him by the waist this time, practically gluing our bodies together. With his free hand, he lifts my chin up.

  We’re so close, it would take only one small move and I could kiss him. Finally get to know what those lips taste like, and if he’s as good a kisser as I’ve imagined. His hands on me sure feel as good as my fantasy, even though it had involved way less clothes ...

  Lucas’ gaze drops to my lips, and for a moment I think he’ll kiss me. But then he lets me go abruptly, almost shoving me away. Luckily, the table behind gives me enough support so I don’t fall on my ass.

  His expression is cold, despite the electricity sizzling between us. “No amount of charm will have me in your bed.”

  The line stings, but I force myself to walk past him as calmly as I can. “We’ll see about that.”

  Lucas

  My wolf wants to go after Monica – fucking phenomenal. Like I really need another female to worry about. But she did get hurt on my territory, and enemy or not, I should check that she’s alright.

  Unless it’s exactly what she wants you to do.

  Those baby blue eyes of hers did seem rather interested – until they turned dark when our bodies were too damn clos
e. I damn well almost gave in to the temptation to kiss her, but I’ll be damned if I drop at her feet that easily.

  Gritting my teeth, I stomp my way through Elisandra’s shop and head to the back. The scent of iron hits me hard, and when I emerge into the small enclosure it’s to see a bloody mess.

  Wolves’ bodies – Reapers. And one young kid. My eyes meet Finn’s, just as Elisandra releases waves of fire to burn the evidence away. Not that there are any cops nearby to arrest anyone.

  “What a mess,” I mutter. “What happened here, amico?”

  Finn runs an agitated hand through his hair, then shrugs. Despite his efforts to appear nonchalant, I read trepidation in his body language. “Elle got attacked. Six Reapers, trying to turn a human kid. She stumbled on it.”

  I inspect the carnage, frowning. “You think it was a coincidence it happened here?”

  “No bloody way,” he growls. “They can smell our scent here. And she’s always alone, mate. From now on, I’m sticking here. You have enough bodies at the auto shop for protection there.”

  Rubbing my chin, I nod thoughtfully. “And Monica? Where did she come in?”

  “You tell me. She was here when I arrived, asking questions.”

  “That’s not true,” Elisandra says and steps closer to him. She intertwines their fingers, leaning against his side and appearing exhausted from the magic use. “She was here to buy pastries. Then Finn came and rattled her up, and I left and walked in on these guys. Monica helped.” Her eyes flicker between us, wide and pleading. “She could have run, but she stayed and helped, even getting hurt while having my back.”

  Something like a snarl escapes me, and Elisandra recoils against Finn. Even he seems taken aback by my reaction. “Alright there, mate?”

  But I’m not. Nowhere close to it. Because it just dawned on me that my territory is under serious attack, and this needs to end. Now.

  “Tonight,” I manage to hiss through gritted teeth. “I spoke to Dominic about a vote to execute all Reapers, once and for all. I want the vote, tonight.”

  I turn to leave, not trusting myself when this rage inside me seems to get to a boiling point. Finn’s voice comes from far away behind me. “Where are you going?”

  “Away from here.”

  My feet can’t walk fast enough, and it’s only once I’m outside on the other end, far away from the blood and the death, that I gain some clarity. That was not a normal reaction. I’ve had anger blast through me before, but this...

  Words from long ago echo in my head, said in anger to my mother. It was my right to know I have a direct link to the Underworld. It was my right to decide whether taking lives was a stain I wanted on my soul, when each innocent death brought me that much closer to becoming the monster of legend. It was my choice, and you took it from me when you kept your silence.

  Is that what’s going on?

  When Lucrezia died, I was reminded starkly of my link. I could’ve helped her journey to the Underworld, if I'd known what to do. I lived in guilt for days on end, until I saw her alive and well again. But the thoughts never truly left me. All this time I’ve been hiding here, I’ve ignored the truth. I’ve wanted to keep peace, to stay away from getting my hands dirty.

  My mother’s Etruscan heritage didn’t just stop at history and myths. Her blood was also filled with the chimera gene, enough of it that it passed down to me. And as far as she ever told me, the extent of its influence on me was that each time I take a life, I get closer and closer to the Underworld. Eventually, the link will be tangible enough and I’ll be able to open the door to it, and probably get lost in its depths.

  There’s a reason I tried for peace and negotiation these last months, even when shit hit the fan so bad I wanted nothing more than to execute those standing against me. But it would have led to my ultimate downfall only faster.

  And then Lucrezia died... And it didn’t matter anymore. The deaths now affect me more, because of the many lives I’m responsible for extinguishing. And if that means I’ll burn in Hell and become the monster of legend, then so be it. I’ll make damn sure my pack is taken care of beforehand.

  Pushing away from the wall, I head into my auto shop. Lucrezia is there, and knowing she walked Monica out the other day, I tap her desk.

  She looks up at me, her green eyes tinged with gold and a knowing smirk on her lips. “She’s staying at the inn on the other side of town. The only one still operating.”

  Without more than a nod, I walk back out. It’s about time me and Alessandro’s fixer have some one-on-one time. Let the games truly begin, cara.

  ∞ ∞ ∞

  ∞ Seduzione ∞

  “Seduce my mind and you can have my body. Find my soul and I’m yours forever.”

  -Anonymous-

  Monica

  I don’t know why the end of that scene still bothers me hours later. What is it about Lucas’ pack that’s already gotten under my skin? And how did Finn know about my lies?

  My cell rings just as I finish bandaging my wounds. Ileana might have taken the herbs I’d brought for Lucas, but my medicinal ones were in another bag. And thankfully, too. With the infusion I prepared and the clean towel wrapped around it, I’ll be good. By morning, it’ll be more healed, and I’ll have full use of my leg by the day’s end tomorrow.

  The ring of my phone grows more incessant. I heave a sigh, reach out for it – and then there’s a knock on my door.

  Between that and the call, I choose the door. I’m wearing shorts with a heavy sweater over them, so hopefully whoever it is won’t mind my atrocious sense of fashion.

  And it better not be the old lady asking when I’m leaving again!

  As it so happens, it’s none other than Luciano there. Arm resting against the door frame and glaring at me darkly like I’m the cause to all his problems. “Why did you help out Finn?”

  I roll my eyes and limp back in, leaving the door open. “You really need to work on communication with your wolves. I told Finn it’s because I didn’t realize Elle had magic. I... wanted to make sure she didn’t get hurt.”

  His scowl deepens and he strides inside and shuts the door behind him like he owns the place. Maybe because of the infusion that’s made me lightheaded, or maybe because of his own sex appeal – either way, it seems like he’s taking over the room. And that damned scent of pine and fresh soap hits me again, causing me to stumble out of its reach.

  When he only stands in the middle of the room and says nothing, I add, “Luciano –”

  “Lucas.”

  “Fine, Lucas. I know you’re making me into being the bad guy here, but what harm will it do to see your father? Just once. He’s sick, he doesn’t have long to live...”

  He steps forward then, as if a decision has been made. “Non ti credo. Your words are lies, that’s why he sent you” His expression is intense, focused on my every move in a way that makes my entire body tingle. “As his fixer, you really must be the best at evading answers, hmm? But that’s not what I came here for.” Another step, and his gaze heats in warning. That crackling electricity is back between us – and then he’s dropping his mouth on mine.

  I’ve been kissed before. Some, very skilled. But this is... possession. There is no other way to explain it. Lucas takes charge of my mouth and my body like he owns it, and in that moment, he does. The electricity that had been humming between us sizzles now, heating our bodies and driving me crazy.

  My shirt itches against my skin – I want it gone, want to feel his heat permeate my own. This isn’t about Alessandro, it’s about nothing more than scratching an itch and winning this unspoken battle between us.

  I break the kiss only for a second to toss my shirt over my head, leaving me clad in my black lace bra and panties. Lucas stares at me, letting loose a soft growl. A muscles ticks in his clenched jaw, and his fingers draw a pattern from my collarbone to my hip, then my injured leg.

  “Does it hurt?” The question, much like his oddly tender touch, surprises me.


  “Barely,” I whisper. “Had some of nonna’s natural salve with me and it should be healed by–” It seems Lucas didn’t need that much information.

  Hand on my neck, he yanks me to him, colliding our bodies as he once more takes ownership of my mouth. Then he picks me up and lays me on the bed, moving his mouth down my body, to my panties. His energy feeds into me, into this raw need between us.

  A touch on my hip, then my thigh, and I’m spreading my legs unconsciously. He drops his mouth to my thighs, teasing with lingering caresses and light licks until my hands are fisted in his hair, pulling on it and begging.

  Only then does he rip the panties away with one yank, and brings that gorgeous mouth where I need it. And that’s when I really lose it.

  I’ve had good oral sex, even great. But Lucas, holy madre di Dio –

  It’s like he knows exactly where to touch me, exactly where to apply pressure, because in less seconds than it takes me to breathe I’m coming fast, and hard.

  Panting, I lift myself up on my elbows to look at him. He’s already standing, shrugging off his t-shirt and tugging off his jeans, then pulling a condom on. My throat goes dry when I see him in all his glory, all hard abs, stone-like muscles and so, so ready for me.

  Lucas glances down at me, licks his lips, and grins wickedly. “Let me know if your leg starts hurting.”

  And then he’s spreading me wider, sliding inside me, and I forget my own name, let alone the number of times he makes me come that night. What I do remember is how he slows his thrusts, hovering just above me, his face taut with tension and restraint as he paces himself, driving us both to agony.

  And then his gaze shifts, just a little, a flare of red coating the irises – just before he thrusts deep inside me, and I come apart under him.

  Lucas

  It doesn’t take Monica long to leave the bed. She doesn’t have to know the reason I came, the reason we had sex, is so her guard drops around me. Even if said-sex and the way she responds to me was fucking mind-blowing.