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  She eased off him and collapsed on her back.

  “You think you’re ready?” he asked, stroking his cock to ease the pressure.

  Jade nodded and welcomed him on top of her again. Reaching into his bedside drawer, he retrieved a lubricated condom and slipped it on. He nestled between her legs, and she felt the insistent pressure of his cock against her sex. Then, with a hard thrust, he was deep inside her, and he stopped. Jade let out a small gasp as he opened and stretched her. It was slightly uncomfortable but didn’t hurt as much as she feared it would.

  War’s breath came hard in her ear. “You okay?”

  “Yes,” she said, in more of a sigh than a word.

  War began pumping his cock in and out of her. He was unbearably sexy in his carnal suffering, holding back his satisfaction so that he didn’t overwhelm her. It wasn’t hard to believe he loved her as he went to such lengths to ease her discomfort. He could have easily taken what he wanted and been satisfied, but he didn’t. Jade arched her back and opened her legs farther, resting her ankles on his calves. His cock felt enormous inside her, and it almost seemed to be swelling the more excited he became. But his affectionate kisses made up for her pain, and she was pleased she gave him so much joy.

  Jade ran her hands into his thick, dark hair as her soul drank up his warm kindness. Then, unable to restrain himself any longer, he began a relentless pumping that brought hot tears to her eyes. He stiffened, and with a primal grunt, he was released.

  Holding on to the base of the condom, he pulled out of her, and Jade was startled to see so much blood. He peeled the condom off, tossed it in the trash, and kissed her.

  “Come on, baby,” he said, helping her off the bed. “Let’s get you cleaned up and get some sleep.”

  Chapter Nine

  Jade climbed out of bed in the morning feeling sore but fantastic. War was naked and still very much asleep tangled in the sheets. She paused to stare at him. The more time she spent with him, the more attractive he became. They certainly looked like the odd couple, though. He was nothing like she imagined her first boyfriend to be. He’s not your boyfriend, she reminded herself. He’s your husband. It still didn’t seem real.

  Opening his small fridge, she found a carton of milk and poured herself a glass. Then she went outside to sit and watch the sun rise. Dirty Mary came up and smiled at her. “Care for some company?”

  “Sure,” Jade replied, moving over to make room for her on the bench.

  “I have something for you.” Dirty Mary reached into her pocket. She pulled out a small color photo of Jade’s dad sitting at a picnic table with a tall, thin woman.

  “Who’s the woman?” Jade asked.

  “Your mom.”

  Jade wanted to feel sad, but she couldn’t summon the emotion. It was hard to miss someone never met. “Did you know her?”

  “Not real well, but yeah, I knew her.” Mary lit up a cigarette and took a deep drag. She blew out a stream of smoke and squinted across the yard at nothing in particular. “You shouldn’t blame her too much for what happened. The vamps can be real sly in tricking people. Robert, the vamp she went with, is one of the best bait boys they have. He played on her insecurities and took her for an emotional ride.”

  “I’ve heard that name before. The guy who tricked my friend Bill into going to The Siren and being his lover, his name was Robert.”

  Mary nodded. “Probably the same guy.” Then Mary placed her finger over her lips, indicating shush, and pulled War’s door closed so he couldn’t hear her. “Listen,” she said. “I know War is a little rough around the edges, but he really loves you, Jade. It’s killing him to think you want to end the marriage.”

  Jade stared at her. “Well, I’m only twenty. I think I’m a little young to be married.”

  “Maybe for a human but not for a raptor,” she said. “Being married to the king of the vultures isn’t like being married to a human man. War will never cheat on you, or hit you, or dump you for a younger woman. He belongs to you, and he’d do anything to make you happy.”

  “But what if I meet someone else?”

  Dirty Mary shook her head. “You won’t because no one will ever make you feel the way War does. Tell me you don’t feel it right down in your gut when he kisses you?”

  Jade frowned. “I do. But this is all so confusing I just wish I could be sure we were really meant to be together.”

  “Well, you can’t without living it,” Mary said, crushing out her cigarette under her boot and standing up. “And I’ll tell you one thing he probably won’t. No human man will ever be able to make you pregnant. If you want a family, he’s your ticket.”

  Jade ran her fingers through her hair and nodded. Nothing was ever as easy as it seemed. She was starting to feel kind of trapped by this whole “queen of the vultures” thing. “Why didn’t War tell me only he could get me pregnant?”

  “He didn’t want to trap you,” Mary said, rubbing Jade’s shoulder. “If you wanted out, he’d let you go. He loves you that much.” They both heard him getting up and walking around. “Listen, he’s up. You talk to him about how you’re feeling. See what he says.”

  “Okay,” Jade said. “Thanks, Mary. See ya later.”

  War came out of the bedroom and smiled at her. He didn’t smile much, and that simple act made him look so much younger. Jade felt her heart leap when he sat down next to her and kissed her on the temple.

  “Why don’t we go out and practice some changing?” he said, handing her a helmet.

  Jade grabbed his beard and kissed him for a long time. Mary was right. She did feel like they were a part of each other. “Sounds good to me.”

  Chapter Ten

  The bike rumbled beneath her as she tightened her grip around War’s huge frame. The warm morning air rushed past them, and for all the world, it felt like they were flying. Jade grinned and watched the desert landscape pass them by. They rode for what felt like an hour, and then War pulled over onto a dirt road and killed the engine. Jade dismounted and pulled her helmet off taking in the beautiful surroundings. “Where are we?”

  “Just a few miles out. It’s nice and quiet. I thought it would be a good place for you to practice the change.”

  He pulled a bottle of water out of his saddlebag and took a drink. He handed it to her, and Jade took a sip too. She handed it back to him. “Okay,” she said. “What do I do first?”

  War moved up behind her and peeled her jacket off. He guided her arms up and held them there as he nuzzled her neck. A sexual thrill sent a shiver down her back. “Stop that. I can’t concentrate if you’re doing that,” she complained. But the truth was she loved it. She couldn’t wait to get back and get ravaged by him again.

  “Close your eyes,” he said in a soft, sexy whisper, “and let yourself go just like you did on the roof.”

  Jade did as he told her. Suddenly, she felt a rush, and a strange sensation of lift came over her. Opening her eyes, she realized she was flying high overhead and could see every detail below. Never before had she felt so alive and in control. It was more than just fun. It felt right. Soon War joined her, transforming into his vulture form and flapping his great wings to gain altitude. As she watched in amazement, he climbed even higher than she had and started to make slow, lazy circles in the sky.

  Learning to change back and forth was challenging, but with War’s gentle guidance, soon she was doing it as easily as he was. After several hours, they took a break by his bike and enjoyed a few sandwiches.

  Jade sipped her water and stared out at the red desert sand. This was the most beautiful place she’d ever seen, and she regretted that she didn’t get away from her classes more. She’d be graduating soon, and all that schoolwork would be behind her, thank goodness. Then all she had to do was get a job. Ugh.

  “What are you thinking about?”

  “I was worrying about what to do when I graduate from school. Since all this started, I haven’t been working on my career as much as I should be,” she said.r />
  “When do you graduate?”

  “In two more years I’ll have my degree in zoology with a specialization in ornithology,” she said with a smile.

  War laughed. “The study of birds. Now that fits.” He chewed thoughtfully. “Why not get a job with the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife? Then you could do both what you love and what you studied.”

  Jade stared at him for a moment. That is a brilliant idea. Why didn’t I think of that? “That’s great. I’ll look into it.”

  War wolfed down the last of his food and washed it down with some water. He rubbed her back, and that smoldering lust started a slow burn in her sex.

  “There’s something else I wanted to talk to you about,” she said.

  “What’s that?”

  “Is it true that no one can get me pregnant but you?”

  War squinted at her, shielding his eyes from the sun. “Who told you that, Dirty Mary?”

  “Yeah.”

  He shrugged. “Yes, it’s true.”

  “So basically, I’m stuck with you whether I like it or not?”

  “No,” he replied. “You don’t have to stay with me, Jade. I don’t have any control over you getting pregnant with someone else or not, but I won’t make you stay with me if you want to find someone else.”

  She studied him for a long time trying to read him. “If I left you, what would you do?”

  He rested his head in her lap and closed his eyes. “I’d do what I’ve done all this time. Hunt and kill vamps to keep their numbers down.”

  “What I mean is, would you find someone else?”

  War opened his eyes and stared at her. “I’ve told you before, no. There is no one else for me but you. If I don’t get you, then there is nobody.”

  “Isn’t that kind of extreme?” she asked.

  “Maybe it is, but why should I settle for someone who isn’t meant for me? You are my queen. That’s all that matters.”

  Jade combed her fingers through his soft hair. Oh crap, please don’t let me start falling in love with him. Then a new thought occurred to her. “So now that I know how to change, when can I go hunting?”

  War stood up and stretched, giving up on his afternoon nap. “First off, I don’t think you’re ready to go hunting yet, Jade. You’ve just started learning how to change. I’m not sure you won’t choke with a bunch of vamps on your ass. And second, don’t forget your buddy Bill is still among them. Do you really think you could kill him face-to-face?”

  Jade stood and dusted her hands off on her jeans. “I don’t know,” she said truthfully. “Is there really no hope for him? He’s really stuck as a vampire forever?”

  War pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “I’m sorry, baby. He’s dead and gone. All you see before you is a shadow of his old life. He’s as dead as any body in the cemetery. The only difference is your friend can walk around and make other vamps.”

  Jade touched her neck. “He wanted to change me,” she whispered.

  War kissed the spot she touched. “He can’t hurt you. You’ve been turned by me. You’ve tapped your power and pulled in mine. All that’s left is to hone your strength. You are raptor now. Married to me or not, you are queen of the vultures. No vampire will ever be able to hurt you again.”

  Chapter Eleven

  That night, after she and War made love, she sneaked out to fly around the city on her own. It wasn’t that she thought he would stop her. It was just that it felt so good to enjoy this new power in private. Creeping into the backyard, Jade could feel the magical night all around her. She held her arms out and let her soul run free. Then, in a rush of energy, she was flying.

  The sensation of wind blowing through her feathers and sky all around was the most amazing thing she’d ever experienced, and the euphoria of actually flying almost overwhelmed her. Reveling in her newfound freedom, Jade flew all over the city. Flapping her wings, she dipped and dived and soared so high the world looked like a tiny miniature below.

  Time melted away as she flew, and all her normal problems drifted off into the evening breeze. But as the night wore on, it didn’t take long for her thoughts to turn to her friend Bill. Poor Bill, a victim of vampire treachery, now trapped in an existence that was neither living nor dead. Why did this have to happen to him? What had he ever been guilty of except falling in love? Surely there must be some way of releasing him from this horrible undead curse.

  Well, if she were the vulture queen, shouldn’t she have some powers of her own? Perhaps she could locate Bill and talk to him. Maybe they could find a way to free him together. Jade stretched out her wings, soared in circles, and cleared her mind. She let her thoughts tumble where they would, and in minutes, she could smell something dead. It sent a surge of energy all through her, and she followed the stench to a bar situated on the top floor of an office building.

  Every part of her wanted to go in and investigate, but she knew better. Just as War had warned her, most of the vamps knew who she was, and she couldn’t risk getting caught. Down below, a pasty, pale vamp came out onto the balcony and stared up at the sky. He must sense something too. I’d better get out of here.

  Jade flew back home to the wake and crept into the bedroom she shared with War. She glanced at the bed and frowned when she realized he was up. She heard the toilet flush, and he came out adjusting his sweatpants.

  “Where were you?” he asked groggily. He sounded concerned but not angry. War didn’t get mad easily.

  “I was out flying around,” she said, slipping out of her jeans.

  War sat on the edge of the bed and pulled back his long, dark hair. He stroked his beard thoughtfully and watched her in silence. He looked so smoking sexy she couldn’t wait to jump him. “Tell me the truth, Jade.”

  She sighed. “Okay. I was exploring, and I spent some time looking for Bill.”

  “I thought I told you to wait,” he said, his voice hard and commanding.

  Now she was pissed. No man told her what to do. “Well, I didn’t,” she said, putting her hands on her hips. “You don’t own me, War. If I want to look for my friend, you can’t stop me.”

  “We will both look for your friend when I think you’re ready.”

  “I can change at will. I’m ready enough.”

  He exhaled loudly and stalked to the fridge to get a beer. “That’s just the kind of attitude that got your father nabbed. Don’t do dangerous stuff on your own. Wait for the wake to back you up.” He twisted the top off the beer and took a few long sips.

  Jade sat on the edge of the bed and pulled her bra off. “I’m going to find a way to help him,” she said defiantly.

  “Who?”

  “Bill.”

  War’s frown deepened. “Jade, he’s dead. He can’t be brought back from dead. It’s a permanent condition.”

  Jade shook her head. “I’m sorry. I just can’t accept that yet.”

  “Well, you’d better accept it because it’s a fact. I know it’s hard to understand how someone you cared about is now walking around and talking, but trust me, Jade, there is no helping your friend.” War put his beer down and held up his hands as if to ward off another statement. “Look, can you go to the cemetery and dig up a body and bring it back to life?”

  She sighed. What kind of stupid game was this? “No, of course not.”

  “Then why do you think you can bring back a vamp? Because they talk and walk around? All that stuff is just left over from when they were alive. They don’t feel anything for anyone, not love, or hate, or . . .”

  “They feel fear because they sure fear you,” Jade countered.

  “Yeah, like a cockroach fears light,” he said. “Listen, baby, I wish we could help your friend, I really do. I’ve also known good people who’ve been turned, but there is nothing, short of complete destruction, that can help them. Nothing.”

  “Does complete destruction have to come from the vultures?”

  “No. A vamp can choose to end his life by sitting up waiting for th
e sun. But that’s a very painful death.” War picked up his beer again and sipped it.

  “Is waiting for the sun more painful than being devoured by vultures?” she asked.

  “Yes,” he said grimly. “Most of the vamps prefer us. We work faster.”

  Jade stood up and paced the room rubbing the back of her neck. So many thoughts bombarded her brain she didn’t know what to do. She was beginning to lose hope for Bill.

  “Are you okay, Jade?”

  She gave him a weak smile, but it was the best she could do. “Yeah. I just have a lot to think about.”

  Chapter Twelve