Free Seizing Darkness (Fur, Fangs, and Fairies) by Mariana Thorn

Natalya being attacked and now Thane is nowhere to be seen. It has to be all connected somehow,” Radek said.
    “I agree. We have to prove it though. That’s the only way I can take him out. He has too large of a backing. I have to put out fires as it is. He’s trying to pull something here as well. I can feel it.” Val sounded tired.
    “Dante and I can handle this here if you need to stay in Washington.”
    “No, I’d best be there. If we can find evidence to get rid of Louis and his idiot son, that will do more good. Being here arguing with these stupid politicians isn’t doing anything but pissing me off.”
    “Take care of yourself, Father.”
    “You too, Radek, and take care of our girl,” he said, then hung up.
    “Joy, now I’m your girl,” I said, not realizing how that sounded until Radek’s head snapped around in my direction with a hungry look in his eyes. He looked almost good enough to eat. I held on to the doorjamb to keep myself from joining him on that bed.
    “What?” he asked, snapping me out of my thoughts. I don’t think that was the first time he’d asked, either. He was looking at me with a look that said he knew where my mind had gone.
    “Nothing. Let’s just get out of here. I want shoes first,” I said, looking down at my feet to keep from staring at him again.
      “Do you want to take a shower before we go? It should be stocked with soap and stuff. We can buy whatever you need when we go out.”
    The images that came to mind when he mentioned the shower made my skin tingle. I could hear the bed springs as he got up and risked a glance in his direction. His back was to me and I got a good glimpse of his impressive back muscles. There was something so tempting about well-defined back muscles.  
    I put my tongue back in my mouth and tried to talk coherently. “I should be fine for now. I would prefer to have something clean to put on after anyway. Food sounds great, and coffee. Definitely coffee.” That should help me keep my paws to myself. At least I hoped so.
    “I’ll agree with you there. Coffee and food sounds good right now. I can be ready in a few minutes. I want to check your arm before we leave. How’s it feeling, by the way?” he asked as he made his way over to me.
    “It’s starting to feel better,” I replied as I looked up into his intense golden-brown eyes. If he kept looking at me like that, I might not be able to keep my paws to myself. I had to remind myself why I did – he was Val’s son and I had no right getting into any kind of relationship until I could recover my memory.
    “Good. Go ahead and take a seat. I’m going to get some new bandages.” He motioned with his hand and turned to get the kit.
    I took a couple of deep breaths, wondering if I should take a cold shower. What was wrong with me? I’d just met him. This hadn’t happened to me before, or at least I couldn’t remember if it had.
    “All right.” I went to the bed and sat on the edge.
    He was back in a few minutes. He set the bandages on the bed next to me as he kneeled down in front of me. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my thoughts and body under control. I held out my arm to him and he cut the bandage from it. Then he inspected Dante’s jagged row of stitches. He ran his fingers gently along my skin. I couldn’t help the shivers that danced along my nerves. He was driving me out of my mind with wanting. I barely restrained myself from grabbing him and throwing him on the bed as he finished up. Once he had rewrapped it, he stood up. I didn’t know if I was relieved or disappointed.
    “That should do. Let me just freshen up and then we can go. There’s some new toothbrushes and stuff in the bathroom if you want.”
    I was almost mad at him for acting like he was unaffected. I could tell he was acting because I’d glanced down. Now that he’d challenged me, it was on. What the hell was I thinking? How could one damn weretiger get me so unsettled?
    “Thanks,” I managed,