Free Dark Hunter by Shannan Albright

out.
    Spent at last, he used the last of his strength to collapse on his side, not wishing to crush Mari with his bulk, and drew her into his arms. For a while, only the sound of their ragged breathing could be heard as they recuperated.
    “Wow…just…wow.” Mari chuckled once she could control her breath.
    “I must agree with you there. What an amazing feeling. To know how I feel moving inside of you, the caress of my hands on your body. Your response to my lovemaking is an exquisite addiction I want much more of.”
    Mari snuggled closer, resting her cheek against his still racing heart. “It will take some getting used to, but I’ll suffer through it.” She chuckled.
    Her words pleased him. Now all he needed to do was keep her alive.
     

Chapter Seven
     
    Navar ached from the tension in his body. It had been a week and nothing. Every day at dusk, they would leave her apartment and relieve the day crew at The Asp, going about their day as if nothing had occurred and the threat against her life had never happened.
    A fucking week!
    Taking his post at the entrance to the back rooms, his gaze skimmed the crowded bar before returning to where Mari mixed drinks and joked with her customers. Every night they made their way back to their haven. Only then would he breathe easier. If not for Adrian sitting calmly in a booth set back in the shadows, he would have carried her away kicking and screaming, as far away as it took to keep her safe. Mari was his first priority, now and forever. His consort would never again be alone in this world. He would protect her with his last breath.
    Could he have been mistaken? He thought back to the words written on that bloody piece of paper. No, the meaning came through loud and clear. Mari would be next on the killer’s list. His hands clenched at his sides, his usual calm hanging by a mere thread. The patience he normally held an abundance of had deserted him. Too close to the situation to show any form of objectivity, he wanted nothing more than to rip the head of the faceless menace threatening his woman.
    Whatever you are thinking, stop. You’re scaring my customers.
     
    The scolding tone belied the laughter in Mari’s voice as her words and essence caressed him, soothing the tension out of his shoulders and neck. Akasha, I’m hanging on here by a thread. Torn between wishing our killer would make his move and terrified he will do just that.
    I have complete faith you will protect me, Navar.
    The sincerity ringing through her voice and the complete trust within their entwined souls humbled him. Once again he felt the stab of guilt. The uncertainty of being unworthy latched on with sharp talons and threatened to tear him apart.
    Her calm, loving presence embraced him like a soothing balm. Enough of that. I do not give of myself freely, as you well know. You are more than worthy in my eyes and this should be enough for you, she gently scolded. Now stop looking like you are ready to eat people.
    Their eyes met and locked. Navar was struck dumb all over again by the unflinching faith glittering in her dark eyes. His chest warmed with love, and a smile twitched at his lips. She grinned back and gave a saucy wink before she went back to work.
    “Stop mooning over your lady love and take a look at the booth near the back.”
    Adrian’s voice at his ear made him start. Gods above, the man’s stealth could only be named otherworldly. And wasn’t that apropos? After all, the man standing beside him held the blood of the Tuatha de Danann. He was a sidhe warrior skilled in the art of warfare, a dangerous enemy to have.
    Navar did as ordered and looked into the back booth where he saw…movement. An indistinct shape shifted within the dark shadows. His chest pounded with sudden excitement. Finally . As if on cue,he and Adrian moved in opposite directions, keeping to the crowds as much as possible to block off any chance of escape. They had him. Anger burned through Navar as he imagined