Free A Hunger Like No Other by Kresley Cole Page B

ignored, the two finally gave up and shot Emma venomous looks as they passed. As if he washers? As if she was keeping him from them? She was a prisoner—more or less! “You can have him, kitties,” she hissed for their ears only. They blanched before scuttling away. She might be a coward against Lore creatures, but with humans she could hold her own in the tabby arena.
    Now, how would she fare traveling with a wolf?
    *  *  *
    Lachlain had watched as Emmaline glided through the lobby, moving too gracefully to truly look human. He’d been struck by how wealthy and coolly composed she appeared—like an aristocrat. One would never imagine her timorous nature, because she seemed to have donned a cloak of confidence.
    Then she’d changed.
    He didn’t know what caused it, but her gaze turned heated. She gave the impression that she needed a man—and he’d responded. Everything in him responded. But others had, too. Though she seemed unconscious of it, her sensual walk and movements lured every male gaze to her. In mid-conversation, they turned and stared, enthralled. Even the women did. Lachlain pinpointed each of their focuses. The women stared at her clothing and shiny hair; the men ogled her breasts, lips, and eyes, their hearts and breaths speeding up at her mesmerizing beauty.
    Did each of those fools think he’d be the one to give her what she desired? Fury fired in him. She’d told him with a steady gaze that deep down he was a monster. She’d been partly correct, and right now that beast wanted to kill every male that dared look at her when he had not claimed her. This was a vulnerable time, and the Instinct was screaming at him to get her away—
    Realization hit him. Female vampires had always beenborn beautiful—as a defensive and predatory tool. They manipulated with it and used it to kill. This one was at work even now, doing what she’d been born to do. And he’d been reacting just as she’d known he would.
    When she stood before him, he cast her a black look. She frowned at his expression, visibly swallowed, then said, “I’m going to go with you. And I won’t try to run or escape.” Her voice was silky and seductive, a voice made for wicked murmurs in bed. “I’ll help you, but I’m asking you not to hurt me.”
    â€œI told you I’d protect you.”
    â€œYou told me the night before that you might kill me.”
    His scowl deepened.
    â€œJust please, um, could you try not to?” She looked up at him with those blue eyes that appeared so guileless.
    She thought to use her wiles to handle him? To gentle the beast inside him? He couldn’t even control it—
    An odd, chill wind blew, batting a curl against her cheek. Her eyes narrowed. A second later, they widened and her hands flew to his chest. He glanced down and saw her shell-pink claws go from curling to straight—like little daggers.
    She’d perceived a threat. His eyes scanned the area; he was feeling something, too. But it was fleeting, and his senses weren’t as keen as they normally were. Not yet. In any case, a menace of some sort near her wasn’t surprising. As a vampire she had many blood enemies—a fact he’d once applauded. Now he would have to fight them because he would destroy anything that sought to hurt her.
    Instead of telling her that, he removed her hands from his chest with an expression of distaste. “I’ll bet you’re better off with me than alone out here.”
    She nodded, agreeing. “Then can we go?”
    When he gave her a tight nod, and drew away from her to go to the passenger side of the car, the valet opened the driver’s door and helped her in. Lachlain cringed at not having assisted her, then grew angered over his chagrin.
    After a brief grappling with the door handle, he joined her, sinking into the plush seat. The interior was luxurious—even he would know