Free Wasteland by Lynn Rush Page A

here.” Blondie’s leer bounced from the unconscious kid to me. “This place is a meat market.”
    “I’ll walk you out.” I shoved him in the direction of the door.
    Within five minutes I’d escorted the blond outside with his girlfriend. I turned to the bouncer standing guard. “Don’t let him back in, please.”
    The darkness of the alley beside the club proved a perfect place to cool down from the action. I stopped near the end of the passage way and leaned forward, resting my open palms against the gritty brick wall.
    The breeze rushed over me, cooling my damp skin. The action inside triggered my raw senses. They were misfiring something fierce. I’d nearly let too much of the beast out while fighting those kids. Maybe befriending Russell in attempts to snatch Jessica wasn’t such a good idea.
    The constant crowds, all the touching, and now the fighting. It got me too worked up. Then to discover Master had specifically put me in this situation. Using my human side for his demented needs, hoping I’d fail.
    But he’d initiated a Mark, and per my contract, I had to obey.
    I turned and let my back rest against the brick wall of the establishment. When I opened my eyes, Beka stood propped against the opposite wall of the narrow alleyway.
    “Beka?”
    “Didn’t mean to scare you.”
    “I didn’t hear you.” Strange. I heard most things, but again, my senses were rioting, still trying to calm themselves.
    “I was looking for you.”
    I stood tall.
    “Russell texted me you were here.”
    “He needed some help.”
    “You took out the garbage, I see.” She thumbed toward the street intersecting the alley.
    “Young punks causing trouble.”
    She chuckled. “Young? They pretty much look your age.”
    “Punks nonetheless.” If she only knew how many years I had on those children.
    The moonlight bathed her figure in a silver spotlight. She leaned against the wall, one foot propped against the building and her hands hidden behind her.
    My breath hitched. Time to leave.
    “Are you okay?” she asked.
    “Yes.”
    She pushed away from the building. Every nerve ending peaked with attention. My body hummed for hers. I glanced to thestreet adjacent to the alley. Empty. The scent of lilac caressed my senses, heating my blood.
    “I’m glad I found you.” Her voice was low, husky. She rested her palm on my chest. “I’m glad you came here tonight.”
    “We should get back inside.”
    “Not just yet.” She edged closer. Mere inches separated our bodies from contact. “I can’t figure it out.”
    “What’s that?” I sucked in a sharp breath and edged back a fraction.
    Her intense stare pinned me to the brick. Her eyes searched my face as if figuring a mathematical equation. She raked her teeth over her bottom lip and slouched, looking disappointed, like she couldn’t read my mind.
    I coughed at the stinging fire blooming deep within my chest. The demon pricked its venomous talons into my heart, urging me to take her. He sensed the same goodness oozing from her every pore and wanted to abolish it. My mouth watered at the thought of being closer to Beka. How she’d feel against me. Beneath me.
    No. I must stay strong. Can’t. Lose. Human. Half.
    “Why do you keep me at a distance?” she asked.
    “I’m sure I don’t know what you mean.” I fought hyperventilation my breaths came so fast. But they matched hers.
    “I don’t understand how I could feel this for you. I hardly know you. Not even your last name.” Her gentle voice caressed my beaten soul. “And you’re not. . . .”
    She inched closer. Her soft breasts molded to my chest. I kept my hands at my side. Lust triggered an ache, a need I knew couldn’t be fulfilled.
    Her gaze focused on my mouth. She ran her tongue the span of her upper lip, and my body screamed to take her.
    “We should get back in . . . .” My voice trailed off the last word. Beka didn’t move. One more step, and she now stood so close she had to straddle one of my