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edgy, and the ache between her thighs subsided.
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Therian Prey
 Good. You can use it every few hours, but hold out as long as you can. Your body
will eventually compensate for the chemicals and you ll need the real thing, but this
should buy you some time.
 Do people really go insane from this or did Quinn just say that to frighten me?
 It s extremely rare, but it has happened. Our physiology is stubborn, our species
determined to survive. The mist slows down the entire process, but again let me stress
that it s not a cure. You ll need to find a sexual partner eventually. The cream works
best at night or when the cravings are especially intense. Carissa handed the nasal
spray back to Erin and she returned it to the plastic case, then tucked the case back
inside the overnight bag. After zipping the bag, Erin crossed to Carissa and gave her an
encouraging hug.  Get some sleep. You ll feel better in the morning. More yourself.
 Myself? She laughed.  I don t even know who that is anymore.
Carissa sensed an undercurrent swirling around her as Ian walked Erin to the front
door a few minutes later. The same electric sensation had prickled Carissa s skin when
the wolves lapsed into silence. Were all Therians telepathic? Could she learn to send
and receive thoughts?
Had she just thought of herself as a Therian?
She didn t want to buy in to this madness, but there was too much tangible proof
that what they were saying was real. Her reaction to Quinn. The memories released by
Erin s scent. Not to mention the wolves transformation and Ian s wings!
Ian strode back into the room and her thoughts scattered. Like embers disturbed by
the wind, her body threatened to flame anew. She took a deep breath, hoping to
reactivate the nasal spray. His gaze locked with hers, hungry and hot, and the rest of
the world faded from view.
He crossed the room in silence and placed his hands on her shoulders. They inhaled
together, as if on cue. He bent toward her, lips parted, ready to plunder. But her body
rebelled, the throbbing suddenly painful rather than evocative.
This was wrong! She wanted Quinn, not just a Therian male. Her thoughts were
clear enough to understand the difference. She shook her head, thrilled by this new
level of control.  I m not doing this.
Pushing his hand into her hair, he slowly pulled her head back.  The longer you
fight it, the more demanding it becomes. Do you want to lose control?
She shook her head then rushed through her objections.  This is the twenty-first
century. You can t tell me there isn t an alternative. There has to be a pill or an injection
that will put out this fire! She watched closely for his reaction. Did he know about the
nasal spray? Or was he one of those who preferred his women powerless?
His hold remained constant, yet it only hurt when she tried to pull away.  Scientists
have tried to duplicate the chemical reaction, but it s different for each couple.
That much must have been true. Erin said it wasn t a cure, just an aid. A way to
manage the unmanageable.  I think it s too late. My body is already& 
41
Cyndi Friberg
 Shifting to accommodate Quinn? He urged her backward, not stopping until the
couch pressed against her calves.  How far did it go? Did he fuck you?
Just the mention of Quinn s name rekindled the heat.  It s none of your business!
 Did he hurt you? He reached for her face, but she turned her head.
 No. To both questions.
 When did he kiss you? In the morning at your shop or after he took you from your
house?
She glared.  Why do you care? He said it would return, and it has. Nothing else is
important.
He stepped back with obvious reluctance.  I told him I d kill him if he ever used his
power again. I need to know if he deserves to die.
 I don t know! The harder she tried to concentrate, the more her body rebelled, but
it wasn t like before. She wasn t aroused. Ian was still standing too close. She couldn t
think, couldn t seem to catch her breath with him so near.  I don t think so. Please get
away from me. I can t breathe.
 What did Erin say to you? Did she 
The musical crash of breaking glass interrupted his question. Ian pivoted as a
massive black cat landed in the middle of his living room. Carissa gasped and sank to
the couch, terrified yet captivated.
 Stay there! Ian tossed the order over his shoulder as he turned to confront his
uninvited guest.
Cold air gushed in through the broken window pane, rapidly lowering the
temperature in the room. Ian stood with his legs braced, fists planted on his hips. His
back sparkled then glowed as his wings manifested with a smooth rolling motion.
A sharp feline cry split the silence and she slipped off the couch, creeping to the left
so she could see the intruder. The cat was huge, his black pelt gleaming in the
moonlight. From his massive paws to the compact power of his hind legs, the cat
emanated strength, agility and danger.
Without realizing why, she inhaled deeply, tilting her head as she scented the air. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]