Skin Walkers Conn Read online

  His eyes narrowed on her. “What do you mean someone who’s not interested?”

  Uncomfortable, Aries refused to look at him. “I’ve been here for five weeks and after what happened at the bathing pool, you just abandoned me. It’s obvious your upset that it happened.” She shrugged and lowered her voice, “You barely look at me.”

  His tone was incredulous, “You think I don’t want you?” He grabbed Aries’ shoulders but his hold was gentle. “Look at me.”

  She turned her head to stare up at him.

  “Aries, I want you so fucking bad I can’t see straight. I try not to look at you because I have to fight myself to keep from ripping your clothes off and claiming you where you stand.

  The only thing that’s kept me from crawling into your bed every night is the fact that you’re injured and I’m trying to allow you to heal. I seriously doubt fucking you into exhaustion is going to aid your recovery.

  You have no idea how difficult it has been for me to care for you, to bathe, but not claim you. My affliction hasn’t been sated Aries, and proximity to you only makes it worse. Do you know what it’s like to want something so bad and to have it sitting right in front of you but to be unable to take it?” He reached up and cupped her face, “That’s why I was so angry over Remy.” His eyes dipped to the halo around her neck as he turned serious. “Your mine Aries, and that halo is never coming off. I may have bound you under our ulterior motives, but I’m not so damn foolish that I’d ever let you go now. You are mine…forever. I refuse to let you go.”

  Shocked her voice came out on a whisper, “W-what?”

  He pulled her close and kissed her forehead, his lips curving into a smile against her warm skin. “Don’t look at me like that. All hopeful and fearful at the same time.” He pulled back, his hands still cupping her face, “At first I wasn’t sure what you wanted. Every day I came to see you in fear wondering when you’d ask me to take you back home, to let you go. But every day you looked at me with that same look, hopeful yet fearful. I knew then that you wanted something more to exist between us than our damn agreement. You were just as afraid as I was.” He grabbed her hand and pulled it to his lips his eyes holding hers, “I don’t think I can live without you Aries. I honestly don’t. I’ve thought about it and I’ve tried to convince myself that if you wanted me to that I’d willingly let you go, but the truth is all I can do is lay in bed at night and plan how to get you back, how to keep you. I’d chase you to the ends of the earth. I want to be the one you choose.”

  “Conn, I…”

  “Let me finish.” He drew in a deep breath, “Aries, I want you to trust me enough…to have enough faith in me that you’re willing to place your heart in my hands. I want you to know that it’ll be the smartest thing you could ever do because I swear to you I would cherish that gift and protect it more vehemently and violently than I’ve ever treasured anything in my life. I’ll protect it over my own heart, and I’ll walk all my days proudly holding it up for the world to see, so that they too can know that I alone have been blessed with the honor of your love. You’re heart will never know a safer home than in my hands.”

  Speechless, Aries blinked rapidly trying to quell the tears that flooded her eyes.

  “Please Aries,” Conn pressed, his next words were spoken on a deep growl, “do not deny me.”

  Her lone word was a whisper, “No.”

  Conn paled.

  Aries’ throat convulsed as she swallowed down her emotion, “No. I would never deny you.”

  When Conn expelled a harsh breath, Aries threw her arms around him and pressed her lips to the rapidly beating pulse at the side of his throat, “I love you Conn.”

  He crushed her to him and mumbled against her hair, “I love you more.”

  Chapter 32

  Applying a thin layer of gloss to her full lips, Aries smiled at her reflection in the mirror. The past six days had been heavenly. Conn moved her into his room and seemingly into his heart. They’d made love so frequently that Aries had lost track, but the best part wasn’t the sex it was waking up in his arms every morning. She’d been tentative at first, afraid to put herself out there and to hope that he could ever possibly return the immense love that she felt for him, but as the days past she was discovering that maybe a little hope wasn’t such a bad thing.

  She left the bathroom to eye the white box that sat on the bed. It had been there when she’d gotten up. Conn had long since risen and gone to work out with his men, but he’d left her a note with the package that read, ‘Reminded me of you.’ She’d opened the box and peeled back the pink tissue paper to discover a silk black slip and matching pair of ballet slippers. It was similar to the one she’d been wearing the night they first met. The gift had made her cry at the sheer thoughtfulness and she couldn’t help but feel elated at being so significant to Conn that he’d gone out of his way to do something so nice for her.

  Eyeing the box and smiling, she ran her fingers through her dark glossy hair before limping out of the room and down the long corridor. Her leg was still sore, and she’d argued with Conn for hours before finally convincing him that he didn’t need to carry her everywhere and that her leg would never heal if he didn’t allow her to actually put any weight on it. He’d relented begrudgingly and literally pouted for days when Aries slapped his hands when he’d attempt to pick her up.

  She followed the sound of voices into the large sitting room and upon entry rolled her eyes.

  York, Shane, and Conn were lounging around staring at James as he stood in the center of the room speaking loudly and motioning wildly with his arms.

  James lifted a pen to his mouth and bit the lid off before tossing the pen across the room. “And I yelled fire in the hole!” He ducked behind an imaginary wall and his eyes snagged on Aries as she hobbled toward Conn. “Aries!” James’ tone was alarmed.

  Aries stopped, “What?”

  James frowned at her disapprovingly, “Take cover!”

  York and Shane erupted into laughter and James’ frown cracked into an ear-to-ear grin.

  Aries rolled her eyes again but smiled as she circled the couch nearest Conn.

  Wordlessly Conn reached up and grabbed Aries’ hand before he stood and pulled her into his body and gently reclaimed his seat with Aries now on his lap. His lips brushed the side of her face, “Hey beautiful. James was just regaling us with one of his many war stories.”

  James smiled and nodded, “You should have been there Aries, you’d have been impressed.”

  “You know I’m always impressed with you James.” She winked at him playfully.

  “I’m glad you’re all here,” Conn shifted Aries on his lap so he could address the whole room. “We have a new mission.”

  Frowning, Aries stared up at him. She didn’t want him to leave. Secretly she’d hoped that he’d retire from his life as a mercenary or at the very least relinquish his role as commander, but apparently it wasn’t to be.

  York sat up straighter, “Where we headed boss?”

  “StoneCrow.”

  “StoneCrow?” Shane leaned forward as well. “I don’t get it.”

  James flashed a glance at Shane. “Maybe CEO StoneCrow finally decided to upgrade his security. After seeing us in action, he’s gotta know that his crew pales in comparison.” He looked back to Conn. “Is that it XO? We taking over security at StoneCrow?”

  Conn grinned with a lopsided smile, “No. Our mission is of a more personal nature. There’s going to be a wedding and…”

  James cut him off, “And we’re working security?” Rolling his eyes, James flung himself backward with a growl, “Lame!”

  York punched James in the thigh, earning himself a dirty look from the younger Walker. “Who’s getting married boss?”

  “I am.”

  Aries, who’d been silently brooding over Conn’s announcement that he’d be leaving on a mission suddenly tensed on his lap. Her eyes met York’s as he sat across from her and she felt herself pale before sh
e slowly turned her head to gape at Conn.

  Smiling, Conn lifted a hand to smooth it along her jaw. “Don’t look at me that way beautiful. You didn’t actually think I would forego the pleasure of binding you to me in every way possible did you?”

  She didn’t know what to say. If that was a proposal it left little room for a refusal. Knowing everyone was watching her, she knew she needed to say something but no words came forth. She opened her mouth then closed it just as quickly. Finally she asked still astounded, “Is that what you call a proposal?”

  Conn frowned, “Proposal implies that there exists room for negotiation. There’ll be no negotiation. Refusal is not an option.”

  Her shocked expression transformed until she erupted into joyous laughter. She knew she should have argued, or at least made some form of stand but she simply didn’t have it in her. She’d been fretting for the past few weeks wondering where she and Conn would be left standing when all the dust finally settled. The thought of having to leave him and return to her jungle was so depressing that she actually forced herself to not even think about it, and when he failed to bring up their future it only increased her worry.

  Slamming her body against his, she wrapped her arms tightly around Conn and squeezed for all she was worth. She felt the vibration of Conn’s laughter rumbling against her own chest. “I take it that’s a yes?”

  Aries didn’t release him, “Of course it’s a yes. You said I can’t refuse, so I won’t.” She pulled back to smile brightly at him before crushing her lips to his.

  “Can I be the best man?”

  Aries pulled back and turned to smile at James.

  “Sorry, York’s got that honor.” Conn looked at the large Celtic Walker and York nodded proudly. “My bride will need someone to escort her down the aisle though.”

  James eyes snapped to Aries expectantly, “I can do that. I’m good at walking.”

  Aries laughed through the tears that flooded her eyes and nodded, “I’d be honored if you gave me away.”

  “Yes!” James pointed at both Shane and York simultaneously, “I call first dibbs on bride’s maids.”

  Shane snorted, “Jesus James!”

  “What?” he shrugged carelessly.

  Aries looked at Conn when his hand on her cheek pulled her attention to him.

  “I’d prefer not to force you. Much as I hate it you do have the option, but I pray you won’t refuse. Aries, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

  Smiling Aries nodded and whispered, “Yes.” She leaned forward and kissed him, elated that not only was he not going to ask her to return to her home, he was staking his claim and keeping her with him forever.

  Chapter 33

  The Crow’s Nest was packed with revelers who’d just attended the wedding of Commander Conn Drago and his beautiful bride Aries. The pub was located on the top floor of the main estate house at StoneCrow estates. The large and elegant reception hall was just across the hall and after the ceremony the guests crossed over to enjoy the reception held at the pub.

  Conn, dressed formally in a black tailored tuxedo, entered with Aries on his arm and a round of cheers went up. Conn shook hands with several Walkers and Aries accepted well wishes as they made their way to the bar.

  James smiled and shouted across the room, “XO, XO, don’t be a lame-o. Buy us a beer!”

  Conn tried to frown but couldn’t pull it off. A wide grin spread across his features as he smiled and nodded at the bartender Cindy RedKnife. “Get the bar a round.”

  James whooped, punching his fist in the air.

  Shifting his arm tighter around his bride, Conn pulled Aries closer and bent to kiss her lips before pulling back to let his eyes roam her petite frame. “What do you want to drink beautiful?”

  Wearing a simple, white silk, spaghetti strap, gown that hugged her curves, Aries smiled up at him in adoration. “Nothing for me thanks.”

  “Come on, let’s have a toast with the boys.”

  “Okay,” she shrugged her shoulders and eyed Cindy. “Cranberry juice please.”

  “Cranberry juice?” Conn crinkled his nose and turned to Cindy, “Make it a vodka cranberry and I’ll have a beer.” He looked at his bride, “You need something with a little bite.”

  Cindy quickly mixed the drink and handed it Aries before cracking an icy bottle of beer and handing it to Conn.

  “To my bride,” Conn hoisted his drink into the air and the patrons of the crowded Crow’s Nest joined in. He pulled Aries tighter against him and kissed her upturned lips before taking a healthy drink of his beer then eyeing her. “Aren’t you going to drink?”

  She bit her lip as her brows furrowed. “No.”

  His arm loosened and he pulled back to stare down at her with a worried expression. “Are you alright? Are you feeling well.”

  “I’m fine,” she whispered looking down, “it’s just…”

  “What?” Conn released her to gently lift her chin until her eyes met his. “Tell me Aries, what’s wrong?”

  A faint smile quirked her lips, but she appeared worried. “The alcohol isn’t good for the baby.”

  Conn’s mouth fell open and the air rushed from his lungs. He stared at Aries unblinking before he dropped to a knee.

  The people around them silenced at the action wondering if something was wrong.

  “Holy shit!” James, who’d inched closer to the newlyweds, yelled and turned to the bar, “Did you hear that? The XO’s gonna be a dad!”

  Raucous cheers rent the air.

  Aries placed her drink on the bar and slowly bent to cup Conn’s ashen face in her hands. “Are you upset?” She chewed her lip nervously.

  Lifting his shocked eyes, Conn reached out and pulled Aries quickly into his chest nearly crushing her in his arms. “No I’m not upset!” He kissed the top of her head then pulled her back so he could kiss her cheek then her lips before stopping and resting his forehead against hers. “Are you sure?”

  “I’m sure,” Aries supplied with a bright smile. Her hand reached up to smooth down his jaw and she stared at him, “You can name her.”

  “Her?” His eyes widened but his tone was reverent.

  Nodding, Aries bit her lip to keep from crying at the joy she read on his face.

  Conn inhaled slowly, his brows knitting as he turned serious. “I love you so much Aries. I can’t believe I finally found you.” He lifted a strong hand to place it gently over her belly. “I vow to cherish and protect you both until the end of my days and I’ll never forget that you’re more than I deserve.”

  Tears flooded Aries’ eyes and she nodded and whispered, “We love you too.” She pressed her lips to his and laughed as for the first time since she could remember tears of joy slid down her face. “We love you too.”

  Exclusive Excerpt

  Prince of Cats

  by

  Susan A. Bliler

  Walking through the doorway to the dining hall, Neomee passed under the inscription that had been carved into the stone above the door.

  Great Cat thou art the avenger of the Gods

  the judge of word

  the keeper of the people

  the guardian of the temples

  and the protector of the holy Circle

  thou art indeed the Great Cat

  Neomee entered the hall and walked up to place her platter in the center of a long wooden table. She kept her chin down as her eyes cautiously lifted to scan the Cats sitting at one of several oblong tables that occupied the dining hall. Each of the men was impossibly larger than the next. Each with their chiseled torso and dark eyes facing stoically forward sitting erect as statutes waiting for the food to be placed before they’d relax their postures and eat.

  Not bad scenery. Neomee bit her lower lip to hide a smile as she placed her platter of fruit on the table. Her eyes were focused on the black speckles that most Cats had painted on their broad shoulders. Cheetahs. Backing away from her placed platter, her elbow hit a carafe of wine that sat o
n the table. As she watched in horror the carafe tipped, spilling its entire contents on the Cat closest to her.

  Without thinking, Neomee pulled up the hem of her gown and began brushing the wine from the Cat as best she could, “Amon, I’m sorry.” Neomee’s flimsy white tunic did little to absorb the red wine that covered the chest, lap, and legs of the Cat. Neomee didn’t stop wiping as the Cat stood, the wine that had puddle in his lap, now poured from his leather kilt.

  “Please forgive me. I-I…,” raising her eyes to the Cat, Neomee froze in place when her eyes met his.

  Dark brows furrowed over eyes the color of onyx. Neomee stood only to his muscled chest, which she noticed was marred with several white scars that resembled claw marks. A square jaw line and pronounced cheek bones were set in the most handsome face she’d ever seen. He was a bronze God and she couldn’t stop staring at him.

  While Neomee struggled to formulate a coherent sentence, the Cat’s stare bore into her, his full lips set in a grim line gave no hint of emotion. Was that electricity she felt coursing through her veins?

  Look away damn you! She cursed herself even as she tore her eyes from the Cat and realized that her hands were still stroking down his long lean frame. She quickly released her hem, dropped her hands to her sides and her eyes to the floor. Slaves were never to raise their eyes from the floor, and it was unheard of for a slave to even consider speaking to a Cat, let alone touch or even look at one.

  Shaking her head at her loss for words, she couldn’t even formulate a title to tie to her apology, as no slave had ever addressed a Cat directly. Meekly she offered the only title she was permitted to use. “Master, please forgive me, I meant you no disrespect. I…,” Her words were cut off as the Slave Master’s opened hand collided with the side of her face, sending a blinding pain through her that caught her off guard and sent her sprawling on the dirt covered ground.