Darkyn's Mate

She nudged him again, this time nuzzling his neck.

"Please don't be angry," she said for his ears only and rested one hand against his heart.

Her mate hesitated then lowered his head, nudging her gently in return in a sign that he wasn't too angry with her.

"This was where we met, Darkyn," Gabe said.

"Thus far, only one of us has managed to hold onto her," Darkyn replied.

"No fighting," Deidre said. "Go home, Gabriel."

She didn't expect Death to listen. To her surprise, he called a portal.

"Always a pleasure, Deidre." She turned to watch him go.

Darkyn's arm slid around her when the portal closed behind Gabriel. Chilled by the cold ocean wind, Deidre pressed herself against his warm body. At the feel of his hot breath on her neck, she tilted her head. The Dark One nipped her.

"What're you hiding, love?" he purred. There was an edge in his voice, one that told her he already knew. "Besides your markings."

Deidre's breath caught. She willed her hair shorter and blonde once again, knowing he'd already read her mind and seen the reason why she changed her hair. His nip made her shiver. No part of her wanted to reveal what Gabriel told her or that she meant it when she said she would find a way to help him. She was still silently cursing herself for asking him why he needed to get to the underworld and him for answering honestly.

She couldn't help thinking it was the first truly honest exchange they'd ever had - and the timing was the worst it could possibly be.

"You always knew when I'm upset," she said to Darkyn.

"I sense your distress, love."

"Darkyn …" she whispered.

"Pleading already," he noted. "That bad?"

"If you already know, why are you asking me?" She gazed up into his dark eyes. His hands skimmed her arms to circle her and rest at the small of her back. One of his nails scratched her rhythmically, sending small streaks of pleasure through her.

"A better question is why you don't want me to know."

"You know why," she said with exasperation. "Because I don't want you to hurt him."

"So you're choosing loyalty to him over me."

"No!" she twisted in his grip to look up at him. "You can read everything about me. I know you know this isn't true."

He wasn't happy. His cold gaze was piercing, his frame tense despite her touch.

"I still care about him, yes," she added. "I'm not choosing anyone. I'm trying to do what I feel is right, and I'm terrified that you will hurt him."