Katie's Hellion

He wrenched her head back and gripped her neck, nuzzling it.

"Kris, don't do this," she managed.

"Whatever is in your blood can tame evil."

She tried to pull away, but he pressed her harder against the wall until she could barely breathe. His fangs sank into her neck, and she jerked, feeling her skin and muscle tear. She cried out and arched, blinded by pain as he held her against the wall. He didn't take blood gently as Rhyn did; no, Kris wanted her to hurt!

He drank deep and long until she began to grow woozy. His erection pressed hard against her backside, and tears slid down her face. She shook from pain and fear of what he'd do next, if he was more like Sasha than Rhyn.

She closed her eyes and wished herself home. The shadow world appeared hazily around her. She willed herself there, concentrating hard to keep from losing the connection.

Kris released her and stepped away.

"Oh, god, Katie…" His voice was hoarse, a mix of pleasure and horror.

She sagged against the wall and gripped her bleeding neck. The shadow world swallowed her in its fog. There were several portals, and she hesitated, focusing on the image of her apartment. One of the portals grew brighter. She staggered toward it, stumbled, then fell through it and landed flat on her back on a familiar, faded red rug. It was dark, the spinning world lit by the kitchen and hallway light.

"Mama!" Toby cried.

She closed her eyes, terrified of bleeding to death right there in her own home.

"Wait in the kitchen." It was Gabriel's voice. He was blurry as he knelt beside her. His black gaze was still visible in the dark living room. She felt him assess her before he pried her hand free and rested his there, sealing the wound.

"Juice, Toby!"

He propped her up, and she sagged against him, unable to keep from crying at the thought of one sworn to protect humanity nearly killing her!

Gabriel lifted her and carried her down the hall. She shied away from her reflection, from the paleness of her skin and the stark red of her blood soaking the cream sweater. The death dealer set her on the bed. Toby clambered up beside her, spilling the juice.

"Rhyn's mate?" he exclaimed. "Wow, Katie, wow!"

"Go make cocoa," Gabriel said, expertly rescuing the juice before more spilled.

Toby obeyed. Gabriel waited until he was gone before pulling a chair to the side of the bed.