None of them were able to move in stealth mode, like Jessi-the-Natural lying breathless and furious beneath him. She stirred his intense curiosity, like only the unknown could.
A surrender from someone like this was the kind of challenge he needed. She'd responded to him when his fangs were in her neck, and his power was in direct contact with her, but she still hadn't broken down into a mewling mess like every other woman did when first he touched them. Jessi wasn't just prey; she was sentient prey, someone for him to win her mind in addition to overpowering.
She stirred more than his interest. For the first time since landing in the human world, he had the intense urge to track, hunt and bring down something capable of eluding him. He felt need. He never experienced this sensation with women. Desire and hunger, yes, but never the compulsion to be inside a particular woman. It was almost as arresting as her sweet scent and the shocked look on her face that made him want to laugh.
If only the Black God wasn't using her somehow …
"Excellent!" Laurencio said. "I think we're done."
Jessi pulled at her arms again and squirmed beneath him. Xander smiled, enjoying the sensation of her wriggling body beneath him. He held her for a few seconds longer to emphasize that he only let her go because he wanted to. He waited for her flush, then released her and sat up, straddling her again.
"You are such an asshole," she exclaimed, voice trembling. Her hand went to her neck, where the two punctures were healed. "I can't believe you bit me!"
Xander laughed.
"He really bit you?" Gerry asked, nearing.
The Guardian irritated Xander, more so because Jessi had smiled and laughed with him earlier. Gerry knew his place, though his gaze was sharp right now. Xander shook his head at the questioning look the Guardian gave him, the silent inquiry as to whether he tried to turn her.
Jessi pulled her legs out from between Xander's thighs and stood, refusing to look at him.
"I'm throwing out all your precious coffee," she said and marched away.
He watched her, admiring her body. Toni crossed his vision. She was five minutes from throwing herself at his feet. He was hungry after the stimulation of Jessi's refusal to bend to his will.
No, he was starving. He hadn't felt this alive since long before the Schism, when a certain Original Human bound his magic.
Jessi wasn't about to cave to his appetite, but Toni was almost begging. Xander stood and swept her up into his arms. She melted.