His Darkest Hunger (Jaguar Warriors 1)

She inhaled the fresh air. It was cool, and smelled of spring. So very different from where she’d been, from where her child was still.

Libby closed her eyes, picturing the lush jungle that climbed up from the banks of the Macal River, high into the Maya Mountains. The vibrant greens were painted vividly in her mind, and if she tried hard enough, she could feel the moisture, wet against her skin like a blanket. Sometimes the air was so heavy it hurt to breathe.

The ache in her breast sharpened, and she hissed in an effort to control the deluge of emotion that lingered around the edges of her heart.

She had no time for shit like that.

A soft rap at the door made her jump, and she turned as it opened. Ana walked into the room and paused before closing the door quietly behind her.

She seemed uncomfortable and unsure of herself.

Interesting.

Ana had always been somewhat detached, and Libby had often wondered what Diego had seen in her. She was beautiful, there was no denying that, but she’d always been so aloof. Like a china doll that could kick your ass.

She sighed. Sadly, Diego had paid the price for being a Castille.

Libby cleared her throat and arched an eyebrow as Ana continued to stare at her in silence.

“What? Not happy with my fashion sense? Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t give a shit what your personal preferences are. It’s not like I had much to choose from.”

She watched as surprise flickered deep inside the vampire’s eyes, and feigned indifference as she spoke.

“I just wanted to make sure you were okay, maybe ask a few questions.” Ana moved toward the bed and sat down. “If that’s all right with you.”

“You can ask all you want. Doesn’t mean I’ll answer.”

The vampire was tight-lipped, and cleared her throat softly.

Ana exhaled, her eyes never leaving Libby’s as she spoke. “I’m sorry for—”

“Save it. You do not get to go there,” Libby exploded, and crossed the room until she was beside the bed, so close to Ana they could touch.

She was filled with such anger, her body began to tremble, and her voice shook as she continued. It had washed over her so quickly, she felt light-headed.

“

You do not get to apologize to me. For anything. You do not get to feel sorry for me either. I don’t need your pity.” Her eyes flashed and she felt a rush of blood stain her cheeks as the anger deep in her gut continued to boil.

“I waited months for the three of you to come and get me out of that hellhole. Months, of waiting like the pathetic creature I’d become, for you to save me.”

“Libby, you have to understand—”

“I don’t have to understand shit. If Jaxon had wanted to find me, he would have. He’s a hunter. It’s in his blood…it’s what he does. Do you truthfully expect me to believe that Jaxon Castille, with all the resources available to him, came up with nothing? That he wasn’t able to track down one fucking lead and find me? That’s bullshit! He’s a goddamn jaguar warrior.”

Libby shakily blew out a breath and stepped back from the vampire. Her chest was heaving but she managed to regain some of the control she’d felt earlier in the evening.

“I’m sure he convinced himself that I’d vanished without a trace. It must have made it easier for him to sleep at night.” She snorted and shook her head. “He didn’t want to find me, Ana. He preferred to believe that I was complicit and responsible for Diego’s death. I guess it was much easier than facing the truth. So he left me there, with those animals. For three long years.”

The vampire hissed as the skin on her cheeks flushed pink, anger suffusing her normally alabaster complexion. “You don’t think I went through hell, Libby? Hmm? I’m sorry you were used by the DaCostas in some kind of war against Jaxon, but at the time, I would have killed you myself if I’d gotten anywhere near you. It was my lover who was murdered. Mine.”

“Right. Diego Castille was a model boyfriend when he wasn’t banging anything in a skirt behind your back.”

“How dare you!” Ana’s fangs began to elongate and her eyes blackened until the whites had disappeared entirely.

“What are you gonna do, Ana? Bite me?”

The vampire hissed, and Libby welcomed the surge of adrenaline that coursed through her veins. She was spoiling for a fight, hoping to alleviate the ache that clung fast to her heart.