The Darkest Kiss (Riley Jenson Guardian 6)

Understanding ran through his bright eyes. "So, no rebirth, then."

"No." I hesitated, then added, "I'm sorry you lost another friend."

He smiled and reached across the table, taking my hand in his and squeezing my fingers lightly. "Catch this bastard for me."

"I will." I glanced down, suddenly wishing the hands that clasped mine with such warm strength could caress the rest of me and bring me back to aching, fierce life. I wanted that. Wanted it bad.

I just wasn't sure that I was ready for it.

Besides, I had a bad guy to catch, and as much I had never wanted to be a guardian, I had grown to enjoy many parts of the job. I couldn't now shirk responsibility to pursue pleasure.

I rose. "I'll ring you later. We'll finish this another time."

"I certainly hope so."

He released my hand, and my hormones let out a collective sigh of frustration. I ignored them and headed out.

Once I was in my car and back on the road, I switched on the onboard and contacted the Directorate. Jack answered.

"I need another cell phone number, boss."

"Yeah, like they're something I can just haul out of my ass and hand around willy-nilly."

I grinned. "I was under the impression you could do anything."

"You, my dear guardian, are testing even my limits." There was an undercurrent of amusement in his voice, which meant he wasn't as grouchy as his words made out. A quick look down at the screen confirmed the fact. There was a decided twinkle in his eyes. Maybe he'd found himself a nice little blood donor last night. "So tell me why you need to lose a perfectly good phone number."

"Because it seems our emo vampire has acquired it. She rang me just now to tell me we've another dead body."

"You kissed her, didn't you?"

"Well, yeah, because it was the only way to get the information I wanted."

"Emo vamps siphon information through intimate contact."

"I figured as much when she called me. But it got me the name, so I can't say I wouldn't do it again."

I could almost feel his sudden grin. "Darlin', you've come such a long way since we first dragged you kicking and screaming into this job."

There wasn't much I could say about the truth in that statement, so I got back to business. "The accountant that was attacked last night was killed this morning, apparently. Vinny rang to give me the killer's address. I'm heading over there now.">So did that mean the whole meeting-of-eyes-across-the-crowded-room moment I'd been dreaming of half my life was just that? A dream? Or was it simply a matter of different wolves, different situations?

I had to hope so. Fate had snatched away so many of my dreams of late that it would really hurt to lose that one as well.

I crossed my arms and leaned forward a little. His gaze flicked downward, caressing my breasts, and the heat of his desire flicked around me. My nostrils flared as I sucked in the scent, feeling it swirl its way through me. It was nice, so nice, after such a long absence. "So what was it like? That first moment, I mean."

"Well, there was no chorus of angels singing, if that's what you were expecting."

I grinned. "In this day and age, I think angels have better things to do than hang around chorusing while people mash body parts."

Amusement flirted with his mouth again. "It was more a feeling of belonging and completeness. From the moment that we made love, I could think of no other, wanted no other."

I definitely hadn't felt that with Kellen. Or Quinn, for that matter, even though there'd been a connection - a deep connection - between us. One that was richer and stronger than I could ever possibly explain. But did that validate my feelings that he wasn't the one? The fact that I'd walked away - or rather, sent him away - seemed to confirm that possibility. Not to mention the fact that even when we were together, I'd also had other partners. Much to his disgust, for sure, but still...

"It wasn't like that with us," I said eventually. "But I was hoping it was something we'd grow into."

"You don't grow into a soul mate," he said, the amusement on his lips clear in his voice. "It's just something that is. Or isn't."

"Trust me, nothing is that simple in my life."