His Darkest Hunger (Jaguar Warriors 1)

Tension emanated from within the group at the table. At some point the rhythm and tone had changed. All the men were now scowling, and Ana retreated to the kitchen, gathering up the mess on the counter.

Jaxon’s face was as black as she’d ever seen it, and she looked away, suddenly frightened by the ferocious set to his features.

A phone rang then, its shrill tone grating as it loudly pierced the air. The tall stranger, so like Jaxon, moved quickly, bearing the same grace and stealth. Her eyes followed his movements until her view was blocked by the long muscular legs of the man she’d been trying to avoid.

She refused to meet his eyes, and pointedly tried to look around him. He had other plans, and knelt down in front of her. Still, she kept her eyes lowered and tried not to notice how his large frame enveloped the chair, effectively locking her between his two legs.

Tried, being the key word, and one that wasn’t successful.

Her eyes skimmed the powerful muscles that flexed underneath his faded jeans, and his scent crowded her, awakening an ache that struck hard and fast.

“My brother is off limits. Don’t even think of using your assets to sway him.” His breath was hot on her cheeks as he moved in closer, his words meant to insult. “He knows you’re damaged goods.”

Heat flushed through her body and she inhaled sharply at the hurtful slam. Her chest began to pound as her heart sped up.

“Go fuck yourself.” The words slipped from between her lips of their own accord. Even she was shocked at them, but tried not to let it show.

Jaxon felt his temper knocking hard and he wanted nothing more than to let it fly. Instead he took a few seconds and calmed himself. He grabbed her chin, forcing her eyes up until his dark ones held hers prisoner. “You’ve done that to me, Libby, many times over. You’ll not hurt another Castille as long as there is breath in my body.”

He shoved her away from him and stood quickly.

Her wounded eyes affected him more than he would like to admit, but the fury that clawed at him incited the jaguar to a point of violence that was almost overwhelming. He snarled at the thought of Jagger anywhere near Libby.

He stalked back to the table, head swiveling toward his brother as he came back into the room. Jagger was tense, his features closed.

“I have to hit the road, Jax,” he said. “I was wondering if it would be all right for Cracker to ride along with me. Something’s come up and I could use his expertise. I know you have your hands full with this situation and all.”

Jaxon studied his younger brother, not liking the light tone he’d adopted. It was in direct contrast to the black energy that haloed him like a blanket. Some deep shit was about to hit the fan.

For both Castille brothers.

“Anything you want to discuss before you leave?”

Jagger smiled wickedly, already heading toward the door. “Nah, I’m good. Just make sure to lock up before you leave.”

As he passed Libby, he ignored the warning growl from behind and leaned over, his impressive bulk responsible for the look of panic that flashed across her face. He grinned wickedly, winked and whispered, loud enough for all to hear, “It’s good to see you, Libs. About time you popped up from off the grid.” He chuckled softly. “A lot of things have changed, but Jaxon’s still an ass of epic proportions. Don’t take any crap from him.”

He turned then and shot a sly grin at his brother before heading out into the night.

Cracker returned briefly and grabbed a bag before nodding in his general direction. The ex-soldier was pissed at him. That was plain for all to see.

Jaxon shrugged it off. Cracker would get over it.

He watched him closely, his shoulders tensing as the older man leaned down and whispered into Libby’s ear. Christ, he had to get over the whole territorial thing. Libby wasn’t his. Hadn’t been for a long time. Even back in the day, they’d been lovers, sure, but nothing more.

Yeah right.

Jaxon ignored the silent taunt that rippled through his brain, choosing to focus on other things. He didn’t want to think about Libby anymore. At least, not right now.

The door slammed shut behind Cracker, and suddenly the room seemed too quiet. Declan had gone down to the office, waiting to hear back from his contacts, and Ana was banging around in the kitchen, muttering things he didn’t care to listen to.

Great. Just fucking great. The tension was so thick he could hardly breathe. Darkly, he pinned Libby with furious, bitter eyes.

Ever since that intel landed in his lap, his life had spiraled out of control, and the direction hadn’t been up. He was the kind of man used to being in control of all areas of his life, and damned if this little slip of a blonde was gonna screw him over.

Again.

Her violet eyes shadowed and he felt a splinter of pleasure as she looked away. His eyes held fast, knowing the direct stare was making Libby uncomfortable, and he kept them pasted to her as she walked stiffly past him.