“That’s a new one.” She snorted.
Vampires had sexy grins. Who knew?
Kane’s grin widened. “So, I have a solution for our dilemma. You’re a pacifist who shouldn’t fight. I am a closet empath who needs to find my brother.”
The guy probably didn’t confess that fact to many people. She smiled, more warmth coming from his trust than from the alcohol. “What’s a closet empath?”
“Somebody who has fought for years to squash down the ability to read emotions from other people.” He sighed, stretching his neck. “Though, I can also attack with feelings sometimes. The ability can distract an enemy at the right moment, although I’d rather just use my brain.”
“There’s nothing wrong with feeling things, Kane.”
He shrugged. “Not the point.”
“What is the point?” Besides that fact that she was in an intimate setting alone for an entire night with the sexiest man she’d ever met in real life.
“The point is that there is a very simple answer to our dilemma.” His eyes darkened and his strong jaw set. “Mate me.”
CHAPTER 10
Amber sat back in her chair, a flush engulfing her entire body. “You’re crazy.”
Kane didn’t move, just kept that intense gaze on her. “No, the idea makes sense. When vampires mate, they gain the abilities of their mates. In time, I would be able to shield from demon tactics, and you’d gain the ability to shield even better considering I can negate any empathic abilities I’ve been cursed with.”
Gaining more ability to protect her brain held certain appeal. “I don’t even know you,” she whispered.
He sighed. “Also, sometimes, I can send out emotions, not really strong, but enough that people notice and might feel the same. That skill would come in handy to someone wanting to mind-attack a demon.”
Now that was a very good point. But mating him? The idea was beyond far-fetched.
His gaze actually sizzled. “We’re attracted to each other—there’s no reason not to consider my offer.”
Attracted? Frankly, she wouldn’t mind getting the vampire naked and exploring that kiss from outside the diner, but mating? Come on. Curiosity buzzed in her mind. “I’m assuming mating involves sex?”
His eyes somehow darkened further. “Yes.”
“So we have sex . . . and what?” Heat burst into her face.
He cleared his throat. “Well, I bite you—and, ah, transfer a brand from my palm to you—somewhere. You can choose the place.”
Oh, he had to be beyond delusional. “Brand? You brand me like a cow?”
“God, no. The marking is like a tattoo—and you’ll gain my abilities and immortality.”
How tempting was that? She crossed her legs, curious and oddly aroused. “And when we are finished being mates? Would I still be immortal?”
He stilled. The air seemed to follow suit. “There’s no end to a mating. You’d be mine forever.”
The matter-of-fact tone did nothing to conceal the strong note of possessiveness underlying the words. Then the vampire sat back, patiently awaiting an answer with confidence on his hard face.
Her breath sped up, and she swallowed to keep from panting. “Not in a million years.”
Both eyebrows rose. “Why in the world not? You’re aroused right now.”
She lifted her chin. “Maybe so. You’re unbelievably rude to point that fact out, by the way.”
“My apologies. But you need to think this through. Our mating solves all our problems.”
“Except romance, fun, and happily-ever-after.” Three things she’d always strongly believed in. “I won’t mate for convenience.” Mother Earth. Now she was using the term mate like it belonged in everyday conversation. “Why would you?”
One shoulder lifted. His long, tapered fingers spread out over his legs, his hands broad and oddly graceful. “I’ve always figured I’d mate out of convenience for business, for strategy, or to create an alliance. This fits.”
Talk about unromantic. “A business arrangement is no reason to tie yourself to someone for eternity.”
“How about survival? Yours and everyone you care about.” The set of his jaw promised the conversation wasn’t over.
“What about love?”
He sighed. “Love is a chemical reaction induced in our brain to encourage propagating the species. The sensation is merely a scientific phenomenon, like the northern lights.”
On all that was holy. “You can’t seriously believe such nonsense.”
“Of course I do. And so would you if you stopped to think about the idea logically instead of believing in silly movies and sonnets.”
Silly movies? How was this the same guy who’d kissed her in the snow and pretty much knocked her socks off? “The answer is no.” She was just silly enough she might’ve believed some baloney story about fate and destiny. But not logic and planning—not when it came to the heart.
He shrugged. “I’m not giving up on this idea, and I can be very persuasive.”
So long as he kept his dangerous lips across the room, she was fine. “I am not going to be your mate.” Relief filled her as she said the words slowly.
“Your choice. Are you ready to train again?”
“You mean have you rip into my brain?”
He blanched. “Yes. Believe me, my attack was nothing compared to what the demons have in store for you. The sooner you learn to control your gift from a safe distance, the sooner we can go after Jase.”
They’d saved her grandmother, and she’d given her word she’d help save Jase. “Okay. Shoot.”
“Close your eyes.”
Soft, nearly seductive, his dark voice wandered down her spine as if he traced each vertebra with his lips.
Her eyes fluttered shut.
This time, the attack came in the form of a soft glide against her mind. Smooth, even slightly warm, a caress wandered from her frontal lobe to the center of her brain.
She shifted on the couch, crossing her legs. A tingling set along her rib cage and wandered south to heat her abdomen. Mentally pushing against the caress, the warmth enveloped her entire brain and provided an electric stimulation that caught the breath in her throat.
Desire ripped through her so quickly her knees trembled. Her sex started to ache. Her breasts pebbled. A slow sigh escaped her.
A whisper of sound floated toward her as he moved, and the scent of male and musk wafted her way. Languishingly opening her eyes, she stared at the vampire. On his knees, he settled between her legs. His heated hands dropped to her thighs.
She should be angry. But her gaze dropped to his lips, and she met him halfway. He swallowed her moan in a kiss that started with anything but logic. Fire engulfed her. Leaning forward, she clamped both hands in his thick hair, opening her mouth to take more of him.
He delved deeper, his tongue possessing, his lips firm and demanding. With a low growl, he tumbled her to the rug, his hard body stretching atop her. Settling an impressive erection between her thighs, his hand slid down and secured her ass, rubbing her against him.
Releasing her lips, he pressed hot, openmouthed kisses along her neck to her collarbone.
The warmth in the brain receded.
She arched up against him, so much need in her breasts they seemed on fire. “Kane.”
“No talking.” He yanked open her blouse, eyes flaring at the plain cotton bra. A smooth movement had the front clasp springing open. “Very pretty.” His tongue flicked out to tease one nipple.
She whimpered, her hands still tangled in his hair and holding tight.
He lifted his head to pierce her with a gaze full of need. “See how good we could be together?”