“Yes.” Kane lifted away from one of several microscopes lining the organized counter and turned to face her. “Though Oscar and Hilde seem to enjoy each other’s company.” Smoothly stepping her way, Kane checked the myriad of wires running from several monitors to electrodes attached to Amber’s scalp and forehead.
A rhythmic beeping sounded from the monitors.
It figured Kane would know what Amber was worried about. Darn genius. She flattened her palms on her jeans. “He seems like a nice guy.”
“Oscar is a good soldier.” High praise from Kane. Frowning, Kane pulled the top of her shirt open to place an electrode near her heart.
That silly heart began to flutter. Amber shook her idea to concentrate on the conversation and not the warm hand on her skin. “Do we have to do this?”
“Yes.” Kane added two more electrodes, his voice distracted. “When you touched me at the demon stronghold, you took away their mind attack. Completely. So we need to figure out how it works. Everyone will take turns training you and seeing how your gifts interact with ours.”
“Sounds like fun.” Not.
Kane nodded and continued adding the electrodes. “These will measure heart rate and breathing.” He fiddled with the machine, tapping the screen until several lines sprang into view. “The lines show your brain waves, heartbeat, and breaths per minute.” He twisted a knob, and the lines brightened.
The vampire wore his customary black slacks and silk shirt, the elegant clothing almost masking the fighter beneath. Not even his full mouth softened his masculine features. Even and strong, truly stunning. When she’d first met him, she thought he moved gracefully, like a dancer. Turned out he moved like a predator. The danger in Kane came as much from his sharp intellect as the animal inside.
She sighed. While she’d dated, she’d learned early on not to lean on a man. This one almost demanded it. “You’re hard to figure out.”
He straightened to face her, eyes clearing. “Why’s that?”
Well, she hadn’t quite meant to say that out loud. “You’re so logical and orderly in here. But in bed . . . I mean . . .” Heat climbed into her face until her cheeks burned.
His gaze heated. “You like me . . . in . . . bed.”
“Do not. I mean, I don’t like, well, the . . .” God. Could the floor just disappear and swallow her?
“Being dominated?” His voice stayed calm, amusement lifting his lips in almost a smile.
Man, he had to go right there and say it, now, didn’t he? She lifted her chin. “No.”
The air stilled. “Maybe we should test that theory.”
Her breath caught in her throat at his hungry look. “There’s no need. I don’t like it.”
Before she could blink, he had her flat on the table, hand on her neck. Leaning down, his mouth covered hers in a kiss. Warmth shot straight to her toes. Keeping her in place, he kissed her thoroughly, completely at his leisure. Pinned, helpless, her body flared to life.
Instinct propelled her to struggle, and his hand tightened around her windpipe just enough to hint at strength. Damn if her panties didn’t dampen.
He went deeper, taking her mouth, a low growl coming from down deep.
She sighed, opening, kissing him back. Need flushed along every nerve.
His other palm spread out over her abdomen, sending heat inside her skin.
Slowly, he straightened. A dark flush covered his cheekbones, raw need glimmered in his eyes. Tension emanated around him—from him. Turning his head, he glanced at the monitors, which beeped wildly. “You might want to reconsider that ‘no.’ ”
There was no need to look at the machines. Her heart smacked hard against her ribs, and her breath came in small pants. “What do my brain waves show?” she whispered. Damn curiosity.
His smile warmed her entire body. “Brain waves match the rest of your readings.” Sliding a hand around her neck, he helped her to a seated position. “Deep breaths. Good air in, bad air out. Slow the breathing, and you’ll slow your heart rate.” His hand swept down her arm in reassurance.
The beeping got louder.
Kane chuckled, stepping away. “Okay. Deep breaths now.”
Jackass. Closing her eyes, she drew air in her nose and forced her muscles to relax. Slowly, the beeping ebbed to normal. She opened her eyes, a slight headache making her wince.
“You ready to start?” Kane leaned against the far wall, strong arms crossed.
“Yes.” Amber shot him a glare. The damn scientist would probably compare her readings when she was aroused to the ones he was about to create. He just had to figure out everything. Of course, he’d pretty much figured her out, now, hadn’t he? She hadn’t even known herself very well. Yeah, he was a jackass.
He took a deep breath. “All right. I’m going to create a very light attack. You send the images right back at me.”
Invisible fingers slowly glided against her brain. She shivered. Talk about the heebie-jeebies. An image began to form in her mind, and she gasped. The image was of her nude on the moonlit grass. “I am not sending that image back at you.”
Charm filled his grin. “That’s all right. I already have that image quite strongly in my head.” Then he sobered. “Okay—here comes the ugly image.”
A picture of a shiny black widow spider filled her mind. A yellow hourglass covered its dark back, and its long legs twitched along with antennae. Two smaller spiders crawled toward the first one. Amber wrinkled her nose. “I admit I hate spiders, but you’re taking it easy on me.”
“Not really. Now try to send the image back to me.”
Nodding, Amber shut her eyes and drew a deep breath. Tightening her eyelids, she tried to hurl the image toward Kane.
Pain cut into her brain.
She cried out, both hands going to her head. “That so doesn’t work,” she gasped. Shaking her head, she centered herself and slid an imaginary warm blanket over the spiders. They disappeared.
Her eyes opened.
Kane still leaned against the wall, but a puzzled frown made his eyebrows almost meet in the middle. “Hmm.” He moved forward to study the monitors. “Now that’s just odd.”
“Maybe I’m a shield and not a sword.” Yeah, that sounded a lot like her.
“Maybe,” Kane mused, reaching for a stack of papers being spit out by a printer. He studied them before focusing back on her. “So you can’t throw images back. Let’s try pain.”
Dull aches set up around her brain. Her shoulders stiffened, and she blinked several times. Then she softened, allowing the hurt to spread. Clasping her hands together for balance, she mentally shoved the aches toward Kane.
Instant agony stole her breath. Tears filled her eyes. “Ouch.” The room swayed, and Kane’s face seemed to stretch.
“Whoa,” he murmured, reaching her and lying her down. The pain instantly retreated. “Okay. Apparently you’re a shield.”
That wouldn’t help anybody in battle. Well, unless she could help shield him. Pressing a hand against her forehead, she took another deep breath. “I’m okay. Should we see if I can protect your mind?”
“We don’t have anybody to attack my mind.” He smoothed hair off her cheek, his palm rough. Very rough.
What in the world? She grabbed his hand, lifting her head to view the palm. Raised and dark, a beautiful Celtic knot wound around with a strong K in the middle. Her heart kicked into full gallop again. The machines started beeping like crazy. “Um. Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes. The Kayrs marking in all its intricate glory.” Kane kept his gaze on her face. “The brand appeared after I met you. I think it happened during the first night we had sex.”
Warmth slammed through her. Calm. She’d stay calm. Swallowing, she forced her face into curious lines, an effort dampened by the still ringing machines. “Really? Does the marking’s appearance mean anything?”