ArayasAddiction Read online

“It’s great,” she answered lamely.

  Valia rolled her eyes. “Chug your drink. I’ll ask again when you have a buzz.” She pointed to the dance floor. “If you see anything you like, don’t be shy. I do and I’m going to dance. Be back in a minute.”

  Araya watched her sister strut over to a guy, human as far as she could tell, surrounded by three attractive women. Valia walked right up to him, took his hand and walked him to the dance floor as the women shot her daggers. The guy followed with no hesitation. She chuckled to herself. She’d kill to have that kind of confidence.

  Araya downed her drink then polished off Valia’s too. Screw it. She was in a club, sitting alone, she might as well catch a buzz. Besides, she needed a pick-me-up. She’d been feeling crappy all day, weakening again.

  “What’s a beautiful woman like you doing all alone?” a male voice asked from beside her, startling her.

  She turned and looked up to see an attractive man smiling at her. Before she could speak, he pulled out a chair and sat down next to her. He extended his hand. “I’m Rick.”

  Araya had never done the flirting in a club thing with a random guy, but since Valia was staring at her from the dance floor, she figured she’d put on a show. She hoped her sister would think she’d chosen someone, be satisfied, take off with some dude and then Araya could go home. Alone.

  She took his hand and said, “I’m Araya and I’m not alone. I’m here with my sister.”

  “Ah, where is she?” Rick asked.

  Araya pointed toward the dance floor. “The extreme redhead.”

  Rick’s eyes almost bugged out of his head when he caught sight of Valia. That irked even though Araya had no interest in this guy.

  “Wow, two gorgeous sisters. Impressive. Wanna dance?”

  Araya had only ever danced at home. Either alone in her room or at home with Valia. She’d slow danced with Fin a few times too, but this was not a slow dancing crowd and she hadn’t danced with Valia the way these people were dancing. Half of them looked as though they were having sex with clothes on.

  “I’m not much of a dancer,” she said.

  He stood and held his hand out to her. “It’s easy. Come on.”

  She had no desire to dance with this guy. She had no desire to do anything with this guy. Shouldn’t her Sempire side be making her crave him? Or someone else? She scented him and her body wanted him nutritionally but her mind rebuked the idea. She wasn’t complaining but found it odd. It’d been four days since being with Kean.

  Although she could scent Rick, while not totally appalling, he couldn’t compare to Kean’s mouthwatering scent.

  Kean. She couldn’t stop thinking about him. About the last night they’d spent together. He’d offered her her fantasy and she’d reveled in it. He’d made her feel loved. He’d made love to her. He’d made her want the fantasy more than she had before.

  She shook her head as if it would stop the incessant thoughts of Kean and of what she’d never have. She needed a distraction and one stood in front of her. She accepted his outstretched hand and stood. Whoa. She wobbled when she stood. Those drinks must have been stronger than they’d tasted. Yep, she was definitely tipsy. She’d only ever drank the wine that was specially created with fruit from their land.

  Rick pulled her to him as they began to dance to the sensual beat of the music. He was handsome enough but she felt nothing. She closed her eyes and let herself go. They swayed and moved to the beat. Nothing.

  She conjured an image of Kean and her body instantly warmed and she wrapped her arms around her dance partner. She imagined it was Kean’s body molded to hers, his hands sliding down her back. Her body tingled and she ground her hips seductively.

  “Yeah baby, that’s it,” a male voice said against her ear, startling her out of her fantasy.

  She pulled back as she realized what she’d been doing. She wanted Kean and this guy was not him. She felt sick and sad and wanted to get the hell out of the club but Valia was still watching. She needed her sister to believe she was accepting her new life.

  “What’s wrong, baby?” Rick said.

  I’m not your baby, asshole. “I’m thirsty. I’m going to get another drink.”

  He grabbed her arm and said, “What’re you drinking? I’ll get it.”

  She shrugged out of his grip and said, “Anything fruity.”

  He nodded. “Back in a minute.”

  Araya went back to the table and sat. Valia was suddenly there. She plopped down on the seat next to Araya. “So,” she asked curiously, “how’s it going? Who’s the dude? Is he the one?”

  The one. I wish. She forced a smile on her face for Valia’s benefit. “He’ll do.”

  Valia’s perfect pink lips formed a pout. “He’ll do? That’s not very exciting. Especially for your first time. Well, your first time out of the house and on your own. Someone better will come along.”

  Araya doubled over, clutching her stomach. As quickly as the pain had started, it stopped.

  “Oh shit,” Valia said. “You waited too long.” She looked around the club as if searching for something, then looked back to Araya. “I should have insisted you come last night.”

  “What the hell was that?” Araya asked, concerned.

  “Stabbing pain in the stomach? And you’ve been dizzy?”

  Araya nodded. “A little unsteady here and there.”

  “You need a male. It’s going to get worse. The gradual decline you experienced before was nothing compared to what you’ll experience now. Araya, by tomorrow, you’ll be in terrible pain and be as weak as you were before the Incubus.” Valia’s voice hitched.

  The Incubus. Araya wondered what Kean was doing right now? Had he thought of her since he’d left? Was he in a club, such as this one, sweeping some woman off her feet? Was he already inside her, pleasuring her with his body?

  Araya felt another stab in the gut, but it wasn’t pain from lack of semen. She wished she didn’t care what he was doing or who. He’d simply been a male her mother had forced to be with her. He’d played his part wonderfully in her fantasy, but that was all it had been. A fantasy. It was over and she needed to get used to it.

  She just wanted to get the hell out of here, away from people, away from everyone. Rick chose that minute to show up with her drink. She leaned over and whispered in Valia’s ear. “Go ahead and take care of your business. I’ll make do with this guy for tonight,” she lied.

  Valia looked around the club again. Searching.

  “Um. No. Don’t jump into it with this guy. He obviously isn’t doing it for you.” Valia bit her lip as her eyes darted around the club some more.

  Wait. What? Valia wanted her to do this, had been badgering her to do this. Had threatened her with her mother if she didn’t come out and now she was pooh-poohing Araya’s choice of male?

  Rick handed Araya her drink while quite obviously eyeballing Valia. Asshole. He tried to introduce himself to Valia but she stood and blew him off. Just like that. She bent and told Araya to chill for a few minutes and she’d be back.

  He pulled his chair right next to Araya’s, leaned in and put his hand on her knee. Yuck. She downed her drink in one gulp.

  “Whoa baby, I like the way you drink.”

  She leaned forward, their faces, only inches apart. “My name is Araya.”

  Oh god. Her mouth began watering and her stomach clenched. That smell. So familiar. So irresistible. She must be too far gone, her demon nature making her think this guy was giving off Kean’s scent, making sure she couldn’t resist, couldn’t starve herself any longer.

  “Yeah but you’re my baby tonight.”

  Yuck.

  Before she knew what he was going to do, he reached behind her head and pulled her to him and planted a kiss on her lips. Her stomach churned and she pulled back from him. He didn’t seem to notice her repulsion. “Wanna get out of here?”

  Before she could tell the guy to get lost, that tangy scent assaulted her, making her salivate. It definitel
y wasn’t coming from this guy.

  “I see you’ve accepted your new life.”

  Araya whipped her head around at the sound of the most seductive voice she’d ever heard. Her bones melted as her eyes focused on him. “Kean. What are you doing here?”

  “Apparently interrupting,” he said and turned to leave.

  Araya jumped to stop him but she swayed on her feet. “Wait.” The room spun and her vision went fuzzy. She shouldn’t have gulped that last drink. She tried to take another stepped forward but her legs weren’t cooperating and she stumbled. Kean turned just in time to catch her. His hands ignited a fire inside her.

  God she wanted him. There was no denying it. Her body demanded she throw her arms around him. Kiss him. Take him into her mouth. But she couldn’t function properly. She’d never felt this way from drinking before. It must be a combination of weakening and the alcohol.

  He lowered her back onto the chair and she held onto the table for support. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me,” she slurred.

  Kean looked at Araya then to the table and back at the guy. “Not drinking tonight?” he asked.

  Rick stood. He was tall, but not as tall and not as muscled as Kean. “What’s it to you?” he asked.

  Kean reached over and picked up Araya’s empty drink. He sniffed it then swiped his finger inside the glass and sucked his finger.

  Even through blurred eyes, Araya saw Kean go rigid and a black mask drape his expression. He grabbed Rick around the neck with his free hand.

  “You drugged her?” he asked, a menacing tone in his voice.

  Rick’s eyes bugged as he unsuccessfully struggled to loosen Kean’s hold on his neck.

  “Get the fuck out of here before I kill you.” Kean’s voice was nothing but a growl. “If I ever see you again, I will kill you.” He shoved Rick hard enough that he stumbled backward and fell on his ass. He scrambled to get up and made a beeline for the door.

  “He drugged me?” Araya squeaked.

  Valia and Fin showed up at that moment. “Fin? What’re you doing here?” Araya asked, confused.

  “Doing your sister a favor. Are you okay?”

  “She’s been drugged,” Kean announced. To her he said, “Next time you might want to let your meal know up front that you’re a sure thing.” Then he stormed away.

  The scorn in his voice cut straight through her bones. She disgusted him. What she was disgusted him. Had she not been so woozy she’d have run after him and let him know she hadn’t been with anyone since him. That she didn’t want anyone but him. Pointless? Maybe. But she didn’t want this to be their last interaction.

  “Come on. Let’s get you some air, walk it off,” Fin said as he and Valia helped her up and supported her.

  “I can’t believe that asshole drugged you,” Valia said angrily. Then her expression brightened and she asked, “Are you high? Maybe I should find him and steal his stash.”

  Nice. So much for her first night out on the town.

  * * * * *

  Kean needed a fight or a fuck. Seeing Araya kiss that guy made his blood boil. He’d wanted to snap the dude’s neck before he knew he’d drugged her. Fucking prick. He should have killed him. Should have ripped his balls off and shoved them down his throat.

  He’d been both reluctant and excited to come here tonight. Fin had shown up at Kean’s door, surprising the hell out of him and had insisted Kean go out with him tonight. Of course, he’d refused Fin’s invitation. Just because the male had made him a steak dinner didn’t mean Kean wanted to party with him. Obviously, Valia or the guard had followed him home the other day. Sneaky demons.

  When Kean refused to show up at the club Fin insisted he visit, Fin spilled. He’d said Araya needed to see him and that it was urgent. He’d asked Fin what was so urgent but Fin swore he didn’t know, only that she was desperate to see him.

  Yeah, his dick and his ego kept kicking him in the ass lately. Hearing that she needed him and was desperate to see him was all it took for his chest to puff up—his cock too—and then he agreed to go to the club.

  He’d spotted her within minutes of arriving. She sat there looking stunning in that form-fitting dress and he’d had to fight the desire to keep from running to her. Then that prick sat down next to her. Kean had thought maybe it was some random dude sitting down to hit on her until she’d leaned toward him and they kissed.

  His gut twisted into knots at seeing that. He’d almost turned and walked away then but was glad he didn’t after realizing what that son-of-a-bitch had tried to do to Araya.

  Had Finn been toying with him by telling him Araya wanted to see him? Why would he do that? He’d told Araya he’d been doing her sister a favor and the redhead was a strange one. Was she playing games for her amusement at his expense?

  He seriously needed to relieve some stress. His entire body was tense and there was a rage inside him. He should have at least beaten that dude within an inch of his life.

  His thoughts were cut off by the sight of Fin and Valia helping Araya out of the club. Even though he knew those two could and would take care of her, he felt like an ass for not offering assistance. He’d been so consumed with rage, he’d just walked away.

  Shit. He wanted her. Anger and need pulsed through him. He’d missed her. He wanted to be inside her again. Once wasn’t enough. He strode to where they stood.

  “Real nice, Incubus. Just walk away from a girl in distress. I don’t think I like you anymore,” Valia said, pouting.

  “Kean?” Araya breathed.

  Kean directed his response at Valia. “I need to speak with her. Alone.” As he attempted to take Araya’s arm, Fin stuck his huge arm between him and Araya.

  “I don’t think so. You blew it.”

  Araya put an unsteady hand on Fin’s arm. “It’s okay,” she slurred.

  Fin gave Kean a look, then reluctantly backed off as Kean swept her up into his arms. “I’m taking her to my car so she can sit down and listen,” he threw the words over his shoulder as he carried her away.

  He put her feet on the ground but kept a protective arm around her as he unlocked and opened the door and then helped her slide onto the seat and lie back. He buckled her seat belt to help keep her upright. When she was situated, he closed her door and walked around to the driver’s seat and settled in. He didn’t have a plan. Didn’t know what he would say.

  Before realizing what he was doing, he twisted the keys in the ignition and sped the hell away from the club, away from Fin and Valia.

  “Kean, where’re we going?”

  “I don’t know,” he growled. “What the hell were you doing with that guy?” Okay. Stupid question. He knew exactly what she was doing with that guy. What did he expect? Her to mourn the loss of the part-Incubus who helped turn her into what she didn’t want to be? Stupid.

  From his peripheral vision, he saw her head sway as he took a corner a little too fast. She righted herself with some effort.

  “I didn’t know he’d drug me. Am I gonna be okay?”

  “You should be more careful. Human drugs shouldn’t have much effect on a demon but considering you’re half human…” He paused, thinking about that. “Are you still half-human or does the Sempire gene obliterate the human DNA once you’ve fed?”

  She shrugged. “Dunno. Mother and Valia were always sure I’d change after… But I don’t feel different. Stronger, more alive, but not different in that way.”

  “What do you mean?” He noticed her words were already slightly less slurred.

  “I mean I don’t think any differently than I did before about what kind of life I want,” she said quietly.

  He glanced over at her, her golden eyes meeting his more steadily. Her demon DNA must already be negating the effects of the drug. Good.

  “That must make it hard for you.” Shit. After overhearing her talking to her mother in the hallway, he’d thought for sure she’d changed. Had it just been a show to satisfy her mother? Had she been trying to get him relea
sed because she felt bad for him? No. More likely she had wanted to get him out of her life because he’d gotten her to cave in to her desires.

  And now he felt like a bigger ass knowing her thinking on the matter hadn’t changed. She still wanted what she couldn’t have.

  Kean turned the car to the left. He’d take her to his home. What was he thinking anyway, taking off with her like that? Valia and Fin obviously knew where he lived and would come for her soon.

  Kean’s phone vibrated in the console. He picked it up and answered even though he didn’t recognize the number. “Yeah?”

  “Incubus, whatcha doin’ with my sister?” Valia’s voice sing-songed the question.

  “How’d you get my number?” he asked in surprise.

  “Duh. I’m awesome and resourceful. Now how about you answer my question.”

  “Talking.”

  “Hmmm. Was hoping for a sexier answer but whatever. Just know that I’ll make you wear your insides on your outside if anything bad happens to her. Have fun.”

  She clicked off before he had a chance to respond and he had no doubt she meant what she said. She must believe he had no ill intentions toward her sister or she’d have been upset. She certainly wouldn’t tell him to have fun.

  As he pulled the car into the driveway, he said, “Your sister is strange.”

  “Yes, she is,” Araya agreed. “That was her?”

  “Yes.”

  “How’d she get your number?”

  “Apparently she is awesome and resourceful.”

  “That sounds like her,” Araya giggled then asked, “Where are we?”

  “My home.”

  He got out of the car, walked around, opened the door for her and extended his hand.

  Instead of taking his hand, she asked, “Why am I here, Kean?”

  “So we can talk,” he said lamely. Hell, he’d been so worked up he hadn’t thought this through. He only knew he wanted to be alone with her. Wanted to protect her.

  “About what?”

  “Come on,” he said. He ducked down and unfastened her seat belt and hooked his hands under her arms lifting her from the seat, swinging her up into his arms again, he carried her to the front door.