William MacGillivray, his face shielded from public view deep within the hood of his cloak, grimaced and picked up his pace as he headed for the double doors. He’d expected Zee wouldn’t go quietly, but her ear-splitting screeches were drawing far too much attention.
He threw back his hood and offered a rueful grin to several scowling faces turned in their direction, including a suit who sported dark glasses, an earpiece and a PMS armband.
Security. Great. That’s all I need.
“She’s overdue for her shots,” he shouted over the noise emanating from the bouncing suitcase. “And the lass is none too happy about it.”
The faces relaxed into smiles and understanding nods. The PMS boy lifted a lip and turned away to continue scanning the crowd for shoplifters.
William gestured politely to the gargoyles, who muttered at him as he lugged Zee through the double doors.
The instant the doors clicked shut behind him, a blur of gold fabric swooped in and latched itself to his one free arm. He risked letting go of the suitcase handle long enough to pull from his pocket three black onyx casino chips, each emblazoned with a 24kt., white-gold “D”.
“Here you are, my dear. You certainly went above and beyond tonight. I couldn’t have managed without your help.”
“You can keep your money,” Amanda breathed. “It was no trouble at all. I am, of course, willing to accept your…thanks…in any other manner you find pleasurable.”
She hooked her claws into the folds of his cloak, pulled him close and attacked his mouth with open lips. The grinding of her pelvis against his brought his cock to instant attention.
He allowed himself a few seconds to savor the taste of aroused female, regretting that at least at this time, he couldn’t indulge in what she offered.
For he could detect on his tongue the fact that Amanda Bast was not of his kind. He tasted a trace of clan blood, but only a trace. She wouldn’t be fitting into his plans—or his bed—until Choosing season was over.
Amanda pulled away, licking her lips as disappointment dawned on her face. She tasted it, too. She could take no part in what he had to do.
“It’s that time, isn’t it?”
“I’m sorry, Amanda.”
She stepped back and shrugged a slender shoulder. “You wouldn’t happen to have a half brother anywhere?”
The suitcase lurched and Zee fell disturbingly quiet. She needed the antidote and needed it now. He renewed his grip on the handle, fumbling with his other hand inside his cloak.
“As a matter of fact…yes, here it is.” He pulled out a key card and handed it to her. “Owen’s a distant relative. I’m sure he would enjoy your company, as he’s, ah, a bit restless himself this time of year. He’s in Hangar Nine.”
He was warmed to see the sensual curve return to her full mouth as she tucked the card into her décolleté.
“I owe you, William.”
He tucked the chips between her breasts and winked at her. “Think nothing of it. He’s my pilot, though, and we’re leaving in about two hours. I suggest you hurry.”