Dark Challenge. Christine Feehan. Dark Series – book 5

“Tried to force,” she corrected with a flash of her eyes.

Julian bent to brush his lips across the tempting satin of her forehead as amusement crept into the deep gold of his eyes. “Tried to force. That is true. I am fortunate that my lifemate is so powerful. Still, piccola, I was well within my rights to see to your safety. I can do no other than ensure your well-being. Our people cannot afford to lose even one woman, Desari. The total extinction of our race is nearly complete. Our women are our only hope. I will admit that I do not always follow the laws of our people, but in this I have no choice, and neither do you. Your safety and health must be placed above all else. The other woman you have traveling with you must be guarded as well.”

She swept a hand through her hair. “Are we meant only to provide children for our race, then? That is the sole reason for our existence?”

“No, cara, your existence is to bring joy to this world, as you have done for so many centuries. God would not have graced you with such a voice, such a powerful tool for peace, had he not meant for you to use it. But”—Julian shrugged his broad shoulders, his thumb tracing a pattern along her neck—”in time, that would be the hope, yes, that you and I would provide our race with more female children. I am uncertain what kind of a father I would make, as I never imagined myself in such a role, but I never thought I would find or be a lifemate either.”

Something close to humor flickered for a moment in her eyes. “I cannot say you are a total success in that area.” But his praise of her talents had warmed her, as had the drawling caress in his voice, the admiration in the depths of his eyes, the depths of his mind.

His hand found the nape of her neck and drew her inexorably to him as he bent his head to hers. His mouth descended with infinite slowness, then fastened to hers so that he could taste her sweetness. She felt her heart leap at his touch, and her body went into instant melt down. She felt his great strength, the desire surging through him as the heat arced between them. His mouth moved to tease the corner of hers, to blaze a trail of fire along her jaw, her chin.

“I am, however, quite good at one or two other things,” he murmured with casual confidence. His teeth nibbled at her chin.

“Is this supposed to get you out of trouble?” She asked it with her eyes closed, savoring the touch and feel of him. All at once it seemed imperative that they be alone.

“I should not be in trouble. I am as new at this as you are, Desari. Up until now I have spent my life entirely alone.” His lips skimmed the silken column of her neck. “Trying to fit into this situation is as alien for me as it is for you. If your need is to be with this family unit, then I can do no other than be here with you. But you must recognize that I have needs also. I do not wish to find other males near you, nor do I want you to question my judgment when your safety is in jeopardy.”

When she would have protested, he gave her a little shake. “Think what you say before you speak. I am in your mind. I know you do not want another authority telling you what to do with your life. I, better than most, understand this in you. But you would obey your brother in matters of safety. The same responsibility he accepted for your security is now mine. I require the same trust and loyalty that you have always given to him.”

“Trust is earned, Julian,” Desari pointed out softly. “And it goes both ways. My brother does not arbitrarily dictate to me what I can and cannot do. But I am in your mind. I feel the sometimes violent emotions you are contending with, your intense dislike of other males close to me. You do not even want me to feed.”