Megara

Raze freezes, his lips still a fraction of an inch from my neck. For a moment, neither of us moves, suspended in this charged, electric moment. My heart beats rapidly as I wait for his response. His breath is warm on my skin, and I suppress a shiver that has nothing to do with the chilly November air.

Then, abruptly, he steps back, putting distance between us. The sudden absence of his heat leaves me cold, and I wrap my arms around myself, trying to hold on to the warmth.

"Then you're a bigger fool than I thought," he says gruffly, his voice rough with an emotion I can't quite place. Anger? Frustration? ...Desire?

I tilt my chin up, meeting his gaze defiantly. "Why? Because I'm not afraid of you? Because I know you won't hurt me?"

Something flickers in his silver eyes, a brief flash of vulnerability quickly shuttered. "You don't know what I'm capable of, little one. The things I've done...the monster I am."

"I know you saved my life," I counter, taking a step towards him. "In the basement, when that Hellbound was chasing me. And again, when Azazel kidnapped me. Whatever else you may be, you're not a monster."

He shakes his head, a mirthless laugh escaping him. "You have no idea. If you knew the truth about me, you'd run away. As well you should."

I wish I did know the truth, but while everyone is happy to tell me to stay away from him, no one will fully explain why. He's a fringe member of the Forsaken, helping when needed but not fully part of the group. Not anymore. I don't know what made them imprison him for two-hundred years, but I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision. And even knowing that, I can't stop wanting to be near him. To know more of him.

"You tell me to stay away." I take another step closer, closing the gap between us. "And yet you're here. Saving me from stupid guys. Watching over me. You obviously followed me from London. Why?"

For a long moment, he just stares at me, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he reaches out, his fingers grazing my cheek with a gentleness that steals my breath.

"You're playing a dangerous game, little one. I'm no good for you."

I push down the instant annoyance at his words, but can't quite keep it from lacing my words as I meet his gaze. "Don't call me little one. Everyone is always so happy to tell me what to do—or not to do. I'm tired of being treated like a child who can't make her own decisions. I'm an adult. If I want to make every mistake in the book, that's my prerogative."

A short, harsh laugh escapes him as he shakes his head. "This isn't about treating you like a child, Meg. It's about keeping you alive. Something you seem intent on failing on your own."

Anger sparks, and I place my hand on his chest to push him away. But even through the leather of his jacket, I can feel the heat of him, the steady thrum of his heartbeat, and I falter. It's annoying how much my body reacts to his mere presence. Annoying and...exhilarating. No one else has ever made me feel this way. Maybe that's why he fascinates me as much as he does, as antagonising as he is.

"You didn't answer my question," I say, keeping my voice calm even while I'm anything but. "Did you follow me here from London? Be honest."

His gaze lingers on my hand still resting on his chest, then he abruptly steps back, putting distance between us again.

"You want honesty?" he asks, his tone harsh, almost mocking. "Fine. I followed you here because I couldn't stay away. Because ever since that night in the basement, when I tasted your blood, I've been drawn to you like a moth to a flame. There's this bond between us now and it's like a bloody compulsion. I can feel you. Sense you. And it's driving me insane."

Frustration rolls off him in waves as he runs a hand through his dark hair. "Is that what you wanted to hear? That I fucked up and marked you, and now I can't leave you alone? There is something in me that needs to make sure you're safe."

Marked me? I reach up to touch my neck where I know two faint scars mar my skin. The place where he bit me. Drank from me. Is this bond the reason I feel this inexplicable pull towards him? His gaze follows my movement, and he presses his lips together.

Does Cass know about this? My sister has always tried to shield me from the worst parts of the supernatural world we're part of, and while I understand why, it's beginning to chafe. I deserve to know these things.

"So what? You're just going to lurk in the shadows, playing guardian angel?" I try for a teasing tone, but it falls flat.

"If that's what it takes to keep you safe, then yes." He is deadly serious.

I open my mouth to demand more answers, but the sound of the back door opening cuts me off. Raze tenses, and he instinctively steps in front of me, shielding me with his body.

But it's just Chloe, her blonde hair shining under the porch light as she pokes her head out. "Meg? You out here?"

Stepping out from behind Raze, I give her a reassuring smile. "Yes, I'm just getting some fresh air."

Her gaze flicks to the tall man next to me, her eyebrows rising. "Who's your friend?"

"Uh, this is..." I falter, unsure how to explain Raze's presence.

"No one," he says smoothly, already stepping back into the shadows. "I was just leaving."

Before I can say another word, he's gone, melting into the darkness as if he was never there at all. I stare after him, unsure of how I feel about him appearing in my new life. This is meant to be my time away from it all. From the constant threat. From the evils of the world. Even if just for a little while. But I fear Raze will put a damper on my escapades in a way Zeph hasn't.

Chloe gives me a curious look, but thankfully doesn't ask me any other questions. "Well, come on. You're missing your own party!"

She loops her arm through mine and tugs me back towards the house. I let her lead me, plastering a smile on my face as we rejoin the mass of bodies in the living room. But even as I let myself get swept up in the music and the laughter, I can't quite shake the feeling of Raze's gaze on me, watching from the shadows.

The rest of the night passes in a blur of drinks and dancing, but no matter how much I try to lose myself in the joy of the party, of being free...my mind keeps drifting back to Raze.

He followed me here.

It should terrify me, but instead, a seed of excitement blooms in my gut. He followed me here. That must mean something. I want it to mean something, because I've not been able to stop thinking about him since that first meeting.

I remember the heat of his body close to mine in the garden, the rumble of his voice against my skin. The dark fire in his eyes as he stared down at me. Heat gathers in my abdomen. Raze might have tried to warn me away, but it's clear my body doesn't care.

It's infuriating and thrilling, and by the time the last of the guests trickle out and I climb the stairs to my room, my head is spinning with more than just the alcohol.

Kicking off my shoes, I flop down on my bed and stare up at the ceiling. The house is quiet now, the only sound the occasional creak of wood as one of my roommates visits the bathroom. But despite the stillness, I can't shake the feeling I'm not alone.

I lie there for quite some time, too tired to get undressed, and the feeling refuses to go away. Finally, I sit up slowly, my gaze drawn to the window. The curtains are open, revealing the inky blackness of the night beyond. And even though I can't see anything out there, I know with a bone-deep certainty that he's there. Watching me.

Before I can second-guess myself, I'm on my feet, padding across the room to the window. I press my hand against the cool glass, peering out into the darkness.

"Raze?" I whisper, feeling foolish even as his name leaves my lips.

There's no response, but I swear I can feel his presence like a palpable thing in the shadows. Taking a deep breath, I make a decision.

Grabbing a hoodie from my closet, I slip into a pair of sneakers before quietly making my way downstairs. The house is dark and silent, everyone else already in bed. I ease the back door open, wincing at the soft creak of the hinges, and step into the garden.

It's much colder now, and I hug my arms tight around me to ward off the chill as I make my way deeper into the shadows. My eyes strain to see anything in the dimness.

"Raze?" I call out again, my voice sounding small and uncertain in the night. "I know you're out here."

I'm almost ready to return inside, dismissing the whole thing as a folly, when there's a rustle of leaves, a whisper of movement. I spin around, my heart in my throat, to find Raze standing behind me.

In the moonlight, he looks like something out of a dream. The silver light casts his features in sharp relief, all angles and shadows. His eyes glitter in the darkness, fixed on me with an intensity that makes my throat dry.

"You shouldn't be out here," he says, shaking his head. "It's not safe. Did you not listen to a word I said earlier?"

Trying to project a confidence I don't quite feel, I lift my chin. "I'm not some helpless child. I don't need you to protect me."

He takes a step closer, looming over me. "This is not a game. Just because Azazel is in hiding, it doesn't mean you can pretend the Hellbound aren't still out there."

"I don't need you watching from the shadows like some creepy stalker. Zeph has been teaching me self-defence."

At the mention of Zeph's name, Raze's face darkens and a muscle ticks in his jaw. "Zephon," he scoffs, the name dripping with derision. "He's a child playing at being a warrior."

I bristle at the insult to my friend. "He's one of the Forsaken, same as you. And he's promised to protect me."

"And how's that working out for him?" Raze asks, his tone mocking. "He let you wander out here alone. Does he even know you're not in your room? Face it, Meg. He's not enough to keep you safe. Not from what's coming."

A chill runs down my spine, a sense of foreboding settling in my gut. "What's coming?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

But before he can answer, a sound pierces the night. A rustling in the bushes, a snapping of twigs. We both freeze, our heads whipping towards the source of the noise. Raze is in front of me in an instant, his body a solid wall of muscle shielding me from whatever lurks in the darkest part of the garden.

"Stay behind me," he orders.

I peer around him with my heart pounding as I try to make out the shape in the shadows. It's too dark to see clearly, but I swear I catch a glimpse of glowing eyes and a flash of gleaming fangs. Hellbound? Here?

Raze tenses, a low growl rumbling in his chest. And then, faster than my eyes can track, he lunges forward, disappearing into the bushes. There's a snarl, a wild thrashing, and then a high-pitched yowl that cuts off abruptly. I hold my breath, my pulse thundering in my ears as I wait for Raze to reappear.

And then he's here, stepping out of the shadows like a wraith. There are thin claw marks on his hand, but his eyes are calm as they meet mine.

Letting out a shaky breath, my legs feel weak beneath me. "What was it?"

"A cat."

I blink as the tension drains from my body. "A cat?"

"Yes."

A giggle bubbles up before I can stop it. A cat? The giggles keep coming and I slap a hand over my mouth to quell the sound as Raze glares down at me, unamused.

"Well, thank you," I say between giggles. "Oh, mighty Raze. Thank you for keeping me safe from the kitty cats."

His dark brows knot as he scowls. "It was a cat today. There is no guarantee it will be next time. Azazel might not be active, but the Hellbound are hardly hibernating. And you're a prime target."

A shudder runs through me at his words, and my giggles give way to an icy fear seeping into my bones. "You think I'm a prime target?"

"You know you are." He shakes his head. "They never should have let you come here. You should have stayed in London with Luce and your sister."

"Well, I'm here now, and I'm not leaving. This degree is important to me." I don't know how I can make him understand. Yes, I want a level of freedom I can't have under Cass's watchful eye, but I also chose this university because it's got one of the best programming courses, and because I want to be near my friends.

"There are universities in London."

"I know, but I want to be here."

It's obvious by the tightening at the corners of his mouth that he's finding my unwillingness to return to London frustrating. But I won't go back. Not yet. I love my sister, but she's so...competent. I need to be on my own, even if just for a little while, to find myself. To live life. And to learn to be better without her there watching over every step.

I want to be useful in the fight against the Hellbound, and I never will if I stay with Cass and Luce and let them keep me safe at every turn. This brief respite while Azazel is in hiding is my only chance, and I'll be damned if I let anyone take that from me. Even if they're a sexy forsaken angel that makes my fingers itch to touch them.

Raze lets out an explosive sigh. "Has anyone ever told you that you're stubborn to a fault?"

I try—and fail—to hide my smile. "It's been mentioned." Shifting from one foot to the other, I glance up at him. "So, now what? Will you throw me over your shoulder and carry me back to London?"

"Tempting." I'm not sure I was meant to hear that. He stares at me, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, then he sighs again. "I will stay and keep you safe—"

When I open my mouth to argue, he continues, "I know. You have Zephon. Forgive me if I don't feel that's enough, considering the threats. So I will keep an eye on you."

"Okay." I nod because I have a feeling he will watch me no matter what. "But we do this my way. No skulking around. Let me know you're there."

Amusement dances in his eyes even if he doesn't smile. "I don't skulk."

"Lurk?"

He shakes his head as he watches me. "Are you ever serious?"

"Rarely," I admit.

Slowly, a smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. A real smile, not the mocking smirk I'm used to. It transforms his face, making him look younger...and even sexier. Butterflies explode in my stomach, and I realise I'm in real trouble if he's sticking around. Because I want a lot more from him than having him watch over me.

I want to explore exactly what this dark need to touch him is.

"So no skulking or lurking," I say, trying not to show my reaction to his smile. "Agreed?"

"Agreed." He holds out his hand.

Taking it, I almost instantly regret it as the simple touch sends tingles of awareness through my being. The warmth of his lean fingers against mine is enough to make me want to throw myself at him.

Suddenly, he tugs me forward, pulling me flush against his chest. My breath catches in my throat as he leans down, his lips brushing my ear as he murmurs, "Make no mistake, little one. If you keep putting yourself in harm's way, I might still throw you over my shoulder and drag you back to London."

His voice is low and husky, sending shivers down my spine. I can feel the heat of his breath on my neck and the solid plane of his chest against mine. Every point of contact between us feels electrified.

"I'm not afraid of you," I whisper, my voice shakier than I'd like.

He pulls back just enough to meet my gaze. "Perhaps you should be."

For a moment, we're frozen like that. Our bodies pressed together, tension crackling between us. Then, as suddenly as he pulled me close, he releases me and steps back.

"Good night, Meg," he says, his voice rough. "Sweet dreams."

And then he's gone, melting into the shadows once more, leaving me breathless and more confused than ever.

Oh yes, I'm definitely in trouble.