Marked for Darkness

The mossy forest floor vanished from beneath his paws as his body crashed onto hard, cold pavement. The smells and sounds of the city roared to life. What the fuck just happened? He’d travelled three and a half hours in a split second. Not even he was that fast.

And the scent of the one who constantly tugged Arian near washed over him. His blood ran hot and a feral snarl ripped from his throat. The massive, lithe body of Oricus stood beside him, his head snapping around to take in their surroundings.

Fuck.

If he could smell her, then Oricus would too.

Arian spotted her in the shadows, pressed up against a brick building as if she could camouflage herself against it. Her wide, piercing blue eyes met his, and the sound of her heart racing reached him.

Mine, his beast snarled.

Claim.

Mark.

Protect.

Mate.

Oricus’s gaze landed on her a split second later, and his body tensed. Even his military-trained brother who protected his mind fiercely let slip the riot of confusion, then rage. Arian used his hesitation and leapt into action, his jaw latching onto his brother’s neck.

He threw his entire body weight into the attack, only allowing Oricus a low growl. His neck cracked, and Oricus went limp, falling in a heap on the dirty street.

His mate screamed, the sound of her fear striking him hard in the chest. But he couldn’t let Oricus get to her. As it was, he’d heal in less than a day.

Must protect her.

Mark her.

Claim her.

Yours.

He ran toward her. He’d toss her onto his back and carry her far away from here. His cock already ached at her nearness. He couldn’t claim her until his curse lifted in two days’ time without killing her, so he’d keep her close until he was back in human form.

Harlow shrank back against the wall and let loose another high-pitched scream that made him skid to a stop only feet from her. She trembled, but she didn’t hide behind her arms like most humans would.

Conflicted, he padded closer, slowly, to show that he wouldn’t hurt her. She straightened in response, something like recognition flaring in her eyes as she did. Her gaze traveled up his long, twisting horns, then down to his paws where his claws glinted in the dim fluorescent light.

He wished he could communicate with her. Tell her he wouldn’t hurt her. He towered over her, even at her full height, making her crane her neck to look up at him.

His beast took over, bringing his muzzle to her neck. She stiffened. He could sense her fear, and also her resignation. His slick nose brushed the dip between her shoulder and her throat. He inhaled her sweet, intoxicating scent.

Her swallow was audible, making his dick jump with delight.

A low growl rumbled in his chest.

Fuck she was sexy, especially in her tight black dress.

He caught another scent. It was male and reeked of lust.

His next growl was harsh and gravelly.

She sucked in an alarmed breath.

Find him.

Kill him.

He touched my mate.

Mentally, he shook himself, trying to tame the beast from its bloodlust. Only centuries of practicing self-control allowed him to peer through the haze of red. He couldn’t logically tear through Manhattan searching for every male that had been near her. That would only lead to being tracked down by some type of animal control.

No, but he’d wait.

As a man, this city was his. Every criminal knew his name. He could make people disappear no questions asked.

His legacy was one whispered in the shadows. There was no one and nothing beyond his reach.

And whoever this male was that had lusted after his mate was about to learn that.

Harlow inched away from him, watching him carefully. Her chest rose and fell with short, labored breaths bordering on panic.

He moved, blocking her path, then nudged her shoulder. She jumped with a swallowed scream. Arian lowered his body, making his back available to her.

But he’d made the mistake of bowing his head. He’d been trying to make his desire clear. For her to climb onto his back.

Instead she sprinted away, onto the busy street where he could not follow.

He bared his teeth and roared to the sky.