Dark Passion Rising Read Online Free

she welcomed it gratefully.
     
    ****
    Marcus leaned wearily back in his chair and scraped his hand
along the stubble of his jaw.  Gods, he couldn’t remember ever being this
tired.  Zeke had quickly teleported them to the small medical room built deep
below the unassuming home Marcus had built years ago for the Enforcer’s
headquarters.
    It had taken Tegan hours to repair the damage Oren’s claws and
fangs had inflicted on the female.  He had been unable to replace the blood she
had lost, so it had been touch and go for a while.  Once stabilized, Marcus had
her put in the guest room adjoining his so he and Tegan could monitor her
recuperation.  The alteration from human to Lycan was accelerating rapidly. 
Whether she could survive the change when so many others had perished was still
to be seen.
     For three days Marcus and Tegan worked on saving her.  Three
days where Marcus refused to leave her side.  When her fever raged out of
control he cooled her down with ice, he held her head as she threw up, and he
saw to her every need.  He slept fitfully beside her bed on the floor during
the day, afraid to sleep too deeply in case she needed him.  His entire world
had narrowed to this one small female, lying pale and still, on the bed before
him.  He had gone through her blood soaked clothes and found her identification
and address, committing it to memory.  Her name, Tambra Ellis, fit her.  She
was beautiful as she laid there with her thick golden hair fanned over the
pillows in deep waves, and her long lashes forming shadowy crescents against
her cheeks.  She looked vulnerable, but Marcus knew the strength she had.  This
was a fighter who refused to give up.  She was bound by duty to protect and
serve, just as he was.  He figured that was what compelled him to stand vigil
over her.
    A hoarse groan broke the heavy silence as she stirred.  He leaned
closer in his chair, ignoring the urge to brush his fingertips against the soft
skin of her cheek. 
    Slowly, her eyelids fluttered open, blurrily focusing in on him. 
He watched the play of emotions on her face with intense fascination as
confusion, recognition, and finally horror chased one another over her pale
face.  He placed a restraining hand on her shoulder as she struggled to sit up.
     “Easy now, you’ve been pretty sick.”  
    His bare hand on her naked shoulder make her gasp.
    “Who undressed me?” Tambra croaked out.
     “That would be me.  Your clothes were beyond repair.  I fear they
had to be disposed of. Now that you are feeling better I will see what we can
clothe you in.  Would you care for some water?”
    She gave a small nod, warily took the proffered glass, and
pressed it to her lips.
    “Go easy on that, you haven’t been able to hold anything down for
a few days,” he cautioned.
    “You’re the man from the alley aren’t you?” Tambra asked, softly
studying him after she had taken a cautious sip of water.  “You saved me from
that…thing.  Thank you.”
     “You are welcome.” 
    He watched as she took in her surroundings.  The massive bed with
an ornate wooden headboard carved with vines and flowers. A beautiful blue and
purple glass paned Tiffany lamp sitting atop a large end table.  The heavy
window curtains of dark blue damask which were shut tight, giving her no idea
if it was day or night.  The tall armoire, carved with more vines and flowers,
near the door.  Neither spoke a word until the glass was empty.  Only when she
held it out to him did she break the silence.
    “You want to tell me where the hell I am and where my gun is?”
     “You’re in my home.  I’m Marcus Valerian.  I brought you here
after the attack.  Your weapon is secured in my safe for now.”
    He watched her closely as her memories of the battle with the Lycan
rose to the surface.
     “ Cody! ” she cried, swinging her legs over the side of the
bed, but Marcus grabbed her arm, stopping her from rising.
         “Where are you