Guardian (Daughters Of The Gods, Book 2) Read online

  “I was hoping perhaps you’d have another with me.” Cat giggled but when he glared at her she realized her sweet, girly act wouldn’t cut it. Perhaps he liked sultry, dark women. Well, she could do that type very well. With the added bonus of violence when the need arose. She wasn’t considered one of her father’s best hunters for no reason. No one ever suspected a pretty girl.

  He turned to her, his eyes as cold as Tartarus. “Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough. I said ‘no’. So if you don’t mind I’d prefer to finish my drink alone and without the added annoyance of some high-end prostitute trying to land my cock between her legs.”

  Cat beat back the purr at the thought of this Titan’s cock where he suggested it. He was her enemy and the enemy of her kind, that was without doubt, but shit, he was as hot as she remembered him. And his dismissal of her made him even hotter. No one ever spoke to Caitlin in such a way, and that he did so without a qualm oddly pleased her. This Titan was going to be a challenge and she would have fun bringing him to his knees...preferably before the very place on her body that he found so uninteresting at present.

  “I’m not a call girl and neither was I trying to land you in the sack.” Cat stood and leaned in to whisper against his ear. He smelt of clean, fresh linen and a subtle, spicy aftershave. She licked her lips, falling under his spell just a little. “And if you ever speak to me in such a way again, you may not enjoy what I’ll do to your balls.” Cat pulled back and smiled. “Goodnight.”

  Cat finished off what was left of her drink before placing the glass on the counter. As she left the bar, the cool winter chill made her shiver into her coat. How different the Earth and its fickle weather were to home. She’d be glad to be rid of this obligation so she could resume her life on Mount Olympus, where it was always warm.

  Heading down Madison Avenue, she turned into an adjoining alley and pictured in her mind the hotel room she’d procured for the duration of her stay. In an instant Cat landed at the base of her bed and walked toward the window to gaze out over Central Park. There was no need for her to stay anywhere but she was just a little curious as to why her half sister Chloe had chosen this life over the life of an immortal on Mount Olympus. And so far, with the chilling winds and sleet that made the streets of New York dirty and dangerous, Cat couldn’t come up with one reason as to why. There could only be one possible reason that she could imagine. Chloe’s Highlander Cian must be an excellent fuck……

  Cat brought her wandering mind back to the present.

  Lelantos would be a challenge. He was already proving hard to get. The thought of what she would do to him before she killed him assailed her and she squeezed her legs together. He would be wild in bed, untamed and almost barbaric. Hot……

  And there was no doubt by his sullen, angry emotions that it had been some time since he’d been with anyone. Cat licked her lips. She couldn’t wait for his downfall into her arms.

  And soon.

  CHAPTER

  Three

  Lelantos turned to watch the blonde leave the bar after his less than polite rejection. He rubbed a hand over his jaw and wondered what the hell was wrong with him. He’d lived on earth for thousands of years, had for the most part been content with his life. He had moved about in society almost invisibly. Taking part only in what interested or benefited him.

  But of late, that lifestyle had started to bore. After his brush with the immortals again, through Chloe, the Titan within him had started to gnaw at its human cage. The intoxicating high he’d felt at besting the bastard, Zeus, was an elixir to which he could become addicted. For the short time he’d been able to help Chloe, her power, essence for life and determination to secure Cian, the man she wanted above all else, made him wish, yearn for more.

  Again.

  He threw back the last of his beer and stood. Perhaps if he caught up with the woman, he could persuade her to come back to his apartment… He’d not had a female in what felt like years. If the truth be told, it was probably more like hundreds of years. Human women with their delicate bodies were often left looking like they’d partaken in a street brawl, not sex, after making love with the Titan. With his immense strength, a simple tumble in the sheets often left them bruised and sometimes broken. It was much easier to live a celibate life and not harm anyone. A hard line to tread when you’re horny and in need of release.

  And should he mate with a woman of divine birth, it would surely lead Zeus to his whereabouts. It had been a big enough risk helping Chloe. And for weeks after she’d left him in New York he’d felt like his time on this earth was coming to an end. Zeus, he knew, was furious. The weather had been unpredictable worldwide and the Father of the gods was the cause.

  Zeus was pissed off and Lelantos had no doubt he’d be looking for a chance to take out his ire on him.

  He strode from the bar and breathed deeply of the chilled New York air. There was no sign of the blonde on the streets and he shrugged away the tiniest bite of disappointment that he’d let her go. Perhaps he’d see her again, or just find someone else. It wasn’t like he hadn’t been with a human woman before, just that he preferred women of his own kind. But then, his right to be picky over his choice of sexual partners had long ago been taken away.

  Thanks to Zeus.

  Thunder rumbled across the sky that was devoid of stars and hazy in the blizzard like conditions. Lelantos started for his apartment wanting the solace of his own space that was protected by his ability to make things go unseen. The last thing he needed was for the Father of the Olympian gods to find him. Titan or not, Lelantos didn’t know if he had it in him to fight anymore. Perhaps his time among the human race had made him weak? Placid? Boring?

  Then again, perhaps not.

  He greeted the concierge to his building and made his way up to his apartment on the twenty-first floor. The elevator door opened and he stepped into his home. Breakfast dishes lay waiting for him on the glass kitchen table. The television was on and the voice of Dave Letterman drowned out the faint sounds of the street-life below his windows.

  Lelantos sighed and started to collect his dirty plates and place them into the dishwasher. The answering machine blinked and he pressed the play button. The bubbly voice of Emma, a flight attendant he’d met a few weeks back greeted him and he smiled. She was in town this weekend and looking to catch up. Hook up more like after he blew her off after landing. He made a mental note not to get inebriated on flights and try and pick up the women serving him drinks. The next message was his boss. His voice less warm, demanding to know where this week’s advertising sketches were kept. Damned idiot, if he bothered to look under the pile of paperwork he had on his desk, he may find them.

  He fired up his computer and emailed his dickhead boss the whereabouts of the sketches, then logged into Facebook. Not that he knew many people on there, but it was amusing seeing what the humans did when not at work and it afforded him some company. When not at work he was often alone. His aloof demeanor stemmed from the fact he couldn’t trust anyone. It discouraged workmates from inviting him out and he had never attempted to involve them in his life outside of the office. Not that he had much of a life outside of the office. In truth, he was lonely, no matter how much it galled the Titan in him to admit it.

  The image of the blonde from the bar entered his mind and longing clenched in his gut. She could have certainly filled the void in his life for a few hours. And pleasantly so.

  He needed to get out. And soon.

  The following night, Cat felt her sister’s impending arrival before she appeared before her, her regal red silk gown stunning against alabaster colored skin. She smiled as Hebe twirled and showed off her beautiful dress. “You look like a goddess out for a good time. Where, may I ask, are you off to?”

  Hebe flopped on to her leather lounge and sighed. “We’re off clubbing. There’s nothing happening on Mount Olympus. And when I heard you’re in New York, well, I had to come and drag you out so we can have some fun with the humans.”


  Cat joined her on the sofa and wondered what that meant exactly. “Fun with the humans? Do explain, Hebe.”

  “I thought since you were down here that I would make your stay in this dreary, mortal plane a little more exciting. We’re going out. We’ll treat ourselves to a New Age mortal male. Even though they are lacking in excitement.”

  “Then why bother in the first place?” Cat said laughing at her sister’s confused frown. “If they’re so boring and all…” Hebe stood before a mirror and glanced at her gown. “Perhaps they’re not so boring, and I often come down to Earth to see what entertainment it can afford me. There is more to your life than just being a hunter, Cat.”

  Her sister’s barbed words hurt. “Fine. I’ll come. Father never said I couldn’t enjoy myself while on missions.”

  “What are you going to wear?” Hebe asked, looking at Cat’s simple outfit with distaste.

  Cat shimmered into an outfit that equaled her sister’s. She knew together they would make a striking pair, what with her blonde hair and her sister’s ebony, they looked as different as day and night. And it had been a while since she’d slept with anyone, human or divine. It would do her good to have a little play with a guy.

  With one thought they were inside the swanky nightclub with dark leather settees and mirrored walls that gave the place an air of elegance and expense. No one noticed their arrival, but within minutes, their presence was noted. Cat studied what was on offer and dismissed most of them. She wasn’t sure if it was their fake smiles or their less than extraordinary physiques that turned her off. Humans were certainly not as delectable as gods, or even that Titan she’d been assigned to kill. He may be masked in human form, yet his body oozed power, thrummed with hidden strength just waiting to show itself.

  The thought of killing the Titan made excitement throb in her veins. For the first time in an eon she may be about to face a foe who’d equal her in power and strength. Lelantos gave himself away for the Titan that he was by his ancient eyes, which practically spoke of his immortality. It was probably a good idea that she joined Hebe tonight. There was, after all, no guarantee she’d win against Lelantos, no matter what Zeus wished.

  “I’m off darling. I’ve found someone who looks like fun.”

  Cat followed her sister’s gaze and warmth rushed through her veins. Not due to the man who stood at a high circular bar smiling at Hebe, but due to the man who stood some distance behind the fellow, watching her. Lelantos. His dark, hooded gaze unreadable.

  A niggle of wickedness bit into Cat’s conscience. Power all but emanated from him, which drew her like a drug, an intoxicating elixir she wanted to taste. “Have fun, Hebe. I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” she said.

  Her sister didn’t respond but walked off and was soon draped over the gentleman like a cloak.

  Cat nodded in acknowledgement to Lelantos then sauntered toward him. She noted that he was dressed in a different suit from the one she’d seen him in the previous evening. Tonight he’d dressed with an air of casual elegance and it suited him.

  “Hello again,” she said, coming to stand before him. Lelantos looked over her body in an almost physical caress. Despite his hands not moving from his side, Cat could swear she felt his fingers glide across the silk of her gown, touching, caressing every line of her body.

  “Good evening.”

  At his deep baritone Cat pushed down the sexual need that his voice awoke within her. Why was it that the deities she enjoyed the most were the biggest and baddest of them all? There was something terribly exciting about having something you shouldn’t have. “Can I buy you a beer, now?” Cat kept from smirking as the Titan stared at her with eyes full of mistrust. Smart guy.

  Lelantos breathed deeply and tried not to imagine what it would be like having the delicious morsel of woman who stood before him, legs wrapped about his waist as he hammered into her hot core. Again, he reminded himself that to sleep with a human woman would put her life at risk. Too much strength, and at this point in time, too much pent up sexual need, made his desire dangerous. He’d probably kill her the moment he slid into her delicious body. And he would never hurt a female. Ever.

  He shifted his stance and fought not to groan. “Why?”

  She shrugged and for the first time he noticed what a lovely pair of breasts she had. A nice handful he would love to savor. Lick. Taste.

  “You’re not making this very easy for me are you?”

  That make him grin. “Do you like things easy? I would have thought by your determination to buy me a drink, not so much.”

  She leaned against him and her scent of jasmine almost intoxicated him more than any alcohol could.

  “Well?” he asked, his voice strained.

  “I like all things in my life hard. In fact, the harder the better.”

  Lelantos swallowed. He turned and met her gaze. They were so close, almost touching and his body roared to take her. The blood in his veins pounded throughout him and the Titan inside hummed with unsated need. It had been so long. Too long in fact.

  They regarded each other, neither speaking as the almost visible sexual energy arced between them. “Good to know,” he said, picking up his beer and finishing it.

  She laughed and sat down on a stool next to his.

  “You don’t like me do you? I’m harmless I assure you.”

  Lelantos laughed and ordered two more drinks from a passing waiter. “I’m not for you.” At his words he noted the slight frown that marred her perfect forehead. This perfection was mirrored on every part of her body. Her long, blonde hair was pulled back into a becoming knot that accentuated her high cheekbones and perfect nose. Eyes the darkest shade of green watched everything around her with an air of mocking amusement. Lelantos frowned as something inside his mind warned him to be wary. On guard.

  “Can’t I be the one who decides that?” she asked, smiling.

  He pushed away his doubt. The woman was harmless. No one in heels and a little black dress like the one she wore could do anyone harm. Least of all to him. He may be a Titan in human form, but his powers were strong and accessible as ever.

  Even if unused for a millennia.

  “No.” He didn’t elaborate on his answer but stood up to go. Every moment he was around this woman, his need escalated. It would be best if he left now before he did anything stupid. Like pull her into the nearest washroom and fuck her like he wanted to. And take her life just for a moment of pleasure. He could never allow himself that indulgence.

  “Where are you going?”

  The panic he heard in her voice only made his decision to leave more sound. “Away from you.”

  “But you can’t leave.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the dance floor. Doof doof music played and people danced. Some, he mused, noting their lack of coordination, who shouldn’t.

  “You haven’t danced with me yet.”

  Lelantos ran a hand through his hair as his frustration mounted. What the fuck was wrong with him? Never had he had this kind of reaction to a woman before. Not for centuries had his need to possess a woman been as great as it was now. “I don’t dance.”

  She stood back and he noted her shoulders drop. Relief swamped him – she had finally taken the hint. But her next word almost brought him to his knees. “Please?”

  The single request undid his resolve. He inwardly cursed himself for a fucking fool and nodded. “One dance. And then you’ll leave me alone,” he said, pulling her into the crowd.

  “One dance and I promise not to annoy you again tonight.”

  Lelantos shook his head and pulled her up against him. If he thought her plea of a moment ago nearly felled him, her softness, clean scent and triumphant smile kicked his legs out from beneath his torso. She was dangerous, but only in the most erotic way.

  The music changed to a slow tempo as he started to dance. Lelantos reminded himself to breathe as she slid her arm around his neck and practically draped herself over him. His body hardened at her nearness and he
didn’t miss her slight movements that made him harder. That the little minx stood grinning up at him only succeeded in making the Titan inside growl with annoyance and want.

  She was so smug. “What was your name again?” he asked, watching as her eyes widened at his question.

  “You can call me Cat.”

  “What are you doing, Cat? What do you want?”

  Her leg brushed his groin and he cursed.

  “Nothing, on both accounts. We’re only dancing. Do you always rate such activities as devious?”

  He stilled as she ran her hands through the hair at the nape of his neck and pulled him closer than he knew was safe. His grip tightened on her back and he pulled her up against his heat. She gasped and met his gaze. “Do you want this?” Lelantos undulated her over his hardness and fought not to moan. His cock was harder than he thought it could possibly ever be and anger thrummed throughout his blood knowing he could never have her. No matter how much he wanted to.

  “I want you. Come back to my hotel room.”

  “You don’t even know my name.” Lelantos nipped her lip, unable to deny himself the taste of her for a moment longer.

  “Are names really necessary for what we’re about to do?”

  The raw heat from her gaze almost scorched his soul. “Call me old fashioned, but yes. I think so.”

  Lelantos felt her stiffen in his arms before she pulled away and walked back toward their table. She sat back down, watching him and he wondered what was going on in that mind of hers. Was she purposely playing him? Or was she only looking for the excitement of a one night stand and needed the anonymity to preserve the thrill? Lelantos sat and took a sip of his beer. “My name’s Len, just so you know.”

  She nodded. “Len? You don’t look like a Len to me. May I call you Lenny?”

  Lelantos stopped himself from grinding his teeth. “No. You may not.”

  “Too bad,” she said, standing and kissing his cheek quickly. “Lenny sort of has a nice ring to it don’t you think?”