Read Online Sweeter Than Wine by Bianca D'Arc - Free Book Online Page A

they threaten the secrecy of our existence—the Master of the region will demand their death for the good of all. Then it falls to their maker, or one of the enforcers to do the deed.”
    “Enforcers?”
    He absently stroked her shoulder with his thumb. “You’ve met Ian Sinclair, haven’t you?”
    “Once. At Lissa’s.”
    “Ian is one of Marc’s most trusted enforcers. Marc LaTour is Master of this region.
    The two of them are very old. Ian was a knight during the Crusades, if you can believe it.” He tugged her closer, so she rested against his shoulder. “He’s been assigned to watch over your friend Jena, since she knows about our kind now. Marc decided she had to be watched, lest she somehow betray her new knowledge to the wrong people. There are those in the world who still hunt our kind, and those who watch us, whose intent is unclear. We have to be vigilant to protect the secrecy of our race and ensure our continued existence.”
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    “They won’t hurt her, will they?” Apprehension filled her for Jena, the smartest of her college friends who’d gone on to medical school. She knew Jena had done all she could to save Christy’s life after Jeff nearly killed her. She loved her like a sister and didn’t want her in danger.
    “I doubt it. She didn’t strike me as the kind of woman who’d sell out her friends by trying to tell the world about immortal vampires.”
    “No. She wouldn’t. She’d probably do her best to try to figure you out, though. She’s a true scientist at heart. She loves riddles and puzzles of any kind.”
    “Well, she won’t get much of a chance to study any of us. She’ll just have to be content knowing we’re out there.”
    Christy laughed softly. “That’ll drive her nuts for sure, but she’s not reckless, and she’s a steadfast friend. She’ll keep your secret.”
    “I had to bite her, you know.” Sebastian stilled, as if he were holding his breath. “I’m sorry. She wouldn’t let me help you until she was sure what I proposed wouldn’t hurt you more.”
    Christy turned to face him, the moonlight gilding his handsome face. “It’s okay, Sebastian. Both of you were only trying to protect me.” She reached up and kissed his cheek. “Just don’t ever do it again, okay?”
    He dipped his head and took her lips with a languid kiss. “It’s a deal, milady.”
    They lost track of time as the moon rose higher over the trees shrouding the backyard oasis of calm. Sebastian kissed her with drugging thoroughness, leaving no millimeter of her mouth unexplored, no nerve ending untingling. The man was a talented kisser and a devastating masculine presence.
    Dimly, Christy heard a soft rumbling purr and suddenly a warm, furry, and very large body pressed against her legs, rubbing lightly. It startled her enough to pull away from Sebastian’s hot mouth. Looking down, she stared into the sparkling topaz eyes of the biggest cat she’d ever seen.
    “Don’t let him frighten you. It’s only Matt.”
     
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    “Matt?” Suddenly, it all made sense. She knew Matt was a were cougar, but before last night she’d never even suspected such things were possible. Soft, tawny fur covered Matt’s large body and tickled her hands as he rested his head in her lap and snuffled at her fingers. A long, wet tongue licked out to rasp over her hand, making her laugh.
    Emboldened, she reached out and scratched behind the cougar’s pointed ears, luxuriating in the feel of his thick pelt under her fingers. It was one of the most sensual and exciting things she’d ever experienced.
    Matt settled one big paw on the stone bench, right between her legs, forcing them wider. His nose fell unerringly to the juncture of her thighs, sniffing playfully. She pushed him away, but he would not be deterred, sending that long tongue out to press between her thighs, causing almost unbearable pressure as his purr grew louder.
    “There are better places for this than outdoors on