Nightwalker by Connie Hall

around her waist. She lifted her elbow to strike the person, but she hit a brick wall: Nightwalker’s midsection.
    He didn’t even flinch, merely dug his purple eyes into her face and glided her over to a shadowy corner. Takala didn’t struggle. She knew it would be useless against his strength.
    â€œI see you have a problem with authority,” he said into her ear.
    She felt his cold breath against her sweating skin, and it sent a shiver down her neck. “I was certain you needed my help.”
    â€œIf I had, I would have said so.”
    She opened her mouth to shoot back a response, but he said, “Shh!” Then he was pulling her close and kissing her.

Chapter 8
    S triker forced himself to not think about kissing Takala. He felt the moment she stopped fighting him and grew pliant in his arms, her breasts a seductive weight against his chest. Then she was responding to him. Her warm hands reached around his neck and grabbed his ponytail, her lips softening. Her hands twined in the back of his ponytail, shooting hot vibrations along his neck. It took all of his concentration to shift his attention back to Culler and her contact.
    Striker opened an eye and glanced over Takala’s head. He had successfully diverted the serpent shifter’s attention, and he and Culler huddled together at the bar, deep in a serious conversation. Striker tuned in on their words.
    â€œPhilippe, I need to get in touch with Raithe,” Culler said, speaking in French.
    â€œYou know the rules. He contacts you.”
    â€œBut he hasn’t called, and I’m being hunted. Nightwalker wants me dead. He hired hover demons to kill me. Please ask him to contact me right away. He can’t leave me hung out to dry here. He owes me.”
    â€œRaithe owes no one anything, Lilly. People are indebted to him. You should know that. When he found out you were a snitch, he let you live, didn’t he?”
    â€œHe made me set up those agents so he could get off on tormenting Nightwalker. We’re more than even. The least he could do is help me now. I need protection.”
    So, Raithe knew Culler worked for Striker. The killing of his agents had been masterminded by Raithe. Raithe had to prove that he was one step ahead of Striker, that he would always be superior. Well, Raithe wasn’t perfect. He would slip up one day, and Striker would be there. He felt Takala squirming in his arms, and he realized he was crushing her. He loosened his grip, aware of her long, lean warmth against him.
    She seemed content now, and he continued his onslaught of her mouth, letting the total awareness of her assuage his need to destroy something at the moment.
    â€œI’ll see what he says,” Philippe said.
    â€œPlease, tell him I’m desperate.” Culler finished off the drink.
    â€œAren’t we all, sweetheart.”
    Culler shot him a petulant glare, then weaved her way to the door.
    Philippe shook his head at Culler’s back, as if she had just signed her death warrant. Then he stood and walked toward the front door. His gait weaved a little, a sure sign he wasn’t comfortable with human legs.
    Striker broke the kiss, saw the dazed look in Takala’seyes and knew she felt the same sexual attraction he was feeling. He didn’t need that particular complication right now. Forcing his mind back on his responsibilities, he pulled out his phone and said, “Follow the target. But do not intercept.”
    â€œAffirmative, sir.”
    Striker closed the phone and pulled Takala toward the front door. “We have to go.”
    â€œWait a minute! What about Lilly?”
    â€œShe’s gone.”
    â€œGone?” Takala glanced frantically toward the bar.
    â€œYou should be more observant.”
    â€œStop kissing me and I might.”
    â€œAre you saying I distract you?” A smile turned up his lips while he guided her through the crowd.
    â€œNot on your life. It’s just