“You heard me call for help, didn’t you?” Her eyes kept darting back and forth between his face and the snakes wrapped around his arms. “I knew that you would.”

  “Yes.” Slowly, he sauntered toward her, stopping a few steps from her. “We are joined now in a way that can never be broken. I have taken your blood and you have taken mine. There is nowhere you can go that I will not eventually find you. Nowhere you can be that I cannot hear you if you call.” Part reassurance, part warning. He watched her reaction.

  She nodded. Her eyes were deep pools of indigo and once again the unusual color and depth of emotion that lurked there struck him. A man could drown in eyes like that. When she blinked, they disappeared and her long black lashes fanned over her cheeks. Her face was pale and drawn, clearly showing the strain that she’d been under.

  “Who would do this?” Her eyes jerked open at his question. She nibbled her plump bottom lip as she thought. The blood pumped to his groin and he had to swallow a groan. His erection was like steel, pushing against the zipper of his black jeans. He would satisfy his desires, but later.

  “I’m not sure.” She frowned and he longed to smooth the lines of worry from between her brows. “Anyone could capture a few snakes and bring them here. The diamondback is more rare. It would take some doing, but it’s possible. Maybe Aaron and Clem, but I don’t think so. They’d be more likely to break into the house and trash the place. This took planning.”

  Stefan could see her point. “Think, Laurel Rose. Has anyone else made you feel uncomfortable or threatened?” A picture of a man popped into his mind along with a name, and he knew he was picking up on her thoughts. “Who is Jeremiah Stoner?”

  A shaky laugh escaped her. “I can’t hide anything from you, can I?” She shook her head when he didn’t deny it. “He’s the pastor of a local church, and although no one will admit it, everyone knows that they still practice snake-handling there.”

  Stefan took the two final steps that brought him right in front of her. His boots touched hers and his thighs brushed her body. He could feel her heat. Keeping his arms straight out from his body to prevent the snakes from touching her, he leaned down and kissed her softly on the lips. Their mouths touched and clung for the briefest moment before he raised his head again.

  The threat to her safety was the only thing powerful enough to make him leave her side. He sensed she was close to tears and knew she would shed them while he was gone. An image formed in his mind of her curled up on the window seat downstairs, crying. Alone.

  His hands curled into fists. He wanted to cradle Laurel Rose in his arms, cuddling her close as she cried out all her pain and fear. Then he would love her so long and hard she would never doubt his depth of feelings for her. And when he’d exhausted her with his lovemaking, he would hold her safe in his arms while she slept. The fact that he had to leave her was another black mark against the person or persons who threatened her. His lip curled into a sneer. He’d make sure they paid for their sins.

  “Where can I find him?” He could easily get the information by searching her mind, but he was loath to invade her privacy any more than was absolutely necessary to ensure her safety. He wanted her to tell him.

  “It’s just outside of town. You can’t miss it if you follow the road. The church is white with a picket fence around it.” She hesitated slightly before continuing. “But it might not be him at all. Other members of the congregation have access to the snakes as well.”

  He nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind, but I have to go now.” The snakes were getting restless, sensing his riotous emotions. Outwardly, his face was expressionless, his body coiled and ready. All tender emotions had been buried beneath his need for action.

  Laurel Rose nodded and turned away. He noticed that her limp was pronounced as she shuffled toward the stairs. She leaned heavily on the railing as she made her way down the steps and hobbled to the kitchen. Having to keep her body rigid and still in one position for so long coupled with the tension had obviously been hard on her bad leg.

  The back door was still wide open and she walked straight outside and onto the porch. Her quiet acceptance bothered him. Part of him was proud of her bravery and courage and another, perversely male part of him wanted her to cry and plead with him not to leave her. Sighing, he followed her outside.

  “I’ll be back.” He told himself that the reassurance was for her, but it was as much for him as well. “Then we can talk.” He hadn’t forgotten how they’d left things the night before. She would have many questions that needed answering. Their future was still undecided, at least in her mind. He knew what he wanted.

  “I’ll be here.”

  Stalking toward her, he leaned down and captured her mouth with his. Unlike the kiss in the bedroom, this was not a gentle meeting of lips, but a claiming. Stefan took her mouth with a marauding force, thrusting his tongue inside. He tasted and explored, laying claim to every nook and cranny. When her arms slipped around his waist and her tongue stroked his, he almost howled with satisfaction. Instead, a pleased growl rumbled in his throat. She was his.

  When he finally pulled away, they were both panting hard. Stefan watched as her chest rose and fell with every breath. His acute vision allowed him to see her swollen nipples as they pushed against the soft fabric of her cotton shirt. He longed to place his lips over one of the hard peaks and suck it into his mouth. The heady scent of her arousal wrapped around him. She was more than ready for him.

  Once again, he had to fight his own base instincts, which were screaming at him to release the snakes, lean her against the railing, and take her from behind while the night wrapped around them. Later, he promised himself.

  He placed one last kiss against her swollen lips before disappearing into the night. Stefan sped through the darkening woods, heading straight for the white church on the edge of town. It was Sunday evening and he knew just where to find Jeremiah Stoner.

  Chapter Sixteen

  The final strains of a hymn being sung vibrated in the air as Stefan stopped on the road in front of the church. With its simple white clapboard and stained glassed windows, it looked harmless enough, even welcoming. But looks could be deceiving, and Stefan could sense the evil lurking in the depths of the building. Whatever went on there, not all of it was of God’s choosing.

  He knew many people would be shocked to learn that a vampire believed in a higher power, but he did. And so did his brothers. What people called that higher power was irrelevant. The fact of the matter was that his kind had lived long enough and seen enough of the world and the various creatures that inhabited it to believe that a power greater than them all did, in fact, exist. Call it higher consciousness. Call it God. It did not matter. It just was.

  A deep voice echoed from the inside of the building. Seemed like Pastor Stoner was about to give his sermon. Stefan planned to give him something to talk about. Striding up the stone path to the church, he focused all his energy on the heavy wooden doors in front of him. As he bounded up the steps, the doors burst open, slamming inward as he stalked through them.

  People in the back pews gasped and every eye in the place turned to see what was causing the commotion. Stefan looked neither right nor left, ignoring all the people watching him with various degrees of trepidation and fear. All his attention was fixed on the man frowning at him from the pulpit.

  Jeremiah Stoner surprised him. His blond good looks were more suited to a movie star than a preacher. Jeremiah resembled an angel of God while Stefan, dressed in his black jeans and shirt with his long dark hair flowing behind him, looked more like Lucifer himself. The man didn’t flinch as Stefan walked down the aisle toward him. The whispers began before he was halfway there. He caught the words “snake” and “devil,” the last almost making him smile. They had no idea just how close to the truth they were.

  It was obvious that Jeremiah Stoner was trying to keep an expression of benevolence and calm on his face, but underlying it all was a seething anger. Well, the good pastor’s anger was nothing compared to his.

  “You have dared to barge into a house of God with violent intentions in your eyes, friend.” The accusation rang in Jeremiah’s voice.

  Stefan inclined his head, acknowledging the mocking form of address. He stopped in front of the pulpit and cocked an amused brow at the pastor. “I don’t think God will mind me returning your property to you.” He paused before adding, “Friend.” The snakes hissed, weaving their heads back and forth as he held up his arms.

  He studied Jeremiah’s face carefully. The other man was good at blocking his thoughts. It was rare, but there were humans who were so adept at doing so that Stefan could not break through. He could get a sense of the man’s emotions but little else.

  “What makes you think they belong here?” The pastor’s condescending tone fired Stefan’s anger again. He didn’t know for sure who’d left the snakes at Laurel Rose’s house, but he could send them a warning.

  He studied the preacher carefully. The man hadn’t admitted or denied that the snakes belonged to the church. Very clever. It wouldn’t do to underestimate this man. He also sensed the man knew something about the snakes. There had been a split second of recognition. It was enough for him. Stoner either owned the venomous creatures himself or knew who did. “I figured if anyone knew who they belonged to, it would be you.” Stefan kept his tone mild, but Jeremiah’s reaction was immediate. The man’s face turned so red, Stefan began to wonder if he would have a heart attack right there in the pulpit.

  The pastor opened his mouth to speak, but Stefan had had enough. He wanted to finish this and return to Laurel Rose. Turning his back on the man, Stefan addressed the congregation. “Someone broke into Laurel Rose’s home and left these behind.” He allowed his cold green-eyed gaze to flow over the crowd. Many people clutched at the crosses hung around their necks, and it was obvious that almost everyone was praying.

  He smiled at the crowd, but he felt no humor. He allowed the fury to show in his eyes, promising swift retribution to those who would harm his woman. “Laurel Rose is mine.” He paused to allow his words to sink in. “I will protect what is mine.”

  Leaving the threat hanging in the air, he turned back to the pastor. Everyone in the church sucked in a breath as he confronted Jeremiah. The two men stared at one another and Stefan could sense Jeremiah’s attempt to control his mind. With the speed of a snake, Stefan struck back psychically, sending the other man physically reeling.

  The preacher stumbled backward a few steps before righting himself. For the first time, the man’s eyes showed fear as he stared at Stefan in horror. It was a bitch to realize you weren’t the biggest and baddest wolf in the woods. Jeremiah Stoner’s few talents were no match for Stefan’s powers.

  He stepped up onto the slightly raised dais and stalked toward the preacher. Jeremiah stood his ground as, one by one, Stefan deposited the deadly snakes around the pastor’s neck. Leaning forward, he whispered so only the other man could hear him. “Don’t make me have to come back here again, friend. There are worse bites than that of a snake.”

  Jeremiah remained totally still as the snakes settled around his shoulders, but he didn’t flinch. There was no doubt in Stefan’s mind that this man was more than used to handling the reptiles.

  Whirling around, Stefan stalked back down the church aisle and out through the open door, where he was swallowed up by the night. The hum of voices behind him grew in strength as everyone started to talk at once. But Stefan had already forgotten them. His mind was totally fixed on Laurel Rose as he sped back toward her, back toward home.

  • • •

  Laurel Rose curled up on the bench swing that sat in the garden under the shelter of a large oak tree. The creak of the wood as she rocked was comforting and she clutched the quilt tighter around her. She’d already done her crying. Her eyes were blotchy and her nose sore. But she was all right, thanks to Stefan. She didn’t know what would have happened if he hadn’t come.

  Closing her eyes, she pushed her foot against the ground and started the swing rocking again. The sounds of the night comforted her. She didn’t want to admit to herself that she was slightly nervous about being in the house alone now. The incident with the snakes had spooked her worse than she’d thought.

  Just how far were some people willing to go to get her off her land? She shivered and tugged the quilt closer, glad for its meager comfort. It seemed inconceivable to her that someone would kill her just to get control of a few acres of land. Okay, a lot of acres of land. But after tonight, she had to face the facts.

  Stefan had swooped down on her home like some dark, avenging angel, ready to protect her at all costs. Not since her grandpa had anyone ever wanted to protect her. Even her own mama had been afraid of her at times.

  Vampire he might be, but Laurel Rose had never met a finer man in her life. He might ignore the rules of humankind, but he had a code that he lived by. She trusted him with her life and knew he would never lie to her.

  Laurel Rose had been alone for so many years that she was soaking up the care and the attention Stefan offered her in the same way a plant sucked up water after a drought. Even if it didn’t last, she would take whatever time they had and enjoy it to the fullest. The man couldn’t seem to get enough of her sexually, and surprisingly enough, she felt the same way in return. She only had to think of him or picture his beloved face in her mind and a pulsing began low in her belly, her nipples tightening, and her whole body yearning to join with his.

  Placing her hand on her belly, she tried to smother the ache that was growing there, but it was to no avail. Whether he stayed with her for the next fifty years or left tomorrow, it wouldn’t matter. She would always want Stefan.

  Although he made no discernable sound, she felt his presence. Peering into the darkness, she held out her hand. “What happened?” As powerful as he was, she’d been worried about him.

  The night released him and Stefan walked into the glow of the moonlight that bathed the swing and the surrounding yard. His stride was long and sure, and as always when she saw him, she was struck by the sheer massive size of him. He didn’t stop, didn’t pause, but plucked her right out of the swing and sat there himself, cradling her in his arms.

  Burying his face in her hair, he held her tight and just rocked her. She sensed he needed the closeness as much as she did. She snuggled her face close to his chest and placed her hand over his heart. His lips grazed her temple, the kiss light and sweet.

  He sighed and raised his head. “I returned the snakes to the good pastor and warned the congregation against a repeat of such a thing. You are under my protection now.”

  She knew that for him it was as simple as that. He was the kind of man who would protect those who belonged to him. Old-fashioned or not, it was his way. Laurel Rose might be an independent woman, but she found she didn’t mind it at all. It gave her a warm feeling inside to know that someone cared about her.

  His large hand cupped her jaw and he tilted her head back. Using his thumb, he stroked her right cheek, tracing the scar there. “You are mine, Laurel Rose.” His eyes gleamed with possession and lust, but beyond that was a deep need as well, and she found herself responding to it immediately.

  “I am,” she agreed, giving him a small nod.

  Lowering his mouth to hers, Stefan kissed her. Given the tension rolling off him, she’d expected his kiss to be hard and possessive. Instead, it was a soft, gentle caress. One that made her feel special and cherished. His lips skimmed across hers, nibbling and touching every part of her mouth.

  But the tone of the kiss quickly changed. Neither of them was satisfied with the light brushes and barely-there touches. Both of them needed and wanted more. His tongue plunged into her mouth and she welcomed it, sucking it deeper. She angled her head so they fit together perfectly. She loved the way he ate at her mouth, as if she was the thing he craved most in the world. As if only she could satisfy him.

  His erection prodded her hip as Stefan pulled her tighter into his arms. Desire burst within her once again. She wanted this man and she wanted him now.

  She pushed out of his arms and stood in front of him. He growled his displeasure but released her. Dumping the quilt on the ground, she reached for the ends of her shirt, gripped them in her hands, and tugged it over her head. His eyes devoured her as she tossed her shirt to the ground.

  Emboldened, she bent down and removed her boots and socks before stepping forward and standing on the corner of the quilt. “Don’t stop, Laurel Rose.” His hoarse plea sent shivers up and down her spine.

  Her hands went to the waistband of her jeans and she flicked the button open. Taking her time, she slid the zipper down and the material parted to reveal her plain cotton panties beneath. The rumble of pleasure that came from Stefan thrilled her. Ever so slowly, she shoved the jeans down her hips and legs until they were pooled around her ankles. Stepping out of them, she kicked them aside.

  Clad only in her bra and panties, she faced him. The trees swayed in the light breeze, making the leaves dance. The air had a slight chill, but Laurel Rose wasn’t cold. She welcomed the cooling breeze. Her skin felt hot and tight under Stefan’s watchful gaze. The night was alive around them. The trees had a rhythm of their own as they moved in the wind.

  Swaying to the music of the night, Laurel Rose reached behind her back and unhooked her bra. As she moved her arms sinuously, the thin straps fell down her shoulders and the thin cotton fell to the ground. Feeling sensual, she ran her hands over her stomach before cupping her breasts. Her nipples were tight buds, begging for attention.