Esmerelda: A Rogue Enforcers Novel by Darlene Tallman (phonics books TXT) 📕

“You want company?” he questions. “It’s a bit lonely around here now that you and Ice are gone. I feel a bit at loose ends to be honest. Not only that, but there are rumbles going around that supernaturals are at risk.”

“I’m on the road right now tracking down a lead, but you know you’re welcome any time, Baldwin,” I reply. “You can either wait until we get back or head that way now. I’ll let Maverick know you’re enroute. Oh, and be sure to check out our pool.”

“Pool?” he asks.

“Yeah, we’ve got a bit of a colony going on where we live and so we put in a pool. It’s spelled so that when we’re in it, it’s cool, but others can get in and it’s comfortable for them. My Esmerelda did that for me and Ice since we prefer colder temps.”

“Is she a witch or something?” he inquires, chuckling.

“As a matter of fact, she is,” I proudly proclaim, shooting her a grin. “One of the strongest ones alive.”

He whistles then says, “Nice. She got any friends?”

My chuckles and her giggles ring through the truck again. Before I can respond, she says, “I don’t think you’d want my best friend. She’s a bit vicious.”

“Trust me, honey, I can take it,” Baldwin states. My growl at his use of ‘honey’ has him bursting into laughter. “So, it’s like that, huh?” he teases.

“Yeah, it fucking is so watch it. I don’t care if you’re my brother or not, she’s my mate.”

“Fine, fine. I meant no disrespect to you or your mate, Beast. As far as her having any friends, I’ll patiently wait for my true mate. Although I suspect she’s on the other side of the world.”

“You’re still young, brother.”

“So you say. Anyhow, send me the information and I’ll head to your place. But if you need me before then, call,” he demands.

“You got it. See you soon.” After I disconnect the call, Esmerelda doubles over in laughter until tears stream down her face.

“I think he’s going to be a lot of fun to get to know,” she finally says.

“He’s the jokester of the family,” I admit.

“Like I said, he’ll be fun. Can you imagine Maverick’s reaction to him?” she asks. “Maybe I should warn Connelly.”

“Naw, Mav will be okay. Baldwin will behave because I’m not around and neither is Ice,” I state. “Now, do we keep going or stop somewhere for the night?”

“Please, let’s stop. I know we don’t really have to take breaks, but I need to be snuggled up against you for a little while and the truck simply won’t do.”

“Your wish is my command, my sexy sorceress,” I reply. “I’ll start looking for a place.”

It took another two hours before my bear found a hotel suitable for us for the night. As he carries our bags in once he got us registered, I follow, my mind whirling with everything I need to do once we’re inside. I check out the bathroom and realize that there’s no way for us to share the shower which has me pouting. “What put that look on your face, Esme?” he asks, tossing our duffel bags onto the chair before flopping down on top of the king-size bed.

“The shower’s too small for both of us,” I reply, quickly placing a protection spell on our room. Something has me on edge and this is the best way I know to ensure our safety. I hope that Leigh took the spell bags I crafted with them so that they’re protected as well.

“You go first then because I need to call Ice then Colton. I’ll order in some food. Any preference?”

“No, not really,” I say, my mind a million miles away. I’ll be glad when we find the threat and eradicate it. I’m ready for all of us to just be for a while. I grab some clean clothes from my bag along with my shower bag and head into the bathroom. While I get the water ready, I can hear his low voice talking which makes me smile. His voice does wicked things to my libido, that’s for sure, and for someone who has always prided herself on her absolute control, the fact that he makes me lose mine says a lot about him.

Without Beast in the shower with me, my normal routine doesn’t take nearly as long. It’s also not as pleasurable, which makes me pout again. Hopefully I can talk him into a little bit of relaxation once we’ve eaten. Finally done, I dry off then flick my fingers so my hair is styled in long flowing curls. A spritz of my favorite cologne before I slip a gown he hasn’t seen over my head and I’m ready to face my mate.

“For the love of all things holy, Esmerelda, you gotta prepare me before you flounce into a room looking like my favorite meal,” he growls out, stalking toward me.

“You like it?” I ask before twirling around. I honestly don’t know what has happened to me; he makes me feel giddy, like a teen or something and goddess knows I’ve not been that for many moons now.

“Fuck yeah I like it.” His voice is raspier as he reaches for me. I love that I can make him lose control as well, so I fall into his arms and wind my hands in his hair to pull his head closer to mine. When his lips crash over mine, the moan that escapes has me wiggling closer. After long minutes, I pull back slightly, panting to get my breath back. “I suspect we’re going to have to reheat dinner,” he surmises before scooping me up in his arms and stalking to the bed. “Because I’m not waiting another minute to get inside you. Hope that foreplay you talked about has you ready, Esme, because this is going to be fast,” he warns.

I wiggle my fingers to disrobe us both and sass, “Does