Excerpt of The Blood She Betrayed by Cheryse Durrant

Twilight had not yet blackened the horizon, but the crescent moon cast an eerie glow as Max leaned against the veranda railings and soaked up the night air. The Cessna was fuelled and packed, including Shahkara's armour and Harry's weapons. He was waking them before dawn so they could leave at first light. In a few more minutes, they'd hit the sack.

'Max.'

He turned and heat coiled in his lower belly as she walked towards him, loose hair fanning around her face, jacket and pants clinging to her curves.

All day, ever since she'd cat–walked from the change rooms, he'd stolen hungry glances, but evading the law had consumed their time. She'd flaked soon after they hit the road and looked so peaceful he'd wanted to keep on driving so she'd never face the demons again. Except she'd use her last breath to destroy them and save her people.

Now, standing in the flickering light of Harry's veranda, she wrapped her arms across her chest and gazed at the sky. 'There's an ancient legend on my world that says the stars are Danu's handmaidens. When summoned, they journey downwards from the heavens to aid mortals in their darkest hours of need.'

'We could have used a couple of those today.'

'Maybe they were with us in spirit and that is how I escaped the police. I have been blessed since meeting you, Max. You have been extraordinary and I am grateful for your support.'

'I'd do it all again.' Hell, he'd fight a pit of snakes for her. 'Besides, you saved my life. Twice. I'd be dead or in a spinal unit if you didn't catch me from that blasted balcony.' Their destinies were intertwined.

'Yes, but you also risked your life and your future. If the police discover our friendship, they will arrest you. Worse, if more Taloners attack, they might kill you. I could not bear your blood on my hands.'

In the dwindling light, her lips parted and her smoky gaze punched him in the chest. She hadn't looked at him like that since they first met. The yearning to kiss her grew stronger. Give me a sign. Tell me you want me.

He'd never really kissed a girl before. He'd been kissed by loads of girls; pretty, nubile things, eager to hook up with Liam McCalden's son.

None had required him to make the first move. They were often giggly and spontaneous, sometimes ambitious and conniving, but much as he'd enjoyed their kisses, they'd lacked flavour. Like a smorgasbord of willing mouths, but everything he sampled tasted the same.

And those girls had been on the hunt, wanting him more for his money than himself. He hadn't celebrated the prospect of being landed as prey. He'd even awkwardly refused those bee–lining for his bed, not because he didn't desire them, but because he wanted his first time to be special, and he wanted to feel genuinely connected to the woman he chose.

Shahkara promised that connection and, although she was out of his league, she neither seduced nor beguiled. He was haunted by hope that she'd one day come to care, because the alternative was unthinkable. She had to care. He had seen it in her eyes, felt it in her touch, but she refused to admit it.

As her violet eyes gazed into his he yearned to kiss her, but suspected it'd lead to a slap or, worse, complete withdrawal. He couldn't bear to shatter the fragile bond growing between them so, despite her soft lips and intoxicating musk, he held back.

'Max, I must ask something important of you.'

'Anything. What do you need?'

'I wish for you to return to Brisbane, and be safe.'

He reeled backwards as if she'd punched him in the stomach.

'If you return now, your father and the police will think I was a renegade who held you by your throat. You will not be deemed involved.'

'I can't do that.'

'You promised you would do whatever I asked. This is my final request.'

'You can't be serious! We're a team, Shah! How will you find the Elnara without me?'

'We know it is in Sydney and the compass will fine–tune the search. Harry can assist me and, because he is warrior–trained, he will anticipate predatory moves.'

'You're trusting Harry because he fought in Vietnam half a century ago? You're dumping me for a grey–haired war vet? With a limp?'

'He knows weapons and stratagems and I do not feel a constant need to protect him like I do you. This is for your own protection, Max.'

Blood rushed through his veins. 'I don't need your protection!' I just want to be with you. 'I said I'd see this through and I will! Let me come with you. You need me.'

'I do not.'

The butterflies circling his stomach morphed to lead. 'But I care for you!'

'That is the problem. Since we met, you have acted out of feeling, not control, and I encouraged it, I admit, but I can no longer support it.' Her voice ached. 'Your life is worth more to me than that.'

Chest compressed. 'So you do care?'

'No, I cannot. I loved once and it nearly consumed me. In two days, I return to Gorias and you will never see me again. It is better we part now, safe and amicably.'

'I won't let you – '

Her forefinger grazed his lips to shush him, but instead, it spirited his pulse.

How could she do this? 'What about Harry? He might disagree.'

'We have already discussed it. You can stay here until the mechanic fixes the car, then drive back to Brisbane.'

His stomach clenched as anger recoiled. 'You talked to Harry behind my back?' This wasn't her concern for his safety. She was dumping him! She was just like the rest! With a flutter of her eyelashes, she'd played him and he'd fallen for it. What could he do? If he pleaded his case, he knew she wouldn't listen. If he snuck on to the plane he'd be forcibly removed. Why bother when he didn't mean a thing to her?

He snapped and his gaze fastened onto her mouth.

'Max!'

His lips possessed hers and it was like fire striking fire. The swirling, hot rage of desire that had been bubbling beneath the surface, now burnt through them both. A bone–deep ache filled him as he gathered her into his arms and pinned her against the veranda railings. A groan escaped her. Heat engulfed him. The blood raced through his veins as he deepened the kiss. His fingers looped around her pendant cord as he cupped the back of her neck. Every sensation egged him further. He couldn't get enough...

'Stop!' She pushed him away. 'Do not touch me!'

'But you didn't – '

'We cannot!' she gasped. 'Not now. Not ever.'

'We're never going to see each other again!'

Dark eyes connected with his. 'Precisely. That is how it must be.'

No! His heart raced as her lips remained branded on his skin. He burned to kiss her again. 'Shah, please!'

'No.' Her face shuttered, even as a pulse thudded at her throat.

His chest sunk. For a moment, as his mouth had claimed hers and their hearts had raced as one. He'd thought there was a chance but, unlike his fantasies, a Gorian princess never put pleasure first. 'That's it then?' he asked. 'You fly out at dawn and I never see you again?'

'Yes.'

'Great.' She'd made her choice. He'd make his. 'Then thank you for an unusual twenty–four hours. It was nice knowing you.' He turned and strode towards the door.

'Max!'

He froze. His heart pounded in his chest as he waited.

'I wished not to anger you. I had hoped we could part as friends.'

He reined in his rage as he swung around. 'Friends? You can't dictate the rules and tell me how to act. Goodbye, Shahkara, and good luck!'

He walked away with his pulse racing, his tortured soul refusing to look back.