His Darkest Hunger by Juliana Stone Read Free Book Online Page A

option.
    He continued to push his will through her lips and into her body. The anger he felt soon gave way to frustration and fear. His heart pounded so loudly he was certain it could be heard echoing across the still water.
    Just when he thought her weakened body could take no more, she jerked forward and her mouth regurgitated a handful of dark water from inside her lungs. The force of it assaulted her injury, and she cried out as her arms went to her sides.
    Jaxon brought her shivering form deep into the curve of his body. The night was chilled, but his jaguar blood was so heated with anger, his body was misting through his clothes as the warmth of his skin evaporated into the air.
    He stared down at the pale features, taking the time to study her closely. His finger traced the small nose, continuing along high cheekbones to finally rest on the fullness of her lips. She was achingly beautiful, and the fragility of her body only enhanced the delicate features even more.
    Her eyes flew open, and fear colored the violet ovals a deeper shade until they appeared black. They were huge, and she inhaled deeply, her eyes widening even more as she tried to speak.
    “You! You’re one of them.”
    Tears began to fill her eyes, and Jaxon fought the urge to wipe the dampness from her face. How inthe hell had she become the victim? There was no doubt she’d been abused, but in light of her betrayal and the life it had cost, she fucking deserved it.
    Didn’t she?
    “What do you want from me?”
    His face hardened as he tried to keep his tough facade in place. Libby was crying, almost hysterical as her words lashed into him.
    “Why won’t you just leave me alone?”
    He watched as anger began to burn in her cheeks and a fire erupted deep inside her eyes. She began to struggle, and literally spat at him, “You are going to have to kill me before I let you take me back to them.” She was so agitated, he was afraid she’d hurt her injured ribs even more.
    His arms pinned her tightly, their noses inches apart. He could feel her heart beating inside her chest, and took a moment to control himself.
    “Who the fuck are they? What the hell happened to you, Libby?”
    At the sound of his words she stilled, her eyes closing as a fresh batch of tears coursed down her face.
    “They are pain, anger, and madness.” She whimpered. “They are evil.”
    Her eyes flew open but her voice quieted as her shoulders sagged in defeat.
    “You are just like them.”

Chapter 5
    L ibby’s words hung in the air, and Jaxon felt the fight leave her body. Physically she was done. She just didn’t have anything more left in her.
    Her words made no sense to him. You are just like them. She was comparing him to the bastards that had literally beaten the life out of her?
    He didn’t say a word, but picked her up carefully and began the trek up the hill and through the forest. The birds that had heralded his approach remained quiet as he slowly made his way back. He could feel their eyes on him, not trusting the shifter that had invaded their sanctuary.
    When he cleared the apple trees, he quickly ran to the truck, balancing Libby against his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing. Even though he would deny it until hell froze over, there was thatsmall sliver of comfort in knowing she was finally calm.
    And free of her nightmares for the moment.
    He reached the truck and loaded her into the passenger side for the second time, looking around for the blanket that had flown out with her. He noticed it a few yards back and quickly retrieved it, tucking her in with the added warmth of the wool.
    He jumped into the cab, started the truck, and looked to his passenger before accelerating slowly. Libby was fast asleep, but he didn’t trust her. He flicked on the child safety locks and ran his hand through his hair in agitation.
    He needed to find out whoever the hell them was.
    Somehow this whole mess was connected. Everything, starting back three years