Desires Unleashed by D N Simmons

his own lust and hungers. He believed vampires were the type you didn't get attached to, especially not that one. Elise noted Sergio's frown at the mention of the word “club”, correctly assuming that he suspected it was Desires Unleashed and that his emotions were based on jealousy. She did not want to hear his ranting. She controlled the Pride and she didn't have to answer to anyone.
    Elise looked at the sour expression on Sergio's face. She knew the numerous phrases which often followed that expression. 'He's not right for you', 'he's just using you', 'he's a vampire, you're a shape-shifter, he'll never respect you', and 'vampires only respect other vampires.' She'd heard it all before. They didn't know Darian. He was different. He made her feel like a lady, all the while taming the leopard inside. Many of the other leopards were against her having an intimate relationship with a non-Pride member, let alone a vampire. She paid them no mind. Darian would protect them, he would protect her. Not to mention the fact that Darian had saved their Pride member, Daniel, from possibly being sentenced to death six months ago. He'd been caught in the woods, hunting on non-sanctioned grounds. To Elise, Darian had proved himself to be a worthy lover.
    “I know what you're going to say and I don't want to hear it. You can save it, Sergio.” Elise climbed out of the bed with a smoothness only a feline can accomplish.
    “The only reason you don't want to hear it is because you know it's true!” Sergio retorted. “You belong with your own kind, Elise. This affair you have with Darian is wrong. It isn't proper!” Elise flashed him a look that nearly stopped him, but he continued. “Look, I'm sorry, but you know I'm right. Elise...” He rose from the bed, his tall, naked body glowing in the starlight. Elise watched as the muscles in his thighs flexed with his movement. He walked over to her, gently cupping her cheeks, tilting her head upward so their eyes met.
    “Elise, you don't need him. Yes, it's true that he saved Daniel but it's no reason for you to keep repaying him. Your place is here with us, with me. He can't offer you true companionship. Not like I can. I am your true mate.” He leaned closer to her, his lips brushing hers lightly. Thei r eyes closed as the heat of the kiss grew more passionate. As soon as it began, Elise broke away, moving from Sergio's grasp. Anger flared in his eyes. He turned away, not wanting to say anything that might hurt her feelings. That, he didn't want to do. He only wanted her to see that Darian was not what he seemed. He wanted her to see the truth that was right in front of her eyes. The truth that he was there, and had been there for over twenty-five years, waiting for her to accept him as her mate. He was Second to care for the Pride, but he longed to be he r equal within the Pride and above all else-her mate. He watched her as she walked into the bathroom. He heard the shower and knew she was bathing her soft, c reamy delicate skin. Sergio walked into the bathroom. He leaned ag ainst the door frame, crossing his powerful arms over his thick, m uscular chest. He was six-foot-four-inches tall, olive complexion, gray eyes and short, curly black hair. His chin was clean shaven. His long, dark lashes curled at the very ends. Sergio knew Elise desired him. Not only could he see her desire, he could smell it.
    “Do you want me to go with you? You know what! Better yet! I think I will go with you.” Without waiting for an answer or permission, he turned, starting for his bedroom. He knew he was pushing it, but he always felt that Elise was worth it and t hen some. He hated that she was so enthralled with a vampire. E specially Darian, whose reputation spoke for itself. Many who knew him compared him to a mob boss. He always seemed to be so well connected. The S.U.I.T. never seemed to hang around and monitor his popular establishments. Desires Unleashed didn't seem to get any undercover