Pushing Boundaries

NB: As always, credit goes to

wildheartedangel

for editing this chapter. Enjoy!

***

5 years later

Alex was officially a junior associate of Beck, Johnston and partners. At twenty-seven, he was considered very lucky to have been offered a job even before he passed the bar examinations. And he earned it –spent the last five years studying hard and working pro bono at the legal clinic; sacrificing the parties, the girls, the trips back home –

Marine called it avoidance but Alex considered it strategic risk taking. And all that hard work has paid off hasn't it?

So today, he was going to celebrate; spoil his precious Marine silly with his first month's pay. He'd promised to take her shopping and knowing how she loved to shop, had promised no limits on what she could purchase.

Not wanting to be late, he rushed towards the lift, just in time before the doors closed.

"Hey new guy," said the only other person in the lift. Alex looked up to see a colleague smiling at him. Alex recognized him immediately. He was about an inch taller than Alex and had classic sharp features than women would describe as handsome. "I'm Riley Eos."

"Oh hi. I'm Alex MacFarlane. You're the guy who's been on leave the whole week right?"

Riley laughed. "Yeah. Damn cold."

"Feeling better?"

"I am. Want to go for a drink? My treat for the new guy," he offered with a wide smile.

Alex knew that his position as the newest staff would benefit from this small socializing. Riley was at least three years his senior and in the legal world you'd have to know whose boots to lick in order to get far –or so his roommate in law school said. But Alex had made a promise to Marine and he didn't want to break her heart.

"Maybe another day Riley. I've got a date."

Riley gave a low whistle. "Geez new guy. You're a fast one. First month on the job and already you've found a girl. Can I meet her?"

Alex laughed. "Sure. She should be waiting at the lobby."

A moment later, the two men strode across the lobby towards the sofas that were placed in the waiting area.

"Jesus Alex. You're dating Jade Raymond?" said Riley.

"Who?" Alex was perplexed. Did his colleague mistake Marine for someone else?

"Never mind. It was a compliment actually. Your lady's a beautiful woman."

Alex frowned. Was Riley trying to hit on his Marine? No way in hell.

"Hey Alex!" squealed Marine in excitement when she spotted him. Dressed in simple jeans and a cardigan over a faded t-shirt, she never turned heads... maybe until now.

"Hey Sweetie," he said as he hugged her.

"Are you going to introduce us?" urged Riley.

No, not really.

"Oh well... Marine, this is my colleague, Riley. Riley, this is my date, Marine."

Marine didn't take the hand that Riley offered but bowed her head slightly in acknowledgement.

Hah, take that!

"Alex must be the luckiest man to have such a beautiful girlfriend," said Riley charmingly. Alex frowned at the sight of Marine blushing. She'd better not open her mouth to say...

"Oh, I'm not his girlfriend. He's my obnoxious older brother."

DAMN that big mouth!

"Is that so?" said Riley with a smile. "It is nice to meet you Marine."

Marine was about to say something when Alex interrupted her.

"Uh, Riley, I'm sorry but we have to get going. I'll see you at work on Monday!" said Alex quickly, pulling Marine away before she could protest.

"He's cute," she commented as they exited the building.

"Keep your damn eyes to the front," he scowled.

"Why?"

"He's way too old for you and definitely too horny."

"How'd you know that? Did you sniff at him?" she asked in agitation, locking her eyes with his.

"All men want the same thing when they see a girl. And you qualify for easy prey."

"What!" Marine was flabbergasted. "Then what about you huh?"

"What about me?"

"You're a guy; so does that mean you only want one thing when you see a girl?" she snarled.

"Naturally," he answered.

"That is such double standard!" she shrieked, jabbing at him with her fingers only to have her wrists grabbed. She pulled her hand away angrily. "Stop!"

Alex intended to snap at her when he saw the hurt in her eyes.

"I'm sorry Sweetie..."

"What are you sorry for?" she asked.

"For whatever it is I said or did that's making you sad. I swear I didn't do it on purpose"

"Liar." Okay she knew him too well.

"Haven't I told you, no dating till you're thirty?"

"That's just ridiculous Alex! I'm twenty-two now. I'm not a child!"

"Well, then we'll make that forty."

Her lips were trembling as she stared at him in disbelief. "That's it! I'm going home!"

Then she was gone. Just like that; in a blink of an eye.

Damn! Now she's just impossible to find. Alex had found out about her ability over the years and both he and Alaron had helped her perfect it to the point where she could disappear from sight in less than a second.

***

Marine wasn't paying attention to where she was going but all she knew was that she needed to get away from Alex.

She'd been so happy when he called her to say he was taking her out shopping but then he always had to spoil everything by being the overbearing, overprotective idiot that he was. She was a legal adult now and if she wanted to date or drink or smoke or have sex with random strangers –that was

her

right.

Her father's voice rang in her head.

"Oh that's right, youngling Vampires have no right!" she shouted, not caring that she was amongst humans. So what? Not like they could hear what she said. By the time her voice travelled through the many layers of particles around her, it would have been fractured and barely heard.

"I bet Naira and Keona never had this problem," she muttered to herself; slowing down considerably until she was at a jogging pace. "I hate being me," she added sadly then took a seat on a nearby bench.

When her phone rang, Marine chose to ignore it. She knew who it was and wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of locating her. If he cared so much, he'd just have to put that stupid wolf nose of his to good use and find her himself!

Snarling to no one in particular, she got up and started walking aimlessly. It was only when she was walking past a row of shops that she spotted a familiar face. He was sitting outside Starbucks; cigarette in one hand and his phone in another. He looked relaxed and like a man without a care for the world.

Marine found herself walking towards him. She wasn't sure if he'd recognize her but didn't he say she was beautiful? Men don't just say that for fun if they don't mean it right?

"Umm, hi," she said awkwardly. Riley lifted his eyes and blinked back in surprise at the sight of her.

"Hi... Where's Alex?"

"Mmm, I ditched him."

He laughed then patted the seat beside him. "Guess I'd have to make up for your lost date then."

Marine smiled but didn't take a seat next to him. Instead she sat opposite him and dared herself to look at his face without blushing. She couldn't help it. He was really good looking...

okay

... he was inhumanely gorgeous. Or perhaps she was just biased. It wasn't like she had much opportunity to be this up close to the opposite sex.

Marine never dated much and most guys avoided her like a plague... simply because they didn't survive the 'stare test' by Alex. He'd stare at her dates until she was sure they'd melt on the spot under his searing inspection. After that, they never call back.

"So Marine, why are you here?" he asked.

"Oh... Umm, I was just wandering aimlessly until I saw you and decided to say hello."

He blew out a puff of smoke and gave her a considering look. "You don't look like the type to approach strange men you've just met. Aren't you afraid... of me?"

She stiffened. He was right. "Why should I be afraid?" she answered bravely.

He smiled; a slow, seductive smile that made her toes curl. "Because I'm much older than you and definitely more dangerous."

Yes... yes he was, she admitted but she could outrun him and she was definitely stronger than the average human. But she couldn't deny that she had subconsciously run towards his direction and sought him out.

"I'll be fine. We're in public," she pointed out. "You can't be that dangerous out here."

He smiled; sensuous lips curling up in an inviting stance. Marine wasn't sure she was breathing.

"So tell me about yourself," he said after awhile; his voice like silk against her skin.

Marine gulped slightly before speaking. "Well, I'm twenty-two this year and completing my last year in college."

"Ah, I knew you were intelligent," he commented. "Which course?"

"Umm... media graphics?" she said, controlling herself from stammering. He just complimented her!

"Somehow I knew my instincts were right when I pegged you for a Jade Raymond," he said, smiling at her. "And I know that you're not related to Alex."

Marine stiffened. If he was a Vampire, she would have said he could read her mind but he was just a human... such instincts were incredible.

"Why'd you say that?" she asked, not wanting to confirm anything.

"You have some traces of an Asian lineage and Alex... well I know one of his parents is Black."

"You're such an observant fella aren't you?" she laughed. "Yeah, well we're more like distant cousins. We grew up together and Alex just decided to adopt himself as my older brother along the way."

"He's protective of you."

"Yes."

"Don't you think he'll be upset that you're alone with me right now?"

Marine smiled. "He will. In fact, he'll try to stare you into a meltdown if he could. But since you're older, you might win this time."

"You're adorable Marine... but I probably should send you home," he said, getting up. "As much as I'd like to take you to bed, I won't. Alex would kill me and I have a feeling your parents would be worried if you don't return home tonight."

Marine's eyes widened at his blunt admission. Did he say take her to bed? This sexy handsome man wants her in his bed?

"Oh," she said softly, clearly disappointed that he wanted to cut short their interlude. "Yes, home it is I suppose..."

Riley kept his promise. He took her home without even once touching her. As they rounded the corner into her neighbourhood, she told him to stop.

"Are we there yet?" he asked.

"No. I... I want to ask you something," she said, looking up at him. "About what you said earlier... about taking me to bed..."

He smiled. "Changed your mind?"

"No!" she burst out. "No I mean... did you really mean it?"

"Honey, you look like sex. Who wouldn't want to have you as their own?"

She didn't look like she believed him. "Are you married?" she blurted out before covering her mouth in a gasp. Where did that come from?

Riley cocked his head slightly and stared at her. "I have no time for marriage... nor relationships. That is why I'm sending you home."

Marine didn't understand.

"You don't deserve just a one night stand Marine. You're full of innocence and intelligence and I don't want to spoil that," he said, pressing his foot down on the gas to finally bring the car to the front of her home. "Besides, it looks like you already have two angry and worried men waiting for you," he said dryly.

Marine didn't even dare to look. His words struck deep inside her and it hurt. Rejection was such a bitch.

"Good night Riley. Thank you... for everything," she said tonelessly as she got out of the car to face the music.

Alex was staring at the car as though his gaze could burn through the vehicle. She could scent his wolf coming to the fore as he approached her.

"I..." she stammered but was silenced with a sharp slap... from her mother. Marine blinked in surprise. Erika

never

laid a hand on her ever.

"Mom..."

"Go to your room. Now." Erika's voice was controlled and firm. Marine didn't argue.

When she was safely inside, Erika turned to the two men glowering at her. "This is all your fault!" she accused. "You baby her too much that she has to get into cars with strange men to prove that she's not a child anymore."

"Man... Aunt Erika it's not..." Alex tried to protest but one heated look from the petite woman made him shut up.

"One more time you lose my baby girl... I'll swear I'll cut you up and feed you to the vultures!"

"Honey... don't be so..."

"Don't try to sweet talk me out of this Alaron. You're just as guilty. Now get in you two!"

Marine managed to catch her mother's words and smiled. How's that for revenge?

***

"I've been looking over your report and I find it... intriguing."

"How may I improve it Sir?"

The man called Sir turned to the baritone-voiced woman as though expecting a response.

"We still know nothing much about our two main subject of enquiry," she said.

"With all due respects Madam, I have established the theory that their main source of abilities derive from copying the abilities of others... but I will need the actual subjects present to prove this hypothesis."

"At this moment, it is still not feasible. They are too closely guarded," said Sir.

"Then we have to set the trap," said Madam. "Take out their weakest link. They'll come for her."

The man holding the report gasped. "But Madam! She is one of us!"

But the man called Sir laughed. "Pawns must be sacrificed for the greater good. Dismissed."

"Yes... yes sir..."

***

When Monday came round, Alex didn't feel like going to his office. He was dreading the moment he'd bump into Riley. Although the guy did return his Marine untouched, Alex was still suspicious of him.

But the fact remains that Riley was still his senior and he had promised himself that he wouldn't let personal problems interfere with his job. Yeah right.

He saw the takeaway Starbucks cup on his desk the second he stepped into his office and knew immediately who it came from –the note placed below it was evident enough:

Here's my peace offering. –R

Alex stared at the cup warily then chucked it into his trashcan. What if it was poisoned? From his corner cubicle, he could spot Riley leaning back in his seat, taking a sip out of his own coffee cup. The guy looked too relaxed for his own good.

An email alert pulled his attention from scowling at his colleague. Opening it, Alex almost bit his tongue trying not to burst out in response.

Stop staring at me or the others are going to think you have a crush on me. It's bad enough that your sister has one.

Throwing a furtive glance towards Riley, Alex turned to his desktop and replied back furiously to the email.

Stay away from her.

Maybe.

I'm warning you.

Is that a threat? Don't forget I'm your senior in this office.

Fine. We settle this like men after office hours.

There was no instant reply this time. A glance towards Riley's cubicle showed that he was on the phone with someone, possibly a client. Not wanting to appear too occupied with waiting for his answer, Alex decided to leaf through his latest case. It was a straight forward case of fraud and he was understudying one of his senior colleagues as it was only his first case. It was really important that he did well for this case or he'd be relegated back to boring office chores. The previous weeks, he had been assigned research assignments and that had bored him to death.

A 'ping' on his desk top shifted his gaze from the files to the screen.

Let's talk over lunch.

It took forever for lunchtime to finally arrive but when it did, Alex quickly cornered Riley before he had a chance to escape –not that Riley had any intentions of escaping. In Alex's opinion, the bastard looked like he had far too much time on his hands and was simply taunting him.

Riley didn't say a word to him as they squeezed into the lift with many others and only spoke once they exited the building.

"I'm grabbing a sub." It wasn't phrased as a statement nor a question but from the tone of his voice Alex understood that he was asking if Alex wanted to join him or get his lunch somewhere else.

"Sub's fine." Plus it was just around the corner. They'd get their tummy's fill and then talk.

"Don't be so grumpy Alex. You're scaring the girls away," he commented, jerking his thumb in the direction of some girls passing their way. Alex ignored him and didn't say anything until they got in line.

"I really appreciate you sending her home last night... untouched."

"I don't do coworkers and their family. It's a personal policy," said Riley with a smile directed at the server. He rattled his order and went down the bar to the counter, waiting for Alex. "But of course, there are always exceptions."

Alex had to resist growling in public; his wolf was dying to come out and claw Riley's pretty face. "Get someone your own age Riley. Come on... we both know she's just going to be another face, another fuck then you'll forget her."

Leaning against a railing, Riley shrugged as he bit into his sandwich. "You think so little of your precious gem's value."

"Our job doesn't allow us time to date much less have relationships Riley. You and I both know that. I don't want her to be just another tissue in your box that you use and throw."

Riley considered that a challenge. "I could prove you wrong."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because she's mine and I say no."

"Don't you think she's old enough to decide for herself?"

Alex gave him one long suffering look then, "No."

A warm bubbly laughter spilled out from Riley's throat, almost choking him as he was trying to laugh while swallowing his food.

"Damn Alex. You're a hard bargain... but it's good set skill to have. You're going to need it for your first case," he said with a wink.

Alex simply stared at him.

"You're my...?" No way in hell...

"I could be. You're either assigned to me or Jonah from the sixth floor but since I'm more senior than him and we share the same office space –you're mine."

Alex narrowed his eyes at Riley. "You play dirty Eos."

He gave an amused smile and shrug. "Second set skill. Lots to learn little one. Lots to learn."

Alex scoffed down the remainder of his sub and stormed back to his office. He didn't know which was more annoying: Riley wanting to date Marine or Riley pulling him by the nose through his first ever case. Damn!

***

Marine had no idea why she just ran close to 30miles from her university to Los Angeles... okay, she

had

an idea why but she was pretending to be in denial.

She wanted to see him again... even if it were from a distance. There was just something about him that pulled at her; calling out to her as though he was her... well she was about to say mate but she didn't think so. Marine believed in God but she didn't believe that He would be so nice to send her an Adonis to be her mate. This was just a crush... and it would go away.

Even then, Marine knew it was stupid to be perched on top a tree fifty feet from the Starbucks where she had met him earlier, hoping to catch a glimpse of him again today. She was thankful that the streetlights had somehow fused so she was doused in darkness. It was an added precaution.

Besides, he might not even come here tonight... but she was willing to take the chance. However she wasn't going to come any closer to him if he did appear for she didn't want his scent to cling on to her. That would probably spell immediate death... okay, being grounded for a month by her dad. Why does he have to behave like an ancient Vampire when he's not even a hundred yet?

Marine sat patiently for the next hour, hiding amidst the shadows but all the while keeping an eye out for him. In fact, she almost fell off the branch when she saw him walking towards the coffee house. Almost on cue, he turned slightly to look in her direction but Marine knew that he couldn't see her. No human could see through that thick miasma of darkness... right?