Page 188 of Dark Fate

In the aftermath, he pulls me tight against him, his lips skimming my neck, tasting the salt of my sweat. We're breathless, our hearts pounding erratically, our bodies quaking in the aftershocks. "You drive me out of my fucking mind," I whisper, my voice soft and sated.

A smirk plays on his lips as he nuzzles my neck. "Good. That's exactly where I aim to keep you, baby. Right at the edge, begging for more."

Sashaying back to the table, I find Emily standing at attention, her face a cocktail of worry and nosiness. "You good, girl?" Her eyes give me a once-over like she's searching for clues.

My ass is sore in all the right ways, giving my walk a distinct "just got royally fucked" swagger— like I just hopped off a mechanical bull. The knowing looks from everyone at the table confirm that my post-sex glow is on full display: tousled hair, smudged lipstick... the whole "thoroughly ravished" package.

I flash Em a cheeky grin. "Oh, I'm peachy. Just needed a little... private chit-chat." I throw her a wink that says, "Get ready for the juicy deets, babe." She's gonna have a field day when I spill the tea on this steamy sesh.

Let's just say Rhyland's given her enough ammo to tease me 'til the cows come home. That man knows how to leave an impression in more ways than one!

Lucian, never one to miss an opportunity for a smart-ass comment, "Can you guys ever go anywhere without acting like horny teenagers? Seriously, it's like watching a fucking National Geographic special on the mating habits of the sexually frustrated."

He leans back in his chair, a shit-eating grin plastered across his face. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm all for a good ol' fashioned bathroom bang sesh. But you two? You're like rabbits on Viagra. It's almost impressive, in a slightly disturbing way."

Rhyland shoots him a lazy glare, not quite angry but clearly growing annoyed.

"Alright, alright!"Lucianholds up his hands, his grin never leaving his face. "I can take a hint. I'll just be over here, basking in the afterglow of your sexual exploits. Don't mind me."

He winks at me, blowing an exaggerated kiss, and I can't help but laugh. Insufferable pain in the ass though he may be,Luciancertainly knows how to keep things interesting.

Never a dull moment with this crew, that's for damn sure.

Rhyland

88

My fingers drum on the steering wheel, my eyes fixed on the dark road ahead. Three days of non-stop strategizing and planning, and here we are, heading straight into the lion's den—Thornwood Castle. What a fitting name for a place crawling with witches.

I glance up at the night sky, the full moon looming ominously. It's like the universe is setting the stage for some seriously spooky shit. Could the atmosphere be any more on the nose? All we're missing is some fog and a few ominous raven caws.

I sigh, shaking my head. But atmosphere aside, we've got a solid plan. We discovered their weakness: once those witches link up during their ritual, they're all connected. Kill one, and the whole lot of them goes down like a supernatural domino effect.

Dani and Erik are in the back seat of Lucian's SUV, with Lucian riding shotgun beside me. Emily and Sable follow close behind in her car.

I grip the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles white as we fly southbound toward our destination. The tension in the car is palpable, an undercurrent of anxiety and determination. We're heading into the unknown and every second counts.

The only wild card is the numbers. We still don't know how many will attend this shindig.

I tighten my grip on the wheel, my jaw clenched with determination. But it doesn't matter. However many there are, we'll take them down. We've come too far to back out now.

As we make our way through the dark, winding streets, I can't help but do a double-take at Lucian's getup. Seated next to me, he's decked out in a medieval ensemble, complete with a billowing cloak, a doublet that looks like it's been through the wars, and a pair of tights that leave absolutely nothing to the imagination.

Lucian rubs his hands together like a mad scientist about to unleash his latest abomination, a shit-eating grin stretched across his face. "Oh, this is gonna be fan-fucking-tastic! Sure, it's just a bunch of hocus pocus fuckery, but any chance to rain on these witches' parade is like Christmas come early for me."

I shoot him a sharp look, my patience wearing thin. "For fuck's sake, Lucian, this isn't a game. We're about to walk into a fucking snake pit, and you're treating it like a joke."

He holds his hands up, eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Whoa there, big guy. Dial back the alpha male rage, will ya? I know this is serious business, but lighten up a little. We're about to fuck up some witches and save the world. I want to have some fun!"

I grit my teeth, my jaw clenching so hard I'm surprised my molars don't crack. "Lucian, I swear to god, if you don't start taking this seriously, I will personally shove a stake so far up your ass you'll be coughing up splinters for a week."

He clutches his chest, staggering back dramatically. "Oh, be still my beating heart! I love it when you talk dirty to me, Rhy. But seriously, I get it. This is life-or-death shit. I'm just trying to lighten the mood. Besides, I've tangled with scarier bitches than these discount Charmed rejects. I ain't afraid of no ghost... or witch, or whatever."

I take a deep breath to calm myself. As much as I hate to admit it, the bastard has a point. We can't afford to let our emotions get the best of us, not when the stakes are this high.

"Fine," I growl. "But if you fuck this up, if you put any of us in danger because you couldn't keep your damn mouth shut, I will personally rip your fucking head off and use it as a footstool. Are we clear?"

Lucian mimes, zipping his lips, a mischievous glint still dancing in his eyes. "Crystal, boss man. I'll be on my best behavior, scout's honor."

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