Page 124 of Academy of the Wicked, Year One

I know she introduces herself as a hybrid, but I’m beginning to wonder if that’s all she is. Humans and vampires wouldn’t necessarily be considered hybrid potential, for that’s the normalcy for vampires.

Beings turned or born. Humans with heightened capabilities need the offering of blood to stay sane and manageable in our paranormal society.

Her witch qualities are in the realms of magic than they are in the aspects of supernatural shifters, leaving me to wonder why she’d label herself such.

Maybe that’s how those in her place of growth label it as.

Anything to emphasize she’s an outcast or monster.

“You’re dangerous,” I said, my voice a rough whisper, the corners of my lips curving into a faint, unbidden smile. “Leaves me wondering how lethal you can get with the right ammunition.”

Her smirk is everything, darkening her eyes that makes my heart skip a few beats. She really is a defiant little thing that could show strength at times everyone would least expect.

Like during the trials.

I’m already hearing the rumors. How all those cocky weak fuckers envy the power Gabriel portrayed. None of them know they were out beaten by a woman.

If they did, they would lose it.

“Then stop holding back,” she said, her voice commanding now, her wide eyes daring me to defy her.

Fuck…

The way my cock twitches at her spoken words that feel like some sort of command cuts that final string of restraint.

Of mercy…

It was all the invitation I needed. My lips claimed hers again, harder this time, the kiss searing with desperation and need. Her hands fisted in my hair, pulling me closer as I pressed her against the edge of the table.

The newspapers Mortimer had left scattered there crinkled beneath us before spilling to the floor in a flurry of pages. The sound barely registered; all that mattered was her—the way she clung to me, the way her body melted into mine.

My hands slid down her back, gripping her waist firmly before moving lower. The hem of the dress shirt —my shirt— rose under my touch, exposing more of her smooth, pale skin.

The sight of her, the feel of her, was enough to drive me to the brink of madness.

So soft…smells divine…and currently all mine to feast on.

“You’re exquisite,” I murmured against her lips, my voice rough with desire. My hands traced the curve of her hips, savoring the way her body responded to my touch.

When my fingers brushed the curve of her ass, I couldn’t hold back a low groan.

“So perfect, so tempting.”

Her breath hitched as my hands gripped her firmly, kneading the soft, plump flesh. The way she gasped, the way her nails dug into my shoulders, only spurred me on.

“You shouldn’t look like this in my clothes,” I said, my tone dark and teasing as I kissed a trail along her jaw. “You shouldn’t make me want you this badly.”

Her defiant grin is back as she smirks and moans at the way I suck at her flesh.

“Maybe I like it,” she shot back, her voice breathless but laced with defiance. “Maybe I want to see this perfect Fae lose control for once.”

Her words sent a jolt through me, a surge of magic flaring to life as my lips captured hers again.

The next kiss is a wild, desperate, clash of power and need that left us both breathless. My hands slid beneath the shirt, exploring the expanse of her bare skin as I pressed her back against the table.

Her legs wrapped around my waist, pulling me closer, anchoring me to her.

The bond mark pulsed brighter, its golden light spilling over both of us, illuminating the room with its ethereal glow. The energy between us crackled like a storm, wild and untamed as if the bond itself was urging us forward, demanding we surrender to it.

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