Page 57 of Fated for Dawn

My chest tightened, a rush of emotions—relief, frustration, and something far deeper—swelling inside me. But instead of saying any of that, what came out was:

“Well, you’ve got a lot to make up for, so…you’d better do that again.”

His lips twitched—just slightly—before I grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him to me, kissing him like my life depended on it.

Despite everything, I didn’t want to talk. I wanted to feel.

His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer, and his lips met mine with that same desperate intensity like he’d been waiting forever for this moment.

As our magic surged, the air around us shifted. I could feel his magic wrapped around mine, warm and steady, as mine responded, fierce and unyielding.

My hands slid to his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss, and I felt a rush of heat as the strands of our magic fused and intertwined. I could feel the resonance humming in my very bones. It wasn’t just a kiss but a claiming, a binding of souls that went far beyond physical touch. His essence blended with mine, wrapping around my core and settling there as it had always belonged.

When we broke apart, gasping for air, faint wisps of our combined magic still lingered between us. They shimmered and twisted together, growing brighter as they intertwined before fading.

“Wow,” I whispered, the word barely audible over the thundering of my heart.

“Wow, indeed,” he murmured, his forehead resting against mine, his arms still wrapped around me. I felt the lingering hum of his magic deep inside me, tethered to mine in a way that felt whole.

As I looked up, I noticed Lucien smiling—really smiling. It wasn’t his usual smirk or guarded expression. This expression was unrestrained and genuine, transforming his face and making him look younger and lighter like some unseen weight had been lifted.

He was beautiful…and he was mine.

22

Evelyn

Sunday rolled around, bringing clear skies and a perfect day for training. I’d invited a few friends to join the session: Adrien, who was quickly becoming a master shielder, and Raven, whose spellcasting abilities would be invaluable. They had insisted on being included, and despite my desire to protect them, there was no convincing them otherwise.

To my surprise, Ryker had invited Viper. The cocky shifter sauntered over, his usual air of confidence intact, though something about him seemed slightly more approachable.

Viper smirked as he rolled his shoulders. “So, what’s the plan, crazy witch? Gonna hex me mid-spar?”

I scoffed, stretching my arms. “Nah. Thought I’d give you a fighting chance.”

Viper chuckled. “How generous of you.”

“Don’t get used to it,” I said. “You know, I think you might actually be starting to like me.”

Viper scoffed. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“That wasn’t a no.”

For a second, he looked like he wanted to argue—but instead, he just grumbled and walked away, shaking his head.

After introductions were made, everyone began settling into the training drills Rafe had us doing, the energy buzzing with exertion.

Adrien couldn’t stop doing double-takes at his brother; his brows knitted in confusion. Finally, he blurted out, “Okay, seriously, what’s up with you?” His gaze locked on Lucien. “You’re grinning like a fool. It’s…weird.”

I suppressed a laugh as Lucien’s smile only grew wider.

Chad leaned in with a sly grin. “Oh, he’s in love. That’s what’s got him all soft and smiley.”

Adrien groaned. “Yeah, no kidding. But why is he smilingnow?” His sharp gaze turned to me, then back to Lucien. “Wait. Don’t tell me youfinallytold her.”

“I did,” Lucien replied, grabbing my hand with affection.

I couldn’t hide the smile that spread across my cheeks. “Yep,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant but failing miserably. “Lucien and I are fated mates. He was just…a little late to the party.”

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