Page 77 of Fated for Dawn

He opened the book to a marked page. “The eternal flame within. It can be both a source of strength and a consuming fire. Balancing it is crucial.”

I watched his face as he read, taking in the slight furrow of his brow, the lines of concentration.

I snuggled closer to him. “What else does it say?”

He glanced at the book and then back at me. “Would you like me to read it to you?”

I rested my head against his shoulder, closing my eyes as he began to read.

“The phoenix is a creature of paradox, both mortal and immortal, fragile and indestructible. Its tears can heal, its song can inspire, yet its touch can burn.”

“Song?” I cut him off, raising an eyebrow. “There’s no way I’m singing.”

He smiled slightly and continued, “To be a phoenix is to walk a tightrope between life and death, to carry the weight of eternity in a single, blazing heart.” Lucien’s voice deepened as he read, each word rumbling through my chest. “The phoenix, rarest of all magical creatures…”

As he read, I felt myself getting lost in the melodic cadence of his voice. The words painted a vivid picture in my mind—phoenixes rising from ashes, their flames burning away all impurities—reborn, stronger than before.

“The first transformation is always the most difficult,” Lucien intoned. “As the phoenix sheds its mortal skin, the pain can be overwhelming.”

I shivered. Lucien’s arm tightened around my waist, anchoring me.

“But from the ashes, the phoenix emerges anew, its inner fire burning brighter than ever before.” He looked up from the book, his eyes meeting mine. “Well, rebirth is nothing new for you.”

I swallowed hard. “I guess not.”

His steady, soothing voice flowed over me as he kept reading, a comforting warmth spreading through my heart, making me feel safe and loved. Yet, there was another kind of warmth—the feel of his body pressed against mine, his hand on my arm, and his breath in my hair. My heart picked up, racing from the story and the quiet intimacy of the moment. The words he was reading faded into the background, and all I could focus on was him—his presence, his warmth, and how much I loved this softer side of him.

Suddenly, Lucien paused, his gaze shifting from the book to my face.

“What is it?” I asked, my heart picking up pace. That look was pure hunger.

He leaned closer, his breath hot against my ear. “You know what I like more than reading about phoenixes?” His voice dropped to a whisper. “Getting to taste my mate’s pussy for the first time.”

I inhaled sharply.

Holy shit, did Lucien just say that?

A rush of heat pooled low in my stomach.

“What are you waiting for then?” I said with more confidence than I actually felt.

His lips curved into a wicked grin, and without hesitation, he gripped my waist and lifted me off him, the ancient tome forgotten.

“Remove your panties,” he ordered, voice low and insistent. “Sit on my desk and spread your legs.”

Of course, Lucien would be bossy. I should have known, but you know what? It kind of worked for me.

At his command, a rush of exhilaration coursed through me. With deliberate slowness, I removed my underwear, feeling both bold and vulnerable under the weight of his gaze. The wood was cool beneath me as I positioned myself just right for him.

“Good girl,” Lucien murmured appreciatively. “Look at you—all open for me.”

He sat before me, inching closer until I could feel the warmth radiating from him.

I swallowed hard as he buried his face between my thighs. A gasp escaped my lips when his tongue flicked against my clit—deliciously teasing at first before he devoured me completely.

“Goddess!” I moaned, throwing my head back in delight.

And then he drove two fingers deep inside my vagina without warning, curling them just right while his tongue teased my clit—hard enough to keep me on edge but soft enough not to push me over just yet.

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