Page 35 of Shaped By Darkness

Harlow, for example, Pike did that because it was the only way he could think to keep her safe.

Serena isn’t in danger with Ryker, despite what Garrett might think. We’ve been going to that clearing for weeks now, and I’ve never seen a hint that he might harm her.

If anything, the look in his eyes hints at other feelings I’m not sure he’s even aware of.

Even so, these trainings are taking a toll on Serena. She’s been pushing herself as hard as she can, desperate to get control of her powers in order to save Lyle. I hate watching her push herself so hard, unable to help or carry the burden, but there’s nothing I can do.

Nothing but be there for her the same way I always have been and always will be.

At breakfast, Serena was damn near passing out while eating. She blamed it on having found a good book and staying up toolate reading. It’s not out of character for her, and the others easily accepted it, all but me and Pike, who knew better.

With her on my back, I walk to the library, the sound of her soft snores making my lips pull up in a grin. I’d tried to get her to go back to the room and nap, but she’d insisted we go to the library and continue our search for answers that I’m almost positive aren’t here.

She’d been so tired I was afraid she was going to fall down the damn stairs, so I offered her a ride. I knew she wouldn't be able to resist.

Which is why I’ve been walking around the castle for the last hour to let her get a little bit of sleep.

Finally, I move into the library, the large door falling closed silently behind me. The smell of old parchment and leather fills my senses, the sweet smell of the tree mixing with them. It’s no wonder Serena loves it here. I mean, she always loved libraries, but something about this one is different in a way I can’t explain.

I roam the shelves, searching for anything that might stand out, anything that might help us, but as always, I come up empty-handed.

Ryker seems to think that Serena can save Lyle, and after watching the way she can boost my powers and her growth from training with him, I’m inclined to agree, which is why the library feels like a waste of time.

Serena shifts, and her breathing changes, her soft snores stopping as she wakes up.

“Were you going to let me sleep all day?” she asks, and I hear her smile even if I can’t see it.

“Not all day, just enough so that you aren’t a danger to yourself anymore.”

An hour is better than nothing, which is about what she was working on before this.

“I wasn't a danger to myself,” she says, and I swear she really believes that.

We emerge from the shelves in front of the tree, and I stop. No matter how many times I see it, or how often we are here, it still takes my breath away.

“You almost ran into the wall this morning on the way to breakfast.” I resume walking, heading to our spot at the base of the tree with her still on my back. The fact that she doesn’t even attempt to get down fills me with pride. Taking care of Serena is all I’ve ever wanted, and when she lets me, it’s everything.

Serena scoffs and smacks my shoulder as if I’m lying, but we both know I’m not.

“Well, I’m sorry, not all of us can just survive with no sleep,” she grumbles, flinging herself forward. Her arms hang over my shoulders, chest pressed against my back, head nuzzled to the back of my neck so that I can feel every breath.

Fuck.

Having her in my arms has always been my weakness, long before I had her, but now… now that I’ve tasted her, made her mine—she’s the most potent drug.

One of the worst things about this realm is the clothes. They might not shred when we shift, but they do nothing to hide arousal, the soft material tenting the way pajama pants would.

How do they not have jeans?

“Why are you so quiet?” Leaning forward, she nibbles on my ear, and I hiss out a breath, which she finds hilarious.

“Watch it, little one.”

She doesn’t realize she’s playing a dangerous game.

The smell of her arousal hits me like a punch to the gut. I breathe it in as if I need it to survive.

Or maybe she knows exactly what she’s doing.

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