Page 8 of Wings of Shadow
The room around us disappears as I descend into a haze of pure lust. I can smell the light scent of Scarlett’s Versace Crystal Noir mingled with the musky perfume of arousal, but it’s the ghostly aroma of Clarissa’s Chanel Coco Mademoiselle that fills my senses, teasing my nostrils and heightening my desire. With each flick of Scarlett’s tongue, I envision it’s Clarissa’s lips on me, her inexperienced touch firing a hunger within me that no amount of experience could ever match.
As I feel myself reaching the edge, I open my eyes to see Scarlett’s face etched with an expression of pure concentration. Her sapphire orbs are nowhere near the pale hue of Clarissa’s; they don’t hold the same depth, the same allure. But for now, they will have to do. Picturing those eyes staring up at me, I release myself into her willing mouth with a primal growl. Her lips tighten around me, milking every last drop of pleasure from my spent body.
As the haze clears, Scarlett looks up at me, her lipstick smudged and hair disheveled, yet she still manages to exude an air of sensuality that would make any man weak at the knees.
But not me. My eyes harden as I return my arousal to its boundaries and fasten my pants.
“Cassandra isn’t the only one I have my sights set on,” I say casually, adjusting my tie. “I want you to find me everything there is to know about Clarissa Draken.”
Scarlett blinks up at me in surprise, but she recovers quickly, wiping the remnants of our encounter from her mouth with the back of her hand. “Of course, sir,” she purrs, and rising to her feet, she adjusts her blouse and smooths down her skirt. “Is there anything else you desire?” Her cool indifference, a sharp contrast to the blazing heat she just ignited in me.
I run my fingers through my hair, shoving away the image of Clarissa’s angelic face that lingered in my mind’s eye. “No, that will do for now,” I say coldly.
Without a single word, I unlock the door and step out into the deserted hallway, straightening my suit jacket as if nothing has happened.
The memory of Clarissa’s countenance still burns in my mind, an unquenchable fire stoked with this encounter with Scarlett, serving only to fuel the flame. A part of me loathes myself for using her as a stand-in for what I truly crave, but another part doesn’t care as long as it sates my desires—however temporarily.
6
CLARISSA
When Cassandra joins us in the library’s parlor, sinking into the plush armchair with a heavy sigh, I immediately sense something’s wrong. The exhaustion that emanates from her goes beyond ordinary pregnancy fatigue—there’s a tension in her shoulders, a wariness in her expression that sets my nerves on edge.
“Seven weeks along, and I already feel like I’ve been pregnant for an eternity,” she admits, her hand resting protectively on her barely there bump.
“I remember the first time I sensed the flutter of life within me,” the Grand Witch begins, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. “It was as if the world had suddenly become more vibrant, more alive.”
Juliette launches into cheerful reminiscences about her own pregnancies. But I find myself studying Cassandra’s face, noting the way her gaze keeps drifting to the windows, as if she’s expecting something—or someone.
“Have you heard from Dristan?” The question slips out before I can stop myself. “Does he know about the baby?”
The room falls silent. Cassandra’s countenance pales, her hand tightening on her stomach. Instantly, I regret my words.
“I’m sorry,” I stammer, mortified. “I shouldn’t have—” I bite my lip, wincing inwardly. Gods, they’ve only just confided this secret to me, and here I am, blurting it out thoughtlessly. How could I be so careless?
“It’s all right,” Cassandra whispers, though her voice trembles. “No, he doesn’t know. And he can’t...” She takes a shaky breath. “As long as I carry Gavriil’s brand, Dristan can never come close to me again. The Ursa King’s magic is too strong.”
The pain in her tone is unmistakable, but beneath it, I detect fear.
Juliette reaches for her hand, voice firm but gentle. “You are never alone, my dear. This family stands with you—always.”
Cassie nods, blinking fast, and Juliette, ever the balm, adds with a wink, “Besides, think of all the babysitters you’ll have. I, for one, fully intend to spoil this little one rotten.”
The mood lightens, laughter bubbling around us. Cassie tilts her head, eyes twinkling. “Speaking of family... someone pulled off a rather extravagant birthday party recently.”
My cheeks hopelessly burn.
Meanwhile, Juliette settles into her seat, pleased. “Nikolaas transformed that ballroom into a dream. Flowers, music, gowns—it was pure magic.”
Cassandra sighs, her gaze distant. “You looked radiant, Clarissa. Like something bloomed in you that night.”
“He did work hard,” I admit, a smile tugging at my lips. “The staff probably needed a week to recover from his constant adjustments.”
Juliette laughs. “Classic Nik. Always perfecting, always giving his best to those he loves.”
“It’s true,” I say, quieter now. “He’s been my anchor these past weeks.”
The Grand Witch smiles warmly. “And you are his pride, Clarissa. I see it in him. We all do.”
