Page 76 of Tangled Power
Time passed. Beyond the scenes of his life, she fell into a darkness like none she’d experienced. It was a comforting unknown. Here, his magic finally stopped, asking her to spread her power and feel him—all of him.
Her eyes fluttered, and she whispered, “I found it,” as she felt his lips brush hers in the present reality.
Closing her eyes tightly again, she sank back to where their magics knit together in the darkness. His power was no mystery. It was insistent and could be overwhelming, but it cared for its own. Luc was the same. He could intimidate, and he could terrify. But he was searching for somethingsofter. A place where he didn’t have to. His magic could create safety if given the chance, and he fought to secure it for himself and those he loved.
And she was one of those he loved.
As he was one of hers.
Her breath caught with a swell of emotion that overcame her as she concluded her evaluation.
She kept her eyes closed and stepped away from him in the workshop, pulling her magic back. It seemed to return to her through her internal lake of power instead of his tunnel. She didn’t have time to consider what this meant as she poured her feelings and understanding into the blade before her. She knew what Luc needed—she’d known all along. It was the part of him that she’d been drawn to.
A weapon that could help him create that safe space for his loved ones. He was a weapon—his power was a weapon. This blade would amplify his intention to not have to be—to find another path.
She lost track of time as she worked.
He moved toward her. His steps faltered as she took a final swing, pushing the last pieces of power into his weapon. She felt his arms cage her from behind, his body staying carefully out of danger.
She leaned into his strength and the rich smell of his magic still floating throughout the forge. It surrounded her. She sealed the essence of it into the blade and carefully cooled it with her magic. The heat in his gaze set her senses on fire. The moment the sword was out of her hands, Luc’s mouth was back on hers.
Their magics’ newfound intimacy was apparent in their kiss. His tongue slid over hers, and their power circled every point at which they made a physical connection. Luc’s hands ran down her body. His magic followed, leaving a current that felt like a physical thing in its wake.
Rose yanked him towards her, needing no distance between them like there was no distance between their magic now. The connection was something she never thought possible, something she couldn’t put words to. Deepening their kiss, their magic swept again around them. Rose had the good sense to walk Luc backward, moving away from the fire. Her lips didn’tleave his longer than necessary to open her eyes and ensure they didn’t crash into anything in the workshop.
Her wind swept around them, clearing a corner of the shop, and weapons flew off the wall as she pressed Luc against it. Hot and demanding, his mouth trailed down her neck again, distracting her as he spun them, her back now pressed against the mountain cavern. She didn’t mind as his hands slipped under her shirt to tug it over her head. His lips found her exposed breasts. He worshiped her, his mouth sucking as his tongue teased her peaked nipple. She leaned back, her fingers running through his hair, pulling him closer.
His mouth moved across her skin, and she reached for him. She groaned when she realized he was still clothed. She needed less between them—nothing between them. Their magic swirled in agreement with her unspoken thought.
“I need you,” she said. “Now.” Their entangled limbs rushed to finish undressing, another moan slipping from her as his fingers caressed her flesh. “Luc,” she cried as two fingers eagerly plunged inside her—her body more than ready for him. Her voice was unrecognizable as she urged him on.
“You certainly don’t have to beg, Rose,” he said with a wicked smile. He chuckled as his magic lifted her from the ground. His hands moved to grip her waist, her legs wrapped around his torso, and he brought them together.
She gasped as their bodies joined, the rightness of their physical connection more than she could take. His power held her, allowing his hands to roam as he set a steady pace.
His magic was everywhere, along with his hands, teeth, and lips. His power—an additional whisper over her bare skin—caressed her as they moved together. She sank into the thick essence of it around her, trusting herself to its hold. The grip of her legs loosened around Luc’s waist as she angled her hips. He had her exactly where he wanted her, his fingers teasingthat bundle of nerves as he thrust into her. Each stroke had her body tightening—her pleasure building. He caught her moan of release with his lips in another claiming kiss. Her toes uncurling, her body softening was all he needed. His fingers tightened again on her waist as he followed her over the edge.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Luc wasn’t surprised to find Carter, Arie, and Juliette waiting by the water after they emerged from the workshop.
So much for testing this without everyone watching.
He tucked his chin and strode forward. No one would get the satisfaction of seeing him hesitate. The sword Rose made was still warm at his hip. The familiarity of his magic radiated through the steel.
He touched the sword hilt reverently. Her magic still lingered on it. He might like that most of all. It wasn’t so much a surprise as a confirmation of what he knew.He’d learned not to underestimate her—and he hadn’t—but he was sure theirbondhad driven her power to new heights.
It shouldn’t be possible—but there it was.
His finger caressed the sword hilt again as he walked. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he was glad to have this weapon for the battle that was sure to come. No matter what he was to Aterra, or Aterra’s plans for him, he wanted his power to be a weapon the Compass Points could wield. The way the sword pulsed with a mix of his and Rose’s magic would only make that easier.
His magic reached toward the lake as his steps brought him closer to the island beach. As if it knew what this test would prove. Rosewood and vanilla hit his nose. Her magic reached for his. Her magic had just had him—all of him. His lip twitched in satisfaction as he realized it wanted more.
Her fingers intertwined with his, slowing his progress. He should have known Rose would be exactly where he needed her. She tugged him back, stopping his trek to the water. He got a minute to breathe without Carter, Juliette, and Arie staring at him and wondering if he was nervous. He turned to face her, and noted the sly smile lighting her face. She was most breathtaking when mischievous.
“Have you thought about what you will do if it works?” she asked. Her voice was low, loud enough only for him.
He shook his head. He was usually very thorough, but this had him out of sorts. He had given up wondering who his father was at the age of ten—convincing himself that his past no longer mattered when his future clearly held the position of Suden Point. He had been an idiot. And he was still suppressing his emotional turmoil now.
