He moves so stealthily and quietly. Like a shadow.
Well, I’d hoped he was going to follow me here. Isn’t that why I’m here on the balcony all by myself?
“Mr. Rykov,” I say quietly without turning to look at him.
“Persephone.” He moves to stand beside me so that we’re both looking over the view.
The sound of my name rolling off his tongue sends shivers down my spine. I feel the sizzle of warmth and electricity from the close proximity of our bodies.
“I believe we have a connection that warrants discussion.”
I swallow. “Is there much to discuss?”
“No.” His deep voice melts my insides like butter, but his words chill me. “I think it’s better that you stay away from me.”
I turn to gawk at his perfect profile as he stares out into the distance. In this light, his chiseled features seem more prominent, as if he’s carved from marble. Cold and hard and unyielding yet so achingly beautiful.
“But I’m—”
“My erasthai,” he reluctantly admits, still staring out into the distance. I get the feeling he’s trying hard not to look at me. “I suspected it the moment I saw you. I invited you to dance to confirm it.”
“That’s what that was?”
“Yes. And now I know.”
Then he turns his head to look at me. “And you should know that I intend to mark someone else. Don’t waste your time on me.” The intensity of those icy-blue eyes hits me right in the chest. It almost knocks the breath out of my body.
For a minute, I just stand there, staring at him, unable to fully comprehend what he just said. “Why?” I whisper, truly confused yet mesmerized.
“Nobody should know about us either.” He takes a step closer to me, as if he can’t help himself. He’s so close I can feel his body heat in the cool night air. I can smell his wonderful, heady scent.
I can feel the buzz of electricity in the air between us. My heartbeat and my body temperature rise. I can see hunger and longing in his captivating eyes as he stares down at me.
He lifts a hand to touch my face. It’s just a ghost of a touch, and I almost sway into it.
Then he’s gone before I fully grasp what he meant. He leaves me staring at the empty doors of the balcony.
Oh no.
Did he just say that to me? Really? Did I just get rejected by my non-mate?
I look at the door that he disappeared through and smile.
I’m Persephone Aspen Ruiz, and I will make Darius Ivanovic Rykov want me.
I know he wants me. I see the way he can’t keep his eyes off me. I won’t give up until I get what I want, and what I want is that dangerous, beautiful lycan.
I walk back inside, more determined than ever, and spot him before he re-enters the ballroom. I practically sprint to plant myself squarely in front of the doors.
He stops, a flicker of annoyance crossing his perfect features. “You are blocking my way.”
“Am I? Little old me?” I tilt my head, feigning innocence. “I’m hardly a stone golem. Maybe you’re just afraid to admit you want to stay.”
His icy-blue eyes narrow. “Do not presume to know my desires.”
“Oh, I think I have a pretty good idea,” I retort, crossing my arms. “I’m your erasthai. And you want me. So, why are you running?”
“I thought I made myself clear.”
“Clear as mud,” I say. “You claim I’m your erasthai, yet you intend to mark someone else? That doesn’t make any sense. That’s not how these thinks work, and you know it.”
“I am committed to another,” he states, his voice flat, devoid of emotion.
He looks away, a muscle twitching in his jaw. He doesn’t deny it. “It doesn’t matter what I want. What matters is what I will do.”
I take a step closer, my hand lifting toward his chest. He counters me, taking a step back, putting a little more space between us. It’s like he knows if we touch again, he’ll lose whatever control he’s hanging on to.
I drop my hand, more confused now. This isn’t how Serena implied this would go!
“Aren’t lycans supposed to fight for their erasthai? For the one their soul recognizes?” I ask him. “Tell me how Polina could possibly be better than this.”
Before he can answer, a soft voice interrupts us. “Darius? Is everything all right?”
I turn.
Polina stands behind me in the open doorway, her delicate features etched with innocent concern. She’s beautiful, ethereal, and utterly clueless to the tension crackling between Darius and me.
I smile wide and turn to her. “Oh, you’re Stephanie, right?”
“No, I’m not Stephanie. My name—”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” I interrupt her. “Darius brings different women all the time. It’s hard to keep track of them all… Anyway, nice to meet you. I’m Penny.”
Her smile slips. “I don’t think I’ve seen you around before…”
“Oh, you know us werewolves. We blend right in among crowds like these.” I look her up and down. “You know, I like you better than the last one he brought. Though the one before that sorta looked like you…”
Darius skirts around me. I can see him gritting his teeth and clenching his jaw in my peripheral vision, and I smile wider.
“Persephone, may I have a word with you?” he says quietly. “In private.”
His fingers are already digging into my arm as he pulls me back out to the balcony.
Oh, he’s mad.
“Stop pushing your luck, malyshka. I told you to stay away from me. We’re no good together.”
“Maybe it’s not me. Maybe it’s you who can’t stay away from me. Ever think of that?” I don’t really mean it, but I just throw it out there because…well…because I’m pissed.
I think that hits a nerve, though, because his eyes darken considerably, and he pushes me behind a statue. His body pins mine to the wall as a warning.
His hand is around my neck, squeezing lightly but enough to make me aware of how powerful he is. He could snap my neck with just a little twist of his fingers.
I realize all of this, but I’m not scared. I’m so sure that he won’t hurt me.
“Watch your mouth, little girl,” he growls. He is so mad he doesn’t realize how close we are until he stops talking.
I see the exact moment the realization hits him. Those beautiful eyes can tell a story.
His eyes widen for a fraction, then they darken even more. Our faces are just a few inches away from each other. The tips of our noses are almost touching.
“I told you to stay away…,” he groans. As if he can’t help himself. As if there’s an invisible chain pulling him.
Then, with another tortured groan, his mouth takes mine in a fierce, hungry kiss. My body responds immediately before my brain can process what’s happening.
Darius is kissing me.
