I let my dress fall to the floor, leaning against the bedpost for support. I felt trapped, like I was gasping for air. I closed my eyes, trying to steady my racing heart.
Resting my head against the cool wood, I kept my eyes closed, trying to figure out my next move.
A knock at the door jolted me from my thoughts. I glanced over my shoulder, half-expecting to see Jonathan.
“Come in,” I called out, not bothering to ask who it was. I returned my gaze to the window, maintaining my position. I heard a noise behind me.
“Just leave the food there and go,” I instructed, not turning around. I let out a sigh, my eyes still closed.
A sudden presence behind me sent a shiver down my spine. Was it Jonathan? I felt a warmth that made me frown.
Confused, I turned around to find Maximus looking at me. His red eyes darkened, and I swallowed hard. I was standing there in nothing but my lingerie.
“Why are you here?” I asked in a whisper as he reached for my hair. He twirled a strand around his fingers before leaning in to kiss it.
“I’ve always liked your long hair,” Maximus murmured, making me blush. Heat spread across my face as I met his lust-filled gaze.
“Please leave,” I mumbled, turning away from him. My face was hot with embarrassment. I bit my lip, waiting for him to respond, but instead, he traced a finger down my back. I sucked in a sharp breath.
“I want to hold you, Amari,” Maximus murmured, his breath tickling my ear. I could feel his chest against my back, and I clung to the bedpost as my body trembled.
“Amari?” he whispered again.
“Y-yes?” I stammered. Why was I so flustered?
He moved his hand to my waist, giving it a squeeze. I gasped, panting. Why wasn’t I pushing him away?
I closed my eyes as he wrapped his arm around my waist.
“I’ve missed your scent,” Maximus murmured, nipping at my earlobe. I moaned, covering my mouth. He held me tight as I tilted my head to the side, giving him access to my neck.
He began to kiss my neck, each soft kiss leaving me wanting more. My hand moved to cover his, and he hummed in response.
Then, he moved his other hand to my thigh. His touch was gentle, but it made me moan loudly. Heat spread through my body.
I was panting when Maximus suddenly growled, spinning me around to face him. I opened my eyes to look up at him.
“Fuck,” Maximus whispered, resting his forehead against mine. I was panting hard, staring at him. I reached up to caress his face, feeling the stubble of his growing beard. “You’re driving me crazy.”
My eyes drifted to his lips, and I licked my own. Then, in a moment of boldness, I reached up to grip his chin, pulling him down until our lips met.
Maximus looked surprised as I started to kiss him. But then he groaned against my mouth and pulled me closer.
As he deepened the kiss, I reached up to tangle my fingers in his hair, tugging gently.
His hand roamed my body, tracing every curve. I shivered under his touch, a touch I craved. He sucked on my lower lip before breaking the kiss.
I tried to catch my breath, my heart pounding in my chest. I kept my eyes closed, feeling him smile.
“I can’t,” Maximus said, pulling away. I opened my eyes in surprise, watching him. He let go of me and turned away. “I should go. I just came to bring you some food,” he said, heading for the door.
I was too stunned to react, just watching him leave. The door closed behind him, leaving me breathless and confused.
Night fell, and I sat on the bed with a book. I groaned, my mind replaying the events of the day. Why had Maximus stopped?
I felt flustered and covered my face with the book. Lowering it, I looked around. Why was I so bothered? Was it because he had left me wanting more?
“No, Amari!” I exclaimed, throwing my hands in the air and flopping back onto the bed. I stared at the ceiling, my mind a whirl of confusion. “Why did I let him?” I muttered, closing my eyes and groaning.
Sitting up again, I tossed the book aside. My hair was a mess as I looked out the window. The moon was shining brightly. I bit my lip, shrugged, and climbed off the bed.
The sound of my footsteps echoed in the silent room. I carefully opened the door and stepped out onto the balcony.
The night was beautiful. I smiled, running to the railing and looking out.
The forest was eerily beautiful under the moonlight, a layer of mist adding to its charm.
“Wow,” I whispered, awestruck. But despite the moon’s glow, the night was chilly.
My gaze swept the forest’s edge, and I froze. Did I see something? I squinted, focusing on the same spot. I was sure I’d seen something, but maybe I was mistaken.
The forest was a playground for all sorts of creatures at night. Tilting my head, I spotted a figure in the distance. The longer I stared, the clearer it became.
A shiver ran down my spine, and I gasped, stepping back. The air around me seemed to drop a few degrees as I took slow, measured steps. My hands fumbled for the door behind me.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the figure. It felt like it was staring right into my soul.
My hands shook as I felt for the door behind me. I tried to turn away, to get inside and lock the door. But that was a mistake.
When I turned back, a hand was reaching for my neck, slamming me against the door. I screamed as a gust of wind blew fiercely, slamming shut everything in its path.
The faceless shadow was close, and I couldn’t make a sound.
A single tear slid down my cheek as I mentally screamed for help. The sudden commotion behind the door made the Daeva shift, raising a long claw.
My eyes widened as he brought it close to my face. I sobbed in panic. The Daeva slowly pierced my skin, and I cried out as he dragged it down.
Suddenly, there was a loud bang, and a woman appeared.
“Lux,” she said, her hand glowing with a bright light.
The Daeva screeched and vanished, but not before raking his claws across my neck. I screamed in pain, clutching at the wound.
Blood was pouring out of the scratch, and I tried to stem the flow.
“AMARI!” Voices echoed around me.
I collapsed to the floor, fear washing over me.
“Damn it!” Azriel cursed. I stared at the floor, noticing several bodies next to me. My mind couldn’t process what was happening. All I could think about was the blood on my hands.
Then, my vision started to blur, and I let go of my neck, falling into someone’s arms.
I opened my eyes slowly, staring at gray drapes. My throat felt like sandpaper. I tried to speak, but my voice was hoarse.
“Amari,” Lilith said, hovering over me.
“Lilith?” I whispered, feeling drained.
“I’ll call the others,” Lilith said, moving out of sight.
“Amari, how are you feeling?” Azriel asked, looking down at me. I just stared at him. Where was I?
“Water?” I croaked. Azriel turned to Lilith and said something. I closed my eyes, feeling a warm hand grip mine. I recognized the warmth immediately.
When I opened my eyes again, I saw Maximus holding my hand. His expression was unreadable.
“Here,” Lilith said, handing me a cup. Azriel and Maximus helped me sit up. I took small sips from the cup, then took a deep breath.
“Want more?” Lilith asked. I shook my head slightly, feeling a burning sensation around my neck.
“You need to stay still,” a woman said. I turned to see a woman standing next to Devika. My eyes widened, and I pushed Azriel’s hands away, backing up in fear. It was the same woman from that night.
“Hey, calm down!” Azriel said, grabbing my face. I slapped his hand away, staring at the woman. She stared back, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Feeling anxious, I looked at Maximus. He was watching me, worry etched on his face. I reached for him, burying my face in his chest.
“I WANT TO GO!” I cried. Maximus’s arms wrapped around me protectively. “P-please!”
I couldn’t stand being around her any longer. There was something about her that made me want to run. “Please, Maximus!” I begged, clutching his shirt.
He stood up, holding me.
“She needs to stay still!” the woman protested. Maximus growled at her.
“You caused this!” Maximus said coldly.
The sound of a door opening made my body tremble. I was shaking against Maximus’s body, feeling sick. Maximus hurried me to the bathroom, kicking the door open.
I reached for the toilet, throwing up. I clung to the edges as my stomach churned. Sweat formed on my forehead, and I felt cold.
When I was done, I panted. Maximus had one arm around me and the other in my hair. I leaned against his chest, feeling weak.
“It’s okay. Feeling better?” Maximus asked, rubbing my arm. I nodded, closing my eyes. “Let’s get you back to bed.”
I was too weak to protest as he carried me back to bed. The soft covers felt comforting.
“I’ll get you something to change into,” Maximus said, starting to walk away. I reached for his hand, stopping him. I shook my head slowly.
“Stay,” I whispered, “please stay.”
The fear was still there, remembering her. Why was she here?
“Okay,” Maximus murmured, shifting to make room for me on the bed. He gently pulled my hand, guiding me to lie down next to him. Without a word, I nestled into him, resting my head on his chest.
The nightgown I was wearing felt sticky and uncomfortable. I sat up, contemplating my next move, and Maximus looked at me, his brow furrowed in confusion.
“Are you going to be sick again?” he asked, concern lacing his voice.
“No,” I mumbled, exhaustion seeping into my words. I reached for the hem of my dress and pulled it over my head. Maximus watched, his eyes wide with surprise. I tossed the gray nightgown onto the floor and turned back to him.
My breasts were exposed, but right now, that was the least of my concerns. I sighed, wrapping my arm around him, and began to drift off to the rhythm of his heartbeat.
A small smile played on my lips as I listened to the steady thump of his heart. “Goodnight,” I murmured.
