Because it’s too much to deal with, and I couldn’t bring myself to tell my friends about what happened at Abby’s house. Just thinking about it makes my stomach twist with anxiety, and my skin gets all prickly.
“It’s fine,” I tell myself as I start forward. The sun is starting to come out from behind clouds now, warming the chilly air. It’s been a while since I read a book, and I’ve been so distracted the last few days, I know I’ve missed several releases I was excited for. Sitting outside with a blanket and a book does sound nice.
My familiars bound up the back porch steps ahead of me. I peer through the window first, making sure Eliza or Lucas aren’t in there. I can get in and close the door behind me fast enough it won’t do a lot of damage, but I can’t imagine having your skin burn off like that is pleasant—even when you heal seconds later.
“Honey, I’m home!” I call and untie my cloak. Hanging it over the back of a kitchen chair, I telekinetically open a cabinet and put two potions vials inside, keeping Tabatha’s morning sickness cure safe and within reach.
Lucas comes into the kitchen from the office and takes me in his arms right away. I hook my hands around his shoulders and tip my head up to kiss him.
“How did things go?” he asks.
“Great, actually. They want me back.”
“Back?” Lucas slips his fingers under my shirt. His cold skin sends a chill through me. “As a member of the coven?”
“Yeah. Tabatha is going to petition the Grand Coven. They fucked up and failed to protect us twice, but guess who showed up every time and saved the day?” I point to myself with my thumbs. “This badass witch. And you,” I add with a smile. “They’re not ready to suggest we host a mixer with vampires or anything, but overall, most members of the coven consider you trustworthy. Tabatha suggested getting the Grand Coven to see things on a case-by-case basis. You’ve proven to be an asset to the coven, and obviously not a danger to witches. Basically, they know how whipped you are and don’t do anything I wouldn’t allow.”
Lucas laughs and brings his lips to my neck. “Now I’m thinking about you in black leather, holding a riding crop.”
“I’ve never done anything BDSM-ish before.” I sink my teeth into my lower lip and give Lucas my best innocent look. “Teach me, master?”
In a swift movement, Lucas picks me up and puts me on the counter, spreading my legs and moving in between. I rake my fingers through his hair, messing it up in a way that looks so fucking sexy on him. I lean back and he hooks his fingers under the waistband of my leggings, slowly pulling them down. My body hums with desire, and I need him to make me come. Now.
Dropping my leggings on the ground, Lucas grips my thigh with his large hands and scoots me to the edge of the counter. He kisses me hard and moves his lips to my neck, drawing his fangs.
“Fuck, I want you,” he moans, and I know he wants my body and my blood.
“I want you to have me.” I push his head down between my legs. I lay back on the counter and Lucas pushes my dress up. He kisses the inside of my thigh, fangs grazing over my flesh.
I part my lips and let out a breath, eyes falling shut. Now that I’m not feeling nauseous at all, my sex drive is back, and I need to make up for lost time. Lucas kisses his way up my thigh, stopping right before my core.
“I need you,” I pant, ready to reach down and finish myself off if he’s going to take his time teasing me. “Please, Lucas, I need you.”
“I like hearing you beg,” he growls and presses his fangs against my skin, careful not to break through the surface. Not yet at least.
“I’m serious,” I say, lifting my head off the counter. “I need you.” Conjuring a string of magic, I flick my fingers forward and throw the glowing blue string at Lucas. It sizzles around his wrist, and I telekinetically move his hand between my thighs.
“Fuck,” he groans, liking when I use magic. Part of our initial attraction to each other was knowing we had finally found a rival. Lucas is strong enough to handle my magic, and I have the power to pull his heart right out of chest without breaking a sweat. Even though I tried hard not to fall in love with him, being able to be myself around Lucas was so fucking freeing.
With a devilish glint in his eyes, Lucas moves up, kisses me, and then drops back down. He slips both hands under my panties and rips them right in half. My muscles tighten as I quiver with desire. Lucas puts my legs over his shoulders and dives right in, tongue lashing out against my clit.