Page 69 of A Love of Wrath and Rapture

“This crystal was meant to bring me the one thing I wished for most. It was a gift from a man I was kind of seeing.”

A sharp vine of jealousy winds itself around my heart.

“Oh, don’t look so upset. He’s not important.” She holds up the crystal. “This is what’s important. Back then, I didn’t think it would actually work, but it did. It brought me you.”

I frown, puzzled.

“The day I did the incantation that freed you, I had this little guy in my belt pouch. I was hoping to find really good herbs. Instead, I managed to find a gigantic, scary-looking beast who stole my heart and soothes my soul.”

She laughs, stowing away the crystal again.

“I’m definitely keeping that. Who knows what other great fortune it will bring us?”

An hour later, we packed everything Evangeline felt she needed. I have the shoulder bag with the food and she carries the satchel with her meager personal items. She also has extra warm clothes, which she bundled up and tied to my bag.

It’s good that we’re carrying light. Our travels won’t be easy and extra baggage will slow us down. We’ll be able to forage and hunt for food as we go anyway.

I throw the bag over my shoulder and we walk through the front door for the last time.

Evangeline leads the way, not even looking back at her now-former home.

“You know, this place has been both a place of pain and a catalyst for our love. It was within these walls that I realized I can’t live without you.” Her eyes sparkle playfully. “And that you have a soft spot for little girls with big, brown eyes.”

Her words threaten to make me scowl but I manage to remain stoic. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” The small rocks in my pocket seem to emit a soft warmth that makes my heart feel a little lighter.

Laughter bubbles from her throat and makes the world seem brighter, more beautiful, for a moment. She takes my hand, her fingers lovingly caressing mine.

“Come on. We’ve got a long road ahead of us.”

I nod, our shared determination and sense of purpose coursing through my blood.

Hand in hand, we walk out of the village gate into the chill night, starting a journey we know will test our resilience and strengthen the bond that has become the anchor of our shared existence.

29

EVANGELINE

Xeros and I head back to our cavern, finding comfort in each other's arms. For the first time in a long time, I feel as if I'm free. My heart beats strongly for him, despite his differences.

Maybe I shouldn't have allowed myself to fall for a monster, but he's the only one who has ever understood me and loved me so deeply.

I trace my fingers down the pitch black of his skin, letting my hands trail down his arms, making him shudder in response.

“Evangeline,” he growls, pulling me to him with a feral command.

His tongue slips between my lips kissing me with such force it weakens my knees. I press my body against him, feeling his erection becoming evident. I can't resist slipping my hand between us and palming his cock teasingly.

Xeros gasps into our kiss as I trace my fingers down his arms, my touch causing him to shudder with delight. He groans and pulls me even closer, his clawed hands sliding up my back before cupping my face gently yet possessively.

The rough pads of his fingers trace the outline of my jaw, sending shivers down my spine. Our tongues dance easily. Every inch of our bodies craves more contact. He's stronger than ever before, and it's intoxicating. His intense musk fills the air around us, making me thirsty for him even more.

Energized by the touch, Xeros lets out a deep, throaty moan as my hand wraps around his cock, causing it to twitch in my grip. The sensation sends waves of pleasure coursing through his body, and he pulls away from the kiss to look at me, eyes dark and hungry.

With one swift movement, he spins me around and pins me against the cool stone wall of our lair. His other hand cups my jaw, holding my face gently but firmly as he crashes our lips together once more.

His tongue darts into my mouth, dancing with mine as he explores every inch, claiming me as his own. His free hand slides down my shoulder blades before moving deftly to undress me.

The fabric falls to the floor in a puddle at our feet as he moves lower, trailing his fingers along my skin before cupping one full breast. I gasp into the kiss as his thumb and forefinger circle my nipple, hardening it quickly. With a growl of approval, he lowers his head to take the stiff peak into his mouth, suckling hungrily.

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