Page 150 of Dark Awakening

My heart hammers wildly. I let out a nervous, incredulous laugh. "So...I guess that means I have to take the stone from Azrael somehow? No pressure or anything."

Lucian's sarcastic voice cuts through the room. "Well, this is a clusterfuck supreme."

I roll my eyes in exasperation. "You're so not helping right now, Lucian."

He smirks impishly. "Sorry, sweet cheeks, just calling it as I see it."

Rhyland paces aggressively, boots thumping. He runs both hands through his hair, frustration etched on his face. "We won't waste time trying to get it from Azrael now. We'll follow Seraphina's guidance and enter the Fae Realm as planned."

I readily agree pursuing the Shadow Stone can wait. But questions gnaw at me. When will be the right time to take on that monumental task? However necessary, claiming that stone from Azrael will be no easy feat.

Rhyland continues pacing, tension evident in his corded neck and rigid shoulders. Adrian keeps scouring his books without success. Lucian lounges nearby, sipping his drink and watching us all like entertainment.

"Well, this is productive," Lucian snarks. "While you kiddos figure out your little scavenger hunt, I'll be draining every pretty neck I can find. Play safe!" He strolls out, leaving exasperated silence in his wake.

After a sleepless night of strategizing and cramming for our journey into the elusive Fae realm, today is finally the day we take the leap. My heart races with excitement and a healthy dose of nervousness. But with Rhyland and his brothers by my side, I know we can conquer anything. Their unwavering bravery bolsters my own. Who knew I'd go on an epic adventure with three hot vampire warriors? This definitely beats my usual mundane routine.

Adrian has meticulously tutored me in the history and customs of the Court of Blossoms, our first destination. I've absorbed every detail, hoping to make a good first impression on its residents. I feel as ready as one can be to open a portal between worlds.

Surprisingly, even Lucian insists on joining our mission. This seems outside his comfort zone. Correction—Make that four hot vampire warriors.

"Are you certain you want to come?" I ask skeptically. "Your club must be missing its owner."

Lucian dismissively waves off my concern. "And pass up getting down and dirty with some fairies? Not a chance!" He leers roguishly.

I shake my head, hiding a reluctant smile. He's arrogant and uncouth, yet I've come to enjoy Lucian's company genuinely. It's an odd friendship, somehow.

Rhyland sits deep in thought nearby. I sidle over, settling onto his lap. Finally, his vivid blue eyes meet mine, and he smiles slowly. We share a heated kiss that stokes my arousal.

"Are you ready for this?" I whisper.

He pulls me closer with a rumbling growl. "Yes. I'm ready to have you right now until you scream." His words send molten need through my veins.

Rhyland playfully nips at my neck, causing me to arch into him with a whimper. "No, you insatiable man," I quip, but even I can't deny the desire in my voice.

“I know, Angel,” he chuckles—disappointment wars with burning anticipation within me.

I tilt my head, baring my throat in invitation. Rhyland's sharp fangs pierce my yielding skin. Warmth spreads through me from his languid sucking. My core aches, and my nipples stiffen wantonly. I have to fight not to surrender all control.

Lucian's gravelly chuckle reminds me we aren't alone. "No judgment here. Consider this educational viewing..."

Erik chimes in from the corner of the room, "Lucian, shut your damn trap."

I ignore them, grinding shamelessly against Rhyland's rigid length, lost in sensation. His bite always undoes me. Rhyland stops me with an iron grip on my hips before things spiral out of hand.

He pulls back, his face taut with lust barely leashed. Eyes burning into mine, he kisses me fiercely. Being close to him is the most potent drug, skyrocketing my arousal.

"Keep it up, and we will be giving everyone here a show," Rhyland murmurs, though his gaze reveals his barely controlled need. I draw a few deep breaths to calm my racing heart.

Reluctantly, I peel myself off his lap and approach Lucian. His hooded eyes ooze desire. "My turn?" he rasps.

Rhyland's thunderous growl reverberates, freezing my blood. "Don't even think about it."

Lucian chuckles unrepentantly. "What? I want to sip off the juice box," he says sarcastically.

I retrieve the chilled blood vials I'd prepared, handing them out to all three brothers. "This should last you two days."

They all nod their thanks before drinking deeply. We're as ready for this journey as we can be.

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