Page 171 of Dark Fate

But Mother Nature’s untimely entrance effectively dampened any activities Rhyland might be considering, no matter how much my hormones throw a full-blown, tempest-like tantrum. The raging internal battle is fierce, yet here I am, at the mercy of biology’s impeccable timing.

The moment for revenge has arrived. It’s time to watch and see how he’ll respond.

“Not happening,” I declare with unwavering conviction, locking eyes with him—my stare blazing with pure, unshakable will. His growl rouses my insurgent side, urging me to hold firm even as it kindles a separate hunger within me. “You won’t win this one with a growl and a glare.”

My breath hitches as he murmurs against my lips. “Angel, I’m losing control here. Tell me what it is you want.”

“I—I can’t right now,” I stammer, the message clear in my head but tangled on the way out.

His brow furrows in confusion at first, and then he smells the air. A switch flips, illumination washing over his features as realization dawns—clear and unmistakable. Embarrassment creeps up hot and sudden at his recognition of my condition. It's one thing to deal with biology privately, but something else entirely when laid bare before someone else, especially Rhyland in such a raw moment.

My expression is a mix of disbelief and a slight hint of exasperation as I meet his gaze. "You can't be serious?" The words leave my lips, punctuating the absurdity of the moment—a question, a challenge.

His tone is laced with a teasing edge, the words practically oozing sarcasm as sweet and thick as honey. "Hi. Have we met?" he quips, a mischievous gleam lighting his eye. "I'm a vampire,baby. What do vampires love?" His knowing look says it all as he gently needles the obvious while managing to break the tension with his humor.

My eyes widen, fixed on him, utterly incredulous. The audacity leaves me speechless. The notion of it sets my mind reeling from taboo to intrigue—Rhyland is not just unbothered by it but almost…eager?

“No. You can’t—that’s just—”

Effortlessly, Rhyland moves us to the shower bench—a mere blur. Once settled—me seated andRhylandkneeling between my legs—his question is direct and practical in its intimacy. "How many days are you in?"

“Two,” I snap back quickly.

“And you’re in pain.”

I look at him, my nod loaded with a silent, 'Well, congratulations, Sherlock—cramps aren't exactly a secret womanly joy.' His perception might be sharp as a tack, but right now, it's just another reminder of the unwelcome guest cramping my style—and everything else.

Without a word, he yanks my thighs apart, baring me to his expert mouth. He nips at my inner thigh, causing me to buck on the bench. His tongue finds my clit, circling and sucking with urgency. A blush of embarrassment washes over me at the intimacy of the act.

Holy hell! Thank goodness I’m showered and not a heavy bleeder; otherwise, this would be a crime scene.

As good as it feels, every instinct tells me to push him away, to preserve some decorum. I don’t know if I’m prepared to plunge into these forbidden depths just yet.

I gracefully close my legs and rise, heading back to the shower sprayer. Rhyland, ever attentive, encircles me with his strong arms, his skilled hands finding my breasts. He massages them tenderly, pinching my erect nipples as I release a soft moan. His lips and tongue dance along my neck, causing my body to melt into his embrace.

He trails his hand down to my clit, circling it slowly and gently with his fingers, testing me.

Suddenly, I sense Lucian's presence in my mind, his thoughts reaching out. There’s a hint of jealousy, but he knows I belong to Rhyland. His thoughts project into mine, imagining himself with me—still, he can’t help but appreciate the passion, wondering when he might find his own mate.

The sensation adds a new layer of excitement, further stoking my arousal.

This cannot be fucking happening right now!

In the midst of my confusion and the exquisite pleasure Rhyland is bestowing, I try to connect with Lucian mentally. I focus on a different frequency—one I’ve never explored before. It's faint, but I sense it.

“Lucian?” I call out to him mentally. “Why am I hearing you?”

“Dani? What the hell? Can you hear me?” His surprise is evident in his thoughts.

Panic washes over me, and I swiftly erect my mental walls, blocking him out.

My mind races, struggling to make sense of the unexpected connection.

And why now?

Rhylandmust sense my little mental escapade. He stops, flips me around, and locks eyes with me, "What is it?"

I play the stupid card, "Nothing, just um—"

---