Page 59 of Dark Fate

Dani's toned arm reaches out towardLucian, her blood singing a damn near irresistible tune for the monster he's got caged inside.Luciancloses in, every step screaming lethal intent. He locks eyes with her, some playful devilry dancing in those brown depths, then snatches up her wrist, pressing her flesh to his lips with a deceptive gentleness.

As I watch this little show, a primal rage boils up inside me, fierce and demanding ownership. Maybe she's impervious to it—maybe it won't mess with her as it typically does. I step up, sliding my arms aroundDani's waist, locking her in like she's the last damn thing I'm ever gonna let go. I feel every fiber of my being scream in protest asLucian's fangs puncture her flesh—a sharp intake of breath fromDanisends a shockwave through me.

Lucian's moans vibrate againstDani's skin as he feeds. The sound alone should be enough to set me off, to send me into a goddamn frenzy tearing him off her. But reason overrules instinct. I get why he needs this. Her powerful blood is like armor to him—he'd be straight-up fucked by her divine glow.

Dani's body softens against mine, her tension melting away as the vampire's aphrodisiac venom seeps into her bloodstream. Her head lolls back onto my shoulder, and I take advantage of her exposed neck. My lips graze her earlobe, nibbling gently before whispering dark promises meant only for her. "You have no idea how beautiful you are and how bad I want you again," I murmur into the shell of her ear. "How I'm going to take you—hard and unrelenting," I speak through our mental bond.

Her pulse flutters wildly under my tongue as I trace it down her neck. My hands slide over her abdomen, pressing her closer until my body fully traps her—my presence.

"Imagine all the dirty fucking things I'm gonna do to you," I growl into her mind, my teeth sinking into her soft lobe. "I'm gonna make you ride my cock while I leave my dark kisses all over you. I'm gonna slam my cock so deep inside you and fuck you senseless."

Danimoans, her body melting against mine as I claim her with every word. "And when we're done," I growl hungrily, feeling the possessive need coursing through me, "I'm going to claim every inch of your delicious body... again and again—starting with this perfect little ass that you've been teasing me with."

Lucianlets go ofDani's wrist after a final, greedy drag that sucks another sharp breath from her. His gaze cuts to me over her shoulder, a whole conversation in that look, silent but clear as day.

When he backs off to clear the air, I ratchet my grip onDani, staking my claim while calming the storm in her.

She spins around in my embrace, her honey eyes deep with desire.

I crush her lips with mine, all raw and hungry, savoring that sweet taste. The rest of the world can go to hell; it's just her and me and the goddamn fire we've got between us that's burning everything else away.

Tonight is about survival, but once we are done with this bullshit, I will make good on every wicked promise whispered intoDani's mind—until she is breathless and I'm buried deep inside her.

AsDanikisses me back hungrily, the intoxicating taste of her lips makes me crave so much more. But I force myself to slow down, hyper-aware that my brother andMeadoware mere feet away. This is not the time or place to lose control, no matter how badly I want to devour every inch ofDani's body.

I lean in, my mouth grazing her ear, and whisper hotly, "Don't worry,Angel. I intend to follow through on every dirty promise... later. But right now, it's your turn. I need to heal you."

I gaze at the brutal gash on her neck, a result of my hungry bite, and the two wounds on her wrist inflicted byLucian. Wasting no time, I sink my teeth into my wrist and press it againstDani's lips.

She doesn't hesitate for a second, greedily latching on with her soft mouth, moaning in sheer pleasure, her eyes closing as she drinks from me.

The sensation sends blood rushing straight to my cock, making it rock hard once again. "That's it,baby." Her honey-gold eyes latch onto mine, swirling with raw desire and unmistakable lust. I can practically taste her craving, mirroring my fierce need.

A visible shiver runs throughDani's body at my words. I pull my wrist away, the wounds already healed.

She takes a steadying breath, clearly affected by the heady effects of arousal from my blood and the venom. Turning, she glances atLucianandMeadow, conversing in hushed tones beneath a towering tree.

Daniswats my chest, giving me an exasperated yet amused look. "Really,Rhyland? Getting me all revved up while your brother has his fangs in my wrist?"

I offer a shrug, a half-hearted, sorry smile on my lips. "My bad, I just couldn't help myself. Wanted you clued into my headspace—and to dodge the bullet of you going all hot and bothered from his chomp." I snap my teeth together in a playful manner as I downplay the truth, keeping the deeper motives to myself. She doesn't need to know all the whys… yet.

Dani's eyes go big as saucers, a mix of shock and sly humor dancing in her honey-golden gaze. "Wait, seriously?" She bursts into laughter, the sound rich with disbelief and a touch of challenge. "You couldn't have tucked away those scandalous promises for a more private rendezvous? And what's running through your devious mind—that I'd pounce onLucianlike he's the last piece of chocolate in the box? Please."

I growl at the mental image, pullingDaniagainst me possessively. "Hey, I can't be too careful with you,baby. You're irresistible."

Daniflicks a dismissive glance, the faint hint of a blush betraying her quickened pulse. She steels herself before she struts back toLucian. My gaze sticks to her, a mix of raw hunger and admiration churning inside me. She's a force to reckon with—my formidable, stunning mate.

Daniinches towardLucian, her expression softening. Her fingers hover nearLucian's collar as if touching something delicate. Her brow is knitted in deep focus. Her hands are hesitant, barely grazing him, like she's tapping into a secret place—that is hers alone, nudging the dormant brilliance inside.

I'm spellbound, witnessing her transformation—it's magnetic. The air crackles with life, weighty with the thrum of power.

Her typically warm honey-gold eyes now shine with a fierce, ethereal light. It's as if her core is rising to the surface, the long-slumbering force within her coming alive, manifesting in a spectacle of light and life.

I've never seen her eyes glow. Did my blood do that?

From the gentle pressure of her palm, a soft glow spreads, bathing us in its comforting embrace. It's not mere light; it's living, throbbing with the same cadence as our hearts, weaving aroundLucian's collar in a dance of pure gold.

Dark shadows squirm under its guise, vestiges of old curses scrambling for retreat against the relentless advance of her light. The collar heats up, glowing an angry red, then seems to dissolve, defeated by her radiant energy.

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