Page 23 of Magic Unmasked

And then, before she could respond, his mouth was on hers, and the world fell away. Somewhere in the dim recesses of her mind, Lilith knew they weren’t alone, but suddenly it didn’t seem very important.

The kiss was fierce, filled with all the pent-up desire and frustration that had been building between them since the moment they met. His hands gripped her waist, pulling hercloser, and she melted into him, her body responding to his touch with a need she couldn’t deny any longer. She kissed him back just as fiercely, her fingers tangling in his hair as she gave in to the fire that burned between them.

For the first time, she let herself feel—truly feel—the connection between them. It was raw, dangerous, and terrifying, but it was also electric, setting her skin alight with sensation.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless, their eyes locked on each other, the importance of what had just happened hanging between them.

Lilith stepped back, her heart racing, her mind spinning. She had crossed a line, a line she hadn’t even realized existed until now. And the worst part?

She wanted more.

But before Lilith could say anything to Ronan, Phoenix’s voice cut through the silence that had seemed to have surrounded her and Ronan. Phoenix’s tone was sharp. “We need to regroup. This isn’t over.”

Lilith tore her gaze from Ronan, her mind still reeling from the kiss, the fight, and everything that had come with it. But as she turned to face the sisters, she knew one thing for sure.

Phoenix was right; this was far from over.

Chapter

Ten

RONAN

As Zephyr, the Duvalls and their allies began to prepare for what was coming, Ronan found himself drawn to Lilith more than ever. The guest house at the Duvall Estate provided a temporary sanctuary, a place where he could ostensibly check her for injuries, but the knowing smiles and muffled laughter of their companions said they knew his real intent. Ronan didn’t care. He knew if he didn’t do what was necessary to prove to her they were meant to be, he might lose her. So, he intended to leave an indelible mark on Lilith, one that would remind her of their intense connection.

Leading her up the stairs, they entered a cozy guest room. Once inside, with the door clicking shut behind them, Ronan's gaze swept over Lilith’s hourglass figure, his desire igniting at the sight of her pale blonde hair and the unwavering intensity in her violet eyes. She was a force to be reckoned with, and he relished the challenge of making her surrender. With each step, he felt the weight of the world lifting from his shoulders, replaced by a primal urge to claim her as his own.

"You're hurt," he murmured, his voice a low rumble as his finger traced a scorched mark on her skin. He guided hertowards the bed. "Let me take care of you." His words were a promise, a declaration of his intent to pleasure and protect her.

Lilith's eyes sparkled with a mixture of desire and defiance. She knew what he was capable of, and yet, she seemed to crave his touch, her body aching for the release only he could provide. She nodded, a silent invitation, as Ronan began to undress her with careful precision.

His fingers trembled slightly as he untied the laces of her shirt, revealing smooth, creamy skin marked with scars from countless battles. Each scar was a testament to her strength and resilience, and Ronan found himself captivated by her unique beauty. He bent down, pressing his lips against each new wound and all the old ones, his breath warm against her skin. She shivered at his touch, her body responding to the unspoken desire between them.

"You're so fucking beautiful," he whispered, his voice hoarse with need.

“You’re delusional,” she said, her voice tinged with disbelief.

“I am a sabretooth-shifter. We are never delusional, especially where our mates are concerned. Every mark on your body tells a story of your courage." He kissed the delicate skin at the base of her throat, his hands roaming over her shoulders, down her arms, memorizing her shape.

As he slid her pants down her slender legs, Ronan's breath caught at the sight of her curvy figure, accentuated by the soft glow of the fire someone had lit in the fireplace. He couldn't resist the urge to claim her, to brand her as his own. With a swift motion, he settled his hand on her shoulder, pressing down and gently forcing her to her knees, holding her in place.

He unbuckled his belt, his cock straining against the confines of his pants. The sound of the zipper echoed through the room as he released his throbbing shaft, already glistening with pre-cum. He toed off his boots and kicked his jeans away. He pressedhis cock against her lips. "Suck me, Lilith," he growled, his voice thick with desire.

Lilith's eyes widened at the sight of his fully aroused cock, but she didn't protest or hesitate. She leaned forward, her lips parting to take him in. Her mouth was hot and wet, and she sucked him deep, her tongue swirling around the head of his cock. Ronan groaned, his hands tightening in her hair, fisting it and ensuring she knew who was in control. He thrust his hips forward, fucking her mouth with abandon, his restraint slipping away.

Lilith's skilled lips and tongue worked him, taking him to the edge of ecstasy. Her hands roamed over his thighs, her nails digging into his skin, leaving marks that mirrored his own. The sensation was overwhelming, and Ronan knew he couldn't hold back much longer. Just as he was about to spill his seed, he pulled her away, his breathing ragged.

"Not yet, my fierce fae warrior… my mate," he rasped, his eyes dark with passion. He hauled her up, claiming her lips in a deep, possessive kiss. Their tongues danced, tasting each other, the kiss a battle of wills and desire.

Ronan pushed Lilith onto the ornate iron bed, following her down, his body covering hers. He pinned her wrists above her head, his strength undeniable as he held her in place. Her violet eyes blazed with a mixture of passion and surrender, and he knew she was his for the taking.

With rough, impatient hands, he stripped away the remainder of her clothing, baring her lush body to his gaze. Her breasts heaved with each rapid breath, her nipples pebbling in anticipation. He lowered his head, taking a taut peak into his mouth, suckling and biting gently, making her arch off the bed with a moan.

"Please..." she whispered, her voice hoarse and needy.

Ronan smiled against her skin, a dangerous glint in his amber eyes. "Please what, my sweet Lilith? Tell me what you want." He trailed kisses down her stomach, his hands gripping her hips, holding her still as he explored her sensitive flesh.

"You. I want you..." she panted, her voice breaking.

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