Page 77 of Blood Freed

I meet his eyes, seeing the passion and pride and fierce love that mirrors my own. We move together, the raw rhythm making me feel savage and beautiful.

When my orgasm comes, it’s like the earth is shaking beneath us. My pussy clenches around his cock, my power responding to our pleasure. Soren’s bite is part of it – his fangs slide into my neck, claiming me even as he gives himself to me.

This time, when we come together, it’s tender rather than desperate. His touch gentles the darkness inside me, turns its hunger into something sweeter. When he drinks from me, the magic sings instead of snarls.

I feel his relief as his tongue soothes the tiny wounds left by his fangs. The magic settles, coiling softly around us like a promise that we can face whatever comes next together.

Afterward, lying in his arms as morning light fills the room, I feel almost peaceful. The dark power still pulses beneath my skin, but it’s quieter now, sated.

“We should go back soon,” he murmurs into my hair. “Your family will worry.”

I trace patterns on his chest, marveling at how the sunlight makes his skin glow. “Let them worry. I need this moment with you.”

His arms tighten around me. Through our bond, I feel his contentment warring with concern. He’s still worried about the darkness in me, about what it might mean for our future.

“Stop thinking so loud,” I tell him, pressing a kiss to his jaw.

“Can’t help it.” His fingers trail down my spine. “I just got you back. I can’t lose you again.”

“You won’t.” I prop myself up to look at him properly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

But even as I say the words, I feel the magic stir restlessly. It’s waiting, gathering strength, starving for more. And part of me – a part that grows stronger every day – wants to feed it.

I push the thought away, focusing instead on the miracle of having Soren here, alive and whole in the morning light. Whatever comes next, whatever the darkness wants from me, this moment is worth any price.

I just pray I’m strong enough to remember that when the magic calls again.

28

Chapter 28

Soren

The evening light paintslong shadows across Mia’s sleeping form. I stand at her window, amazed at how the fading sunlight feels against my skin – warm instead of burning, life-giving instead of deadly. After hundreds of years of darkness, this simple pleasure feels surreal.

Mia stirs restlessly in her sleep, drawing my attention. The sheets have slipped down, exposing the curve of her shoulder and the marks my fangs left in the curve of her throat. Even from here, I can see how her skin has grown paler, almost translucent in places. Dark veins occasionally pulse beneath the surface, a visual echo of the magic coursing through her.

“No…” she murmurs, her face contorting. Shadows writhe around her unconsciously, making the curtains flutter in a breeze that isn’t there. “Please…”

I move to the bed, brushing auburn hair from her forehead. Her skin burns hot under my touch. Through her thoughts, I feel echoes of her dreams – blood and power and a hunger that mirrors my own darkest urges.

This is going to be a problem.

I scrub a hand over my face as I consider the implications.

My phone vibrates. Marcus Nightshade. Darick’s second-in-command – now his successor – is proving to be a useful man to have around.

“What news?” I keep my voice low, not wanting to wake her.

“The Assembly’s in chaos.” Marcus sounds exhausted. “The mayhem at the Sun Trail is turning into a clusterfuck.”

“No surprise there.” I straighten the sheet over Mia’s shoulder as she turns fitfully in her sleep. “What’s happening?”

“Victor’s death has split them into factions. Half want revenge for his murder. The other half…” He pauses. “The other half saw you walk in sunlight, Soren. They’re intrigued.”

“And Lucien?”

“Playing both sides masterfully, as usual, the slippery fuck. He’s positioning himself as the voice of reason while stoking their fears about witch power.” A bitter laugh. “Several elders are already calling for retaliation.”

---