Page 16 of The Powers of Nyx

I pouted. “I didn’t get to say, ‘I love you’ back.”

Elias deadpanned and rolled his eyes. I had a feeling I’d be getting that reaction a lot once we returned and Thea and I were reunited. “I’ll relay the message,” he grumbled. “Did she tell you what was wrong?”

“You sound genuinely concerned.”

He shrugged. “Of course, I am. She’s your best friend, and it’s my duty to protect her and your sisters.”

Something like love clamped around my heart as I stared at him. I cared deeply for my mate, even if we’d known each other a month and a half. Could I love him already? Maybe. I didn’t really know what the expectations were around mate bonds. He said he already loved me, and I believed him.

“Thank you,” I replied, voice thick with emotion. “I don’t really know what’s going on with her. She’s not sure either. Working theory is the psychic was weirdly right, and we’re both coming into contact with love.”

Elias frowned. “Psychic? Ivy—”

“She’s some hack from back home. It was before meeting you guys, and it was a dumb birthday gift from Thea. We…we were trying to do something about the nightmares. She gave me areading, but I think it might have applied to both of us?” I shrugged. “We never took it seriously.”

“Angel.” His serious tone made me pause. “When we’re together again, you’re going to tell me about this psychic, alright?”

I swallowed hard and nodded. This certainly shouldnotbe turning me on as much as it was. I shifted slightly, and his eyes darkened.

“As much as I would like to help you, I have a meeting to attend to,” he growled. “Don’t think we won’t discuss this later.”

“Yes, Sir,” I muttered, causing him to smirk.

“When I get you alone again, I’ll make you scream that for me.”

My cheeks burned, but before I could respond, he cut the call, leaving me alone, needy, and not sure what to think about my best friend and our strange encounter with the psychic.

6

IVY

A SWELLof magic crashed through me as Ifinished packing my clothes away. The anticipation for our departure, mixed with the anxiety of leaving, created a dangerous level of magic within me that wanted out.

Whoever thought I’d be fine with three mates anchoring me was totally wrong. I supposed it had lasted long enough, but now it reared its head, reminding me that even with my mates, my power would always be dangerous. A force worth fearing, if I’d learned anything the last couple of days in the apartment.

I had the power of a Goddess stored within me, and it was dangerous. A ticking bomb.

I sighed and shook my head, taking the last of my clothes and shoving them into my duffel. I had what I needed for the next day already laid out, but even with this level of preparedness, I still couldn’t shake my anxiety.

The door opened, and I turned to find my mate standing in the doorway, a soft smile playing at his lips. He crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall, cocking his head. Golden hair swooped over his forehead, curls bouncing with each movement.

“You okay, Sweetheart?” he asked, his voice sincere. He prodded the bond, but I threw up one of the shields I’d been practising with Hawk and smiled when his eyes narrowed. “Sneaky.”

I shrugged. “Good practice, I guess.”

Adrian pushed off the doorway and stalked towards me, his presence invading every part of me. His scent filled my nose, and I breathed him in, like it might be the last time I’d get the chance.

He stopped and grabbed my hip. The heat of his skin burned through my jeans and sweatshirt, scorching the flesh of my stomach beneath. Desire flooded me; something as simple as a touch, and I was needy and aroused, desperate for more of him.

I partly wanted to blame Elias for working me up after that video call, but it wasn’t all him.

It was my power, yearning for our mate.

I sucked in a shuddering breath as Adrian’s eyes darkened. “Are you struggling with your magic?” he asked, cocking his head.

“Yes,” I whispered, swallowing thickly as his eyes traced the length of my face, falling to my lips. His own lips parted as he pulled me into his body; he wrapped his arm around my shoulders, trapping me against him.

My heart stuttered and swelled as he lowered his face to mine. “I think I know how to fix that.”

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