Page 19 of Taming the Wicked Wolf

“I need to,” I flail my hand a little, losing my train of thought trying to stave off the panic attack, “is that part of the spell? The teleporting to my side when I’m in danger?”

“That’s one of my powers. Emilia, I think we should get you some air.”

“No, I’m okay, just talk to me. How does that work?” I make the mistake of looking up into Silas’ gold eyes.

Chase has never looked at me like that. Silas’ eyes are soft, full of compassion, but also hungry and searching.

“I step from one place to another,” he holds his hands up between us and puts them together, “Things just fold. The connection we have helps.” He gives me a smile, “You were brilliant, you know.”

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“How exactly am I looking at you, Emilia?” He reaches out and tucks my hair behind my ear, his fingertips lingering at my jaw.

There’s a silent dare to his voice that makes me want to push. To see how far it will take me.

“Like you want to kiss me.” I tempt fate.

Silas looks wounded, as though I uncovered some hidden weakness, his eyes flitting to my lips, “Would that be so terrible?”

“Only if you’re trying to provehimwrong.”

“Fuck. Him.” Silas growls out, lowering his head until his face is a breath away from my lips, “If I want to kiss you, it’s because I have done nothing but think about you since you left.”

He smells so good, like linen and citrus with a hint of sweat. I’m lucky to catch its ghost throughout the house, sometimes it clings to my skin just enough that I can smell him as I’m falling asleep.

Tonight feels magical, and I’m not going to miss my chance. All it takes is a lift of my chin to kiss him, a gentle brush, his lips are much softer than I imagined.

He huffs out a breath, all the muscles in his forearms go taut as he traces soft circles against my jaw with his thumb.

Silas cups my face with his hands, kissing me back. This time it’snotgentle. It’s ravenous, filled with the same longing and desire that I feel mirrored in my chest.

I grab hold of his waist, feeling his muscles tense under my fingertips as he steps closer, pressing me flat against the wall. His tongue brushes over the seam of my mouth, urging them open with a playful nip to my bottom lip that shoots straight down to my core.

He grips the back of my neck with reverence, not possession. I feel like something precious he’s trying to savor, and I’m taking my time memorizing the change in his breathing, the way he grabs my waist or threads his fingers through my hair.

I already know that I want this kiss to be imprinted upon my soul, something to dream about and long for whenever Silas leaves. Because this isn’t permanent.

It takes every ounce of my resolve to pull away from him. I already miss the soft touch of his lips, the tease of his tongue.

The sound of the football game filters in, snapping us both out of our trance and bringing us back to reality. It feels like I’ve woken from a dream.

Silas takes a step back, his eyes never leaving mine, filled with the same raw admiration from before, but now there’s concern knit into his brow.

“I should really get back.” I move past him, walking towards the bar. After two steps, I feel a jolt of magic and turn, “You can stay for the rest of my shift, if you want.” My voice trailing off.

He’s gone.

NINE

Silas

The world foldsaround me as I step easily from the bar, returning home.Home.No, home is my villa overseeing the coast back in the demon realm. Home is not a tiny apartment in a one Starbucks town like Moonstone Ridge.

But if this is true, then why do I feel so comfortable here? Surrounded by Emilia’s things and her scent, frustrating and enticing at the same time.

As the faint smoke around me clears, I see Poppy lift her head and look in my direction. She huffs out a bark and stands, walking into the kitchen to bring out one of her toys, squeaking it as she stares up at me.

I look down at her offering.

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