Page 9 of Lycan and Lark
Aria peeked out over the blanket. He was sitting with one elbow propped on the arm of the chair. His tatted knuckles brushed back and forth across his mouth and she squeezed her thighs together. “Nope.” She flopped down on the bed and pulled the covers over her face again, trying to decide what to do next. A thought popped into her head and she hurriedly sat up to voice it before he read her mind. “Where the hell have you been all this time? And how did you find me tonight?”
Lark cocked an eyebrow at her and damn did he look hot doing absolutelyeverything?! “Were you looking for me?” His voice was tight when he spoke.
Aria bit her lip. “Maybe.”
“Why?” His eyes danced between a soft blue and a gleaming gold.
“I…”Mine.Her wolf’s declaration was so loud she nearly jumped out of her skin. Lark’s eyes went wide as well. “Are you…I mean. Does your wolf… Has it said something about me?” She didn’t know why she felt like an idiot right now. Lark opened his mouth to speak but she cut him off. “Actually, don’t answer that.” She jumped out of bed, looking for her shoes. She couldn’t be mated to Creedin’s homicidal sidekick. It wasn’t going to happen. Gideon would never let it happen. She needed some space away from him to clear her head. “I have to get back. Can you drive me home?”
Lark studied her quietly for a moment before speaking again. The way he pinned her in his gaze made her blood surge. “We didn’t drive. I teleported you here.”
“Oh.” She chewed on her lip again. “Can you teleport me back to the complex?”
His gaze remained on hers and she did her best to keep her mind blank.
Lark rose from the chair, closing the distance between them. He stood over her, placing his warm hands on her bare upper back. “Deep breath in.” The world faded away and when it reappeared she was on the steps of the complex…alone. She glanced around, seeking Lark and finding nothing but empty air. The sun was beginning to rise and she felt disappointed and drained. She trudged up the steps, barefoot, her stilettos hanging limply from her hand.
The guard on duty dropped the sandwich he had been eating and his eyes went wide when he saw her. “Hey, Mack.” She tried to sound casual. He took in her bloody, disheveled state.
“Did something happen? Let me call Gideon.” He moved toward the phone and she used her enhanced speed to block his hand before it could press the buttons.
“Don’t bother the Alpha over something like this. I’m fine. Just need a bath. Some guys got a little handsy and I had to teach them a lesson.” Aria winked at him but the anxious energy that rolled off of him didn’t wane. “I’m just going to head to bed. Goodnight!” She moved away from him, and headed to wait in front of the sleek black elevators. Her reflection stared back at her and it was certainly a sight. Dried blood and caked-on makeup. Her hair was a bird’s nest and her dress was ruined. She sighed and tapped the elevator button impatiently. What the hell was taking so long? It’s not like the elevators were in high demand at this hour.
The sunrise was beginning to shine through the front windows in shades of pale pink and peach. The soft colors slowly chased the last of the night’s darkness away. Some part of her wished she was watching it from the cabin, with Lark. Her wolf stirred at the mention of their mate, wait, not-mate.
The elevator finally dinged and she gratefully slipped inside. The ride was quiet and she used the few seconds to pick some dried blood out of her hair. A shower would be her first priority, then sleep. Lots and lots of sleep. The doors slid open and a pair of drowsy, toffee eyes greeted her. She stepped out, guilt wiggling away inside her.
“What brings our Beta out of bed so early? Couldn’t sleep?”
Lance sighed and let out a low rumble. “Mack called me.” He took in Aria and her bloody skin. “What happened?”
“Nothing important. It’s not my blood.” She tried to make her tone light.
“Some of it is. I can smell it.” Lance’s toffee eyes glowed.
“Well you should see the other guy…” Her voice trailed off and they stood in awkward silence. “Please don’t tell Gideon about this. I’m fine, really. It was just a weird night.” She didn’t like the pleading tone in her voice but she felt a little desperate in the moment.
Lance heaved a sigh and nodded. “I’ll keep this between us for now. As long as you’re okay.”
“Thank you.”
Lance was like another big brother to Aria. He was Gideon’s closest and most trusted friend. She had grown up with him and he had teased, bullied, protected, and comforted her any time she needed it. Now that she was older he kept an annoyingly close eye on her. Well, he wasn’t as overbearing and irrational as Gideon could be, but it was close. He shook his head, muttering something under his breath. She smiled and headed down the hall to her apartment.
His voice stopped her again. “But Aria, be careful. I know Gideon can tend to overreact but you can always come to me, no matter what.” His eyes bore into her and she felt like he knew all her secrets. But he didn’t. He couldn’t read minds like Lark.
“I know. Thank you,” was all she said before turning away and ducking into her apartment. She showered, washing off the last of the blood along with the scent of burnt sugar and caramel. She let out a harsh breath and crawled into bed. Maybe she would find that scent again in her dreams.
* * *
The air was hot and thick around the room as Lark worked her body. She moaned, looking down as his tongue devoured her like she was as sweet as his candy scent. His body was covered in the cloak he wore the first time they met. She pulled at the fabric, desperately curious to know what he looked like beneath.
“Patience, Aria,” he purred from between her thighs.
She growled back at him. “Patience is not one of my strengths.” Her breathing was labored, her forehead damp with sweat. The heat in the room was unbearable and so was the steadily building pressure between her thighs. “I need this, Lark.”
He chuckled darkly. “What’s the magic word?”
She gasped as she teetered on the edge of a powerful climax. “Please.”
