Page 96 of Wolf Queen Ruin
“We are all composed of the pieces of our breaking,” he said softly.“The difference is whether those pieces form something stronger or something more beautiful than what came before.”
The unexpected poetry of his observation drew a small smile across my face.“That’s surprisingly philosophical for a vampire tomb raider.”
He grinned, stuttering my heartbeat.“I’ve thought a lot about the nature of transformation.I’m still learning new lessons.”His thumb traced circles on my wrist, sending shivers up my arm.“From unexpected teachers.”
Above us, clouds drifted across the moon, alternately revealing and concealing its light in patterns that reminded me of breathing.A gentle breeze stirred the garden, carrying the scent of night-blooming jasmine.
I scooted closer, barely able to keep myself from pouncing on him like a wild animal.But the tension in his shoulders betrayed the soft circles he traced into my knuckles.
“You’re worried about Paris,” I said.“Beyond the obvious challenges of the catacombs.What specifically happened?You started fires.You were hunting a spy.Someone wants your head.What else?”
His expression darkened.“It was a different time in the French Revolution, and I had personal reasons for starting those fires and angering the Parisian court.Those fires helped me hunt down certain members of the Winter Court who attacked my Summer Court.”
“Oh.The Revolution is practically yesterday in vampire terms.No wonder they’re still mad.So we’re walking into a nest of ancient vampires who already hate you, and me by default, to steal an artifact fromtheircatacombs.“ I shook my head.“And I thought the Darién Gap was rough.”
The corner of his mouth lifted in wry amusement.“We simply need to locate and extract the Shadow Fang piece without triggering a diplomatic incident or a vampire blood feud.”
“Simply.Sure,” I echoed sarcastically.“Nothing simpler.”
Damien laughed.I wished I could make a recording of that sound and play it on repeat.
His eyes held mine with considerable warmth.“We make a good team, you and I.”
“Vampire and former shifter, both control freaks and chaos agents,” I said with a nod.“Practically a supernatural buddy comedy.”
“With considerably higher stakes.”
“Oh my god.”I sighed.“Vampire humor.”
His laughter deepened, and his expression shifted, became more intent, more focused.His hand tightened around mine, tugging me closer, his gaze dropping to my lips.Then he leaned in to kiss me as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
I eagerly met his lips, and the combustible need inside me lit to every corner of my body.
There was no stopping my burning, even if I wanted to.
And I didn’t.
Chapter thirty
Damien
Herlipshadbecomemy sanctuary.My solace.My every thought since we arrived back at the Repository.
They were full and soft, with a slight upturn at the corners, like she was always on the verge of a smile or a snarky remark.I couldn’t get enough of them.
The sweet taste of her mixed with the scent of night-blooming jasmine created a heady combination that sent a surge of pure, primal hunger coursing through my veins.
Without an ounce of hesitation, she climbed into my lap and straddled me, her movements fluid and graceful, more lithe cat than former wolf shifter.A groan escaped me as I moved my hands to her ass and pulled her hard against me.
She was an addiction, a compulsion I couldn’t—and didn’t want to—resist.
Pulling back slightly, I trailed kisses along her jawline, feeling the soft pulse of her heart beneath my lips.Her skin was hot, alive, and the contrast with my cool touch made her shiver.Or maybe it was the brush of my fangs against her delicate skin.Either way, she wrapped herself around me even tighter, like ivy claiming stone.
I could hear the quickening of her heartbeat, a rhythm that echoed through my very soul.
“Damien,” she murmured.
In that single word, she demanded every ounce of my attention.It was a summons, a command, a plea all rolled into one.
