“Congratulations, you’ve successfully completed the second test.” I jumped as Lakhesis spoke. She stepped away from a fragrant rose bush, her hand gracefully trailing over the petals as she left. “Not many would’ve had the courage you showed. Especially not at the end.”
“Is it the same for everyone?” I queried, gazing back where I’d come.
“In essence, yes. Regardless of what each person faces, our greatest enemies are often ourselves. It isn’t until we face our fear and doubt, conquering the obstacles placed in our path, that we truly find our worth. Have you not questioned the duality you carry within you, the humanity and the beast? Where does one begin and the other end? Can you ever be completely balanced?”
“Balance comes with trust,” I whispered and the truthfulness of the statement sent shivers over my own skin. “As long as I can trust in myself, trust in the bond I hold with my wolf, we can conquer anything.”
It was Lakhesis’ turn to nod, her smile showing that I’d understood the significance of the trial. “You received a valuable lesson here, Darcy. One I hope you will always carry with you and never forget.” She gestured for me to approach, holding her hand out. “As I mentioned, many have gone before you and shrank away. They lacked the conviction you innately possess. They failed to look within themselves. They didn’t recognize that everything they will ever need to succeed in life has been theirs since birth. They need only look inward and embrace it.”
I placed my hand in her outstretched one and took one last survey of the maze. At the squeeze of her fingers, I took in a breath before being escorted back to the suite.
“Devlin?” I called out the moment I materialized. I was eager to fill him in on everything, but he was nowhere to be found. The clock on the wall showed many hours had passed—so many that he may have become restless waiting and gone exploring.
Kicking off my shoes, I padded over to the nearest couch and collapsed onto it. The cushioned seat felt luxurious on my weary body and I groaned loudly. My brain told me I should really go looking for him, but my muscles screamed for me to stay where I was. Letting out a long sigh, I propped up my legs, the decision made.
A folded piece of paper lay on the coffee table and I shifted to retrieve it. The elegant scrawl told me it was from Devlin, informing me that my guess was right. He’d been unsure when I’d be back and became tired of pacing back and forth. He promised he’d return in time for me to debrief him. I chuckled and tossed the letter onto the table.
You must be the only person I know that always has to be doing something. I imagined saying to him, trying to remember the last time I’d ever seen him just kick back and relax. Even in social gatherings, he was alert—the mark of a great enforcer. It made me worry a little for him, but he would have it no other way. He loved his life, I loved him, and as long as he was happy, so was I.
Well, I’m here, Devlin, time to debrief you. I laughed again, closing my eyes as I rested my head against the couch. The room was still, only a faint ticking from the clock and it began lulling me into a soft sense of calmness. Snuggling into a more comfortable position, I told myself I’d just rest my eyes, but it didn’t take long before I was asleep.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
Strong arms encircled my waist, pulling me back into a hardened body. My heart raced with excitement and a slow smile covered my face as I closed my eyes. I leaned into the embrace and curled my hand around his neck, securing myself to him.
His low husky voice dripped with seduction and caused a warm feeling to pulse through my veins. Hot breath teased at my ear before my skin erupted with goosebumps from the soft kisses being feathered down my neck.
I gripped onto his arm, my nails scratching his flesh when his free hand slipped under my loose shirt. I liked the way his fingers grazed and caressed—slow and methodical—leaving a shimmer of heated energy in its wake.
I twirled around, eager to look into his eyes. I wanted to see whose voice, with two simple words, caused my arousal to spike. He let me turn easily, cocooned safely in the frame of his arms and I gasped at the sight.
It was him again. His dark hair fell just above the brow line and startling blue eyes that held a mischievous sparkle. His features could’ve been chiseled from the finest marble, strong jaw line, but that’s not where I focused. His lips curled into a sexy grin and I wanted them on mine.
My thumb traced the outline of his mouth, his bottom lip full. I almost melted on the spot when he caught me by surprise, nipping at it before quickly stroking with his tongue. He groaned with satisfaction and the sound did something to my stomach.
“Take what you want, Darcy,” he whispered and I searched his face for his meaning.
“Who are you?” The stranger still looked familiar but my heart reminded me there was no way I’d ever forget a man like this, no way my body would let me. It was a riot of sensations—curiosity, desire, and an overwhelming rightness. I might not know him but I couldn’t deny the way he made me feel.
It was his turn to place his fingers over my mouth. “Shush. Don’t talk.”
I tried to speak again but he seized the moment and crushed his lips over mine. I wasn’t ready for the fiery storm that sizzled through my veins when his tongue touched mine. I don’t think I could have ever been prepared.
The kiss stole my breath. He tightened his arm around my waist as his hand held my head firmly. Applying a masterful pressure, there was no denying him access and I welcomed the way he deepened his assault. I wanted it—wanted him—his taste causing me to moan into his mouth.
I rose onto my tiptoes, wrapping my arms around his neck. I hung on as if my very life depended on it. I gave myself over to the moment to being so thoroughly kissed it would ruin me for all future suitors. I would crave this now, chasing it like a drug addict does his first high. I didn’t want it to end. I wanted to be locked in this embrace, with this man, forever.
Whatever awareness I was able to maintain told me I was being carried, but the seal of our mouths never broke. The passionate spark that almost consumed me had ebbed into a slow, languid whisper, his lips moving leisurely, yet deliberately. The change in tempo almost destroyed my composure, and when I finally felt myself being placed on a soft, cushioned surface, I pulled away reluctantly. A second longer and I would’ve drowned.
I welcomed the weight of his body as he covered me. Again, it felt so right, like we were made for each other, the perfect fit.
“Who are you?” I murmured, my heart thumping wildly. I stared longingly at his mouth, wanting to return there. He held power over me, this mystery man. I couldn’t keep from touching his face. My fingertips tingled from the contact.
He nuzzled into my neck and my body arched up into his. There was no answering questions and no thinking while his mouth was applying pressure to all the right places. Somehow he knew what I liked, how to make me respond a certain way, how to ignite my passion.
“You know who I am,” he answered against my fevered skin.
His hand reached for the bottom of my shirt and slowly began lifting it to expose my stomach. The movement was like sweet torture, paired with his seductive descent to sample the skin there. My breath hitched at the first circled brush of his tongue.
Something fluttered in my mind, a name. It stirred before settling, just beyond my reach. I struggled to capture it but it lay enshrouded in fog. The more I pushed the more elusive it became. It was the name of the man who was turning me inside out from his mere touch.
“Tell me your name,” I asked, my voice coated with urgency. My hands buried themselves in his hair and I tightened my fists when he gripped my hips.
“Search your heart,” he murmured between placing wet kisses. His fingers slid underneath the waistband of my pants, moving back and forth.
His name teased me again and then my mind locked completely down as I dragged his body up mine. My mouth sought his and the resulting kiss was one of blistering intensity, as we branded each other’s souls . . .
My body was on fire, my skin glistening with sweat. Then my eyes flew open. Wide awake, I could still feel the pressure of his lips on mine and the places where his hands caressed me. I sat up panting and pushed my hair out of my face.
“Wow!” I exclaimed to the empty room, desperately trying to control my racing heartbeat. I wasn’t a stranger to erotic dreams, but this . . . this was beyond anything I’d ever experienced. Flashes filled my mind, rekindling my desire, as I remembered smoldering blue eyes that had mesmerized me. If only he was real.
Tangled by my feet, I found a blanket Devlin must have lain over me and I kicked it to the floor, attempting to stand. There was a fevered heat pulsating through my veins that set my insides trembling. I was energized—aroused beyond belief.
What the heck was that? I stammered, rubbing my face and staring at the chair. The dream had been so incredibly vivid, nothing short of a cold shower would douse its effects.
“You okay, Darcy?” Devlin’s voice floated toward me from his room. I really didn’t want to explain why I was standing in shock, tousled from sleep and blushing fifty shades of red. I had to think quickly or my lack of response would bring him into the main room. Some things didn’t need to be shared between friends, even close friends.
“I’m fine. I think I’m going to go for a run.” It was a natural response, one I would’ve given any other time. Except this time, I didn’t have my wolf.
“Jogging at this hour? Are you sure you’re okay? Wait a second and I’ll come with you.” I heard movement and sounds of him getting dressed. I didn’t bother waiting. I headed straight for the door.
“It’s all right. I won’t be long!”
Closing the door behind me, I fled down the hallway, bursting out into the approaching dawn.
