Page 50

For now, I linger at the crossroads, not fully belonging to either family—one bound by blood, the other by choice. But the time is coming to integrate my disjointed halves into a whole.

I step into the night air on the back patio and tip my head back to gaze at the stars, taking comfort in their ancient mystery. My breath forms white clouds as I whisper, "I wish you could trust me with the truth." For now, my questions remain unanswered, the secrets left untouched. But I won't stop searching.

Back inside, I head to my room. The familiar scent of fresh laundry and the faint aroma of lavender fills my senses as I open the door. As I finish unpacking my bag, I find myself drawn to the window. The moon hangs low in the sky, casting an eerie glow across the peaceful landscape of my parents’ property. Despite the scene’s beauty, a chill runs down my spine. The thought of Rhyland and his cold, piercing gaze lingers, haunting me even here, miles away from Seattle.

I shake off the unease and change into my pajamas, crawling between the soft sheets and sinking into the plush mattress. There is a better time to dwell on the past or ponder the enigma that is Rhyland.

Sleep beckons, promising a brief respite from the chaos of my life.

Rhyland

26

Peering at Danica through the curtains, my chest tightens like a damn vise. She's a vision of innocence, untouched by the cruel shit life throws our way.

The night whispers secrets as the pines sway, hinting at rain to come. I’m a shadow among shadows, lurking unseen as the house's lit windows cut through the dark like a pair of prying eyes.

As she moves to her room, the moonlight drapes her in an otherworldly glow, and I'm itching to go to her. With her folks out cold for the night, the time is ripe.

I type up a bold-ass message, my thumb hovering before I slam the send button. "Alone at last?" I throw in a devilish emoji and watch the dim light play across her face as she reads it.

Her body tightens up, her eyes darting around to pick out where the hell I am. I can't help the low, hushed laugh—even if she won't hear it.

"Thought you could sneak away, huh?" I'm whispering to the shadows, playing this game with myself more than anyone.

"Dammit, Rhyland," she hisses under her breath, fingers flying over the keys.

Her spitfire response gets me; her braveness lights a fucking fire in me. I'm clenching my fists to keep from dragging her away now. But patience... I've got to ride out this burning tension.

Her reactions—all flustered and defiant—they're like a damn tease. Thrills me to coax that fire out of her. It's all a game leading up to that final play—more satisfying if I let the heat between us simmer.

Just a little longer, teasing and watching her fight the pull. The restraint's a bitch, but the payoff will be explosive. Every second of this game, this chase, it's a sweet kind of hell. Dani—she's mine, and I swear I'll have her. But first, I'm going to enjoy every goddamn moment.

Her text lights up my phone: "Did you seriously follow me here?" I can almost hear the piss and vinegar in her voice.

I shoot back, "Bring your sexy ass outside." A shiver of thrill runs through me, knowing she's going to be rattled.

I stand there, soaking in the symphony of the night and the low hum of the sleeping town bathed in moonlight. There's a primal beat thumping inside me, a surge of raw fucking power. I squash that shit down hard. This is about who rules the roost, about pure, unadulterated control.

She belongs to me—to drive insane until she's panting and pleading. With the night honing my edges, I'm primed for this showdown of might and ravenous want.

Then my phone goes off—she's bit the bait.

Dani—“Fine.” That pissed-off emoji she tacks on just carves a grin on my face.

I blend back into the shadows as her door creaks open. There she stands, arms folded like she's gearing up for battle.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she snaps, her voice searing hot. But before I can get a word in, she's in my face, poking me like she's got a point to prove. "You think you can trail me like some sort of creep? I am not somebody's prey for the likes of a wannabe Dracula."

Her fire, her fury, it's a goddamn turn-on. I can't help but get a kick out of it. "Wannabe Dracula? Funny shit, sweetheart, but you're way off-mark." I close in on her 'cause I can't resist the bait of her challenge. "Face it—there's a part of you that's thrilled I'm here."

She huffs in denial, but her feet are planted—it's like my pull roots her. The moonlight spills over her, exposing the tussle in her eyes. Yeah, my dark allure's got its hooks in her, even as she bucks against it.

"You should go," she tosses out weakly. But every inch of her screams the raw truth—she hungers for the shadows I bring. No more bullshit, no more pretense.

As Danica turns to leave, and before she can react, I snatch her into my vise-like grip from behind, one hand clamping over her mouth to muffle her cry of shock. Adrenaline screams through my veins even as logic screams this is madness. It's too late—my rash course is set.

Danica's heart flutters against my arm, locked around her torso. I ignite into superspeed, the world morphing sickeningly around us into tunnels of gnarled branches and whipping foliage. She thrashes in my iron hold, muffling incensed demands against my palm.