Page 97

She describes the cryptic phrase left with her adoption, hinting at celestial origins. Hearing this, I feel sure it will settle. Danica is unmistakably the prophesied one we've long sought. Adrian, too, seems to conclude this based on his rapt focus.

Dani explained that she had recently researched the term. "It's some ancient language for 'ethereal being,' apparently." She searches my gaze.

Adrian's curiosity visibly escalates. "What was the precise word itself?"

She provides it without hesitation. "D'larayn."

Adrian rubs his chin contemplatively. "Unfamiliar dialect, yet 'celestial' indicates broad dimensions. Further research is needed." His eyes positively gleam, thrilled by the academic challenge ahead.

She meets my eyes then unwaveringly. In their golden depths, I see courage and acceptance shining back brightly. Once more, her resilience leaves me humbled and hopeful for the future...

With the flurry of revelations we have been discussing, not to mention the alcohol and the physical activities that followed it, she has clearly reached her limit.

"Maybe some sleep would do us all some good," I consider aloud. Danica stands, giving me a grateful smile before wishing my brothers good night.

Safely alone, Dani exhales deeply as I draw her close. "My big bad brothers didn't scare you off yet, I hope?" I smooth a hand over her hair, relieved to have her to myself.

Dani leans into. "Oh sure, piece of cake being told I'm descended from aliens fated to battle ultimate evil." Her wry tone makes me chuckle.

I grin down at her, acutely aware of each alluring curve pressed against me. "Mm-hmm, prophecy shmopphecy. Clearly, you can handle anything, Supergirl."

Dani swats my chest but can't restrain a smile peeking through exhaustion. God, but she tempts me, golden eyes dancing up at mine. I brush my lips to her forehead, but she tips her face up stubbornly, wanting more. Heat instantly spreads through me.

"Careful asking," I warn, voice low. "Or I may get...ideas."

"Maybe I like your ideas," Dani retorts, hands framing my jaw daringly. The minx knows precisely how she tests my restraint, pressed soft yet defiant against my hardening body. Her tongue sneaks out, wetting her lower lip. An open invitation no sane man could refuse...

With a muffled curse, I feel my control snap. I crush that smirking mouth under mine, swallowing Dani's throaty laughter—she thinks to provoke the beast so brazenly? Now, my naughty temptress will discover the consequences of playing such dangerous games...

I kiss Dani voraciously, lost to raging desire. With deft hands, I pull her soft body into me. Her fingers dig into my shirt urgently as our tongues duel, every nerve alight.

I lift Dani effortlessly, her toned legs wrapping my waist as I lay her down, the expensive sheets framing her golden-brown hair like a halo.

Mine. She is everything—my lover, warrior, and light through the darkness. And by god and devil alike, I will worship every intimate inch until she truly comprehends the bond sealed between us...

Danica

50

Istir to ethereal lights dancing at my consciousness, beckoning curiously. Squinting against the shadows, I carefully detach from Rhyland's iron embrace. Can't disrupt Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsy's beauty rest after all.

I slide from silken sheets, the glowing aura intensifying as I approach it. Nervous exhilaration quickens my step. Who crashed our en suite for a midnight sauna?

Stepping inside, I halt in awe—an angelic figure illuminates the space with gentle radiance rippling out from within her gown's gossamer folds. Opalescent wings shimmer ephemeral behind an inhumanly lovely face at once, alien yet teasingly familiar. My instincts war between kneeling in reverence and skepticism, dismissing this vision as madness...

"Greetings, Danica." That harmonious voice chases away all doubts. "I am Seraphina, your guardian appointed at birth. I'm here to guide you." I shake my head wordlessly, struggling to reconcile reality's fabric unraveling before me.

Guardian angel? But the soothing comfort and recognition welling up seeing her graceful form confirmed the impossible truth, yawning wide.

"Um, guide me where exactly?" I retort warily. "Cloud Nine day spa? Or possibly the funny farm since I'm clearly losing it."

Her melodic laugh sparks strange nostalgia. "You are ready for revelations about your past and true nature."

I blink in a slow, deliberate motion. "Yes?" The question hangs in the air, a question dressed up as an answer because, honestly, am I even ready to go down this rabbit hole?

She smiles at that but continues earnestly. "I have watched over you since infancy, dear heart. But circumstances have changed, requiring us to accelerate your awakening process. We haven't much time..."

I blink hard, wondering if I'm still dreaming or just utterly certifiable, meeting my fabulous fembot guardian angel. "Damn, Rhyland is NOT gonna believe this when he wakes up..."