Page 23 of Guided by the Stars (Creating Destiny #1)

Nora

When Hunger Hits

I creep down the stairs quietly, despite knowing no one will be there.

Daemyn knocked on my door a few hours ago, checking in and letting me know they will be out back.

Instead of joining, I hid in my room like a coward, avoiding dealing with my problems. I’m no stranger to panic attacks, it’s just been a few years since I’ve had one.

Now, since being here, they’ve captured me twice.

Not to mention the damn feelings that Beast is awakening within me.

It’s all too much and I’m falling into a pit of my own nerves, needing to regain some self-control.

The meditation earlier helped, but when hunger hit, I couldn’t avoid this new reality any longer.

The stairs lead straight into the small kitchen with the fridge to the left.

It’s the only piece of electricity humming in the room.

It’s all basic. White walls that are overpowered by the wood cabinets in the room.

Clutter-free oak counters stretch from one corner to the next, and the only light shining in is from the window above the sink.

The sun reflects through, cascading its rays over a wooden dining table.

It’s the perfect farmhouse style for a cabin like theirs. Kind of cute, actually.

I pull the fridge open and let out a disappointed groan. Both of these boys are in serious shape, and with Alexius being similar to the size of a boxer, I would expect a fridge full of choices. Instead they have cheese, bread, and a few pieces of fruit. Explains the meals they have been making.

With a heavy sigh, I pull out some figs and crusty bread before planting myself into a chair.

As if on cue, the back door swings open and my eyes widen.

The pair of them are sweaty, their hair a mess, and smiles on their faces as they come strolling in from what must have been their morning workout session.

I’m captivated with every movement they make as they work as a team.

Alexius pulls out some mugs along with a bottle of wine while Daemyn grabs a cutting board and a long knife.

They’re on autopilot, completing their routine before they head toward me, seating themselves at the table in their normal spots.

It puts a sad smile on my face, making me miss my best friend even more.

They move easily with each other like Adriane and I do.

Daemyn pulls the bread toward his board and smirks as he starts to cut through the crust, “Sorry, you know we usually like to make breakfast early. Guess we had a fun distraction this morning.” Alexius snorts at Daemyn’s playful teasing, still refusing to say a word as he pours the wine before handing me a glass.

Minutes pass without a word uttered. The only sound comes from the wind blowing through the trees and the laughter leaving my lips.

We’ve sat around this table a few times now.

Each time it starts off with this uncomfortable silence, no one knowing what to say first, and reminds me of the most awkward dinner I ever had to sit through.

I was adopted so late that I missed out on the typical teenage things, including relationships.

I was the only girl in my sorority that was still a virgin, with a dating history full of failed attempts.

By the time I started going out with Timothy, I’d built up enough pressure for myself that I felt prepared to rip the band-aid off.

One night, his parents invited me over for dinner, and when we escaped into his childhood bedroom, I decided that was the night.

He caressed me softly with gentle hands and whispered words of adoration into my ear.

He was really sweet, trying so hard to take away the unease I was feeling, but things turned sour quickly.

When his fingers were deep inside of me, his dad swung the door open, despite having heard my fake moans, and he got a view he wasn’t expecting.

I was mortified, ready to run away, yet somehow the guilt of knowing his mother was downstairs prepping a huge dinner kept me stuck in the house.

You live and learn, I guess. It was humiliating sitting in silence, listening to his mom talk away, but I look back, grateful.

We broke up that night and I haven’t had a steady boyfriend since.

If it went further, I now know it would have been a mistake I would always regret.

“What’s got your attention, Baby Girl?” Daemyn breaks the silence.

“Nothing important, but your fridge looks a little empty. Is there a god supermarket or anything?” I say the lame joke without thinking and sink back into the chair, embarrassed.

Alexius’ head shoots right up, his jaw is clenched and his eyes are tight, consumed with his regular irritation. “Well, we weren’t expecting you and we keep things simple, love. ”

“Your Highness, need I remind you? I wasn’t expecting to find myself here either.

” He ignores my question and his eyes narrow as he leans forward, darting his tongue out.

The temperature in the room increases tenfold as I watch him lick a smooth layer of moisture between his lips.

I’ve learned this look. He’s ready, prepared to strike, and making my blood boil.

I steady myself, copying his every move until his wicked grin opens wide and his teeth chomp down on wine-soaked bread.

What the!

Maybe I haven’t learned everything. I wasn’t prepared for that.

Disgust lines my face, making Alexius smirk grow as he dunks the rest of his bread back into the mug.

He pops it right into his mouth, wine running down his fingers.

Then that damn sinful tongue comes out again, licking off any trace of wine in deliberately slow strokes while keeping those intense blue eyes right on me.

“You guys are beyond exhausting,” I exhale, shifting in the chair as he chuckles. I hate that I’m an open book to this asshole. Every little movement he does sparks a charge in me.

“Okay, you’re not a fan of bread and wine. What do you like?” Daemyn’s smoky voice pulls my attention away.

“I mean, I like bread. I like wine. Usually separate,” I tell him as I shake my head a little. “Honestly, is this a normal thing, eating it like that? Or are you messing with me?”

Daemyn opens his mouth, although Alexius is the one to talk first, “We have to get it from Zeus’ kitchen, so we keep things simple. No need to go asking for favors if we can avoid it.”

The lightning bolt on Daemyn’s hand pulses as he balls it into a fist. He looks over to Alexius, nodding in silent agreement before turning back towards me. “Favors are never free here, Nora. Bread is quick and lasts long. Wine helps soften it. So yes, it’s normal.”

Both boys return to eating, avoiding my eyes, and drop the subject. Despite Alexius being an ass, guilt builds anyway. I’ve gathered that Zeus is a rough topic for them and try to avoid it, I just didn’t realize wine and bread would be a trigger.

Screw it. I grab some bread, dunking it into my mug, knowing that it got their attention as I pop the soggy piece into my mouth.

“Guess simple can be good,” I lie, shrugging a shoulder while finishing my soaked bread.

I take a peek, looking at Alexius from under my lashes and give myself a pat on my back.

It was worth it. Alexius’ face is lighter despite trying to hide that smile.

***

Whatever happened at that table seeped into the rest of our night, letting me get to know the captors who ambushed my world.

This morning I feel lighter. That is until I round the corner, noticing I’m caught alone in the kitchen with Alexius.

The big, bad Beast doesn’t scare me as much anymore, however, the thin, dark gray boxer briefs he’s wearing does.

He’s packaged up, complete with morning wood, standing before me, ready to bite.

“I, well, good—” He cuts me off, reaching forward and pulling my hand in his as he guides us out the back door. He turns, tugging me forward so I crash into him. He’s gentle, staring down at me with wonder as he lifts our entangled hands to those lips I dream about.

His head pops up and he kisses me softly on my cheek. Slowly, he drags his mouth down to mine. Before our lips touch, he whispers against me, “Love, it’s time. ”

“Yes,” I agree, my fingers brushing against his chest as I drag them down, soaking in the heat of his body.

I’m clueless. No idea what I am doing. I’ll trust in my instincts and let the craving he awakes within me take control.

I push my body harder against him, begging without shame.

My eyes lock with his, hoping to reach the depths of his soul as I tell him the truth, “I need you.”

I watch his tongue lick his lips as his fingers glide against my shirt, inching along the hem of my shorts. I can’t control it, I sigh and look down at his hands peeling the fabric away from my skin. The caress of his fingers is driving me mad.

“Nora,” his stern voice commands, though his hands vanish before my eyes.

Shit!

The sensation of cool satin sheets hits my body. The familiar warmth of the sun shines in. What’s different is the dip in the bed, letting me know someone is sitting next to me. “Love, it’s time to get up.”

No! No! No!

I peel my eyes open, squinting in his direction.

He’s wearing a white t-shirt and jeans, not boxers, and he’s sporting a huge-ass grin.

“Love, you might need me, however, I need you to make it downstairs. Unless you want to miss breakfast again,” he taunts as he leans in, giving my soaked forehead a small kiss before he walks out with a deep laugh vibrating through the hallway.

The groan that leaves my dry throat follows directly behind him. I’m stuck in Olympus, making an ass out of myself. Even Adriane would be laughing.