Page 8

EIGHT

LORELEI

T he stone steps spiraled down into darkness illuminated only by ancient wall sconces. Lorelei ran her fingers along the rough-hewn walls, fascinated by the construction techniques used centuries ago. The stone hummed with energy.

“These walls are remarkable. The masonry work is unlike anything I’ve seen.” She paused to examine a particularly interesting joint where two massive blocks met seamlessly. “How did they achieve this level of precision without modern tools?”

Draken’s broad shoulders filled the narrow passage ahead of her. “Our ancestors had their own methods. Magic played a role in much of the construction.”

“Magic. Right.” Lorelei shook her head, still struggling to reconcile her rational architect’s mind with this new reality of supernatural powers. “So, you’re telling me someone just...” She wiggled her fingers. “Poof! Built a castle?”

“Not exactly.” His deep chuckle echoed off the walls. “They worked with the earth like you can. They shaped the stone, encouraged it to grow and form in specific ways.”

The tunnel opened into a vast underground chamber. Lorelei gasped at the sight of massive crystalline columns that grew straight from the floor to the vaulted ceiling high above.

“This is incredible!” She spun in a slow circle, taking in the otherworldly architecture. “These formations - they’re natural but also clearly engineered. The load-bearing calculations must have been fascinating.”

“You sound like my great-great-grandfather. He was obsessed with the technical aspects too.” Draken’s eyes sparkled with amusement in the crystal-reflected light. “Most of his journals are filled with structural diagrams.”

“There are journals?” Lorelei perked up. “I’d love to see them.”

“Later.” He stepped closer, his presence making her skin tingle. “First, I want you to try something. Close your eyes and feel the earth around you. These crystals grew through the power of Lunas past. See if you can sense their energy.”

Lorelei closed her eyes, hyper-aware of Draken’s proximity. The stone beneath her feet pulsed with a subtle rhythm like a heartbeat. “I feel... something. It’s like the walls are breathing.”

“Good. Now reach out with your power. Let it connect with the crystal.”

She extended her hand toward the nearest column, gasping as warmth flooded through her arm. The crystal began to glow with a soft inner light.

“I did that?” She stared at her hand in wonder.

“You did.” Pride colored his voice. “And that’s just the beginning.”

Lorelei soon followed Draken through another winding tunnel, marveling at the intricate stonework. Unlike yesterday’s tense interactions, he seemed more at ease, pointing out architectural features she found intriguing.

“These load-bearing arches are remarkable,” she said, running her hand along the smooth stone. “The precision is incredible.”

“My ancestors were master builders.” Draken’s deep voice carried a note of pride. “They understood the marriage of magic and engineering.”

“Speaking of engineering, I should probably learn to control these powers before I accidentally demolish another building.” She winced at the memory. “My insurance definitely won’t cover ‘accidental earth manipulation.’”

A ghost of a smile crossed Draken’s face. “We’ll start with the basics. Far away from any structures.”

They emerged from the tunnels into bright sunlight. Draken led her to a sleek black SUV waiting in the courtyard. As he opened her door, his hand brushed her arm, sending tingles through her skin.

The drive took them deep into pristine wilderness. Lorelei stared out her window, taking in the vast expanse of untouched forest and meadows.

“How much land does your pack own?”

“About twelve thousand acres.” He navigated the vehicle along a narrow dirt road. “We need the space to run freely.”

“Run freely?” She turned to study his profile. “You mean as wolves?”

“Yes.” His jaw tightened slightly. “Though I imagine that concept is strange to you.”

“Actually, I think it’s kind of amazing.” The words slipped out. “I mean, being able to transform into another form entirely? That’s incredible from an engineering perspective alone.”

He glanced at her, surprise evident in his expression. “Most humans find it unsettling.”

“I’m an architect. I appreciate elegant design in all its forms.” She gestured to the wilderness around them. “Like this land. It’s beautiful.”

The SUV came to a stop in a sprawling meadow ringed by towering pines. As they stepped out, a warm breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and sun-warmed earth.

“This is where we’ll practice,” Draken said, his commanding presence somehow softer in the natural setting. “No buildings to accidentally demolish.”

“Just trees to uproot and boulders to launch?” Lorelei raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried about accidentally starting an avalanche again?”

“That’s why I’m here.” He moved closer to her. “To help you master your power, not fear it.”

Lorelei followed Draken to the center of the meadow, wildflowers brushing against her legs with each step. Something about being out here with him felt right, natural - as if the ground beneath her feet welcomed her presence.

“Stand here.” Draken positioned himself behind her, his chest nearly touching her back. “Now, reach down with your power. Feel the earth responding to you.”

His proximity sent electricity dancing across her skin. The surge of energy flowing through her felt stronger, more focused, with him this close. It should have felt strange, this instant connection with someone she barely knew, but instead it felt like coming home.

“The ground’s humming,” she said, wiggling her bare toes in the grass. “It’s like it’s saying hello.”

“That’s good.” His voice rumbled close to her ear. “Now, try lifting that small boulder over there.”

Lorelei concentrated on the rock he indicated. When nothing happened, she huffed in frustration.

“Relax,” he murmured, his hands coming to rest on her shoulders. The instant he touched her, power surged through her body. The boulder not only lifted but shot twenty feet into the air.

“Oops.” She bit her lip, watching the rock hover precariously. “Um, how do I get it down without creating a crater?”

“Breathe.” His thumbs traced circles on her shoulders. “Feel the weight of it. Guide it down slowly.”

Following his instruction, she lowered the boulder gently back to earth. “I did it!”

“You’re a natural.” Pride filled his voice.

For the next hour, they worked together, Lorelei growing more confident with each success. Her powers responded eagerly to his guidance, especially when they kept physical contact. It was like his presence amplified everything she could do.

“Let’s take a break.” Draken stepped back, and Lorelei immediately missed his warmth. “Give me a minute.”

As he walked away, Lorelei sank down into the grass, marveling at how different everything felt from yesterday. Who knew practicing earth-moving magical powers with a wolf prince could be so... fun? She plucked a wildflower, twirling it between her fingers as she waited for him to return.

Lorelei watched Draken stride back from the SUV, a wicker picnic basket swinging from one hand. Her heart skipped at the casual grace in his movements, the way his muscles rippled under his fitted T-shirt. He’d seemed so intimidating yesterday, but now…

“You packed lunch?” She couldn’t hide her pleased surprise.

“Can’t have you passing out from hunger during training.” He spread a checkered blanket on the grass. “Though your control is impressive for a beginner.”

“For a human, you mean?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

His lips twitched. “For anyone.” He unpacked sandwiches wrapped in brown paper, along with fresh fruit and bottles of water.

She accepted the sandwich he handed her, their fingers brushing. That familiar tingle of energy sparked between them.

She bit into the sandwich - roast beef with an amazing herb spread. “Oh my god, this is delicious. Did you make this?”

“I have many talents.” He stretched out beside her, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating from his body.

“Hmm. Wolfy powers, gourmet cooking... what else are you hiding, Your Highness?”

“I excel at chess.”

“No way.” She turned slightly to face him, tucking her legs underneath her. “I love chess. We should play sometime.”

His eyes darkened with interest. “Careful what you wish for. I never lose.”

“Neither do I.” She popped a grape into her mouth, letting her gaze linger on his face. “Sounds like a challenge.”

“Perhaps.” He reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. The casual intimacy of the gesture made her breath hitch. “Though I’m beginning to think you might be my greatest challenge yet.”

“Me?” She affected an innocent expression.

His laugh was rich and deep, sending pleasant shivers down her spine. For all his alpha male intensity, there was something endearing about him when he relaxed like this. Something that made her want to lean in closer.

This was nothing like the awkward first dates she’d suffered through before. Here, surrounded by wildflowers and sunshine, with this fascinating man who could turn into a wolf and packed gourmet picnics... it felt oddly right. As if some part of her had been waiting for exactly this moment.

After they finished their lunch, Lorelei stood, brushing crumbs from her lap. The afternoon sun warmed her face as Draken led her to a cluster of small boulders.

“Let’s try something more complex,” he said. “Instead of just lifting rocks, try reshaping them.”

Lorelei focused on a boulder, picturing the change she wanted. The stone shifted and twisted, morphing into a rough approximation of a chess piece.

“A queen?” Draken’s voice held amusement. “Still thinking about that chess challenge?”

“Maybe.” She grinned, then gasped as he stepped behind her, his chest pressing firmly against her back.

“Try again,” he murmured, his breath tickling her ear. “But this time, feel the structure of the stone. Each grain, each crystal.”

His proximity sent waves of heat through her body, making it hard to concentrate. The earth beneath her feet pulsed in rhythm with her racing heart. When his hands settled on her waist, steadying her, the boulder didn’t just reshape – it transformed into a perfect replica of a chess queen, complete with delicately carved details.

“Beautiful,” he said, and Lorelei wasn’t sure if he meant the sculpture or something else. His thumbs traced small circles on her hips, sending sparks of electricity through her whole body.

“How are you doing that?” she asked, her voice breathier than intended. “Making my powers stronger when you touch me?”

“It’s the mate bond.” His words rumbled through his chest, vibrating against her back. “We’re connected. Your power responds to mine.”

Lorelei tried to focus on creating another sculpture, but her body had other ideas. Every point of contact between them felt electric, charged with an energy that wasn’t due to her earth magic. She turned her head slightly, catching his intense gaze.

“Is it always like this?” she whispered. “This... pull?”

“No.” His grip tightened fractionally. “This is unique to us.”

The boulder she’d been working on suddenly exploded into fine sand, startling them both. Lorelei jumped, bumping back against his solid chest.

“Sorry! I got distracted.”

He stepped back, breaking contact, and Lorelei had to stop herself from swaying toward him like a magnet seeking its pole.

She took a steadying breath, trying to ignore how her body screamed at the loss of his touch. This was ridiculous. She’d known him for barely two days.