Page 38 of Twisted Souls (Twisted Souls #1)

Zara

I shouted as arms grabbed me from behind, pulling me against a broad, muscular chest. Cedar and citrus filled my nose, and a shadowy mist enveloped me. A room appeared, and a door locking echoed into the space.

My heart pounded in my chest as Xavier lowered his face to my ear, letting out a low, sensual growl that vibrated in his chest.

I spun around, and his eyes were wholly black as he looked down at me.

I took in a sharp breath as fear pulsed through me, but also excitement. Shadows began seeping into the room, engulfing it in darkness. I started to back away from him, taking a few staggering steps back.

It dawned on me then that he had his magic back—his soul.

The room disappeared around me, and I could only see him. I swallowed thickly as he took a step forward, slowly closing the small gap between us. He stood two paces from me now, and I could feel that pull again. It pounded in my veins, wanting me to be closer to him. My eyes widened, and Xavier stood watching me, waiting.

“I don’t understand,” I whispered, and his eyes seemed to soften a fraction through his glaring intensity. Xavier shot forward, caging my body with his as my eyes widened. He placed his forehead onto mine, grabbing onto my wrists, pulling me to him. His nearness and citrusy scent overwhelmed my senses, and his shadows seemed to caress my body.

They stroked along my cheek, neck, and back, and I shivered in response.

“I know you can feel it,” he whispered, tilting his mouth over mine, hovering inches from my lips.

“Feel what?” My voice was barely audible as a shiver traced its way across my skin.

He exhaled sharply, his jaw ticking with the motion. “This. Us,” he murmured, his breath hot on my lips.

“I don’t know what I feel,” I admitted, a lump forming in my throat.

“I know exactly what you are feeling. It was cloudy before, but now…” He paused, breathing in deeply. “You want me just as much as I want you.”

“You can’t know that,” I said, my teeth grazing my lower lip, tugging it between them. His gaze followed the motion, lingering as his eyes darkened, the swirling shadows in their depths stilling.

“I can.”

Xavier crashed his mouth onto mine, stealing away what little breath I had left. His kiss wasn’t just a touch—it was a demand, deep and consuming, his tongue parting my lips with unrelenting purpose. A spark ignited low in my belly, consuming every rational thought. His hands slid from my wrists, wrapping around me with a possessiveness that made my knees weak, pulling me flush against him as if the space between us offended him.

The world faded away around us, and my heart raced as I wrapped my arms around his neck and felt his fingers tangle in my hair. His other hand cupped my breast, and a soft moan escaped my lips. The roughness of his stubble grazed my skin, and I arched into him, craving more.

I could feel his arousal, thick and hard between us, and Xavier’s chest vibrated with a low guttural moan. He lifted me off the ground, his hands going to my ass as my legs wrapped around his hard body. As my hips rolled against him, his fingers gripped harder, biting into my skin with dark promise.

Suddenly, the world shifted beneath me, and I found myself pressed against a plush surface. Xavier broke our kiss, his heavy and warm breath mingling with mine. He hovered above me, his gaze intense and focused, drinking in every detail of my face. That white strand fell over his eyes, and the air between us crackled with unspoken words. The tension was thick enough to taste. I could see the depth of desire swirling in his vibrant emerald eyes as his thumb trailed over my cheek.

“What are you thinking?” he murmured, his voice low and urgent, reverberating through the space between us. I knew my answer would either draw him closer or push him away, and I stared into his eyes, knowing I should stop this.

But I couldn’t deny my attraction to him; it was magnetic and intoxicating, weaving through me like a vine, coiling around my heart and squeezing tightly, urging me to surrender.

“I think I don’t want to think right now,” I panted, my breath hitching as my gaze searched his, a spark of panic flaring within me.

He stroked my cheek again with his thumb, the warmth of his skin sending a shiver down my spine. Slowly, his hand moved to the base of my neck, his thumb pressing gently under my chin to tilt my head. As he leaned in, inch by inch, his gaze remained fixated on mine, each movement causing my heart to beat faster and faster. The soft brush of his lips against mine stole my breath like a promise of something raw and unspoken.

I pulled him closer, pressing my lips harder against his, my hands raking down his back. As our lips parted, I deepened the kiss, my fingers sinking into the sculpted muscles of his back. He was intoxicating, and the kiss turned faster, more fevered.

In a sudden, exhilarating movement, my clothes ripped away, shadows swirling around me as the cool air kissed my bare skin. My breath hitched, and I sensed Xavier's smile through our kiss as he began to leave burning, lingering kisses down my jawline. He paused at my neck, and I felt the scrape of his teeth against my skin, making my skin pebble.

Xavier’s mouth left my neck, his gaze drifting to my now exposed breasts as he descended, capturing my nipple with his mouth. He sucked deeply, and I arched into him, a soft moan escaping me as he bit gently, flicking his tongue over the sensitive peak before switching to the other.

“Xavier,” I said breathlessly, gripping his thick, inky hair. I held him to me as he sucked and licked, and a slow, burning heat tightened within me, deep in my core.

Xavier pulled away, his eyes dark and heated as they slowly raked down my naked body. His stare was predatory, and his eyes gleamed with mischief. The muscles along his neck tightened as he took a deep breath, and damn him if that wasn’t hot. Slickness pooled between my thighs at the sight, and his lips tilted up into a lazy half-grin.

“I often wonder what you taste like,” he whispered, his eyes finding mine with a smoldering intensity. Slowly, his hand slid down my stomach, the touch firm and purposeful. His fingers pressed into my skin as he dragged his hand over my hip and down my thigh. His warm, callused hand wrapped around my thigh, and he bent my leg up, pushing himself lower down my body.

I bit my lip as I watched him position himself between my thighs. The sight was something I don’t think I will ever forget. His lips grazed the inside of my thigh, soft and teasing, before pressing a kiss there. My breath faltered as his eyes flicked up, meeting mine as he pressed another and another. He continued to kiss his way down, each one slower, more deliberate than the last.

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from him, and my body ached for him to reach his destination.

Then, with a swift, tantalizing movement, his tongue licked up the center of me. I gasped, my hips instinctively bucking in response. A brief, breathy chuckle escaped his lips, and the heat of his breath against me made me moan.

He repeated the motion, his tongue gliding over me again and again as I writhed beneath him. Every flick and swirl of his tongue sent shockwaves of pleasure coursing through me.

He held my hips firmly down with one powerful arm as he began to suck at the sensitive bundle of nerves at the apex of my thighs. My breath caught, and I clutched the sheets above my head, overwhelmed by the sensation. Waves of ecstasy washed over me, causing my hips to instinctively move in rhythm with his actions. My breaths came in hot, rapid gasps as pressure built between my thighs.

When he flicked his tongue once more against that sensitive spot, I lost all control. My climax shattered through me, yet Xavier didn’t stop; he continued to draw out every shuddering pulse of pleasure until I was left trembling and utterly limp beneath him.

Xavier pressed a gentle kiss to my clit, the sensation electrifying, before pulling back with deliberate slowness. He moved up my body, his lips trailing a scorching path, and when he kissed me, I tasted myself on his lips, the intimacy of it sending a shudder through me. As he drew back again, he shifted, kneeling between my thighs with a predatory grace. His eyes swept over my body, and the heat of his gaze seared my skin. He was fully naked now, his arousal thick and proud, jutting between his thighs, and I couldn’t help but take in the sight of him.

He looked like a god—every inch of him commanding, like a dark king forged from shadows and light. With each steady breath, his broad, firm chest rose and fell. His abs were taut beneath his tanned skin, rippling across the plane of his stomach in an infuriatingly delicious way. His arms were solid muscle, as were his thighs, the cords of power beneath solid and firm. The contrast between the darkness surrounding him and the glow of his skin made him appear otherworldly.

My chest tightened, and I held my breath as his hand slid down to wrap around his thick length, stroking himself slowly. Each movement was unhurriedandenticing, and the mere sight nearly pushed me over the edge again. A tightness coiled deep in my core, a desperate ache that begged for release. I wanted him—needed him—inside me more than I had ever wanted anything in my life.

“You were made for me,” he murmured, his words making my eyes dart back to his. His claim sent another thrill coursing through my body.

He lowered himself over me, capturing my mouth in a tender kiss as he guided himself to my entrance. Our gazes locked, and the space between us seemed to crackle with energy. He pushed into me slowly, the delicious stretch of him making me moan as the pressure of him filled me entirely.

Xavier moved deeper, allowing me to adjust to his size, waiting until I relaxed around him. The pressure already had me craving more, and with agonizing slowness, he began to move inside me.

I'd never experienced such passion in my entire life. I had only ever known quick kisses and even quicker encounters, but this…if this was what it could be…

He pulled almost all the way out, his lips hovering just above mine, teasing, before he thrust into me with abrutal drive of his hips. A cry of pleasure escaped my lips, echoing in the quiet room, as he repeated the motion again and again, each thrust hitting that torturously blissful spot inside me.

Our bodies moved together in perfect sync, and I couldn’t help but feel how right this was. How right he was. Sex was always just sex for me, but this, whatever this was between us, was primal, primitive, and much, much more.

The pressure built between my thighs, and I moaned, my breaths becoming quicker as I teetered toward the edge again.

“Not yet,” he breathed, his voice low and husky. I whimpered, my body trembling as I fought against the overwhelming pressure threatening to take over. I wasn’t sure how long I could hold it back. He filled me entirely. The feel of him inside of me, the way he moved, it was too much. I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t think, I was going to unravel, I was going to—.

Xavier shifted us with a swift, effortless motion, and in an instant, I found myself on top of him, straddling his waist as he knelt on the bed. My arms instinctively wrapped around his neck, anchoring myself against him. The new position made me gasp as he seated himself deeper inside me, the sensation pulling a cry from my lips.

His hands gripped my hips, strong and commanding, guiding me up and down his length. His relentless rhythm intensified with each thrust, causing waves of pleasure to surge through my body.

His mouth found my breast again, his lips and tongue wreaking havoc on my already oversensitive body. My body became taut, and I couldn’t hold back anymore. I shattered around him, my orgasm crashing through me with such intensity that I cried out, gripping him tightly as I rode each wave of bliss.

Xavier groaned, his release overtaking him, his grip tightening on my hips as he pulsed inside me, falling over the edge alongside me.

We collapsed onto the bed, our bodies a tangle of limbs, both breathless, our hearts pounding in unison. My head rested against his chest, his heart thundering beneath my ear as we lay there, trying to catch our breath.

“That was…” I whispered, my voice barely above a breath, unable to find the words.

“It was,” Xavier echoed, his voice rough but satisfied.

His hand gently trailed up my back, fingers threading into my hair as he tugged me closer to meet his gaze. His emerald eyes locked onto mine, and in that moment, the world seemed to still, leaving just the two of us suspended in time. Then, without warning, he closed the distance, his mouth crashing back onto mine in a kiss so fierce, so consuming, it reignited the fire between us all over again.

Xavier moved swiftly, turning me onto my stomach. His weight was all-consuming, grounding me as his lips trailed along my shoulder and neck. I let out another breathy moan as his hands trailed over my ass.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I would never get enough of him—of this. It was passionate and thrilling, and he seemed to know what I needed without asking. Each kiss on my skin sent more heat radiating between us, and I wasn’t sure how we would ever stop… if I wanted it to ever stop…

He gently pushed the hair from my face as I looked at him over my shoulder. His eyes were dark again with desire, and the sight of him over me, his inky hair…that white strand over his eyes…made my heart race with untamed passion.

How he looked at me, as if I were the only thing in the world that mattered, sent waves of warmth coursing through my veins. Then he nipped at my ear, making me gasp.

His hands settled on my hips, guiding me to my knees, my head still pressed against the mattress. Once again, he positioned himself between my thighs, and I felt a rush of anticipation as he pushed inside me. A guttural moan escaped his lips, laced with a low growl, and I couldn’t help but respond with a moan of my own, the sound spilling from me as desire enveloped us both.

His hand slid between my thighs, and my breath hitched at the unexpected sensation. He moved slowly, savoring each moment as he took his time, his fingers teasingly brushing over the sensitive bundle of nerves.

“Tell me you’re mine,” Xavier breathed, his voice rough, almost pleading. I furrowed my brow, caught off guard by the intensity in his tone.

“Xav—” I barely managed to say before a moan ripped through me as he tugged at my hair, thrusting harder into me. His pace slowed again, teasing me, his grip still firm in my hair, keeping me tethered to him.

“Zara,” he panted, his voice desperate, and when he thrust again, hitting that spot deep inside me, I couldn’t hold back the way my body clenched tighter around him.

“I—” I gasped, but the intoxicating rhythm of his fingers and the deep thrusts sent my thoughts spiraling away. My climax crashed into me like a tidal wave, overwhelming every sense and leaving me breathless.

Xavier growled, his control slipping as his pace quickened, chasing his own release. His cry of pleasure echoed through the room as he collapsed on top of me, both of us trembling, our breaths coming in short, hot gasps.

A smile broke across my lips, an inexplicable warmth flooding my soul as I laughed softly. But then, an odd sensation shot down my left arm, sharp enough to make me wince.

Xavier immediately leaned up, still pinning my body beneath him, concern flashing across his face. Our gazes locked as we looked down together, and my breath caught in my throat at the sight.

Emerald ink spread across my arm, curling into intricate swirling patterns as it traveled upward. Panic surged through me, my heart racing as the ink crept steadily toward my shoulder.

“Xavier,” I breathed, my voice trembling. His eyes met mine, filled with unspoken emotion, and I realized that a tattoo—twin to his—was now etched onto my skin, just as the fates had shown me.

I tried to shove him off me as my panic rose, but he held me captive underneath him.

“Don’t be afraid,” he whispered, his tone soothing, though it did little to calm my racing thoughts.

“Why do I have your tattoo?” My voice wavered, confusion twisting in my gut as I stared at the ink spreading across my arm.

Xavier shifted his weight, leaning to one side as he looked at me. His gaze softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You are my mate,” he breathed, searching my eyes as if afraid of what he might find.

Shock washed over me in a cold wave at his words, my eyes widening in disbelief. “I don’t know what that means,” I replied, my voice trembling as I pushed against his chest. He leaned back slightly, creating a fraction more space between us, but his weight still pressed down on me, holding me in place.

“Your soul and mine are intertwined,” Xavier said, his gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race. “We hold a missing part of each other within ourselves.” He paused, searching my eyes for understanding. “The tattoo is how the fates have chosen to mark our bond, a sign for others to see that we are mated. It's different for everyone.”

His words reverberated deep within me, an inexplicable truth settling into my very bones. I should have felt comforted by what he was saying, but instead, it felt like I was drowning in the weight of it all. I pushed against him again, but it was futile; he remained firm above me.

“Xavier,” I attempted to sound stern, but my voice trembled, betraying the fear that gripped me. Suddenly, an unexpected surge of emotion washed over me, a sensation that wasn’t entirely my own, causing my heart to flutter. Love, pride, and worry radiated from him, mingling with my own emotions and creating a connection that felt both overwhelming and grounding. I sensed his feelings seeping into me as if he were now an extension of my own being, sharing his thoughts and emotions.

“This is all too much, too fast. I barely know you… and we only just… and…” My words spilled out in a frantic rush, my breath quickening as my heart raced. “And now you’re saying I’m your mate? That the gods chose this for us?”

Xavier nodded slowly, his expression earnest. “I know it’s a lot to take in, Zara… but please, just try to calm down. I can explain anything you need me to.”

I shook my head, frustration mixing with confusion. “They showed this… us… but I didn’t know what it meant.” My voice trembled, uncertainty coloring my words.

“Do you want me to go?” His voice was a low murmur, and when I met his gaze, I saw the sincerity there—he’d leave if I asked him to. He wasn’t holding me here, not really.

“No… I just want to understand.” I looked at him, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. I wasn’t sure what I wanted right now, and I didn’t know what I was feeling or if it was him who was feeling it.

Xavier finally leaned away, rolling fully to his side. He propped his head on his hand and stared at me. “Are you sure?” Xavier asked, his brow furrowing with doubt.

“Stay,” I replied, my voice strained yet sincere. I felt his shoulders relax at my words, and I gazed up at him, my heart pounding. “Is that the pull I’ve been feeling?” I questioned, my voice barely above a whisper. Xavier nodded, confirming my suspicions.

I looked away briefly, anxiety creeping in as I gathered the courage to ask my next question. “And… Jaxon? Is that why I also felt it toward him?”

Xavier’s expression dimmed, and he nodded again. “Yes. He had a part of my soul, and you could sense the bond, me, through him.”

I shook my head slowly in understanding.

Xavier waved his hand, and in an instant, soft black pants materialized, fitting him perfectly where there had been none. With another flick of his wrist, I felt a refreshing sensation, like water cascading over my skin, and a moment later, a black shirt enveloped me.

His citrus and cedar scent wrapped around me like a warm embrace as Xavier smiled at me. He pulled me onto his chest, shifting so that he lay on his back, and I let myself sink into him, burrowing deeper against his side, unable to resist the comfort of his warmth despite the whirlwind of emotions inside my head.

I smiled against his chest, feeling the heat radiate from him, soothing my frazzled nerves. But as the moments passed, my thoughts began to wander, tracing back through the events of the past few days… and months. I struggled to make sense of everything that had happened.

Mate. That was what Xavier had called me. The word felt strange yet also right, like a puzzle piece clicking into place, but I still didn’t fully understand its significance.

As I lay there, Xavier didn’t speak again, his eyes slowly drifting shut as he watched me wrestle with my thoughts. It was as if he sensed my need for space, allowing me the time to sort through the storm of emotions swirling in my mind before talking more about it.

His arms were wrapped around me, and even in sleep, he clung to me tightly as if afraid I might slip away if he let go.

At some point, I must have drifted off because I awoke early the next morning to find myself still wrapped in his embrace, my head resting on his chest. I listened to his heartbeat, and something nagged in the back of my mind.

My gaze fell to my arm, now adorned with a swirling tattoo that intertwined like living vines. It knotted into symbols that seemed to pulse with a strange energy. I traced the intricate patterns with my eyes, feeling a wave of unease settle in my bones, but I couldn’t figure out why.

Xavier shifted beneath me, rolling us onto our sides with effortless grace. His mouth crashed onto mine, and I smiled into the kiss, his fingers tangling in my hair. He opened his eyes slowly, pulling back just enough to meet my gaze. “Good morning,” he rumbled, his voice still rough with sleep.

My cheeks flushed at the sight of him like this. “Morning,” I whispered, my voice soft and barely above a breath.

As his hands began a now familiar journey down my body, I pressed a hand to his chest, gently stopping him. He paused, looking at me with those vibrant eyes, now sparkling with a playful curiosity.

“We need to talk,” I said somewhat sheepishly. “I’m still confused,” I admitted, and Xavier smirked, relaxing back onto his pillow.

“Like I said, I can answer any questions you have,” he said, pulling me toward him again so my head lay on his chest. His hand came to my back, and he traced his fingers along my spine, making my skin pebble.

“I don’t fully understand what a mate is,” I admitted, and Xavier seemed to breathe deeply before replying.

“Having a mate is rare.” He stopped stroking my back and ran his fingers through my hair. “A mate is determined by the fates.”

I cringed at the mention of that thing, but Xavier continued, “A mate shares the other half of one's soul. They are equals in every way.”

I scrunched my brows. How was I his equal? He was an all-powerful Fae King, and I was… I was a nobody.

“You are wrong.” Xavier soothed, looking down at me.

“How did you—”

“Our bond allows us to sense each other’s emotions and other things.” Xavier purred, a hidden smirk on his lips. “Your magic, your soul, is not whole because Morgana still has a part of it.” Xavier paused, looking away and at the ceiling. “I think once it is returned to you, you will better understand and be able to feel the connection more than you do now.” Xavier looked down at me againandturned, tangling our bodies together so our faces were almost touching. “I promise I will get it back for you.”

“I just don’t want you to think… what I mean is…” I stumbled over my words, searching for the right way to express the whirlpool of confusion and fear inside me.

“Zara,” he said, a warm smile spreading across his lips, “nothing needs to be settled right now. Take as much time as you need to figure it out for yourself. I'm not going anywhere.”

I curled into him at his words, but he lifted my chin to look at him. He leaned in and kissed me, the sensation making my toes curl. “But while you figure it out, I can show you what it’s like to be mine,” he breathed against my lips, the promise in his words sending a thrill of anticipation racing through my veins.

I hesitated, my heart pounding in my chest. “We should probably get ready. I'm sure the others are waiting for us,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. The thought of leaving this moment and facing reality sent a pang of reluctance coursing through me.

Xavier smiled knowingly, rolling us so that I was straddling him on the bed. He pulled my face toward his, our lips meeting as he pushed my hips down, making me feel his arousal between us. I gasped, and the sensation made my stomach clench, a fire igniting in me once more.

Confusion swirled in my mind, but I couldn't deny the magnetic pull between us—the raw attraction, the burning lust. I knew I should stop, yet as I shifted my hips, grinding against him, I reveled in the thrill of it. He let out a low moan, kissing me more fiercely, his eyes blazing with desire. “Let them wait,” he growled, his breath warm against my lips.

*

My legs were trembling by the time we headed to the dining hall for breakfast, and Xavier’s smug grin only grew wider with every shaky step I took. After nearly toppling down the stairs, he scooped me up with a laugh, carrying me the rest of the way.

Hunger gnawed at my stomach, and I had demanded he set me down before we entered.

The dining hall stretched wide before us, the smell of freshly baked bread and sizzling meats filling the air. My stomach growled in response. But as soon as we stepped inside, a shift in the atmosphere became clear, and no one seemed to make eye contact with me.

I moved to sit between Dedra and Gunnar, and the moment I slid into the seat, Gunnar practically leapt from his chair, scrambling further down the table from me. My mouth popped open in surprise, and the room erupted into stifled laughs.

Dedra covered her mouth with a hand, stifling a laugh behind what I could only assume was an exaggerated cough. Her eyes gleamed with amusement. “Nice ink,” she remarked, her grin widening as her gaze flicked to my new tattoo.

Xavier, who had claimed the now-vacated seat next to me, grunted in approval, clearly unbothered by what had just happened. I shot him a pointed look, but he seemed entirely unconcerned, his focus now on fixing our plates as if he had always done so like this was just another morning routine.

“Don’t mind him,” Dedra said with a knowing wink. “It’ll pass.”

“What will?” I asked, brow furrowed at her cryptic statement.

“The possessive, domineering behavior,” Dedra replied with a mischievous smile. “You’re mated now, and when it’s fresh like this, men tend to get territorial about who comes near their mates.” Her smile widened. “It's why Gunnar moved away so quickly. He didn’t want Xavier to tear off his head for being near you.” She chuckled. “I would avoid other men for the time being, glances, close proximity… for their safety.”

Xavier shot me a brief sidelong glance but stayed quiet, continuing to pile an absurd amount of food onto my plate without care.

“Great,” I grumbled, and Xavier poked me in the ribs as he set my plate in front of me. Did he think I would eat all of this? The plate was piled so high with various meats and pastries that they nearly fell off the edge of the plate. Xavier started digging into his food pile, and I chuckled softly.

As I glanced around the table, my eyes landed on Jaxon. He watched us, but his expression was different—his eyes were clearer and softer, and there was a genuine smile on his lips. It took me by surprise, and I tilted my head, staring back at him. For the first time, I didn't experience the usual pang of guilt or longing when I looked at him. The weight of our past was lighter, and I was able to breathe more freely as we stared at each other. Understanding passing between us.

I grinned at him, and he winked, causing an immediate reaction from Xavier, who let out a loud snarl that had me jumping from my seat.

Jaxon let out a barking laugh as Xavier’s dark eyes flashed between the two of us. An honest, hearty laugh filled the room and widened my grin even further.

Xavier stood, but I put my hand on his arm, my smile seeming to ease the tension as he slowly lowered back into his seat, still glaring at his brother. Jaxon lowered his gaze but continued to laugh, and everyone stifled their own laughter at the situation.

We were leaving for Mirronian today, and as I looked around at my friends—at Dedra's bemused smile and Gunnar's relaxed posture—a wave of warmth and contentment washed over me. So much had changed in such a short time, yet despite the chaos and confusion, I felt more at peace than I had in years.

Something inside me hummed in quiet affirmation as if to say, “This —this was where I was meant to be.”