Page 104 of Wicked Magik

I recall those summer nights and the storms that would shake the funeral home. The wind would make the old house creak, and the rain would lash against the ancient windows. Even in the safety of the basement, I felt scared as a child. She would hold me tightly, whispering that everything would be alright, and I believed her. I trusted her completely.

The only other person who came close was Oryx. He never lied; he only knew the absolute truth. However, when he said that Veylor didn't intend any harm, I couldn't believe it—not after what Veylor had done before.

That icy demeanor, those unyielding eyes, and that unreadable face. I was torn between disbelief and suspicion.

Could he really desire me? I couldn't shake the feeling that his intentions were to cause me harm.

That was the case until now. When I witnessed the walls collapse around him and he saw me bleeding, completely shattered, exhausted, and without hope. He realized how he had shaped who I am today, especially when I'm engulfed in darkness and tormented by nightmares...

He stumbled.

I saw something different.

For the first time, his eyes softened, and his lips trembled slightly. The usual smug grin was gone, replaced by a furrowed brow and downcast eyes.

The air between us shifted as his shoulders slumped, and I could see the weight of guilt etched into the lines on his face.

His lips trembled, his eyes turned glassy.

Emotion.He had emotion.

Then he turned away like he couldn’t bear to see me like this.

Oryx shifted me into his lap and licked the remaining blood off my arm. I squirmed in his hold, the heat of his tongue sparking the heat between my thighs to come alive.

“Shh, I know, I will take care of you,” he purred.

Each time I wake, I’m exhausted and unable to sleep. I see those vampires claw at my skin, hear the clicking of their throats and the gulps as they taste my blood.

I wasn't troubled when Oryx did it. He was gentle. The comforting rumble from his chest calmed me, igniting a fire within me that made it impossible to rest until he tended to me in ways I shouldn't desire after such a nightmare.

I needed him.

“I will put you to sleep, my pet. Lay back.”

Oryx groaned and sank back into the disheveled bedding. The blankets were a tangled mess, and he carefully peeled away the dress I had slept in. His fingers, though large, moved with surprising grace. He made no rush, allowing his hands to glide up the sides of my body, leaving a trail of warmth in their wake. Each teasing touch sent a shiver through me as he guided me back down onto the bed.

“That’s it, my pet. Lay still, let me feast.”

I wanted to fight back, but I was so exhausted. In all honesty I was tired of fighting, tired of trying to stay awake, fighting with Veylor, thinking.

I just wanted to rest.

Oryx's skull nestled against my inner thigh, the coolness of his skull contrasting with the warmth of my own. As he gently pushed my legs back, his long, agile tongue traced delicate patterns over my sensitive skin, sending shivers up my spine. I inhaled sharply, caught off guard by the intensity of the sensation, as he nuzzled his nose closer, drawing in deep, deliberate breaths of my scent.

Why was this so hot?

“Yes, let me take in your arousal.”

Oryx didn’t feed on blood as often anymore, he wanted my body. Something about desire that I didn’t have time to think about. I just knew he took in my orgasms, my pleasure and he said it made him feel full and not sluggish like the blood did.

His hand grazed up my side and pulled me closer to him, his tongue flicked inside my body. My back arched and as soon as he hummed against my clit, I had already fallen over.

My body was primmed for him.

Oryx stood up, revealing his impressively muscular chest. No human or any other creature had a physique quite like his. If I wasn’t so tired I’d sit up an lick it.

My eyelids drooped, barely registering his words as he moved behind me. I struggled to remain awake, avoiding dreams, yet with Oryx close by, I felt assured of his protection. I trusted him completely.