Page 112 of Wicked Magik

Now I was intrigued. What do you mean fated mates? The only fated mates I knew of were in books, and surely they wouldn’t be real here. Fated mates were not a thing.

Then again, I am in a world full of fae, monsters, vampires.

A cool hand wrapped around my wrist and I instantly let go, startled by the temperature difference.

“Good afternoon, Vesper.”

I gasped when I saw Veylor at my side. He’s dressed in all black attire, a cape around his neck, making him too devilishly handsome for his own good. My lady parts fluttered and I tried to step back, but he didn’t let go of my wrist; instead, he pulled me closer.

“I’d like to take you for a walk in the gardens, if that is okay with your friends here?”

I turned to my new friends and shook my head, silently pleading with them to ask for me to stay.

Josphine giggles. “My Lord, I think the fresh air would do her some good.”

Pyrrah nodded eagerly. “Yes, of course. You two have a nice long walk. Be sure to look at the stone arches. It’s so romantic.” She sang annoyingly, and Veylor and I both made a face of disgust.

At least we can agree on one thing.

He tugged at my wrist and led me out of the room. I scowled at both of them, and they wiggled their fingers and blew kissy faces at me.

Last time I would hang out with them.

Veylor led me to the front doors. I paused as I stared at the impending doors. I wasn’t ready for this, to go outside. I wasn’t necessarily scared…

Alright, that was a lie. I was completely terrified to go out there and with Veylor, alone.

As he noticed my apprehension, he paused and a frown appeared on his face. More emotions were appearing on his face lately, and I wondered if he was doing it for my sake.

“I will tell you over and over again, but I understand if you don’t believe me,” he said.

I licked my lips and stared at my shoes. The last time I was near the steps outside, the vampires ripped me from the front courtyard, and I was dragged into the forest and freaking mauled to death.

“…that is why Oryx will be with us the entire time.”

Veylor pushed open the door, and as it creaked, I winced at the widening crack that let in the brighter mist from outside. More light orbs were scattered throughout the courtyard, illuminating the area more than I had ever witnessed.

How many weeks has it been since I’ve been out here? Three, four?

My shoulders relaxed seeing so much light all in one place since arriving in this realm and seeing Oryx just on the other side of the steps where I was dragged off settled my once upset stomach.

I let out a shaky breath and looked up to Veylor with an expectant look. “We can take our time.” He took my arm and looped it with his. He caressed my hand with his other one.

I felt like I could see the man inside him now, what the maids were talking about. I could almost see him taking care of Josephine and Pyrrah, just like he was now taking care of me.

My heart fluttered, and I tried to push it down. Tried to bring that hate back that I so desperately wanted to feel.

But the warmth I felt in my body, despite the coldness of his body touching mine, was blooming faster than what I wanted.

I was turned on by him, and I couldn’t understand why. It’s been like that since I first met him, even if he acted like a dick towards me.

“Come on now, pet.” He teased. “Show me how brave you are.”

My face flushed with heat as he led me down the stairs while he walked in front of me. He turned to watch me as I took the last steps and Oryx met me at the bottom. Oryx greeted me with a long tongue kiss up the side of my neck, and instead of feeling embarrassed, I laughed at how he didn’t feel any jealousy toward Veylor holding my hand while he did it.

Would I feel jealous watching Oryx and Veylor kiss?

The thought had crossed my mind when I thought he was completely evil, but now, not as much. Knowing that Veylor had a softer side and was taking care of Oryx, I was more open.