Origin of Magic (Dragon's Gift: The Protector #3)(21)

Up ahead, a glitter of water caught my eye. I hurried forward, the sound of a crashing waterfall delightful in the stillness of the night. Somehow, the water sparkled brighter under the light of the moon, a tall, thin spire of water that poured from the cliff above. I went right up to the edge of it, then turned and surveyed the town below.

It was beautiful, a series of ancient buildings climbing up the valley ridge, the golden lamps like stars spread across the night sky. “It’s beautiful.”

“It is,” Ares said. “It’s your home.”

“It doesn’t quite feel like it, though I’m glad to be here.” The word home would always be reserved for Magic’s Bend. I turned back to the waterfall. Cool mist sprinkled my face. There was space behind it. A walkway. “Let’s check this out.”

The waterfall fell into a gleaming pool, but there was a ledge that was just wide enough to sneak behind the falls. I started on the path, then looked back at Ares. “Can you do your hand light thing?”

He held up his palm and light glowed from it. I grinned and turned back, edging into a cavern behind the falls. It was about the size of my apartment. The light from Ares’s palm gleamed on the glittering topaz rocks studded into the cave walls. They were the most beautiful gems, shimmering with a deep richness that made me think worlds could be found within them.

“This place is amazing.” Wonder filled Ares’s voice.

“It is.” I turned, awed, to face the waterfall. It still glittered in the moonlight, creating a sparkling veil that shielded us from the world.

Suddenly, I realized how close Ares was standing. He was right at my side, his shoulder just inches from mine. All I could hear was the pounding water. All I could smell was his winter fresh scent. All I could feel was the heat of him.

As if in a trance, I turned toward him. His gaze was hot on mine, his head tilted down because he was so much taller. The light from his hands blinked out, as if he were distracted. By me.

My eyes adjusted quickly, but there were only shadows here. Somehow, it made it easier to feel him, even though we stood inches apart. Tension thrummed in the air between us. My breath caught in my throat.

All I could think of was kissing him—pressing my lips to his and tasting him.

So I did it, standing on my toes and wrapping my arms around his neck. He groaned low in his throat, as if he’d been waiting for this, waiting for permission, and yanked me toward him. His touch enveloped me, his whole body burning against mine when I pressed full length against him.

I could feel the curves and planes of his muscles, the heat of his skin beneath his clothes. Every inch of me lit up. His lips were warm and soft, skilled in their pursuit of my surrender.

A small noise escaped me as I parted my lips beneath his, letting his tongue plunder my mouth. Warmth flowed through every inch of me, a current that made me tingle.

Ares’s arms tightened around my waist as he lifted me onto my tiptoes.

“You taste so damned good,” he muttered against my lips. “I want to taste you everywhere.”

The words stole my breath, images flaring in my mind. Images of Ares and me, doing everything I’d ever wanted to do. Even some things I’d never imagined before now.

His lips trailed from my lips across my cheek, grazing my earlobe.

“You’re so beautiful,” he rasped.

“I don’t need the words.” I stared blindly at the ceiling as sensation flowed over me.

“You’re getting them.” His lips trailed down my neck, his kiss delicate.

When his tongue traced my skin, it flooded me with heat and pleasure. I shuddered. His teeth grazed me, at first blunt, and then sharper.

Fangs.

I should have been terrified, but instead, heat shot through my veins. Bite me.

I wanted it more than I’d ever wanted anything. Wanted to feel him inside me.

His tongue swiped out, a lash of electric pleasure between the points of his fangs. All thoughts blanked out of my head. I clutched him to me, nothing but sensation and want and need. I’d have done anything at that moment.

But he pulled away, panting and shuddering.

My eyes flashed open. He thrust me away from me, but didn’t let go of my waist, no doubt so I wouldn’t fall. Because I would fall. My legs were made of Jell-O.

“What’s wrong?” My breath heaved.

Ares’s eyes were wide, his fang white in the dark. “Too close. I was—too close.”

“To biting me?”

“Yes.” His voice was hard, disappointment clear in his voice.

“But that’s not so bad, right?” Vampire bites—as long as they didn’t drain you dry—were supposed to be awesome. Especially in situations like this.

“No. No, but… it’s a big step. You should think about it. Or at least say yes while you’re in your right mind.”

Amusement peeked through the desire that was still turning my brain to mush. “You mean, when I’m not under the spell of your sexual charms.”

“That’s exactly what I mean.” He all but growled the words, as if this situation pained him. Which it did, if he was feeling anything like I was. He had to be suffering a real serious case of blue balls right now. In the dim light of the cavern, I could barely make out the tension in his neck and the way his jaw clenched. Yet his hands were so gentle on my waist.