Chapter 10
THALRIC
Istand protectively in front of Aurora, every instinct primed, wings spread, muscles coiled tight as I glare into the darkness, ready to rip apart whatever threat dares come close to her.
A sudden rustle breaks the tension, and my nostrils catch his scent a moment before Reid leaps out, grinning like a fool, blond hair catching in the moonlight.
“Calm down, Thalric.” Reid chuckles, holding his hands up in mock surrender. “It’s just me. We’re playing seek and find.”
“Yes.” I suppress the urge to bare my fangs. I’m well aware of how he plays this game with other females. “I know.”
He wants Aurora. I’m sure of it. If he were a Gargoyle, I’d challenge him. But he is human and I don’t know what their customs are in regards to chasing away rivals for a potential mate.
Before I can think on it more, Aurora’s soft touch brushes my arm, scattering my thoughts.
“You’re it, Thalric,” she says brightly. “Now you have to count while the rest of us hide.”
I scowl, reluctant to participate in this foolishness, but the hopeful sparkle in Aurora’s warm brown eyes is impossible to deny. “Fine,” I grumble. “But do not wander further into the castle.”
She nods and I close my eyes. I begin counting aloud, though every sense remains acutely tuned to Aurora—her footsteps, the rhythm of her breathing, the intoxicating scent of her drifting through the ruins.
A snarl curls my lips, possessive fury burning in my chest as Reid’s bootsteps echo ahead, moving swiftly, following the same path as Auri. When I reach fifty, my eyes snap open and I stalk after her, every muscle coiled tight.
I find them quickly, Reid standing far too close, his hand brushing her shoulder. My blood roars as I sneak up behind them, and I barely contain the urge to shove him away. Instead, I firmly tap Reid’s shoulder, voice cold. “You’re it.”
Aurora laughs, oblivious to my simmering jealousy. “Come on, let’s hide!” she whispers, tugging at my arm.
We slip into a secluded alcove, the air between us tight and charged. I can’t help but voice my frustration. “You should be mindful of Reid. I believe he seeks to woo you with his charm.”
She sighs, tilting her head up at me. “I don’t understand what your problem is with him. Reid is your friend.”
“That may be, but still”—my wings twitch irritably—“I just don’t want him to break your heart.”
“He’s not interested in me like that.” Aurora scoffs. “Really, Thalric, you think every male in this village is chasing after me.”
Is she truly that oblivious? “They are.”
“You’re being ridiculous,” she whispers. “Besides, why do you care so much?”
I grind my teeth, my wings flexing behind me. “Because Reid is not worthy of you.”
She places her hands on her hips. “And just who is, Thalric?”
The question hits me like a fist to the ribs as intense longing fills me. I want to tell her that no male deserves her because she is the most magnificent, brilliant, beautiful, and fiercely determined female I’ve ever known.
I open my mouth to tell her this, but no words will come. I’m a coward, worried I’ll ruin our friendship if she rejects me.
Her face twists in disappointment, and she turns away.
Without thinking, I catch her wrist and spin her back toward me.
Her breath catches as my claws graze her skin, the pulse at her wrist fluttering wildly beneath my fingertips.
“You are perfect.” A low purring growl builds in my chest as I wind my tail around her ankle up to her calf. “No male could ever be worthy of you.”
She inhales sharply, and my gaze drops to her lips—soft, slightly parted, so temptingly close.
Gods, I want to taste her. I’ve wanted her for so long. Intense need and hunger claw at me as my father’s warnings snarl in my head, tearing at the edges of my restraint.
Aurora stares up at me, a lovely pink flush rising to her cheeks as my ears detect the rapid fluttering of her heart.
I want her. She is warmth and fire and every dream I’ve ever denied myself. I want her in ways I should not. She deserves a male who will fight for her, worship every part of her. And if no male is worthy of her, then let me be the one to try.
“But gods, Aurora”—I pull her closer, her warmth searing through me—“I want to try.”