Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
M agic washed over me, cooling my skin more than the chilly air outside as I entered Holmes Library. Everything in me relaxed, my muscles unbunched, my breathing slowed—even the thing behind my ribs settled happily.
I would spend hours getting lost in this library. The wealth of knowledge stacked on the black oak cases was endless. No one had discovered every facet of its beauty, the library creating its own world within its shelves.
I waved to Indiana as he organized the stacks of books to be returned, books floating around him, some thumping into neat stacks on the counter. The marble floors with veins of silver absorbed the sounds of my footsteps, the enchantments embedded into the surface glowing softly under my boots with each step.
I moved toward the staircase built into the back wall itself on the first floor. Finally, I emerged on the fourth floor. I glanced at the black railing branching from the stairs in either direction, then continued to my favorite section.
Three bookcases stood alone in a gorgeous alcove oozing with comfort. I grinned, then sat on the plush velvet purple sofa, tossing my backpack to the side. Warmth emanated from the commanding fireplace; the stone mantle covered in plants rumored to originate in Hell. Black and gray leaves dangled at irregular intervals, swaying toward the flames in the hearth and revealing their dark purple undersides.
I drag my backpack toward me, then rummaged through it for my notebook. My gaze diverted to the stairs as awareness prickled along my scalp. The bookshelves blocked most of my view, only revealing a tiny portion of the landing. Whatever lived inside my chest was instantly alert. I gasped as it scratched at my ribs. It kept up its painful ministrations until Jax crested the top of the stairs and strode toward me.
He held himself in a way that made him seem taller than everyone else. His strong, stubble covered jaw appeared sharper as the light from the fireplace caused shadows to swirl under his chin. Jax’s tattooed hand gripped the strap of the backpack thrown over one shoulder. Somehow, it made him look even more delicious.
“Ax.” I greeted him. “You’re late.”
He smirked. “I had something to take care of, but I’m here now.” He rubbed his hands together, then stalked toward the fireplace. “It’s damn cold today. Let me warm myself for a minute and then I’m all yours.”
I squeezed my thighs together, but it did nothing to quell my desire. Dammit.
Jax smirked, then turned fully toward the flames. Before I could stop him, he reached toward the plant as if he meant to stroke its intriguing leaves. The Oleanic shook, the leaves turning a brilliant violet as the longer sections of the vines whipped toward him, sharp snaps cracking with each attempt.
“Fuck!” He growled, then wrapped his lips around the tip of his middle finger. Jax stumbled back, then took a large, determined step forward. I caught his hand and dragged him toward me instead of the writhing plants.
I drew my lower lip into my mouth, then sunk my teeth into it as I attempted to silence my snickers. Jax’s eyes glittered with malice as his gaze darted from the plant to me.
“Leave it alone, Jax,” I said shakily, barely suppressing my laughter. “You can’t touch an Oleanic plant. It’s extremely sensitive to external stimuli, and it defends itself if anything gets too close. Not to mention it’s toxic.”
Jax’s lips pressed into a straight line. “Why the fuck would the elders keep a violent plant somewhere students could easily access it?” He grumbled, then crossed his arms, the veins in his forearms making my mouth water.
Dammit, Zellie. Keep your mind on the project and your legs closed. I reminded myself. Not to mention he’s purposely hiding something from me.
I didn’t know it was possible to find someone so attractive. I literally drooled.
“Hardly anyone comes up here and that specific plant craves flames. It can only survive when soaking in the essence of every fire emitted because it was derived from Hell.” I sighed, then smiled softly. I grabbed his hand and tugged until he dropped his defensive stance and allowed me to lead him over to the impressive mahogany study table on the other side of the bookcases.
Jax mumbled under his breath but I only caught pieces of it.
“Godsdamn plant…Tear its roots...fucking thing.”
Electricity pulsated between us, tempting me to give in to debauchery. The attraction isn’t real. Damn this beauty for complicating everything in my life.
No one wanted me for who I was. My looks dictated every relationship, hell, every conversation. I can’t develop more siren powers. How could my body possibly hold more magic?
I halted my steps between the stacks and looked up at him. Jax’s thumb made circles on my sensitive inner wrist, then he raised our joined hands and kissed the back of mine. I jerked my hand away from him, then glared as Jax winked and crossed his arms.
“Okay so, we need books pertaining to the town of Crimson Leaf, Ghost Rose Academy…maybe we can even find records of the deeds for the land. I’m not sure if that tower is part of the school’s property or the town’s.”
My brows snapped together as I peered at Jax, idly running his thumb over his lip.
“Are you going to help or just stand there and take up space?”
Jax pinned me with his eyes, then snorted. He pushed past me and proceeded to collect an armful of books from various shelves, then unceremoniously shoved the stack against my chest. I wobbled under the weight of the heavy tomes and Jax cast me a look of barley veiled irritation.
Jax growled, then snatched the books from my arms; tingles radiated through my breasts as the back of his fingers brushed against me.
I led Jax to the black oak study table opposite the bookshelves. The heat from the fire licked the side of my body as we passed the hearth. The lamp shook as he slammed the stack of books onto the wooden surface, then pursed his lips.
I ignored him, choosing the least path of resistance, then rounded the table. The wooden chair scraped against the floor as I dragged it back, then sat heavily. My fingers glided across the worn leather cover as I picked it up from the top of the stack.
Jax cleared his throat. “Let's get this shit over with,” he said gruffly.
I admired his tattooed fingers as they caressed the pile of books, then deftly plucked one from the center. I tilted my head to the side, then smiled approvingly as I read the title, The Crimson Leaf and Ghost Rose Academy Legal Battle for Property Rights .
Jax groaned, “What, pet?” The cover slapped against the oak as he flipped open the worn book.
“Nothing at all. It’s just surprising to see you putting in an actual effort.”
“For fuck’s sake. Just read the damn books.”
I could feed off his shitty mood all day. He was way too easy to tease when he was out of his element. “I suggest we read and take notes, then we can compare our findings when we’re done. Sound good?” I asked him, then grinned.
He grunted but didn’t reply. I shrugged, then focused my gaze on the page in front of me. My pen tapped against my notebook as I read, oddly the rhythmic movement always helped to keep my mind focused.
I rubbed my temples as I thought about what I had learned so far. The original founders of Ghost Rose Academy were members of the Black Lily Coven. If that were true, why didn’t any of our studies focus on that coven? The whole circumstances surrounding the inception of the academy and the ensuing land battle was fraught with mistrust by both parties.
Hours passed as we stoically ignored each other, the soft rustling of pages a counter melody to the throbbing base of sexual tension thickening between us. Occasionally I glanced up, only to find his heated gaze boring into me, but I didn’t miss the micro expressions hidden within his near blank fa?ade. It was a truly phenomenal mask, and if I hadn’t been studying him just as closely as he was me, I would’ve missed the flared nostrils and the vein that throbbed along his stubbled jaw.
I shifted my weight, rubbing my legs together beneath the table every time his attention broke my focus; it penetrated so deeply I found myself reading the same sentence repeatedly.
I turned the page of my current book and read the chapter title, The Inception of Ghost Rose Academy , then my eyes widened. Black Lily Tower stood starkly against the slightly yellowed page.
Black Lily Tower was built long before Ghost Rose Academy came into existence. Deep in Endlore Forest the Black Lily Coven, composed of countless witches and warlocks, practiced magic safely veiled within the protection of the trees. The tower was their home. No one knew how so many people could live in one tower, and it remains a mystery to this day.
The coven existed peacefully for decades until humans decided to settle nearby. They founded the town of Crimson Leaf and soon started exploring the surrounding forest.
When the people of Crimson Leaf discovered the tower and the Black Lily Coven they demanded they forfeit their land, or begin paying taxes as they now owned the land grant. Tensions grew and the humans were impatient to claim the land they believed was theirs.
On November 10, 1875, a great fire broke out in Black Lily Tower. Not much else is known about that night, but it is said the screams of the coven members begging for help could be heard all the way in the town center of Crimson Leaf.
Unholy shit! This is exactly what we needed!
A shiver skated down my spine as realization dawned. November 10, I was born on the anniversary of the massacre at Black Lily Tower.
“Jax!” I whisper-shouted. “Mmm?”
“I found something,” I said excitedly and pointed to the passage.
His eyes stayed focused on his book. “Maybe we should pick some new books.”
A wrinkle formed between my brows. “What? Did you not hear me?”
“Yes, pet, I heard you,” Jax snapped, then slammed the book closed. “We’ve been researching for hours, and you found one tiny snippet about the tower.”
Jax’s chair scraped against the floor and then he was moving toward the bookshelves. I hurried after him, anger driving my steps faster.
“We’re here to finish our assignment, not fuck around,” I reminded him, then grabbed his elbow.
He spun on his heel, then bent at the waist until he was eye level with me. “It’s time for a fucking break. If I have to spend another minute listening to you tapping your pen I may be forced to strangle you,” Jax hissed, his eyes flaring wide.
I glared at him. “It’s not as if I’m overjoyed to be partnered with you, prick. Let’s just hurry up and get this assignment over with,” I grumbled.
I stood on my tip toes and leaned onto the shelf as I reached for a volume two rows higher than my fingers could reach. My nostrils flared as I glared at the book.
“What the fuck did that book ever do to you?” Jax asked, his voice dripping with mockery.
I turned to face him, then spoke. “You’re an asshole, do you know that? You could easily reach the book I, no, we need, and yet you just stand there enjoying my struggle.”
Jax’s shoulder rose then fell in a shrug. “But if I helped you, I wouldn’t be able to watch the tip of your braid sway over your ass as you stretched your little body.”
My boot slammed into the ground, the magic of the library immediately soaking up the sound and my body quivered with anger. “You’re disgusting.”
Jax’s eyes flashed and he took a step toward me. “And you’re a brat, wasting my godsdamn time.”
He crowded me and I stepped back, the shelves meeting my back. His hands slammed into the shelf above my head, then he gripped it so hard the wood groaned.
“I don’t fucking like you, phantom.”
“I don’t fucking like you either, siren.”
Throbbing erupted in my chest, like the inky void demanded violence from us and would do anything to get its way.
Three months ago, I couldn’t feel a thing and now all the pent-up emotions I’ve denied myself were attacking me at once. I gazed up at him, placed my hand on his chest, my fingers flexing. I admired his perfect cupid-bow over full lips that begged to be licked, and dark, enchanting brown eyes.
“Why do I want you? I hate you, and yet I can’t stop my body’s reaction to you” I admitted through gritted teeth.
Jax lowered his face, and our lips brushed as he spoke, “Well, I loathe that I’ve craved you since the first moment my darkness sensed yours, pet .” He clenched his jaw and his breathing sped up. “We don’t have to like each other to fuck.”
Heat flared through me as if the words he spoke turned off the logical side of my brain. Lust blindsided me and I attacked his lips with mine.
He moaned into my mouth as my hand slipped beneath the waistband of his jeans. Fine. If he wanted me to give in so badly, I’d show him just how deeply my wicked desires ran.
It was unlike anything I had ever felt before. Jax looked so determined, yet so conflicted, as he stared down at me. I purposely snuck my hand beneath my top. I hadn’t worn a bra, so it was all too easy to pinch one of my nipples between my fingers.
Jax’s eyes darkened as he pulled back and watched me. His cock throbbed in my fist as I stroked the head, then swirled my thumb through the pre-cum pearling at his slit.
With both of my hands occupied Jax had free rein over my body. He slid his fingers into my black leggings, then tore them down as he dropped to his knees along with my blue thong. I pouted at him, irritated he took his cock away from me. I wanted to play with him.
He ran his nose along the blonde thatch of curls above my lower lips, then chuckled. “Brat,” he declared, his mocking laughter and words vibrating along my skin. “Put your leg over my shoulder, pet.
I did as he bid, now on full display. I moaned and arched into him as he shoved his face into the heat at the apex of my thighs. “Hush. Keep quiet or there will be consequences.”
I clapped a hand over my mouth, then I thrusted my hips against him. His teeth playfully nipped my clit. I groaned, the sound barely muffled by my hand. He took me in his mouth and swirled his tongue. The fingers of my free hand dove into his dark hair, then I pulled the strands harshly.
Jax moaned, as if he truly enjoyed the pain I inflicted. I felt every vibration purr through me as he skillfully edged me into a primal state. The scruff of hair surrounding his mouth scraped at my delicate flesh and spurred my need higher.
“Come on, my fucking face. Now.” His tongue darted in and out until he stroked his first orgasm out of me.
He stood abruptly, and my calf fell from his shoulder. My legs trembled as I recovered. “Ax,” I panted. “I need more.”
He grinned, then lowered his pants and boxer briefs just enough to extract his thick dick. The fabric bunched beneath it pushed his balls close against his base.
“More?” He growled. “Listen to you begging so prettily. I thought you hated me?”
My mouth twisted. “Just fuck me already. You don’t have to speak to use your dick.”
Jax grabbed my ass and lifted me, my heavy blonde braid thumping into the shelves with the sudden movement. I locked my legs behind his back, then reached down and aligned his cock with my entrance. Jax smirked, then drove his hips forward.
The head of his cock slid through the slick mess he made as he worked himself inside me. He wasn’t the longest I ever had, but he made up for it in girth. My lower lips stretched around his shaft as he kissed my neck and shockwaves danced through my body. I needed him. I wanted him buried to the hilt more than anything.
He rolled my nipple between his fingers.
“Don’t stop,” I begged.
He growled into my ear, licking the lobe.
His eyes were wild, the pupils fully blown. He gazed into mine with a primal lust that only I could satisfy. My legs twitched as he pulled back to the tip and plunged forward, stopping with only half his shaft inside me.
I rocked my body, forcing him to go in as deep as he could go. “Fucking hell, Zellie,” he moaned.
I dragged my nail down his back over his shirt. A smirk played on my lips. I loved how much he wanted me.
“So much for keeping quiet, hm?” I teased, then giggled as he growled.
“We’ll see if you’re still laughing by the time I’m done with you, pet. Hold on to me.”
Jax rutted into me, his hips snapping sharply with each thrust. The shelves behind me vibrated as we fucked against them.
I threw my head back as the pressure in my clit built, threatening to swallow me whole. I’ve never been filled so thoroughly before. Several books pushed back and thumped onto the floor on the opposite side of the shelf as Jax shoved the fingers of one hand into my braid and palmed the back of my skull. He pinned me in place with his hips and one hand still squeezing my ass.
“I’m not going to last,” he said and groaned. “Touch yourself.”
I snaked my hand between us, then circled my fingers quickly over my clit. In just seconds, I was teetering over the abyss, the inky void of oblivion beckoning.
His movements were frenzied as he lost his rhythm. “Fuck!” He yelled. Through the haze of pleasure, I somehow had the presence of mind to slap my hand over his mouth. Jax’s nostrils flared, his hot breath fanning over my fingers.
I moaned as his fat cock throbbed, stretching me further, and thick streams of cum jetted into me. Feeling his hot cum filling me sent me falling over the edge into a second, more powerful orgasm. Jax was trembling, his cock still twitching as his cum overflowed, then dripped down my thighs when my orgasm finally released its hold.