Chapter 75 Rhyland
Rhyland
As we pull up to the gated mansion in our Ubers, I can't help but let out a low whistle. This place is fucking massive, like something straight out of a goddamn movie.
The wrought-iron gates slowly swing open, revealing a long, winding driveway lined with perfectly manicured hedges and towering oak trees. The gravel crunches beneath the tires as we approach the house.
And then, there it is. The mansion itself, rising from the shores of Lake Washington like a fucking castle.
It's all sleek lines and modern angles, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows reflecting the lake's shimmering waters.
The exterior is a mix of dark wood and stone, giving it a rustic elegance that's both impressive and intimidating.
As we get closer, I can see the sprawling lawns surrounding the property, dotted with colorful flower beds and perfectly trimmed topiaries. There's a huge deck that wraps around the entire back of the house, complete with a built-in hot tub and an outdoor kitchen. The place reeks of luxury.
And then there's the view. Holy shit, the view. The mansion is perched right on the lake's edge, with a panoramic vista of the water and the mountains beyond. It's the kind of view that people would kill for, the kind that makes you feel like you're on top of the goddamn world.
I glance over at Dani, who's staring up at the mansion with wide eyes and an expression of awe. "Holy fuck," she breathes, her voice barely above a whisper. "Never would've thought Lucian to have a place like this."
The Uber stops at the base of the stairs, and I step out, my eyes still drinking in the grandeur. Lucian sidles up beside me, a shit-eating grin on his face.
"Not too shabby, eh?" he quips, elbowing me in the ribs. "I told you I had a secret hideout. Bet you're glad you didn't kill me all those times you threatened to, huh?"
I roll my eyes. "Don't tempt me, asshole," I growl, but there's no real heat behind my words. "I might just change my mind if you keep running your mouth."
Lucian laughs, slinging an arm around my shoulders as he leads us up the stairs. "Please," he scoffs. "You'd be lost without me, and you know it. Who else would keep you on your toes and make sure you don't take yourself too fucking seriously?"
I scoff but can't help but be a little impressed. I mean, don't get me wrong, Lucian's still a pain in my ass. But even I have to admit, the guy's got style.
As we make our way up the front steps, I feel the tension draining from my body. It's been a long fucking day, hell, a long fucking month, and the thought of crashing in a place like this is almost too good to be true.
As Lucian swings open the massive front doors, my jaw drops. "Holy fucking shit," I mutter, taking in the sight before us.
The interior is a goddamn work of art. Sleek, modern lines are everywhere, and the place has an open floor plan that makes it feel even bigger than it looked outside.
The floors are polished concrete, gleaming under the soft light of designer fixtures hanging from the high ceilings.
Floor-to-ceiling windows dominate one wall, offering a breathtaking view of Lake Washington and the twinkling lights of Seattle in the distance.
"Welcome to Casa de Lucian," our host announces with a flourish, grinning like an idiot. "Make yourselves at home, mi casa es su casa, and all that jazz."
Dani lets out a low whistle, her eyes wide as she takes in the surroundings. "Damn, Lucian. I didn't know being a pain in the ass paid so well. Maybe I should consider a career change."
I can't help but chuckle at that, even as I roll my eyes. "Don't even think about it, Angel," I growl playfully, pulling her close. "One Lucian in the family is more than enough."
Erik merely raises an eyebrow. "It's... adequate," his tone dry as the Sahara. But I can see the hint of approval in his eyes as he scans the room, no doubt already cataloging potential security risks and escape routes.
On the other hand, Seraphina looks like she's about to swoon. "Oh, Sparky," she breathes, her eyes glittering as she gazes at him adoringly. "It's absolutely perfect. Just like you."
I barely suppress my laugh at the nickname Seraphina has given Lucian.
Lucian is preening under her attention. "Only the best for you, Cupcake," he purrs, wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing her cheek.
"Alright, alright," I cut in before I have to witness any more of their lovey-dovey bullshit. "Can we get the grand tour already? I need a shower."
Lucian's grin widens if that's even possible. "Right this way, ladies and gentlemen," gesturing towards a sleek staircase that looks floating in midair. "Let me show you to your suites. And trust me, they're fucking spectacular."
We follow him up the stairs. The second floor is just as impressive as the first, with a long hallway lined with doors. The walls are adorned with modern art pieces that probably cost more than most people's cars, and the plush carpet feels like fucking clouds beneath our feet.
"Each suite has its own bathroom, walk-in closet, and balcony," Lucian explains as he leads us down the hall. "And don't worry, the walls are soundproof. So feel free to get as... enthusiastic as you want." He winks at Dani and me, and I resist the urge to punch him in his smug face.
Dani, of course, rolls her eyes. "Gee, thanks for the permission, Lucian," she drawls. "I was so worried about offending your delicate sensibilities with our wild, passionate lovemaking."
Seraphina giggles at that, her hand covering her mouth as she leans into Lucian's side. "Oh, I don't think Lucian has any delicate sensibilities left to offend," she says, her tone all innocence and light. "Not after—"
I groan, shaking my head. "TMI, Seraphina," I mutter, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Way too fucking much information."
Seraphina walks to a door and suddenly lets out a soft gasp. "Lucian," she breathes, her eyes wide as she stares at the door. "Is this... is this our room?"
I follow her gaze and nearly choke on my tongue. The door is a deep, rich red, with a gold nameplate that reads "The Love Nest" in swirling script.
Lucian grins, looking entirely too pleased with himself. "Of course, sweetheart," pulling her close. "Only the best for my cupcake."
I make a gagging noise, and Dani elbows me in the ribs. "Be nice," she hisses, but I can see the laughter in her eyes.
Erik, trailing behind us like a silent shadow, finally speaks up. "If you two are quite finished," he deadpans, "perhaps we could continue the tour? Some of us want to settle in."
"Spoilsport," Lucian mutters, but he leads us to the end of the hall anyway. "This one's for you, Erik," gesturing to a sleek black door. "I figured you'd appreciate the minimalist aesthetic."
Erik nods, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It will suffice," he says, and coming from him, that's practically a ringing endorsement.
Finally, we reach the end of the hall, where two massive double doors stand sentinel. "And this," Lucian announces, his voice grand and dramatic, "is the master suite. Also known as the fuck pad, the shag shack, the—"
"We get it," I cut him off. "It's where Dani and I will be staying."
Lucian grins, waggling his eyebrows suggestively. "Oh, I know," his tone evident with innuendo. "I made sure to stock the nightstand with plenty of lube. You know, just in case."
I am about to smack the fucker upside the head, but he throws open the door with a flourish, and even I have to admit, it's pretty damn impressive.
The room is massive, with an Alaskan king-sized bed that could comfortably fit about six people.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a breathtaking view of the lake, and an enormous fireplace on one wall begs to be lit.
But it's the bathroom that catches my eye. It's bigger than some apartments I've lived in, with a huge soaking tub, a separate glass-enclosed shower, and a fucking sauna. Yeah, you heard me right—a sauna.
"Holy shit," Dani breathes, her eyes wide as she takes it all in. "This is... wow."
Lucian grins, "I know, right?" his tone smug as hell. "And just wait until you see the closet. You could fit a small army in there."
I snort, shaking my head. "Only you would think that's a selling point, Lucian."
I wrap my arms around Dani from behind, nuzzling her neck. "Don't get too comfortable, Angel," my voice low and husky. "We're not out of the woods yet."
She leans back into me, a soft sigh escaping her lips. "I know," her tone of resignation and determination. "But for tonight, can we just pretend that everything's okay? That we're just a normal couple on a really, really nice vacation?"
I chuckle, pressing a kiss to her temple. "Whatever you want, baby," I tell her, meaning every word. "Tonight, we can be whoever the fuck you want us to be."
Lucian smirks, "You two lovebirds enjoy your little nest. The rest of us will be down the hall if you need anything. Like condoms. Or lube. Or—"
"Out," I growl, pointing to the door. "Before I throw you out."
Lucian laughs, takes Seraphina's hand, and leads her out of the room. I shut the door behind them more forcefully than necessary, turning to Dani.
"Alone at last," I murmur, pulling her into my arms. "Whatever shall we do with ourselves?"
Dani grins up at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, I'm sure we can think of something," she purrs, her hands sliding under my shirt. "After all, we wouldn't want to let this soundproofing go to waste, now would we?"
I growl low in my throat, my hands tightening on her hips. "Fuck, no," I rumble, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. "In fact, I think it's time we put it to the test. Thoroughly and repeatedly."
Dani laughs against my mouth, her body melting into mine. "But, first," she murmurs, her lips brushing against mine with every word, "I need a glorious shower in that beautiful bathroom. And you're coming with me."
I growl deep in my chest, my hands gripping her luscious ass as I hoist her up. She wraps her legs around my waist, and I can feel the heat of her through our clothes. It's enough to drive a man fucking insane.
I crash my lips against hers, devouring her mouth like a man starved as I carry her towards the bathroom. She tastes like sin and salvation, and I can't get enough.
The rest of the world fades away—the stolen Soul Stone, the werewolves—as we stumble into the bathroom, our hands tearing at each other's clothes.
Buttons fly and fabric rips, but I couldn't give a single fuck.
All that matters is getting her naked, getting my hands and mouth on every inch of her soft, perfect skin.
We finally enter the shower, the hot water cascading over us as I press her against the cool tile wall. She gasps as I trail my lips down her neck, my teeth grazing her pulse point. I can feel it thundering beneath my tongue, a reminder of how alive she is, how fucking precious.
"Rhyland," she moans, her nails digging into my shoulders as I explore her body with my hands and mouth. "Please..."
I know what she needs, what she's begging for. And I'm more than happy to oblige.
I hoist her up higher, her legs locking around my hips as I position myself at her entrance. With one swift thrust, I'm inside her, buried balls deep in her tight, wet heat.
"Fuck," I groan, my forehead falling against hers as I start to move. "You feel so goddamn good, Angel."
She whimpers, her hips rolling to meet mine with every thrust. "So do you," she gasps, her head falling against the wall. "God, Rhyland, don't stop."
As if I could. As if I would ever fucking want to.