Chapter 4 #2
As the vine wrapped around my mouth uncurled, I leaned in further, a slow, wicked smile tugging at my lips. “Of course I have, you’re my little witch and you fascinate me.” I let my gaze drag over her, drinking in every inch of her, every single detail, like she was meant to be something devoured.
“I don’t like you.” Her dagger was still pressed against my neck.
I let out a low laugh, her boldness both maddening and addictive. No matter how sharp or blunt her words were, her pulse always told me the truth—beating just a little faster the closer I got.
“Another lie, little witch,” I said, my voice low and teasing.
“I can hear your heartbeat, the way it quickens in my presence. And I can smell your desire whenever I wrap my hand around your throat. You like it.” Just the thought of holding her down, feeling her pulse thrum beneath my fingers as I drove into her, sent a rush of heat coursing through me.
I am so fucking hard right now.
Her vines released me, and I stumbled back, barely regaining my balance. “You shouldn’t even be here.” She snapped; her cheeks flushed a pretty pink that crept down her chest. The colour suited her, highlighting the delicate beauty of her skin.
“I’m exactly where I need to be.”
I took a step closer to her, my gaze flickering to her dragon, who glared at me with unmistakable annoyance. “If anyone finds out about that,” I nodded toward the lizard, “Vespera will execute you, and I can’t let that happen.”
I noticed the hesitation in her eyes, and honestly, I couldn’t blame her.
She had no idea of the kind of destruction I would unleash for her—how I would tear apart anyone who even looked at her the wrong way.
I’d rip them to shreds, serve their eyes on a silver platter, and burn the entire world to the ground if it meant keeping her safe.
Am I obsessed with her? Absolutely.
It probably feels fast and strange to her, but for me, it’s as natural as breathing.
I have watched her for ages, soaking in every little detail about her—her quirks, her laughter, the way she treats the creatures of the forest with such tenderness and understanding.
Women have always been disposable to me, mere distractions for a fleeting moment of pleasure.
But Ravena? She’s different. She ignites something deep within me, something I can’t quite explain or ever thought would happen to a psycho like me.
She’s etched herself into the deepest, darkest corners of my cold heart—carving out a space no one has ever dared to reach.
“Vespera is the least of my concerns.” She turned to leave, but I wasn’t finished. I tilted my head.
“She will be once she learns the witch the king is looking for is hiding in her realm, and is bonded to a dragon.” Her shoulders stiffened, and the air shifted around us.
“You know way too much,” her silver eyes narrowed in suspicion.
I smirked, “I know enough, and like it or not, you’re going to have to trust me. I can help you with unlocking your magic.” Her jaw tightened, and I stood still.
I knew about the tattoo on her back that kept the rest of her magic locked away from the many times I saw her swim under the waterfall. What kind of magic she has is something I don’t know, but it must be strong enough for someone to lock it away.
She crossed her arms, glaring at me like I was the source of all of her problems. I couldn’t help but look at the top of her beautiful breasts. It's not my fault that her positioning is pushing them up.
“Why should I trust you? All I know is that you’re a creepy bloodsucker who sniffs my underwear—seriously, that’s weird—and you're certifiably insane.”
I grinned. Oh, my little witch, you have no idea how much of a psycho I really am.
“I haven’t killed you, that’s why. Snapping your pretty little neck would be effortless, yet here you stand, very much alive. Instead of bloodshed, I am offering you help. Doesn’t that count for something?”
I tilted my head, watching her expression shift. “Or have you not noticed the lack of vampire soldiers kicking down your door?”
That captured her attention, along with her dragons.
“You’re killing them?” she asks, suspicion lacing her voice. Her lizard nudges her hand, standing tall again, his eyes locked onto me as if I’m his next meal.
It probably was, and I think I would taste pretty damn good.
I met her gaze with a playful look, “Oh, absolutely. It’s been quite the entertainment. Shame they keep coming in such small numbers—hardly a challenge.”
I rolled my shoulders. “But as much as I’d love to stick around and keep playing exterminatory, I have other businesses to attend to.”
Truthfully, I didn’t want to leave her. Not one bit, but duty called.
Ignoring the low growl from her lizard, I stepped closer—so close I could feel the heat of her breath against my skin, hear the quickened pulse at her throat.
Her fingers twitched, like she was torn between pushing me away or letting me get closer.
My eyes traced the vampire bite on her shoulder, the old claw mark slashed across her chest. Slowly, deliberately, I reached out, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, letting my fingers linger just long enough to watch the shiver ripple through her body.
“I will see you soon, little witch, and don’t worry, I will find a way to get your magic back,” I murmur. “Try not to get yourself killed by those hunters before I get back. I would hate to miss all the fun.”
The lizard let out a deep, rumbling snarl, his presence radiating a threatening heat, but before he could scorch me—again—I was already gone, vanishing into the trees with a grin on my lips and the lingering scent of cherries on my skin.