Chapter 17
Afew weeks had passed since the incident with the phoenix. Hugo had learned from the StoneSentries that Calix was indeed the sorcerer who’d manipulated dark magic to acquire more power, including that to shift into a phoenix. The one small fear with him choosing that form was whether he’d be able to regenerate, like the legendary phoenix.
TheStoneSentries had come to gather its ashes and discard them to prevent the possibility of it regenerating, but unfortunately all signs of the phoenix had disappeared. I tried not to dwell on that much, not when I had so many more positives I could focus on, such as exploring more of my past and understanding more of my abilities. WhatI’d accomplished with using my family’s grimoire to overpower the phoenix still blew my mind, encouraging me to delve deeper into that side of my family’s history. More research and more books—my happy place.
Ialso attempted to find out about my sister, but my research quickly came to a dead end. My family’s roots were shrouded in mystery, likely to keep us safe.
Hugowas convinced the prophecy had to be about me. Adelaide wasn’t the witch who’d come into power—it was me. The more I practiced magic using my grandmother’s tools, the more I started to believe it.
Andeven more exciting was my developing relationship with Hugo. SinceI’d promised to be his mate, our connection seemed to grow each day—while we explored more about each other each night. We were happily in the honeymoon phase of our relationship, which was intensified by the mate bond.
Hugoand I spent almost every night together. He invited me to move in with him—no pressure. AlthoughI needed more time before I jumped into the next official phase of our relationship, I spent most nights at his place.
Backat work in the library, normalcy returned. Robert was back, but I kept all that had happened from him for now. Coming to terms with a world that included supernatural beings was one that had shocked me to the core. I understood why the gargoyles remained hidden. There was no need to trouble Robert with dangerous information, unless he needed to know it.
Ilooked around the library, wondering if my grandmother had other secrets hidden in its walls. Fascinating. I could spend the rest of my days here happily exploring the secrets in the hidden nooks, with my gargoyle statue at my side. He came alive for me once we locked the doors, and one night, I led him deep into the stacks.
“What is it, LittleSparrow?” His brows furrowed with concern.
“Nothing’s wrong.” I ran my hand over his muscular torso. “I was just hoping you’d help me?—”
WhenI didn’t finish, he prompted, “Help you what?”
Itook a deep breath and told myself not to chicken out. Hugo encouraged me to embrace my sexuality more, and I was damn sure enjoying it. “I have a fantasy,” I admitted. “AndI want to act it out with you.”
Hisgray eyes flashed with more silver, looking devilish. “Anything for you. With you. Tell me more.”
Ileaned against the stacks, lifted my arms to my sides, and pressed the back of them against the spines. “Right here,” I said, my voice already raspy. “Right now.”
“Oh fuck, yes.” Hugo gripped me by the waist and lifted me up to kiss me. Then he pressed me against the books as he kissed my neck, swirling his tongue around as he worked it down.
Hekneeled before me and slid his hands under my skirt. The touch of his large hand gliding up my thigh and then pulling down my panties left me breathless. He pulled up my skirt and let out a low moan as he licked my inner thighs. I pressed myself against the stack of books, breathless with anticipation.
Whenhe gently ran his long tongue along my slit, I whimpered with relief and a desperate need for more. He complied, worshipping me with his large tongue in the way that drove me wild. The sight of all those books around me reminded me how forbidden this was, which made it even hotter.
Afterdriving me to explode on his tongue twice, I was already near spent.
Herose, towering over me, and murmured, “We’re just getting started, my mate.”
Wewere indeed. With some experimentation with maneuvering our bodies, Hugo managed to lift me up over him and helped me slide down on his massive cock. He held me there against the stacks as I ground down on him, moaning at his epic size. Being there was so naughty, yet so exciting, that didn’t take long for me to crash down on him, gasping out his name.
“Fuck, Anya, I’m right there with you.” He thrust into me so hard that strangled yelps flew out of my mouth. Then he released a guttural groan and stilled.
Werecovered there, our bodies slick and hearts pounding for several seconds. WhenI finally pulled my head up, I smiled at him. “That was better than any fantasy.”
Hechuckled. “I want to hear all of them and act them out with you.”
Amonth ago, I wouldn’t have put having sex with a gargoyle ever on any list, but now that I’d had that experience, it shot to the top.
The next day,I was still on a high from our forbidden tryst in the stacks. I snuck glances at my stone statue, sharing our naughty secret, while I interacted with patrons with cheerful professionalism.
Awoman entered the library and headed in my direction. She appeared familiar, but it took me a moment to place her. It was the blonde woman who’d given me the book. Her face appeared more relaxed now—nothing like the fearful expression when she’d begged me to hide the book.
Despiteher relaxed demeanor, my muscles tightened as she approached. After all, my life had been turned upside down since our last encounter, which had been triggered by her giving me the book. From my peripheral view, I caught sight of my gargoyle, watching in stone, and I exhaled. It had all turned out phenomenal in the end.
Thewoman approached my desk. When she caught my gaze, her lips turned upward in a small, friendly smile. “Hello, Anya,” she greeted me.
Itilted my head, wary. “DoI know you?”
“Yes, in a way. It’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”
Ipursed my lips. “When you brought that book here. Why?”
“Right, I meant before that.” Her lips turned downward. “I’m sorry about the book. I was desperate. You were the only person I could think of who could help.”
“Me?” I voiced with surprise, furrowing my brows. “Why?”
“Because—” She paused and then her lips spread into a small smile, and her eyes gleamed with warmth. “Because we’re family.”
Iblinked at her. “We are?”
“Yes.” Her smile broadened, revealing a dimple on the same part of her cheek as mine.
Igaped at her, my mouth dropping open as I searched this stranger’s face. She had lighter hair and eyes, but then I recognized the familiarity of some of her features. Aside from the dimple, the arched brows above her almond-shaped eyes and the curve of her lips were similar to my own. “Sister?” I repeated, my voice a mere whisper.
“Yes.” She beamed. “I’mEloise. We’re twins.”