by Jenn Nixon
Once alone, Cyndra scrubbed her face and huffed. Still hot from touching Zorin again, flying in his arms and still bothered by his actions and words, Cyndra knew something needed to change. Her bond with Zorin was inexplicable and inescapable. She didn’t know what and feared more than anything she’d screw everything up, but something had to change. Cyndra knew it had to be tonight.
Chapter 20
Jack accompanied Zorin to the beach without judgment or question, simply kept him company as his mood continued to sour. He saw a spark in the caster’s eyes as he gazed out at the ocean and breathed in the crisp salted air. Content with their slow growing friendship, Zorin tried to relax, no longer concerned if any more memories came back.
“We decided together, after you spoke to her in the dream, if that’s any conciliation,” Jack said, breaking the silence. “Cyndra was the obvious choice due to your bond.”
“And the crystal?”
“Safeguard, my idea. We figured if Mergan wanted to power you up to escape that meant you could get back through, and with Cyndra’s siphon, she could give you power, if it worked.”
“She didn’t know for certain and came anyway?”
“Yes,” Jack replied with a shrug. “And it did. Work. She figured you’d stay longer, talk to Evie. How long were you there or rather did it seem?”
“Less than a day. Everyone inside believes only months, perhaps a couple years have passed,” Zorin confessed, watching the caster’s face drop, still processing what Cyndra had done for him. “Which is why I needed to get that crystal out of the mirror before Mergan got her hands on it. Once she’s out of there, she plans to destroy the mirror and the whole island if Cyndra doesn’t do as she demands.”
“Taking down the barriers?” The caster sighed and rubbed the marking on his right palm when Zorin nodded. “We’re going to have to rethink this entire situation.”
“Yes, I think you’re right.”
“I’m sure Cyndra and Rune will have a few ideas,” Jack said, glancing up as the wind whipped through the trees. After a long silent spell, he glanced over and sighed. “Did you see anyone else inside?”
“Dozens of people were hiding in the town, others scattered across the island from what Pristy learned. I don’t know if your family is there. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, I have what I need, right here and now, you all and Kyle, it’s more than I imagined. Life on the mainland isn’t easy. Believe it or not, things seem simpler here.” Jack glimpsed back toward the lighthouse. “You were the one who gave me the Jack-Jack nickname.”
“I was?” Zorin gaped, rubbing the side of his face.
“Yeah, on this beach as a matter of fact. I repeated myself a lot as a kid.” Jack smirked, shrugging bashfully. “Cyndra’s right, our bond is still here even if you’re not aware of it.”
“I wish I had those memories, Jack. I trusted you when we were reunited and I still do, that much hasn’t changed.”
“When things calm down, I’ll tell you some of our adventures.”
“I would like that.”
“Feeling better?” He smiled sheepishly.
Zorin nodded. “Yes, I am.”
“You should go, talk to Cyndra. She sat in front of that mirror for two days, Zorin.”
“She did?” He covered his face with both hands. Facing her now or later didn’t change what he heard or what he had to tell her, the truth he dreaded sharing. Nodding, he turned toward the lighthouse, catching her fire and energy the moment he concentrated on her, and led the way inside and up to the living space.
Rune was sleeping in the bedroom and Cyndra had locked herself in the lavatory, probably the moment she sensed him approaching. Jack went into the kitchen asking if he wanted to eat.
Zorin shook his head. “I will be upstairs. Thank you for the chat, Jack.”
He didn’t wait for a reply and bounded up, bypassing his sleeping area in the service room, noticing the thick mat on the floor, and pausing in the lantern room.
Cyndra’s fire flooding the air.
Shuddering, he stepped onto the widow’s walk wishing it were fall, or even winter, anything to cool the rage from his skin. He set his hands on the railing and jerked them back, tripping his pulse, provoking him with raw anxiety.
Yes, Mergan was still in his head.
Maybe she always would be.
The panic subsided when Cyndra’s fire grew behind him. Unable to meet her eyes, he gripped the railing, waiting for her to speak. She stepped out of the lighthouse, doubling the strength of her power as she neared.
“I know you’re still mad, but we’re going to need to know what happened in there…did you really see my mother and Evie?”
“Yes,” he replied stiffly. “And I am not mad.”
“Angry, whatever.” Cyndra sighed. “I’m sorry. Even if she did manipulate me, we weren’t going to let her use you or worse. I don’t care if that’s selfish of me. I need you.”
“Any siphon will do.”
“What?” she gasped, filling the air with her frenzied heat. “You don’t mean that.”
He forced his lips together, knowing he should answer and not absorb the power teasing his skin.
“Hey. Look at me, Zorin.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I know what you see.”
“Idiot,” Cyndra muttered and moved to his side, gazing up, saturating the space with fire, making her impossible to ignore. “What did she say this time?”
“I don’t need Mergan’s words, I’ve heard yours.” Zorin stared down, watching her reaction carefully. “You still think of me as a gargoyle.”
“No, not a gargoyle, my gargoyle, like a nickname,” she said, lifting her hand. He caught it before she touched him. Cyndra winced, but curled her fingers over his and pulled his arm to her chest, pushing her power through their bond. “My gargoyle, strong, unique, and magnificent, who makes me feel wanted, understands me, calms me when I lose my head…”
“This isn’t me, Cyndra,” Zorin whispered. “You want something I have despised for twenty-five years.”
“It doesn’t matter what form you’re in—”
“This is the one you want.”
“I want you.”
“Until I’m transformed back and lose my ability to siphon you, arouse you like this form does,” Zorin said, turning away.
“Is that what you think?” Cyndra murmured, stepping back and releasing her grasp on his hand. “Close your siphon.”
Zorin turned back. “What?”
“All the way.” Cyndra stared up at him, determination in her eyes this time.
“Why?”
“Do it, Zorin, please?”
He did as she asked, shutting down his draw of her powers, letting what remained keep him warm and strong. When Cyndra clasped her hands together, Zorin lifted a brow. “What are you doing?”
“Showing you it doesn’t matter,” she said, moving closer.
“Meaning?”
“No powers, no siphon. I’m still trembling with excitement.” Cyndra didn’t move her eyes from his face as she set her hand on his chest and pressed into him. “My entire body is hot and my pulse is racing. You do this to me, the way you look at me and touch me. Kiss me. Not your form. The bond, the siphon…just heightens what I’m already feeling for you.”
“You want the—”
She pressed her fingers to his mouth. Impossible. Yes, I do and you want me too.
Zorin collected her face between his hands, shaking with her, equally excited, and stared into her bright, hopeful eyes, certain there was no turning back now. With no excuses left to delay what they both needed, he leaned down as she rose up, wrapping both arms around his neck, stretching into him until their lips met. Cyndra gasped against his mouth, allowing him to tease her slowly with his tongue.
So enthralled with kissing her again, feeling her in his arms, Zorin didn’t realize she slipped her hand into his shorts until she brushed against his
erection. She wrapped her scorching fingers around him, turning him to stone. Three strokes of her hand were all he could take before seizing her wrist. He broke from her mouth, panted against her cheek, and shook violently.
“Hey,” she said softly, turning her head to meet his eyes. “What is it?”
“Twenty-five years, Cyndra,” he whispered and stroked his thumb down her cheek, unable to say more.
“It’s been more than a decade for me. I thought this door was closed for good,” she said, smiling crookedly as she broke from his arms and held out her hand for him to take. “You brought me back to life, too, Zorin.”
He never took his eyes off the alluring caster as she led him downstairs to the service room. After she let go, she shut the panel over the staircase for extra privacy. Zorin’s heart raced when she turned back and her cheeks darkened. She inched closer and rested her hands on his chest, trembling again.
Zorin reached for the hem of her shirt and lifted it off. Cyndra pushed the shorts down his legs. He scooped her up and moved to the mattress. She dipped her head to kiss him again, ramming the lust into his body. Kneeling down, Zorin kept her firmly against his chest, feeling the natural heat from her skin as he slid his hand up her back.
When she broke from his mouth, breathing quicker, he trailed kisses down her neck and eased her onto the mattress. He kissed the top of her breast then trapped a nipple between his lips. Her sharp inhale and groaning response urged him lower.
So good, she moaned through his mind adding fuel to the fire.
Growling deep, he kissed her stomach then her hip and tucked his fingers under the waistband of her shorts. Cyndra wiggled as he slid them from her legs. Tempted to taste her, Zorin moved between her thighs instead, aware he wouldn’t last long when he stared down at her.
He leaned closer, kissing a trail up her stomach, pausing under her breast and swept his tongue over the neglected nipple as he worked his way to her neck. She drew him closer, moaning when he pressed against her. Cyndra’s hands captured his face as she cradled a portion of his weight on her thighs and relaxed beneath him, hot and ready.
Breaching her body, Zorin shuddered and shut his eyes, trying to maintain a semblance of control. Cyndra tilted her hips and cried out as he sank into her warmth, hurling him toward the cliff. He set his head on her shoulder, breathing so raggedly Cyndra went still.
Zorin, open your eyes. He did and stared into hers, which only made them both quake.
I’m struggling to—
Let go, just feel, she cooed with her sweet voice.
Zorin watched her eyes widen with hunger as he delved deeper, filling every inch of her body with his. “Irresistible.”
Cyndra groaned and fisted handfuls of his hair between her fingers as she arched up. “More.”
The faster he moved, the louder she groaned. He ensnared her mouth and stroked faster, quickly losing control of his stamina when she locked her legs around his back, keeping him close.
“I’m…” she moaned, rolling her hips and clawing his back as each part of her constricted around him, ready for him to unleash the need rocking her core.
Cyndra! His next thrust went deep, priming her for the final quick strokes he controlled. Her limbs locked around his body and jolted repeatedly. He cupped her breast and broke from her lips to watch the pleasure on her face.
“Oh, yes,” Cyndra whimpered and imploded beneath him, tightening to bring him deeper. Her moans propelled him toward a thunderous climax. Unable to sustain hers for more than a few intense moments, Zorin clung to her body as she drained him. Bliss seeped out every pore of his thick, cool skin. She squeezed him, keeping him warm and shook wildly while panting against his cheek.
He went still as the exhilaration left his body.
Cyndra didn’t stop shaking.
Zorin lifted his head from her shoulder. “Cyndra?”
She shut her eyes.
“Please look at me.”
She shook her head and hid her face against his chest. “This can’t be real, it’s just another trick.”
“What?” He chuckled softly, perplexed, and he slipped from her body, leaning back to look at her. “Cyndra, open your eyes.” Her stunning hazel eyes, though glazy, stared up at him, filled with confusion, desire, and fear. He caressed the side of her face, wiping away the tear that fell. “I’m here, this is real. I promise you.”
Cyndra lifted her hand to his chin. “It’s not a dream?”
“No.” He smiled.
“Sure?”
“Yes, why?”
“I…” Her cheeks darkened as she looked off to the side.
Zorin tilted his head, growing concerned. “Cyndra, speak your mind.”
“I didn’t know it would be like this,” she said, before looking at him and shuddering. “Maybe you were right, we should have waited.”
He furrowed his brow. “You did not enjoy it? I know it was short—”
“What? No, I mean, yeah of course I did, don’t be an idiot,” she stammered, shaking her head. “That was beyond enjoyment, Zorin.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I ignored my fire, contained my energy, but…I’m not sure I’ll be able to anymore.”
“You don’t have to.”
“But—”
“Spit it out, caster.”
“I did want to know what it feels like with our powers, without either of us holding back, but now—”
“We will.”
Her face flushed red. “That was already intense…you’re not worried—”
“No. I trust you, no matter my form,” he said, smiling and brushing the hair from her forehead seeing the fear slowly fade from her eyes. “You scared me for a moment.”
“I didn’t mean to, the last few days, all the dreams, have sort of jumbled together,” she said, stifling a yawn. “Now that you’re here maybe I can sleep and without Mergan in my head. No way she’s gotten any power since this morning.”
“Unlikely,” Zorin said, rolling onto his back and keeping her against his side.
“Does it hurt? Lying on your wings?”
“This mattress seems thick enough to support me for now.”
“Good,” she said, tilting her head on his shoulder, meeting his eyes as she snuggled closer.
“Will you stay here with me?”
“Yes.” Her eyes sparkled. “Will you kiss me goodnight?”
“Every day for the rest of my life.”
“Do you mean that?” She leaned back and lifted her brow.
“I mean every word I say to you, Cyndra Raine,” Zorin whispered, caressing her cheek.
She pulled him close and kissed him softly before setting her head on his chest, keeping her elements contained, allowing him to come down from the natural high they brought out in each other.
Safe in his caster’s warm and loving embrace, it didn’t take long for Zorin to drift off to sleep.
Chapter 21
Cyndra woke to the soft chirping of birds and an early morning sunrise. She opened her eyes when Zorin shifted beside her and tightened his grip on her waist. Now lying on his stomach, with half of his right wing draped across her body, Zorin twitched beside her, filling her body with heat. Cyndra touched the leathery skin of his wings for the first time wishing she could transform him back to human right now. She also wished this form repulsed her, knowing how much he hated it.
Although she wanted to know how his current siphon and her powers would heighten the sex, she wanted Zorin happy and free, no longer beholden to the unnatural hunger his transformation craved. Her gut twisted.
When she lifted her hand, Zorin was staring at her with his blank face and penetrating eyes, adding a pinch of fear to the fire inside her. She couldn’t take back what she said, but maybe she could fix it. I want to try.
Try what?
“What do you think?” she said, shifting to her side as his wing tucked behind his back. His arm stayed in place, drawing her closer as he lifted his b
row. “Turning you back.”
“Not until you master your energy.”
“Then that’s what we focus on until I do. If you’re not like this, Mergan can’t use you, which means she can’t manipulate me.”
“I’m not the only means she has, Cyndra, she will use everyone inside as her leverage,” Zorin said. “Mastering your elements is paramount, but we need to devise a new plan.”
“We need to know what happened.”
“The others are awake, we can talk at breakfast,” he replied, shifting away from her.
“About what I said…” Cyndra clasped his wrist before he got up, trying but failing to hold his gaze. “I don’t need any more than what we have right now—”
“I do.” Zorin palmed her belly, instantly drawing her fire and bringing her energy to the surface. “Yes, Cyndra, I’m anxious to know too.”
She gasped and stretched under his touch, feeling the heat move lower with his hand. Cyndra groaned, “Zorin.”
He leaned closer, whispering against her cheek, “Drunk with desire, caster. Hours of pleasure, bathing in your fire.”
Cyndra smashed her mouth to his and pushed his hand between her thighs, doing nothing to stop the elemental power pouring from her skin. Zorin growled and rolled her onto her back, widening her legs with his as he maneuvered against her body, hard and eager, wings twitching behind his back.
He leaned closer, latching her legs to his waist, and gazed down with a hunger unlike any she’d seen on his face. Yes, this was what she wanted. Zorin teased the inside of her thighs, ratcheting her pulse, arousing her skin, and inched closer to where she needed him.
Breakfast, Rune projected.
Zorin shut his eyes.
“Be right down.” Cyndra could only chuckle. You think he did that on purpose?
“No,” Zorin snickered, shaking his head, backing away without teasing. “Wise that he did, you will not be quiet next time, caster.”
“Is that a promise?” She rolled off the mattress, picked up her clothing from the floor.
“Yes.”
She glanced back, unable to pull her eyes off him when he stood and stretched his arms and dark gray wings, making all the muscles in his body tighten and flex, hating how worked up she got just looking at him. Cyndra found his human face just as striking and meant every word, she didn’t care which face he had, nor could she stop the extra spark she felt for the first form of his she fell for, her gargoyle.