Chapter 15

Ellie and Reed made their way back to her home, the weight of what they'd learned heavy on their shoulders. Once inside, Ellie set about preparing a calming ritual, her hands shaking as she arranged the candles and herbs. Reed lit a fire and they set up in front of it for Ellie to do her ritual.

Reed watched her, his amber eyes soft with concern. "Ellie, talk to me. What's going on?"

Ellie paused, her shoulders slumping. She turned to face him, tears welling in her eyes.

"I think I'm in over my head, Reed," she whispered, her voice cracking. "The power I felt out there, the darkness... it was like it was calling to me. It wanted to consume me. Take me over."

Reed crossed the room in two strides, gathering her into his arms. "Hey, hey. You're stronger than the darkness, El. You proved that today."

Ellie clung to him, burying her face in his chest. "But what if I'm not? My magic started to really manifest when I came back to town. It hasn't been that long. I haven't mastered it yet. What if I can't stop the cult, can't protect the town?"

Reed tilted her chin up, his gaze locking with hers. "You're not in this alone, Ellie. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

He lowered his head, capturing her lips in a kiss that seared her to her soul. It was soft and tender. She felt cherished and his touch chased away the loneliness she'd felt.

When they finally parted, Ellie's heart raced, her magic humming beneath her skin. But it was a different kind of power now, not the uncontrollable surge of before, but a steady, unwavering strength.

She completed the calming ritual, the candlelight casting a soft glow over the room. As the scent of sage and lavender filled the air, Ellie felt her fears and doubts melt away, replaced by a sense of purpose and determination.

She turned to Reed and lifted a hand to his cheek. And then she kissed him. The kiss was deep and soul-reaching. His kiss was soft, but she wanted more. She wanted hot.

Ellie gasped as Reed's warm hand cupped her breast at the same time he rocked his hips into her. Fire raced down her spine and centered at her core. Her clit throbbed. She wiggled under him, hoping he'd do something to help ease her ache.

Their kiss deepened further, his tongue filling her mouth and curling over hers passionately. His hand moved from playing with her nipple to gliding over her belly down to her skirt. He shoved under the waistband and his hand went into her underwear. She widened further.

Her sucking on his tongue grew bolder, hungrier, as he spread her pussy lips and pressed at her clit. A soft groan left the back of her throat. His fingers worked magic, slipping and sliding up and down her slick folds. Two digits fluttered inside her while his thumb pressed on her pleasure center.

She gripped his hair, raking her nails over the back of his head. She rocked her hips looking for deeper penetration.

She broke away from their kiss. Ellie's need for Reed was all-consuming. She gripped his shoulders, biting at his neck and moaning for more.

His fingering of her pussy continued, the slow drawn-out thrusts getting shorter, faster, harsher. She breathed in with each drive. He rained kisses over her jaw and chin. Her mind floated. All she wanted was the pleasure she knew was coming.

"Yes," he growled. "Show me, Ellie. Come. Show me how beautiful you look when you let go," he whispered into her ear.

Her pussy clung to his fingers. He nibbled on her earlobe. She was so close. Her mind shut down. Primitive thoughts of pleasure and desire were all that filled her brain.

"Reed," she moaned in a rush.

"Do it, Ellie. Come for me."

The tension curling at the pit of her belly unraveled so fast, she choked on a breath. Her body shook. Her nails dug into his arms and her pussy gripped his fingers. Then she was flying. Pleasure unfurled and washed over her like a tide of bliss. She tried to catch her breath but her body sagged.

"Fuck!" he grunted, rocking his hips into her center and sliding his lips over her neck. He sucked and bit. He slipped his hand from her and brought it to his lips. She watched his eyes glow with desire. His fingers went into his mouth, coated in her slick wetness. "You've always been my favorite dessert."

Ellie made a move for his clothes but he stopped her and shook his head. "That was just for you, love." Then he grinned. "Well, me and you. I loved every second of it."