Chapter 16 - Jade

Magic practice with Damien is definitely not at the top of my list of things I thought I’d be doing today. In fact, it wasn’t even in the top thousand. But here we are, standing in the middle of the field behind his cabin, and I’m about to bare one of the most vulnerable parts of myself in front of the last person I ever imagined would see it.

I take a deep breath and fidget under the weight of his gaze. He’s watching me like he always does—intense, focused, like nothing else in the world matters except whatever’s happening in this moment. It’s unnerving, especially when I know exactly how much I’ve struggled to control my magic in the past. I’ve never had anyone around to teach me, given my parents never even told me I was part witch, so I’ve been figuring this out on the fly.

I don’t need an audience for that.

“Are you sure about this?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady as I glance over at him. He’s standing there, looking completely at ease in his jeans and t-shirt, like this is just another day for him. “Positive,” he replies. “You’ve got this, Jade. I’m not here to judge. I just want to help.”

Help. Right. He’s said it a thousand times, but somehow, it feels different when we’re out here with nothing but trees and the wind to witness whatever happens next. Besides, how much can he really help, considering he literally ran me out of town for using magic I didn’t even know I had? He’s not exactly an expert on spells and potions.

“Okay,” I mutter, shaking out my hands. “No pressure or anything.”

Damien chuckles, and the sound makes me look up at him. There’s a warmth in his eyes that I didn’t expect. Something soft, encouraging. It’s enough to make me take a deep breath and finally let go of some of the tension in my shoulders.

“You can do this,” he insists. “Something tells me you’re stronger than you think.”

“Easy for you to say,” I counter. “You don’t have magic literally buzzing under your skin, waiting for a chance to explode in your face.”

He smirks at that, and his eyes crinkle at the edges. “True. But that’s why I’m here, right? To catch you if you fall.”

I roll my eyes but can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. “Yeah, yeah. Just… don’t laugh if I mess up.”

“I won’t. Promise.” He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’m here to support you, not make fun of you.”

His words do something to my chest, loosening the knot that’s been sitting there since we started. Damien has a way of making me feel like I can do more than I think I’m capable of, and that’s dangerous. Especially now, when I’m teetering on the edge of letting him in more than I probably should.

“All right,” I sigh, bracing myself. “Let’s do this.”

I close my eyes and focus on the energy humming just beneath the surface. It’s like a live wire, crackling with potential, waiting for me to direct it. I’ve been getting acquainted with my magic for the past three years, ever since sleeping with Damien brought it to life inside me, but using it? Controlling it? That’s where things tend to get… complicated.

The first hint of power rushes through me, and I feel the wind shift around us. I can sense the change in the air, the way it bends to my will, ready to follow wherever I lead. For a moment, it feels good. Like I’m in control. Like I know exactly what I’m doing.

And then, as usual, the doubt creeps in. What if I can’t control it? What if something goes wrong? What if—

“Jade, you’ve got this,” Damien’s voice cuts through my thoughts, steady and grounding. “Just breathe. Don’t overthink it.”

I open my eyes and glance at him. He’s closer now, watching me with that same calm intensity, and it’s enough to keep the doubt at bay. I take another deep breath and let the magic flow through me again, this time without holding back.

The wind picks up and swirls around us, and I can feel the energy building. It’s exhilarating, like I’m tapping into something bigger than myself. And for once, I’m not scared of it. I let the magic guide me, let it move through my body like a wave, until I feel like I could take on anything.

“Damn,” I mutter under my breath, half-laughing as the power surges through my body. ”I forgot how good this feels.”

“Told you. You’re a natural.”

“Natural, huh?” I raise an eyebrow, feeling a little more confident now. “You sure you’re not just saying that because you don’t want me to freak out and blast you?”

“I don’t say things I don’t mean,” he replies, stepping even closer. His voice is low, almost a growl, and it sends a shiver down my spine. “You’re powerful, Jade. And you’ve been holding yourself back for too long.”

I swallow hard, trying to ignore the way my pulse quickens at his words. There’s something about the way he’s looking at me, like he sees right through the walls I’ve built around myself, that makes it impossible to focus. I need to keep my mind on the magic, not on the fact that Damien is standing way too close.

Before I can say anything, he moves behind me, his hands brushing against my arms as he positions me in the right stance. “Here,” he murmurs, guiding me. “Shift your weight a little. I imagine it’s a lot like firing a gun. If I’m right, you’ll have better control this way.”

His hands linger longer than necessary, and I can’t help the way my breath catches. His touch is light, and every nerve in my body is suddenly on high alert. I try to focus on what he’s saying, but all I can think about is how close he is. How his breath tickles the back of my neck, how his chest brushes against my back every time he moves.

“Damien…” I start, but my voice comes out weaker than I intended.

“Hmm?” He doesn’t pull away, and that simple sound vibrates against my skin.

“I can’t concentrate when you’re—” I stop myself before I finish, realizing just how much I’m giving away.

He smirks, clearly catching on. “Too distracting, huh?”

“Just a little,” I admit, though it comes out more like a breathless confession than I’d like.

He doesn’t move, though. If anything, he steps even closer, and his hands slide down my arms until they rest on my waist. “Maybe that’s a good thing.”

I shiver at his words, but before I can respond, I stumble as the magic flares again, throwing me off-balance. Damien’s hands tighten on my waist, steadying me, and I swear I feel a spark of something more than just magic pass between us.

“You all right?” His voice is rougher now, like he’s fighting to keep himself in check.

“I’m fine,” I grumble, trying to brush it off, but I can’t ignore how my heart is racing, or the heat that’s building between us. The magic swirling around me is nothing compared to the tension.

His hands don’t move, and when I glance over my shoulder, I see the way his eyes have darkened. He’s looking at me like he’s barely holding himself back, and it’s doing things to me. Dangerous things.

“I can feel your heartbeat,” he comments. “It’s racing.”

His hands tighten on my waist, and before I know it, I’m turning to face him. The air between us comes alive, and for a moment, neither of us moves. We just stand there, staring at each other, caught in whatever this is.

“I shouldn’t be this close to you,” I whisper, though the words come out more like an invitation than a warning.

He grins, and there’s something dangerous in the way his eyes glint silver in the moonlight. “Too late.”

And then, before I can stop myself, I close the distance between us. Our lips crash together in a searing kiss, and the world around us seems to fade away. All I can think about is him—the way he tastes, the way he smells, the way his touch ignites a fire deep inside me.

His hands trail up my back, leaving a trail of sparks in their wake, and I melt against him. Every part of me is screaming to give in, to lose myself in the moment, and for once, I don’t care about the consequences.

Damien pulls me closer, and I can feel his hard length pressing against me. A low groan rumbles through his chest, and the sound sends a shiver of pleasure down my spine. I arch against him, desperate for more, and his fingers dig into my hips.

“Fuck, Jade,” he breathes, his voice ragged. “If you keep doing that, I won’t be able to stop.”

I smirk and press against him, making sure he can feel exactly how much I want him. “Who says I want you to?”

The words slip out before I can stop them, and his gaze makes my heart skip a beat. He’s hungry, wild, and the heat in his eyes is enough to make my knees go weak.

But instead of answering, he lifts me up and carries me towards the cabin. I wrap my legs around his waist and lean down to capture his lips in another kiss. His hands grip my ass, pulling me closer, and I feel like the world is spinning around us.

When we finally make it to the bedroom, the door slams shut behind us, and Damien sets me down on the bed. My hands roam over his muscular chest, and his fingers trace a path up my thigh before going higher to tease the hem of my shirt.

“Are you sure about this, Jade?” he asks, his voice rough with desire.

I look up at him and nod, the only word escaping my mouth a whispered, “Yes.”

That’s all it takes.

He leans down and kisses me again, and the fire inside me burns even hotter. I can’t think, can’t breathe, can’t do anything but give in to the sensation. He pulls back just long enough to pull my shirt over my head, and then his lips are on mine again.

His hands are everywhere, setting my skin on fire, and I gasp as his fingers find my breasts. His thumb circles my nipple, and a moan escapes my lips. He growls, and the sound is almost animalistic.

“You’re so fucking perfect,” he murmurs against my skin.

I can barely hear him over the pounding of my heart, but I’m too far gone to care. His shirt is in the way, and I can’t wait any longer. I tug it off and toss it aside, exposing his gorgeous chest. My fingers explore every inch of him, tracing the lines of his muscles, and he shudders.

He kisses a trail down my neck, and when his tongue traces the sensitive spot behind my ear, a wave of pleasure crashes over me. I cling to him, gasping his name, and his lips curl into a smile against my skin.

He knows exactly what he’s doing, and he’s enjoying every second of it.

I’m already working at his pants, desperate to get him naked, and he chuckles. “In a hurry, are we?”

“Shut up,” I say, rolling my eyes, and he laughs.

“So bossy,” he teases, but his eyes are dark with lust.

“Less talking. More action.”

My voice is a growl, and he smirks, clearly liking the tone.

His jeans are off in a flash, and then his lips are on mine again as he helps me shimmy out of mine. His fingers slide between my legs, finding the wetness that’s already waiting for him, and he groans.

“So fucking wet,” he murmurs.

He pushes a finger inside me, and I gasp. The sensation is unlike anything else, and all I can do is hang on for the ride. He adds a second finger, stretching me, and I cry out.

“Oh, fuck.”

“Do you like that, sweetheart?”

“Y-yes.”

My words are a whimper, and I can feel him smiling against my skin.

He strokes me, his fingers teasing, and I rock against him, desperate for more. One last kiss before he begins the long, slow trek down my body, tasting and exploring every inch of me. My nipples pebble as his tongue swirls around them, and I grip his hair.

“Damien,” I plead, his name a desperate sigh on my lips.

He doesn’t respond, just continues his torturously slow pace. I’m panting, shaking, and all I can do is hold on.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, he reaches his destination. His tongue slides down my stomach, and I gasp as it finds the sensitive bundle of nerves between my legs.

“Fuck,” I hiss, arching off the bed.

He growls, and the sound vibrates through me. It’s almost too much, but somehow not enough. He works his magic, pushing me closer and closer to the edge.

My hands fist in the sheets, and I can’t catch my breath. It’s like nothing else matters except this moment. Nothing exists except the two of us and the pleasure he’s giving me.

“Oh, god, please,” I moan.

He doesn’t stop, and the pressure builds, sending me hurtling toward release.

“That’s it,” he whispers. “Come for me.”

And I do.

I explode, shattering into a million pieces, and the world disappears.

Everything goes white. I can’t breathe, can’t think, can’t do anything but feel. It’s like flying and falling at the same time. Time stops, and for a moment, everything is perfect. And then, slowly, the waves of pleasure ebb, and I drift back down to earth.

I collapse onto the bed, panting and spent.

Damien climbs up to meet me. He settles between my legs, his erection pressing against me, and a fresh wave of desire pulses through me.

“Ready for more?” he asks, his voice a husky growl.

“God, yes.”

He smirks, and the tip of his cock presses against my entrance. I lift my hips, eager for him, and he thrusts inside me.

I cry out. The feeling is indescribable. It’s like the first time all over again, only better. So much better.

He moves, and every nerve in my body sings. Each stroke is exquisite, and the pressure builds. I wrap my legs around his waist, and the angle changes, driving him deeper. I’m lost, and all I can do is feel. His lips find mine, and our tongues tangle. We’re a mess of limbs and sweat and pleasure, and I can’t tell where one of us ends and the other begins.

My pussy tightens around him, and he groans. “Fuck, Jade, I’m not going to last much longer.”

“Don’t stop,” I plead, clinging to him.

He picks up the pace, and the room is filled with the sound of our bodies moving together. We’re a symphony, a masterpiece, and the crescendo is coming.

I’m close, and I can tell he is, too. His thrusts are wilder, more erratic, and his breathing is ragged. He grips my hip, pulling me against him, and the angle is just right. He drives into me, hitting the spot that makes me see stars, and I meet him, thrust for thrust.

We’re both lost in the moment, and nothing else exists.

The pressure builds, and the fire burns brighter. It’s like the magic outside, only a thousand times stronger. I’m spiraling out of control, and the only thing keeping me grounded is Damien’s touch.

“Jade,” he groans, his voice a ragged whisper.

“Yes,” I breathe.

It’s the only word I can manage, but it’s enough.

We fall over the edge together, and the world explodes.

I’ve never felt anything like it. The magic, the power, the sheer pleasure. It’s a hurricane of sensation, and all I can do is surrender to it. My entire body is pulsing, throbbing, as the orgasm keeps rolling through me. It’s the most intense experience of my life, and I never want it to end.

But eventually, the waves of pleasure recede, and the world slowly comes back into focus.

I’m sprawled on the bed, and Damien is still between my legs, his breathing harsh. His head is pressed against my shoulder, and his hair tickles my cheek.

“Holy shit,” I murmur, my voice hoarse.

“Yeah,” he agrees. “That was… something else.”

I let out a breathless laugh. “Yeah, that’s one way to put it.”

We lay there, tangled together, neither of us speaking. The only sound is our breathing and the steady thump-thump of my heart. It’s almost too intimate, but I can’t bring myself to move. Not yet.

Because I’m afraid that when I do, I’ll come to my senses and realize what a colossal mistake this was.