20. Danica

Danica

20

H ugging the idea to my chest feels like trying to cuddle a porcupine—prickly and kinda insane. Is it really possible to snatch back my vampire knight in less-than-shiny armor?

But here I am, my heart daring to leap out of my chest, betting all my chips on the chance to win back my brooding, solitary Viking stud.

No verbal answer reaches this vacant, glowing garden. But some invisible force yanks my chin toward the sinister north. I can't see or hear him, but I sense the big idiot's grumpy essence heading bullheadedly toward me across leagues deemed impassable 'til now!

I bolt off the glittering boulder, warm, soft grass molding underfoot, as my internal GPS locks unerringly onto his signature. I spin in circles, trying to glimpse him for the first time in… forever.

I'm spinning like a makeshift ballerina when—wham! I'm suddenly eating turf like it's my last meal, courtesy of an out-of-nowhere, linebacker-style tackle from the rear. We slam into the green beneath us—my breath leaves me faster than common sense at a clearance sale, but at least the arms wrapped around me are cozier than the collision suggests.

A gulp of air brings a familiar scent that kicks my heart rate up a few more notches—it's spiked with danger but still undeniably Rhyland. The aroma has a sweet undertone with a spicy edge and a hint of ‘wrong side of the tracks'—totally intoxicating, totally him.

We're a chaotic mess on the ground, all limbs and adrenaline. His hands find me a bit roughly, clamping down on my face with a grip that borders on frantic. And then there it is—his gaze, intense enough to knock my thoughts clear out of my head, leaving nothing but tumbling dominoes in its wake.

I gawk stupidly, anxiety rising. My vampire wears recent bullshit badly—harsh new lines bracketing his mouth and haunted hollows around those now almost black eyes. Dark scruff shadows his rugged jawline, upping the ominous danger vibes. He scans my face with blistering hunger, barely leashed, sending warning prickles along my spine.

"Rhyland..." I breathe prayerfully, confused, moved by his ravaged state. But only remote void stares back down behind devouring eyes and a painful grip locking us together. Worry spikes when his hold tightens further until breathing grows labored.

His eyes are like black holes threatening to suck in all the light, and he's drinking in the scent of my skin like it's his lifeline. I'm trying to keep the panic from tap-dancing on my vocal cords, but it's hard when every breath from him is like hearing nails on a chalkboard.

"Rhyland?" The name is a bullet I shoot from the gun of my lips, aiming for whatever's left in there of my vampire Viking. I will my voice to be ironclad, trying to summon back the man—my guardian, my rock—within those now eerily hollow pits staring back at me.

But no such luck. All that greets me is a sound that no language class prepared me for, a growl so deep and guttural it could vibrate my soul clean out of my body. To put it mildly, my survival instincts are waving red flags like they're trying to start a matador flash mob.

My nightmare of him taking the front seat, and panic kicks in. I start thrashing, throwing everything I've got to get free. It's like trying to dislodge a boulder—my desperate squirms are no match for him. With a ruthless shove, he flattens me back to the ground. I clamp down on my lip to hold back the screams, tasting the harsh tang of fear and determination.

That's when I see it—a vicious circle of silver engraved deeply, clamped like a shackle around his neck. It marries his flesh in a claim of ownership that sends waves of revulsion churning through me. Anger and dread mix into a toxic cocktail in my veins because who in their right mind thinks they can tame my untamed warrior, reduce my fierce man to a broken beast?

I'm mid-rant, trying to unleash verbal hell, when his massive frame mutes me, pressing down with a cold force that doesn't feel like his. My mind trips the alarm, slapping the big red button that's labeled 'total meltdown.' Because this steel and disregard—it's so far removed from my Rhyland, it might as well be a stranger wearing his skin.

His iron fingers grip my jaw, straining my neck cords, baring my frantically throbbing pulse. Things slow to nightmare speed, watching his lips peel off noticeably long fangs, now a mere breath from my jackhammering heartbeat.

Poised at my throat's fragile altar, Rhyland hesitates...and I glimpse the inner war waging behind those dark eyes. Somewhere, my mate—my man—battles encroaching madness and bloodlust even now!

Hope flares—I twist violently as his iron grip on rationality slackens by degrees. I wrench one leg to ram my knee hard into any tender target. But quicker than thought, Rhyland anticipates the blow, shifting his weight to capture both my straining legs effortlessly beneath one steely thigh.

A startled yelp snaps short as my hands get slammed high over my head next, his punishing grip manacling both wrists to forest loam. Effective as any iron shackles.

Fear and traitorous exhilaration prove a dizzying cocktail...arousal smolders in my core, feeling his thickening need grind persistently into my belly despite ominous threats. But my brief defiance appears to banish any emerging humanity—Rhyland turns stranger once more, fangs gleaming wetly as he looms closer above my hammering pulse.

"Rhyland, please! I'm here now—come back to me…" I'm literally begging here; every whisper loaded with drama.

Panic's fiery bile rises, scorching my throat, when suddenly Rhyland's face contorts into confusion—a look of absence that has no business in our tangled embrace. He's blinking at invisible phantoms, unseeing and unrecognizing, even with the tremble of my frame beneath him.

His fangs, those deadly peaks of white, catch the eerie blue light, threatening an eternal mark just a breath away. I squeeze my eyes shut, fighting the tears, drowning in dread.

Will he regain control? Or will he, in this trance, end me?

My heart races, bracing—

Rhyland strikes—sinking his teeth into my neck. I cry out at the sudden sharpness of pain. I feel him pull and pull my life force into his body. He's much more aggressive than his usual bites.

Then the pain fades like always into a sensual, burning fire. My blood heats up to his mouth on me. His cock pressed firmly into me as he drank. Fire courses through my veins as arousal pools between my thighs. I know he can feel it. His hips move against my core. I cry out as his fangs penetrate deeper. Rhyland undoes me in the best and worst way possible.

I'm his.

He's claimed me.

I'm at his mercy.

I'm aroused, scared, and in love.

Rhyland retreats just enough for our gazes to clash. I watch another internal battle play out wildly across Rhyland's clenched face—madness wars with betrayed hearts.

"Don't leave me. Stay with me, Rhyland." Summoning a desperate force, I jolt up and seal our fate with a kiss to his crimson-stained mouth. I funnel every last drop of my fear-fueled need into the kiss, the sole lifeline for two lovers adrift in a storm.

A deep growl reverberates in Rhyland's throat as he reciprocates our kiss with primal urgency. His grip on my wrists slackens, and I seize the moment to draw him even closer. My fingers weave through his silky hair, and a wave of relief washes over my taut nerves as he kisses me back.

He's back—he's really back with me. His hot breath fans across my skin when he finally breaks our kiss, and his eyes roam the untamed expanse of the meadow, bewildered, as if seeing it for the first time.

Breathing in his scent, I feel his heart smashing against mine hurriedly. His gaze settles on me, and his eyes are stormy with confusion. My heart dances frantically as I lock eyes with Rhyland's now bewildered, beautiful, icy-blue depths.

"It's me, Dani," my voice quivers with urgency. "You're safe. Everything's going to be okay."

His voice falters, and he reaches out to brush my face with a hesitant hand. "Angel?" The word is barely more than a whisper, tremors of disbelief lacing each syllable.

That voice—his voice—ignites something within me that I hadn't realized was cold until now. Tears carve warm trails down my face as I nod, my heart swelling to the brink with relief, love, and fear—all of it tangled together.

"I'm right here," I affirm, catching his hand and pressing it against my cheek to anchor the reality of this moment for both of us. "I'm right here with you."

Rhyland's eyes bore into mine, probing for truths I might still be grappling with myself. "Fuck…" he looks down at my bleeding neck, his features contorting with sudden alarm. "Did I hurt you?"

I nod one more time, quelling a sob as it climbs up my throat. "But it doesn't matter," I assert with all the resolve I can muster, drawing him closer into my space and soul. "What matters is this moment—you're here now, and we're together."

His body trembles against mine as he confesses with anguish in his voice, "Fuck... I'm-I'm so sorry," he rasps. "I hurt you…"

But despite his admission of guilt, all I can feel is love for this broken man in my arms. "It's okay," I whisper. Without hesitation, I crush my lips to his, pouring all my love and forgiveness into the kiss.

He doesn't hold back, ravaging my lips with a primal hunger. His moans reverberate through my body as I pull him closer, desperation consuming me.

"Rhyland... I need you now. Please…"

He breaks the kiss, his ice-blue eyes blazing with insatiable desire. "I need you too, Angel."

That devilish smirk I love so much crosses his chiseled features, igniting a fire within me that only he can quench.

Rhyland's hand slides between my thighs, igniting flames hotter than the stars above. I pray to the gods for this flimsy dress; its thin fabric is no match for his rough touch.

He cups my pulsing core with his calloused hand, and I writhe against him, desperate for more. "Gods, I've missed you," he growls as he rips the thin layer of material separating us, leaving me gasping for air. "So wet and ready for me," he taunts, sending shivers down my spine as he plunges two fingers inside me without warning.

I gasp at the sudden intrusion, my inner muscles clenching around his fingers, desperate for more. And Rhyland is more than happy to oblige, pumping his fingers in and out of my aching core, his thumb teasing my clit.

"Yes." I cry out, my body coiling, desperate for release. "Please..." I pant.

"You're mine, Angel," he growls, his fingers and thumb continuing their relentless assault on my core. "Tell me."

"Yes," escapes from my lips, a fervent cry as the wave builds, pulling me toward the edge. "I'm yours!" I proclaim, my body arching, surrendering to the force about to crest.

"Good girl." His thumb leaves my clit, and his fingers curl, hitting that magical spot inside me as he continues his assault on my senses.

One more stroke, one more nudge—I scream as my orgasm crashes over me, shuddering and trembling beneath his touch as he continues to pump his fingers inside me. My hands grip his hair, and I pull him down into a brutal kiss. Our teeth clash, and I taste the coppery tang of my blood in his mouth.

I need more. I need all of him.

My gaze catches on the strange engraved band circling Rhyland's throat. Anger sparks hotly. "What is this damn thing? Take it off!"

He grimaces, fingering the rune-etched collar. "A damn muzzle from the Shadow Queen. It cut off our connection and killed our magic, too." Rage burns in his cold stare. "Her way of making sure I stay her loyal bloodsucking hound."

I grab the offensive torque, outrage lending me brute strength. "Like hell! Let's rip this crap off right now and shove it up her—"

"It resists removal by force, Angel," Rhyland interrupts gently, stilling my hands. "The queen's magic secured it beyond even my strength."

Frustrated tears threaten me as I stare at the symbolic shackle stealing precious time together. Then sparks flicker unexpectedly at my fingertips, where they grasp the etched silver. I gasp as raw power surges down my arms, responding to my fierce emotion. "Stay still," I command, aiming a sharp look at Rhyland.

A mystical warmth envelops my hands, distilling into a focused beam of pure intensity. Every session—every moment of honing my abilities converges here. I channel all my power into the curse-laden collar, eyes shut, mind painting a vivid picture of the metal yielding, dissolving beneath a blinding surge of heavenly flames.

The sound of liberation is a resonant crack. The metal shatters and comes apart, its silver essence melting away, dropping to the moss-covered ground with a final clink. Our eyes are wide with awe as the magic recedes from my hands, still suffused with the fading glow of victory and release.

"I gotta remember never to piss you off," Rhyland murmurs before crushing his lips to mine.

I laugh wetly, joyful and overwhelmed. Rhyland nips my lip in retribution, and joy's brilliant fire burns away all lingering darkness, rekindled never to dim again.

"Thank you." His voice is like a whisper through the ether, caressing the inner workings of my mind. The connection—the missing piece—is restored. In this instant, I am engulfed by a sense of wholeness and profound completeness that only our rekindled bond could provide.

I nip back at his lip. "More...Rhyland. I need—"

Rhyland scorches me with a kiss, silencing my pleas. Without hesitation, he reaches down between us, unzipping his pants. His eyes hold the promise of pleasure.

"I'm aching for you," I add pleadingly.

He groans as I feel his hot, thick length press against my slick entrance. "God damn, Angel, I'm burning for you—I swear it's more than you'll ever fucking know." Then, with one thrust, he sheaths himself deep inside me.

"Fuck." I cry out as he bottoms out within me.

"Heaven," he groans against my neck, his fingers digging into my hips as he pulls me flush against him.

"More..." I demand, my nails scoring his back.

"I know, baby," he grunts. "I know."

Rhyland begins to rock his hips, my body rising to meet his every thrust. I feel his lips curl into a feral grin against my neck. "I swear, Angel, there's no end to what I'd give you. Always more, baby, always fucking more." He wastes no time, thrusting into me. "Fuuuck..." His hips drive faster, harder, and more demanding. I feel his cock grow longer and thicker. "I'm yours, Angel... always."

"Rhyland." I moan as he hits that spot deep within me, his fingers digging into my ass as he grips me.

"I love it when you moan my name," He groans against my neck. I cry out more as he stretches me.

Rhyland's head drops to the crook of my neck, his teeth grazing my collarbone. "I love you so damn much," he admits, his voice heavy with fierce sincerity. The telepathic thread that weaves us together smolders deep in the recesses of my consciousness. His presence is everywhere within me. I'm awash with a sensation of completeness, transcending mere humanity. In this blazing connection, it's more than just existence—it's love, pure and all-encompassing.

My heart feels like it will burst as his words hit me like a physical force. A rush of adrenaline surges through my body, causing it to shake and tremble until I feel like I'm splintering into a million pieces.

Rhyland's cock pulses with urgency as he slams me into the soft, cool grass. Each impact sends shockwaves of raw pleasure through me. He takes hold of my leg and hoists it over his shoulder, finding yet another untapped spot that ignites a fiery sensation within me.

I groan uncontrollably, gripping his neck and pulling him down to ravage my lips with his own. His kisses are rough and savage as he drives me into the ground relentlessly.

"Come for me again, Angel," he begs, releasing his primal desire with each forceful thrust. "I need to feel you come undone around me. I need to feel you explode, baby."

He slams into me hard, and I fall apart again, a sensation that feels like a million tiny explosions, consuming me from the inside out. My body tenses and shudders as the waves of pleasure crash over me, my moans turning into primal screams. Rhyland's grip on my hips tightens as I drench his cock with my rapture.

He groans in satisfaction, his voice rough against my skin as he declares his adoration for my frenzied release. "Gods, you're so fucking beautiful."

My eyes roll back in ecstasy as I continue to writhe against him, lost in the intense sensation of our bodies merging. Rhyland swiftly follows, releasing himself inside me as I experience yet another orgasm.

I need more.

I never want this to end.

"I love you," I murmur against his neck. "I love you so damn much. I tried…I was trying to get to you—" Rhyland's lips claim mine, cutting off my babbling mid-stream.

An overwhelming sense of contentment floods over me as the taste of my blood lingers in my mouth, and I know I will never get enough of this man. Our bodies melt together as one, taking us both to a place where nothing else exists but each other—a place where we are safe, loved, and protected.

"I didn't think I'd ever see you again," Rhyland whispers after we catch our breath, his fingertips trailing over my cheeks.

I lean up and kiss him sweetly. I look at him with raised eyebrows and side eyes. "Did you misplace your memory along with your sanity? We swore nothing would tear us apart. Fairy dust hoopla doesn't cut it for a ‘forgetful vows' pass in my book, Vampking."

Rhyland sweeps his hand across my cheek, his smirk and dimple on full display. "We did." His features quickly change to regret. "I fought like hell for what felt like a goddamn eternity, almost got swallowed by the dark for good ‘cause you weren't there to light my fuckin' way, Angel. Can you look past my moment of weakness?"

I shake my head, hating his pained guilt. "There's nothing to forgive! That evil witch played hella dirty, separating us like that. But we will always find each other."

Rhyland nods gravely, some darkness lingering in his icy gaze. "Fuck... I was so goddamn lost, baby," he confesses, "So lost I believed I'd never lay eyes on you again," his voice threaded with the echoes of his past agony.

I smile through damp eyes, my brooding protective vampire knight. Always so ominously romantic, even post-life-threatening danger. "Well, here I am, Big Guy—Ready to shake up fate once again with my oh-so-special Chosen One hemoglobin," I say, giving his marble abs a cheeky tap.

Rhyland smirks and then shifts onto his side, hot gaze blatantly scanning my mostly naked body. "The hell are you wearing...or not wearing?" He tugs at the tiny leafy clasp, struggling to cover my chest. "Not that I mind the view, baby."

I sigh loudly. "Don't blame me for the slutty forest cosplay! That's all our sparkly friend Axilya's weird fashion sense."

Rhyland's fingers trail along the mesh, barely hugging my goosebumped skin. "Mmm, you look edible." A low, possessive growl rolls off him, pure vampire. "But I'll be damned if I'm keen on letting anyone else get an eyeful of what's mine."

"Well, take it up with Miss Exhibitionist 2.0 and her leafy lingerie obsession!" I mock glare when his wandering hand toys with the useless straps.

"Who the hell is this...Axilya? And these might need a deeper look..." Rhyland practically growls, laughing when I swat his grabby paws away.

"Settle down before you tear this cheap costume the rest of the way off!" I squeeze his hand firmly, our playful reunion kindling that soul-deep thrill singing again now we've beaten the odds.

"Maybe you won't need that dress much longer if I decide to have my way with you again," Rhyland teases, giving my ear a light nip.

I laugh, flipping on top of him and pin his roaming hands above his head, straddling his torso. "Oh no, you don't! I can overpower your frisky vampire ass now, mister."

Rhyland's eyes heat further as my weight settles across him. With one quick twist, he reverses our positions, pressing me down into the soft grass.

"I gotta admit, you got some balls for taking on creatures way outta your league; it's fuckin' adorable, Angel," he purrs. "Just don't forget who's got the upper hand when it comes to pure brute strength."

Oh, if he had a clue about my latest upgrade in ass-kicking—Matrix style—he'd know I took his brother down to the ground like yesterday's trash.

His smirking face lowers toward mine, his warm lips finding the racing pulse in my neck. I tilt back obediently with a shaky exhale that makes him chuckle.

"Don't start something you can't finish—"

My half-hearted protest dies in a long moan as Rhyland claims my mouth fiercely, kissing me like a starving conqueror reunited with lost treasure at long last.