27. Danica

Danica

27

M other of god, it was all just some twisted, steamy dream. But seriously, brain, what's with the after-hours XX-rated reel?

Lucian's expression morphs into a smug, knowing smirk as if he possesses some X-ray vision directly into the deepest recesses of my subconscious. Arching one eyebrow mischievously, he throws out an offhand "Hey princess... have a nice dream?" in a tone dripping with implication and innuendo.

That sounds exactly like he peeked into my head and had a front-row seat to the scandalous show.

Rhyland's growl vibrates through me, practically shaking my bones. "We've arrived," he clips out, a no-nonsense note in his voice.

Before I know it, he's got my wrist in a vise grip, yanking me out the door like a caveman claiming his prize. I let out a squeak of surprise as he slings me over his shoulder with all the ceremony of hoisting a sack of potatoes, my skimpy excuse for a dress doing absolutely nothing to hide my backside from the universe.

Lucian's chuckling is the soundtrack to my upside-down, head-pulsing protest, his amusement as infuriating as it is contagious. "Dammit,Rhyland! Put me down!" I demand, my voice climbing an octave as I pound my fists against his back.

Rhyland, ever the man on a mission, barks atFaderyn, "Where's her tent?"

Without missing a beat,Faderynpoints the way, and offRhylandstomps with me slung over his shoulder like a sack of flour. I thrash and holler, my fists drumming againstRhyland's back, but to him, it's likely just the pitter-patter of an irate, miniature human throwing a tantrum.

Inside the tent,Rhylandlands a stinging swat on my rear, and I can't hold back a yelp of frustration. The next thing I know, I'm plopped onto my bed piled with furs, my hair a tousled mess, and my cheeks flushed with indignation. I swipe my hair from my eyes and shoot him a glare that could scorch his skin off, my voice a mix of anger and disbelief. "What the hell,Rhyland?"

He looms over me, caging me with his arms, his face so close that I have to tilt my head back to escape the furnace of his fury. "I'd like to ask you the same question,Angel," he rumbles, his voice low and dangerous.

Heat creeps up my cheeks, and suddenly, I'm burning up, the warmth having nothing to do with his proximity. A hard knot forms in my throat, and I force it down, my mind racing with the implications of his words.

Could he possibly know about the scandalous theatre my subconscious just staged? The thought sends a shiver, equal parts thrilling and terrifying.

As if reading my mind, he answers, "Oh yeah, sweetheart. I know all about what went on in your pretty little head.Lucian's little gift, and he filled me in with every detail after I nearly choked it out of him." He says this with barely contained rage, his eyes flashing with a possessive fury that takes my breath away.

Oh, for the love of—this is just fucking great! When didLucianadd mind-reading to his bag of tricks? And more importantly, when did he decide to use that particular talent to spill the beans about my dirty dreams?

Rhyland's eyes roil like dark, tempestuous oceans, and I'm scrambling for an anchor, my mind reeling with the implications of his words. "I..." Words fail me for a millisecond, my tongue tied in knots. "I—I don't know why I dreamt that,Rhyland."

My words mix honesty with a dollop of defensiveness, my confusion swirling within me like a maelstrom. As much as I hate to admit it, even to myself, a part of me is thrilled by his jealousy, by the possessive fury that radiates off him like a heat wave.

But there's also a part of me that's indignant, that bristles at the idea of being held accountable for the whims of my subconscious mind. I mean, who's the dream whisperer anyway—able to dictate their nocturnal narratives?

Not me, that's for damn sure.

Rhyland's rumble hits a bass note that practically vibrates the space, and I'm half-convinced there's a puff of smoke swirling out of his ears. "I'm going to fucking kill him," is all he says, his voice low and deadly.

Confusion crosses my face like a big fat question mark. ButRhyland, catching onto my bewilderment, decides to fill me in on Vampire Biting 101. Apparently, their venom is like a cocktail of chill-out and turn-on, a potent mix of relaxation and arousal. But here's the kicker: it's all about the dosage—just a dash does the trick. AndLucian, being the generous soul he is, overdosed me, leaving me stuck with a side of steamy X-rated specials playing on repeat in my subconscious mind.

"That... asshole," I mutter, simmering in my own irritation sauce. I can't believe he would do something like this, knowing full well the effect it would have on me.

No shocker. He was throwing around that smug grin earlier, fishing for the effects of his little nip. My eyes lift toRhyland, sending out silent SOS signals for him to put a lid on the fury. He is the human embodiment of a thunderstorm, all crackling energy and barely contained rage. His arms are like iron beams, his fists balled up, and he's breathing like a freight train.

I inch forward, my hand tentatively reaching for his. "I thought only your... venom did what it did?" I ask, my voice small and uncertain.

Quick as lightning, he's on me, with a grip around my throat that catapults me straight into shock-central. "I fucking told you not to let him drink from you,Dani," he growls, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. "Now look at the mess we're in."

It's like trying to gulp down dinner with a necktie pulled too tight—thanks toRhyland's iron clasp. But damn if my body isn't singing its own rebellious anthem, heat pooling and arousal spiraling to a maddening crescendo despite the frisson of fear threading through my veins.

God, I'm a twisted bitch.

Now, I get the whole 'straight from the source' deal withErik. Why the big secret, though? Couldn't he have spelled it out for me instead of being all cryptic and mysterious?

Annoyance flares up inside like a match to kindling, and I narrow my eyes atRhyland. "I didn't know it would do... that!" I snap, frustration clear in my voice. The last words practically sizzle as they leave my lips, my anger warring with the desire that thrums through my veins.

Rhylandeases his grip around my throat, his touch gentling even as his eyes blaze with a possessive fury. "I know you didn't know," he says, his voice low and rough. "But now, I'm gonna remind you of the only man you'll ever fucking dream about."

Without warning, he lunges forward and captures my lips with his own, his mouth hot and demanding against mine. My body responds instinctively, releasing a low, guttural moan that is quickly devoured by his insistent kiss. His lips are warm and soft, yet beneath his touch is an underlying hunger that leaves me breathless and wanting more.

I melt into him, my hands fisting in his hair as I pull him closer, desperate to feel every inch of his body against mine. The world falls away until there's nothing but the two of us, lost in a haze of desire and need.

Rhyland's hands roam over my body, his touch leaving fire trails in their wake. He cups my breasts, his thumbs brushing over my nipples until they harden into tight peaks, sending jolts of pleasure straight to my core.

"You're mine,Dani," he growls against my lips, his voice rough with possessive need. "Only mine. And I'm going to make sure you never forget it."

"Bite me... please," spills out of me, desperate and raw. It's the only way I can scrub awayLucian's lingering mark, to rewrite my body's memory so it only screams forRhyland.

With a quick and forceful motion,Rhylandviolently pulls down the top of my dress, baring my heaving breasts to the cool air.

"Already planned on it,baby," he growls with a hungry look.

Without another word, his teeth sink into the delicate flesh of my breast, causing me to gasp sharply at the sudden pain. But as quickly as the pain comes, it transforms into an intense wave of pleasure that leaves my body trembling.

My hands tighten around his head, my fingers tangling in his hair as he relentlessly sucks and draws my life force into him. No doubt he's giving me an extra dose of his potent venom. My body becomes liquid fire, my arousal spiking to new heights even though I'm already dripping from my weird sex dream.

His lips are warm and insistent against my breast, sending electrifying shivers down my spine. My body responds eagerly to his touch, my arousal skyrocketing with each passing second.

With forceful hands, he tears away the delicate fabric of my dress, leaving it in tattered shreds. My head spins as he pulls me upright and whirls me around with lightning speed.

I'm bent over, and the sound of his pants hitting the ground echoes through the tent as he positions himself behind me.

Rhylandlifts my leg effortlessly, placing it on the bed. With a sharp smack, he spanks my ass, causing me to wince and let out a surprised whimper. The sting sends a jolt of pleasure coursing through my body. He grabs my hair, pulling me back roughly, and I can't help but moan at the sensation of his rough handling. My mouth falls open, and I can feel my body responding to his dominance.

I'm completely turned on.

"This is your fucking reminder,Angel," he growls before plunging his impressive length deep inside me.

R hylandand I turned the tent into confetti in the heat of our unrestrained fervor. I love how aggressive he can be sexually. Now we're sprawled out here, savoring the afterglow. Sweat-streaked and panting, riding the waves of our shared breaths.

"We need to get up,Angel. As much as I would love to lay here with you all night, I must take care of something."

I let out a begrudging mutter at his nudge to rise, but I cave because, let's face it, duty calls.AxilyaandFaderynare waiting, and we've got serious brainstorming on the docket.

Rhylandslips into his attire with that vampire swiftness. Then there's me, rummaging around to unearth the leathers I can't escape. With a groan about the irritation bubbling up, I face the music. Because really, my options are limited to this—suiting up in the 'come at me' battle leathers or going the prehistoric route and draping myself in furs.

Rhylandbolts from the tent, a blur of urgency, while I'm left wrestling my boots into submission. I finally catch up, darting out of the tent flap just in time to seeLucianambling over with a troublemaker's grin.

"Well, well…the two love—"

His jab is cut short asRhyland's fist becomes an impromptu introduction toLucian's face, promptly sending him on a one-way trip to the dirt. I cringe and hold my hands up to my face.Lucianhad it coming, though.

"You fucking prick. You just had to be an ass and do the unthinkable."RhylandreprimandsLucian.

Lucianstaggers up from the dirt and the force ofRhyland's punch, lifting a hand to dab at the trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. Despite the stinging blow, his signature smirk remains firmly in place as he straightens to face his irate brother.

"Okay, I'll admit," he draws out the words with a dramatic wince, "That one stung a little. But was the sucker punch really necessary?"Lucianarches an inquisitive brow atRhyland's thunderous expression. "It was just a harmless prank—no need to get your fangs in a twist, bro."

"Are you shitting me right now,Lucian? You see all this as one big fucking joke, huh?"Rhylandshoots back, pissed off.

Lucian's smirk takes on a more taunting edge as he jerks his chin toward me. "Although I can't blame you for being a tad... overprotective of your preciousangel's innocence after that little venom slip-up."Luciantsks mockingly. "My bad for giving her such deliciously naughty dreams. You're right; I really should learn some restraint."

"You worthless fuck."Rhyland's gaze turns wild, the beast within unleashed as he hurls himself forward.

Lucianswings back atRhyland, landing a solid punch to his face, and then it's just chaos. They're nothing but a blur of motion before us, fighting it out like a couple of unleashed wild animals.

Before I can take the next breath,Erikhas pulled his signature move, zipping up beside me so fast it's like he teleported. My hair is a testament to his supernatural entrance, fluttering in the gust he's left in his wake.

"Jesus,Erik," I blurt out, trying to tame the wild strands. "How about a heads-up next time, huh? Give a lady a fair warning?"

"My apologies, Little Huntress. What's going on?"

I exhale a drawn-out breath, then lay it all out—the wild saga:Lucian's venom overload, the wild dream,Rhyland's green-eyed monster moment.Erikis standing there, gobsmacked, taking in the full soap-opera-worthy recount.

"You permittedLucianto drink directly from you?" His voice carries a trace of mirth. "It astonishes me thatRhylandwould consent to such an act.Lucianhas a notorious penchant for stirring the shit pot."

"No doubt about that," I say, head bobbing in firm agreement. As the fury of fists and vampire speed unfurls before me, I start to suggest, "Should we—"

ButErikquickly shuts that down, interjecting a decisive "Nope." His word lands like a full stop, and we're clearly sideline spectators to this supernatural scuffle for now. "These two are no strangers to clashing; it's best to let them work through it.Lucian's error in judgment was grave, andRhyland's reaction is entirely justified in my eyes."

Standing there, nodding silently withErik's words still hanging between us, I can't tear my eyes away from the ferocious ballet of their brawl.Rhylandthrows punches like sledgehammers, butLucian's no slouch—dodging and weaving, he lands some sharp jabs in return.

Then, what seems like an eternity passes, and there's a change in the tide.Rhyland, with the ferocity of his age-old Viking roots, secures the upper hand—grabbing hold ofLucianin a way that's sure to sing soprano.

There's a moment of absolute stillness beforeRhyland's deep and commanding voice cuts through: "Do you yield, little brother?"

Lucianshakes his head, andRhylandreleases him. "Good, now fucking apologize to me andDani," he says, pointing in my direction. "And don't you ever fucking do something so goddamn sleazy to my mate. She was helping you, you son of a bitch!"

It's as if the entire camp has come to a standstill, everyone's gaze glued to the drama unfolding. For a moment, the world narrows to the spectacle of the two vampire brothers locked in their fierce and personal battle. It's a scene drawing the collective breath of onlookers, all waiting to see the outcome of this intense familial showdown.

Lucian's usual bravado seems to deflate somewhat as he turns his gaze toward me, his expression sobering. "Alright, alright, I'm genuinely sorry this time—no jokes," he says, raising his hands placatingly. He meets my eyes directly, his own holding an uncharacteristically sincere look. "It was stupid of me to pull that stunt, I'll admit it. Forgive me, please?"

The air around me is practically electric with anticipation, every pair of eyes fixed on me as I weigh the gravity of the moment.Rhyland's gaze burns with an intensity that's hard to read, holding still amid chaos like the eye of a storm. AndLucian, brought to his knees—quite literally—is looking up at me with a mixture of contrition and hope, awaiting my verdict like a man on trial.

"Yes, I forgive you," the words fall from my lips, smoothing over the jagged edge of the tension that's encased us all like a suffocating blanket.

Rhylandapproaches me, and I reach out to hold his hand, feeling the tightness of his muscles beneath my fingers. But as I gently squeeze his hand, I can feel them start to loosen, like a knot slowly unraveling.

"He's lucky I didn't give him the ultimate death for that," he growls, his voice low and menacing in my mind. "And you... I wouldn't have forgiven the shit; I would've made him beg!"

"Oh, come on,Rhyland! You whooped his ass. I think he gets the idea," I venture, frustration lacing my tone with playful reproach.

It's a blend of challenge and disbelief, hoping to coax him away from any lingering anger he might be harboring toward me for offeringLucianforgiveness. The underlying message is clear: Let's move on from this, shall we?

Rhylandreaches back through our bond, his thoughts tinged with a stubborn edge. "Yeah, but the fucker doesn't deserve your forgiveness."

I throw my hands up in exasperation, letting out a huff of frustration that's half sigh, half growl. "It'sLucian!" I exclaim, my voice rising in pitch. "Honestly, do I even need to elaborate? He's your brother—You know how he is!"

Rhylandhuffs and clenches his fists, his jaw tightening with barely contained irritation. "He should've known not even to think—"

But before he can finish his rant,Lucianinterjects, cutting him off with a pointed cough that draws attention back to himself. "Uhh—should I be privy to this little Professor Xavier mind-chit-chat or what?" he asks, his eyebrows raised in a look of mock innocence.

Without missing a beat,Rhylandand I snap back in perfect harmony, our voices ringing like a double-barreled shotgun. "NO!"