77. Rhyland

Rhyland

77

A s I barge into Karma, the relentless pulse of the bass beats against my skull while strobes slice through the dim like a blade. I'm here for one reason—to track down Dani after that clusterfuck in the alley.

I walk into Lucian's office. "Where is she?" The words come out sharp, like a cracked whip.

"Relax, Rhy!" Lucian chuckles, holding up his hands in a placating gesture as I practically vibrate with barely contained rage. "Take a chill pill before you pop a blood vessel. Your little spitfire is safe and sound, probably scrubbing the crazy off in my deluxe shower as we speak."

I shoot him a glare. "You think this is fucking funny, Lucian? Dani just watched our shitstain of a brother get murdered by that psycho. She's probably scarred for life!"

Lucian rolls his eyes. "Cry me a fucking river, Rhy. We both know Adrian got what was coming to him after the stunt he pulled. Karma's a bitch, and so was he."

I clench my fists, barely resisting the urge to punch the smirk off his face. "That's not the fucking point. Dani wanted to save that ass— him —to free his family's souls—her mother's. She's too goddamn good for all this."

Lucian snorts, shaking his head in disbelief. "Yeah, well, I hate to break it to you, but I don't think 'negotiating' was ever on Azrael's to-do list. Fucker is crazier than a shithouse rat on crack."

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. "I don't give a flying fuck what Azrael's agenda was. All I care about is making sure Dani's okay."

Lucian waves a dismissive hand, his trademark smirk slipping back into place. "Then go check on her, oh great and powerful alpha. I've got shit handled here—already working on scrubbing some of the security footage. Can't be too careful."

I shoot him one last glare before I'm hauling ass afterDani, my heart threatening to beat right out of my damn chest. I'm praying to every fucking deity out there thatDani's okay, that her unbreakable spirit and fiery resolve are still burning bright. Because if she's not... there'll be hell to pay, and I'll be the sorry son of a bitch footing the bill.

My fury at my screw-ups burns hot, but I can't deny Lucian's knack for slicing straight to the heart of the matter. And damn him for it. Adrian had it coming after what he pulled. There were no two ways about it, but I wanted to be the one to dish out his dues, not to watch him take the true death.

I prowl down the corridor, every footfall heavy with intent, toward Lucian's private sanctuary. Echoes of that night when I ended Max and his friends resurface like some twisted déjà vu. Without hesitation, I shove the door open and step into the dim. My eyes cut through the shadows, scanning for any trace of Dani.

"Dani?"

As I follow the sound of water trickling, a previously unnoticed door at the far end of the room catches my attention. I steel myself for whatever awaits on the other side and push it open. My eyes adjust to the sight, and I can't hold back my reaction to the unexpected scene that unfolds before me.

"What in the ever-loving fuck, Lucian? You twisted son of a bitch." The words roll through my mind directly to Lucian's through our mental link, laced with disbelief and admiration.

I step further into the room, my eyes widening in surprise and reluctant intrigue as I take in the sight before me. It's like I've stumbled into a fucking sex dungeon on steroids, every conceivable toy and piece of BDSM equipment laid out like some kinky buffet. Swings, whips, chains, floggers, leather—you name it, it's here, along with a collection of dildos that would make a porn star blush.

" Ah, yes," Luciandrawls in my mind, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. "Look who's discovered my little den of debauchery. Welcome to the pleasure palace, brother!"

I shoot him a glare through our mental connection, trying to ignore the heat creeping up the back of my neck. "Jesus Christ,Lucian. Do you ever think about anything other than getting your rocks off?"

"Hey, don't knock it 'til you've tried it,Rhy. A little bit of kink never hurt anyone. Well, unless they wanted it to, of course."

I roll my eyes but can't help how my gaze is drawn back to the array of toys and equipment. It's like a fucking car crash—I know I shouldn't look, but I can't seem to tear my eyes away.

"Feel free to take anything for a spin," Lucianoffers, his tone dripping with innuendo. " I promise, everything's cleaner than a virgin's conscience. My crew is very thorough."

I scoff, shaking my head in disbelief. "Yeah, I think I'll pass. Unlike you, I don't need a fucking arsenal of sex toys to get the job done."

Lucianlaughs, his tone full of mischief. "Sure, sure. But let's be real,Rhy-Rhy—we both know you've got a kinky side. Don't be afraid to embrace it. Who knows? Maybe you'll find something to make your littlefirecracker's toes curl."

I mentally flip him off. FuckingLucianand his fucking sex dungeon. I swear, one of these days, I'm going to strangle him with one of those goddamn leather straps.

But even as I make my way back toDani, I can't shake the images from my mind—the swings, the cuffs, the fucking whips. And Gods help me, a part of me can't help but wonder what it would be like to use them on her, to watch her come undone beneath me as I—

No. Fuck, no. I shut that train of thought down before it could go any further. The last thing I need right now is to be thinking with my dick.Danineeds me, and I'll be damned if I let her down again.

As I enter the adjoining room, my mind races with thoughts of Dani and what she's going through. She's always been so strong, so fucking resilient, but losing Adrian like that... it's enough to break anyone—even a fiery thing like her.

But that's where I come in. If there's even a chance that I can be the one to help put her back together, to show her that I fucked up and try to fix the broken pieces, then I'm sure as hell going to do it.

I push open the door to the bathroom, and I'm immediately hit with a wall of steam, the air heavy with the scent of jasmine and vanilla. And there, standing under the double shower like a fucking goddess, is Dani. The water cascades down her curves, highlighting every dip and swell, and I feel my blood run hot with desire.

I know I need to tread carefully here—she's in a vulnerable place, and the last thing I want to do is push her too far. But at the same time, I know that sometimes, the best way to heal is to let yourself get lost in sensation and forget the pain and the heartache, even if only for a little while.

So I strip off my clothes and step into the shower behind her, sliding my arms around her waist and pulling her back against my chest. She tenses for a moment, but then I feel her relax into me, her body molding to mine like it was always meant to be there.

"I'm sorry, Angel," I murmur, pressing my lips to the shell of her ear. "I'm so fucking sorry."

She shudders in my arms, and I tighten my grip, letting her know I'm here and not going anywhere. She presses her hand to my forearm, her fingers trembling slightly, and I feel my heart clench.

I trail my hands up her body, mapping out the curves and planes I always dream about. I cup her breasts in my palms, feeling the weight of them, the way her nipples pebble against my palms. She lets out a soft gasp, arching into my touch, and I know that no matter what happens next, I'll do whatever it takes to make her feel good, to chase away the darkness and the pain, even if only for a little while.

Because that's what you do for the people you love: You fight for them, even when they can't fight for themselves. And Dani? She's worth fighting for—always.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, she speaks up, her voice barely a whisper. "I know you are," she admits, her words filled with an unspoken vulnerability. Dani's voice trembles, her fiery exterior cracking just a little, "I can feel your pain too. I-I just wish you hadn't fought with me and allowed me to give him my blood—this all could've been avoided." she pauses for a beat, "I'm sorry… for reacting that way. It's just… I wanted to help him, to save him. My Mother—" She takes a deep breath to regain her composure.

As I gently run my fingers through her soaked tresses, I can't help but be captivated by the feeling of wet silk against my skin. The vanilla scent of the shampoo she used fills the air, adding to the intoxicating mix of emotions coursing through me. Her crown is absent now, leaving behind the vulnerable and beautiful woman I can't help but be enamored with.

The words tumble out of Dani's mouth on an uneven breath, the revelation still raw. "I'm not blind—I see it in your eyes. No pardons for his kind of betrayal." She pauses, steadying herself. "But now, what's our play? Azrael's sitting pretty with the secret Seraphina swore should never fall into enemy hands." Her voice carries the weight of the predicament we're faced with, a hint of determination simmering beneath the uncertainty.

The icy tendrils of fear grip my heart; the same terror I know is coursing through Dani's veins. Her deepest, darkest secret is now in the hands of our most dangerous enemy.

I press my lips to her pulse point, feeling the frantic beat beneath my tongue. "I swear on my life, I will protect you, Dani. I will fight to my last fucking breath to keep you safe." My words are a solemn vow, a promise etched in steel.

"That bastard will never lay a finger on you or any of his minions. I won't let them get within an inch of you." My voice is low and fierce, brimming with unwavering determination.

I feel the tremble in her exhale, the fear still clinging to every fiber of her being, radiating from her mind like a distress beacon. It breaks my fucking heart to see her like this, so vulnerable and shaken to the core.

I can't resist the urge to tangle my fingers in her silky tresses, giving them a mischievous little tug. "Listen up, baby girl. I won't let a single fucking thing harm a hair on your head," I declare, my tone a mix of unwavering resolve and gentle devotion. "I'll tear apart anyone who even thinks about messing with you."

A smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth as I lean closer, my breath hot against her ear. "And let me remind you, sweetheart—what have I told you about apologizing to me? I'm pretty damn sure I've made myself clear on that front countless times. Your feelings were valid."

She lets out a deep, tantalizing moan when I tug her hair, and my damn cock responds instantly. I know she's been on edge since I left her wanting more the other day. I was planning on punishing her by teasing the fuck out of her again, but now I have a whole new set of ideas—ones that only involve loving her and caring for her—giving her what she needs.

"Are we going to revisit that dazzling little lightning stunt you pulled off—the one you tried to pass off as a one-hit wonder?" she prods.

"Baby, I'm here for you. Right now, the only thing on my mind is making damn sure you feel safe and cared for. Whatever you need, I've got you. We'll get through this other shit later, okay? You're not alone. I'm right by your side every step of the way."

I take a deep breath, trying to rein in my swirling emotions.I know what I'm doing, even if I don't want to admit it to myself. I'm deflecting, plain and simple. This new power that's somehow awakened within me... It scares the ever-loving shit out of me. I don't understand it, I can't control it, and I sure as hell don't want to face what it might mean.

I can feel her body slowly unwinding, the tension seeping out of her as she allows the topic to drift away—at least for the moment. But I know my girl. Dani's not one to let things go easily. Before long, that brilliant scientific mind of hers will be itching to dissect every damn detail, to pick apart what happened and analyze it from every angle.

That's just who she is—a force of nature, relentless in her pursuit of understanding. It's one of the many things I fucking love about her. But for now, I'm content to hold her close, to be the rock she can lean on as she navigates the aftermath of this nightmare.

Dani stands firm, "I just need… I need you, Rhyland, but don't treat me like I'm going to shatter—I won't. I'll manage. But give me a moment here; it's...it's just a mountain of stuff to wrap my head around all at once," she says, her voice a mix of strength and the vulnerability of being swamped with overwhelming truths.

I squeeze her tighter in my strong arms, pulling her closer until there's no space between us. My nose grazes the soft skin of her neck as I inhale her intoxicating scent, letting it wash over me like a soothing balm.

"I've got you, sweetheart. I'm right here," I murmur against her skin, my voice a low rumble. "Whatever you need, whatever it takes to make you feel whole again—it's yours. Take whatever you need from me, baby. I'm all yours, body and soul."

The water continues to pour over us, the sound of our heavy breathing mingling with the rhythmic drumming on the shower tiles. My hands roam over her soaked body, and I can feel her trembling beneath my touch. I can smell her arousal and taste it on my tongue.

Her whisper cuts through the tension, a soft plea with yearning and the desperate wish to escape the torrent swirling in her mind. "Distract me," she breathes out. "Bite me, please. Make it all go away—the pain, the chaos in my head. I need you to take the reins, Rhyland." She tilts her head back, and her eyes search mine, silently begging for the reprieve only I can grant.

I smirk mischievously. Oh, she needs a distraction, does she? Well, lucky for her, distraction happens to be my specialty.

I lean in close, my voice low and playful, "Alright, Angel, you want me to take your mind off all this heavy shit? Consider it done. I've got more than a few tricks to make you forget your name, let alone anything else."

With a firm grip on her hair with one hand, I twist and pinch her nipples just the way she loves it with the other, causing little hisses of pleasure to escape from her. Her ass eagerly grinds against my rock-hard cock.

Tugging her hair more forcefully, I demand, "Come here, baby. I'm fucking famished."

Wasting no time, I sink my teeth into her neck, drawing her sweet, warm blood into my mouth. My eyes roll back in their sockets as the delicious taste overwhelms me. I swear she's gotten sweeter, if that's even possible.

Her body stiffens in surprise, and she sucks in a deep breath. Still, almost instantly, the sensation switches to one of pure ecstasy as my venom courses through her veins, flooding her entire being with a euphoria that only a vampire's bite can provide.

As I continue to pull her blood into my mouth, our moans mingle in the steamy confines of the shower, the sensual sounds echoing off the walls. Her taste is otherworldly, intoxicating me further with each draw. The warmth coursing through me is a welcome relief after the massive drain from summoning that lightning storm earlier.

Her hand snakes its way between our entwined bodies, finding my eager and insistent cock. The sensation of her soft hand against my hot, hard flesh nearly sends me over the edge. Before I can react, my hips instinctively buck, pumping into her tight grip as I continue lapping up her sweet, replenishing blood. The dual sensations are almost too much to bear, and I cling to the edge of my self-control.

Tearing my mouth away from her neck, I growl, "Fuck,Angel. You're pushing me to the brink of my control." With a surge of strength and determination, I spin her and lift her effortlessly—slamming her back against the shower tiles. She releases an involuntary "oomph" at the sudden impact, which quickly morphs into a wanton moan as she wraps her legs around me.

Wasting no time, my mouth is on hers, eagerly claiming her lips and battling with her tongue, exerting my dominance as the primal need to possess her consumes me.

Breathless and hungry for more, I break away from our heated kiss just long enough to utter those three little words, "Fucking beg me."