Chapter 10

Chapter Ten

Tamzyn

T he forest was silent, the eerie quietness settling over Tamzyn like a heavy shroud as she stood beside Neville, their breaths still ragged from the battle they had just survived. The hunters were gone, their bodies vanished as if they had never been there, leaving only the lingering sense of magic in the air, a reminder of the power that had surged through Tamzyn moments before.

She could still feel the residual energy thrumming through her veins, a potent reminder of the force she had unleashed. It had been raw, instinctual, and far more powerful than anything she had tapped into before. It both exhilarated and terrified her. The memory of the light, of the way it had exploded outward, taking the hunters with it, was still fresh in her mind. She had never intended it to be so powerful, but something inside her had snapped, had reached out for more when Neville was in danger.

And now, as they stood together in the clearing, the last remnants of that power fading, Tamzyn could feel the weight of the bond between them more keenly than ever. It was as if the magic had drawn them even closer, knitting their fates together in ways she hadn't fully understood until now. Somehow, she had been able to tap into Neville's inherent strength, power, and a different kind of magic.

Neville turned to her, his gaze softening as it met hers. There was a rawness in his eyes, an emotion she hadn't seen before. He was strong and powerful and naked, and yet it wasn't his nudity that made him appear vulnerable; it was something she could feel flowing from him to her.

"You saved us," he murmured, his voice rough with lingering adrenaline and something deeper, something more tender.

Tamzyn swallowed hard, the reality of what had just happened settling over her. "We saved each other," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The words hung in the air between them, laden with meaning, with the unspoken truths they were both struggling to come to terms with. Tamzyn's heart pounded in her chest, the vulnerability of the moment making her feel exposed, raw. But there was something else too—something undeniable that pulled her closer to him.

Before she could think better of it, she reached out, her fingers brushing against his hand. Neville responded instantly, his large hand enveloping hers, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver through her. The connection between them flared to life, and for the first time, Tamzyn allowed herself to fully acknowledge it, to let it wash over her without resistance.

Neville stepped closer, his presence enveloping her, grounding her in a way that nothing else could. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them standing there, bound together by the threads of fate.

Without a word, Neville lifted his hand to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. Tamzyn closed her eyes at the gentle touch, leaning into it, her heart racing with a mix of fear and longing. When she opened her eyes again, she found him watching her with an intensity that stole her breath.

"Tamzyn," he whispered, her name a reverent prayer on his lips.

The way he said it with such tenderness, unraveled the last of her defenses. Tamzyn stepped into him, closing the distance between them until there was nothing left but the warmth of his body against hers. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart, mirroring her own, and it was as if the world had stopped, holding its breath in anticipation.

When Neville leaned down, his lips brushing against hers in a tentative, almost questioning kiss, Tamzyn's breath hitched. The touch was light, barely there, but it sent a jolt of electricity through her. She responded instinctively, her hands finding their way to his shoulders as she deepened the kiss, pouring all the emotion she couldn't find words for into that single moment.

Neville's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer still, his kiss growing more urgent, more demanding. It was as if a dam had broken, releasing all the tension, all the unspoken feelings that had been building between them. Tamzyn surrendered to it, to him, letting the warmth of his embrace chase away the fear, the doubts.

As their kisses grew more heated, more desperate, Neville scooped her up into his arms, his strength effortless as he carried her through the forest. Tamzyn clung to him, her heart pounding with anticipation, her body aching for more. She didn't care where he was taking her, as long as they didn't stop. Deciding that having a naked man carrying her through the forest might seem odd to some, Tamzyn quickly decided to try and cast a spell that would return his clothes to him.

Thankfully, it seemed, her magic could be used to benefit him. They didn't speak as Neville carried her back to the compound, his focus entirely on her, his gaze never leaving hers. The journey passed in a blur, the trees rushing by as they moved with a purpose neither of them needed to voice.

When they finally reached his room, Neville kicked the repaired door shut behind them, his eyes dark with desire as he sat her down gently on the bed. Tamzyn's breath caught in her throat as she looked up at him, the reality of what was about to happen settling over her with a weight that was both thrilling and terrifying.

For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the air between them charged with electricity. Then Neville reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. The tenderness of the gesture made Tamzyn's heart ache, and she knew that there was no turning back now.

Slowly, deliberately, Neville leaned down, capturing her lips in another searing kiss. Tamzyn's hands found their way to his chest, fingers curling into the fabric of his sweater as she pulled him closer, needing to feel him, to be as close to him as possible.

Their movements were slow, almost reverent, as they undressed each other, shedding the last of their barriers. Every touch, every kiss, was a revelation, a promise, and Tamzyn found herself drowning in the sensation of him, in the way he made her feel alive, whole. They clung to each other like two magnets being forced together as the temperature between them began to rise and they removed each other's clothes in a rush.

Neville's eyes devoured her like a famished predator, and she could feel the heat coming off his skin.

He pulled back slightly, running his hands up her sides before cradling the back of her head, pulling her closer. Goosebumps ran along her skin. Their lips met again as their desire began to consume them both.

"You cannot claim me," she moaned into his mouth, the sensation of his tongue exploring hers causing warmth to pool at her core.

"Don't give me that ‘it is forbidden' crap," he growled.

She shook her head. "I don't give a damn about that, but I don't know how it will affect my magic, and I think we're going to need that."

Neville paused and then nodded. "Agreed, but I will claim you as mine."

Tamzyn started to reach between them to unfasten his belt but stopped, and then, looking him in the eye. Neville rumbled seductively at her, covering her body with his and bringing her legs up to wrap around him. Tamzyn rocked her hips against him, feeling his erection straining against her entrance.As they continued to kiss, his hands explored her body, tracing her curves up and down.

Her hands roamed his body as well, needing to feel every inch of him.

Panting heavily, they gazed into each other's eyes. He looked so hungry, and she yearned to satiate that primal need. He licked his lips seductively and pressed almost chaste kisses down her body as he made his way to her sex and wrapped his lips around her clit.

Tamzyn gasped, arching her back and gripping the sheets as his tongue toyed with her sensitive and swollen nub. Shivers of pleasure rocketed through her entire body. He was relentless, determined to bring her the ultimate pleasure. She was lost in the rhythm of his mouth, while his hands reached up to play with her breasts and nipples. His tongue flicked and circled her clit, never missing a beat.

Wetness seeped from her core, her thighs parting naturally to offer him more. She ached for release, for the satisfaction of his touch. She'd had sex before, had a man eat her pussy, but not like this. Nothing had ever prepared her for what it would be to surrender to his touch.

The more he toyed with her clit, the closer she got to the edge... but she didn't want to come… not yet.

Her heart pounded in her chest as her breathing grew even more ragged, and her moans echoed in the bedroom.

Never breaking his concentration, Neville continued to pleasure her with his talented mouth and tongue. He lifted his head, a seductive and knowing smile playing on his lips as he gazed at her, sweat-drenched and sated.She could see the recognition and satisfaction in his eyes, knowing he was bringing her tremendous pleasure.

Tamzyn reached down to pull him back up, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss that proved the two of them were always meant to connect in this way.

"I want you inside me," she confessed, needing to feel how hard and amazing his cock was.

He licked his lips, lined his cock up at her entrance, and thrust up into her. The connection between them was deeper, more profound than anything she had imagined, and she knew in that moment that there was no one else for her. This was right, this was where she was meant to be—by Neville's side, in his arms.

They moved together in a perfect rhythm, their bodies aligning as if they were made for each other. Tamzyn lost herself in the sensation, in the way Neville's hands gripped her, in the way he whispered her name like a prayer. She had never felt so connected, so complete, and she clung to him, letting the waves of pleasure wash over her, carrying her higher and higher until there was nothing left but pure, unadulterated bliss.

She moaned as each thrust seemed to blow her mind. He was so thick, long, and heavy that it was as if she could feel everything. He stretched her inner walls with every thrust, and he drove into her as deeply as he could. It was as if she could feel something at the base of his cock she'd never felt before.

"Is that…?"

Neville nodded. "The knot. There is no time for you to experience it properly, but when I claim you as mine, it will be in all ways."

His eyes never left hers, and he found another rhythm that sent her body into convulsions of pleasure. Tamzyn threw her head back against the mattress and gripped the bed sheets, her nails digging into the fabric as she struggled to hold on to her sense of control. But with Neville, she had none. He was an expert at using his cock, and he was vividly rocking her world.

He picked up the pace, thrusting harder and faster, each thrust sending her pleasure and desire through the roof. Her moans became louder, escalating into gasps and cries until everything was too much. She hit the breaking point as he sent her into the most intense orgasm she'd ever felt in her life. As she shuddered, Neville drove into her a final time, grinding his body against hers as she screamed in ecstasy, her pussy clamping down hard, spasming along his length, her legs trembling as she writhed in his hold, savoring every bit of pleasure as he held her in his arms.

When it was over, they lay tangled together, their breathing heavy, their bodies slick with sweat. Neville's arms remained around her, holding her close, as if he was afraid to let her go. Tamzyn nestled against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart and feeling a peace she had never known. Neville rolled to his back, dragging her with him so that she was settled atop him.

Neither of them spoke, content to simply be in each other's presence. He rumbled soothingly to her, allowing her to drift off to sleep, waking her twice more during the night to make love to her. But as the first light of dawn began to filter through the curtains, the reality of their situation began to creep back in.

Tamzyn was the first to break the silence, her voice soft but filled with uncertainty. "Neville… what happens now?"

Neville tightened his hold on her, his lips brushing against her forehead in a gentle kiss. "We figure this out. Together."

Tamzyn wanted to believe him, but the fear that had been gnawing at her since the prophecy was revealed reared its head once more. The darkness was growing, the Veil was weakening, and now she was certain that her past was tied to it all. She couldn't run from it any longer.

Before she could voice her concerns, there was a sharp knock at the door, startling them both. Neville sat up, his eyes narrowing as he called out, "What is it?"

Garrett's voice came from the other side, tense and urgent. "Alpha, we've found something. We think it's the place where the boy was taken."

"Is this the member of your pack?" Tamzyn asked.

Neville nodded.

His eyes met Tamzyn's, the seriousness of the situation sinking in. They didn't have time to dwell on what had happened between them. There were lives at stake, and the darkness wasn't going to wait.

With a nod, Tamzyn slipped out of bed, quickly dressing as Neville did the same. The intimacy of the night before still hung between them, unspoken but powerful, and Tamzyn knew that whatever happened next, they would be stronger because they would face it as fated mates.

They met Garrett in the main hall, where a group of pack members had gathered, their expressions grim. Garrett handed Neville a map, his finger tracing a path through the forest. "It's a few miles east of here, near an old logging road. We found traces of a ritual, something dark."

Tamzyn's heart skipped a beat as she looked at the map. The location was close to where she had felt the dark magic the strongest, where she had sensed the presence of something ancient and malevolent. She had hoped she was wrong, but now it seemed her worst fears were coming true.

"We need to see it for ourselves," Neville said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He turned to Tamzyn; his gaze serious. "Are you ready?"

Tamzyn nodded, though her heart was racing with a mix of fear and determination. She wasn't ready—how could she be?—but there was no turning back now. She had to face whatever was out there, even if it meant confronting the very people she had left behind.

There was no way to know for sure, but all magic had a kind of signature, and she recognized the feel of the magic as being that of someone from the coven. She hated to think someone from the coven in which she'd grown up could be involved, but unless someone was extremely gifted, they wouldn't be able to hide their signature. And while the magic was powerful, there was little to no work being done to hide who was wielding it. It was as if they didn't care who or what they knew.

The group set out on ATVs, the vehicles cutting through the dense forest with ease. The ride was tense, the silence between them heavy with anticipation. Tamzyn's mind raced as they neared the site, her thoughts consumed by the possibility that her old coven was behind the dark rituals, behind the disappearances, but the telltale signature was there. She didn't want to believe, but she couldn't deny it.

When they finally reached the clearing, Tamzyn's worst fears were confirmed. The remnants of a powerful ritual were scattered across the ground—charred symbols etched into the earth, blackened candles, and the unmistakable stench of dark magic. The air was thick with it, a cloying, oppressive force that made her stomach churn.

Tamzyn knelt beside one of the symbols, her fingers brushing lightly over the charred ground. The magic was familiar, too familiar, and she felt a cold dread settle over her as she realized whose magic it was.

Her old coven. The people who had banished her, who had stripped her of everything she had once held dear, were behind this. One or more members must have come north to Alaska to conduct these dark rituals, who had been weakening the Veil, who had been taking innocent lives to further their own twisted agenda.

The realization hit her like a physical blow, and for a moment, Tamzyn couldn't breathe. The memories of her past flooded back—memories of betrayal, of pain, of the moment when she had been cast out, abandoned by the very people who were supposed to protect her.

She had spent a lot of sleepless nights trying to forget, trying to move on, but now it was all crashing back, threatening to overwhelm her.

"Tamzyn?" Neville's voice broke through her thoughts, grounding her in the present. He knelt beside her, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. "What is it?"

Tamzyn looked up at him, her eyes wide with fear and determination. "It's them," she whispered, her voice trembling. "My old coven. They're behind this."

Neville's eyes darkened, his expression hardening. "Good. Then you'll be able to figure out how we can stop them."

Tamzyn shook her head, the weight of the decision pressing down on her. "No, Neville. This is something I have to do alone. They're my past, my responsibility. I can't ask you or your pack to get involved."

Neville's grip on her shoulder tightened, his eyes flashing with determination. "You're not alone in this, Tamzyn. You are my mate; more than that, you are pack. Whether you like it or not, you are no longer alone. I will not allow you to face them by yourself."

Tears welled in Tamzyn's eyes at the sincerity in his voice, at the unwavering support he was offering her. She had spent so long trying to keep people at arm's length, trying to protect herself from getting hurt again, but Neville was breaking down those walls, showing her that she didn't have to carry the burden alone.

She nodded slowly, her heart heavy with a mix of fear and gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Neville leaned in, his forehead resting against hers in a gesture of comfort and solidarity. "We'll face them, and we'll win. Whatever it takes."

Tamzyn closed her eyes, drawing strength from his presence, from the bond they shared. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, that confronting her past would bring pain and danger. But with Neville by her side, she felt a glimmer of hope—a hope that they could overcome the darkness, that they could emerge from this stronger, together.

As they rose to their feet, the pack members gathered around them, their expressions serious but determined. Tamzyn could feel the unity among them, the sense of purpose that had brought them together. They were ready to fight, ready to stand by her side in the battle that was to come.

And for the first time in years, Tamzyn didn't feel alone. She had found a new family, a new home, and she was ready to fight for it, to protect it with everything she had.

As they prepared to confront the darkness, to face the coven that had betrayed her, Tamzyn knew one thing for certain: she was no longer running from her past. She was ready to face it, to confront it head-on, and to reclaim the power that had been taken from her.