Chapter 10

Ten

Adeep huff startled me as I shot from the bed, frantically searching the darkness for the cause of the sound as I panted with a sudden alertness. Rain tapped heavily against the window of my room, thunder gently rolling outside. Alastair licked my face, immediately calming me. I snapped my fingers, the small candle on the nightstand immediately igniting in a pale blue flame that illuminated the humble bedroom.

Alastair brushed his head against my face, nestling closer as I stroked his head. "Easy," I whispered as his heavy body weighed on mine. I glanced at the small digital alarm clock, noticing the red single digits. "What're you even doing awake at this hour?" The sky was dark, the storm adding an extra layer of uneasiness.

Alastair quietly hopped from the bed onto the floor, his nails tapping against the wood as he walked to the door and looked back at me.

"Seriously?" I groaned. "At this hour?" He tilted his head and gruffed. Of course.

Groaning, I stepped from the bed, wearing only a thin, silky black nightgown as my bare feet touched the floor, a soft creak rippling through the wood as my weight shifted. The air was cold, prickling my skin. I rubbed my hands across my arms in an attempt to warm myself. My body halted, hesitating a moment as I glanced down at the brass door handle. Was Cain still awake? Had he calmed down from the chaos of the night? Or had he simply passed out from drinking… again?

Alastair nudged me, shoving the incessant questions to the back of my mind as his golden eyes gazed up at me, faintly glowing, showering me in a calm warmth. I smiled, slowly opening the door as he pushed past and left the room. My limbs froze, waiting a moment as I listened into the night, hearing only the taps of his nails against the wooden floor. Relief.

Alastair circled the hall, impatiently waiting for me to join him. Together, we slowly stepped down the hall and into the living room, the floor slightly creaking beneath the weight of our bodies. The crackles of the dying fire popped, quickly followed by heavy snores.

I glanced around, lightning crackling as it illuminated the country styled living room to reveal Cain, passed out cold, sprawled across the leather couch. Seeing him unconscious and unaware was oddly relieving. As I stepped back, my foot kicked one of the numerous empty beer bottles, causing it to roll, clanking into another, the loud sound causing me to freeze with fear. Cain stirred for a moment but quickly fell back to sleep as he continued to snore. My body eased, turning to find Lazarus now standing in front of me, shirtless. His sudden appearance startled me.

My hands covered my mouth as I tried to silence my loud gasp. Alastair sat next to him, completely unbothered by his presence. "What're you—"

Lazarus raised his finger to his lips, hushing my words. He glanced behind me at Cain, the light from the dancing maroon flames soaking his skin in a warm palette of red that only enhanced his striking attractiveness. He gently touched my arms, guiding me away. We stepped to the hall, Alastair still sitting in the living room as his head tilted at the sounds of Cain's heavy snoring.

"What're you doing awake at this hour?" I whispered harshly, forcing my eyes away so as not to stare at Lazarus' bare chest.

"I should be asking you the same question," he teased, smiling as my cheeks flushed.

"Alastair needs to go outside—"

"You didn't plan on taking him outside all by yourself, did you?" he whispered. I didn't answer. "Alaska," he sighed, "it's the middle of the night, it's storming, and who knows what might be roaming around outside? You shouldn't be wandering around in the dark by yourself. I'll take him." Before I could say no, Lazarus had walked away. He silently caught Alastair's attention, directing him to the front door as the two of them quietly stepped outside together, the screen door squeaking as the hinges moved.

Cain snored loudly, startling me as I realized the two of us were now alone in the living room. "Fuck this." I cautiously scuttled to the door and stepped outside.

Lazarus was leaning against the heavy wooden railing of the porch, facing away, watching as Alastair galloped in the rain, full of joy. "It's nice to see him like this," he spoke smoothly over the loud storm.

I nodded, approaching the railing, watching as the abnormally large wolf played in the rain. Lazarus turned his head and looked me up and down, his gaze heavy and sensual. It traveled along my skin, lingering as he obviously enjoyed the sight of me, standing here, in my thin nightdress. The electricity in the air thickened as our eyes locked. I could feel my cheeks burning, my hands slowly beginning to glow with desire. I quickly tucked them behind my back, hoping he didn't notice.

Lazarus grinned. "No reason to be shy, darling. We both know I know exactly what that means." He raised a brow, his smile melting me.

I bit my lower lip, my cheeks fully flushed as he inched closer, backing me against the porch railing. A soft gasp escaped my lips as my spine hit the damp wood, causing one of the dainty straps of my nightgown to fall gently to my elbow. Lazarus placed his arms on either side of me, his tattooed chest hovering over as he leaned in close, the tips of his brown hair brushing my face as his scent filled my lungs. "You know you never have to beg me to please you." He leaned in closer, whispering further into my ear, his breath tickling my skin. "So tell me, what exactly would you like me to do to you, darling?"

My hands burned with longing as I squeezed my fists, trying to force my emotions aside. "W-we…" I stuttered. "We can"t."

Lazarus moved, raising his head as he looked down at me, his brow raised. "Oh?" His thumb touched my chin, raising it ever so lightly. "And why is that?"

I swallowed hard. "Cain," I whispered.

Lazarus's smile returned. "Your boyfriend is currently passed out cold on the couch, dead to the world. Nothing can wake him." His hand gripped me sweetly as his mouth ran along the skin of my neck, his breath hot against my flesh, causing my core to vibrate. "Besides, I can keep quiet." His lips stopped, hovering over mine. "Can you?" His playful challenge only added to my appetite.

"I guess there's really only one way to find out," I teased, staring into his chestnut eyes. Lazarus smirked, wasting no time as his lips slammed into mine, breaking all my internal restraints as an intense carnal desire fueled me. My arms raised, brushing his hand away as they wrapped around his bare neck, pulling him closer to my body.

His hands slid up the side of my nightdress, grabbing my waist as he effortlessly raised me to sit on the thick ledge of the porch railing. Cold raindrops fell from the tin roof, dripping down our bodies as we continued to consume one another, our breathing increasing with each lust filled second. My legs wrapped around his waist, forcing him closer as he pressed against my body, his arm firm against my back, holding me atop the railing. My fingers weaved through his long hair, gliding along the back of his neck as his lips began to wander from mine. He kissed my exposed skin, licking the rain droplets from my collarbone, his mouth falling to my chest as his fingers gently glided across the silky material of my nightgown, purposely stroking my pierced nipple. His touch was sensual and delicate, only arousing me more. My legs tightened around him as his mouth kissed along my sternum and back to my neck, his hands leisurely lifting my nightgown as he continued.

Lazarus growled, his hands now fiercely gripping my knees as he kissed me, slowly skimming his warm fingers along the inner parts of my thighs. "Let me take care of you," he breathed into my mouth as his fingers inched further up my spread legs until they began to caress my center. His touch was gentle yet filled with such eagerness, ready to please me. My back slowly rose, arching as I leaned further into his touch, silently begging for more. He continued, increasing in speed, feeling my wetness as he slid his finger inside me. My breathing sharpened in response, my legs pulling his body closer as he continued, adding a second finger. My cheeks burned as my head raised, the night air filling my lungs, my grip on his neck tensing with each thrust of his fingers.

The cold rain continued to glide along my burning skin, adding to the overwhelming sensations. Lazarus hands roughly spread my legs further apart, careful so as to not let me fall off the railing. He broke my grasp around his neck, placing my hands on the wooden railing before he eased his way down, his lips now kissing my inner thighs as he slowly lifted my nightgown and withdrew his fingers, replacing them with his tongue. He didn't waste any time, immediately devouring me. My arms gripped the railing tightly, glowing as my legs draped over his shoulders, his hands firmly squeezing my thighs as he quickened his pace, pushing deep inside me.

The storm began to grow, thankfully drowning out my moans and soft cries as he continued. My entire body tensed, unable to fight how immediately he had pleased me, jolting and spasming as I quickly came, soaking his tongue. Lazarus remained inside me, pushing his tongue deeper, moaning as my body moved against his face, begging him not to stop. His hands, now beneath my nightgown, scraped along the sides of my bare back, lightly digging into my skin. My body pulsed, tightening around him as he moved, determined to make me come a second time.

My heart raced, matching the rapid sound of my breathing, when the sound of a familiar growl caught me off guard, interrupting the moment. The repeated sound of Alastair huffing snapped me from the sinful moment as I shot my eyes open.

"Lazarus," I breathed. He withdrew from inside me, lifting his head as he gazed up at me. "Did you hear that?" I asked between heavy pants. We waited, frozen in the compromising position, as the rain continued. Alastair growled again, startling me and Lazarus straightened, now fully aware of the mood shift. He gently helped me down from the railing and back to my feet as I quickly adjusted the nightgown, searching the distant darkness for Alastair.

"Where's Alastair?" I asked, watching as Lazarus straightened his posture, lightly moving my body behind his as he scanned our dark surroundings. "Do you see him?" I asked over the loud rain.

Lazarus peered out into the rain. "No. Do you?"

I shook my head, nervous as to where he was. Something was off. Without hesitation, I quickly pushed from behind his large frame and scuttled across the porch then down the steps into the storm. Mud splashed along my shins as rain soaked my body, my nightdress clinging to me like a second skin. Lazarus called to me, rushing after as he quickly joined my side, his bare chest glistening in the rain. Together, we began to pace around in the storm, calling out for Alastair. Nervousness turned to dread, my breathing rapid with anxiety as I frantically searched the darkness, shivering from the cold and rain. Where are you, Alastair? My hands blazed in blue magic, casting enough light outward to guide us as we searched for him. Where are you? A faint growl echoed, disorienting us as we struggled to see through the night, thunder quickly filling our ears.

"Alastair!" I called, my heartbeat now echoing in my ears. He didn't respond, which only frightened me further. "Alastair!"

"Alastair!" Lazarus yelled, our voices muted by the raging storm. His eyes met mine, filled with a growing fear as a loud crack pulled our attention towards the woods. "Did you hear that?" he asked, carefully brushing me behind him.

I shook my head in a panic. Lazarus grabbed my ignited hand as we slowly approached the edge of the woods. "Do you see anything?" He yelled as the storm grew in strength, the rain obscuring our view as thunder drowned out the sound of our voices.

"Nothing!" My eyes struggled to make sense of anything between the rain and darkness. I felt as though my mind was playing tricks on me, as if I was watching shadows swaying through the trees, but my sight was unable to focus on anything. "Here." I pulled my hand from his, my magic still burning.

Lazarus watched as I raised my hand and launched a wave of blue magic into the darkness, illuminating the woods as it moved deep within, dissolving into the heart of the forest. Even with my light, it was hard to see. Where are you, Alastair?

Suddenly, Alastair barked, the sound coming from behind us. We both turned to see him standing next to Cain's car, the passenger door wide open. I immediately rushed to him, Lazarus remaining close. Alastair greeted me, licking my face as I wrapped my arms around his thick neck, fighting back tears as my magic faded away.

"Don't you scare me like that!" I choked, holding his face in my hands, examining for any signs of an injury. His golden eyes stared at me, resembling golden honey. He seemed perfectly fine. "I swear," I stared into his eyes, "you're going to be the death of me one day!"

"Someone was here." Lazarus's flat words caught me off guard. I peered around Alastair's giant frame, peaking into Cain's car to see the locked glove box now wide open. Papers, cigarettes, and random items were thrown recklessly around the inside of the car, mud and water smeared across the leather interior. My stomach dropped at the idea of someone being out here, watching us, being so close without us even knowing. It sickened me.

"Who would've done this?" I asked, Alastair pressed against my dirty legs as I rose, brushing my messy fringe from my face. "And why?"

Lazarus shook his head, his hands on his hips. "I have no idea, but I don't think we should tell Cain about this, do you?"

"We can't." Lazarus glanced back at me, nodding. If we told Cain what happened, he would question everything. It was safer to keep this from him, even if the idea of it scared me.

Lazarus began to tidy up the car, cleaning it the best he could, as Alastair and I remained close. The strong feeling of being watched weighed heavily on my shoulders. I scanned our surroundings, searching the woods for any sign of who might've done this. Alastair stood next to me the entire time, his ears raised high, listening to the forest.

"There." Lazarus wiped his hands and locked the door, slamming it shut. "We should probably head back inside." He gently placed his hand on my lower back, guiding me to the porch as Alastair trotted alongside.

The storm continued, no sign of letting up as we stopped just outside the front door of the cabin, our soaked bodies dripping along the porch. I couldn't help but shiver between the cold rain and uneasiness. "Do you think whoever it was is gone?" I asked, rubbing my arms.

"Most likely." Lazarus glanced around, his hand still nestled along my lower back. "I'm sure Alastair scared off whoever did that. Regardless, we should be safe inside." His hand pulled me close as he wrapped his arms around my waist. "Let's get you inside, you're freezing." He hugged me, his body radiating heat. My head rested against his chest as the sound of his steady heartbeat began to ease me.

My mind calmed for a brief moment, the feel of his skin against mine causing my thoughts to wander. "I'm sorry," I whispered against him.

Lazarus's face twisted in confusion. "For what?"

"Ruining the moment—"

"Alaska…" He gripped the sides of my face, staring down at me, his hair dripping onto my cheeks. "Don't you dare apologize. Alastair needed you, and I know how important he is to you. Do I wish we could've kept going so that I could've made you scream? Fuck yes." I laughed at his tease, and Lazarus' face lightened, his lips curling into a flirtatious smile. I could feel my eyes glowing brighter as his grip tightened. "But it's probably a good thing we didn't continue. Wouldn't want to risk a certain someone hearing us, now do we, Miss I can't keep quiet?" He leaned close, his mouth hovering over mine as he whispered, "Besides, it's just sex, right?" His tongue lightly flicked the top of my mouth.

My face dropped, annoyed as I registered his words. I pulled away from his warm hands. "I'm going to take a shower," I growled, aggressively opening the door for Alastair to step inside. "Alone," I huffed, turning into the cabin.

Lazarus laughed, crossing his arms as he called after me. "Aw, come on, babe. You know I'm only teasing."