Chapter 18

CHAPTER 18

E DGE

Everything about what Immy had done with her magic and how she'd said the last thing as she walked out of her sister's house and mother's presence had left me vibrating with pride and energy. I couldn't vanish ever since we left.

As we approached Immy's front door, the anticipation of touching her again was too much to handle. Not only did I want to show her exactly how proud I was of her for standing up to her family, I wanted to praise and pleasure her. I pinned her against the front door, unable to resist the pull I felt toward her.

"Edge," she giggled, "you shouldn't do that out here." Her laughter was contagious, and I couldn't help but grin at her response. I lived to hear her sound happily like this.

"Can you blame me?" I asked, still amazed that I could physically touch her. I wanted to touch her as much as I could in case I lost the ability. I couldn't let go of her soft, warm skin, not even for a moment.

"Immy," I whispered, my voice hoarse, "you're beautiful, powerful, and so incredibly brave for standing up to your mother." Her cheeks flushed.

She wrapped her arms around my neck, resting her head against my chest. We took a moment just to enjoy the connection between us, savoring the sensation of being close to one another. And honestly, just being able to touch. It was a wonder to feel anything but emptiness.

"Look at me, Immy," I said softly, tilting her head up until our eyes met. I needed her to know how deeply I cared for her, how much she meant to me. "You're perfect for me. Everything I've ever wanted and the reason I waited without moving on."

Even though I didn't remember all of my past, I didn't regret whatever kept me holding on because now I could hold Immy in my arms. I traced the curve of her jaw with my thumb, marveling at the smoothness of her skin before gently pressing my lips to hers.

Her mouth was warm and inviting, and I lost myself in the tender kiss we shared. I wanted to stay in this moment forever, to feel the love that radiated from her every touch. But I knew we couldn't stay like this, not when there was a witch or witches after the grimoire and our future together at stake.

I knew that I would do whatever it took to protect Immy, to keep her safe and by my side. I would fight for us, for the life we both desired away from the pressures of her family and witch society. And with her love as my anchor, I was certain we could face any challenge that came our way.

The dazed look in Immy's eyes as we broke the kiss sent a shiver of energy through me. "You're absolutely stunning when you're blissed out like this," I whispered, my voice husky with desire. "How about we take this inside? I could give you an orgasm or three to make this feeling last even longer."

Immy let out a soft laugh, her cheeks flushing a lovely shade of pink. "Edge, you're going to wear yourself out if you keep touching and making love to me like that."

I couldn't help but grin at her concern. "Impossible, Immy. You're my mate. Making love to you could only ever recharge me." The thought of spending countless hours exploring each other's bodies was more than enticing… it felt vital.

With a playful smile, Immy slid out of my embrace and made her way into the house. I followed closely behind, still marveling at my mate.

"Alright, Edge," she said once we were inside, her tone teasing yet firm. "As soon as I have another hour or two with Kemera, maybe I'll let you tempt me to distraction. But until then, keep those spectral hands to yourself."

Her words stung a little, but I understood the importance of understanding the grimoire and figuring out why it had chosen her. That didn't mean I wasn't going to miss the warmth of her skin pressed against mine.

"Fine," I murmured, watching as Immy settled onto the couch and ran her hand over the front cover of the grimoire. The way her fingers traced the intricate patterns on the leather binding made my heart race, and I found myself wishing it was my skin beneath her touch instead.

"Edge, I see that look in your eyes," she chided softly, glancing up at me with a knowing smile. "We have work to do."

"Alright, I'll keep my hands to myself," I said with mock offense, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "But don't think for a moment that it means I can't tempt and distract you without even touching you."

I leaned over Immy on the couch, my hands resting on the back of the cushion, careful not to touch her. I got close enough that our lips were mere inches apart, and I could feel her breath mingling with my spectral form. Her eyes flickered with desire, but I held back, a wicked grin spreading across my face.

"Or do you doubt my ability to make you weak in the knees without laying a finger on you?" I teased, feeling the heat radiating off her body. I chuckled and pulled away, leaving her flushed and flustered. "Now, you really should get to work studying that grimoire."

Immy groaned and huffed, shaking her head as she focused on the book before her. I felt a twinge of satisfaction at having left her so tantalizingly frustrated.

As I watched Immy's fingers trace the ancient symbols on the pages, I suddenly froze, my spectral senses picking up on something strange. There was another energy in the house, a presence that didn't belong. I reached out to touch Immy's hand, drawing her attention away from the grimoire.

"Edge, I thought you were going to behave yourself," she teased, but the playful tone in her voice died as soon as she noticed the concern etched on my face. "What's wrong?"

"Someone else is here, inside your house," I whispered urgently, my gaze locked on the coat closet where I could feel the intruder's energy emanating from.

Immy's eyes darted toward the coat closet, her eyebrows furrowing in worry. She made a 'what do we do now' gesture with her hands, and I knew I had to act quickly.

"Stay here," I ordered, my voice low and urgent.

In a blink, I disappeared through the wall, my ghostly form sliding effortlessly through solid matter. Inside the closet, a woman crouched among the coats and scarves, clutching a backpack. Her eyes were wide with terror. Sometimes being a ghost had its perks. She wouldn't be able to see me unless I wanted her to. And I could snoop without her knowing. Curiously, I peeked into her bag, gloves and peculiar tongs, clearly intended for handling something valuable. My gut tightened… She was after the grimoire.

"Enjoying your little hideout?" I whispered, yanking on the edge of her shirt. She jumped, bumping into a hanger, which clattered loudly against the wall. I grinned deviously, lifting a strand of her hair and tickling her nose with it. The woman shrieked, then slapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes growing even wider.

"Who and what are you?" she demanded, her voice barely a whisper. But I wasn't about to let her off that easily.

Drawing on my energy, I surged the light bulb overhead, illuminating the cramped space in a harsh, white glow. At the same time, I materialized just enough to make my face visible, and let out a ghostly wail directly in front of her.

"Edge Halyard, at your service," I mocked, enjoying her shock and horror. "Now, care to explain what you're doing in my lady's house?"

The woman's scream pierced the air, momentarily drowning out my ghostly wail. She stumbled back, crashing into the wall and knocking hangers and coats askew in her panic to escape. Her terrified movements were almost comical.

I watched as she finally burst out of the closet, tripping over the couch in her haste. She landed on the floor with a dull thud, looking up at Immy who stood over her with an accusatory glare.

"How dare you!" Immy demanded, her green eyes narrowed in suspicion. "What are you doing breaking into my house?"

"Immy," I interjected, materializing beside her. "You know her?"

Immy tightened her hold on the grimoire against her chest. "This is Blythe Dupree."

"Wait, Dupree?" I asked, recognizing the name immediately. "Is this the same Dupree family as that slimy guy your mother keeps setting you up with?"

Immy nodded, her expression darkening. "Yes, Edge. This is Erik Dupree's sister." She turned her attention back to Blythe, who was now struggling to regain her footing. "Well, Blythe? What do you have to say for yourself?"

Blythe straightened her clothes, attempting to regain some semblance of dignity despite her disheveled appearance. "Isn't it obvious?" she replied, her voice dripping with condescension. "I'm here to steal the grimoire."

A surge of anger coursed through me at her audacity. Not only had she broken into Immy's home, but now she dared to casually admit her intentions? It took every ounce of restraint I had not to lash out at her.

"Really? You think you can just waltz in here and take what belongs to us?" My energy crackled around me as my anger intensified.

"Yes really, you ghost. Nice trick back there in the closet." Blythe smoothed her hair. "I'm here to liberate the infamous Kemera Grimoire from an unworthy witch."