37. Chapter 37

Chapter thirty-seven

T he rough material of a picnic blanket scratched Havens nipples as Nik drilled into her from behind. He gripped her hips so hard she swore there'd be bruises. He reached one hand around to rub her clit, earning a loud moan. Nik was working her up to an amazing high. She heard a masculine groan right as she was about to finish. Just a little further she begged, just a little harder.

Haven bolted upright in bed, the sheet clinging to her sweaty body. She'd been having these vivid dreams more often than she cared to admit. Every single time she woke right before the finish line, leaving her body wet and wanting. Every dream frustrated her a little bit more and if she was being honest with herself, made her more pissed at Nik. She didn't even know why. Haven was fairly certain he was not responsible for putting these dreams into her head but nonetheless, they caused even more frustration and anger to bubble up.

Luckily she had not run into him since the festival. She didn't know what she'd do when that happened, would she yell? Scream? Jump him? Haven didn't particularly like the guy but he didn't deserve to be yelled at for something that was likely not his fault.

Determined not to touch herself to thoughts of Nik, Haven tossed back the covers and slipped on some loose pants. Most nights ended one of two ways, either she succumbed to temptation, finishing herself off, or she got up and exercised. Moving around usually helped push the thoughts out of her head. Afterwards, she'd climb back into bed and sleep soundly the rest of the night.

The clock told her it was just after two in the morning as she passed it where it sat on her desk. Exiting through her door, Haven made her way down two flights of stairs and onto the castle grounds. She'd decided to go for a run seeing as she definitely needed the stamina.

The cool night air nipped her arms, the tank top she'd worn for sleep not offering much protection. Her nipples peaked through the fabric but she didn't worry about being seen since no one was ever up this late.

Starting a light jog, Haven made it all of half a lap before a deep voice interrupted her,

"Late night jog?"

Haven turned to see Nik leaning against the castle wall, in nothing but loose sweatpants. Haven cursed her luck, of course it had to be him, the source of her frustrations. It would help if he wasn't stupidly hot and kind of an asshole. That combination normally drew her right in, it never ended well but was always fun while it lasted.

"Want to join me?" She offered, surprising herself. Haven could tell she was thinking more with her downstairs brain than her upstairs one.

"Please," He scoffed "I'm not the one who can barely run two laps around the grounds"

Haven rolled her eyes, she had no idea how he knew that. It wasn't a big secret but the only way for him to have that information was if he or someone close to him had been watching her lessons.

"Prove it" She snapped at him. It would serve him right to end up huffing and puffing just like she was. Haven could picture the smile on her face if that was how tonight ended.

"I don't have anything to prove" He rolled his eyes.

"Sure about that?" Haven taunted.

"Yes" Nik confirmed. Before Haven could reply, Nik was taking off at a run. Haven took off after him, cursing as she tried to catch up.

Haven caught up quicker than she thought she should have. Together they ran and ran, all the way past the gardens and lake before slowing to a light jog on their second pass. The moment was surprisingly peaceful, at least until Haven felt a slight tug on her ankle, pulling it forward and causing her to fall backwards.

"Fuck" She cursed, landing on her back in a puddle of mud.

Nik was laughing incredibly hard where he stood about ten feet away. Haven swore she could see tears coming out of his eyes even in the darkness surrounding them .

"Oh was that funny?" Haven asked, irritation and humor ringing through her tone.

Nik couldn't even respond, he was still laughing so hard. Haven had a sudden thought. Immediately acting on it, she shot a shadow at him, wrapping it around his wrist and pulling.

Haven realized she might have miscalculated either the distance or strength of her power when Nik was launched forward, landing directly on top of her. Nik huffed as he landed but thankfully managed not to crush her.

The shock wore off and now it was Havens turn to laugh. She lifted a hand, covered in mud, and smeared it all down his chest, covering his black tattoos in the thick substance. She wished it wasn't so dark out so she could see them clearer, if only she could convince the moon to shine a little brighter.

"Oh you're going to pay for that" Nik shifted, caging her in with a leg on either side of her waist. He dug his hand in the mud beside her head, leaning in close so he could smear it through her thick red hair. Haven couldn't find it in herself to be pissed that she'd likely have to spend at least an hour in the shower scrubbing it out. Every time she tried to stop laughing, the image of Niks shocked face when her shadow grabbed him popped back into her mind and set her laughing again.

It took Haven a few minutes to get ahold of her laugh. Taking a deep breath and looking up to meet Niks eyes, she found him so close that his chest bumped Havens. Haven watched as his pupils dilated, the air around them changing as he abandoned the mud in her hair. Nik leaned down closer to Haven, his head angled into her neck. She felt his chest rise as he inhaled a deep breath. Haven knew he was likely scenting what had dragged her out of bed.

"Thinking of me?" He asked. All the humor had gone from his voice, leaving behind a rough and scratchy tone.

"You wish" She told him, the words coming out weak and breathless.

He chuckled throatily. Nik shifted the hand besides her head down to grip her thigh, putting all his weight on his left hand. Haven felt the tip of his nose run up her neck, followed by his tongue.

Haven tried to hold back a moan, only a small sound slipped out but it was more than enough for Niks fae hearing. He pulled back, running his gaze down the length of her entire body, an arrogant and purely male smile on his face.

"You are exquisite," He told her.

Haven could see the control Nik was barely holding onto written across his face. He might not want to admit it, he might choose harsh words and seemingly hate her but that did not mean he was not attracted to her.

Havens hips lifted subconsciously, looking for the pressure they were so poorly lacking. Haven didn't feel in control of her movements in that moment. Something about this man, no, this fae, brought out a fierce ache between her legs and a strong desire in her heart.

Before Haven could say anything, Nik shifted their legs, wrapping the one he had his hand on around his waist. He only hesitated a moment before he ground his pelvis into hers. Even through their clothes, the small contact set a fire raging through Haven. Leaning down, Nik burned demanding kisses along her neck and collarbone .

Continuing to grind their bodies together, Nik pulled another moan from Haven. Her hands reached up and twined through the hair at the base of his neck, holding on tightly. If he kept moving like that, Haven felt she could come right there, covered in mud and fully clothed.

"I bet you'd be a good fuck," He told her, pausing for only a second before he added,

"Too bad it wouldn't be worth it"

Niks words ripped Haven from the fog of lust that had descended over her. He immediately pulled away, using his fae speed to basically sprint back to the castle. He left Haven sprawled in the mud, confused, pissed off, slightly hurt and insanely turned on.