Chapter 10

Chapter

Ten

SAGE

K illian's hand is a vise on my elbow as he ushers me swiftly down the corridor, while I glance over my shoulder back at the library, convinced I'd seen something.

"I came to collect you for the evening meal," he explains in a low rumble that vibrates through the air between us.

"So, what's the rush?" I pant, fighting to pull myself free from his grasp. It seems as though we're heading back to my room. Are we dining there?

He lets out a long exhale. "First, you're changing clothes for your first time meeting the Pack."

I glance down at the one-piece suit clinging to me, its fabric soft and oddly comforting. "I had no idea I had to dress up in something fancy," I quip.

He stops so abruptly I nearly crash into him. His breath hitches, those azure eyes darkening as they sweep over me again. I pull away, my back hitting the wall, my stomach fluttering. His gaze dips lower, and I instinctively hug myself, suddenly feeling exposed under his intense stare.

"What's going on? You're acting all strange… I mean, stranger than normal."

Killian steps closer, the space between us charged with electricity.

"What you're wearing, Sage," he starts, voice rough, "is usually reserved for nights you want to entice a Shadowfen into your bed. Something I'd entertain in a heartbeat, but I suspect you aren't aware of the impact your outfit will have on anyone."

My eyes bulge, my mouth dropping open in shock. "What, th-this jumpsuit?" I stammer, my face scrunching in disbelief.

He licks his lips, his hand grazing the underside of my jaw, tilting my head back. His touch leaves a trail of heat that zips down my spine. Since our encounter in the garden back in Nightingale Village, I've been irresistibly drawn to him, my body responding in ways I've only read about in the hushed corners of my bedroom with my mom's elf books.

"It is when it's transparent under bright light."

I gasp, covering myself with my arms, and he chuckles—a dangerous sound.

"It's too late for that, Sage, but unless you want to offer the same privilege to everyone else, I'd suggest changing into something else. All the clothes in your wardrobe were chosen to fit you."

"Well, maybe don't put a transparent outfit in there next time," I say, irritated.

Killian clears his throat, the sound rough like gravel. "Let's get you changed."

As he guides me into my room, I pause and press a hand to his chest. "You wait for me out here."

The corner of his mouth curls upward. "I like this stronger side of you. And this one time, I'll abide by not coming into the room." He leans a shoulder against the wall, staring at me, and his cockiness is out of control.

I enter my room and shut the door with a bang. Even from inside, I hear his laughter.

Rolling my eyes, I make my way quickly into the bathroom, staring at my reflection in the glass wall, not seeing any transparency. Then again, it's not especially bright in here.

Quickly, I peel off the comfortable jumpsuit, then stand in front of the wardrobe again, butt naked and afraid of what the next outfit will do to me. As I rummage through the wardrobe again, finding mostly dresses, I finally pull out something that feels a bit more modest than the jumpsuit—black wide-legged pants paired with a pale green long-sleeved shirt.

I hold the shirt up to the light, ensuring it's not revealing. Satisfied that it's not, I dress quickly. The fabric is soft and stretchy, clinging in ways that emphasize every curve. Though the shirt's low neckline and the way the elastic cinches just under my bust make me a tad self-conscious, it's comfortable.

I'm not sure why every outfit has to highlight parts of my body I'm not trying to showcase.

I check my reflection once again; everything looks normal. With a deep inhale, I step out to meet Killian, who hasn't moved from his position against the wall.

"Better?" I ask.

He lifts an eyebrow, his lips tugging into an amused smirk. "Perfect."

I tug at the elastic under my chest, adjusting the fabric that insists on curling under my breasts.

He grins and gives me a slight nod, then we're on the move. The awkwardness between us stretches out, and I still have so many questions, like…

"Why isn't the portal on the boat? Would have been so much easier to get here."

Killian's lips twist into a half smile. "Thinking of returning home?"

"Of course," I admit truthfully. "I worry about my mom, and I want to see her again. Plus, I asked a real question, especially after nearly dying outside the vessel."

"I always keep my word, Sage." He leans in, his voice a low rumble, and I catch my breath every time I'm in his space, inhaling his fresh woods and addictive caramel sweet scent, as well as the embers of fire that's all him. "The constant movement of the ship, the vastness of the water… It makes transporting unstable. We tried once, and it was a disaster with our test subject lost in the middle of the sea."

He draws back, and his muscles bulge against the fabric. It's impossible not to get lost in their movements. The cords in his neck tighten, too, that strong jawline with the faintest hint of stubble. Everything about this man… no, this monster… fills me with dirty images. I've never been with a man before, never been drawn to any in such a way.

It's bad enough that I'm here to be his bride, but then to feel the fire between my thighs, the moisture that builds up each time we're near, is becoming too much. I keep imagining myself in his arms, his mouth between my legs, just like in the books I've read where the females always scream with pleasure. I never really understood the undeniable pressure in their body they spoke about until now.

It presses down through me, the sensation to be touched urgent, and again, I'm staring at his chest and lower. I once spied one of our Village Protectors naked by accident. No one saw me, but the sight both shocked and intrigued me. The man had a lot of hair, then his dangling?—

"If you keep staring at me that way, Sage, we're not going to make it to dinner," Killian promises firmly.

I nearly choke, my mind torn between embarrassment at being caught staring and the growing heat in my body that makes no sense to me.

"You say some really strange things sometimes," I accuse, though I feel my cheeks burning up. A smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.

"I didn't say that lightly," he murmurs, his words a warm caress against my cheek as we move to a set of circular steps made of metal. We pause, and his hand trails up my arm, stopping to rest gently at my collarbone. The touch is light, but it sends a shiver through me.

"Resisting you is becoming more difficult by the second, and I'm trying real fucking hard."

I can't breathe at his confession.

"Do you feel it?" he asks, his eyes locked on mine, searching.

"Your touch?" I manage, my voice barely above a whisper. My body is hyperaware of his proximity, every nerve ending seeming to fire at once. My body sways in his direction, as though it's betraying me.

"And how your body reacts." His gaze intensifies.

I shake my head, fighting the heat between us. "Am I supposed to feel something beyond your hand?" I arch an eyebrow at him.

His brow furrows, and he moves aside, giving me space. Then he's grinning.

"Clever girl. But tomorrow, you won't be able to hide the truth from me."

I blink at him as he pushes me to start climbing the stairs, but I'm still stuck on his words about tomorrow.

What did they mean?

Despite my resistance and fear, I want to respond to his advances, to discover what being with someone as powerful as him would be like. Sometimes, I feel as though I've always been the good girl who never broke the rules, who never talked back, and who tried to be invisible.

Now, I blush at my thoughts toward a monster, which is confusing because I have no idea what I'm even doing.

Killian's presence behind me as we head into the glass elevator and descend in seconds and the way he stares at me hungrily are slightly unnerving.

Once the doors open, we walk into an open dining area that's spectacular, every surface gleaming like glass. The walls, the ceiling, and even the floor beneath our feet appear to be made of this material, but with lights underfoot that glow with each step we take.

Dark purple vines covered with luminous berries are woven from one floating lantern to another, infusing the room with a faint glow.

The space is deserted except for two men lounging across the room on plush couches. Killian gently nudges me forward, his touch adding to the already burning fire inside me.

Reaching them, I'm instantly taken aback at first by the fact that they're in their human forms, not monsters, and secondly… I might fall over from how incredibly stunning they are. Are all monsters this attractive? Muscles and brooding looks, yet behind those beautiful faces are deadly creatures.

There's one who wears his dark hair pushed back, only bringing out the sharpness of his cheekbones more. His eyes are amber, almost burning like fire. Broad shoulders relaxed against the back of his couch, he grins at me, every line of his body strong, powerful, and deadly.

Opposite him is a man who's reclined, a smile playing on his lips. Long, chestnut-brown hair just grazing his shoulders catches my attention. He runs a hand through it, yet strands tumble over jade-colored eyes. It's the constant smile I'm drawn to, as if he knows a joke and the punchline no one else will understand. He sits sprawled, legs wide, one arm draped casually over the back of the couch. He's in all black, a shirt so tight it pulls taut across his broad chest.

As Killian guides me to a plush couch adjacent to theirs, he says, "Sage, this is the Pack. This is Wolfe, the Leader of the Shadowfen," he says, gesturing toward the man with a glowing amber gaze.

Wolfe gives me a soft nod that somehow manages to look both regal and intimidating.

"Across from him is Nyko, our resident schemer and the one who keeps life interesting around here."

Nyko bursts out laughing, the sound so deep it could be mistaken for a growl.

"Hello," I manage, a tight smile on my lips as I settle onto the cushions.

"Welcome, Sage," Wolfe answers. "We've waited a long time to finally meet you."

He has? I had no idea Killian had been searching for his bride for so long.

Nyko's grin widens. "Welcome aboard, Sage. Consider this your new home."

His words sit with me— home is a term that feels too permanent, too settled for this floating glass castle. My home is back in Nightingale Village, the only place where I've ever truly felt safe and loved. The thought of my mom alone hurts deep in my chest. The only reassurance is knowing that with the expansive time difference in our worlds, she's still sleeping on the couch.

Killian shifts beside me, then leans back, stretching out his legs and crossing them at his ankles.

"The Howler is your place to explore," Wolfe explains. "Everyone is aware of your arrival and has been given strict instructions to be on their best behavior." He's wearing a mesmerizing grin, which hardens as his attention swings over to Nyko.

His laughter fills the room, sounding quite wild. "Oh, I'm always on my best behavior," he replies, winking at me. "It's just that my best isn't what most expect."

"Right," Killian pipes in, studying him as well.

"So, have you started exploring yet?" Nyko asks, his jade gaze narrowing on me. "I highly recommend the Chamber of Tomes, filled with books and surprises." He pauses for a moment, the room seeming to freeze in time, and I feel as though I'm missing something. "Also, the fourth floor is perfect for when things become too overwhelming."

A laugh bursts past my lips a bit too quickly, and I shift in my seat under their watchful stares.

"Like right now!"

Nyko howls with laughter. "Yes! It's my hideout. The only place on this ship Killian won't follow me so he can drag me into one of his grand plans."

Killian snorts. "I'm not that desperate for entertainment."

It's strange to see Killian appear less stiff compared to him in Nightingale Village. Another reminder that beneath the pretty face, he's still a monster, one who will do as he pleases to get what he wants. A predator will always be that, right?

"Thanks, I'll do some exploring," I answer quietly, turning my attention to the rest of them. "It really is unusual to live on such a vessel, but intriguing. I bet it must be awful during storms. Why don't you move to one of the large lands I spotted on the world globe in the library?" I'm suddenly blushing from the explosion of questions that dribble from me.

Killian places his gentle palm on my knee to steady the bouncing.

"The sea keeps secrets better than most, and we've become accustomed to them," Wolfe acknowledges. "Besides, that particular land is currently occupied."

I wait, expecting him to say more, but he never does. None of them do. Strange.

Killian asks Wolfe about the weather we're traveling into, but I'm too distracted by the monster slithering out from the side door to the room. Round, black body, one massive eye, and eight limbs–half of them scuttling on the floor, the others balancing plates.

My stomach flips, my gaze glued to them.

The monster reaches us and hands out the plates. I accept mine, and it gives me a slow wink. I'm sitting here, shaking slightly, thinking that it's going to attack me.

"She's showing her appreciation for taking her food," Killian explains. "And wants to see you enjoy it."

"Um, thank you," I say, glancing down at my plate.

On my plate, there are some pinkish meat slices and a pile of blue, translucent spaghetti, which might be harboring bugs, seeing as one of the black seeds has wriggling antennae. Thankfully, there are also a few raspberries. I pop one into my mouth, grateful for something familiar.

I glance up at her and smile, then try to blink slowly, but she makes a grating sound and scurries back into the kitchen.

"You upset her," Nyko muses.

Stiffening, I say, "I did?" Then again, my food did come with bugs. One is crawling across my plate now.

"You didn't touch the food she cooked," he explains.

"Oh, I-I'm not that hungry," I explain, fiddling with the raspberries, pushing them away from the insect before I flick him off my plate.

"That's Tidecreeper meat," Killian insists. "I noticed how ravenously you devoured it back in the cave, so I ordered it just for you."

"I'm not a fan of it," Nyko asks. "That thing drools too much for my liking."

"To be fair," I begin, noting that Nyko hasn't touched his food either. In fact, none of them have. "I only ate that because I was in shock." It tasted good, I can't deny it, but the idea also makes me gag.

Killian scoops his raspberries onto my plate. "I've arranged for a Veil Ritual to be held tomorrow night, so it will be an early start."

I pause, the fruit halfway to my mouth, remembering him mentioning it briefly when we first arrived. "What does it involve?"

Nyko leans back, half yawning. "Why are we running that? We had one just a few full moons ago."

Killian's gaze narrows. "Stay out of it, Nyko."

Wolfe's reclined, barely paying attention to them, focusing only on me. My cheeks flush, a reaction I can't control.

Nyko shakes his head. "Oh, is this part of our original plan, or something new you cooked up? Like that time you snuck off to that island without telling anyone and almost died?"

Killian shifts, his expression darkening, like he's ready to leap across to Nyko.

Wolfe still studies me, licking his lips, as if I'm the meal he wants instead of his untouched plate. He has no shame, not hiding that he wants me to quiver under his gaze.

What is he even doing?

The other two are arguing, but I can barely hear them from how loudly my heart thumps in my ears.

It's a crazy sensation, but as the corner of his mouth lifts, I'm convinced I feel his fingers on the bare skin of my arm. My skin ripples, sensitive, as the softness strokes up my arm, skipping over to my collarbone, lingering.

I'm unsure what I'm feeling and if it's all in my imagination.

When the sensation travels down the valley of my breasts, swooping over my breast, then the other, before curling around a hardened nipple, I give a small yelp, flinching back in my seat.

Everyone's staring at me now, and I quickly eat the rest of my berries, convinced I'm losing my mind.

Gasping for air, I shift in my seat, innocently running my arm across my chest, uncertain what's happening to me.

Wolfe's attention never shifts, never taking his gaze off me.

Nyko's on his feet, laughing loudly at Gods know what, while Killian chuckles back, as if they are having a contest on who can make the loudest sound.

But that touch… it's unrelenting, stroking me, zigzagging across my stomach.

Lowering.

Further…

My heart's racing.

Hand gripping the edge of the couch, I'm breathless.

Wolfe's gaze is devouring me.

His fingers dig into the back of the couch where he's got his arm stretched out, the only part of him showing any sign of tension.

Is he doing this to me?

I can barely think straight, sitting here and attempting to act normal when my body's burning up. The heat pouring off of me has me perspiring. Tenderly, it lingers just below my belly button, inching ever so lower.

Squeezing my thighs together, I pinch my lips, feeling as though I'm losing control of my body, every inch of me dictated by a light graze. It's enough to send butterflies through my stomach.

The touch suddenly slips between my thighs, where I'm soaked, where I'm so desperate for release. I jolt to my feet, unleashing the groan stuck in my chest. I blush at having everyone staring at me, at the experience still lingering even after it's stopped.

"Are you okay?" Killian asks, up on his feet with me, his hand firm on my arm.

"I-I'm just a bit overwhelmed and tired," I stammer, unable to meet their stares. "I'm going to head back to my room. It's been a long day."

Killian rises swiftly. "I'll escort you."

I'm already walking out quickly.

"It was a pleasure, Sage," Wolfe says, his voice deep and seductive.

I glance back at him to find he's watching me with eyes that are on fire.

Nyko, on the other hand, winks, saying, "Good night, little human."

I'm on fast feet, and Killian's there opening the door for me. By the time I reach my room, he leans in close, his hand bracing the door frame above me.

"Don't let them get under your skin. Wolfe knows what he wants the moment he sees it, and he's taken with you."

I swallow, trapped under his intense gaze. "And you're okay with… with that?" I must have misunderstood what being claimed as his Bride Offering by a monster meant.

His smile is dangerous, and his fingers move up to my chin, his thumb dragging across my lips.

"You have no idea how tempting you are to us. You smell of innocence, of sweetness."

My heart thuds painfully against my ribs.

"The three of us, the Pack…" His voice drops to a husky whisper. "We share everything."

Fates help me. His implication lights up my body. With it comes the fear that I'm in way over my head.

I shove the door open, hurrying into the sanctuary of my room.

"Good night, Killian," I manage.

His laughter follows me as I shut the door.

Collapsing onto the bed, I try to calm myself. The idea of sharing twists through my mind, alarming, yet it's sparking a curiosity in me I never expected.

I'm left considering the possibility that I no longer know who I've become…