The circle burned brighter with every
breath she took.
Selene stood between them—vampire and
wolf, predator and beast. Two ancient enemies, both bound by more than just
desire. The magic knew what they were. It called to them like a living thing.
Lucien's hand hovered over the small
of her back. Not touching. Just close enough to feel the heat of her skin
through the sheer veil of her cloak.
"You've grown more reckless since our
last dance," he whispered, his breath teasing the shell of her ear.
Selene's lips curved. "Or maybe I've
grown more dangerous."
Ronan stepped into the light.
Moonlight kissed his bare chest, the thick scars across his abdomen glinting
like silver. His claws were still extended, his breath heavy with restraint.
But his eyes… his eyes were wild.
"I smell him on you," Ronan growled,
his voice a low rumble. "Did he already sink his fangs in you, witch?"
"Jealousy doesn't suit you," she said,
pivoting to face him. "But if you're so eager to mark your territory…"
Lucien moved behind her again,
wrapping a cool hand around her waist, his thumb grazing the edge of a glowing
sigil etched just beneath her ribs.
"Careful," he purred to Ronan. "She's
playing both of us. But if you want to fight me for her—"
Selene spun, breaking from Lucien's
grip. "I'm not a prize. And I'm not yours to fight over. This bond was never
about your war. It's about power. Magic. Blood. Lust. If you want me…"
She slipped her cloak from her
shoulders, letting it fall to the ground like mist. The air cracked with power.
"…then you'll have to take me. Both of
you."
The silence that followed was thick
with anticipation.
Lucien's eyes flared crimson. Ronan's
claws curled into fists. The moon above burned white-hot, and the circle pulsed
in response.
And then—
They moved.