~Meanwhile~The sun was setting over the sprawling Blackthorn Villa estate, casting long shadows across the manicured lawns and elegant gardens.Zavian’s imposing figure stood with his back to the room, staring broodingly out the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.His broad shoulders and powerful frame seemed to almost fill the entire luxurious master bedroom suite, dwarfing the king-sized bed and furnishings.Handsome was an insultingly inadequate word to describe the man's striking looks - he was flat-out gorgeous, sculpted to utter perfection with a body that belonged on the cover of a fitness magazine.Powerful muscles rippled beneath his black suit with every subtle movement, hinting at the immense strength contained within his towering 195" form.His strong jawline was set in a hard line, and his piercing blue eyes reflected a tumultuous storm of emotions as he gazed unseeing at the picturesque grounds below.The heavy oak door creaked open to admit Yuna.She slunk inside wearing
"A Seer!" someone gasped in shock. "By the ancient ones, I haven't witnessed such a manifestation in over three centuries!"A hush descended over the assembled crowd. Shock was registered on all their faces.Seers had been thought extinct for centuries. They were said to possess the ability to perceive events across the veil of space and time, glimpsing fragments of possible futures and long-forgotten pasts.It was clear this girl was the real deal. Her gift manifested in a violent vision that held everyone transfixed."The great king, the ruler of all the supernatural realm has found his mate," the girl chanted in a raspy voice that seemed to emanate from everywhere and nowhere at once, though her lips didn't move."Glory, glory, glory!"The words seemed to reverberate from every surface, yet Zavian could hear them as clearly as if she'd shouted them directly into his ear.Messages from true Seers were only perceived by their intended recipient, a safeguard against those who might se
Yesterday, Emmeline had firmly decided not to go on a date with that devil of seduction. However, she found herself changing her mind this morning.The reason was painfully clear—she couldn't bear the thought of him being with Yuna. The idea rose a persistent ache that refused to be ignored, like a splinter lodged deep beneath her skin.‘Damn it, Emmeline! Stop lusting after a married man!!’ She berated herself, feeling frustrated as she stood before her wardrobe. Yet she couldn’t stop herself from falling into temptation.Emmeline selected her golf clothes with her lips pressed into a flat line, angry at herself for being too weak.She got ready in a crisp white skirt that fell just above her knees and a tight black jacket that hugged her figure just right.Then she tied her long, silky hair into a high ponytail, trying to push aside the emotions swirling inside her.Her reflection in the mirror showed a woman torn between desire and guilt, yet there was an unmistakable spark of reso
It took them a few minutes to get to the golf course.Emmeline got into a white electric golf cart without doors.Zavian took the wheel, steering them through his vast green estate, having chosen to forgo a driver to preserve their privacy.The gentle hum of the cart was the only sound as they moved in the quiet of the late morning.Emmeline sat beside him, silently soaking in the scenery.The sky was a canvas of gray, the clouds heavy with the promise of rain.The autumn breeze caressed her bare legs and sent a pleasant shiver up her spine.She closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the tranquility that enveloped her, acting as a distraction to the whirlwind of emotions she had been wrestling with.Emmeline found herself stealing glances at the devil of seduction’s side profile.His strong jawline, the way his hands gripped the steering wheel - all of it painted a picture of a man who was both intimidating and irresistibly attractive.She quickly averted her gaze when he turned to ca
Emmeline gasped. However, the sound merely disappeared into his mouth.The club slipped from her grasp.She froze, overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment, as he devoured her lips with fervor.Her eyes closed involuntarily and her palms rested submissively on his chest.She felt his hands move roughly over her back as if trying to feel her through her clothes.His tongue flicked against her lips, and she opened her mouth willingly.The kiss turned into a fervent, breathless exchange.When their lips finally parted, they were both panting heavily, their breaths mingling in the cool air."Your red lips were beckoning me to take a bite, and I couldn't resist. They’re like forbidden fruit," Zavian murmured while brushing his thumb over her lips, leaving them tingling and swollen.The poeticism of his statement felt at odds with the raw desire in his eyes.Emmeline covered her lower lip with the upper one, savoring the remnants of his taste.He lifted his hand from her waist, and she qu
"You'll wish you had held your tongue," Zavian warned ominously.With that, he raised his club high above his head and gently hurled the ball directly at Emmeline.It hit her square in the stomach before rolling off, leaving behind a wave of surprise that left Emmeline gasping for breath and grimacing slightly."Oh my God!" she cried out.Zavian’s gaze shifted from under her skirt back to meet hers. There was something mischievous about his look now."It sadly didn't go where I wanted," he admitted dryly. "Guess I'll have to try again."Before she could respond, he swung his club once more, sending the ball directly at her.This time, it hit a little harder and directly on her sacred space, sending shivers of pleasure coursing through her body.Emmeline's hands splayed out on the grass as she threw her head back and let out a soft moan."Stop trying to ignite me, Mr. Blackthorn," she managed to gasp out between breaths. "How do you manage to do that so effortlessly?"Zavian’s response
"For making me chase after you? Yes! My breath can only be spent on your lips or between your legs." His words were like fire against her skin, igniting a heat that spread through her body despite the cool rain.Emmeline's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, making her gaze drop to the ground.The intimacy of his words, the raw honesty in his voice, left her feeling exposed and vulnerable.Raindrops clung to her eyelashes, blurring her vision slightly."Don't talk to me in that tone. Your obscene words make me feel ashamed." She protested softly. But even as she spoke, she felt a thrill of excitement course through her.Zavian gently turned her face towards him, his chest pressed against hers.With his left hand, he tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear, his touch lingering in a way that made her insides tremble.Raindrops trickled down his face, following the contours of his strong jawline.Emmeline felt a blush creeping up her cheeks at his words but held his gaze.She didn'
"Your body is at my mercy," Zavian declared while his fingers gripped the insides of her thighs roughly before guiding them on his lap.Emmeline's breath hitched when she felt his lips brush against her neck, his warm breath sending her insides skyrocketing.She could feel his desire, his hunger for her, and she wanted to give in to it. But she couldn't shake off the nagging guilt and shame that still lingered from their previous encounter."Do you want another orgasm?" Zavian's voice was husky, his lips trailing down her neck and over the curve of her shoulder.Emmeline's body shuddered with electricity and her traitorous tongue whispered a small "Yes" before her mind could catch up. However, he suddenly stopped caressing her thighs, causing her to frown in confusion."Nothing comes for free," Zavian said cryptically. "How about a trade?"Emmeline's heart raced as she considered his proposition. What could he possibly want from her? What would she have to give in return for this plea
Emmeline recognized the dismissal in Zavian’s voice and chose not to push further.She rose from the chair with her lips curving into a small, mischievous smile. Stretching her arms out toward him, she tilted her head playfully.“Daddy, carry me,” her voice was sweet and teasing.The muscles in Zavian’s face tightened as he stared at her. Without warning, he grabbed her by the waist and pulled her roughly against him.“Don’t you see I’m holding on by a thread? A very thin thread so I don’t do something you’ll regret later? Especially when you’re standing in front of me like this,” he growled, dipping his face closer to hers, letting his warm breath brush against her skin.Emmeline’s heart stuttered as she met his fiery gaze.“That dress,” he continued in a voice dropping into husky murmur, “Barely covers your thighs. And the cleavage…”His eyes flicked downward before locking back on hers. “It tempts me to look, but I know if I do, I won’t be able to stop. You’re a one-way street, Emm
Emmeline finally reached Zavian’s door and knocked softly, her heart pounding in her chest.The path here had seemed longer than usual in the eerie quiet.She had glanced behind her more than once, anxiety prickling at her spine as she worried about being spotted.Zavian opened the door almost immediately, his expression shifting from impatience to something softer when his eyes swept over her.“I thought I’d have to wait all night,” he said with a hint of admonishment.Then his gaze dipped, taking in her figure with open admiration.Emmeline also took in his appearance.He was dressed casually in dark blue silk pajamas, the first two buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a hint of his chest.The sight of him made moist pull between her legs. “Stealing glances across the room isn’t enough. I’ve been waiting all evening for this moment—just the two of us.”“Are you going to keep me standing out here in my nightgown?” Emmeline whispered urgently, glancing over her shoulder. “Don’t for
Emmeline leaned against the wall, her chest heaving with relief.“Oh my God, I almost got caught.”Her head fell back against the elevator wall and her thoughts spun as Zavian’s words replayed in her mind.“What did he mean by that?” she whispered with frustration, lifting her gaze to the ceiling. “I can’t even ask him about it.” She groaned.The elevator dinged softly when it reached the lobby, but Emmeline remained frozen in place. Her mind was caught in the tangled web of everything she had just overheard.Finally, she forced herself to push the thoughts aside. She couldn’t afford to dwell on it now. Others were waiting for her outside, and she needed to focus on what she would say to them.Emmeline groaned, hitting her forehead with the palm of her hand. “Fool,” she muttered under her breath. “I had one task. One simple task, and I couldn’t even do it properly.”She straightened her posture, took a steadying breath, and stepped out.The cool night air greeted her as she joined the
Zavian walked Emmeline to the changing room, his hand brushing lightly against the small of her back. The gesture was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it left her hyperaware of his presence.Emmeline quickly got dressed and slipped out of the center on her own. Her heart was pounding with every step until she finally made it to her suite where she found Richard already asleep.She tiptoed inside, careful not to wake the useless excuse of a man.The following day passed in a calm haze.Emmeline spent the morning with Minnie and Yuna at the massage parlor while the men stayed behind at the hotel.The women indulged in face and foot massages, their laughter and chatter filling the serene space.By evening, they all gathered at the pool, where Emmeline made sure to dress modestly. She didn’t want to give Zavian any reason to feel jealous. She donned a fitted bronze dress, complemented by a shorter, lighter jacket. The fabric hugged her curves, yet the night’s chill penetrated, causing h
Emmeline’s laughter turned into a squeal. She swam faster, her arms cutting through the water. “I didn’t mean you!” she called out breathless from both exertion and laughter. “It’s just a famous phrase—I wasn’t talking about you!”Her words only seemed to spur him on. His strokes grew stronger and faster as he closed the distance between them.“Don’t you know the difference between a joke and seriousness, old Blackthorn?” she teased, glancing back at him with a mischievous grin.Zavian’s lips curved into a faint smile, the expression both amused and predatory. “You’re asking for trouble, little girl,” he replied. “Maybe I should arrest you and let justice take its course.”Emmeline stuck out her tongue at Zavian, her playful defiance lighting up her expression. Her arms cut through the cool pool with all the strength she could muster, her legs kicking furiously behind her.She pushed harder against the water's resistance, breathing in quick, focused gasps.Emmeline expected him to cat
“Tell me, why did you send me to Yuna?” Emmeline’s voice was quieter now.Zavian’s gaze flickered briefly, something unreadable passing through his eyes then nodded toward the far end of the pool. “Let’s swim to the other side.”Emmeline scowled as her frustration boiled up in the surface. With her arms dangling at her sides, she stayed put. “Zavian!” His name escaped her lips with a hint of annoyance and resolve.The sound of his name seemed to catch Zavian off guard. His movements stilled for a fraction of a second, and something shifted in his expression.She noticed with a start that he enjoyed the way she spoke his name when a slight, nearly undetectable gleam appeared in his eyes.“I’ll tell you while we swim.” Zavian’s voice softened slightly.With that, he turned and began making his way across the pool.Emmeline hesitated for a moment, watching him before finally following. Her strokes were slower than his but she stayed close to his right with her gaze flickering between his
Emmeline pressed her lips together. She knew he was right. She had gotten carried away again.The silence between them stretched, heavy and charged.Frustration bubbled up inside Emmeline, and she couldn’t hold it back any longer.“Why do you refuse to listen to me whenever I talk about anything related to my husband?”Zavian’s eyes darkened. “Because you’re mine!” His voice was raw, filled with something she couldn’t quite name.Before she could respond, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer.“I’m jealous of you, even of the water that touches your body.”His words sent a thrill through her, though she tried to keep her tone light. “You’re supposed to listen to my complaints without getting upset.”She paused. “You’re the closest person to me, and I want to tell you everything that’s on my mind. If I can’t complain about my husband to you, who else can I complain to?”Zavian leaned closer until their lips brushed ever so slightly. “Is Minnie a vase?”“You two are not the same.”
Emmeline decided to steer the conversation away from herself. “Why didn’t you accompany your husband to the center?” she asked, feigning curiosity. “If you’d come with him, you wouldn’t have had to search for him in random places. I’m sure he’d have been happy to have you with him.”Yuna glanced at her, her expression briefly flickering with something Emmeline couldn’t quite place. “I came here this morning,” she said after a moment in a tight voice. “It wouldn’t be good for me to spend extra time in the sauna. Two sessions in one day would be too much, and he didn’t want me to overdo it.”Emmeline nodded. “Mr. Blackthorn is very considerate,” she murmured. “Of course, he wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”Yuna met her gaze with a shaky smile.Emmeline returned it with one of her own—though hers felt forced and brittle. “You’re lucky to have him, Mrs. Blackthorn,” she added softly.They continued walking in silence, the changing room drawing closer with each step.When they finally
Emmeline's heart nearly stopped when she heard Yuna's voice echoing through the empty spa center.Her body froze against Zavian’s chest, where she had been comfortably resting just moments ago and the peaceful midnight atmosphere they'd been enjoying shattered instantly."It's Yuna," she whispered, trembling. The fear in her eyes was unmistakable as she pulled away from his embrace.The sound of heels clicking against floors grew closer, each step making Emmeline more anxious. She began nibbling on her fingernail – a nervous habit she'd never managed to break."Why would she be here at this hour?" Emmeline's thoughts raced wildly.‘Have you noticed how our senses are becoming almost nonexistent around our mate?’ Aetherion’s voice echoed with concern in Zavian’s mind, each word laced with urgency. ‘It’s as if her presence alone is unraveling the control we’ve always prided ourselves on. The effect of not completing the mate bond isn’t just an inconvenience anymore—it’s a growing danger