by Jenn Nixon
“You know what I’m going say. I know where you stand.”
He paused an inch from her, letting his skin warm. “I’m trying to help. I don’t want my need to siphon you alter anything between us.”
“Your siphon isn’t the problem. My control isn’t the problem. It’s the way I feel, Zorin. We stay apart and it’s just worse when we’re not,” she confessed.
“I don’t understand.”
“Your voice, the way you look at me starts these little fires, then they keep building because of my elements, and all I can think about is the way I feel when I’m in your arms, when we touch, kiss…” Cyndra hung her head. “Do you know how hard it is not to tempt you, draw you closer, and make you want to touch me?”
“Yes, caster. I do.”
“Then you know how much I want to be near you because—”
Zorin pressed his chest against her back and set a hand on her hip, drawing her fire. “I calm you, share your fears, and arouse your body.”
Yes, her voice trickled into his mind. She rested her head back on his chest, laced her fingers through his, and moved his hand to the middle of her stomach. Everything I feel seeps through my powers…I’m trying to hold it back.
Don’t.
I can’t stop the way you make me feel. She pressed her backside against his groin, tilting her head slightly, as her breathing hitched.
I’m not asking you to.
Then I need more, Zorin.
He dipped his head down, brushing his lips against the top of her ear. Cyndra’s fire blasted off her skin as she guided his hand lower. Zorin hardened when she quivered under his touch. We’re not exactly alone, Cyndra.
I don’t care. Help me ease the storm, for a little while. She pushed his hand into her shorts. Don’t make me beg.
He shut his eyes, pressed his lips against her neck, and slipped his fingers between her thighs. Cyndra gasped, gripped his wrist, filling his body with her fire, the other hand hanging onto the railing as her legs wobbled. Give me your power, caster. I want to know exactly how I make you feel.
She groaned and provoked him with a hint of her energy, tilting her hips, bringing his fingers lower and closer to her wet heat. “Please…”
Zorin pushed a finger inside her, unprepared for the raging lust surging through their bond as he began stroking. She tilted her head, seeking his mouth, and when their lips locked, Cyndra arched, stretching along his chest, taking his finger deeper. He inched his thumb closer to where she wanted him and moved his free hand to her stomach to keep her still. Zorin broke from her mouth when she purposefully shifted against his erection and nipped the skin behind her ear. “If we were alone, I’d make you beg, Cyndra. Tease you for an eternity until you were drunk with desire.”
“I already am.” Cyndra slipped the fingers of her left hand over his, strengthening the energy bond, sharing her voracious hunger as she guided him to her breast. “That’s how I always feel when you touch me and now I want more.”
Zorin groaned against her ear, stroked faster, added a second finger, and stifled her cries with a kiss that turned him harder than he’d ever been. Pleasing her was all he needed to survive. When his thumb rubbed against her aching center and he pinched her nipple, Cyndra detonated in his arms and tightened around his fingers, drenching his skin with her fire. Her thighs trapped his hand in place and her nails dug into his flesh. Almost coming with her, Zorin withdrew his fingers causing Cyndra to whimper against his mouth.
So fucking good, she moaned through his mind.
Irresistible.
Their lips parted. Her head tilted back, resting on his shoulder. The way she stared into his eyes skipped his heart.
She whispered, “We don’t have to stop.”
He retracted his hand, palming her stomach, absorbing the fire through her skin, keeping them both highly aroused and inching him toward the brink of control. “We must learn to manage the way we feel.”
“You managed me just fine.” Cyndra turned to face him, pressed her belly against his throbbing erection as her hand fell to his chest, feeding him her fire. “I…need you, Zorin, slow isn’t working anymore.”
Stroking the back of his hand along her cheek, he smiled down at her, taking all she wanted to give him, happy to bear the burden for her and knowing how to tweak his promise so she wouldn’t suffer the way he had. “I won’t make you wait much longer, Cyndra.”
Chapter 11
Cyndra woke up on the chair in the main room when Jack walked out of the lavatory. The balcony doors were still open and Zorin was gone. Yawning, she stretched and rose, smiling over at Jack who continued glancing around.
“Where’d Zorin go? He was just here.”
“Probably on a hunt,” she replied, covering her mouth to yawn again. “You want a juice box?”
“That’d be great,” he said, meeting her at the table. “Rune and I were talking earlier, he mentioned something, and I don’t mean to be presumptuous…”
“Oh boy, what did he say?” Cyndra pulled two boxes out of Rune’s bag.
“That you and Zorin were both stubborn, didn’t like facing your feelings.”
“Very true…and?”
“I’ve seen the way you look at each other, especially on the train. Are you two—”
“Zorin and I are complicated, but I think we’re making progress,” Cyndra said, wishing her cheeks weren’t warm. “We share energycasting. His transformation came with a hunger for caster power.”
“Damn, really? I didn’t know that.”
“I’ve been able to keep that hunger from overwhelming him. It’s harder now that we’re growing closer and I’m stronger. We’ll figure it out,” Cyndra said feeling the blush recede slightly. Jack was as easy to talk to as Rune. “How about you? Anyone special in your life?”
“Not really my thing,” Jack said, smirking when she lifted her brow. “Never been interested in people that way.”
“Less drama, that’s for sure.” Cyndra shrugged. “Kyle’s really lucky to have you, Jack. He mentioned how tough it was for him after his mom got sick.”
“I can’t imagine watching someone fade away like that. Radiation poisoning is horrific,” Jack sighed, tracing the brand on his palm. “He’d love the island—”
“All the water,” Cyndra finished, smiling. “I thought the same thing. Once he’s done with training there’s no rule saying he can’t visit the island. Provided we come to a decision one way or another.”
Jack? Rune called rather loudly through the crystal bond.
Cyndra jumped off her chair as Jack spun around when Rune ran out of the bedroom. “What’s wrong?”
Rune slid to a halt near the living room chairs. He frowned and his green eyes turned watery. Jack.
Cyndra watched the two men meet in the middle of the room and hug.
When she heard Rune sniffling and saw Jack kiss the top of his head, her heart sank. Jack kept an arm around Rune’s shoulder as they came over to the table. Cyndra politely waited despite her overt curiosity.
I dreamed about the island, Rune projected as he sat down and wiped his cheeks. Bunch of memories came back. Not the flare though.
“Good, I’m glad you didn’t see enough to remember,” Jack said, rubbing Rune’s back. “I’m just grateful you remember me.”
Me too, Rune said, finally smiling again. I even saw glimpses of my father.
Cyndra reached across the table and squeezed his hand. “I’m super happy for you and I’m sure that’ll help sway, Zorin, he still doesn’t remember you, Jack.”
“Maybe I’ll tell him a few more stories.”
You should, helps fill in general gaps anyway.
“And he’s a very good listener,” she said, blushing when they both grinned at her.
“I’ll make sure I do,” Jack said, just as Zorin landed on the balcony.
Pleasant morning, Rune said, while pulling another juice from his bag.
“Good morning all.” Zorin dipped his head an
d walked in holding a box of pastries.
Cyndra blinked. “How—”
“I left compensation on the counter,” Zorin said, setting the box on the table. “I snuck into the shop while the baker was in the lavatory.”
Jack and Rune both laughed.
“What?” her gargoyle replied.
“Just thinking about you tiptoeing through a bakery,” Jack chuckled, winking over at her.
Rune covered his mouth. And picking out pastries.
Cyndra shook her head, not amused and mumbled under her breath. “Idiot.”
Zorin’s gaze narrowed on her. “I’ve lived unseen for decades. Do you think I never moved among the humans before?”
“Pretty fucking stupid to risk it, if you ask me.”
“I’m sure—” Jack attempted.
“I didn’t ask,” Zorin replied sternly, opening the box. “Enjoy, I’m going on a hunt.”
Shaking her head, Cyndra picked up her juice and carried it back to her bedroom. After shutting the door, she changed out of her shorts and tank, ignoring her irritation with Zorin, and dressing in cargo pants and T-shirt. Since she and Rune were mostly weaponless, Cyndra slipped her new knuckle-knife, in her right pocket, then checked the rest for her wads of dollars.
Technically speaking they didn’t have to decide what to do right away, they still needed to make their way north. How was the next discussion.
With her new hat back on, she walked out of the bedroom to see Rune teaching Jack a few phrases in sign language, something she needed to learn more of herself. She put a smile on her face and joined, practicing for a few minutes until her thoughts turned to Pristy, who was much better at sign.
Rune caught her shift in mood again and glanced over.
Cyndra shrugged.
I thought we were past this. What’s wrong?
“I should try reaching out to Pristy, soon.”
We’re going back to the island, aren’t we?
“If that’s what the majority decides,” Cyndra said without malice. “Jack should see the mirror before we do anything else.”
Rune nodded.
“Do you think I’ll remember something?” he asked.
“Possible, the weirdest things can be triggers.” Cyndra walked around the table cleaning up the juice boxes and pastry wrappers. “Did you save one for me?”
Yes, two actually.
“Good, we can have one for a snack, later.” Cyndra plucked the apple pastry from the box and bit into it, savoring the flavors as they tickled her taste buds.
Jack stretched. “Are we waiting for Zorin?”
I can let him know the plan. Do you want to rent another car?
“Or we can take the train back to Ricksberg. I don’t feel like wasting half a day on the highway,” Cyndra confessed. “Zorin can meet us by the boat.”
“Train’s fine. I’m paying my own way,” Jack said, vehemently.
Rune nodded and gathered his bag from the table. Jack returned to the bedrooms to make sure they didn’t leave anything behind while she threw away the trash and picked up the key from the counter. After she shut and locked the balcony, Rune and Jack walked down the path happily signing to one another.
Cyndra paused at the bottom step, hoping once they got back to the island, she could let her power free and find a way to get Zorin alone so they could finish what they started on the balcony. The little tease was not enough, no matter how far away he flew. She felt it in his kiss. He needed her as much as she needed him and baiting each other with inconsequential little arguments only stirred the feelings faster. He knew what she wanted and seemed ready to give in.
Pushing a bit of extra fire through their siphon, Cyndra sensed him near, drawing her power, and continued down the path leading out of the campsite. Knowing she had to return the key and get her confirmation slip and Rune wanted to shop before leaving the south, she broke from the group, glanced back over her shoulder, and smirked. “Meet you at the train station in half an hour. Don’t leave without me.”
Zorin landed a half mile from his destination, completely drained of strength, no longer able to stay in the air. As he lumbered through the mix of trees leading to the coast of Virginaland where they kept the boat, all three casters’ power flooded the air. His body automatically followed the pull, needing the elements to replenish him.
Rune evoked the full power of his earthcasting, making the ground beneath rumble. Next, Jack’s waterpower came alive, stronger than before. Zorin pushed aside the fear and darted through the woods, siphoning everything from the air, letting it seep into his skin and muscles helping him move faster.
Halfway to the boat, Cyndra’s fire and energy mixed with the others. Zorin palmed a thick ghostwood tree, shut his eyes, and accepted her power, even as it hardened every inch of his body. Unsure if she was teasing him like earlier after bickering with him, he let it through, keeping his siphon steady despite how much harder it grew with each step.
Zorin trudged toward the tree line, seeing the casters in the distance. They stood near the boat, dangerously evoking their elements out in the open for no reason.
Ignoring the need for more, he entered the flatland of the coast as Cyndra’s head whipped around, searching wildly with her eyes. Instead of meeting her gaze, he extended his wings and glided toward the trio, intent on keeping the scowl on his face. “Casters!”
Rune and Jack’s smile faded when he landed.
What’s wrong?
“Are you trying to alert the soulless?”
“Figured he needs to confront them soon or later,” Cyndra’s defiant mouth barked, while placing a hand on her hip, arousal intact, testing his patience.
“It was my idea,” Jack interjected. “I have to practice and we had some time to spare since the train arrived early.”
Zorin grumbled. “My flight took longer than expected.”
Think you got your wish, Jack. Rune projected, motioning to the trees north of their location.
Two soulless zigzagged toward them and shifted into the clearing.
Cyndra evoked the fire to her hand, letting the flames ride up her arm. Rune stood beside her, wiggling the fingers on his left hand, ready to shake the ground if needed.
Zorin opened his siphon, taking everything Cyndra allowed him, per their agreement, giving him more than he needed yet less than he wanted. He’d take it all if he could. As her power filled him, the sickening sensation associated with the soulless returned his gut. The realization stopped his heart.
When Cyndra’s excitable energy penetrated the siphon, Zorin took her strength into his body and used the power to dash forward, ready to take out the enemy in one fell swoop. The soulless lifted their hands, initiating the dark siphon, which enraged the caster behind him.
“No!”
Heat filled the air.
Cyndra’s flare blasted his back and wings. The force knocked him to his knees and the soulless before him cracked and crumbled to the ground.
Zorin! Rune rushed to his side, helping him from the ground. Are you hurt?
Shaking his head, he got up and glanced back toward the boat to see Jack holding and rubbing Cyndra’s hand. His chest tightened as he fisted his fingers and got steady on his feet, glaring at the young caster. What were you thinking, Rune?
He needs to learn. He’s older than we are, should be stronger than us.
“Not all caster families are the same.”
What does that mean?
“It means I doubt he will ever be as strong as you or Cyndra regardless of age.”
Doesn’t mean he can’t learn to use what he has, Rune said, releasing his hold, and furrowing his brow. That’s not really what you’re mad about though, is it? We can fight the soulless perfectly well on our own.
“Quite,” Zorin replied, shaking his head and heading toward the boat, watching Cyndra nodding and talking with Jack, still holding his hand.
The eldest caster looked over first, frowned. “I didn’t mean to cause trou
ble—”
“It’s not like we’re certain all the soulless are gone from the island,” Cyndra said, sticking to her guns.
Zorin narrowed his gaze. “Then perhaps you should test the theory when we return.”
“Maybe I will.” Cyndra held his stare.
It’s not a bad idea, Rune added, walking to the half-broken dock with Jack.
Zorin siphoned her fire directly. The blush rose to her cheeks as she blinked then dashed toward the boat. Their formerly agreed upon siphon became a hindrance. He needed more power to sense the soulless.
I’d like to steer, Rune projected, drawing his attention. Zorin simply nodded and followed the others to the boat, positioning himself at the front while Jack and Cyndra filled the seat at the stern. Rune started the craft and shot his eyes sideways. Spit the beans.
Zorin smirked, shaking his head. Spill the beans. And I’m fine, Rune. Perhaps we can talk later.
Constantly drawing the casters’ varied elements sent him back down a slippery slope of control Zorin wasn’t sure he had a firm grasp on yet. Relying only on Cyndra to sate his hunger meant dealing with the lust that came with her energy. Either choice remained dangerous.
After half an hour and looking back on Cyndra and Jack for the third time, Rune sighed and glanced over. You still don’t trust him?
Trust is not the issue, Rune. He’s never lied, I wish—
I meant to tell you, I remember him now. Jack was like a big brother…I understand why Cyndra feels responsible. We all lost so much.
Zorin nodded. There’s a chance we can get some of that back, Rune, but we must tread carefully and not search for fights to pick.
Fair enough. Feel like taking over?
“Gladly,” he said, grabbing hold of the steering wheel as they switched positions. Zorin watched Rune head to the back of the boat, trying to catch Cyndra’s attention simultaneously. When she scratched the back of her neck and adjusted her hat, he knew she sensed his stare and purposefully ignored him.
Frowning, he turned away, guiding the boat toward the island, hoping whatever he did to elicit Cyndra’s ire quelled by the time they arrived home.
