“We better get back.” He started to roll away from her, but her hand was on him.
“Wait.”
She sat on her knees, a fiery goddess, her nudity making him hard once more. He wanted her again—wanted to lose himself inside her—but there was no time.
“I’ve never . . .” She blushed and cleared her throat. “I’ve never experienced anything like that before.” She laughed then, a throaty note of glee and kissed him softly on the lips. “Thank you. Next time I promise we’ll take it slow.”
Azaiel stood and flexed his stiff muscles. “Next time?”
She stared at up him, her perfect heart-shaped face open and trusting. “Yes. Next time.”
The heat inside Azaiel fled with the coming dusk. He doubted there’d be a next time, and he wanted it. Badly. He tossed Rowan her clothes, slipped into his jeans and boots. He was still shirtless and waited while she tied up her running shoes.
Just like that, reality intruded, and he felt empty inside. They had just enough time to grab some food and head into Salem. Things were heating up, and there were several events in town that would surely garner the attention of Mallick’s minions.
“Ready?”
She nodded. Azaiel was just about to head down the path that led to the Cauldron when Rowan’s hand wrapped around his wrist. The air stilled—emptied of everything, save for their beating hearts and something else. They weren’t alone.
Azaiel peered into the shadows that blanketed the clearing and prepared himself as several figures slid from between them. Only one concerned him. The one with all the power.
A fae—Dark fae. He was tall and lean, with long, elegant lines. All fae were attractive, but this man was supremely so. His classic features, pale eyes, and long, dark hair made for an arresting face. His clothing was simple, yet the suit spoke of money and privilege. The men with him were dressed similarly as if they’d just come from a dinner party.
Azaiel watched the man closely, muscles tense and ready in case of an attack. Dark fae held many layers of magick hidden amongst the glamour they projected. Azaiel’s gifts might be diminished, but the deadly power that shrouded this fae was impressive.
“We need to talk.” The man’s voice was melodic and enticing. His eyes were so light they were nearly colorless, with the merest whisper of blue. They glittered eerily, filled with otherworld power.
Rowan walked out from behind Azaiel and faced the group of men with raised chin and squared shoulders.
She snuck a glance at Azaiel, licked her lips, and spoke.
“Hello, Father.”
Chapter 30
Rowan stared across the clearing at the man who’d given her life. At the man she’d met fewer times than the fingers on her hands. He never changed. Darrick was still an elegant, dangerously attractive man. Nana claimed he had a mean, selfish streak and was bad news. Someone to be avoided at all cost, yet . . . there was a connection there, she felt it pulse inside.
His eyes narrowed, and she knew he was offended by what had just occurred. The smell of sex was rank in the air. Had he watched? Was he that depraved?
“Why are you here?” No need to beat around the bush.
Darrick glanced behind him, and the three fae who hovered near the edge of the forest disappeared.
He ignored her and settled his eerie eyes upon Azaiel. “You took my son from this realm and placed him in danger.”
“Your son is a big boy,” Azaiel responded lightly, but Rowan felt the tension. Azaiel was ready to pounce.
Darrick’s gaze lingered on the Seraphim for several long moments. “I know who you are. What you did.” The fae asked silkily, “Does she?”
Rowan stepped forward as anger flushed through her. She was done living in the background. “I’ll ask you one more time, Father, why are you here?”
Darrick’s glacial eyes settled on her once more, and something shifted in their depths. He studied her for a few moments, then walked toward them until he stood but inches away.
“Your mother did well. You should remember that.”
“What do you mean?”
She watched Darrick warily as a smile stole over his features, yet his eyes remained frosty cold. “She chose me.” He paused, watching her closely. “Did you know that?”