Destined (War of the Covens 2)

“This must be the famous Caia,” he said, approaching slowly.

Lucien didn’t tense beside her, making her question whether she’d really seen the eerie fascination in his gaze, or if she was just being paranoid.

Jaeden stood between them and smiled anxiously as she introduced him.

“Lucien.”

He greeted Reuben amiably enough, holding out a hand. Reuben shook it with a friendly languor and turned back to Vil and Laila. “I don’t know if you’ve been formally introduced, but guys, this is Lucien, Caia’s mate.”

“How did you know they’re mates?” Ryder asked defensively.

Reuben gestured to their clasped hands. “Body language.” He turned to Lucien. “I overheard your question to Laila. You should know that Callan means flowing water. Laila’s people consider it rude to call anyone of importance or wisdom by their first name, so she’s calling Caia Callan, by her element, a sign of deep respect.”

Laila smiled at him, nodding in agreement.

Caia blushed.

Ryder sputtered, “How the hell do you know that?”

The vampyre gave Ryder a taunting smile. Caia was with Ryder on this one. Something was off about the guy. “I did a little research after I met Vil and Laila. Found out a bit about their customs and such.”

“Why?”

Jaeden sighed. “Ryder …”

“It’s fine, Jae.” Reuben waved her off. “I just like to know who we’re dealing with.”

“We?” Ryder said. “Since when does this involve you?”

“Since he was made aware of Laila’s existence,” Lucien’s voice rumbled with authority and a hint of annoyance.

Caia’s head ached with the thought of involving another outsider in her plans. And this particular outsider, she wasn’t so keen on. She tugged on Lucien’s hand. “Reuben should stick around for now.”

The vampyre played with his lip ring, his fangs prominent. “Is that a request or a demand?”

“A demand,” she said with quiet dominion, surprising everyone, including herself. But Lucien was right. If she was to pull this off, she had to act like a leader. Unfortunately, part of that meant laying down the law. “We can’t take the chance of you leaving and telling anyone about Laila.”

“He wouldn’t,” Jaeden assured her, “believe me.”

Reuben straightened, his face free of amusement now. “Trust Jaeden. I’m her friend, which makes you all my friends. I don’t betray my friends.”

We’ll see.

Caia managed a nod, feeling exhausted. “Okay.” She smiled at Laila and Vil. “I think I really need some sleep, but I will come by tomorrow to see you both. We have a lot to discuss.”

“Wait.” Ryder clapped a hand on Lucien’s shoulder as they made to leave. “What about me and Jae? Our mating ceremony?”

In a perfect world, Jaeden and Ryder should’ve had plenty of time to plan a ceremony, but it would be best if they were mated before things went to Hades. Somehow Caia managed to convey this message to Lucien, and he promised Ryder they would talk about it in the morning.

“Good night, Callan,” Laila called sweetly as Caia and Lucien left. Caia’s face flooded with color again as she thought of what Reuben said.

Lucien chuckled. “Looks like you’ve got a devoted follower for life.”

“She’s just grateful.”

He shook his head as they climbed into his truck. “You were right. I can’t believe that girl is a Midnight. She’s as threatening as a butterfly.”

“Yeah, well, Marita had her locked up as if she were Ethan reincarnated.”

He made a sound of disgust. “I knew I didn’t like that witch.”

The house was dark when they returned, Ella and Magnus having retired for the night. The thought of bed sounded amazing to Caia as she dragged her body upstairs. Lucien’s hand was steady on her back as she shuffled down the hall to her bedroom. When she stopped at her door, Lucien grunted in amusement and took her by the elbow, leading her farther down the hall.

“What are you doing?” she whispered.

He looked back at her as if she were crazy. “You’re my mate now, Caia. That means my room is your room.” He drew her into the master bedroom. Her pulse accelerated as they entered the largest room in the house, his king-size, four-poster bed positioned in the center. She’d never been in Lucien’s bedroom. It was comfortable yet masculine, with a sturdy desk positioned at the back near his walk-in closet and master bath. Near the window sat a chocolate leather corner sofa, some of his clothes draped haphazardly over it.

“Get undressed, get in bed, and go to sleep.” He brushed a reassuring hand down her cheek. “You must be exhausted.”

Aware only of nodding in agreement and shuffling around to the other side of his bed, Caia’s mind whirred. It had never occurred to her that when they returned, they would be living … well … like mates.

The bed looked so good, though.

Her hands fluttered to the hem of her shirt, and a burst of nervousness knocked the exhaustion out of her. Glancing up to see if Lucien was watching, the sight of him was enough to make her mouth go dry. He was crossing the room toward the bed, his shirt discarded on the floor, his hair mussed, his cheeks unshaven. The moonlight spilled across the room, highlighting his hard, taut abdomen and the thick ropes of muscles in his arms. She was reminded of the night she lost her virginity to him.