Page 22 of Crazy as Hell

Viktor’s hand tightened around her wrist, but she didn’t complain. Since they were short on time, she gave them a brief explanation of what happened during her last cycle. She told them all the details she could think of that would help them take down the trafficking operation, including the location of the base in the Hell Realm.

“Sybil and the guards seemed particularly afraid when Killian Black showed up, so it would probably be best if you asked him to join the raid.”

“I think that would be wise,” Viktor agreed. “If you have already experienced all of this, how are you here with us right now?”

“About that…” She let out a heavy sigh. “I’m actually stuck in a death loop that has me reliving the same two-year span over and over again. Well, I don’t always make it to two years. Sometimes, I only make it through a day or a few hours. Every time I die, I start back at my original death date, like an automatic reset. Surprise, your mate is a freak of nature.”

“Death loop? That’s fucking wild.” Cassian gasped. “Wait a minute. You two are mates?”

“We are,” Viktor confirmed. “How many—”

“I’ve lost count,” she answered honestly. “You need to go now, Cassian. There is a chance the team can raid the house in the woods before the others realize that Sybil is missing. And you have to make sure you are personally part of the team because one of the captured supernaturals is your cousin.”

Cassian jumped to his feet. “Lucie? You found Lucie?”

“Pretty redhead?”

“By the gods! It’s her!”

“Calm down,” Viktor ordered. “You can’t just rush in there without a plan. We need to contact Arson and Killian first.”

“Right. We need to go right now,” Cassian insisted.

Naomi shook her head. “You go. Viktor and I have other important business to take care of.”

Cassian hesitated, but he relented once Viktor gave him a nod of approval. With that, he teleported away from the island retreat. Once they were alone, Viktor turned Naomi until she was facing him.

“So, what other important business do we have to take care of?”

“Something very dangerous,” she warned. “We both might not make it through it alive.”

“Then, we can just try again in the next life cycle.”

She let out a wild laugh, then caught him by surprise when she launched herself at him. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she finally gave in to the burning need inside of her and pressed her lips to his in a scorching kiss.

Chapter Eight

It felt like Viktor was being burned alive.

It started out simple, with their lips pressed firmly against each other. Then, something shifted. Desire surged between them, and that tentative touch became deeper, hungrier. Their mouths opened, fusing together. The moment their tongues twined together, something dark and primal rose up within him.

Mine.

That single word kept echoing through his mind, over and over again like the beat from a war drum. The kiss forged a connection between them, so powerful it stole every coherent thought from his mind. It was all-consuming, better than any dream he’d ever had, and every second only made him want more. The world around them completely disappeared until there was nothing left but her.

The warmth of her body.

The softness of her lips.

The sweet, intoxicating taste of her.

His hands moved instinctively, one settling on her ass to help hold her up, while the other gripped the back of her neck to pull her closer. He could feel the rapid beat of her pulse against his thumb, and felt an acute level of satisfaction that it matched the frantic rhythm of the heart pounding in his own chest. He had never experienced anything as wild or thrilling, and he never wanted it to end.

In his long life, he had never kissed another female. There had simply never been any desire to. Unlike some of his contemporaries, curiosity wasn’t enough to make him break his unspoken vow to his future mate. And the wait had been worth it. Kissing Naomi felt like his entire existence had narrowed down to that single moment.

He had been waiting for her, and only her.

Her fingers curled into his short hair, holding on as if she was afraid he might disappear. That small gesture sent another wave of heat surging through him. She melted into him, pressing herself more firmly against his chest. That trusting response nearly undid him. A shudder ran through his body as he deepened the kiss, losing himself in the pleasure of finally having her in his arms.