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Natalie
As usual, the Goddess's temple was packed with wolves, so it took me ten minutes to find Lucian. I wanted to surprise him but hadn’t expected this kind of damper on my plans. And calling him to ask where he’d be would defeat my purpose.
While I was looking around the temple for Lucian, two wolves had gotten into a fight. Everyone had been so shocked, they’d just stood there in a daze, watching. Suddenly, the vision I had at the ball flashed before my eyes, and a tight feeling settled in my chest.
I thought back to the dryad who had attacked me in the café. What was going on? I stood there, as horrified as everyone else, watching as the wolves were pulled apart, then teleported out of the temple.
After it was over, the whispers started. Nobody could believe what had happened. What had caused such anger? And for it to erupt in the Goddess’s own temple? That kind of behavior was unheard of.
Again, I thought about my vision. After I had it, I’d tried to not dwell on it, thinking that if it was urgent, I’d have another one. Or I’d see or hear of something that might be tied to what I saw.
I felt like this was just that.
One of the first things I learned as an Enchanted was that it was detrimental emotionally to dwell on visions, especially vague ones. But now I was starting to think these random outbursts had something to do with what I’d seen. If that was the case, I should be telling someone—now.
If this realm was in danger, I had to speak up. The last thing I wanted was to suffer through another war.
I tapped my finger against the bag I was holding, unsure of how to proceed. Despite my gut feeling that I needed to speak up, I was petrified of being the one to cause a panic by talking about something I couldn’t confirm. It wasn’t as if my visions were always right or even ended well. They hadn’t for Ruby and Axel.
I mean, this was the God Realm. Even if something went wrong here, the gods should be able to handle it right?
I found Lucian cleaning the area where we’d shared our first kiss. The fountain was spotless and its water undisturbed. I blushed, reliving the feeling of having his lips on mine as I watched him rake the leaves into a pile, his back glistening with sweat.
There were scars on his back, but they weren’t as bright as the ones on his chest and face. His hair was pulled back, with long strands free and sticking to his body. I couldn’t help ogling his muscles as they shifted while he worked.
He stopped abruptly and stood up to his full height. “Hey,” he said before turning around. “How long did you plan on standing there, checking me out?”
“You couldn’t beat the view,” I said, laughing. I held up the bag in my hand and waved it. “Have you eaten? I brought you lunch.”
He looked at me before wiping at the sweat on his brow. He was such a stunning man, masculine and robust, and whenever he smiled at me, I couldn’t think of anything more beautiful.
“I haven’t, actually. Thank you.” He walked over to me, took the bag, and before I knew it, he had bent down to my height and pressed his lips to mine.
Caught off guard, I didn't move for a second. Eventually, I cupped his cheek, my eyes fluttering close, and our bond roared to life.
I placed my other hand on his chest, and my fingers glided over his scars. He moaned into my mouth, his body tensing, and our lips parted. I was so enchanted by the feel and taste of him, I moved forward as he pulled away. He chuckled.
"I'm sweaty," he whispered, pushing back a strand of my hair from my face.
"Oh, I know. Trust me, I really don't mind.”
He laughed loudly, the rarity of the sound making it all the better.
He looked a little surprised at my bluntness, but at least he appeared to like it. Lucian and I had never flirted before—he was always careful not to cross any boundaries with me. As frustrated as it sometimes made me, I couldn’t dislike the fact that he was a perfect gentleman.
But I really liked seeing him like this, relaxed and easygoing. And for once, I gave in to what my wolf was howling at me to do—touch him.
My finger trailed down his chest, outlining one of the three scars on his left pec. He stiffened but didn't tell me to stop. Wounds heal rapidly for a werewolf, usually without leaving a scar. So for him to be marked like this, his injuries must have been severe. I didn't want to imagine the pain he'd experienced.
Still, his skin was incredibly soft, although his muscles were rock hard. He was more affectionate than usual, and I wasn't sure what prompted the sudden change in him, but I wasn't about to complain. If I wanted him to come out of his shell like this more often, I’d have to give him a little tug from time to time.
"How's your morning been?" I asked, and he took a deep breath as he looked around us.
“Busy, but better now.” He cupped my cheek, his hand large enough for his fingers to caress my neck, and I stepped forward and snaked my hands around his waist. “And you?”
“Good. I figured I’d surprise you with lunch. I was bored at home.” I untangled myself from him, and we walked over to the fountain and sat down.
“Have you heard anything back from the Soul Recovery Facility?” He removed one of two burgers from the bag while I held the small container of fries out for him.
