Zara’s POV
“Go ahead,” Nic urged, motioning for me to take the lead. “Open it. Let’s see what awaits us on the other side.”
Nic was acting in a really odd way; I had never seen him that animated and carefree before.
“Are you sure you want me to go first?” I asked and hesitated.
I had no idea what was beyond the door or what I would find there.
“I do,” Nic asserted as he locked eyes with me. “I really want you to go first.”
“And what monsters are being kept captive on the other side of that old wooden door?” With a step back, I inquired.
As he stopped urging me to open the door, Nic’s smile grew thinner.
“Mate thinks you are scared,” Kaya stated.
“Then let him,” I said with a stern tone. “Could you tell me what’s behind that door?”
I just want us to stay safe…
Kaya scowled, seeming unhappy, and took a seat, while I returned my attention to Nic.
Breathing deeply, Nic relaxed and casually rested his back against the granite wall. With a nervous grin, he observed me.
Was he deliberating over whether or not to divulge his little secret?
Eventually, he said, “I am not entirely certain what is behind that door,” and he pulled me close to his chest. “But whatever it is, it will be worth our while.”
“How do you know? Did someone…”
Nic interjected, “I am sure of it,” as he reached down and gently lifted my chin to meet my eyes. I have faith in my source since he is highly reliable. So should you.”
This confirms that Nic has no idea what is behind that door.
Might that not be risky?
What if it’s a trap?
“Isn’t that exciting!” Perched on her paws, Kaya contemplated the situation. “Your first adventure with our mate, and that in the temple…!”
“Are you hearing yourself?” I bit back. “Behind the door might be anything! It may be risky! Someone might kill us.”
“Maybe,” Kaya said, her snout arching upwards. “But I can’t smell anything dangerous. Have some faith. Nic would never risk harming his mate. He cares about you.”
“I suppose you are right,” I muttered before returning my focus to Nic, but I just couldn’t shake this unnerving feeling inside me.
I took a deep breath, focusing on Nic. He seemed calm and trusting of the person who gave him directions to this door.
“Is that so?” I playfully raised an eyebrow at Nic and asked. “After all, shouldn’t age come before beauty?”
“You are playing dirty,” he whispered softly as he knelt down to kiss my neck; the sensation of his warm breath on my flesh sent shivers down my spine.
“Always,” I groaned, melting in his arms. I loved it when he touched me.
“What do you say?” Nic asked, moving away from me. “Let’s see where this takes us.”
“If that is what you want.” I challenged him by playfully tapping my index finger against his nose.
Nic’s lips curved into a smile.
“That is exactly what I want,” he replied, and he stole a quick kiss.
My heart fluttered inside my chest, and heat started up between my legs. Goddess, he smells so good. I simply desire to savor him.
“Nic seems very excited about his surprise,” Kaya said excitedly. “I can’t wait to see what he had planned for us.”
“I wonder what he believes is behind that door,” I murmured to myself. “I can shake this funny feeling in the pit of my stomach.”
“Are you that worried?” Kaya gasped, shocked.
“It’s not that,” I said after a brief moment of hesitation. “There is something… uhm… a presence waiting for me on the other side of that door… I find it difficult to shove the feeling aside.”
Perhaps it was simply my heat playing tricks on my mind.
“Describe what you are feeling,” Kaya said, but I shook my head and stopped her.
“Don’t worry about it; it is just a slight unease. I will get over it soon enough.”
“Are you sure?” she asked, concerned. “You know that….”
“I am confident,” I interrupted her, dismissing the uneasy feeling. “Let’s go see what Nic has planned for us.”
What could possibly go wrong? I had Nic by my side.
“Ready?” Once again, Nic’s enthusiasm was evident as he extended his hand and made the request.
“As prepared as I can be,” I responded, putting my hand into his.
When Nic grinned and his face brightened, my breath caught in my throat. When he did that, he appeared quite dashing!
As Nic and I walked the last few steps to the wooden door, he peeked over my shoulder just before we pushed it open.
“Together?” he inquired, his expression growing grave.
“Of course,” I responded. “Why not?”
My hand was gripping the wooden door handle when Nic placed his massive one on top of mine, causing sparks to fly.
He bent down and quickly kissed my cheek.
Nic whispered, “One,” as he locked eyes with me.
His eyes, a little darker than usual, immediately captivated me in the puddles of deep blue.
I knew I had already lost this round, and a nervous giggle slipped from my lips.
“Your scent is like a drug to me,” he whispered, taking a deep breath. “I can’t get enough of it… I just want to wrap my arms around you and make love to you!”
I couldn’t resist chuckling and blushing because I could relate.
Nic shifted behind me, and his huge frame touched mine. I moaned and shivered with delight as powerful electric sparks sprang at every point where our naked skin met.
“Don’t give in so quickly,” he whispered against my ear, his warm vanilla and honey scent clouding my mind.
Nic delicately dropped his head from my ear to my neck, his warm breath caressing my flesh as he did so.
“Oh, Nicolas,” I sighed and shut my eyes. Even before he touched me, he had aroused me.
As Nic nibbled on my earlobe and murmured, “Two,” I let out a little whimper. I was already wet and ready for him.
As he pressed his warm, damp lips on my skin, he reached all the way to my nape and murmured into my neck. “You will need to hold on for just a moment longer.”
I laid my head back, giving him room to explore. I wanted more!
“How much longer?” I let out a low grunt, my voice filled with need and lust.
“As soon as you say three,” he murmured, suddenly withdrawing.
My eyes snapped open, and I snarled angrily at the loss of contact. How dare he do this to me!
“Calm down…” he whispered, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
“What do you think you are doing, Nic?” I hissed, getting angry.
“Waiting for you to say three so that we can open the door,” he replied and quickly closed the gap between us.
Was he serious right now? Didn’t we agree to do this together?
****