“They’re definitely heightened. And they come in handy whenever you decide to wander off and find trouble.”
Her mouth pops open. “That has only ever happened like three—five times. Five times tops.”
I smirk. “Whatever you say.”
“Can you pick up my scent? Like a dog?”
“Some might find that offensive, but yes. I would know your scent anywhere.”
“And how do I smell?”
Fucking delicious.
I walk up to her, inclining my head toward her neck. “You smelllike…vanilla.”
She holds still as a statue, barely breathing as her chin lifts a fraction higher, granting me silent access to her throat.
“Lavender.” I lean in to inhale her other side, watching the vein in her neck pulse erratically. “And trouble.”
A new scent springs to the forefront, but I don’t mention it. The one that tells me that on a cellular level, she wants me. Musk with a hint of spice. Like cinnamon and freshly watered soil fusing together. It’s intoxicating. The thought makes me smile to myself, makes me dizzy with need.
So I force myself to draw back.
“That is disturbingly specific,” she rasps.
“I’ve been around you for thirty years. I could find you with my eyes closed.”
“Let’s see it then.”
I quirk a brow. “Are you challenging me?”
“Sounds like it.”
“Alright, well. Hope you like losing.”
Her eyes twinkle, then narrow to slits. “Count to twenty, then come find me.”
“Oh, this is going to be too easy.” I throw my head back, ambling closer. “Give me a challenge, at least.”
“Oh, I plan to.”
In an instant, her shadows have gobbled her up, leaving a blank space where she stood just moments ago.
I count to twenty out loud, certain that wherever she’s hiding, she can hear. Then I follow her scent. I follow it until it leads me in circles. I retrace my steps, coming up empty.
“Serena?” I call.
She doesn’t respond.
54
SERENA
My shadows drop me near the edge of the forest. The trees blur together as I dart between them, pushing myself to the absolute limit.
Everything about being fae is a rush. The speed, the strength, the adrenaline, the magic. I’ve barely had time to adjust to it, let alone appreciate it.
A flood of endorphins hits me as I slow to a stop at the mouth of a cave. Catching my breath, I press my palms into the stone and rock back on my heels, bowing into a stretch.
