The more I tune myself in to her, the more I feel the gentle pulse of somethingmorewithin her chest.
“I feel it,” Ava whispers and tightens her hold on me.
With her encouragement, I attempt to pull on that pulsing beat. She gasps, and I stop, not wanting to hurt her.
Ava shifts in place. “Don’t stop. I’m okay.”
Pulling once more, I feel for a tangible end to unravel in the endless loop of magic. It’s tight, though, pulled so taut that as I tug at it mentally, it feels more like I’m physically yanking at it. A tightness forms in my brow as I concentrate.
The scent of arousal blooms around us, and I stiffen at the delectable scent. “Ava?”
“Wow, that feels unreal.” Sweat drips down her neck and falls between the valley of her breasts. I watch, enraptured, my fangs pressing against my gums in desperation to plunge into that very spot. My breath catches, and if she hears, she doesn’t open her eyes.
I can’t stop myself from asking. “What does it feel like?”
“Jade didn’t tell me it would feel this intimate with your help.” She pauses, and I bristle at the image of anyone else doing this with Ava. “It feels like our bodies are plastered against one another. Skin upon skin and my magic twining with your essence. It’s the closest I’ve felt to my powers. I canfeel it now, like an animal that’s been in hibernation and is beginning to stir.”
At the imagery she paints, I swallow thickly. Ava brings to light fantasies I couldn’t have imagined before her. She is light and love and sin and temptation wrapped up in one. If I had come across her during my days as an angel, I surely would’ve fallen for the chance to be with her.
“Keep going,” Ava prompts.
I repeat the pulling, and a swell of heat radiates between us. Our heads lean closer to each other, and I lick my lips at the sight of her luscious pout.
What would it feel like to kiss her?
Resolving myself to finding out, it feels like a thundering symphony building to its crescendo. Just when we’re about to fall headfirst over the cliff and my lips are about to touch hers, the door slams open with a thud. Both Ava and I jump in surprise.
On any given day I’d be more aware of my surroundings, but the pink-haired witch in front of me has a way of tuning me in to only her and letting the rest of the world fade away.
“Guys! I think it’s time for a familiar play—” The words die on our intruder’s lips. “Were you about to kiss?” Zavier rushes in with a jovial dance and a grin that nearly swallows his entire face. “Holy shit, you were. Fucking finally!”
Ava drops my hands with a tired sigh, and I frown at the lost connection. Shooting Zavier a glare, I stand up with fluid grace while holding Pom Pom to my chest. It’s then I notice the black cat draped around his shoulders. Midnight watches Pom Pom with disinterest while the latter happy wiggles in my arms at the idea of a new friend. I tighten my hold, protective of my little fluff ball.
“My babies are growing up,” Zav squeaks like an excited toddler. “You crazy kids are taking the next step. I’m so proud.”His features still and a new look enters his eyes. He quickly goes from toddler to pestering parent when he asks, “Do I need to give you the safe sex talk?”
“Ew, shut up.” Ava pushes at him playfully. Her cheeks are flushed, and she tries to play off the fire still simmering between us. She looks over at me, and when she finds me staring, she quickly drops her eyes.
I scrunch my face in annoyance at the red-haired vampire.
“Well.” Zav draws out the word, ignoring my glare. “Since I’m already here, let’s have the official meeting of these two.” He places Midnight down, and I do the same with Pom Pom, though reluctantly.
Midnight’s tail flicks in irritation as the Pomeranian runs in a circle around the cat and attempts to lick his face. He doesn’t hiss, but his displeasure is apparent.
“Come on, Midnight. You need to make friends other than me.”
Pom Pom assumes downward dog position, ready to play, but Midnight saunters over to me and stretches up on my pant leg like I’m his personal cat tree. When he starts to climb, I support his body and let him up on my shoulders. Soft fur nuzzles against my cheek, and I give a long stroke down his back. Okay, maybe he’s not so bad.
Both Zavier and Pom Pom growl in our direction, and I look over to see Zavier holding Pom Pom under his arm. It’s kind of hilarious how similar they look.
“Midnight! You’re cheating right in front of my face.” Zav pouts his bottom lip, and I’m almost certain those are real tears in his eyes.
“You did tell him to make new friends,” Ava laughs, playing with the ends of her hair. Something I’ve come to learn she does when she’s feeling uncomfortable.
“Not with the crusty, dusty vampire. I meant with his fellowfamiliar.” Pom Pom barks and Zavier gives him a pat. “See? He’s not happy about it either.” Pulling a small swatch of fabric from his back pocket, Zavier fits it over Pom Pom and smiles. “I even brought friendship sweaters for the two, although Midnight was being a tad difficult.”
Ava scratches the cat in question behind his ear, and his purr vibrates through my shoulders.
“Looks like your emotional support puss has moved on,” she muses. “Too bad for you.”
