She should have been terrified.
She should have been running a mile.
She should have been ringing the authorities and telling them that people from magical realms exist, and can just turn up on beaches whenever they want to.
But she knew that she didn’t really want to do any of those things. Especially the last option, which would see her getting locked in to some sort of institution.
Alianna couldn’t ignore the way her chest ached, and the way she felt a desperate need to go to Rionan.
Soul-bonded.
A bond so deep that Xanthians could only do it once. Crafted from magic which took hold during the throes of passion, if two individuals felt certain things for each other.
How did this Xanthian magic know what she felt, when she didn’t? It was undeniable that she felt something for him, and there was no point trying to tell herself she didn’t. But to put a word to it…
Thoughts for another day.
She contemplated what Rionan had said. She could feel his emotions, and he could feel hers. He said that it would be more intense for him because he was Xanthian.
Rionan must have been so incredibly pained for the two days they were apart. If he meant her any harm, surely, he could have tracked her. Found her somehow. Forced himself upon her, or pushed his way in to her life.
He hadn’t, though. He hadn’t contacted her. Hadn’t come to her. When he did, it was only to apologise.
Alianna found herself staring at her shoes and bag, which were next to the front door.
Fuck it.
She went to her bedroom and grabbed a larger bag, shoving in some nightwear, a change of clothes, toiletries and make-up for the morning. She was not getting caught out again.
She picked up her phone and texted Natasha that she was going to be staying with Max tonight. She cringed as she typed out ‘Max’, but hit the send button anyway. Two minutes later, her phone vibrated and lit up in her hand.
Tasha
22:04:No problem. Shadow’s asleep for the night. He says he misses you, but auntie tash buys him extra chews and takes him paddleboarding. He’s good company. Have fun. Xo
Alianna and Rionan had been on a level playing field in their relationship until today, when she’d had the rug pulled out from underneath her. Tonight, she was taking some of that power back.
24
Primal
Rionan sat in his suite, having just got out of the shower. Steam billowed through the room, and he wore only a towel around his waist, his skin still damp.
A familiar scent hit him like a blow, and he spun to its source, staring at his closed suite door. He inhaled through his nose, taking in Alianna’s scent of sea air, coconut shampoo, and her perfume. There was something else in her scent. Something that caused a primal need to stir within Rionan.
A low, possessive growl escaped his mouth as he walked to the door, opening it before she had a chance to knock.
25
Please
Alianna found herself standing in front of Rionan, fist raised, ready to knock on the door that had swung open in front of her. Rionan wasstanding there, silvery skin sparkling as water droplets ran down from his wet hair. He had a towel slung around his waist, and steam rippled in the room around him, like he’d been in a very hot shower for a very long time.
Rionan’s pupils were dilated, Alianna noticed, as he took deep, controlled breaths. His stare pinned her to the spot. Somehow, she knew exactly what thoughts were going through his head, because she felt a stirring of electricity in her chest that seemed to echo the look on his face. She felt a heat begin to bloom between her legs, which she chose to ignore for now.
“Can I come in?” Alianna asked. Rionan nodded slowly, eyes locked on her, as he stepped aside to let her walk past him. She felt his eyes tracking her as she moved across the room, dropping her bag onto the sofa.
Alianna noticed a glass of wine that Rionan must have poured himself, but left untouched. She picked it up, raising the glass to her lips, and took a small sip.
