Destiny's Fire - By Trisha Wolfe Page 0,40

My mom had—all Shythe went. Even Narcos had to go to their own Academy in their haven. It’s where we’d get our work assignments—which humans we’d be placed around to serve, even though they didn’t realize we were helping and protecting them. And it was where most Kythan met their mates.

I hugged my waist and glanced around the club. Narcos danced alongside Shythe, and no one fought. It was completely crazy and exciting. We were on the verge of everything changing. My chest swelled with hope that eventually the races would accept each other. Tonight it seemed like a possibility.

A hand slipped into mine, and I spun around. Reese smiled and tugged me behind the black curtain. “What are you doing?” I craned my neck, making sure no one had seen him.

“You knew I’d be here.” His lips brushed my cheek, tracing downward toward my neck. “Admit it. You were waiting for me to come steal you away.” He drew back slightly, keeping his face close to mine.

Heat rushed my cheeks. “I figured you’d show, but I didn’t think you’d press your luck.” I shrugged. “Okay, I knew you’d press it. But I hoped you wouldn’t.” The corner behind the curtain was near pitch black. Even with the glow of his red eyes, I couldn’t make out his features. “What are you thinking?”

He laughed, deep and sultry. “Thinking about dragging you out of this club. Right now.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck, swaying us to the music. “Where would you take me?”

He lowered his head, resting his forehead against mine. “To my airship.” His hands slowly felt their way along my waist and down to my thighs, sending tendrils of shivers over my skin. “I’d take you out flying. Then…I’d probably try and cop a feel.”

I laughed. “How come I’m not surprised?” I tightened my hold around his neck. “But, I’d love to fly with you.”

He lifted his head, his eyes glowing deep red. “Come on, let’s go dance.”

“Out there?”

Reese huffed. “Yes, out there, Dez. Everyone’s dancing. I think we can get away with it.” He pulled me behind him as he parted the curtain and stepped into the club.

I searched the crowd. I didn’t see Jace or Nick, but Lana was still dancing with Devon. As I followed Reese, I jerked my hand from his grip. He glanced back once, making sure I was still behind him.

When we found a spot, he grasped my waist and pulled me to him. My heart drummed against my breast bone, aching. Slowly lifting my arms, I wrapped them around his neck, and he buried his head in my hair.

I was losing myself in the feel of his body pressed to mine when I peeked around his shoulder. Lana stared at me. She didn’t look angry or even upset, just confused—her eyebrows knit close together. I gave her a strained half-smile, and she returned it.

Reveling in Reese’s embrace, I fought the urge to glance around—see if anyone else watched us. Reese suddenly pulled away. Jace stood beside us. My face tingled, cold and pinpricking, as the blood drained from my face.

“I’m cutting in,” Jace told Reese, stepping up to him. “And I thought I told you not to even look at her.”

Reese’s jaw worked, grinding. His eyes shot toward me, and I gave him a pleading look, reminding him of his promise to take it easy on Jace. Reese held up his hands and backed away.

“Was just dancing, man,” Reese said. Then he stormed off the dance floor.

Jace took me in his arms. “Why didn’t you come get me if he was bothering you?”

“I didn’t want to start a scene. And besides”—I rolled my eyes—“he wasn’t bothering me. The other night was a misunderstanding. He didn’t mean me any harm.”

“Dez, you’re way too forgiving.” He pulled me closer. “I know you don’t want war. I get how you feel about that, but we can’t give into them—”

“Jace,” I breathed his name. “Can we not? You said you just wanted to have fun tonight. Remember?”

His lips tugged into a hard line, his brow furrowed. “All right. But I couldn’t stomach his dirty Narco hands on you.” Then the tension in his face relaxed. “I’m sorry. Forgive me?”

“Yes. Just chill, okay?”

He nodded and pressed his forehead to mine, swaying us back and forth. His breath caressed my lips, its heat making me quiver. We’d never been this close—during training, maybe, when we were knocking each other around—but not like this. Not holding me so