Magic Under Darkness

Let Go

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

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Let Go

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'-Me or... your kind?'

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Celeste meticulously arranged the last few pieces on the table, the soft clink of silverware punctuating the quiet anticipation that filled the room. Just as she straightened a napkin, Alex descended the stairs with a hint of shyness, clad in a crisp white button-down and casual blue jeans. His appearance spoke of a recent shower, his demeanor carrying a refreshed air that added to his natural charm.

"Good morning, love. You're up earlier than I thought," Celeste greeted warmly as she approached him, reaching for his wrist and playfully tugging him closer. With a sudden, passionate kiss, she held him tightly around the waist, savoring the taste of him as their lips met. What was meant to be a brief moment before breakfast turned into something more intense, leaving Celeste intoxicated by her mate, unable to resist wanting more of him.

She gently sucked on his lower lip, eliciting a soft moan from him as he closed his eyes in pleasure. Seizing the moment, Celeste skillfully turned them around, guiding him to sit on the edge of the table. Her kisses trailed from his lips down to his jawline, each touch igniting a deeper connection, until she reached his collarbone. There, she lingered, the unfulfilled desire to mark him evident, yet restrained by the differences that currently kept them apart.

Nonetheless, her playful spirit remained undeterred, finding joy in other ways to savor her mate. She nibbled teasingly on his shoulders, while Elliot clutched the table's edges, trying to stifle his moans. Unwilling to accept his restraint, she tore open his shirt, leaving Elliot silently grateful to his lucky stars that the buttons stayed intact, sparing him the loss of his fifth favorite shirt.

"Ah! Celeste... we need to—" Alex's words were cut off by a loud moan as Celeste's tongue traced over the bruised, rosy nipple from the night before. She began to suck gently, sending shivers of pleasure through Alex, who trembled not only from the sensation but also from the thrill and embarrassment of their intimate moment unfolding right on the dining table.

Alex shivered as his shirt slipped from his shoulders, feeling the chill in the air. He reached out, gently holding Celeste's shoulders to pause her actions and then, tenderly stroking her cheek with affection. Leaning in, he kissed her lips softly, his gaze locking with her lustful crimson eyes, lost in their passionate depths.

After a tender, innocent kiss, Alex grinned and murmured, "I'm famished... and last night wore me out." Celeste returned his kiss, her fingers tracing lightly over his exposed skin before gently pulling away. With a nod, she spoke softly, "Yeah, you're right. Now's probably not the best moment for this, with breakfast and lunch waiting for you to devour. But there are certain matters I need to discuss with you. No matter how weary you may feel now, it's time to address a few things you've been escaping for two years."

Alex swallowed hard, a knot of apprehension tightening in his chest. He wasn't prepared to revisit the subject he'd painstakingly evaded for two years. Yet, Celeste had a point—they couldn't ignore it any longer, not after the night they'd shared, a night that had left them both unsettled, realizing they couldn't simply mark each other for them to complete their mate bond.

With a resigned nod, Alex buttoned up his shirt and settled himself at the table, silently acknowledging it was time to confront what had been carefully buried for so long.