Black as Coal | ✓

63

Stepping foot in my home after what felt like forever was a surreal experience. Fen and I had only just returned and it was strange not being surrounded by the constant chaos anymore.

I stood in the doorway, letting the familiar surroundings sink in while Fen brushed past me, his fingers grazing mine as he walked toward the living room. He took a seat on the couch and my mind traveled back to the first time he spent the night.

"This place feels... different," he murmured as he sank into the cushions, leaning back as if finally allowing himself to relax. "Too quiet."

I nodded, stepping inside and closing the door behind me. "Yeah, I know what you mean. We got used to having kids and loud noises around us and now it feels strange."

CJ didn't share our sentiments. The moment Fen unzipped his carrier, he was down the hall.

"Come here," Fen instructed, patting the spot beside him. I complied easily, taking a seat in the spot beside him. He adjusted himself slightly and his arm wrapped tightly around my upper body. "I've been thinking about what I want to do now that we're back."

"Yeah? What?"

He smiled. "First, I want to take you on that date I never got to do, and then..." his hand snaked down, messing with the waistband of my pants. "I want to mark you."

"I'd let you do that now," I admitted and leaned into his touch.

"I know you would, but I want it to be special."

"Anything I do with you is special."

His smile morphed into a wide grin. "Flattery won't work."

"Then stop teasing me." I shivered and pushed his hand away.

Fen chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "I can't help it. You make it too easy."

"Easy, huh? You think you can just distract me and avoid the subject?" I raised an eyebrow, trying to maintain my composure.

"Maybe," he said, leaning closer, his breath warm against my ear. "But it's all part of the plan."

"What plan?" I asked, heart racing as I felt his lips brush my skin.

"The plan to make you crave me even more," he replied, his voice low and sultry.

I swallowed hard, torn between wanting to push him away and wanting to pull him closer. "You're insufferable."

"Only because you like it." His grin was infuriatingly charming.

"Fine, but if you want me to wait for that date, you have to promise it'll be worth it," I shot back, trying to regain some control.

"Trust me, it will be," he said, his eyes darkening with desire. "But until then..." He paused, a playful glint in his eye. "How about I give you a little preview?"

"Preview?" I echoed, curiosity piqued.

Fen leaned in closer, capturing my lips in a searing kiss that left no doubt about what he wanted.

My back hit the couch, and Fen pressed his body against mine, deepening the kiss. I could feel the heat radiating off him, and the way his hands roamed my sides sent shivers down my spine.

I knew I missed his touch, but I didn't realize just how much I actually missed it.

His tongue pushed into my mouth, igniting a fire within me that I thought had simmered down. I responded instinctively, tangling my fingers in his hair, and pulling him closer as the kiss deepened. The world around us faded, leaving just the two of us in this moment.

Fen's hands roamed my body, exploring every inch as if he were mapping out a territory he intended to claim. My heart raced, a mix of desire and anticipation flooding my veins.

When he finally pulled back, breathless and slightly dazed, his eyes were dark with longing. "See? This is what I've been missing," he murmured, brushing his thumb across my cheek.

"Me too," I confessed, still feeling the heat of his kiss lingering on my lips. "But you're making it really hard to wait for that date."

He chuckled softly, his gaze intense.
"Maybe I just wanted to give you a taste of what's to come."

I shoved him away, but I could still feel the begrudging smile form on my face. "You're such a tease."

Fen laughed and for once, I didn't make any retorts. I stared at him with a softening gaze and let the sound of his laughter wash over me. It was like music to my ears—effortless and pure, the kind of laughter that made everything else fade into the background.

I never realized how much his presence lit up the house, but now that I did, I never wanted to go another day without him nearby.

Fen sobered up just as a knock on the door caught both of our attention. I knew it couldn't be one of my friends because I hadn't told anyone we were back yet.

"I'll get it," Fen told me as he stood up.

"And here I was thinking we could have a relaxing day together."

Fen flashed me a quick grin before heading to the door. "We still can. Whoever it is, I'll get rid of them quickly."

When Fen opened the door, I saw his body go rigid for a split second, and that was enough to make me sit up straighter. Something was off.

"Who is it?" I called out, but Fen didn't respond.

I frowned just as a familiar scent hit my nose.

Was it...?

I hurried to the door and saw Fen standing there with confusion written across his face and I could practically see the gears in his head shifting while he looked ahead. I tore my eyes away from him and sure enough, standing awkwardly in front of my mate with slightly narrowed, but equally confused eyes was my brother.

"Reed?"

His gaze shifted away from Fen and he rubbed the back of his neck before flashing me an apologetic half smile. "Hi, Cronan."

AN: Smaller chapter, but still a necessary one! We have roughly 5 chapters left in this book. I'm also planning to write an epilogue + at two extras. One which can't be revealed yet and another that takes place in the future.