Charlotte After Dark

Chapter 21: The Mark

"You rang?" I asked, announcing my entrance back into the apartment.

I could feel Cormac stroll into the room behind me in silence as I continued to turn my attentions to Audra. She was sitting on the couch with Liam, a saccharine smile pasted on her face as she took an indulgent gulp from the deep red liquid that filled her glass.

"We should go out," Audra said, a playful smile emerging on her lips.

"Not even a week ago people were telling me that I was being lured into a trap if I set foot out that door," I said.

"It doesn't seem like a good idea considering we aren't even sure who or what is after Charlotte," Cormac deferred.

"It's Geroux territory; they won't set foot there," Audra offered. Liam nodded in agreement.

"Still dangerous," Cormac disagreed, coming up behind me. He placed a light hand on the small of my back.

Audra frowned. "You've never been a fan of werewolves, Aldous," she said.

Cormac cringed at the mention of his real name as his grasp on my back grew a little tense for a few moments.

"It's not the werewolves I'm worried about," he replied, glancing over at Liam.

"What is it you are worried about, Crowley?" Liam asked, returning Cormac's suspicious glance.

"Oh, you two," Audra said, slapping a slender, jewelry caped hand on Liam's chest.

"My better judgment is telling me it's best if I stay in tonight," I replied. Besides, I really was more interested in finished what Cormac and I had started out on the balcony. The sensation of his hand on my back made it feel like my entire body was on fire.

"When have you been known to use your better judgment?" Cormac asked, joking with me. I let me elbow hit him square in the chest.

"I guess I'm turning over a new leaf today," I replied.

Audra let out a disappointed sigh before getting up to leave. "Call me if you decide to change your mind. The night is young still," she said.

Liam followed Audra as she went to pick up her purse, fumbling inside for something. She pulled out a sleek cellphone and began to dial furiously as she walked towards the front door.

"Tarmo! Get the car ready," I heard Audra bark into her cellphone.

Audra led Liam down the hallway, glancing back only once to give me a knowing glance. I could have sworn she winked at me as well.

Cormac didn't waste any time after hearing the faint click of the front door closing, letting us know that Audra and Liam had finally vacated the apartment. Now, it was only the two of us. I felt the room spin as I felt the pressure of Cormac's arm around my wrist as he twirled me to face him.

"Where were we?" He asked, already wrapping one of his arms around my waist.

"You tell me," I murmured, biting my lip.

I let out a content sigh as my mind raced, begging him to kiss me again. A smirk appeared on his lips as he put his finger under my chin and lifted my face up to look at him. Soon, his lips were on mine as I ran my fingers through his hair and I felt sparks course all over my body.

Our kissing started slow, but as each second passed it became more and more passionate. The apartment melted away and I was conscious of only one thing: Cormac. We kissed like there were only seconds left in our lives and this was our last act.

I dug my fingers into his back, ripping his sweater, but he didn't seem to notice as it became loose tatters of cloth hanging on his broad shoulders. He continued to kiss me, pressing me against the wall by the bedroom. One of his hands drifted to my thigh bringing it closer to him, and his hand nervously lingered just under the hem of my skirt. I could feel the hesitation in his muscles as he struggled not to go too far. The feeling of his skin on mine through me into a frenzy, our kissing become more and more passionate as it continued.